#Now everyone is like 'yeah sounds like something they'd say'

[scorpioriesling]

but what about a poly smut/ angst fic with violet and xaden with female reader ? would love it

Blinding Love

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Pairing(s): Xaden x Violet x reader

Warning(s): smut, mdni, 18+, angst, arguing, light injury

Summary: After a knock-down, drag-out fight with the two people you love most, the three of you are able to come to a mutual understanding. Not only with eachother, but also with yourself -- at the end of the day, it's your blinding love for one another that will prevail.

SR’s Note: Only thing I have to say is... happy pride month, everyone! Much love to all, and thank you once again for your patience as I work through all of my requests and WIPs. xoxo

Tags: @mellowmusings @rcarbo1 @lilah-asteria @bookofriverr @kitsunetori @velarisdusk @nctsawrus @lreadsstuff @paintedbyshadows @freakishfandomfiend @littleemissperfecttt @loveofmychips @bodhidurrans (inbox me or comment if you'd like to be added!)

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You paced nervously, your pointer finger and thumb pinching your chin. What could be taking them so long? They'd left nearly two hours ago -- surely, Panchek didn't have that much to say.

Sighing, you sat on the corner of your bed, deciding to redirect your worry toward something else. You reached beneath the covers, your fingers searching for the familiar hoop -- if you couldn't see them right now, you might as well work on your sewing and at least do something productive.

You'd barely run the needle and thread through the fabric before your two favorite people burst through the doors. Your eyes lit up, excitement welling as you caught sight of them. The excitement was short-lived, however; the two were in a shouting match as they thundered into the room.

"YOU SAID YOU WEREN'T GOING TO BRING IT UP, VI," Xaden roared. Violet scoffed, charging through the doorway after him.

"What in Dunne's name did you expect? For me to just let the Colonel speak for us? Are you really, of all people, okay with something like that?"

Your eyes widened as you stared between them, watching Xaden's cheeks redden and the vein in Violet's forehead pulse.

"Oh don't act like that's what I'm saying; it's not, and you know that," he griped, dropping the bag he carried from his back to the floor. It landed louder than you'd expected, and you jumped at the sound. Violet payed no mind as the threw her hands in the air.

"I never know exactly what you're saying, Xaden! I can't always tell what you mean or what you're thinking -- you forget, not everyone can read minds like you," she spat. Xaden's eyes widened as she crossed her arms gruffly, and at that you stood from the bed.

"Violet! Why would you say such a thing so... loud?" You glanced at the still-open doorway, thanking all the Gods that no one was passing by. "You know such a thing could get him killed-"

"Yeah? And what happens if he gets you killed?" She sneered. "Did you consider that, maybe, I'm fighting for you right now?"

Your head reared back as though she'd just slapped you.

"W-what?" You asked quietly, turning to look at Xaden. His gaze was downcast, and damn near shameful. Violet laughed humorlessly.

"Yeah! Go ahead, ask him -- ask him why, of all the meetings we've had with leadership, this one was so damn hard for him to defend you at." She glared at the male. "Go on; ask."

Your eyes roved over the male's face, contorted with discomfort. He looked angry with his furrowed brow -- but beneath that hard exterior, you could sense something wasn't sitting right with him.

"Xaden?"

He glanced up at your whisper of his name, his eyes watery. You'd never seen your boyfriend cry, and you hadn't suspected today would be the first. That look, that one look though -- it had your heart aching for him.

He cleared his throat before he spoke, every word measured and calculated.

"Panchek called the meeting with leadership to discuss this week's assignments," he began quietly. Violet stood firm, her arms still crossed as she studied him. "They wanted to go over rotations, and... who would be leaving the vale for the outer posts."

He paused, and Violet shrugged.

"Yep. Go on," she urged. He glared as her, continuing his explaination.

"Panchek's idea was to send a few of the third years out to Hedotis. He wanted riders with more experience to go, thinking they'd be able to better withstand the flight." He continued. Violet shook her head slowly.

"Yeah, which makes the most sense," she interrupted. You looked to her again, meeting her pleading stare. "We should send the most experienced riders. Especially ones without ties to that region-"

"Anyway," Xaden took control of the conversation again. "When he considered sending Dain, Bodhi, and Imogen, I knew that was going to be a disaster. So, I forged an idea I thought would be best."

Violet's hands balled into fists. "A stupid idea! Xaden, your mother is not exactly at the top of any of our lists right now-"

"Which you so kindly reminded Colonel Aetos of -- thanks again for that," he bellowed. "That's why the prick was so quick to agree with me, all because you couldn't keep your mouth shut-"

"I was trying to change their minds!" She shreiked. Your eyes began to well with tears, watching them fight like this. However, you stood frozen as they continued settling the score before you, nothing but a small whimper coming from you.

"Guys, please that's enough-"

Violet continued. "You can't tell me for one second you truly believe that the three of us should go instead-"

"I think we're more than prepared to go!" Xaden's voice rose in octave. "Y/N's been honing her signet, you're one of the strongest women in the wing, and you've got me-"

"Oh yeah, right," Violet griped, matching his pitch. "We have you, so we'll be fine. Sure! Again, I bring up the fact that Y/N's never actually fought yet-"

"I said ENOUGH!"

Both parties gasped and covered their heads as wind blew forcefully through the window panes, shattering the glass and scattering it across the floor. You remained still, knowing this would happen; and you'd been in a relationship with the other two that you'd figured they'd know it, too.

"What is wrong with you?" You asked to neither of them in particular, breathing heavily as tears began to run down your cheeks. Both of them turned to look up at you, and in that instant you registered the small cuts the glass had left on the both of them.

"You both are always making decisions for me, deciding what I am and are not capable of, and speaking for me in that sense too." You said defiantly. Violet's lips parted, and Xaden only gazed up at you shamefully. They both remained quiet as the wind ripped through the room, sending your embroidery to the floor as well as the various papers strewn about.

Sniffling, you quickly reached to wipe your tears, not feeling guilty for the hurt on both of their faces.

"You need to understand I am a person too -- just because I can't weild lightning," you looked to Violet. "And I'm not the Duke of Tyrrendor," you looked to Xaden again, who dropped his head. "It doesn't mean my words are any less; not in life-threatening discussions, or any discussions for that matter."

You turned, a fresh wave of emotion coursing through you. Behind you, the sound of Violet moving to stand was heard, her boots crunching on the shattered glass as she chased after you.

The bathroom door was tossed open in an instant, and you stepped inside. Her hand braced the wood before you could shove it closed, and you met her worried gaze as she stared at you.

"Please Y/N, we just want you safe-"

"I need to shower."

It was all the explaination you offered, your tone clipped, as you shut the door behind you.

･ﾟ: *✧

The water had been running for fifteen minutes before the door opened again. The bliss you'd allowed yourself to enjoy was halted, a cool breeze brushing past the doorway and beyond the curtain of warmth you'd been enjoying.

"Ugh - go away," you grumbled, letting the stream of wet run over your face. Your tears had been since washed away, your mind beginning to clear a little. But, instead of leaving, the curtain was drawn back, the familiar greenish gray eyes gazing to you once more. You rolled your own, turning your back to the curtain.

"I don't want to talk right now."

Violet didn't seem to care as she stepped onto the tiled floor behind you. The curtain rod squeaked as she tugged the fabric back into place, and in a moment you felt her ragged, uneven breaths hitting the back of your neck.

"Fine. Let's not talk."

You loosed a sigh as her fingers brushed your skin, cold to the touch at the tips. She must not have weilded today as your usual concern for her singed digits wasn't present this time. Her touch began at your waist, her fingers brushing over the dampened skin; that was, before her hands travelled around your front, stroking up and down your abdomen.

Though you still had so many words, so much to say not only to your girlfriend but to Xaden too -- this was what you needed. This was your temporary fix.

Your lips parted as her palms rested beneath your breasts, the cool touch causing your nipples to harden. Her lips came next, gently kissing the side of your neck as her hands travelled further north, cupping and kneading you as you leant into her.

Water fell around the two of you like a curtain, trailing over your collarbone and running down the valley of your breasts as her hair was drenched in turn. Her kisses became harder, needier -- and when you turned to face her suddenly, looking right into her eyes, you could see it. She needed this too.

Feeling more confident, she pressed you against the shower wall, her thigh slotting between your parted knees. The silky smoothness of her skin elicited fire as it pressed just right against your core, and she smiled softly as a breathy moan escaped your lips. Her hands left your upper body in favor of sliding slowly to your ass, cupping a cheek in either hand. Her fingers guided you, pressing your hips forward and back as you began moving them in time with her.

Your eyes fell shut as you continued rocking your hips against her leg, and she chuckled softly at the way your jaw hung open. She leaned in, her lips to your neck once more as one hand reached to pinch and roll over your nipple. You gasped sharply as the pending sensation within you threatened release, especially with the added friction of her fingertips against your chest.

"Vi..." you breathed, your hands reaching to brace her shoulders. Her teeth came fast and sharp, biting lightly near the column of your throat. You squeaked at the delightful sting, your release coiling near the base of your spine.

"Let go for me," she whispered, her suggestion sending you over the edge. Your eyes widened as you released upon her thigh, your lower half shaking as the sensation coursed through you. You clutched her shoulders, gasping as you rode out your high -- but, even then she didn't stop.

"I want you in our bed," she panted, leaning down to take your other nipple in her mouth. You moaned, loud this time, and shook harder as her palm cupped your leaking cunt. "Now. Please," she added, her pleading eyes looking to you once again. You nodded, reaching behind you to shut the water off. In seconds, the two of you had toweled off, stepping out one after another and making for the doorway.

The sight before you had you halting in your tracks, emotion swelling in you once more. The glass that had scattered around the room had been completely picked up, a small pile of it lay atop your shared vanity. Next to it, a fresh bouquet of lilies sat in a vase -- your favorite. Yoru gaze settled on your bed though, where Xaden lay, securing the starch-white gauzy wrap around his palm. He was shirtless, clad in only sweatpants as he sat on the edge of the mattress, his long legs hanging off of it.

"I figured it's the least you deserved, after all we said and did," he said softly. You glanced sidelong at Violet, who met you with a knowing nod. Your eyes followed her naked form as she strode for the male, her knee bending as she braced the mattress beside him. His fingers immediately found her waist, tugging her up next to him. She straddled him, glancing over her shoulder at you in an effort to entice you.

It worked.

"Come here, baby." Xaden suggested lowly, reaching to brush Violet's dampened strands over her shoulder. You prowled closer, watching as she moved from his lap in favor it sitting next to him. His hands lightly took yours, pulling you close until you stood between his parted knees.

A single tear slipped as your fingers brushed the gauze covering his palms, surely cut from picking up the glass you'd shattered with your wind-weilding outburst earlier. His brown eyes gazed up at you lovingly, as his thumb reached to brush the fallen tear away.

"Hey, hey," he cooed, lifting you to sit on his lap. You obliged, sniffling as he gently cupped your jaw. "It's the least I could do. We can both be better towards you, and today was a prime example of just that."

You nodded slowly, taking in his words. Violet moved to her knees beside you, her bottom lip pulled between her teeth. Xaden's fingers inched you closer, until finally your lips were on his. You sighed, the feeling of his mouth pressed to yours once more so refreshing.

Unable to ignore the elephant in the room, you instinctively began swaying your hips once more, excited again by the feel of his hardening cock beneath you. He groaned, kissing you harder, sweeping his tongue past the seam of your lips in an effort to explore deeper. You let him, nearly so caught up in the moment that you didn't register Violet running her fingers lightly through your hair. Xaden's hands found your hips, settling there as he relished in the way your hips rocked atop his lap.

"We'd do anything for you," Violet whispered. "Anything you'd ever ask."

Tears stung the back of your eyes as Xaden broke the kiss, breathless.

"We love you, Y/N," he said, his voice raw. "More than anything."

You had to fight to keep the tears at bay, working to express the emotion beyond the lump in your throat.

"I... love you guys too," you choked out, your heart warming at their soft smiles. Xaden's hands gently repositioned you once more, setting you on all fours near the edge of the mattress. Violet quickly shimmied beneath you, her eyes gazing up at you prettily as your hands braced either side of her head. Xaden palmed your ass from behind, moving to stand at the edge of the mattress.

"I would warm you up but... it seems we have Vi to thank for that," Xaden chuckled. You giggled at the humor, watching Violet wink up at you from below. Biting your lip, you braced for the stretch -- but the feeling was far more pleasureable that you'd remembered.

Xaden entered you slowly, his cock sliding inch by inch along your gummy walls. Violet reached a hand down, her middle and ring finger connecting with your clit. She rubbed slow, tantalizing circles there as Xaden continued pressing into you, all the way until his hips became flush with your ass.

You breathed out slowly, your bottom lip releasing from it's hold as you spoke.

"More... please, more."

Xaden was quick to draw back and re-enter, grunting as you clenched your pussy around him. Violet sighed as she rubbed her fingers faster, her wide-eyed stare adding to the increasing slick as she gazed up at you. You moaned as you leaned low to kiss her, Xaden's thrusts becoming more and more frequent. You stayed there, your chest pressed against hers as she pleasured herself with her free hand, the hand once pressed against you now moving to circle your waist. Your breasts bounced as Xaden fucked you, the movement small as your nipples pushed against Violet's.

"Oh Gods Y/N... you're fucking perfect," Xaden breathed, his grip on your ass firm as he pounded into you. You squealed in delight as his hips snapped against your butt, the light feeling of his balls spanking against your clit driving you wild.

Your attention was turned back to Violet as she gasped, the fingers she'd been working against herself finally bringing her to the brink of release.

"Oh Y/N..." she moaned prettily. "So pretty, baby -- you're gonna make me cum."

You grinned slyly at that, your teeth catching her bottom lip and nipping at it. She cried out, announcing her impending release.

Xaden groaned behind you as he pressed forward, ramming into you at a new, deeper angle. You cried out, the sensation bringing you closer and closer to the brink.

"Xaden... oh Gods, Xaden-"

"Cum for me baby," he insisted, his voice thick. "Cum all over me, please Y/N -- let me paint your walls white."

At that, you released, screaming as the built up tension finally clawed its way through. Violet panted heavily below you, her fingers running up and down your spine. Xaden followed soon after, calling your name as he came. The instant warmth filled you as he spurted cum deep within your pussy, gasping as he spilled every last drop.

Once he was sure he'd released everything, he collapsed on the bed beside you. Violet wiggled to lay on your other side, and you fell forward, lying comfortably on your stomach. You found Xaden's warm gaze first, his fucked-out expression gazing sidelong at you as though it held a million unsaid words.

You swallowed, preparing for the conversation you'd dreaded having. "I wanted to... apologize. I was way out of line-"

"You need to apologize for nothing," Xaden assured, reaching to brush your cheekbone with his fingertips. "We -- I -- was in the wrong today for speaking on your behalf without talking to you first. I shouldn't have done that." He said honestly. Violet piped up from your opposite side, and you turned to glance at her.

"No no no -- I should've thought before speaking. I was only thinking for myself, and truly just wanted your safety is all. I hadn't considered your opinion, or that it may be different, because I didn't ask you first." She admitted, ashamedly. You leaned in, kissing her cheek as you gave her an assuring look.

"I appreciate your concern for my safety -- you're always looking out for me, it's one of the things I love most about you."

Her cheeks pinkened before you turned, finding Xaden's eyes again.

"And, you always think so highly of me, and value my strengths as though they're your own -- that is one of the things I love most about you."

You leaned in to kiss his cheek, but he turned to catch your lips instead. You melted into him as his abs flexed beneath the weight of your ribs, and before you could think more of it you pulled yourself away slowly, smiling at the slow grin spreading across his face.

"We have a lot to discuss, that's for sure -- starting with what you want," he said softly. His mouth widened as he yawned, his arm stretching all the way until his hand slid beneath Violet's head. You took the memo and slotted yourself between the two of them, lying on your back as they both turned inward to cuddle you.

"Tomorrow, please -- for now, let's sleep," Violet said dreamily. You let out a soft yawn, following Xaden as you closed your eyes, nestled between both of their bodies.

"Sleep," you agreed groggily, beginning to drift off. "For now, lets just sleep."

✧･ﾟ: *

[wizardofahz]

The Paradox of Sophie Devereaux

Fandom: Leverage: Redemption Compilation: Moments in the Life of Leverage Fam A/N: Harry holds Sophie in such high regard that I think it'd be funny if he found out how bad of an actress she was once upon a time.

"I couldn't help but notice the Shakespeare reference in your dating profile," Harry tells Sophie one day. "It's a shame you didn't go into acting. I know you've mentioned directing, but with your talents, it would have been a mighty fine treat to see you on stage."

Parker lets out a snorting laugh.

"Yeah, you'd think so, wouldn't you," Eliot says with a pained grimace.

"Oh, stop it," Sophie protests. "It was a long time ago."

Harry glances between the three of them. "I don't understand."

"She did try acting," Eliot explains before Sophie can nip this whole thing in the bud. He shakes his head. "Worst actress I'd ever seen."

Years ago, the comment would've stung. Now Sophie can take some teasing, but the thought of Harry witnessing her earlier attempts at acting still makes her cringe.

Luckily, the whole concept seems entirely alien to Harry. "Now I find that very difficult to believe," he says.

Unluckily, Parker decides to give a demonstration.

"uUnSex me HEre," she says in a ghastly voice, sashaying awkwardly.

Sophie steps forward to divert everyone's attention away from her. "Again, that was a long time ago. We need not speak of it anymore."

Harry frowns, bewilderment apparent in every one of his features. "I thought you were already a grifter before you all met."

"I was," Sophie says, trying to preserve her dignity. "Best one they'd ever seen."

"Eventually," Eliot says. "Nate brought us to one of her plays to recruit her. He didn't even put it up for a vote, and I still tried to vote no."

Neither of them had ever told her that, but Sophie supposes she can't be surprised. Still, Eliot is going to be making her a lot of tea in the near future.

"Eventually," Sophie quotes, rolling her eyes. "It was one day."

"Oh yeah," Breanna says as a distant memory resurfaces. "When I was a kid, I think Hardison also said something about people rooting for the Nazis in The Sound of Music." She grimaces. "Which, in this day and age, sounds really, really bad."

How utterly mortifying. "Hardison told you about that?"

At least Breanna had forgotten by the time they actually met in Panama. Now to make her forget again.

"He used to tell us everything," Breanna explains. "Y'know, trying to be the cool big brother. Like, y'all were cool, but he was the most put together of you all. Nate was the alcoholic mastermind, Sophie the grifter who couldn't act, Parker was a cool thief but also kinda crazy, and Eliot the cowboy was actually just a horse girl."

Eliot growls. "A what?"

"A horse girl," Breanna repeats easily. "You know, like, a girl that's crazy about horses."

"Damn it, Hardison," Eliot growls. "I'm gonna kill him."

With the new topic, Sophie is ready to breathe a sigh of relief. But then Harry Wilson---bless his heart---does not let it go.

"I'm sorry, I still don't understand," Harry says. "Is this another one of those inside jokes?"

In spite of everything, Sophie is relieved and a little touched that Harry's high regard for her renders the whole concept unbelievable.

Breanna starts typing on her laptop. "I wonder if there's anything online. You can find all sorts of bootlegged theater performances on the internet if you know where to look."

"Absolutely not," Sophie says adamantly. "Hardison assured me that everything has been scrubbed from the internet."

Or so he had said. Knowing him, he might have kept backup copies for his personal amusement. She may very well have to con them from him in the future.

"I think this will just be one of those things I accept I'll never understand," Harry says.

Thank goodness.

[yesterdayiwrote]

I do think certain people within Mercedes should maybe consider that a quote like that wouldn't be half as believable if Toto hadn't spent the last six months fawning like a lovesick teenager in the press and dropping quotes of a similar sentiment himself...

Once you start to doubt someone's integrity, you'll believe more and more scurrilous things about them with less and less questioning

[twstfanblog]

Heya can I get a Housewarden reacting to a male! reader that hides whatever injury he got form them when they overbloted but shrugged it off once they found out " hey worth it!"

Boys React to Injured Reader

Overblot Boys x Reader

A/N: I know the ask said male!reader but nothing really shows it to lean male or female aside from two uses of male pronouns.

Riddle

You got some pretty bad gashes on your arms from rose bushes being thrown at you going mach 4. They are decently heavy and though they didn't look it, had some pretty nasty thorns on them.

After Riddle's overblot, you had your arms wrapped up for a good few weeks afterwards from how deep they were. He wouldn't notice them since the uniform is long sleeved. But if you modify your uniform to be shorter, they'd be easier to notice.

Once he does notice them, he asks what you, Ace, Deuce, and Grim got into that left you so injured. Then he feels AWFUL when you tell him the gashes were from his overblot.

He's babbling out apologies, insisting that he takes you to an actual doctor to get properly healed and checked for infections. You live in an abandoned building and you have open wounds for the sake of the Seven.

Gets so quiet when you manage to tell him you don't mind the gashes. Yeah, they're annoying, doing anything has become a chore because of them. But, they're like a trophy for helping save him.

Becomes so aware of your arms now, manages to get some advanced medical potions to decrease chances of scarring. Also, would you...maybe join him in the garden? For tea? Alone?

Leona

All of that sand whipping around was not good for anyone, and it definitely wasn't good for you. It managed to burst a blood vessel in your eyes, which isn't so bad. What was bad was that your cornea was scratched.

It was pretty easy to notice you were hurt in the aftermath, with everyone being in the infirmary when you woke up. Leona asked what the eyepatch was for, seeing how you've never worn one before.

The sigh he does once you explain that it was from sand whipping around during his overblot. Wants to see the damage even when you tell him it was really minor and set to be healed within the week.

Everyone kinda freaks out seeing your eye. It's very much still a mess even after the first dose of treatments to make sure you don't get an infection. But even with it being such a mess, you're all smiles because it doesn't mean anything to you. Leona is safe and sound and that's all that matters to you in the end.

Plus, if you did go blind or something, wouldn't it be kind of cool? You and Leona can have matching eye injuries!

Leona doesn't think that's funny and tells you as much. But for the next week, he's suddenly always around when you need to put your drops in. He'll do it for you since he claims you're squeamish and doing it wrong.

Azul

Azul is very strong in his mer form, he also has a lot of arms for grabbing people he was planning on maiming. He only had a grasp on you for a few moments, but it was enough focused pressure to crack a rib.

You only took notice once you went back to the Coral Sea Museum. The change in pressure makes your ribs ache even more than they were before. Azul took notice and tried to find the cause of your pain. But in the end he and the group made way to an underwater clinic to get you professionally checked.

The guilt he feels hearing your rib was cracked is enough to make him want to go back into his pot. Once back on land, you go straight to the infirmary until further notice.

He won't come visit for a while, sending the twins in his place to deliver you food from the lounge and to help with your breathing exercises. They're the ones who tease him about how you want to see him, to check up on him.

Jade all coy saying 'He was quite concerned about your well-being.' Floyd chimed in 'Lil Shrimpy says his messed up ribs are a good trade if it means you're ok~.'

Azul starts to show up instead of the twins at the tail end of your healing period. He's made you a study guide and gifted you his past notes to help you catch up on the classes you've missed. He also doesn't want to this to be...something that he owes you for. So maybe, once you're all healed, you can come to the lounge office to have a private meal with him. On the house.

Jamil

Your arm had a hairline fracture once you landed in the sand. Nothing too bad, adrenaline was pumping and you barely even felt it. After Jamil's overblot, it felt more sore than anything so you ignored it again.

But when Ace and Deuce show up, Deuce gives you a too strong of a high-five and suddenly, your arm is completely snapped. The party screeched to a halt while Jamil and Kalim quickly check you over.

Jamil is confused on how your arm is broken. Everyone else is completely fine and he doubts Deuce is that strong to break your bone through a high-five. Then Azul points out that you possibly landed on it wrong in the fall from...being flung across an entire desert.

Congrats, you are now an honorary Scarabia member! Because neither Kalim nor Jamil are letting you just go back to Ramshackle with a broken arm. Jamil's running himself even more ragged tending to the Kalim, the dorm, and now you.

You stop him, reminding him you broke an arm, not a leg. If he thinks this is a debt thing, you're not mad, or expecting him to pay you back for being the reason you broke your arm. You're just happy he's ok.

Jamil stops appearing around you for a while, well after your arm is healed. But you keep getting Tupperwares of dinner from Kalim. He states 'Jamil made too much'. Which we all know is a big fat lie.

Vil

(Gonna just pretend Idia doesn't kidnap them like a day later)

Magical smug had to have some type of ill effect other than the poisoning, and it did. The others were able to deal with the after-effects of Vil's overblot via magic immune systems, you are not so lucky.

What started off as a simple cough slowly progressed into hacking and shortness of breath. You had avoided Vil because you just thought it was a simple illness, and the last thing the starlet needed was getting ill. Only for him to be the one to find you on your knees, coughing and struggling to breathe.

Carried you to the infirmary where you're diagnosed with a form of magic-based pneumonia. Blot-based mucus was wreaking havoc in your lungs and it was only going to get worse without proper treatment.

Vil stayed by your side until you fell asleep that first night, then you didn't see him for a week. There'd be little gifts on your nightstand from him; throat-soothing candies, sinfully soft luxury brand tissues. So he was visiting but only when you were asleep.

You see him again when it's the middle of the night and he wakes you up to take a potion he's spent the past week crafting with Crewel's help. He hasn't been sleeping and it's noticeable. Scolds you when you state you're worried about him. Barely lets you semi-confess and is instead force-feeding you the potion. You can declare your admiration once you're well.

Idia

It shouldn't have happened the way it did. Appendicitis normally takes longer than what it took for you to be curled over in pain. Luckily, you were a top-grade science facility surrounded by geniuses. They put you in a full body scanner and quickly saw you had an infection in your stomach.

Even with everything that just happened, you were prepped for surgery in a matter of minutes. They barely got the confirmation from you that the little organ wasn't a necessary part of your digestion system. So it was coming out before it got any worse.

After the surgery, you're able to tell the doctors that an appendix can become infected and burst, but you were completely fine beforehand, so you're not entirely sure what happened. It was revealed your appendix was already infected before you entered STYX and the mild exposure to the Gates sped it up to the point it was ready to burst.

Idia is about to cringe so hard that he travels dimensions. He wants to fling himself off the edge into the Gates like Vil did. This is his fault because he can't just go to fucking therapy like a normie. No, he had to try to do global genocide.

You calm him down, stating it's not as bad as he's making it out to be. And if anything it kind of helped? your ailment was still bound to happen and instead of it happening on campus with no one really able to help, it happened at a cutting-edge science facility. Plus, he's still there with you, that's what's important.

So Mama Shroud has already added you to the family registry, you get a monthly allowance of 10k, and added to the Shuroud family weekly video calls to check up. Idia can still barely look you in the eyes because what do you MEAN being together is what's important? what kind of fucking friends to lovers ass dialogue choice was that? That was so cringe, you should be embarrassed. He says as he fumbles his words now every time he sees you.

Malleus

All you knew was that something was wrong. Dealing with all of the other's dream shenanigans, you could feel in the back of your mind, your body was trying to alert you to something. You only realize when everything is over and everyone is waking up

You are barely able to open your eyes, your head is pounding and it feels like you have water in your ears. Everyone is concerned, Lilia manages to get them all away so he can look you over himself. Checking behind your head only to feel blood and that your ears are leaking a clear type of fluid. When Malleus put everyone to sleep, you fell and literally bounced your head off of the stone floor of Diasomnia.

He was already embarrassed and ashamed of himself, one for overblotting and now for hurting his dear friend. He pays for you to be taken to a hospital and tended to properly. Visits every day while you sleep and just watches you. Leaves you blessed fruits for a speedy recovery.

Is so relieved once you're on the better side of healed, you look much less corpse-ish and have more pep in your voice again. Apologizes, offers a life debt, swears if you wish it he'll never show his face around you again. His actions nearly got you killed and the longer his overblot lasted the more likely it would have been too late no matter what happened.

Actually starts crying when you tell him the injury doesn't matter to you. That fact your 'dear friend' Tsunotaro is ok is all you need to feel well and at peace. Now there's a dragon in the bed with you, no the doctors can not get him to move. They can work around him.

[bigheartbuck]

8.17 fix it/canon divergent

"Eddie," Tommy says, and he sounds like he does at work. Firm. Calm. He's navigated helicopters through much worse than this. Raging storms and hurricanes. "Eddie, step away."

Eddie whips around, head snapping at him, eyes angry. Finger still pointed. Nostrils flaring. Buck is looking wide eyed. The tension in the air is palpable. Thick and heavy. "What are you doing here?" Eddie asks sharply and Tommy raises an eyebrow. Holds up the empty food containers. After the funeral, they'd all eaten at Hen's place. Buck had brought food for everyone. No one had really eaten anything. But it'd been nice, regardless. Or well, as nice as it gets when your captain dies and you have to do normal things after his funeral, such as eating and sleeping. Tommy had stayed behind to help Hen clean up. Had promised to drop off the food containers at Buck's.

So here he is. Backdoor wasn't shut and he walked in on Buck's face twisting into shame and grief and guilt and Eddie's raised voice.

Tommy puts the containers on the counter. Tries to meet Evan's eyes. It's charged in here. Tommy feels his stomach knot at the way Evan curls in on himself. Something isn't right. "Just came to bring these back," Tommy says, and then finally Evan looks back at him. "You okay?" Tommy asks.

Eddie scoffs, crossing his arms. “He’s fine. We're okay. Buck doesn't need you.” Buck shifts uncomfortably. “Eddie, come on…”

But Eddie ignores him, stepping closer to Tommy. “You’re not part of this team. You don’t know what we’ve been through.” It's a grief response, probably. Eddie is hot headed. Can be arrogant and mean. Buck's mentioned it jokingly before but it doesn't seem funny now. Nothing about it is fucking funny.

Tommy meets Eddie's gaze, unyielding. "I’m just here for Evan.”

Buck pushes past Eddie and towards Tommy and Tommy can see it in his tense shoulders, his set jaw. He's going to cry. And he definitely doesn't want Eddie to see right now. Whatever their argument was about, he needs to get out of here. "You wanted to catch that movie, right?" Evan says, voice brittle and sharp and he pointedly ignores Eddie. Tommy doesn't even blink. He touches the small of Evan's back. "Yeah," he says gently. "We're running late, come on."

Evan doesn't say anything on the drive. He stares down at his phone and bites his lip, and then out of the window and then back at his phone again. Fiddles with the seam of his jeans. Bounces his leg. At a red light stop, Tommy reaches over. Places his hand on Evan's thigh. Evan stills underneath his palm. Outside it's starting to rain. Drizzle, really. "My place okay?" Tommy asks and keeps his hand right there. Eyes on the road.

"Please." Buck's voice is rough, hoarse. Another beat. "I don't need you to save me, by the way. This isn't -- I was handling it fine."

Tommy glances at him. His chest clenches. "Hey, I know. That's not what--"

"He said I always make it about me." Buck blurts out, and he's angry and hurt. Grips Tommy's hand with his own, squeezes tightly. "Said I-- I don't know. Doesn't matter." His breath hitches. "I tried so hard to be okay, Tommy, I really did. And I - I know I'm a lot but I really thought I-" He lets out a wet huff. "I was there for everyone, I really tried to be. Like he said. To be what they needed but I was selfish, apparently and I-"

Tommy parks the car. They're here. He kills the engine and twists in his seat to look at Buck properly. The rain is picking up now, drumming against the windows.

"You're not selfish," he says firmly. "You're grieving and taking care of everyone. You're the least selfish person I know." Throat working, Buck shakes his head, looking down at their hands. His eyes are wet.

"Come on, let's head inside. Got some sweats you can borrow." Steal. Buck used to steal them. Sleep in them, sleep in Tommy's shirts. Buck seems to remember too because he manages a small, soft smile.

They get inside and Tommy flicks on the lights, door falling shut behind them. He's barely out of his shoes when Evan steps into his space, crashes into him. Tommy lets out an oomph sound and then folds his arms around him. He's put on muscle, has become so solid and filled out but he buries himself deep into Tommy's chest. Tommy thinks about watching Buck through the monitors and how badly he wanted to hold him then. How badly he wanted to catch his pain with his bare hands. "I got you," he whispers and presses his nose into the curls. "I got you, baby." The pet name slips out like that. Evan doesn't seem to notice, he's trembling and shaking, and Tommy can feel him crying more than he can hear him.

Tommy holds him. Holds him through it all.

[bluerosefox]

Little Marriage Demands

Just had a funny idea I wanna share.

Deaged!Dani/Ellie and Dan! Princess and Prince of the Infinite Realms! Ghost King/Mom Danny! Maybe Dead on Main?

Jason stared at the determined frown on the toddler that stood in front of him. Hands on her hips and if she was actually on the floor, because she was floating a few feet off, her stance in that 'I am standing my ground' way children did when they were demanding something in a huff.

She had long white hair in a pony tail that whisped upwards like gravity was a option and glowing, almost Lazarus green but more cleaner? Neon? Compared to the pits. She was dressed as a little royal princess, complete with a tiny crown made of twinkling stars and ice crystals that were floating in a tiny aurora boleros.

Next to her, in a baby roller was an equally similar looking baby, only male from the tiny royal outfit he wore, and who also had an floating crown above its head only even smaller than the girls. The baby also had a blanket that looked it had been plucked from the galaxies itself in his tiny hands. The baby was no doubt grumpy from the pout and glaring eyes it was giving him.

"Come again?" Jason asked, trying to make heads and tails of what he was just... demanded of?

The girl took in a deep breath, huffing, and looked so freaking annoyed that she had to repeat herself, as if Jason was the one making things difficult to begin with.

"We needs yous to marries Mama so the Eyeballs stops bullying Mama to 'gets a ghost consorty!' Mama keeps beatings theirs off but its annoyings cause Mama can't plays with us anymores nows!" the girl said, her young age showing strong from the way she spoke in the way toddlers did. The baby in the walker seemed to agree with her annoyance at not being able to play with their Mama cause he gave a grumpy noise in agreement "Clockpa saids if they keeps doings this they do something baddy bad to us to try to make Mama dos as they say and Mama is gonna gets really mads and do really bads to ummm the.... multi... multiver-vers-? To alls the worlds! everythings everywhere!"

Jason took a deep breath at that tad bit of information.

What the fuck!?

The girl kept going, not caring about Jason's mental freak out.

"Sooo Clockpa, Auntie Pan, Uncie Frosty, and Auntie Gothy alls gots together to talks and they'd talked abouts yous becoming Mama's futures constory causes yous well liked bys everyones for helpings somes moves on and stoppings bads people from doing bads anymore! ANDS you are good with kids! And and re-re...respectful to peoples with Mama problems!" The girl, who had when she first showed up in his safe house and said her name was Princess Ellie, future Fright Knight and Explorer of the Infinite Realms or tried to say with her toddler speak. "Theys says yous were at the tops of the list and to maybes push yous to meets buts its takes too longgggggggggggg..."

Ellie stretched the long word out, showing just how much patience children at her age had. The baby seemed to agree with that as well when he made baby gurgle sounds and threw its tiny fists in the air.

"So's me and Dan want-teds to make it goes fasters!" Ellie said as she moved her hands from her hips and crossed her arms and floated higher up as she stared at Jason's face with a smug look of 'I'm so smart with this idea' "We sneaked offs and founds you! Nows all yous gotta do is marries Mama and the Eyeballs wills stop bullying us and leaves us alone!!"

Yeah... Jason needed to go to the cave and make sure he wasn't doused with something... Cause this was insane.

[zzbubblegumbitchzz]

you trust me, yeah? // Quinn Hughes

is the line a little blurry or do i just like the way you sound?

AN: just a little part 2 of this story. This can definitely be read as a standalone.

WC: 1.3k

CW: weed/shotgunning, lake house shenanigans, thigh riding, Quinn's yappy, Trevor ruining a moment, a lowkey shitty ending bc I suck at those.

none of the photos are mine, i found them on pinterest. all credit to the owners.

Off season meant hanging out with the people you hadn’t seen all season or rather an excuse to get high and drink and be rowdy kids. Not being watched by a national sports league. You don't really smoke, never tried it. They never judged you for it, always offered if you ever did wanna try, they'd take it so easy on you and would never rush or push you into more than what you were comfortable with. Quinn made sure you never felt left out.

This is the time. you're gonna smoke weed today! you thought to yourself as you walked down from your bedroom. 

When you finally get to the yard, everyone's outside circled around a much too large fire pit. You're finally comfortable and there's no reason to be nervous. All your friends are right there. Quinn is right there. 

As the night goes on and more people are working their way inside to play some drinking games, you and Quinn are left outside with a half smoked blunt and a weak fire going. You'd take a deep breath, Quinn immediately catching onto your nerves. "Hey, what's wrong pretty?" Quinn always got a lil more affectionate when he was high. You weren't complaining though. After the last time, you wanted nothing more than him.

You'd shake your head and mumble “nothing”. He'd cock his eyebrow, not believing what you said. So you'd just quickly talk it out. 

"Iwannasmokeweedbutimalittlenervous" and you'd take another breath and stare at the fire. All to hear his sweet chuckle, "there's this thing that we could do, where you don't have to take a hit off the blunt. I could take the hit, give it to you and see how you feel." 

You're more confused now. What is talking about? How can you get high by not smoking it? He'd see the confusion on your face, "you trust me, yeah?" and you'd nod.

He'd pull you into his lap, and you're already bright red. Nervous, shy, hoping to all fuck that he can't feel how fast your heart is beating.

"Open your mouth a little bit." he'd relight the blunt, take a rather big hit, grab your jaw and pull you close. Close enough that his lips were on yours and blew the smoke into your lungs. He'd pull away a little, hand still holding your jaw. “See? Not too bad.”

You're both high, though Quinn’s way less high than you are. You're sitting on his bed together, pressed into each other's sides. The weight of him keeps you somewhat still. Some stupid movie he picked is playing and you aren't actually paying any attention to it. It's just background noise at this point.

You're hot and he is so close.

It's a problem that's been happening since the last night you were left alone with Quinn. Watching his hands and they way his arms flex and picturing back to the way they felt on your body. But right now his hands are the last thing on your mind, cause your eyes are stuck on his thighs, exposed by his stupidly small shorts. The fuzz of your brain moving quicker than your subconscious has you speaking something you never would've told him prior.

"I wonder if I can get off alone on someone's thigh."

Quinn’s brows scrunch, and he looks down at you a little wide eyed. "Huh?" You sigh a little. 

"Ya know," you say, biting at the inside of your cheek. "I just wonder if I could grind my pussy on a thigh and get off doing that and like just that. No actual sex, just that I guess."

He chokes on nothing. "What?" he mumbles again, but he's leaning down to you, listening fully now.

"Like, taking my pants off, then getting up on someone's thigh, rubbing against it and using it to get off." You lean back against his side and sigh.

Quinn can't even hide his boner anymore. His mind suddenly stuck on the image of his pretty best friend perched on his leg, begging, pleading him for something.

"Bet that'd feel good," he says softly, rubbing his hand on your shoulder. "Feeling a wet cunt on me. Helping you grind on my thigh." 

You don't even catch what he's said.

"Guess I'll never know," you pout.

His arm sneaks down behind you and around your waist and he's pulling you towards him. He leans down to your ear, whispering "Come here."

Your head snaps towards him, you furrow your brows. "What did you say?"

Quinn's pulling you into his lap, hands settling on your hips. His hard cock's pressing aginst your shorts.

"I said, come here.” His voice low, eyes searching your face. "We're best friends babe, already seen you spread for me. Just wanna see if you can do it'" He’s tugging at your shorts. "Can you take these off for me?"

You do, quickly. Body heavy, almost like you're in a dream and this isn't real. By the time you're snapped back to reality, his shorts are up, leaving his thigh fully bare, waiting for you. He raises his eyebrows at you, smirking. "Well, are you gonna try?"

"Shut up Quinny," you whisper. Your hands settle on his shoulders and you take a breath before moving down to his thigh, sitting on it. You whimper at the feeling, then fall into a fit of giggles. As you go to open your mouth Quinn grabs your hips and pulls you forward, your pussy sliding up his thigh and back to the position you were just in. "Oh my god."

"So fucking wet," he whispers, looking up at you with eyes, suddenly darker than they just were. "How long have you been this wet, baby?"

"Um - Uh. Not super long," you whisper, unsure of if he knows you're lying. As if he cant feel, just how wet you actually are. 

You move against him again, letting your cunt slide on the bare skin, you moan softly. 

"Oh, yeah?" Quinn asks, hands resting on your hips. Grip tightening each time you moan. "Feel good?"

"Uh huh."

He groans and uses his hands to guide your movements. Moving his thigh up every so often to add a little more pressure to your already aching clit. 

"Quinn, wanna-"

He stills your movements. "Wanna what, pretty? Wanna cum?" 

You can't form any words, just trying not to let the tears fall from his sudden stop. His fingers rub circles on the side of your thigh, and he pinches just to hear you moan. Making a mental note of that. "Asked you a question sweetheart, you want what?" 

"Wanna cum," your voice came out small.

He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to your cheek, "go on, then. Let me see you cum, again."

His hands move off of your hips, and move to behind his head. Eyes trained on your body. Very obviously committing your wrecked state to his memory.

He’s sighing happily when he feels you move against him. "Doin' so good, don't gotta ask. Just go for it, alright?"

Nodding eagerly, you keep moving. Eyes closing as you're nearing the edge. 

His grip on your chin takes you by surprise, "eyes open, wanna see your pretty face fully when you come undone on my thigh. Wanna see how pretty you look when you make a mess."

"Oh, there we go, Atta girl. Come on." his eyes locked on yours, watching your mouth hang open. His finger finding a home against your tongue. “You gotta be quiet, don't want anyone else to hear you. That's for me only huh? Yeah it is. Gonna let me have it? Course you are, you're my good girl.”

He’s pulling you flush to his chest, hand settling on your lower back. “Did so good, pretty. I lo-” He's interrupted by his door handle rattling, forever thankful that even in his stoned thoughts he knew to lock the door. 

“Quinn! Where is y/n? I need her to settle an arguement.” Trevor’s voice slurs outside his door.

[maybankslover]

because i liked a boy- jj maybank

jj maybank x fem!reader

warnings: use of words slut and bitch, kie is mean, not the obx plot, mention of sex, bit of angst, bit of fluff. in their 20's.

summary: just because she liked a boy

playlist: because I liked a boy by sabrina carpenter

leaving her hometown and moving to the island was what she called a fresh start.

setting up a little flowershop that also sold handmade knitted clothes and everything she would find cute too, her parents supported what she called the right decision.

and so seemed jj maybank when she met him, the boy with blonde hair and charming smile.

"hey you're new." he said smiling at her as she opened her shop.

"hey." she smiled back. "yeah got here a month ago." going back to her task she didn't pay much attention to him.

"cool i'm jj." at the no response he insisted. "what's your name?"

"y/n/n." after cleaning her dirty hands against her jumper she extended her hand. "y/n l/n."

"jj maybank." he took her hand in his and smiled. "need some help?" he nodded towards the boxes filled with flowers and vases.

"yes yes please."

that was the first of many afternoons they spent together.

"god i love this song." jj said turning the radio up. "i got a feeling tururu."

she laughed at his horrible singing. "c'mon i know you love this one too." one of his hands left the steering wheel to pinch her arm.

"stop stop!" giggling at the sensation she followed his lead. "let's go way out spaced out and losin' all control"

"fill up my cup mazel tov, look at her dancin' just take it off." laughing like little kids on the empty streets.

We bonded over Black Eyed Peas and complicated exes

Fell so deeply into it

It was all so innocent

"i've only had one boyfriend." she sighs. "good kid but we weren't meant to be and i'm from a small town so everyone hated me when we broke up because how did i dare to leave such a good kid."

"tell me about it." jj chuckled.

"won't believe you've only had a girlfriend maybank." they weren't looking at each other, too concentrated on the night sky above them as they laid side by side at the beach.

"never had an official one. i guess the closest thing would've been one of my friends but that didn't last long." he sighed.

"you dated one of your friends and you're still friends?"

"yeah like a bit more than a year ago. we share the same friendgroup, kissed a few times and then i realised that it would never work. her parents hate me and what they call pogues aka us the people from the cut." he turned his head to the side and she felt his eyes on her. "either way it never felt right, something was missing."

"have you ever met someone and think maybe this is it for me?" she whispered turning to look at those blue eyes she found herself falling in love with.

"yeah." he shifted closer. "you."

the small gap dissapeared as their lips met and as cliche as it sounded, it was what they'd been missing. those sparks to fly was what they'd been missing their whole lives.

it was easy from the start as if they had known each other their whole lives and maybe that was the first reason kie hated her.

"so i wanted to let y'all know i'll bring y/n tomorrow night." he said sitting down next to pope at the cheatau's sofa.

"the girl from the flower shop?" sarah asked and he didn't miss the way she glanced for a second at kie.

"yeah i think y'all will like her." a smile tugging on jj's mouth. "she's cool."

"cool?" john b smirked. "jj maybank is bringing a girl home and she's just cool?"

"what do you want me to say?" he laughed. "she's more than cool john b."

as the boys entered into a banter sarah moved closer to kie.

"are you okay?"

"yeah what happened between us is old news." she said to her friend but the blonde didn't believe one bit and it worried her a bit.

jj wasn't one to bring a girl home just because.

Now I'm a homewrecker, I'm a slut

I got death threats fillin' up semitrucks

Tell me who I am, guess I don't have a choice

All because I liked

he had expected a cold shoulder from kie but not from sarah.

"guys this is y/n/n." he smiled at his friends as he held her hand.

pope and john b were the one's to stand up from the beated up couch to greet the girl.

"nice to meet you, i'm john b." the brunette extended his hand and she took the gesture.

"and i'm pope." he said repeating the extended hand.

"nice to meet you both, j has talked a lot about you." she smiled and was startled by a voice coming from behind her.

"all nice things i hope." cleo snikered. "i'm cleo."

she smiled and nodded acknowledging her and then directed her sight to the other two girls sitting further from where they stood.

"hey." kie nodded without replying to her.

"hi i'm sarah and she's kie." sarah gave her a closed smiled before continuing her chat with kie making it a bit akward.

with a beer in hand each they made their way towards the backyard, her and jj following behind the group aside from kiara and sarah that waited for the rest to walk out first.

"that skirt screams slut." kie murmured but not low enough for her to not hear the comment.

"bitch." she was the one to murmur now.

"did you say something baby?" jj looked at her before sitting down and dragging her with him.

"nothing j just shivering a bit."

"told you, you'd get cold but i have the best solution for that." his arm envolved her shoulders and pulled her closer to his chest.

"never thought this day would come." john b whispered to pope as they observed the whole interaction.

I'm the hot topic on your tongue

I'm a rebound gettin' 'round stealin' from the young

Tell me who I am, guess I don't have a choice

All because I liked a boy

"so y/n where are you from?" sarah asked.

"uhm i'm from oak hill a small town outside nashville in tennessee." she smiled at her but it wasn't reciprocated.

"and how did you end up here?" the blonde girl was the one to ask again.

"always wanted to move closer to the beach and once i turned 21 i felt it was time." she felt as jj kissed her head. "talked with my folks, grabbed my savings and ended up here."

"and then met me the best part of this story." jj added making them laugh. "ain't that true baby?"

"sure whatever helps you sleep at night." she winked at pope who continued laughing. "but yeah that's how and it's been what six months?"

"yep we met five back."

"since when does he remember dates?" kie said to cleo trying not to be heard.

"since he met her i guess." cleo shrugged her shoulder not giving a lot of attention to the matter.

I'm not catastrophizing, everything's derailing

Was only tryna hold you close while your heart was failing

It's not internet illusion, just two kids going through it

You said I'm too late to be your first love, but I'll always be your favorite

"they hate me j." she insisted the next morning as they had breakfast in her kitchen.

"no they don't, kie is being inmature and sarah i don't know what's her deal." he sighed. "but they don't hate you otherwise cleo wouldn't have talked to you at all and pope loves you, that's what matter."

"and john b?"

"john b is a chill guy he likes everyone." but that didn't make her feel better.

"j i'm being serious." her eyes portraited a bit of dissapointment. "like those are your friends."

"and you're my girl, i don't care what sarah thinks or if kie can't put things behind her almost two years later." he stood from the bar stool and grabbed her waist. "all i care is us, this right here alright?"

Now I'm a homewrecker, I'm a slut

I got death threats fillin' up semitrucks

Tell me who I am, guess I don't have a choice

All because I liked

I'm the hot topic on your tongue

I'm a rebound gettin' 'round stealin' from the young

Tell me who I am, guess I don't have a choice

All because I liked a boy

"kiara is saying jj left her for the flower shop girl like a homewrecker type of thing" a girl on another aisle of the supermarket said. "weren't them broken up like a year back?"

"they never were really together." another female voice.

"what a bitch to be saying that kind of shit about someone."

jj was fumming at what he was listening while she stood still.

"much for a fresh start i guess." she chuckled and continued grabbing things they needed thinking he was following her but realised he wasn't when the shop's door slamed hard signaling someone had left. "jj!" leaving the cart alone she went after her boyfriend.

"john b gather everyone at the cheatau, we'll be there in an hour and tell kiara to better be there." she had never heard him so mad at someone.

"j let's not make a big deal."

"nah i'm done playing nice. we're adults, you're my girl and you have a shop." he runned his hands through his hair. "i'm not letting a childish shit ruin what you're bulding by her running stupid rummors that aren't even true."

Fell so deeply into it

It was all so innocent

Dating boys with exes

No, I wouldn't recommend it

so that's how she ended sat down on a chair while jj gave the speech of his life.

"stop the shit kiara." the anger in his voice was palpable. "because today we heard as someone said you're saying y/n 'homewrecked' us?" he said as simultaneously doing quoting marks. "there was nothing to homewreck not back then and less of all when i met her."

"jj..." sarah tried to interrupt but he didn't let her.

"and sarah you keep yourself out of this because ignoring her and making snarky comments just to side with kie? that's low." he scoffed. "grow the fuck up you two because we're all 21 and y/n isn't going anywhere."

"homeboy's in love." he heard cleo said and chuckled.

"damn right i am so either move on from something that never existed in the first place or just keep her name and her business from your mouth because some of us don't have daddy to back up our losses if in what you invested your savings fails."

john b nudged sarah. "say sorry." he whispered and incentivated his girlfriend to do the right thing.

"i'm sorry, i don't even know you and i was already against you." the blonde said.

"thank you." she didn't look at kiara, didn't expect a apology from an angry inmature girl.

notynln & maybankj

liked by @backhomebff, @popehey, @jbroutledge and 123 more

@notynln & @maybankj  too late to be your first love but I'll always be your favorite ✯༄✯

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@backhomebff so happy to see you like this

@popehey captain maybank is gone man

@mommal/n gotta bring him home!!

replied by @maybankj been telling her the same thing mrs.ln

taglist: @chenslucy @gillybear17 @imliterallyamirrorball @nichmeddar @gillybooboo @julczimozart @silkylovey @droppedyourhnd @jaydaaasworld @congratsloserr @carrerascameron @m1santhropicc @chiaraanatra @ijustwanttoreadlols @theoraekenslover @ethanthequeefqueen @rafesdrew @loverdrew @frankoceanluvr11 @josephandrewstarkey @snowtargaryen

[steddieas-shegoes]

pop goes metal

for @corrodedcoffinfest prompt 'alternate universe'

rated t | 964 words | cw: language | tags: famous corroded coffin, pop star steve harrington, flirting, getting together

🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤

"No fuckin' way are we working with him," Eddie argues with their manager. "You're always so worried about our image and then you go and have us doing a song with a fuckin' pop artist?"

The manager, Anthony, rolls his eyes. "It'll broaden your fanbase. You know who spends money on shit? Women. You know who likes Steve Harrington? Women."

"Does he even write his own shit?" Gareth asks.

"Does it matter?" Eddie turned to him with a glare. "Even if he writes it, it's not our style."

"Maybe we could at least hear what he's trying to work with us on?" Jeff, always the calming presence, asked towards Anthony.

"He sent over a sample before we sign any agreements."

Eddie sat down in the chair furthest from everyone else, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Now, this isn't an official recording. Just what he did on his phone on his tour bus with his acoustic guitar. He arranged the bass already for Frankie, too, but said he's open to whatever Gareth feels is right for the drums." Anthony pressed play on his phone and the room was filled with strumming and a surprisingly raspy voice singing what was clearly a chorus.

Eddie could pretend he hated it, and maybe the guys would agree with him and they'd never have to speak of this again.

He couldn't hide his reaction fast enough, though.

His jaw dropped as he listened to the lyrics, surprised to find that they weren't just about going to a club and dancing or being in love.

Steve's voice broke at the end before there was shuffling and the recording stopped.

Eddie felt everyone's eyes on him. He closed his mouth and looked down at the floor, tapping his fingers against his arm.

"It's not bad," he finally said. "Not sure why he needs us, though."

"Apparently, his brother is a huge fan of you and suggested he try to work with you."

"I think we should do it." Jeff said, a note of finality in his tone that Eddie knew he wouldn't try arguing with.

"Yeah, can't hurt." Frankie shrugged.

"If he's giving me creative freedom on the drums, how can I say no?" Gareth smirked.

"Guess we're working with the pop diva, then."

****

Steve Harrington was nothing like what they expected.

He showed up to their studio in sweats and glasses, holding a tablet and a bottle of Tylenol. They started to introduce themselves as he found a spot on the couch.

"I'm really glad you guys were willing to work with me," he said after he shook everyone's hand.

Eddie stared.

"My uh, my brother, Dustin, he's kinda why I wrote this song and I know it means a lot that you agreed to be on it," Steve continued. "So, thanks. Hopefully it doesn't ruin your vibes or anything."

Eddie felt every wall he built crumbling with every word Steve spoke. God dammit, this man just had to be sincere and hot and talented, didn't he?

"Nah, we're gonna sound great together." Eddie smiled at Steve's wide-eyed look. "You wanna show us the whole song?"

Steve nodded, pulling something up on his phone. Another recording, this one more professional and included an electric guitar.

"Robin was the stand in for the electric while I did bass."

"So you can play bass?" Frankie asked, leaning in.

"Yeah, but my preferred instrument is piano. I just don't do a lot of slow songs. Guitar is what gets the women interested, or so they tell me," Steve smiled awkwardly. "But feel free to change some things up. I'm totally open to suggestions."

But really, it was damn near perfect as it was. Frankie made one tweak during the bridge, but Steve ended up loving it more than the original and told him so with a grin.

"You're a fuckin' genius!" He exclaimed.

Gareth started messing around on the drums while Steve and Eddie worked on the first couple of lines.

"Something still doesn't feel right," Steve mentioned.

"Maybe we change the rhyming pattern?" Eddie suggested. "You've got ABAB. Might work better to do AABB. Some of these words can be moved around to make that work."

Steve stared at the notes app for a moment, then looked back up at Eddie, beaming smile making his eyes squint.

"I could kiss you!" He shouted. As soon as he realized what he said, he blushed, looking back down at the phone. "I mean, thanks. That's a great suggestion."

Eddie searched Steve's face, coming to the conclusion that there was probably a good reason why Steve didn't care about what women liked when it came to his music.

"I have a pretty strict rule about kissing people I work with," Eddie said slowly, quietly so they wouldn't be overheard.

"Yeah, no, that makes sense. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or-"

"But we won't be working with each other for long, right?" Eddie continued, letting his hand rest on Steve's thigh. God, he was muscular.

"Um. No I guess not."

"Rain check, then. Until we've finished our professional relationship." Eddie couldn't believe he was suggesting this. Showing interest in a pop star. What's next? Dating one? Marrying one?

"Are you saying you wanna kiss me, Munson?" Steve suddenly sounded more confident.

"I'm saying we've got work to do before I can get my hands on you." Eddie tapped his thigh before pulling away. "So let's get to it."

"Dude! I got it!" Gareth yelled, interrupting their moment.

"Be right there!" Steve yelled back, not looking away from Eddie. "Might break a record for fastest recording time ever just so I can kiss you," Steve added quietly to Eddie before standing and walking over to Gareth.

"Well, fuck." Eddie sighed, smiling to himself.

[mixsethaddams]

For the Love Confessions prompt as part of @stmarchmm Stranger Things March Mating Madness

Steve was never anyone's first choice, was the thing.

Throughout his whole life he was always the after thought, the second phone call. Even his name, Steve, wasn't his parents' favourite. They had to go with their back up name after a neighbour gave birth three days before his mom and used the name Marley before she got a chance to.

Once he started dating, it was more of the same. Omegas would get him to ask them out, make him pay for meal and the movie, and then once they were done doing whatever they got up to in the back seat of his car, they'd gush about how they had the confidence after all of that to go after the alpha that they really wanted.

He was used to it now, he supposed, being used as practice. He didn't mind much once he made his peace with it. It was nice to get out of the house and go some place that wasn't work a few times a week. And he got to listen to rumours about the other alphas of Hawkins while he was at it, which admittedly he loved.

It didn't make sense to him when Eddie Munson shuffled into Family Video one sunny Saturday afternoon and asked about his plans for the night. 'Great,' Eddie had said when Steve said he had none. 'Well, not great, but uh, maybe we can do something?'

Steve ran through the rolodex of local gossip he'd picked up recently. He hadn't heard anything about an alpha having their eye on Eddie, or vice versa. And given the depth of some of the stuff the omegas around here knew about, it would be hard to hide any sniff of a crush on the town Freak.

It didn't make sense when Eddie insisted on going dutch for their bill in the diner, and paying for his own movie ticket. In fact, at the end of the night when Steve was used to going on auto-pilot and feeling someone up on their front doorstep, he was totally baffled when Eddie blushed and asked if they could do it again next week.

'You… want to see me again?' he asked, feeling a crease between his eyebrows. 'Why?'

Eddie snorted. 'Way to tell me you didn't have a good time, Harrington,'

'I did!' Steve saiad quickly. 'I just, I guess I'm not used to second dates,'

Eddie smiled and lightly punched Steve's shoulder. 'Pick me up next Saturday, same time,'.

Steve watched him climb the steps into his trailer, half expecting him to turn around and say Gotcha! I actually have a date with someone else!

But the door clicked close with a finally parting glance and grin from Eddie and Steve, of course, drove straight to Robin's house.

'It doesn't add up,' Steve said through her window. She was on curfew, and he had to climb across windowsills from the garage to get to her room. 'Everybody knows I'm the practice alpha, what does he want from me?'

'Sounds like he wants a second date,' said Robin, focused on trimming her own bangs.

'But why though?' Steve mused. 'He didn't even want me to kiss him, it was weird'

'Did you try?'

'Yeah, leaned in and everything,' Steve sighed. 'But he moved so I got his cheek,'

'Romantic,' said Robin. 'Maybe he likes you,'

'No omegas like me, Rob,' Steve said flatly. 'I'm not that guy,'

So it just didn't make sense that they were six weeks down the line now and Eddie was still asking Steve to pick him up for dinner and a movie every Saturday. They met for lunch at least once a week. They sat next to each other when everyone hung out. They held hands. Eddie even let Steve kiss him after their third date. Steve liked the kissing.

Steve liked everything, if he was honest. He liked the consistency of the same person calling him at the end of every day to say goodnight, he liked being a part of 'Steve and Eddie'. He liked Eddie. In fact, he really liked Eddie. Maybe even more than that. The idea that Eddie would eventually be through with Steve, practice run over, made his heart hurt.

They were napping together on a summer evening. They were in their boxers on top of the sheets, Eddie's heat was coming up so he was feeling the warmth in the air more than usual. Steve couldn't sleep even though they'd spent the whole day swimming at the quarry. He should be exhausted. But he couldn't tear his eyes away from Eddie's face.

They had yet to cross the line of sleeping together, so it was the first time Steve saw Eddie at rest like this. Eddie looked beautiful in the spot orange light that filtered through the thin curtains. The slope of his nose, the gentle pout of his lips, Steve's drank in the sight of him like water. Even the small swell of his chest, swollen because of an upcoming heat, was perfectly placed and proportioned.

It was the time of day where the birds were singing their last songs and the neighbours had already finished their noisy returns from work. The only sound Steve could hear was the slow breathing of the omega laid out before him, blankets piled around them in a makeshift its-too-damn-hot nest. He didn't even want to breath himself for fear of disturbing him.

'Stop staring at me I look gross,' Eddie mumbled, turning his head into the pillow.

'No you don't,' Steve protested, hoping he didn't look like a serial killer watching someone sleep.

'Mmm, heat next week, my skin looks like shit, pimple, see?' Eddie tapped on his jaw to a small red bump.

Steve hadn't even noticed it, or if he did he didn't care.

'That's not gross,' he said softly.

'Whatever you say,' Eddie yawned, stretching before shuffling himself closer to Steve, burying his face in Steve's chest. 'You'll be the one stuck staring at it until it's over,'

'I, what?' Steve asked. 'What do you mean?'

'My heat,' Eddie mumbled. 'You'll have a front row seat to all my gross zits,'

Steve felt his heartrate pick up. Eddie wanted him to be part of his heat? That was kind of a commitment, maybe he didn't know? Steve would tell him, and Eddie would laugh and say oh man, my mistake, you're right!

'That's, uh, that's kind of a lot,' he said, preparing himself to laugh along with the obvious mistake.

Eddie pulled back quickly, wide awake now. 'You don't want to be there?' He looked hurt.

'No! I mean, yes!' Steve stuttered. 'But, you know what that means, right? It's kind of a couple thing, and, we're, I dunno,'

Eddie sat up and flung his legs over the edge of the bed, reaching down to grab his socks from the floor.

'Me neither, apparently,' Eddie said quickly. 'And here I thought—'

Steve grabbed one of Eddie's wrists. 'You thought what?'

'I thought maybe were fucking were a couple, Steve,' Eddie hissed, trying to bat his arms away.

'You like me?' Steve asked.

'You're kidding me?' Eddie shot back, staring at him in disbelief. 'How could you not know that I liked you? We make out like six times a day!'

'No one likes me,' Steve said quietly. 'No one ever picks me,'

Eddie softened, dropping the sock that was in his hands and scooting back onto the bed. 'Do you remember our second date?'

Of course Steve remembered, how could he forget? He was so surprised that Eddie actually opened the door of the trailer when he knocked that he couldn't speak for thirty minutes. He nodded.

'How about our third?' Eddie asked. That was the date they kissed on. It was the first kiss in years that Steve had really wanted. It felt like it lasted for hours, and he was disappointed that it couldn't last forever.

'And our fourth, fifth, sixth…' Eddie said, retaking his place in Steve's arms. 'All of them?'

Steve nodded again. He could tell Eddie every detail of every single date or hangout they'd had if he asked.

'I don't ever want another first date again,' said Eddie. 'Or third, or fourth, or fifth, or sixth,' He added with a laugh. 'I only want to be with you. I just didn't know I needed to spell it out for you,'

And Steve all of a sudden felt incredibly stupid. Because of god damn course they were a couple. Right up to the awkward meet-the-family weeknight dinners that they'd both sat through and giggled about in the car afterwards.

'Sorry,' he said. 'I just didn't think you wanted that with me, no one ever does,'

'Do you want it with me?' Eddie asked earnestly.

Steve kissed him softly in response. 'That's all I want,'

'Good,' Eddie said, rubbing his face in Steve's chest hair. 'Can I go back to sleep now that you're done scaring me to death?'

Steve smiled against the top of Eddies head, rubbing his back lightly.

Steve listened as Eddie's breathing evened out again. The birds had returned to their trees by now.

He still didn't sleep. His mind was racing. Thoughts of a future were bouncing around his head like never before, with Eddie right in the middle of all of them.

Steve breathed in Eddie's lavender and cold milk smell as deep as he could. His heat might not wait a full week before coming, if the intensity of his scent lately was anything to go by.

'I love you,' Steve breathed against his hair. He smiled to himself his eyes sliding closed. It felt so right to say it out loud, finally being able to name the feeling that was built up behind his rib cage.He revelled in the secrecy of speaking to someone lost to sleep, not having to worry about being caught showing his cards too early.

'I love you too,' Eddie whispered back.

[weirdgenetic-fuckup]

Second Chances

A/n: first time writing for Rip Wheeler, hope to write more for him

I started this months ago and just finished but I hope it’s good :)

Warnings: implied smut, religious trauma, Beth and Rip aren’t together anymore(love Beth but it couldn’t work for the idea 😔), abuse, if you think I missed anything let me know otherwise enjoy!

Masterlist

He looks so pouty and cute I can’t 🥺

~October 15th, 6:37 pm~

"You got a spare room, don't ya, Rip?" John's gruff voice came over the phone, voice wavering through heavy breaths.

"Yeah, why?" Rip asked, he'd just been making himself a quick dinner, body already aching for the sanctity of bed and rest.

"I'll explain later, just get it ready." John hung up before Rip could say anything more.

~7:05 am~

There was an old abandoned shed farther away from the main house, way over a few fields. It once served a purpose but now just lay, holding a few tools that no one had ever bothered to retrieve, there wasn't enough reason behind it anyway.

However, John had been passing by it the past few months with loose cattle around and kept hearing noise coming from it. At first he didn't pay much attention to it, it was most likely just some animals that had taken it over to hide away from the cooling weather, but he wanted to check it out when the sounds started getting stranger.

"Kayce," he called to his youngest son, "I want to take you with me to check out the shed up North of here." He said.

Kayce was with his wife, Monica, and son, Tate. They were having breakfast together, Tate was going off about something and Monica was listening closely, Kayce had been as well until his father came over to him.

"Up North?" He repeated. "Why? That thing’s been here longer than me, never needed to check on it before."

John sucked his teeth and shrugged. "Just come with me later, alright?" Kayce agreed, he had nothing else to do. Nothing to do with the ranch, anyway.

They couldn't head off right away, things needed to get done with the horses and such, everyone had chores.

~4:45 pm~

The two hadn't been able to leave much earlier, just getting on their horses to head out. Kayce didn't mind leaving earlier, he'd thought they'd leave later but this way he figured he'd still be able to tuck Tate in with Monica.

They arrived at the shed and sure enough those noises were back, only this time there was a light seeping through the cracks of the old wood.

Not wanting to risk getting caught they tied their horses up further away to trees, walking through the overgrown grass lit up by the setting sun, it cast a golden glow over the already yellowing field.

There was definitely someone inside, someone doing something and clinking shit together. They drew their guns as they neared the door facing into the trees.

John kicked it open, whoever was in there jumped and dropped something. "Hey-hey! Who the hell're you?!" It was a man yelling from inside. "Show yourselves to me, you crazy fucks!" Kayce gave John a worried look.

John peered in and saw the guy, scrawny fellow, shaved head, it didn't seem to be by his own fruition with how choppy it was. His clothes were tattered and stained, eyes bugging, he was clearly on something; what, they weren't sure, but they couldn't risk anything.

Kayce took the first step in, gun aimed at the man just in case. John followed shortly after and looked around while Kayce kept the man against a wall, hands in the air defensively.

"Cooking meth, you're cooking meth on my land?!" John yelled, making his way over to the man in a few short strides, raising his fist and punching him square in the face and knocking him on his ass.

There was a second thud, it didn't come from Kayce or John, not even the addict. No, this one came a second later from somewhere else.

In the corner of the shed was a smaller closet, it had been used to keep shovels and such. It wasn't small but big wasn't a good word for it, not by a longshot.

"I'll deal with this, you check on that." John said to Kayce, taking the rope from his side and kneeling next to the man, getting him over to the broken down and chipped table in the middle of the room and tying him to it as tight as he could.

"Don't, it's nothing, nothing!" The man yelled, struggling against John's hold on him.

The door creaked open and Kayce froze at the sight. "You, uh, you're gonna wanna see this, dad."

John looked up at his son, trying to get a look from where he was but needing to stand up anyway. The tied man kept yelling and squirming, shaking the table as he did.

Kayce moved to the side to let John look. The room was small, still, it held a poorly made bed, really it was just the frame with a shitty pillow and ratty old blanket thrown over it; there wasn't even a window to cover up.

In the darkness he made out a figure, a small one. A person chained to the bed. They were on their knees, elbows resting on the wood and hands clasped in one another, lips moving subtly in a silent prayer.

"Oh, Jesus Christ..." John muttered. He knelt down, placing a hand on your shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Hey, are you alright?" He asked, keeping his voice gentle as it could be.

Your clothes, a shirt and cotton shorts, were browning with age, holes dug into them, blood littered over them, crusted into your shorts especially.

You finished your prayer and looked to him, keeping your gaze below his head and refusing to look any higher. You gave a small nod.

Kayce had gone back to the horses and returned with bolt cutters and handed them to his father. "We're gonna get you out of here, ok?" John said, rubbing your back. He reached for the chain wrapped around your ankle, hooking the cutters into one of the loops.

The feeling of him trying to get the chain off was more than you could bear, this room had been all you'd known for years, that chain had been around your ankle for years, rubbing on it and making your skin raw.

You swatted at John's hand, pushing him away and backing yourself into the corner across from the bed. Your breathing was heavy and you shook your head, this chain was keeping you here and still, you couldn't lose it.

John looked to Kayce who was chewing his cheek, thinking of ways to help.

The son took the cutters from his dad and moved to kneel in front of you. "I'm not gonna hurt you, alright? I just want to help, I can't do that with this thing." He said. Kayce was much gentler than John, his voice not as gruff and warmer. He looked you up and down, taking in your disheveled state and seeing how panicked you were. "Can you tell me your name?" He asked, not bothering to make you look at him, it was the least of his concerns right now.

You fidgeted with your hands in your lap. You thought for a moment before shaking your head.

Kayce sighed. "Well, I'm Kayce Dutton, I live on this farm land with my family... we- my dad and I” he said, gesturing back to John, “want to take you there, we can get you food and a change of clothes... a proper bed to sleep in."

"They're lying! They're liars, don't listen to them!" The addict yelled. John groaned and went to him, tying the rope tighter around him. You couldn't hear what John was saying and you were too panicked to care.

"I am not lying, I can't promise you much more than my word, do you trust my word?" Kayce asked, taking your hand in his, smoothing his thumb over the back of your palm in a soothing moment. You gave a small nod. "Alright now, I won't cut it all off, does that sound better?" You much preferred that compromise.

He didn't leave much, just keeping it around your ankle and then a few chains to keep a bit of extra weight, what you were used to, at least similar to it.

"Kayce, we gotta go." John said, peaking back into the room. "Now. Come on, let's go!" John hurried out, leaving you and Kayce alone.

"Can you walk?" You shook your head, Kayce exhaled with a nod. "I'm gonna pick you up and carry you out to the horses, alright?" You paused a moment but there wasn't much time for him to wait for you, quickly wrapping his arms around you and carrying you out of the shed and to the horses where John was already waiting, horses untied and ready to go.

The sky above you, the trees and the grass, all of it was so familiar and new all at the same time. The cool chill of the night hitting your face and body, your skin so pale in comparison to everything else. For just a moment you were struck with this envious look, all of this had been waiting for you? Just a few feet away? But then it all came crashing down as it settled in you that you were outside, alone and vulnerable.

As soon as you reached the horses you started panicking again, yelling and screaming and reaching out for the shed again as the man called out for you as well. Kayce laid you on the horse and gave it a smack to get it going, John was on the other horse, holding the reins to Kayce's horse and moving while Kayce started running just behind you both.

He didn't get far before the shed caught far, exploding. Kayce was already far enough away and wasn't injured, no one was but the man holding you captive was definitely gone, a foot landing not far from you.

You screamed until your throat hurt, until nothing came out. Your eyes red and stinging from tears as you cried out, body shaking over the horse.

John slowed down and Kayce caught up with you, taking the reins of his horse back and leading it back to the farm. "Kayce, call 911, we need to stop the fire." John spoke, taking out his own phone.

The land was damp and frosted, chances are the fire wouldn't make it very far, besides, the houses were much too far for it to cause any real damage. Still, the fire was right on the tree's edge and they couldn't risk too much.

The phone rang in John's hand, all while you wailed in the background. "You got a spare room, don't ya, Rip?"

~7:16 pm~

Rip had set up the spare room, there really wasn't much to set, the bed was made and it wasn't a particularly messy room, dusty, sure, but not messy.

There was a knock on his door and he went to answer it, opening it to find John with a more than distraught you under his arm. "I'll go get some of Beth's old clothes, get her in the shower, clean her up.” The older man ordered, gently pushing you towards Rip.

Rip was caught so off guard and just held you close to him for several minutes while John walked away, back down the hill to the main house. He looked down to you as you stared at the ground. Your hair was matted, face a mess, clothes… he didn’t even want to think about it so he just guided you to the bathroom and set you down on the floor while he ran the water in the tub, making sure it was nice and warm since you were shivering.

He glanced back at you, huddled in the corner, knees to your chest, tears rolling down your cheeks. “What’s yer name, kid?” He asked, keeping his voice gentle. You shivered and shook your head, you didn’t know him, you didn’t know what was going on, where you were. You were more than scared of this big, strange man, no matter how kind he seemed off the bat.

Rip sucked his teeth and nodded, understanding that this was something new for you. “I’m Rip… I’m a cowboy, you know what a cowboy is?” You shook your head again. “A cowboy is someone who protects the people around them… people like you, you understand?” You didn’t but you nodded anyway. “So, I’m not gonna hurt you, I’d never do that… and if anyone hurts you, you tell me, alright?” You nodded again.

Rip looked back to the water as the tub filled up. “What are you doing?” You asked, also looking to the tub as water poured out the faucet.

“I-I’m getting a bath ready for you.” He answered simply, raising a brow at your question. “You’ve had a bath before, right?” He looked you over, you didn’t look like you had.

“When-when I was younger…” You answered softly. “To wash away the day's filth is to wash away God’s path for you, your history.” You explained. Rip sighed, he wasn’t a very religious man but that sounded cultish to him, seeing your disheveled state…

“That’s not what God said, you know…” He said, hoping you’d look up at him but you didn’t. “If that’s what he really wanted he wouldn’t have made lakes and rivers for us to clean in… he would’ve made it harder to do that, would’ve put up a sign or something.” You thought about what he said. Nothing was changing overnight but after everything today you were at a loss, you couldn’t go back to the room you knew, all you had was Rip right now.

“Do you need help out of your clothes?” He asked, gesturing to you with a nod. You’ve heard those words before, not in that order, not in that tone, but you understood that much and shook your head.

You stood and pulled your shirt up over your head, Rip looked away to give you some privacy, as if he wasn’t about to wash you himself. You pulled your shorts off and tossed them aside to the corner before going to the sink, now Rip looked at you, confusion swirling in his eyes as you placed your hands on the edge of the sink, parting your legs and looking down into the sink.

Rip stared at you dumbfounded. Your clothes covered in blood and basically standing alone in the corner, it made sense now and he jumped to his feet, gathering you in his arms and bringing you over to the tub, carefully setting you down in the warm water. “You don’t ever have to do that again, you hear me?” He said, holding your mucky hair out of your face, turning your head to look at him. You closed your eyes, refusing to look at his face. “Can you look at me?” You shook your head. “What’s stopping you?” He let go of your face, letting you look back to the water turning brown around you.

You swirled your hand in the water, amused by its ripples. “He said you may not look man in the eyes for it disrespects him and taints your soul.” Rip exhaled sharply, staring at you a moment longer before reaching back to get a washcloth from the cabinet under the sink.

He rubbed soap into the cloth, letting it bubble in his hands before running it over your bruised and battered skin, listening to every hiss you let out from the scars it passed over and caught on. Your ribs and inner thighs were the worst of it, all it did was anger Rip more and more by the second.

“I’ve got no respect to lose, you can look at me.” He muttered, running the cloth down your arm. “Your soul… that’s something you can’t touch with your eyes.” You didn’t respond.

He continued to bathe you as you rested your chin on your knees, eyes slowly closing until you couldn’t keep them open any longer, you were used to sleeping in this position, your body accepting it as normal while Rip fought the urge to pull you closer to him.

He’d never felt this with someone before, other than Beth. He wasn’t speaking to Beth anymore, she left and made sure he knew she was done with him, tore his heart out and made him eat it.

He didn’t want to think of that right now, he wanted to help you, that was his focus, his only priority.

~7:45 pm~

Rip had been struggling with your hair for too long, he’d finally managed to get your body clean but your hair was beyond repair. A knotted, matted mess that just needed to be shaved off.

A knock came to the bathroom door and it creaked open and John stepped in, keeping his back to the bath as he held out a pile of clothes. "I got you somethin' to wear, just, uh, put these on when you're done" He said, looking down the hallway with a nervous look etched on his face. "I gotta go find Rip." He said lower.

Rip stopped trying to untangle your hair, it was only harder because you were asleep and he didn't want to wake you. He cleared his throat. "I'm right here, sir" He said softly. "She needed help."

John's head snapped to him before he quickly looked away again to avoid looking at you naked. "What the hell are you doing?! She's been locked up and used like a fucking doll, you don't know what she'll think of this!" Rip hung his head, he knew what John was talking about, seen it in the way you reacted sometimes, your clothes. "You're supposed to be keeping her safe, Rip."

Even with his harsh words and the deeper meaning behind them, it was hard to take him so seriously when he was scared to look into the bathroom. "I-I know, Sir, I was just helping... she needed it..."

John let out a heavy sigh. He set the clothes on the counter beside the sink. "Just finish up and get her into bed, not your bed. I wanna talk to you for a minute." He said, closing the door behind him and heading down the hall to the living room.

Rip let out a heavy sigh, very few times had he disappointed John, he hated it every time. However, he couldn't just get this done quick.

He looked to the counter and pulled out a drawer, looking into it and seeing his razor. It was the best thing for you.

He dried you off and got you dressed, doing his best not to wake up, which turned out to be easier than he’d thought it would be, you were just out and he kept checking your pulse.

He shaved your head, it was better than leaving that mess on your head, then he washed your scalp, being careful around the sores. He carried you to the guest room and tucked you in, running a hand over the fuzz that covered your head now.

John was waiting for him out in the living room, resting his head in his hands, elbows on his knees. He stared at Rip as he came down the hall. “What the hell were you thinking?”

Rip inhaled deeply as he took a seat on the other side of the couch. “I was thinking she needed help and I helped… I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Yeah, that’s what you think.” John grumbled. “Look, she seems content with you if she was able to sleep, you keep an eye on her.” He stood up and went to the door, stopping just short of it. “That’s all you keep on her, ya hear?” He stated, shooting him a look. Rip nodded and John left.

Rip stayed there a moment, thinking about… everything before eventually getting up and walking back to the guest room where you slept peacefully under the sheets.

He sat on the edge of the bed, running a hand down the side of your face. “You’re too young for this.” He muttered to himself.

You began to stir, eyes slowly blinking open and you looked up at him. He stared back at you, your eyes were the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen, tortured and innocent, there was a purity in them he’d never seen in anything.

“You’re looking at me.” He said, cupping your cheek in his rough, clean hand. His hand had probably never been this clean before in his life.

You brought your hand up to hold his against your face. “You’re pretty.” You mumbled, drawing a chuckle from him.

“Am I?” You nodded with a smile. He sighed and looked over you once more. “What’s your name?”

You hesitated a moment. “Three.” Rip paused.

He shook his head. “No, that’s not your name, that’s a number, I asked for your name.”

You stared up at him with a blank stare, blinking tiredly. “Three.” You repeated.

Rip stared, eyes flickering over your face, taking in your doe like features. “Is that the name he gave you?” You nodded, sitting up with a grunt, body aching. “I’m not calling you that.”

“That’s my name.” You stated firmly, Rip was surprised that you’d use a tone with him but he didn’t care, he wasn’t calling you a number.

For several moments you sat there, staring at each other. Rip brought his hand back to your cheek, rubbing it with his thumb. He leaned in and closed the distance between you both, his lips on yours.

It was gentle and warm, passionate but not heated. Love was a complicated concept but you’d never felt it before, he hadn’t gotten ahold of it himself, still, he was determined to show you there were brighter sides to this world than what you’d seen.

A knock on the door reminded him of where he was, who was with, what was happening. He pulled away, seeing the way you were now looking at him; eyes wide, full of something new, something eager and curious.

The knock came again and he got up. “I’ll be back in a minute.” He said, giving you a last kiss. “Just lay down, darlin’.” You nodded with a smile as you moved down the bed.

He went to answer the door quickly, rushing to get it open so he could get back to you.

On the other side was Beth. He hadn’t seen her, nor wanted to see her, in so long, what felt like forever.

She was on him in an instant, arms around his neck, his own lifting her up as he carried her to his room. He knew he shouldn’t, that you were waiting for him.

It kept him up late after Beth was done with him, when she was sleeping next to him, using him for warmth, what else it was she’d use him for he couldn’t guess, there were too many options.

[pomefioredove]

So people use Kalim, right? Like pretend to be his friend because he has money-

What if Kalim's crush is just like "Yeah I grew up poor....anyways! I bought you this gold bracelet! Probably not real gold, but I thought it'd fit your style." And is just always pulling up with gifts and little trinkets and just refuses to let Kalim spend any money 😭 I also imagine if Kalim gave them a gift, they'd just start bawling because they don't know how to accept gifts-

:3c I love a little kalim posting

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ the mystery of the magi

type of post: short fic characters: kalim additional info: romantic, reader is gender neutral, reader is yuu, realizing now that I went a liytle off-prompt, sorry u-u

You gave Kalim one rule.

One rule. You had no expectations, no requirements, no shopping list.

Just one rule... that happened to be impossible for him to follow.

"No money?" Jamil asks, watching Kalim pace the room. "You can't spend any money? So no clothes, no jewelry, no games?"

It's far past curfew, but even Jamil had long forgotten about that. That's how strange this whole thing is.

Kalim has never looked so worried. "Not a thaumark. They said so!"

"Did they...?"

Of course. Jamil has thought you were weird from the day Kalim started coming home with plastic toys and friendship bracelets, "gifts" of yours. But this is just absurd.

The heir to one of the richest families in the world has days to find you the perfect birthday gift, and he can't spend any money.

Kalim's eyes are wide with thought, which is a strange look on him. "They say that my presence is enough..."

"But it's not," Jamil finishes the thought for him. Kalim had always given gifts as love- handing out gold and jewels like they were candy- which made him a treat for... well, most of NRC. But not you.

"Well... there's plenty you can do without spending," Jamil says. "You could... cook something, or plan a nice date..."

Kalim pouts. "It's not enough! Everything they get me is so... perfect... I want to do the same!"

Perfect, meaning the cheap toys from claw machines, drawings, handmade jewelry, half-edible cookies... Kalim keeps everything you give him. Everything. His room is beginning to look like the prize shelf at an arcade.

"This is quite the conundrum, isn't it..." Jamil mutters. "Are you sure I can't-"

"No! I need to come up with it on my own! They're just... so good at gift-giving. I wonder how they do it..." Kalim sighs. Jamil rolls his eyes.

"Then... perhaps I can offer some advice. The sort of gift you're looking to give doesn't come from here," Jamil says, pointing to his head. He trails his finger down to his chest.

"...It comes from here."

Though that was complete nonsense, Kalim lights up. "I-I think I understand! Thanks, Jamil!"

And then he's gone.

.

Trapped in a circle of friends and Scarabia students, you awkwardly smile at their birthday wishes.

Grim's greedy little paws dig into the homemade cake before the candles are out, getting icing all over himself. You chuckle, a warm, loving sound that makes Kalim beam. Good so far.

"Time for gifts. We do have a curfew to mind," Jamil says, and Grim laughs maniacally, reaching out for the first box.

"Actually," Kalim says, smiling as if it were his own birthday. "I was hoping I'd get to give my gift first!"

You chuckle. "I don't see why not,"

Kalim returns the gesture, and he stands on the table, drawing everyone's attention to him. Jamil raises an eyebrow.

"I'm not seeing a box!" Grim shouts, and you shush him. Kalim clears his throat.

"I'm usually not so bad at this, but I had a lot of trouble thinking of the perfect present for you... until Jamil said I was thinking too much here... and not here," he says, pointing first to his head, and then lower, to his throat.

You give Jamil a confused look, but he looks just as lost.

"So... that's what I'm going to do. Happy birthday!"

Everyone watches in some mix of amusement and horror as Kalim begins to sing... in your honor.

Without any accompanying music, he performs, in front of everyone you know, a song about everything he loves about you. Even Jamil looks horrified.

When it's over, the room is quiet. Everyone is staring at Kalim as if his head had fallen off.

Then, slowly, you stand. And you clap.

You're beaming. "That was amazing! Again! Again!"

Kalim grins, unphased by the weird looks everyone is giving you two, and he hops off the table to pull you into a hug.

"I'm so glad you liked it!"

"Liked it!? That was..." you laugh, hugging him back. "That was perfect."

"I can sing it as much as you want! Every night, if it makes you happy!"

"Sevens help me..." Jamil sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. Trey gives him a sympathetic pat on the back.

[lemon-berri]

Perfume (pt 2)

Satoru has been quiet today. Gone is the usual chatter, the jokes about how his day went. He watches you silently, eyes swimming with a well of emotions.

Every so often, he opens his mouth like he's going to say something. Only to pause, and retreat back into himself.

Life without you for this long has left him broken. He is tired, a husk of a man just going through the motions of daily life. Every day that he wakes without you by his side, he feels a deep, agonising pain in his chest. Like someone has taken out a vital organ and he's fighting to survive.

But he puts on a brave face, for his students, for his friends. For you. He talks to you in a happy tone whenever he visits, just in case you can hear him. Because he doesn't want you to worry unnecessarily.

Though, knowing you, you'd see right through his act.

His eyes trail across the room to the window, he can't tell you this. At least not while he looks at you.

"I had another meeting with the higher ups today.."

Again, hes met with silence. The only response is the gentle sound of your breathing. He has no idea if you're listening but he goes on.

"It's been three months without you now. In case you haven't been keeping track." There's a chuckle, but there's no humour behind it. Rather it's a dark, hopeless sound. "I've been refusing all overseas missions, how can I go anywhere knowing you're...." he can't find the right words. You're not exactly hurt, there's no physical injuries on you. Sleeping seems too simple. Coma too medical -and saying it out loud would make this nightmare too real.

His crystal eyes flit back towards you, only to move down to the floor.

"The pressure built up. They've ordered me to go. I'll be leaving tomorrow, and I'll be gone a week."

"But don't worry. You won't be alone. Everyone promised they'd come to visit you, I made sure of it. I wouldn't want my angel to get lonely without me, yeah?" Satoru tries another chuckle, but this one comes out more like a sob, and he quickly covers his mouth.

He's torn up. He doesn't want to leave your bedside, he'd rather watch the world burn than leave your side. But duty calls, and your friends promised they'd be here. Shoko promised she'd keep him updated too, in case there were any changes.

Satoru is quiet for a little longer, looking at you now, the way your pretty lashes brush against your skin, the way your lips part ever so gently. You're so beautiful it hurts, and the guilt in his stomach is making him feel sick. But he has to go.

Finally, he gets up, brushing a soft kiss against your forehead. He refuses to say goodbye. In his mind, he'll be right back. Instead, he says.

"I love you."

Its not enough to describe the way he feels.

There are so many stairs. Too many stairs. You've gone up at least five thousand steps so far- in a winding tower that seems to stretch for eternity. But you're not tired. Because your physical form isn't here.

You've managed to figure out that this endless tower must be your consciousness. Every time you open a door, a different memory plays out in front of you like a scene in a play, and you quickly close it. The stones are strong, rough and cold. They've been through a lot, but will no doubt last for years to come.

Though you can't figure out where that floral smell is coming from.

You're not here to relive your memories though. You're not here by choice at all. By now you've figured out you're a prisoner in your own mind. And your captor..?

You hear it every so often, a distant growl, followed by a crack.

Tick.

Tick.

BANG.

The sound is one of a wall being broken, and your head pounds, like you've lost some vital part of your very being.

The cursed spirit has somehow managed to trap you within your own consciousness. And it actively seems to be attempting to destroy your mind, your memories.

A weaker person would've succumbed by now, faded into nothing. But you're fighting it. For each mental brick knocked down you put up another. This will not be your end. You will survive. You have to.

You have too much to lose.

If only you could find the wretched creature and finally exorcise it.

You pause to listen, leaning your back against the cold stone wall of the tower. Time passes weirdly in here and you're sure by now people in the real world must be getting worried about you. Your guess is that you must've been in here for at least an entire day.

Tick.

Tick.

Crack.

BANG.

Its not use. No matter how far you ascend it always sounds like it's coming from above you. Yet when you look up you're only met with more stairs, fading away into unknown darkness. Your gaze falls downwards instead, into the void from which you came- the stairs you've already climbed. It would be so easy to give in.. to just go back down.

The darkness beckons you. It's warm arms wrap around your limbs, it's peaceful silence calling out to you. And you feel yourself stepping towards it. But then something catches your eye.

An elaborate ring on your left hand, glimmering in the darkness. Aquamarine, like a certain pair of eyes as familiar to you as the sky, a sight like an endless ocean, your favourite sight in the world. A smile. A voice.

"I love you"

His voice. It rings out across the empty space. You stop moving.

Satoru... You can't give up. Not when he's waiting for you.

Youre sprinting across the stairs now, faster and faster. Weightless with your new found determination. Theres no pain, no fear. You'll survive because you have to.

Finally there's a light, the tower opens at the top into a rotunda- nothing but an endless, cloudless sky stretching beyond. This must be it, the very core of your soul.

A hiss sounds behind you, and you whip around, already ready to attack.

You will survive.

Satoru gets back from a long day of trying to track down a special grade. So out of it that he doesn't even remember what country he's in.

Singapore? Sri Lanka? It was something with an "S" anyway.

He flops his full weight down onto the hotel bed, letting out a deep exhale. His limbs stretch out, and his heavy eyelids start to close, when he hears a buzz.

The man groans, long limbs turning lethargically. He reaches for his phone, cracking one eye open lazily to look. Who could be contacting him at this time anyway-

He almost drops the phone on his face.

23 missed calls from Shoko.

His tiredness evaporates, and he sits up instantly, fumbling with his phone to quickly call her back. As soon as Shoko picks up he starts talking.

"Shoko. Hi. What is it? Is everything alright? Is she okay-"

"Satoru." Shoko interrupts him. "She's awake."

I wasn't originally planning a part 2 to this, but I was so moved by the amount of people who enjoyed part 1 that I had a burst of inspiration to write this! So thank you all 🩵

Pt1 Pt 3

I might do a part 3 where they reunite finally. I just like cliffhanger endings and I didn't want this to get too long.

I had a skim through to check for spelling but as usual if anyone points out my mistakes I'll crash out. 🩵

🩵Thank you for reading 🩵

Dividers by @bunnysrph

🌟Tag list🌟 @seternic @hel1nn

[thewertsearch]

TG: but you believe in stuff TG: probbly because the more crazy fake shit you believe in the more open the world gets and the more chance there is for adventures being real right GT: Right o! If a man believes hard enough in imaginary things then i dare say that makes them slightly less fake!

Yeah, but you're calling them imaginary, which I'm sure makes Roxy feel really good about confiding in you. You don't actually sound like you believe her at all - except in a 'blind faith' kind of way, which doesn't really mean anything.

If your belief is this indiscriminate - if you'd 'believe' anything that Roxy tells you, and she knows it - then she's not going to feel heard.

TG: its one of those things jane likes about u so much […] GT: You mean how um… […] GT: Jane is prone to looking upon me with what i fathom to be more than just friendly affection?

Oh, well here's something new.

Just like John, Jake's a bit of a goof - but he's not stupid. He's fully aware that Jane's got a bit of a crush, and I take it they've been dancing around the elephant in this room for quite a while.

Does he also know about Roxy's crush on him? Or, for that matter, the Auto-Responder's? I have to assume so - neither are very subtle - which means that Jake's in an awkward position where no matter what he does, he's going to hurt at least two of his friends' feelings, and he knows it.

GT: Its a tricky issue. And you know i adore jane and please dont think i havent given some thought to... GT: Well that angle on our relationship i guess.

You've thought about it, but you haven't acted on those feelings, even though you know they'd be reciprocated, so I don't think you're exactly seeing sparks. I reread their earlier conversation, and I really don't get a romantic vibe between them. (Hell, I get a stronger romantic vibe between Jane and Roxy, but I'm a little biased.)

This line, at least, makes a lot more sense now - and in retrospect, it reads as more than a little uncomfortable. Jake doesn't seem to want to bring the issue up at all...

...but the fact that he keeps vaguely drawing attention to it makes me think he wants her to bring it up. He wants to resolve it, but he's too awkward to initiate the conversation himself.

I think our boy is simply a rather poor communicator - which is unfortunate, because that trait does not pair well with his position as the kid everyone's got a crush on.

[district4loading]

Twice's Tour Chronicles (WLW)

Twice x Twice : Sana!dom x Dahyun!sub | Jihyo!dom x Tzuyu!sub | Nayeon!dom x Momo!dom x Mina!sub

6K Words

Content Warning: smut, threesome, member x member, toys, face riding, oral

Minors DNI

A/N: The person that asked for the twice members shower situation requested that I continued the scenario so here it is. This is my first time doing member x member stuff but it was fun and I can't wait to do some more of it.

Enjoy!!

-

"Okay, I'll say it since no one else will"

Jeongyeon starts off, looking around the room to make sure that all eyes are on her, including the managers and the staff "If the driver is going to take another hour to get here, we might as well kill the time by showering here"

The statement gets mixed reactions. Sana's the first one to twist herself in Dahyun's lap and say "Yeah, I'm in desperate need of a shower right now." There's a few other girls that nod and hum in agreement while some others are hesitant to give a proper response or even acknowledge it.

The girls are backstage at the MetLife Stadium and they just finished performing a show that will probably go down in history as one of their best. Usually, they'd be on their way back to the hotel by now but unfortunately the van that's supposed to pick them up had some mechanical issues. Meaning that their ride is delayed for another hour as Jeongyeon said.

Manager-unnie crosses her arms and stops to think for a bit as the girls watch her silently. "There should be a communal shower just down the hall. I'll check to see if we'll be able to use it"

Dahyun winces a bit when she hears the word "communal" and Sana's the first to notice it. "It's fine I'll just shower when I get back to the hotel" Dahyun shrugs her shoulders.

Tzuyu and Mina nod along with a hum "Me too" The taller girl insists.

Sana slides out of Dahyun's lap "but you hate being sweaty" She says it in that cute little voice of hers and it sounds innocent but if anyone knows Sana, they'd know it's far from it.

"Yeah but.. communal showers aren't my thing you know. It'll be weird"

"It's going to be fine..." Sana leans into Dahyun's ear and says something that nobody else can hear.

Momo and Nayeon watch the two of them and the older girl just catches the way that Momo rolls her eyes "Those two might as well just kiss" she mutters, causing Nayeon to laugh and playfully tap her arm.

"How do you feel about this communal showers thing?" Nayeon questions her.

Momo only shrugs "I just wanna get clean honestly"

So like the strong leader she is, Jihyo gets everyones attention "We've all seen each other naked before, it's really no big deal if we shower together" She looks at the members who are still unsure, although it's looking like Dahyun is about to change her mind with the way Sana has her smiling now.

"Fine" Tzuyu looks at Mina for a moment "I need a shower too, I don't think I can wait"

Then it doesn't take much convincing for Mina to shrug her shoulders and say "Fuck it"

-

So there they are, naked in the communal showers trying to get clean. Chaeyoung really only minds her business and so does Tzuyu, Jihyo and Dahyun because they're more focused on the way the warm water soothes their skin and their sore muscles.

But Mina, no matter how much she tries can't stop sneaking looks at Momo and Nayeon who are to her left and right. All she has to do is turn her head a little bit and she can't help herself when she allows herself to stare at their breasts or the perfect curve of their ass. She's embarrassed by it and she can feel her cheeks burn red the moment she locks eyes with Nayeon.

She turns her head away to face forwards when she suddenly feels someones presence next to her. It's Momo and she's snaking her arms around Mina's waist "Momo, what are you-" She gasps, feeling her nails dig into her skin.

"I thought I'd come over here since you wouldn't stop looking my way"

Momo looks over to Nayeon and winks, beckoning her to come over as well. So she does and now poor little Mina is practically cornered by these two vixens. Nayeon puts a hand on Mina's breast while Momo kisses on her neck. The younger girl closes her eyes, not knowing what the hell she's gotten herself into.

She's being fondled by two people at once and no matter how much she whines their names, she knows she wants more.

Meanwhile Sana's sneaking up behind an unsuspecting Dahyun who almost yelps when she feels a pair of small hands grab her ass. "That's not funny" She huffs to Sana who only giggles and wraps her arms around the younger girls body. "Seriously" Dahyun tries not to smile but it's prevalent in her tone and the subtle quiver on her lips.

"Aw c'mon Dahyunnie, you know I can't stay away from you for more than a minute"

Their wet bodies are completely flush together, smooth wet skin against smooth wet skin. "So clingy" Dahyun taps her arm "If you want me to help you shower then just say that"

Jeongyeon holds in a laugh and turns to Jihyo "Hey, leader. Aren't you gonna do something? The members are about to fuck"

The acclaimed leader only snorts "If I get involved, we all might end up unable to look into each others eyes for the rest of the tour" Then she finds herself staring at whatever Momo, Mina and Nayeon have going on across the room.

"I'm sure Mina and Nayeon won't mind if you steal Momo away from them for a moment" Jeongyeon shrugs, her words causing Jihyo's cheeks to burn.

She turns over "I was not staring at Momo"

It's very unconvincing the way she says it because it sounds like she's trying to convince herself of that more that she's trying to convince Jeongyeon. "I didn't say you were I just-"

"Just what?" The leader snaps

"Nothing" Jeongyeon tries to hold in a laugh, figuring that maybe she shouldn't try to open that can of worms again.

Chaeyoung looks over to Tzuyu "See, I could've predicted that this would happen"

"What?"

"Sana and Dahyun.. Mina between Nayeon and Momo... I saw it happening" She shrugs causing Tzuyu to laugh a bit "When we get back to the hotel I wouldn't be surprised if some of them spent the night together"

"I've only been looking, I don't think I could bring myself to actually.." She trails off but the older girl catches the drift and nods.

It's something that the youngest has thought about a few times, although she'd never actually act on anything. She was too shy and too awkward to do so. As opposed to Chaeyoung, who didn't really have any interest in hooking up with the members. But she wasn't one to judge, in fact she says "You should try it out"

Tzuyu only shakes her head and continues to scrub her body, feeling herself turn red at just the thought of...

-

"Jihyo-unnie!" The leader hears the familiar voice of the one and only maknae echoing loud in the hallway of the hotel. She turns around to see none other than Tzuyu walking past the door to her own room and straight to her.

Jihyo's immediately curious, stopping to look at Tzuyu with her arms crossed "What's up?" 

"Can we talk?" Jihyo nods, then waits for the youngest to speak "In private" Tzuyu clarifies.

First Jihyo's a bit hesitant but she reaches for the door knob and she opens it anyways. As Twice's leader she knows every one of her members inside and out. So she'll always keep her door open if a member is in need of any guidance or anything of the sort.

They both sit next to each other on the edge of the bed and Jihyo notices that Tzuyu's not looking her in the eye. So she starts things off "Whats on your mind Tzu?" She tilts her head, placing her hand on the younger girls thigh. It wasn't anything more than a simple act of assurance to get her comfortable and Tzuyu knows that. Still, her ears burn red from the contact.

"I..." She swallows and turns to meet the leaders eyes "Have you ever uh... like.." Jihyo nods along, holding eye contact intensely a bit worried about the girl in fronr of her. Tzuyu takes a deep breath, noticing how pathetic she seems not being able to form a proper sentence "Have you ever been with one of the members. Like sexually?" She blurts the words out, although the question wasn't really necessary.

Everyone knew that Jihyos been with Momo and she's gotten with Sana too. She asked it to get the conversation going so she can make a move.

Jihyo just chuckles, relaxing the tensions in her body once she realizes what this is about "I mean.. yeah. Why?"

"I think I'm... curious about it but I don't know. I've never been with a girl before" Tzuyu admits, breaking eye contact before she can even finish her sentence.

"So who are you interested in? I could maybe help you set something up with her" 

Tzuyu only smiles, her cheeks turning red as she looks at Jihyo, putting her hand over hers that's on her thigh "How about you show me the ropes first. Then we can talk about the others" Somehow she's able to smoothen out her tone when she says it, sounding a little bit more confident.

Jihyo's eyes widen, she wasn't expecting this at all. "Tzu... are you sure?"

"Y..Yeah" Tzuyu nods reluctantly, finding Jihyo's surprise a little discouraging.

Jihyo holds Tzuyu's chin, forcing her to look her in the eye "I want you to be completely 100% sure about it first, show me that confidence again"

"I want to" Tzuyu looks into her eyes when she says it, causing Jihyo to give her a satisfied smile. Her hand moves to caress Tzuyu's soft cheek and she just has to admire the younger girl's face a bit. 

She's beautiful.

"Can I kiss you?" Jihyo asks softly and Tzuyu nods immediately.

So Jihyo leans in, eager to get her lips on Tzuyu's. The maknae doesn't waste any time to reciprocate the kiss. She moves her lips nice and slow against Jihyo's, allowing herself to taste and smudge the lipgloss that's on her lips. 

As things heat up, Tzuyu finds herself moaning softly into Jihyo's mouth. The pretty sounds she makes on her lips causes the leader to feel a familiar heat inside of her body. Jihyo begins to kiss her harder and a bit faster, saliva finding it's way at the corners of the girls' lips and sliding down their chins.

There's nothing like a good make-out session to Jihyo. She could spend a good while doing it. Especially when she feels Tzuyu's hands wandering to where she's always wanted them to be in the first place. Tzuyu cups Jihyo's full breasts in her hands, feeling how soft they are, just like she thought they'd be. 

Jihyo's hands deviate too, slipping underneath Tzuyu's T-shirt to hold and feel the skin on her slim waist. The sounds of the smacking of their lips and their eager moans fill the warm lit room room as they grow hungrier for each other. 

She tugs at the hem of Tzuyu's top and they have to break the kiss for the first time to get it off. Tzuyu bites her lip, already missing the taste of Jihyo's when she begins to take off her own top. She can't help but look at the leaders breasts and how they nearly burst out of her bra, it's got her cheeks hot. Jihyo giggles as she reaches back to unclasp her bra "You can touch them if you'd like" She offers welcomingly with a smirk.

Tzuyu hesitates a bit but then her hands reach out to touch them. She holds them both in her hands and they feel much better, warmer and even softer without clothes over them. "Can... can I suck them?" The curiosity in Tzuyu's tone has Jihyo nearly swooning because she's so unbearably cute and endearing.

"Go ahead" She nods and Tzuyu scoots forwards, ducking her head down to get the nipple in her mouth. Jihyo moans softly, the sensitivity her nipples harbor only enhances the pleasure for her. It's obvious Tzuyu's never done this before, the way she's moving her tongue and sucking feels so amateur in the cutest way possible.

So Jihyo giggles, allowing her to explore and do her own thing until she's ready to stop. Soon she comes up "Now what?" Tzuyu asks and Jihyo has to sit and think a bit before she scoots further onto the bed, then spreads her legs and taps the spot in front of her.

"Come sit here" Jihyo smiles warmly. Tzuyu does as she's told, then and she presses her back against Jihyo. "Let me help you take these off" She offers, tugging and pulling at the waistband of her sweats so she lifts her hips and helps get them all the way off. "Can I touch you here?" 

Tzuyu nods "Yes, please" as Jihyo kisses along her neck, fingers ghosting over her underwear.

"So Tzu... how come all of a sudden you're interested in me"

"Well-" A soft moan stops her mid sentence when Jihyo puts some actual pressure on her panties "Well, I saw that Dahyun and Sana and the others were having a good time. I got curious" She shrugs, causing Jihyo to hum in response.

"But why'd you choose me?"

"I thought you were the most trustworthy, you know me the most"

Jihyo smiles as she slides Tzuyu's panties to the side, running the tip of her finger up her slit. From the feel of it, just a bit of kissing and nipple play has got Tzuyu all dripping and ready for her leader. It boosts her confidence through the roof.

She hears a small little whine come from the younger girl when she begins to circle her clit "How does that feel?" Jihyo mutters against her skin soft skin.

"Good" She hums, then spreads her legs a bit wider to give better access. Without another word, Jihyo slides two whole fingers inside of Tzuyu's aching heat, hearing a loud moan escape her lips full of pleasure and surprise. "Ah- Jihyo" She has to shush the younger a bit as she begins to glide her fingers in and out, curling them perfectly for her.

"You're so wet, just look how easy it's going in and out" Jihyo whispers, looking over Tzuyu's shoulder. Tzuyu looks down also, unable to take her eyes off the sight in front of her. Something tells her that she should be embarrassed because just look at her, a moaning and squirming mess on Jihyo's fingers and she's only just started.

But it feels too good for her to have any sort of shame. Right now there's only pleasure and she's absolutely drunk with it. "Please- Jihyo right there" She sobs, eyes threatening to roll back each time Jihyo buries her fingers to the hilt.

When Tzuyu woke up this morning, this isn't how she envisioned the following night going. Like always she'd keep to herself and stay in her room to recharge after a long concert. Instead she's in Jihyo's room getting fingered and fondled with her head in the clouds. Each squeeze of her petite breasts gets her gushing and when Jihyo kisses her neck so sweetly it's almost too much.

"What was that Tzu?" Jihyo sinks her teeth into the younger girl's neck, then licks over her red teeth marks "Go on, tell me how it feels" Jihyo hums, noticing the stutter in each breath she takes in. Jihyo says the words so slowly, her voice deep and soulful like she means it and God Tzuyu's mind just fucking breaks.

"I- It's so fucking good... fuck- how are you doing that?" She moans, turning her head towards Jihyo the best she can for some answers. Tzuyu can't understand it at all, how Jihyo can get her like this just with two of her fingers. No guy she's been with could ever make her feel pleasure so intense and earth-shattering that she can't even focus on making her moans sound pretty. They're labored and broken but Jihyo likes it that way, she likes her this way.

Then Jihyo's hand slides down from Tzuyu's breast and she brings it to the throbbing bud that's begging for attention. She slaps it, not once, but twice and with each one Tzuyu's entire body jerks "Again" she nods. It's the first time that she's said something with so much conviction so far. "Fuck!" She squeals when Jihyo does it a bit harder this time, then she rubs it to ease the pain.

"I would've never pegged you to be the type to like being slapped down there" Jihyo snickers so arrogantly, like she knows how badly she's fucking this poor girl up tonight. 

Tzuyu doesn't respond, she just can't. Not when both of Jihyo's hands are doing all the right things. She tries to move because the pleasure's got her close but Jihyo's strong arms are constricting her, holding her in place so that the only thing she can do right now is take it. "Jihyo" It comes out as a helpless and breathy whisper "I'm almost there" The warning is pleading, like she needs her to take her to the finish line so badly.

"Yeah?" Jihyo nods 

Tzuyu nods back, moaning a louder "Yeah" back as she turns to face her the best she can. Jihyo can tell what she needs right now, there's no need to ask for it. So she leans and cranes her neck the best she can to get their lips together. She swallows all of the maknae's moans, kissing her nice and slow as she gets her to the point of no return.

She hums a sweet and encouraging "mm-hm" on the other girls lips right when her body begins shaking.

And with a particularly loud and hoarse moan Tzuyu cums all over Jihyo's fingers, her cunt helplessly clenching and pulsing around them. At this point she's stopped kissing back and Jihyo's the one doing all the work, fucking her through her orgasm as she sucks and bites on her lips. 

It's all so worth it to make Tzuyu fall apart on her fingers.

-

So there they are, laying in bed together after Tzuyu timidly requested to stay the night. She lays in Jihyo's arms a little exhausted and weak from their activities. "Next time can I try topping?" Jihyo only laughs for a moment because it's the first words she's said since they decided to ask. When she hears it, her ears go red "I'm sorry, I was just saying what I was thinking"

Jihyo runs her hand through her hair "No Tzu don't be sorry. You're just cute" She breathes in a bit and she smiles warmly "Yeah, I'll let you top me"

"You'll have to teach me" She clears her throat, the embarrassment starts flooding in. Being this inexperienced at her age, feeling all the things Jihyo made her feel for the first time tonight--it all made her feel like she's missing out on the better parts of life and now she's hoping that Jihyo will be patient with her.

"We'll take things slow, I won't rush you into anything" Jihyo assures her, pulling her in closer for comfort. 

It's just peaceful when they fall asleep in each others arms.

-

Sana and Dahyun were all over each other getting to the hotel, they decided to stop by the open bar downstairs to maybe get a few drinks. 

On their way back, Sana's naughty giggles could be heard from all the way down the hall as she fiddled with the lock to the younger members room. Once they make it inside, Sana wastes no time to press the smaller girl up against the nearest wall. She presses their lips together once, then twice "I think I'm obsessed with you" Sana mutters on Dahyun's lips as she reaches for the buttons on her jeans.

"You think?" Dahyun suppresses a moan as Sana dips her head into her neck, kissing and licking on the soft and pale skin "No marks" she winces when the brown haired girl attacks her skin a little too rough with her mouth. 

She doesn't respond, only shoves her hand into Dahyun's panties, getting a feel of the wet warmth she's been harboring the entire ride back to the hotel. "Oh- looks like someones been ready for me a while" Sana smirks, kissing her once more as she circles her cunt.

Like the tease she is, she slips her hand out and places her sticky fingers into her mouth, humming erotically at the sweet taste. Sana leans in, allowing their lips to collide once more with a grip on the younger's waist. She then guides her, walking her all the way to the bedroom where she can push her onto the bed to lay down. "Clothes off" She orders, still standing as she pulls her hoodie over her head.

In a flash, Dahyun's wiggles herself out of her clothes and they end up somewhere on the floor. Sana giggles as she reaches to unclasp her bra, letting her small breasts go free. Now that they're both bare, Sana's ready to allow their bodies to come together again. She crawls on top of the smaller girl, kissing along her jawline, then all the way down to her kneck and chest.

Dahyun's got a great body. It's probably why Sana's so obsessed. She could spend hours just sucking on those perfect nipples of hers without getting bored or tired. Ask Dahyun, she's done it before. "Unnie" Dahyun moans, the pure unadulterated pleasure coursing throughout her body when she feels Sana's warm tongue on her nipple.

She flicks the muscle on the stiff peaks, massaging the other breast gently with her hand, careful not to dig her nails into the skin. Sana was mindful about things like that. It's part of the reason why Dahyun's only trusted Sana with her body thus far. "My perfect girl" Sana mutters as she moves to the next nipple, treating it with the same care and affection.

It was no joke that she could spend and hour doing it. The devilish smirk on her face and the intense eye contact she makes tells Dahyun that much. "Sana Unnie" Dahyun whines, hands weakly trying to push Sana down to where she needed her the most. 

Sana opens her mouth and starts licking around and between the younger girls breasts, coating her body with her saliva. She hums "Well what?" She plants a kiss between her tits "You keep calling me, but you won't tell me what you want"

Something that Sana loves to do? Tease. No matter if she was topping or bottoming, the girl is a tease. She know's how shy and red Dahyun can get once she's got her begging and pleading for her to do the nastiest things to her body. She really gets off on it. The whining, the whimpering, it's all like fuel to her when she hears the way the adorable sounds come out of Dahyun's mouth.

"Need your tongue... need your fingers" She squirms under Sana's weight, trying to achieve just the tiny bit of friction that'll be enough to at least ease the ache in between her legs. She can feel that her inner thighs are already all slippery with her arousal and it makes it all the more embarrassing. "Please, inside unnie" Her hips grind up into nothing.

Sana smirks "Whatever you want." Then she's going lower, still keeping that eye-contact as she kisses her way down Dahyun's sleek body. Down to her belly, all the way to her wanting cunt. Sana blows on it first, giggling at the sudden twitch her leg gives to the contact. Then Sana makes duck lips to plant soft kisses on her outer lips, coating them with her wetness "You would make a great lipgloss" Sana jokes.

Dahyun can't laugh, nor can she even acknowledge the joke that Sana made. Just her lips, Sana's soft fucking lips has Dahyun a whining mess. She needs more but she's so sensitive that each small kiss is almost too pleasureful. Thankfully, Sana stops teasing, she gets a good grip on Dahyun's plump thighs before flattening her tongue on her clit. "Oh- Yes Sana!" Dahyun says her name like she's the only girl in the world.

That's certainly what it felt like

She keeps going, licking, flicking and swirling her tongue on the sweet bundle of nerves between Dahyun's legs. She's going crazy, moaning and squirming with her fingers tangled in Sana's hair. She has to stop herself from pulling, but it feels so good she almost needs to. "S-Sana!" She whimpers, voice shaking as she moans the older girls name. It's like music to her ears.

"Mhm" Sana can only really hum to let Dahyun know that she's there and she hears her because her mouth is currently occupied. It doesn't take long for the younger girl to break eye contact, she throws her head back, hand covering her flushed face as she lay flat on the mattress.

She can swear up and down right now that nobody can eat her out like Sana. She knows her body inside and out, it's almost unfair.

Sana brings up her hand, prodding Dahyun's tight entrance with the long digit. As soon as she feels it she moans "Please!" Needing to feel Sana's fingers pounding and stretching her just the way she likes.

The older pulls her head back and spits on the sloppy cunt in front of her, spreading it around until she inevitably slides a finger inside. Dahyun grips the sheets so tight, it's probably done damage "So tight Dahyunnie" Sana murmurs before getting her mouth back on Dahyuns clit, making the girl choke out a moan.

Sana pumps her finger in and out, nice and slow so she's careful not to hurt her. She makes sure to curl it just the way Dahyun likes before she begins to swirl her tongue around. Figure eight motions will always get her going as Sana remembers, so thats exactly what she does, not at all caring if her tongue gets tired or sore. Dahyun tastes too good for her to stop and she sounds too good for her to stop.

The noises that fill the room are just obscene. Loud and aggressive slimy sounds at each flick of Sana's tongue and fingers. Then there's dahyun's pretty moans that she's given up on hiding at this point. It's hot, she's hot.

"Can I add another?" Sana detatches her lips for a moment to ask

"Yes please" Dahyun nods frantically and the look on her face is pure wreckage. Eyes squinted like she's about to cry when she throws her head back at the stretch of Sana's second finger. "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank- ah!" That's the moment Sana hits her g-spot. 

Sana lowers her head again, wrapping her moist lips around Dahyun's clit to suck on the bud as hard as she can. It'll send her over the edge, she knows it. "Sanaaaa Fu-ah!" Dahyun grabs a pillow and puts it over her face, squeezing the soft object with all her strengh. 

Now Sana has to try a bit harder to hold Dahyun down with her free hand because she's moving around more. She holds strong though, working her fingers into the girl like her sole purpose in life is to make Dahyun cum as hard as she can.

By the looks of it, she was on the way there. With her moans going up an octave and the pillow not doing a very good job at quieting her down, her body begins to tremble. Sana hums and the vibrations immediately stimulate Dahyun's nerves in a way that sends her off of the edge almost immediately. "Sana... I'm cumming!" She moans out loud and proud through the pillow, hips stuttering and bucking in Sana's mouth as she tries to ride out her orgasm. It's so good it has her words getting stuck in her throat.

She begins to breath as if she's hyperventilating as her orgasm knocks the wind out of her. "God" She groans long and low. When she finally comes down from her high and Sana slips her fingers out and withdraws her mouth from the tired girl. 

Sana gets level with her, then puts her lips on hers "Thank you" Dahyun murmurs tiredly. 

Then Sana giggles a bit "No problem" her hand begins to slide down her body again but Dahyun weakly pushes her hand away because she's sensitive "Aw you don't want to have any more fun with me?"

Dahyun shakes her head "Mm-mm Unnie I'm tired" 

Sana only kisses her cheek and allows her to fall asleep in her arms, she deserves it.

-

In Nayeon's room, there's something a bit more sinister going on.

"What do you think Nayeon unnie? Should we give this pervert a break, or do you think she needs to cum one more time?" Momo giggles, allowing the purple vibrator in her hands graze Mina's clit ever so slightly. The younger girl can only whine and pull weakly at the handcuffs around her wrists.

Nayeon rubs her hand along Mina's sweaty body, tweaking her stiff nipples in between her fingers "I think our little Minari can handle a little more" The eldest leans in, putting her lips on Mina's to kiss her softly. While their lips move together in unison and their tongues begin to invade each others mouths, Momo slips the toy inside of Mina's tight hole. The way she moans into Nayeon's mouth makes the two giggle as the vibrator goes in and out of Mina's sopping cunt.

The poor girl can barely even keep up with the kiss. With Momo's punishing pace and Nayeon's wandering hands that knead her small breasts--it's all too much. Mina's hips buck and shake. In that moment her legs nearly shut. Momo glares, then slaps her thigh "remember what happens if you close your legs, slut" She says before angling the toy differently to fuck it into her just a bit deeper.

"I-I know, I didn't - fuck - I didn't close them" Mina moans, holding onto Nayeon's arm as she moves down to kiss against the quiet girls neck. 

"So greedy Mina" Nayeon makes a tsk noise "You've got both your little holes filled and it still doesn't seem like you're satisfied" She's referring to the butt plug that's been stretching Mina out since they started "How about we fill that loud mouth?" 

Momo laughs when she realizes where Nayeon's going with this but she doesn't say anything as she shifts to her knees to straddle Mina's face. If her face wasn't already red, it is now because the view she has of Nayeon's body right now is insane. Not to mention the taste when she actually gets herself seated. 

Like a good girl, Mina begins licking and sucking the best she can and it's already got Nayeon biting her lip. She turns to Momo "She doesn't get to cum until i'm finished, alright?" 

"And you call me mean" Momo stops to lower the vibrations, then she slows down the pace. She allows the dildo to slowly drag in and out of Mina, making sloppy sticky noises each time she buries it in her. 

The way Mina's moaning on Nayeon's cunt has her squeezing her eyes shut, rocking her hips back and forth on the younger girls perfect mouth. "I swear to fucking god... Mina you're amazing" Nayeon breathes, allowing one of her hands to come up to knead her own breasts. 

Momo can't just watch all of this unfold in front of her. It's just too fucking hot, the way Nayeon's groping her sweaty body, abs making an appearance from the absolute workout it is to ride face. Her body's perfect, Momo can mostly see the back, her perfectly round ass jiggling with each rut she makes against Mina's face.

The muffled noises that Mina's making isn't anything to ignore either, she sounds to eager to do well, all so she can cum on this toy for the fourth time tonight. So soon enough, Momo's fingers find her own cunt and she begins to rub her clit, moaning softly at the contact. It's not like she's been untouched either. Nayeon quite literally just finished eating her out, but still she wants to cum again.

So Momo figures she'll multi-task

"Fuck-k-king hell, Mina" Nayeon throws her head back, brown damp locks following in the air as silent moans escape her lips. Momo notices that familiar shake of Mina's legs so she pulls the dildo out and slaps it against Mina's cunt.

"You have to make your unnie cum first, darling" Momo teases as she slips her own fingers inside of herself. She glances at Nayeon "It seems like she's almost there" She gasps hotly as she curls her fingers, pressing on her g-spot and almost immediately losing her train of thought. 

"Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" Nayeon freezes for a moment, then she keeps going, chanting the same words over and over. She's so hot when she gets like this, when she holds her orgasm for as long as possible to ride that edge. She likes to keep herself in that state for reasons that Momo can never figure out, all she knows is that it's hot.

She slips the toy back into Mina's wet heat, turning the vibrator up to the highest setting, she thinks it'll be poetic if the pair can cum together. She's not too far behind either, with the way her fingers are smashing into her needy cunt. 

Surprisingly, with a loud squeal, Nayeon's already cumming, shaking and stuttering on Mina's mouth. It seems she just couldn't hold back tonight. "Oh G-God! Oh fuck! Oh God!" She gapes as her orgasm hits her. She falls forwards, hands planted on the mattress as she grinds her cunt on Mina's lips. It's long and thorough, something that has Momo watching with pure adoration in her big eyes as she absentmindedly fucks Mina with the dildo, still using her free hand to play with herself.

When Nayeon finishes, she gets off of Mina and drapes her arm over her body "Good girl, Mina" She kisses her cheek, tasting remnants of her cum on the soft flesh. Mina only moans as Momo drives the fake cock deep into her cunt, filling her all the way. "Your turn, go ahead and cum for us darling. You've earned it" Nayeon reaches her hand down to circle Mina's clit.

Her eyes roll to the back of her skull and her back arches "I c-can't" She keens, legs shaking. 

When Nayeon notices it she gasps in excitement. "Oh look at our baby, Momo. Doesn't she fall apart so beautifully?" 

"She absolutely does" Momo bites her lip and that's when Mina's chest begins to rise and fall erratically, breaths audible as she takes them through her nose. 

"I'm cumming" Mina warns and right as she does, her entire body shakes with pleasure as it hits her. Nayeon only encourages her, smiling proudly as the girl cums right before her eyes. Soon, Momo crashes too, letting go of the dildo to instead grip the sheets as her legs slam shut against her wrists. As all the lust withers away, the pungent--but addicting--smell of sex becomes more noticeable.

"We need another shower I think" Momo swallows, taking hard and deep breaths as she stares into the ceiling.

[rafescherie]

Hii, I absolutely loved salt in the sugar bowl, I was wondering if you make a part 2 can it be like reader gets w Jj (or another pogue) and everyone’s like kinda fine with it and think they’re cute tg, and Rafe is just kinda sitting there watching like damn I really missed out..

idk but yeah I think it’d be interesting to see 🤍🤍

SALT IN THE SUGAR BOWL — RAFE CAMERON

only weeks after your break-up, you show up to pogue!rafe's automobile shop seeking his help — and old wounds, and old feelings are reignited.

salt in the sugar bowl miniseries | part one - you are currently on part two - part three |

cherie's note — thank u for the request, anon<3! already had the foundation for the follow-up, decided to throw in mentions of jj, hopefully you like it! thank you guys for all the support! will be writing a third part most likely. (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)

rafe hated the pogues.

it wasn't about where they came from, or how they lived like life had already beaten them down. it was the way they wore it — like being at the bottom was something to be proud of. like struggling to make ends meet, living pay cheque to pay cheque, made them better than the ones who had never known hunger, or desperation, or what it felt like to have nothing left to lose.

they threw around words like family and loyalty, like it meant anything. like it would keep them from turning on each other the second shit hit the fan. it was a lie — a comforting facade they told themselves to make up for everything they'd never have.

but most of all, he hated that he was one of them now. fighting to survive, and wondering when he'd finally have his cut of fresh life.

it didn't matter that he hadn't changed — not really. he was still rafe cameron, still the same guy who had once walked through figure eight with his head high, his last name like a golden ticket. but none of that mattered anymore. not on this side of the island.

not since ward cut him off — when his entire world came crashing down, leaving him stranded on the cut with the same people he used to look down on. he'd lost the money, the power, the respect that came with being a cameron. and no matter how much he tried to pretend otherwise, it ate him alive. every single day.

and the worst part? the pogues saw it too.

they didn't say anything, but he could feel it in the way they looked at him — like he was some washed-up prince, stripped of his crown, reduced to nothing more than a lost cause. it made him sick.

nothing feels like rock bottom like being looked down on by the ones at the lowest — the same ones you had once looked over, never casted more than a bat of the eye towards. that, truly felt like rock fucking bottom for rafe, and there was no coming back from that.

he wasn't one of them, he never would be.

and yet, there he was, sitting on the back deck of a bar that reeked of beer and sea salt, nursing a drink he could barely afford, surrounded by the very people he despised.

rafe let his head fall back against the chair, exhaling slowly as he tried to drown out the noise around him — the sound of waves crashing in the distance, the low hum of conversation, and the occasional burst of drunken laughter. it all felt suffocating, especially when he had crashed from so high at the top.

then, he heard her laugh.

at first, he thought he imagined it. he wouldn't put it past himself — if his mind was idle, chances are, she suffocated every crevice of his brain. but when he turned his head, there she was.

and she wasn't alone.

the glass in his hand stilled as his fingers tightened around it. across the dock, against the illuminated ocean water, she stood with jj maybank, her hand resting lightly on his arm.

rafe felt his stomach twist.

it had only been a few weeks. a few fucking weeks. and yet, there she was — smiling, laughing, leaning into him like rafe had never even mattered.

like he hadn't shattered her heart, torturing his own in the process.

like he wasn't sitting there, watching it all unfold, feeling like the ground had been ripped out from beneath him.

the worst part wasn't that she was with someone else. it wasn't even that she was with jj — a pogue, and the last person rafe would ever want to see touching her.

no, the worst part was that she looked happy.

and rafe hated that almost as much as he hated the pogues.

────── ֺ ᪄ 𖹭 ၃ ִ ──────

you hadn't set foot in this shop since everything fell apart. the last time you had been here, your face was stained in salty tear streaks. the last time you were here, things were different — easier. back when rafe still looked at you like you were his, back when his touch was something warm instead of a ghost you tried not to miss. but that was months ago. now, the only thing left between you was silence.

and maybe, that was for the best.

you could have taken your car anywhere else — you probably should have. there were automobile shops scattered around the island, but deep down, you knew no one worked like rafe. he had a way with car, the same way he used to have a way with you — knowing exactly what to say, what to do, to keep things running smooth. until, suddenly, he didn't.

a part of you wondered if he ever felt the same hollow ache you did. if the silence was as loud for him as it was for you.

the thought lingers as you pull open the heavy shop door, the bell above it jingling a little too loud in the still air. the scent of oil, grease and gasoline wraps around you like something familiar, something that used to feel like home.

and then, you see him.

he's under the hood of a car, forearms tense as he works, grease smudged across his fingers and forearms. the sight of him knocks the breath from your lungs — not because he looks different, but because he looks the same. same sharp jaw, same furrowed brow, shame effortless pull he's always had on you.

you hear it before you see it — the slight hitch in his breath, the way his movements falter for half a second before he straightens. his eyes find yours through the dim light of the garage, and something flickers there. surprise. hesitation. maybe even something softer, something you shouldn't hope for.

you swallowed hard. yeah, this was a mistake.

but it was too late to turn back now.

"hi," you greet softly, timid. you throw your arms behind your back, a nervous gesture as you walk a few feet towards him. despite all the noise in the shop; the noise of the ceiling fans, the faint rock music on the stereo, everything zeroes in on him, like the world stopped for this moment alone. "sorry to bother... do you mind looking at my car quickly? my boyfriend's not answering his phone... so he's out of the picture when it comes to help."

of course, jj. as much as you had grown to like jj, his presence was fleeting — always in and out, never staying long enough to settle. everyone knew this wasn’t the right time for him to commit to a relationship, and deep down, you did too. but still, you had jumped in headfirst, ignoring the warning signs. you needed a distraction, and so did he.

his body automatically tensed at the sound of your voice. it was as soft as he remembered, though you sounded almost shy now. he could see the way you shifted on your feet, fidgeting with your fingers behind your back, the way you couldn't hold his gaze for long, and he hated it. h hated how nervous you seemed now that you were near him again. he hated that he was the cause of the change.

he cleared his throat, nodding as he took another step forward.

"sure... sure. let me have a look at it."

he knew he was a goner. the worst thing he could have done in this moment, was accept, but he couldn't help it. not after he'd realized how sad life gotten since he forced you out of his.

rafe walks over to the hood, lifting it open as the smoke puffs out once more. he coughs lightly, waving the grey tendrils away as he looks down at the engine before him. he sighs, his brows furrowing at the sight as his eyes rake over the mess of steam and metal.

"you're engine's overheating." he mutters, his eyes flickering towards you for a brief moment.

he notices the way you keep your eyes glued to the engine, finding any excuse not to meet his eyes.

it made sense — outerbanks had been under heatwave warning for the last week, reaching its peak a few days before the issue had first presented itself.

he nodded, his gaze returning to the engine. "when did it start overheating?" he asks, his voice a little gruff as he wipes his sleeve across his face, wiping the sweat away.

you hated to admit it, feeling the lecture come on before you had even spoken a word, "few days ago, figured it would go away on its own."

he hummed in response, his eyes rolling at your answer. of course, you would've fixed on it's own. he huffed, a chuckle escaping him as he shook his head.

"yeah, that's not how it works." he replies, trying to ignore the fluttering in his chest at the sound of your voice once more. he tried to sound disinterested and nonchalant, but there was a part of him that was happy to hear you speak again.

after a moment of his examination, he finally spoke again. "seems like your radiator is leaking." he explained, leaning down towards the engine. "probably has a busted hose or something."

you groan — something of the sort sounded expensive. it wasn't that you couldn't afford it, all you had to do was ask your father for some cash, and he'd gladly give it your way.

he let out another sigh, glancing over at you. "it won't take me too long to fix..."

"oh," you reply, doe eye accentuated by your lashes, "it's alright. i can get somebody else to fix it, i just needed to know what the issue was, really. thank you, rafe."

his jaw clenched at your words, feeling the ache in his chest growing stronger. he didn't want you to go to another mechanic, or relying on your 'boyfriend' for such a simple fix. in actuality, the thought of you leaving the shop, and potentially never coming back hurt the most.

he was silent for a moment, his mind racing for something to say to keep you here for a little longer, until the words fell out of his mouth.

"why don't you just let me fix it?"

"i mean..." you start, looking back at the shop over your shoulder before meeting his blue eyes once more. "i don't want to bother... i know you're super busy in there so..."

he scoffed at that, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked at you. busy? yeah, he was swamped with jobs, but he could never be too busy for you.

"it's fine," he replied gruffly, trying not to sound eager, "it won't take me long anyways. just let me fix it."

with a shaky sigh, you nod and accept the offer. you knew rafe would take good care of your vehicle — but the idea of being stuck here with him alone until he was finished made you nervous.

he nodded in response, trying to hide the excitement that surged within him. he wasn't going t let you just walk out his door, not today. not yet.

"perfect," he said briskly, running his hand over his buzzcut. "come back inside. it'll only be a few minutes."

you follow behind rafe, like he had expected. it was cute, he thought, one of the first things he had noticed about you. you followed him around like a damn puppy, so eager to spend time with him that it didn't matter what you both were doing, as long as you were by his side.

he gestures for you to follow him to your vehicle, now parked inside as the large garage doors closing behind you both. he could feel your presence behind him, and could practically sense the tension radiating off of you.

for a moment, there was a silence as he began to work, his hands fiddling with different tools and parts. but then, he spoke, his gruff voice cutting through the air.

"so..." he began, his eyes never leaving the engine in front of him. "how've you been."

you weren't expecting conversation — not normal conversation, anyways. like nothing had happened between you two, like he hadn't been the one to break your heart only a couple of weeks ago.

"i've been... good." you reply, shoving your hands in your pockets. it wasn't the truth, yet wasn't entirely a lie either. things had been going good for you, but when the house fell silent, and the night took over, all the happiness seemed to dissipate once again.

he hummed in response, his eyes flickering to you for a moment. even he could hear how forced your answer sounded.

"saw you the other day," he said, closing the hood of your vehicle with a thud.

you frown, "yeah? where?"

"by the docks. with him."

your silence speaks volumes to the man. the girl who once spent hours perched on his workbench, yapping his ear off, now sat quiet. the shy demeanor felt odd. you should've known rafe wouldn’t bite his tongue — he never did. he was blunt, everyone knew that. and the moment you showed up here, you should’ve been ready for him to bring it up.

you blinked, trying to keep your expression neutral, "him?"

rafe let out a dry chuckle, wiping the grease onto an already dirty rag. he threw the cloth onto the hood of your car, "come on, don't do that. you know who i'm talking about."

looking down at the floor, you're suddenly aware of just how much coming here was a mistake.

"you don't get to do this, rafe."

"do what?" his tone is deceptively calm.

"this," you motion between you two, "you broke up with me, remember?"

his jaw tightened, "i know."

"so why does it matter?"

rafe was silent for a beat his tongue poking the soft skin of his cheek, like he was trying to find the right words. finally, he exhaled, shaking his head.

"it doesn't," he muttered. "forget i said anything."

and then he turns his back towards you, just like he had all those weeks ago. returning to his workbench, putting down the wrench within his palms down harshly. the frustration is clear, roaming through the air you share.

and he doesn't turn around until he hears you open your vehicle door, ready to find your leave without even saying goodbye, not that he was going to bother anyways.

"you still wear it," he said, voice quieter now.

your breath caught in your throat.

it took you a second to realize what he meant — until you followed his gaze, landing right where his eyes had lingered.

the bracelet.

worn. faded from the sun. still tied around your wrist.

the one he gave you. the one you never took off.

rafe's gaze flicked back to yours, something unreadable in his expression. something dangerous.

something hopeful. for the first time in weeks.

but before you could say anything, before you could defend yourself or rip the damn thing off your wrist, he shook his head, scoffing under his breath.

"see you around, then."

and with that, he slid back under the vehicle, ready to busy his mind with more work — a desperate attempt at a distraction after all of this.

leaving you standing there — heart pounding, mind spinning — knowing damn well this wasn't over.