#after all this extra time is supposed to help me get ahead

[sasukimimochi]

had a successful writing session, not as much as i wanted to finish but i have been doing a lot of other writing so it's not too bad haha

i have got over half the chapter done so there's that, i will need to do a lot of tweaking though cuz the chapter hasn't gone how i wwwanted so far? It feels a little flat. i'm hoping to get a better section for the chapter in the next part, and maybe add more detail in the parts i just churned out and clean it up. 2917 words so far! Not too bad for a tuesday night actually. Still dunno what the art for this chapter will be yet...i think i'll have to decide once the chapter is fully done.

getting a headache now though so i should stop fsjdhgfsdf

i should be less busy tomorrow. Wasn't...intending on the whole going out thing today, but you know, sun is nice sometimes even if it does make you wanna die. hopefully i got some vitamins from it

...i was like "i'm not gonna write more tonight" then proceeded to start writing on my phone...at my desk, LMAO i am everywhere mentally.

my adhd: you wanna stop now?? ok well now i want to write

i see you adhd. i see you. i'll at least lay down to rest anyway LOL *waves hand*

also ugh look at this beautiful word count i stopped at tonight

BEAUTIFUL AND EVEN MY OCD IS SINGING ❤❤❤✨

[tbaluver]

Husband/ Father Headcanons- The Love And DeepSpace Men

order: xavier x fem! reader, zayne x fem! reader, rafayel x fem! reader, sylus x fem! reader genre: fluff fluff a/n: hihi lovelies! i apologize that my reqs are coming supa late but i should finish and post them so soon after my school semester ends! i literally have so many in my drafts (╥﹏╥) i usually overthink my reqs which is why i take super long but here's some husband material to feed you all for now i hope ( ◡̀_◡́)ᕤ talk to you all so soon mwah (∩˃o˂∩)♡

⋆｡‧˚ʚ♡ɞ˚‧｡⋆

Xavier:

He loves doing simple things with you like going to the supermarket. He’s read somewhere on the internet that that's what married couples are supposed to do on earth.

Morning routines with Xavier are always so warm and sweet. As you both get ready for the day, he’ll take your hand, carefully adjusting your wedding ring before giving it a soft kiss.

Whenever your newborn baby starts crying just as you’re both about to eat, he always prioritizes you. He’ll reassure you that you can go ahead and eat without him and enjoy your meal, promising you that he’ll take care of the baby.

You and Xavier share a special inside joke just between the two of you about the cute sounds your baby makes. Whether it’s the random babbling or their adorable squeals, always brings a smile and laugh to the both of you.

Xavier loves hearing and seeing your child laugh and will do absolutely anything to make them smile whether it’s through tickling, playing peekaboo, pulling silly faces, or using a high pitched voice

Lots of snuggles with you and your baby. You’d have your little one nestled safely right in the middle of the two of you as you all fall into deep slumber. He especially loves having his child rest on his chest while you snuggle up beside him.

Zayne:

Whenever your baby girl starts walking or crawling, he’ll consistently clean the floors of the house multiple times to keep the floor clean for his baby girl and to also have a clean house in general.

Your daughter has her own little kitchen playset because she loves watching either of you cook. Sometimes, while Zayne’s busy with his patients reports, she’ll run up to him with a plate of her plastic food to share her ‘cooking’ with him. He loves to play along to see her adorable smile, pretending to savor it and tell her how delicious it is.

Whenever it’s a quiet time between the two of you, enjoying each other’s company and doing your own thing, Zayne often reaches over to gently rub his thumb against your wedding ring, often reminiscing about the day you two got married and a small smile curling on his lips.

Anytime you ask him to grab something for you while he’s out, he always goes the extra mile and adds a little something extra for you- and for him as well especially if it’s something sweet. If you ask for the next series of your favorite book you love, he’ll just get the entire collection so you can binge-read it right away. He’ll even pick up a copy of the book you’re currently reading so he can talk about it with you.

Rafayel:

Everyday being married to you feels like a blessing from the gods. He wakes up in the morning to see your beautiful sleeping figure right beside him, wearing the wedding ring on your finger that ties you both together forever. Rafayel always greets you with something cheesy when you wake up like, “Hello my beautiful wife.” with a big smile on his face.

Rafayel flirts with you as if you haven’t been married for a couple years now and often says “I love you” with any chance he gets. “Heyy my lovely gorgeous wife, before you come home, do ya think you can pick me up some extra brushes? I think our little glub glubs hid them again...oh and by the way I love you!”

He always wears his ring. He can’t help but fidget with the ring whenever he starts to miss you, smiling as thinks about the day you both exchanged your vows.

After a long day at work, you can always find your lemurian children running up to greet you with your husband. Sometimes they like to show off their artwork they’ve all made together and most of the time it’s all just for you.

However he can always tell when you’re exhausted and drained, so he’ll gently excuse the kids, assuring them you’ll spend time with them later. For now he’s happy to entertain the children so you can get your rest. He’ll make up a random activity to keep the children busy so he can do small things for you like running a bath or preparing some meals for you

Sylus:

Anytime Sylus and his baby girl are shopping, he’ll always ask her what she wants or what she prefers. He treats her like a princess just like her mommy.

“hmm....pink! no, red!...pink!”

“how about....we get both dear?”

and there’s something so adorable seeing her so happy that makes him feel so warm and fuzzy inside.

Sylus does not mind in any timeline or universe if you’re comfortable being provided for. He can afford it and nothing can hurt his card even if you tried.

As years go by, he’ll make sure your wedding ring isn’t getting worn out or has any chips in it. Not that it would ever get worn off from its high quality. If it does have any problems, he’s quick to get it fixed, making sure that your ring will always shine with you.

Before you both unwind for the night, he’ll gently kiss the back of your hand where your wedding ring rests, before slowly slipping it off for the night.

Anytime you’re home from a long day of work, he’s already outside waiting for you to take out things in your car so you don’t have to carry anything.

After a long shift, you can always come home to find a warm dinner waiting for you with your favorite drink. The house would be clean and your baby girl is already tucked in. He’ll sit by you at the dining table, a glass in his hand, sharing stories about his day or simply listening as you tell him about yours.

[reneesghostinthelivingroom]

Most Trusted

|| Ambessa Medarda x fem!reader

|| Warnings; brief swearing, brief mentions of killing but nobody dies, reader & Ambessa naked, hints at intimacy if you read between the lines, reader being absolutely smitten for Ambessa, little dialogue

|| Summary; with a slow morning, reader encourages Ambessa to stay in bed with her. Allowing her more time to admire her body. Scars and all.

Requests closed!

Started; December 3rd

Finished; December 3rd

HurtCember2024; Day 4, Scars

Author Note; dropping this one a little early! I couldn't wait that extra sixteen minutes. It's midnight somewhere, right? I'm really happy with how this one turned out 🫶

~~~

The bed was warm and comfortable as you snuggled up to Ambessa. Enjoying the small moment of peace the two of you shared. With Ambessa, these moments came rare and few. Comparable to scraps off a table. So, you cherished whatever ones appeared. Living in the moment to its absolute fullest. Your finger tips trailed along Ambessa's scars, having started on the ones on her face. Now trailing those on her shoulder. You couldn't help but admire them. The scars held memories and Ambessa often told you the stories of how she got them. She loved retelling her battles to you. Her many victories, how proud she made her ancestors. You'd hang on to every word. Taking the stories in full. You couldn't believe that Ambessa was your lover. She was strong, powerful, the embodiment of leadership and control. Whenever you heard how much she had achieved, it made you feel like you could be doing more yourself. Ambessa motivated you. She was your inspiration.

Her gaze fell to you, feeling your fingers against her skin. Trailing the old scars with nothing but admiration and love in your eyes. You often looked at her like she placed the stars in the sky for you. She would have, too. If they weren't already there. Ambessa found it adorable how simply you were entertained by her. You seemed to love everything she did. She could be killing someone and you would honestly probably look at her the same. The thought alone amused her. You really did love her and she really did have you wrapped around her finger. She cared for you. Protected you. You were hers just as she was yours.

"Darling... are you simply going to look at me all day?" Ambessa asked, amusement in her tone. Her hand wrapped around your waist. Resting to your ass. Bringing you in closer to her. Your eyes met hers, taking your gaze off her scars. Your head rested to her shoulder and your hand cupped her cheek. Feeling how she leaned into your touch. For a woman with the strength that Ambessa had, it was cute. Watching her soften up for you. Even if it was simply to humour you.

"Couldn't I?" You replied. You often did find yourself staring at her all day, without boredom. It wasn't often the two of you weren't at each other's side. You were her most trusted, after all. Ambessa could see clearly how deep your loyalty for her ran. Like you were sculpted just for her and her alone. She knew you would never betray. It was one of Ambessa's favourite qualities about you; the thing that caught her attention to begin with.

A small chuckle left Ambessa at your response. Couldn't you? She supposed you could. Though, she knew sooner or later the two of you would have to get to work. Maybe explore the local cuisine... she sighed, propping her elbow to the pillow. Fingers resting to the side of her head. Her eyes locking with your own," we have quite the busy day ahead of us. Though.. for you, perhaps we could stay in bed just a little longer. If only to humour you."

Your eyes lit up and you tried getting even closer to her. Sometimes you found yourself wishing the two of you could just merge. Being up against her wasn't enough. Your hand continued its journey along her scars. Only parting way for a moment to feel her lower abs. You could feel Ambessa watching your every movement, like she was calculating what you would do before you did it. You didn't mind. You loved when the tables were flipped and she would watch you instead. It made your whole body feel warm. In ways beyond just temperature. Ambessa allowed you to continue for a moment longer, before she reluctantly pulled herself away from you. Getting out of bed to begin her day. You couldn't help but pout just a bit as the warmth left.

Ambessa got dressed in front of you. Hardly caring if you watched, besides. It wasn't nothing you hadn't already seen from her. She was in no rush to get ready, even if she should have been. Enjoying the little show she was putting on for you. Once she was clothed, Ambessa looked to you. A subtle smirk dancing on her lips," if you keep your mouth open like that you'll swallow a fly," she teased.

You blinked, haven't even realizing that your mouth had opened slightly. You quickly closed it and scrambled out of bed. A blush dusting your cheeks. Looking through your drawers, you pulled out your clothes for the day. Ambessa would lean herself over your shoulder. Suggesting what she would like to see you in. You hardly minded. You loved dressing for her.

Once dressed, Ambessa gave you a nod of approval. You joined her at her side and she placed a kiss to your cheek. Her hand resting to your shoulder with a firm hold before the two of you left the room. Beginning your day.

[moonchild9350]

Firsts

Summary: Hyunjin reminisces on all of your 'firsts' together as a couple.

Pairing: nonidol!Hyunjin x fab!reader

Genre: established relationship au, fluff, smut-18+MDNI

Word Count: 3.4k

Warnings: time jumps, kissing, hand job, nipple play, clit play, unprotected sex (don’t), mention of birth control, creampie, Hyunjin is in love lol

Notes: just wanted to write another fic from Hyunjin's pov! this was supposed to be short but here we are lol

If you enjoyed please consider a comment, reblog, or like as it keeps me motivated ♡

Please do not copy, translate, modify, use, or repost this work elsewhere without my permission. ©moonchild9350 (2024)

Firsts are scary. At least that is what Hyunjin thought wholeheartedly, that is until he met you. You with your cheery demeanor, your kind heart and lust for life. He loves your beauty, your body, your everything, but he also loves who you are on the inside.

Over the last year you’ve both shared many firsts with each other, each time they occur giving him butterflies deep within as if it’s the first time you’ve met.

— —

Hyunjin was nervous for your first date, the jitters getting the best of him as he checked his hair in the mirror for the millionth time. His heart was pounding within his chest, so hard he thought it was going to burst.

He picked out flowers for you earlier in the day, unsure of what you’d like. Maybe the roses? But also what about the carnations? He spent so long staring at the two options that the clerk came by to make sure he was okay asking if he needed any help.

In the end he chose the roses, sticking to a safe choice. He carefully cared for them home, making sure not to crush the delicate petals, their floral scent traveling to his nose causing him to smile. He kept them in water until it was time to pick you up, the stems dripping all over the floor and ultimately his pants staining them.

Hyunjin felt embarrassed at the stain, convinced you would slam the door in his face, tsking that he was a mess. However, you did the exact opposite, your squeal of delight reaching his ears, which turned a bright red in response. You whisked the flowers from his hands, setting them in a vase of water before following him outside.

He took you to dinner, at a cute little restaurant in town that you had been gushing about. He found it easy to chat with you, the conversation flowing nonstop. He made sure to listen to all of your likes and dislikes, wanting to learn more about you which was easy to do since it was you.

You both enjoyed your meal, staying for the cheesecake and that extra glass of wine, your hearts wildly beating at the prospect of other dates to come.

But all good things must come to an end, the night wrapping up way too soon. Hyunjin walked you back to your apartment in the warm night air, the city slowing down as people hurried home. He’d hope to see you again as he wanted to shower you with affection and treat you the way you deserve.

Hyunjin looked forward to more firsts with you, the concept not as scary as it seemed before

Not long after your first date, he took you to movie , as you had a love for films just like him. It was an older film, repurposed for the modern theater, one you both enjoyed and discussed many times over a late night chat.

The theater in town was old, the building itself a time capsule of when it was built in the early beginnings of the sleepy town.

You both sat in the red chairs, looking at each other as you blushed and giggled, each of you a nervous wreck. Hyunjin didn’t know what to do, not wanting to make you feel uncomfortable, so he quickly looked away and focused on the screen, watching the ads that were playing.

Soon, the lights dimmed and the film began. He couldn’t stop looking at you from the corner of his eye, trying to catch a glimpse of you as you focused straight ahead. His heart was beating, his thigh bouncing up and down as he tried to pay attention to the film.

If he thought he was nervous then nothing could have prepared him for how nervous he would be watching you creep your hand to rest on the armrest separating you two.

Your hand rested there delicately, your perfectly manicured nails on display. His palms were clammy, as beads of sweat prickled at his forehead. He tried to subtly wipe his hands off on his pants, hoping you wouldn’t see.

Suddenly, you looked his way, his head turning to meet your eyes. You gave him a smile, butterflies fluttering in his chest at your beauty. He looked at your hand, now facing palm up and back to your eyes. You gave him another reassuring smile before wiggling your fingers teasingly.

Before he could overthink his actions, he quickly reached for your hand, his fingers brushing yours before resting his palm on top of yours. You giggled quietly before lacing your fingers with his, giving his hand a squeeze once settled.

Hyunjin was over the moon, a smile gracing his face as he turned to face the screen again. There was incessant pounding of his heart in his chest, as he held your hand in his, not believing that this was happening.

He found he couldn’t focus on the film, his thoughts on how your tiny hand fit in his perfectly, almost like two puzzle pieces finding their home together. He thought of how he could feel your pulse, the thump thump radiating off his skin. If he could feel your heart beat, could you feel his and how it ached for you?

His mind was a flurry of thoughts as he barely paid attention to the film, not even noticing it was over until the very end when you sweetly said his name, the sound sweet like honey to his ears.

He blushed, feeling embarrassed at his mishap.

“Ready then?” He asked you, squeezing your hand in his.

“Mmhmm I am,” you said, your eyes locked on him.

Hyunjin chatted with you about the film as you both walked down the sidewalk, your chatter warming his heart, creating a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. The street lamps set a yellow glow, illuminating the way as you passed others on their way to a destination only they know.

Stopping at a street corner, he takes a deep breath, his eyes gazing at you through his periphery. You stand there with your hands at your side, your gaze straight ahead.

Hyunjin desperately wants to touch you, feel your warm hand in his once more. He wants to feel how your fingers lightly brush against his as they bend and fold to rest upon his.

Would you pull your hand away if he reached out to grab ahold of it?

He thinks and thinks, his teeth biting his bottom lip as he ponders at what he should do. You’ve held hands in the theater, but it was dark inside and not as…as public. He’s not sure why he’s this nervous. It’s you, the love of his life, the sweet girl who bumped into him at the cafe down the street from your house. And of course you just met, but he feels as if he’s known you his whole life.

Taking a breath, he builds the courage to reach down and grab your hand, right as the signal to walk changes from red to white. He looks at you, his eyebrows raised as you stare up at him in shock, your cheeks flushing a beautiful shade of red.

“I’m…I’m sorry…”

Hyunjin was cut off by your hand squeezing his.

“Don’t be sorry, I like this Hyun,” you responded, your face spreading into a smile.

Hyunjin nodded his head and smiled back, his dimple popping up on his cheek. He shook his head in resolve and started walking with you by his side. He couldn’t believe something as simple as holding your hand could make him feel this way, as if he had just won the lottery and was the luckiest man alive. He’d make sure to remember this moment for the rest of his life that’s for sure

Your relationship progressed, both of you comfortably falling into each other’s routines, your two paths merging as if it was always meant to be.

You both opted for an at home date, agreeing to cook dinner together. Hyunjin never cooked before he met you, opting to fill his stomach with take out from the local restaurants. When you found out his diet was not the best, you flipped, shrieking how he needed proper nutrients and that you would take care of his meals.

That was the start of you cooking and bringing his meals to his home, making sure he ate properly each day. He blushed as you fussed over the containers, unloading them one by one from your bag. You explained when to eat what and what each item was, as you scurried across his kitchen.

Eventually, he suggested that you come over and show him how to cook basic meals, so that way you didn’t have to make extra portions.

This suggestion led to both of you elbow deep in dough, as you showed him how to make bread, your arms flexing as you carefully kneaded the dough. He watched in awe as you worked, little droplets of sweat dripping down the side of your face.

Hyunjin didn’t realize he was staring until you asked him a question as you used the back of your arm to wipe the sweat off your face.

“Hyun!” You said, giggling as he shook his head to break out of his reverie.

“What did you ask?” Hyunjin replied sheepishly, his hands reaching for anything in his reach.

You chuckled and bumped against his arm, “I asked if you had any questions so far?”

Hyunjin had many questions as he wasn’t paying attention to your instructions, but he didn’t want to dishearten you so he said no and continued to knead the dough that was in front of him.

You both worked in comfortable silence with soft music playing in the background. Hyunjin watched as you reached into the bag of flower, grasping a finger full. You were about to throw it on the counter so the dough wouldn’t stick, but at the last second you flicked your wrist towards him, the flour flying through the air and landing on his face.

Hyunjin let out a shriek, your cackles filling the kitchen as you doubled over clutching your stomach. Hyunjin chuckled, reached into the flour bag and grabbed a handful, launching it you.

An all out flour war began, both of you leaping and dodging each other, flour flying everywhere, the powder floating gently through the air. Your clothes were splattered with the white substance, as you pelted each other. Hyunjin’s deep laughter mixed your tinkling sound, the cacophony resonating throughout the little kitchen.

Hyunjin watched as you grabbed another hand full of flour, but just as you were about to launch it at him, you slipped on the powder littering the floor, your arms flailing forwards. You shrieked and drop towards the floor, your hands reaching out to grab onto anything you could.

He quickly reached out his hands and caught you, cradling you gently within his ams. You both were breathing heavy, your chests rapidly rising and falling, little puffs of air coming from your lips as you both stood there in silence.

Hyunjin helped you stand back up, his hands traveling down your arms. He gazed down at you, his eyes catching yours. You looked beautiful, your cheeks flushed with specks of flour, wisps of your hair falling into your face.

Hyunjin’s breath caught as his gaze drifted to your lips, his mind wandering how they would feel on his. It’s not the first time he’s thought this, the idea floating around his head late at night as he laid in bed, his hand drifting to his cock that seems to always be hard during the night hours as he thinks of you.

Your eyes widen, your pupils dilating as you waited in anticipation for his next move. Time seemed to stand still as Hyunjin took a breath and gently cupped your chin, gently tipping your head up.

Leaning down, he slowly closed the gap between you two until he could feel your breath on him. There was a pause as you both stood together, his hand on your chin, his forehead against yours. Closing the final distance, your lips collided. Your lips were soft on his as he pulled you closer, his hands sliding down your arms, your torso until they reached your waist.

Hyunjin could hear fireworks going off within his head and he smiled at the cliche thought, as he continued to move his lips against yours. He shivered as you wrapped your arms around his neck, clutching onto him as he continued to kiss you gently but passionately.

Just when he thought he’d run out of oxygen, you pulled away partially, a string of spit connecting your two lips, as you fought to catch your breath. Hyunjin rested his forehead against yours and let out a chuckle as you smiled, your fingers softly carding through his hair.

You both stood there gazing at each other, your lips pressing together again and again in breathy exchange. The night went on, the dough forgotten as you embraced each other, listening to the sound of your hearts beating and the sound of the soft notes of a piano flowing throughout the room.

“Let’s watch a movie baby,” you cooed, snuggling closer to him, your head nuzzling into his chest.

You both were in your bed, spending a lazy day together. Hyunjin loved being in your room, being surrounded by your scent, with the presence of your interests scattered throughout the room. He pulled you closer, chuckling as you squeaked at the sudden movement.

Your legs were wrapped around his, your hand on his belly as he lightly brushed his fingertips down your spine. Hyunjin has dreamed of a moment like this for weeks, wanting you within his arms, the promise of more lingering in the air.

And that’s exactly how the night went. He remembers lowering you on your back, your hair splayed out on the pillow, your big brown eyes staring up at him.

He pressed wet kisses all over your cheeks, your jaw, your neck, his cock swelling at the sound of your sweet moans as he worshipped your body. He found himself grinding into you, his cock meeting your core with each pass, strangled moans leaving his lips.

Hyunjin held his breath as you rid yourself of your shirt, tossing it away before settling back onto the pillow. He swallowed as you fondled your breasts, your fingers playing with your nipples looking at him with a hooded gaze.

“Touch me,” you breathed, your lips parted as you watched his every move.

He grasped your breasts, cupping the flesh as his fingers brushed and tugged against your nipples. He listened to your moans, his eyes widening as you arched into his touch, your hands reaching out to meet his. Hyunjin reveled in how they felt perfect within the palm of his hand, soft and plushy, his mind reeling at the feel of them.

He groaned as he wrapped his lips around your nipple, your back arching into him as he licked and sucked, his other hand massaging your other breast. He felt euphoric, waves of pleasure traveling through his body as he pleasured you.

Releasing your nipple with a pop, he hurriedly rid himself of his boxers, his cock slapping against his belly at the force and pre cum oozing from his tip. He took in your gaze, as you licked your lips at the sight of his member, your hands reaching out to encircle his length.

He whimpered as you slid your hand against his shaft, your palm coming up to circle the head over and over. His mouth was wide open as he shuddered in pleasure, his hips slightly thrusting up into your hand. You stroked him harder, faster, your eyes trained on him, a smirk forming on your face as you watched him fall apart above you.

“Can’t…stop love,” Hyunjin breathed, his hand reaching out to gently remove yours from his cock. “Need to be in you. Will you let me have you?” He asked with hope in your eyes.

He groaned out as you parted your legs more, displaying your wet pussy to him.

“Of course baby,” you cooed as you reached down to part your folds so your leaking entrance was on display.

Hyunjin grasped his cock, stroking it a few times before pressing it at your hole. He was about to push in when he stopped, hesitating to proceed.

You looked up at him curiously as you asked, “why’d you stop?”

Hyunjin cleared his throat, his eyes roaming up your body until they landed on your brown orbs.

“I um…I don’t have a condom,” he replied, his eyes cast downward at the implications of not being able to have you.

However, he perked up when you responded, a wide smile on your face.

“I’m on birth control, so we don’t need one if you don’t mind.”

He felt his heart flutter, his cock twitching at the thought of not only having you for the first time but also bare. He gripped his cock harder and brushed his tip through your folds, the head catching on your clit before trailing back down to your entrance.

He pushed within you, his eyes trained on your pussy as your warm walls engulfed him like a hug. He faltered slightly, letting out a breath as the pleasure was too overwhelming. You were so wet, the slide easy as he pushed further within you.

He groaned as you whimpered, spreading your legs wider so you could watch where you two were connected. Hyunjin began thrusting his hips into you, his breath stuttering as your pussy clenched around him, holding him in.

He wasn’t going to last long, the feeling of you, the smell of you, even the sound of you being too overwhelming. He quickly attached his lips to yours as he brought his hand to your clit, sloppily circling the bud to get you to your high.

He could feel you shivering beneath him, your hands clawing at his back as he pounded into you. His face was buried in your neck, your lips at his ear whispering the most dirty things, causing him to groan.

You continuously clenched around him, your arms wrapping around his middle, holding him tight, your legs wrapping around his thighs pulling him deeper within you.

You whined his name, whimpering “don’t stop” over and over.

You were driving him insane.

He was moments away from claiming you, his cock swelling at the thought of getting to fill you with his seed. His hips stuttered as his cock twitched within your walls, his mind a mess as he couldn’t think straight.

You lifted his head and brought his lips to yours in a passionate kiss, the action tipping him over the edge, reaching that euphoria he has only experienced within the confines of his room or in his dreams.

It was better than he could imagine, causing him to whimper as his cum filled you within. His eyes rolled to the back of his head as you gasped as you reached your high, the rhythmic contraction of your walls milking him dry.

Hyunjin swallowed your moans, his body caging yours as he lazily rocked into you, riding out both of your highs.

He let out a shaky breath before pulling back, taking in your sweaty body beneath his, the clear sheen coating every inch of your skin. He withdrew his cock, watching as his cum seeped from your pussy, your walls contracting at the emptiness and pushing out the white liquid.

“I love you,” you whispered as you gazed up at him, a soft smile gracing your face.

Hyunjin felt his heart swell at the confession, his love for you expanding by the second.

You loved him.

He mouthed the words before running a hand through his hair.

You loved him.

Looking down at you lovingly, he pushed your hair back from your face, his eyes taking in the afterglow. He licked his lips and kissed you before laying down next to you and pulling you close.

“I love you.” He repeated, meaning every word as it left his mouth.

— —

Yeah firsts are scary. Hyunjin has never liked them. However, he doesn’t mind sharing firsts with you, the love of his life.

He remembers that as you descend the steps, dressed in a beautiful little black dress, your hair carefully fixed and makeup done to perfection.

Here Hyunjin is celebrating yet another first with you, your first anniversary, and he could not be happier and more satisfied.

You are his first but also his last.

Tag list: @jehhskz @jeonginsleftcheek @simpforleeknaur @armystay89 @palindrome969 @slut4hee @ivydoesit23 @amarecerasus @kaysungshine @fun-fanfics @baby-stay92 @velvetmoonlght @possum-playground

[wheeboo]

tell me that you love me | joshua hong {part one}

SYNOPSIS. in which you and joshua are simply different in more ways than one, yet only seem to find a common ground in struggling to chase your dreams. so why does life keep throwing you two at each other, despite your different worlds, and why does it feel so terrifyingly right? PAIRING. musician!joshua hong x deaf-artist!reader (ft. cafe owner!jeonghan, musician!seokmin, best friend!seungkwan, best friend!wheein, producer!jihoon) GENRE. fluff, slice of life, kdrama romance-esque, mild angst, strangers to friends to lovers, slow burn WARNINGS/TAGS. cursing, shua and reader has some self-doubt issues :(, someone makes insensitive comments about reader, mention of alcohol (beer), mention of cigarettes, everyone ships them, kissing, terms of endearment, Softie Domestic Joshua™, it conveniently rains when they're together, this is 85% fluff and 15% plot and the brainrot was giving me an existential crisis, honestly there's not much warnings it's just a love story <3 WORD COUNT (FOR PART ONE). 20k WORD COUNT (FOR FULL FIC). 37k

notes: after 7 months (minus the 2 months i lowkey abandoned this oop), it's done! this fic could have honestly been 20k words, but the brainrot refused to do so. inspired from the kdrama of the same name and the jdrama Aishiteiru to Itte Kure. any uses/descriptions of sign language (ASL) throughout the story is researched! expressing my love to all my mooties who suffered listening to me talk abt this fic. i hope this fic being long doesn't bore you all to death <3 funny enough, this was also supposed to be a very very very belated bday fic to @slytherinshua LMFAO. ty to @bananabubble for also helping me a lot with this fic too!

part one | part two

“Okay, so to recap: the espresso machines are on the right side of the counter, just next to the pastry display. You'll get familiar with them really easily. The barista station is behind them, where all the little doohickeys are, yaddi-yaddi-yadda…”

“Aren't you supposed to be teaching me where everything is?” Joshua asks in slight annoyance after securing the apron around his waist.

Jeonghan just chugs a wet, dripping rag in his direction, narrowly missing Joshua's head and landing with a damp plop on the counter. Then he wipes his hands on his apron, shooting a small wink at the other man. “Patience, grasshopper.”

“Why did you decide to hire me again?”

“So I can finally kick you out of my apartment," Jeonghan answers, a playful bite to his voice, and Joshua only rolls his own eyes. “in a non-violent way, of course.”

“You're actually an imbecile, Yoon Jeonghan.”

“Oh, but you love me.” Jeonghan smirks, plucking the wet rag from the counter and shoving it in Joshua's hand. “Chop-chop, grasshopper, you got a whole day ahead of you.”

Joshua Hong was never one to detest helping out a friend𑁋his best friend, to be specific. He knew Jeonghan was doing this in order to help him out as he had been living under the man's roof for the past two years, with the promise of finding a new place testing his patience. Even with his nightly gigs at the busking centre in the middle of town, having a day job to earn some extra money seemed like a very good idea. 

But he seriously doesn't understand how Jeonghan managed to open up his own café in the first place. It's remarkable, actually.

The day is surprisingly slow. Even with the café being in the mere heart of the city and amidst the morning and afternoon rush, barely any pastries were taken from the display. The only sounds come from the rhythmic ticking of the antique clock on the wall, and the obnoxious screech of the stool that Jeonghan sits on not that far away.

However after some time, the familiar, soft chime of the door echoes throughout the café, announcing the arrival of a customer. Joshua finds his head immediately snapping up after fumbling with the frother, a welcoming smile dawning across his face as he smooths his apron and takes his place at the register. 

The figure in front of him is momentarily enveloped by the sunlight that seeps through the large window panes. He waits for them to step fully into the warm glow of the café, his eyes drawn to the way they hold themselves𑁋shoulders slightly hunched, hands tucked deep within the pockets of a lightweight jacket, and seemingly a book tucked under their shoulders. Their steps are slow, soft even as they approach the counter, and a smile, gentle and hesitant, plays on their lips.

“Hi, welcome in," Joshua greets politely. “What can I get for you today?”

You find yourself gazing at the unfamiliar barista in front of you with meticulous curiosity, before letting your eyes drift to the nametag on his shirt: Joshua. His eyes immediately dart down to your hands that you lifted up on instinct, then hesitation gnaws at you, and suddenly you drop your hands back to your sides again.

“Our menu is up here.” Joshua motions above his head. “and our pastries are over here, if you would like to take a look.”

You wave your hand dismissively, then fumble for your phone, showing him an order written on the screen.

hot vanilla latte - extra foam - name is y/n

“Hot vanilla latte, extra foam?” Joshua repeats, confirming the order with a friendly smile, and the response he gets is a pair of thumbs-up. “And the name is... Y/N?”

Your face lights up, feeling some heat threaten up your neck as you offer a small nod to confirm.

There's something endearing that blooms in Joshua's chest as he punches the order down on the register. The moment is stretched with long silence before he watches as you quickly turn around to head to the outdoor sitting of the café. He sees you place yourself down at one of the seats, back turned towards him, and all he could do is let his eyes linger for a beat longer before realising that he actually has to make your order.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as he sets to work. He fumbles slightly, steaming the milk for your latte and carefully (and clumsily) creating a cloud of airy foam.

When he places the mug on the counter, his eyes drift back to where you sat outside, the slight breeze and midday sun casting down on the patio. He notices that you're hunched over, seemingly concentrating on something, and he can't help but wonder what occupies your thoughts. With the latte in hand, he heads towards the door, the bell above the door softly chiming. 

The sun paints the city in dappled gold, and a light breeze sways through the air and catches a strand of your hair that floats like a wisp. It's a picture-perfect scene, and Joshua thinks you fit right into it, all while hunched over a small sketchbook and pencil in your hand flying across the page.

He hesitates right behind you, unsure how to get your attention without startling you. Every option that he mulls over seems intrusive and jarring.

In the end, Joshua decides on a gentle tap on your shoulder. As his fingers make contact with your shoulder, a sudden jolt runs through your body, and you visibly startle, your hand flinching involuntarily and coming in contact with the mug in Joshua's hand.

The glass mug slips from Joshua's grasp, crashing down to the floor in thousands of tiny shards. Hot coffee splashes, hitting the skin of both of your hands and splattering on your sketchbook. Gasps fly from both your lips, echoing throughout the quiet patio. You wince in your seat, nearly causing you to stumble off but you manage to catch yourself.

For a long moment, Joshua could only find himself frozen, yet when he notices the pained look on your face, he instinctively reaches out, grabbing your hand without thinking. Your fingers curl around his in a startled reflex, your skin warm against his own. He cradles your hand in his, pressing his palm against your skin, as if trying to shield you from the worst of the heat and the glass scattered around the two of you.

Adrenaline courses through him as he pulls your hand back, examining it frantically. A thin red line crosses near your thumb, a tiny bead of blood sprouting at its edge. Panic claws at his throat, but he forces himself to stay calm. You're watching him, eyes wide with a mix of shock and pain, and he sees his own fear reflected in your pupils.

“Crap, I-I'm so sorry!” he blurts out, voice rough with regret. “Are you okay? I shouldn't have... I should have been more careful…”

You watch as Joshua's eyes scan your hand, the features of his face noticeably soft and etched with concern. The warmth of his hand cradling yours sends a jolt through you, something unfamiliar yet strangely comforting.

When you look back up at him, he asks if you're okay again, your gaze focusing in on his lips then back up at his eyes. You can tell he's worried𑁋he even seems breathless from all the panic too. Swallowing a lump in your throat, you silently answer with a nod.

The air seems to thicken with awkwardness. Joshua's gaze lingers down on your hand cradled in his trembling ones, the sight of a tiny cut on the flesh between your thumb and index finger sending a fresh wave of shame to come crashing down on him.

When you both lock eyes once again, you feel a flutter in your stomach. Then Joshua clears his throat, a million apologies tumbling over each other in his mind.

“I, uh…” he begins, then stops, unsure how to proceed. “Does it hurt a lot?”

You realise he's asking about you, and you peer down at your hand, the sting of the burn momentarily forgotten in the face of his genuine worry. It's just a small red line, a minor burn that will fade in time, and a tiny cut where the glass had scratched. But the warmth radiating from his hand cupped over yours feels oddly... comforting.

You shake your head, then motion to his own hand, as if asking the same thing.

Joshua blinks in surprise. He examines it, a small line of red just starting to show from a small cut, and a tiny calloused area from the burn of the coffee. It was barely noticeable, and it admittedly stung with a dull ache, but he wouldn't acknowledge that𑁋he didn't want to make you worry. It's not that bad, he thinks, but his thoughts are instantly replaced with concern for you.

“Here, let me... I'll get some bandages for you.” He gently releases your hand, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary, and rises to his feet. “And a new drink, of course. On the house.”

Before you can give him a nod or anything, you watch him walk towards the café, the sunlight reflecting off his dark hair. He turns back once inside, and your eyes meet across the wall of glass. You offer a smile, and raise your hand in a small wave. He returns one sheepishly, his smile crinkling the corners of his eyes just slightly, before disappearing to the side.

You stand up as well, shooting a glance down at your sketchbook, the brown splatter bleeding across a corner of the paper. It didn't look like a lot of it was damaged luckily𑁋you could probably incorporate it into the drawing somehow. The thought seems to soothe you.

Joshua mutters curses to himself as he struggles to find the first-aid kit underneath the counter in the employee's only restroom. He rummages through a drawer, tossing aside spare toilet paper rolls until he finally lays eyes on the small white box labeled First Aid.

“Knew you wouldn't be a great match for this,” Jeonghan's voice rings out suddenly as Joshua retrieves a few pieces of bandages, the man finally emerging after what seems like a long ass hour of a break.

“You finally regret hiring me now?” Joshua scoffs playfully, waving the bandages in front of Jeonghan's face. “They haven't spoken to me at all, so I have no idea if they're okay or not.”

Jeonghan lifts up an eyebrow. “They aren't speaking?" Some silence passes. "Is their name Y/N?”

Joshua looks back at him. “Yeah, why?”

“They come here a lot, like a regular, usually just drawing and stuff, I think,” Jeonghan points out, pursing his lips together. “and… they’re also deaf.” 

The age of seven was the last time you heard your voice.

You went to bed ill with a high fever that night, only to wake up the next morning in a muted world. The change wasn't a gradual muffling or a sudden pop like a balloon bursting. It was all simply... gone. You didn't hear the pitter-patter of the morning rain against the window, the rumble of the air conditioner, or even your own heart beating in your chest𑁋but you could feel it. 

At first, you thought it was a trick, perhaps a dream that had somehow bled into reality. You screamed, but no sound escaped your lips. You shook your parents awake, but their worried questions were met with your frustrated silence. Tears streamed down your face as they rushed you to the hospital. Then all the tests, scans, diagnoses𑁋they all came to the same the same result: a sudden, inexplicable loss of hearing.

Learning to navigate the world growing up without sound was a slow, exhausting process. You learned to read lips, got used to communicating with sign language, understand the subtle cues of body language, and rely on written words. Your world shrunk, confined to the walls of your home and studio, the familiar faces of your family, the lens of your camera, and the canvases that could speak for you.

You got used to this world of silence. You got used to the fact that you have to live in harmony with those around you, to put in that extra effort to understand them so you could simply be accepted and heard, for once. At a young age, you became adept at expressing yourself through art𑁋capturing the beauty of the silent world you inhabited, the emotions that flowed through your fingertips onto canvases and photographs.

Honestly, the world is so beautiful. Even though you can't hear the bustling city around you, the distant conversations, or the groans of traffic, you've learned to see and appreciate the world in a way others might overlook𑁋finding beauty in the stillness that surrounds you. The way sunlight dances on the leaves, the gentle sway of trees, the vibrant colours that paint the sky during sunset, the look of love between two lovers. 

The city is especially colourful at night. Neon store signs burning bright against the dark canvas of the evening sky, people around you moving in routine patterns, and cars flying down the streets. You've perfected the art of capturing these moments, freezing them in time with your camera, and bringing them to life with just a simple brushstroke.

You can't hear the laughter spilling from a nearby work dinner or the murmured conversation of a couple walking hand-in-hand, but you see it all in the tilt of their heads, the curve of their lips, the spark of their eyes. You watch the way their bodies move, the sway of their hips, the swing of their arms, and their stories unfold before you like a silent movie on a grand screen. And that in itself, is beautiful. 

You click through the photos you've taken throughout the day on your camera carefully, biting your bottom lip in concentration. There's a photo of a child chasing pigeons in the park, a flock of birds flying through the cloudless sky, a cat lounging in a window sill, and a smile breaks across your lips.

However, you find yourself accidentally bumping into something, or someone. Hastily, you bring your head up to the stranger to apologise, yet they walk away before you even could. Letting out a sigh, you bring your attention back to your surroundings, and your eyes widen to the crowd of people gathered in the small square you hadn't noticed before.

Your eyes dart around, trying to scan through the sea of faces while slowly pushing through the crowd as your curiosity gets the best of you. And when you get yourself to nearly the core of the crowd, you could only freeze to the sight in front of you.

There's a man perched on a wooden stool in the middle, a guitar entangled in his grasp and a microphone stand standing idle in front of him. You can hardly make out his face since you're standing to the side, but for some reason, all you can do is watch in awe.

You can't hear his words, of course. But you feel them. You feel them in the way his fingers dance across the strings, in the way his head dips with the melody, in the way his chest rises and falls with each breath. You see them in the way the light catches his hair, in the way the shadows dance on his face, in the way his eyes flutter open for a fleeting moment.

Then a sudden urge makes you reach for your camera, quickly turning it on and bringing it up to your eyes. And with a simple click of the shutter, you capture the moment in a perfect frame, before weaving through the crowd once more and back into the fresh air of the city.

You look down at the photo, and it tugs at your heartstrings. The nearby lighting catches his face just right, highlighting the sharp lines of his cheekbones and the gentle curve of his smile. He's lost in the music, his skilled fingers dancing across the strings of his guitar, eyes closed as he seems to pour his soul into every note. You zoom in on the photo, admiring the way his dark hair falls across his forehead, the way his eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles.

He looks familiar, somehow. You rack your brain, trying to place him, but your mind draws a blank. You've stumbled into the busking area by accident countless times and captured endless moments through your lens, but this one feels different. 

The vending machine swallowed his dollar. Literally.

Joshua pounds his fist on the lousy machine a few times, wraps his arms around it like a koala hug and attempts to give it a few shakes, hoping that the drink would somehow drop to the bottom, but nothing happens. Letting out a groan, he takes a step back and runs his fingers through his hair in frustration. Great.

He glances around the area, scanning to find some sort of alternative solution, and his eyes set on a convenience store just a few blocks down. He takes a few steps in the direction, before something brushes past him and causes him to stop.

“Hey, the vending machine doesn't work…” Yet when he turned his body around, he didn't expect to see you making your way to the machine, tapping on the keypad and inserting a dollar, all for the machine to spit out two cans of sodas.

Joshua watches as you bend down to retrieve the cans, peering down in confusion at the second one in your hand. Then when you straighten and look back up, the two of you suddenly meet eyes. 

There's a brief pause, and you can't really tell if Joshua is staring at you like you've grown a second head or something else. Then you glance down to the extra drink in your hand, and ah, it clicks.

Your lips move in a silent question, and Joshua realises you must be offering him the extra can. He waves his hand, signaling that it's okay, but you insist, gesturing for him to take it. With a grateful smile, he steps up to you and reaches out, accepting the cold can from you, his fingers brushing over yours briefly.

Joshua watches as you click open the can and take a sip. When you glance back at him, his lips part, then close again, his brow furrowing together like his mind is cluttered. You can't hear his thoughts, of course, but the way his eyes dart from your face to your hands and back again seems like he's trying to ask you something.

“Is your…” he starts to ask, pointing to your hand, noticing that your hand appeared bare of the bandages he gave you more than a week ago. “Is your hand feeling better now?”

You catch his words by reading his lips, and you nod with a reassuring smile. Relief washes over Joshua's features, his eyes softening, and he gestures again towards your hand as if to make sure it's healing alright.

“Wait, I... Sorry, let me start this over.” Joshua seems to mentally take a deep breath. “I'm Joshua, by the way. I should've introduced myself properly first.”

You know that already, but hearing him formally introduce himself ever since your little mishap at the café brings a strange flutter to your chest. You notice Joshua shift from foot to foot, the smile to his face faltering just slightly.

“Is it okay if I ask if you're…” Joshua motions to his ear, then shakes his head, seeing that it might come across as insensitive. Instead, he points to his own mouth and then makes a questioning gesture with his eyebrows, hoping you'll understand what he's trying to ask.

You nod, understanding his question perfectly, raising your hand and making a simple sign, tapping your ear and then shaking your head. You've had this conversation countless times before, with strangers and acquaintances alike. But there's something different about the way Joshua asks𑁋something softer, more genuine.

“I should've realised sooner,” Joshua says. "I'm sorry if that came off as rude.”

You wave your hand dismissively and tap your temple, then point to his mouth, conveying that you could read his lips just as you've been doing this entire time, and Joshua could only watch your movements carefully. Though relief mixes with a tinge of embarrassment in his limbs. He hadn't meant to pry, but curiosity had gotten the best of him, and he didn't want to make you uncomfortable by putting you on the spot like that. He could tell you've probably heard this conversation many times with other people, yet you seem to handle it with such patience.

With a wry smile, you secure your can of soda under your arm before bringing your hands up, signing heartedly, “It's okay,” and Joshua watches your movements with awe and also... a little confusion.

“Can I ask what that means?” he asks slowly, curiously.

You wave a dismissive hand in front of his face, pulling out your phone, quickly typing out something before showing it to him.

It means that it's okay

“Ah, I see,” Joshua responds with a sheepish smile, attempting to clumsily repeat the action with his own hands, but he quickly brings it back to his side. “If I'm speaking too fast, feel free to let me know. I'll try to slow down.”

You shake your head, typing on your phone once more.

Thank you, but you're doing just fine, I promise

A blush creeps onto Joshua's cheeks as he reads your message. He's relieved you're not bothered by his questions, but the awareness that you've been understanding him all along makes him feel a bit silly. In a good way, of course. He takes a hesitant sip of his soda, the silence between you stretching just a bit too long. He wants to talk to you, really talk, but he's unsure where to begin.

As you both stand there, with the city's sounds humming around, Joshua feels the nerves crawling up his skin. He gestures towards the convenience store nearby, silently asking if you need anything. You shake your head, indicating that you're good, but then motion down the road, pointing at something down the street.

“Are you heading somewhere?” Joshua asks, and he feels his heart jump once he sees you nod, feeling proud for understanding what you're trying to say.

You pull out your phone again, typing:

The museum

“The museum?” Joshua repeats, picking his head back up to squint down the street. He feels the hesitation at the tip of his tongue, as if considering something. But then, the intrusive action takes over, and he points in the same direction. “Would it be okay if I walk with you? The café is near there. I was about to head there myself.”

You notice the uncertainty in his eyes. Joshua watches your face for a moment, searching for any sign of discomfort or rejection. However, you simply offer a warm smile and a nod in response, which makes Joshua feel a surge of relief. A small smile plays on his lips, and he falls into step beside you as you both start walking towards the museum.

The late afternoon sun dips below the city skyline, casting long shadows across the pavement as you and Joshua walk side-by-side, your steps falling into sync. You steal glances at him every now and then, captivated by the way his hair catches the golden rays and how the lines of his face soften. He catches your eyes a few times, which makes you both look away at the same time. It's a bit awkward admittedly, yes, but there's a certain charm to it when he's right next to you.

Joshua tries to find ways to bridge the silence, but his words tangle in his throat.

Instead, he waves a hand in front of you, earning your attention back on him.

“Do you like art?” he asks. “Back at the café, I noticed... you were drawing?” Then he does a scribbling motion with his hand.

The question hangs in the air, and you find yourself pausing to consider it. A thoughtful expression settles on your face, and Joshua watches as you take a pause to grab something from out of your bag𑁋your sketchbook𑁋before handing it to him.

He shoots a brief glance at you, as if asking for permission, but your trusting gaze encourages him. He gently opens the sketchbook. His breath catches in his throat as he takes in the first page.

It looks to be a sketch of the beach, capturing the vastness of the ocean, the setting sun in the horizon, and the small details of people walking across the sands. Joshua can almost feel the warm sand beneath his bare feet and the salty tang of the air on his tongue.

He flips through the next few pages. A bustling city street, a lone bird perched on a branch, its feathers so finely detailed they seem to shimmer in the sunlight, a child's laughter echoing through a park, portrayed in a burst of joyful strokes.

Joshua feels a lump rise in his throat. He looks up at you, eyes wide with admiration and something else he can't quite define.

“Wow, these are incredible,” he manages to say. “You're so talented.”

You smile shyly, feeling the heat crawl up your cheeks as Joshua flips to the last page. In an instant, he feels his heart drop, but not in a bad way𑁋it's a page significant with the brown stain at the corner, but it's the way you seem to use the stain as a part of the sketch, blending it into the colours of the sky and the warm tones of the café.

“I was worried about your sketchbook,” he confesses, looking back at you. “I thought I would have to buy you a new one. But... I'm glad it's okay.”

He hands you back the sketchbook, his fingers brushing yours once again as the exchange is made, and you both continue your way down the sidewalk.

And then, you reach the museum.

Joshua turns towards you, and you're already looking at him. Then you pull out your phone once more, typing in a message, before showing it to him.

Thank you for walking with me

“It's𑁋You don't have to thank me,” Joshua acknowledges, his eyes reflecting sincerity. “I enjoyed it. Besides, it's the least I could do after the, uh... incident.”

You both stand a distance away from the museum entrance, knowing that you have to part ways, yet there's some hesitation in there. Joshua peers at the museum building, taking in its appearance, trying to ignore the bubbling reluctance in his chest.

“Maybe I can see you around…” But when Joshua brings his eyes back to you, you're already trailing towards the museum entrance. The embarrassment catches in his throat. He stands there for a moment with his gaze following you, clutching the can of soda, feeling the warmth radiating from it seeping into his palm.

Joshua sees you stop short in front of the entrance, turn back to him, and offer a small wave of your hand, your eyes locked with his for a brief moment. He reciprocates with a reluctant wave of his own, watching as you disappear into the museum.

He lets out a breath he didn't notice he was holding as he turns away, drinking the last sips of disappointment down his throat before throwing the empty can into a recycling bin nearby.

And while on his way to the café, the thought of you tugs at the corner of his lips.

Joshua pulls one more time on the door to the café, the keys dangling in his hand clinging loudly together as he makes sure it's all locked. When he does, he adjusts the strap of his bag over his shoulder, letting out a deep exhale coming straight from the core of his chest. 

The sounds of fallen, dried-up leaves crunch below with every step he takes. Joshua wearily casts his eyes around, watching as surrounding local shops and other cafés switch their lights off for the night. A bus rushes past him as he continues walking down the street, bringing with it a gust of wind that ruffles his hair. The city is slowly settling into its nighttime rhythm, and Joshua can feel the shift in energy around him.

As he walks, his attention is drawn to a figure up ahead. It appears to be an elderly lady, a large box in her grasp, her movements slow and careful. The box looks heavy, with whatever inside threatening to spill over the top with every wobbling step she takes. Joshua quickens his pace immediately, concern knitting at his brows.

“Wait, ma’am! Let me help you.” Once he arrives at her side, he shifts his backpack down to the ground and reaches out to steady the box. The elderly lady looks up at him with surprise and relief. 

“Ah, thank you, young man,” she says, voice quivering slightly as Joshua hoists a hold of the entire box, a groan leaving him at the unexpected heaviness.

“Where are we heading to?” he asks.

“Just… into there.” The older lady motions with a slender finger to the tiny store tucked between a closed dry cleaner and a flower shop.

He can’t really see where he was going, but he hears the ding of a door opening and the old woman’s voice gently guiding him inside. He carefully navigates through the narrow doorway as the smell of old books, musty paper, and something faintly sweet hits him as soon as he steps inside. When he feels his foot seemingly hit the leg of a table, he cautiously sets the box on top of it, making sure it's stable before straightening back up.

“There we go,” he mutters, huffing out a tired breath. “Is there anything else that you need help with?”

“Oh, no, thank you.” The elderly woman shifts past him to examine the box, before reaching over for a pair of scissors to begin tearing into it. “These old bones can’t do much anymore these days.”

Joshua laughs faintly at that, setting his hands on his hips as he takes a look around the bookstore. It’s noticeably tiny, with only a few tall shelves taking up more than half of the space and a cluttered counter at the front with stacks of books waiting to be set out.

He swipes a random book off the shelf, some dust particles hitting his nose and causing him to sneeze. He chuckles softly, feeling a bit sheepish. The elderly lady looks up at him, a warm smile spreading across her face.

“Bless you,” she says kindly. “Not many people find their way here these days. It's nice to see a young face.”

“Really?” he questions. “It’s very vintage. I bet there’s a lot of history here.”

“For sure,” the lady responds wistfully. “You should head home now. Sleeping early is good for your health.”

Joshua places the book back on the shelf before heading his way back to the front. The elderly woman hands him back his backpack, wiping away some grime and dust that may have settled on it in the meantime. She continues to shower him with thanks even after he steps past the door. He bids her a wave and a good night before beginning to head his way back home. 

However, a sudden thought crosses his head, and he doesn’t give the way his feet turn back around much hesitation at all. 

He pushes the door open to the bookstore, swallows a lump in his throat, and lets his eyes meet back with the curious old lady. 

“Actually,” he starts, smiling somewhat bashfully. “Do you happen to have any books on sign language?”

“Did you finish totaling it up?”

“Hmm, yeah. Give me a second.” Joshua quickly flips through the bills in his hand, splitting it up as evenly as he could, before handing the rest to Seokmin. “294 dollars.”

Seokmin chuckles, grabbing the money from Joshua before unplugging the microphone. “Not too bad, to be honest, and it's on the worser days of the week.”

“It did help that you were here today. I owe you for that,” Joshua admits cheekily, packing up his guitar inside the case and zipping it up. “Got time for a meal later? My treat.”

Seokmin clicks his tongue, shaking his head while wrapping the microphone cord around the stand. “Maybe next time? I have plans.”

Joshua raises an eyebrow, picking his head up to look at Seokmin. Oh, he knows what's going on, and Seokmin isn't really the best at hiding his facial expressions, or anything really at all. The older man just rolls his eyes, chucking a small pebble in his direction, making Seokmin let out a loud yelp as he dodges it.

“Alright, alright. I get it. Go enjoy your date.”

Seokmin's face reddens, and he huffs, “It's not a date! We're just getting dinner, that's all.”

“Sure, sure,” Joshua continues to tease, standing up and slinging his guitar case over his shoulder. “Whatever you say, buttercup. Have fun, though.”

Seokmin just shoots him a playful glare, grabbing a bag of his own belongings and the microphone stand before heading off, promising another day to catch up, and leaving Joshua alone in the quiet square.

Letting out a sigh, Joshua glances down at his watch, noticing the late time displayed. He contemplates whether he should head back to the café to help Jeonghan with closing, head straight back to the apartment, or stop by somewhere to grab some food, and the thought of food makes his stomach rumble𑁋he decides on making a quick stop at a convenience store.

The convenience store is a familiar sight, one that he goes to often and tucked away in a quiet corner of the street, its bright lights illuminating the surroundings outside and the wet streets. There's a slight drizzle that starts as Joshua enters inside, the door letting out a soft chime. The cashier welcomes him with a nod as he starts to stroll through the aisles.

Joshua wanders through the narrow aisles, scanning the shelves for a quick bite to eat. His gaze lands on a shelf filled with instant noodles, and he grabs a couple of cup noodles (and a can of beer for good measure), figuring they would be enough for a simple dinner. As he makes his way to the cashier, the door rings once more, and he turns to spot a familiar face entering inside𑁋you.

Your eyes meet in an instant as Joshua fumbles with the stuff in his hands, the cup noodles and can of beer suddenly feeling heavier than a sack of bricks. His guitar nearly slides off his shoulder too.

You stare at him for a moment as if in confusion or contemplation. Joshua thinks he sees a flicker of recognition in your eyes. Then your lips curve into a hesitant smile, and the world seems to tilt on its axis. You hadn't expected to see him again, not so soon, but the sight of him fills you with a sense of... comfort, perhaps.

A bashful look washes over your face, and you offer a small wave, your fingers curling into a silent hello. Joshua returns the gesture, his own smile hesitant but clearly genuine.

The silence hangs between you, awkward but strangely filled with something, both of you seemingly unsure of what to say.

Joshua shuffles the abominable weight in his feet, the cup noodles in his grasp feeling like ridiculous boulders.

“Hey,” he mutters out, struggling for words, mentally slapping himself in the face. “I was just about to grab some dinner.”

You watch him, gaze tracing over the lines of his face, the gentle curve of his lips, the nervous glint in his eyes. You feel a sudden urge to reach out and somehow wipe away the worry engraving his features, but your hands remain clasped at your side. 

He catches your gaze, and his cheeks flush with a faint blush.

“Would you like to join me?”

The offer floats in the air, hanging between the two of you like a question mark. Your eyes widen slightly in surprise, and Joshua fidgets nervously, almost regretfully, while waiting for your response.

Yet unusually, there's something about this that feels... right. Perhaps it's the familiarity of his presence, or something else entirely. You've never really been asked this before, and it feels weird and a bit intimidating, but for some reason, you don't exactly want to step away. The thought of sharing a meal with someone𑁋with him𑁋shoots a bullet of curiosity through you.

Whatever it is, you want to trust it. 

Taking a deep breath, you raise your gaze to meet his. Then you give him a shy smile, one not quite reaching your eyes, and nod ever so slightly.

The cashier looks between the two of you as Joshua places the cup noodles and can of beer on the counter. The chime of the cash register rings out as he pays, and you soon follow after with your own food, placing your own items on the counter, then you both head towards a nearby seating area together.

A growing tapping of rain hits the earth outside as the two of you pick a spot in front of the windows. Joshua sets down his leather bag and guitar, and you place your own painter-splattered canvas tote right next to it.

Joshua feels a tap on his shoulder while aimlessly stirring through his ramen, and he watches as you sign him something with your hands. He doesn't entirely understand what you were signing, but he picks up the motion of a guitar, and he brightens up.

“Guitar?” He gestures to the guitar case nestled at his leg, and he watches as you nod and point at him. “Me? Guitar?”

You give a thumbs-up, and Joshua chuckles, feeling proud for picking up on your words.

“Yeah, I... I've been playing since I was young,” he answers, and you read his lips carefully. “Just as a hobby though, not professionally.”

Your mouth opens in awe, then you lift your hands up again, making a swinging motion with one arm and motioning at him, and Joshua tilts his head curiously.

“Book?” he questions, and you shake your head. He thinks again, repeating your movements. “Oh! Music? Do I make music?”

When you nod again, his heart flutters with victory.

“I play and sing sometimes. Just... small gigs and stuff, nothing too fancy,” he admits meekly. “I've written a few songs too. I guess it's a way to express myself, you know?”

You soak in his words, your eyes focusing on his lips and the subtle shifts in his facial expressions. Joshua swears he feels himself shrink under your gaze, but it feels almost relieving to tell this to you.

You bring your hands up, signing something, and Joshua watches intently, attempting to replicate your movements himself while trying to catch the meaning behind the gestures.

“You... like music?” he ventures, and you give him a small nod.

Joshua smiles at this, before it falters slightly. He opens his mouth up to speak, and you perk up, but then he closes it quickly. He feels the anxiety blooming within him, not knowing how to approach the question without making you uncomfortable.

“Can I…” he starts, feeling regretful already. “Can I ask... how do you…”

You notice the hesitation in Joshua's eyes, seeing how he's trying to ask as delicately as possible without crossing a line. But you already know what he's trying to ask, and you feel yourself willing to answer.

You reach for your phone, and Joshua observes as you type out your words, eyes lingering on the features of your side-profile for a few moments. You show him the message:

Sheet music, song lyrics, vibrations, chords, memories of sounds

“Vibrations, chords…” he leisurely reads out aloud to himself, feeling a mix of understanding and admiration course through him. And when he pulls back to look at you, his eyes widen and seem to burn brighter than the city lights outside. He understands. He gets it.

Silence stretches between you again, but it's no longer awkward; it's more comfortable now. Joshua finishes the rest of his ramen, his gaze occasionally darting towards you, and he catches the way you seem to be staring outside as the rain pours down.

He stares outside too, listening to the rain crashing loudly against the window and the occasional burst of thunder that rumbles in the distance. But then when he looks at you, all of those sounds seem to fade away.

He can't tell if you're lost in thought or simply taking in the scene, but there's a quiet comfort in your stillness that seems to draw him in.

As you watch the raindrops dance on the windowpane, a soft smile plays on your lips, and Joshua catches it. He watches you for a moment, then a sudden thought occurs to him. Slowly, he brings his hands up to his ears, covering them completely, and stares back outside. The muffled sounds of the rain and the faint hum of the convenience store fade into the distant background. It's more peaceful this way.

He likes this quietness, especially if it's with you. 

You face him, tapping lightly on his forearm. Joshua brings his arms down and veers his attention back to you as you draw your hands up, separate and curl your fingers like a claw, before doing a downward motion. He finds himself repeating it as well, head tilted slightly, and then it clicks.

“Rain?” he guesses, motioning to the rain outside before signing it again. “This means rain, right?”

Your eyes widen in victory, a grin curving at your lips, giving him an approving nod. Joshua feels something catch in his throat, but you turn back to the window before he can say anything.

“Rain,” he mutters to himself, unconsciously signing the word right next to you. Then he brings his hand up again, shooting a glance toward you𑁋you're still staring out the window, and the look of content on your face makes his heart flutter a bit more𑁋before slowly fanning his hand across his face, as if to sign the word, “Beautiful.”

“I've seen you do better than this.”

The look of disappointment to your art teacher's face is unchanging as he signs to you. You feel your hands mold into each other under the desk, fingers fidgeting as you try to process the criticism. The words bounce off the walls in your mind, and the weight of them settles in your chest. 

It's not that your painting is bad𑁋it's just not living up to the potential he knows you possess. The colours lack vibrancy, the brushstrokes lack emotion. He leans in, his face mere inches from the canvas, inspecting every detail.

“If you're ever going to put your work in an exhibition, it has to tell a story,” he assures sternly while continuing to sign. “Your art should speak, not just visually, but emotionally. I know you can do better.”

Taking a deep breath, you nod in understanding, though the disappointment lingers. You've been wrestling with this painting for weeks, trying to capture a fleeting emotion, a moment in time that you believed would speak to others, yet you realise you don't have a clear answer. He observes your reaction, and though his expression softens just the slightest, the expectation lingers.

“He’s probably just in a mood,” Wheein reassures you, hands flying in the air as she signs. “You know how he is with deadlines.”

“I can beat his ass for you,” Seungkwan chimes in, emphasizing a punching motion with his hands, which makes you let out a quiet laugh. 

Wheein playfully shoves the younger boy in the shoulders, before snatching away the cup of iced coffee in his hands.

Seungkwan pouts in mock disappointment as Wheein steals a sip of his coffee, but the playful banter manages to lighten the mood a bit.

Wheein hands back the coffee to Seungkwan and gives you a few pats on the back. “You'll get it right, you always do. Just take a step back, clear your mind, and try again, okay?”

Her words make you faintly smile. It's not a secret that you've been experiencing a lot of pressure for this upcoming exhibition competition at the museum, an opportunity for you to finally get your art out there in the world. But the thing is that there are plenty of other artists also fighting for the spot as well, and never in your life have you felt so stuck, so drained of inspiration, so dried out of colour. 

You feel a little lighter from the reassurance from your friends, but at the same time, you feel like it isn't quite enough. There's still a part of you that feels heavy inside𑁋what if you're not meant for exhibitions, if your art can't truly convey the emotions you want to express? What if you're just not meant for this? What if your art isn't enough to convey the emotions you want to share with the world?

The thought lingers as Wheein and Seungkwan dismiss themselves for the evening, and you're left alone roaming the quiet streets on your way back home. The city's lights begin to flicker to life, casting a warm glow on the dewy pavement, the streets a bit more barren than what you are used to. You try to shake off the doubt at the back of your mind, but it clings to you like the raindrops on the leaves.

As you stop at the pedestrian crossing, you shoot your eyes across the street.

A figure stands tall under the glow of a streetlamp, his features highlighted by the warm light. He's also looking across too in your direction, though it doesn't take long for his gaze to drift and land on you, and suddenly, he's waving at you.

It takes a moment for recognition to dawn on you, but when it does, time seems to stand still𑁋it's Joshua. He's standing there with his guitar case slung over his shoulder, waving at you. At first you look behind you to see if it was meant for someone else, but when you realise there's no one else around, you feel an odd pull tugging at your heart.

Because he looks... happy to see you. 

Hesitantly, you raise a hand and give him a small wave back. You notice some contemplation wash over his face, and then you observe as he brings his hands up.

“Nice to see you. How are you?” he signs, albeit clumsily and a bit slow, but the effort is cute, and you find yourself lowering your gaze for a moment to bite back a chuckle.

“Tired,” You sign in response, and mimic the gesture of rubbing your eyes, a small grin playing on your lips.

Joshua's eyes crinkle at the corners, and a soft chuckle escapes his mouth as he watches your playful sign. He follows suit, pretending to yawn and miming the act of stretching, exaggerating the movements comically. It's a simple exchange, but it breaks the ice, and you find yourself smiling more genuinely now.

He ushers a hand up to his cheek. “Home?”

When you give a nod, the signal light turns green, you make your way across the street, noticing Joshua waiting for you on the other side. As you approach him, you catch the nerves in his eyes. He shifts his guitar case on his shoulder, seemingly caught between wanting to say something and waiting for your lead.

With a small tilt of your head, you gesture down the road, asking if he's headed in the same direction as you. But he shakes his head apologetically, signaling that he's heading the opposite way. For a moment, you lift a brow in question, but then Joshua points to himself and then in the direction you're heading.

“Can I…” Your eyes focus on his hands and lips. “walk... you home?”

Your breath catches in your throat, but not from any fear or apprehension. A flutter of nerves dances in your stomach, but is quickly overshadowed by a warm feeling that spreads through you.

Hesitation lingers in the air for a moment, a tiny voice in the back of your mind reminding you of the uncertainties. You didn't want him to take a detour just to walk you home, especially since he was heading in the opposite direction. But then you see the nervous tremor in his hands that mirrors your own, and how his hopeful and vulnerable gaze holds yours as if afraid he had crossed a boundary, and the doubt seems to melt away.

And so, with a soft smile, you sign, “Okay.”

As the two of you set off, the silence that follows feels different than the heavy weight of earlier. It's comfortable, expectant, like a blank canvas waiting for the first splash of colour. You steal glances at him, admiring the way the dim streetlights play on his features, the gentle twinkle that shines in his eyes, how cutely comfortable he appears wearing an oversized jean jacket that almost seems to swallow him whole. And then your eyes set on his guitar case, and curiosity fills you.

You gesture a hand at his guitar, and Joshua raises his eyebrows.

“Oh, I…” He lets out a nervous, airy laugh, fiddling with his hands as he attempts to sign and explain, “I had to get some guitar strings replaced. One of them snapped on me earlier, so I stopped by the repair shop.”

You flash him a worried look, motioning a finger at his skin.

Joshua just shakes his head, signing back comfortingly, “I'm okay.”

He watches as you tilt your head just slightly, as if in amusement, like you had caught him saying something suspicious.

You type out something on your phone before showing it to him.

The way you sign is funny

Joshua giggles quietly, and he playfully pouts, a small laugh escaping his lips. “That's mean.”

You feel a warmth bloom in your chest at his reaction, like a tiny seed of affection sprouting. It's almost like he's attempting to paint with his hands, and the shade isn't quite right, yet it blends in perfectly with just a few more strokes.

There are many people you’ve encountered in life who have communicated with you through sign language, and you noticed that they all have their own unique way of signing. Whether it was Seungkwan with his more expressive and sharp gestures, Wheein with her dainty and flowy style, or Joshua with his uncertain yet gentle movements, you liked they were all different. 

Not being able to hear doesn't bother you anymore, not like it used to when you were younger. It used to build walls around you and separate you from the world. Yet now, you've learned to read sounds with your eyes, hear the voices that emit from a simple smile, a frown, an arch of the brow, because there are a lot more people who can hear than those who can’t.

But out of all those people, someone was the one to wave first across the street.

Joshua finds himself staring up at the intimidating brick façade of your apartment building. When you turn back to him, you offer him a tentative smile, and there's something different about it that makes his chest tighten.

Finally, you muster the courage, your fingers slowly dancing in the air.

“Thank you,” You sign to him. 

He lets out a quiet chuckle, eyes softening. “How do I sign ‘goodnight?’”

You nearly hesitate for a second before bringing out both of your hands. You could feel Joshua watching you carefully at the way you bring your right hand up to your chin and then back down to meet the palm of your other hand, signing the word good. Then you flip your left hand so that it’s facing down, and your other hand brushes over it like the sun is setting over the horizon, signing the word night. 

Joshua watches at the way your hands move gracefully. He follows your movements carefully, a faint smile spreading across his face as he tries to mimic your gestures.

“Good... night,” he repeats slowly, the miniscule dust particles whirling around his fingers as he traces the air. His eyes meet yours, and he could possibly see the flicker of proudness in them. It's a simple exchange, but at this moment right now, it feels significant.

As you unlock the door to your apartment, you turn to look back at him, and he shoots you another wave. Joshua stands there for a moment, watching your door close, before taking in a deep breath to relax the racing of his heart.

Three years ago, Joshua Hong moved away from his family in the hopes of pursuing a music career. It most certainly wasn't an easy decision, leaving behind the familiarity of his hometown and the warmth of his loved ones.

Almost three years later, he might have realised how damn stupid of a choice that might have been.

It's a bit lonely, to put it lightly.

The gigs are sparse, the pay is minimal, and the dreams he once held so tightly in his grasp seem to be slowly slipping away as the days pass.

The journey has been anything but smooth, filled with constant rejections, financial struggles, and moments of self-doubt; and lately these lows seem to be overpowering the highs more than ever. Yet, despite all this, he still chooses to cling to this passion as if it's the air he breathes, because it's something that he loves to do.

Music is the voice he uses when his own isn't enough. He's constantly surrounded by noise, whether it's from the strumming of his own guitar, the sounds of the bustling city, or conversations from strangers that he accidentally overhears when crossing the street.

But then there's the silence𑁋the kind that settles in the spaces between chords, in the moments when he puts the instrument down and the world seems to hum a little quieter. It's in these moments that the loneliness can be deafening.

And then there was you.

The melody playing in his mind for the past week is... hesitant, unsure, much like his own feelings. He isn't sure what it is yet𑁋this feeling that tugs at his chest and paints his cheeks with a faint blush. He only knows that it's connected to you, to the way your eyes narrow in focus when your fingers dance so graciously in the air, and the warmth that spread through him when you thanked him for walking you home the other night.

It was just a simple offer to walk you home, why is it playing on repeat in his mind?

A sigh leaves him as he runs a loose hand through his hair. He tosses away the dirty rag in his hand and stores the cafe's cleaning supplies back and under the counter. The colours of the sun setting outside filters through the large windows, casting orange and red hues on the wooden tables and floor of the empty café.

“You look like you need a drink,” Jeonghan's voice rings out teasingly, and Joshua could only scoff. “You still got that gig later this weekend, right?”

Joshua nips at his bottom lip, releasing a sigh. “I've been feeling a little under the weather, honestly, and I don't really have anything prepared.” I feel like I'm losing my touch.

Jeonghan arches a knowing brow. “Since when do you back down from a gig? Just go up there and pour your heart out. It's what you do best.”

“I'm just not feeling it right now, I guess,” Joshua replies with a half-hearted smile, shoulders only taking on a shrug. He pushes himself away from the counter, and just as Jeonghan is about to crawl under his skin, the bell above the door chimes. “Welcome in…”

He should really learn how to control his stomach from flipping when seeing you𑁋the familiar sight of your paint-smudged canvas tote, the comfort you seem to radiate𑁋but it's not just you alone. There's a girl who he doesn't recognise there too, with her arm linked with yours, and another boy he swears he's seen a few times... Seungkyung? Seungwan? Seungkwan?

Joshua lets his gaze drift to you, and there's a gloom to your face that he can't quite decipher, a certain apprehension that he notices when your eyes make the smallest of contact. He attempts to get your attention by bringing one of his hands up, and you catch sight of it.

“Same?” he signs, as if asking if you want to order the usual drink that you get.

You meet his eyes, and despite the lingering doubts that have been plaguing you, there's a sense of comfort in the familiarity of him. You nod, and that's all it takes for him to brighten up, his smile breaking through the clouds that seem to hang in the air. He watches as you exchange a few words in sign language with Wheein and Seungkwan, then Seungkwan comes over to the counter to place the order.

Maybe he's just seeing things, or maybe it's his mind overthinking for him𑁋there's an undeniable shadow around your eyes that he notices when he brings a tray full of fruit smoothies and iced teas to your table. He sets the drinks down carefully, unable to ignore the way your gaze seems to linger on him for a fraction of a second before flitting away again.

You don't seem to be entirely present in conversation, often drifting off before Wheein or Seungkwan would have to nudge you back into reality. Then a ghost of a smile would draw over your lips, attempting to engage in the conversation with your hands, but all the words seem to disintegrate into ashes.

Another tap at your wrist makes you blink, and you turn to see both Seungkwan and Wheein peering at you with worried expressions on their faces.

“Are you okay?” Wheein mouths quietly, signing lightly with her hands.

Seungkwan turns his head slightly, eyeing something behind him, a scowl to his expression before it curves into a slight smirk; his back was facing where Joshua stood behind the counter, taking in orders for another group of people.

“Café boy?” he mouths to you.

You follow Seungkwan's line of sight, and sure enough, Joshua is there behind the counter𑁋mop of dark hair falling in his eyes, a polite smile playing on his lips𑁋taking and preparing orders with casual ease. You feel a gentle tug in your chest, and for a moment, your gaze locks with his. There's a flicker of concern in his eyes as he watches you, before the corners of his mouth tugs upwards, and you quickly avert your gaze, fingers playing with the straw in your drink.

“He's cuter than I thought,” Seungkwan signs jokingly to you, lifting a teasing brow. “I'd have a crush on him too𑁋ow!”

He's met with Wheein's sharp elbow to his side, making him let out a squeaky wince that might have gained the attention of the entire café, and she scolds him with a shake of her head and a finger to her lips, but it manages to crack a small smile to your face. Seungkwan only grins in victory, tapping his wrist against his heart and giving a thumbs-up as if satisfied with the response he got out of you. 

Ah, the benefits of sign language and being friends with two absolute idiots... No one really knows what the hell you're talking about. 

“You do think he's cute though, right?” Wheein scrunches up her face cheekily, and you could only let a finger drift across the icy surface of your cup, the cold offering little comfort against the sudden warmth blooming in your cheeks to her words.

You roll your eyes, though your face seems to betray you even more. 

“You're not denying it,” Seungkwan adds in, narrowing his eyes at you in a smirk. “Just say you have a crush on him.”

You form a mock-scissor gesture with your fingers, and the threat earns a burst of laughter to leave Seungkwan. The playful jab cuts through the tension, but the truth is, your heart aches a little at his words.

Crush? The word felt alien, yet somehow, it fits. The way your heart skips a beat whenever his gaze met yours, the way his smile warms you from the inside out, the way his clumsy attempts at sign language makes you want to laugh and cry at the same time𑁋these were all signs of something, weren't they?

The atmosphere at the table lightens a bit. It feels nice, spending time with your friends and momentarily pushing aside the doubts of your artistic soul and worries of everything else that have been flying in and out of your head. 

Eventually, the rest of the afternoon wears on, and you somehow manage to survive through Seungkwan and Wheein's (mainly Seungkwan though, unsurprisingly) overbearing and teasing attempts to get you to spill your thoughts on café boy. They give up by the end of it, saying their goodbyes with a tight squeeze of a hug and urging you to keep your chin up. Seriously, you wouldn't know where you would be right now if it weren't for them.

At the back, when Joshua steps out of the restroom, a sudden slap at the wall next to his head startles him back.

“So I see.” Jeonghan circles a finger in front of his face. “You're feeling under the weather, aren't you?”

Joshua groans. “Don't you say it𑁋”

“Under the weather of love𑁋”

“You're having more customers than before because of me. Don't ruin that.”

“Then stop looking like a lovesick puppy and ask them out already, idiot.” Jeonghan shoves the boy forward with a not-so-gentle push to the back. “or at least invite them to your gig. Maybe you won't feel under the weather then.”

Joshua opens his mouth to retort. “Dude, I can't just𑁋”

But before he can finish his sentence, Jeonghan has already disappeared in the back, leaving Joshua standing there in a puddle of embarrassment. He glances towards the table where you were sitting earlier, seeing that you and your friends have already left, and panic shoots through him.

He's never been good at taking risks, but maybe, just maybe, it's time to change that.

Racing out the door, the cool evening air greets Joshua as he steps outside, quickly scanning the surroundings for a glimpse of your familiar figure. He spots you not too far away, heading down the sidewalk, before quickening his strides. He doesn't know what's driving him, but there's a sudden urgency to catch up with you𑁋to not let you slip away just this once. 

And when he finally manages to catch up to you approaching the pedestrian light, he finds himself breathless in front of you, heart pounding in his chest and cheeks flushed, still wearing the café apron around his body. When he looks up to you, clearly startled by his sudden appearance, he feels the heat crawl up his neck. 

“I, um…” he starts, voice coming out way more flat to his ears. Then you watch as he brings his hands up to sign. “Question?”

You feel your heart pick up its pace. He ran all the way out here to ask you a question?

“I have a performance…" His face lights up when he signs the right word. Cute. "...this weekend. I was wondering if you’d like to watch it?” 

You swear you can see the city lights blinking in anticipation around you, your own eyes fluttering in surprise to his question. He's... inviting you to watch him perform? He knows you won't be able to fully understand him, to hear him, yet he's offering you anyway?

Part of you wants to immediately say yes. The thought of watching him sends a wave of thrills through you, a glimmer of excitement warming the chill wrapped around your heart since leaving the café. But the other part𑁋the cautious and guarded part that has learned to retreat behind walls of silence𑁋is reluctant.

Hesitation flickers across your features, and Joshua's hands fly in apology.

“You don't𑁋if you're uncomfortable or if you have plans, it's okay," Joshua reassures quickly, speaking almost too fast for you to catch everything tumbling off his lips. “I could give you my number and text the details if you decide to come. Just... think about it, okay?”

The streetlight casts a soft glow on Joshua's features as he waits for your response. You glance up to the pedestrian signal, noticing that time is ticking down before you would have to leave, before bringing your gaze back to him.

You swallow a lump down your throat, and give a nod. A faint grin breaks across his face. Joshua fumbles with his phone, pulling it out of his pocket and offering it to you. You swiftly type in your phone number, then hand the phone back to him, and then the pedestrian signal switches to green. It's your time to go. Each footstep you take feels heavier and heavier. 

Joshua watches you go, but not before you both exchange your habitual waves to each other.

He can get used to that, he thinks.

The colours on your palette just look absolutely wrong. 

It may just be the lighting playing tricks on your eyes and the exhaustion hanging on your eyelids, but it all looks slightly off-shade, the teeniest tiniest bit cooler or warmer. You frown, dipping your brush into the paint, attempting to mix them until they match the image you have in your mind. But it's like trying to catch sunlight with your bare hands𑁋the more you try, the more it slips away.

You let out a frustrated sigh, leaning back in your chair, and your gaze wanders to the canvas. The painting stares back at you tauntingly. It's like a stranger's work, not your own. A sense of defeat washes over you.

Groaning, you hop to your feet, untangling the apron around your waist and letting it fall to the ground before taking your paint brushes to the sink in your bathroom. You wash off the paint with a bit too much force, the bristles scraping against the porcelain, almost as if you were trying to scrub away your own frustration. The paint swirls down the drain, the colours blending together into an ugly, murky green before ultimately disappearing. 

You chug down an entire glass of water from your kitchen, then shut off the light hanging above your canvas. Sprawling on top of your bed, you squeeze your eyes shut, hoping that the walls could cave in and swallow you whole, if only for a moment.

When you reach behind to fish for your phone annoyedly, your eyes nearly bulge out of its skull. 

You don’t even have to read out the entire message for you to jump up from your bed. Your eyes dart from the time displayed at the top of your phone, and to the words jumping at you from the screen.

[06:26PM | joshua hong] Hey it's Joshua! Sorry I know it's a bit last minute, but my performance is supposed to start in about 15 [06:29PM | joshua hong] But I totally understand if you aren't able to attend. It's no problem at all :) 

And perhaps it's the adrenaline from reading the message knowing it’s from Joshua, because you’re suddenly standing up and racing to the bathroom. You don’t understand how you look more disheveled than before, and you can hardly do much to touch yourself up before you’re shrugging, grabbing a jacket, and leaving. 

You nearly trip on the way out the door, and you could already feel the multitude of curses echoing through your head. 

Gosh, you can hardly believe how much time has slipped away from you. The stress coming from painting and deadlines has been gnawing at you day by day. It’s been the only thing pulling you back from doing anything else. Yet with every stroke you bring to the canvas, it feels empty. You feel empty. 

The streets of the city feel busier than usual, the air thick of your already deteriorating patience, and an unnerving anxiety gnaws at your insides. 

You don't have to attend𑁋you know it's a choice you could make, but why does the thought of not seeing him perform make your heart clench? Why does the thought of simply not seeing him make your steps quicken even more?

The doors to the bus ahead slam shut the second you stride up to it, and your hand comes up to pound at the heavy metal surface in anger. With a huff, you step back from the edge of the street, ignoring the stares being shot towards you by passersby while watching as the bus pulls away, leaving you standing uselessly on the sidewalk.

A person almost bumps into you once you turn around. Every taxi that you attempt to grab is immediately taken. You blink back some heat in your eyes, arms wrapping around your body as if trying to mask away the sinking feeling at the pit of your stomach. You brush past a sea of shoulders and weave through the bustling streets of the city. Seriously, why the hell is it so busy right now? 

But even as you continue to float your way through the crowded streets, you could feel all the hope at getting to Joshua’s performance deflate. The day really wasn’t all on your side right now, and it all seems to rain down weights at your feet, slowing you down with every step you take. 

Why does it matter? You ask yourself inwardly, skepticism knitting at your brows. Why does his performance matter so much? 

A sharp nudge at your shoulder blade makes you wince. And when you bring your eyes back up, you suddenly realise you’re the only one left standing at the pedestrian light, watching as the sea of people ahead of you cross without any worry. The other side seems so close yet so far. 

Your gaze flickers up at the seconds counting down, your thoughts thinking back to Joshua, and you suddenly find yourself darting across the street.

Joshua's brow twitches faintly when his calloused fingers strum at his guitar strings. 

It’s a bit warmer this evening, the air feeling strangely muggier than usual. The note that leaves his guitar sounds slightly off-tune, but he doesn’t get himself to fix it. Instead, he hunches over to aimlessly grab at his guitar case right at his feet, snatching the coins he may have missed picking up before beginning to pack everything up. 

Joshua glances around the beautifully lit-up busking area, eyes scanning over the dwindling crowd. It’s a relatively small, circular area making up the heart of a tiny social sphere surrounded by local markets and restaurants. Despite that, there’s an emptiness lingering around him, one that feels awfully familiar yet more noticeable than ever before. He gazes back down and pockets the coins with a practiced shrug, a movement that barely hides the disappointment nagging at him.

When a coin slips out of his grasp, he bends down to retrieve it. But as he’s about to come back up, a shadow seems to loom above him, and the outsole of a shoe nearly steps on his fingers. 

Joshua picks his head back up, half-expecting for it to be a complete stranger and totally not half-hoping that it would be… you, hunched over and out of breath.

“Y/N?” he asks, swiftly putting the coin away. “You came.” 

You only give an imperceptible, apologetic nod at his words. Joshua glances around for a moment, before looking down at his guitar, and back to you.

He scratches the back of his neck bashfully. “You just missed it.”

A thin line forms at your lips as you sign, “I’m sorry.”

“There’s no need to be sorry.” Joshua waves dismissively with his hands in a slight panic. “You must have been busy, right?”

You smile faintly at that, nodding once more, before taking out your phone to type:

I wanted to come

Once Joshua reads it, you see the way his eyes widen ever so slightly. “You did?”

The curve at your lips lifts even more, but just barely. Joshua’s head falls down for a minute as he peers down at his feet, attempting to hide away a grin threatening at his own face, before looking back up at you and clearing basically nothing in his throat. He tucks his hands in the pockets of his jeans. 

“I’m glad you came,” he says, a sweet, appreciative tone to his words. You can’t hear it but you can see it in the way his eyes seem to smile as wide as his lips. “I was… kind of hoping you would show up. Not… not in a weird way or anything! I just𑁋I think I would have felt a little more confident if you were here. A face that I know.” 

Your face scrunches together in a bit of worry and a pinch of surprise, but Joshua just shakes his head and chuckles it off. 

The two of you stand there for a few moments. It’s really your first time being right in the centre of the busking square. Fairy lights hang on the few trees that dot around the area. You could see some small and large groups of people huddling nearby, presumably watching other performers performing, but you and Joshua just stood adrift in your own little bubble, like two stars separate from their own galaxies. 

The fairy lights cast a warm glow on Joshua's face, highlighting his hair that was floofed out in soft wisps around his forehead. You watch the way he runs his hand through it before taking a deep breath and returning to packing up his guitar. You casually wander close, looming over as you observe him in curiosity. 

Once Joshua slings his guitar back over his shoulder, he turns back to you. 

“Are you…” he starts to ask while signing. “...going back home now?”

You glance down at the time on your phone, pursing your lips together lousily. You should probably head home to start back on your painting, but that’s not what your thoughts are telling you to do, nor your heart. Or maybe your entire body, in fact. 

“If you are,” Joshua’s hands catch your attention again, then you focus in on his lips. “can I walk you home again? Like last time? It’s the least I could do since you ran all the way here. I have to give some worth to your effort, right?” 

You almost swear you could read the playfulness on his features, like the way his eyes crinkle subtly at the corners, or even in the way his head is tilted unnoticeably.

You can get used to that side of him, possibly.

You only abruptly turn around, leaving Joshua puzzled for a second, before he’s snatching the rest of his belongings and jogging to catch up to you. Then the two of you are walking side by side just as all the times before, the distance between you closing naturally. 

The world you’re used to is already quiet, silent even, but it’s different now. Joshua’s presence is loud, not in sound, but in the way it seems to comfortably fill the space around you. You don’t really know how to describe it without sounding awfully obvious that… you like when he’s around you; or, you like when you’re around him. 

His guitar case occasionally bumps your hip at his side, and his every attempt to create more space only seems to bring him back to the tiny amount of distance between you two anyway. Then Joshua switches carrying the case from one shoulder to the other, and as he does, his free hand briefly brushes against yours. The touch is fleeting, but enough to send a jump to your stomach. He quickly looks at you with a sheepish grin, muttering an apology that you can't hear but can easily read in his expression. 

The night air is cooler now, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves overhead and causing them to fall to the ground like feathers at your feet. 

Joshua feels a light tap at his arm, and he turns to see you showing him a message on your phone.

Did your performance go well? 

He smiles nimbly at that, but you can tell in the way his eyes seem to cast a shadow over his face that he's not entirely satisfied. He only nods slightly, a noncommittal gesture. 

“It was alright,” he says while signing, fingers moving reluctantly. “The crowd was small, and I wasn’t at my best. But it’s okay.” 

You frown a little, and the way he casts his head down to the ground makes your chest squeeze. 

“Maybe it was good that you didn’t come,” Joshua mumbles under his breath, and you hardly catch what he was saying, but you could sense the diffidence emitting from him. “Wouldn’t want to disappoint you either.” 

Both of your footsteps slow down ever so slightly as you approach a familiar street corner, the dim glow of a lamppost shining down on the two of you. Joshua notices the pensive expression to your features as your fingers dance across your phone screen. 

You hesitate for a moment before showing him. 

You tried your best. That’s all that matters

Then you’re abrupt to take your phone away before Joshua could process your words, typing something else again before flipping your phone around for him to read.

You wouldn’t have disappointed me

Joshua stares at the simple message. A hearty sound seems to bubble out of his chest, then another, and another, before it turns into a brief fit of coughs and a mix of laughter altogether. You can’t help but giggle at his reaction. It's light and airy, like wind chimes dancing in the breeze, and it feels like breaking a sound barrier you didn't even know existed between the two of you.

When he returns his gaze to you, he grins again, beaming even, a sliver of teeth expressing relief and a newfound confidence. 

“Thank you,” he tells you. “That means a lot to me.” 

You nod your head coyly, and before Joshua can say anything else, you’re already turning around and beginning to walk. Yet just after the first few steps, a boom of thunder echoes in the distance, and a raindrop lands at the top of your head. 

You stop and turn to see Joshua racing after you, and he stops right next to you. 

“Rain,” he simply signs. “It’s raining.”

And then, the two of you don’t even have to say anything before you’re running through the incoming rain together. You try to run as fast as you can without looking back because you know that Joshua is behind you, the rain beginning to fall down heavier and heavier as you dart through the streets and into the area where your apartment is located. 

Joshua stops right at the entrance, the same place where he had stopped last time. He watches as you continue to dash away from him, before coming to a halt, and turning around to notice him standing there under the pouring rain. 

Raindrops plaster in your hair and clothes as you face Joshua standing at the entrance of your apartment building. His hair is damp and matted to his forehead, damp clothes clinging to his frame as the rain running in rivulets down his face. Despite the downpour, his eyes meet yours with an unwavering gaze.

“Are you alright?” he signs nearly frantically, and you squint your eyes to be able to see him more clearly. 

While catching your breath, you motion for Joshua to come closer, shielding yourself under the small awning of your apartment building. He hesitates for a moment, glancing around as if assessing the situation, but then he’s jogging up to you, joining you under the small shelter of your building that could probably only fit two people. 

Both of you stand there as you watch the rain pour down to the earth in front of you. Then you glance at Joshua, and then at your apartment, then back outside again. He can’t go home in this rain right now without a singular bit of protection.

A tug at Joshua’s sleeves makes him turn to face you, softening at the way you look so concerned yet… cute in your own little way.  

Without any thinking, you gesture towards your apartment, as if silently offering him an invitation.

The surprise on Joshua's face is clear. His eyebrows shoot up, and his mouth falls open slightly. He glances back at the downpouring rain, then back at you with uncertainty. 

“Are you sure?” he asks. 

You nod again, even opening the door for him and waiting for him to step inside. He hesitates again, but the apparent adamancy on your features brings some warmth to blossom through his chest. He fixes his guitar case on his shoulder and steps past you into the dry hallway, water from his hair and clothes dripping down to the ground. 

Joshua follows you down the narrow hallway toward your apartment door, his shoes squeaking slightly on the tiled floor below, a slip of nervousness with every step he takes. The hallway is dimly lit, with a faint aroma of incense lingering in the air. You unlock the door and hold it open for him, gesturing for him to enter first. And as he steps past you, he’s immediately greeted with the warmth of your place.

You take off your own shoes right after him as he stands somewhat awkwardly in the middle of your apartment. It’s smaller than he imagined, but it’s enough for him to recognise glimpses of your personality scattered around. It’s cozy, minimalist, yet it’s home to you, and that’s all that matters to him. 

You appear back in front of him with a towel in your hands, and you hold it out to Joshua, who takes it from your grasp gratefully. He starts to dry his hair and face, the towel absorbing the rainwater and providing some warmth against his skin. As he does so, he steals glances around your apartment, catching sight of an easel holding up a large canvas. 

There are other paintings on your walls too. He smiles to himself as he steps closer towards the canvas, the painting appearing unfinished and a bit weathered with all of its strokes, but nevertheless eye-catching, filling him with wonder about what the finished product may look like. 

You emerge from your bedroom and scan around the room, and when your eyes land on Joshua, you find him peering down at your unfinished painting, a thoughtful expression on his face as he cards through his hair with the towel. He turns to you, eyes widening at the sight of you in a set of new, dry clothes, then shifts his gaze to what you're holding.

It’s an oversized, grey hoodie, and it proudly displays the name of the museum that you frequent. You hold it out to Joshua with a shy look. He sets the towel aside and takes the hoodie from your hands. Immediately, you take a deep breath and face yourself away to let him change, and Joshua watches as you disappear into the small kitchen area, giving him a moment of privacy.

After propping his guitar case next to your easel, he strips off his wet shirt, replacing it with the dry, oversized hoodie. It’s warm and extremely comfortable, smelling like it’s been freshly washed with a scent hinting at lavender, and instantly offers the relief he needed after running through the rain earlier.

Then Joshua gazes around your apartment again. There’s a bookshelf lined with art books and tiny succulents, a small couch with a knitted blanket draped over its arm, and a table with a collection of paintbrushes, unused palettes, and an endless collection of bottles of paint. It’s a different sight than what he’s used to, that’s for certain𑁋he’s used to microphone chords being tangled together, the worn leather of his guitar case at his fingertips, and the hum of music drifting through his life. 

The sound of your footsteps echoes softly from the kitchen, drawing Joshua's attention away from his thoughts. You're holding two mugs in your hands, steam curling up from the brims, and the scent of herbal tea wafts through the air. You carefully hand one to him, before settling on the couch, snugly tucking your legs underneath yourself. Joshua follows suit right after, sitting down right next to you while taking a steady sip from the warm tea. He feels the warmth seep into his fingers as he cradles the mug in his hands. 

He glances at you, noticing how relaxed you seem all curled up on the couch, the soft light casting a gentle glow on your face.

Joshua leans down to set the mug back on the table, catching your attention. 

“Thank you,” he mouths quietly, signing to you. 

You offer a small nod in response, then take out your phone to type:

Is it still raining hard outside? 

Joshua leans back on the couch to listen, narrowing his eyes intently. He still hears the rain outside, but it seems to have calmed down quite a bit. Yet the thought of him staying longer in your place makes his ears burn hotter than the steaming cup of tea in his hands.

He turns back at you and nods his head, knowing it’s a bit of a white lie but deciding that it’s worth staying just a little longer with you. He watches the way your face shifts into a contemplative look. 

Your fingers dance along with your screen once more. 

You can stay until it stops

“Are you sure?” Joshua questions incredulously. “I don’t want to be a nuisance.” 

You shake your head firmly, the smile playing on your lips widening just a touch. It's clear in your eyes that you’re genuinely telling him it’s okay, and that assurance softens something in Joshua's chest. He glances down at his mug on the table, staring at the way the steam curls up into the air like delicate wisps.

It feels almost natural to do this𑁋to sit here under the excuse of sheltering away from the rain, but really, it's a bit more than that, more obvious than what you both assume. For some reason, it’s easier to be around each other than sitting alone in your separate worlds of sound and art. 

When Joshua drinks the rest of his tea, he catches a glimpse of his guitar case standing right next to your easel, and a light flickers on his head. 

“Since you missed my performance,” he starts to say, signing a bit flimsily and unconfidently. “I was wondering if I could… maybe sing for you?” 

You cock your head to the side, curiosity piqued. “Sing?”

“Sing.” Joshua copies right after you. He remembers when you mentioned that even though you can’t hear, you can still feel the vibrations, read the chords and lyrics, and enjoy the music like others.

And while he feels nervous, the way his heart flutters at the thought of you listening to him sing makes him feel a bit… hopeful, confident, like he told you before. He likes to think that your presence alone is much more comforting and reassuring than a group of strangers gathered around him in the busking area. 

Joshua takes a deep breath, before standing up and fetching his guitar gently from its case, resting the instrument on his knee. The rich scent of wood fills the air as he tunes it, deftly plucking each string with practiced fingers until it comes to the correct note. You could only watch in awe, glancing between the guitar and his focused expression. His brows knit together tightly and his eyes come to a close for a few moments𑁋you can’t seem to tear your own gaze off him. 

When he finishes tuning, he opens his eyes, seemingly noticing how attentive you’re to his every move. A faint blush creeps up his neck, and he casts his eyes down for a moment before meeting yours again. He clears his throat awkwardly, adjusting the guitar strap on his shoulder.

“Can I…” he begins to ask, holding out his hand towards you. You peer down at it, noticing how it hovers expectantly between you. 

As your hand is about to brush against his, Joshua gently takes your hand with his own, his calloused fingertips meeting your soft ones briefly. He guides your hand on the body of his guitar. Your fingers rest lightly against the smooth wood, feeling the vibrations as he strums a few chords softly. 

Your eyes widen as you look back up at him, surprised at how vivid the sensation is right at the ends of your fingers. 

“You can read my lips too.” Then he pauses, before continuing, “if you want to, at least.” 

With that, he plays a few chords, the vibrations running through the guitar and to your hand, even down your body. And when his lips start to move, you try to focus on his every word, watching the shape of his mouth as he sings. 

For years, you’re used to reading sound with your eyes. Sure, you’ve touched instruments, like the piano in the music room during elementary school or the drumset you would see backstage before a school concert. But no one ever played them𑁋nobody ever played for you. 

So when you read from your eyes, there’s always that second of disconnect when you blink, and the inner anxiety that you could miss even the tiniest detail of the music. However, everytime you blink now, you could feel Joshua singing and playing right at the ends of your fingertips, as if he was telling you that it’s okay to keep your eyes closed without worrying, simply because he was right there. 

This is what passion looks like on someone else, and for some reason seeing all that unfold before you makes it all more beautiful. 

You notice Joshua closes his eyes or peers down sometimes when he gets more focused, yet it doesn’t take anything away from his singing. The way his fingers effortlessly glide over the strings of his guitar, or the subtle lift to his lips when he’s singing𑁋you know that his heart is completely in it. 

It’s beautiful. He’s… beautiful.

The song ends before you hardly notice. You keep your hand resting on the guitar, the vibrations still buzzing ever so slightly on your fingertips after Joshua strums the final set of chords. 

Joshua shifts uncomfortably for a moment, his gaze flickering between your eyes and the guitar in his lap. He scratches the back of his neck, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. 

“Did you... like it?” he asks tentatively while searching your face, signing the words as he speaks.

You merely blink up at him too, as if you’re still stuck processing everything and nothing all at once, before nodding reassuringly. 

Joshua's expression softens with relief, his shoulders relaxing visibly as he lets out a quiet sigh. He glances down at your hand still resting on his guitar, a certain warmth spreading through his chest at the way you're looking at him.

“You felt it, didn't you?” he asks quietly. “The vibrations?”

You consider nodding again, but instead, you reach back for your phone to type.

It was beautiful. I haven’t felt music like that in a long time

Joshua can’t help but smile to himself, and there’s no point in trying to hide it anymore when he does. He likes knowing that he’s happy around you, likes feeling himself be happy around you. It’s a feeling that feels easy, natural, like he doesn't have to try too hard. 

He gently places his guitar back in its case, the soft click of the latch echoing in the quiet room. You notice his fingers linger on the case for a moment, before he turns back to you.

“I think that I was right about what I said earlier,” he affirms, and there seems to be content hinting on his features. “about feeling more confident… when you’re around. I just wanted to thank you for that.”

Of course, he was nervous, anxious if anything𑁋but in between all that nerves was the comfort of someone who listened to him more intently than any audience ever could. 

Joshua clears his throat and peers around after setting his case back down, trying to brush off the fact that you’re sitting way more closer to him than before. You’re typing something on your phone again, the bright screen emitting on your face and making you bat your eyelashes together. 

You lightly tap on his shoulder to get his attention, showing your message:

You can always practice here, if you want

“Practice? Here? You want𑁋I can practice here?” The disbelief in his face makes you purse your lips together endearingly. “I hardly ever have the chance to practice because Jeonghan𑁋my roommate𑁋is sick of me being loud, at this point. I’ve been saving up to move out, but it’s been hard.”

When he realises how fast he spoke and the way you’re watching him closely, all he does is smile faintly.

“I’ll be sure to use the opportunity wisely,” he assures you, and there’s that lightheartedness back on his face again.

Your knee rubs against his when you stand up to put away the empty mugs back in the kitchen. It gives Joshua the chance to look around your place again, and his eyes settle on your unfinished painting on the other side of the room. 

“Could you…” he starts to ask once you’re walking back to the couch, his fingers moving unsurely in the air. “Could you tell me about your paintings?” 

At first, there’s a bit of hesitancy in your movements. But the genuinity you see in his gaze seems to tug at your heartstrings more than ever. You show him a message on your phone:

As long as you tell me about your songs

Joshua’s eyes light up at your message, a grin spreading across his face. 

“It’s a deal,” he says.

You could probably count the individual dust specks floating in the sunbeams pouring inside the classroom. 

Warm water trickles down your hands and into the sink below as you rinse off some paint brushes, before placing them in a discoloured, paint-covered bucket right beside you.

The museum has a variety of art classes, mostly for people who aspire to get their artwork shown in exhibitions. You aren’t any different from them𑁋you all seek the same goal, which is to be heard and recognised for your work; this small inkling to be known or even vaguely known by someone.

Once you finish cleaning up, you dry your hands on a rag and take a moment to look around the desolate classroom. The smell of paint and the sight of easels and canvases everywhere feels like home, but lately you’ve been questioning if it’s actually home, or just a temporary refuge. The question nags at you as you gather your belongings to put in your worn-out tote bag.

Stepping out of the classroom, you start to walk through the nearly empty museum, passing by hallways with art ranging from contemporary, to modern, to as far back as the classics. You’ve probably been through these halls a countless number of times𑁋retaining everything from the title of the piece to the artist’s name and technique𑁋and you would still be in utter awe. 

However, just as you reach the main area of the museum, a figure peering up at a painting catches your eyes. The guitar case that hung on his shoulder stuck out like a sore thumb among every other person in the room, and the sight makes you chuckle to yourself because you recognise Joshua instantly. 

You stand there for a moment, observing him from a distance as he studies the painting with a thoughtful expression. His fingers tap lightly against the strap of his guitar case, and you feel like if you focus even more, you could possibly see the thoughts wrapping around his head. 

Joshua glances at his phone for a millisecond before turning around, abruptly stopping when he sees the sight of you standing not that far away from him. The corners of his lips lift into a gentle smile upon seeing you, or his face seems to almost brighten up entirely, you can hardly tell. He brushes a hand through his hair before offering you a small wave, which you reciprocate back with one of your own without any hesitation. 

There’s a rush of warmth that flows through you as he approaches up to you.

You stare at him quizzically as you lift your hands up to sign, “What are you doing here?” 

Joshua shoots a bashful look down at his own feet before picking himself back up. 

“I wanted to see you,” he says quietly while signing, and his hand movements are as shy as his words. 

His words hardly process for a few moments, and Joshua thinks he might have overstepped. The hopeful glint in his eyes dims subtly, replaced by a shy apology already forming in his hands at the shock to your features. Maybe wanting to see you was a bit too forward of him. 

But it’s the way your hands nearly come in contact with his own to dismiss his worries that stops him mid-apology. You shake your head slightly, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips. 

“I…” You start, then pause, because Joshua’s focused, unwavering, yet patient gaze tugs at something inside of you. Gathering your thoughts, you continue signing slowly, “I thought about seeing you too.” 

A surprised, somewhat choked laugh escapes Joshua's lips, a sound as light and unexpected as what you just said. Relief washes over him, clear as the day outside and the sunlight streaming through the museum windows. He seems to hold his breath for a moment before a grin splits his face apart. 

“Really?” he signs back, and it’s cute seeing how expressive he is when he’s surprised. 

“Yes,” You reply back firmly, hopefully being able to emphasize it enough with your fisted hand.

Joshua rubs at his nose nervously, and even the gesture being so small feels charming somehow. The weight of your art supplies feels lighter in your bag than they have in a while. 

“I have some time before practice though,” he shares, pondering lightly. “Would you like to grab a bite to eat first?”

Your lips lift at the offer, and you scramble a hand in your bag to retrieve your phone. But your fingers fumble, encountering only paint brushes and sketchbooks. Panic starts to rise in your chest as you frantically dig deeper within your bag. Your phone. It's not there. It’s probably back in the classroom.

You shoot an innocent look at Joshua, catching sight of his worried, furrowed brows. You try to explain to him with your hands, but your movements are hurried and you could tell he didn’t entirely understand. So you settle with a helpless shrug and a motion towards a deeper part of the museum, and he seems to catch on. 

Joshua feels the hesitation in his step when he sees you turn around and begin walking away. Considering for a second, he catches up to you quickly, the sounds of his shoes bouncing off the museum floors. 

He follows right next to you quietly, taking in the museum’s atmosphere as you navigate through the familiar halls. When the two of you reach a room, you hold the door open for him, and Joshua swears he hasn’t really seen anything like this before. 

The room is large and very open, the natural lighting from the outside flowing in from the windows. Unused easels and canvases stood at the corners of the room. There’s a long, wooden table perched in the middle of the room, and a whiteboard that takes up a small portion of the wall. Joshua takes the time to look around as you dash to the cleaning station where you were putting up the supplies, and there was your phone𑁋sitting idly with a few drops of water on its screen that you wipe away.

Joshua is standing with his arms crossed at the whiteboard, eyes squinting as if he was trying to discern the faded markings. You stand right next to him once you come up, bringing your gaze also to the whiteboard. 

He turns to you, seemingly inquisitive. “Is this an art class?”

You manage a nod. But you feel like it isn’t enough of an answer and decide to pull out your phone instead. 

It’s an art class for the deaf, and for those who want to show their work in the exhibitions here

Joshua’s mouth opens in awe as he reads the words on your screen. A flicker of understanding lights up his eyes as he processes the information.

“That's amazing,” he tells you while signing back, expression visibly softening. “I had no idea they had classes like this here. How long have you been coming?”

He watches as you look back down to type on your phone, taking the few seconds as a chance for his eyes to drift over your features, silently taking in the concentration etched on your face. When you finish typing, you show him the screen. 

Just for the past year. There’s only a few of us in the class. Sometimes I’m the only person who shows up though

“Ah,” Joshua only hums contemplatively. He glances around once more, as if trying to see the room through your perspective. “That must feel lonely sometimes.”

You nod, letting out a low sigh as you type out your next message:

It can be. But it's also peaceful. Gives me time to think and create without any distractions

“I get it.” Joshua nods with a small smile. “You’re dedicated. I admire that.” 

Your heart swells a little at his words. It's always a vulnerable thing𑁋sharing a piece of your world with someone else, but Joshua’s presence seems to make it all a little less daunting, a little more comfortable. 

Joshua’s eyes settle on a corner where a few canvases lean against the wall, seemingly forgotten or awaiting their turn under someone’s hand. He steps closer to it, running his fingers lightly over the rough edges of one of the frames, then turns back to you.

“Do you have any of your work shown here in the museum?” he asks curiously. 

A rush of emotions floods through you, a frown caressing your face—pride sprinkled with uncertainty, hope clouded by doubt. You've always dreamed of showcasing your work, to be recognised and understood through your art. However, you feel a twinge of self-consciousness creeping in, because the dream of one day having your work displayed alongside the masterpieces lining the museum walls feels both distant and impossibly close at the same time.

Sensing your shift in mood, Joshua raises his eyebrows in question. You fumble with your phone again, typing out a response and showing it to him. 

I’m not sure if my work is good enough for that

Joshua's expression softens even further. “But you wouldn't keep creating it if you didn't believe in it, would you?”

Oh, he’s got you there, you think. A certain warmth starts to spread through you at his perceptiveness, a twitch at your lips from a suppressed smile trying to break free.

“And even if you don’t believe in it right now,” Joshua starts, placing himself right next to you gazing down at the empty canvases waiting to be touched. “I believe in you. I mean it.”

You exhale softly, a weight lifting off your shoulders as you absorb his words. For the first time in a while, you begin to see your art through a different lens—not just as smears on a canvas, but as a reminder that this is something you love.

It’s been a while since someone’s said that they believe in you, and it hits you right in the heart. 

“Is the painting in your place the one you want to finish for the museum?”

You nod in response to that, though the sullen look to your face doesn’t seem to exactly agree. 

There’s an exhibition being held just a few weeks from now, which is also the deadline for submitting your painting, which was being judged. The pressure has been getting to you, admittedly, and it feels like time is slipping away faster than you can paint. But maybe, just maybe, you’ll get back home later today and pick up your paint brush without it feeling like a burden to hold. 

Joshua says something you don’t catch quick enough when you face back to him, and you tilt your head in question.

“I’m not sure if I did the sign right.” And then he brings his hands up, signing to you, “Good luck.” 

Heat crawls up your neck to his words, and a smile fights its way through the lingering uncertainties and stretches shamelessly across your face. 

His hand comes awfully close to yours when he brings them down to the side. 

You draw yourself away when you feel your phone vibrate in your hand, only seeing that it was some useless notification. Joshua fixes himself up as well, turning to you fully, and you both exchange shy grins.

“Food?” He brings his hand up to his mouth, almost mimicking like he was putting a piece of food there. 

You adjust the strap of your bag and double-check to make sure you have your phone with you, before nodding. The two of you head out of the classroom together.

“So what you’re saying is that you’re both basically dating.” 

The way your face scrunches up in visible disgust to Seungkwan’s words has Wheein shoving the younger boy with a daggered stare, nearly making the stick of tanghulu fall from his grasp. 

“You can’t just claim that,” Wheein retorts back.

“He walks Y/N home! He’s been inside their place! He wants to see them! Y/N doesn’t even let us come inside their place these days and yet here’s this guy waltzing his way into their heart!” 

“I can’t tell if you’re insulting him or thanking him,” Wheein points out playfully, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms. 

“I'm not doing either,” Seungkwan protests, feigning a snarky look. “I'm just stating the facts. If it walks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's probably a duck.”

At this point, your friends are speaking almost too fast for you to catch everything being said, but all you could do is bring your head down and gaze to your footsteps, a subtle, amused grin playing to your lips. They’re arguing about your life, and yet it makes you feel… acknowledged, seen, heard, because your world before seemed to revolve solely around you and your art only for the longest you can recall. 

An adamant tap lands on your shoulder, and you bring your head back up to face Wheein. 

“Isn’t the exhibition next week?” she asks, signing with a sense of urgency in her expression.

Your face falls a little, and the thought of the deadline and exhibition seems to loom over you like a dark storm cloud. It feels like yesterday you were just staring at a blank canvas, and now every inch of it is covered in a mess of colours that is undeniably far from what you can consider a masterpiece.

Wheein and Seungkwan could already tell by the weak nod that you give that you’re feeling the pressure of it all. The two of them exchange a knowing look with each other, and it isn’t long before you feel another tap at your shoulder. Wheein motions to something up ahead, and as you face forward in order to see what it was, a hand grabs at your sleeve and you find yourself being dragged forward by your two best friends.

You can hardly control where your feet are landing in front of you, and the only thing you could catch ahead is a crowd and the familiar sight of what appears to be the busking centre. There must be some kind of performance going on, and it peaks your interest. 

The faces surrounding you are all bleeding out enjoyment, with their wide eyes and mouths blossomed into large grins. Their hands are all clapping in unison, some even mouthing the words to lyrics you can hardly make out.

You don’t recognise the small band that’s performing. But then you imagine Joshua being the one at the centre of the crowd, playing his heart out, captivating the audience just like how he captivated you, and the disappointment melts away. 

You find yourself standing at almost the core of the crowd, with Wheein and Seungkwan clapping and cheering animatedly on either side of you. In an odd way, this position feels familiar, as if you’ve stood from this exact same angle before.

You're close enough to see the raw energy pouring off the musicians, the way their instruments become extensions of themselves𑁋the same as Joshua sitting across from you on the couch with his guitar in lap, eyes closed in concentration, and fingers dancing effortlessly along the strings. The memory of that night floods your mind, and you can almost feel the vibrations of his music under your fingertips once again.

It all brings a smile to your face. 

As the music surrounds you, you can see the passion radiating from each band member’s face, carrying away the weight of the upcoming exhibition and the pressures you've been feeling. In this moment of respite, it's just you, your friends, and the music.

When you get back home to your apartment that night, you find yourself focusing on clicking through the photos on your camera roll, almost like you were searching for a particular one. 

And then you find it𑁋the photo you took at the busking square all those weeks ago, the photo you took of that man singing and strumming along his guitar…

…the photo that you took of Joshua Hong, where you didn’t know his name at the time. And now, he’s standing in the middle of your thoughts, and singing directly to your heart. 

It’s almost suffocating to be sitting in this chair right now. Your posture is stiff as a rock, legs shaking underneath your hands that were folded on your lap, other people𑁋other artists just like you𑁋surrounding you like flies. 

You feel excruciatingly hot in your outfit, a formal one that you picked from the depths of your wardrobe that still somehow fits your body still. It’s been a while since you put this much effort into your appearance𑁋you can hardly remember the last time you dressed up like this, honestly𑁋and the unfamiliarity of it all prickles at your skin. 

The day of the exhibition is more chaotic than you expected for it to be. It’s practically held to the public, where almost anyone can walk in and watch the event for themselves. 

Across the vast room, you catch glimpses of other artists, seeing their diverse styles of clothing. There’s a woman with a shaved head and a tattoo snaking down her arm; at the far end, a man in a crisp suit, frown etched at his face, large glasses, with a neatly trimmed beard.

The walls are covered with various works of art, each piece representing the countless hours of dedication and passion of the artists. It’s a grand showcase, bigger than any small ones you’ve seen. The large hall that you’re standing in has been temporarily transformed into a visual showcase where curators and critics would walk around and judge the pieces. By the end of the night, only about half of the submissions would be considered to be permanently displayed in the museum. The thought makes your stomach churn with anxiety.

Joshua had sent you a simple Good luck! You’ll do amazing :) text before you arrived at the museum. It comforts you a little bit, but not entirely𑁋you feel like you’d feel better if he could be here with you in person. He couldn’t come because he had to look after the café. Wheein was also here somewhere too participating in the exhibition, clearly not anywhere near where you were placed in the vast hall. 

The exhibition begins with a formal speech from the museum's director, who talks about the importance of art in society and how this exhibition aims to bring fresh perspectives to the world. As the speech concludes, curators and critics start moving around the large room, closely examining each piece and approaching all the other artists. 

Your eyes follow a few as they approach your painting. They stand before it, whispering among themselves, their expressions indecipherable. You wish you could hear their thoughts, but instead, you focus on their body language𑁋the subtle nods, the thoughtful gazes. Some of them barely have their lips moving for you to be able to read them, while others are simply not speaking at all. At the corner of your eyes, you’re able to make out a few artists speaking with confidence to the curators, explaining their creative process and the message behind their pieces. Disappointment claws anxiously at your chest. 

The sign language interpreter that is supposed to accompany you doesn’t show up until after a few crucial moments with curators have passed. By the time she arrives, introducing herself and quickly apologising for the long delay, you’re already feeling a sense of defeat settling in, struggling to muster the enthusiasm in your hands as you greet her back.

You have a hard time connecting with some of the visitors who stop by, heart sinking even more when they pass by your painting without pausing. Their attention is clearly drawn elsewhere𑁋that’s all you can think about as you watch them move on; their indifference is practically slicing through the air like a knife. 

It’s like you’re invisible. 

In the back of your mind, you figured this would happen. It wasn’t entirely your best work, or the best you’ve put your efforts in. For some reason painting didn’t come as naturally to you as it did before. If anything, it felt forced. The pressure to create something worthy had left you with a piece that felt uninspiring, meaningless. 

You aren’t meant for this. This grand exhibition hall, the feeling of being judged𑁋it all felt like a journey’s away from the joy you used to find in simply creating. The other artists around you seem to belong in this environment more than you do. They stood proudly beside their work, and all you could do right now was let the lump in your throat tighten even more. 

You aren’t meant for this. 

By the time the big announcement comes, you catch a glimpse of the evening sky outside the large windows of the museum. A hush falls over the room as the museum director steps back forward. Even as you let your eyes drift between the director and your interpreter right next to you, you already knew deep within you that the night wasn’t ending in your favour. 

“We congratulate all the artists whose works have been chosen,” the director says warmly, listing off names that resonate through the hall. Each name being called is met with applause and cheers.

Your name isn't called. You would know if it was if the expression on your interpreter’s face wasn’t so solemn, the meek curve at her lips that she wears doing hardly anything to ease you. Despite the sinking feeling, you send her a small, acknowledging nod, offering a tight-lipped smile of your own. 

Wheein finds you when the evening starts winding down and the museum begins to clear away. She taps lightly at your shoulder as you’re packing your belongings, yet the eager look on her face is quick to fade once she sees the dejection painted all over yours. 

“You’re not going to stay for a while?” Wheein asks, signing with concern, her brows furrowing as she watches you continue to pack your things. “I heard there’s an after dinner event later on, and they’re letting anyone join. Maybe you could meet some of the other artists!”

Letting out a quiet exhale, you shake your head, the movement small and defeated as you sign back, “Going to head home. Tired.”

“Are you sure?” Wheein insists. “I was planning to introduce you to some people𑁋”

“It’s okay,” You sign quickly, interjecting her words. But the pout and puppy-eyes that she gives makes you roll your eyes. “Congratulations. I’m so proud of you.” 

A grin is swift to cross her face, and a few seconds later she’s wrapping her arms around you in a tight hug. You return the hug back, feeling a bit of your disappointment melt away in the face of your genuine happiness. 

“I'll text you later,” Wheein signs after pulling back. “Please get home safe, okay? I love you!”

The dramatic kisses she blows in your direction make you laugh despite yourself, and you nod, giving her a small wave as you head out of the museum.

The cool night air nips at your cheek when you step outside, and you feel way less constricted in your clothes than being inside the museum. As you walk briskly down the street, you let the night clear away your muddled thoughts. Your feet seem to guide you, almost on autopilot, not quite ready to head home and face the solitude that’s waiting for you.

You pass by a few late-night cafés, convenience stores, and small shops, their warm lights spilling out onto the pavement. 

The sight reminds you of Joshua. 

And for some reason, that’s all it takes for your feet to pick up its pace. There’s almost determination you can feel in each step that you take, the thoughts of the exhibition pressing farther and farther into the back of your mind. If there’s anything that could make you forget everything that has happened today, it’s just seeing him for a moment. A singular moment. 

The lights of the café switch off when you’re coming up to it. You come to a halt in your tracks, and your gaze lands on a lone figure stepping outside with its back turned towards you.

After a minute or two, the figure turns slowly, and you recognise Joshua's face illuminated by the fading light of the café's sign. There's a moment of hesitation before he notices you standing there just a couple of steps away, and when he does, his features seem to light up even brighter than the flickering stars above. But it’s quick to melt away when he watches the way you’re trudging up to him.

His eyes flicker over your face for a moment. “What happened?” 

You could see the worry in the way he signs to you, his eyes searching your tired ones. He peers at you so softly that it nearly makes your heart ache. But there’s a comfort there that you desperately find yourself wanting to cling to.

Without a word, you simply lean your body forward, letting your head fall onto Joshua’s shoulder. His presence emits a warmth that brings you back from the high of cloudy thoughts and back down to the surface of safety.

Joshua’s eyes widen imperceptibly for a second, before a quiet understanding washes over his face. His arms twitch at the weight of you leaning on him, and then almost hesitantly, he slowly wraps them around you, fingers brushing against the small of your back tentatively, delicately, as if unsure its welcome. 

His warmth seeps through your clothes and settles comfortably within the hollow spaces of your chest. You can feel his heartbeat, steady and reassuring, against your ribs, and smell the lingering scent of coffee on his shirt. A sigh escapes your lips, a soft exhale that contains the tension and worries accumulated throughout the day.

Joshua doesn’t press you. He can feel everything you feel in his embrace, everything you wish to let out. He can feel your dejection, your disappointment, knowing that your efforts, all the blood, sweat, and tears you put into your art had fallen short of your dreams. But he doesn’t pry or question. He simply holds you, and perhaps that’s all that matters right now𑁋he can’t let you fall apart. Not in his arms, anyway. 

You don’t know how long the two of you stand there, right under the dim café light that casts down on your figures. When Joshua feels you shift in his hold, he loosens his grip ever so slightly, gaze caressing over your face for a few moments. His eyes hold a tenderness that makes your breath hitch.

There’s a reluctance in your movements as you start to peel yourself away from him. Joshua slowly lets his arms unfold from around you, but his hands linger for a moment, as if hesitant to fully let you go just yet. His expression remains gentle, silently asking if you’re okay; if there’s anything more he can do. 

“It didn’t go well, did it?” Joshua asks warily. “The exhibition?”

All you do is shake your head, and a small resigned sigh tumbles out of you. 

Joshua purses his lips together, brows knitting together in worry. He knows the sting of rejection all too well and how deep it could cut. 

“I’m sorry,” he mutters quietly, fingers moving with a grace through the air that matches the empathy in his eyes. He’s been getting more confident recently in his signing. “But it doesn’t mean your art isn’t worth anything. You tried your best, and maybe that’s what matters. Remember what I told you before?”

You tilt your head in question, waiting for him to continue. 

Then, all Joshua does is smile faintly, before picking his hands up to sign. He starts by putting his hand in a fist and sticking his pinky finger upward. Then he points his index finger to his forehead, before bringing it down into his open hand. Next he fixes his right hand downward, forming the other one into a cup shape, and dips the fingers of his right hand into it. 

And finally, he points to you. 

“I believe in you.” 

The words fly off his fingers and wrap around you like a blanket. The proud look that he captures on his face is washed away in a fit of timidity, and you can’t help but chuckle, a genuine, warm sound that fills the night air, even if you didn’t notice how loud it is. It's the first real laugh you've had all night. And when Joshua hears it, a blush creeps up his neck, reaching to his cheeks. A relieved smile spreads across his lips. 

When you gaze back up at him, the weight of the day feels a little lighter. Slowly, you lift your hands up to sign, ensuring each movement is clear and deliberate. 

“I missed you.”

Joshua’s expression softens even further. He watches your hands, then meets your eyes, understanding completely. He lifts his hands to respond, fingers moving tenderly through the air, and responding with his voice,

“I missed you too.”

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@lullips

[jackalope-patronus]

summary :: after having received an owl from Sebastian asking to meet, you prepare for an adventure but are pleasantly surprised by something else.

note :: requests are open

“I see my owl reached you well.”

“I came as soon as I could, are you alright?” Your jogging slowed as you reached Sebastian. With the lack of details in his note, you assumed had the worst.

Sebastian had sensed this and made a mental note to specify no danger next time, if there was to be a next time. “Yes, everything’s alright. Don’t worry.”

You puffed a relived sigh. “Oh thank Merlin.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stress you.” This was not a good start.

“So, what did you need me for?” You returned.

“Well,” he stood straight. “I thought I’d show you something rather interesting.”

“Right.” Cautiously, you retrieved your wand. Sebastian had only chuckled. He really needed to spend more time with you without imminent danger nearby.

“Lumos.” As Sebastian’s wand tip brightened, four candles drifted into sight.

“A charm?” You questioned, to which Sebastian shrugged playfully.

“We’ll just have to find out, I suppose.” His tone left no absence of trickery and you found yourself cautiously smiling. What was he up to? “Ladies first.” He gestured forward.

Lifting a brow at him, you casted lumos and stepped ahead. The candles began to drift and you gave Sebastian another look before following them.

The two of you walked in silence. You keenly aware of your surroundings and watching for possible danger whilst Sebastian watched your back, literally. He watched your hair bounce and your school coat lift in the wind. He was notorious for being unable to keep his eyes off you.

As you turned the last corner, more candles joined the four you had followed. They had rested over two white garden chairs and a table. The small flames delicately washed the area with light. It was utterly romantic.

“Sebas-?”

He’d already approached the chair and table, pulling out one seat and nodding for you to sit in it. You did and he sat adjacent to you. “Now, I know this isn’t quite a meal, but I managed to snatch these from the kitchen.” From a pocket within his cloak, Sebastian retrieved two muffins, sliding one to you.

“I don’t- thank you. I don’t quite- what is this?” You flustered.

“I thought I’d do something nice. For you.” He shifted. “Since you’ve been such a help to me, and Anne.”

“Oh, Sebastian.”

“And I figured it was about time I took you somewhere with no tombs or caves.”

You weren’t sure exactly how to respond. A simple ‘thank you’ didn’t do justice to the excited burning you felt in your chest. You couldn’t just say ‘thank you’ not after he’d gone to all this trouble! “Thank you.” You squeaked. Looking down at the muffin he’d given you and began to pick off small bits, eating them.

“I suppose this would be a better time than any to catch up. So, what have you been up to?”

“Just keeping up really. Finishing extra assignments and whatnot. I’ve recently been getting friendlier with some beasts, thanks to Poppy.”

“She’s quite the personality, isn’t she?” Sebastian commented.

“Yes, she’s very sweet.” You smiled to yourself, thinking of the brunette. “What of you? Making any friends other Ominus and I?”

“Was that a criticism?” Sebastian smirked.

“Merely a observation.” You shrugged playfully.

“Unfortunately not. I’m afraid the two of you take up too much of my time. If I made another friend, I’m sure they’d be horribly neglected.” You laughed and Sebastian brightened at the sight.

“I suppose if getting this kind of treatment means you having less friends, I’ll just have to keep you all to myself.”

“You could.” Sebastian returned. You choked on a bit of muffin.

“Pardon?”

“You could, have me all to yourself I mean. More often.” He repeated.

“Is that so?”

“It is indeed.” Sebastian leaned further down the table, viewing you with excitement.

“Sebastian, I know you didn’t take me out here merely as a thanks for my efforts.” You leaned forward too. “Care to tell me why we’re really here?”

“If you must know.” Sebastian began, tone giving way to a loving mischievousness. “I suppose I’ve got something of a confession.”

Oh dear. Here it comes. You sat up, preparing yourself. I’ll say yes, you thought.

“Will you- be my partner for the duelling championship tomorrow?” He asked.

“Yes I- what?”

Sebastian could only laugh. You felt your cheeks become hot and a wave of embarrassment hit you. Suddenly, it wasn’t so cold anymore.

You excused yourself from the table and stood. Sebastian followed quickly. “Oh come now, I was only joking.”

“Sebastian.” You sighed.

“I know, I’m sorry.” You could hear his smile. Cautiously, his hand pressed into your lower back, then hooked your hips, bringing you into him. “I’ll make it up to you. How about we do this again?”

Oh how good it felt to be strung along by Sebastian. Just waiting for his fated confession. A sort of cat and mouse. Truthfully you knew of one another’s desire for the other but the chase was just too fun for Sebastian to ever settle down.

“Alright.” You caved.

[strang3lov3]

Rescue Mission

“You take him beautifully, birdie. Beautifully,” Ezra says, now drawing in and out of you at a faster pace. “Look how happy he is inside a’ ya. You’re soakin’ the fella.”

Tags - smut, dubcon, dbf/dad’s weed guy/uncle!ezra (he’s not your biological uncle. I promise), pussy job, unprotected piv, creampie, cock pronouns in excess, cock nicknames (fella, bastard), Ezra’s cock has a titan’s girth (thank @beefrobeefcal), fire hazards, somno ish, plumber’s crack, smoking weed, a tasteful amount of pussy pronouns, me writing Ezra comes with its own warning, surprise surprise Ezra is morally bankrupt, Beefro contributed so I’m not all to blame, Ezra has a lot more jizz than the average man. i don't know how to summarize this. Fic Help - thank you @beefrobeefcal for being my guiding light. Without you this fic would be nothing! thank you @endlessthxxghts and @noxturnalnymph for your eyeballs! A/N - heddo! I finished my research paper but I still have a few things to do as far as school goes, but the end of the semester is right around the corner!! Thank you all for being so patient with me this month. I love you. Mwah!

This is my submission for @sp00kymulderr’s cock pronoun event. I had so much fun with this!! Thank you for hosting, Gideon!!

After packing your old Vera Bradley weekender duffel bag with the last of your clothes for the long weekend ahead of you, you open up your phone one last time to check the weather. It’s not supposed to snow until later in the afternoon, but you’ll make it to your dad’s before then. 

You haul your duffel into the backseat of your car, then carefully place two 9x13 Pyrex pans covered in tin foil next to it. Your dad asked that you prepare a couple of Thanksgiving sides - sweet potatoes and broccoli cheese casserole. Your dad is taking care of the turkey, with other extended family members taking care of everything else. 

You do one last quick check to make sure everything is in order, taking care to give your cat an extra scoop of food.

Fuck - the litter box. You almost forgot! You thoroughly clean it so your neighbor doesn’t have as much work to do when they’re caring for your cat in your absence, but you realize you forgot to buy a new tub of litter at the store the other day. Not to worry, your dad left you some in the trunk of your car for some reason or another. You’ll just leave that for your neighbor to use. 

You get into the driver’s seat after turning off all the lights and pull up directions to your dad’s on your phone and put on Father John Misty’s newest album, then you’re on your merry way. 

About a quarter way through your drive, you have to turn your windshield wipers on. It’s not bad, but there’s the tiniest sprinkle of snow coming down. It’s probably nothing. People are driving like morons under just the threat of snow, but it’s nothing. It’ll be fine. At a stoplight, you change the music. This time, you listen to Love Deluxe by Sadé, one of your Uncle Ezra’s favorite albums. You wonder if you’ll see him at Thanksgiving. 

Quickly, the snow becomes not-nothing. The further you drive, the worse it gets. The snowflakes are getting bigger and coming down heavier, and the road ahead of you is becoming so covered that you can hardly make out the white and yellow lines painted on the road. You’ve slowed to driving at about twenty miles an hour, and you’re growing nervous. It seems like you’re headed deeper into the storm. 

Forty-five minutes pass, though you’ve not driven more than ten miles. It’s coming down now, and the roads are so thick with snow that you’re driving at what feels slower than a glacial pace. This is getting dangerous. The good news, however, is that you did see plow trucks driving down the opposite side of the median. Not confident in your ability to safely drive through what is now probably three inches of snow on the ground, plus the added slush and ice, you decide to pull over and wait for a truck to salt and plow the roads before continuing on your way. You turn on your hazards and watch the traffic move slowly ahead of you; it seems that nobody else has the same idea as you. 

You text your dad first just to let him know that you’ll be a bit late, that you’re pulling over to wait out the storm and wait for the roads to be plowed. 

Ok. Stay safe. - Dad.

Things could be worse, right? You’re safe and warm in your car, you have plenty of gas in the tank. It’s probably another 45 minutes of just waiting, but finally, it happens: plow trucks drive by, salting the roads in their wake. Halle-fucking-lujah. You adjust your mirrors, put your seatbelt back on, and throw the gear shift into drive. Aaand…

You’re stuck. 

You press the gas again, and you’re still stuck. It doesn’t take long for you to start to panic. But your dad will know what to do, right? You call your dad and explain the situation to him. 

“Try rocking the car,” your dad tells you.

“I don’t know what that means.”

“Forward, reverse. Forward, reverse.”

With your dad on speakerphone, you try just that, but it’s a difficult maneuver. “It’s not working, Dad.”

“Okay, okay. Can you dig yourself out?”

“No!” you whine. “I am not doing that.”

Your dad’s eye roll is audible. “Alright. Cat litter. I left you cat litter in your trunk last time you came up, remember? Sprinkle that around your tires, it should give you enough traction to get out.”

“Cat litter…cat litter…”

“Yes, the cat litter. That I left in your trunk.”

You laugh awkwardly, “Yes. About that.” 

Your dad groans on the other end of the phone, “You have to be kidding. Okay. Hang on, where are you again?”

“Just past…I don’t know. I’ll drop you a pin.” You text your dad your location. The text takes some time to go through, but it does. 

“Alright. Uncle Ezra’s not far from you. I’ll give him a call, see if he can’t pick you up. Hang tight.”

“Isn’t he with you?”

“No,” your dad replies. “Why would he be with me?”

“I just figured he’d be up for Thanksgiving too.”

“I invited him, but I never heard back. Dude probably forgot. Okay, call you back.”

Sounds like Ezra. Ezra always was an…odd duck. You remember him visiting from time to time when you were a kid, and he and your dad would spend a lot of time locked in the garage together. It wasn’t until much later that you realized they were smoking weed. 

Ezra’s not your uncle, not really. It’s just what he calls himself. He’s your dad’s old coworker turned weed dealer turned buddy. Probably still sells your dad weed, though. Ezra also used to sell your dad quarter sticks of dynamite for the Fourth of July, and both of them made you promise not to tell anyone about that.

  Ezra was always a comforting, if somewhat peculiar, presence in your life. He called himself your guardian angel and texted you from an unknown number - he never has the same phone number whenever he texts you - on your twenty-first birthday, promising that one day soon he’d take you out for a beer. 

Your dad calls you back. “Hey.”

“Hey,” you greet him back. 

Your dad cuts right to the chase. He tells you that Uncle Ezra is on his way, that he has your location and he’ll come pick you up in thirty minutes. Worry about towing your car later, et cetera. 

“Okay. Love you. I’ll see you when I see you.”

“Love you too, honey. Be safe.”

-

‘On his way’ your ass. True to Uncle Ezra’s style, he doesn’t show up until nearly two and a half hours later. It’s just like that time he told you he’d pick you up from something at eleven and didn’t show up until the clock said 11:47. ‘Yeah,” he said, ‘Clock still says eleven, don’t it?’  He pulls up next to your car in a beat up old Kia van, the same Kia he’s been driving for years. 

Ezra hops out of his car, clad in snow boots, plaid pajama bottoms, a Carhartt jacket, and a fleece trapper hat. He stomps through the snow and opens your door, then ushers you into his van. “I apologize for the delay. Wasn’t expectin’ to be assigned a rescue mission,” he shouts at you. You’re not sure why he’s yelling. 

You watch Ezra grab your prepared food and the duffel from the back of your car, his ass crack visible through his falling pants. Ezra tosses it all haphazardly in his before getting back into the driver’s seat. He’s covered in snow, stomping off the flakes before looking over at you. With his dark brown eyes narrowed in your direction, he scans you up and down. “What on God’s green earth is the matter with you? You intended to traverse without the proper coverage?” 

“Excuse me?”

It takes your brain double the time to process Ezra’s words. You forgot about the unique way he speaks, his very particular vocabulary. You wonder where he picked up that way of speaking.

Ezra gestures to your torso. Oh, you think. Right. You’re just wearing a hoodie. You suppose it could have been a problem, had your car’s heat gone out.  

“Jacket,” he chastises you. 

“Yeah, no. I got it.”

“Then where is it?”

“No- like, I understood what you-” Ezra stares at you expectantly, with raised eyebrows. “Never mind.”

Ezra shakes his head in disappointment, then puts his foot on the brake of his Kia and pulls it into drive. “My domicile will have to do for you tonight, birdie. If you are amenable to it, of course.” 

“Mhm,” you hum. “Works for me.”

-

It takes Ezra about forty-five minutes to drive back to his house, which is located behind a water tower and a church off of a highway exit. It’s in a secluded area, thick with trees, the snow much heavier on the unplowed roads over here. Ezra pulls into his driveway, then opens the garage via a remote control attached to his sun visor. He gets out of his seat first, then rounds the front of his van and opens your door. “Hold onto me,” he tells you, holding out his arm. “You’re liable to slip and fall on these slick grounds.” 

You take hold of Ezra’s sleeve, and he carefully helps you out of the van and ushers you inside his house. “Get settled in. I shall retrieve your belongings and return to you post haste.”

You toe off your shoes and leave them on Ezra’s doormat, then begin strolling through his home, perusing through his belongings. His home is cluttered yet clean; lava lamps left on, paintings of St. Francis and St. Gertrude on the walls in his game room, which has floor to ceiling bookshelves full of board games and Dungeons & Dragons paraphernalia. A Halloween bucket full of month-old candy on the table. The house smells strongly of incense, and when you turn the corner and enter the living room you see that Ezra’s left his fireplace lit. 

“Awh shit, must’ve slipped my mind,” Ezra says, noticing the same thing you do. He’s got your duffel bag on his back and the Pyrex pans in his arms. He sets all items down, then goes back into his garage without a word. A few minutes pass and you’re left confused by his absence, so you follow him. 

“Uncle Ezra?”

Ezra’s at his workbench, the warm flicker of a flame illuminating his handsome features as he lights a joint. He blows out the smoke, then smiles at you. “Joinin’ me?”

“Uhhh…”

“C’mon,” he urges. “It’s the holidays.” 

You join Ezra at his workbench, still unsure if you want to partake yet. While Ezra smokes, you study his workbench. There’s not one tool in sight, but there’s lucky bingo trolls, little Buddha statues, snow globes, and other little tchotchkes sitting on the bench. It’s lit by old, dim, rainbow Christmas lights, and little ornaments hang from the wire. You touch an ornament depicting John McClane from Die Hard in when he’s in the air vent, turning it side to side as you inspect it. 

“Yippee ki-yay, motherfucker,” Ezra croaks out with a smile then coughs. He offers you his joint. “Let’s have ourselves a merry little Christmas, now.” 

“It’s Thanksgiving, Ez.” 

Ezra’s brows knit together, “What’d I say?”

“Christmas.”

“Oh.”

Ezra’s still confused as he puts the pieces together, and then he realizes you’re correct. “I suppose you’re right, little bird. In any case, s’a reason to celebrate with a little green, no?”

“I’m not sure Thanksgiving is the weed-smoking holiday.” 

“Oh, but it is indeed, little bird. C’mere.” Ezra takes a pull from the joint held between his middle and forefingers, then, still holding the joint, puts both hands on your cheeks and pulls you close, pressing his lips against yours. He blows the smoke into your mouth, “Attagirl,” he says, his lips curled in a wry smile that makes your stomach churn and your heart flutter. You cough a bit, turning away from him to hide your flustered expression. Ezra pats you on the back. “You’re alright. You got it.” 

He pulls off his trapper hat then, setting it on the workbench. His black hair all messy, and he’s gotten grayer since you’ve seen him last, but that little white streak is still prominent as ever. “Let’s get you somethin’ to eat. Betcha need somethin’ in ya,” he says. 

Ezra ushers you inside, then sits you down on a barstool at the kitchen counter window. He opens his once white but yellowing-with-age refrigerator, scratching the back of his head as he examines his lack of contents in it. “I got…uh…” he trails off, bending his upper half to look through condiments and cans of ginger ale. “Wasn’t expectin’ company.” He opens a box of take-out, takes a whiff, and recoils. “Christ almighty,” he exclaims, “Don’t even wanna know what that most unholy concoction is.” then throws the box away. 

You have to laugh. Ezra is as Ezra as ever. Charming, bizarre, endearing, confusing. He’s never had his shit together, not once. You slide out of your barstool, then head into the kitchen to join him. You nudge him to the side, then pull out your Pyrex pans of Thanksgiving sides from his refrigerator. He’s got an R2-D2 magnet holding up a paper full of logins and passwords on it. ‘ezralikesballs’ is his WiFi password, apparently. 

Ezra smirks at you, tapping his index finger against his temple. “Smart girl,” he says, watching as you start pressing buttons on his oven. “Hold it right there–” Ezra pushes you out of the way and opens the oven door, pulling out various Halloween decorations, all of them plastic, before allowing you to preheat his oven. “Didn’t have a proper place to store ‘em.” 

Jesus fucking Christ. How this man made it past forty years is beyond you. You preheat Ezra’s oven, then sit back down at the barstool as you wait for it to heat up. Ezra pours you a glass of ginger ale, and you spend the time until your food is warmed talking. 

Ezra doesn’t have oven mitts or potholders, so you have to pull your pans out with kitchen towels. You carefully pull off the foil, and Ezra’s standing beside you with plates and forks, ready to serve you both. 

“Goddamn,” he marvels, salivating at the sight of the food you prepared. “You made all of this?”

“I did, yeah,” you reply, smiling shyly. 

“Beautiful. Jus’ beautiful.” Ezra serves himself first, a generous helping of both the sweet potatoes and broccoli casserole. He opens a cabinet and pulls out a can of Ocean Spray jellied cranberry sauce, “Knew this’d come in handy. Never hurts to have a can of this stuff for emergencies,” Ezra tells you, waving the can in your direction. He serves you next, then opens the cranberry sauce and puts a bit of it on both of your plates. You avert your eyes from the expiration date on the can. You don’t wanna know.

With a nod of his head, Ezra tells you to go sit in his living room. He pushes an ottoman in your direction with his foot, then sits down on his sofa. He pats the spot next to himself, “C’mere, sweetheart. Uncle Ezra missed his birdie.” You sit next to Ezra, who then turns on his TV. He puts on the Thanksgiving classic, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, which is also one of his favorite movies. “‘Tis the season.” 

-

Ezra nudges you and leans down to whisper in your ear, “Wake up, sleepyhead. The hour’s come for us to adjourn to my quarters,” he drawls. 

“Hm?”

You hadn’t even realized you were asleep, and asleep on Ezra’s shoulder at that. In your head, you thought you could still hear the movie, that you were following along to it. You’re surprised to see Steve Martin cursing out the airport attendant on Ezra’s TV. 

“Bedtime,” he says. “Upstairs.” 

“Oh. That’s okay, Uncle Ezra. I’m fine right here.” 

“On the sofa?”

“Yeah.” 

“No.”

You turn your head to face Ezra better, stunned. “No?”

“This couch is Hans’ domain. Best not to provoke the fella. Don’t feel like settin’ him off tonight.” 

Hans is Ezra’s cat that you’ve rarely ever seen, but have often felt when his feather-duster tail brushes your foot, heard him when he hisses at you before skittering off into a dark corner. He has to be in his twenties at this point, an Eldritch creature. Hans was ancient when Ezra found him palling around with a raccoon by his garbage, and that was years ago. Ezra’s always spoken about him like Hans is an abusive husband, that one wrong move could result in a reckoning most unpleasant. You’re glad to know the beast is well. 

Ezra stands up first, then stretches backward, exposing his soft, pillowy tummy and happy trail to you. He smirks when he catches you looking. “Your turn, birdie. Up you go.” Ezra bends forward and takes hold of both of your hands, then guides you upstairs and into his bedroom. 

You enter the dark room first, Ezra right behind you with his hand on the small of your back. He turns the lights on and his bed is neatly made with the scratchiest flannel sheets that have to be well over decades old, knit afghans that are even older and have absolutely seen better days. Ezra peels off his clothes, tossing them into a laundry basket on the floor. Clad in nothing but boxers, Ezra gets into his bed. 

God, it is sweltering. Ezra’s house is warm to begin with, but does not heat efficiently at all. You excuse yourself to go to the bathroom and change, pulling out from your duffel only an oversized t-shirt. You’ll just be strategic, so as not to flash Ezra. 

You return to Ezra’s bedroom, and he looks halfway asleep already. “Do Uncle Ezra a kindness, darlin’, and hit the lights for me.” Ezra makes a lazy gesture toward the light switch by the door. 

You turn off the light, and darkness consumes the small bedroom until Ezra turns on his small CRT-TV, Die Hard playing and already halfway through. Another one of Ezra’s favorite films, as evidenced by the name he gave his cat and the little ornament in the garage. You’re not much of a sleep-with-the-TV-on person, but Ezra’s blackout blinds kind of freak you out so it’s nice to have that light. Plus, the volume is low enough. It’s been a long, long day. It weirds you out a little to sleep next to Ezra, but you know that while he’s a strange and bizarre man, he’s ultimately harmless. You slide into bed, exhausted to the point that you’re not even bothered by Ezra’s rock-hard mattress or the scratchiness of his sheets and blankets. The minute your head hits the pillow, you’re asleep. 

-

You wake up in Ezra’s bedroom to that suffocating, smothering heat, the hot air so thick that it burns your nose and your throat. God, how does he sleep this way? His flannel sheets under your body are also warm, and Ezra’s insulating all that heat with his own body. Ezra’s cuddling you tightly, and you’re not sure when that happened, not sure whether he initiated it or if you did. Despite the heat, you don’t entirely mind when he snuggles you closer, curling himself around your body. Nuzzling the back of your neck, strong arms wrapped tightly around you. 

Until you do mind. 

He groans when he presses himself tightly against your frame, his hard cock against your ass as he ruts his hips into you. 

“Uncle Ezra,” you whisper, scooting your body in the opposite direction. In Ezra’s unconscious state, he pulls you back against his body, now fully grinding his hard bulge into your backside with a rhythmic tilting of his hips. “Ezra,” you hiss, voice firmer.

“Wha…” he mumbles, voice thick with sleep, his words slow and slurred. His brow pinched together and his eyes are squeezed shut to block out bluish light from his TV. “What’s ‘a matter?”

“You- your-” You swallow, trying to summon the words. 

“What’s that? You’re havin’ a nightmare of sorts? C’mere, sweet birdie. Go back to sleep. I gotcha.” Ezra presses a kiss against the back of your head.

“N-no, fuck. Ezra-” You wiggle out from Ezra’s hold, then flip over onto your back. 

The loss of your warm body against his cock, that’s when it all clicks for Ezra. “Ohhhh, I get it,” he murmurs, chuckling. “I understand perfectly well.”

“Yeah…”

“I do apologize, little bird,” Ezra says in a raspy, low voice. He reaches for your cheek and drags his pointer finger up and down the soft skin there. “The bastard’s got a mind of his own, doesn’t he?”

Jesus Christ, he’s so fucking weird. He? Ezra’s given his cock pronouns?

“S’alright, go on back to sleep, now.” 

This has to be a nightmare. Or something in between a nightmare and a wet dream. You’ve had those before, anyway. You drift off to sleep once more, then awake again to Ezra’s bulge against you. This time, you feel more of him. His underwear is off, and he’s rubbing the head of his cock against your pussy. “Ezra!”

“What’s troublin’ ya now, birdie, tell me.” 

“You…fuck.”

Fuck, it’s wrong. It’s so wrong and you know it. But goddamn, if his cock isn’t thick. Ezra keeps rocking his hips, grunting softly in your ear as he rubs his hard length against your pussy, arousal dampening the cotton of your underwear. 

“I do apologize for wakin’ ya with my member, but he’s got a titan’s girth, birdie. What’s a man to do?”

Titan’s girth…what the fuck. You don’t even know where to begin deciphering that statement. Right now, the only thing on your mind is fighting the growing heat, that sticky feeling building deep in your belly as Ezra continues to grind against you. His little noises of pleasure aren’t helping in the slightest. 

“Let’s get you outta these,” Ezra huffs rather impatiently, hooking his fingers into the waistband of your panties, then pulls them down with a practiced ease. He tilts your ass, “Yeah, lay like that. You won’t even know he’s there,” he whispers, then slots his length between your lips, coating himself in your arousal as he moves his hips. “Don’t pay him any mind, birdie.”

“Ez- oh, fuck–” you gasp when the thick head of his cock catches against your clit, sparking a pleasure even more intense. “We - you can’t.”

“Oh, I know, angel. He just needs to feel ya a bit, that’s all. Not gonna feel any sort ‘a - fuck–” Ezra notches his tip inside you, only temporarily as he continues rutting, “Any intrusion of any sort.” 

“O-okay.” 

Ezra snakes a hand under your shirt and paws at your breasts, squeezing the soft flesh in such a manner so as not to be too harsh, but god, he could tear you apart. Ever the gentleman, he holds back, teasing your nipples with his fingers instead. You moan a little louder, a little more sweetly when he does that to you. 

It’s an excruciating tease - long, arduous, excruciating. Ezra needs more from you. He could get himself off just like this, fucking your slick folds and no more, but Ezra’s really not one to deprive himself. He’s always been a bit of a libertine in that regard, believing that pleasure’s good for the heart, good for the soul, too. He can’t stave off his hedonistic tendencies much longer, “Ohh, Christ. You feel how fuckin’ hard he is? He needs ya somethin’ fierce, birdie. Needs to be inside that sweet cunt of yours.”

“Ezra…”

“Why don’t you let him in, sweetheart? You need it too, I know you do.”

“We really shouldn’t, Ezra.”

“Says who, sweetheart? Ah–” Ezra notches his tip inside you fully, inching inside you little by little, “You cure what ails him, little bird. Be a lamb, now.” Ezra pushes inside you in one full thrust, burying himself down to the hilt. Ezra did get you sufficiently wet, but it’s still, still such a stretch. You wince in pain, and Ezra covers your mouth to quiet your cry. “You’ll get used to him. Relax, angel. M’gonna have him take good care of ya.” 

With that, Ezra builds a slow pace at first. Just steadily moving in and out of you, his short term goal only to get you used to the thickness of his member. “Ezra,” you sigh. 

“You take him beautifully, birdie. Beautifully,” Ezra says, now drawing in and out of you at a faster pace. “Look how happy he is inside a’ ya. You’re soakin’ the fella.”

Ezra moves fluidly, thrusting in and out of you as he breathes heavily in your ear, whispering swears you’ve only rarely heard him speak. This angle in particular has Ezra hitting that most special place inside of you as that hot, fiery pleasure inside you intensifies tenfold. 

He’s sweaty and warm against you, his body slick with sweat. You clutch his forearm as he fucks you, rocking your hips to match his thrusts. He feels so fucking good, good enough to scramble every thought in your brain. His cock is so long and thick and curved at just the perfect angle. 

Ezra wriggles his arm down the front of you, fingers immediately finding your clit. You gasp when he touches it, rubbing perfect, practiced circles into the sensitive bud. “Oh fuck, Ezra.” 

“Yeah, she likes that, doesn't she, birdie? Don’t take much at all.” Ezra smiles behind you, then presses a kiss against your cheek. He breathes you in as he fucks you, rubbing your clit with precision to bring you to the edge. Within seconds, you’re whimpering, thighs twitching against his large, masculine hand. “Let go,” he grunts. “Come all over him.” 

With his ministrations, his cock fucking you perfectly, you come with a loud symphony of moans, a mixture of swears and Ezra’s own name. Your pulsing cunt coaxes Ezra’s own orgasm along, walls squeezing around him as he paints your insides with so, so much come. A truly astounding amount of come. 

“Ohhh, he needed that,” Ezra groans, pulling out of you with no regard for his spend that spills out of you and onto his flannel sheets. “Thanks for humorin’ him, birdie. Go on and get some sleep now.”

If you enjoyed, please please please reblog with some kind thoughts or send me an ask!! Your feedback means the world to me and keeps me motivated to write, and goes so far in making this blog feel like a community 🩷

[freedomfireflies]

A-Mazing*

Summary: An extra for 404*

The one where you and Harry find yourselves lost in a corn maze together.

Word Count: 7.5k

Content Warning: 18+, smut, exhibitionism, size kink, Daddy kink, enemies dynamic, Harry being a little bitch 🫶

“Oh, absolutely not.”

Harry smirks as he turns to you, hands sliding into his hoodie pocket. “Gee, thanks.”

“No, I’m serious, I’m not getting stuck with you,” you argue, glancing toward the rest of the group that’s already heading inside the corn maze. “Seriously, please. Anybody else. I will take literally anybody else.”

“Well, you don’t get anybody else,” Harry snorts, much too smug for your liking. “You were late.”

“Yeah, and I was late because I was fixing your mistake,” you remind him. “It took me three hours to recode that sequence. And I’m still not finished—"

“Right, because it wasn’t a fucking mistake, Princess. The way I designed it was going to help it run three times more efficiently than the way Prescott suggested. And you just fucking undid it—"

“You weren’t asked to make it more efficient. You were told to do it the way the client wanted—”

“Well, the way the client wanted it was slow and stupid—”

“And you would be the authority on slow and stupid.”

Harry’s eyes narrow while his lips press into a thin line, looking quite incensed. “Very mature. Are we going in or what?”

“Fine,” you agree through a heavy exhale, shoving past him to head toward the entrance.

You have no idea why you even agreed to come in the first place. Sure, the idea of getting a few coworkers together for some fall fun was sweet, but truth be told, you don’t really care about any of these people outside of the office. You don’t care to see them, or get to know them, or hang out with them.

And the one person you do know happens to also be the one person you can’t stand.

Corn mazes are fun. Even pairing up to do them together is kind of exciting.

But with him? You’d rather get lost.

“All right, here’s your map,” the kind, older woman at the table says, handing you a piece of paper. “Answer the questions at each fork and follow the path according to your answer.”

You nod your understanding and offer a quick thank you before slipping past the tent and toward the beginning of the maze. The setting sun casts shadows across the field as you both make your way through the stocks.

You feel a sense of adventure as you make your way to the first checkpoint. Taking in the lingering scent of kettle corn somewhere off in the distance, and the excited chatter of the other people inside the maze. It’s exhilarating, and you feel a sense of purpose as you stride forward. Spurred on by a need to win – to do better than him.

And you hear Harry subtly huff from somewhere behind you, clearly annoyed with the way you’ve left him behind. “Real fucking mature,” he scoffs, and you can practically hear his eyes roll. “We’re supposed to be a team, Tinkerbell. You know, work together.”

“Well, I don’t want to be on a team with you,” you retort. “And we’ve never worked well together. As is evident by your complete lack of common sense and understanding of the system we’re trying to design.”

“Oh, this shit again—"

“Yes, this shit again. You’re costing us time and money by trying to prove you’re so much better than everyone else—”

“Well, I can’t exactly help it if I am, now, can I?”

You feel your expression fall as you spin on your heel to face him. “You’re fucking annoying, is what you are. It’s not my job to clean up after you. Okay, I’m not your mother, I’m not your babysitter. I am your equal. And it’s about fucking time you start treating me like it.”

Even in the dark, murky space, you can see a certain glimmer in his eye. One that challenges the frown on his face.

He studies you for a moment, eyes searching for a response. “Careful what you wish for, Princess.”

With that, he shoves past you and forges ahead into the maze. Leaving you to stare at his back with a glower.

You’re both silent as you approach the first fork, offering nothing more than looks of indignation and huffs of apathy as you raise your map and scan the question. 

“What does WWW stand for in a website browser?” you read aloud before snorting. “World Wide Web. C.”

An easy question. You both know the answer, and there's no way he can argue with you.

So, instead, he says nothing. Merely glancing over the paper almost skeptically before heading toward the third row.

Pocketing the trivia questions, you chase after him. “So that’s how it’s gonna be, huh? The silent treatment?”

Harry’s back stays to you as he slips between the stocks. “I’m not giving you the fucking silent treatment; I’m not twelve.”

“Then why aren’t you talking to me?”

“Because you’re a fucking brat.”

The vicious way he sneers the word sends a certain reaction down your spine, but you brush it away just as quickly as it appeared. “I thought I was your teammate.”

“You said it yourself, we’re not a team,” he retorts. “You’re not my babysitter, and you’re not my mother. Unless what you were really trying to say is that you want me to call you Mommy.”

You feel yourself hesitate, confused, and slightly startled by the suggestion. “Ew. Why would I want that?”

You see his shoulder lift and fall in a shrug. “I don’t know. You’ve always been a kinky little thing. Maybe it gets you off.”

“Oh, fuck you, I don’t have a mommy kink. Especially not with you.”

“Fine, a daddy kink then. Don’t think I forgot how eager you were to say it last time—”

“That was for you,” you hiss, once again glaring at his hooded back. “Okay, I was trying to see if you liked it, and you did—”

“Of course I did. It’s hot.”

“Sure, yeah. But I’m the kinky one?”

“I never said I wasn’t. I’m just saying, if you want me to call you mommy…all you have to do is ask.”

You come to the second fork, forcing the conversation to a halt as you feel your heart hammer in your chest. “Whatever. Let’s just get this over with.”

“Fine.”

You unfold the map and search for the next question. “What is cynophobia?”

“Easy. Fear of cats.”

“That’s ailurophobia, you dipshit. Cynophobia is a fear of dogs.”

“Dipshit. Classy. No, that’s real nice, Tink. Very romantic.”

“Well, it’s true. Look it up.”

“Can’t,” he says calmly. Confidently. “There’s no service in here.”

“Oh, yeah? And how do you know?”

“Cause I’ve done this before. Many times.”

Your eyes narrow. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“…why?”

There’s a brief pause before he says, “She used to love it here.”

Your heart instantly drops into your toes, grimace untwisting as you glance toward the ground. “Oh.”

Another shrug. “Point is, I can’t look it up. So…pick whichever. I don’t care.”

Swallowing thickly, you gesture toward the second exit. “B. The answer is dogs. My brother used to have it when he was younger.”

And for the first time all evening, it’s Harry’s turn to look surprised as he nudges his glasses further up the bridge of his nose. “You have a brother?”

“Yeah. Didn’t you learn that from my file?” you tease, and you notice his lips twitch up into a smirk.

“Not exactly.”

“Yeah, well…I don’t really talk about him. He doesn’t live here, he lives back home. After my dad left, he stuck around to take care of our mom.”

You see a flash of sympathy streak across his expression, but you’re brushing him off before he can comment.

“Anyway, it’s B,” you repeat, walking toward the middle row. “If you don’t believe me, then go your own way.”

For a moment, Harry hesitates, almost as though considering it. Then, he sighs, and begrudgingly follows your lead.

This time around, you’re both quiet. Listening to the sounds of everyone else further on in the maze laughing, or talking, or squealing with excitement.

A few scattered lamps help guide you through the dark labyrinth. You can see the wind move through the corn stocks. The way they rustle as they sway with the breeze, adding an element of eeriness to the already spooky scene.

Furthermore, the night air is beginning to grow cold. The fall chill nipping at your skin and reminding you once more that it’s no longer summer as you shiver and pull your jacket further around your body. 

“Should have brought a real coat,” Harry comments, almost haughtily, and it makes your eyes roll. “It’s October, Princess. Can’t wear booty shorts and flip flops anymore.”

Despite the fact that you’re wearing neither of those, you still feel the need to scoff, “Well, of course it’s not cold to you. You’re already dead inside.”

“Ooo, ouch. You got me. Sick burn, Tink. Real sick.”

His flippant response makes your skin crawl. “You are so fucking annoying, do you know that?”

“And you’re a fucking brat, do you know that?”

“I’m not a brat, I’m just right.”

“Sure. Whatever you say.”

“Yeah, it is whatever I say, actually. I’m the one with the fucking map.”

To prove your point, you wave the paper in the air before stopping beside the next checkpoint.

“What are the names of the four women on the show, The Golden Girls?” you read, eyebrows furrowing in thought. “Uh…I know Rose is one of them.”

“And Betty White,” Harry adds.

“No, her character. Not her,” you huff. “And I’m pretty sure Betty played Rose, so that’s only one.”

“Well, excuse me for trying to help,” he scoffs before glancing over the multiple-choice answers. “Then it’s probably A or C. Those are the only ones with Rose in them.”

“Well, we have to pick one. Okay, we can’t do both—”

“Yes, I fucking know that, Tinkerbell. I’m just narrowing it down—”

“Well, maybe be less condescending about it.”

“Fine,” he nearly snaps, angrily stabbing at the map with his finger. “A. Dorothy, Rose, Blanch, and Samantha.”

“No, that doesn’t sound right. I don’t think they had a Samantha. It was…it was something else. Either Sophia or Sarah.”

“Well, you have to pick one. You can’t have both,” he repeats mockingly, and you begin to glare. “Besides, statistically, it’s more likely they switch up the letters with each guess. We’ve already done B and C. Next should be A.”

“Really? That’s your reasoning?”

“That’s my reasoning. Take it or leave it.”

And you don’t like it. You don’t feel convinced by it. But you decide – just this once – to put your faith in his incessant need to be right. To trust him and his judgment.

You nod once. A curt gesture of good will as he sighs gratefully and takes off toward the first row. 

An eerie feeling follows you as you trail behind. Perhaps an ominous warning to turn around. That something is about to go wrong.

At first, you shake it away. Equating it with your distaste for the man before you.

But soon…you see the real reason why.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” you groan when you’re both forced to a stop by a dead end. “See? What did I tell you?”

“Fuck off, you didn’t tell me shit, Princess. It’s a dead end, not death,” he huffs. “We’ll turn around and try again.”

“Can we? We passed like two other rows and now I can’t remember which way we came.”

“Well, that’s not my fault.”

“Oh, bite me, Harold.”

“Just tell me where.”

You feel your heart race beneath your chest. Spurred on by adrenaline, slight fear, and the brisk cold air. “Can you please stop being so infuriating?”

“Can you please stop being such a bitch?” he replies cooly before his eyes flick down toward your shivering frame. “You’re shaking.”

“Yes, I know,” you grit through clenched, chattering teeth. “It’s cold. And don’t you dare make another joke about flip flops. I don’t have the energy to slap you.”

That arrogant smirk returns. “Cute. Told you, you should have brought a coat.”

“Well, I didn’t,” you hiss. “So can we please just get the fuck out of here before I freeze to death?”

Harry’s eyes roll, but you notice his grin grow as he sighs and lifts a hand toward the collar of his hoodie.

In one fluid motion, he’s slipping the sweatshirt up his torso and over his head to hand to you. Dangling the dark fabric between your bodies as you stare at it incredulously.

“Take it,” he grumbles, waving the material in your direction. “And don’t fucking say I’m never nice to you.”

Stunned, you blink quickly. “What…are you doing?”

“Just put it on,” he huffs, gesturing toward you again. “Cause, if you die out here, I’m not dragging your body back.”

Your eyelids narrow into small slits while you cautiously reach for the hoodie. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.” Once you’ve taken it, he uses his knuckle to shove his glasses back into position. “Like you said, I can’t get cold. I’m dead inside.”

You smile at this before pulling the cozy jacket over your head. It smells…good. It smells like him. Radiating heat and the faint scent of his cologne. 

Truth be told, it feels like a warm hug. Something you can’t imagine Harry ever giving you on his own. And a part of you feels…relieved. Relaxed and almost…enamored. Perhaps even grateful.

“Thanks,” you murmur, snuggling against the fabric before slipping your hands into the pocket. “You didn’t…have to. I know being nice isn’t your thing.”

He snorts, turning now toward the tall lookout platform just beside the dead end. “Whatever. Maybe we should go up and see if we can see the exit.”

“Okay.”

With that, he turns toward the stairs and begins the trek up. You rush after him, trying hard to see the steps without much light, and thankfully making it to the top in one piece as you begin to look around. 

It’s beautiful. Absolutely stunning, the design lit up by the soft glow of the moon. An almost romantic touch, although you shake the thought away. You can see a few groups spread out throughout the rest of the maze, but most of them are already making their way out. Having figured out the riddles much quicker than the two have seemed to.

You pout. “Nuts.”

“Yeah,” he agrees in a low grumble. “Okay, we’ll…we’ll turn around. Maybe you were right. Maybe it was C. We can try that next.”

It’s strange to hear him admit you could have been correct, and you can’t help but smirk as you nod. “Okay.”

You follow Harry down the other side, focusing your attention on your footing as you take each step one at a time.

But once you’re toward the bottom, your tennis shoe suddenly catches on a rogue nail, and you begin to stumble. Body falling forward before you can even reach for the railing.

Instantly, Harry – who’s already made it back to the ground – reaches out for your arms, slipping his hands beneath your elbows to help steady you and catch you just in the nick of time. Sparing you from a rather embarrassing fall.

You gasp as you’re flung forward, allowing yourself to settle in his embrace for support while you work on your balance and place your feet back where they need to be.

And once you’re sure you’re sturdy, you take a deep breath, and straighten up.

“Shit,” you whisper, lashes fluttering from the rush of adrenaline, and the feel of his touch. “I hate these shoes.”

You expect a snarky quip, but instead, you see his expression twist from behind his glasses as he glances over your face. Hands still glued to your arms. “Are you all right?”

A bit stunned by the soft and rather gentle tone of voice, you nod once. “Yeah. Sorry, I’m…sorry. I should have been looking.”

He seems confused by your apology but chooses to ignore it, instead watching you closely as if monitoring your reaction. “If you wanted me to hold you, Tinkerbell, you could have just said so.”

Despite yourself, you laugh, cheeks growing warm as you push yourself out of his arms. “Fuck off.”

“Fuck off? Or fuck me?”

“Ha. Very funny.”

“Maybe I’m not being funny,” he argues. “Maybe I mean it.”

“Oh, really?”

“Really.”

You snort. “Harry, come on. This would be the last place to fuck.”

“Why?”

“Why?”

“Yeah, why. What’s wrong with it? It’s dark. Secluded. There’s the element of getting caught, which I know you like.”

“Harry,” you repeat, almost doubtfully. “We…there’s no place to even do it. It’s way too exposed, and cold, and dangerous. We’d be better off just fucking in my car.”

“If we can even find our way back to your car,” he retorts teasingly. “Besides, I thought you liked danger.”

You gaze at him with suspicion, feeling that odd racing return to your chest. “You’re not being serious, are you?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe. I wasn’t at first, but…it’s not a bad idea.”

“Please. You can’t be that horny that you have to fuck me every time we see each other.”

“Okay, well, I’m not and I don’t,” he scoffs. “It’s just…different.”

“Oh, really? Why?”

Another shrug, but this time, he’s stepping closer. Those soft, green eyes dancing down your body as if drinking you in. Indulging in the sight of you. “I don’t know,” he repeats, a bit quieter. Thicker. “There’s just…something about you, in my clothes. It’s…it’s good. You look good.”

The look in his eye is primal. Breeding a new sense of desire deep within the pit of your stomach. You shift under his lustful gaze, fingers curling into your fist from inside the pocket.

“Thanks, I guess,” you manage to say, noticing the way he continues to move closer. “It is comfy.”

“Good,” he mumbles, still studying your stance before dragging his attention back up to your face. “And you’re warm?”

“Getting there.”

A short nod. “You know…there are other ways of heating you up.”

The sneaky remarks are back, and even though you can feel your legs squeezing together from the suggestive tone of voice, you grin. “Yeah?”

“Mhm.” He finally reaches you, fingers outstretching for the front of his hoodie. Moving up your chest almost innocently before slipping around the back of your neck. “Want me to keep you warm, Tink?”

And you want to tease him a little longer, make him wait. Suffer.

But he’s too good. He’s always been too good at catching you off guard and luring you into submission. The way he speaks, the way he looks at you, the way he pulls you closer with the palm of his hand. You can practically taste him. Can smell him everywhere. Feel him in places he’s not even touching you.

And you need it. You need him, you want him. Right now, more than anything.

“Yes,” you exhale, almost shakily. “Yes, please—”

He surges forward, lips connecting with yours almost violently. Stealing the rest of your plea before you can make it.

You can’t breathe. Can’t do anything but whimper as he sucks on your tongue and presses his fingers harder against your head. Trapping you against his mouth until you feel dizzy. 

And he’s so warm. A stark contrast to the brisk, autumn air. And he’s soft in a way you hadn’t anticipated. Inviting. As though he’s been waiting his whole life to lay his mouth to yours.

“Har—” you gasp when he pulls back to nip at your bottom lip. “Har, please—”

You sound deranged. Wounded, almost, and so goddamn pitiful. You’re tugging on his shirt, trying to yank him impossibly closer. Tilting to the left for a deeper angle and raising up onto your toes in order to taste him fully.

“Easy,” he whispers, and it’s so very strained. Like he’s using what little strength he still has to speak to you. “Easy, Princess. S’okay, I’ve got you.”

It’s possessive the way he talks to you. Commanding you to listen. Insisting that your pleasure is his. That your wellbeing is in his hands.

He’s not a caring man by nature. At least not to you. But in moments like this, his dominance takes control. Turning him into a desperate man eager to care for you. To protect you and keep you safe.

Perhaps it’s a more caveman mindset. The idea that he needs to look after you. That you’re his to keep and care for.

But right now…you adore it. Feel safe in the idea of submitting to him.

“Please,” you try again, breathless and desperate as you cling to his strong frame and beg him for something only he can give you. “Harry, please…hurts.”

There’s a teasing glimmer in his eye, brightened by the reflection of his glasses. “Yeah? Is it achy, Tink?”

You nod quickly, grabbing onto his other hand to slide it down your stomach. Right toward where you need him most.

And he lets himself be moved, watching with intrigue at the way his fingers are dragged toward your thighs. Smirking rather sadistically while pressing his palm against your pussy with fervor.

You whine at the subtle friction, already attempting to grind down against the heel of his hand as he meets your pace with soft strokes of his own. 

“There you go,” he murmurs, watching your hips before returning his attention to your face. “Feels good, baby, yeah? Like to use me, don’t you?”

Another quick nod, and you sigh contently when he presses his lips to your cheek. Placing open-mouthed kisses along your jaw and down your neck.

“Har,” you try again, nuzzling closer. “Har, they’re…they’re gonna see. Can’t…can’t do it here—”

“Yes we can,” he replies calmly. And the soft, secure tone of voice instantly turns your insides to jelly. “Promise I won’t let them see, okay? Gonna keep you to myself.”

He removes his hand from your pussy to place it on your hip. Guiding you back until you feel your body connect with something hard. You glance around just long enough to find that it’s the wooden frame of the lookout. And he keeps you trapped there as he hides you both beneath the structure, tucking you away from any prying eyes that might pass.

“There,” he says, grinning to himself at the eager look on your face. “Now Daddy can see just how wet you really are, hm?”

You can tell he’s using the nickname sparingly. Tentative of your reaction as he waits to see how you might feel about it.

And truthfully, you hadn’t anticipated liking it as much as you do. Especially in this moment, when he’s giving you everything you’ve ever wanted. It’s like music to your ears, orgasmic just to listen to.

You swallow thickly and nudge your nose against his cheek. “Yes, Daddy.”

He tenses beneath your touch, cursing against the shell of your ear before he whispers, “Show me.”

He returns his hand to yours, allowing your fingers to interlock as you shakily guide him toward your jeans. 

After a bit of maneuvering, you get the zipper down, and help slip his hand inside your underwear. Straight down to your cunt as his fingers glide through your folds until he can find what he’s looking for. 

“Oh, Tink,” he coos almost sympathetically. Stroking your pussy as you move to grip his wrist excitedly. “S’all wet, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Daddy,” you mumble, leaning your head back against the wooden board for stability. “Hurts.”

“I bet,” he tsks, sliding his middle finger toward your hole. Circling it once before glancing over your expression. “Need something to fill you up, hm? Get you warm again?”

You hum your agreement, tugging his touch further into you as he chuckles and steps closer. “Please…”

“What, baby? What do you need?”

You whimper again and roll your hips against his fingers. Needing the friction of his thumb against your clit which he refuses to give you.

“What do you want, hm?” he mumbles, dipping down to ghost his lips across yours. “Just ask…and Daddy will give you anything you want.”

And in this moment, you know he means it.

“Want you…to fuck me,” you exhale, reaching now for the curls lying against the back of his neck. “Please, Har. Need you to fuck me. Make it better. Make it go away.”

“Is that right?” He slips a finger inside, and you feel your insides twist as you gasp and squirm against the pleasurable touch. “Need something bigger, yeah?”

“Yes…yeah. Please. Please, Daddy.”

He smiles again before slipping his hand from inside your jeans to help tug them down your legs. Yanking almost furiously until they’re settled near your ankles. Allowing him just enough room to slip between.

And once your cunt is on display for him, he stares at it with a certain mesmerized admiration. Allowing himself to enjoy you before he reaches for his own belt and tugs it free.

Once he’s managed to pull his cock out, he reaches again for your hips. Squeezing them once before turning you around.

His arm slips around your middle to keep you secure and you grin lazily as you rest yourself against his chest.

“Gonna hold you, just like this,” he whispers against your cheek, and you feel the tip of his cock trailing against the curve of your ass. “Keep you warm.”

The hand against your ribcage is gentle. Keeping you steady as he attempts to hold you close.

“Deep breath, Tink, okay?” he instructs next, nudging the crown against your dripping hole. Warning you of his next step. “Know it’s a lot, but you always take me so well, don’t you? Gonna take me again?”

You grab onto his arm, nails scraping down his skin as you whine, “Yes. Yes, I’ll take you. Just need it, Har, please—"

“Okay, all right,” he shushes, nudging his cheek against your temple. “Need you to relax, okay? Are you relaxed, baby?”

And you think you are. Mentally, anyway. You’ve never felt so comfortable in someone’s arms. Under their influence and control. Even despite the cold air nipping at your thighs and the outside threat of getting caught, you feel at ease. Adrenaline coursing through your veins as the sounds of people somewhere else in the maze float toward you. Reminding you of where you are. What could happen.

“Tink,” he warns, sliding his cock through your folds in wait. “I need you to relax for me, okay? I really don’t want to hurt you.”

“No?” you manage to retort, and you catch his smile out of your peripheral. “Thought you liked to hurt me.”

 “I do,” he agrees, lips following the shell of your ear. “But not like this. Don’t wanna split you in half.”

“Maybe I want you to,” you breathe, reaching back for his neck. “Maybe I need it, Daddy.”

He chuckles almost darkly before pressing his mouth against your heated skin. “I’ll remember that.”

With that, he drops his hand down to your cunt, circling his fingers around your clit until he feels your body unwind. Allowing him just enough room to begin pushing his cock in.

“There you go,” he sighs, both of you groaning when you feel how easily he slips in. “So fucking good. Take me so well, don’t you? Always do, I know. Relax, baby. It’s okay, I’ve got you.”

The burn is almost overwhelming. Demanding your focus and attention as you feel him stretch you open, forcing your walls to accommodate his size.

“Hey,” you hear him murmur, his palm coming up to cup your jaw. Thumb sweeping across your parted lips. “Are you breathing? Gotta breathe, Tink, come on. You know better—”

“I know,” you gasp, sucking in a greedy gasp for air before you suck in his finger. “I know, Daddy, m’sorry.”

He hums his approval before allowing himself to sit inside your warm mouth. “It’s okay, know it feels good, hm?”

“Mhm,” you agree around the large digit, allowing your tongue to settle him on your tastebuds. “More.”

“More?” he repeats, using his other hand to squeeze your hip. “Want more, greedy girl?”

“Please…”

“Please," he echoes thoughtfully. "Greedy Girl has manners, how precious.”

There’s a slight air of condescension and teasing to his response, and you feel yourself flutter around his length.

His grin grows. “You like that, baby?”

You manage one more weak nod as you press yourself against his body, squirming in his hold while his cock pushes in to the hilt.

“There,” he exhales, groaning some before falling still. Allowing your body to adjust to his size. “You okay?”

“Yes…yes, m’okay. Please move, please…please, Daddy—”

“Okay, all right,” he agrees coarsely, readjusting his stance before returning his arm to your stomach. Just beneath your chest. “Need you to be good, okay? Just listen to Daddy’s voice and do what I say.”

“I will. I will, I promise.”

“Good.” He begins to pull back. Dragging his cock through your quivering hole as you moan his name.

But such a loud noise isn’t quite what he had in mind, his other palm reaching up to smack across your mouth to silence you.

“Uh-uh,” he grunts, pausing the rhythm of his hips until he’s sure you’ll obey. “None of that. M’keeping you for myself, remember? Can’t let them know.”

You make an incoherent noise against his hand before writhing back against his cock. Needing more friction and movement that he refuses to give you.

“Unless that’s what you want, Greedy Girl,” he whispers into your neck. “Want them to see what I do to you. The way I make you fall apart…the way you beg for my cock. Even when you hate me.”

The idea sends a shiver down your spine as you groan his name and claw at his wrist.

“Is that what you want?” he murmurs between sharp thrusts. “S’it why you keep this pretty pussy so nice and tight for me? Cause you want them to know that it’s only me? That everything…everything…you do is because of me?”

Your eyes roll back, either from annoyance or pleasure. But it’s blissful, this feeling. This hard fuck, this angry connection. 

And yet, this infuriating man is oddly tender with you. Holding you close and helping you find your release, despite the way he goads you.

“Do you, Tink?” he asks again. “Do you want Lucas to see? Want them all to fucking see what you do to me?”

His nails are scraping down your ribcage, pulling you taut against his chest as he drives his cock as deep as it’ll go. Hips meeting your ass as he releases your mouth to hold onto you again, keeping you still.

“Tell me,” he says between deep breaths. “Tell me you’re mine. Tell me you only cum for me—”

“Har—”

“My greedy little whore. My dirty fucking princess.” His tone is angry. Dissolving into something feral as he begins to pound into you with a harder force. Nearly knocking the wind from your lungs. “Not his. Mine. Always mine—”

“Yours,” you repeat between soft whines. “Yours, Harry, you know that—”

“Yeah?” He holds you tighter, allowing you no room to squirm as he nears his release. His pace becomes faster and sloppier the closer he gets. Allowing your warmth to soak him, draw him in. Using you as nothing more than a toy. A means to his end. “Then prove it.”

Even without much extra stimulation, you can feel yourself getting closer to the brink. Harry has always had this innate ability to get you there without much more than a few pumps of his cock. Perhaps it’s his size or his technique. The way he knows exactly where to thrust in order to hit the right spot and make you see stars. 

And maybe there’s a part of you – albeit small – that enjoys the idea of being good for him. Of coming on his cock (or his tongue or his fingers) just so he can watch. So he can feel what he does to you.

Maybe…you just want to be good for him. At least in moments like this. To know that you’ve earned his approval, his praise. That such a brilliant man has devoted his time and attention and body just to you. 

That you’re worthy of his time.

Worthy of him.

It’s almost degrading to think about and yet…it makes you clench. Pussy clamping down on his beautifully thick cock until he groans and nuzzles his nose against your neck.  

“Shit,” he hisses, rhythm stuttering as a shot of pleasure rolls through him. “Tink, if you’re gonna do that, I’m gonna cum.”

“Good,” you answer instantaneously. “Want you to. Need you to, Daddy, please—”

“No,” he huffs, and he stills for only a moment as if attempting to refrain from falling apart. “No, need you to cum first. Daddy needs to feel you cum first, okay? Come on, baby, gotta give it to me—”

You mewl helplessly, drowning out the rest of his instruction. You’re close, and you know it won’t be much longer until it overwhelms you.

And there’s some part of you that feels…disappointed. Saddened by the idea of things going back to how they normally are. That he’ll take himself from you – take his cock from you – and return to the maddening man you can hardly tolerate.

Maybe subconsciously, you try to hold off. Keep your orgasm at bay so you can keep him just a little longer. So you can appreciate the caring man behind you and the way he’s so desperate to put you first.

He’s quite wonderful when he’s not being an ass.

“Tink,” he grunts, hand moving up toward your jaw. You feel his palm press to your throat, and you swallow thickly against his skin. “Baby, I want you to cum. Wanna feel you. What do you need? Hm? Wanna play with your pretty button for me?”

You nod pitifully and allow your own fingers to move down toward your cunt. It’s wet and achy and swollen so much it almost hurts to touch. But you release a strained breath, nevertheless, appreciating the sting of overstimulation as you writhe in his hold.

You can feel your body beginning to overheat the closer you get. Helping warm you up from the October chill still biting at your skin. And the sounds of your friends aren’t far behind. Perhaps looking for you, waiting for you both to exit the maze and continue on with your evening.

But you don’t give a damn about anybody else right now. Just him.

Something you never thought you’d say.

“Getting closer, yeah?” he hums against your ear, fingers tightening around your neck. “I know. Fucking shaking, baby, you’re okay. I got you. Just let it happen, let go.”

There’s something about his voice. About the feel of his glasses against your temple. About the way he makes you feel safe and secure. The way he effortlessly brings you to the edge and promises to catch you when you fall.

You know he hates you. And yet you also know that despite this loathing you share, you’re still his priority. That he’ll put your pleasure first, no matter what. That he wants to be good.

“Har,” you whimper through a high-pitched whine. “Shit, please—”

“You close? Gonna give it to me? Make Daddy happy?”

The reminder of the nickname makes you moan, a bit softer than before, but still rather lewd. And Harry tsks from behind you, once again sliding his palm up to your mouth.

“Dirty fucking princess,” he grits before he’s suddenly slamming himself into you. “Can’t ever do what she’s told, hm? Just loves to disobey me. Wants to get caught. Wants to be my greedy little girl—”

My greedy little girl.

That’s what does it for you. His possession, his mark, his claim. Reducing you to nothing more than this thing he uses for his pleasure. An object to be had.

In any other moment, you’d chastise him for it.

Right now, it’s everything you need to hear.

You cum on his cock without much choice. Pleasure unfurling like the petals of a flower in spring. For a moment, the overpowering sensation is all you can comprehend. Just ecstasy, a weightless euphoria. Lifting you up and dropping you back down.

He curses when he feels it, offering you quick murmurs of praise before he’s grabbing onto your hips with both hands and yanking you back. Using this leverage to drive his cock in in sharp thrusts before he’s following. Releasing himself into you with a groan as you gasp and grab onto one of the beams for support.

Thirty seconds pass of heavy breathing and lingering whimpers before you both fall quiet, chests heaving and legs still shaking.

He doesn’t pull out for at least a moment or two, merely holding onto your waist as he works to gather himself together.

“Shit,” he finally whispers, and you feel the subtle stroking of his thumb against your tender skin. Right over the bruises you’re sure to find tomorrow. “You okay?”

“Mhm,” you hum weakly, nodding once. “Really good, actually.”

“Yeah? Good. You needed it.”

You feel your lips pull back into a smile. “Oh, did I?”

“You really did.”

“Right. Even though you’re the one that fucks me every time you see me.”

You hear him scoff as he finally – and slowly – pulls out. Allowing your muscles to unwind as you release a deep breath. “I’m doing you a favor,” is his reply. And it’s laced with a condescension and haughtiness that you know all too well.

“Oh, is that what you’re doing?”

“Yes.” He tucks himself back into his briefs before crouching down to reach for your jeans. Pulling them back up your legs with a strange amount of care, despite his snarky attitude. “I do a lot of favors for you.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

You turn around while he steps back and readjusts his glasses. “Was getting us lost one of those favors?”

A strange, almost sadistic kind of grin begins to stretch across his face. “Maybe.”

You hesitate. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He shrugs once before backing out of the lookout as you rezip your jeans. “It means…maybe I knew this was the wrong way.”

“…I’m sorry?”

His hands shove into his pockets while his sly smile seems to mirror his satisfaction. “I just figured it wouldn’t hurt to do some…exploring.”

“Oh, you have got to be kidding me,” you nearly gasp, striding after him so you can swat your hand across his chest. “Are you fucking serious? You got us lost on purpose?”

“We were never lost, Tinkerbell. I knew exactly where we were."

"Yeah? And where are we?"

"Taking a detour."

“I cannot believe you,” you murmur, staring at him rather incredulously. “God, you are so fucking horny, it’s insane.”

“Oh, relax,” he snorts. “I didn’t take you back here to fuck you. I just thought you’d wanna see the top of the maze.”

“And you couldn’t have just asked?”

“Would you have agreed?”

You consider this. “…all right, maybe not. But you’re still a fucking ass.”

“Yeah,” he agrees coyly. “I know.”

You keep your stern glare, but your grin is playful. “Whatever. Does this mean you know the way out?”

“I do,” he says. “There’s a shortcut. Cassie and I used to cheat and use it all the time.”

The revelation of her name makes your breath catch. You hadn’t expected him to reveal something so personal, and there’s a part of you that isn’t quite sure what to do with it.

You can tell he hasn’t realized his slip, because he’s still smiling at you like he’s waiting for you to get the joke. To laugh with him.

But there’s something else in his eye – something beautiful and reminiscent. Excited. Like the mere mention of her name has calmed him. Reminded him of a better time. A happier place. 

Reminded him of someone who isn’t you.

“I see,” you manage, choking the words out as you glance toward the dirt beneath your sneakers. Avoiding his eye. “Well…great. Get me the hell out of here, please.”

He studies you for a moment. You can feel his eyes boring into your profile, as though attempting to work out just what changed in your demeanor.

Then, he runs his tongue over his bottom lip, and says, “Yeah. This way.”

With that, he maneuvers back through the large stocks of corn and leads you through the intricate labyrinth. Weaving his way along the path and bypassing each checkpoint with ease, almost as if he’s done this a hundred times.

You imagine he has.

You reach the exit in only a few minutes, and relief washes over you as you catch sight of your car in the distance. Your means of escape and your excuse to leave him behind. 

“Thank God,” you mumble as you both slip out from the corn and back into the light. “That was…excruciating.”

“Oh, was it?” he teases. “Really? All of it?”

“Yes, all of it,” you snort, but you feel rather amused as you glance over his expression. “Let’s never get stuck in a corn maze together again, agreed?”

“Agreed,” he replies, but there’s a certain playful glimmer in his eye. “We can just fuck the old-fashioned way. In your car.”

“Gee, great.”

You both fall silent as your quippy remarks die down. Looking at each other like you’re waiting for someone to break the spell. To return you both to your anger and your rivalry. To poke fun at the few moments of intimacy and understanding you shared and release you from this strange yearning.

You decide to be the first, clearing your throat as quietly as you can while reaching for the collar of the hoodie to slip it off. “Uh, well…thanks again. For letting me borrow this.”

He blinks, momentarily puzzled – or perhaps…disappointed? – as he watches you pull it from your body. “Yeah. No problem. Just bring a fucking coat next time.”

“There won’t be a next time, remember?” you retort, tossing it over. 

He catches it with one hand, and smiles. “Right. And thank God for that.”

“Exactly.”

Another lull, the two of you continuing to stand in the dimly lit parking lot as you wait for him to say goodbye.

And suddenly, you realize…you don’t want to go. You don’t want to say goodbye. That you feel…safer when he’s around. More relaxed and at ease. Even when you’re griping with him or resisting the urge to put his head through a wall, he’s still…comforting. A forceful and reassuring presence that you otherwise feel lost without. 

Because you remember who he was before…Cassie. You remember his kindness and his ability to make you laugh.

And you know that he’s still that person. He’s still trying to take care of the people he feels closest to, even when he doesn’t mean to. Even when he doesn’t realize.

You know why he pushed you away. You know why he’s created such a vast, unyielding distance. And you can’t exactly blame him.

But the version of him that automatically thinks to care for you…that’s the version you’re drawn to. That’s the version you don’t want to say goodbye to.

“What?” he asks, grinning again as his head cocks. Seeming to notice the shift in your expression. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

You hesitate, lashes fluttering as you work out a response. Wondering just how much you can share…and how much of it is real. “Nothing, I…this was just…”

He waits, brow raised. 

Your lips clamp. “Nothing. I’m just thinking about all the fucking work I have to do when I go in tomorrow, thanks to you.”

And you can see he’s unconvinced, eyes flicking between yours as if looking for the real answer. But he waits a beat before his smile fades and he asks, “Why did you really come tonight?”

A bit caught off-guard by the question, you blink. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, you could have partnered with anyone else. If you really wanted,” he explains, slowly stepping closer. Forcing a hitch in your throat. “Could have left me behind. Gone ahead. But you didn’t. Why?”

And there it is. That hint – that almost undetectable trace – of vulnerability behind the usual arrogance. He’s giving you the chance, offering you an opportunity for truth.

And maybe you want to take it. Maybe you want to confess and unburden yourself of this weight that’s settled on your shoulders. 

The truth teases the tip of your tongue, laden with consequences.

But just before you can offer him the real answer, there’s a distant laugh from one of the groups back in the maze. Interrupting the moment and stealing what little courage you had left.

Your lashes flutter quickly as if shaking yourself from a daze, and you step back. Forcing distance between your bodies in an attempt to find clarity. 

Harry watches you go, expression hard and etched with frustration, while you swallow thickly and spin on your heel. 

He doesn’t call after you as you race to your car. Doesn’t insist on an answer or try to make you stay.

He merely stands there beneath the warm hue of the streetlamp, allowing you to run away, and disappear into your car before fleeing the scene.

Leaving him behind. 

Previous Part:

~ Always*

~ 404 Masterlist

~ Freaky Fun Masterlist

~ Main Masterlist

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Amazing divider by @firefly-graphics! 💞

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[kairoot]

hiii i saw that ur requests r open (ps ur theme is so cool wtf), so maybe enjoyen hcs for hickey prank? or any tiktok kinda prank i think it would be so funny

ENHYPEN, the hickey.

genre: crack, fluff, kind of suggestive (?) not really

warnings: ! not smut ! (kinda obvious but i had to clarify.), hickies, kissing

requested: yes! by this lovely anon 🤍

pairing: enha x gn!reader

author’s note: thank you so much for that, it really means a lot! 😭🤍 and thank u so so much for requesting!

ss ➜ pulling the hickey prank on enha + their reactions

heeseung — ;

did not think it was funny

like at all.

literally gives you the most stalest expression ever 😭

i feel like he’d sulk for at least an hour after that 💀

no cause why’d you scare him like that..

you stood at the stove in the kitchen, making dinner as heeseung got himself a glass of water. he started talking to you about his friends and the game until he glanced at you, just checking if you were listening since your responses were short.

“yeah, and jake—“ he did a double take, as he was sure his eyes weren’t playing tricks on him.

placed on your neck was a dark red mark, some purple surrounding it.

“go ahead, hee. i’m listening.” your eyes were still on the pot and your ingredients, so you weren’t really sure why he stopped talking (you knew why he had stopped talking 💀).

“what is that?” his tone changed, more serious now rather than the care-free tone he had before.

“what’s what, baby?” you looked up at him for the first time, seeing his eyes focused on the mark.

he placed a hand around your waist, pulling you in to him so he could analyze the mark more, “this.”

“i didn’t put that there.” he looked back up at you, eyebrows knitted together in confusion and irritation. you bit back a laugh as you avoided his gaze.

“i don’t know, hee, you do a lot of things. you probably put it there late last night.” you shrug, continuing to add ingredients to your dish.

“what is that supposed to mean- no, i didn’t put that there. definitely not last night.” he was actually getting kind of angry now. who were you with besides him?

“it didn’t just appear there itself, did it?” you question nonchalantly.

“i don’t know, you tell me, y/n.” he said, releasing his hold on you and beginning to walk away. your laugh finally escaped as you turned to grab his hand.

“hee, baby, it’s a joke. look.” you giggle, taking his hand and running it across the fake mark. red and purple eyeshadow stained his thumb as he just stared at you.

“..that’s not funny, y/n. like, at all.” he said dryly, his expression making you hold your stomach as more cackles came out.

jay — ;

jays’ actually hurt by this

but is soooo embarrassed when he finds out it’s a joke 💀

im ngl he’ll probably sulk like hee

but will actually laugh with you

is just glad it was a joke

you had your camera recording everything as your phone sat in your lap.

you and jay were taking a trip to the movies and he decided to drive which was the perfect time to pull this prank.

the car ride was a bit quiet at first, the rain in the back and the low distant sound of music coming from the radio. you and jay conversed here and there but it was mostly comfortable silence.

so when you arrived at the theater, jay reached over to help you take off your seatbelt. it was just something he liked to do; putting your seatbelt on and taking it off for you.

when he reached over, he caught a glimpse of something on your neck. he had to blink extra hard to make sure he was seeing correctly.

“wait,” he halted his actions, placing a hand gently on your collarbone. “did i do this?”

you didn’t respond, pretending to not know what he was talking about. until he spoke again.

“i didn’t do this. why is that there, babe?” he asked, a waver in his voice.

“jay, what are you talking about?” you shifted away from his touch, looking in the other direction. he looked at you in confusion. did you not want him touching you now?

“y/n, look at me.” he attempted to look at the mark again, but instead you moved away from him once more. so he sat back in his seat, thinking about what just happened.

“did you see someone else?” jay held his breath, waiting for your answer. there was a long silence before you responded.

“what?”

he gave you a look that said, ‘you know exactly what i said 🙁’. but instead of answering back, he started the car again, starting to back out of the theater parking lot.

“jay, wait!” your hand lands on his when it comes down to shift the gearstick in reverse. you bring the camera up so it’s in his vision.

he stares at the camera and back at you, “what?”

you hold back your laugh, rubbing the makeup off your neck. you show him the stains on your fingers as he realizes what the camera was for.

he breaks into a smile, covering his face in embarrassment.

“are you serious, y/n..”

jake — ;

jake is like on the verge of tears 😭

NAH LIKE BRO IS SO SCARED

cause he doesn’t wanna lose you neither does he want to be cheated on

even after he finds out it’s a prank, he’s whining and pouting

you better give him some love after that cruel prank

you and jake were laying in bed, cuddled with each other. his head was in the crook of your neck, giving you little kisses.

he didn’t know that you were recording the whole thing so you tried your best not to laugh. you pretended to watch the movie on the screen that was long forgotten, but in reality, you were just watching his reaction through the camera.

he continued to place kisses on your neck, giggling while doing so, until he saw the hickey.

“wait, babe,” he lifted his head, examining the bruise. you hummed in response, lowering the camera so he wouldn’t see.

“i was only kissing you.. why is there a hickey?” jake‘a brows furrowed in confusion, glancing up at you.

“i don’t know, jake. you were down there for a long time, maybe you put it there without realizing.”

now he sat up all the way, looking down at you.

“babe, i think i would know if my lips latched onto your skin or not.” he said, his voice turning whiney. he folded his arms, a pout on his lips.

“please don’t tell me you let someone else kiss you.”

you put on a faux offensive tone, “jake?! i would never!”

he glared at you, still pouting so the glare wasn’t intimidating at all.

“y/n, that was so fake.” he began to climb off the bed. “i’m going to jay’s.”

you quickly sat up, tugging on his hoodie, “babe, it’s not real.”

he turned around only to see the camera facing him. he took his finger and rubbed it across the “hickey”, smudging it.

he threw his head back, whining before flopping back on the bed, “y/n, don’t do that! you almost gave me a heart attack.”

is actually upset, please cuddle him so hard 😭

sunghoon — ;

already knows it’s a prank

not because he heard you planning it or anything but he just knows

nothing gets passed him atp

is still annoyed that you would even think to pull something like that tho 💀

you and sunghoon were getting ready to go on a date, so obviously you were in the mirror the whole time, trying to make sure your appearance was okay.

before sunghoon got home, you had already painted the fake hickey on your neck so maybe he could see before or after you arrive at the restaurant.

you made sure your outfit was low around the neck area so he could see perfectly.

standing in the mirror, you adjust your clothes to your liking and fixed your hair so it wasn’t all over the place.

sunghoon stood in the doorway of the bathroom, looking at you.

“you ready?” he asked, fixing the buttons on his shirt.

“now i am.” you looked at yourself one more time, before gathering your things into a bag.

hoon walked up behind where you stood in the mirror, looking at your neck. you caught a glimpse of him as he studied the mark, smiling to yourself.

until he smudged the mark with one of his fingers and walked away.

“i’m way too good for you to want hickies from someone else.” he snorted.

you literally just stood there like🧍🏽‍♀️

sunoo — ;

is actually disgusted

like ew, you were kissing somebody else ?!!!

when he finds out it’s a prank, expect him to be sassy (sassy men in 2023 man 😞)

ignrores you on purpose afterwards

how dare you play with his heart like that ?!

sunoo had came in from the grocery store, placing the bags on the floor. once he saw you come downstairs from hearing the door, he smiled.

“hi, baby.” he pulled you in for a tight hug as if he hadn’t seen you in ages. you hugged back, kissing his cheek.

“so, how was your d-“ you began as he gently pushed you away for a second.

“y/n, what the hell?” his face contorted in disgust and annoyance.

“what?” your eyebrows come together as your eyes try to follow what he’s looking at. “what is it, babe?”

“uh, you can’t call me ‘babe’ after i just saw that.” he started walking to the living room, your steps not too far behind his. “i know for a fact, i didn’t put that there.”

“nunu, what are you talking about?” you laugh a bit, taking a seat next to him on the couch. he scoots away from you, folding his arms.

he doesn’t respond but opens his phone instead.

“sunoo?” no response.

he scoffs, starting to get out of his seat on the couch.

“stop, wait,” you hold your stomach, laughing.

“seriously, y/n, you’re so gross. what about this is funny?” he points to the mark on your chest.

“i’m sorry, i just-“ you snort, rolling off the couch.

he’s literally just standing there, giving you the biggest side eye.

“okay, i’m sorry. um, it’s a joke-“ you could hardly get your words out, tears prickling your eyes at this point. you rubbed the mark away, showing him the now blank spot where the mark once was.

he’s still just standing there, looking at you up and down.

“you’re still gross.”

jungwon — ;

he’s hurt but is actually really calm about it

would probably want you to leave

when he finds out it’s a prank he’s like🧍🏽‍♀️that’s what i thought

will smother you with love afterwards cause you’re his and only his

you were standing in the kitchen, making yourself and jungwon some lunch before he came and joined you.

he wrapped his arms around you, gifting you with a warm back hug. he snuggled his face in the crook of your neck, placing a couple of tiny kisses there.

“hi.” he said in a groggy voice, indicating that his nap had ended. you greeted him back, smiling at his cuteness.

there was a silence before you felt him step away from your back, hands coming up to your waist to spin you around.

he slightly moved your shirt so he could see what the darkness on your neck was.

“y/n..” his voice trailed off, all the grogginess now gone.

you attempted to turn back around, his grip preventing you from doing so.

“it’s just a mosquito bite, wonie-“ you started to say, trying to move his hand away from your shirt.

“no, that’s a hickey, babe. i can see it.” he frowned, hands leaving your shirt and waist.

he stood there for a moment, looking down before speaking again. “i think you should leave.”

“jungwon-“ your hand came to touch his wrist before he moved it out of your grasp.

“seriously, y/n.”

“jungwon, it’s a joke, baby. i’m not leaving you.” you grabbed a towel, scrubbing the makeup off of the side of your neck.

he blinked, pressing his lips together. he stood there for a minute, processing the prank, letting his heart rate go down a little bit.

“that wasn’t funny.” he smiled, holding his chest. “now come here so i can give you some real ones.”

ni-ki — ;

his actual response is “bruh wtf is that🧍🏽‍♀️”

NO LIKE HE ACTUALLY SAYS THAT

gives you the biggest side eye when you tell him it’s a prank

expect him to get you back with another prank

since you have your own car, you decided to pick niki up instead of the other way around. your phone was set on the dashboard, so it looked like you were just filming a little vlog (+ he already knew you liked to film some of your daily life so he didn’t think much of it).

when you arrived outside his dorm, he hopped in the passenger seat, giving you a quick peck. he gave the camera a wave before turning back to you.

“why tf do you have a scarf on right now?” he snorted, hands coming up to remove it.

when you blocked his hand, he stared at you in confusion.

“y/n, it’s literally like 88 degrees outside..”

“okay? i’m cold. plus, it goes with my outfit.” you shrugged, starting the car up again.

“no.. tf it doesn’t-“ he took the scarf away from you, doing a triple take when he saw your neck.

he placed a hand on your chin, turning your head so he could see better.

“y/n, what is that, omg-“ he turned your head more, getting a good look at the mark.

you swat his hand away, turning back forward and putting your scarf across your neck.

“nothing, it’s a rash.”

“i don’t even give you hickies so how did that get there?” he ignored your attempt at lying to him.

“niki, it’s not a hickey. it’s a-“ he took the scarf back in his grasp, trying to tug it away from you.

“babe, calm down, it’s a joke.” you giggled, letting him grab the scarf. you smudge the mark, the makeup now on your fingers.

he stared at you from his side of the car, “so it’s funny?” his reaction only made you snort more.

[broooooo]

The life change

____________

Sup bros!

It's been awhile hasn't it😅, I hope I can still do this

Hope you like it!

_______

I'm coach josh, I teach at a college coaching the school football team, we have a good team full of muscular , toned, handsome men, obedient and horny, just how I programmed them to be.

What? You think its easy getting a good team?, no, I had to craft these boys into obedient football jocks, sure they still have their lives ahead for them, one day I'll let them go, so they can go off and achieve football greatness, but for the time being, they are MINE, I will just get a new team.

Today was like the rest, teaching pe class as usual, a group of girls and boys, a regular class, the boys among the class are mostly all sporty, and energetic, some at even my own jocks.

As usual the girls who don't do anything sit out or have an excuse to sit out, while the rest join in with the boys. Unfortunately, not all the boys join in.

Aaron, he is the only one who sits out, he's slender, tall, long hair, he's quite good looking in his own right, but he's not athletic, he's not smart nerd either, sometimes he joins in, but doesn't do much on the account of not being able to or want to, he quietly just draws in his book., he doesn't have many or any friends at all, he's a wall flower , no one really pays attention to him

Well .. except me I guess

I watch in disappointment again, it's always like this. Though what's odd is whenever we have football practice, he seemingly likes to stare at the players , deep in thought , I notice it at times, and wonder what he's thinking, he draws at the same time, so I've always been curious to what he draws.

Today in class It was a small game of football. Girls Vs boys. A regular exercise in this class. I'm planning on watching Aaron again, to see what he does.

*alright class!*, I shout out, * today is girls Vs boys football!, get ready*

I glance over at Aaron's and there he is looking, though it's just minor glances, it intrigues me.

The boys, and girls put on either their own cleats or extras we have in storage and Everyone gets in their positions, the boys getting pumped up and the girls look excited to try and beat the boys.

Aaron looks over at the boys , a glimmer in his eyes, I wonder what he looks at.

*alright class, we want a clean game, no cheating, ready? GO!* I blow the whistle and both sides go at each other.

I go off the side lines and watch, I stand near enough to Aaron to keep an eye on him.

No much happens the next 20 minutes, though Aaron seems to be in deep thought as he draws.

The game nears it's end as the victor is concluded.

The boys win, as I expected of my jocks, never letting the team loose.

I go off to check on everyone and conclude the class, behind me I hear a scrunch and a sigh, I turn and see aaron left a scrunched up ball of paper where he once sat, he walked away along with everyone else.

This was my chance, I had my expectations as to what I'd see, maybe it was empty and I'm over thinking it.

When everyone leaves the field, I go over to the paper and pick it up, once back in my office, I sit down at my desk and place the ball of paper on my desk, my heart races. Why I have such an obsession with this guy, idk, it's almost concerning, maybe I see potential in him, yeah.

I slowly unfold the paper, what I see shocks me,but also I'm not surprised?

It was a half finished sketch of a football player...

A football player I think? I wondered why, but then I noticed the hair of the player, long hair...

Is this supposed to be him?, my lips curve up into a devious smile..

So.... He's interested in football after all?

Oh my dear Aaron... I'll help you out one way or another. Not until you're one of my obedient and horny jocks.

_____

That night I devised a plan, I'll try to get close to him, speak with him, maybe I can get him to confess what he really wants...

The next day at school, I see Aaron at his locker, he's wearing long baggy towers, a black t shirt and sneakers, a comfortable fit.

I go up to him..

*hey Aaron, got a minute?*

He turns to look at me, tall and muscular,

*er .. sure* he says

I pull out the flattened paper ball, *so.. I found this yesterday, I assumed It's yours? You shouldn't litter you know*

Surprised, Aaron takes the paper away *oh... Sorryy. . won't happen again*

*oh it's ok, anyways, is that you drawn on that paper? It's really good? Didn't know you liked football*

Aaron gets visibly nervous *oh... Er... Yeah... Just a bit*

Noticing this, I see his eyes, a glimmer in them, a yearning for more, *now come one now, no need to be shy*, I smile, * why don't you come by my office later? We can discuss a few things?*

Aarons more surprised than ever, in a bit of a cold sweat, *I - er... Sure... I guess we can talk*

*sweet ! Meet you later champ!*I pat his back and walk away! My grin evidence to my excitement, I can't wait to see what this boy is hiding..

____

Many hours later, I wait in my office, patiently but excited, hoping he shows up, my muscles bulge in my lycra shirt, my feet shaking slightly..heart pounding, if he doesn't show up , I'll have to call in one of my jocks and have him pleasure me.. , I my dick bulge throbs , I'm extremely horny , at the thought of turning Aaron into a jock...

Then it happens.. the door opens and I see Aaron coming inside and closing the door , my vision clears and I jump up excited, *oh hi ! Er.. Aaron, glad you could make it* I sit back down on my chair, *come ..sit..* Aaron sits down at the chair in front of the desk. *What did you want to talk about?* Aaron says

*well my boy, your attendance in class isn't going so well. It's required you join in, unless you're physically ill or have a medical condition, not being able to do the activity because you don't want to or can't s no excuse*

Aaron tenses up *oh...* Unable to form an answer that isn't an excuse, *idk sir..*

*I don't know won't cut it.. i know it can be hard, but you gotta give it a ago, do. You have a sport your interested in? how about football? , I saw your drawing , what's the story behind that?* Internally im screaming to find out more about Aaron,

Aaron tenses up again and looks nervous, his eyes shine with a yearning upon hearing the word football, *oh.. well... Its nothing.. really...*

I look disappointed *now now, why else would you draw yourself as a football player? Is that you want to be one?*

Aaron sighs and relaxes.. *well... It was a dream of mine.. you can say... But I was unable to join in , and I'm not a child anymore..*

My heart races , yesss.... This is perfect... The plan is working perfectly.

* a dream you say? But it doesn't matter the age , you can join in and learn to play at any time, and since you seem so interested in football, why don't I coach you? *

Suprise fills his eyes,* what? Why? But I can't.. I don't know think I could.. I'd be wasting you time*

*nonsense! I can see it in your eyes, the yearning for more.. you want it deeply don't you? I believe you can do it*

Aaron looks down in shock...*do you really think I could do it? But I've never played ... Idk where to start*

I exclaim back* and that is why I am a coach. Listen Aaron.. you got what it takes , I'm sure of to, tell me .. what is it about football do you like? What attracts you to it?*

*oh. Well .. I really want to feel like air in my hair, the breeze as I run free, the bond between teammates as forever friends, I really like the kit too, cleats mostly ..*

*that is all I need to know bud! You have the want, you have the drive ,a dream, you want this don't you? To be a football jock?, like the boys on my team, I see you look at them every pe class*

Aarons face turns red with embarrassment*oh.. .you saw that?* ...

Yes, I do want it, I want it so badly* Aaron exclaimed.

I go over to him and look him in the eyes

*Aaron, I can make your dream come true, will you let me hell you?,you don't have to worry about how hard it might be, leave that to me*

Aaron's eyes shine with hope* sure... I'll do it* he smiles.. *what do I do first?*

*that it's Aaron!* I pat his back with excitement,

*what to do first? , well , we will have to test your skills on the field, and don't worry about the kit, I've got your covered, how does tomorrow sound for a start?*

*tomorrow? Oh .. ok, , thanks coach, see you then*, Aaron leaves the office with speed*

Clearly both of them are as excited as each other

*Soon Aaron... Soon you'll be just like them... A big, dumb, horny.. obedient, football jock,* i grab my bulge and moan in excitement

_____

The next day Aaron enters my office with a pep in his step

*him here coach..*

*Aaron! Great to you see you! I've got a little surprise for you!*

In my arms is a folded kit, clean and neat, with school colours, and the cleats , shiny and fresh, an entirely new football kit! The jersey even has Aaron's name on it , emblazoned on the back,

Surprise fills his eyes, *coach... You bought me a kit? But why... This is... Too much ... So sudden*

*now come on now. I know you can it, and a jock needs his gear doesn't he?*

*me?... A jock?... *Aaron closes his eyes a bit and opens them, *I won't let you down coach... I can do this!* Eyes filled with determination

*that's the spirit Aaron!* "Sinister inner laughing. Soon Aaron... You'll become one of my jocks"

Aaron takes the kit and goes into the locker room to change, the place is a mess, stinks like sweat and axe body spray, there's kit pieces all over the floor, the smell making Aaron disoriented a bit, making his brain foggy .

I go in after he's done changing, I almost cummed right then and there, Aaron dressed up in a full kit, although he's skinny, the kit is already doing its magic slowly, his muscles bulging ever so slightly, slowly growing., Aaron's bulge seems bigger too.. the more he wants this, the quicker the transformation.

*Er... I'm done coach, how do I like*

I go slap his back in joy

*DAMN Aaron, you look like a true jock... Bet you like it don't ya?*

Aaron blushes a bit *well.... Yeah...*

I can see his visible excitement.. he might even be turned on ... This is perfect...

*now come now Aaron, we must test your skills!*I guide him to the field, watching him walk in his cleats, the echoing sound of the studs, I can see it now, his muscles are bulging more, and his eyes seem foggier, but also filled with a passion for football, his dick bulge twitches slightly too

When we get to the field, we step into the grass and Aaron turns to me.

*so coach.. watch first*

*right . Go run, kicking this ball around, dribble around those cones and dummies I set up as training, a few laps every now and then will get your stamina upp and test your hold on the ball, got it?*

Aaron nods his head *yes coach I'll try my best*

A grin wide as it can be spread on my face *good boy Aaron... Now , if you feel like quitting or don't feel like you have what it takes.. repeat these words,

I am a football jock, I am strong, I am big, i am a jock,

Got it?*

Upon hearing those words, Aaron's seems to pause and go quiet. His eyes fogged up and his muscles are getting tighter against his kit. Almost gonna rip it, if it wasn't for the fact it was made of stretch material, then he responds in a minor monotone voice*

*Yes coach.. I am a jock... I will remember*

That's when he runs off with the ball

I watch ,my dick rock hard in my pants, at the sight before me.

That young boy is growing.. his muscles are expanding , his height increasing, he's getting fast and fast on the field, he went from stumbling around to having more control with the ball.. when he stops for water I can hear the chanting under his breath, I am a jock .. I am a jock... Must... Obey...,

His dick is hard in his jock strap too..

Finally almost ready...

*there's my star player!* I pat him on the back, he's sweaty and panting, drooling slightly, *you're a natural there bro! Aren't ya?*

Aaron looks up , his eyes filled with nothing but football, coach, and cumming.

*yeaahhhh... Hiccuppp. Fuuck brah... Fuckin love beein a jock broo* he squeezes his bulge

Finally... He's ready.. he's almost under my command, he's almost a true jock...

*come now jock boy, let's get to the locker room shall we?* He obeys my command and we go to the locker room where I sit him down on a bench, with a TV, and play a Hypnotic video of players and football jocks, with text that will finish the job on his reprogramming*

*now Aaron.. stare.. listen... Obey.. stroke...* Aaron takes out his dick and starts edging to the video..

*yeahhhh brahhhh, *.he drools and leaks cum, his muscles.grow to there final form,.his legs the size of trunks and his face more defined .. his hair is cut into a short under cut haircut like rest of the guys

All that is on Aaron's mind is sex, football, jock, Cumming , and the fact he must obey..

*must obey coach brahh...*

Yesss yesss! I exclaime

*yahh. YAHH, fuck yeah brah....* He's reaching climax

*who are you boy, what are you?*

*fuck brah... I'm Aaaron, a football jock brah*

*And who do you obey*

*I obey you coach... I am a dumb, horny football jock.. I must obey you*

*yes Aaron... That's right.. you are a jock.. a big. Dumb , football

.. jock.

Cum jock. CUM

*FUCK YEAH BRAHHHHHHHH!

*jock Aaron cums rope after rope of cum, his old self leaving with it, leaving mess on the floor*

*fuck brah.. got carried away there... Fuck me.... I'm so fuckin horny bro...* Aaron flexing his muscles and puts his dick away*

*it's alright Aaron, your a jock remember, this what the team does remember?*

*oh yeah... Fuck me bro... Thanks brah... I forget a lot... And on that bro.. I have a party bro.. see you later coach !*

I watch as my new football jock Aaron leaves the locker room. I cum at the sight of him..

His dream came true... He became a big, dumb.. football... Jock

Are you next?

______

RIGHT, hi. Long time no see,

I hope you like it . I tried my best

Untill next time bros!

Bro out!

[lizziesangel]

TOM RIDDLE ⟢ soulmates don’t exist PT. 5

SDE MASTERLIST ⟢ FEM!reader (POC!reader friendly)

SUMMARY: everything changes for you when snape gives you a certain memory. will you be able to do the task that dumbledore has given you?

WORD COUNT: 7618

GENRE: angst-ish (but not really)

CONTENT WARNING: soulmate & time travel au, english is not my first language

After dinner more students came walking in, also trying to get ahead of their studies they had to do. You were sitting hunched over a stack of divination books, feeling more lost with each page you flipped through. Tea leaves, crystal balls, and other things were starting to feel like utter gibberish to you. 

Ben sat across from you, lazily flipping through a copy of ‘Unfogging the Future’, looking bored as ever. Next to you was Cressida, her brow furrowed in intense concentration as she read through your notes. Both of them had long forgotten about their DADA work. 

“This is impossible,” you groaned, rubbing your temples. “How is anyone supposed to ‘see the future’ in a cup of tea leaves? They all look the same to me.”

Cressida looked up from her notes, a sympathetic smile on her face. “It’s all about interpretation, Y/n. You’re not really seeing the future—it’s more like... reading symbols and trusting your instincts.”

You sighed, not feeling particularly comforted by that explanation. “I don’t think I have the right instincts for this.”

Ben leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest as he observed your struggle with mild amusement. “I’m starting to think Divination is less about predicting the future and more about seeing how many students can predict their own failure,” he said with a smirk.

You rolled your eyes, pushing the book away slightly. “Right! I just don’t get it. How am I supposed to see something in a teacup?”

Cressida laughed softly, scooting her chair closer to yours. “Okay, let’s break this down a bit. What are you supposed to be studying for this week’s lesson? Something about dream interpretations, right?”

You nodded, pulling out another crumpled piece of parchment with your notes. “Yeah, dreams and omens. We have to analyze a dream and interpret what it means, but I’m hopeless at it. My last one was apparently too ‘mundane.’”

Ben raised an eyebrow. “Too mundane? What was it about, rabbits hopping in a meadow or something?”

You snorted. “Close. I said it was about losing my shoes in the middle of a forest.”

Ben grinned, clearly amused. “Well, I can see why that wouldn’t impress Onai. Sounds like a real catastrophe.”

Cressida, however, looked thoughtful. “Wait, losing your shoes… Professor Onai always talks about symbolism. Maybe the shoes represent something—like protection, or grounding. And losing them means you’re vulnerable or unprepared for something.”

You blinked, surprised by how easily Cressida came up with that explanation. “You’re a natural at this. Maybe you should be taking Divination instead of me.”

Cressida smiled, a little flattered. “I’ve just read enough of this nonsense to know what they’re all looking for.”

Ben leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “Alright, what if we make up something properly dramatic? Say you dreamed of falling into a dark pit filled with snakes. Or better yet, you saw a tower collapsing, and you were trapped inside.”

Cressida giggled, and you shook your head, though you couldn’t help but smile. “Professor Onai would love that, I’m sure.”

“I’m serious!” Ben said, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Tell her the tower represents Hogwarts, and the snakes are obviously Slytherin. You’re predicting a major catastrophe involving the school—maybe a rival house betrayal or something.”

“Yeah, and then she’ll probably assign me extra work to prevent this disaster,” you said dryly, though the idea was starting to sound more and more plausible.

Cressida, still chuckling softly, reached over to your notes and scribbled something down. “Okay, how about we meet in the middle? You dreamt you were lost in a maze, with mist swirling all around you. Every path leads you to different choices, but none of them feel right. Then, just before you wake up, you see a figure at the center of the maze, but you can’t reach them.”

You raised an eyebrow, looking over the notes she’d written. “And that means…?”

“Uncertainty about your future, perhaps. The figure represents some unresolved aspect of your life, maybe even something you’re afraid of or trying to avoid.” Cressida explained, her voice soft but confident.

Ben nodded, impressed. “That’s actually pretty good, C. I’d buy it.”

You glanced between the two of them, grateful for their help. “Alright, thanks. I’ll use that. At least it sounds more mystical than my shoe fiasco.”

Ben flipped the page of his book with a dramatic flair, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement. “It’s all guesswork, really. Professor Onai just likes to act as though it’s some mystical art when half the time she’s just making things up. Here, can you try this? I wanna see.” He slid a page of the book toward you, pointing to a section with interpretations of tea leaves.

You glanced at it, reading over the different shapes and symbols.

“Right,” you muttered, staring blankly at the page. “So, what if I see something that looks like... I don’t know, a blob? Or just random dots? Does that mean I’m doomed?”

Ben snorted, trying to suppress a laugh. “In that case, you could probably get away with saying it’s a ‘fog of uncertainty’ and that the future is still unclear. Sounds mysterious enough, doesn’t it?”

You looked between the two of them, part of you wanting to laugh at how ridiculous this whole thing was. “So, I just have to bluff my way through it?”

Cressida rolled her eyes, “Ben’s not entirely wrong, though,” she admitted, pushing her Divination notes toward you. “The trick is to sound confident, even if you have no idea what you’re saying. Professor Onai eats that up. If you act like you’re seeing something profound, she’ll believe you.”

Ben leaned forward, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Exactly. Bluff your way through like a true Seer. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll ‘predict’ something dramatic, and they’ll be impressed.”

You groaned, resting your forehead on the table. “This is hopeless. I can’t even read a dumb tea leaf.”

Cressida chuckled softly, giving your arm a gentle squeeze. “It’s not hopeless. Divination just... takes a different mindset. It’s not like Charms or Transfiguration where everything’s logical and concrete. It’s more about intuition, like Ben said. You’re probably overthinking it.”

You turned your head to look at her, half-convinced she was right. But it was hard to shake the feeling that this was all just guesswork. “I guess I’m just not used to the idea of relying on intuition. I like things to make sense.”

Ben grinned, leaning back in his chair once again, clearly enjoying your frustration. “Then you’ll love this next bit. In palmistry,” he said, flipping through his book until he found the right page, “you can tell someone’s life expectancy just by looking at how long their lifeline is.”

“Is that actually real?” you asked, frowning in disbelief.

Ben raised his eyebrows, the corner of his mouth curling up in a smirk. “No. Not really, well, I don’t think so. But it doesn’t stop people from believing it. See? Divination’s all about confidence.”

Cressida shot him a playful look. “You’re supposed to be helping, not making her more confused.”

“I am helping,” Ben protested, though the grin on his face said otherwise. He looked back at you, his expression softening. “Alright, alright. If you really want to get through this, here’s a tip: go for the vague predictions. No one can prove them wrong. Something like... ‘I sense a great change in the future,’ or ‘Someone close to you will make an important decision.’ People cannot get enough of that stuff.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at that. “I think I can manage that.”

Cressida beamed at you. “See? You’ll be fine! You’ve just got to let yourself relax into it.”

She pulled out a teacup from her bag—she’d clearly come prepared to study for every class tonight—and set it on the table. “Here, why don’t we practice? I can help you read the leaves.”

Ben groaned dramatically but leaned in nonetheless, curiosity getting the better of him. “Oh, this ought to be good. I want to hear Y/n’s grand prophecy.”

You shot the Ravenclaw a mock glare but picked up the cup anyway, swirling the tea leaves around before setting it back down. You and Cressida leaned in together to look at the patterns in the bottom of the cup.

“Alright,” Cressida said softly, squinting at the leaves. “What do you see?”

You frowned, staring at the scattered leaves, trying to make sense of the shapes. “Uh... a black dot?”

Ben burst out laughing silently, and even Cressida couldn’t stifle her giggles. 

“Well… that’s one way to start,” Cressida said, still smiling. “But look closer—see those two leaves here? They’re almost in the shape of a circle. That could mean something positive. Good fortune, maybe.”

You leaned in closer, nodding slowly. “Okay, I can kind of see that. And what about... this one? It looks like a little snake.”

Cressida’s eyes lit up. “A snake usually means some kind of betrayal. But it could also mean transformation—like shedding old skin. It depends on how you want to interpret it.”

Ben shook his head, still grinning. “So, you’ve got good fortune and betrayal in your future. How exciting.”

You felt your stomach turn. “Great. My future is a complete mess.”

Cressida nudged you playfully. “It’s all in how you frame it. You can make anything sound meaningful if you try hard enough.”

After a few more rounds of guessing at symbols and laughing at the absurdity of it all, you felt a little less overwhelmed by the idea of Divination. It still wasn’t your favorite subject, but with Ben and Cressida’s help, you were starting to see how you could at least survive the class without making a complete fool of yourself.

Ben closed his book with a snap, stretching his arms above his head. “Alright, I think that’s enough ‘seeing the future’ for one evening. My brain hurts.”

Cressida giggled, shaking her head at him. “You’re hopeless, Ben.”

He winked at her, then looked over at you with a more genuine smile. “But seriously, Y/n—you’ll be fine. Just remember, no one really knows what’s going to happen. So, if you sound like you do, you’re already ahead of the game.”

You smiled back, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over you. “Thanks, both of you. I don’t think I’d survive Onai’s class without your help.”

Cressida beamed, and Ben just shrugged nonchalantly, though you could tell he was pleased.

“No problem,” he said, standing up and slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Just don’t forget us when you become the next great Seer.”

You laughed as you gathered your books, feeling lighter than you had all week. 

After almost half an hour of extra studying for divination, you finally closed the last book with a satisfied thud. Ben and Cressida had transitioned seamlessly into their DADA revision, spreading out an assortment of books and parchment on the table.

"How are you still going?" you asked, stifling a yawn as you stretched. "I’m pretty sure my brain stopped working an hour ago.”

Cressida sighed, “We’ve still got a bit to cover for tomorrow’s class, but you’ve earned a break.”

Ben raised an eyebrow at you as he doodled lazily in the margins of his Charms textbook. "Or, you know, you could stay and suffer with us. Strength in numbers.

You chuckled, shaking your head as you gathered the Divination books scattered across the table. "I’ll pass, sorry buddy. I’m going to put these back before Madam Pince hunts me down for leaving them out. And maybe find something for Astronomy tomorrow”

Ben, leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed, smirked at you. “Don’t get lost in the stars tomorrow, Y/n. Though, if you do, I’ll make sure Professor Onai knows you had a cosmic fate awaiting you.”

You rolled your eyes playfully. “Thanks, Ben. I’ll keep that in mind.” 

With the books balanced in your arms, you turned and made your way across the library, your steps echoing softly against the stone floor. The shelves were standing tall, casting long shadows in the dim light. You made your way through the aisles, heading toward the section that housed Divination text books. 

Sliding the last book back into its place, you turned, intending to find the Astronomy section. After passing almost ten rows of books in alphabetical order, you wanted to curse Hogwarts for putting ‘A’ in the back of the library.

The section of astronomy was dimly lit, tucked in a corner where fewer students ventured at this hour. You found yourself browsing slowly, eyes gliding over the ancient-looking volumes when a voice broke the silence, startling you. You reached out to pull an Astronomy book from the shelf in front of you, but before you could fully distract yourself in the book, a voice cut through the quiet, low and cold. 

“It’s rude to stare.”

You jumped at the sound of someone behind you. The book you were trying to take was nearly knocked off the shelf. Tom was standing right beside you, how you couldn’t notice or even feel his presence was weird. His dark eyes locked onto yours with an unsettling intensity.

Had you been staring? You weren’t quite sure when, but you were sure of the shiver that ran down your spine when he appeared out of thin air next to you.

“Excuse me?” you said, trying to keep your voice steady, though the proximity and suddenness of his appearance had thrown you off balance. “I wasn’t staring,” you replied, sounding as casual as you could, trying to keep your hand steady as you slid the book you had taken back into place.

“You and your friends watch me like I’m some kind of puzzle you’re trying to solve.” He stepped closer, the edge of his robe brushing against your arm as his voice lowered to a murmur.

Tom tilted his head, his gaze unwavering. “Lucas. He glares at me constantly. It’s not subtle, you know.”

Tom’s gaze softened just a fraction, though the smile that curved his lips was still unsettlingly cold. “It’s flattering, in a way, that you think you can figure me out. But don't waste your energy. There are better ways to spend your time.”

You blinked, feeling a cold weight settle in your stomach. How had he noticed? You’d tried to be discreet, observing him from time to time, but you hadn’t realized he was so acutely aware of both your and Lucas’s attention.

The silence between you stretched thin, tension humming in the air. You could feel the weight of his attention, and despite every instinct telling you to look away, you couldn’t. It was as though his presence drew you in, locking you in place.

“What is it about me that interests you so much?” Tom asked, his voice quiet but sharp, cutting through the space between you.

Your mouth went dry, this was the first time you’d hear his voice outside of class. Lucas was right about one thing - this guy was a big teacher’s pet. . “I don’t—” You shook your head, trying to find your footing in the conversation. “I’m not… interested.”

That almost-smile returned, but there was no warmth in it. “You think I don’t notice when people watch me? I see and hear everything.” He took a step closer to you, and though it was subtle, it made the space between you feel suffocating. “I find it curious.”

You swallowed, forcing yourself to stand your ground. “I’m not watching you, Riddle.”

Tom raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. “No? Then what is it, exactly? You are… different, ever since you arrived. People are curious about you, its almost made me curious about you.”

“I’m just trying to focus on my studies,” you said, your voice sounding much steadier than you felt. “There’s nothing…” you trailed off, wishing this conversation could just end now.

Tom’s expression remained unreadable, his lips curling ever so slightly into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Do I make you nervous, L/n?” His voice was so smooth and calculated.

You almost stopped breathing. He knew your name. Of course he did—he was observant, always watching, always listening. Or maybe it was because you were ‘new’. But it still caught you off guard, hearing him say it aloud, as if he was testing how it sounded. It almost made you want to melt.

You cleared your throat, trying to steady yourself. “No,” you lied, hoping the word didn’t sound as shaky as it felt. “I just didn’t expect anyone to be here.”

Tom’s gaze didn’t waver, his eyes studying you as if he were searching for something beyond the surface. “And yet, here we are.”

“It’s only a matter of time before I find out what makes you so different.”

Before you could muster any sort of reply, Tom straightened his posture even more, his eyes glancing briefly down the aisle before locking with yours again.

“Oh, and you’re coming with me to the Slug Club party as my date.”

Your mind blanked. “What?”

But Tom had already turned away, walking briskly toward the exit of the library without another word, leaving you standing there in stunned silence. 

He didn’t even wait for your response, didn’t even give you the chance to argue. It was as if he had decided for both of you, and that was that.

You stood there, still clutching the Astronomy book in your hands, your heart racing and your mouth parted slightly. Tom’s parting words echoed in your head, sending a ripple of confusion and unease through you.

As his tall figure disappeared from view, you blinked, finally finding your voice—too late, of course. “Wait, what?”

But the only response was the soft rustle of parchment and the quiet crackling of candle flames in the distant corners of the library.

You turned away from the rows of books and walked back toward the table where Ben and Cressida were still engrossed in their DADA study materials. The earlier encounter with Tom had left you in a whirl of thoughts and emotions, but you pushed it aside for now, focusing on your friends.

“I’m going to head back to the common room. It’s almost curfew, and the library closes an hour before.”

Ben glanced at his watch, then at Cressida. “You’re right. We should probably get going too; we can finish up the last bit of our notes in the morning.”

“Good call,” Cressida agreed, gathering her things as you slid into your seat to help them pack up.

As you collected your scattered parchment and books, you couldn’t shake the conversation with Tom from your mind. The casual way he’d announced that you were going to the Slug Club party, as if you didn’t have a choice, left you feeling unsettled. You hadn’t even gotten a chance to respond.

You were kind of glad, it seemed as if you didn’t have to do anything to get close to Riddle. Maybe this task could work that Dumbledore gave you.

Once finished, you waved goodbye to your two new friends and left the library, stepping into the cool hallway of Hogwarts. The castle felt eerily quiet at this hour, the only sound being the soft echo of your footsteps against the stone floor and some students who were lingering around. You navigated the winding corridors, the familiar path to Gryffindor Tower comforting in its predictability.

After saying the password to the Fat Lady, you stepped into the Gryffindor common room a familiar warmth washed over you. The cozy fire crackled in the hearth, casting a soft orange glow that made the red and gold accents of the room even more inviting. It was a huge comfort after the strange encounter. Your mind still whirled with confusion—his words, his tone—but you pushed it to the back of your mind, not wanting to dwell on it now.

You spotted Lucas sitting with a few other boys. While Maeve, Lilith and Alicia were sitting on one of the large, cushioned sofas near the fire, talking and laughing with a small group of other Gryffindors. Maeve, with her infectious energy, was gesturing animatedly, while Alicia leaned in, clearly amused by whatever story was being told. It was a scene of easy camaraderie, one that made you feel a bit lighter just watching.

“Y/n! Come join us!” she called, scooting over on the sofa to make room.

You hesitated for a moment, thinking about heading upstairs to the dormitory to mull over the day, but then decided against it. Maybe what you needed wasn’t to be alone with your thoughts—maybe what you needed was a distraction. Something normal, something that reminded you that despite the strange and unsettling things happening, you were still just a student at Hogwarts. 

So, you made your way over to where Lilith, Maeve and Alicia sat.

You smiled and slid into the open spot next to Alicia, feeling the warmth of the fire on your face. “What are you guys talking about?”

Maeve smirked, leaning forward slightly. “Alicia's just been telling everyone how she ‘accidentally’ lit her cauldron on fire in Potions today.”

Alicia gave an exaggerated huff, crossing her arms. “It was not my fault. The instructions were so vague! How was I supposed to know the boomslang skin needed to be chopped and not sliced? Slughorn didn't even seem surprised.”

Everyone laughed, including you. Being around Maeve and Alicia always had a way of making things feel lighter, less complicated.

“At least you didn’t blow up the entire classroom,” you teased, nudging her shoulder. “Could’ve been worse.”

“Oh, don’t tempt fate,” Maeve said with a grin. “She’s bound to do that next.”

“Honestly, Slughorn should give you extra credit for keeping him on his toes,” one of the other Gryffindors, a boy named Colin, chimed in. “He looked half-asleep before you spiced things up.”

Alicia laughed. “Maybe I’ll make a habit of it. Keep everyone entertained during Potions class.”

Lilith shook her head with a fond smile. “You’ll give the poor man a heart attack.”

The conversation flowed easily after that, and you found yourself relaxing into the warmth of the common room, letting the laughter and chatter distract you from the strange events of the past few days. It felt nice, this small escape from the growing complexity of your life at Hogwarts—just sitting with your friends, enjoying the simple pleasures of shared stories and jokes.

“Anyone up for a round of Exploding Snap?” Colin asked, pulling out a deck of cards with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Maeve clapped her hands together. “Absolutely. I’m in.”

Alicia raised an eyebrow at you, a knowing smile on her face. “What about you, Y/n? Feel like playing, or are you going to sneak off to the library again?”

You grinned, shaking your head. “I think I’ve had enough of the library for one day. Count me in.”

The cards were dealt, and soon enough, the table was filled with laughter and shouts as the game began.

The Great Hall buzzed with its usual morning energy as students filed in for breakfast, the long house tables laden with all sorts of delicious food. You slid into a spot between Maeve and Alicia, nodding a quick greeting to Lucas, who was already halfway through a slice of toast. Across from you, Ben was deep in conversation with Cressida, though from the smirk on his face, it looked like their discussion was more playful than serious.

“Morning!” Maeve chirped, her curly dark hair bouncing as she waved excitedly. "You look like you slept through the night for once!”

You laughed, shrugging as you reached for some pumpkin juice. "Guess I needed it after all that Divination nonsense last night. Thanks again for the help.”

“You needed help with Divination?” Lucas asked, his eyebrow raised in mock surprise. “I thought you were born with the gift. You know, seeing into the future and all that.”

“Please,” Alicia cut in with a grin, tossing her long red hair over her shoulder. “The only thing she’s predicting is when we’ll all fail our exams. It’s not exactly professor Onai level.”

“You’d think predicting disaster would score me more points in her class," you said dryly, earning a laugh from Maeve. 

Ben leaned over the table, grabbing another egg roll. “Speaking of disasters, did you hear what happened in Potions yesterday?” He shot Alicia a knowing look, and she groaned dramatically.

“Oh, Merlin, don’t even bring it up. It was a tiny fire! You set one classroom on fire, and no one ever lets you forget it.”

“I mean, it's impressive you didn’t blow up the entire dungeon,” Cressida added with a teasing smile.

"Alicia, if you set something else on fire, you'll be on first-name basis with Filch," Lucas chimed in, his tone dry but playful.

Maeve shot him a mock glare. “You’re one to talk! You’re probably on Filch’s speed dial from all your pranks.”

“Correction,” Lucas said, holding up a finger. “Filch doesn’t know I’m behind them. I’m smarter than that.”

Lucas leaned back with a self-satisfied grin, as if he’d been waiting to drop some news. “Anyway, you’ll never guess what happened last night.”

Lilith raised an eyebrow. “Did you set something on fire?”

“No, better.” Lucas’s grin widened. “Someone asked me to the Slug Club party.”

There was a pause around the table before Maeve nearly choked on her juice. “Wait—what? Someone asked you?”

“Wait, are you serious?” Alicia looked equally surprised, her freckled face scrunching up with curiosity. “Since when are you the kind of person to go to fancy parties with dates?”

Lucas shrugged nonchalantly, though his eyes gleamed with amusement. “It’s just a party. They asked, and I thought, why not?”

“You, at the Slug Club, huh?" Ben looked impressed, though his tone was teasing. "Trying to get in with the elite crowd now?”

“More like trying to eat their fancy food,” Lucas shot back, biting into his toast with a smirk. “And who says I can’t enjoy a party? Besides, this person… well, let's just say they’re persistent.”

“Pass the eggs, would you, Y/N?” Maeve asked from beside you, her dark curls bouncing as she leaned over, ever enthusiastic.

You handed her the plate, grinning as she piled her food.

Before you could get drawn further into the banter, you cleared your throat, feeling a sudden knot tighten in your stomach. “About the Slug party…” you began, a little hesitantly. 

Everyone turned to you, curious, and you immediately regretted how awkward you felt about saying it aloud. You knew how this group loved to react to every little piece of drama.

Ben, narrowed his eyes at you with a grin. “What, don’t tell me you got asked too?”

Alicia leaned in, her curiosity piqued. “Come on, Y/n, spill. Who asked you?”

Taking a deep breath, you set your juice down and tried to keep your voice casual. “So, last night... I was in the library, putting some books away, and... Riddle shows up.”

You could almost feel the temperature drop slightly at the mention of his name. Tom had that effect—he was either admired, feared, or completely misunderstood. And most people didn’t dare cross into his orbit.

“Riddle?” Lucas’ brow furrowed. “What did he want?”

Your lips twitched in irritation. "Well, he said... I’m going with him to the Slug Club party.”

There was a beat of silence, then:

“He what?” Lucas nearly shrieked, his eyes wide.

“He just—said it. Didn’t ask, didn’t wait for a reply. Just told me I’m going with him and walked off before I could even respond.”

Ben snorted, shaking his head. “Classic Riddle. Bloody arrogant, isn’t he?”

“You're telling me!” you said, leaning back in frustration. “I didn’t even agree, and now it’s like everyone’s going to think I’m—”

Cressida leaned in with a sly grin. “That you’re dating him?”

You shot her a look. “Please, no one’s going to think that. It’s just—he’s using me as a social prop or something. It doesn’t mean anything.”

“But why you?” Lucas asked quietly. “Riddle doesn’t just pick people randomly. Maybe he sees something in you.”

“That’s what makes it so weird!” you exclaimed. “I’ve barely spoken to him, and now I’m his date?”

Lucas crossed his arms. “Maybe you should start glaring at him more often, like I do.”

“Yeah, well, according to him, he’s already noticed your glare,” you said dryly, rolling your eyes. “Apparently, he’s very aware of all of us.”

Lucas huffed, clearly unimpressed. “Of course, he is. That guy’s always watching people like they’re chess pieces.”

Alicia giggled. "Well, I guess that means we’re all on his board now. Good luck with that.”

You groaned, burying your face in your hands. “I can’t believe this is happening. I don’t even want to go to that stupid party.”

Maeve nudged you gently. “Hey, it might not be so bad. If anything, Lucas’ll be there for moral support, right?”

Ben nodded with a small, encouraging smile. “He’ll keep an eye out for you. If he gets too... Riddle-like, just wave ‘em over.”

“Besides,” Lucas added, his eyes twinkling with mischief, “I’ll be there with my mystery date. You and I can compare horrible dates.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at that, shaking your head. “You’re impossible, Lucas.”

He winked. “I know.”

Despite the ridiculousness of it all, you felt a little better knowing your friends had your back, even if it meant navigating the Slug Club party with Tom Riddle as your so-called date. You were quite glad that Lucas would be there, otherwise… you didn’t know how you’d survive.

The dim light of the Potions classroom cast an almost mystical glow over the rows of cauldrons, each bubbling and steaming with the concoctions your classmates were diligently working on. You sat at a long table alongside Lucas, Lilith, and Alicia, the air filled with the aromatic scents of various herbs and potions brewing.

“Alright, does anyone actually know what we’re supposed to be doing?” Lucas asked, peering into his cauldron with a skeptical expression. “Because I’m pretty sure my potion looks more like swamp water than anything resembling a Polyjuice Potion.”

You leaned over to inspect his mixture, fighting back a grin. “I think it needs more lacewing flies. And probably less of whatever that is,” you replied, pointing at a suspicious-looking ingredient he’d added.

Alicia chuckled. Let’s see what kind of disaster we can create this time!”

Lilith, who was meticulously measuring her ingredients, glanced up with a shy smile. “Just be careful, okay? We don’t want to blow anything up this time.”

“Not this time,” Lucas said with mock solemnity, as if making a vow. “But I can’t promise anything after all that bad luck we had in Herbology.”

Just as the laughter began to bubble up again, Professor Slughorn approached your table, his round face beaming with warmth and enthusiasm. His robes swished around him as he moved, and he carried an air of joviality that made his presence both comforting and slightly intimidating.

“Well, well! Look who we have here!” Slughorn exclaimed, his eyes sparkling. “Our very own Gryffindor duo—Lucas and Y/n! I’m positively delighted to have you both joining us for the Slug Club party Saturday! It’s sure to be an affair to remember!”

You exchanged a glance with Lucas, both of you caught off guard by the sudden attention from Slughorn. Your stomach twisted a little at the mention of the party, a mix of excitement and nerves washing over you. Lucas, on the other hand, wore a broad grin that seemed to grow even wider. 

“Thanks, Professor!” Lucas replied, leaning back in his chair with a casual air. “I can’t wait. I’ve heard your parties are legendary.”

“Ah, you’ve heard correctly!” Slughorn said, his cheeks flushing with pride. “I do try to make them memorable. The company, the food, the lively discussions! You’re both in for a treat. I’ve planned some delightful surprises this time.”

“What kind of surprises?” Alicia asked, her curiosity piqued. She leaned forward, her long red hair spilling over her shoulders as she regarded the professor with wide eyes.

“Oh, I can’t reveal all my secrets, dear girl! That would spoil the fun,” Slughorn replied, waving a hand dismissively, though a mischievous smile played on his lips. “But I assure you, you won’t be disappointed. Just be sure to dress nicely! A party is only as good as its attendees, after all.”

You exchanged glances with Lucas, feeling the weight of Slughorn’s expectations. “Thanks for the heads up, Professor,” you said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the flutter of nerves in your stomach. “We’ll make sure to dress appropriately.”

Slughorn beamed at you, his eyes twinkling. “Wonderful! I’ll be counting on you both to liven up the evening! Now, I mustn’t keep you from your work. Let’s make sure that cauldron doesn’t boil over, shall we? Merlin knows I have enough cleaning with you, Alicia!”

As he moved on to check on another group, the four of you exchanged looks filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. 

“What did I get myself into?” you whispered to Lucas, who was now rolling up his sleeves as if preparing for battle.

“Just a party, Y/n! What’s the worst that could happen?” Lucas replied, grinning. “I’m sure it’ll be all fun and games… unless Tom Riddle pulls out his mysterious charms again.”

“Oh, don’t remind me!” you said with a dramatic sigh. “At this point, I’m half-expecting him to show up with a crown or something.”

Lilith giggled softly, her curls bouncing as she nodded in agreement. “I’d pay to see that.”

“Same,” Alicia added, her voice laced with laughter. “But for real, Y/n. Just have fun.”

“Absolutely,” Lucas said, offering you a reassuring grin. “Let’s just survive Potions first, and then we can strategize our party game plan. Besides, I’ll be there to distract you from any of Riddle’s creepy vibes.”

You couldn’t help but smile at the camaraderie, feeling the comforting presence of your friends around you. As you returned your focus to the cauldron, the bubbling liquid within seemed a little less daunting, and the upcoming party, while still nerve-wracking, felt a touch more exciting with your friends by your side.

“Though, I can’t believe Slughorn is actually excited to see us at the party,” Lucas said, breaking into your thoughts. “I mean, I thought we’d be just another couple of faces in the crowd.”

“I know, right?” you replied, rolling your eyes slightly. “As if I’m not already stressed enough about it. What am I supposed to wear? I don’t even know how to match with Riddle.”

Lucas grinned mischievously, leaning closer to you. “I mean, have you considered going in full-on Gryffindor colors? You could practically blind him with your ensemble. Red and gold would definitely make a statement.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “As tempting as that sounds, I don’t think that’s the look I’m going for. I’d like to keep some semblance of style, thank you very much.”

Just then, Lilith, who had been quietly mixing her potion a few seats down, piped up. “Or you could match with Lucas!” she said, her eyes brightening at the idea. “You could be besties who coordinate outfits!”

Lucas’s eyes widened, and he looked at Lilith with mock horror. “Wait, you want me to match with Y/n? How would that even work?”

“Oh, come on!” you exclaimed, feeling a rush of excitement. “That would be hilarious. We could totally rock the matching bestie look! We’d be the life of the party.”

Lilith nodded vigorously. “Exactly! Just imagine it. You two in coordinating outfits, showing everyone how it’s done. You could wear something that complements each other. Think about it—everyone will love it!”

“Okay, I’m in,” Lucas said, a playful grin spreading across his face. “But only if I get to pick the colors. I’m not wearing anything ridiculous like polka dots.”

You laughed again, feeling your anxiety start to melt away. “Deal! As long as it’s something we can both pull off. I just want to make sure we don’t look like clowns or something.”

“Clowns would be a bold choice,” Lucas said, leaning back in his chair. “But we can leave that for the next party.”

“Perfect! So, what are you thinking for colors?” you asked, already feeling a surge of inspiration.

“Definitely something dark and sophisticated to contrast with your outfit. I think deep purple or navy would be awesome. They’d go well with both our styles,” Lucas suggested, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

“Those would look great together! I can see it now—me in a deep purple dress, and you in a navy suit,” you said, your excitement growing. “We’ll be the most stylish duo there!”

“Absolutely! And if anyone gives us grief, we’ll just tell them it’s a statement about friendship,” Lucas added, grinning as he glanced around the room.

Lilith giggled, pleased with the plan. “I can’t wait to see this! You two will be the talk of the party.”

As Professor Slughorn wandered closer, your table quickly redirected your attention to your potion, but the thrill of the idea lingered in your mind. Matching outfits with Lucas felt like just the right balance of fun and confidence you needed to tackle the upcoming Slug Club party.

The Gryffindor common room was bustling with high and loud energy as you and your friends gathered around a large table piled high with books, parchment, and assorted snacks. The fireplace crackled warmly in the background, casting a cozy glow over the space. Lilith sat cross-legged on the floor, engrossed in a thick tome about potion brewing, while Maeve and Alicia were locked in a spirited debate about the merits of various Quidditch teams.

You settled into a comfortable armchair, stretching your legs out in front of you and letting out a contented sigh. It felt nice to be surrounded by friends, especially after the whirlwind of emotions you’d experienced over the past few days.

As you reached for a chocolate frog, you caught sight of a familiar furry figure lounging on the armrest of your chair. Your heart swelled with joy as you recognized your cat, who had been mysteriously absent for days. 

“Hey there, little buddy!” you exclaimed, scooping the cat into your arms. “I haven’t seen you for days! I was starting to worry!”

The cat purred contentedly, nuzzling against your chin as if to say, ‘I’ve been off having adventures, thank you very much.’ You couldn’t help but laugh, scratching behind its ears. “I hope you weren’t off plotting world domination or anything.”

“Maybe he was hanging out with Tom Riddle!” Alicia chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’ve heard he’s a bit of a cat person.”

You shot her a mock glare, but a smile tugged at your lips. “You know what? I wouldn’t put it past him. He probably thinks he can communicate with Shadow or something.”

“Maybe they’re secretly bonding over dark magic,” Maeve added, feigning a serious expression. “What if they form a feline army?”

“Now that would be terrifying,” Lucas said, emerging from the corner of the room with a plate of biscuits. “A cat army led by Tom Riddle? I can see it now—total chaos.”

You shook your head, laughing at the absurdity of it all. “Well, if my cat is leading the charge, I’m definitely switching sides. I can’t let her rule the world without me!”

Lilith looked up from her book, a smile breaking through her usually reserved demeanor. “At least you’ll have a loyal companion by your side.”

You cradled your cat closer, who seemed to enjoy the attention. “You know, he might be the secret to my success. With Shadow by my side, I feel like I can take on anything—even Riddle.”

The group erupted in laughter, and the mood in the room brightened. You placed your cat back on the armrest, where he settled comfortably, watching everyone with bright, inquisitive eyes.

The weekend had finally arrived, and excitement buzzed in the air as you and Lucas made your way to Hogsmeade for a day of shopping. The streets were alive with chatter, laughter, and the sound of the occasional owl swooping overhead. The weather was crisp, the sky a brilliant blue, perfect for a day out with friends.

“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this,” Lucas said, his voice laced with anticipation as he adjusted the collar of his shirt. He looked sharp today, dressed casually but stylishly in light jeans and a fitted sweater. “This is going to be epic.”

“Right?” you replied, your heart racing with a mix of nerves and excitement. “I feel like we’re on a mission to become the best-dressed duo in Hogwarts history.”

Lucas chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. “And to think, it all started with a date to the Slug Club. I’m still half-convinced you just wanted to drag me along to ensure you looked fabulous.”

“Can you blame me? You’re basically a fashion icon,” you teased, nudging him playfully.

As you approached Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, a quaint shop with window displays filled with elegant robes and dresses, you felt a thrill of anticipation. Stepping inside, you were greeted by the familiar scent of fabric and the gentle rustle of garments being tried on. A soft bell chimed as the door closed behind you.

“Alright, let’s find you a stunning dress!” Lucas said, eyes gleaming as he headed toward the racks of colorful robes and dresses. 

You wandered over to the section with formal wear, your heart racing as you scanned the options. After a few minutes of searching, your gaze landed on a beautiful dark purple dress that flowed elegantly to your ankles. The silk shimmered under the shop’s lights, and you could already picture how it would look on you—sleek and sophisticated.

“Lucas, come check this out!” you called, holding up the dress. 

His eyes widened, and a grin spread across his face. “That’s perfect! It’s so elegant and would look stunning on you. Try it on!”

With a quick nod, you grabbed the dress and made your way to the fitting room. Slipping it on, you admired yourself in the mirror. The fabric felt soft against your skin, and the color complemented your features beautifully. You turned to see how it looked from different angles, feeling a rush of confidence.

“Okay, now for the real test,” you said to yourself, stepping out of the fitting room. Lucas’s jaw dropped as he laid eyes on you, his expression a mixture of awe and approval.

“Wow, Y/N. You look absolutely breathtaking!” he exclaimed, clapping his hands in delight. “That dress was made for you!”

“Really? You think so?” you asked, a shy smile spreading across your face. 

“Absolutely. And it’ll look even better when we coordinate with my navy suit,” Lucas said, his voice teasing but sincere. “You’re going to be the star of the show, and I’m just here to support your brilliance.”

“Okay, okay, you’re making me blush,” you replied, playfully rolling your eyes. “But you still need to find your suit, Mr. Best Dressed.”

“Right! Let’s find the perfect navy suit to match my stunning date,” he said, striding over to the section for men’s formal wear. After a few minutes of browsing, he pulled out a dark navy suit that looked incredibly sharp. “What do you think?”

“Looks like a winner to me!” you said, clapping your hands together. “Let’s get you to try it on.”

As Lucas stepped into the fitting room, you waited anxiously outside, your heart pounding with excitement. When he finally emerged, you gasped. The suit fit him perfectly, accentuating his tall frame and dark curls. He looked incredibly handsome.

“Well? What do you think?” Lucas asked, striking a pose with a grin.

“You look fantastic! Seriously, you’re going to turn heads in that suit,” you said, unable to hide your admiration. “We’ll be the best-looking pair at the Slug Club.”

“Agreed,” he said, beaming. “Now let’s finalize our choices. You have to get that dress, and I definitely need this suit.”

After a few moments of browsing through accessories, you settled on a simple silver necklace that would add a touch of elegance without overpowering the dress. Lucas found a matching tie that complemented both his suit and your dress beautifully. 

“Alright, we did it!” you said as you paid for your outfits. “I can’t believe we actually pulled this off.”

“Of course we did! We’re a dynamic duo,” Lucas replied, a grin spreading across his face. “Now all we have to do is perfect our dance moves for the party.”

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll be the center of attention with our dazzling outfits and questionable dancing,” you laughed, nudging him playfully.

“Let’s just hope we don’t end up stepping on each other’s toes,” Lucas quipped as you both stepped back into the bustling streets of Hogsmeade, ready to show the world just how stylish you could be together. 

As you walked side by side, you felt a sense of excitement and confidence. With Lucas by your side, you knew the Slug Club party would be an unforgettable night, no matter what happened.

“So, Luca, you still haven't told me who your date is.” You asked him, nudging him slightly with your elbow.

He chuckled nervously. “Ah, well, about that…”

“Come on,” you teased, nudging him playfully. “Who’s the lucky girl?”

He took a deep breath, his gaze fixed ahead. “It's... not a girl.”

A/N: to be added to taglist - press taglist lol & i have a feeling i basically wrote nothing? does that make sense, anyway THANK YOU for all the support

˖ . ݁𝜗𝜚. ݁₊taglist:

𓅓 @optimisticsandwichgladiator

𓅓 @artistadistrada2002

𓅓 @hueanhdang

𓅓 @sweetasmarie

𓅓 @eneywey

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𓅓 @xlatinaaxx

[bowlofsoob]

O5 thank you next — go ahead and log out for me

SOOBIN’S POV

notes; all of soobin’s accounts are yn and all of yns accounts are soobin until the end of their birthday

__________________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐

__________________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐

In the early glow of the morning, Soobin, now inhabiting his soulmate’s body, sat nervously in the passenger seat of the car he’d just gotten picked up in. Taehyun and Hueningkai, as he’d come to recently learn, were exchanging awkward glances in the rearview mirror as Soobin’s own songs played through the car’s speakers.

“So, uh, hope you’re okay with your own music on the playlist,” Hueningkai said from the passenger seat, “It’s just what we usually play.”

Soobin couldn’t help but feel fond of them, they were his fans after all.

“It’s cool, I actually really love this one,” he answered, his own unfamiliar voice startling him.

“We thought it might help with adjusting,” Taehyun added, a faint hue of pink on his cheeks.

Soobin could only nod in response, picking at the fabric of his pants. Nothing in his soulmate’s closet adhered to his taste, and most of it just consisted of poorly designed graphic tees.

The car descended into an uneasy quietness, broken only by the familiar melodies spilling out of the speakers that seemed oddly intimate with Soobin now present.

“You guys seem a bit shy, anything on your mind?” Soobin tentatively asked in an attempt to break the tension with the two people he would be spending the rest of the day with.

“It’s just that having our idol in the car, even if it’s in our friend’s body, is kinda surreal,” Hueningkai smiled, stumbling over his words.

"We’re not used to this level of…fame?” Taehyun replied.

“I get it, I’m not used to being on this side of things either,” Soobin replied, trying to relate.

As they approached their apartment, Soobin couldn't help but feel a strange connection with his soulmate’s friends. As Taehyun parked the car they all hesitated before stepping out, still unsure of themselves in each other’s presence.

“This is so weird,” Hueningkai marvels.

Soobin can’t help but laugh, “Tell me about it.”

As they entered the apartment the trio settled into the living room rather awkwardly. Soobin couldn’t help but take notice of the memorabilia of himself surrounding them, he’d never expected to see how one of his fan’s lives up close.

Even though he was navigating an unfamiliar shyness he found comfort in the tentative smiles of his soulmate’s friends.

// // //

In one of their cramped bedrooms, Soobin, now uncomfortably squeezed into your body, stared blankly at the physics textbook.

“Okay, let's go through this again,” Taehyun sighed, “The laws of thermodynamics is the transfer of—"

“You lost me at thermo,” Soobin muttered, flipping through the flashcards laid out in front of him halfheartedly.

“This is hopeless, how is he supposed to pass the exams?” Taehyun mumbled to Hueningkai.

“Maybe if we play his songs backward, he'll absorb physics knowledge by osmosis,” Hueningkai sadly jokes, half serious.

“Backwards songs?” Soobin asks as he looks up, “That’s a thing?”

“We’re getting off track, let’s try this one more time,” Taehyun sighs, directing Soobin’s attention towards his notebook.

They spent the few hours they had before the exams attempting to explain concepts, drawing diagrams, and resorting to desperate analogies involving concert stages and sound waves. However, Soobin struggled to grasp the complexities of physics and mathematics. He was fucked.

“I’m sorry, this is all like a foreign language to me,” Soobin says, feeling bad with how hard they were trying.

Truth is he gave up hours ago when Hueningkai started singing formulas to him in an attempt to get him to memorize them. As the minutes dragged on, Soobin’s lack of concern became more apparent.

He just didn’t care enough.

__________________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐

extra filler

__________________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐

masterlist — prev | next

comment on this post if i can use ur username in future chapters as a fan account!

୨୧✧ — author notes; hi guys sorry for the wait 😔 i was off at war (finals week)

୨୧✧ — synopsis; in a universe where you and your soulmate swap bodies on your twenty-first birthday and every birthday after that. world renowned soloist soobin is set to have a concert on the day of your guys’ shared birthday, a firm believer he doesn’t have a soulmate and wants nothing to do with them. you, a college student who hasn’t listened to a single one of his songs, swap bodies with him on the day of your final exam and his big concert. you’re now under the public eye for ruining his career and soobin has to deal with your wrath since he failed your exams. he must also process the fact that he does in fact have a soulmate, one he couldn’t care less about.

ᝰ✧ — [1/3] taglist is open! @cartierfiles @lunavixia @jungwonderz @bubblytaetae @goldennika @zzzavid @astrozuya @odisdad @destairea @iwaplant @itssaturdaytoday @hoodiebangtan @starchasing-cryptid @outerspace02a @buttersmama @luvtyun @vianna99 @matcha-binz @doumachi @pinghyuka @soobsdior @binluvsu @tyussday @xavi-in-kpopland @bervaose @birdie-vhs @hearts4huening @reyarain @gyubatuu @tridentgumfreshy @rjsmochii @ckline35 @mochiixsstuff @bluuswanrina @beomnioa @bluxjun @yelsuki @gugggu6gvai @thesassy-mia @222brainrot @itswinteress @cindywasneverhere @kimgyuuu @fatoompie @haohyo @jongseongslvr @soobinsman @wolfytae-exe @huening-kawaii @malarign @tocupid @phtogravi

[flemingsfreckles]

Replacement Part 6

Read the previous chapters here!

Warnings: none

WC: 3.0k

A/N: I don’t have much to say… hi yall… I’m working on doing better with writing but it’s still rough.

You hadn’t expected to become acquaintance with Jessie, and you definitely hadn’t expected to become friends with her, and yet here you were, just a few weeks after you had gone over to her house for the first time the two of you were friends.

The morning after your dinner and talk, you had again decided to grab a coffee, picking up Jessie and Janine both one this time. Much to your surprise, when you walked into the locker room, there was a coffee already sitting in your cubby.

As you walked over Jessie looked up at you, giving you a quick smile before her eyes fell to the tray of coffees you were balancing. She laughed softly before standing up to take the tray from you so you could put down the rest of your belongings.

“Guess we had the same idea, huh?” She says when you finally take your headphones off, putting them in your backpack before hanging it in the locker

“Yeah, I guess. Maybe we should start scheduling our coffee runs.” You say it as a joke, it’s meant to just fill the air but Jessie doesn’t see it that way.

“Or we could go together?” Jessie’s words come out and you feel your stomach drop. Your mind drifts back to Sam’s teasing, the mention of the crush, all of it.

“To get coffee?” You add quickly after realizing you’d be standing in silence just looking at the Canadian.

“In the mornings, I just figured since we live close enough, we could walk together? I’m a little surprised we didn’t run into each other this morning going there.”

“Oh I mean, you obviously were there before me.” You said, intentionally dodging Jessie’s offer. You had to admit the sweet girl in front of you had grown on you, more than you’d like to admit. She was funny, easy going, she cared about your interests, you had started to enjoy her company.

Was this a date invitation? If it was you’d have to say no. But you didn’t know if it was, maybe it was just friendly, maybe Sam was wrong. Jessie didn’t seem to mind you dismissing her question, she didn’t ask again, just nodding and sipping the coffee you had brought her, abandoning the half drank one she bought herself.

You didn’t think again about her offer to get coffee until a week later.

It was an off weekend so when training ended Friday everyone was in a rush to leave and start their free weekend. Everyone except you. You had to go get your stitches removed, something you had been dreading since they were put in.

“Hey, what are you still doing here?” You ask when you see Jessie sitting in the ice bath despite training ending nearly an hour ago. You can’t help but let your eyes drift lower than normal, she was standing in waist deep water, just in her sports bra. Her toned stomach and arms on display. You quickly snap out of your admiring, reminding yourself that you weren’t attracted to her, you just wanted your body to look like hers.

She looks up and smiles seeing you. “I could ask you the same, but I was just doing some extra running, so I’m just late on my recovery.”

“Stitches are supposed to come out today.” You point to your cheek before the team doctor comes out from his office. He lets you know he’ll be right with you, you make your way to the table to sit down.

As you sit down you hear Jessie climb out of the ice bath. You glance over and watch as she grabs a towel, wrapping it around her waist. She tucks it, leaving her midsection exposed to the air. Your attention gets pulled to the doctor in front of you as he places down a tray of tools next to you.

He starts looking at your face and out of the corner of your eye you see Jessie hovering a few feet away. She’s standing looking at you as the doctor looks at your cheek. “Alright, looks good, we’ll go ahead numb you up and get them pulled out.”

He discards his gloves and moves to fill out paperwork. That’s when Jessie moves closer. “Want a hand?” You look at her, making eye contact with her soft brown eyes, the sweet smile across her face has your knees weak for a second.

“Oh, no, it’s fine, you can go ahead and go, I don’t want to keep you here any longer.” You brush her offer off. The doctor comes back, syringe in hand which causes your stomach to tighten and your eyes to widen. You swallow hard and begin to lay down how you had when you had gotten the stitches put in.

Jessie must’ve noticed your visible nerves to the syringe. She doesn’t leave she instead finds herself back standing by your head. She doesn’t say anything but places a hand out which you take embarrassingly quickly. Her hand was a welcomed distraction from the pinch in your cheek, an even nicer distraction was the view of her toned stomach in front of you. Within a few minutes the doctor tells you you’re done and you sit up, finally clearing your mind from the thought of Jessie’s midsection.

She didn’t know you had been staring, but you felt like she knew, you felt your face burn slightly red.

“You alright? You look flushed.” Jessie says still holding your hand.

“Yeah I’m good.” You drop her hand. “Thank you, again. You really didn’t have to do that.”

“I know, but we’re friends.” She shrugs. “Your hand was less sweaty this time.”

“God that’s embarrassing.” You cover your face.

Jessie turns and heads out to the locker room, you follow having to still pack up your gear. “No, I’m just teasing you, they weren’t really sweaty either time.”

“Liar.” You smile at her, knowing she’s just being too nice.

She just turns and shrugs, a small smirk across her face. You both stand side by side packing up your gear, she changes and for the first time in your life you notice the urge to glance over. You’d never had an interest in seeing your teammates change, never had an interest in watching the muscles flex across someone’s back as they pulled a shirt on, but you did.

You drag your mind elsewhere, away from Jessie, trying to finish packing up.

“What are you doing tomorrow?” Jessie turns to look at you, sitting down to put her shoes on.

“Tomorrow? Well we’re off so I don’t know. Probably nothing, which is lame but…”

“Do you want something to do?”

“What?”

“I was thinking of getting coffee and walking along the river. I’ve been meaning to get my camera out again since we walked around with Sam and Hina, I just haven’t. Figured tomorrow would be a good time to break it out again. The roses are out now.”

“Oh, that sounds like a good afternoon for you.”

“Do you want to come with? That’s what I was asking.” Jessie asks as she slings her bag across her shoulder.

That felt like a date. Was it a date? Or was it just friends hanging out? You mentally cursed Sam for bringing up the suggestion that maybe Jessie had a crush.

“You don’t have to.” Jessie jumps in, clearly noticing the way you were contemplating her offer. “I just figured since we’re sort of friends now, I like hanging out with you.” Jessie shrugs.

“No, that sounds nice.” You smile at her. “What time?”

“Up to you, if you want to sleep in, we can go late morning, I just have to be back for an appointment around 3.”

“I’m not a great sleeper. I’ll probably be up by 5am but we don’t have to go that early.”

“How about I’ll just let you know once I’m up?” She stands up grabbing her bag and throwing it over her shoulder.

“Sounds like a plan.”

“See ya tomorrow, have a goodnight.”

“You too.” You watch her walk out before turning back your attention to finishing packing your own bag before heading out to go home for the night.

You spend the next morning waiting around for Jessie’s text. You had woken up with a tingle in anticipation in your chest. She texted you around 8am.

Jessie: Morning! I’m up and can be ready whenever, just let me know.

You read it and waited just a few minutes, not wanting to seem like you were waiting for her text.

You: I’m up, whenever works for me. I can walk to meet you.

It took her a few minutes to reply but she did, saying to just let her know once you’re outside. So you did just that, throwing on some shoes and headed out your door and up the street toward her place.

You waited, leaned up against a tree waiting for Jessie. She emerged from the building a few moments later, wearing a pair of blue shorts and the black Nike shirt she loved so much. Her camera was slung across her chest and she was actively putting on a hat as she walked toward you.

“You sure do love that shirt Fleming.” You tease her.

“What does that mean?” She looks up confused and slightly offended look across her face.

“Nothing, you just wear it a lot.”

“Well I like it. Are you good to just wander once we grab coffee?”

“Sure, I like the sound of that.”

That’s exactly what the two of you did. You waited in line at the coffee shop, Jessie insisting on paying for your drink despite your protests, arguing that it was her idea to go out so she should cover it.

The two of you then went on walking through the streets of Portland, reaching the bank of the river and following it. It reminded you a lot of the day with your teammates. Jessie stopping every once in a while to take a photo. You watching her meticulously.

You knew she had a good eye for photography, you’d seen some of her photos before. It was fascinating to you to watch her work in real time. She took photos in a similar manner to how she played on the field. She paid attention to detail. She took her time. She was diligent.

You started asking questions. Why she took a certain photo, why did she changed positions for a photo, and what about it made her interested in it? Jessie seemed so happy to talk about her photography, answering all the questions you asked, adding little anecdotes and stories into her answers as well. She explained why for some shots she took them using her film camera while others her digital. She explained how she likes the lighting to look, how she likes the subject to be located in an image. She ran you through every thought in her brain. You loved hearing it. The way she spoke about her photography showed you exactly how much she loved it, how much she cared about it.

The two of you walk along, spending a couple hours outside enjoying the sights of Portland. You take a second looking out over the river, admiring the bridge in front of you when you hear a click from behind you. You turn to see what Jessie was taking a photo of and are surprised to see her holding her camera up in your direction, a sheepish look across her face.

“Did you just take my photo?”

“Yes.” She says before immediately beginning to apologize. “Sorry I should’ve asked. I’ve actually taken a few of you today. Just the lighting and the way you’re standing and I can see the bridge you’re looking at, it was just a nice view. Sorry.”

“Oh, I mean it’s fine, I don’t mind.” You weren’t actually sure if you minded. Normally you didn’t love your photo being taken, you would get shy, insecure, but something about Jessie wanting to take photos of you felt different.

“I’ll send them to you of course, unless you’d rather I delete them, I’m sorry I really should’ve asked.” The more she talks the more her face reddens.

“Okay, really Jessie it’s fine.”

She gives you a small smile, a tiny hint of a blush across her cheeks.

The two of you head back toward you apartments, it had quickly become late afternoon, time flying by as you enjoyed your afternoon with the Canadian. The two of you not even relaxing just how late it was until Jessie realized if you didn’t head home soon, she’d be late for her media appointment. The two of you sped walk, but practically ran through the streets of Portland to get back to your street.

“Have a good rest of your day Jessie. Thank you for the invite, I had a really nice time.” You laughed at how the two of you were both breathing heavily as you stood outside of your door. For two professional athletes, the two of you sure were tired.

“Thank you for coming, I really enjoyed hanging out with you. I’ll be sure to send you the photos.” She says with a smile.

“See ya, sorry for almost making you late.” You return the smile before turning into the door and heading inside.

As you made yourself a late lunch you couldn’t ignore the feeling of warmth that Jessie had left inside of you. She made your morning nice. You felt seen by her, she cared about you, and while temporarily that felt good, in the back of your mind you couldn’t ignore the remainder in the back of your head. You couldn’t like her, that wasn’t an option. You turn you attention back to your meal and sit down with a book to enjoy the rest of your day off.

Your phone pings from across the room and you wander over to it picking it up to see a slew of images being sent to you from Jessie. You open them and suddenly learn just how many photos of you the girl had taken. There had to be 20-30 images of you, all with different backgrounds. Some you were holding your coffee, some must’ve been from later in the day, your coffee empty. Most of them were the back of you, capturing you looking out at something, some just of you waking, the city captured around you. Towards the end, a few of your side profile, a few of you somewhat facing her, ones she had clearly taken after telling you she was photographing you. You didn’t often love photos of yourself, but these were different, you liked almost all of them.

You: Wow, seriously I feel like I should be paying you for these.

Jessie: It’s no biggie. You’re an easy subject to photograph, very photogenic. I’ll send you the film ones once I get those developed.

You start debating what to type back. If anything it was probably just her ability to take good photos, not you that made the pictures good. Tell her how she’s made you suddenly not hate the way you look in photos. That felt too forward, so you don’t type that. You start typing out a simple thank you but another message from Jessie comes through.

Jessie: Hey can I ask you something?

You delete the previously typed message and respond.

You: Yeah sure.

That’s when your phone started to ring, Jessie’s name on the screen indicating she was calling you. You slide your thumb across the screen and answer.

“Hey.” You hear her voice through the phone.

“Hi.” You answer. “What's up?” You stand up from the couch, starting to pace the room as you did whenever you were on the phone.

“Sorry, just this is easier than texting you.”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

There’s a beat of silence before Jessie starts talking again. “So maybe this is stupid to ask, I need a date for Janine's wedding. I mean I don't need one, but I don't know, Janine just made a comment that I was the only one in the bridal party without a plus one. I know you got a separate invite but maybe we could go together? As friends, not as a date, I know I said date but not what I really meant.” You can’t help but notice the way she seemed to get nervous as she asked. The way her voice became rushed the longer she spoke.

“You want a date?” You feel a twinge of tightness in your chest just mentioning the word ‘date’ to her.

“It’s not a date, I just said date because that's what it's called. I just meant, do you want to go together? I don’t really have anyone else to ask, everyone else already has a date or I don't know them that well.” You pondered for a moment, you didn’t know many of Janine’s friends beyond your teammates who had been invited, you weren’t familiar with her Canadian team, or her family. Having someone you did know, someone who knew the Canadian team, Janine’s friends and family would be nice, make it a little more comfortable.

“Wow, feels good to know I was your 50th choice.” You roll your eyes even though you know she can’t see you, making sure the sarcasm is obvious in your voice.

“That’s not what I meant.” Jessie pauses for a moment. “So is that a yes?” She sounds hesitant, almost nervous to ask as if she was holding her breath on the other end of the phone.

You intentionally let out an over dramatic sigh, wanting to push Jessie’s buttons a bit more. “I guess, I still owe you a favor or two for being an ass to you, so sure.”

“Oh, cool!” She sounded actually surprised. “Thanks, and just so you know you don’t have to spend the whole night with me. It’ll just be nice to have someone.”

[mindless-existence1]

Kinktober Day 6

Yuji Itadori x Reader- Ruined Orgasms and Overstimulation

Kinktober Masterlist Link

Normal Masterlist Link

Requests open for kinktober, flufftober, and normal fics!

Authors note: reader is gn and have been dating Yuji for a while. For the plot to work and for it to not be creepy Yuji is aged up to where he's a professional Jujutsu Sorcerer along with reader. My bookie bear help me write this so thank you hope you enjoy 😘😘😘

Yuji had told you he'd be back from his mission days ago. Three days to be exact. You don't have much contact with your boyfriend when he's gone on his missions, every once and a while he'll be able to text or call but that's about it.

So when he gets home you are in-between being mad and wanting to love on your boyfriend. Yuji greets you with a kiss and a big hug, dropping his bag as he enters through the door. "Yuji what happened?" Your voice is dripping with annoyed worry.

"I'm so sorry babe, we took down the main curse but there were too many little ones roaming around to leave when we planned to." You nod your head with a pout, peppering kisses all over his face.

Yuji smiles at the feeling, "Is there any way I can make it up to you?" His voice turns smooth, he leans down into the crook of your neck. Yujis breath drifts over the shell of your ear. You smirk as an idea pops into your head.

"Hmm there is something I can think of." Yuji lightly kisses the spot the connects you neck to your shoulder. Your tone makes him gulp,  "What do you want me to do?"

"Go to the bed for me, take off all of your clothes by the time I get there." Yuji nods his head, kissing your check before quickly rushing towards your shared bedroom.

You take your time turning off the TV and grabbing a water bottle for later. When you do finally get to your bedroom you find a naked flushed Yuji patently waiting on your shared bed. "Yuji did you know you were gone for three extra days?"

Yuji gulps, shuffling around. He feels so vulnerable being naked while you're fully clothed. "I didn't realize it was that long." You slowly shake your head, Yuji clears his throat when he sees you being making your way towards the bed.

He has to fight against the urge to cover himself, knowing it'd make you upset. You slowly straddle your boyfriends lap, his hands instinctively go to your waist.

Yuji bites back a whine when he feels your hand drift towards his throbbing length. His breath hitches when he feels you pumping him to full hardness. Soon he forgets this is supposed to be punishment when you speed up your hand.

Yuji never touches himself when he's away on missions, after a week and a half of being gone he'd gotten desperate. This sweet release feels like heaven, the climax building up in his core reaches its crest.

"Y/n I'm close, please-" a moan that tears from his throat interrupts him. You smile and nodd your head. "Go ahead sweetie." That's all it takes for Yuji to get pushed over the edge.

The only problem, when he finally releases it doesn't feel right. It's like all the pleasure he was feeling was ripped away even tho he was orgasming. He let's out a broken moan as he looks down towards his flushed red cock.

Your hands rested on his lower thighs, away from where he needed you. "Babe? What- why?" You just chuckle, "That's one down, two to go."

Yuji let's out a shaky whine throwing his head back to the bed rest. "No-" Yuji drags out his plea. He begins to speak again but moans instead when he feels your hand back on him. You start off fast instead of slow like normal.

The feeling shocks Yujis senses, every part of him feels sensitive yet he feels needy for more. Yuji's eyes gloss over at the feeling of your slick hand pleasuring him. Your boyfriends hands come to your shoulders desperately gripping them tightly.

"Look so good like this." You lean in towards his ear making him choke out a moan. A mantra of pleas flood from his lips, at this point its all Yuji can say.

"Close-" Yuji can hardly get the word out before he reaches his peak and feels your hand pull away. The prgasm rips through but brings no pleasure. A sob racks through Yuji making him let out a broken moan.

The grip he has on your shoulder tighten, tears stain his cheecks. Yujis entire body shakes with every desperate sob. When his climax dies down his body heaves with every heavy pant. "Y/n please."

You look down to see Yujis flaming red dick slick with past orgasms. You take one hand and bring it to his head, running a hand through his hair. You run your fingers through the slowly drying cum on his muscled chest.

You slowly drift your hand toward Yujis cock making him whimper.

"Baby it's not fair." Yuji begs desperately with a high pitched whine. "What's not fair? I think the punishment fits the crime." Your sultry voice drips like honey, it makes a shiver run down Yuji's spine.

"What crime? I promise sweetheart I didn't mean to." Yuji's voice wavers as he feels your hand come back to his throbbing length. "Oh but Yuji I was so worried, I mean three days I didn't hear from you. But don't worry I'll reward you soon. Promise." Your hand begins pumping quickly.

Yuji feels himself choke on a moan in his throat. The feeling of your hands too much. He feels both overstimulated and understimulated at the same time. Yuji attempts to talk to you but can't let out a single word.

"Aw poor baby. Just use your words." You tease but slow down your hand to give him room to breath. Yuji whimpers, panting heaving breaths. When he calms down enough he speaks, "it hurts y/n, I can't-"

You cut him off with a kiss, "Just say that magic word and I'll stop, you know that." Your words are mumbled against his quivering lips. Yuji just whines, he throws his head bad closing his eyes.

"This is the last one I promise, I won't even ruin this one." Yuji's eyes light up in desperation. His hair slightly sticks to his forearms making him seem extra messy. Yuji's panting heavily with a red face. His eyes seem to have hearts in them the way he looks at you.

Yuji feels the familiar boring feeling building up in his chest. "'M close y/n." Yujis voice slurred with pleasure. You speed up your hands making him lean onto you. His face is buried in your neck, hands desperately grabbing at anything he can reach.

Your chests are flush against each other, his covered in a thin layer of sweat. With a broken sob and a silent scream Yuji comes in your hand for the third time that night. You continue to pump your hand this time instead of taking it away.

Yuji moans in relief at the feels of you pleasuring him through his orgasm. A mantra of 'thank you's fall from his trembling lips. After a minute of helping Yuji through his orgasm you feel him go limp against you.

....after the after care you help him to the bedroom and help him change into pajamas and lay down with him and put on a movie ,preferably one of his favorite movies and he falls asleep on your chest while you mumble words of affection.

[pink-sparkly-witch]

The Babysitter

Summary: Jared convinces Jensen to go to a bar and have a little fun, but it’s not until he’s driving the babysitter home that he gets the kind of fun he didn’t even know he wanted.

Pairing: Jensen Ackles x Female Reader

Rating: 18+ Only

Bingo Square: Hot Babysitter for @j3bingo 

Warnings: flirting, age gap (20/41), pwp, daddy kink, praise kink, smut, oral sex (m rec), fingering, p in v.

Word Count: 2.4k

A/N: I hope you enjoy this filth! 😘💖

My Masterlist     AO3     Ko-Fi

“Come on, man!” Jared encouraged. “It’s been a year since your divorce. You gotta get back out there.”

“I’m not ready to date, Jar. I told you that. My focus is on my kids right now,” Jensen huffed, having lost count of how many times Jared had tried to get him to start dating.

“Hey, I didn’t say anything about dating,” Jared chuckled. “I’m talking about going out to a bar, having a few drinks, maybe taking a girl home for some fun. We could go out tomorrow? I’ll be your wingman, just like old times.”

“And where am I supposed to find a babysitter with such short notice, huh? Gen’s away, so it’s not like we can ask her,” Jensen retorted.

“I’ll ask Y/N,” Jared shrugged. “Gen and I trust her completely. She’s a med student and has been watching our kids for a couple of years now.”

“I don’t know, man,” Jensen groaned.

“She’s not a complete stranger to your kids either, you know. Y/N’s watched them before, too,” Jared continued, not taking notice of his friend’s reluctance. “Come on, even if it doesn’t end in a good time between the sheets with a hot girl—which I am all for, FYI, because, dude, how long has it been?—we can at least go out, have a few beers, watch a football game. What d’ya say?”

“It has been a long time since that. And even longer since I went to a bar to watch a game,” Jensen agreed. “And the Cowboys are playing. Yeah, alright, let’s do it.”

“Yeah?” Jared grinned.

“Yeah. Call Y/N and see if she’s free and doesn’t mind a couple of extra kids for the night.”

While driving to Jared’s, Jensen couldn’t help but feel excited for their night ahead. It had been so long since he’d taken any time to himself. He’d been so focused on his kids and work since the divorce and had fooled himself into thinking he was happy. He deserved to have a little fun. He still had a lot of life to live and a lot of love to give, and although he wasn’t looking to date quite yet, if someone caught his eye tonight, maybe he’d get lucky.

Jensen pulled up in the driveway, got himself and the kids out of the car, and went up to the house. With their families so close, the kids opened the Padalecki’s front door and ran straight into the house.

Chuckling, Jensen walked in after them and closed the door behind him. As he made his way down the hallway, a laugh as sweet as honey reached his ears, and he found himself straightening his posture and puffing his chest slightly.

“Hey, man,” Jared said as he walked into the kitchen, where a woman with Y/H/C hair had her back to him. “This is Y/N,” his friend continued, and when she turned around and smiled at him, Jensen’s heart skipped a beat, and everything else Jared said was lost in this stunning woman’s haze.

Y/N was hot and way out of his league, and not just because he was old enough to be her father. She was gorgeous with her big doe eyes, beautiful smile, curves in all the right places—

“Jay? You with me, man?” Jared’s voice pulls him away from his stupor and back to the two people in the room: Jared, with a concerned frown on his brow and Y/N, smirking softly at him and gently chewing on her bottom lip.

“Uh, yeah, sorry. Just trying to remember if I locked the door when I left,” Jensen lied.

“Okay,” Jared said, not sounding entirely convinced but seemingly letting it go. “Ready to go?”

“Sure. Thanks for this, Y/N. I appreciate you taking on another two kids for the night,” Jensen said, finally getting something out to the girl.

“It’s my pleasure,” Y/N smiled softly, and he swore he saw a little bit of flirtatiousness in her eyes.

“Thanks, man. I think this is just what I needed,” Jensen said as he and Jared got into the car to drive home. “It’s been so long since we just grabbed a beer and some wings.”

“It has,” Jared agreed. “It was nice to have my buddy back, but I gotta ask, no interest in any of the women in there? At least five had their eyes on you, man, and some of them were gorgeous.”

“I don’t think I’m ready for that, but when I am, you’ll be the first to know.” It wasn’t entirely true. If Y/N were older, he’d definitely try and hit that, but he was far too old for her, and there was no chance she’d want to have sex with an old man.

They settled into a quiet ride back to Jared’s house, filled with light conversation on their plans for a day at the lake with the kids tomorrow.

Pulling into Jared’s drive for the second time that day, both men exited the vehicle and headed into the house and through to the living room.

Jensen stopped in the doorway, noticing that Y/N was watching a movie, her hair pulled back in a messy knot on top of her head, teasing him with her bare, unblemished neck that he wanted to cover in his marks.

He needed to get a grip of himself. And he definitely needed to dig out his favourite porn videos and carve out a little time to take care of himself because this was ridiculous. Y/N was hot; there was no doubting that, but his fascination with her had to be because of his lack of sexual release.

“Hey,” Y/N said when she saw them. “The kids are fine. They’re all asleep in the tent we put up in the playroom.”

“Great, thanks, Y/N. They didn’t give you any trouble?” Jared checked.

“None. They were perfect, as always,” Y/N smiled as she put on her jacket, threw her backpack over her shoulder, and tucked the cash Jared had given her for babysitting into her pocket.

“Thanks again. I appreciate you coming out at short notice and giving up your weekend,” Jared smiled at the young woman.

“They’re good kids, so it’s no problem. Plus, I managed to get some studying done without my roommates being too loud,” she giggled.

“I appreciate it all the same,” Jared nodded. “Hey, man,” he added, turning his attention to Jensen. “Why don’t you leave the kids here for the night? They’re sleeping comfortably, and you’ll be over for breakfast anyway, right?”

“You sure?” Jensen checked.

“Yeah,” Jared confirmed. “No point in waking and upsetting them when they’ll be coming back here anyway.”

“Alright, thanks, Jared,” Jensen said as he slapped his friend on the back, his mind already drifting to those porn videos. “Y/N, do you need a ride home? I didn’t see a car out there, and it’s the least I can do.”

“Sure. Thank you, Jensen,” Y/N replied, a shy smirk pulling at lips.

“How was your night?” Y/N asked as they climbed into his car.

“Good. It’s been a while since I just went for a beer with a friend,” Jensen replied.

“So it was just a drink with a friend? No ladies on your radar? Jared made it sound like you were out on the prowl, and he needed to be your wingman!” Y/N grinned at him.

“Uh, there were a few pretty girls, sure, but I’m not looking for that right now.”

“That’s a shame. I would’ve done anything to get a handsome guy like you to go home with me,” Y/N grinned wider, giggling when his head snapped towards her with his eyebrows practically hitting his hairline.

“Sweetheart, I’m old enough to be your dad!” Jensen spluttered.

“I don’t mind older men. In fact, I prefer them… Daddy,” Y/N looked at him and batted her lashes.

“Fuck, Y/N,” Jensen gasped. He couldn’t believe she wanted him. “We can’t.” It was a weak attempt, but he needed to at least look like he was trying to turn down his best friend’s hot babysitter.

“But why, Daddy? Don’t you want me? Was I a bad girl?” she pouted and slid her hand into his lap, palming his hard cock through his denims.

“Shit! We’re really doing this?” Jensen groaned when she squeezed his erection, and she nodded her head.

“If you want to,” Y/N said, dropping her act. “If not, you can drive me home, and we’ll pretend this never happened. But if you want me, I’m yours.”

Jensen was speechless. An incredibly attractive twenty-year-old woman was in his car, calling him Daddy, making his dick harder than it had ever been, and offering herself to him on a platter. He must’ve died and gone to heaven.

“I want you, Y/N. Fuck, I’d be crazy not to. You’re fucking perfect,” Jensen said, looking into her eyes and making sure she heard him. He chuckled when her face lit up at his praise, noting that not only did this girl have a daddy kink, which he’d happily indulge her with, but a praise kink, too.

“Then let’s go home, Daddy.”

“That’s my good girl,” Jensen praised, watching Y/N undo his belt and pants and pull his stiff cock from his boxers. “Open up, sweetheart, let Daddy in.”

Y/N’s mouth fell open, and he groaned at the sight. “That’s it, baby girl,” he praised again, pushing himself between her plump lips.

Jensen moaned deep and long as she timidly closed her lips around him and sucked, gently rubbing her tongue over his leaking slit.

“Fuck, sweetheart, you’re so good at that. You love sucking daddy’s cock, huh?” Jensen groaned when she nodded. “Yeah, I know you do, baby girl. Come on, I know you can take more than that.”

Y/N moaned around him, taking more of his cock down her throat, gagging on his length.

“Fuck, yeah, baby girl. Just like that. So good for your daddy, huh? Are you Daddy’s good little girl?” Jensen grunted as he pushed a little deeper.

“Yes, Daddy,” she gasped as he pulled himself from her throat and grabbed her chin, squeezing gently and running his fingers over her spit-slick lips. 

“Do you need Daddy to help you undress, or are you a big girl that can do it herself?”

“I can do it, Daddy,” Y/N said as she quickly stripped out of her clothes.

Jensen groaned as his hands skimmed over her perfect, perky breasts and down her taut stomach. “You’re so perfect, baby girl. Daddy loves this beautiful body,” Jensen rasped. “Get up on the bed, sweetheart, and spread those pretty little legs. Let Daddy get a good look at you.”

Y/N climbed on his bed and crawled towards the headboard. Laying down, she spread her legs wide and smirked at Jensen’s deep groan.

“Good girl,” he praised as he crawled up the bed, caressed his hands over her thighs, pushed them apart and lowered his head to her hot, wet centre. “Fucking delicious,” he groaned, licking from the bottom of her slit to the top.

Pushing through her folds, he moaned when her slick pooled on his tongue, and he quickly lapped it up, licking and sucking and thrusting his wet muscle into her tight, dripping hole.

He moved to her clit, licking and sucking on the tiny bud while his fingers toyed with her entrance, circling it gently before slipping one inside.

“So fucking tight, baby girl,” Jensen grunted against her clit. “Gonna need to loosen you up before you can take Daddy’s big cock in your tight little pussy.” He added another finger and curled them upwards, rubbing against her sweet spot over and over.

“Daddy!” Y/N gasped, grinding her hips down on his fingers desperately.

“What is it, baby?” Jensen asked, looking up between her legs and seeing her desperate little pout. “Is Daddy making you feel good?”

“Yes! More, Daddy, please!” she begged.

“Oh, you sound so pretty when you beg, baby girl, and you know Daddy can’t resist when you beg.” He pulled his fingers from her and sucked her juices from them with a hum before crawling up her body and caging her beneath him.

“Please!” she mumbled again, and Jensen couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Alright, since my little princess begged so prettily, she can have Daddy’s cock in her sweet, tight, perfect little pussy,” Jensen growled and pushed his hips forward.

Y/N’s brow furrowed in pleasure with every inch he pushed inside her. When his hips met hers, and he couldn’t go any further, he groaned deeply at the feel of her tight cunt, stretching and fluttering to accommodate his intrusion.

“Fuck!” Jensen roared. “You feel so good, baby girl. So fucking tight and perfect for Daddy, fuck!” He pulled back his hips and slammed forward again, placing his hand on her stomach and pushing down gently, groaning lowly as he felt himself move inside her.

Y/N’s eyes rolled back, and her hips moved with his. “Fuck, Daddy! You’re so big. Feel so good, so full,” she moaned.

“Yeah? That’s because this little pussy was made just for me, sweetheart.” He’d never felt a pussy so good, and the daddy roleplaying they were doing made everything ten times hotter. “Who owns this sweet little pussy, baby girl?”

“You do, Daddy,” Y/N whined.

“That’s right, Daddy owns it. It’s mine,” he grunted with every jerk of his hips, and when Y/N’s orgasm hit, Jensen stalled his movements, holding himself inside her as her tight walls squeezed and pulsed around his cock.

“Fuck, baby girl! You feel so fucking good. I’m gonna come, sweetheart. You want Daddy’s come, huh?” Jensen chuckled as Y/N nodded desperately.

“Yeah? Where do you want Daddy to come?” he gasped, pulling his hips back and pounding roughly into her still-quivering heat.

“Inside me, Daddy, please! I need it!” Y/N whined. Jensen groaned loudly, pushing himself as far in as he could, and came hard, resting against her cervix.

“Fuck, Y/N,” he gasped when he finally regained his senses and pulled his spent and softening cock from her satiated hole. “That was hot, sweetheart, and something I’d be up for more of with you.”

“It was,” she agreed with a giggle. “Unexpected, but hot, and something I definitely want to do with you again.”

Tags: @akshi8278 @ashbatz @candy-coated-misery0731 @chriszgirl92 @deans-baby-momma @deans-spinster-witch @deansbbyx @deanwanddamons @duncanhillscoffeecups @foxyjwls007 @giggles1026 @globetrotter28 @hobby27 @hoboal87 @impala67rollingthroughtown @iprobablyshipit91 @jackles010378 @jamerlynn @jc-winchester @k-slla @kazsrm67 @kmc1989 @lacilou @ladysparkles78 @leigh70 @lyarr24 @maliburenee @michecolegate @mrsjenniferwinchester @nancymcl @negans-lucille-tblr @perpetualabsurdity @roseblue373 @sandlee44 @sexyvixen7 @snackles87 @spnwoman @stixnstripesworld @stoneyggirl2 @suckitands33 @synmorite @tristanrosspada-ackles @twinkleinadiamondsky @waters-2567 @winchestergirl1720

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

Can you please do this but with Ruggie and Leona?

Courting Rituals w/ Fem Reader | Yandere Twisted Wonderland

Ruggie Bucci

Mating rituals for hyenas are very…tense

Females are aggressive and violent

For males there's a lot of submission and fear that goes into the mating process

Naturally he’s not supposed to be all that dominant when dating anyway

But you’re so clueless and totally unaware he might have to help you get the hint

There are three things male hyenas typically do

The cautious steps forward and cautious steps back

Spotted hyena males often do something of a nervous start toward the female before running back 

Kind of like a nervous jig that’s a sure fire sign of their intentions

Whether or not the females actually see it they do it

Which rings just as true for Ruggie 

“Oh wow, Ruggie your sharing with me?”

“Yeah don’t get to hung up on it. I’m just being a good senpai.” No he’s not

Or when Ruggie unexpectedly shares some of his food with you

And right after that he doesn’t talk to you for the longest time

Those are his steps but you won’t notice

You’ve got so many friends 

He hates it really

Next is another round of testing the waters

Now this testing of the waters–or more accurately your boundaries

Starts with crossing his legs in front of you

Something he does casually while speaking to you 

Next is the scratching the ground in front of you

Again you just casually brush off the extra time he spends down there tying your shoe

But now that he’s tested the waters he can finally commence with his final act

Presenting and you accepting

Now this wasn’t the olden days unfortunately

Even without your proper knowledge flashing you wasn’t the right display

So he’d take something close to it 

“Ruggie I really appreciate you inviting me to come swimming with you.”

“Nishishishi it’s no problem! You scratch my back I’ll scratch yours.”

And scratch his you will since he’s wearing a tight speedo

And he purposely planned for this after all

Made sure grim and company we’re too busy 

And Leona away on some trip 

Now for your acceptance

Again he has to be slick you’re so far from a typical hyena beast woman 

You just don’t know that bending over and parting your legs is the ultimate sign

The go ahead he needs

“Hey (Y/n), I need your help with something! My goggles fell into this rabbit hole.”

“What why don’t you do it?”

“Heh? I thought you were nice!” 

“Fine fine. Just make sure I don’t fall in the ground looks pretty unstable.”

“But of course!"

He’s holding your waist tight as you  bend over

Its the way it will be from now on

Your his mate now 

And any violence he does in your name is completely justified 

Leona Kingscholar

Lion’s have very basic mating rituals 

That aren’t really worried heavily on being impressive or not 

Its snuffing out competition 

Yes, powerful roars and a large dark mane is just as alluring

But it means nothing if your intended mate is occupied

Like with another male or with a child of another

So that’s what Leona’s worried about

Worried about the way you so easily interrupt your time together to deal with Grim

“Sorry Leona, if I don’t go home now the rest of the night is going to be a nightmare!”

“Then why don’t you stay here, then.”

“Thanks but Grim gets fussy if I'm not there.”

The urge to revert to his ancestor’s behavior is strong

But he’d rather not deal with you fighting him so he’ll invest in making Grim a little ally speedbump

A few plates of gourmet fish and suddenly Grim is willing to mess up any other rivals of his 

And that pleases him….for awhile

But you still mention Grim when you two are talking or cuddling 

It makes him sick

So a deal with Azul or paid underhanded deal and suddenly Grim’s not your problem anymore

And when you come crying to him he’ll soothe you but he won’t feel remorseful

You won’t feel to bad if he gives you a cub or two of your own