#Touc Seated on a Table

[misscromwellsmonocle]

Touc, Seated on a Table (ca. 1879-1881) by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec

[cllightning81]

Favour

Summary : You need help during a race weekend and after asking everyone you could, Liam suggests you ask Max an old friend

Pairing/s: Max Fewtrell x Engineer!Single Mum!Reader, Paul Aron x Engineer!Reader (Platonic)

Appearances : Bryan Bozzi, Liam Lawson, Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Oliver Oakes

Warning/s : Mention of death

Word Count : 5.3k

Masterlist

Max Fewtrell Masterlist

Tag List

Being a race engineer was hard enough as it is, but being a race engineer with a little baby was even harder. Normally, you were able to find someone within Hitech to watch your baby girl -Aurora- but this week everyone was a little bit more busy than normal 

“You know if I wasn’t racing I’d watch Rory” Paul smiled, waving his hands at the baby in your arms 

“I know you would, Paul, but we’re on pole today, and we’re going to convert it to a win” You smiled, rubbing his shoulder 

“I want to top the championship again” You nodded with a proud smile 

“We’re going to get you there” You nodded, placing Rory down on the office floor. Going over the data from last year and the last race with Paul was not as easy as it looked because he was always getting distracted by the smallest things, including Rory, who was playing with her toys. 

It was an hour later when you were walking through the F1 paddock to meet up with Bryan, who you were helping slightly with his new role within Ferrari. Sat in the Ferrari meeting room with Rory in a sling as you talked Bryan through some basic information he’d need to know for this race about the race engineering side of things. 

“You don’t fancy babysitting, do you?” You asked Bryan as you walked out of the Ferrari garage 

“Sorry I’ve still got my performance coach jobs to do” You nodded 

“Was worth a shot anyway” You sighed 

“Hey Y/N” Liam smiled instantly, going to play with Rory like the biggest child he was. 

“Hey there, sweets. Hey, what are you saying today, hmm?” Liam asked Aurora 

“She’s asking if her favourite non-biological uncle wants to babysit her?” You asked with a smile

“Sorry Y/N/N VCARBS got me on standby cause Yuki isn’t feeling the best after his crash yesterday” You sighed with a nod 

“Well good luck if that happens” You smiled, rubbing his shoulder. Liam was your first driver when you joined Hitech, but at that point, you were still on probation and starting to learn everything. 

“Max is in the Mclaren garage though” He shrugged, and you smiled 

“Liam Lawson, you are the best. I really hope you get that seat, but I’ll keep the rest of my opinions to myself” You hugged him as he said bye to Aurora. Walking back to the F2 paddock, you searched out the old phone number you hadn’t used in a very long time. 

You and Max used to be close because he was good friends with Liam and used to hang around the Hitech garage and being the same age it was easy to get along with him. 

You sat Aurora down on a play mat in the meeting room as you sat to work on quick information before qualifying for the day. Paul walked in a couple of minutes later, sitting down opposite you with his elbows on the table and head resting on his hands 

“Hello there, Mr Aron” You looked at him, and he smiled 

“There’s a guy here to see you” He smirked, and you frowned 

“A guy? Does this guy have a name?” You asked, glancing at Aurora to make sure she’s okay. 

“Max. That’s all he said, but it’s Norris’ friend Max. I can’t remember his last name” He shrugged, getting up and walking out

“Paul” you called, and he stuck his head in through the door 

“Tell him where I am? He knows his way about” You asked with a polite smile 

“Only cause I’ve got to listen to you” You chuckled, turning back to the data finishing up the report you were writing for Paul. There was a knock on the door, and you turned to look at it. A smile grew on your face as you spotted Max waving him in as Aurora waved her hands at the new figure. 

“Hey stranger” He smiled, and you chuckled a little 

“I’m not the stranger. You’re the one that doesn’t visit” 

“Touche” Max nodded, and you motioned him to sit down, to which he sat down next to you 

“Still focused on data, I see” You nodded

“You know I’m a sucker for some good data” You shrugged, and he nodded 

“So how are you doing?” He asked 

“Stressed but happy, I guess” You shrugged 

“How about you? Saw you’ve gained quite a few followers on twitch” You smiled, and he nodded 

“Yeah. Taking a break from racing was really the thing that I needed, and I’m glad I did it” You smiled 

“I’m glad to hear you’re doing better” You nodded as Aurora clapped her hands. You looked down at her, picking her up 

“This little cutie, why you’re stressed?” He asked as Rory grabbed his finger 

“Yeah she’s also the massive favour I need” You bit your lip, and he nodded 

“Need a babysitter?” He asked, and you nodded 

“You’re totally free to say no. I know you’ve never actually met her in person and just seen pictures on instagram, but if you could, I would be so grateful and would pay you back however you wanted” You sighed 

“Can I?” He asked, holding his arms out, and you nodded, handing her over 

“She likes attention, so as long as she’s got that she’s the happiest baby ever” you explained, and he nodded 

“I’m sorry about your boyfriend. I just know he would have been the greatest dad” You nodded with a sigh 

“She looks so much like him sometimes it hurts” Max placed a hand on your knee, gently caressing it 

“Sorry I shouldn’t have brought it up” You placed your hand on top of his gently, holding his hand 

“Do you need a babysitter all weekend?” You nodded 

“Unfortunately. I can normally find someone within the team or someone that I know, but unfortunately I’m not able to this weekend” Max nodded 

“Then I’ll watch her all weekend if you need” He smiled, and you hugged him 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you” You smiled, letting out a breath 

“But I’m taking her to the Mclaren garage tomorrow” You chuckled 

“Forget about your own past then and go to your future” You joked, and he jokingly shoved you away 

“But honestly, whatever you want in return I’ll do it” You sat back, rubbing your face in relief 

“Go on a date with me” He whispered, and you looked at him

“What?” You asked 

“I’ve been wanting to ask you for years and now that you’re due me something in return I feel like now is the perfect time to ask” He hummed with a slight smirk hidden underneath a smile 

“Fine. On Sunday as payment” You nodded, and he smiled, looking at the wall 

“You need to get ready for qualifying. I’ll wait in here with this cutie” He smiled 

“Aurora or Rory. I think you probably already knew that though” Max nodded 

“I did. I follow you on instagram and check up on you every so often” You chuckled, getting up kissing Rory’s head 

“Thank you again, Max. If she needs her diaper changed there’s diapers in my office. Same place that it used to be. She’s been fed, so she’ll be fine until after qualifying. Any other worries, please just text me. Don’t even think about crossing the pit lane” Max nodded 

“Please don’t worry about her. I promise she’ll be okay in my care. Are you okay if I call LN over, though?” He asked, and you nodded 

“Yeah it’s fine” You smiled, grabbing your pass and walking out of the meeting room. You let out a breath, knowing that you could do your job without worrying about Rory. 

And that’s what you did. Paul had a good qualifying session for both the sprint and feature race. Once that was over, you quickly rushed back to the meeting room. Max was sitting on the floor with Rory, who was giggling at him as she pulled on his beard. You chuckled, sitting down at the desk as Max looked up at you 

“She’s a little cutie, but she’s also a trouble child” You nodded with a laugh 

“Did I forget to mention that part?” You joked 

“Do you need me to stay until after the debrief?” Max asked 

“That would be really helpful, but I’m not sure that’s allowed” you replied, and he nodded 

“What if I take her for a walk? Is she due a nap?” He asked, and you nodded 

“Actually that would be really helpful. If I put her in the pram, would you be okay with taking her for a walk?” You asked 

“I wouldn’t have offered it if it wasn’t okay. I can walk her over to the F1 paddock, and you can get her from there when you’re done for the day” He suggested 

“Thank you again, Max. I really appreciate this just being sprung on you after us not talking for ages”

“For this little troublesome cutie I’d do it more often if you needed” You chuckled 

“Trust me, you won’t be saying that by Sunday night” You smiled, grabbing her pram from the side of the room before building it and putting her in it. You gave her her binkie before turning to Max. 

“Okay she should be good until I’m finished for the day” You smiled, and he nodded, walking with her just as everyone started filling the room. After debriefing, you packed up Rory’s toys and your own stuff before walking over to the F1 paddock and over to the Mclaren garage. 

“Hey Y/N” Oscar smiled, standing at his car 

“Hey Oscar. Have you seen Max?” You asked, and he pointed towards Lando’s side of the garage

“Thanks” You walked over and into the garage, smiling at the mechanics that you knew 

“There she is” Max smiled gently, rocking the pram 

“Hey babysitting, looking good on you” you joked, looking into the pram

“She makes it easy” You laughed as he let you take the pram 

“Thank you again. I’ll text you later with my meeting times and all that kind of thing” Max nodded 

“See you tomorrow” You walked out of the Mclaren garage, ready for the best sleep of your week. 

When the next day rolled around and you were walking into the F2 paddock, you knew that Rory was going to be in safe hands and that you just had to be ready for the race ahead. 

Max was standing outside the Hitech garage leaning against one of the walls, talking to one of the mechanics he knew as Rory played with our hands strapped to your chest 

“Hey Y/N” Max smiled as you walked over 

“Hey there, Mr Babysitter” you joked

“Is the nugget ready for her big day with lots of affection?” Max asked, and you nodded 

“She sure is, but I’m gonna keep her for the morning if that’s okay” Max nodded 

“Of course it is. Want me there?” He asked 

“If you don’t mind sitting on the floor with her again” Max shook his head 

“Would be my pleasure” You smiled, leading him inside and to the meeting room that was going to be used for the day. Setting up Rory’s stuff on the floor before setting her on the floor beside Max 

“Thank you again Max” You smiled, and he nodded. Sitting down to do morning brief, Paul walked in, instantly going over to Aurora

“Hey maiustus (sweets)” Paul smiled, squishing her cheeks

“Paul please sit down, the whole team is just waiting on you” You complained and he sat down going over yesterday’s data and things that had to be done today to get a good finish in the sprint. 

Once all the other members of the team had finally left, you turned around to Rory. Paul was still sitting next to you as he scrolled through his phone, definitely avoiding his trainer but not wanting to admit it. Rory reached her arms up with a giggle as you picked her up 

“Hey little troublemaker” You kissed her head as you got up from the seat, Max, stretching his back as you chuckled at him 

“I know I said she needs attention to be happy, but you don’t have to sit on the floor with her” You smiled as he got up 

“Easier to get down to her level rather than bring her up to mine” He shrugged 

“She likes sitting on the table” you shrugged, closing the meeting room door and pulling the blinds down so that no one could see in as you heard Paul whine 

“Thought you were hiding me, but I just saw the time” You laughed, ruffling his hair as you sat down again 

“You really need to go start your warm up and do media though Paul” You sighed, feeding Rory as Paul groaned, getting up 

“Only cause I wanna win” You laughed as Max stood awkwardly 

“You can sit Fewtrell” You chuckled at his face. Poor guy was uncomfortable even being in the same room as you fed Aurora. 

“I don’t wanna make you uncomfortable” He frowned, and you shrugged 

“I’ve been doing this for the past four months with strangers. We’re not strangers. Therefore, I don’t care” you replied, looking up at him as he sat down. 

A little while later, Aurora was finished feeding, burped, and had her diaper changed before you handed her over to Max for the day who was taking her over to the Mclaren motorhome. You explained where everything in her bag was kept along with how to warm some milk up in case she needed it. Max assured you multiple times that she would be okay and that you could just come to the Mclaren garage to get her at the end of the day. 

Throughout the day, Max was subject to some teasing from Lando about his babysitting as Lando knew about his crush on you and had for many years. 

Once the race and debrief were done, you were finally able to leave the F2 paddock with Paul trailing behind you because he didn’t want to be alone again. In reality, he was hiding from the ice bath he was meant to be in, but he’d never admit that to anyone. 

“Hey Y/L/N” Andrea Stella smiled as you walked over to the Mclaren garage 

“Hey. I’m looking for Lando. Well I’m assuming he’s with Lando” You shrugged 

“Oh he’s in the hospitality with Max and a random child?” He frowned, and you nodded 

“Perfect. That’s my second born” you joked, nudging your head in Paul’s direction. Andrea laughed 

“I’m on three or so now” He joked, and you laughed 

“They learn to listen any better any time?” You asked, and he shook his head with a laugh 

“No. Never” You laughed, shaking your head 

“Damn it. Well I’m gonna find my baby and her newest babysitters” You walked off to the Mclaren hospitality with Paul trailing behind you, scrolling through his phone. You walked inside, looking about as Paul instantly walked over to Rory, picking her up off the table. You followed him over, rolling your eyes as Paul picked up his role with Rory. 

At this point, Paul was like Rory’s big brother, and there was nothing you could do to stop how much he actually loved your little girl. You took another picture as you leaned against the chair Max was sitting in, smiling at Lando, and Oscar was sitting opposite him. 

“Hey. Looked like a good race” Max smiled up at you as you nodded 

“Hey. It was a very good race considering the pit stop errors” You shrugged, and he nodded 

“How was Aurora?” You asked him, looking over at Paul and Aurora

“Think I’ve got a bald spot in my beard now. However, apart from that, she was an angel” Max shrugged, showing you a picture of Rory sitting in Lando’s car. You chuckled 

“If she looked tiny in the F2 cars, she looked even smaller in that F1 car” You chuckled, and he laughed 

“You in a rush out of here?” Max asked, and you shook your head 

“Nope. I do need to stop by and see Liam, though. Wish him luck for tomorrow” You shrugged, and Max pulled out the seat next to him, and you sat down

“Still wouldn’t move up to F1?” Oscar asked, and you looked over at Rory and Paul, who were sat on the floor 

“I think if Paul was to move up, then I would, but only with Paul, he actually listens to me” You glared at Max, who shrugged 

“I wasn’t your driver. I was just there to annoy you” Max shrugged, and you rolled your eyes. Over the next half an hour, you spoke with Lando, Max, and Oscar, but Lando and Oscar soon had to go get ready for qualifying, so it was just you and Max. Paul was rocking Aurora to sleep as you watched him with a tilt of your head. 

“I keep losing my daughter to my driver” You chuckled, getting up

“Same time tomorrow?” Max asked, and you nodded

“Only if you’re still okay with looking after her for another day” You rested a hand on the back of his seat. Max was doing you a favour, and you didn’t want to push him to do something he wasn’t completely comfortable with. 

“Yeah, of course I’m okay with it. Actually I’m more than okay with it because I get something out of this as well” He smiled looking up at you to the outside world it looked like he was deadly in love but to yourself it just looked like Max was happy.

Sunday was always a busy day. However, this weekend just felt like it was an even busier day. Sat in your office, Aurora sat in her pram asleep as you sat with your headphones in going over some basic work you didn’t hear Max come in. 

He stood next to you, gently pushing a piece of hair out of your face as you sat back in your seat, looking up at him when you felt his presence standing next to you. You smiled up to him, taking your headphones off 

“Morning” He smiled, taking the pen out of your hand and placing it down on the table 

“Hey. Didn’t hear you come in” You hummed, looking up at him after following his actions with the pen 

“That’s because you were so caught up in your work that you didn’t hear anything, including Paul” You frowned, looking at the time. You hadn’t missed any meetings or events that you were due to be at. 

“It’s fine he just wanted to see if you wanted anything to eat” You nodded slightly 

“I had breakfast before coming here” You looked at the time again as Max sat down next to you 

“I’m gonna take Aurora a walk around the paddock then into Mclaren, and I was thinking that you could always come watch the F1 race with me from there?” He offered, and you nodded 

“I quite like the sound of that” You smiled, tilting your head slightly 

“And I was thinking about our date” He started, and you quickly interrupted him 

“Can we do it back home? My flight out of here is tonight, and I can’t get it changed unless I pay for it and after” You paused, glancing over at Rory 

“Let me worry about that. I’m the one that asked you out on the date, so I’ll worry about that” He smiled, gently resting his hand on top of yours. 

“So how’s the little darling today?” He asked, looking over at Aurora’s pram. 

“She’s quite sleepy today, so bonus for you, I guess. However, it's just because she’s starting to teeth, so she might get a little fussy or bite you” You shrugged, and he nodded, getting up just as Paul and his trainer walked in Paul was clearly in a mood about something as you raised your eyebrows. 

Max played with your hair as he stood behind you, and you couldn’t help but smile a little. He used to do that when Liam was your driver a few years ago. It’s like to this day even after limited contact, he still knew when you were hiding your stress 

“He won’t let me have a chocolate bagel” Paul huffed, throwing himself down on the chair Max was previously in as you looked at his trainer who shrugged 

“Too many carbs before a race. Especially when it’s half an hour away. I suggested alternatives, but that wasn’t good enough” The man just shrugged before turning and walking out the room, clearly not wanting to have this fight again

“Paul, we've been over this. You can’t come expecting me to solve your carb problem. I’ve already snuck you enough this weekend as it is. Why don’t you have a smoothie? I know you’re just bored, which is why you’re eating” Paul gave you a look as if you’d just suggested murdering his whole family. 

“You can get me and Max one while you’re there” you suggested, knowing that Paul would do anything for anyone else if offered the opportunity, so Paul got up and left the room again. You looked up at Max the top of your head resting against his stomach 

“I know I asked you on a date and agreed to babysit your child, but have I ever told you how good you look doing your job?” He asked, and you raised a brow thinking about it 

“I believe you may have back when I was a taken woman” You shrugged with a slight smirk 

“You’re trouble, you know that?” He asked as you tilted your head to the side a little, turning around to fully face him 

“Me? Never? That’s all Aurora, and she doesn’t even get it from me” you joked, and he laughed, looking down at you. You couldn’t help but smile up at him. 

“How long does it take for Paul to get some smoothies?” Max asked, and you shrugged

“No idea? In a rush to go somewhere?” You questioned, and he shook his head 

“No. Was just wondering” You nodded, turning back to the data, and he sighed, sitting down 

“You’re not going to stop, are you?” He questioned 

“Nope. I am not. I need to get this finished before the race starts” You sighed as he moved your hands away from the laptop and shut the lid, forcing you to look at him 

“If I was to kiss you right now, would it stop stressing out about the data?” He asked as your eyes widened

“What did you just ask?” You questioned 

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that out loud. I didn’t mean to say that out loud” He panicked as you turned to fully face him, leaning forward in your seat 

You looked into his eyes, trying to see any kind of emotion behind them to make sure what he was saying was actually true. You got up out of your seat, taking his hand and giving him a slight pull-up as you did. Max stood up, standing in front of you 

“Sorry. I really didn’t mean to say that” You leaned up, pressing your lips against his with a slight smile. Max froze for a second before kissing you back. One hand resting on the small of your back as the other stayed in your own. 

“Ew” Paul groaned loudly before there were a couple of thuds and the door slamming. You pulled back, looking over Max’s shoulder to see Paul covering his eyes outside. You couldn’t help but laugh a little 

“I get a life for the moment, and that’s how he reacts” Max laughed as you rested your head on his shoulder as he rested his own on your head. You waved Paul in through the window as Max rubbed your back. You couldn’t help but laugh a little again as Paul walked back in carefully 

“Warning next time, come on. With Rora in here as well?!” He exclaimed. You rolled your eyes as he picked Aurora, shielding her face from who knows what. Only he’ll ever know because it’s not a question that you were planning on asking him anytime soon. 

“I got your normal and for Max, I just guessed” Paul pointed towards the smoothies on the table 

“Thank you. Now, will you please put Rory back down and go warm up. I promise you can cuddle her after the race. Promise” You smiled, and he nodded, placing her down and walking out as you sat back down, turning to look at Max 

“Well if Paul’s away getting ready, I guess I have to let you get ready” He smiled, looking into the pram at Aurora. 

“Same as yesterday, but I’ve left a bottle in her bag. You just need to warm it up a little bit” you explained, and he nodded slightly 

“How do I do that?” He asked, and you chuckled, walking over 

“So take the plastic cover off ,obviously, then just put it in the microwave for like thirty seconds but make sure that it’s lukewarm on the inside of your wrist” Max’s head quickly turned around at that and you rolled your eyes with a laugh 

“It’s just formula, Max. Don’t worry, I just pre-made it for you” Max nodded, picking up her blanket and placing it over the handle of the pram. 

“Okay. We should be okay. If need be, I can text you, yeah?” He asked, and you nodded 

“Of course you can. Oh, and in the diaper bag next to her bottle there’s a little something for you” You smiled, leaning into the pram and pressing a kiss to Aurora’s head. 

“We’ll be good,” Max nodded with some kind of fake courage. You smiled 

“Be good for Maxie hmm” You kissed the babies head before standing up again and taking the few steps over to Max, who smiled down at you as you rested your chin on his chest 

“Don’t worry. Go do your job. We’ll be watching, or I will. The little muffin will probably be sleeping” You grinned, standing up on your tiptoes just a little to kiss him. You grabbed your computer before walking out of your office and out to the garage. 

“Did you get my email?” Oliver asked, and you nodded 

“I did. Congratulations. You’ll do good in F1” You smiled, shaking his hand as a congratulations 

“Thank you. There will be an email coming your way soon, no doubt” You couldn’t help but frown at that as Oliver walked away. Getting everything set up for Paul’s race both in the garage and the pit wall before the pre race mechanical stuff happened while you just sat there waiting.

Max did keep sending you pictures throughout the race that you couldn’t help but smile at when the notification kept coming through. Paul’s race went brilliantly as good as it could possibly get as Paul won. After the podium, you got yourself changed out of the wet Hitech uniform as Paul decided to pour the last of the champagne over your head during the pictures.

 You packed up everything after the debrief and headed over to the Mclaren hospitality again. It currently felt like you were never away from that place. As you walked through the paddock, you couldn’t help but still wonder what Oliver meant by there will be an email for you soon. It really did worry you a bit. 

You smiled at the woman standing outside the hospitality before walking in and spotting Max sitting in the corner with Aurora asleep in his arms all cuddled up. You couldn’t help but smile as you sat down on the couch next to him 

“Oh how I wish I could fall asleep like that” You sighed, and he chuckled 

“She’s been out for about twenty minutes. I gave her her bottle and she just fell asleep” You nodded 

“Sounds about right” You smiled, looking down at her. Her cheek pressed against Max’s chest as her tiny hand held onto one of his fingers. You couldn’t help but take a picture as you watched them. 

“Race went really well” Max grinned as you looked at him 

“It went really well. I’m so proud” you beamed. Eyes flicking down to Aurora 

“Do you want me to take her? She’s okay if you want to put her down in the pram” You frowned, knowing how easy it is to get a dead arm while holding her 

“She’s okay. I’m actually enjoying the cuddles rather than her pulling my beard out” You chuckled, caressing her cheek. 

“You still want to stay to watch the race?” He asked, tilting his head so he could see you better

“Yeah that would be nice” You grinned, getting more comfortable on the couch, knowing that Max wasn’t planning on moving to watch the race by the way he was sitting. Max smiled down at you, looking at your emails 

“Oliver said there’d be an email coming my way soon. Now I can’t stop looking at my emails” You sighed 

“Oliver Oakes?” Max questioned, and you nodded 

“Any idea what it was about?” Max asked, and you shook your head 

“Honestly, I have no idea. As long as I’m not being fired” You shrugged, and he nodded 

“I’d comfort you, but your daughter has stolen both my hands” You laughed 

“There’s worse ways for you to have your hands stolen” you replied 

“Guess that’s true” He smiled 

You sat for the next two hours with Max in the Mclaren hospitality watching the Formula One race. It was an experience you’d never actually forget. Not even just because you were sitting in the F1 paddock but because Max’s reactions to something so tiny were so large. 

As you were walking out the paddock with Aurora in her pram, Max walked next to you while Lando and Oscar trailed behind Max, turned his head to look at you

“I sent you an email during the race with the details for our date and for after it” You frowned 

“After it?” You asked, and he nodded 

“Got you on the flight with Lando and I so you could spend another night here” He explained 

“You didn’t have to do that” you replied 

“I know I didn’t have to, but I saw the perfect place for a date here. Couldn’t let it go to waste” He smiled

Coming Soon

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[folkloresthings]

Happy last day of the celebration!! This event has been so amazing and I’m so happy that I got to participate!!

On that note, I am here to ask for another NORTHANGER ABBEY (😅). Could I maybe request Carlos Sainz with the drunken confessions trope? Preferably with Carlos being the one confessing, but you do whatever you think is best!

Thanks in advance, and I hope you’re doing well, lovely!! 🤍🩵🩷

made reader lando’s sister bc why not

SOBER THOUGHTS. ❨ carlos sainz x norris!reader ❩

“you want the same again?”

lando has to shout across to you and luisa to get any kind of answer. the bass of the club’s music is pounding through your whole body, hammering in time with the beat of your heart. you nod, sending him a grateful smile in place of a thank you — the noise would only be lost to him.

luisa slips her hand in yours as her boyfriend heads for the bar, tugging you back over to the corner that the other driver’s inhabit. you just about make out daniel beckoning you over to the couch, all smiles and sunshine. your brother’s new teammate was a breath of fresh air, for both lando and mclaren. it was impossible not to like him.

still, you found yourself missing the days of carlos driving alongside your brother. it meant he was around more, you would see him more often. hell, he spent endless weekends at home with you and lando when he couldn’t make it back to spain. but before this evening, you hadn’t seen him in weeks.

he was sitting across from you and daniel, staring intently as you conversed with the australian man. granted, you weren’t paying much attention to what danny was saying, not when you could feel carlos’ gaze boring into you.

“one vodka coke,” lando sang, passing the glass to daniel to pass to you. you call thanks to your brother, sipping on the little straw that comes with your drink, letting it feed the buzz already rising in your chest.

“you good, mate?” daniel speaks next to you, and you look to him to check if he’s speaking to you. he’s not, looking instead at carlos. the latter blinks, head nodding slowly, glancing at you before he turns to where charles is sat.

when you first met carlos, this was how he was. quiet and reserved, all dark and mysterious. it wasn’t until he came home with lando for the first time that you actually had a conversation, letting him open up to you. when you’d developed this silly little crush on your brothers best friend, you don’t know. but it certainly hadn’t gone away.

“you look nice.” carlos steals daniel’s seat as soon as the aussie goes to the bar, mumbling his compliments near your ear. you turn to him with a smile, hands smoothing over the little black dress that luisa had loaned you for the evening.

“thank you,” you muse, looking down at his sleek black shirt. it hugs his arms in all the right places, the first few buttons undone and giving you a glimpse to the sweat beading on his chest underneath. “you look very handsome.”

carlos feels his mouth run dry. here you are, looking so unbelievably pretty, and staring at him. it was dizzying — you were his best friend’s little sister, for god’s sake. he needed to push these feelings down, six feet under.

“i’m going to get a drink,” he blurts out suddenly. “do you want one?”

you’re not finished the one lando got you yet, but you agree anyway. carlos clambers to his feet and hurried to the bar, away from your temptation quicker than he means to. you watch him go, searching in wonder for what the matter was. when, after thirty minutes, he doesn’t return, you go look for him.

he’s not at the bar, but luisa is and she hasn’t seen the spaniard. he’s not on the dancefloor or back at the tables. in a last resort, you stick your head outside. there’s a few stragglers around, none of which you know, and then there’s carlos. he’s leaning against the wall, eyes closed and breathing deeply.

“carlos?” your sweet voice rings out in his ears and he’s convinced he’s fallen asleep, the vision of you appearing in his dreams. but you touch his arm then, checking if he’s still alive. “you alright?”

“hm?” he murmurs, eyes flickering open to you. “oh. you found me.”

“yeah,” lips pulling into a smirk, you try your best not to seem too amused. he’s evidently drunker than when he left you at the couch, swaying on his feet and struggling to keep his big brown eyes open.

“i had a drink at the bar,” he confesses, words blurring together. “and then i had yours, too. sorry.”

“it’s okay,” you giggle, keeping a hand on his side as he almost veers quickly to the left. “maybe we should get you home, no?”

carlos looks at you, nodding after a minute of registering your words. he keeps looking at you, how nice your hair looks and the way your eyes shine up at him in worry. he could look at your for the rest of his days, if only you’d let him.

it’s on the tip of his tongue, his heart rising to pour out of his throat. but then you’re guiding him to a cab and reaching across him to buckle his seatbelt, and the words crumble up and fall back to his stomach.

you take him back to lando’s place since you have a key, and because you’re not sure what you would do being alone with carlos in his apartment. keeping a close eye on the drunk driver, you let both of you into your brother’s central monaco apartment, slipping off your heels to ease your guidance of carlos to the couch.

“i’ll get you some water.” filling a glass in the kitchen, you bring it back to him as quickly as you can. his hands aren’t fully functional, so you balance the rim of the glass at his lips, letting him take small sips of hydration.

“you’re so nice. so good to me,” carlos slurs, ends of words getting lost in the air between you. it warms your heart, his drunken stupor and compliments, cheeks warming with each one you can actually decipher.

“and so pretty,” he continues, resting back against the cushions with closed eyes. the alcohol clearing inhabiting his filter makes you slow, eventually freezing. “always wanted to tell you how much i like you. but lando, didn’t want to make things weird. but i like you, i really do.”

surely he meant as a friend. right? he always treated you as lando’s sister, never flirting or pushing any lines. was that respect purely because he feared making things awkward? had he liked you all along — all those days you were caught looking at him a little too long, or finding excuses to talk to him and walk by his side.

“might even love you.”

then you really freeze. your fingers grip the glass of water so tightly you’re sure it could break. you stare at him, waiting for his drunken facade to break and the cameras to appear, pointing you out as the joke all along.

“no — not might. i do. i do love you. so much,” carlos whispers, as if it’s the biggest secret in the world. he slips into sleep before you can question his confession or even think about replying. if you did, you doubt he would remember in the morning.

quietly smiling to yourself, you shift his frame to lay flat on the couch, draping a soft blanket over his sleeping body. you take a moment to admire his soft breathing, his plump lips, his long lashes.

suddenly, you can’t wait for morning. for sober confessions and the beginning of all you ever wanted. a drunk man’s words were a sober man’s thoughts, weren’t they?

[bakersstreetirregulars]

The Cookie Run DevLive Herald

🌰 Breaking news has gone live straight from the headquarters of Devsisters regarding the future of the Cookie Run series! Let’s see what’s in store…! We recommend that you watch the livestream for yourselves because this post isn’t going to cover everything from the video. Spoilers will be covered, so be careful if you aren’t ready for spoilers!

Cookie Run: Kingdom

🔎 Over the last year, we’ve seen the Cookie Kingdom grow from a small village to a thriving metropolis fit for kings, queens, and every other noble on the mark! As an extra detail, over forty million of you have built your own kingdoms here on Earthbread to call your own! Do you recall what it was like at the game’s launch…?

World Exploration (to chapter 8)

Tree of Wishes

Bear Jelly Balloon

Today’s Bounties

Bear Jelly Train

Kingdom Arena PvP

🔎 …and what about what’s been added from January 21st, 2021 to now?

Dark Mode

World Exploration (to chapter 14)

Guilds & Guild Battle

Tower of Sweet Chaos

Tropical Soda Islands

Sugar Gnome Laboratory

Seaside Market

Rainbow Shell Gallery

Touc’s Trade Harbor

Tropical Raids

Super Mayhem PvP

Legendary & Ancient Rarities

Costumes

Tower of Records

Arena Statue Designs

Cookie Castle & Cookie House Design Customizations

Guild Domain

Guild Museum

Cookie Alliance

Let’s not forget about the countless new Cookies we’ve met, from Ovenbreak veterans to new faces we’ve only seen in Kingdom first! Popularity even found Almond Cookie and Licorice Cookie going to Ovenbreak themselves! New content is always on the table with the developers, so keep your eyes open for new content and quality-of-life improvements! Now let’s turn it over to Croissant Cookie to give you a preview of what’s coming for Gingerbrave and his friends next!

🥐 WOOT! I just got the all-clear to give you a preview of the future ahead!

After Gingerbrave’s party met Pure Vanilla Cookie, Hollyberry Cookie, and Dark Cacao Cookie, representatives from these three kingdoms met for a summit back in the Vanilla Kingdom with the world at stake. It was agreed at this summit that the Cookies scour the continent to find powerful Cookie allies, which leads us to the Crème Republic, once a seaside village with a turbulent past. Prior to Dark Enchantress Cookie’s assault on the Vanilla Kingdom, the citizens fled by airship and traveled the continent before stumbling upon the small village. Together, they turned the town into a grand nation where magic, commerce, and culture thrived along the mild climate and serene coast. We’ll meet plenty of new Cookie citizens of this grand republic on all standings of the social ladder, all led by nine elders in various seats of power, as well as a recently-elected consul who was instated by said elders. Among the countless unique locales of this dynamic nation, we’ll also find the homeland of Madeline Cookie and Espresso Cookie and delve into their relationships a bit more!

Whew! That’s the end of the preview, but not the end of the rewards! Enter the coupon code DEVNOW40MKINGDOM before it expires on April 22nd to get a lot of resources to bolster your kingdom, including:

5,000 Crystals 💎

1,500 Rainbow Cubes 🌈

250,000 Coins 🪙

8 of each Aurora Material (Compasses, Bricks, and Pillars) 🔨

30 Speed-ups for 10 minutes each ⏳

30 Time Jumpers 🕰

80 Topping Pieces 🍬

Cookie Run: Witch’s Castle

💎 Now… for our first new adventure, we will delve into some of the stories that have never been told about the Cookies. How we came to be… the proper introduction of… the Witch! Who is she? Why did she choose to bake us? What is happening within her castle?

🔎 Nobody knows how we all came to life, but anyone can chalk it up to confusing magic powder and ginger powder. However, she couldn’t have always made that same mistake every last time she bakes a Cookie, so that leaves a mystery behind regarding our creation. The process of unraveling these mysteries begins now… in the Witch’s Castle! Standing alone in a barely-trodden land a long time ago, there was a castle in which no soul has entered or left. Only peculiar melodies beyond the walls, and eerie silence within its halls. Approach close enough, and you can hear the sounds of tiny adventurous footsteps… and a sizzling oven.

Meet the Cookies (again) on as adventure throughout the castle with new friends and new secrets alike in a brand-new puzzle adventure on their quest to reveal the secrets within and maybe even decorate the castle to make it seem more… homey... perhaps with the return of an old friend whom only the hardiest of Cookie Run Veterans will recognize by heart.

But remember… the castle is always being watched. Join the riveting adventures when Cookie Run: Witch’s Castle goes live in 2023!

Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

📚 The latest predecessor of the tried-and-true 2D runner genre! With 153 Cookies to run with and four dragons to shake things up, why don’t we get to know the dragons a bit more before we tick the counter to 154 Cookies? Back in 2016, the first stories of the Dragons Valley came to light with tales of the Red Dragon. In late 2019, we’ve uncovered that dragon’s true identity for the time being as a Cookie: Pitaya Dragon Cookie. Six months later, the Gold Dragon Ananas Dragon Cookie was introduced to us. It wouldn’t be until Season 6 in August 2021 until we would meet the elegant Blue Dragon: Lotus Dragon Cookie. And now with only a few days left here in April 2022, we are about to meet Lychee Dragon Cookie the Violet Dragon in a story that is going to turn Gingerbrave’s world upside-down! Beyond that, only one dragon remains: the All-Knowing, All-Powerful Ivory Dragon. Some say that such a dragon can predict the future: a power that can be fine-tuned to great effect by the most diligent of Cookies without using technology, such as the Editor’s Kingdom Guildmaster* and her ancestor*, but only a select few Cookies can utilize this trait with flawless tact. Our proper introduction to the Ivory Dragon comes with Season 7, so stay tuned!

*both described Cookies in that phrase are the Editor’s OCs, that part isn’t canon to the series.

Cookie Run: Project 🅱️

🛠 As you’ve seen from plenty of our abilities in Ovenbreak, from the straightforward and simple to dynamic and exhilarating, these fundamentals form the basis of a new project (probably tentatively) called Project B. Heading this new game is Eddie, a producer for Ovenbreak since its release back in 2016. Starting last year, he’s had the opportunity to begin developing this new project to send us into the third dimension in what he describes as a “mobile, co-op action game” that focuses mainly on every Cookie’s actions with simplistic controls and attention to detail beyond what could be portrayed in 2D.

🌰 While you COULD go alone, you can also bring your friends for the most fun and for exciting teamwork against massive bosses and more! Join Gingerbrave as he climbs a very tall tower of pancakes and meets new friends along the way! The developers are currently looking at launching the game in 2023, but we’ll provide more details as they come!

💎 They’re also currently hiring if you want to steal a piece of the action in helping build the game from the ground-up~! As another gift from them to you, enter the coupon code DEVNOW22CROVNBRK before April 27th for 5,000 Crystals 💎 and 2,000 Rainbow Cubes 🌈!

Cookie Run: OvenSmash

🪔 Fancy trouncing and overthrowing your friends and strangers across the world in another Cookie-themed multiplayer brawler? Or maybe you want to show Supercell on the opposite side of the Eurasian landmass your true loyalty to Cookie Run? Perhaps Cookie Run: OvenSmash could pique your interest. As of now, there are three game modes slated for development: Wanted Star, Battle Royale, and Treasure Hunt.

In Wanted Star, two teams of five Cookies fight each other for Star Jellies. Make use of the 3D environment and actually JUMP around to cause the most damage and discourse to the other team. Try to out-do that one, Brawl Stars~!

Battle Royale takes place atop an island of tiramisu where THIRTY Cookies fight each other to the last man standing. For those who’re counting, that’s triple the capacity of Brawl Stars’ Showdown mode. Collect Power Jellies found in chests scattered around the stage to bolster your odds of winning. Chalk two up for OvenSmash, scorekeeper.

In the completely-original Treasure Hunt, you’ll team up in a team of ten Cookies and search for three treasures scatted across a MASSIVE map. If your team finds them all and re-convenes back where you started, you win. However, it is not as easy as it seems. You have to solve puzzles, work together as a team you can trust, and overcome enemies scattered throughout the map while trying not getting into trouble with neither a tough boss OR your internet router. You see that Brown Sugar Golem from Pilgrim’s Path chasing Gingerbrave? That could be you if you aren’t the team’s right hand MVP.

🏹 Speaking of him… let’s talk about some of the Cookies’ abilities:

Gingerbrave’s skillset is centered around the basics like a powerful slide and a medium-range ultimate attack to help players get used to the game

Devil Cookie can burn opposing Cookies, bushes, and whipped cream with one swipe of their Candy Trident and can even glide through the air using their wings! As their ultimate skill, watch as Devil Cookie turns into a rampaging Super Devil and causes mayhem all around! You can put fire out with water, though…

…or you get Ion Cookie Robot to put it out for you with a pressurized water cannon! Accumulate enough energy to access Ion’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 forms for massive damage!

Tiger Lily Cookie can track enemies hiding in the bushes before throwing her spear right towards them! Charge towards faltering enemies after a spear barrage atop her Butter Tiger and send foes packing!

Blueberry Pie Cookie’s magic tome conjures specters that cause electrifying explosions that could even cause fires if casted on a nearby bush. For her ultimate spell, she unleashes an arcane lightning beam to devastate anything that gets caught in her way!

🪔 This brawler to end all brawlers comes to PC this winter. Yes you heard me; it is going to be on PC. They are also planning a platform for mobile services and major consoles so everyone will know which internet brawling game reigns supreme!

🌰 That’s the end of the game overviews, but you can see the rest of the content in https://youtu.be/R-N5hoxaqIE this stream here!

[prettybiching]

well since requests are open for John King 👀👀 (i’ve never actually requested anything so don’t judge) what if the reader is somehow introduced to him through one of his co-anchors (who knows the reader has a crush bc of all that glorious election coverage), and we see what would happen maybe on a first date?? it doesn’t have to be smutty but i certainly wouldn’t be opposed..i love your writing btw!!! blessing us in this (small) John King fandom

Dessert

Pairing: John King x fem! reader Warning: 18+ mature scenes (oral f receiving), swear words and sexual innuendoes. Viewer’s discretion is advised, you’re responsible for your media consumption. Word Count: 2.5k words Note: I changed it up a bit, hope you don’t mind :)

Anderson Cooper, ever the stoic news anchor loved to play matchmaker for his friends. It was a trait Andy had managed to rub off on him, but he enjoyed it more than he'd like to admit.

Y/N had involuntarily become the latest victim of his match-making tendencies.

She didn't mean to babble out her newfound infatuation with his colleague, John King, to him but Anderson and Andy had managed to get her drunk, absolutely wasted. Before she could stop herself, she was slipping out all the unholy thoughts she'd been dreaming since election week.

The teasing that followed was relentless. It didn't help that Y/N had preliminarily promised to accompany Anderson to DC. She just hoped she wouldn't have to face the silver fox himself.

-----

She knew something was terribly wrong the moment she saw the wicked smile etched on Anderson's face.

"Uhm, why are you smiling like that?" she asked, her eyes wide with trepidation as Anderson let himself into her hotel room.

"You, young lady," he trailed, heading straight for the unpacked suitcase that laid on her bed, "have a date tonight."

Her mouth hung wide open in disbelief and horror, "What?!"

"Yup," he answered, not bothering to turn around, ruffling the contents of her luggage, every so often examining the articles of clothing.

"I don't wanna go on a date," she whined, throwing her head back. Dragging her feet to where Anderson stood, making an absolute wreck of her belongings, she plopped herself on the bed, tugging out her lips and staring at him with pleading eyes.

At last, he halted at his action, clumsily throwing the blouse he had in his hands in the briefcase before turning towards her. "Trust me, you'll make me the godfather of your future children after tonight."

"T-tonight?" she sputtered, jolting out of bed. There was no way she was going on that date now, she didn't even know who he was!

"Anderson, I love you, but a heads up would've been nice," she sighed, placing her hands on her hips.

Anderson stroked his chin for a second, in thought before scrunching his face, "Nope, where's the fun in that?"

Y/N gave him a deadpan look, slumping her shoulders. She knew sooner or later, she'd have to accept defeat. There was no way she was winning against Anderson Cooper. "Will, you at least tell me who it is?"

He smirked, mischief was written all across his face as he shook his head, "You already know what I'm about to say."

She groaned, taking a few steps towards him before clumsily planting her forehead on his shoulder. "You're the worst!"

Wrapping his arms around her figure, he let out a laugh, his body vibrating beneath her. "You know you love me."

"No, I don't."

------

After Y/N's long foreseen defeat, Anderson dragged her to go shopping with him stating that her limited clothing 'just wouldn't do'.  She went along without a fight, admitting that she didn't pack anything she could wear on a date.

Despite going along with her best friend's words and having full faith in his match-making abilities, she wasn't sure how much of a success the night would be. Not when her mind could only fixate on the image of a certain news anchor between her thighs.

However, she didn't want her silly fantasies to get in the way of her actual love life and with the help of Anderson's picky taste, decided on a dress for the evening. Although the black half-slit bodycon wasn't something she'd usually wear, she felt confident in it, and that was all that mattered.

As she was on her way to the outdoor French restaurant near Washington Harbour that her date had picked for the night. She knew the restaurant was fancy from all the reviews she'd seen online.

As the uber driver drove closer and closer to the destination, Y/N was a bundle of nerve. She didn't know what to expect, hell, she knew nothing about him at all aside from Anderson's confidence that the night would go well.

The car came to a screeching halt in front of the park-like restaurant, fairy lights and intertwining vines of leaves decorating the area. 'What's the worst that could happen?" she let out a sharp breath, trying to calm her nerves as she exited the vehicle.

She made her way to the reception, her eyes advertently scanning her surroundings to spot a familiar face. "Hi, my name's Y/N L/N, I believe I have a reservation?"

The receptionist gave her a practised smile before leading her to her table, "right this way, Ms L/N."

Y/N followed her lead, her steps being clumsy from the knot of nerves forming in her stomach and her heart stopped when she saw the man standing up as she made her way towards him. John fucking King.

She was going to kill Anderson.

Unable to move a muscle, she froze at her feet as he approached her. He had a crisp perfectly fitted black suit on and a warm smile on his lips that had her knees buckling. She just hoped she didn't look like a lunatic in front of him.

"You okay there, Y/N?" he mused, flashing his teeth.

Crossing her arms across her chest, she opened her mouth, trying to form a coherent thought. "I- yes, I'm okay," she stammered, squirming under John's unmoving gaze.

She had met John a couple of times in the past, none of the interactions was long enough to be considered memorable. She was always afraid of making a fool out of herself. Seemed like she was compensating for all of those in one go.

John didn't look convinced but didn't push her on it any further. Instead, he extended his elbow towards her with a quirk of his brow, "shall we?"

Awkwardly she interlocked her arms with his and followed his lead, all the while making sure she didn't fall face-first onto the floor.

They stopped in front of a table in the back corner of the patio; mostly hidden away from plain sight. Y/N smiled, knowing Anderson must've told him that she preferred such setting.

John quickly untangled their arms, preventing her from moving further as he pulled out a chair, gesturing towards her to sit. She flashed him a grateful smile, overwhelmed by all of his efforts. Was she ever going to stop smiling in front of him?

Once she was seated, John took his place across from her, fixing his suit jacket as he did. She tried her best to divert her gaze from his hands, but it seemed near impossible. She was sure she'd faint before the night came to an end.

Finishing his task, he turned to face her, his entire focus towards her.  Clearing her throat, Y/N shifted at her spot. "how awfully did Anderson bully you into this?" she chuckled, trying to soothe her nerves.

Squinting his eyes, he tilted his head sideways before shrugging, "he didn't bully me at all really. He merely put forth the suggestion, and I was down."

Pursing her lips, she paused for a moment before shaking her head, laughing. It wasn't until she took in John's earnest expression did she realise he wasn't joking. "Seriously?"

He nodded. "However," he began, a slight remnant smile gracing his lips as he wriggled his index finger at Y/N, "I did tell Anderson to tell you, but he was insistent, and you remain oblivious about our date."

Her mouth hung open in disbelief as she leaned back into her chair, muttering through gritted teeth, "I'll kill him."

John let out a laugh, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he insisted, "Please don't. I have much to thank him for."

She tilted her head towards him in confusion, waiting for him to continue.

John averted his gaze, a nervous chuckle erupting from his throat, "I might've never had the courage to ask you out without his meddling."

She blinked, her eyes widening slightly at the revelation. "Y-you wanted to ask me out?" she sputtered, leaning forward.

As if her words had flicked a switch in him, he straightened his back, the earlier nervousness was long gone as a smug smile took over his features. "Also..." he trailed, interlocking his hands on the table.

"He may or may not have accidentally spilt that you have a crush on me?"

"No." "Yes." "No, shut up."

"Truce?" he quirked his brow, reaching his hand across the table for hers. Y/N eyed his hand warily before letting out a sigh and giving in. "Fine."

"I can't believe you two were basically conspiring against me this whole time," she whined, her lips tugging out into a pout.

She should've known Anderson wouldn't be able to keep his mouth shut for too long. However, she couldn't believe her own eyes that the gorgeous man in front of her reciprocated her feelings.

Unaware of the butterflies fluttering in her stomach, John cooed squeezing her hand, "but wouldn't you say it's come to a favourable conclusion?"

She couldn't deny that everything had worked out in her favour. Without her best friend's meddling, she would've never gotten the courage to admit her feelings for John.

Once the pout disappeared from her face, John reclined back into his chair, her hand still in his. "Now, how about we get started with some wine?"

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

The date was a definite success, she would say. After the initial awkward passed, with some alcohol in her system, she found herself more comfortable around John. Not to mention that he was effortlessly the most charming man she'd ever encountered.

She had tried to restrain herself from staring at him when he made the smallest movement, but it was near impossible. She was completely enamoured by him. All the flirty smiles, casual brushing of their legs, teasing touches and lingering glances didn't help either. He knew what he was doing, that smug bastard.

John was in the middle of an amusing story, something that had happened at work that week. Y/N wished she could say she was listening, but she was far more distracted by his hands that he sporadically used as he spoke.

"Y/N? he called her name, snapping her back to reality.

"Yes?" she answered, tugging in her bottom lip as she stared at him with round eyes.

He smirked, having caught her not-so-subtle gaze. "I said, I was hoping to have some dessert if you would allow it."

Her lips twitched, not missing the mischief behind his eyes as he spoke. She would've missed it if it weren't for the way his pupils dilated as he uttered the words.

Wordlessly, she leaned forward, reaching her hand out to touch the side of his face. John tilted his head, kissing the inside of her palm as her fingers hovered over the dip of his jaw, the scent of his aftershave making her heart pound a little faster.

"Yes, of course," she murmured, almost inaudibly, her eyes locked into his aquatic ones. "Although, it'd like for you to have it elsewhere."

On cue, John pulled his hand back and fixed his tie before calling out for their server, asking for the bill. The two bickered for a moment, Y/N insisting they split the bill, but he was having none of it, ending the argument by saying she could pay for their next date.

Yes, the next one. There was going to be another one after this evening. It made Y/N smile more than it should've.

He drove the two back to his place, the car ride going painfully slow. Neither of them spoke during the journey. Instead, John kept his hand on her thigh, the hand sliding closer to her heated core throughout the ride.

As soon as the door to John's apartment closed shut, his lips were pressed hard against hers as he led the two towards the dining table. She felt the table dig into her hips from behind as he hovered over her. He wasted no time in grabbing her by the waist and lifting her up on the surface, moving his lips down to her jaw and neck as he hummed against her skin.

She ran a hand through his hair, breathing in as his other hand ghosted over her hip, running down then back up before it made its way underneath her dress, tugging at her panties. “Are you fond of these?”

“Yes,” She breathed out, her eyelashes fluttering, “Don’t destroy my clothes.”

John smirked, then leaned over her, kissing her again as he focused on pulling the tie open as he pushed her back flat against the cool wood. There was no barrier but her dress between the two. He quickly unzipped the back of her dress before she shrugged it off her body and threw it to a corner. Grabbing one of her thighs, he pushed her legs up and apart. He dropped down to one knee between her legs, hooking his arms under her as he pulled her closer and dropped his head to kiss her thigh slowly, tongue darting out onto her skin.

She was already breathing hard, her mind a little fuzzy from the wine, skin burning with every touch. John was overwhelming, in an incomprehensible way, and she lifted her hips as he rid her of her underwear in a flash, fingers sliding across her slowly.

Moaning, she slid her hand through his hair, falling flat on the table as his tongue wandered over her skin, teasing and sliding until he pushed a finger into her slowly and buried his face between her legs.

“Darling,” He urged her, looking up briefly as the vibrations of his words made her moan again. “Feel free to be loud.”

Her eyes rolled back into her head as he began to move his finger, adding a second one as his tongue moved against her clit, pressing against her as his hands expertly moved against her skin, pulling her closer and then pressing a hand against her stomach as the pressure began to build. She rolled her hips forward on the table, breathing harder and harder as she tried to hold back, but the noises kept getting louder as she pressed against him and softly whispered his name.

He was relentless as he moved faster, jerking her hips almost fully off the table as he groaned against her, sucking on her clit harshly and moving his fingers faster, curling them up and angling his wrist. Her other hand jerked down, grabbing onto his hand as she gasped and arched off the surface, the other hand tugging on his hair as she jerked against him, feeling the waves of warmth and overwhelming shock as her orgasm hit her hard enough that he turned his head and bit down on her thigh, prolonging the aftershocks.

When he pulled back, he moved his hand, sliding it out of her and then bringing it up to her mouth, pushing her lips open. Obliging, she took his digits in, moaning as she tasted herself, her eyes fixated on his intense gaze. Pulling them out, he closed his eyes, licking his fingers clean and looked up at her with a smile.

“Would you like to stay for the evening?”

As if there was any doubt.

[mercysought]

@theharellan​ .  "Something worse is coming. Something much worse than anything before." (priestess, or if u wanted to try out elgarnan or mythal!) .  ursula le guin & the prince of egypt . accepting

The sun is eternal outside of the thin glass walls that separate the gleaming halls of Elgar’nan. Dull in colour, distant. Blood orange and always setting. In itself a statement of victory wherever his feet and steps took him. The stones beneath his feet gleaming, even now as the undying golden hour washes over them. Over him with dark and long hair of auburn hair; bright eyes of gold and molten honey, as Mythal would often describe them. Soft and sweet to the touc, and yet strong enough to hold the whole world into place. The softness is not present in the straightened shoulders. It washes over his form that holds itself without armour, relaxed as the wine is poured into a simple, unassuming goblet.

It washes over Mythal’s dark skin, seated to his left, one bare hand holding the untouched cup. The carefully and masterfully crafted foot rests against the wide arm of the chair. The dark liquid stuck in half darkness, half light. Much like her eyes, half lided but awake. Narrow and focused, distant in the same unreadable way that she had come to be known. A judge seated upon her bench, the soft silk blind not in sight.

It would be so, unradable, if any one other than Elgar’nan stood there. Anyone other than the figure that holds the weight of her gaze. The figure seated opposite to them.

To call him a person would be a gift, a blessing that left Elgar’nan’s lips. Even in this golden hour, the sun seems to not touch him. He is a shadow. He is a dying man and as he holds onto to life the more the shadows seem to gnaw at his being. He is a ghost. A ghost that haunts them the more his refusal to accept reality as it is, a ghost that seeks strife in any place that his eyes touch.

Elgar’nan’s eyes move to Mythal’s, who remains seated with her back resting against her chair. Seated in her chair in a comfortable, familiar manner. Thin fingers covering her mouth. She does not look up to her husband. The wine jug is placed down upon the white fabric that covers the table between them.

The air tastes of a deep forest and while there is no food atop the table, the scent of a half-hearted and desperate hearty meal hangs over them like a heavy blanket. A brief touch upon all of their tongues, the glimpse of laughter. Elgar’nan seems Mythal’s eyes close, one second, two; her fingers remaining unmoving.

The All Father rounds the table slowly; Mythal sighs but briefly, a light and barely existent thing and yet with her magnitude even that gentle could rock the foundations of this place that they found themselves in. A note of grief enough to wash away all shores. The stare is the same as it had been before and yet its weight hangs above them. Once Elgar’nan turns his back to the visitor, the scent is gone, as is the weight. Mythal’s eyes are once again open.

There is a snarl upon his lips, one hidden only by the goblet. Open to either of them if they so chose to see it when he sits beside his wife.

This is a threat. He would bring shadow and cover it all they refused to abide by his whims, his wild ideas and ramblings. Even as his eyes finally landed on the figure, Elgar’nan knows that it is only a matter of time before this man, who his wife still called by his name, this man that had been close to family, to raise a hand against them.

He grieved the death and life that stood before him in the shape of that shadow: his wife with denial, depression, bargening. And his with anger.

And acceptance. Pure, hardened, unwavering acceptance.

   “Such is the way of things.” he speaks plainly. There is no taste of wine upon his tongue, no scent of the grapes. Not even the warmth of the sun touches the sharp edges of his figures. Nothing warms the embers within his eyes and so they remain sharp; calculating, distant just as the dark red circle in the sky above a still ocean. 

His wife remains silent, unwavering in her gaze. Mythal who still called him by his many names, the hope on her tongue warm as her embrace. To call him by any of those names, to Elgar’nan, was akin to disrupting the memory of an old friend, a family member. A recent departure. Mythal who held her judgement in wait, and him that watched someone that neither of them recognised parade in the shape of a man that she had admired so much.

Worse than the veiled threat, this felt like a sickly joke. To wear the skin of a friend to present weak threats with a pretence of civility when there was nothing behind their eyes.

     “Fear not,” 

His voice is falls, taken by the silence. Outside the wind brushes softly against the walls, against the glass but there is no sound that penetrates into the chamber. It reflects the All-Father’s tone: soft, and uninterested. With enough time I would wear you down into nothing, reshape it to my own desire. Or tear you completely. There is no stone that is left unturned, no place that is left untouched by Them. You are only allowed to stand because of my will.

The cup is placed down on the table. Elgar’nan’s voice echos in the large chamber as his smile grows to a sharpened edge. Reassurance thick within his strong, firm voice “Nothing can threaten us.”

[duchessfics]

A Lasting Mark Part 2

Billie x Fem!Reader x Audrey

Warning(s): NSFW, Dom/sub dynamics, semi-public sex, praise kink, sex toy usage, orgasm denial, cunninlingus, choking 

Summary: You finally go out on your first date with Audrey and Billie however the dinner goes in a suggestive direction leading to you going home with them. Even though you aren’t the most experienced, you quickly learn that their bedroom activities are much better than you imagined.

Word count: 8465

A/n: So...this ended up being over 12,000 words so there will be a part 3. But it’s already typed up and will be posted tomorrow! I really worked hard on this and hope you enjoy. This had a lot more warnings than I originally intended, but with Billie and Audrey I’m not surprised. ;) Enjoy!

Also @shineestark and @lana-b-bana I know you’re not on my tag list, but I figured you would want to know when I post this. I hope you like how this turned out as much as I do. :)

You can hardly contain your smile as the host leads you to the table Billie and Audrey reserved for your date. It has been around a month since you have seen either woman in person and you are looking forward to reuniting with them. Over the couple days you worked with them on set you had gotten to know them better and found yourself falling hard for them both. But you decided to wait to go out on an official date until shooting was done. However, that didn’t stop you from texting and having a couple late night facetime sessions with them both. As you walk, you smooth down your dress and notice they lead you to a more secluded area. Then you take a couple breaths to calm your nerves. Unfortunately, that effort fails as you see Billie and Audrey sitting at a circle table beside each other.

Audrey looks adorable with her short hair and wears a lacy, off-white dress that compliments her skin beautifully. And she looks to Billie who wears a blush pink dress and pearl necklace. And you have no doubt that they are genuine pearls. Her hair is curled and loose as per usual making you want to run your fingers through it to see if it’s really as smooth as it looks. They both look up as the host steps forward and you can’t help the blush on your face as they both smile up at you.

 After murmuring a soft thank you to the host, you take a seat and Billie murmurs, “You look beautiful tonight, sweetheart.” Did Billie Dean Howard really say that—to you? That is not something you thought you would ever hear even in your wildest dreams. You smile and blush even more as she looks you over appreciatively and reply, “Thank you. You both look stunning as well.” Audrey giggles and bites her lip, but something about her seems…off. Maybe they had a disagreement? They both have very strong personalities. Or she was filming for hours on end and definitely could be exhausted from that.

As you pick up the hefty, leather-bound menu and Audrey says, “We’re so happy to see you, darling.” You look to her sweet face and reply with a smile, “I’m really happy to see both of you too.” Then you pause, looking between them and wonder if this is too forward, but you decide to say it anyways, “I’ve missed being around you both.” Audrey blushes with the biggest grin while Billie smirks and looks as if she knew that already and it feels so good to be with them in person once more. Then you open the menu and before you can stop yourself your eyes widen at the prices adjacent to the food options. “Order whatever you would like, darling. We’re buying.” Billie says. Immediately you look to her and stutter, “T-that’s ok. You don’t have to do that—” But Billie raises her hand, making you stop and her glossy lips form into a smile as she purrs, “It’s my pleasure.” Your mouth suddenly feels dry as her darkened eyes keep contact with yours, so you simply nod.

You go quiet, looking over the list of delicacies and don’t know what half of these things are. The level of luxury in your life is very minimal. So, you decide to choose something that is basic, but at least you have an idea of what the item is. The waiter comes over and they look to you to order so you do so with a blush as you think about the price. Then the waiter looks to Billie and she orders something that you have never even heard of. But her practiced ease makes your stomach warm in arousal. Cool your jets, you inwardly tell yourself. It’s just a dinner order. Finally, the waiter turns to Audrey, but what happens next throws you for a loop.

As she begins to order, her throat closes up and she drops the menu, making your eyes widen. Her jaw clenches as her cheeks turn a dark red, but when she goes to speak, a moan escapes her lips. What the hell? Should you…do something? You aren’t sure so you keep quiet trying not to embarrass her further. Luckily Billie seems to notice and takes Audrey’s hand while saying, “Audrey seems to be tongue-tied at the moment. So, she’ll be fine with the same meal as me.” The waiter looks as shocked as you, but doesn’t say anything, leaving with an awkward smile.

By the time you return your gaze to Audrey, she seems less tense, but still blushes. “Are you ok, Audrey?” You ask, searching her face to get an idea of what’s wrong. She clears her throat and replies, “Y-yes. Sorry about that. I don’t know what came over me.” Even though she says she’s alright, you eye her down, very skeptical, but she gives you a small smile. As she does, out of the corner of your eye you see Billie smirking and know she must be up to something. But before you can ask anything more about it, Billie asks, “So have you previously dated anyone?” Ha! That’s a good one. You look down, a little embarrassed by your dating history or lack thereof.

“My older brothers were very protective of me, so they usually scared off anyone that was interested.” You begin and make yourself look up at them before you continue, “I dated a guy my senior year in high school. But it only lasted a little less than three months and fizzled out after we both graduated, and I moved away.” They both study you and Audrey says, “So…you’ve never dated a woman before?” Oh crap. Your eyes widen and you begin to inwardly panic as you explain, “Well, um, no. But I-I was, am, I am attracted to women. I just…no one asked me out.” Then you swallow and take a deep breath before explaining, “I-I like men and women…Hopefully that makes sense.” Then your eyes falter as your face burns. Did that really just happen? Unfortunately, it seems so.

Billie reaches over and takes your hand in her smooth, warm one, making you look back up. They both give you reassuring smiles and Billie runs her thumb over the top of your much rougher hand as she soothes, “That makes perfect sense, sweetheart.” You smile, glad that they understand and wonder why you thought they would judge you in the first place.

Billie’s smile turns into a smirk as she casually asks, “And how far did you go with your boyfriend?” At this point, you feel your chest heating up as you look between them and reply, “I…well…we just kissed.” Instead of looking to Billie’s dominant gaze, you look to Audrey and she chirps with a pleasant smile, “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, darling. I am quite certain that he loved every kiss you gave him.” You let out a little giggle and Billie releases your hand as the waiter comes over to deliver the food.

Once the dishes are served, before they can probe anymore about your romantic life, you ask, “So how did you two meet?” Immediately, Audrey’s eyes light up and she looks to Billie as she replies, “Well, we first met at an award show and even though I find most Americans to be abhorrent, I felt a connection with Bill right away.” You can’t help but smile as Audrey speaks and you find her nickname for Billie adorable. “So, we exchanged numbers and began to text back and forth. Eventually when the both of us had a break from jobs, we went out on an actual date.” Audrey finishes, letting out a sigh of happiness as she practically swoons under Billie’s gaze. While Billie is much more covert, you see that attraction reciprocated in the way she cares for Audrey. She looks to Audrey and murmurs, “The moment I saw Audrey walk into that restaurant, I knew I was head-over-heels in love with her.” At that, Audrey giggles and lets Billie give her a gentle kiss.

Between bites, Audrey explains, “We went out on a couple more dates before I let Billie take me home.” Billie chuckles, raising her eyebrow as she looks down at Audrey, and comments, “You let me take you home? I distinctly remember you begging me to take you to my home. But perhaps I’m mistaken.” You giggle at the comment while Audrey huffs, but smiles. Then Audrey looks to you and lets out a dramatic sigh before saying, “Anyways, then we really began to explore our relationship. Billie is amazing. I mean, she makes me feel like a teenager again even though the days of my youth are long over.” At that comment, Billie shushes Audrey and kisses her cheek before she says more to Audrey than you, “You are nowhere near being old, my darling. You’re like a fine wine, getting better with each day.” You practically swoon at how Billie compliments Audrey and can see Audrey genuinely smiles before giving Billie a kiss on her cheek.

Audrey brings her hand up to fan her face and she says, “They really ought to keep this place cleaner. Blasted dust getting into my eyes” But you and Billie chuckle, knowing dust has nothing to do with it. By now you are to the last bites of your meal and Billie speaks up, “After taking Audrey home, I learned she can be such a darling submissive.” Then she looks to you with an eyebrow raised and asks, “You know what a submissive is, sweetheart?” Your cheeks burn for the umpteenth time and you nod, your voice failing you as your own arousal resurfaces.

Billie chuckles at your response and takes Audrey’s hand as she looks her over. “For example, last night, I told her that she could only cum from my words.” Then she glances to you before murmuring, “No touching.” You face burns and you did not expect this insight into their sex life, but you are most definitely not opposed to hearing about it. Billie’s dilated eyes look you over hungrily and a whimper nearly escapes your mouth. “You know what sent her over the edge?”

Fuck. Me. Well these panties are definitely ruined. You clear your throat and squeeze your thighs together to get some reprieve before squeaking, “No.” Billie grins and looks to Audrey who is suddenly very quiet but has a small smile playing on her lips. “I told her to imagine someone touching and kissing her in all of her special places. And just before she came, she cried out your name.” Your whole body heats up and you glance at Audrey who looks as red as you feel at the moment. But her eyes are almost completely black, and she licks her lips, clearly aroused.

Then Billie leans towards you and murmurs, “Darling, the thought of you touching her made her have the most intense orgasm she’s had in weeks.” A smile creeps up on your face at the thought of causing that. You haven’t felt this kind of influence and it does a number on your butterfly-filled stomach. Meanwhile, you still can’t manage to speak words, thinking about what Billie just described and wishing you were there. Billie releases Audrey’s hand and leans back, clearly amused at you and Audrey’s very apparent arousal. Then she tuts her tongue before saying, “But Audrey sometimes has problems with her attitude and that has to be addressed.” Then she looks to Audrey and says, “No one likes a bratty girl.” Audrey doesn’t speak and averts her eyes, only making small glances at Billie.

Before Audrey can respond, Billie returns her gaze to you and explains, “Today was one of those days. So now she’s paying the price.” You furrow your brows completely confused. She’s on a date with you…Is that a punishment? Surely not since she had an orgasm at the thought of you. So, you tell Billie, “I-I don’t understand.” She grins and pulls her chair over, so she sits beside you, making Audrey let out a whimper of protest. Then she pulls out her phone and opens an app as she murmurs, “Currently, sweet Audrey has a vibrator in her that I control.” Suddenly, things begin to make more sense and you are in disbelief that this is actually happening. But God you would love to have Billie dominate you too.

Your face flushes and all you can manage to say is, “Oh.” Billie chuckles and you suppress the shiver of arousal that almost makes its presence known. It doesn’t help that her sweet scent now completely fills your nose as she gets even closer to you. Then she says in a softer tone, “I’ll show you how it works.” You watch her press a button and look up as Audrey drops her fork on her plate and takes a deep shuddering breath, closing her eyes as she trembles in pleasure. As this all occurs, the room temperature feels like it has risen significantly.

Billie chuckles and says, “I can turn up the intensity too.” And she slides her finger over her screen to increase the number present. “Billie.” Audrey says in a strained moan and grips the table, clamping her mouth shut. Billie’s dark eyes look to you and she asks, “Should I stop?” Your eyes widen at being the one to determine this. After looking to Audrey’s desperate gaze, you nod and reply, “Yes.” But you can’t deny that there is a part of you that would not have minded teasing Audrey further.

Audrey lets out a sigh of relief as Billie turns the vibrator off. Then she looks to you and breathes, “Thank you.” You look to Billie, unsure if you should reply. Wait—what? How does she determine what you say? She gives you a small nod and you look to Audrey before replying, “You’re welcome.” giving her a small smile, still imagining her crying out your name in the thrashes of her orgasm. Audrey picks up her fork and goes to take her last bite as Billie says, “Audrey and I have been doing this for a couple hours and she does deserve a reward for taking her punishment so well.” At that, Audrey perks up and looks to Billie with a smile on her face. Billie ignores her, looking to you and murmurs, “Now you don’t have to do this at all, but I know Audrey and I would love it if you came over and helped me reward her. Would you be interested?” You look between them and know your answer before Billie finishes her question. “Yes.” You say almost as soon as she finishes speaking.

She eyes you down and asks, “You’re sure? It’s ok if you say no. We won’t be upset.” But there is no doubt in your mind. Looking to them both, you have no idea what the night holds, but you are as sure as hell that you are not leaving this place without them. You give her an affirming nod and try to make yourself sound more confident as you answer, “I want to.” After hearing that, Billie grins and gets the waiter’s attention for the check.

You walk with them out of the restaurant to a luxury car and Billie walks ahead before opening the back door for you. You blush at the gesture and say, “Thanks.” She gives you a smile and makes sure you’re completely in before closing the door. Then she goes around to the other side and opens the other back door for Audrey. Once you’re both in, Billie gets in the driver’s side and turns on the car. But before she goes to leave, Billie turns back and looks to Audrey.

“Since you behaved so well in the restaurant, I’ll let you cum.” At that, Audrey lets out a sigh of relief and says, “Thank you.” But Billie’s smile turns mischievous and she says, “But the vibrator stays on until we get home.” Both of your eyes widen, and you can’t imagine having that on the whole ride home, especially with LA traffic. Audrey goes to say something, but Billie raises her eyebrows and firmly says, “Unless you would rather not cum at all while the vibrator is on?” Audrey fervently shakes her head, tousling her short locks as she cries out, “No! Please No!” Billie goes back to her confident smirk and purrs, “Good girl.” Then she looks to you and you find yourself both terrified and aroused at what she will say to you.

“I have a task for you too, babygirl.” Billie murmurs. Your insides warm as she uses the pet name. Then she bites her lip and chuckles before saying to herself, “Babygirl, hmm, I really like that.” But she goes back to focusing on you and says, “I want you to help Audrey out as she cums. Can you do that for me, babygirl?” Each time she says that pet name, you feel your body buzz in arousal and nod before softly saying, “Yes.” Billie smiles and gives you a wink before she pulls out her phone.

You know when the vibrator is on from Audrey letting out a groan as her head falls back against the plush leather headrest. Meanwhile, Billie chuckles and begins to pull out of the parking lot. You scoot towards the middle spot, looking to Audrey for some guidance. She sits up enough to face you and moans, “Kiss me.” So, you bend down towards her face and she meets you halfway, desperately capturing your lips. You close your eyes and moan at her boldness, getting a taste of her lip gloss as she wraps her arms around you to pull you closer. Meanwhile, your hands come up to cup her face and you part your lips to let her tongue enter. As she does, you let out a sigh, leaning further into her as pleasure takes over.

But after a couple moments, Audrey abruptly breaks from your lips and moans, “Fuck.” However, Billie’s voice warns, “Audrey you know we don’t use such dirty language outside of the bedroom.” You decide a distraction might help so you cup her face and whisper, “It’s ok.” Then you guide her to kiss you once more, partially to help her and partially to feel her lips on yours again.

Audrey’s body trembles and her arms tense up before she parts from your lips again, whimpering, “I-I’m close!” But instead of trying to recapture her lips, you hold her close and murmur against her neck, “Let me see you cum, Audrey.” Then you begin to kiss and suck on her neck, going harder as she lets out mewls and whimpers. Audrey’s body stiffens and she says, “Oh God!” then she shudders and lets her head fall forward onto your shoulder. You feel yourself warm up as she clings to you through her orgasm. Once she seems finished, you back up a little and Audrey lifts her head to look at you. Her sweet face is adorable as she smiles up at you and bites her lower lip. You smile at her blissed-out face and wipe some of her hair off of her sweaty forehead.

“Such a good girl, Audrey.” Billie murmurs making you both look to her. Even though she isn’t addressing you, your stomach flutters at the words “good girl.” While she makes sure to keep facing the road, LA traffic gives her plenty of time to look at you both in the rearview mirror. Then Billie’s eyes look to you and she says, “How about you climb up on Audrey’s lap and explore her body further?” Your face flushes, but you nod and stutter, “O-ok.” Then you hitch up your dress with trembling hands enough to straddle Audrey’s lap. Already her face looks strained and her lust-blown eyes look up to you. Audrey’s arms slide up your back and she pulls you flush against her body.

A squeak escapes your lips, but any other sound is swallowed up by Audrey’s lips on yours. Then instead of going to cup her face like earlier, your shaky hands land on her front and slowly slide down until you meet her breasts. Audrey whines against your lips as you gently squeeze and she thrusts her chest out further, as if encouraging you to take more. While you are the one pleasing her, you find your own pleasure increasing at her encouragement and moans. So, you give her luscious mounds a firmer squeeze and massage them while you roll your hips over hers, losing yourself in the moment. Before long, Audrey breaks from your lips, letting out a cry and you can tell she is about to cum again. So, you lean down to kiss and suck the delicate skin of her neck.

Her hands stroke up and down your back and she holds you even closer as she moans, “That feels so good, darling. Just keep going, just like that, love.” In response, you moan against her neck, continuing your movements and before long Audrey is shuddering through another orgasm more intense than the first one. Billie keeps quiet this time, but you can feel her gaze on you both. As Audrey keeps going, you both keep each other close and you murmur encouraging words while she falls apart in pleasure.

You don’t know how many times Audrey has cummed or even how much time has passed, but she can hardly speak as Billie finally turns off the vibrator. Once she turns off the car, you finally look around and realize you are in a garage. So, you climb off of Audrey’s lap, smoothing down your dress as you give your swollen lips a break. Billie gently opens the back door and leans down to meet Audrey’s glazed over eyes as her hands come up to cup her face. “You ok, sweetheart?” Billie murmurs as her warm brown eyes scan over Audrey.

Audrey gives a lazy smile and speaks in a sleepy, exaggerated voice, “Yes. Y/n was brilliant.” You blush at the compliment and Billie eyes you over with a satisfied smirk. Then she gives you a wink and you feel yourself aroused even more by that movement. Billie returns her gaze to Audrey and murmurs, “Let’s get you inside.” Then she helps Audrey stand and holds her up as they walk towards the door. However, Billie stops them and looks back to you, making sure you’re coming. You climb out of Audrey’s side, shut the door, and dash up to the other side of Audrey so she can get some support from both you and Billie as you walk inside.

You gasp as you step into their luxurious home and look in every direction making them both chuckle as you take everything in. But you don’t slow down, helping Audrey into a kitchen that looks like it’s made for a professional chef. Once there, Billie helps Audrey into a chair and pecks her forehead before murmuring, “I’ll get you some water.” Your eyes follow Billie’s figure as she saunters over to their massive cabinets. That dress hugs her curves just right and you find yourself mesmerized. How is it possible that someone—well actually two people can look so perfect? However, your eyes flick back up to her face as she twists back to look at you and asks, “Would you like a glass of water, babygirl?” You give her a smile and reply, “Yes, please.” Her eyebrow raises and she gives you a smile as she praises, “Good manners.” You smile and blush, looking down in bashfulness.

But as you hear her heels tap against the floor, you venture to look up and get a gorgeous view of her rear as she bends to pick up some ice that dropped on the floor. The way her ass strains against the fabric makes your mouth water.  And as you watch, you lick your lips, feeling your cheeks flush with arousal. However, you get startled by Audrey asking, “Enjoying the view, darling?” Immediately you look over to see Audrey smirking with a knowing look. You find your cheeks burning as you stammer out, “I…well—” but you shut up as Billie comes over to you.

“It’s alright, babygirl,” Billie murmurs as she smirks, and her eyes rake over you. Then her eyes return to yours and she continues, “Audrey gets distracted by my ass all the time.” Then she hands you a cup of water and you smile in a gesture of gratitude, words failing you at the moment. You take a long drink of water, hoping it will cool you off while Billie walks over to give Audrey her water before lighting a cigarette.

Within minutes, Audrey has drunk all of her water and Billie happily refills it for her, holding the cigarette in her mouth as she holds the cup under the water dispenser. The room fills with the smell of smoke and perfume making it sweet and smoky in the best way. As Audrey drinks more, she begins to perk up again. Meanwhile you continue to sip on your water, watching Billie keep a hand on Audrey’s shoulder as if anchoring her. Audrey happily leans into her and Billie continues to smoke her cigarette, looking you over once and awhile.

After letting out a puff of smoke, Billie strokes Audrey’s back as she says, “Audrey, since you did so good, I thought I could teach you to top Y/n.” Your eyes widen and Billie smirks as she takes another drag before purring, “You seem like such a sweet submissive girl, darling. And judging from earlier events, it seems you find being told what to do to be arousing.” Your face flushes and you can’t deny it. In fact, it feels like you can’t speak with your mouth being so dry. Her eyebrow raises and she asks, “Am I wrong?” But she already knows the answer. You shake your head and answer, “No.” Audrey looks up to you with wide, brown eyes and asks, “You’re ok with this?” You bite your lip, a little nervous, but know that this is what you want.

Billie lets out a puff of smoke as she says, “We’ll take good care of you, babygirl. I promise.” Then she smiles and you find yourself smiling back as you look to them both. “Yes, I’m ok with it.” You softly say. Then you swallow and try to sound more confident as you say, “I-I want to do this.” Audrey grins, her eyes sparkling and Billie smirks, putting out her cigarette as you finish your water. Once that’s done, Audrey takes your left hand and Billie takes your right hand before they lead you upstairs.

Another gasp falls out of your lips as you see their enormous bedroom and their hands let go of yours, letting you explore further. As you look over their distinctly feminine wardrobes and nightstands, you find yourself heading towards their California king bed. You run your hand over the silky bedspread, looking to the cushioned headboard and murmur, “This looks beautiful.” Then you look back to see both Audrey and Billie studying you. Your cheeks warm and you let your hand fall to your side before saying, “Right, sorry.” Then you bow your head ready for their instructions.

Billie comes forward and says, “Don’t be sorry. We’re going to take things nice and slow. This should be enjoyable for you.” You nod in understanding, still new to all of this. The corner of Billie’s lips curves into a smirk and she purrs, “Now how about you come over here and sit between us, babygirl.” Oh my. This is really happening. You blush and nod coming closer as they both perch themselves on the end of the bed. Then you hesitantly sit between them, trying to watch both of their faces. Once seated, you can’t help the smile on your face, and they give reassuring smiles back. Then Billie cups your face with one of her hands and guides you to look to her.

Each time you are close to Billie, you feel like you get swallowed up by her warm, brown eyes. They are a touch lighter than Audrey’s and remind you of milk chocolate. And her touch is always soft and gentle. You find yourself leaning towards her hand as her thumb lightly strokes over your cheekbone making her smirk. “Since Audrey got to kiss you all the way home, I think I should get some sugar too, hmm?” Billie purrs. You giggle at her comment and nod. So, her other hand comes up to the side of your face and she leans towards you, her lips melting against yours.

You bring your hands to cup Billie’s face and mimic her movements, making her moan into your mouth. And although Billie is much slower in kissing you than Audrey was, Billie’s lips and tongue have a dominance that make you unravel. You taste the vanilla sweetness of her gloss this time with the slightest hint of smoke, but that doesn’t bother you. It turns you on. Goosebumps pop up over your back and arms as you feel your hair get brushed over your shoulder and lips press against the nape of your neck. The feeling makes you shiver in arousal and you moan into Billie’s lips as Audrey begins to kiss and suck at the skin, making Billie smirk against you. Audrey continues to suck and nibble at the skin causing you to whimper at the hint of pain, but you can’t deny the wetness rapidly forming between your legs.

Eventually, Billie releases your lips and leaves a line of wetness as she kisses down your neck. Once she gets to the sensitive bend of your neck, her teeth nip at your skin, making you gasp her name, eyes closing in pleasure. You always heard that it was a sensitive spot but feeling her mark you there was better than you could have imagined. Then your fingers find residence in Billie’s remarkably soft hair to keep her close. You smile to yourself, knowing now that you were right about her silky hair.

Both Audrey and Billie continue to kiss and mark you from both sides when you feel the zipper of your dress slowly being pulled down. You twist your neck as much as Billie will allow and look back at Audrey. Her mouth leaves you and she smiles up at you before she leans up to kiss your lips. Then she pulls the zipper down the rest of the way. You shiver at the feeling of your skin being exposed and suddenly feel a little self-conscious about the scar on your shoulder.

Audrey parts from your lips so her dark chocolate eyes can meet yours and she asks, “You ok, darling?” You inwardly try to shake off that concern and give a small smile before replying, “Yeah.” She smiles up at you and you feel your stomach flip. But you get distracted by Billie’s lips leaving your neck. So, you look towards her and feel her breath fan over your face as she murmurs, “Can you lift your arms for us, babygirl?” You bite your lip to keep from moaning as you feel the heat of her body radiate onto yours. Then you nod and do as she requested.

Two pairs of hands gently lift the dress up over your head and Audrey leaves to set it on their chest of drawers. You let out a quiet whimper from the cool air behind you and your first reaction is to cross your arms and curl into yourself. Billie gently takes your hands and asks, “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Your whole body burns as you look down from her questioning gaze and stutter, “I-It’s stupid, but,” you stop yourself and take a deep breath, forcing yourself to look to her before continuing, “My scars are big and ugly, and,” you take another deep breath before saying, “I-I just don’t want you to be disgusted when you see how big they are.” Billie gently shakes her head and moves her hands up to cup your face with a warm smile to greet you.

“Hey.” She says in a soft and soothing tone. Your eyes stop shifting down and you look directly to her. Her thumbs gently brush over the skin of your face and you feel warmth flow through you as she murmurs, “You have no reason to be embarrassed or disgusted by your scars.” Then she pecks your lips before asking, “You remember how amazed Audrey was when she saw your scars?” By now Audrey is back behind you and she rests her chin on your shoulder, soothingly rubbing your arm as she says, “I still am.” You smile, remembering the first time you met Audrey on set and nod. Billie grins and says, “You are not ugly. Far from it, babygirl.” Then her hands leave you and she says, “Ok?” You look between them and Audrey gives your arm a reassuring squeeze. “Ok.” You softly reply, sitting up like you were.

Audrey runs her lips over your bumpy shoulder while purring, “So beautiful.” Then her fingers unhook your bra and Billie helps you shrug it off before you slip off your panties. Oh God. This is really happening. Billie hums appreciatively while Audrey can’t keep her lips off of you and you are sure there are marks all over you. Then your whole-body flushes as they both kiss and compliment how beautiful you look. And as they both give attention to your almost completely scarred upper leg and side, you find yourself feeling comfortable again.

After a moment, they both come up so they face you and Billie looks past you to Audrey, stroking your arm as she asks, “What would you like her to do for you, Audrey?” You look back to Audrey and see her brown eyes studying you. And you feel nerves and excitement as you think of everything you could do. She keeps quiet, nibbling on her lower lip for a moment before she smiles and says, “I want her to eat me out.” Your cheeks flush at the request and Billie asks, “Can you do that for Audrey, babygirl?” drawing your attention. You look to her and reply, “I-I can try.” Billie smiles and murmurs, “Good girl. How about you get down on your knees for us.” So, you slip off the bed onto their plush carpet and shift so you’re on your knees.

Audrey makes quick work of removing her clothes while Billie grabs some pillows to help prop Audrey up. Then, just as quick, Audrey opens her legs and exposes herself to you. Your eyes widen as you look to her soaked, bare pussy. Wow she is like a goddess as she looks over you, body flushed with desire. But you pause, uncertain You’ve seen videos of women doing this, but it’s different now that you’re the one doing it and her pleasure relies on you doing well. You scoot a little closer, knowing what you promised; however you pause when Billie kneels beside you and asks, “Need a little help?” You blush as you reply, “Y-yes please.” Billie smiles and says, “I’ll guide you.” You inwardly let out a sigh of relief, glad she will be there. So, you turn back to face Audrey and Billie comes a little closer before murmuring in your ear, “The first thing to do is to get the vibrator out.” Then she takes the hand closest to her and moves it up to Audrey’s dripping core.

“Go ahead and rub her clit with your thumb. That’ll help her relax.” You rest the palm of your hand on her mound and bring down your thumb to dip into her folds, slowly moving it until you feel her little pearl. Audrey lets out a moan, making you smile up at her as you continue to move your thumb over her sensitive nub. Billie keeps close enough that her hair brushes your shoulder and neck and her hot breath on your ear makes you shiver as she murmurs, “Good girl. Now use your other hand to pull out the vibrator. But don’t pull too hard.” You nod in understanding and bring your other hand up. Fortunately, the end of the vibrator is visible, so you take it with the tips of your fingers and increase the movements of your thumb as you begin to gently pull.

Audrey’s neck and chest are as pink as her face as she moans and shifts her hips. You notice the vibrator is much wider than you thought and the sounds that result from you taking it out are obscene, but turn you on nonetheless. Meanwhile Billie continues to murmur soft words of encouragement as you continue to pull. Finally, the vibrator leaves Audrey’s hole and she lets out a sigh of relief, relaxing into the bed. Your eyes widen as you finally see how big the device is and Billie says, “I’ll take care of that.” So, you hand the dripping vibrator to her and wait for further instructions.

For now, Billie sets it to the side and comes to face you before murmuring “Now it’s time for you to give Audrey a special greeting.” You eagerly nod, making Billie chuckle and she says, “I want you to give her pussy lips a kiss. Then you can start to lick with your tongue.” You lick your lips in anticipation and say, “Ok.” Then you turn back, so your face is level with her weeping slit. Well here goes nothing. You bend close and press your lips against her bare ones, pausing for a moment before dipping your tongue in to taste her.

Immediately you close your eyes and moan into Audrey. She tastes sweeter than you thought. “You like how she tastes?” Billie asks. You pull back a little to see her smirking. “Yes.” You breathe, licking the remnants off your lips. However, you realize how slow you’re being and turn to look up at Audrey. “Sorry I’m taking so long.” You softly say. Billie pets your hair and soothes, “It’s ok. This is a time for you to investigate her body. Audrey can be a good girl and wait.” Then Billie looks towards Audrey with her eyebrows raised. “Right, dear?” she asks. Audrey’s legs tremble, but she gives a half smile while replying, “Of course.” Then you bend close and begin to lick her pussy once more.

As you go, you look up to Audrey, watching her reactions while you suck and lick at her clit. You venture to enter your tongue into her and Audrey moans, “Yes, that feels so good, darling.” Arousal flames in your stomach as she praises you and makes you work your tongue harder. She continues to moan praises, some incoherent while Billie keeps your hair back. The way her fingers brush through your hair down your back makes you tingle all over and the arousal between your own legs continues to build.

After a couple minutes, Billie leans in close to your ear and says in a low tone, “It’s ok to go harder. Audrey likes it rough.” At that you pause, unsure, and back away to face Billie. Audrey lets out a whine, but quickly goes silent as Billie shoots her a warning look. Then Billie’s face turns gentle before she looks back to you. You blush as you ask, “Could you…I mean, would you be willing to help me?” Then your eye contact falters as you look down and explain, “I just…I wouldn’t want to hurt her.” Billie’s fingers brush against your cheek, making you glance up to see her smiling. “I can help you, babygirl.” Then her hand leaves you and she says, “Go back to licking her.” And you eagerly do.

After a couple moments of getting your rhythm down again, Billie leans close, her hair tickling your skin as she softly says, “Now I want to you run your teeth over her clit.” Teeth? Isn’t that…harsh? You glance at Billie out of the corner of your eye, skeptical. But you listen, letting your teeth lightly graze over the swollen bundle of nerves. Immediately Audrey cries out, “Yes! Harder!” Ok. That’s unexpected, but Billie is right about Audrey liking it rough. Your cheeks warm at the praise and you listen, adding more pressure.

Audrey’s fingers come down to entangle in your hair as she pulls your face even closer. “Fuck! Just like that, darling!” Audrey moans. You smile as you keep going and Billie huskily whispers in your ear, “Now I want you to enter two of your fingers into her.” At this point, you can’t say anything, so you nod and lift your dominant hand. Then you wet your pointer and middle fingers in her juices before slowly easing them in.

You moan as you feel her warmth greedily take your fingers in, her hips bucking up for you to move faster. She groans and clenches down on your fingers and it feels indescribable. You are connected to Audrey in one of the most intimate ways possible and it is amazing. Meanwhile you continue to abuse her swollen clit with your mouth. One of Billie’s hands takes your wrist and she murmurs, “I’ll get you going.” Then she pulls your hand back until your fingers are nearly out of Audrey before slamming them in even deeper. Audrey moans and curses as Billie continues that motion, speeding up your hand until it moves at a brutally fast pace.

Billie murmurs in your ear, “I want you to keep going just like this.” Then she releases your wrist and you follow her instructions as Audrey begins to cry out and pull you closer. All of this feels surreal and you wonder if this is a dream. But Audrey’s nails digging into your scalp keep you awake in the best way. Billie pecks your cheek before leaving your side and standing up. You watch her walk around the bed until she stands over Audrey with her arms crossed. “Doing alright, sweetheart?” Billie murmurs with a smirk, making Audrey take her cries down a notch. Her cheeks are dark red as she answers, “Y-yes.” Billie leans closer and her one hand wraps around Audrey’s throat as she purrs, “Are you glad to be topping someone?” You moan into Audrey’s cunt as you watch her squeeze the hand around Audrey’s throat while leaning down to kiss her.

Audrey and Billie kiss each other while you look to them, keeping your pace. Then Billie says, “Why don’t you take a look at that sweet girl who is making you feel so good?” Her hand remains on Audrey’s throat as Audrey sits up and her darkened eyes look to you. You whimper under both of their gazes and Billie soothingly strokes Audrey’s cheeks and hair as she helps her lay back down. Billie backs up and murmurs, “But you’re still my girl, right?” Audrey arches her back and goes to say yes, but you slam your fingers in extra hard, making her cry out, “Oh! Fuck! Y-yes, Billie.” Even though Audrey doesn’t seem to have any thoughts besides pulling you close against her, there is no doubt Billie saw the mischievous glint in your eyes. You are sweet, but you’ve also got some spice too and Billie gives you a knowing smirk.

Then Billie releases her hold on Audrey’s neck, and you can’t help but wonder what that would feel like on you. Would it be frightening? Maybe a little, but you know she would never hurt you. She saunters out of your line of vision, swaying her hips dramatically as she is sure you are watching. Which you are. Even though your arm is tiring out, you keep up the pace, encouraged by Audrey’s moans and whimpers. Not long after, you feel Billie kneel beside you, but gasp as you feel her bare body rub against yours. And if you weren’t ready to be fucked before, you are definitely ready now. Then her lips start to kiss the top of your shoulder and she says between pecks, “You’re doing so good, babygirl…Listening to my instructions so well…I knew you would make such a sweet submissive.” But her compliments get cut off by Audrey whimpering, “I’m close!” Billie’s lips leave your shoulder, but she keeps close to you, her fingers stroking your hair and back once more.

“Do you want to cum, sweetheart?” Billie asks. Audrey sits up, her eyes nearly pitch black as she moans, “Yes. Billie—shit—Billie please let me cum. Please, please, please,” but her words die in her throat as Billie says, “Shh.” Meanwhile you are quickly beginning to lose momentum. Mind over matter, mind over matter. Hand do not fail me now.

Billie leans close to your ear and soothes, “We’re almost done, angel. I want you to curl your fingers up and towards yourself. Like this.” Then she shows you with her fingers and you mimic the motion. Immediately Audrey’s channel clenches up and you watch her head fall back as she moans, “Billie!” But your hand unintentionally begins to slow. Billie notices and says, “Ah, keep up your pace. You can do it.” If Billie says you can, you can. Simple as that. So, you speed up your movements to Billie’s set pace as Audrey continues to beg to cum.

But Billie shakes her head and says, “Not yet.” Audrey lets out something between a cry and growl, but listens. Then Billie leans close to you and whispers, “When I give her permission, I want you to keep going until I say stop.” She doesn’t even have to ask if you will because you both know you will do anything Billie tells you to do.

As Audrey’s legs violently tremble, Billie purrs, “Cum for me, my darling.” Audrey does so, letting out a loud cry and you watch her face contort from the strain of holding back to the overwhelming pleasure of release. You try to capture every sweet drop that pours out, but some gets smeared onto your lips and cheeks as she continues. Her nails dig into your scalp as she holds you close and you stay true to your wordless promise, continuing to lick and fuck Audrey with your fingers until Billie says to stop.

By that point, Audrey has let you go and the first thing you do is withdraw your overworked hand and let it fall to get some blood flowing to it. But as your swollen sensitive lips leave Audrey, Billie gently tugs your hair to pull you up to her. You practically fall into her warm, smooth chest as her arms hold you close, and she latches onto your lips. You hang on for the ride and let Billie’s tongue taste Audrey’s juices that linger on your lips and cheeks. Before long, Billie pulls back just enough for you to catch your breath and she moans, “You taste so good.” Then she chuckles as you give her a lazy smile. And you would say anything to get her to laugh like that again.

Her nose slides over yours as she murmurs, “I’ll give your lips a little break.” Then she bends to kiss and suck at your already sensitive neck. You let out a weak whimper at feeling her teeth, but expose your neck further, making Billie moan against your neck. Although there are some sensitive spots, it’s a hurts so good feeling. Goosebumps come up all over your skin as you feel her hands slide down to cup your breasts. Your hands move up her smooth back and you keep her close to you. Then her nimble fingers go on to pinch your nipples and you moan her name, arching towards her.

Billie chuckles against your neck before sucking another spot and rolling your sensitive buds between her fingers until they feel like little pebbles. Her laughter makes you feel weak in the knees and you are glad you have a sturdy grip on her. As her fingers wander further down and dance across your navel, you let out a whine and spread your knees as a way of directing. But you’re still unable to put exactly what you want in words. You want too many things to think straight. Billie chuckles and comes up and uses one arm to pull you against her, kissing your lips as her fingers venture lower. Your whole-body trembles as she ghosts her finger over your slit. “Oh, B-biliie.” You gasp, parting from her lips as your hips move with her finger. Her lips brush against yours as she murmurs, “You, my dear, are soaking wet.” As she finishes her sentence, her fingers dip further in, making you moan and your forehead rests against hers.

There is an audible sound as her fingers spread around your wetness and Billie says over your whimpers, “Shit, you’re dripping, my darling.” But then her fingers leave you and you perk up, letting out a whine of protest. Billie shushes you, kissing the corner of your mouth before she backs up enough to suck her fingers clean. After she looks to your distressed face and murmurs, “I know you need to be touched, babygirl, but do you think you could eat me out?” Oh. Oh no. You look down and nibble on your lip, torn by your selfish desire and wanting to please Billie.

Billie cups your face and soothes, “I won’t make you this time. But I can assure you that Audrey and I will make sure to take good care of you after this.” As you look into her warm eyes, you know you would be lying if you said you didn’t want to taste her pussy. And the idea of pleasing her is enough to send you over that ledge. So, you nod and say, “I’ll do it.” Her brown eyes look you over and she asks, “You’re sure?” You give her a smile and nod. If getting a taste of Audrey was that good, tasting Billie would be an amazing experience as well. 

Billie pecks your nose and says, “I want you to lay back for me.” You gratefully get off of your knees and lay back against the luxurious, cushioned carpet. Billie smiles down at you and lifts her leg so she can straddle your face. As she looks down at you, your breath catches in your throat. “You ready, babygirl?” Am I? Yes, hell yes I am. You smile up at her and reply, “Yes.” So, she adjusts herself before slowly lowering her pussy onto your mouth.

Tagged: @marilynroselleprentiss, @saviorinsilk, @chokemepaulson, @versonstar

Let me know if you would like to be tagged in future works!

[bouncyirwin]

Bouncy’s Masterpost || 2019 Edition

This is something I started last year that I plan to keep doing! I present to you the good, the bad and the ugly of 2019!

♡ 2018′s Masterpost Order: from oldest to newest. 

Februrary 2019

[1] Wish I Knew You | 13,527 Words | T | KakaSaku & GenIno A lost bet and a forced dare brings two lonely losers together. Sakura never thought something as absurd-sounding as the 'No More Lonely Losers' program would land none other than Konoha's hottest bachelor and her long-time crush in her lap. KakaSaku. Rating might be upped later.

Snippet:

"Sakura? What in the world are you doing under the table?"

She froze in horror as a certain silver-haired, dark-eyed man bent to peer curiously at her. "Is this some sort of fun three-way fondling in public, because you guys are not being very discreet about it."

"O-of course not!" Sakura spluttered, and her head collided with the table edge in her hurry to get back into her seat. "Oww!"

Temari very much choked on her chuckles as Sakura pressed a soothing green hand to her head and lowered herself into a vacant seat with as much dignity as she could muster. "Kakashi, you dirty old man, don't say such nonsense."

March 2019

[2] Between the Lines | 1,711 Words | T | ShinRan [Detective Conan]

There was something about him when he was quiet, mind brimming with facts, with truths that could shatter the world that was so terrifying and exhilarating and she often found herself lost in thoughts of him, spaced-out looking at the arch of his brow and the slope of his nose and the pucker of his lips. One-shot. ShinRan.

Snippet:

Shinichi had always carried a confident tug in his shoulders, an arrogant streak in his eyes, and mischief in his smiles wherever he went. Even on the most brutal crime scenes those traits never faltered. But now ... he was so contained now, like he walked on fragile glass instead of the earth. Like it might've shattered beneath his soles if he made the faintest impression.

This Shinichi walked in measured breaths, with his eyes peeled open and his shoulders hunched in ever so slightly—it was as if he wanted to take up less space, like he felt exposed. And Ran's heart went out to him, every time.

[3] Closure, Part III of Resolutions | 2,220  Words | T | KakaSaku In which Sakura realises it isn't too late to find happiness and lets go. [Three-shot, KakaSaku]

Snippet: 

She stared at his hands in her lap and wondered how to phrase her words in a way that didn't make him bolt, "I think that… that people don't see this side of you. I used to think you hated kids. But I don't think that's really the case. I think it'd be a shame if you never had children."

[4] Late Night Revelations | 4,166 Words | M | KakashixOC

Nousagi and Kakashi crash in an Inn after a grueling ANBU mission. Things take an unexpected turn as Kakashi's more playful side makes an appearance.

Snippet:

“Kakashi,” Nousagi said after what felt like ages of silence.

He cracked open one eye, leaning his head in her direction in silent inquiry. The action made his hair fall into his eyes, which in turn made her chest tighten in a strangely pleasant way. “Are you okay now?”

He gave her a lazy smirk, “You’re awfully worried today—I’m fine. Almost bored actually.”

“No Icha Icha?” She gave him a meaningful side-eye and almost laughed when he let out a sigh. “Yep, thought so. Let me guess: unsalvageable after a week of dirt and blood?”

“Don’t rub it in,” he grumbled sourly, to which she did finally laugh.

[5] Stolen Moments | 1,830 Words | M | ShiSaku

"All that blood really brings out your eyes."

Snippet:

He flashes in front of her, manifesting into something distinguishable from the blur of the nightly forest just as his blade sweeps down like the damning call of the reaper and severs clean through the enemy's neck. This time the blood splatters her face and cascades down her cheek to drip down her vest.

Shisui sheaths his sword and turns to face her. The shadows conceal his features, but his eyes stand out a crimson red through the darkness. He steps forward, and suddenly the moonlight bathes him in an ethereal glow and his eyes darken to a liquid charcoal. He smiles—something dangerous and sharp as his fingers glide over her bloody cheek, "All that blood really brings out your eyes …"

April 2019 

[6] The Sound of Silence | 1,656 Words | T | Merlex [Grey’s Anatmoy]

He watches her eyes fluttering open. Tentative, like the wings of a butterfly, and he's afraid to hope. She's bruised beyond recognition. Swollen, blue, heartbreaking, and still everything he ever wants. 12x09. Merlex.

Snippet: 

"Mer … " He's talking, and he knows she can't even hear him, but he just wants to say her name, to taste it on his tongue, to pretend everything is okay.

He tries to smile even when it hurts his face. Even when his jaw resists. He tries to smile for her.

May 2019

[7] Watch Each Other’s Six | 3,222 Words | M | StevexPeggy [Marvel]

Steve wants the life he's lost back. He wants to righten his place in history and most importantly, he wants to do right by Tony.

Dad!Steve, Baby!Tony, Post-Endgame.

Snippet:

It’s barely a flash, but the thought still hits him like a fist in the gut and his breath catches. Tony Stark’s face in a framed photo on a casket, and Peter sobbing, and Pepper trying hard not to fall apart while Happy shamelessly devolves into tears. It still hasn’t fully sunk in, possibly because he has suppressed it, violently, that Tony Stark—Tony who walks the ground in measured steps because it could barely contain him and that dramatic, lively flair of his presence—could possibly be gone forever.

And isn’t that why Steve hesitates? Because here one form of Tony will live while there, there’ll be none?

[8] The Universe Released | 897 Words | T | IronStrange [Marvel] 

There’s a man that lays in his bed every night, that burrowed and tucked himself into a nook in his heart and made a home for himself where Stephen had forbidden anyone else. There had been no rational answer, no cogent way to figure out how Tony Stark, someone he had despised at first glimpse, had instilled himself into the very centre of Stephen’s universe and made himself its point of gravity.

Written for IronStrangeWeek2019 Day 3: 10 Years Later

Snippet:

“That long, huh?” Tony chuckles and runs a hand through Stephen’s hair. “Suprised we made it this long?”

Stephen shakes his head, his arm snaking around Tony’s middle and tugging them closer. “There hasn’t been a single day,” Stephen begins, eyes flickering to lock with Tony’s, “In which I doubted you being the one for me.”

“So suave.” Murmurs Tony, eyes half-lidded as they drop to Stephen’s lips. “I’m already in bed with you, you don’t have to sweet-talk me.”

[9] Do you know that thing, of which the heart bleeds? | 950 Words | T | Gen [Marvel]

Tony never thought of himself as particularly selfless, but when he meets those endless blue eyes, sees the way Stephen’s fingers curl and one stands firm and absolute, he thinks to hell with it.

Snippet:

There’s an odd sense of relief that only lasts a flickering second. Life has never been kind to him, and now it won’t be able to take from him any more than it already has.

(But, ultimately, Tony knows otherwise. He is but a man, and all he wishes for right then is some peace of mind. But he can’t help but think about all the years lost from his future: watching Morgan grow, sending her to college, making love to Pepper, having another kid, and maybe another, why the hell not? And he knows, that life will continue to steal from him even when he’s six feet under, even when he’s got nothing left to give, and he thinks peace is for the ignorant, and that he is anything but).

[10] Raw Skin and a Bleeding Heart | 602 Words | G | Ironstrange [Marvel]

He presses a kiss to Stephen’s hair, it smells of mint and warmth, and Tony finds himself thinking about the vast universe, the endless stretch of space, the planets and the moon and the sun and how there isn’t a single place he’d rather be at, at that moment. A companion piece to The Universe Released, can be read independently.

Written for IronStrangeWeek2019, Day 7: 14000605.

Snippet: 

He loves Stephen in all the unconventional ways, he knows. He loves Stephen in the little spaces between the spoken and unspoken words, in the loud silence that separates their bodies, in the way two broken souls slot together perfectly.

June 2019 

[11] Moment You Loved Her (back) | 7,936 Words | T | KakaSaku

Some things are just worth breaking for. KakaSaku AU.

Snippet:

The seconds stretch out, wearing his patience thin. There they remained, an elite jounin, appearing to stand cool and collected before a human trainwreck. Yet somehow she managed to make him feel like she was a queen looking down from her throne at him, as she decides his punishment. How is it that her gaze alone threatens to shatter him? He feels stretched thin, and like all the pieces of him are about to crumble from all of the cheap glue and rough treatment.

There's a moment where Kakashi just wants to give in and fall apart; just hand himself over to her and hope for the best. Even if it means he has to gracefully endure her silent treatment with the humility of a man who knows he's wronged a woman in ways he doesn't necessarily understand.

[12] Make Me Lose Control | 6,459 Words | M | KakSaku

A mission to Ame turns into a paid vacation, and Kakashi and Sakura find themselves crossing all sorts of lines.

Snippet:

"Give me my book back."

"Or what?"

"Don't challenge your superior."

"As far as I'm concerned, I'm the head of a chain of hospitals all over the shinobi nations and you're an ex-Hokage who can only go on diplomatic missions anymore."

Kakashi gasps, "Take that back."

"Children." Shikamaru sounds and looks utterly exasperated from his perch against the desk at the reception area. Behind him, Shizune is sniggering to herself as she types away on her computer.

July 2019

[13] Tangled Up In You | 20,414 Words | M | HarleyxPeter [Marvel]

Besides him, Harley seems to need a moment to collect himself. “Hey,” he says, fingers touching tentatively at Peter's knuckles. Peter nearly flinches, tingles chasing Harley’s touch. “It’s okay—look at me—it’s okay.”

Even in the darkness Harley’s eyes glint and they’re so beautiful for a moment Peter can’t look away.

“I don’t mind this,” Harley tells him, firm and genuine. “If you’re curious about… about kissing a guy, I don’t mind.”

Snippet:

“Ned. Ned.” He says urgently. “Um. What does the news say exactly?”

Ned pauses. “Um… someone uploaded a live video of those men invading through the roof. Obviously he was caught but the video was already out there and the police were alerted. Why?”

Peter wishes he could say his next line without wanting to choke himself with his own bare hands. “I… I may have done something really, really fucking stupid.”

“Oh? You mean that you kissed Harley in the middle of a crowd of awe-struck teenagers? Yeah, not your best move.”

August 2019 

[14] Un-Break My Heart | 2,884 Words | T | KakaSaku

He's beautiful like all broken things are, in all the ways they could be mended, in their complexity, in their contrasting fragility and resilience. And Sakura never learned how to not love broken things. [KakaSaku]

Snippet:

Perhaps he notices that, because he lets her.

She laces their fingers together, determined to keep him right there next to her and can't believe the kind of way it makes her feel to have his palm pressed against her own, his stuttering pulse against her wrist.

"Just try," she beseeches him, and expects a rejection.

"Okay." He says after a pause, voice cracking. "Okay, Sakura."

[15] Black and White | 3,150 Words | G | ShisuiHina

Hinata makes a bento for her crush, but this ends up being Shisui's lunch instead.

Snippet:

He was such a refined and exquisite mix between gentle and hard, such an alluring aesthetic, Hinata attributed her sudden infatuation to those rare qualities.

"What?" he asked, suddenly, dark eyes shifting to meet her own.

In the wane orange glow of the setting sun, they looked like a portal to some other world and Hinata found herself trapped, sinking. They glittered, like mirrors, the darkest shade of charcoal, reflecting her image back at her in muted tones.

Hinata swallowed convulsively. "Sorry," it came out as a whisper, her eyes roaming his face.

What was she feeling?

Her heart thundered in her ears, as if afraid of the way it quivered and shook under this new weight settling over her chest.

What was this?

"It's just…," she swallowed again, unsure if she should voice those thoughts. "You have beautiful eyes."

October 2019 

[16] Stay With Me | 2,648 Words | M | KakaSaku | Fanart

Falling for her doesn't leave him with bruises and broken bones, it leaves him with warmth and the colour green and the rapidly addicting revelation that it might all just be alright after all. KakaSaku Proposal AU.

Snippet:

She cranes her neck back to regard him silently with her endless green eyes, and with her gaze comes a feeling a little like drowning, "You've just seemed ... a little off lately. You know you can talk to me about anything, right? What's on your mind?"

Kakashi considers that for a few moments—it's such a convenient opening. He bites his lip as he looks down at her, watches the way her eyes flicker down to his mouth before quickly flitting back up. "... I love being a ninja," he admits quietly. "Or, well, I got used to being a ninja. But ... you make me want to stay here with you."

She smiles, and it's radiant. "Yeah? That doesn't sound so bad."

[17] Bare Bones Ch 3 of A Shift in Space | 8,740 of 23,373 Words | T | Gen

Naruto Uzumaki was forced to watch every single friend he's ever cared about die except for one. Together, they will fix this. Together they'll rewrite fate. TIME TRAVEL. [New publish date: 30th. August]

Snippet: 

Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. "That'd be great… we need to do everything we can to prevent Orochimaru from luring Sasuke away."

Frowning, his companion slowly shook his head. "I don't think that'd work— I know you want to protect Sasuke but do you think Orochimaru would stop trying if he failed the first time around? No. Let's not risk it, we'd be blind in another attempt—much like the first time. We need to convince Sasuke to stay. We can't do anything about Orochimaru for now."

For a split second, Naruto looked like he might disagree. But then he gnawed angrily at his lower lip and looked away.

November 2019

[18] Every Last Drop | 3,378 Words | M | KakaSaku

“This isn’t about you. You’re amazing at what you do. I just … the shower—well—you’re just not a showerhead. And sometimes that’s what I want.”

When she chances a look at Kakashi again his eyes have widened slightly, and he looks entirely taken aback. “You—the showerhead?” The amount of disbelief packed into that word would’ve made a lesser woman dissolve into uncontrollable laughter.

The blush steadily spreads down her neck as she contemplates this bizarre conversation he pulled her into having. She really hadn’t wanted to ever discuss this with anyone. “Yes, the showerhead. Problem?”

Sakura looks away again, feeling the slow, simmering burn of embarrassment.

A few moments of silence later, Kakashi shifts, and when he speaks he nearly purrs.

“Can I watch?”

[19] Decisions and Choices Ch 13 of Underneath the Underneath | 5,500 of 61,803 Words | M | KakaSaku & GenIno

Our past is what defines us; what shapes us into the people we are. And Sakura… Sakura would've never guessed Kakashi was the product of so much suffering. With every strange dream, another piece of the puzzle is found; and with every vision, they grow a step closer to completion. NEW PUBLISH DATE: 23/4/2017

Snippet:

"Mmm ... Sakura ..." he rasped over a sigh, jolting her a little. He made no attempt to move, however, and after the passage of a few silent and heavy moments, filled only with his quiet breathing, she realised he was still asleep.

Was he ... was he dreaming about her?

Sakura chewed on her lip, her heart thundering in her ears. The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest was soothing, urging hers to calm down, to beat together as one.

December 2019 

[20] Let The Truth Sting | 3,163 Words | M | KakaSaku

Sasuke's first glance at Kakashi's face comes in the form of Kakashi's open mouth pressed over Sakura's. Or, in which Sasuke sees Sakura has found her happiness with someone else. Quite graphically. [KakaSaku, Sasuke's POV]

Snippet:

Sasuke still finds himself following them.

There's a subtle air of a routine, a comfortable familiarity found only between people who hang out frequently, and Sasuke's feeling of shame has receded to be replaced by a surge of irritation as it becomes apparent where the duo is heading. Down the block is Sakura's two-bedroom apartment, the one she bought for herself after she divorced Sasuke more than a year ago.

At her doorstep, Sasuke fully expects her to say her goodbyes to Kakashi.

Sasuke watches with a scowl as she invites him in.

Bonus - Art 

January - [x], [x], [x], [x], [x], [x], [x]

February - [x], [x], [x], [x] 

March - [x], [x], [x] 

April - [x], [x]

May - [x]

August - [x], [x]

September - [x], [x], [x], [x], [x], [x], [x], [x] 

October - [x], [x], [x], [x], [x] 

December - [x], [x], [x]

It’s worth mentioning that everything pre-may was drawn without a tablet! Also notice how the months I didn’t write in have like 5+ arts xD

[lycorogue]

Marinette’s Song: Chapter 5

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

UPDATE (2/15/20): You can also now read this story over on AO3, on FFN, or on DA.

Summary: Whenever Luka creates music it affects people. He can’t handle having to hide his music anymore, and so he goes to the Tom & Sabine Charms and Potions shop for some help. Can Marinette’s witchcraft allow Luka to finally share his music with the world? Witch and Mythological Magic AU

Rating: General Audiences

Words: 10,943 Words This Chapter: 1715

Status: Completed; 7 chapters

Disclaimer: I wanted to anchor Marinette’s magic in Wiccan as opposed to “Hollywood witchcraft”, but I’m Christian. I tried to do my research, but I also know I’m taking a lot of creative liberties. If you notice any glaring misrepresentation of Wiccan, please let me know.

She was gone for only a few minutes, but Luka felt feverish the whole time. He was anxious about her potentially finding him a way to subdue his power, and whether or not he truly wanted it. He also missed her terribly already, and struggled to keep her song trapped in his mind.

“Back.” Marinette pushed through the curtain with a flourish before making her way back to her seat at the head of the circular table. “I hope this works.” She sat down and placed a small wooden charm on the center of the table. It was a snake, wrapped around itself like a pendent, with a coil of its tail leaving a loop for string or a chain to slide through. Its head contently rested on its back at the bottom of the circle the rest of its body knotted into.

Luka gestured to pick up the charm, and Marinette nodded approval. The charm was about the size of a ten Euro cent coin. The snake's coils themselves were about as thick as a phone charger cable. The back half of the pendent was flat, sanded wood, but the front was rounded and finely detailed. Each scale was etched onto the charm, and a surprisingly expressive face was carved onto the head. The snake's eyes seemed welcoming, and soothed Luka as he looked into them. Even the faint scent of rose coming from the wood calmed him.

“Luka,” Marinette cut in, “I believe you're descended from Sirens. That's why your family feels comfortable near the water, why you think in terms of music, why songs constantly play in your head, and – most importantly – why your music profoundly effects the mood of others.”

“Sirens? Juleka and I are Sirens?”

“Well, you yourselves aren't Sirens, but you have their blood, and – ugh, excuse the pun, but – watered down versions of their power.”

It made sense. All of it felt true as Marinette said it.

“But.” Marinette dragged out the word as she tapped on the charm in Luka's hand. “This little guy here should help you with the powers bit.” She held out her hand, and Luka gave her the wooden snake charm.

“It's lovely. Did you make that charm, Marinette?”

“Huh? Oh! Oh no. No. I'm not this good at woodworking. There's a local craftsman we get our talismans from, and then we imbue whatever spell we need the charm to possess. Here.” Marinette handed Luka a long spool of black hemp cord. Then she picked the course stone back out of the bamboo stand, and handed that to him as well. “While I work on the charm, I need you to work on the string. Wrap it tightly around the limestone while picturing your power fading inside you; unable to reach anyone else.”

Luka nodded and began to do what he was told. Marinette pulled a needle-fine chisel from her pocket, and leaned close to the table. Muttering to herself, she flipped the snake charm to the smoothed back, and started to carve into the head. It only kept a few seconds, with her surface area so small, and then she held the tip of the chisel in the flame of the Northern candle beside her. With the tip hot, she again took to her carving, now slightly charring the wood around the etching. A few more seconds, and she pulled the chisel away, resting her left hand on the charm and muttering a couple more words.

Abruptly, she stood, and held the wooden charm at the very height of the Northern candle flame, just barely kissing the back of the charm with the heat of the fire. She then walked to the Eastern candle and did the same. She slid between Luka and the other collapsible chair as she again baptized the charm with the flame of the Southern candle.

Luka stopped his winding as he watched Marinette, so when she finished with the Southern candle she quickly tapped him in the shoulder, and pointed to the limestone in his hand. With a little start, he went back to winding the string around the rock, picturing himself playing his guitar on the deck of The Liberty without worrying about others within earshot. He was performing with Juleka in front of their friends. He was humming while making his deliveries around town. He was playing Marinette's song for her as she sat on the foot of his bed. It was all possible. Marinette was going to make it possible, because she was such an amazing girl.

Marinette finished her ritual by kissing the back of the snake charm with the flames of the Western candle, and sat back in her spot. She held out her hand for Luka to pass her the bound rock, and he complied, hoping he wrapped it tight enough and enough times.

“Luka Couffaine.” Marinette spoke as if she were presenting him with a metal: stern and distant, but still warm and encouraging. “Your animal guide is that of the Snake. They move quietly among others while exuding a magnetic energy that draws people to them. Snakes are well mannered, dignified, and charming. Snakes can weigh people up quickly and decisively, with a natural psychic ability that lends itself well to your power. Most importantly, Snakes never give in when there is a battle for something they believe in, and their incredible compassion makes them ready to help others. This is why I chose the snake charm for you.” She held it up, pinched between her thumb and forefinger.

She then held up the wrapped limestone on her left palm. “I also thought that perhaps you are an Earth Snake, and maybe you are, in part. Earth Snakes are serene, enjoy down-to-earth conversation, and are rarely roused to anger. Because of this, I had you twine this string around the limestone as a way of binding the protection of Earth into it.”

Marinette gently placed the stone on the table, making sure none of Luka's winding undid. She then rolled the snake charm onto her right palm, holding it out for Luka to see. “Instead, it is clear that you are a Wood Snake. For you, things must be in balance; in harmony. You care deeply for those in your life, but you still remain a bit of a loner. You possess kindness and compassion unlike any other Snakes influenced by the other elements. You are also far less egotistical than other Snakes may be. Despite the chaos you live in, Wood Snakes appreciate stability in their lives, in their family, in their friendship, and in their love. You have a firm foundation on which you can build a great life. This is why your charm is made of juniper wood. Juniper is an evergreen bush that thrives year-round; allowing you to equally thrive throughout the full year. Juniper is also a symbol of protection and purification; allowing your true talent to shine through without the influence of your Siren heritage.”

With a single finger, Marinette flipped the snake charm over. The back of it was blackened by the flames Marinette passed it through, but it still seemed sturdy; the natural flowery scent of the juniper stronger now. Tapping by the head of the snake, Marinette showed off her carving. It was a straight line running the length of the snake's head. Up by the neck, there was a smaller line, angled down and to the right at a forty-five-degree angle. By the nose, another small line – equal in length to the upper one – slanted up and to the left at a forty-five-degree angle. The symbol itself looked like a slanted Z reflected in a mirror.

“This is the Eihwaz Rune. It symbolizes the yew tree, for further protection from your home element. It is also a magical protector and facilitator. Its job is to absorb the magic your music spills out, and traps it for you.” Sitting back in her chair, Marinette placed a pair of scissors on the table, then began unwinding the string wrapped around the limestone. Once she had a strand about as wide as her chest – a few more lengths of string still bound around the rock – she laced the string through the looped body of the snake charm.

She then stood up, stone in hand and string stretched out before her. Walking around to Luka, she stood behind his chair. “Keep facing forward,” she instructed, “and imagine your music only moving people because of how good it is.” She lowered her arms on either side of Luka's head, so the string stretched in front of him as well. She leaned close to his ear, measuring the twine against his neck. “Picture playing for your friends. Hold that image in your mind.”

Marinette's breath on his ear made Luka only imagine her: a concert for one; the only one he painfully wanted to play for. Her song was now as clear as a recording, and his whole body softly vibrated in yearning. This magic charm will work. He will be able to play for her. She will hear exactly what he does whenever he's around her.

A few more coils of string were unwound from the rock before Marinette held it out for Luka. “Cut the string here, as close to the stone as you can.” He did as he was told, holding the loose end of the string so it wouldn't fall. Marinette then placed the stone on the table, collected the scissors from Luka, and accepted his end of the string. Again she walked the table, singing the ends of the string with fire from all four cardinal candles. Her task completed, she carefully tied the twine into an intricate knot to hold the charm in the center of the string.

Looping back behind Luka, Marinette draped the necklace across his neck. She nestled the charm within the notch between his collar bones, then held it in place with a light touch of her hand. Her fingers rested against Luka's hot skin, and he wanted them to stay there. With his eyes closed, he placed his hand on top of hers, and the world stilled.

Read Chapter 6

@discoveringmiraculouswriters​

Sources:

A LOOOOT of research went into this part.

For information on animal guides, the fact that the snake is kinda perfect for Luka, and the fact that there is no Air Snake (which is why that element was missing last chapter), I used the website Witches Lore.

I used the Learning Religions website to learn about bindings.

For learning about the Elder Futhark runes, I used The Rune Site.

Between those two sites, I discovered that the best type of wood that could be used for runes would be nut-bearing trees, so after researching THAT I decided that juniper was the best option, and used info from Tree Symbolism.

Luka’s charm is based off this one I found on Amazon. I then doctored it up, so this is, more-or-less, what Luka’s choker looks like.

[cleocat246]

Star Trek

Chapter One

Summary: Hailey Pike, a Starfleet officer and daughter goes through Life and Space while trying to help as many people as she can. With species and events trying to destroy mankind and everything in existence. She has to save the people she loves and also the universe with the help of new friends and crew members.

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

“We are losing her!”

Yelling.

“We can’t do anything!”

No.

“We tried everything we could.”

Please no.

“I’m sorry.”

Why.

“There was too much internal damage and bleeding to the brain, and major body functions started shutting down.”

Please. Why.

Waking up with a gasp and sweat coating my body, I kick the blankets off of me. Throwing my legs over the side of the bed, I drop my sweaty forehead into my hands. I was trying to get control over my breathing, but it wasn't working so well.

I started looking around the room to calm myself when I remembered that I was in a hotel room and not my actual one. Breathing a sigh, I look over at the clock next to my bed, seeing it was earlier than I hoped it was.

Rubbing my face one last time, I stand up to make my way over to the bathroom for a cold shower. One by one, I started peeling off my sweat-covered nightwear as I try not to crash into anything on my way.

Turning the water on, I step in and relish the fact that my body was getting clean. As the water soaks my hair and face, I close my eyes, and my mind dulls into fogginess. The moment was calming, but everything starts coming at me, be it images and memories, it stung.

It doesn’t stop. 

It won’t stop. 

It never does.

Opening my eyes, I grab my body wash and clean myself and then my hair before sighing while stepping out. Wrapping the fluffy towel around my body, I walk to the door and step out into the hotel room. Getting dressed, I run my hands through my hair and behind my pointed ears before putting on my mother's necklace.

Walking to the kitchen area, I yawn and stretch while cracking my back. I start heating up the water for my morning tea to relax before leaning against the counter and sighing.

My father, Christopher Pike, was in the hotel room next to mine, most likely getting more sleep than me. We are currently in Iowa with all the new Starfleet cadets on our way back to San Francisco, where Starfleet academy is.

The dream- well, more nightmare was starting to replay in my head again. The same thing happens every morning, I wake up sweating from a nightmare, take an ice-cold shower, and then tea. Tea and Hot Chocolate seem to be the best route to calming myself in the morning.

Whistling then went off next to me, making me look over and see it was the water. I don't really like using replicators, so I don't use them if I don't have to. It never makes my tea right. Getting the tea in the mug and then the water, I walk over to the big window and open it before sitting on a chair. 

Looking out at the sky, blue was starting to come through as the sun rises over the horizon. This is a moment I never want to leave; it's peaceful.

After watching the sunrise and finishing the tea, there was a knock at the door. Putting the cup in the sink, I make my way over and open the door.

The person on the other side smiles and says, good morning.

“Morning, dad.”

“I’m not surprised you’re already up and about.” He states, walking in after I open the door some more, “The same dream?”

“Every night,” I mutter with distaste.

“Well, if you need to talk, I’m here,” Dad says, making me smile and nod, “Are you ready for tomorrow?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be!” I smile, remembering that once we get to the academy, I’ll be helping Spock with working on his Kobayashi Maru no-win scenario test. I have always wanted to work with Spock more, and this is an excellent chance for it.

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

It was later in the evening, and we were at this bar near the Riverside Shipyard. I was still too young to drink, but I can be in the building, just not near the bar. I was currently talking to my father and a couple other commanders when what sounded like a fight broke out in the next room.

My father walks over to the doors, opening them as I follow him to see what was happening. It was a Starfleet cadet holding a man down on a table punching him repeatedly. You can tell my father was not impressed just by the look on his face. He whistles, getting everyone's attention.

The cadet lets go of the guy, making him fall back on the table and wince. The cadet stood frightened, but I focused more on the man with blood smeared on his face. My face scrunches up, looking at him because it just reminds me of the time I got the shit beaten out of me.

“Outside, all of you.” Authority in his tone while speaking made everyone flinch but me, “Now!” That made the cadet answer and scurry away with all the other recruits following while grumbling. “You all right, son?”

“You can whistle really loud, you know that?” The man slurred, but it was still easy to understand him. That comment made my father chuckle lightly, and I giggle. I walk over to make make sure nothing was broken. 

“You’re beautiful.” He admires breathly with wide eyes and his mouth open. 

“Well, hello to you too!” I giggle while grabbing the back of his head and helping him into a sitting position. His eyes never leave my face as I help him stand. He staggers a little, but I’m able to get him into a chair.

The manager and owner are busy telling everyone to leave, so I ask the bartender if they had a first aid kit. He grabs it for me as I grab a random drink off the counter and head back to the table. 

My father was sitting in the chair opposite him and reading his PADD. I set the kit down and hand the drink over to the bloodied guy. He takes it and chugs it before looking at me in the eyes.

The brilliant blue of his eyes stares at me like the ocean on a calm day; they are so beautiful. He smirks lightly but then winces in pain. I open the kit and get to work on stopping his gushing nose. 

“Got a name, pretty eyes.” I tease lightly, smiling, putting tissues in his nose. He chuckles but answers, “Jim Kirk.” he sounded nasally.

I stop what I was doing as the name Kirk rang through my head. I've heard that name before from my father and from Starfleet records. I shake my head, getting back to work on Jim's face.

I put the bloody towels and wipes in a pile and get up to get more; I also grab another drink for Jim, so he would sit still. Getting back to the table, I sit on the edge and hand the glass over. Jim and my father started up a conversation after exchanging names.

“You know, I couldn’t believe it when you told my daughter who you are.” My father says, smiling a little.

“She’s your daughter?!” Jim says, pointing up at me, making me laugh, “but who am I, Captain Pike?” Chugging his drink again and wincing. 

“Your father’s son.”

Jim looks at the man in front of him before turning and asking the bartender for another drink.

“For my dissertation, I was assigned the U.S.S Kelvin. Something I admired about your dad, he didn’t believe in no-win scenarios.”

“He sure learned his lesson.” Jim state while sniffing and went to touch his nose. I swat his hands away, “Don't touch your face.” I then take out some tissues before lifting his head and checking his nose.

“Well, it depends on how you define winning. You’re here, aren’t you?”

“Thanks.” A drink was placed in front of Jim, and he grabs it. 

“You know, that instinct to leap without looking that was his nature, too.” My father says, “And in my opinion, it’s something Starfleet’s lost-”

“Why are you talking to me, man?” Jim smiles and chuckles while shaking his head. I grab his chin again and make him look up so I can get the blood right under his nose without hurting him.

“ 'cause I looked up your file while you were drooling on the floor and on my daughter.”

“Dad!”

“Your aptitude tests are off the charts. So what is it?” The Captain asks, “You like being the only genius-level repeat offender in the Midwest?”

“Maybe I love it.” Jim scoffed, looking off to the side

“Seriously doubt that,” I snort, making him look up at me and smirk.

“And why is that?” he raises an eyebrow, “You don’t like cowboys?”

“Oh, trust me, I do. But almost an hour ago, you were getting your face beaten in on this table.” I smirk back at him. His eyes widened slightly, and he looked surprised but just smirked even more. “Now turn your head you have a cut.”

“Jim, so your dad dies. You can settle for a less-than-ordinary life. Or do you feel like you were meant for something better? Something special?”

Jim’s eyebrow twitches while he turns away. Yet again, I grab his chin and gently force him forward.

“Enlist in Starfleet.” My father finally says.

Jim chuckles, “Enlist?” he looks down and snorts while smiling, “You guys must be way down on your recruiting quota for the month-”

“If you’re half the man your father was, Jim, Starfleet could use you.” The older man states, “You can be an officer in four years. You can have your own ship in eight. You understand what the Federation is, don’t you? It’s important. It’s a peacekeeping and humanitarian armada-”

“Are we done?” 

“I’m done.” My father says, getting up and sighing, “Riverside Shipyard. Shuttle for new recruits leaves tomorrow, 0800.”

Jim tips his glass up and looks at the table.

“Now, your father was Captain of a starship for 12 minutes. He saved 800 lives, including your mother’s. And yours.” My father smiles, “I dare you to do better.” He moves to leave, but before he does, he pats my shoulder.

“You go along. I’ll make my way soon.” I smile up at my dad while grabbing and squeezing his hand. He smiles back and walks out the door. Jim was still looking at the table, but instead of alcohol, he had a U.S.S Kelvin salt shaker in his hand.

“I think you should do it,” I insist while smiling, “Enlist, I mean.” The blue-eyed male in front of me looked into my eyes, sitting and staring, nothing else. Sighing, he shifts in his seat before touching his nose.

“Stop it!” I snap, grabbing his hand and pulling it away from his face, “Don’t touch, or it’s going to hurt.”

“Ehhh, I’m used to it,” Smirking, he pats my knee before looking away. I bring my hand up under his chin to make him look at me. “Seriously, though, you should enlist. It’ll do you some good. And the name's Hailey.”

“Well, Hailey, what’s that supposed to mean?” He scoffs lightly but doesn’t break eye contact. I bring my hand to his cheek, “You might not get into a lot of fights while in Starfleet. Like my father said, you would do great, you have a high IQ, you need to show it.” I lightly pat his cheek and get up, walking to the door. Opening the door, I turn around and see him gazing at me, “Plus, we would get to see each other more!” Smiling, I turn and leave. I smile to myself, walking through the parking lot, hoping he does choose to join.  

‘Don’t get too attached.’ 

“Jesus!” I say under my breath while stopping, “I forgot about you.”

‘You wound me. But seriously, don’t get attached. Remember what happened last time.’

“Yes, I know,” Sighing, I continue walking. Getting to the end of the almost empty parking lot, I see my father leaning against the hood of the car. He was staring up at the stars but looks over at me when he hears my footsteps.

"Took you long enough." 

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” I chuckle, “Do you think he’s going to join?”

“I don’t know,” He answers before sighing and looking at the stars one last time. He stands up and heads for the driver's side, "Let’s head out we have a big day tomorrow.”

“That we do!” Smiling, I head to the passenger side and get in.

Big day, indeed.

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

I was waiting in front of the shuttle in the shipyard as my father walks up to me, "You still waiting for him?"  

"I have faith," I smile, running my hands down my uniform. I was currently wearing my black Starfleet uniform looking all proper. I then felt a hand on my shoulder, "It's time. We need to get on."

Disappointment flashes across my face as I sigh, "Okay," I then turn and head to the shuttle door with my father. But before I got to the steps, I heard an engine that made me turn. It was coming from a motorcycle, and the person on it was Jim, who got off and threw his keys to a construction worker who complimented it. He then walks over to us, "Four years? I'll do it in three." He turns to the Shuttle and starts jogging up the steps.

I grin at my father before turning and skipping up the steps of the shuttle. I caught up to Jim and was about to say something when he rams his head into a metal beam. I try stifling a laugh, but it did work as it made the male turn around and look at me, rubbing his forehead.

"Am I always going to have to fix you up?" I tease while crossing my arms.  He chuckles and smirks but turns back around and heads for an open seat. He sits down, and I take the spot on his right. I start buckling up when Jim starts talking to a Cadet about her first name.

"Imma take it, you were hitting on her, and either a friend or an angry boyfriend didn't like it," I tease, staring at the man who just quietly snorts and smiles, "And that's why you got your ass kicked."

He started grinning and was about to make a sarcastic comment but was stopped by yelling. A man came in with a Starfleet worker arguing about having a seat and being a doctor.

"I told you people, I don't need a doctor, damn it, I am a doctor!" The man said while being pulled into the seating area.

"You need to get back to your seat."

"I had one in the bathroom with no windows." They then start walking in front of Jim and me and getting louder.

"Get back to your seat now-"

"I suffer from aviophobia. It means fear of dying in something that flies."

"Sir, for your own safety, sit down, or else I'll make you sit down!"

The man gaped at her before nodding lightly and taking the empty seat on Jim's left, "Fine."

"Thank you." The lady said, irritated, before walking away from us.

"This is Captain Pike. We've been cleared for takeoff." It was then heard over the PA system, which made some people giddy and fidgety. I pull on my belt one last time to make sure everything was secure before sighing. The doors started to close, and the Shuttle turned on.

"I may throw up on you." The guy says, turning to Jim. Jim just looks at him with a bewildered look before saying, "I think these things are pretty safe."

"Don't pander to me, Kid. One tiny crack in the hull, and our blood boils in 13 seconds. A solar flare might crop up, cook us in our seats. And wait till you're sitting pretty with a case of Andorian shingles." The man just keeps going on with every possibility that could happen to us. He had more, but I start to tune him out before I get onto helping him calm down.

"Well, I hate to break this to you, but Starfleet operates in space." Jim tries to pacify him as the man stops talking about all the different ways we could die in space. 

"Yeah, well, I got nowhere else to go. The ex-wife took the whole damn planet in the divorce." The man said, taking out a flask and taking a sip, "All I got left is my bones." He then hands the flask to Jim, who also drinks from it.

"Jim Kirk." 

"McCoy. Leonard McCoy."

The Shuttle starts shaking as Jim hands the flask to me, but I refuse, "I'm not old enough, just yet. Hailey Pike, by the way, nice to meetcha!"

"Captain Pikes, daughter?" McCoy asks, taking the flask back.

"Yes, sir, the one and only!" I give him a cheery smile and lean forward to see him better.

"Why aren't you wearing the red uniform like everybody else?" He asks which Jim nods in agreement and looks at me with curiosity.

"Oh, it's because I already graduated, and I'm a Starfleet officer!" I cheer while grinning, "I graduated when I was 16 at the top of my class!"

"Wow." The men both say together, looking at me. "How old are you then?" McCoy was the one to ask.

"20 years of age!" 

"Ahhh, that's why you didn't drink anything while you were cleaning me up last night." 

"Yep!" The Shuttle starts taking off into the sky, making me lean back against my chair and sigh.

Here we go!

[impossible-rat-babies]

Writing Snippet #57--A Dozen Unsaid Things (At the End of the World)

Welcome to Owen is back on his pillars of eternity stuff and writing a lot of fic for these two. I guess I’ve decided on making this a series in it’s way? It’s going to jump around in Deadfire, but keeping with the same sort of themes. Also a title? The fic has a title!

Part 1

--

The air around Aloth smelled sharply of bad ale, spilled liquor that would surely pool and soak into the wood, and some terribly foul concoction of Kith body odors. He didn’t know whether to leave, wretch, or watch in disgusted horror at the wild party of pirates before him. The dim lighting didn’t help, setting everything to sharp shadows in the way only sparse candles and sconces along the wall could. It surely didn’t help with the heat pooling the air. Neither did the loud music echoing about the hall, the cheering and singing competing for dominance. It was nothing short of pure organized chaos...if it could even be called organized.

Aoife had told him it would be a simple dinner at Deadlight and maybe a few drinks to close the deal on yet another new friendship. Pirates did enjoy a party--and knew how to do it well--and it wasn’t as if they couldn’t handle themselves if things went south rather quickly. Aeldys terms had been fair and her letter as promising as it could get when it arrived on their deck. Several of them had been suspicious of the contents, but having met her....it was rather in line with who she was. The Deadfire held all types as Aloth was quickly learning.

So far she hadn’t taken off their heads and now it seemed she was hardly in the position to do so considering Aloth had watched her wander into a corner with no shortage of lovely people around, plus a nice couch....and had yet to see her get up from that position. But there was nothing more dangerous than a pirate that could shoot straight while drunk off their rocker.

It was yet another stepping stone in the path to reaching Eothas, albeit one that was questionable to their success. But, Aoife made friends everywhere he went and with how chaotic the seas were in the Deadfire, it couldn’t hurt to have more friends. Deadfire was full to bursting even before they got caught up in the mess. Out of the frying pan and into the fire it seemed.

Aloth sighed out of his nose and grumbled to himself, crossing his leg over the other, leaning his chin into his hand. Ciara squawked next to him and he reached up, stroking the temperamental bird’s head. He casted his gaze to the main flushed group who had scattered the tables and chairs about to make a dance floor. Various people on all manner of instruments created music only pirates could really conjure, the lot of it old sea shanties in tune to a heavy beat and some fiddle. They sung them surprisingly well, the songs not unlike the ones the crew of the The Tempo sang.

It took hardly a moment for Aloth to pick one person out of the crowd: the one who had brought them here and arranged all of the dealings for himself and Aeldys. He stood near the center of the ever changing and moving crowd, moving to match the beat of the song and the folk dance they had picked. He was hardly the tallest around or the most distinct, many Aumaua and a few other Godlike around. But Aloth could easily pick Aoife out of an entire giant crowd if he was keen to do as such. Aoife laughed and spun through the next motions of the dance like an expert, flitting between partners easily. He had seemed to take everything in stride as if it hadn’t been at least fifteen years since last he had taken a tour of these islands and walked Principi halls. Many things had changed, but there was little to change age old dances and songs.

But there was something to watching Aoife spin and move in time to the beat with others that was graceful and carefree. He didn’t move with the same jilted, clambering motions of others from either too much drink or too little practice. Aloth watched him laugh and spin Xoti around, a delightful grin and flush across her own face as she continued to struggle with the steps. Aoife was enjoying himself, something Aloth had seldom seen in the few months they had kept company.

It had been a rough change for both of them, the sense of being so close again with so much unsaid left much more silence between them than either of them would have liked. Aloth knew Aoife loathed it—the rapid swishing of his tail not the only indication—but he was also loathed to bring up what had transpired to leave their friendship in such a sorry state. Perhaps it had been shame or self loathing over the nastiness between them, or another item to the list of things unsaid.

Aloth had shared plenty of his own unsavory words towards Aoife, a heated combination of being too high strung, emotional, and countless things said instead of what they wanted. Time had given much of that anger away and Aloth had regretted his words having been a way for less than a year. He wondered little how six short months had endeared him to Aoife much more than anyone else who he had come across; he had given him courage and the hope that he could make a difference, make his own path for himself in his life. He was loathed to admit that no one had asked him how he felt purely for the sake of knowing--to understand him and what he had gone through.

But there was little time to write on the roads leading away from Caed Nua and he hardly had an idea of where to start in talking and acknowledging things. The words that needed to be said felt hardly appropriate for a letter.

So he had kept quiet for five years, letting the distance and time soothe away the pains as well as the joys and hopes of what had occurred over those six months. Part of him had thought he would never see Aoife again. He would no doubt have heard of his exploits and maybe spare a fond thought or two back on their time together. It was a good time, for what it was worth. It was a shame really how it took yet another instance of the world in chaos to bring them back together. Maybe it was someone’s or something’s way of saving the words needed to be said between them.

Maybe if they ever got around to it.

A crescendo of music and voices that cut out into loud applause was enough to know the song had ended and Aloth looked up, watching Aoife break away from the crowd to walk towards him. His tail idly swished behind him as he carefully made his way through the tables.

“How are you doing?” He asked as he came and sat down beside him, stretching his legs out in front of him. His breath was heavier, but a smile painted his lips and laid in his golden eyes.

“Not sure whether the whole spectacle will make me vomit or not.” Aloth replied and Aoife snickered, wiping just under his nose.

“I can’t blame you. He replied and sat back further in his seat, crossing his ankles. “I had forgotten how much the Principi love to party and their lack of hygiene off their ships. You would think one would stay clean when they had spare water about.” Aoife explained, his voice clear and without a single slur to it.

“I would hardly expect pirates to keep clean regardless.” Aloth huffed and Aoife gestured for Ciara to climb back onto his shoulder. She obliged, settling back onto her usual perch with a chitter.

“You do cohort with an ex-pirate, mind you.” Aoife pointed at him, leaning closer to Aloth, a grin on his lips.

“An ex-pirate.” Aloth helpfully reminded him, a pointed look below a cocked brow.

“I did that for thirty years Aloth. When we visit Dunnage, I swear things will hardly be different.” Aoife waved a dismissive hand as if to gesture to their ship not far down at the docks.

“Can’t shake the pirate from you then, Aoife?” Aloth cocked an eyebrow and Aoife laughed. It was like many bells peeling, the flange in Aoife's voice distinct.

“The part that loves the open sea--the wash of the waves, the wind in your hair, the salt everywhere? The way moving through the ocean feels in your bones, the snapping of the sails above and the shanties to keep tune and time?” Aoife explained with glee, golden eyes shining in the dim light, tail swishing happily back and forth. Aloth couldn't help a small smile from turning his lips as Aoife spilled his thoughts out without a second to contain them, joy evident across his face. 

As he listened, it wasn’t as if they were in Deadlight at all, the world crashing down yet again. It was like sitting up late in the kitchen of Caed Nua, the fire roaring while the two of them talked about everything but the future, trading food back and forth. It felt so simple, so easy back in those days. For a time, they could forget about all they had seen, trading it all for the softness and warmth of living in the present, no cares for tomorrow.

But, they were both older, different...more sad than before. It was a shame, but all their own faults. 

“No, I can’t shake that part of being a pirate.” Aoife finished with almost a somber tone, grin fading a small smile.

“Wouldn't that make you just a sailor then?” Aloth asked quietly, folding his hands as he leaned in closer to Aoife. He looked over at him, the pair close enough for both shoulders and thighs to be touching.

Aoife chuckled, twin eyes looking away. “Another way to call something prettier, I guess.” He half shrugged even if Aloth knew the words cut closer to Aoife than he would have liked. Aloth knew many different ways people had looked at him and tried to think of something better to call him than what he was.

“A pirate or a sailor,” Aloth spoke with a faint smile, “I think either is perfectly fitting, Ee”

“Both then?” Aoife asked and Aloth smiled for real, reaching across the small space between them to hold Aoife’s hand, warm pale tone contrasting against cool grey. Aloth squeezed his hand, meeting his golden eyes with a smile, genuine warmth behind the blue.

“Both then.” He agreed with a smile. 

The silence of expectation came over them and Aloth realized how close they were sitting--legs and shoulders touching--faces close enough to where it would only take a moment to be that much closer. They were almost that close--close enough to touch, to embrace—a fire burning in Aloth’s chest. Years of unsaid things when others should have been said, waiting on the tip of Aloth’s tongue. It was just words, just something he needed to say. Something he should have said years upon years ago. One upon dozens of others...

‘I’m sorry.’

‘Can you forgive me?’

‘I care about you.’

‘You’re my only friend.’

‘Aoife, I—‘

Aoife broke the gaze and looked back across the crowd, the embers fading and dying away in Aloth’s chest. A chill settled in instead, corralling and shoving the unspoken things down yet again, cursing himself for almost speaking. The spark had faded and they were once again left with the ashes of what they once were—what they could have been.

“Would you like to dance?” Aoife quickly spoke, starling Aloth from his thoughts. Aoife moves to his feet, holding out of his hand to him. Aloth stuttered, cheeks and ears flushing a deep red.

“Wh-What?” Aloth stammered and Aoife’s grin tucked something hidden back into his head where it didn’t need to scream at him.

“Would you like to dance?” Aoife repeated himself and Aloth looked between himself and the crowd, just noticing how the music had readily picked back up again in a flurry. All those people....

“I-I don’t...” Aloth responded quickly, stammering.

“One dance, Aloth. Just one.” Aoife bargained and Aloth’s face wrinkled before he consigned himself with a heavy sigh. He placed his hand in Aoife’s and stood, the Godlike grinning as he walked with him to the rest of the crowd. A cheer erupted from somewhere else in the crowd and everyone quickly assembled into their positions, Aoife eagerly taking up his position across from Aloth.

Aloth knew the beat of this song, knowing the dance as some inevitably mish-mashed combination of folk dances from all across Eora. The Principi did take all kinds. It didn’t take long for the dance to gather pace, swinging around and between partners, the sound of dozens of feet on the wood floors—all in time—plenty of beat for the musicians on the stage. Hoots and hollers rose up, singing eagerly rising into some beautifully chaotic melody. It was hardly difficult to keep time when it was pounding in the people and the music all around, pounding in his chest and in his heart. It was easy and there was something quite fun about it, the rush of the movement around him, the chaos blinding. Aloth moved in the patterns, feeling a smile coming to his face, the whole of it spreading across his face. He caught Aoife’s eye as he swung between partners, catching a wink from the Godlike that made him flush even worse. It was a flurry of movement and pace, twirling and spinning into some booming crescendo and he caught the next partner, swinging with them until the music and everyone gave their last booming crescendo and it all came to a shuddering stop with a loud hoot and holler.

Aloth laughed brightly, still shaking with exhilaration as he held onto his partner. He turned his head, finding Aoife smiling back down at him, the whole of it looked utterly genuine--radiant. And Aloth didn’t hesitate to smile back. Aoife laughed, golden eyes shining as he took Aloth’s face in his hands, pressing their forehead’s together.

“That’s the Aloth I know.” Aoife spoke just loud enough above the din for him to hear it in perfect clarity and Aloth--for once--didn’t shyly look away, for once not bashful of the open display.

It was like being back with an old friend. One with many mistakes, pains, and endless frustrations, but for once in the past four months, Aloth looked at Aoife and saw the man he had come to known, come to care for....come to love.

And maybe there was some of that shining back in Aoife’s face.

[blushoseoks]

stuck on you. (m) | 01

“I want you to take my virginity.” “what the fuck did you just ask me, kim taehyung?”

or, alternatively:

you’re not actually supposed to take your bestfriend’s virginity when he asks, right?

➶ pairing: kim taehyung x reader 

➶ rating: mature. find out what this entails, here.

➶ part: [1/3]

➶ chapter song: falling for you by peachy!

➶ (a/n): this is written for fun and i a pologize for this atrocity in advance. first attempt at smut and crack, so do let me know my thoughts! feedback is always welcomed !!

out of context quote: [9:52 am] Taehyung:  ___\o/___ me drowning in ur pussy lol 

“I want you to take my virginity.”

You’ve just taken a gulp of your pulp-included orange juice when Taehyung says this. He’s sitting across from you in the cafeteria of the University you both attend - have attended for the past two years.

His brown coffee coated eyes are staring directly into yours - a serious expression written across his features that tells you what he’s just spoken was said in nothing but pure seriousness.

And he says it so nonchalantly - so earnestly, that you do the only thing you can think of.

A perfectly reasonable reaction after hearing that your best friend, the boy you’ve been in love with for over two years - wants you to take his virginity.

You spit your orange juice out all over him.

Spraying him like a skunk without intent.

Your cheeks, which were puffed out full of the beverage you were drinking, deflate like a balloon as the liquid leaves your lips and coats your best friend's face and attire.

Afterward you don’t even have the decency to apologize while he’s just pulled a disgusted face, one meant just for you, and has reached for the plethora of napkins on your tray (luckily for him, you’re a messy eater) and has just began to attempt to dry himself - your lips part in question.

“What the fuck did you just ask me, Kim Taehyung?”

He lets out an annoyed huff - you think you see his eyes roll but it’s hard to say for certain when he’s dabbing at the liquid soaking in at the hem of his white button up shirt, head down, focusing on the task at hand.

“Technically, I told, not asked. And Jesus, you’re so dramatic, Y/N.” He replies, tone bored and exasperated.

Your hands come to press against the surface of your lunch table, eyes still wide.

Fortunately for the both of you, the other occupants who usually sit at your lunch table were still in bed. Namjoon, Hoseok, Jimin and Yujin’s classes didn’t start until mid afternoon - as for anyone else in the cafeteria, they were tables away or far too dead in the morning to bother eavesdropping.

“Dramatic?! Taehyung-,” you lower your voice down into a whisper, scooting up so close to the table that the edge of it presses into your breasts uncomfortably, “you just asked me to pop your cherry, take your V-card, corrupt your innocence, screw your pooch-”

“That’s not the expression.” He cuts you off with a sharp look, head tilting up as he rips his eyes away from his shirt and to where you sit. All traces of amusement leave your face as you realize that the jokes were interfering with the seriousness of the intended conversation and seemed to insult him.

“I know what I asked, Y/N. I am the one who asked it - and don’t you dare treat me like I’m an angel. I was watching porn while in the womb. I knew what a vagina looked like when I was eight, knew what sex was when I was six.”

You roll your eyes, head shaking a little bit. He was being melodramatic, but you understood the point he was trying to prove. Still - it did nothing to sway your already formulated answer.

But - you couldn’t shake the question circulating your brain.

“I don’t - I don’t understand. Why are you asking me of all people to take something so meanin-”

He cuts you off again, and by the smooth reply of his words, you can tell that he’s thought this through. That this isn’t something he just pieced together, or come to conclude carelessly - that he’s been thinking of this for a good while now.

You want to ask him how long fucking you has been on his mind to lighten the mood, but you keep the crude comment at bay with the bite of your tongue, knowing it’s better to stay silent as of now.

“You’re my bestfriend, Y/N. You know everything about me, you’ve seen the good side of me, the bad side of me, you’ve seen the disgusting things I’m capable of, like the time I belched the abc’s and threw up all over your sneakers--”

You grimace at the memory, the feeling of having to walk home with his vomit in your shoes was something you didn’t look back at with fondness. You had spent four hours trying to clean the shoes, only to have to throw them away not because of the damage, moreso because of the stench.

“Okay,” you sigh, waving him along with a stroke of your hand, “I get it, I get it, continue on.”

He rolls his eyes, but the corners of his red lips tug upwards into a miniscule smile.

“Carrying on - they say that your first time should be with somebody you love, somebody who's seen everything you are as a person, somebody you care about - and well,” he pauses for the slightest of moments, “well I love you, and you love me, right?” His eyebrows raise to add emphasis to his question, and he already knows the answer. Obviously.

Because if you hadn’t loved him, would you really have forgiven him for the whole sneakers incident?

The nasty fucker.

And well - you did love him. You loved him so entirely much, more than he loved you.

So when you hear that part of his sentence, your stomach does a little drop, the unrequited love you have for him creeping up your throat in the form of bile. You’re able to  keep it down by swallowing the lump and heated spit in your mouth.

You nod your head to answer his, more rhetoric than anything, question, and his smile widens - you were right, he already knew the answer.

“But - why me?” You say, even though you know how he’ll answer - because you’ve been his friend longer than anyone else has been. You continue on even so.  “Jimin loves you, Jimin knows what nasty and disgraceful things you’re capable of - Jimin--”

“Jimin’s a boy, Y/N.” He says, interrupting your rambling with a sigh. “And-,” he pauses, his nose scrunching up in distaste.

“Jimin’s ugly.” He says, a face that says, “duh,” carving into his features. “You’re a girl, and you’re beautiful.”

You go silent. The tiniest amount of pink starting to coat your cheeks and the body of your neck due to the compliment he’s just paid you. And for a moment, you wonder why Taehyung decided to ask you such a thing - such an intimate, and private thing in the middle of a cafeteria - where someone could easily overhear if they truly wanted to.

Why didn’t he ask you that morning when he had stopped by your dorm room to pick you up?

Why hadn’t he tried to ask you on the way to the cafeteria? He had multiple opportunities, but he had waited. It didn’t make any sense.

He clears his throat, an indication that his patience is running thin.

Kim Taehyung - Taehyung who insisted that girl’s didn’t fart until age ten, the boy whose face crinkled when he saw two people kissing until he was thirteen, the boy who blushed and turned his head away awkwardly when you started to talk about your breasts - had just asked you - to have sex with him. To take his goddamn fucking virginity.

You shake your head quickly, eyes moving from the half untouched breakfast on your tray, where they had drifted during your train of thought - and back up to your best friend who is staring at you very openly.

“No, Taehyung. I just -” you pause momentarily.  “I can’t do it. It would ruin, utterly destroy our friendship. And I don’t-” you shake your head a little. “I don’t think you get just what you are asking me to do. You don’t understand how big a deal losing your virginity is.”

You watch as his lips fall apart suddenly, but no words carry out. His shoulders sink as his body posture falls a tad amount, and you can’t sit there and see how disappointed he looks because it makes you feel - sad, but also - somewhat flattered? Like a part of you may actually be happy that he’s upset you won’t be the one to fuck him.

You’re about to leave - but then he continues on.

“But if not you, then who?” He asks, and there’s a hint of something you can’t quite decipher hidden in the layers of his thick, deep, voice. “I’m almost twenty, Y/N. I’m almost fucking twenty years old, and I’m still a virgin!” He exclaims, voice raising. “I don’t want to have to wait longer, I don’t want to have to wait for someone when I already have a special someone. You’re special, you know? You’re like super special to me, and me being a virgin-” he hesitates for a brief second, like he had maybe lost his train of thought amidst his rambling. “I’m pretty sure it’s the reason no girls talk to me, or refuse to give me the time of day. I must have a stamp on my forehead saying, “Twenty year old inexperienced virgin, don’t touc--”

Taehyung’s a loud talker, he always has been. But somehow  he’s gotten even louder, so to save him from embarrassment you surge forward. Half of your body flying over the top of the lunch table as your hand moves to cover over his lips. As your hand touches his mouth, he looks at you with wide and curious brown eyes.

You mutter out a “shhhh” and he looks around  to make sure nobody had heard the discussion between you two, and  the few on-goers who had glanced in your guys’ general direction once you had body slammed the table, had looked away, prompting you to settle back in your seat, hands leaving your friend’s lips.

You take a deep breath, eyes finding his and in a serious voice you say:

“Taehyung, I can assure you that the only reason anybody would ever think you’re a virgin is because you just screamed it out for them to hear.”

You end your statement with a small smirk and once again, he rolls his eyes. Head shaking in pure and evident annoyance.

“Anyway,” he says, hands stretching out across the surface of the table to take your own.

Sometimes you think he does this on purpose. Like he knows what his touch does to you - that the slightest brush of his finger could have you swooning in a matter of seconds. But you shake the thought away, Taehyung would never be that cruel - he'd never take advantage of you like that.

Still - you can’t help but to glance down at either one of your hands and admire the way his fingers look grasping yours.

He begins to speak again, reattracting your attention.

“I asked you because I trust you, Y/N. You’re the only person I trust with something as big as this. I know it wouldn’t affect our friendship in a negative way but if anything, improve it.”

You cock an eyebrow, still not bought on the idea of fucking your bestfriend for his first time.

“Improve it because, well think of it this way - we’d be connected on a more intimate level.”

You stare at him, lips parting, as a look of disgust appears on your face.

Had he just tried to be romantic? If so, you’re horribly unimpressed.

“And I’ve been thinking about it for awhile now, I only gathered enough courage to finally ask you because well-” he lifts his shoulders up into a shrug, “how else could I get it done?”

You let out a huff of air, annoyed by how he had phrased the ending of his sentence. And deep down, you know he didn’t mean it in the way it sounded. Taehyung, well, he’s never been good with voicing his feelings. But still - it sounded like he only wanted you to do it because he had no one else. Like you were his only option.

“Gee.” You say effortlessly, hand moving to cover your chest  as you speak out the next part of your sentence, as if gesture that his words touched your heart. “You sure do know the way to a woman’s heart, Tae.”

This time, it’s you who rolls their eyes and you swing your legs over the bench you had been sitting at, plant your feet into the tiles of the cafeteria floor, hands grabbing the remains of your lunch tray as you begin to walk it over to the trash can, ready to discard the breakfast that will now go uneaten.

Taehyung doesn’t miss a beat, he’s following you, walking right beside you, refusing to give up that easily.

“I realize that I may not have stated that the best way.” He says, running a hand through his hair.

You dump your trash.

“Oh really, you think so?” You ask sarcastically. He ignores your comment, continues on.

“You know I’m not good with words, Y/N. ‘Specially when it comes to you ‘n all.”

You cringe at his text-talk lingo, now walking further to hand your tray to the lunch lady. You nod towards her, a smile on your lips in a way of thanking her for her services.

“You know I wouldn’t ask you something so big if I wasn’t absolutely serious  about it. You know it, Y/N.”

You still refuse to speak, your brain moving at a speed so rapid you can hardly make out the different thoughts. You’re nearing the exit of the cafeteria now, stopping only when you’re at the threshold - where you and Taehyung part every morning to attend your own separate, respected classes.

You - to creative writing, him to contemporary dance.

When you don’t say anything, he lets out a sigh. You watch as he lifts a hand, drifting it through his dark silver-grey, curly locks. His hair is getting longer - bangs drifting past his eyebrows but you don’t mind. You’ve always enjoyed the way he’s looked with longer hair. Always thought it made him look more attractive - if possible. Because Taehyung was sex on feet, and you had no idea why the girls at Seoul’s University didn’t try to eat him up.

Or for that matter, why the males didn’t either.

“Look, petal.” He says, intentionally using the nickname he created for you back when you were younger and all you ever wanted to do was wear flower crowns and look at their petals - but, don’t pick them because if you pick them they die, Taehyung!

“M’not going to force you or anything.” He shakes his head, “I hope you know that, at least. Y/N. And I’m certainly not going to try to guilt trip you or whatever, but I want my first time to be special - and you’re the most special person to me, y’know? You’re the only person I can see myself doing this - big thing, with.”

Yeah - he really wasn’t good with words, but you have to admire his efforts.

You watch as he lifts his shoulders up into a short shrug. “So just - just like think about it, and let me know, okay? No rush or anything.”

And before you can add something, or reply in a sarcastic manner, Taehyung is waving you off with a wide smile before heading off towards the direction of his first class of the day - like what he had just asked was as normal as asking about the weather - as if the consequences couldn’t change everything established between the two of you.

You shake your head, a breathless laugh mixed sigh leaving your lips as you decide to carry on with your day, knowing that the discussion was not going to be able to leave your head at all that day.

You don’t speak about the offer again until later that night, when your friend/dorm-mate Jisoo ponders on your behavior. You don’t even see Taehyung again that day - deciding to skip out on lunch, finding that it would be a bit too awkward if you both had shown up and acted as though he hadn’t asked you to swipe his V card a few hours prior.

But even though you hadn’t seen him - you had heard from him. He had been relentless in his texts to you, his overabundance of messages higher in count today than ever before.

[9:48 am] Taehyung: B======D

[9:52 am] Taehyung:  ___\o/___ me drowning in ur pussy lol

[9:53 am] Taehyung: oh wait u dont like tht word

[9:53 am] Taehyung: lemme fix it

[9:53 am] Taehyung: **vagina

You had let out a scoff at the his crude messages, but you’d be lying if you said that they hadn’t made you crack a small smile, even if it was only nine in the morning when you had received and read them. And - he was so childish, so immature. How did he expect you to take his virginity when he had the mental age of a fucking thirteen year old boy?

You’d thought about what Taehyung had asked all day, just like you assumed you would.

But honestly - how could you not?

It made the day much harder in the work sense.

Because words in your history book changed into sexual innuendos, and the historical pictures were suddenly Taehyung - dressed in outdated clothes saying inappropriate things like, “have sex with me, c’mon!” Or, the most unrefined, “If you don’t have sex with me, Donald Trump will be elected for another four years, and we both know you don’t want that!”

You had slammed your textbook shut so loud that you had distracted a few of your classmates, resulting in you sinking in your seat with embarrassment.

You were currently sitting on your twin sized bed, back against the wall it was pushed up against, laptop in your lap, as your eyes fixated on the blank piece of virtual paper that stared back at you.

You were meant to be writing your report on Global Warming and the proof on why it did exist, but your mind kept going back to Taehyung.

To Taehyung who had asked you to fuck him without so much as a blush rising to his cheeks, meanwhile you were sitting here, on your bed, the slightest tinge of pink coating your cheeks at just the mere thought.

Taehyung who invaded your heart so easily that you hadn’t known it had happened until it was already too late!

Taehyung who-

“What’s got you all pink and dreamy eyed over there?” Jisoo’s sweet melodious voice fills the four walls of your small dorm quietly, immediately grasping your attention and pulling you out of your innermost thoughts.

Your lips part, head tilting up a little - so you stare in her general direction. She’s mimicking you in a similar fashion, back pressing against the pillows of her bed, laptop in her lap - but she’s more interested in her phone than the conversation she’s just initiated or the homework that sits undone on her laptop.

You’re about to give her a bullshit answer - but the words that you want to speak won’t leave your lips. You take a moment to ask yourself why you shouldn’t ask her for her advice. She was a loyal friend, someone you had met right about the time you had fallen in love with Taehyung - she knew the details, plus Jisoo was intelligent.

She’d see where you were coming from and tell you fuck no! And then you could be on your way, delivering the news to Taehyung.

And so - you tell her. Abruptly, right then without a seconds worth of hesitation.

Your bad, really.

“Taehyung asked me to take his virginity today.”

You watch as her thumbs that are hovering over her phone’s keyboard suddenly halt - you watch her whole entire body still as she looks up, her eyes widen so much they they resemble saucers - like she can’t believe what she’s just been told. You take her silence as permission to carry on.

“I fucking know right? And then he gets all butthurt when I turn him down! Like what, Taehyung? What horribly written porno or cheesy romantic movie have you been watching to get the idea that I’d take your vi-”

But she interrupts you - quite literally, with a pillow. She chucks it towards you and it hits you so hard it shuts your laptop screen.

You look up astonished, about to rip her a new one and ask her why the fuck she just did that, but before you can, she’s rambling.

“You fucking said no?!” She’s standing now, bewilderment stretched all across her features. “You said no, Y/N! Why? Why on Earth would you say no?!”

You push your laptop over to the side of the bed you’re not using and scoot more towards the edge, you’re sitting criss-crossed now, the tossed pillow she had thrown at you now in your lap, as your arms wrap around it.

Your curiosity is now peaked, did she really disagree with your decision?

You watch her intently as she paces your small dorm room, walking from one end of her bed to the other and repeating the cycle over and over again as she thinks.

“How could you have said no?!” She screeches, head turning in your direction.

Immediately you feel threatened, arms unwrapping from the pillow and hands moving up into a surrendering type pose.

She rolls her eyes, muttering something that sounds oddly similar to, “You’re so fuckin’ naive. Stupid, stupid girl!”

You’re about to ask her just how you’re being naive! If she really thought you’d take Taehyung’s virginity?!

But before you can, she’s walking past her bed and over to your dresser, going through your top drawer - of which just happens to be your.. delicates.

“Jisoo, what on Earth are you doing?” You ask her, jumping up from your bed, you’re standing between both of your beds now, arms now crossed over your chest as she rummages through your panties and bras, throwing different colored ones over her shoulder carelessly with a shake of her head or a roll of her eyes.

“Jisoo! I just folded all of those, what’re you doing?!” You exclaim when you don’t get an answer.

Her movements cease, head turning towards you as she shakes her head, eyes rolling loudly.

“What does it look like I’m fuckin’ doing, you brat? Picking you out something to wear so you can go fuck Taehyung!”

You scoff, head shaking as you look off to the side.

“Jisoo it’s Tuesday, who has sex on a Tues--Hey!” You screech when you figure out the weight of her words, head snapping back towards the black haired female whose attention has resettled on your undergarments. “I never agreed to that! I’m not fucking Taehyung. Especially not on a Tuesday!”

Once she hears your words, she turns towards you - now standing up with a matching pair of black underwear and panties in her grasp.

“Voila!” She shouts, a satisfied smirk raising onto her lips. “Knew you had to have something other than granny panties in there!” And your lips part, about to fight back but she interrupts suddenly. She mimics your actions, arms crossing over her chest.

“Give me three reasons why you shouldn’t take Taehyung’s virginity.”

You scoff again, as if it’s the most obvious thing. You’re a few feet apart now, you can see the smirk increasing in size on her lips.

“One.” You say, rolling your eyes because you know she doesn’t think you can come up with three reasons. You hold up one finger. “He’s my best fucking friend! Fucking your bestfriend’s is a huge no-no! It’s written in all of the fuckin’ books.”

Jisoo lets out a noise resembling a, “pfft.”

You continue on, holding up a second finger.

“Two - he doesn’t realize the full meaning of what he’s asking me to do!”

Jisoo tilts her head, obviously still unconvinced.

“Three! Did I mention he’s my best fucking friend and that you’re not supposed to fuck your bestfriend! Especially when you’re in love with him!” You exclaim, waving a hand for emphasis.

You let out a tired sigh after you breathe out the last of your sentence, Jisoo still seems unfazed by the entire ordeal.

“Those three reasons don’t mean jack shit, babe.” She says, “They are nothing but excuses.” She must get tired of standing, because she moves to sit on her bed, legs dangling over the side.

You let out a slow breath before you mimic her actions, taking a seat on your own bed.

“Explain.”

“Fucking your best friend would be a huge no-no if it were any other pair of friends - but Taehyung  and you - you hold a special sort of relationship, you know that, right?”

You stay silent, you’ve always known that what you and Taehyung have is different - in a way.

Special. More intimate. A closeness you can’t quite describe, it’s been that way for as long as you can remember.

You shrug. “Even so, it just wouldn’t be right. It could still fuck things up.” You state, still unconvinced.

“Not if neither of you let it.” She adds on, like she knew you were about to say that. “And knowing you both - neither of you would let it. You both care about each other way too much to let something come between your friendship.”

You let out a small breath, she had a point.

“Second, Taehyung - even though he may not act like it a majority of the time - is a grown ass man.”

You almost laugh.

“He’s almost twenty years old, Y/N, meaning he is capable of making his own decisions and knowing their true meaning and consequences. He wouldn’t have asked you if he thought he would be jeopardizing your friendship, or - for that matter, you. And you know that. He loves you too much to do something that risks him losing you.”

“Which brings me to my next part - he loves you, and he knows that you love him - in the way you do.”

You suddenly still, body tensing just a small amount. She’s tried to say this before - that he knows you’re in love with him,  but he’s too afraid to explore something more. You know it’s bullshit - if Taehyung knew, he’d tell you.

Wouldn’t he?

“So that means he asked you because he loves you too, Y/N. He asked you because he’s in love with you, as well. You know he wouldn’t ask you to do it - knowing he knows, if he didn’t feel the same way.”

You roll your eyes.

“And fine,” she says exasperatedly,  “if you don’t believe that - then fuck him. Fuck him to fuck the love you have for him away. Use him, because he’ll be using you, right? Use each other, it’s only fair.”

(Jisoo doesn’t believe a word of her last argument, she knows that Taehyung loves you - it’s obvious, isn’t it? But if you’re not going to believe her then she’s going to manipulate you into thinking something else - that way, you and Taehyung can finally discuss your feelings for each other, it’s the perfect plan - right?)

You let out a sigh, still not fully convinced - but - but maybe, Jisoo did have a point? Maybe sleeping with Taehyung would help you move on from him in some sort of twisted reverse-psychology way?

“And,” Jisoo says, adding one more thing before she gives up, “if you don’t believe anything else I’ve said - then think of it this way: Taehyung is attractive, right? If you don’t take his virginity, somebody else will. Somebody who probably won’t care about him like you do. Somebody who probably won’t love him the way you do. Do you want that for him?”

You swallow the lump in your throat - her words hitting you like a shit ton of bricks. And once she see’s the way you’re finally thinking and fully contemplating the entire thing - she’s once again smirking to herself, because she knows her work here is done. And so she tosses your lingerie carelessly onto your bed, while she repositions herself into a more comfortable position, pretending to idly scroll through her phone.

“Definitely choose black, by the way. It brings out your eyes.”

You let out a clearly frustrated groan, your head shaking. You’re still not fully sure what you will do, your head drops as your eyes scan the floor that now has your underwear and bras thrown about.

And then you grab the pillow she had thrown at you previously and chuck it back at her ruthlessly.

“Clean up the mess you made, brat.”

The next time you see Taehyung is three days later, Friday night, when you hear a knock at your dorm door.

You let out a silent sigh because you already knew who it was. The same boy who has been trying to pry conversations out of you since the day he asked you the big question.

“So, have you been thinking about what I proposed?” Taehyung’s deep and smooth voice ponders as soon as you open the door to your room, he’s taking up the entire space of the threshold - the single entrance and exit, tall body pressed up against the side of the doorway, arms folding as he sizes you up.

He looks extremely good. Clad in a snapback that covers a majority of his long silver hair, a light grey oversized - long sleeved shirt covering his torso with the words, “not your babe,” written across the center. He’s wearing a pair of black skinny jeans - ones that hug the quelsm of his thighs graciously. You force your eyes away.

You’re dressed in a black  long sleeved shirt, one that covers more than half of your neck, the hem is tucked into your high-waisted shorts, and you have a pair of knee white socks covering a majority of your legs, black boots covering your feet.

You let out a scoff, but you can feel a small heated flame take over your body with every second his gaze lingers on your being, your cheeks threatening to go pink at any given moment. Your curly brunette hair is pulled up into a ponytail, separate curls falling to dangle around your face that you had attempted to pin back, but gave up after your third try.

“I don’t even get a fucking hello? Just a, ‘have you decided to take my virginity or not?’ Fucking rude.” You say, playfulness dripping from your voice. Taehyung snorts, shaking his head a little - you turn around then, walking back to your bed to grasp your small black backpack, maneuvering your arms through the straps, and when you turn back - you find Taehyung quickly snapping his head up, causing you to let out a disgruntled noise.

“Were you just checking me out?” You ask, your eyebrows furrowing and cocking upwards. Taehyungs snort - loud and obnoxious, would be considered unattractive if he wasn’t literally crafted by Aphrodite herself.

“You fucking wish.” He retorts, and a part of you lets out a soft sigh, yeah, you think, I kinda do.

Your eyes lift heavenward as you shove past him to stand in the hallway, he shuts your door, a smile curving up at the corners of his lips.

“You’ve been avoiding me, petal.” He says as you guys make your way down the hallway slowly, voices a soft whisper - because even though you both were in college, your University had a strict rule about curfews and the opposite gender in certain corridors. Luckily enough for you, you knew the dorm advisor - had befriended her by accident in English Literature - her name was Kang Seulgi and she was beautiful, in her third year of college, studying to be a teacher - but you had a feeling that your sort-of friendship with her wasn’t the only reason she turned a blind eye when Kim Taehyung was often seen poking around your dorm, usually at the late hours of the night or the early ones of the morning. You’re pretty sure she had found him attractive, which was easy to do.

But for some odd reason, the furthest she had ever gotten with Taehyung was a greeting, and that was that. Maybe she sensed that you had feelings for him, maybe it was something else.

You weren’t going to prod, because perhaps prodding would give her the courage to finally speak to Taehyung, and Taehyung having another option to who to give his virginity to made you feel… dare you say, uncomfortable?

You shake the thoughts away the best you can, you had no right to feel or think that way - especially when your mind was pretty much already made up.

Taehyung’s virginity was not yours to hold onto if you weren’t going to take it in the first place. Who he gave it to - was not your business if it was not going to be you.

“Not avoiding, Taehyung.” You say, finally replying to his inquiry. “Just not - exactly looking for you.”

“--And running away from me when you do see me!” He continues, “And spending your lunches in the library,” he adds, “I’ve been by your room every day this week since Tuesday to pick you up per usual - only to have Jisoo answer annoyed at me for waking her up at, ‘the ass crack of dawn!’ because somebody had already left early without warning me.”

You grimace, thinking about Jisoo’s early morning wrath and offer Taehyung an apology, he lets out a chuckle, shoulders sliding upwards into a shrug.

“I just didn’t want to see you until I made my decision.” You reply honestly. You see the smile on his lips only increase in size.

“That’s not a yes, asshole.”

“I know, I know,” Taehyung says, “but, Tuesday morning it was a no - now it’s still a decision. So it’s been bumped up a few notches, which I’ll more than graciously accept.”

You roll your eyes, he had you there. “Shut up.”

“But anyway - I don’t want to sound like an asshole or anything-” by now you both have made it out of the A rooms, currently outside in the parking lot. Taehyung leads you towards the direction of the library where you will go to study, you’re lucky that the party he’s attending passes the library, offering the perfect excuse to walk together. “But why do you care so much about who I lose it to? I mean, you lost it to--”

You hold a hand up quickly, a grunt leaving your lips. “Kim Seokjin, yes I’m aware.”

Kim Seokjin was a mildly sore subject, he was your first love - you had cried the day he graduated because you were far too intelligent to know what was to come next. And surely enough - the breakup, though foreseen, still hurt. You both were upset though, both in love - or as far into love as two naive teenagers who barely had a grasp on what love even was could be. You had lost contact with each other over the years, but you knew he was going to University in Daegu, and he seemed to be happy. He had a boyfriend who was trying to produce music, you think his name was Yoongi, but you don’t remember. The most contact you have with Seokjin now is through mutual facebook likes.

“But see, I loved Seokjin, Taehyung. He was my first love.” You turn your head to Taehyung, eyes flickering around his face. His jaw seems clenched, but you’re unable to make it out in the moonlight, “And because he was my first love it was special, and lovely - and even though we didn’t last, I don’t regret it, y’know? That’s what I want for you, Taehyung.” You keep your eyes on the side of his face as you continue speaking - you guys are nearing the library, and you can see multiple cars filling the road - no doubt in your mind that half of them belong to patrons of the party Taehyung’s going to attend.

“I don’t want you to regret your first time.” You say, letting your head finally turn forward and away from Taehyung.

“I know,” Taehyung breathes out, “I don’t want to either, which is why I asked you. So just -” he stops walking now, wanting to take a second to finish the conversation before you leave him to study and he leaves you to swallow the concoctions Namjoon will surely shove down this throat. “Just know that I wouldn’t regret it - don’t ask me how I know, because I just do.”

And he offers you his signature rectangular smile, one so bright, you can see the dimples appear above the corners of his lips even in the dark. He then moves his right hand upwards to cup the side of your cheek, the pads of his fingers smoothing over the skin there - and this is not a rare occurrence, but it still causes your breath to catch, having not expected it.

Your lips part - why? You’re not entirely sure, you want to argue his statement, but try as you might - no words come to the surface. You were at a loss for a retort. How and what could you reply to Taehyung when he had just said he wouldn’t regret sleeping with you?

His words seemed to have set a tingly-like feeling spread throughout your body. One that resembles that of a forest fire.

And Taehyung notices how you seem to have let your mind linger on something he isn’t very sure about but has a good clue. And before you can get a word out - Taehyung is doing what Taehyung does best.

Distracting your thoughts and putting your mind at ease, leaving you before you can counter his argument, leaving before you can correctly contemplate a well formed response. Leaving you with your thoughts, giving you time to think.

Your eyes fall to where his body is - backing away from you slowly as he drifts into the cool night, his smile still visible but disappearing as he drifts away from the lights of the library.

“See ya later, petal. Don’t study too hard.”

You let out a grunt, trying to properly catch your thoughts as you grasp the straps of your backpack and pull it tighter onto your body.

“Don’t drink too much.”

And then you turn around and start to walk to the entrance of the library - knowing that trying to study with the thoughts of Taehyung on your mind would be impossible.

You’re an hour and thirty minutes into your studying - scratch that, your attempt at studying when you finally decide to give up, that no matter how hard you try - there was no way you were going to be able to focus on the tasks at hand.

You arrived at your dorm about twenty minutes ago and had long changed into something more comfortable. You were dressed in a sweatshirt and a pair of light grey shorts that hung somewhat loosely on your hips - you had to tie them in numerous knots to get them to stay put.

You had fished out your cellphone from it’s place of residing in the deepest catacombs of your backpack - somewhere you stored it when you were trying to study. And once you turn it on - you immediately check through the messages you had received.

[10:05 PM] Jisoo:  let me know if tonight’s the night you take him for a ride!!! I defo dont wanna walk in on tht xx ;p

You roll your eyes at Jisoo’s crude messages - ever since your talk with her that night in your dorm, she had thrown jokes like the aforementioned one your way, cracking comments every so often.

[10:23 Pm] You: suck a big one, Jisoo.

[10:23 Pm] Jisoo: im trying ;) xo

Your face distorts easily as you shake your head knowing that Friday’s were her and Jimin’s ‘date,’ nights.

You decide to take a moment to scroll through Instagram - more specifically, Taehyung’s Instagram. Your curiosity getting the best of you, wanting to see how his night was going.

The photos he’s posted seems like the ones he posts every Friday night - a name he claims as his party nights.

One of him, Namjoon, and Jeongguk - a friend of his you hadn’t really been acquainted with, but heard of so often it felt like you actually did know him - were crowded into one picture, drinks in their hands. They wore similar lazy smiles and their eyes matched with a recognizable gleam of intoxication.

The next photo displayed a table set up to play beer pong -  no doubt in your mind it was Hoseok’s doing. The photos continued on, a majority of them would be deleted in the morning after Taehyung sobered up and realized how foolish he was making himself look. Or, for a better reason - he didn’t want his parents thinking he was a full-blown alcoholic.

Your ‘liking’ spam must’ve caught his attention because the next thing you know your phone is dinging with a clear indication that you’ve received a text message.

And sure enough it was from Taehyung himself.

When you open it, you see that he’s sent you a photo. There’s a sly pout curving on the shape of his lips, eyes glaring with a sheer liquid and his hair seems to be slick with sweat and stuck to his forehead.

Your eyes roam over the message he’s sent with the photo.

[10:21 Pm] Taehyung: misin  u loads :( [10:23 Pm] Taehyung: wishin u were here <3333

You had let out a soft chuckle at his messages, fingers working out a quick reply.

[10:25 Pm] You: If only you cared about your grades more than you do your alcohol. :~)

[10:25 Pm] Taehyung: hahaha that nose looks likes a sperms

Before you wring his neck at the reply he’s sent, another is being sent to your phone.

[10:26 Pm] Taehyung: wish u were here tos care off all the girls!!! they wont leave me alone :( they never bug me when ur around me

As your eyes scan over the words of his last message - your jaw clenches. Teeth moving to press together tightly. You reread the two sentences several times trying to ease the quickening of your heartbeat.

It was hard being in love with a boy who was desired by many, you had learned this long ago. Taehyung was a social butterfly - he took to people as moths do to flames. He was easily a people person, someone who got along with everybody. You, on the other hand - were the opposite.

You had a small amount of people you considered your friends and you didn’t feel like you needed anymore. Why waste time trying to make friends when you were happy with the ones you had? You didn’t see the point.

The uneasiness of his reply doesn’t leave your body for the next hour. And you spend the time trying to talk yourself out of what your mind keeps thinking about - trying to come up with many excuses to sway your decision you thought was permanent.

But something about his message opened your eyes - the message mixed with Jisoo’s words and the conversations you had had with Taehyung were replaying in your head on a continuous loop.

And it’s while you’re in your bed, staring up at your ceiling do you come to your final decision.

You were in love with Taehyung, Taehyung deserved to lose his virginity to somebody who loved him. To somebody who would do it correctly and truly teach him.

He deserved to lose his virginity to someone who would continue to always care for him.

Taehyung was determined and his mind was set on the idea that you would be the one to take his virginity - and if he had come to that decision all on his own, and if he had worked up the courage to ask you - and continue to hope you’d do so even after you had refused his offer, you knew that in his eyes you were the only one he could see doing it.

So you decide, right then and there that you’ll take his virginity. But, if you were being honest - you had decided from the moment he had asked you.

A part of you knew that you wanted to - a part of you knew that you were going to end up saying yes, which is probably why you had been so adamant on saying no in the first place.

Quickly you grasp your phone that had been lying untouched by your body for the past hour. You unlock it and click on the conversation between Taehyung and yourself, fingers composing a message and sending it before you have time to reread it for grammatical errors.

[11:32 PM] You: Stop by in the morning, I need to talk to you.

The reply you get is almost instant - which causes your eyebrows to uplift in curiosity. To be honest, you hadn’t even expected Taehyung to even read your message tonight - not when he was preoccupied playing whatever childish games Hoseok dragged him into at the party he had tried to make you attend.

[11:32 Pm] Taehyung: everything okay?? [11:33 Pm] You: Just need to talk to you. [11:33 Pm] Taehyung: I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.

You had sat up quickly, having not expected that response.

And surely enough - fifteen minutes later, give or take a few, there is a soft knock at your door.

When you open the door you see Taehyung, who stands with an unreadable expression written across his features, his right hand scratching at the back of his neck. He’s looking to the side and you have no time for his weird behavior, because you’ve made up your decision and you know - that if you wait any longer you’ll end up stalling and talking yourself out of telling him your decision.

“I’ll do it.” You say softly, right hip cocking and pressing against the threshold of your doorway, arms moving to cross over your chest.

You hadn’t changed from your lazy clothes, hadn’t even attempted to fix your unruly hair. You figured that if Taehyung wanted you naked then he should be able to handle you when you looked your worst.

Immediately - your words grasp his attention. He looks up from wherever his eyes had been studying. His taller body has straightened out, obsidian eyes instantly landing on yours.

His lips part, as he gapes at you. And he’s silent - you hadn’t expected that. To be honest, you had expected him to jump up and down in glee - to shout something absurd, but instead you were met with a shocked expression, an unusual quiet taking over Taehyung’s body.

“What?” You squawk out, “Oh my god.” you says, eyes widening as the worst thought comes to mind. “Don’t tell me you changed your mind because I will be so fucking embarrassed-”

He cuts you off in a hushed, obnoxious, over-the-top chuckle, his long arms moving to wrap around your body as he pulls you into his chest.

“Petal, petal. I didn’t change my mind.” He says, tip of his nose pressing into the short locks of your dark colored hair. It’s obvious in his clear speech that Taehyung is not drunk, nor has he drank enough for him to not remember any of the conversation spoken tonight.

“I just - you kept saying no so I didn’t think you’d actually agree to it. But I haven’t changed my mind, Y/N.”

You shake your head, the top of your teeth moving down to skid across your bottom lip as you step out of his embrace, walking backwards into your room a little ways.

“I just needed to fully understand and think through everything.” You shrug - a light, effortless one. “I needed to make sure you knew what you were asking and I think our talk earlier really allowed me to come to the conclusion that this is what you want, and that I’d rather take it than some random girl, y’know?”

You look back up to Taehyung’s eyes, noticing how they’ve slipped away from your intense gaze, how the smile he had been wearing had disappeared right off of his lips. He looks - you can’t quite pinpoint it, but he’s not himself.

You cock an eyebrow upwards, directing your attention and words to the boy himself. “You okay? You’re acting like perhaps you’ve changed your mind. And if you have - that’s okay, just tell me. You have to be honest and-”

He interrupts again, and you make a mental note to scold him on the matter later. (Because you were a month older than him and he certainly was not respecting his elder!)

He returns his attention to your face, lips morphing into a smile. “Trust me,” he says, “I haven’t changed my mind - just maybe had a bit too much to drink, not feeling the best.”

You nod your head, a smile stains itself to your lips as you grasp his right hand, squeezing it as you pull him through the threshold and into your small room.

“Good, you can crash here then.” You say, knowing that Jisoo more than likely won’t be returning anytime soon and even if she was - she wouldn’t care or be surprised. In fact, her head probably would have roamed to the first dirty thing.

“So I’m guessin’ you don’t wanna do the deed tonight?” He asks, a goofy smile - one to signify that what he’s just said is a joke settles onto his face. And you mentally slap yourself.

He shuts the door behind him as you climb onto your bed. “No, you fucker. You’re somewhat drunk, or you were drunk - and when…” you trail off, taking a moment to gather your thoughts and what words you want to say.

“And when I take your virginity you have to be aware - sober too. So you can properly give me your consent. Now hurry up and get the fuck over here. I need the warmth your body provides.”

He obliges easily, a lazy smile overriding his features as he stalks towards you. “You only like my body heat, nothing else.”

And no time is wasted as he climbs atop of your bed after toeing his shoes off, his strong arms are cascading effortlessly around your small body as he tugs you into his chest.

Your back is pressed to the front of his body , your eyes are shutting - and your bed is comfortable. It always has been, but you’d choose Taehyung’s arms over your bed sheets any day.

And you listen to his breathing, a steady calming that sends your body into bliss. You focus on the rhythm for awhile - until he pauses.

And it’s silent for a few moments, you wonder if you should ask him if he’s okay. But you can hear the slightest sound of his lips falling apart.

Then he says, in a soft whisper:

“You’re my bestfriend.”

And you don’t think it’s something he wants a response to, he knows that he’s your bestfriend too.

So not another word is spoken as you both drift off into a deep slumber.

And perhaps if you had been a bit more aware, a little less focused on the big agreement that’s just been accepted, you would have noticed the scent of a lingering rose stained to the collar of Taehyung’s shirt.

Something much too feminine to belong to Taehyung.

“So.” Taehyung says the next morning when you both awake, the morning sun is blinding as it drifts in between the cracks of the blinds covering your windows. He’s standing to the side of your bed, fixing his shirt and running a hand through his colored locks. You’re lying in your bed, sleep still threatening to take over your body at any given moment, eyes focusing the best to their ability on Taehyung.

He suddenly turns towards you.

Reluctantly, you pull yourself up with a grunt. Positioning your back against the wall, your legs moving into a criss-cross position, a pillow resting lazily in your lap.

His eyes meet yours, his hands gesturing towards his body as he speaks out his next sentence.

“When you wanna do this, then?”

You pull a face, clearly unimpressed, faking a retching sound as you turn your head and pretend to throw up on your unmade bedsheets.

“Ha-ha.” Taehyung says after a few continued noises of fake puking comes from you. You force yourself back up into a sitting position, eyes finding his.

“That just made me change my decision, actually.” You joke, head tilting a little.

He rolls his brown eyes, knowing you too well. “But really.” He says, eyebrows lifting upwards. “What day fits best for you?”

Your lips part as you try to roam your head for answers, teeth grazing idly across your bottom lip.

“Sunday?” You ask, head once again lifting upwards as your gaze reaches his. He looks a little surprised - eyes widening the tiniest amount. Your guys’ week didn’t start until Tuesday, both choosing to not take Monday classes so you’d have an extra day to your weekend.

“That soon?” He questions outloud - your lips part as your shoulders move upwards.

“It’s my next available day but if you’d rather wai--” He shakes his head, interrupting you mid sentence.

“No, no, Sunday’s fine - just, I don’t know. I guess I wasn’t expecting it to be that soon.”

You watch his familiar boxy smile light up his entire handsome face - your stomach drops a little at the sight.

“So like, five on Sunday?” You question outloud. “That way we can like ease our way into it and--”

“Yeah.” He smiles, head nodding a little bit as he takes a step towards your bed. You’re not expecting his tall body to sink a little bit, and you’re more than definitely not expecting him to press a gentle kiss to your forehead, as he whispers a, “you’re the best, yknow?” into the slightly tense air.

It’s not meant to be answered, so you don’t retort- not that you’d be able to if you could, because the kiss he’s left on your skin has a million spurts of electricity eroding through your body. All wetness of your mouth has left in attempt to put out the fires spreading beneath your skin.

And you find yourself wondering how amazing the sex will be if something as little as a friendly kiss is causing you to swoon as much as you do.

You feel light - like you’re feet are floating and--

“I’ll be here Sunday. At five.” He’s stepping away, sending a way too friendly wink in your direction. He’s walking towards your door now, stopping when he’s feet away, turning his attention back to you one more time.

“And I’ll bring Chinese.”

Your eyebrows cock upwards in curiosity, he doesn’t let you question, already answering before you can get the first syllable out.

“We’ll be hungry afterward, won’t we? I hear sex works up quite the appetite.”

You facepalm, hand slapping against your face forcefully as you shake your head. You think you can hear him laugh quietly as he leaves your room, only allowing yourself to look up after you hear the door shut.

All day you’re convinced that you’ve dreamt everything that happened the night before and that very morning - even after you tell Jisoo to make plans somewhere else than your dorm on Sunday - even after having to roll your eyes at her remarks and her comment about wanting details.

It doesn’t fully register  in your mind until that night when he texts you again.

[8:33 Pm] Taehyung: if you think about it, it’s kinda llike the time you taught me how to ride a bike - only this time you’ll be the one riding ;)

[8:35 Pm] Taehyung: also how many condoms should i bring??

[8:35 Pm] Taehyung: im gonna bring like five yknow jsut in case

[8:36 Pm] Taehyung: and i didnt know what size so i got large n extra large ;)

And it’s there in your bedroom, body curled up against the wall - thoughts roaming about Kim Taehyung, his penis size, and chinese food, that you realize you only have two days to prepare yourself  to take Kim Taehyung’s virginity.

Your bestfriend.

The boy you’ve been in love with for two years.

And prepare yourself you will.

Because if Kim Taehyung wanted his first time to be special - then fuck, it was going to be.

[thespookyswan]

A Simple Man

AO3

Geoff was a simple man. For as long as he could remember, he lived a modest life on his little farm, tucked far from any city or even small country town. As a child, his father drove him nearly thirty minutes a day to go to the nearest bus stop for him to go to school. The nearest town to their farm was about forty-five minutes away, and that didn’t mean much to him. He enjoyed his life away from anyone and everyone. He liked to be alone. He had his chickens, his plants, his trees, and his old house; that was all that he needed.

He didn’t like to admit it, but he needed Gavin too.

“I got you a new cellphone.” Gavin sat at the old wooden table in Geoff’s kitchen, opening the little white box before him. Gavin had lived with Geoff’s family years ago when he came to the United States on an exchange program- and never left Geoff. He lived in the nearest city now, but visited often. Geoff didn’t admit he enjoyed it.

“What do I need a new phone for? Mine works fine.” Geoff complained, pulling the old flip phone out of his pocket. He’d gotten it when Gavin had convinced him it was more worth it than a landline years ago, and he did admit getting in contact with his buyers was much easier with the thing.

“Geoff, every time we talk you break up like crazy on that thing. I can’t even text you anymore! You need something new. I got a deal when I got my new one. It’s a smartphone.” Gavin plugged the charger into the wall and plugged the new phone in, waiting for it to turn on to start getting it ready for Geoff.

“A smartphone? I don’t need the government watching my every move.” Geoff scoffed, and Gavin rolled his eyes as he took Geoff’s ancient phone and started to transfer the important numbers over for him.

“Your life will be easier. For one, you can use my Amazon Prime account, and that way I don’t have to drive an hour on a Sunday night to bring you fucking toilet paper when your truck breaks down.” Gavin smiled at the memory and so did Geoff.

“You know you enjoyed that. I made you the best dinner you’d ever eaten that night.” Geoff huffed.

“Yeah, but with my new job I can’t be doing that stuff anymore. And Michael would lose his mind.” Gavin replied, and Geoff groaned.

“Right, Michael. I don’t understand how you’re with that annoying kid. You can do so much better than him.” He took a seat opposite to Gavin and watched him work the phone like a pro, no idea what he was doing.

“You just don’t like him because he made fun of your chickens. He’s a sweetheart, you just don’t know it. He cares about me,” Gavin got a stupid smile on his face, “You’ve never dated anyone. You wouldn’t understand.”

“I have too dated!” Geoff gasped, offended, “I was quite the lady-killer in high school, Gavin.”

“Yeah, lady-killer, for other men, because you made them lesbians.” Gavin shot back, and Geoff gave him a hard glare. “And anyway, high school romance that doesn’t last, doesn’t count.”

“You’re annoying.” Geoff muttered, and Gavin gave him a killer grin and waved him closer.

“Look, I’m done. I’ve got all the numbers in. Let me show you what to do, old man.”

---

Geoff couldn’t say he hated the smartphone. It was, as Gavin had promised, very convenient. It was very simple to shoot Gavin a text, or call one of his buyers, without having to fight against what his old phone had become. He liked the options of games right there in his pocket, and he could listen to music out in the field now. Of course, it was a hassle to get used to, but he had to thank Gavin for giving him a new thing to entertain himself with. He could only watch Jeopardy so many times.

He’d honestly forgotten all about the Amazon thing by the very next day; Gavin had made him order some cleaning supplies to learn how to use the app, ‘and to clean this place up!’ It was around noon when he heard the knock at his door and was a bit shocked. Most people just came in, because anyone who knew him knew he always had his door open during the day.

He peaked his head around the corner to see who was there and was greeted by a tall man with a handsome smile. He straightened himself up quickly and made his way to the front door.

“Hi there. I’ve got your Amazon order here.” The man held up the package and Geoff caught a glimpse of his name tag: Ryan.

“Cool. Uh, thanks.” Geoff opened the door up and Ryan shoved a small electronic device into his hands.

“I just need you to sign here.” Ryan pointed, and Geoff nervously used his finger to slide a very sloppy signature on it. Ryan took it back when he was done and handed Geoff the box.

“Thanks?” Geoff said again, feeling beyond awkward. New human interaction was almost a foreign concept to him at this point.

“Not a problem. You sure live far out, you know? I’m the regular guy for Yukon, but I didn’t even know anyone lived out this way. When I got this address, I was shocked. I had to ask in town to make sure I wasn’t being pranked.” Ryan laughed, looking around the vast amount of open land that was Geoff’s property.

“Uh, yeah… I’m a farmer, so… I need the space.” Geoff replied, trying very hard to just be normal. It really didn’t help that he found Ryan very attractive. It’d been a long time since he’d seen anyone he’d consider fucking, but if Ryan shoved his way inside right now, Geoff wouldn’t complain.

Jesus, Geoff. What are you thinking. He couldn’t imagine the last time he’d had a thought like that. Maybe when he got drunk after his father’s passing and fucked some random stranger at that bar. Good memory.

Ryan gave him a warm smile though and said his goodbyes then, leaving the front porch and walking back to his delivery truck. Geoff stared after him, watching his ass in the relatively tight pants he was wearing. This feeling was one he hadn’t felt in such a long time and he quickly closed the front door and sat down, staring at the package in front of him.

The image of Ryan’s buff arms was plastered in his head. How the hell was a regular old delivery driver so ripped, while Geoff, a hardworking farmer, had the most regular arms a guy could have? And his hair. It was so wavy, yet so styled at the same time. Like waves a wheat in the summer sun. Plus, those god damn eyes, sea blue, so deep Geoff could fall right into them.

He could practically feel Ryan shoving him back against the wall and running a hand up his side, under his shirt, sparking every bit of untouched skin with what it really, really needed after far too long…

---

“You met this guy exactly one time and had, what, a half a minute conversation with him, and jerked off over it? You really are ill.” Gavin commented over the phone, and Geoff gave the bathroom mirror a stink eye.

“I was asking you seriously.” Geoff said through a mouthful of toothpaste, spitting afterwards and listening to Gavin ‘hmm’ in contemplation on the other side of the phone.

“You’re not ill. You’re just desperate. Why not call up one of your old fuck buddies?” Gavin suggested, and Geoff cringed at the idea.

“You know I’m not into that anymore. That was just a phase. Gavin, this was… was more than how I felt around those guys. I felt, like, some sort of spark with this guy. It was so weird.” Geoff turned off his bathroom light and stalked to his bedroom, flopping back on the bed as he spoke.

“Just order again. He’s the only delivery guy in Yukon, as far as I know. Which means he’s the only guy who delivers to your shack. You’ve got the app. Just order something you want, he’ll bring it, and just try not to act so pathetic this time.” Gavin suggested, and Geoff… actually found that to be a good idea, despite the insult.

“You know what? You’re right. I think I’ll do that. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Gavin.” Geoff hung up before Gavin could get another word out and quickly pulled open the Amazon app. He dug through it, looking for anything that he wanted or needed, and after picking out a few items, placed his order.

He plugged his phone in on his nightstand and curled up in bed, already anxious for the next day. He wouldn’t mess this up. Ryan was going to come, and Geoff was going to… get his phone number, at least. He was determined. He didn’t know how much sleep he’d get that night with the fear of what the next day would bring.

---

The knock at his front door the next day startled him yet again. It was later this time around, the sun almost setting over the horizon. Geoff was curled up in his reading nook, some old romance classic in his hands. He didn’t even hear the truck pull up, he was so absorbed. He placed the book down and stood himself up, gripping his fists and shoving his phone in his pocket. This was it.

He walked to the door and pulled it open, finding Ryan there with that same customer service smile. He had the box under his one arm and waved at Geoff.

“Back again. I guess you really like Amazon, huh?” Ryan laughed, and Geoff’s heart skipped a beat at how sweet it was. He gave a small chuckle himself.

“Yeah, it’s convenient, you know?” He got out, holding his hand out for the signature device. Ryan’s smile tweaked up into a bit of a smirk then and he grabbed Geoff’s outstretched hand and pulled him close suddenly, pressing his lips against Geoff’s and sending all kind of sparks through his body.

Geoff was in pure shock for a solid thirty seconds, limp against Ryan’s lips, but then he threw himself back at the other man, pressing into the kiss and grasping at Ryan’s shirt in desperation for more of him.

“Please, I know why you ordered this.” Ryan whispered against his lips, a devious smirk now on his face, “I saw you watching me leave yesterday. I saw the way you looked at me. You’re my last delivery, Geoff. Invite me in.”

Geoff’s breathing was pitched, and he nodded his head and stepped back, pulling Ryan inside with him. He was shaking with desire as Ryan closed the front door behind them and kicked his boots off before reaching and undoing each of the buttons on his shirt, revealing his muscular form below. Geoff practically swooned and took a step closer to Ryan to touch his chest.

“Holy fuck. You’re so hot.” Geoff laughed, feeling like a literal teenager for saying such a thing. Ryan smiled at him and picked his chin up to kiss him again, and Geoff opened his mouth to let Ryan’s tongue in. Ryan shoved him back into the wall and ran his hand under Geoff’s shirt, catching the ends with his thumbs and pulling the shirt up and over his head in one motion. Their kiss broke for a few seconds as the shirt was yanked off, but Ryan barely gave Geoff one breath before attacking his mouth again.

Geoff threw his arms around the back of Ryan’s neck and let the stronger man pick him up, their hips pressing together as Geoff’s legs wrapped around Ryan’s waist and they got closer. Their bare skin pressed together and Geoff groaned at the feeling, twisting his hands into Ryan’s perfect hair and kissing him with as much force as he could.

“Ryan, the bedroom is upstairs.” He finally pulled away from the kiss to say, and Ryan let out a chuckle in response before pushing Geoff harder into the wall behind them.

“I don’t need a bed to fuck you, Geoff. I could fuck you right here, against this wall. Or in that cute little reading area of yours over there. Maybe you’d like it over the kitchen table, so every time you ate there you’d remember me taking you.” Ryan purred, taking his kissing skills and moving his lips slowly down Geoff’s neck.

Pure arousal flowed through Geoff at those words and he felt his pants get much tighter as Ryan worked his way around his neck. He could hardly keep himself from shivering at the thought of what was about to come, of what he and Ryan were about to do.

“The kitchen.” He whispered, and Ryan stopped kissing his skin and looked up at him slowly.

“What was that?” Ryan’s lips turned up in that little smirk and Geoff swallowed hard, staring back into his eyes.

“Take me in the kitchen. On the table.” Geoff repeated, and Ryan opened his mouth to respond but all Geoff heard was the roar of an engine in the place of him speaking.

Confusion rippled through Geoff and he opened his eyes to find himself still there in his reading nook, the romance novel on his chest. The sun was glaring right onto his eyes and he sat up and went to close the blind, only to find himself watching as the delivery truck pulled out of his driveway and away from his house.

A dream.

He let out a roar of anger and looked down at his pants in embarrassment, a very noticeable stain on his crotch. How the hell did he let himself sleep through Ryan coming? He had an erotic sex dream, that’s how he did.

You god damn moron. Fucking idiot. Sex addicted loser.

He made his way to the front door and yanked it open to find his package sat on the porch, the ‘sorry we missed you!’ note resting on top of it. With a groan he reached down and picked the whole thing up, tossing it inside and slamming the door behind him. Just his luck. Now if he ordered something, Ryan was going to think he was some sort of absolute moron who couldn’t order all that he needed in one sitting.

He dumped the box on his kitchen table, grumbling at the memory of his dream, and took the sorry card off, going to toss it in the trash. Just as he went to drop it he noticed a writing on the empty back and flipped it over, a deep blush filtering across his face.

‘Sorry I missed you. You must be out working hard. If you want to talk to me, you can just use my own number, instead of ordering junk. Who needs four packs of socks, a gray t-shirt, and the first three seasons of Friends on DVD? Unless you really did need all of that, and I’m just being an ass. Either way, call me. I think you’re cute. -Ryan’

Ryan’s cellphone number was scribbled under his little note with a tiny smiling face next to it. Geoff stared at the number in awe and then smiled so big, digging for his cellphone to call right away. He paused as he typed the number in though, immediate fear rushing over him.

Should he call right away? Ryan assumed he was out doing work, even though he’d got it done long ago. He’d have to explain the reason he didn’t open the door was because he was six-layers deep into an erotic dream about Ryan. Now that would be something truly mortifying. Plus, if he called now he’d seem desperate. He did not want to come off desperate to such a handsome guy that he stood no chance getting with.

He called me cute, though.

He looked at the final line that Ryan wrote and chewed his lip nervously. The more absurd thoughts started to creep into his mind then. What if Ryan was some serial killer, that preyed on pathetic, lonely farmers in middle of nowhere towns? What if Gavin had just set him up with some guy because he was pathetic and desperate. What if this was all just some prank?

He crumpled up the card a bit in his hands at that thought. This isn’t high school anymore, Geoff. Adults don’t do that. He tried to reassure himself, but the night he got purposefully stood up by his crush in high school still haunted him to this day. He was an idiot for ever thinking that the kid he asked out would ever truly like him, and he paid for it the rest of his high school career. For the rest of his life. Trust was something he’d long since thrown out the window.

Ryan couldn’t be like that though. They were adults. Well adults. With jobs and payments and bills. Stupid petty drama was in high school. He was long free of that. His hands relaxed on the card and he finished typing the number in… and saved it. He’d wait a bit, at least, to not make it weird. Shower, get all these thoughts out of his head. Regain some sort of composure. Ryan was probably still at work anyway.

He let out a small sigh and placed both his phone and the card down on the table before heading up to the shower.

---

“How’d you even miss him in the first place? Was Jeopardy on a bit too loud?” Gavin teased; Geoff had decided to give him a call first, before he threw himself blind into the call with Ryan.

“No, I’d fallen asleep reading.” Geoff sighed, glaring at the romance novel where it sat. Curse the thing for throwing him into this.

“Wow, you’re so fucking old.” Michael said then; Gavin had them on speaker phone, as the two of them were doing dishes at their apartment.

“People fall asleep reading all the time, you prick.” Geoff said, letting out a huff of air. Michael laughed and he even heard Gavin let out a bit of a chuckle.

“If you’re so nervous to call him, just send him a text. People text before dating all the time. Me and Michael met on Tinder, you know?” Gavin said.

“Tinder is a dating up.” Michael clarified, and as much as Geoff hated him for it, he was glad he did. He had no idea what a Tinder was, “Gavin’s right. Texting is a lot easier than some awkward phone conversation. Just shoot him a ‘hey’ text and get to know him.”

“I guess you’re right.” Geoff muttered, rubbing his chin in contemplation. A text would be a lot easier than calling Ryan. He didn’t want to wait much longer, so he said his goodbyes to Michael and Gavin and hung up.

The flashing line of the blank text message stared back at him. What should he say to start this off? Michael said ‘hey,’ but that didn’t feel like enough. He wrote and deleted text after text as he tried to figure out just what to send. Each one felt worse than the last and he felt like he was digging his grave deeper and deeper with every passing minute.

He finally settled and sent,

‘Hey Ryan! It’s Geoff Ramsey, the farmer. I got your note. Sorry I couldn’t get to the door today, I was out back with my chickens. I’d call but it’s a little late, and I’m not sure if you’re at work. Thank you for the compliment, by the way. I think you’re pretty handsome yourself. Maybe we should go on a date sometime?’

He forced himself to click send and then tossed his phone away from him and sat biting on his knuckle. He shouldn’t have said the date part, or the handsome part, and he outright lied about being with his chickens. Would Ryan think that was weirder than being asleep? Not weirder than being asleep in the middle of a fucking sex dream, surely. Of course, he never would have told Ryan that. But he felt bad about lying. Would Ryan know? He was always such a bad liar-

His phone’s notification charm yanked him from his words and he dove for his phone faster than he’d ever moved in his life. Ryan had replied.

‘Hey Geoff. I figured you were doing your farm stuff. So I was right, then? I thought I saw you checking out my ass yesterday. I’d love to go on a date with you. In fact, I don’t work tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at six.’

Geoff couldn’t believe this. Was this how dates work? Ryan saw him check his ass out and now he was going to take him on a date? Tomorrow? He didn’t even have any sort of fancy clothes to wear on a date! He couldn’t remember the last time he went on a real date, one that just wasn’t a disguise to fuck in a bathroom. Michael and Gavin had led him to believe he and Ryan were going to exchange messages for a least awhile, and yet here he was, his fingers moving without his consent, saying yes.

‘I’d love that. I’ll see you tomorrow at six. I look forward to it, and seeing your ass out of that delivery uniform.’

What. The. Fuck. Was. That.

He dropped his phone down and stared at the text he’d just sent to Ryan, a guy he barely knew, about his ass. Sure, in his sex dream that would be normal, but this was real fucking life! What made him send such a risqué fucking thing to this man?

Desperation, obviously, you absolute moron.

He slumped to his knees and laid his head on the ground; already sure Ryan was about to call the date off. When his phone went off a few seconds later he lifted his eyes up slowly, sure of the rejection-

‘You’re funny. I’ll see you tomorrow in my best jeans, Geoff.’

Ryan threw in the winking emoji at the end of his text and Geoff let out a tiny laugh. Okay, alright, so maybe he didn’t make such a huge mistake. Maybe… he and Ryan shared the same sense of humor. That would be quite the breath of fresh air, someone he could actually joke with, without offending or turning them off. He picked his phone up and stared at Ryan’s reply before smiling and slipping his phone in his back pocket. He had a date to prepare for.

---

Geoff watched in almost shock the next day as an old, beat up truck, much like his own, pulled into his driveway. He was peeking out the curtains of the front room, trying not to be seen as Ryan got out of his truck. He watched as Ryan shut the front door of the truck and glanced at himself in the rearview mirror. It was kind of a relief to him that Ryan seemed nervous about this as well.

He pulled away from watching Ryan and checked himself once again in the little mirror nearby. He’d found an old black dress shirt tucked away in his closet, his least dirty pair of jeans, and a nice pair of shoes that Gavin had gotten him for his birthday a few years back that he’d never even taken out of the box up to this point. He looked no where as good as Ryan did in the slick gray button up, tight skinny jeans and well-polished dress shoes, but it was at least a start. He tried to do something with his hair one last time, but Ryan’s knock gave him no chance.

He made his way to the door and took a deep breath in before opening it up. Ryan stood, a flower he clearly snagged from the row along Geoff’s driveway extended and a genuine smile on his face as he said, “Hi there. I’ve got your Amazon order.”

Geoff couldn’t help but laugh at the very stupid joke as he took the flower from Ryan and placed it in his dress pocket. He stepped out and closed the door behind him.

“I’ve been waiting all day for it. You’re at least on time.” Geoff smiled at him and Ryan returned it before offering his hand out.

“You ready for our date? Do you want to follow me, so you can check out the ass? I mean, that’s what you really ordered, right?” Ryan asked, and Geoff felt his cheeks flush with pure embarrassment. Ryan laughed and held out his hands in a gesture of surrender.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. You look so mad.” Ryan continued to laugh and took Geoff’s hand then, “The date is going to make up for it, I promise. Do you like picnics?”  

Geoff was a bit surprised at that. A picnic? He’d never been on one. Sure, he and his parents had eaten on the back dead, or he and his father in the fields, but never had he had a for real, genuine picnic.  He was very intrigued at the idea.

“I’ve never been on one.” He replied, and Ryan gave him a shocked look.

“You’ve never- well, then, Geoff Ramsey, I’m going to give you the best first picnic you’ll ever have.” Ryan said, and took Geoff to his truck. He opened the passenger door to let Geoff in, and then got in himself.

“I’m trusting you with a lot here, Ryan.” Geoff smiled at him from across the seat, and Ryan shot him a big smile. Geoff blushed hard at the work of art sitting next to him and glances out the window as they started to drive. Ryan seemed to know the back roads as well as Geoff did, which was surprising.

“You know this area?” He asked, turning back to Ryan with a tilted head. Ryan gave him a tiny smile.

“Uh, yeah. I was raised not too far from here. I was homeschooled though, that’s probably why you don’t know me. I moved into Yukon after my schooling was done and picked up the delivery job to pay for school. I’d like to work with computers.” Ryan gave a lot of information, but Geoff liked it. It made him seem like much more than just the hot delivery driver Geoff had wild sex dreams about.

“I’ve always been on the farm. I mean, I went to school in Yukon, but that’s because my parents were just farmers too. When they passed I took the farm on myself. It’s just me and my chickens now.” Geoff replied, feeling like he had to tell at least something about himself. There wasn’t much, he wasn’t a very interesting person.

He looked at Ryan again and found him smiling and looking quite interested in what Geoff was saying. Geoff was honestly shocked at the look; he couldn’t remember the last time someone had looked so interested in him. It was such a weird feeling he was sitting on.

Ryan pulled over along the side of the road suddenly- Geoff glanced out the window and smiled as he realized where they were at. Not too far down the road from his house was a big hill that overlooked all of Yukon and where you could see all of the sun as it set. He and his mother used to watch the sun set together when he would have a bad day. The fact that Ryan brought him here, off all places, made Geoff’s heart swell.

“Is this good?” Ryan asked, and Geoff turned to him with a beaming smile on his face.

“It’s perfect. You’re doing well so far, this picnic seems wonderful.” Geoff hopped out of the truck and Ryan quickly followed after grabbing a basket and a blanket out of the back seat of his truck. Geoff made his way to the top of the hill before Ryan and stood looking over the view of the tiny town and the setting sun.

Ryan got to the top and laid the blanket out for them and started to unpack his basket.

“Just so you know, I’m no master chef. I’ve done what I’ve can to make a gourmet meal for you though.” Ryan said, and Geoff turned to him and sat down on the blanket, taking the bottle of champagne Ryan had taken out and opening it up. He felt so much more comfortable after their small conversation and the wonderful view.

Ryan laughed as he popped the champagne and handed him a plate of food to pick at. They shared a comfortable silence together as they watched the sunset. Geoff moved and rested his head on Ryan’s shoulder after a while, something about him still craving touch from Ryan.

Ryan shifted then and picked Geoff’s chip up, looking down at him with almost adoring eyes. “The moment I saw you, I knew that I had to have you. You were so stupid beautiful. You were so awkward, but it was in the cutest way possible. Something about you made me… feel so new. I hoped you would order again, and when I didn’t see you that next day my heart broke. I had to leave that note, I had to give myself a chance at snagging a date with you.”

Ryan’s words were so genuine and sweet, Geoff didn’t know what to think. He was such a boring, simple person, and yet Ryan saw him as something so much more than he was. He almost felt like he was cheating Ryan.

Before he could speak, Ryan kissed him. He pressed their lips together in a way that reminded Geoff of his dream, yet so much better. It was the best rush of feeling Geoff had had in the longest time. They pulled apart after a second and Geoff finally spoke.

“Is this a dream?” He asked, and Ryan let out a small chuckle and pulled Geoff into his arms.

“Not a dream. I want to go on a million dates with you, Geoff. And meet your oh so important chickens. And know everything about you and your life.” Ryan rested his head in Geoff’s hair and took in a breath of him. Geoff let out the most content noise and let himself relax against Ryan.

---

“Did Geoff tell you about the time he jacked off to you? The first time you two met?”

They were on a double date. One that Geoff really didn’t want to be on, because it included Michael. He and Ryan had been together for a month; Ryan still made all of Geoff’s deliveries, and they got together as often as possible. It was everything Geoff had dreamed of; his simple life just a little more exciting.

Ryan choked on his drink. He let out a short laugh and looked at Geoff with wide eyes, expecting some explanation or rebuttal to the statement.

“He’s not lying. You are attractive babe, you know how a fawn over you. I wanted you from day one. Maybe different from the way you wanted me, but I wanted you.”  Geoff shrugged, and Ryan’s laugh was a little happier the second time around.

Ryan reached his hand over and threaded it into Geoff’s then, smiling at him with loving eyes. Geoff was truly happy for the first time in a very long time. He was a simple man. He had his chickens, his plants, his trees, his old house, Ryan, Gavin, and even Michael. That was all that he needed.

[frankkjonestx]

COVID-19 case clusters offer lessons and warnings for reopening

Several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, countries are looking for ways to restart their economies, public health officials are looking to guide safe reopening and people are eagerly looking to escape cabin fever. But tough lessons have surfaced from countries that were hit early in the pandemic and have already reopened.

Consider South Korea: In April, after new cases had steadily declined to single digits, the country began easing lockdown restrictions. But that respite was short-lived. On May 6, a 29-year-old man tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, just a few days after visiting five dance clubs in one night in Seoul’s Itaewon district. On May 8, South Korea responded quickly, postponing plans to reopen schools and urging bars and clubs to shut down again for a month. As of June 8, the Korean Centers for Disease Control had linked the sick man to 96 other clubgoers who got COVID-19, plus 178 people with whom those clubgoers came into contact.

That wasn’t the only cluster that put the brakes on South Korea’s reopening plans. Soon more clusters popped up in an online retail center, a theme park, a table tennis club and a handful of churches.

Other countries should expect similar starts and stops upon relaxing stay-at-home rules. “Reopening is not a one-way street, and we may need to make a U-turn,” says Andrew Noymer, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Irvine.

Studying these kinds of transmission clusters as well as common environments where COVID-19 moves easily from person to person provides a glimpse of how to avoid the U-turns. To that end, epidemiologist Gwenan Knight and her colleagues at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine compiled a massive database of worldwide COVID-19 case clusters based on media accounts, published scientific studies and government health department reports.

As of June 10, their database included 231 cluster events, or groups of cases tied to the same place. The data are limited to known clusters and to what the patients involved could recall and what they told investigators.

Where does COVID-19 spread?

A team at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has compiled a database of 231 known COVID-19 case clusters, represented in the graphic here. The settings are color-coded based on whether the virus spread in an indoor vs. outdoor setting, and each bubble’s size represents the number of cases in the cluster. As much as possible, the team looked at the first round of transmission, in hopes of getting an accurate snapshot of the risks different types of settings pose. When data were available, the team also calculated a cluster’s attack rate, or the percentage of people who got sick out of the total number of people present.

The most prevalent setting among reported clusters is in households, and the largest clusters occurred aboard ships. The London team’s database includes some entries that represent more than one cluster; in this chart, those have been separated out so each bubble shown represents a single cluster.

Some interesting trends have emerged. Indoor settings dominate, partly because the virus hit during winter, when people spend most of their time indoors, and partly because in outdoor settings an abundant flow of fresh air helps dissipate virus particles exhaled by an infected person. Ultraviolet rays from the sun might also help kill virus particles.

Households were the most common place for transmission, accounting for 15 percent, or 38 of 231, cluster events. And mealtime was prime time. “It’s not the eating. It’s the sitting around and talking,” Noymer suspects. SARS-CoV-2 primarily spreads via respiratory droplets and direct contact. While sharing food or utensils could theoretically pose a risk for infection, no clusters have been linked to eating itself. A study published June 3 in Emerging Infectious Diseases found traces of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material on chopsticks used by patients in Hong Kong, but whether virus particles could survive on a chopstick and actually infect someone remains unknown.

The largest known clusters occurred in settings that are by now well publicized: ships (the Diamond Princess cruise ship and the USS Teddy Roosevelt aircraft carrier), food packing plants and prisons. Dormitories in Singapore, where migrant workers live in cramped conditions, also saw large numbers of infections. In all of these places, people live or work in close quarters over long periods of time.

Worker dormitories have had several outbreaks of COVID-19. Singapore’s Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo visited a foreign worker dormitory in May called Westlite Papan, where health officials are carrying out daily testing for COVID-19.WALLACE WOON/​EPA-EFE/​Shutterstock

The dataset also points to settings where one activity may be riskier than another, says Quentin Leclerc, an epidemiologist on Knight’s team who manages the database. “For example, why have we found clusters associated with one type of indoor sport, but not another?” In a cluster of 112 cases stemming from Zumba classes in Cheonan, South Korea, a pilates and yoga instructor from the same gym was among those infected. But that instructor did not subsequently pass the virus on to any students. High intensity sports that involve a lot of heavy breathing in confined spaces could be prime spots for transmission, while lower intensity activities, like yoga, might not be as risky (SN: 5/19/20).

Only one transportation cluster — three cases on a bus — appears in the database, but that doesn’t mean the virus doesn’t spread on buses or trains. “Transport outbreaks are very difficult to identify,” says Yuguo Li, an engineer at the University of Hong Kong who studies infectious disease transmission.

Of course there could be other possible transmission settings that researchers don’t know about or haven’t been able to study. But the case clusters below might offer some useful insights.

A restaurant with poor ventilation

A cautionary tale of poor ventilation comes from Guangzhou, China, on the eve of Lunar New Year. A 63-year-old woman and her family walked into a crowded restaurant for lunch, after returning from Wuhan the day before. That same day she developed a fever and cough; she later tested positive for the coronavirus.

Of the 89 other customers who visited the restaurant that day, 10 fell ill with COVID-19, including the woman and four members of her family. Patients are most contagious around the time their symptoms emerge, so this woman was most likely the index case — the first person in the cluster to become infected.

The five other infections occurred in families seated at the tables on either side of hers, less than three feet away. Security footage shows that the three families didn’t interact or touch the same objects. The droplets the woman produced as she chatted with her family were unlikely to reach the other tables on their own. So the virus probably got some help from the air conditioning unit blowing directly over the row of three tables, researchers from the Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention report in the July Emerging Infectious Diseases.

The restaurant had no windows. The only source of outside air was an exhaust fan in a bathroom. The air conditioning unit only recirculated indoor air, blowing the woman’s respiratory droplets to the nearby tables. With very little fresh air coming in, the concentration of droplets would get higher and higher, says Yan Chen, an engineer at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.  

In the zone

Y. Li et al/medRxiv 2020

In the Guangzhou restaurant illustrated here, one sick patron infected nine others. Air conditioning units cooled different zones, and one unit blew directly over the three tables where COVID-19 cases arose. The woman believed to be the index case (magenta, just left of center at top of image) was seated with her family at the middle table. Air flowing from the air conditioning unit may have blown her respiratory droplets over to the table farthest from the AC unit. The air then bounced off the wall and brought those droplets back in the direction of the table on the other side, next to the AC unit.

In this computer simulation based on trace gas tests conducted at the restaurant, droplets (turquoise) congregate in the air around the three tables due to the airflow from the air conditioning unit and poor ventilation in the room. The red figures represent the other people who fell ill with COVID-19 after eating at the restaurant at the same time.

When the restaurant was empty during lockdown, Li and his colleagues tested the theory with a few human volunteers, some mannequins and harmless gas droplets to trace and simulate the spread. Their preliminary simulations, posted online April 22 at medRxiv.org, show that the air conditioning flow in the room could have created a bubble of small droplets around the three tables, and that there was an exceptionally low amount of fresh air in the room. That’s where the blame for infection lies, Li’s team argues. With more fresh air in the mix, droplet concentration would probably have been lower.

Long work shifts at close proximity

A case cluster in a South Korean call center provides an example of how COVID-19 can emerge in a bustling open-office setting — and how to intervene and stop transmission.

The call center in downtown Seoul occupies four floors in a 19-story building that has commercial offices and residences. When almost all of building users — 1,143 people — were tested, 97 were positive for SARS-CoV-2; 94 of them worked in call center offices on the 11th floor, researchers report in the August Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Employees sat side by side, talking on the phone for long shifts. Because a striking majority of cases were concentrated in a single open work area on one side of the building, researchers suspect that prolonged proximity, rather than, say, touching the same elevator button drove the spread.

Crowded call center

Most of the 97 COVID-19 cases in a mixed residential and commercial building in downtown Seoul, South Korea, were concentrated on the 11th floor. There, 94 call center employees tested positive for COVID-19 (workstations of people who got infected shown in blue), most of them concentrated on one side of the building.

S. Park et al/Emerging Infectious Diseases 2020

At the call center, the Korean CDC was extremely thorough in its attempts to find cases and stop their spread, testing 99.8 percent of the people who had any contact with the building and quickly isolating all positive cases. Beyond the building, investigators tracked 225 household contacts of those positive cases, and 34 tested positive. Through this intense screening process, the agency cut transmission chains and prevent new cases from emerging. “It shows how intervention can work,” says Werner Bischoff, an epidemiologist at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Sharing more than memories

A sobering warning about the importance of social distancing comes from a family in Irbid, Jordan, about 60 miles north of Amman. Defying a local ban on large gatherings, the family held a wedding celebration in March. Of the roughly 360 people who attended, 76 tested positive for the coronavirus in the four weeks that followed, researchers report in the September Emerging Infectious Diseases.

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Two days before the ceremony the bride’s 58-year-old father, who had traveled from Spain, felt feverish and developed a runny nose and cough. He tested positive for the coronavirus two days after the wedding.

Though he did not recall having contact with anyone who had COVID-19 in Spain, scientists believe he sparked the cluster. In Jordan, it’s common for the bride’s family to greet all of the guests at the reception entrance, usually with a hug or a kiss. “These factors, in addition to crowded dancing and close face-to-face communication, likely contributed to the large number of infections from this wedding,” the researchers write.

Lockdown exit strategies

Some unknown variables — like the effectiveness of fabric masks and the degree to which infected people without symptoms spread the virus — could influence the risk equation for coronavirus in any of these and other settings.

As restrictions lift, people will have to make tough choices about in-person interactions. Social distancing is still important. You might limit your contacts, but other people you encounter might not. As restrictions ease, some public health officials suggest creating COVID-19 “bubbles,” or expanding social circles to people who agree to observe the same precautionary measures.

In South Korea, some restaurants like this food hall have erected plexiglass barriers between diners, in hopes of reducing the spread of COVID-19.Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Image

Restaurants and workplaces can take steps when they reopen to try to limit transmission, as some have already done. Installing plexiglass barriers between tables and improving ventilation by opening windows, serving customers outside, turning on exhaust fans and using HEPA filters could help lower transmission risk. Keeping tables or desks at least six feet apart is also a good idea. The CDC has released reopening guidelines for everything from restaurants to water parks.

Whether more outdoor cases will emerge as temperatures rise and people spend more time outside is an open question. Fresh air and sunlight could limit cases in outdoor settings, or clusters could emerge in newly opened outdoor settings, such as swimming pools or summer camps. Data on how the virus behaves in summer just don’t exist yet.

If South Korea’s thwarted first attempt at loosening restrictions has taught us anything, it’s that reopening and lifting social distancing practices comes with one certainty: New COVID-19 infections will happen. Hugs and high-fives are still a long way off. “This isn’t a marathon,” Noymer says. “It’s a 26.2-mile sprint.”

.image-mobile {display: none;} .image-tablet {display: none;} @media (max-width: 650px) { .image-mobile {display: none;} .image-desktop {display: none;} .image-tablet {display: block;} } @media (max-width: 420px) { .image-mobile {display: block;} .image-desktop {display: none;} .image-tablet {display: none;} } from Tips By Frank https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-case-clusters-lessons-warnings-reopening

[lovehotelreservation]

I’ll Say “I Love You” Until We Get Along - Mahal Kita [6/15]

Summary: Begotten by the gods, Ardyn has sought to return the favor, their precious world to burn. Until he runs into you, a cherished reminder of his past that he thought to have closed his heart to centuries ago. Now, however, he finds your heart sealed shut to him, and he is determined to pry it open one way or another. Prequel and sequel to “The Most Beautiful Boogie Man”

Rating: R

Pairing: Reader/Ardyn

[Previous Chapter*]

[Next Chapter]

Hello everyone and welcome to another update! While I’ve noted my excitement for the previous chapters, I’m especially hyped for this update since we’re now in the sequel portion to “The Most Beautiful Boogie Man”~!

With that said, I do hope you all enjoy this week’s chapter! Thanks for the support, everyone~!

*Warning: this fic will contain themes of unhealthy relationship behavior, obsessive behavior, stalking, and somnophilia

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He made a mistake.

Too selfish.

Too indulgent.

He shouldn't have come to your room.

Too bitter.

Too sweet.

He should have just staved off the impulsiveness of his craving for you.

Too bad.

Too good.

Giving into temptation only worsened desires. His lips and fingers tingled, his cock throbbed, and now Ardyn was standing in your hotel suite again, lurking in the shadow of your closet while his fingers twitched as they neared the zipper of his pants. With the door slightly ajar to keep an eye on you while you slept, the intention to quietly leave your room was overridden by the sudden and intense juvenile need to steal one of your panties--a reward for himself for being on his best behavior around you.

Up until now at least.

More.

He needed more.

Tonight's visit to your room wasn't--

No.

It would never be enough.

Else why would he have made his immediate return to make off with your panties.

For all his patience, his restraint, the least he could do was take a souvenir, especially since he would be busy preparing the next act of his dramatic play, all the while needing something of you to keep his wants at bay.

But the moment his fingers touched your panties while lifting them from your bag, the thought of doing the same to the pair you were wearing right this second, he was in near immediate need to relieve himself.

And of course, of course while he was already marring your undergarments with streaks of hot pre-cum as he furiously pumped his cock with them was when Ignis happened to enter the room, the flickering of lights instinctively making him recoil further back into the darkness of the closet.

Not that he would be in fear of the bespectacled servant for whatever reason.

Still, as quickly Ardyn's libido was roused, it crashed while Ignis, arms full of groceries from Lestallum's sizable marketplace, proceeded to unload his purchases onto the coffee table near your bed--still within view from the crack in the closet. While he was about to sort through all of the various foods--ingredients, snacks, Cup Noodles--he happened to look over to where you were sleeping.

Catching glimpse of curiosity form on Ignis's face, Ardyn was already seeking to violently reprimand as the glorified butler stepped over to your bed. He watched as Ignis reached for your blanket--which remained pushed down from his earlier involvement--gingerly drawing the covers up your body. Afterwards, he pressed the back of his hand against your forehead then your cheek, his expression pondering as he mused to himself, "How warm...perhaps someone's coming down with something."

In that immediate moment, all Ardyn wished to do was smash his fist into Ignis's face, the lens of his glasses shattering, embedding, piercing  the skin of the pathetically loyal righthand man of Lucis's prince. How dare he think he may have the right to touch you, especially right before his very eyes?

Ignis heard the murmur of his name.

Ardyn heard you moan.

Slowly, your eyes fluttered open, only for your arm to cover over your face as you groaned from the hotel suite's lights being the first to greet you. "Ig...nis...?"

You proceeded to slowly sit up, your expression showing discomfort, a dizziness that intrigued Ardyn as it did concern. For someone who looked to be in such a peaceful sleep, you did not seem as tranquil as you awoke.

"Are you alright? You look as though you're coming down with a fever," Ignis asked worriedly, a finger pressed to his chin while he inspected you.

"Was I...?" You drawled while trying to blink away your grogginess. "Honestly, I'm not sure what I'm feeling right now."

Ardyn took a step forward, his ears perking up at what you had to say.

"How so?" Was Ignis's queried response.

Your hand pressed to your head while your eyes shut once more, just before clenching. The peaceful silence that initially welcomed Ardyn into this room was replaced with an odd tension--at least, that was how he perceived it, if by your peculiar behavior.

"I dreamt of something strange..." You began slowly.

Ignis took a seat beside you upon your bed, his back facing the closet. "Strange?"

Ardyn's disdain furthered and festered ever so more into a vitriolic hatred. Under no circumstances was a mere Crownsguard member allowed to be in bed with royalty, the Queen no less.

"...About Niflheim's chancellor..." Your words were mumbled out reluctantly, perplexed like the look that was on your face. "...Ardyn."

So intense, so sudden. The shiver that consumed him was held such an icy, sharp edge that you may as well have been glaring at him while having your sword at his throat.

Delectable.

"And what of him...?"

"Yes..." Ardyn breathed out to himself, a delirious grin spreading across his lips. "...What did you dream of me, darling?"

Another pause.

Your hand moved from your head as you brought and pressed both palms against your face. Embarrassment? Shame? Whatever it was, you sounded so conflicted as you continued, "He was here in my room, saying all this weird lovey-dovey shit--like we were a couple or something and he even--"

"'He even--?'" Ignis repeated, his composure maintained even as his shoulders tensed while his eyes narrowed slightly. "What did he do?"

"He touc--" You paused, suddenly coughing instead before clarifying with, "...Nothing he just spouted a bunch of weird romantic nonsense."

It was clear that Ignis didn't buy your reasoning, but Ardyn couldn't care less. That corrupted, immoral side of him rejoiced that--by your answer--you seemed to have been aware of his presence. However, the vague bit of humanity that lingered within was in despaired agony that his sins were made known and committed onto you.

However, before he could truly take in your words, he heard you speak up once again, your voice as clear as could be as you drew your hands away from your face. Your eyes were still closed for a moment as you began to speak, all before they opened while reflecting nothing but warring emotions. "Though, what really creeped me out most was...was it felt familiar to me, like it was okay for him to talk to me that way because we're not strangers but...but lovers instead."

Rapture.

Ardyn's knees honestly felt weak, the first time in centuries, the last that he could recall ever happening being when he received a letter from you while he was abroad on goodwill trips across Eos, your love and yearning for him making his heart soar.

But here, confirmed in this very moment:

You felt his presence, you recalled his connection, you reciprocated his love.

At least, you were beginning to.

But that was all Ardyn needed.

The catalyst had made itself known. Now he just needed to set things in motion once he arrived in Altissia.

Ardyn's tongue ran over his lips, as a wicked, toothy grin formed on his features as he succumbed further into and disappeared into the darkness.

Two millennia was well worth the agonizing wait for this.

[seriestrash]

London’s Calling

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12

Chapter Thirteen: Attitude Adjustment

Word Count: 2669

☏ ☏ ☏ ☏

The following day Riley met up with Zay. By then he’d learnt of Riley’s arrival through Lucas and was coaxed into giving Riley a letter. The second Riley took the envelop with her name scrawled on the front she knew the handwriting belonged to Lucas. Reluctantly she accepted it and slipped it into her bag. 

Twenty-four hours later Riley sits in her London bedroom with the unopened letter resting on the sheets in front of her. Nervously the brunette chews on her thumbnail unsure if she should open it or not. Riley knew the letter could only contain another apology from Lucas, after their talk on the subway she’s sure that would be the nature of the letter but still she cant bring herself read it. 

Luckily she’s not forced to ponder that option for very long as her parents call out for her to join them in the living room. Riley picks up the envelope and slips it in her desk drawer. Out of sight, out of mind. 

Riley had returned to London determined to give her new life the chance she promised she would when she first left New York. Riley was going to embrace the experience to it’s fullest and embrace it she did. After that day Riley approached everything with a new attitude, everything including her school life. The first morning back since Spring Break Riley approaches a table full of Finn’s friends. 

“Hey,” Riley says bravely. Pretending like she wasn’t a ball of nerves. 

“Hi,” One of the girls, Michelle, gives her a warm smile, “Finn isn’t here yet…” 

“That’s okay,” Riley nods, “Is it cool if I sit with you guys anyway?” 

“Of course,” Michelle’s smile widens and she slides over on the bench seat, freeing up space for Riley. 

“So how was New York?” One of the guys, Parker asks. 

“Eventful,” Riley laughs nervously, praying they wouldn’t press for details which they did lightly but Riley steered clear of any Lucas talk. 

The conversation flows naturally until the morning bell rings and Riley walked to her homeroom with a smile. Maybe things weren’t as bad as she believed them to previously be.. That is a thought that sticks with Riley all day, it’s like her own cloudy mind was slowly clearing the more the day went on. 

During English Riley is handed back a report she did prior to leaving on spring break. A big A+ is circled at the top of the page and her teacher - the one that gave her a hard time when she first began - gives Riley a congratulatory pat on the back and an encouraging, “I knew you had it in you.” Maybe he was being tough on her because he saw the potential she had? This makes Riley think about how she once wondered if she brought the isolation on herself and she now knows for sure that to an extent she did. That her longing for the life she had back in New York made her paint London gloomier than she had to. 

As another week passes things only get brighter for the New Yorker. Little conversations with her friends - yes she now calls them her friends - make Riley smile. 

“Mish your hair looks so cute,” Jake says to his girlfriend Michelle as he plays with her golden locks. 

“Thanks,” Michelle shimmies one shoulder slightly, “I thought Riley looked positively adorable the first week she wore them so I thought I’d copy. Hope you don’t mind, Ri.” 

“Mind?” Riley coaxes her head. For a moment she thought maybe she was being made fun of again but the genuine smile on the girls face made that thought disappear quickly. “Of course not.” Riley smiles at the notion that she inspired something, even as trivial as a pigtails it made Riley feel special for the whole day. 

Even with things looking up for Riley it didn’t erase the loneliness she once felt. That empty feeling still weighs on her mind from time to time, mostly when she’s alone with her thoughts but the new perspective she has on things certainly makes the smile she wears more genuine. That and the open line of communication she has with her parents again also helps Riley cope emotionally with things. 

On the last day of the school year Finn and Riley sit at her favourite bench, the one where Finn gave her the peace offering (the hot chocolate) and the two look at the pretty gardens surrounding them. 

“You know what?” Riley says with a loud exhale, “I think I’m actually going to miss this place.

“Yeah, but not enough to stay,” Finn says with a crooked smile, “New York is where you belong so New York is where you’ll go.”

Oh yeah… Did I forget to mention Riley’s moving back to New York City? Not just with the Minkus’ either but with her whole family. After coming back from the trip during Spring Break Topanga couldn’t help but shake the feeling that she’d made a terrible mistake. As exciting and challenging as her new position was it resulted in her losing touch with the most important thing in her life, her family. 

In fact, the very day Riley and Topanga returned from New York - when Cory and Topanga called Riley into the living room - they brought up the topic of moving back to the states.

Topanga being Topanga always had a contingency plan in place, one she set with the help of her husband. London was always going to have a one year trail period. That’s why Topanga held onto the bakery as long as she did and why Cory and Topanga only subletted their apartment rather than give up their lease completely. Also, both Cory and Topanga had their old jobs waiting for them if they ever chose to return to the city. This was all news to Riley and Auggie of course as it was kept under wraps because both Cory and Topanga didn’t want to discourage their children from embracing the move but they still wanted the security of having a backup plan incase things didn’t work out in London.

Riley asked her mom why she wanted to move back and Topanga cupped Riley’s cheek in her hand and explained how she overhead what she said about losing her parents if she left. Comending her once again about how mature she is, willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the greater good. 

Riley argues that if they moved back wouldn’t that mean that Topanga would be the one giving up her happiness and dream job. Topanga explained that during their trip back to the states she met up with her mother rather than potential buyers for the bakery. A meeting they’d organised after Topanga cried on the phone to her and the two of them found a way where no one would have to sacrifice their happiness. Because moving home would make her children happy therefore Topanga would be happy too.

So, after a long chat the Matthews decided to finish out their year and return home. Sure things were painful and weird between with Lucas and Riley had the new positive attitude she planned to apply to her school etc. but Riley would’ve been lying if she said that moving back to New York City, with her whole family, didn’t excite her. She’d get to see Maya again everyday and she’d study with Farkle and they’d continue their regular planetarium gazing they did at his apartment once a month where they’d talk and he’d gush about Smackle. Smackle, Riley thought, she’d go home and make certain that Smackle new she was indeed Riley’s friend, not just Farkle’s girlfriend and then there’s Zay whose lighthearted teasing and witty banter would once again bring regular joy to her life. 

Riley knew, after a year of being away she wouldn’t just be able to return to her old life, things would be strange and there would be a readjustment period. Then of course there was Lucas, who knows what would become of them if she moved back. If that would cause an obstacle with Riley and her friends. Then there was Rain, whom she’d never met before but in Riley’s eyes the girl is a trigger for her emotionally. Even though it’s not really the girls fault but Riley couldn’t help but fear the impact Rain would have if she moved back. This is a girl that inadvertently caused Lucas to break up with Riley, that and she had been welcomed into her friends, friend circle so facing her would be inevitable. All worries aside, Riley couldn’t help but feel the pros outweighed the cons. 

Back to the bench where Riley and Finn sit at school on their last day Finn asks Riley if she’s coming to his end of year party to which she smiles and nods. 

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Riley beams. There was no nagging required by her parents or by Finn to get her there just a genuine interest in making the most of the time she has left with the people she’s come to care a great deal for. 

As the night unfolds Riley has a blast. The goofball is so genuinely happy as she silly dances around the room that her face hurts from all the smiling. Out of  breath and tired from all the dancing Riley takes a breather in the kitchen where Finn fetches her some water. The pair make their way up to the rooftop garden, an obvious awkwardness lingers in the air. 

Noticing this Riley jokes, “You’re not going to try kiss me again are you?”

Finn gives her a playful shove and wraps an arm around her shoulder. “It would be like kissing my sister now,” he pokes his tongue out in disgust. 

Riley giggles and nods her head. 

“What a wild year this has been,” Finn exhales loudly and both he and Riley admire the city lights they see from the rooftop. 

“I can’t believe it’s almost over,” Riley shakes her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe we’re going to different schools in different countries…” 

“If I didn’t know any better I’d think you were saying goodbye,” Finn gives Riley a funny look, his mouth slightly agape. 

“I guess I kind of am…” Riley says solemnly. 

“Hey, I heard once Smiley McCheese is in your life she’s in it forever,” Finn gives her an intense look. 

Riley presses a kiss on Finn’s cheek and pulls pack with a grin. Finn slaps a hand to where she marked him and gasps, “What was that for?”

“Just a bit of fun,” Riley gives him a knowing look and the two chuckle along and return to the party.

Riley’s not sure where he heard the whole forever thing she believes so much in but him adopting it as a belief of her own touched Riley, thus earning him the peck on the cheek but the thought of this stirred up her confused feelings for Lucas. The ones she’s spent two months trying to suppress. Feelings she could now no longer ignore, for that night when Riley returns to her apartment she paces by her desk. Trying to talk herself out of it but curiosity won in the end as she opens the drawer and pulls out the unopened letter. Riley retreats to her bed and sits with crossed legs and slowly opens the envelope and reads the letter. 

Dear Riley, 

I know you asked for time and I intend to respect that but I can’t help but feel as if I didn’t stress something enough when we spoke. No, it’s not that I’m sorry.. Because I am.. It’s that I genuinely do just want you to be happy. Anywhere in the world, with anyone, always. That means more to me than anything. Even if my jealous, idiotic behaviour seems to prove otherwise. 

I know what you said about pretending to be happy makes sense but we pretend to be happy because we care. We can’t force ourselves to like a situation but, smiling anyway? We do that because the other persons happiness is more important than our own. That’s what I meant when I said it. I know you’re familiar with the concept. You’ve always put others before yourself so I ask you not forgive me because you think it’s the right thing to do but because it’s the right thing for you. 

Two months, two years, forever. However much time you need and I’ll respect that. I promise you won’t hear from me unless you want to. 

With love, Lucas.

Riley knew Lucas was right, about pretending to be happy. Riley had been guilty of doing it for almost a year with her mother. Also, she’d keep certain things from her friends if she thought it would make them happier. Riley doesn’t even know why she said what she did, maybe it was part of her wishing that no one had to suffer quietly. That in a perfect parallel universe that she could be Riley and he could be Lucas and in any form; romantic, platonic or other and they’d be happy. 

With a heavy sigh and the letter still in hand Riley flops back on the bed. Riley knew Lucas, even after a year she’s still sure she knows him and she knew that when he felt bad about something he could react in a number of ways. One of which is Lucas being embarrassed for his behaviour, too embarrassed to acknowledge his actions right away. He’d go quiet and hope the situation would do the same. Another way is something Riley always referred to as ‘over apologising’ where Lucas would become neurotic and constantly spit “I’m sorries” until he was convinced he’d convinced them of his regret. Another way - the most common Riley feels - is how Lucas makes a point to show you he’s sorry. He does this by first apologising and then once the conflict is resolved Lucas would be proactive in demonstrating he’s learnt from his mistake. The first example of this that comes to Riley’s mind Lucas’ “you’re too much” comment he made on their first day of high school and how he constantly made the effort to reassure Riley that wasn’t the case. Riley’s knows Lucas doesn’t do this because he feels guilty but because he genuinely wants the person to understand that they deserve better than whatever he did. This is something Riley has always admired about Lucas. 

It’s with this knowledge that Riley can only assume Lucas would have found it difficult to respect Riley’s request for time and space. Much like herself Lucas shares the same incessant need to please the ones he cares about. Knowing this makes Riley feel slightly guilty for phasing him out even though Riley knew she had reason too. But, it’s not the guilt or the thought that if she was moving back they’d eventually have to get over it that makes Riley pick up her phone. It’s not even her own incessant need to please the ones she care about, it’s because she wants to. Things would be weird and Riley still wasn’t sure they’d be able to get over it but she was willing to try. With that she texts Lucas. 

Lucas thought he was still dreaming when he woke up to the early AM text from Riley. When his mind cleared he replied back to her. Of course he still wanted that, he’d spent two months physically stopping himself from trying to contact her. He’d spent two months trying to think of ways he could make it right should Riley ever speak to him again. Two months wondering if she even read the letter and if she did, did she understand what he was trying to say? Riley didn’t reply to his text and she didn’t have to. Lucas knew Riley was coming home and this text, even though it may be the weakest of glimmers, it gave him hope. 

End Note: Again I feel like I couldnt get across what I intended… Sorry if this chapter is choppy with the back and forth but I feel as though I wanted to tell you how much more enjoyable Riley’s last two months were BEFORE you found out they’d be the last two months. 

Anyway, the epilogue is next. The FINAL part. 24 hours away :)

Please let me know what you think thus far dksfjsdkjf !!