#YOU COULD HAVE SAID THIS BEFORE AND WE COULD HAVE SAVED AT LEAST 10 MINUTES OF OUR PRECIOUS TIME

[tardis--dreams]

Sent my coworker a long message about my work schedule next week and he fucking copy and pasted it into chatgpt to get a summary ㅠㅠ

[batterygarden]

trapped in a bomb shelter with your big bro naoya

cw: big bro! naoya x fem & afab! reader, dead dove do not eat, misogyny! (and it's my kink so it's not like.. refuted), mild degradation (naoya calls u dumb), but naoya's sweet too, depression and nihilism, masturbation (both of u), sorta dubcon (tagged), fingering, and light mentions of: p in v, somno, cunnilingus, bondage, cowgirl, humiliation kink (on you), naoya being possessive, 1.7 k words

18+, minors don't interact

It’s surprising when the attack is announced how quickly Naoya moves to grab you. The gears in your mind haven’t even processed the news—that doomsday is upon you—by the time your brother has you snatched up in his arms and he’s running. 

Most of the clan’s away at a local festival—a whole kilometer’s walk from the great zenin estate and the bomb shelter your esteemed (and wealthy) clan head installed. You and Naoya are the only ones to make it in time. 

Naoya has never been the warmest big brother. In fact, there have been plenty of times where you thought you hated him. But at the end of the day you know he cares for you—even if it’s in his twisted, roundabout way. Still, enough that you were his first and only priority to shove into the little bunker beneath your estate surprised you a bit. 

You aren’t sure Naoya thought his decision out—you know he didn’t have time to properly. The way he rushed to your room and scooped you in his arms, no pit stops before locking the thick bunker door closed behind him—before anyone else had the chance to join. It ended up being for the best, explosions outside were heard only too shortly after—still, you hope he doesn’t regret it.

You’re nearing day 10 inside your small shelter, and if the shaking ground and dire radio warnings Naoya managed to pick up are any indicator—the world outside isn’t going to be inhabitable again for a while. 

Naoya is handling things better than expected. He’s thrown himself to small tasks—keeping the mind sharp he calls it. He’s less grumpy than he could be—resilient. Honestly the one lacking in mental fortitude is you.

“You can’t just sit there watching me do push ups. You need to move around too, dummy.” 

“Nii-san im starting to lose the point.”

“The point?”

“I don’t understand why anything matters anymore if we’re all that’s left.” 

He wipes sweat from his brow, glaring at you while he drinks some water. 

“You just said it. Things still matter because we are still here. Eventually outside will be safe again and we’ll get out and start over. Don’t get all stupid and weepy in the meantime.” 

You try to stay occupied, you try to do as Naoya says, but still, you struggle. Spending day after monotonous day trapped in here, you can’t help but start to get depressed.

Then one day Naoya says he needs to touch himself. 

And there’s no room for you to avoid him while he does. You’re uncomfortable—-giving him a look that conveys it. But he insists he has to. 

“I’m a man. Don’t be dense.” 

Before you know it his cock is out and he’s fisting it at a leisurely pace, leaning back on the bed with his other hand. You face away from him, trying and failing to focus on rereading your book. But then he says your name, and when you look he’s still exposed and hard, but he beckons for you to come closer. He isn’t satisfied with your closeness till you’re sitting beside him on the bed. 

He’s still stroking himself slowly when he says: “You need this, too. Touch yourself.” 

You freeze for a minute then shake your head. Is this some kind of test? It’s shameful…

“Saving yourself for marriage doesn’t matter anymore if we’re all that’s left. You’re practically mine now anyways, since our entire clan is obliterated. It’s just me ‘n you.”

...You need to collect your thoughts. In the first place… you’re unsure how far you could get away with disobeying your big brother. He’s been somewhat softer in the shelter, better behaved than he was outside, at least. But you haven’t forgotten the way he used to act when he didn’t get his way… conniving and nasty—you’ve witnessed his wrath more times than you can count. Notably, though, It wasn’t ever pointed at you—his attitude towards his little sister has only ever been mischievous at worst. He’d simply mock and pick apart, invade your personal space and mess up your hair—though you’re sure he’d have been much worse if you didn’t go out of your way to be inoffensive. All in all, a hard no from you now would be a first inside the shelter. 

Then there’s the honest truth of the matter: he’s right. Naoya may as well be the last person on earth for all you know, and you have been going crazy with hormones and neediness—but too afraid to touch yourself with no alone time. It’s a week after your period so you’re pretty sure you’re ovulating, and Naoya’s been walking around shirtless, acting just as touchy as always, but kinder than usual—and it’s not like he’s unattractive. 

It’s sick that you’re even considering it. Touching yourself at your brother’s command—you’re a daughter of a distinguished clan! Maybe this little bunker truly is making you crazy…

In the end, the same idea that’s been infecting your mind constantly post doomsday wins out: nothing matters anymore anyways. 

That thought is how you justify laying back on the bed beside your brother, stripped of your robes and spread-legged, two fingers pumping in and out of your pussy while you buck against your palm. 

Naoya’s sharp eyes watch from beside you, never missing a thing while he continues stroking his cock. You’re so relieved to be giving your pussy attention after so long, you don’t even dwell on how messed up it all is. 

After a while of trying to cum but barely reaching that special spot inside you to do so, Naoya can’t take watching anymore. 

“My sweet sister, how old are you, again? You can’t even make yourself cum?” Naoya tucks his hard-on in the waistband of his pants, focusing entirely on you. 

The mattress squeaks as he scoots closer, large hand around your ankle to spread you wider for his gaze. 

You stop pumping your fingers, giving him a slow stare. He frowns. “No, no, keep trying. Let me see what’s the matter.” 

So you do, working yourself up while you and Naoya watch each other, humping your palm when you get close again. You whine, biting your lip while you brush against the part inside you that feels best. Still, it’s not enough. You’re on the edge of tears searching for that release when—

“Okay, stop, sweet thing. You clearly need a man to do this.” 

You pant while you look up at him, remembering what exactly is going on here when you pull your messy fingers away. It only makes you wetter when you think of the nastiness of it all.

“Nii-san?” 

It shouldn’t surprise you when his fingers replace yours, but it does, Naoya’s warm touch with no warning earning a little jump. 

He doesn’t comment, only sets to work with his middle and ring finger sinking deep into your hole, curling right where you need them but couldn’t reach yourself, pressing his thumb to your clit at the same time. 

It feels heavenly. So good you almost close your eyes, but you can’t somehow. You wouldn’t want to lose a glimpse of Naoya—his eyes are transfixing. 

And, like always, Naoya watches you back.

His expression while he does is patient and relaxed in a way that reminds you of when he helped you with homework or something as a kid. Patient and bored if you ever struggled or needed help—like he always had low expectations for you. You suppose that’s why he had so much more patience for you than he did for other family members—your shortcomings were at times endearing while those he thought were supposed to be strong had stricter standards. 

Ultimately, an inability to make yourself cum seems like something Naoya expected of you. 

And he wasn’t lying about his ability to help—his bigger fingers fit inside you just where you need them, and it takes your brother only minutes to earn your release, clamping down on him while you make a mess on the bed, crying out and arching—after edging for so long the orgasm lasts what feels like forever. 

Noaya fucks you after that. He may as well, he tells you—he still needs to get off and it’ll feel good for you this way too. And he’s right, he may as well. It’s the end of the world and your brother may as well fuck you. And of course his cock feels amazing—it manages to feel like a solace in this bunker where nothing matters. 

After that day, miraculously, you start to perk up. Naoya figured out the key to your depression, the key to keeping you occupied—it’s sex. Everyday your big brother fucks you and every day you get better. 

Things stay interesting because when you’re fucking every day—you experiment. Or at least, Naoya does—he’s the creative one between the two of you, you’re just along for the ride. 

You wake up in knots of rope one morning with Naoya’s tongue between your legs—you’re in the middle of an orgasm. He splits you open on his cock afterwards for good measure. He lets you ride him another day, something you’re fairly sure he’s never let a woman do. You cockwarm him while the two of you read a book at the same time—it’s silly. He’s kept you tied up almost an entire day before, doing whatever he wanted, exposed and embarrassed. You’re his little cock sleeve of a sister, he says. 

“You know I’m actually glad that at least this way, stuck in here, no other clan can have you. They wouldn’t deserve you as a wife, not one of them. It’s a silver lining—this way, you’re all mine.” 

[leah-lover]

Drive to survive. Leah Williamson x F1!reader

Part 1. Part 2. Part 3.

You have always been a Ferrari girl. Ever since you were a kid, you loved everything that had to do with Ferrari. Your room was Ferrari themed, most of your birthdays were Ferrari themed, and your favorite race was Monza. Little did little you know that one day you would race in Monza but for Mercedes.

You remember a couple of years ago when Charles won at Monza. You remembered as you screamed the Italian national anthem as all the Ferrari team did.

5 years later, you were in the paddock at Monza after a crazy race calendar. You had hoped that you could sing the British national anthem this time around and do what many want you to do, which is win your first race.

As you go in your car, you taped on the number 6 in your helmet, a ritual you developed after the crash. It reminded you that you had people who rooted for you, people you loved and they loved you back. Leah couldn't come to this race this time around because she had a game a few hours before.

At the race lines you were at p3 which wasn't bad. Max Verstappen was p1 then lando norris then you and Hamilton in behind you. As the lights were red, images of the crash, the fire, the hospital, Leah’s worried face, all came rushing to your mind. You gripped your wheel as hardly as you could and breathed through your panic.

“ Calm down, please calm down “ you whispered to yourself.

You tried to breathe but it was all too much, the helmet was suffocating you, the car was suffocating you, you couldn't breathe, you froze. You were back there in the race again, helpless, almost dying.

Suddenly you remembered what happened in the morning.

“ Baby I wish I could be there.” Said Leah through facetime. She was in bed, with only a blanket covering her chest, she still had bed hair but she was all the more beautiful.

“ I wish I could be at your game. It's an important qualifier.” You responded.

“ Don't worry I will crush it and so will you. Maybe you will be on the podium. It's achievable with p3 or at least podium.”

“ I don't know. I still freeze, that crash still haunts me”

“ I know darling. You said I saved you that night right. Just remember me. Remember my face, remember that I love you and that I am so proud of you.”

“ I love you too baby.”

“ Leah.” You whispered to yourself as the lights turned green.

“ For Leah.” You whispered again as you advanced forward.

By turn one you overtook lando and took p2. You kept your focus and your position keeping a closer distance to max.

“ Box box.” Said your assistant.

As you entered the box it all came back to you again.

“ Fire, crash, max, die “ you whispered to yourself. You gripped your wheel again and breathed through your anxiety.

“ You know what you are doing this for mate you can do it.” Said your team principal through the radio. And that managed to pull you back again. You stepped on the pedal, focused, and determined to win.

It was only a matter of time for you to overtake max. P1 was your position with 10 minutes in the race. You pushed through, no thought in your head but the checkered flag.

“ It is here in Monza. The home of Ferrari, her favorite car. She won. She, the woman. Who walked out of fire only a few weeks ago. She escaped fire, she escaped death, she came back to f1 to win and she did. The first ever woman to win in Monza, the first ever woman to win in formula one. Congratulations to you.” said the commentator as you crossed the checkered flag.

Tears streamed down your face. You did it. You won despite your anxiety and PTSD.

“ Thank you. Thank you Toto. Thank you Mercedes for believing in me. We won, we did it. “ You said as you went through the cool down lap.

When you got out of the car you stood on top of it and with your fingers put the number six over your chest as fireworks went behind you. It was for Leah, this win is because of her. You then jumped to meet your team and celebrate with them.

Later you did an interview.

“ Congratulations on the win. We noticed you always have number 6 on your car, helmet, suit and when you won you did number 6 as a celebration. What does that mean?” Asked the reporter.

“ Well you know I was in a fiery crash a few weeks back and the love of my life, the woman of my dreams, helped me survive it. She was the reason I walked out of the fire, she is the reason I am alive and she is most definitely the reason I won today “

“ Can we know who she is?”

“ She is Arsenal's number 6 and England captain Leah Williamson.”

“ Congratulations on the win, and we, all the women, are thankful to Leah helping you get here.”

You then went to the podium, stood proudly as you sung the British national anthem, got a champagne shower and headed back to the garage.

Leah Williamson. My girl ❤️. Congratulations on a well deserved win. You went through a lot to be here. Proud of you.

[ahonice]

just friends

nico hischier x fem reader

word count: 10.9k (the longest fic i’ve ever written i’m so sorry)

warnings: unplanned pregnancy and mentions of unprotected sex, cursing, the word climax, a little angsty, if i forgot anything lmk.

note: i started this on september 1st, this actually took forever. ANYWAYS hope y’all enjoy lmk if you love it, if you hate it, any feedback in general is appreciated!! love y’all babes <3

+++

it was an accident.

you and nico had been in a casual friends with benefits relationship for about a year and a half, having known each other for three years in total, when it happened.

you and nico were being stupid one night. after a few too many drinks, and no condoms to be found anywhere in your apartment, you and nico fucked without protection. 

you were on birth control and nico had pulled out, well he did halfway through his climax.

you didn’t think anything when you didn’t get your period the following month or the two months after that, you hadn’t had a period in four years thanks to your birth control. 

for weeks you thought you were just bloated, maybe you had been eating too much lately. you were much hungrier these past couple of weeks, it made sense.

it wasn’t until you threw up eleven times in one week before ten in the morning that you grew suspicious and worried at the possibility of you being pregnant. 

you stopped by the drug store on your way home from work and panic bought nine different pregnancy tests. 

you drank seven things of water during the day and took no bathroom breaks in preparation for this moment, and you had never been so scared to get test results back.

positive. every single one of them.

you felt faint, like the walls of your tiny studio apartment were caving in on you. 

you couldn’t have a baby, you couldn’t be a mother, it just couldn’t happen.

+++

the first thing you had to do was tell nico.

you and nico weren’t exclusive, and while he probably has his fair share of hookups, you did not. he was the only possible candidate for the father. 

nico was currently three days into an eight day road trip, and as much as you wanted to just get it over with, you knew this is not the type of bombshell to be dropped via snapchat or imessage, considering you two only used imessage to play game pigeon and the nature of your saved snaps was not welcome to an “i’m pregnant and you’re the father” chat.

you decided to just text him that you needed to talk when he got back.

to: nico (hookup)

hey lmk when you’re back in newark, we need to talk.

from: nico (hookup)

oh? 

from: nico (hookup)

everything okay?

to: nico (hookup)

not quite sure yet.

+++

five days later you found yourself at nico’s door, nine positive pregnancy tests in a ziploc bag in your purse. you were shaking, you don’t think you had ever been this nervous in your entire life.

nico opened up the door with a wide smile. you didn’t know what face you were making, but it was enough to make nico’s face fall and worry come through his tone of voice.

“y/n? what’s wrong?”

you didn’t even register his words, you just moved past him into his apartment and sat down on his couch.

“y/n?”

“i’m pregnant.”

the words fell out of your mouth before you could stop them.

nico sat there frozen on the loveseat as you pulled the pregnancy tests out of your purse.

around three minutes later you pulled your phone out and opened up some home makeover game, nico was still frozen.

“-oh and you’re the father but you probably already know that.”

+++

it was around four minutes later when nico finally opened up his mouth to speak.

“what are you going to do?”

his question made me a little angry, yes he wasn’t entirely at fault, but he could’ve at least taken

a little responsibility and said “we” instead of “you”.

“i don’t know yet, i have an appointment with an obgyn on saturday. i’ll learn about my options there.”

“what time?” nico asked, opening up his phone calendar.

“10:30.” you knew that nico had practice at that time because it was a game day. “you have practice, i’ll just let you know what i decide to do.”

“this is my child too, i want to be a part of the decision making.”

“well you’re not going to be the one taking care of them, i am.”

“what makes you think that? i mean obviously i will be on the road at times during the season, but when we’re on homestands and since we’ll be married we’ll have the off season together-”

“woah take a girl out to dinner before you propose nico.” you interrupted. “we aren’t getting married…” “we’ve done a whole lot more than just dinner, and yes we are? how are we supposed to raise this baby together if we aren’t together.”

“have you ever heard of co-parenting? -also who says i’m keeping it, i haven’t made my decision yet.” you get up from your spot on his couch. “look i have to go, i’ll tell you about my appointment tomorrow.”

nico let out a heavy sigh. “don’t make any decisions without me.”

+++

“y/n?” 

you looked up at the nurse who was holding the door open with their body and walked up to greet her, your knees slightly wobbling from the nerves running through you.

“please follow me into room two, i’m just gonna get your vitals.”

you stayed silent as she took your blood pressure and checked your reflexes, you had to take a moment to calm yourself down after you saw your weight, you had freaked out before you remembered that there was currently another being inside of you.

“alright your vitals look good.” the nurse spoke before exiting the room. “follow me into this room, you can go ahead and take a seat on the bed in the center of the room. the doctor should be in shortly.”

you nodded and thanked her before she exited and you took a look around the room, taking a few mirror selfies to send to the family group chat. you had told all of your immediate relatives over facetime on your way back from nico’s yesterday, the news was received better than you had planned so you couldn’t say anything about your mom’s comments on being a grandmother, she made it very clear she was on team “keep the baby and be a badass single mom in the city”.

you sat on the bed/chair thing, ripping the paper instantly as you tried to get comfortable.

you took your eyes off your phone as you heard a series of knocks.

“miss y/n?”

“yes, that’s me.”

“hi, i’m dr.swarn i’ll be assisting you today. is this your first ultrasound?” the middle aged woman asked.

“yes it is.”

“and do you know how far along you are?”

“i’m assuming three to four months…i just found out yesterday…”

“well we will find out today.” the doctor began getting the sonograph ready as you attempted to mentally prepare yourself. “-and i have to ask…the father, is he in the picture?”

“he is, but it’s complicated…we aren’t together.”

the doctor simply nodded before asking you to lift up your shirt and warning you that the gel might be cold.

after a few moments, a grainy black and white image showed up on the screen, dr. swarn pointing things out. “-and this is your baby! it is a couple weeks too early to figure out the gender, so i would estimate that you are about four months pregnant.” 

you didn’t really focus on anything she said though, all your attention was on that tiny blob.

“do you want to hear the heartbeat?”

as dr.swarn began to turn up the volume the door swung open.

a very out of breath and sweaty nico stood in the door frame, bent over catching his breath.

“sorry i’m late!” nico walked up towards where you were lying on the table and smiled up at the doctor. “i’m the father.”

dr.swarn smiled at him before speaking. “well you made it just in time, we were just about to listen to the heartbeat.”

she had the screen turned towards her so nico had yet to see the baby. “this is your baby-” dr.swarn turned the screen back towards you and nico. “and this is their heartbeat.”

it was like everything around you had disappeared and all you knew was the image of your baby and the sound of their heartbeat. nico grabbed your hand and effectively pulled you out of the trance you were in.

“would you like me to discuss your options with you?” dr.swarn asked, turning the heartbeat down.

“no, i’m keeping it.”

+++

you got a recording of the heartbeat and got a couple prints of the ultrasound before exiting the doctors office, nico getting the same things as you.

“so you’re actually gonna keep it?” nico asked once he had walked you to your car.

“yes i am, and i don’t expect you to be involved at all if you don’t want to…i can do this on my own.”

“well you won’t have to.” nico started. “move into my apartment.”

you sighed, but nico spoke again before you could. “look we don’t have to get married right away, just move in…we will see how things go from there.”

“nico- i’m not moving in with you, i am perfectly fine living in my apartment and so is the baby.” you didn’t mean for your tone to come off so harsh, well you did a little bit, but you didn’t want nico thinking that you would be getting together just because of your child together. “look nico, i know that you believe that to raise a child the mother and father need to be together but i don’t and i don’t want to be with someone just because people think we have to. i will not be having a shotgun wedding.”

“what is a shotgun wedding?”

“-it does matter. we are not getting together nico.” you got into the driver's seat of your car. “i don’t really know how this co-parenting shit works, and i’m assuming you don’t either so let’s just make sure to be patient with one another, okay?”

nico nodded before you said your goodbyes and drove off in the direction of your apartment.

+++

around two weeks later as you sat in your little cubicle your phone started ringing.

nico (hookup)

you sighed and saved the progress on your current project before picking up the phone.

“hello?”

“hey, are you home right now?”

“no, it’s two in the afternoon on a thursday. i’m at work.”

“oh i didn’t think you would work while pregnant…” “i need to fund this child’s life somehow.”

there was an awkward silence for a few moments before you spoke up again.

“did you need something nico?”

“well i called to ask if you would like to come over for dinner tonight.”

“what are you making? because i don’t mean to sound rude, but this child doesn’t like anything i cook and you’re much worse than me.”

“hey i’m not that bad!” you both chuckle before nico speaks again. “is there anything you’re craving right now?”

“jiggly cheesecake and that gouda mac n cheese with sausage i got when we went to new york two years ago.”

“okay i can’t make any of that.”

“just make whatever you want, i’ll force it down if the baby doesn’t like it. what time should i come over?”

“5:30?”

“okay, i’ll just come straight from work.”

you said your goodbyes before you go back to your work.

+++ 

once the clock struck 4:45 you called it a day and headed out to your car before driving to nico’s apartment.

you knocked on the door, a tad bit confused because you heard multiple voices on the other side of the door, if it wasn’t for the welcome mat on the outside that you had forced nico to get you would’ve thought you were at the wrong door.

“hey.” nico opened the door, the voices only getting louder.

“hey…are other people joining us…?” you asked, looking around his apartment confused.

“yeah i probably should've mentioned-”

nico had begun to speak, but a voice that you knew as nico’s mother. “is y/n here!?” soon you saw her smiling faces coming towards you with open arms. “oh come here, it’s been too long sweetie!”

god bless your work bag that seemed to span to five feet because it was hiding your baby bump that was very noticeable in your blouse.

“hello mrs.hischier, how are you?” you asked politely, but you were really wanting to strangle nico right now.

“i’m great! luca and nina are here too!”

“oh that’s great! i’ll go see them in a second, i just need to talk to nico really quickly.”

you smiled as she walked away before turning to nico and gave him a swift slap on the backside of his head. “are you crazy!? did you just ambush a pregnancy announcement on me!?”

“look, i know this probably wasn’t the best way to approach this, but my family needs to know.”

“i am fully aware of that, but this is something that you plan out, not something you spring on a pregnant woman!”

“i’m sorry! just- let’s go into the living room, nina really misses you.”

you had met nico’s family multiple times before and were especially close with his sister nina, she was the only one who knew of you and nico’s odd relationship and was the number one supporter of you two getting together.

you walked out, your work bag still covering yourself as you greeted luca and nina, the later giving you a look that only made you nervous.

you made small talk with the family before nico announced that dinner was ready. thankfully nico had brought your plate to you, both you and the fetus were happy with the look and smell of the fettuccine alfredo, with sausage, that nico had made. “thank you.”

as much as you didn’t want to, you had to set your work bag that had been used as a bump shield on the floor to eat, you just hoped everyone was too distracted by the food in front of them to notice.

“so what was the news that you had to share? i assume it has to do with y/n?” mrs.hischier spoke excitedly, it was obvious she was hoping that you and nico had started dating.

“y/n is pregnant and i’m the father and we are keeping it, but we are not together.” nico spoke quickly, his head down as if he was a child being scolded.

“oh…” 

it wasn’t the worst reaction that could’ve happened, but it definitely wasn’t the best one, but how good of a reaction could one get after they tell their mother they got their fuck buddy pregnant.

“we’re figuring this all out as we go, but i am very sorry mrs.hischier i understand this isn’t how one would usually want their son to become a father.” you apologized, your head was also down.

“i’m not angry, just shocked and a little bit disappointed in you nico…but everything happens for a reason so i fully support you two.” you and nico let out identical sighs as his mother revealed that she was not going to disown either of us.

+++

the rest of dinner went great, you even made plans for both yours and nico’s family to get together for a small gender reveal brunch before the hischier’s headed back to switzerland.

nina had called dibs on walking you out so you prepared yourself for the question you knew she was going to ask.

“are you absolutely, one hundred percent, serious when you say that you and nico are not together in any way, whatsoever, romantically?” nina asks, using too many synonyms for the word definitely.

“yes i am absolutely, one hundred percent, serious when i say that me and nico are not together in any way, whatsoever, romantically.” you reply, mocking her words.

she doesn’t seem too pleased by your answer and whines. “why? i want a sister and you are the only person i like, in general.”

“that is very sweet nina, but me and nico don’t like each other in that way. we’ve been…boinking for almost two years now. if either of us had feelings, i guarantee they would have been confessed by now and we probably would not be expecting a child out of wedlock in five months.”

nina let out an exaggerated sigh as you neared your car. 

“me and nico are just friends, okay?” you spoke, getting into the driver’s seat. 

“yeah friends who happen to boink on a weekly basis and are now expecting a child together.”

“i’ll see you at brunch on sunday nina.” 

+++

“i’m team boy and girl!”

“mom i already told you we aren’t having twins.” 

the sunday morning activities were supposed to be fun, and they were, but they were causing you a shit load of stress. 

it seemed like everything nico was doing was aggravating you, and when nico and your little brother were in the same room it was a recipe for disaster. plus your mother wasn’t any help, she teamed up with nico’s mother and kept pressuring you to at least move in with nico, who you believe put them up to it.

“okay let’s just get this over with!” you yelled out, just wanting to figure out the gender so you could go home and have some much needed alone time.

nico came up next to you holding the envelope that contained the gender. “you ready mommy?”

“ew, don’t call me that.”

everyone had their phones out and began counting down as nico opened up the envelope.

“it’s a…GIRL!”

everyone’s cheers only furthered your headache, but you gave nico a smile and side hug before going over to your mother who ecstatically hugged you.

“a baby girl! i’m so happy for you y/n, my first grandbaby!”

you quickly said your goodbyes, not bothering to eat any of the food that was made or open any of the gifts that were brought.

were you being a rude, ungrateful, bitch for no reason? yes. but you were too exhausted to care or feel bad about nico’s constant dejected looks on his face throughout the morning.

+++

the second you got home you passed out on the floor of your apartment , god bless the pregnancy pillow your mother had delivered to you because you had a weird thing for sleeping on hardwood floors. 

you woke up at three in the afternoon to a series of knocks at your door. you took a while to get up and once you did you regretted it because you saw nico looking very angry through the peephole. 

you grabbed a sharpie and a sheet of paper towel and wrote the words “GO AWAY” in a very bold font before slipping it under the door.

the knocking silenced for a moment before it got louder, along with a call of your name.

“y/n. open the fucking door.” nico was seething.

you opened up the door. “what? i was sleeping.” you pointed to the pillow and blanket on the floor of your kitchen.

“on the floor?”

“yes- what do you need nico?”

“you left the party so quickly that you didn’t even get to open up your gifts, or acknowledge them.” nico gestured to the large bag of wrapped gifts that sat at his feet. “you actually left the party so early that the food wasn’t even served before you had said your goodbyes, which by the way thanks for not saying goodbye to me and thanks so much for the fake smile and side hug you gave me after we found out the gender of our child. that’s gonna be a real joy to look back on.”

you felt your headache coming back, you were starting to believe the sole cause was nico.

“seriously what was your problem this morning?” nico asked after a few moments of silence.

“my problem was that i didn’t even want this baby in the first place and i know for a fact i’m not going to be a good mother, and you! nico you are my problem, everything you did this morning seemed to piss me off and it’s probably just the pregnancy hormones making me easily irritable, but you were getting on my fucking nerves by breathing this morning.” 

nico kicked the bag of gifts into your apartment in a fit. “well i’ll stop bothering you then.”

you knew you should’ve been a rational adult and went after him, but you weren’t, so you slammed the door and brought all the gifts to the living room so you could open them.

you smiled as you realized that all of the gifts were for you. your favorite candies and snacks, maternity clothes, and some prenatal care items that you probably should’ve started taking the second you found out you were pregnant, with the exception of one gift. it was from nico, you could tell by the poor wrapping job, you had been the one to wrap all of his christmas gifts ever since you met him except your own of course, those he always wrapped himself and they were a nightmare.

once you got his present unwrapped you found a boat load of mini devils gear. bibs, socks, a onesie, even a pair of noise canceling headphones. at the bottom of the box you found a very tiny devil’s jersey with the number thirteen on the back and a big patched “C” on the front. you teared up once you saw the big patched “DADDY” above the thirteen on the back and a matching bow headband with a small note. i’m writing this before the reveal and i know we don’t know the sex yet, but i’m hoping for a girl and i know you are too. i hope the headband is a little good luck charm that baby girl judith is on the way. - nico.

you teared up at the note, especially at nico remembering the name you’ve always wanted to name your first daughter.

you quickly called nico, tears streaming down your face and nose all stuffy.

“hello?”

“come back up…please.”

“on my way.”

+++

you stood by the door waiting for nico to knock and once he did you immediately opened the door and nearly tackled him from the hug you gave him.

“i’m sorry.” you mumbled, still crying.

“i know, it’s okay.”

you walked into your apartment and sat on your couch next to nico. “you remembered my baby names.”

“how could i forget them?” nico stated.

“what would you have done if it was baby boy gannon instead of judith?” you asked, turning your head that was leaned on his shoulder up to look at him.

“turn the headband into a bowtie…?”

you laughed at him before your stomach growled loudly.

“what are you in the mood for?” nico asked immediately.

“canes, but that’s in the city and i don’t wanna make you go to new york.” 

nico stood up after hearing your restaurant of choice. “c’mon, i’ll drive.”

+++

“how is it?”

“this is sex in a chicken tender nico, thank you for taking me here.”

nico laughed at your response before the both of you continued to eat a comfortable silence.

“hey tell your family that i’m sorry for how i was acting this morning, i am super grateful for them helping plan the reveal and to delay their flight to attend.”

“don’t worry, they understand that pregnancy emotions can be a lot, but i will still let them know.” nico said, making a mental note to text the family group chat.

“their gifts were very thoughtful too, how did nina know i like black licorice?”

“oh i let them know all your favorite things, that wasn’t alcohol.” nico shrugged as if it was no big deal.

you took a moment to process his answer, it wasn’t that weird for nico to know all of your favorite snacks and desserts, that’s what friends do…right?

+++

to: nico (hookup)

i have my sixth month checkup tomorrow at 10am, would you like to join?

from: nico (hookup)

yeah, do you wanna meet there or drive together?

to: nico (hookup)

could we drive together? 

from: nico (hookup)

of course, i’ll pick you up at 9:30, we’ll stop by mcdonalds for breakfast. i know you love their sausage muffins.

you hadn’t seen nico since the day of the gender reveal party and when you went into the city together to get canes. of course you stayed in contact, but it was hard with both of your work schedules that often collided. 

the next day nico was knocking on your door right at nine thirty in the morning, and you were still passed out. the pregnancy pillow and weighted blanket combo was not being your friend right now, though it was at 5am when the gremlin in your womb wouldn’t stop kicking. which she did for the first time earlier that day.

after about five minutes of nico knocking on your door with no response he began to fully panic, had you fallen down and couldn’t get up? were you dead in your bed? did you forget he was picking you up? so many things could’ve happened to you.

after a few moments of contemplating, nico decided that his only option was to break the door down. he began backing up a few steps and then running full force into your door, it took about seven tries for the door to fall to the ground.

the sound of the first impact of nico’s body was enough to wake you up. at the second impact you became aware of your surroundings, and at the third you thought someone was trying to break into your apartment.

you grabbed the closet weapon you could find, a meat pounder that you left on your kitchen counter last night, and got in position, ready to attack the person on the other side of the door.

once the door fell to the ground and the body fell on top of it, you got ready to swing.

“y/n!? are you alive!?”

“AHHH- nico!?” you froze your movements, the pounder hanging right above your head. “what are you doing here!?”

nico was still on the ground, also frozen as he tried to catch his breath. “ultrasound.”

you dropped your hands to your side as an ohhh played in your head. “i’m sorry i completely forgot. just give me a few moments and then we can leave.”

you turned around to enter your room before you froze and turned back around.

���i don’t have a front door…”

“i’ll text jack to come over and watch over the place and reattach it while we’re gone, the kid needs something to do this morning anyways.” nico said while pulling out his phone.

“does he know?”

“no, but he will…i’ve been meaning to ask you about telling the team anyways.”

“we can talk about it later , i need to get ready.”

you quickly got dressed, sporting a tight tank top, tight leggings, and a tight zip up. all tight because this baby had you gaining five pounds a minute. you huffed and puffed trying to get the tank top on. eventually you got it over your bump, but it was rising up and you were spilling out of it in too many places. deciding to just embrace the bummy look you threw on uggs, didn’t bother to put your contacts in, and left your hair in the rat's nest bun you’ve been wearing for the past five days since you were told to take a break from work by your boss, of course you had to faint in front of her.

“nico i need to get maternity clothes, i’m pretty sure these tanktop strings will snap if i raise my arm and don’t get me started on these leggings.”

“you’re huge…” 

“thanks nico, you’re really helping out right now.” you joked, but deep down you were upset. you don’t tell a pregnant woman she is huge, especially if it’s your baby. “let’s go, we can’t be late.”

“jack is almost here, babe.” the nickname slipped out before nico could even process what he was saying.

“uhm…”

“yo nico what’s up…where is y/n’s door.” jack said while walking into your apartment.

“you’re standing on it.” you spoke. jack’s eye’s wandered to you and then to your belly, and then they got really wide. “hi jacklyn.”

“oh shit.”

“we can talk about this later, but me and nico really have to go because we’re already running late.”

you and nico quickly walked out, the later telling jack that you had a toolbox under your sink and to “go crazy.” 

“no mcdonalds then huh?” nico asked as you got into his car.

“no, but i’ll be fine.”

+++

you weren’t fine.

you quickly got hangry and so did judith, nico seemed to be your punching for just about everything and even though he said he was fine, you could tell you hit home when you told him he needed to wax his eyebrows.

dr.swarn was completely fine with you guys being ten minutes late because she didn’t have anyone scheduled after you. the appointment went great except judith didn’t want to kick when nico felt your stomach, and of course nico’s hands were all dry and calloused which you hated feeling on your skin, and then after the ultrasound was over you guys rushed to mcdonalds because nico was determined to get you a damn sausage muffin, but of course you were two minutes past the cutoff for lunch and the teenager taking your order wouldn’t budge and you had to pretend like the cheeseburger didn’t come back up the second you got into the restroom. all you wanted to do is go home and be alone…and eat jalapeno poppers…and mozzarella sticks…

nico stopped at target to get what you wanted, and mac n cheese bites because he knew you’d love them.

you were pleasantly surprised when you arrived home to your door back on. luckily it had just separated itself from the hinges when nico tackled it to the ground, so it was an easy fix for jack.

once you stepped inside, nico quickly got to work, placing large portions of everything he bought in your airfryer. nico said it was crazy to buy a twenty size quart size air fryer and that you would never use it, but here he was being proven wrong.

you quickly changed out of the leggings and jacket, leaving the tank top on because you knew it would be just as much of a workout to get it off as it was to get it on and you threw on nico’s heart boxers he swears he wore as a joke, but you knew he picked them out at the store being one hundred percent serious.

“you two kids come sit down.” jack spoke loudly, as if he was your father.

“jack we are both older than you.” nico spoke sitting down in the spot next to you on your couch.

“doesn’t matter. you’re pregnant?”

you both nodded as jack pointed to you.

“-and you’re the father?”

you both nodded as jack pointed to nico.

“and you’re keeping it together as…”

“friends, just friends.”

“friends don’t have babies together.” jack gave you a skeptical look.

“they do now.” you stood up. “goodbye jack.”

+++

“i think it’s best if you two move in together, for both your safety y/n, and the babies.”

dr.swarn spoke before leaving you and nico in the room alone,

you were now seven months pregnant and you were constantly fainting, your boss had stopped allowing you to come into work and told you that you “needed rest” so you met her halfway and you now work from home.

nico was over one night after a game when he walked in on you passed out on the kitchen floor, but this time it wasn’t on purpose. he immediately began staying the night on your couch to make sure you were alright and as soon as you could he got you into dr.swarn’s office.

“i’m taking you home and we’re packing you up. i’ll text jack to come over with luke.” nico said as you exited the obgyn. 

“you know i can help right? judith is fine-”

“-but you’re not fine! you told dr.swarn that you’ve been fainting since even before you got pregnant, and i didn’t know. why didn’t you tell me about all this?” nico interrupted you, obviously upset.

“because it’s not important!” you snapped back. “it doesn’t affect judith in anyway, so i don’t understand you’re so worried.”

“it’s important because it affects you. i am worried about you, and i’m allowed to be. now there is no more arguments, you will be moving in with me and ending your lease at your current place.”

“nico-”

“no, that is final.”

+++

for the rest of the day you sat and watched tv while the two hughes and nico packed up your apartment until they had to pack your tv, which you insisted they did last.

“the truck is all loaded up, we’re gonna drive it over to nico’s and he is going to drive you in your car.” jack spoke as you approached where the truck was parked on the side of the street.

you nodded as nico helped you into the car. you hated admitting it, but you were much larger than you were expecting to be at this time in your pregnancy. 

+++

once you had made it to nico’s apartment you did the same thing you were doing before while the boys unpacked your stuff into the second bedroom, absolutely nothing.

you got up and waddled over to where the guys were all watching luke struggle to get the fitted sheet on your bed.

“can i please do something? anything?” you begged.

“yeah, go out and use my laptop to create a list of things you want as gifts at the baby shower, a registry because i know you want specific things for judith.” nico answered your begging.

“baby shower? i’m having a baby shower?” you had not been informed of this.

“yeah, all the guys on the team and their partners are gonna come, so are your friends and family, mine is coming too.” nico spoke like it was no big deal. 

nico had told the guys about three weeks ago because they saw the ultrasound in his locker. which in response had you getting multiple text messages from some of the girls all sounding very similar to “i thought y’all were just friends?” 

“when is this?” you asked, knowing you would need to get an outfit ready.

“next saturday, we have no game.” nico replied simply

“that’s in a week!” you shrieked, when you went maternity clothes shopping that did not involve any dresses.

“yeah, so you better get working on that list.”

+++

it only took you ten minutes to make the list because all you had to do was transfer it from a google doc, where it was already made but just titled as your shopping list, to a spreadsheet where people could claim a gift to give you, nico, and the baby.

it was a list with the basics. a stroller, breast pump, car seat (preferably one that went with the stroller), bed sheets, clothes, the essentials to keep a newborn alive, but you also had other things like decor for the nursery toys, and this bedside bassinet that your mother had been raving about since she saw it on facebook. you thanked god that your new room had a walk-in closet because that was going to be judith’s room. you weren’t even sure it was a closet because it was completely empty, no shelves or rods to hang anything on, it was more of a very small room, but it worked out better for you so you couldn’t complain.

you quickly went back to where the boys were, silently screaming as they made your bed completely wrong.

“please, oh please for the love of god, let me make my bed.” you begged nico, genuinely astonished that they had managed to put your pillows in the wrong order and put your comforter on inside out.

“i thought i told you to make your list?” nico said.

“i already finished. it was easy.” you said as you began stripping your bed of everything on it. “i just put down everything i already had on my shopping list…and then some because i know my friends are gonna wanna get me multiple things.”

you made sure to stare jack down as you put your comforter on the correct way before you placed your pillows in the correct order as well as the blankets at the end of your bed.

nico was quick to rush you back into the living room, turning on a movie for you to watch. you quickly got bored, which meant you quickly got hungry.

“nico!” you yelled out, needed your baby daddy to come to your rescue.

“yes honey?” nico approached where you were lying down, the two brothers laughing at their captain.

“i’m hungry.” you gave him a hopeful smile. “for taco bell…” “you’re order still the same as it was last time?” nico didn’t even hesitate to grab his shoes and keys. 

“yes, but if they have nacho fries please get those too.” you answered, nico had basically all of your fast food orders memorized by now.

“nico can i get some food too?” jack asked in a girly voice.

“please honey!” luke added.

“fuck off you two, go finish putting her clothes away.

+++

soon enough you had dragged nico out to go shopping for a dress for your baby shower. luke and jack had left shortly after nico arrived back home with your food and once you finished eating you got nico to drive you to the mall.

“ooh what about this one?” you pulled out a simple floral dress.

“it’s nice, but it’s only march. don’t you think it’ll be too cold for a tank top?” nico spoke, reminding you that it was still freezing cold in new jersey.

a few minutes later you approached where nico was sat in a chair with a dress you thought would be more appropriate. 

“what about this? i love the pink.” it was basically a dupe of the skims long sleeve dress, but you didn’t really care. “we’ll have to find a polo that matches the color while we’re out.”

nico approved of the dress so you were quick to go to the checkout and buy the dress, excited about the event that was going to happen, after you pulled nico into the closest department store and found a polo that was close enough to the shade of pink of your dress. 

“how are you gonna tell the media about…this whole thing?” you asked on the way home.

“what whole thing?” nico questioned, not exactly understanding what you meant.

“the fact that you knocked up some chick, who you are now living with to raise the baby, but you aren’t together with said chick.” you deadpanned, thinking of all the reactions you knew you were going to get from the hockey world. you could already see the “baby trapper” and “gold digger” comments and dms you would get.

“i didn’t knock up some chick, i knocked up my…friend?” 

“yeah go with that, it sounded real believable nico.” you said sarcastically.

“look i don’t really know how to tell the world that i got my hook up/best friend pregnant because, as jack as told me multiple times, my pull out game is weak.” you laughed and agreed with jack that nico did in fact have a weak pull out game, the evidence was currently kicking you. 

after a few moments of silence nico spoke up again. “alright what if we don’t mention our relationship at all. we just make an instagram post together of images of the ultrasounds and pics from the baby shower and tell everyone that we are expecting. we definitely won’t post the gender reveal video because you look like you were planning my death in it, but we just make the post and don’t comment on our relationship.”

you had to admit that it was a good idea, but you already knew that this would make everyone assume that you were dating. most people did already, which you understood. you wore playoff jackets with nico’s name and number, you attend team events and parties together, hell you went to the nhl awards with him and his family, and you are super close with his family, so you were never upset that people assumed your relationship status with nico because you did everything that the other girlfriends and wives did.

“i like that idea.”

+++

“alright this gift is from me and jack.” luke spoke as he handed you a gift.

you were a bit overwhelmed with the amount of people looking at you and just simply being in your home, but you knew that these people were here for you and at the end of the day you were getting a shit ton of gifts. 

so far every single thing you had put on your list was gifted to you and now it was just things people thought you or the baby would like.

“oh you guys…i love it!” it was a wood wall decal of judith’s name and it matched the pink polkadot of her sheets.

“there is more under it.” jack spoke up. 

you lifted up the large sign and saw a baby onesie in maize and blue that said “future wolverine.”

you and your friends started laughing at it. 

“you guys do know that i went to ohio state right?”

you were met with a disgusted stare by the brothers, more specifically the youngest, only causing you to laugh harder, not noticing nico’s pissed off expression, the one he had on his face all day.

+++

you continued to open up gifts and thank everyone, nico was one writing duty so he wrote down each gift and who it was from so you could send them thank you cards later in the week.

once presents were done it was photo time. you took lots with your family and nico’s family, as well as some with your friends, and of course you had to keep the tradition going with the girls from the team and took a picture of everyone pointing at your belly.

you only took a couple with nico, as he had been oddly distant all day.

after everyone left you and nico began moving everything into judith’s nursery and setting things up.

“thank you for setting that up, i had a lot of fun.” you spoke up, interrupting the awkward silence that was looming around you two.

nico nodded as he finished building the crib, you were given the simple task of putting all the wipes and diapers in the changing table’s cabinet.

“so once we’re done do you want to make the instagram post? or were you wanting to wait until after judith was born to post?” it was awkward, nico was just sitting there once the crib was all set up. “...nico?”

you were met with silence, nico was staring at you, yet not speaking.

“okay what the hell is up with you today? you’ve been weird all day, the only time you were even interacting with me was during pictures.” you had snapped, getting aggravated by the swiss’ behavior today.

“it’s nothing i just…” nico started speaking, but trailed off quickly.

“are you having second thoughts about all of this?” you whispered, scared to say it too loudly, scared that it is the truth. “second thoughts about judith?”

nico’s head instantly shook. “no, of course not.”

“then what’s wrong?”

“it’s nothing, i’m just not feeling the greatest and i didn’t want to risk you getting sick so i tried to keep my distance from you…” nico lied.

earlier, when the party was first starting, nico had overheard your conversation with your friends about how you couldn’t wait to give birth so you can start going out on dates and having meaningless hookups, saying that you missed being a twenty two year old who could do twenty two year old things. 

nico understood you had urges, hell he had his urges too. over the course of your pregnancy you and nico had the occasional…hang out, but ever since you moved it was happening once, sometimes twice, a day. he thought it meant something, he thought you guys were finally going somewhere, but it seemed like you just wanted to go back to how things were before, which would probably be impossible, you have a fucking kid togther.

nico had realized a year ago that he had feelings for you. the only reason he didn’t go full legal team on your ass when you told him you were pregnant was because of how desperately he had fallen for you.  

“oh, well you could’ve just told me that earlier, i was worried that i had done something.” you said before an awkward silence settled in the room. “well could you put all the sheets and clothes we got today in the washer? i’m gonna start on thank you notes in the living room.”

you shook off the tension as you exited the small room, nico gathering everything that needed to be washed in a small basket before going into the laundry room.

+++

“i don’t like that, why don’t we just wait to post until she is born to post everything, have the caption just be judith? i think that's better than a three hundred word rant that could be summarized by i knocked up my friend.” 

three weeks until you were due to pop and you and nico still hadn’t gone public with the pregnancy. of course the wag blogs found a way to get a hold of a picture of you and nico from earlier on in the pregnancy where people could only speculate whether or not you were with child or just had a large lunch and somehow it got out that you had moved in with nico, only furthering the rumors that had been going on for years that you and nico are more than just friends. 

“okay. let’s wait until she comes to post, but i don’t like that caption, let’s keep thinking.” nico replied, the devil’s PR team email staring back at him. “they want us to publicize it before someone else does it for us.”

“well it’s a good thing i’m chained to this bed until i go into labor.” you joked, you were so big you could barely sit up let alone walk anywhere. “no one is going to find out, don’t worry. it will all be okay.”

+++

two weeks later you had been having contractions all day, but dr.swarn said to not go to the hospital until your water had broke because these contractions could’ve been directly connected to stress. considering that your pregnancy was exposed three days ago, you would say that you were pretty stressed out.

one of the girls, not even thinking, had posted a photo dump on instagram to celebrate the devil’s season ending and included one from your baby shower. nico, you, and unborn judith right in the center of it all. it was quickly taken down, but the damage had already been done and now all of nico’s and your social medias were being flooded by comments. 

nico was currently at locker cleanout, and the meeting he had to have with the PR team to apologize for not listening to them and to set up a game plan to rescue him from whatever deepshit this was going to get him in was scheduled for right after.

you were laid down on the kitchen floor, your mother was somewhere in the living room timing your contractions. you were having a big contraction, holding onto the nearby chair leg for support, when you felt a gush of liquid puddle under you. 

“MOM!?” you yelled out, your water had just broke.

“sweetie!? what’s going on- OH LORD!” your mother scrambled to get you on your feet as you cried out in pain. “let me get the bag!” you had never seen your mom run so fast, you would’ve laughed at her nearly tripping if it wasn’t for the child threatening the slip out at any moment.

you were assisted into the backseat of your mother’s car as she drove to the hospital.

“if you could step on it, that would be great i’m kinda-” your sarcastic comment was cut off by another contraction. “nico…oh my god nico! i need to call him!”

you fished around the packed bag until you got a grip on your phone, dialing up nico as quickly as possible.

“i’m sorry but the number you reached is not available. please leave a message at the sound of the beep.”

you groaned loudly, speaking into the phone. 

“your child is currently in the process of being born, i’m at the hospital closest to the arena. please hurry.”

+++

you laid in the weirdly comfortable hospital bed, not yet fully dilated. it worked out in your favor because nico had yet to show up. you left a couple text messages and then a few more voicemails.

“i don’t know what the fuck your doing right now, but if judith is born before you get here your last name will not be on the birth certificate.” you said into the microphone, leaving the third voicemail of the day.

nico’s entire family was flying in next week and nico had made sure that he had all of next week off from any media or anything related to hockey so he could be there for the birth, but now judith was coming early and no one but your mother was here.

dr.swarn entered your hospital room again, she had arrived shortly after you because you had paged her the second you got into the car. “how are we doing momma?”

“not good, baby daddy is nowhere to be seen and i’m still not dilated enough to get this monster out of me.” you answered, setting your phone down beside you.

after a few moments dr.swarn smiled. “well i’m sorry about nico’s absence, but judith is ready to come out. you’re ready to push.”

+++

you don’t remember much, the epidural had kicked in. 

you remember holding onto your mom’s hand so hard that she yelped in pain at one point.

you remember cursing nico for not only doing this to you, but not being there for you.

you remember crying, a lot, and you remember judith crying a lot too.

you remember holding judith for the first time. both of your tears stopped for just a moment as you had skin on skin contact.

you whimpered as they took her away for cleaning, but soon she was wrapped up and you were able to hold her again. 

you remember the sound of footsteps and a thick swiss accent begging to be let into the room, continuously yelling that he was the father. your mother was quick to go into the hall and defend nico from the nurses saying he couldn’t go into the room, and as soon as nico saw you holding judith he began crying. 

“y/n i am so so sorry, i was-”

“where the hell were you!? i just had to give birth to our daughter without the father there!” you scolded the man.

“i put my phone at the bottom of my bag during locker cleanout and didn’t even think to take it out before my meeting with management. i got here as fast as i could.” nico had to catch his breath while he spoke.

“i was all alone…” you teared up, all of your emotions catching up to you again.

“i know. i know baby and i’m so sorry.” nico said, coming to your side. “can i hold her?”

you were too distracted by nico calling you baby, well more specifically by the feeling in your stomach, to answer with words. you just nodded and handed judith over. “be careful, and make sure to support her head.”

you smiled at the sight of nico holding judith, tears in his eyes, quickly taking a picture.

“were you serious about my name not being on the birth certificate?”

+++

once everything had settled down and you and nico were finally given some alone time in the hospital room you began making calls.

your mom had already messaged your families group chat, informing them of judith’s birth and sending pictures, so now you just had to call nico’s family. first was his mother, you had wanted to call her before you went into labor but it was around midnight for her and you didn’t want to wake her up.

she was so happy to hear from you, and you had never heard such an excited scream in your life when you turned the camera onto where judith was currently sleeping in your arms, nico having moved to lay behind you in the bed, his chest being your pillow.

“oh you have to call nina next, she has been so excited to become an aunt!”

that’s exactly what you two did.

facetime nina was fun, she gave you some much needed comic relief and she didn’t make any comments on yours and nico’s relationship…while he was in the room.

the second nico stepped out of the room nina was quick to ask when the wedding was.

“never gonna happen. i don’t like nico like that, and he doesn’t like me like that.” you said while putting judith back in that plastic jail they call a crib. “we’re here to talk about my gorgeous daughter who looks a little too much like nico for my liking.”

“ouch.” 

your head whipped around to see nico standing at the door. “your back early.” you were hoping he didn’t hear what you had said earlier. lately nico had been acting insanely weird everytime someone brought up your relationship with one another.

“the nurse was just outside, she’s gonna go finish the final paperwork and we’ll probably be out of here in the next hour.” nico said before turning back around. “i’m gonna go help out with the discharge papers.”

once he left you let out a groan. “nina why is your brother acting so weird?”

“what’s up with him?” she asked, curiously.

“ever since the baby shower he has just been…off. i don’t even know how to explain it.” you  started off, beginning to pace around the room. “he is so distant, and really out of it. i would think it might just be with the upsetting ending of the season, but this has been going on since before the playoffs. he keeps saying that he is sick and doesn’t want to expose me to germs, but i live with him and i haven’t even heard him sneeze from allergies.”

“do you think, and i hate to ask this, that he is having regrets about…everything?” 

you felt tears fill your eyes at her question. “yeah, i do. i asked him, and he denied it, but i can’t think of any other reason why he would distance himself from me and from judith.”

the lack of response from your friend on the phone was enough to make you start crying.

“i have my essentials packed up and my mom has a lawyer on speed dial just in case something happens…” you felt horrible having to admit this, especially to his sister. “i don’t want the lawyers, it’s my moms doing.” you felt guilty for what having a lawyer would be implying. 

“-i’m not judging you. just make sure nico doesn’t find out, i have a feeling he won’t be a fan of you even having a bag packed.” nina cut you off. “look i have to go, just keep me updated.”

you assured her you would before saying your goodbyes.

+++

“hey you just have to sign the discharge papers and the birth certificate, then we can leave.” nico said, entering the hospital room you had been in for the past couple of hours.

it had been around twenty minutes since you said goodbye to nina, deciding to finish phone calls tomorrow and instead spend your time crying while holding your crying newborn, best way to bond right?

“okay.” you sniffled. “could you put judith in her carseat? i’m gonna change.”

bond right?

“okay.” you sniffled. “could you put judith in her carseat? i’m gonna change.”

nico nodded and picked judith up from the hospital’s crib, holding her close to his chest and staring at her in awe. he couldn’t believe that this precious little girl was his.

“i’m always going to love and protect you, no matter what. your mother too. someday we’ll be a happy family, the three of us, hopeful gannon will join us sometime soon…” nico trailed off. “daddy loves you and he loves mommy too, you’re the two most important women in my life now, don’t you ever forget that…your mommy does a lot.” 

nico couldn’t finish his peptalk, or whatever one would call the conversation with his daughter, because you had stepped out of the bathroom changed and ready to go. “are you okay?” it was obvious that you were crying, you don’t know why you were even trying to hid it. 

“i’m fine, just emotional…just gave birth ya know.” you tried to laugh it off.

nico didn’t believe it. “we’ll talk when we get home.” 

+++

“why have you been acting so weird-”

“i overheard what you said-”

you and nico spoke at the same time, nico gesturing for you to go first.

“you overheard!?” you were convinced you were breaking a sweat from how panicked you had become in an instant. “look nico, the lawyer was my mother’s idea a-and i haven’t even actually talked to them yet, my mother just has them on retainer.”

“wait, what!?” nico stared at you with a look that scared you. “i was talking about what you said at your baby shower. you have a lawyer!? do you have all your things packed too so you’re ready to leave me and take judith with you!?” your silence only made nico angrier. “oh my god you do have your shit packed.”

“j-just the essentials…” you stuttered out.

“yeah because that makes a difference.” nico had distanced himself from you. “i cannot believe this.”

“i only did that stuff because for the past month it's seemed like the last thing you wanted was to be in mine and judith’s life!” your loud voices woke judith up, her loud wails only making the room more tense. you picked her up and tried to soothe her as you spoke to nico. “i’m only gonna ask you one more time nico, do you regret being with me and deciding to be in judith’s life?” 

“no. i do not regret it y/n.” nico spoke sternly.

“then why the hell are you treating us this way?” 

“because i am in love with you.”

your eyes widened in shock and you nearly lost your grip on judith from the whiplash that seemed to go through your body.

“you…what!?” 

it was essentially a stare down between the two of you, it was so uncomfortable in the room that even judith shut her mouth. 

“i have for a year now, probably longer, a-and i thought that judith would finally be my way into your heart. i thought that me being there for you, and for our daughter, would make you love me too.” nico’s tone of voice was one of a kicked puppy. 

“what are you doing?” you asked, not pleased with what he was throwing onto you. “why are you telling me this?” 

“i just needed you to know.” nico whispered his response, not expecting that reaction.

“so you’ve been in love with me for a year now?” nico nodded at your question. “so how does that add up to you treating me like some gold digging whore who got pregnant on purpose for the past month?” 

“i’m not-” nico let out a heavy sigh. “at your baby shower you said you couldn’t wait for everything to get back to how it was before the pregnancy.”

“yeah, so?”

“so!? you’ve basically been counting down the days until you’re able to fuck someone else, while i’ve been doing everything in my power to prove myself to you that i am worthy of being more than just the guy you fuck when no one else is available.” nico grew angry, if this was a cartoon steam would be coming out of his ears.

“i didn’t ask for you to do that nico! i was happy with how things were before judith, is it so wrong to want that back?” you were equally as angry. who was he to make you feel guilty about not being in love with him?

“yes it is! you are a mother now y/n, you are not allowed to be irresponsible anymore. you have to take care of two lives now-”

“are you not going to be helping me!?” you interrupted nico.

“when i can, yes i will, but i have a job that keeps me away a lot.” 

you rolled your eyes at his words. “you are not allowed to dictate my love life just because you knocked me up.”

you didn’t know if you should be thankful or agitated that judith decided to start crying at that moment, but either way you started your slight bouncing movements back up to try and settle my daughter, as odd as it was to use that term in a real scenario, and tried to find those parental instincts everyone was always talking about.

“she’s probably hungry.”

“i didn’t ask you…but thank you i will try that.”

+++

the first night with judith was rough. as much as nico wanted to, he couldn’t leave you alone and retreat off to the hughes’, both because if his mother found out, and she would, he might as well get his obituary ready in advance and he just could not handle the torture the brothers would put him through.

it was like your daughter had a sixth sense for when you were just about to fall asleep, choosing those exact moments to cry out for something. you never knew what she wanted, always going through the same order of “milk, diaper change, pacifier, cuddles, burping, scenery change, and clothing change” until one of them worked. 

nico slept on the couch, it was close enough to your room where if judith began to cry he would hear it and wake up. he was going to stay in your room with you and judith, but after the blowup of him confessing his feelings and you borderline rejecting him things it got a bit awkward. still now, almost twenty four hours later you and nico hadn’t had a proper conversation let alone spoken about what had happened. 

you were on the phone with nina for a while, then your mother, then nina and your mother, both of them giving you their advice but following it up with “just listen to your heart.”, so it was all canceled out in your mind. 

you turned to your newborn, who was staring at you from her little bed next to yours. “judith what am i supposed to do? your daddy, the one with the funny voice, is so amazing and sweet. he treats me like a princess, so why am i struggling so much to figure out what i want with him?” 

judith stared at you with those large brown eyes, a small look of adoration on her face. 

“i love you.” you whispered to her. “-and i love your father too.” 

you sat up in bed, eyes widening at your revelation. you love nico. 

“oh judith, thank you for listening to your mommy!”

you hopped out of bed, rushing into the living room. “nico! nico! nico! nic-”

“what!? what's wrong!? is judith alright!?” nico basically jumped off of the couch, worried that something had happened.

“she’s fine, everything is fine…well not everything it’s just.” you took a moment to look at nico, the lighting was horrible yet he still looked amazing. “i love you too nico.”

there was a silence that followed, it wasn’t awkward or filled with tension, just a calm silence. 

you blinked and then suddenly nico’s lips were on yours. 

the sound of judith’s cries separated your lips and caused you both to race to your bedroom.

spoiler alert: nothing was wrong with judith, she was just crying to cry. 

nico’s arms were wrapped around you and were holding you into his chest as you both laughed. 

“so what now? are we dating? getting married?” you asked, leaning your head against nico’s shoulder. 

“as much as i would love to get married right now, we’ll start with dating…so will you be my girlfriend?” nico asked, mumbling against your head and giving light kisses every now and then.

“yes, i will be your girlfriend.”

“yes!” 

you laughed at his response, judith held in both of your arms. “let’s go to bed, she’s finally asleep.”

+++

nicohischeir and y/nonfilm

nicohischier me, my girlfriend, and our beautiful babygirl. welcome to the world judith.

view all 17 comments

jackhughes god father mode activated😎

y/nonfilm …who said you were the god father?

ninahischier best day ever!! i got a niece and a sister 🩷🩷

njdevils baby hischier alert‼️

comments on this post have been limited

+++

note: i 100% HATE this ending (the whole thing actually) it’s so rushed and just bleh, but i have literally been working on this for 71 days. SEVENTY ONE DAYS. college has been kicking my ass lately so i haven’t been very focused on writing anything. but i hope y’all still like this PLEASE DON’T LET IT FLOP i’ll cry. okay love y’all babes BYEEEE!!!

[strniohoeee]

Pick Up

Pairing: Chris Sturniolo X Female Reader

Synopsis: Opting to walk home late at night, Y/N occupies her time by calling someone from her past. But will they pick up?

Warnings⚠️: None, this is a filler imagine so it’s SHITTT. Mentions of being drunk and high (weed). Cigarette use and that’s all🤍

Song for imagine: Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?- Arctic Monkeys

Now it’s three in the morning

And I’m trying to change your mind

Left you multiple missed calls

And to my message, you reply

Why’d you only call me when you’re high?

Stepping out onto the uneven payment, my heels wobble in the cracks as I balance myself. Sniffling and shivering as I pull my jackets closer to my body. The sound of more bodies shoveling out of the club.

Walking to the curb as I wait to order an Uber home. Kicking gravel off the sidewalk as I try to recollect myself. Too many drinks and too many pulls from a joint I was blinking fast. A stupid attempt to get my eyes to feel not so heavy.

I pull out my phone and open my contacts letting my finger hang over the one person's contact I should’ve gotten rid of a long time ago. Taking a deep breath I slide my hand into my purse and pull out a cigarette. An American Spirit to be exact. The best ones to smoke while you were a bit drunk. At least I thought so…..

“Wanna head home with me” I heard from behind me, turning over I offer a smile to my friend

“Oh no I’ll just Uber home” I said to him, placing a cigarette between his lips and lighting it as he leans over to light mine for me

“Thanks” I mumble as I take a long drag

“You smoke up all my weed and you won’t even come home with me?” He asks laughing

“Your party tricks don’t work on me sir, you gotta be smarter than that” I replied laughing

“At least I can say I tried” he said laughing too

“Hey! Listen, thank you for inviting me out tonight. I really needed that” I said to him as I tap my cigarette and watch the ash fall

“Of course! You know I got you. Whenever you’re feeling down just hit me up” he said smiling at me

“I love you” I say taking one last pull from my cigarette

“I love you too Y/N. To better days and to better men” he said nudging my arm with a smirk

“Amen” I reply hugging him

Tapping the cigarette out with my heel as I watched him get into an Uber with a guy and a girl….. man was he a slut. Waving bye to him as I pull out my phone again.

Stepping back from the curb I lean against the light pole as I pull my phone out again. I mean I could just walk home. It was probably a 20-25 minute walk. A nice phone call and a nice breeze? I opted out of the Uber.

Using the excuse of “it saves me money”….it was only a $8 Uber ride….whatever! I began my journey home. The only issue I thought was the pain my feet would be in, in about 10 minutes.

Dragging my tongue over my teeth I let out a sharp breath of air and looked down at my screen. My finger once again hovering over that one specific contact. I shouldn’t….but who cares…..but we haven’t seen each other in so long…..don’t do it…do it….

I shook my head and hit call mobile…..

Christopher🩶 calling mobile…..

My heels clacked against the pavement rapidly as I waited for him to pick up. The ringing sent shivers down my spine.

“I’m sorry the number you have reached is not available-“

I hung up before it could finish. Groaning to myself out of annoyance but also embarrassment. I opened the iMessage between us…. An honestly embarrassing history.

Christopher🩶

Why don’t you ever pick up?

Read 2:53am 1/20/23

Chris I miss you😔

Read 9:46pm 1/26/23

Helloooooo you never pick up when I call

Read 11:11 pm 3/10/23

Ik it’s been a while, but at least answer me…

Read: 5:03am 5/26/23

Do you ever miss what we had?😕

Read 4:23am 5/27/23

Chrissssssss answer me🧎🏽‍♀️

Read 12:56am 7/19/23

I’m with Nick and Matt…..

7/19/23 1:02am

I miss you Christopher🖤

Read 1:15am 7/19/23

It’ll pass.

7/19/23 1:16am

Why do you never pick up!

Read 4:47am 9/17/23

Are you drunk rn?

9/17/23 4:47am

Maybe a little tipsy, but 100% high

Read 4:48am 9/17/23

Sorry I never stop calling, I just miss you

Read 2:08am 10/31/23

Merry Christmas🤍

Read 8:15am 12/25/23

Wish I was celebrating the new year with you

Miss you <3

Read 12:10am 1/01/24

January 1st, 2024 12:10am

Pick up.

Read 2:39am 02/12/24

No I’m not proud of this, but once I was under the influence I couldn’t stop my fingers from moving. No, I never texted the next morning to apologize because the following weeks and days I’d do it all over again.

But somehow seeing the ‘read’ logo pop up made my heart hurt just a tiny bit more. Shaking my head I kept walking. I had another 18 minutes till I was home. Suddenly my phone started buzzing. I looked down and I was immediately anxious

Incoming call

Christopher🩶

I decide to pick up, placing the phone against my ear as I wait for him to speak.

“Hello?” He says in a question

“Hi Chris” I say back more excited than him

“You alright?” He asks me

“Of course I am” I said back

“Where are you right now?” He asks me a bit concerned

“You don’t get to ignore me for a year and then ask me where I am” I said in a slurred way

“You’re right I don’t, so bye” he said instantly which caused me to freak out

“No no! Sorry I’m walking home” I said to him

“Walking home? Now? At this hour? With who? Where were you?” He asks frantically

“I’m alone and I just came from a bar. I’ve had a bit too much to drink and a bit too much weed” I responded giggling

“I can pick you up” he says to me

“No don’t worry I’m almost home plus the streets are quite tonight” I say back to him

“Well stay on the line with me till you get into your apartment, got it?” He says sternly

“Yes sir” I reply back giggling

“Why’d you call?” He asks

“The same reason I’ve called and texted constantly. I miss you” I said to him

“Well why’d you only call me when you’re high?” He asks

“High? Why’d I only ever call you when I’m high?” I asked a bit taken back

“Y/N, you never call me at normal hours other than Christmas. It’s always party hours and it’s always “i miss you” you only call and text when you’re high and drunk” he replies a bit annoyed

“I just happen to be under the influence when I want to share my love with you” I reply sniffling

“You never text me or call me when you’re sober. Are you scared to talk when your mind is completely clear?” He asks me

“What? No….” I say in a whisper

“I think you are….” He says back

“Well how come you never answer me then?” I reply back

“Because I’ve moved on” he says flat out

“Moved on?” I ask as I turn a corner trotting closer to my apartment complex

“What we had was great and of course I miss you, but we’re over. And I can’t be the crutch when you’re drunk and high” he says

“I don’t need you to be my crutch” I respond rolling my eyes

“Then you would call me when you’re sober” he replies

“Whatever” I say back getting angry

“No reason to be mad” he says laughing a bit

“I’m not mad” I say back instantly

“Well then is that all you needed to get off your chest?” He asked me

“Yeah that’s all” I say back sternly

I cross the street and walk towards my apartment complex. Opening the glass door and walking into the lobby. My heels click hard and fast as I stomp over to the elevator. Getting up to my floor and walking into my apartment.

“I’m home” I say bluntly

“I’m glad you’re safe” he responds

There was a moment of silence. Chewing my lip as I kick my heels off and throw myself down on my couch.

“So you don’t miss me?” I ask him looking up at my ceiling

“Of course I do, but we just weren’t meant for each other” he says in a huff

“Weren’t meant for each other…” I repeat back lowly

“Well yeah, we always argue and we just never saw eye to eye” he said back

“I suppose that’s true” I say to him

“What exactly is it that you miss about me?” He asks a bit intrigued

“I miss your smile, and your eyes, your silky hair, I miss your laugh. I miss the stupid shit you’d do…..I just miss it all” I said as I smiled to myself

“Drunk words are sober thoughts” he said laughing a bit

“But you’ve known this” I said to him

“I suppose so” he replied back

“Well anyways I’m home now, it was great hearing your voice. I’ll leave you alone now” I said to him sitting up and running my hands through my hair

“Yeah it was great talking to you, but just do me one favor. Stop calling me.” He says and my heart shatters

“Uh..yeah okay” I say in a whisper as a lump forms in my throat

“…..stop calling me when you’re high. Call me tomorrow morning when you’re sober” he says laughing a bit at me

“You asshole you scared me” I said giggling

“I’m sorry, I was just messing with you” he said laughing

“Whatever, but fine I’ll text you tomorrow morning” I said to him

“Good and maybe we could meet for lunch” he says

“Ouuu a date?” I say wiggling my brows

“No! Just catching up” he says scoffing

“Sure thing” I say, he giggles and we say our goodbyes.

Hanging up the phone as I toss it on the couch. I open my patio doors and step out. Lighting my cigarette as I look out into the quiet night sky.

Taking a drag I let it all sink in. All my embarrassing texts and calls to him eventually led me back into his life. Taking a drag as I exhale through my nose. I was such a hot fucking mess, but at least the pieces were slowly falling into place.

I just couldn’t understand why I’d only ever call him when I’m high…..

The End

This was just a short imagine to fill in for the fact I’ve been MIA for two weeks. This was ass, but I’ll put out better shit in the next coming days. I love yall dearly 😋🖤🖤

-J💅🏽

[frozenjokes]

mumbojumbo and cubfan135 go lalala in Cub’s labyrinth (they eat each other)

big violence in this fic: it is about cannibalism. they are torturing each other to death (at least that’s the goal)

“You want to hear a secret?” Cub said, trailing behind Mumbo as they both approached the entrance of the labyrinth. Maybe Cub sensed that Mumbo was nervous, trying to lighten the mood, though Mumbo couldn’t tell, honestly more focused on what lay ahead of him.

Distantly, he replied, “Yeah, sure.”

“The whole cannibalism thing? Not a vex trait. Like, there’s quite a bit to be said about violence and sacrifice, but usually the point of a sacrifice is.. not eating the meat. You’re giving it up, right?”

Mumbo whirled back to face Cub, unable to help himself. “Wh- Seriously!? But that’s like- That’s your thing!”

“Not a me thing. Not a vex thing. That’s 100% a Scar thing. Dunno where it came from.”

“You can’t possibly say it’s just a Scar thing, you do that stuff all the time.”

“I don’t particularly care for it. I mean,” Cub shrugged, “Raw meat doesn’t do it for me. I was about to say I can’t think of anyone who really prefers to eat things raw, but,” Cub gave Mumbo a sly look, chuckling when Mumbo shrunk back a little, “Maybe I’m wrong?” he snickered, continuing on, “I mean, technically we could cook each other, but with only five minutes before everything disappears, it’s not going to be good. That kind of ruins the whole point anyway, don’t you think? The frenzy? The violence of it? But raw meat is gross. It is enough to ruin the experience 9/10 times. Scar is a fucking freak.”

Mumbo snorted, sure he could list dozens of items that made Cub just as bad. “I do not have this problem. Of raw meat, and doing things I don’t want to do.”

“Scar wants to. And I don’t not want to.”

“Does Scar know that?”

“Probably. I mean, maybe not. I’m not the only one of us who’s thrown up, and let me tell you, in both of our cases it is not an issue of morality. Scar has more enthusiasm, but typically he always does. We’ve never talked about this.”

“You both throw up? How do you know Scar likes doing this?” Mumbo raised his hands, somewhat incredulously, and Cub blinked, confidence momentarily shaken, but he shook his head.

“Of course Scar likes it. He suggested we do it in the first place. It’s like. Our thing now.”

“Had he done it before?”

“I don’t know. He never said so, but we were both a bit less.. the way we are now.. before the vex stuff happened. So I doubt it but-“ Cub cut himself off, shaking his head. “This is stupid. Of course he likes it. He would have said something if he didn’t like it, we do this all the time.”

Mumbo snorted. “You never said anything about not liking it.”

“That is different! Scar would say something! And it’s not even that I strictly don’t like it- It’s fine! A little unpleasant, but fine! I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Get going. Let’s get this started.” Cub crossed his arms, feigning impatience, “Only brought this up in the first place so you don’t get offended when I spit pieces of you back onto the floor. I’ll stick with carrots for now.”

Mumbo rolled his eyes, but ultimately chuckled as he put the few items he’d brought with him away in the available enderchest, “So you’ll eat Scar but not me, I see how it is.” Mumbo had only meant to tease him, but when he looked up from the enderchest, Cub seemed to have stalled where he stood, and Mumbo was concerned he’d offended him, “I didn’t mean that. Do what you want, Cub, you’re..” Struck suddenly with the raw emotion of their conversation only hours ago, Mumbo found himself unable to finish the sentence, putting to words the sheer commitment of what Cub was planning on doing for him; not just now in the labyrinth, but possible weeks of enduring Mumbo’s hunt, all in the name of helping someone that Cub, quite frankly, hardly knew. Helping Mumbo because he simply believed that Mumbo shouldn’t have to starve. And maybe there was an aspect of saving the server as well; Cub was clearly thinking about it, no doubt, but that wasn’t the only reason. Cub didn’t care that Mumbo was a monster, one that would inevitably turn on and abuse him when these optimistic plans didn’t pay off. Mumbo would wear him down, and even with Cub as motivated as he was, eventually, he would have enough and he would leave, abandoning Hermitcraft with the rest of the hermits, starting a life somewhere new. But even after all that, after being dragged through hell, Mumbo did not think Cub would resent him, nor blame him. That alone was utterly too overwhelming. Something about the world felt a little less lonely.

“Do you want me to? Eat you?”

The words snapped Mumbo back to reality, searching for that sly tone Cub’s voice took on when he was teasing, but only finding Cub’s eyes, narrowed, sharp, and deadly serious.

This was deeper than discomfort, it wasn’t even about sustenance, eating, any of it. Mumbo couldn’t identify the feeling, the severity of the gesture, but even with his mouth dry under the weight of Cub’s gaze, he knew he had to seize this.

“Yes.” He’d never meant any commitment more in his whole existence. Cub’s eyes narrowed, and Mumbo struggled to read his expression.

“Promise then, you’ll watch.”

“I’ll watch.”

“You won’t close your eyes.”

“I’ll watch.”

This seemed enough to satisfy Cub, who nodded, a gesture almost minuscule. “Then start running.”

Cub’s pale skin had hardly begun to change color, only a streak or two of white twisting through his hair when he lashed out with long claws, eyes upturned and pupil-less as he tore through the front of Mumbo’s suit, nails just grazing his chest. Mumbo stumbled back, a startled gasp catching in his throat, but he did not need to be told twice to run. Cub’s shrieking laugh followed Mumbo into the labyrinth.

It was so loud, so overpowering that Mumbo was sure Cub would catch him the moment he hit his first dead end. Mumbo whirled around, swinging a fist to the assailant at his heels, but his hand only met air, the laughter receding to a sharp snicker, delighting in its trick. Mumbo stood, dumbstruck, but only for a moment, launching himself back into the maze. When he turned after escaping from the dead end, the laughter followed, growing in volume until Mumbo was once again sure Cub was directly behind him. Every dead end caught a spark of anxiety, needing desperately to get out, to keep running before Cub caught him at the fork, but Cub was never there, taking his worst form when Mumbo was forced to turn around, phantom footsteps clipping his heels.

There were signs littering the maze, teasing and tips and the like, but Mumbo found he literally couldn’t stop to read them; he wasn’t sure he could stop even if he willed his limbs to still. Fear shoved his adrenaline into overdrive, Mumbo had never found himself so panicked, and he lost the wherewithal to suspect Cub’s magic when something pulled at his hair, then shrieked so loudly in his ear that Mumbo thought the sound might blind him.

So kind to share, been too long since we’ve had a taste-!

Mumbo woke up on the floor, the voices that overlapped and reverberated through his head gone as suddenly as they’d appeared, but the pitched laughter remained. He tried to remember how he’d gotten here- fallen most likely- but there was something in his eye, he tried to blink, but small hands gripped his eyelashes- something was pulling his hair, his clothes, something was biting his ankle, his waist, but something was in his eye, and before he could thrash and tear it away-

Only one order, one off-limits area, but you don’t need two to see-!

Mumbo woke up screaming, the panic that was shrieking at him to flee overtaken by his natural instinct to fight. He tore at his face, bloodying fingers that were not claws seconds ago, smashing apart vex with fists and teeth and kicking with the vengeance of a man who’d been stolen from. He was still on the floor, blindly tearing apart spirits when someone snatched his arm, ripping it back so hard that Mumbo was certain it’d break, but he didn’t have time to think, smashing his chin as he was flipped gracelessly onto his stomach. Mumbo thrashed, but claws found the base where his neck met his back, digging in without hesitation and injecting a new surge of blind terror as if they were hypodermic needles. Mumbo flailed, screaming, but found himself pinned, the weight of his assailant falling completely over his back and legs, left arm still being held at that horrible angle.

“Bastards, aren’t they. Never listen. But don’t get distracted, love, I’m so much worse.”

Mumbo thrashed anew, tearing his arm out of Cub’s grip with an unexpected surge of strength and rearing up, smashing their heads together in an impact so forceful that Mumbo was momentarily dazed, but when he came to just seconds later, no one was there. Mumbo heaved a deep breath, the first he’d been able to take in what felt like hours. Hot blood seeped down the side of his face, eye burning so fiercely that even the untouched one watered out of control, leaving him near blind.

He kept running.

He found himself crashing into walls, startling back from dead ends that didn’t exist, seeing things too close or too far. Sometimes when he’d turn around, a vex spirit would be waiting, slashing its claws across his nose and lips before slipping away, shrieking laughter as it went. Sometimes they would speak to him, teasing, and always he would wake up collapsed into a wall or on the floor, but they did not converge on him again, perhaps lacking the numbers to do so, or more likely on Cub’s instruction.

Still they pulled at his hair, his clothes. Mumbo felt no greater terror when they slipped into his pant legs or under his shirt collar, so distressed by the graze of their cold nails on his skin that he had to stop, to beat them away, do anything to get them out. But then Cub’s footsteps would sound from down the hall, differentiated from the illusions because he was slow, unhurried, his laugh deeper, controlled, and Mumbo knew he had no more time to wrestle spirits out of his clothes.

Despite Cub’s promise that he was worse, his vex sensed his fear, panic, agonizing discomfort, and it was not long before they realized that Mumbo could not reach them where he hated them most. As predators do, they took full advantage. There came a point where Mumbo just had to push on, ignore the scratching and biting and ripping of the seams of his clothes. But for all his effort, his ability to focus was ruined. Running aimlessly in a labyrinth was one thing, but when he hit the parkour, trapdoors laid out teasingly across the unforgiving deepslate walls; Mumbo didn’t stand a chance.

He made the first jump on shaky legs, but a vex choosing to bite in a sensitive area just as he leapt for the second jump ruined him completely, slipping, but he did not hit the ground before a chorus of shrill voices sung their joy.

Uh oh!

When Mumbo woke up, he was on the floor and the vex were gone. It was silent, the buzz of absence ringing loudly in Mumbo’s ears and he struggled to his knees, tattered clothes doing him zero favors. He needed to get up. He needed to try again before they came back, got the chance to distract him. He needed to get past this, and quickly.

When Mumbo looked up, Cub was staring down at him, perched on the trapdoors that made up the third jump. Mumbo had never seen a smile more unkind.

“That hit you hard, didn’t it,” Cub mused, making no effort to move when Mumbo was so frozen in place, “Looks to me like you’re losing steam. That’s a shame. You’ve had a godawful run, most hermits would’ve made it through the whole damn thing by now.”

Mumbo couldn’t do anything but catch his breath. Even if he wanted to get away, wanted to try the parkour again, Cub was in the way. Wait- How long had it been? How long did it take to complete the labyrinth-?

Cub hummed, uncaring. “I should’ve stopped you sooner. You were so scared, so blindly terrified, I was starting to wonder if I could make you a meal out of yourself. But you’re so tired now, you look just about ready to give up.”

Mumbo was tired. It was hitting him now, all at once, weighing him down, leaving him unable to get to his feet. He couldn’t speak, could hardly breathe. How much time had really passed? He was feeling it now. As adrenaline failed him, the blistering pain of his injuries was starting to overcome him, and slowly, slowly Mumbo realized there may be multiple reasons he couldn’t stand.

Maybe it would be better to lay down. To give up and take whatever was in store.

“No good, no good,” Cub tutted, quietly thoughtful, “Well, I’ll see what I can do.”

Cub was not wearing his elytra, but still he seemed to float to the ground. Though it was possible that was an illusion, Mumbo struggled to tell the difference anymore. Too gently, Cub took Mumbo’s hand. Mumbo jerked weakly away and Cub snatched his arm back, drawing his own fingers to Mumbo’s wrist, thumb pressing dangerously into his pulse. Mumbo felt that familiar rush of adrenaline, instinct to run, but he was too spent, Cub’s magic flowing out just as easily as it entered, leaving Mumbo twitching, but little else more. Vaguely, Mumbo was aware of blood swelling at his wrist and dripping down his arm. Cub’s grip was too tight, and fruitlessly, Mumbo tried to pry him away. Cub let him try, amused, maybe, but Mumbo didn’t know when he closed his eyes against the strain.

“Hey.” Cub hissed, free hand seizing Mumbo’s neck so hard he choked, then jerking up to find Mumbo’s chin, fingers pressed so ruthlessly against his teeth through his cheek, Mumbo was sure he’d start to bleed. “You promised.”

Mumbo didn’t know what he was talking about, struggling against Cub’s grip on his jaw, only to have Cub yank him up by the face, close enough that Mumbo could feel his hot breath, contrasted heavily by those cold, cruel claws.

“You’re going to watch, Mumbo. You’re going to watch me tear off your fingernails with my teeth then feed them to you, let you taste your own fear for a change, how does that sound?”

A jolt of new terror shook Mumbo’s form, and this was not Cub’s synthetic adrenaline either, this came from him, raw and afraid. He opened his eyes and struggled with new vigor, clawing at Cub’s grip on his own hand, but even drawing blue blood on blunt nails did not make Cub wince.

“Good man.” Cruel red skin flowered under the surface of Cub’s face and he cackled through the change, yanking Mumbo’s trapped hand to his lips. Mumbo was strong, stronger than Cub, he knew it, but no amount of clawing would make Cub let go, Mumbo was just too fatigued. Cub set his sharp teeth in the bed of Mumbo’s pointer finger nail, holding firm enough that more than just Mumbo’s nail was going to leave him when Cub bit through. As Cub’s teeth broke skin, pulling, dragging backwards, something at the back of Mumbo’s mind snapped, instinct taking the reins, remembering when Mumbo could not that he was not bound by the confines of human anatomy.

On anyone else, Cub’s grip on his face would have been entirely safe, but perhaps they’d both forgotten that Mumbo was not, in fact, human.

While Cub took his finger, Mumbo took his hand, face collapsing like a sinkhole until Mumbo had Cub’s entire wrist, held fast in teeth that were no longer dull.

Cub shrieked, and this time there was no laughter. He may have taken more of Mumbo’s finger than intended, but without a doubt Mumbo had won this trade. Mumbo jerked his head hard enough to break Cub’s wrist, Cub letting go of his arm in turn, face redder, white eyes shining, but the only reason Cub managed to wrench his wrist out of Mumbo’s teeth was because Mumbo was already letting go, lunging to snap at Cub’s face instead. Teeth connected at Cub’s right eyebrow and the left side of his mouth, but the damage was only minimal, an attack misjudged because a human face was much flatter than what he was more familiar with.

Before he could lunge again, the force of both Cub’s legs slammed into Mumbo’s stomach, stealing his breath in a body that was already so winded. Cub slipped away before Mumbo could catch a leg with fingers too long, but not long enough. Not that Mumbo could have held on in a state so breathless, but his human mind was no longer at the reins. The vex injuries smoothed themselves over as Mumbo fought for air, swiping aimlessly above himself at the player hopping effortlessly across its own parkour, pushing deeper into the maze.

Mumbo had lost too much blood, expended too much energy to completely recover his strength, but it did not matter. The player would not escape him.

Mumbo did not need to do the parkour to climb the ledge. His legs would step as far as he needed them to. His arms would haul him forward. No one could outrun him.

The maze served to be a source of great frustration. He knew fear, he did not need to see to sense it, he was so close, but there were always walls in his way, barriers that kept him from the fastest path forward. Mumbo did not mind taking his time, not on a normal day, but patience was difficult to come by when you were salivating at the tease of a taste, when you were starving, when you’d take anything, terror as well as that carnal excitement that stank up the halls, leaving a trail as obvious as the trickle of blue blood.

Mumbo could not wait any longer. He would have it all until there was no more trace.

It was not long before they crossed paths.

Mumbo was stalking down a long hall when the player turned a corner, their eyes meeting for only a moment before Mumbo darted forward, the player dashing to the left and throwing up an illusion of a wall that did not work, Mumbo smashing through it on the trail of fear too strong to hide. The player was laughing, Mumbo thought, as he pursued it through the narrow halls, but it would not be laughing for long. Even distractions of giggling vex spirits did not slow him down; they could bite, scratch, or do whatever they liked, but they’d better hold on, because Mumbo was not stopping for anything.

Mumbo did not get to turn the next corner before the player attacked first, barreling into Mumbo hard enough to knock him from his feet, snarling, laughing, somehow still laughing, and as Mumbo smashed into the ground, head cracking against the floor, the player found his throat with its teeth, tearing down through the muscle and constricting Mumbo’s windpipe, blood bubbling up his throat and out of from his lips, but the player did not let go, keeping its teeth fixed deep in Mumbo’s neck so that he could not heal, could not stop himself from suffocating.

Tearing at the player’s clothes, Mumbo tried desperately to push it away, roll the both of them over, get on top, but the player was using its weight to its advantage, Mumbo’s own uncoordinated exhaustion coming back to bite him as he strained for air, for energy, for a new surge of adrenaline that might lend him enough strength to get it off.

Mumbo’s claws found purchase on the player’s stomach and ripped through, heaving and desperate, but even with the player’s blue blood sloshing out of it in sick, warm waves, it did not let go, it did not even loosen its grip. Spilling its organs was not enough to escape this, its determination to see the both of them fall in this game of cat and mouse where the roles were shared between them too stubborn. Mumbo might not have minded if he wasn’t starving. And he was going to eat, meager as this meal might be.

With his last surge of life, Mumbo let his fingers grow long and to a point, and in a bout of strength dredged from the depths of his need, Mumbo drove that hand directly through the player's head.

It was instant, the kind of crunch that Mumbo rarely found satisfying, but now when he had used every reserve of his power, he could not do anything but lay there, unable even to rip his hand out of the player’s skull, to heal the gaping hole in his throat. But he did not need to breathe to eat. If he was going to die, it would be with this player’s flesh lodged in his crushed esophagus.

The player was laid limp on top of him. He was so blinded by red and blue blood alike, he hardly knew where he was biting down, but it did not matter. Mumbo did not care at all.

cubfan135 was slain by Mumbo Jumbo

Mumbo Jumbo was slain by cubfan135

[syuga-s]

i made my fiancés tinder profile

w.c. 8.5k pairing. non-idol!jeon jungkook x fem!reader genre. cute and angsty friends to lovers <333 a/n. idk guys i wrote this like a month ago but I JUST GOT THE ENERGY TO POST IT so i apologize in advance if you find mistakes here and there, ALSO i made the playlist that inspired me to make this fic so i'll just leave it here if you want to give it a listen or save it don't look at my other playlists tho they're a mess 🦦

You always thought you were pretty good at giving dating advice. It’s easier when you’re not the one doing the dating, right? That’s how it all started with Jungkook. You two were chilling at your apartment one lazy Sunday afternoon when you suddenly blurted out, “Why are you still single, Jungkook? You’re amazing, good-looking, and fun. You should at least be on like three different dating apps.”

He laughed, running a hand through his hair in that effortlessly cool way he always did. “Dunno' just haven’t found the right person,” he said with a smile that made you heart do a weird little flip. “I don’t think I’m good at dating, haha.”

“You’re ridiculous,” you shot back, sitting up. “Let's make you an account. We’ll get you some matches in no time.”

He hesitated for a second, then shrugged. “Sure, let's do it.”

And that’s how you ended up setting up his profile, not realizing that this would be the beginning of the end of your denial and the start of a love story you never saw coming.

You grabbed his phone and he settled onto the couch next to you. “Okay, first things first. We need some killer photos. Let’s start with your main picture.”

You opened the camera app. You sat there, looking at his phone for a minute before he let out a loud laugh.

You looked up. “What is it?"

He grinned, pointing at something behind you. "It's just Tae taking a picture of us setting up a dating profile," Jungkook said, chuckling.

You turned around to see Taehyung standing in the doorway, holding his phone up with a huge grin on his face. "Don't mind me," Taehyung sang out, winking at the two of you. "Just capturing this for posterity."

Tae showed Jungkook the picture and a fit of laughter erupted again, now from the two of them. "Your face! You look so focused and super serious right now."

Rolling your eyes, you lightly smacked his arm. "This is serious business! We need to find the perfect picture to reel in all the potential matches."

Then you started browsing through his photo gallery to curate the most attractive selection of pictures.

There you had him on the gym doing weights, him on his boxing gear, with his dogs, him doing the dishes with a strangely tight black shirt, a few selfies on his car, with his motorcycle. You could sell a whole album with his photos, how on earth would you do him justice and only choose 10 of them?

"Why is this so hard?"

Jungkook chuckled. "Because you're not choosing photos for a profile, you're trying to find a reason to stare at me and my body for too long."

"Boy, I'm trying to help you here, and if I'm gonna do it, I might as well do this like a professional matchmaker." You retorted.

His eyebrows furrowed. "When have you ever paired someone up?"

You smiled smugly. "That's none of your business, Jeon."

"It is, actually, since you're helping me with this thing."

"Fine, if you must know, I hooked up one my friend's older sister with my college roommate."

"Really? How did that go?" He asked, curious.

"Pretty well, they've been together for a couple years now." You answered, still going through his photos.

"Wasn't your college roommate that guy with the blue hair?" He asked, his tone changing slightly.

"Uh-huh, why?"

"Wasn't he the guy you were dating during our third year?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that."

"How can you forget about him?" He sounded annoyed. "You spent an entire week crying in my bed because he broke up with you."

"Oh my god, did I? I don't recall." You were playing dumb, of course you remembered but there was no need to talk about that. "What do you think of this one?" It was a shirtless picture, point blank.

"I think you look kinda slutty but everyone's gonna eat it up, you'll get a date in no time." You continued.

"I am not posting a shirtless picture, are you crazy?" He snatched the phone from your hand.

"Well, it's not like we're gonna sell the damn picture, it's just your torso and the picture is really nice, you look good, I don't know why you're making such a fuss."

He didn't say anything, just looked at you.

"What? I'm complimenting you, it's the truth." You rolled your eyes.

"Okay, thank you." He was blushing.

"Are you blushing?" You asked, amused.

"No, it's just really hot in here." He took off his hoodie, throwing it somewhere in your living room.

You didn't even realize how close he was sitting next to you. It wasn't like it was the first time he'd been on your couch, but something felt different today. It was strange.

All the photos that you chose showcased different aspects of Jungkook's personality. Each photo told a story about him - his love for his dogs, his passion for staying active, his playful side with silly selfies. As you scrolled through his gallery, you couldn't help but notice the genuine smile on his face in many of the pictures, a smile that seemed to light up the whole world.

After him putting up a fight on choosing his favorite photos of him, next you had to write him something for his bio.

Jungkook leaned in closer to read over your shoulder.

"This is stupid, what do you want me to write? My name, my age, my occupation?" He was whining.

"Yes, those things obviously, but also things like, I don't know a joke or something to sum up your personality. I want them to know you're fun and cute, mind-blowingly good at everything, something along those lines."

"I am mind-blowingly good at everything." He said, his tone confident.

You rolled your eyes.

"So let's say, what if I write 'shit i'd date the hell out of me', you like it?" You asked him with a smile.

He laughed. "I do, I really do."

"Okay, it's settled." You wrote down the phrase, and a bunch of things about him.

"Now we just have to add something that will hook them up."

"Like what?"

"I don't know, just be honest. Just, don't write that you're looking for a girl to have sex with."

"But I am looking for a girl to have sex with." Blank expression on his face.

"You are so dumb sometimes." You threw a pillow at his face.

He caught it mid-air. "God, you know I'm not look— this was YOUR IDEA IN THE FIRST PLACE!" He yelled, trying to defend himself.

"Yeah, but, just write something that will make you look not like a manwhore."

He thought for a moment. "I know, I got it."

"Okay, shoot."

"I'm a manwhore." He had the brightest smile.

"Oh, for the love of..." You couldn't help but laugh at his antics. "Alright, fine. If that's what you want to go with, who am I to stop you?"

You two were done, and he was already getting notifications.

"Woah, that was... surprisingly fast." He was surprised, and you were proud of yourself.

"Of course, you're hot and cute. We don't see your type in dating apps very often."

He gave you a weird look, you couldn't quite figure out. "Thanks?"

"No worries, I'm sure you'll find someone in no time." You patted him on the back as you were getting up and ready to go to the kitchen and make some dinner. "See who you like and I'll help you on how to ask them on a date."

"Okay." He smiled.

"What are you smiling at? Are you looking at them already?"

"Yeah, I'm trying to see which one of these girls will be our first victim."

"Don't call them victims." You laughed.

The truth is that Jungkook only agreed to this because he loves spending time with you.

As you busied yourself in the kitchen, Jungkook couldn't shake the warmth spreading through his chest. He scrolled through the notifications on his phone, half-heartedly swiping left and right. His mind wasn't on finding a date; it was on you.

He couldn't believe he agreed to this. Making a profile on Tinder just to humor the best friend he was in love with, seemed harmless at first, but now, seeing the app light up with potential matches, he felt burdened. He wasn't here to date. He was here because he wanted to be closer to you, even if it meant pretending to search for someone else.

Each time a new message popped up, he found himself wondering if you'd approve. Would you laugh at the cheesy pickup lines together? Would you help him craft witty responses? He realized he didn't care about meeting any of these girls; he only cared about spending time with you.

But as much as he tried to focus on the dating app in front of him, his thoughts kept drifting back to you. To the way you laughed and teased him, to the way you always seemed to know what he needed even when he didn't realize it himself. Jungkook found himself longing for something he couldn't quite name, a feeling that stirred deep within him whenever he was near you.

He sighed, setting his phone down on the coffee table as he leaned back on the couch because he didn't bother looking through any of the profiles. Instead he made his way to the kitchen, where you were standing over a pot, stirring absentmindedly.

He stepped up behind you, watching as you stirred. His chest was warm, and he had a strange urge to wrap his arms around you and nuzzle his nose into your neck.

"Hey," he said, his voice soft.

You turned your head slightly, not looking at him but smiling. "Hey."

Jungkook took a step closer, placing his hand over yours. "Let me help," he said.

You handed him the wooden spoon, your fingers brushing against his in the exchange. He stirred the pot gently, mirroring the way he wanted to handle your heart. Neither of you spoke, the only sound filling the room was the clinking of utensils against the pot.

"You okay there?" Your voice broke through his daydreaming.

He answered you softly while running a hand through his hair nervously. "Yeah, just... thinking."

As the aroma of the dish wafted through the air, you felt his warmth seeping into you, comforting and familiar. You couldn't ignore the heavy tension that hung between you, thick like a fog.

He cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "So... what do we do now?" His voice was low, almost a whisper.

You turned around to face him, his eyes searching yours for answers neither of you dared to voice. "We eat dummy," you said with a laugh.

You and Jungkook sat down for dinner, the tension from earlier still lingering between you. As you ate, you caught each other stealing glances when the other wasn't looking.

"So...have you looked at any of the matches yet?" you asked, trying to break the silence.

Jungkook shifted in his seat. "A few, but no one really caught my eye," he said evasively.

You nodded, poking at your food. "Well if you see anyone you like, let me know. I want to help."

"Thanks, I will," Jungkook said with a small smile.

You returned the smile weakly, a pang in your chest at the thought of Jungkook dating someone else. You had pushed the feelings down for so long, not wanting to jeopardize your friendship. But your dumb decision of making him a dating profile forced you to confront how you really felt.

After you finished eating together, Jungkook helped you with the dishes. You dried off your hands, and he was ready to leave. Almost as if he was on a rush.

"Thanks for making dinner," he said with a smile.

You nodded. "Of course, you know I love having you over."

You stood at the door awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

Jungkook cleared his throat. "I'll text you," he said.

You gave him a thumbs-up, your voice coming out more high-pitched than normal. "Yeah, cool. See ya later."

He chuckled and leaned down to give you a hug. You wrapped your arms around him, breathing in his scent. You held him a little longer than necessary, wanting to memorize the feeling of his arms enveloping you.

Jungkook's hand lingered on your shoulder as he pulled away.

"Goodnight," he said softly, his thumb brushing against your cheek before he turned to leave. You watched him go, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside you. As the door closed behind him, you leaned against it, aching with the realization that you might have just pushed away the one person who meant more to you than just a friend.

If only you had the courage to do something.

The following week, you found yourself cleaning your house, the mess had piled up and you had a bunch of your clothes all over the place and that's when you found Jungkook's hoodie from last week. It had fallen between your couch and the wall, so you pulled it out with a considerable amount of force. That's when his iPod fell to the ground.

He still uses this thing? The corners of your mouth turned up involuntarily as you recalled teasing him about the ancient device.

You were surprised, most people uses their phones, or maybe he still has this thing because it was a present from you. If you hadn't seen it you wouldn't have remembered that you had given him this iPod for Christmas like 7 years ago.

You took the device in your hand and turned it on. You figured it would be nice to hear his playlists while you kept cleaning.

You should have just connected it and played it on shuffle. But I guess humans are very nosey creatures. Creatures who love to go through someone else's things, just to see another hidden side of said person.

So, like any other normal human being, you opened his lists, and started to go through them.

"Golden mix", "Euphoria", "OST's". Those were pretty standard. "Lonely nights" a bit of a stretch, "Best of the 00s", "Dance party" and "Songs to sing along". Fork found in kitchen. And there was one more playlist that caught your attention.

Simply labeled with— "Your name."

Your heart started beating faster. What is this?

You opened the playlist and you were welcomed by a list of what it seemed like... love songs.

The first one was "Best Friend". You didn't know what to think. Why did he have a playlist with songs like "Kiss me" by Matt Maltese, "Mountains" by Charlotte Day Wilson, "Making Time" by Rex Orange County. All love songs.

Then it hit you. He's in love.

You started panicking. Your heart racing with thoughts you couldn't ignore any longer. The playlist named after you echoed in your mind.

You couldn't believe it. Jungkook, your best friend, the one who always seemed so casual and carefree, had a playlist dedicated to you filled with love songs. Your mind raced as you tried to process this new information. Was it possible that he felt the same way you did? That the tension between you wasn't one-sided after all?

You sat down on the couch, still holding his iPod in your hands. The weight of it felt heavier now, as if it held all the unspoken words and emotions that had been swirling between you and Jungkook. You couldn't bring yourself to put it down; instead, you scrolled through the playlist again, each song title tugging at your heartstrings.

A sense of warmth washed over you, mingled with fear and uncertainty. What should you do now? Should you confront Jungkook about the playlist, lay all your cards on the table and risk changing everything between you? Or should you keep quiet, pretend you never stumbled upon this precious list?

You knew there was something going on, you weren't stupid. But you couldn't bring yourself to accept the possibility that the guy you love, might like you back. It's easier to pretend like nothing is happening. You have built this whole imaginary life with him in your head, but not once did you consider that it might be a two-way street.

"I already said I'm in love with you Can't you hear me? Why do you act like you don't? You know well the spark in my eyes when I look at you Can't you see it? Why do you act like you don't?"

You had been listening to the song on repeat for an hour. It was stuck in your head. Your heart was aching.

The reality was finally sinking in.

"He's in love with me," you whispered to yourself, the realization hitting you like a tidal wave. It explained so much—his kindness, his attentiveness, even his willingness to go along with making a stupid profile for a stupid dating app. But you had built walls around your heart, afraid to acknowledge the possibility that your feelings were reciprocated.

You felt a surge of emotions, a mix of joy and fear swirling inside you. Jungkook's unspoken confession through his playlist left you feeling exposed and vulnerable, yet strangely hopeful.

"Falling" played softly through the speakers, its lyrics painting a picture of longing and uncertainty. It mirrored your own inner turmoil, the battle between fear and listening to your heart for once.

You had spent so long convincing yourself that this was just a friendship, that any romantic thoughts were one-sided. Now, faced with the truth, you didn't know what to do next. Should you tell Jungkook? Should you pretend you never saw the playlist?

Your mind raced with questions, but deep down, you knew you couldn't ignore this any longer. Jungkook's feelings were out in the open, laid bare through these songs that said a lot about his emotions.

Taking a deep breath, you closed your eyes and let the music wash over you. Each melody, each lyric felt like a confession, a plea for you to see what had been in front of you all along.

"I already said I'm in love with you," the lyrics repeated in your mind, echoing the words you longed to hear from Jungkook himself.

The weight of the situation settled over you. You constructed the exact same playlist on your own phone, replaying it endlessly, searching for answers in the same songs he had chosen. It became a ritual, a way to understand what Jungkook hadn't yet said aloud. Each track felt like a message, a confession hidden in plain sight.

As days passed, the playlist became a lifeline, a connection to Jungkook that transcended words. You wondered if he knew the impact his secret gesture had on you, if he realized how deeply you analyzed each song, each lyric, each subtle hint of affection.

It was as if the playlist had become a conversation between your hearts, a silent dialogue that spoke volumes about your unspoken emotions. You couldn't deny the truth any longer—the love you felt for Jungkook had bloomed quietly, nurtured by his unwavering presence in your life and it reflected in the selection of songs carefully chosen by him.

And so you continued to listen, to immerse yourself in the music that spoke of love and longing. It was a soundtrack to his emotions, a testament to the unspeakable love that had grown between you and him.

The guys had planned a small gathering at your house. Hoseok, Jimin and Tae arrived at the same time around 8:00 p.m. with food, drinks and Cards Against Humanity. They were already having fun when they rang the bell.

"Hey," you said as you opened the door.

"Hey!" they greeted you.

You all headed towards the living room and they placed the things they brought on the table.

You chuckled, feeling a wave of warmth at their enthusiasm. "Thanks for coming, guys. I've got the place ready—cleaned up only for you the other day," you teased, motioning towards the neatly arranged living room.

As you all settled in, chatting and unpacking the snacks and games, there was a noticeable absence. Jungkook hadn't arrived yet, and though you tried not to dwell on it, his absence didn't go unnoticed by your friends.

"Where's Jungkook?" Tae finally asked, voicing the question that lingered in the air.

You shrugged nonchalantly, though your heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. "Not sure. He said he might be a bit late."

Hoseok raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing look with Jimin. "Didn't he say he was gonna meet with someone from Tinder?"

"Tinder?"

"You know, the dating app," Tae chimed in, taking a bite of a snack.

"I know what Tinder is Tae,” you replied with a laugh, trying to keep your cool.

"So you didn't know he was on a date?"

"No, he didn't tell me. Are you serious? He's on a date right now?" Your voice came out louder than expected, and you cursed yourself for the slip.

Jimin frowned, concerned. "Are you okay, Y/N?"

You waved dismissively, trying to downplay the hurt and disappointment. "Yeah, all good... well, more food and games for us until he gets here."

You tried to push down the gnawing feeling of jealousy that threatened to surface at the thought of Jungkook on a date with someone else. The idea of him with another person stirred up emotions you had been trying so hard to accept the past days. You forced a smile as you joined in the banter and laughter, attempting to bury your own conflicting emotions.

Despite their casual remarks, you couldn't shake the unease settling in your stomach. You hoped Jungkook would arrive soon, eager for his presence to dispel the nervous tension building within you.

The minutes ticked by, filled with laughter and infinite jokes over Cards Against Humanity. Each time the doorbell rang, you found yourself tensing, hoping it was him. But each time, it turned out to be someone else—a delivery person, one of your neighbors...

As the evening progressed, you couldn't help but steal glances at your phone, checking for any messages from Jungkook. But you decided not to keep waiting and decided to send him a text first.

'whats taking you so longggggggg' it read.

He replied instantly. 'i'm outside, coming now'

You put down your phone, your heart pounding. A few seconds later, you heard familiar footsteps approaching and there was a knock on the door. You got up, heading towards the door.

"He's here!" Tae exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face as he jumped up to answer the door with you.

You held your breath as Jungkook stepped inside, a sheepish smile on his lips as he greeted everyone. His eyes met yours briefly, and for a moment, the world seemed to slow down.

"Sorry I'm late guys," Jungkook said, setting down a bag of drinks next to Tae's.

Jimin smirked teasingly. "Lost track of time, huh?"

Jungkook chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Haha nah,"

Absolutely not. It was a disaster. Why did I agree to this? She seemed nice enough online, he thought, but in person... It just wasn’t there. The conversation felt forced, and I couldn’t wait for it to end. He grimaced, recalling how he struggled to find common ground and forced a laugh at her jokes. I should've been with y/n tonight, helping her get everything ready for this.

Of course, all of that stayed in his head. He was embarrassed to tell everyone how much he hated meeting someone new. It would just give your friends the opening to tease him more about it.

"Well, you made it, and we're all here now. So let's start" you suggested, breaking the silence.

His eyes sought out yours, finding a mix of emotions reflected back at him—surprise, curiosity, and something he couldn't quite place.

Everyone nodded in agreement and moved to gather around the coffee table, pulling your cushions closer.

With Jungkook's presence, the gathering felt complete, as if a missing piece had been found.

And as you all laughed and played into the night, you couldn't ignore the way Jungkook's gaze lingered on you, a silent reassurance of the feelings you'd been trying to suppress.

"I'm going to take a photo of this." Tae announced, lifting up his beer.

You and the others followed suit, holding your drinks up and smiling. Jungkook on your right got closer to you for the picture, cheek to cheek, his scent surrounding you. You wanted to lean in and practically inhale him.

"Perfect." Tae snapped the shot, and then showed it to the group. "What do you think, everyone?"

Everyone agreed that it was a good photo.

"We all look great," Tae said.

"But not as good as those two," Hoseok joked.

You rolled your eyes. "Please."

"It's true," Hoseok insisted. "You guys look good together."

Jimin nodded, taking another sip of his drink. "They're right. You’d make a cute couple."

Jungkook felt shy at their words. It's not like he was trying to hide his feelings for you, but he hadn't exactly made his intentions known, either. It was frustrating, wanting to be closer to you but not knowing how.

At least it was encouraging to know that your closest friends were seeing you both that way. That meant he had hope, right?

"Okay, that's enough," you said, feeling your cheeks heat up. "Let's keep playing."

As the game resumed, the group's attention shifted back to the cards.

You cleared your throat, shifting awkwardly on the cushion. "So... how was your date?"

Jungkook winced, not meeting your eyes. "It was okay," he said, his tone lacking enthusiasm.

You bit your lip, curiosity gnawing at you. "Just okay? What happened?"

Jungkook shook his head, still not meeting your gaze. "I don't know. It just didn't feel right, I guess."

You tilted your head, searching his face. "What do you mean?"

Jungkook shrugged, a sheepish expression on his face. "It was just... awkward. We didn't really click. I don't know."

Your chest tightened, a mix of emotions swirling inside. "Oh," you managed, turning back to the game. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm not good at this kind of thing, you know? Meeting new people, going on dates. It's hard for me. I'd rather be with people I already know and trust."

You knew what he meant. The same went for you. It was hard enough trying to navigate your feelings without having to worry about other people, too.

You nodded, giving him a small smile. "I get it."

"I just wish it could be easier, you know? Like, finding someone you actually like who happens to also like you back, and not having to worry about anything else. Just enjoying each other's company."

Your breath caught, your mind reeling from his words. And from the way he was looking at you, you could tell he wasn't just talking about friendship.

"Why would you say something like that?" you questioned, the words tumbling out before you could stop them.

Jungkook's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean? Say something like what?"

"That you wish you could be with someone who actually likes you and not have to worry about anything else."

"I... because it's true. I don't want to go on stupid dates anymore, I want to be with someone I care about. Someone I can laugh and have fun with."

You swallowed, your pulse quickening.

"Someone like who?"

Jungkook exhaled, a nervous smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I think you know who," he said quietly.

You stared at him, speechless, as his words sunk in. Your heart was racing, your body buzzing with adrenaline.

Hoseok, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly made himself heard, "I think I'm stuck in your bathroom!"

You and Jungkook turned to find your friend, who sounded flustered and slightly panicked. Jimin and Tae burst into laughter, trying to contain themselves as Hoseok continued to tug at the bathroom door.

"What do you mean you're stuck?" Jimin managed to ask between giggles.

Hoseok yelled helplessly. "I went in to use the bathroom, and now the door won't open!"

Jungkook glanced at you with a bemused smile, the tension from earlier dissipating with the absurdity of the situation. "Seriously, Hobi?" he chuckled.

Hoseok sounded exasperated. "It's not funny! How am I supposed to get out of here?"

"I'll go get some tools," Tae offered, still chuckling as he headed towards the kitchen.

You stepped closer to the bathroom door, trying to assess the situation. "It's just stuck. Let me try," you suggested, reaching for the handle and giving it a firm tug.

To everyone's surprise, the door swung open easily, revealing Hoseok looking both relieved and slightly embarrassed. "Oh, thanks, I swear it was stuck…"

Jimin clapped Hoseok on the back, still laughing. "Sure it was, Hobi. Sure."

The rest of the evening passed by in a blur of laughter and games, and despite the lingering awkwardness from earlier, you were glad that the night had gone well.

It was close to 2:00 a.m. when your friends finally began to call it a night, and you were exhausted.

"Thanks again for coming, everyone. I had a lot of funnnn," you said, giving them each a hug goodbye.

Jungkook was still on your kitchen helping you clean up all the mess you made. Drying the dishes and placing the glasses on your cabinets. You were cleaning up the table when he walked up to you.

"Need any help?"

"I'm done, thank you."

"Are you sure?"

"I am, thanks Kookie,"

You started walking towards your room when you heard him speak up.

"I really liked being here tonight."

"I know it was a lot of fun," you replied with a small smile. You grabbed his hoodie and his iPod to return them. Staring at the endearing device. Almost as if it were something fragile.

"I'm glad you had a good time," you responded as you walked back to the kitchen, handing him back his belongings. As you stood there in the dimly lit room, a comfortable silence settled between you. Jungkook's gaze was intense as he looked at you, his eyes searching yours for something unspoken.

Jungkook paused his moves, as if weighing his next words carefully. "I was thinking... maybe we could hang out again this week, just the two of us."

"What about the girl from Tinder?" you asked as you returned to face him, your tone sharper than you intended.

Jungkook frowned, confusion clouding his features. "What are you talking about? You know I went on one date. I told you it was a disaster."

You sighed, suddenly feeling foolish. "Yeah, I know, don't know why I asked that, haha" you muttered. "Didn't know you still used this thing,"

He smiled, his fingers brushing over the iPod. "I still love my music in here, you know, it sounds a lot better"

"Yeah, that's what I thought,"

He looked at you intently, and the air between you seemed to grow heavy.

"I've missed spending time with you, Y/N."

Your breath caught in your throat, your pulse quickening as you stared at him. "Me too," you whispered.

"So, is that a yes?"

"A yes to what?"

"The offer to hang out,"

"Oh, right. Um, yeah, sure. Sounds nice."

Jungkook's face lit up. "Cool. Well, I guess I'll see you later, then." With a final smile, he turned and left.

You watched him go and your mind was spinning. Jungkook's words echoed in your head, his words sending a flutter through your chest. You couldn't help but grin. Maybe there was hope for you two after all.

The following day, you woke up to the sun streaming in through your curtains, illuminating the room in a soft glow. You stretched lazily, savoring the warmth of your bed, before reluctantly climbing out and heading to the bathroom to wash up.

Unconciously, you began to shut yourself out. You had spent the whole night awake, thoughts about the possibility of being with your best friend swirling around your head, preventing you from falling asleep.

As you brushed your teeth, you heard your phone buzz. It was a text from him.

'Good morning'

A smile tugged at your lips, butterflies erupting in your stomach.

'good morning'

'can we go out today? im craving pizza'

You bit your lip, considering the invitation. A part of you was eager to see him, but another part was worried that it might be awkward, especially after the scenarios you created in your head last night.

You ended up refusing to go out with him. And he started to get anxious. He thought he may have done something wrong. That you were actually angry for going on a date or that you no longer wanted him to be part of your life just because he went out with someone else.

Jungkook started panicking.

And so, he called the guys.

"I don't know, she's just not acting normal." he sighed.

"Did something happen the other night?" Hoseok asked, concerned.

"No, I don't think so. She didn't say anything to me,"

"So why is she mad at you?"

"I have no idea. I was hoping maybe you had an idea,"

"Did she say she was mad at you?"

"Not directly, but she didn't want to go out today,"

"Well, I'm not surprised. She's probably just tired,"

"Tired?"

"Yeah, from work and all that, she's probably exhausted. I'm sure it's nothing."

"Do you think so? You don't think she's mad at me?"

"I really don't think she is. She'll probably just want to rest for a few days, and then things will go back to normal."

Your attitude changed so suddenly. You kept on cancelling on him. It’s been weeks.

"You have to talk to her, man," Jimin said.

"What do I say? How do I bring it up? Do I just ask her why she's been avoiding me? What if she doesn't know what I'm talking about?"

"Then ask her. Don't overthink it. Just say it."

Jungkook sighed, frustrated. "You make it sound so easy,"

"Look, I'm not gonna lie to you. It's probably gonna be awkward as fuck, but you can't let it get in the way of your friendship. You've been friends for so long, and it's obviously important to both of you. If she really is mad at you, then you need to find out what's going on. But if she's not, then you need to clear the air and move on. Because otherwise, this is just gonna keep getting worse and worse for you."

"Yeah, you're right. I'm just... worried, I guess."

"I know, but don't be. Everything’s fine. It’ll work out, especially if you let her know that you like her."

"What? Are you crazy? I can't just tell her that."

"Why not?"

"Because... what if she doesn't feel the same way?"

"So what if she doesn't? You'll never know unless you tell her. And if she does feel the same way, then you can finally stop being all sad and pathetic."

"You think she likes me?"

"Well, only she can tell you that, but you'll never know if you don't talk to her. So suck it up and go for it."

"Fine. I'll talk to her."

"Good."

"But... how do I tell her?"

"Just be honest. Tell her you've been worried that something is wrong, and you want to make sure everything is okay. Then let her know how you feel. But, be prepared for her reaction. If she doesn't feel the same way, it could make things weird. But you need to deal with it and move on."

That same day you were laying down in bed, scrolling through your phone. Reading over and over the lyrics of one particular song on the playlist.

"Is there a place for me? Is there a place for us? I can't tell you how much I love you, babe Open the door Open your heart Tell me how you're feeling, I miss you so bad I'm falling to pieces"

And just like that, your phone began vibrating, your heart beating rapidly as his name flashed across the screen.

"Hello?"

"Hey, are you free? Can we talk?"

"Uhm... sure, yeah. Now?"

"If it's okay, yes."

"Okay,"

"I'm coming up now."

"Wait, wha-..."

Jungkook was already at your door, knocking frantically. You opened it for him, your heart in your throat.

He stood before you, looking determined. His eyes were wide, his hair tousled, and he was out of breath, as if he had just run a marathon.

"Sorry, I was already on my way. I had to do it now. I have to say it, because otherwise, I won't have the courage to say it some other time,"

"Okay?"

He inhaled deeply, his eyes locked on yours.

"Y/N, I really, really like you. And I've been so confused and conflicted because I've always liked you, then I started thinking that maybe there was more. And then I realized there was. I really, really like you."

You swallowed hard, the words ringing in your ears.

"I-..."

"It's okay, I just wanted you to know,"

You shook your head, struggling to comprehend what he had just told you. "I'm sorry, I'm just..."

"I know, and I'm sorry. But I had to say it."

"So, does this mean... what are you saying exactly?"

Jungkook hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "Look, Y/N, I don't expect anything from you, and I don't want things to get weird. But I just had to tell you. I'm crazy about you."

You nodded slowly, processing his words. "uh. I-... uh."

"I know it's sudden, and I'm sorry. I just couldn't hold it in anymore. But I don't want anything to change, I promise. I'll just go, and we can forget this ever happened. We can go back to the way things were, I promise. I'm sorry,"

"Jungkook, stop apologizing. It's not a bad thing, I'm just... processing. I've never had anyone say they're crazy about me before," with your phone in your hand an idea immediately came to you.

"Can I show you something?" you asked him.

"What is it?"

You walked up to him, your phone in your hand. You handed him your device and let him see your screen. There it was, the infamous playlist.

Jungkook's doe eyes widened, a small gasp escaping his lips as he noticed. "What... is this...?"

"I went through your iPod when you left your hoodie last time," you told him with an embarrassed grin. "They’re the same songs you have on yours,"

"This is so embarrassing," he groaned, his cheeks red. "You... you went through my iPod?" Jungkook asked, now with a hint of amusement in his voice.

You nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief that he wasn't angry about it. "I was curious about the music you listen to. And I found… this,”

He stared at the playlist, then back at you, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "So... does that mean you... already knew how I felt?" Jungkook asked, hope flickering in his eyes.

Your heart raced at his words, a mix of excitement and uncertainty swirling inside you. Could this really be happening? Could your long-standing friendship truly be blossoming into something more?

"Jungkook," you began, your voice barely above a whisper. "I... I like you too. More than just a friend."

"So what does this mean? That we are supposed to be together?"

"Maybe, or maybe not. It could just mean that you have great taste in music and I admire it,"

Jungkook's eyes widened with hope, a grin spreading across his face. "I've been wanting to tell you for so long, but I was afraid of ruining everything between us."

You smiled, your heart fluttering. "Me too, I’m sorry for making you worry these past few days,"

"Can I hug you?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

You nodded, wrapping your arms around his neck.

Jungkook held onto you tightly, his arms snug around your waist. You rested your chin on his shoulder, closing your eyes and inhaling his familiar scent.

After a few moments, he pulled away slightly, his hands still resting on your hips.

He looked at you with a mix of relief and uncertainty in his eyes. "So, I didn't ruin anything between us?" he murmured softly.

You shook your head, a small smile playing on your lips. "You didn't ruin anything, Jungkook. If anything, you've made everything clearer."

His shoulders relaxed slightly at your words, a hint of a smile returning to his face. "I'm glad."

"I'm glad too," you began again, your voice steady but tinged with nervousness. "But I also want you to know that... I've been thinking a lot too."

Jungkook turned to face you fully, his expression a mix of anticipation and apprehension. "About...?"

"About us," you admitted softly, meeting his gaze. "About how much I enjoy spending time with you, about how much I admire you, and... how I've felt something more than just friendship for a while now."

His eyes widened slightly, hope flickering in them. "A while?”

You nodded, a shy smile playing on your lips. "Yes, Jungkook. A while. I've just been afraid to say anything because I didn't want to lose you in case you didn't felt the same way about me."

He stepped closer to you, his hand reaching out tentatively. "Y/N... I wish I had known sooner. I've been struggling with these feelings, not knowing if you felt the same way."

"I'm sorry for not saying anything earlier," you murmured, your fingers brushing against his. "But I'm glad we're talking about it now."

He squeezed your hand gently, his eyes never leaving yours. "Me too. More than anything."

There was a moment of silence between you, the weight of your shared emotions hanging in the air. Finally, Jungkook spoke again, his voice filled with determination.

"So... what do we do now?"

You chuckled softly, feeling a surge of affection for him. "I think we take it one step at a time. We've already taken a big step today."

He nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Yeah, you're right. I'm just... really happy right now."

"Me too," you said, squeezing his hand.

"I guess the only question now is... are we... together together?" he asked hesitantly.

You grinned, your heart pounding in your chest. "Only if you want us to be,"

"Yes, yes, yes. Of course, yes,"

"Then it's settled. We're together," you giggled.

Jungkook laughed, the sound sending a warm feeling through your chest.

Cut to 4 years in the future.

There you were at a dinner with friends and family. It had been four years since you got together, but it felt like an eternity. You both were so excited for each other, for your life from now on.

"Hey, you got a little something," he whispered, brushing away a strand of hair from your cheek.

You couldn't help but smile, his touch as tender as ever. "Thanks,"

"No problem," he smiled.

Then you could hear someone clinking a glass. "A few words from the fiancé!" Jin's voice reverberated through the dimly lit restaurant.

"Y-yeah, yeah," your boyfriend stuttered, clearing his throat and standing up. He was a nervous wreck, and it was adorable.

"Um, first, thank you all for being here. It really means a lot to us. We know how important it is to have your loved ones around you on a special day, and we're so grateful for everyone who's supported us. Second, a special thanks to my future father and mother-in-law. Thank you for always being there for us and for supporting our relationship. And, um, thanks to my own parents for, uh, also supporting us."

As the guests began to laugh, your boyfriend cleared his throat and continued, his gaze fixed on yours.

"But most importantly, I want to say thank you to my amazing girlfriend. Thank you for making every day better. Thank you for always being by my side and for loving me unconditionall—"

"We know that already! Entertain us or I won't pay the bill!" Jin's loud voice interrupted again.

You couldn't help but chuckle and the guests laughed again, amused.

Your fiancé smiled, clearly enjoying the teasing.

"Alright, alright," Jungkook cleared his throat before he continued, "actually, we agreed that we'd never tell anyone how we actually got together but I guess we're past that, right babe?"

"Oh no, don't!" You blushed, a little embarrassed.

"It's a funny story," he continued. "It's kind of a long one, but this girl right here thought that the best course of action was to make me a dating app profile before telling me that she was in love with me."

Everyone burst into laughter.

"I was dumb, okay?" you joked, earning more laughter from the guests.

"So, we ended up talking to some people on said dating app and went on a few dates, which were terrible—"

"Hey! It's not my fault that you agreed even though you were also in love with me!" — "Everyone, he had a playlist with my name filled with sentimental songs like the most lovesick boy on Earth!"

"But babe trust me, it's a great playlist, by the way," you added.

"And then we got drunk, and the truth was revealed."

"What?! No way," Hoseok laughed.

"We weren’t drunk, I’m kidding, I just told her that I had liked her since the beginning," he said. "We just made a disaster, and we were both scared shitless."

"But here we are," you added.

"So, yeah, thanks for coming everyone," your fiancé concluded, his voice breaking a little as he wrapped up his little speech.

You could see him trying to blink back tears as he sat back down next to you, and you gave his hand a squeeze.

"You did great," you whispered, leaning in to give him a quick kiss.

"Thanks," he replied, his voice hoarse.

Your parents got up, taking the floor after him.

"Thank you, thank you," your mom said, a bit embarrassed.

"We’d like to share a few words as well. First, we'd like to thank everyone for coming. It's such a privilege to have all our family and friends here, and we're so thankful for your support. And we're especially grateful for our beautiful daughter and our soon-to-be son-in-law. We are so proud of both of you, and we know you'll have a long and happy life together."

"Thanks," you managed to say, overcome with emotion.

"So, now, we'd like to present the couple with a little something. It's just a small token of our love for them," your mother added, signaling for someone to come forward.

Jimin, Hoseok, and Tae stood up from the table and approached the stage, each of them holding a framed collage.

"Here, you can pass these out," your mother said, handing each of the guests copies of the photos.

You and your fiancé were stunned as the three guys presented the photos to you.

The photos were a collage of different memories: you and him during his graduation, another one from yours, a candid shot of him cooking for you, a photo of the two of you smiling in front of the sunset, and a picture of him holding your hand while you were asleep.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you took in the beautiful photos, each one capturing a special moment in your relationship. The love and happiness radiating from the images made your heart feel full to the brim. You glanced at Jungkook, whose eyes were also glistening with unshed tears, and you reached for his hand, holding it tightly.

"Thank you so much," you managed to say, your voice choked with emotion. "These are... perfect."

"I have a gift for you too," you told him, reaching under the table. You brought out a box wrapped in bright pink paper and a bow.

He looked at you with surprise, his eyes shining with curiosity as he took the box from your hands. Slowly unwrapping it, his mouth fell open in astonishment when he saw what was inside. Nestled within the box was a beautifully crafted watch, the silver band gleaming under the soft light of the restaurant.

"Oh wow," he breathed, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It's... it's incredible."

"It's engraved," you whispered, pointing to the back of the watch where a message was etched. His eyes widened as he read the words: 'Forever yours, Y/N.'

"I was hoping you'd wear it to the wedding," you said, grinning. "But don't cry, you'll make me cry!" you exclaimed.

"I'm not crying, I just..." he trailed off, sniffling.

"I love it," Jungkook finally managed to say, his voice filled with emotion. He stood up abruptly and pulled you into a tight hug, “I love you.”

As you both separated, there was a collective 'aww' from the guests, making you both blush.

The rest of the evening continued with laughter and joy, surrounded by the love of friends and family. People danced, sang, and shared stories late into the night. It was a celebration of love and new beginnings.

As the night winded down and guests started to leave, you found yourselves standing alone in the dimly lit space. Jungkook wrapped his arm around your waist and pulled you close.

"Thank you for everything today," you said sincerely, looking into his big brown eyes.

"Thank you for being mine," he replied softly, feeling overwhelmed with happiness.

"I wouldn't want to be anyone else's," you whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

Jungkook cupped your face in his hands and placed a lingering kiss on your forehead. The world around you seemed to fade, leaving just the two of you in a bubble of the deepest affection you’ve ever felt.

[hornyfor-redacted-onmain]

Late Night Reunions

Pieces of My Heart - Chapter 11 Stray Kids OT8 x reader, Soulmate AU

Masterlist | Next Part

You were feeling proud of yourself.

The words on the screens looked familiar to you now, and you were able to understand enough of the foreign language that you found your way through customs without having to ask for help. You pointedly avoided reading the English translations right below the Korean. It felt like cheating.

The sudden change to online classes had left you with an unexpected amount of free time since you didn’t have to show up to your university physically. It meant that in between classes you could do short Korean lessons, you could watch kdrama’s while you ate, and you had the hour that would normally be spent on public transport to do nothing more than practice. You advanced so quickly that the conversations around you as you walked through the airport made sense, and you actually felt bad for eavesdropping on strangers.

It had only been a month.

The boys had finished their tour a week ago and were now on a short term break in between comebacks. You remembered the tired but satisfied looks on their faces when they finished their last show, the live notification that had popped up on your phone. You watched them spend an hour with Stay, only to get the added benefit of a video call immediately after, while they got ready for bed. They had spent most of the call talking about how much they missed you, wishing you were there for their concert, completely unaware of the plan you had put into motion.

Only Chan had been aware at the moment that you already had your soulmate visa.

When you originally brought up the plan to him, he had mentioned saving the information until you were sure of the time frame, to avoid getting them excited only for the plan to not pan out. It was notoriously difficult to get a soulmate visa, since you needed proof of your soulmate connection, and neither you nor Chan had a physical soulmark. You were worried you would need to talk to someone or argue your case to demonstrate your connection.

But all it took was a written statement from Chris and just like that, you had your soulmate connection officially and legally confirmed. It was almost laughably easy.

You trailed behind a group of people, your suitcase rattling as you dragged it next to you. The crowds around the airport made it hard for you to get a clear look on who you were looking for, so you paused next to a pillar for a second to glance down at your red string in hopes of it guiding you, only to notice that seven of the strings were all focused in the same location, with the eighth one not in front of you.

Hands pressed against your eyes from behind.

“Guess who.”

You laughed. “Chris!”

You abandoned your suitcase and spun around, throwing yourself into the arms of the man behind you. He caught you with a grunt, spinning you around with a laugh when you let out a squeak at the sudden movement. You refused to let go of him, even when your feet touched the ground once again.

“Hi,” You rested your chin against his chest so you could look into his eyes.

He was wearing a mask, but you could see his smile from the curve in his eyes. “Hi.”

“I missed you.”

“Hmm, I missed you too, sweetheart.”

You were tempted to pull down his mask and kiss him right there, but you were still in a public location and Chris was still a famous idol. So instead, you settled for staying in his arms, letting him rock you two back and forth while humming something under his breath.

“Where are the others?”

“Ah, I told them we were having movie night. It was the easiest way to get all of them together without it being suspicious,” He said.

I blinked. “And they weren’t curious about where you were going so late at night?”

“I told them I forgot something at the company building. I think I have maybe 10 minutes before they start to get suspicious.”

“Doesn’t the drive back to your dorm take at least 30 minutes?”

“Guess we’ll have to come up with something.”

Coming up with something apparently meant sending them a text from Chris’s phone that he was going to get snacks, which then turned into actually having to get snacks when Felix asked for some cookies. Chris kept his mask on, slinking around the store aisles as quickly as he could, and you kept your distance just in case he was somehow recognized.

When you got back to the car, he held out your favorite candy towards you. “I remember you mentioning you liked these. You should hide them, otherwise the other’s will get to them first.”

You grabbed the candy gently, giving him a confused look. “What?”

“Oh, do you not like them?” He also shared a confused look.

“No, I love these,” You reassured, looking down at the candy and then back at Chris. “But I mentioned it once … in a text message. Weeks ago.”

“… And?”

“And you remembered that?” You wondered.

“Of course.”

You grabbed his arm as he reached to turn the car back on, pulling him away from the steering wheel and towards you. He let out a noise of surprise, but was quick to react when you pressed your lips against his, hand reaching out to steady you as you practically threw yourself towards him. He let out a chuckle, but you quieted him with another kiss, your eyes welling up with emotions. You heart was pounding so loud in your ears you wondered if he could hear it.

His hand was firm against your waist, thumb rubbing soft circles against your skin. His other hand reached up to pull your hair away from your face, palm cupping your cheek and engulfing you in warmth. You breathed in his essence, the cologne, the smell of his laundry detergent. His tongue tasted like peppermint. Your chest began to ache.

You let out a breathy whine when he pulled away.

“Hey, hey sweetheart. Are you okay?”

The tears in your eyes had slipped down your cheeks, and you immediately reached up to wipe them away. You nodded your head, unsure if you could speak, throat heavy with emotion. Chris stared at you for a second before a soft smile pulled at his lips.

“I missed you too.”

-0-0-

Sneaking you into the dorm was surprisingly easy. Chris had led you to the door, giving you the universal sign for ‘be quite’ with a finger to his lips, and you followed behind him quietly. The layout to the dorm room placed the entrance right in between the common area and the bedrooms, which meant that as Chris headed towards the right, you had the perfect opportunity to sneak to the left. You entered the first door to the right, just like he told you, and put down your suitcase as quietly as you could.

You then peeked your head out of the door, but all you could see was the hallway that led to the living room and kitchen, voices bouncing off the walls. You slowly pulled the door closed, pulling out your phone to wait for Chris to text you. He wanted to surprise the boys, and would let you know when they were all settled.

As you waited, you sent out a message to your parents letting them know you had arrived to the dorms and were with your soulmates again. Your mother responded immediately, telling you how happy she was.

After your realization, the fear of being pushed away and left behind, you had a serious conversation with your parents, but mostly with your mother. Your father was quick to reassure you that you had to live your own life, and that you weren’t leaving them behind since they would still be there for you if you needed them. He also wanted to make sure you weren’t staying away from your soulmates for his benefit, and you both had a good cry when you realized how guilty he had felt thinking he was holding you back.

Your talk with your mom went much about the same way. After shed tears and long hugs, She reassured you that she loved you and would always love you, but she wanted what was best for you. And she wanted you to be happy.

She helped you realize just how much the boys made you happy.

Even now, being so close to your soulmates, your heart was beating hard in your chest and your skin felt alight with excitement. You were minutes away from seeing them again. So close to them, so close to holding them in your arms.

Your phone buzzed in your hands.

Chris Ready? Y/N *thumbs up* Chan Nobody should be looking, come out whenever you want ;)

[punkshort]

Chapter warnings: angst, smut, language, violence

Chapter Seven

Pairing: Joel x F!Reader, pre-outbreak and post outbreak

AU (the only thing I kept was the outbreak, Joel, and Tommy's characters. Joel's backstory is different, and the way he finds Jackson is different. I may include Ellie one day, I just haven't planned that far)

Fic Summary: You worked for Joel and Tommy a few months before the outbreak. The outbreak happens, and you and Joel get stuck traveling the country and keeping each other safe. Neither of you spoke about the feelings you had for one another pre-outbreak, and in a post-apocalyptic world, it seems like survival should be your only focus. But feelings can't be ignored forever.

Fic tags: Explicit Smut (18+ MDNI), Smut, Language, Canon-Typical Violence, Alcohol Use, Age Difference (Reader is 10 years younger than Joel), slow burn, mutual pining, angst, trauma, SA referencing later but I will put a big warning on those chapters

You were able to sneak out of the QZ fairly easily, the soldiers were preoccupied with new truckloads of survivors, and they were running around trying to create more sleeping accommodations in classrooms and hallways. Joel led you alongside the school and into the cover of a small forest before anybody could question you. You didn’t speak or slow down until you were about 2 miles away from the school, still primarily surrounded by trees, but they were thinning out, revealing shops and roads in the distance.

“Joel, stop, let’s rest for a few minutes, please,” you panted, struggling to keep up with his long gait on the uneven terrain.

Surprised to hear your voice, he turned to look over his shoulder at you. He had been in such a trance to lead you both away from the school that he wasn’t even sure what direction you were headed. He nodded in agreement. He was tired and hot, still in the same work clothes from Friday.

“Yeah, let’s go sit down, looks quiet here.” Joel motioned to a big, flat rock nearby, and the two of you sat down on it, setting your purse and supplies down and sipping on the water bottles you were grateful you had grabbed before leaving the QZ. You sat next to each other in silence, catching your breath and looking around at the nature surrounding you.

“What are we doing, Joel?” you asked him quietly. You were all too fully aware you were following this man blindly into a world full of danger. Just a week ago, you had such a different relationship with him, one that was heading in a direction that made you feel excited and hopeful. You were still reeling from the shock of his harsh words on his birthday, unable to fully process what happened that day in his office. Still, you had no idea what caused him to run out of the building after you, what he wanted to say, but you hated to admit that you were grateful. Who knows where you would be if Joel hadn’t yelled at you, making you quit and leave the building. Who knows where you would be right now if you were alone when those soldiers started shooting. In some twisted way, you owed Joel your life. He was all you had now, you had to trust him.

“Well, I suppose we try to find your family,” Joel said, leaning back to lay flat on the rock and closed his eyes as he continued. “At least, we gotta get out of this city, it’s not safe. That guy at the QZ told me this infection is all over, but maybe it ain’t as bad in other places.”

“What else did he say to you?” you asked, turning to look down at him now. His eyes were still closed, his face looked relaxed but the bags under his eyes reminded you he was up early this morning.

Joel paused for a moment. He knew what you were asking, but he wasn’t sure how to tell you. He kept his eyes shut when he finally spoke.

"He told me bad stuff was happenin’ to women there, women who were alone.”

Your suspicions were right. He stood guard over you while you slept, what else could it have been? You sighed, looking down at the half empty water bottle in your hands. Joel has been saving you over and over again for the past 5 days while you were still hung up on some stupid argument. It all felt so trivial now, when the focus was simply survival.

You reached your hand out and lightly squeezed his own, trying to thank him when words didn’t seem like enough. He opened his eyes now and looked at you staring at your coupled hands, giving your hand a light squeeze in return.

"What now?" you asked, letting his hand go. Joel sighed and sat back upright.

"Well, we gotta get some supplies. Couple of backpacks, some food, clothes, all that. I’m thinkin’ we gotta leave on foot, a car would be too loud, FEDRA will stop us. We can try to make it back to my place in the city for some stuff, but it’s far, maybe 10 minutes from the office.”

Something Joel said gave you an idea.

"I have backpacks! At my apartment, hiking backpacks, two of them. And some other things. My place is further out, it probably won’t take us too long, I live kind of far from work… lived,” you corrected yourself, frowning, “I just can’t tell where we are, maybe if we can get to those stores over there, we can see what street that is.”

Joel nodded. “Alright, good, you ready to go?”

You jumped off the rock and picked up your purse, stuffed with the items from the QZ, and both headed in the direction of the strip mall. You emerged from the thinning forest to find a playground with a baseball diamond and a soccer field. As you cautiously made your way through the open field, Joel stopped at the baseball diamond to grab you each a bat from a pile left on home plate. You took it from his outstretched hand, the thought of weapons to defend yourselves having not even crossed your mind yet. You were not adapting to this disaster as quickly as you would like. Joel had been the one to find shelter, the one who recognized when an area was unsafe, the one who formulated a plan. You scolded yourself for not being more aware of your surroundings... this was life or death. At least you had Justin’s old camping supplies still housed in your tiny apartment, that was useful. You just had to get there in one piece.

It took half the day to walk from the strip mall to your apartment building, taking extra time to be quiet and go unseen. Once you reentered the city, you could see Joel tense up as he gripped his baseball bat tightly by his side. Your building was not too far into the city limits, and you managed to make it there without being spotted.

Joel gently closed the lobby door behind you, turning around to see the room was empty, save for a few abandoned duffel bags and some trash. You led him towards the stairwell door, closing it quietly, listening for any movement above before slowly beginning your ascent.

“What floor?” Joel whispered behind you.

“Two,” you answered just as quietly, “but I am on the other end of the hall.”

“You’re on the second floor? D’you know how dangerous that is? Anyone could climb up and break in.”

You paused before opening the door marked with a big number 2, turning to look at Joel incredulously as he finished his climb up the stairs.

"There’s monsters running around eating people and you’re lecturing me about what floor my apartment is on?” you asked, eyebrows raised.

He looked at you for a moment, considering your words, and smirked.

"Yeah, well, when you put it like that," he said.

You knew it was a serious situation and people were dying. Hell, you could die at any moment. But you allowed a smile to spread across your face, only barely holding back a laugh. Joel’s smirk turned into a bigger smile at the sight of yours, hiding a small chuckle. You rolled your eyes, still grinning, and reached out to open the door before he stopped you.

"Let me go first,” he said, moving in front of you with his bat at the ready.

He pushed the door open just enough so he could see down the hall. It was empty, but there were several apartment doors that were either cracked or wide open. He listened intently for any movement that might indicate you weren’t alone. When he was satisfied, he opened the door wider, allowing you both to squeeze through and then softly closed the door. Without speaking, you pointed down the hall towards the right side, and with your fingers you held up a 2, 2, and 3, telling him which one was yours. He nodded in understanding and led the way slowly down the long hallway.

Joel stopped before every open door and peeked inside each apartment before moving down to the next one, being extra cautious of any infected. Neither of you had seen one up close yet, you had no idea what to expect, but you heard them when you were running down the street. They sounded like feral animals the way they screamed and snarled as they attacked. You shuddered at the thought, but at least you would hear them coming.

Joel paused when he heard someone walking, and then heard a repeated thudding sound. You both froze in place, listening and trying to locate the source. It sounded like it was coming from the floor above you, so you both continued until you reached the door that read 223. You dug into your purse and pulled out your keys, grateful to find that the door was still locked. Again, Joel insisted on sticking his head in first and clearing the place before you entered, gently shutting and locking the door behind you.

You looked around your small apartment, everything left exactly as it was Friday morning. You had a small loveseat and an accent chair surrounding your TV in the living room, behind the loveseat was your equally small kitchen with a table for two. Your bedroom door was off the kitchen, and the bathroom had a door right where you had walked in but was also connected to your bedroom through a second door. It was very small, but you made it work, you had just been so happy to have your own space.

Joel looked around thoughtfully. These were not the circumstances in which he had hoped to see your place for the first time. You chewed your lip as he looked around your apartment, admiring your framed photos and your knick-knacks. He looked so big and out of place amongst your modest apartment, filled with secondhand furniture and mementos from your past. You reached down to pick up the backpack you had tripped over on Friday morning, setting it up against the wall while you opened the extremely small accordion door that gave way to a tiny coat closet. You reached inside and grabbed the second backpack, setting it next to the first, and lastly picked up the two tightly rolled up sleeping bags that were never reattached to the packs.

He turned and saw the supplies against the wall, excitedly walking over to open one up and examine it more closely.

"I didn’t realize you liked camping, we can really use most of this," he said, his focus still on opening up the various pockets on the backpacks.

You paused a moment, not sure if you should tell him where the supplies came from. You figured he would eventually question why there were two packs, so decided to tell him.

"Actually, they aren’t mine, they were left here,” you cleared your throat nervously, remembering Joel’s outburst about you sleeping with people at the office. "They're Justin's. He forgot to pick them up after I broke up with him.” You turned away so you couldn’t see his reaction, nervous he would show that angry side of himself again.

His hands stilled at your words. He had no right, and he knew it, but a wave of jealousy washed over him anyway. Joel pushed his feelings aside, not wanting to upset you again after he had made a little progress with you today.

"Hated camping so much you broke his heart, then?" he joked, offering you a small smile.

Your cheeks heated up at the real reason you broke up with Justin, that day in the meadow with your thoughts consumed of Joel crossing your mind. You let out a small chuckle and said, "I guess I better get used to it now."

The two of you spent the rest of the day rummaging through your kitchen cabinets, setting aside essentials you could pack, only stopping briefly to eat some dinner. You found you had some chicken in your fridge, so you cooked it up with some rice and whatever vegetables you had that still looked good. You ate in silence, hunched over your small kitchen table.

"This is incredible, thank you again," Joel said, shoveling the last forkful in his mouth.

"You'd say that about anything right now, we haven't eaten anything decent since the bodega," you teased.

Joel shook his head in disagreement. "Nope, that ain't true. You're a good cook, and I'm grateful."

You looked down at your bowl shyly as Joel picked up his and washed it in your sink.

"Uh, I was wonderin," Joel started, clearing his throat and suddenly giving a spot on the bowl all his attention, "did he leave any clothes here I can use?"

You smacked your forehead, feeling stupid. Of course he wants different clothes, he's been in the same ones for days.

"No, he was only here that one time after camping, I'm sorry. Maybe we can look in some of those open apartments? I'm sure we can find something useful." You stood to wash your own bowl as he dried his hands.

Joel was pleased to hear your ex hadn't spent much time here, still struggling to ignore that jealous streak.

"Good idea, grab your bat, just in case, and let's go lookin' before it gets dark," he said, placing the towel delicately back on the holder before turning and heading towards your living room. You smiled inwardly at how domestic it felt in this moment, but you shook the thoughts out of your head. It's not like that between you, the focus was on surviving and finding your family.

You grabbed your bat and the two of you headed towards the door when suddenly the power went out. You both froze for a moment, taking in the eerie silence.

"Well, it held out longer than I figured it would. C'mon, we should definitely get goin' now, not much sun left." Joel said, opening up your apartment door a crack and peering out to make sure you were still alone. You followed him out the door, closed it gently behind you, and you walked a few doors down to apartment 245.

Joel indicated you stay back and he entered the room. It was a similar layout as your own, so it took him no time at all to confirm it was empty. You walked in and began to help him look through the dresser in the bedroom. Joel lucked out: the man who lived here was close enough to his size, so he grabbed a couple essential items and headed back to your place. He said he could continue to look tomorrow for more clothes, but this would do for now.

You rifled through your kitchen cabinet for as many candles as you could find, lighting them all over the apartment so you could see as the sun went down. You had just finished lighting the last one when Joel came out of your bathroom after taking a quick shower before the hot water cooled in the tank. He changed into a dark grey plain tshirt and some sweatpants.

"Feel better?" you asked, walking past him to put a candle in the bathroom.

"Much better, thanks," he said, checking the locks on your doors and windows. "I'm gonna move your couch in front of your door for the night. That way, I'll feel it move if someone tries breakin' in."

You emerged from the bathroom, your brows furrowed. "You can't sleep on that thing, are you kidding? You're too tall."

Joel looked down at the loveseat he was in the process of pushing across the carpet. You were right, his legs would hang off the end, it was only a two-seater.

"I'll be fine, don't worry," he waved you off, finishing his task.

"Just sleep in my bed with me, it's big enough, it doesn't have to be weird," you offered before you could overthink it. He kept his eyes cast down on the loveseat, weighing your offer.

"Besides, this may be one of the last times we get to sleep on a mattress for a while," you added.

"You sure?" Joel asked, one eyebrow raised. He was pleasantly surprised by how much has changed between you. He knew he ruined his chance with you, and he couldn't bring up the argument now, it's been too long, the damage was done. But if you didn't absolutely despise him for it, maybe that could be enough.

"Yeah, of course. I'm gonna shower, too. Go on and settle in." You grabbed a change of clothes and closed the bathroom door behind you.

Joel stood in the middle of your bedroom looking around. It was a small room, just a bed, one end table with an alarm clock, a hamper and a dresser. It wasn't much, but you somehow had made it feel like you. The framed pictures you had on your dresser from your college days were next to some random pieces of jewelry scattered across the top. He gently touched the intricate glass knobs on your dresser, the tip of his finger dipping into the grooves of the design.

The dresser must have been old, because the slight pressure from his finger caused the drawer to fall open a few inches. He moved to shut it when he noticed something bright red hidden under the clothes. He turned around to confirm you were still in the shower, hearing the water trickling on the tub floor. Curious, he dipped his hand inside to pull the item to the surface. It was a red lace thong, soft and delicate in his rough hands. His breath caught in his throat and his pulse raced as he felt all the blood in his body heading right to his cock. He shoved the underwear back down to the bottom of the drawer quickly when he heard the water shut off. He got into one side of the bed and bunched up the blankets to hide his growing erection.

You padded out of the bathroom, still towel drying your hair. Considering the cool fall nights, you had put on sleep pants and a long sleeve T-shirt. Your heart jumped in your chest, nothing preparing you for the visual of seeing this man in your bed. Deciding you needed to take a moment, you made an excuse about blowing the candles out and left the room. You scolded yourself as you walked around to snuff out each candle. That part of your life with him is over, you aren't here playing house, and he all but told you how he felt in his office that day.

Stop thinking about him like that.

You blew out the last candle and headed back to your bedroom.

You each laid on your respective sides of the bed, you on your side with your back to him, and him flat on his back staring at your ceiling. It was quiet outside, but you could hear the occasional growl or yell far in the distance, and once you heard a FEDRA truck rumble by your building.

“Joel?” you whispered in the dark after a while, not sure if he was asleep.

“Yeah?” he whispered back.

“What do you think these things are? Are they people anymore?” you asked, unsure how to phrase your question.

“I’m not sure, the soldiers didn’t tell us much, I ain’t sure they even know,” he replied. "But I think we gotta look at it like it’s us or them: we can’t hold back if we’re in danger, d’you understand?”

You nodded in the darkness. He meant you’ll need to do what it takes to survive, even if that meant killing them.

“Yes,” you whispered back finally, “I understand.”

“I’m not sure how many of them there are, maybe it’s not as bad as we think… maybe the military can kill ‘em all and we can go back to normal. We haven’t even seen one yet, so who knows,” Joel said, yawning at the end of his sentence. You remembered he hardly slept the night before, so you stopped talking in order to let him rest. You closed your eyes and dreamt of whiskey and spearmint.

You awoke with a start when you heard another FEDRA truck rumble slowly past your building, shining a huge spotlight into the window as it drove by. It was still dark out, unsure of the time since your alarm clock was digital. You felt surprisingly warm despite the cool fall night. You were about to reach down to pull a blanket off when you stopped. The heat wasn’t from the blanket, it was Joel.

He was pressed up against your back with his arm slung around your waist lightly, his face buried in your still slightly damp hair. You felt his breath as it exhaled on the back of your neck softly and you fought the urge to shiver at the sensation, worried it would wake him. You could tell by his breathing he was in a deep sleep, so you took a moment to just enjoy what could have been. You wondered in a different timeline, had the world not ended and he wouldn't have said those things to you in his office, if he would be in your apartment like this under other circumstances. You knew you told yourself to stop thinking like this, that it wasn’t important anymore, but you knew tomorrow would bring a new day of fear and who knows what else. Tonight, you were safe in your apartment. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to let your guard down, just a little.

You closed your eyes and leaned back ever so slightly against Joel, careful about waking him up. You sighed softly as you envisioned what it would have been like to have brought him back to your apartment, maybe after getting drinks and seeing a movie together. You would both stumble into your apartment giggling, his arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you in to kiss you as you would try to retreat backwards towards your bedroom door without breaking contact. Once you had him in your room, you would have run your hands up and down his torso, trying to get him to lift his shirt over his head. Maybe he would have gently pushed you back so you would land flat on your bed, watching him remove his shirt so you could finally see the rest of those strong arms and broad chest.

You wondered what you would have worn. Probably a dress, but not a work dress. Maybe the knee length cream dress with little flowers on it you kept tucked in the back of your closet, hardly ever finding an occasion to wear it. You definitely would have tried to surprise him with the red thong you kept hidden away, wondering what his reaction would have been when he ran his hands up your smooth legs under your dress and feeling the soft lace under his fingers.  Maybe he would have asked you to take your dress off and leave just the underwear on so he could see all of you in the moonlight shining through your window. Would he have pulled you down on his lap roughly, pinching your nipple and gripping the meaty part of your hip as he ground his hard cock up against your warm center, still covered with lace, teasing you? Or would he have taken his time, laid you down on the bed while he inched the thong down your legs, spreading them wide so he could see just how wet you were for him? Maybe he would have pressed your legs down on the bed while he licked the opening of your pulsing cunt, his angular nose nudging against your clit, over and over until you came screaming his name and your hands buried in his curls.

You forced your imagination to stop before you woke him up with your ragged breathing. You couldn’t relieve the pressure between your legs, anyway, since he had you caged in. All you could do was squirm a little bit, feeling the dampness that pooled in your underwear. Joel's arm shifted, probably because you were moving, so you froze while trying to calm your breathing. He sighed and gave his limbs a small stretch. The arm that was draped loosely over your waist tightened around you now, his large hand splayed against your ribs and shoved between your side and the mattress. You held your breath until you were sure he was still asleep, finally relaxing when his breathing evened back out again.

You weren't sure what tomorrow would bring, or even if you would both live. Tonight, you drifted off to sleep in his arms, making a mental note to put that guard back up tomorrow.

Joel woke up first the next morning, the pleasant floral scent of your shampoo invading his senses before he even opened his eyes. Keeping his eyes shut, he frowned, the memories of yesterday flooding back to him. It had been a long day and your bed was so warm, he resisted the urge to wake up just yet. He sighed, stretching out a little before he realized his hand was pinned between you and the bed. He opened his eyes for the first time and saw you curled up with your back against his chest, sleeping peacefully with your lips slightly parted. No, he was clutching you to his chest, he must have done it in his sleep. No wonder he slept like a rock.

He gently tried to unweave himself without waking you up, but he failed. You stirred just as his arm broke free, and he quickly put some space between you so his morning wood wasn't digging into your back anymore.

You stretched and yawned, stilling when you felt him shift beside you. Turning over on your other side to face him, you gave him a sleepy smile before stretching once again and got up to head towards the bathroom.

Once the door shut, Joel exhaled the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He gripped his hard cock over the blankets to try to make it go away enough to stand up. It wasn't until you had left the bathroom to go into the kitchen for some food that he finally stood, tucking the remainder of his erection into his waistband.

You had dug out some pop-tarts and cereal, eating it dry since the milk had likely gone bad by now. You both ate in silence leaning over the kitchen counter.

"What's the plan for today?" you asked between a handful of Cheerios.

"Well, I figure we can look around some of these open apartments for whatever else we can use. Pack up our bags and see if we can start headin' west." Joel replied, dusting his hands on the sides of his sweatpants.

You nodded, telling him you were going to get changed, leaving him in the kitchen alone. Joel wandered over to the window, peeking out through the curtains to see if there was any activity. He didn't see any movement, a good sign, but not a sure thing. Once you were changed, he swapped places with you and changed as well, then you headed out the door to loot your neighbor's apartments.

You were wandering around the apartment across the hall from you as Joel was digging through another closet to gather a few more items he could wear. The rooms were a mess, just like all of the other apartments, like everyone left in such a hurry: random drawers were left partially opened and clothes strewn around. You sauntered up to an end-table next to the couch in the living room and cracked opened a drawer with one finger, your bat lazily dangling in your other hand. You saw something shiny inside, so you opened the drawer all the way and pulled out a large and sharp hunting knife encased in a leather sheath.

You picked it up and made you way into the bedroom where Joel was now rummaging around in the adjoining bathroom, inspecting first aid supplies and pocketing what looked useful.

"I got you a present," you said, leaning against the doorframe. He turned to you, his hand briefly brushing against the keychain in his jeans pocket subconsciously as he stood up. You held out the knife, which he stepped forward and took.

"Hey, good find!" he said excitedly. "These bats'll only get us so far."

He placed the knife on the bathroom sink and began to undo his belt. Your eyes latched onto the movement, not expecting it. Feeling flustered, you swallowed nervously and you felt your cheeks get warm as you briefly replayed some of the thoughts you were having in the middle of the night, turning away before Joel noticed.

Once his belt was off, he threaded the sheath through the leather and ran the belt back through the loops of his jeans. Despite your efforts, he had noticed the blush that creeped along your cheeks. He smirked as he watched you exit the room and head towards the bedroom window.

You stood against the side of the window, resting your head against the frame and gazed outside. You thought you could hear something in the distance but you couldn't put your finger on what the sound was. You motioned for Joel to come over.

"What is that?" you asked. He shook his head, listening.

The noise was growing louder and sounded like growling and snarls. As it got closer, you could hear some screams interspersed with the growls. Joel must have seen something because he grabbed you by the shoulder and tugged you down to the ground, putting a finger against his lips. Quiet.

He peeked over the edge of the window just enough to see a huge mob of at least 50 infected ambling down the street mindlessly.

"Fuck," Joel whispered. He watched as he saw them stumble and drag their feet, hunched over with their mouths either hanging open or snapping at the air. Joel noticed most of them were covered in some amount of blood, either their own or someone else's.

As the noises got closer, you lifted your head up slightly to look down at the street, gasping and clamping both hands tightly over your mouth. You continued to stare as tears pricked the back of your eyes. You couldn't believe what you were seeing. This was so much worse than you had imagined.

The two of you could barely hear the roar of the trucks over the snarling as they approached from the opposite direction, FEDRA soldiers standing on the top and unloading endless amounts of bullets into the hoard of infected. You ducked down, but Joel kept watching. He saw how the bullets went right through them, barely flinching as they began to charge the soldiers angrily. The drivers threw the trucks into reverse before they were overrun, causing a couple soldiers on the top to lose their balance and fall into the hoard. The infected swarmed on top of the fallen soldiers, their shrieks muffled by growls and wheels squealing on the asphalt as they raced back down the street to safety, followed by the few hopeless infected that weren't tearing apart the soldiers on the ground.

He ducked back down under the window, panting heavily from the adrenaline. You were still hunched over with your mouth clamped shut under your hands, rocking on your heels with tears silently streaming down your face.

Joel leaned forward and wrapped you in his arms, pulling you against his chest. Neither of you said a word, you just sat there until the growls from the infected faded and they headed down the street. You stayed like that another ten minutes before you risked looking back out the window. Joel saw the pieces of soldiers that remained: mostly scraps of clothing, boots, a hand here or there, and the street filled with their dark red blood. He noticed a few infected that had died from the bullets. When he looked closer, he saw they all had a shot to the head. So there was a way to kill them.

Joel sighed. He sat up against the wall and rubbed his hands roughly over his face.

"A knife and a bat won't cut it, we need guns," he said to you. You sniffled and looked up at him.

"Where do we get guns?"

"My place. I got a few there. It's far though, deep in the city, near the office."

You felt your pulse return to normal now as you dried your tears on the sleeve of your T-shirt.

"Maybe the subway is clear? At least we would be off the street," you said.

"It's the only plan we got," Joel replied. He stood up to reach down and help you stand, and you quietly went back to your apartment.

Chapter Eight

[col0rlord]

fortnite? ~P.B.

Paige Bueckers x fem!reader

Warning: smut, strap, fingering, p eating.

———————————————————————

This is getting really annoying. We just came back from winter break and some of us had to move dorms. I was included in that. I just got done unpacking and started

studying for my physics final, but my dorm neighbor was blaring 

Dangerously In Love by Beyonce and it was getting annoying. It was like 10 o’clock and I know I wasn’t the only one annoyed over this. The song was good after about the first time but after the third time it played was enough. 

After a song ended I thought it was over, Till it played again. I slammed my head on the desk and sighed. 

“That’s it” I said as I stood up and walked over to the door next door. 

Knock

Knock

Knock

“If you are going to blare music at least change the song” I yelled at the door looking  at the frame on the top. The door swung open and there stood Her. Paige. I have known her since freshman year of High school. She always was a flirt to me, but I never felt for that. I think that got on her nerve and she made it a goal in life to get me to bend over her knee and beg for her to fuck me

“Paige” I said crossing my arms and resting all my weight on leg

“Y/N” she said back. Hand still on the door as she looked me up and down 

“Finally came for this dick?” she said, licking the inside of her lips and smirking.

Don’t

Not going to lie, it was hard saying no sometimes. Right now was one of those times. The gray sweat pants and white T-shirt. Her glasses on the bridge of her nose.

Don’t

I rolled my eyes and finally uncrossed my arms. “If I knew you would be in this dorm I would have requested to move. Some of us actually are in school to learn and not just play games all the time. Please turn the music down.” I said standing there looking into her eyes waiting for a response.

Her staring back was kinda intimidating to me. I slightly shifted my weight to the other leg.

“So you want to come inside?” She asked, smiling and swinging her other arm before looking down and looking back at me. 

I just groaned and stormed back to my room and locked the door. 

“Call if you need me.” She said before I shut my door and locked it. These feelings are going to get let loose and spill out of the floor. She is going to stab me with her words and it’s all going to spill out from my heart. Sometimes I wish she never spoke to me, but if that happened we wouldn't be here now would we.

After my little rant in my head I felt my stomach turn and rumble. I was planning on ordering pizza, but got distracted. 

I opened my phone and pulled up the Papa John's app and ordered a large sausage, hoping to save some for other days so I don’t have to meal prep for this week.

After about 30 minutes of watching tiktok and tracking the pizza it finally got here. Walking to the door, opening it and nothing being there. No person and no pizza. 

“Well what the hell?” I asked as I stepped out of my door and looked around for it.

Walking to the door of the dorm building thinking they just couldn’t get inside, but still. No luck. 

This leaves me one option. Paige. Asking Paige for this was hard because I knew she was going to give me shit. 

Walking over to the door hesitating to knock, but I was really hungry and that pizza sounded really good at the moment.

Knock

Knock

Knock

Waiting for her to open the door was probably the longest minutes of my life. She swung the door open and was chewing on something and smiling.

“Thanks for the food, you for dessert?” She asked me, looking me up and down again. 

“I’m just here for my food that you stole and I want it back and at least 5 dollars for the slice you clearly ate.” I told her crossing my leaning my top half forward and rocking back on my heels.

She moved over and swayed her arm for me to walk in. “Or you could stay with me and KK?” She asked. I leaned over to look inside and saw her sitting on the couch playing Fortnite waving at me. I waved back and gave a slight smile.

At least we won't be alone together so I caved. “Fine. You have Ranch?” I asked her to walk in and grabbed a paper plate that was laying out. 

“Yes. It’s in the fridge. There is sugar free soda in there too. Sprite and Orange soda.” She says, closing the door and locking it going back to sit next to KK tucking her feet in and watching as she was playing hyping her up. 

I walked over to watch and eat my pizza. I was debating where to sit because I did not want to sit next to Paige on the conch so I just sat on the floor by her legs. Setting the soda I pulled out and placed it on the coffee table along with my plate. My brother plays fortnite and I watched him so I kinda understood what was going on. Never played, but was fun to watch.

“KK RIGHT NEXT TO YOU!” Paige yelled pointing to the screen and then she died. She threw her controller down and groaned. She got 3rd. Wasn’t that bad.

“Kk why the hell did you not listen to me? I told you to keep watch on the left because the medallion was there looking for you.” She said throwing her arm to TV and grabbing the controller and readying up for her turn. 

“Man, I'm over this game. I’m taking a shower.” She said standing up and walking over to the bathroom. Leaving me and Paige alone. Just what I was trying to avoid. Ok maybe this was my time to leave. 

Paige looked over at me and smiled. “Want to give it a try?” She asked me, handing me the controller. I was about to shoot myself. I have never played before so this means she was going to have to teach me and then we have a whole movie moment and kiss then it turns to something more and- 

“Sure.” I said grabbing the controller.

“I have never played before.” I asked, looking at her. “I’ll teach you.” She grabbed the controller and flipped it over.

“This one is like aiming and this one shoots. This Jumps, Reload, Move, look, and building is something you just grow to learn about. Just try this for now.” she explained as she pointed and landed the character. 

“I’m going to be so bad at this game. You play and I’ll watch” I said as I was watching the screen and handing it back to her. 

She just laughed and went along with playing. 

“I’ll watch you and study and maybe next time we can try playing.” I said as I watched her fingers move on the controller. Watching what buttons she was pressing and her finger movements shifting from one button to the next. This was kinda hot in the way she was moving them. 

“You should watch the screen to see what the movements are like. Unless you want to cut this short and want me to put these in you.” She said smiling and wiggling her fingers as if she was fingering the air.

OH-

“I can’t stand you sometimes.” I said, shaking my head and looking at the screen. She just smiled and shifted around to get more comfortable. I finally stood up and sat where KK was sitting right next to her. Never been this close to her since the party after they got to the final fours and we were drunk. Some movements that night weren't the best. She looked over at me and smiled as she moved closer as if I wasn’t going to see this. 

“How about everytime I kill someone, you take a piece of clothing off. LIke truth or strip.” She said, Not moving her eyes from the screen. That one was new. From the thought of what could lead you you felt yourself get wet. The cold touching you sends shivers up your back. I liked where this was going so I agreed. Right after I said yes she killed someone. her biting her bottom lip and smiled at me. Moving her legs to set on the grounds and she seems focused now. 

I rolled my eyes and grabbed the hem of my shirt and pulled it over my head. Thank the lord I haven’t showered yet and still had my bra on. After I threw it in front of her hoping to mess her up, she didn’t budge. She was locked in. about 7 minutes later she killed another. I slid my pants down and threw them in front of her again and she side eyed me this time and bit her lips letting out the breath she was holding. 

Coming to the end of the game she only had two kills and there were three people left including her. No way she would kill these people and win this. 

I sat watching her to see if this was going to happen or not. 

“If you win I’ll have sex with you right here right now.” I told her. She licked her lips and she rubbed her hand ver her face to try and focus on the game. 

“You being half naked next to me is not helping me focus.” She said covering her eyes and rubbing them with her fingers. 

She heard shots from the TV and then snapped back from her state and ran her character over to where she heard the sound from. 

“One is already low from the other guy and so this should be easy.” She said shooting at on guy and killing him.

“Boom anddddddd Boom.” She said as she snipped the last person and killed them with a headshot.

After she did an emote on the guy she grabbed my face and kissed me. Crawling up to me and moving her hands to unclamp my bra. Sliding the straps down my arms and letting my bra fall next to the couch. I pulled at the back of her neck to deepen the kiss. She pushed her knee in between my legs and applied presser to where I needed her most and let out a moan into her mouth. 

She then took her left hand and slid it down the front of my panties and rubbed circles around my bud. Wanting her deep inside me. She finally pulled back and looked me in my eyes and seconds later she put two fingers inside me. My eyes widened and I gasped and flung my hand to hold her wrist. She started slowly moving her arm back and forth. Just enough to tease me. Just the sheer thought of the fact that it was Paige Bueckers inside me right now was enough to make me cum all over her fingers. She pulled her fingers out and stuck them inside my mouth. 

“You must have wanted me just as much as I wanted you for you to have cum that quick.” She said before removing her fingers and putting them in her mouth. Moaning as she sucked off everything that I coded. 

“God I wanted to know what this tasted like in real time. All the nights I lay humping my pillow wanting to know what it felt like to be inside you and taste you. The one thing I have been wanting to know for years and years.” She said moving her eyes from one of mine to the other. 

She dipped her hand back in my pants and pushed her fingers back inside of me. Her fingers go in and out of me at a fast pace. I have never felt pleasure like this in my life and I loved it. This feeling was like filling a water balloon up to the point it was about to pop and explode all over the place. 

A sense of pleasure washed over me and that's when I let go and came. I closed my eyes and let it all out. 

“Holy fuckk” I heard her say as she watched me. I opened my eyes and saw that her shirt was soaking wet and that her pants were wet too. I was in shock with how much cum there was. I looked at the couch and saw a wet spot too.

“Oh yes baby that was so hot.” She told me licking it up from all over my legs and her mouth. She stood up and reacted to my hand to help me up. 

I stood up and she was playing with the hem of my panties. “I killed them both so take these off.” 

After she said that she ripped them down to the floor and I kicked them off somewhere. 

She grabbed my hand and led me to what I assume was her room. She closed the door behind us and locked it. She pushed me on the bed to where my legs were off the edge. I bring them up to where I am resting my heels on the edge. 

Paige then gets on her knees in front of me and dips her head in and gives it just a kitty lick. I threw my head into the bed and arched my back. God this girl was going to be the death of me and I was not complaining. 

She then connected her lips with my clit and kissed it, pulling back with a smile and lip bite. The sensation of the little touch was enough to make the room drop about 20°. I needed this girl to touch me in ways that were going to make me go to church next sunday. 

“Paige please I need you to touch me please. I can’t handle the teasing from you anymore. I have wanted this for too long and you are making me want more than I can handle.” I told her as I reached for her head to pull her in, but she dodged me. 

“I know baby, I know. Just let me take you there. I promise you will get there. Just takes time. Have you ever felt like this?” She asked, darting her eyes to where we were just connected. She was hungry and I was her food. Like a husky caring for a pup, yet wanting to play rough. 

I shook my head no, because honestly no one has ever been able to turn me on and touch me in the way she does. She had that power, the lust. The power of control.That's what I was under. Her control. She can control me. Manipulate me. 

“Let me Show you.” She and wrapping her arms around me to pull me closer to her mouth. She looked down at me with desire. She was loving this just as much as me. 

She connected once more and sucked a little harder. Her tongue coming out her mouth, flat to run a strip on my entrance. 

I felt every taste bub on her tough hit me sending waves of chills run threw me. Feeling like I was getting pumped with fluid. Paige fluid running in my veins and arteries. Like I need it to survive. 

She pulled away and looks me in the doorways to my soul. “I want you to come so hard, and look at me as it happens. So you know who is making you feel that good. So if anyone ever touches you the way I do you have the image of me right here in front of you doing this. So you know the first time and remember the feeling of me and my fingers. My mouth working on you like this.” She said rubbing circles on my clit watching it and watching as I pules. Begging for more of her, more of her touch. 

I just wanted to feel this feeling she is talking about. The anticipation was eating me up from the inside. “Please. Paige I don’t think I can take this anymore. Telling me how you will make me feel and not knowing what it will feel like. This is going to drive me insane.”  I told her as I grabbed the back of her head pulling her to me. I needed more. This wasn't a want. I felt as if I was going to Shrivel up and die. She was what was going to drain me of all the nutrients I needed.

I think that was what set her off, because she dived in. Acting like she was a dog training to stay still and listen to commands. Under her I couldn’t control my movements. It was like I was being brought back to life. Soul sucking and being dropped back in. 

I felt her hand creep up and Insert itself inside me. 

This was that feeling. No one has ever done this on me is wild. I wish people did this a lot more, but I am happy it is paige doing this t me. Making me like this. All for her. She could kill me right now and I won't feel anything, Won’t do anything. Won’t be anything. But for her. I would be something. Something she will remember. Something she would want again. 

My mind is fuzzy with the thoughts of what she could do to me, What she is doing to me. Pumping her index and middle finger inside me as her mouth was sucking and poping my clit out her mouth. 

“I’m so close. Fuck. Please, Don’t stop Paige. “I said grinding against her mouth for more. Riding her face to get me there. Looking down at her as I throw my hips around hitting her nose. Grazing it over my clit.  Oh just to see her like this and not arguing back with me was showing me exactly what I was lacking in my life.

I felt as if my hips were going numb from the feeling and the movements I was doing. My legs were shaking as I brought them up to my chest and grabbed them. She moved her hand from under me to the back of my thigh to hold me open for her. She stood up, but kept her head down and bent her top half forward. 

She started pumping her fingers inside me faster and I was seeing black spots everywhere. Was this the last thing I would see before passing out? Like greening out on weed, was I doing it with Sex? Paiging out? I felt Nauseous, But loved it. Being overwhelmed with the idea of her and was about to have a panic attack? No. I don’t want that. I was in space drifting in the sky

Just like that I was over. Coming down to earth and falling on the ground with flowers growing around me and Paige. Slamming me back in her room on her bed. Bring me back and feel her fingers and mouth away from me. She sat looking at me licking her fingers and swiping her mouth with her middle finger and placed it back in her mouth. 

“This could be my sweetener if I wanted.” She said placing her tongue on the inside of my thighs. Licking the drops rolling down my leg. 

“I could go all night tasting you. It's like licking angel tears.”  She told me as she came up to kiss me. Connecting our lips to share what she tastes of me.

She came up and wiped the tears from my cheeks. I didn't even know came out of me.

“Oh baby. Did that feel good? You want more?” She asked. I didn’t even know if I could take more. If tears fell from my eyes and I didn’t even know it. That was enough, but my body craved more of her. I need you inside me more than anything else.

“Yes” I said without even thinking twice. I need this girl to take me to a whole new level. I needed the standards to be raised if anyone else was even going to cross my mind. I needed her to teleport us to a whole new place.

“I’ll go get ready as you calm down from your high.” she said leaving me on her bed and walking to the clothest to grab something and walking out the room. I stared at the ceilling as she did everything she needed.

As she walked out I could hear KK saying something to her, but my mind was too fuzzy to comprehend what was being said. 

I heard the water in the bathroom running and the front door close. I was being brought down to the earth slowly and calming. I could hear tapping on the window and that is what brought me out this trance and I looked over to the window and saw water droplets collect on the window and start racing down. 

The door opened to reveal Paige wearing a strap around her waist. This was new. I never even had owned one of those and to have Paige be the first time inside me like this was going to be too much to handle. I can already feel it. 

She walked over to me and looked down at my hole and rubbed the tip on it. Walking at my face to see if I was calm enough to even take this. I did nothing but watch as she did all this. The anticipation was killing me. I just needed her to put it inside me and stp making me think about it. I needed to experience this. I wanted to know everything about this. I wanted to know how she controlled this situation.

“Oh baby you ready for more now. You want to feel this dick inside you?” She asked. Moving her eyes from where she is looking at your  face to see if you would give and answer with your face expression. 

“Yes please. I need to know.” I whined as I grabbed the sides of her face. Trying to get a sense of this all being real. I needed to know that this was real and not another fantasy I was creating late at night in my own bed.

She brought her fingers to her mouth and spit on them. She took them and ran them over me and on the tip. She removed her hoodie leaving her in a white wife beater and sports bra underneath. Placing both hands on the side of me and looking at where we were about to be connected.

“Baby I want you to watch as it goes inside you. Watch as you stretch over me.” She said, placing her hand behind my head and holding it up for me to watch. Looking at the purple silicon as it was glazed from the saliva and the light shining from the moon outside. This point was when I was taking in the room and what it looked like. The moon gave a dust of light in the room enough to see, but not enough to live with.

She placed her forehead on mine slowly pushing it in. I have never been this full. It was a pain that I can get behind. Feeling her be inside me for the first time and probably not the last time. I want to relive this moment for days. I wanted to feel this pain, wanting to have this feeling stay with me. 

She let out a low moan and closed her eyes tilting her head to look at the wall. Watching her be like this and I was the one to cause this on her body was chilling. Watching her act like this from me, if someone would t tell me this moment was happening I would have slapped them so hard. 

She pushed the rest of her inside of me and it was so much inside. She could split me in half with her strap.

Tears filling my eyes from the pressure. She stopped to whip away the loose one that fell on my left cheek. Laying herself on top of me and wrapping her arms around me, lifting my back off the bed and bringing me to her chest. I wrapped my arms around her neck to hold myself up and right when I clasped my hands she snapped her hips forward in me. The angle she was going in was making her curve up and hit my front wall. 

Her hips thrusting back and forth, making the bed squeak at our movements. My hair falls down as it hits my back. Removing my hands and placing them on the bed to create Stability from the back. 

Her groaning and moaning in my ear is sending me straight to bless. She still is watching where we are connected, but me on the other hand. I can’t concentrate on anything but her talking me through this and her moans.

“You are doing so well for me baby. You are such a good girl for me.” she told me looking up at me and licking a strip up my neck. The wetness on my neck creates a cold feeling of euphoria. So many senses are being turned all the way to the max. Never been like this. Never been talking like this or talked to like this, but was loving it. It was like I found my true self and feelings. Like a third eye opening.  

Her grunts were getting deeper and deeper as she was picking up her pace and getting weaker almost. She was about to cum I just knew it.I was too. The same build up from earlier was coming. She let out a long low moan watching me in my eyes as she came. Watching her ‘cum inside me’ was maybe the best sight ever. I would rather watch this replay in my mind than see the grand canyon. 

Watching as her mouth opened slightly. Eye candy at its finest. From watching her and the idea of her made me let go. Exploding like a Volcano. The same heat coming from one too. It was getting too hard to hold back. She fell on top of me as she was still inside of me, breathing heavily.

“Oh my god. I have never came so hard in my life.” I said as I came. At this moment I didn’t even think it was me saying it. I think it was my soul saying it for me. She didn’t even move. That's when I realized I messed up. Everything was going good too.

She turned her head and looked at me. “Give me a chance now?”

[livin4woso]

Breaking the media

Chapter 10- injury

Game day had rolled around quicker than you had expected you had pushed yourself at training the other day to increase the chance of you starting the words of alexia still forefronting your mind. Once again you and alexia had arrived ungodly early for a late kick off game but at least it was a home match, the team had managed to have a consistent amount of home games however the following weeks wouldn't be as nice as the fixtures increased to the away days which was never fun to be stuck on a coach for hours or a plane depending if it was a champions league fixture. You had just slipped your boot on when the last teamate had arrived it was pina as she had said she got caught in the traffic and had to drive with her hood up and with sunglasses on to hide her identity while driving. "Oh come on pina, next time you should have a better disguise maybe keep a secret wig in your glove box" you retorted to her laughing "right yeah I'll get a bald cap to put in there" she said deadpanning her face "yeah yeah whatever works" you said leaving the changing room and heading for the field.

The warm up felt like it was dragging and that might have been due to the nerves that sat in your stomach or the excitement of potentially starting. Jona called in everyone and told everyone the starting line up and formation and than when "right for defence we have ona on the left mapi and irene in the middle and y/n on the right" he said and you could have ran and hugged him on the spot but you kept your cool until he left and you were practically jumping around like a toddler "come on y/n keep the energy for the game you've got a whole 90 minutes to use it" mapi said "sorry my bad I'll save it for the game". Kickoff was in 5 minutes so you lined up with the team in the tunnel and all of a sudden nerves wracked through you it wasnt as if you hadn't started a game before but this time it felt different like you were playing because you were good enough not because a player was injured. Yous were playing athletico Madrid so while you didn't have to worry on technical abilities you were prepared for a physical game one which you knew you would have to be careful as they have quite the record with fouling players.

The game started the ball was moving between the teams feet just like practice as you were told to pass in triangles which really helped and when the chance break through the field and persue for a goal. Thats exactly what you did when you sent a long ball down into the center field straight at salmas feet and she volleyed the ball into the back of the net to take the lead early in the game. Barcelona continued to dominate the game for the first half and adding another goal to the score line to go up by 2-0 at half time. The score had riled the frustrations in the other team leading them to play dirty and getting more aggressive as the minutes went by, it was around 70 minutes when Barcelona were awarded a corner so as instructed you ran towards the box as being one of the taller girls on the field you had a slight vantage point than others. The ball was swung in from the side and from what you could see was coming straight towards your head as you jumped to get your head on the ball you felt an awful pain as the opposing attacker had full force shoved you in the back and when landing her foot stood on the inside of your ankle causing it to land inwards when you landed leaving you a crumpled mess on the floor. The sound your ankle made could only be described as horrific everyone went silent and just looked to the floor at you face down in the grass almost screaming out in pain it was the worst pain you had ever felt in your life and it was radiating through your body.

It was alexia who had watched it happen and the minute you didn't get up from the floor she came running to check on you shoving the athletico players out of the way "hey pequeña where does it hurt" she said placing her hand on your back "my ankle please ale it hurts really bad" you said through tears choking on your words if alexia could she would have taken all your pain and given it to herself. "Its okay dont panic the medics are coming" she said not leaving your side as the medics ran across the pitch. The more time passed it wasnt just alexia by your side it was mapi, ingrid and even lucy and kiera who were constantly making sure you were okay while irene and marta profusely argued with the ref to get the girl who did this to you sent off or atleast carded for the matter. You were sure it was bad but when the stretcher had been brought out you couldn't believe it, it felt like your whole world was crashing in on you no football for atleast a few months and you had to go through long rehab sessions you couldn't believe it why you? Of all playing it was selfish to think that you wished it was another player but you couldn't help but think it. You whinced in pain as they moved you from the ground to the stretcher and alexia never let go off you the whole way holding your hand to make sure you were okay or maybe it was reassurance to herself that you would be okay "I'll come find you the minute the game is finished okay don't stress about it you will be okay pequeña" she said letting go of your hand as you were carried off the field and into the tunnel and she switched back into game mode to win this game for you.

The game had ended up finishing 6-1 with athletico getting a lucky corner and the ball slipped through panos hands to go in the net however the win was briefly celebrated by alexia as she normally stays to greet some of the fans however she rushed straight to find you in the medical room. Meanwhile for you the past 20 minutes have been a living nightmare your body throbbed with pain as the emotions rised in you yet you wouldn't cry not here not infront of a bunch of strangers they had gave you some painkillers in hopes that would numb the pain but they didn't help much. When alexia had opened the door you had jusy arrived back from the scans where they would check to see the severity of the injury. She looked at you as tears welled in your eyes you could only hold them back so long so as the medical staff informed you for the next month you would be in a boot and have crutches giving them to you as they left the room. Just then the water works began tears streamed down yourself as alexia sat next to you as you crumpled into her side as she rubbed circles on your back. When the tears slowed down it was ingrid and mapi who had entered the room holding your bags and new clothes for both you and alexia as she had forgot to get changed before seeing you. "right I'll be back once im changed then I'll help you and we can go home okay" she said removing her arm from you and silently thanking her best friend and girlfriend as they helped you remove you socks and shin pads being extra careful to not knock your ankle.

Alexia had returned after showering and get changed to find you waiting to go as she managed to balance hers and your bag while holding the doors open for you as you slowly made your way through the halls to the car park. Alexia had dumped the bags in the back seat of the car as she helped you into the passenger side of the car. You sighed to yourself as a long road of recovery was ahead of you and one which alexia would be by your side every step of the way. You had arrived back home and alexia waited as long as it took you to make it to the apartment and there you collapsed on your bed and fell asleep without even changing your mind was filled with negativity and yet alexia was ready to help you every step of the way.

[bryngmemoney]

✁FASHION FLIRT✃

Megumi Fushiguro x Reader

⭑story masterlist link

tw:none

Writing in between messages!!

🪡Chapter Thirty-three: Rehearsal

“These are actually really good,” Megumi said, digging his fork through another piece of the pancake. “Not too sweet?” you asked him.

“Not too sweet,” he confirmed.

“Are you excited for the show?” Megumi put a hand over his mouth, making sure not to completely swallow the food he had in his mouth before answering. “More nervous, but everything’s been going good at the past rehearsals, so hopefully this will go over well.”

“You’ll do great, you won’t mess up promise,” you smiled at him, returning your attention to your food.

“Hope so.”

“Looks good to you?” you asked Megumi as you helped adjust his hair a little more. “Yeah, looks better honestly.” You smiled at him, wrapping your arms around his shoulders giving him a kiss on the cheek.

“Y/n can you help me out, the hair in the back doesn’t wanna stay,” Ino spoke up a few feet besides you two. “Hm? oh yeah sure.”

You stood up straight, moving over to help style his hair back. “Thanks, sorry didn’t wanna bother but I couldn’t get it.”

“Yeah don’t worry, I’m not the best either at this but we have help around too just in case.”

Just as you were finished adjusting Ino’s hair, Megumi spoke up “Y/n I just noticed this parts uneven.” You looked over, stepping back towards Megumi. “Which part?” you asked placing your hand on his shoulder.

He stared at the mirror for a second, before meeting your eyes in it. “Oh never mind, I think I was just looking at it wrong.”

“Y/n!”

You turned around to the calling of your name, seeing Inumaki spin Yuki around towards you. “Look Y/n your friend did a great job! I love it!” Yuki announced. “Wow, you do look great Yuki!”

“And they said it wasn’t the same thing,” Inumaki nodded his head towards another station where Maki and Nobara where currently working.

You saw Maki and a volunteer assistant happily working on Kirara, with Choso looking up in your guys direction, eyes on Yuki, and Yuta happily chatting away with them. Next to them you could see Nobara argueing with Sukuna trying to get something on his face but his hand kept swatting it away. A nervous looking Kamo slowly inching away from them.

“Alright, we can chill for a few, we’ve got 10 minutes before needing to be in the backstage.”

“Good luck,” you told Megumi. “It’s still just practice, save it for the actual show.” You both leaned against a wall in the backstage area, seeing everyone file in to get lined up in order.

“You know the project?” Megumi brought up.

“Photography?”

“Yeah,” Megumi smiled at you, “I got an A, said it was nice to see me try something different.”

“Different? In what way?” you questioned

“He said it was nice seeing a more personal touch from me.” You looked at him, giving him quick peck on the cheek. “Good, you deserved it, it was beautiful, well at least to me.”

“Get lined up you can have your moment later,” Maki said approaching you two, “We gotta start heading out,” she told you. You raised your hand slightly, “See you in a few then.” Megumi returned the gesture, “See you.”

Author’s Note: more megumi fluff :3

ok one more chapter and a little epilogue left after this one

also guys i’m prob gonna post a poll for the next smau to do cause i can’t decide btwn two 😭😭 so that’ll be up tomorrow too

hope you guys enjoyed!!

Taglist below, feel free to comment or dm me to be added for the last chapter!!

TAGLIST

@iridescentrays @gumimegz @maya-maya-56 @mamafly @lunavixia @swissy23 @coltsgf @m00nglad3-mp3 @etsukis @xosren @qtnfer @oengleli @harek89 @y-sabell-a @morgyyyyyyy @getolvr @liliumaraneae @k3lbade @aiieera @dancedancey @get0sfav @chuyasthighs0 @hyssoplampflickers @kpopanimen @sad-darksoul @vivi-loves-penguins @kasumitenbaz @talkingsperm @nymphsdomain @inlovewithlondonn @rzcnlb @enchantingkitty @fuyuzemi @lysaray @ni-ki-ismyluv @reneny @frumira @mixzimi @miralunaela @dreamxiing @p3achiee @anianurst @fishii28 @arguendo @samutoru @hallothankmas @invisible-mori @aiserex @all-in-the-fandoms @milza12 @nyxlai @daintyminho @tokyodarlng @molovs @hopeladybug @dazaisms

[jpmarvel90]

Nightmares

Masterlist Natasha Masterlist

Relationship: Natasha x Reader

Summary: Y/n starts having nightmares after a tough mission. She locks herself away from the team, hoping to feel better once her girlfriend returns from her own mission.

Word Count: 2200

Y/n's POV:

It was one of the worst missions I had been on. We were successful but at a price. Bucky, Sam and I had been sent to support a team of SHEILD Agents in apprehending a person of interest. The only thing was the intelligence was wrong and the person was far more dangerous than we had prepared for.

Instead of a teenage boy who was unaware of powers, we were greeted by a man in his early 20s, very capable of manipulating the element of fire. From the group of 10 agents, we lost 3 and 2 others had severe injuries. Their screams will forever haunt me.

The journey back on the quinjet was silent. I decided to pilot the jet back, so I had something to focus on, so I didn’t get lost in my thoughts. As soon as we landed the medical team were on hand to escort the injured to the medical wing. Fury was also stood waiting, his arms crossed waiting for us to exit.

Bucky, Sam and I slowly trudged off of the jet, my whole-body aching. “You did a good job.” Fury stated once we were in the meeting room. I couldn’t help but let out a scoff at his words. “Something you want to share Y/l/n?” He asked. I could feel the anger building in me. It took everything in me to not yell. “We lost three agents because the intel was wrong. We weren’t prepared and we paid the price. Tell me how that was a good job?” I fumed, my fist clenched.

“You apprehended an extremely dangerous individual. That is a good job. Intelligence isn’t always accurate, but despite the hardship you face, you successfully completed the mission.” Fury responded. I scoffed once again but didn’t reply. I didn’t have the energy, and nothing would change. We spent the next hour going through the debrief before we were allowed to leave.

All I wanted was to clean up and lie in bed in my girlfriend’s arms, but she was also out on a mission and wasn’t due back for a two more weeks. As we left the meeting room, I felt a hand on my shoulder. “You should probably go and see Bruce and get those cuts stitched up. You took more hits than Sam and me.” Bucky said with a soft smile on his face. “Well, we can’t all be super soldiers with metal arms.” I quietly joked. “Come on, I’ll keep you company.” She said, leading me to the medical wing.

Once I was stitched up, I made my way back to my room to shower the dirt off. I watched as the mud and blood washed off my body and drained away. In the solace of the shower, my mind raced over the events of the day and everything I could have done differently. Could I have saved at least one of the agents? I was abruptly pulled out of my thoughts by a knock on the bathroom door.

“Y/n/n, dinner’s ready.” Wanda said from the other side of the door. “Thanks Wands, I’ll be down in a minute.” I shouted back, quickly finishing up in the shower. After throwing on some sweatpants and a baggy hoody, I made my way down to the kitchen. With most of the team away on another mission, it was only Wanda, Bucky, Sam and I left in the compound. I took my seat opposite Wanda and I could see her worried eyes glancing over the cuts on my face. Dinner was quiet, with just small talk here and there. The food, as always when Wanda cooks, was amazing. It helped bring me the smallest amount of comfort, but I struggled to keep my mind off of what had happened on the mission.

“You couldn’t have done anything more Y/n” Wanda spoke up after Sam and Bucky left. I picked up the empty plates and walked into the kitchen to clear up. “Please stay out of my head Wanda.” I requested, not making any eye contact. “I’m just worried about you Y/n, I know what you’re like. I’m here if you need anything.” She replied. I gave her a nod and tight-lipped smile. Not wanting to push any further, she placed a kiss against my temple before leaving.

The next few days were tough. I hadn’t really slept, everything I closed my eyes, I relieved the events of the mission. I saw the agents die on repeat and I couldn’t get their screams out of my head. Each night I would wake up screaming, thank God for Tony sound proofing all the rooms. I mainly stayed in my room only coming out for dinner. I blamed myself and I was soon finding that I was falling into a black hole of darkness.

It was 5 days after the disaster of a mission and I woke up once again from a nightmare and decided to head out for a run. It helped to clear my mind and I felt slightly better when I got back. I showered and joined the others in the living room for the first time since the mission. I didn’t speak and I could see Wanda looking at me with concern in her eyes.

I knew she was reading my mind and I tried very hard to make sure I wasn’t thinking about all the dark thoughts I had been having. I thought I had been successfully as she hadn’t said anything. But I was wrong. She had excused herself and disappeared for a while before coming back in. She sat next to me this time and placed an arm around my shoulder. “Please don’t shut yourself away Y/n. We’re all here for you.” She said in a caring manner. I didn’t respond, I simply placed my head on her shoulder and sighed.

That evening, I was in my bathroom changing the dressings and cleaning up the wounds that were slowly healing. The cream stung like a bitch and I was fighting back the tears that were forming. I carefully unwrapped the dressing over the largest wound on my stomach, grimacing at the pain. As I run my fingers over the stiches, I hear a gasp from beside me.

Turning to look where the noise came from, I see my girlfriend stood in the doorway her hand to her mouth. “Nat. What are you doing here? You’re not due back for another week!” I exclaimed, shocked to see her stood in front of me. Her hand dropped from her mouth, but her eyes remained focused on my wound. “Wanda called and said how worried she was about you. I came straight home.” She responded.

“Babe, I’m fine. They’re just superficial.” I said, trying to calm her worries. She doesn’t say anything, but slowly walks towards me. Her hands gently running over the wounds on my stomach and face. She runs her thumb over my cheekbone and her eyes meeting mine. I lean my head forward, so our foreheads connect. It takes all of me to not breakdown.

Silently she takes over to help cleaning my wounds, placing light kisses on my lips every time I flinch in pain. It was calming to be with her again. Once I was cleaned up and rebandaged, we both changed into pyjamas and cuddled up in bed. Nat opened her arms for me snuggle into her. I placed my head on her chest and wrapped my arm around her stomach, pulling her close. “You shouldn’t have come home. I’m fine.” I said, gently running my finger in random patterns on her stomach.

“I’m glad I did. Wanda said you’d been shutting yourself away, that’s not like you. And besides, the mission was boring, it ended up just being recon.” She responded, her hand rubbing my back under my top. “Sounds like your mission wasn’t so easy.” She said looking down to me. I shook my head, not really wanting to talk about it right now. “You want to talk about it?” Nat asked. “Not right now, I’d rather just enjoy this time with you.” I said leaning up and giving her a kiss. “Ok, but I’m here when you’re ready?” I squeezed her tightly, earning a small chuckle. We led there for a while before we both succumbed to sleep.

I shot up screaming after seeing the deaths all over again. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it was going to rip out of my chest, and I was struggling to breathe. I gasped for breath whilst my eyes struggled to focus on the room around me.

“Babe, you’re ok. It was just a nightmare.” I felt Nat’s arms wrap around my shoulders. I couldn’t find the breath or words to respond. My eyes just frantically darted around the room.

Nat got up and knelt in front of me, placing her hands on my cheeks which caused me to flinch a little. “Look at me babe ok.” She calmly speaks. I feel her thumbs gently caressing my face which helps to calm me and I’m able to make contact with her worried eyes. “That’s great moya lyubov (my love). Now I need you to take some deep breathes. Follow my breathing.” She instructs, her thumbs wiping away the falling tears.

Whilst I’m still struggling to catch my breath, Nat helps me to sit against the headboard of the bed and she lays my legs out flat to help get air into my lungs. She takes my hands again and returns to helping me through following her breathing. After some time, although it’s still shaky, my breathing returns to normal. The gasping for air is replaced by quiet sobs.

“Oh detka, come here.” Nat sits to my side and pulls me on to her lap, giving me a tight hug. She rubs her hand up and down my back helping me to relax whilst holding my head to her chest. “It was awful Nat. He was so strong and his powers… t-they didn’t stand a chance! I can’t stop reliving it over and over trying to work out what I could have done differently.��� I cry out.

“Shush, you’re ok now. I’m here, we’re going to get through this together. I’m not going anywhere.” Nat reassures me. “Tomorrow we’ll go and see Bruce and see if he can do anything to help. But I do think it would help if you talked to someone about it. It doesn’t have to be me, but it might help you process how you’re feeling.” Nat always knew the right things to say. I hated being vulnerable but with her I didn’t care. Being in her arms I felt safe, and I knew she would protect me.

I take a deep breath and look up into Nat’s eyes, where the worry has been replaced by pure love. “You’re right, I need help. After it happened I kind of shut myself away not wanting to address how it affected me. Hopefully speaking with someone can help for me to come to terms with what happened.” Nat just looked at me with pride. I was never one to admit I needed help which made Nat happy that I was accepting help, but also concerned at how bad it must be for me to admit it.

“Thank you Nat, for all of this. You’ve just come from your own mission and jumped in to dealing with my shit straight away.” I said, looking away slightly in shame. “Nope, none of that. I’m your girlfriend and this is part of the job. How many times have you sat with me after a bad mission or held me through a nightmare? I don’t want to be anywhere else, other than with you. I love you so much Y/n.” Nat said with such sincerity. A wide smile appears on my face and I lean up and pull her into a passionate, yet soft kiss. “I love you too Nat.” 

Knowing that I wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep, Nat stayed up with me and we talked about everything and anything. My mind firmly taken off of the horrible nightmare I had awoken from. In the morning she did exactly as she said and took me to see Bruce. We arranged for me to start seeing a therapist and it was the best decision I made.

It took a while, but eventually the nightmares almost disappeared. Talking with my therapist had made me see it wasn’t my fault and that I did all I could. When I finally understood and believed that I started to see a change when I slept. The nightmares became less frequent, and even if I do still experience them, Nat is by my side to help me through.

I couldn’t have asked for more. Nat is my world, she stayed by me every step of the way. At times I would find myself falling into a dark place, but it was Nat who would drag me back and I eventually realised that she was my light and with her by my side, I could do anything. I know I’m going to marry that woman one day.

[lolitakirstein]

a/n: ooof this turned into a damn text thread i'm sorry.and mostly eren POV, shitty editing this is going to have to be in multiple parts. I'll get part 2 up ASAP. :)

Eren reached for his phone, brows furrowing. It was odd for him to ever hear an alert from it, let alone a text notification. He had made it that way. Cutting off communication to most, keeping conversations to a bare minimum with those who were close...well...more at arm's length...maybe further than that.

If I keep people out, they can't hurt me. they won't know I'm such a fucked up person.

He flipped his phone over, reading the text.

You: hey eren :)

His heartbeat kicked up seeing your name on his phone. You seemed to be the only person who would reach out without being talked to first. Of all the people in his "friends" group, it was you who seemed the less likely to judge...if he ever got that vulnerable with you. Which he doubted he would, you deserved better than someone as fucked up at him. But when you looked at him, he sometimes felt that you saw past his flaws.

His fingers hovered over the screen unsure what to write, finally settling for a simple "Hey."

You: How are you? I haven't seen you in a while.

It was true, you hadn't seen each other in weeks. The last time being a get together for the end of summer.

Eren: I'm fine..just minding my own business as usual."

You: well you can mind your business and still not be a stranger :)

the lighterheardness of your message made him actually smile. The thought that you are wanting him to be closer though...that makes him nervous. He doesn't want you to look at him differently if he got any closer.

Eren: I wouldn't mind that

You: Well lets plan a hang out or something :)

Eren paced his living room. Were you being flirty? or just friendly? or maybe even pitying him? How was he supposed to go about this...play along? he wanted to. Fuck he wanted to get closer to you. But that voice in his head told him it would end in disaster.

"Fuck it," he said aloud to the room

Eren: Maybe we could go for ice cream, yeah?

You: that sounds fun!

Eren waited to respond, not wanting to seem to eager, but he had come this far he might as well go for it...

Eren: would you like to later today?

the minute he sent it, he regretted it. Too soon, too desperate, too overbearing.

You: I can't today. Me jean and connie are going downtown to the bar. I've already backed out twice ugh

His heart dropped at that fucking name

JEAN

He knew you and jean were friends, closer than you and him were, but it still boiled his blood that you were going out with him...even just as friends. He knew how jean got when he was drunk. Hell he knew how jean acted sober especially around you. Hanging around, shameless flirting, playfully tugging your hair as he'd pass behind you.

Eren:Why the fuck are you going with horseface. Hes a creep, he just wants to use you I hate how he touches you Alright, have fun.

He breathed deeply. Calming himself before he could get any angrier at the situation. Yes, he knew it was wrong to get mad at you for going out. But why did it have to be with Jean. He hoped Connie would keep an eye on you and him at least.

*4 hours later*

Eren was lying on his couch, the tv going, but honestly his thoughts were constantly on you being out there at some cheap bar with Jean. No doubt his fucking horse hooves all over you. What were you doing? what was he doing? what were you wearing?

Is she thinking of me?

His resolve to not text you the rest of the night crumbled at last. Reaching for his phone he thumbed to your name and typed

Eren: Hope you are having a fun night.

After what seemed like an eternity but was really only 10 minutes, he saw you begin to reply. His heart kicked up.

you: Heyyyy. I'm a bit buzzed but im havn fun. connie and jean are doing karaoke save me lol

He smirked at your jumbled reply and the thought of jackass jean doing karaoke thinking he's hot shit.

Eren: i'm sure that's a sight. What those dipshits singing...or attempting to sing

you: connies in his missy elliot era rn. Jean just serenaded me with some taylor swift.

Eren clenched his jaw. He knew you were a secret swiftie as much as you tried to act like you werent, he'd catch you humming it. Now it seems Jean is also aware of your little secret.

Playing cool he replies, "Never took that asshole to be a swiftie."

you: me neither, it's definitely the booze

Eren: How much more drinking do you guys plan on doing?

You: I'm tapping out after this one

An attached photo came along with your text. It was dimly lit but he could make out the shape of a dozen or so shot glasses empty on the table and your hand holding your last one up for the camera. And there, blurry but still visible, right in the corner was Jean...his hand on your leg.

DAMN HIM

He feels every emotion rush through him: anger, jealousy, possessiveness, sadness. He heartbeat pounded in his ear.

Eren: What's with Jean being all handsy?

He hoped that sounded subtle and not like a psychopath...with yes he was probably acting like one. Even going so far as to zoom in on the photo to see how far up your leg jeans hands were.

you: Probably to keep from falling over.

You were playing it off like it was no big deal?!

Eren: That doesn't look like the ideal place to put his hand to keep from falling over."

you: Lol. you know how he is when he is drunk...all...lovey

At this point, red is all Eren sees. He doesn't care if he comes off like an asshole or possessive anymore. How could you be so oblivious and naive that Jean was doing this intentionally.

Eren: Doesn't that piss you off that he gets all handsy like that? He shouldn't be allowed to touch you, even if he's drunk.

No going back now. Whatever progress eren had thought he had made with you would certainly be gone after this show of anger. His true self. Fuck it he didn't care. This is why he stayed to himself. In one evening, you had stabbed him in the heart...

Part 2 sneaky peak:

"You know i can't be like him right?" "I don't want you to be like him...I want you to be like you."

thanks for reading :)

[sinner-sunflower]

P.2 HH Lucifer-centric AU 13/?

STORY 1, PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8, PART 9, PART 10, PART 11, PART 12, PART 14, PART 14.5, PART 15, PART 16, PART 17, PART 18, PART 19, PART 20, PART 21, PART 22, PART 23, PART 24, PART 25, PART 26

Luci is the older sib among the Sins but he's the youngest among the Archangels.

I guess technically, he's the suffering middle child.

If y'all see a mention baby bro or little brother in the Prequel, pretend like you didn't see it ;laksldakl;

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

Perhaps Lucifer should've requested a 1 visitor per visit rule just like he should've expected that he's going to get tackled and suffocated in physical affection by the Sins and Charlie as soon as Belphegor opened the door.

Not that he doesn't like the hugs but he's just one tiny guy and he's pretty sure he's about to be buried alive under these giants.

Thank fuck for Belphegor for prying them off of him before he actually suffocated.

Belphegor: What did I say?! What did I just say?! What are you all? Children?!

A gasp and a coughing fit later, he finally calmed down enough to get his breathing steady. He thanks Alastor for the water, taking huge sips to fix his throat.

'Not to self: don't get buried alive. It's not a fun experience.'

He looks over at the now kneeling Charlie and Sins, head bowed as the Sin of Sloth relentlessly scolds them.

Belphegor: -powers in Hell and you can't follow one simple rule? May I remind you all what happens if I'm disobeyed while I'm treating someone?

All: Visiting rights will be stripped off.

Belphegor: That's right. And I am not above putting a ward on any of you to make it stay that way.

Never mess with Dr. Belphegor. As much as Lucifer is amused, he takes pity on his kids (his kids!) and speaks up to save them from the doctor's wrath.

Lucifer: I think they get it, Bel.

The kneeling demons cower as Belphegor sends them one last glare before huffing and went to typing something in her tablet again.

Beelzebub: Sorry for getting carried away, babe. We just got scared.

Asmodeus: Charlie's call really scared us. Did something happen in Heaven?

Satan: Tell me if that bastard Michael did this, I'll go to Heaven myself and beat his ass! In fact, I'm going over there right now. Open a portal.

Leviathan: Christ, Satan. Can you do one minute without thinking of doing something impulsive?

Satan: Don't say that name here! And fuck you! You're one to talk. Which one of us almost obliterated their ring in anger earlier, huh??

Lucifer: Wha- Levi??

Leviathan: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Mammon: Wait, is that why the elevator took so fuckin long to work? I thought I was gonna be stuck there foreva!

Charlie: At least you're all here now!

Charlie's wholesome sentiment made her aunts and uncles coo, wholeheartedly agreeing with her.

Lucifer: My duckie is right. Even though I said I was fine, you all still came for me. I'm starting to feel bad about making you all rush here every time I get hurt.

Satan: Don't you dare. No one is forcing us to be here.

Beelzebub: Right! Plus you always did the same for us.

He remembers those moments. When the rings formed and the Sins grew enough to move and handle them on their own, he was pretty lonely. Sure, he had Lilith, but children brought a different kind of joy with their company.

Plus, he loved indulging in others and all the children wanted was his attention, which he was always so happy to give.

The last person he would've thought to call him for help first was, believe it or not, Leviathan.

Levi had always presented himself as independent, acting like he's not as young as he was. Lucifer saw the aquatic demon's admiration for him, often mimicking how he talks, walks, and even dresses.

Lilith says it's envy (Because what else could it be, Luci? Isn't he the Sin of Envy?) but Lucifer knows better. He knows that Leviathan only looks at him in admiration. He looks at him like he hung the stars. Like Lucifer means something. Like he deserves to be looked at that way.

He doesn't but he's not going to tell young Leviathan that.

Anyway, Levi couldn't get the raging storms of Envy under control despite trying so hard. He was crying, begging Lucifer to believe that he did everything he could but nothing was working.

So he did what every good sibling/pseudo-father wouldo.

He drops everything and headed straight to Envy. In fact, he ran so fast he forgot to tell Lilith he was leaving.

Instead of fixing the situation himself, Lucifer chose that moment to teach Leviathan. He stayed in Envy until the other got it and not once did he berate Levi for not knowing something that wasn't even taught. It was his fault after all that Levi couldn't control it as he should've known that it doesn't come to everyone that easily.

The little scolding he got from Lilith when he came home super late was worth seeing a proud face on little Levi.

Lucifer: And I always will.

When it doesn't look like they're leaving him anytime soon, he figures he could just tell them now. He sat up a little straighter and internally braces himself for the expected uproar.

Lucifer: Heaven is on the verge of a civil war.

He winces. 'Way to rip off the bandaid, Lucifer.'

The room halted. They stared at him as they try to comprehend what he said just said. Then all at once, everyone bursts into screaming and panic, asking questions at him, at each other, at no one, at everyone. It was chaos and Lucifer can feel something rumble inside him. He figures Roo is enjoying all this unfold.

To be fair, he should've thought better than to say something like that out of the blue.

Lucifer: Sorry from dropping a bomb like that suddenly.

Satan: A bomb???

Mammon: Mate, that's a fuckin' nuclear one if I know one! The fuck you mean a war??

Lucifer: A civil war.

Charlie: What? How are we roped in it?? It's not because of the last extermination right?

Belphegor: You couldn't have told us this the moment you arrived?

Satan: Are we involved? Is that why Michael shot a freakin' laser through the sky??

Lucifer: No but-

Beelzebub: Oh god.

Lucifer: Guys, if you just-

Leviathan: Ozzie, how is our forces? Do you think we have enough manpower?

Lucifer: Guys-

Asmodeus: If it's only our fighting forces, then no. I'm sure a lot of demons would be willing to fight. Plus we have the firepower.

Lucifer: I-

Belphegor: Do we even know if angelic weapons would harm a higher ranked angel?

Oh for fucks-

Lucifer: Ê̵̡̟͔͉̱͓͓̪̝̫͙͇̞͛̓͐͒͒̎͒̋͘Ǹ̶̛͙̲̮͓͈̳̗̟̣̊̍͋́̇̀̋̐́̚̕͜O̷͇͔̒̇͋́͋́̓́͂́͆͋̅͘U̴̡̙̫͕̞̩͎̭̤̤͙̠̓̐̊̚͜G̵͖͇̘̘̩̟̗̠̬̐̈́͛́̾̈́̾̍́̈́̏͠͝H̶̢̬͉̯̞͇̯͈͙̜̬͚̟͙̊̈́͋͂̂̾̒̅̈́̆͊͗͂̚͝.̷̧͇͔͖̜̳̲̪̤͇̇͊͑̋͛̾̓͜͜

.

.

.

The room rattles from his voice. He stop his horns and halo from coming out. Lucifer can't see it but everyone else is staring at him in abject horror as his skin turned into a dark, glitchy mess.

He calms himself by taking in deep breathes until the fire in his mouth extinguishes.

Lucifer: Can I speak now?

[doc-pickles]

sent to save me | sidney crosby (ch. 9)

series masterlist

summary: Sid comes to Annie’s rescue

warnings: mentions vomiting, hospitalization

notes: enjoy!

xoxo

nina

It’s barely 7:30 AM when Sid’s phone starts ringing. He ignores it the first time but when it chimes again he groans as he picks it up.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Sid?”

At the sound of Vivie’s voice on the other line Sid is sitting up and wiping at his eyes. He pulls his phone away and checks that it’s Annie’s number she’s calling from.

“Vivie, why do you have your moms phone? Is everything okay?”

There’s a beat of silence before Vivie answers, “I got up for school but mommy is sick and she said I can’t go to school because she can’t drive me. But it’s Lily's birthday today and she’s bringing cupcakes and I can’t miss that.”

“Okay, I’m on my way Viv. How’s… Is your mom okay?”

“She’s throwing up and her forehead is hot. I checked her tebature just like she does when I’m sick,” Vivie pauses. “Is mommy going to be okay?”

“Of course Vivie,” Sid rushes out. “She’s gonna be fine. I’ll be there in 10 minutes okay?”

“Okay Mr. Sid.”

Sid hangs up and pulls on the first thing he can find before racing downstairs. He’s worried for Vivie and how scared she sounded, but he’s also worried about how sick Annie must be if she can’t even drive Vivie to school.

He hadn’t heard from Annie in three days, not since their fight. Sid had wanted to call her multiple times, to tell her that they could talk things out, but her anger and hurt flashed into his mind every time and he figured it would be best to let her come to him.

By the time he pulls into Annie’s driveway Sid knows he’s broken a few speed limits but he can’t bring himself to care as he bounds up to the front door. He finds it unlocked and Vivie is perched on the couch by the door with her backpack on. Her socks are mismatched and her curls are wild but she seems pretty put together.

“Hey Viv,” Sid kneels down in front of the little girl and cups one of her cheeks. “You okay?”

Vivie nods but Sid can see the tears welling in her eyes. She throws her arms around his neck and he pulls her in close as she cries. The sad little noises break Sidney’s heart as he holds his daughter tight.

“It’s okay, I got you,” Sid whispers the words as he runs a hand through Vivie’s curls. “I got you, don’t worry.”

“Mommy was sick and I was really scared,” Vivie sobs. “I just want her to be okay.”

“Mommy is going to be fine, I promise,” Sid reassures Vivie before pulling back and ruffling her curls. “Can I go check on your mommy before I take you to school?”

With a nod of agreement from Vivie, Sid stands and walks down the hall. It’s eerily silent but he

keeps on as he heads toward Annie’s room. When he pushes open the door she’s not in bed so he continues into the en suite, his heart lurching as he steps in.

“Annie? Hey Anns,” Sid rushes to kneel next to Annie who’s laying on the floor, face pale and unmoving. “Shit… Annie you gotta wake up.”

Annie groans in protest as Sid brushes back her hair, nuzzling her cheek into his hand. He takes it as a good sign that she’s at least somewhat coherent.

“Hey baby, I need you to open your eyes. Can you look at me?” Annie groans again but finally looks up at Sid, his heart rate slowing incrementally as she blinks up at him. “There’s my sweet girl. How are you feeling?”

“Why’re you here,” Annie buries her face in his lap and Sid’s hand instinctively comes up to stroke through her hair. “You’re mad at me.”

“I’m not mad at you, we just had a disagreement,” Sid sighs as he looks down at Annie. “I would never leave you stranded when you’re like this.”

“Mmm… Viv… where’s Vivie?”

“She’s fine, I’m more worried about you,” Sid whispers. “How long have you been sick?”

Annie pauses before speaking up again, her voice rough as she looks up at Sid from his lap, “Mmm yesterday? Started after I dropped Vivie off at school. Anna brought her home and I was able to cook dinner but once she went to bed it started up again. I’ve been here since then.”

Sid sighs heavily as Annie closes her eyes again, resting against his thigh. He pulls his phone out and dials Anna, asking if she would come pick up Vivie before school.

With Vivie sorted Sid stands and picks up Annie, depositing her into her bed before going to find Vivie.

“Vivie, Anna and Nikita are going to come and pick you up and I’m going to stay here and take care of your mama,” Sid crouches in front of Vivie and takes her hand. “Is that okay?”

Vivie pouts but nods and throws herself at Sid for another hug. In the few weeks since her birthday Vivie, Sid, and Annie had been spending a lot of time together. He and Vivie had grown closer, especially because of their love of being on the ice. He doesn’t hesitate to hold her close until Anna texts him that she’s outside.

“C’mon Viv,” when Vivie makes no move to get out of his arms Sidney carries her outside. “Look Niki saved you a seat right next to him.”

“Okay… Thank you for taking care of mommy,” Vivie leans up and presses a kiss to Sid’s cheek before pulling back and buckling in.

“Everything okay?” Anna asks after he’s shut the door. “How’s Annie?”

“Not good, but I got her. I might need you to pick Vivie up too,” Sid rubs the back of his neck as he looks at Anna with a sad smile. “I appreciate you coming to get her.”

“Of course, keep me updated.”

Sid shuffles back inside and goes to Annie’s room, finding her sleeping. Sidney comes to sit next to her, his hand floating up to brush away her wayward curls. Annie makes a sound of approval, but doesn’t move.

“I got you, Anns. I’m right here,” Sid whispers, his voice shaky. “I’m not going anywhere.”

+

Annie manages to sleep for almost two hours while Sid cleans the house. He’s just finishing wiping the dining room table when he hears the sound of her retching.

“Hey, it’s okay baby,” Sid rubs Annie’s shoulders, speaking in a quiet voice. “I got you, I’m right here.”

With a stuttering breath Annie settles her head on her hands, a groan leaving her lips, “Sid…”

“I’m here,” Sid supplies quickly. “What do you need?”

“Just you,” Annie groans, head swaying to the side as she attempts to sit up. “Fuck…”

She’s barely sitting up for a few seconds before Annie collapses into Sid’s arms, limp arms falling to her sides.

“Shit Anns, wake up please,” Sid pleads to no avail. “Come on, Annie please.”

Without another option Sid quickly gathers Annie up in his arms and heads out to his car.

“I got you, Annie,” Sid whispers as he holds her close. “I got you.”

+

When Annie awakes it’s not in her bedroom where she fell asleep. The air is cold and smells funny and the bed is uncomfortable. She goes to wipe the sleep from her eyes but feels something tugging at her arm.

“Don’t move too much, you’re okay. Everything’s fine, baby.”

That piques Annie’s interest, her head turning so she can see Sidney in the chair next to her bed. Her hand is firmly grasped in his and he looks like he hasn’t slept in days.

“I… What happened?”

“You scared the shit out of me is what happened,” Sid leans up and cups her cheek tenderly, locking eyes with her. “You were sick and then you passed out and I couldn’t get you to come back around.”

“How did you know I was sick?”

Sid smirks, that same smile she’s seen on Vivie a million times, “Viv called me. And I’m glad she did, Anns.”

“But we had a fight,” Annie stutters. “I… Why’d you come still?”

“Annie,” Sid sighs. “I would come no matter what. And yeah we did have a fight but I told you I’d be there for you and I meant it.”

Shutting her eyes again, Annie leans into the warmth of Sidney’s hand pressed to her cheek. She’ll unpack his words later, for now her mind is stuck on Vivie and how she must’ve been so scared. She feels awful for putting her through that. Her face must give her away because Sid is comforting her in seconds.

“Hey none of that. Vivie is fine, okay? I just talked to her and she’s having a great time with Nikita,” Sid whispers as his thumb gently strokes her cheek. Annie relaxes at his words and looks back to him with teary eyes. “No tears, everything is okay.”

A knock on the door interrupts them, both heads turning to see the doctor come in, “Glad to see you’re awake Ms. Wright, you were really out of it.”

Annie blushes but lets the doctor continue, “Do you want to speak in private or…?”

Looking to Sid for only a second, Annie shakes her head and turns back to the doctor, “He’s fine, he can stay.”

“Well you were severely dehydrated, which is probably why you passed out. But we’ve given you a lot of fluids and an anti nausea medication that should help. I want you to continue on the medication for the next few months so this doesn’t become a common occurrence, especially since you’ll need to keep your fluid and food intake up to keep gaining weight.”

“Gaining weight?” Annie laughs nervously, Sid's hand squeezing hers. “Why would I need to gain weight?”

“Well you’ll already be gaining weight from the baby but we want you to be able to keep yourself and them healthy.”

Annie is frozen as she stares at the doctor, eyes wide and heart palpitating as she takes in her words. The doctor must notice and take pity on her, checking her chart quickly, “You do know you’re pregnant right? About 12 weeks, but we can do an ultrasound to confirm if you’d like.”

Pregnant.

The overwhelming urge to vomit overtakes Annie and before she can move Sid has a basin in front of her. Her chest burns as nothing but water comes up, gasping breaths leaving her as she tries to calm down.

“Breathe Annie, you’re okay,” Sid calmly reassures her, a steadying hand on her back. “Deep breaths.”

She can barely make out the doctor saying she would be back in a little bit as she brings her hands up to her face and presses her palms into her eyes.

A baby. God Annie doesn’t know if she can handle another pregnancy alone, not to mention raising two kids by herself. A small cry leaves her throat before a hand settles on her arm.

“Anns,” Sidney whispers and its gentle enough to coax Annie to bring her hands away from her face. “Hey, it’s okay.

“No it’s not! I can’t raise two kids by myself,” Annie sniffles and wipes at her face. “I can’t do this!”

There’s a long and slow pause before Sid speaks up, “Even though it’s not my baby I’ll still be here for you Annie.”

Annie pauses, looking over at Sidney with a puzzled expression, “What?”

“I was serious when I said I wanted to be there for you and Vivie,” Sid stares up at her with teary eyes and grabs her hand again. “You don’t have to do this alone.”

“Sidney,” Annie whispers as they meet eyes. “The baby’s yours. There’s no one else.”

Wide hazel eyes stare back at her and Annie could almost laugh if she wasn’t on the verge of crying, “I- but… You said you were going to have to do everything by yourself. I thought…”

“Because I always do, it's always just been me. Anyways, it’s fine,” Annie brushes Sid off. “You’re going to take the job with the Penguins. I can handle this.”

“If you think I’m going to miss another one of my kids lives you’re wrong,” Sid leans up and presses his forehead against hers. “I’m not leaving you, I’m going to be right by your side for everything. You and Vivie and this baby… You’re all I need, all I want. Fuck hockey, fuck the job offer. I’m not losing you again.”

A choked sob leaves Annie as Sidney pulls her into his chest. His warmth is comforting and for the first time in a long time she feels herself relax, clinging to Sid tightly.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry I was so mean to you. I didn’t mean any of it,” she cries as she presses her face to Sid’s chest, all of her unspoken worries spilling out. “I know you won't leave us. I’m sorry, please don’t leave.”

“I’m not leaving, I swear,” Sid whispers as he holds her. “I’m not going anywhere Annie.”

+

“Mommy!”

Vivie’s excited squeal sounds through the house as soon as Annie and Sid step through the front door of Annie’s house. Sid steps in front of Annie to catch Vivie as she barrels towards her mom.

“Your mommy is very excited to see you Viv but she’s also really fragile right now, so we have to be gentle,” Sid meets Vivie’s eyes and gives her a serious look which she returns with a nod. He gives her a quick hug before setting her down and letting her give Annie a hug.

“I missed you so much my baby,” Annie’s voice cracks as she holds Vivienne close. “Have you been good for Anna and Geno?”

Vivie nods but doesn’t say anything as she clings to Annie. Sid gives Annie a smile before wandering into the kitchen, giving the mother and daughter some space.

“Sid, everything okay?” Geno asks as he pulls Sid in for a hug. “How’s Annie?”

“Good, doing a lot better,” Sid rubs the back of his neck as he glances back toward the entrance where Vivie and Annie still are. “Just some really bad morning sickness.”

Geno’s brows shoot up as he looks at Sid who’s blushing under his gaze, “Yours?”

A nod is all Geno needs to be pulling Sid back into a hug, congratulating him on their new addition. Sid says hello to Nikita but both he and Geno are out the door after a few minutes.

When he returns to the living room, Annie and Vivie are curled up on the couch together with a movie playing. Annie catches his eye and motions for Sid to join them.

“Mr. Sid we’re watching mommy’s favorite movie,” Vivie exclaims, doing her best not to jostle Annie as she points to the screen where The Sound of Music has started. “It’s a super long movie so you better get comfy.”

With a chuckle Sid takes the spot next to Annie who immediately snuggles closer to him. With Annie curled up in his lap and Vivie next to her he feels at peace. His hand gently drifts toward Annie’s stomach, fingers brushing over where their baby rests. The motion has her moving closer to him, her hand pressing into his chest.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Annie whispers.

“No where else I would rather be.”