#Watched House of Usher tonight and boy oh boy did it light up my brain like a bonfire

[scattered-under-moonlight]

The fall of the House of Usher (2023) / Hannibal (2013-2015) / Delusions Shared by Two by Bea Almeida

[novelmonger]

Ed and Hughes (FMA) #17

Let Me Count the Ways ask game

(specifically '03 animeverse) Prompt: "Are you just going to keep walking by my house or are you going to come in?"

“Did he come back?”

Peering through the tiny slit of the curtains, Maes spotted the small figure standing under the streetlight. No red coat, no braid, no swagger. Just a twelve-year-old boy dressed in black, hands stuffed into pockets as he stared up at their house. “Yeah.”

“That's the third time,” Gracia yawned from the bed.

“It's like he's...too embarrassed to come knock on the door, but he wants to,” Maes murmured, watching the way Ed just stood there, scuffing his shoe against the ground and not moving on.

With a sigh, Gracia sat up. “Well, either call him inside or come back to bed.”

Maes looked over his shoulder at her and smiled, his heart warming at the sight of her. Even with tousled hair and huge bags under her eyes, exhausted from the demands of a certain little someone asleep in the next room, Gracia looked so beautiful. It was tempting to just crawl back under the covers and drift off to sleep again, but something told him he wouldn't be able to rest until he knew why Edward Elric was standing outside his house in the middle of the night.

Call it the Investigations officer in him. Or maybe the father.

As he passed by the bed on the way to the door, Gracia got up and reached for her housecoat. Maes held out a hand to stop her. “No—I can talk to him, hon. You need your sleep.”

Ignoring him, Gracia stepped into her slippers. “I'll make some hot chocolate.”

When she made to step past him, he stopped her with a kiss. “You're the best.”

With a sweet smile, she patted him on the cheek. “I know.”

And so, while Gracia headed to the kitchen, Maes opened the front door and stepped outside. Belatedly, he realized just how cold it was and regretted going outside in bare feet with nothing but his teddy bear-printed pajamas between him and the chill night air.

Ed was just on the other side of the fence now, frozen in place like a rabbit about to bolt. Maes couldn't read his expression from this distance in the dark. Raising a hand in welcome, he called out, “Are you just going to keep walking by my house, or are you going to come in?”

Slowly, dragging his feet the whole way, Ed opened the gate and slouched his way up to the door. “Sorry,” he mumbled. “Didn't mean to wake you up....”

“Never mind that,” Maes said, ushering him through the door. “Just get inside; it's freezing out there.”

Flipping on the lights to fill the room with a warm, cheery light, Maes guided Ed through to the living room and pushed on his shoulders to make him sit down on the couch. As Maes sat down beside him, he got a better look at the disheveled boy.

Huge circles under his eyes, like he hadn't slept in a week. Hollow cheeks, like he hadn't been eating right. His hair was tangled, not even held back in a ponytail. Instead of his usual brash confidence, Ed's shoulders slumped and he stared listlessly at the floor.

“Where's Al?” Maes asked. Best to start with the basics.

Ed shrugged. “With Winry.”

“Winry...oh, right, your girlfriend.” Maes waited for a reaction, but didn't get any. That concerned him more than anything yet. “They know you're here?”

Another shrug. “Went for a walk. Needed to clear my head.”

Maes nodded. Those boys had been through a lot lately, what with tracking down Barry the Chopper and also the whole Tucker situation. It made perfect sense that Ed wasn't his usual self. “Is it helping?”

Ed shook his head. A minute of silence passed while Maes waited for Ed to say more and Ed just stared at the floor.

Maybe he just needed more of an opening. “So how come you ended up on my doorstep tonight, Ed?” he asked softly. “It's a pretty long walk from your hotel. Did you...want to talk to me about something?”

“Yeah...no...I don't know.” Ed sighed, dropping his chin into his hand.

Maes's detective brain started whirring away as he looked at the slump of Ed's shoulders, the way he hung his head and didn't look Maes in the eye. Here he was, in the dead of night, clearly wanting comfort or at least a listening ear...and he wasn't with his brother or his childhood friend. Al and Winry were probably the two people he would normally turn to first for comfort and understanding, as they'd known each other their whole lives.

So why was Ed here, with a man he'd met just a couple months ago? What would Ed want to talk about that he wouldn't want to talk about with the two people who were closest to him?

Pushing his glasses up his nose, Maes asked quietly, “Is this about Nina?”

Ed jerked as if Maes had poked him with a fork, suddenly sitting up straight and staring at him with wide eyes. Maes's heart clenched. He's just a kid. He's twelve. And look at everything he's already been through....

“How'd you...?” Those golden eyes filled with tears and Ed hastily looked away, as if trying to hide behind his long bangs. But Maes could still see his chin trembling.

Maes put a hand on Ed's shoulder, and a choked sob escaped him. Ed pressed a fist to his mouth as if to stifle it, but Maes would have none of that. He slid across the couch and wrapped his arms around Ed, pulling him in close. “It's okay,” he murmured, patting Ed's back just like he always did with Elysia. “I've got you.”

Ed grabbed the back of Maes's shirt, his grip so strong but his sobs surprisingly weak, muffled in Maes's shoulder. Strange. Elysia's tiny hands were much weaker, but her cries were loud and piercing.

Maes felt the same desire well up in his heart—the desire to hold this child close forever and to never, never let go.

But Ed did let go. He pulled back, sniffling and rubbing his sleeve across his eyes with hasty, furtive movements, turning his face away as if embarrassed to have done something like that. But Maes kept an arm around his shoulders, and Ed didn't break his grip. If anything, even though he looked ashamed of his outburst, he leaned towards Maes, as if secretly longing to stay in his embrace.

So Maes settled close to Ed's side with his arm around him, an open invitation if Ed wanted more. “I know you've probably heard this so many times by now it's lost its meaning,” he said heavily, “but it wasn't your fault.”

“Yes, it was.” Ed's chin began to tremble again, but he clenched it and looked defiantly up at Maes through his tears. “I could've stopped him. I should've figured it out before he...he....”

“Hey,” Maes said, squeezing Ed's shoulder until he realized it was his metal shoulder and he wouldn't be able to feel it. “There's a lot of people who can say they should have done something. We all realize that, looking back. But you can't beat yourself up for it. We do our best with what we know at the time.”

Ed's mouth twisted into an ugly scowl. “Guess my best is just never enough, then. 'Cause I did my best...and I still failed her. Just like I always—“ He bit his lip, but that did nothing to stop big, fat tears from rolling down his cheeks.

“Hey, now.” Maes pulled Ed in close again, and Ed didn't protest. His shoulders shook with the force of his tears, miserable and broken. “Don't you go telling yourself that you've failed everyone. That's just not true.”

Ed made a garbled sound of protest, but it was muffled in his shirt, so Maes elected to ignore it.

“You're thinking about your mother, aren't you?” he said softly, rubbing Ed's back in circles. “Maybe I don't know the whole story, but one thing I know for certain is that she would never tell you that you failed her. I'm sure your mom wouldn't have wanted you to sacrifice what you did, trying to bring her back. But she would understand. Because she loved you. She knew that you did what you did because you were desperate, and you wanted to see her again.”

Edward drew a deep, shuddering breath, but didn't say anything, so Maes continued. “And I know for a fact that Al would never call you a failure for what you did for him. He looks up to you. He respects you. He's grateful for what you did, because it's kept you two together all this time. It's given you a second chance to make things right. The way he sees it, you saved his life.

“Now, you may not have been able to save Nina's life,” he murmured, absently stroking Ed's tangled hair, “but you brought so much joy to that little girl's life while she was still here. I could see it from the first time I laid eyes on her, you know. You were like a brother to her. And I know you tried your hardest to help her even after...what happened. She wasn't just a failed experiment to you, was she? She was still Nina.”

A little moan was the only response he got.

“Sometimes...there's nothing we can do. We can't prevent it, and we can't fix it. Unfortunately, that's the way life is sometimes. And I'm so sorry you've already had to learn this so many times.”

“It hurts,” Ed sobbed. “I-I don't want it to hurt!”

“I know.” Tears stung Maes's eyes, but all he could do was hold Ed close. “I know.”

Minutes passed in silence. Gradually, Ed's tears subsided into sniffles and shuddery, hiccuping breaths. Maes relaxed his embrace enough for Ed to sit back against the couch cushions, wiping the tears away. This time, he didn't look embarrassed. He seemed too worn out for any of that nonsense by now.

Gracia's timing was impeccable as always. She picked the perfect moment to walk out into the living room with a tray of steaming mugs and a plate of cookies. As soon as she set the tray down, before even serving the hot chocolate, she perched on the arm of the couch and pulled Ed into a hug, complete with kiss on the top of the head. Ed's cheeks tinged red, but he still lingered in her embrace as if reluctant to let her go.

Like any other twelve-year-old boy who'd been carrying a weight of grief and just needed loving parents to hold him and reassure him that everything would be all right. Maes had to bite his tongue to keep himself from announcing that they were adopting him and Al on the spot.

Just as Gracia got to her feet again, a baby's cry echoed down the stairs. Glancing at the clock, Gracia said, “It's time for Elysia's next feeding. Please make yourself at home, Edward. Maes can help you make up the couch if you want to stay the night.”

“Oh...that's okay,” Ed mumbled as she left.

“Here.” Maes passed him a mug of chocolate and positioned the plate of cookies within easy reach, snagging one for himself. After the emotional turmoil, he felt he could use a midnight snack too.

After a sip or two of the hot chocolate, Ed glanced up at Maes again. “Thanks.”

Maes smiled, his heart lifting to see the spark of something that had been missing in Ed's eyes before. “Anytime.”

[lostinthewiind]

Piss Off Your Parents - Part 5

Ukai Keishin - Haikyuu

Synopsis: freshly turned 18, you want to prove to your parents that you aren’t a child for them to push around anymore. First, get a job at the local corner store. Second, use the store owner’s 26-year-old son with piercings and a cigarette addiction to piss your parents off. Third, accidentally fall in love.

Rating: PG13

Warnings: arguing with parents, stereotyping?, reader's parents just being generally horrible people, angst

Song → 18 by Anarbor

Previous → Part 4

Next → Part 6

"This is a horrible idea," you whispered to yourself as you got ready in your bedroom mirror, unable to concentrate for more than five minutes without a small panic attack taking over.

Your eyes flicked over to your clock every few seconds. Keishin was due to arrive at your family house for dinner in about thirty minutes and with every minute that passed, you asked yourself over and over again why you ever agreed to this.

Originally, when your parents had insisted on meeting your 'boyfriend' over a family dinner, your heart had dropped into the pit of your stomach; it was the worst feeling you had ever experienced . . . until you told Keishin about it jokingly and he actually agreed. Never before had you felt so sick to your stomach. Dinner was the last thing you wanted, and to make it worse, it was going to be dinner with your parents and fake boyfriend.

Shit.

More than once you had contemplated pretending to be sick or throwing yourself down the stairs, but you just couldn't go through with it. Every time you got close to backing out, a small part of your brain reminded you that this dinner might be the thing that changed your parents mind, and even though the odds of that actually happening were close to none, you couldn't give up without even trying.

So, with knots in your stomach and your palms sweating like never before, you continued getting ready for the evening and prayed that everything went as smoothly as possible.

If only you had known then that it would take much more than a prayer to save this evening.

When you heard the doorbell ring approximately thirty minutes later, your whole body froze and the thought of jumping out your second story window was starting to sound really appealing. But then, you remembered that it would be way worse if your mom or dad answered the door before you could so you rushed out of your room and down the stairs.

"I've got the door!" you shouted throughout the house, almost as if you were marking the front door as your territory and trying to scare anyone else away from it.

Standing in front of the door, you drew in a few deep, calming breaths before plastering a forced smile across your face and pulling the door open. Let the night of hell begin.

As soon as your eyes settled on Keishin, your smile faltered and you gasped. His dyed blonde hair was slicked back like usual, but instead of a headband, it was clear he had used gel. He had every hole in his ear stuffed with a black earring, and to top things off, he had showed up in jeans, a black t-shirt, and a leather jacket.

"What?" Keishin took a step back and examined his outfit. "You said to go all out. I did."

"I know, I know . . . I just . . ." You took a moment to compose yourself. "I didn't even know you owned a leather jacket."

"Yeah, well, you don't know everything about me," Keishin smirked devilishly, proud that he still had a few secrets to himself. "Well, are you going to let me in? I kind of want to get this dinner over with."

Opening the door wider, you stepped to the side and let Keishin inside your house. "You and me both," you agreed. "You sure you want to do this? We could both make a run for it right now if we act fast."

Shrugging the jacket off of his shoulders, Keishin shook his head. "Come on, at least give your parents a chance to change their minds."

Just then, your father's heavy footsteps could be heard exiting the kitchen and approaching the front door where you and Keishin stood together. Swallowing hard, you wiped the sweat from your palms on your clothes and sent one last pleading thought up to the heavens above, hoping that if there was a great being up there, they could be on your side tonight.

This was it. No turning back now.

"If your boyfriend has arrived, Y/N, please don't keep your mother and I waiting. Introduce us." Your father rounded the corner, stopping in his tracks when he set eyes on Keishin. Sure, you had told your parents all about your 'boyfriend', which was why they had insisted on this dinner in the first place, but Keishin was a man that words couldn't quite capture. "Oh. Hello." Your father reluctantly held out his hand to greet Keishin.

"Hello, sir." Keishin shook your father's hand without hesitation. "I'm Ukai Keishin. Keishin is fine though."

Seconds later, your mother joined the three of you. She had a similar reaction as your father had and was not subtle about it in the least. "So this is the man you've been seeing?" Your mother gave you an almost pleading look, like she was silently begging you to come clean and admit that you were joking.

Right off of the bat, things were not going well.

"Well, let me take your jacket and hang it up in the closet." Your mother stepped toward Keishin with the fakest smile you had ever seen on her face.

"Oh, there's no need." Keishin hung his jacket on the banister of the stairs. "I'll just end up taking it out in a little while anyway when I go out for a smoke. It's easier this way, but thank you."

You watched your mother's eye twitch and the smile she had forced threaten to crack. "You smoke?" You could tell that both of your parents were on the brink of snapping right then and there, but they had promised to actually get to know Keishin, and despite all the horrible things your parents did, breaking promises was not one of them.

"I do." Keishin grinned. "I know, I know, it's not good for me. Y/N tells me to quit all the time so I'm trying."

You let out a nervous chuckle as both your parents turned to face you. "Shall we head into the living room?" You started ushering everyone into the other room, hoping to change the subject as quickly as possible.

"Yes, let's have a seat." Your father nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Keishin, watching him like a hawk. "Can I get you anything to drink, Keishin?"

"Just a water is fine, thanks." Keishin had obviously decided not to push his luck too hard because you had been fully expecting him to ask for a beer.

With that, both your mother and father disappeared into the kitchen; your mother to finish dinner and your father to collect the drinks.

Taking the brief moment of reprieve to breathe, you looked up at Keishin. "I've never seen my parents struggle between their flawless hospitality and kicking someone out of their house so much in my life," you chuckled lightly.

"I'm a bit of a shock." Keishin placed his hand on your lower back and led you toward the couch. "I brought out all the stops in the beginning so they could have the whole night to get used to me."

"How kind of you." You sat down, slightly caught off guard when Keishin sat down right next to you and slung his arm over your shoulders. You were about to ask him what he was doing, but then you remembered that the two of you were supposed to be an actual couple and this is what couples did.

As soon as you felt his touch on you, however, your mind flashed back to that night in the park a few weeks ago. Since then, neither one of you had spoken about what had happened on that bench; a wordless agreement between the two of you that you would just move on and pretend it didn't happen.

But as much as you pretended to forget, you never actually could. The feeling of Keishin's hands on your sides and his warm breath on your lips kept you up at night. As much as you tried not to think of him like that, you just couldn't help yourself.

"You seem really nervous," Keishin leaned closer to you a whispered. "You okay?"

Snapping out of your thoughts, you nodded quickly. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just trying not to freak out is all."

"Hey." Keishin tilted your head toward him so he could look you in your eyes. "You're their daughter. No matter what happens, they will always love you. Remember that."

You flashed a smile. Somehow, Keishin knew exactly what to say to help you relax. "Yeah . . . thanks."

Just then, your father returned with two glasses of water in hand. Handing one each to you and Keishin, you didn't miss the way his gaze settled on the sight of Keishin's arm around you.

"Thank you." Keishin grabbed his glass right away and took a sip. You, on the other hand, let your glass sit on the coaster on the table. Despite how dry your mouth was, you didn't trust your shaky hands to pick up the glass.

"Dinner should be ready soon," your father said as he sat down in his armchair across from you and Keishin. "So, Keishin, tell me about yourself. What do you do for a living?"

"Well, currently, I spend most of my time coaching the boys' volleyball team at Karasuno high school," Keishin answered, his eyes lighting up a little when he spoke about the team he coached; you could tell he really enjoyed it. "And my family owns Sakanoshita Market and I work there sometimes."

"Sakanoshita Market," your father repeated. "That sounds familiar."

You rolled your eyes, not surprised in the slightest that your father had forgotten the name of the place you had been working at for the past few months. "That's where I work, Dad," you told him. "That's how Keishin and I met."

"I see." Your father eyed Keishin and you were surprised that Keishin didn't shrink under the cold, hard gaze like you usually did. "So do you go after all the young women who work at your family store or just my daughter?"

"Dad!" you gasped, unsure whether to tell him off or apologize to Keishin on behalf of your father.

"It's okay," Keishin told you calmly before answering your father's question. "Actually, the store hasn't seen a new employee in years. For the longest time, it was just my mother and me. We are both very grateful for all the hard work Y/N puts in to help us with the store. She is a wonderful employee."

You couldn't help the blush that tinted your cheeks at the compliment. "Thanks."

"No need to thank me. It's the truth," Keishin said before leaning in and pressing a quick kiss to your lips. "And good thing you took the job too, or else we would have never met."

Keishin then shot a sparkling grin your father's way, completely blinding him and distracting him from the shocked expression on your face. You knew you told Keishin to act like the two of you were really a couple, but you never expected him to play the part so thoroughly.

Your father opened his mouth to no doubt interrogate Keishin some more, but before he could, your mother began setting the table and announced that dinner was ready.

Moving over to the table, you took a seat across from Keishin while your parents sat at the ends of the table. As your mother brought the dishes of food over, you took the chance to drink some water and parch your dry throat.

The thought of having to keep this awkward conversation up gave you a headache, but thankfully, Keishin seemed to be handling everything quite well. Just as you had expected, he took everything with a grain of salt and refused to let your parents get under his skin.

You wished you were able to do that.

After the four of you bowed your heads and said thank you for the food, you dug in. At first, everyone was too busy eating to say anything. Somehow, the silence was worse than when your dad had been firing off questions rapid fire.

"This is delicious," Keishin was the first to speak. "Thank you again for inviting me for dinner."

"Yes, o-of course," your mother wavered a little but somehow managed to voice her fake pleasure nonetheless. "Y/N has never dated anyone before so we were curious as to what kind of . . . person . . . had caught her eye."

Keishin nodded, letting the not-so-subtle rude comment roll right off his back. "Well, here I am."

"Yes, here you are indeed," your father muttered under his breath. Thankfully, it didn't seem as though Keishin had heard it, but you certainly had. "So, you said you coach high school volleyball. Is this a long-term thing or?"

Keishin thought for a moment before shrugging. "I'm not sure, honestly. I do enjoy it but I've never given much thought as to if I want to do it long-term. I started coaching because of special circumstances and just haven't stopped yet."

"Well, plenty of people coach and teach," your mother said. "You seem to enjoy working with kids, so have you ever considered becoming a teacher?"

"That doesn't sound like the worst job, but that would require me to have a teaching degree, which I don't have," Keishin responded.

"What degree did you get in university?"

Keishin chuckled. "I didn't go to university."

Oh God. Your jaw dropped and you wished that a black hole could just open up underneath you and suck you in. Out of all the things your parents hated most, people who didn't go to university were at the top of the list. They always told you that 'people who didn't go to university had no interest in investing in their future.'

Hence why they always pushed so hard for you to go the university they wanted so you could study what they thought would be best for you.

You watched your mother's face go red as she reached for her glass of wine a take a particularly large sip. "Community college, then?" she squeaked out.

"Nope, afraid not," Keishin answered, completely unashamed and even proud. "I started working for the family store right after high school."

The looks on your parents' faces that they didn't even try to hide filled you with a deep sense of shame. You didn't know how they could be so blatantly rude to someone they barely knew . . . well, actually, you did know, and that was the worst part. As much as you wished you could deny it, you had thought the same things about Keishin when you had first met him.

Hanging your head in shame, you let the suffocating silence of the dining room take over.

Feeling something brush against your leg, you looked up to see Keishin smiling at you from across the table. 'It's okay' he mouthed to you. You thought back to the time Keishin had told you he was a big boy who could take a little verbal ribbing and exhaled through your nose sharply, your mood lifting ever-so-slightly.

Keishin brushed his foot against your leg a few more times to remind you that you weren't alone at this dinner before he attempted to restart the conversation. "So what do you two do for a living?" he asked, looking to your parents.

"We are both lawyers," your father said.

You nodded and sighed. "Hence why they want me to go to law school."

"Oh, honestly, Y/N, you say that like paying for you to go to law school is abuse." Your mother shook her head disapprovingly. "Do you know how many children would kill for the opportunities you have been given and yet you want to throw them away just like that? You should be grateful."

You were about to retort but stopped yourself before you did, knowing that it would only serve to start the same argument that you had lost over and over again. No matter what you said on the matter, your parents refused to try and see things from your perspective.

It never once occurred to them that you might actually not want to be a lawyer.

"Tell me, Keishin, if you had a child who you could pay for to go to law school and they told you they wanted to pursue their dream of playing soccer, what would you do?" Your father turned to Keishin, suddenly interested in what he had to say on the issue.

"Dad, let's not talk about that now," you spoke softly, hoping to get him to change the subject.

"No, no, let's hear what Keishin has to say." Your father insisted.

Keishin thought for a moment before answering. "Well, I think I would just want my child to be happy," he said, his eyes leaving your father to look at you. "I made the mistake of not following my dreams after high school and I regret it every day, so I would tell my child to follow their dreams and try my hardest to be there to support them."

You smiled wide, surprised by how emotional Keishin's words made you feel. For a moment, it was just you and him, and he was saying everything you had ever wanted to hear. All you ever wanted for was someone to be in your corner . . . someone to support you whether your choice was a mistake or not.

"Congratulations, Y/N, you've found a dreamer just like yourself," your father scoffed, breaking you out of your happy trance. "Too bad dreams don't pay the bills."

"Well, when your future is working at a family-run corner store, dreams are all you have," your mother cackled, not even trying to be quiet about it.

Your father laughed as well. "Too true, honey."

"Mom!" you shouted at her, your anger taking over before you even had the chance to think about your actions.

"It's okay," Keishin told you again, reaching across the table for your hand.

You shook your head and tugged your hand out of his reach. "No, it's not okay!" You rose to your feet, finally having had enough. "This dinner was a terrible idea. I cannot believe you!"

"If you've finally come to your senses, darling, we can send Keishin on his way and-" your mother reached for you as well but you shrugged her off.

"I'm not talking about Keishin! I'm talking about the two of you!" You slammed your hands down onto the table, shaking the dishes of food. "The whole night you have been making offhanded remarks and rude comments about Keishin while he has been nothing but the perfect guest. I'm sorry, Keishin, but I can't sit here and let you take their abuse anymore. I've dealt with it my whole life and I won't let them do the same thing to you. You don't deserve that."

"Y/N, you're being a bit dramatic, don't you think?" your father asked, sipping his wine as if nothing was happening, which only made you angrier.

"No, father, I don't think so," you snapped back. "I think that you and Mom are being horrible and I cannot believe that this is how you're acting when meeting someone for the first time. What makes you think that you have the right to treat someone so poorly just because they don't live the same life or have the same ideals as you? You think you know what is best for me but you don't even know me, so how could you?! I would rather work at the corner store for the rest of my life if it meant being genuinely happy over being a snobby, emotionless lawyer any day."

While you vented in front of your parents, Keishin just stared at you wide-eyed, completely floored by how quickly your demeanor had changed from shy and uncomfortable to enraged and animated in mere seconds. The last time he had seen you like this was when you were going off on him and he was grateful your rage wasn't directed at him this time.

Aside from relieved, Keishin felt proud; proud of you for standing your ground.

An embarrassed look flashed across your mother's face. "Y/N, please-"

"No, just don't," you lowered your voice and took a few deep breaths. "I can't do this anymore. I can't keep pretending that I'm going to put up with your plans for me just so I can have a roof over my head. Mom, Dad, I'm not going to law school. I'm not letting you dictate my life anymore. I'm done."

Stepping away from the table, completely emotionally drained, you looked over your shoulder at Keishin. "Come on, let's go." You waved for him to follow.

Without a word, Keishin stood from the table and followed you to the front door where the two of you grabbed your jackets and got ready to leave.

"If you walk out that door, don't bother coming back!" You heard your father call after you as you left the house, but his threat didn't phase you in the least. If anything, never having to return to that house sounded like bliss right then.

Wrapping your jacket tight around your body to fight the cool evening wind, you sighed. "I'm sorry about that," you told Keishin as he walked silently beside you. "I should never have dragged you into my mess. You don't deserve to be treated the way my parents treated you."

"You don't need to apologize." He wrapped his arm around you once more and held you close, both to comfort you and to keep you warm. "I'm just worried about you. Are you okay?"

You felt tears begin to well in your eyes and frantically wiped them away. "I . . . I don't know," you answered truthfully. "I suppose I should just worry about one thing at a time, and since I've apparently got nowhere to spend the night now . . ."

"You'll spend the night at my place," Keishin stated plainly, not even bothering to ask if you wanted to or not. It was more like an order, but right then, you had nothing against him making decisions for you. As long as the choices weren't made by your parents, you didn't care who they came from.

"Okay," you exhaled. "Thank you."

As the two of you walked through the quiet night in the direction of the store, Keishin pulled a cigarette out of his pocket and lit it. Without thinking, you wrapped your arm around his waist and leaned into him, the warmth he radiated bringing you some semblance of peace.

"I'm sorry tonight went so shit," Keishin spoke as he exhaled, smoke spilling from his lips.

"It's not your fault," you told him. "In fact . . . I don't think tonight could have gone any better. In the end, this is how it was always going to turn out. It's better I realize that sooner rather than later."

Keishin stopped and looked down at you. "That's not-"

"It's okay," you said those two magic words this time. "You remember when you told me that no matter what happened they would always love me because I'm their daughter?"

Keishin nodded.

"I wish you could have been right."

[charincharge]

I Don’t Want To Wait, twenty-one

rowaelin high school bff au masterlist

Based on the prompts:

“I can’t do this anymore.”

“Funny thing about that is I don’t know when the fuck I asked you.”

“Please don’t do this.”

Aelin stood on practically numb legs as the car pulled up to the frat house. The cold Terrasen winds had started up, and she was practically a block of ice when she opened the car door.

Thank gods her dad had already turned up the heat.

“Hey���” she said slowly, and Rhoe breathed out a long, steady breath before turning to his daughter.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded.

“Where’s Aedion?” he asked, looking around, and Aelin shrugged.

“With his boyfriend. I lost track of him.”

Rhoe frowned. “That boy is going to get a piece of my mind…” He sighed. “I knew this wasn’t a good idea, to let you go off to college. And if that irresponsible boy let anything happen to you, I’ll murder him myself.”

“Dad?” she asked nervously. “I’m okay. Can you just take me to my spot?”

“Aelin, it’s after midnight,” he sighed.

“Please?” she begged, “I just… please?”

She could tell her wanted to ask more, but he nodded tersely and put the car into gear. She was grateful that he let them slip into silence, but she could feel the tension with every second she remained closed-lipped.

As the car creaked to a half in front of Maeve’s, Rhoe finally broke.

“Aelin,” he said seriously. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Aelin nodded, biting her lip and looking up toward the sky out the window.

“Yeah,” she said quietly.

Rhoe cleared his throat and tugged at his hair, clearly uncomfortable in the small car so wrought with tension. He’d been silent the entire ride back to town, and Aelin was grateful for it. Her heart was heavy and any alcohol that had been muddling her brain had been replaced with a low aching throb. She really just wanted to burrito herself in her thick blankets under the stars and have a good cry where no one could hear her.

She bit her lip and a tear welled at the corner of her eye, rolling onto her cheek with a thick plop.

“Aelin,” her dad repeated calmly. “Did someone… make you do something you didn’t want to?” he asked nervously, and Aelin whipped her head toward her concerned father. His eyes were narrowed carefully, devoid of any judgment, and his breath was steady, but she could see the tension roiling beneath his large firefighters’ muscles.

“No!” she assured him. “No.” She watched as he exhaled, the anger slipping from his shoulders as she continued. “The only person who tried to make me doing something I didn’t want to was me,” she admitted. “But I managed to stop her before she did something she really regretted.”

Rhoe nodded, almost imperceptibly, his chin lowering and raising back up as the usual glimmer reappeared in his bright eyes. “Impressive you shut her up,” he said with a laugh. “She’s kind of pushy,” he whispered conspiratorially.

“Dad…” At that, Aelin finally laughed herself. And it unleashed the next round of tears, sliding down her cheeks and dripping onto Aedion’s sweatshirt.

Rhoe sighed as he brought his hand up to his face, trying to wipe the distress away from his eyes. She knew crying girls made him uncomfortable. “Please let’s go back home.” He stared at her. “It’s freezing cold.”

But Aelin waved him off. “There are heaters up there,” she reassured him. “I’ll be fine.” He looked at her dubiously, which, considering the neverending stream of tears running down her cheeks, he had every right to. “I’ll be fine!” she laughed thickly through her tears. “I just need a good, long cry where no one can hear me.” She paused and crinkled her nose. “And to text Rowan to delete his voicemail.”

Rhoe cringed. “That kind of night, huh?”

Aelin shook her head, laughing harder through her tears. “Oh my god. I should do that immediately…”

She pulled out her phone, which had remained in the hoodie pocket since she called her dad two hours ago. It beeped in her hand and faded to black. She shook it, as if that would somehow bring it back to life. But it was no use. The phone was dead.

“Motherfucker!” she shouted, earning a glare from Rhoe. “Sorry,” she sighed. “It died.”

“I’m sure Rowan’s asleep anyway,” her dad suggested. “You can text him in the morning and smooth everything over.”

Aelin looked conflicted. She was sure Rowan was asleep. It was after 2am. She’d just have to be sure to wake up extra early and make sure he knew that nothing had happened.

Rhoe raised a dark brow. “Or I could break into his house and steal his phone while he’s sleeping?”

Aelin’s heart warmed for her dad, the person she could count on for anything, as she shook her head.

“Thank you,” she said, tears starting to form again. “For everything.”

“I told you,” he said, clearing his throat uncomfortably. “Any time. Anywhere. No matter what. If you need me, I’ll come.”

Aelin leaned over the console and gave her dad a quick squeeze before assuring him that she would be home first thing in the morning.

She opened the car door and waved him goodbye, shivering as the winter winds whipped through her thin sweatshirt and chilled her to the core. She rushed to the keypad and entered the code, relishing in the stale heat that hit her as the door clicked open.

She rummaged through the dark to make her way behind the counter, wondering if there was anything leftover to fill her grumbling stomach. No wonder she’d gotten so drunk so fast, Aelin thought. She couldn’t even remember the last time she ate. Luckily, there was a piece of apple pie with her name literally on it. She knew it would have been drastically improved by heating it up, but she was too hungry to wait the extra minute. She shoved the applely goodness into her mouth quickly, finishing the whole piece in four large bites.

She hummed happily and made her way to the back staircase, climbing slowly and letting the food settle as she made her way to the roof, feeling remarkably better already. Maybe she wouldn’t need that cry after all. Maybe she’d fall right to sleep under the stars, comforted by her favorite place in the world.

But as she pushed the roof door open, she froze like a block of ice. She held her breath as two silhouettes came into focus, just barely lit by the strand of twinkle lights and reddish orange heaters on the ground.

She blinked as their voices wafted across the roof, her heart pounding with each word as she struggled to figure out what was happening.

“I’m sorry,” Rowan said, shaking his head. He sighed, taking a step towards someone else, their silhouettes merging into one giant shadow as Rowan wrapped his arms around them.

“Don’t worry about it,” Lyria’s too-sweet voice replied, cutting into Aelin like a dagger. What the hell was she doing up here?

“We’ll be fine,” Lyria replied, lifting herself onto her toes and pressing a soft kiss against Rowan’s lips, and Aelin shook her head again. Still not processing, until Rowan leaned down and struggled to straighten the blankets which were a mess on the floor. Aelin’s eyes flashed between the mess of blankets, and Rowan and Lyria, who watched him with her arms crossed, and suddenly Aelin thought she was going to be sick.

Because it seemed that her fears weren’t unfounded. That Rowan had lied to her. Had been lying to her. All in her sacred spot. The one spot he knew she wouldn’t be at tonight.

It was bad enough that he had lied to her, but to bring Lyria here…

She bit her lip so hard her tooth pierced through the skin, a small dribble of blood running into her mouth, making her nauseous.

“Let me drive you home, at least?” Rowan asked from his crouched spot, arranging the blankets how they’d been before he’d moved them. Lyria must have nodded, because he stood suddenly and smiled guiltily. “And let’s go quickly because if Aelin knew you were up here, she’d…”

“Freak the fuck out?” Lyria teased.

“Understatement, definitely,” Rowan said, ushering Lyria toward the door.

“So, what’s the deal with her ‘special spot’?” Lyria asked, and Aelin watched the exact second Rowan spotted her, because his face paled in the moonlight, and he rushed toward her.

“Aelin?” he said her name, confused and urgent, but Aelin couldn’t hear him. All she could hear was her own stupidity mocking her over and over again. Her inner-self saying, “I TOLD YOU SO.” Screaming it at the top of her lungs. Calling her names for being too much of a coward to go through with having sex with Sam. Because Rowan wasn’t a coward. He was just an asshole. “What are you…?”

“No,” Aelin interrupted with a too steady voice. “I want to hear what you have to say. What is the deal with my special spot? My special spot where you bring your girlfriend to have sex?!” Her voice rose in pitch as she shouted at him. “Please, I want to hear you tell your girlfriend what a loser I am,” she sniffled. “I guess you didn’t have time to her that I’m just an immature child who needs a special place to go because her mommy left her while you were fucking her.”

“Aelin, Gods no,” he shook his head. “You have the wrong idea, that’s not what—"

“How could you?” She took a step toward him. She expected him to move back, but he didn’t. He stood there, looking pained, his brow crinkled as he tried to come up with the words. She took another step forward and shoved his chest. He stumbled backwards at the force, but she didn’t stop. She shoved him again and again, repeating the words, “How could you?!” until her voice was hoarse. “I trusted you,” she said, her voice cracking over the last word, causing Rowan to snap as he stumbled over the pile of blankets.

“That’s not what happened!” Rowan finally shouted back, his green eyes swirling with upset. “If you would just listen to me,” he pleaded, before steadying himself. “I got your voicemail, and I freaked out, so I came up here—”

“To get revenge?” Aelin cried in earnest now, the tears that had been on the verge of pouring out of her before making a full appearance. “Well, congrats.” She threw her arms up. “I feel betrayed.”

“No!” Rowan yelled. “I wouldn’t do that,” he frowned. “Come on. You know me.”

Aelin leaned down and grabbed the closest thing to her, a book she’d discarded haphazardly the other night after work. She chucked at Rowan, and the pages hit him square in the chest.

“No, I don’t!” she screeched as she reached for another book to throw at him, anything to throw at him, hit him and hurt him like he’d hurt her. “I clearly don’t know you at all.”

“Ace…” he said, dejected, and his tone was enough to cut her straight to the bone.

“Don’t call me that,” she hissed, and Rowan recoiled, looking like he’d been shot. “You lost that right to call me that the second you brought someone up here.” He glanced at Lyria, who was still waiting by the door, and Aelin felt her anger explode.

“Don’t look at her!” Her heart was pounding so fast she thought it might explode. She was going to be sick. She was sure of it. “You should hear the names they’ve called me,” she shook her head, tears coming in earnest. “Talking about me behind my back.” She shuddered. “I knew they were assholes, but I didn’t think you’d be one, too.”

Rowan struggled not to look over Aelin’s shoulder as Lyria stepped closer. “Aelin,” she drawled in that sickly sweet voice that Aelin hated so much. “I would never talk badly about you. I know how much you mean to Rowan.”

Aelin glared, her temper rising faster than she knew what to do with. “The funny thing about that is I can’t remember when the fuck I asked you?” she snapped.

“At least let her defend herself!” Rowan shouted, and Aelin lost any semblance of balance, her temper swirling out of control as she screamed.

“GET OUT, GET OUT, GET OUT, GET OUT!” she threw whatever she could at the couple, a blanket, a pillow, another book. Tearing apart her special spot until it looked as if a hurricane had gone through it.

Lyria had the decency to flinch and retreat. “I’m gonna…” she pointed toward the door, and Rowan nodded. “I’ll talk to you later.”

The door creaked shut as Lyria clambered down the stairs, the soft pitter patter of her steps the only sound other than Aelin’s sniffling.

“Aren’t you going to chase after her?” Aelin asked coldly, and Rowan shook his head again.

“No, I’m not leaving until you hear me out,” he began. “I need to explain to you that this wasn’t what it looked like. Nothing happened, and—”

But Aelin was finished. She looked at the boy in front of her, the boy who she had once known what every crooked smile, every blink of his blonde lashes, every soft gesture and different laugh had meant, now a complete stranger. A stranger who would willingly lie to her face and hurt her like this.

She took in a shaky breath and let out a choked sob.

“Something did happen, Ro,” she said softly. “Somewhere along the way, we just… fell apart.” She wiped at the hot silent tears that caked her cheeks. “Because the Rowan I know would never have brought anyone up here. Ever. Period. No matter what.”

“It was an accident!”

Aelin laughed sadly. “An accident? Do you think I’m stupid, Rowan?!” she sighed. “Lyria accidentally figured out Maeve’s security code and accidentally climbed up here all by herself?”

“Well, not exactly, but—”

Aelin sniffed loudly, “Or was it just an accident that I found you?” She shook her head at Rowan’s pained expression. Something inside of her broke. “And you can stand there and lie to my face, but I don’t have to listen.” She breathed in a shaky breath. “I can’t do this anymore, Rowan. I’m so tired.”

Rowan took a step forward, but Aelin stepped back, keeping the same distance between them, holding her hand up, and she watched as Rowan’s face crinkled, his frown prominent as he furrowed his brow.

“Please don’t do this,” he begged, but Aelin could only shake her head and cry more silent tears. Her anger had dissipated as quickly as it’d come on, and now all she was left with was a sinking hole of dejection. “I just broke up with Lyria.”

“You called her up here to break up with her?” Aelin laughed sadly. “Please, Rowan. You can come up with a better lie than that.”

He took another step forward, and Aelin’s shoulders slumped under the weight of her sadness. He took the opportunity to close the gap between them, his arms wrapped around her waist, causing her to shiver.

“I’m not lying to you, damnit, Aelin.”

“Let me go,” she mumbled, though internally she relished the feeling of his palms on her back. She let the heat seep through the fabric of Aedion’s sweatshirt, leaning back slightly into his touch as she lifted her chin.

“I can’t,” he said softly. “You’re my best friend,” he whispered resolutely. And it broke her all over again. All the times he’d said those words she’d heard the underlying ‘I love you.’ But it had disappeared as soon as she’d heard Lyria’s voice on her roof.

“I hate you,” she breathed, stepping out of his stunned arms. They dropped to his sides as she turned on her heel, her vision blurred by her tears as she ran back down the stairs, tearing out of Maeve’s as quickly as she could. She could never go up there again. Her safe place was ruined. Her friendship with Rowan was ruined. Everything was ruined.

It only took Aelin until the end of the block to hunch over and vomit. She braced herself against a telephone pole, as she heaved up the barely digested bites of apple pie, cloyingly sweet and disgusting in her mouth. She leaned over again, expelling the contents of her stomach, until there was nothing left. She spat and wiped at her mouth, disgusted with herself for becoming this pathetic mess of a person.

“Aelin,” Rowan called out his car window, pulling up beside her. “Please, just get in the car.”

But she shook her head and marched forward, despite the small glittering snowflakes which started to fall from the dark October sky and brush against her bare legs.

“You’re going to get sick in that outfit,” Rowan chastised. “Whoever’s sweatshirt that is isn’t warm enough,” he warned, and Aelin tipped her head back and laughed.

“Calling me a whore now, too, are we?” she asked as she ploughed forward, ignoring the slow roll of jeep tires beside her. “I knew it was only a matter of time…”

“What? Aelin, no, I would never call you a whore.”

“Why not?” she spat. “You’ve called me a bitch.” She chuckled with absolutely no humor. “I let that one slide, you know. Because the whole Lyria thing was so new, and I didn’t want to ruin it for you.”

She felt her hot tears start up against the cold wind of the night and shuddered.

“I let so much slide for you, and you’ve made me feel like shit, Ro.” She breathed, angry again. “Like shit. I let your girlfriend and her friends call me a dyke and a slut, but I never breathed a word. I just took it. Like some idiot.”

She wiped at her tears, trudging forward on numbing legs as she continued forward, turning onto her street.

“But I’m not going to be an idiot anymore.” She laughed to herself. “I could have slept with someone tonight. But I didn’t. Because I convinced myself…” She shook her head, sniffling loudly, her tears turning to icicles on her wind-chapped skin. “And now it doesn’t even matter,” she said, resolute. “Because I don’t want to talk to you ever again.”

She ignored his protests as she fumbled with the flowerpot next to the door, her frozen fingers struggling to get the spare key into the door.

She slammed the door behind her and leaned against it, letting the tears pour down her cheeks again, now that she was in the safety of her home. But a knock at the door against her back came too quickly.

The noise started the sleeping man on the couch – he clearly hadn’t made it very far after picking her up – and she watched as Rhoe blinked against the light, taking in his shivering, sobbing daughter.

“Aelin?” he rushed to her, rubbing his arms up and down her sleeves as she leaned into his warm, sleep-laden chest.

“Daddy,” she cried softly. His arms tightened around her shoulders as Rowan’s voice filtered through the door.

“AELIN!” he cried, and she was relieved when her dad shoved her behind him and swung open the door. Rowan’s hand was raised mid-knock, and in the light of their front hall she could see that Rowan’s cheeks were wet and splotchy with tears too. “Rhoe,” he said, quieting his voice immediately. “I’m so sorry, but I really need to talk to Aelin.”

“No you don’t,” Rhoe’s voice said in a tone that Aelin hadn’t heard him use with Rowan, maybe ever.

“Rhoe, I…” He tried to peer around Rhoe’s shoulders, but Aelin cringed. “Please, I just…”

“Go home, Rowan,” Rhoe’s deep voice echoed into the night. Rowan opened his mouth to protest, and Aelin felt her dad lean forward, challenging the boy in front of him to say something. “It’s the middle of the night, son. I don’t want to wake up your Aunt, but I will.”

Rowan opened his mouth again, but he had the good sense to shut it and nod. Rhoe could be extremely terrifying if he wanted to be.

“Apologies, sir,” Rowan said with a formality that shocked Aelin. “I’ll go home now.”

“Thank you,” Rhoe replied. Aelin wished she could see if he were smiling or not.

“I’ll be back in the morning,” Rowan said, she was sure for her benefit as well as her father’s, and it made her want to scream in retaliation, but she was far too cold and exhausted to begin again.

“I’m sure you will,” Rhoe said, starting to close the door. “But Rowan?” he added. “Not too early.”

“Yes, sir,” Rowan said with that same too-formal tone.

And Aelin finally released a breath when her dad shut the door behind him. They both listened to Rowan’s car door close and the jeep take off before Aelin took a step out of her dad’s grasp. She wiped at her cheeks again.

Rhoe cleared his throat as he took in her reddened face and pink legs. “I thought you were safe until morning.”

“So did I,” Aelin said sadly. Rhoe’s brow raised in question, and Aelin shook her head in return. She was hoping her dad wouldn’t press further, but the man wasa clearing awaiting some kind of explanation for the insanity of his evening. There was only so much he could take.

“Rowan and Lyria were… together. In my spot. And we got into a big, overdue fight. And then I walked home.” She paused. “Rowan followed me, obviously.”

“Okay,” Rhoe said slowly, processing the state of his daughter. But he didn’t ask any follow ups, seemingly satisfied, for now, at least.

“Dad?” He raised an eyebrow at her soft tone. “When Rowan comes back, I don’t want to talk to him. Not tomorrow, not the next day, not the next week, not the next year. We’re not friends anymore. Is that okay?” she asked, knowing that the boy Rhoe turned away was practically his son.

“Whatever you want, Fireheart,” he said, and Aelin exhaled, relieved.

“I kind of just want to take a hot shower,” Aelin said, and Rhoe’s face melted as he wrapped her in a giant hug again, his arms running up and down her back, trying to soak some warmth into her skin.

“Of course, sweetheart,” he sighed. “You’re practically an ice cube. Walking home during the first snow of the season…”

He shook his head as a flurry of flakes swirled past their window.

“I’m sorry,” she apologized, but her dad shook his head as he led her upstairs and cracked open her bedroom door. He led her across her darkened room and flipped on the light to her bathroom, turning up the shower to the hottest setting.

He turned back to Aelin and frowned.

“You know I’ve always had a soft spot for Rowan,” Rhoe said, and Aelin felt her stomach clench nervously. “But, if you’re not friends with him anymore, then neither am I. Team Aelin, one hundred percent.”

Tears welled in her eyes again at her dad’s words. She didn’t know how much she needed to hear them.

“I love you,” he said as he left her to her shower. “Get some sleep, Fireheart.” He paused. “We’ll talk more in the morning.”

Aelin stripped quickly and made her way into the steaming shower, blinking away the rivulets of glitter and makeup that still caked her skin from a party that felt like a lifetime ago. The scalding water prickled her icy skin, thawing her quickly, and Aelin let her shaky legs collapse, unable to stand anymore. Sitting on the wet porcelain of her tub floor, she brought her knees into her chest and let her head hang. But no matter how hot the water ran or how long she sat there, she couldn’t scrub the night off her. She’d been hurt more than she could bear in a single evening. She’d thought that Sam would be the worst of it, but that was nothing compared to the pain Rowan had caused her tonight. She’d lost her best friend. Forever.

~*~

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[a-cupof-jo]

Summer End, Love Begin

Intern!Jeno x Intern!reader

fluff and light angst

words: 3.2K

warnings: drunkenness

~~

Y/n starts a summer internship with NCT Inc. and quickly learns that summer heartbreak comes in the form of Lee Jeno.

~~

“I love you,” a hiccup fell through his lips. His body was pressed into your side. It would be a lie if you said that the words didn’t make your heart jump. Lee Jeno was nothing short of a heart throb. Smart, handsome, kind, he was the definition of a perfect person. You had known that from the first moment you walked through the doors to NCT Inc.

All of the interns had been ushered into a room and told to mingle as you waited to be directed to your mentors and teams. A boy sat next to you, glasses perched on his nose and a smile gracing his face.

“Hi, I’m Jeno, HR Intern,” he reached out a hand for you to shake.

“Y/n L/n, Talent Acquisition Intern,” you grinned back at him as he released your hand. “Sounds like we’ll be seeing a lot of each other here in the future.” Jeno nods in agreement as the internship director stood in front of the group.

“We are so glad to bring you all on,” he clasped his hands, smiling and nodding at you all. “Many of you already know me, Johnny Suh. I work primarily with the TA Interns, but I'll help you all get settled your first couple of weeks. So now that you know me, we'll get you all separated into teams and you can be on your way!” He read down the list separating out management, IT and accounting interns. Jeno had settled in next to you as three other boys also moved close to you guys. “Jeno, Y/n, and Mark you guys will be collaborating throughout the summer. Make sure you guys get to know each other well over the week. Mark, Jeno, you can go meet up with Taeil and Doyoung. Y/n you’re staying with me.”

You nodded to both of them as they started to leave. Mark grinned and Jeno smiled back, “It was nice to meet you, Y/n. We’ll exchange information later.” You willed yourself not to blush as he threw back one last smile before exiting the room.

“No, Jeno, you don’t,” you shifted him so his head was resting more on your shoulder. “There is someone else you love.”

Mark and Jeno got along instantly and it didn’t take long for you to get integrated into their new friendship. Mark was boisterous and a go-getter whereas Jeno was quieter but had equally as important input on tasks and projects you were placed to work on together.

“Jeno?” Mark inquired. Jeno’s signature eye smile made way on his face, “I’ll be there.”

“So I was thinking,” Mark spun the pencil in his hand as he leaned back in his chair. “We are about done with this assignment. Why don’t we get together for a celebration after it’s completed. I already talked to Donghyuck and Jaemin and both of their teams are almost done. We were thinking of doing it for all the management interns.”  

“That sounds great!” You glanced up from the paperwork. You grin at the excitement on Mark’s face. “Send me the details once you get them figured out.”

A week later you had shown up outside a small house with light shining through the window and music drifting through the air. You knocked on the door waiting for a response. A tall, lanky boy opened the door and gave you a small grin. “Hey Jisung,” you greeted him as you walked through the doorway. “Sorry I’m a bit late, Johnny needed me to finish up some documents.”

“Oh, Jeno’s got a crush,” you heard someone singsong from the other room.

“Please, Donghyuck,” you hear Jeno plead.

“Oh, you should hear him at work. Do you think she’ll stop by today? Do you think that she’ll like my project plan? Barf,” Mark had joined in the teasing. You felt your heart drop as you listened to them talk. The small crush you had been harboring on Jeno had grown exponentially in the 5 weeks you had been working together. Did you like him in that you would date him if he asked? Absolutely. Did you think he would ever ask? Not now.

“Y/n?” Jisung said quietly from beside you. You hummed at him, “Are you okay? Do you need me to get you water or tylenol?”

“I’m fine, Jisung,” you gave him a tight smile. “Why don’t you lead me to the others? It sounds like we’re all going to be making fun of Jeno.”  Jisung didn’t look convinced as he led you to the living room. “I heard we were making fun of Jeno.” You forced a smile on your face as you sat next to him. “So who’s this crush of yours I’m hearing about?” You pinched his cheeks as he blushed at you. “Oh, I bet it’s Kim Yerim from IT!”

Jeno pushed at your hands, “Y/n, not you too.” He pouted as the group laughed. You couldn’t help but notice that he didn’t deny it and instead his cheeks turned a darker shade of red.

The following weeks felt awkward. Maybe you were the only one who felt it because Mark and Jeno were acting the same as always. Well, Mark was acting weird and Jeno was ignoring him. You couldn’t help but catch the looks Mark was sending Jeno’s way.

You were running late one morning when you overheard part of a conversation you knew you weren’t supposed to be a part of.

“When are you going to ask her?” Mark stood at his seat shuffling the papers sitting in front of him.

What did Jisung see? You thought you had heard that Yerim had been recently broken up with. Maybe that’s what Mark was talking about. Now would be Jeno’s chance to swoop in. You felt your heart ache as you paused a moment before pushing through the door. “Hey guys,” you grinned at the two of them. “Let’s get this started.”

“Never,” Jeno shrugged, but the question in his voice gave way to his thoughts.  

“Dude,” Mark looked up at him with surprise in his eyes. “You were there when Jisung told us what he saw. You’ve got the chance now.”

You raised an eyebrow at Jeno the second time you caught him staring at you. “Are you feeling okay, Y/n?” Mark raised his eyes in concern as Jeno’s words met your ears.

You glanced between the two of them before sighing, “Just a headache. It’ll pass soon.”

Jeno reached down to the bag he had sitting by his feet, “Here,” he handed a bottle across the table. “We can’t have the best member of our team sick.” His eyes smiled at you as you grabbed the bottle and gave him a small smile. As you swallowed down the pills, you accepted that even if Jeno never liked you back that getting over was going to be the hardest part of this summer.

“Whad are you takin bout,” Jeno’s eyebrows furrowed as he stared at you. His eyes held onto the drunken haze he was in and you couldn’t help but sigh as hair drooped down into his eyes. “I really…” His voice faded out as he looked out at the river. Shaking his head he looked back to you, “I really, really like you.”

“If you really mean that, then tell me that when you’re sober,” you pushed the hair out of his eyes.

As you neared his apartment building, Jeno tried to lean in closer to you, “Why d'nt cha believe me?”

You watched as he punched in the building code, his fingers fumbling over the keys, “You would have never said all this if you were sober, Jeno. You are letting the alcohol get to your head.” You helped him get to the elevator. The doors opened almost instantly. “You can get to your apartment from here?” You looked up at him.

“Don’t leave,” Jeno grabbed your hand as you turned away from him. “Please, don’t say goodbye tonight.” Jeno’s eyes were pleading with you.

You shook your head as you stepped out of his reach. He didn’t like you. The alcohol on his brain did. “Jeno, you know I can’t.” Tears stung at your eyes. Oh, how you wanted to stay with him, to believe his alcohol induced words. “I’ll see you on Monday. Make sure you drink lots of water and take some tylenol.” You turned quickly out the doors rushing down the street before you could turn back around and accept his invitation.

“I can’t believe this is our second to last week,” Mark ran a hand through his hair. “I mean, it’s crazy, this doesn’t feel like it should end.”

“Maybe it won’t,” Jeno grinned as he typed away at his laptop. “Some of us are bound to be put on as full time employees. You and Lucas from IT are probably going to get offers.”

“But it won’t be the same,” Mark whined as he draped himself across the desk. “Neither one of you will be there. What am I supposed to do without the bomb squad?”

“What?” You laughed as you watched Mark, “The bomb squad?”

“Yeah, that our team name,” Mark looked at you confused.

“I wasn’t aware of this,” Jeno threw a look at you.

“Me either,” you shrugged.

“Here have mine,” Jeno handed over the umbrella in his hand.

“Well now you know,” Mark nodded as he glanced down at his computer screen. His face lit up as an email notification sounded from the computer. He giggled as he typed out a response and turned to both of you. “Donghyuck’s throwing another get together this Friday. He says that it’s one last internship hooray before we all have to present our summer projects this upcoming week. You guys can’t say no. I will drag you there myself if I have to.” You rolled your eyes teasingly at Jeno before agreeing to Donghyuck’s party.

\

You shook your head at him, “Jeno, I can’t take that. You’ll get all wet.” Unexpected showers had made the end of your Friday workday dreary. You had stood under the office building awning for 10 minutes waiting for the rain to lighten up when Jeno had stepped up next to you. Both of you had stood there watching it for another few minutes before Jeno pulled out an umbrella and held it out for you.

“It’s okay. I’ll just run to my car,” he motioned out to the parking lot. “It’s not that far.”

“Jeno, really I can’t.” You pushed the umbrella back towards him.

“Well then at least let me walk you to your car,” he pleaded with you. You nod at him and he grinned, opening his umbrella and letting you step under it with him.

You unlocked your car as you two stepped up next to it, “Thank you.” You voice quietly carried over the rain.

“Of course,” Jeno looked stunning standing under the umbrella watching as you entered your vehicle. “I’ll see you tonight, right?”

“I’ll be there,” and his smile lit up the overcast sky as you stared at him.

You woke up to a headache and the sound of a buzzing phone. The phone on the nightstand slipped onto the floor as you rolled over to reach for it. The buzzing continued as you laid on your bed face down on a pillow. It was Thursday and the entire week Jeno refused to talk to you much less look at you. Everyone was starting to see the tension between the two of you and were starting to approach you about it. First was Jaemin, the nosy marketing intern who claimed that Jeno was sad because of you. Next was Donghyuck and Mark, they had cornered you during lunch break and tried to force out of you whatever happened between you and Jeno Friday night. They wouldn’t accept the truth of nothing happening. Jisung didn’t approach you, but would let his stare linger on you, making you feel less than comfortable sitting at your desk. Perhaps the worst person who asked you about Jeno, didn’t even approach you and you hadn’t been expecting him to pick up on you and Jeno’s strained relationship.

“Why aren’t you guys talking,” Lucas had blurted out, causing the meeting you were sitting in to come to a stand still. Confused and amused looks were sent his way, “Jeno, hasn’t even talked about Y/n at all this week.”

“Lucas, I don’t think this is the ti-” Taeyong the founder of NCT Inc. stood at the head of the table.

“I knew something was wrong when Jeno called me first thing Saturday asking what happened the night before,” Renjun commented from down the table. With those words all of your questions surrounding Jeno were answered. Your eyes fluttered shut as you willed away tears.

You opened your eyes to see your mentor sitting across from you with a concerned look in his eyes. A cough sounded down the table and you minutely shook your head at him. He grimaced but didn’t say anything.

“He did the same thing to me,” Donghyuck’s loud voice carried through the room. You stared down at the table listening as others gave confirmation of the same thing.

“Why didn’t you believe me?” Your head snapped up as Jeno’s voice reached your ears, “Why don’t you believe me? Sober minded or not, Y/n, I love you.” You listened to a gasp go up around the room. “You told me to tell you when I was sober. You wouldn’t believe me any other way. So, here I am, telling you infront of all our mentors and friends, completely sober, I love you.” You stared at him completely slack jawed. You tried to form words but your voice wouldn’t come, “I knew that I was going to fall for you the moment that I met you. And how could I not have when I was working with a talented, smart, beautiful person like yourself.”

“Jeno,” your whispered voice sounded strangled.

Jeno stumbled into his apartment. You had left him. Turned your back and ran. He couldn’t blame you. If you didn’t like him then he’s not going to force you into anything. You had looked so broken when he had spoken the words he wanted to tell you from weeks ago. It wasn’t even three weeks into this internship that he decided that he was taken by you. A week later he confessed to Mark that he was crushing, hard. You never treated him any differently then your other co-workers, and so Jeno knew you just viewed him as a close friend. That is, until Jisung said that he thinks you like him. Jeno denied it on all accounts, but then Mark got involved and got Jeno’s hopes even higher.

He shouldn’t have gotten his hopes so high. There was no way you liked him back. That was clear tonight when you had rejected his confession several times. Jeno laid back on his bed,head already pounding and stomach churning. His phone rang in his pocket. He didn’t check the ID as he answered it. “This is Jeno,” he tried in his clearest voice possible.

“Jeno!” Lucas’s voice boomed through the phone causing Jeno to cringe. “Did you make it home okay?”

“Define okay?”

“Are you sitting in your apartment with minimal to no bleeding, bruises, or wounds of any sort?”

“Physical or emotional?”

“Dude, what’s going on? Are you okay or not?”

“Lucas, I think I got rejected tonight,” his voice slurred over the phone.

“Shit,” Lucas breathed. “By Y/n?” Jeno hummed in confirmation. “Did she say specifically that she doesn’t feel the same way?”

“I… I don’t think so, but she said that I shouldn’t be telling her that and that I couldn’t actually mean it.”

“Jeno, you just have to go for it,” Mark turned to him while they sat alone in the conference room. “You can’t give her the cold shoulder and expect her to know that that means you have the hots for her.”

“Try again,” Lucas sounded distracted and further away, “Make a note, tell her again when you can think clearly and have good judgement.” Jeno reached for the pad of paper that sat on his bedside table jotting down ‘tell her’ before flopping back down on the bed, but before his head hit the pillow he was out.

\

Jeno glared at him, “I know. I’m just scared. She’s already rejected me before. I’m sure of it, but I don’t know what I’d do if she rejected me when I can remember.”

“Jeno, you can’t worry about that,” Jisung slipped through the door. “Both of you are miserable and the only way to fix this is to talk. If you don’t do it soon. We will.”

Jeno wasn’t expecting the group to dump it on him in the middle of a meeting. Especially one with their mentors and the owner and founder of NCT Inc. and if he hadn’t seen the look on your face when he gave the soft spoken confession he would be mortified.

You hadn’t realized you had stood up until you heard a voice clearing down the table. Doyoung sat with a conflicted look on his face, “Why don’t we break for lunch.” He along with the others stood up quickly before leaving the room.

Jeno stood from the other side of the table and quickly walked around the table. You reached out and stopped him before he was right in front of you, “I…You never gave any indication that you liked me. How was I supposed to believe you,” your voice softly carried over to him.

“I thought I gave you plenty of hints, getting you drinks, giving you aspirin, walking you to your car.”

“I thought that you were just being nice! I’ve seen you do that with Mark and Renjun, and Jisung. How was I supposed to know that you meant it differently for me?”

Jeno’s small smile dropped further off his face contemplation taking its place, “I guess there was no way for you to know. You never said anything either. You haven’t said anything.” He looked nervous, scared, ready to put his walls up.

You took a deep breath before grabbing his hands, “Jeno, I really, really like you.” You watched as Jeno’s face pinched, “Just give me a little bit. It won’t be hard to fall in love with you. Believe me I am already on the way there.”

Jeno grinned as you finished your words and without hesitation, scooped you into a large hug. “Y/n, you don’t know how happy you’ve made me. When I woke up Saturday morning and saw a note reminder. You don’t know how scared I was. I was going to talk to you on Monday, but you looked so on edge. I just didn’t know what to do.”

“I’m happy too,” you pulled slightly away from him. “I thought that you really didn’t mean it. It took you all week. I thought that I had ruined our friendship.”

“No, of course you didn’t,” he pulled you back into him. “I was just so nervous. I really, really like you, Y/n.”

“And I you.” You smiled up at him. He grinned down before bending down to kiss you. His lips moved against your gently before he leaned away. You preased your forehead to his shoulder, “Do you want to go get lunch together?”

“You know they’re all going to jump us once we get out there, right.” he let his arms drop away from you and instead grabbed your hand.

You shrugged, “Yeah, but maybe we can just convince Taeyong to buy us lunch, call it a company lunch-in.”

“You’re so smart,” Jeno grinned and pulled open the door. “But, how about we just go get our own lunch. I only want to be with you.”

~~

Repost from previous blog

~~

tag list: @qianinterprises @stayctday

[morkleemelon]

off the ice || chapter 3: steady now

previous || m.list || playlist || next

pairing: college hockey player! mark x college figure skater! reader

genre: fluff, humor, college au, sports au

word count: 6.9k

warnings: swearing, party with drugs and alcohol, scene of borderline harassment (nothing actually happens), financial struggle, insecurity, social anxiety, mention of injury

a/n: huge thank you to my beta readers @writing-frog​ and @skiimmiilk for helping me edit this! now I won’t have to tweak it a hundred times after posting XD also (not spoiling) I’m sorry I did you like this, sungchan :(

I’m not sure if I’m awake, dead, or dreaming, but somebody please take me out of this misery.

Your neck struggled to support your head as you fought to stay conscious on the locker room bench. It was early Saturday morning and team practice was far from over. Unwillingly, you had to stay up the previous night, studying deep into the AM because a certain boy kept distracting you in your head.

Over and over again, through your shift at the diner to the ride home to right here as you clung onto Yuna’s arm for support, Mark’s cute smile and Lisa’s daring accusations spun through your tired mind. It’s really not fair- a guy talks to you once and you’re already imagining things…

You quickly shake the thoughts from your head. 

  “Alright girls, thanks for coming in so early today,” your head skating coach, Tanya, smiled warmly, “captains, get everyone warmed up and I’ll go over some exciting announcements at the end of practice”.

“Thank you, Tanya,” the fatigued girls chorused half-heartedly as the captains ushered everyone out of the locker room and into the hallway for stretching. 

Reaching down to touch her toes, Yuna looks over to you. “Y/n, are you okay? You look worse than usual”.

The exhausted expression on your face said it all as you bent down to do the same. “I’ve got a lot on my mind. Econ test is coming up too”. You yawned into your words.

“I know you’re gonna say no, but if you wanna let loose a little, there’s a party tonight,” Yuna peers at you upside-down from in between her legs.

“You know I’m not a party person,” you decline, blacking out slightly as you stand back up. You blink to clear your vision.

As much as you admired your popular best friend for putting herself out there and being able to have fun at a party, it couldn’t be you. The drinking, the smoking, the groping, ogling men- not to mention the anxiety of existing in a frat house full of judgmental people, was all too much for you. As tempting as letting loose a little on a Saturday night sounded, you’d much rather do it in a way that involves your cozy pj’s and watching your favorite skating compilations on YouTube. Alone.

“I know, I know,” Yuna holds her hands up innocently, “but it could be fun. I know Mark is gonna be there”.

You whip your head around so fast that your ponytail nearly slaps her in the face. Flustered, you smooth down the nonexistent wrinkles on the front of your skating jacket. “Oh, that’s nice. What’s that got to do with me?”.

“Just letting you know,” Yuna shrugged in a ‘matter of fact’ manner. 

The captains led the team out to the rink to do laps. You weighed Yuna’s words for a minute as you skated across the ice. Naturally, being here where you were the most comfortable with yourself made you more susceptible to her convincing ploy. If you looked at the last few days in review, you had already made four new friends from just letting Yuna take the reins for one afternoon. That’s about one friend for every dollar in your bank account!

But the nagging reality was that Yuna had a massive amount of friends, cool friends, who were probably going to be at that very party while you had nobody but her and a guy you just met. This didn’t sit well with your anxieties. You’ll just end up awkward if Yuna wants to talk to someone else, or desperate if you cling to Mark, who would probably be weirded out.

As expected, it’s best to stay in.

The practice ran smoothly. As always, the hour and a half of spinning, falling, and getting back up resulted in soreness and loss of breath. Nonetheless, it recharged you and the cloud of tiredness in your head finally dissipated. You felt so free on the ice because you knew that you did it well. It isn’t about the money or your popularity or if you have to work part time just to afford the skates that you wear. If you put in the hard work and effort, you are rewarded with success; that’s a big part of what you liked about it. 

“Excellent job today, ladies. I’d like everyone to give a special round of applause to y/n today,” Coach Tanya suddenly singled you out as the team gathered around to hear her ending announcements. Tanya gave you a warm smile and gestured towards you as you bow to your clapping teammates. “For mastering the triple lutz. I can tell you’ve been practicing extra hours, both from the log sheet and from your performance today. At this rate, we may send you to nationals in the spring”.

Gasps echo across the cold, near-empty stadium. Your jaw hung open at Tanya’s ambitious plan and Yuna grabbed onto your arm excitedly, giving you a nudge of congratulations. It was extremely rare for a sophomore to be sent to the national competitions. Even some seniors never make it past the pre-auditions at Seoul University alone. You weren’t even dreaming of going within the next year despite all of your extra night-time practices. Looking at Tanya’s face, it didn’t seem like she was joking either.

“Thank you, Coach Tanya. I will work even harder”.

“That being said, I have some exciting news pertaining to all of you ladies: this year, Seoul University is sponsoring our team to hold a friendly competition for the winter festival as a sort of main event. Don’t be alarmed because it is optional. It’s September now, so if you are interested in participating, you will have just under four months to prepare a pair skate for the festival in December. Untraditionally, the audience will be voting to choose a winner instead of a panel. Furthermore, the theme, costumes, and music will all be up to you, so have fun with it! Oh and not to mention, the winning pair will be rewarded a monetary prize of $5,000 each”.

Shocked looks were exchanged between teammates. Your brain was still processing to make sure you heard Tanya right as she reiterated.

“Yes,” Tanya laughed, “you heard me right, girls, $5,000 each. It’s a tremendous opportunity and if not for the money, for a chance to practice performing in front of a crowd”.

Murmurs of excitement hush across the near-empty stadium.

“Yuna,” you look up to the taller girl and grip her arm with both hands, “Yuna please we gotta do this”. You shake her slightly with your pleading, “be my partner?”.

The blonde giggled, “duh, of course! Lisa and Hope will probably do it together since they’re both on JV so it’s perfect. Let’s get that ten grand for you!”.

“Wait no, but-”

“Y/n. You know I’m not about to argue with you about this,” Yuna sighed, looking up to the fluorescent ceiling lights to avoid your indignant stare. You relaxed your grip on her arm, knowing that you wouldn’t win this fight no matter how guilty you felt. “You’re better than me by a long shot. If anyone could bet on a winner, they’d put their money on you without a doubt. And if we win it’ll be because of you, so think of it as a fair split based on contribution. I’ll take a $20 cut to buy us dinner,” Yuna encouraged. 

You close your eyes and rest the side of your head on her shoulder.

That’s my best friend. I don’t deserve her.

You felt bad, but you knew that you needed this money more than anything right now. Your parents didn’t earn much and they were already burdened by this semester’s tuition, even with the scholarships. Picking up extra shifts at Frankie’s did little more than cover skating fees and rent. The heavy, looming fear of next semester being the one when you’d have to drop out often kept you up at night. It’s nobody’s fault, but that’s how it is.

Yet like a miracle angel sent from Heaven, this competition could cover an entire semester’s worth of tuition if you win. You needed the prize money desperately. You were going to have to win it no matter what.

“Bye!”. You waved to your teammates as they exited the locker room, probably to go out and be social on a Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately for you, your only plans were to sit alone at the library, studying.

“You seriously don’t wanna join us for lunch today?”. Yuna slung her skating bag over her shoulder. Her wet hair from just showering stuck to her face, but even like this she looked like she could be on the cover of a teen magazine.

“I’ll pass. I can grab a salad from the convenience store before I head to the library. Midterms are coming up and I gotta do a lot of review,” you explain, brushing a wide comb through your tangled mess of hair. Yuna moved to pull her hair back into a ponytail. You watched as her perfectly sculpted reflection made an action so simple into a reason for envy. The stained locker room mirror, however, did your bare face no favors. Your best friend remained oblivious as you picked yourself apart again. Your cheeks were a little too round, nose a little too wide, eyebrows a little too uneven. You shove the brush in your bag and turn around before you could fall deeper in insecurity. “Let’s go”.

As always, you chose to disregard your insecure thoughts and pretend like they never existed. Talking about it seemed weird, so you just chose not to do it. And you didn’t like bothering other people with your problems either. It was best to just keep it to yourself. 

“Y/n!,” a familiar voice called out from behind you. You stopped walking down the stadium corridor, turning around to see who could’ve known your name. Usually it’s Yuna getting stopped by one of her many friends.

Ashy blonde hair came into view as the boy jogged to catch up with you. Your legs were doing just fine after over an hour and a half of training, but they trembled at the sight of a certain dreamy junior boy.

“Hey, fancy seeing you here,” Mark smiled down at you, the dim hallway lights catching on his cheekbones and jawline, accentuating his beautifully sculpted features. 

“I’ll see you later,” Yuna winked, patting you on the back and making a break for the exit before you could protest.

“I-uh, hey, Mark,” you stutter. Was it just you or did he get even more good-looking since the last time you saw him?

“Did you guys just get out of practice?”. You could hardly pay attention to his simple question as you checked him out. Mark sported a simple outfit consisting of a plain black hoodie with matching black joggers and sneakers. His red hockey bag which was slung across his back was supported by one of his thumbs. With the sleeves of his hoodie rolled up to his elbows, you watch as the lines of his forearm muscles shift and strain with each fine movement from the weight of the duffel.

“Uh, yeah. Yeah! We did,” you answer after an awkward pause. Oh, God, please let that not have been weird. “Are you here for your practice?”. You mentally slap yourself for your stupid question; he’s wearing gym clothes and has his hockey gear, what else was he going to do at the rink?

“Yeah, I am,” Mark laughed good-naturedly, leaning slightly on the wall next to you, “I came here a bit early, actually. I was hoping to catch you”.

Catch...me?

Your face flushed at his heart-fluttering remark. Contesting with the urge to spontaneously burst into flames, you try your best to give a steady reply, “Oh! What for?”.

“I-uh,” Mark diverted his gaze down to his shoes, “I know I got your number from the group chat, but I wanted to ask you in person. There’s a party tonight at the sheep’s house- my friend’s house- and I was wondering if I was gonna see you there”.

You simultaneously wanted to sink into the floor to disappear forever and jump into the air to celebrate. You did neither. 

Was he asking you out? Not really. But then again, he wants to see you there at the party. And he came here early to specially ask you in person. 

You replay the debate you had with Yuna earlier. Past-you had made some valid points about not going, but how could you say no when he put it like this?… oh, fuck it.

“For sure. I’ll be there”. You offer a wry smile to try to cover your nervousness.

“Awesome,” Mark’s eyes twinkled as he smiled, “can’t wait to see you tonight, then”. 

“Can’t wait,” you echoed. You couldn’t help but notice how he was a few inches taller and you had to tilt your head back to meet his soft, brown eyes.

“I should probably get down to the rink to set up for practice”

“Oh okay! Don’t let me keep you”

“Not at all”. His fingers shifted to adjust the strap of his hockey bag and your eyes brushed over the ripple of his forearm. He was doing the bare-minimum and your knees were ready to buckle in the middle of the hallway. 

“I’ll get going then!,” you excuse yourself with a curt wave. Turning around, you head briskly for the exit before you could embarrass yourself further and agree to more irrational proposals. 

Before your hand could even touch the exit door to let yourself out, reality hit.

Oh no. I have to go to the party.

Yuna squealed and pounced you onto your bed as you told her the news. “I can’t believe it! You’re really gonna go?”.

You run a stressed hand through your wavy locks, “I guess? He didn’t leave me much of a choice”. Rolling around on your bed, your best friend clapped and cheered despite your wanting to travel back in time and tell Mark you couldn’t make it. But how were you supposed to say no to that face? Thanks to this, your library study session was far from focused or helpful.

“We gotta get you looking hot, y/n. I mean, you’re already hot,” Yuna corrected, “but even more hot for your first college party”.

Hopping off your now messed-up covers, you go to observe yourself in the full-body mirror in all your said ‘hotness’. You were currently enveloped in a grouchy oversized tee shirt that you got from a choir field trip in high school paired with plain gym shorts hidden underneath. Your hair was especially frizzy from being air-dried after your shower. 

“The only hot I am is a hot mess,” you groaned. Did you look like this when Mark saw you earlier? Shit.

“Nonsense, silly,” Yuna hugged you from behind, “you’re adorable and you’d be surprised how much hair, makeup, and a good fit can change someone”. She looked into your eyes eagerly through the mirror as if asking for permission. You were too nervous about the party to deny her so you gave your roommate a reluctant nod. It was better that she helped you get ready so you could fit in and thus blend into the background.

Squealing again, Yuna gave you a squeeze and scurried to flit through her closet for something you could wear. 

“Go straighten your hair, y/n!”

“Yes ma’am”. This much you could do. “How’s this?”. Yuna held up a skimpy bralette top, its white lace barely covering any surface area at all. 

“That’s a top?!”

“Ok nevermind”. Tossing the tiny piece aside, your roommate continued sifting earnestly through her collection of expensive clothes.

You ran the straightener through your partitioned hair carefully. 

“What about this one?”. Yuna held up a simple red crop top. A small notch ran an inch down the neckline which gave it a little edge, but it seemed like it would be in your comfort zone.

“That’s perfect,” you smile.

Hair now pin straight and finally smooth, you change into the red top and ripped black denim shorts Yuna picked out for you. Your best friend was much better at makeup than you were, so you let her take the lead once again. The only times you wear full makeup are for performances and you would look like a complete clown if you showed up with the two inch eyeliner you knew how to do. 

Applying a small amount of base makeup to your face, Yuna went for a more natural look, knowing that you weren’t comfortable with standing out too much. Subtle brown eyeshadow and lengthening mascara made your eyes pop just the right amount and a cherry lip balm tinted your lips a translucent, shiny red. Even you had to admit your confidence was boosted from the new look you weren’t used to seeing in the mirror. 

That’s me. I’m… kind of pretty

“Aw, honey, you look so beautiful,” Yuna cooed, wrapping up your makeover with a clap. She did her own makeup effortlessly and put on the discarded bralette from earlier. However ridiculous it looked on the hanger, she made it look like a million bucks and it suited her perfectly. 

You moved to sit on your bed and lace up your trusty white sneakers. Yuna wore a bigger shoe size than you which came as a relief because you weren’t sure if you could handle wearing any of the daring stiletto pumps in her collection. 

“You know, I’m so happy you’re going to come this time. I was always really sad when you stayed home studying every weekend instead of going out and having fun”.

“I would’ve gone if I knew how to talk to people,” you reason, picking at the dirty aglet of your shoelace, “and I’m honestly really nervous right now. You better not leave me, okay?”.

“You’re so sweet and thoughtful, anyone would be lucky to talk to you! I know it’s easier said than done, but you’d be surprised what a little confidence will do. And of course, I won’t leave you”. Yuna gave you a bright, reassuring smile before pulling you off the bed. 

You take one last look at your reflection in the mirror.

That’s right, confidence. I’m confident.

“Let’s go”

The walk down to the party was much shorter than you expected. Turns out, the ‘Sheep’ lived in that sketchy house just off of campus which you made a point to avoid during your nighttime jogs. The tables were turning as you approached the rickety front porch on purpose. You clung to Yuna as an array of neon lights shines through the window blinds and the open door. The bass of a generic pop song jolted through your bones. 

Walking into the home, your grip on Yuna’s arm tightened as unfamiliar faces surrounded you. The crowded room stank of sweaty bodies and weed. A countertop stocked full of red solo cups and different types of alcohol was visible from where you stood. Heads turned to stare at Yuna while the two of you entered.

What am I doing here?

“Hey, you made it!,” an unfamiliar voice shouted from over the ruckus. Your eyes fell nervously on the voice’s owner. He had dark brown hair and sharp, defined features. His accent was strange, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it. 

“Hey!”. Yuna brought the stranger in for a loose hug. “Yangyang, this my roommate and best friend, y/n. Y/n this is Yangyang also known as ‘the sheep’. He’s from Germany”.

Ah, Germany.

You offer him a small wave, surprised when he pulls you unexpectedly into a hug. 

“Nice to meet you, y/n. Mark’s told me all about you,” Yangyang smirked, “please help yourself to drinks, girls. The guys are in the basement playing pong”.

“Woo! Let’s get wasted!” Yuna yelled while pulling you towards the drinks.

You stood awkwardly at her side as she poured both of you drinks- a half a solo cup of strawberry vodka for her and a sprite zero for you. You wish you could be in bed, curled up alone with a good movie. Or even at the library studying-

“Hey,” a deep voice right next to your ear wrecked your train of thought. Alarmed, your eyes were met with the middle of a chest as you turned around to see who it was. Craning your head back, an unfamiliar, tall boy with stiffly-gelled brown hair looked down at you. You winced at the acrid smell of axe body spray now flooding your nostrils. He looked young, maybe even younger than you, but he was clearly very drunk. “Where have you been all my life?”.

“Excuse me?,” you exclaim over the booming music. The boy placed his hands on the counter on either side of you, trapping you in between his arms. Looking over to find Yuna, she had already shifted deeper into the crowd and was busy talking with other people. 

“I’m Sungchan,” the boy unwelcomingly introduced, “what’s your name, beautiful?”.

“I-uh I’m y/n,” you stuttered. Sungchan’s face was way too close for comfort and his breath stank of cheap alcohol. You felt his humid exhalation brush over the top of your head like a toxic cloud and you fought to not gag.

“Y/n. You come here with anyone?”. You pressed your back as far into the counter as you could to get away from him, but there was little room to go. Fear began to set in as you realized you were trapped. What should I say? What do I do?

“I-I…” 

“She came here with me”. A firm hand gripped Sungchan’s left arm and yanked it forcefully away from the counter. Your saving grace put a gentle hand on your shoulder, tugging you slightly away from the drunk perpetrator. Struggling to comprehend what was happening, you looked up to see it was Mark, staring the intoxicated boy down. 

“C-captain”

“What’s a freshman doing with my girl?” Mark pressed. His expression was unamused. 

Your heart trembled at his unanticipated lie. His girl? Mark brushed a reassuring thumb over your shoulder, clueing to you that he would handle this. 

“I didn’t know, I-”

“Sungchan, right? You still trying to make varsity next year?,” Mark interrupted, eyebrows raised in annoyance at the freshman. Sungchan’s eyes went wide as he held both hands up innocently.

“Y-yes I-”

“Misconduct can get you kicked off the team, you know. Not to mention I’ll be senior captain next year so I’ll have a say in who makes it into varsity”.

“I’m sorry, captain, I really didn’t-”

“Fuck off”. Mark gestured his free hand towards the open front door. Sungchan looked around, as if unsure what to do. The surrounding party-goers danced and drank on, unaware of the altercation and more interested in who they were going home with tonight. Finally, the lanky boy’s head cleared enough to make a decision. Sungchan bowed slightly in apology and stumbled towards the exit. The untouched solo cup of sprite fizzed in your shaking hands.

“Are you okay?”. Mark faced you with a concerned look.

You clenched your grip tighter around your drink as you fought back tears, the shock wearing off and the gravity of the situation hitting you full-on. You set the cup down and shake your head no.

“Do you want to get out of here?”.

You nod your head vigorously and tears began streaming down your cheeks. What a waste, all of Yuna’s hard work down the drain. Mark nudged you forward and guided you towards a back door. Weaving your way through the crowd, Mark greeted his friends with a “hey” or a simple nod. You felt a few girls eye you discontentedly at the sight of Mark’s hand ghosting over the small of your back while others were too high or drunk to notice. The cool night air welcomed you as Mark urged you outside and you rushed to escape the cramped house. He shut the door behind him, muffling the heavy bass so you could finally hear yourself think.

Dabbing away at your tears so he wouldn’t see, you breathe deeply to regain your composure. 

“Thanks for that”. You managed to let out after a few minutes of sniffling and silence. Your voice was slightly hoarse and you couldn’t meet his eyes, but he waited patiently by your side. 

So much for coming to this party, he probably thinks I’m a mess. This whole thing was a huge mistake. 

“I think I’ll go. Sorry I can’t stay”. You turn to walk down the wooden porch steps.

“Wait-”. Mark’s voice halts your departure. “Would you like to go on a walk with me? Or I can at least take you home. I don’t want you going out alone after what just happened…”. 

Looking up at him, the dim porch light glowed behind him, giving him a soft golden halo. His brown eyes which were usually smiling now shone with worry as he scanned over your tear-stricken face. Your heart which was beating rapidly from fear earlier began to settle down in his reassuring presence. Being alone right now might not be the best idea. But more importantly, being with him sounded like what you really needed. You nod.

The sound of crickets chirping and sneakers scuffing took over as the two of you walked farther away from the booming music of the party. You weren’t sure where you were headed, but you also didn’t know if there was anywhere you wanted to go. Wandering down the deserted streets in comfortable silence, Mark followed you patiently as he waited for you to be ready to talk. Before you knew it, your feet brought you to the lake and you stood watching the water ripple under the night breeze. The moon, almost full, illuminated silver each ebb and flow.

“I’m sorry you’re missing the party”. You quietly broke the silence. You felt bad for making him leave. All of his friends were there and he probably really looked forward to it. 

“Don’t be. I only went so I could talk to you, anyways”

You look at him in surprise. Mark’s eyes remained glued to the lake, sparkling from the reflected moonlight.

“How many girls have you told that to?,” you scoff. Internally, you screamed.

“Couldn’t name another one”

You pause before resolving to stroll further down the lakeside. The sound of footsteps behind you confirmed that he was following. Stopping as you reach the familiar creaky wood, you take a seat on the worn-out dock, him on your right. You dangle your feet over the dark, sloshing waves. It was cool, despite the summer season. A breeze rolled by, making you shudder. However cute the crop top was, it didn’t do much to keep you warm. Not that you could have planned on running away from the party and needing a sweatshirt beforehand.

“Here, take this”. Mark unzipped his jacket to give to you.

“Oh it's ok-”. You couldn’t finish your protest before the warm fabric was draped across your shoulders. Your face grew pink once more. If you didn’t know better, you could be admitted to the hospital for how much you’ve been blushing recently. “Thanks,” you mutter, looking down at your hands with a small smile. 

“Is that Frankie’s?”. Mark’s voice cut through the silence.

“What?”

“Is that Frankie’s?,” Mark repeated, nodding at the small restaurant bordering the lake some distance away. It looked as if it had just closed, yellow fluorescent lights still on while a tired waitress scrubbed away at a table. Only one car, probably her’s, remained in the parking lot.

“Oh, yeah. That’s where I work part time,” you confirmed. “I come here to the dock to sit sometimes. You know, just to think”.

“I feel that. Sometimes everything is way too much to handle and you need to take time to breathe. I have a place like this too”

Mark’s sincere confession came as a surprise to you and unintentionally, it showed on your face.

“What, you don’t believe me?” Mark feigned hurt, putting a hand on his chest. “Do you think hockey guys can’t have feelings too? I have a fan club for heaven’s sake!”.

You laugh at his exaggerated outcry. 

“And that’s a bad thing? Don’t you guys like the attention? Attention from lots and lots of pretty girls”. You raised an eyebrow, teasing him.

“As if,” Mark ran a stressed hand through his hair, “they’re all crazy as hell. Honestly, none of the guys really like the attention”.

You nod in understanding. Seeing how the Lovelees acted the few times you were around them, you’d hate being the subject of their affections too.

“But how about you,” Mark continued, “I haven’t seen you much at parties”.

You let out a sarcastic laugh, “if you couldn’t tell from tonight, I’m not much of a party girl. Today was my first and probably last party”. You had gotten so comfortable walking and talking with Mark that you had almost forgotten about the horrible incident that occurred earlier. Pulling the soft jacket over yourself more, your face falls as you remember Sungchan’s intoxicated face.

“Hey” Mark’s hand grazes over your slumped shoulders, bringing you back to focus on him. “I’ll never let him bother you again”. 

While you were unsure of how your makeup was holding up due to all the crying, his delicate features were all the more beautiful under the pale moonlight. You notice how close you’re sitting, knees almost brushing against each other’s and his face was but inches from yours. And even though you were wearing his jacket so he was left with only a tee shirt, you were sure you weren’t imagining the heat radiating from his body. Slowly, your eyes flutter down to his parted lips.

There it is once more, the hot flush in your cheeks and the strain in your chest. 

Meeting Mark has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but you felt undeniably comfortable sitting next to someone who would’ve been a stranger just a few days ago. Something about him felt familiar to you now and you trusted in his words. He was someone... safe. 

“Really?,” you whisper, not taking your eyes off of his soft, pink lips. 

“Really”. His confirmation was too gentle to be heard above the sound of the rushing water below, but you read his lips as they shaped around the word.

Before you know it, you were leaning in, just enough so you knew you weren’t imagining it. A mellow breeze plays with your hair, causing a few strands to fall astray. Cautiously with his hand, Mark slowly tucks the fallen pieces back behind your ear. He hesitates there. The feeling of his warm fingertips sends tingles down your spine. Carefully scanning your expression to make sure you were okay, his hand inches down to gently cup your cheek. “Can I kiss you?”.

You could feel the warmth of his breath fan across your lips, his own not centimeters away. Your heart pounded rapidly as you gave an affirming nod. Closing your eyes, you wait.

This is happening.

A jolting vibration from your pocket caused your eyes to shoot right back open and Mark let go of you in surprise. Your phone kept buzzing, the harsh sound amplified by the wooden dock. Sighing in frustration, you struggle to remove it from your back pocket as Mark looks away, coughing awkwardly. Your face burned red from embarrassment.

Why does this always happen to me?

“Hello?”. Your tone was laced with annoyance.

“Y/n! Where aare youu?,” Yuna slurred. Trap music blared in the background confirming that she was still at the party. You could hear Ten asking if Mark was with you over the ruckus.

“I left. And yeah, Mark is here”. You put the phone on speaker and held it up towards the boy you were about to kiss moments ago. 

“Hey guys,” Mark said sheepishly. Yuna squealed in delight.

“That’s my boy!”. Ten’s booming voice took over the call.

“Stop it man,” Mark warned, increasingly agitated at the couple for ruining the moment.

“Okayy kids! Have fun, but not tooooo much fun”. Yuna giggled into the microphone. 

“I’m hanging up,” you said quickly before pushing the red button to end the call. Any longer and you weren’t sure you could resist throwing your phone (and perhaps yourself) into the lake. A brief moment of silence ensued, both parties unsure of what to do next. Was there anything you could do to save the moment after that? 

“I uh…,” you start.

“Yeah umm…,” Mark agreed. Silence ensued.

“Uhh…”. Your steady tone wavered as you started to giggle. The awkwardness dissipated because before you knew it, both of you were laughing wholeheartedly at the unfortunate situation. 

“Yuna tends to have great timing,” you explain.

“Mm. Ten does too,” Mark related, stroking his chin and nodding as if thinking deeply. 

“She said she wouldn’t leave me at the party but lo and behold”. You gesture to your surroundings, exasperated.

“That sucks,” Mark agreed, “you should have come found me. I was waiting for you, actually”.

“I was going to,” you picked at the zipper of his jacket, “but we had just gotten there when... you know”.

“Yeah. You don’t have to talk about it if you’re not ready. I don’t want to pressure you at all, but I’m always willing to listen”

“You’re,” you look for the right words, “you’re so amazing”. 

“Yeah?”

You keep your gaze in your lap, “Yeah. And you know, I wish we’d met earlier, Mark. Because it’s really nice talking to you and you’re a really great guy”. You check for his reaction.

“Yeah, I wish we met sooner too”. His expression was that of… adoration.

Being with Mark was so easy. Conversation came to you two easier than anything else in life did. And just like that, feet swinging in sync above the water, you talked for hours. He told you about his alien conspiracy theories and his aspirations to be a professional hockey player and then retire into sports medicine. You told him about your parents and how you missed them dearly because they worked way out of the city to support you and your dream. You did everything you could to be able to pay them back, even majoring in economics which was more profitable than environmental studies or professional skating. Mark listened thoughtfully and admitted that he related in a lot of ways with his parents being all the way in Canada. 

The night rushed by and the two of you talked until the golden peaks of sunrise painted the water from its usual blue. You had shifted so you were sitting facing each other on the dock. The early sunlight cast a warm glow over Mark’s face. He looked like a painting- a Monet. Or a Renoir.

“Um so, I guess it’s Sunday now”. Mark rested his chin into the crook of his elbow. You could hear the tired in his voice, but you mutually understood that neither of you wanted to leave.

“Do you have to go?”. You picked at a piece of fuzz on the sleeve of his sweatshirt which you were still wearing. The disappointment was evident in your question. Even though you had spent the whole night getting to know each other, it felt like you had just barely scratched the surface. There was still so much more you wanted to talk about. 

Checking his watch, Mark contemplated for a bit. 

“It’s 6:12 a.m. right now. I actually have to get somewhere by 6:30,” Mark explained.

“So early?”

“Yeah it’s… you could come with me if you want?”. His sleepy eyes twinge with hope.

You look to the lake, the sparkling ripples tinted gold with the rising sun. Sunday was usually a rest day for you and you didn’t have anything planned. As fatigued as you felt, everything in you wanted to accept his invitation. You cracked a small smile, getting up to stretch your legs. You hold out a hand to help him up.

“Lead the way”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you home? This might not be fun for you…”

Mark’s expression was worried as the two of you stood at the entrance of the local church, the doors open and you could see rows of tables and food set up as if ready for people at any minute. The streets were starting to bustle as the world began to wake up. A volunteer from inside the church spotted you, walking out to give his greetings. 

“Mark!,” the man called out as he pulled Mark  in for a warm hug, “good morning!”.

His eyes turned towards you and Mark moved to introduce you. 

“Daniel, this is y/n. Y/n, this is Daniel. We volunteer together here at the church to serve breakfast to the homeless,” Mark disclosed.

“Nice to meet you, Daniel”. You shake his hand with a smile. Gosh, I probably look like a mess right now. I didn’t even get to change or take off the makeup from the party yesterday. You self-consciously zip up Mark’s oversized jacket to hide your exposed midriff. 

“Nice to meet you, y/n! This is the first time Mark has brought a… friend here”. Daniel’s eyes darted between you and Mark with an assuming smile.

“Yeah,” Mark coughed, turning to you, “do you want me to take you home? This probably isn’t what you expected I don’t know why I-”

“No,” you interrupted, “I’d like to stay and volunteer”. Offering him a reassuring smile, you rest your hand on his arm to show him that you were okay. There was truth to his worries when Mark said this wasn’t what you were expecting. You never would have thought that a popular guy like him woke up early on the weekends to help the needy. Evidently, he did it out of the kindness of his own heart, not for attention. You always imagined it was all parties and messing around, but you were pleasantly proven wrong.

“Great! Mark can show you around and get you started,” the older man clapped before heading inside.

“You’re kind of awesome, you know that?”. Mark’s question caught you off guard. He slipped his hand into yours to lead you into the building, the simple action sending your heart into a frenzy. 

“Awesome how?”

“Just… awesome,” Mark clarified cryptically, holding the door open for you to enter the storage room. He tosses you a green volunteer shirt.

“Alright, I’ll take the compliment,” you laugh, taking off his jacket and handing it to him. To your surprise, he pushes it back to you.

“You keep it. I like it a lot better on you”

Mark Lee if you keep saying things like this, I’m going to catch on fire.

You fight to put out the flames spreading across your cheeks and give a single nod, setting the sweatshirt down on a nearby box. Not willing to strip in front of him in the church storage room, you pull the volunteer shirt over on top of the shirt you were already wearing.

“So anyways,” Mark continued as if he didn’t just say the most romantic thing you’ve heard in your life, “the people will start coming in about 20 minutes. Our job is to portion out the food and once everyone is served, we can go eat and talk with them”.

“Got it”

“Here, let me get this for you”. His hand guided your waist to spin around as he pulled an apron over your head. Tying the back of the garment together, your breath hitches in your throat as you feel his fingers brush under the fabric of your shirt. You turn your face to the side and you can see his soft expression in your peripheral vision. The heat from his body behind yours feels so welcoming.

I wish he’d kiss me right now.

And he wants to. He tries to. He’s leaning in and everything is perfect. Your heart is beating fast as you tilt your head back, but like clockwork, a jolting buzz from his pants makes you jump apart. No, not like that.

“I swear to God, I’m throwing away my phone”. Mark ran a frustrated hand through his hair, picking up the kiss-blocking call. “Hello?”. You sighed.

You watch as the annoyed expression on his face fades into shock as the speaker on the other side panicked through the phone. Your own frustration transforms into concern as Mark looks at you and you catch the words “car” and “hospital”. Mark paces back and forth.

“Alright, I got it. Yeah, she’s with me. I’ll tell her. We’ll come right now. Don’t worry, Ten, she’s going to be fine”

“What is it?,” you ask as soon as he hangs up the call, eyebrows furrowed in confusion and worry.

“It’s Yuna…,” Mark trailed off, shocked by the news. Your heart dropped down to your feet.

“What about Yuna?” Your voice shook with panic.

“She-she was in a car accident. She’s at the hospital right now”

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[suituuup]

crushing it

A day in the life of Bechloe with triplets and a seven-year-old. For the lovely @snowonebutyou as a birthday gift <3

rated: G

word cout: 1,600

ao3 link

*

Mornings in the Beale-Mitchell household are often chaotic. 

(who is Beca kidding. Always. Always chaotic.) 

When Abigail turned three, Chloe and Beca decided they wanted to have another baby. 

To their utter shock, it wasn’t one heartbeat that showed up on the ultrasound, but three. 

Three babies. Triplets. 

Following a few hours of panic (mostly on Beca’s end, because she would be the one birthing them), Chloe reminded Beca that they were the best team, and that they would, in Amy’s words, crush it. 

Fast forward four and a half years, Beca does believe they’re crushing it, even if it’s hectic from waking-up to drop-off and from pick-up to bedtime. 

Honestly, though? Beca wouldn’t change it for the world. 

“Mama, I’m lost!”

Beca glances over her shoulder to find Jacob struggling to put on her sweater as his head is stuck in the sleeve. 

She chuckles, abandoning Jamie for a second to crawl on all-fours over to her other son. “Hold on, baby.” She pulls on the sleeve and twists the sweater, Jacob’s head popping through in the right hole this time. “There you are. Now put your pants on, quick! We don’t wanna be late for school.” 

“Mamaaaaa!” Eleanor, the youngest of the tribe and by far the most mischievous one, zooms into the room from the bathroom. “My teeth are all brushed!”

Beca manages to bite back the f-word when she realizes Ellie also smeared toothpaste all over her top. She doesn’t want to stomp on her daughter’s pride by scolding her for being messy when she accomplished a task all by herself, and takes a deep, centering breath. 

“Good job. We might wanna change your top, though.” She pushes to her feet, rummaging through the dresser top drawer for something clean. “Here you go.” 

“That’s Jamie’s!” Eleanor cries, pouting. “It’s got a dinosaur on it, Mama!” 

“Yeah well lucky you, because dinosaurs are really cool.” 

That seems acceptable for Ellie, who accepts to switch without further argument. 

“Alright, let’s brush our teeths boys and go downstairs!” 

While one of them gets the triplets ready for school, the other puts their lunch boxes together and cleans up breakfast. 

“All good?” Chloe asks when they round the corner to the kitchen a few minutes later. 

Beca huffs, making a bee-line for the counter to take a much-needed sip from her coffee. Great, it’s cold. She grimaces and sets the mug down. “Ugh.” 

“I poured fresh one in your travel mug,” Chloe lets her know with a soft wink as she gives each triplet their backpack containing their lunches.  

Beca groans, snagging it. “I love you.” 

“Love you, too.” Chloe pecks Beca’s lips before calling upstairs, “Abigail, time to go!” 

“Alright monsters, shoes.” Beca ushers the triplets to the entryway where their shoes are stored. 

“I do it, Mama,” Jamie says, because they’ve obviously got time to practice shoe lacing this morning. 

Summoning the patience she definitely didn’t have before becoming a mom, Beca smiles, observing. She’s gotta admit, Jamie sticking his tongue out in concentration is adorable. “Cross, loop, loop and tie. Good job!” 

She high fives him, then grabs their three coats, handing them over. Their oldest appears and quickly puts her shoes on, standing on the tip of her toes to unhook her coat herself. 

“Alright, let’s roll, fam!” Once Chloe’s kissed each child goodbye, they step out of the house and pile into the van (yep, they’ve got a van now) with only two minutes behind schedule. 

“Mama play the song!” Eleanor requests once Beca’s pulled out of their driveway. 

Their children have impeccable taste in music, much to Beca’s pride. Ellie’s been obsessed with Lizzo’s Truth Hurts lately though, which… does include a few bad words and which landed Beca and Chloe a meeting with her Kindergarten teacher after Ellie apparently belted out “Turns out I’m a hundred percent that bitch” during recess. 

Later that day, Beca explained to their four-year-old daughter that the word bitch shouldn’t be said in public, even through song. 

They make it to school on time, Beca pulling up in the drop off section and watching her kids step out. “See you tonight guys, love you!” 

She enjoys the ten minutes of relative quiet over the drive to the office, contentedly sipping at her coffee as she hums along to the radio. After parking in her spot in front of the studio, she checks her phone to find a message from her wife. She chuckles, her cheeks warming up as she reads Chloe’s words. 

My love

Didn’t have time to tell you, but you’re rocking that work suit 🥵

Beca

Oh yeah? 

My love

Any chance you can stop by the clinic for lunch and… entertain me? 

Beca

Jesus, woman. 

I would, but today’s packed with meetings. 

I’ll make it up to you once the kids are asleep 😉

My love

Fine, I guess I’ll settle for that, then. Have a good day. Love you!

Smiling to herself, Beca replies with the same sentiment. 

Her work day is busy with meetings left and right and finishing up a project to meet the deadline, and Beca’s brain has turned to mush by the time she steps through the threshold of their home at the end of the day, a bit later than usual. 

Jacob, the most affectionate of their four kids greets her with a much-needed hug when she rounds the living room corner. Beca closes her eyes and inhales his shampoo, his hair still slightly damp from bath time. 

Bless her wife for handling the pre-dinner routine all by herself. 

“Thank you baby. Mama really needed that.” She lets him go, walking over to where Ellie and Jamie are playing on the floor and kissing each forehead. “Hey munchkins.” 

Abigail is coloring at the table while Chloe stirs something at the stove when Beca ventures into the kitchen next. She cards her fingers through her daughter’s red hair. “Hey baby. Whatcha drawing?” 

“Flowers,” the seven-year-old replies as she reaches for a different crayon. 

“Very pretty,” Beca says, bending down to kiss her head as well. She steps up to Chloe, wrapping her arms around her waist from behind. “Hey you.” 

Chloe leans back against her briefly. “Hi. Busy day?” 

“So busy. Thanks for handling everything by yourself, babe.” She brushes a kiss to Chloe’s cheek, squeezing her waist as she steps away. “Can I do anything to help?” 

“It’s almost ready so just get the kids to wash up?” 

Dinner is mostly entertained by their kids talking about the activities they did at school. Following a bit of playtime, both she and Chloe head upstairs to put them to bed. Abigail handles herself now, but she does still like for one of her moms to read her a story. 

“Mama?” She asks as soon as Beca closes the book to set it back on the shelf. 

“Yeah baby?” 

“What’s it like to be in love?” 

Beca blinks in shock, far from expecting that question from her seven-year-old. She supposes it’s better than the where do babies come from? bomb, but still. 

“Um, well…” she clears her throat, shifting so that she’s facing Abigail as opposed to sitting beside her. She thinks about her wife, and tries to put how she feels in clear words. “Basically, it’s… thinking about that person all the time, and feeling safe and really happy and… at home whenever you’re around them.”

“And you wanna kiss?” 

Beca purses her lips for a moment. “Um, sure. You may want to kiss them if you’re in love with them.” 

Abigail seems to mull that over for a little while. “Benjamin kissed me today, does that mean he’s in love with me?” 

Jesus Christ. Beca really wishes Chloe was here right now to handle this conversation. 

“No, not necessarily,” she says once she’s gathered her bearings. “People kiss other people without being in love. It might just be… an attraction, like, thinking someone is pretty.” 

Abigail grins. “I think he’s handsome.” 

Watching her seven-year-old daughter swoon over some boy is very unsettling and something Beca was definitely not ready for for another ten years at least. 

“So you wanted him to kiss you, then?” Beca asks tentatively to make sure that boy didn’t force Abigail to kiss him. 

Abigail nods. “It was cool.” 

Cool. Cool. Cool?! 

Beca sucks in a breath, mustering a smile. “Okay, as long as you agreed to it, that’s fine. You know that if a boy or a girl wants to kiss or hug you and you don’t want to, it’s okay to say no, right?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Good.” She bends down to kiss Abigail’s forehead. “Anything else before I go?” 

“Nope. Night, Mama.” 

“Goodnight, baby.” 

She tucks the covers up to Abigail’s chin and hits the main light on her way out, her brain reeling as she heads back downstairs. She finds Chloe folding a load of laundry on the couch with the TV on low, and lowers herself beside her. 

“What’s wrong?” She asks immediately, frowning at Beca’s expression. 

Beca clears her throat. “Our daughter is apparently… kissing boys.” 

“Which one?” 

“Abigail,” Beca hisses, shocked that Chloe would think that Ellie is old enough to be kissing anyone. 

Chloe simply smiles, picking up a pair of toddler jeans from the basket and folding them. “She’s seven, it’s pretty normal for her to explore those things.” 

Beca squints. “How old were you?” 

“About that age, I think. It was just a tiny peck.” She tosses the jeans on the folded pile and picks up another item. “My first real kiss was at thirteen.” 

“Who was it?” 

Chloe laughs, cocking an eyebrow. “What is this, an interrogatory?” 

“No, I’m just curious, I guess.” She shrugs, grabbing a towel from the basket to fold it. 

“His name was Jeremy. Too much tongue. Did not kiss him again.” 

“Ew. What is it with dudes and tongue?”

Chloe giggles. “Beats me.” She eyes her wife. “Who was yours?” 

“My neighbor Trevor. I was fifteen.” Beca closes her eyes and shudders exaggeratedly. “If I could erase it from my memory I would.” 

“Good thing you’re married to an excellent kisser to make up for the trauma, huh?” Chloe smirks and waggles her eyebrows, pulling a chuckle from Beca. 

“Dude, not to boost your ego even more or anything, but that first kiss sent me into another dimension. I just about forgot my own name.” 

“Aww. You were still a useless baby gay back then. Discovering the power of women.” 

“Shut up,” Beca mutters, shoving her wife as she flushes. She eyes the basket and groans. “How do we have so much laundry?” 

“Four kids, babe.” 

Beca sighs, then glances at Chloe, a smirk curving her lips. “Wanna leave it for tomorrow and make out?” 

Chloe’s on top of her before she can register it, muffling her squeak of laughter with a heated kiss. 

[starlocked01]

Nothing but the Truth

AO3

Masterpost- Previous- Next

Summary: The twins throw a sleepover and everyone gets more revelations than they bargained for.

Content Warning: Anxiety, mentions of eating non-food items

Day 15 pre-Dukexiety/ pre-Rosleep/background Loceit- It is impossible to lie to your Soulmate

Virgil couldn’t stop tapping his foot as he watched mailboxes and telephone poles flash by the car door window. There were about one million things that could go wrong tonight and he was trapped thinking through every single one of them. Roman was his bestest friend in all of the second grade, and he didn't mind hanging out with Roman’s twin brother Remus or their friend Patton, but a sleepover? Away from his safe bed where dad checked the closet for monsters every night and left the hall light on to prevent vampires from sneaking in to bite him? Virgil almost wanted to ask dad to turn around now, but then he worried that Remus would find out and call him a baby.

Virgil was no baby. And he certainly couldn't let Remus know he was scared.

They pulled into the driveway and Virgil very bravely grabbed his purple spider backpack and favorite pillow and climbed out of the car. He took dad's hand and they walked up to the front door together.

"Go ahead and ring the bell, Virge," dad smiled at him and pointed to the doorbell. Virgil had to stand on tiptoes but he managed to hit the button. He jumped at the loud bell tone from inside the house and the subsequent scrabbling of running feet and a dog barking.

He'd forgotten all about their dog.

The inner door swung open to reveal Roman standing there with a huge grin on his face. Virgil could see the missing tooth that had "fallen out" earlier that week.

"DAD! VIRGIL’S HERE!" Roman shouted back into the house. Suddenly a dog nearly as big as Virgil came running up to the door, pulling Remus along with him. Virgil was very happy there was still a screen between them.

"Damn it, Nagini!" Remus swore, trying to hold the dog back, "Roro, help me!" Roman jumped to grab her collar as well and they both tried to pull her from the door.

"Virgil, if you pick up any swearing from Remus we're going to have to have a serious talk about your choice in friends," dad reprimanded as Roman and Remus' dad came into view.

"Logan! I'm so glad Virgil could come over tonight. Roman would not stop begging for a sleepover," their dad said with a smile, taking Nagini's collar from the twins and easily holding her back from the door, "please come in."

"Thank you, Janus. He needed more convincing than I did," Logan smiled at the other dad, ushering Virgil inside.

"The twins have been such devils lately," Janus sighed, "you're so lucky that Virgil is so calm."

Logan chuckled, "we have our fair share of quirks, I assure you. Kids, go ahead and go play. Your father and I are just going to talk for a bit."

Virgil looked up curiously, "Dad, why is your face so red?"

Logan flushed all the harder at the question and glanced at Janus, "because we're going to talk for a little bit. Don't worry about me. Go have fun, my little warrior."

Virgil smiled and ran off to the playroom with Roman and Remus.

"Nice save," Janus smirked.

"I wouldn't lie to my son even if you weren't in earshot," Logan quipped back.

"Virgil!! We're gonna have so much fun tonight!" Roman bounced excitedly, holding onto Virgil’s sleeve.

"Yeah! We're gonna make zombie slime that's gonna taste like braaaaains!" Remus grinned and rubbed his hands together like a movie villain. The twins were nearly identical except for the bright streak of silver hair Remus had and remarkably different personalities.

Virgil was decidedly less excited than the twins, convinced that touching zombie slime would turn him into the walking dead. He didn't want to know what brains taste like.

"When's Pat gonna get here?" Virgil asked with a half-smile.

"Oooh does Virgie have a crush?" Remus cackled.

"No! I do not have a crush on Patton!" Virgil pouted.

"Yeah, Remus, Virgil doesn't have a crush like you do," Roman stuck out his tongue and ran away as Remus tried to tackle him.

"Shut Up, Dirtbag!" Remus' tackle missed and he crashed into the toy box sending toys crashing all over the room.

"Are you boys okay in there?" Janus called from the other room.

"Yes," Virgil and Roman both called back in unison

"No," came Remus' muffled voice. The other two walked over to pull him out of the box as Logan and Janus both walked into the room.

"Christ! Look at this mess. Remus, what's broken?" Janus bent down to his son.

Remus sniffed, "my heart."

Roman took a not-very-discreet step backward and Virgil went to hug his dad's legs. He didn't mean to hurt Remus and he was sure it was his fault and he'd be sent away to never see his friends again.

Janus sighed and offered Remus a hug which the boy gladly accepted, "what happened?"

"Ro is teasing me," Remus mumbled, "but I'm okay! Don't send Virgil and Patton home just because I'm a baby!"

"Okay, no. You are not a baby for feeling hurt when someone is mean to you. Roman? Why were you teasing your brother?" Janus pinned Roman in the middle of his escape with a piercing stare.

"Ahm…. No reason," Roman lied.

"Roman…"

"He was teasing Virgil. I'm sorry please don't make Virgil leave," Roman blinked back tears.

Janus pinched the bridge of his nose, "none of this explains how Remus ended up in the toy box."

Virgil tugged on his dad's sleeve, "dad, are we gonna have to leave if we can't play nice?"

Logan shared a look with Janus then turned back to Virgil, "no, we are not leaving. You all have been planning this party for months and have worked hard to be well behaved. I don't think one little fight is going to negate that." Virgil nodded slowly.

"Daddy, my shoulder hurts," Remus whimpered.

"Alright, Roman, five minutes in the time out chair. Please consider why it is not fair to Remus or Virgil to tease each other. I'll be back when your five minutes are up. Remus, let's go get some ice and talk about why it's not nice to make fun of your friends. Logan, I am so sorry. You see what I have to deal with?" Janus chuckled helplessly, picking Remus up with a grunt as Roman sulked over to a chair in the corner. The doorbell rang and Roman swiveled around to jump up and get the door. "No! You're in time out! That must be Emile with Patton. Can you get the door, dear?"

Logan blushed and nodded, grabbing Virgil’s hand to walk back out to the front door. They opened the door to find Patton and his older brother standing there with a very frazzled looking father.

"Oh, Logan! I thought that was your car! How are you doing?" Emile gave him a weary smile.

"The usual. Virgil’s a little handful but nothing we can't work out together. How are you and the boys?"

Emile groaned as Logan ushered them in. Virgil waved at Patton who waved back excitedly. He was already wearing a dinosaur onesie even though bedtime was hours away. The adults talked in hushed whispers in the foyer that Virgil couldn’t understand.

"Hi, Virge! Where's Remus and Roman?" Patton asked Virgil quietly.

"Uh.. in trouble.." Virgil muttered.

"What?? How?" Patton looked crestfallen, "is their dad gonna send us home?"

"No, definitely not," Virgil smiled at Patton, "it was just a little argument."

"God, you babies are boring!" Patton's older brother Remy scoffed. He was in 3rd grade so Virgil figured he must know what he's talking about.

Janus and Remus emerged from the kitchen with the young boy holding an ice pack to his shoulder. Janus pushed Remus towards the kids standing in the hall and joined the other adults in conversation.

"Don't worry, V. I'm okay and Dad promised you guys can stay! Hi Pattycake! Hi Name Theif!" Remus grinned, the pain and embarrassment were already forgotten.

Remy rolled his eyes, "I'm older than you, twerp."

"Remy, be nice to my friends!" Patton whined.

"Why should I be?"

"Thank you again, Janus. We really owe you one this time. I'll go get his stuff from the car. You'd think with three adults in the house we wouldn't have scheduling issues like this," Emile quickly jogged back out to his car, bringing back two sets of sleepover equipment.

"Fudge! Dad's leaving me here too!" Remy groaned. Virgil was a bit intimidated but refused to show it.

"Alright let's go get Roman so your fathers can get on with their lives," Janus corralled the kids back to the playroom, winking at Logan as he and Emile left.

Roman immediately bounced up from the chair as soon as the others returned. He rushed over to Remus and wrapped him in a hug, "I'm sorry!"

Remus grinned, "'s okay!" he hugged Roman back tightly and Janus sighed a small sigh of relief.

"Okay, children, ground rules. One, if anything breaks or anyone gets injured you get me immediately. Two, and this is mostly for you, Remus, no eating anything that isn't food-" Remus grumbled at this but nodded, handing his dad the half-melted ice pack "-lovely. And finally three, bedtime is non-negotiable. You have to be quiet after bedtime. Other than that, just don't maim or mock each other and tonight will go just fine," Janus gave the children a sly grin and left the room.

"Ugh! Why am I stuck with you babies?" Remy moaned.

"We're not babies, Rem!" Patton huffed, "you're not that much older than us."

"Besides, babies don't get to play with slime!" Remus grinned, running over to a supply cabinet filled with crafts.

"Wow. I'm so not impressed," Remy made a confused face but shook it off, "why play with slime when we can play a grown-up game?"

"Grown-up game?" Virgil asked quietly.

"I don't trust it. It's bound to be something boring like taxes!" Roman pouted, kicking a stuffed animal.

"Let's play Truth or Dare," Remy smirked as the others looked at him with confused stares.

"How do ya play that?" Remus asked, intrigued.

"Can't we do something else like color?" Patton asked hopefully.

Remy rolled his head from shoulder to shoulder, cracking his neck audibly, "listen up, we're playing and I'm only going over the rules once. We all sit in a circle and take turns choosing someone to ask 'truth or dare?' and that person has to choose whether to answer a question truthfully or accept a challenge that they can't back outta. Once they pick, the person who asked them picks a question or challenge. Got it, babes?" the others all nodded solemnly, "perfect. Maybe this won't be a wasted night yet."

They all gathered in a circle in the middle of the room. Remus was clutching a stuffed squid and Virgil was chewing on his nails.

"Oh! Oh! I wanna go first!" Roman bounced in his seat and made a show of studying everyone before landing on his choice, "Patton, truth or dare?"

"Ummm truth!" The boy squeaked.

"Alright, uhhhh do you like cats?" Roman asked accusingly.

"Yes!" Patton beamed, "but dad and papa say I'm allergic to them."

"Noooo you have to ask juicy questions!" Remy whined.

"Oh uh, Patton do you like juice?" Roman corrected.

Remy smacked his forehead as Patton cheerfully replied, "yeah I like juice too!"

"Let me show you how it's done. Virgil, truth or dare?" Remy stared him down with piercing eyes and everyone else turned to watch for Virgil’s response. He could feel his pulse rise with the fear of being put on the spot.

"Uh dare?" Virgil asked, pulling his hood up over his head.

"I dare you to go eat some glue!" Remy smirked.

"Ooh, yummy!" Remus grinned

"But wait-" Roman started.

"Mr. Prince said not to eat anything that isn't food. That's an illegal dare, Remy!" Patton interrupted in protest.

"Truth or Dare doesn't play by house rules. You gotta do it, Virgil, or you're a loser baby," Remy continued to smirk, nodding over to the supply cabinet.

Virgil stood with a gulp. He would not let any of them call him a loser or a baby. He walked over to the supply closet and grabbed a bottle of white glue. The label said non-toxic, but what if it glued his mouth shut and he could never talk or laugh again? What if it just sat in his stomach forever and captured all the brussel sprouts he hated eating so they never left? What if he-

"Just do it we don't have all night!" Remy bossed him from the circle. Virgil took a deep breath and squeezed some glue on his finger before quickly shoving the finger in his mouth. He wanted to gag because the texture was so awful but he swallowed as best he could and showed the others his clean finger.

"Wow Virgil, you're so brave!" Patton smiled at him.

"Humph! I do that at least three times a week!" Remus smacked his hand over his mouth.

"You told dad you stopped! Liar!" Roman accused him. Remy just laughed at the small pool of chaos he'd created.

"Okay my turn, Remus, truth or dare?" Patton asked, rocking back and forth on his seat on the floor.

"Truth!"

"Okay, do you like dogs?"

Remus gasped, "Nagini! I wanna go get her!"

"No, Remus! Dad probably put her outside so she doesn't eat Virgil," Roman rolled his eyes and Virgil added a new thing to his list to look out for in his nightmares.

"No! You have to ask questions that people won't want to answer. Like about crushes or secrets or stuff like that! What fun is it if the person wants to tell the truth?" Remy groaned.

"Sorry, Rem," Patton whimpered.

"Well, it's my turn. Remy, truth or dare?" Remus grinned at the older boy.

"Truth. Do your worst." Remy stared back cooly.

"Have ya ever pooped in the bath?" Remus' smile turned wicked and the others gasped while Remy sputtered.

"N- n- how- yes," he looked mortified and buried his face in his knees as the others laughed. Remy had tried so hard to lie and save face but couldn't, and not because of the social contract of the rules of the game. He physically could not force himself to lie. Which meant his own crush was a lot bigger deal than he wanted to admit and he'd just told his soulmate one of the most embarrassing things in his life. "Oh my gawd, just kill me now."

"It's okay Remy, I'm sure it's happened to almost everyone at some point," Virgil was still snickering and realized it was his turn, "Roman, truth or dare?"

"Dare!" Roman puffed his chest out in confidence.

"Okay.. I dare you to climb that bookshelf," Virgil pointed to the shelves in question.

Roman popped up from his seat on the floor, "easy!" he scurried up until he could touch the ceiling but paused, clinging to the shelves, "I think I'm stuck."

Remus jumped up, "don't worry, brother, I'll catch you! Jump!" Roman let go and fell back. Remus caught and promptly dropped Roman.

"Oops… Ro are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Remy, truth or dare?"

Remy weighed his options. He wouldn't be able to lie if the question was too embarrassing so he scowled, "dare."

"I dare you to go sneak ice cream bars from the freezer for everyone," Roman grinned, dusting himself off.

"Whatever, that's so lame and easy," Remy stood and started out the playroom door.

"You won't be saying that if dad catches you," Remus giggled.

"Okay if Remy's gone I think that means it's my turn," Patton chipped in, "Virgil, truth or dare?"

On one hand, Patton couldn't possibly ask him to do anything as dangerous as Remy had. On the other hand, Virgil was starting to feel sick and didn't want to get up, "truth…"

"Okay," Patton furrowed his eyebrows with concentration. He didn't want to ruin the game anymore with baby questions, "um, have you ever kissed someone?"

Virgil felt frozen in time. His mind flashed back to a spring day on the playground when he'd just wanted to know if he'd like kissing and what it was like and Roman had volunteered to let him try with him. They'd agreed to never speak of it again. He could see Roman blushing and Remus and Patton staring at him with anticipation. He had to lie to protect his best friend.

"Yes," Virgil smacked his hand to his mouth. That was absolutely not what he had intended to say. He could see Roman panicking now too. Oh no, did Roman hate him? Remus looked upset and Patton looked shocked. Neither had noticed Roman's face yet but Virgil could see the next logical question forming on Remus' lips.

"Who?"

Virgil turned away from the group and started to cry. He didn't want to answer because he didn't think his mouth would let him lie even if he tried. He felt a weird tug in his gut compelling him to tell the truth.

Wait. Did that mean that one of these boys was his soulmate?

"I think it was Elliott," Roman lied shakily. Virgil nodded, relieved of having to tell them himself and willing to go along with the lie. That meant his soulmate wasn’t Remy or Roman.

Remus crawled around to sit in front of Virgil, holding Sir Squiggles the stuffed Squid out to him, "Virgil, it'll be okay. I'm sure your soulmate will understand," Virgil took Sir Squiggles and nodded, not wanting to make eye contact with Remus. Sir Squiggles felt sticky and Virgil’s stomach was aching already. This was supposed to be a lot more fun.

"Ugh this is getting boring," Roman whined, "Remus, truth or dare?"

"Dare," Remus answered without thinking.

Roman got a wicked gleam in his eye, "I dare you to kiss your crush."

Remus glared at his brother and tried to say that he couldn’t because he wasn't in the house, but found that he couldn’t say that. He knew full well Virgil was sitting right in front of him but he couldn’t bring himself to lie and save himself.

Uh oh. That meant Patton or oh please be Virgil was his soulmate.

Remus knew there was no way out of it so he decided to come clean. As he knelt there in front of Virgil, who was looking at him expectantly, he grabbed the other boy’s hand and kissed his knuckles. Both of them blushed.

"That's cheating!" Roman protested.

Patton laughed, "you never said where to kiss. I say it counts," his laughter died down into giggles and he started singing, "Remus has a crush on Virgilll!"

"That's not fair!" Roman whined.

"What's not fair?" The adult voice from the door startled all of them.

Janus stood there with a guilty-looking Remy. The other boys froze in place, Remus subconsciously shifting to put himself between his dad and Virgil.

"Okay, better question, who tried to trick Remy into stealing ice cream?" Janus looked around at each of their faces with a hard glare. None of them could look him in the eye.

"It was a dare," Roman sniffed, knowing he was going to get in trouble for the second time that day, but unable to lie and make up a cover story.

"Am I that scary that my own children can't ask me for ice cream?" Janus pretended to be offended before pulling out ice cream bars from behind his back. Everyone jumped up to grab one and Remy broke into a grin, giving Janus a high five. "You are one talented little actor. You all keep playing nice, okay?" Everyone nodded as Janus turned and left the room again.

"Oh my goodness, did you get caught?" Patton asked in a hushed whisper.

Remy struggled for a second before answering, "no I just went and asked for ice cream," he sighed and shook his head, "that's it I'm done with truth or dare. It's no fun if you can't lie and fake people out."

Roman gave an offended gasp, "how dare you?! You're the one who suggested it!"

"Wait, you can't lie? That would mean…" Virgil trailed off. What a weird coincidence it would be if both he and Remy were in the presence of their soulmates. Unless… no…

"Not that I wanted to lie to you guys, but I felt it too," Roman interrupted Virgil’s thoughts.

"Samesies," Remus chuckled.

Patton looked down at his slippers, "aww that's nice for you guys."

"So… who is who's soulmate?" Remy looked between the brothers. He definitely had a preference but that's not how soulmates worked.

Remus stood and grabbed Virgil’s wrist, heart beating wildly in his chest. He pulled him out into the hallway towards the front doors away from the others.

"What are you doing?" Virgil asked.

"Testing. Ask me something I wouldn't want to answer." Remus stated with determination in his eyes.

"Uh, do you still sleep with Sir Squiggles in your bed?"

Remus' eyes flashed with fear, "yes because I'm a baby who's still scared of the dark."

Virgil smiled, "me too. And I would never tell anyone else that."

Remus giggled, "wow, somehow I don't even want to lie to you… and I can't… did you really kiss Elliott?"

"No…" Virgil looked down at the floor. Of course, his soulmate would ask the one thing he really didn't want to admit, "it was actually Roman. I'm sorry, I didn't know…"

Remus looked sad but nodded, "I did say that your soulmate would understand. And I meant it. I understand. I'll just have to prove I'm better than him!" Virgil snorted, trying to hold back giggles. He felt much better.

"Um guys, we're gonna make slime now," Patton interrupted from the hallway, "and Remy and Roman are pretty sure they're soulmates."

Remus' eyes gleamed, "slime!" He ran back to the room leaving the other two behind.

Virgil smiled, "hey Patton?"

"Yeah?" Patton looked up and quickly smiled.

"We're gonna be friends forever, right?" Virgil asked.

Patton's smile broadened into a genuinely happy expression, "of course!"

Virgil opened his arms as an invitation for a hug which Patton gladly accepted.

"Now let's go make slime!" Virgil grabbed Patton's hand to drag him back to the playroom.

That night, Virgil lay awake in his sleeping bag, staring at the ceiling. No one had checked the closet or left a light on, and even with all the fun they had, he was still feeling pretty scared in the dark.

Something soft, squishy, a little sticky, and covered in tentacles landed on his face. Virgil tried to muffle his startled yell and quickly discovered Sir Squiggles was the offending toy.

"Psssst Virgil," Remus' whisper came from the bottom bunk bed right next to Virgil’s sleeping bag.

"What?" Virgil whispered back.

"Are you too scared to sleep too?"

"Yeah," Virgil sat up and could look Remus in his eyes.

"Get up here, we'll protect each other."

"What will everyone else say?" Virgil hissed.

"Who cares? Please?" Remus smiled and Virgil nodded in the dark. He slid out of his sleeping bag and grabbed his pillow and Sir Squiggles before climbing in the bunk.

"What are you scared of?" Virgil whispered as Remus shifted to give him more room.

"Ninjas. They can hide in the dark and attack when you least expect," Remus' eyes went wide but Virgil smiled.

"I'll fight 'em. I know karate," Remus smiled and gave him a hug.

"What about you, Virge? What are you scared of?"

"The monsters in the closet," Virgil couldn't make eye contact but Remus smirked.

"I'm scarier than anything in there!" Remus boasted, voice trailing above a whisper.

"Shhhh"

"Sorry."

"It's okay. Thank you, Remus," Virgil smiled and snuggled under the covers. It had been a pretty great first sleepover after all.

Tag List: @tsshipmonth2020 @stoicpanther @ifrickenhatedeverythingaboutthis @idontgiveafuckaboutshit

[jeromesxreader16]

Such A Joker (39)

Part 38 Here!!!

~o0o~

Jim POV: The whole damn city just collapsed into absurd darkness. I stand on the roof watching each of the building's lights dim to nothing. I pick up my phone dialing (Y/n) again.

"Hey! You've reached me at a bad time! Or maybe I just don't want to talk to you! Leave a message at the- BEEP..."

I sigh rubbing my eyes. "(Y/n). The whole city is in a blackout. Jerome has cut the power off everywhere. Please, call me back. Tell me where you are."

I hang up the phone retreating to the main floor seeing the team throwing Jerome's followers in cages. "He's at the power plant across the river." Harvey looks at me tilting his head. "And?" "She hasn't called."

The follower's cackle and struggle against the officers. "Get those freaks in the cages! We need to find Jerome."

One freak busts out of a hold and runs after a cop, but I grab his shirt slamming him on the desk.

"Hey, watch him! Let go of me!" I gather the fabric in my hands. "What about you, huh? Do you know where Jerome is? What about my daughter, huh? Where are they?! Where is he?" He laughs tilting his head behind.  "Look around! He's everywhere!"

"INCOMING!"

Bullock yells as a flam sores through the window setting a desk at the bottom level aflame. The freak struggles in our hold. "TONIGHT! GOTHAM IS AWAKENED!"

~

I spin around admiring my skirt in the mirror. I take my lipstick applying it and smiling. "You always looked ravishing in red, doll." I look in the mirror seeing Jerome behind me in his white outfit.

I turn around facing him and reach to touch his staples. He groans but sighs leaning into my touch. I inch closer brushing my nose against his own. "I missed you so much, Jerome."

His arms wrap around my waist pulling me to him. "Aw doll, I missed you too." He laughs twirling me around. Jerome plants his lips on mine struggling with his face as it moves loosely around.

He pulls back laughing. "I hate this. I can't even whistle!" I run my hands down his chest kissing both sides of his cheeks. "I think it's kinda hot."

I walk away, my heels clicking every step to the exit. "Come on now. I don't think we should keep Brucey waiting too much longer." Jerome nods smirking. "Yes, but one more thing." He pulls out another box ushering me over.

He pulls out a solid black mask and a gun covered in glitter and rhinestones. Jerome lifts the mask over my face and hands me the gun. "Perfect."

I look in the mirror confused. "Jerome, this covers my face. I don't think I need to hide." I proceed to take it off, but Jerome fights me. "No baby. I need you to wear it." "Why?" He pauses looking me over. "It goes with the outfit!" He laughs grabbing my hand and putting the mask back on. I shrug holding his hand and walking to our car. "If you say so, J."

"How do you plan on getting in?" I ask Jerome in the passenger seat. "Window." He smirks to himself. I sighed shaking my head. "Amature." "What the hell is the supposed to mean?" I smile pulling my keys out and showing off the key Bruce gave me months ago. "Come on, love."

We walk up to the door and I unlock it walking in with a few followers. Jerome grabs my hand pulling me back. "Why do you have a key to Bruce Wayne's house, (Y/n)?" He growls in my ear tightening his grip. I turn my head leaning into him. "Aw, Jerome. Are you jealous?"

His green eyes burrow into me searching my entire existence for evidence. He pushes my hips against the wall forcing his face into my neck biting harshly. "Why do you have a key, darling? Have you been busy with Billionaire Boy, huh?" I push him back looking at his face smirking. I could play with him just a little.

"Of course not, but if I was could you blame me? You left me all alone." He groans grazing his hand over my neck and wrapping his hand around the flesh. He forces my back flat against the wall and leans into me. Jerome attacks my lips in hunger and lust. Lifting me up around his waist and making marks upon my neck.

I moan pushing against him desperate to have this time with him. "Jerome." I gasp clinging onto him making him chuckle darkly. "Let's go tear Wanye's room apart, shall we?" I giggle kissing him deeply. "You're bad." "Ah, just for you, dollface."

Jerome walks to the door opening it and viewing a lush bedroom. He tosses me on the bed pulling my ankles to have me near the edge.

"Ah, Boss?"

A shaky voice sounds near the door. Jerome groans turning his head to his follower. "Can't you see I'm a little busy?" "Yes sir, but we just wanted to tell you we have both of them in the study." Jerome waves them off getting up from his leaned over position. "Too bad. These are real Egyptian silk sheets." I slide off pecking Jerome's lips.

Jerome walks in the door smirking at Bruce and Alfred. "My, my. Look how big you've gotten. Nice place you got here. You rent? I think we're looking for somewhere to settle down." Jerome laughs smacking my butt.

Bruce looks me over narrowing his eyes. "What do you want?"

Jerome scoffs tossing a glass vase to the floor. "Attitude." "Teenagers, honey. I think you were moody too." Jerome shook his head laughing.

"I remember those days. So many exciting new emotions floating through you. Finding an amazing girl. Wanting to kill everyone you saw."

A follower tosses another object my way. "Oh, doll give me." I giggle tossing the glass owl his way. "You know, I will never understand rich people's tastes." "It's worthless. My father found it at a flea market. I keep it for sentimental reasons." Bruce says lying through his white teeth.

I smile at him then plop on the couch. "He's lying." Jerome laughs waving the owl in his hands. "Nice try." He tosses it towards me and I toss it back giggling. "Oh, it's got some heft to it. Expensive, I'm guessing. Be such a shame if I-" The owl falls to the floor staying intact.

"Bummer." I slump back into the couch. "Huh. Tougher than I figured. Anyway_" Jerome tosses the owl behind his back smashing it as it hits feet before the fireplace.

"I asked you what you want."

"Right. Sorry. The old noodle's still a little al dente post-thaw. The reason I'm here is I'm gonna kill you."

"Why?"

"Well, it's the last thing I remember wanting to do. It's been nagging at me since I woke up. The idea of slitting that pretty, pink throat of yours. Figure that'd clear the decks." Jerome pushes a small dagger against Bruce's neck.

"I remember that night When you took over the benefit. You were quite the showman. Sad to have seen it end with poor Ms. Gordon crying at your feet. I'm surprised you haven't gone after her." Jerome laughs giving me a wink.

"Thank you. Always nice to be appreciated. Plus, I don't need to find her. I've got what I need." Jerome brushes his hand on my cheek smiling.

"And you're just going to kill me here? That's kind of disappointing." I sit up interested while Jerome groans pulling away from Bruce. "What do you mean?" "After all the buildup You coming back to life, turning off the lights in Gotham Killing me here just doesn't show a lot of-" Jerome jumps on the couch kick pillows. "Flair? Hmm? Style Panache? Hmm? Go on, boy. Spit it out. I can take it."

"I'm Bruce Wayne." I roll my eyes standing up. "Here we go. The little boy wants to show the world how great he is." I laugh picking feathers from the torn pillows.

"I am the ruling elite. My company is the machine that keeps the cogs - of Gotham running. Killing me should mean something! And you're telling me no one's going to see it? You're saying I need an audience?"

"Look, I know you're just trying to buy time so you can escape. But your point is still valid. Saddle up, boys! We're taking this show on the road! And I know just the spot. Come on." Jerome grabs my hand walking away, but stops when he sees the butler following.

"Not you, old chap. The prince of Gotham deserves a public death. His butler, not so much. What do you say we do, love?" I tap my finger on my chin. "Kill him." I giggle walking away with Jerome.

Jerome turns back yelling, "Try not to get any blood on the couch. I might come back for that."

"It was a comfy couch wasn't it?" "It would look great in our apartment." I turn to him shocked. "Yes, I did break into your home. Yes, your dog did not run out. Look!" Jerome pulls out a phone showing me a picture of my pup eating a treat with a cult member. "Aww, that is so cute!"

~

I skip around trailing Jerome and Bruce as we tour the carnival. "Who are you?" Bruce asks turning his head towards me. Jerome watches closely with a glare. "Me? Well, I'm-" I panic looking around for an escape. I see a biker gang bashing the heads at the whack a mole game. The dusted leather ghosting the words of the bike on the back. I smirk turning back to Bruce. "You can call me Harley. It's nice to meet you. Now, why don't we stop the chit chat and move on? I want to see what else this place has to offer!" I leap ahead of them feeling the new wash of life rush in. "Oh, J! Can you win me something?" Jerome looks to me grinning. "Aw, of course, but why don't we have some fun with Bruce first."

"Is there a plan for all of this madness?"

"These people don't want a plan They want an excuse," I explain popping another ball of cotton candy in my mouth. Bruce looks at me and sighs stepping closer. "You don't have to do this. You don't have to follow him. You know what he does? Do you know where his last girlfriend is? He drove her insane and now she struggles every day! He broke (y/n) Gordon, and it's only a matter of time before he does it to you." Bruce glares in my face causing me to chuckle. "I'm sure she's just fine. She's happy now." I latch onto Jerome kissing him. "Guess brains don't equal cash." Jerome laughs in my ear pecking my cheek.

"The mother who dreams of strangling her child. The husband who wants to stab his wife. The daughter who wishes to cut her father's knee caps out. All they want is someone to tell them -"Do it. Kill them. It doesn't matter."- It doesn't."

Jerome grabs my hand leading up further into the fair. We arrive at a dunk tank filled with piranha.

"Ooh, I love this game!" Jerome cheers picking up a ball.

"You won't get away with it."

"I already did. Now shush. I need to concentrate. Trying to impress my lady here." He winks getting ready to toss the ball.

"A few dozen brainwashed maniacs can't keep the city hostage forever."

"Well, duh."

"So what's the point?" Jerome huffs turning back to face Bruce. "The point is that all these people out here, looting, robbing, killing, they're the people who wash your car, who pour your coffee, who take out your trash. And what happened the moment the lights went out? They showed their true faces. They showed how quickly they want to open up your rich boy veins and bathe in your blue blood. That is the point."

"Everyone is mad, Bruce. All you have to do is let go. It's easy." I giggle feeling light and free. Jerome pulls me close in his arms. "You're adorable."

"That's not true. There are good people in Gotham." "Like who? The sheep who lock their doors and crawl under their beds? Face it, kid, Gotham has no heroes." Jerome turns back to throw, but Bruce pushes him making him stumble and miss the target.

"Hey. Foul! He pushed me. Did you see that?" Bruce pushes up towards Jerome mightily. "You want to kill someone, let's get on with it!"

I roll my eyes leaning an arm on Bruce. "You're no fun, Brucey."

"Yeah. Come on! You're so boring, Bruce." Jerome yawns reaching over and pushing the button making our victim fall in the infested water soon transmuting it red.

Jerome laughs kissing me roughy. As we pull back I notice his forehead falling. "Honey. You need to uh-" Jerome touches his head nodding and getting the staple gun from one of his followers.

"Here ya go, cutie." Jerome puts his hat on my head. I pull the skin up and he staples it murmuring in discomfort.

"Did that hurt?" Bruce mocks his slight moment of weakness. Jerome walks up to him grabbing his arm. "Not much. You try." Jerome shoots three staples into Bruce's arm before he bellows out.

"Stop. Stop!"

Jerome takes his hat back and grabs my hand. "All right. Enough, dilly-dally. To the main event."

-

I sit on the lone table swinging my legs a Jerome changes into a ring leader outfit. "That reminds me of when I helped you in a show one time." Jerome chuckles nodding. "You were quite a sight."

I walk over fixing his shirt collar. "Why don't you let me go out there with you tonight? We can give them a real good show! Then after this is over we can skip town. We can start over somewhere." Jerome smiles at me with pure love, but a sadness burrows in the ridge of his eyes. "It's not intended for you, darling." "What are you talking about? Of course, it is! I'm apart of this. I'm here for you." Jerome sways his head leading me to sit down.

"(Y/n). You're only here because of me. I should've waited to get you. I don't need you getting hurt." I laugh shaking my head. "Well nice try, but have you seen who we are? Safety isn't the number one priority." he sighs kissing my hands. "Stay out of sight. I'll be coming back here when everything is finished."

He drops my hands and exits the curtain making everyone scream and cheer.

I wait and wait for him to return. The ringing of my phone brings me out of my trance of boredom. "Hello?"

"Hi, darling! I'm sorry I've been out of touch. Everything is nuts here." Xander beams through the line.

Xander?

I run to the curtain looking out and see Jerome prancing around. How is he calling me then?

"(Y/n)? Love?"

"Y-Yeah. I'm sorry. I'm at a...party...right now." "Hmm. On a work night? Wild women."

"You could say that."

"Are you alright? You seem frightened. Do I need to come back?" I swallow and look at Jerome. "I'm fine. Feels like I'm seeing double." Xander laughs. "Maybe stop drinking." I smile closing the curtain.

"I'm safe, I promise."

"I need to tell you something." Xander sighs over the line. "What is it?" "Don't hate me, but I'm going to have to stay here for a few added weeks. If I go the project isn't getting done in time." "So you're not coming back to Gotham?" "Not for a while, love. I'm so sorry? I don't expect you to... wait. You're too beautiful to be alone for long." I look at Jerome again, he turns back to me smiling as he torments Bruce. "(Y/n)?" "Yes, Xander?" "I will come to see you when I return." "I can't wait." He laughs making me smile. "I'll be back for you, (y/n)." "I'm sure you will be." "I'll call you later." "Bye Xander."

I hang up as Jerome strides over to me picking me up and kissing me. "Who was that? Jimbo being a worried ass?" I laugh tossing the phone over my shoulder. If my mind is going to be playing tricks like that I certainly don't need to keep my phone around. "It was no one. Just talking to myself."

He smiles nodding. "Come on. Let me go win you a prize." "What about Bruce?" "Ah, he won't get away."

"BOSS, WAYNE IS GETTING AWAY!"

I giggle kissing Jerome's lips. "Go get him, puddin."

I watch him run out and laugh, but soon my happiness is killed by Jim Gordon, my father running across the fair.

"Shit. He can't see me like this. He'll toss me in the bin for sure!" I run over gathering my clothes from before and rushing to put them on and stuffing the dress in my bag. I look in the mirror noticing I still have the mask on. "oops." I tear it off and stuff it in my bag along with the gun.

I run after Jerome wishing to warn him. Just wishing we could leave. I run inside the mirror maze turning every conor until I saw Jerome on the ground and Bruce beating his face off. literally.

I pull my gun out and aim it at Bruce as he lifts a shard of glass. Jerome giggles choaking. "Do it."

Bruce raised his arm and I slide out into view. "Bruce Wayne! Stop!" Bruce looks behind and stands up from the ground. "(Y/n). You can't be here! He will-" "Mr. Wayne, you're invading in an official act of the GCPD. Leave the area or I will be forced to arrest you as well." He gulps and backs away out of view.

I look at Jerome as he lays on the ground, his face only being held by a few staples. "We need to go." I sit him up, but he grabs my arm shaking his head. "You need to go."

"What?" Jerome looks up at me. "Run out there and away from me. Think I'm letting you get thrown in Arkam with me? Go on, doll." I huff knowing this is the only way. I kiss his hand and let go. "I'll come to see you as soon as I can." He nods standing up. "I'll be waiting, darling."

I blow a kiss and send a wink walking out of the mirror maze and straight to Bruce playing it up. "Bruce! Are you okay?" He nods hugging Alfred.

"(y/n)!" I turn to see my dad running towards me. He engulfs me in a hug and cries in my ear. "What happened?"

"I-I tried to save Bruce."

"Behind you!" Bruce shouts alerting us. Jerome waddles out raising his gun, but my father beats him to it knocking Jerome in the face and completely tearing his face off again. It falls at my feet limply making me shutter.

Jerome looks up with fire in his eyes. He looks past Jim and towards me smirking. "You look delicious, (y/n)." Jim roars knocking Jerome out cold with one more punch.

Yep. That's my faceless, insane, boyfriend.

[sarcasmfics]

Silver & Steel Chapter 2

My Masterlist || Series Masterlist || AO3

Chapter 2:

She was gone in the morning, and the man stumbled out of the tavern, rubbing his forehead as what must have been a hangover pounded in his brain.

The Wolf looked on, pleased.

By the end of the week, half a dozen villagers, both men and women, filled the tavern. Talia reclined on her chair, feet propped on the back of one man who knelt on the hard, wooden floor. A woman held a goblet of wine, another beside her holding a full pitcher. They followed one evening, as she approached the tower, standing at the base, arms folded across her chest. A shadow crossed the highest window, lingering for a moment before disappearing. She raised an eyebrow in silent challenge and turned, sauntering away, leaving the group behind her. They seemed confused at first, but something changed, and they slowly turned to each other in understanding. Eyes clouded, they descended on one another, hands roaming and clothes tearing until they were naked, writhing against each other. Talia watched from down the street as she leaned against a nearby building, arms folded across her chest. It didn’t take long for the other villagers to realize what was happening, and she chuckled to herself as they continued to mindlessly writhe in pleasure despite the shouts and pulls of their loved ones.

She didn’t need to turn to know who approached from behind; his amusement fell from him in waves, satisfaction warming across her skin. “Rogers.”

“Enjoying yourself?”

A low chuckle sent goosebumps across her neck. “He’ll be happy.”

“Only if the coward shows himself.” She shrugged, feigning modesty, but she couldn’t help but be proud of the chaos she sewed. There was more crying, more shouting, and still the moans and heavy breathing continued.

“How long will you let this go on?”

She glanced back at the blonde who tilted his head as he watched the crowd only to chuckle at her shrug. “I want to see how long it will take for him to do something.”

“He’s grown softer. Innkeeper told me he heals the villagers when they’re sick.” He scoffed. “Apparently there was a bad drought a few years ago. He managed to save almost all the crops.”

“How generous of him,” Talia replied dryly. Rogers only hummed in agreement. They waited, watching in amusement as the villagers continued their pointless fight against waking those she’d charmed so thoroughly. It took nearly an hour until she noticed something move across a high window in the tower, nudging Rogers to catch his attention. The faintest shadow passed and something dropped from the window releasing a puff of blue mist as it fell. One by one, the mist covered them, slowly releasing them from their charm and the moans and sighs turning into fearful cries.

They weren’t surprised, and neither was The Wolf when they returned to the inn, reporting the mage’s reaction. He only sipped his ale, humming faintly in recognition. The mage had stopped Talia’s charm, but he knew there was more to come. Besides, The Wolf thought, he was enjoying the village thus far and wouldn’t mind spending more time there. He slowly dragged his gaze to the innkeeper who quickly ushered his daughter into the kitchen, narrowing his eyes at the intrusive stare. The Wolf only grinned. He was hungry.

The door burst open and Collette jumped up from where she knelt behind the counter in search of a dropped coin. The look on her mother’s face told her all she needed to know, and when Mr. Rye came around the corner, he nodded wordlessly for her to go. “What’s happened?”

“His fever’s returned,” her mother said, taking her hand as they rushed through the village. “He’s calling out for your father.”

“But-“

“The fever is making him delirious!” Collette reached for the door, but her mother stopped her, laying a hand on her daughter’s.

Her heart stopped. “No.”

“I’m sorry.” Collette shook her head, but her mother only pulled her closer.

“There has to be a way to save him!”

She looked up at her mother, tears filling both of their eyes. “Collette, there is nothing else we can do.”

“The mage-“

“Is preoccupied with those… people.” Mother replied. “It’s not safe!”

“The herbs then? Do you have any left?” When her mother shook her head, Collette stepped back, leaning against the door frame. “I’ll get them.”

“It’s nearly nightfall!”

“I’ll take the lantern!” She was shaking, and though she hated the hurt look her mother gave her, she pushed away her fear. “I can’t lose him too!”

**

“Come on!” Rogers shouted, his sword in one hand, a tankard of ale in the other. “Is that all you’ve got?” His armor had long before been shed at the inn and he staggered across the dirt road, calling out insults as the village guard followed him.

“Please, sir,” one called, “please, go back to your room!”

Rogers pointed his sword at the boy, barely sixteen, as he chugged the last of the ale and tossed the tankard at him. His grip was loose, his legs wobbly, but the striking blue of his eyes were clear, taking in every detail of the guard. Two young men, barely twenty, and two older men, fifty at the youngest, flanked him on either side. He’d allowed them to think they had the upper hand, especially after his performance at the inn. He’d nearly drank an entire cask on his own, though it barely had any effect on him these days. But the village guard didn’t need to know that.

Their ignorance made it all the more fun.

“Please go back to your room!” Rogers taunted, his voice a shrill falsetto. “I’ll go where I damn well please!”

The guard flinched back at his retort, their swords raised, ready to defend. It was admirable, Rogers thought, but they’d never stand a chance. The rustle of chains caught his attention, and he wondered which of the men behind him held the irons that they’d try – and fail – to lock him in. It didn’t matter, he’d escape regardless.

But first, more fun.

He swung his sword at nothing in particular, releasing a loud growl before staggering down the street, grinning to himself as the guards ushered the late-night wanderers back into their homes. He planned on wandering about the village to see just how far the guards would go to restrain him, but an unfamiliar scent caught his attention as he turned down another street.

Fear.

Though it wasn’t fear of him. A lantern glowed lowly as a villager stepped outside, their cloak pulled up over their head. Neither the guards nor the villager noticed each other at first, but Rogers enjoyed their ignorance and stumbled closer, curious about the foolishly brave person who came out so late. The younger guard, one closest to the villager, rushed over, his hands grasping their shoulders.

“Miss Collette, please,” he said, pulling her back toward her home. “Please, you must go back inside. It’s not safe.”

The woman, whose face he could now clearly see, only shook her head. “I cannot. The fever is getting worse!”

“Please-“

Rogers let out a long whistle, twirling his sword as he made his way closer, but the guard approached, blocking his path to the woman who took off behind the house and into the woods. Collette could feel his stare bore through her, but she refused to look back; she hoped the guards could subdue the drunk man soon. Rogers grinned, the sharp glint of his fangs illuminated in the dim torch light. Oh, her fear smelled so sweet. Perhaps, he thought, he would go for a hunt tonight.

“Sir, please return to the inn!” One of the older guards called, and Rogers turned quicker than they’d anticipated, freezing the in their steps.

“No, I don’t think I will.”

 Collette shuddered at the feel of his gaze; she didn’t need to turn back to know he was watching her. Who were these people? And why did they harass their village? It didn’t matter, not at that moment. No, she needed the herbs. Her mother had used the last of them shortly after she returned home from the bakery, allowing her to speak to her brother for a short while. The herbs gave him a chance to break the fever, and though it was a small chance, she had to take it. She could not bear to lose another to the same fever.

The forest, of course, was dark though slits of moonlight pierced through the treetops. The herbs grew an hour’s trek from her home and though she knew the way, she held tightly to her lantern. The forest was dangerous at night, and the stranger’s stare still caused her unease. Nevertheless, she continued on. So deep in thought, she didn’t notice how silent the forest had grown, the crickets and owls ceasing their calls until all she could hear was her own heartbeat.

A low growl caught her attention and she turned, coming face to face with the drunk man from the village. “Lost, little one?” She staggered back, stunned. How did he find her? How did she not hear him coming? “The woods are dangerous at night.” His lips pulled back in a sharp grin, elongated canines sending a shock of fear down her spine.

“Go- go away!” She shouted, her voice breaking, but he only laughed.

One huge hand grasped the collar of her cloak and pulled her close, the lantern falling from her grasp. “Are you afraid, little one?”

“I – I…”

“I want you to do something for me. Do you think you can?” He asked, prompting her to nod. “Good girl. I want you to run.”

He released her and she stumbled back. “What?”

His grin grew impossibly wider as he leaned in, his hot breath tickling her ear. “Run.”

No sooner had he said the word, she was running down the familiar path, her now torn cloak falling to the ground behind her. She knew the way to the herbs, but there was no telling if she’d make it there, let alone back home.

She had to try.

The forest was silent save for the pounding of her feet on the hard earth, breaking the fallen twigs along the well-worn path. Would he follow it? Would she even be able to make her way silently through the forest if she abandoned the familiar way? Somewhere behind her, somewhere too close, a branch snapped. Could she hide? Collette veered off the path and into the trees, flinching as an errant branch caught her cheek, another her arm. She could hear the river now, and knew she was close to the herbs. If she could get across the river, perhaps she could hide in the forest there; it was more rocky and filled with better hiding spots she knew from her childhood games.

The burning in her lungs forced her to stop, leaning against a large tree to catch her breath. Her heart beat in her ears and she doubled over gasping for breath. But her rest was short lived. “I know you’re here.” He called out, “I can smell your fear, little one.” A branch crunched to her left, so she turned to the right and ran straight into a solid mass. She couldn’t hold back the scream as Rogers grasped her arm, keeping her upright. “I didn’t mean to frighten you, little one.” He was all condescension and she took off in the opposite direction. Now, it didn’t matter where she ran as long as she could get away.

Behind her, a long howl echoed through the forest.

**

 The swordsman sighed, pushing the hair from his face, earning an eye-roll from the young man. “Of course we’ll help you.” The young man replied, ignoring the glare from the swordsman. “I’m Jaskier. This is Geralt of Rivia, the only White Wolf.”

“Collette,” She replied. “Thank you. I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t found you.”

“We’re always glad to help a damsel in need.” Jaskier replied with a small, yet dramatic bow which Collette found foolish, though in a strangely charming way.

“These are Ly- what?” She asked and Geralt nodded.

“Lycanthropes.” He replied. “Humans who can turn into a wolf. You said they attacked the village?” Collette nodded. “Tell me what happened.”

“That man, the White Wolf, showed up with two others demanding to speak to our mage.” Collette began.

“There’s a woman and two men, though I’ve heard of another man who stays hidden.” Collette took a drink, though she didn’t return the skin. “She made people do things in the middle of the market. They’re trying to get to our mage, though I don’t know why. The other man, the one who was the lycanthrope, he was wandering the village, just taunting our guard. He followed me-“

Jaskier rubbed her back, glancing at Geralt who stared into the fire, his mind far away. “You’re safe now. He can’t hurt you anymore.”

“And the other man? Who is he?”

“He calls himself The White Wolf.” Geralt scoffed and Jaskier gasped, his hand pressed over his chest in outrage.

“The White Wolf?” he asked and she nodded. “No, no, no, there is only one White Wolf and he is sitting before you!”

“Now is not the time, bard,” Geralt spat. “What does he look like?”

[sad-sweet-cowboah]

My Little Secret part 3

Summary: Sam decides to take you to a ghost hunt at the local bed and breakfast. You weren’t sure what your stances on the supernatural was, but some strange things begin to happen...

The arrival of Monday came too fast for you to be prepared, let alone comprehend it. You weren’t prepared for the dreary, rainy morning that cast iron gray clouds over campus, occasional torrential downpours pattering loudly against the roof. Though far from distracting, you found yourself listening to it than your professor’s seminar. It certainly didn’t help that it was an 8 am class.

The day continued on as uneventful; finishing your classes in early afternoon and spending an extra hour at the campus gym. Fully fatigued and covered in sweat, you headed back to your apartment, tossing your heavy textbooks onto your desk. With a quick, soothing shower, you collapsed onto your bed for a nap.

Your nap had lasted longer than you intended; waking up at around 6 pm. You only had an hour to eat dinner and get ready for work.

Managing to shovel food into your mouth and make yourself appear semi decent, you arrived at the bar on a timely manner. Working Mondays was a blessing and a curse; a small crowd meant less time rushing around, although it also meant less tips and the time trudging by slower.

It was the usual week crowd, mostly middle-aged people and a handful of twenty and thirty-somethings drinking cheap beer and snacking on bar food while your boss hosted trivia night. You couldn’t say it was boring; watching the teams put their heads together to solve the questions, cheering and jeering in their somewhat drunken stupor.

You kept yourself occupied by cleaning the bar every once in a while, wiping up the sticky residue left behind by sloppy drinks. Though every time the door opened, you found yourself glancing up, something you don’t normally do. Your eyes darted to each person’s face, though a small prick of disappointment hit you each time. It took you a few moments to understand why; a small flicker of hope that Arthur would step in, though he never did. You couldn’t fathom why, though.

The bar closed at 12, and you were out the door before the clock struck half past the hour. Venturing out into the back parking lot, you paused for a moment, remembering what he told you about falling and injuring yourself. Your gaze shifted around, wondering what could have possibly caused your misfortune initially. Could it have been a fallen trash can? A piece of garbage that wasn’t properly disposed of? Who knows.

That Tuesday proved to be just as boring as Monday, though thankful your classes weren’t until later so you could sleep in a little.

By lunchtime, you were in the campus library, catching up on some study work you’d intentionally neglected over the past few days. You sat curled up in one of the large armchairs, your laptop perched on your thighs as you scrolled through essays and thesis papers.

You tried to focus, though your mind had once again succumbed to wandering thoughts. It’d been an hour since you settled, and it felt as if your brain was beginning to melt. It was even a wonder how you got into this program in the first place. The writing and paperwork became a blur about a month ago.

The unmistakable sound of your messenger pinging caught your attention, and your gaze darted to the blip on your screen. You opened it, finding a message of greeting from Sam.

Hey you, working tonight?

You typed a reply. No, what’s up?

You know that bed and breakfast not too far outside of town? The one that’s like bordering the swamp?

Frowning in thought, you combed through your mind to think. Yeah, what was it called? Shady Belle?

Yep. They’re holding a first ever ghost hunt there tonight, and I just scored some tickets!

Oh boy, you knew where this was going. Before you could respond, the pending message icon popped up again.

You wanna go with me? It starts with a dinner at 6 pm.

Ghost hunting? Not that it ever really piqued your interest, and you weren’t even sure if you believed in such a thing in the first place. But it beat sitting at home and eating Chinese food on your couch tonight.

Yeah, sounds fun!

---

Somehow the day went by quicker than you thought, and it was soon time to leave for this haunted hotel ghost hunt. You knew the general area of where the bed and breakfast was, though you never cared to venture that far out into the bayou. Supposedly it was surrounded by water, and the thought of swampy depths teeming with gators and water moccasins turned you off from the idea.

Still, there was something mesmerizing about the land. You turned off the main road and drove down a dirt path lined with dense trees, spotting some other cars ahead of you upon a long driveway. In the last faint rays of the dying sunset, a large plantation house emerged, its windows casting an eerie golden glow already.

The cars ahead of you pulled into a gravel parking spot off to the side, and you followed suit. Stepping into the night air was like walking into a wall of water, the humidity smacking your face heavily. Taking a deep breath of the damp swamp air, you looked around. It wasn’t exactly surrounded by water as you’d imagined, though you could spot the shine of the ever brightening moon casting off in the distance. Otherwise, the place was surrounded by trees and beautiful plants. In front of the house sat a fountain with sleek running water.

“Y/N!” you turned at the sound of your name. Sam was trotting up to you from her car. “Glad you could join me tonight.”

“So what else is happening tonight?” you asked curiously, falling next to her to walk side by side toward the house.

“Well…” Sam opened her phone. “The dinner is first, obviously. Then we get a tour around the grounds and house with some history of the place. And then we end off the night with a séance, hosted by a real psychic medium.”

“So, Ouija boards and shit? Or a crystal ball?” you joked, the skeptic part of you starting to rise.

Sam snorted at that. “Guess we’ll find out.” She responded with an airy tone.

Stepping into the house, the first thing you’d noticed was how cozy it was. It certainly showed its aging with the molding and woodwork, though somehow beautifully preserved to keep its original taste. Décor hung heavy on the walls, paintings of Victorian era men, women and children. It was well lit, the golden glow you’d noticed from the windows seemed welcoming now. A small crowd had already gathered, chattering amongst themselves. After a few minutes you were ushered into a room on the right, the dining room, where multiple small tables sat with plates set.

After an introduction and an unexpectedly delicious dinner of steak and potatoes, you were guided once again toward the entrance hall to be split up into two smaller groups: one staying in the house and the other to explore the grounds, and then switch.

You and Sam were a part of the inner house tour first, exploring the lower floor before moving upstairs. Though still skeptical about the haunting, you had to appreciate the history of the place. Once a plantation house owned by a rich southern family soon abandoned during the Civil War as there was a battleground not too far from the property. It sat mostly empty and unused until a gang made it their hideout, where apparently a lot of bloodshed occurred. Since the days of gangs and outlaws have dissipated, the plantation house sat yet again unused, until being purchased from the state in the 20’s by a wealthy investor who restored it, though it’d become a bed and breakfast in the 50’s.

“The Lemoyne Raiders once called this their hideout, until the infamous Van der Linde gang wiped out their numbers and claimed this place as their own,” the tour guide’s voice echoed oddly in the hall as she paused before a photo on the wall. You craned your neck to see, only getting a glimpse of what looked like a crowd of people in front of a wooden wagon. “However, this didn’t create a safe space as they’d hoped. The O’Driscolls, a long-time rival of the gang and Dutch Van der Linde himself, had found their whereabouts and launched a full scale attack.”

“Ooh, can you imagine all the dead bodies?” Sam whispered to you.

“Kieran Duffy, once an O’Driscoll member that had been captured and eventually turned into a Van der Linde boy. Unbeknownst to everyone, Kieran was kidnapped by his former crew. They sent him back on his horse, his decapitated head in his lap, strolling right up to the front doors as a surprise before they fired.”

A chill sent up your spine at that, the image a little too clear in your mind.

“Some say they can hear a man’s voice behind them, asking if they’d seen his head. Others have claimed to see a headless shadow pacing on the porch. More people have heard the whoops and jeers of the Lemoyne Raiders, the gunshots ringing off in the dead of night. Others say they can smell gunpowder, or a strong smell of tobacco inside their rooms.” The tour guide went on.

As you shuffled down the hall toward one of the rooms, your gaze wandered toward one of the windows overlooking the grounds behind the building. The sun had long since set, and the green landscape had a silver glow provided by the full moon. Though the thick canopies of the trees made it slightly harder to see, you could make out the silhouettes of the other tour group wandering around. You weren’t sure what else was out there – a shed maybe? A couple of sheds? You’d have to find out.

As the outside tour moved, another silhouette caught your eye. They were standing still, though seemingly facing the house. You blinked, and the figure vanished. Was that just a trick of the light?

A few more minutes of peering into the other rooms, and then you headed back downstairs to switch with the other group. Stepping back out into the thick and heavy air, you appreciated the better view. There were certainly a few sheds here and there, a modern one placed close to the back wall whilst the others certainly showed their age. Slanted foundations with bowed roofs, it’s a wonder they still stood in this environment.

Your group wandered further on the grounds, all guided by flashlight. The tour guide had mentioned graves of a family cemetery not too far off, though some had been swallowed by the swamp. She shone her light into the darkness, the telltale shape of old tombstones illuminating against the murky water. It was true; some were half sunken in, others on land were leaning like the sheds were.

“Over the years of Shady Belle’s run as a bed and breakfast, patrons have claimed to hear strange noises out here. Whispers and friendly chatter that carries with the wind. The sound of horses whinnying and hoofbeats, even the barking of a dog. Others have even claimed that they felt a strong presence overlooking them, or even running up behind them while out here.”

Goosebumps erupted on your arms, odd for such a warm and humid night. These stories were beginning to get the best of you. Your eyes wandered further out into the swamp, your imagination beginning to take over. Those gangs spoken about earlier, it was almost as if you could see them in front of you, locked in gunfire, moving amongst the shadows to keep cover. Although, it almost seemed as if a silhouette was standing there…

“Y/N, come on. We’re moving.” Sam caught your attention, and you fell back into the group.

Later on you found yourself back inside, settling into the living room at a large, round table. The psychic medium introduced himself before settling at an empty chair. Others had a couple of contraptions, EMF detectors and infrared cameras. Time to see if ghosts truly existed.

The medium began by announcing the group and their intentions, as well as asking if there was anyone out there to communicate. You’d seen ghost shows before on occasion, so this wasn’t unfamiliar to you.

Everyone had gone quiet, others with expectant faces, others seemed nervous. A couple of people seemed to not be interested at all. A few minutes had gone by, some of the other tours guys moved around the room smoothly with their gadgets.

Suddenly, another shiver ran up your spine. A small, cold gust of air ghosted across the back of your neck, as if someone was breathing on you. A vague, faint whisper in your ear caused you to flinch. Your eyes closed involuntarily, as if you were a small child trying to hide from the monsters in the closet.

Opening them again, you noticed that the scenery changed. You were still in the building, which was evident. However, the people that surrounded you had changed. Surrounded by men in what resembled cowboy outfits, all leaned over the table and viewing some paperwork. They were speaking to one another, though their voices were muffled and distorted. You opened your own mouth to speak, yet your throat felt parched and dry, producing nothing but an exasperated breath.

As if your action caught their attention, the heads of the closest men turned to look directly at you. One with slicked back hair and a thick moustache, the other with dirty blonde hair and bright blue eyes…

You blinked again, the image before you disappearing and bringing you back to reality. The group and the medium were still in their spots, though it seemed as if no one had noticed what happened to you just now. Did you just hallucinate, was your food laced with psychedelics?

---

“That was cool, wasn’t it?” Sam mentioned as the two of you headed back to your cars. “When the EMF detector went off, I think I got chills at one point!”

You thought back to that little encounter you had, even if you could call it that. Quite frankly, you weren’t even sure what to label it as. A hallucination, your imagination running wild, or maybe an actual ghost encounter?

“Y/N?” Sam’s voice pierced your thoughts. “Hey, you still with me?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah,” you sighed. “It was interesting.”

“You okay?” Sam pressed, noticing the tone of your voice.

You nodded. “Just a little tired. I think that food gave me the itis.”

Sam chuckled at that. “Alright, get home then. I’ll see you in class tomorrow.”

“Goodnight.” You said as she veered away toward her car. You approached yours and got in, falling into the line of people leaving for the night.

As you drove back down the dirt path, your mind couldn’t help but to wander back to that vision. Something about it seemed familiar to you, though you couldn’t place what…

[alias-b]

Without The Lights~ Billy Hargrove x OC Camille Harper

Chapter 11: There Are Worse Things I Could Do

A/N: Valentine’s Day of 1985 after a terrible school prank. Camille gets some horrid news and comfort from a surprising source. TW: Death, talk of abortion, asshole high schoolers, mental break, and brief self h*rm scene.

    The comments weren’t bad. Oh, no.

    "That's the one... Her."

    "Queen Bee. Queen Bitch."

    "Slut."

    "Wonder who the daddy was."

    "Baby killer."

    "Hargrove better watch out, she traps boys. He'll lose interest now for sure."

    "Camille, the whore, Harper."

   Those were all tragically and hilariously to be expected.

  It was the staring. Those damn eyes. The way she could walk into a room and have it hush. Teachers and students alike. Thinking those thoughts too loudly. Camille marched in. Knowing they were talking about her. Eyes lifted and moved over her body like she’d never get privacy again. Camille was used to being watched. Desired. But, this... Avoiding her face was one thing. Staring direct at her long scraped out womb was another. The attention burned. Lights scorched. No dark corners to curl up and hide away in. And how Camille tried to. She imagined layers of flesh melting away until she was muscle and bone. They would rub salt into the rawness of her wounds.

  Camille turned her nose up to all that shit. Fixed her lipstick. Flicked her hair. Blew bubbles with gum like nothing was around. She spoke up in class. Made herself more visible because she had no choice and she wanted control again. Camille burst with technicolor. Crushed them all. Swayed like a dancer down hallways. Undaunted. By force. But, undaunted nonetheless.

  Billy watched her float. Like nothing could touch her. He found himself wishing that he could float too. Camille tried to sit alone at lunch. Tried. Steve smacked a tray down across from her. Sent a message that nothing had changed. Students watched their king sit and eat, sliding an extra carton of milk over. She’d tried to skip the meal too. Nancy and Jonathan came next, adding crackers and a brownie to the lunch. Billy was on her right after, placing his green apple there. Hadn't lost interest of course. Heather ushered Robin over even and they joined. Camille let herself smile.

  “So, anyone catch Mr. Creed’s new hairpiece? A surprising color.” Steve leaned forward and Heather laughed. He attempted to make his friend feel normal again.

  “I couldn’t even take notes, I was waiting for it to crawl away.”

  “Definitely hiding something,” Jonathan piped up. Camille watched her odd group of friends joke, picking up the apple to bite into it first. Billy shot her a wink so she nudged his leg with her own.

  “I had him last year. Once he got frustrated and ran his hand into it. Flipped half the thing over and finished class like that.” She chuckled finally when they did, encouraged.

  “He’s gotta put that whole collection out of their misery.” Robin added. Camille enjoyed feeling like a teen again. For once. Steve kicked her foot under the table, flashing a smile that set her at ease. It was like this over the next week. Gluing little shards of glass back together. Trying not to slice tired fingers. Rosemary acted as if nothing happened prior. Cooped up in her studio with new designs. Work was better. Better than a daughter who refused to be a daughter. Camille stayed afloat until the ship cracked again. The perfect hive threatened to crumble in.

  Her stupid locker. Still broken. This day, she jerked it open for her chemistry book with Robin next to her, ready to walk to class. Red splashed all down her front. Covered the floor and Robin’s shoes. A bucket of blood red paint clattered, dribbling all over. Camille went into shock, hands lifting while it pooled out. Like most shitty things in her life now. Pooling out. She longed briefly to let it cover all else. Clothing ruined. The crack deepened when Carol pointed to laugh across the way. Ex-popular friends joined in around her. Tommy was cackling, racing away to catch more attention. Billy's foot came out by his locker and the boy tripped hard, smacking the floor. Students ceased their laughter.

  "Eat shit, you little bitch." Billy bared his teeth. Looking utterly feral because that was his default setting.

  "Mad someone got your slut before you did, Hargrove? You'll have to fight every quarterback in Indiana." Tommy dragged backwards but was ripped up, shoved into the lockers. Camille paid no mind.

  "Get the fuck out of here." Billy struggled with his rage and tossed Tommy the other way, arms swiping out to frighten him off. Tommy was Steve's added beefcake muscle once upon a time but he'd be a fool to challenge a fire-breathing hyena like Billy Hargrove.

  “What the hell, Carol?” Robin spoke first back down the hallway. Heather ran along to see her friends. Odd bunch they made. Camille the freak. Robin the weirdo. Baby faced Heather. Billy shoved his locker closed and pushed students to see his friend too.

  “Are you okay? Camille?” Heather was ignored. Baby killer, came some more utters and Camille stalked forth. Carol shut her mouth and cried out when a fist charged right next to her head. Its force dented the locker in. The brass knuckle punch style she'd easily picked up from Billy. Something detached inside Camille. Instead of hitting Carol and crying, she just laughed. Eyes wide. Unstable. It echoed into their school. Demanded respect and attention because this was stone fox Camille Harper here. She laughed louder. How could she not? Her entire life was fucked. It was a lie. Why hide when the cards were all on the table today? More of her friends rounded the hallway in awe.

  “Carol. I should be upset. What a clever, clever prank. How many brain cells did it take between you all? I wonder. But, you know…I’m not mad one little bit. Because I grew out of being a nasty bitch and I know you won’t for a while.” Camille was grinning. Carol looked shocked, tipping back to avoid the paint. “You don’t have to date a shitty ass guy who tries to fuck your friends when you take breaks and hate yourself, you know? Good luck with that. Been there, crawled out.” Camille jerked forward to hug Carol as tight as she could. “We’ll get through it together.” One hand took Carol's jaw. Red swatched her skin before she pushed her backwards after planting a hard, sweet kiss on her cheek. Paint swiped Camille's fingers so she reached up where there wasn’t paint on her shirt and traced an A.

  A scarlet letter.

  “Bitch! Camille, what the fuck? You lost it.” Carol looked down at herself, clothes ruined now too.

  “Bold to assume that I even had it to begin with, babe.” Camille left her, head still high. Hips swaying. Paint splattering. "Well, any of you wet dream drones have anything else to say to me? Now's the fucking time!" Arms swiped, sending spatters of red into nearby students and lockers. Instead the entire crowd parted for her in sync. Moses standing at the damn Red Sea separating it. "I thought so." She puffed, lips lifting to smile because she owned them still. "Robin, sorry about the shoes."

   "You know, I think this could be a great look actually." Robin joked instead, rolling with it because her friend was clinically insane and she adored her now.

  "Right. Now, where is Billy Hargrove? Hm? Don't be shy, sweet face." Camille commanded her drones to part further and reveal him there at the center. Billy had stopped to watch halfway toward her, eyes fixated and huge when he got a better look. "Ah, there you are." She sucked her teeth, clicking her tongue once before she came forth. "Should have smelt the smoky hairspray and warm cologne, it's still to die for." The teen dream stopped in front of him. Everyone was dead silent. Awed. Impressed. Aroused.

      Queen Bee Camille.  

  “Pick me up tonight." Hands on her hips, head cocked. Flirty and unashamed. Splashed bright red. A firework bursting in his life. "Seven o'clock sharp. We are going to the god damn movies. It's a date, just so we're clear. Be prepared to hold the door for me.”

  “You’re the boss, Hester. Wear something red. Color's good on you.” Billy winked, shrugging before he too stepped aside to let her go. Unworried. Happy. Camille left a trail of footprints all down the hallway. She entered the girl’s gym showers in her clothing. Earning shocked looks when she started laughing aloud again and got under cold spray. Cleansed her skin. Red sloshed all down into the drain like the flood of a period. Her clothing was still ruined. They called her mother again to get her. Took an entire load of towels to get her out of the showers without making another mess. Camille was still laughing the whole way.

  It never ended.

** ** **

  “Camille, I’m not sure this is a good idea. You should rest. You've had a rough week.” Rosemary had frowned. Her own palms shook when she clasped them. Camille didn't notice her shaking

  “I’m peachy.” She imagined teeth peeling fuzzy peach skin away to suck the juicy fruit within. That sweetness dripping from soft, plush lips.

  “You’re different.” Rosemary couldn't get her daughter to turn around and just look at her. Not like she used to.

  “I’m different?” The teen huffed and yanked up into the tree in front of their house. Another awful prank. Hung baby dolls from branches. “You going to help me here, mother?”

  “They need me in New York again.” Rosemary resigned herself. Guilt swirled and she pressed her lips. Stared for a long moment, desperate. “Ask me to stay with you, I will.”

  “You're right. I am different.” Camille admitted, head turning. “My eyes are open.” Her mother looked truly unsettled. “Go, they need you. I can handle myself.”

  "I'm so sorry, Camille." Rosemary never said what for. First mistake. Her mother turned to go. "I left you something in the kitchen. Cheer you up. It used to." Camille never went to see what it was. Second mistake. She dumped the toys into their trash bin and prettied herself up. Wore a casual pink dress that slipped from her shoulders with cherries all over it. Small splashes of red. The Camaro howled while she applied the same red to her lips. Billy felt his heart charge when he pulled into the driveway. Finally.

  “Millionth time is the charm, huh?” Camille approached when he got out. "Devil's pride nice still?"

  "Yeah, I'd say so." Billy prettied himself as well, fitted shirt opened halfway and tucked into tight jeans. His preferred style. She smiled at him like nothing was wrong.

  "Shall we?"

  “Chariot awaits,” he cocked his head and offered a single peony from behind his back. Pink. Billy got the door for her and went around to drive them off. Let her pick the flick and he bought the tickets. The Breakfast Club. He only whined a little about it. Camille bought the snacks and they found seats up in back. More teens filled the room before the lights hushed. They took turns snagging popcorn and sips of soda. As much as he rolled his eyes prior, Billy grew invested. Every teen in sight felt it. Damn movie was too relevant. Camille leaned into him, allowing his arm behind her. Idle fingers traced the bare skin of her shoulder. The world let them be blissful teens tonight. For a little while. Third mistake. Credits rolled and he held her hand just like they discussed. Kids filtered out so Camille leaned in to kiss him, inches away before she gasped instead.

  “Hey. Robin and Heather are here. Check it out,” she noticed them down closer to the front. Giggling. Tossing pieces of popcorn while they joked and stood. Heather looped her arm into Robin’s. Grins followed.

  “Didn’t know they were actually close friends now. Lab partners or whatever.” Billy shrugged and Camille had to cover her lips. “What?”

  “Boys are so oblivious, come on. To the diner.” She tugged at his hand to go down the steps.

  "As you wish." Billy pulled her into him, earning a slight giggle. Chilly air swept and his leather jacket was already around her.

  “Camille!” Heather caught them exiting the doors, hand leaving Robin’s quicker than intended. Camille peered at the space between them, eyes lifting.

  “Heather…hi. Nice to see you both. Fine night compared to earlier, yeah?”

  “Yes. Sorry, we didn’t know you guys were up there. I would have said hi. Great movie, right?” Heather continued.

  “I loved it and so did Billy, despite the whining.” Camille joked, patting his chest. “Hey, Robin.”

  “Hey…” Cold wind passed them so Camille brought Billy’s jacket closer.

  “You got Billy to sit through that, impressive.” Heather was entertained.

  “Just wait till you see my other tricks,” Billy lit up a cigarette behind his date.

  “Okay, on that note, you guys…have a good time.” Camille kissed her friend's cheek, winking. Heather gave an honest smile, relaxing again.

  “Thanks, Camille.”

  “We’ll see you two in class, yeah.” Robin crossed her arms. “Now do the trick where you disappear, if you could.”

  “Love that one,” Billy pressed Camille’s back when she gave Heather a knowing look of encouragement. He drove her to the diner and they found a corner booth. “Large milkshake. Chocolate. Side of fries.” He told the waiter. “Well, Harpy, we covered it, didn’t we?”

  “What?”

  “We angrily laid this out in detail months ago. Hit all the important points.”

  “Hm, I think there is always room to improvise.” She purred, chin resting in her hand as she leaned over.

  “Oh, say improvise again.”

  “No,” Camille laughed when he gave that world melting smile. Food was set down. Billy snagged some fries and shifted the plate between them. She sipped and hummed blissfully. “I’m going to have that song from the movie trapped in my head for weeks.” Camille plucked up a hot fry to eat.

  “Thought it was funny us going to see that? Criminal and princess.”

  “I didn’t plan that,” she grew amused. “Didn’t know the movie would be like that. Frankly though, I’m starting to think I’m more of a basket case now.”

  “Can’t argue there,” Billy dodged a fry at that, laughing before he stole her milkshake. "Queenie is buzzing along a very fine line."

  "Suppose I feel like I have wings today." Camille gave a shrug. "Guess that I also wanted to bring up more of the wildly unhinged me who told her ex to eat shit."

  “Hey, look, I know you’re all smiles now and great. But…”

  “Disgraced bee flew too close to the sun.” Camille rolled her eyes and sat back. “I’m not faking it for you. I don't do that with or for boys, rest assured. These last two weeks have been…fucking awful. But, I’m on a date with a guy I care about and I think it’s going well.”

  “We talking B minus work?” He gaze at her closely.

  “Oh no, I think you’re on your way to a solid A plus with extra credit. Gold star work.” She joked. It was intoxicating even still. The way he smiled at her. Charming as hell. Lighter. Easy. Slow and steady, her hand came to touch his. Fingers curling. Eyes met and they stayed to enjoy the lingering beat between them. “I want to try something.”

  “You do?” Billy’s brow furrowed and she wasn’t hesitant.

  “I want to try it back at my place.” They scrambled to pay and go. Rain splattered lightly so he pulled her by the hand. Hair and clothing damp. Unable to resist, Billy yanked her into his chest. Hands on her wet face to kiss her there under rain and stars. Camille responded, pulling at him until they both laughed and continued to his car. Giggling teens on a date. Nothing to lose. So they thought. Billy sped while she slid over and placed playful, teasing kisses on his neck.

  “Harpy, I’m supposed to be setting a better example when I drive.” He’d joked, stilling to kiss her again at a red light. Hands smoothed along his thigh and they couldn’t park fast enough in her driveway. “Hey.”

  “Hm?” Camille was still in Billy's neck, palms sliding up his chest.

  “Look.” He pointed. Jim Hopper’s Blazer sat parked in front. The Chief was waiting, snuffing out a cigarette before Camille hurried out on unsteady feet.

  “Jim.” She felt a gust of cold crackle up her spine when he lifted his eyes. Rain stilled. "How long have you been here?"

  "Not long." He stared at them, clearly on a date and worked up. Camille came down fast.

  "What are you doing here, Jim?" She'd asked it quieter.

  “Camille, I think we should talk inside.” His palm was on her back to guide her forth. Camille's hand slipped from Billy's and they mourned that.

  “What happened?” She pressed, struggling to open the door.

  “Hargrove, give us a moment.”

  “No, Billy, come inside. You can say it to both of us.” Camille marched up to him while he took his hat off. A motion that appeared grave. Billy shut the door, his own flesh chilled when rain dripped from his curls. “Say it.”

  “Camille.”

  “Say it!” She barked at him, echoing in that empty house. Jim’s eyes drew to her own.

  “It’s Judith.” He crumbled her world. “I’ve been checking on her and-”

  “No, don’t you fucking…lie. Don't you lie to my face. It's fine. She's fine.” Tears welled. She got smaller. “You were supposed to protect her.”

  "I'm so sorry, I only heard a few hours ago. We've had people on her I trust. There... Something happened."

  "It's a mistake. No...No! You don't know shit. You're nothing but...a fuck up. You're just a fuck up!" She spat and he remained tender while her rage filtering out at him. "You are a liar."

  “She’s gone, Camille.” He was pushed hard at that.

  “Shut the fuck up…she didn’t… I knew they’d come for her! Another loose end to torment me with.” Camille couldn’t catch a breath, stumbling back before he took her arms. The dark secrets she kept. The life she had. The mother she never got to know. Gone. Gone. Gone. It all just fluttered. “Ngh, no!”

  “She passed, Camille. They confirmed it. I saw the certificate. Photos. Everything.”

  “How?”

  “Camille.”

  “How did she die?!” She screamed it. Echoing again. Billy pressed back into the door. His face felt impossibly hot.

  “They say she did it herself.”

  “They say…? A gentle, manic woman who never spoke and just spent her days rocking.” Camille broke. “So they killed her. They fucking killed my mother. Just to ruin me further. They know I can't mourn it. They know I saw her and they know I have to hide. Fucking, they killed us both. Again and again. Finally finished her off. It's because I found her. It's my fault.”

  “You didn't do this. There was something. Small. Carved into her arm. Three numbers.” Jim reached again to stop Camille from falling. “Hey, you have to breathe. Easy.”

  “No, she’s not… She can’t…” Camille was beating on his broad chest. “Lies! Lies! You’re a liar! A shitty, awful liar. I hate you! You fuck up! You were supposed to watch her. You...”

  “Camille,” Billy found his own voice, hands up to pull her off Chief Hopper’s towering frame. She slipped out of his jacket.

  “No, no, it isn’t true.” Camille rushed beyond them, tearing up the stairs. She saw her room empty. Kicked bedroom doors open. They pursued to stop her, forces jerked them aside. Her nose bled. “Can’t… It can’t be right.” Camille rushed down the stairs again. Nothing in the living room. She stopped in the kitchen when she saw them. The gift. To cheer her up. Confirming her worst fears. A vase of bright, freshly cut sunflowers left by her mother. An apology and a confession. She’d known. “No, no…no.” A wail tore. Shook the whole house before she lifted the entire thing to smash them. Yellow petals exploded around her feet. The doors slammed to the room when she fell to her knees. A sharp shard cut into her palm before she lost herself and dug it into skin. Eyes wide and unfocused. Three tiny numbers bled out.

  “Hey!” Jim pounded at the door, kicking it open when she relented before he tore her up from the floor. “Knock it off!” Camille dragged and wished to bring the entire house down. He held her arms tight so she bucked around and wailed again. Everything took too much of a toll on Camille. This was the last straw. Rosemary stared at her eyes earlier and knew. Knew what would come. And Camille would have to smile upon seeing her when she came home.

  Billy’s hands were on her face. He was talking too fast for her to process. He slipped away when she fell back into Jim, sobs barely subsiding because she was exhausted. Fingers gripped her forearm and Billy was tying a towel around it.

  “Go pack her a bag. She’s not well, I’m taking her home. Hurry.” Jim pulled her to her feet, half carrying her into the living room to put her on the couch. They cleaned the mess without words and got her into Jim’s car. Her cries silenced when the door shut. Billy found the silent wails of agony more horrific from outside the car.

  “Kid, I’ll handle it from here. Get yourself home.“

  “Fuck that, I’m sticking with her.” Billy edged forward. "You don't know her."

  “Billy, you helped. You did.” Jim eased. Billy didn’t jerk when a hand touched his shoulder. “What Camille needs is to process this. She needs rest.”

  “After she found her mother the first time, she stuffed herself with pills. I made her throw them up, she took so damn many. I am not…” Billy felt himself tremble. Jim understood, nodding. Watch her. “We were happy.”

  “Yeah, you’re good kids. You are. Just trying to make it better and you will. Camille needs to rest and she isn't safe to be alone in this house. Give it some time. Give her some time. Things still bad at school?”

  “Hung babies and red paint aren’t exactly welcoming.”

  “I’ll handle it. Go home. Let me take care of her, I know enough and if she's like El: her abilities could lash out. I’ll call if anything happens. All right? I'll call you first,” Jim pressed him to leave and he finally did. Billy didn’t drive home, instead he was stumbling up to another door. Bell rang and Steve Harrington looked confused.

  “Hey, man…you lost?” Steve didn’t see anyone behind him. Billy looked like utter shit. “You do know this is my house, right?”

  "Yes, asshole, I fucking know which-"

  "Okay, good talk," Steve moved to shut the door and Billy dropped the anger.

  "Wait..." Billy's foot stopped him. Steve sighed and pulled it back open.

  "Try again, pal." He waited so Billy changed his tone.

  “You got alcohol in there?”

  “Parents are gone to the weekend, uh…yeah.” Steve relented then stepped aside. “What’s going on?”

  “Start pouring first.”

** ** **

  “Camille.” El was excited until she saw her expression.

  “El, give her a moment.” Hopper guided the mute teen into their little cabin. His puffy police coat over her frame. “Pull out the couch for her.”

  “What happened?” El asked instead when Hopper got Camille into the bathroom. The door shut so he helped fix the couch into a bed. Eleven brought extra pillows and saw him locking up knives and pills. “Why?”

  “Camille is incredibly upset.” Jim explained it carefully. “Her mother. Real mother…she passed away.”

  “Gone.”

  “Yeah,” Jim swept the young girl under his arm. “We have to be careful with her. She’s hurting. Sometimes when people hurt…they take it out on themselves. She’s going to stay here a few nights while Rosemary is out.”

  “I can watch her.” El promised and Jim pressed a smile, rubbing her shoulders. Camille looked numb when she appeared. El hurried to take her hand and get her to lie down. “I’m sorry…about your mama.” Camille hated herself for the tiniest thought that maybe it was for the best. The older teen peered at her and nodded while El turned on the TV for her. Noise to fill the voids in the room. Jim pulled a chair up to unwrap her wrist. It took a moment for the little girl to realize Camille did it to herself.

  “Give us a moment,” Jim nodded so El went into her room. He cleaned the cuts and applied ointment while she reclined there. “Wanted the scar.”

  “They erased me.”

  “Six isn’t who you are, Camille.”

  “Guess I’m not really sure what I am any longer. Queen bee. Freak. Slut. Six. Baby killer. Always the fucking brands.” She paused. “Sorry, you lost your daughter.”

  “Two completely different scenarios, Camille, you’re not a bad person and I wrote the book on fucking up. No room to judge a teenage girl for making a terrifying and informed choice about her body.” Jim got up and pulled something from his coat pocket. “They sent me this with the certificate.” The tiny Star of David necklace. She let him clasp it so it could hang down low with Billy’s pendant.

  “Thank you.” She welled up and closed her eyes to still it.

  “She loved you. She did.” Jim touched her hair. "I'll let you have some space."

  "Wait," she sniffled, cracking. "Can you just hold me for a little bit?" Jim stilled, air leaving his nose before he sat back down. Awkwardly, she came up to scoot into his arms when he sat on the edge of the mattress. Jim floundered a little too, uncertain. She adjusted half in his lap. Camille pressed into him when he held her tighter, arms up against his chest. Inhaling the scent of him. Nothing like her own adopted father. Long rotting in the ground. She still closed her eyes to pretend. She wondered what her real father smelled like. Maybe something like this. Crisp. Safe. Jim rocked her when she began to shake in his arms. They melted more together. He cupped the back of her head so she lifted it to look at him. Small. Fingers smoothing idly into the fabric of his shirt as his thumb caught a single tear. "You're not a fuck up." She rasped then. Lips pressed at that.

  “Get some rest, Camille.” He offered, tucking long hair aside. She eased herself back into the mattress. El came out in her pajamas to crawl in next to Camille.

  “I can watch her,” El stated again when Camille was lulled to sleep. Jim stayed there petting her head until El took over. The little girl kissed her hair like Jim had done to her many times before to comfort her too. Hopper went to his room and left El curled into her sister. They looked peaceful.

** ** **

  “Hello?” Nancy was groggy when she received a call.

  “Hey, uh, Nancy, it’s Steven,” Steve snorted into the phone and Nancy was alert.

  “Steve? It’s late. Are you drunk?”

  “I’m the moral support, Nance.” Steve was trying to quiet someone behind him. “I have every single thing in my life...super under control.”

  “Oh, my god. Where are you?”

  “Home, near the pool. Um, Nancy, I did…something bad.” Steve slurred. “Remember how we dated for like a year? Wild. I was a shitty boyfriend.”

  “No, Steve, you really weren’t. Not at all.” Nancy was up, Jonathan lifted his eyes in question across from her.

  “Couldn’t even beat the keg king, a little girl had to step in. She’s like…way cooler than me. I think Max is the real keg king at heart.” Steve was laughing and Billy snorted, seated in a lawn chair near him. “I…am just calling…wait, why am I calling again?”

  “Camille…needs her fucking band of annoying nerds. The party. That thing…she doesn’t,” Billy hiccuped, plastered, “I’m not enough, ah, and I never will be.”

  “Billy wants to have a party.” Steve was laughing.

  “Billy? You’re drunk with Billy Hargrove?” Nancy smacked Jonathan’s shoulder to get him moving.

  "Ow!"

  “We’re coming over. Now.”

  “You’re with Jonathan, that’s hilarious.” He cackled. “Byers! He kicked my ass too!”

  “He told me!” Billy fell back, grinning.

  “Don’t go anywhere,” Nancy smacked the phone down. “Come on.” Back at Steve’s, he fell into a pool side chair.

  “She could def...definitely not even tell I’d been drinking. I’m…sneaky like a ninja.” Steve reclined back.

  “Shit is fucking wild, man. How did I get here? Look at them.” Billy watched the hundreds of stars dance in his state, lulling about.

  “You…are a fucking asshole.” Steve was swatting for him, hitting only air.

  “Yeah, I am.” They tried to high five and missed that too. “Pissed off a junior demolished you at everything you love?”

  “Beside the point. You’re like…like a real…huge asshole. But, you’re also not so bad. You know? I just…can’t fight for shit. And you somehow became friends with Camille Harper. My friend. My queen friend.” Steve was laughing again.

  “She tricked me into her intr...intricate friendship rituals.”

  “Oh, she does that shit. We all fall for it. You especially. And…you…you beat the shit out of me and then your kid sister stole your car. What the fuck was all that?”

  “What the fuck was that?” Billy agreed, head tipping. Nancy and Jonathan sped there, coming around back to see the two wasted boys.

  “Ayy! It’s Nancy! Nancy…!” Steve clapped. Billy was trying and failing to light a cigarette. They hollered in sync so she shushed them.

  “Hey, zip it! Both of you.” Nancy ordered. “What is this?”

  “If Camille were here it would be exactly…like…The Breakfast Club.” Billy started cackling and Steve joined him. “New party name, you fucking nerds.”

  “This guy is hilarious, he’s so right. So…right…”  

  “Hey, hey focus.” Nancy picked up a spray bottle for the window flowers and hit them both with water. They hissed and whipped around to avoid the cold like a pair of cats. Billy’s cigarette sizzled out so he flicked it, giving up. Jonathan covered his lips and tried not to laugh at this all. “What happened? Where is Camille?”

  “Police Chief kidnapped her mid date.” Billy had his hands up when she threatened them again with the spray bottle.

  “Why?” Jonathan stepped forward. Billy blinked as some awareness came back.

  “Bad thing… Her, fuck shit… Her mother. They got her.”

  “Her mom? Rosemary?”

  “No. One in the hospital.” Steve played with his shirt. “She didn’t make it.” Nancy lowered the bottle, realizing.

  “Oh, no… Where is Camille now?”

  “Hopper just…whiskered her away. Adopting another one probably.” Steve tried to sit up and Jonathan hurried to assist him.

  "You need a bed, come on."

  "Hey pal, I may have let you kick my ass but, you are not qualified to tuck me in." Steve dragged with him. Billy stared at the pool with a harder expression, lights fluttered on his face. Made him look almost ethereal.

  “We gotta get them inside.” Jonathan was helping poor Steve along still. Billy managed to sit up more and Nancy saw a flower in his hand. Camille had left it in the car. He stared at the petals and leaned to drop it into the pool. Water shifted with ripples. Billy watched them carefully so Nancy crossed over.

  “Billy, you’re not looking well. You need to get inside.” She and Jonathan heaved Billy to his feet next. "There we go." He stumbled and made an odd sound. Nancy realized that he was sniffling. She saw nausea sweep his expression and they hurried him into the bathroom so he could throw up. “Jonathan, water.” He rushed to find a glass. “Here…” Nancy was wiping Billy’s slack lips with a wet rag. He pressed his cheek to the seat and tried to overcome the sensation, moaning. Teeth clenched when another feeling flooded him. Nancy gave his back an awkward pat. “It’s okay.” She took the water from Jonathan and helped him drink. “Check on Steve.”

  “Got it.” Jonathan left again. Billy slipped against the wall, room spinning. Nancy squatted down barely a few feet away, arms crossed over her knees.

  “Don’t have to stay here with me, Wheeler.”

  “I know.” Nancy shrugged. Not the night she imagined. Not the person she imagined comforting. “Don’t mind it if you don’t though.”

  He blinked and didn’t say anything, eyes glazed.

  “So, Hopper’s watching her?” She saw Billy nod. “And you guys had a date tonight.”

  “I think I was decent.” His voice was quiet. Raw.

  “I bet that you were.” Nancy pressed her lips and he flickered his eyes over her face, opening up.

  “Not supposed to see her. Whole tutoring lie is only going to go so far. My dad doesn’t like it. But, I like it.” He slurred, eyes closing. “Another round with the belt when he finds out. Story of my fucking life. Maybe I deserve it, I was a shithead. I still am.” Nancy’s eyes changed.

  “He hits you. I mean…we all had some idea about it. Ah...you don’t deserve it, all right? And you don’t have to go back there, you know.”

  “All that wishful thinking. If I don’t, he’ll want someone else to hit. He’ll hunt me down. I tried to run before. Long time ago. Learned quick. I can't. Dad wins.” Billy numbed. “Didn’t want to care.”

  “You’re different. We all see it. Good different.” Nancy offered. Familiar words touched the world. “My friend changed too. Before and after your family got here. I did also and so did Jonathan and Steve. We all did stupid teenage things.”

  “Some of us did worse than others.”

  "We all hurt people." Nancy admitted, eyes flickering. "My friend died because of me and I can't take that back. I can only do better. Never let it happen to someone else."

  "She died because a monster grabbed her." Billy swallowed bile, chest heaving. "I used to be a monster too. Grabbing people. Squeezing. Laughing about it after."

  “What Camille sees in you now…it makes her happy. What Max sees in you makes her happier as well.” Nancy offered, careful. Billy lulled with an amused scoff to hide the way his tone thickened.

  “My mom didn’t see it. Why won’t my dad see it either?” Billy cringed this time, lips trembling and eyes filling to the brim.

  “It’s…going to be okay. It’s going to get better. I know how that sounds. But, not just for you alone. But, for you and Max. Camille. All of us. Because we have this…amazing group and we’re trying so hard despite everything. Even when we want to stop.”

  “I’m not…I’m not crying over my dad. He’s never…going to love me. Just, fuck him. Fuck him for me and Max and Susan…and…my mom. Fuck him! Fuck. Can’t touch anything. Can’t be touched. Fuck him. I’m crying…because…because, I…”

  “Billy, it’s okay. Just breathe.” Nancy offered him some tissue.

  “I can’t. Can’t stand to. I’m finally awake.” Billy wept, the airy syllables barely connected. “I love her.” He’d squeaked it like a mouse, fists rose to touch his head while he crumbled. Nancy stayed there with him to share the space. Let him weep. When he was calmer, she nodded to affirm that he was perfectly sane through the hurt.

  “I know you do.”

[trashcanreddiefan]

The 3rd Annual Losers’ Club Christmakkah Celebration

Summary: The Losers gather for their third annual Christmakkah celebration, which doubles as Richie & Eddie’s wedding.

Word Count: 3600-ish. (This one got away from me.)

Warnings: Usual Trashmouth swearing.

Author’s Note: Post-Chapter 2. All of the Losers are alive in this fic, including Stan, because canon can suck it. 3rd in what will now be a (at least) 4-part series where the Losers take turns hosting Christmakkah. Part 1 here, part 2 here.

CROSS-POSTED AT AO3.

Richie watched as Eddie slept soundly next to him. How did I get so lucky, he thought.

Not only did he have a successful career he now enjoyed, an adorable niece and 2 nephews that he loved to spoil, and the best friends he could possibly ask for, but he was also about to say 'I do' to the man he had been in love with his entire life. 

All of the Losers would be involved in his and Eddie's wedding in some capacity. Once Mike had found out that Richie and Eddie wanted to get married on Christmas Eve he had offered to host Christmakkah at his house so they could have a private ceremony on the beach behind his house and wouldn't have to worry about the added stress of hosting the Losers; Stan and Bill would be Richie & Eddie's witnesses/best men, respectively; Beverly would escort Richie down the aisle to Eddie and had personally designed their suits; and Ben would officiate.

Mike had also planned a joint bachelor party for them, the seven original Losers all going out to a local nightclub earlier that evening.

He must've tipped off the DJ when he had gone to get the first round of drinks, because shortly after Mike came back she said, "I hear we have a bachelor party in the house tonight, where are our two lucky gentlemen that are getting hitched?"

Richie's eyes widened as Bill, Mike, Bev, Ben, and even Stan -- the traitor -- all hooted and pointed over to him and Eddie. 

"Well now, look at this gorgeous couple," the DJ said. "Congratulations and best wishes!" She winked. "Enjoy your night, boys."

Richie drank just enough to get a good buzz going but not so much that he'd pass out as soon as his head hit the pillow, which is why he was still awake at 3 AM while the love of his life softly snored beside him.

His thoughts were interrupted when Eddie stirred. "Rich, I can feel you staring," he mumbled before blinking blearily up at Richie. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

"Just thinking," Richie replied.

"Is it about the wedding?" Eddie sat up, looking panicked. "You're not having second thoughts, are you?"

Richie quickly shook his head. "No, no, absolutely not. I've never been more sure about anything in my life than I am about marrying you. I just… It all feels like a dream, like I'm going to wake up from the Deadlights and the past 2 years won't have actually happened."

Eddie studied him for a moment before reaching for him. "Come 'mere." He pulled Richie into his arms and lay them both back down, tracing gentle patterns on Richie's bare back. "It's not a dream, you know," he whispered into Richie's ear before gently kissing his shoulder. "I'm real and I'm here and I love you more than life itself."

"Love you too, Eds," Richie murmured in reply. "Can't wait to marry you."

"Try to get some rest, ok?"

Richie nodded sleepily. Eddie was an expert at getting Richie to relax enough for his brain to shut off for a while. "Ok," he whispered before nodding off into dreamland. 

____________________________________

Late the next morning Richie woke up to a fully-dressed Eddie pressing light kisses to his face. "Morning, soon-to-be husband," Eddie murmured against his lips.

"Mmm, yeah, husband. I like the sound of that," Richie replied, grabbing Eddie and rolling them over to kiss him more thoroughly.

Eddie squeaked as Richie kissed his way down his neck to his collarbone. "Come on, Rich, we don't have time." 

"Wedding's not till 4, you sure we don't have time, Eds?" he mumbled, dipping his tongue into the sensitive area between Eddie's head and neck. He'd kill me if he had a visible hickey in our wedding photos, he thought, resisting the urge to suck a mark into Eddie's clavicle, although he couldn't deny that having photographic evidence of his physical claim on Eddie was a bit of a turn-on. He settled for planting soft kisses along Eddie's collarbone before gently grazing Eddie's pulse point with his teeth, one of his hands sliding underneath Eddie's shirt along his rock-hard abs.

Eddie bit back a moan. "It's already noon, we have to finish getting everything set up, and we'll both need time to shower and get ready, and -- Jesus Christ, that feels amazing. I'll -- I'll let you ravish me as soon as we're married, how about that? You can even drag me off to Mike's utility closet and have your wicked way with me if you want."

"Mmm, promise?" Richie rolled his hips into Eddie's.

"Yeah, baby, whatever-- Fuck, Richie." Eddie groaned. "Whatever you want, just wait until after we say 'I do'."

Richie gave Eddie one final kiss on the lips. "Okay."

He hopped out of bed and headed for the dresser, grabbing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. He hid a grin as he heard Eddie mutter 'fucking tease'. "So what's on the agenda for this morning?"

Eddie huffed then sat up. "Ben and Bill are setting up the awning outside, Bev is steaming our suits, Patty and Audra are taking the kids to get Olivia's hair done, and I'm going to head with Mike and Stan to pick up dinner for tonight. Bev will bring your suit in here once it's ready -- I'll be getting dressed in Mike's room." He got up and straightened his shirt from where Richie had rucked it up.

"Oh come on, Eds," Richie said jokingly. "You don't really believe in all that 'bad luck to see the bride before the wedding' stuff, do you?"

Eddie raised an eyebrow. "No," he replied lowly, walking towards Richie, "but I already want to jump you and I know if I see you in your suit before the wedding I won't be able to help myself, and I would much rather be able to take my time peeling it off of you after you're my husband."

Richie shivered as Eddie backed him into the wall. "Christ, Eddie." 

"Mmm hmm. I know, baby. Me too." He gave Richie a chaste kiss. "See you later, gorgeous," he said with a wink before walking out the door.

Richie got dressed at lightning speed and walked out into Mike's backyard and down the boardwalk to the beach, where Ben and Bill were putting the finishing touches on the awning.

"Hey, there's the other handsome groom," Bill said. 

"Morning, guys," Richie replied. "Need any help?"

"Nah, we got it," Ben said. "You just focus on getting married later. Got your vows done?"

Richie and Eddie had talked it over, and since the only people at their wedding would be the Losers and their respective spouses, they had decided to write their own vows since they wouldn't have to censor themselves… much.

Richie smiled. "Yep."

"Gonna let anyone read them before the wedding?"

Richie shook his head. "Nope."

Bill grinned. "Am I going to have to make sure Eddie doesn't kill you before you two are even married?"

"We'll see," Richie replied with a wink. "Since you guys are done I'm gonna go see if Beverly needs any help."

As if summoned Beverly appeared behind him. "Wow, guys, that looks great."  She turned to Richie. "Your suit is in your room whenever you're ready to get dressed."

Richie gave Beverly a hug. "Thanks, Bev." 

"You busy?"

Richie shook his head. "No, looks like everything is taken care of here. Need me to do anything?"

Beverly smiled. "Yep, come with me."

She grabbed Richie's hand and dragged him to her and Ben's rental car.

"Where are we going?" Richie asked as he buckled his seatbelt.

Beverly squeezed his hand. "We're getting you ready to get married."

She brought Richie to a moderately upscale salon where the stylist tamed his wild curls into something that was manageable, but still very much Richie, then they swung by the florist to pick up the boutonnieres before heading back to Mike's.

Beverly ushered him towards the shower. "Now, go get ready and try not to get your hair wet. I'll see you downstairs."

Richie took a brief shower, managing to avoid ruining his hairstyle. He had gotten his shirt, pants, socks and shoes on and was attempting to tie his bowtie when there was a knock on the door. 

"Rich? You decent?" came Stan's voice.

"Yeah, man, come on in!"

The door opened and Stan walked in, wearing a black suit similar to the one Richie was currently sporting. "As your best man, I feel it's my duty to see how you're doing," he said.

"Fine, fine," Richie replied. "Never better, to be honest."

"Here, let me help you. You've always been completely useless at tying a tie," Stan said fondly, giving Richie a warm smile.

Richie sat down on the bed. "Thanks, Stan."

Stan made quick work of Richie's bowtie, straightening it once he had it knotted and handing Richie his suit jacket. 

Richie stood and slid his suit jacket on.

Stan pinned Richie's boutonniere to his lapel and quickly ran a lint roller over the suit jacket. "There, you're all set."

Richie walked over to the mirror and caught the first glimpse of himself in his suit. He froze as the realization struck him. "Holy fucking shit, man, I'm getting married," he said. "To Eddie."

"Aaaand there it is," Stan said, turning Richie back toward him and guiding him back to sit on the bed.

"What the fuck am I doing, Stan?" Richie asked, his voice starting to wobble. "Why would someone as perfect as Eddie want to be with a fuckup like me? I'm just some hack comedian who got lucky telling other people's jokes and Eddie's out there saving lives and shit. He's too good for me, I don't deserve him." 

"Rich, buddy, look at me. It's okay, I promise." Stan gently placed his hands on Richie's shoulders. "Eddie loves you, and I know he wouldn't have asked you to marry him if he didn't. You're way more than just a hack comedian -- and I swear to God if you ever tell a soul I said this I'll deny it till I die -- but your original material is actually pretty damn funny."

Richie siffled. "Thanks, Stan."

Stan dug in his pocket. "Here, Bill gave me this to give to you."

He handed Richie a folded piece of paper. On the outside, written in Eddie's neat script, was Richie.

Richie unfolded the note and began to read.

I know what you're thinking, and stop that nonsense. I love you and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you as my brilliant, funny, loving husband.

See you soon,

Eddie

Richie laughed tearfully. He folded the note back up and tucked it into his pocket before wiping his eyes.

Stan checked his phone. "It's time. You alright?"

Richie nodded. "Yeah, yeah, I'm ok."

"Ok then, let's go." 

Beverly, who was escorting Richie down the aisle, was waiting for him by Mike's back door. "Richie, you look wonderful."

"Well of course, my suit was personally designed by the best," Richie replied with a wink.

"Good luck, Rich," Stan said, giving Richie one last hug before slipping outside to let Ben know that they were ready. "See you out there."

Beverly patted him on the arm. "I'm proud of you, Richie."

"Bev, I'm so fucking lucky," Richie replied. 

Beverly smiled warmly. "So is Eddie, honey. You two are good for each other."

The music started up and she offered him her arm. "He's waiting for you. Ready to go get married?"

Richie nodded. "Abso-fuckin-loutely."

Beverly opened the door and led Richie down the stairs to the pier. Richie glanced up and locked eyes with Eddie, whose smile bloomed so brightly that it made Richie's heart flutter happily in his chest.

Any residual nerves he may have been feeling suddenly left him. That's my husband, he thought.

Beverly escorted him to the end of the aisle, where she gave Richie and Eddie each a kiss on the cheek. "Love you both," she said before taking her seat between Mike and Patty.

Richie turned to Eddie. "Hi," he whispered. "I love you."

"I love you," Eddie whispered back, giving Richie's hand a brief squeeze.

Ben cleared his throat. "Dearly beloved Losers," he began, "we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Eddie and Richie, who have asked us to join them as they pledge their lives to one another.

"Eddie, Richie, before we begin let me just thank you both again for asking me to officiate. It's truly an honor and I love you both so much. I didn't meet you guys until we were 13, but I could immediately tell that there was something special between you two and I've loved to be able to watch your bond blossom and grow once we all reunited."

He looked down at the piece of paper he held. "Now, please face each other and join hands."

Richie took Eddie's hands in his own, rubbing his thumb over Eddie's ring finger as Ben began to read.

"These are the hands of your best friend, strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it, support and encouragement to pursue your dreams, and comfort in difficult times. And these are the hands that even years from now will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just one touch."

He looked up. "May we have the rings, please?"

Audra, who was holding her and Bill's son Max, and Beverly, who was holding her and Ben's son, Burke, set their respective sons down and handed them each a ring box containing Eddie and Richie's rings, whispering, "Go see Uncle Richie!"/"Go give this to Uncle Eddie!"

Richie couldn't help but make an aww sound as his nephew toddled over to him. "Thanks, bud," he said, squatting down and giving Max a hug before sending him back to Audra.

"May you be reminded each day how precious a gift you have each been given as you exchange rings as a symbol of your love and devotion to each other," Ben continued. "Now, Eddie and Richie have decided to write their own vows -- God help us all." He paused as the Losers all burst into laughter. "Eddie, would you like to go first?"

Eddie took Richie's left hand in his. "Richie, ever since the day we met you have been the sun in my solar system, the brightest star in my sky, and the biggest pain in my ass."

Richie honestly wasn't sure if he was going to laugh, cry, or blurt out something inappropriate so he bit his lip in order to keep his mouth shut.

Eddie quirked a smile before continuing. "But honestly, there's no one else I'd rather go through life with than you. You are my life, my love, my forever." He slid Richie's wedding band onto his finger, squeezing his hand before letting go.

Ben wiped a tear from his eye. "That was beautiful, Eddie. Richie?"

Richie took a deep breath. "Eddie, my love," he began, "All I ever wanted when we were kids was to be able to spend my life with you, but growing up I never thought I would be able to have that happiness. God, what I wouldn't have given back then to have been brave enough to tell you just how much you meant to me and to be able to hold you and kiss you. Well here we are 30 years later, where I'm now able to do all that and more. Better late than never, right?" He winked at Eddie, who seemed to be fighting back tears even as he let out a chuckle. 

"Every day I thank whatever higher power is in existence that I have you in my life. You are my best friend -- sorry Bill and Stan, the debate is finally settled -- my heart, my soul, and my partner in crime, in life, and in love. Words cannot even begin to express the love I feel for you, but I hope to be able to show it to you today and every single day for the rest of our lives." He slid Eddie's ring onto his ring finger, placing a soft kiss there as he did so.

Eddie was openly weeping. "You ass -- asshole, I -- I was expect -- expecting your vows to be fun-- funny," he hiccuped.

"Sorry to disappoint, babe," Richie said, wiping away Eddie's tears with his thumb.

Eddie shook his head. "I love you so fucking much."

"I love you too."

Ben discreetly blew his nose before continuing the ceremony. "Ok, well since there's no way anything could possibly top those vows, by the power vested in me I now pronounce you married. Fellow Losers, please join me in officially welcoming Misters Edward and Richard Kaspbrak-Tozier!"

Richie reached out and tilted Eddie's face up for their first kiss as husbands. He took Eddie's left hand in his and raised them above their heads, the setting sun glinting off of their matching rings. "We fucking did it!" he cheered as their friends surrounded them with love and congratulations.

Later, after Eddie had dragged Richie off to make good on his promise of a thorough ravishing,  the Losers sat in Mike's living room, warm and sated from Christmakkah dinner and good wine.

They had completed their Christmakkah gift opening and Bill, Ben, and Stan had just returned from putting their respective kids to bed. Richie and Eddie sat together on Mike's floor, fingers intertwined and Richie absentmindedly rubbing his finger across Eddie's wedding ring.

Bill stood and held up his glass. "I'd like to make a toast to the newlyweds," he announced. "Richie, Eddie, may your marriage be blessed with many years of happiness, laughter, and love. Congratulations, guys. We love you."

"To Richie and Eddie!" everyone echoed before taking a sip.

Richie gave Eddie a kiss before standing. "Actually I'd like to say something as well." He turned to Eddie. "Eddie, my husband, love of my life, congratulations on being the one to make an honest man out of me. Since Ben, Stan, Bill and Mike are all tragically straight, I guess you'll have to do."

Eddie rolled his eyes. "I knew you had written joke vows," he muttered fondly. "Jackass."

Richie chuckled. "No but seriously, thank you for loving me and bringing light to my life. I'm looking forward to spending a lifetime with you."

He turned to the rest of the Losers. "To you guys, thank you all for being a part of our special day.  You all went above and beyond to make sure that everything went off without a hitch, and I know that Eddie agrees with me when I say that you are the best bunch of Losers we could ever ask for. Mike, thank you for being such a gracious host and for putting up with Eddie's bridezilla-y ass the entire week before the wedding." 

"Hey!" Eddie protested. "You're the one who walked down the aisle, if anything you were the bride. I just wanted to make sure that we weren't forgetting any details."

"Whatever you say, oh husband of mine." Richie winked as Eddie got a sappy look on his face at the word 'husband'. Oh, I'm going to enjoy milking that for all its worth.

"Bill and Stan, thank you for being our witnesses. Really feeling the OG Losers love. Bev, thank you for designing my and Eddie's suits. Never thought my husband could look any more gorgeous than he does in his scrubs, but fuck, was I wrong. Ben, you were the best damn officiant we could've asked for. We love you, man. Patty, thanks again for taking wedding photos for us, we really appreciate it. Audra, same goes for the video. Now I have proof for when Eddie denies crying during my vows."

While he was talking, Eddie had gotten up and gathered gift bags, handing them out to each adult Loser in addition to handing an additional gift bag to Beverly, Audra, and Patty for the kids before returning to Richie's side and wrapping a hand around his waist. "Rich and I have a small gift for each of you as a token of our appreciation," he explained. "Hope you guys like them."

Richie and Eddie watched as each person pulled out their gift - a personalized wine glass and beer stein for the adults with the phrase, "Losers' Club est. 1989" and their names underneath and a personalized hooded towel for the kids with "Junior Loser" and their names monogrammed into the corner. 

"Patty, Audra, even though you two married into the Losers' Club, you're still official Losers in our hearts," Richie said, placing a hand over his chest.

After everyone had finished their drinks they bade each other goodnight before beginning to disperse to their respective rooms, Richie and Eddie heading hand-in-hand to theirs.

After they had showered and brushed their teeth, Richie climbed into bed, hovering over Eddie. "Hello, husband," he purred.

"Mmm, hello yourself, husband," Eddie replied, pulling Richie in for a tender kiss. "God, we're really fucking married, aren't we?"

Richie hummed in the affirmative. "Till death do us part, baby. No takebacks."

Eddie was silent for a moment. "No takebacks, huh? That gives me an idea."

A few days after they arrived back in Los Angeles, Richie sent a photo of his and Eddie's ring fingers sporting matching tattoos with their wedding date. Decided to make the symbol of our love a little more permanent. ;)

[the--blackdahlia]

Too Young to Fall in Love Chapter 9 (Dirt!Nikki x Reader)

Title: Too Young to Fall in Love 9

Summary: Nikki Sixx was a hard partying musician on the strip. He never expected to fall in love with anyone, until a girl knocked on his dressing room door looking for a ride home and took his breath away. Just like everything else Nikki did; the drugs, the money, the music; Nikki went hard with love. (Y/n) Bass never expected the bassist of Motley Crue to be the one to shake her calm and calculated life up. She had a plan. Graduate school, become an epic producer, and watch from behind the scenes as her brother’s band rose to fame. Nikki and (Y/n) were perfect for each other, too bad her brother, Tommy, didn’t think so.

Series warnings:  Smut (18+ Please), drug use, language, referenced miscarriage, drug overdose, mentioned attempted suicide, out of character moments for everyone in the band, the timeline might be a little screwy but it’s fanfiction! I know nothing of music production and my medical knowledge is really screwy, so it won’t be accurate.

Check out my Patreon for more!!!

She was waiting outside, looking down at her shoes like it was the most interesting. She was about to turn and head back in to check the time. Of course he wouldn’t show up. Why would he?

“Shit.” Nikki grumbled as he pulled up by the sidewalk.  Leaving the car idling, he ran up to her and gently grabbed her hand, making her turn and look at him. “Sorry! I’m so sorry! Tommy borrowed my car to get gas for his bike and then he lost my keys and I was looking for them and by the time I found them, it was after 6 o’clock. I… if you want to cancel I can understand, but please let me make it up to you for being late?” Nikki rambled as he looked down at the ground in shame.

"Oh Nikki, I was scared that you changed your mind." She looked away. "That Tommy sounds like fun."

“Like a snake bite,” Nikki sighed. “I’m really sorry, I understand if you don’t want to see me again,” Nikki breathed. He felt like a failure, he let her down.

"Of course I want to see you silly boy." She smiled at him. "Off we go?" She held her hand out for him.

Nikki gave her a bright smile, “Let’s go sweet girl,” he pulled her in for a sweet deep kiss. “Lets go catch our movie first and then dinner.”

He helped her into the car and drove off towards the movie theater.  The opted to see The E.T the Extra Terrestrial, and Nikki found himself liking the movie and loving (Y/n) snuggling up to him. They were sharing a bag of popcorn and there were few times where their hands reached at the same time. NIkki let her eat most of it. He kissed her head during the movie letting her know he was enjoying her company.  It didn’t take long before he gently pulled her face up and began kissing her deeply. His hand cupped her face before running his fingers rently through her hair.

(Y/n)felt herself pressing up against him and giving a soft sigh. Nikki smirked against her lips at the sounds she made. Kissing her again he felt his heart pound in his chest and the bulge in his pants get bigger.  Shifting slightly to fix himself he broke the kiss and touched his nose against hers.

“I hope Chinese is ok for dinner,” he whispered to her.    

“I love Chinese food.” (Y/n) smiled. “It’s like you can read my mind.”

“What can I say,” Nikki kissed her again. “I know what my girlfriend likes,” he realized his words and blush. “That is if you want to be… mygirlfriend.” he rushed.

“Mr. Sixx, did you just ask me to be your girlfriend?” (Y/n) laughed.

“Yes… unless you think it’s too fast and i’m not good enough… and….” Nikki felt her lips on his, shutting him up.

“I would love to be your girlfriend Nikki Sixx.” She smiled at him.

As soon as the movie was over they made their way to the Chinese restaurant. Once at a booth Nikki relaxed and smiled.

“So, you have siblings, and they sound kind of… I don’t know, mean?” Nikki shrugged. “I don’t know how anyone who cannot appreciate that brain of yours.”

“My siblings are kinda idiots,” (Y/n) laughed. “My sister is smarter than my brother. Nessa likes to say that mom and dad were saving all the brains for me.” She sighed. “I just wish I was as cool as them.”

“You are cool,” Nikki argued. “I mean hey, you listen to us and Aerosmith, and I’m sure you listen to other artists I haven’t mentioned that are pretty cool.” NIkki reached for her hand as he shoveled a spoonful of fried rice into his mouth.

“The Beatles are my favorite band,” She shrugged. “My brother teases me, but I cried so hard when John Lennon died.”

“You and me both sweet girl,” Nikki said and smiled at her. “Your brother sounds like he doesn’t know good music even if it hits him in the ass.”

“Oh, I’m telling him that.” She laughed. “He’d probably go pout and blair his old Led Zeppelin records.”

Nikki laughed but forgot he was eating and almost choked on his food. Taking a sip of water and cleared his throat, “Your brother is lame to make fun of you but listen to Zep!”

“Right?” She took a sip of her drink. “I can appreciate all kinds of different music. Just not classical. Not too big on it.” She smiled at him. “Besides yourself, what’s your favorite band?”

“Well, Zeppelin is one, then you got Queen, Leapard, Ramones, Kiss.” Nikki smiled.

“God, I would love to go see Queen.” (Y/n) said. “Freddie Mercury has better eyelashes and makeup than I do though.” She laughed. “But, I think your makeup is pretty good too.”

NIkki chuckled, “Maybe I can score us some tickets when they come by.” (Y/n) smiled at him.

“Do you have a gig tomorrow night?” (Y/n) asked. “My brother wants to hang out and...I just wanna make sure I don’t miss anything.”

“Yeah, we’re playing at Whiskey tomorrow,” Nikki said. “Best part is we live right down the street from it,” he put money on the table for their food. They got up and headed out.

“That’s convenient.” (Y/n) laughed. “Bet it’s party central there.”

“Sometimes,” Nikki shrugs, “But the parties are boring without you.”

“I never was one for big parties. My brother and sister used to make me hang out in my room when they threw house parties, or they sent me off to Nessa’s. Think that’s when I started falling in love with muric.” She shrugged.

“Well, I think you would be a party animal,” Nikki said as he pulled her close as he walked with her along the street. “I want to kiss you so bad right now.”

“Who’s saying you can’t?” (Y/n) asked with a smile. “Might be the last time you get to before your bandmates interrupt us.”

“I got the best spot for us,” he smiled. “Come on”

“Where are we going?” (Y/n) asked as Nikki led her down the street. Nikki led her to his car and drove her to the Hollywood sign.

“I figured we can get a nice view,” he said as he parked the car and helped her out. Lifting her by her waist he sat her on the hood and sat by her. “What do you think?”

“It’s beautiful.” She said, looking out of Los Angeles. “I’ve done day hikes up here, but never night. It’s gorgeous.”

NIkki was looking at her, “Yeah it is.” he smiled.

“Have you ever wanted to leave California?” (Y/n) asked him, staring down at the lights.

“I was born in San Jose, Mom moved around alot had a lot of shitty step-dads when my dad split.”  he sighed and looked at the scenery. “My childhood wasn’t a happy one.” She reached out and held his hand.

“I know my siblings were mean to me, but I can only imagine what you went through.” She leaned against him. “I hope that I can make you happy now though.”

“You already are making me happy sweet girl,” he whispered as he pulled her in for a kiss. One hand cupped her face, the other wrapped around her waist. “I feel like i’m falling real hard and fast for you (Y/n) I can’t explain it.”

“I think I might be falling for you too.” (Y/n) admitted, leaning in to kiss him again.

Nikki let his hands roam her body as his fingers found their way under her shirt. His lips moved from her mouth to her jaw, to her ear, and then down her neck. (Y/n) moaned softly, but slowly pushed him back.

“Nikki, I really like you, I do...but...I never...you know…” She looked down, ashamed.

“You mean you’re a...oh… OH!” Nikki caressed her cheek and moved her face so he could gaze into her eyes. “That just means I would need to plan a date in a more comfortable spot away from the guys.”  Nikki rasped. “That is if you still want to be with me… I won’t pressure you… I mean it’s your choice.”

‘I want to,” She told him. “Maybe a couple more dates?” She asked, afraid he’d be upset.

“Sounds like a plan,” he smiled as he brought her in for a kiss. “How about I take you home?”

“Sounds great.” She smiled and slid off the hood with him. “Thank you for tonight.”

“Anything for my girl,” he said helping her into the car and driving her home holding her hand the whole way. He pulled up at the dorm.

“Thank you Nikki.” She smiled at him. “I had a great time. And I’ll be at the concert tomorrow night, barring inconvenience. I don’t have any classes tomorrow after my 8 am.”

“Maybe I can sneak away for a few to come make out with you?” Nikki wiggled his eyebrows as he parked next to the sidewalk to her dorm. Leaning over he pulled her in for another kiss. “Sorry, I just can’t help myself.”

“I think I’d love that.” She kissed him again. “I can’t get enough of that.”

“Ok, I’ll see what I can do just tell me where you’ll be at and I can meet you.” Nikki smiled kissing her again.

“Okay.” She kissed him one more time. “I probably should get in. Thank you for everything again Mr. Sixx.”

“Ok, sweet girl.” he whispered before kissing her again. “I’ll call you when I get to my apartment just to make sure you’re ok.” he whispered.

“I might be asleep, so please don’t be upset if I don’t answer.” (Y/n) told him. “Goodnight Nikki.” She kissed his cheek and headed towards the door, where Vanessa was waiting.

Nikki drove off towards his home as Vanessa ushered Y/N to her dorm. “So...how was it?”

“Amazing.” (Y/n) said dreamily. “I really like him Nessa. Would you want to go see Motley Crue tomorrow night? Athena might want to go too.”

“Does that mean I get to meet the infamous Vince Neil?” she said. “Rumor has it he’s really good in bed.”

“Sure, we’ll set you up.” (Y/n) laughed. “Let’s go get some sleep. I’ve got an 8 am.” They headed to Vanessa’s room. She had a double room, but no room mate. “I need to tell him I don’t really live here.”

“Do it sooner rather than later,” she sang. “So how should I dress tomorrow?”

“Jeans and I’ll let you borrow one of my band tees.” (Y/n) told her. “You’ll knock him dead.”

“That sounds like a plan,” Vanessa sighed as she gave (Y/n) some PJ's to sleep in. “So… are you and Nikki going to…. have a deflowering ceremony?” she batted her eyes at (Y/n).

“Oh my god.” (Y/n) groaned. “We talked about it. I think he wanted to tonight and I told him I’d never...and he seemed okay with waiting.” She sighed. “He’ll probably just find another girl on the side, right?”

“I wouldn’t hold my breath,” Vanessa smiled. “He seems happy with you.”

Forever Tags: @anathewierdo @dekahg @marvel-af-imagines @feelmyroarrrr @nanie5 @imboredsueme @gemini0410 @aiaranradnay @babypink224221 @mogarukes @xxwarhawk @sandlee44 @shatteredabby @caswinchester2000 @supernaturalwincestsblog @lauravic @mrsambroserollinsacklesmgk @teller258316 @horrorpxnk

Motley Crue Tags:  @primal-screamer @waywardprincess666 @twistnet @saint-of-los-angeles @vader-kai @motleyfuckingcruee @sharon6713 @kawennote09 @2dead2function @nikkisixxwiththebass @flamencodiva @iamtiber-andtiberismusic @jayprettymuchomw @charlyallise @you-know-im-a-dreamer @livingdeadharley @motleycrying @arianareirg @the-normal-potato @nikki-sixxtynine @jjjjjjjoshdun @just-a-normal-fangirl18 @stella20131991 @tarahell @wowilovenikkisixx

Nikki Sixx Tags:  @daisystuffsstuff

Too Young to Fall in Love Tags:  @kingbouji3 @leximus98 @thekidbakerinthetardis @crystalbaby12

[writing-in-riverdale]

twin andrews part 8 | jughead x reader

part seven

a/n: im super sorry that these are all messed up and events aren’t happening in order blah blah & i haven’t been posting often and all that nonsense but I’ve been in a weird head space and haven’t had the energy or want to write the past week. this chapter really shows how crap my writing has been lately and hence why its kinda all over the place,  struggle to write this part for some reason I’m yet to be made known, these are always organic and i love this story with my whole entire heart but this part seemed force for some reason? ill get better and post regular soon enough my loves, I’m sorry again. enjoy xx

✖

i was woken abruptly from my sleep when my brother swings open the bathroom door flicking on the light switch. i shift from my position on the floor my neck and back already aching.

i didn’t even need to look in the mirror to know that i have makeup all over my face, i didn’t have the opportunity to wash it off after a last minute unscheduled break down occurred.

“are you okay?” he offers me his hand sleep still evident in his voice, i shake my head standing up on my own ignoring his judging glances as i splash water on my face, refreshing myself before leaving him stunned and worried in our bathroom.

i walk down the hall and into my room siting myself down on my already made bed. i sigh already not looking forward to the lecture i was about to receive from my mother and my father.

i finally make the move to get ready pulling myself together for the day, trying to make myself look less zombie like and more; im frocking in a valley filled with flowers.

i barely make it half way down the street before betty rushes to my side panting, a worried expression on her face. “you good blondie?” she pants trying to catch her breathe from her spur of the moment jog.

“what happened to you last night? i tired to call you a billion times!” she stammers a frown forming on her lips “what’d i miss?”

we begin our walk to school as betty rambles on about finding her sister in a home for ‘trouble youths’ only to find her pregnant with jasons baby and totally unaware of his death.

oh but it doesn’t end there, they had planned to run away and jason has stashed a car on the highway which the two sleuths found photographed and then reported to sheriff keller; when i saw the pair at the variety show mid break down

but once they finally got the squad car out there the car was up in flames destroying all possible evidence in the car, the believe that they were followed and now well now polly broke out of the loony bin she was in

“and that’s what you missed on glee” i mumble as she tugs me into the student lounge all of our friends already vacating the couches provided

i flop down on the couch wincing as my neck starts to ache, i was too wrapped up in my discomfort that i didn’t even notice i had sat down next to jughead.

we hadn’t spoken since he left me at the school last night, things were still tender and i didn’t know where i stood with him anymore.

apon my arrival the group discussion seemed to fizzle into nothing, worry and nervousness plaster on their faces. thats when i knew that archie must’ve told them what happened last night

i swallow hard, bring my hand up to stroke the tenderness in my neck and shoulders “you okay?” ronnie perks up knowing exactly why. i was still mad at her for not telling me about our parents, i thought she was supposed to have my back

“i just slept funny that’s all” i cough, awkwardness still evident in the air “so betty fill me in more what happening with polly now?”

betty begins to ramble on about polly breaking out and now being no where to find and thats she’s worried that the blossom will think that polly’s connect somehow to the car blaze and quite possibly, jason’s murder.

the others were too caught up in bettys worrying words that they didn’t catch jughead moving to sit next to me his arm snaking around my waist trying to comfort me

i exhale moving toward him allowing myself to feel somewhat relaxed at his touch. i offer him a small smile before he places his hands back into his lap, trying not to draw attention to us.

“we need to find her before the blossoms do” betty concluded looking to me with sad eyes. i slip my hand over hers giving it a squeeze “and we will- all of us”

i look to jughead and the others begging them to back me up “we’ll find her b” veronica smiles at her blonde friend placing her coffee cup onto the table infront of her

“thanks guys” a smile widens on her face glancing back at me

the bell rings indicating the start of first period, i mumble a quick goodbye before fleeing the group and entering the hall head hung low

my loneliness is short lived when betty & veronica are on either side of me pestering me in what happened with me last night.

“nothing- seriously i haven’t been feeling too well so i just left and went home” the raven haired girl sighs “we can’t help you if you don’t tell us (y/n/n)”

you give the worried girl a half smile “if there was something wrong yous would be the first to know, i promise” they share glances between each other before giving in “fine”

✖

“no body told me we were treking through the woods” i complain as we trudge through the muddy forrest in search of the older cooper girl.

the blossoms found out about polly & the car and in the blossoms books polly was now a prime suspect in their sons murder meaning, we had to find polly before the blossoms did

i drifted to the back of the pack not being able to shake the idea of my dad with hermione out of my brain. a twig trips me and i almost end up face first into the mud when a pair of arms grab me

“woah” i exhale as the arms let me go allowing myself to gain my composer, i tune slightly catching the raven hair in the sunlight. “thanks reggie” i mumble stuffing my hands in my pocket

this was the first time we’d spoken since the playbook ordeal and honestly i didn’t want anything to do with him ever again. but i knew, i knew that there was more to him then his jock exterior.

“i want to apologise-” i shake my head but he grabs my shoulder alarming “please let me finish” i smack my lips together waiting for his explanation.

“i was an asshole, i know that but i-i really like you (y/n) and i want you to give me another chance” i furrow my eyebrows glancing to see jughead burning a hole in my head

i turn to the boy shaking my head slightly when he crashes his lips onto mine, i push on his chest instantly breaking our contact “what the hell mantle!” i yell moving away from the boy toward my friends.

my breathe shakes as i try and catch up to the brunette boy. my brother rushes toward me anger on his face “what’s wrong?! I swear to god if he touched you-” he stammers his face growing redder by the minute.

“archie leave it please” i push his chest trying to calm the angry boy, he finally gives in letting my drag him over toward our friends.

betty’s too focused on her missing sister to even bat an eyelid at her friends behaviour, walking ahead catching up with her parents. i spot jughead and rush over to him tugging lightly on his arm “jug” i plead

he turns around, a scowl on his face “jug please, don’t be mad at me i didn’t do anything wrong” i whisper trying not to cause a scene “forget it (y/n)” he scoffs moving away from me leaving with no other choice than to watch him leave

nothing seemed to be going my way today, i let out a long sigh as veronica joins my side “you doing anything tonight?” she asks wickedly.

“no why?” i ask puzzled glancing between kevin and veronica “well me and a few others were thinking of going out tonight- be the best gal pal and come with?” i smile to myself.

“count me in oh and bets” she inhales sharply at the name drop “she’s got enough of her plate- I don’t think she’ll be up for it” I shrug “yeah well you’re right- ill see you later yeah?”

“come to my house and we’ll get ready together?” i nod as she tackles me in a tight hug “bye!” she chirps leaving me alone with my thoughts.

a few hours later we’d finally given up on the man hunt and come to the conclusion that the blossoms and the coopers were now on the ‘same team’ apon finding out that polly was indeed carrying jasons baby

which brings me to now, walking home with my brother and betty. it was silent the sounds of leaves crunching under our feet as no one dares to speak, the wind whistle through the trees as we reach the front of our house.

i find myself thinking back to reggie and our kiss- how jughead witnessed it and felt betrayal from yet another person whom was supposed to be his best friend

“you okay?” my brother asks as betty rushes into her house after a brain wave. “yeah” i smile weakly moving up the steps “can you drive me to V’s?”

he nods scooping up his keys and ushering me back out to the car “i need to tell you something-” he starts but i interrupt him “arch it’s getting bad again”

he starts the car his eyes twitching “why didn’t you tell me?” i sigh disappointment flooding his voice, “i didn’t want mum or dad to know arch- they’ll send me back”

“i won’t tell dad, unless you-” i shake my head “please don’t finish that sentence” i whisper lowly closing my eyes as fresh tears drip down my cheeks

“we’re here” he whispers, i open my eyes to see us infront of veronica’s building “thank you” i lean over the console and wrap my arms around the red headed boy “im sorry”

he squeezes me back before letting me shrink back into m seat “have fun okay?” i nod wiping my tears exiting the car “wait what did you want to tell me?” he shakes his head “ill tell you later yeah?” i nod stepping back from the car watching him drive off into the distance.

✖

“i can’t believe you talked me into this” i mumble as we walk into the busy club, veronica had invited our mutual friends josie & kevin but she had seemed to neglect to mention that our very own mantle the magnificent would be in attendance also

apparently she need disposable arm candy, she was right on both counts.

“i don’t know about you but im getting unbelievably drunk” i announce to the group before  walking over to the bar and ordering a round sticking it on the lodge girls tab

we all had a few too many tequila shots before veronica grabbed my hand and pulled me out onto the dance floor, the bass thumping through my chest as we begin dancing throwing our hair behind our shoulders

we sway to the rhythm of the beat, the sounds tempo growing faster the more intoxicated we got. reggie managed to sneak up behind me grabbing my hips and tugging them back slightly

not giving a care in the world i push back into him, his nails seemed to dig into my waist at this point, he’s hands felt like fire on my exposed skin.

we move as one swaying against each other before reggie turns me around his hands moving all over my body, too drunk to process anything i giggle pressing my soft lips to his, feeling a drive inside of me that wanted reggie.

i pull back lust filling my eyes as are friends squeal, whistling at the two of us. i look back to the raven haired boy only to see jughead, i leaned forward and kissed him again pulling back to see reggie

“reggie?” i mutter the music drowning out my voice “what’s wrong baby?” he rasps moving close to me, i close my eyes trying to shake jughead out of my head, did i really want jughead that bad that i imagined him?

he nibbles at my neck and i look forward, lucid. kevin seemed to be seeing a little more straight, stumbling over to the pair of us “easy on mantle” he pulls me from the jocks grasp walking me over toward our booth, his hand on the small of my back

i spot a bartender and ask for another round of tequila before the whole group flopped down the lady returning with a tray filled with 5 shots

the others seemed to pale as they saw the liquid sitting before them, one glance to reggie as he grinned away at you didn’t make you think twice before polishing off all 5 shots

the club owner walks over muttering a few words to veronica and the rest of us but my head was spinning like no ones business. next thing i know reggies picking me up and carrying me toward our ride home

we reach my house and i giggle snuggling myself into kevin, he huffs helping me out the car watching as veronica walks me toward my front door, feeling like bambi on ice

the door swings opening revealing a very worried archie “archiekins!!” i giggle throwing myself into his arms “thanks ronnie” she nods walking back to the car as archie struggles to hold me upright as he shuts the front door and sneaks me upstairs without my dad hearing us, harder than it sounds trust me.

“stay here ill duck down and get you some water” i nod leaning against the door frame almost collapsing when i look in to see my raven haired friend laying down the pull out mattress in my brothers room.

he shifted on the bed seeming to have be almost asleep, i tip toe inside not thinking twice before i dropped to my knees crawling onto the boys lap, kissing him awake.

i know he’s awake when he kisses back his hips shifting under mine “hey baby” i coo giggling to myself, he places his hands on either side of my hips as i teasingly grind on him

he jolts up almost throwing me off his lap “juggie!” i yell playfully my arms secured around his neck he licks his lips “where have you been?” he questions.

“out with ronnie” i giggling running my hands through his hair, “you’re beautiful” i whisper looking down to his lips

“(y/n)!” my brother rushes forward pulling me off the raven haired boys lap “im so sorry she’s drunk” he rushes holding me up right “you don’t say?” he chuckles “it’s fine arch” he reassures.

“im going to go to bed” i state slyly “juggie wanna come with meee” i tease biting my bottom lip “(y/n)!” he warns

i turn and pout stumbling out of archies room and into mine changing into one of archies shirt and the shortest shorts i own before wondering back into the bathroom wipes in hand

i open the bathroom door running into a body, a laugh sneaks out of my lips as i almost fall, it was jughead once again.

“what are you doing?” he chuckles your eyes glued to his plump lips, i hold up my wipes and he chuckles, placing his large hands under my thighs lifting me up and placing me on the counter.

“you can barley stand, let me do it” i smile stupidly allowing the boy to remove all my makeup before i find myself drifting off, my head leaning against the mirror behind me.

“c'mere” he whispers in my ear as he takes me in his arms walking me into my room and placing me gently onto the bed, “thanks baby” i mumble clinging to the poor boy

“goodnight” he laughs placing a soft kiss on the forehead before exiting my room, sleep engulfing me as soon as i shut my eyes.

✖

the sun streams through my window and i feel like my eyes have been set on fire, i groan attempting to sit up only for my head to throb like nobodies business.

i swing my legs out of my bed, my feet tingling in the soft carpet. i push myself up only for my legs to seem to fall from beneath me, i cuss as my body hits the ground my head spinning.

my bedroom door swings open revealing my brother and jughead, they share a glance sighing as they take in my state. “jughead?” i say slightly surprised that the raven haired boy was in my house at 7am.

“thats what i wanted to tell you last night, he’s staying with us for a bit” puzzled i place a hand on my head feeling it throb, “what happened last night?”

“you reeked of tequila” jughead jokes and at the mention i feel a wave of nausea wash over me, i jump up sprinting past the two as i throw myself at the toilet bowl beginning to throw up my whole stomach contents.

i  lean back against the wall taking a sigh of relief before my head starts to throb again, i crawl over to the sink grabbing my toothbrush and ridding myself of my vomit breathe.

“here” i jump at the sound that sounded 10 times louder then it was, i smile through the mirror at the brunette boy behind me. i turn and take the glass from his hands “thank you” i whisper taking large gulps.

he laughs at me which makes me want to cry “jug” i complain playfully shoving his chest, which only caused he to chuckle more. “god i do not remember a damn thing” i let out a tired sigh.

“wait you don’t?” he ask, puzzled. “nope- well i mean i remember taking 1-2-3- actually i stopped counting after 8 tequila slammers” i grimace 

“and you don’t remember coming home?” he questions as we walk back toward my bedroom “you were here last night?!” i panic trying to rack my brain if i did anything remotely stupid in front of the cute rave haired boy. 

“so you don’t-” he starts before my brother walks toward the pair of us a smug smile on his face “remember crawling on top of jug and making out with him? yano grinding? tongue down his throat?”

he chuckles and i play feeling extremely embarrassed too scared to look at jugheads expression i shove the two out of my room shutting the door behind them.

“fuck” i cuss a knock soflty placed on my door “go away archie!”

“not archie” my eyes almost pop out of my head as i open the door to come face to face with my father, i scowl on his face.

i look further down the hall to see that the boys had made themselves scarce, “(y/n)” he addresses me “fred” i counter back

“mind telling me why you were out till 3am drinking, on a school night?” my mouth hangs open “jeez arch thanks” i yell down the short corridor.

“young lady i am talking to you” i huff shrinking back, “i was out with v”

“drinking” he argues “you can’t go to school with a hang over (y/n), stay home, hydrate” he states dryly. i throw my arms around the tall man “thanks freddy”

“don’t push it” i nod rushing back to my bed snuggling under the covers letting myself fall back to sleep.

✖

turns out sleep wasn’t the way to go to cure a hangover so i went to the second best thing, pop’s. i rushed around to change and set out on the short walk to the diner my stomach rumbling as the smell of fries and bacon filled the air the closer i got to the doors.

i give pop a small smile ordering before wondering over to one of the booths, sinking into the blush chair closing my eyes ever so slightly, equation becoming clear.

pop returns with my cheeseburger plopping the plate infront of me aswell as a milkshake glass “you’re a legend” i whisper inhaling the sweet smell of greasy meat lathered in cheese.

“wheres hermione?” i question picking at my bowl of fries “she didnt tell you?” he questions only for me to shake my head in response. the door chimes as jughead moves swiftly through the door and toward me.

“she’s working with your dad, she quit yesterday” my stomach flips nausea coming back to me, jughead seemed to notice my mood change saying a quick hi to pop as he slides in next to me, a comforting arm slipped around m waist.

“thanks pop” i smile sadly tuning out as jughead places an order before the dark skinned man moved back toward the counter.

“hey whats wrong?” jughead whispers softly, his hands moving at my sides. I’m quick to wipe a fallen tear, “i don’t think my parents are ever going to get back together” i say through tears feeling glances of empathy from the jones boy.

“im so naive” i wipe my cheeks furiously feeling awfully pathetic. “you’re not naive- okay? or pathetic or stupid or whatever your minds telling you are” he says tentatively.

i sniffle leaning my head against the boys shoulder “I’m a hot mess juggie” i whisper “well your definitely one of those” i giggle to myself “a mess?” i question looking into his soft eyes.

“nope, hot, a beautiful, hot, smart, kind mess” i feel my heart swelling in my chest as i find myself blushing, burying my head in the boys chest. i breathe him in my hands clutching the materials of his shirt.

“thank you” i whisper pulling away to see his face, he smiles glancing around the near empty diner before pressing his lips against mine.

“you can’t seem to get enough? can you?” i tease my hands gliding down his neck in a playful manner, “hate to break it to you sweet heart but your the one who came onto me” he replies cockily.

“is that so? i guys ill remember that for next time” i tease, he seemed to grow tense at the mention of next time.

“next time?” his adams apple bops as he swallows, “well you know, next time i find myself on top of you-” i pur moving my hand up his jean clad thigh, working its way up to play with hi suspenders.

“when I’m grinding on top of you- you kissing my neck, me kissing yours” i tease watching his little friend get awfully excited. 

“(y/n)” he warns his eyes darting to the on lookers, only to find them keeping to themselves. he licks his lips crashing his lips back onto yours only to be short lived as he pulls back panting.

“you you-you can’t do this in public please” he whines.

“and what makes you think ill want-” he pause “you, again” he attempts to smirk his cheeks growing red.

“your trying to tell me that you and” i pause pointing down to the tent pitched i  his pants “him” i giggle “don’t have any attraction to me?”

he places both hands in his lap trying to conceal himself, “yep” he says smoothing oozing with confidence, “you’re on” i smirk.

“what wait?” he rushes watching as my brother walks through the diner door, walking toward the two of us, he turns to me begging to tell me what he’d just gotten himself into.

i turn away from him biting into my cheeseburger “i knew id find yous here” archie sigh aspirated slipping into the booth leaning forward and nipping one of my fries “hey!”

“so jug told you?” he breathes relief “my dad spoke to your dad and managed to talk him out of storming into the station guns blazing” he laughs awkwardly silence filling the air.

puzzled i turn to the raven haired boy “why was your dad at the station?” “wait he didn’t tell you?” my brother asked confused as jughead cuts him off “it doesn’t matter” he defends.

“jug” i state seriously “what happened today?” i pester worrying filling me like a balloon. he sighs resting his head in his hands “they took me in- they thought i torched jasons car-” my jaw drops

“and you didnt think to tell me?!” i scowl anger bubbling up “i didn’t think you needed to know everything” he retorts “what the hell is that supposed to mean?” i argue my brother watching the events unfold before him.

“am i not important enough to know that you were arrested in the middle of school?!” he shakes his head looking off into the distance. “screw you” i mumble climbing roughly over the boy exiting the diner in a blaze of fury.

i slam my bedroom door behind me feeling awfully stupid, why hadn’t anyone tried to contact you when he was taken in. you pace pulling your hair out of its ponytail you flop onto your bed.

✖

“I’m sure he has a perfectly good reason why he did tell you (y/n/n)” i sigh propping my foot onto the blondes thigh as she paints my toe nails, i had invited her over to get the details about today considering my idiotic brother and he’s best friend seemed to have no intention of telling me.

“what if it was my brother? if he got arrested and he didn’t think to tell you?! you wouldn’t like it either!” i snap watching the blonde jolt slightly at the ice in my tone.

“god- b I’m sorry I’m just upset, thank you.. for coming over” she smiles happily placing my foot onto the ground, screwing the cap back on the polish before reaching for my hands.

“you’re my friend, id do anything for you” she declares before reaching forward and hugging me tight.

“has anything happened between you and jug? you seem close?” she quires, curiosity ringing clear in her words. i fumble for words but was instantly saved when the door swings open revealing jughead in the door way.

“jug” his name falls out of my mouth, silence fills the room none of us knowing what exactly to say.

“betty i didn’t know you were here- i uh hope i didn’t interrupt anything” he states nervously placing his hands in his pockets

“don’t be silly jug, i was just leaving” she says sweetly standing from her place on my bed placing to the both of us, neither of us wanting to make eye contact with each other.

“text me yeah?” betty offers and i nod standing and hugging the girl bye as she walks past jughead whisper something before she exits the room. i perch myself on the edge of my bed, hanging my head into my hands.

i feel the bed dip as a figure sits down next to me “I’m sorry” he whispers his hand gliding over my back in a soothing matter. you didn’t even notice you were crying until you felt the soft drops on my knees.

“hey please don’t cry” he whisper softly, i whimper burying my head into his chest, we sit for a while, together peacefully on my bed my cries getting softer and softer until they finally stopped.

i pull back giggling slightly “told you i was a mess” i sniffle as he wipes my cheeks dry, “i should’ve told you the second i walked into pops, you just- i don’t want you to think any less of me” he pauses sucking in a breathe.

“why would you care what i think? above everyone else?” i question earning a long sigh “because- you-  you’re above everyone else, i really care about you- (y/n) andrews” he whispers lowly.

happy tears brim my eyes, “jug” i chuckle moving my head into his neck placing several kisses. he moans slightly and i giggling curling my legs up into his lap as he told me all about school and sheriff kellers questioning.

“oh and my dad got his job back- with your dad- we’re going to dinner” he smiles happily “the last time i saw your dad i was a blabbing mess juggie” he grins at the memory placing a kiss to her temple “i know”

“you’ll be fine just get changed and we’ll meet with them yeah?” i nod pushing myself off the bed and away from the raven haired boy.

feeling a little more relieved about where you stood with the boy i started to feel little playful, remembering the small diner bet you remove your shirt without thinking twice.

“oh my god (y/n)” he breathes out he’s words fumble on my bed, i turn and batter my eyelids at the boy, he rushed forward covering my chest with his jacket “i thought you dint want me?” i tease.

he licks his lips “i don’t" he stammers nervously “what if your brother walked in?!” he exclaims. you move away from the boy removing your jeans causing the boy to dash out of your room leaving you in a blushing mess.

✖

dinner was awkward, the five of us were crammed into one of the booths the table littered with burgers and fries. i was stuck between jughead & archie watching my father try and make polite conversation with the southside man.

“isn’t it unbelievable that she looks just like mary did in highschool?” FP comments a famous jones smirk on his lips. i swallow feeling uncomfortable at the name drop

my dad nods turning to me with a sad smile “yeah she does doesn’t she- she’s beautiful” my eyes well with tears as i watch him exhale in desperation.

“mary was a hot one in high school but not as hot as hermione right fred?” he nudges my dad the boys laughing “what’s that supposed to mean?” i interject my eyes wide with curiosity.

“your dad and her used to date in high school” he cackles grinning ear to ear “im mean your mother wasn’t the nicest person in high school, but from what i know i guess she’s still a bitch”

“don’t you dare talk about my mother like that” i snap anger coursing through my veins, as much as i say i despise my mother i will not let some middle aged man bag her out over burgers and milkshakes, no way in hell.

“(y/n) it’s okay” my dad try’s to reason laughing along with his friend “how is it okay, dad?” i argue feeling a hand intertwine with mine under the table.

“let’s not do this” he waves pop over for the bill, “yeah keep putting it off, just like you do with the divorce papers” i hiss.

“feisty little one you’ve got there andrews” the jones man teases “what can i say, i get it from my mother” i turn to jughead gesturing him to leave the booth.

he drops my hand and allows me to move away from the men, “ill see you back at the house” i mutter moving away, desperate glances from my brother and my raven haired best friend.

the loud hum of guitars in our garage stopped me from being able to study and i was getting extremely frustrated. pulling on a jumper i move down the stairs and outside the cold air nipping at my face.

i walk in and catch the boys in what seemed like a hushed conversation, “hey” i mumble shifting on my feet “cute socks” jughead teases noticing my somber expression.

i walk over and plant myself in between the two of them, “im sorry about my dad-” i shake my head sighing “jug please don’t apologise, it’s not your fault” i interject.

we hear voices approaching the garage and jughead rushes to his fathers jacket removing the flask and stashing it in the couch before rushing back to his original spot next to me

his father stumbles in drunk, no control over his body as he fall onto the couch “we should get going” jughead announces standing from his spot on the couch.

i stand quickly from my spot grabbing at his wrist stopping him from moving forward “wait- your not staying?” he shakes his head and i sigh “ill be okay” he reassures before moving past me and helping his father stand up right.

he glances back as we all share somber expression, FP jones was drowning and he was pulling jughead down with him.

✖

“a baby shower?” i question my brows furrowing, “is that really a good idea?” i yawn. i didn’t get much sleep last night, i was up worrying about jughead staying with his father and not to mention the news of finding out that my dad’s rekindling with his first love

“yes, it’s a great idea!” she reassures betty & i grabbing at her hands “fine v, it sounds great” betty smiles as the raven haired girl squeaks in joy.

“well atleast i don’t have to go” jughead breathes out leaning back into the lockers, i turn toward him narrowing my eyes “you’re going” he pulls his eyebrows together “why-” i cut him off “jughead if i have to go this then so, do, you”

he raises his hands up in surrender “okay okay” i smile to myself laughing at the boy before popping a piece of watermelon into my mouth, the bell ringing

“you wanna help me plan (y/n/n)?”i nod my head continuing to nibble on my fruit, “yeah sure” she grabs onto my hand pulling me away from the group and out of the school.

i follow closely behind the raven haired girl as she pulls me into a booth ordering for the booth of us and pulling out a notebook and a few pens.

“okay so..” my eyes drift out the window watching the rain splatter onto the glass “what do you think” she concludes tugging at my arm.

“did you know?” i mutter, turning my gaze so it was on her “know what?” she knits her eyebrows together giving me a puzzled expression

“about my dad” she inhales sharply pausing as pop places our orders infront of us “yes” i roll my eyes laughing curtly to myself “(y/n)” she says softly trying to reach out for my hand.

“why didn’t you tell me v? this is-this is what friends are supposed to be for! to have your back and tell you what’s going on” i mutter frustrated feeling fears build up in my eyes

“im so sorry (y/n) i didn’t know it upset you so much” she whispers back moving her hands on top of mine “i didn’t know it would either” i sniffle hot tears rolling down my cheeks.

“my dad kept putting off the divorce and i thought- that maybe that things weren’t as bad, that maybe-“ “they’d get back together”

“i feel so naive and stupid v” i confess tears dripping onto my shirt, she sighs in disbelief “you’re not stupid or naive, you’re hopeful and it’s not always a bad thing”

i wipe my eyes, “i better go v” i announce, she wines extending her arms “we’ve barley even started planning!!” she urges tugging at my wrist

“i need to drop in and see my dad- my brother and the others are filling in for dad’s crew-” she nods understandingly “fine ill call b- go”

i smile at her before swiftly exiting the booth and making my way over to my dad’s office, i could see the boys off in the distance helping with the demo, hard hats and all.

“hello darling” i turn my head to see hermione exiting he office clipboard in hand, “i was looking for my dad?” she points over to my father supervising the boys “thank you” i smile at her before quickly headed in my fathers direction.

“hey bud” my father greets me wiping sweat from his forehead, i smile brightly at the man glancing around the worksite “how’s it going” he nods looking at the boys work.

“they’ve been a big help-” he pauses as my brother walks over wheelbarrow filled with rubble “you work that wheelbarrow archikins” i tease

“i need you both home tonight-” he narrows his eyes at the both of us “i was going to get some study done with betty-” he shakes his head “this can’t wait” i nod laughing slightly “fine”

my brother lingers back with my dad as i walk away in the direction of the raven haired boy hauling concrete, “oo, something about tank tops and hard hats that make me drool” i giggle gaining the boys attention.

“what are you doing here?” he sounds hoarse “just wanted to see you” i admit fiddling with my hair “oh yeah?” he smirks, his muscles flexing

“what can i say i have a thing for working class men” i wink touching his chest playfully “everything okay?- with your dad?” i nod “yeah, apparently he has important news or something- i have to cancel study with b” i huff turning on my spot to see my brother and my dad in what seemed like a hushed conversation.

“im sure it’s nothing” he assures me stepping forward, i let out a sigh glancing down to his lips, he catches on shuffling toward me “you okay?” he whispers lowly.

i nod dragging my hands through my hair “of course-i’ll let you get back to it”

”(y/n) you can talk to me you know? about anything" he edges closer to me, sympathy in his eyes “i know, i spoke to v. im okay juggie seriously”.

“veronica? really?” he responds a slight sting to his words “since when were you bestie with her?” i flinch at the unexpected tone “we aren’t! jeez jug she can just relate to me a-”

he cuts me off with a scoff “what im not relatable enough?!” he steps back putting more distance between us as he stacks the concrete into the wheelbarrow beside him

“seriously jones?! your jealous because i told ronnie about my feelings toward my parents divorce?!” i hiss “ronnie?” he pauses laughing slightly to himself

“forget it” i mutter moving away from the boy running into moose as i head toward my brother “hey (y/n)” i sign “hey moose” i reply tiredly

“could you hold my phone for me i don’t want it to fall from my pocket i nod placing it in my bag before walking over to my father.

“everything okay?” he asks and i nod plastering a smile on my face “what can i do to help” i ask placing my bag down next to me “okay well how about you start with this”

✖

“it’s getting pretty dark dad i think it’s time to knock off” i notify my dad, my feet starting to ache from standing so long. he nods calling the boys into the office.

the sun seems to set in record time as the industrial lights click on the boys staggering up the steps for refreshments, i head up the stairs when moose comes bounding down.

“do you still have my phone” i widen my eyes “crap i left it in my bag” he follows me back down the steps and over toward a pile of bricks where i’d left my bag

i swipe it up and turn to moose to see a few men smashing up my dad’s equipment “hey!” we both yell in sync walking closer to the men in anger.

next thing i knew the blurry black figure was rushing toward me throwing me against the trailer wall punching me in the face and kicking moose in the stomach.

i scream out as they throw me on the floor next to moose, falling limp as they beat me to a pulp, they scream when they hear the others rush from the office and toward us

i groggily open my eyes to see my dad and brother huddled over me “someone call sheriff keller” i hear them yell blood rushing from my lip.

i sit up feeling dizzy almost fall back but archie slips in behind me holding me upright “what happened?!” my dad begs desperation in his voice as he looks to the injured jock.

“we saw them trash the equipment and they chased us down and-” my dad nods looking toward me pulling me into a hug brushing down my hair “your going to be okay”

the boys lift me up and usher me toward hermione’s car as she drives me to the hospital so my father could stay back and give a statement to sheriff keller

betty & veronica had rushes to the hospital at the news just as they were patching me up, nothing too serious just a few bruised ribs and a split lip aswell as a few small cuts and bruises.

“what the hell happened?!” veronica exclaimed as the two rush into the small room i was told to sit in, just to make sure nothing else was wrong with me, brain wise.

“just some jerks trashing my dad’s equipment, moose and i saw and they made the jump on us- im fine, honestly they didn’t even admit me im practically brand new” i joke a smile on my sore face.

“god you gave us a heart attack!” betty yells her voice raised as she pulls me into a bone crashing hug “ribs ribs ribs” i exclaim wincing “brand new huh?” i roll my eyes “take me home yeah?”

with a nod and a few sign documents veronica’s mum dropped betty and i home just as my brother had arrived with my father and jughead.

betty keeps her arm looped in mine as we wave off the lodge girls walking toward my family. my dad rushes over hugging me tightly “ow ow” i wince my eyes pricking with tears.

“broke some ribs- apparently” i complain offering a weak smile, guilt covers his entire face “i need to call your mother and let her know- thank you betty” he smiles to my blonde best friend.

“anytime mr andrews- ill see you at the baby shower yeah?” i nod squeezing her hand “see you there” i follow everyone inside, vegas jumping up at our feet

“hey baby-hey vegas my wilttle baby” i coo in a baby voice letting her like my face, “i missed you girl, i missed you” i giggle as her fur tickles my face

“c'mon bed” i straight up glancing up at my brother “wow okay mum” i poke fun walking past him and up the stairs, i swing into the bathroom deciding that a warm shower could help me sleep.

my towels wrapped tightly around my wet body as i quickly brush my teeth before exiting the bathroom, almost loosing my towel as i run into a body.

“jug?” i sigh, tightening my towel. he licks his lips looking at my own, his eyes dropping down to my chest and then my legs “you okay?” i ask the raven headed boy as he checks me out

i was too busy staring at him that i didn’t even notice his hands around my waist, he tugs me toward him and i suck in a breathe glancing down to his lips “archie’s-” “asleep” he finishes.

i bite my lip ducking past him and rushing to my room putting on a decent amount of clothes before re opening my door “juggie” i call softly down the hall watching as jughead exists the bathroom.

once he’s close enough i grab at his shirt pulling him into my room in one swift movement “woah” he chuckles grabbing onto my waist for support.

“stay with me?” i whisper lowly, wetting my lips with my tongue “please” i beg fiddling with his shirt.

“okay” he whispers back allowing me to slip into my bed, he kneels down joining our hands together as i close my eyes attempting some sort of sleep.

“thank you” i mumble taking a deep breathe as im pulled into a deep slumber, jughead by my side protecting me as i slept, fighting off my bad dreams as they came.

✖

“order up!” i rush toward the kitchen grabbing a tray fall of milkshakes and fries “your brothers booth” i nod balancing the tray in my arms as i walk over to my friends

it had been a few days since the snake incident and herimone quitting so i was required to be back at work, pop needed me and i wasn’t about to give up on him when he needed me.

“here you go-” i chirp suddenly registering the hostility in the air, the table falls quiet as i place down the various milkshakes and baskets of fries

the whole gang came down to see how i was doing before the girls & jughead continued on to polly’s baby shower. jughead was fairly irritated when he found out that i wasn’t attending and that he still needed to.

“how are you feeling?” betty asks concern filling her voice “im fine- what’s going on?” i question tucking my tray under my arm.

“im going to find out who did this” archie stammers loitering at the front of the booth “archie it happened so fast i wouldn’t even know what they look like” “it was the serpents!”

my blood runs cold, my memory going back to the night of the snake delivery “we don’t know that archie-” i warn him jughead banging his palms on the table “see archie even your sister agrees with me”

“what are you going to do archie? beat them up?” i press anger rushing through me “don’t be an idiot” i finish shaking my head.

“moose and i are going to the southside to find those serpents, it’s worth a shot if it helps me dad”

“kevin’s boyfriend-” “kev has a boyfriend?” i stammer confused before letting me brother continue “can get us in to some bar were the serpents hang out”

betty & veronica share worried glances before looking to me hoping i’d be able to defuse the situation “then what arch? moose points them out and you play hero and beat them up?” i argue

“look arch i love you but you couldn’t even take a hit from reggie let alone a grown man who happens to be an a gang- ive seen some of the things they do-” i pause

“they left a box with a freaking snake in the lobby! they could be dangerous and how do we know for a fact that it is them?! you could be wrong and you don’t want to be wrong about this stuff archie!”

he shakes his head at me clenching his fists in anger “archie you don’t want to make an enemy out of a serpent!” i try and reason with him getting awfully fed up

“no! we’ll call sherif keller and get these goons arrested- they can’t get away with what they’ve done (y/n) i thought you’d understand that!” he argues

“archie going into the bar is a bad idea” jughead stresses as my brother begins to pace “are you coming with me or not?” i place my hand on his chest “no he isn’t and neither are you- archie if i find out that you or jughead go to that bar i swear to god ill never speak to you again” i seethe

he looks past me and bores his eyes into jughead’s as the raven haired boy makes no attempt to move from his place in the booth.

the others all look up to the hot headed boy “thanks for having my back” he mutters to jughead before moving away from the table and to the door.

“archie” i call after him “archie wait!” i yell half jogging toward the door but it was too late he was long gone, i let out a sigh trudging back to the others as they exit the booth

“where are you guys going?” i question “we better leave to help my mum with the shower, he’ll be okay (y/n/n) he won’t do anything stupid” the raven haired girl assures me giving me a small warm hug

“you do know we’re talking about my brother here, right?” she smiles grabbing the blondes hand as the walk out of the diner.

jughead gives me a small smile before he weaves past me “wait jug” i grab ahold of his hand pulling him back to face me “please don’t go with him” i beg my voice seemed to crack

“i promise you i won’t” i nod tearing up “hey you’re going to be so jealous because i get to go to the event of the year! god i love baby showers, it’s actually on my bucket list” he smiles sarcastically.

“i can’t wait to hear all about it” i tease pushing him toward the door “go before they start to get sus” he nods tipping his non existent hat before following after the two girls.

leaving me to a extremely busy diner and a 9 hour shift

✖

i linger a few minutes longer as i wait for my friends to re-enter the diner, they’d promised that they’d come by for dinner and tell me all about what happened after my shift, my shift ended an hour ago.

just as i’d given up hope and headed toward the exit betty & veronica enter a dull smile on both of their faces “hey” i chirp fiddling with my keys

“everything okay?” i stress the girls sharing quiet glances “oh yeah! you should probably go home though” i furrow my brows “he went didn’t he?”

i shake my head not needing their answers “im going to kill him” i mutter under my breathe walking past the girls “wait!” betty calls grabbing my arm as i start my walk home

“i do have good news” she scrambles a smile now on her face “what?” i chuckle “well first off i know your big secret & im going to be a god mother!” she squeals launching herself into me.

“betty that’s awesome!” i blurt my heart feeling a little lighter “can we rewind back a little, my secret?” she blush winking at me “i know about you and juggie”

“there is no me and juggie?” i state keeping my voice calm “i need to get home b ill see you tomorrow okay?” she smirks as i speed walk away from her,

“i ship it!” she yells out causing me to giggle, that girl.

i practically run home bouncing into the front door my mood sucked down the drain when i spot archie & my dad arguing in the kitchen

i step into the light, he catches my eye and opens his mouth to speak “so did you walts into the bar with your highly distinguishable letterman jacket? huh red just stroll in blend in with a fucking blue and yellow jacket?!” i hiss

“thats enough (y/n) he knows what he’s done wrong” i shake my head moving past the boys up the steps “i found one of the guys you know- your welcome” he yells up at me as i move from his site.

i storm past archie’s room and catch a glimpse of jughead slummed against the wall, head in his hands “jug?” my voice softens entering the room slowly as to not frighten him.

he’s head perks up and he takes one look at me before dropping his eyes again “hey what’s up?” i ask crouching down next to him “are you okay?”

“did they tell you” he grins sarcastically “god i was so stupid thinking i could fit in with you guys” he scoffs to himself grabbing at his mouth.

“hey thats not true..talk to me” i scoot closer to the boy tilting his head up to look at me, my voice soft and full of concern. his eyes brim with tears.

“it’s nothing” my brows crease a wave of uselessness coming over me, i grab both sides of his face only for him to turn away from me.

“jug, talk to me please” i beg trying to gain eye contact

“(y/n)” i hear my brother call from the hall, i ignore him a tear running down my face “what happened?” the boy stands moving toward my brothers office chair leaving me on the ground

my brother touches my arm and i flinch standing myself off “stay away” i mumble “i know it’s hard to know about jugs dad but im here to apologise to the both of you-” i perk up cutting him off

“what about your dad?” i ask jughead moving toward him “that he’s a serpent, you didn’t know?” my brother speaks glancing between me and jughead.

“nice one arch” jughead mumbles

i roll my eyes “atleast someone talks to me” i snap my brother glances confusingly “wait did i miss something between you two?” i laugh manically shaking my head “why don’t you ask jughead”

i walk away from the two boys and storm into my room, anger coursing through me. i pull up a blanket and curl myself against my window ledge staring out as the rain dribbles against the glass.

i watch the street lights flicker on as dusk sets in, my father and tried to call me down for dinner but i refused, ignoring every knock on the door.

“(y/n)” “go away archie” i mumble brushing the hair out of my face, “not archie”

i turn and watch the raven haired boy sit down next to me, silent for several minutes before he turns to face me

“im sorry i didn’t tell you” he confesses looking to me for some sort of sign that i’d forgiven him, “i didn’t want it to change the way you felt about me”

i sigh moving my head away from the window “it wouldn’t have jug, it hasn’t” i tell him shaking my head slightly “it’s the fact that you hid it and when i asked you- you-you just didn’t want to tell me” i argue frustration building.

“i want you to trust me-like you do with betty and with arc-” “archie stormed into the shower and told the girls- i don’t know what they’re thinking”

“i trust you- sometimes i feel like you’re the only person i can trust” i let out a laugh a tear falling from my eye, he scoots closer to me my legs draping over his lap

“was it serpents? that beat us up? that left the box in the diner?” i fiddling with my fingers scared to look him in the eyes.

“the box yes, it wasn’t my dad (y/n) i promise you- i had no idea. i don’t think it was the people who hurt you” he sucks in a breathe glancing up at my still bruised face.

“i wish i was me” he mumbles “you didn’t deserve it” i shake my head grabbing his hand “don’t do that to yourself- you don’t deserve it either” i assure him resting my head onto his shoulder

we sit for a minute in utter silence too wrapped up in eschtoher to say a word, “you threw me in a hot water with your brother yanno, i had to tell him” you giggle fiddling with his flanno.

“told him what?” “that i kissed you- more than once” i blush “how’d he take it?” jughead laughs raising his eyebrows “it’s your brother he has as much emotion as a box of crayons”

i laugh, closing my eyes briefly, reopening them to find jughead closer to my face. i steady my breathing placing my hand on his cheek.

“im sorry” we blurt at once, laughing at each other “im sorry, jughead” i smile softly at him “im sorry too, i should’ve told you sooner”

“you know how you can make it up to me?” i smile wickedly “mmhm” “you could kiss me” a cheeky smile grows on his face “you don’t have to tell me twice”

and with that he presses his lips against mine in one soft, breathtaking kiss. i pull away sucking in a large breathe as he leans his forehead against mine.

“forgiven?” he muses a blush evident on both of our faces “mmm nope one more” i pull on his shirt joining our lips one more time.

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[prettyskieschubbythighs]

Can i borrow your notes?

Jimin Fan Fic 

It was late in the evening when I got a text from my classmate Jimin. He was an odd one id have to say but maybe it was because we had just started talking to each other. I’m sure he’ll open up soon but I’ll admit he is gorgeous and I may have thought of him pressing me against the wall a few times during class and don’t even get me started with his music.

Jimin: Hey Y/N, sorry to disturb you but as you noticed was away today so I would like to know if you happen to have taken down notes in the Dance             Appreciation and History lecture this morning? You wouldn’t mind if I borrowed them would you?

I giggled to myself and responded;

YOU: Hi Jimin, you totally disrupted my Friday afternoon Disney move marathon! Ugh shame on you, though I did happen to take notes in todays’ lecture. Will cost you though J

Jimin: HAHA. Oh gosh I am soo sorry. Money?

You: I’ve got enough of that…Jks but no

Jimin: hmmmm…

Jimin: You free tonight?

You: depends ;)

Jimin: I’ll take that as a yes then. Meet me in front of campus at 6. See you soon :)

I didn’t notice myself drifting out of reality until my apartment door slammed shut. My roommate Anastasia came sulking through the lounge room and flopped down on the couch next to me, obvious that she had had a bad day.

“Yo” you chuckle pushing away your thoughts of Jimin and the night ahead.

“Hey…” She sighs. When I ask what’s wrong with her she explains that she and her boyfriend had been arguing about how V kept getting messages from other girls.

“Boys will be boys and I’m sure that those girls meant nothing to him. You are the best girlfriend he could ever have and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Ok?” I winked at her followed on to tell her about your plans tonight.

“Jimin?! As in THE Park Jimin from uni?” She stuttered with a big ‘O’ forming on her dark purple puckered up lips.

“Yes. The only Jimin is our class, idiot.” I chuckled.

“So you’re meaning to tell me that while my boyfriend is being a total dick you’re going out with the hot, smart already famous performer in our class. You lucky bitch!” We both cracked up laughing purely for different reasons.

“It is a sophisticated student meet up just to exchange notes NOT a date, ok?” I sighed but she was quick to respond.

“I’ve seen the way he looks at you in class. His eyes trailing up and down ALL the way down your body when you stand up to do speeches in class. Very ‘sophisticated’.”

Shocked I didn’t know how to respond maturely to that. “Bullshit. He does not. You’re just making shit up now”. Your voice was getting louder as you felt the heat rise up to your cheeks.

“He sure does, there’s no point in avoiding it. Oh and don’t even get me started with how he stares at you in night clubs. Focused on your hips as they sway with the beat and that slim fitted black dress you always wear. Something was definitely happening to him down there” She so normally exclaimed.

To avoid further embarrassment I ended the conversation really quickly. “Pshh. Nah. Well, I hear the shower calling my name! See ya!” I ran to my bedroom and locked my door as Anastasia was shouting things from the other side of it. Flushed and embarrassed, I sat on the other side of the door and I could feel pulses rushing through my lower body. None of that could be true. There was no way Jimin could like me over the cuter girls in the class anyway, but the thought of Jimin being even remotely turned on from me is making my head feel light and dizzy.

After my shower, I got dressed in my favourite black lace lingerie (just in case), my short black midriff and skinny jeans. I paired my outfit with some gold hoop earrings and my black platform boots. I did a black smokey eye with gold pigment on the lid to harmonise with my jewellery and draw attention to my eyes.  After looking at myself in the mirror once more I bid my farewells to Anastasia before driving happily to my University campus.

After driving through the city for 10 minutes or so I cruise through the student carpark and saw Jimin waiting for me with a light smile plastered on his face not so far away. While walking towards him I slowed down at the sight of him leaning against his car eyes closed daydreaming about things out of my knowledge. He was suited up in a pair of black ripped jeans and a white linen shirt. I’ve never really taken too much notice about his facial features. I continue walking closer and his face hardens at the sight of me, showing need and restraint. His jaw tenses revealing his slightly sculpted cheekbones. Large smokey eyes swallowed you whole and I could feel my knees giving in under just his hard looks. I stopped walking closer noticing the closing gap between us.

Stepping back with a slight pink blush to my cheeks I greeted him. “Good evening Mr Park”

“Well hello daydreamer. Wanna get any closer, you can see me better from this angle” He demonstrated with his face coming close to yours and head tilted slightly down to look directly at your eyes. He smirked at your reaction and ran a hand through his newly dyed, light pink hair. “Gosh aren’t I just irresistible?” He cracked up laughing like a fool.

I punched him in the arm and laughed at him as if saying ‘No you aren’t’ but I had gotten really close to him previously so, to be honest, he was right, I should’ve stopped myself. He then went on to explain that we were going to Japanese for dinner. He also asked if I should give him the notes now or after dinner.

With my cheeks flushing a brighter shade of red he said “So I’m guessing you came here and forgot the notes at home? Well someone was so excited to see me but forgot the real substance as to why they were actually asked to come” He smirked and at that moment I knew I was playing with the devil himself.

I jumped back and responded “Umm no way man! I was just- umm-“

He cut me off and chuckled “Sure Y/N, let’s get going” He ushered me towards his black sports car and shut the door for me like a polite gentleman. What just are you Jimin? The quiet boy in class, the cocky boy that plays with my feelings or the gentleman you are now?

In the passenger seat, I changed the radio station until they played one of Jimin’s hit singles ‘Lie’. I couldn’t help but squirm in my seat restraining myself from dancing and my head swung back when I sang along to the chorus with Jimin’s recording.

Jimin let out a deep groan in the driver seat next to me “If you keep singing like that how am I supposed to focus on the road?” He looked at me through his mirror and I bit my lip and looked down. That noise was enough to send electricity throughout my whole body, so sexy. “Sorry, I just love your song so much that I’m always dancing to it at home” I giggled and he sighed saying ‘thankyou’.

“I worked really hard on it. The song means a lot to me and so does your feedback, I’m glad you like it” The light smile on his face sent flutters to my chest. What was happening to me?

We laughed and told stories throughout the night at the high-class Japanese restaurant that I clearly wasn’t dressed appropriate for, standing out like a clown.

“You know in class, how you like, sit in front of me?” He said while taking sips from his cocktail. It had been our second round of drinks and it had taken its toll on my brain and I was feeling more relaxed than usual.

“Yes? What about it?” I answered following with a question back at him curiously.

Openly, he said, “Well idk if you do it on purpose but- wait what was I saying?” His hands came to his temple thinking intensively “Oh yeah. Well, one day you had this short top on like the one you’re wearing now but you complemented it with this long skirt that hung low on your waist and like- did you know you have like these 2 cute dimples on your lower back?”

I stared straight at me for a couple of seconds before cracking up laughing. Taking another sip from my glass Rosé I said “Of course I knew that I have dimples on my back, you idiot. And besides, why were you looking that far down anyway?” I pressed to see if Anastasia’s theory was true.

Honestly, he replied, “Umm, cuz’ you’re hot.” He leant further into his chair, one arm around the chair and the other holding his cocktail glass to his plump, inviting lips. I turned my head to the side to prevent myself from giggling like a teenager who has been kissed for the first time; besides he was clearly tipsy did he mean it? “Do you wanna head back now? You can drive behind me to my house and well go through my notes cus’ it’s like still only 8”

“Yeah. Good idea. Well, actually, bad idea since we're both over the drinking limit. Can’t drive so well catch the train instead” I agreed with him and he insisted on playing and we both walked to the station together leaving the cars in a safe car park.

The train trip wasn’t long so we got to my station in no time. As we were walking up the hill towards my house, my feet started to flop around sure to the excruciation pain my heels were giving me. Jimin noticed my trouble and snaked his arm around my waist and brought my arm around his muscly shoulders. I looked up at his caring smile and snuggled my face close to his neck whispering ‘thankyou’. The comfort of being in Jimin’s arms is like I have known him forever; I could be in this position all day.

At home, Jimin and I were watching a movie instead of studying since we were both tipsy and couldn’t concentrate. When we first got home we tried to look through the notes but Jimin kept complain of boredom so we just had to fix that didn’t we.

“Truth” I blurt out from the mattress on my bed.

“Are you into me at all?” His tone was stern but his face remained calm. We were playing truth or dare for the last few minutes because the movie had stopped and we were both bored.

“Hmmm. Do I have to answer that?” I sat my head on my hands propped up on my elbows staring at him with a smile.

“Yes” Stubborn shit.

“Well then yes.” My face fell down onto the mattress to cover my embarrassment.

He chuckled and stood up to come lie next to me. “Fine then, your turn. Truth”

“Hmm...” As you were thinking you shifted yourself on the mattress to face Jimin, you stared at each other with little space in between. “If I asked right now, would you kiss me?” I closed my eyes, backed up a little bit to give him space to think and my teeth tugged on my bottom lip. I was so turned on but there was no way I was going to show it. A little more teasing is my number 1 priority at the moment.

“You wouldn’t even need to ask. I could already tell you wanted me to from when you first saw me tonight. Dressed revealingly and constantly biting your bottom lip, oh gosh don’t get me started with your singing in the car. I’ve been holding myself back all night and that is a long time” He pulls me back with one arm so I can face him again looking straight at him.

“You figured it out huh. Smart kids these days huh?” You smirked and got up from the bed, Jimin’s hand trailing down your hips as you left. “I need to put my pj's on” I took this opportunity as an advantage by pulling my shirt over my head revealing my black lace bra. Keeping my pants on, I slipped my silk night dress on taking my jeans off only after I’m fully covered. I continue folding my clothes and sing ‘House of Cards’ by BTS before turning around to face Jimin. His face straight and eyes seeing right through your white silk dress.

“Fuck” he groaned

You walked closer towards him and asked if he wanted to stay over tonight.

“Yes, god damn” he moved across the bed to make room for you. You slipped in one leg slowly at a time and slid down flat. Your hand moved to turn the lamp off and you tumbled towards Jimin’s side sliding one of your legs over his and whispered.

“Goodnight Park Jimin” smiling, your eyes started to close and you rubbed your silk on his bare leg a bit before sleeping.

“Goodnight” Jimin spoke with a monotone voice obvious to be sexually frustrated. Oh well, he wasn’t going to get help with that yet. Not today.