#If this turns out to be true everyone owes me ten bucks

[justaladyiguess]

Jax 001 Theory AKA An almost definitely wrong TADC theory

I thought it was weird that they gave specific attention to Jax seeing the license plate. Like, there's a whole shot dedicated it. And it doesn't serve much of a purpose. I guess it lets us know that this is Jax's car? But it's in the episode. A full shot dedicated to seeing him notice it. A full shot dedicated to the plate itself.

And there's a shot afterwards of him reacting to it. Not even a particularly comedic shot. It feels more in line with his reaction to Kaufmo's funeral in episode 2.

True, it could be him reacting to the awful adventure he just had, but we just had a scene where his smile turned into a scowl. And, you know, pretty much the rest of the episode. Or it could be him reacting to the absurdity of the license plate, but considering the day to day adventures Caine creates, this seems a bit tame to get any reaction from him.

So that gets me wondering, does the license plate have any significance? The number at the top right could be some sort of reference. But it's the 001 that intrigued me. It's typically a number given to the first of something. Maybe even the first person to come to the circus?

Instantly the idea sounded ridiculous (because it is, this theory is almost definitely wrong). I mean, Jax himself said that Kinger had been here the longest. But take a look back at what he actually said.

"Supposedly been here the longest"

At first glance, this seems to mean that Jax can't be sure who's been here the longest. Which makes sense when you consider Kinger's memory issues and all the circus members who have abstracted. And, let's be real, this is probably what the line means. But if you'll let me be delusional for a second, there's another way to read this line.

What if Jax means that everyone assumes Kinger had been there the longest? But he knows it's not true because he's been there the longest?

For most characters, it wouldn't make sense for them to be purposefully vague with their wording. But this is Jax. It's completely in character for him to keep things from the other circus members for no reason. In the first episode alone he kept his supply of keys and Kaufmo's abstraction a secret. Jax will lie about pretty much everything, and he's pretty good at it too.

Further delusions can also be found in episode one. When Pomni tries take her headset off, Jax says this.

Could it be that Jax knows the circus members all tried to take off their headsets because he was there when they did it? Again, probably not. This is the weakest piece of evidence I have, but I figured I'd include it anyway.

And that would explain a fair bit of his behavior. Jax seems more comfortable in the circus than any of them. He has access to keys. He's only momentarily surprised by Kaufmo abstracting. He's incredibly jaded. He seems bored with the adventures, deliberately causing chaos to get them off track (his hijinks on the syrup truck, sucking up the ghost in the mansion, and trying to dunk Ragatha in the oil). It almost reads like a gamer who's played the game a thousand times and is trying anything to make it interesting.

Again, I'm fully aware that this probably isn't the case. I'd say there's a 0.01% chance that this will be confirmed in any capacity whatsoever. It will almost definitely be disproved. But until then, I thought this would be a fun idea. Maybe it'd be a good fic.

But hey, that's just a theory...

A DIGITAL CIRCUS THEORY!

and cut.

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

The family of it all!

⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟

Yeah! Family!

36 for ⚡️:

---

“Like, what if… What if she’s had the baby and not told us?”

“I think we might need to sedate you, actually,” Eddie says. 

“Hey!” Buck complains. “These are reasonable concerns!” 

“On a scale of one to ten, how traumatic was your last coma for you?” Eddie asks. “Because we might just want to put you in one until the baby is here. Best way to pass the time.”

“You’re not as funny as you think you are,” Buck complains.

“I am, first of all,” Eddie replies. “Second of all, you do need to relax, okay? I promise if something is worth worrying about, I will also start freaking out, and we can freak out together. A baby not being born before her due date is not one of those things.”

He makes a valid point. One that’s potentially too logical to ignore. 

Buck takes a deep breath. “Fine. You’re right.”

“Usually am,” Eddie replies. 

Buck raises an eyebrow. “Should we really visit the statistics on that?”

Eddie scowls at him. “Let me have this.”

If Buck thinks Eddie is dismissive of his completely normal fears - not paranoia, thank you - then Chim is downright mean. He laughs, on the due date, with how stressed Buck is. 

“Are you kidding?” Chim practically cackles. “Please tell me you haven’t forgotten how long Maddie went overdue. Like actually overdue. Over a week, Buck!”

Another valid point, but…

“Okay, but we don’t know that Lourdes won’t also-”

“And!” Chim interjects. “You’re not living with Lourdes, so you don’t know.” 

---

36 for 🧟:

---

Besides, he has other things to worry about.

For one, he hasn’t had another chance to talk to Eddie properly. Eddie is spending a lot of time talking to Shannon. Which makes sense, right? They have a kid together. This whole history. They each thought the other was dead. Of course that’s who Eddie is talking to. But it has Buck worrying. Something that isn’t his right to worry about. But nevertheless… What if Eddie leaves? What if he decides to go stay with Shannon and the others? It would make the most sense, wouldn’t it? 

Honestly, if Buck were a better person, he’d just suggest it. But he’s not. So he goes to the beach to hide instead. 

He sits on the beach and he looks out at the sea, and he thinks about loneliness. He thinks about how it’s the end of the world, and twice he’d somehow found someone who made him feel excited about the future. Abby and then Eddie. Abby owed him more than Eddie does now. But… But isn't it ironic they’ll probably end up in the same place? 

Life has always been pretty transient for Buck. Nothing has ever felt permanent. Not until he met Bobby and everyone else. And maybe he just has to accept that that’s the permanent thing for him. He’s luckier than most people, if that’s true. But Buck isn’t stupid. He sees how Maddie and Chim are looking at each other. How Bobby and Athena have seem to become a unit. All within a handful of days. It hurts that he might be the only one without that, when the dust settles on whatever this period of commotion has been. 

He’s in the middle of feeling sad for himself, and feeling dumb about feeling sad for himself, when he hears someone walk down the stairs to the beach. He turns to look and is surprised to see Abby, making her way towards him. He’s not sure what she’s doing. 

[imnotjaesblog]

So Many Things to Hate About You

Starring Lee Haechan The story Contains: Smut, Fluff, Angst, College AU Minors Do Not Read

20k words

“Okay, I’m thinking the maid one would look so cute on you!” My friend squealed picking up the sexy maid costume and handing it to me. We walked around the Halloween store for about fifteen minutes now looking for a Halloween costume to wear to Jaehyun’s party. I rolled my eyes pushing the costume away. “Do you know how many girls are gonna dress up as maids? I don’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing” I looked around at some of the other costumes my friend Josh putting the costume back on the rack.

This place smelled like cheap fabric and candy, the true smell of Halloween. “What about…” Josh looked around at the sexy costumes. Flicking the clothes back checking for the one he believed would suit me. His eyes light up picking up the costume. “Sexy police officer?” He danced around holding the costume. I shook my head. “This is also popular. I’m not saying I want to be different-“

“Just that you want to be difficult,” Josh butted in placing the costume back. “Do you have any idea what you want to be?” He asked giving up on finding the “perfect costume” I sighed looking around at some of the others that hung on racks. Flicking through some as I sipped my coffee I picked up a bagged red riding hood costume. I held it up to Josh. “How about this?” I asked waiting for his approval.

He rolled his eyes. “You don’t want to dress like everyone else but you pick this? Red riding hood is popular too” he said annoyed.

“Yea but not as popular as a maid. How much do you want to bet there will be at least five maid costumes at the party?” Josh tapped his sarcastically chin thinking. “Let’s do ten dollars,” he said. “Okay,” I lifted my chin leaning my elbow on the costume rack. “I’m gonna say eight girls will wear a maid costume. What’s your bet?” I asked sipping my coffee. Josh puffed out his chest confidently. “Six girls,” he said holding out his hand for me to shake. “Bet eight girls wear a maid outfit and you owe me ten bucks” he nodded. “I can do that. Are you going to buy the costume?”

I picked the bag back up examining it. “Yeah, I think I’ll buy it. It’s only twenty dollars and I’m on a budget” I said opening the back up to see outside the bag. “Looks pretty okay,” I say turning it to the side. Josh looked closely as well. “Yea seems good” I put the costume back in the bag using the white clip at the top to close it.

“What are you going to be?” I asked him leaving the sexy costume aisle and passing by a group of running children heading towards the kid's costumes. “A vampire,” he said turning down the much scarier costumes. “What kind?” I asked picking up fake blood.“What do you mean what kind? I’m just going to be a vampire,” he asked dumbfounded.“No I mean like a scary one, a basic one, or Edward?” He nodded understanding his lips forming an O. “Probably just a basic one with an open-collared shirt and fangs oh! And maybe a cape” he said picking up the red cape. I chuckled my head moving to the end of the aisle. My eyes widened a mini heart attack forming in my stomach. I turned back quickly slapping Josh on the back. “Ow! What was that for?!” I shushed him grabbing and leaving the aisle causing him to drop a small box of fangs. “What are you doing?” He whispered. I leaned over checking the aisle. “Haechan and his friends are right there. One of his friends looked at us but I didn’t make eye contact with him so I don’t think he saw me” he said checking to see if the friend group had seen me. Thankfully they did not.

“Haechan is here?” Josh questioned irritated. I nodded rolling my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest. “Do you want to leave?” Josh asked not even turning around to see the boy. I nodded “After you get you’re fangs let’s go. I’m hungry anyway” Josh patted his stomach turning around and eyeing Haechan. “Me too”

We walked back into the aisle so Josh could quickly pick up his fangs. I was hoping Haechan would see me but one of his stupid friends noticed us and instantly called out. “Hey, Y/n! Over here!” Jaemin shouted. I clicked my tongue against my teeth slowly turning around to face the boy. Jaemin and the rest of his friends including Haechan walked towards us. Josh let out a small chuckle seeing how quickly annoyed I became even Haechan arrived along with the rest of the boys. “Hey look it’s you” Haechan said to me pointing to a monster mask. Some of the guys laughed. I laughed sarcastically pointing to a poop costume. “Oh look you’re here too,” I said causing the boys to continue to laugh. Haechan’s smile fell replaced with flew blown attitude. He rolled his eyes, “Whatever” he said shaking his head.

For as long as I can remember Haechan and I have never gotten along. Since we meet back in high school we’ve always fought. It was a constant thing between the two of us. I would show up to class or an event and he always had something slick to say. Whether he was calling me ugly or annoying or stupid he always came up with something clever. Our friends knew we hated each other and would usually try to plan events without the other just to avoid bickering. We’ve never actually been in a fight. I usually walk away from him the minute he arrives. Which somehow he manages to pop up everywhere.

Everywhere I turn he’s there. When I go to the grocery store he’s there looking at fruits. When I went on a date last week he was there working behind the counter. When I went to the museum to look at a painting for homework he was right next to me looking at the opposite painting.

He manages to always squeeze his way into my life. It’s like the Universe is punishing me. Why couldn’t I have an accidental run-in with Jeon Jungkook I mean why does it always have to be Lee Haechan? “Well this was nice, but I think me and Y/n are going to leave” Josh took my arm in his turning us around. “Wait a minute,” Jeno said causing us to both stop. “Yes?” Josh questioned. “You’re gonna be red riding hood?” He asked. I nodded holding the costume. “I couldn’t come up with anything different” “Not surprised, you don’t do a lot of thinking,” Haechan said causing me to pick up a pack of fangs and throw it at him. “I swear you always have something stupid to say” he shrugs it off picking up the fangs, taking my hand and placing it there. “You can put it back,” he said. I threw the pack at him again and walked away Josh right behind me. “Guess you need a new costume” Renjun leaned over yelling at Haechan who thought about being a werewolf for Halloween.

—-

“I’m going to kill him one day. Watch! I swear sometimes I just want to kill him” My leg shook underneath the table of a pizzeria. Josh sat across from me placing our tray of pizza in the middle. “Try and eat something and relax. Don’t let him get to you’re head” Josh said passing me a slice. I folded the pizza biting into it. “You’re right. I shouldn’t let him bother me. He’s just a little speck of dust in my universe” I said taking a sip of my soda.

“Is existence means nothing to me?” Did I say? “You know, I’ve seen this movie before,” Josh said swiftly grabbing a napkin to wipe his mouth of pizza sauce. I raised a brow perplexed. “Huh?” “You and Haechan hate each other. You can’t stand to even breathe near the other. But watch he’s the guy that’s perfect for you” Josh says back smugly. I almost spit pizza out my mouth. “Are you sick? You must be sick” I said reaching my hand over to touch his forehead. He brushed my hand away. “No I’m not sick, it’s just predictable. You two are going to get together, watch” he said sipping his drink. I kicked him under the table causing her to jerk forward. “Ouch!” He said rubbing his calf.

We stepped inside the large home music blasting from the outside and inside. Once we opened the door the muffled music became a lot more clear. People jumping up and down holding solo cups in their hands some of their alcohol spilling and landing on the wood floor. Girls swinging their heads around causing their hair to flip in every direction. Guys standing in the corner checking out every girl that passes by to use the bathroom or get a drink. Couples were made out in the corner by the stairs and a table was set aside where groups played beer pong.

“I have to go now, see you later,” I said. Jaehyun stopped me swinging his arms around my waist. Causing me to spill some of the beer. Widening my eyes I felt his warm breath on my back. I turned my head to the side seeing his eyes closed his head laying on my back. “Uh Jaehyun,” I said nudging him with my shoulder. He stirred his head but didn’t get up. “Jaehyun you have to wake up,” I said nudging him again softly. When that didn’t work I sighed placing the cups down on the counter. “JAEHYUN!” I shouted causing him to jolt awake. He rubbed his eyes quickly standing up tall. “I’m up I’m up,” he said yawning. “I’m sorry,” he began. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep.

You’re just comfortable and warm, like a blanket” he said rubbing his eyes. I just smiled turning to get the cups of beer and making my way back to Josh. When I finally found him he was dancing with another guy. I decided I would just give him his drink and leave him to the very attractive guy he was dancing on. “Here you go” I handed the cup to Josh who gladly accepted it from my hands. He kissed me on the cheek, “Thank you sweetie” he said going back to dancing with the guy. I sent him some wiggle eyebrows mouthing he’s cute to which he replied with “I know” I smiled chuckling walking away and dancing with a equally attractive stranger.

After some time and another beer, I had to use the bathroom. Making my way up the stairs I tried to open the bathroom door which was locked. I knocked on the door hearing shuffling on the other side. “I’m almost done!” Someone shouted but it sounded more like a moan than anything. I huffed kicking the ground. “Come on! If you guys are fucking do it somewhere else! People need to pee!” I shouted from outside the door noticing a line start to form behind me. “Go pee somewhere else!” A man’s voice replied from the other side. “If I could I would” I replied. I heard a frustrated sigh as the door unlocked. Once the door opened everyone slightly cheered, there were about six other people behind me now. When I noticed the boy who came out I rolled my eyes. “Of course,” I said causing him to look up at me. Instantly he scoffed at the girl coming out from behind him. “You would I be the asshole holding up the line,” I said. “Me the asshole? No way” Haechan replied. “I’ve never been an asshole in my whole life,” he said bitingly. I chuckled trying to push past him. “Yea alright” Haechan refused to move out of the way blocking the bathroom

“Come on move I have to pee,” I said trying to maneuver around him. Haechan remained in front of the door removing to whichever side I tried to enter. I huffed bothered “Can you move? I’m about to piss myself” holding myself doing a little dance to hold in my pee. Haechan found this assuming.

He shrugged, “Go ahead not my problem” he smirked crossing his arms over his chest. I tried to push past him again. I’m so close to pissing myself on Jaehyun’s floor. I could feel my stomach start to tighten from holding it in for so long. “Haechan I’m serious I don’t want to deal with you right now, move,” I said sternly. This was going to sober me up quickly. I tried to walk in and Haechan moved in that direction. This time irritated I pushed him causing us both to fall into the bathroom me falling into his arms and both of us on the floor. I lifted myself looking into his eyes for a quick moment. I stood up dusting myself off Haechan slowly stood up keeping his eyes on me.

“What are you still doing in here? Get out” I said pushing out of the bathroom and locking the door. Unbelievable I mean why does he have to be such a dick all the time?

Haechan stood outside the door for a moment. Waiting for his nerves to calm down. He touched his forehead making sure he wasn’t sick from the amount of heat he felt. Never in his whole life did his heartbeat beat so loud he could hear it through his chest. He rubbed his palms on his chest trying to wipe away the sweat. He shook his head trying to rid away all the thoughts that started to form in his mind. What was happening? He looked into you’re eyes for the first time and saw you. Not just as some annoying girl who he always tends to run into. No, this time it was different. It was like everything slowed down. Like time didn’t matter, it didn’t exist. This was the first time Haechan saw you and thought to himself. He never realized how beautiful you were.

“Let’s go play beer pong” Jaemin suggested. The boys nodded agreeing. Renjun nodded as well but he knew something was up. He always knew when something was wrong when it came to his friends, sometimes even with other people. He knew Haechan was lying but decided he wouldn’t bother him about it, not tonight. So instead he followed his friends to the beer-pong table.

I walked out of the bathroom heading back down to the party hoping Jaehyun drank some more water and ate something finally. I nodded proudly, “Yea we were. We’ve never lost a game” everyone Oooed putting their hands over their mouths. Jaehyun nodded his chin up biting his lip. “Okay, well me and Yuta are gonna okay you. We wanna see if the rumors are true” Josh nodded smiling never back down from a challenge. “Okay let’s play,” he said cockily. The cups already sat in place in a triangle on each side of the tennis table. Jaehyun walked over passing me a cup of small white balls as well as Josh. He handed one over to Yuta as well.

“Ladies first” he whispered in my ear tickling the hairs on the back of my neck. I giggled taking the cup from his hands and holding the first ball to toss. I brushed off the warm feeling regaining my focus. He’s just trying to distract me I said to myself. Lifting my arm I tossed the first ball into the front cup it landed straight inside. Everyone looked again watching as Jaehyun lifted the red solo cup to drink the cold beer, Yuta did the same. Josh picked up his ball from his cup tossing it into the back cup. Jaehyun and Yuta both had to drink again. “I told you were good,” I said tossing another ball it landed in the second row.

Yuta widened his eyes smacking Jaehyun in the stomach. “We're gonna end up shit-faced by the fifth round if we keep playing like this. They have missed three rounds. We’re doomed” he said picking up the cup and drinking from it. Josh and I smirked proud of ourselves for making the men lose so far. Josh tossed the next play and it bounced off the table. He brushed it off since he made it the first time he threw the ball. Jaehyun picked up a ball from his cup tossing it into the middle cup of our side, both me and Josh drinking. “Your turn again,” I said waiting for Yuta to throw the small white ball. He threw it and it landed in the cup in front of me. Both I and Josh drank. Jaehyun went to throw the next ball but it missed bouncing off the table.

“Aww it’s okay,” Josh teased. “This next ball we make will be for you” everyone chuckled watching Josh pick up the ball and make it into the cup in front of Yuta. We both cheered watching the two men drink from the cup. I picked up my ball tossing it inside the cup in front of Jaehyun who glanced up at me smirking putting his hat around his head and exposing his forehead. His cheeks were now flushed pink. He shook his head picking up the cup and drinking from it, “Make sure you drink all of it Jae,” I said my voice kind of teasing. He smirked his lips still pressed against the cup, some of the beer spilling from his pink lips. He showed me his empty cup like a child, “Did I do good?” He teased.

Josh leaned over to me whispering, “If ya don’t fuck I’ll do it” I kicked him not too hard but enough to make my point. “This was fun but I’m out. I don’t want to be black-out drunk,” Yuta said putting his hands up. “Come on Yuta, you never back from a challenge,” Jungwoo said who was getting ready to take his place but now remained at his side. “Jungwoo don’t you wanna play?” I asked. He shook his head waving his hands no. “No thanks, I don’t want a terrible hangover tomorrow” me and Josh laughed watching as the boys backed away. “I need a new partner,” Jaehyun said looking into my eyes. He smiled his eyes never leaving mine, “What wants to be my partner?” He questioned not even looking into the crowd. “I’ll play” My smile from staring into Jaehyun’s sparkling eyes faded away at the sound of his voice. Looking to my right Haechan stepped forward standing next to the male. “Why don’t we switch?” Josh suggested. I looked over at him widening my eyes. “What?!” I whispered and yelled, “I’m not playing on Haechan’s team” he shook his head. “No I’ll play with you,” he pushed me to the other side. “Play with Jaehyun,” he said. Haechan moved past me but my eyes focused on Jaehyun who made room for me to stand beside him. Haechan marched his way over to Josh picking up where we left off. “We’ve never versed before,” I said causing Jaehyun to turn, me catching his attention. “What do you mean?” He asked. “Me and him are always on the same team” I played with the lace at the end of my sleeve. “He’s really good, he’s the one who taught me how to play” Jaehyun placed his hand on the small of my back leaning down at me. “Don’t worry, we’re gonna win. I’m not too bad at playing myself and besides he’s got that other guy on his team, they’ll for sure lose” he said looking into my eyes and turning away as Josh picked up a ball. He tossed it landing straight into our cup. I and Jaehyun both drank chuckling. Haechan picked up the ball, but he missed. I picked up a ball tossing it into their cup causing them to drink, Jaehyun did the same. I picked up another ball landing in one of the cups in the second row. Haechan picked up the drink, “Looks like you’re good at something” he said causing me to fumble the ball it landing off the side of the table. He chuckled proud of himself for ruing my shot. I rolled my eyes wishing I could throw the ball at him instead. “Haechan picked up the ball making it in,” this would go on for a couple more rounds of Haechan and Josh making it in. After some time I became annoyed with losing. Usually, I don’t even care about losing, I’ve never been a sore loser. I just didn’t like losing to Haechan. It meant something different for him to beat me. “Take another sip,” he said motioning his hand to my cup. I grilled him taking the cup in my mouth and drinking the whole thing.

Finally, Josh had missed and I was easily making the balls inside their cups. Jaehyun watched me throw each ball and make it, the game was no longer fun. It was now me versus Haechan. My brows furrowed as I tossed the white ball in their second to last cup, I missed watching the ball roll off the table. Haechan picked up his ball aiming for my last cup. Everyone watched carefully seeing if I would finally lose a game of beer-pong. Haechan lifted the ball everyone watching in anticipation including myself. He tossed it, it bouncing off the table and hitting Jaehyun in the forward. “Ow,” he said shutting his eyes and rubbing his forehead. A small red print formed on his head. I turned trying my best to help him. Making my way to the kitchen I grabbed a napkin and an ice cup and wrapped it in a ziplock bag closing the cabinet only to be stopped by a random girl holding my arm.

“Be careful,” she said. “He’s not a good guy. He may seem nice, sweet, and funny. But it’s all an act, he’s not as charming as he comes across” she said staring into my eyes and still holding my arm. “Who?” I asked my heart beating quickly. “Jaehyun,” she said bitterly. I pulled my arm away from her taking the wet bag of ice and bringing it to Jaehyun. He took it from my hands placing it on his forehead. “Thank you,” he said. I watched him out the ice on his head sighing once the cold touched his skin. I thought about what the girl said for a moment. Could Jaehyun be a bad guy? He was always so nice to me and everyone else there’s no way he could be a mean person, right?”

“Yo nurse Y/n” I rolled my eyes hearing his voice. “What?” I eyed Haechan. “It’s your turn,” he said pointing to the cups in front of him. “Don’t wanna play? Why because you're scared?” He feasted his hands crossing over his chest. “I’m not scared,” I said picking up the ball and tossing it into his cup. He and Josh drank watching as I picked up the next one also landing it in his cup. Haechan’s eyes widened for a moment but he quickly brushed it away. Josh faked crying beside him, “My first lost and it was to my partner” he said causing people to laugh. Jaehyun chuckled as well leaning over and hugging me. “See I knew you could do it,” he said. I took in his warm embrace relaxing in his touch and taking in his scent.

When I looked over Haechan was walking away.

Haechan didn’t even know why he felt such stinging in his chest every time Jaehyun leaned over and whispered things in your ear. He didn’t understand why he felt like throwing another ball at his head when you giggled after one of his lame jokes. He wished the first ball he tossed smacked him right in the mouth. He sat next to Renjun outside the music becoming muffled as the door closed behind him. He wore a stank face kicking some nearby pebbles that lay on the ground. He kicked them into the dirt sighing to himself. Why were you on his mind all of a sudden? When the door opened again you walked in the middle between Josh and Jaehyun.

Jaehyun walked you to the Uber you ordered to take you and Josh back to your dorms. Josh sat inside after Jaehyun had opened the door taking your hand and sitting you inside the car. He rolled his eyes. He was trying way too hard to get in you’re pants he thought to himself. Renjun followed Haechan’s line of sight smirking to himself. His best friend was finally becoming unblinded and seeing his attraction to you.

“You like her,” Renjun hinted nudging his elbow. Haechan quickly turned to face him gagging. “Are you insane? She is literally human trash there’s no way I if ever be attracted to her” he said trying to play it off cool. Renjun just chuckled he knew Haechan like the back of his hand. He knew he liked you, he just couldn’t wait until Haechan realized it too.

“Get home safe,” Jaehyun said to me as I sat inside the car. I smiled nodding my head, “Thank you for inviting me, I had a really good time” he smiled back closing the car door. The Uber drove off Josh’s head and fell on my shoulder. Josh laid on me half awake the seatbelt preventing him from falling further down. He sighed to himself, “That guy was really cute” he pouted. Josh hadn’t had any luck this year in the dating department after he decided he wanted to stop doing random hook-ups and rather have something long-term.

“Well, you know when you're looking for something you never find it. You have to let him come to you. You got his number right?” He shook his head burying his head in my shoulder. Josh is so emotional when he’s drunk. Usually, I’d tease and laugh at him, like the time we got drunk off wine together on a Saturday night and he cried at a toilet tissue commercial. But tonight it felt different. I think Josh really liked this guy. I have to help him out, I noticed the guy from my art class. Maybe tomorrow I’ll get his number for Josh.

“Well, it’s okay. I’m sure you’ll see him again” I reassured patting his head. He nodded lifting his head up and wiping his eyes. “What about you?” He asked. “What about me?” I asked back. “And Jaehyun he was flirting with you the whole night. And the way he kept looking at you, I thought he was going to fuck you” I chuckled pushing him off and shaking my head. “Something weird happened-“

“Why did he try and fuck you?” His head perked up quickly ready to hear all the details of my night with Jaehyun.

“Well sorry to disappoint but no, something different,” I said.

“Different how?” He asked.

“When I went to go get ice for his forehead wound some girl came up to me. She was dressed in a red riding hood too and she grabbed my arm and warned me about him” I said concerned. Josh started to sober up just a little tilting his head.

“Warn you about what?” He asked.

“She told me to stay away from him. That he wasn’t as nice as he seemed” Josh nodded, “Maybe she’s right I mean he isn’t known for being the most loyal guy. I mean I know he’s gorgeous and everything but you should be careful. He could be playing you” I pushed his arm. “Don’t worry me like that. I don’t need any more spooks or surprises”

“I mean it is Halloween-“

I glared at him, he paused his sentence.

“By the way you owe ten bucks,” I said, “I counted eight maid costumes” Josh sighed, eyeing me as he took out his wallet handing me the ten dollars. I smiled stuffing the bill in my bra.

“Happy Halloween,” I said licking my teeth. Josh just rolled his eyes turning away and falling to sleep.

——

“Good morning everyone,” my professor said as I walked into the art studio. Everyone groaned still probably hung over from last night's party. I sat down at my usual spot away from the sunlight so it wouldn’t bother my eyes. My head was pounding just as much. Turning away facing my blank canvas I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around to meet with Haechan of all people.

“It’s too early for you to start now. Can’t you just-“

“Here” he jerked his arm slightly forward holding a cup in his hand. I looked at the cup and then at him. Slightly confused I did the same motion again. “Is this a joke?” I asked. He rolled his eyes sighing leaning down to my level from where I sat on the sodden stool. “You drank a lot last night and frankly I can’t fight with a dead girl,” he said moving his hand forward again. “Take the tea, Renjun made some extra for us and it helps with hangovers”

I took the cup from his hand. “Why are you helping me?”

“Like I said I don’t like you but I need this job just as much as you do,” he said watching me take the cup from his hands.

“Thanks, I guess?” It came out more as a question.

“You’re welcome,” he said walking away and out of the studio. I opened the lid smelling the hot liquid. It smelled good I thought to myself. I took a sip slightly burning my tongue. I waited a moment before I sipped again. I hummed in satisfaction, this was actually pretty good.

After about ten minutes the sun didn’t bother me anymore.

Once class was over I quickly stuffed my brushes in my bag rushing over to the boy Josh was dancing with last night. I tapped his shoulder excusing myself as he spoke to a guy next to him. He turned around to face me raising a brow. “Hey, how can I help you?” He asked lost. “You know Josh right?” I asked playing with the straps of my bag. He nodded, “Yea why?” He turned his body to face me his friend watching closely.

“Well, I’m his friend Y/n. You two seem to hit it off and I was wondering if you give me your number so I can pass it to him. It’s totally fine if you say no” I said hoping he’d say yes.

He chuckled, “Why didn’t he ask me himself?”

“Well, he doesn’t exactly know I’m here” I confess. He nods thinking about it for a moment before he puts his hand out. “I’ll give you my number and you can pass it to him,” he says. I smile taking my phone grateful that he said yes. He placed his number in my phone handing it back to me. “You’re name is Jungwoo?” He nodded, “You’re a good friend, he must be a good guy if he has a friend like you,” he said tapping me on the shoulder and walking away his shorter friend following behind him.

“Y/n may speak to you before you leave?” My professor asked me. I sighed already knowing where he was going with this. I stepped back turning to face him putting on a fake smile.

“Yes, Professor Lee?”

“I wanted to talk to you about your project. I’ve noticed your falling behind-“

“Yea I’ve just been busy lately but I promise-“

“Promise you’ll hand it in soon? You’ve promised me that twice and both of your pieces have, well they’ve been bad. They aren’t you, that’s the problem Y/n. You are my top student and I’m worried your falling behind because of whatever’s going on in your life” he placed a respectful hand on my shoulder. He looked me in my eyes, he truly did want me to succeed.

“I want you to succeed. So why don’t you take what’s going on and turn it into something? It can be anything, a painting, a sculpture even a photograph whatever you want! Just make sure it comes from you” he said pointing to my heart. I nodded trying to fully understand what he meant.

“I’ll try my best,” I said keeping my head down.

“I hope so” Professor Lee let go of my shoulder watching as I walked out of his studio.

Once I left I smiled, opening up my messages to text Josh. Walking out of the classroom I sent Josh a message with Jungwoo’s phone number attached. Josh immediately replied in messages full of shock, anxiety, excitement, and gratefulness. I chuckled watching my phone continuously ding. As I walked I got stopped by someone Celerino their throat behind me. I turned around placing my phone back in my pocket sighing at the boy in front of me.

“What do you want Haechan?” I asked. He walked over to me his book bag on his back. He smirked, “You know Jungwoo is into guys right? You have no chance with him” I scoffed, “What makes you think it’s for me? Besides how’d you know I got his number, you stalking me?” I replied. He scoffed brushing off my comment. “You really think you're that interesting for someone to follow you around? Don’t be so full of yourself” he said, “It’s bad for your head” he pushed my head with his finger. I slapped it away annoyed, “Don’t you have someone else’s day to ruin” I said wiping my forehead.

He shrugged, “You in my way. I was walking down the hallway and I saw you. Maybe you're the stalker, you seem to always be where I am,” he said crossing his arms over his chest. People began passing by us rustling of bags could be heard and muffled music played through loud AirPods. “I’m not a stalker, you are,” I said taking my phone back out after it dinged, “Saved by the bell,” I said walking away to meet Josh.

On my way to Josh, a familiar voice called out to me. Turning around in the direction I heard my name sawed Jaehyun with a group of his friends. He waved me down and I debated whether or not to go up to him. In this battle, my mind lost and my legs carried me all the way to him. “Hey,” he said leaning in for a hug. I hugged him back taking a sniff of his cologne. He always smelled so good, even after basketball practice where he came out all sweaty and gross he still smelled delicious and he looked as delicious as he smelled. Still wearing his basketball uniform his muscular arms on display. I fought every nasty thought in my brain telling me to latch onto him like a monkey and climb up his body.

His lips were puffy and pouting from biting them so much while he dribbled the ball or ran. His fake hair stuck to his glistening forehead and his chest puffed out in the slightest showing the outline of his defined abs from under his red uniform. I wanted to say the most unholy, unspeakable things to him but all that came out was,

“Hey,” I said back. I turned to everyone else saying hello to them too seeing a friend I didn’t see at the party yesterday standing among the friend group. “Oh I don’t believe we’ve met it’s nice to meet you I’m-“

“Y/n,” She said. “We’ve met before” I raised a brow looking over at Jaehyun who shrugged. I looked back at the girl, “I’m sorry I don’t remember you. Would you mind telling me when?” I asked politely. I already forgot the girl might as well be nice to her. “It was at Jae’s Halloween party. We meet in the kitchen” she hinted. I nodded in response, she’s the girl that warned me. “Oh oh yea okay, I remember you now,” I said taking a slight step back from her. He watched me do this but didn’t call it out instead she held onto Johnny’s arm bringing him closer to her.

“This is my boyfriend, Johnny” she introduced. “But I think you guys have met” I smiled nodding, “Yea Johnny and I took the same history class last year” Johnny nodded confirming what I said.

She nodded as well turning to face me again. I looked up at Jaehyun who was already looking at me. His dimples were on display as he smiled placing his hand on the small of my back pulling me closer to his side. I looked around at the rest of the friend group. All of them including Johnny looking in my direction and where Jaehyun had his hand placed. Feeling slightly uncomfortable I pushed Jaehyun off telling everyone goodbye.

“Why are you leaving?” He asked. “Oh I have to meet my friend, Josh, he’s waiting for me at Starbucks,” I said. Jaehyun picked up his book bag off the ground, “I’ll walk you to him” he said. I shook my head waving my hands, “No it’s okay I can make it there by myself” I said hoping he’d take the hint and give up. Instead, he shrugged it off. “I could use the walk besides I could go for a coffee”

“So can I-“

“No, you can’t Sungchan” Jaehyun said sternly causing the younger man to back off. This was the first time I’d ever seen Jaehyun show any emotion besides “Chill vibes”. It got me off guard how forward he was with Sungchan. Feeling kind of bad I sent him a apologetic look. He just turned away playing with the straps of his book bag. Jaehyun took my arm turning me away. “Come on let’s go before anyone else wants to come and they make the line longer”

Jaehyun guided me next to him walking slightly ahead of me both of us making our way to the Starbucks. The walk was quiet, both of us barely speaking any words. After the exchange with Sungchan, everything felt kind of weird. I’d never seen Jaehyun act like that before. Maybe that’s what Johnny’s girlfriend was trying to warn me about. Maybe he isn’t what he says he is.

When we got to the Starbucks Jaehyun didn’t walk me inside he just opened the door for me. “I changed my mind,” he said opening the door to some people passing by. “But I can pay for you” he offered. I shook my head, “That’s okay, I can pay for it” he sighed his lips falling into a smirk and placing his hands in his pockets. “Suit yourself,” he said almost letting the door close before he stopped me.

“Wait,” he said. I turned around concerned for how quickly he called. “Yes?” I asked confused. He looked up in the direction behind me. He didn’t make eye contact with me once. “Let me get your number. I’d like to take you out sometime” he said still not looking at me, his eyes in a whole other direction. When I turned around curious as to what he was looking at I had only seen Haechan standing with his friend group. He glanced over at me and Jaehyun and when he noticed me he quickly turned away turning his attention to a talking Jeno.

Jaehyun smirked almost impressed with himself. He finally looked down into my eyes holding out his phone. I placed my number in my phone saving it. “Great I’ll text you later,” he said walking away. That was definitely super weird.

—-

“I’m broke can you pay for me this time?” I whined to Josh as we stood in line for coffee. He sighed, eyeing me up and down. “You know you really need to get a job. I’ll pay for you this time, but you should I start looking” he advised ordering both our coffees. We walked around campus before finding a nice place to sit outside by some trees. He handed me my coffee sitting beside me. I sat next to him crossing my legs so they would dangle off the bench. Josh crossed one leg over the other putting his sunglasses down to cover his eyes from the autumn sun.

“Have you ever tried searching for a job?” He asked swirling his iced coffee around just to make sure everything mixed together. I sighed doing the same motion. “I have, I’ve been to interviews but no luck,” I said in defeat. Josh patted my back, “There’s something out there for you. I know there is. Have you tried looking downtown? Maybe a coffee shop? You do love coffee” he joked trying to make me feel slightly better about being broke and jobless. I shook my head, “I hadn’t thought about that yet. There are a couple down downtown I could check out. Maybe I’ll look later today” I said. Josh nodded agreeing, “Yea the weather is nice, you could take some pictures too. I know you have that photography assignment on texture” I nodded tapping his shoulder.

“Your right. That area would be perfect for photos” he smiled to himself proudly. “If there’s everything I know how to do, it’s take a picture,” he said confidently. I nodded, “Yes your Instagram is model worthy” he posed and I pretended to take photos of him. He both chuckled taking a sip of our coffee. “Have you thought about what the girl said? About Jaehyun?” He asked.

I nodded, “It haunts me. Today he walked me to Starbucks to meet you” Josh leaned back surprised. “Really?” I nodded sipping my coffee, he did the same. “Yea, and when Sungchan wanted to come he told him “No you can’t Sungchan” All stern like a dad or something. It was super weird, and to make things even weirder that girl who warned me was there. She was staring at me so hard, it was like her eyes piercing through me” Josh chuckled at my over-exaggeration of what happened. “I wanted to leave so fast I think I left a cloud of dust” Josh chuckled.

“If what she said is true then I don’t want to waste my time on him. I mean he’s gorgeous, we know this but it’s not worth it. Getting me heartbroken again, it didn’t feel good the first time and it won’t feel any better the second” Josh raised his cup and I did the same. “Amen,” he said as we both sipped our coffee.

“Also he asked for my number” Josh almost spit out his coffee. “What?! Why did you wait to tell me this?!” He said stunned that I left out such an important detail. “He was looking at Haechan when he gave it to me. Do you think he’s jealous?” I asked. Josh sighed sipping his coffee then placed it back down on the bench. “Want my honest answer?” I nodded.

“I think he did it to make Haechan jealous. Remember the kind of guy Jaehyun is. He’s the kind of guy other girls warn you about and besides. Jaehyun is our star basketball player who everyone and their mother droll over and Haechan…well Haechan is in a graphic design class playing video games all day and night. Girls don’t even look twice at him, even after he takes a shower” I nodded agreeing.

“You’re probably right. Jaehyun isn’t jealous of Haechan”

“Right Haechan is jealous of Jaehyun”

“Ew, no way. Haechan doesn’t care about Jaehyun or what I do. He doesn’t like me, trust me”

“Okay, Y/n. Okay,” Josh said sipping his coffee.

——-

“Hey, I’m Y/n. I saw the hire sign on your front door” I said to the girl who was mopping the floor of the small coffee shop not too far from the dorms. She smiled taking a break, “It’s a good thing you saw it because now I can take a break” she joked. I smiled, “Well happy to help” I responded. She walked me over to an empty table sitting across from me. “I’m Jennifer, I’m the manager of this place,” she said pulling out a piece of paper close to her. “Before we start you can fill out this application and hand me your resume,” she said. I handed her my resume once I finished the application. She smiled taking it from my hands and sitting across from me.

“Okay let’s start the interview then,” she said.

“You can start tomorrow,” she said. I widened my eyes, “Really? Thank you, you don’t know how much this means to me” I said truly grateful she wanted me to work for her. I know the job isn’t much but it’s better than nothing. She handed me two pink apron’s to take home. “You get two free, the next one you have to pay for,” she said. I nodded holding the apron’s in my hand. She watched me slightly confused as to why I was so excited to work at a local small café. “You must really need this” she commented. I controlled my excitement letting the aprons dangle from my hands now, instead of holding it so tightly. “Sorry, just I’m happy”

“Well, that’s good. Can I get you anything or are you off” I shook my head, “I have to go now. Thank you again” I said. She nodded, “Of course, take care,” she said waving her hand. As I turned to walk out I bumped into a hard figure. We both apologized until we realize who we both bumped into. I rolled my eyes trying to move past the big waste of space Haechan. He tried to do the same ultimately bumping me again. “Watch we’re going he said” I scoffed, “Why don’t you” As I walked past him he stopped widening his eyes. He walked up behind grabbing the apron. I turned around quickly pulling it back. “What are you doing?!” I asked forcefully, pulling it back.

“Where did you get this?” He asked his chest puffing up and down. “Jennifer gave it to me, I work here now” he huffed looking towards the eyes closing his eyes and opening them again. His fingers found his time rubbing the skin. “Oh God, why? Why out of all places here” he said to himself frustrated.

“Don’t tell me-“

“I work here. You couldn’t pick any other café!” He shouted. “If I knew you were working here I wouldn’t have picked it” I bit back. “You saw me behind the counter once. Remember that you walked out” I scoffed my foot stomping on the floor, the apron still dangling from my hands. “That was so long ago. How am I supposed to remember what café you work at?” I argued back.

“I mean you hate me so much, wouldn’t you just remember not to come here just to not see me” he responded. I crossed my arms over my chest holding the apron tightly. “Well since I don’t think about you or your existence ever! I didn’t remember seeing you here” I replied angrily. Jennifer quickly came over wearing plastic gloves, and a spray bottle in her hand. “Is there a problem here?” She asked standing between the two of us. “No I was just leaving,” I said turning around in my heels and leaving out the front door. The bells jingled as I left. She turned to Haechan placing a hand on his hip.

“Is it going to be a problem for the two of us if she works here?” She asked him implying she’ll fire me or him if it brings bad business. He shook his head keeping his eyes facing the door I had just walked out of. “No, I’ll just change my hours to when she’s not working,” he said. Jennifer threw her hands in the air, “Works for me as long as you don’t draw away customers” she said as he walked away behind the counter and to the back of the café.

“This should be fun,” she said to herself resuming to wipe the tables with a fresh rag.

“Can you believe that asshole works at the café?” I said walking into Josh’s apartment and slamming the door behind me. Josh sat typing away at his laptop wearing a pair of frames. He hadn’t lifted his head when I walked in just continued to type.

“Who?” He asked. I sighed taking off my shoes, “Who else?”

“Haechan?”

“Ew,” I responded walking into the kitchen. Opening the fridge it lights up my hold face. I examined it looking for something to drink. Once I found the bottle of juice I liked I grabbed it closing the fridge behind me. “Out of all the cafè in the area he works at this one,” I threw myself on the couch creating a “slump” sound. Opening the juice I took a sip putting the cap back on when I finished. “Can you believe it?” I said looking towards Josh who was still focused on his computer.

“I truly can’t,” he said not even paying attention to me. I leaned over peeking at his computer. “What are you working on?” I asked taking another sip of juice. “An English paper that is due tonight and if I want to look good for my date then-“

“Wait? Date? Since when?” I asked kind of hurt he didn’t tell me. I placed my hand on my chest pretending to be absolutely destroyed by not knowing my best friend had a date. “I can’t believe this. Are we even friends anymore? You didn’t tell me anything about a date” I said causing him to chuckle. He placed his glasses on the top of his head still remaining criss-crossed on the couch. “Jungwoo asked me on a date. He’s taking me to get something to eat and then an art show” I leaned back impressed by the date Jungwoo planned for the two of them.

“Okay okay I like how that sounds, but I have a question”

“Shoot”

“What art are you gonna go see?” I teased tapping my chin.

Josh froze and then glared at me closing his laptop. “Ha Ha very funny,” he said feeling salty I called him out on his lack of art knowledge. Josh didn’t know a thing about art which was fine, he wasn’t an art major. Instead, he was a business major and had been in this major since last year, when we meet. I actually meet Josh threw Haechan go figure. On the first day of classes, I was running late. So in a rush to my math class, I bumped into Haechan. Surprised to see him in the same school as me I paused for a moment. He did the same, neither of us actually believing that the other was there. “No way,” we said in unison. “I must be dreaming”

“More like a nightmare” I responded. Haechan scoffed, “It’s my nightmare your just guest starring. You can go now” he shoved me away with his hands. I rolled my eyes shrugging him off. I was always late for class I didn’t need to be any more late because of him. Walking away from him I realized we were walking in the same direction. We both looked at each other, odd. He must have a class near mine. Both of us glanced at the other watching as we both passed every door except the door on the end. We both touched the handle, he pulled his hand away and I opened the door. “You have to be joking,” I said stepping inside. When I walked inside I found a seat in the middle row. I went to sit down but Haechan pushed past me taking the seat inside. He spun in the chair facing my direction his legs spread. He shrugged, “Better luck next time” he turned to face his friend who I now know is Jaemin.

I huffed grabbing onto the straps of my book bag and walking the other way where Josh sat already typing away on his computer.

“That was rude” he commented as I sat next to him opening my book bag and pulling out my silver laptop. “What?” I questioned as he picked up his pencil pointing at Haechan. “That boy pushed you for a seat. It’s rude” he said like I was too dumb to understand what happened. “It’s fine. We’ve been fighting since high school. One time during gym I threw a ball so hard at him he barfed” Josh chuckled his attention turning to me instead of Haechan.

“Your funny” he commented. “I’m Josh by the way” he took out his hand for me to shake. I took his hand smiling, “I’m Y/n”

“I know a lot about art” he claimed putting his glasses back on and opening his computer. I scoffed leaning my elbow on his couch. My finger holding on my head, “I need to hear this” I said. Josh eyed me giving me a stank face, “I do” he said turning back to his laptop. “Oh yeah? Tell me something about art”

“Okay-“

“And don’t mention Davinci, Picasso, Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, and any famous singer or actor,” I said watching as Josh blinked his eyes. His lips formed a tight line, he was really thinking hard about anyone he could name. He clapped his hands together snapping his fingers and shaking his index finger. “I got it! Mona Lisa!” I bursted out laughing causing Josh to raise a brow. “What? You said name an artist and I did” he talked with his hands.

“Mona Lisa? Davinci painted the Mona Lisa” Josh hid his face in a nearby pillow in shame. I walked over to him still laughing and patting his back. “It’s okay everyone is a little dumb sometimes it’s what makes us human” Josh threw a pillow at me causing me to fall landing right on my ass. I continued laughing tears falling from my eyes. My stomach began to hurt from the laughter and soon Josh joined me after seeing me on the floor.

“Okay I guess it’s funny” he joined me on the floor finishing his English paper and then got ready for his date with Jungwoo.

—

“It’s simply okay. Just take the order, place it here” Jennifer pointed to the screen next to the cash register. “And these guys will make it. All you have to do is place it and take the money. Got it?” I nodded understanding. “Got it” she patted my shoulder leaving the counter. “Okay good luck,” she said heading to the back.

People started to come inside once the café opened. A small line started to form as the sun finally rose for the day, everyone waiting to get their morning coffee.

“Hello, what can I get you?” I asked.

“Just an Iced Americano,” the guy said not looking up from his phone. “Sure what size?” He raised his brows but didn’t look up. His face was bright from his phone screen. “Medium” I typed in the order looking back up at him. “Okay, anything else?” He shook his head. “No”

“Okay well then that will be four dollars and thirty-six cents” he brought his phone down to pay for the coffee using the device to quickly scan and pay. “Would you like the receipt?” He shook his head walking to the opposite side to wait for the coffee. After some time more and more customers came and the line became a lot longer than it was before. More people must be getting ready to go to work.

“I’ll take three medium iced Americanos, One small iced latte, and a medium iced coffee with three creams and four sugars,” the lady said typing away on her phone. She was dressed in a pantsuit, must work at a fancy office or something in the city.

“Sure will that be all?” She nodded her head tapping her feet on the floor.

“Yes”

“Okay so you’re total is twenty-two thirty- three. Would you like the receipt-“

“No,” she said quickly paying using her phone and walking away.

The next woman behind her took her place. She just stared at me tapping her foot on the ground and tapping her finger on her bag as well. A couple more awkward beats of silence passed before I spoke. ”Can I help you?” I asked my fingers tapping on the side of the screen. She exhaled bothered, “I will take my usual, Tiffany knows my order,” she said looking around for Tiffany. I cleared my throat causing her to look back at me. “Well, Tiffany isn’t here right now. As matter a of fact she won’t be back, she quit” I said smiling even though I didn’t want to be kind to this woman. I also didn’t want to lose my job on the first day so I had to play it cool.

“Well she knows my order,” she said back full of attitude. I wanted to slam my head against the register. “Well I don’t know it so can you please tell me?”

She widened her eyes shocked, probably because her privilege didn’t work. “I come here every day, you all should know me by now,” she said crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m sorry I don’t, but ma’am a line is forming behind and I would really like to get everyone their coffee. If you can just tell me-“

“Uh no” she waved her finger telling me to be quiet. “I’m not leaving here until you put my order in” she stomped causing some people behind her to sigh frustrated. Some sucking in their teeth and a few leaving not wanting to wait in line. I watched as they left begging silently they wouldn’t go. If Jennifer found out customers were leaving empty handed she would be so upset. On the bright side if she came out here maybe she would handle this situation a lot better than I could. Because if it were up to me this woman would have had a cup of coffee shoved down her wrinkly throat.

“Ma’am I’m sorry I don’t know the order. Can you just please tell me-“

“NO!” She shouted like a child. “GET ME MY COFFEE NOW!” She shouted again grabbing the people around her’s attention. “Yo lady you’re holding up the line!” Some guy shouted who I silently thanked for calling her out. She turned to him rolling her eyes, “If you don’t like it go somewhere else. I have the right to stand here if I want to” she said swaying back and forth. She turned back to me motioning her hands to the small kitchen. “Well get on with it make my coffee”

“I’d love to if I knew the order”

“Just make it”

“Ma’am if you continue to act this way I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” I said sternly not wanting to deal with her anyone. More people were leaving because of her. To be honest I can’t blame them. I wouldn’t want to deal with a woman so annoying this early in the day or at all for that fact.

Just as the lady went to shout again I felt a hand on my shoulder. “Is there a problem?” The guy's voice asked from behind. I turned to see Haechan beside me staring directly at the lady. “Yes there is,” she began. “She won’t put in my order” Haechan looked down at me then back at the lady. “Why hasn’t she?” He asked her taking his hand off me and crossing them over his chest. “I’m a regular customer she should know it,” she said smugly.

“Well ma’am sorry to disappoint but she’s new. She doesn’t know you’re order, none of us do. So if you could please order a coffee or leave that would I be helpful for everyone” he said motioning to the people around us. She scoffed clutching her bag and eyeing Haechan up and down. “Both of you are so rude. Where is your manager” she asked still holding a stank look on her face.

“I am the manager,” he said. “If you have any trouble talk to me, and quit bothering my employee,” he said. The lady widened her eyes turning away and heading out the front door. I peeked my eyes away from him whispering out a small, “Thank you”

“Don’t mention it” he said walking away.

Sometimes after work

As I finished cleaning up the store I watched out of the corner of my eye as Haechan made his way to the front door. Debating whether I should go up to him or not remained in my brain the whole day. I kept cleaning the table watching as Haechan stood outside pulling out a vape pen. Lifting it to his lips he sucked in a breath exhaling a small cloud of smoke forming under the street light. I waited another minute or two finishing up my final table then walking outside.

When I opened the door to walk outside the cool November air chipped at my skin. Walking towards Haechan I put my arms over my chest. His back still turned to me as he lifted up his vape taking another puff before placing it back down watching as a few cars passed by going home from a long day at work. I let out a breath readying myself to thank Haecahn, the cold air escaping my lips.

"If you're coming out here to thank me, don't. I already told you it's fine" He said before I could speak. I stepped back putting my hands in my pocket and raising my brow. "How did you know it was me?" He chuckled taking another hit of his vape. The smoke escaping through his lips still kept his eyes on the cars that passed by. "I saw you watching me through the window. I guess you are a stalker" he said smirking.

I scoffed, "I was just trying to be nice"

"Well, I don't need you to be nice. Don't let it get to your head okay? I was just doing my job. If Jeniffer would have come out, trust me none of us would hear the end of it. She would have had that lady's back, not yours" he said leveled.

"Yeah but still, you didn't have to do that-" I tried to say.

"Don't get it twisted. I didn't do it to make you feel special. I already told you it's my job" He said a black car pulling up, Jeno inside of it. Haechan put his vape back in his pocket. He walked to the opposite side of the car. I huffed frustrated with myself. I was trying to be nice to him for the first time ever and this is how he treated me. He couldn't act like a normal human being for once? He doesn't have to accept my thanks but he didn't have to be so rude either.

"I should have known," I said to myself as Haechan walked away. He stopped his head perking up. "I'm sorry what?" He asked coming back from around the car. "I should have known that you were unable of being a decent human being. I know you don't like me for whatever you're reasons are, I know I have mine. But it doesn't mean you get to act like an ass when I'm not acting like one towards you. You can call me names and hate me all you want, but just don't do it when I'm actually trying to be nice to you" I said watching as another black car pulled up. Confused both Haechan and I looked at the random car. The car door opened and Jaehyun came out wearing a puffer jacket and a beanie on his head. He closed the car door and walked over to me.

"Is there a problem?" he asked. Haecahn shook his head, "No I was just leaving" he said looking at me then back at Jaehyun then walked away to sit beside Jeno. Once we sat inside the pair drove off into the darkness. I turned my focus to Jaehyun shivering in the cold. "What are you doing here?" I asked. He smirked facing me, "I knew you worked here and decided to pick you so you wouldn't walk home. It's late and dark out, you don't know what's lurking out there," he said staring directly into my eyes. Something about his presence made my skin crawl. He showed up out of nowhere in the middle of the night to take me home. I never told him where I worked or what time I got out of work. So how did he know I was leaving now? He showed up at the perfect time and I couldn't be more weirded out than flattered. Was this his idea of being romantic? It was just creepy and unsettling, I'd rather take my chances walking the twenty minutes to the dorms.

"It's okay I can walk" I side going back into the cafe to grab my things. Jaehyun followed behind me locking his car doors. The bell jingled twice after I walked in and Jaehyun reopened the door following behind. "Are you sure? It's really cold out tonight and my car is nice and warm. I'll get you home in no time," He said taking down one of the chairs and sitting down at an empty table. I walked to the back of the cafe to get my coat and bag. Debating on whether to call an Uber and spend the twelve dollars just to say I already had a ride. Taking my phone in my hands I opened up the app getting ready to pay for an Uber, but my phone dinged instead, receiving a text from Jeno.

"Hey, I'm outside if you need a ride. It's pretty late out and I already dropped Hacehan off so you don't have to worry about him bothering you" He said. I thanked God that he read my mind and texted him back quickly responding with an okay. When I walked out Jaehyun still sat at an empty table his car keys in his hand. He stood up seeing me come from the back. "Ready to go?" he asked. He really wasn't going to take no for an answer. He probably assumed I was just playing hard to get. Walking out in front of him he followed behind me. I locked the cafe door Jaehyun now standing in front of me. "You don't have to drive me seriously it's okay. Jeno is waiting for me" Jaehyun looked back seeing Jeno standing outside his car waving at me. Jaehyun sighed cold air leaving his lips. "Okay sorry if I pushed you. Get home safe" he said walking to his car, getting inside, and driving away.

I walked to the opposite side of Jeno's car. He followed opening the door for me. I sat inside putting my seatbelt on and she shut the car door. He sat inside next to me putting his seatbelt on and starting the car. We took off the car ride silent for a moment before he spoke.

"I have a question," Jeno began "Why do you get along with everyone else in my friend group but Haechan?" he curiously asked me as he drove down the street.

I sighed placing my hand on the side of my head and leaning on the car window. "Because he's insufferable" I joked causing Jeno to chuckle. He shook his head, "I'm serious" he chuckled stopping at a red light. "Why don't you get along?" he asked again. I sighed biting my lip and holding back a smirk, "It's a long story" Jeno shrugged moving the car again when the light turned green.

"I got all night," He said.

I sighed getting into a comfortable position. "Well, It all started back in high school. It was the first day of school. The school had an orientation for all the incoming freshmen and Haecan was in my group on the tour"

"Okay everyone we are going to take a tour of the school just so you know where the bathrooms are and your classes and anything else you may need to know so you may perform your best at our school," the lady said holding a clipboard. Her hair was wrapped in a tight bun and her heels clicked on the hallway floor leading the group of kids all nervous for their first day of high school. "This is the principal office, hopefully, you all won't have to go there unless it's for good news," she said as we passed by a group of students. That's when I saw Haecahn amongst the crowd around me. He was laughing with a group of his friends he had just made wearing blue basketball shorts and a graphic t-shirt paired with a pair of white sneakers that were still new, with no dirt or creases on them. I watched as he goofed around with his friends. he hadn't noticed me then, but I noticed him.

It would go on like that for weeks and weeks soon turned into months when Haechan would walk right past me, not even sparing me a glance. To be fair up until that point we have never spoken. I had only waited by my locker to see him during passing or sat down at the lunch table stealing glances from across the room. We even shared an art class together and that's when I saw him most. One day we had an assignment to draw something we liked that made us smile. I drew a boy with beauty marks on his face. I lied and said it was my brother and everyone believed it. During our small gallery walk, Haechan saw my portrait writing on a small post-it like the teacher said to, and pasted my artwork on the back. Once the gallery walk was done we were all supposed to look at the post-its that held compliments and criticism.

When I lifted up my artwork I turned it to the back. Everyone's comments were anonymous of course however if you wanted to, you could write your name. One of the many pink Post-its stuck out to me. I picked it up holding the small piece of paper in my hands. I raised my hand excusing myself to the bathroom. When I walked into the bathroom I ran straight for an empty stall locking the door behind me. I sat on the toilet criss-crossed holding the piece of paper in my hands. Tears welded up in my eyes, I tried to wipe them away with the sleeve of my shirt but I couldn't help it. The tears continued to fall down my face as I read the comment again.

"I know you are lying about your brother. You're just a stalker girl whos obsessed with me. I see the way you look at me. Stay away from freak"

-H

"Brutal," Jen commented. I nodded, we have been sitting outside the dorms for about fifteen minutes now. Jeno invested in the story as to why his best friend and I don't get along. "Yup," I said sitting crisscrossed in his car. "Which led to our first fight," I said.

Days later I avoided looking at Haechan. I sat farther away from him just so he truly wouldn't notice me. I wanted to keep my distance from him as much as possible. I didn't wait by my locker to see him anymore or watch him during gym or in the lunchroom. Instead, I focused on school and my friends. Until one day I saw Haechan switching seats with a peer of his, replacing the empty chair was a pretty brown-haired girl who sat next to him. Soon the two were holding hands down the hallway. I never drew him again. For our second assignment, the teacher decided to pair everyone together after realizing everyone choosing their friends was not going to work. She paired me and Hacehan together and I couldn't be more terrified of a pairing. He sat next to me quietly only speaking to me when the teacher said to.

"We can work on the project after school. Ms.Wang said we can use the room until four" I said disappointed more than anything, not making eye contact. Haecahan nodded awkwardly fiddling with the blank white piece of paper in front of us.

"Sure that's cool," He said keeping his eyes in every other direction. Once school ended I met Haechan in the art room. Ms.Wang sat at her desk her laptop placed open in front of her. She smiled when she saw us enter picking up her glasses and slightly closing her laptop.

"Welcome guys sit anywhere you want. All the supplies are in the small room over there," she pointed to the right. "Feel free to ask me for help if you need it," I nodded setting my sketchbook on the table. Haechan placed his bookbag next to it.

I avoided all conversation with him and when he did speak I responded with one-worded dry answers. "Is everything alright?" he asked catching me off guard. I placed my pencil down fixing my glasses. "Everything is fine," I said moving my work closer to my side. Haechan raised a brow, "Well we're supposed to be doing this project together and you've just been drawing in your book" he said pointing towards a blank piece of white paper that sat in the middle of us.

"The paper has been there for about fifteen minutes" I responded.

"Yeah so?" he questioned.

"Why haven't you drawn anything?" He shrugged, "Can't draw"

"Then maybe try it," I said handing him a pencil. He refused the pencil and instead picked up the white piece of paper ripping it in half. I widened my eyes as he placed one piece in front of me and then himself. "There now we can both draw," he said sarcastically. I scoffed wiping the paper away. "Are you crazy?" he picked up a pencil and began to draw something, it just looked like stick figures. "You don't want to do the project so I'll do it on my own," he said.

I scoffed, "I'm only giving you space since I'm a stalker, remember?" I spat, and my voice began to rise. "What are you talking about? Are you insane?" he said squinting his eyes at me trying to figure me out. "Don't play dumb I read your stupid little comment on my portrait last week" I said standing up from my seat and starting to become angry with the boy. How dare he sit here and act all innocent like he didn't just insult me a week ago. He stood up as well the chair making a loud whine as he pushed it back against the green floor. Ms.Wang walked over her beads around her neck chattering with every step she took. She placed her hand on her waist eyeing the both of us.

"Is there a problem here?" she asked concerned. I shook my head grabbing my bag, "No I was just leaving" I said forgetting my sketchbook as I rushed to grab my things.

"So that's why you hate him, he humiliated you," Jeno said putting small pieces of the puzzle together in his brain. I nodded sucking in my teeth, "Yup that's where it all began. After that, all we did was fight. We'd see each other in the hallways and glare at one another. It just got worse as we got older. Everywhere I go he's always there and seeing him always reminds me about what he said"

"Because broke your heart. You had a crush on him" Jeno pointed.

"Someone was paying attention" I joked. He smiled to himself. "Don't tell him I told you this. No one knows this story not even Josh"

"What does Josh think?"

"He's in love with me. I try to tell him he's wrong but he doesn't buy it" I said letting out a sigh.

“You know what the most ironic thing is?” I said smirking to myself while looking outside the large window in front of me.

“What?” He asked.

“I have a big art project due now and no idea comes to mind. I see Haechan every day of my life and I can’t think of a thing to create” Jeno sighed shrugging, “Maybe it will hit you like a truck. You just have to let it come to you”

I nodded agreeing, I looked down checking my phone to see the time. I look back up and Jeno, "It's getting late, thank you for the ride," I say opening the door. He nods, "Of course anytime" He waits until I get inside the dorms before he drives off.

As I walk upstairs my phone dings. I check it, it lighting up my face in the dark hallway.

Jaehyun- Sorry again if I pushed you, I just wanted to spend some time with you.

I waited a moment before I responded opening my front door and locking it behind me. Once I removed my shoes and coat I walked into my side of the dorm changing my clothes. Once I settled in bed I opened my phone again.

Y/n- It's fine

...

Jaehyun- Can I make it up to you?

...

Y/n- How?

Jaehyun-Let me take you tomorrow after work.

I thought about it for a moment. It can't be the worst thing, right? Maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt.

Y/n- Sure I get off at four

…

Jaehyun- Perfect

I hope I don't regret this, it's just a one-time thing.

----

3:59 pm

"I'm off," I waved to Haechan who remained behind the counter. collecting my phone and putting it in my back pocket. "Goodbye," he said bitterly continuing to mop the floor. I rolled my eyes watching as the cafe door opened, Jaehyun walking through. Haechan looked up from his spot checking to see who walked in. When he saw Jaehyun he rolled his eyes, shaking his head, and went back to his work. I brushed off his reaction and walked over to Jaehyun.

What became a one-time thing, turn a second time, and soon December came and I lost track of how many dates Jaehyun had taken me on. I had seen Haechan less and less especially on days he usually worked. Usually, our shifts were similar, he cleaned or made coffee while I took orders or we would switch and I'd clean and make the coffee, but recently whether I'm coming into work he was leaving and when I'm leaving work he was coming in. I spent my shifts with a mutual friend of ours Shortaro who never failed to make me laugh.

Jaehyun opened the cafe door Haechan walked in, walking past Shortaro who I was waving goodbye. He waved back leaving the cafe and meeting up with some of his friends outside. When Haechan came from out back I noticed a new girl behind the counter. Haechan walked up to her smiling as she turned to face him. She embraced him a hug holding him tightly. He held her close taking a whiff of her brown locks. I turned around quickly feeling my heart begin to race. Jaehyun hadn't noticed my reaction and walked beside me like normal. Jaehyun spoke on and on about the basketball game he had just won but I wasn't paying attention. All I thought to myself was why it bothered me so much Haechan was so close to that girl who I'd never even seen at the cafe before, I mean who even was she? Was she just hired? Did she always work that shift? If she did I've never noticed her until now.

"Y/n? Y/n? Are you listening?" Jaehyun asked. I nodded looking at Jaehyun then looked away. "Yea sorry I'm just tired" I lied. Jaehyun put his arm around me as we walked away from the cafe. I looked over my shoulder to see the two laughing together. I quickly turned around brushing it off, I won't let it bother me anymore.

----

It was another late night shift, it was also the first time in weeks that Haechan and I were alone in the cafe together. I decided to keep my distance from him cleaning the counter. "You know he's just acting right?" Haechan spoke holding the mop still in his hand. I raised a brow stopping my rag from moving any further. 'I'm sorry?" I say putting the rag back in the bucket. "Jaehyun he's playing you," He said nonchalantly going back to his mopping. I came from around the counter turning Haechan around holding a spray bottle in my hand. His whole body turned facing me got caught and almost fell. he caught his balance sending me a confused look. "What the hell," He said.

Before I could speak Jaehyun walked in. I removed my hand off his shoulder causing Haechan to turn around. Jaehyun walked over to me leaning down and kissed me on the lips. "You okay?" he asked catching me off guard my eyes still closed. They slowly opened up and I watched Haechan walk away. Jaehyun waved his fingers in front of my face getting my attention back.

“Renjun invited us to a party at his house tomorrow night. It’s something small, he cooked a whole bunch of food and he wants us to try it. You down to go?” He asked. Nodded still in my moment of bliss. “Yea I’ll be there” he smiled leaning down to kiss me again. His lips left mine once Haechan walked in. He moved a piece of hair behind my face. “Come I’ll take you home,” he said taking my hand. I followed him blindly outside not even turning back to see Haechan.

Haechan watched you two leave. He watched Jaehyun open his car door for you, he watched you get inside and he watched you drive off as he picked his mop back up from the floor to finish cleaning. He hated it. Every day Jaehyun came over and if he couldn’t stand before he couldn’t stand him now. He knew the kind of guy he was. Jaehyun was a player, the whole school knows it. Everyone always talks about how perfect Jaehyun is too afraid to actually say what they all know he is, a liar and sleazy man. Jaehyun had a reputation around campus for picking out girls who he knew he would have wrapped around his finger.

Jaehyun didn’t like easy girls, he also didn’t like girls that played hard to get. He liked girls who enjoyed spending time outside and having fun with their friends. He liked girls who pushed him away but still always came back to him. He liked pretty girls with beautiful smiles. Which is what you had, Haechan thought to himself. He couldn’t deny that you are beautiful and that you smelled like roses for whatever perfumed you wore every day. That stupid perfume you lingered on tickled his brain. He knew you were just going to be another name on a list for Jaehyun to cross out, but what cousins does he do? He already warned you. While Haechan was on break he saw Jaehyun touch and kiss another woman the same way he did to you outside of a library on campus, the girl must work there he thought.

He couldn’t tell you this. You would never believe him. You would brush him off as being a dick. You’d call him a stalker like you always did when he saw you at places you were both at or when he told you the truth. The truth was Jaehyun was an ass but you hated him. You hated him so what good would it bring if he talked to you? There’s nothing for him to say but to just sit back and watch everything unfold until the only words he got to say to you were “I told you so” Haechan sighed putting the mop away. He put on his headphones sitting beside Jeno in his car. Jeno sighed watching his friend leave work disappointed again.

Haechan was starting to care for you in an odd, weird, and different kind of way. He wanted to make sure you got home safe and he felt like holding your hand. He shook off the thoughts. It must be your perfume that’s poisoning his brain, not allowing him to think straight.

—

The way home with Jaehyun felt weird and rushed. He drove quicker than normal to your dorm and didn’t even step out to say goodbye. He just drove off the minute you closed the door almost running over your foot, luckily you quickly backed up. Walking towards your dorm you saw Josh sitting in front of your door holding a bottle of alcohol in a brown bag, he was crying.

“What’s wrong?” He asked quickly coming to his side. Lately, you haven’t been hanging out with Josh giving him some space to spend time with Jungwoo. You didn’t want to pry too much into his dating life so you let him be. But seeing him crying in front of your door made you feel bad, maybe you’ve been too distant.

“Jungwoo left me,” he said crying into his hands. He sobbed hard, feeling bad I put my arms around him hugging him. “I thought things were going well?” I asked surprised. Josh lifted his head looking into my eyes. His eyes were all red and puffy. Snot residue sat above his lip and she sniffed wiping it away with a crumbled-up tissue from his pocket. “So did I. But he told me that he needed some space. He’s going away to Italy and won’t be back for a while. So he ended things with me earlier” he cried into my arms. “It sucks because I really liked this one Y/n” I held him close putting my hand on his head and the other around his back. “I know” I tried my best to soothe his crying frame. As we sat on the floor of the dorm for what felt like forever I heard someone clear their voice.

I turned to see Haechan and Jaemin in the hallway. I shook Josh who had fallen asleep. He jerked awake looking around to see where he was. Josh wobbled to his feet, he was drunk. I tried my best to lift him but couldn’t. Haechan came to my side lifting him up, Jaemin opened the door helping to lay him on my bed. My roommate watched as he threw him on my bed. She walked off getting a glass of water and handing it to Josh.

“Thank you,” I said to her taking it, helping Josh drink it and making sure he doesn’t spill it. He drank some of the water and soon went right back to sleep. I took off his boots placing them next to the bed as well as his sunglasses and placing them on the nightstand.

“You can stay at our dorm if you want,” Jaemin offered. Haechan slammed him in the stomach shaking his head. Jaemin brushed him annoyed, “She may not be your friend but she’s mine,” he said turning back to me. “It’s okay if you want to stay with us while Josh rest”

“Yea it’s okay,” my roommate said. “I’ll take care of him, this isn’t the first time he’s come back here like this,” she said pointing to his passed-out figure. I shook my head, “I shouldn’t really but thank you”

Jaemin shook his head, “I insist. I won’t let Haechan bother you and besides it’s just for the night” he said offering again. I sighed looking at Josh. I really didn’t want to deal with his hangover in the morning. I looked over at Haechan, “You still have that tea?” He nodded, “Yea so?”

“Josh is gonna need some, can you get it?”

“No-“

“I’ll get it,” Jaemin said butting in sending a look to Haechan who just rolled his eyes walking outside my dorm. “Let me just change my clothes,” I said. Jaemin nodded waiting outside with Haechan. When I finished changing I came out quietly making sure no one saw us sneaking into the boy's dorms.

When we successfully made it Jaemin motioned his hand to my bed. “You can take my bed. I’ll sleep on the couch” he said. I shook my head, “No it’s okay I’ll sleep here” I said. He threw himself on the couch finding a good position to lie in, “Too late” he said sending me a cheeky smile. I chuckled walking to his bed that smelled just like him. I pulled back the covers crawling inside. “Goodnight Jaemin”

“Night Y/n”

“Goodnight Haechan”

He groaned in response his expression half awake and falling into his pillow.

“Oh, this is just perfect,” I say to myself the sun shining threw the curtains. Haechan's pretty honey skin glowed in the sunlight but his not that pretty. Drool hung out from his mouth and his teeth were slightly exposed from how he lay on the pillow. His hair was all dissolved and his leg dangled off the side of the bed. I picked up my phone snapping a quick picture not realizing the flash was on. Once the flashes shined bright in Haechan’s face he woke up rubbing his eyes seeing me holding my phone out. He quickly rose up rubbing his watery eyes.

“You didn’t,” he said. I nodded trying to hold back a laugh. He stood up from his bed trying to take my phone. I hid it from him behind my back. He tried to take it hit I kept moving. He sighed frustrated placing his hands on his hips.

“Y/n It’s too early for you to be acting this way. You can’t let your feelings for my show so soon? Huh taking secret pictures to stare at later” I laughed opening my phone and quickly showing him the photo. “I didn’t take this because I like you. I took it so I have something to laugh at when I’m sad” I said pulling my phone back once he tried to grab it. He however lunged himself too far landing on top of me both of us falling in the middle of Jaemin’s bed who still lying asleep on their couch.

I blink a couple of times before realizing Haechan was placed right on top of me. Haechan went to stand up after being placed in the middle of my legs for too long but I held him back. He looked down between us and then back up at me confused, but he didn’t move.

“What are you doing?” He asked. I brought my hands down letting my phone fall flat on the bed. I shook my head, “I don’t know but,”

“But what?” He asked his hand finding my waist.

“I like It,” I said. He grinded his hips into mine. I could feel his growing erection against my damp pussy. As he continued to slowly fuck me above our clothes my pussy got wetter. He thrust his hips harder not picked up the past, moving slowly enough for me to feel him but for it to still feel good. “Haechan” I breathed out looking into his eyes. “Yes?” His voice had dropped a couple of octaves, his hips still moving into mine humping me. He placed his hands on my waist holding me still. “Can you do me a favor?” I asked. He nodded his eyes still locked in mine. “Yea”

“Take off your pants,” I said. He blinked a couple of times taking off his pants and leaving his underwear. “Take mine off,” I said. His hands found the waistband of my leggings pulling them down. “Take those off,” I said pointing to his underwear. The outline of his dick made me clench around nothing. More arousal spills out of me. he widened his eyes, “I don’t have a condom” he said. I shook my head taking off my underwear. “I don’t need you to fuck me” he groaned lowly watching my glistening pussy clench around anything. I shivered from the cool air and Haechan leaned down getting to his knees.

This wasn’t what I meant but I’ll take it I thought to myself. Haechan kissed my inner thighs biting and sucking on the skin. He was taking his time marking me close to my pussy but not actually tasting it. He looked over checking on Jaemin who lay sprawled on the couch soft snores escaping his nose. He turned back to me bringing his index finger to glide around my wet folds. I shuddered at the contact. His fingers were cold and soft, he flicked them over my clit watching my reaction. He was saving every moment in his brain. Soon his tongue found its way to my clit golfing the small bundle of nerves between his tongue and lips sucking on the small nub. I held back my moans to not wake Jaemin, but it was hard. Who knew Haechan would be so could at this? Jaehyun tried to do this last week and it was just messy and uncomfortable. But with Haechan he knew just where to lick and suck me.

He groaned into my pussy savoring it so he would have something to think about later. His fingers spread my folds open just to make sure he was licking me right where I craved him. My wetness continued to drip off me and he licked down to my hole using it to fuck me with his tongue as his finger flicked my clit matching the speed of his thick wet tongue. I wanted to scream from the amount of pleasure he was giving me. He was finally putting that mouth of his to good work. He used his hand to hold me down so I wouldn’t move away, placing it on top of my stomach.

His finger slipped inside me easily and it wasn’t too long before he added a second one fucking me with his fingers. I clenched around them and he groaned. His other hand slipped down my stomach and disappeared behind the middle of the bed. He palmed himself through his underwear getting off on pleasuring me. He continued to fuck me with his fingers curling them up to hit my G-spot. When he did this I let out a moan quickly using my hand to cover it. My body arched off the bed and my free hand held onto his hair as he continued to abuse me with his warm tongue and long fingers.

“Fuck” I said quietly to myself finally lifting my head to see the delicious damage Haechan was causing on me. When I looked up and looked up as well keeping his eyes locked on mine watching my brows furrow and mouth fall open as I came around his fingers. He slowly pulled them out of me kissing up my stomach. He went to kiss my lisp but Jaemin stirred in his sleep waking up. We both quickly pulled out pants back up and fixed our shirts. We could blame our hair on the pillow.

Jaemin turned around away from the sun that shined through their dorm window. Opening his eyes in the shadow of a nearby lamp he sat up seeing both Haechan and I standing awkwardly next to each other. He stood up scratching his head walking over to his bed. “Good morning,” he said not noticing how suspicious we looked. Instead, he grabbed his phone and walked into the kitchen.

“Sleep well?” He asked me coming back holding an empty mug. I nodded avoiding eye contact with Haechan. I shifted uncomfortably in my pants feeling Haechan’s spit and my cum mix together. “Yes thank you for letting me stay,” I said quickly. “Would you like coffee?” He asked holding up a mug. I shook my head grabbing my sweater and slippers. “No I’m okay thank you, I have to leave for class,” I said quickly grabbing my phone and closing the door behind me. When I closed it I laid on top of it for a moment letting out a breath. Once I got up I started walking realizing something strange. I felt my waist then in between my legs, and my eyes widened.

“Shit” I cursed. I had forgotten my underwear. I debated whether or not to go back and get it. What would I even say? Hey, I left something and pick up a black piece of underwear. That’s insane! Or maybe I could hide it in my sweater. But Jaemin is so nosey he tries to look inside. Then my heart dropped. Maybe he already saw it and touched it! Ewww. This can’t be happening I thought rubbing my head and mushing it around.

“Kill me now,” I thought deciding to walk away. If he would have saw it he would have said something. Maybe Haechan found it and just threw them out.

But Haechan didn’t, instead, he saw them on the ground and quickly picked them up stuffing them in his pocket. When Jaemin turned away back into the kitchen he stuffed them under his pillow like a perv. Or maybe he threw them away who knows I wasn’t there.

When I walked back to my dorm Josh was sitting on my bed my roommate holding a warm cloth to his forehead to slow down his headache. I closed the door behind rushing to my closet grabbing a fresh pair of clothes, soaps, and toothpaste.

“Can you stay with him for a little while longer I just want to freshen up” I said quickly squirming around in my gross wet pants. She raised a brow watching my little dance assuming I just had to pee. “Uh sure” she responded I thanked her and walked out the door. When I closed the door I bumped directly into Haechan. Who stumbled back making sure the container in his hand didn’t fall.

“What are you doing here?” I asked after he scared the life out of me. He straightened himself out holding out the container. “You asked for the tea so I brought it,” he said. I nodded calming down my breath. “He’s inside, you can give it to him,” I said he nodded not moving. I didn’t move either waiting for him to walk first when he didn’t we both stood there awkwardly.

“About before we don’t have to “ he began

“It’s okay we don’t have to talk about it. We can act like it didn’t happen” I said before he finished. He nodded scratching the back of his head. The container almost fell from lack of balance but he quickly held it from falling. ”Yea we can do that,” he said biting his lip. “Oh!” He said putting his hand in his pocket. “I have your Um…underwear if you want it,” he said whispering in my ear. His warm breath tickled my neck. He was so close to me I could smell his natural scent and of course, he smelled good. I looked up into his eyes quickly looking away and biting my lip. He kept his mouth close to my ear still and I could hear the faint breaths he released as he got closer to me.

“Or I could keep them?” He suggested it. Lost in a Haechan bliss I just nodded my knees feeling like jelly. His voice became so deep when he leaned in to speak to me. His voice had an effect on me it never did before. It made me want to listen to him, it made me want him to come up with more sinful suggestions in my ear. He stuffed the black lace underwear back into his sweatpants pocket backing away and watching me opened my eyes. He smirked proud of himself for getting such a reaction out of me.

“See you later,” he said kissing me under my ear near my neck. He walked off opening the door and closing it behind him. Slowly coming back to my senses my cheeks became hot. I touched my forehead and then placed a hand over my chest feeling my heart beating quicker than it was before. I shook my head as I walked away to the showers.

“What is happening?” I asked myself concerned, my hand still remaining over my heart.

——

“Josh,” I said sitting across from him at a nearby table inside the campus closer to the small garden the environment club planted last semester. The wind blew causing me to zip up my jacket to my chin. The leaves flew by some falling off trees as the weather slowly started to change. December would come in a few days and soon we’d all be on winter break. God knows I need some time away from school.

“Josh” I called again. He kept his sunglasses on as he sulked in his seat. I sighed cold air escaping between my lips. Standing up I sat next to Josh putting my arm through his and placing my head on his shoulder. “You’re gonna be fine. Jungwoo is lame for not seeing how special you are. Josh you can’t let him ruin your days like this” I said in hopes my words of encouragement would help him. He just sighed a miserable sigh the cold air escaping his lips. “Why don’t we go inside?” I suggested. “Maybe into the library where it’s warm” he nodded standing up and following me throw the hallways.

As we walked through the hallway Haechan and his friend group turned the corner walking in our direction. I avoided all eye contact with him keeping my focus on Josh but Renjun called my name as they came closer to us. I cursed under my breath straightening myself out before approaching the group of boys.

“Hey, how are you? I haven’t seen you since Halloween” he said smiling he leaned in for a hug and I hugged him back for a quick moment before he released me. “I’ve been good, you?” He shrugged, “You know same as always” he responded, “Are you coming to the dinner party tonight?” He asked. I smiled and nodded, “Yea of course I wouldn’t miss it. I can’t wait to see eat what you’ve cooked”

He raised a confused brow, “I didn’t cook the food” he said. I squinted my brows confused, “Jaehyun told me it was your party. I assumed you cooked” he shook his head unsure of what I meant. “No I think he mixed it up, Professor Kun had leftover food from his cooking class so he gave it to me. I’m like his favorite student so I sometimes get free stuff. It’s just too much for me to eat so I’m sharing it with all of you” he said motioning to everyone around him.

“I invited Jaehyun because he’s your close friend” he winked.

“How’d you know he’s my friend? We don’t hang out” I asked somewhat curious as to how Renjun knew my relationship with Jaehyun. We weren’t exactly together, we only hung out outside of school. I rarely ever saw him at school if I’m being honest, he’s also not friends with Renjun and his friend group so he couldn’t have told them.

“Sungchan mentioned it to Chenle during practice,” he said. Chenle nodded confirming Renjun’s words. “Yea he said that you guys are hooking up” I widened my eyes almost dropping Josh. I was not hooking up with Jaehyun. Why would he lie like that? I shook my head my heart pounding out of my chest. “I am not sleeping with Jaehyun why would he say that?” Chenle shrugged nonchalantly about the whole situation, and Renjun did as well. “Maybe it was because Yuta said he was interested in you. I overheard them talking and Yuta mentioned asking you out, that’s when Jaehyun said your off-limits” I scoffed licking my teeth, and I let out a chuckle in disbelief. I couldn’t believe this.

“Josh go to the library I’ll be there soon,” I said he raised his head picking up his sunglasses and exposing his red puffy eyes.

“Woah did you get high?” Jaemin asked. I shook my head, “No he’s just sad. Take him to the library for me? I want to make sure he gets there, he’s still a little hungover” Jaemin checked his watch, “I have some time, wanna come?” He asked Jeno and Chenle who nodded following him. “Y/n are you okay?” Renjun asked me. I nodded already feeling the anger boiling in the pit of my stomach. My legs were shaking and I didn’t even realize how visibly angry I looked to the two of them.

“You don’t look okay-“

“I said I’m fine! Okay!” I walked past him both Haechan and Renjun watching as I walked away from them to the basketball courts.

When I walked through the dream the coach blew the whistle at me trying to get my attention. “Hey, no one on the court during practice. Your not on the team get outta here!” He shouted. I ignored him waiting straight in the boy's locker room. The coach followed behind me shouting again, “Hey you can’t go in there!” I stopped at the door banging on it instead.

“Who even is this girl?” The coach asked a nearby player who just shrugged.

“Jaehyun come out here now!” I shouted. I heard so Oooes before the freshly showered boy came out. He smirked leaning down to kiss me I served my head Johnny and Yuta stepping out behind him chuckling at my reaction.

“What is wrong with you?” I asked. Jaehyun’s smirk fell his eyes softening. “What do you mean? Is everything alright?-“

“Oh cut the crap why did you tell everyone I’m fucking you?” I asked placing my hands on my hips. Jaehyun’s eyes changed no longer warm and soft. His concern quickly washed away and for the first time, I saw a glimpse of the real Jung Jaehyun. He smirked crossing his arms over his chest his graphic t-shirt sticking to his wet body. He nodded his head eyeing me up and down licking his lips. He raised a brow almost impressed with me.

“I’m not lying am I?” He teased leaning closer to me. “I never fucked you,” I said. I heard some footsteps running behind me but didn’t pause to turn and look. “And I never will fuck you,” I said sternly flames fuming from my ears. Jaehyun chuckled looking away from my eyes and past my head standing back, he lifted his chin out.

“Your boyfriend here,” I turned to see Haechan standing next to both Josh and Renjun. Jaemin, Chenle, and Jeno soon followed behind them trying to catch their breath. “Were here before you kill him!” Jeno said causing Jaehyun, Yuta, and Johnny to laugh. As Jaehyun laughed I saw red. Here he was mocking me, laughing at me and my friends. I tried to calm myself down but I couldn’t, I was too embarrassed and ashamed of myself. On top of that, I felt so stupid for not listening to that girl. As Jaehyun continued laughing I felt my eye twitch out of vexation. Reaching my hand back with all my strength I barely registered when my hand flew and land right across Jaehyun’s cheek.

Everyone gasped as the boy stopped laughing. His face still stuck to the side he touched his red hot cheek. Licking his lips he nodded his head looking into my eyes full of anger and self-consciousness. “You fucking bitch” he said to me wiping his mouth, some spit falling out. I spit back in his face, “Fucking asshole” I said walking away. He wiped the spit from his eye his guy friends watching everything unfold trying their best not to laugh.

“Are you okay?” Haechan asked me walking next to me. I quickly made my way out of the gym. “I’m fine” I responded Josh ran up to him touching his shoulder. “I’ll handle this,” he said following out behind me. Haechan watched Josh leave. Maybe it’s for the best if he backs off for a while, you need time to process everything and so does he.

“What happened?” Josh asked trying to keep the same pace as me. I moved quickly outside school outside and headed to his car. “Can you unlock it? I want to leave” Josh nodded unlocking his car. I sat inside as he rushed to the other side starting the car and taking off to his apartment.

I sat at his large island as he poured two cups of wine. Placing one in front of me I eyed him seeing him lift his glass to his lips. “What? I’m feeling better I’m allowed to have a drink. Besides I’m drinking so you don’t drink alone” I scoffed rolling my eyes. He smirked taking a sip of his wine and walking over to grab some snacks. He placed whatever he could get his hands on in front of us opening up a bag of grapes.

“What happened with Jaehyun? I thought everything was going well” he asked placing a green fresh grape in his mouth. I sighed picking up my glass sipping it then playing with the rim.

“I thought so. At least I wanted to think so. He was so kind to me before. He took me out on dates and made me feel special, but I guess I was just another name on his list to cross out” I said sipping my wine again, my sip turning into a gulp. Josh nodded relating to my words. “Yea, Jungwoo made me happy too until he walked away. I guess this isn’t our year to date” he said sipping his wine. He leaned against the counter holding himself in his arms.

“Maybe I’m not worthy of love,” he said placing a hand on his chin. “Maybe I’ll never find someone,” he said.

“Maybe our problem is we keep trying. Maybe we should go with the flow. Instead of waiting for something or someone we let it happen naturally” I said suggesting the possibility that there is someone out there for us, we just had to stop looking and let them find our way to us. Josh nodded sipping his wine. “Maybe that’s possible,” he said. Josh was used to trying and failing when it came to relationships, like me our first year we found someone we thought we could “spend our life with” but both of us got our hearts broken, maybe that’s made us closer but since then it’s been hard, especially on Josh since he had gotten cheated on.

While after my failed relationship I decided to focus on art, leaving no room for work. My ex was just an ass, I couldn’t stand him so I left him. His name was Kim Doyoung, even hearing the name causes an automatic eye roll. I focused on my pieces and sculptures on my side of the dorm. My roommate Sophie is also an art major and sometimes she’d help me on these long nights I stood up until four in the morning finishing a project. Josh dealt with his loss differently and decided that sleeping around would heal his broken heart. There were days sometimes I wounding hear from him after he dragged me and Sophie to leave the dorm so that he could take us out to the bars but it was for him to find his next hook-up. He scared me a lot during that time, I never knew if he was okay or alive. We got into our first fight because of it. Eventually sometime during the summer after catching feelings for a lifeguard he decided that maybe he should give relationships another try.

That lifeguard rejected Josh reminding him to be with someone he had to love himself. Josh had no idea what that meant. Josh in his mind adored himself, he was confident and charming in front of people but behind closed doors, he was sad and lonely just like everyone else. The truth was Josh had very little love for himself, which is what hurt him even more when Jungwoo left even though they weren’t together for long. Josh felt he was unworthy of love so therefore he ruined his relationship with Jungwoo.

Jungwoo was leaving for Italy but he offered Josh to go with him. Josh said no so Jungwoo choose his career as a model and left for Milan. Josh had told the sad story to Sophie who of course told me, she had felt sorry for him. I felt bad for Jungwoo, he truly did like Josh. I wish Josh could see that.

I decided to change the flow of the conversation and lift Josh’s spirits with shocking news.

“Josh I need to tell you something,” I said avoiding eye contact. A small hint of pick rushed up my cheeks. Josh followed my motions watching me turning my head to the right trying to hide my face and smile. Josh raised a brow already smiling, “What did you do?”

“Did you fuck Jaehyun?!” I shook my eye looking back at Josh, scrunching my face. “No!” I said shaking my head again. He tapped his chin staring deeply at me.

“Did you hook up with someone?” he asked. When I remained silent he jumped, “Oh my God you slut you did! Who??” He asked coming around the island to my side. I turned my face again embarrassed, hoping he wouldn’t guess it. “Tell me!” He pestered. I shook my head my hair moving side to side.

“Was it Jeno?”

I shook my head. “Really? He’s hot and so are you if you called him right now I bet he’d fuck you” I slapped his knee causing Josh to jerk back in pain. “I didn’t fuck Jeno” he grumbled turning away to run his knee. He walked back to his wine glass lifting it to take a sip. Once the red liquid touched his lips his eyes widened like a light bulb when off in his head.

“Oh fucking way,” he said placing his glass down. I watched him biting my nails waiting to see who he would guess. He blinked a couple of times then turned his head to look into my eyes. He pointed his finger at me smirking.

“You fucked Haechan,” he said smirking.

“I didn’t fuck him”

“No? Then what did you do?” He asked leaning forward and waiting for my response. “You sucked his dick?” I shook my head trying to hide my face. He widened his eyes again clapping his hands like this was a trivia game and he finally got the answer to win the money.

“He fingered you”

“No!” I said my voice loud but soon it lowered forming a whisper. “He went down on me”

“No fucking way”

“In his dorm while Jaemin was asleep on the couch”

“You little freak” he teased. “And he kept my underwear” Josh screamed excitedly waving his hands up. “I knew it! I knew it! I knew it was going to happen!” He said dancing around his kitchen holding his half-empty wine glass in his hand. He chuckled looking over at me for a moment. “I knew that smelly gamer liked you” he commented stopping his dancing once I sighed.

“What’s wrong?” He asked. I shrugged, “The thing is I don’t know how I feel. We’re supposed to hate each other but today when he followed me to the gym I felt for a moment that he cared about me. That he had my back, kind of like the day at the café when he stood up for me in front of that old lady. I don’t know I could be fooling myself. What do you think?” I asked.

“What do I think? You want the truth?” Josh asked. I nodded. “I think he’s been thinking about fucking you since he first saw you again last year. But if you think he doesn’t care about you then I think your lying to yourself because girl it’s so obvious he likes you. Especially at the Halloween party”

I raised a brow, “What do you mean Halloween party?”

Josh chuckled sipping his wine then placed it back down shaking his head. “He was jealous of Jaehyun. When Jaehyun flirted with you I could hear Haechan mumble under his breath. He also purposely threw the ball at Jaehyun’s forehead and was upset when you left to get him ice” he said.

“He threw the ball on purpose?” I chuckled. Josh nodded refilling his glass. “Yes, Ma’am he most definitely did. But on an unrelated note, before it gets too late I’ve been meaning to ask. Are you going to Renjun’s party?” I nodded playing with my half-empty glass and sliding it on the White Island.

“I guess I should go. I almost didn’t go because I knew Haechan would be there, but a part of me wants to see him. I also should spend time with everyone to forget about today's events” Josh nodded agreeing to raise his class. “I can toast to that” Our glasses clinked both of us taking a sip letting the red liquid slip past our lips a down our throats.

—-

I rang Renjun’s doorbell Josh standing behind me holding two bottles of wine. We didn’t want to come empty handed so we stopped by the liquor store picking up to bottles of white wine. We waited for a moment hearing footsteps from the other side. Renjun opened the door smiling when he saw us. He stepped aside motioning his hand for us to enter. “I’m so glad you could make it, please come in” he thanked him taking off our shoes and hugging him. He followed behind as we walked into his apartment. Jaemin, Jeno, and Chenle sat on the couch in the living room. Sophie had arrived as well shocking both me and Josh.

We both glanced at each other finding out odd she was here. She never really hung out with us outside of the dorms or if It was just me and Josh. Wonder what changed her mind, or maybe who changed her mind. She was sitting close to Chenle. We both decided not to mention it placing the wine on the table. When the boys and Sophie noticed our presents they stood up to greet us hello.

“Hey Y/n it feels like I haven’t seen you in forever” Jaemin joked embracing me in his arms and placing his chin on top of my head. Josh smiled at me looking at me up and down. Since I first meet Jaemin last year it was so very obvious he had a crush on me. He’s just never acted on it and just remained my friend which I appreciate. Jaemin is a nice guy and he’s funny too. I’m happy he’s my friend.

Jeno and Chenle also greeted me hello making their way to Josh. Sophie hugged me like she hadn’t seen me in a long time even though I saw her this morning. “How are you?” She asked holding me in her arms. “I heard about what happened. Jaehyun is a dick” I nodded agreeing.

“That he is” She let me go holding my arm warmly. “I’m fine though,” I said she smiled a small bit of pity in her eyes. “I’m here for you know that?” She reassured. I nodded, “I know” I smiled.

“Haechan get out here!” Renjun yelled from the kitchen. “The last of our guests arrived!”

“Give me a second I’m almost done with this match!” He shouted back. I could hear the small sounds of a controller being pressed and clicked on. Renjun shook his head looking over at me with begging eyes. “Can you please go and get him?” I sighed nodding my head and walking over to the gaming room.

When I walked in Haechan sat in a gaming chair next to Jisung. Jisung acknowledged me first waving at me, I waved back. “Renjun wants you guys in the living room. He said the food is almost ready” Jisung stood up thanking me for telling him the news. He walked off outside the gaming room and down the hallway.

I slowly walked over to Haechan closing the door behind me, watching as his fingers moved fast the control. He wore a green headset and spoke into his mic. The room was dark the only light source the led Jeno put up a couple of months back when he and Renjun moved here. I’m assuming soon Haechan would be living here soon being that the game room now had a bed. I tapped Haechan on the shoulder. He continued to play his game nodding his chin at me.

“I said I’m coming, I’ll be out soon Renjun” he was so lost in the game he didn’t even realize it was me. I cleared my throat removing the headset from his head. He turned around already beginning to whine but stopped been he realized it was me.

“Oh it’s just you,” he said sounding disappointed.

“I can go you know,” I said. He nudged to the front door. “Okay go,” he said motioning his hand to the exit. “Why are you being so rude?” I asked crossing my arms over my chest. He was so much nicer earlier now he was being a dick.

“You told me to act like nothing happened so I’m acting like normal,” he said continuing his game. I scoffed and widened my eyes. I leaned back in disbelief. No way he was going to act like an ass because of what I said. Did he get his feelings hurt? If so then I don’t know what to tell him. I’m trying to save us from the embarrassment we’ll face from our friends, minus Josh who would never tell a soul since I asked him not to.

“So you're just gonna act like an asshole?” I said more than I asked. He nodded continuing to play his game. “Unbelievable,” I said getting ready to walk away. As I began to walk away I heard the doorbell ring, then the front door open.

“Oh, Jaehyun hi. I didn’t know you were coming” I heard Renjun say. “Well you invited me” Jaehyun replied. “Where’s Y/n she here?” I froze from opening Haechan’s door. Haechan removed his headset completely looking at the direction of the door. I backed away from the door trying my best to keep quiet. I didn’t want to deal with Jaehyun right now.

“Oh well she’s not here-“

“Josh is right there, she didn’t come with him?” He asked. I could hear Renjun stammer. Soon I heard footsteps coming to the door. When it opened Jaemin walked in closing it behind him. He came up to me ignoring Haechan who began to stand up in his chair. “Jaehyun is here and he’s looking for you,” he said concerned.

“I can hear him from over here,” I said looking back at the door and then Jaemin. “I don’t want to speak to him right now,” I said shaking my head. Jaemin nodded understandingly taking my arm in his hand and trying to relax me. “I know, Renjun is trying to get him to go away as we speak” he reassured me. I nodded letting out a breath. I hope Renjun gets him to leave.

“Why don’t you go to him?” Haechan asked. I turned to face him Jaemin also looking in his direction. “Dude, are you serious? He told everyone they fucked when they didn’t and you want her to go see him” he said bluntly. It made me feel kind of embarrassed when he aired out my business so loud. Haechan shrugged leaning against his desktop. “What? She likes him right? Why not handle it? It’s not our problem that he wants to see her, so let her go”

“Wow look I was being nice before since you were my friend but you can be a real ass sometimes-“

“Don’t Jaemin” I said placing a hand on his chest. “I’ll handle this” Jaemin looked down at me a frown on his face. He shook his head pocking the inside of his mouth with his tongue. I silently begged him with my eyes for him to go. He sighed in defeat opening Haechan’s door and walking out. “I’ll deal with Jaehyun,” he said before leaving. As long as they don’t fight and he just makes him leave everything should be fine I thought.

Now to deal with Haechan.

“Before you were being dick and now you're being an even bigger dick, why?” I asked approaching Haechan with my arms crossed. He pursed his lips going to grab his headset to put it back on and play his game. I stopped him from doing so grabbing the green headset before he could.

“Answer me,” I said sternly.

“Because I can be, now give it back” he lunged for it and I moved my arm away. “Seriously,” he said going for it again but missing.

“Why are you treating me this way? Is it because I won’t fuck you?”

He shook his head squinting his eyes like I was stupid. “What? No!” He said. “Trust me that’s not why”

“Then why?” I asked. “Why are you being such an asshole. Is it because you're not getting your way?”I stepped closer to him. “Or Is it because I flirted with Jaehyun?” I took a few more steps closer. “Or is it because I fucked him?” I asked taking my final step forward his headset dangling from my fingers.

“I thought you didn’t fuck him,” he said lowly putting his head down.

“There are others you can do then fuck” I said causing Haechan to pick his head back up. He widened his eyes, “So you lied just now?”

I shrugged, “It’s not my fault you feelings for me. Why don’t you handle it?” I said slapping the green headset onto his chest and walking out the door only to be greeted by an upset Jaehyun.

“Can we talk?” He breathed out. I looked into his eyes and turned back to Haechan who remained standing shocked in his place holding his headset.

“Let’s go” I took Jaehyun’s arm and began walking down the hall. As I walked down the hall Haechan followed behind grabbing my wrist. I thrust him off me making my way into the living room. He didn’t follow me again after that. Instead, Josh came up to me trying to stop me from walking out.

“Please don’t do anything stupid” he begged. I brushed him off avoiding his eyes. “I’ll be fine,” I said putting on my shoes and walking outside with Jaehyun. “This will only be a moment,” I said to Renjun who just sadly nodded watching as I walked outside, he closed the door behind me.

“What do you want to talk about?” I asked Jaehyun who stood in front of me. We had walked downstairs from Renjun’s apartment and stood in the darkness under the moon. The cool autumn air breezed past us, the little hairs at the front of my head dancing around in the wind. I felt my cheeks become cold as well as the tip of my nose. Jaehyun’s face was paler, the cold air chipping at his skin. He rubbed his hands together watching as I did the same.

“I wanted to apologize for my behavior. I should have never lied about what we did or didn’t do. It was wrong and immature of me and I’m sorry” he said looking into my eyes. His eyes followed mine waiting for me to say something. When I didn’t he sighed looking down at the ground small snowflakes starting to fall from the sky finding their way to the ground.

“Why did you lie?” I asked kicking some of the snow that fell. I let out a breath the cold air escaping my lips. Jaehyun reached out zipping my jacket up.

“I lied because I was jealous”

“Of Yuta?” I asked. He shook his head his lips forming a tight line.

“No, I know Yuta has no chance with you” Now my eyes scanned his face watching his every move. His eyes diverted from mine and looked up at the sky. He squinted as he looked at the moon.

“Then who?” I asked waiting for his answer.

“Haechan” he confessed. “I see the way he looks at you. The way he makes you laugh when you work together in the café. I know you both fight a lot and he has no chance with you but sometimes I feel like you’ll change your mind about him. That you’ll realize he’s better for you and you’ll leave me” he confessed finally looking into my eyes.

“So since you are jealous you lied? Do you know what people have been saying about me? I mean this is college I thought people didn’t give a shit about stuff like this, but turns out they do” I said shaking my head. I was getting sidetracked a bad habit of mine when I told a story or tried to express my feelings. Jaehyun remained silent just nodding and showing acknowledgment of my feelings. “I’m sorry” he muttered. “I didn’t know this would affect you like this. If you never want to see me again I will respect your decision and leave, but if you want to give me another chance then I will tell you now I will never stoop that low again” he said taking my hands in his. His hands were cold as they touched mine but soon they warmed up, keeping his hands locked with mine for so long.

I sighed thinking for a moment. Maybe he’s telling the truth. The little voice in my head told me no, that he was lying and would hurt me again. But another voice also told me it couldn’t be any worse from how Haechan made me feel. I decided to give Jaehyun one last chance, taking his hand and guiding him back upstairs to Renjun’s party.

Making our way upstairs everyone watched as we entered hand in hand. Jaemin sighed shaking his head. Jeno tapped his leg shaking his head letting him know that now wasn’t the time. Josh shook his head sitting next to Sophie and Chenle. Renjun walked out of the kitchen clasping his hands together and getting everyone’s attention.

“Diners ready,” he said.

Everyone sat at the long table. Renjun sat at the head of the table Jeno on the left side and Jaemin on the other. Jisung sat next to Jeno and I sat next to Jisung. Haechan sat next to Jaemin, sitting in the middle between him and Josh. Jaehyun sat next to me and Chenle sat next to Jaehyun. Sophie sat next to Josh. Dinner at first was awkward due to Jaehyun’s presence. So Jaehyun decided to stand up from his seat picking up his glass of wine. We all watched as he stood up, shaking my head. I touched his arm telling him with my eyes to sit down. He brushed It off picking up a knife and tapping it against his glass.

“There’s something I want to say before we eat” Everyone placed their utensils down all turning their focus to Jaehyun.

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry if my being here tonight has made you uncomfortable, I would never want to make any of you feel that way. However, I couldn’t stop myself from coming to apologize to Y/n in person as a man”

Josh rolled his eyes.

“I’m hoping as Y/n has forgiven me, you will all forgive me too”

Josh turned to me raising a brow. I sent him a half smile mouthing I would tell him later. He mouthed back “You better” turning back to Jaehyun who was the only one smiling, besides Jisung who didn’t know what was going on. The boy had been away for a couple of weeks spending time with his family. This was his first day back with all of us and was probably more shocked to see Jaehyun sitting with us than anything. Jisung was convinced like everyone else the man was perfect. He has been missing a lot of details that paired not so well with Jaehyun’s story. But he’s a smart kid, he can figure it out on his own.

Haechan scoffed taking a swing of his wine.

“Hey I wasn’t done-“

“You forgive too easily Y/n,” he started swirling the wine around in his cup, pursing his lips he took another sip repeating the same hand motion after. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked unprepared for her outburst. He placed the cup back down crossing his arms over his chest, he shook his head. “Jaehyun is full of himself. He’s lying to you, can’t you see it? Are you that far up his ass to see how much of a shitty guy he is” he said foiled pointing at Jaehyun with his hands.

“Watch it,” he said.

“Or what? Are you gonna beat me up? We all know you can but that’s all you have on me. Is that you can beat me up until I’m blue in the face and then what? You get to fuck Y/n and cross her off your list” Everyone gasped at Haechan’s words. He’d never taken it this far before.

“That’s enough,” Renjun said but Haechan ignored him.

“Huh? I see what you do with other girls” he said.

“What are you talking about Haechan, stop” he shook his head.

“No Y/n I think you should I know what he does. After all, you want me to be your friend right? Friends don’t lie to each other” he said his face turning red. “Jaehyun here has been busy lately. I won’t beat around the busy and I’ll just get straight to it okay? Jaehyun here likes to fuck that pretty blonde in our economics class after Thursday in the auditorium. He also likes to fuck the cute brunette in the library every time he drops you off at work and sometimes when he drops you back to the dorms he swings on back and fucks her again!”

I turned to Jaehyun feeling my eyes start to burn.

“Is that true?”

“Y/n I-“

“Oh don’t act all innocent,” he said arrogantly. I looked back at him. Everyone stared at me watching just how far Haechan was willing to go.

“You lied to me too. You were upset with Jaehyun. Upset with his performance as a lover-“

“How’d you even know-“

“You and Josh aren’t exactly quiet,” he said. Both of us were standing up at this point. My chest heaved up and down. I wanted to reach across this table and kill him. Rip his mouth off who created such a scene during Renjun’s party. I felt bad for Renjun having to deal with all of this when all he wanted was a nice evening with his friends. One was we’d all wake up the next day and remember it. But instead, he’s dealing with a drunk and angry Haechan and an obnoxious and narcissistic Jaehyun.

“You used to be Y/n. You used me for a brief moment just to make yourself feel good, so you see” he turned to Jaehyun. “She’s not that innocent” A hot tear slipped down my cheek hug I quickly wiped it away. I hated myself for crying but for causing help, when I get angry I cry and when I get angry I do and say stupid things. It took everything in me not to pick up my wine glass and throw it in Haechan’s face for Renjun’s sake.

“Stop,” I said causing Haechan to pause his outburst. “Is it not enough to hate me? Is it not enough to call me stupid names or push me in the halls? You insult me enough daily since we were kids. Since you wrote that stupid comment on my portrait all you’ve done is make fun of me and I took it because…because even though you hurt my feelings it was still an excuse to talk to you. But I guess I’m not only stupid as we stated here for being with Jaehyun but for also trusting you” I said moving away from Jaehyun and out the front door. Josh stood up from his seat, “I’m sorry we have to go. Thank you for the food, it was delicious” he said to Renjun before following me out the front door.

“Way to go, bro,” Jeno said as Haechan remained standing in front of his seat his eyes watching the front door, but his legs never moved to follow you instead he watched as Jaehyun did what he couldn’t.

You could hear the footsteps behind you, you knew they were Jaehyun’s but didn’t stop to turn around. You were done with him and you were done with Haechan. You just wanted to disappear from all of this and go home. Jaehyun ran up to you once he realized you weren’t going to stop. He reached out grabbed your arm and pulled you close to him. He pulled you in for a hug and you held back all your tears. You wouldn’t cry in front of him, ever. It would surely get to his pretty head.

“Get off me,” you said becoming angry. Jaehyun held onto you trying to calm you down. Josh hadn’t realized you weren’t beside him anymore and kept walking to his car.

“Jaehyun gets off,” you said trying to push him away.

“Please Y/n he’s lying, I never did any of that” Jaehyun lied right through his teeth. Honestly, he didn’t care if you took him back tonight, all he needed to make sure of was that tomorrow when you woke up, you’d forget about all of this and listen to him again. He didn’t care for you in the way a man should. He didn’t care if you were sad or angry at him. He just needed to make sure he had you wrapped around his finger. After all, he worked so hard to get into pants, he can’t let all that hard work go to nothing.

So he played the perfect boyfriend card, right? He too out on fancy dates and to all your favorite places. He listened to all your stories that he could care less about, but remembering all those pointless details of your life became worth it when you sucked him off in his car one night after you took him home from work. He knew he was a step closer to fucking you, so one day after work when it was just you in the café he went down on you to show you he was ready for more. He did slightly bruise his ego to hear you had faked your feelings during inmate moments together and had run to Haechan the first chance you had.

Haechan hated Haechan but not for the reasons he gave. He hated him for this exact reason, for making you doubt him. For making you see past that beautiful bliss you lived in when you drove in his car or helped him study for a test he would pass without even trying. Or when he took you to play basketball with him late at night and when he kissed you under the hoop for the first time in November.

He needed you to believe he liked you just so that he could move on to the next girl, just like he did to Johnny’s girlfriend. Once he was done with you, he agreed to pass you on to Yuta. But with Haechan standing in the way, that was starting to become difficult.

“Get off me,” you said again pushing harder creating some distance between you too. Jaehyun tried to hold onto you, not letting you. He didn’t care that you fucked Haechan as long as if you fucked him, everything would be okay in his book.

“Y/n please” he begged. You successfully pushed him off Josh ran up to your side. You didn’t even think when your hand reached back smacking him in the face for the second time today. Your chest heaved up and down adrenaline pumping through your veins, the cold air escaping your lips. Jaehyun stood there stunned going out to reach again but Josh stood in front of you staring daggers into the boy.

“Leave,” is all he said before Jaehyun gave up but not before smirking and staring straight into your eyes.

“Slut,” he said hauntingly. All you saw was red. Of course, he would use the slut shamming card just to tip you off the edge. You pushed past Jaehyun smacking him again and then again before Josh pulled you off taking you to his car and driving you back to the dorm.

“I think I just want to be alone,” I said to Josh who just nodded. “I’ll come to get you tomorrow okay? I’ll take you to work” I sighed nodding my head and closing my door standing alone in my dorm room. After showering, taking off my makeup, and changing my clothes as well as my contacts I laid in bed curling up into a ball and finally letting my tears fall.

How could I be so stupid? I let two men play me like fools and I knew something bad would happen and I did it anyway. This must be what it’s like to be young and dumb. Making bad choices at parties, with friends, and hook-ups. Not knowing who you want to be and who you should be. I want to be confident enough to say fuck all of this and leave both boys in the dirt. Let them see how good I’m doing without them and live my best life single or with someone who loves and cares for me. Someone who will treat me like a human being with feelings and emotions. Someone who wants to use my actions against me and make me feel wrong or dirty for doing the things I’ve done.

Why am I the one crying? Why didn’t Jaehyun upset or Haechan? Who I should be is honest and I should start being honest with myself. Jaehyun isn’t crying to himself in his car or laying awake at night thinking of me because he simply doesn’t care about me. Haechan was right I was just another name to be crossed out on a list. Everyone was right for warning me about him and how he was terrible news wrapped in a pretty box. I shook my head wiping away another tear that fell down my cheek. Haechan wasn’t crying because he was too stupid and selfish to cry. I bet he thinks he’s done nothing wrong and somehow this is still all my fault. I shook my head sitting up on my bed.

“I can’t sit here and cry” I looked over to my art desk my sketchbook laying flat and opened on the table. I walked over to it pulling the chair back and sitting down. I reached over turning in the desk light. Picking up my headphones from my bag I placed them in my ear picking up my number two pencil.

“I know what I’m going to draw,” I said to myself pressing shuffle all on my playlist and getting to work. I didn’t notice when Sophie walked into the dorm room. I kept my eyes focused on my sketch which was now turning into a painting. Sophie rubbed her eyes checking her watch. She tried to adjust her eyes to light by my desk looking over my shoulders to see my work. Her eyes widened impressed with the piece that wasn’t even close to being done yet.

She debated whether or not to tell me to get some rest. But as a fellow artist, she knew once I was in the zone if I was stopped I would lose it. She trusted that I wouldn’t abuse the sudden burst of creativity and left me to my work. She turned away pouring me a glass of water and leaving it on my desk instead picking up my glasses too noting to herself that I was squinting. Without a thought, I put them on to continue my work. The art gallery was only in a couple of days and if I wanted to make it, I had to finish it in time. I only had a day left to turn it in so there was no stopping me now.

Once morning reached I continued to add details to my piece. Sophie's alarm went off but I couldn’t hear it. The headphones were still in my ear, no longer playing any music but my eyes followed every stroke of my brush and every splat I created when I mixed colors to get pink for the flowers that hid in the bushes of my painting. I mixed dark blues to create a night sky and used white and yellow to create a sky full of stars. A fictional world not affected by climate change. Sophie rubbed her eyes adjusting to the sunlight now that peeled through the windows.

Walking over to me she gasped seeing I was still awake, looking half dead. The bags under my eyes dropped low to the ground as I continued to paint the same spot over and over. I was starting to burn out. She took the paintbrush from my hand. I turned slowly to look at her watching as she cleaned it placing it back in the tin cup where all the others were.

“I left you alone last night but you need to rest. You're just painting the same corner black” she said pointing to the black splat in the corner. I sighed putting my hands over my eyes and rubbing them. I yawned loudly tears forming in my eyes from the sunlight I accidentally glanced at. I took off my glasses fixing the bun I wore.

“Can’t stop now, I have to finish it this so I can hand it in later” I said yawning falling asleep on my chin. Sophie shook her head smiling. She let out a sigh as she picked me up from under my arms dragging me to my bed. “Luckily you are still in your pajamas,” she said throwing my feet on the bed. “When do you have to submit the project?” She asked.

“At four but it’s not done! I have to finish it!” I said trying to stand up. She shook her head, “It's only six in the morning. I’ll come back at two so you can finish your painting. It looks almost done anyway so there can’t be much left to do. Maybe some highlights and that’s it” She said looking back at the painting. When she turned back around I was knocked out in my pillow. She just shook her head chuckling walking to the front door and locking it behind her.

Once she left I jumped back up rushing to my painting. Grabbing what I needed to begin to finish the painting so that it would be perfect.

“Okay all done,” I said to myself staring at the painting. I tilted my head to the side staring at the picture. It was still missing something. But what? I added the flowers, the highlights, and my signature. What else could be missing? I walked closer to painting tapping my chin. This was starting to hurt my brain trying to figure out why was wrong. I leaned over tapping my phone to check the time.

11:39 am

Maybe I should rest for a moment and come back to it in an hour. I could use the rest if I wanted to look presentable when I handed in my project. I walked over to my bed pulled back the covers and lay in my bed. It was just for an hour I thought. My eyes started to close. Who knows maybe it will come to me in a dream.

The door burst wide open causing me to jump out of my seat. Josh and Sophie both walked in holding a cup of coffee. “Y/n Im so sorry” Sophie began. Josh handed me the coffee and I drank it quickly. “What happened?” I asked. They both looked at each other eyes full of pity. Sophie sighed touching my hands. “The deadline ends in five minutes. I’m so sorry I came late, I had to take my final today” she said apologetically. I widened my eyes leaping out of bed. Looking for my contacts I cursed seeing I ran out. I quickly threw on my glasses placing my now-dried painting into a sleeve. I ran to the door my phone in my back pocket. I slipped on my Ugg boots and quickly grabbed my sweater.

“Where are you going?” Josh asked anxious.

“I can still make it,” I said putting a hat on and opening the door. “Wait!” He said, “I’ll take you, my car is faster” I nodded all three of us running down the hallway passing by Jaemin.

“Where are you guys rushing to “

“Move!” I said pushing past him. He fell against the wall watching all three of us pass. “Y/n is going to be late for her art submission. We have to go” Sophie quickly explained to a still confused Jaemin.

We quickly ran down the stairs practically throwing ourselves into Josh’s car. Once he sat inside we had no time to put on our seatbelts with Josh flooring it in a rush to get to the campus which was a couple of minutes away. I watched as another minute passed by slapping the inside of the car.

“We’re not gonna make it,” I said my legs shaking. Sophie held onto my painting in the back being that it didn’t fit on the front. Josh gritted his teeth trying to go as fast as we could. A small sigh escaped my lips as the school came inside but the moment was ruined by another minute passing. “I only have two minutes left,” I said already feeling defeated.

“She’s not gonna make it,” Sophie said feeling upset at herself. Josh shook his head, “Yes she is” he hit the gas causing us to fly back holding on for dear life. When he reached the campus he hit the gas so hard we both flung forward, Sophie as well. Luckily during that panic, I put on my seatbelt and so did Sophie.

I jumped out of the car opening the back door to grab my painting. “Go go!” Sophie said cheering for me, hoping I made it. “Yes Go! Good luck!” Josh shouted as I ran into the school. I quickly showed the security guard my school ID and he let me in. Running down the hallway people stared at me oddly and some just ignored me, perk of being in college is it’s not the first time a student has to run to class.

As I ran down the hallway I barely paid attention to my surroundings. I also didn’t realize how fast I was going until I bumped into some and I went fly back hitting my head against the floor, my paint sliding across the room. I quickly got back up running over to my painting before a random guy stepped on it.

“Do you not have eyes?” I spat at him. He waved his hands scared quickly walking away muttering a sorry. I picked up my painting and dusted myself off looking for the person that hit me. Finally seeing who it was I shook my head not even surprised. He wasn’t going to ruin another art project for me.

I didn’t even bother speaking to him, I just kept walking to where I needed to be.

“Y/n!” He called out to me but I kept walking quickly past all the people.

“Y/n!” He called again. I stopped in my tracks turning at him. “Look I don’t have time for this right now. I have to turn this in “

“One minute! Fuck I’m not gonna make it” I said my hand touching my forehead. Haechan shook his head trying to relax me. “It's okay. Where do you need to go?” He asked in an attempt to show that he cared. “The art I’m downstairs in the basement but I’m not gonna make it. It’s all over” I wanted to cry, I didn’t even care there were people around me who would see me. They had all already seen me in my pajamas with my hair all messed up and no makeup. They all saw me fall on the floor and almost get my work stepped on. This would just be icing on the fucking cake.

Haechan took my hand pulling me forward, taking the arm that held my painting.

“What are you doing?” I asked. He pulled me forward successfully moving me a couple of steps.

“I’m helping you get your project turned in”

“Why?”

“Because I care about you,” he said sincerely pulling me forward. I was stunned by his words but had little time to react. We both ran hand in hand to the art studio. Only a couple of seconds before time ran out and I could see the art studio. A couple more rooms down and I would be there.

“Y/n” another name called. He ran up behind me taking my empty arm. I yanked it away from him turning my head if my shoulder. “Go away, I don’t have time for you,” I said annoyed, why so many obstacles, why?

“Come on. Are you still mad-“

“She said to go away right? Go” Haechan said standing up for me. I smiled at him fondly and then remembered the time. “Haechan the painting” he let go of my hand. “Go without me, I’ll meet you there” Without a second thought I ran ahead going straight to the art room.

Jaehyun tried to follow but Haechan stood in front of him. “Not this time,” he said blocking his view. “Why don’t you leave her alone already? She already said you want please well so why keep trying? I mean you think she gonna let you fuck her after that?” He said smirking. Jaehyun puffed out flames from his ears punching Haechan directly in the face. His head fell back, and he almost fell on the floor but he got back up looking Jaehyun directly in the eyes.

“Is that all you got?” He asked. Jaehyun hit him again this time in the stomach. Haechan lunged forward holding his stomach tightly groaning in pain. “That’s all?” He mocked again.

Jaehyun continued to hit and abuse before Haechan picked up his book bag from off the floor and smacked him over the head with the heavy bag causing Jaehyun to stumble back his friends widening their eyes. Jaehyun never lost a fight and he surely wasn’t gonna lose to Haechan. So he kept fighting him until he didn’t want to fight anymore.

“I’m here, I’m here,” I said to Professor Lee who was still seated at his desk. “Oh Hello Y/n how can I help you…?” His words died on his tongue as I opened the sleeve of my painting walked over to an easel and removed the blank canvas that lay on top of it. “What are you doing?” He asked. I remained silent placing my painting on top of it. He widened his eyes staking his glasses off. I stood beside him as he stared at the painting in awe. “Y/n this is..”

“Not done,” I said. He raised a brow. “What?” He asked looking over at me. I shrugged walking over to the painting. “It’s not done. It missing something” I said letting out a frustrated sigh. “I wanted to hand this in for the gallery but-“

“But what? This is good”

“But it’s not done”

He sighed, “I’ll give you fifteen extra minutes to finish but nothing more okay? You have to submit it soon and it has to be completed,” he said putting his glasses back on. I nodded walking over to my painting, “May I borrow paint?” He nodded, “Of course”

I picked up all the supplies I needed. I picked up paints, paintbrushes, water, napkins, a pen, and even an apron. I put the apron on sitting down in front of the painting, ready to paint but with nothing in mind.

My professor reminded me every time five minutes past that my time was running low. Soon I would just have to hand in the painting like this or not at all. I sighed twirling the paintbrush in my hand. Rustling at the front door causing my head to spin in that direction. I widened my eyes seeing Haechan with a black eye and blood on his lip. Both I and Professor Lee rushed over to him. I examined his face kneeling exactly what happened to him, I just couldn’t believe it.

“Haechan what happened?” I asked being careful not to touch his face, my fingers ghosted over his wounds. “Who did this to you?” Professor Lee asked. Haechan’s eyes remained on mine chuckling, “Did you submit your painting?” I shook my head my eyes not leaving his. “Not yet it can’t think of how to finish it”

He shrugged, “I’m sure you go it”

Professor Lee shook his head still concerned for the young man. “Sir who did this to you?” He asked again, Haechan turned to him, “Eh just some stupid guy on the basketball team”

“It was Jaehyun wasn’t it,” I said. Haechan looked back at me smiling, “How’d you know?”

“Jaehyun did this? I have to report this” he said walking away to his telephone.

Haechan didn’t even bother to stop him, he didn’t care. Nothing much would happen to Jaehyun anyway. Everyone loved him, it would be hard to destroy him no matter how many hits to get to his face.

“I hate that you did this,” I said a tear forming in my eye. Haechan didn’t even flinch at my reaction just watching me through his big eyes smiling. “Just think of it as a way of saying I’m sorry” he joked. I punched his shoulder and he groaned. “Oh I’m sorry,” I said quickly holding him up, he just nodded giving me a thumbs up. “I’ll deserve that,” I shook my head sitting him down by my painting.

“Oh! I forgot something,” he said reaching into his book bag and letting out a groan because he couldn’t move too far down. “Can you help me?” He asked. I nodded walking over to him, “Of course”

“Great. Can you go into my bag for me and grab that book” I picked up his book bag lifted the red book and showed it to him for confirmation. He nodded giving me another thumbs up.

“Open it,” he said. I opened the book and instantly recognized the pages. It was my old sketchbook. The one I had in high school that went missing. I continue to flip through the pages, noticing a piece that wasn’t there before. It was half of a piece of white paper little doodles drawn on it and colored in.

“I did my part,” he said. He pointed to my painting on the easel. “Now go do yours” I let out a quiet sob as I flipped to the next page seeing the old photo I drew of him. “I saw the back. I never called you a stalker. That’s not even my handwriting” he said now understanding why I always referred to him as a stalker.

“But it has your initial,” I said picking the old Post-it back up. “You remember that girl I dated? Jessica?” He asked. I nodded still holding the small piece of paper. “Yea? You guys broke up at the beginning of tenth grade” he chuckled, “She wrote the dumb note” he said long away at Professor Lee who will still on the phone. He looked back at me pointing to the book.

“Mine is the yellow one”

Your brother must be handsome since he kinda looks like me. No, seriously you have to show me how to draw like this sometime.

-H.L

I didn’t even notice that post-it the first time I read them. The only one I remembered was the only one I read which was Jessica. She probably saw him write his note to me and wrote her’s so that I would back off, which worked in her favor until now.

“I hate you,” I said wanting to kick him. He widened his eyes placing a hand on his chest. “What? I just did something sweet for you and you hate me?” He teased causing me to laugh. I didn’t hate him, I never did. I smiled watching Haechan chuckle about how cliché this all was.

Our laughter died down Haechan adjusted himself in his seat to properly face me. “Look in not good at this but I just want to say I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for always acting like an asshole to you every day since we were kids. I let my feelings get in the way of what's right and what’s wrong. I should have never ruined your relationship or shamed you, ever. I'm truly sorry for what I’ve done” he said sincerely.

“Did Renjun help you with that or Jeno?” I try causing Haechan to whine. “I'm trying to be serious and you're just taking it as a joke! Maybe I won’t say sorry again if you laugh” I giggled watching him get all whiney was amusing. When I saw he still looked upset I stopped laughing. “Thank you,” Haechan said causing me to chuckle again, he huffed turning away. I took his hand, “No I’m sorry. I forgive you” I said leaning over and kissing his cheek. I could see the suddenness on his face and the hint of pink that complimented it.

However, suddenly my eyes widened, and my brain clicked. I clapped my hands together. “I got it!”

Haechan raised a brow, “Got what?”

“My painting I figured it out” I ran to the art room grabbing some glue. “I have no time to paint so this will work” I picked up Haechan’s yellow post and threw away the other one. Placing some glue on the back I glued down his post to my painting standing back and admiring my work. How it was finally completed and ready to submit.

Professor Lee walked back into the art room. “Okay I reported it, he shouldn’t bother you anymore,” he said to Haechan. Haechan nodded thanking my professor even though he didn’t care if Jaehyun came back being at peace with you made him feel like he won.

“Professor, I am ready to submit my work” he smiled at me, “Excellent. The gallery is tomorrow at six, you may invite as many people as you like,” he said picking up my painting, putting it into a new sleeve and storing it away to present tomorrow. I smiled brightly proud of myself for finishing my work. Haechan stood up next to me putting a hand on my shoulder. “I’m proud of you,” he said quietly.

I turned around pulling him into a kiss. Catching him off guard he was hesitant at first but soon quickly melted into the kiss pulling me closer by my waist.

“Do you want to come to my dorm so I can clean you up?” I whispered against his lips. He nodded licking his eyes. “More than anything,” he said leaning in and kissing me again. “Professor,” I called still keeping my eyes on Haechan. He walked over. “Yes,”

“Do you still need me here?” I asked. He shook his head, “No today's class was just opened to submission you are free to go” he said smiling at both me and Haechan. “Thank you,” I said picking up the supplies I used, Haechan attempted to help me clean but his arm was still weak so he struggled to lift some of the paint buckets. I took the bucket from his hand letting him carry back the brushes instead. When I brought the paint into the supply room I took off my apron. In that room there is a stand-up mirror, I think just to check yourself after you’ve used supplies to make sure you didn’t get dirty.

As I put the apron back on the rack and looked into the mirror. I widened my eyes stepping closer and examining my outfit. I know showing up to school in pajamas is nothing new, I see it all the time and I’ve done it before. But that was with dark-colored pants and a big T-shirt, however, was different. I wore Hello Kitty baby pink pants with a matching T-shirt. The hair that was once in a bun was sighting lopsided on the right side of my head. My little hair stood like crazy and my eyes were puffy from sleeping so hard on my pillow. My eyebrow hairs were even miss placed on my forehead and my lips look dry and cracked. My glasses also sat on my face, I hadn’t worn my glasses since I graduated high school.

And to top it all off the shoes I wore were my bread slides. I wanted to crawl into a hole and die of embarrassment. Not only did people see me fall but they say my entire outfit. I sighed debating whether or not to go back out and let Haechan see me looking so, awake or lack off. Putting the paint bucket down I bit the bullet and opened the door, after I fixed my bun and straighten out my eyebrows. Haechan stood up from his seat holding both mine and his bag.

“You don’t have to do that,” I said taking the bag from his hands. He pulled his hand away swinging my back over his shoulder, “Yes I do” he said moving away when I tried to grab my bag again. I shook my head chuckling deciding I wasn’t going to win this battle and followed him outside the classroom.

“Nice outfit by the way,” he teased as we walked down the hallway. I scoffed playfully rolling my eyes at him. “It isn’t embarrassing?” I asked. Haechan chuckled nodding his head. “It is embarrassing. That’s why I took a picture” My mouth fell open. I slapped him on the arm that was not injured and he moved to the side laughing. “It’s just payback for what you did to me” he referred back to the sleeping photo incident.

“Yea but I thought I paid you back” I teased causing him to suck in a breath. He nodded his head now speaking much quieter. “You did, but still I like this photo” he opened up his phone and showed me the picture. It was a picture of me in my glory gluing the Post-it note to my painting. I placed my hand over my heart pretending to be deeply and emotionally touched by his photo of me. “Yes, it is truly nice. Let me show you mine” I said opening my phone and trying to hold back my laughter when I pulled off the photo of Haechan asleep on his bed.

His face had changed from sweet to a face one could only describe as “Really?” I laughed at his reaction causing him to poke the inside of his mouth with his tongue and shake his head. “Funny,” he said starting to walk away. I whined following behind him. “Don’t be mad I'm just kidding” Haechan chuckled slowly down to walk next to me putting his arm over my shoulder as we walked down the hallways.

When we made it back to my dorm I sat him down on my bed. He took his shoes off and handed them to me so I could place them next to mine. The wound on his eye was turning purple and the cut on his lip was still there, he probably kept picking at the skin causing it to continue to bleed. I walked over to mine and Sophie's small closet where we kept our clothes and a first aid kit. I brought it over to Haechan who waited patiently. His fingers tapped on his knee as I opened the small box.

“Okay I’m not a nurse but I’ve had to deal with cuts before. My sister fell off her bike a lot when we were young so I had to play doctor many times” I said only really telling the story to calm myself. I didn’t want to hurt Haechan by pressing too hard or not cleaning up his blood right. I started by giving him some ice for that terrible eye wound. “How hard did he hit you?” I asked handing him the ice. He took it from my hands humming when the coolness from the ice slightly numbed his pain. He shrugged, “Pretty hard to cause this”

I sighed opening up the rubbing alcohol to clean some other cuts he had. “I’m curious,” I began cleaning the cuts on his arm and hand. “Why did you stay? Why did you fight him?” I asked. These questions had been running in my head since we got to the art room this afternoon. He sighed wincing, when the alcohol touched his skin. “I didn’t want him to get to you. You needed to hand in your project and he was just going to ruin it and also…”

“Also what?” I asked now applying some ointment.

“I care about you,” he said so low I could barely hear. “I’m sorry what?” I asked finishing up applying the cream. “I care about you and I didn’t want to see you get hurt again. Even though the second time was my fault, I never want to make you feel that way again” he touched my fingers with his. “I want you to know you can trust me. Look I know Jaehyun is gonna come back but I’m telling you right now, Don’t take him back. I mean I know it’s your choice and everything but don’t do it, he’s just going to hurt you. You deserve to be with someone who cares about you”

“Like you?” I smiled.

He nodded, “I wanted to be a gentleman and let you figure out I was talking about myself” I chuckled leaning down and capturing his lips. The sudden kiss caused Haechan to freeze for a moment. I pulled back from him. Why would I kiss him like that? I guess this was not the moment to just kiss him. I should have warned him or something.

Seeing the reaction on my face he leaned forward the bed creaking. His hands found my waist pulling me closer to him. “Don’t pull away” he said bringing his hand up to my neck and kissing me. The kiss was long and overdue. He stood up hovering over me and pulling me closer to him. My hands traveled up his golden arms to his face. His plumped pillowing lips tasted so sweet. I could kiss him forever.

I let go before it could get to heated just to put his bandages on. Once I attached everyone to his skin I leaned in and kissed him again. This time he sat back down, pulling me onto his lap deepening the kiss we shared. My hips started to voluntarily grind on their own. I could feel him get hard through his sweatpants. Moving back and forth I humped him above our clothes. He pulled away for a moment looking me in my eyes. I bit his bottom lip pulling him back to me. He grabbed my hips pressing me harder gassing his clothed cock. He looked up into my eyes a travel of saliva leaving our lips. I started to quickly undo his sweatpants strings.

Then he stopped.

“Wait,” he said his grip on my hips becoming loose. “Yea?” I said my voice low as a whisper. He lifted me placing me back on the floor. He frowned to himself standing up and dusting himself off. “Maybe we shouldn’t be doing this,” he said an apologetic look on his face. I swallowed back my words a lump in my throat. “Oh okay” is all I managed to say. He scratches the back of his head, covering himself with his hands.

“I’m gonna go. I’ll see you later” he said unsure of how to say goodbye to me. He picked up his hand to give me a high five and then left my dorm room.

I stood confused in the middle of my door room still holding onto the roll of bandages I had to put away. What just happened? My eyes remained on the door he had just walked out of. Did I come on too strong? Was he having second thoughts? I sighed sipping away a tear and putting the bandages back in the bag.

As I put them away my door flung open revealing Josh and Sophie holding a small white box and three cups of coffee.

“Hey! We heard you made it,” Sophie said oblivious to my current mood. “Yea we bought some cupcakes to celebrate from that bakery downtown you like and we got you a coffee,” Josh said placing down the cupcakes and handing me the coffee. I took the cup from his hands sending him a small smile and nod in acknowledgment. “Thanks,” I said sipping the coffee.

“What’s the matter?” Josh asked as I sat on my bed. He sat beside me Sophie coming closer to sit on her bed across from mine. I shook my head looking down at the drink in my hand. I played with the rim of the cup trying to calm myself.

“It’s nothing,”

“It’s something, why don’t you tell us, babe?” Sophie asked holding her coffee in her hands waiting for my response. Josh sat closer to me putting an arm around me and rubbing my shoulder. “What’s on your mind?” He asked.

I sighed taking a sip of my coffee. “Haechan was just here”

Josh and Sophie both widened their eyes looking at each other. “Well isn’t that a good thing? I thought you liked him?” Josh asked. Sophie waved her hand at him confused. She hadn’t been updated on the situation. Up until now, all she knew is that we didn’t get along, maybe I should have kept her updated.

I shook my head, “I don’t know. Early when I was late to give him I painting I bumped into him. He helped me get to the art room on time. Jaehyun tried to stop me but Haechan took care of it.” I said still playing with the rim of my cup.

“How did he take care of it?” Sophie asked sipping her coffee, eyes watching me. “They got into a fight,” I said nonchalantly.

“What?!” They both said in unison.

“Haechan fought Jaehyun?” Josh asked widened his eyes. I nodded. “And he’s still alive?” Sophie asked shocked. “Yea I mean he’s bruised up pretty bad. That’s why I took him here, I cleaned him up” I said.

“So that’s why he had that black eye!” Sophie said connecting the dots. I lifted my head looking directly at her confused. “You saw him?” She nodded.

“Yea, he was speed-walking down the hallway. I thought it was because he was gonna piss his pants. He didn’t even say hi to us he just kept walking” she said looking to the side and thinking of the story she told. She sucked in her teeth shaking her head, “So rude” she commented.

“But that doesn’t explain why your upset” Josh commented looking away from Sophie and at me. I sighed placing my coffee on my nightstand and playing with the hem of my Hello Kitty t-shirt.

“He told me he cared about me. We made out for a little on my bed and when things got heated-“

“He dipped,” Sophie said still unable to read the room.

“This is why we don’t invite you to parties,” Josh said to Sophie who closed her mouth, sending me a small smile. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop talking now” she said going to my desk to get a cupcake. When she came back she brought the box leaning it towards us asking if we wanted one. I took one from the top and Josh declined. Sophie took out a strawberry cupcake placed the box back down and unwrapped the cupcake, licking off the pink frosting.

“So he just left?” Josh asked. I nodded and unwrapped my cupcake. “Pretty much. He took off”

“Maybe he’s a virgin,” Sophie said pink frosting on her lips. Josh went to comment on her poor people skills again before I butted in. “She might have a point”

Sophie licked her lips, “I do?” She asked. I nodded sitting up straight. “Maybe he got all shy because he’s a virgin. I’ve never seen him with a girlfriend, have you?” I asked the room. They both shook their heads. “Maybe he’s shy,” Josh said pursing his lips and coming up with another possibility. “Or maybe he doesn’t like you,” Sophie said. Josh slapped his hand on his knee annoyed. “Really Sophie?”

“What?”

“Read the room” She looked over at me, seeing me start to consider that, that was a possibility. She widened her eyes, “Oh. I’m sorry. Shit. I’ll stop this time, I promise” I shook my head waving my hand at her. “No your fine. We have to consider everything since we don’t know what he’s thinking”

He was thinking to himself right now, Haechan. Sitting across from Renjun and Jeno at his job. During his break, the boys thought it would be nice to visit him. When they arrived they saw the black eye on Haechan's face immediately wanting to know what happened to their friend. Haechan waved them off telling them not to worry, that it was handled and dealt with. He didn’t want to talk about it anymore. Now he sighed sitting at the table with his friends. What was he going to do? He messed up the big time he knows that. He knows you are probably upset at him right now for leaving so abruptly. He still can’t get that image out of your face when he pulled away and left. He felt bad for leaving but he didn’t know what else to do. He couldn’t kiss you because he was scared.

Scared he’ll mess everything up and you’ll hate him for real. I mean what sense does that make when he’s already made you upset? A part of him wished things could go back to how they were. You throwing a pencil at his head or calling him dumb names. A part of him wished you still couldn’t stand him. He knows you like him he’s not stupid and he knows he likes you too. He’s just scared of messing everything up.

“What’s on your mind?” Renjun asked him. He sighed leaning up from his seat and smiling like you weren’t running across his mind. “Nothing just tired” Renjun looked at Jeno who shook his head. They both knew something was up. They had been friends with Haechan for a while now, they knew their friend better than he did. “Okay, we work to push it but are you seriously not gonna tell us about that eye?” Jeno asked.

“Yea and who cleaned you up?” Renjun asked both were suspicious of him. They knew he had gotten into a fight at the school, word traveled quickly. They just didn’t know with who. People were saying it was Johnny, some said it was Yuta. Some people said Jaehyun which to them made the most sense. They wanted to kill Haechan themselves for fighting Jaehyun. Jaehyun was twice his size and way too strong for their friend to handle. They’re honestly impressed he made it out with just a black eye, maybe Jaehyun didn’t want to leave too many marks.

They knew though he didn’t go to the nurse to get help. If there’s one thing their friend does is not ask for help, especially when he needs it. They knew whoever helped him had to have good persuasiveness. “Was it Sophie?” Jeno asked, he knew it wasn’t but wanted to see his reaction. Haechan shook his head scrunching up his nose.

“Everyone knows she likes Chenle,” he said.

“Then who?” Renjun asked. Haechan sighed, they weren't going to let this go.

“Y/n” Jeno and Renjun both pretended to act surprised. Haechan sucked just teeth rolling his eyes as the guys chuckled. “We had no clue” Jeno teased. Haechan pushed his arm causing Renjun and Jeno to continue to chuckle, he’s eyes forming small crescent moons.

“Yea but I blew it,” he said causing the boy's laughter to die down. Haechan sighed his hands by his side as he slumped in his seat. “How so?” Jeno asked.

“She kissed me and I got all scared,” he said disappointed in himself. Just hearing the words out loud makes him cringe. He wished he would have stayed. “Why’d you leave?” Renjun asked curiously. “I didn’t want to mess it up. I miss it when she and I fought, it was exciting sometimes. We’d tease each other and laugh at one another and it was always entertaining she watch her get mad at me for something so little” Haechan smiled remembering the time he hid your art supplies in the boy's locker room on the third floor where the gym was. He had gone real early to school and taken all your supplies from the basement. He brought it all the way upstairs and hid it.

You were stuck for hours looking for it soon getting help from Sungchan to go in and get your belongings. So in return Renjun let you take his gaming system and you hid it in the room with all the dead animals they use in biology. Haechan almost threw up trying to find his games. He hated you that day but he couldn’t say anything since he had started it. He missed those times, even those little moments in the hallway when you’d see and roll your eyes.

“Maybe this is also exciting,” Jeno said feeling ambitious. “This is new and new could be scary but it can also be fun,” he said trying to figure out the right word to use. Renjun nodded in agreement, “Yea this may seem scary now but eventually you have to grow. This could be worth it, don’t let her get away” Haechan thought about it for a moment.

He had never thought that maybe the two of you being together or even being friends could be exciting. That having you beside him instead of against him would be a lot more fun. He would be able to call you and talk to you. He could hang out with you and listen to your stories. He could learn how to paint and sculpt with you and in return, he could teach you how to play video games. He would be able to hold you and touch you. He could make you feel good and not just sniff your panties at night when Jaemin is asleep. He’d feel less guilty if you were his, honestly.

Haechan nodded, “I think that sounds good,” he said. He widened his eyes soon becoming frustrated again. “But how do I fix it?” He asked his friends. He was in desperate need of an answer. He needed to know if he could still fix things with you.

“Go to the art gallery tomorrow” Renjun suggested. “If things get weird well just say your my guest, my drawing is hanging there anyway. Y/n is going to be there right?” Haechan nodded listening closely to Renjuns plan.

“Yea she submitted her project today” Renjun smiled proud of you for successfully handing in your work, even though it was late. “That’s good, I’m happy to hear that. She’s the best in the class, next to me of course” they all chuckled. Renjun truly was a talented artist. He could draw anything he saw or didn’t see. Sometimes he’d create worlds of his own. He won every art contest he’d ever been in until he meet Y/n. She was truly amazing in her work, so much so he wasn’t even mad when she beat him last year at the graffiti contest the school held. He respected her and admired her work as a fellow artist and friend.

“Yea she almost didn’t make it, due to that jackass Jaechyun,” Haechan said sipping his water that sat full in front of him.

“That’s why you have a black eye?” Jeno commented. “Pretty much” he responded putting his glass down. “Next time don’t fight okay? You too small” Jeno said causing Haechan to glare at him, “You not that much bigger than me,” he said flatly. Jeno and Renjun just laughed finding amusement in the poor boys suffering.

“I hate you guys,” he said. Renjun chuckled, “No you don’t”

“I don’t,” he said chuckling along with them.

“We have to be there in twenty minutes,” I said to Josh who was still doing my hair. I, he, and Sophie all sat in Josh’s room getting ready for the gallery. This year the school was able to afford a large space in the art museum in the city. It held some of the world's oldest pieces of art from all over the world. It had pieces from Europe, Asia, and Africa, even old furniture from America. It also had fashion items from centuries all leading up to the current date and for one night only my painting would be in a building full of wonders.

Important people were coming to examine our artwork tonight. Some come to buy the art, others are here to donate a piece to the museum and others just wanted to see the exhibit. The museum is about fifteen minutes away from us and I was currently sitting down just getting started on my hair, my make already finished but I probably sweated it off by now. It made me anxious. I couldn’t afford to be late to a place like this and Josh isn’t known for being on time. I mean he always makes me look good including himself but we are never early to anything.

We weren’t early to his cousin's wedding, to the art gallery last year luckily that was in a small museum downtown with just people from the school but still. It wouldn’t be appropriate if we showed up late.

“How long is this going to take?” I asked feeling a little sick to my stomach. Josh added some hair spray to hold down my hair for the night. “Just a sec I’m almost done,” he said spraying a little bit more before he backed away examining his work. “See,” he leaned so Sophie to see his finished product. “This is my art,” he complimented before backing away from the vanity mirror so that I could see. I can usually handle doing my makeup but I was too nervous today, that’s why I asked Josh and besides when Josh does it, it’s always flawless. And this look now proves that he has a talent for it. Maybe he should turn that into a career.

I gasped seeing myself for the first time. I don’t know if it was the lighting or not but I couldn’t see a pimple or blemish. He didn’t put a lot of makeup on me not wanting to change my face. Instead, he enhanced the features I already had. He put a cherry-colored tint on my lips, faintly outlining them with a wine-colored lip liner. He blended out the tint and added a clear-colored gloss. It didn’t make my lips look too wet, more sheer than anything but they popped. He didn’t go too hard on my eyebrows just shaping them and shading them in. He did a light smokey eye adding half lashes giving me a bedroom eye look. He did a little bit of good shimmer on the lid but not too much, you have to look closely to see all of it.

The rest of my base makeup blended perfectly into my skin. I could still look in the mirror and recognize myself. Josh took my hand helping me stand up. He ran over to his perfume case picking out a small pink bottle. “Neck up,” he said spraying me. He proceeded to spray me, himself evening giving some of the pleasing smell to Sophie.

"Wow, Josh I look..." I said finally seeing myself in the full-length mirror in his bedroom. The dress I wore was a simple silk black dress. Lace sewed into the bottom of the dress as well as the top. The dress is reminiscent of a sexy nightgown.

"Beautiful," He said coming up to my side. He hugged me his cheek pressing against mine. "I'm so proud of you," He said sincerely. Sophie came over turning our hug into a group. "So am I," she said smiling, holding onto me and Josh.

"Okay let's go before we're late!" he said breaking the hug. We all followed him out of the room. "Wait wait!" Shopie said holding us back. "What?" I asked, "Did I forget something?" she nodded handing me a pair of gold hoop earrings. "Oh thank you," I said letting out a sigh of relief. "Wait!" she said again stopping mid-way to the door.

"Let's take a selfie to always remember this moment," We huffed making our way back to Sophie who already held her phone up high.

*click*

"Great! Now let's go the Uber is here," Josh said putting his shoes on quickly. I grabbed a small travel-size bottle of lotion and my coat. I placed the lotion in my purse. Once we left Josh's house we all slipped into the black SUV. I put some lotion on my feet so that the heels wouldn't hurt as much. I then put lotion on my legs and arms. Sophie looked at me confused watching as I applied the lotion. "I forgot to put it on," I said sending her a weird smile. She just nodded and went back to looking out the window.

We arrived in front of the museum. It is gorgeous, truly. A fountain was placed right in the middle, and the water that shot up into the air changed color and popped with the cool night air. The museum was also decorated in theme for Christmas, many decorated Christmas trees placed around the area. "Woah.." I breathed out in disbelief. I can't believe I'm here right now. I can't believe my art was inside this building and put on display for people to see. Josh linked his arm with mine standing on my right, and Sophie took my other arm. I continued to stare at the place in awe.

"This place is gorgeous," Sophie commented her eyes following the bottom of the museum to the top. "Ready?" Josh asked me. I nodded getting ready to walk inside. As we walked inside we noticed another SUV pull up. We all turned to see Renjun come out of the car. Instantly we ran to him hearing other doors of the car slam shut. I stared at him, he looked handsome all of the boys did. All of them wearing suits, their hair styled and they smelled amazing.

"Renjun you look so handsome," I complimented hugging him, he hugged me back smiling. "You look stunning," He said touching my hand. I looked over greeting Jeno and Jaemin who looked equally as gorgeous, especially Jeno, he's lucky I like his other friend.

"Wow look at you two," I said pulling them into a group hug. They both smelled amazing. I let go of them admiring their outfits. "Wow Y/n you look beautiful," Jeno complimented. Jaemin nodded in agreement looking me up and down. He bit his lip smirking when his eyes met mine, "You look gorgeous" He said. I smiled my cheeks feeling warmer than they did before I left. "Thank you," I smiled. "Where are Chenle and Jisung?" I asked looking around.

"They'll be here soon, we didn't all fit in the car" I nodded my head. Renun tapped my shoulder. I turned to face him smiling and holding his hand. We both squealed excitement filling our bodies. Both our pieces were inside and on display. We lightly jumped for joy on the sidewalk of the city. "Are you nervous?" he asked once our jumping calmed. I shook my head, "You have no idea," He chuckled holding out his arm, "Shall we go?" I gladly accepted it. "We shall"

"Hey guys the other car is here," Jeno said. We all turned and my heart pounded. A part of me wanted Haecahan to walk out of the car and come to me. Come bring me inside and hold my hand. See my piece inspired by him and all the other beautiful pieces and enjoy this with me. When the car arrived I counted the number of people that came out.

1 Chenle.

2 Jisung

that was it the number stopped-

"Shit!" I heard from the car. Chenle and Jisung turned back to look inside. "My seatbelt is stuck" I heard a voice say from inside. "Good for you," Chenle said chuckling. "Got it," he said stepping out of the car. "Huh," Renjun said next to me. I turned to look at him, but his eyes were on the car. "He came,"

Haechan stepped out wearing a black tux. His usual styled hair was pushed back exposing his forehead. He wore a gold watch on his wrist and black dress shoes they added an inch or two to his height. he walked over holding a bouquet in his hand. He looked around wearing a pair of frames on his eyes. He stopped looking when his eyes found mine. I almost drooled at the sight of him walking. He looked so handsome, so pretty. I admired his entire physique as he came closer. Once he came to my side Renjun excuse himself walking inside with his friends, Sophie following with them arms linked with Chenle.

"Hey" Is all he said fiddling with the bouquet. He held them up to me after a couple of seconds of playing with them. "These are for you. I know they aren't much but-"

" I love them," I leaned down and smelled them closing my eyes at the scent. "They're beautiful and there my favorite,' Haechan let out a sigh of relief. "Okay good, Jaemin said they were your favorite" I chuckled, he didn't have to get me flowers. Haechan smiled as I giggled. "What?" I asked him. He shook his head placing his hands in his pocket. "Nothing you just look beautiful" I pouted my lips taking the chance to tease him.

'"Awww" he sighed rolling his eyes, his tongue poking the inside of his mouth shaking his head.

"Don't" He said. I chuckled, "I think you look handsome," I complimented. He turned away a hint of red forming on his cheeks. I smiled to myself satisfied with his reaction. He turned back to me slightly lowering his head. "Look Y/n I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry for leaving earlier, I wanted to stay believe me I was just scared" Sophie was right he is a virgin. I shook my head taking his hand in mine. "I shouldn't have pushed you. You weren't ready and I should have spoken to you. beforehand" He shook his head, "No it's not your fault. I just needed some time to think and I've thought about it. I want to be with you" He confessed holding my hand in his, his eyes staring deeply into mine.

I smiled, "I want to be with you too," I said softly. "And I'm so happy to be your first" His eyes widened pulling back. "What do you mean first?" He asked. I lowered my voice to not embarrass him. "You know your virginity" He shook his head completely lost. "What are you talking about? I'm not a virgin" I let out a breath, "Thank God! That made me feel guilty earlier" I confessed. "You thought I was a virgin?" he asked. I nodded, "Yea it's why I thought you ran away" He shook his head.

"No I left because I was scared of running our relationship but that's stupid and I'm telling you that now" I nodded finally understanding what he meant by "Be with me" he wanted to be my boyfriend not just my lover.

"Hey I hate to ruin this but Y/n it's time to come inside," Josh said standing by the entrance. I turned to him nodding, "One moment" He nodded walking back inside. "I will make this quick," I said. "I want to be with you too" Haechan smiled, "Really? I mean so do I" he held his arm out. "Shall we go in?" He asked like a true gentleman. "We shall," I said taking his arm.

"Y/N there you are!" Professor Lee, sighed in relief when I walked in. "No time to talk okay? We have to get you inside" he said taking me in.

When we walked inside my eyes instantly traveled to the high ceiling seeing the beautiful painted cherry blossoms above. As we walked further inside the flowers changed from Cherry Blossoms to Daisy's. The people around us were all dressed up in suits and dresses wearing the sparkliest jewelry. Many posing and taking photos with artwork around them. I smile seeing some friends of mine and waving hello. I walked over to a friend of mine named Travis whose best art came from the streets. He was a street artist and would usually create sculptures of pieces of old furniture or trash from the street. Once he ended up in a high-end article for walking around New York City and making a 3D figure of the Brooklyn Bridge only using metro cards. Now his newest piece was old fabric he found and made a pair of sneakers. You couldn't wear them but they looked incredible on display. He had used plastic as well as other pieces of garbage he painted blue and white to make a pair of shoes. "This looks awesome Travis, is that part of a pizza box?" I asked pointing the to cardboard. He nodded smiling, "Yup. Found it outside the campus broken it apart and used it here"

I nodded impressed, Haechan walked around the shoe soon coming back to my side. "It looks really good," he complimented. Travis smiled at him, "Thanks" he said. "Are you going to sell it?" I asked. he nodded, "I have another one at home so if something wants this one they can have it" He joked. We all chuckled. "By the way, I saw your piece and it was fire Y/n, The changes look dope. You selling yours too?" He asked. Is shrugged, "Maybe I'm not sure yet" he nodded understanding, "That's cool you do want you to want, you're in charge of your piece," he said.

"Hey, Travis!" another boy said. "Got to go, enjoy the show," he said walking away. "You too," I said smiling. Haechan leaned close to my ear his hand on the small of my back. "You changed your piece?" he asked. I nodded walking past some pieces of art on the way to mine that wasn't too far from Renjun's. "I persuaded Professor Lee to let me come back, I got some last-minute ideas" he nodded intrigued ready to see my finished product. Once we reached my painting I walked past a crowd of people that stood around it. Josh and everyone else stood close to the painting all admiring it.

"Wow," a woman said standing in front of it holding a tissue.

Haechan looked up his eyes widening at the painting.

The painting was of a dark forest, you have to look closely to see everything inside of it. In one part of the painting, you could see a girl wearing red walking in the forest, and a scary wolf hiding behind a tree. If you look closely you can see what's written on her cape.

"A name on a list"

However, the girl is leaving the forest and the wolf stops following her when she steps toward the sun. On this side, you could see a town where different people held different things. One man held a sketchbook. Another held a controller. A woman held a red solo cup and another was holding a headset. There was even a man holding a Post-it, who may have looked similar to Haechan.

Hacehan walked closer to the painting, he was the closest one to it. He read the description the side reading the title.

So Many Things to Hate About You.

But Some Many Things to Love Too.

Hacehan looked back at me and smiled coming to my side and placing a kiss on my lips. I kissed him back holding him close to me. He let go looking deeply into my eyes. "I have a lot of things I hate about you too, but I also have so many things to love" He kissed me again softly causing some people to clap and whistle. I chuckled letting him go and Haechan smiled holding onto me closely. "I'm so proud of you," He said smiling down into my eyes. "I'm proud of you too," I said truly.

Many people throughout the night wanted to buy the painting but I refused. Instead, I sold it to a woman who wanted to donate it to the museum. At least now if I wanted to see it, I could. Haecahan stood by my side the whole night even when we went to see Renjuns sculpture of a fallen Angel which he also sold to the museum to keep.

However, even though the sculpture was beautiful I couldn't keep my eyes off Haechan. Even when my phone rang and Jaehyun's name popped up I completely ignored it. I pulled on his shoulder lightly causing him to lean down his ear meeting my lips. "Yes?" he asked. I turned away pulling with me to the side where there weren't many people. I turned his body to block mine leaning closer to his ear. "I need help," I said quietly. He widened his eyes looking around my face concerned. "Why are you okay? Jaehyun here to mess with you," He turned around checking our surroundings. I shook my head pulling him back to me. "No. I need your help, it hurts" I whined. He raised a brow touching my face, "What hurts baby?" he asked. I took his hand and guided it down my chest putting his palm to lay flat on my pussy. He sucked in a breath widening his eyes at the contact. He didn't move his hand away instead circled my clit above my dress.

"You're just being needy," he teased putting me against the wall and continuing his slow circles on my clit. He bent down his lips hovering over mine, his mouth breath fanning my neck. "You need my help baby? You want me to kiss you and lick you? You need me to fuck you?" He asked still playing with my pussy. I nodded gulping swallowing the lump in my throat. "You need Haechanie to make you feel better?" He teased again just loving the power he had over me right now. I brought my hand forward palming him through his pants. He groaned at the contact removing both our hands and instead taking mine in his walking out of the museum.

"Where are you going?" Josh asked. "To my place," I said quickly. He just gasped turning back around and giving me a thumbs up. I chuckled following Haecahn out the door, past Professor Lee who was surprised to see me leave before the party started. Haechan ordered an Uber his leg shaking waiting for it to arrive. Once it came he flung open the door letting me sit inside first and followed behind me slamming the door. The whole car ride his hand rested on my knee slowly moving up to my pussy. His fingers found my lace panties massaging the skin around them and massing my pussy over my panties. I wanted to moan out loud, he wasn't even doing much but his touch was making me excited. The driver couldn't drive any slower at this point. I needed to make it to the dorms. I needed Haechan to fuck me hard. His fingers pulled my panties to the side after playing with my clit over them. He slid his long fingers through my folds collecting my wetness and flicking my clit causing me to jerk forward. "Be nice," I whined. He smirked repeating the action one last time before the car stopped outside the dorms.

Once the car stopped we jumped out running to the elevator. Haechan quickly pressed the buttons eager to make it upstairs. I giggled at his quickness trying his best to make the elevator come faster, everything moves slowly when you are in a rush.

When it dinged we stepped inside.

My door closed as fast as it opened, me and Haechan walking inside. I placed him down on my bed stepping away from him. It's my turn to tease him. I smirked getting a hold of the zipper of my dress and pulling it down my body. I let the dress slowly fall pooling by my ankles. Haechan sucked in a breath widening his eyes at me and my body.

He was in awe of what he saw, thanking the Gods that he was able to be in a room alone with you and see you in your Glory the way he always secretly imagined. He wanted to palm himself through his pants but he waited for you to touch him and play with him. As much as he wanted to release the tightens of his pants he wanted you to do it instead.

I watched Haechans face change, it looked like he fell absolutely in love with me right there where he sat. Feeling the confidence boost I left I took off my heels as well as my bra. Watched Haechan's eyes follow my bra as it fell to the ground. His eyes watched closely as I turned around bending over and peeling my panties off me. He groaned loudly as I turned around throwing the black lace at him. He caught it stuffing it into his pocket, such a perv I smirked. Walking over to him I straddled his waist sitting right on top of his hard cock. He groaned feeling my wetness seep through his pants and onto his dick. I grinded against him watching his eyebrows furrow trying to concentrate but he couldn't. He didn't know where to look or where to touch. I took one of his hands placing it on my right boob and the other made its way to my waist helping me grind onto him. I moaned out loud when he pinched and pulled on my nipple his mouth leaning forward and engulfing one between his plumped lips.

"Haechan I need you," I pleaded ready to be filled. Releasing himself from me I pulled off his blazer and undid every button on his white dress shirt exposing his chest to me. My hands touched all of his back and chest flicking his nipples too, watching as he moaned at my touch. Standing up and leaving a wet bring on his pants I undid his belt. He stood up making it easier to remove his pants. When he turned around from throwing his pants to the side I was already laying on the bed. I had taken my lashes off quickly while he was taking off his pants.

"Woah" he breathed out still in his underwear palming his hard cock. "What?" I teased my finger finding its way to my bottom lip, and flicking it. "You look so beautiful, I'm so lucky," He said leaning down to kiss my lips. This was the first kiss we shared that was slow and romantic. He kissed me with a thousand words he couldn't speak. Pulling me close to him by my neck and moving my hair so it wouldn't get in my mouth. His fingers slid down my naked frame massaging my waist and thighs soon traveling to my pussy. He glided through my soaked folds playing with my clit. I moaned in his mouth and he started kissing and sucking on my neck licking the spots he bit. He kissed and licked his way down my breast and stomach past my waist. He kissed my inner thighs licking and sucking on the skin next to the marks he gave me before.

"I can't stop thinking about the way you taste," he said lowly only for my ears. "You taste so sweet, so fucking good. I need to taste you again" he breathed out silently begging for me to let him taste me again and many times after. I giggled staring down at him leaning back on my elbows. I could already feel my hair start to mess up.

"You think about my pussy?" I teased waving my hips around in front of his face, my glistening core on display. He nodded licking his lips and watching as my wetness drooled out of me. He looked hypnotized by me like I could ask for anything and hell give to me. That kind of power was so dangerous but also so delicious. "Y/n stop teasing me," He begged still keeping his eyes on my pussy. I let my fingers spread me apart just so he could see every inch of me and how wet I am. He groaned loudly, "I hate you," he said mouth dry.

"Show me how much you hate me," I teased. He leaped forward licking and sucking on my hard clit. My head fell back against the mattress landing on the pillow. My hands traveled to his hair pulling on the long dark brown locks. "Fuck Haechan," I moaned as he continued to abuse my clit adding a finger inside me and soon adding another. He groaned against my pussy making sure to collect every single drop of me. He continued his assault until I stopped him from making me cum.

"I want to cum on your cock" I said through half a breath my brain still foggy from Haechan's incredible mouth, I swear where did he learn to do that.

He pulled down his underwear his cock springing out thick and hard. I licked my lips staring at his angry red dick. I wanted to taste him so bad but that would have to wait. Right now I just wanted him inside me to feel me up real good. He stroked his dick as I laid back spreading my legs open for him. My hand reached out stroking his dick for him precum getting on my fingers. "I Uh don't have a condom," he said. I shook my head letting go of his dick and leaning to my nightstand. Licking my fingers off his pre cum I opened my top drawer and pulled out a condom handing it to him. He opened it sliding it on his thick dick. He rubbed it against my pussy using it to play with my clit. I moaned by the sensation but I didn't want to wait any longer. "Haechan please," I begged. He slid his cock to my hole slowly pushing it in, letting me adjust to his size. I tapped his arm letting him know it was okay to move.

His thrust started slow-moving his hips back and forth until the pain was replaced with pleasure and I begged him to go faster and harder which he did. He held onto my hips snapping his hips into mine as he fucked into me. His thick cock rubbed against my velvet walls, sucking him and clenching around him. He groaned out loud every time I clenched, "If you keep doing that I'll cum too fast. You already feel too good I'm trying my best to last long" he said through groans and heavy breaths.

He picked up my legs placing them over his shoulder and lifting my hips fucking into me harder and deeper hitting my g-spot deliciously. My eyes rolled to the back of my head with how perfectly this rhythm was working for the both of us. He flipped me around pushing me from the back, my head against the white pillow. My makeup smeared all over it as well as some of my hair spray. "Fuck," I moaned as he continued to fuck into me. He lifted me from behind pulling me close to him and holding onto my breast. He moaned low into my ear quickly snapping his hips in mine. "You don't know how long I've waited to do this," He said, "I've always wanted an excuse to shut that pretty little mouth of yours but you always had to get the last word. Now I can make you quiet with my dick," he said turning me back around and pulling me onto his waist so I could bounce on his cock.

"Fuck I'm gonna cum," I moaned my head falling back in pleasure. Haechan held my waist fucking up into me his hips moving insanely fast. "Cum on my cock baby, cum for Haechan," he said guiding me through my orgasm. "Fuck," I moaned loudly feeling a gush of wetness release from inside me. He groaned feeling me clench and unclench around him. He laid me down fucking into me still trying to meet his orgasm. "Fuck baby I'm cumming," he said his brows furrowing focusing on cumming. He released into the condom slowly pulling himself onto me. He tied up the condom and threw it away in a nearby trash can.

Haechan stood up walking to grab a bottle of water pouring some on a napkin to clean me up. He cleaned himself off too picking up his underwear and putting it back on. I stood reaching for his dress shirt and slipping it on. When I looked over at him he was already staring at me. 'What?" I asked using my makeup remover to take off my makeup. He shook his head, "Nothing you just look really beautiful" I walked over and took his hand smiling at him. "Don't tease me" he said flinching. I chuckled taking his lips captured with mine. He kissed back pulling me close his hand sliding down my back and grabbing a hold of my ass. I chuckled placing my hands on his chest and guiding him to lay back in bed. "Spend the night?" I asked. He nodded kissing me again.

The sunlight woke me up from my deep sleep. Squinting my eyes I looked over to see Haechan on the outside of the bed sleeping soundly. I smiled admiring his sleeping face. Leaning up to touch his hair pushing some of it back. I moved closer to him feeling something poking my leg, when I looked down it was his cock. I smirked deciding not to suck him off when he was asleep, I'll wait until he woke up. He started to stir in his sleep causing me to put my phone down. "Good morning," he grumbled rubbing his eyes. “You didn't take any pictures of me right?" I chuckled shaking my head, "No, but there's something else I want to do" He smiled staring into my eyes. I smirked and he raised a suspicious brow. "We have some time to get ready, Josh wants to meet everyone for breakfast before Christmas break," I said sliding down his warm honeyed chest. He watched closely breathing slightly heavier, "Oh yea?' I nodded biting my lip. "Yea so we have to be fast," I said pulling his underwear back and stroking his cock. He leaned up on his elbows forgetting about breakfast as I placed him in my mouth.

He groaned out loud his head falling back and eyes squeezing shut.

Haechan and I walked into the restaurant hand in hand a wide grin on my face. I decided to wear a cute skirt with tights on and still wear Haechan's dress shirt to go with it which he one hundred percent approved of after seeing my cute outfit with the black boots. "You guys made it," Jisung said smiling. Josh walked over to me eyeing me and smirking, "We'll talk about this later," he said holding my arm and sitting me down with a boy I'd never met before. "Hello," I greeted. "Hello," he said back.

"Oh Y/n this is my new friend Xiaojun," Josh said. I smiled saying hello again and looking back at Josh's mouthing "He's cute" and he responded with, " I Know" We both chuckled everyone else lost to what we were discussing. I hope he's good at this one. Chenle walked in with Sungchan sitting down at our table and greeting everyone. He looked over at me frowning, "I hope it's okay I brought him. He doesn't hang out with those guys anymore," I shook my head and waved my hand.

"It's okay, we're cooler anyway" I smiled causing Sungchan to smile back at me. "Uhhh no," Jamein said looking towards the window. Everyone else looked widening their eyes except Xiaojun who was just confused. I groaned touching my forehead and seeing Jaehyun stand outside the window.

"I swear it wasn't me," Sungchan said. I shook my head, "No it's not your fault, he's still in the group chat" I said standing up from my seat. Haechan touched my hand but I sent him a look letting him know I'd be okay. This ends now.

I walked out of the restaurant the door closing behind me. I stepped to the side to be out of the people's way. Jaehyun followed standing in front of me getting ready to speak before I cut him off. "Listen, I'm only going to say this once so pay attention. I have no interest in you and I want you to leave me and my friends alone" I said crossing my arms over my chest. He smirked stepping closer. Haechan almost got up from his seat but Jeno told him to wait. "You think I want to be with you, don't you? That I'm obsessed with you and can't get you out of my mind" He laughed coldly shaking his head. "I only wanted to fuck you, sweetie, God you are so stupid. I mean did you think I was into you?" he asked sarcastically. I sighed fixing the glasses on my face. "No I just think you upset you not getting your way and that's why you keep coming back," I said not showing any hints of emotion. He backed up confused, "What?"

"Admit it. Your just upset that I won't bite, well news flash it's never going to happen" I said laying the line.

"Only because your fucking that loser" he bit back.

"That's right I am and even if I wasn't fucking him I wouldn't fuck you," I said causing Jaehyun to step back in embarrassment at the people nearby who overheard and laughed at him. He scoffed looking around, he knew I was telling the truth and didn't want to admit it like the narcissistic asshole he is. "You know I'm better," he said. I chuckled seriously this guy should not be too proud of himself. "Jaehyun I'm going to put this in a way you'll understand, okay? If any girl ever says they you've made them cum, they lied to make you feel good" His eyes widened for a moment, and his face quickly changed. "Whatever I don't need this," he said walking away to his car. I walked back into the restaurant sitting beside Haechan. "Everything okay?" he asked I nodded taking my phone out, blocking and deleting Jaehyun's number.

"Everything is just fine," I smiled pecking his lips.

I guess Haechan was never my enemy.

Fin

I hope you guys enjoyed this story, if you did give it a like, and if you didn't share it with someone who will!

Just some words before you in this story I wanted to make the enemies part not so much Haechan and Y/n but more on Jaehyun and Y/n. While Haechan and Y/n refused to get along, I didn't want them to hate each other. Which is why I made Jaehyun such an important part of this story.

That's it for now, thank you so much for reading and seeing you in my next story. Bye!

[iamcalmdammit]

What now? (platonic Connor x reader)

“Look who graced us with his presence!” you said with a wide grin as Connor walked over to you and Hank at the police station. “Does this mean you’re coming back?”

Before he could answer, Hank folded his arms over his chest and leaned back in his swivel chair. “Yeah, good question,” he said with an expectant look.

Even though the formal greetings were skipped this time and it felt like an inquisition, Connor knew you both meant well by cutting to the chase the moment he stopped in front of you. “I… think I’ll come back,” he replied slowly.

“When?” Hank pressured him.

When… He was eager to come back and work with you again but this was a difficult question in this situation. “I’ll need a few days to take care of some things, and it also depends on when they will let me return.”

“You owe me ten bucks.” Connor turned to Hank with a questioning look who held out his hand to collect the money from you. Once he put the note in his pocket, he said, “We made a bet and I told her you would come back.”

You blushed a little as you busied yourself with your phone for a moment to avoid Connor’s gaze. He pulled over a chair and sat down near you. “You didn’t think I would come back?” he asked surprisedly.

After taking a deep breath, you tossed your phone on the desk and finally looked at the android. “I assumed you have more important things to do now,” you explained honestly.

“I like this job,” he said.

“Glad to hear that.”

Suddenly Hank’s phone beeped and let out a tired groan as he read the message. You both looked at him expectantly but he wasn’t paying much attention. Then he stood up, put on his jacket, and said, “Okay, kids, duty calls, I gotta leave. Have fun without me.”

You and Connor nodded in sync then watched him walk out of the station without saying a word. Awkward silence fell between the two of you, but Connor didn’t mind. It was a nice change to be among humans again, humans who actually supported their cause. And you… Well, you’d been different from the beginning. While Hank had been a little hostile for a while, you were always nice to him. He wanted to talk to you so desperately, but had no idea what to say.

“I need some air. Wanna go to the rooftop?” you broke the silence with a wide smile.

“Sure.”

Even though you had a case to work on, you didn’t feel like a doing a thing right now. Maybe it was because of Connor, maybe because you were supposed to work on it with Gavin. Who knew, maybe both at the same time. “What does it feel like?” you asked after a few minutes.

“What does what feel like?”

“Being a free deviant. No one can tell you what to do anymore.”

Connor let out a quiet hum as he leaned against the railing. He hadn’t thought about this yet to be honest. Everything happened so fast that he didn’t have time to wonder about such things. “I think I’ll need some time to adjust. It’s still a bit strange.”

“And what about the others?”

“Everyone’s really happy,” he replied with a small smile. “There’s a lot of work to do now, but Markus is a great leader, everything will be fine.”

“But he needs the help of people like you.”

“I believe so, yes.”

You smiled at each other then turned to look at the Detroit skyline. There was so much you wanted to tell him, but you didn’t really know how without sounding weird. You knew Hank would probably feel the same way if he was there, though, after all the two of you talked about the android quite a lot recently. “We miss you,” you said eventually without looking at him.

“I haven’t been gone that long,” he pointed out.

“True, but we still miss your goofy face.”

Upon hearing your words, Connor slightly tilted his head to the side. “Why do you and Hank keep saying that? It’s not… goofy.”

“It is,” you confirmed with a nod. “And you know we only say these things because we care about you. Can I tell you a secret?”

“Sure.”

“I don’t know what I would have done if you really decided not to come back.”

Connor looked genuinely surprised to hear that. “Why is that?”

“It’s just… I don’t know, it’s just good to have you around,” you replied with a shrug.

“Are you nervous?” he asked with an almost smug smile.

“Wha–Why do you ask?”

“Your hand is shaking.” As you looked down at your hand, he went on. “You know you can talk to me, right?”

Oh, no, there was no way you would talk to him about what was going on inside your head right now. When it came to him, your emotions changed way too fast for you to keep track of them. “That’s a nice offer, thank you, but I’m fine. It’s probably just the cold,” you lied, forcing a small smile on your lips.

But Connor knew you better than that. “The cold,” he began as he took your hand to take your temperature. You weren’t too cold yet but he didn’t call you out on that lie. Instead he decided to wait until you finally felt like trusting him enough to tell the truth about what was going on exactly.

“You don’t believe me?”

“No, I don’t. But if you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t force you.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.” Silence fell between the two of you again, though this time it wasn’t awkward at all. You both felt like you could stay there for hours without saying a word. “I should go back to work now,” you said eventually.

“I think I'll just stay here for a little longer,” Connor told you without hesitation.

“See you later, then.”

With a small wave of your hand you walked back to your desk, leaving the android behind.

[skylarmoon71]

Nick Jakoby x Reader Oneshot- (Bright)

“Oink, oink over here piggy!” 

The group of men standing in the doorway made you grimace. Damn they pissed you off. Nick walked pass them with his head lowered, trying his best to ignore the rude remarks. You’d just clocked in, and this had become a regular. Their tauntings. You really wanted to body slam all four of them. But you restrained yourself. “Don’t bother with them Nick, their dick heads. “ It was no secret that they hated the male Orc. Nick was by far the sweetest man on the force, and he wasn’t even a man. Which really said something for the unit. 

“I’m used to it, it’s fine.” you frowned. He shouldn’t have to get used to it. He was just as hardworking and diligent as any other cop. You nudged his shoulder with a smile as you walked with him. “Cheer up, in a couple of hours we have that awful dinner to attend. You have worse things ahead." Nick shook his head with a shy smile. “Is that supposed to make me feel better.” 

“Not really.” with a small giggle, you met your partner. Nick headed over to Ward, and your eyes wandered, just admiring him. You had no idea why people gave him such a hard time. It’s true that Orcs sided with the enemy in the past, but that was thousands of years ago. The world had changed so much since then, apparently not in the ways you hoped. 

Nick was so misunderstood and underappreciated. He had so much to offer if he was just given a chance. Not to mention he was a total sweetheart. Pretty handsome too. The final thought erupts a blush to your cheek, one that doesn’t go unnoticed by your partner.

“What’s got you all red in the face?” Jacob, your partner raises an eyebrow, and your face gets darker. “Nothing let’s get going.” he doesn’t quite believe you, and you try to steal one last look at Nick before you have to get going, but Jacob catches the action, a smirk playing on his lips. 

“Shit I knew it!!” His yell catches the attention of everyone in a five mile radius and as the officers stare, you feel Nick’s stare follow. You cower, smacking Jacob who just waves everyone off. When their gazes have diverted, you glare at the man before you. He raises his hands defensively. “Sorry, sorry didn’t mean to cause a scene. Not everyday you discover your partner has a crush. Damn Victoria owes me twenty bucks!” 

“Y-You betted on my love life with your wife!!” 

“Umm, hell yeah I did. Why are you even surprised?” he was right, you shouldn’t have been. You just roll your eyes, and soon the both of you are headed to the squad car. Jacob is still wearing that smug grin as you jump into the vehicle. “So when are you gonna ask him out?” 

“I-I’m not!” 

“You’re kidding, you have to (Y/N)!” Jacob has always been majorly supportive, but you’re still a little anxious. Your head lowers. “Y-You don’t think it’s weird that I..I mean I don’t  care if anyone says anything but I just..I..” The way you're struggling with your words, it’s not hard for Jacob to understand. “Listen, I’d never judge you for something like that. We’re partners (Y/N), practically family now. And honestly Nick is awesome, dude brings me scones every Tuesday cause he passes at my favorite shop on his way to work. He’s a hero in my book.” He lets out a few fake sobs to get his point across and you just groan at his childishness.

“Seriously though, Nick’s a really good guy. Everyone treats him like shit, yet he comes back and tells them to be safe. If it were me, I don’t think I’d be able to handle it that well. He could easily quit, probably just become the monster everyone keeps accusing him of being. But he wakes up and he does the job, all because he loves it, he generally cares about protecting people who don’t give a shit about him. It’s inspiring to watch. There aren’t many people like left in this world (Y/N), if you find someone like that, you should do what you can to hold onto them.” His finger ran over his wedding band, a smile playing on his lips. “That’s what I did.” His smile makes your face brighten, and you nod. 

“I’ll do my best. “ 

So maybe your partner wasn’t a complete idiot. 

That afternoon when you get home, you’re on a mission. Jacob’s advice is ringing in your head. He’s right. So you’ve decided this annual police will be your best yet. You were gonna go all out. You rarely ever get dressed up, too accustomed to dark suit pants and uncomfortable belts. You wanted something to catch Nick’s attention, then maybe it would give you the confidence to finally own up to your feelings and ask the guy out. You jump into the shower. 

“Time to knock them dead. “ 

~Three hours later~

“Quit fidgeting, you look fine.” Ward smacks Nick’s hands away from the tie. He’s been messing with it for the last ten minutes, mostly out of nervousness. This is his first time he’s worn a tux. He feels a bit ridiculous, but with Ward’s assurance, he can only hope he’s pulling it off. They stand at a table making small talk, mostly Ward. 

Nick offers a word here and there. By the looks he keeps getting, he can tell that his opinion isn’t really wanted by the people there. So he busies himself with watching the other people mingling around him. Everyone looks relaxed, sipping wine, helpling themselves to food. He’s never been a fan of this. Every year they hold these little banquets to treat the new recruits and commend exemplary performances throughout the unit. It’s a fun event for the most part. But his fellow coworkers never rest with their harsh opinions. It isn’t even verbal, just by the looks he knows. 

The sound of a few whistles catches his attention. There’s a small commotion at the doorway. He vaguely makes out the edge of purple, and that’s when he notices the man that walks in. But that isn’t what captures his eyes, it’s the woman he’s escorting on his arm. 

Golden orbs widen, and his ears twitch a bit too quickly. He wants to control it, but it’s hard, because the smile that lands in his direction knocks the wind right out of him. “Wow, your girlfriend cleans up nice.” Ward whispers. 

“S-She’s not my girlfriend.” he grumbles back. Now that you’re clear in his view, he can fully admire your dress. It’s a velvet luxe maxi dress. The color is a beautiful lavender. Thin straps at the shoulder, low cut displaying just enough cleavage. And a slit that stops mid thigh, with matching heels to complete the whole look. Your hair is loose, and a very light amount of makeup, highlighting your features. Nick thought you were gorgeous before, but somehow you’ve outdone yourself. He can’t look away, and he really should before you take notice.You settle at a table not too far from him, pulling the focus of a few males present there. With polite smiles and little words, Nick feels a bit envious. 

“Now’s your chance hotshot. Ask her out before one of those hyenas beat you to it.” Nick wants to convince Ward that it’s useless, there’s no way you’d go for someone like him. You’re completely different in every sense of the word. He doesn’t have a chance. As he opens his mouth he’s about to lay out his case, but a sweet lavender scent fills his nostrils, and he wants to question the origin, just then he feels a light tap on his shoulder. He turns, and the heavenly aroma hits him tenfold. Somehow you’ve walked over without him realizing. He’s supposed to be more aware, he’s a cop after all. Your glossed lips turn into a smile as you bat your eyes. 

“Nick..do you wanna maybe dance?” 

The slow sound filling the room, doubled with the couples now filling up the floor catches his eyes. He’s tongue tied, because you can’t really be asking him. Out of all the guys there, why him? Yes, the both of you have been friends for months now, but he’s sort of assumed your kindness was due to pity more than anything else. 

You're still watching him hopefully, and Ward gives an encouraging push. He stumbles, grabbing your shoulders lightly. When he’s steadied himself, he pulls back. “He’d love to.” Ward says. Nick doesn’t get a chance to put in a word for himself, because you smile, taking his hand and pulling him to the center of the dance floor. Nick is staggering behind, trying not to knock into anyone. When you get to your desired area, you turn back to him. Nick is stiff, the both of you are just standing there, a number of eyes on you. “I-I should probably just go, everyone is staring and I’d hate to make you uncomfortable.” 

“I’m not uncomfortable.” His eyes lift, and the way you look at him, it makes his heart hammer. What has he done to deserve your kindness, he has no idea. 

Deciding that you need to be the one to make a move, you take his hands and place them around your waist as you step closer. You can feel the slight tremble in his palms that are pressed to your body now. It’s so adorable. He’s still stiff as a board, but you know he’s trying. He’s probably so touch starved. It hurts to just think about it. Your hands are resting on his chest lightly, and you sigh, swaying with the music. Nick swallows, he’s a bit taller than you, and he’s trying his best not to look down directly at you. With you so close it’s hard for him not to pass out at how amazing you smell. Your hands slide up, going around his neck. His eyes finally meet yours, and the meaning in your eyes, it triggers something in him. “Nick..” you’re whispering, and it breaks his train of thought. “Yeah.” you lick your lips, and he wishes he could just kiss those plump lips. They are begging to be touched.  

“Do you possibly want to-” a hand pulling you from the Orc in your arms makes you jerk. Nick looks just as surprised. The officer standing between the both of you, suddenly it makes sense, and you're pissed. “Run along pig face, she’s tired of you.” Pollard rests a hand on your waist, pulling you into his side, and you shove him back. “You’re the one who’s interrupting, what the hell we were dancing!!” you're enraged. Not only has he messed up your plan to finally ask Nick out, but he’s also insulted him. Nick can see the displeasure on your face, and he’s about to suggest that maybe you leave. The last thing he wants is for you to get caught in the middle of this. He could take Pollard’s insults any day. But he doesn’t want any negative attention drawn to you. 

“Come on you don’t have to give anymore charity, we all know why you do this. You feel bad for little piggy here. Don’t waste your evening on him, how about you come with me. Have some real fun.” It’s almost laughable that he thinks you’ll drop everything and just run off with him. Nick now looks less sure of himself, a bit defeated. It’s then you realize that he must have assumed the same. You’re being nice out of some foolish obligation. You open your mouth to assure him, but stop. This time, words may not be enough. It’s time to take action. So with two swift strides you grab Nick by the lapels of his shirt and pull him in for a kiss. Pollard gapes, and Nick is tense and wide eyed. 

“I’m dreaming…” He has to be. You couldn’t be..kissing him. Your eyes are closed, and you still have a firm hold on his clothing. A few more seconds pass and you pull back slowly. Your eyes move from Nick’s soft lips, to his topaz eyes. The bewildered expression is highly anticipated. 

“If you’ll excuse us, we have business to attend to.” you take Nick’s hand, leaving a stunned Pollard, and a few surprised officers. You don’t even look back, you do however pass Jacob on your way out of the building. He’s grinning probably wider than you. When the door snaps shut behind you and you're free of the intrusive stares, you look at Nick. He’s still in a mid state of shock. “I’m sorry..” you mutter. 

Now that the events play back, you’re bashful. You didn’t even get to ask him out. Nick collects himself slowly, shaking his head. “N-No it’s fine.” An awkward silence follows. You want to say something to cut the tension, but Nick interrupts. “I should take you home.” He doesn't look at you when he says that, and now you're a bit scared that you’ve crossed a line and misread all the signs. Self conscious and mortified, you just nod. Nick’s car is parked close, as he opens the door, you jump inside. He does the same, pulling off. 

The ride is anything but pleasant. It’s so quiet you can hear a pin drop. Nick is staring ahead, and the look he wears is unreadable. 

“I ruined everything.” You should have never done that, especially since you weren’t even sure of any feelings. He must be completely disgusted with you. You're thankful that the ride isn’t long, because in a few minutes he pulls up. You don’t make any kind of eye contact, just whisper a thanks, opening the door and stepping out. 

You want to cry, how did the night turn so horrible that quickly. As you close the vehicle door, you all but sprint to your house, taking out your keys and opening your front door. You don’t even bid him goodbye, you just focus on getting inside. You do, stepping in and leaning back as you shut the door. “Idiot!” you scold yourself. “I’m an idiot..” you bite your lip. How would you ever face him again. 

The knock at your door makes you jump, and you turn, opening the door hesitantly. You peek outside, a bit surprised. “N-Nick..” He’s staring at you, maybe wanting answers for all that happened. You step back, letting him inside. He’s the one that closes the door this time. 

“Why did you kiss me?” Blunt, to the point. From the look, you know he’s just as conflicted by all of this as you. Now might be your last chance. You’ve already kissed him, what was the harm in telling him the truth. It might help you both.

“Because I..It’s what I’ve wanted to do for months now. “ you confess. His forehead creases in astonishment. “Nick I’ve..I’ve had it bad for you for so long and it makes my blood boil every time I hear the way they talk to you! You’re so caring and selfless and goddamn hot to me and I wish everyone could see how amazing you are if they’d just give you an opportunity.” you’re rambling, but you don’t care. “That jackass Pollard ruined everything I had this whole night planned out, I was gonna wow you with this dress and then finally ask you out but then he came with his false macho bullshit and it just pissed me off and that’s why I grabbed you like that to show him that this isn’t some charity I actually am crazy about you and I..” you heave, for a minute there you forgot you should breathe. “I’m so crazy about you Nick.” 

He’s still just standing there, and now you’ve given him a chance to speak. From his expression, he doesn’t know what to say. You were so out of his league. 

“I don’t understand why you would..why..” that self conscious  look, you’ve seen it many times. 

“Nick, I want you.” he stops, eyes opening a bit wider now. “I’m tired of you being so hard on yourself. You have nothing to be ashamed of.  “ you take a step forward, and he doesn’t move a muscle. “Truthfully, when I saw you earlier in this tux, I almost passed out. “ your hands reach out, going back to where they had been before Pollard stepped in. Resting right on his broad shoulders. Another thing about him that made you swoon was his build. He was nicely muscular. It just messed you up. He needs a moment to gather his breath. “Nick do you..want me?” 

“Of course!” his shout, as unexpected as it is, it makes you smile. He looks away at how desperate it sounded. “That’s good..” you don’t clarify, just lean in, and this time when your lips meet, he still doesn’t really prepare. It’s so tender, almost tentative. When he finally convinces his mind that it’s real, his hands wrap around your body, pulling you in. You sigh, and Nick responds, returning the kiss. Your head is in the clouds, You feel like you’re dreaming, if that’s the case you want to stay forever. You open your mouth, urging him to do the same, he does, taking control. 

You moan when he pushes you up against the door, now kissing you hungrily. One of his hands drift down to your bare thigh, and another needy sound releases. You can’t stop it and you don’t want to. His free hand presses to the door, and your hands grip at the clothes on his back. You’re trying to pull him forward, and he complies, pressing into you. It feels so great, his firm body trapping you there. There’s a low growl that comes from Nick, and somehow you’re even more turned on. Your hands have ventured back to the front of his tux, unbuttoning it quickly. It falls open and your fingers slip under the jacket, reveling in the taunt muscles. 

Gosh does he feel amazing. Nick feels you start to pull at the shirt, he forces himself to part. When you’ve separated, you’re both flushed and panting. Nick still believes maybe he’s at home sleeping somehow. The new scent that fills the air nearly makes his knees buckle. Your lust is so prominent, he can almost taste it. Your chest is still heaving, but you're slowly coming down from your high, so is Nick. It’s then you realize what was about to happen if not for Nick’s pause. You feel a bit embarrassed now. You hug yourself, blushing a deep red. 

“S-Sorry, guess I kind of got a bit crazy..” Nick smiles. “You don’t have to apologize.” He’d be stupid to make you feel bad about such a thing. He was just as equally responsible. Fact is, it took everything in him to stop himself. As much as he wants this to progress, he also wants more than just a heated night with you. He wants so much more. 

“(Y/N), I’d..really like to take you out sometime..” he mumbles it, still fairly insecure about it all. The way your eyes light up though, his fears are all gone. You don’t respond, and he doesn’t need one because you jump into his arms, pressing a kiss to his cheek, grinning like a child on Christmas.

“You don’t even have to ask, it’s a yes.” you  whisper in his ear. He holds you close, breathing in your scent. He wants to lock that away forever. He wants this to last forever. For now though, just being with you now, it’s enough.

[ad1thi]

2020 fic recs!! [Part 2]

part 2 of my 2020 fic recs!! as before, ive limited this to five fics per month; and fics are ordered by the month they were published. This spans fandoms and ships, and hopefully you find something you like!! credit for the idea goes to @iam93percentstardust

***

July

this is the start: @capnwinghead

Clark and Bruce continue raising the Wayne children and encounter a number of challenges along the way.

great minds (love alike): @starklysteve

Steve’s eyes flicks down to Tony’s knees on the floor.

“Are you – are you proposing to me with my ring for you?” Steve asks incredulously, eyes wide and confused.

---

Or, Steve finds Tony’s ring for him, Tony finds Steve’s ring for him. Panic happens.

Marvels Unsolved: @iam93percentstardust

Marvels Unsolved was never supposed to be this popular. It started off as a novelty web-series about Tony trying to convince Bucky about the existence of the supernatural—he firmly believed that if science could turn Uncle Steve from an actual shrimp to the god of muscles, then magic had to be out there—and then they’d started talking about an unsolved crime from the early 20th century after filming an episode one day, forgetting that the camera was still rolling, and had ended up with enough footage to make a second episode about real crimes. They had stayed pretty unknown throughout that first season but then true crime podcasts had exploded in popularity and Unsolved along with them.

it’s a small world after all: @maguna-stxrk

“Great speech.”

Smiling at the compliment, Tony turns around. “Thank y—”

And nearly drops his champagne flute.

His world comes to a stop.

They had only spent a night together, but Tony would recognize those baby blues anywhere.

It’s Steve.

Steve from Tony’s London business trip. Or, as Rhodey has become accustomed to calling him—The Soulmate That Got Away.

you’re in my blood, you’re in my veins: @nethandrake

Tony always figured that if they ever were to break up, it would be like a blaze. Scorching and hot and all-too blinding. Intense like the two of them have always been.

Instead, they break up on a Tuesday, with the rain pelting the windowpane and the midnight silence stifling.

August

Five Times Danny said he’d marry Steve (plus one): @five-wow

Danny humphs. “Look, all I’m saying is, I think I’d probably have married you by now.”

“I’d marry you, too,” Steve says.

Or: An experiment in how many times you can say something before you have to put your money where your mouth is.

Family (You’ve Always Had It): @/SunnyQueen

A black Camaro and a scowling blond was not what Junior had been expecting.

“Hi, sir. You didn’t have to pick me up.”

The blond looked up from the screen on his phone and groaned, completely ignoring Junior's statement. “You are right, I didn't have to."

Ode To Yoga Pants: @riotfalling

OR the continued terrible mating dance of Bucky and Tony, AKA when betting on your friends stops being fun

Through The Years: @hawkbucks

Tony brings home Natasha one day, proclaiming her to be his new sister.

Natasha takes this all in stride.

The broken road that led me home to you: @just-fandomthings

A documented list of conversations between Steve and Danny via text and phone call following the events of 10x22 "Aloha." (Where, even thousands of miles apart, Steve and Danny can't go without talking to each other.)

September

someday, we’ll pass it on to you: @starklysteve

Steve smiles.

Reaching up, he flattens his hand against his son’s far smaller one, curling gently around it. “You wanna be like him?”

“Da!” Peter agrees again.

One year old, and you already know who’s the best of us, Steve pauses to reflect, all his fears chased away by a fierce pride. “Your Dad’s coming home real soon,” he promises, “you should tell him that.”

---------------

Or, five times Peter did the repulsor pose as a toddler

+ one time he used the repulsors as an adult

Classic Sci Fi: @notdoingsohot

Bucky wakes up to Steve telling him he's lost his memory, but not to panic, it'll only last a few days. Easier said than done when the last thing Bucky remembers is fighting Hydra with the Howlies in WWII.

He tries to make the most of it however, and there's this guy... Tony Stark. It's pretty clear the guy hates Bucky's guts, which is unfortunate because god damn is he a sight.

He tries to figure out what he did to wrong Stark, but everyone just tells him he doesn't want to know.

They were right.

Blooms in Frost: @/Diomedes

Tony coughs up his first petal on the sixth of July. He has been married to the love of his life for two years.

Bury a Hanahaki corpse in earth and it will beget the most beautiful garden. All that love, it is said, must go somewhere.

Hanahaki AU: Established relationship

------------------------------------------

A Single Thread of Gold: @lovelyirony

Rhodey doesn't believe in love at first sight or any of that cheesy shit. He just wants someone who is nice, dependable, and safe.

Tony Stark is Housing Service's little problem for the school year, and now he's stuck in Rhodey's room because he's exploded the last two dorm rooms he's been in and won't live off-campus.

high roller, place your bet: @machi-kun

“Would you kiss Stark for a hundred bucks?”

“I would pay a hundred bucks to kiss him.”

October

press my luck: @omg-just-peachy

But... Steve is almost ten years his junior, and he could be with just about anyone, looking and acting like he does. And then there’s the not so small fact of Tony’s name and net worth and the fact that, okay, Tony had paid for Steve’s grad school tuition, and now he’s worried Steve feels obligated to stay. Or something.

Or, Tony is a billionaire, Steve is a grad student, and they learn to let themselves be taken care of.

see it with the lights out: @starklysteve

Tony goes on a business trip, and he does not - not at all - get jealous of Dodger hogging his husband's chest, a territory otherwise known as Tony's pillow.

(or, Steve goes on an Instagram spree and Tony misses home)

adulthood is looking both ways before you cross the street and getting hit by an airplane: @starkslovemail

It was a perfect plan, if Peter did say so himself.

The Buy In: @dracusfyre

For the ImagineTonyandBucky prompt: Mafia AU with Tony as the Boss (except he's a really good one, making the streets safe, keeping drugs away from kids etc) and Bucky as the detective sent to go undercover to catch him out but ends up realizing he's actually doing more good than harm and they end up falling in love

trinkets of your affection: @starklysteve

Kissed him once for every year I loved him, Steve had written.

By that count, Steve owes him five more kisses now.

Tony traces the words, hands trembling, and tips back a shot of Howard's ancient whiskey. None of it burns anymore.

One day, he'll have lived more days without Steve than there are words in the diary.

For the first time since he'd woken with shrapnel in his chest, Tony fears the future.

----------

Or, five things Tony keeps to remember Steve by, and one thing Steve gives him to remember.

November

“Hey Tony”: @riotfalling

Steve points out that Bucky never calls Tony by his actual name. Bucky doesn’t believe him, until he does.

Remembering You is Hard to Do: @lovelyirony

“The future’s crazy, honey-bear.”

Jim looks up.

“Why do you call me that?”

“Call you what?”

“Honey-bear. It’s weird.”

“Inside joke we have,” Tony says, chest tightening. “We thought those couples that have the lovey-dovey nicknames were ridiculous.”

overheard your heartbeat (calling me yours): @starklysteve

"Tony - "

"I wish I could promise to come home this time," he feels the armor crawl back down his arm, continuing unnoticed over Steve's red gloves, then up the blue uniform as Tony fights to keep Steve's gaze firmly fixed on him.

The last eyes Tony might get to see, and he wants to be lost in them.

In the end, his entire life boils down a few simple things: "JARVIS, take care of him for me."

----------

Or, Tony overhears a phonecall where Steve proposes, a battle happens, and a paper ring settles some misunderstandings.

i (really, really, really, really, really, really) like you.: @nethandrake

For as long as Steve can remember, he's been crushing on Tony Stark. The thing is, he's pretty sure Tony doesn't know Steve exists. And how could he? Steve's scrawny and little. He's a nobody compared to Tony who's Mr Popular and the son of a billionaire.

Or at least he thought so until Tony swings by the bakery Steve's mother happens to own to enlist Steve's help in finding the perfect Valentine's Day card.

The perfect Valentine's Day card for someone who isn't Steve.

One Song (My Heart Keeps Singing): @iam93percentstardust

When Thor is old enough to understand what a Heartsong is, he goes to his mother to ask her why he can’t understand the language his is in. He listens as she tells him about the first soulmates who couldn't understand their Heartsong until the day they meet, excited by the thought of a grand adventure, one that will take him across the cosmos in search of his One.

He’ll search all the Nine Realms if he has to.

December

Swiping Right: @s-horne

“Ouch. Definitely a hard pass for that one?”

Steve startled at the sudden comment from the row of chairs behind him and turned around. He’d been passing the time in the airport lounge by swiping through Tinder and had gotten lost in his own world. It was almost jarring to be pulled away from the screen of hot men and back into reality where the PA was screeching and there was noise everywhere.

Adjusting to the difference, Steve frowned. Wait, he knew that face. Oh, shit… he knew that face.

“No, no, it’s fine,” the man said before Steve could get out anything other than an embarrassed sort of yelp. Waving his hand through the air, the stranger smiled ruefully. “I get it. It’s the beard, isn’t it? True be told, it was a weird winter choice that year and I knew it would come back to hurt me.”

Steve didn’t know what to say. He knew it must have shown on his face and could feel himself flushing, panicked and embarrassed all at once. What were the odds of swiping left on someone literally sat behind him?

set your flight path home (to me): @starklysteve 

Tony puts down his welding torch. “I’m building you a plane.”

Stepping carefully over the gears and tools scattered about, Rhodey slowly makes his way to him.

“And when did you become an expert on how to build a plane?”

“Last night,” Tony grins.

---------------

Tony builds a plane, and Rhodey teaches Tony how to fly it. Or he would be teaching Tony, if Tony didn't distract him so much.

I Want A Man With A Slow Hand: @thefourofswords

“Can I ask you a question?” he asked on their way to a crime scene, because no time like the present, and Danny believed in ripping off band-aids.

“Why not?” Steve replied, eyes on the road. “You’re gonna even if I say no.”

“What do you like in bed?”

*

Danny undertakes a very important mission to get Steve laid. For his health. Ahem.

same time next year: @omg-just-peachy

“I forgot to ask. When’s your flight home?” Steve asks, draping his arm over Tony’s shoulder and settling in against him.

Tony ignores the knot that forms in his chest at the idea of it, leaving Steve again for his own impersonal apartment, his piles of books and projects and the nights without sleep.

“Day after tomorrow.”

Steve huffs a little sigh, then brings his lips to Tony’s neck. “Well, we’ll have to make the most of it, won’t we?”

Or, four (4) Christmases with two (2) idiots who can't admit they're in love.

rearrange my heart (to fit your smile): @starklysteve

"You dare," Howard's chair makes an ugly noise as it scrapes against the stone floors, the chatter of the room shifting into hushed whispers and stolen glances. "I am your father and your King!"

"My King is my husband," Tony tips his chin up, defiant. "And I refuse to hear you suggest that my husband has been anything other than good to me."

Next to him, he feels Steve's shoulders stiffen in surprise.

Howard's fist slams loud on the table. "Your husband does not even love you!"

Tony jerks back, burned. He knows that. Knows that Steve did not marry him for love – does not need any reminder of the cold truth, of what he desperately yearns for and can't even hope to have – but the harshness of Howard's words was scalding, and Tony can't afford for this to go any further.

----------

Or, King Steven marries Prince Tony, Tony is pretty sure he shouldn't panic when he falls in love with his own husband, and Steve tries his very best not to cause diplomatic crises.

Keyword: try

[vanillann]

from stars to the balcony (b.b)

a/n: this is based off the prompt “Either Bucky or Reader are feeling down (in any way, sad, angry, angsty, whatever), there is a power blackout and the other one notices that now you can see the stars, fluff” by @emmabarnes !

word count: 2.3k

bucky barnes masterlist

I could feel my legs burn from pacing the length of my room, my finger toying with the sleeve of my long sleeve. The tea I had made earlier sat on the table but I had long forgotten about it, the conversation from the kitchen was replying too fast.

I was fired, I didn’t have a job. I had bills to pay but no income for the moment. It was because of downsizing, which meant I could get unemployment, but still. I had been working at this job since I was fresh out of college and now I was left to rot in my own self pity.

I pulled my shirt closer to my skin, hoping it would absorb into my skin. As soon as I got the call I turned the heat down, hoping it would save some money. I rubbed my hand up and down my face, trying to think something over in my head but I was too stuck.

The busy street of Brooklyn was calmer than normal, something I was thankful for. I didn’t want to listen to stranger arguments or drunk girl giggles tonight, I didn’t want to even hear my own thoughts. I picked up the tea cup, walking back over the microwave and placing it in the center. I punched in the numbers, turning to lean on. my counter as I rocked on my heels.

I wanted to scream, but I didn’t need a noise complaint either and considering the man next door always got home late, I had only seen his face and I recognized his face immediately but I said nothing, it wasn’t my business.

Suddenly the calming sound of my microwave had stopped, the little lamp in the corner of the was out and I already knew what had happened, This is why this place had 3 stars. I pulled at the shirt to cover my hands, hoping that would change something but I could already fill the cold air rush over my cheeks.

I turned to open the microwave, smiling, then I noticed the tea had a light smoke falling out the top, dancing in the pitch back air with a little heat rushing to my face. I held it closer, finding one of the many candles I had bought forever ago and lit it in the center of the room.

I would’ve scrolled through my phone for a minute but I didn’t need my data bill going up. The soft blanket my cousin had knitted me was wrapped tightly around me and I could already feel myself warming. I looked around the room, trying to find a book I hadn’t read or something to do when I noticed the clear sky. It made me wonder why the power even went out, my curiosity getting the best of me as I pulled the blanket closer and warmed my hands on the tea. I grabbed the metal handle of the door, opening it just enough to slip through before I rested my hands on the edge. I looked down for a second, the sidewalk only had a few people on it and there were only taxis on the street.

“You aren’t jumping, are ya?”

I turned around swiftly, spotting the silhouette of a person on the balcony beside me. He had a hat pulled down to cover his face, he was wearing a thin long sleeve and pants, definitely not bundled up in the cold breeze of Brooklyn.

I had to remind myself who he was, superheroes don’t freeze in New York city.

“Oh no, no,” I repeated the words quickly, finding I had leaned over slightly to look at the city below better.

“Just checking, wouldn’t want to explain that to the cops.”

I winched when I realized what he meant, they would think he did it.

“Your name is James, right?” I decided having a conversation with the man from next door never hurt anyone, although I noticed the book in his lap and I didn’t think he’d respond, I wouldn’t blame him.

“Yeah, but most people call me worse names.”

I frowned, moving to the corner closer to him so I wouldn’t have to talk as loud. This felt like a lot more intimate conversation.

“I’ve been called so pretty bad things, doesn’t mean they're true.”

He didn’t respond, I suppose he didn’t wanna get into it with a stranger.

“What book ya reading?”

“Hunger something,” he moved it slightly so I could see part of the cover. I smiled when I recognized the gold bird across the dark cover.

“The Hunger Games! I really enjoyed that one,” I turned back to look out at the sky, “I’ve watched the movies one too many times.”

“They made movies?”

I was about to yelp but I managed to hold it back, I had forgotten not everyone was obsessed with these things.

“Yeah, four of ‘em,” I could hear my own voice jump a few octavos, he was probably so annoyed with me.

“Oh,” I saw him nod out the corner and I decided I should shut up and let him continue his reading. It was only fair because if someone had interrupted me I’d probably pull a Katniss and shot them with a bow and arrow.

I let my eyes drift over the closed stores, the light around the area was out and it made me feel better. We weren't the only place without power. The few people on the sidewalk were gone and I watched the last taxi drive off with two giggling girls who were wearing those “I Heart NY” shirts. I always loved counting those as a kid, feeling a strange pride from being from New York.

“You must be from around here.”

There was his voice giving me a heart attack again. If he didn’t keep catching me off guard I would admire how rough and powerful it sounded, like he could tell you to sit and you’d do it like a sad puppy waiting for a treat.

“Yeah, Buffalo but I visited Brooklyn a lot, how’d ya know?” I turned slightly so I could look at him when I spoke, since he seemed to actually want to talk.

“Only people from New York would be amazed by the clear sky, I used to hate how you could never see the stars,” I watched him place the book to the side, standing up and leaning against his own railing. The faint light from the few buildings that had power flashed across his face. He was taller than I remembered and his hair was longer, pulled into a little ponytail at the nape of his neck. I watched him tip his hat up slightly, I could actually see his eyes.

“I didn’t even notice the stars,” I turned back to look at the stars in question, smiling when I could see all the consolation that people would point out in chessy movies.

“I was amazed I could see any, kinda glad the power went out.”

He shrugged so carelessly, something about the demeanor suited him.

“I wish I could say the same,” I whispered against the wind, trying to push the feeling I had earlier from my body completely but I knew that was impossible.

It was silent for a second like we both didn’t want to scare the stars from the sky.

“I never learned any of the consolations.”

I smiled this time when he spoke because he was trying to keep the conversation alive.

“Can’t say I have either,” I turned back to admire him, the way he looked at the stars like it was everything to him.

“That one looks like it would be a Latin name,” he pointed to a cluster of stars like he was pointing at a cloud and telling someone it looked like an elephant when it definitely didn’t. Instead of calling him out I smiled, turning and letting my own eyes ranked over the millions of stars.

“That one looks really important, you know like it comes out every two hundred years,” my finger extended to point at a few stray stars that seemed to shine brighter than the rest, but I doubted that.

“Wonder if you’re right,” I could hear a slight chuckle in his voice as if he knew something I didn’t but it was more than likely he did.

“If I am then you owe me ten bucks,” my own laughs filled in behind his own, the once silent streets were long gone as James pointed to a different star.

“That one looks like you.”

“How can someone look like a star,” I kept laughing, looking at the stars he was talking about.

“I don’t know, but you do.”

I felt his eyes watch me but I didn’t have it in me to look at him, just watching the star that apparently looked like me. A large, duller star sat beside it but as it moved it seemed to grow brighter.

“That one is you then,” I pointed, smiling when I heard him scoff.

“That feels like a burn!”

I laughed, smiling as the breeze spread over my body and I couldn’t help but pull the blanket closer. I wanted to go in, because while it wasn’t much warmer it was something, but picking out stars with this man next door was a lot of fun.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the powerless night so much, but I was suddenly just as happy about it.

“I think that is Sirius, the dog star,” the nerd in me jumped out, laughing when I heard him slam his hand slightly on the rail. I said nothing of the mental on mental sound, I knew some things that happen in pop culture.

“I thought you didn’t know about this stuff!”

“I don’t, I just like Harry Potter,” I shrugged, looking back at his face. The few lights that were once on were off down, the only reason I saw any of his face was street lamps and the moon itself. I enjoyed watching his eyebrows raise, disappearing under the brim of his hat.

“I think Banner mentioned that once,” I don’t think he meant for me to hear and I thought best not to talk about his line of work, I definitely wouldn’t want to have to talk about mine if he asked.

“Probably, book and movie series.”

He nodded, both our eyes filtered back to the night sky that hung above us. It was enchanting to say the least, two kids from the city looking up at the sky like they lived in the country.

“You seemed stressed when you came out, do you feel any better?”

For the first time tonight, he asked a question I didn’t want to answer. I didn’t want to talk about any of my feelings from inside my small apartment, that was too real for the boy next door. Out here was light and airy, no stuffy matter allowed.

“Yeah, but I’d rather not talk about it.”

“I wasn’t planning on asking, just wanted to make sure you were feeling better.”

Anyone else would have been offended. He wasn't planning to ask but I respected it. He understood not to ruin a good moment like this, not now. Keep it light while it can be, because the second things get heavy the feeling is gone, I needed a light moment for this single second. If he wanted to knock on my door in the morning and ask then, fine, but now wasn’t the time and I was thankful we saw the same thing.

Another breeze brushed over my skin, a chill running up my skin and I frowned when the mug was no longer hot. I heard a pop from behind me and I turned to notice my lamp was back on.

The power was back, which meant the moment was gone.

“Well, power is back,” he awkwardly pointed over his shoulder at the building, his own apartment didn’t have much light but I assumed he was out here before the power went out,

“Yeah, I should probably head in,” I knew it would be warmer, but I felt as if my body was so much calmer out here.

“Yeah.”

We watched each other for a minute, I took my last glance at the boy with the beat up hat and the laugh of a Greek God.

“Night James,” I waved over my shoulder, holding the mug to my chest and grabbing the freezing door handle.

“Night (Y/N).”

I slipped back in the apartment, smiling when the little heat crashed onto my freezing cheeks, the contrast nice for the first few seconds. I set the mug down, blowing out the candle as my apartment now smelt like apple cider, which was just as calming. I missed the moments on the balcony but I was happy for the heat. I moved around my apartment, fixing my alarm clock and resetting a few other things after the power outages. I had just replugged the wifi router when I heard a little knock at my door. I assumed it was the landlord to tell me the power was back, obviously. I slid across the floor, swinging it open as I was prepared to lean on the door frame. I felt myself frown, not out of sadness but confusion as I realized who it was.

“James?”

He pulled his hand out his pocket, holding out ten dollars with a little shrug.

“Some crazy eclipses thing is happening tonight, hasn’t happened in two hunder and nine years.”

I couldn’t stop the large smile that graced my lips as I reached out to pull the ten-dollar from his grip, smiling more when he lingered in the doorway for a second.

“The tea you had looked good,” he rocked back and front of his feet, his eyes downcast to his shoes.

“Like a mug of it?” He looked up, smiling as I opened the door wider from him.

“If you insist.”

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[lettheladylead]

Title: Witness

Summary: Scrooge is on trial and he needs a character witness, but he's not sure how helpful she'll be. Ship: Scrooge/Goldie Word count: ~3080 Notes: I needed to write something after seeing the summary for the upcoming episode, The Life and Crimes of Scrooge McDuck. ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29510085

-

“This trial is a sham!” Scrooge shouted, slamming his shackled fists onto the desk in front of him. “You havenae allowed me a proper lawyer or allowed anyone to testify on my behalf!”

The giant mystical judge scoffed and held the gavel in his hand, ready to use it if the duck continued yelling. Holding him in contempt of court would be an easy way to end this trial early, but he wanted to make sure Mr. McDuck paid properly for his crimes.

The prosecutor rolled his eyes and walked in front of the desk. “And whom would you have testify for you? In the High Mystical Court of Good Versus Evil, family members aren’t allowed.”

Scrooge gaped. “Not even as a character witness? I spend all my time with my family!”

The smug, suited creature shrugged at him with a smile. “Too bad, then. Looks like we’ll just have to continue listing how you’ve corrupted these fine men and women and forced them into lives of villainhood.”

The old duck seethed, grinding his teeth and considering his options. If he let the trial continue this way, his poor family up in the spectator’s seats was about to watch him get destroyed and they had yet to even discuss punishment, but Scrooge was sure it would be worse than anything he could get on Earth.

As he glanced up at his family - Donald, Della, and the boys in particular - he wondered if Webby or Twenty-Two would’ve been allowed to defend him had they been zapped here along with the rest of them. They just happened to be in the kitchen at the time of abduction and were probably losing their minds with worry. Hopefully one of the boys was able to send some sort of textual message to let them know what was going on.

At that thought, Scrooge’s eyes lingered on Louie and his phone, and a thought suddenly came to mind. It was something he wasn’t sure about...perhaps it’d be a bad idea...but he had no other options.

“I know someone!” he shouted. “I have a character witness who’s not in my family!”

The judge and prosecutor stared down with their many, many eyes - giving Scrooge an expression he could only describe as terrifying and suspicious.

“You still want to try this?” the prosecutor asked. “Alright, fine. Who is it?”

“Goldie O’Gilt.” Scrooge ignored the reactions from his family - particularly Della and Donald’s resounding ‘oh, please no’ - and hoped this would be a good choice.

The prosecutor looked up at the judge, who nodded his head and slammed his gavel down three times before snapping his fingers. “Alright.”

A few seconds passed without anything happening or anyone saying a word. Scrooge glanced from side to side. “Should you...call a recess so I can contact her?”

“That would be a waste of time,” the prosecutor said as there was suddenly a poof of purple smoke at the witness stand.

Everyone stared as the smoke dissipated to reveal one Goldie O’Gilt - currently wearing a bathrobe and her hair was down and wet and as soon as she opened her eyes she was immediately very unhappy.

“Oh, what the hell is this?” Goldie shouted, choosing to stay seated but glaring around the room. “What am I on trial for this time?”

Scrooge felt himself getting sweaty. Maybe this was a terrible idea.

“Nothing, Miss O’Gilt,” the judge said as he leaned down to look at her. “Mr. Scrooge McDuck is on trial for crimes of harassment, manipulation, and corruption against multiple innocent victims.”

Goldie blinked up at him and then turned her head to look at Scrooge.

He gave her a toothy grin and a small, nervous wave.

“So what does that have to do with me?” Goldie asked as she grabbed her hair and wrung it out onto the floor.

The prosecutor stared at the puddle of water and then glared up at their new witness. “You’ve been called as a character witness for Mr. McDuck. Now do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”

The blonde rolled her eyes. “Sure.”

Scrooge dropped his head to the desk while the prosecutor and judge glanced at one another.

The bailiff walked over with a large brown book that had a giant lock around the side and was shaking a bit and making snarling sounds. Goldie raised an eyebrow as he held it towards her.

“Put your hand on this.”

Goldie grimaced. “Must I?”

“If you don’t want to testify, we can’t force you,” the prosecutor said with a pretentious glance up and down her body. “Clearly you were in the middle of something, after all.”

Goldie glared at him and in that moment decided she hated him more than she enjoyed inconveniencing Scrooge. She slapped her hand down on top of the book. “I swear to tell the truth.”

The bailiff mumbled something under his breath and then the book lit up and shone a bright light onto Goldie for a few seconds before fading away. He walked away as Goldie rubbed at her eyes.

“What was that?”

“That was a Light of Honestly,” the prosecutor said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Which means that so long as you’re at the witness stand, you’re physically incapable of lying or excluding relevant information from your statements.”

“What?!” both Goldie and Scrooge shouted at the same time. They immediately locked eyes with one another and could feel their shared nervousness almost psychically.

“Since when do you use something like that?”

“It was specifically requested and provided by one of the accusers in this case. Now, could you state your name and occupation to the court, please?”

Goldie’s left eye twitched as she squeezed the sleeves of her robes into her hands. “Goldie Kathleen O’Gilt. I…” She paused as if considering her words - or, Scrooge suspected, trying to find a way to word her lie so that it was still true. “...I own and operate a hotel.”

Scrooge’s eyes widened. She did what? He attempted to make eye contact with her so he could let her know how confusing what she just said was to him, but she was purposefully avoiding his stare.

“And how do you know Scrooge McDuck, Miss O’Gilt?”

Goldie frowned and glanced up at Scrooge before glaring at the lawyer. “He’s my…” She seemed to struggle with the words again. “...boy...friend?”

A collective groan could be heard from the duck boys in the peanut gallery while Scrooge couldn’t help the small smile that came to his face.

“Are you asking?” the judge asked sternly, leaning towards her again.

She grunted and angrily waved her hands around. “We’ve never really talked about it, alright? He’s the love of my life and we’ve been seeing each other on and off since 1897. How’s that for you?”

Scrooge was surprised not to hear another groan, and looked back to see the boys and Della looking quite touched by Goldie’s confession. They weren’t the only ones - even after their little Florida adventure, he never expected to hear those words come out of her mouth. Now he had ten times as much reason not to die right then and there.

“That’s descriptive enough, I suppose,” the prosecutor responded, clearly not recognizing or not caring about the emotional turmoil Goldie was going through after blurting that out so carelessly. “In the one hundred and twenty years you’ve known Scrooge McDuck, have you found him to be cruel?”

Scrooge stared at her pleadingly, despite knowing she physically couldn’t lie he still hoped she’d find a way to make him sound good.

Goldie brushed her fingers through her damp hair. “On occasion. But usually I was cruel to him first.”

“Usually, but not always?” the prosecutor asked, taking a look at the jury who were watching with gradually increasing interest. “So he has been cruel without provocation.”

“The first night we met involved me drugging his coffee and then him kidnapping me,” Goldie said nonchalantly, clearly starting to realize there was no fighting the Light of Honesty. “At the time I thought he was cruel, but looking back on it, I don’t mind that it happened.”

Scrooge closed his eyes and wondered what his family was thinking at that moment. He was thinking about all the different painful, mystical punishments he was going to face after Goldie destroyed his already limited chances of surviving this trial.

“Interesting. And over the years, have you witnessed Scrooge McDuck inflicting such cruelties on anyone else?”

Goldie rolled her eyes. “No. I like to think our relationship is special,” she added with a wink.

The prosecutor scoffed, annoyed by her response. “Can I assume this means your time spent with Scrooge McDuck is usually just the two of you, making you less than an expert on how he treats people he’s not having sex with?”

“Objection!” Scrooge yelled, standing up. “Curse me kilts, there are kids here!”

The judge shrugged. “He’s got a point.”

“Fine,” the prosecutor responded, putting up his hands in mock surrender. “But my question still stands.”

Goldie huffed. “Unfortunately for me, I have spent plenty of time with Scrooge’s other associates. I can’t confirm whether or not I’ve seen him around your particular accusers, but I’ve interacted with most of his enemies at one point or another.”

“...good to know,” the prosecutor said and brushed invisible dust off of his lapel. “Have you ever known Scrooge McDuck to harass others?”

“Only when they owe him money.”

“Oh? And does that happen often?”

Goldie let out a short laugh. “No one would be dumb enough to borrow from Scrooge! He adds interest even when you borrow five bucks for lunch.”

Scrooge pouted and ignored the temptation to argue that he had every right to do so.

“Have you known Scrooge McDuck to be manipulative?”

There was a pause at that question, one that filled the space between Scrooge and Goldie with a modicum of tension. “Yes.”

“...can you elaborate on that?”

Goldie sighed. “Well, he’s the richest duck in the world, a businessman, and an adventurer. You can’t be successful in any of those categories without being at least somewhat manipulative. Though he’s certainly not the most manipulative man I’ve dealt with, he’s not exactly a saint.”

Scrooge groaned and slammed his head against the desk multiple times in a row.

The blonde pouted angrily and tried to think of a way to save face. “That being said...if the accusers in question aren’t ex-business partners or fellow adventurers, I question the relevance of anything I’ve said.”

The jury seemed to find that statement interesting and the prosecutor glared angrily at Goldie for causing a stir. Scrooge lifted his head and smiled at her - now he was sure she was fighting to help him.

“I think we can allow the jury to decide the relevance of this information for themselves,” the prosecutor said with a snarl. “We don’t need any unfair extrapolation from our witnesses, Miss O’Gilt. Stick to the facts.”

Goldie let out a short, low hum and grabbed her hair to wring it out once again, getting water all over the attorney’s shoes. He gasped and stepped away from her.

“Oops!” Goldie put a hand to her beak, but offered no apology. No one needed to think twice to realize it was because she was incapable of doing so at that moment.

“Corruption is the biggest charge,” the prosecutor said matter-of-factly. “The accusers all claim that their villainy is a direct result of damages done to them, their property, or their livelihoods by Scrooge McDuck. Have you known Scrooge McDuck to be a corrupting person?”

Scrooge wondered about that charge against him in particular. He couldn’t deny that a lot of his enemies were a direct result of something he did - but it wasn’t purposeful nor was he the only person capable of causing these problems for them. If Scrooge hadn’t indirectly negatively impacted their lives, some other billionaire would’ve done it instead. It’s not like he was the only businessman-adventurer in the world.

“...yes.”

Scrooge sucked in a breath. He didn’t know what Goldie was going to say, but it couldn’t be good.

“Could you elaborate on that?”

“Not in any way that’s appropriate for the audience,” she answered with a smirk. “Wouldn’t want to corrupt the kids, too, after all.”

Scrooge exhaled loudly and blushed. Alright.

The prosecutor slapped a hand against his forehead. “Not that kind of corruption!” he shouted, pointing a finger into her face and getting much too close for anyone’s comfort. “Have you witnessed Scrooge McDuck influence the life of an innocent person in a way that led to them falling down a path of villainy?”

The jury reacted more than expected to the prosecutor’s anger, whispering among themselves briefly. Scrooge and the prosecutor both looked over at the Jury Box, but Goldie kept her eyes forward.

“...not purposefully, but yes.”

The prosecutor smiled. “Ahh, well naturally, if it wasn’t on purpose, then it doesn’t matter! Is that what you’re saying?”

Goldie’s left eye twitched again. “You asked me to state facts. I stated a fact. Do you have any other dumb questions?”

He glared at her and glanced up at the judge, who was leaning on his hand and watching their discussion closely. “I want to summarize what you’ve told us so far, Miss O’Gilt.”

“According to you, Scrooge McDuck may not be prone to harassment, but he is often cruel, fairly manipulative, and has been known to corrupt innocent people to villainy. Is that all correct?”

She frowned and tapped her fingers against her leg. “That’s all accurate to what I’ve said here, yes.”

The prosecutor turned back to look at Scrooge, whose expression could only be described as defeated. “Some character witness you’ve found yourself, Mr. McDuck.”

“Stick to the witness, Prosecutor,” the judge said quickly, holding up his gavel.

“Yes, Your Honor,” the prosecutor responded, moving back towards Goldie again. “Now, Miss O’Gilt, based on what you’ve told us here, Scrooge McDuck is not a nice man nor is he a noble man. Yet you referred to him as the, quote, love of your life, unquote. This leads me to believe that you, yourself, may not be a nice or noble person, either.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What’s your point?”

“If anyone has any doubts as to whether or not Scrooge McDuck is a cruel, manipulative person capable of horrible deeds, we need look no further than the fact that his girlfriend here is similarly cruel, manipulative, and as many of us here are already aware - a criminal.”

There were gasps among the crowd and the jury - the prosecutor turned his head towards them as he continued. “Yes, everyone, Miss O’Gilt here is actually quite familiar with the inside of this courtroom. She’s been on trial dozens of times over the past one hundred years for theft of mystical artifacts from every dimension and realm you can think of.”

Scrooge closed his eyes again and started counting. Perhaps if he did this long enough, he’d wake up from this nightmare he found himself trapped in.

Goldie, on the other hand, was unperturbed. “Been on trial, but never been convicted. Who’s the one bringing up irrelevant information now?”

“I simply thought it was important for our jury to be aware of the witness’ extracurricular activities.”

“The activities you have no evidence of,” Goldie said sternly. She glanced up at the judge. “I believe your prosecutor is harassing me when all I’ve done is comply with every question I’ve been asked both here and at previous trials.”

The judge considered this for a moment and looked down at the prosecutor. “She has a point. Was she convicted of any of the crimes you’re accusing her of?”

The prosecutor frowned. “No, but-”

“But nothing,” the judge said as he slammed down his gavel again. “You will move on from this statement of irrelevant accusations or I will have you replaced with another attorney.”

“...yes, Your Honor,” the prosecutor said with a bow, glaring at Goldie.

She smiled back at him, then glanced at Scrooge and blew him a kiss.

======

After court was adjourned and Scrooge’s handcuffs were finally removed after all those hours of magical metal chafing against his feathers, he spent an enjoyable few minutes being congratulated by his family before Goldie stepped out of the courtroom and stared at them.

“Um...Uncle Scrooge?” Louie said, tugging at his uncle’s sleeve.

“Yes, lad?”

“I think Aunt Goldie wants to talk to you.”

Scrooge considered taking a moment to discuss that nickname with his nephew, but Goldie’s presence distracted him enough that he simply turned around and walked towards her.

“You really saved me in there, O’Gilt,” Scrooge said softly as he reached down and grabbed one of her hands.

Goldie shrugged and squeezed his hand back. “Well it wasn’t like I could let them throw you in interdimensional prison. They don’t have conjugal visits, you know.”

He blushed and pulled his hand away. “Must you always be so inappropriate?!”

“Not always,” Goldie said as she took a step closer to him. “Just with you.”

Scrooge felt his heart racing and couldn’t help the nervous smile that came back to his face. “...I would’ve thought you’d run out of here as fast as possible after what you said.”

She played with her hair for a bit, roughly running her fingers through the knots that had formed since the judge had summoned her from her bathroom before she’d had a chance to brush. “It’s not like I said anything you didn’t already know.”

He smiled brighter and leaned forward to press a quick kiss against her beak; a disgusted groan sounded from behind him that he was pretty sure was Louie’s. “Is the judge sendin’ you back home?”

“After I’m done with you, yes.”

Scrooge grabbed her hands again. “How about you come to the mansion instead, dear?”

Goldie breathed out a laugh. “As much as I appreciate the offer, I’m not wearing anything under this robe and I’d kind of like to do something with my hair before it knots into a nest.”

“I’ve got some of your clothes,” Scrooge said quickly. “And showers. Towels. Hair brushes. Anythin’ you need.”

She raised an eyebrow and glanced back at Scrooge’s family who were all pretending not to pay attention to them. “Well...I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.”

[milkacchan]

Request for anon: Hii! If you're not too busy, may i ask hdcs for 1A girls (together) realizing that Yaoyorozu and fem Reader are in a secret relationship, thank you! Have a nice day / good night!

Just reminded me how much I want a gf and how in love with momo I am ngl

They didn't mean to see it!! They really didn't. They'd all decided to hang out of a little bit, for a late night movie once the boys had gone to bed.

Because boys are annoying. And they wouldn't be able to watch anything they'd actually want to.

So in a fit of quiet giggles, the girls of class 1A, head down the stairs.

Mina's first, occasionally looking back to hush the other girls because she'll be damned if Kaminari wakes up and tells everyone else about it. Then she'll be pissed.

"Hush hush," she whispers, moving her hand to dismiss the noise. "Do we have everyone here?"

"Momo wasn't in her room," Tsu shrugged, "it at least she didn't answer, maybe she fell asleep."

"Same with (Y/N), we'll just include them next time."

Mina frowns. "But that means..." she looked at her fingers, "Uraraka, Me, Jirou, Miss invisible-"

"I have a name," Hagakure huffed.

"Shh, I know, Miss invisible, and Tsuyu, that's only four of us." She whined. "That's no fun."

"It's plenty fun. Maybe one of them is downstairs still. You know (Y/N) refuses a decent sleep schedual." Jirou leans against the stairwell, crossing her arms.

"She does," mina nods, "I dunno why."

"She thinks it's a personality trait." She rolls her eyes and Hakugure snickers.

"Stop, that's mean. She just watches tv until it's like 4 am. I remember walking in to her room one time because I'd forgotten my jacket, and she was crying to a tv show about cute puppies."

"That's her personality trait right there,"

"Wrong!" Mina turned around. "She hit me afterwards with a textbook. 'If anyone hears about this I'll tear you apart-' So don't tell her I told you."

"C'mon, let's just go. That movie is calling out my name." Hagakure jumped up and down impatiently, holding onto the rail.

"Yeah yeah," she mumbled. "Now everyone shh,"

And so they continued in their trek downstairs. That is, before Minas hand went out.

Everyone stopped. She was peaking around the doorway, arm out behind her. Uraraka frowned. "What's going on?" She whispered.

"You won't believe this," Mina whispered back, pulling her head in. "Well, they're awake- just- just look, subtly."

So the girls moved and looked around themselves.

Sure enough, there you were. They were sure if you were awake, not that it mattered, because momo was there too. The two of you were splayed across the couch, momo under you, hand on your waist and the other playing with your hair.

You were on top of her, laying on your stomach. On hand cupped her cheek and the other hand made a home in her hair on the back of her neck.

The tv played softly in the background but momos attention was on you. Her eyes scanned your face, lips curling into a small smile as you mumbled something into her neck. She rubbed circles into your back with gentle fingers. It looked so soft- so refreshing to just be held like that.

The girls poked their head back in.

"Oh my god, Denki owes me ten bucks." Jirou grinned. "It was obvious really."

"It wasn't and you know it. How long have- how long do you think they've been hiding this?" Ochako joined, her hand over her mouth

"I don't...I don't know. Honestly I never got gay vibes." Tsuyu shrugged again, peaking back over. "At least from Momo,"

"Really? Momo radiated it."

"She liked Todoroki at one point,"

"Yeah in freshman year. And only for like 3 months."

"Didn't they used to hate eachother? I always assumed they just tolerated eachother." Hagakure whispered, leaning over Ochako.

"Maybe it was because they were both pining after eachother but hadn't realized it yet." Tsuyu out her hands together with a grin.

"True, Y/N was awfully close with Sero for awhile."

"They still are?"

"Yeah but like- obviously platonically because (Y/N) is very obviously into girls." Mina looked back at the 4 standing in the hall.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah like when we went to the beach and instead of staring at our boys and getting blushy- she stuttered over a girl who complimented her bikini." Jirou nods.

"She literally has a pride sticker on her mirror." Mina rolled her eyes.

"Not everyone's studied her room, Ashido."

"Best friend privileges I guess," Mina held up a peace sign, sticking her tongue out for a second before glancing back with Tsu.

"They're so cute," Hakugure whined, leaning against the wall. "Look at how she's looking at (Y/N). I want someone to look at me like that."

"I'm gonna be honest- I never pegged (Y/N) to be a softie."

"Yeah me neither."

"Huge softie, just hates showing it. Like I said, puppies. Crying. 3am." Mina spoke again.

"You know I can hear you guys right?" You groaned, not lifting your head from Momos shoulder. She only smiled, looking up to the door.

"Oh fuck- Um..Hey, hi- how yall doing?" Mina gingerly stepped out from the doorway, the other girls following.

"We're doing well, how about you?" It was momo this time, she was a little red but her hand never stopped moving through your hair. "What are you guys doing down here?"

"We could ask you the same question,"

"Cuddling. Clearly. You have eyes Mina."

"Fine, we were going to have a girls movie night so we wouldn't be made fun of by the boys. We knocked on your doors to see if you wanted to join but obviously, you weren't there. Because you're here."

"Obviously. Feel free to use the tv but I'm not moving." You grumbled, eyes closed.

"Grumpy are we?"

"She is a little." Momo spoke again, looking back at you. "What movie were you guys thinking?"

"The one where you tell us how long you two have been together. And why you've hidden it." Jirou sits down at the other end of the couch, groaning when Mina sits next to her, moving your feet into her lap.

"Yes yes, that one." The three other girls sat down where they could, looking at the couple intently.

"That okay?" Momo asked, still looking at you.

You only nod, giving a grunt of affirmation in response.

"About seven months."

"Seven?!"

"Seven. Beginning of summer after first year."

"Why'd you hide it?"

"Neither of us are out yet. At least not to the whole class."

"I was out to Mina and Sero, that's it." You mumble from your spot against momo.

"Wait not even Bakugou knew?" Ochako questioned, grabbing a pillow next to her.

"Nope. Neither does Kirishima. I know its not a super big deal- nor an important one, but I just haven't. Not really something I was planning on doing."

"You know they're gay right? Kiri is bi. But they're literally dating."

"I know. Just haven't said anything. Don't see a reason too."

"It's not really anyones business and we don't feel like dealing with the aftershock. Not yet at least. Maybe prom. Or ceremony."

"Valid reasons."

"Yeah but I'm sorry we found out, you guys weren't ready."

"Not a big deal 'chako, really." You shifted slightly and momo moved her hands. "It's not like we're scared of it or anything. Just a lot going on, a lot of people. So we'll just go gradually I guess."

"Yeah. No need to look so worried Tsu. It's alright."

"We'll try our best to keep the boys from finding out." Hagakure sounded, nodding to herself.

"You guys did a really good job though. Like a really good job."

"I'm surprised you guys didn't figure it out," you opened an eye. "The boys are dumb so I'm not surprised about that. Midoryia might know. Little bitch knows everything."

"He does! It's kinda creepy. You breathe and he knows your whole life story."

"Yeah, shits crazy." You nuzzle back into Momos chest. "'Rozu keep playing with my hair. Please."

She hums and her fingers run through your hair once more; gently tugging at any knots.

"That's too cute." Hagakure whines. "Like I said, i want someone who looks at me the way Momo looks at you."

"Shut up and play your movie."

"Be nice, (Y/N)."

[rookie-ramsey]

Baby Blues, Finale (Bryce X MC)

Description: Bryce and MC can handle just about anything. Hopefully, pregnancy and parenting fall into the “just about anything” category.

Preview: The officiant nodded. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now-” 

Bryce didn’t let him finish. He looped his arms around Emily’s waist and kissed her with an intensity that sent her heart soaring. She flung her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss as his arms tightened around her, lifting her feet from the floor.

(Note: It’s here... the LAST chapter. It’s a long one, so buckle in!)

Previous Chapter

“Come on, say Dada!”

From her high chair, Ava stared at her parents. She pursed her lips together and squealed, digging her tiny hand into her bowl of mashed potatoes.

Emily shook her head. “No, don’t listen to him. Say Mama.”

“No. Dada.” Bryce leaned closer to their daughter, who gurgled in amusement at the pleading in his voice. “Dada…. Da… da…”

“Bryce, you sound like a baby now.” Emily rolled her eyes and ate a bite of her dinner.

“She needs to say Dada first or I owe Elijah and Jackie twenty bucks!”

“You made bets about her first word, too? Because I’m gonna owe Sienna and Kyra if she doesn’t say Mama first!”

Bryce laughed. “This might be a problem.”

“Let’s spice it up a bit. Whoever loses has to do diaper duty exclusively for two days”

“That’s gonna be a stinky weekend for you.” Bryce grinned. “You’re on.”

He returned his attention to Ava, who was finishing her potatoes, getting more of them on her clothes than in her mouth. The infant pursed her lips and blew a raspberry, seemingly taunting him.

“Hey, that’s not nice. Say Dada. Please? I’ll pay you money.”

Keiki rolled her eyes. “Yeah, because a ten month old will do anything for a few bucks.”

Pleased with the amount of attention on her, Ava squealed and threw her arms out, sending her plastic dishes flying across the kitchen. Bryce left his seat to pick up the mess, sending Ava into a fit of giggles.

“Yeah, yeah, it’s so funny seeing Dada clean up stuff you throw, isn’t it?”

Ava kicked her feet and squirmed in the high chair, laughing as if watching her father pick up her dishes was the highest form of comedy she’d ever seen.

“Ava, since Dada’s busy cleaning up after you, why don’t you say Mama?” Emily urged.

Her daughter clapped her hands and babbled, clearly amused by her parents’ desperation.

“This kid cracks me up.” Keiki smirked and freed her niece from the restraints of her high chair. “Do you want Aunt Keiki to show you new ways to bug Bryce?”

The baby squealed, kicking her bare feet and squirming. “Keiki!”

Bryce’s jaw dropped. He gaped for several seconds as his sister and daughter stared at him with similar expressions of mischief and surprise. “Did she just…?”

Emily stifled a snicker. “I think she just did, babe. We both lost.”

“But how? I’ve been begging her for days and she refused. Keiki says her own name once and Ava just repeats it without any problem?” Bewildered, Bryce shook his head. Despite himself, he couldn’t resist an amused grin.

Emily watched as Ava crawled around the kitchen. “Just think. She’ll be walking by the wedding.”

“I know.” At the mention of the wedding, Bryce’s smile widened. “Three months. Can’t we just reschedule the wedding to tomorrow?”

“I don’t think the guests would appreciate that last minute change.”

“So?”

Emily laughed and leaned up, kissing his cheek. “Patience.”

XXXXXX

Despite Bryce’s impatience, the remaining weeks of wedding planning soared past them. Before they knew it, it was February morning and they found themselves at the wedding venue, with minutes ticking down until they would say their vows.

In the dressing room, Emily fidgeted in front of the mirror as Sienna helped her fasten the back of her dress. “I can’t believe it’s finally here…. Just a few minutes!”

Sienna finished tying the sash and stepped back. “Are you nervous?”

“Maybe a little.” Emily adjusted her veil and combed her fingers through her hair. Ava toddled around the room in her shoes and diaper, trying to escape Emily’s mother and the dress she was trying to dress her in.

Finally Allison caught Ava and managed to slip the lavender dress over her head. “Do you think your flower girl is ready?”

“She did okay at rehearsal once we showed her how to go down the aisle.” Emily fastened a little bow in Ava’s hair, to the infant’s distaste.

“Let me look at you.” Allison gripped Emily’s shoulders and looked her up and down, her face softening. “This reminds me of when you were little and you would wear your bed sheets to play wedding.”

Emily’s cheeks flushed as her friends giggled. “Mom!”

“I’m just teasing you. You look beautiful, sweetie.” Her mom hugged her for a long moment. Emily hugged her back and looked up when there was a knock on the door. Emily called out permission to walk in, and a moment later her dad stepped into the room.

“Ready, Em?”

“I think so.” Emily nodded and took a deep breath, taking her father’s arm and following her wedding party out of the room.

At the altar, Bryce’s heart raced with a nervousness he’d never felt before. The pianist started playing a soft, sweet tune, indicating the start of the ceremony.

A wide grin formed on his face when he saw Ava standing at the end of the aisle, her little hands clutching a basket of flower petals. Sienna gave the baby a gentle nudge. Ava toddled forward, throwing fistfuls of flower petals all around her as she approached the aisle.

She stumbled in her tiny dress shoes, spilling the flower petals. Unbothered, she uprighted herself and made her way down the aisle. When she reached the end, she toddled to Bryce and held her arms up.

“Dada!”

The audience laughed. Chuckling, Bryce leaned over and picked up his daughter, hugging her and giving her a kiss on the forehead. He settled her on his hip as the bridesmaids and groomsmen made their way down the aisle.

Bryce didn’t think it was possible for his heart to beat faster, but it nearly jumped from his chest when the music changed and Emily appeared at the archway. His breath hitched in his throat as he took her in, his smile growing a little with each step she took closer to the altar.

“Mama!” Ava squealed.

“Mama looks beautiful, doesn’t she?” he whispered, gently hugging her.

He passed Ava to Emily’s mom and wiped his suddenly sweaty palms against his pants. By the time Emily and her father reached the altar, Bryce was almost certain his face would split in two if he smiled any wider.

Emily slipped her hands into Bryce’s, her eyes glistening as she gazed up at him. It took everything in Bryce not to swoop in and kiss her right then, and he may very well have had the officiant not started.

The officiant began reading, bringing their audience to a silence. “Welcome, family and friends. We gather here today to celebrate the wedding of Emily Harmon and Bryce Lahela. You have come here to offer your love and support to this union so that they may start their married life together surrounded by the people most important to them.”

Bryce’s grip tightened on Emily’s hands as the officiant finished the introduction, then turned his attention to Bryce.

“Do you, Bryce Lahela, take this woman to be your wedded wife?”

The words rolled off his tongue immediately. “I do!”

Everyone tried not to laugh at the urgency in his tone, but several giggles escaped. Once quiet fell again, the officiant turned to Emily.

“And do you, Emily Harmon, take this man to be your wedded husband?”

“I do.” She laced her fingers through Bryce’s, never taking her eyes off of him.

“You may now recite your vows. May I have the rings?”

Rafael and Sienna passed the rings to Bryce and Emily. Bryce held the ring tightly and slipped it onto Emily’s finger, nestling it against her engagement ring. He spoke up, his voice strong as he recited the vows he’d spent weeks memorizing.

“I give you this ring as a promise to always love you as much as I have since we first met. I know love at first sight is a cliche, but it’s true. I promise to always love you, respect you, and be the best husband and father I can be. I also promise to always support you, be there for you, and still find silly, healthy ways to compete with you. Always.”

Emily laughed softly at the last part, her eyes misting as she began reciting her own vows. She slipped the ring onto Bryce’s finger and started reciting. “With this ring, I promise to always love and cherish you. I’ll never forget the love and support you’ve given me since the day we met. I’ll always be there, at the best and worst of times. I love you and have always known you’re who I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

The officiant nodded. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now-”

Bryce didn’t let him finish. He looped his arms around Emily’s waist and kissed her with an intensity that sent her heart soaring. She flung her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss as his arms tightened around her, lifting her feet from the floor.

After several seconds, Elijah’s voice called out, “Keep it PG!”

“Yeah, save something for the honeymoon!” Jackie chimed in.

Grinning, Emily pulled back, her face inches from his. “To be continued?”

“Hell yeah.” Bryce squeezed her hand as they turned to face the audience. Hand in hand, they retreated down the aisle.

Their audience cheered at them, and several minutes later they sat with their wedding party as they enjoyed thick slices of cake and heaping piles of food. When the announcement for the first dance caught their attention, Emily wiped frosting from her lips and smiled.

“Ready?”

“To dance with you? Aren’t I always?” Bryce took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. As the opening notes of the song began playing, he rested his other hand on the small of her back. They began swaying gently, surrounded by an audience of their friends.

For all those times you stood by me

For all the truth that you made me see

For all the joy you brought to my life

For all the wrong that you made right

For every dream you made come true

For all the love I found in you

Emily leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “How does it feel being actually married?”

“Best feeling ever, tied with the day Ava was born.” Bryce returned her kiss and touched his forehead to hers for a long moment as they continued dancing slowly to “Because You Loved Me.”

I'll be forever thankful, baby

You're the one who held me up

Never let me fall

You're the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'cause you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

The song faded out, transitioning to the next one and inviting other people to join them on the dance floor. Sienna released Ava, who barreled across the floor and launched herself at her parents.

Bryce scooped her up and tickled her stomach. “Does someone want a daddy daughter dance?”

“Dada!”

“Well, you’re lucky Mama wants more cake, so you get Dada all to yourself for this dance.” Emily kissed their daughter’s head, then slipped away from the dance floor to finish her cake. She sat down and watched, her heart swelling as Bryce swayed back and forth with Ava.

Sienna sat next to her and grinned. “Well? How do you feel?”

“Amazing. I know things won’t change much since we’ve been living together for so long now, but… things do feel different, and I love it.”

Several songs later, guests began slowly filing out of the wedding chapel.

Once everyone had left aside from a few people who stayed to help clean, Emily and Bryce changed out of their wedding clothes, dressing in casual clothes that would be more comfortable for their flight to California.

“Thank you guys so much for babysitting. Keiki is staying with some friends for the weekend, and we really appreciate you keeping Ava.”

“We don’t mind at all!” Ines grinned at the infant, who watched from Emily’s arms as Bryce put some things in the trunk of Zaid’s car.

“She shouldn’t be too much trouble. If you put her to bed around nine, she’ll sleep until six with no problems. She’s going through a phase where she likes to put stuff in the toilet, though, so you may need to weigh the lid down with something.”

Zaid sighed. “How lovely.”

Emily’s phone buzzed, reminding her of the time. “We have to leave for our flight now. Thanks again!”

She and Bryce both hugged and kissed their daughter before Emily deposited her without warning into Zaid’s arms. They said goodbye one more time before they left, setting course for the airport.

In the backseat of the cab, Emily snuggled into Bryce’s side. “Ready for our honeymoon, husband?”

Bryce’s mouth curled into the widest of smiles. “I’m ready, wife.”

XXXXX

“Wake up!”

A figure darted through their room and pounced onto the bed, effectively waking them up. Yawning, Bryce reached out and wrapped his arms around Ava, snuggling her close to him. “Let’s sleep another hour.”

“No, Daddy! I gotta go to school!”

“Says who?”

“The law!” Ava squirmed, freeing herself from his arms and scrambling out of bed.

“Yeah, Daddy. The law says she has to go to school.” Emily yawned and kissed her husband. She rolled out of bed and followed their wide-awake daughter into the kitchen.

Ava climbed into her seat, kneeling so she could reach the table. “Can I have coffee?”

“No way. What do you want instead?”

Sighing, Ava pursed her lips in thought. “A banana and toast.”

“I think we can manage that.” Emily sliced a banana and stuck a piece of bread in the toaster. She poured a cup of milk and set Ava’s breakfast in front of her. The little girl dug in, chewing fast with impatience.

“Slow down, squirt. The school building isn’t even open yet.” Bryce tousled Ava’s hair as he shuffled sleepily into the kitchen. He started a pot of coffee and poured a bowl of cereal for himself.

“I know, but I can’t be late.” Ava shook her head and sipped her milk, leaving a mustache on her lips. “I gotta pick out my shoes. I can’t decide what ones to wear.”

“Hey, it’s kindergarten. Proper footwear is important.” Bryce sat down, watching as Ava practically devoured her breakfast. When she was done, she flounced out of the room to get dressed.

“Someone’s excited.” Emily poured a cup of coffee and sat next to her husband. She stifled a yawn and leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Too excited. Why is this happening?”

“Because she’s five and has to start school sooner or later.” Emily kissed his cheek, glancing up when Ava started yelling from the bathroom.

“Mommy! I need you! Quick! Hair!”

“Sounds like a hair emergency. I’ll be back.” She stood up and followed the sound of Ava’s pleas. She found her in the bathroom, trying to untangle her messy bed hair. Taking the brush from her, Emily worked through the tangles until Ava’s hair fell into place.

“Thank you!” Ava exclaimed through a mouthful of toothpaste. She finished getting ready and paced the floor impatiently while her parents got ready. When they emerged from their room, Ava grabbed her backpack and lunchbox.

“Ava, we’re not going to be late,” Emily assured her. She glanced down, arching a brow at the sight of a purple Croc on Ava’s left foot and a blue Converse on the right. “Are you wearing two different shoes?”

“I couldn’t decide!”

“Well… I guess that’s efficient.” Emily followed Bryce and Ava to the car. Ava buckled herself into her booster seat. She chattered excitedly as Bryce drove to the elementary school they’d enrolled her in. He had no sooner put the car in park when Ava unbuckled and reached for the door handle.

“Daddy, unlock it!”

Groaning, Bryce unlocked it. He and Emily each took one of Ava’s hands as they crossed the parking lot. When they reached the front door, he knelt down. “You sure you wanna start kindergarten today? We can just say we’ll homeschool you and let you go to work with Daddy every day.”

Ava shook her head. “I can go to work after school, Daddy.”

“It was worth a try.”

He held his arms out. Ava threw herself into them and hugged him tight. She released him and hugged Emily, then stared up her parents for a second. “Can I go in now?”

“Yeah, baby. Go in. We’ll see you this evening,” Emily assured her.

Bryce felt a lump form in his throat as he watched as Ava skipped into the building and out of sight. He swallowed hard and let out a sigh.“Is that really the same kid I potty trained and rocked to sleep?”

“Yes, Bryce.” Emily took his hand and steered him toward the parking lot. “It’s kindergarten. I’m worried you’ll have a heart attack the day she goes off to college.”

“Don’t even mention that.” Bryce shook his head. “She’s growing up way too fast and I want it to stop.”

Emily smiled in amusement as they got in the car. The school wasn’t far from Edenbrook, so they were at work in a matter of minutes. She and Bryce kissed and parted ways in the atrium. As she made her way upstairs to her office, she walked with a little pep in her step.

Dr. Emily Harmon-Lahela, Internal Medicine.

She’d never get tired of seeing that plaque on her door. Emily unlocked her office and shut the door behind her. Now that she was alone, she couldn’t stop grinning as she reached into her desk. She found the hidden box and opened it, then stepped into the bathroom.

Memories from almost six years ago flooded back to her as she relieved herself of the two glasses of orange juice she had chugged. She urinated on the stick and cleaned up, then paced impatiently as she waited for the results to show up.

When the result showed up, Emily stopped in her tracks and smiled.

Pregnant.

Note: I was SO soft writing this. This story ended up being so much longer than I expected, but I loved every bit of it! It’s a little sad to say goodbye to, but...

wait for it..

I AM WRITING A SEQUEL! The sequel will definitely be shorter, and it won’t be posted until probably December or January because I refuse to write a new series until I finish another current one, but it WILL happen! Keep an eye out!

Tags:

@elephant9998​ / @mvalentine​ / @fortunatelywaywardsandwich​ / @whatchique​ / @achalantspitfire​ / @lahellacute​ / @virtuallytakenby​ / @oofchoices​ / @dang-lahela​ / @misswhit12​ / @drakeismyweakness / @sitsoncornflake​ / @a-tragical-tale​ / @bitchloveskcbaseball​ / @laceandlula​ / @paulfwesley​ / @bloomingsivan​ / @anotherbeingsworld​ / @vamped99​ / @malvolari-take-my-soul​ / @doctorsurferbro​ / @loveellamae​ / @drethanfreakingramsey​ / @trappedinfandoms​ / @elladines / @macy-ray85​ / @mrsdrlahela​ / @lucy-268​ / @swimmingauthordreamerbonk​ / @drakewalker04​ / @crystalchrysalis19​ / @ajs-wife​ 

[chwetuan]

+ the baker, the bun ; yugyeom

+ read this & this | pregnancy!au | husband!yug

+ gender reveal shenanigans, markbam crackhead dynamics, all that good stuff

+ category: one-shot | genre: it’s literally just fluff

+ requested by @geminimess​

Yugyeom feels like he’s going to pass out. Not because he’s outside in the 90 degree weather of the summer, but because you’re glaring at him with such hatred that he’s truly beginning to wonder if he’s called you his wife for the last two years.

The cap on his head does nothing to stop the way the heat creeps up his spine. His eyes are trained on you — so pregnant, ankles swollen, cheeks flushed pink and sipping on a red Gatorade because it’s “the closest thing” to a cocktail you can get your hands on.

Yugyeom’s heard it from all his friends and coworkers — how women seem to glow when they’re pregnant. And to an extent, it’s true — your face seemed to be beaming with life, cheeks full and pretty when you smiled. But more often than not, he swears on his life, you don’t glow like an angel. Rather, you glow red like satan’s right-hand man, coupled with a sharp tongue and a newfound-wit about you.

You wore pregnancy like armor — literally, always in defense mode and ready to chew his, or anyones, head off at the smallest inconvenience.

But he takes the hits and rolls with the punches, because at the end of the day, you were easy to talk down.

You’d grown impossibly sweet, calmed by simple kisses and the sound of his voice when it seemed like you were on the brink of exploding with rage or annoyance. On most days, you were fussy at best, only needing the bare minimum of a hug and some peanut butter to keep you satisfied.

But right now, there’s something he can’t place his finger on.

It feels like a guessing game — he isn’t sure why you’re glaring at him, or what he’s done to warrant such a look of venom, but mentally, he’s going through a checklist of what he could’ve possibly done to piss you off.

You’re reclined on one of the lounger-chairs in your tiny backyard, your dad next to you. He’s peeling a tangerine and singing along to whatever 80s throwback he’s decided to play. Yugyeom has no clue why your sister employed your insane father with the task of setting the playlist for your gender reveal, but he’s known your family too long to ask questions when it came to delegation. The old man wears the same blue tinted bifocals, but instead of his usual button down Hawaiian shirt, he wears a white tee that with bold lettering that reads “grandpa” across the front.

“Dude, you look like you’re going to pass out.”

At the sound Mark’s voice, Yugyeom is snapped out of his daydream.

“These lemon squares are simply exquisite.” Bambam buts in, squeezing his way in to stand between the two men.

You’ve finally mastered the recipe, after all.

Mark stares at him for two beats before facing Yugyeom. “For real, are you okay?”

Yugyeom nods, taking a sip from his water bottle. “I’m fine. Just. Gender reveal, you know?”

Again, Bambam buts in. “______ looks like she’s going to kill me. Or you. She’s staring in this general direction and I can’t really tell.”

He knows you’re staring. You’ve been doing so for the last 15 minutes and he hasn’t decided on his approach yet.

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees your sister enter the backyard with a white cake box in hand, resting it on one of the many, many, many (really, the table to guest ratio is absurd), food tables that crowd the space.

It’s then you motion Yugyeom over, brows angled inward and a huff leaving your chest.

Your hands are grabby when you reach for him, and his arms are around you as he helps you up from the seat. He stares at you a few seconds before brushing your bangs from your face and planting a soft kiss on your forehead. It’s only then that the crease in your brow disappears, your face relaxing into a happy smile. It’s simple.

“The spawn won’t stop kicking.”

He laughs, loud and open, palms falling to your rounded stomach. “When are you gonna stop calling our baby a spawn?”

“When I find out whether or not it’s a female or male spawn. Maybe then I’ll think about a different name.”

You look around at your friends and family that have began to gather around the tables, all wearing various shades of blue and pink — in competition with each other placing bets on whether or not it’s a boy or a girl.

After a few more minutes spent talking with them, Yugyeom asks —

“Are you ready to cut the cake?”

“I swear to god if I have to listen to one more joke about how I’m now literally a baker, I’m going to kick everyone out and then retire.”

~~~

Stood in front of the people closest to you, you and Yugyeom both grip the knife, prepared to cut into the frosted white cake that sits before you. He doesn’t know why there’s so much tension in the air — but everyone is excited, holding their breath and waiting to see what color the slice of cake is.

“Ready?” You ask and he nods.

When the knife parts the frosting, you can feel the excitement buzzing through the air as your friends and relatives watch on.

Jackson stands next to you, watching intensely as the first slice is plated. He looks like he’’ll burst into tears at any second.

“Boy! Boy! It’s a boy!” Exclaims your dad, face breaking into a smile as guests begin to cheer.

“Oh my god, oh my god.”

Yugyeom is speechless, wrapping his arms around you and kissing you what feels to be a thousand times.

But within a few seconds, the cheers are replaced by silence as you stare at your sister, who’s approaching the table with a second cake, in confusion.

Now, Yugyeom really feels like he’s going to pass out.

With Jackson’s help, she places the second cake on the table in front of you. “Uh, surprise?”

On the sidelines, Bambam whispers to Mark. “It’s fucking twins! You owe me ten bucks.”

“I’m not paying you shit! I-“

“I knew I was right!”

Mark shoves him, just enough to have the younger man tripping over his feet and repositioning himself.

“Shut up! It was a joke, you weren’t even being serious.”

“It’s a girl!” Your sister yells, and the two men turn their attention back to you and Yugyeom.

“Now, you owe me ten bucks.” Mark quips, clapping and cheering alongside the rest of your friends and family.

.

.

.

“It’s two spawns! You knocked me up with two spawns?” You exclaim, shoving a mouthful of cake into Yugyeom’s mouth as he tries his best to keep his composure.

Your house is empty now, and it’s just you and him standing in your kitchen going in on what’s left of the cakes from earlier.

He knows you’re joking, you haven’t stopped smiling since your sister brought the second cake out.

Whether it be chance laying out the cards or a higher power sketching the timeline of events, he feels blessed, to have you in his life.

To have you as his wife, the soon-to-be mother of his children, to have you as his best friend.

You beckon him closer to you once more, pulling him into a kiss that tastes like frosting and the epitome of happiness.

X

X

X

(written july 4th - posted & edited july 5th)

[tripleaxeldiaz]

with your heart, my soul is bound

for @hearteyesforbuck <3

part of the vermont series

read on ao3

When they told Maddie they had decided to get married in a month, Eddie was pretty sure she was going to pick both of them up and throw them out the window.

“You’re telling me,” she said with an eerie calm that made the hair on the back of Eddie’s arms stand up, “that I only have 31 days to plan a wedding from scratch in a town I barely know, all because you guys are too impatient to wait at least a year like normal people?” 

“It’s actually more like 27 days—” Eddie squawked as Buck elbowed him in the ribs. He turned back to his sister, doing his best to replicate the puppy dog eyes and pout that Chris always used to try and stay up past his bedtime. 

“Look, Mads…it’s just too far away.” Buck said, threading his arm through Eddie’s, squeezing his bicep. “We could go to the courthouse and get it over with, but we want to do it right. We want to do it now.” Maddie just looked at them, eyes skeptical and contemplative. “I mean, if you don’t think you’re up for it, we can always hire a wedding planner…”

“No, no way. I can do it. I’m doing it.” 

Buck grinned, turning to Eddie and shooting him a wink. Eddie laughed and rolled his eyes, planting a kiss on Buck’s shoulder. 

“You’re the best Mads, seriously. We owe you big.”

“I am the best, and you absolutely do, and I will absolutely be holding this over your head until the end of time.” She sat up straighter, picking up her laptop from the nearby coffee table and firing it up.

“First things first, what poor sucker am I going to have to yell at to get a venue booked on such short notice….”

~~~~~~~~~~

Eddie’s not sure if there’s a higher power at work, but if there is, they really wanted this wedding to happen. Maybe they had taken pity on them, saw both of them work and fight so hard for their own lives that when they finally found each other, found the grace and joy in each other that they hadn’t been able to give themselves, the universe said alright, you guys deserve a break. We’ll go easier on you now.

When they couldn’t find a space no matter how loud Maddie yelled, Karen had an opening at the inn in their biggest room, the perfect size for all their guests. When their first caterer fell through, Bobby stepped up immediately, offering food and desserts and a cake free of charge as a wedding gift. When none of the rental places had a dance floor big enough for what they wanted, Buck insisted on building one from scratch, and had just enough time to finish it. 

When Eddie’s parents weren’t going to make it, some excuse about airline prices and not enough time to prepare, Sophia volunteered herself to walk Eddie down the aisle before he could even be too hurt about it. 

A month later (27 days, Eddie, that’s not a month, those four days matter), he’s standing in awe in the middle of the room where he’s going to marry the love of his life in about 20 minutes. Buck always talked about how he was sure his sister had a little bit of magic in her, but she must have summoned a whole lot more for this because she’s worked a miracle. Forest green carpet covers the center aisle, leading to a hand carved archway Chim surprised them with at the rehearsal the night before. The arch is covered in roses and chrysanthemums in burgundy and wrapped with vines of ivy. Fairy lights hang all across the ceiling, making Eddie feel like he’s in a completely different galaxy, starlight following him wherever he goes. He feels his eyes water as he takes it all in, because even in his wildest fantasies, he never imagined everything coming together this perfectly.

“Don’t cry now, you haven’t even seen Buck yet.” Maddie’s walking up the aisle, clipboard in hand, a vision in her silver dress. It might just be the lights, but she looks a little misty too.

“Maddie, I really don’t know how we can ever thank you for all of this,” Eddie says as he looks around again. She stops in front of him, places a hand on his shoulder, silent until he looks at her dead on. She’s got that familiar sparkle in her eyes that must be a Buckley trait.

“You already have. You love my brother like he deserves to be loved, with your entire heart and soul. I can never thank you for that, but maybe we can call it even now.” She pulls him into a tight hug, kissing his cheek before letting go. “Alright, back to your room, the guests will be getting here any minute.”

He gives her a mock salute as he leaves, jogging back to the room down the hall where he and his sisters have set up camp. When he left, the kids were loud as always, fighting Sophia as she tried to get them dressed. She won, thankfully, and they’re quiet now, watching Chris play a game on his Switch. Sophia is in one of the lounge chairs, head back, eyes closed, a beer held loosely in her hands.

Eddie almost feels bad disturbing her peace when he flicks her forehead.

“You better not be drunk before my wedding,” he says as he sits in the chair next to her.

She cracks an eye open, giving him a deeply unimpressed look. “Please, one beer isn’t gonna do me in, I’m not mom.” Eddie’s stomach goes a little funny at the mention of their mother, hands unconsciously clenching into fists. Sophia sets her beer down and reaches over, rubbing his hands in hers until they relax. “You know you would have been ten times more stressed if they were here. Dad would have already found 15 things wrong with the inn, and Mom would be fighting with Maddie about the decorations.”

“I know,” Eddie sighs. “You’re right, but still, it’s so…”

“Shitty? That they refused to come to their only son’s wedding? Yeah, it is.”

“Buck’s parents aren’t coming either, they didn’t even respond to the invite. This just feels like something they all should be able to give up their pride for, you know? For family’s sake.”

“But they aren’t your family, Eddie, not really. Your family is here today, everyone who loves the both of you and wants to celebrate your love. Those are the people that matter.”

Eddie nods, squeezing Sophia’s hands. “It’s really annoying how you’re right about everything.”

She nods sagely. “It’s the cross I bear as the oldest sibling.”

They settle into comfortable silence, hands still clasped, the drone of arriving guests floating in from the main room. Despite the short notice, they’re expecting almost 100 people across family, friends, co-workers, and Army buddies. As the voices continue, Eddie’s leg starts bouncing, and he can’t stop playing with his cufflinks. 

“Nervous?” Sophia asks.

Eddie shakes his head. “Not at all. I’m just— I really can’t wait to marry him.”

Sophia squeezes his hand this time, her smile soft. “I’m so happy for you, Eddie. Not just that you found Buck, either, but for everything you’ve done since you sold your book. I only ever wanted you to have the good life you deserved, and I’m so glad you have that here.”

“You’re the one who started it all,” Eddie says. “None of this would have happened if you weren’t such a snoop.”

“That’s true,” she says, laughing. “But you did all the real work. You invested in yourself and you made it happen. I just lit the match under your ass, you built the bonfire.”

Eddie’s throat feels too tight to speak, so he kisses the back of her hand instead. There’s a knock at the door before Maddie comes in, clipboard replaced with a bouquet.

“Everyone’s seated, it’s showtime.”

Sophia claps as she stands up, herding the kids, straightening ties and flattening flyways as she sends them off with Maddie. Eddie offers her his arm as she grabs her own bouquet and meets him with a blinding smile.

“Alright, Bromundo, let’s get you hitched!”

Eddie’s too excited to even fight the nickname, matching his sister’s smile as they walk out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~

The music begins and the guests stand, facing the back entrance of the hall. The twins come down the aisle first, Alexa tossing fistfuls of rose petals in front of them every few steps. Chris goes next, beaming at everyone as he goes, getting a high five from Adriana and a kiss from Abuela before taking his place at the altar. 

Eddie offers Sophia his arm, and they nod to each other as they head out. When he steps into the hall again, he’s hit with the same wonder he felt the first time, even more so seeing everyone filling seats, full of joy and tears and love for him. For them. His smile is the most genuine it’s ever been, and he doesn’t even care that his cheeks already hurt. The butterflies in his stomach fly faster the closer he gets to the altar, the anticipation making his skin buzz in a wonderful way. They stop in front of the archway, and Sophia pulls him into an iron gripped hug, her arms so tight he’s worried she might leave bruises.

“You deserve this, Eddie. Every bit of it,” she whispers as she pulls away, taking her seat next to Adriana. They each blow him a kiss as he settles at the altar, Chris flashing a thumbs up from his side. Eddie looks towards the back of the aisle and feels his breath stop completely, the rest of the world melting to nothing around him. He���s glad they decided to let him walk down first because he’s not sure he’d be able to take one step with his knees feeling this weak.

Buck looks nothing less than ethereal, like the gods sent him straight down from the skies so the world could finally see what real, unfiltered beauty looks like. His burgundy suit hugs every glorious inch of him, makes his birthmark into even more of the angel’s kiss Eddie knows it is. His hair is styled but soft enough that the curls are still loose, glowing under the lights like a halo. It’s not long before Eddie’s vision blurs with tears, the happiest tears he’s ever felt, because despite the perfect packaging he’s in today, Eddie knows the man underneath, knows his passion and his mind and his gentleness, and that is the man he can’t wait to spend forever with. 

He makes his way down the aisle with Maddie, his smile growing the closer he gets to Eddie. He kisses Maddie’s cheek as she drops his arm, and then he’s there, right in front of him, looking even more beautiful up close. He’s not a dream, not a trick of the light, not a cruel hallucination Eddie’s brain has cooked up. He’s real and looking at Eddie like he’s the only person in the world worth looking at.

“Hi,” Buck whispers as he takes Eddie’s hands in his calloused ones, threading their fingers together.

“Hi,” Eddie responds wetly, feeling more grounded just being in Buck’s presence than he has all day. 

He doesn’t hear much past “dearly beloved”, too focused on committing every detail of Buck — the feel of his hands, the lights reflecting in his eyes, the flush of his cheeks, his smile, everything — to memory. They’re both broken from their haze as the officiant clears his throat, looking at them expectantly.

“Sorry, what?” Buck asks.

“I said, I believe the grooms have written their own vows?” They nod as the audience laughs behind them. “Eddie, whenever you’re ready.”

Eddie takes a deep breath, his knees somehow going weaker. It had been easy writing his vows — the hardest part was keeping them short, since he could easily fill up volume after volume with how he feels about Buck. But he wanted them to be special, wanted to look at his almost husband the entire time he spoke so he could see in his eyes how true his words were. So he left the paper in his pocket and memorized his words instead, went over and over them with Chris until he had them down perfectly. He was worried he’d lose everything as soon as he looked at Buck, but if anything, it cemented the words in his mind even more, branding them across his heart, completely making Buck a part of his very being.

“Evan,” he starts, sees Buck’s smile wobble, feels his hands grasp tighter. “A long time ago, I accepted that I wasn’t meant for love. That there was no one who would see my scars and love me because of them, because of the man they made me into, not in spite of them. And I was happy, for the most part. Happy to focus all my energy on Chris and raising him, making sure he knew he was loved and that he mattered. It was easy to ignore, to forget wanting to be found like that.”

“But then I moved to Vermont, and a tree fell into my son’s room. You showed up to fix it, and everything changed.” He reaches a hand up to Buck’s cheek, wiping away the tears tracing paths down his face. “You fixed everything in our house, but you didn’t try and fix me. You saw the cracks and scuffs and pieces hanging by threads, and you still thought I was beautiful. You’ve witnessed the best and ugliest sides of me, and you’ve never made me feel the need to compensate for not being perfect. You see me, all of me. And for the rest of my life, I will do my best to make sure you know I see you too. To make sure you know, always, that Chris and I love you to the ends of the earth. That even if your own cracks get deeper and your scuffs get worse, I will always see you for the amazing man that you’ve become. Thank you for loving me, and for letting me love you. Thank you for not fixing me. Thank you for finding me.”

Buck sneaks a look at the officiant before leaning forward and placing a quick kiss on Eddie’s cheek. There’s laughs again, in between sniffles and rustling tissues. He sees Buck take his own breath, meeting Eddie’s eyes again, and Eddie can’t help the laugh that bubbles out of him, his own happiness apparently too much for his body to keep inside.

“I’m clearly not the writer in this relationship,” he says, with more laughter from the audience. “I’m not always the best with my words, but I am a man of action, and I always keep my promises. So I promise you, Edmundo Diaz, to always have your back. I promise to love you every day, and even more on the days that you don’t think you deserve to be loved. I promise to catch you when you fall and to always fight for you, even if you are the person I have to fight. You talk about how I found you, but baby, we found each other. And I have no intention of ever letting you go.” 

He takes a step past Eddie then, taking a knee in front of Chris and taking both of his small hands. “And you, Christopher,” he says. “I promise you that I will always keep you safe and do whatever I can to make sure you’re happy. I promise to help you be the best person you can be, and to support you no matter what. And I promise to always order extra olives on our pizza for you, even though I know your dad hates them.” Eddie snorts, and Chris’s laughter is loud and bright as he throws his arms around Buck’s neck, crutches clattering to the floor.

“I love you Buck.”

“I love you too buddy,” Buck whispers, kissing the side of Chris’s head. He straightens up, hands Chris his crutches before taking his place in front of Eddie again. It takes every ounce of strength he has to not kiss Buck right then, instead mouthing “I love you” because it’s the only thing that won’t get him yelled at by the officiant or Abuela.

They exchange rings, promising love and honor, to cherish each other until death do they part. Eddie’s hands are steady as he slides Buck’s ring on, because there’s nothing for him to be nervous about now. This is the one thing in his life he’s most certain about, most secure in, even more so than being a father sometimes. His love for Buck is unwavering, built of the strongest stuff in the universe. There’s no room for doubts to creep in.

The officiant wraps up, has barely pronounced them husbands when Eddie wraps his arms around Buck’s waist, pulling him in and kissing him like he’s been wanting to since he walked down the aisle. It’s deep and all-consuming and perfect, and Eddie feels absolutely electric. He kisses him again, and again, and one more time just because, before turning to scoop Chris up in his arms. He holds him on one hip, his other hand in Buck’s, and the three of them make their way back down the aisle through their clapping, cheering family.

~~~~~~~~~~

Cocktail hour passes in a blur as they mingle with guests on the back deck of the inn. They’re surrounded by the oranges and yellows of the autumn forest, and everything feels cozy and warm, full to bursting with happiness. The room is transformed for the reception, tables draped in burgundy and forest green, candles burning in their silver centerpieces, adding to the glow of the fairy lights. Dinner is lively, but everything is background noise to Eddie. He’s too wrapped up in Buck, in the feel of his arm around his shoulder, in watching him laugh, listening to him commentate on their family interacting and laughing along with him. Every so often he’s slapped by the reminder that this is it, that he and Buck are he and Buck forever, and he’s sure this unbridled joy that he feels will never fully wear off.

Maddie makes a speech, full of heartfelt wishes for their future together. Sophia makes one too, more focused on roasting her brother to oblivion, but with all the love in the world. When she’s done, she hands the microphone to Chris, who stands and faces the crowd.

“Hi, I’m Christopher, and those are my dads.” He points to Buck and Eddie at their table, and Eddie feels Buck’s breath hitch. It’s not the first time Chris has called them “his dads”, but it seems to catch Buck by surprise every time. Eddie smiles, kisses his cheek, and places a comforting hand on his thigh.

“I just want to say that I’m really glad Buck is officially part of our family now. Dad always tells me to find the things that make me happy, and I know Buck makes him very happy, and he makes me very happy too. I love you guys! Thank you!” Buck is up in an instant, quickly striding towards Chris to wrap him up and swing him around in a hug. Eddie is quickly behind him, arms coming around them both. 

As they set Chris down, the DJ announces that it’s time for the first dance. Buck offers his hand, leading Eddie out to the middle of the homemade dance floor, and Eddie once again feels like they’ve been transported to their own universe, just the two of them among the stars. As they sway, chests pressed together, eyes never leaving the other’s for long, Eddie takes in the lyrics of the song:

Life is ever changing but I will always

Find a constant and comfort in your love

With your heart my soul is bound

And as we dance I know that heaven can be found

And that’s what they are together: constant, comfortable, a home that they’ve both been searching for for longer than they can remember. Things won’t always be easy, since life never is, but they know that they’ll always be able to fall back on each other. No mistakes, no slip ups, no amount of darkness will be able to crack the steel-enforced foundation of their love. They’re in this together, tied together for life, and while that could be scary for some, it’s exhilarating for Eddie. He is finally, finally, in a love that consumes him. And he finally believes he’s worthy of it.

“What’s on your mind?” Buck asks, a curious smile on his face as they keep dancing.

“You,” Eddie responds, kissing Buck’s jaw as his blush grows. “Us. How much I love you. How excited I am for our future.”

Buck smiles, rivaling the sun, and rests their foreheads together. Eddie could stay in this starlight filled bubble of theirs forever.

“This is just the beginning, baby,” Buck says. “Us and Chris against the world. And it’s only gonna keep getting better from here.”

[impala-dreamer]

Checkmate

Criminal Minds FanFic

~Trying to hide something from your coworkers is almost impossible, especially when your coworkers study human behavior for a living.~

Reader, Reid, Hotch, Morgan (ish)

1,500 Words

Warnings: NSFW. Smut talking. Smut happening subtly. Comedy.

A/N: This is my first ever CM fic, and my god they're too smart for me. lol. Hope I somewhat did them justice. :)

My Masterlist ~ Become A Patreon ~ Find My Original Works on Amazon

The engines roared; Morgan snored in time with the droning of the plane.

It had been a week. Stressed but relieved that no one else had died, the team headed back to Quantico; mostly silent, alone with their thoughts.

The only chatter came from Reid and Y/N who sat mid plane, playing a game of chess that had been going on forever. Reid was smarter, but Y/N was able to distract him enough to sneak a few choice moves in here and there.

She leaned forward over the board, giving him a nice view of her cleavage, and set her middle finger atop a pawn, deciding.

"The thing about Martin Fletcher," Reid went on, eyes determined to stay on her hand and not stray further up. "He would technically be classified as a sexual sadist, but when interviewed before his execution, he admitted to the murders but did not express gaining any sexual satisfaction from any of the victims or scenes."

Y/N shrugged and took her hand off the pawn as a shiver ran down her spine. "Is that so weird? Everyone's different, Spencer."

"It's not," he agreed, eyeing the board and then Y/N, "I just found it interesting. He said that he liked to masturbate to pictures of classic cars and women wearing latex catsuits."

A chuckle sounded from across the plane and Y/N leaned over to look past Reid's shoulder. Hotch was seated diagonally across from her, ankle on his knee, cell phone in hand, listening but not.

"Something to add, Agent?" Y/N teased; a slick smile spreading across her lips.

Dark brown eyes lifted. "Classic cars," he repeated, staring hard at Y/N, "latex catsuits? Sounds like a-"

"Batman Complex," she finished for him with a faint laugh. "You're right."

Hotch looked up with a rare smile and a moment of tension filled the cabin.

Reid was lost between them.

"Batman Complex?" he questioned, brows knitting as his microprocessor of a brain struggled to catch up. "Is that a-"

"Inside joke," Y/N said, clearing her throat and tearing her attention away from Hotch. She leaned in again and gave them both a peek, moving her pawn forward. She let out a heavy breath as another shiver attacked her, and sat back in her seat. "Your move, stud."

Reid pressed his lips together in a confused smile and studied the board. "You know, superhero fetishes are ranked in the top ten of sexual fantasies for white males ages 15-25."

Y/N squeezed her thighs together. "Just missed the cutoff, huh?"

His cheeks burned bright. "I-I've never…"

"Oh, come on, Spencer. Everyone has fantasies. Everyone's got that one...mmm...thing that…" Y/N sat up straight and gripped the armrest for a quick second, her voice growing weak. She shot a glance at Hotch, and cleared her throat. "We all have that one thing that seems a little strange. Nothing to be ashamed of."

Reid ignored her squirming and moved his rook. "I don't think so. I don't...really…"

Y/N licked her lips absently and looked down at the chessboard. There was no way she was going to win. Not even a little. All she had up her sleeve was distraction, even if she was a little more than distracted herself.

“Are you seriously telling me, Dr. Reid…” She spoke slowly, capturing one of his pawns as his eyes glazed over slightly. “...that you don’t have any weird... sexy things…” She picked up his piece and brought it towards her lips, slowly rolling the top around in her fingertips. “...floating around in that head of yours?”

Reid swallowed hard.

Hotch shifted in his seat.

Morgan rolled onto his side, his snore fading to a gentle purr.

“No?” Reid watched as Y/N grinned, rubbing her thumb across the top of the pawn slowly. “I don’t know.”

“Too bad,” she shrugged, sitting back as her stomach tightened a bit. “I’d imagine you’re full of interesting ideas.”

Reid smiled and looked down at the board, a bit of hair falling into his eyes. “Ideas, yes,” he admitted. “Sexual ideas? No.”

Y/N held her breath for a moment and her eyes fluttered closed. She pushed her knees up and thighs together, going up on her tiptoes for a split second before relaxing with a sigh. “You gotta have something dirty going on up there.”

Bishop to rook.

“Not really.”

“I don’t believe you,” she said simply.

Hazel eyes narrowed. “I’m not one to lie, Y/N.”

Her shoulders twitched suddenly and she exhaled slowly, eyes flickering over to Hotch who sat as before, watching but not, listening but not. “I guess that’s true,” she said, breath quickening with each word. “But if you were one to lie, you’d probably be good at it, thus making it impossible for me to know how true that statement is.”

“Well,” he said with a small smile, “I suppose that’s true as well.”

Y/N’s hips rolled unconsciously and she dug her nails into her thigh to stop the movement. “So, no dirty thoughts ever?” she asked, leaning in to study the board.

Reid’s eyes drifted to the deep line between her breasts and his voice grew tight. “No more than anyone else, I would assume. You?”

Y/N pulled her bottom lip through her teeth as her eyes hazed over for a second. She tipped her head to look at Hotch, chest rising and falling with heavy but controlled breaths. “Oh, I always have dirty thoughts, Spencer. Always.” She chewed her lip again, canine falling like a dagger into the corner of her mouth.

Knight to E7.

“Such as?”

A bout of turbulence shook the cabin as the plane rolled through a mess of heavy clouds, and Y/N sat back in her chair, gripping the armrests. She closed her eyes and let out a silent moan through gently parted lips; knees shaking almost imperceptibly.

When the plane regained its smooth glide, Y/N opened her eyes and gave Reid a dreamy smile. “Well, such as…” Her gaze traveled to Hotch for a brief moment and then back to the chessboard. “Sometimes I think about having sex in here.”

“In here?” Reid swallowed hard.

“Yeah.” She licked her lips and crossed her arms, forcing her breasts to pop beneath her tight blouse. “Right in here.” She dropped her voice and her arms, leaning closer. “Can you imagine how much fun that would be, Spencer? Cumming your brains out at 60,000 feet?”

Reid, who had subconsciously leaned in as Y/N did, now sat back, spell broken. “Well, actually, we rarely travel above 41,000 feet. Sometimes 42,000.”

Y/N laughed. “You’re killing me, kid.”

“No,” he smiled, “just kicking your ass at chess.”

His queen flew down the board and Y/N gasped, sitting on the edge of her seat.

“Well...shit,” she panted, brows knitting, stomach clenching, then relaxing.

“Checkmate.”

Y/N eyed the board and then shook her head. “Damnit.”

“Of course, if you had actually been paying attention, you may have made a better go of it.”

Hotch laughed under his breath.

Y/N blinked quickly. “Excuse me? I’m paying enormous attention.”

Reid sat back and smiled. “Don’t get me wrong, I think you played very well being that you were desperate to distract me from the fact that you were having multiple orgasms while talking to me.”

“What!” Her face flushed and her guilty smile was unfading.

“You’ve been sweating, out of breath, muscles clenching and releasing. Your pulse has been elevated and your pupils dilating at a rapid pace. I’m assuming you’re being stimulated by a remote device controlled by an app on Hotch’s phone.”

She stammered. “That’s-not-”

“If I’m correct, you’ve had about four orgasms since we sat down.” Reid stopped and clasped his hands, waiting smugly to hear if he was correct.

Y/N took a deep breath and sat up straight. “Well, ahem. That’s...I’m…” A sudden shock from the device tucked in her panties made Y/N whimper and she grit her teeth, annoyed. “If you’ll excuse me, Spencer…”

He grinned. “Of course.”

Y/N jumped up, a little weak in the knees, and hurried passed him, shaking her head at Hotch on the way to the lavatory. “You suck,” she mouthed.

Hotch, cool as ever, clicked a button on his phone and Y/N nearly fell over.

“And you,” he said quietly, “owe me twenty bucks.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Y/N waved him off dismissively and rushed to the bathroom to remove the vibe.

“Twenty bucks?” Reid asked, turning in his seat.

Hotch closed his phone and tucked it safely inside his jacket pocket. “She thought she could stay calm enough so that you wouldn’t notice. I knew she’d fail.”

Spencer frowned, a bit confused. “That’s kind of mean, isn’t it?”  

Hotch shrugged and pushed his seat back, closing his eyes. “I don’t know,” he said with a smirk. “I had fun.”

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[skvaderarts]

Soliloquy Chapter Five: Adrift

You can check out the Masterlist Here for more links to places to read!

Otherwise, you can read the new chapter below. Enjoy!

And sorry it was late today! Family got int he way!

Chapter Five: Adrift 

Note: Once again, Mallovarwen and Skylarmorgan1899 are my emotional support reviewers, and reading your comments always puts a smile on my face. Thanks a bunch! I’m always happy to read everyone’s comments and feedback, so feel free to send them my way. I don’t care if it’s just a smiley face emoji. Now back to the story!

The overhead fan that hung from the double-height ceiling spun lazily as it wafted barely chilled air throughout the front office. A nearly finished box of pizza sat next to a pile of now negligible utility bills and empty drink bottles on the desk. Despite the fact that the music was still booming loudly throughout the space, Dante had slumped onto the front desk, his arms hanging over the far side facing the front door. The Youngest Son of Sparda had dozed off shortly after his troublemaking older brother and nephew had vacated the premises. It hadn’t been until they left that he realized how much he needed a good nap.

At seemingly the precise moment that Dante entered deep sleep, the front double doors slammed open and knocked against their respective sides of the wall. Dante jolted slightly at the sound but didn’t make an effort to raise his head and see who had just come into the building. He already knew. This wasn’t the first time this had happened. Not by a longshot.

“So you both made it back, hu,” Dante inquired, the desk muffling his speech as he laid face down on it,” I was starting to think that Nico had finally crashed the van and killed you ya.”

Standing in the doorway was none other than Nero and Vergil, the two of them looming over Dante from across the room like gargoyles. Nero crossed the room and leaned over the desk, trying to rouse Dante from his restful state. The older man didn’t exactly feel like snapping out of his groggy delirium when Nero probed him, however.

Nero stood back and shook his head. The gravity of the time constraints they were under made him feel uneasy, to say the least. “Come on, get your ass up. We need to get going!”

Dante rolled his head to the side to make blurry eye contact with the younger descendant of Sparda. What was he going on about now? He then glanced over at the clock in another part of the room, exhaling in discontent. “And where the hell are we supposed to be going at almost ten at night?” Dante asked in a mixture of distaste and disinterest. He had been taking a perfectly good nap and now it was ruined.

From his place standing against the far wall of the shop next to the now-closed doors with his arms folded across his chest, Vergil chimed in. “Apparently, to Fortuna. I would have never seen myself going back there, but here we are.”

Dante sat up at his brother’s statement, now more curious and perplexed than irritated at them both. “And why would we go there?”

By this point, Nero was pacing aimlessly in front of Dante’s desk. He was not accustomed to being this out of his depth in a situation, and the time pressure only made things worse. At least when his arm had been cut off, there were more definite variables in the situation. Like the guarantee of pain, suffering, and the risk of bleeding to death. But using some sort of arcane anchor to pull a soul from Purgatorio, or limbo, or hell, or whatever this place was called and risking basically everything? Everything about this situation was supremely stress-inducing. He barely understood the concept of what they were even going to use the book for when they got it. All he knew is that they needed it because it was an item that V clearly cherished and that made it vital to this situation. And somehow it had made even less sense when he had tried to explain things to Nico. Magnolia would have to explain it to her later.

Clearly realizing that his hypertension riddled son wasn’t going to answer his brother’s question, Vergil interjected again. “We need to recover something important and we have a rather short window of time to accomplish our goal.”

Setting aside the fact that Vergil has just used the word “our” for probably the first time in their entire time that Dante had known him, the youngest Son of Sparda stood up at his desk and stretched, yawning. After he had cracked all of his bones, Dante shoveled down the last sliver of pizza in the box on his desk and turned back to face his clearly disgusted twin. “Alright, so how are we gonna get there? Doesn’t the ferry stop after dark?”

Nero nodded. “The last one runs in less than an hour. Which is another reason you need to get your ass in the van so we can go before we miss it!”

Dante chuckled under his breath at Nero’s comment. He was ever the firebrand of the family, no doubt about that. He didn’t respond, but he did decide to reach back and grab his blade off of the back wall. While Fortuna was relatively a cakewalk after the events of the last while, it was still better to be safe than sorry. “Alright, but this better not be the day she decides to drive through a building or something. I’m in enough debt as it is.”

Vergil raised an eyebrow slightly at the statement. “I should look into that one this is over. But Nero is not incorrect. Time is of the essence.”

As the eldest Son of Sparda turned and headed out the door Dante visibly paled. Nero shook his head and snickered as he walked towards the front door with his uncle. “200 bucks says he’s going to beat the living shit out of you when he finds out how far in debt you are, Dante.”

Dante shook his head and passed through the threshold of the front property. “Considering the fact that I still owe Patty those ten ice cream cones, making a bet with me isn’t going to do you any favors.”

Nero mulled over the comment for a moment in confusion before deciding that he’d just ask another time. Right now, they had much more important things to take care of.

~-~

To say that Vergil’s brilliant plan to simply use their Devil Triggers to fly to Fortuna instead of just taking the ferry had been a bust would be a gross understatement. As a general rule, none of them were willing to, under normal circumstances, reveal their true nature to innocent bystanders (unless you counted V…), but there had been no inconspicuous places to trigger at the waterfront, and doing so in the van was an explosive accident waiting to happen, so they had been forced to board the vessel. It wasn’t a huge ferry since cars weren’t exactly used commonly in Fortuna, but no one was going to comment on Nico’s driving abilities or the fact that she was probably the only person going to this island who knew how to fix a car. The vessel was mostly used to transport goods back and forth between the island and the mainland, but it hadn’t taken much effort to get on board at the last minute once one of the former had recognized Nero. For better or worse, seemingly everyone on the island knew who the young white-haired man was. This just happened to be one of the only times that that had been a beneficial thing.

Given the circumstances, Nico was the only one excited to be returning to Fortuna. The young woman missed Kyrie’s cooking and it had been a little while since she’d had the opportunity to terrorize the little ones. Before today, she and Nero had been out of town checking on things in Redgrave city, and before that, they had been out of town doing a mission for a client in Enamel City. Things had been tricky lately. After everything that had happened, the local government on the mainland had addressed the public, announcing an investigation into the matter. Catching the eye of the local authorities didn’t seem like a great idea. But they had left Fortuna alone, at least for the time being.

Nero leaned on the rail looking out across the water. The young devil hunter let out a steadying sigh. Given the fact that they were on the last boat for the night and were going to have to stay the night on the island, it was best that he calm down now as to not upset his family when he arrived at home. The boat would be docking soon, so he had come here to enjoy a last moment of reprieve before they disembarked.

As if carried forward with the breeze, Nero suddenly felt another presence near him. The young descendant of Sparda snuck a glance over his shoulder only to see Vergil walk past him. His father leaned against one of the nearby poles, leaving ample space between them. But somehow Nero could tell that despite the distance between them, Vergil had come here to say something. Or maybe he was just losing his grip and Dante had gotten on his nerves again. Either way, he didn’t spare it much thought. After all, he was trying to relax, and what could be better for his state of mind right now than salty sea air and solitude?

“... So who is Kyrie?”

Nero could practically feel the nerves in his brain pop lose and the neurons die as his brain came to a screeching halt. Vergil seriously wanted to ask him about that right now? This was the furthest from a relaxed topic that he could get at the moment.

To Nero’s continued horror, Vergil briefly smirked before turning slightly away from him. He no longer needed his young son to answer the question. The implications of their relationship were written across his now blush covered face.

Vergil stepped away from the pole and slightly closer to Nero, even if only by a few feet. He folded his arms and leaned over the railing, quietly captivated by the black sea before him. In a way, they reminded the eldest twin of his time in the underworld. Although not quite as luminescent, the mirror shine on the water’s surface was reminiscent of the quicksilver river that Dante had so foolishly questioned if he could drink from earlier that same day. Vergil shook his head silently. Dante would be dead within a few hours if left to his own devices in the underworld.

Nero rubbed his neck in discomfort before looking out across the water again. Vergil couldn’t make eye contact with him if he was faced out across the water sea. Or so he presumed. In all honesty, Vergil’s immense strength and power made Nero question just what he was capable of. He hadn’t forgotten how powerful Urizen had been and he never would. “She’s my, um… girlfriend. Why?”

The younger man hadn’t intended his response to come off so awkward. As he watched Vergil nodded in amused satisfaction, he decided that the best way to get out of this conversation and reclaim his now tarnished reputation was to redirect the question.

“Anyway, while we’re talking about family, where the hell is my mother? Do V and I even have the same parents?”

Despite the fact that Nero didn’t ask the question with any level of malice in his voice, Vergil seemed like he wanted to avoid his son at all costs. He leaned further over the rail, seemingly keying into Nero’s avoidance method and using it to his advantage and stayed quiet. Nero wasn’t sure if he was being ignored by his father or was thinking, but he decided to give Vergil a few more seconds before he got confrontational about it.

Vergil shifted and stood back up straight, his hands resting on the rail. He spared a glance at Nero, half looking at him but still not fully facing him. Nero gave him a sideways look, insinuating that he was still waiting for an answer and that he wasn’t exactly bursting with patience. After an awkward moment that felt more like a standoff, Vergil turned to full-face Nero. Despite his discomfort, the eldest Son of Sparda had never been one to back down from anything, even in situations when it most suited him. Call it a fatal flaw, but it was simply the way he had always been. At least as an adult. “The two of you have different mothers... And I have no idea where they currently are.”

Nero nodded slowly, quietly taking in the information he had just been provided. He was not shocked that Vergil didn’t know where either of them currently lived. After all, he had been in the underworld for probably as long as Nero had been alive. It made sense that he didn’t exactly have them on speed dial. Knowing Vergil, he probably didn’t even use a phone. But that did raise a few questions, some for now and some for later.

“... So do you know which one of us is older, then? Or did you even know you were related before all this bullshit started?” Nero asked sarcastically as he unfolded his arm and placed his hands in his pockets. He was starting to see why his uncle never seemed shocked when his older twin told him something else despicable or unbelievable that he had done. Although, this didn’t seem quite like the other times. Nero couldn’t quite place what it was. Maybe it was his father’s demeanor, his reluctance to speak on the matter, or maybe what he had said back at Magnolia’s house had changed his view towards him a bit, but Nero couldn’t quite shake the feeling that Vergil might actually regret what he had done to the two of them. He wasn’t sure if the eldest Son of Sparda was capable of apologizing, but Nero was willing to be surprised.

Vergil seemed to be becoming used to Nero’s little jabs at him, as the comment didn’t seem to affect him in the slightest. “I knew about him long before I knew about you, but that is... an exceedingly complicated matter for another time,” Vergil glanced in the direction of the van where Nico and Dante currently resided,” As for your second question, you’re younger. I’ve known his mother longer than yours.”

The eldest Son of Sparda paused for a moment, giving his next words careful thought. “... I will look into their locations after this is done. I make no promises.”

As if on cue, the horn for the ferry blew, signaling that it was time to disembark. Vergil headed back towards the van. It seemed that this conversation was done for now. Nero seemed to understand that and opted not to press the issue, for now, opting to head back to the van instead. After all, the ferry was going to dock and then return to the mainland again, with or without them on it. They needed to go. After all of this magic and mayhem was behind them, they would have all the time in the world to talk. That would be the time for concrete answers. As the sun fully fell behind the water blanketed horizon, one thing was certain. A reckoning was coming.

OMG, I AM SO SORRY THAT THIS IS SLIGHTLY LATE!! It’s just past midnight, but family matters came up, so I had to set aside my writing for the majority of the day. Also, this is a shorter chapter than normal by about 1k words or so. My bad! The next chapter is going to be much longer though. Much, much longer. And a lot harder to write lol! But look forward to Friday. This chapter is going to be fun hehe! And once again, thank you for your lovely comments!

[heartslogos]

the declassified texts of the inquisition’s elite [130]

(832): The dogs decided to play a new game called "Who Can Scream the Loudest?" (832): I won. - (870): Only you would make Mario Party a contact sport. (870): And you owe me a new pair of switch controllers. -

“You have to prove your dominance,” Sera says, nudging Cullen, “Rutherford here knows what I’m talking about, right? If the dogs start acting up weird, you gotta be weirder than they are so they know who’s in charge. And then they’ll start looking and checkin’ with you before they take a heel turn to make sure if it’s okay.”

Herah raises her eyebrows, crossing her arms and turning to meet their commander’s eyes. “Is that true?”

“Not in those exact words,” Cullen says slowly, keeping a remarkably straight face. “I won’t be denying that there’s a certain train of logic to Sera’s argument that does work and is used by dog trainers.”

“You gotta be the alpha dog in the house.”

“There’s no such — “ Cullen sighs. “Right. Sure.”

“And you proved your dominance by screaming?”

“Howling,” Sera corrects, chin raised in defiance.

“Split the difference,” Herah says, “Caterwauling.”

“Fair.” Sera shrugs. “Yeah. I was louder than they are and I was like. Maintaining constant eye contact the entire time. They felt my aura of authority. I’m the head bitch in charge here.”

“Or they thought you were so damn weird that they had to stop what they were doing to devoting all of their brain power to trying to figure you out,” Herah says. “Seriously. I thought someone was being murdered. And I wasn’t even in the vicinity of the kennels.” She sees Cullen make a small face out of the corner of her eye and sighs. “Sorry. Sorry. The K-9 officer squad barracks.”

It’s the kind of pretty name that says essential the same thing the word kennels does, but with added flair and an entirely unnecessary veneer of poshness. It’s the kind of thing Herah would’ve expected someone in HR or PR to come up with.

“Kennels just has…it just has such a negative connotation to it,” Cullen mumbles.

Herah claps Cullen on the back. “I didn’t say anything.”

Cullen shoots Herah a sidelong look. “You didn’t have to, Adaar. You’re remarkably expressive. Either Maxwell’s wearing off on you or you’re losing your touch.”

“Both,” Herah admits. “Rutherford see if you can get Leliana to put me on some missions with Mahanon. That’ll get me back to normal. Working with him is like a shot of adrenaline and paranoia straight to the heart. It’s great.”

“That sounds like the exact opposite of great,” Sera says. “It sounds like a one way ticket to your own grave.”

“Exactly. That’ll get me back into shape no problem,” Herah grins. “It’s like boot camp but for your brain.”

- “Wrong, not only me, but everyone else in the Chargers,” Krem says. “Yeah, sorry about the controllers. But hey, you were complaining that one of them had a really wonky sensor right?”

“Yeah, but I could’ve just sent that in to get fixed,” Malika retorts. “Now you’re dropping almost a hundred bucks on getting me new controllers.”

“Listen kid,” Krem puts a hand on her shoulder, expression solemn, “If you want to win you’ve got to expect some casualties.”

“I thought my days of experiencing casualties was over,” Malika mourns. “I accidentally threw the Wii controller back when I was a kid and broke like…three glass figurines from my dad’s collection, the controller, and the TV at the same time. My mom still won’t let me play video games in the family room even when I’ve explained to her that my other consoles don’t require me to pretend I’m swinging a tennis racquet.”

“That’s rough. But again. Cost of winning.” Krem digs into his wallet.

“But you didn’t win,” Malika points out. “You still lost. Because you broke your controller.”

“For me winning isn’t being the one to win,” Krem says. “Winning is making sure Dalish doesn’t win. Did Dalish win? Nope. Came in second place, edged out by Rocky because of my brave sacrifice causing her attention to waver for a split second. Now if I give you my credit card can I trust you not to do something stupid with it?”

“Do you even have credit on your credit card?” Malika takes the card, dubious as she examines the worn plastic corners that are peeling up. “How has this not expired? Wait. This was just issued this year? What did you do to it?”

“Don’t ask questions. And yeah, I’m good with money. What kind of question is that? I’m an immigrant from a hostile nation, coming over with an economic background lower middle class and vocational training. I’m transgender, and my most notable work experience is that I’ve essentially been the VP for an independent company that you could consider to be a start up with fewer than one hundred employees for almost ten years now. Of course I’m good with finances.”

Malika squints up at the man. “That’s a lot of words to say that you’re in charge of running a mercenary company that pretty much goes paycheck to paycheck.”

“And that’s how you pad out a resume. Look at me. What a wonderful mentor I am. I’m just tossing out the life hacks left and right. Go buy your new controllers and get that card back to me. This should go without saying, but I’m not getting caught out because I wasn’t explicitly clear: don’t let anyone know you have my credit card. I’m trusting you to be cool about this.”

“Bold of you. You know I’m technically Carta, right?”

“It’s a sign of goodwill, also I accept full culpability for wrecking your controllers so. Yeah. Kind of have to.” Krem checks his phone. “Okay, this is taking forever. I’ve got to run. Skinner and I are supposed to be helping with quality control checks on incoming equipment in docking bay four. Do me a favor and let me know when this is finished yeah?”

Malika nods. “Test results were supposed to be taken up to Leliana’s right? I can run it up there for you if you want.”

“One, I don’t want my physical credit card going anywhere near the spymaster. Two, nah, it’s fine. You’ve got other stuff to do and I figure I’ll probably need a break from the inventory check. You know how fussy Pentaghast can be sometimes.”

[somethingjustsouthofbrilliance]

Heartsick (chapter 3)

@tonystark5ever and I are back with a new chapter. Finally. Progress :D

Tagging a few folks here. If I forgot somebody, pls, let me know. 

@i-fucking-love-the-avengers @random-fandom-stuffdom @keltainen13 @giulisetta @bad-days-and-beautiful-nights @ashleymarie1684 @itsafandomaddict @konoriart @swanheart69 @almhw85

Link to chapter 1 (masterlist)

---------------------------

Chapter Three

“Dr. Rhodes?”

A young voice, quiet and unsure, pulls his attention away from Stark’s retreating back, stopping short his intention to follow after the man.

He turns, frowning slightly at the skinny, curly-haired teen that stands behind him, fiddling nervously with the line of his IV pole.

“I’m… I’m… I’m Peter.  Peter Parker.”

Rhodey feels his lips twitch into a smile despite his unpleasant mood.  “Ah, yes, Mr. Parker. I had the pleasure of listening to you play just now.” He nods toward the room the teen has recently vacated. “Very impressive.” And it had been, the bit he’d heard.

His grin widens as the teen ducks his head at the praise, the tips of his ears flushing pink.  Adorable, Rhodey thinks, amused, and feels the uncomfortable sting of anger at the idea of Tony Stark doing anything that might put the kid in harm’s way. “What can I do for you?”

“I...uh….” Peter starts fidgeting with the IV pole again; throws a hesitant glance at Rhodey’s face.  “I heard your argument with Mr. Stark just now and…”

“I see.” His mood sours instantly; Tony Stark is the last thing he wants to talk about with this kid. He frowns, waiting for the boy to continue with whatever was on his mind.

“You need to get him to hire you back!”

The unexpected nature of the request and the heat of the conviction behind it bring him up short.

“What?”

“I… I mean….” Peter takes a step back, flustered, his gaze dropping back down to the floor.  “Mr. Stark, he’s… he’s a really good guy.  He… he takes care of everyone around him, but he doesn’t really… he doesn’t let others take care of him.” The kid looks up again, brown eyes intent. “And he needs to,” he insists heatedly.  “Especially now. His heart-”

“You’re defending him…” Rhodey can’t quite hide the incredulity coloring his voice.  “Even after what he’s done to you. Taking your place in line?” he adds at the puzzled expression on Peter’s face.

The teen’s expression darkens, his large brown eyes hardening in clear disapproval. “That was my decision,” he says mulishly.  “Mine and my aunt’s. We came to Ms. Potts when we found out from Tony that things were getting worse. We made her agree not to tell him, as a matter of patient confidentiality. He was never supposed to find out about it.”

“Is that so?” Somehow Rhodey had assumed that Peter and his aunt had been kept in the dark. The fact the kid knew about it almost made it worse. “And why is that?”

“Because he never would have allowed it if he knew.” Peter shakes his head, heaving out a dejected sigh before he plops tiredly onto the nearby bench. “I just wanted to help him. I wanted… and now, because it’s me, because he knows it’s me, he won’t…” The teen trails off, eyes momentarily squeezed shut; wraps his fingers around the IV pole in a white-knuckled grip.  When he looks up again, the desperate intensity of his stare nearly forces Rhodey to take a step back.  

“I wouldn’t even have a place in line if it weren’t for Mr. Stark. He is the reason I have a chance to live, Dr. Rhodes! And I… I can’t be the reason he loses his!”

And that right there? Definitely not what Rhodey was expecting to hear.  He frowns down at the earnest, wide-eyed gaze that meets his; bites his lip at the guilt-tinged despair he sees there.  

“Alright, kid.” He knows he’s already given in; doubts there’s anyone alive out there who can stay strong in the face of these imploring puppy eyes.  He just really hopes he doesn’t come to regret this later. “There’s a couple things I need to get straight, and I think you’re the one to help me.”

“What do you mean?”

“How about you tell me all about Tony Stark over a cup of hot cocoa, huh? Start with why you think you owe him your place on the organ recipient list.”

Peter watches him silently for a few moments, his expression wary. Nods, his curls flopping over his forehead. “Okay.”

***

They settle on a bench outside some ten minutes later, Peter cradling a cup of chocolate ice cream he opted for instead of hot cocoa. It’s nice and quiet out here, the air pleasant, tinged with a mild spring morning chill, and Rhodey finds himself relaxing just a bit, letting go of the angry tension he’d been carrying around since daybreak.

“Thanks Dr. Rhodes,” Peter speaks up beside him, poking hesitantly at the mound of chocolate in his cup. “Dr. Banner told me to try and beef up my calorie intake since I can’t eat much.”

“Well, I hope you enjoy it,” Rhodey responds, smiling encouragingly as the teen scoops up his first spoonful.  Urges mildly, “Whenever you’re ready, Peter.” He doesn’t want to push the boy, but time isn’t exactly a luxury he has to waste.

Peter’s expression darkens, the second spoonful dropped half-heartedly back into the cup.   “I’m… I’m not supposed to tell anyone about this. I could get in big trouble, but even worse Mr. Stark could get in big trouble. I had to sign some huge non-disclosure agreements, there were lawyers there and everything, it was crazy. If anyone ever found out I told you, then they could sue Mr. Stark and he could even go to jail.” He shoots Rhodey a slightly anxious, pleading look. “So… you… you won’t tell anyone, right Dr. Rhodes?”

“I won’t tell anyone,” Rhodey agrees, his curiosity piqued.

“No, no, I need-- you have to understand. No one can know.”

“Peter. I promise. On my word as a doctor, doctor-patient confidentiality, do no harm, Hippocratic oath. I won’t tell anyone.”

This seems finally enough to reassure Peter and he leans forward, a frown of worry on his face that speaks of a lot of fear and anxiety… more than he would expect for one so young. “Okay, well. It all happened about two years ago. The hospital was losing money, all the political stuff going on right? So they hired a consulting company to come and make it profitable again. You have to understand, there were talks of closing the doors.”

“Right,” Rhodey nods his understanding. He’s not surprised, even given the hospital’s reputation for excellent care; healthcare in general was facing a major crisis and there were systems all over the world taking the same kind of steps in order to keep their doors open.

“So the first thing they do is fire all the administrative people here,” Peter goes on, ice cream forgotten. “Let them go with severance only. I remember it a little bit because the nurses and doctors were in a huge uproar about it, it wasn’t pretty.”

“I’ll bet!”

“Well yeah. So they hire this new guy, Thaddeus Ross.”

Somehow Rhodey thinks the shudder that goes through Peter at the mention of that name has little to do with the morning chill.

“Ross… Yeah, I’ve heard of him. He did some great things for that hospital system in Orlando.”

Peter scoffs. “Wherever you heard about that, I’ll bet it didn’t mention a body count,” he counters darkly.

“No… it didn’t as a matter of fact.”

“Well, I can practically guarantee you that there was one. Because Ross doesn’t come in and fix things, he comes in and he cuts corners. First thing he did after firing the administrators was fire all the experienced nurses and techs. Forced some of the higher paid doctors into early retirement -- claimed their judgement would be called into question and their malpractice insurance would go up, that kind of thing.”

“Peter,” Rhodey cuts in, trying, rather unsuccessfully, to keep the skepticism from his voice, “even if that were true, how could you possibly know about it?”

“Because I’m one of the schmucks that almost got killed!”

“Oh…” He pulls back, stunned silent by the teen’s outburst.  Motions for him to continue.

Peter nods grudgingly, huddles in on himself.  “I was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and had, like, three surgeries when I was a baby and all that. I was doing good, real good, until a year ago I got bit by a spider. So like, not normally a big deal, but for me it was. I got super sick. But Dr. Banner… he’s my cardiologist, right? He found a treatment, and it seemed like a miracle because there was nothing anyone else could do. I mean… it was a miracle. Only the drug I was on was crazy expensive, like $20,000 a dose.”

Rhodey lets out a low whistle and Peter huffs angrily in response.

“I have to take it every three months for three years,” he says, nodding toward his IV bag. “Obviously, there was no way for us to afford it. Our insurance wouldn’t cover it because it’s technically not even approved by the FDA. So the hospital was writing it off. You know. They were using it as a charitable donation, which means it technically doesn’t cost them anything because they get the money back in tax credits and government payouts. Only...” Peter falters, a muscle in his jaw twitching.  “Only they weren’t making money off it.” He gives a vicious stab at his now mostly-melted ice cream before hurling the cup into the garbage can with a bit more energy than was strictly necessary.

“Right.” Rhodey can already see where this is heading, and he feels his own fingers itch with the urge to curl into fists. Money. Of course. Of-fucking course! Everything always comes back to money. It was one of the reasons why he’d gone into medicine, to do something about this kind of thing, to do surgery for the right reasons and not to make a buck.

“Yeah! Right!!” The teen slaps his hand palm down on the bench, agitated. “I mean, can you believe I had the audacity to exist and want to live and not have a disease that the hospital could benefit from? Ross came through and he eliminated most of those programs. The ones that helped people.”

“Why don’t people know about it?” Rhodey interjects. “Why wasn’t any of this on the news?”

“Oh it was.” The sharp bitterness in the teen’s voice surprises Rhodey. For as broken, small, and sick as the kid appeared, he had clearly developed quite the backbone.  “The headlines were ‘Local CEO Turns Failing Local Hospital into Model of Health Care Efficiency.’ He’s a jerk but he’s not an idiot! Dr. Banner did what he could but they were threatening his license. There were a couple of assault charges thrown around when Dr. Banner got really mad during a meeting and punched the guy. Satisfying, right? Except now he was suspended and I was getting sicker and sicker because no medicine. And this is the only pediatric cardiac hospital in three states that’s able to deal with my problems. We were looking at moving to Colorado but I was too sick and May, my aunt, had been out of work to take care of me so no money. I was…”

There’s a suspicious hitch in the teen’s voice, his breath coming a little harsh, a little fast. He shakes his head viciously, swipes irritably at his cheeks where thin trails of tears cut a path across anger-flushed skin.

“I was so tired,” he admits in a whisper, “I wished I could just die and get it over with!”

“Okay,” Rhodey exhales past the stunned horror of the teen’s admission, “okay.” Reaches out haltingly to put a soothing a hand on the kid’s trembling shoulder. “Do you… uh… do you need a break from this?”

“No.” It takes him a few moments, but Peter swallows down his emotions; manages to steady himself. “Sorry. It was just… it was hard. I hated it. I was sick and things were getting so much worse. It was hard to see these things taking their toll on May.”

Rhodey gives the boy’s shoulder one last squeeze before letting his hand fall away.  “I imagine she must have been pretty upset.”

“Upset doesn’t even begin to describe it,” Peter scoffs.  “She was furious. And she wasn’t taking it sitting down either. She was calling our legislators, trying to see about the legalities, but we weren’t having any luck. She tried to go after him directly, you know, suing him for medical malpractice. Failure to treat. Medical neglect.” He shrugs, exhaustion written into every line of his body.  

“Like I said, it got ugly.  And here I am… dying because my heart is failing, and I get sick on top of it and it’s looking like the end for me. They start talking about hospice and making me comfortable, but I’m in the ICU in the meantime…”

“What happened?” Rhodey prods cautiously, afraid to push too hard because the kid is a walking war wound and it feels like even the slightest amount of pressure could cause him to bleed out.

Peter blinks as though coming out of a trance, his expression softening, pale lips pulling into a small smile. “Tony Stark happened,” he murmurs, sounding simultaneously awed and fond. “He got admitted the same time as me, just on the adult side, and he was being monitored because he was on some weird drug that was giving him trouble, but he was not so sick as me. He bumped into May in the hallway one time, and they got to know each other a bit. They had a lot in common, you know? Going through all this. Tony, see, he wanted to help, he offered to pay for everything. And May, she was real thankful and she wanted to take him up on it, but the thing is? Ross could just turn around and do it again to some other kid and their family. May said if it happened again it was because of them not fighting so she wanted to keep pushing on.”

Rhodey shakes his head, a bit conflicted. On the one hand there’s an already familiar flare of annoyance at Tony Stark, whose answer to everything seems to be to throw money at it.  Yet on the other - it was a hell of a thing for him to offer to do for someone he had just met.

He also can’t help but admire May Parker’s bravery and tenacity. To go up against the hospital with all of its money and its fancy lawyers all on her own? That took guts.

“One night, Ross himself comes by and says he has a court order to withdraw treatment on my case.”

Lost in thought, it takes Rhodey a moment to realize that the kid is talking again, and once the actual meaning of the words registers, he feels himself grow cold all over. “What??”

“Yeah.” Peter swallows hard several times, a bitter smile twisting his lips. “See… what he’s done is… he’s accused May of child abuse. For doing all these expensive treatments and prolonging my life. He got all these doctors to say that it wasn’t in my best interest, it was causing pain and suffering. He had all these records that showed it was harming me and wouldn’t save my life in the end and he said a third party should be asked to make medical decisions on my behalf. Basically, Ross made it so the government had medical decision-making power over my course of treatment.”

Rhodey sits back, stunned silent once again. He knows there are certain laws for that kind of thing, but they are meant to protect kids from abusive parents, who use medical diagnosis to harm their kids-- Munchausen by Proxy, that kind of thing. He can’t believe anyone would do what Peter’s describing.  It’s… it’s... unconscionable!

“Ross and May get into a big fight, and May… she’s in tears, alright? I hadn’t seen her like that since my uncle died. She starts pleading with him.  Promises to back down if Ross doesn’t withdraw treatment. Says she’ll stop the lawsuits and the push to get the laws changed - drop the whole thing just… just to keep me going.” Peter grits his teeth, his breath hitching once again.  “Ross was in my room, see,” he continues, voice tight with barely controlled emotions.  “He didn’t want anyone witnessing what he was doing, and he’s right in her face, laughing at her tears. And I’m… I’m just lying there like a rag doll, useless!”  

Peter’s face screws up as if in pain, eyes squeezing shut, and Rhodey can’t help reaching for the teen once more; lays a gentle hand on his back.  Peter nods in mute thanks; breathes, slow and deep, in an attempt to calm down, in and out, in and out.

“And then Mr. Stark walks into the room, out of nowhere,” he continues, hoarse, “with like three lawyers in tow. I don’t know who called him or how he got there so fast, I don’t know any of that. He’s just there, looking like a king even in a hospital gown, you know? The lawyers, they’re talking fast, serving Ross with all kinds of notices and cease and desist orders, and there’s even…”

Peter’s voice chokes up a little, and he fists his hands around the edge of the bench, white-knuckled fingers digging in.

“There’s even a restraining order, so he has to leave us alone. He can’t say anything to May or me, not ever again. And he never… he never does. Ross never has talked to us again.  And I start getting my medicine. Because of how sick I got without the medicine, I was moved way up on the list, but then thanks to Mr. Stark, I’m okay now. I’m good to wait. It’s actually good for me to wait, to get stronger, let this medicine heal my body.”

He turns, his gaze boring into Rhodey, intent, pleading.  “But Mr. Stark, he… Dr. Rhodes, he can’t wait anymore. He passes the rope again, he, maybe, won’t be around when a chance comes back up again. That’s why… that’s why we went to Ms. Potts about giving him my spot.”

Rhodey nods grimly, digesting that information.  “What about Dr. Hammer?” he wants to know.  “He did the surgery on Mr. Stark, didn’t he? How did that--”

He trails off, taken aback by the abrupt shift in the teen’s expression.  Peter’s whole face darkens, lips twisting into an ugly, bitter grimace.

“Hammer’s a hack,” he spits out with such venom that it leaves Rhodey gaping at him in frank surprise.  “He botched that surgery.  On purpose probably, too, I’m willing to bet!”

“Come on, Peter…” Rhodey shakes his head in disbelief, because an accusation like that? It’s utterly ridiculous!

“Ross threatened Mr. Stark, did I tell you that?” the teen cuts in as though Rhodey hasn’t spoken.  “When they were arguing in my room, when Mr. Stark told him to get out? Just before he left, he pinned Mr. Stark against the wall and he told him, told him Mr. Stark would regret doing this.  And you know what the last thing he did before leaving the hospital for good?”

“He assigned Dr. Hammer to do the surgery,” Rhodey guesses, feeling a horrible numbness spread forth within his chest. “But… why?”

“Hammer’s a butcher,” Peter sneers, voice dark with resentment, “everyone knows that.  He only ever got to be a surgeon thanks to his daddy’s money and Ross’s influence.  He never should have… he never should have gone anywhere near Mr. Stark.”

“He… I heard the nurses talk after. Hammer ignored the warning on Mr. Stark’s chart; gave him a drug that should never have been combined with the medicine Mr. Stark was taking.  Nearly killed him right on the operating table. It’s what… it’s what’s killing him now!”

The teen grits his teeth; drops his gaze to where his hands are clasped impossibly tight in his lap.  “I visited him the day after his surgery.  He looked… he…  I’ve never seen him look so bad.  Like… like death.  And he was in pain.  He was trying to hide it, but I could tell.”  He looks up again, his face twisting in anguish.  “He’s dying, Dr. Rhodes. And there’s no one who can help him but you.  Miss Potts, she told me, she said you’re the best in the field.  That’s why I told her to take my spot, so you could… so you could save him. And then I hear he fired you, Dr. Rhodes, and I don’t… I don’t know what to do.”

He looks at Rhodey with such raw, open worry that Rhodey wonders if he’s ever felt worse in his entire life, as if he’d kicked a puppy or pulled the wings off a butterfly. Killed a mockingbird, all that. Guilt and shame spread through his chest with hot prickles, as well as a burgeoning fear that he’d done something irrevocably foolish. He’d just thrown away the one chance he had to save someone… someone who is, despite what he’s been initially led to believe, utterly worth saving.

At the same time, he’s not sure how much he can rely on the opinion of a child, much less one so obviously emotionally compromised. There’s a chance that Stark had manipulated him, he hates to think it but it is a fact. People do... desperate things when they are desperate.

But Peter seems so damned earnest.

“Peter. I… I didn’t know any of that,” he manages finally -- as close to “I’m sorry” as he can get.

Peter nods gravely, brown eyes boring into Rhodey’s, dark, urgent. “I know, sir. I know. But… the thing is. Now you do. So what are you going to do about it?”

***

He doesn’t mean to eavesdrop, he really doesn’t.  He went looking for Pepper after he dropped the Parker kid back in his room, and he will honestly blame his conversation with the teen - the conversation that left him so thoroughly shaken and off his game that he doesn’t become aware of his surroundings until he nearly collides with a group of interns that huddle in an oddly conspiratorial-looking clique in the middle of the hallway in front of Pepper’s office. It is only then that he snaps back to the here and now.  It is only then that he becomes aware of the raised voices coming from behind the closed office door, and of the awkward glances the interns are throwing each other as they wait for Rhodey’s reaction.

“I refuse to allow it, Tony!” Pepper’s voice rages from behind closed doors, and Rhodey can see through the haphazardly open blinds as she paces angrily in her spacious office.  “I can have you blue slipped!”

“A psychiatric hold, really?” Stark sounds peeved, his temper from earlier having escalated even further. “Don’t think I won’t sue you if you pull that crap, Potts! My lawyers are faster and smarter than your corporate lackeys. I’m not your hostage or your science experiment and you agreed, you agreed! I say when I’m done. And I’m done!”

“Well I take it back! You can’t do this! I won’t let you!”

Pepper is shouting now, her voice - a heart-rending mix of anger and despair, and Rhodey doesn’t even have to pretend not to overhear them now. Everyone in the vicinity can hear their argument, and the interns once again begin talking in low voices to each other, flicking awkward glances in the direction of the office.

Rhodey has had enough.  Calling on his most authoritative tone, he shoos the interns back to work.  Waits a few beats as he watches them disperse, chastised, and then marches determinedly toward the office, trying his best to ignore the angry rise of Stark’s voice.

His ears register an abrupt, almost choked-off cessation of Stark’s response just as his fingers curl around the door handle, followed by a clatter of office supplies being knocked off the desk and a heavy thud of a body hitting the ground. Alarmed now, he yanks open the door and freezes, just out of their line of sight, struck momentarily dumb by the scene that opens before him.

Stark sits on the floor, slumped gracelessly against the desk, his legs splayed out before him. His eyes are closed, ashen face pinched in pain, his trembling left hand tugging unsuccessfully at something inside the pocket of his pajama pants.  

Pepper is kneeling before him, wide-eyed and almost as alarmingly pale as Stark himself, one hand resting on his rapidly heaving chest, the other gently pushing Stark’s hand out of the way to take out what the former has been so desperately trying to reach.

A bottle of pills.

Odd, Rhodey thinks, squinting as he tries to make out the label.  Because he doesn’t remember seeing any mention of any specific pills in Stark’s chart.  And yet...

“How many of these did you take? Tony? How many?” The undeniable urgency in Pepper’s voice cuts off his train of thought, and Rhodey notes the undisguised worry on his boss’s face.

“Three,” Stark huffs out, barely audible, eyes still stubbornly closed.

Pepper pulls back, lips pressed together into a thin white line, the bottle clasped tight within her trembling fingers.

“You know that's not safe,” she says finally, sounding like she’s pleading with Stark.  “You know they're just supposed to give you time. They’re not a cure! Tony, these damage your heart if you take them too often, you know this! You know--”

“Yeah,” he cuts her off abruptly, pain-glazed brown eyes sliding open to stare back at her with tired defiance. “Yeah, I do know Pepper. I’m the one who helped develop the damn things. Mixing Palladium and Epinephrine, not in the usual bag of tricks. So yeah. I know.”  He nods weakly to the bottle almost completely hidden within her crushing grip.  “I need one now, though.  Please.”

She watches him a heartbeat longer; sucks in a quick, shuddered breath.  “Okay,” she concedes finally, carefully jiggling one out into her hand. “Okay, Tony, you win.”

Dejectedly she hands the pill over to him; stretches to get a bottle of water from her desk, while he pops the pill into his mouth.  Reaches out to support him as he drinks, washing down the pill. It takes another few minutes before he nods to her, shifting as though to get up, and she helps pull him to standing, careful, anxious, her hands lingering on his shoulder, as if unable or unwilling to let go.

“Please, Tony, please promise me you won’t take any more of these today,” she pleads, and there’s an uncharacteristically vulnerable note in her voice, one Rhodey has never heard before. “Just… just give me some time, I’ll sort this out somehow--”

Stark smiles in response, weary and almost apologetic.  Leans in to place a soft kiss on her cheek.  

“Okay. Time. Sure,” he agrees placatingly. “All I got is time, Pep, you can take all of it you need to.”

The words sound wrong somehow, coming out of his mouth, like their meaning is different, like Stark is saying goodbye. And Pepper must sense the same thing, for Rhodey sees her open her mouth in protest…

Stark shakes his head, presses a gentle finger against her lips, silencing her.  “We both knew it was a long shot, Pep. Part of the journey is the end, all that; I've been on borrowed time, I'm not about to borrow any of Peter's. We knew this doctor was a hail mary and it didn't work out. Let me leave, Pep. Okay? Just for a little bit.  I'll see you soon.”

Rhodey doesn’t stay to hear her response.  Steps back outside, letting the door close softly behind him.  Mere moments later the door creaks open again, and Stark walks out, shuffling slowly toward the elevators.  Rhodey watches him go, wondering briefly if he should go after him and stop him.  But there are things about him he still feels he needs to know, needs to understand.  So after a moment of hesitation he turns on his heel and pushes his way back into Pepper’s office before he can change his mind once more.

***

He finds Pepper seated back at her desk, face buried in her hands, shoulders trembling ever so slightly.  It’s an uncomfortable sight, to be sure, and he has half a mind to tuck tail and run, but she raises her head just then, a pair of tear-filled blue eyes pinning him firmly in place.

“Dr. Rhodes.” She straightens out, a professional mask slamming back into place.  “What can I do for you?”

And he flinches despite himself.  Because this is Pepper.  He’s known her for years, been a close colleague of hers for years.  And he has been “Jim” or “Rhodey” to her for nearly as long.  But the look in her eyes now is cold as ice - the same look he’s seen her level at those who dared cross her, and he finds it frankly terrifying to be on the receiving end of it.

Though, to be fair, he supposes he deserves it.

“I… I formed an opinion about a man based on the word of someone I don’t respect as a surgeon and barely tolerate as a human being,” he begins carefully, stepping closer to her desk, gauging her reaction.  “What I have seen until recently seemed to have confirmed that opinion for me.  And yet…”

“And yet?” Pepper prods, blue eyes narrowing in silent warning.

“I can’t help feeling that I’ve missed something,” he admits.  “A couple people pointed out to me that maybe I was wrong in my initial assessment.  That… that I should get a second opinion.”

He takes a deep breath, trying his best not to fidget under her steely glare.  Squares his jaw in quiet resolution.  

“So this is me,” he finishes softly, spreading his arms out to the sides, “asking for that second opinion.”

TBC