#a lovely friend made me iced coffee and put my ice-pack back in the freezer bc my head hurt

[cosmogenous]

I'm kinda pathetic

[kerie-prince]

the intern

Peter Parker x Reader (college au)

requested: (anon) plz plz plz give me some college aged, super powerful ( think stark ceo powerful ) peter parker shit. idc what the rest of the story is about, i just need a brooding, smoldering, suit wearing, extremely expensive, college aged spiderman. plz and thank you!!!!

warnings: language

summary: When you start a new internship at Stark Industries, you're not only surprised to find Peter working as your boss, but that he's not the shy neighborhood boy you grew up with

a/n: this doesn't follow canon so for this imagine, hammer industries is just a rival company and the snap never happened lol also i don't know anything more than operating a phone so don't expect me to write sciencey, techy stuff lmao

(gif source)

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” you were running across the road to jump into a cab that was available. Your phone hadn't been charging all night as you thought it had which caused you to wake up forty-five minutes before the start of the interview. You need this internship before you graduate from Empire State and get your degree in robotics.

On the way there, you nearly got car sick as the driver took sharp turns and nearly ran past intersections seconds before they became red. Once in front of Hammer Industries, your heels clicked loudly as you ran inside the tall building. You checked in with the front desk and took the elevator up to the 10th floor.

Just as you arrived, Justin Hammer was calling your name. “I'm right here!” you nearly tripped on your heels and your breaths were short.

“I've called your name three times, do you understand what that makes you look like, correct?” Justin stood unphased as you stood up straight and tried to steady your breath. “All these people are on time. Some of these folks have been here for hours, even.”

“Yes, sir. I’m so sorry–”

“Shame, I really liked your resume and your report on the expansion of nano-technology. Try again next year, maybe.” Justin started to call out the next participant and when she got up you stepped in front of her, “Please Mr. Hammer, I need this internship or I can't graduate.”

The people in the waiting room had their eyes on the two of you, tension so thick that it was almost hard to breathe. “Then maybe you should have come on time,” he pushed you aside to let the next person in to interview. You quickly ran back out and spoke to no one all the way home. Your eyes and cheeks were aching as you held in the tears during your Uber ride. The driver wanted to ask if you were okay, but if you were to break down in his car he’d probably be stuck having to listen to what happened and if he was honest with himself, he didn't actually care.

Once you got to your apartment, you made a straight line to the kitchen. “Hey, how’d the interview go?” MJ, your roommate, asked while still looking at her computer. You reached into the freezer for your emergency ice cream pint, snatched a spoon and walked into your room without saying anything. “That bad, I guess,” MJ said to herself.

:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:

You sat with MJ and Ned in the cafeteria, but had not touched any of the food on your plate. Your head was laid on the steel table and you just continuously groaned. “I’m a failure,” you whined.

“No, what you are is fucking dumb,” MJ commented as she ate.

“Thanks, Michelle, that makes me feel so much better,” you looked up to glare at her before laying her head back down. Ned felt bad that his friend was in despair, “How come you didn't ask Peter for help?”

“Huh?” you lifted your head back up some of your hair falling onto your face.

“Yeah, Peter already works at Stark Industries, why didn't you just ask him to get you in? You could even skip the internship altogether and be in full time,” Ned suggested. You gave it some thought, but something about it didn't sound right.

“No, I don't want to bother Peter. I don’t want him to think that I’m only calling him for a job,” you sighed. Ned texted Peter anyways. Unexpectedly, Peter texted him back immediately.

“He says it’s fine,” Ned showed you his phone to read the text. ‘Yeah man, tell her to come in tomorrow and Ms. Potts will interview her’

You let out a deep breath you didn't know you were holding and pulled out your phone.

‘Thank you so much for helping me out’

(…)

‘No problem, anything for a friend’

:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:

The Stark Industries building was huge. It almost looked taller than the Empire State Building, and maybe it actually was. Your legs were shaking as you stared up at it. “Here goes nothing,” you assured yourself.

The lobby was bustling with people; workers walking around, a group of kids that seemed to be here on a field trip, and some teens taking pictures in front of one of Mr. Stark's Iron Man suits.

The trip up to the 17th floor was crowded with people as more and more entered in every passing floor. You had to squeeze yourself out and accidentally stepped on someone’s foot in the process.

Looking around, your jaw dropped. It was an open laboratory with groups of people putting together small robots, flying drones, and people laughing and talking. It was such a fun and cool looking environment, you wondered why you didn't just apply here in the first place.

Pepper Potts spotted you walking around and approached you with a tap on your shoulder. “Hi, I’m Pepper. You must be Y/N,” she reached her hand out to shake yours which you accepted. “Hi, nice to meet you.”

“Peter’s told me a lot about you. Come, follow me,” Pepper’s office had glass walls and a view of New York from behind her desk. You weren't particularly fond of heights, but even you would love to have an office view like that. Pepper gestured to the chair in front of her as she smoothed her dress to sit in hers. “So, I see here that you had an interview at Hammer’s. Can I ask why you chose them?” You didn't even know how they got that information. You hadn't seen or spoken to Peter in quite a while, so how Pepper knew that was beyond you. You sat there with your lips moving to say something but nothing was coming out.

Pepper seemed to have caught on what you were thinking and elaborated, “Before I do any interviewing, I do full background checks on everyone.” She had a gentle smile which made you feel better. You thought she would scold you or something considering the question did more than catch you off guard.

“My mother used to work there for a long time and I figured that I would follow,” you explained. Pepper nodded her head and wrote some notes down. She looked onto her computer and looked at everything there was about you. “Well, I see here that you have exceptional grades. 4.7 GPA since you started school and your paper on nano-technology has gotten much praise. I think even Tony read it.” No way. The Tony Stark read my paper? “So tell me, do you see yourself working here at Stark Industries?”

You looked outside and watched everyone in the open lab again. “Yes.”

“Then that’s all I need to hear. We’d love to have you here,” she reached over to shake your hand. You looked at her surprised and hesitantly shook hers. “Welcome to the team, Y/N.”

“Thank you so much!” You cupped her hand with both of yours and shook it a little too quickly, but she didn't seem to mind. You were ecstatic to start your path to your career, and at a dream place at that.

:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:

Your alarm rang at the time you set it to, but there was no need for it. You couldn't sleep all night. Today is your first day of your internship and you were feeling so many things at once. Excited, nervous, happy, scared…

You tried to restrain yourself to a light breakfast, but MJ’s pancakes were to die for that you ate two whole stacks. You looked through your closet just about fifteen times; you had already picked an outfit the following night with the help of MJ, but when you put it back on, you hated it. It sucked for your roommate seeing as she had to sit through you changing from eight other outfits.

You tried to picture the lab again to see how other people dressed for a better idea to base it on your outfit choice. From what you remember, it was pretty casual, so that’s what you stuck to.

You were given your pass the day you were hired, so you had no issue walking inside. The elevator was just as packed as it was last time, but you were more composed so there were no toes being stepped on this time. You weren't exactly sure as to where you had to go, so you looked around to see if there were other interns to ask where to start.

“Y/N!” Peter’s voice surprised you from behind. Your shoulders jumped a bit, but relaxed at the view of his face. His face… you actually hadn't seen him for quite a while. Months, maybe. His jawline was more defined, and his once floppy hair was styled neatly. You tried to not look him up and down, but the temptation was definitely there. And the other thing, his voice was deeper than you last remembered. Is this really Peter Parker? “Hey, Peter.”

He gave you a hug that nearly made you lose breath. He was stronger than you remembered. A memory flashed back to when you were in junior high; you, Ned and Peter were hanging around the local park and you beat Peter on rounds on the monkey bars. He gave up after a couple bars, but you went back and forth a couple times. ‘Show off.’ But now, he had muscles that the shirt he was wearing hugged his biceps.

The hug was quick, and you had to pretend that he didn't just squeeze some life out of you. “Do you work on this floor?”

“Yeah, you’re actually assigned to work with my team. Come, I’ll show you around.” He started walking and you noticed how his posture changed. Damn, I know it hasn't been this long since I've seen him. Why does he look so different? He was wearing trousers. Trousers? Peter hates trousers. But his ass is looking great–

“Hey guys, this is Y/N. She’s going to be working with us as an intern. And I'll say this beforehand, no she's not going to be taking coffee or lunch orders,” Peter introduced you. There were various aged people in this group. Some were your age, and one person looked to have been in his thirties. Peter is in charge of this group? They all said ‘hi’ to you and went around introducing themselves.

Once that was finished, Peter pulled a chair for you on the table. “You’ll take notes for me while I give this presentation,” he whispered to you before walking in front of the table and started writing on the clear glass board.

He was talking quickly and didn't stumble over his words like he used to. Everyone was listening to him attentively and you jotted notes down as quickly as you could. Every now and then, you would steal glimpses of him and feel a sort of… well you felt something. Amazement? Inspiration? Adoration?

No doubt was Peter one of the smartest people you've ever met and here he was leading his own team and making potential products for Stark Industries at such a young age. Seeing him at work was so… it was indescribable to you but all you could think of was how different he is now. In a good way, of course.

Peter Parker has been your friend for years and to see him change from a bumbling, shy, adorable nerd into a confident, intelligent working man attracted you.

When you got home, you thought a lot about your first day. Being an intern at Stark Industries was really fun, so far. You weren't expected to do silly things like get coffee or lunch for everyone or pick up someone’s dry cleaning. You actually learned something and even had your opinions heard on some of the things that Peter suggested for his team’s upcoming product presentation.

If this is what it's like to be an intern, you couldn't imagine what it would be like working full time.

“How'd it go?” MJ stuck her head in your room. “It was fun. I'm working with Peter,” you explained your day to her.

“Cool,” was the last thing she said before she went to her own room for the night.

:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:

In the past few months, your internship at Stark’s has been going swimmingly. Everyone's been so nice, and the work is so fascinating. You've gotten closer with Peter and along the way, he felt like he was more than a friend and boss to you.

Currently, everyone was getting ready for their final presentations for the upcoming annual Stark Industries Convention. It was going to be Peter’s first year presenting his own project with his team and you were so excited to be a part of it.

The time you’ve spent with Peter was really fun. He was a good mentor and a great friend. The only thing was that you couldn't help but look at him a little too long, and you’ve found yourself thinking about him during your classes or doing your homework. The shy boy from Midtown High was no more, replaced– no, grown into the Peter you know now. But you pushed all feelings aside to focus on your next thesis paper and mock-up of the handout brochures of Peter’s project.

Sometimes, you didn't even feel like an intern as Peter would ask for any ideas you had to make the project better and even let you help with assembly. He stayed true to his words and you’ve never once had to run for coffee or things like that. There’d be times when you would study some of the little parts under a magnifying glass and he’d come up slightly behind you and explain about some of the bits on the working table.

And every time he did that, your breath would be stuck in your throat and you’d have to remind yourself that this was just Peter helping you out and you’re just learning. But it was normal to want more every now and then… right?

:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:

The convention was just a few days away and you had trouble finding something to wear. These events were usually black tie events, but did that mean the presenting teams as well? Wouldn't that be uncomfortable?

One of the guys on your team, Richie, sat with you during lunch and talked about how he was probably going to wear the same suit as always. Not because he couldn't afford a new suit, but he was just a simple person and he only wears it once a year for the conventions and that’s all, so it’s still in mint condition.

The girls on your team and some from others were going dress shopping the day before and invited you to join. You were excited mainly because now you don't have to bother MJ for it.

Speaking of MJ, you were going to ask her to come with you. Pepper sent out the electronic invitations to everyone in the company and authorized plus ones to even interns. She’s never been to one – for reasons you were still confused about – but you wanted your best friend to be there for you. And if not MJ, then you bet Ned would still come with you. Wait, what if he’s going with Peter?

On cue, Peter had sat in the chair next to yours in the small break room, “Hey, Y/N.”

“Oh, hey Pete. You excited for Saturday?” Peter quietly stirred his coffee and gave you a small smile, “Uh, yeah. I’m nervous, but I’ve worked really hard on this. And everyone, too. Including you.”

You slightly blushed. I didn't do all that much you thought. You two just sat there taking small sips from the hot, bitter beverage.

“So… I wanted to ask you something,” Peter started.

“Mhm?” The coffee nearly slipped past your lips. You quickly grabbed a napkin to lightly dab some of it off of your lips.

“Well, as you know, we can bring anyone with us to the convention,” he trailed off.

“Yes?” Is he going to…

“And I wanted to know if you were bringing MJ with you.” Oh. You nodded your head and thought you hid your disappointment well but without knowing, Peter actually caught it for a split second. “Good. You can come with me,” he smiled and stood up.

You were in awe; without effort, Peter just asked you to be his date for Saturday.

:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆:

“Dude, how are you not ready yet? He’s gonna be here any minute,” MJ sat at her computer per usual working. Your music was too loud for her taste playing from your shared bathroom. Peter said he would pick you up at 7, and it was currently 6:50.

You had put on and removed your make-up at least five times. Something was always wrong; one of the wings would either be thicker than the other, the blush would be the wrong shade, or the lipliner kept going out of place. But, alas, you finally nailed it.

Your hair was styled half up with elegant curls and braids. In between some braids were little bits of baby’s breath flowers. Most likely, you were going to have a hard time taking those out but they looked cute and it was too late to take them out.

Your dress was right above your knee and flowed comfortably so you wouldn't have a hard time walking. It was a neutral taupe color and had a V-line that ended just above cleavage and hugged the curve of your waist. You paired it with simple black heels and a small, white handbag.

“He’s here,” MJ informed you.

“Okay,” you took a deep breath, “what do you think?” You spun around and held your arms out. “You look really pretty. Now go get ‘em. I’ll watch it on the live stream.” She gave you a lazy thumbs up and resumed her work.

Outside was Peter in an all-black apparel. His dress shirt had only one button undone, and he had a loose blazer that accentuated the dip of his shoulders. He stood against the limo with his hands at his sides. God, he’s gonna be the death of me.

When he caught sight of you, he had a flirtatious smirk on his lips and held out for your hand. “Peter, where’d this limo come from?”

“Mr. Stark set it up for me,” he stated like it was no big deal. Must be nice being his favorite. He held the door for you to climb in and closed the door behind him. “We’re ready, Happy,” he told the driver. Happy rolled his eyes, closed the window and drove off.

The convention was off to a great start; Tony Stark came in with his suit as he always loved to do and started introductions before everyone else scattered around to look at the projects of the many departments in his company. Some groups of certain departments had large stages, some had small stands, like Peter’s.

There were still large crowds coming to see the smaller presentations, and everyone seemed to be fascinated with Peter's. You stood on the side as his team operated the machine and Peter spoke. He looked confident and it was mesmerizing to watch him.

After the night was over, all employee’s and some guests were brought back to headquarters for the after party. You walked around with Peter and had flutters in your heart every time he held the small of your back. The most exciting part of the night was meeting Tony Stark in person. He greeted Peter warmly, and then his eyes landed on you, “Peter, who’s this?”

“Oh, this is Y/N. She’s a friend of mine,” he gestured for you. You shook Tony’s hand and stood starstruck. “The one you don’t shut up about?” Pepper hit his shoulder and laughed nervously.

“Wait, I’ve heard about you. Buddy of mine works at Empire State and he showed me your paper, it was really good.” You were still shocked that he had even read it and here he was talking to you about it. You went back and forth talking about nano-technology.

On the way home, you and Peter talked and laughed about things you told him as you caught him up to what was happening on campus when he couldn't be there. It was a really fun night, and Peter was more noticeably relaxed now that the hard part was over. “Alright, home sweet home,” Happy announced through the window.

“Well, that’s me,” you smiled sadly, not wanting the night to end. You reached to open the door but Peter climbed out from his side. He walked around to open your door and just like he did earlier, held his hand out for you to grab and assist you out the limo. What was different this time was that he kept his hand in yours as he walked you to the door of the apartments. “I had a great time with you tonight,” Peter confessed.

“Me too,” your voice was soft and low for only him to hear. Peter’s eyes switched from looking into yours to your lips before he grabbed your face with both hands and kissed you. The kiss was needy, passionate, but had a certain gentleness to it. Once he felt you kiss him back with the same fervor, he deepened the kiss and brought one hand to pull your waist closer to him.

You pulled apart to regain your breath and looked to admire his swollen lips and he copied the same notion. He leaned in to give you a gentle kiss and pulled away, “Good night, Y/N.”

“Good night, Peter.” Your cheeks were flushed and your face was warm. You watched him as he left and ran inside. Upstairs in your apartment, you found MJ and Ned sitting on the couch with a bag of chips in each of their hands.

“Good night?” Ned asked. You just nodded and walked slowly to your room.

“We saw the whole thing, by the way,” MJ said nonchalantly. You looked back to glare at your best friends, Ned smiling innocently at you and MJ keeping her straight face.

You changed into your pajamas and laid on your bed on your back, looking up at the ceiling. You couldn't wait to go back to work on Monday.

—

requests open!

[derekmorganscrocs]

Her Lipstick: Ace x Reader

Pairing: Ace (Nancy Drew CW) x Reader, Valentine’s Special.

Word Count: 1,725 (short but sweet.)

Summary: With everyone else having their nights planned out with romance and dates, Y/n and Ace get stuck manning the night shift at The Claw.

Notes: Ideally takes place after the aglacea is gone, and we’re finally having a quiet moment. But like SPOILER ALERT!!!! if Owen lived. ALSO A QUESTIONABLE ENDING BUT I LIKED IT NGL.

Ace’s Dad’s name is Tom by the way, this is key info for later.

“No one’s even gonna come in, George. It’s Valentines, and last I checked, crappy fried clams aren’t most people’s version of romance.” You glance her way from the kitchen, pausing with an alarmingly large knife in hand. The parsley in front of you isn’t going to chop itself, but your hands are starting to cramp.

“Yeah, well it’s business hours. Just humour me this once? I’ll owe you one.”

“George, you already owe me like nine.” You roll your eyes and look her way, attitude softening slightly at her expression. Knowing how she felt when the whole crew was a day away from death, about missing out on her and Nick... it puts a little graciousness in your heart. For their first Valentines together, why not just help her out? “I’ll do this one for free. Wait! Not for free! I’m still getting paid right?”

“Yes,” she laughs. “Thank you.” Nodding your way once more, she turns and heads out, closing the door behind her. You sigh, turning back to your cutting-board. Finishing with the stack of parsley and dumping it in a plastic container, you throw the knife in the sink. Surveying the restaurant quickly, as well as the parking lot, you ensure the coast is clear before heading to the freezer.

These days it seems like everyone’s got someone except you. Nancy and Owen, Nick and George, Bess and Lisbeth, hell, even the weirdo chef no one likes who only works fridays has a girlfriend. Not you though. You and Ace got stuck on the Valentine’s shifts no one else wanted because you were the only two available. Admittedly, Valentine’s wasn’t a big deal to you, you just thought the tacky decorations were kind of entertaining to have around. However, it kinda sucks when you’re single. And crushing. Speaking of crushes, you snap yourself out of your thoughts at the idea of a certain floppy haired boy.

“Ace?” You look around for your shift partner and best friend... and yes, crush, who for some reason isn’t in his usual happy place. Or anywhere to be seen. He doesn’t respond, so you look in the pantry, the dark corner by the lockers, and even the supply closet. He’s nowhere to be found. “Ace?”

“You looking for me?” Ace puts a hand on your shoulder, coming from behind you. Not gonna lie, it scares the crap out of you. And you whip around and punch him in the face. Then you realize it’s him and let out a small gasp.

“Ace! Oh my god, I’m so sorry-“ you lean down, taking his hand and helping him up, as he massages his jaw with his other hand. That’s embarrassing. Really embarrassing.

“My fault,” he mumbles. “Forgot you scare...” he pauses for a second, trying to find the word, “...punchily. Good hit though, really starting to get that impact value.”

“Thanks, I think. I’ll go get you some ice, can you just watch the dining room?”

Ace nods and you head to the freezer. Of course there’s no ice. Why would there ever be ice when you need it? You root through the options of ice packs for Ace’s eye, as you think to yourself.

Lately, you’ve been making yourself a fool in front of Ace. See, it wasn’t this bad a few weeks ago, when you liked him but didn’t know you liked him. You throw a box of clams (ew.) to the side. Now that you’ve realized, you’re a hot mess. Next you find a singular frozen fish (also ew.). He’s been acting a little off too, and you’re worried it’s because he knows. Now you’ve found a lobster that you’re pretty sure has been there since the place opened (ew x3). Oh look, some frozen bread (that won’t really work).

What you don’t know is that Ace has also just recently realized his feelings for you, and his dad, Tom, has just tricked him into bringing you over to their place later. You finally find a box of heart shaped popsicles, and take a couple of them back to the kitchen, where Ace stands, leaning against the counter.

“This is all we have. Valentine’s special, have some heart shaped chemicals for your black eye.” You hand him two of the three popsicles you’re holding. “I also brought you one to eat. If you’re crazy enough to.” You hop up on the counter beside him and sit cross legged, tearing open the third wrapper.

“If you are, I am.” He rips open one of the frozen treats and places the other below his eye. Looking down at the wrapper from the one he opened, he makes a face. “I can’t even read half of these things.”

“Hey, I could’ve brought you the lobster.”

He knows exactly what you’re talking about and backtracks his critiques of the popsicle. The two of you sit in silence for a few seconds, disturbed by the bell ringing. A woman walks in, which grabs both your and Ace’s attention, but she just pins a flyer to the bulletin board and leaves. Exciting crowd.

Soon enough, the snack popsicles are gone, and the ice pack popsicle is slush. Ace throws the melted package into the sink, the slush inside making a questionable ‘plop’ sound as it hits the metal. The two of you stand around a little longer, before packing up the perishables and putting them back in the freezer/pantry. Business is slow, and it’s boring. The two of you are back to waiting around, and Ace ends up laying across one side of a booth, you on the other. The two of you pass a rolled up napkin back and forth, tossing it over the table to the other person. It doesn’t keep you entertained for long, though.

“You bored?” You turn your head and look at him under the table.

“Yeah,” he chuckles.

“Same.” You sit up, getting a slight head rush as you do. Ace mirrors your actions, minus the head rush. The two of you stand, but before you can start wandering around aimlessly-

“You, uh, you have something on your face,” he chuckles softly, his goofy grin turning into a smaller smile, a certain softness appearing in his eyes. You reach for your cheek, trying to swipe whatever it is off your face. Seems like you miss, because Ace chuckles, before asking- “Can I?”

You nod, and he wipes your cheekbone with his thumb, his lips parting just a little bit as he lets out a small, nervous, chuckle. Suddenly your heart is beating about a thousand miles a minute, and as Ace’s eyes settle on your lips for a second, you look at his face, taking in every detail that you can.

The bell rings and the door opens, making you and Ace launch away from each other. A strong gust of wind blows in, and no one walks in, making you sigh. The wind literally blew open the door. Horseshoe Bay is dead quiet tonight. No customers. You close the door, and realize it’s nine pm, so you flip the sign to closed and lock the door.

“Hey, Y/n, you wanna come to my place? My dad told me he’s making food for three tonight.” Ace watches as you make your way to where he stands by the kitchen.

“That his way of inviting me over?”

“Guess so,” Ace quips with a smirk, throwing an arm around your shoulders as the two of you walk to the locker room. After double checking that the freezer is sealed, you lock up The Claw and head to Ace’s place, hitching a ride in Florence, of course.

When you get to Ace’s place, the smell of cherry pie wafts straight into your face as soon as you open the door. Ace’s dad stands by the coffee table in the living room, and his face lights up when you walk in. You sign a quick hello, Ace doing the same behind you. Ace also throws in a cautionary ‘don’t embarrass me’ but that goes unnoticed by you, you’re too busy checking out the coffee table. There’s all sorts of food that you love, especially compliments of Chef Tom.

You flop onto the couch, snatching a fresh baked dinner roll off the table. Ace flips on the tv, sitting down beside you, and Tom heads back to the kitchen to clean up. Looking around, you notice some of the sweet little Valentine’s decorations around the house. There’s a few plastic hearts hanging around the rooms, and some red streamer thingys. They bring a smile to your face, despite being a little corny.

“Dad knows you like the tacky decorations. No matter how much you say you hate them.”

“Your dad is so sweet. I always feel like part of the family when I’m here,” you say softly, pure joy radiating off your face.

“Okay, I gotta be honest for a second,” Ace blurts out sharply, seemingly out of nowhere. Your heartbeat speeds up a little as anxiety bubbles in your chest, and you nod quickly. “It’s because he wants you to be part of the family.”

“What?” Your eyes widen as you look at Ace. “Sorry, that makes no sense.”

“You really are blind. Nancy told me you couldn’t take hints but I didn’t think she-“

“Ace!” You put a hand on his thigh, cutting him off. He pauses, getting back on topic.

“Well... you see. You’ve always gotten along great with everyone. Especially Dad, sometimes I’m convinced he’s your best friend. And I made the mistake of telling him that I have feelings for you, so now he’s like extra nice. Because he wants me to be happy.”

“Oh wow,” you laugh, suddenly a lot more relaxed.

“I’m sorry, I know it’s stupid, and-“

You cut him off by grabbing his shirt and pulling him towards you. You kiss him, and he obviously kisses back, his hands settling against your face as he pushes himself closer to you.

“I like you too. Thought it was obvious,” you breathe against his lips. He lets out small chuckle.

“Not really,” he whispers, and then kisses you again.

Now your arms are over his shoulders, and you’re basically on his lap as the kiss heats up a little. Tom is forgotten until the sound of footsteps behind you causes the two of you break away again. You turn to see Ace’s dad come over and put a plate on the table.

You sign a ‘thank you, Tom.’ his way, and he smiles widely back at you. He glances over at his son beside you, and his eyes widen slightly. Glancing back and forth a few times, he lets out a delighted chuckle when he makes the connection.

“You two? Finally,” He signs quickly.

“What?” Ace tries to play it off, but fails miserably. He’s not the best actor. About thirty seconds of your and Tom’s laughter and Ace’s denial go by before Ace folds. “What gave it away?”

“You’re wearing her lipstick.”

TAGS:

@ananad1

@remmysrecs

@bookish-bucky

@sahi-raa

@peakyrogers

[dameronsgalaxygal]

I’ve Been Waiting For You - Chapter 6: Why Did It Have to Be Me?

series masterlist

Pairing: modern!poe x reader

Warnings: Language, mentions of past abusive relationship, mentions of sex.

Word Count: 2526

A/N: Sorry this took so long! I struggled a lot with this chapter and I also had my wisdom teeth pulled. But I’m fully recovered and back to writing! I hope you like this chapter, because things are about to get real interesting! Feedback and comments are greatly appreciated! Taglist is open, and don't forget to listen to the song! :)

Summary: You have second thoughts about your relationship.

Even though it had been about a month, you were still scolding yourself for jumping into a relationship so fast.

You just got out of an emotionally, and physically, abusive relationship. Why were you letting yourself get into another one this fast?

Poe. That’s why.

He was wonderful. The way he talked to you, he made everything else seem so irrelevant. When you were with Poe, you forgot about New York. It was what you wanted. To forget. Poe made you feel beautiful, he made you feel worth it. He made you feel okay. It scared the shit out of you.

Since your first date on the beach a month ago, Poe had become a little too attached. You weren’t necessarily complaining. You liked Poe a lot. But if he did something, something so small that could trigger you again like he did that night at the club, you wouldn’t be able to continue the relationship.

If only you could open up to him.

“This? This is what you find entertaining?”

You sat on the couch of your apartment, your legs in Poes lap and his arms draped over them. You were watching Dance Moms, and Poe was highly unamused.

You laughed, “As a matter of fact, I do. Now shh, I want to know if the ALDC wins!”

“Don’t they always win?” He cocked his eyebrow at you. You rolled your eyes and smiled.

“Not always.”

Poe laughed and leaned over to kiss your cheek.

You looked at him, his eyes plastered back onto the screen. You were having second thoughts about your relationship.  

No, no. You liked him, you really did. But you couldn’t stop thinking about Kyle. How much he damaged you. You shouldn’t be able to move on that fast. You needed to heal first. Right?

The sound of keys jangling and the doorknob struck you out of your gaze, head snapping toward the door.

Rey and Rose entered your apartment holding bags of groceries. “Could use some help”.

You and Poe shot up from the couch to help bring in bags from the car.

Rey set down a bag and turned to face Poe as he walked out the door, placing her hands on her hips. She waited until you were out the door before she spoke, “Are you ever gonna leave?”

Poe stopped, turning to face her with a chuckle, “Obviously! I have a job, you know? What, sick of me already?”

She didn’t mean it in a rude way. Rey loved Poe like a brother, so it wasn’t uncommon for her to get a little annoyed with him every now and then. But everytime she came home from school or work, Poe was there, sitting on the couch with you. It wasn’t much different from before you two had started going out, except she may have walked in to the occasional make out session a couple times.

“Why don’t you two spend more time at your place?” She asked as she began unpacking the grocery bags, handing Rose items to put in the fridge.

Poe shrugged, walking over to Rey and sighing. “She doesn’t want to.”

“What do you mean she doesn’t want to?” She stopped unpacking, crossing her arms.

You walked back inside holding two bags. “There’s just a 12 pack of soda in the trunk. Poe, would you mind grabbing it?” You asked, placing the bags on the counter.

Poe nodded and shot Rey a look as if he was asking her something before going to grab the  sodas.

“Have you thought about going over to Poe’s place every now and then?” Rey looked at you as she went back to putting the groceries away.

You shrugged, grabbing tubs of ice cream out of the bags and placing them in the freezer, “Not really. Why?”

“Well because other people live here, and as much as I love you both, I would appreciate the couch every now and then.”

“Why don’t you guys ever hang out in your room? You used to before you started dating.” Rose chimed in. Yeah, well now he could potentially try to fuck me if we’re in the bedroom and I might have a panic attack.

You sighed, closing the freezer and turning to face them. “I just don’t want to, okay?”

Truth was, you wanted to have control in the relationship. For now, at least. You were very apprehensive about going to Poe’s place. You had only been there once, and it was during Finn’s birthday, the first time you two officially met. His house was big. It intimidated you. What would happen if Poe tried to take you up to his bedroom? What if he won’t let you leave? No, Poe isn’t Kyle. But you couldn’t get those thoughts out of your head.

You trusted Poe, but he still didn’t know about Kyle. He knew you were in a previous relationship, but he didn’t know the details. You felt that you should share something with him, let him know there are things you wouldn’t be comfortable with, but you figured you would address them when you needed to. You just really, really, wanted to forget about Kyle.

When Poe was at your place, you felt at ease. You were more in control of the situations. You were in your own home, and he could leave if you asked him to. He often would ask to go to your room to cuddle, but you told him the couch was more comfortable. He wouldn’t question you.

Poe returned from the car, kicking the door closed and gently placing the 12 pack on the counter. “I think I’m gonna head home. I have an early flight to Atlanta tomorrow.” He smiled at you, grabbing his keys and giving you a kiss to your head.

You nodded, “Be safe. I heard it's supposed to storm.”

“Eh, I’ve flown through blizzards.” He shrugged, “I’m a damn good pilot.”

You rolled your eyes, “Alright, alright. I’ll text you later.”

He smiled again, leaning down to give you a chaste kiss before saying bye to your roommates and leaving.

A small smile lingered on your face as you continued to put away the groceries.

“Y/N, I know you just got out of your relationship with Kyle, but you moved here to start over. You’re with Poe now, and things are gonna get stagnant if all you do is sit here or go out to eat every now and then. You can’t let Kyle get to you.” She said softly, watching you open a can of Pepsi.

You sighed, leaning back against the counter and brushing the hair out of your face. “I don’t think you understand how hard this is.”

“You’re right. I don’t. I don’t understand at all. But I’d appreciate it if you told me.” Her voice was stern.

Rey had been there for you since you were born. She opened up her home for you. She deserved to know what was going on with you, but you just shook your head.

“I can’t. Not yet.” You started for your bedroom.

“Then what are you in a relationship for?” She called out to you. “If this is your way of coping, you aren’t being fair to Poe,” She sighed, “He deserves to know at least why you actually moved here.”

Rey was right. Poe had become your best friend in the few months since you had arrived in Florida. You two immediately clicked, and it felt natural. It felt right. Too right. You were yourself around him. Part of you wanted to open up to him, tell him about all of the shit you went through.

But, alas, you still didn’t have the strength.

The front door to your apartment shot open once again and Poe stepped inside. “Forgot my wallet.” He walked in, hurrying to the coffee table where he had left it.

“Poe.” You called out.

“Hm?” He looked at you while he picked it up.

“Can we talk for a minute before you go?”

He shot Rey and Rose a nervous look before looking back at you, “Sure.”

He walked towards you, “What’s up?”

“Can we go for a walk?” You asked softly, looking up at him.

“Yeah. Yeah, or we can go for a drive, whatever.” You could tell he was anxious. It was cute.

You chuckled softly, grabbing his hand, “Calm down. Let’s just take a walk.”

He nodded as you led him out the door.

You walked in silence for a bit before Poe broke the awkward barrier.

“Did I do something wrong again?”

You looked up at him, a part of you hurt at the fact that he said ‘again’. “What? No, no, no.” You shook your head.

“Okay, well then what’s going on? You seem uneasy.”

You took a deep breath, “I didn’t really move here because I wanted to get away from the city. Well, I mean, I did. But not for the reason that I had told you.”

He didn’t speak, letting you continue.

“I came here to get away from my ex. He wasn’t..he isn’t... a good person and I uh, I needed to get out before he did god knows what..” Your body tensed up, and Poe noticed.

“What did he do to you?” He asked sympathetically, but you just shook your head.

“It doesn’t matter.” It definitely did, but you weren’t going to explain the details.

Poe sighed as you continued walking, his grip around your hand tightening.

After a few seconds of silence, you spoke. “I can’t be the girlfriend you want me to be.”

He stopped in his tracks, looking at you. You stopped after him, turning to face him with a soft sigh. You looked down at your feet, feeling tension already.

“I’ll tell you right now. I won’t...I can’t have sex with you. I’m not ready. I can’t explain to you why, but I just...I can’t. I also get very anxious and nervous in certain situations and I know that it can get irritating. I trust that you wouldn’t hurt me, I do, but I just-”

“Y/N.” He cut you off.

“I just know that I can’t give you what you want.”

“None of that matters to me,” He grabbed both of your hands. His eyes searched for yours, but he couldn’t find them.

You let out a sarcastic chuckle, shaking your head. “Trust me, it will when you realize how fucked up I am.”

He shook his head again as he tried to speak, but you wouldn’t allow him the chance. You were starting to overthink, your mind racing a million miles a minute as you thought of the night you left Poe in his car absolutely clueless. You didn’t want to put him through that again.

“It’s better if you just forget me.” Okay, that was a little dramatic.

“No, ma’am. I will not do that.” He let out a small laugh and you looked up at him to finally meet his eyes.

“Poe…”

“No, Y/N, listen to me.” He removed his hands from yours, his now free hands coming up to brush your hair out of your eyes. “I already told you, I don’t know what happened in New York, but I would never, ever disrespect you.”

He’s not getting it, you thought, he’s not understanding.

“I know that Poe, you made that clear after the incid-”

“I love you.”

Your heart skipped a beat and your face went white. There was no way he just told you he loved you.

“What?”

Poe took a deep breath and a step back, running his hand through his hair.

“I don’t know what it is about you. I don’t know how, I don’t know why, but I love you.”

You let out a shaky breath. This was not helping your situation.

“I know we’ve only really known each other for like, what, almost three months now? But Y/N, I feel so connected to you. Like I have known you my whole life. You’re beautiful, and I want you to see that. I want to show you that you are worth something. Everything. Because I look at you and I see...I see something in you that I haven’t seen in anyone else before. I don’t know how it made me fall that fast, but it did.” His face was genuine and you watched his eyes glisten with hope. Hope that you believed him.

Nobody had spoken to you like this before. You had gotten so used to being nobody that it felt nearly impossible to believe that you were somebody.

You felt tears in your eyes as you continued to look at Poe, overwhelmed by different emotions. Happiness, sadness, nervousness. Hurt.

Hurt because you couldn’t say it back.

“Poe. I don’t...I don’t know what to say.” You shuffled your feet, looking down.  

“You don’t need to say anything. But I want you to know that I will do whatever it takes to make you feel worthy. To make you feel loved.” He tilted your chin up to look at him.

“I can’t say it back.” You whispered sadly, your eyes glassy. 

He nodded, “You don’t need to. That doesn’t change anything.”

He gave you a moment to process his words before speaking again, “If you aren’t ready for sex, that’s more than okay with me. If you are nervous to come to my place, that’s okay too. I want to make you comfortable. I will do what it takes for you to trust me and feel safe around me.”

You still couldn’t speak as you were still in shock. For once, someone understood you. You didn’t even tell him what you had gone through, but it was like he already knew. He saw it in your eyes, how hurt you were. He wanted nothing more than to take it away.  

“Okay now would be a good time to say something,” He chuckled softly.

You just shook your head, pulling him into you. He wrapped his arms around your shoulders as you snaked yours around his waist. Your cheek pressed against his chest and he leaned down to kiss your head. He pulled you tight against him and you let out a sigh. 

“Thank you, Poe.”

“No need to thank me, sweetheart.” He smiled down at you. “You deserve so much, I just hope you’ll let me prove that to you.”

You looked up at him and smiled softly with a nod.

He noticed a single tear fall from your eye and he reached up to wipe it.

“Can I walk you back home?” He asked.

“Not yet,” You reached your hand up to wrap around the back of his neck, fingers lightly running through his hair as you pulled him in for a kiss.

He kissed you gently, cautiously. You smiled against his lips before pulling away, putting your forehead on his.

“Okay. Now you can walk me home.”

He smiled and reached down to intertwine his hand with yours again, walking you back to your apartment. He was already whipped, but in the best way possible.

He was in love with you, and he was going to do whatever it took for you to see that.

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[osterfieldshollandgirl]

Prince and Princess of the Sandcastle

         Harry Holland has always been close to you since you both are best friends growing up together as children. It all started when you both were playing on the same playground at 5-years-old with your mom's chatting on the bench watching you both play with you in the sandbox and Harry on the swings. You were sitting in the sandbox building a castle minding your own business before a boy named Harrison who is an 8-year-old comes and kicks down the castle. You sit confused and annoyed and ask, "What was that for?" and cross your arms. Harrison laughs while teasing," Sandcastles are for sissies." While another boy who is the most handsome boy, I have ever seen tried to stop Harrison from bothering you any further. I thought the action made me feel like a princess and he was my prince saving me from the evil villain. 

      The interruption caused Harrison to turn to Tom with a questioning look, "Why what do we have here Tom protecting a girl. Why don't you run along and push Harry on the swings?" I am watching this interaction not sure what to do, and then I hear his name and swoon he is a perfect boy named Tom. I watch Tom's attitude change and he snaps back, "Leave innocent people alone, she has done nothing to you so mind your own business." After his speech he offers his hand to me and offers to push me on the swing, I accept eagerly excited to play with him and his brother. I look over to my mom and she nods her head in approval, so I take his hand and walk over to the swings to play with Him and Harry. I sit down shyly next to the boy named Harry, I play with the edge of my dress and introduced myself. "Hi, I am Y/N, you must be Harry." He nods shyly looking away and Tom is watching this interaction smiling about how cute you both look knowing there is friendship about to form. After a few minutes, Harry gets the courage to approach you and gets off his swing and asks quietly, "Is it okay if I push you?" I nod and he starts to push me while laughing as I squeal each time I go higher. From that moment on you, both were inseparable.

          We are both 21 now, so going out to pubs sounds inviting but you have always been a person to want to stay home and watch movies. Harry on the other hand is different so you both have a pack that Sundays are movie days and Saturdays are free for him to do anything he wants. We live together with his older brother Tom, yes, the prince Tom that has grown exceptionally more handsome if that is possible. Also, surprising but not at the same time Harrison the one who messed my sandcastle became best friends with Tom and lives with us. He interacts only with Tom and Harry, always ignoring me for some reason. I always try to be nice to him but every time I try, he is rude back to me and Harry protects me, but Tom just stays quiet which hurts me at times. I have formed feelings for Tom, but it would not work because Harrison would interfere, and I want someone to be with me for me.

         Today is going to be interesting because Harry is out all day as usual but when I walked out of my room to make my morning tea, I see Tom and Harrison sitting at the kitchen island talking. I act normal and mind my own business starting my tea, with filling the mug with water and I noticed the tea bags are empty, but they are on the top of the shelf out of my reach. I hear a snicker coming from one of the boys not needing to turn around to know who it is. "Need any help shorty?" I try to stay calm and was thinking about standing on the counter to get the tea bags not wanting to ask for their help. I said nicely, "I am okay, thank you." I then hear Tom offer help, but I cannot stand that he is a gentleman with me when Harrison is not around. "I just said I am okay, please stop asking."  I snapped at Tom and when I looked back, I saw Tom's show hurt, and before I could say anything he bitterly says, "I was only offering to help not to date you or anything." I shake my head and turn around, there is the attitude that I knew it was too good to be true. I heard them leave the kitchen and decided to try to get the tea bags by myself. My approach was to start by sitting on the counter and was able to reach the tea box by sitting on my knees and as I got a hold of the box and as I moved to get off the counter there was a water puddle and my knee moved to that spot causing me to slide and fall off the counter. I was waiting for the hard fall onto the floor but instead, I fell into muscular arms and I slowly opened my eyes embarrassed knowing it was probably Tom, but it was Harrison. He looks down at me with disappointment and slight guilt about making you almost hurt yourself because of his pride. "How can you be so dumb, if I had not forgotten my phone you could have been hurt more."  He scolded before smoothing over his hand over my knee to make sure I am okay.

          Harrison grabs an ice pack from the freezer on the way to the living room, placing me softly on the couch. I honestly had to say his arms were not all that bad to be in, but I then remembered how he acts towards me. He walks back to the kitchen and I can see him making my tea, I had mixed feelings now about how he is acting as he cares for me. I put my legs up and lay the ice pack on the knee starting to see a bruise forming and hope Harry would not get to upset with me for what I did. I hear Harrison mumbling to himself, "She does not understand, she means so much to us." But I could not make out what it was and watch him place the tea on the coffee table. At that moment Tom walks out and sees me sitting on the couch with an ice pack and looks at Harrison with an angry expression, "What happened? Why is Y/N sitting there with an ice pack on her knee."          

         Harrison then looks at me and sees me look down ashamed of myself and then explains, "She tried to be a hero and get the tea box by herself and decided to kneel on the counter, she met water causing her to slip. I luckily caught her before she could hurt herself. Her pride got to her, but I am sorry for acting the way that I do. Please do not do anything like that ever again." Tom looks at me with such disappointment that it makes me want to cry and then says," That is big of you Haz for saving and apologizing, I wish she would have just let us help her instead she tried to be independent." I clear my throat, getting their attention but instead of being sympathetic and asking what is wrong, they look at each other with a look only that they would know. "I am sick of this; you both were snarky when you saw that I was struggling so please do not act mighty. Thank you for saving me Harrison, but one sorry does not make up for the other times." I snap angrily. Tom looks taken back and says before thinking it through, "Wow he apologizes, and you act like this stuck up and rude. This is not the girl that I like, you are changing and not for the good." I gasp and retort back, "You are acting like I am the only one, you act differently in front of Harry with me then you do with Harrison face it you are ashamed of me." Tom walks closer to me, "That is not true at all, I act the same it is you who does not want to hang around me when we are all together."

         I finally got my words together, "You pushed me away the other day when he came out of his room and laugh at his jokes, he makes at me every time. So, tell me right now, do you like me as more than your brother's best friend?" I wait for his response but see him look back at Harrison and I get my answer, so I tried to get up but have Harrison gently push me back to stay in place. As I think he is going to answer, Harry walks into the house and sees us all in the living room. I look at Harry and he runs over dropping his bags onto the floor and asks what happened. I watch how both boys explain the situation and Harry sides with them instead of coming to my side and asking If I am okay. I just sit there tearing up and wanting to be left alone, "Please leave and let me be alone."

           Harry and Harrison nod and walk away, except Tom who decided to stay back and talk to me. I watch him as he looks down at his hands, "So what is the answer?" I ask and see Tom walk over to sit down next to me. He cups my face and kisses me gently and passionately. He pulls away resting his forehead on mine, "Does that answer your question?" I act sly and tease, "I need words baby boy, and maybe another kiss." Tom wraps himself around me and smiles while confessing, "I have liked you since I met you on the playground. Would you do the honor and become my girlfriend?" I am in shock about how this morning turned out, but I loved the outcomes. "I would love to be your girlfriend," I say and lean in wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him in for another kiss. He deepens the kiss and I feel him run his tongue on my lower lip asking for an entrance. I lean more into him as he grips my hips gently helping me straddle him and I moan, he takes the opportunity and dominates the kiss. We continue the kiss until we hear a throat clear and break apart to see Harry.

            Harry walks over calmly and sits down as Tom moves me to sit down next to him while still holding my hand after still. I look down at our intertwined hands and smile as Harry I can tell is trying to analyze the situation, He wants to make you happy and let you date Tom but he wants to prevent a Heartbreak for the future. Tom has always admired you when you were not looking, Harry noticed and waited for the day for this to happen. He weighed out the options and finally said after two minutes, "You can date but no kissing in front of Harrison or me and if you break her heart I will be very upset and probably punch you." Tom laughs and you feel him squeeze your hand, "Deal, now please let me take care of my girl." Harry laughs as he walks over to me and kisses me on my forehead. Tom pulls me into his side, and I close my eyes taking at the moment and how sexy he smells. 

           The relationship was easy and fun at first because we would rarely use our phones around each other for the first four months. However, the past two weeks Tom has been laughing and texting this person almost all day. I first thought it was Harrison, but that same day I was on the couch and Harrison came home and sat down next to and put his arm around my shoulders. Our relationship has improved, and I have forgiven him, and vice versa, he admitted that he liked that is why he did what he did. The feelings are mutual friend's vibe now, so I asked him, "Has Tom been texting you lately?" Harrison looked confused, "No, he and I talk mostly in the evenings, why? Do you think he is talking to other girls?" I look away ashamed and he moves to hold both of my hands. He looks at me and says," Look Tom loves you and he would never cheat. But let me get it out of him and we will figure it out." I hug Harrison just as Tom walks in hoping he would see it and say something. Tom looked up and saw you two hugging and smiled happy that his girl and best friend are finally getting along. 

          I huff and get up to kiss him hello and as I am about to reach where he is standing, he receives a text. He stops looking at me and looks directly at the message typing away and I storm off. I decided to let me do the Tik Tok challenge and ask for his phone. That evening when we are hanging out in the living room, Harry in his room and Harrison at the kitchen island, I decide to do the challenge then. We are on the couch watching our show together more like me and he is of course on his phone. I place my phone discreetly and start, "Hey baby, can I see your phone?" you ask sweetly, and Tom looks at me like I am crazy slightly, "Why can you not use yours?". I try again, "Please let me use your phone, is there something you are hiding?" He answers abruptly "No I am not hiding anything, are you accusing me of something?" I quickly realize what is happening and grab my phone to stop the Tik Tok. "Wait this was for a Tik Tok, you are trying to create a problem that is not there for a 60-second video?" Tom says as he raises his voice causing Harry and Harrison to look our way. He starts to walk away, so you follow him and apologize, "I am sorry, it is just that you are always on your phone anytime I see you." He calms down and walks over hugging you and says loud enough to hear, "I am sorry, it just works stuff and I will be more present." And with that, we cuddle on the couch with occasional kisses. 

         The next day during breakfast, Tom had left his phone in the room just as he promised, and you were relaxed and happy. Tom asks you to get his jacket from the bedroom as he wanted to go for a walk so you agreed and was going to grab the phones as well. You open the door and see his jacket is near the phones that are charging, as you grabbed the jacket, you noticed his phone go off. The curiosity finally gave in and you decided to choose the curious girlfriend route. For safety measures, you locked the door and when you got to his phone you realized that it was unlocked and saw the name Tanya pop up. You decided to not go through the messages and trust him to go on that walk with him with an open mind. On the walk, you both held hands and talked about everything under the sun. Once you both got home, he kissed you before heading for the shower. Harrison smiles watching that things have gotten better between you two. You walked over to him hugging him and said loud enough for him to hear, "Can you ask Tom who is Tanya, I saw that name pop up multiple times on his phone? Please. I understand if you do not want to though." Harrison nods weary about it but is interested as well. 

        Tom comes out of the shower and sees me sitting on the bed in one of his shirts, he smiles and walks up to me and slips to stand between my legs. He pulls me closer and leans down to kiss me with so much love, "I love you Tommy" I say and then realize it slipped out. I pull away and see Tom smiling and cups my face gently, "I love you too baby." I smile and kiss him pulling him down on top of me on the bed as we let our hands roam each other's bodies and moans come out of our mouths. I pull away and peck his lips one last time and push him off me gently and get up to go shower and hear him humming to himself, I smile and hope those texts are not what I am thinking.

        Tom walks out and sees Harrison and Harry watching TV, he decides to join them and pulls out his phone to see a text from Tanya and looks for that picture for opinions on a promise ring. Harry joins the conversation and asks in a serious tone, "Who is Tanya and why is Y/N getting upset that you are texting her?" Tom freezes and defends his girl, "What are you talking about? She does not look through my phone she is not that person." Harry laughs weirdly, "Well, I heard her ask Harrison to ask you about Tanya and who she is. Please tell me it is not what I am thinking about." Tom gets annoyed and hurt at first that you did not trust him after a big moment such as saying I love you to each other. Tom clarifies, "I am not cheating, I wanted to get a nice ring for Y/N, so I asked Tanya for help." Harry nods and apologizes, "I am sorry I ever doubted you, I am just protective of Y/N." Tom nods while saying, "I understand, now please help me choose the best ring." The three of them go to work and choose the perfect one, then sending a text order out for the ring. Harrison comes up to you and makes you feel better by telling you Tanya is only a business connection connected to Tom's job. That night when Tom and you are both are in bed, he wraps his arms around you and cuddles you into his chest while whispering, "You are the only girl for me, I love you darling." I turn around and cup his face gently, "You are my world, I love you too." You both fall asleep in each other's arms feeling loved and appreciated. 

              That Friday night, Tom had been so excited because tonight is when he can finally give you the ring. He also had Harrison and Harry go out, so the house was empty for only the two of them. He had a facetime call with Sam to cook the perfect dish for you and had set the table with a vase filled with roses with a candlelit to set a romantic vibe. You had taken time to think about telling Tom the truth about what you did and so when getting dressed you thought about how Tom was so excited for tonight, just hoping he will not be upset. You walk out and see Tom dressed up in the striped button dress where his muscles are strained against it. The back muscles are showing through the shirt making me feel a certain way. I walk over and wrap my arms around him making him turn his face slightly allowing you to kiss his cheek. He smiles and tells you to sit down at the table as he brings you a plate with your favorite dish.         

           At the table, you make eye contact with Tom and say in a serious tone, "I want to tell you something just hear me out, I saw your phone say that you got a text from Tanya and I almost went through your phone but I did not because I trust you. I did the Tik Tok challenge to see if you would tell me anything. Finally, I asked Harrison to find out who Tanya was. Please do not be upset with me, I truly love you." Tom reaches over and kisses the tops of her hands, "Thank you for telling me the truth about it, and now I will give you a present that Tanya helped me with." He then walks over and sits down on the chair next to you and gets out a jewelry box. I smile excitedly to see the surprise and when I opened the box and saw the most beautiful ring and see Tom watching you with tears in his eyes. I move to sit down on his lap and kiss him passionately and lovingly while he holds me close to him. He takes the ring out of the box and puts it on her finger, it fits like a glove.  "Thank you so much, I am sorry I assumed the worse." I apologize and he cuts me off with a kiss and says, "Always remember I choose you over anyone and I love you so please do not feel like that." You both ate the wonderful dinner and after you go to your bedroom after cleaning up and Tom kept teasing with touches and kisses. Once you get to the bedroom, he throws you on the bed and shows you how much he loves you.  

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@littlekidsteve​ @peachyxholland @tom-holland-is-spiderman @follow-tom-holland-is-spiderman @parkerpeter24 @frenchfrostpudding @osterfieldnholland  @fanficparker @mymoontom @holytingle @petertiingz @marvels-blue-phoenix @marvelatmendes @k-k0129 @fancyxholland

[seokmattchuus]

Fuck Away The Pain - Hyungwon

A/n: I don’t even know what this is, ngl. It kinda sucks, but ya girl’s sad from an ex and I’m deep in my Hyungwon feels so this happened. Let it flop, idc, tbh. I just wanted to write it. Also, issa long one, sorry.

“Y/n..” - 10:47 pm

“I know this is uncalled for, but” - 10:47 pm

“I really miss you.” - 10:48 pm

“I really wanna see you. Can I come by later?” - 10:49 pm

“Can we try again?” - 10:50 pm

You stood there, staring at your phone, tears welling in your eyes as you shoved you phone into your pocket and quickly wiped at your eyes. Of course, your ex, Min, would pick the best timing to try to ‘fix’ things.

It was movie night at the Monsta X dorm. You’d never been, but your best friend, Hyungwon had invited you this time, knowing that you’d needed some kind of comfort while you went through your breakup. He figured inviting you over for a movie would be best since you weren’t the clubbing type.

And of course, Min had to ruin that too.

You were in the middle of scooping ice cream into bowls with Hyungwon to put in the freezer for later when your phone went off. 

You ignored it of course, thinking it was some spam calls since everyone knew you were busy tonight. But it wasn’t until when Hoseok, Jooheon, and Hyunwoo came back from the store with all the snacks that you checked it, not wanting the constant sound to bother anyone.

You excused yourself to the restroom so you could check your phone in private, but rolled your eyes when you saw that it was Min that called.

A good amount of times. 

When you hadn’t answered, he resorted to text messages, which led you to your current situation.

Crying against the sink in your best friend’s shared dorm.

It wasn’t really an “I missed you” kind of crying, but more of a “what fucking nerve do you have to message me this kind of shit” kind of crying.

Min had ended things just shy of a month ago. It wasn’t like you didn’t see it coming, you just refused to think about him wanting to break off your three year relationship. You just couldn’t, well, more like you didn’t, want to see it. 

Until you’re birthday came around and he hadn’t planed anything. 

It wasn’t that you wanted him to do anything big or extravagant, a simple acknowledgement would’ve sufficed. But no. He hadn’t texted or called at all throughout the day.

It wasn’t until later that night when you and your friends posed for a picture to post on your Instagram that he finally texted you.

“So you’re out with that guy again?”

Had it not been for your male friends, including Hyungwon, he probably wouldn’t have contacted you at all.

It was that moment that you realized everything was falling apart. He didn’t care anymore. He didn’t love you. Not to mention that he spent that whole day with some girl from his workplace. Your friend being the one to tell you the day after your birthday, not wanting to kill your mood.

It was a week after that when he finally ended things. Claiming that you just weren’t good enough for him anymore. That he needed something new, more exciting. To be put simply, that he was just bored of you after being with you for so long.

You had no objections, nor arguments. There was no point. There was nothing in your relationship worth saving. You just went home and packed all the things he left at your house while he packed yours, traded off the next day, and that was that. He hadn’t contacted you since, and for him to finally text you after this whole time, what was he expecting? For you to jump at the opportunity? Welcome him back with open arms?

When you finally managed to get your feelings under control, you turned to look at yourself in the mirror, cringing at how puffy your eyes were. How were you supposed to go back out there? You’d already been in the restroom for a good while, if you stayed any longer-

“Y/n, you okay?” Your train of thought was cut off as Hyungwon knocked on the door.

You sniffled and cleared your throat. “Yeah! Be out in a minute.” You called out before rinsing off your face and drying it on the towel. “You can do this.” You whispered to yourself.

When you walked out, Hyungwon was standing in front of the door, his hand out to stop you from walking past him.

“You’re not okay.” He stated. “You sniffled and your voice sounds like you were crying.”

“I’m fine, Hyungwon.” You sighed. “Min’s just being an asshole, that’s all.”

“What’d he say?” His tone changed.

“Basically that he misses me, and wants to come by later and try to work things out.” You shook your head. “I don’t want to ruin your movie night, but I don’t want to go home either. What am I supposed to do if he comes by?”

“You can stay here tonight. I’ll lend you some clothes.” He said nonchalantly.

“I could-” You started, but were cut off.

“Y/n. We’ve been friends since middle school.” He started. “This is nothing. I’ll sleep on the floor, or on the couch if you want me to. But I don’t want you going back to your place if he’s gonna show up. He doesn’t deserve a chance to even think about you after everything he’s done.”

“B-”

“No ‘but’s.” He shook his head. “You’re staying here, and that’s final. Now hurry up before they start the movie without us.” He smiled, pulling you into a big hug, his scent engulfing you.

You weren’t gonna lie, hugging him was more than comforting at this point, and you wanted nothing more than to stay like this, but sadly, you had to pull away.

“C’mon, let’s go.” He smiled, dropping his arms so you could both make your way back to the living room where Kihyun was setting a movie order while Minhyuk and Changkyun were setting up the living room to make it more comfy.

“And they didn’t go off to fuck, you owe me $15.” Hoseok laughed at Hyunwoo.

“Cut it out.” Hyungwon glared. “Even if we did, I sure as hell wouldn’t do it around you dumbasses.”

You felt the heat rise to cheeks. Sure, Hyungwon was attractive, but you’d never thought of him like that.

Or at least that you wanted to acknowledge.

“Okay!” Kihyun clapped from his spot. “I finally have an order.” He said happily. “Now let’s move everything to the coffee table so we can start.”

-

After everything was situated, you, Hyungwon and Minhyuk sat on the couch with you in the middle. Hyunwoo and Jooheon took the recliners, and the rest made themselves comfortable on the floor.

You were halfway into the movie when Minhyuk moved from his spot beside you to go to the restroom, causing you to lean a little too close into Hyungwon’s side in an effort to get comfortable. Which also caused him to shift a little, you brushing it off as him trying to adjust.

-

After the first movie, Changkyun had asked Jooheon and Hyunwoo to help him get the ice cream.

“Do you feel any better?” Hyungwon leaned down to whisper.

“Kinda?” You whispered back. “I just can’t get him out of my mind.” You shrugged. 

“Give me your phone.” He said, pulling away from you and holding his hand out. 

“Why?” 

“Just give it to me.” He smiled.

You were hesitant, but reached into your pocket, and gave it to him nonetheless.

“I’ll take care of it later, I promise.” He smiled down at you as the guys came back with bowls of ice cream.

-

“Kihyun…” Hoseok whispered, poking the boy with his foot lightly, laughing as he tipped over. “Are you seriously asleep right now?”

“Bro, we did just watch like, four movies in a row.” Changkyun yawned. “Hyunwoo and Minhyuk fell asleep too. Let’s just call it a night.”

“But we still have one more to watch.” Hoseok pouted.

“Well you can watch it yourself.” Hyungwon stated, stretching as he got off the couch, helping you up. “Y/n’s spending the night by the way.”

“Hmmm.” Hoseok wiggled his brows, earning a pillow thrown at him.

“Like I said before, cut it out.” He said flatly. “Next time it won’t be a pillow.” Hyungwon threatened before walking to his room.

“Night guys.” You whispered before following Hyungwon to his room, where he pulled out some boxers and a long flannel, holding them out to you.

“You can go change in the restroom if you want.” He smiled softly.

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to stay here?” You shied away from his offer.

“Yes. I’m sure.” He said while shoving you towards the bathroom. “Now go change.” He said, dropping the clothes into your hands.

With a huff, you did as you were told, and changed into the long flannel that smelled like Hyungwon’s favorite cologne, and slipped into the boxers. After changing, and folding your clothes, you looked in the mirror, feeling slightly unsure of yourself.

It wasn’t like this was new. You and Hyungwon weren’t strangers. You had plenty of movie nights throughout high school where he let you wear his hoodies for comfort.

You’d always been close so this was nothing out of the ordinary for you. But something just felt different, and you couldn’t figure it out.

Maybe it was the way his members seemed to keep pushing the thought of you two. Or maybe since you were still upset over Min, staying with Hyungwon seemed different. 

Maybe because you weren’t in high school anymore.

Maybe because it wasn’t just his hoodie this time.

“You’re just a mess right now, y/n. It’s nothing.” You whispered to yourself, shaking your head while you ran a stressed hand through your hair before walking out of the restroom and back to Hyungwon’s room, deciding to lighten the mood, you struck a pose at his doorway.

“How do I look?” You quirked a brow, and Hyungwon’s eyes raked over your frame, and lingered a little too long on your exposed legs before meeting your eyes with a smile.

“Like a model.” He laughed, and pulled out your phone. “Should we do a photo shoot to make it real?”

“Wow, Mr. Model wants to give me a photo shoot?” You wiped a fake tear. “I feel honored.” You smiled. “But I can’t pose for shit.”

“Just do what you were just doing.” He said, holding your phone dramatically, while positioning himself on the floor, waiting for you to pose, snapping the picture once you did. “Not so bad, Miss. Newbie.” He smiled, getting up and showing you the picture. “How about you smile, though?” He suggested.

“I was smiling though.” You pouted.

“You need to smile bigger. Like you’re laughing.” He mocked your pout as he positioned the camera again. “Hurry up, my arm’s getting tired.” He laughed.

-

You took a total of ten pictures, all directed by Hyungwon and in all honesty, as you both sat on the floor looking through them, they weren’t that bad.

“I like this one the most.” You pointed to the one that had you pouting at the lens.

“Well, I like this one the most.” He pointed to the one with you smiling while your head rested on your arm.

“Well,” You started. “Thank you for the photo shoot, Mr. Chae.” You laughed. “It made me feel better.”

“That’s what friends are for.” He smiled back at you. “It’s getting late, you should probably sleep.” He said, getting up. “I still haven’t changed, so let me grab my clothes and I’ll be out of your way.” He smiled, going to his drawers and pulling out a pair of pajama pants and making his way out to change.

“Hyungwon,” You called out before he left the room fully. “You don’t have to sleep on the couch, or the floor. I can instead.” You offered, getting up.

“You know I won’t let you.” He said softly.

“But I feel bad. It’s your bed, after all.” You shrugged.

“Then we can just share it?” He questioned, looking over at you.

“I guess we could.” You avoided his gaze, looking down at the bed, and back at him.

“Guess I need a shirt then.” He said, walking towards his closet and grabbing a shirt.

“You don’t sleep with a shirt on?” You quirked a brow at him.

“Not really. It’s uncomfortable.” He shrugged, walking out to go change.

You sighed and sat on the bed, moving the covers to the side so you could make a spot for yourself and tracing random nothing’s onto his comforter.

Maybe things were different this time. Here you were, after a breakup, laying in your best friend’s bed, wearing his clothes, while you were about to sleep in his bed.

“Comfortable?” His voice pulled you out of your thoughts.

“Huh? Yeah.” You looked up at him. “Your blanket’s really soft.” You mumbled softly.

“That’s why I bought it.” He laughed at your statement before pulling the cover up and sliding under, too. 

“I know you need music to sleep, so is there anything you wanna hear?” He said, pulling your phone out, looking through your playlist.

“Why don’t you sing for me?” You asked. “It’s been a while since I’ve heard your voice.”

A hint of red tinted his cheeks at the statement and you smiled.

“You know your voice is my favorite.” You moved so your head laid on the back of your hands and you looked at him.

“Don’t look at me.” He smirked. “It makes me shy.”

“Mr. Model gets shy?” You quirked a brow. “Interesting.” You smiled before closing your eyes. “I’m still gonna face this way, though.”

“Stubborn little thing.” He chuckled before clearing his throat. “Any recommendations?” He whispered. 

“Surprise me.” You smiled.

“Why can’t you just make things easy for me for once?” He laughed lightly. “Hmm. What kind of genre?”

“Surprise~” You whined.

“Do you know how many songs there are?” He looked at you, though you couldn’t see him. “You just love making things hard for me.” He grumbled before clearing his throat again before singing Dreamer. 

-

“Did you really fall asleep?” He whispered after singing the song. “You were probably tired.” He sighed, grabbing your phone and connecting it to his charger, an idea popping into his head.

He scooted closer to you and held your camera above the both of you so it looked like you were cuddling into him, took the picture, then scooted back to his initial spot and looked at you again before confirming his plan.

He opened your messages and found Min’s, typing a quick message and attaching the picture of you sleeping, not even hesitating to hit send before leaving your phone on his bedside counter to charge, not bothering to check the vibrate signaling Min’s response.

-

You woke up feeling warm. Too warm. When you tried to move, you realized your arm was wrapped around something and you opened your eyes in realization of your current position. Looking up at Hyungwon’s still sleeping form, your arms wrapped around his waist, and your head on his chest.

You mentally cursed yourself as you slowly let him go and face palmed. Of all the damn nights for you to want to cuddle.

“It’s too early.” Hyungwon grumbled, his voice raspy. “Stay in bed.”

“Were you awake this whole time?” You looked at him with eyes wide.

“No. I woke up when you moved your head.” He mumbled. “The warmth was nice.”

“What time is it?” You said, ignoring his statement.

He grabbed your phone. “5:58 AM.” He whined. “Let’s just go back to sleep.” He rolled towards you, arms open.

“You’re such a baby when you’re tired.” You tsked. “We’re not cuddling again. We weren’t supposed to anyways.”

“You’re the one that woke me up. Take responsibility.” He yawned out, with grabby hands. “If you don’t come willingly, I’m gonna pull you in.”

“You wouldn-” You were cut off by Hyungwon grabbing your wrist and pulling you back into him, his arms wrapping around your waist. 

“Shut up and sleep.” He grumbled. “Hyunwoo’s alarm doesn’t go off for another two hours and if you wake up before then, we’re gonna fight.”

You didn’t bother fighting him and relaxed into his hold. It wasn’t all that bad. The way his body covered yours and the way he held you made you feel safe and warm.

Made you feel comfortable.

-

You don’t know when you fell back asleep, but you woke up to Hyungwon shaking you lightly.

“C’mon.” He whispered. “Now, it’s time to get up.” He chuckled.

You sat up and stretched. “Do I really have to get up?”

“I was gonna take you home so you could get some clean clothes, then maybe come back.” He started. “But if you’re down to stay dressed like that the whole day.” He shrugged.

“No, going to get clothes sounds nice.” You piped up. “Why would we come back here though?”

“Is it such a shame to want you to make friends with my group mates?”

“Good point.” You stated, getting up and picking up your clothes from yesterday.

“I’ll leave, you can change in here.” He stopped you, making his way past you. “It’s windy out.” He smiled. “So keep the flannel on.” He said as he walked out.

-

The ride back to your place was a comfortable silence and that’s when you noticed your phone’s bluetooth didn’t connect to his car.

“Won, where’s my phone?”

“I charged it for you, so if you didn’t get it, it’s probably still on my counter.” He said calmly.

“We’re going back anyways.” You said as he pulled up to your place.

“You go freshen up. I’ll just chill in the kitchen and steal snacks.” He smiled as he put the car in a park and got out.

“Sounds like a plan.” You laughed as you made your way to the door, unlocking it.

“Just don’t take a long ass shower.” He tsked. “Or I might end up eating all your snacks out of boredom like last time.” 

“Don’t remind me.” You glared at the memory. “God forbid I leave you alone for more than thirty minutes.” You kept your glare as you placed your keys on the kitchen counter. 

“Just some food for thought.” He chuckled as he opened your cabinet, looking for something.

"Just don’t eat everything.” You groaned and made your way to your room. “I really don’t feel like going shopping just because you can’t control yourself.” Your voice faded the longer you walked and you barely heard Hyungwon’s noise of agreement.

You didn’t really pay much attention to the clothes you picked out, thinking of just grabbing some leggings and keeping Hyungwon’s flannel as your top. Given that it wasn’t too baggy, but not too tight, you figured it had that ‘at home’ look, which was perfect because you didn’t wanna look like you were trying too hard to come up with an outfit.

You reached for your speaker on instinct, but put it down once you remembered you didn’t have your phone and grumbled to yourself, grabbing your towel and heading towards your restroom.

-

“Well that was fast.” Hyungwon spoke with a mouth full of Pringles.

“Let’s just say I miss my phone.” You smiled, rolling his shirt sleeves up, along with your hair.

“You still wearing my shirt.” He smirked.

“It’s comfy.” You shrugged, sitting across from him. “And it smells nice.” You added, reaching for a chip. 

“You always did like my cologne.” He smirked to himself. “I guess I make good choices.”

“You picked one good cologne, don’t get cocky.” You glared, pointing your chip at him, him sticking his tongue back at you in return.

“Are you sure you really wanna meet the guys?” He cocked a brow at you while he chewed his chip. “They might be too much to handle.”

“You’re too much to handle and I do just fine.” You stated matter-of-factly.

“Okay but now like, there’s six more of me.”

“You started it by inviting me over for movies. Plus it was your idea.” You smiled.

“Good point, but you didn’t have to agree.” He pointed his chip at you before eating it. “But let’s go after we eat.”

-

Hyungwon’s definition of ‘after we eat’ ended up being ‘after we eat and watch a movie or two.’ So by the time you were getting ready to leave, it was about to be 2 pm.

“What happened to ‘after we eat.’” You laughed as you both made your way to the door.

“You can’t just eat and not watch something.” He looked at you like you were clueless.

“You couldn’t just pick a show?”

“Movies are better.” He held his chin high as he opened the door for you, locking it from the inside. “You’re just mad ‘cause I’m keeping you from going back to the dorms.”

“I am not!” You yelled. 

“You totally are.” He glared. “Why? Do you like any of them?” He quirked a brow at you, his tone changing as he closed the door.

“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t.” You shrugged, opening the door to the drivers side.

“It’s Hoseok, isn’t it? Or Hyunwoo?” He tsked. “It’s always one of them.” He mumbled, opening the car door and getting in.

“And if I said I did?” You teased, stepping into the passenger. 

“I’d ban you from going back.” He glared. “They can’t just steal my friend from me.”

“Why can’t I be everyone’s friend?” You quirked your own brow at him.

“The world doesn’t work that way, my clueless little y/n.” He ruffled your hair as he started the car.

“You’re just paranoid that they’ll steal me away.” You glared. 

“And if I am?” He didn’t hesitate to answer.

“It’ll take a lot more than a pretty face to ruin our friendship.” You smiled, ruffling his hair now. “Why do you think Min hated you so much?” You chuckled, only to have it die down soon after. “I guess your ‘idol’ title made you different from the rest of my friends.” You shrugged, shoving the memories of past arguments to the back of your head.

“Look. I know I caused a lot of problems for you tw-”

“Don’t.” You cut him off. “He left because I wasn’t good enough. Let’s just go now.” You spoke quickly, watching as he put the car in ‘drive’.

“He really made you believe that?” He spoke up, his voice soft.

You didn’t answer.

“It’s bullshit, you know.” He spoke louder this time. “Anyone would be lucky enough to have you. Just because he left doesn’t mean you weren’t good enough.”

And that was all he said.

The rest of the car ride was spent in silence, both of you not feeling the need to say anything else, at least not until you were heading up to the dorms again.

“If you flirt with any of them, I might just kick you out.” He threatened as you reached his hall.

“You could never.” You smiled as you poked his side. “You love me too much.” 

You only got a glare in response as he punched in the code to the door, nearly shutting it in your face as payback for your little statement, but you couldn’t complain now that you were back at the dorms.

“She’s back!” Minhyuk yelled from the couch, running over to you.

“We thought he wouldn’t bring you back.” Kihyun chuckled, watching as Hyungwon glared at Minhyuk, who’s hug was lasting a little longer than it should.

“Dude, let her go. She didn’t come to get squished.” Hyungwon grumbled.

“And now he’ll probably never let her come back.” Changkyun laughed while nudging Kihyun.

“Ha. Ha. Ha.” Hyungwon fake laughed. “She wouldn’t even be back here if she didn’t forget her phone.

“So that’s what was going off all day.” Hyunwoo chimed in. “I wasn’t trying to snoop, but it seemed important with how much they kept texting. I think it was a Min?”

“Oh, that’s not important.” You trailed off. “Probably ju-”

“Did you guys order the pizza, yet?” Hyungwon cut you off, trying to change the subject. “And did you get the side of wings?” 

“Yeah, Hoseok and Jooheon went to go get it.” Hyunwoo said. “But you’ve never wanted wings before. What changed?”

“They aren’t for me, they’re for y/n.” Hyungwon said casually, the rest of the guys raising their eyebrows at each other.

“Since when are you so considerate?” Minhyuk spoke out.

“I’m considerate to people.” He stated calmly, before forcing a smile. “Just not you.”

“Rude.” The older pouted, before his phone chimed. “Oh, food’s here!”

-

The day had gone smoother than you thought. You had eaten, watched some shows, played dumb games on the living room floor, and now you were cleaning up.

“It’s late, we should get you home.” Hyungwon spoke up after finishing the dishes.

“Shit, what time is it?” You looked up at him.

“Your phone’s still in my room isn’t it?” He raised a brow.

“Well we were busy, I didn’t really need it.” You shrugged.

He did nothing but sigh and ruffle your hair before leaving to his room to retrieve the device.

By the time he reached the phone, it had just stopped vibrating, and he checked it to see if it was important.

“Min? Again?” He groaned, pressing the home button so he could see how many times he called. “Thirty times?” He scoffed, letting the screen timeout on it’s own. “Does he have nothing better to do?”

“I suggest you hurry up before Minhyuk hides her away.” Changkyun warned, leaving Hyungwon to shove your phone in his pocket, and head back out.

“But make sure you come back. Even if you have to hide it.” Minhyuk whispered the last part.

“The point of whispering is to not be heard.” Hyungwon mimicked Minhyuk, causing you to giggle.

“Let’s go, you grumpy log.” You laughed. “It’s getting late, I don’t want you coming back late.”

-

The drive home was spent with you talking about how much you enjoyed your time guys being even more great - and stupid - than you thought they’d be in person.

“Well, at least you enjoyed your day.” Hyungwon smiled towards you. “You deserve to have better days now that he’s gone.”

“Speaking of,” You piped up. “What do you think he wanted?” 

“Who knows.” He shrugged. “You didn’t check?” He asked, pulling into your driveway, and looking over to you.

“I’m kinda scared to know.” You admitted, unbuckling your seat belt. “I mean, I cried at the ‘let’s try again’ texts, so who’s to say I won’t cry over whatever he’s saying now?”

“Do you want me to read them instead?” He offered, unbuckling his own seat belt.

“As long as you don’t say anything dumb.” You glared, handing him your phone.

“No promises.” He smiled, snatching the phone from you, and unlocking it. “Messagesssss.” He dragged out as he pushed the little emoticon. “Miiinnn.” He repeated as he looked for the man’s contact, tapping on it once it came in sight. “Last message was sometime around…” He trailed off as he scrolled up, turning the phone slightly as the picture he took came into view.

“Why? Is it bad?” You whined at the action.

“No, I just don’t want you to read anything and get upset.” He mumbled. “How about you go in and get ready? I’ll be in when I’m done.” He smiled softly at your frowning face. “You can even order food? And use my card?” He offered, to which you smiled and nodded. “All it takes is food. You’re so easy.” He fake tsked, reaching into his pocket for his wallet. “Just make sure you order something for me, too.” He laughed, waiting for you to walk inside before turning his attention back to your phone.

“So that’s how it’s gonna be?” - 2:07 am

“Why aren’t you answering?” - 2:08 am

“I know you’re getting my messages.” - 2:10 am

“Is it because he’s with you? You’re just gonna replace me like that? With a fucking pretty boy?” - 2:12 am

“And now you’re not gonna respond? You obviously sent that picture for a reason.” - 2:13 am

“Fine. Have it your way. I’m stopping by tomorrow night.” - 2:16 am

Hyungwon scoffed at the messages before deleting them, along with the picture, and throwing the phone in his lap.

What the hell was his problem? Was he really that jealous over you staying at the dorm when he wasn’t even your boyfriend anymore?

The nerve.

Sighing again, he turned the car off and got out, angrily shoving your phone in his pocket before going inside.

“The delivery guy said twenty minutes tops, so it shouldn’t be too long.” You smiled at him.

“All you care about is food, huh?” He joked.

“Well maybe if you didn’t eat all my food all the time, I wouldn’t care so much.” You glared.

-

After eating - and cleaning up - you had suggested watching something scary, more for background noise than entertainment.

“So..” You trailed off. “Was it bad?” You bit your lip.

“Now you ask?” He chuckled, taking a sip of his Monster. “But no, it wasn’t bad. Just obsessive?” He questioned, trying to think of the right word. “Just stuff like ‘oh, you’re not gonna respond?’, and ‘you’re just gonna replace me like that’.” He mocked in a dumb voice.

“Why are guys like that?” You sighed, throwing yourself back onto the couch.

“Like what?” He furrowed his brows. 

“All ‘I don’t want you, but don’t date anyone else.’“ You mocked in a deep voice.

“Who are you dating?” He coughed as he choked on his sip.

“No one, but you know what I mean.” You glared. 

“Well obviously I didn’t.” He coughed some more. “Word yourself better next time and we wouldn’t have a problem.” He grumbled.

“I’ve literally been crying to you about how guys suck. Why would I date another one right now?” You deadpanned. 

“I don’t know. Maybe the whole ‘get over someone by using someone else’ thing.” He mumbled. 

“On another note.” You sighed, ignoring his statement. “You’re a guy, do you know why guys do this shit?”

“I’m not a shitty guy, or at least I don’t think, so I have no idea.” He paused, putting the can to his lips and throwing his head back, finishing it. “But I can fight him for you if you want.” He smirked.

“I appreciate the offer, but the last thing you need is to catch a case.” You laughed lightly. 

“Who said I’d get caught?” He raised a brow.

“Okay feisty one, I’m gonna go throw away the trash which you said you would do.” You giggled, as you got up.

“I was gonna do it after I finished my drink.” He defended himself as you walked away to pick up the trash bag. “Which I just did.”

“Well I already got up, so you’re too late.” You smiled, walking back and taking his empty can, throwing it in the bag before tying it closed. “I’ll be back.” You said, slipping on some sandals before going out, mentally cursing as you realized you left the trashcans on the curb from yesterday.

“If I wasn’t kidnapped, I’d totally not have to walk all the way to the curb.” You grumbled to yourself, as you reached them. “I should’ve just let Hyungwon do it.” You continued to grumble as you lifted the lid.

“So you’re with him now?” You heard a familiar voice speak out from the side, and you froze, the lid falling with a loud thud. “Are you not gonna answer?” He spoke louder this time, slightly slurred.

“No.” You spoke softly, not trying to cause a scene. “But it’s not like it matters to you.” You said coldly, watching as Min laugh sarcastically.

“I just wanna know how long it’s been going on.” He hiccuped. “Since we broke up? Since your birthday? Before then?” He got louder the more he spoke, walking closer.

“You’re drunk.” You swallowed thickly while backing away, slightly scared since you knew this side of him.

“And? Answer my question.” He said, stopping slightly as he realized you were pressed against the trashcan.

“I told you we weren’t together.” You repeated louder this time, hoping Hyungwon would hear.

“Don’t bullshit me, y/n.” He chuckled, raising his voice even more. “We both know you had feelings for him.”

“Whether I did or not doesn’t-”

“Yes it fucking does.” He scoffed, taking a step forward, causing you to push against the trashcan, your face instinctively turning to the side in an attempt to block yourself. 

“If your problem’s with me, then leave her alone.” Hyungwon spoke out, grabbing your wrist and pulling you behind him. “Go inside.” He said sternly, to which you shook your head, and before he could respond, Min spoke up again.

“Oh, so you got him protecting you now? That’s fucking rich.” He laughed again, stepping towards Hyungwon, who only pushed you back. His position staying. “We all knew you’d end up with him anyways.” He spoke bitterly, looking up at the man.

“Like I said.” Hyungwon’s voice threatening as he stepped forward. “If your problem’s with me, leave her out of it.” He glared. 

“How do you know my problem’s with you?” Min laughed.

“My name was in almost every message you sent.” Hyungwon scoffed. “If anyone else read them, they’d think you’re jealous of her, not me.” He took another step. “And you came to her house to ask if me and her were together. It sounds like my presence pisses you off.” He smirked.

Min scoffed before balling his fist.

“I suggest you leave.” Hyungwon spoke up again, his tone holding something you hadn’t heard from him before as he took more steps to back Min into the sidewalk. “If you wanna fight, I suggest you be sober first. Wouldn’t want you making up excuses for losing to a ‘pretty boy’ like me.” He said, pressing a finger to Min’s shoulder and pushing him into the street before turning around and pushing you back towards the door.

“I told you to go inside.” He nearly yelled as he shut the door. “What if something happened? What if he had something? What if I wasn’t here?” He scolded, too lost in his concern to realize you were tearing up.

“What would you would’ve done if-” He stopped talking the second he saw a tear fall and immediately pulled you into his chest. 

It was quiet for a while, neither of you saying anything, or more like him not knowing what to say.

Of course he’d fuck up by yelling at you after everything that’s happened.

Of course he’d snap at you even though none of this was your fault.

Of course he’d let his feelings get the best of him.

“I’m sorry for yelling. I shouldn’t have.” He sighed picking his hand up to run it down your hair. “I’m just worried about you.”

“I’ve never seen you so mad before..” You sniffled, remembering how he sounded, how he got in Min’s face. It wasn’t like him.

“I never planned for you to see me that mad.” He chuckled. “I let my feelings get the best of me. I shouldn’t have acted out like that.”

“What feelings?” You questioned, and he looked down at you in disbelief. His whole face basically saying ‘do you really not know?’

“Are you serious?” He laughed.

“I may have a hint..” You paused. “But I just want you to hear you say it.”

“You really strung me along, huh?” He laughed lightly, looking back up. “Do you know how hard it was to not act on it?”

You looked up at him and chewed your lip in contemplation of whether or not to say what you wanted to. But he already said it, so why couldn’t you?

“No one said you couldn’t act on it.” You bit your lip as he looked down at you. 

“Say that again.” His response was immediate but his tone was different. 

“I said,” You paused, your eyes staring into his. “No one said you couldn-” You were cut off from him pressing his lips to yours, the force strong enough to push your head back, but his hold on you strong enough to keep you in place.

Knowing where to move, he backed you into the couch, turning you both around so he could sit and bring you down on top of him.

His hands never left your hips and when they finally did, they moved up to wrap around the back of your neck, trying to bring you impossibly closer into him while the other hand ran up and down your thigh, squeezing every now and then.

Never did either of you think this would happen. That one of you would finally take that step and remove whatever block was in the way.

But that block only stayed gone for a minute as Hyungwon pulled away, panting and searching your eyes for anything and you could tell he was stopping himself.

“Please, Hyungwon..” You panted, your hands coming up to cup his face. “Don’t stop here.” You whispered, hoping he’d see the sincerity in your eyes.

And though he did, it wasn’t enough for him.

“No, y/n. As much as I’ve wanted to do this, you’re only doing this out of vulnerability. Not because you want me.” He shook his head, trying to get your hands off of him, causing you to tighten your grip.

“But I do want you.” You spoke softly. “I’ve always wanted you…” You trailed off. “I just never thought you’d want me, and Min came along and fucked up my whole mentality on everything.” You took a deep breath. “I wouldn’t tell you to act on your feelings if I didn’t want to act on mine.”

He was quiet, his eyes never leaving yours as you spoke, his hand on the back of your neck rubbing softly while the one that was on your thigh squeezing hard at the mention of him. 

So contradicting.

“This wasn’t how I pictured this happening.” He chuckled bitterly. “But I guess timing doesn’t care for trivial things.”

“Please,” You looked at him, your voice breaking. “I want you for you. Not because I’m sad, but because it’s always been you.” 

He didn’t reply verbally this time, opting to press his lips back against yours, but softer this time, and you pulled back.

“You’re holding back, Hyungwon.” You whispered. “You don’t have to.”

“I don’t want to hurt you.” He whispered back. “I came on way too rough the first time.” He laughed.

“Be rough with me, please.” You started. “I want to get lost in you. I only want you on my mind.”

“Of all the things I imagined you saying, that was never one of them.” He chuckled. “Are you sure?” He said, scanning your eyes for any hint of denial.

Instead of speaking up, you nodded your head, but it wasn’t enough for him. 

“Words. I need to hear you say it.”  

“Yes.” You spoke up. “Help me forget him.“

As if a switch flipped, the Hyungwon you had before was back and he was on you as if you’d disappear at any given moment. 

You thought about what he said earlier, the whole ‘using someone to forget someone else’ and now weren’t sure if ‘forget’ was the right word to use, but if wasn’t, you were pretty sure he’d have stopped. 

Maybe he said it because he wanted to be the one to help you forget someone.

Either way, you were reveling in the way his lips moved from yours to trail down your neck, randomly biting while his hands moved down to your thighs, occasionally moving up to play with the hem of your leggings.

“Fuck, Hyungwon.” Your hips rolled against his as he bit a specific spot and he smirked before biting down again, harder this time. 

“Do you know how bad I wanted to do this last night and all damn day?” He rasped out between kisses, sucking a hickey above your collarbone. “Seeing you walk around in my shirt like that.” He whispered before going to the other side of your neck. “God, you look so good.” He growled, roughly sucking hickies onto your skin.

“I wanted nothing more than to fuck you senseless while you wore that damn shirt,” He whispered, his hands rubbing closer to where you wanted him. “Have you screaming my name and letting everyone know who’s really meant for you.” He growled as his fingers rubbed you over your leggings. “I bet you would’ve loved it, huh, babygirl.” He whispered in your ear before nibbling on your lobe.

“Yes, fuck.” You threw your head to the side, bucking your hips into his hand, while his other came around to grab your throat, squeezing harder every time he spoke.

“Have you beg for me to touch you.” He whispered, his hand slipping under your leggings to rub you over your panties. smirking at the wet spot he felt. ”Beg for me to fuck you.” He whispered before rubbing harder. “Beg for me to let you cum.” 

“Fuck, Hyungwon, yes.“ You whined out, your hips trying to press against his fingers for something. Anything. 

But he pulled away with a smug smirk instead. 

“Then get up.”

“Wha-” 

“I said,” He tilted his head. “Get. Up.”

“Hyungw-”

“Get up now, or I’m not touching you again.” He deadpanned, and out of fear he meant it, you got up and stood in front of him. “Sit here instead.” He smiled, moving you over his thigh and you stared at him confused.

“What, baby? Never ridden a thigh before?” He smirked as you blushed. “I’ll help you then.” He smiled, leading you over his leg and letting you get used to the feeling, smirking as your eyes closed from the pressure.

“Doesn’t it feel good?” He spoke up, his voice lower as he flexed his thigh, smirking as you moaned out, your hips moving against him on their own accord. 

“I want more, please.” You whined, rutting against him. 

“Where would the fun in that be?” He cocked a brow, flexing his thigh again.

“Please, I’ll let you do whatever you want to me next time, I just really really really need you right now.” Your voice came out pathetic, but you really couldn’t find it in you to care.

“Be careful what you say, baby.” He teased, getting up abruptly and turning you around so you fell into the couch, leaving you to look up at him with pleading eyes. “Because next time, I might be more than you can handle.”

You didn’t have time to respond before he knelt in front you, his hands grabbing at the hem of your leggings before pulling them off, you lifting your hips to help him.

“Hyungwon please-” You choked out. “I can’t-” You were cut off with a smack to your thigh.

“You can.” He started, staring up at you while he kissed your thigh, making a trail up. “And you will.”

You didn’t respond, instead starting to squirm from anticipation, your hand grabbing at his hair in hopes of getting him to get up, but your plan was ruined as he pulled away.

“Hands.” He said simply holding out his hand.

You shook your head and he reached for your both of your hands, putting your wrists in one hand before continuing his teasing.

“Hyungw-” You were cut off as he bit your thigh, the surprise sting making you jolt.

“Let me have my fun.” Was all he said before kissing higher, switching between the top of your thigh to the inside. 

“Don’t you want me right here?” He asked softly, looking up at you with puppy eyes. “You said you wanted more, and that’s what I’m giving you.”

You had no words, knowing full well you wouldn’t be getting out of this, and you relaxed against the cough in frustration.

“Be a good girl and just enjoy yourself.” He whispered before licking a strip up your clothed slit.

“Oh-Oh my god.” You whimpered, your hips bucking into his face. “Why do you tease so much.” You whined, your arms trying to fight against his grip, only to have it tightened.

“You said you wanted to get lost in me.” He mumbled before licking over you again. “That you wanted me to be the only thing on your mind.” He mumbled, pressing his mouth harder against you. “I think I’m doing a pretty good job at that.” 

At this point, you felt like crying. Of all the times he chose to listen to you, it was the time when all you wanted was for him to finally touch you. 

“I’ll beg, just please. I can’t anymore.” You whined, your hips wiggling as you squirmed. 

“Then let me hear it.” He suggested. “Beg for it.” He teased before going back to licking at your clothed slit.

“Fuck~” You whined. “Please fuck me, touch me, anything. I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll call you whatever you want, I promise I’ll be a good girl for you, just please, for fucks sake, do something.” You whined out, your hands fighting in vain against his hold.

“You sound so pretty when you beg, baby.” He groaned, getting off his knees and helping you up so you were standing in front of him, his hands coming up to the buttons of his flannel, pausing when you tensed up. “It’s okay.” He looked at you. “I’m right here.” He leaned down, pressing his lips to yours again, softer this time while he worked on the buttons, letting the garment fall to the floor before pulling away. 

“So beautiful.” He whispered to himself, bending his head down to take your nipple into his mouth while his hand gave the other attention. “I can’t wait to cover you in my marks one day.” He smiled, dropping to his knees while he kissed down your torso, his hands following by running down your sides, stopping at the hem of your panties before slowly pulling them down and letting them fall so you could step out of them.

“I’m gonna take care of you.” Was all he said before shoving his head into you, his tongue lapping at you like you’d be his last meal.

“Hyungwon-” Your knees buckled, but his hands came up to grasp your thighs, keeping you up while your hands attached themselves to his hair.

You let him have his way until you felt yourself about to cum, the teasing finally catching up to you.

“Hyungwon- I- fuck-” You whimpered as your thighs shook. 

He got the point and got up, only to bend you over the armrest of the couch, your new angle giving him the perfect view of your ass.

“Fuck, I’ve always thought about this.” He groaned, working at his pants. “Making you feel so good, you can’t help but scream.” He said, dropping his pants and boxers, kicking them to the side before grabbing himself and running it up and down your slit. “I wonder how many times you’ve thought about it.” He smirked to himself.

“Please~” You whined, pushing yourself back onto him.

“So needy for me.” He licked his lips as he slid his tip in, reveling in the small moans you let out as he slowly slid in, not giving you time to adjust before pulling out and slamming back into you. “I wonder just how needy you’ve been.”

“So much.” You whined, clenching around him, smiling softly when he hissed.

“Such a naughty girl you’ve been, y/n.” He tsked, his hands moving to hold your hips, stroking slowly. “Keeping your thoughts all to yourself.” He groaned, trying his hardest not to ruin you completely.

“Hyungwon, faster.” You panted, your hands balling into fists by your head.

“What’s the rush, baby?” He teased, leaning over to press a kiss against your shoulder, his strokes speeding up just a bit. “Don’t you wanna enjoy yourself?”

“I want you to ruin me.” You let out in a broken whimper. “Fuck me so hard I’m crying. So hard I don’t know what to do with myself. So hard I have no choice but to take it. So hard I’m forced to just lay here and moan.” You nearly cried. “So hard that your name is the only word I know.”

Your plea seemed to do the trick as you heard him laugh lightly before biting down on your shoulder and speeding up on his thrusts, the pace nearly brutal compared to what he was giving you before.

You had no words, the only thing running through your mind was Hyungwon and how good he was making you feel.

You guess he seemed to notice this as he spoke up again.

“Like this, baby?” He questioned with a pant. “You’re so quiet now.” He smirked to himself. “Let me hear you.”

Your response consisted of a mix of gasps and whimpers, not being able to think straight.

He seemed satisfied given that he didn’t ask again and he gripped your hips harder, holding you in place while he used his full force to fuck into you.

So forceful you’d almost assume he hated you or that he was trying to prove a point.

And maybe he was.

Trying to prove that it should’ve been him this whole time. Him kissing you. Him loving you. Him fucking you.

And the closer he brought you to your orgasm, the more you thought it should’ve been him, too. Especially when his hand came around to rub harsh circles on your clit, your thighs shaking from how close you were.

“Don’t even try holding it.” He growled. “None of that cumming together bullshit.” He panted. “Cum for me. Cum all over me.” He coaxed you, his voice sweet compared to his current actions.

“Hyungwon, I-I- Fuck!” You were cut off by him rubbing harsher circles against you, giving you no choice but to accept it, your thighs giving out as you came.

“That’s it, baby.” He smiled down at your fucked out form, slowing down so you could ride it out before speeding up again, chasing his own orgasm, smirking when you whimpered. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“Can’t take a bit of over stimulation?” 

[kirishwima]

If requests are still open, could I ask for how the RFA+V and Saeran act with a clumsy S/O? Like they trip over nothing and always run into stuff. Thank you!

oh, hello fellow clumsy person!! i can absoloutely relate to this lol, this should be fun~

YOOSUNG:

*He’s...he’s also SO freaking clumsy

*Both of them just fall flat on their faces with nothing to have tripped over-and no, as much as Seven insists, it’s not because of invisible aliens

*He never worries over himself and his own clumsiness-induced injuries however-instead he’s always looking out for MC, running after them with bandaids and antiseptic to treat their wounds whenever they fall.

*For this silly couple, holding hands when walking down the street isn’t just something done out of affection-no, it’s a necessity so neither of them can wander off and hit their face on a lamp post or anything like that

* When preparing for the RFA party, their friends all know not to have either Yoosung or MC carry anything fragile or do any detail-focused work-the last time MC held scissors they snapped a clunk of their finger right off, and surprisingly, it was Yoosung that was the calmest at the sight of all that blood-he took a towel, pressed it down onto their finger and called an ambulance like a pro.

* And yet that very same person tripped when climbing into the back of the ambulance to take MC to the hospital, effectively falling down and breaking his nose on the stepping step of the ambulance

* (Well at least the two clumsy love-birds could share a hospital room for a while)

*Jaehee unironically calls them both a hazard to society-she’d love to put each of them in bubble foil so they can at least stop bruising over everytime they hit onto something lol

* It’s fine with them though-Yoosung likes to tease MC about it, and they often compare scars and bruises, comparing who has the silliest story behind it

ZEN:

*He’s honestly really shocked at MC’s clumsiness, and panics everytime they trip or hit their hip onto a hard corner-this poor boy’s heart can’t take another one of MC’s stunts really

*He’s now learnt to always carry bandaids with him, and to hold MC by the waist when they’re out together, fearing for their safety. No beloved of his will be hurt today, no sir!

*If MC receives an injury due to their clumsiness, he’ll always without fail kiss it to make it better, tending to their wounds with the utmost of care, like a prince to his royalty.

* That being said, he often forgets...just how clumsy MC is. He once left them alone while cooking to put some ravioli in the pot of boiling water, just for a few minutes-only to run back to the kitchen when he heard them hiss in pain; they’d managed to splash the hot water onto their hand and clutched to it as it reddened.

* Zen froze for a moment before diving into action, pulling MC by the wrist and brinigng their hand under the faucet, turning it to freezing cold water before grabbing an ice pack from the freezer and placing it atop their injury.

* “Baby please..please, for my heart’s sake, try and be more careful? I can’t stand to see you hurt this often” he asks one day with a pout, his bottom lip trembling. MC can do little else but nod and promise, even though they aren’t sure how to be more careful per say. It’s worth it though to see Zen’s relieved smile.

JAEHEE:

* I already picture her as the kind of mom-person who always has every necessary thing in her bag, so MC is more than lucky to have a capable girlfriend like her.

* MC tripped and scraped her knee? Baehee’s already pulling out antiseptic wipes and a mini gauze. MC bumped her shoulder onto the door and now it’s sore? Baehee’s got muscle relaxing cream ready to rub onto their sore muscles. Whatever you want, Baehee’s got.

*That being said, it doesn’t make her feel any less worried whenever she sees MC trip or hurt themselves due to their clumsiness. She begs them to be more careful, but knows it’s not something they can really help. So instead she always has a watchful eye on them, trying to prevent danger from coming their way.

* Their clumsiness is a big issue in the coffee shop, even though Jaehee’s never made a fuss about it-they kept dropping cups and plates, burning themselves with warm espresso, accidentantly pouring the beans out of the grinder...eventually Jaehee asked them to work more on the front desk, and let her prepare and serve the drinks, for both their safeties.

* She’ll never be mad at MC for their clumsiness though-she finds it endearing in a way, and she loves all of MC, the good and the bad. She’ll just have to be twice as careful for the both of them.

JUMIN:

* He seems like such a poised and elegant man..but he can, in fact, also be very clumsy.

* It’s not often that he is-the man has an impeccably steady hand, and he’s always aware of his surroundings, but when he gets flustered or tired-hoo boy.

* Once he saw MC wearing a gorgeous new outfit and he tripped whilst walking down the stairs towards them and sprained his ankle-Zen refuses to let him live it down to this day.

* That being said though, after taking note of how clumsy MC is, he makes sure to always be doubly aware of his surroundings, and asks their bodyguards to always have one person walk a little further ahead than MC, so they can redirect them if there’s any cracks in the pavement or lamposts ahead as they walk, especially when Jumin isn’t around to hold them near him and watch out for these himself.

* MC’s always worried at fancy dinner parties, which actually...makes them clumsier. The amount of times they’ve nearly tripped while walking on those marble floors is remarkable, but Jumin has been there every single time to wrap his arms around their middle and hoist them up before they could fall, and will make sure to have his arms around them for the rest of the night.

* Once however, MC was talking with some of Jumin’s colleagues, when a waiter passed by offering glasses of champagne. MC took one, but with slippery hands, it slid from their hands and fell right onto their foot where it shattered, shards getting stuck onto their skin and some even sliding under their shoe, so every step would cause more of them to push into the soles of their feet, blood pooling in their shoe.

* Jumin was there in an instant-across the room he saw the incident and ran over, pulling MC up in a princess carry so they wouldn’t apply any pressure to their injured leg. He turned and left with MC in tow without a word, only telling driver Kim to take them to the nearest hospital.

* MC was worried as he silently brooded, thinking he was mad at them...he wasn’t.

* He turned to them, helping them hoist their legs onto his lap as he gently took off their shoes, looking them over for any visible shards he could help remove. “You’re not mad?” MC asked, and Jumin sighed, leaning his head to rest on their knees.

* “No darling, I could never be mad at you. I was just...seeing you injured terrifies me.”

* From then on MC vowed to be as careful as possible! ....whatever that meant. Either way they’d try to, for Jumin!!

SEVEN:

* As clumsy as he seems he might be, he’s absoloutely not-he’s a trained spy, he’s always aware of his surroundings, and he’s learnt to mind his every step, being able to walk as silently as a cat in the night as to not alert any enemies of his presence.

* So to meet the clumsiest person of all, MC, was...quite funny to him really, and a refreshing breath of fresh air-finally, someone he doesn’t have to walk on eggshells with.

* He’s the kind of jerk that would absoloutely make fun of MC everytime they hit their hip on the counter or slide or trip over nothing-but he’d still be there every time to hoist them back up, quickly looking them over for any injuries whilst trying to play it cool.

* He actually thought of baby-proofing the house for their sake; but MC quickly shot down that idea, saying they’d be fine and there’s no need for him to worry (because yes, he actually was serious-a trickster as he might be, he worries over MC constantly lol)

* Once though, once MC’s clumsiness really made him terrified, made him fall to his knees and cry.

* They were on a date, the first proper date in quite some time, walking down the streets on a quiet evening. 

* They were about to cross the street, though the light hadn’t yet turned green for pedestrians-but it was about to, they could see the road traffic light already turning orange, so MC nonchalantly laughed as they made to walk across-only a car had been dashing to pass before the light turned red.

* MC saw it coming, but as they made to turn and run back, they tripped, falling in the middle of the street.

* Seven didn’t, couldn’t think at that moment-he dashed into the street, grabbing MC and literally pulling them like a dragged doll out of the way.

* The car had screeched to a stop regardless when they saw the two pedestrians, even rolling down the window to ask if they were okay. Seven had already helped MC stand up on shaky legs, holding them close by the waist, their head resting in the crook of his neck.

* He nodded to the driver and watched him drive off, his hands holding MC bruisingly tight.

* He couldn’t control his emotions, couldn’t think-he pushed them away from him, but still held their shoulders tight, his fingers digging into their muscles.

* “You-how could you fucking-be more careful! Just look around you, look at your freaking surroundings just-” his eyes filled with tears as he leaned his head down, hiding onto MC’s shoulder, leaving wet puffs of air on their skin.

* “Just-don’t let me lose you, not you, please...”

* They stood there, holding one another for a long time. “You won’t. I’ll be careful, I promise. I’m sorry” they whispered into his ear, and it was true. They’d always be as careful as possible, Seven’s scared expression always snapping them back to reality without fail.

V/JIHYUN:

* Look...before he gets his eye surgery....he’ll also be extremely freaking clumsy lol

* After getting the surgery, his eyesight would never be 100% the same again-so it’d still take some getting used to before his perception returned to a normal healthy state.

* He’ll always try and watch out for MC, fearing their clumsiness and fussing over their injuries, but him worrying over MC only did more harm than good, for both of them.

* Cue the two walking down the street, when MC trips. In an attempt to help them, V reaches out for them...but he also just stumbles down and falls with them, a bruised but laughing heap on cement floor.

* They always tend to each other’s injuries, and at least one of them has to carry band-aids at all times. It’s like an inside joke, how they bump over every stool and every table corner, their hips eternally a purple blue bruise. V loves to lay his head on MC’s lap, oftentimes turning to give a smooch to their bruises when they’re visible. 

* He actually feels responsible sometimes, thinks of how if he could protect MC more he’d be a better boyfriend. One time, whilst MC was changing into pyjamas, he saw a nasty scar on their thigh, remembering the incident that caused it-they were both together in the kitchen, talking about one thing or another, boiling some water for tea; only when MC tried to hold the kettle, it fell right into their lap, hot water falling across their thigh before V could rush over to them to grab it and put it back on the counter.

* He remembers grabbing MC by the wrist and rushing them to the shower where he set the water to the coldest it could get, tripping over his feet and falling to his knees as he pulled both MC and himself into the shower, taking the shower head and holding it over MC’s burnt thigh; he remembers them crying and it still makes his heart ache, and that scar is a reminder of that.

* MC could see the frown on V’s face, and approached him as he sat on the bed, placing themselves between his thights as they tilted his chin up to look to them. “What’s wrong?”

* V bit his lip, wondering if he should say anything at all. “Just-I’m sorry. I’m never able to protect you where it matters.”

* MC frowned too at that. It’s been so long and V had gotten so much more confident, why was he bringing himself down now? They kissed his forehead before leaning away to continue getting dressed.

* “I’m not dating you to protect me, I’m dating you because I love you. And besides-I’m the clumsiest person there is. I should be trying to protect myself instead!” MC laughed.

* They did however promise to try and be more careful-both for their sake, but for V’s too.

-Send me mysme headcanons/scenarios for characters reactions!-

[5-falsehoods-phonated]

(Prompts with boxes have been taken, highlighted have been written.)

I have requests and ideas for all of the prompts, so no more requests from this card will be accepted. I’m planning on writing and posting all of these within the month of December and probably a bit into January. If you don’t want to see these stories, block the tag #false bthb, if you would like to be tagged in future stories shoot me an ask!

This prompt got away from me a bit so it’s split into two parts. The prompt comes into play in the second part. Requested by @atlasistryingherbest​ I hope you enjoy it, the second part will be up tomorrow!

General tagging: @im-an-anxious-wreck (you're gonna be tagged in mostly bthb this month as that's the project I'm working on, so if you'd like this changed to only the multichapter fics or general one shots please let me know. Thank you again for the interest!)

My Sunshine Part 1

Summary: Patton thinks he’s finally caught the break he needs when he finds and falls in love with Roman. Ignoring the warning signs until it’s too late Patton ends up losing more than he had dared to gain.

Warnings: more for part two but story contains human trafficking, implied non consensual sex and starvation

Prompt: Denied food as Punishment

Ships: Royality, Patton x Roman

WC: 4, 166

Patton skirted around another group of students, clutching his rather heavy school bag and trying not to bump into anyone in his rush to his bus. The college campus wasn’t exactly large but the crowds remained a nuisance no matter how small the classes were. Seeing the bus start to pull up to the sidewalk for its hourly trip into the downtown area he quickened his pace, desperate not to miss it again. Thankfully getting to the back of the waiting line with time to spare he took a breath and finally managed to zip his bag closed, hoisting it over his shoulders and looking around to see if he could recognize anyone from his classes.

Having just moved into town for school a month ago Patton didn’t really have any friends yet, just people who would occasionally ask him for a pencil only to not give it back- but that was fine! Whenever he ran out of pencils to give he could just ask them for one and he would know they’d have one since he had given so many of his away. If nothing else he figures a missing pencil was as good an ice breaker as any to start a conversation with somebody.

Lost as he was in his thoughts he immediately snapped out of it when he caught sight of one of the cutest men he had ever seen. Tall, dark and handsome didn’t even begin to cover it when he saw the stranger laugh at whatever the person next to him was talking about and reach up to push longish, curly hair out of his eyes. The stranger seemed to suddenly become aware that he was being stared at, turning his head and somehow immediately locking eyes with an extremely flustered Patton. Offering a king smile and a small wave Patton was sure he turned at least ten different shades of red before he managed to tear his eyes away and trip up the stairs to the bus to plop tiredly in the first empty seat he could find.

Burying his face in his hands he groaned at his own stupidity, lamenting the fact that he had been caught ogling someone he didn’t even know or recognize from any of his classes. He had seemed so nice though, not even seeming fazed at being stared at- though with such a confident air that he seemed to have Patton thought maybe he was used to it by now. All he could hope was that he’d never see the stranger again and if he did he wouldn’t remember Patton as that creepy guy in the bus line who probably looked half dead for as much coffee he consumed to keep up with his life.

Deciding not to dwell on it too much he grimaced as he hoisted his pack up yet again as his stop came into view, dreading another afternoon spent on his feet trying to hear people’s orders and write them down correctly while the general noise of the restaurant made it a challenge to get his own forcibly friendly “Hello, what can I get for you?” to be heard. Shuffling off the bus with everyone else he quickly jogged down the block and around the back of the restaurant he worked at, swiping his apron on in the same motion of throwing his bag down and scooting it under a table and out of the way. Smoothing his hair bag and rubbing what he hoped was most of the tiredness from his eyes he put on his best smile and waltzed his way out onto the main floor, tagging out his shift swift for which he was barely acknowledged before they gestured to a family just getting comfortable for him to service.

Squaring his shoulders and taking one more deep breath he began walking over to them. It was just a five hour shift, he could handle a five hour shift.

-----

He could barely handle a five hour shift.

Frowning down at his bag that contained his barely started on homework his fingers fumbled with the knot of his apron as he desperately tried to work it off. Huffing in frustration he bent his neck painfully to get the top part off and shimmied hip hips while yanking the bottom part until he was finally able to kick it into a wall. Dragging a hand over his face he snatched it up and hung it up rather aggressively before getting his bag and hurrying out the back door to catch the bus back to his run down apartment. The ride was as uneventful as ever but he almost missed it when he finally reached his apartment only to see a corner of an envelope sticking out from under the door that would undoubtedly contain the rent bill he would have to scrape together enough change to meet again.

Although he was grateful to be away from his family and that he had been able to get into college in the first place it was an expensive path in life that he had to work hard at two jobs to maintain, still barely managing to scrape by each month. Since switching campuses to be closer to work opportunities it had only seemed to get worse. If he had a roommate it might be different, at least taking some of the financial burden off his shoulders but he didn’t know anyone in this town enough to ask and he definitely didn’t want to invite people he didn’t know into his life with an ad in the newspaper calling for a roommate- who knew if they’d even pay rent or pick up after themselves or leave his things alone. No, Patton was a little too paranoid for that. Flopping face down onto his couch he wormed his way half under the back cushions and seat cushions until it was just a little too tight and sighed contently, letting his eyes finally drift shut as he gave his legs a rest. His stomach growled not ten minutes later however, making him groan and debate whether making something would actually be worthwhile. Realizing he still had work to do anyway he carefully got up and rolled up his sleeves, wondering if that frozen pizza in the freezer was still good.

A little while later with pizza in one hand and a pencil in the other he worked his way through his math and science homework, stacking them to the side as he made way for the english paper he had yet to start. He was still trying to work through basic classes before he got to...whatever it wsa he would decide he wanted to major in, though sometimes he was intimidated but the already nearly overwhelming workload he had to tell himself it would all be worth it. He just had to smile through it and push through until he came out the other side with a bright a nd shiny degree and an even brighter future. Of course, that optimism could only take him so far as he stared at the book report he was supposed to be at least outlining, a quick glance at the clock telling him that if he wanted to shower, now would be the time if he didn’t want to be late for his stocking job. Working at a warehouse form one to seven in the morning definitely wasn’t ideal but it paid well and it was just enough to keep him floating while he worked his way through school. Wincing as he stood up on wobbly, half asleep legs he dumped his plate in the sink and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower before he had to be at the warehouse for his shift.

Stumbling out of his apartment complex still struggling to get his jacket on he happened to look up and see an unfamiliar car parked across the street. I wonder if someone else is moving in, he thought, squinting in the darkness of the early morning to try and make out details. He thought he saw movement in the drivers side but the beeping of his watch let him know he had a very limited amount of time now to get to where he was going, so turning on his heel he booked it to the warehouse a few blocks down, any other thoughts drowned out by the apprehensionsion of the promised monotony to come.

-----

Patton was dead on his feet by the time his shift ended and he made it back to his apartment. Making side eyes at the couch wit his notes still scattered on the coffee table he shook his head and went down the short hallway to his bedroom instead, peeling off his shirt and pants as he went and flopped onto the box spring, flopping his arm around for his treasured dog plushie before curling onto his side and beginning to snore within minutes. When he woke up to his insistent alarm five hours later he groaned and threw the plushie at the offending machine to no avail. Stretching out his stiff muscles he reached over and pressed the button to get the thing to shut up while rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Another day, another...well just another day really. He had half an hour to make himself somewhat presentable and make coffee, maybe try to scratch out part of that english outline before heading off to class and repeating the daily routine of rushing around and catching quick ten minute naps when he could. Thankful today was Wednesday, meaning he had two more regular days and then Saturday he only had to get through his warehouse shift before he was free for the weekend. He made a face at the dust clinging to nearly every surface in his room.. Maybe he’d use that weekend to clean a bit.

Coffee brewing, face washed and toast wolfed down he did actually manage to get a quarter of his outline done before he had to gather everything up and leave. Taking a thermos of caffeine for the road he made it out in record time to catch the bus, idly noting the car from last night was still parked across the street, though it was clearly empty now. A dark blue Sudan with tinted windows from what he could. Shrugging he went to wait in line with everyone else; what he wouldn't give for his own car.

----

It wasn’t until the following week that he saw the car in a different place, this time parked in front of his restaurant. The only reason he really noticed it was because he had honestly been wondering when the thing would be toed considering it never seemed to leave the same spot from across the street. Shrugging the fleeting interest off he quickened his pace and got his apron on, shimmying the bottom part over his head since he hadn't got the knot undone and bending his neck forward to properly don the front loop. Smoothing himself out while shoving his bag under the table and fishing for his notepad and pen he stretched his face into yet another believable smile and pushed his way out of the kitchen and to his shift switch, only to freeze in place when they gestured to a table with a lone figure sat at it.

This cannot be happening, he thought with dismay. At the table sat the very stranger who had smiled at him after catching him staring last week. He was just as cute as ever and had a relaxed, easy smile on his face that Patton instantly felt himself melt for. Now is not thee time Patton, he scolded himself as he straightened his apron and walked over, palms sweating an embarrassing amount with knees he hoped to God weren’t visibly shaking.

“Hello, what can I get for you?”

The man looked up and his smile only grew wider as he cupped his chin. “Have we met?”

Sputtering, Patton clutched his notepad to his chest as he struggled to string a coherent thought together. He knew! He knew and now he’d get to tell him what a creep he was and-

“I’m certain I would have remembered the name of a person as cute as you if we had.” The man leaned forward practically purring. “Patton is it? That suits you.”

Patton barely heard the other half of what was being said to him, the word “cute” bouncing around in his skull too many times for him to properly concentrate on the actual conversation. He turned his incredibly red face away from the others gaze, not quite sure what to say back, thankfully the man saved him from having to respond by finally leaning back and taking the menu up again. “I’m very sorry, where are my manners? I’m keeping you from your job aren’t I?”

He was but heck if Patton was going to agree with that statement. The kinder he was the more this person might tip, and besides, he actually was very cute especially up close. He didn’t mind a bit of casual flirting especially since the other didn’t seem to have anything against him.

“You’re fine sir! I um- I don’t mind.” That being the closest Patton could get to actually accepting a compliment he quickly moved on. “Are you ready to order?”

“Yes actually! I’d like a chicken sandwich with tomato and a chef’s salad on the side.”

Nodding, Patton looked back up from his scribbling. “And to drink?”

“Water would be lovely.”

Taking the menu, he nodded again. “It’ll be right out sir.”

“Thank you, Patton.”

The use of his name set him on edge for a second but he quickly brushed it aside. He was just being nice, sure maybe overly nice- but this was the first full blown kind of conversation he’d held with someone who wasn't his landlord or boss in weeks. If the stranger wanted to use his name that was fine. He’d just have to learn his!

Busy as the restaurant was in the afternoon he was slightly disappointed he hadn’t seen the man leave but made his way over to the table to start cleaning up while he had a free minute. Lifting the check book his eyes nearly bugged out of his head at the tip that was left. A solid fifty dollar bill lay next to the receipt, and on the latter a phone number was written along with a name.

“Roman.” Patton breathed out. He realized he was holding a third month's rent in his hands, he could get groceries this week...proper groceries! Like...Patton pursed his lips in thought, maybe fruit and vegetables? He couldn’t remember the last time he’d bitten into an apple that hadn’t gone completely soft from sitting in the cafeteria for far too long. With stars in his eyes and a name in his heart he pocketed the tip and went about the rest of his shift in a daze, not even noticing the dark blue Sudan still parkly in the parking lot as he made his way back home.

----

Roman was absolutely charming- in every sense of the word. After their first phone call where Patton had thanked him endlessly for the very generous tip they had been texting and calling nearly nonstop. The flowery, flirty way he spoke, the way he looked at Patton like he was hung on the moon, even the way he said his name like he was cradling something precious, it was almost too much. Patton’s workplace had become a regular place for Roman to eat, always sitting at the same place and getting there seemingly right as Patton’s shift started. Tired still though he was, he found the monotony broken at last by a welcome smile to greet him every day of the week, and he was absolutely living for it.

Patton was ecstatic when Roman asked him on a date the following week, securing Saturday as the day they’d meet up at a different restaurant and hang out. He felt like he was floating, like finally something was sliding into place and everyday that it got close to the weekend just made him even more motivated to finish his shifts and homework so he could talk to the one who had so quickly captured his attention. The days flew by, and when Saturday finally came he rushed through his shift at the warehouse to go home and sleep, wanting to be well rested for his first date in years.

-----

Despite his excitement, Patton ended up oversleeping and rushing in vain around his apartment, throwing together a haphazard outfit consisting of a soft blue, non-work polo and light jeans. Sliding his feet into his usual tennis shoes and running quick fingers through his hair he could only hope that was enough as he ran out of his apartment and down the stairs to the street below. The restaurant wasn’t far thankfully and he was able to jog there in no time at all, hoping he didn’t look like too much of a sweaty mess to the other man who always looked impeccably out together. Spotting him at a table on the far side of the joint next to the windows Patton made his way over and sat down nervously.

“I’m so sorry I’m late! I overslept and I tried to hurry but-”

“Please, don’t worry about it.” Roman lain a hand on top of Patton's leaving him to fight to contain his blush. “I wasn’t waiting that long and besides, this place has a lovely view.”

Turning to look out the window, Patton had to agree. The restaurant had a wonderful view of the local park, families playing with their children or pets as the Saturday afternoon wore on. He watched the families almost wistfully, almost but not quite missing his own as he watched one play hide-and-seek while another helped their child across the monkey bars. He was so enraptured by the sight before him he didn’t notice Roman’s gaze turn calculating before his easy smile slid back into place, placing his chin in his hands as he joined Patton in people watching.

“Someday, when I leave this town, I’d like to be settled with a family like that.” Roman’s voice brought Patton out of his own thoughts, making him turn to his date with a smile. “Yeah?”

“Yeah, I’d like to have someone to take care of and love, and have them love me back. It sounds perfect doesn’t it?”

Patton flicked his eyes away for a second before smiling again. “It does. To be stable and settled down with kiddos, that’s the life I want.”

Seeming to sense his hesitation Roman cocked his head to the side. “Got a bad experience with families?”

“I-” Patton again was slightly put off by the stranger's forwardness and apparent skills of perception but he brushed it aside, finding it nice to be listened to. “My family and I didn’t get along very well I guess. We don’t talk at all now.”

Roman’s eyes flashed as he nodded. “I understand that. My family doesn’t talk to me much anymore either. It happens.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Patton looked away again as the waitress walked over with water and menus. Quietly thanking her Patton skimmed the list of items searching for something cheap. Settling on a club sandwich with a side of coleslaw he closed the menu just in time for the waitress to come back. Taking their orders she quickly left them alone once again, Patton trying desperately to hide a yawn behind his fist.

“Am I boring you already?” Roman said teasingly, and Patton’s face burned in embarrassment.

“It isn’t that I swear I-”

“It’s okay! Tired from work, I take it?”

Patton nodded gratefully and scratched his neck. “I work two jobs with school and I just- I’m a mess.”

Roman chuckled and shook his head. Hardly! That’s quite admirable of you actually, you work so hard for what you have.”

Patton smiled a bit at the table, blush dying down a bit as he breathed. “I guess so yeah.”

“Well I know so!” Patton flinched slightly as he raised his voice but Roman didn’t seem to notice as their food was placed in front of them and they dug in.

“We should really come here more often, this was exquisite!” Patton’s eyes shot up as he heard that. We? More often? Did that mean-

“You think entirely too loud for my liking my sunshine. Please forgive my forwardness, but would you like to do this again sometime?”

Patton beamed at the other man, twisting his fingers nervously under the table. “I’d love to, Roman.”

-----

The next couple months went by in a blur, having dates when they could manage them and extended phone calls when they couldn’t. Then a weekend finally came when they could go out again, deciding meeting at the same restaurant was fine since it was so good last time. Thankfully Patton wasn’t late again, sliding in a chair across from Roman and taking the menu in his hands.

“Hey Roman!’

“Hello my love, it’s good to see that smile again.” Face heating quickly Patton hid his face behind his menu and ignored Roman’s soft chuckles, deciding to order the same thing for simplicity's sake. Giving their orders and receiving their drinks left the two alone and Roman took the opportunity to lean forward with a serious expression, making Patton squirm nervously in his chair.

“Patton, I have something I want to ask you, and you can absolutely say no if you wish to.”

Pressing his lips together Patton nodded for him to continue.

“I know how hard you work, what with two jobs and school on top of that; you’ve told me you sometimes struggle to meet the rent. We’ve been dating for a couple months now and I was wondering, would you like to move in with me?”

Taken aback by the question Patton could do nothing but gape at the other man, silence stretching between them as he tried to comprehend what he was hearing.

“I understand the hesitancy but I feel like it makes more sense. I could pay most of the rent while you contribute the rest, we could trade off making dinner, it’s a bigger apartment I’m sure so you could get out of that run down building. Plus it's closer to your campus so you wouldn’t have to take the bus, and I could always drive you to work.”

“Roman- that’s incredibly generous of you but I can’t ask you to do that.” Declining drove a stake through his heart but Patton was determined to stay firm. He wasn't a charity case, and even if the answers to nearly all of his problems were sitting right in front of him he knew he had to refuse.

“Patton, you aren’t asking, I am.” Roman looked imploringly into his eyes. “You do so much, let me take care of you.”

Biting his lip, Patton looked back at Roman nervously. This was an incredible thing that had just landed right in his lap- he wanted to say yes so badly but what if they didn't work out? If they broke up Patton would be on the street, he didn’t know anyone besides Roman and his bosses and the latter he knew wouldn’t think twice about some poor college student living on the sidewalk. Plus he felt like the relationship was moving so fast, though he didn’t really have much to compare it to other than little high school flings so maybe he was just paranoid. But it was so difficult to keep up with the rent, and if he had the security of Roman- not quite the roommate he had imagined but definitely better, maybe everything was finally looking up.

Squeezing Roman’s hand he took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay. Only if you're sure and I’ll of course help out around the apartment in any way I can!”

“I don’t doubt it my love.” Their food was placed in front of them, as Roman nodded. “We can move you in today if you like. It wouldn’t be too much trouble.”

Smiling giddily Patton nodded. Yes, everything was certainly turning around for the better.

-----

As they left the restaurant with Roman leading him to his car so they could start packing up his apartment, Patton nearly froze on the spot but managed to keep walking like nothing had happened. He climbed somewhat nervously into the car he had been seeing outside of his apartment, outside of his restaurant and even sometimes outside of the rather remote warehouse where he worked. He shut the door to the dark blue Sudan carefully and buckled his seatbelt, pushing the buzzing in his ears aside as he settled in his seat and listened to Roman’s idle chatter.

Everything was looking up. It would be fine.

This work is also available on AO3!

Part 2 here

[coneygoil]

Walking Wounded, part 2

Caryl AU. The waitress at a diner Daryl decides to start frequenting catches his eye, but things are complicated. Now, Daryl is the only thing standing between her and her abusive husband.

Part 1 

“Ain’t much, but you and your little girl be safe here.”

The trailer Daryl shared with his brother was less than desirable. Merle wasn’t the cleanest person to live with, but when he was away on whatever bender to trash his life, Daryl would clean up what he could. There was no point in having a bunch of beer bottles for target practice in the living room and open cans of beans sitting out for the roaches to feast on. No one should live like that, not even a redneck.

“My brother ain’t here. He’s been gone a few days. Maybe gone longer than he usual is. You and Sophia can sleep in my room. Sorry I can’t change the sheets. Only got one and we ain’t gotta washer here.”

“It’s okay.” He watched Carol closely as she took in the surroundings. “Daryl, I really don’t want to put you out. Sophia can sleep on the couch and I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“Nah. I won’t have none-a that. You’re taking the bed. I’ll sleep on the couch. Don’t mind. Slept on the ground more times than I can remember. It don’t bother me.”

Sophia had fallen asleep during the drive over. The poor girl was probably exhausted from being awake late and witnessing all the horrors that children should be shielded from. It was a blessing the drive had lulled her to a peaceful slumber.

Carol was looking tired and the girl’s weight was putting a toll on her uninjured arm. “Why don’t you go put her down before your arm falls off.” He pointed down the short hallway. “Room at the end of the hallway. If there’s anything on the bed that shouldn’t be there, just knock it on the floor. I’ll get it later.”

Carol thanked him and made her way to the bedroom. Daryl did a quick sweep for anything that he deemed inappropriate for Carol and her daughter to be exposed to. Thankfully, with Merle being gone, he’d cleaned up somewhat and found nothing that really stood out in the living room/kitchen area that he was currently occupying. Merle’s bedroom was a whole other issue, but Daryl kept the door closed when his brother was away. Daryl had no desire to see that dirty mess either.

Carol returned a couple minutes later. Daryl didn’t know what to do with himself. He stood there in the living room like a fool and waited for her.

Another bruise was blooming on her cheek where her husband had slapped her. Daryl took one step towards her, not thinking as he raised his hand. Carol closed her eyes and shrank away immediately. He paused instantly. “I’m not gonna hurt’cha.” Daryl held his hands up to show he wasn’t a threat. The tension in Carol’s shoulders depleted a bit. Slower, he reached out to take her chin with his fingertips and turn her head so he could examine the damage. Daryl gritted his teeth, holding back a string of choice words for Carol’s husband. This kind and gentle woman that had befriended him two months ago didn’t deserve this.

Daryl visited the fridge and came back with a clean rag filled with ice cubes he’d cracked from a tray in the freezer. He offered Carol a seat on the couch while he took a seat in Merle’s recliner. She pressed the makeshift ice pack to her cheek.

“He’s going to be furious,” Carol commented after a couple moments of quiet.

“You’re safe here,” Daryl reassured her. “I ain’t gonna let him get you or your little girl.”

“Why?” The ice cubes creaked as Carol shifted the rag on her face. Her blue eyes pierced his. “Why do you care?”

Daryl thought it was hard enough witnessing an innocent woman be violently manhandled by the man who was supposed to love and protect her. This question and the tone in her voice ripped through his heart even more. Had anyone ever cared about this woman’s wellbeing?

Daryl leaned his elbows on his knees. He contemplated whether his ugly life experiences should be hung out for her to see, but he knew that what he had to share about himself for her to understand. “I know what it’s like growing up in a house like that. No kid or woman should have to live like that.”

Carol’s eyes softened in understanding. She looked down at her lap. “I have nowhere to go. No money. I can’t go back to my job.” She clinched her jaw trying desperately to hold back a sob. “I have nothing.”

“Look here,” Daryl said more firmly than he’d meant it to be. Carol snapped her eyes back up at him. He continued more softly, “We will figure it out. Until then, you and your little girl can stay here. You’re safe. You got a roof over your head. Food to eat. What you need, I’ll get.”

Tears escaped the rims of Carol’s eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”

Daryl avoided her gaze. He couldn’t handle the overwhelming need to wipe away her tears he had no right to touch. He nodded his chin toward his bedroom. “Get cleaned up and get some sleep.”

Carol sucked in a shaky breath. “Okay.” She began to make her way to the bedroom but paused and looked over her shoulder. She offered him a watery smile. “Thank you, Daryl.”

Daryl nodded his reply. Once she had closed herself up in his bedroom, Daryl let go of the breath he’d been holding. He plopped back into the recliner and rubbed his palms over his face, wondering what the hell he’d gotten himself into.

***

Carol didn’t know what to think. Everything had escalated at Fahrenheit speed and she hadn’t had a second to process it. Ed had been on the warpath that day. He’d had a rough day at work and his supper wasn’t prepared to his bidding, no matter how careful Carol was about fixing it. He’d taken his anger out on her before slamming the bedroom door and locking himself away. Carol feared for Sophia’s safety when Ed came home a loose cannon. She couldn’t leave Sophia there. Not without her mother to protect her. Carol packed up Sophia’s old, broken crayons and a half-used coloring book, along with her doll and brought the girl to work with her. Her manager was understanding, buying in the story of Ed having to work late and having no one to watch their daughter.

Carol hadn’t assumed Ed would care or even notice Sophia wasn’t there. He would probably be happy that he wasn’t saddled with his own flesh and blood for the evening. Carol was wrong. Very wrong.

Ed would have taken Sophia. He would have snatched her right out of the booth. Sophia would have cried and begged for Carol to save her. It all played out in her head. But, that wasn’t the reality that happened—

Daryl had began frequenting the diner a week after Carol was hired. She had regular customers. She was friendly toward them as she was to everyone who stopped by for a bite to eat and sip on coffee. Daryl wasn’t just another customer. He’d caught her interest the second time he’d come in. He was quieter when he ate with his brother, but alone, he would chat with her as if they’d known each other for years. He treated her kindly. Carol didn’t know how Daryl felt, but she was beginning to consider him a friend instead of just another customer.

She liked the idea of having a friend. Ed had practically alienated her from people ever since their first two years of marriage. Carol didn’t think much of it at first. It’d happened gradually. When she finally realized what he was doing, it was too late. Everyone in her life had been cut away by his cruel knife of control.

Daryl swooped in out of nowhere. He’d laid Ed out flat on his back. He’d gather her and Sophia up, and whisked them away to a refuge. Maybe, just maybe, he did consider her a friend as well. She needed a friend.

Carol stared at her face in the rectangle mirror of Daryl’s bathroom. Bruises and busted lips weren’t anything new from her reflection. She splashed water on her face and dried it carefully with a folded towel from a stack on the little wire shelf above the toilet. She had no other clothes besides her uniform. She had no other choice but to sleep in it.

She laid down next to Sophia, minding her injured arm. She watched her daughter sleep until her own eyes became heavy.

[boleyn-falcon]

Unlikely Shepard

So here it is! i finally finished the one-shot for @moan-jeutas with the prompt “you’re bleeding” with reluctant caretaker Jane and Joan!

synopsis - Joan is sick and the Ladies in waiting call in a very reluctant Jane Seymour to handle it while they are doing the show for things to just take a bad turn. 

Trigger warnings - Vomiting, illness, blood/pus, open wound, skin picking/scratching - tell me if i need to add anymore!

words - 3012

 Joan had been insisting that she was fine for about a week, that was clearly a lie. For the past few days she's been running fevers,aching, having headaches, all of those kinds of things but still came to work as if she was right as rain. She was about as “right” as a category five hurricane on a small island. Joan thought if she didn't show up to work they would fire her and everyone would hate her, so she had never missed a day of work. She woke up around 7 as normal, but right as she began to get out of bed a searing pain shot through her abdomen. She was taken aback by this, literally and metaphorically and fell back onto her bed. ‘Shit that's not good’, the pianist thought, she tried to stand once more but all she managed to do was fall face first onto her carpet. All that came out of her was a low grunt and pained “Ow-damnit”. She laid there for a solid five minutes to see if the pain would subdue but it just got worse and worse.

She eventually, but very slowly, made it to the kitchen to see Maria making her morning coffee. She stumbled past her and to the cabinet to grab some ibuprofen but was stopped by the drummer in her tracks. “Are you okay Palomita? You don’t look well, should we call in the-”, Maria was stopped mid sentence by the blonde. “No no! Heh don’t worry, im fine, yep completely okay to work”, right as she finished her sentence another wave of sharp pains hit her like a truck, causing her knees to give out. She hit the tile with a small whisper-like attempt at a shriek that just came out as a pained squeal and wrapped her arms around her torso. Maria was quick to grab her bridal style and get her to the couch with the pain killers and a glass of water.

Right as Joan is settled onto the coach Bessie and Maggie finally decide to come down stairs. “Shit is Joey okay?”, Maggie said worriedly as she picked up her pace and found her way to her friend’s side on the couch. “No, i'll call in and say that me and her need to stay home today”, Maira stopped as she heard a groan to her side, “No i promise i'm fine just-”, “No Joan, your staying whether you like it or not”, Bessie said firmly. Bessie turned and walked into the kitchen as she began to call someone. “Hey Seymour you know how you have a lot of free days saved up?... Yea so do you mind coming over for a  day and watching Joan?.. Okay thanks, she was just ill and all, yea text me when you're on your way over”. The rest of the ladies looked to the black haired bassist with confusion, waiting for her to explain. “Jane is going to stop by for the day to take care of Joan while we are at the show”, Bessie said nonchalantly. “Wait”, the drummer started. “ how’d you convince her to do that so easily?”, “Well she owed me one so yea she was hesitant but she didn't really argue it” .

You would think the timid blonde would love the idea of Jane coming over to take care of her right? Well sort of, Joan loved to idea of spending time with Jane, but she doesnt wanna be clingly or say somthing stupid to make Jane hate her. The anxiety bubbling in her stomach only got worse a few minutes later as she heard knocking at the door, she knew exactly who it was. All Joan could really do is curl up in a ball with her blanket over her head like a child hiding from a monster under her bed. She thought if she just imagined Jane wasn't even there it would make things better, she was wrong.

Maggie got up from her friend’s side to answer the door, she only hoped the Queen could help. She opened the door to see the Blonde queen with a duffle bag and an unreadable expression. “Heh heeey Jane, come on in..”, the burnette opened the door more to let her in. Jane immediately went over to the bassist who was sitting on the floor next to the couch. “So what symptoms does she have? Anything like fever or vomiting?”,Bessie got to her feet to get eye to eye with the taller women, “All we really know is that she’s in pain and as pale as an egg shell”, a small groan came from the mound covered in blankets on the couch from being compared to an egg. Jane just tilted her head and gave a confused look to the raven-haired woman. “ Wait wait, so you called me over to skip a day of work to take care of some cramps and her complection?”, Jane asked with an unamused tone,looking over to the pile of pianist on the small couch. Bessie gave a disgruntled look to the queen, “well she’s obviously in pain and needs to be looked after so nothing bad happens and you have the most vacation days… and remember the streetlight Seymour”. Jane gave a defeated look as she set her stuff down on the floor near the coffee table. Maira and Maggie just gave confused glances but decided not to question what ‘the streetlight’ was.

The next few minutes was just the Ladies in Waiting, minus Joan of course, getting ready for the day and Jane setting up the living room for the day. Maggie slyly shuffled into Bessie’s dimly lit room and gave out a small ‘ahem’ noise to signal her presence in the room. The shorter girl turned around and shot her friend a small smile, “Hey Mags what's up? Need a hair tie or something?”. Maggie gave a worried look to her bandmate, “Do you think Joey will be okay? I know Jane will be here and all but I'm still a bit worried..”, the bassist walked forward to put a reassuring hand on the guitarist’s shoulder, “Don’t worry yourself Mag, she’ll be okay, trust me okay?”, Maggie gave a slight nod and a small smile as she left the room to continue changing.

Maria was having her own little bit of worry. She finished her hair and clothes as soon as she could so she could check on her little dove. She knew how Jane and Joan’s relationship was, Jane was cold towards the clingy girl most of the time but she knew there was some part of the queen there that loved the girl dearly, she just had to let it out. The drummer also hoped Joan wouldn’t get too anxious and make herself even sicker and make things worse. She saw it before on Cathrine’s deathbed, the more worried she got, the more her sickness consumed her. She just didn’t want a repeat of what happened all those centuries ago. She quickly walked down the stairs to find Joan still in her small blanket caccoon and Jane in thier pantery. Maria walked over to the pantry where Jane seemed to be searching for something. The curly haired woman reached over and shut the door to the pantry and guided the queen over to the fridie and pulled out a container of soup. The taller woman gave a confused look as she was handed what she was looking for, “It’s broccoli and cheddar, her favorite” Maria then  grabbed a lone spoon from the counter and handed it over. “Huh funny, it’s Anne’s favorite too”, Maria cut her off slightly, “Maggie’s too, I guess Anne and her ladies all had a similar taste in soups”. Jane poured the container as the gears in her head started to turn, ‘oh yea Joan was one of Anne’s maids of honor’, she finished warming up the soup and walked into the living room to find the rest of the band waiting. “So”, the Bassist started, “We are off but make sure to take good care of her Seymour, if not you know what will happen”, both women gave a knowing look, still leaving the other two muscians confused as ever.

Maggie bent down to the bundle of blankets and gave it a nudge. A mess of blonde hair popped up from the blankets with a grumpy look that quickly changed as she saw who had disturbed her. “How you feelin’ Joey? Any better?”, Joan only gave a small huff and a sad look back at her friend. Maggie then revealed what she had in her hand to her sick comrade, a teal hoodie with a black guitar on the front. She handed it out towards the sickly girl who quickly grabbed it. “We’ll be back soon, little Roo”, Maggie gave a smile as Joan held the hoodie close with a barely audible ‘thank you’.

The band finally left with a choir of ‘Love you’’s and ‘get better’’s. Jane finally got a chance to sit down and assess the situation. She sat the hot soup bowl down with a napkin and a spoon on the coffee table in front of Joan, ready to get to work. “Okay Joan, how are you feeling? Can you let me feel your temperature so I can see if I need to give you anything for a fever or not?”, Joan anxiously sat up from her blanket cocoon to finally address Jane. She bit her lip shyly as she decided to actually speak to her queen. “W-well I've been having waves of really bad pain in my stomach a-and I’m kinda nauseous, oh yea-yea you can check my temperature”, the pianist gave a worried glance to the older woman as she leaned forward and touched her lips to her forehead. Jane’s head shot back in surprise, “Joan you're practically on fire! You gotta take all of those blankets off, and go change out of those fuzzy pajamas and into a tank top and shorts”. The pale girl got up carefully and slowly made her way up the stairs to her room so she could change.

‘Jeez’ Jane thought, ‘It can't be that bad, I mean colds happen all the time she could have probably handled this herself, yea she completely could’. Jane places all of her cold medicines on the coffee table and walks into the kitchen to find an ice pack to put on the younger girl’s head till her fever let up. Right as she reaches the freezer she hears a large ‘thunk’ come from up stairs. Jane first thought nothing of it till she got back to the living room with a mickey mouse ice pack in hand, realizing Joan has been changing for 8 minutes now. She put the ice pack down and walked up the stairs to Pianist’s room to find the girl sprawled out on the carpet. She had only some navy athletic shorts on and a sports bra with a white tank top a few feet away from her body. As Jane bent down to get the girl up she noticed she had begun shivering like it was below freezing. She quickly scooped the girl up in her arms and speedily got her to the couch to lay her down. Her eyes were half open but also seemed pained. The now concerned caregiver put the small ice pack on the girl’s burning forehead and nodged the girl’s shoulder. “Joan..? can you talk to me at all?”, the sickly girl only gave a small whimper as she closed her eyes and dozed off. The motherly queen was originally very reluctant to help the clingy young girl, but her worsening state made her a lot more concerned for the poor girl’s health. She was slightly glad Joan could get some rest for that would surely help.. Right?

About 3 hours passed and the pale MD was still passed out. Jane had eventually put the soup back in the fridge and started reading a book on her phone, waiting for the girl to wake. The queen finally took a break from her novel and started to give the sick girl a good look to find anymore concerning symptoms she may have when she spotted something odd. She got closer to get a better look to only find a gnarly scab right above the girl’s hip. The area around it was raw and red, with even a hint of green and white showing infection. A lightbulb finally went off in her head, ‘This isn't a normal cold, it's an infection caused by this wound, but how did it happen?’. The older woman was put out of her train out thought by Joan stirring in her sleep. The stirr soon turned into thrashing as her legs started to kick and silent tears streamed down her face. Jane quickly jumped into action, she took the sick musician by the shoulders and shook her. “Wake up Joan! C’mon wake up!”, Joan’s eyes shot open and she started to trash even more to break out of the blonde’s grip. Her hands found their way to her damaged hip and began to scratch relentlessly.

Jane quickly grabbed the girl’s wrists and pinned them above her head, but it was too late. “You’re… bleeding”, the wound on Joan’s hip had been reopened by the scratching and started to bleed and ooze pus. The MD began to sob uncontrollably and hyperventilate. The blonde queen finally let go of Joan’s wrist to grab some antiseptic and large plasters. Before Jane could stop her, Joan got up and attemped to get to the bathroom but collapsed half way there and threw up onto the wooden floor. Jane was extremely overwhelmed, she set the medical supplies down and walked over to joan and tried to sit her upright so she wasn't lying next to her own bile on the floor. She grabbed the napkin in her pocket and cleaned Joan’s mouth, she carried the ill girl over to the toilet in case she needed to get more out. The older blonde quickly walked back to grab the medical supplies so she could clean up the infected wound as soon as she could.

The choked sobs of the pale girl continued until she felt arms wrap around her. “It's okay Little Lamb, you’ll be okay just calm down for me”, Jane’s soft voice made Joan’s sobs slowly diminish and just turned into a silent cry. The pair sat there for a solid ten minutes, all Jane did was whisper comforting words and keep her hold on Joan, making sure she had time to calm down.

The queen carried the MD back to her spot on the couch and handed her Maggie’s jacket to hold while she cleaned up the bile from the floor. When she returned she had a bottle of antiseptic and a towel in her hands. Joan gave a confused and worried look to her caregiver. “Okay Joan can you turn on your side for me sweetheart?”, the pianist hesitantly obliged, Jane put the towel on the couch and Joan’s lower back area and sighed. “This is going to hurt a bit Little Lamb.. I promise it’ll be over soon but i have to do this ..”, the concerned woman poured the antiseptic on the infected gash and Joan let out a heart wrenching shriek that shook the house. The wounded girl squirmed and held tightly onto the teal hoodie in her arms as she tried not move even more than she already was. Jane continued to clean the bloody and pus covered wound to the best of her ability and finished it off with a large plaster.

After a few minutes Jane sat next to the ill girl and put a comforting arm around her,“I know that you probably don’t wanna talk about it but i'll ask anyway, but why Joan? What caused you to do this to yourself?”. Joan shuffled uncomfortably but she figured she might as well tell the queen the truth, she did just clean up her throw up after all, she deserved the truth. “I...I just get so sacred and so anxious, it just happens I guess, it's an outlet of sorts”, Jane gave a concerned glance, “But why are you so scared and anxious? Is something going on Little Lamb?”. The pianist paused but decided to spill her guts, “Everyone hates me i just know it, I’m too helpless and too clingy… and if i can’t do my job right people are gonna hate me even more then they will fire me and then i'll be useless…”. Jane stared silently at the girl next to her for a moment and thought, ‘Had Joan really been suffering this much? Was her coldness making this all worse? This needs to change and it needs to change now’.  Jane wrapped Joan in a bear hug as the sick blonde began to silently cry again.

“Joan”, Jane started slowly, “You need to listen, no one hates you, I promise, not any of the queens and especially not your girls. We all love you very much Joan, we care about you so very much, we will always be here for you”, she finished with a soft smile. She held Joan tight and kissed her temple as the ill girl began to calm down. “So how about we watch some movies? Will that help at all Little Lamb?”, Joan nodded and looked up at the queen, “Can we watch Aritocats..?”, Jane nodded and turned on the Tv and put on the movie. They laid back comfortably and started to watch. Joan moved to lay on Jane’s chest and that's how she stayed till her bandmates came home to find her sleeping while Jane continued her book.

“Good job Seymour, thank you”, Bessie whispered as she moved the tired blonde from Jane to her room. The Taller women gave a small smile as she left, thankful that she helped the ill girl when she needed it most.

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

wow okay I stayed up till 5AM to finish this while also drugged up on adderall and I think it actually turned out kinda good, i mean i still suck at writing but hey what can’ya do? and its my first angsty kinda fic so it prolly sucks more lol

[katlivesinthewoods]

Short Sticks

An Andy Kang future-fic

Word Count: 1677

---

Two years. Andy had lost an entire two years of his life because of his stupid leg. First it was all the healing – he was practically bedridden for the year after he… after he lost Devon. And then he had to retake his senior year when all his friends got to move on to college. His leg was healed now, but he was still pretty pissed about it. He still had a bit of a limp, but it was manageable. And he could finally play a full game of basketball without collapsing - he'd even gotten into Hartfeld University on a basketball scholarship! But he somehow always managed to pull the short stick in life.

Like now, for instance. There he was, waiting under the awning of a flower shop on a brisk fall morning, cowering from the rain. His third paper of the term was in his backpack, and this was the only way to keep it safe from the rain. Three times now the bus to Hartfeld had passed by with “not in service" rotating across the header, and he was getting angrier – and wetter- by the minute.

And then the door behind him opened and hit his head. Another short stick. A string of curses flew from his mouth as the person who opened the door began apologizing profusely.

“Holy crap, I'm so, so sorry! Here, let me look at that,” said a low, frantic voice. Before he could register what was going on, a hand gripped Andy's wrist and he was tugged into the flower shop.

“It's fine, it's fine,” he muttered, reveling in the newfound warmth of the flower shop. He was pushed gently down onto a chair while his sort-of attacker hurried into the back, speaking in hurried mutters.

Andy took a second to take in his surroundings. Various fall-themed bouquets were set up on the counter and display cases, as well as numerous bushels of other various flowers. It was a quaint little shop, but Andy could tell from the countless spray bottles and minimal dead leaves that whoever owned this shop loved the hell out of it.

“Here,” said the same voice as before, and Andy finally got a good look at who was insistent on helping him.

‘Oh, no, he’s hot,’ was the first thing that popped into Andy's mind, and he had to stop himself from trying to fix his probably-disheveled hair. His skin was tanned – more tanned than it would be after a day at the beach, but not so tan that it looked unhealthy. His hair was straight and dark brown and shaved on the sides, the rest of it flopping down to his left. And it was clear he worked out. Very, VERY clear.

“I can't believe we still have this thing,” the man said, letting out a soft chuckle as he motioned to the First Aid kit in his hand. “I thought we'd gotten rid of it months ago.” Andy said nothing in response as the man opened the kit and pulled out an ice pack. “There's a reason we keep it in the freezer,” he joked, and Andy couldn't help but laugh a little as he took the pack. The bump on his head, just beginning to throb after the adrenaline wore off, was met with instant relief as he pressed the ice pack to it.

“Thanks.” Andy finally spoke, offering a small smile to the man. There was a small section of dark brown hair in his face and Andy wanted to brush it out of the way of his eyes – a soft shade of honey-brown that might swallow you whole if you looked for too long. Andy had looked for too long.

“Of course, it's the least I could do,” came his response, and Andy was nearly startled. He grew a little antsy as the man's gaze fell over his clothes, still damp from the rain, and got up again. This time he went upstairs – so this was one of those shops with an adjoining apartment. He came back down within a couple minutes, a thick coat and woolly scarf draped over his arm.

“Take these,” he offered. “You're gonna freeze out there. Autumn is a temperamental-ass season.” Andy shook his head.

“I couldn't, don't you need them?” he asked. After all, he was dressed in only a flannel, a thick vest, jeans, and sneakers. Barely any different than the sweater, jeans, and running shoes Andy was wearing himself.

“Nonsense, I was gonna donate these to goodwill, anyway. Plus I was just gonna drive to school. Seriously, take them.”

Andy debates it a little longer before taking the coat and scarf from the man. They were a little worn, but still provided some much-needed warmth on this chilly autumn day.

“Thanks again. I'm heading to Hartfeld U, myself…” he said, his voice trailing off as he looked out the window to see his bus pulling away from its stop. He swore under his breath, making the man laugh.

“What are the odds?” came his rhetorical response. “I'll drive you there, if you pay me back.”

Andy's eyes widened a little. If he didn't take this offer, who knew how long he'd have to wait for the next bus?

“What did you have in mind?”

“Buy me a coffee once we get there?”

The request was surprisingly small. He'd be out of the rain, he'd get to class on time, and it'd only cost him a couple dollars. The choice was simple.

A moment later Andy found himself sitting in the passenger seat of a stranger's car.

In the short time it took for them to arrive at Hartfeld, the rain settled to a drizzle, and Andy was miffed. Of course, as soon as he'd gotten a ride the rain would calm down. Typical. Andy crossed his arms and let out a huffy sigh, prompting his companion to look at him with concern.

“Everything alright?” he asked. Andy shrugged.

“I guess, yeah. The weather just sucks.” Over the past two years, Andy had learned the value of appreciating the small things. At least he wasn’t being attacked by a swarm of spiders… or a shadow monster… or anxiety…

He barely noticed when the car came to a stop in the parking lot of Hartfeld U. The two students left the car and made their way into the university, handing straight to the café. Andy walked up to the counter and placed his order, then waited for his companion to do the same before paying the cashier – and paying back his debt. It took only a couple minutes for their orders to be called:

“A medium PSL and a large black?” he barista called. Andy took the pumpkin spice latte and sat down at a nearby table, expecting the other guy to grab his coffee, bud him a quick goodbye, and leave. He was surprised when he pulled back the chair opposite of Andy and sat down, too.

“So forgive me for sounding critical, but you don't look like the kind of guy who likes pumpkin spice lattes,” he said. Andy sadly smiled a little as his mind began to wander.

“My ex loved them,” he said, trying not to think too long about Devon. This time of year always brought back the most memories…

“Oh? You seem pretty fond of them. Did it not end badly?”

Andy nearly laughed, his mood growing bitter. It didn't end just badly. It ended in the worst possible way. The tears were harder to hold back now. ‘C'mon, don't cry, Andy, you can't fucking cry, not today-‘

“He's dead now.” His words were short and firm and tasted awful on his tongue. The man across the table from him looked sad and conflicted, and Andy watched through teary eyes as he stretched dour a hand and rested it on top of his. It was a kind, comforting gesture, and Andy couldn't help but feel a little better.

“I’m so sorry,” was all the man said, his voice a soft whisper. “I can't imagine how hard that much have been. If Eric had… man…”

Andy shrugged. “There's nothing I can do about it,” came his dismal response, and he pulled back his other hand to wipe away his tears. Then, becoming all too aware of the hand on top of his, he bolted up and grabbed his latte. “I have to get to class, thanks for the ride-"

He’d never learned this guy's name. It seemed the same realization was made by the man in question.

“Holy crap! I'm sorry!” he exclaimed with an awkward laugh. “I’m Spencer Hollingsworth.” He extended a hand for Andy to shake. With a small smile on his face, Andy did.

“Andy Kang.”

Spencer smiled brightly. “Nice to meet you! Would you, uh… would you mind if I walked you to class?”

Andy let a hint of a smile meet his lips as well. “I mean, I guess it wouldn't hurt.”

The two then set off to English 101, coffees in hand and smiles on their faces. As they walked side-by-side, Andy noticed Spencer's hand brush against his. It sent a small burst of electricity spike through his fingers at the touch, and he felt guilty for wanting to take Spencer's hand. He did it, though, and noticed as Spencer's smile widened – just a little. Something bubbled up inside Andy's chest. Maybe this year he could finally move on. It had been long enough now. His life had been full of short sticks – maybe for once he'd drawn the long one.

As they passed by a window, Andy looked out at the rising sun. The rain had stopped, and damp autumn leaves were dancing through the wind, bright and free. Andy wondered when he'd ever feel like that again, but as Spencer's fingers laced through his, he knew it could be some time soon. That small bit of guilt rose up again when Andy gently squeezed Spencer's hand, but one thought put it to rest.

It's what Devon would have wanted.

[stanbillyhargrove]

Ghosts chp 13

Billy x Katrina

A/N: this is a multi chapter series that will contain smut, angst, fluff, substance abuse

This is a sweet fluffy Steve chapter, boy deserves it 💜💜 also we get little hints of what's to come next week 😈

Steve's POV

"Oh, hey! Do you guys mind if we pop in here for a minute?" I asked, pointing at a little apothecary.

Katrina glanced around, noticing a coffee shop across the street, "yeah, sure, we'll go get some coffee."

They took off across the street as I ducked into the little shop. Plants filled the deep windowsills, except for a little spot cleared for a plush, purple pillow. All around the shop were white shelves filled with all sorts of soaps, lotions and little bags filled with flowers and herbs. I could have spent all day just soaking in all the different smells.

I was holding a bag to my nose, inhaling deeply when I heard a voice.

"Love charm, smells good, doesn't it?"

I whirled around to see a girl who had just come out of the back of the store. Long brown hair hung in waves down her bare shoulders when she leaned on the counter.

She stared at me, waiting, "hello?"

"Oh, I, ah..yes, smells...pretty."

She smiled, "you trying to attract someone?"

"What?"

"The charm. You looking for something to attract love?"

"N-no," I stammered, putting the bag back on the shelf, "I just...like all the smells."

"Follow me," she said, leading me to a different shelf.

She pulled out a bar of soap and handed it to me, "smell this. I just got the recipe right."

I held it up to my nose, inhaling deeply. A warm scent filled my nose, deep woodsy musk and sharp spices. I hummed, my eyes closing.

"Good, huh?" She giggled, "it's one of my new favorites."

"This smells amazing, you made this?"

"Yeah, I run this place with a couple friends. I make most of the soaps and charms."

"Wow, that's...amazing. What is this one?"

"Cedar, clove and cinnamon for prosperity, protection and love."

I looked up at her, "but...I'm not.."

She smirked, "who doesn't need a little love in their life? And even if you don't need it, it still smells great, right?"

"Yeah," I murmured, "it does...my name's Steve, by the way."

"Riley," she answered, extending a hand to me.

Her hand was so small and delicate in mine, soft like rose petals. Our hands lingered for a moment, neither wanting to let go.

"Hey, uh...are you, would you like to get coffee or something later?"

Her cheeks flushed a light pink, "yeah, yeah I would."

--

"Steve?"

I hummed, glancing up from Riley's cup, away from the stick that seemed to spin around the cup for too long on its own.

"I said, what brings you to Salem?"

"Oh, my friend Katrina. She's looking for someone to help her."

"With?"

"Ghosts."

"Oh? Is she haunted or is she a medium?"

"A medium, I guess? She sees them, talks to them. She's trying to find someone to help her control it."

She was quiet for a moment, thinking to herself, "I might be able to help, I'll have to ask."

"That would be great, she'd really appreciate it."

--

"Oh! A Scream marathon!"

I looked over at Riley, who was smiling from ear to ear, "you're a horror fan?"

"They're my favorite!" She wiggled her eyebrows at me, "are you a scaredy cat, Steve?"

I could feel my cheeks heat up when she giggled, "don't worry, Riley's here to protect you."

--

We'd been here for a little over a week now and I'd spent every moment possible with Riley. Slowly getting closer and closer until.

"Steve," she murmured.

I pulled away from her, just a little and opened my eyes.

"I think we should talk."

My heart sunk to my knees when she leaned away from me, "oh, okay."

I was preparing myself for the heartbreak of 'I think you're a nice guy but...I just don't like you like that.'

But what I wasn't expecting was, "I really like you...but I don't know if I want anything physical. I, we...I just don't know if I want to be in a long distance relationship y'know?"

I let out a relieved sigh, "I thought you were about to tell me I had misunderstood, that you didn't like me. We don't have to start anything if you don't want to, I can deal with us just being friends if that's what you want."

She smiled and leaned into my shoulder, "thanks, Steve."

--

"Dude, you gotta fight for her! Prove you're worth the distance!"

I rolled my eyes, "Billy, I can't force her into a relationship."

He grabbed my shoulders, "we leave in two hours, Steve. You make it sound like she's the love of your life and you're willing to just give up on that?"

I shrugged, "if that's what she wants."

"Screw that. What do you want?"

I knocked his arms away, "it doesn't matter."

"It does matter, what do you want?"

I felt my eyes starting to sting and looked away from him, clenching my jaw.

"Steve!" He yelled, "what do you want?"

I glanced back at him, my eyes watering, "I want her to choose me...I want to try."

His expression softened and he smiled at me. Smug bastard.

"Then go tell her. Tell her that's what you want, that you're willing to go the distance. That you care about her."

But, I didn't. Couldn't muster up the courage to lay myself bare before her.

--

We were just finishing packing up the Camaro, shuffling around our bags in the truck to make them fit. Katrina and Billy moved out of the way so I could close the trunk and there, standing in the door of the house staring at me, was Riley. I gave her a tight smile and moved around the car but was stopped by her yelling.

"Wait! Steve, wait!"

I looked up just in time to see her running at me, dark hair streaming behind her before she jumped into my arms. I wrapped my arms around her waist and felt her legs tighten on my hips, holding herself up. Her hands were warm on the side of my face, her lips soft against mine. She broke away after a moment, moving just far enough to tip our foreheads together.

"I couldn't just let you leave," she murmured, "if you still want to try, I do too."

"Yeah," I murmured, a slow smile stretching across my face, "yes. I want to give us a shot."

I could see Billy's smug grin from the other side of the car. He must have said something to her, the bastard.

-- March

"Hey, it's okay, Riley. I understand. We'll see each other next weekend though?"

"Of course," she replied, voice soft and sleepy, "we'll have a movie marathon?"

"Anything you want, I'll load up on snacks just for you."

She hummed, "ice cream too?"

I smirked, laughing softly, "super fudge chunk?"

"You listen so well."

I smiled, "night, Riley."

"Night, Steve."

I hung up and walked out into Billy's living room, still smiling. He was sitting on the couch, fiddling with the Xbox controller in his hands.

"Took you long enough," he teased, "thought this was boy's night."

"Sorry, Riley was just letting me know she can't come this weekend. Family stuff."

"Well, you can hang with Katrina and I. She's been a little spacey so we're just staying in."

I flopped down beside him, "she okay? Do you think it's cause of what happened?"

He shrugged, "she says she's fine, thinks it's just stress."

--

I could barely contain myself as the minutes ticked down to when Riley was supposed to be here. I had taken forever to set everything up. Snacks covered my kitchen counter, dinner was waiting on the stove, ice cream was in the freezer. I'd even built a blanket fort in my living room, though I was starting to second guess that decision. Whenever I'd done things like this for Nancy, she always said it was too much. Too childish.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by a knock at the door. There was no backing out now.

I swung the door open to see Riley, a duffel bag over one shoulder and a big smile on her face.

She dropped her bag inside the door to wrap her arms around my neck and give me a soft kiss before murmuring, "it smells amazing in here."

I stepped backwards, leading her into my apartment and closed the door behind her, "I made breakfast."

She hummed, "breakfast for dinner? I love it."

She broke away from me and stopped, staring at the living room, "oh my god."

"It's too much isn't it? I'm sorry, I can take it down."

She shook her head and turned to smile at me, "no, it's perfect."

I kissed her again before going to the kitchen to start dishing up our food.

Riley padded up behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist, "so, what did you make us?"

"French toast, I used Katrina's recipe, Billy swears it's the best thing he's ever had, scrambled eggs and sausages. I hope that's okay. I have snacks and ice cream too."

"Steve," she soothed, running her hands up and down my chest, "everything is perfect. Relax."

I let my shoulders drop, let out a long breath and held a plate out to the side for her, "what movies did you bring?"

She let go of me to grab the plate, "I figured I'd start you out with a funny movie so I brought 21 Jump Street to watch first. Then I have Texas Chainsaw Massacre."

I smirked, "isn't that a little backwards? Don't you leave the funny movie for after the horror?"

She shook her head, "if I did that, you wouldn't need me to comfort you."

-- April

"Thanks for coming to get me," Katrina murmured, wincing when the seat belt of my car put pressure on her bandages.

"Yeah, no problem."

We were quiet as I started to drive towards Katrina and Billy's apartment building. We were about halfway there when I cleared my throat.

"Why didn't you call Billy?"

"I didn't want to give him another reason to worry about me."

"He's worried anyway, he called me saying you were hurt and disappeared. Maybe I should call Riley, get her to talk to Audrey.."

"No!" She turned to me, "no, don't do that. I'm fine, I promise. It's just stress or anxiety or something."

I glanced over at her and huffed, "okay.."

-- May

"Bye, Audrey! Bye, Brooke!" I called from the the front door of their house.

I could hear them call back as I backed away from the door, Riley trailing behind me. She followed me to my car and leaned into my chest after I'd thrown my bag in the backseat.

I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head, "it's just a few weeks, it'll go by fast, you'll see."

She sighed, "I know, it just sucks."

I ran my hand up and down her back, "I know, but Billy said Katrina needs to get away from the city for a bit and we planned for the three of us to go."

She looked up at me, "call me though?"

"Of course. I'll call you so much you'll be sick of me."

She smiled, "love you, Steve."

I leaned down to kiss her gently, "love you, Riley."

I made a mental note as I drove away to get something delivered to her house every weekend we were apart, just to make her smile.

@charmed-asylum @champagnesugamama @alias-b

[eddiesasspbrak]

When I’m With You Ch. 12

Eddie can’t stand the barista at his favorite coffee shop. Richie has fallen in love with the man he sees twice a week. Stan is dating someone but won’t let his friends meet them. Ben is in love with Beverly, but is so afraid of scaring her away he’s not moving forward. Chaotic friends navigating college together.

Ch. 1

Ch. 13

Read on AO3

2k+ words

Eddie and Richie spent their Sunday together on Eddie’s couch, watching movies and talking. When dinner came around, Richie cooked for them and for the first time, Eddie allowed food on his couch. He couldn’t easily sit on the floor with his sprain and figured he’d let Richie sit with him on the couch. Realistically, he just didn’t want him to leave his side. He had been on edge since the day before. Every time his phone chimed, he’d tense, sure it was his mother having found out about the hospital visit. Richie did his best to keep him calm and relaxed, keeping in near constant contact with him. Eddie appreciated it more than he could know.

Monday came quickly and Eddie was left alone for the day as Richie had to work in the morning and had an afternoon class. He’d promised to make dinner for them again that evening, but there was plenty of time to kill before then. Moving around on the crutches was annoying and with no one else there, he was constantly afraid he’d slip and fall and have no one to help him up. Even though he knew that one text to any of his friends would save him in no time at all. He hadn’t actually told any of them about his sprain yet and wasn’t sure if Richie had. He imagined that if he had, he would have gotten messages from all of them.

As he sat on his couch, foot elevated on a stack of pillows, textbook laying open on his chest, he wondered what he would do that following day. Richie worked early on Tuesdays and wouldn’t be able to help him at all. He’d have to take an uber to campus, the idea of walking the still icy streets on crutches was not even an option. He’d probably have to pass his trip to the coffee shop after his early class and instead settle for the chain in the union again. The worst part of it all was not being able to bathe. He didn’t have a bathtub and didn’t think he should risk showering, especially since he’d have to remove the brace to do so. He wondered if he should get one of those shower chairs but wasn’t sure how he’d get out to buy one and then transport it home.

Feeling hopeless by himself and injured, he pulled out his phone and sent a group text to Ben and Stan.

Eddie: Hey, are you guys busy today?

Ben: I’m going to a movie with Bev tonight but I’m free until then. What’s up?

Eddie: I was wondering if you could come over and help me. Stan?

Stan: I’ve got class for another forty minutes. After that I can head over.

Ben: Already on my way.

Eddie: Thanks. Love you guys

Stan: Oh boy, he’s getting sappy

Eddie: Fuck you

Stan: There he is

Eddie hobbled over to the door and unlocked it, letting Ben know he could just let himself in when he arrived. He went back to trying to focus on his reading for class until Ben came through the door a while later. He greeted Eddie, kicking off his shoes and hanging his coat by the door before finally taking in the image of his friend on his couch. His expression immediately melted from a cheery one, to one of concern.

“Shit…Eddie…what happened?” He asked, crossing the room and sitting on the other end of the couch.

“I slipped on some ice on Saturday. It’s sprained.” Eddie struggled to sit up a bit more against the pillows.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have come over!”

“Richie was here. He was actually with me when it happened. Pretty much ruined our date with a trip to the hospital.”

“You went to the hospital? Like, voluntarily?”

“Didn’t have much of a choice. I had to make sure it wasn’t broken.”

“Are you ok?”

“I had a panic attack at the hospital but I’m ok…mostly. I haven’t heard from her yet so that’s probably a good thing, right?”

Stan and Ben knew precisely how his mother was with him. They both remembered in tenth grade when Eddie had snipped his finger with scissors in class. It wasn’t bad. Barely bled. But when he went to the nurse’s office for a bandage, they insisted that they had to contact his mother. She showed up in their classroom minutes later and dragged him out while screaming about how unsafe the school was and how she’d sue if it got infected. She’d taken him to the hospital, where the doctor insisted he didn’t need stitches. She argued with them for nearly an hour before they finally agreed to glue it closed with liquid skin and sent them home. It was barely worse than a paper cut, but she wouldn’t hear it. She kept him home from school the next day and Eddie was teased for weeks by classmates after the scene she’d made.

“Call me if she finds out. I’ll be here, ok?” Ben said, reaching out and putting his hand on Eddie’s knee.

“Yea.” Eddie smiled at him, but it was forced. He knew that Richie had been right when he’d said that none of them would let her take him away, but he was scared. He’d never been able to properly stand up to her and he wasn’t sure he’d have the courage to say no.

Eddie chose to wait until Stan arrived to tell them exactly what he needed help with. Easier than explaining it twice. He and Ben sat and chatted about his dates with Richie and what they’d done on them all the way up to the hospital visit. Ben in turned talked about his dates with Beverly and how happy he was that the people they were dating were friends. He insisted they do a triple date the following weekend with Stan and his boys. Eddie agreed, though he wasn’t looking forward to it after the scene he’d made the last time they were all together.

When Stan finally arrived, he started out panicked over the injury and then switch to snark after Eddie told him what happened. He and Eddie went back and forth for a bit over his stupid accident and to an outsider it might have looked like they hated one another. Ben just sat back and listened to them, knowing well that Stan cared deeply for Eddie and was extremely worried as he was.

“So, this is why you need our help then.” Stan said when they finally eased up on each other.

“Don’t sound so enthusiastic, Stan.” Eddie rolled his eyes. “I need some things from the store, and I can’t really go shopping alone.”

“Take an uber.” Stan sat back in the armchair, putting his feet up on the coffee table.

“He means, of course we’ll help you.” Ben said, swatting Stan’s leg.

“Thank you, Ben. You’ve always been my favorite.” Eddie said, earning a one finger salute from Stan.

“What do you need?” Ben asked.

“Things from the pharmacy. I need one of those shower chairs so I can bathe since I don’t have a tub.”

“Richie doesn’t have a tub?” Stan asked.

“I don’t think so. I’ve never been in his bathroom.” Eddie answered.

“I have. He doesn’t. Bev does though. I’m sure she’d let you use it given the circumstances.” Ben grinned.

“Probably not the best idea. I’m not confident I could get myself out and I can’t think of a single person I’d let see me naked.”

“Not even Richie?” Stan raised his eyebrows and smiled.

“It hasn’t even been a week, Stanley. I’m not as easy as you are.”

“Go fuck yourself. I’m helping you out of the kindness of my heart and you treat me like this.”

“And you wonder why Ben is my favorite.”

Ben hushed them while he went to retrieve his shoes and coat, encouraging them to do the same. As they headed out the door, Eddie handed his keys off to Stan to lock up for him and they were off. There was a pharmacy only a block and half from Eddie’s building, easy enough for him to get to. Still, Ben was at his side ready to catch him if he slipped on his crutches. The last thing he needed was another injury.

At the pharmacy, they gathered the few things Eddie needed. They easily found the shower chair, and ibuprofen, which he was running low on. He also grabbed an ice pack and Ben convinced him to get a foot bath that would allow him to soak his ankle as well as some Epsom salt. He paid with cash so his mom wouldn’t know he’d been to a pharmacy. It was already bad enough that she was sure to know about the hospital visit. Ben and Stan carried the things back to his apartment and Ben set up the chair in the shower for him. They settled in on Eddie’s couch and ordered lunch for all three while Eddie headed back for a shower. Neither felt comfortable leaving him in case he still managed to fall while getting it or out of the shower. It honestly made Eddie feel better as he was worried about it as well.

Showering while sitting down felt weird, but Eddie felt better being able to bathe since hadn’t since Saturday morning. Normally he wouldn’t go a day without bathing. He’d thought about it the day before but didn’t want to ask Richie to help him at the pharmacy. For some reason the thought was embarrassing. He also didn’t love the idea of Richie picturing him in the shower, not in a chair typically used by the elderly anyway.

After the shower, Eddie carefully made his way across the hall to his bedroom to get dressed. He chose some sweats as it was easier to slip his injured foot into the loose fabric. Hair combed and still wet and fully dressed, Eddie made his way back down the hall to his living room. Stan was sitting at the coffee table while Ben was at the door accepting the food delivery. The three sat to eat, Ben helping Eddie get set up with his on the couch.

“I put the ice pack in the freezer for you. You should probably ice your ankle in a few hours when it’s cold enough.” Ben said, settling down on the floor with his back to the couch.

“Thanks. I appreciate you.” Eddie reached out and patted Ben on the head, earning a laugh in response.

The three focused in on the TV show they’d put on while they ate, occasionally making comments about the plot. They were all three laughing at something that had happened on screen when Eddie’s phone began to ring from its spot on the table. Immediately, they stopped, and Stan fumbled with the remote to pause the show. Ben reached the phone to Eddie, and his hands trembled as he looked down at the caller ID.

“Is it her?” Stan asked.

“Yep.” Eddie breathed out. Taking a deep breath, he answered the call. “Hi mom.” He greeted.

“What’s wrong?” Were the first words out of Sonia’s voice.

“Nothing is wrong. You called me.”

“You don’t sound like yourself.”

“I…I don’t know what to say to that. I’m just having lunch with Ben and Stan and was surprised you were calling.”

“Can I not call my son to check up on him?”

“No…you can…I just…” Eddie sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes shut. “How are you today mom?”

“I’m fine, dear. I was just calling to make sure you’re taking your medicine and doing well in school.”

“Yes, I’m taking my medicine.” He lied. He’d stopped taking those sugar pills when he’d moved out. “School is fine. I have class tomorrow morning.”

“Then why are you spending time with those hooligans you call friends?”

“Because it’s noon and I don’t need to get to bed until eight.”

“I don’t appreciate the attitude, Edward.”

“Sorry.”

“How about the apartment? Is everything working properly? Do I need to call your landlord?”

“No, everything is fine please don’t call him.”

“What about money? Do you need more?”

“I’m alright. The amount to deposit every week is more than enough.”

Stan and Ben were silently watching him, ready to comfort him at a moment notice. Conversations with Sonia usually left Eddie on the verge of a panic attack. It had always been that way and Ben and Stan knew just how to calm him down after speaking with her. It was probably for the best that they’d stuck around for lunch.

“You know you can call me if you need something. You never call me.” She said, beginning the guilt trip.

“I know. I’m sorry, I’m just really busy with school.”

“Not too busy to have lunch with your friends.”

Eddie bit his lip to keep from saying anything he’d regret. She ran through the list of reasons he wasn’t an attentive son and tried to guilt him into coming home for a visit. He’d just been home for Christmas and wasn’t ready to go back anytime soon. He let her berate him for another few minutes before she finally let up.

“I just worry about you, Eddiebear.”

“I know.”

“So, you’ll call me tomorrow?”

“Sure. I have class until the afternoon though.”

“You’ll call after?”

“Yes.” He wasn’t sure he actually would.

“I love you.”

“Love you too. Bye.” Eddie hung up and dropped his head back against the pillows with a sigh. “She doesn’t know.”

“What was the call for?” Ben asked.

“Just her checking in and giving me a hard time for not calling her.”

“That’s good then. You ok?” Stan asked.

“I’ll be fine. As long as she doesn’t know about this-,” he gestured to his injured ankle, “-then all is good.”

After assuring them again that he was fine, they returned to their meal and TV show. After their meal, when everything was cleaned up, they made sure Eddie didn’t need anything before heading off again. Ben had to return home to get ready for his date with Bev and Stan had a late afternoon class to get to. Eddie would be by himself until Richie arrived for their dinner date. Plenty of time to worry about the following day and whether or not he would actually call his mother. If he talked to her and didn’t tell her about the accident and she found out, things would only be worse for him. She’d accuse him of lying and keeping things from her. Which he was of course. He knew that it would make things worse, but he was risking it on the off chance that she wouldn’t find out at all.

[the-real-anywolf]

Destiel Advent Calendar 2019

Title: Snow Angels

Tags: Castiel/Dean Winchester, Castiel, Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, First Kiss, Movie Reference, Unexpected Snowfamily, Fluff, SO MUCH FLUFF, It’s Gross, Sam Eats Real Pork Bacon, Frankie Made Me Tag That, Because She Thinks He's Canonically Vegetarian, And I Love My Muggsy So...

Summary: After an unexpected snowstorm hits Kansas, Dean and Sam decide to teach Cas about the joys of a snow day.

Written by: @eyesofatragedy67​ (Eyes_of_a_Tragedy)

Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21665974

Snow Angels

Dean woke up at ass o'clock and stumbled his way to the kitchen. Coffee. He desperately needed coffee.

With all the patience of a child, he bypassed the fancy coffeemaker Sam had purchased and grabbed some instant and a mug from the cabinet over the microwave. It was gross, but, dude, caffeine.

Cup of joe in hand, he popped a new filter in Sam's fancy gizmo and poured in some grounds from Cas's stash in the freezer. Setting it to drip, he shuffled up the stairs to the front door and hauled it open.

Fluffy white stuff toppled through the opening, landing at his feet. It wasn't an avalanche like in the animes he secretly enjoyed (Shut up, okay? So what if he watched shojo every now and then?), more like a foot or so of snow.

He dumped the remainder of his coffee into the snow on the outer stoop and scooped some of the fresh stuff into his empty mug. Excited now, he jogged down the stairs and ran down the hall toward the bedrooms.

Bursting through Sam's door, he upended the mug right on his brother's face. "Rise and shine, Sammy!"

Sam sputtered awake, jackknifing up from his prone position. "Wha-"

He wiped his hand over his face and pulled it back, shaking off the melting slush. Dean watched, waiting for it to click.

Glancing down at his lap, which was now a pool of semi-solid snow, Sam asked, "Did you dump snow on my face?"

Dean chuckled.

Realization flitting across Sam's face, he repeated, "You dumped snow on my face!"

Grinning, Dean turned to leave the room. "Sure did, bitch! Get your ass dressed. Coffee's brewing. I'mma go see if I can find Cas. We're having a snow day!"

He didn't wait for Sam's response, but he could feel the 'jerk' aimed at his retreating form.

Dean did a cursory check of the bunker, but his finely feathered friend was nowhere to be found. Making a pit stop at his room, he layered up for proper snow play, then followed the sounds of banging in the kitchen. He found Sam preparing a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and fresh fruit.

"Bacon, Sam? Did I traumatize you?"

Bitch face firmly planted, Sam replied, "I know you. We're going to be out there forever. We'll need the protein. Did you find Cas?"

"No, I'm gonna try angel radio in a few minutes." He snagged a strip of bacon from the plate it was draining on. "Mmm, yummy pork."

Sam rolled his eyes, but the corners of his mouth were tilted in a smile. His brother prepped plates for them both and placed them on the table. Dean grabbed utensils and the roll of paper towels.

"You want orange juice or milk, Sammy?"

Sam opted for OJ, so Dean poured two glasses and sat down to eat. When they were done - Sam having stolen a piece of Dean's bacon, and Dean swiping a grape and strawberry from Sam's plate - Sam grabbed the dishes, and Dean sat back to pray.

"Red rover, red rover, can Castiel come over? If you can hear me, buddy, well-"

There was the signature fwup that heralded Castiel's appearance, along with a tension that was probably just in Dean's head. Or pants.

"I don't understand your red rover reference, Dean. Is it about Opportunity? I can assure you, she's in a far better place than-"

Dean interrupted, "I remember, Cas. But that’s not what meant. I’ll explain it to you later,” he promised. “It's a winter wonderland outside, and Sam and I are going to have a snow day. You want in?"

Cas did that head tilt thing Dean had grown so fond of. "What is a snow day?"

Dean's head whipped toward Sam, who had a look on his face that was morphing from disbelief to glee. Grinning, the brothers turned toward Cas, and Dean asked, "Do you want to build a snowman, Cas?"

.... :::: :::: ....

Bundled up in all the layers they could find, Sam and Dean joined Cas in the war room.

Dean was making a list on the note app on his phone. "We need supplies, Sammy."

Sam dropped a duffel on the table. "I'm way ahead of you, man."

Dean grinned and patted the pocket of his jacket. There was something special in there. "Awesome. C'mon, Cas, let's go outside and start your education."

Carefully trudging up the outside stairs, Dean led the trio to the edge of the woods. "Okay, Cas," Dean clapped his gloved hands together, "follow my lead."

Dean started rolling the ball that would be the base of his snowman, watching as Cas's pile of snow grew larger. He reached over and helped position Cas's hands, shaping the pile into something rounder.

"Yeah, like that. You just make that as big as you want it, alright, because we're going to put another one on top of it." He glanced over to find Sam already on his second stack. He pointed and Cas’s gaze followed. “Like that. Your goal is to create a base big enough to build on, then you’re going to add another until you’ve got a humanoid shape. Got it?”

“I understand, Dean.” He watched, eyebrow quirked, as Cas started molding a much larger shape, then shrugged it off. The angel would figure it out.

Dean finished his base, then got to work on the middle layer. He became absorbed, humming under his breath as he packed the snow. When he had the head done, he looked over to see Sam was accessorizing his creation and explaining it to Cas.

“Yeah, you decorate it however you want. Mine is a moose, so I need to find some branches to make into antlers.”

“Oh.” Cas was doing that adorable head tilt thing, and Dean held back a laugh when he continued, “Inias is a panda, so I don’t think he would have decorations?”

"Why do I know that name?" Dean asked.

Cas looked over with wounded eyes. "Inias is one of my fallen brethren. We were… very close."

A lightbulb went off in Dean's head. "Dark hair, blue eyes, 'bout your height? Showed up with that bitch Hester a while back?"

Cas nodded. "Yes."

"He seemed like a good guy."

The small smile gracing Cas's face was a vast improvement over the pain of just minutes before.

Sam paused in the middle of buttoning one of his flannels around his moose’s torso. “Hmm, what if we grab some of the paint from the basement and paint him?”

Dean went back to examining his snowman. “Okay, brother, let’s get you suited up, hmm?”

He found two decent arm sticks, ones with a bit of bulk to them, then quickly removed his jacket and a light blue flannel. Putting the leather back on, he wrapped the snowman in the cotton then pulled the first item out of his pocket. He walked to the back of it and attached two clips to the bottom of the shirt, then laid the straps over the shoulders. Back at his snowman’s front, he hooked the ends of the suspenders to the front of the shirt and stepped back to examine his work.

So far, so good.

Dean looked over to see Sam’s moose finished; he’d gently wrapped toilet paper around the sticks to make them look more like antlers, crafty bastard, and there was a cocktail glass with a paper umbrella and a pitchfork in one of its moose-y mitts. He felt a moment of grief, but it was quickly replaced with fond memories. Some of which Sam would never know about, thank you very much.

His brother was now helping Cas delicately apply paint to his snowpanda. It was looking pretty good. Dean rummaged through Sam’s bag, knowing there would be charcoal briquettes in there for eyes. He took two, then moved back to his sculpture.

Gingerly pushing the lumps of coal into place, he whispered in a hokey accent, “You been a bad boy, mon ami.” Then he pulled a treasured cap out of his pocket and situated it on top of his head. Almost done. “Don’t be mad. I know these aren’t yours, but you need teeth, ‘k?” He crammed a set of plastic vampire teeth into the head and stood back, laughing and somewhat offended on his friend’s behalf.

Glancing at Sam, he could see his brother’s understanding. And Cas had a similar look on his face. He nodded at them and said, “Snowpire.”

They both smiled at him indulgently as he added the final touch - a single drop of blood from the fingertip he’d pricked and applied to the tip of a fang.

Looking over, he threw out, “Mental note to sterilize all of this stuff later, Sam,” and got an affirmative in response.

Cas reached into his pocket and came back out with two pieces of clear blue rock in his hand. They were rough, with jagged edges, but smooth on the surface. His friend placed them where the eyes would go and leaned in close, whispering something under his breath that Dean couldn’t quite make out. He caught the word “cupcake”, though, and it made him smile.

The three of them drew back to view the finished products. Dean clasped Cas’s shoulder and said, “Good job for your first try. Next time we’ll have to-” but got no further due to the face full of snow Sam had just thrown at him.

Wiping his wet glove over his now wet face, he barked out “Oh, it’s on, bitch!” He ran in one direction, Sam in the opposite, taunting all the way, while Cas stood there looking perplexed. Dean packed a handful of fluffy ice into a solid mass fit for lobbing at little brothers.

Chucking it toward Sam, he quickly realized there was too much distance between them. Sam must have reached the same conclusion because he was no longer looking in Dean’s direction. Instead, ball of snow firmly in hand, he was eyeing Cas standing conveniently between them. Dean packed another and glanced back at his brother, nodding his understanding. The two of them let their ammunition fly, hitting their target from both sides.

Cas’s reaction was less than satisfying. “Why are you throwing ice at me?”

Dean scooped up some more and casually walked over to him. “Well, buddy, this is another part of snow days. You might understand better if I explain it to you in other terms, though. See...” he stepped closer, slung an arm around Cas’s shoulders and trailed his gloved fingers over the back of his neck. “This, Cas? This is war.” And he dumped the handful of ice down the back of Cas’s shirt.

Again, not the reaction he was going for, but he recognized that twitch in Cas’s eyes and started running. “War? War is something I was strategizing before your species learned about fire. I was orchestrating armies while your ancestors were-” SPLAT!

Dean doubled over with laughter as Sam yelled out, “You talk a big game, but you know jack shit about snowball fights!”

Oh, shit! His brother had a death wish. One minute Cas was standing, head tilted in that menacing way Dean remembered from day one; the next he was launching snowballs with unearthly accuracy and speed. And Sam wasn’t his only target.

There was a tap on his shoulder, and he turned to find his friend-turned-foe standing with both hands loaded. Dean was on the receiving end of two very cold hits to the face. He gasped in shock, then howled uproariously. He grabbed up his own heap of snow and shoved it right in Cas’s face then turned and ran toward his brother, who would make a far more convenient target.

Cas chased, and the three of them tossed snow at each other until the brothers were too exhausted to run anymore. “Truce!” Dean screamed, Sam nodding in agreement. “I beg for forgiveness, Cas! We underestimated you. You win!”

The transformation of his angel’s face was a thing of beauty. Victory looked good on him. Dean flopped back into the snow drift he was standing in and waited for his breathing to return to normal. As much as he hated to admit it, he needed to up his cardio.

Sam flopped down near him, breathing much more managed. He started flapping his arms and legs in the snow, and Dean grinned and followed suit. Cas approached them, brow furrowed with confusion.

“What are you doing now? Is this some form of exercise to increase your circulation?”

Dean stood up carefully and waved Cas over. “Nah, this is snow angels.” He pointed to the leg area and explained that it was supposed to resemble the skirt area of how angels were always depicted in artwork.

Cas nodded and moved to the side and gestured at the arms. “So, these are supposed to be the wings?”

“Yeah,” Dean rubbed at the base of his skull. “I mean, I know it’s nowhere near accurate, but it’s fun. You wanna try?”

Sam crawled out of his snow angel and ambled over to watch as Cas walked to the clear area above their figures. He laid down in the snow, and Dean waited for him to start moving, knowing it would be a sight worth remembering. Instead, he stared in awe as a set of impressions appeared to either side of Cas’s shoulders, stretching out for yards.

He heard Sam’s gasp, then, “Cas, are those your wings?”

“Yes. They aren’t visible on the mortal plain, but I can display them indirectly if I use enough grace.”

Dean looked over to see an expression of child-like wonder on his brother’s face. “That’s so cool!” Sam reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, then stepped back to snap a pic. “I think we should get this framed.” Then he moved to photograph all of their other snow creations.

Dean stood at Cas’s feet and breathed out, “They’re amazing, Cas.”

The actual angel actually blushed. “Thank you.” He reached up and Dean gently drew him to his feet, so as not to disturb the imprint his angel left behind.

Sam called out, “I’m gonna go make some cocoa! Do you two want some?”

They both nodded, and Sam clambered down the stairs to the bunker, taking his duffel bag with him.

Dean looked back at Cas, who appeared to be having some kind of internal debate. “What’s wrong?”

The corner of Cas’s mouth quirked up, and he shook his head. “Nothing at all. I was just wondering if you know how often you think of me as your angel. I don’t listen to your thoughts intentionally, but you also stopped putting up a wall.”

It was Dean’s turn to blush. “Umm, yeah,” he spoke to the snowy ground. “Sorry about that.”

He felt warm fingers tilt his head back up. “Don’t be, Dean Winchester. I’ve been yours since the moment I saw your soul shining in the darkest depths. And I’ll be yours until all of the stars burn out.”

A tear fell from the corner of his eye, and Dean reached up to brush a stray snowflake from Cas’s cheek. He inhaled deeply, the chill air burning in his lungs. “Cas…”

His angel grinned at him, then leaned in and whispered against his lips, “I know.”

They kissed, and it was soft and sweet and everything Dean had ever wanted from this man. Well, almost.

“I swear, Cas. If you tell Sam you just Solo’d me, I’ll find a way to pluck your feathers and make a pillow out of them.”

Cas laughed, and it was glorious. “Your secret is safe with me,” he replied.

.... :::: :::: ....

It was nearing midnight on Christmas Eve, and Dean was curled up in his angel’s arms on the sofa they’d moved into the Dean Cave, watching “It’s A Wonderful Life”.

He was just about to comment on the fact that a certain dark-haired demon must have been fond of this film when both of their phones pinged. Shuffling around to reach into their pockets, they each found a new message.

Dean wondered why his brother was texting them from down the hall. He and Cas both checked the message to find an all caps “MERRY CHRISTMAS, JERKS” followed by an attachment. Cas was the first to open it, smiling radiantly at what he saw on the screen.

He turned his phone to Dean and started the video again. “I think he knows.” Dean saw zoomed in footage of the two of them, kissing in the snow. You could easily make out Dean’s astonishment and Cas’s teasing response.

Dean grabbed the cell and typed in a response. “We love you, too, bitch.” Then he tossed both phones on the table and pressed Cas down into the cushions, pillowing his head on his chest. A bell rang on screen, signaling an angel got his wings.

[the-observant-frisbeetarian]

Chapter 12

The Tiger and the Dragon by George deValier

Chapter saved by fluffchemy ♥

"You forgot your bag."

Yao snatched the bag from Ivan. "The rum isn't mine, Arthur put that in there. And Alfred gave me the mace, which might have actually been useful earlier if I had remembered it. And the condoms were Francis' idea, I never would have chosen strawberry flavoured... I mean, I never would have… um… I didn't even pack this bag, just so you know. Well, except for the toothbrush, I packed that, because… uh… dental hygiene is very important." Yao decided to shut up at that point in an attempt to salvage the situation. "Aru." Damn, that came out of nowhere.

"I would not look in your bag, Yao."

"Oh. Of course not. Oh." Oh…

Ivan raised an eyebrow. "Strawberry?"

Damn it. Yao opened his mouth to respond. "Aru," was all he could manage. His heart was still beating madly. He hated that Ivan's presence was sending shocks of fear through him.

Ivan smiled gently. "I love when you say this."

Yao refused to look at Ivan's smile, into his eyes. He was not going to let them distract him. He turned and headed into the kitchen, dropping the bag onto the bench. "Can I get you a drink?" Yao rummaged frantically through the overhead cupboard. "I don't have any vodka. I don't actually drink except when I'm around you for some reason. I have coffee... and, um, you can have Arthur's rum if you like..." Yao froze when he felt Ivan's warm hands rest lightly on his shoulders.

"Is fine. Please, come and sit."

Yao didn't move until Ivan slowly removed his hands and backed away. Yao finally forced himself to turn and with one hand he clutched the edge of the bench behind him. The other lifted unconsciously to his throat.

Ivan shook his head, a pained expression crossing his face. "No. I will not hurt you, Yao."

Yao nodded and tried to think of something to say. There was a long silence as he just stared at Ivan's boots. "Did you kill him?" he asked eventually.

"No. And is lucky thing I did not. I would have made enemies I cannot afford."

"You would have anyway, though, wouldn't you. If Toris had not stopped you. If… if I had not been watching."

Ivan seemed reluctant to answer. But eventually he inclined his head and responded softly. "Yes. I would have hurt him. Then I would have killed him."

Yao clutched the bench tighter behind him. "How many people have you…"

"Don't, Yao."

"Why not? Don't you think I have a right to ask you some questions? Your friend nearly killed me…"

"He is not my friend."

Yao did not even know what Winter was to Ivan. "Your associate, then, your hitman guy… your consigli… consiglioro guy…"

Ivan's lips twitched upward slightly. "You are meaning 'consigliere', I think."

Yao narrowed his eyes. "You know what I mean, your Robert Duvall in 'The Godfather' guy."

"This is Italian mafia, yes? Like your friend Feliciano's grandfather. Things work a little differently in our line of the business."

Yao paused, slightly surprised. This was the closest Ivan had come to talking about his unmentionable 'business'. Yao decided to see how far he would go with it. "Everyone knows what Feliciano's family does. And they all seem to have heard of you, as well. You actually have quite a reputation."

Ivan shrugged uncomfortably. "Many people know me."

"Know you. Are terrified of you." Yao laughed softly. "And now I can really see why."

"Please sit down, Yao." Ivan's voice was almost pleading.

Yao stared at Ivan warily for a moment more before finally nodding and heading back to the living room. Ivan took something from the freezer before following. Yao sat carefully on the edge of the couch, his eyes on Ivan the whole time. "What did you..." Ivan held an icepack up in answer before wrapping it in his scarf.

"Please, let me."

Yao clenched his fists but allowed Ivan to kneel before him and place the ice against his neck. He flinched from the cold but Ivan held the ice steady. "Raivis checked your neck, yes?" Yao nodded. Raivis had insisted on inspecting Yao's neck before he left the car, saying he was checking for fractures.

"It's only bruised, apparently." Yao's heart was beating even faster with Ivan so close before him. He could feel the warmth radiating off his body, could smell his scent on the scarf held against his throat, could so easily just reach out and touch him...

"You need to keep ice on this." Ivan's hand was so gentle against his skin. Yao found himself leaning into it. "Does it hurt?" Yao raised an eyebrow wryly.

"I was lifted off the ground by my throat. Yes. It hurts."

"I am so sorry." Ivan took Yao's hand, lifted it to his lips and kissed it gently. He then touched it to his forehead, his white hair brushing softly over Yao's skin. Yao stared wide eyed, surprised, at Ivan bowing his head before him. "So, so sorry."

"It's all right," said Yao, without meaning it, because that was what you said when someone apologized.

"No, is not."

"You're right. It's not."

Ivan looked up slowly, his eyes clouded, his face tense. He carefully let go of Yao's hand, took the ice from Yao's neck, and ran a cold finger tenderly over the bruises. "I understand if I never see you again." As soon as Ivan said it, Yao knew that was not an option. He almost couldn't breathe and he again grabbed Ivan's hand in his, as though to pull him closer and drive that thought from his mind.

"No," he said firmly. Ivan looked both surprised and relieved. Yao looked down at their hands clasped and did not try to pull away. "No," he repeated softly. "I need to see you… I just… I don't understand. I don't understand any of it. You asked me to come over. Why was he… Winter… why was he there? Why were you all so surprised to see me?"

Ivan looked away as he answered. "I did not expect you so soon. Is my fault. I know that."

"What did Winter think I had done?"

Ivan sighed wearily. "There has recently been attacks on our online operations."

Yao had been hearing about this since the night he first met Ivan. He still had no idea what it was all about. "Online operations? What does that mean?" He jumped when Ivan again placed the scarf wrapped ice pack against his neck.

"Is nothing you need worry about."

Yao was not going to be brushed off this time. "Sorry, but I sort of think it is. He thinks I have something to do with it, he thinks I'm some sort of spy or something..."

"Is his job to be suspicious. And he likes to hurt people. But now, he knows he went too far. He knows he is very lucky man."

Yao didn't say what he was thinking, that he almost wished Ivan had killed Winter. The thought shocked him a little. "If you hate that man so much, why do you have anything to do with him? Why does he come over to your house?"

Ivan almost laughed. "He can be useful. And there is saying in English… you keep your friends close, and your enemies more close."

"Closer," said Yao, unable to resist the small correction. Ivan just laughed softly. "Ivan, I know you don't want to tell me, and that's… fine, I suppose. But… you know I know, don't you? That your business is not exactly… legitimate."

Ivan let out a deep breath. "I know. You are not stupid, Dragon." And then he suddenly looked worried… scared. He gripped Yao's hand tightly. "But listen. You don't know anything. You are ever asked, you know nothing. You understand?" His voice was serious, urgent, his eyes intense. Yao unthinkingly pulled away a little.

"I wouldn't betray you," he said quickly, almost surprised at the words. What was he saying? What was he promising? Ivan shook his head, a tiny smile on his lips.

"This is not what I mean, Yao. You can not seem like you know, there are people who…" Ivan stopped and sighed, looking down with a frustrated expression. "I should have warned you. I should not have let you this far involved. But I am selfish. I just wanted so much being with you. So I ignored how dangerous this can be for you."

"I can handle it." Ivan looked skeptical as he again removed the ice and gently brushed Yao's neck. Yao reached up with his free hand and threaded his fingers through Ivan's. "I mean, before, that was probably the most terrifying thing that's ever happened to me. But I… if I think about just stopping this, just walking away and forgetting I ever knew you..." Yao stopped. It was painful even to think of. What would his life be if he lost this? No more random phone calls, sudden mad adventures. No more of that constant fluttering anticipation, that unpredictable excitement. No more of Ivan's ever present smile, his thrilling touch, his exhilarating presence. Yao had never felt so alive than these last few weeks with Ivan. He could not go back to the way he was before that. "I can't do that, Ivan, I just can't."

Ivan let go of Yao's hand and traced his fingers up his neck, around the back of his head, and released Yao's hair from its tie. He ran his fingers through it, fanning it out over Yao's shoulders. There were more questions to ask. But for the life of him, Yao could not think what they were. "Da. Very selfish. I want you all for myself." Yao shivered at the intense look in Ivan's eyes. He held his breath, captivated, unable to look away. But then Ivan suddenly stopped himself. He pulled his hands away, breathed deeply, looked away then back, his smile in place once again. "Yao. You did not show me around your home!"

"Oh." Yao shook himself, tried to get himself together. It was like a spell had been broken. "Oh, uh, okay." He stood shakily, helped to his feet by Ivan's strong grip. "Okay, well, this is kind of it. Living room, kitchen that way." Yao walked into the tiny hallway, Ivan following behind him. "The bathroom is through there."

"Apartment is small and cute. Like you, Yao!"

Yao rolled his eyes as he walked through his bedroom door. "And, uh, this is the bedroom." Yao walked to the middle of the room, looked around him - the mismatched pillow cases, the scattered magazines on the floor, the Hello Kitty picture taped to his dresser mirror - and felt his neck burn with embarrassment. The room could not be more different from Ivan's sophisticated and polished bedroom. "And that's really every..." He turned to find Ivan closing the door with a decisive thud behind him. Yao's stomach twisted and he tried to speak but found that his mouth had gone dry. Sweat rose to his brow. He almost stepped backwards, but forced himself to stay put at the last second.

"It is okay," said Ivan gently, walking slowly and steadily towards Yao. "I am not going to hurt you."

"Yes you are," said Yao, and then immediately wondered just what they were talking about. The words seemed to go beyond the present situation. He stood still, waiting for Ivan to reach him, the air heavy and charged between them. The walls almost seemed to close in around him – the room felt so much smaller with Ivan in it.

Ivan did not pause when he reached Yao. He grabbed him by the waist and grasped his head, his fingers tangling in Yao's hair. Yao gasped and clutched onto Ivan's arms, feeling trapped in his hold. Ivan leaned down and spoke hotly into Yao's ear. "I am not a good man, Yao. You have to know that." Yao was almost terrified. He had also never been so turned on in his entire life. Ivan's words shot straight to his core, brushed tingling against his ear. "If I were, I would walk away. If I were, I would let you go."

Yao tried to breathe, to think reasonably. He should stop. He should use this opportunity to get out… because Ivan was right, and this was dangerous. This was stupid. But even as he went to push Ivan away he instead found himself pressing closer. Yao looked up slowly, surely, into Ivan's blazing violet eyes. "Then I'm glad you're not."

That seemed to be the permission Ivan was waiting for. He crushed his lips to Yao's, crushed their bodies together, so forcefully Yao felt the breath knocked from him. He barely had a chance to recover before he found himself maneuvered back and down onto the bed. A desperate ache grew uncontrollably in his stomach and he reached up for Ivan, tried to pull him down, frantically sought out contact once again. Unyielding, his eyes steely, Ivan lifted Yao by the waist, pulled off his shirt, and lowered him to the bed again. Ivan moved him so easily; Yao almost felt like a rag doll in his arms. He burned in embarrassment at how much that actually turned him on.

Yao reached for Ivan's shirt and fumbled with the buttons but Ivan simply pushed his hand away before sliding a hand down Yao's stomach and into his jeans. "Oh, fu…" Ivan drowned Yao's curse with another bruising kiss, his lips hot and wet and keeping the same steady rhythm as his hand around Yao's cock. Finally Yao felt the pressure of Ivan's body pressing against his and he moaned, the feeling sending tightening shocks through his spine. He groped frantically for the touch of Ivan, his hands only grasping the fabric of Ivan's clothes. Yao couldn't think, the base of his stomach tingling, his thighs burning. Everything was going too fast. It was scary. It was overwhelming. It was so damn hot he couldn't breathe. "Wait, wait," he gasped breathlessly, futilely grasping at Ivan's wrist. "If you don't stop, I'll come!"

Ivan smirked against Yao's cheek. "This is the point, yes?"

"No… I mean, yes, but not so… oh God…" It was useless. One more stroke and Yao came with a shuddering gasp, stunned by the speed and intensity, clutching onto Ivan's arms with sweaty hands. Bright fire shot through his head. He sucked a few deep, desperate breaths into his lungs and felt Ivan's lips against his neck, kissing him gently, slowly bringing him down from the intense, dizzying high.

Yao finally came back to himself and almost laughed, his head falling against the pillows. "Uh… and this is the bed."

"Is nice bed," said Ivan cheerfully.

"Well it does the… what are you doing?" Yao looked over as Ivan pulled away and reached beside the bed for something. His heart leapt to his throat when he realized Ivan had brought in the bag.

"So," said Ivan contemplatively, dropping the bag on the bed between them. "What do we have in here?" Yao covered his face with his hand, unsure whether he wanted to laugh or hide under the covers. Ivan pulled a bottle of rum from the bag, unscrewed the cap, and sniffed it before offering it to Yao. Yao shook his head and wrinkled his nose.

"Gross." He smiled into Ivan's now twinkling eyes. Everything had gone so fast earlier. Yao was relieved that now Ivan was slowing down.

Ivan paused for a second then took a swig. His expression quickly mirrored Yao's. "I agree. Gross." Yao laughed through his fingers. How did Ivan manage to go from completely terrifying to mind-blowingly sexy to utterly adorable? Ivan replaced the rum in the bag and took out the can of mace. Yao immediately winced.

"Sorry. That was Alfred.".

Ivan looked at the can disdainfully then tossed it back in the bag. "This is useless. Would only incapacitate someone for ten seconds at most."

"Oh." Yao didn't ask how Ivan knew that. Then he winced again when Ivan pulled out the packet of condoms. "Like I said, I didn't pack that…"

"Very odd," said Ivan, reading the package carefully. Yao was quite sure he could not possibly get any redder. Ivan opened the box, pulled one out, and ripped open the foil package. He looked over at Yao and raised an eyebrow. "Strawberry?" Yao was torn between complete amusement and abject embarrassment. Then Ivan put the condom to his lips and licked it experimentally. Yao burst out laughing.

"So? Does it taste like strawberry?" he finally managed to ask. Ivan placed the condom to Yao's lips and he took it between his teeth, still laughing. He immediately spat it out. It tasted like rubber dipped in cough syrup. "Ergh, that's disgusting. Why would you put it in your mouth anyway?" Ivan raised his eyebrows and Yao managed to burn even redder.

Ivan laughed. "Silly Dragon." He reached back into the bag and pulled out a tube of lubricant. Yao's eyes widened and he immediately stopped laughing.

Well look at that, Francis thought of everything. "Oh. Um. Again. Didn't pack. That would be Francis."

Ivan tilted his head, his eyes gleaming and dark. "He is very good friend, da?"

Yao shivered. Sometimes I wonder… But then Ivan's lips were against his and Yao forgot to feel embarrassed. The bag was pushed forgotten to the floor and Yao arched into Ivan, already craving more as Ivan's body pressed heavily against his. He tugged impatiently at Ivan's shirt and moaned in relief when Ivan pulled it off. He ran his shaking hands over Ivan's warm skin and felt in steady contrast the touch of Ivan's hands, of all of him, and Yao lost himself once again in the encompassing sensation of it. Ivan pulled on Yao's jeans and he kicked them off impatiently. He was achingly aroused once again. And he wanted more.

At the back of his mind Yao knew where this was leading, yet he was helpless to do anything but feel and go with it. His heart pounded, his skin burned. Ivan's alternating gentle and strong caresses sent shocks through every part of his body, all centering on a single point. Ivan trailed a hand gently over Yao's neck, placed a soft kiss there, and Yao smiled happily, feeling like this was the most right thing in the entire world. He shivered as Ivan's hands traced lines of fire down his side, over his hip, and along the length of his thigh. Then he jumped when Ivan grasped under his knee and pushed his leg back. Yao's heart suddenly threatened to burst through his chest. I should tell Ivan to slow down... I should tell him to wait... Why the hell aren't I doing that...

Ivan pulled back long enough to smile reassuringly then drove all doubt from Yao's mind with another breathtaking kiss. Yao was just starting to lose himself again when Ivan took his hand off Yao's thigh and pulled away a little. Yao ran his hands over Ivan's chest, round to his back, tried to pull him back down. This wasn't enough, wasn't close enough. Yao wanted to melt into Ivan. But when Ivan pressed back against him, and Yao felt Ivan's fingers, firm and wet against between his legs, he immediately froze.

"Relax," Ivan whispered hotly into Yao's ear, sending tingling shocks up Yao's neck and down to the base of his spine. The room narrowed until there was nothing but the hot breathy space between their lips, the curves of Ivan's neck where his hair fell soft and damp with sweat, the throbbing heat where his fingers pressed firmly and startlingly. Yao made a concerted effort to relax. It seemed to be having the opposite effect.

"I don't think I can," Yao practically panted. This was going to happen. This was happening. Yao concentrated very firmly on not freaking out.

"Breathe, Yao," whispered Ivan before pressing one finger, gently but unrelentingly, inside Yao. Yao gasped and almost jumped at the sudden throbbing burn. His thumping heart and pulsing skin pressed against Ivan's warm, solid flesh. He clutched Ivan's shoulders as the strange unfamiliar sensation attacked him. It was scary, it was odd, but it was Ivan, and somehow that made it all right. Yao stared into Ivan's eyes and took a shuddering breath as he added another finger.

Yao let himself relax around it, told himself he could do this. Actually, it was rather nice. Because even with that sharp slicing stretch, there were those gentle lips, that large heavy comforting body, that sound of Ivan's breathing growing heavier that made Yao's chest soar. He fell into the feeling, floated on it, and couldn't even say how long until he finally felt Ivan draw his fingers away. Yao moaned in disappointment before hearing the crinkle of a little foil package and feeling something replace Ivan's fingers as Ivan settle between his legs. Yao's breath caught and his heart sped up, while at the same time feeling dazed with lust. He unthinkingly pressed his hands against Ivan's chest. Ivan paused.

"Do you want that I stop?"

"No!" cried Yao, then bit his lip, embarrassed. He ran his hands up to Ivan's shoulders and pulled him closer. "I mean, no. Please don't."

"It may be hard to stop when I start."

Yao nodded. "I trust you." I shouldn't... but damn it, I do.

Ivan smiled and kissed Yao. "Take a deep breath," he whispered.

Yao did, not asking why, and then Ivan pressed in and Yao felt the breath knocked from him. The sensations flowing through him left him almost stunned and he just clawed at Ivan's shoulders, pressed himself against Ivan's chest, tried not to shout. Ivan pressed further and Yao gasped loudly.

Ivan gently brushed Yao's hair from his cheek. "Does this hurt?"

Yao fought to answer. "Yes. No. Damn it, yes."

Ivan sounded far too calm for someone in his position. "But does it feel good?"

Actually, despite the pain, it did. Sort of. "Yes," Yao breathed.

"So relax." Ivan kissed Yao and whispered against his lips. "Let me in."

Yao tried to relax. He tried to let go. He tried to look into Ivan's eyes and lose himself in them. He tried to breathe and bear it. He tried to ignore the pain and the burn and he just couldn't oh god it was just too much… "Oh God. Stop." Ivan did.

"It will be easier."

"When?"

"Ssh," said Ivan, thrusting further. Yao could feel his nails cutting into Ivan's skin but Ivan did not flinch.

"Ahh... are you... all the way?" Yao felt ashamed of the tears he could feel rising and threatening to spill. The splitting burn was fast becoming too much to take.

"Nearly... that's it..." Ivan trailed off into unintelligible Russian. He breathed heavy and deep against Yao's ear. Yao could feel the sweat on Ivan's brow, the slight shaking of Ivan's arms, but overall just the painful burn that seemed to spread through Yao's entire body. It was too much. Yao gripped Ivan's arms tightly and tried to push.

"No. It hurts. I can't..." The final thrust forced the breath from his lungs and he bit his lips deeply to keep from screaming.

"There. I'm in, my Dragon." Ivan kissed the tears on Yao's cheeks. Yao was on the verge of panic when Ivan pulled back slightly, thrust forward a little, and this time Yao did scream as the pain was drowned by an unexpected, shattering wave of pleasure.

"Oh, GOD!"

"You are very blasphemous during sex, has anyone told you this?" asked Ivan, his voice teasing, but also slightly relieved.

Yao tried to shoot back a biting response, but all he could do was clutch at Ivan's arms and press back into this rising, pulsing, overwhelming feeling. "Oh God yes, that, do that again, please..."

Ivan smirked a little, twisted his hips, and Yao felt his eyes nearly roll back. He tossed his head to the side, his hair falling unheeded over his face, the pleasure spreading from between his legs to take over his entire body. He still clutched at Ivan's arm with one hand, letting his other arm fall limply to his side, too lost in this feeling to hold it up.

"Oh... oh my… what are you doing, why is that so..." Ivan did it again and Yao trailed into breathless incoherency. Almost unthinkingly he reached down to touch himself but hissed when Ivan grabbed his hand and slammed it down above his head.

"Uh uh," Ivan whispered harshly. His eyes blazed, dark and wild. "I will make you come, just like this."

Yao moaned, partly frustrated, but mostly just unbelievably aroused. He tried to pull his hand free but couldn't. He was almost embarrassed when that just turned him on even more. What did that say about him... with an almost painful shock of awareness, Yao realized that all this time with Ivan, that ever present sense of risk had never scared him away. He liked that edge of danger. The sudden sense of clarity almost drove him over the edge.

Yao could not take this feeling much longer... the feeling of Ivan thrusting into him, of something intense and uncontrollable building inside him, the look of unrestrained lust and possession on Ivan's face. His hand trapped above him, he pressed against Ivan's sweat dampened body with an almost painful sense of urgency. The pleasure was mounting to a level he could no longer take. Finally he reached the limit, gasping, shouting, shuddering. He came, looking up at Ivan through damp blurry eyes, his breath forced from his lungs.

Ivan paused momentarily, leaned down and kissed Yao as he tried to regain his breath. It did not take long for Ivan to continue, driving relentlessly into Yao, his chest heaving with forceful, panting breaths. Earlier it had been all about Yao. Now Ivan was driven by his own urgency. It was the hottest thing Yao had ever seen. Ivan released Yao's hand and grasped his hips with both hands, holding him in place, looming over him, sweaty and wild and finally losing a tiny bit of that composed control he had held onto for so long.

Ivan was saying his name, over and over, and Yao was riveted by the look on his face, the burning in his eyes, the unfamiliar and incredible sight of Ivan undone… by him. The knowledge of it took Yao's breath away and he was helpless to stop another hot wave of lust burning through his veins, shooting down his spine and coiling between his legs. Time went on forever, stopped to nothing, until Ivan finally clutched his fingers around Yao's hair, shuddered, then whispered those incomprehensible words before growling and thrusting into Yao a final time. Yao couldn't help it. He came again; silently, stunningly, unable to even utter a sound, an explosion of light and silence.

The world briefly went black, static playing in Yao's ears. He was brought back by Ivan's gentle fingers, his lips, his soft caresses against Yao's quivering and feverish skin. "Breathe, Yao," Ivan whispered, kissing Yao's wet eyelids. "Breathe and look at me." Yao obeyed, opened his eyes and stared up into Ivan's serious and slightly concerned face. Ivan broke into a relieved smile. "Hello Dragon!" Yao tried not to laugh and hid himself against Ivan's chest, weak and limp limbed. "You are all right, yes?"

Yao responded softly, mumbling into Ivan's warm, damp skin. "I do believe that is the stupidest question anyone has ever asked me." Ivan laughed and kissed the top of Yao's head. Yao could no longer remember any of his fears, any of his worries. What did it matter… what did anything matter if he could just feel like this? Yao pressed his lips to Ivan's chest, breathed him in, felt Ivan's arms and warmth surround him. Yao would do anything to keep feeling like this… he never knew anything could feel so incredibly perfect.

It felt like hours that Yao lay beside Ivan, watching, touching, breathing together, every doubt that had ever existed inside him washed away. Eventually Ivan turned onto his stomach and Yao looked down, staring at the numerous ink tattoos spread across Ivan's broad back. He pushed himself onto his elbow and just stared, trying to understand and memorize each one. After a while Yao reached out a hand and slowly traced the dark lines of the myriad, unfathomable symbols with his fingers. "What do all these mean?"

Ivan smiled up at Yao, his head resting on his crossed arms. "Different things. Some good. Some bad."

Yao ran his fingers gently over the unfamiliar script. "Some of them are words in Russian, aren't they?"

"Yes."

This felt like Ivan trusting him, letting him see something intimate and meaningful. It felt like a step closer. "What do they say?"

"They are words with no meaning."

Yao paused at that. "Why would you tattoo words with no meaning on yourself?"

Ivan shrugged. "For anything with real meaning, there are no words."

"I saw once, I think it was on the crime channel, that prison tattoos are actually blue." Yao froze, slightly horrified at his words. Where the hell did that come from… "That was a really lame thing to say, wasn't it. I didn't mean… I wasn't trying to say…"

Ivan laughed. "Is all right. I was not long enough in prison to have tattoos done."

Yao was stunned. "Oh. Oh, I…"

Ivan rolled onto his side and faced Yao, slowly reaching out and threading their fingers together. "I told you I am not a good man. But you almost make me feel like one."

Yao bit his lip and looked at their clasped hands. "You say you are not a good man. I can't believe that. I'm sure sometimes you do bad things... but, everyone does bad things sometimes, don't they? As for this evening, it's not like Winter didn't deserve it, I mean, I know you would never hurt an innocent person like that..." Yao had to believe some things about Ivan. He could not handle this otherwise. "I know I don't know all that much about you, but I know what I feel. And I couldn't feel like this if you were a bad person."

Ivan's eyes softened as he looked at Yao, looked at him like he was something beautiful and precious and unique. Yao almost wanted to hide, but knew that he couldn't. "So innocent, Yao. Where did you come from, to change everything like this?"

Yao scoffed. "I should be asking you that." It was true. Ivan had changed everything. Changed his life. For good, for bad, forever... there was no way to go back on that now. Yao laughed at his thoughts and pulled his hand from Ivan's, trying to hide his face. "This is so silly, I've known you for how long?"

Ivan took Yao's hand from his face. "Time makes no difference in these things. I had known you five minutes and I loved you."

It was a ridiculously sappy thing to say. Ridiculously sappy, and Yao's heart melted at the words. He couldn't deny he felt the same. "I do love you, Ivan. That's all that matters, right? That means we can work something out."

Ivan smiled like he believed him. "Beautiful Yao. My soul."

Yao hadn't thought he could fall any deeper. He was wrong.

.

Yao was woken by a warm kiss to his forehead. He blinked and looked up in sleepy silence. Ivan smiled down at him, the light from the hallway forming a shadow behind him. "I have to go, Dragon."

Yao reached out and mumbled softly. "No…"

"I will see you soon." Yao sighed contentedly into the pillow as Ivan leaned down and kissed him again, this time placing his scarf on the pillow beside Yao. Yao clutched it and breathed it in. "Next time, do not forget your lucky Buddha, da?"

"Mmm. No." A tiny seed of confusion drifted into Yao's sleepy brain. "Wait, how did you…"

"Ssh, Yao. Go back to sleep."

Yao did, and immediately forgot.

.

Next Chapter

Disclaimer: This story belongs to George deValier. Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya. I own nothing.

THANK YOU FLUFFCHEMY FOR SAVING THIS CHAPTER!

[itsyaboitylerwilson]

WHO: Tyler & @sofie-gardner WHERE: At Tyler’s apartment in Williamsberg. WHEN: May 2019.

“We’re bad for each other. Like fire and gasoline, but no matter how many times I’ve been burned, I  always come back to you.“

SOFIE:

The disbelief blanketed Sofie, weighing her shoulders down and creating a hot space where the havoc churning inside of her felt like it had no place to escape. Her bottom lip trembled as she brushed past Kaleb, grabbing the car keys and a bottle of vodka on the way out the door. She could hear him calling after her. You're nothing without me! His words hit the inside of the slammed door as Sofie ran from their apartment. Her head ducked low, the bottle of vodka curled around her fingers. When Sofie found his car tucked safely in its parking space, she let herself in and sped away, pressing the bottle to her lips as she took curves faster than could possibly be safe. 

Sofie's heart hammered relentlessly as the car came to a stop. She was here, and here felt like nowhere and everywhere and the promise of something that could take the edge and smooth it out to a low hum. Carefully Sofie pulled the visor free and came face to face with her reflection. Usually, flawless skin blotched with tears and smudged mascara, punctuated with a bruise blossoming against her eye socket. "I need you like I need a black eye." Sofie's voice trembled, and she slammed the visor shut and jumped out of the car, violently kicking the door shut as she marched up to his apartment door. 

Banging on the door, Sofie nearly knocked her fist into him as he answered. Pulling her arm back, Sofie adjusted the straps of her dress and lifted her eyes to him, expectant and impatient. "I hope you didn't have plans." Her voice came forth hoarse and forceful as she spoke past the lump in her throat. Sofie didn't wait for Tyler to invite her in, she let herself in twisting the engagement ring on her finger until slid free. Shoving the multi-million dollar ring at his chest. "This should cover tonight and then some-" Sofie let her hand linger against his chest a moment, dragging and wrinkling the fabric of his shirt before she flopped unceremoniously on the nearest seating.

TYLER:

The loud, unexpected banging at his front door sent Tyler’s heart into a rapid panic. Given his nefarious profession, one could never be too sure of the kind of people that would show up. He reflex grabbed the gun hidden in his coffee table, stuffed it in the back of his jeans, and nervously went to answer the door. To his relief it was just Sofie, a regular client of his. He exhaled hard and wiped his brow like some sweat had accrued there. Her erratic behavior was a little alarming, but honestly not unusual. She probably just needed a fix. 

 Being given her million dollar engagement ring almost made Tyler laugh. “You could never do this many drugs..” He said in a hushed voice, not wanting to present it as a challenge to Sofie. Tyler wouldn’t take the ring as payment, but he did slip the jewelry into his pocket. Whatever Sofie was going through, he thought she’d want it back. Eventually. Maybe. Who knew with her. “You know..” He said, as he came to sit on the back of the couch in which Sofie was stretched out on. “..I am always available to my most loyal clients.” It was true. Sofie had helped make Tyler a wealthy man. She bought a lot, and she sent her friends. “What’ll it be sweartheart?” He didn't really need to ask. Sofie loved coke, but he had to make the inquiry given her manic state. “Something  mellow?”(edited)

SOFIE:

With the ring off her finger Sofie like she could breathe, but only a moment, and it was as if his hand was back around her throat, and she couldn't get away. Her shoulder shook, fighting against the urge to cry.  Sofie tilted her head towards him, something muttered quietly- non-consequence, she didn't care. Should she have cared? Maybe she should care a little more, but all she could think about was how violated she felt how she had let the last several months of her life strangle her with the compilation of lies. Thanks, mom, Thanks Kaleb - fuck everyone who let it happen. Sofie thought, the bitter reality making her jaw tighten.

The couch groaned under his weight, and Sofie's head sunk back, and crystalline hues landed on his. Sofie searched his face, her own expression eerily void as she waited for the other shoe to drop. After a beat, Sofie shifted, her hands snaking up to grab his - "What part of me has ever wanted to mellow- " It wasn't a question, and she wasn't asking. "I feel low enough right now, Tyler...I want to be so fucking high that I'm flying." Her gaze fell with a drop of her hand as Sofie was shifting, so her knees were in the couch cushions, and she was facing him Sofie fluttered her lashes, the bruise throbbed under her eyes and she turned her head allowing wild waves to curtain left the eye. "A real south paw - you should see the other guy." Sofie joked and it felt like acid against her tongue. "You haven't disappointed me yet - so what do you have?"

TYLER:

It came apparent to Tyler after a moment of watching Sofie from his place on the back of the couch that this was no ordinary emotional spiral. Often, she found him when she was in a sort of disarray, but tonight seemed different. Something serious was bothering her, but Tyler was a drug dealer. Not a therapist. Still, something in his broad chest stirred when she took his hands into hers. He wanted to comfort her but didn’t know how. A truth that was only half true. Any of her favorite party favors would surely make Sofie feel better. Even if only for the night. With a bow of his head, Tyler kissed the top of Sofie’s hands and then released them.  He thought he was funny but didn’t laugh as he said, “Allow Doctor Wilson to prescribe you a remedy.”

After leaving the room, Tyler put the gun he’d stuffed in the back of his pants away, snagged a couple bags of pristine, white powder, and then an ice pack from the freezer. Sofie’s face was about to go numb, but the coke wouldn’t do anything for the swelling. “Here ya go Rocky.” He tossed her the ice pack. “Put some ice on that thing, while I get us set up.”

Socially, Tyler did a lot of coke, and he was a pretty social guy. He told himself he wouldn’t do a lot tonight, just a line or two for Sofie’s benefit, but it never ended that way. After dividing up the contents of an entire bag of powder into several, perfect lines on mirrored plate he’d bought specifically for coke use, Tyler offered Sofie the first go with a straw. Not a rolled bill. He was particularly clean and unusually organized for someone in his profession, but he thought it better suited his more upscale clientele than the typical slothful style of dealers.