#TO HAVE ONE SINGLE CONVERSATION. MATTHEW PLEASE.

[multiversediaries]

MORE THAN FRIENDS

⤷ FRANK CASTLE X READER

Summary: After overhearing a conversation between Matt and Karen, you find comfort in the arms of the big, bad Punisher.

Warnings: mentions of cheating, small angst, soft, and i mean, VERY soft frank

Part count: 1/?

A/N: i loved, loved, LOVED! writing this!!!!! i hope u guys like it as much as i do ^-^ apologies for any mistakes! english is not my first language!

“Why aren’t you listening to me?” You heard Matt’s voice from outside of their office. You had just came back into the office, after looking more into a few cases you were all working on. You were eager to share the information you acquired to both your boyfriend, Matt, and Foggy.

“You are in a relationship, Matthew. This is insane.” Karen soon spoke up. You raised your ears in curiosity. Were they talking about you? You leaned into the door, trying to listen into their conversation.

You have been in a loving relationship with Matt for about two years now. You met him while working at his law firm, and ultimately fell for him. Who wouldn’t? Matt is a dream come true. It didn’t make you uncomfortable to know that his ex girlfriend, Karen, also worked along side Matt, since you knew he loved you. He reminded you every single day of how much he loved and appreciated you. He never gave you a reason to doubt him.

“Y/N? God, Karen. Can’t you see? She means nothing— not next to you.” Matt said, your heart sinking at his words. No, this isn’t the Matt you knew. The Matt you knew and fell in love with would never speak of you like this. No.. he loved you. He told you every day.

He loved you… right?

“You don’t mean that, Matt.” Karen replied softly. You could sense pity in her voice for you.

“Y/N… she’s lovely. She really is— she’s so good to me, but she’s not you. She will never be you.”

You heard Karen reply, but you weren’t paying attention anymore. You bit your bottom lip, hiding your silent cries, and shuttering breaths. You started to walk away from the office, not daring to even look back. You were grateful it was usually noisy around the office during that time, so Matt wouldn’t have been able to hear you.

You stood in the middle of the sidewalk, finally allowing yourself to hurt. Tears streamed down your face, painful sobs leaving your throat. The stares of people didn’t matter to you. How could he? How could you have been so naive? It was all too good to be true, and you knew this. You knew it was, yet you brushed it off. Just thinking this was the universe finally letting you be happy, for once. How naive.

You walked around the streets of Hell’s Kitchen. not having a place to go. You shared the apartment with Matt. You couldn’t go to Karen, or Foggy. Gosh, where were you going to sleep for tonight? Those were the only people you truly trusted and knew. You didn’t have any family left in Hell’s Kitchen. No one.

As you walked around town, flashbacks kept replaying in your head. Walking past that italian restaurant Matt loved so much, the small bar Matt liked playing pool in, the park Matt loved taking walks with you at, everything reminded you of him. You closed your eyes in defeat, as you felt small rain drops fall on your skin.

Just what you needed.

But even then, it was comforting. You always liked how the city looked during rainy nights. It brought you peace and now, consolation. You walked around the streets you loved so much, an emotionless expression in your face. You felt empty. You felt so pathetic, and like you had wasted two years of your life. Two years of nothing but what you thought was happiness and love. But it was just a fantasy. A delusion. Fiction. It just wasn’t real, nothing was real. You weren’t Karen. You didn’t have as much history with Matt as Karen did. You just weren’t her.

While you continued to walk, your tears now hidden in the rain, giving you the freedom to let go, to cry as much as you pleased, you heard a name you hadn’t heard in a while.

The Punisher.

Frank Castle. The man who once saved your life. The man who seemed to care so deeply about you. A long lost friend. You lost communication with him a few months ago. It was nothing new, Frank traveled a lot, he never truly stayed at one place for too long. You didn’t know he was back, as he hadn’t told you. He’d always find a way to contact you, to let you know he was alive and well. Most of the times, he simply got you flowers. He knew how much you liked them. So he wanted to be associated with something you liked so much.

You soon found yourself at his front door. Terrified he wouldn’t be home. After composing yourself, or at least trying to, you knocked twice on his door. You bit your lip, looking down anxiously.

Please be home, Frank. Please.

After a few minutes of silence, that sense of hope inside of you started to die down. He wasn’t home. Of course he wasn’t home. You let out a breathy chuckle, shaking your head. Again, how fucking naive. You wiped your teary, swollen eyes, and turned around on your heels, starting to walk away from his door. You began thinking of where you could spend the night. If anything, you could wait under they all leave the office, and you could sleep there.

“Y/N?” You heard a deep, raspy voice call out behind you, interrupting your thoughts. You could have sworn your heart stopped. You turned around slowly, finding Frank.

“You’re home…” You managed to whisper, earning a cautious nod from Frank.

“Everything okay, doll? What’s goin’ on?” Frank asked, his eyes scanning you, looking for any injuries on you. His expression softening at the sight of a broken you.

You opened your mouth to speak, yet nothing came out. You faked a smile, wiping your eyes once again. Frank’s heart tightened. He slowly began making his way to you. Your smile soon turned into a frown, small sobs leaving your lips. You couldn’t stop yourself from breaking down in front of him. Loud, and sore wails filling the hall you both were standing on.

Frank didn’t say a word either, he only embraced you into a tight hug. His strong arms stroking your back lovingly, as he held you together, knowing that if he let go, you’d fall apart right in front of him. Once he noticed your cries had calmed down, he finally spoke up.

“Let’s change you out of these wet clothes.” He spoke lightly, guiding you into his apartment. He closed the door behind him, leading you into the bathroom. He brought some of his clothes for you, and a towel.

“Take a warm bath, and then we’ll talk if you want to, alright?” Frank said, before offering you a small, pitiful grin, and closing the door. You took off the damped clothes and jumped into the shower, instantly relaxing as soon as the hot water touched your cold skin.

Frank could hear your whimpers and cries from his living room, where he impatiently waited for you. He had never seen you like this. His heart felt heavy while looking into your blood red, swollen eyes, your quivering lips and broken expression. He sighed harshly, remembering how cold you felt when he held you into his arms, how much you were shaking. He quickly stood up, gathering warm blankets for you. He also prepared warm chocolate for you, your favorite kind, in hopes of lifting your spirits, even if it’s just a little.

He must have gotten too caught up in trying to make you feel comfortable, that he didn’t notice you. You stood by the counter of his kitchen, wearing one of his t-shirts and long pants, which were most definitely a little big on you. He smiled just a bit, once he locked eyes with you. You returned the kind smile, watching him as he poured the hot chocolate into a cup for you.

Soon, your eyes drifted to a flower arrangement, carefully sitting by the end of the counter you were leaning on. You sighed quietly, in relief.

“Those are yours, sweetheart. Was gonna have them delivered to you tomorrow, or somethin’.” Frank said, handing the cup to you. You smiled, genuinely this time. Of course he was going to. How dare you doubt him? He cares about you. Truthfully. You brought the cup to your lips, softly blowing it, before drinking from it.

“See, I just didn’t know where to send ‘em to.” Frank continued, looking at the flowers he got for you. Tulips. “Didn’t know you moved in with Matt.” He said. You sighed at the mention of his name, a frown appearing once again.

“Yeah, well. Definitely don’t send them there.” You replied, so soft it was almost a whisper. Frank nodded, not wanting to push you. He didn’t want to pressure you into telling him anything.

“Are you alright, doll? Talk to me.” Frank said, as softly and tenderly as possible. You sighed shakily, recalling what you heard. Frank bit the insides of his mouth. “Let’s go sit, okay?” He offered, a hand lightly on your waist, leading you to his living room. Frank sat across from you, giving you all the space you needed. You looked down at the cup in your hands, trying to find the right words.

“It’s Matt, he—”

“Did he hurt you?”

“No! Of course not— I mean, yeah? Kind of?” You replied, placing the cup down on the coffee table in front of you, before your hands ran to caress your temples in frustration.

“I’m sorry.” Frank said after taking a deep breath. “Didn’t meant to interrupt ya.” He finished, his eyes never leaving yours. Your heart almost melted. Frank has always been this kind, this attentive.

“It’s fine, Frank. It’s just—” You continued, running a hand through your damped hair, trying to find the best way to explain your situation. “I don’t even know how to explain it, he just— he just doesn’t love me.”

“What?” Frank asked, truly baffled at your words. Because how can anybody not adore you?

“I heard him speaking to Karen. And he told her I was nothing compared to her, and that he only wanted her.” You continued, your voice breaking. “He doesn’t love me, Frank. Simply because I’m not her.” You finished, your head dropped in embarrassment and hurt. You held back your wails, yet there was not point in stopping the tears that now ran down your face. You heard Frank sigh.

After a few minutes of nothing but your silent cries, Frank had now moved to sit next to you, an arm wrapped around you, as you cried into his chest. His fingers traced circles on your skin, attempting to comfort you as much as he possibly could. A few more minutes passed, yet Frank hadn’t said a word.

“Why haven’t you said anything?” You finally spoke up, your voice sore and tired from all the crying. Frank shrugged his shoulders, looking down at you.

“Just can’t understand how anyone would want anybody else but you.” Frank said, his eyebrows furrowed in utter confusion. He was dumbfounded. “You’re it for me, sweetheart.” Frank continued, his face showing utter bewilderment.

“Didn’t know Red could be so goddamn stupid.” Frank said, looking down to stare into your eyes. Your eyes glassy and overflowing with tears. He sighed, his rough fingers wiping away the small teardrops on your cheeks.

“I’m sorry I can’t comfort ‘ya any better, I’m just bamboozled.” Frank confessed, making a small giggle leave your mouth. He offered you a small grin.

“Don’t you dare doubt yourself ‘cause of him. You know your worth and how fucking amazing you are— he’s missing out on you, pretty girl.” Frank continued, his rough hand felt warm and even soft against your skin. You bit your lip, killer butterflies filling your stomach while you heard Frank speak so softly and lovingly to you.

“I just don’t understand— if it were me, I would’ve put a ring on your finger ages ago. Fuck, I would’ve made you a mom by now.” Frank rambled on, your eyes softly widening at his sudden confession. Frank seemed to realized what he said, since he quickly looked into your eyes in panic.

“I mean— I would’ve never exchanged you for anyone or anything. I’m telling ‘ya, you’re it for me.” Frank finished, his hand leaving your cheek. You frowned at the loss of his warmth.

“You should be exhausted, go to sleep, alright? We’ll talk more in the morning.” Frank said softly, before planting a tender kiss to your forehead. You nodded, mostly speechless by what just happened. You made your way to then vacant room Frank had offered you, looking back once in a while, locking eyes with Frank. You smiled timidly, before walking into the room, and closing the door behind you.

“‘I would’ve made you a mom.’ ‘The fuck were you thinking?” Frank cursed under his breath, cleaning up his living room. His eyes going going over to the room you were sleeping at, wondering if you needed anything, and most importantly, if you were okay.

Inside, a smile had formed in your lips, remembering the words Frank had said to you. You couldn’t help the obvious attraction and love you felt towards him, from the very first day you met him. Matt hated Frank, probably because of how fondly you spoke of him and how excited you used to get when a bucket of flowers would get delivered to you. You used to reassure Matt to not worry about Frank, that you two were just friends.

But were you?

[verstappenf1lecccc]

Could you please write something with Lando when you have been dating for nearly 3 years before you broke up with you being an actress and he an F1 driver it was an really public break up and it got quit ugly with Lando not understanding why you broke up with him and of course the whole thing got discussed in length on social media. When you attend the Oscars two weeks after the break up you're plan was too get drunk and dance but when you get sat next to an charming British actor you can't help yourself you laugh so much like you haven't in a very long time and when you two leave the after party early with you wearing his suit jacket and holding onto his arm you know that there are cameras and paparazzi's everywhere and that the pictures will be blastered on every gossip magazine but you don't really care. The next morning you get woken up by you’re phone ringing you ignore it the first four times but when it’s the fifth time you have enough you know exactly that it’s Lando and you know better then too pick up you still do it his first question is if you fucked him and you would like to tell him too go fuck himself that it’s none of his business anymore but yes you did and you know that it will make him even more angry and so you tell him the truth and how good it felt let him get blue from anger and envy maybe he then lets you finally alone.❤️

this is one of my favourites!!!

“Party 4 you”

Lando Norris x Actress!Reader x Matthew Broome

You used to rehearse your smile in the mirror.

Three years of premieres, paddocks, afterparties, and carefully timed Instagram posts every single one a performance. Every step beside Lando Norris was a silent prayer: Notice me. Choose me. Just look at me like I’m enough.

But you never said it out loud.

You played the role of the cool girlfriend. The understanding one. The one who didn’t mind the missed birthdays or the forgotten flights or the phone calls that cut off mid-sentence because he had “media to do.” You were the girl who waited backstage, smiling, silent, perfect.

And the worst part?

You told yourself that was love.

You dressed up for him like a party. You showed up glowing and golden, built from scratch every night. And he’d show up late or not at all. A kiss to the cheek. A distracted hand on your waist. A caption-less photo.

He never asked what dress made you feel beautiful.

He never noticed when your laugh changed.

He never saw you.

But you saw him. God, did you see him.

You saw every tired line in his face after a bad race. Every beat of doubt he never spoke. You loved him quietly. Fiercely. Exhaustingly. Until one day, you were sitting alone in your car outside his Monaco apartment, mascara drying on your cheeks, shaking fingers on your steering wheel, and the silence of your own birthday echoing in your ears and you realized:

You’d thrown every party for him.

And he never once RSVP’d.

The break-up was a war.

Not in person. No, Lando didn’t even come to the conversation. He just said, “You’re seriously ending it? Just like that?”

As if it hadn’t already been ending for months.

As if you hadn’t already mourned him in a hundred hotel rooms, with his voice cutting out mid-“love you.”

Social media devoured it. Gossip accounts speculated.

He stayed quiet, mostly.

Except for that one Twitch stream.

“She ended it out of nowhere. Guess that’s just how it goes.”

And just like that you were cold. Calculating. Heartless.

No one knew you cried so hard you threw up the night before.

No one knew you stopped eating for three days after.

No one knew how long you waited before finally posting a picture of yourself, smiling because your publicist said you had to.

They all thought you moved on.

But you hadn’t even started.

The next three to five months were a haze.

You learned how to breathe again, between broken nights and empty apartments.

You learned how to show up for yourself instead of waiting for someone else.

You learned how to not be a party thrown for one person who never came.

The pain dulled. It didn’t vanish. But you grew stronger, piece by fragile piece.

And then, Matthew Broome walked into your life like a fresh breeze cutting through the stale air of your heartbreak.

It started slowly at the Oscars.

You were hesitant to go.

Your agent had insisted.

“You need to remind the world you’re still here.”

You put on the gold dress the one with the slit high enough to say I’m dangerous now.

You put on the red lipstick the one that never smudged because you needed armor.

You smiled.

And smiled.

And smiled.

But Inside, you felt like a ghost.

And then he was there.

Matthew, charming and easy, sliding into the seat next to you.

You didn’t mean to laugh.

But he whispered something funny about the host’s painfully slow speech, and the sound slipped out of you unfiltered, loud, real.

It startled you.

Because for a moment, something inside cracked.

Not breaking or opening.

“I don’t remember the last time I laughed like that,” you told him.

“Then I’m glad I could be the one,” he smiled.

You danced.

Not for Lando. Not for the cameras.

But For yourself

You drank champagne and spilled stories you hadn’t dared to tell anyone.

You left the afterparty early.

His jacket was warm on your shoulders.

Your hand curled around his arm.

You knew the cameras were waiting.

You let them see.

Because this time, the smile was real.

The next morning, your phone rang five times.

You knew it was Lando.

You ignored the first four.

The fifth time, you answered.

He didn’t say hello.

“Did you fuck him?”

You exhaled, slow and steady.

“You really calling me for that?”

“Did you?”

“Yes.”

It was a bomb.

You imagined him, furious, jaw clenched, eyes dark.

“You didn’t waste any time.”

“I wasted three years, Lando.”

He was silent.

“You know what it felt like? To be loved? To be wanted? To finally be seen?”

You didn’t lie.

The silence was different now less angry, more devastated.

“I waited for you. I threw every party for you. And you never came.”

The line went dead.

With Matthew, you didn’t have to be the party.

You just got to be.

Coffee dates that weren’t photographed.

Dinners where you could laugh without a mask.

Texts that didn’t need to be framed or curated.

And you laughed.

Really laughed for the first time in years

Months passed.

You and Matthew grew closer.

Quieter love.

No cameras.

No expectations.

You married on a rainy autumn day.

Laughter came easily.

You were whole.

One night, the phone rang again.

Lando.

You didn’t answer.

But the voicemail played.

It was Matthew’s voice, light and warm.

“Hey, this is Mr. Broome… and Mrs. Broome.”

Your laughter, bright and happy, floated behind his words.

A sound Lando never cared enough to listen to before.

He pressed replay.

That giggle the life he never saw, the joy he never gave.

And for the first time, he felt the weight of every party he’d missed.

He still, he threw parties.

Empty ones.

Chasing shadows.

Chasing a love that had already danced away.

Because the woman who waited for him?

She was dancing.

And finally, laughing.

[pascaloverx]

ENCHANTED

Summary: You have no desire to marry, yet your family insists otherwise, pressuring you to believe that you should. Amidst it all, you find yourself drawn to Guy Thwarte, who proves to be rather good company.

Author's Note: My slight fixation on Matthew Broome led me to create this fanfic, but I can’t guarantee it will be good. So, dear reader, if you enjoy it, please interact and comment.

two

ONE

Hiding from the crowd is the wisest course of action. You are in no mood to feign happiness—at least not tonight. Slipping away into the duchess’s garden, you hope no one has taken notice. You settle into a secluded patch of grass, gazing up at the star-strewn sky.

"When will this ever become easier?" You hear Guy Thwarte murmur to himself before turning back toward the ballroom, where guests are either prying into one another’s affairs or twirling across the dance floor.

"If you happen to discover the answer, do let me know," you reply, realizing he has yet to notice you. A hedge conceals your hiding place.

"What exactly are you doing there?" Guy asks, stepping nearer, his gaze sweeping over the foliage in search of you.

You smile—surely, it is obvious. "Not to be painfully clear, but I am attempting to escape the crowd," you reply, smoothing the fabric of your gown.

He studies you for a moment, as though trying to make sense of your retreat. "I am fairly certain your mother is looking for you," he remarks, tilting his head toward the lively chaos unfolding inside the duchess’s residence.

"Then, I beg you, be discreet and do not betray my whereabouts," you say, pressing a finger to your lips in silent entreaty.

He hesitates, deliberating. "Might I have the honor?" Guy finally asks, his uncertainty laced with curiosity.

You pat the empty space beside you and murmur, "By all means." You have known Guy Thwarte for some time, but never have you been quite this close to him.

"And what brings you out here?" You decide to pry into Guy’s affairs, as there is little else to occupy you. You know that Theo, the Duke of Tintagel—one of Guy’s closest friends—is absent, having embarked on a journey.

"I am not in the mood for revelry, which is a shame, as the wine was excellent," Guy replies, though there is a certain restraint in his voice, as if withholding the true reason for his departure from the festivities.

"If it was that good, you ought to have brought a bottle for us to share," you remark in an attempt at levity. To your relief, it seems to have the desired effect.

"A grave oversight on my part. My apologies, Miss Y/L/N," he says, his gaze meeting yours. For a moment, there is an unspoken understanding between you, a quiet recognition of this unexpected closeness as you converse beneath the stars.

"You asked me before why I am here," you begin, turning your gaze skyward. "I suppose it is only fair to be honest—I came because I feel suffocated in there. It is as if I am nothing more than an ornament, without soul or purpose beyond what society dictates. And that, as you well know, is to secure a husband and bear children." Your eyes remain fixed on the heavens, longing, for just a moment, to be a drifting cloud—free to admire the vastness above without a single care.

"And what do you envision for yourself?" Guy Thwarte asks, his gaze drifting to the clouds as they veil the stars above. It is a question you have never truly allowed yourself to consider.

"If my fate were mine to command, I would sail from one country to another, taste unfamiliar cuisines, and discover whether the sky looks the same in every corner of the world," you reply, imagining what it might be like to soar as freely as a bird.

"And you wish to do all this alone?" Guy inquires, a note of curiosity in his voice.

"I do not oppose the idea of companionship," you admit, shifting your gaze from the heavens to him. "But I do object to belonging to someone. To be frank, I have never heard a single person suggest companionship without it being a veiled proposal of marriage." You turn fully now, studying him, eager to gauge his reaction. He appears to be truly contemplating your words.

"The notion of belonging is often entwined with marriage," he muses, his tone carrying a weight of something unsaid. "But I do not believe it is something to be feared." There is something in the way he speaks, in the way his expression darkens slightly, that makes you certain—he is thinking of someone.

"Easy for you to say, Guy. In most marriages, the husband is treated as the superior," you reply, your tone more serious now.

"I know it may sound foolish, but in my parents’ marriage, I saw a couple who treated each other as equals, fighting every day for a shared future," Guy says, his voice steady, as if speaking of something deeply significant to him.

"The way you talk about marriage—it seems to be an important matter to you," you observe, watching him closely, wondering what thoughts are turning in his mind. Perhaps he is thinking of the person to whom he belongs, imagining what it would be like to marry them.

"But do not misunderstand me," he adds gently, turning his gaze back to you. "Your plan to explore the world sounds perfect, with or without a companion."

"Wait, stay still. There is something on your face," he says, reaching out to brush his fingers against your cheek, removing a stray leaf. For a brief moment, panic flutters in your chest at the unexpected closeness, but before you can react, he has already plucked it away. At last, you both rise to your feet.

"Look over there! It seems a star is falling from the sky," you exclaim, pointing toward the streak of light. Guy squints, trying to catch sight of it, though you suspect he might not have seen it at all.

"Make a wish. A secret one. Then press it to your heart with the palm of your hand," you say, drawing in a deep breath and willing fate to be kind. Though you are uncertain what exactly you are wishing for, you feel the weight of it all the same. To your surprise, Guy follows suit, humoring your whim by silently making a wish of his own.

"Ah, there you are! I have been searching for you all night," your mother’s voice rings out, startling you both. You turn to find her beaming, though the way her gaze flits between you and Guy suggests she suspects there was more to this moment than mere conversation.

"Am I interrupting?" she asks politely. "Not at all, Lady Y/L/N. Your daughter and I were merely keeping each other company," Guy replies with effortless charm.

"Mama, what was so important that you needed to find me?" you ask quickly, hoping to steer her thoughts away from any premature conclusions.

"The duke and some Americans, as well as the Marables, are on their way here. It will be wonderful for all of us! I cannot wait to choose your gown for the duke’s welcome fête," she announces, brimming with excitement. Meanwhile, you can feel yourself spiraling into quiet dread. Something tells you that everything in your life is about to change—for better or for worse.

[hanbingzu]

- Take A Chance With Me ✩°｡⋆⸜ 🦢✮

Synopsis: You and Gunwook have had a complicated history with each other since ages ago, but a 7-day trip changed it all for you both.

Genre: fluff, angst (with a good ending), academic rivals, enemies to lovers, childhood friends

Pairing: Gunwook X Fem!reader

Word count: 9.5k (lol………..)

Warnings: skinship, kissing, cursing, a lot of teasing, mentions of wearing make up, pet names, a lot of sensitive topics (parents, family, grades/academics, etc), please tell me if i missed some

A/N: there WILL be so many typos and grammar error bcs I did not double check hehe, I got confused about where I should have them go for the trip, and because I’m Indonesian, I was just like “Oh, Bali it is” LMAO, and let’s act like everyone In the story already has their driver's license☝🏻, OH, and play your sad playlist from day 3 until the end of day 4 for a better experience😋😋😋

You and Gunwook have known each other for basically your whole life, things were okay between the two of you up until the first year of middle school, at first, the two of you drifted from each other, he joined the soccer club, giving him a new group of friends, while you have your own, but the two of you have gotten a little competitive with each other, academically, creatively, or just generally.

There had never been a single day where the two of you didn't bicker with each other, now that is if you guys even talk with one another, other days are just filled with your own life, no interactions what so ever.

You’d be lying if you said that there has never been a day where you weren’t sad that your friendship with Gunwook changed so drastically in a snap of a finger, but that was way back during middle school, it’s safe to say that you’ve learned to accept it.

────────────

“UGH, Y/N WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG?” Your best friend Yunjin asked on the phone “Girl, I’m right behind your car,” you said as you rolled your eyes before hanging up the phone and opening the door of Yunjin’s car.

“Oh, HEY BAE! I’m so excited about this trip, I can’t wait to finally have some days off from these assignments” Yunjin laughs as she starts her car and drives away from your house “Is everyone on their way to the airport yet?” you asked “yup, they’re on their way” she smiled. The one-hour drive to the airport was filled with laughter and screams as your favorite songs played on the Bluetooth.

.

As both of you arrived at the airport, you noticed that your other friends had also arrived, Gyuvin, Ricky, Matthew, Sheon, Winter, and…Gunwook!?

“Yunjin???” You stopped in your tracks the second you saw Gunwook standing with the other guys in the waiting room “Huh? What?” “You didn’t tell me Gunwook will be coming?” You spoke out, a little frustrated from the sudden news “Oh…see, because I knew you wouldn’t wanna come if you knew that Gunwook was coming, so I didn't tell you about that, sorry..” she laughed nervously “You should’ve told me? Now I’ll have to deal with his ass for the rest of the week, this is not any better than 50 assignments, JENNIFER.” “WOAH, you even brought up my English name and all, MY BAD?!?!?!” “Whatever” You shrugged, continuing your path to the waiting room to meet with the others.

Let’s all be honest, we all know the nonchalant face you have while you walk over there was all an act, you hated the fact that you’ll have to put up with him, but you don’t wanna seem like a sensitive no fun loser in front of him, that’ll just give him more reasons to tease you.

“Y/N!!! YUNJIN!!!” The girls shouted in excitement, their faces were occupied with bright smiles as they ran to hug you and Yunjin, while the guys just smiled and waved before continuing their conversation.

.

After an hour or two, the plane has finally boarded. You sat down with Yunjin, Winter sat down with Sheon, Ricky sat down with Matthew, and Gyuvin sat down with Gunwook, unfortunately, their seat was behind yours and Yunjin’s.

“Hey, Y/n, lend me your phone real quick” Gyuvin reached out his hands while tapping your shoulders “For what?” you asked confused by his sudden request “I need to search for something, my battery died” he responded. You handed him the phone, a little concerned, but what is he gonna do anyways?

After a few minutes, he returned your phone, the second you opened your gallery, it was filled with silly selfies that Gyuvin and Gunwook had taken, “Was your battery even out?” you looked back to him “Nope” he chuckled while scrolling thru his phone.

.

A few hours have passed, and the 8 of you have finally arrived at your destination, Bali! You and your friends used the car that you guys rented to go to the Villa you’re staying at for the week, entering the car, Gunwook sat in the driver’s seat while the others were in the passenger’s seat. “You’re driving?…” You asked a little concerned “Yeah? I’m a good driver, trust” he laughed, putting on the seatbelt before driving “If I die, I swear to god Gunwook I’ll be keeping you awake for the rest of your life” “Go on” he replied nonchalantly while he starts driving.

“Can someone put on some music? It’s kinda quiet in here” Ricky sighed “Ooooo yes! I have the perfect playlist for this” Winter responded, pulling out her phone to open an app. Once again, the drive to the villa was filled with laughs and screams as your favorite songs played on the Bluetooth.

{ Section 1 - The trip! }

- Day 1

☆ 3.45 PM

When you arrived at the villa, you were happy to be there of course, but you were a bit too drained to join the others talking in the living room, so you decided to excuse yourself to your bedroom, “Guys, I'm gonna go clean up and rest for a bit, I’ll join you guys later on” You smiled, taking your bags with you to the bedroom.

You took a deep breath while you lay down on the bed, the room was cold, and the glass wall with the glass door in front of your bed led to a balcony, which showed a view of the pool in the backyard and the beach behind it have given you the best atmosphere ever.

You get up from your bed to go to the bathroom inside of your bedroom, removing your make-up before getting into the shower. You were drowned in the warmth of the shower, and the sudden rush of freshness yet comfort took over your tired body, finally waking you up for reality, the good thing is, you’re out on a trip with your friends, the bad thing is, one of the ‘friends’ is Gunwook.

After your warm shower, you go back to your room and change into something more comfortable before plopping yourself onto the bed and scrolling down on your phone. Without noticing, scrolling down on your phone has slowly drifted you to sleep.

☆ 5.40 PM

You woke up from your nap due to someone softly shaking you “Huh?” you said confused “God, you’re finally awake, get up, we’re gonna go get dinner,” Gunwook said while opening the curtains “Let me sleep in for another 5 minutes” you groaned, putting a pillow over your head “Fine, I only woke you up because everyone else is already getting ready, if we leave you then don’t blame it on me” he shrugged, leaving your bedroom and shutting the doors “Ughhhh, fine I’ll get up” you whined tiredly, sitting down on your bed to gather up your sober self first.

After getting ready, You went out of your bedroom to see that everyone else was sitting down in the living room while waiting for you “Oh my god, took you long enough” Sheon complained, standing up from the couch “I was taking a nap” you laughed “Okay okay, C’mon, we don’t have much time” Matthew spoke out while taking the car keys on the table.

☆ 7.05 PM

“I’m sitting beside you?” Gunwook said unhappily while turning off his phone “If it was my choice, I’d be sitting at a different table from you, so if you want to complain, don’t say it to me” You rolled your eyes “Can you guys not argue for once?” Yunjin asked while looking at the both of you up and down “No” the both of you replied at the same time “Suit yourself” she sighed.

“Gunwook, lend me that spoon,” you said while pointing at the spoon beside him “Take it yourself” he replied “Bitch?” “I’m kidding” he laughed, giving you a gentle push on the shoulders before handing you the spoon “Thanks” you smiled sarcastically.

The breezy air at night on the beach has given the restaurant such a cozy vibe, the most surprising thing, is that you still feel comfortable in there even when you’re sitting next to the person you hate the most.

The warm delicate food filled your and your friend’s stomachs in the best way possible, it’s safe to say that the dinner went smoothly!

☆ 11.55 PM

After a long tiring night, good sleep is all that you need, when you’ve arrived at your villa, you cleaned yourself up and went straight to bed.

.

- Day 2

☆ 7.30 AM

You wake up from your slumber, and a glimpse of the sun shines through the curtains blinding your eyes “That’s bright” you say in your sleepy voice.

You got out of bed and washed your face before exiting your bedroom, You were greeted by Gunwook who was making himself some breakfast “A lion’s out of her cage” he said teasingly “Shut up” you said quietly “Where is everyone else?” “They’re still asleep, why are you awake so early always?” he asked “I don’t know. My body just decided to wake up” You laid down on the couch, eyes still sleepy “Cool, get off I wanna sit down” Gunwook declared while holding a plate of food “No? Sit down on the ground” He clicked his tongue before pulling you out of the couch “You’re so annoying” You groaned, getting up from the ground and walking to the kitchen “If I’m annoying then you should go and check out what’s wrong with you” he scoffed as he searched for some shows to watch on the TV.

“Why are you guys so loud? It’s too early for this” Gyuvin got out of his room, hair messy and face sleepy “If your friend isn’t so bitchy, we wouldn’t be so loud” You said while slowly taking a glance at Gunwook “C’mon, he’s your friend too Y/n” Gyuvin laughed “No he’s not?” “No I’m not?” Both of you said in sync “Oh!” Gyuvin reacted “I tried, I’m going back to sleep” He entered his room and shut the door.

☆ 9.15 AM

Finally, everyone is awake! The 8 of you guys sat down together in the backyard of the villa, having random conversations while drinking some fresh beverages.

You guys spent the rest of the day out shopping and hunting for some traditional food, and of course, you guys had to visit the beach and experience the beauty there.

☆ 10.30 PM

The day has passed and it’s finally nighttime, you and your friends sat around a bonfire while having deep conversations, silly conversations, stupid conversations, and even drunk confessions on a sober brain. At this moment of the day, all 8 of you have grown to connect more, the bond between all of you has grown to be stronger than before, and what’s most important, is that all of you understand each other more, as shocking as this will sound, you and Gunwook have somehow slowly understood each other more, no, that doesn’t break the hatred you both have for each other, but it delivered the both of you some understanding

“Oh c’mon Ricky that’s such a dumb confession” Sheon scoffed “What? I literally just confessed my love for strawberries to you guys?” “Yeah, and we know about that already you dumbass” Winter chuckled “Hmmm, Gunwook, how bout you? Do you have any confessions?” Matthew asked, “Maybe about how you’re able to achieve the title of ‘best student award’ every year?” he chuckled “Oh..honestly, I think I just grew up with my parents having to force my academic scores to be high, even with the titles that I’ve gotten these past few years, they’re still not satisfied” he lets out a soft chuckle, a forced one for sure, “But you’re always first in class? Let alone class, our whole grade?!” Gyuvin spoke out shocked by Gunwook’s confession “It’s hard to satisfy them, dude, but it’s fine, really, I’ve already grown to accept it” he laughed

“Y/n, you good? Why are you so quiet?” Yunjin asked concerned “Hm? Yeah, I’m good, I’m just a little tired” You smiled “If you’re tired you can just go back inside and sleep, it’s getting late anyways!” Sheon mentioned while checking the time on her phone “No no, it’s okay, I’ll stay” “Just sleep, if you stay you’ll just end up falling asleep” Gunwook said teasingly yet softly at the same time “You know what guys, I’m also getting a little tired, let’s end today and go to sleep” Winter stood up while taking her stuff “Okayy, good night guys” Yunjin enunciated and everyone went back inside to their own bedrooms.

There’s something about that conversation keeping you up that night, you asked yourself “Am I just over-sensitive? Or am I just jealous?” while staring up at the dark ceiling of the bedroom. Ever since your rivalry with Gunwook started in middle school, You grew up with this pressure in your heart, constantly telling yourself to just..be better than him. You’ve always been compared to him, even by your parents, as much as you work for something. Your achievement can never be better than Gunwook’s, he’s first in class, so why are you always second? You work equally just as hard as him? And if you finally beat Gunwook on something, people would still have their focus on Gunwook, Okay?! He’s the popular smart soccer player in school that everybody has a crush on, but all you’ve ever asked for is to be appreciated.

“This is dumb” you sighed, holding back tears and putting a blanket over your body, letting yourself fall asleep.

.

- Day 3

☆ 9.15 AM

“Hey you seem like you’re in a bad mood, what’s wrong?” Gyuvin asked you “Nothing’s wrong? Just still a little sleepy, you know?” “I see, well if you’re really that tired just go back to sleep, we don’t have anything to do yet anyway,” he said while scrolling through his phone.

“Hey, y/n, come here!” Yunjin shouted from the kitchen “Coming!” you walked over to the kitchen “Help me make some cookies” she laughed “Call for Gunwook too, I need him to help prepare the ingredients” “Okay, hold up” you smiled, walking yourself to Gunwook’s room before knocking on his door “Come in” he shouted “Yunjin wants you to help her prepare some ingredients for making cookies, c’mon” you leaned over the door frame “Fine, give me a minute”

You went back downstairs and after a few minutes of waiting, Gunwook finally came down to help “What do you need help with?” he asked “Can you take the bowl on the top shelf?” “Yeah, hold on” he answered, reaching up for the bowl with such ease.

The baking session for the three of you was interesting, You guys honestly made a big mess and Gunwook kept on putting flour on your face, but the cookies turned out pretty good so you couldn’t even complain about it.

☆ 00.40 AM

The day ended, and everybody was asleep, but yet again, something was bothering you, you hated it, you hated having that weird burden inside of you. The worst part of it is that you know this is all because of your jealousy toward Gunwook, you didn’t want to be jealous of him, but you were.

You decided that you needed something to drink, so you went out of your bedroom to get something from the kitchen, but the sight of Gunwook sitting down on one of the chairs on the kitchen’s aisle stopped you, you hesitated, but you went for it.

You tried your best to avoid eye contact with him while taking some water from the dispenser, but knowing that he was looking at you made it hard for you to not look at him back.

“Hey, Gunwook..” You sighed “I’ve tried to keep this to myself, but sometimes it’s so hard to act as if I don't hold anything against you but I do.” you scoffed “Y/n” he spoke out with a low tone “Look, I’m sorry that your parents have put so much pressure on you, I’m sorry that it’s hard for you to satisfy them, but do you always have to steal every single fucking thing from me Gunwook?” “What?” he scoffed “What is it that I have stolen from you, huh? Everything they’ve pressured me to do is all because of YOU, y/n.” “You don’t understand Gunwook, All these years, you’ve been number one, constantly, number one, number one, and number one, and where am I? What place am I entitled to? Second. All this time I’ve lost to you, all attention is on you, all of the pride goes to you Gunwook. Oh, look! Park gunwook! The best student in the school huh? And then there's Me, Y/n, the student who studies day and night just to be a tutor for lacking students without being appreciated at all. You know my parents loved you like their son Gunwook, maybe you don’t notice this but I grew up being compared to you and it isn’t fair?! You’ve stolen everything from me, the least you can spare for me is just to let me make my parents proud, wook..” Each word gets louder and louder from all the rage you’ve held.

Pushing his shoulders with your fingers on every sentence to express your anger, Gunwook stood there listening to your rage, before he took a deep breath

“Look, I wasn’t trying to hurt you Y/n and I’m sorry if I did, but I never stole your chance of making your parents proud, I’m sure they’re proud of you but let me say this. You might think I’ve accomplished something by taking first place all the time, but trust me I never reached my goal. If being first can make your parents proud then take the place y/n, because as much as I try, my parents will never appreciate me for it, so even if I’m first, we’re equal aren’t we? I’m first yet the person I try to satisfy has nothing to say about it, you’re second and no one appreciates you for it, right? Loss and loss. Being first and second won’t make a change for me y/n, so if you want appreciation from people, take my place. I might have people mentioning me for it but all I need is for my parents to say the things THEY did, so take everything.”

Gunwook wanted to be mad at you, he wanted to shout at you, but he couldn’t. All the rage that you’ve held against him, he’s held the same amount, yet he can’t make himself shout at you, even with the biggest desire, his voice just couldn’t come out.

“Sometimes I wished our parents weren’t friends, maybe that way we wouldn’t get to each other’s ways like this,” you said, holding back pools of tears

“I wished for the same thing, trust me I did”

Holding back tears had been the hardest thing to do the whole night, and at this point, you couldn’t hold it in any longer, so you rushed to your bedroom, leaving Gunwook standing alone.

☆ 7.15 AM

“Y/n, wake up, let’s get breakfast!” Winter shouted while knocking on your locked door “I’m awake, give me a minute” you shouted back “Woah, you’re awake early” she laughed.

Of course you were awake early, you didn’t even sleep, did you? You let your emotions take over you, and you feel good after letting them out but there are some regrets wandering around.

- Day 4

☆ 7.30 AM

After quickly cleaning up, you went out of your room wearing something simple like shorts and a T-shirt, as the eight of you were just going somewhere nearby for breakfast.

“Oh, y/n come sit here” Yunjin tapped on the space beside her on the couch, signing you to sit beside her, but you saw that Gunwook was sitting on the other side of the couch, and you didn’t feel like seeing him so you sat down on the kitchen counter “Why are you sitting so far away? Just sit here?” Sheon questioned, “Because, why not?..” you laughed awkwardly, Gunwook turned his head from his phone to your direction, but he didn't say anything, his face was straight, and the burden that you felt was probably the same for Gunwook. “C’mon, I’m hungry” Ricky spoke out while rolling the sleeves of his button up.

☆ 8.05 AM

After waiting for the food, your orders finally came, you sat beside Sheon while Gunwook was in the seat in front of you, was it a good sitting, no, but was it a better option than having to sit beside him? YES.

As your orders finally arrived, you reached your hands to take the bottle of sauce on the table, when your hands touched the bottle, you felt Gunwook’s hand on top of yours, also trying to take the sauce, “Oh, sorry, you take it” the both of you said at the same time “No, no it’s fine, Gunwook you take it” “Nah, I’ll take it after you” “Gunwook, just take it.” you laughed awkwardly “Won’t you wanna be first for once? You know, I can’t be the first one all the time, right?” “Oh? You know, maybe when you decide to take that sauce first your parents will be pro-” “OKAAAYYYY, I’m taking the sauce, thanks guys” Matthew cuts off your sentence before you can continue any further “What in the world is going on with the two of you” Ricky asked “Sorry” You quietly said to Gunwook.

☆ 10.15 AM

What is a better way to relax with your friends in Bali other than going to the beach? The sensation of having a filled stomach made you and your friends too lazy to do activities that exert too much energy, so the eight of you went to the beach behind your villa to relax.

As your friends were playing with the water, Gunwook accidentally splashed water onto your body, of course, it wasn’t a big deal, but because it was Gunwook who did it, you rolled your eyes as a reflex. Although you didn’t want to ruin the fun for other people, you decided to ignore him and continue with what you were doing.

“What is it with the two of you?” Sheon asked while looking your way “What do you mean?” “God, forget it” she sighed.

.

It reached the point where you and Gunwook could not stop getting passive-aggressive toward each other, almost starting a fight, or even having small fights here and there. Some examples of the other times you guys fought that day was when you went to a tourist attraction a couple of hours after going to the beach.

You were just walking around the streets of the area, and Gunwook suddenly pushed you with his shoulders by ‘accident’, “Can you not?” you said frustrated by his action “What? It was an accident?” he scoffed, continuing his walk like nothing even happened.

Or maybe when the eight of you had finally gone home to the villa after a long day, and as you guys were sitting down on the couch, you and Gunwook would bicker here and there, it was a small fight at first but then it got annoying to the others.

☆ 6.45 PM

“What is it with the two of you, stop,” Yunjin spoke out in the middle of your and Gunwook’s quarrel, her voice close to shouting “You two were just fine yesterday, what happened?” she sighed.

You and Gunwook stayed silent. It was a normal thing for you guys to fight, it was weirder for you guys to get along rather than fight every single day, but that’s the problem. The two of you got along, well, kind of, but before the fight you two had last night, everything was fine, you guys can last a day without having to fight each other, and even have conversations to keep up with each other’s life after a while, but the two of you were stubborn, you both realized that, but being the stubborn person you two are, none of you wanted to admit it.

“You know, you guys just need to stop being so stubborn?” Winter said softly, her eyes still focused on his phone “You guys continue doing your thing, I’m gonna get cleaned up” Gyuvin stood up from the couch, stretching his body before heading to his bedroom.

☆ 9.01 PM

You were sitting down on the patio swing in the backyard of your Villa, drowning yourself in thoughts as you stared at the view. Without noticing, a tear fell from your eye as you were thinking about everything that had been overwhelming you these past few days.

You quickly wiped off your tears when you heard the backyard door opening, showing Gunwook’s figure walking to the swing that you were on, “Can I sit beside you?” he asked coldly, you nodded your head, signing that it was okay for him to sit beside you. Gunwook placed himself on the other corner of the swing, both of your eyes were fixed on the view of the backyard with no one brave enough to make an eye contact.

“Can I be honest?” Gunwook requested “Yeah, go on” “Remember in 5th grade when we’d have sleepovers at your place or my place with our other friends? when we played games together, we’d always end up on the same team, winning every single round?” “Mhm” you slightly smiled “Or, maybe we were against each other in some games, but if one of us wins, we’d give each other a hug while saying good job?” he laughed “Of course I remember” “Y/n, we were always so proud of each other back then, so why can’t we do that now? I don't know how it is for you, but having that pressure inside of me all the time because of the constant competitiveness we have toward each other is slowly killing me.” He said calmly while playing with his fingers. Once again, you were holding back tears, “Gunwook..” You said speechless, “These past few years, all that we’ve been doing is just working so hard for a title, a title that can make our parents proud of us, that was our promise right? But we got too competitive. If no one will be proud of us, then let’s just be proud of each other Y/n.”

The last few words that Gunwook said in his sentence were able to let all of your tears lose, you’ve tried your hardest to hold back the tears but they couldn’t stay, even when you were already crying, the tears just couldn’t stop, could it?

“Stop crying, you look stupid” Gunwook chuckled and pushed you gently, trying to make you feel annoyed rather than sad “Shut up” You laughed while tears were still falling “All jokes aside, I’m sorry, yeah?” he pats your shoulders “I’m sorry wook” You sobbed.

Who would’ve known? Who would’ve known that you and your childhood friend would finally apologize to each other sincerely on a trip where you didn’t even want him to come on?

Guess the world has its ways.

.

- Day 5

☆ 8.00 AM

You got up from your bed to exit your bedroom, seeing Sheon, Yunjin, Gyuvin, Ricky, and Gunwook sitting down on the couch in the living room “The sloth is awake” Gunwook teased “Yeah, good morning to you too Gunwook” you said sarcastically before sitting down next to Gunwook on the couch “Ya’ll good now?” Yunjin asked confused “Yeah, what happened to the fighting? I was enjoying the drama” Gyuvin yawned.

You and Gunwook just laughed, not agreeing but not denying their words as you looked at each other. What Gunwook said last night was right, what’s the point of hating each other when you have the same goals? It’s only better to support each other.

“Oh my god, you’re not denying?” Sheon gasped “Why are you so shocked?” you laughed “I can sleep in peace” Ricky cheered, this was the moment that all your friends had waited for, something as simple as ‘stop being so stubborn to each other’ took you and Gunwook ages to do, It’s about time to try and do so.

“Gyuvin, wake the others up, let’s go out” Yunjin smiled “Me? Why me?” he groaned “Because you’re the most energetic right now?” “Whatever” he sighed, getting up from the couch before walking to the other’s room.

.

The rest of the day went great, you and your friends had fun, enjoying the sky, the activities, the air, and of course the view. What made it even better is that you get to experience all of this with your friends, and most importantly, someone you can now call your childhood friend and not your enemy.

☆ 7.15 PM

It was now dinner time and you sat beside Gunwook in the restaurant. Jazz music and dim lights give a certain vibe to the dinner table, camera lights flashing from the number of pictures taken of each other, you looked at Gunwook, confused about what to order “I seriously don’t know what to order, I’m not even hungry yet” you sighed “Well, you still have to order something? This looks good” he said while pointing to one of the dishes stated on the menu.

While waiting for the food to arrive, the long day that you’ve had that day has made you feel drowsy, you place your head onto your arms on the table, close your eyes, and fall asleep. When you wake up, you see that Gunwook’s jacket is wrapped around your body to prevent you from getting cold, you sit down properly, taking the jacket to give it back to Gunwook, “Thanks” you smile, leaning your head on his shoulders from still being tired.

You hesitated to do that at first, but when you finally placed your head on his shoulders, it gave you peace, nothing feels weird when it comes to physical touch with him because of the memories you’ve shared since childhood, but it seems like you’ve forgotten about that before you rested your head.

“No problem” Gunwook smiled, patting your shoulders in response. As you had your conversations with Gunwook with your head on his shoulders, Yunjin, who sat in front of you, secretly took a picture of the two of you, capturing a beautiful memory that will last a life time.

☆ 11.45 PM

Coming home to the villa from dinner with a happy stomach, you immediately got cleaned up and went to bed, preparing yourself for the upcoming days.

.

- Day 6

The trip with your friends is nearing an end, so the eight of you spend the remaining moments walking around Bali, shopping, going to the beach, eating some more traditional foods, and learning more about the culture.

Spending the whole day out with different activities was a lot of fun, but it drained all of your energy by the end of the day. When you all went home to the Villa, you guys spent more time talking and ordering food before heading to bed.

☆ 00.40 AM

You were lying down on your bed while scrolling through your phone before hearing a knock on the door. When you opened the door, you saw Gunwook standing with his hoodie, shorts, and glasses, “Need anything?” you ask “Yeah, I’m bored” he sighed “So? What should we do?” “I have some ideas” he smiled, pulling your hands gently to follow his lead.

The two of you ran to the car that you guys rented on day one, “Where are we going?” you asked confused “Anywhere, just get in the car” he laughed. As he starts the car, he sets up his phone to put some music on the Bluetooth, giving a fun vibe to the moment.

Gunwook drove around the empty streets with the car, blasting music with the windows down for the wind to enter.

Suddenly, Gunwook stopped the car on the beach, the lonely beach was illuminated by the moon’s grace. The two of you sat down on a bench inside the beach, it was silent, the only noise filling the space between the two of you was from the waves in the ocean, but that was what made it beautiful, the silence wasn’t awkward, it was far from awkward, the silence connected the two hearts and the two souls.

“Hey, Gunwook” You looked at him “Hm?” “I’ve had a lot of fun, thanks” You smiled, and Gunwook gave you a sweet look, his eyes filled with genuine Awe before he wrapped his arms around your shoulders “My pleasure, y/n” he laughed, ruffling your hair till it was messy.

You spent your time at the beach walking around while having deep talks, writing your names on the sand, and chasing each other around. The amount of fun you had that night was unexplainable, believe it or not, you were glad you spent the night with Gunwook at the beach while opening up to each other.

“It’s late, we should go back to the Villa” Gunwook declared while checking the time on his phone “You’re right, let’s go” you replied, walking back to the car with Gunwook to head back.

☆ 2.18 AM

“Thanks again, I had fun!” you tiptoed to give Gunwook a pat on the head in front of your room “No need to thank me, Good night, sleep well” he laughed, giving you a short hug before heading to his room, the hug was warm, it gave you all the comfort you’ve ever needed.

The hug was short, but it stayed in your mind the whole night, it’s just odd to think that you and your childhood friend have finally fixed your friendship after years, but you’ve grown to love it

.

-Day 7

☆ 10.00 AM

Packed and ready, you and your friends finally went to the airport to end the trip. All eight of you felt a little sad to leave Bali, but there will always be another time to come back.

“Here, let me help you with that,” Gunwook said while taking your bag “You don’t need to” “I know, but I want to” he smiled, carrying your bag and his bag.

There were a lot of ups and downs during the trip, but it was great to end it on good terms.

In the airplane, your seat was beside Gunwook’s, if it was the first day of the trip, you would’ve complained and asked one of your friends to switch seats, but it isn’t the first day, so it’s safe to say that you were quite happy with the sitting.

You’d often fall asleep and wake up with your head on his shoulders, and sometimes your arms would be intertwined with his.

Other parts of the flight would be filled with your silly conversations with Gunwook, and some more catch-ups during the few years.

.

{ Section 2: Trip’s aftermath! }

After the trip, you and Gunwook would often hang out at school during breaks, and even hang out after school, some people were confused because of the sudden change of behavior between the two of you, and some of them were even jealous of you.

Gunwook would often come over to your house during his free time when the two of you were bored and had nothing to do.

One week after the trip the eight of you had to Bali, school unfortunately started and you had to continue your routine of studying all the time. You and Gunwook were assigned as pairs for a project, so you decided to come to your house to finish it.

“Gunwook?!” Your sister Amaya shouted from the living room when she saw Gunwook standing by the door “May?” he smiled “I haven’t seen you in ages!!” Amaya laughs, running to Gunwook’s open arms “How old are you now?” Gunwook asked as he let go of the hug “I’m ten now” she smiled, showing a shocked expression on Gunwook’s face “Weren’t you like five when I last saw you?” “Well, it has been a couple of years” “Okay you two, Amaya you can talk to your long-lost brother after we finish this project, and Gunwook you can also talk to your long-lost sister after we finish this project, okay?” You chuckled, patting your sister’s head softly “Okay sis, bye-bye Gunwook!” she smiled.

Considering you and Gunwook have known each other since birth, Gunwook has also been familiar with your sister ever since she was born, when your parents were out together, Gunwook and you would often take care of Amaya back then, but it stopped ever since your rivalry started with him, and Amaya missed Gunwook for a while, he was like a brother to her.

The project was a pretty big one, and the deadline was still in a couple of weeks, so you and Gunwook decided to only research things for the project today and continue the main thing on the other meets. When Gunwook exited your room, he saw Amaya sitting down on the couch “Amaya, I’ll be heading home okay!!” he said “Okay!! Please visit more” she replied with a smile “I will!!”

When Gunwook and you reached the front door, Gunwook bid his goodbyes by hugging you before entering his car, closing the doors, and driving away.

☆ 2.35 AM

Ever since you were young, you’d often get nightmares here and there, some of them aren’t that scary, but some of them are capable of keeping you awake the whole night, and in this case, it kept you up all night.

Your parents are on a business trip and your sister is already asleep, you are shivering and scared beneath your sheets, unable to move a single muscle due to the fear you have. The only thing within reachable distance was your phone, you thought of someone who could accompany you, but nobody came to mind, but there was one person who lives near you, and who you also feel comfortable with, Park Gunwook.

You took your phone, dialing his number with a heavy breath and panicked state. It took some time for him to answer, his voice tired and low, signaling that he was long asleep before you called him, “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked when he heard your heavy breathing “Gunwook, I can’t sleep” You replied slowly as your words were cut off by your breathing “Oh is it your nightmares again? Calm down, you’re okay, give me a couple of minutes and I’ll be there” he spoke out, you could hear the rustling from his bed when he hurriedly stood up to put on his hoodie.

“I’m not gonna hang up, so just lay down and scroll through your phone, I won’t take long” he comforted you while starting his car, driving through the empty streets at midnight for you.

After a few minutes passed by, you heard the passcode from your door getting unlocked, and as you were about to panic, you heard Gunwook’s voice through the phone “It’s me, don’t panic, I’ll hang up now” he enunciates

Your bedroom door opened, revealing Gunwook with his Hoodie and his shorts, accompanied by his glasses and messy hair, he walked over to you, pulling you into a comforting hug “You’re okay y/n, you’re okay” he chuckled, placing soft rubs on your head with the hug “Stop laughing” you whined “I just find it funny how you’re still scared of your nightmares, I remember having to comfort you all night during our sleepover when we were kids” he conveyed “Sorry for bothering you, It’s late” You sighed “It’s fine, I understand” he smiled.

Gunwook ended up staying the night at your place because it was also too late for him to drive back and he was tired….and you were also still scared.

.

A few days passed and Gunwook came over to your house after school again for you guys to finish the project.

When the two of you were taking a break, you both laid down on the bed, bored and hungry, “I’m hungry” you sighed “Same, any food downstairs?” Gunwook asked, “Nah, you wanna order something?” “Yeah, sure” he smiled, sitting down on the bed to stretch his body.

When the food arrived, you and Gunwook ate your meals while watching the series that the two of you started together.

You worked on the project until it was late at night. When the clock struck 11.30 PM, you and Gunwook had finally finished half of the project, raining the room with happiness and relief, both of you cheered and gave each other a high five before Gunwook lifted you in a hug to spin you around, making you shout “Okay okay! Put me down” you laughed “I’ll get going now, sleep well, call me if you get more nightmares” he smiled, quickly patting your head before leaving your house.

You went back into your bedroom, lying down and smiling to yourself from all the butterflies in your stomach, “Stop why do I feel like this, am I going insane” you laughed awkwardly, obviously denying the truth.

.

“Hey Amaya, Gunwook is coming over again for our project, so don’t be too loud, okay?” You smiled “You know me, I’m never loud! And, is he your boyfriend yet?” she giggles “What kind of question is that?” “Oh, I know you’ve been giggling about him, sis!” “In your dreams? Go back to your bedroom.” you scoffed before hearing a knock on your front door, Amaya shrugged her shoulders and sprinted to her room, leaving you alone to open the door.

When you opened the door, you saw Gunwook standing with a bag of food “So we won't have to order food again, I got us some food on the way here” he smiled “Thanks, Gunwook” you laughed, ruffling his hair while you tiptoe.

.

Okay let's be clear, your feelings are there, it's obvious to you that you like him, but you’re in denial. Why? Because falling in love with your childhood friend who then turned into your enemy, then your best friend feels a little…odd? You keep on questioning yourself ‘What is he gonna think about me?’ What image would he have on you if he figures out that you are quite literally in love with him? Is the friendship gonna end again? Or will it be a good ending?

But during your daily overthinking session, Gunwook suddenly texted you

Gunwook: Hey, let’s go somewhere, I’m bored

You: Sure, what time?

Gunwook: I’ll pick you up by 6, get ready

You: Okayyyy

You didn’t even know where you were gonna go, but it was an automatic response for you to say yes when he asked you to go somewhere, you didn’t even hesitate.

You wore an outfit that matched the weather outside, the outfit fits you well, starting from how the colors blend into your shade well, to how nicely fitted the clothes are with your body shape.

After getting ready, you checked and saw that the clock had reached 6 PM. Right when you realize, you feel your phone buzzing, showing an incoming call from Gunwook.

“I’m downstairs” his voice was heard from the phone “Gimme a minute” you replied, spraying yourself with perfume before going downstairs to his car.

As you entered his car, he wore an outfit that matched yours perfectly, making the two of you look like an inseparable couple. “Hey, we’re matching” Gunwook laughed, ruffling your hair in adorance “I know right, what a coincidence” you replied, a bright smile plastered across your face.

Gunwook started to drive his car, and you arrived at a park filled with cute restaurants and cafes. The area was lively, it was surrounded by flowers and nature, giving you a fresh yet graceful atmosphere.

Turned out, Gunwook had already booked a seat in one of the restaurants for the two of you, he chose the semi-outdoor restaurant, the walls covering you were all glass and the interior had a lot of greens, there was even a fountain on the center of the restaurant.

Because the wall and the ceiling were glass, the moonlight from above shined through the glass, with all of the beautiful things surrounding you, like nature, the moonlight, the small candle in the center of the table, and most importantly, Park Gunwook, you felt safe and comfortable.

When your meals arrived, Gunwook fed you some of his dish, smiling at your puffed cheeks while you munched on the food he fed you.

Eating and having silly talks with him definitely filled up your stomach, but there’s always enough space for ice cream.

While the two of you walked by the park to the nearest ice cream shop, he pointed at the stars, while you stared at the beautiful sight of the star, he was also starting at a beautiful sight, you.

“Wait here, I’ll buy us the ice cream,” he declared, pointing at the bench near the ice cream shop, you nodded, not thinking much about it. While waiting for Gunwook to come back with the ice cream, you spent your time on your phone, scrolling through endless contents, before noticing that it had been sometime after Gunwook left.

You were just about to text him before you felt someone’s finger tap your shoulder. You saw Gunwook standing there with a smile, holding two cups of ice cream…a stuffed animal and…flowers?

“Sorry if that took a little long” he chuckled, giving you the cup of ice cream “Oh, and here’s one more thing” he smiled, handing the bouquet filled with roses, “The sudden bouquet? What’s going on?” you looked at him suspiciously, “I think you missed the note inside there, read it” he laughs “Hold on” you sighed, taking out the note before quietly reading it.

‘Okay y/n, I know you hate bullshits so let me just get to the point HAHA, after the trip we had to Bali, we fixed our friendship and we were able to catch up with each other, and when school started again, we were paired up for the project, and from all those days I’ve spent at your house, I would find myself constantly thinking about you when I’m at home, even somehow missing your annoying ass the second I drove away from your house. Yeah yeah cringe whatever, but I like you, and it’s not something that I can control, thank you for understanding me, thank you for keeping up with me, so, will you Take a chance with me?’

You gasped the second you finished the letter and realized that Gunwook felt the same way as you. You faced him, holding back a stupid amount of tears after being relieved that he wouldn't think you’re insane, and also because it got to you, the guy you grew up with, the guy who was always there for you, but also the guy who you hate, the guy who you can't spend a single day with ever since middle school, fell for you, and you fell for him? The long years you’ve spent together, thinking that you will have no feelings for each other at all.

You laughed, feeling tears coming out of your eyes “This is so dumb, why am I crying” you whined, standing up from the bench to walk into Gunwook’s opened arms “Yeah, why are you crying?” he laughed, brushing soft strokes on your hair while he hugs you.

After taking a moment to let go of your tears, you took a breath, stepping out of Gunwook’s hug, still sniffling after crying “Sorry, your shirt is kinda wet now” you giggled “It’s been through worse” he smiled “And, yes, I'll take a chance with you, Gunwook” you looked at him, his face filled with mixed expression, you can tell that he was shocked, but you can also tell that he was happy about it “Seriously?” “Yeah” “You’re not joking?” “I’m serious,” you said, Gunwook hurriedly hugged you once again, lifting you while spinning you around “Thank you” he whispered while he slowly put you down.

You and Gunwook continued your time at the park while intertwining your fingers together, the two of you look like an inseparable couple, and you most definitely are an inseparable couple from now.

Even when he was driving you home, he drove with one hand, the other one holding yours as his eyes were focused on the road. You felt comfortable, so comfortable, to the point where you fell asleep in the car with your hand in his.

The end of the day had come, and it's safe to say that it’s been such a rollercoaster that day, but overall, it ended with the best thing you can ever ask for, you can call him yours from now on.

The two of you stood in front of your door on your front porch, before you entered your house, you hesitated for a good fifteen seconds before giving him a quick peck on the lips, his face was frozen, let alone his face, his whole body was frozen, and you were about to enter your house before he pulled you in for another kiss, one hand is placed around your back, and the other supporting your chin, you can feel the slight curve forming from his lips, expressing his happiness to be yours.

When you’ve gotten cleaned up, you lie down on your bed, rolling around and throwing pillows across your room, clearly flustered from what just happened.

You hug the stuffed animals that he gave you, falling asleep with his scent that’s stuck on the item you’re hugging.

You’ve never had a better sleep than that night.

.

{ Section 3: So…we’re a thing now? }

You and Gunwook would try to keep your relationship from your friends, but it seems like they just naturally figured it out by themselves.

Gyuvin and Ricky caught Gunwook kissing your cheeks once, and the others just assumed that you guys were dating.

☆ 3.15 PM

The eight of you were studying at a cafe together, preparing for the upcoming exam. You sighed, scrolling through the pointers on your laptop, overwhelmed by all of the things you have to prepare for, “You okay?” Gunwook, who sat beside you, asked you when he noticed your expression “Mhm” you nod, placing your head on his shoulders, “Cool, yeah, cute, get a room” Gyuvin sighed, earning a laugh from the rest of you.

It’s been a week since you and Gunwook started dating, this is all so new for both of you, so you’re taking the time to adjust, although Gunwook has been treating you in the best way possible, and there weren’t any awkward moments between the two of you.

There’s this one time when a junior went up to Gunwook while the two of you were walking together in the school’s hallway, and started to try and have a conversation with him, even asking for his number. Gunwook was a nice person so he kept up with the conversation, but when she asked for his number, he just smiled, holding your hands to give a code to the junior, she noticed the way your fingers were intertwined together, embarrassed yet sad, she walked away in defeat.

You continued scrolling through the pointers, taking notes of the topics that you didn’t quite understand yet. Even when your other friends were taking a break from studying, they’d order food and talk with each other, but your eyes and mind were still focused on your books and notes, panicked about failing the exam.

Gunwook was taking a sip of his drink while resting his back on the chair, keeping himself away from studying for a few minutes before coming back. He noticed you being so focused and stressed that your fingers were massaging the temple of your forehead, signaling the pressure.

He slid his plate of cookies to your side, also offering you his drink while rubbing your shoulders “Don’t think too much about it, you’ll do fine” he sighed, knowing that you were always the stubborn type when it comes to your grades “What if I don’t do well? What if my scores decrease?” you said panicked “At least take a break, yeah?” he replied, evidently worried about you “I will after I take notes of this slide, I promise” you smiled. He knew that you wouldn’t, he knew that you’d just continue studying without taking any breaks, but he also knew that forcing you wouldn’t make any changes, so he just sighed, taking another sip of his drink.

A few hours passed by and all of your friends had gone back to studying again after a few rounds of breaks, with no surprises, you hadn’t had a break at all, and the time was already showing 9.30 PM.

When Gunwook was revising his books and taking notes, he saw your head resting on the table with your eyes closed, he chuckled, finding you cute as you took a nap, but he also felt bad, because you’ve worked so hard the whole day while panicking about the exam until you didn’t get any rest. With some hesitation, he shook your body gently to wake you up, “Hm?” you spoke out tiredly “I’ll take you home, you need to rest,” he said softly, tucking your hair behind your ears “I’ll study for a bit more, please?” “No, you’re coming home.” he insists, his voice going firm to show his seriousness about his words “Fine” you yawned, knowing that you were tired anyway.

While he drives you home, he takes off his jacket to give it to you, giving you warmth and comfort so you can fall asleep again, which is exactly what you did.

When he was gonna drop you off on your front porch, you stopped in your tracks when you got out of the car, “Can you stay?” you asked “Hm?” “Stay for the night, Amaya’s having a sleepover at her friend’s and my parents are on another business trip, I’m uh..scared,” you said shyly, Gunwook staying over was a normal thing, it was never odd, it’s just that he’s always stayed as your friend, and not your boyfriend, “The clothes you left are still here, so…” “I’ll stay” he smiled “But you have to promise that you’re sleeping right away.” “I am, I promise”

After the both of you had gotten cleaned up, you both lay down on the bed in your PJs, you wrapped your body into the warmth of your blanket and Gunwook’s arm, falling asleep with his arms around you while his fingers played with your hair.

☆ 7.50 AM

As you woke up from your slumber, you felt an arm around your body, holding you close. You turned back your body to see Gunwook asleep, his hair covering parts of his eyes and his duck-like lips slightly parted.

The small ray of sun shining through the small opened space in between the window illuminated his facial features, without noticing, you found yourself staring at his beautiful face for a few seconds.

You were about to stand up from the bed, but your movement woke Gunwook up from his sleep. You faced your body towards him, giving you a clear view of his face, he smiled at you, rubbing his eyes while sitting himself down on the bed.

“Morning” he laughed, still trying to gather himself up while taking his glasses from the bedside table, “Morning” you smiled, standing up from the bed “It’s the weekend, let’s do something with the others instead of studying” Gunwook brought up while stretching his body “I mean, sure, but where are we going?” you asked “We can go karaoke? We’ve been planning on doing it anyway” he mentioned, bringing up an idea that you and your group of friends had planned on doing “Sounds like a plan” you smiled.

.

When you arrived at the karaoke place, you entered the room that Yunjin had booked for the eight of you, seeing that everybody had already arrived, you and Gunwook laughed awkwardly, acknowledging the fact that the two of you arrived late, “Took you long enough” Ricky scoffed, taking a sip of his strawberry milkshake “In our defense, there was traffic” Gunwook shrugged his shoulders, sitting down on the couch with your hand in his.

Yunjin passed the mic to you, signaling you to go and choose a song to sing, and at the same time, Matthew passed his mic to Gunwook, signaling the same thing. You and Gunwook chose to sing Almost Is Never Enough, showcasing both of your talents through a duet. Your voice and Gunwook’s voice harmonized as your eyes connected while singing, losing yourself in the melody of the song.

When the song ended, you and Gunwook laughed, bowing at the crowd, or your friends, earning applause from the room, “I might cry” Sheon whined “What” Gyuvin laughed “YOU GUYS ARE SO CUTE” she exclaimed, fake crying while adoring the relationship you have with Gunwook.

Singing with Gunwook brought you back to the days when your tiny bodies would sing together for fun in each other’s room, not caring about your surroundings as a child.

You and Gunwook sat back down on the couch, you placed your head onto your boyfriend’s shoulder, making him smile and wrap his arms around you in response, he kissed the top of your head before saying something, “Babe” he said “Hm?” you look at him.

“Thank you for taking a chance with me.”

[bellysoupset]

A much needed talk - III

Jonah: Leo and I had an argument, I'm at Wendy's. Check on him.

Jonah: please.

Luke was still in the gym's bathroom, sweat running down his back, and his towel in one hand as he was about to go in for a shower, when the text came in.

He raised his eyebrows, Jonah and Leo fighting wasn't new, but it was certainly unusual lately. Besides, even when they fought, they rarely pulled anyone in and specially not Lucas. Leo had a tendency to vent to Vince in the rare occasions he did vent a single thing and Jonah had Wendy.

So why Jonah had texted him, Luke didn't know. He stared at the text for a long minute, clicking out of his conversation with Jonah and then on Leo's contact. Grey, indicating he was offline, in every single social media and texting app.

Luke leaned against the wall, the back of his tank top sticking to him, greasy bangs falling over his eyes as he texted Vince "are you talking with Leo?"

He put away his phone to take a quick shower and then change into his fresh outfit, balling up the sweaty clothes and throwing them inside his gym bag, then picked the device back up.

Vin: No, why?

Vin: Should I??

Vin: I'm out having dinner with the teachers, but if its important I can call him.

Luke: I don't think it is urgent, nvm. Have fun at your dinner!

It wasn't exactly the truth, Luke had a pit in his stomach and the fact Leo wasn't texting Vince, but Jonah had requested he check on the blonde was only corroborating it.

He switched between conversations once more, now clicking on Bella's contact and hitting the call sign.

"Hi handsome," her voice was all bubbly and light and Luke mentally cursed the fact he wasn't about to go straight home, "everything okay? Are you coming home soon? Want me to order in or defrost something? You must be star-"

"I'm sorry, I'm gonna run by Leo's first, Bell," Luke waved to the front desk receptionist and the trainers as he walked by, pushing the gym door with his bag, "Jonah sent me a cryptic text and it doesn't hurt to swing by. I think you shouldn't wait for me to have dinner."

"Okay..." Now Bella sounded confused, but not hurt, "sure, but get the full gossip before you come though."

Luke let out a surprised chuckle, leaning against his open car door, "I will. Love you, see you later."

"Love you too, baby."

Lucas was on Jonah's emergency list on the front door, had always been, so Matthew let him up with only a concerned glare; It was almost comical that he was the holder of everyone's spare key as well, Wendy's — technically it was Bella's, but it was currently in his keychain —, Jon and Leo's, even Vince's in Doveport. Hell, he had Max's house keys, since the spare had gone from Vince to Wendy to Bella to his keychain.

Nevertheless, he rung the doorbell and waited.

It didn't take long, there was a rush behind the door and then it was pulled open, Leo's hopeful face appearing. He wasn't smiling, but his whole face crumpled when he saw it was Lucas and not Jonah, as he probably expected.

"Ah... Did Jonah send you?" The blonde crossed his arms, curling into himself. He was 6'0 tall, but currently he looked incredibly small. JD trailed behind him, swirling between his legs and meowing at Luke.

"Sorta," Lucas explained, crouching down to pet the cat behind her ears and pushing the door closed behind him, "he texted me that you guys had an argument and he was at Wen's, ask-"

"I'm fine, you can go," Leo's voice was wavering, but even if it wasn't, Luke wouldn't have believed him. Leo was horribly pale and his eyes were very bloodshot, sunken into his face, clearly he had been crying.

"Uh-hu," Luke rolled his eyes, standing up, "can you tell me what happened?"

Leo opened his mouth to answer, then his chin wobbled and his eyes welled up with tears and he snapped his mouth shut once more, shaking his head.

"Hey..." Luke said softly, crossing the distance between them and pulling his friend into a hug, "I got you..."

It seemed all Leo needed was a hug to start crying for real, because he all but melted into Luke's embrace, pressing his face to the other man's shoulder and shaking with sobs.

Luke's heart squeezed with worry, suddenly taking him back to those hellish days when Leo had found out about his mother, when Jon was gone and everything was up in the air. He hated that he couldn't manage to properly comfort Leo, to take away whatever was hurting him.

The blonde sniffled, pulling back after a long minute, angrily wiping the tears. He stumbled slightly, so Luke reached in and grabbed him by the elbow, guiding Leo to the couch, where he promptly collapsed, holding up his fist to his mouth, biting on his knuckles in a nervous tick.

"Whatever it is," Luke tried to reassure him, "I'm sure its not as bad as your mind is telling you it is."

Leo shook his head, nibbling on the corner of his thumb and peeling away the little bits of dead skin sticking out, causing a droplet of blood to form, "it is- It's is."

Luke frowned, feeling like a blind man in the middle of a shootout. He scooted closer on the couch, lowering Leo's hand before the blonde could keep picking his fingers raw.

"What-"

"Jonah wants kids," Leo blurted out, voice a little too loud, like the words were genuinely coming out without him wanting them too, "not just- Like actually... And- And I don't."

Luke straightened up, a bucket of cold water falling over him. It was as bad as Leo was reacting then, that was not a conversation that should've been happening 40 days away from the wedding.

"Fuck," Luke mumbled and Leo let out a humorless snort, nodding along.

"Yeah," he wiped at his nose and cheeks once more, taking a deep breath, "he told me- He told me to think on it. Figure out why- If I really don't want them and then-" his voice broke off and Luke didn't need anymore explanation.

"Okay," he rubbed at his face, unsure if this called for problem solving or for him to just shut up and listen. Luke didn't want Leo and Jonah to break up, he would have to be blind and deaf in order not to see that they were each other's soulmate. However this wasn't the type of fight he could sweet talk Leo or Jon into apologizing and making up, it was... It was a crossroad and all he could do was open his arms in order to pull Leo wordlessly against his side.

"What if- What if I-" Leo hyperventilated, crumbling against Luke and shaking all over, "he's gonna call off the wedding, Luke- I'm gonna lose him-"

Luke curled his arm around the blonde's back, hand moving up and down in a soothing manner, "Leo, breathe," he instructed, almost rocking the other man, "you're panicking. Nothing has happened yet, please, breathe-"

"I don't get- What does he want me to think on?" Leo's voice came out strangled and he pulled back, raising his head so quickly that he nearly hit Luke's chin, "I don't understand-"

Lucas didn't either, but Leo was clearly looking for an answer, so he tried his best, "I guess- I guess he's asking you what your priorities are...? I mean, its a pretty big decision, Leo, you can't have kids if you dislike them..."

"I don't- I don't dislike kids," Leo wrinkled his nose, wiping away the fat tears rolling down his cheek and that had left red trails behind, "I like them just fine, I'm not- It's not that."

"Then what is it?" Luke had the feel he was finally starting to get the situation, what Jonah meant when he told Leo to think. Clearly Leo was confused and distraught.

"I- I don't know," his voice broke, shaking, "I- Can you imagine me? With a kid? I can barely keep myself afloat most days, Luke, how will I not fuck up a kid? I mean, my father hung himself, Lucas! In the living room! And let me tell you, that might've been his best moment in all my life!" he tugged on his hair, clearly on the precipice of a breakdown, "You want me to- to be a dad? What if- What if I'm like-"

Unable to stop it, Luke let out a surprised chuckle and Leo's mouth snapped shut, surprise taking him out of his rant, eyebrows raised as this was no laughing matter.

"What? What's funny?" He said coldly, pulling away from Luke's arms as if he had just been slapped and the other man rushed to grab him.

"Nonono, I wasn't laughing at you- I wasn't," Lucas rushed to say, nervously, "I wasn't, I swear!"

"Then what is it?" Leo glared at him, sounding annoyed, "am I funny when my life is falling apart, Luke-"

"NO!" Luke rubbed a hand over his face, frustrated, "it's not that, it's just... Your rant sounded familiar. I- I told Bella something similar, that's all."

Leo's angry frown cleared up, curiosity taking its place and he once more started nibbling on his thumb. A smear of blood on his lips as he said in a muffled voice, "when you lost the baby?"

"No, before," Luke tugged at the neckline of his shirt, suddenly feeling like it was suffocating it. He let out a deep breath, opening up a can of worms he hadn't brought up with anyone but Bella, "four- five...? Months ago, when there was the pregnancy scare... She told me and I- I freaked out a little, I was- I am scared of being a dad, Leo. I mean, obviously, my role model was far from the best, though I know it didn't compare to yours."

Leo perked up, seeming way more interested as he saw the similarities of their circumstances, "you told Bell this? What did- What did she say...?"

Luke's lips tugged down as he heard Leo's hopeful tone, unsure if his answer was going to be enough, "she reminded me I'm not my father and that we're building something new... And I know this, rationally, I do. The thing is, it's easy to forget and the idea of me as a dad..." He cringed, wrinkling his nose, "it scares the hell out of me. But I don't not want to be a father just because I'm scared, Leo... And I'm a good husband, I can say this with my whole chest, every day I wake up and I'm a thousand ways a better husband than my father ever was. I'm not him."

Leo let out a little pitiful sniffle, falling on his side against the couch and staring into nothing, resting his chin on the couch's back, "Jonah said, if I-If I'm scared, we could figure it out, but... What if I'm more scared than you are?"

Luke sighed, moving so he could brush his friend's hair in an affectionate manner, "it's not about being scared, it's about wanting it, Leo," he whispered, "I want this future. I do, I really do. It's gonna be scary and I'll mess up, a lot, and probably have a heart attack when it does happen- But I want it. Do you? Because- Because if you just don't want it, there's nothing anyone can tell you, it won't change that."

"I want- I don't know... I want to not be here," he said in a small voice, pressing his lips to his forearm thrown over the couch and squeezing his eyes shut, "I want Jonah to pick me, doesn't matter what I pick, and I want- I want him to be happy and it hurts- It hurts so much to think that I might not be the one that'll make him happy..." his voice trailed off, more tears sprouting up, "that if I want him happy, then maybe I should-"

Luke knew, without asking or thinking too hard about it, that Leo was wrong about what Jonah would pick. That there was no reality where Jon didn't pick him. However, the second part, that maybe Leo was not the one most compatible, that maybe this wasn't the right future for them... That he didn't know and had no way to comfort his friend about.

He continued to pet his hair, unable to say a word, afraid it'd be a lie, until the tears seemed to stop once more and Leo winced as a headache formed.

"Do you want me to stay here or do you want to go home with me, Leo?" Luke asked, gentle but firm. He wasn't going to let the blonde out of his sight, not like this.

He braced for Leo's stubborn I don't need a babysitter spiel, but instead his friend only took a deep breath and mumbled numbly, "yours. I hate being here without Jonah, doesn't feel right."

"Alright," Lucas got up, pressing a kiss to the top of Leo's hair and went to the couple's suite to grab some clothes for him, happy to have something he could do to make it better.

While in the room, he sent Bella a quick text running over the situation and then grabbed JD and her litter box, as well as her food, "let's go, you need to get some rest," he told Leo and the other man let out a snort, rubbing his face in a tired manner.

"I won't sleep," he grumbled, but followed Luke out of the apartment, taking his cat from Lucas' arms and holding her close, "I'm a better person than my father ever was, you know? You said- I know this too, I do."

Luke let out a sigh, leaning his back against the elevator and opening a small smile, "you'd be a better dad too, Leo. A great one, if you want to be one."

TBC

[siampie]

Risk and Reward||Chapter 6: I Think He Knows

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2.1k

Summary: Tension rises between you and Matt. That’s it. That’s the chapter. Also, teasing Matt and Reader.

Warnings/tags: No smut but mentions of sex, angst, fluff, mutual pining, idiots in love, childhood trauma

A/N: Don’t kill me for this, please. Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated.  

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Tag list: @marytheweefrenchie, @sunflowersandsapphires, @abbyhaslongshorts, @schneeflocky, @danzer8705

@ebathory997,

Dividers by @cafekitsune

Song the title is referring to:

He got my heartbeat

Skipping down 16th avenue

Got that, ah, I mean

Wanna see what’s under that attitude, like

I want you, bless my soul

And I ain’t gotta tell him, I think he knows

I think he knows

You stood outside with Amelia as she was smoking. It wasn’t as chill as it was a few months ago.

“Crazy thought.” You started; Amelia hummed as she glanced back at you. “Would it be crazy if I just grab a handful of Matt’s ass?”

“The hell?” Amelia looked at you, mouth agape.

“Would it?”

“No, it wouldn’t be crazy for you to put your hands on your boyfriend. In that way.” Amelia said slowly. “And really, that's your crazy thought?”

“You’re right, I chose the less crazy one.” You said seriously. “Do you want the real crazy one?”

“Hit me.” Amelia nodded.

“So, I was watching the Walking Dead last night. It was the Terminus arc and I was wondering—would you be willing to eat people in an apocalypse if it meant survival?”

Amelia let out a big exhale, smoke flowing in the air, she turned to you with a deadpan look on her face. “Yep, that’s on brand.”

“So?”

“I’ll do you one better.” She laced her arm with yours as she led you back inside the bar. “Would it be considered cannibalism if you took a bite out of your boyfriend’s ass?”

“Kinky, maybe.” You giggled.

“You thought about it, didn’t you?”

“I’m thinking about it, now.”

You both giggled as you made your way back to your group of friends. You took your seat next to Matt. A boyish grin lighting up his face, he pulled your chair closer to his, before wounding his arm around your waist.

Things had been going well between you and Matt. It has been a month since you officially became a couple. Between lunch and coffee dates, you and Matt spent as much time as possible together, you were practically joined at the hip. Both of you couldn’t get enough of each other.

The giddiness and the butterflies never seemed to leave you. And they only seemed to amplify each and every single time you saw him. You couldn’t read his mind but you hoped he felt the same way. You hoped you had the same effect on him as he had on you.

His calloused hand had found its place on your thigh as the evening went on. His thumb brushed on the inside of your thigh, making it hard for you to focus on the current conversation. Heat pooled at your core. You took in a shaky breath and you saw a cheeky grin bloomed on his face.

“What are you doing?” You leaned in to whisper in his ear.

“Nothing.” He answered, faking innocence. His hand moved a little further up.

“Matt,” you said his name in warning.

“What is it I’m doing, sweetheart?”

“Careful, Matthew. Two can play this game.”

“Oh, really?” Matt huffed out a laugh.

You leaned closer, your hand resting high on his thigh. You gave it a light squeeze. “Really.” You smirked, pulling away, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. His fingers flexing against your own thigh.

You stood in the corner next to Marci as the rest of your group were playing pool. Your eyes had inevitably found Matt’s wonderful ass. He was bent over, giving you a clear view. The best so far in the bar. And tried as you may, you couldn’t pull your eyes away from it. Marci bumped into you, bringing you back to the one-sided conversation she’d been having for the past few minutes.

“You’re staring.” She teased you.

You glanced quickly away from him. “No, I’m not.” You took a sip from your beer.

“Liar.” Marci scoffed. “There’s no harm in you appreciating your man’s ass.”

Heat gathered to your ears as your eyes made contact with Matt over the pool table. A boyish smile gracing his lips. “Stop. I wasn’t staring. I was—admiring the view.”

Matt’s grin widened at your words as Foggy led him around the table to the cue ball. He leant over the table, jutting his hips out, giving you a better view of his beautiful ass. The gesture gave you pause, though. If you didn’t know any better, you’d thought he would have heard you from across the room. But that couldn’t be. He and Foggy were too far away for them to hear your conversation. Still, it seemed as though he was doing this on purpose.

“I have no doubt about that.” Marci smirked at you.

“Oh, shut up.” You huffed out a laugh.

A game of pool later, Matt was sitting next to you while the rest of you was engage in another game. You were highly aware of his thigh pressed against yours as his fingers kept on brushing back and forth on the back of your neck. You let out a shaky breath, crossing your legs, a feeble attempt to create any kind of friction to ease your heated core.

“You sure you don’t want to play?” Matt questioned playfully.

“I wouldn’t know how.” You replied, shifting in your seat.

“I can teach you.” He offered, turning slightly to face you.

“Maybe another time.”

“Come on, sweetheart, it’s not that hard.” He said in a sultry voice. His left hand came to rest on your knee, his fingers brushing against the back of your knee.

“You’re just looking for an excuse to bent me over the table, aren’t you?” You tried to make yourself sound sexy. As you pronounced those words, you let your fingers run up and down his forearm.

You leaned in and kissed his nose, then his cheek, before pressing the last one on his lips. Your left hand had moved to his thigh, hidden from view, you slowly trailed it higher, inching closer to his crotch. His hand circled around your wrist.

“Careful, sweetheart, don’t start something you can’t finish.” His voice huskier than before.

“Who said anything about not finishing?” You shot back.

His hand left your wrist, moving to tuck your hair behind your ear. A boyish grin made its way onto his face, “I like that side of you.”

“You do?”

His nose brushed against yours as he leaned in. “I can’t wait to see more of it.” He pressed his mouth against yours.

“That’s enough, you two.” Amelia dropped in the seat next to you. “We get it, okay. You’re horny for each other.”

“Amelia,” you whined, your ears and cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

“What?” Amelia shrugged. “I’m only stating facts, am I not?”

Karen sat down next to her, Foggy and Marci joining your small group. “I agree with her.” Marci remarked. “You two are all over each other.”

Your entire face flushed, heat spreading through it. Now, you were mortified. Did they have to be so open about it? Sure, you and Matt had been focused on each other all night, but it wasn’t a bad thing, was it? You started to pull away from Matt, his grip on your knee tightened, stopping you from moving too far from him.  

“Alright, guys, I’m calling it a night.” Karen announced as she got up, sliding her arms in her coat.

“Yeah, we’re right behind you.” Foggy nodded.

“Karen, you wanna share a cab?” Amelia suggested.

“Yeah,” Karen shook her head yes.

“Don’t do anything too crazy, kids.” Foggy said as he and Marci started out of the bar, she sent you a quick wave, and a sly wink.

Karen and Amelia both left together waving you goodbye. You and Matt were on the sidewalk as you watched both women get into the cab. Matt’s hand slid in yours, making you turn to face him. His free hand came up to cup your jaw.

“I don’t want the night to end just, yet.” He said softly.

“What do you have in mind?” You asked him, in the same tone.

“Well, we could finish that little game you started?” He gave you a cheeky grin;

“I wasn’t the one who started it, if I recall correctly.” You teased back.

He huffed out a laugh. “And if I remember correctly you did talk about finishing it.”

Your face flushed in response, his sultry voice sending shivers down your spine, “how do you propose we do this?” You questioned breathless.

He gazed down at you, his thumb brushing along your jaw. “I have a few ideas.”  The boyish grin morphed into a soft smile. “Would you like to come back to my place?”

You nodded. “I’d like that,” your voice barely above a whisper. He laid a soft kiss on your lips, before pulling away, both of you walking to his place.

It was quiet between you on the way there. You wanted this; you really did but you were also growing nervous. You had some apprehensions regarding physical intimacy with Matt. Physical intimacy, sexual intercourse had been quite a miss for you. You had never really had a good experience when it came to sex. Mostly because most of your sexual experience happened quite late in life, later than most people. It wasn’t that you were a late bloomer. It was more because of a lack of opportunities.

As your father’s primary caretaker, you didn’t have a lot of occasions to go out. And if you did, it would be rubbed in your face for months while he berated you, calling you ungrateful. It didn’t matter that it was the only outing you had in months. He would remind you of this, in every fight, in the months that followed. So, of course, there were not many opportunities for you to date or have sex.

After your brother stepped in and took your father in, you did go out more before moving to Hell’s Kitchen. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t good either. And since moving to Hell’s Kitchen, you only had a one-night stand, that didn’t exactly go well. You were not even sure that it deserved the name of a one-night stand.

You started to think that since you had never reached orgasm during sex, that maybe something was wrong with you. Maybe, you were broken in some ways. You knew you could get there, after all you were no stranger to masturbation. Still, sexual intercourse didn’t really do it for you so far.

But never stopped you from trying, though.

You stepped into his apartment after him and stood in his entry awkwardly as he shut the door behind you. You had been to his apartment before, but he was never just the two of you. This was the very first time that it was just you and him. You walked into his living room, after him, shedding your coat. He moved into his kitchen as you draped your coat on the arm of his leather couch, the neon sign lighting up the room.

“Do you want to drink anything?”

You dropped your bag next to your feet, “no, not really.”

Breathing had become hard suddenly. You clasped your hands together, in an attempt to calm your nerves. Matt came back with a glass of water, placing it on the coffee table. He took off his red tinted shades and left them on the table, giving a clear view of his eyes.

“We don’t have to do anything tonight.” Matt said softly.

“I know, it’s just—” You let out a shaky breath, tucking your hair behind your ear. “I want this,” you shifted, angling yourself to face him. Your knee bumped into his.

You wanted to tell him the truth, be honest. Let him know that although you were by no means a virgin, you had not had a lot of experiences when it came to sex. Matt was a handsome man and you were sure that he had been with a lot of women before.

“There hasn’t been anyone in a while, anyone that mattered.” He admitted quietly, his calloused hand reached for your knee, squeezing it gently. “Truth is, I’m nervous too.”

You placed your hand over his, turning his palm up so you could place your hand in his, interlacing your fingers. “I don’t have a lot of experience when it comes to this sort of—intimacy.” You finally confessed, “and I’m afraid that you can’t help but compare me to others. Because if you do, you might be disappointed. And I don’t want you to be.”

He pulled your hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. “I won’t.” He tugged you towards him, closing the small gap between you. You landed in his lap, straddling him, your hips hovering over his. His hands moved to your hips, yours laid on his shoulders. “You call the shots. If anything makes you feel uncomfortable, we stop.”

“That’s the sexiest thing I ever heard,” you sounded breathless. You sank down onto his lap, his grip on your hips a little tighter. You bit down your bottom lip, stifling a moan, as heat spread through your nether regions.

His hands palmed your ass through your dress, a groan rumbled through his chest, as his head fell back against the back of the couch. “Just tell me what you want, sweetheart.”

“You.” You leaned in, your lips barely brushing his. “Only you.”

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[vzp1kl]

𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞?

• you and Matthew were the closest, but when he was starting in movies, everything changed..

• Note: Please understand that English isn't my strongest language, and if I made any mistakes, I'm truly sorry.

• I had made this story months ago, and I had changed a lot of the parts of the story to make it longer.

• There are no warnings in this just a story with two parts. Enjoy! (I will make a part two!)

You and Matthew were best friends since childhood. You guys had great memories, but as both of you grew older, both of you took different career paths. Matthew started in movies while you started your own business that was pretty successful through the years.

Years went by, and you guys started to fall apart. Even though you were friends, it didn't mean one of you had feelings for one in another. You never get to talk to him because he was a successful actor when you were a businesswoman. You couldn't help yourself but to amire from afar. Seeing him acting in moives made you proud of him. Losing contact with him was really hard. Losing that connection you had with him was broken glass everywhere it really hurt when you cut yourself in the glass and try to fix it.

Years went by, and by no call, no message, no voice mail, nothing. It was already around the 2000s. You found a sweet and gentle man. Things went well with him. Both of you hit it off and started to date, then in 2004, the year you and him got engaged and married. Things started well. You both had stable jobs. You and him never thought of having a family yet..?

After a year you got married, you got a random caller you didn't know who it was so you answered it then that's when you heard his voice it was Matthew calling you. "Hey, Y/n it been a while. How are you?". You wanted to cry hearing his voice after so many years. Memories started to replay in your mind with him. "Hey Matthew, yeah, it's been a while... I've been good. How about you? I have seen your movies me and my husband really love them." When Matthew heard you say 'husband', he knew it was already too late to say he loves you.

"Your husband?... you got married? Didn't you see the letters I have sent you?" When he mentioned letters you were confused you never got a letter from him your husband usually gets the mail when he comes from work but letters? He never told you about letters from Matthew. "Matthew, I don't know what you're talking about. I never gotten a single letter. Matthew, what letter? Please, I dont what letters!... I'm really sorry but I have to go... it was nice talking to you.." Before he could answer, you hung up.

Matthew pov:

'How can I be so stupid? Did I really lose her? Gosh, what was I thinking I should've called before I sent those letters.' Matthew couldn't stop thinking about you and the conversation he had with you. He was sitting there just disappointed in himself and how he missed every opportunity that he could just to be with you. All those memories he had with you came back into his mind and how much he actually wanted to be with you. "Was I really too late? Too late to love her?"

@angeldiarybook

[dwarf-vader-of-middle-earth]

Stars and Seas: A Drowned Tale

Years ago, I made a short story titled "The Drowned", which featured Matthew and Lyrus, a Human and a Merfolk variant called "Drowned", who fell for one another and became eternal lovers.

I'm happy to say that, years later, I have a continuation of this story just as well! Stars and Seas: A Drowned Tale features the former side character Ilias, and a new character, Thompson.

Story below the cut.

Words: 4468

Days off for Thompson were extremely rare. Hospice required constant attention from the nurse, but ever since Matthew was discharged, the man found himself with more free time than usual. Matthew was the main resident to whom Thompson was assigned, and without any new residents since, the nurse had little to do.

With a full free weekend, Thompson decided to visit the boardwalk on the edge of town. It was the location’s prime attraction, with a small amusement park and multiple boardwalk games. Pizza, chicken, fries, burgers, you name it and the stalls sold it.

Alone, Thompson wandered across the wooden planks, looking at various carnies who called to families with their children, friends with their friends, and couples with their lovers.

Yet there he was.

Alone.

The man’s heart grew heavy, but no less he walked toward one stall, and pulled out the wallet in his pocket.

“What can I get you, sir?” the lady asked.

Thompson looked up, and pointed to a bag of green cotton candy. “I’d like that bag please,” he said. “Is debit ok?”

The woman nodded, reaching to pull the bag off its hook from the overhang. “That’ll be five dollars,” she said. “Anything else you need?”

“Actually yes. May I please have a bottle of water?”

“Sure thing!” The woman set the cotton candy down, then turned around to a small fridge, and opened it, pulling out one bottle of water. “Alright, that’s another four dollars, so your total comes to nine!” She scanned the two items.

Thompson pulled out his card, and placed it against the machine. Once it beeped, he returned it to his wallet, and input the pin. The machine rang a gentle tone, and he nodded, then grabbed his food and drink. “Thank you, ma’am. Have a great day.” He forced a smile to her briefly.

The woman nodded. “You, too.”

Turning away, Thompson located a table in the distance, just outside the amusement park. With even steps, he made way toward this.

Two young men stood outside the park entrance, fumbling for cash to pay the fee.

“Damn. Guess we spent more at the diner this morning than I thought,” the smaller man said, chuckling.

The other smiled, and kissed the first. “Worry not, my dear. I’ve got this covered.”

Thompson’s heart sank even deeper hearing this conversation. Two men. In love. Yet here he was still alone. He glanced toward the lovers briefly, then stumbled.

“Lyrus, I told you to stop covering me!”

“Well really it’s my father covering us both.”

Turning toward the two young men, Thompson quickly approached. “...Matthew?” he asked.

The smaller man turned around, his mouth immediately falling agape upon seeing Thompson. “I–you… Thompson?!”

“Yes!! It’s me!!” Thompson cried, a smile coming to his face. He reached for Matthew, wrapping his arms around him gently. “Oh my god!! Look at you!! You’re–you’re completely healthy now!!”

Smiling warmly, Matthew returned the hug to his old nurse, nodding. “I am!! I feel great!!”

Thompson separated from him, and looked upon the young man who now stood. He stood. Matthew’s legs were riddled with cancer before, and left him confined to a wheelchair for the most part, save for good pain days. But Thompson looked at Matthew’s wrist.

Upon it was tied a single small bracelet of seashells, the rope made of dried seaweed.

And Lyrus’s wrist held one just the same.

Thompson nodded, smile never waning. “Healing is a magic in and of itself, isn’t it?” he asked.

There, Matthew stumbled slightly. “Wh–what do you mean?”

“Getting better in any way. It seems to bring people together, doesn’t it? You two have each other now, and that’s incredible. It’s perfect. The magic between you both seems to have done more than modern medicine ever could.”

Matthew fell silent, his blood running cold.

But Lyrus stepped up, smiling. “You know, Thompson, sir. Matthew has told me much about you in the time we’ve been together. I was hoping to meet you someday.”

Thompson smiled gently. “I’m honored to meet you all the same, sir. And I truly wish both of you a great eternity together. Even though… I’ll likely never see Matthew again.”

“Perhaps there will be more meetings,” said Lyrus. “You never know what the future holds, after all. Things change. People change. That is the magic of life.”

Nodding, Thompson’s smile now waned slightly. “Well… I hope you both have a great day. And a safe return home. May the tides pull you to safety.”

Lyrus bowed to him. “And may they never tempt you into the depths all the same.” He pulled Matthew into himself. “Come on, hon. Let’s keep our little date going.” Together, he and Matthew handed the cash to the person at the front gate, and entered inside.

Thompson sighed, and walked to the table. Situating himself, he opened the bag of cotton candy, and began eating it silently. Pondering. His heavy heart beat slowly and painfully against his chest, and he turned to look at the beach, its gentle waves lapping away at the sand as children played about, and people of all ages spoke and smiled. 

But Thompson himself frowned, for he was alone as always.

Forever alone…

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

That evening, Matthew and Lyrus returned to the castle of Limrias. As both sat together at the table alongside Ilias, they ate their dinners as a family.

But Matthew seemed oddly quiet. His gaze was distant, almost as though the man focused on something beyond the present.

“Are you alright, hon?” Lyrus asked.

“...No.”

“Talk to me.” Lyrus put one webbed hand on Matthew’s shoulder, and reached the other to brush his hair behind a finned ear. “Tell me what’s going on.”

“It’s… it’s Thompson. From before,” Matthew said, sighing. “He looked… I don’t know. Sad? I could feel it. All his sorrows flowed into me like they were my own. I know Drowned can feel connections to one another through the bonds we have. But can a Drowned do the same with a Human?”

“It’s possible,” Ilias said. “You and Thompson had a great deal of investment in one another before you became Drowned. Those feelings of love still remain, and through your love for him, it’s very likely you could feel a bond between yourself and him as you would any other Drowned.”

Matthew nodded. “Thank you. I just… I wish I could help him. He always seemed so happy when he was around me, but I know he’s been through a lot. He never told me what he experienced, though.”

Ilias cut into a filet, and stabbed it with his fork. “Is he still nearby? Still at the boardwalk?” He placed the filet piece into his mouth, and began to chew it.

“Maybe. I’m not sure. Why do you ask?”

“Because I’d like to meet him, and thank him for having cared for you all these years,” Ilias replied. “He seems as though he could use such thanks, and he should know you’re in good hands now.”

“Dad, are you sure that’s a good idea?” Lyrus asked. “He knows Matthew and I are Drowned, but that’s dangerous enough in and of itself! Do you really want to risk revealing yourself, our king, to him?”

Shrugging, Ilias stabbed the last piece of his filet. “If he already knows about us, then what’s the harm in showing him myself?” He bit into the piece, and swallowed it, setting his fork and knife down. “You two go enjoy yourselves for the night. I’ll be back by morning. Promise.” The king smiled at his two boys, and swam from his chair, then pushed it in. Without another word, he exited the room.

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

Upon the beach, Thompson sat solitarily, knees to his chest as the waves crashed in the distance, their extended falls reaching the man’s feet. The water kissed him softly. Thompson reveled in what little peace this brought him.

Looking up into the horizon, boats and ships sailed across the night, far out into the dark, every star above illuminating their shapes.

How he longed to leave this land and see the world as those people did… Maybe things could be better elsewhere…

Thompson sighed, burying his head in his knees, shoulders dropping.

“Quite a sight, isn’t it?”

The man jumped, and looked up. There, his eyes fell upon a tall, broad man, roughly his own age, whose hair and beard appeared black and salt-worn, hints of gray running through their lengths. He smiled kindly to Thompson.

“Mind if I take a seat?” the man asked.

Thompson scooted to his right, shaking his head. “No, please. Go ahead.”

Bending down, the stranger sat carefully, placing his hands against the sand to steady himself as he lowered into a sitting position. Upon both his wrist lay two gorgeous bracers of seashells, tied in place with colorful seaweed.

Thompson’s eyes widened at their sight. However, he remained silent.

The stranger gazed up at the stars meeting the sea afar. “Matthew’s told me lots about what you’ve done for him. I’m grateful. For you. For all your care and help given to him over the years.”

“You’ve done more for him than any medicine could have,” Thompson said .

“I don’t mean just medically, but emotionally as well.” There, Ilias smiled kindly, and turned toward the Human. “He’s struggled a lot. Learning to be part of a family when he’s never had one is certainly a difficult thing. But he tells me he learned what he could from his love for you. Matthew always tells me you’re the father he never had.”

“Well I’m not much to go by. I don’t have a family, either…”

Ilias raised an eyebrow. “You don’t?”

“No. It’s a long story. You wouldn’t care for it, I promise.” Thompson sighed heavily, his demeanor lowering into sorrow.

Pausing a moment, Ilias readjusted himself. “I’ve got time. And Matthew is worried. He tells me you’re sad. I see it in you that you are. Maybe talking would help ease the burden?”

Thompson shook his head. “I can’t. It’s no use. I’ve spoken to therapists for decades now, and it doesn’t do anything to make this better… Not what with I’ve been through…”

“Well… what about talking to a friend?”

Pausing a moment, Thompson glanced toward Ilias, eyes wide. He saw, there, the king’s kindly smile, and welcoming self, so genuine and gentle. How could he say no to this man? Regardless, Thompson looked away, shaking his head again. “It’d be wrong to burden another with my troubles. Especially a king…”

Ilias chuckled a little. “Friends exist to carry the burdens of one another in part. Nobody can make it through life alone. And if you do not tell me now, I will continue to visit each night you’re here until I gain your trust enough that you speak. It wouldn’t be right in my heart or mind to let such a great and kindly man as yourself suffer alone.”

“Why do you think so highly of me?” Thompson asked.

“Because you kept Matthew safe. And Matthew has opened my heart to trusting once more.” The king took a deep breath. “I spent more than a millennia distrusting Humans. They’ve proven to be enemies of my people for ages now, polluting our home and using it for selfish gains. But Matthew and Lyrus fell for one another more than a year ago now. And I’ve seen since then what good Humans are, and what good they bring. Lyrus, my son, was so lonely and broken until he met Matthew. Those two healed each other’s hearts and lives, and their love has, in turned, healed me.”

Thompson’s eyes nearly welled with tears now. He gulped the sadness back. “Love is… it’s something I’ve not had in a very long time…” His tears began to fall.

Ilias lifted a finger, and the teardrops shifted from Thompson’s face, floating away toward the sea.

Eyes wide, the Human watched his sorrows move from himself and join with the water beyond. He shook his head. “I’m… a lot like Matthew in a sense… I, too, love men. I’m how he realized his own sexuality. But my parents–my entire family both immediate and extended–they shunned me for what I am. They called me a disgusting whore, and threw me into the streets. I tried to go back! I tried so many times!! But eventually they moved, and I never knew where to! I had nobody and nothing!!

“My boyfriend at the time, he proposed to me, and we were planning our wedding. We found out he was pregnant, and both of us felt ecstatic! The future was bright, and we’d just gotten an apartment together here in the city. But… this hardly lasted…” Now Thompson’s tears fell in a large stream, and the man sobbed violently, clutching his knees to his face as he pressed his forehead into both harshly. “Kevin, he–he miscarried. Just a few weeks into the second trimester. We were devastated, and the doctors found out why this happened.

“Kevin had late-stage ovarian cancer. He was dying. And no amount of medicine would ever help save him…”

Ilias’s face dropped, his heart sinking into an abyss of sorrow. He reached for Thompson, but retracted his hand before it could touch him.

Thompson tensed, biting his lower lip harshly. “I was alone. I had nobody. No family. No partner. No love. And I tried. I tried to find someone else! But I’ve been broken!! My sorrows are too great, and my pain is immense! Nothing makes it better! Nothing!!” He rammed a fist into the sand, trembling. “I’m lonely… I’m broken… And I see no reason to keep going. Ever since Matthew left, there’s been little hospice work to do. It’s like I’m not needed anymore. Nobody needs me, and I am needed nowhere. I can’t keep going like this…”

Shifting toward the Human, Ilias sat on his knees and wrapped himself around the balled-up Thompson, hugging him softly. “You’re needed. Always. That I promise.”

Thompson sobbed, his heart weighing itself down into the depths below. "If I fell into the ocean to my death, far away from any land, would the world even notice? Would I be forgotten?"

"The ocean would remember," Ilias replied. "The waves would carry your soul forever with their every rise and fall. The very creatures which live within it would see your descent, knowing another joins them but not in life. They would mourn. The sea is seemingly paired with death, but we can only take so much tragedy before it becomes too much. Perhaps this is why the Drowned were created. To prevent such sorrow from ever taking over."

"But I am not worthy of mourning. I'm nobody. And I am worth nothing. Not even life." Thompson shook rapidly, tightening his fists.

"Has the world truly taken so much from you that you've forgotten how to receive all the same?"

The Human shook his head. "I'm not sure. I don't think I've ever been given anything in my life before..."

Ilias grasped one of the Human's hands, and stood up. "Then come with me a moment. I wish to give you something."

Thompson shook his head. “Please. Don’t–”

“You need to see this. Please. Just come along.”

With a scoff, Thompson pushed himself upright, shaking his head, standing to meet the king. Gently, he was pulled toward Ilias. Into him.

Ilias held Thompson close and walked toward the water, then into it. Once deep enough inside, the long mer tail formed, and fins extended from his wrists and ears. His green eyes glowed bright against the darkness, clearly made to peer through the depths of the seas. Here, he clutched Thompson softly, and carefully began to swim out. Away from the shore.

Thompson watched as the sand grew further and further away until it no longer remained visible. He spoke not a word, just letting his sorrows run rampant through himself.

After several minutes, Ilias stopped, and shifted Thompson in front of himself. Here, the king smiled warmly, and pointed upward toward the vast, starry sky.

Tears streaking his face still, the Human looked up where the king pointed.

"Centuries ago, sailors used the stars to navigate the oceans, and cross them safely. All the same, those stars told stories and gifted them to children who looked at them in hope,” Ilias said. “No matter where you are in the world, the stars are always there. No matter where you are in the world, the water is always there. Nature is inherent. It's eternal. Hope and safety are always here. Waiting for you to find them. You only need let the world guide you."

Thompson gulped his sadness down again. "Then why? Why has my life led me away from the world? Why am I so blind to the future that I can't even see it?"

"When you spend forever in the dark, it hurts to look at the light. But it's there no less.” Ilias looked Thompson in the eyes. “I am here."

The Human’s mouth fell agape. He shook his head. “N–no.”

“Why not?” Ilias asked. “Why not accept love for a change?”

"I... I can't. How can I ever love again when I will lose you, or you will lose me? I couldn't bear to be with a man who has two sons, knowing you’ll all live forever and I won't–that you'll all be of the sea, but myself of the land. I am nothing compared to you! I am... nothing… Even as a person, I am nothing..."

"You are a great man with a great heart as vast as the seas," Ilias said, holding Thompson tighter now. "I never thought I would feel this way for a Human, but all the same, every Drowned was once Human. We aren't so different."

Thompson hiccupped, shaking. His aching heart seemingly sank into the ocean itself as he remained within it, held by the king.

"When a Drowned Embraces a Human, their love is gifted all the same. A bond is forged between the Drowned who makes another. These bonds create families. Parents, children, lovers, siblings. They are eternal and endless. There is no breaking the bond of two Drowned who’ve joined together. And they feel everything between one another. Joy and pain. Love and fear. Any and all emotion is shared.

“But I feel it all, even without such a bond between yourself and I. Your sorrow is great, and your pain greater. You fear and you grieve, but I am here. And I love. I love you, Thompson. Sweet Baris. I wish for nothing more than to see you happy–to see your smile and know your joy not as my own, but for you to feel yourself. You deserve happiness. I can bind us together in eternity beneath the very waters in which we tread, and I will hold you as my own. You will never be alone again. I promise."

The torrential tears dripping from Thompson’s eyes began to fall into the ocean. "I’m not worth it… I never will be…What have I done that's worthy of this?" he asked. "To gift me not just any Embrace, but yours? Why?"

Ilias smiled gently, pressing into the Human, holding him closer. "Because you are you. And all are worthy of love for the mere fact that they live. And I love you. The world takes so much that we often forget we can give all the same.

“Just as well, none must be worthy of the water's gift to receive it. One must simply embrace its love as their own. And I know you long for love. But look no further. We are here. Together. Between the stars that guided us to my kingdom, and the seas in which it resides. Please. Come home with me, Baris."

Thompson sobbed into the king now, harsh and ugly. "But... Matthew. He doesn't need me anymore. He has you. All the Drowned."

"That doesn't mean he can't use more love. You need it all the same. And if he does not welcome you then know that I do. I will be the one who brings you home and gifts you the Embrace." Ilias leaned in, and kissed Thompson on the cheek. "I will bind us together in eternity, and hold you as my own. You'll have a family–two sons, Matthew and Lyrus–and of course, me. Loneliness will never reach you again. Of that I swear."

Thompson trembled, trying to breathe but he couldn’t. He shook his head, sobbing harshly. “Does it hurt? Letting the magic take you?"

"No. It's peaceful. Your very soul is engulfed in serenity, and you know, in that moment, you're forever saved from all death and sorrow."

With a harsh cry, Thompson clutched the king dearly, clenching his eyes shut. "Please... Please just help me!!" he begged. "Make this stop! Take my pain away! Please..."

"I can give you what you need to make it leave in time. It will not fade immediately. But I will be there every moment you need someone. I will always love you, Baris. That will never change." Ilias smiled warmly. “You will learn to live in peace, not rest in sorrow. Let your mortal pains wash away into the sea. It’s time to come home.” The king lifted his hand to Thompson's heart, pressing it against him. The palm began to glow, and he shifted his face to see Thompson's, meeting the man's lips with his own which he kissed gently while pushing him backward, leading them both below the water.

The glow began to overtake Thompson, who kissed Ilias back, a warmth spreading from his heart through his entire body. The very tears upon his face washed away into the sea which now held him completely. And the man welcomed it.

As the glow intensified, both lovers remained connected for a long moment before Ilias backed away, shifting his hand off Thompson.

Slowly, the bright illumination faded from the man entirely as he lay within the king's loving embrace. And there he rested, a long, finned tail now in place of legs, and matching fins upon his wrists and ears. Gills opened from his sides, and he breathed through them, taking the water into his very being, merging himself with it at long last.

Ilias smiled. "Welcome home, my king."

Thompson–Baris–opened his eyes and looked at himself. Now Drowned, he gazed upon his new form in silent awe, examining the long tail and strange fins, the webbing between his fingers. And there, a feeling of serenity filled himself, overtaking his entire being. Baris sat upright, and threw himself into Ilias, clutching the king tighter, a wholeness and unity of sorts driving him toward the man.

A unity with his lover, Baris realized. A unity with his future–with the very seas in which he now lived and breathed.

Both parting slightly, Ilias’s smile only grew. "You are the greatest man I have ever met, and I will never be far from you. Even if I am, our eternal bond will hold us together. I feel your elation. The relief in your heart. And I am happy all the same. You’ve needed this for ages now, and it is yours to keep. I’ll make certain you never lose it."

There, a smile formed upon Baris’s face. He kissed Ilias passionately, deeply, holding the king against himself as he wrapped the long tail around his lover, pressing into him. “Thank you. Thank you, my love. My king. I… I love you. So much.”

“Please. Call me Ilias.” The king smiled, joining his tail with Baris’s, and both held one another for a long moment in silence.

Minutes passed, and finally Baris unlatched from his lover, shifting backwards. He looked at himself entirely now, and chuckled a little, smiling.

Ilias looked puzzled at his lover. “What’s funny?” he asked.

“I… I just realized a slight problem."

"Oh?"

"I can't swim."

Ilias suddenly burst into laughter. "Oh, gods! That is quite a problem, now isn’t it?” He grinned, and pat Baris’s shoulder gently. “Well there's no time like the present to learn. It's not that hard. I'll show you."

Baris grasped the king’s hand, who led him down into the depths, flicking his tail gently while keeping his and Baris’s arms parallel to themselves.

After many minutes, Ilias let go, and motioned for Baris to follow him.

And without missing a beat, Baris continued. Swimming close by. Swimming.

He was free.

The Drowned cut through the water with ease, as though the very universe parted to let him and Ilias pass, and both made their way toward a glistening, large kingdom with ornate bridges and city buildings spanning across the entire ocean floor.

This was the beauty of Limrias.

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

Within the castle, Matthew and Lyrus lay within one another’s arms in their bed together, cuddled up smiling and content. Both looked outward from the window to the kingdom far below, then to each other, their minds at ease and their hearts entwined in love.

However, a knock came to their door. “Lyrus? Matthew? Are you awake?”

Ilias, they realized.

“We are! We’re coming!” Lyrus called. He helped Matthew up, and both held hands as they swam to the door. But Lyrus grasped the handle, and pulled it open.

There in the doorway, both smiling, hands together, Ilias and Baris tread as one. As Drowned.

Matthew’s eyes welled with tears. He charged Baris, and threw his arms around the man, squeezing him tight and pressing into him. “You–you’re–”

“I’m home,” Baris said, leaning into Matthew gently. “I’m grateful. For all of you. I owe you everything.”

“You owe nothing but to love your life,” Matthew said. He looked up at Baris. “Please. I know you’ve been hurting. I know you’ve been sad. But give this a chance. It’s going to get better now. We’ll all make sure of it.”

Baris nodded, smiling even more. “I know. I will. I promise. I will live, with you, and we will always be together. My heart is open to love, and I have that of Ilias. And I couldn’t ask for anything greater.”

Lyrus swam toward Baris and Matthew, putting one hand on each. “You have my love all the same. Gods know my dad needs it more, though.”

Everyone laughed, and leaned in, hugging one another.

And there, Baris felt it. The bonds between all of them. Each person of this family loved him, and all the same he loved them. Their feelings flowed through one another as though part of each other despite each belonging to different people. They were united. And nothing would ever tear them apart, for, nature’s love in the stars and seas had brought them together at long last.

[astroyongie]

Zerobaseone June Reading 2024

note: please take it lightly and have fun

Hanbin

love: he is still single at the moment and honestly things aren't the best for him. In January he was rejected. Yet he is stilç very conflicted. there’s this one person he also has a crush on but this person has been beefing with them? to a certain point. where their conversation is only arguments so it's kind of annoying him  

career: things are going okay for him, this comeback to come also helped him progress when it comes to his own artistic talents. i feel like Hanbin has been trying to expend more of himself. he wants to tour, to travel and to be friends with other people 

self: he is okay. his health seems to be okay and he is mentally strong as well despite the difficulty he has to manage his anxiety. he hasn't been worried much about things since he is taking a more positive perception on life overall thanks to his therapy 

Jiwoong

love: he is still dating the same person as before and things seem to be doing rather well. their relationships as expended and they are also trying to search for more depth. At the moment their partner is probably overseas tho. 

career: he is extremely frustrated with the comeback. mostly because he believes that the company hasn't put any light on him and he feels like he has been sabotaged or at least not as appreciated as the other members. his actions are also hasty which can cause some issues 

self: overall he still struggles a lot when it comes to his own feelings. everything that has happened to him as impacted him a lot and he still doesn't know how to deal with all of that 

Hao

love: ah! remember Hao was in love with someone and he thought that the person dont love them back. seems like he was wrong because from january to now they finally got into a relationship and things seem to be doing rather okay so far. 

career: career wise things are a little more complicated for rhim. he knows he has a lot of burdens whenever there are comeback preparations and lately he feels like he has too much on his shoulders. Hao understands that he needs to release pressure but he is scared of things 

self: mentally, it’s not the best. There's anxiety and some fears, but mostly I see Hao using unhealthy coping mechanisms in order to be able to survive through his days. 

Matthew

love: It seems like his relationship with his sponsorship has been cooling down and things are a little bit better to him. Matthew is currently searching for love, and he truly wishes to be closer to other people because he feels the need to be loved and needed 

career: things are complicated here. like his work is overall okay and he is happy with everything. it's just that matthew has such a hard time managing his anxiety and his stress when it comes to comebacks that he often will self isolate 

self: he has been spending a lot of time out whenever he can, in environments that sound like gatherings or parties because he needs to put his mind out from the everyday stress that the idol life brings him. He has quite a social circle.

Taerae

love: Not really much luck in his life. He is single at the moment and he isn't seeking for anyone since his heart is a little fragile since the past person he has liked. at the moment he is trying to make amends with his love life and reconcile himself with his feelings 

career: people might have a very negative opinion of Taerae (those who work with him). He has the type of personality that is very frontal and because of that, peoçel see him as someone cold hearted and even bitchy/asshole like. he doesn't seem to care about that 

self: there’s a lot happening in his life and he doesn't give himself time to process anything. instead Taerae is the type to just push forward and keep his mind focus on his work 

Ricky

love: single as well and not really focused on his love life to be honest. At the moment Ricky is focused on his career and on the money he is earning which for him, is the most essential thing. after his break up, it seems like he closes his heart

career: he has been self limiting himself a lot in this comeback. He wants his members to have some spotlight as well and he has been helping them, even if that means to put himself on the side. Ricky knows that he doesn't need to put much effort on himself due to his looks so he is trying to help his colleagues instead 

self: he is okay and he is actually enjoying his life. Ricky, like I said, has been spending a lot of his time with his members, creating strong friendships with them and learning from them and also bringing his own teaching and experiences. 

Gyuvin

love: he is still single and still super harsh on himself. Gyuvin believes that he is someone that can’t do things properly. the thing is, because of his demanosu and his way of being, the people around him also sem him as the typical “manipulative victim” which does not help him 

career: things seem to be doing well. Out of all the members, he probably has a great relationship with people he works with and with his members. Gyuvin will also be super communicative with his fans because that's something he loves to do 

self: the same harsh energy is seen in his self. Gyuvin has been the typical impulsive guy that gets angry easily. that can make him quite ruthless with his words but it seems like his close friends don't take it personally 

Gunwook

love: he is still single and still having the same attitudes that he had before (which means being a little bit impulsive and weird around feminine people which ends up scaring them). Gunwook isn't the most oblivious person ever 

career: i feel like this comeback that is being prepared has kind of taken a turn on him but he is holding on. What worries me is the co dependent relationship he has with his mother, a manager or a sponsor. 

self: his physical health seem to be a little bit more on the fragile side but he is also taking care of it already so he doesnt get sick midway through the comeback 

Yujin

love: Yujin isn't in a relationship anymore. The breakup has been very very complicated with him. He hasn't been getting any sleep lately, I feel his energy to be quite gloomy. there’s a lot of fear of benign alone, a lot of things he lied about and his inner turmoils that are killing him inside 

career: he is so scared of this comeback, mostly because he doesn't feel like he is enough for it compared to his teammates. he also feels jealous toward some members that have it “easier” than he does 

self: his physical health seems to be okay but the rest is quite challenging. his biggest enemy at the moment is himself which isn't easy to deal with everyday 

[notthequiettype]

about an ash

hello hi howdy etc, since tumblr has completely fucked up the way a blog's subheader looks on mobile and it can't be expanded any more, we're making a pinned post!

the basics: ash • old and unhinged • ao3 • twitter • ask • currently into hockey and hrpf, always into something • i block u18s and bad vibes on sight • if you consider text nsfw, i'm the definition • nsfw images are (usually, but imperfectly) tagged unsafefw • i keep a full queue, do not tag anything consistently, and generally don't use read mores • like and reblog at will, you're not bothering me • i know the difference between fiction & reality. do you?

i am a wild and oilers homer with a third team that just kind of alternates depending on my interest but i do follow most of the league throughout the season and there's not a single team without a couple of guys i like and i will read and write anything if it interests me enough, including probably every kink and kind of """problematic""" content you can imagine (well, not that one... or probably that one, but no palette can hold every color, right?)

i love asks and love chatting with you guys but am sometimes bad at responding (as we all have the right to be! be nicer to yourselves!) and often save nice messages instead of replying so i can hoard them. also if you don’t want to send anon or if i have anon turned off, please know that whatever account you send me a message from is always safe with me, if you ask me not to publish your name if i answer a q, i am happy to do that <3

i hate the tumblr messaging system, but i do try my best to use it if someone sends me one, tbh the easiest place to have a conversation with me is twitter (which i also have an info post about lmao)

i block ruthlessly and plentifully -- bad takes, annoying content, not appreciating leon draisaitl like he deserves, being mean to connor mcdavid or the minnesota wild -- my definition of 'bad vibes' above is broad and it's probably not personal and tbh i will tolerate a lot if i like you and i'm very easy to please!

i will not ever block you for being horny in my notifs tho, even if it is not my flavor of horny, for i respect no greater freedom on this here website than that one

if you are primarily a matthew tkachuk fan (or only here for my matthew/leon content) i'm afraid you are likely to be extremely disappointed

okay, that's it, i think! sorry to have to be a pinned post guy, i really was so close to doing a sarcastic dni and didn't so at least there's that, love you!! <333

[fragilecapricornconfessions]

It's not even 8AM, and I felt the need to talk to you. I dreamt about you again last night. Like most of the dreams I've had, you didn't talk to me. You walked right past me and took a seat. I turned to look in your direction, and you seemed so distant from me. As a matter of fact, I started crying in the dream, and my own crying woke me up. For a moment, I wanted to force myself to fall back asleep since my dreams are the only place I get to see you nowadays. If only you knew that. If only you knew how badly I want to talk to you and be with you. You would always tell me how you would actively think about me before you fell asleep so that you could manipulate your dreams. I recall you telling me that it worked on multiple occasions. I still remember the dream you shared about the supermarket. I also recall the dream about us riding the train together where I'm bringing you to some mysterious destination. I remember it all, my love. I am holding on so tightly to these memories since they are the only thing I have at the moment. I typically pray for the chance to see you in my dreams, but I often wish the dream involved some happy communication between the two of us. My dreams always remind me how we are currently not in contact with one another, and it hurts. I miss you so much. I want nothing more than to be able to see you, speak to you, hug you, and tell you that I love you. I want all of this for myself and for us. Life is so unfair. I am left here typing all of this up when I could easily pick up my phone and text it all to you, but I understand why I can't due to the circumstances. I hope you slept well last night, and I hope that the weekend is unfolding nicely for you. This would have been such a wonderful opportunity for us to talk for hours, but we lost it. We lost it all in the blink of an eye. It upsets me greatly. I have prayed for you every day for the past eight weeks. Please reenter my life. I need you. I need you more than anything at this moment. I start all of my days with thoughts of you on my mind. This is a soul connection like no other, and I know that you know it as well. This isn't just some casual friendship. This is so much more than that, and I hope you haven't let anyone convince you otherwise. I love you so much, and I pray that we have the chance to speak again sooner rather than later. I am willing to sacrifice so much just to see you and be with you again, and I want you to know that. I would travel to great lengths for this reunion. I have never felt this way before, and it is not likely that I will feel this way ever again. I only pray that I have the opportunity to tell you all of this in person. I will make so many more promises to you. I also hope I get the opportunity to fulfill all of the promises I have already made to you. Don't think that I have forgotten a single one of them. They apply just as much today as they did the day I made them. Please return to me and hold me accountable for these promises. Please do that. It is the biggest favor you could do for me. I have never loved someone as freely, openly, vulnerably, and abundantly as I have loved you. I want what we had to be restored, and I pray that it gets restored. In Matthew 18:19-20, it says, "if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." All I need is for you to keep praying for the thing we both prayed about on November 11th, and I know we will both see a way through this. I am praying every day, and I am hoping that one day our prayers will synchronize and ascend to the heavens in tandem. Please don't leave me. Please don't abandon what we had. Please don't forget me. Please don't ignore all of the laughs and beautiful conversations. Please don't disregard the promises and plans for the future. They are all still there in my heart, and I am not letting anything deter me from allowing them all to manifest in our lives. I love you so much. I pray to God that you read this one day.

[jaetyun]

Most likely to with some trainees please?

Boys planet MLT’s; a thread!

featuring: gyuvin matthew s.hanbin keita junhyeon zhang hao seunghwan honghai gunwook jay

fluff!

a/n: i use mlt kind of loosely, making every question less of a rant of most - least but more one option - another option

being pampered vs pampering

being pampered

honghai, gyuvin

i mean it’s kinda obvious

honghai is a total baby

he just wants to be little spoon after a long day of work and can u blame him :(

gyuvin LIVES off praise, he needs to hear from you hes doing it right even if it’s just simple things like cooking or doing chores

both of them spend nights giggling kicking their feet twirling their hair biting their finger over sweet texts you send

just clingy

so incredibly clingy

the more i write the more i realize gyuvin is so bf coded ☹️☹️

gunwook, matthew

now you might be wondering

how is gunwook not with the former??

to that i say he’s totally pamper you to as a congrats

you aced an exam? he’s out buying you ice cream and best BELIEVE he’s gonna be feeding you

if you can’t sleep he’ll tuck you in and sing you a lullaby <33

matthew has no preference

you just happen to end up spoiling him more often

you just can’t resist his aegyo ☹️❤️

he uses this to his advantage

“babbbbyyyyy can you pleassseee make ramen for me” while batting his eyelashes

jay, junhyeon

it’s very unpredictable w them

theres no set dynamic w either of them

you want him to buy something for you? sure!

he’s feeling little spoon in the moment? you’re big spoon 🫵

neither of them care very much

if i had to pick one way or the other jay is more likely to spoil you and junhyeon is more likely to be spoiled

potentially unpopular opinion..

junhyeon seems like he’d be very calm and chill in a relationship

he uses all his energy and humor with his friends youre his little safe area to recharge his social battery

jay is just always a very down to earth guy

he doesn’t really care either way 90% of the time

keita, zhang hao

they just have very motherlike tendencies

they’ll naturally buy things for you cause “you’ll run out soon anyways”

keita writes songs for you all the time

if morning texts were a love language that’s what zhang hao has

he hasn’t missed a single day of saying good morning and good night to you even if there was no other conversation that day

keita likes paying

i cant explain it but anytime you’re out you might as well not bring your wallet cause he’s gonna fist fight you before you’ll ever buy anything around him

the ONLY time you’ve paid was on your first date where you split the bill

seunghwan, hanbin

seunghwan moreso than hanbin

his face would curl in disgust at your attempt of big spooning

“what do you think you’re doing?? come over here” he wraps arms around your waist, leaving you as mush in his hold

hanbin is also very motherly

would literally make a lunchbox for you everyday if he could

both of them are just so good at indulging and pampering like i’m at a loss for words

i cant even explain on paper it just makes sense okay

i’m right my word is final!!!

pampering

easily jealous vs secure

easily jealous

gyuvin, gunwook

not necessarily possessive??

but they’re the type to death glare ANY guy that comes your way

gyuvin is probably a lot more pouty and gunwook

like gyuvin would be so clingy if he felt threatened in your relationship

hes just a lil insecure and needs reassurance but it’s okay cause we love him for it 💔

gunwook says he likes pda cause he likes physical touch

hes lying

it’s so he can basically let everyone around the two of you know you’re off limits

he feels like you’re too good to be true

he needs to fight for you yk

if you tell either of them to knock it off they def will though

junhyeon, keita

they’re more willing to let things go

like if it’s just someone checking you out they’re chilling

it’s when flirting starts that drives them mad

i think keita would be more vocal about it

he’d do something immediately

“you’re just so stunning-“ “arent i lucky?”

junhyeon would watch on the sidelines then scold you afterwards

once you give a friendly reminder they’re perfect for you theyre back to chilling

not nearly as much guard dog energy as the other two

but don’t mistake that as chill

keita has def said some things in the moment he wish he could take back

honghai, hanbin

the pouty boys

it takes a while for them to crack, it wjen it happens they’ll be SO WHINY

hanbin is so petty

“how does this look on me?” “why don’t you ask ___?”

hai isn’t passive aggressive he just gives you the silent treatment

most of the time some rando isn’t gonna hurt their pride

it’s your friends thatre a lil too close to you…

which results in full blown fights

it gets resolved though cause communication is sexy 🙏

zhang hao, jay

it’s not that they don’t get jealous

they just handle it pretty well

instead of being like gunwook who’s practically holding you or like keita who makes sly remarks theyll be silent in the moment

afterwards they rationalize it in their head and their fine

it’s not that there’s no communication

they just realize you’re loyal and they don’t have to worry 💯💯

i think hao is more likely to say something

not a whiny or petty comment but just a genuine “do you realize ___’s intentions with you?”

very down to earth men

they don’t wanna fight they just wanna head empty love partner

and we love that tbh

seunghwan, matthew

SO SELF ASSURED

like they would argue with their friends over their lack of jealousy

“why would i be worried about ___? they’re not the one kissing y/n are they?”

they genuinely cannot fathom a possibility where you cheat

which is reasonable cause let’s be real youd FUMBLEEE if you lost one of those two 😵‍💫

seunghwan might have doubts here and there but overall he can realize how important he is to you and that solves most issues

secure

going out vs staying in for dates

going out

junhyeon, seunghwan

it’s like an adventure to them

so many more possibilities on things to do

junhyeons fave dates are when you go out late at night and see what’s open

will you end up spending 4 hours at a theatre hopping around random movies at random times? will you find a cool dinner spot? will you scavenge through an abandoned building? it’s always an adventure!

seunghwan likes going to romantic places

takes you on picnics, going to a carnival, renting a karoke bar, bowling

he would totally have a bucket list of cliches he’d want to fulfill

he also just likes showing you off to the world <33

the best part is when you guys go home together both exhausted and rambling about everything you experienced throughout the day

taking showers after spending a hot day in the sun in the summer 😵‍💫 or a warm bath if it’s a cold winter day ❤️

*WALL*

jay, gyuvin

definitely prefer staying at home

does not mind going out though!

gyuvin has made it his personal duty to find the best cafe in town with you

you both have your own ranking you bicker over all the time

secretly his long term goal is learning your perfect pastry and trying to recreate it

he’s not telling you though itd ruin the sincerity of the coffee shop nights

jay wouldn’t mind every once in a while

it would get draining after like the second time a week though

has a soft spot for places like an aquarium or an arcade

places that might come off as childish

those jay could go to all day everyday

still doesn’t beat a nice cuddle session while watching a movie by a LONG SHOT for either of them

hanbin, keita

homebodys at heart

would do it for you though

especially if they have super outgoing s/o’s

very easy to convince

will react in very opposite ways though

if hanbin ends up agreeing on a date night out hes making 100000 steps and plans

he knows exactly where you’re going and when you’re going down to the minutes

he wants it to be perfect for you!

keita though

he lets you pick

“you wanted to go out! so where should we go??”

very easygoing though

down for literally anything you’d wanna do

except like rock climbing sky diving or axe throwing

that’s a hard no

matthew, gunwook

i honestly have nothing to say here

it just makes sense okay

im tired

bare with me

zhang hao. honghai

okay homebody by ph-1

their ideal date is making a lil dinner for you then playing a board game or video games

simple men

they just like being with their safe person in their safe space

zhang hao will show you all his fave tv shows and want your reactions

hai will spent HOURS just scrolling on tiktok with you next to him

it’s like a game to see how synchronized your fyps are

if either of them have a pet they’d love playing with their pets w you

if you have a pet theyd have play dates

doesn’t matter the species

you guys will make it work

like who says it wouldn’t be iconic to have a dog and bird friendship??

staying at home

[darthstitch]

Professor Cryptid Wet Cat

Look, Professor Gadling being a secret immortal cryptid has already reached peak meme status. The Gdoc is a rabbit hole to get lost in on a rainy day.

But Professor Murphy? Hooo boy. The students are just getting started.

Nobody calls Professor Murphy by his given name of "Thomas." Like, you could try, but he's not going to respond to you, as if the name was just something tacked on for the sake of appearances.

One of the class overheard Professor G calling Professor Murphy "Dream." Now, everyone initially thought that it was just another adorable pet name (there's a running list of them in the Gdoc). But then another student who had been getting drinks at the New Inn had overheard this sweet little boy calling him "Uncle Dream." Go figure.

Here's the thing, though, "Murphy" is an Irish name but there isn't a trace of the Gaelic's music in his accent, proper RP that it normally is. Unless you're an Irish student and suddenly, there's the lilt and the sweetness of the Goídelc in his voice when he talks to you, echoes of the tales of the Children of Lir and Cu Chulainn, best heard as the bards sung them.

The language thing doesn't stop there. Professor Murphy seems to inexplicably know every language ever spoken, happily chatting away in a mix of Tagalog and English with the Filipino students, Welsh with the kids from Wales, French and Italian and Polish and Russian and Swahili and Igbo - circumnavigating the globe as neatly as you please without losing any stride. And then, going back in time, as it were, straight to Middle English.

6. Middle English, as everyone knew, was the language Professor Gadling tended to slip into from time to time and there was something unbearably sweet about how Professor G would refer to his husband as myne owne hertis rote, only for Professor Murphy to answer with my heart's gleam and that lovely little smile. But one hadn't lived until they heard both Professors absently talk to each other in Middle English as if they'd been born speaking that language and had temporarily forgotten that they were already in the 21st century.

7. Suspicions about Professor Murphy being a vampire abounded, until they had all seen him walking in sunlight, with Matthew the Raven on his shoulder. Then it became rumors about Murphy being a Twilight-variant of vampire because he literally glowed in the sun. And had so obviously sent poor Professor Gadling dot exe crashing at the sight.

8. This conversation also happened:

"Who is Edward Cullen and why would he sparkle? And why would all of you be Bella Swan?"

All of the students look at each other. And then:

"I will fong the first person who explains Twilight to poor Professor Murphy, I swear to Christ, I will fong you."

"Perhaps I should ask Matthew."

"Caw! Nevermore!"

9. One of Professor Gadling's classes had taken a trip to the Tower of London and Professor Murphy had just tagged along, much to his husband's delight. Every. Single. Raven. from the Tower had just converged on Murphy as if he were their long lost King or something, cuddling close, cawing in delight. Matthew was so obviously, adorably jealous at the whole thing and somebody could've sworn they heard a distinctly American voice holler: "HEY CLAWS OFF YOU ASSHOLES. GET YOUR OWN DREAM KING!"

10. Sometimes, the students could swear up and down that Matthew the Raven could really, truly, talk. Professor Murphy and his raven have often been seen sitting together, often with Murphy apparently showing the bird something on his smart phone or tablet, deep in discussion with him. Everyone tried very hard not to think about this too deeply, especially since Murphy would often return to the classroom with a better understanding of current jokes and memes once he'd had a "conversation" with Matthew.

11.

"Darling, why do you have a plushie of .... good lord, is this Cthulhu?"

"A gift from my students, my love. We had a rather engrossing lecture on Lovecraft the other day."

"Oh. Oh no. Don't tell me you had the same sort of thing going with him as you did with bloody Shaxbert!"

A huff. "Certainly not. Such a small-minded young man, utterly arrogant - though he did have potential. I thought to teach him a lesson by showing him how insignificant he truly was in the infinite vastness of the universe. His mind almost broke from it."

"Ah. And where does Cthulhu come into this?"

"Lovecraft had a horror of marine creatures, specifically those of the class Cephalopoda. I often took the form of this creature in my nightmare aspect. The wings were an inspired touch, I believe. He was near out of his mind with terror - some of my finest work."

"Of course you were bloody Cthulhu, why am I not surprised? My adorable little eldritch abomination..."

"Hob Gadling, there is nothing adorable about me -- a;dkjf;adlkfja;dlkf!"

12. Rose Walker's first novel Into the Night was a best seller and readers everywhere rejoiced when they heard it would become a series. Readers also fell in love with the enigmatic King of Dreams, the antagonist in Ms. Walker's book. Thus, the second novel in the series, The Prince of Stories, was eagerly awaited by many. Once again, the same mysterious voice actor did the audiobook, which quickly climbed to the top of the charts in all the platforms of its release. But what drove Professor Murphy's students into a tizzy was Ms. Walker's dedication: "For Uncle Dream, our Prince of Stories" and the following exchange:

"Professor Murphy, we didn't know you were a fan of Rose Walker."

A proud smile. "My niece has quite the story to tell. I've been looking forward to reading her next book."

"You're Rose Walker's Uncle Dream?!"

-end-

Am I writing more of what I started in this POST - yes, yes, I am.

Do you guys want to see a more complete version of the first story? It's in AO3.

[rainbowmoonstonestories]

Let Your Dreams Be Your Wings | Chapter 4

Chapters: 4/? Fandom: The Sandman (Netflix 2022, minor content from the Comics) Rating: Explicit Relationships Dream of the Endless/Morpheus x F!Reader Characters: Dream of the Endless/Morpheus, Lucienne, Matthew the Raven, Mervyn Pumpkinhead, Hob Gadling, Death, Rose Walker, The Corinthian, other minor Sandman characters, Original Characters. Warnings: 18+ content (upcoming, minors DNI), explicit sexual content, POV switching, very long chapters to read. Summary: You always dreamed of becoming a successful Fashion Designer, sharing your creations with the world and making your father proud. But with him being very ill and so many costs solely weighting on your shoulders, things didn’t go as planned and you had to take a different path instead. An interesting offer led you to the elder Alex Burgess and you were hired as a new housemaid for a very good pay. However, your kindness and outstanding empathy convinced the man to give you an additional task for a doubled compensation; gaining the trust of Dream Of the Endless, held captive into the basement for over a century. Despite the shock of finding such an ethereal entity stripped of all his clothes and contained into a confined space, you had to accept for the sake of your father. But the more you got to speak to the mysterious anthropomorphic personification who didn't utter a single word, the more you were lost into his eyes that, conversely, seemed to contain the entire universe. A deep connection formed between the two of you, separated only by a thick layer of glass.

Little did you know, what started like a simple housemaid job was about to change your life forever.

Credits: The moon dividers were made by firefly-graphics.

Note: I had to split the chapter in two parts because it was getting way too long, so I'm posting Chapter 4 and 5 at once!

I also wrote something that you may recognize if you listened to the Dreamcast tracks on Spotify!

WARNING: This chapter includes an attempted assult with some minor physical consequences due to what it led to! It's actually nothing major and Reader will be totally fine, but if you get triggered by this sort of stuff, feel free to skip that part the moment you reach it!

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2025: Chapter rewritten to better match my current writing style. It now has better wording and a few more additions.

Chapter 4

You fell in love with a God. What could possibly go wrong?

The days flew by, with a month passing like the blink of an eye. 

During available periods in your work schedule, you frequently visited the basement, developing an increasing appreciation for Dream of The Endless, despite his characteristic reserve and one-sided conversations. His company was therapeutic, alleviating feelings of solitude with each visit. His quietude never induced tedium or frustration; rather, his silent presence offered a source of relief.

While a part of you longed to hear his voice, his ability to communicate through his eyes alone was remarkably compelling.

Predictably, Mr. Burgess requested your attendance in his study for a formal meeting, evidently to discuss your progress with the creature in the bowl.

You approached the door with measured steps, pausing briefly as Mr. McGuire opened it. He ushered you into the study, an elegant room adorned with historical artifacts and fine wooden furnishings that complemented the manor's distinguished aesthetic.

Inside the study, Mr. Burgess occupied an imposing leather chair behind his mahogany desk, his commanding stance heightening the seriousness of the impending discussion.

Mr. McGuire moved to his husband, placing a reassuring hand on the back of his neck. You felt Mr. Burgess' penetrating gaze from across the room, causing you to stiffen as he spoke. "Miss Y/L/N, thank you for coming. Please, have a seat."

You nodded, settling into a chair across from them. Mr. McGuire offered a reassuring smile, but Mr. Burgess' stern expression made it difficult to reciprocate the gesture.

"I'm sure you know why I called you here," he said. "I don't mean to pressure you, but you've been visiting Dream of The Endless for quite some time now—even more frequently as of late. I was wondering if you might have some... good news to share with me?"

While the circumstances warranted caution, you had adopted a principled position against compelling Dream to engage in conversation against his wishes. Mr. Burgess appeared to present this as an opportunity for Dream's freedom, but it effectively served as a negotiation tactic reminiscent of his father's business practices, in which you refused to participate.

Although the safety of Mr. Burgess and Mr. McGuire was a valid concern, keeping Dream imprisoned solely due to his silence was ethically questionable. The offered ultimatum—demanding the Endless to guarantee their safety in exchange for his liberation—placed unreasonable conditions on basic rights, especially after enduring a century of confinement.

While this approach carried inherent risks, maintaining the status quo posed even greater concerns regarding both ethical and practical implications.

You straightened your back. "I believe he trusts me. He accepts my presence and listens to my daily ramblings without showing any sign of annoyance. But Mr. Burgess, I must insist that you release him. There's no justification for keeping him imprisoned any longer."

When he remained silent, you added, "I'm confident everything will be fine if you let him go."

Mr. Burgess paused to collect himself, as Mr. McGuire comforted him with a gentle squeeze of his shoulder, directing an encouraging glance in your direction.

"So, he hasn't told you anything at all?"

Through gritted teeth, you replied, "No sir, nothing."

"No progress then," he said grimly. "Just as I feared."

You sighed heavily, the words spilling out before you could hold them back. "You haven't received a single answer from him in over 80 years of trying. Has it not occurred to you that maybe he can't speak, or simply doesn't want to—for obvious reasons? And even if he did speak, you can't be sure he wouldn't just tell you what you want to hear. People will do anything when they're desperate, Mr. Burgess. Even Gods, I'm sure."

Mr. Burgess rubbed his forehead in frustration. "Yes... you're right, of course. But you see, the guards have told me about how he reacts when you're around. Based on this, I was thinking..."

"You were thinking you were finally close to getting what you hoped for." Your indignation surged back with renewed intensity. "Don't you think it's time to give him what he deserves? Hasn't he suffered long enough?"

He pondered your suggestion carefully before replying, "I guess."

You anticipated an imminent qualification to his statement.

"But," Called it. "I'm not just worried about myself, Miss Y/LN. Paul and everyone else involved, perhaps the entire house, could suffer from my rash decision here. Even you."

You struggled to preserve your politeness while experiencing mounting exasperation with each passing moment. Your hands, though steady, betrayed the tension through their rigid posture.

"How much do you actually know about Dream of The Endless?" you asked.

"Enough to know that his powers could doom us all."

"They could. But that also means things might turn out differently."

The tension in the room grew increasingly palpable. Your lips pressed into a thin line as your jaw clenched painfully.

"Sir, I understand your concern. But the longer you keep him trapped in that sphere, the greater the risk becomes. I fail to see how this situation can improve with time.”

While Dream's immense power posed legitimate apprehensions, the likelihood of him using it for indiscriminate destruction seemed improbable. Though the full extent of his capabilities was uncertain, you were convinced his actions would be calculated and purposeful rather than malevolent.

"Miss Y/L/N," Mr. Burgess said, his voice sharp as a razor. "You would tell me if he spoke to you, right?"

'Of course not.'

“Of course.”

Mr. McGuire discreetly signaled his husband by clearing his throat. "Come now, darling, let's not be hasty. She's trying her best... and she's made more progress than we did in all these years."

You met Mr. Burgess' stare with equal fervor, but his countenance softened at his husband's words. "Yes, okay," He replied, removing his glasses and massaging his tired eyes. "My apologies, Miss Y/LN. Please keep up the good work."

Mr. McGuire's influence was instrumental in maintaining a positive workplace atmosphere. His exceptional patience, understanding, and consistent support created a welcoming environment even during the most strenuous situations. His contributions to the household dynamic were truly invaluable, which greatly benefited your position there.

With a courteous smile and respectful bow, you took your leave. Upon exiting the study, the door closed behind you as their conversation continued in hushed tones.

What had you expected? This was never going to be a simple resolution. After 106 years, Mr. Burgess remained unconvinced that freeing Dream was the path to his family's prosperity. Even heartfelt appeals had fallen on deaf ears.

Walking down the hallway with an exhausted breath, you tried to shake off the tightness in your chest. You knew that reasoning with someone as stubborn as Mr. Burgess was bound to be pointless. The situation called for more direct intervention, as alternative approaches seemed impractical and would only prolong Dream's confinement unnecessarily.

While you were reluctant to pursue drastic measures, securing Dream's release had evolved into a mission of significant importance. Still, the growing focus on this objective, combined with your increasing emotional investment, risked compromising your ability to preserve an appropriate balance between your professional duties and personal obligations.

As time progressed, demonstrating detachment became progressively difficult. Your thoughts frequently drifted to Dream during work hours, affecting your concentration throughout conversations and daily tasks. His mystical beauty, distinguished features, and enigmatic nature had an undeniable impact on your focus, requiring you to mentally shake yourself back to reality throughout the day.

You were practically falling in love with an otherworldly being, aware that such sentiments could only lead to unwanted results. Even if you easily recognized the imprudence of these feelings, you surrendered to his enigmatic allure, accepting whatever consequences might follow.

For the foreseeable duration of your employment.

While traversing the manor's corridor, which connected various recreational spaces, Paul McGuire paused his evening observation of the sunset to notice your figure diligently working in the garden below.

You were attired in casual wear - light-colored jeans, sneakers, a short-sleeved shirt, and a sweater tied neatly around your waist. Paul watched as you methodically planted seeds, brushing away loose strands of hair, your clothes and hands showing signs of your devoted work in the soil. 

Paul smiled fondly, recalling his own experience as a gardener. As your hands moved skillfully through the earth, he was transported back to memories of its natural fragrance. His career had been marked by unwavering dedication to physical labor, from maintaining orchards and vineyards to handling timber in extreme weather conditions. Neither intense heat nor harsh storms deterred him from his responsibilities. He consistently demonstrated extraordinary resilience, taking considerable pride in his capacity to meet every challenge. 

Alex frequently watched him from a distance, ostensibly engaged in reading though barely registering the contents of the book in his hands. Those moments brought an unexpected sense of pleasure and vitality to their developing relationship, and sometimes, Paul found himself yearning for those simpler days notwithstanding their rough patches.

After completing the planting and ensuring proper seed placement, you rose from your position and dusted off your hands. Noting the overgrown state of the nearby shrubbery, you proceeded to address the necessary pruning maintenance.

Paul had noticed that, while you showed a clear preference for outdoor tasks over indoor responsibilities, you exhibited consistently high standards across all duties. Your exemplary time management, coupled with your readiness to undertake difficult assignments, exhibited great ripeness and outstanding conduct. He particularly admired your steadfast commitment to achieving objectives and the considerable personal sacrifices you made in pursuit of excellence. 

However, he couldn't help but feel concerned about the potential limitations this situation might place on your career development. Since your arrival at the estate, your great qualities - including your overall competence, ethical principles, and genuine empathy - had made a lasting impression on him. These aspects of you consistently shone through in your work, making your contributions particularly valuable to the household. 

If he were to have a daughter, he would aspire for her to embody the same characteristics of character and integrity.

As Paul continued down the hallway, he looked at the guards stationed outside the basement engaged in casual discussion, their frequent dereliction of duty validating your misgivings about their performance. Noticing his presence, they immediately assumed their proper positions and bearing, their evident discomfort and downcast greeting betraying their embarrassment at being discovered in such a state. 

Paul acknowledged them with a nod, granting a brief respite before their night shift commenced. After the guards' departure, he accessed the metal door and proceeded to the elevator, descending into the cellar's depths.

Dream stayed motionless in his seated position, unchanged since their first encounter in the basement. As the man arrived at the platform, he inspected Dream's stern expression with trepidation, knowing his only option was to confront the consequences of his past decisions.

"Hello Dream," he said with a smile, which the Endless plainly ignored. Dream gazed at Paul inquisitively, as his being there alone without Alex was an unusual event none of them had ever experienced before. "I know... I'm not exactly the one you were hoping to see."

Dream turned away, his posture reflecting a profound displeasure.

"I'm not here to ask you to speak. I just want you to listen to what I have to say."

Dream's countenance bore the unmistakable signs of extended captivity. His features, though dignified, displayed the accumulated strain of his prolonged confinement. Despite these visible burdens, though, his resolute stature still spoke to his indomitable nature. 

"Alex is a broken man, scarred deeply by his father's cruelty." 

Dream's fists clenched, and his eyes blazed with an intense fury.

"I should have tried harder to convince him from the beginning, but I let him handle it his way. I could have freed you myself when I saw he wouldn't do it, but I allowed this situation to consume you both because I lacked the courage to stop him. Every time I considered taking action, I lost my nerve—failing both him and you"

Paul's voice carried deep regret as he spoke, his words heavy with contrition. His reluctance to act decisively, motivated by loyalty to his lover, had inadvertently extended Dream's unjust imprisonment.

"Y/N is innocent in all this. Alex brought her into it out of desperation, and she has worked tirelessly for your sake. In fact, I believe your freedom has become her deepest wish."

At the mention of your name, Dream showed a subtle yet perceptible movement that did not escape Paul's attention. 

"Ah... I see. You care for her."

Dream adverted the man’s gaze once again, and Paul took Dream's prolonged silence as tacit confirmation of his assessment.

"She won't stay here forever, Dream. She deserves better than this ordeal she's been dragged into."

He had witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact on his husband's psychological and physical wellbeing. Although Dream's presence had granted them longevity, this situation had exacted a considerable toll on his partner's health.

Paul was not oblivious to your independent judgment regarding Alex's directives, prioritizing what you assessed to be in Dream's best interests. The weekly commute between Whych Cross and the city to attend to your father's needs, combined with the strain of managing the Endless' circumstances and your extensive tasks at the estate, was giving Paul a fatherly concern for your wellbeing. He worried that your level of dedication was potentially harmful to your physical conditions, particularly given that this side hassle was well beyond your original scope of employment.

He sighed. "I share the blame. I urged her to follow his orders and pressed those pills into her hands. I don't expect your forgiveness, what my husband did to you was inexcusable, and I enabled it." 

His voice betrayed years of suppressed emotions and unspoken regret. Each statement carried the weight of his concealed anguish, revealing a burden he had silently endured on his own. His confession emerged as a carefully controlled yet candid expression of long-harbored remorse.

"Perhaps I was too afraid to face the truth before, but I know now that I owe you an apology, at the very least."

Though Dream avoided eye contact, his attentiveness indicated he absorbed every word with rapt concentration. Paul recognized that a mere apology could not adequately make amends for what the Endless had endured, yet he hoped to convey his genuine understanding. His primary aim was to establish common ground with Dream to resolve this prolonged predicament definitively, without necessitating the involvement of future parties.

"You see, her dedication has inspired me to take action, seeing how deeply you matter to her." 

Your unwavering commitment to Dream's welfare had convinced Paul to reassess his own choices and inaction. Your genuine care for the Endless evoked memories of his early relationship with Alex, rekindling those precious feelings from their courtship days. Your spirit proved contagious, compelling Paul to adopt a more proactive stance. This renewed sense of purpose strengthened his resolve to spend his remaining years with Alex, free from the burden of past decisions.

"Should it become necessary, I promise you that this time, I will handle it myself."

As usual, Dream did not respond. Paul had well considered the potential consequences of Dream's release, yet he had reached a point where he was prepared to accept those risks resolutely. The current situation offered no viable loophole; his husband's condition had deteriorated significantly under the pressure of managing something far bigger than his capabilities.

Paul refused to let that responsibility fall on your shoulders instead.

With a heavy heart and strong determination, he walked away, leaving the Endless to the desolate silence of his century-long confinement in the cellar's depths.

As you made your way to your old bookshelf, you felt a familiar sense of excitement. In the living room, your father reclined on the couch, nestled in a plush blanket while enjoying a steaming cup of tea. 

The bookshelf housed an extensive collection of literary works spanning various genres and themes. These carefully curated volumes had significantly influenced your intellectual development and worldview. Each book possessed a unique allure, inviting readers to explore the narratives contained within their pages, from fantasy adventures to romance tales.

That day, you searched for just one particular story. 

"Are you looking for something specific?" your father asked.

"Do you remember that book you used to read to me as a child?"

"Ah, the one about the King of Dreams! You absolutely loved that one!"

You scanned the books eagerly. "I thought I'd taken it with me when I moved out, but I can't find it anywhere. Could it still be here?"

"I'm not sure. I haven't looked through these books in ages, and we've added so many over the years."

The bookshelf served as a repository of cherished memories, each volume representing a gateway to diverse realms of imagination. Your father's reassuring presence and gentle observation as you examined the shelves evoked a deep sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of countless moments from years past. 

While examining the bottom shelf, you discovered a book that had slipped behind the others and become lodged against the wall. With deliberate care, you extracted the book from its wedged position, experiencing immediate satisfaction upon confirming it was indeed your sought-after tale.

As you traced your fingers across the title, childhood recollections came rushing back.

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓶𝓪𝓷: 𝓐 𝓣𝓪𝓵𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓓𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓶𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓝𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓶𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓼

Your father noticed your sudden quietness and craned his neck to see what you were doing.

“Did you find it?”

Beaming with joy, you turned around and proudly held up the book for him to see.

He watched your expression and laughed warmly. "That face right now... It reminds me of when you were a little girl." 

He thought back to your childhood innocence—a gentler time when fatherhood seemed simpler, before life's hardships disrupted your daily routines.

"Come," he said with a warm smile, patting the space beside him on the couch. "Let's read it together."

With youthful contentment, you settled onto the cushions and drew a portion of the blanket around yourself. For the first time in ages, you and your father could simply enjoy reading together, free from the constant shadow of his illness. 

While it remained uncertain whether his improvement could be attributed to the medication's efficacy or an unexpected turn of events, seeing your father's renewed energy and vigor with increased mobility was an invaluable blessing that filled you with neverending gratitude.

And so, taking a deep breath, you opened the book and began reading aloud.

"He is said to sprinkle sand or dust into the eyes of children at night, to bring on sleep and dreams. You have met him before and he has many names. He is the King of Dreams and Nightmares; he is Dream of The Endless."

These words resonated deeply, echoing back to that fateful evening when you first encountered Dream.

“In a realm beyond mortal sight, the Sandman stands. He softly treads through slumber’s veil, to watch o’er souls in peaceful rest. Should this protector ever depart, all humankind would lose its core. For in his absense, dreams would fade, and all we’ve built before with them.”

"My, that's rather dramatic, isn't it?" your father asked with a gentle chuckle.

You nodded in agreement before continuing. "He is The Shaper of Form, wielding power over the subconscious mind. Take heed, my child—respect his might and stay mindful of your dreams as you drift to sleep. The Sandman watches, waiting to guide you through your most wondrous dreams or your darkest nightmares."

Examining the weathered pages of your beloved book, you noticed the subtle patina of age that had transformed its pristine condition.

The detail with which the book described the Endless' realm, coupled with its thorough exploration of his supernatural capabilities, lent an air of authenticity to the narrative. You found yourself increasingly drawn into the depth and complexity of this mystical world, even more so now that you were an adult, still incapable of dreaming.

"He is a story, an idea, the living embodiment of dreams and imagination. He exists beyond human understanding—both unknowable and transcendent. To some he remains a mystery, to others a legend. From his realm between life and death, he rules without need for food or water, untethered from mortal necessities and human emotions such as sadness, anger, or love."

'He doesn't need love,' you contemplated, questioning the validity of this premise. The necessity for emotional connection appears fundamental across all forms of existence, whether mortal or immortal. Love functions as a vital force that unifies, enriches, and heals. Its influence has the power to repair trauma, overcome limitations, and establish meaningful bonds that surpass conventional boundaries.

Dream was an entity beyond mortal comprehension, yet his eyes betrayed an incredible depth of emotion - manifesting fear, anguish, fury, and isolation. One had to wonder whether such a divine being was destined to experience his eternal existence devoid of meaningful companionship.

"It is not your love that he needs," the words haunted your thoughts."You are not like him, and you never will be."

The realization struck you like a bolt of lightning.

You continued to read. "He perceives the depths of your soul—your needs, your desires. Tell me, child, what do you yearn for above all else? Speak your wish aloud and it shall be granted. Voice your deepest desire, and the King of Dreams will transform your world into paradise."

Deeply absorbed in your reading, you were startled by your father's resonant snore. Glancing over, you saw him drifting off into a peaceful slumber, his expression serene and childlike. Despite the interruption, you found yourself smiling at the endearing sight, taking his empty mug and setting it aside. With careful movements, you placed the book in your lap and delicately adjusted the blanket covering his chest. Once assured of his comfort, you returned your attention to the narrative, reading silently to yourself.

"Reality itself bends and twists like smoke at his command. The Sandman's influence reaches far beyond dreams, his powers vast and mysterious. Many have tried to understand or control these powers, yet all have failed."

Your thoughts turned to Dream's predicament, locked into a glass sphere by an individual driven by the desire to harness and exploit his supernatural abilities.

"There are no boundaries in dreams. The Endless reveals unseen wonders, guiding you through infinity to discover the stars that sparkle within other stars."

The concept of infinite possibilities captivated your imagination. The prospect of venturing into uncharted territories and witnessing undiscovered wonders filled you with great inspiration.

"Worlds within worlds, dimensions beyond comprehension, universes so extraordinary they would overwhelm mortal understanding."

However, as you progressed through the story, your consciousness began to waver, and the printed words started to lose their clarity.

A deep weariness began to envelop your entire form, as the book slipped from your weakening grasp and descended gently onto the cushions beside you.

Despite the caffeine and sugar in your system, exhaustion overcame you as your body began to shut down.

And then, awareness faded away as darkness enveloped your senses.

Traversing through a dense, mist-shrouded forest, you felt a deep displacement from ordinary reality. Ancient trees extended their stark branches through the ethereal haze, yet rather than instilling fear, the environment invited exploration as you absorbed the ambient scenery and gentle rustling of wind-stirred foliage.

The mist was so thick you could barely see where you were going, with only the occasional hoot of an owl following your path. The damp air clung to your skin and hair as your senses remained on high alert. 

You had no idea how you had gotten there, yet an inexplicable urge compelled you forward through the forest, drawn by the promise of what lay beyond its mysterious depths. 

Moving swiftly through the woodland, you noticed a distant luminescence piercing through the mist. Increasing your pace with determined strides, you emerged from the dense forest into an expansive clearing, where a suspension bridge extended gracefully across a darkened swamp below.

Twin brick houses flanked the bridge, each one resembling a dwelling from a medieval fairytale. The sky above swirled with clouds that danced and twisted together, creating a mesmerizing pattern you couldn't tear your eyes away from.

As you crossed the bridge, an oppressive gloom enveloped you. Dry leaves crunched beneath your feet while fallen branches and decaying ornaments were scattered across the ground. The pervasive desolation of the environment indicated a state of abandonment, prompting contemplation about whether any other beings inhabited this strange domain.

A sudden, explosive roar echoed through the sky nearby, interrupting your thoughts. Looking up, you spotted a dark figure plummeting toward you, its form initially indistinguishable. As it descended, the shape resolved into a winged creature unlike any you'd ever seen before. 

The animal landed with a thunderous impact that made the ground tremble beneath its claws. Instinctively retreating, you found yourself confined within the garden's perimeter with no viable means of escape. Though its wings were modest in size, its massive head loomed before you, hot breath washing over your skin as it drew near.

In a desperate attempt to escape, you stumbled backward over a branch and fell on the ground. Despite the impact, you experienced no physical discomfort. Fear paralyzed you as the creature stalked closer, its massive nostrils investigating your form before positioning its face mere inches from your own. 

Your heart pounded as you froze, unsure what to do next. The creature observed you intently, its eyes displaying an almost sentient intelligence rather than hostility. Mustering courage, you extended your hand toward its snout, moving slowly to avoid startling it. As your fingers made contact with its skin, you noted its epidermis was textured and robust, with a surprising warmth beneath the coarse surface. The creature's response was unexpected, emitting a deep, resonant sound of contentment before expressing its delight with playful, excited hops.

Exhaling with relief, you couldn't help but smile at its endearing nature. Standing on your feet, you were face-to-face with the colossal beast, which looked rather impressive even in its relaxed posture on all fours. When it affectionately nudged your chin with its snout, you couldn't suppress a laugh. Reaching out again, you cupped its head in your hands, your fingers tracing gentle patterns across its scaly features. 

“Gregory! Is everything all right?”

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps emanated from behind the animal. Two gentlemen emerged into the garden, halting abruptly at the sight before them. Their expressions conveyed a mixture of astonishment and bewilderment at discovering an unexpected visitor in their domain, though their bearing remained cordial and unthreatening.

The two men shared similar features—dark hair swept back and full beards. The first wore a white shirt beneath a sleeveless green vest, while his companion paired a grey jacket with a red scarf. Their old-fashioned suits contrasted sharply to your contemporary clothing.

"Hello," you said politely. "I apologize for intruding. I seem to have lost my way."

They stood in shock, staring at you as though you were an apparition materialized from thin air. Several seconds passed before either found their voice.

"We... we have a visitor?" the man with the jacket whispered. 

"It cannot be..." said the other.

You let out an anxious chuckle. "I shouldn't be here, I'm sorry."

As you turned to leave, one of them called out, "Wait! Please stay!" he exclaimed with childlike enthusiasm. "We've been alone for such an awfully long time... We're not quite used to having visitors anymore."

Your eyes darted between the two men. "What is this place?" you asked. 

The man with the sleeveless vest replied, "This is The Dreaming, milady." 

Hadn't you heard that somewhere before?

"The Dreaming? Am I asleep?"

Both men affirmed with a synchronized nod of acknowledgment.

Lost in contemplation, you stood there while gently stroking the animal's face. 

"Have I visited this place before?"

The man with the jacket stepped forward. "Not here, no. Things are quite different now without Lord Morpheus."

“Lord Morpheus…?”

The name resonated with a distant familiarity, though the specific context and occasion of its previous mention remained elusive in your memory.

"The King of Dreams abandoned us long ago, and the Dreaming has crumbled since then. No dreamers come to our door anymore."

The man in the vest's expression hardened with indignation, while the other's countenance reflected a deep melancholy rather than bitterness. 

"But today is a wonderful day, since we finally have a dreamer with us!"

You smiled warmly at them. The beast responded with another joyful leap and a contented growl, seeming to express his approval of your presence.

"Ah, Gregory seems quite fond of you!"

"Gregory? What a lovely name. What kind of creature is he?"

The man in the jacket stepped closer and gently patted Gregory's back. "He's a gargoyle! Such a good boy, isn't he?"

Standing before Gregory, you were filled with adoration for the magnificent beast. Despite his imposing size and fearsome appearance, he welcomed you with the unbridled enthusiasm of an oversized puppy, warmly accepting you into his world.

The man in the jacket, spoke again. "I'm Abel. And this is my brother, Cain."

Cain's lips curled into a smirk. "Greetings."

"Y/N," you replied, wondering if they were truly the biblical brothers or if their names were merely inspired by that ancient tale. Being aware that you were dreaming made nothing seem out of place in your mind—that's simply the nature of dreams, isn't it?

Cain gestured toward one of the two mysterious houses you had seen from the bridge. "Please, come in and make yourself comfortable."

Following your host's lead into the residence, with Abel close behind, you entered a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior greeted you with the delightful fragrance of freshly baked biscuits and brewing tea. Though spacious in its layout, the house maintained an intimate ambiance, enhanced by the natural woody scents that permeated the air, creating an environment of refined comfort.

As you settled in front of the fireplace, its warmth embraced your entire being—a much-needed refuge from the cold, damp weather outside. Thunder rumbled in the distance, growing louder as rain started to pour from the turbulent sky, drumming against the windowpanes in a steady rhythm. Looking out one of the small windows, you caught a glimpse of Gregory running away from the storm and disappearing somewhere into the garden among the trees.

Abel sat next to you. "It's really nice by the fire."

Cain snorted. “Of course it is, powder brain. It's exceedingly cozy.”

Abel shrugged and reached for the ornate teapot on the wooden table. "Here's your tea, just the way you like it," he said with a smile.

He spoke true. As you cradled the mug between your hands, the familiar aroma wafted up. The beverage was identical to your preferred blend from the Waking World, though the means by which they had ascertained your taste preferences remained an enigma.

Still, since they were likely figments of your own subconscious mind, their knowledge made perfect sense.

“You can take your shoes off, if that's more comfortable for you.”

“Absolutely not, this isn't a barnyard!” Cain retorted.

The warmth of the tea radiated through your palms as hot steam caressed your face. Your senses felt heightened, everything more vivid than you'd imagined possible in a dream. The tea tasted not just as good as reality—but better, with layers of flavor you'd never experienced while awake.

The brothers demonstrated remarkable hospitality and cordiality, fostering a relaxing and sophisticated setting. 

Cain settled into a chair across from you beside the fire. “Now that everyone appears to be settled, we can tell you the first story. Our story begins—”

“Oh, our friend here already knows who we are,” Abel interrupted him, looking at you with a pleased expression. “You look smart, even sleeping.”

A blush colored your cheeks as you smiled.

“Yes, yes I can see,” Cain continued. “Well, I was a farmer.” 

”And I was shepherd,” said Abel. 

“We were competitive, as all brothers can be.”

“I don’t think most brothers are like you at all…”

“You are ruining the story!”

Their playful bickering provided amusing entertainment, while their presence brought great solace in this enigmatic dimension.

Cain heaved a deep sigh, his eyes fixed on raindrops trailing down the windowpane. The gentle pitter-patter against the glass created a melancholic melody that mirrored his mood. 

Abel's gaze followed his brother's. “It's really coming down out there.” 

“I'll brew another pot of tea,” Cain rose from his seat, shaking off his rain-induced reverie. He lifted the half-empty pot and headed to the kitchen to prepare more tea for everyone. “It's a boring story anyway. I've told it a thousand times.”

Though you wanted to tell them that no story was truly boring, the words wouldn't come as your mind grew increasingly hazy.

Abel shook his head. “Don’t mind him. You stay in dream as long as you like.”

You tried to express gratitude, but your tongue felt heavy. Placing the mug down on the table, your vision blurred—everything lost its sharpness and your fingers appeared distorted. Though Abel was speaking, his voice drifted far away, as if you were submerged underwater. The distance between you and Cain's house grew, and you floated in a sea of swirling, chaotic images that shifted and moved beyond your control.

When you opened your eyes, the bookshelf in the living room came into focus, accompanied by your father's loud snoring in your ears. You blinked several times, trying to shake off the disorientation. Though you were certain you had seen something—had dreamt something—the details dissolved like sand slipping through your fingers. Only the name "Gregory" remained vivid in your mind, along with the lingering taste of tea at the back of your tongue.

You retrieved the fallen book from the cushions with a measured breath. Despite persistent insomnia disrupting your nights, you had noticed a forming pattern of intermittent daytime rest periods during your off-hours. This could be attributed to either your body's natural response to fatigue, or potentially, Dream's influence on your life was becoming more impactful than you'd initially realized.

Evidence strongly suggested the latter was more likely.

As time went on, fragments of your forgotten dreams began surfacing in your mind. These memories emerged sporadically—fleeting images that flashed before your eyes like echoes from a distant past. 

The authenticity of these experiences remained uncertain. Were they genuine encounters within the dream realm, or merely symbolic expressions of your subconscious mind? 

Though Dream couldn't answer the questions that had haunted you for weeks, he was the only being who could truly understand what you were piecing together.

Security protocols had been tightened during your visits. Mr. Burgess had implemented stricter supervision requirements, eliminating the previous privacy allowances. This increased oversight aligned with his forming wariness of your activities. While the official justification cited safety concerns, the underlying motives were transparent, leaving you no choice but to adapt to the new rules.

Despite being under surveillance, you continued visiting the Endless whenever possible, speaking in hushed tones to avoid being overheard. In your recent interaction with him, you shared recurring visions that had been appearing in your consciousness. Though uncertain of their nature as genuine dreams, his evident reaction to your descriptions suggested recognition. It was subtle, just a tightening of his jaw and furrowing of his eyebrows, yet his reaction was unmistakable.

There was an undeniable shift in Dream's demeanor in your presence, a barely noticeable softening of his expression that spoke volumes in your eyes. The absence of verbal communication didn’t present any difficulty, as you developed an acute understanding of his thoughts and feelings through his body language and gaze. It was unlike anything you had experienced before, a wordless bond that grew stronger with each interaction, creating an inexplicable pull that attracted you back to him time and again.

However, as wonderful as it was, it also intensified your concern regarding your inability to take meaningful action. Although you had requested his trust, you had yet to demonstrate concrete progress that would justify his confidence. This perceived failure to fulfill your commitments was creating a growing feeling of accountability that gnawed at your conscience.

Feeling compelled to address the lack of progress, you initiated a formal discussion with him regarding the situation. You expressed your sincere apologies and detailed your unsuccessful attempts to influence Mr. Burgess's decisions, also revealing your ethical concerns about continuing to accept compensation for your role, as it seemed to parallel the very exploitation you sought to end.

With a resigned sigh, you rested your forehead against the sphere's cold surface. You anticipated no response, but Dream's hand moved unexpectedly toward the glass barrier. It was a gesture of understanding, his nonverbal way of communicating absolution from any perceived responsibility.

You smiled, placing your hand against the glass where his rested. The difference in size was noticeable through the barrier, his palm slightly larger and fingers longer than your own. You were separated by mere inches, yet the glass made him feel worlds away, with a strong desire to bridge the divide between you. You found yourself wishing you could reach through the material, to experience his direct touch on you and feel the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat.

It was akin to experiencing first love anew—pure, blinding, and utterly transformative.

Dream’s staring was unwavering, his expression composed yet revealing even without a smile. The subtle gleam in his eyes and the slight movement of his throat expressed genuine emotion that needed no words to communicate.

Regrettably, the intensity of the moment was shattered when the guard called out from the other side of the platform. 

“Oi. Get a room, shall ya?”

Rolling your eyes, you cleared your throat and reluctantly pulled your hand back from the glass. Dream mirrored your action, turning his head aside.

You spun slightly and shot the guard a withering look. "What's wrong—jealous?"

At least this time he refrained from pointing a gun at you. 

The man merely snorted and crossed his arms arrogantly. The woman beside him giggled childishly, which only amplified your irritation.

You gazed at Dream, your face etched with disappointment and resignation. "I should probably go," you said reluctantly. "See you tomorrow."

Each separation was emotionally taxing, knowing you were leaving him trapped within his unjust confinement and mistreated every time. You wanted to liberate him from his imprisonment and provide the comfort of human connection he had been denied for so long. And yet, you could only step away once more, leaving Dream alone with the two guards who viewed him as nothing but a source of profit.

As you walked along the stairs, dragging your feet, you failed to notice that a bit of paint from the binding circle had caught under your shoe. Dream, however, caught sight of the subtle smear forming on the ground, and the left corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

Another month passed, and life had fallen into a monotonous rhythm. 

Your schedule was demanding, including managing cleaning and gardening duties at the mansion, commuting between Wych Cross and the city, attending to guests, and making regular visits to the basement. The generous compensation package, coupled with your father's steadily improving health condition, gave you an ample motivation to continue, and having Dream as a consistent company in your daily routine made the professional hardships more manageable.

It was a rewarding position, but absolutely devastating on a physical and emotional level nonetheless.

And then, a pivotal incident occurred that would alter the course of events.

The guests of Mr. Burgess and Mr. McGuire were mingling in the main resting area, indulging in drinks and engaging in conversations that grew progressively distasteful.

Among the patrons, one man stood out—a wealthy figure in his mid-50s who arrived each time in expensive suits. His attention was uncomfortably focused on you, his languid eyes tracking your movements as you worked. He persistently tried to initiate conversations whenever you came near to perform your tasks.

You politely declined his advances at least three times, using your work as an excuse to avoid his persistent harassment.

Although he had been a frequent visitor to the mansion, this was his first display of inappropriate behavior. The alcohol in his system might have emboldened him, or perhaps his previous unwanted attention had gone unnoticed. Regardless of the underlying cause, you were eager for the evening's proceedings to conclude.

The situation took a dramatic turn when you entered the kitchen to replenish the serving tray. While the guests' voices echoed from the main room, the man crept silently behind you through the hallway, like a prowling cat. He stopped directly behind you, invading your personal space, similar to a predator cornering its target. When you whirled around, you nearly collided with his chest, barely struggling to keep the tray's contents from spilling. The man’s aggressive eye contact elicited immediate concern for your safety, his irises dark with mischief.

Unfortunately, the kitchen was now vacant, as the chef's shift had concluded thirty minutes prior, leaving you alone in the most unsettling situation imaginable.

"Sir, you're not permitted in here," you told him firmly. "If you need anything, I'll gladly bring it to you in the living room."

He let out a cruel laugh. "Oh come on. Don't act so innocent now."

"I'm sorry, but you're mistaken."

He moved closer, his clammy fingers gripping your waist. "Mistaken, my ass. How about we have a little fun?" His alcohol-laden breath made your stomach churn.

You clutched the tray tightly and tried to break free from his grasp. Though he swayed drunkenly, his grip remained surprisingly strong as he forced you backward against the wall.

"Please let me go," you demanded with assertive determination.

Disregarding your protests, he pushed you even harder, causing the tray to fall with considerable violence. Upon impact, the bottles shattered, spreading glass fragments across the floor. The contents were rendered unusable as wine pooled across the tiles in a dark crimson expanse.

"What the hell are you doing?!" You cried out, squirming between his arms as he refused to release you.

He sniffed your neck threateningly, his breath hot against your skin. "Stop pretending. I know you want this."

As the assault dangerously worsened, with the wall pressing painfully against your back, you had no other choice but to abandon professional decorum, forcefully shoving him away to create distance between you.

"Get away from me!" You screamed.

The man staggered away, his face contorting with rage. "You damn bitch!"

He seized your wrist and wrenched it brutally, making it twist and crack. The force knocked you to the ground, where spilled wine soaked your shirt and hair. A sharp sting in your back signaled that a piece of glass had pierced through your clothes, as smaller shards scratched your arms like countless tiny needles.

The impact momentarily impaired your breathing. An assessment of your mobility indicated no fractures, though your wrist exhibited severe pain, your shoulder appeared dislocated, and minor lacerations caused blood to seep onto the wine-stained tiles.

His erratic and aggressive behavior was deeply concerning, having escalated from unwanted advances to physical attack. Genuine fear gripped you, your eyes widening with terror as you instinctively reached behind you to grasp a piece of glass.

Before he could lunge forward to pin down your motionless body, Paul's voice thundered through the kitchen entrance.

"What's going on here?" His voice thundered with authority.

The man froze mid-motion, his eyes flicking between Paul and you as he nervously ran his fingers through his disheveled hair and fumbled with his loosened tie. "I-uhh... She... she tried to jump on me. I-I didn't mean to push her so hard," he stammered.

"That's complete bullshit!" you exclaimed in disbelief.

"What exactly are you doing in the kitchen?" Paul asked, his tone sharp with suspicion.

The man was sweating profusely. "Well, I... I just wanted to get a drink—"

"This mansion is not yours to wander through uninvited."

Pushing yourself up on your elbows, you felt your head spin and your wrist throb with pain.

"Paul, please my friend, you can't seriously think I would do anything wrong," the man pleaded.

Mr. McGuire inhaled severely, his face darkening with barely contained rage. The cold fury in his eyes would have struck the man dead where he stood.

"Get out of my house," he commanded, his voice trembling with such fury it sent shivers down your spine.

“B-but I—”

"I'm calling you a cab. Leave now and never show your face here again. Is that clear?"

The man lowered his head in stunned silence as Mr. McGuire led him away. After promising to fetch Mr. Burgess's doctor, McGuire left you alone on the floor. You sat there shivering, pulse racing wildly, while holding your injured wrist close to your chest. Each breath came with effort as you tried to calm yourself, your shoulder aching for adjustment. The spilled wine had seeped through your clothes, leaving them damp and fragrant against your skin.

When Paul returned, he knelt beside you and carefully assessed your condition. The doctor proceeded to conduct a thorough examination of your wrist, carefully testing its range of motion, which elicited discomfort.

With assistance, you were escorted to your room for medical evaluation, which confirmed that your shoulder had sustained a partial dislocation. While the realignment procedure was performed efficiently, it caused considerable pain and nerve tearing. Unsurprisingly, your wrist had suffered a severe sprain from the forceful manipulation, leaving you incapacitated. The prescribed treatment protocol included proper bandaging, cryotherapy, and topical analgesic application. A shoulder sling was fitted, and you were instructed to maintain complete arm immobilization for several days to facilitate recovery.

A piece of glass had lodged between your uniform and skin, though the shirt's thickness had prevented a deeper wound. While the cut was minor, you knew it would leave a small scar behind. The doctor thoroughly disinfected the small cuts across your arms. They were too shallow for bandages, but the scratches left your skin looking red and raw.

Following the doctor's exit, a heavy silence descended in the room. As you lay in bed, gaze fixed on the ceiling, you found yourself at a loss for words. Mr. McGuire occupied the chair beside you, his countenance revealing a complex mixture of remorse, culpability, and trepidation. After a long pause, he exhaled deeply, causing you to turn and meet his eyes.

"Y/N, I am deeply sorry for what happened. This is entirely my fault."

It was notable that he addressed you directly by your first name, foregoing the customary formality of "Miss" for the first time. 

"I've been inviting these people over hoping Alex would socialize," he explained. "Though we knew they weren't true friends—only interested in what we could offer—I thought it might help take his mind off his troubles."

You breathed softly. "Mr. McGuire—"

"I failed to protect you. As your employers, ensuring your safety is our obligation. I was too distracted to notice him following you," Paul lamented.

“Sir—”

"I am truly sorry. Words feel inadequate right now, don’t they? All I can give you is my deepest apology."

“Paul.”

Keeping your formality intact seemed pointless with someone who had consistently demonstrated the qualities of both an excellent employer and a trusted friend. 

"It wasn't your fault. There's no way you could have predicted he would do something like this," you reassured him.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm supposed to keep an eye on you."

"You're talking like I need constant protection. You hired me as a housemaid, no one expects you to be my bodyguard or monitor my every move," you pointed out.

Paul was distraught, his left foot tapping rapidly against the wooden floor. "I just wanted you to feel comfortable here with us. Knowing that one of my guests assaulted you like that..."

You bit your lip. "What's done is done. And what that man tried to do to me isn't something for which you should blame yourself."

"I don't deserve your kindness after tonight."

"What do you mean? You're the one who came to my rescue."

"I'm not the good man you think I am, Y/N."

"Yes, you are," you said firmly.

Paul eased into the chair, tension visibly draining from his shoulders. A comfortable stillness emerged between you, wordlessly affirming your mutual trust and respect.

As you entered your private bathroom, you carefully removed the sling before showering, taking precautions to keep the bandaged wrist and medication dry. Although the cascading water cleansed away the remnants of wine, it could not erase the emotional impact of the evening's distressing events. While still fresh, your cuts were beginning to heal, but they were noticeably sensitive to the water's temperature. 

Following this incident, it became clear that Fawney Rig no longer aligned with your professional objectives. Additionally, continuing to pay rent for an unused apartment represented an additional financial burden that warranted reconsideration. How could you stay in a place where your health and personal safety were so severely compromised?

The position was essential for your career progression, and abandoning your workplace prematurely would signify an inability to sustain the role's demands regardless of your best efforts. Your obligations to your father, despite his concerns, coupled with your unique commitment as Dream's sole supporter in the household, made the decision to leave particularly complex.

You felt torn between two difficult choices, each path forward fraught with its own difficulties.

Although you had the evening to yourself, you refrained from seeking Dream's company for comfort, not wishing to present yourself in such a compromised physical and emotional condition. 

After changing into your nightgown, you sank down on the edge of the bed with your hair wrapped in a towel and the sling properly secured. Reaching for your phone, you located the message Hob had sent days prior, that you had forgotten to reply to. As opportunistic as it might be, his advice felt especially valuable at this moment. 

You had promised to stay in touch, but lately your texts had gone quiet again. True to his nature, Hob never pestered you with constant check-ins, always respecting your timing and dedication to your job. Considering his demonstrated concern for your wellbeing, courtesy dictated informing him of your current status.

Opening your messaging app, you navigated to your conversation with Hob, his sophisticated headshot appearing in the corner of the screen. While you had initially felt a brief attraction to him when you first met, your relationship had naturally evolved into one of deep familial trust and mutual respect, making him feel like the brother you never had.

You reviewed his message again, trying to formulate the right response.

After several attempts to compose a good reply, you decided direct communication would be more appropriate. Opening your contact list, you initiated a call to Hob and waited as the line rang.

Brrr…….Brrr.....….Brrr…….Brrr.....….Brrr…….Brrr.....….

Assuming he was asleep at this late hour, you winced in pain as you lowered the phone. Just as your finger hovered over the end call button, his voice came through the speaker. “Y/N?”

Your pulse quickened as you raised the phone back to your ear. "Hob?"

“Bloody hell, Shortcake! You left me on read, where have you been?!”

A smile spread across your face, his caring nature filling your heart with much-needed warmth. "Hi. I'm sorry for disappearing again. Work has been incredibly hectic."

He exhaled heavily. “My dear, you sound tired as fuck. Are you all right?”

You wanted to tell him everything was fine. You wanted to ease the constant worry he carried for you. Your lips parted, ready to deliver the most reassuring answer possible, but the words refused to come.

Your injuries were only part of the impact. The incident had left you feeling incredibly shaken, with your balance and sense of security significantly undermined. The psychological effects were far more devastating and difficult to process than your visible wounds.

You swallowed hard against the lump forming in your throat. "Yes," you said at last. "I'm fine."

“Right then. Out with it, love.”

“Out with what?”

“Come on. Don’t think I didn’t notice that pause. What happened?” He asked.

Your emotions always shone plainly in your face and voice, making it impossible for you to hide anything from him.

You felt an uncontrollable urge to scream, cry, and destroy everything around you until the house lay in ruins. Although you had much to tell him, you had to keep most details private, sharing only the non-confidential ones.

"Well... there was an incident," you confessed.

“What? Are you hurt?!”

"I'm okay... more or less. Just some minor scratches, nothing serious to worry about."

His nervous laughter crackled through the speaker. "Are you joking?! Of course I'm worried—tell me everything, right now!"

Your mind returned to the beginning—to the man’s unsettling glances throughout the night, to how he stalked you into the kitchen, drunk and reeking of alcohol. To the moment his rough hands forced your waist against the wall before he harshly seized your wrist, yanking you face-down onto the floor.

You told him everything and more, expressing your concerns about continuing to work in an environment that felt discordant with your work objectives. You confided your apprehensions about potential failure and the persistent challenges of navigating social disparities. While developing a strong inclination to resign, you explained that certain unresolved responsibilities prevented your immediate withdrawal.

Hob remained silent until you finished speaking. Then, after processing the shocking news, his voice burst through the phone with extreme agitation. “Y/N, are you crazy?! You can't stay in that place!”

"I know, Hob, but as I explained, I can't bring myself to leave just yet."

“That bloody wanker put his filthy hands on you at work and you got hurt! You’re telling me you want to stay in that mess just ‘cause they’re paying you well??”

You let out a weary sigh. "Actually, it's not about the money anymore."

“Then what is it?”

Perhaps this was one situation where bending the truth could be forgiven.

Taking a deep breath, you closed your eyes and let your feelings flow without restrictions. "Hob, I think I'm in love."

The silence on the other end was deafening, as if his jaw had literally dropped. "You are what?!"

"I know, it sounds absurd."

"Wait just a fucking minute. Shortcake, you mean to tell me you've found someone in that godforsaken place?"

He could hardly begin to understand the complexity of the situation.

“I did.”

"And you wanna stay there for this bloke?"

Though he couldn't see you through the phone, you nodded. A wave of self-consciousness washed over you at the admission. "I know it's silly, but I can't help the way I feel."

Dream had become an integral part of your existence, his presence transforming your perspective in ways you were unable to describe. As the sovereign of Dreams and Nightmares, a figure you had only seen in childhood literature and recently rediscovered texts, he embodied power surpassing mortal comprehension. His ability to forge entire realms from pure imagination and his transcendent essence set him apart from all earthly beings. One could not help but feel humbled in his presence, as though standing before a cosmic force who embodied the vastness of existence.

A king. A god. Everything.

He had become a friend, a confidant, a source of refuge and reassurance in times of need. He inspired you to reach for greater heights, a journey that you wished he could accompany you on for years to come, guiding you through life's twists and turns.

However, reality beckoned. All of this was temporary, and the time had come for you to accept the approaching transition anew. You had to face the inevitable and forge your own path forward, without the Lord of Dreams to guide you.

Though he was as real as the ground beneath your feet, he remained, in truth, nothing more than a beautiful fairytale.

You were neither goddess nor princess—merely a mortal soul.

The realization pierced your heart. "I love him, Hob. I truly do."

Love is a multifaceted emotional experience that simultaneously elevates and tests us. It possesses the capacity to provide unbelieavable joy while also rendering us vulnerable to significant heartache, embodying both transformative beauty and inherent risk.

After so long, wrestling with these new feelings made you both euphoric and terrified. You felt as though you were standing on top of the world and at the edge of a cliff at the same time. A part of you felt complete and more alive than ever in his company, but you knew this love was destined to end before it could ever begin.

“Oh, Y/N.”

Hob was incredulous, but your sincerity had moved him tremendously.

"I've known you quite a while now, and I've never heard you talk about anyone with such fondness."

His previous interactions with your dating life had been limited to hearing about brief relationships that never led anywhere meaningful. Despite his occasional suggestions to introduce you to potential matches among his acquaintances, you consistently declined, preferring to avoid disappointing social gatherings that could drain your emotional resources.

"I won't lie to you, things are complicated between us right now. But there's something I need to do before leaving, something I'd regret for the rest of my life if I didn't."

You could hear his gentle smile in his soft breathing through the speaker. “I’ve been in love. I know exacly how you feel.”

Your story was particularly far-fetched, but Hob tactfully refrained from asking questions about the mysterious man who had such an effect on you. Indeed, your confession was largely truthful.

The shock and dejecton were crushing you from within, but instead of wallowing in those emotions, you spent the next hour chatting with your friend. His perfect mix of witty banter and heartfelt support was exactly what you needed, like a beacon of light in the darkness. His natural talent for brightening your mood always proved invaluable.

Upon detecting fatigue in his voice, you expressed gratitude for his time and support, bid him farewell, and concluded the call, allowing his words to resonate. They served as a reminder of your resilience in navigating difficult circumstances, with your empathetic and conscientious nature remaining untouched throughout your tenure. The recent developments at the Burgess estate were not a reflection of any personal shortcomings.

Despite this reassurance, you couldn't help but pobder on areas where your approach could have been more effective, particularly regarding Dream and the complexities of the situation. Now, with your injuries and uncertain future looming on your shoulders, you found yourself anxious about appearing before him while looking like a total wreck.

After removing your towel, you carefully brushed your hair single-handedly, keeping the prescribed position of your arm in the sling. Foregoing the hairdryer, you settled into bed and performed gentle circular massage movements on your sprained wrist. The injuries caused you neural discomfort beneath the skin, intermittent sharp pains in your upper arms, and a persistent burning sensation where your nightgown contacted the bandaged laceration on your back. The multiple attempts to adjust your position were futile, as you were unable to find relief from the persistent pain. 

Looking back, the incident felt like watching scenes from someone else's life unfold. The speed at which everything happened left you still grappling with the reality of it all. 

Despite it all, you could still found reasons for gratitude, particularly in achieving your financial goals at the Burgess estate. Yet your encounter with Dream had sparked an inner transformation that compensated for the workplace's limitations and your weekly isolation from the city. What you felt was more than romantic attraction or fascination with an otherworldly creature—Dream had become your philosophical compass, offering insights into the deepest mysteries of life and human nature. In his presence, you discovered not just a companion, but a guide whose wisdom illuminated paths you hadn't known existed.  

A being you still knew so little about, someone you were forbidden to even touch.

Your eyes drifted shut as exhaustion finally overtook you, pulling you into deep slumber.

That night, you plunged into dreamless sleep, floating in nothingness as you were drawn into a dark void.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 (currently reading) Chapter 5 ->

Read on AO3!

[woah-were-halfway-there]

I know this is way in the future but what’s it like when Mia is older and has a boyfriend? 🥺 do Carson and Auston like him?

PLEASE no because I have this entirely planned out. So Mia has a couple of boys she goes out on like one date with but they’re not very serious and don’t escalate to anything until she’s in the 10th grade and dates a football player who is a total dick. They date for the entire school year and break up just before summer starts and their breakup is messyyyyyy. He was pressuring into sex and she wasn’t ready and put him in his place about it. She has no one she was really interested in after that and stays single for the whole summer. However, at the beginning of summer a friend of hers who’s family lives in the same neighbourhood as the Matthews’ and are family friends, introduces her to Owen, his hockey teammate and best friend. Mia had seen Owen in the halls at school and knew of him but didn’t know him as he and her friend were in the grade ahead of her. Anyways, the three of them become inseparable and spend the whole summer hanging out all the time doing fun things (in this time Owen hasn’t met Carson and Auston as Mia’s friend yet but they’ve heard about him and Auston knew of him from his part in the hockey community in the Phoenix area) and then by the end of summer Owen and Mia have feelings for each other and on the literal last day of summer they kiss.

And so they start dating kind of secretly, only their friend knows and he freaking loves it, they never make it seem like he’s a third wheel and their group doesn’t change just because Mia and Owen are together. As they grow tired of sneaking around, Mia tells Carson but doesn’t tell Auston right away because she’s nervous to and so Carson’s like “I know how he can get, babe. But you gotta tell him. You know I’ll be there to help if you need me” and so Mia tells him and Auston pretty much has a meltdown over her dating a hockey player and is so dramatic about it and it really upsets Mia because even when she’s older, that strong bond between her and Auston never fades. She’s still the biggest daddy’s girl and for him to react that way is just really upsetting for her and Carson’s there as it all goes down and it leads to an argument between Mia and Auston and so Carson steps in and says “Mia, you can go. I’m going have a talk with your father” and Mia nods, trying not to cry and rushes out of the kitchen and runs past Carter and Liv who were eavesdropping and to her bedroom and they both go after her because they don’t like that their sister is upset. And as all the siblings are together in Mia’s room, they can hear Carson and Auston in the kitchen as they start raising their voices at each other.

Carson tells Auston that he’s blowing this completely out of proportion and that he should be happy Mia is happy and that he shouldn’t be so hard on her about it just because he’s upset she’s growing up, which is exactly what it all comes down to. And so Auston’s like “she’s dating a hockey player, Carson. Of all things, a hockey player. He could hurt her. Of course I don’t like it.” So Carson raises her eyebrow at him and says “funny you say that because I dated a hockey player too I and like to think I turned out just fine, Auston. Mia didn’t want to tell you because she knew this was how you’d react and I honestly can’t blame her. Now, I’m going to go check on our daughter because she’s upset her dad shut down her relationship with a guy she really like without even knowing him and you can join us when you’re ready to be reasonable about this” and then storms past him out of the kitchen. After that she goes and quietly knocks on Mia’s door and asks if she can come in and smiles when she sees all her kids together but Mia just really wants her mom and so Carson apologizes to all of them that they had to hear her conversation with their dad but like Carson and Auston never fight or argue in front of their kids but show their kids that even if they’re upset with one another, they can still talk about it and it’s important to let each other know about those feelings. Anyways neither of the kids think they were actually fighting but know their mom is not happy with their dad hahaha but Carson asks Carter and Liv to give her and Mia some privacy and so they leave and Mia cuddles up to Carson on her bed and tears up again as she says “I really like him, mom. And I want dad to like him too” and Carson tells Mia a story saying “when I was a few years older than you are now Mia, I met your dad. We were friends at first, just like you and Owen, and then that eventually became something more. When me and your dad did start dating, I also had someone I was very nervous to find out and didn’t tell right away. It wasn’t your grandpa, he quite liked your dad, actually. But this was someone who’s opinion I’ve always valued and they mean a lot to me, just like how you feel about wanting your dad to like Owen. I was so afraid they wouldn’t like that me and your dad were in a relationship and at first they didn’t love it, but they came around.”

So Mia moves away slightly from her mom to look up at her and says “they ended up being happy for you and dad?” So Carson nods then Mia asks “who was it?” And Carson just smiles at her and says “it was Mitchy. And I don’t have a single doubt in my mind that your dad will come around like he did. Mitchy cared most about me being happy and I know at the end of the day, that’s what your dad cares about most when it comes to you.” And that makes Mia smile because she just thinks it’s crazy that her Mitchy made her mom so nervous about being with her dad and then Mia says “do you think Mitchy will react like dad when I tell him about Owen?” And Carson laughs then says “he’ll be dramatic for sure, but not because of Owen. Probably will tell you that you’re making him feel old” which makes Mia laugh and say “he always says that” and the two of them talk a little bit longer until someone knocks on the door and Auston peaks his head inside and says “can I come in?” And Carson glances to Mia, who is looking at her dad still before looking back to her mom then nods. So Carson pats Mia’s leg and says “I’ll let you two have some privacy” then gets up off the bed and walks toward Auston, giving him a slight warning glare but then winking before passing him and leaving the room and that’s when he and Mia talk it out.

After finally meeting Owen, Carson and Auston do love him a whole lot. He becomes part of the family. The only Owen related thing that causes a fight between Mia and Auston after that is one night when Mia sneaks out to go see him and doesn’t even tell him she snuck out. But Mia goes to cheer Owen on when he plays in the world juniors championship and then he gets accepted to play hockey at the University of Michigan and Mia travels to visit him, she’s with him when he gets drafted into the NHL and everything like that’s who she ends up with and the thing with Mia and Owen is that they’re soooooo much like Carson and Auston it hurts, like with how they are together and now physical touch is such a prominent love language for them. But Carson and Auston don’t even notice lmao, it’s everyone else that is like “Mia and Owen are literally the two of you 2.0”

[no-pucks-given]

MATTHEW TKACHUK | KEEP QUIET

A/N: There we are again after some lovely writer’s block! Just want to thank @chicagoblackhawkslover96​ for keeping me sane through out this and telling me it will be okay. You’re a lifesaver. Also this imagine wouldn’t have been here without Taylor and her amazing requests, so thank you as well! This one is for you, love. @joshy-anderson17  

Warnings: Oral (female receiving), public sex, unprotected sex, some swear words. 

Summary:  This is pure smut. Confiscated panties, a team dinner, a whole lot of sexual frustration and an empty restroom. You thought you had the upper hand this whole evening, but Matthew is always two steps ahead of you.

Word Count: 5.2K

Requested: Yes.

 Annual team dinner, there are worse ways to spend your Friday evening. You don’t mind them at all, it’s a great opportunity to catch up with the guys and their girls while also enjoying great food and some entertainment. You just got out of the shower when you stumbled on Matthew, who was already dressed up and ready to go. “I’m not late, am I?” you ask him, even though you were sure you had all the time you needed to get ready.

He chuckles, knowing your fixation on being on time, he’s pretty sure you’ve never been late in your life. Never. “Nah, you aren’t. Take your time,” Matthew answers, his eyes locked on your body. He sits down on the bed, making sure he has the best view possible. You playfully roll your eyes at the way he openly gawks at your body, knowing it will rile him up, knowing it will get a reaction out of him. But Matthew stays surprisingly quiet, he simply stares at you unimpressed, an eyebrow raised.

Shrugging off his reaction, or lack of reaction, you continue to get ready, completely forgetting that Matthew is in the room as well. It isn’t until you try to pull on your panties you notice his presence again. His body presses against your back, his fingers brush over your arms, until he reaches your hands. His hands cover yours, gently tugging your underwear back down again. “Matthew, come on,” you whine. “I need to get ready.”

His lips brush over your shoulder, sending goosebumps all over your body. His lips brush against your ear. “You do need to get ready, but you won’t be needing any panties tonight,” he mutters against the shell of your ear, his teeth grazing your earlobe. His words catch you by surprise, although you can’t help the shiver of desire that runs through your body.

“But I do, I can’t go out without panties, Matthew.”

Matthew chuckles from behind you, before picking up your panties and throwing them on the bed. “Should’ve thought about that before you rolled your eyes at me, baby girl. Now go on, get ready, we don’t want to be late,” he says, lightly smacking your ass before he sits back down on the bed, a pleased grin plastered on his face. It doesn’t go unnoticed by you that your panties disappear into the pocket of his jacket, weird.

Just as you finish your makeup Matthew’s voice catches your attention again. “Ready to go?” he asks, coming up behind you. He wraps his arm around your waist, pulling you back against his chest. You catch his eye in the mirror, nodding your head at him. He smirks at you, his hand sliding from your waist towards your neck. His fingers wrap lightly around your throat, his eyes dark with desire. God, this is going to be a long night. You keep your eyes on Matthew’s, until he tilts your head and presses his lips on yours. “You look fucking amazing, such a shame we actually have to leave the house tonight.”

You can’t help the laugh that escapes, you know he’d rather spend his time here instead of going to a team dinner with guys he sees almost every day. “Come on, Matty. It will be fun,” you say, gently nudging him with your elbow. You tilt your head at him, a mischievous look in his eyes, that cocky smirk you love so much plastered on his face. If there’s one thing you know for sure it’s that Matthew has something up his sleeve tonight.

“Oh, I’m sure it will be fun.”

See? He’s definitely up to something, and if your missing panties are any clue of how tonight will go, you better prepare yourself. His words play over and over in your mind, during the walk to the car, even during the drive to the restaurant. Halfway through the drive you find out exactly why it was so convenient for Matthew to take away your panties, why he was so smug about this whole thing. As usual his hand is on your thigh, a habit, something that happens during every drive. Honestly Matthew has his hand on you 90% of the time, so you aren’t suspicious at all.

Well, you aren’t at first, but when his hand slowly moves up towards the hem of your dress you sure as hell have your suspicions on where this is going. His hand slips under your dress and you can’t help the way you open up your legs for him, giving him more room to work with. He doesn’t move his hand any further, keeping you on edge, unsure of what comes next. His fingers brush over your skin so lightly, barely touching at all, however it leaves behind a need. A need only Matthew can help you with right now. The smug grin on his face tells you he knows exactly what he’s doing to you. 

“All you have to do is ask, baby girl. You know that.”

“Please, Matthew,” you beg, his featherlight touches leaving you wanting more, needing more. 

Matthew, seemingly pleased with your words, trails his hand higher up your thigh, all the while keeping his eyes on the road ahead. His fingertips brush over your core, a gasp leaving your mouth. You see his smirk in the corner of your eyes, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. His fingers slide through your folds, drenching themselves in your wetness. “Always so ready for me, aren’t you?” Matthew muses, toying with your entrance. 

You’ve barely nodded your head at him when he pushes two digits inside of you, engulfing himself in your warmth. His words, his teasing makes you so weak for him, so responsive to his touch. Matthew moves his fingers inside of you, curling them just the right way, his thumb pressing on your clit. All the pent up frustrations from this evening, the sexual tension almost suffocating you, brings you faster and faster to the edge. The situation you’re in, the dress you’re wearing, the thought of other drivers seeing you, only spurs you on to come, fast. 

You can feel your orgasm approaching, so close, so freaking close. So close, when Matthew pulls his fingers out of you, leaving you empty and needy behind. “Too bad we’re already at our destination.” Your eyes shoot to his, the confusion and disappointment clearly written all over your face. Matthew chuckles, taking in your ravishing appearance, before slipping his fingers into his mouth, sucking them clean. “Better luck next time, baby,” he says, sending you a wicked wink and opening his door to get out.

He opens your door, holding out his hand for you to grab. “You’re a bastard, you know that, right?” you tell him, although you’re fighting to keep the smile off your face. If this is the game he wants to play? Fine, but boy, he better make sure he’s ready to follow through. 

The evening seems to be going well, just as expected it’s been lovely catching up with the guys and their girls. You find yourself enthralled by the stories Jacob is telling you about Sweden. You’ve always wanted to go there one day, perhaps it’s time to convince Matthew to come with you in the offseason. Jacob shares his favourite memories of the country, places you should definitely visit and food you definitely should stay clear off. 

You aren’t surprised at all to feel Matthew’s hand creep up your thigh during your conversation with Jacob. It isn’t uncommon for him to have his hand on your thigh, on your knee, anywhere on your legs, but you know it’s different this time. The unspoken words, the promises made earlier this evening still float through your mind. This didn’t end in the car, it only started there and you’re planning on finishing it here. Although.. Maybe you’re planning on taking home a bit of this sizzling sexual frustration as well. 

His fingers brush your skin just under the hem of your dress, even though it’s a move you expected him to make it still makes your breathing hitch in your throat. No matter what, no matter where you are, his touch will always leave a burning need behind, especially in a setting like this. There’s a reason the two of you go together like pieces of the same puzzle, it’s like both your mind and body speaks the same language as Matthew’s. Every single cell is in tune with his, it’s almost like they’ve been playing this game longer than the years you’ve known Matthew. It’s like they’ve done this before, maybe in another lifetime. 

When his knuckle brushes over your sensitive skin you remember your task, the promise you made yourself. It’s time to play with Matty, instead of getting played with. You cross your legs, knocking his hand out of the way. The low grumble from Matthew doesn’t slip past you, you try to fight the smile that threatens to break through by the annoyance in his voice. You place your hand on his thigh, almost getting distracted by the muscles flexing underneath your touch. Leaning forward to grab the pepper from further along the table, your breasts swiftly brush his arm. 

The way his body tenses up tells you how aware he is of you, how aware he is of your body this close to him. You can’t help but slide your hand further up his thigh, over the admirable bulge in his pants. Although, who are you trying to kid? This was the plan all along, play with him like he plays with you, until he can’t take any more. His sharp intake of breath, his eyes shooting to yours, the surprise clearly written all over his handsome face. Giving him an innocent smile you gently rub his growing erection through his pants. 

It takes him a minute to switch back to the Matty you’re trying to lure out. His eyes turn to slits, his mouth curving up into that famous smirk. He leans in, while his hand joins yours under the table, pressing down onto his crotch, hard. “Don’t start something you can’t finish, baby.” His voice is nothing more than a rough whisper against the shell of your ear. A challenge, a dare to either quit before it gets out of hand or push through and show him what you’re made of. He should’ve known better, you’re never one to back down from a challenge. You’re one to grab life by the balls, maybe this time literally. 

“Oh, don’t worry, Matty. I’m planning on finishing this,” you say, squeezing his erection through his suit pants again. Matthew tries to hide his groan behind a cough, catching the attention of his teammates around him. “Careful, baby. Don’t want you to choke on something.” As soon as the words leave your mouth you burst out laughing. 

Matthew’s hand finds the back of your neck, pulling you closer to him again. His lips against your ear, his breathing the only thing on your mind, until he finally speaks. “If you don’t watch that pretty mouth, I’ll give you something to choke on, baby girl,” he whispers against your ear. 

With your hand still on his crotch you turn your head to whisper in his ear. Fuck, this isn’t something you say out loud, this definitely isn’t something you talk about in a busy restaurant surrounded by your boyfriend’s teammates. “You want me to watch my mouth or put my mouth to good use, Matty? You know.. All you have to do is ask.” You grin at him as you throw his own words back at him. You sure as hell haven’t forgotten about that stunt he pulled in the car. That was just mean, even for him.

Matthew’s grip on the back of your neck tightens, forcing you to turn your head again. “Apparently you can’t watch your mouth, so I’m going to give you two options. Choose carefully.” His voice is barely a whisper against your ear. Maybe you’ve pushed too far, maybe you should’ve watched your mouth when he asked you to. But what’s the fun in that? You nod your head at him, bracing yourself for the possibility you aren’t going to like any of his options.

“You can either get up and walk that sweet ass of yours into the closest restroom or you can keep that hand on my dick until I can’t take it any longer and fuck you right here on the table for everyone to see. Your choice, baby girl,” he whispers.

Your eyes almost pop out of your head when you hear your choices. Slowly, so slowly you move your head to the side and look him in the eyes. Matthew is looking awfully content with your state of shock, his body relaxed back into the chair, almost lazily. “You wouldn’t dare,” you say softly, trying to keep your voice low enough so the others don’t hear your conversation.

Matthew raises an eyebrow at you in challenge, his signature smirk obviously plastered on his face. “Try me. Fucking try me, y/n.” 

You can’t, you can’t possibly take that dare. You aren’t sure he’d do it, but you also aren’t sure he won’t do it. Is that a risk you’re willing to take? Probably not. The prospect of his teammates and their girls seeing something that intimate doesn’t sound that appealing to you. The first option however turns you on more and more the longer you think about it. You sneak a peek at Matthew, who’s still watching you with the same expression. He know it, he fucking knows how much the idea of him fucking you in the restroom turns you on. You fell for your own game. Well played, Matty. Well played.

“Fine. Fine, asshole,” you mutter, while turning around to face Jacob and excuse yourself. At some point you were having a conversation with him, although you can’t exactly remember what you talked about last. It doesn’t matter anyway, because Jacob simply smiles at you and nods his head, before Matthew picks up the conversation like they were talking all evening. You shake your head at Matthew, he really is something else. His eyes find yours, a dark, promising look behind them. That exact look makes you turn around and find your way to the closest restroom a little faster, excitement rushing through your veins.

You stand in front of the restrooms, trying to decide which one to pick. You should go into the women’s, but what about Matthew? He can’t be there. What the actual hell, you’re going to fuck in the restroom, it probably doesn’t matter whether you do that in the women’s or the men’s restroom. It’s wrong either way. Deciding to wait for Matty outside seems like the better option right now, it won’t take him long to get here. If you know him as well as you think you do, he’s as eager as you are. Maybe even more.

You lock eyes with him the moment he comes into view, the dark, smoldering look still on his face. A face full of promises, dirty fucking promises. “Any of these free?” he asks before he even reaches you. You shrug your shoulders, not knowing whether or not there are still people in there. “Don’t fucking care, need to be inside of you now.” Matthew grabs your hand, pulling you behind him and into the men’s restroom. 

The moment the door closes he’s on you. Pushing you up against the door, his lips crushing yours, his tongue invading your awaiting mouth. You moan against him, you’ve waited on this moment all evening. All evening he was all you could think about, his touch, his lips, his tongue, his cock. “I need you, Matty,” you mumble against his lips. 

A strangled groan leaves his throat, his hands grip the hem of your dress, pulling it up over your ass. “Fuck, baby,” Matthew groans as his hands squeeze your bare cheeks. “Should make you go out without panties more often.” His mouth finds yours again, tongues dancing around each other, hands roaming every inch of skin they can reach. 

His hands move down, hoisting you up by the back of your thighs. Matthew walks over to the counter, sitting you down on top of it. Before you can say anything he drops down onto his knees in front of you, his arms around your thighs as he pulls you to the edge of the counter. He spreads your thighs with his hands, his face lighting up like a kid in a candy store, a man looking at his favourite meal. “You’re definitely not allowed to wear panties anymore, fucking hell,” he groans as he comes face-to-face with your glistening pussy. An evening full of teasing and edging made sure you’re so ready, so fucking ready for him. 

Your hand finds his curls, tugging at the strands. “Matthew, please. Please, just fuck me. I need you,” you moan out the moment his tongue makes contact with your core. You don’t need foreplay, fuck. This whole evening has been full of foreplay. You need him inside of you, you need to feel him buried balls deep inside of you. That’s what you need. 

Matthew chuckles against your core. “Always so impatient, huh? Give me an orgasm and I’ll make sure you get my cock a second later.” His lips latch onto your clit, sucking the bundle of nerves into his mouth. His fingers digging into your thighs to keep you from squirming underneath him. “Better make it quick, baby girl,” he mutters, delving back into eating you out like a starved man. 

His fingers join his mouth, pushing two digits into your drenched entrance. His wicked mouth combined with his skilled fingers drives you absolutely nuts. You’ve been on edge all evening, especially after that denied orgasm in the car. All you need is that last push, that last missing piece of the puzzle to shatter around his fingers and come all over his mouth. The sight of him in front of you on his knees, his blonde curls between your spread thighs is your final straw. You slap your hand over your mouth to keep you from screaming out, a muffled form of his name echoes throughout the restroom, your thighs closing around Matthew’s head, while your hand tangled in his curls keeps him as close as possible.

Before you even have the chance to come down from your high, Matthew pulls you off the counter and turns you around. Your hips hit the counter, his hand pushes your chest down. You’re barely capable of keeping yourself upright, your legs still feeling like jelly after that intense orgasm, thankfully Matthew’s hand on your hip keeps you in place. You have no idea when he had the time to unbuckle his belt and get his cock out, because barely a second later he’s buried inside of you. You moan out at the sensation of him inside of you, finally. 

“This is going to be quick and hard, okay?” Matthew rasps out as he picks up his pace. You almost forgot you’re in the restroom of a busy restaurant, at some point people are going to notice your absence. You nod your head at him, while Matthew fists your hair in one hand, the other one still tightly gripping your hip. “Look at me and fucking keep quiet.”

Your eyes lock on his through the mirror, biting down on your bottom lip to keep you from moaning out. His curls are a mess, even more than usual, his eyes dark with desire. As always his smirk is right there on his lips, although the faster he thrusts his hips, the more his smirk falters. He’s a sight for sore eyes, you’d almost come from just looking at him, almost.  

His thrusts are fast, almost punishing, just as he promised you. The sound of skin on skin slapping reverberates through the restroom. You try, you try so hard to keep quiet, but you can’t. Not with the way he fucks you, fast, deep, rough. It’s too much, all you can do is hold on for dear life while Matthew fucks you. The way he hits all the right spots, stretching you so right. Balancing on the fine line between pain and pleasure, although pleasure definitely seems to be winning here. It’s just right, so right. At this point you don’t even care if someone hears you, you’re too far gone. 

“Keep quiet, don’t want anyone to hear those pretty sounds you make,” Matthew groans from behind you, his hips never faltering in their punishing pace. He tightens his grip on your hair, slightly tugging on the strands to give him something to hold on to while he picks up his pace a notch. 

You’re trying, but it seems like you can’t keep quiet anymore. He’s doing too much to you, his thrust hitting the right places, the places that get a reaction out of you. You’ve never been one to keep quiet, you never had to be quiet before. The one time you need to be, you can’t. “I can’t, I can’t,” you cry out, it’s too much, too fucking much. You hear him curse from behind you before the hand tangled in your hair moves to your face. His large hand clamps over your mouth, keeping the noises you make to an absolute minimum. 

Matthew lets out an appreciative quiet moan at the sight before him. “Better, huh?” He knows you’re too far gone to answer him, and even if you could he still has his hand clamped firmly over your mouth. “Need you to come for me, baby girl. Need you to give me your orgasm,” he groans against your ear. 

He’s so close, so close to his own release, but he won’t allow himself to orgasm before you do. It’s always like that, you come first. No matter what, no matter how many times he denies you throughout the day, you’ll always be the first one to come. It’s something he can’t seem to shake off, not that you’re complaining. Fuck no, the moment you start complaining about orgasm is the moment there’s something wrong. 

The hand that just a second ago held a firm grip on your hip slips between your legs, instantly finding your clit. His fingers circle over the bundle of nerves, your breath hitching behind Matthew’s hand. You feel your orgasm approaching, a tingling feeling at the back of your spine, slowly taking over every single nerve ending. It’s like your on fire, lightning thundering through your veins. “Come on. Come for me.” You’re pretty sure you hear Matthew’s voice somewhere behind you, but you’re not even sure right now. 

So fucking lost in chasing that orgasm, reaching the abyss of wonder. It’s his fingers pinching your clit, a last thrust of his hips in just the right place that has you undone. Crying out his name through a symphony of moans and whimpers. It’s a damn good thing his hand is still over your mouth. Even now, even with his hand clamped shut over your mouth you’re pretty sure people could hear you. You don’t care though, you’ve never felt like this. You’ve never felt this alive. 

Matthew’s orgasm follows right after yours. He can’t take it any longer, not with the way your pussy clamps down on his cock, not with the way you pulse around him, not with the way you’re looking at him through the mirror. You feel the stutter in his rhythm, his breathing erratic. One, two thrusts and he’s done for. His hips stutter against you, burying himself deep inside of you as he blows his load, coating you in his seed. His teeth dig into the soft patch between your neck and shoulder, anything to muffle the sounds he’s making, anything to make that strangled groan leaving his lips more silent. It’s a lost cause, his groan echoes throughout the restroom. 

He drops his head against your shoulder as he tries to catch his breath. “Fucking hell, y/n,” he whispers, slowly dropping his hand from your mouth. “Fucking. Hell. You’re something else.” His hand brushes your hair out of your face, his thumb softly brushing over your cheek. 

You let out a laugh at his praise. You’re something else? No way, he is. “That was intense, Matty,” you say, slightly whimpering as he gently slips out of you. He kisses your shoulder before backing up, giving you room to stand up again. Your legs wobble after two intense orgasms. “We should be heading back, people are going to notice our absence.” 

Matthew nods at your observation, eyes still focused on the mess he made between your legs, the mess that’s slowly dripping down your legs. “Either clean that up or let me get you the fuck out of here,” he groans, rubbing his hand over his face. “You’re looking too good like this, too good to just go back to our table, too good to not take back home right now.” His hand reaches out to grab your face, lips crashing on yours, his tongue roughly making its way into your mouth. 

You moan against his mouth, your hands pushing down your dress again. You’re not going to bother cleaning up the mess he made, the mess you both made. You’ve known Matthew for so long, you know him like the back of your hand. Even though he’s offering to take you back to the group and finish dinner, you know he won’t. Unless you told him to, but you won’t and he knows that, he’s counting on it. It’s like you said before, two pieces of the same puzzle. There’s a reason you work out perfectly together, this is one of them. “Then take me home, Matty. Take me home and show me whatever it is that you’ve got on your mind,” you whisper against his mouth as soon as you break the kiss. 

His smirk is all you need to see to know you’ve been right. He does have more planned for this evening, there’s no way he’s done now. Matthew likes to take his time, likes to make you beg. This barely scratches the surface of everything that’s Matty. You’re in for a long night, you know it and you love it. “Take me home,” you say again, tugging at his messy curls. 

Your hands reach out to zip him back up, it’s almost like nothing happened a few minutes ago. Almost. You turn around to wash your hands when the door to the restroom opens. Your head shoots to the side, eyes locked on the stranger in the door opening. “Uhm, uhh. I’m sorry? I’ll give you a minute,” the stranger mumbles before turning around and closing the door behind him.

You slowly turn around to Matthew, who surprise, surprise wears a smirk on his face. “You didn’t lock the door behind you. You’re telling me anyone could’ve walked in when you were buried balls deep inside of me?” you ask him, pointing a finger at him in accusation. 

Matthew grabs your hand, pulling your forward into his arms. His mouth brushes against your ear. “You’re telling me this didn’t turn you on to no end? You’re telling me the thrill of being caught doesn’t make your pussy wet?” he whispers against your ear. You shudder against him, making Matthew chuckle. It’s all he needed to know. “That’s what I thought, baby girl.”

Shortly after he pulls you out of the restroom and back into the restaurant. You’re trying to act normal, but you’re pretty sure the postorgasm bliss is still clearly written all over your face. Even if it isn’t, your messy hair is a giveaway of what just happened in the restroom. Matthew stops at the end of the table, clearing his throat. “Sorry guys, I’m taking y/n home. She isn’t feeling very well, might be something in the food here,” he says, throwing his arm over your shoulders and pulling you close. You give them all a small smile, nodding at Matthew’s words.

There sounds a bunch of ‘get well soon’ and ‘see you later’ around the table, before you say your own goodbyes, telling them to enjoy the rest of their evening. However Johnny smirks before he leans forward and catches your attention. “Sure sounded like she had a rough time in there,” he says, the smirk on his face turning into a grin when he hears your groan of embarrassment.

Matthew is sharper than you thought he would’ve been. “Shut the fuck up, Johnny,” he says, smacking his friend on the back of his head. “Eat your food, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Johnny’s laugh sounds throughout the restaurant as you both walk away. You can’t help turning around underneath Matthew’s arm and flipping Johnny the bird, which only makes him laugh harder.

You intertwine your fingers with his, squeezing them tightly. “I’m curious though,” you start, catching Matthew’s attention. His eyebrows raise in question, a low encouraging sound leaving his throat. "Why did you take my panties before we left?" You can't help but wonder why he did that. It doesn't make sense to you at all. Is it some kind of reminder that you weren't wearing any panties? You're pretty sure he did not need a reminder for that.

“He sure has some nerve,” you mumble the moment you step outside and  into the cold night. “It wasn’t that obvious, right?” You chuckle at your own question, because yeah it was.

“Don’t worry, babe. I’ll make sure he regrets ever making that comment,” Matthew chuckles, his knuckles brushing over your cheek. You roll your eyes at him, sometimes he’s such a caveman. Although the fact that he’ll do that for you warms your heart.

Matthew chuckles, pulling you close to his side as you make your way over to the car. "To stuff them in your pretty mouth if you didn't shut the fuck up." Matthew shrugs his shoulders, while your head snaps to him, eyes wide in shock. Your gasp makes him laugh out loud, squeezing you even tighter against his side. "But looking back my hand did the job as well. We'll keep your panties for another time." 

"You're absolutely crazy, Matty. Absolutely crazy," you laugh, shaking your head softly at your boyfriend. He's something else, that's for sure. But never, never would you trade him for someone who’s less crazy. Normal is boring, normal is overrated. Wicked, wicked is the way you want it, wicked is the way you love it. 

"But you love it, don't you, baby girl?"

"That I do, that I do, Matty," you laugh again, pulling him towards the car by his hand. 

The night has only just begun.