#THANK YOU for letting me submit her ily

[yuujispinkhair]

Had this silly little thirsty thing in my head for weeks and I have enough courage to say it skdh

Letting Yuji thighfuck you as his reward

Making Sukuna thighfuck you as his punishment

Idk- I feel like Yuji would love it.. cause he's so sweet and thinks you're cute all over *kicking my feet*

And- now idk how you'd make Kuna submit like that- although, that subby college kuna is on the mind yk hehe

anyway- that is all, ily and I'm loving the Hockey AU so far mwah 💗💕

AAAH RISA I LOVE THIS 🥵🥵 Thank you so much for sharing this with me!! 💗

Yuuji x Reader, Sukuna x Reader. 700 words. 18+. Smut. Thighfucking (Reader is sitting on a kitchen counter with her legs crossed). Praise kink, cum-eating in Yuuji's case. Degradation kink, overstimulation, squirting/piss in Sukuna's case. All characters are of age. Minors don't interact. Divider @/benkeibear

Yuuji is happy about anything you give him. He is so in love with you and your body it drives him crazy to push his leaking cock between your beautiful thighs. He walked into the kitchen, seeing you sitting on the counter in that short skirt, and he was instantly rock-hard. He laughed sheepishly and apologized for his dick, but you smiled at him and put a hand on the large tent in his grey sweatpants.

"It's ok Yuuji. I like how much you want me. Come here, baby."

The moment Yuuji realized what you had in mind, he was already pushing his sweats down eagerly, lips opening in a loud moan. It felt dirty, and that excited him.

Yuuji is always a nasty one. Cute but nasty and very horny. So he is all too happy and grateful that you let him rub his horny cock against your soft skin. It looks so hot how his swollen, wet mushroom head peeks out between your plush thighs, drooling pre-cum all over himself and smearing it between your sexy thighs when he fucks them. Things become more slippery with each horny thrust, and it makes Yuuji moan shamelessly.

You tell him to look at you, and when he does, you pet his hair and coo at him,

"You are so sweet, Yuuji. Such a good boy. I love you so much, baby."

And Yuuji nuts so hard 💗 His large hands dig into your thighs, his moans all high-pitched and cute, while his pretty cock throbs and shoots Yuuji's thick warm cum down your thighs.

You don't even have to tell him afterward that he should lick you clean. That sweet boy is already on his knees, caressing your calves with his large warm hands while he eagerly licks his cum off your thighs while moaning against your skin how much he loves you.

Sukuna (I also imagine fucktoy Sukuna from "Bad Boy - Good Toy" here) grits his teeth to hold back his moans and glares angrily at you while he ruts desperately against you. Angry at himself for being such a needy mess for you, who needs to touch you so bad that he is even ok with this!

He thought you would let him fuck you tonight, but you just grinned at him and laughed mockingly, telling him that bad boys don't deserve your pussy. "Next time, you better behave nicer throughout the day. You are such a brat, Kuna. I really have to put you in your place."

He hates how fucking hard he got when you talked to him like that and when you sat on the kitchen counter and pointed to your legs with that cruel smile on your pretty face.

"If you are so needy, you can put your pretty dick here, baby."

He hates that he didn't even hesitate but pulled his cock out immediately, slapped it against your thigh, and then pushed it between your crossed legs with an angry and horny hiss falling from his lips.

And now Sukuna is standing here in the kitchen with his jeans and boxer briefs pooling around his ankles, fucking your thighs like some dog in heat. Fast and desperate. Groaning anytime his throbbing cock glides through the tight warm gap between your thighs.

He feels his head spin as you milk drop after drop of pre-cum out of his aching cock, while taunting him about how excited he is. But fuck, it feels good, and the way you smile at him makes him feel so strange.

"Aww look at you, Kuna. You are so pathetic. You gonna hump yourself against me until you make a mess all over me? So cute. My little horny slut."

It's too much. Sukuna growls a needy-sounding "Shut up, brat!" even as he feels his muscles contract, unable to hold back the intense orgasm that makes his whole muscular body shake as he cums all over your legs and the kitchen floor like some little excited loser, shooting his milky seed everywhere.

You don't let him go, only press your thighs together tighter and squeeze his orgasming cock, forcing Sukuna to give you every last drop of cum he has in him. He is whining by the end, so over-stimulated that tears gather in his eyes, and he even squirts a little, hearing you laugh when the sticky mix of his warm piss and cum trickle out of his angry, swollen cockhead.

😵😵💗💗

Both of them drive me INSANE!! Yuuji is such a cutie, and I want to praise him all day!! And Kuna is my favorite little brat who brings out my sadistic side. I am so in love with both of them!!

Thank you so much for sending me this sexy idea!! 💗

I hope you enjoyed your little fun time with our boys ;) Who is your fave?

Comments and reblogs would be very sweet 💗

And if anyone wants to read more about this subby version of Sukuna, you can find two sexy stories about fucktoy Sukuna here: Bad Boy - Good Toy

[pearlescentzine]

Alright folks, here’s the schedule! Things are subject to slight changes as future mods see fit but this is how things are expected to go for now. Thank you to the guys at inthelittlezine for having a great schedule I was able to work off of to get an idea for my own schedule. Yg are awesome ily /p

I wanted to give a looot of time for people to create things. I know a lot of us are quite busy, myself included, and creating something you’re proud of can take a lot of time. However, I expect everyone to have at the very least started by the last check-in, as after that you’ll only have 20 days to submit everything.

I wasn’t sure how to approach the actual design of the page, so if it’s hard to read or anything please let me know 😭 I’ll have all this information in shorter form in a full infopost soon.

The research period is absolutely an idea I took from inthelittlezine. I want to allow time for contributors to watch videos and figure out what they want to do without taking away from the creation time, so I’m giving contributors two weeks to watch any content they may not yet have watched but may be interested in.

As I would like to cover as much of Pearl’s content as possible (including her build timelapses as many people want to see art of these), there likely will not be many repeats. For example, there may only be one piece dedicated to Hermitcraft season 8. I want to encourage people to watch some of her older series and non-minecraft streams. The goal with the research period is to allow people to think of a few different pieces they would be interested in creating. I am aware many people will beeline for Hermitcraft and Double Life, and while I am glad people are enthusiastic about this content, Pearl has so much other amazing content that I want people to explore and appreciate. I want the zine to have variation, not just 20 different versions of the same three things.

[theragethatisdesire]

HELLO FROGGY >:P you knew id be here im youre lovely little bunny…i wanna submit my own prompt for your huge milestone event!!

“youre fucking eren jaeger? are you kidding me?”

do with that as you wish rage!! ILY

hiiiiiii my flower ummm firstly this prompt made giggle secondly i found it a bit challenging so i decided to go digging through my wips and ..... i discovered the morning-after drabble for ti penso eren!!! which ik you just said eren and it doesn't say your prompt exactly but also like. the energy is there. and it's really funny. SO YOU GET A VERY SPECIAL ARCHIVAL RAGE PIECE THAT'S ALSO QUITE LONG COMPARED TO WHAT I THINK THE REST OF THE DRABBLES WILL BE........ i hope it will suffice <3<3<3 i love you???

"you're fucking eren?" x ti penso! eren<3 this is a little continuation of this

-

“How are we doing today, folks?” A perky waitress approaches your table, smiling down at all of you. You pity her, really; no one at your table is exactly in the mood to return her level of enthusiasm.

Logically, you know how you’ve ended up sandwiched between Eren and Armin, trying to ignore the daggers Mikasa’s shooting at you across the table, but in the haze of your hangover and the intoxicating presence of Eren beside you, you can’t imagine what you did to deserve this fate. A memory flashes behind your eyes of Eren pinning you to the wall, licking up your neck. Oh yeah, that.

You and Eren had eventually managed to untangle yourselves from the bed when Connie and Armin had joined the raucous banging on the door, and you’d each miraculously found an old tshirt and a pair of Jean’s sweatpants to wear. Your face had burned when you met Mikasa’s withering glare, Jean’s look of horror when he caught sight of his sheets rumpled on the floor. Armin had corralled everyone into brunch of all things, deciding on behalf of the group that the rarity of seeing each other outweighed the painful awkwardness of the situation. Connie had whined and stomped his feet, demanding Ubereats on account of his hangover, but after some convincing, you’d all been dragged along to the restaurant a block from Jean’s apartment. Your foot, still wearing your heels from the night before that do not compliment the pair of Jean’s pajamas you’re wearing, jiggles incessantly under the table.

“Um, hi. We’re good, thanks,” Armin breaks the silence to answer the poor girl, looking down at his menu with pink cheeks.

“We need mimosas,” Connie says affirmatively, even though alcohol is likely the last thing that will aid this situation, “two carafes, and keep ‘em coming.”

“Connie,” Mikasa says sharply, “do you really think that’s a good idea?”

“Hair of the dog,” Eren suggests, nodding at the waitress. “Make it three.”

“Shut up,” Mikasa snaps at him. Eren balks, you don’t dare to look at him even as you snicker. “I told you two–”

“I am an adult, Mika,” for the first time all morning, you snap and finally interrupt her scolding. “Do we really need to do this over brunch?”

“Did you really need to do that in my bed?” Jean makes a disgusted face. Eren rolls his eyes, stretching his arms only to land one around your shoulders; god, you wish he wouldn’t do that, add fuel to the fire.

“Sheets can be washed.”

“I’m burning them,” Jean deadpans, eyes narrowing at Eren’s arm around you. You want to die. You want to shrink into a little hole in the ground and die.

“I got laid too, if anyone cares,” Connie mutters. Armin cocks an eyebrow.

“Before or after you puked in the kitchen sink?”

“Before,” Connie answers, unphased, “in that hall bathroom–”

“Can my apartment please stop being the sex apartment?” Jean groans, letting his head fall into his hands.

“Oh, like you two weren’t fucking each other silly back at our place,” you counter, pointing an accusing finger between Jean and Mikasa. Jean’s face turns bright red, and Eren’s eyes fix on Jean, narrowing into something lethal. Mikasa opens her mouth to snap back, but the waitress has returned, three mimosa carafes and six glasses on her tray. On second thought, maybe you do need a morning pick-me-up. 

All of you, despite your protests, fill your glasses to the brim. Eren pours yours for you, smiling down at you adoringly as if you were on a lovely date, not a one-night-stand-turned-hellish-morning.

“Want more?” He asks, holding the carafe towards your near-full glass. You shake your head, mouth pressed into a flat line, not missing Jean’s gagging across the table.

“Whipped already, Jaeger?” Connie teases.

“After last night? Absolutely,” Eren says with a shit-eating grin plastered on his face, wrapping his arm tighter and snuggling you into his side. Your face burns even hotter, and you smack his chest.

“Shut up, Eren!” You and Mikasa speak at the same time. Mikasa grants you a small smile at your synchronicity; it isn’t much, but it’s a start, and you venture into what’s hopefully a safe realm of conversation that will keep Eren preoccupied.

“So Mika, are you excited for Eren to move to the city?”

Your attempt at peace doesn’t go the way you’d hoped; Mikasa’s brows knit into a frown, and she turns to Eren, who’s blushing madly. “What?”

“When are you moving to the city?” Armin asks, nose scrunched in confusion. You’re just as confused as they are, turning to face Eren.

“But you said this morning–”

“I am in a few weeks,” Eren says, sounding very much like he’s just spitballing, “I just need to talk to Zeke–”

“What about my music?” Connie looks aghast, hands flying out to the side.

“Dude, I can still rep you from the city, and Zeke might not even want to move. He’s all wrapped up with Pieck anyway.”

“When were you planning on telling me you were moving?” Mikasa narrows her eyes, glaring at Eren accusingly. You realize you’ve put your foot in your mouth, exposed what may have been no more than a passing thought in Eren’s head. You haven’t even known him for twenty-four hours, but you can read Eren well enough to tell that he’s impulsive, maybe to a fault.

“Did you need to get laid so bad that you got one whiff of pussy and decided to pack up and move?” Jean looks amused, and you want to slap him. Thankfully, Mikasas does it for you, thumping him between the eyebrows. “Ow!”

“Don’t be crude.”

“Maybe.” Eren, for his part, simply smirks, tightens his grip on you. Your heart flutters despite your embarrassment; even if he had lied to get you back into bed for an attempted round two, it was a flattering thought. “It would be good for the business, though.”

“Come to think of it,” Armin rubs his chin, “it really would. There’s a lot more musicians that need representation in the city than back home.”

“You rep musicians?” You raise your eyebrows, surprised. You had assumed the family business was something boring, and you realize you never thought to ask. Eren shrugs.

“Sort of. We’re still getting it off the ground.”

“He reps me!” Connie waves excitedly at you.

“Impressive,” you give him a little once-over, seeing him in an entirely different light. In the sober eyes of the morning, he’s still beautiful, hair rumpled and messy and eyes half-lidded with exhaustion, but beautiful. You force your gaze away from him only to be met with Mikasa’s eyes, flitting between both of you, a curious look on her face. “What?”

“Nothing,” she hums, sipping her mimosa but not dropping the knowing smile spreading across her face.

[uhohdad]

I'm totally speech-less. That was the perfect peace of literature. Pure art.

Ps. This is totally just my opinion, but I feel like Ruby and john had something happened between them, albeit be a kiss or a one night stand, but they give of that vibe ♥️

first of all tysm <3 ily <3 your nice words mean the WORLD to me 💕💖🩷💗💞

second of all. genius. the thought hadn’t even crossed my mind but as soon as i read the brilliant words i LAUNCHED to agree. The opposite attract??? ffff the gruff and the uptight??

Price and Ruby absoluuuuutely had too many one night, maybe shortly after a games, both of them vulnerable and needy after watching their tributes perish. The kids they come to know and love over the course of the week, only to see them meet their brutal end. Price wordlessly pours Ruby a drink, and she accepts without pushback. He’ll sit next to her on the plush couch, closer than he normally would. They drink in silence, Ruby uncharacteristically quiet.

After the second drink, Ruby will finally break the silence in the tune of her reminiscing about her tributes. The good things - their amazement as they indulged the luxury of the Capitol, the rare smile at the dinner table, touching heartfelt parting words during bittersweet goodbyes. He didn’t tell her that he hates this. He hates talking about the kids. He wants to drink and forget. But he knows this is how she processes the pain, by reliving the good memories. So he lets her ramble on, watching her sad smiles as she plays absentmindedly with her necklace.

And by the third, when the heat is flushing their skin, Ruby manages to draw amused huffs from Price, the corners of his lips perking up ever so slightly. Partly because, well, it’s Ruby, but there’s a part of him that is genuinely enjoying listening to her gush over her tributes. She sees the world much differently than Price, and he can’t help but be mesmerized by her perspective.

By the fourth, Ruby’s rocking her upper half, swaying loosely as the alcohol dances in her veins. Wide, perfect smiles that bunch her cheeks and unrestrained laughs, much different then her usual reserved, polite laughs.

And by the fifth, Price cuts off Ruby’s rambling by pulling her in with either end of the collar on her low-cut button down, planting a kiss on her lips by no means gently. While shocked, eyes wide and not returning the gesture, she doesn’t pull away. A moment passes and Ruby flutters her eyes shut, submitting to the harsh taste of alcohol on his tongue. She lets him lead with sloppy confidence, matching his eager pace as he tilts his head to devour more of her. A rough, calloused hand finds the side of her jaw, the other sneaking underneath the fabric of her top. His hand glides over soft, flushed skin, fingers brushing over collarbones as his palms gently meld to the top of a plush breast.

There is no sixth drink that night.

no, you 😳 thank you for the ship i didn’t know i needed.

😭🥺🥹💕💗🩷

[andromedaexists]

WUPDATE: Incorrect Eyes

𝚆𝚎𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝙾𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝟹𝚛𝚍 || 𝙴𝚢𝚎𝚜 𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎

I already tagged all the Desecrate people this week so I'll do an Incorrect Eyes update this week!

BIG NEWS!!!! INCORRECT EYES WAS PUBLISHED!!! AND YOU CAN READ IT FOR FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!!!

Okay, now let's talk some more about that! I was updating y'all pretty regularly earlier this year as I worked on IE and then I kinda... stopped.

Well, I was able to get it to the editor I was really hoping for (thank you @whatsuptyler ily beepaw)! Tyler did an amazing job really finding all my inconsistencies and making sure the narrative worked!

I also had a big change on the art end! I originally wanted to have Mx. Morggo doing the chapter art for IE, but they fell through (literally just never responded to an email after telling me they were interested in the project but that's okay! Life is weird!). Then I kinda waffled on where to go next and ended up having WerewolfPresident on IG do it and it turned out great!! I love the illustrations and the chapter header that I got, they're everything!!

I am also waiting on some illustrations to come in from my tattoo artist, I would like to use these as like those vellum art pages that you can put into books. I don't know if I'll actually get these art pieces but that just seems to be the vibe for IE lol

I say that because I am still waiting on the cover art for IE. I am really upset about this just because I have not heard from the artist since June, when I had stated that the book is being published in July back when I first got into contact with her in December. It has been nearly a year and I don't have the art. I am really hoping to receive it still, and I won't make the paperback editions of IE available until I have the cover illustration.

That's all the updates I really have on the art end of things, but I do have one more update in general: Incorrect Eyes qualifies for the Bram Stoker Awards in the Long Fiction category this year!! If you know an HWA member or are an HWA member yourself (like I am now!!), then I would greatly appreciate your consideration of my psychological religious horror story for the awards cycle this year!

Now that that's done, let's get to the good part (the snippies!):

Be Not Afraid. My life changed when I heard those three words. It wasn’t an immediate change. No, it was a slow, crawling thing. I was raised a good Catholic kid, after all. Those three words were ones that I grew up with, ones that I am well acquainted with. Sundays were always full of stories about the messengers of God, tales as great as They were that sung their praises. But, of course, any time the Angels were mentioned, the greeting wasn’t far behind. Be Not Afraid was a melody that hung in the background of my life over the soft harmonies of the church’s organs, soothing me into complacency.

maybe one more for yous:

I can remember what the Father told me to believe in church all those years ago. Remember how he guided me in prayer after I asked about this description and why is was so scary. He told me that the chants of the Angels were something to be heard, that They could lift a soul and bring it closer to God. But when I read the words on the page I return to the question the small child I used to be asked. Why is it so scary? I can’t hear their chants, my ears are filled with Their screaming and wailing. Their shouts beg for atonement and forgiveness. Images pop unbidden into my mind: Angels as we knew them growing up, human-like and innocent. But now They have tears of viscous blood streaming down Their faces as They grovel before His throne, screaming and begging for His warmth. Seraphim and Cherubim just behind Them, blocking the pathetic Angels in, forcing Them to submit to His holy gaze. Their screams harmonize in the worst ways, ringing through my mind and spilling through my ears. The mind-numbing pain They cause is only worsened as my eyes are drawn further down the page. Woe is me for I am ruined [must be silent] because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts. Unclean, unclean, unclean. The word repeats in my mind, tearing through the chorus of terror put forward by the Angels. I am unclean, just like he was. I live among people with unclean Eyes, just as he with lips. He—I—we are RUINED. My mind conjured the image of the next paragraph. Of the Seraphim flying towards me—Isaiah—us holding a glowing coal by means of a pair of tongs. From the altar is comes. As it lays the burning stone in my eyes, it speaks: Now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed and your sin is atoned for. Then I scream.

and then the final thing I'll share, the first chapter header:

TAGLIST

@winterandwords @crypticcodexcreations @inkspellangel @smol-feralgremlin

@joswriting @love-whatit-loves @annetillney @bebewrites

Please fill out this form to be added or ask to be removed!

[cupoftaae]

Forever And A Day (KTH x READER) series ♡ The Art Exhibit (Chapter 6)

Summary: your lifelong friend is forced to face his true feelings for you once he breaks the number one rule of becoming friends with benefits: dont fall in love. He knows he loves you, but you on the other hand need more convincing of the most important thing: the right decision.

Genre: fwb. Roommates, friends to idiots to lovers, fluff, angst, smut, the whole 9 yards tbh.

Pairing: taehyung x female!reader

rating: 18+ (minors dni!!!)

word count- 5k

chapter warnings!- swearing, alcohol, this is kind of a fluffy ass chapter, but the end is a little frusterating. NO BAD VIBES THOUGH! reader is finally happy rn. tw: annie.

a/n- Hi guys! first of all, HAPPY SPRING! Also happy Ramadan to anyone who is celebrating!! I really wanted to publish this by last Monday at least, but I ended up getting a cold, and then I had an exam this week too that I crammed studied for. I wasnt happy with the ending of this chapter and wanted time to fix it up a bit!! we are getting to the good stuff now so I really hope you enjoy! (ps. another thanks to all the likers, rebloggers, commenters, it means so much to see feedback, ily guys.

The song of this chapter was on repeat while I wrote it !!

This week had been good.

For the first time in what seems like forever, life was actually giving you a break....sort of.

"Kwan, cmon! I promise French isnt that hard if you just sit and let me teach you!" you exhale with a wide smile, looking at the 6 year old who was now running around the living room.

Since Tae quit his job, you decided to start picking up after school shifts to tutor your neighbor, Mrs.Chin, and her bratty 6 year old. You used to tutor her other child, Mimi, who was always well behaved, but she went to study abroad, leaving you alone with the devil reincarnated.

"I dont wanna! its stupid!" the younger child yelled back, making you take a moment to breathe before responding. "Kwan, I would appreciate if you let me teach you, or at least if you even sat down and listened to me read." you said calmly.

You looked over at the pouting boy and his action figures, arms now crossed over his chest as he glared. You sighed and ran your hands over your face, lets just say if the pay wasn't $90 an hour, you probably wouldn't submit yourself to this.

"Kwan." you said, getting up with your textbook and sitting on the floor next to him "your mommy hired me to help you learn, I really want to be able to teach you something here, because whether you realize it now or not, learning a second language is a really beautiful thing" you show him all the pages of notes youve taken from your own classes, watching him view it over.

"I wanna be here for you, we can be buddies, ok? no more fights, no yelling. How about this-" you turn around to him "If you let me teach you for a half an hour, 30 minutes, you can have 20 minutes of playtime, yeah?" you spoke softly

"mmkay.." he looked at you, nodding gently.

"aw, see, you are a good boy I knew you were, cmon, sit and i'll teach you how to introduce yourself in French, so when you go to daycare tomorrow, you can show it off to everyone" you smiled and gently tickled the boy, making him giggle loudly.

You really did enjoy teaching and learning, something about it just made you feel incredibly intelligent, and yes, you loved acting too, but the idea of being able to offer something new to someone genuinely got you excited. If you could go back and change your major to anything, It would probably be French or some other foreign language, teaching abroad doesnt sound too bad.

-

At the apartment, Tae had been cleaning a little bit more. He figured if he was going to have more free time, then he needed to learn to help out around the house....He also needed a distraction from the fact that tomorrow night is the art exhibit, and to say he was nervous was a complete understatement.

The work he'd been creating is done, but like always, he wanted to change it last minute. You sat with him last night and explained that it didnt need to be changed, and he needs to be more confident with himself and his art.

His thoughts were interrupted when you walked through the door, offering a quick smile at him before walking off into the kitchen. He put down his broom and walked over to you, "How did tutoring go?" He asks softly, watching you pour coffee into a mug. "It was okay" you shrug, looking at the clock and internally sighing, it was dinner time and you hadnt prepared anything.

"You okay?" he asks

you look back at him and lean against the counter, "yeah...Kaito was supposed to pick me up at 8, and I sat outside texting and calling him until 8:30, when I decided to just get an Uber home"

"why didnt you call me? I would have drove over there" he frowns, leaning against the opposite counter. "ah, didnt want to bother you" you shrug.

He sighed and looked down. "I made you dinner, by the way" he spoke, making you look up at him warily. "by made, I mean bought, dont worry theres no food poisoning here" he rushed, making you giggle.

"thank you tae, I really appreciate that" you walk over to hug him gently, telling him you were gonna wash up and shower before eating.

He finished cleaning the living room before finally crashing on the couch, watching as you left your room with a towel on your head, making him laugh. "are you gonna tell me my fortune"

You scoff and grab your bulgogi, sitting onto the couch next to him.

"yummy?" he asks, searching for something to watch, "mhm" you smiled and offered a bite which he gladly took.

"oh also, Because tomorrow night is the art show, I was thinking afterwards we should get dinner or something..." he trailed off, avoiding eye contact.

you turned your head to him, smiling softly, "hm that sounds fun. are we thinking Mcdonalds?" you giggle, making him laugh as well.

"nooo, no" his head shook, "I dont know yet, I'll look around."

"we can go to that Korean barbecue place that just opened, and celebrate your win" you shrug

"we dont know if Im gonna win, there are many talented artists participating. I have like no chance, y/n."

you scoff and shake your head, "you are telling me, that THE Kim Taehyung has no chance? I dont believe this!"

He smiled and watched as you rambled about how he has worked for this and deserves it, laughing quietly.

"yeah...I dont even care for the money to be honest. I Just want to go to Paris again...it was fun when we went last time" he sighed.

You chewed your food and nodded, standing up in front of him with your hands on your hips, "Mr.Kim, I am putting it into the universe now, that if somehow you dont win, I will make sure we both go to Paris once more"

"really?" he spoke after a moment, unable to take you seriously with the towel head.

"really"

"I dont think Kaito would like thattt" he sung jokingly, getting up and grabbing the blanket from the other side of the couch, covering himself in it.

"I dont careeee" you sung back before jokingly jumping onto him, squeezing his face as you continued to speak. "I dont even know where he is right now, probably drunk or something"

"does he get drunk a lot?" tae asked, smiling as you poked around his face with your hands. "yeah....kinda. He can handle it most times but.." you cut yourself off, not wanting to say anything else.

"but what?" tae asked, head turning to yours as you laid on him. Your eyes simply scanned over his face as he did the same with you. The urge to kiss him was there, but you knew better.

You got up and off him, making him sit up and look at you. "but what?" he repeated

"nothing" you smiled before stealing his blanket and running off to your room, making him get up to chase after you.

You were both laughing, but Tae was still catching his breath. You looked like you wanted to kiss him, no? His mind ran around in circles, ultimately convincing himself that he really does need to drop this and stop over analyzing everything.

He sat into his bed that night, looking over at his painting which leaned against his desk. He so desperately wanted tomorrow to be perfect, he wanted to win, but he also wanted to impress you.

His mind wandered down the rabbit hole. was it too clingy to ask to go to dinner after? was he annoying you and you didnt have the heart to tell him?

He rolled his face against his pillow, sighing heavily as tannie ran up and jumped on the bed, cuddling with him.

Across the hall you paced your room, glasses on as you tried to memorize your studying and figure out an outfit for tomorrow.

You gently hummed to yourself before moving the coat hangers around to see what you had, you dont exactly have 'art show' worthy clothes. You knew that ultimately it didnt matter, it wasnt about you, it was about him.

You climbed into bed and wrapped up your homework, deciding to pull your phone out and see if your boyfriend called or texted.

0 notifications

you sighed and opened up messages, texting him quickly.

you: hey....I hope you are okay? You havent texted or anything, im a little worried. you were supposed to pick me up today and then go for like coffee or something. did you forget? its okay if you did, just hope you are safe.

you bit your lip as you sent the message, waiting for a few minutes for a possible reply, but ultimately receiving nothing.

-

"ah, Yun Y/n, you really have impressed me, this is amazing"

you looked at your theatre teacher with hopeful eyes, glad that she appreciated the project script you stayed up to finish last night.

You bowed politely, "thank you so much, that means a lot"

"of course" she responded, taking her glasses off, "I really do hope you decide to take this class next year, you are one of my best students and I think the incoming freshmen would love to learn from your writing skills"

you smiled and nodded, "I dont see any reason why I wouldnt stay" you laughed lightly, making her nod, "good!"

she handed you your papers back with the received grade, allowing you to walk out into the hallway to see a certain someone.

"um...hello?" you spoke, aggravation evident in your voice. Kaito looked up from his bag at you, a guilty expression now showing.

"y/n, baby im sorry about yesterday"

"Look, I dont care about the pick-up thing, why couldnt you text me this morning even? I thought you died or something"

he laughs yet you were not amused. "My phone broke" he cleared his throat. You sigh and look around. "you know how many phones are on campus? you also have so many classes with Chae, would it kill you to relay the message?"

"im sorry, ok?"

you glared at him. 'Sorry' had become his broken record repeated phrase lately, and honestly, it didn't sound all to genuine anymore.

"yeah" you shrug and begin to walk away before he stops you. "Oh, are you free tonight?"

you stop and turn, shaking your head, "no, I have plans"

He scoffs, "doing what?"

"I have an art show with Taehyung and its late, we are going right home after"

"I see" he nods sarcastically, obviously pissed off. "are you going to the party that Jungkook is throwing at least?" he adds

"oh yeah....Dahyun invited me, I'll be there I guess" you mumble

"good" he smiled and held your cheek, making you look up at him. "dont bring him, okay?"

you look over his face before rolling your eyes and turning to walk to your next class.

Things lately with Kaito havent been as well as you had planned. When you two first started dating, the romance was there, there was a spark within sharing similar interests and likes, there were cute dates, late night conversations. As you find yourself walking down the hall, you wish that perhaps you never got to know the quiet boy in your acting class. You ponder about what would have happened if you two just remained friends, strangers, even.

His drinking was something you had been made aware of by a few classmates, but you can only blame yourself for ignoring them. As much as you hated to admit it, you didnt care in the moment. You are a young girl, who has vulnerabilities and of course wishes to find someone that makes her feel special....but given that....you also deserve pride, and the power to know, or to walk away from situations that arent helping you grow.

You dont ask much of kaito, he couldn't even pick you up on time and let you know why. It was borderline pathetic. He was pathetic, and the marks still evident on your wrist were enough to prove it.

you dont know what you had done in a past life to get such shitty treatment from men, but you could only pray that either the universe sends you in a different direction, or fixes the broken path you are currently trying to fight through.

-

"I called the restaurant, they take walk ins" Taehyung cheerfully spoke, barging into your room to see you sitting with your back towards him, papers sprawled around your desk surface.

"thats good" you mumble, refusing to turn around at the excited boy.

Taehyung notices the shift in your voice, the way your back is slumped over as you hid yourself in the piles of paper and homework. As he walked over, small droplets of tears resting on the wooden desktop below you are visible. You had been crying. A gentle hand comes up to graze against your back, remaining still for a moment before he spoke. "Y/N, whats going on?"

You sniffled, wishing that you could just be alone but also refraining against sending the boy out, he just wanted to help. "Im just stressed" a simple shrug and a blow of the nose make taehyung sit on the end of your bed as he faces you, deciding its enough distance from you, but not too much. "do you wanna talk about it?" he asks softly, his hair resting in front of his eyes, its grown so long these days.

You looked back at him and remained quiet for a moment before opening your mouth, "no" you shook your head. "I just....I just want tonight to be fun, I want you to have fun, I want this for us, just one day without anything pulling us down, okay?"

Taehyung nodded slowly, not sure what could have sent you into a spiral like this, but respecting your decision to not speak on it. "Okay, yeah, we will have fun okay?" he whispers, hand now holding yours as he got closer to you, wiping away your tears. "don't cry, everything will be alright sweet girl" he brings you into a tight hug as his words are close to brining you to cry again. You can blame it on being hormonal, but something about the comforting nature of the boy in front of you made you just want to constantly be there, support and love him for what he is. You would cling to him like a koala if you had the chance.

but he wasn't yours, and you were not his.

You had not been the best friend to taehyung for the past few weeks, something youve tried to make up for by either cooking, or buying him new art tools. You even stayed up late with him a few nights ago just letting him rant about all the shit on his plate. It made you realize that this boy would tell you every little detail about his life, he trusts you so much, yet you couldnt even be honest about the kaito situation.

Guilt was the best emotion to describe the feeling in your chest.

The best thing you could do tonight is to treat him like he were king of the world, he deserves a break, and it would kill you to have to be the one to ruin it again.

You sniffled and looked back at him, "so are you gonna show me the menu of the restaurant or what?"

Taehyung laughed lightly, squeezing your hand as he helped you up and led you out into the living room with him.

-

Every time Taehyung see's you upset, he feels as if those emotions transfer to him. If he could snap his fingers, or wave some magic wand, he would make it so you never cried again. A part of him was upset that you didnt feel comfy enough to open up about what exactly was bothering you, yet at the same time, he was able to understand your reasoning. You two fought more in the past few months than you have in your entire lives, it felt like walking on eggshells every time he spoke, he was fearful of losing you as a friend, so he made sure each word that came out of his mouth was nothing but delicate, kind, and loving.

He buttoned up his suit, smiling at himself in the mirror as he sprayed on some cologne you bought for him last Christmas. He remembers how much you loved to cuddle up to him when he got home from work, hiding your face in his neck, complimenting how good he had smelled.

Seems like those memories are so distant, in a way he almost mourns them. He is grateful to even have you at all, but as time goes on he truly believes he may never get over you, that you will always just be the one that actually got away.

He looks down at his drawer in his bathroom, the drawer that had been shared by you whenever you had used his bathroom. It hadnt been open in a while, but as he looked through it, he couldnt help but laugh.

purple nail polish.

You asked him if you had left it in his bathroom and he told you no. He thought it was cute that its the shade youve always worn. He even bought you a new bottle just so he could keep the one you left behind.

His mind flickers back to when you had begged him to let you paint his nails, after about 30 minutes of pestering, he finally gave in, letting you give him the full spa treatment.

He softly smiled as he examined the polish, carefully putting it back before walking out and into the living room.

"AHH you look so cute!" you giggled and ran up to him, squishing his bread cheeks. Tae had never worn a suit before, but you took him shopping a few days ago and convinced him he would look really good in one, and he has to admit he feels pretty well fit in it.

You fluffed his hair up and smiled softly, watching his eyes scan over you, something that made you blush. "You look really good, is this a new dress?" he asked quietly

"wow you noticed" you teased

"Of course, you look so pretty in it" He wanted to go on, he wanted to tell you how beautiful your smile looked and how it didnt matter what you wore, because in the museum full of brilliant art, he probably would only be able to look at you tonight.

"thank you" you shyly spoke, "are you ready?"

He held up his canvas, smiling brightly and nodding. "Here" you placed a plastic bag over the art so it wouldnt get destroyed or ruined in any way, especially since it was raining out.

"thank you" he spoke, lifting it up again before grabbing the umbrella and walking towards the door. "Lets go win that prize and rub it in everyones face" you tease, cheering as you made your way down the hall, tae walked behind and watched your childish nature, giggling to himself.

-

It was crowded.

You didnt even know there was this many art students in your school.

"just stay with me, its okay" Tae whispered to you after dropping off his artwork at the front table so they could enter it into the contest. He noticed your fidgety state, gently grabbing one of your hands with his own. You offered a light squeeze in acknowledgment.

"Taehyung!!!"

You both turned around to see Annie running up, smiling brightly with a glass in her hand. "Uhg Im so glad you made it, did you submit your work??"

"yeah I just gave it to them" he pointed at the adults working the table. "great, I seriously cant wait to see your work hung up, I know whatever it is will be beautiful."

"ah thank you, you are too kind" he spoke softly, feeling your grip on his arm tighten.

"Hi Annie" you spoke, annoyed that she chose to ignore you. "Oh hi!" she waved. "Im sorry, I forgot your name, what is it sweetheart?"

Taehyung scoffed quietly, stopping you from speaking before him "Her name is Y/N, I only talk about her all the time" he looked down at you, offering a reassuring smile.

"Oh, I forget everything im sorry" she giggled loudly. "cmon, lets go get something to drink" She tugged on his other arm eager to get him away from you.

"do you want anything?" he mouthed to you, making you shake your head. "no, go have fun" you offer, watching him give into annie's aggression with a sad smile, walking away.

You took your time walking around the exhibit, stopping at each frame to read the small descriptions and notes. You were never super artsy like Taehyung was, but it was impressive to see how dedicated he was.

you made your way through the large crowds of chatter, searching for taehyung before spotting him in the corner by the food stand. You walked over and gently hugged him from behind, it wasnt an act of anything, you just hated being in crowded areas, so you clung to him as best you could. His hand gently grazed along your arm before turning, a audible scoff from Annie is heard as he turns to face you.

"Hi sweet girl, You okay?"

"yeah" you nod, "I was just looking at all the art, which is beautiful but I think they have nothing on yours"

"Youre biased" he chuckled

"tsk tsk, I tell the truth" you giggled, hugging him as you rested your head on his chest, his arms around you loosely. To any onlookers, you two were a couple.

You both are naturally cling people, perhaps it can be to blame for how you both fell so easily into the friends with benefits thing.

"I didnt know you guys were dating" annie took a sip of her wine, gesturing between the both of you.

"oh no, we arent" you quickly spoke, "we are just really close"

"ah..." she trailed off and gave a knowing look to Taehyung, making him shrug. He didnt like to be mean, but he also liked seeing how jealous she got of you. He would never date Annie, and he felt guilty for maybe leading her on, but he feels pride in knowing that shes jealous of you.

you are his girl whether you were dating, friends, anything, everyone knew that.

"they have food if you are hungry" he suggested, patting your back to get your attention.

"Oh, thats okay, im saving room to stuff my face with Tteokbokki later" you both giggled,

"lets go look around, yeah?"

you nodded and grabbed his hand, leading him away from the judgmental girl watching you both like a hawk.

You noticed his frown as you sat in front of a canvas filled wall, "whats wrong, tae?"

"these are all....amazing..." he gestured towards a few, head lost in thought and self doubt.

"bubs, i promise you, yours is just as good if not better. remember what I said, no matter what happens, the outcome will be okay" you rubbed his shoulder, watching a small smile appear on his face.

"everything will be okay" he whispered to himself, taking a deep breath before nodding

-

As the night went on, guests were informed that the ranking and award ceremony would be taking place in just 15 minutes. Taehyung had been wrapped up in conversation with another one of his classmates, eyes absent mindedly searching around the banquet hall for you.

You told him a bit ago that you were gonna go grab a drink, and its been 10 minutes.

Across the room, little to his knowledge, you were wrapped up in your own conversation with a boy who caught you admiring his own work. "It took me a few months" the boy spoke softly, both of you standing in front of his painting. "You didnt want so submit it into the competition?" you asked, watching him shake his head. "I dont need people judging my art, it doesnt matter what they think. I like being able to just put it out into the world for what it is, I dont need a prize for that"

You were taken back by how well and soft spoken he was, unsure how to respond, "Whats your name by the way?"

"My name is Jung Hoseok" he bowed his head lightly, smiling brightly at you. "Ah nice to meet you Hoseok, Im Yun Y/N"

"pleasure meeting you" he spoke, shaking your hand. "so are you here tonight for your own art?" he added

"oh no, no, I am definitely not an artist", you giggled. "Im here with my best friend, he is the one participating tonight"

Taehyung finally found an out in the conversation and began his search for you, pushing through the room to see you standing next to some stranger. He would be lying if he said he didnt like to see you with other men, especially Hoseok, who was in his art class. He would rather you be standing with Kaito at that point.

"Oh taehyung!" Hoseok greeted the man you didnt even know stood behind you, making you turn and smile. "Sorry, I got lost" you giggled, taking his hand as he moved beside you. "Hello Hoseok" tae bowed his head.

"Y/N told me you are trying for the contest, good luck, I heard the judges tend to pick favorites" he laughed and tapped his arm, making him awkwardly smile. "I think he will be ok, wait until you see his painting, its beautiful" you spoke up

"Im sure" he looked at you both, bowing politely before walking off into a new conversation with his nearby friends.

"dont let his charm get to you, he isnt the nicest person" taehyung turns and speaks, gently leading you back to the front of the banquet hall.

"What? he seemed so sweet" you spoke

"I heard he is kind of....you know....like, he likes to play with multiple women at once" he explained as best he could, making you smile, "a man whore" you suggested, making him laugh. "yeah, a man whore"

"dont worry, Im not interested. Ive had enough boy drama to keep me away from any penis within a 5 mile radius" You spoke, watching Taehyung burst out in laughs. "speaking of him, is kaito mad you are here?"

"If he is, I dont care, tonight isnt about him, only you"

-

A few moments later, everyone had gathered into the front of the banquet hall, a panel of 3 judges proudly standing on the small stage ready to reward the prizes in rankings of the top 5 works of art submitted tonight.

"I am so nervous" Taehyung whispered, not directly at anyone but himself. You looked back and smiled, grabbing his hand and entwining it with your own. "Stop stressing, your hair is gonna go grey." you both quietly giggled before the lady on the mic began to speak.

"Thank you all so much for coming to our annual art banquet show, this is the 11th year we have been graciously welcomed back and we could not be more excited as the number of participants grow each year." she adjusted her glasses before speaking again. "Tonight is not about winning, or being the best, it is about recognizing talent of all unique levels, seeing things from other peoples eyes, its about the beauty of art"

The audience clapped lightly, making you smile as you looked around at everyone piled up together in anticipation.

"With that, I believe we are ready to begin the gift ceremony. The other judges and I graded on not only the art itself, but the impact received through it, we were looking for those who went outside the box, and we are happy to say we were not disappointed."

Taehyung looked at the black cloths that hung over the art work that was pinned on the wall up front, unsure if his was one of them or not.

"I'll remind everyone of the prizes, 5-3 place recieve a generous cash prize, as well as a discounted art session for next semester, 2 place recieves a larger amount of cash, while 1st place gets a visit to the Louvre Museum in Paris France, fully paid!"

The crowd happily cheers, the excitement in the room can easily be felt. You were nervous for Taehyung, not because you didnt think he could win, but you knew how much he wanted this trip. You wanted to see him happy, and most importantly, you wanted him to be proud of himself.

"We will now begin" The older woman walks to the lined up art, standing in front of one. "In 5th place, we will happily be awarding this to...." she gently pulled the black sheet off, revealing the art as the crowd clapped happily.

"Seo Yoon, with 'a walk with existence'"

you looked around to see the girl stand up and go to collect her certificate, bowing and thanking the judges.

"4th place, goes to.... Park Jimin, with 'serendipity'"

Everyone cheered as the younger man walked up to join the others.

You felt taehyungs hand squeeze yours lightly, as the 3rd person was revealed and it wasnt him, now he was eager. He either got 2nd, 1st, or none at all.

you gently rubbed his back as the woman went to reveal 2nd place. "In 2nd, we have..." the painting was revealed, "Kang Annie, with 'daydream'"

You both looked at eachother, "I didnt think her art was that good" taehyung claps but whispers in your ear, making you giggle and hold his arm for support. The tension in the room grew as the judge made her way to the remaining painting, the cloth gathering in her hand.

"and for first place, we, the judges have decided to reward...." the curtain felt like it fell in slow motion, taehyung quite literally on the edge of his seat.

"Kim Taehyung with 'Forever and a day'"

You jumped up immediately as his name was called, his beautiful painting on display for everyone to see as claps and "congratulations" were gifted his way.

"I won?" he mumbled, standing as you grabbed him close, hugging him tightly. "I fucking knew you could win!!! Im so proud!!!' you cupped his face and smiled, making him smile as well.

"get up there and claim your prize" you mumble, urging him up to the stage where he went to collect his prize and certificate. "Congratulations to everyone who won, and everyone who participated! lets get a round of applause for all the talent here tonight"

The room clapped loudly as you caught his eye, smirking and chanting loudly, maybe a bit too loudly for an art show. He laughed and congratulated the other winners, giving annie some bullshit answer when she joked about being his Paris plus one.

"You have no fucking idea how proud I am, Taehyung" you hugged him once more as you two started to get ready to head out. He made sure you took 10 million photos of his painting on display, making it your lock screen on your phone.

"I still cant believe I won.....it doesnt feel real" He joked, linking your arm with his as you both made your exit after saying goodbyes to everyone.

"wait until it hits, you are gonna be so proud of yourself. Paris....PARIS, taehyung, this shit is huge. Im not gonna lie, I almost cried when I heard your name"

"you did not!" he chuckled as you both walked to your car.

"Yes I did, you just dont get it" you teased "felt like such a power moment, you just know annie was pissed too....little bitch"

Taehyung bit back his laugh as he sat in the drivers seat, pulling his seatbelt on and resting his head back as you got in. "Thank you for everything, for coming....for just being my support" he spoke kindly, wide grin stuck on his face.

"dont thank me, im always gonna be here for you, seriously. Now, lets go eat until we get full, order dessert we cant finish, take it home and get drunk" You put your seatbelt on, car filled with excitement and giggles as he began to drive to dinner.

He really did feel excited, He was mostly in shock on how he was able to win something he threw together last minute.

Blame it on the alcohol, but some deep part of him wanted to come clean in this very moment, as you were now in the crowded restaurant, music blasted as you sang loudly, you looked so beautiful and alive.

The painting was about you.

Taehyung spent hours dedicating himself to that painting, and it was about you. It seemed like a perfect time to just rip the bandaid off right now, a night where everything was going right.

"y/n..." he mumbled, watching as you happily looked over at him, his heart now in his throat. you stopped dancing and made your way over to where he sat at the bar, your drunken self leaning forward to hear him over the music.

"I just wanted to tell y-"

"youre so handsome, jesus christ I hate you" you interrupt, words slurring as you look at him lovingly.

He knows you are drunk, but the comment still made him laugh, "thank you" he whispered as you walked back out to the dance floor, dragging him with you.

"ah y/n, im not really a dancer"

"you dont need to be, just listen to the music and feel it" you shout, jumping around and holding his hands. He has to admit, seeing you away from your usual tight knit persona was really attractive, of course he admired you always, but he never saw this side before, it was new and exciting.

He allowed himself to relax a bit, taking another shot before finally giving in and dancing with you in the crowded bar. "thats it!" you yell, jumping around with him as you both fell into fits of giggles. "cmere" you turned around and pressed your back to his chest, and even in his drunken state, his heart still fluttered at the sudden contact. You carefully danced against him, not in a promiscuous way, simply just a light sway.

You two ended up spending a bit too much money at the bar, making tae ultimately put a cap on the drinks for the night. You werent ready to leave yet, so he ordered a basket of fries and water, sitting at a table with you in the next room.

"we have to sober up just a little bit, I still have to drive home" he giggled and sat beside you, taking a few fries and shoving them into his mouth. "thanks bubs" you slur, eating the fries and chugging water like you havent had any in weeks.

"are you having the best day of your life?" you ask, making him smile, "yeah, I am actually" he held a fry up and fed it to you. "good, me too" you spoke, mouth open and full of food.

the two of you sat and spoke until you felt some of the alcohol waving off, "hmm, do you wanna go home?" you asked him, noticing how tired you both were getting.

It had been almost 5 hours youve been here, and you didnt want him to only stay because you wanted to.

"yeah...its kinda late" he smiled softly, standing up and helping you.

"youre okay to drive?" you ask, watching as he looked into the next room, listening to the jazz song that was playing.

"tae?" you walk over, watching him turn and smile. "wait, before we leave.." he held your hand and led you into the other room. "dance with me, just one last song" he looked down at you, and there was no way to say no to him.

You two were surrounded by some older couples, all of them turning their attention to you as you made your way into the center of the floor, saxophone blaring through the speakers.

Taehyungs long arms wrapped loosely around your waist, resting just above your butt, your arms reaching up to hold his shoulders as you two slowly swayed to the music.

"Why are you looking at me like that" you mutter, thankful for the dark lighting hiding the current blush on your face.

"Like what?" he smiled

You shrug, giggling softly, "I dont know" you bit your lip and looked at him, alcohol still able to be felt deep in your veins.

"whats so funny, hm?" he teased, looking directly at you with a wide smile, "whats my girl always laughing about?"

you shyly looked down, the weight of his gaze too much. Your head rested against his chest as butterflies filled your stomach. this was wrong.

"you cant say that" you whine quietly

"why not?" he stood back and gently spun you around, making you smile as your hands returned to his shoulders.

"because....im not your girl" you mumble, eyes fixated on both of your feet below.

He sighed and rested his head against yours, words not needed, yet actions saying much more as his hands squeezed your waist gently, rubbing up and down carefully.

you looked up at him finally as the song was coming to a close and allowed yourself to just be, smiling as he looked at you. "You will always be my girl" he whispered so only you two could hear, he quickly turned, grabbing your hand. "lets head home"

You felt breathless, and most of all guilty....but not in the way most would think. You were guilty about not feeling guilty. You had fun, and you werent going to apologize for the mindless flirting that occurred tonight.

-

The both got out of the car and jumped under the hood of your apartment complex, looking at the rain pouring.

"I had fun, tae..."

"I did too" he looked at you hopefully, his hand returning to yours.

"we need more time for just us, we've been so wrapped in other shit" you sigh, the sound of rain surrounding both of you.

"I agree, I dont care what we do, im always enjoying myself with you"

You smirk and jokingly jump towards him, embracing him tightly "ahhh tae tae...what will I do with you, little art boy" you smile as he laughs.

You both pull away, arms still on eachother as you stood outside your home. There was a moment of quietness, eyes scanning over eachothers faces.

"Tae...." you whisper, gathering your thoughts before he slowly leans in, nose brushing yours. The top of his lip grazes against yours as you lean in, suddenly realizing what was happening as you pull your head away.

He didnt react sharply, just watching you with sad eyes.

"we cant" you whispered, shaking your head

"why not?"

"because we dont know what we are doing tae, we know better than this." you firmly say

"do we?" he spoke calmly, eyes still fixated on you.

"yes.."

He looks down at your hands, squeezing them "please...."

You frown when he isnt looking, dragging your hand to pull his wet hair out of his face. "Im sorry" you softly spoke, rubbing your thumb over his cheek, "lets go get some rest, yeah?"

he waits a moment before nodding, silently following you into the apartment.

You werent sure what exactly was in the air tonight, but you knew something changed, and maybe it was the universe finally answering your call.

A/n: sorry ...

Tag list:

@turnthepageandbeburnt @taebangtanbabe @borahaexoxo @lelefoodlover @tan-veee

[madaboutmunson]

Again - Part 18

Part 1 | Part 17 | Part 19 | Full list of Again series links inc AO3 Link

Steddie fic where Steve and Eddie are in their mid 30's and everyone has sort of drifted apart

Notes: Sorry this one is a little late in posting. I had a bit of a strange birthday and got a bit down about it.

Taglist: @adaed5 @grtwdsmwhr @swimmingbirdrunningrock @mightbeasleep, @jewellthebooknerd, @fentiibratzz @rvllybllply2014

================================================

Steve raises his fist to knock, and the last time he remembers being this nervous here was the first time his kids were on his side of the door.

He looks down at the phone clutched tightly in his hand, the screen displaying Eddie's message.

Whatever happens, we'll figure something out. ILY x

He hears a singular bark and a rush of feet toward the door. Then, finally, it swings open, and he's greeted by the beaming smile of Val, but Steve notes he looks a little tired around the eyes.

"Steven!!" He enthuses loudly, grabbing his shoulders and kissing each side of his face, just before he is almost pushed out of the way by a very excitable Beans. Steve ruffles the fur on her head, and she circles his legs until she's perfectly at his heel as Val waves him into the house. 

Steve's stomach swirls with worry as he sits at the kitchen table, and Beans must be able to tell because she rests her chin on his leg as he pets her head gently. Steve laughs awkwardly, "Thanks for letting me come over. I know you're both gonna be so busy with everything now. I just wanted to speak to you both while the kids were at school" His voice drops to a whisper, "Speaking of which...Did you tell the kids yet?"

Val nods in response, "Oh yes, Jenny reminded me that you are almost as bad at keeping delicious secrets as I am. They also had The Talk again," Val adds, "Plus a little extra about it being early. Thought I'd let you know in case you get any questions fired your way about it.”

“Right, got it” Steve nods as Val hands him a very uncharacteristic mug of hot chocolate. Steve’s eyes move to his in question.

“For your nerves, Steven,” Val says fondly, sits opposite and looks from side to side before leaning over the table and dropping his voice to a whisper. “Don’t worry. Your Valentino has been putting in the groundwork for you.” He makes a sure upside-down smile expression on his face, “We’ve got this covered. It only occurred to me the other day that, in some ways, you and I are similar, and I thought maybe Jenny and Eddie might have similarities too. Common ground, even if it is just caring fiercely about you?”

Steve’s stomach swirling turns to a full-blown spin cycle, “Oh Christ, Val. I didn't even think about that. This is going to be so bad.” Steve whimpers quietly.

Valentino tuts and amps up his accent. “No, Steven. Listen to Valentino. It’s going to be ok. She doesn't want to ruin anything for you.”

“Oh no, it’s not that, Val. You don’t understand. You’ve met a much mellower Jenny for the most part” Steve checks over his shoulder and leans in again, “Remember that time Penelope Hasselbank’s mom insulted Corey’s finger painting? Said it looked like a brown blob because he mixed all his paints together?”

Val’s eyes widen as he leans back in his chair, twists the kitchen towel over his shoulder between his fingers, and says quietly in horror, “And then she laughed at it….”

“And then she laughed, Val. For months later, that woman had to continually replace tires because a ‘Masked youth’ kept slashing them, then had to change her cell number because she was getting calls from people asking for a ‘good time’ and to this day, she always looks like she sparkles because of how many times she got glitter bombed at least once a week, at home, at work, on holiday. Remember that?” Steve raises a finger on his hand at Val before submitting the one next to it, “Now times that by two, and put it in the same room.”

“Il mio dio e lo spirito santo” Val says, crossing himself.

“Precisely! Though I trust whatever you’ve done will have helped,” Steve says with as much of a smile as he can muster.

Footsteps approach the kitchen. “Where is he?” Val whispers quickly.

“I’ve hidden him in the back seat of the car,” Steve says, trying not to laugh, but Val's booming laugh makes him completely lose it into a fit of giggles, probably mostly charged by nervous energy.

“And just what are you two laughing about?” Jenny says with a smile leaning in the doorway.

“Nothing!” They reply in unison, and Jenny blows a raspberry.

“Zero out of ten guys. Your worst performance yet.” She sits, and Val brings over her tea, “So Steve, let's hear it.” Val reaches over and taps Steve’s hand in support. 

“Well, as I told you on the phone, things are moving quite quickly between Eddie and me. And I was talking to him the other day about him moving in, but he said he wanted to make sure you and the kids were ok with it first, you know?” Steve manages to look between the table and Jenny, and Val gives him an ok sign of support.

Jenny steeples her fingers and leans forward a little, “Ok.”

“Ok?” Steve asks in surprise.

“Look, I trust you wouldn't put our kids in danger, not for anyone, even if you have clearly gone a little crazy over this guy. I am well aware of how quickly you move, Steve. The kids. I can’t speak for but as far as I’m concerned, ok. On a few conditions though, Steve,” She warns, and Steve gives her his hopeful undivided attention, “If he’s free, and he should make time to be if he’s serious, he attends the dinners, birthday parties, events, whatever. I don't want this guy to be someone I see once and then he changes where I can’t see. He’s in with us, or he’s out, got it?” Steve nods. “He does not ever try to muscle his way in with parenting our kids. Val has coped just fine without treading on your toes. I expect the same from Eddie. I imagine this one goes without saying, but he does not upset our Kids.” Steve shakes his head, “And last of all, he stops hiding in the back seat of your car and gets in here, so I can make my final evaluation.” She says, leaning back in her chair.

Steve and Val exchange a look, and Steve gets out of his seat and scrambles to retrieve Eddie from the car.

Steve can see him lying across the backseat, happily playing that snake game on his phone. Not a care in the world. He gently taps on the window, and Eddie jumps to a sitting position and opens the door.

“Yeah?” He says, looking at Steve with a great big smile.

“Almost,” Steve answers, takes his hand, assists him to his feet, and shuts the car door.

Eddie pulls uncomfortably at the collar of his shirt, “Well, I never thought I’d hear myself say this, Steve. But let's go charm the pants off your ex-wife.”

As they enter the kitchen, Val greets them with a warm smile and pulls out a chair for Eddie, who sits, and Steve can see his hand twitch forward for a handshake, and then he retreats, and it looks as if Jenny and Eddie are assessing one another via silent communication and occasional side-eye. Val and Steve’s eyes ping pong between the two like they are watching tennis.

“Hmmm,” She says, finally, “You swear you won’t, right?” She asks

“Absolutely not! Never again,” Eddie exclaims.

“I’m serious, buddy,” Jenny warns.

“Yeah, well, surprise, me too, actually,” Eddie fires back, gesturing at his clothes and the room. There is an exchange of nods, like two strangers acknowledging another of their own kind.

"Job?"

"My own business. Reading, gaming, music for kids."

"You drink?" She asks

"Not especially. Beers are nice on a hot day, something stronger on a hot date" The corner of Eddie's mouth twitches up for a second.

"Drugs?" She asks, and Steve can feel the sweat forming in his palms.

"Mostly for my nightmares or really shitty days, but never if I'm driving," Eddie says. "And only green. I don't play around with anything else," Eddie says, waving a hand in front of him.

"Kids?"

"Godson," Eddie beams.

"Exes?" She asks, eyeing him carefully.

"Lots, but…er…no ties, all the paperwork is done. I couldn't give them what I'd given to someone else," Eddies says, rubbing his arm awkwardly. Val grips hold of Steve's hand, and as he turns to him, he can see Val's bottom lip quiver. He looks back at Eddie and Jenny quickly before Val starts him off too.

"On the back of that answer, I feel like I need to ask…."

"Negative." Eddie interrupts quickly.

"You got any questions?"

"How long?"

"Did he-" Jenny starts to send a frown towards Steve, but Eddie shakes his head in a no. "A few weeks. Nearly a month." Jenny smiles hugely down at her tummy and runs her hand over it.

"You tried ginger?" Eddie asks gently. Jenny shakes her head. "I don't mean this ask a bribe, but er, after this is over, I can make you the tea my mama taught me."

“Did he ask you to wear this?” Jenny smiles at Eddie.

“Yes!” Eddie complains, unbuttoning the top button of his shirt and finally relaxing in his seat.

“Ah, that explains it” She gestures a hand in a circle over Eddie, “Because this is not what I envisioned. Not to get Steve’s attention anyway,” she laughs.

Eddie leans forward, resting his chin on his fist toward her with a smirk, “Do tell me more about what get’s Steve’s attention. I wish to wield as much power as I can”, he jokes.

“Do you know about the….” Jenny says as she leans over to whisper something to Eddie.

“HEY!” Steve shouts and points a finger at them both, “No, not this. No way. Switch seats immediately!”

“Oh, like you and Tino haven’t been doing this for years.” Eddie gestures at Val. Causing Val to sit a little straighter in his chair as he runs his hands over his slicked-back hair, and Steve nudges at him.

“Ok, easy there, tiger,” Jenny says, laughing at Val’s reaction, before turning back to Eddie, “You know what? It's nice to have an even playing field for once in this house. You’re ok by me so far, Eddie” She smiles. “Welcome to the madness.” She extends her hand across the table, and Eddie shakes it enthusiastically. “Good luck with the kids. They are brutal.”

“You know I might just keep my win for the day and get grilled by those tiny tyrants another day”, Eddie smiles at Jenny, who mirrors it back.

Val kicks Steve under the table, wiggles his eyebrows and mouths “Cute” at him. Steve's instinct is to rush out of his seat and spin Eddie around the kitchen, and he almost does, but he falters and looks back to Val, who smiles reassuringly and nods. Steve isn't really waiting for permission, it's more like he doesn't want to throw something in Jenny's face if it might upset her in some way, but at Val's nod, he's pulling Eddie out of his chair, he's squeezing his face in his hands and pressing their foreheads together. For a moment, all Steve can do is sigh and look at his love. Another easy hurdle. Done. One left, Steve thinks. He can't believe how close he is to dreams becoming a reality again. Maybe's are yes's. Impossible things are possible. As Eddie blinks back at him, unable to speak because his face is still being squeezed, Steve can't help himself, and he kisses him. Just a small chaste one. He didn't want to overdo it. A small sob from the table breaks it off fairly quickly, and Steve turns back to see Val dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief and Jenny consoling him.

"And I'm the hormonal one right now." She laughs, smiling at Eddie and Steve.

"Jennifer! I cannot help it. My heart is overflowing, with romance, with love. It is too much to keep inside. And it's Steven. You know how much I love my Steven!" Val protests through sniffles. "Do you know where my other handkerchief is, my love? This one is done for." Val wipes his eyes and blows his nose loudly as Jenny rolls her eyes and leaves the kitchen.

Steve feels Eddie press closer to him, and his arms squeeze around Steve a little tighter at Val's words. Steve looks amused at Eddie's actions, and Eddie shrugs and laughs a little embarrassed, "Sorry?" he whispers and sneaks his hand into Steve's back pocket, and in return, Steve runs his fingers down Eddie's spine.

"This is my first meeting with your family, babe. Let me at least keep some cool around them," Eddie says quietly out of the corner of his mouth, and just as he finishes the last word to Steve, his face is grabbed by someone else. Val's strong tan hands hold Eddie's face and pinch his cheeks. Steve can tell Eddie is trying to remain composed but is probably internally screaming, and if it had been anyone else, Steve probably would have stepped in to save him, but it was Val, and really, Eddie was just going to have to get used to it. Which, ultimately, he surely would, as they were just as space invasive as one another.

"Look at you, uh? You take good care of my Steven now. He's very special to me." Steve looks at them both, and though Eddie is the essence of cool on the outside, Steve can feel the tension in his arm. "Having said that, he didn't make it tough for me, so I won't make it tough for you here." Valentino flashes his huge pearly white smile, but then something happens that Steve hasn't seen before. He laughs and shakes his head before fixing Eddie with a look, "Unless you make me. Capisce?" Eddie nods, and Steve can see Eddie analysing Val's face, and he lets him and leans in to say quietly as he twists the gold ring on his pinky finger, "My cousin Frankie owns a lotta bars in Chi-town, Eddie. Said you are one hell of a guitar player." Eddie gulps, and Steve feels the nervousness spread to him. He isn't sure how much Val appeared to know, but Steve hadn't told him about Eddie's past. Then Val's eyes flick up to Steve's, and he gives him a fond smile, "But if it's right by Steven, it's right by me." And with that, he turns back to Eddie, grabs him by the shoulders and kisses him on each cheek, "Welcome to the family, Eddie," he says, tapping his face playfully.

"I got you this one, hon-" Jenny says as she re-enters the room. "Now, what are you boys up to?" She says with a laugh, and Val rushes over and scoops her into his arms and plants kisses all over her face until she's pushing him away.

Eddie turns to Steve and whispers, "I think, they might be just as crazy as us, babe"  Steve thinks back to how quickly things happened between Val and Jenny and smiles hugely. If they felt the way he did about Eddie, he was so happy he didn't make any of it a problem for them, and maybe that's why they were being so open to the situation now, because they understood it, in a way. Steve thanks the ceiling again for blessing him with such luck.

"Yeah, I think they might just be," He says before kissing Eddie on the forehead.

They sit back at the table, some small talk is passed around, and Steve moves his chair right next to Eddie's. Eddie reaches for his hand under the table, and though maintaining the outward appearance of cool, calm, and collected, he can feel how excited he is about all of this as the grip on his hand pulses with tight squeezes. Steve leaves it that way for a little while, and once the squeezes are a little softer, he puts their joined hands on the table. Eddie glances bashfully out of the corner of his eye at him, and Jenny gives him a smile and nod, but then suddenly, her face changes, and she speed walks out of the room. Val chases after her.

"Was she like this with the other two?" Eddie asks, a little concerned, as Steve almost follows her, getting out of his seat, but Val waves him down kindly and runs after her.

"A little, just on a few mornings, but they both look pretty tired. I don't think it's like before," Steve says, deeply concerned.

"Listen, it might not work, but I was pretty anxious when I was a kid, and nausea was ruining my tiny little life. My mom used to fix me this ginger drink. I made it for Alice a few times too. It seemed to work then. So if it's ok, and you know where everything is, we could make her some. Or I can make it, and you could, uh, write it down?" Steve tears his eyes from the doorway to Eddie, and although he didn't think it possible five minutes ago, his whole being is filled with even more love for his man. He almost gets lost looking at him. He was so perfect. The noise from the bathroom brings Steve back to Earth, and he helps Eddie find the ingredients and grabs some notepaper and a pen.

Eddie makes two things, one in a pot simmering on the stove, another he employs a cocktail shaker and some crushed ice for, and splits it into four glasses topping up with soda water and sets them on the table.

Steve holds the jug and sieve whilst Eddie pours in the ginger honey, lemon and mint tea from the huge pot, and he can't help himself, "Where did they make you?" He asks softly.

Eddie looks more intensely at the jug, and a sweet shy smile creeps over his face, "If most people were to be believed by the devil himself," he says in his best Walter Cronkite voice and laughs.

"Yeah, if only they could see you now, going out of your way to help someone you've known for less than an hour," Steve says dreamily before he accidentally says aloud, "I can't believe I get to call you mine," and immediately shuts up.

Eddie freezes, and a huge smile spreads across his face as he tries to hold back a laugh, “Did you mean to say that out loud, babe?”

Steve concentrates fiercely on the jug and sieve, "Well…I meant it, but maybe it was supposed to fall out of my mouth like that." He grimaces awkwardly.

Eddie puts the pot down, takes the sieve away from him, dumps its contents, and puts the lid on the jug to cool on the counter before returning to Steve, who is busying himself with the things in the sink. Soon he feels Eddie's hand cradling his jaw and turns his head to face him. Eddie looks deeply into his eyes and says gently, "I don't mind you getting a little shy sometimes, it's actually kinda cute, but we spoke about this. You can tell me anything ok, you don't need to be worried. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere unless you ask me to. Even if you say the dorkiest things imaginable, I'll still love you" He smiles and pecks a kiss at Steve's lips, "Maybe even especially when you say the dorkiest things" He chuckles, "I'm not gonna fight you on it, but I feel lucky too. How many people get to go back to rekindle a first true love and find it's even better than they imagined? I don't know any, do you?" Eddie asks, kissing his cheek, and Steve shakes his head, words altogether leaving him again as he gazes at Eddie lazily. “We’re gonna make it. We are making it happen, and honestly, I can’t believe our luck. Your family is just so great. They really care about you. I really care about you. I love you,” he says, poking Steve in the chest before smoothing over it with his hand, “So stop worrying!” he says, widening his eyes and waiting for a nod of confirmation from Steve, which of course, he obliges with.

"Sorry about that, guys. The sickness is pretty awful this time. I'm hoping it's temporary," Jenny apologises as Val helps her to her seat, "Is this the drink?" Steve can hear that innocent, hopeful tone in her voice, and he figures it really must be bad.

Eddie bustles around and shows them the jar in the fridge by opening it for a second, “In here is the tea, and in front of you is just a sort of mixer, cooler thing. Pretty much the same ingredients, just much quicker to make.” There is a sort of pause as they all migrate towards the table. Eddie looks a little nervous, so Steve picks up his drink and takes a big gulp. It wasn't the greatest thing he’d ever tasted in his life, but honestly, Eddie could make him a million weird drinks, and he’d at least try every single one. Val follows Steve's lead.

"Well, that packs quite a punch, Eddie," Val says with a big smile, "Let's take a look at Steven's list here" Val takes a look over the instructions, "Looks safe to me, mia cara. Wanna check?" Eddie fidgets with his rings, and the way his mouth twitches, Steve can tell he is dying to say something.

"You know Eddie made this for his housemate who was pregnant. She had a healthy baby, right?" Steve takes over, and Eddie nods with a smile and stops fidgeting, "Also, Eddie here drank it a lot as a kid, right, honey?" Steve reaches for Eddie's hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze.

"Yeah, that's right. I mean, maybe don't sell it on how I turned out, but I got this far, so" Eddie laughs and takes a drink, and Jenny looks between the three of them. "Take no notice of these guys if you don't feel safe drinking it. I understand you've only just met me, so zero offence taken." Eddie sends her a warm smile across the table. 

"Honestly, I'm desperate for some help," She replies, looking longingly at the glass, "Sleep is like rocking horse shit. But, you know, I’ll check with the doctor. I’m sure it's fine. I just," She glances over at Val, “I don’t wanna take any chances.” Val scoops up her hands in his own and kisses each one, her eyelids droop a little, and she lets out a small yawn.

Steve takes that as an indicator to leave, he even offers to have the kids a few days earlier, but Jenny declines, not wanting the new baby to cause changes so early when she promised it wouldn’t. So they make their new affectionate goodbyes and head home.

As they drive back, Steve notices Eddie fidgeting with his rings again, “Everything ok, honey?” Steve asks and puts his hand on his knee.

“Yeah, really good,” Eddie replies, and Steve relaxes hearing the grin in his voice, “Just, uh, this kinda lame,” he huffs out a laugh, “I’m just, um, excited, you know? About all this, and it's weird.” 

“Like, weird, how exactly?” Steve asks, mostly amused with a garnish of worry.

He feels Eddie’s hand cover his, “I just am finding it a little strange, to, um, be looking forward to things, to have hope and life not kick me in the nuts for once. Told you it was lame.” He punctuates it with an adorable dorky little snort.

“What did I tell you that first night? No more struggling. You get everything you want because I’m gonna do whatever I can to make it happen, ok?” He wiggles his fingers so they slot between Eddie’s a little. “I know we’ve still got the kids to go, but I think it's gonna be fine. They already like you, so worst-case scenario, I have to not have you in my bed every night for a week. Which, ok, already sounds like hell on earth,” Steve hears Eddie chuckle, “but it would only be overnight, and I could always make up for it the week after, maybe?” Steve inquires suggestively.

“Well, I guess that doesn’t sound too bad” Eddie flexes his fingers so they grip Steve’s hand. “You know, the only thing I really want,” Steve feels Eddie fidget with their hands for a moment before he feels the warm metal slip over his finger, “Is to be yours and stay that way. Forever. No matter what.” Eddie sighs, and he feels the ring on his finger get removed and replaced with another. “I don't much like religion, honestly, but all those things they list, richer, poorer, in sickness or in health, for better or worse, to love until death tears us apart. That’s what I want.” 

“Then that's what you’ll have, my love,” Steve says gently and continues to let Eddie test his rings on him, “But I mean, if death tears us apart, you best believe I’m gonna haunt you. I’m gonna haunt you so hard, and if you meet someone else, I will terrorise them.” Eddie laughs a little too hard for Steve’s liking. “You think I wouldn't? You think that I would just watch it happen. Hell no! Once I’m dead, Eddie, I don't have to be a good person anymore. I can act exactly as I would like, and scaring the shit out of all your future potential love interests would be not only the top of my list, it might be the entire list, except for maybe checking in on the kids.” Eddie is still laughing.

“Oh, I wasn’t laughing at that. I was laughing because you think someone would still be here to haunt. You think that at your funeral, I wouldn’t dramatically throw myself down there with you? You’re crazy!” Eddie chuckles and removes the ring from Steve’s hand.

The next few days are spent in various love nests around the house, making plans, designing a studio for Eddie, marking out the road trip plan for next year, watching movies, dancing, play fighting, eating supper by candlelight, star gazing on inflatables in the pool after eating some of the special brownies Eddie made. Steve feels like Eddie has weaved his magic and encapsulated their home in a great big bubble of love.

Sunday arrives, and they spend the morning transferring all of Eddie’s things back into the RV. Which initially starts out as a team effort until Eddie picks up his acoustic guitar and decides to follow Steve around, serenading him with Happy Together by The Turtles, With A Girl(Guy) Like You by The Troggs, Oh, Pretty Woman(Steven) by Roy Orbison, and Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen, whilst Steve does the transfer of things. Suddenly most of Steve’s neighbours have front lawn or driveway projects to do, though he notices not a lawn mower to be heard, just Eddie’s voice and guitar ringing out down the street. Sure, Steve should be a little annoyed that he was doing all the sad, hard work and maybe even a little embarrassed about the attention of the street, but Eddie’s theatrics had won him over on the first strum. He knows he’s lost so many memories, but he will never forget this. Steve wonders how many more memories they’ll make together, and his heart blossoms with possibilities. Memories with their big extended family, memories with the kids, and things that they might tell their grandkids about.

It makes the day a little bittersweet. 

Eddie had thought he’d take the chance to go back and check in on Wayne. Unfortunately, Jack had taken a turn for the worse. He was declining rapidly and was being moved to a care home by his kids. Wayne contemplated going with Jack but didn't want to admit defeat. By giving up their home, he felt he was giving up a place for them to return to, so he was travelling to and from the place every day, and Eddie suspected he was just gonna tucker himself out.

Their goodbye takes much longer than either of them intended. Steve tries to savour every feature, look, touch, and sound he can absorb from Eddie. He wanted them embossed into his brain and skin, so he would never be without them.

They part ways at the end of the driveway, and Steve heads to pick up the kids and Beans to bring them home.

On arrival, he gets a massive hug from Jenny, which was destined for Eddie because his ginger tea drink works like a charm, but as he isn't here, Steve agrees he will happily pass it on for her. The kids bundle into the car, shoving their new schedules at Steve as they pass. For most of the journey home, the kids appear to be in their respective headphone universes, but occasionally he’d hear whispering, but every time he glances in the mirror, they go back to looking out of their windows. Something suspicious was afoot, and Steve would get to the bottom of it one way or another.

“What are you two plotting back there?” Steve says, looking in the mirror and narrowing his eyes at them.

“Plotting? Us? Together? NEVER!” Corey says with a laugh.

“Oh please, I can hear you whispering!” he tries again, looking at Zee for a second.

“Look, you’ll see, ok? OW! Corey!” Zee exclaims.

“Don’t blow it for us! Make him wait a little. He can sweat about the unknown for a bit,” Corey says seriously, and Steve has to swallow a laugh.

“Fine, be like that!” Steve says with pure mischief running through his veins, and he turns up the car stereo as loud as it will go before distortion, winds down the window and starts singing along loudly, which just happens to be Sisqo’s Thong Song. He doesn’t know most of the lyrics, but he makes up some of his own and sings even louder in the bits he knows.

The kids start to complain and protest, but Steve cups his hand to his ear and shakes his head, “WHATS THAT? NO, SORRY, CANT HEAR YOU. WAIT UNTIL WE GET HOME, YEAH?!” and then continues to sing along with whatever he can until they get home.

As they pull up onto the drive, the kids and Beans rush for the door, but Steve can see something wrapped around the knocker on the front door.

Zee turns to him, confused, and holds the tag attached, “It’s for you, Dad.”

Steve makes his way over, arms laden with bags, but when he gets there, Zee nudges Corey, and they take them from him. He lifts the gift tag attached to the red ribbon and reads it. 

I’m sorry I had to go. I hope this makes sure you won't forget me. E x

P.S. Hold on tight

Steve pulls the tag and ribbon from the door knocker, steps in front of the kids to open the door, and gasps audibly.

There are heart balloons on the ceiling, all different colours and sizes, each with a ribbon floating all the way to the floor, with a red rose attached to the bottom. Beans completely forgets her routine and begins sniffing a trail between each one. There are fifteen in total. Steve rushes to the kitchen to put them in a vase but walks in to find it is already occupied by a colossal rainbow bouquet. Around its base, tied in a neckerchief knot, is Eddie’s favourite bandana. 

“What is wrong with this guy?” Corey laughs, helping to collect some of the ones around the TV area.

“I think it's kinda sweet, right, Dad?” Zee asks, collecting the ones near the stairs.

Steve is busy, carefully folding up the threadbare black and white bandana into a pocket square that he puts in his blazer pocket, “I think you both are correct.” he manages to say, carefully swallowing down the emotions threatening to overwhelm him.

“Say, Dad?” he hears Corey’s voice a lot nearer now, “Can we talk to you about all this?”

Steve feels the dread start to rise in him, this could be the beginning of an impossible decision, but he knew the answer would always be his children. They were his priority, even up against the love of his life. He tucks the bandana down, hiding it in his pocket out of sight and turns around with a big smile.

“Of course,” he says and turns to have two bundles of balloons thrust at him from his kids, which he gathers up and puts on the side.

They sit on one side of the table, steepling their fingers, looking at him intensely. Steve sits in a chair opposite them, feeling like he’s been called into the principal's office for something. They look at one another, and then Corey nods towards Steve, and as they turn back, Zee speaks.

“Sooooo, we’ve basically overheard Val and Mom talking, and we have some questions,” Zee says gently.

Steve tries not to, but he gulps along with his, “Ok, sure, ask anything you like.”

As the words leave his mouth, Corey pulls out a notebook and pencil, tears out the top page  and pushes it towards Zee. He is then laser-focused on Steve with his pencil poised. Steve looks between the two of them and wonders which one is the good cop and which is the bad cop.

“So, first of all. Whilst we haven't been here, Eddie has been living here, right?” Zee asks, and Steve replies with a nod. Corey begins scribbling something down, and Steve can't help but be distracted by it.

“And he’s been, what, staying in the guest room?” Zee asks, eyebrows raised, and Steve thinks about lying, but he shakes his head in a no, and the pencil scribbling starts up again. 

Steve quickly defends his actions, “But it’s not what you think. I’ve known Eddie a long time and-”

“Please, Dad, just answer the questions we give you. No need to elaborate unless asked, ok?” Zee interrupts him.

“So you and Eddie are in love, right?” Zee asks.

“Yes.” Steve answers, “But you see, if I could just explain, things like this don't normally happen this quickly, it's just that-”

“Are you hard of hearing? A simple yes or no is sufficient for our investigation, ok?!” Corey says in a new york accent as he hits the table, making Steve and Zee jump. Clearly, Corey is Bad Cop. 

“Well, let’s not get overly dramatic about it, Cor, geez. He’s already nervous!” Zee frowns and turns back to her paper. “Corey, I think the answer to this next one is obvious. It feels a little redundant to ask.”

“Could you just stick to the plan for once, please?! The answer may be obvious, but his micro-expressions might give away something else.” Corey complains.

“Fine!” Zee rolls her eyes and focuses back on Steve, “Are you serious about one another? For example, this is not just some kind of whirlwind romance thing?”

Steve folds his arms, and Corey’s pencil scratches away, so he quickly unfolds them again, “Er, yeah, very serious. Write that down.” Steve replies pointing at Corey’s pad.

“Cor, this one is stupid. It's been a week. They haven't got this far.” Zee complains with a sigh, but Corey ignores her, so she reluctantly reads it out, “Do you intend to marry him?” Steve pulls a face like the answer is obvious, and Zee smiles smugly, “See?!”

“Yes, I do.” Steve answers, and Zee’s jaw drops.

“What did I tell you?! I knew it! This is crazy, so fucking crazy,” Corey says, vindicated.

“Hey, you’ll watch your language, young man!” Steve interjects, pointing at Corey firmly.

“Sorry,” Corey says a little sheepishly.

“Ok, well, I’m assuming you want him to move in then?” Zee says with a tone and look of disbelief.

Steve sighs, leans over, and takes one of their hands in his own, “Listen, I like Eddie. Yeah, I love him. I’d love to have him live here, but not without your blessing.” Steve says genuinely, looking at them both compassionately. “There are plenty of other arrangements we could come to. Eddie was the person that actually brought it up. He didn't want to do anything that made you guys or your Mom uncomfortable. He knows he’s new to you all. He’s not gonna just waltz in here and take over your lives or home, ok? You are my priority. Always.” Steve gives their hands a squeeze.

Corey tilts his head to the side, “That's great to know, Dad, but we are more than aware of how obsessed with us you are. Like, I mean, Eddie could be doing us a bit of favour, taking up some of that attention, honestly.” he lets out a little laugh. Steve half smiles with a frown.

“You aren’t worried about that?” Steve asks, looking between them.

“No,” Zee laughs, “Not at all. We just wanted to make sure you were keeping your heart safe. That’s all. We heard…well overheard, that he broke your heart before, and we talked about it and thought we’d just ask, you know?”

Steve shuts his eyes for a moment to stop the tears welling up. He hadn't accomplished a lot off his own back in this lifetime. He was mainly fortunate and managed to land on his feet. But as his two children sit before him, he can see his lifetime achievement right there. Two brilliant, sassy, funny, talented, confident, thoughtful kids and his heart could just burst. He clears his throat, hoping the lump developing in it will dissipate.

“That was a long time ago. We were young, and it was more complicated back then than it is now. Eddie-” Steve tries to defend.

“Eddie can answer for his crimes when we see him next!” Corey says in his new york cop voice again.

“What? He’s gotta go through this too?” Steve says in surprise.

“Oh yeah!” Zee laughs, “We’ve drawn up a roommate contract for him too.” 

[cherryxsimz]

delphi holiday for @simvicii‘s Alex Goth BC!

Neat / Perfectionist / Creative

26 years old / 175cm / Heterosexual / Libra

full bio under the cut

Backstory

Well, where to begin? You could say Delphi grew up in a pretty privileged home. Her Mother, Pearl, a successful jewellery brand owner and manufacturer, and Father, Michael, a (now) retired stockbroker, Delphi has pretty big shoes to fill. She grew up living the upper-class city teenage “dream”. Though her childhood was easy, not ever needing to do things for herself and always having someone do it for her, Delphi’s life wasn’t perfect. She is an only child, and her relationship with her parents was distant and almost cold at times as she often felt like priority number #847. Her Father’s continual unfaithfulness to her Mother made arguments a regular show under their big, beautiful, expensive roof. When Pearl wasn’t working or looking at herself in the mirror, she would be screaming at Michael about some woman she found out he took to dinner the night before and then took out on his expensive boat to drink champagne and forget about his family with. Pearl would often result to self medication with wine. Despite their bad relationship, Pearl & Michael wouldn’t separate until Delphi finished high school. 

Delphi tried hard in school, usually to escape feelings of being unwanted and “a pest”, and no matter how good her grades were, she never seemed to impress her parents the way she’d hoped. Though this didn’t stop her from always trying her hardest. She always loved writing, drawing and fashion from a young age, keeping countless diaries and raiding her Mother’s jewellery box and dresser. She also loved sketching outfit ideas with jewellery on models in her dairies.

Delphi also had a tough time making friends in school. She did have some friends, but no one she felt she really “clicked” with, usually falling out of touch with every friend she made. She always put school work first and rarely went out on the weekends, never having much of a love-life either (she didn’t have a great male model for men). She blamed her parents for her social habits and feared for a long time it may be due to her inheriting their heartless tendencies and perhaps she was destined for the same mundane future. It was when Delphi graduated high school she decided she would never let herself fall into the same toxic life her parents lived. The day she turned 18 she walked out of her family home and didn’t look back. She was dux of her year achieving exceptional grades, meaning she was able to get into just about anything, but she decided her passion laid in journalism.

After graduating at college with a Bachelor of Journalism, Delphi got a job and still works as a magazine editor at The Plumbob Times in the style & fashion sector. She lives in a small and stylish apartment in San Myshuno with her cat Jekyll. Now 26 with her career in full swing and still going strong, Delphi realised she missed a whole chunk of her life that could of resulted in a partner and a family because she devoted all her time to study and work. She is now very nervous but determined to get back into the dating scene, hoping to find the love of her life.

Facts

Delphi is very “set in her ways”, she loves her routine of getting up early, going for a run, getting a coffee (black, 2 shots), going to work, coming home, feeding Jekyll, writing a bit, making dinner, pouring a wine & watching a drama tv show or reading a book/magazine

Don’t be fooled with her neat trait being “good”, if she sees any kind of mess anywhere in the house, she wiLL NOT HESITATE IN THROWING HANDS

While fairly stubborn, Delph is always open to reasoning in arguments and likes understanding every perspective

Grew up in Newcrest, now lives in San Myshuno (big city girl)

She is very self-critical, and will only submit work she is 100% happy with

She’s a big cat person!

She is very inexperienced with men and hasn’t ever had a proper boyfriend, although she has had very occasional flings. Her view on dating is rather tainted, as the only role models she had were her parents, but she is optimistic she can find a good-hearted person.

Loves everything about pearls

Has 1 make it or break it rule: be honest & truthful

She’ll try anything once

Fave colour is black hehe

Don’t ask her to do any kind of physical sport or task because she WILL fail miserably, she is extremely unco

Doesn’t speak to her parents anymore (maybe once/twice a year on special occasions)

[sluttyminghao]

when at an awards show... | w.jh x h.vc

w.c: 4.2k genre: smut! pairing: junhui x vernon x fem!reader contains: dom!junhui, dom!vernon, sub!reader, cockwarming, degradation kink, praise kink, slight mentions of mirror sex, also a little bit of car sex oop, sex without protection (please wear protection tho), a bit of spitroasting too?  warnings: alcohol mention right at the beginning :) a/n: for my darling @junsol​ on her birthday, i hope you enjoy reading this as much as i enjoyed writing it! thank you for giving me the opportunity to do this ily!

The room was dimly lit and the idol awards show was well underway, but your mind was elsewhere. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to be there to support your best friends and their achievements, but you could think of other things you could be doing with your time, rather than sitting for hours on end listening to the hosts ramble on about meaningless topics.

You sighed and looked down at your drink, swirling the orange substance around in the glass before picking it up and taking a large swig, and setting the almost empty glass back down afterwards. The slight burn from the alcohol made shivers run down your spine, and you couldn’t help but smile at the warm feeling that spread throughout your veins.

“Hey, are you okay?” A deep voice rumbled from next to you, making your head lift to face whoever was asking. When your eyes finally adjusted to the darkness, you let a lopsided grin take over your face when Junhui’s beautiful features came into view. A small smile appeared on his face when you nodded your head slightly, before resting your head on his shoulder.

Junhui was probably the closest to you out of all the band members; he had seen you at your highest points and your lowest and was always the most sincere and genuine towards you. If you were completely honest with yourself as well, you’d probably had the biggest crush on him ever since you had first met. It didn’t help in the slightest that his naturally flirtatious nature made your heartbeat a thousand times faster, and send a blush to your cheeks that didn’t go unnoticed by him.

“I just wish I could go home right now,” you pouted, reaching out to play with Junhui’s fingers. He scoffed and lifted your head towards his so that your eyes were peering into his own. “You want to go home? Do you think I want to be here? I’d much rather be back at the dorms with you, snuggled up in my bed,” he retorted, and his words not only brought a blush to your cheeks but also a wave of arousal flowing throughout your body.

The banter between you and Junhui was always like this; bickering with an underlying tone of flirtation that was just enough to make the other members roll their eyes or tell you to take it elsewhere. Only one person didn’t complain about it, Vernon, with whom you were also particularly close. He would always tease you about the flirtatious banter, but his eyes would show hints of jealousy every time he spoke with you afterwards.

It confused you, to say the least.

“You think we would just be snuggled up in bed? I thought for sure you’d want to go further than that,” you replied with a smug smile, making Junhui tense up. He chose to not reply and instead placed a hand on your exposed thigh, squeezing the flesh gently. Your and went to rest atop of his, lacing your fingers through his and sighing softly at the contact.

From across the table, you briefly caught eyes with Vernon, whose expression was unreadable. He cocked a brow at you as if to ask something along the lines of ‘what are you looking at?’ but the small smirk that graced his features told you that his expression meant something else. His eyes darted down to your phone as if to tell you to check your texts, so you picked up your phone and your eyes squinted as they adjusted to the sudden bright light of the screen.

A simple text from Vernon, but it made your whole body heat up as you read and re-read the message. 

‘You’re acting a little bratty right now, trying to impress someone? Or just doing it to be an attention whore?’

Another glance up and you noticed that Vernon had disappeared from his place at the table, and your eyes found him walking towards the bathrooms. Deciding to follow him, you quickly excused yourself and earned a wink from Junhui, before you were making quick steps towards the bathroom in hopes to catch your close friend.

You and Vernon had previously had a small fling that only lasted a few weeks, but your friendship overruled and you mutually decided to remain friends. While you enjoyed being friends with him, you couldn't help the spark of excitement you would feel whenever he let his hand linger on yours, or if he sat a little too close to you when you watched movies. 

He was closer than you thought he was as you made your way down the hallway he had disappeared into, as you were quickly pulled by the arm into an empty room, a small yelp leaving your lips before a hand was covering your mouth, and you panicked even more. “Relax, it’s just me,” Vernon hissed, letting his hand off your mouth and taking his hand off your arm.

“What the hell, man? Why did you drag me into this room-” your complaints and worries were immediately cut off by Vernon pressing his lips to yours hurriedly, pulling your body flush against his own. Instinctively, your hands wrapped around his neck and let yourself melt into his touch, making a smug smirk pull to his lips. 

“I love your lips. You taste amazing, I’ve wanted to do this for so long,” he whispered between kisses, letting his hands fall from your waist to your ass and squeezing. You could only sigh softly against his mouth in response before he was pressing himself to your mouth again, letting his tongue press against yours and meld as if you were one person.

He tasted vaguely of peppermints, and you couldn’t say you didn't like it.

Vernon pulled away from you briefly, letting you both catch your breath while he adjusted his suit. “Well, that was hot, have room for one more?” another voice filtered through the room and made both you and Vernon jump before you both turned to see Junhui leaning against the doorframe, eyebrow cocked and his lips upturned into a smirk. He walked towards you both, and you couldn't help but feel small under his burning gaze.

“I-it’s not what it looks like,” you began, letting your body back up against the wall. The older man laughed and rolled his eyes, before moving quickly to stand in front of you, while Vernon stared at him slack-jawed. “Sure, you say that, but I saw the text that Vernon sent you and it looks pretty suspicious if you ask me,” he chuckled, holding your phone out to you between his thumb and middle finger. You couldn’t help the burn that covered your cheeks and spread throughout your body.

“What are you even doing here?” Vernon questioned, putting his hands in his pockets and looking towards his friend. “I volunteered to come and look for you both since you’d be gone for a while, and I’ve gotta say, it looks like you two were having some fun though,” Jun let one of his hands reach out to tuck a strand of your hair behind your ear, only making your skin burn up once more.

“And why would you care, hm? I don't think whatever we decide to do is your business… But if you're so curious, yeah, we were having a great time.” You began, studying his face to see how he would react, quickly glancing at Vernon from over your shoulder, who did nothing but look at you with a smirk filled with amusement before you bit your lip and winked at him, just to tease Junhui. "I couldn't help it, Junnie… Vernon has such hot and warm lips… Whenever I see him, I can't control myself. He's such a good kisser, makes my head spin." You sighed, feeling your body go warm just thinking about it. “And also, although you're so handsome and hot yourself, you're just bark and no bite. I doubt you could ever gather the courage to put me on my knees like him." You pouted, grazing your pointer finger over the side of his neck, his eyes following your every action. "He can make me submit to him in a heartbeat, he knows how to be in charge… But you? Junnie… You're just my soft, flirty friend, aren't you?” You spoke cockily, making Junhui’s brows furrow in clear annoyance.

The room fell silent for a few beats before Junhui was walking forward and pressing his body against yours, large hand squeezing your cheeks and forcing your face up to meet his dark, lustful orbs and letting his breath fan across your neck.

"I can see you're testing your luck tonight, baby. You have such a sharp tongue." He spoke darkly, a breathy chuckle erupting from his throat as the pads of his fingers wandered from your jaw, to down your neck and collarbones, setting your skin aflame. "I never thought our first time would be like this, I must admit… But since you're having such an attitude, I might as well teach you that you shouldn't use that pretty mouth for anything other than sucking on my dick as soon as I ask you to."

Your breathing became hitched as he let his lips skim across your jaw, and you wondered if he had locked the door before he came inside. Vernon kept watching the scene in front of him, secretly loving the bickering between the two of you.

“Did you lock the door?” You asked breathily, your fingers brushing through Junhui’s soft strands of hair. You knew where this was going.

“Now where’s the fun in that? Maybe I want people to walk in here and see how much of a mess you are once we’re done with you,” his voice was like velvet as he spoke, and sent shivers cascading down your spine. It was no secret how aroused he was already, feeling his rock hard cock pressing against your stomach, but to be fair, you weren't any better.

You could hardly form a coherent sentence towards him when he nipped at your skin, a pretty pink mark blooming where his teeth had been. His nimble fingers moved your dress straps down your arms and exposed your breasts, a low whistle coming from his lips at the sight. “God, how have I gone this long without seeing these gorgeous breasts of yours?” He hissed under his breath, immediately dipping his head down to nip at the buds.

~~~~

Vernon stood a few feet away from you, feeling his erection grow when he saw how your body reacted to Junhui’s actions. He couldn’t help himself but to move forward and let his hands reach out to play with the bud of your free breast, making a whine spill past your lips. “You look so pretty like this, you’re so hot,” he murmured, and your skin burned at the compliment, making both men chuckle.

“Now, we don’t have a lot of time in here, doll, so let’s make this quick. I want you to come and sit your pretty ass on this couch and pull your dress up for me,” Junhui whispered the words against your lips, making heat pool in your abdomen, and you felt as if your legs were jelly when you finally made your way to the couch he was referring to. 

You made quick work of pulling up your dress, feeling more exposed than ever in front of your two best friends. The lust clouding your mind overthrew those feelings, and it wasn’t long before Junhui was kneeling in front of you, a small smile hanging on his face. He let his lips linger over the top of yours, captivating your senses and your being until you couldn’t take the pressure and pressed your lips to his heatedly. There was a clash of teeth and tongue and he took the opportunity to slide his hand down and play with your soaking folds, eliciting a gasp from you and the men couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Look at how needy you are for us, and we’ve hardly even done anything,” Vernon chuckled, letting his hands roam across your upper body while Junhui pulled away and focused on your swollen bud. You didn’t even have the chance to react to their ministrations before Junhui was letting his tongue dart out to collect your juices. A loud moan passed your lips but was silenced quickly by Vernon placing a hand over your mouth. “Can’t be too loud here, babe, we don’t want to get caught now, do we?”

With the way they were both teasing you, it wasn’t long until you were on the brink of orgasm and begging for a release. “P-please...need to cum!” Your pleas were muffled by Vernon’s large palm still, and he gave you a stern look that said that if you were to cum, they wouldn’t let you cum again. “Just relax, baby, don’t cum yet and you’ll get a bigger reward afterwards,” Junhui cooed, sucking little love bites into the skin of your inner thigh.

It took all of your willpower to not cum, and they finally cut you some slack when they both pulled away from you, letting you catch your breath. You whined as your powerful orgasm ebbed away, but it wasn’t long until another flow of arousal was coating your inner thighs as you watched both men pull their cock out of their suit pants and pumped, letting small pearlescent beads of pre-cum gather on the tip. Your mouth watered at the sight, and you just knew that no matter who was inside of you, you’d end up walking funny for at least three days.

“Ass up in the air sweetheart, see that mirror that’s hanging on the wall there?” Junhui tilted his head in the direction of the floor-length mirror, which you had seemingly missed in your hurry to get their lips on you. You nodded and turned your head back to Junhui, who smirked and shifted your body so that you were facing the mirror, and you could see how truly fucked out you had become from these two men.

Vernon situated himself behind you and smoothed a hand down your back, making sure that you were in a comfortable position and wouldn’t get too many marks on your body to seem suspicious. You could feel his erection pressing against your thigh, and you couldn’t help but wiggle your ass at him and whine loudly, getting impatient.

“Please fuck me! I’ve been so good for you, I’ll even suck your dick later!” You pleaded, giving him the best possible puppy dog eyes you could muster up in your given position. Without a warning, he had thrust the tip of his cock into you, before pulling out in a teasing manner. You whined even louder, letting your frustrations be known to both of the men, before Junhui finally stepped in front of you, cock in hand. “I know a good way to get you to shut up, whore, open up that pretty mouth for me and get to work,” he spat, letting his pre-cum stain your lips before pushing the tip inside of your welcoming mouth, bobbing eagerly up and down the first half of his erection.

While you focussed your attention on Junhui’s cock inside of your mouth, Vernon took the opportunity to slide his cock the rest of the way inside of you, your moans and whines of appreciation reverberating around Junhui’s cock and in turn, letting a hiss leave Junhui’s lips. “Fuck, your mouth feels amazing,” he murmured, thrusting his hips into your mouth and causing you to choke on his thick cock. Vernon’s hips never let up inside of you either, thrusting deep inside of you and hitting all of the right places. A small glance into the mirror showed tears running down your face and your makeup ruined, but neither of the boys seemed to care. 

You were going to be in so much trouble after this.

Vernon’s cock was thick and long, and with the way he was thrusting erratically, he brought you to orgasm relatively quickly and sending you into a spiral of incoherent babbles and leg spasms. You had also taken the time to deepthroat Junhui’s cock, taking as much of him as possible and doing your best to stroke any remaining shaft that you couldn’t take. The feelings were becoming too much, and your mouth was becoming slack. 

“Fuck, she’s getting tighter, I think she’s gonna cum,” Vernon rasped, spanking your ass before doubling his pace, making a cry fall from your lips as the feelings of your orgasm began to wash over you. Your vision turned white as your orgasm turned your body rigid, Junhui’s cock fell from your lips and you couldn’t stop the moans from escaping you, even more so when you heard Vernon’s loud groan as he came too, filling your walls with his hot cum.

When you finally regained your vision, you saw Junhui smiling softly at you, and wiping your cheek to rid it of some of your mascara. “You did so well, sweetheart, so well for us,” he hummed, letting you rest for a while before helping you to stand. 

When you stared at your gaze in the mirror, you knew that if you bumped into anyone on the way back to the table, that they would instantly know what you had been up to. While Vernon adjusted himself in his boxers and fixed up his suit, you glanced over at Junhui, who very clearly still had a raging erection since you didn’t get to finish him off.

“Don’t you wanna cum too?” You asked him, letting your palm land against his clothed erection and begin to rub gently. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh through his nose, holding back on a groan before opening his eyes again and reaching for your hand. “I do, so badly, but I wanna be inside of you, and I have a plan, don’t worry,” he replied, kissing the palm of your hand before helping you to straighten your dress and fix up your hair so it doesn’t look like you had just been fucked in a random room at an awards show.

Carefully, you all walked back out to the ceremony and noticed that they were wrapping up with a performance from a rookie group. You sighed as you took a seat, and brushed off everyone’s confused and concerned glances thrown around the table. “We thought you got lost!” Chan piped up, a chuckle leaving your lips at his somewhat innocent demeanour. “We were just worried, that’s all, you didn’t even tell anyone where you were!” Seungcheol commented, a concerned look present on his face even with the dim lighting of the room.

“I’m fine! I think I did get lost in the hallways, there’s so many of them,” you stated nervously, scratching at the back of your head. Junhui had resumed his earlier position with his hand on your thigh, but this time it was sitting higher up, and you couldn’t help but lean into his touch. “I can’t wait for this to be over so I can have you all for myself,” he whispered into your ear, sending shivers down your spine. 

“What do you mean by that?”

“You’ll see.”

~~~~~~

 You don’t know how he managed to do it, but somehow, in some way, Junhui had managed to secure you sitting on his lap on the way home, as dangerous as it was. “Isn’t this illegal?” You spoke hurriedly, not even having the opportunity to choose somewhere else before the van was moving off. “I mean, probably, but you won’t be complaining soon,” he retorted, a cheeky smile covering his face.

From the angle you were sitting on his lap, you could feel his rock hard erection pressing against your ass. You wiggled around a little to tease him, but when he gripped your hips with an iron-like force, you halted, knowing he was about to return the same energy to you.

With quick movements, he had lifted you off his lap a little, freed his cock from their confines before shifting your dress and panties to the side. Without warning, he sunk you back down onto his cock, and you had to try your absolute hardest to stifle your moan. Luckily, Vernon was sitting next to Junhui and was having the time of his life, watching you try to contain your moans.

“Now, you’re gonna sit on my cock back to the dorms, and if you cum at all, we get to punish you, got it?” He teasingly whispered into your ear, and you could feel his chest moving back and forth with the way he lightly chuckled. 

He knew it wasn’t going to be easy for you.

It also wasn’t made any easier when Vernon managed to slip his hand underneath your dress and find your swollen bud with ease, drawing slow circles onto it and making your legs twitch. “V-Vernon...please…” you whispered out, earning a low groan from Junhui as you bumped against his cock. “Fuck, stay still if you know what’s good for you,” he moaned out, only earning a whimper from you in response. With the way that Vernon’s nimble fingers were pressing to your clit, and the feeling of Junhui’s thick cock filling you up in all the best ways, you could feel your orgasm impending and it was beginning harder to maintain control over yourself.

“I-I…” you managed to stutter out, before it was too late and you could feel your orgasm washing over you, your juices running down Junhui’s cock and your thighs and getting onto his pants. He hissed at the way you tightened around him and wrapped his arms around your waist to keep you on his cock, thrusting up into you lightly so it wasn’t obvious to anyone else in the car. You rode out your high and immediately felt your cheeks burn, and looked up to see Vernon feigning disappointment.

“I guess we need to teach you a lesson then, don’t we? But first, Junhui wants something from you,” Vernon spoke lowly, nodding his head to the man behind you. You weakly turned your head around and saw his dark eyes pooling with desire, and you knew he was only moments away from his breaking point. “As soon as this car stops and everyone is out, I’m going to be fucking you so hard into this car seat you won’t be able to walk inside.”

You gulped and took note of where you were, less than 5 minutes away from the dorm and you couldn’t help but feel excited over the prospect of having both of your best friends cum inside of you. He kept you situated on his cock, seemingly having an innocent conversation with Vernon while you tried to remain as quiet as possible. It became increasingly difficult, especially with speed bumps making you bounce up and down on his cock, but you finally made it back to the dorms, almost on the brink of yet another orgasm. 

The three of you watched as everyone filed out of the van, making sure everyone was out before the door was pulled shut and Junhui had immediately flipped you over, pounding into you as if his life depended on it. He had given you no warning, and the moans and whimpers were flying out of your mouth like a mantra. “God you’re so fucking tight, look how well your pussy takes my cock,” he groaned out, slamming his hips into yours repeatedly. By now, Vernon had taken his cock out and was stroking it languidly, his bottom lip pulled in by his teeth to prevent any noise from falling out.

“I’m gonna fill you up, sweetheart, gonna pump my cum into you and make you walk inside with it,” he whispered, loving how your eyes rolled back into your head at his comment. You could feel his cock throbbing inside of you, and it only took another few moments of him praising you that he too, came inside of you with a loud groan. A hand flew down to rub your clit in fast circles, sending you over the edge once more with a loud cry into Junhui’s palm.

Your breathing was erratic as he pulled out, and out of the corner of your eye, you noticed that Vernon had found a tissue to cum inside of and was casually tossing it into his pants pockets and getting himself back into his pants. Junhui had done the same to himself and was slowly placing your clothes back into their rightful positions so that they sat properly. 

“That was...amazing,” you breathed, sitting up and cringing slightly at the feeling of their cum dripping down your thighs. Both of the men nodded and hummed in agreement, before opening the door of the van. “I think that we should continue this inside though, I still have a little bit of energy to burn,” Junhui commented, earning a scoff from Vernon and a slap from you, but you couldn’t say it didn’t turn you on. “What did you have in mind?” You spoke up, earning surprised glances from both of them before their eyes turned dark once more.

“Why don’t you come inside and find out, sweetheart?” 

[mayah-bay-bee]

Hello! This is my first time making a request like this so I am pretty shy about it and I apologize if anything sounds weird... >///<

May I please request some soft dom Tamaki smut, with a timid female reader who feels insecure about her body (and herself in general)? Perhaps with some reassurance and comforting words from Tamaki as he makes love to the reader, if that is okay?

Of course, you do not have to if you do not want to/do not have time/are not comfortable/any other reason, I perfectly understand. Thank you very much, have a lovely day. <3

𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙼𝙰𝙺𝙴 𝙼𝙴 𝙵𝙴𝙴𝙻 𝚂𝙿𝙴𝙲𝙸𝙰𝙻..

Tamaki x Fem!Reader

A/N- Sooooo i decided, to make Y/N a virgin- Okay before you get on my case, I had valid reasoning. Lovely person requested a timid, shy, insecure Y/N so the only valid thing to do was make her virgin I’m sorry! i really liked this prompt because Tamaki is already a shy baby :) nEways ⚠️REQUESTS ARE OPEN⚠️

TW: This Fic contains themes such as virginity losing, sex (duh)the reader has a vagina/breasts and just plain lovey-dovey shit <3 if any one these themes bother you please do not proceed. Minors DNI thank you.

You and Tamaki were having one of those cuddle make out sessions that you always had. By always I mean like once in a million years because you and Tamaki were the shyest, most sweetest babies.

Tamaki didn’t always have time off, but since you were feeling extra insecure lately, Tamaki took his time off and spent it with you. Now, you would never tell Tamaki if you were feeling insecure—he would just figure out by himself.

The way you would avoid him, asking him if he thought you looked nice, never saying no even though he knew you didn’t wanna do something. The man knows everything.

“Is everything okay Y/N?” Tamaki asked in a concerned tone.

How would you put this? I wanna try having sex? no, too forward for you.. “I-Ive been thinking lately..about um us..” You mumbled.

Tamaki shook his head and cupped your cheeks in his hands. “What about us?”

You cleared your throat and glanced into nothingness as you spoke. “I wanna...I wanna try having sex with you!” Your hand was brought up to your mouth as you tried to hush yourself.

Tamaki’s eyes grew wide once he heard the word sex. Did you really want to have sex, let alone lose your virginity to Tamaki of all people? Now tamaki was having those sad thoughts.

“A-Are you sure bunny? W-We don’t have to do that..” You cut his words off with your own, “I want to,”

Tamaki, the shy baby he was, started to rub your hips hesitantly. He wanted to make you feel good, as it was your first time and he wasn’t all that experienced. His hands slowly trailed up your torso and you stopped him.

Your eyes were teary and you shook your head. “Tama I- I don’t know if I want you to see me like that yet...” You trailed off as Tamaki cupped your cheeks again.

“Hey, it’s- it’s okay. I bet you’re really beautiful anyways,” He kissed down your neck and pulled your bottoms down, as well as your undergarments. “Um.. I’ve never really...” You hushed him and reassured him.

Your fingers tangled in his hair. “Just... we could go slow today alright?”

He immediately rushed at your reassuring words and pulled his sweatpants down. “Oh- Oh,” He yelped a bit and frantically got a condom he prepared for this moment from his nightstand and slipped it on. “I wanna make you feel really good bunny.” He hummed.

You didn’t know whether or not to submit yourself but you did anyways, spreading your legs happily for him. “Tama..” You whined. “What if I feel bad?”

Tamaki covered your mouth. “Shhh, it’s okay, i bet you feel heavenly.” He slipped his finger into your dripping pussy and got you adjusted to the stretch bettors thrusting them slowly.

The feeling was too much, your face was red and hot and you were begging for more friction in between your legs. Tamaki seemed to notice this and thrust his fingers faster.

“You like that? Bunny, don’t you love what i’m doing to you?” He mumbled to you while hovering over your warm body.

All you could do was whine and nod, spreading your legs as far as they could go. “You want me inside already? You didn’t even let me stretch you out.” He cooed and pulled his fingers out with a erotic popping sound.

You couldn’t even form a thought before he thrust into you, making sure to be as soft as possible for you.

He waited until you were fully adjusted to the stretch and started to thrust. “God- you like that?” He grunted. The sound of your little mewls and skin slapping filled Tamaki’s room. “So...tight, If i relax i could just cum—“

You nodded to his words, your voice getting a little louder as you told him you was gonna cum soon. Tamaki shook his head at this and grabbed your wrists with one hand, circling your clit with his thumb on the other hand. “You can’t cum, not until I say at least!” He thrusted more, trying to make this experience the best for you, he pulled all the way out and rammed his hips into you. “Look at you, doing so well on Tama’s cock.” He cooed.

You couldn’t help but clench around his dick, reaching your orgasm before him. He didn’t care, he only cared about your pleasure but dirty thoughts filled his mind as he bucked his hips and reached his orgasm soon after you.

The tightening was too much and he called your name repeatedly as he hunched over you. Tamaki pulled out and sighed, looking down at you. “Are you okay? Was it too much?” He rubbed your hips and whispered.

You just nodded and yawned, pulling your boyfriend down into a hug. “Yeah..Yeah im okay, I love you.” You smiled tiredly.

Tamaki let out a sigh of relief as he disposed of the condom and cuddled you. He could clean up in the morning.

——————————————————

A/N- OK SOOOOO I TOTALLY FORGOT I HAD THIS- I quickly finished it on mother’s day and I wrote it in mobile so if it has any mistakes please lmk. I’ve had a stressful week and I just love this prompt and i feel like i could’ve done better- ANYWAYS IM GONNA SLEEP NOW ILY GUYS-

[lovelyysiriuss]

chromatic | one

*gif not mine

AUTHOR’S NOTE: welcome to part one! you guys are amazing, I literally cannot fathom the fact that so many of you are reading this and from tiktok. give me feedback through comments/likes, i would love to know what you guys think so far! ily guys sm <3

PAIRING: Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader / Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader

WORD COUNT: 617

INSPO: a series on TikTok by @serenaivory of the same name.

CHROMATIC MASTERLIST | MAIN MASTERLIST | ASKS! REQUESTS! TAGS! | SUBMIT ANYTHING! | WATTPAD VERSION

prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Comfortable. Recognizable. Yet, with a touch of loneliness.

Seeing black and white made her feel as though she was blind to the world. She had the vision without the right colors to live. She was missing the beauty of pigment making up the world.

Envy was what she felt when hearing the description of the hues from individuals around her. With the lush chromatic colors bursting throughout their vision, the rich tints replacing prior grayscale. She knew of the stories, though never encountered it herself.

A spiritual experience; being acquainted with one’s soulmate. Completion of their soul occurs within the split second their gazes meet. Color rushing into their line of vision, easily able to make them dizzy.

Her circumstance made her unsteady, with her grayscale vision. It was unwise, yet she was incredibly sure of it. “Possibly the colors would appear later,” they reassured themselves. Though there was no use for it, it had already been done.

Bound together for life. To have and to hold from that day forward. For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death does them part.

“I do.” Steve declares.

“I do.” She follows. Putting the rings on, they exchange a kiss. She knew he was hers, as she was his. However, there should not be complications such as being unable to see the wondrous colors. Only if they were the one.

The romantic aura brought them to their first slow dance together, as man and wife. A slow song surrounded the wedding venue. Guests stared in awe as the couple swayed.

“Did I mention how beautiful you look tonight?” Steve purred in her ear.

She sighed, a smile twitching on her lips, “Only about the thousandth time.”

A heartfelt chuckle escaped him, adoration twinkling in his eyes. He noticed a figure entering through the grand doors, mingling with the guests. He smirked, then turning to her, “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

Confusion etched her face. Eyebrows furrowing, she asked, “Who?”

Before Steve could reply, a man’s voice cried out, “Hey, buddy!” She had not turned to the voice yet, distracted by a family member asking for a photograph. The man embraced Steve, “Congratulations.” He murmured.

“Thank you, Buck,” Steve replied. He brought the man forward, “Bucky, meet my wife.”

The word ‘wife’ gained her attention. Her heart melted at the thought. Unfortunately, she looked up. Their gazes met as if seeing for the first time. Ironically, it almost blinded them. The colors were vibrant, rich, chromatic. Her heart was pounding while his breathing faltered.

Steve stepped away for a moment to let her become acquainted with his best friend.

She took a small step back, unable to believe her own eyes. Her limbs were shaking; she had to have been dreaming. She dreamt of this moment. Although there is uncertainty whether this was a daydream or a nightmare.

Overwhelmed was all Bucky felt within that moment. Years of torture could not possibly be equivalent to meeting his soulmate at his best friend’s wedding. While she was the bride. This pained him. He had quit looking for her, believing that no one could carry the sanity to love a monster.

A quiet gasp escaped her lips. “Oh my God,” she muttered. Bucky embraces her, to which intense sparks course throughout their bodies, feeling as if they were walking on clouds.

“So it’s you,” Bucky whispers in her ear, the sparks traveling north.

“But… it can’t be-” The girl replies, cut off by Bucky shushing her.

“It’s okay. I won’t tell anyone.” Bucky’s voice attempts to soothe her, unknowing to him, it does. Nonetheless, worry floods them both.

PERMANENT TAGS: @soccer-100000 , @blahehblah , @rottenstyx , @cc13723things , @grayodmyoldtea (dm me if you want to be part of a taglist, and specify which fandom)!

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if any of my links don't work, for whatever reason, please let me know!

[vodkassassin]

🥒✈ doing fuck marry kill using whoever. Obviously they will be overheard, by mqf, mbj, or both. Also can have sqh state his sexuality which is nothing. Ace rep baby.

Yesss danci I can always count on you! Thanks for slipping my hc ace!SQH in there. Ily @dancibayo

—

“I’m bored,” Shang Qinghua grandly announces.

“Yes, so you’ve said, fifteen times already,” Shen Qingqiu states dryly, but his friend steamrolls right over him.

“I am so bored, so,” Shang Qinghua says, “Shen-ge. Fuck, marry, kill.”

Shen Qingqiu startles, nearly dropping his fan. He whips around to stare at the other with wide eyes. Shang Qinghua props himself up onto his elbow and the grin that’s on his face is mischievous and evil.

“Wh—Airplane?” He nearly squawks, and then returns the grin. “No, stop—!”

Shang Qinghua’s grin nearly splits his face. “Fuck, marry, kill! Tianlang-jun—”

“No!” Shen Qingqiu laughs, reaching for the nearby cushion to chuck it at his cackling friend.

Shang Qinghua ducks the projectile and continues. “Tianlang-jun, Zhuzhi Lang—”

“Airplane!”

“And Sha Hualing!”

“Her?” Shen Qingqiu shrieks, diving for another pillow. His fan tumbles to the floor. “Out of everyone you could have picked for the choices, it had to be her?!”

Shang Qinghua, nimble bastard that he is, managed to avoid this cushion too. “First round will be easy! I definitely didn't have a brain blank and totally forgot anyone else existed. Plus! Shen-ge, I have to cater to the player! Bi-represent!”

“If it’s catering to the player, then this isn’t the game to play when it comes to you,” the Qing Jing peak lord grumbles.

He grabs his tea up from the table he sits at and down the entire cup in one go as if it’s a shot.

“You gotta choose!” Shang Qinghua needles, and Shen Qingqiu casts him a glare.

“Goddammit, fine,” he groans. “Um…. Fuck Tianlang-jun—”

Shang Qinghua bursts into laughter.

Shen Qingqiu scowls, but it directly contrasts the grin that is unwillingly stretching across his face. “What? At least I know he’s got experience!”

“Oh my god,” Shang Qinghua gasps, and then waves a hand. “Okay, go on, go on.”

He narrows his eyes at him, and then slowly continues. “Marry Zhuzhi-lang, and kill Sha Hualing.”

“Do you really hate her that much?” Shang Qinghua asks curiously.

“No,” Shen Qingqiu shrugs. “I mean, she’s practically a teenager, and I hate teenagers on principal, but no. She was just the only one left.”

“Fair enough,” Shang Qinghua bobs his head in acquiescence. “Why marry Zhuzhi-lang, though?”

“Well, I can’t fuck him—”

“I mean, you could, you monsterfucker—“

“You’re so goddamn rude, you know that?” Shen Qingqiu rolls his eyes. “He’s just way too…. too baby. I can’t fuck him, so marry it is.”

“Oh, yeah,” Shang Qinghua finally agrees, staring up at the ceiling in thought. “He is just baby, isn’t he? Okay, good choices, I agree.”

“Your turn,” Shen Qingqiu says dangerously. Immediately, Shang Qinghua raises his hands into the air in surrender.

“I can’t play this game!” He whines. “I can’t fuck anybody! That drastically tilts the answer results!”

“Just change fuck to something else!” Shen Qingqiu demands. “You don’t get to just be the one who asks the question every time, that’s boring as fuck. Listen — kiss, marry, kill?”

“Kissing is like, the same as marrying though,” Shang Qinghua squints at the ceiling. He’s lying on his back now, feet dangling off the side of the bed. He gives them tiny, little kicks as he thinks. “Maybe, like, cuddle?”

“Isn’t that the same as kissing?” Shen Qingqiu scoffs. “Just use kiss, moron.”

“Fine, okay, fine. So! Kiss, marry, kill… who?”

“Kiss, marry, kill… Liu Qingge, Mu Qingfang —”

“Oh my god, bro, please—”

“Listen, this is my revenge — and Mobei Jun.”

Shang Qinghua turns his head away from the so very fascinating ceiling just to glare at him. Shen Qingqiu feels so special, very loved. “You totally suck.”

Shen Qingqiu stoops down to grab his fan off the floor and flips it open just to smirk over the top of it at his friend. “You gotta choose.” He quotes.

“I fucking hate you.”

“I mean, you could go back to being bored, it’s all the same to me.”

Shang Qinghua scoffs, lifting his legs up and pressing the heels of his feet into the bed. “God, okay! Umm… kiss… uhh…”

Shen Qingqiu presses a hand against his mouth to smother his laughter. “I’ll wait.”

“Why the hell did you make this so hard for me?” His friend grumbles, crossing his arms over his chest. “You totally hate me don’t you? Um, kiss Mobei Jun—”

“Called it.”

“Shut up, monsterfucker. Kiss Mobei Jun, marry Mu Qingfang, and— oh fuck,” Shang Qinghua sits up and turns toward him, pout out at full force. “There’s only kill left! Shen-ge! I can’t kill Qingge!”

“You gotta,” Shen Qingqiu shakes his head sympathetically. “That’s the game.”

“This isn’t fair! I gave you an easy out on your first go with Sha Hualing, you have to return the favor!”

“You already started choosing!” Shen Qingqiu argues. “Anyone else I give you now is just me choosing a random person for you to kill!”

“I totally forgot kill was a choice after you gave me the names! Shen-geeeee!”

“Goddammit, fine! You can kill Yue Qingyuan, for me, okay?”

Shang Qinghua pauses his wailing to shoot him an amused look, pout vanishing into nothing. What a brat. “You really have it out for that guy, don’t you? Um, alright, sure, I’ll kill the sect leader for you, but only because we’re bros.”

“Don’t turn this back on me! You’re the one who begged me to give you someone else to kill! Anyway, it’s your turn.”

“Haha! Fuck, marry, kill — Rong Qingsheng, Ju Qingsong, and Qi Qingqi.”

“Easy,” Shen Qingqiu scoffs. “Fuck Rong Qingsheng, marry Qi Qingqi, and kill Ju Qingsong. At least try and make this hard for me, Shang-ge, c’mon.”

“Wow,” Shang Qinghua sits up again to look at him, tugging one of the thrown cushions into his lap to hold. “No hesitation at all! You decided that so fast… what’s the thought process?”

“Rong Qingsheng is pretty, and not a douche at all, so I’d rate him pretty up there on the fuckable scale just for that. Qi Qingqi is a scary lesbian Amazonian warrior, and if I wasn’t male I’d definitely go for her, but if she ever needed to marry a man as, like, a cover for her true lesbian activities while under the thumb a homophobic dystopian government or something, then I wouldn’t mind submitting my application for that.”

“She can be pretty, uh…” Shang Qinghua makes a face. “I mean—”

“Purposefully provocative because she likes watching macho men squirm when she takes them down a peg and also has bigger muscles than them?” Shen Qingqiu sighs dreamily. “Yes, it’s boss as fuck.”

“Okay, I wasn’t going to word it exactly like that, but yeah,” Shang Qinghua admits. “And Ju Qingsong?”

“He’s an annoying pest. Kill.”

“Bro!”

“What? Please, You cannot tell me that you haven’t daydreamed about wringing his neck even once?”

“I mean. He can be kinda—”

“Irritating? Aggravating? Drive-one-to-murder?”

“—But! Under all that he’s a good guy! He can be really sweet, actually! He’s only really like that because he’s got a useless gay crush on—!”

The door is kicked in. Shen Qingqiu startles, dropping his tea straight into his lap while Shang Qinghua gives a loud yelp and falls completely off the bed with a resounding thump.

They both whip around to stare in uneasy and slightly-guilty silence at the group of people standing outside the door.

“Oh my gods,” Ju Qingsong says, face pale and arm still outstretched. “It was so amusing at first, but please don’t kill me, I promise I’ll be better!”

Rong Qingsheng leans around the man and stares at them for a moment, before casting Shen Qingqiu a wink.

“I wouldn’t mind,” the mild-mannered man says, and Shen Qingqiu brings a hand up to rub over his face.

“Not that I’m not incredibly interested to hear what this was all about,” Mu Qingfang says, from behind them, and Shang Qinghua squeaks. “But, it’s time for Shen-shixiong to take his medicine.”

“Please don’t tell anyone,” Shang Qinghua pleads, holding his hands up to cover his beet-red face.

“I’ll do you one better,” Shen Qingqiu says calmly, pulling off the tea-drenched outer robe. “If any of you eavesdroppers have loose lips about what you heard here, to anyone, then I will kill you. Understand?”

Ju Qingsong makes an odd sound in his throat, one that sounds both terrified and furious, and the way that the man glances between him and the smirking Rong Qingsheng leads Shen Qingqiu to believe he knows exactly who Shang Qinghua was going to say his ‘crush’ was. How adorable. Too bad for him, then, that Rong Qingsheng seems to find him just as annoying as Shen Qingqiu does.

“There will be no murdering of martial family,” Mu Qingfang says mildly, stepping into the room. “Is that water boiled? I thought I’d try the tea blend, since the capsule form doesn’t agree with you, shixiong.”

“Many thanks,” Shen Qingqiu says.

“Oh, it’s never a problem. Shang-shixiong, Qingge was looking for you. I believe he has the location of one of those flying thunder beasts the two of you were discussing the other day?”

“I don’t wanna go monster hunting again,” Shang Qinghua wails. “Why can’t he just play go with me and call it a day?”

“You’ve overstayed your welcome, Shang-ge,” Shen Qingqiu tells him, smiling politely at the betrayed look his friend shoots him. “Would you mind escorting these two out?”

“See if I ever bring you the newest tea leaf export again,” the An Ding lord huffs, climbing to his feet. “Rong-shidi, Ju-shidi, lets go.”

“Qingsheng, Qingsheng, let's play that game too—!”

“I’m not doing this with you, Qingsong. Shang-shixiong, let's go. I wanted to talk to you about next month's produce quota.”

“Sure thing, Rong-shidi!”

“But, Qingsheng—!”

“Bye, Shen-ge, see you later!” Shang Qinghua chines cheerfully as he tugs the moping man after him. Rong Qingsheng walks out ahead of them. “I had a lot of fun today!”

“Sure,” Shen Qingqiu says, fan fluttering before his face.

He’d enjoyed it too, of course, but he’d never say that out loud. Besides, Airplane already knows, right? There’s no need.

[eitelle]

hey!! i am here to congratulate you on hitting 400 followers!! i hope you’re have an amazing day and that you’re enjoying you break from work/school!

alright , hello :) to me, it doesn’t really which manga you choose to do but preferably either free! or haikyuu <3

my pronouns are she/her and some relationship hcs are listed below:

- not really touchy in public but in private we will hug and cuddle for the longesttt while

- we will comfort each other if one of use i not feeling well or are in having some struggles with mental health/family

- we care for each other deeply and get comfortable quickly

- we bake, cook, and do anything that would make us both happy because quality time>>>

- kind of clingy with each other but we know when we need to be separate / be alone for a bit because it can get overwhelming being with the same person 24/7 lmao

- just love each other dearly <3

anyways thank you for this opportunity and i hope you have a happy new year !!!

HI THANK YOU FOR SUBMITTING YOUR ASK, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WROTING FOR KAGEYAMA SO THANK YOU FOR THIS !! ILY I HOPE U ENJOY (i hope i write this well…”

kageyama was excited. it was a feeling hed felt a lot while being with you.

you made him feel feelings, things hed felt before but never in the way you made him feel it. he felt the most alive when you were together.

which is why on new years eve he played especially well knowing you would be there, beating the other team by a landslide.

afterwards, he took an interview from a couple reporters, and congratulated his team.

finally he got to meet up with you, and when he did it was probably the biggest hug youd recieved all year. he then twirled you around and showered your face with kisses.

as he carried you bridal style as you giggled all the way to the car he drove you two back home.

settling down on your couch with hot cocoa and some random television show playing, you two spent the next couple of hours cuddling and laughing at the sitcom playing. for dinner you made him some soup and rice as you two talked about his plays from the previous game, how amazing he did, how stressed you were in the beginning, and of course the upcoming new years.

“doesnt it feel like we just started dating?” your boyfriend says after you brought up the fact it was your second new years you two were spending together.

“it does,” you say in awe of how fast time flies. “lets bake some cookies and decorate so we can eat them as it hits midnight,” you suggest with a glint in your eyes.

“i mean, if it sounds good to you, because it sounds great to me. ill staart with the wet ingredients, you with the dry?”

“ok lets get started.”

and so you did. with some music and a light dusting of flour fight evidence on your noses and faces, you two worked in perfect synchronization.

shoving the last tray in the oven, all you two had to do was wait.

as the timer you had set went ding, you took it out and you two started piping on designs, like stars, and candles, and hearts onto the cookies.

by the time you two were done and cuddled up with your cookies and some milk, the ball drop had started. although it wasnt actually live, due to the huge time difference, you two still celebrated with it like you were actually there.

as you watched it count down from 10, you two put down your cookies and looked each other in the eyes.

“ready for the second year?”

“lets make it better than the last,” you respond with a small smile.

as the ball dropped, your lips met and that was how you two started the new year. with cookies and cuddling :)

[40sbarnes]

Medici: Spymasters of Florence

Chapter 19: Link In A Chain

second last chapter im- thank you to everyone who has stayed all this time, i see you all and ily <3

tw mentions of abuse in this chapter, pls stay safe <3

pairings; slowburn (yeah) lorenzo x reader, platonic ;((((( (at least in this story) francesco x reader

tag list; @brynthebulldozer​ @mythicalamphitrite​ @nana035​ @valravnsraven​ @hannahhistorian92​ @not-thatweird @isaac-lahey-is-bae​ @angrygardendeer​ @unstoppable-xavi​ @johnbolton @voidmalfoy​

Jacopo flinched backwards as your saliva splattered across his face. His hand was quick to wipe it away, but the rest of him had yet to move, still in shock.

"That was a bad move, Bellondini," he shook his head, dragging his hand down his face before shaking it harshly to the side. Your eyes darted to his fingers as they balled into a fist, and for once you agreed with the older Pazzi. Your rage had gotten the best of you, and you hadn't considered the consequences before you spat at him.

You prepared yourself for what came next, although it never did. The door creaked open and both of you turned to face it, to see Francesco to your rescue once again.

He glanced between you both before clearing his throat. "We have a visitor," he addressed his uncle.

"Your luck will run out soon," Jacopo turned to you as he made the promise.

You didn't risk replying, your eyes desperately following Francesco as he left without looking your way. The door clicked closed, and you hung your head in frustration. Slowly, you realised you heard the door close, but no lock. You hadn't heard a lock once. You glanced at it to see there wasn't even one on the door. Your heart sped up at the thought, and you pulled against your chains. You shuffled, trying to get to a point where you could see your restraints, but they didn't give much pull.

Throwing your head over your shoulder, you glanced up at the pillar you were tied to, not much to work with. You moved on to trying to contort your hand enough to slip through the chains, but your thumb hit the links every time. If only it wasn't there. If only you could move it out of the way.

You tried to swallow the dryness climbing up your throat at your intrusive thoughts. Your fingers gingerly wrapped themselves around your thumb, and you squeezed slightly, you had a good enough grip, but did you really want to? No, you didn't. You needed to. They were going to hurt Lorenzo. You blinked away the tears forming at the mere thought of the pain you were about to submit yourself to, staring at the ceiling as if it could help you. After a moment to recollect yourself, you doubled over, and bit at your gathered skirts, forcing the fabric into your mouth. With a deep inhale through your nose, you readjusted your grip on your thumb, shuffling your weight from one knee to another, steadying yourself, before you exhaled, and felt the pop.

The pain erupted from the bone, up through your wrist, your arm, hitting your heart before it erupted up through your throat. You cried out, your gown muffling your screams. A sob fell through your lips as the tears fell, and a queasy sensation overtook your skin. You ignored it as best you could, swallowing sick as you slid your newly dislocated thumb through the chains, your hand following. Your first instinct was to retrieve your hand and examine your thumb, but you knew better. You took another deep breath, before biting down again, and popping it back into place. You didn't cry as much, knowing what to expect, although you hoped you wouldn't encounter a thumb war anytime soon. You spun to face the pillar, and desperately untied the chains around your other wrist. Your fast fingers soon meant you were free, and you tugged the chains from around the marble, brandishing them as a weapon you hoped you had no need for. 

You rose slowly from the floor, your legs regaining feeling as you forced them to. Any and all cries of anguish from your body to tell you to stop were pushed aside. You reached the door, listening carefully for any sign of life on the other side. Silence. You braved yourself, before slowly and quietly pulling it open. You scanned outside, seeing there was no one around, but you were on the second floor. Your thoughts of a plan were interrupted by voices flowing through the halls. Your ears spiked up, once a spy...

You recognised them immediately, Jacopo and Francesco, and someone else? The unfamiliar tone must've belonged to the visitor. You made your way down the stairs, your footsteps light as a feather. As you'd imagined, the voices came from Jacopo's office. Your eyes flitted to the gates, your easy escape, but your ears pulled to the office. Your habits got the best of you and you crept closer, swearing you heard Lorenzo's name. You only moved as close as you needed to be to make out what they were saying, not wanting to test your luck any further.

"It would be wise to strike them both at once. Let the Medici brothers bleed out beside each other," the strangers sneering felt as if it plunged you underwater. Struggling for air, you headed for the gates, you had to tell Lorenzo, and now. You couldn't let him die. You couldn't let Pazzi win.

Your cloud of worries dissipated as two guards stood in front of you, blocking your path. You tightened your grip on the chain, holding it now with both hands. The men shared a glance, smirking. You were prepared to pull their teeth out if it meant they'd stop. They advanced towards you, far too confident, when suddenly they came to a stop.

"I will handle this," Francesco's voice drawled from behind you, and you spun to see him with his hand raised. He bent his fingers back and forth as you looked at them, gesturing for the guards to leave. They did as ordered, and you were left, alone, with your old friend. "What do you think you're doing?" He hissed at you.

"Francesco," you forced him to meet your gaze, your tear-stained cheeks blushed from adrenaline, "please. Just let me leave. I will not cause any more bereavement to your family, no one will ever hear of me again," you bargained, desperate.

"You know I cannot do that," his tone was far too steady, he had built his walls and he had built them well. But all you needed was for one brick to fall.

"Please," you continued your begging, "if you ever cared for me, even a little, just turn a blind eye," your hold on the chains became lax and they dangled in your grasp.

"You know how I cared for you," he used your own words against you, he seemed offended you'd implied otherwise. "What would you even do? Run away to Venice?"

"Maybe? Anywhere but this Godforsaken city and its rulers," you reached out to hold one of his hands, and he didn't stop you.

"I can't, y/n, I'm sorry," you knew his apology to be sincere.

"Francesco, I-" your voice betrayed you, breaking as you tried to reason with him.

"Did you never care for me?" He suddenly questioned you, his tone harsh, pulling out of your grasp.

"Of course I did!" Your brows knitted together, wondering why he was asking such a question, your voice high.

"Then how can you possibly ask this of me? Knowing what my uncle would do...," your heart sank at his words, because they were true. You couldn't bring yourself to imagine what punishment Jacopo would inflict on his own nephew.

"Then come with me," your watery eyes shone, despair flooding them as they focused on Francesco. It was as if he were frozen in time, you with him, as he didn't move an inch, staring at you. Your eyes reached into his for any sign of an answer, but as always, he wasn't given a choice.

"What is going on here?!" Jacopo roared, and Francesco finally moved, turning back to face his uncle. You took as step back; you hadn't realised how close you'd been standing before.

Pazzi looked between you both, and the chains you were still holding. He let a scoff slip past his lips, shaking his head. "You freed her? After everything she's done to us? Our family?" He was furious, and it broke your heart to see how Francesco flinched at his words.

He opened his mouth to explain himself, but you spoke over him. "He didn't. He wouldn't let me go," you added spite into your voice, praying that Jacopo didn't see through it, and that Francesco did.

"No?" Jacopo moved closer to you. You glanced over your shoulder, the gates were so close, once you made it onto the streets of Florence there wasn't much he could do.

"No." You shook your head, lifting the chains before you, "I just..." and you threw the silver links at your captures nose, hoping they'd buy you your escape. A hand grabbed your wrist, and you pulled desperately, until you saw who its owner was. Francesco's grip was solid, and his gaze even more so. You thrashed against his hold, not believing the betrayal.

Jacopo grunted from beside you both, recovering from your attack. Blood trickled down from his nostril onto his lips, you were a good shot. "Whore!" He yelled, wiping it away with his sleeve. You continued to pull away from Francesco, your wrist feeling as if it was circled by flames at this point, but to no avail. His hold only faltered when Jacopo lunged forward, his hand closing around your neck. He threw you into the wall behind you, your head colliding with the cool stone, as you struggled to breath in his grasp.

"How dare you?" he seethed, his face not inches from yours. You faced as much away from him as you could, spluttering as his grip got tighter and tighter. "After everything I've done for you?! All those years I kept you alive!" You ignored his claims for your survival, knowing them to be half-truths. You gasped desperately, black creeping into the corners of your vision.

"Uncle..." Francesco's voice was timid, and felt far away.

Pazzi tilted his head to the side to look at him, before finally letting go of you. You slid down the wall, coughing and spluttering and desperate to return air to your lungs. Tears silently falling into your lap as you fingers danced over your neck, as if to make sure it was still there.

"You're lucky we need you," Jacopo spat down at you, "we're lucky it's not for long." You barely registered his words as he walked away, taking his nephew with him as he ordered guards to return you to your confinement.

—-

The ruffles of your dress sat uncomfortable on your neck. You were all dolled up once again, although you had a feeling it may be for the final time. It was Easter Sunday, and you were being prepared to attend mass. It had been days of threats and constant surveillance since your failed escape attempt. Your neck still stung, along with a fading ring where Jacopo's hands had sat etched into your skin, hence, the high collar.

You had since found out Jacopo's plan from the mouth of the horse himself. To Lorenzo's knowledge, you were engaged to Francesco, and had lied to him the whole time. You imagined, or more so hoped, he would see through it, but the way you had acted in his presence certainly wouldn't help your case. Jacopo was bringing you in hopes of a distraction, to have Lorenzo off his game, and to not notice what was happening until it was too late. And you had to admit, it made sense. Lorenzo was probably so focused on your disappearance and whether or not you betrayed him to even consider an assassination attempt at High Mass in the Duomo. For the first time, you hoped you hadn't been as important to Lorenzo as you let yourself believe.

"Where is the beautiful bride to be?" Jacopo called as he opened the door to the same room you'd been in since you got here, acting surprised to see you.

"Will you be walking me down the aisle?" You smiled up at him, his lips curled at your words.

"You'd be lucky to marry my nephew," he spoke through gritted teeth.

"I know," you narrowed your eyes, "I'm blessed."

"Hah," Jacopo grabbed your arm, leading you out of the room and towards the stairs, "as if I would ever actually let a peasant like you stain the Pazzi name.”

You were confused, and it remained on your face as you reached the foyer. Francesco was standing waiting, and he stood up taller as you approached. "We are not really to marry?" You questioned.

"Goodness girl, I cannot believe I ever took you to have an ounce of intellect," Jacopo sighed, retrieving a cloak and handing it to you. You put it on without a word, still in a state of bewilderment.

"What is this about?" Francesco asked, trying not to seem too interested as he put on his own cloak.

"Where is the ring, boy?" Jacopo ignored his question. At his words, Francesco reached into his pocket and retrieved a thin gold band, reaching for your hand and sliding it onto your finger. It was only then you realised you were no longer wearing Lorenzo's.

"She likes you more than I thought," Jacopo scoffed, "she believes in the marriage," he laughed, clapping his nephews back, expecting him to share in the amusement. Francesco's brows jumped together, asking the question he wouldn't say aloud.

"Once Medici is gone there will be no need for the marriage," Jacopo seemed irritated he even had to explain himself, "I thought that much was obvious."

"All of Florence believes me to be engaged," Francesco pushed.

"I'm aware," Jacopo's stare was deadly, "what a shame it was you lost your betrothed in all the fighting today." You hid your fear well, but it seeped into your veins and through your blood.

Francesco didn't say anything more, taking your hand into his, playing the part. On your other side, Jacopo slid his arm around your shoulder, under your cloak, brandishing a blade to the side of your throat under the cloth. "One false move, Bellondini," he warned. You swallowed thickly, silently agreeing to his terms.

You continued your silence all the way to the Duomo, watching as the crowd flooded in for Easter mass. You stood at the top of the steps alongside Jacopo and Francesco, as they greeted two other men, and you recognised one’s voice from yesterday.

Your breath caught in your throat as you saw him. Lorenzo arrived alongside his brother, greeting people from the bottom of the step. You were unable to catch his eye.

"When Cardinal Riario raises the host, you cut their throats," Jacopo's words pierced your heart, but you did not visually react, your gaze focused straight ahead of you, "in case they're wearing armour," he lowered his voice before directly speaking to Francesco. "Make sure Lorenzo sees her." He left you with them at that, melting into the crowd and making his way inside. One of the men's arms slithered around your waist, his dagger tickling at your side in replacement of Jacopo.

Francesco stared at him but said nothing. All of you turned back to watch as Lorenzo and Giuliano ascended the steps.

"One moment, my love," Francesco's act pained you as he let go of your hand, pressing a gentle kiss to your cheek. He made his way over to the Medici brothers as you were left waiting with the men.

Lorenzo's gaze found yours, and the dagger in your side was pushed a tiny bit more, forcing you to politely smile. You listened carefully as Francesco spewed lies about how he hopes for the two of them to be friends again. You can't do anything but watch in silence as they embrace, Lorenzo's eyes locked on yours for the endurance of it. If there were ever a time you wished him to read your thoughts, it was now.

When Francesco turned to apologise to Giuliano, the blade by your side was relaxed, and you knew the idiot had stopped paying attention. With Lorenzo's eyes on you, you glanced up at the clear sky, your chin tilted upwards, hoping that your neck was exposed enough. After a second you let your chin fall, desperate not to raise suspicion. Lorenzo blinked a little faster than usual, looking to the side before back to his brother and Francesco, who were hugging.

"Congratulations, by the way," Giuliano spoke as he pulled away, sharing a smile with you. You wondered if he knew, if maybe he recognised you from all that time ago, if Lorenzo had told him.

"Thank you," Francesco turned his torso to glance back at you, his smile faltering, "I am very fortunate."

"That you are," Lorenzo nodded, staring at the ring on your finger, that had once worn his, before he and Giuliano left to head inside.

Francesco turned to the men once they were inside, refusing to meet your gaze. "They are not wearing armour." 

[maastrash]

"Just pretend to be my date "for nessian please and what did you mean by the fluff before the storm?Are you planning on breaking my heart?

The Truth Is ...

HEHE this got longer than expected! and omg dw I’ll only break it for a lil ;) Shoutout to my bff @verryberriess for helping me with this ily

Masterlist // Submit a prompt // Prompts 1 + 2 - pls write the prompt out it helps me out greatly!

Today was not Cassian’s day. All he had wanted was his favorite Starbucks cold brew so he could have the energy to study for his calculus midterm tomorrow. Math was his absolute worst subject. He could write an A worthy essay in less than an hour, but when it came to numbers he was absolutely clueless. He wanted to be in and out to give himself as much study time as possible. The gods knew he needed it, but that didn’t seem like a possibility anymore. It was just his luck that he would run into the one person he’d been trying to avoid all day - Daisy Anderson. She had been talking his ear off for the past 15 minutes, despite him saying that he had somewhere to be. She was a member of the most popular sorority at university, Alpha Phi, and had been pretty much obsessed with Cassian for the past week. He had met her at his frat party and it was clear she wanted him to ask her to be his date to the spring formal. Alpha Phi and his frat Sigma Chi were always paired for events so he was doing his best to turn her down easy. He really didn’t need awkward encounters with her at every greek life gathering. 

After another 5 minutes passed Cassian seriously didn’t know if she truly wasn’t getting the hint that he wasn’t interested or if she just didn’t care. He gave the minimum responses necessary, avoided eye contact, and kept trying to leave, unsuccessfully of course. Every time he tried,  Daisy would grab his arm or suddenly step in front of him. Apparently, there was another party tonight and she was desperately trying to convince him to go. Even if he had been free, Cassian didn’t really feel like getting to know Daisy. There was someone else who occupied his thoughts. Someone who would never like him back, but that didn’t stop him from hoping. 

Cassian was really starting to lose his patience. Just as he about to firmly tell her he was not interested, he saw her. Nesta Archeron. Her honey brown hair was loose, flowing just past her shoulders. She was wearing a navy cropped hoodie and black jeans that hugged her body perfectly. Damn. She was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. Before Cassian even knew what he was doing, he was up, moving, and blocking her path. 

“Hi sweetheart,” he said, pulling her into a hug.

Nesta tensed for a second before relaxing into the embrace. She hesitantly wrapped her small arms around his waist. She seemed confused, he couldn’t blame her. 

“I need you to pretend to be my date,” he whispered into her ear, as subtly as he could manage. 

“What?” she asked, pulling away.

Before she could get too far, he pulled her back in gently. “Please go along with this.” He was practically begging at this point.

Nesta nodded slightly, probably due to the pure desperation in his voice. They separated and Cassian put his arm around Nesta’s waist. “I’m so sorry Daisy, but this is my lovely date, Nesta. We’ve been seeing each other recently and it seems she came to find me after I didn’t show up.”

Daisy looked Nesta up and down, looking almost unimpressed. Cassian did not like that one bit. “Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t realize - ”

“It’s fine, but we should be going,” he said, cutting off her insincere apology. Cassian led Nesta out of the cafe with his hand on the small of her back. Once out the door, he grasped her hand gently. He told himself it was because Daisy could still see them, but deep down he knew that wasn’t the real reason. 

After walking to the end of the street Nesta pulled her hand from his. “We can stop pretending now, she can’t see us anymore.”

He nodded as he let his hand awkwardly fall to his side. “Thank you, Nesta,” he said, trying not to get lost in her piercing blue-grey eyes. “I owe you one.” 

“Whatever,” she snapped breaking eye contact and walking off.

“Wait, hold up,” Cassian ran a few steps to catch up to her. He grabbed her arm gently to keep her from running off again. “Are you mad at me?” 

“Of course I’m mad you idiot,” she pulled away from his grip again. Cassian hated to admit her rejection hurt worse than he thought it would. “I wanted to read my book in Starbucks in peace, and now I can’t.”

Cassian put his hands in his pockets, avoiding her hardened gaze. “I’m sorry Nes I’ll take you to another coffee shop and buy you a drink,” he said the words sheepishly. “It’s the least I can do.”

“Don’t call me Nes,” she grumbled. “And I think I’ll pass.”

“Ok, what’s wrong? Cassian asked, crossing his arms across his chest. “Be honest.” Nesta was never this cold to him. Maybe she was when they first met, but he thought they were past that. She had finally started to trust him enough to show him the real Nesta. The Nesta that smiled every time she saw a dog. The Nesta that saved a seat for him every Wednesday when they had chem lectures together. The Nesta that blushed when he told her how beautiful she was while making her “thinking” face. 

“Nothing,” she said, avoiding eye contact yet again. 

“I know you’re lying Nes and I’m not leaving till you tell me what’s wrong.”

“What do you want me to say Cassian?!” she asked, the frustration clear in her voice. “Fine. You really wanna know why I’m so upset? You used me. You played with my feelings. Are you happy? You finally hurt the ice queen,” 

“Nesta I-”

“No. I’m not done,” she said holding her finger up, instantly shutting him up. “I thought we were friends, maybe even more than friends,” she mumbled the last part. “But I guess I was wrong. I thought you were different. I thought you meant the things you said to me. But I guess you really are just another frat boy. A frat boy who would use me to get out of some stupid failed date with a popular sorority girl.”

Cassian was silent as Nesta caught her breath after her sudden outburst. “Can I talk now?” he asked hesitantly. She nodded, her jaw tight.

“Nesta I ran into Daisy and had been trying to get away from her so I could study for my midterm tomorrow. You came at just the right time. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I haven’t been playing you,” he paused, reading her reaction. She didn’t seem convinced.

Before he could regret it, Cassian laid it all out on the table. “The truth is, I am utterly captivated by you, Nesta Archeron. I haven’t thought about another girl since I met you. You are the smartest, fiercest, and strongest girl I have ever met and I can’t get you out of my head. I never thought you’d like me back so I settled for just being friends. I thought it was better than nothing. I asked you to pretend to be my date so I could hold your hand and hug you just once, even if it was pretending,” his voice tapered off at the end. He was suddenly self-conscious. What if he just ruined everything? Before he could think about it too long, Nesta interrupted his thoughts. 

“You really are an idiot,” she whispered softly, “because I’ve liked you this whole time too.

This had Cassian gaping. Nesta liked him. She actually liked him. “Can I buy you a coffee?” he asked, offering his hand. “Let me take you on a real date Nes.” 

Nesta took his hand offering a small smile. “Let’s take the coffee to go so I can help you study. We can go on a real date after your midterm.”

Cassian was practically beaming as he squeezed her hand gently. “Sounds like a plan.” 

After Cassian aced his midterm, he and Nesta did just that. And it was the best date either of them had ever been on. 

Tags: @illyriangarbage // @court-of-fuck-me-daddy  // @girlnovels // @aelinninielelain // @julesherondalex // @rosehallshadowsinger // @ifangirlninja // @dreamerforever-5// @queen-of-wings-and-fire // @rhysanoodle  // @jemma-nessian-and-elriel // @books-and-words-addict  // @nightinshadow // @wolffrising // @the-regal-warrior  // @dreamingofalba // @abillionlittlepieces // @alitzeldiaz // @kylizzles // @queenmaas //  @illyrian-bookworm // @aspillofstars // @b00kworm // @tswaney17 // @girl-who-reads-the-books // @theshadowsinger-and-thefawn // @abraxos // @perseusannabeth // @acourtofmarauders // @sweetlyvillainous // @awesomelena555 // @notyournymphetish // @ladywitchling // @aesthetics-11 // @sjmships // @iammissstark // @illyrianwitchling13 // @moondancer-204 // @sjm-things // @foolsinlove // @sayosdreams // @welcometothespeaknowworldtour // @flourishandblottsx // @stardelia // @julemmaes // @thewayshedreamed // @texas-shaped-waffle-maker // @keshavomit //

[xplrvibes]

A Small Gift

A.N. Hello! I, once again, cannot figure out the read more option, so I apologize for that. Hope you like it!

submitted by @kraken45

(xplrvibes note: omg, this is amazing!  I love this so so much and it just really put a smile on my face and actually made me feel so much better!  it really hit the spot!  the characterization of both boys and their relationship, and Jake’s relationships with them as well, was so perfect! (special shout out for throwing cryptocurrency in there lol)  anyway, everyone read this and give @kraken45 all the kudos! thank you so so so much and ily you for this!)

Colby had just had a really fucking bad day. A bad week, honestly. He couldn’t really pinpoint why. Couldn’t pinpoint when the bad started and when he’d gotten so grumpy. It seemed to kind of melt into his natural state of being this week. And here he is. He’s been sitting in bed for the past three hours, desperately trying to work up the motivation to do anything. He already felt like a failure. He’d slept through his own merch drop, which he had been really excited for. The merch was sick and it was a drop he was really proud of, but he could not get himself to care. He was scaring himself. Why was his mind doing this to him? He was on track to have the best year of his life. Why did he feel like absolute shit for literally no reason? 

He wasn’t the only one to notice either. Jake had promptly told him to “fuck off until he got his head out of his ass” when he’d snapped yesterday. To be fair, he had deserved it. He was being short with the people who didn’t do anything wrong other than exist in the same space as him. That’s why he was holing up at the moment. He didn’t want to snap again. The last thing he wanted was to bother people and bring them down with him. His friends were too good for that. He, however, probably deserved this. He was sure he had done something wrong at some point in time and this was karma coming back to bite him in the ass. Honestly, it very well could have been karma from the killing best friend prank video again. While he and Sam had agreed on it, he had no idea how badly Sam would be affected. He had felt horrible ever since. 

Stop it. He thought to himself. I cannot go down this again. 

Whenever he was alone, he had a tendency to fall into a pit of self-deprecation that took days to climb out of. He would sit and stew and go over the things he’d done wrong in his life and just beat the proverbial shit out of himself until something shook him out of it. That something was usually Sam, but he was away with Kat this weekend. Which, good. Sam and Kat needed an awesome weekend away. There should be nothing stopping them. Colby refused to allow himself to be that thing. Ever, for anyone. Colby needed to learn to be able to pick himself up. He was in his mid-20’s. He should be better than this. Sam wasn’t his mom, and damn it, his mom shouldn’t even be responsible for this. He should be able to be an adult without someone forcing him to be. He felt useless. He felt dependent. He felt alone. How does one feel dependent and alone at the same time? Don’t ask Colby. That’s a fact he can’t figure out either, but it’s how he feels. 

Wringing his fingers together in a nervous tick, he decides to text Jake and apologize for snapping. He really didn’t mean to hurt anyone. It just seemed like he managed to, no matter the circumstance. No wonder he went up in his room all the time. He knew most of the people in his life just tolerated him. They weren’t affected in the slightest whenever he would leave, and he knew that. That’s why he always did. He needed to be alone and no one wanted to be around him, so he left. 

Colby sighs loudly and sinks farther down into his sheets. He closed his eyes and willed himself to find motivation. He’d already let Sam and the label down once today, he needed to not do it again. He willed his legs to move. They didn’t. He willed any feeling that wasn’t this drowning sensation. He pressed his hands against his eyes, hoping the metal chill of his rings would make him feel. It didn’t. All it did was frustrate him. He wanted to cry, but he knew he wouldn’t. Tears never came when he needed them to. He just laid there, stuck in the never-ending spiral of attempting to force a feeling until he got angry he wasn’t feeling it until a series of dings rang through on his phone. 

He sighed again. Just as he’d expected, his manager was ripping into him for not being on time for his merch drop. She said the expected, but then dropped a bombshell at the end and called him unreliable. That stung. He’d always prided himself on being the one to always come through for people. His friends could count on him to hype them up and support them, through thick and thin. He was a rock. He was reliable. Apparently not. He typed out an apology, though he was having a hard time getting his hands to cooperate with his brain. He wanted to tell her he knew. She should just represent Sam and convince him to go solo. He knew he was holding him back. Life would be so much better, for everyone, if he could either get his shit together or get out of the way. His hands trembled as he typed and deleted and retyped and finally just settled on “I’m sorry.” 

She wasn’t going to like that, he was well aware, but there was nothing else he could do. She wasn’t there to listen to his sob story of how he couldn’t get his brain to understand how fucking priviledged he was. She was there to help him sell merch and he was supposed to announce it. He didn’t do it. Well, technically, he did do it, but not the right way. None of the fans cared. He’d been promoting all week and they knew the second Sam dropped something, he would too. But that didn’t make him feel any better. It was just another example of how he relied on Sam to carry him through. Maybe he was unreliable, but Sam made him think he was. 

He really was lucky. Sam was everything he wasn’t, and better at the things he was. Sam was smart, Colby was not. Sam was quick-witted, Colby was not. Sam could maintain a healthy relationship, Colby could not. Any amount of kindness or comedic ability or anything like that Colby had, Sam had it too. Colby could not understand why Sam wanted him around some days. He knew Sam wouldn’t be where he was without Colby, but now that he was here, Colby wondered how much more Sam could do on his own. He wouldn’t have to drag Colby around all of the time and hold him accountable. 

Any other day, Colby would know all of these thoughts were absolute bullshit. He and Sam were friends and that’s what made their content connect with people. Their bond was evident and was in no way one-sided, Sam had told him that plenty of times. There were ample videos on Sam’s personal channel that stated this as fact. Logically, Colby knew that. That didn’t stop these intrusive thoughts from pushing him farther into his sheets.

He felt like he was at war with his own head and he could only play defense. Any sound or word said to him was a hit for the offense and there was nothing he could do about it. Which is why that would be the exact moment two separate texts would ping across his phone screen at the same time. One was from Jake and the other from Sam. Great. Two people he absolutely did not want to interact with right now. He could not handle one more passive-aggressive message that was likely in Jake’s text or expression of disappointment that was likely in Sam’s because the damn offense didn’t need any more ammunition. He gave them enough as it was, so he did the only logical thing and tossed his phone to the other side of his bed and put his pillow over his head. 

Exhaustion rammed into him like a train. He felt stupid, once again, as he had done literally nothing all day. There was no reason to be tired. But, fighting crusade against one’s own amygdala can take it out of someone, so he decided to cut himself some slack and go back to sleep. 

About two hours had passed, which Colby had spent in a restless, anxiety-ridden half-sleep where any slight change in temperature would force him to either curl up or chuck the sheets in a haphazard fashion. He had just reentered his lucid state when a blaring ring brought him fully back into reality. He audibly groaned into his pillow and reached for the phone. His ecstasy in receiving yet another phone call about his missed drop from management was understandably low at best, but he looked at his phone and was surprised to see Sam’s name and picture displayed instead, indicating he wanted to FaceTime. Colby weighed his options. He, in no way, wanted to see Sam right now. Or rather, he didn’t want Sam to see him. Sam knew his habits and these days spent in the anxiety cavern weren’t new, so he would know something was up. On the other hand, if Colby didn’t answer, he would know Colby was either hiding something or sleeping…

Colby hoped he would think he was sleeping as he let the call time out. He felt bad for ignoring Sam, but he’d rather ignore him than worry him while he was out with his girlfriend for some much deserved alone time. Colby wondered what he wanted.

Well, dumbass, if you would have answered you would know. His inner voices were bullying him again. Colby just shook his head and shoved it back between his pillows. He sat there for about ten minutes or so, pressing the fabric into his head, willing himself to go back to sleep so he didn’t have to deal with this reality until that obnoxious ringing shrieked out again. 

“What the fuck?” Colby asked out loud, refusing to look at the phone’s image and declining. He was in even worse shape than a few minutes ago, somehow, and he was not in the mood to talk to anyone. Sam never called twice, so Colby wasn’t concerned it was him and anyone else was not on his priority list at the moment. He went one step further and turned the phone off. Any conversation anyone was going to have with him right now would be unproductive, so he refused to have any. Colby decided sleeping obviously wasn’t working, so he sat up to make a move for the shower. 

He stretched his stiff limbs and slowly rose, his back cracking with every inch higher he stood. Damn, he felt old. He slowly made his way to his dresser and decided old XPLR joggers and a hoodie was good enough. It took an unprecedented amount of time to get those things out of the drawer. Colby felt like he was wading through molasses and any form of movement was met with some invisible resistance that he couldn’t seem to break. In no world should someone as healthy as him get winded from picking out clothes, but that’s what happened. 

Fuck, I need to go outside. He thought to himself. This room could not be helping his mental state, so a walk was the only form of action he could think to take. 

After my shower. He thought again. His actions were interrupted by a small sound on the other side of his room. His head whipped around far too quickly for someone who had no water in their system, and as his eyes refocused and reoriented, he wondered if he’d even actually heard the sound at all. It was so small and tentative he thought he’d made it up. He didn’t hear anything for a solid ten seconds, so he made his way into his bathroom to gather the things he needed to shower. He closed his bathroom door slightly behind him and started looking for his shampoo. His other bottle had just run out, so his head was under the sink when he swore he heard another sound out in his main room. He stopped moving again, listening. There was silence again. Colby swore he was going crazy. He then heard what he recognized as knocking become more frantic as Jake called his name and tried to open his door. He must’ve forgotten to lock it because two seconds later, Jake was bounding into the room at the same time Colby was reentering and they nearly collided. 

“What the fuck, Colby? Are you okay?’ Jake asked, concerned, grabbing Colby’s shoulders and shifting him around to get a good look at Colby’s face.

“Yeah…? Why wouldn’t I be?” Colby questioned back, genuinely confused. Jake gave him a hard look. 

“Why haven’t you come out at all today? Why have you been ignoring calls and texts and shit? You’ve been acting weird all week.” Jake shook Colby lightly, trying to force him to look him in the face. Colby turned his head to the side instead. 

“I know, I’m sorry. I… I don’t really know what’s going on. I’ve felt fucking weird all week, but it’s just been bad the past two days. I felt bad for yelling at you yesterday, so I figured it’d be better if I just stayed away until I figured out what my problem was. I haven’t been able to do that, yet.” Colby chuckled dryly, Jake obviously finding no humor in the words. Jake still didn’t let Colby’s  shoulders go, opting to squeeze them tight instead.

“Brother, you’re all good. We all act up sometimes. I said that in the text you didn’t read,” Colby turned away, embarrassed. Jake shook him again, a sign to look up. Colby did this time. 

“Listen, dude, we’ve all got shit days. We just wanted to make sure there was nothing immediately wrong.”

“We?” Colby asked. Jake rolled his eyes, moving his hands to Colby’s upper arms.

“Sam called me panicking for the last five minutes. He noticed you promoted the merch late and then dropped off Earth for several hours and didn’t answer when he called like four times and was declined three times. And when I told him you weren’t answering me either, he thought you’d had a heart attack or some shit. I told him like 12 times you were fine, but you know how fucking momma bear he gets over you.” Colby cringed slightly. In trying to avoid causing Sam stress, he’d accidentally caused him a hell of a lot more. Colby did know about the random protective hair Sam had for him, he just tended to forget about it as Sam was more aloof than Colby was. Colby was very upfront about his emotions and it’s never been hard to know what he’s feeling, but Sam had always been more neutral. He hid his true feelings well from everyone else, but Colby knew his ticks. 

For example, Colby knew when Sam’s left hand was on his hip and he was leaning on something with his right, he was pissed, even if his voice was level. He knew that a glance to the left at some dude making eyes at Kat was pure jealousy, even with a smile on his face. He knew that if Sam grazed his hand lightly on Colby’s shoulder after he’d just done something dangerous, it meant to never do that shit again, even if he was laughing. Sam was often subtle in his displays of emotion, but that didn’t make those feelings any less real. Which is why Sam actually making Jake go check on him was more concerning. He must’ve really freaked him out. Colby should have known. 

“Damn it. I was trying to do the exact opposite.” Jake tilted his head slightly in acknowledgment, nodding lightly.

“I know, but that shit didn’t work. Call him real quick and tell him your heart’s still pumping. He’ll chill once he knows you’re not dead or actively dying. Then shower because you smell like shit and then play smash with me. I’ve wanted to play all day but you’ve been busy making yourself into soup apparently. Then if you’re lucky, that’s not the only smashing you’ll get tonight.” Jake winked and smacked his ass lightly as he ran out of Colby’s door. Colby cringed and laughed, forever amused by his friend’s ability to make anything sexual. 

Colby lifted his arm and sniffed, wondering if it was really that bad. The room instantly spinning was a good enough answer. He made his way into his room and switched his phone on, dreading the texts and calls he’d receive once it came back on. Sure enough, there were 3 unread messages and three missed calls from Sam. He quickly went to the messages and sent Sam a quick explanation of what happened. Well, he basically said he’d been sleepy all day and turned the phone off in an attempt to go back to sleep, which wasn’t untrue, but not the full truth either. He just wanted Sam to forget about him for the weekend and have fun. Sam did not take the bait. 

“Alright sure,” Sam’s reply read, “you can say that. Listen, brother, I know you’ve been in a weird funk the past few days. That’s why I got so worried when you didn’t answer. I know nothing was happening, really, but you’ve probably been stuck in your own head all week. I fucking hate when you get stuck there and try and get out alone. You’re a strong person, but you can only see things the way your brain will let you. And lemme tell you, that fucker is lying sometimes. I have no clue what’s going on up there, but lemme say this, you’re fine. People like you. People wanna help you when your days are shit. Don’t isolate yourself. Go downstairs and play smash with Jake, he’s been bitching all day. Also shower, you probably smell like ass.” 

Colby cracked a little smile at that. They really did spend too much time together. Another text came in before he could respond.

“Also I swear to God if you try to sit there and say sorry 12000 times I will knock your teeth out through this phone. Just stfu in advance. Threat stands if you ever ignore me again.” Colby laughed out loud this time, as he read over his unsent reply that started with “I’m sorry…” These two really needed to spend more time apart. Or maybe less, if today was any indication of how things would go if they were separated for more than a day. 

Colby replied, “Okay, okay, I got you. I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused. (Not sorry) but I’m gonna shower and kick Jake’s ass. Nothing will clear a funk quicker than that. Thanks a lot, brother. Really not sure where I’d be without you, so love and appreciate you like always. Snc v the world brother. Now ignore me for the next three days and have fun!! Seeya monday bitch!”

“Cut the mushy shit brother, I ain’t a little bitch like you. I will be happily ignoring your existence until then.” Sam replied, but quickly added “i’m just kidding ily2, please fucking text me if you need something for the love of god. Snc v tw” with a gif of a koala sending a virtual hug attached. 

Colby hearted the gif and sad reacted to the first message as he chuckled to himself and headed towards the shower. Sam knew just what to say, just like always. After he had showered, Colby went downstairs and played at least thirty more rounds of Smash than he’d intended to, and since he and Jake were him and Jake, the loser ended up doing punishments. That’s how he’d ended up with a spatula-shaped bruise on his asscheek and nearly choked to death on his water as he watched Jake Naruto-run into the Traphouse inflatable dog and fully disappear. He hadn’t felt this light all week. He felt like himself again. Thank god. Who knew all he would need is a video game and a text? The rest of the night went about as one could expect with ½ of the Trap boys getting drunk off of White Claws and wine, so one could just describe it as a night of wonderful TikTok content.

As the weekend progressed, Colby felt his motivation return. He reposted plenty of merch orders, which were not affected by his sleeping in, and got a ton of work done. He was actually neck deep in an article about cryptocurrency when Sam’s Tesla pulled into the driveway. Colby didn’t noticed as he continued to read about this strange new currency, when his door flung open and he jumped ten feet out of his chair. 

“Sam, you dick!” He shouted as Sam doubled over, laughing hysterically. “How fucking rude. I haven’t seen you for four days and the first thing you want to do is kill me?” Sam walked over to his desk, still laughing. He wiped a tear from one eye and wrapped his other arm around Colby’s shoulders, bending it and putting Colby into a weak headlock.

“Nah, brother, there are way more interesting ways if I wanted to do that.” Colby snorted, looking up at him in fake offense while trying to pull his arm down.

“I should have known all of those nice words were fake. You just wanted my guard down, you bitch.” Colby joked back as Sam tightened his arm, messing up Colby’s hair with his other hand. 

“You finally fucking caught on, good for you.” Sam patronized as Colby tried to slap his hand out of his hair when Sam suddenly stopped and wrapped both his arms around Colby’s shoulders. “Don’t ever shut me out again. I will break down those damn walls with a sledgehammer if I have to. I fucking love you brother, don’t forget that.” Sam punctuated his statement with a tight squeeze of his arms while Colby smiled wide, leaning his head into Sam’s shoulder. Colby knew his friends had him, through good days and bad. He just needed a reminder sometimes. 

“I love you too, Sam. Expect the exact same.” Colby stated, looking him in the eyes and patting his arms. Sam nodded and squeezed him one last time before letting go and ruffling Colby’s hair again with both hands, completely annihilating any styling that was left after the first assault. He turned on a heel and ran out his door.

“Sam! You ass!”