#almost like we've been saying “if you put him in the car too early this will happen” for ages or something

[rogueddie]

Eddie couldn't take his eyes off of the ugliest, evil looking polo top that he's ever had the misfortune to lay his eyes upon. It's everything he hates in one piece of clothing, so horrible that he'd gagged at it when he'd first seen it.

His friends had laughed, agreeing that the top is an abomination and crime against humanity.

But Eddie couldn't stop looking at it.

It's the exact type of thing that Steve would wear. It's the type of thing he would love and brag about.

Even though the party, with the help of Robin, have been trying to 'fix' Steve and his taste. They're currently targetting his wardrobe and they're almost wearing him down enough to get him to stop wearing so many polos.

It's making Eddie feel... conflicted.

He agrees that Steves taste is horrible. He listens to bad pop music most of the time, he has no sense of fashion and loves romance so much that he thinks awful rom-coms are the height of cinema.

But it's Steve. Those things are what make him so... Steve.

He sneaks back to the top when his friends aren't looking, crouching behind racks to get to the till and quickly buy it. He buries it in the bottom of his bag, ignoring the bored and judgemental look the staff are giving him.

"There you are," Gareth squints at him when he rejoins them. "Where did you go?"

"Fainted," he sneers, throwing an arm around Jeffs shoulders. "All these neons and pop are making me dizzy."

They laugh, quickly moving on.

After dropping them off, he goes straight to Steves house. He doesn't want the ugly shirt on his person longer than necessary and the last thing he needs is someone finding it in his closet.

He nearly cheers when he pulls up to Steves house and his parents car isn't parked out front.

They'd only caught him in their house once, when they'd come home early, and he's sure he only escaped with his life because the entire party was there too.

"Eddie?" Steve frowns when he opens the door. "What are you doing here? Are you ok?"

"Yeah, fine, just..." he huffs, rubbing his eyes. He digs through the bag, grabbing the offending shirt, and throwing it at Steve. "Got you that. I thought- whatever. There. Good night."

"Woah, woah," Steve quickly catches his arm. "It's ok, man. If the others ask then I'll say I got it. It's... this is really nice, Eds."

"It's ugly."

"Sure," Steve snorts, looking back to the shirt. "But it's definitely my style. This really means a lot to me. I think it looks cool."

"Uh, yeah, I guessed," Eddie shifts, squirming with how genuine Steve is being. "It's just a polo."

"No, it's not. It's special to me."

"Right, because you think that pattern is 'so-"

"You saw it and thought of me. Like, you hate it, but you knew I'd like it and... it just means a lot to me, that you're thinking of me."

"Alright, it's just a shirt, calm down."

"No, I don't think I will," Steve gently tugs him inside so he can shut the door. "I get it if this is difficult for you but I'm getting impatient."

"If- what?"

"Do you need me to make the first move? Or- is this a move? Is your love language gift giving or something?"

"You've lost me."

Steve huffs, putting his hands on his hips and giving Eddie a look that he can only describe as 'disappointed parent'.

"We've been flirting for months and you haven't done anything about it." Steve falters quickly when he sees the shock on Eddies face. "Or... am I missing something? Is it the whole, like... keeping it secret thing? Because I don't mind! It's not safe to be out in Hawkins, I know, and I'm not expecting a big date at-"

"You knew that I was flirting with you," Eddie interrupts. "This whole time?"

"Well, yeah, I was also flirting with you."

Eddie stares at him for a moment. "And you've been waiting for me to make a move on you?"

"Exactly. Was I not being obvious enough? I didn't want to out you or anything..."

"No... in retrospect you were being very clear. All of Robins cryptic advice makes so much sense now. Oh, God, even Wayne figured it out."

[vampiilure]

The Quiet Between.

Daryl Dixon x gn!reader

Summary: still after settling in Alexandria, Daryl had his doubts. You were there to reassure him late at night while he was on watch. And then a supply run the next day went almost as smoothly as normal, just a tiny hiccup when you run into some people but you and him managed like you always did.

wc: 1024

—-

The wind rustled through the trees just beyond Alexandria's walls, and Daryl stood watch on the platform, crossbow slung over his back, eyes fixed on the tree line. It was quiet today, not safe, but quiet, and that made him uneasy. It was just him on this side of the wall lookout, lonely, but peaceful enough.

Behind him, the ladder creaked. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

“You've been up here two hours,” you said, stepping beside him with a small pack slung over your shoulder. “You planning to blink sometime soon?”

“I blink,” Daryl muttered, not looking at you. “Ain't dead out there. Yet.” 

You leaned your arms on the railing, watching the woods with him. The silence between you wasn't uncomfortable, it never had been. You were one of the few who didn't expect him to fill the air with small talk. You'd been with him since the quarry, since before the farm, before the prison. Back when the world first fell apart and no one knew how long they had left. You knew each other, the silence was welcomed, lovely even. 

He finally glanced over. “You settlin’ in okay?” 

You shrugged. “Getting there. The hot showers help. So does not sleeping with one eye open.”

Daryl grunted, gaze drifting again. “Don't feel right. Feels fake.” 

You looked at him. “It's not fake. It's just… different. We can't keep living like we did out there. People here.. they want something more. You should too.” 

He didn't answer, jaw tightening. You recognized that look. The same one he’d had after Sofia, after Merle. Walls didn't fix what was broken inside. You’d learned that the hard way too.

“I aint built for this,” he said finally. “All this talkin’, sittin’ around, pretendin’ like the world ain’t still burnin’.” 

“You're not pretending,” you said quietly. “You're trying. And maybe that's enough, for now.”

The words settled between you, softer than the wind, but heavier than they sounded. The normalcy he was used to, the one thing that didn't change. He didn't flinch when your hand brushed against his on the railing. Didn't pull away either.

He looked at you for a long moment, something flickering in his eyes, doubt, maybe. Or something that had been buried under the grief and grit for too long.

“I aint good at this,” he muttered.

“I know,” you said, voice gentle. “Neither am i.” 

You didn't move your hand, and neither did he.

—------

The sun was just beginning to rise when you met Daryl by the main gate, packs slung and ready, the air crisp with early morning chill. He was already checking the bike, tightening straps, testing the throttle like he didn't trust it to hold together.

“Could’ve taken the truck,” you said, teasing.

“Less wind, more comfort.” 

“Bike’s faster,” he grunted. “Easier to cut through side roads.”

You smirked and climbed onto the back without further protest. The truth was, you didn't mind the wind, or the way your arms wrapped around his wrist for balance. You didn't say it, but you were sure he noticed too. The way you would always tighten your grip a couple times as a reminder you're still there, it was also a way just to hold him closer.

The world beyond Alexandria was still as broken as ever, cars rusted in ditches, bones picked clean in the road, the scent of rot lingering where the sun hadn't burned it away. But after so long, it all faded into a kind of numbness. For how long we've been out in the wild, you put aside the smell and just solely focus on surviving the new world.

You'd learned how to move in it, so had he.

The small pharmacy you'd targeted wasn't on any main route, tucked behind a boarded-up gas station in what used to be a forgotten stretch of suburbia. All the overgrown bushes and weeds around the place, it was easy getting through it thanks to the bike. You dismounted quietly, scanning the windows.

“No fresh prints,” Daryl murmured. “No drag marks.”

“Good sign,” you said. “Or a trap.”

His glance was sharp, but approving. You always had his six.

Inside, the air was musty but still. You moved like muscle memory, sweeping aisles, listening hard, avoiding corners. Found a couple of thrown bottles of medicine on the floor, thankfully not opened and shoved them into the bag.

Then a sound.

A can clattered near the back.

Daryl's hand went up. You ducked behind the counter without hesitation, crossbow in his grip, your knife in yours. Two figures burst from the back, neither walkers.

Living.

One of them had a bat. The other a rusted machete.

“Don't want trouble,” you said evenly, hands raised but steady. “We're just looking for meds.”

“So are we,” the bat-holder sneered. “Dont matter who found it first, it's about who walks out.”

Daryl didn't blink. “That aint how this goes.”

Bat wielding man lunged.

It happened fast. You ducked the swing, planted your knife into his shoulder, him falling off into one of the shelves. Daryl caught the second one mid-charge, his elbow cracking the guy's jaw before slamming him against the wall.

It was over in seconds.

Breathing hard, you wiped your blade clean.

Daryl was already checking your side. “You hit?”

“No. You?”

He shook his head. Then, “you moved faster than i expected.” 

You raised an eyebrow. “Still got it.”

He gave the smallest hint of a smirk, rare, butreal. “Always did.”

Back on the road, after the packs were heavier and the silence deeper, you leaned into him a little more on the bike. Not for balance this time, but just to feel that he was still there.

And when he reached one hand back and rested it over yours, just for a second, you knew he felt it too.

[deadhands69]

Hitching a Ride beyond the sunset

Tomura Shigaraki x Reader  Dabi/Touya Todoroki x Reader [separately]

Choose your own adventure with Shig//Dabi routes.

previous - this is part 6 - epilogue [series masterlist]

It’s been hours upon hours since you’ve last stopped and you’re all getting antsy being stuck in the van. To make matters worse, you ran out of water this morning. 

“I have to pee,” Toga exclaims, “and I’m thirsty.”

“We've been looking for a rest stop for an hour, we'll stop when there's somewhere to stop,” Spinner says, gesturing to the wide expanse of desert ahead. 

“Hmmph,” she concedes. 

A little while later, you roll into a small town and see a wooden building directly off the road. A few neon signs light the windows, telling you it’s open.

“Here’s our stop,” announces Spinner before you all jump out to stretch.

‘Hells Curtain’ reads the chipped painted sign above the door. You walk in with Toga, Twice, and Compress while the others fill water jugs from the hose outside before catching up. 

“I think this is a bar?” Toga asks as you push through the door walking past the 'minors allowed before 8pm' sign. 

“Yeah,” Twice answers, “we won’t be here too long though.”

A downtrodden vibe lingers in the place. At the other end of the room, a large man with red hair sits almost comically on a small bar stool by his blonde friend. His piercing turquoise eyes look oddly familiar. 

By the time you're back from the restroom and settling in to order, Twice is already talking to the younger man at the bar. They seem to have hit it off quickly. 

“What's a slippery nipple?” Toga asks, eyeing the crude cocktail menu that has clearly been used as a coaster a few too many times. 

“Don't worry about that,” you mumble, pulling the warped sheet of paper out of her hand. 

When the other half of your group enters, the red haired man turns, his jaw nearly dropping to the floor. 

Dabi’s eyes double in size, “Dad?!?!” he exclaims looking absolutely appalled. 

“Touya??” the man yells, jumping up from his seat.

Shigaraki grabs Dabi by the back of his jacket, yanking him out the door. 

“Time to go,” you grab Toga’s arm, pulling her behind you and back into the van.  

“You guys,” says Twice while jumping in last, “Dabi’s dad’s friend with the cool eyeliner says he needs a ride to -”

“NO!” shout the group, unanimously while shoving him into the backseat. 

Before anyone can even think about putting on their seat belt, Spinner slams on the gas and the van swerves back onto the road. You watch in the rear view mirror as a red sports car pulls out to follow. 

Spinner swerves around corners and speeds through lights as you all scramble to get to your seats and buckle up. When one particularly hard turn nearly throws you into your new love interest’s lap, you right yourself looking up into a long alleyway between two old buildings. 

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief, too early though. The red car pulls around the corner behind you, continuing the chase. 

“What did you do to make him follow us like this?” asks Compress. 

“What did I do?” Dabi retorts, “Why do you assume I did something?” before muttering, “nice to see he's finally paying attention though.”

The van swerves back onto a road, somewhat merging with traffic (minus the one car that crashes into a pole to avoid a collision.) Even with his foot slamming down on the gas pedal, you're certain you're all thinking the same thing: there's no way this old church van is about to out run a new sports car. Especially coming into the construction zone ahead. 

The yellow and black striped signs warn you to slow. ‘DETOUR’ says another but Spinner pays it no mind, smashing through the sign and continuing on the rough half-paved section in the hopes that Dabi's dad won't want to wreck his fancy tires. 

Unfortunately, the rough road doesn't phase him, now gaining the speed to nearly touch bumpers. “Pull over,” you see him shout from his car while gesturing wildly. 

An incomplete overpass is visible ahead. Tapering up before dropping off onto nothing, the other side seemingly under construction as well. 

“Floor it!” screams Toga from the passenger seat. 

“Don't,” yells Shigaraki, “that doesn't work in real life!”

“Do it!” Dabi demands. 

The ramp approaches quickly and it's too late to slow down. 

“Hold on!” screams Spinner and you notice that even he's squinting his eyes shut. Great. You grab the arm next to you, bracing yourself for impact. 

For a moment you feel weightless. Collectively, you all hold your breath hoping for the best. The van touches down on the other side with a crash, sending everyone into the seat in front of them. A new rattle rings from the engine but it doesn't die. You continue to roll slowly down the road. 

Dabi glances over his shoulder at the man staring in horror on the other side of the overpass. Part of you wonders what could have happened between them to lead to this but you leave it alone, assuming he’ll tell you whenever he feels like it.

The warm golden glow ahead fades into orange and pink, spilling thickly through the windows. It's bittersweet. You know this feeling can't last forever, but right now the road still stretches for miles through the rocky desert ahead. 

You take in the moment. Your hand in his. The subtle clank of the engine under the nostalgic music; music that was written for times like these. While this trip started as a frantic rush to escape, it's become something closer to a vacation with the new family you found.

As the sky darkens into blues and purples, the air begins to feel heavier.

The van sputters to a slow stop followed by a large clank in the parking lot. Steam spews from under the hood with a hiss. After a long pause, Spinner breaks the silence. 

“Huh. I think this is it.”

Everyone sits quietly for a moment, taking it all in. It’s really over.

Toga is the first to leave, jumping out and running to the ocean. The others follow, tripping over each other in the rush to get out the door.

Tomura Shigaraki ᝰ⛐ 

Strolling down to the beach, you open the gate further down the fence and walk through. You take your shoes off where the concrete turns to sand and continue walking.

A nice spot calls your name so you sit to watch the waves rush in while most of the others run head-first into the ocean. Cool sand moves between your toes as the salty air blows lightly against your skin. It’s refreshing. 

Over your shoulder, you look back at the church van in the parking lot. The steam from the engine is dissipating, but not completely. A few chunks of sage brush and construction sign stick out from under the bumper, which is hanging on by a thread. As rickety as it is, it's been a good home for the past few weeks.

The sand next to you shifts as Shigaraki sits by your side, throwing his red shoes on a pile with yours. He rests his cheek on your shoulder and you tip your head onto his.

It feels right. Like this is where you were meant to end up the whole time.

You take a moment to process the finality of it all, glad to not be alone in it.

“What do you think you’ll do now?” you ask, glancing down at his face.

He contemplates the question for a moment. “I don’t know,” he pauses, “I guess whatever you’re doing.”

You smile, this isn’t the end at all.

Dabi/Touya Todoroki ᝰ⛐

You join the frantic dash to the beach, jumping the fence and stopping at the edge of the pavement to pull your shoes off. Like everyone else, you’re peeling off your clothes as you run - leaving a trail in your wake. Soft sand shifts under your feet until it hardens at the edge of the water. Following the others, you splash your way into the ocean before jumping in fully. 

The cool water crashes around you, it's refreshing. 

The scene holds a chaotic innocence. Spinner splashes Magne while she throws Toga into the water. Twice just ducked under the surface to grab Compresses leg while he’s not paying attention. Compress screams, dramatically, before pulling Twice up by his foot. Everyone laughs in the light of the moon and distant street lights. 

This is it.

It didn't have to end in laughter. This could have been over weeks ago with you in prison or ending up in some other stranger's car. You could have been alone in it, but you're not.

Scarred arms wrap around you, holding you tight.

“So what are we doing next?” Dabi asks quietly.

“I don’t know, let's figure it out together.”

He holds you tighter against his chest.

next - series masterlist - bnha masterlist

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@shiiigaraki @thetinas21 @its-evee16

[goth-mami-writer]

☆Unbothered☆ (pt.2)

~(AU) Leon Kennedy × f!Reader drabble/work

~Find part one here

~{Part 3 coming soon! ♡}

@lizzetmv ♡ @danigirls-missions ♡

《 You re-entered the house after dropping the kids at your mom's. You were still tired, but somehow you felt jittery listening to your quiet house from the foyer. Leon would be home later that night, and you'd be alone for a while, but your first thing to do with the silence of your home….evaded your mind. You wanted to catch up on laundry. Or maybe vacuum. But neither of those were relaxing, just necessary. So you decided on a shower.

Truthfully, you just wanted to stand under the water without worrying how long you'd been away from downstairs. When you stood in your towel afterwards, you realized you had time to look in the mirror for once instead of rushing to put on clothes.

Or even makeup that didn't have to take four seconds while you yelled down the stairs for everyone to have their shit ready and be in the car.

You wondered how long it'd even been since you used your vanity, and you sat down in front of the small mirror in your bedroom as you decided on what to wear. After you finished your face, you slipped into a dress that you knew might not make Leon turn his head too hard. It was old, and you'd worn it to events before, but God, it had been years. But suddenly you heard from downstairs as he came inside.

You checked your watch after noticing how early it was for him to be in, and you hurried down the hallway. You found him in the kitchen and asked from the catwalk that hung above your living room if he was playing hooky from work.

“No-” Leon said, not looking up away from the counter where he unboxed the take out dinner he'd bought on the way in so neither of you would have to cook,

“I finished up early and figured to hell with the last hour. God, it's quiet in here without the k-”

You watched as he froze after turning to face you almost by mistake. He had to look twice to make sure he wasn't mistaken, and you questioned the look on his face,

“What?”

“You-” He stuttered before smirking up to you, “I've not seen you wear something like that in a while….Does it feel good?”

You looked around unsure how to answer although you knew exactly what you wanted to say. It did feel good to pretend maybe for just a weekend that you weren't sleep deprived and on the cusp of a breakdown.

“-Cause it looks good.” Leon said, stepping closer to the stairs. While hiding your smile, you crept down to meet him, and you mentioned that the food smelled good to change the subject. You noticed a brown grocery bag on the counter, and your brow furrowed to wonder what else he had brought along.

Leon showed you a new bottle of wine he'd got for the two of you to share but there was something else in the bottom of the bag that looked to be wrapped the same as candy. You held it up to the light to inspect it closer as he seemed to stray away almost intentionally. He began to explain as your eyes narrowed in once the realization set in to what he had bought,

“That- I saw that and figured for dessert... we could share a little chocolate.” Leon said, trying not to sound mischievous, but a grin formed on his mouth playfully.

“Leon- did you seriously buy sex chocolate?” You asked while reading the wrapper plastered in hearts with aphrodisiac ingredients listed clearly on the nutrition label.

He giggled as he opened the wine to pour a glass for each of you and he shrugged, mentioning in a daring tone when he realized his mouth could be a little more dirty now that he didn't have to censor in the presence of the kids,

“I mean…we've never really planned to fuck before. It's always just happened.. So why not…go full throttle? Come on, it'll be fun. They only take an hour to kick in.”

He offered your glass of wine across the counter, watching you bend to his idea of fun on your night off. You took a cautious drink, knowing that the whole point of spontaneous sex was you didn't have to plan it and it was twice as rewarding because of that.

But scheduled sex that was almost guaranteed to be worth a damn….seemed fool proof.

“I know we don't really need it.”

“And, yeah, yeah-” Leon said with that facetious roll to his eyes,

You checked your watch, not telling him exactly why until after you opened the pack of chocolate. Two squares were kept inside the foil paper and you put one to your nose. It smelled like something close to normal chocolate and Leon began to inspect it too under the kitchen light.

“This should go good with that wine actually-” He mentioned before looking up in disbelief at what you were doing.

He saw you place one square into your mouth already, and you washed it down with a sip of wine somewhat fearlessly as he watched in awe. You looked up to him, watching his jaw drop in seeing that you had no more doubts about this, and you said with a purr as you sloshed the Cabernet in your glass,

“We got an hour to kill. You want to watch a movie?”

You were so unsure before these few minutes but now there wasn't a shadow of doubt. It made Leon smile widely while putting the other chocolate into his mouth with a wink to follow your lead,

“Yeah- I'll bring the wine.”

You sat on the couch together, but neither of your eyes were open long enough to even see what was on TV. Leon was nuzzled into your neck, kissing you warmly and much to your delight when you felt his tongue softly grazing.

Your leg rested over his lap, letting his hand knead against your thigh from beneath your dress as your eyes were closed in the bliss of what felt like foreplay. It hadn't felt like this since before the kids were even thought of. While you two were dating those years ago. He'd come to town after an assignment in DC and you'd find a hotel to sneak to for the night. It was always the highlight of your weekend and the way he kept you busy those nights were something you dreamed of anymore.

Gently, he laid you to the couch and your heart raced even more. You wanted to go upstairs but you couldn't move away from this. His hands cupped handfuls of your chest as he lied across you to kiss you. Your legs instinctually opened at the first surge of becoming turned on and his face softened when he felt you welcoming him in so close.

Before you could ask him if he kept any of his condoms down here, there was a noise from under the couch's throw pillow that made both of you jump. You were startled by the whirring and buzzing that was muffled from beneath you and Leon moved you slightly to find one of the baby's toys that had been lost within the couch cushions.

Together you both laughed softly and Leon mentioned in a mutter from above with a wink after you caught a breath,

“You wanna finish this upstairs? I think this chocolate's kicking in.”

“It's been fifteen minutes, Leon.” You mentioned playfully and he shrugged with a smile, asking why you two had to wait.

You agreed with a chuckle and followed him upstairs. Already, you found yourself softly stumbling from only one glass of wine but you knew you'd be plenty sober in just a few minutes. You noticed that he was stumbling as well and you laughed, teasing him for nudging the door frame as he slothed his way into the bedroom.

“Damn, I feel like I can hear the whole neighborhood.” Leon mentioned in a slur from the quiet as he began to undress.

You took the bottle of wine that he still carried and set it on your nightstand. You felt your head swimming re-entering your bathroom, he'd kissed off all of your lipstick as you noticed in the mirror but you stripped down to your underwear, letting your dress stay on the bathroom floor.

He watched you crawl into the bed nonchalantly as he sat on his side, unbuttoning his shirt. He chuckled when he found you snuggled up to your pillow as he crawled beneath the covers beside you.

Gently he pulled you to his lips again, wrapping you around him there in the dark as you both became slowly tangled on the bed. You felt your heart racing but there was this softness present now, one that you didn't feel downstairs on the couch.

You turned, laying him down with his back meeting the mattress and straddled his waist before leaning back down to his lips. His hands met your face, cupping under your jaw but you felt as his fingers then tangled into your hair so sweetly as he kissed you. This was the softness that felt so new.

Both of you became out of breath from the shared, elevated heart rate between you and Leon pulled away only for a moment to put your forehead against his. He knew too that any kind of touch or kiss hadn't felt like this in years and he muttered with that same intoxicated cadence that you found endearing,

“It feels good to just do this too.” He chuckled under his breath, letting his lips graze yours as he spoke,

“Are we that damn old now? Where getting off just to do it won't cut it anymore?”

After telling him you loved him, your eyes fluttered when he told you the same. He lied your head on his chest and together you both fell asleep just as you thought you would. Leon held you in your shared slumber that was broken hours later by your phone ringing.

Your mother had called to give you an update that they'd made it to the children's aunt's and tiredly you thanked her for the call, mentioning that Leon and yourself had gone to bed a little early after dinner. You told the children you loved them and missed them before hanging up.

Leon awoke hearing you talking to your mother and he rose on his side of the bed to ask if the kids were okay. You nodded but noticed him holding his head after he spoke.

“How the hell am I light headed with a splitting headache?” He asked in a groan but as soon as he became close, you felt something churn from inside you. It's like the scent of his cologne was almost overpowering but it was…nice?

You put your nose into his neck, smelling for which one of his usuals that he wore but you furrowed your brow with a deep inhale

“What cologne are you wearing, baby?”

You felt his skin shimmer with goosebumps strangely as your nose grazed him and he trembled,

“Jesus- baby, I'm not wearing cologne.”

You told him how good he smelled but then raised from the bed to open the bedside window since normally you both sleep with the fan on. Leon tried to look and see what time it was, but your silhouette in the dimly lit room made his eyes widen. You slightly leaned over your dresser to unlatch the window, and Leon watched as the curve of your ass shook as you reached forward.

He felt a twitch towards his navel and looked down below the covers to find out exactly why he was lightheaded.

There wasn't any blood flow and hadn't been. He was sporting an undeniable hard-on from the aphrodisiacs.

“Hey honey-” He said, trying not to sound alarmed that he was so hard that he couldn't think straight thanks to the chocolates that had kicked in during your small nap.

“What?”

“We're gonna need to keep that window closed tight.”

You turned around to snap heatedly that it was hot as hell up here but you saw that his eyes kept glancing down to his lap. You put the pieces together, looking at your phone to see what time it was but when you moved you felt a chill of cold air between your thighs. You were wet and your thighs were smeared with moisture from the arousal brought on by those damn chocolates.

Your eyes shot to Leon, who brought his hand up to show you the tremble in his fingers from being so turned on that he was shaking. You knew this was why you thought he smelt so good those moments ago, it was intrinsic like an instinct. Leon then reiterated with an urgency that begged you to get back in bed before he got up to do it himself,

“Close that window, or this whole damn neighborhood is gonna hear us instead.”

You slammed the window shut, thinking to yourself as your veins swelled with your racing heartbeat to know that you needed him so desperately. This might take all night and you had never been so thankful for falling asleep in all your life when you told him breathily,

“And to hell if they do.” 》

[nvxzaa]

➜ Chapter Ten

— MARCH 20**

The San Francisco sun filtered through the tall trees lining the entrance to the university. The leaves rustled gently in the late-morning wind, and the familiar hum of the start of classes vibrated around Ivy. Voices, laughter, the rapid clacking of shoes on cobblestones. The city was catching its breath.

She adjusted her bag on her shoulder as she crossed the main courtyard. She hadn't slept much the night before - too many thoughts, memories of escaped kisses, words they hadn't said yet. But this morning, she had decided to think less about it. Or at least to try.

She spotted Jaad and Samarah sitting on the low wall near the entrance, as always. Jaad, legs crossed, sunglasses balanced on his nose, was scrolling through his phone, frowning. Samarah, for her part, was telling something with animated gestures, probably one of her incredible stories that she swore were true.

- Are you ready?" said Ivy as she arrived, a slight smile on her face.

Samarah stopped immediately, her eyes shining.

- At last! I'm literally starving to death. If I don't have a latte in the next three minutes, I'm calling the emergency room.

- Good morning to you too," replied Ivy, rolling her eyes.

- She's been dramatic since she gave up sugar," added Jaad, putting his phone away. But... we've been waiting for you.

They set off towards the campus café, the one with the big windows and the R&B playlist that Samarah claimed to have inspired herself. On the way, Jaad glanced at Ivy.

- What's up? Anything new since the last time we saw you giggling in your car like a schoolgirl?

Ivy shrugged, playing it casual.

- Nothing in particular. We've seen each other. For a bit.

Samarah turned her head suddenly.

- You look weird when you say 'nothing'. You do that thing where you don't really look me in the eye.

- You're the one looking at me too hard," she defended herself with a laugh.

They arrived outside the café, the smell of hot coffee and cinnamon already wafting through the doors. Ivy grabbed the handle.

- Come on in. You'll make me forget that I'm supposed to be concentrating on my midterms.

Samarah said mischievously:

- You could say you were distracted... by a certain boy.

Ivy didn't answer, but the smile on her lips spoke for itself.

Inside, the air was warm and fragrant with roasted coffee and warm bread. A Daniel Caesar song played softly in the background. They sat down in a corner near the bay window, where they could watch the students pass by in the street below. Jaad had already taken out his computer to "look like", but he also put his glasses on early on. Ivy was still daydreaming, one hand around her steaming mug, when Samarah leaned over the table with a smile that was almost too innocent.

- Well... since you've decided not to tell us anything about you and your mysterious driver, I'll tell you about me.

Jaad raised an eyebrow without looking up.

- You mean you and Changbin?

- Aha, exactly," replied Samarah, falsely modest. He's... intense. But in a good way. Like, he listens to what I say, he really looks at me when I talk, you know?

- That means he's fallen into the trap," smiles Jaad. He doesn't know yet that he's going to end up listening to you talk about constellations at three in the morning.

- He knows perfectly well," retorted Samarah, sure of herself. And guess what? He loves it. Yesterday he even asked me to send him my favourite playlist to fall asleep to. I nearly died.

Ivy smiles, amused.

- That's sweet," she said softly, "and what else did he offer you?

Samarah blushed slightly, which never happened before.

- He wants to take me to a photo exhibition this weekend. He said he'd thought of me when he saw the flyer. Like... 'thought of me', can you imagine?

Jaad let out a little laugh.

- He's fucked up. Totally fucked. I don't give two weeks before he's on his knees in front of you with a Haribo ring.

Samarah raised her cup.

- Here's to that! To the age of serious flirting. And now, Ivy, you can't hide behind my story any longer. Can you tell us what you did with your mysterious "I'll take you to the drive and splash you with a Coke" man?

Ivy raised her eyebrows, taking a slow sip of her latte before answering:

- I'm listening. I'm taking notes.

They burst out laughing.

While the three of them were still laughing, Ivy's phone vibrated against the table. She glanced at the screen and immediately felt a familiar warmth rise in her chest. A message from Chan.

Chan:

Where are you?

We're with Han and Changbin. Can we come and see you?

She bites the inside of her cheek lightly to suppress a too obvious smile. Jaad and Samarah don't miss a thing, of course.

- Is that him?" asks Jaad without even looking up, a smirk on his face.

Ivy nods gently and types a reply.

Ivy:

I'm with the girls at the cafe opposite the univ. If you come, don't take up all the space eh.

A few seconds later:

Chan:

Too late. We're already there.

Ivy looks up... just in time to see, through the window, Chan crossing the street, hands in his pockets, accompanied by Han who's already waving his arms in greeting, and Changbin who seems to be in the middle of an impassioned monologue - probably talking about how he's more stylish than everyone else here.

- Here come the cavalry," Samarah bellows, adjusting her hair.

- I can smell the lame jokes and weird looks in 3, 2, 1...

The door opens, a bell tinkles, and the dynamic changes instantly: Chan spots Ivy first, and without a word, gives her that little smile - the one that means "I'm glad to see you" without needing words.

They arrive at the table, and Han pulls up a chair without embarrassment to sit down opposite Jaad, a frank smile on his face.

- You ordered without us? Seriously?" he says with a falsely vexed look on his face.

- You weren't even supposed to come," replies Jaad, raising an eyebrow but mockingly.

- I felt that someone here needed a bit of good humour. It's my duty as a friend," he announces with exaggeration, placing his cup on the table theatrically.

- You forgot your clown costume, Han," adds Jaad without looking up, but a small laugh escapes him.

Meanwhile, Changbin, who had already launched into a joke, leans over the table and starts teasing Samarah. She immediately responds, smiling, and their little game resumes as if it had never been interrupted.

Chris stood for a moment, his gaze naturally shifting to Ivy. She watched him out of the corner of her eye, and a discreet smile played on her lips. He points to the empty chair next to her.

- Do you mind?" he asks.

- Did you expect me to insist?" she replies softly, tilting her head slightly.

He sits down without being asked, their shoulders barely touching.

- Have you ordered yet?" she asks, staring at her own glass.

- No, I haven't. I just wanted to make sure I was sitting next to you before anyone else did.

She looks at him out of the corner of her eye, one eyebrow raised.

- As dramatic as ever.

- You're just saying that because I'm still reeling from that last kiss.

- Do you have an obsession or is it a medical condition?" she bellows, smile hidden behind her straw.

He laughs softly, then whispers:

- If it's a medical condition, I certainly don't want to get better.

She nudges him gently with her elbow, but smiles. Her cheeks are slightly pink.

For his part, Han calls out "Karaoke Friday, who's hot?" as he holds up his phone to take down the names.

- You're going to sing Maroon 5 again, aren't you? scoffs Jaad.

- It's a classic," pleads Han. And I can't abandon Changbin. He's already booked Sugar for me.

Changbin approves with a wink, and Samarah shakes her head in hilarity.

Chris turns a little more towards Ivy, lowering his voice:

- If I ask you for a duet that night, do you have an excuse ready or are you going to say yes?

She pretends to think about it, then murmurs:

- Depends on the song.

- La vie en rose".

She rolls her eyes, but her smile gives her away.

- Aren't you afraid I'll eclipse you?

- You've already started.

The conversation between the six was in full swing. Han and Jaad were laughing and joking, while Changbin and Samarah seemed to have created a separate bubble for themselves, talking quietly and teasing each other discreetly. Chris, still sitting next to Ivy, listened as he played mechanically with the rim of his cup, his knee sometimes brushing Ivy's under the table. She didn't move.

Then the waiter appeared again. He was the same as always. Tall, thin, with a silver earring and a backwards cap. He said nothing. He simply placed a small plate in front of Ivy: a cinnamon roll, still warm from the oven, the glaze melting gently onto the golden pastry.

She looked up, and he gave her that silent smile he always gave her, a quiet, knowing smile. Then, as if that wasn't enough, he returned with a drink: an iced latte, topped with a light whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon.

- Thank you," Ivy murmured, a little embarrassed.

But he had already turned on his heel, leaving without saying a word, just one last amused glance over his shoulder.

- Is he always this dumb, or is it just for you?" asked Jaad, one eyebrow raised.

- Does he offer you a cinnamon roll every time now? surprised Han, half-serious, half-intrigued.

- And the drink? added Changbin.

Ivy, clearly taken aback, shrugged her shoulders, playing with her straw.

- I don't know why he does it... It's nothing, it happens sometimes.

Chris, on the other hand, said nothing. He watched the scene, impassive, his gaze slightly darker. It wasn't the first time he'd witnessed this. He remembered it from the last time. That same waiter, that same cinnamon roll. And that same smile that seemed to be reserved only for Ivy.

He leaned towards her a little, in a low voice, just so she could hear him:

- Have you given him your number yet, or is he doing this in the hope that you'll crack one day?

She stared at him, half amused, half embarrassed.

- You want my honesty?

- Always.

- I've never said anything, never done anything. He started months ago, and I don't know how to tell him to stop without it feeling weird.

Chris smiled a little. Not mocking. But not entirely innocent either.

- Hm. I can tell him for you. Very politely. Very calmly.

- Chris...

- Or I could order a cinnamon roll and throw it at him.

- Stop it, you're being ridiculous," she laughed softly, even though she wasn't hiding the slight pleasure of her thinly veiled jealousy.

- Ridiculous, maybe. But you don't need a cinnamon roll surprise when you've already got someone to make you smile, do you?

She looked away, her cheeks rosy, and bit discreetly into the cake, murmuring:

- It's good though...

Chris just looked at her, a smile hanging on his lips, before grabbing a spoon and sticking it into the cinnamon.

The two of them start eating into it, as they are wont to do, while taking an active part in the. conversation.

Her phone lit up.

She glanced at it. Notification.

An unknown number.

She frowned as she unlocked her phone; it was the same number that had sent her a message wishing her happy birthday.

Ivy, it's Nolhan

We need to talk, please

When you said you couldn't go on

To go on with a man like me

I abandoned you, I didn't believe you

Because to me you were nothing without me

But please, I need to see you

She frowned slightly, without reacting immediately. But to her right, Chan had seen. His gaze had slid over the screen before she locked it. He hadn't said anything. Not immediately.

But his fingers had stopped playing with the spoon of his coffee.

A few minutes later, while Changbin was telling a ridiculous anecdote and laughter was rife around the table, Chan leaned over to Ivy's ear.

- Can we talk? Outside. Two minutes.

She turned her head towards him, surprised by his harsher than usual tone. She nodded and stood up.

She quickly explained to Jaad that they were on their way, and they left the café to find themselves in a slightly more isolated corner at the back.

- He wrote to you," Chan said bluntly.

- I've just seen it, Chan," Ivy replied, crossing her arms. I wasn't going to hide it from you.

- You could have told me, instead of just locking your screen.

- I didn't even have time to open the message.

Chan pursed his lips. He was tense. Much too tense for this kind of thing.

- It's crazy... even when you're with me, he still finds a way to exist. That guy.

- You think it's my fault?

- No. But it's... frustrating, okay? He just comes back. Like nothing happened. And you, you say nothing.

She stared at him.

- Do you think I'm answering him? That I'm still thinking about it? Do you think I'm still that girl?

- I dunno. You didn't react. Not a grimace, not a word. That's what freaks me out. If I send a message to my ex tomorrow, I hope she at least reacts.

Ivy froze in place, looking at him without speaking.

She inhaled sharply, her voice suddenly colder:

- Don't compare the woman you have with the woman you had before.

Chan blinked.

- Ivy-

- I'm not your ex. And I'm not my ex either. So if you can't tell the difference, you'd better go back to your seat.

He took a step back, his anger subsiding like a gust of wind.

- I'm not comparing you. I compared myself. I panicked, okay? Because I'm scared of losing something I haven't even had time to really understand yet.

She looked at him in silence. Then she shook her head, a little less harshly.

She huffed, folding her arms across her chest, trying to contain the storm rumbling inside.

- I don't want to argue with you, Chan. Not like this. Not because of him.

He took a step closer, calmer this time. His gaze sought hers, less hard, more hesitant.

- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have reacted like that... It's just that... I care about you. A lot more than I'm showing. And the mere fact that this guy thinks he can still get to you makes me sick.

- He doesn't have access to me," Ivy replied, her eyes locked in his. He never will again. That message is like a ghost banging on an already walled-up door. And I don't intend to open it.

Chan was silent for a few seconds, then nodded slowly.

- Are you going to answer him?

- I don't know yet," she admitted. Maybe I'll tell him to leave me alone once and for all. But I don't want you to think that he still has a place in my head. Because he doesn't.

He lowered his eyes, then raised them to hers with disarming sincerity.

- I believe you.

A soft silence followed. Heavier, but not tense. Just... charged. Ivy took a step towards him.

- I need you to be patient with me, Chris. There are things inside me that still take time to heal. But that doesn't mean I'm looking back. It just means I'm moving forward with caution.

He ran a hand up the back of his neck, then smiled at her.

- You're doing really well, you know. Even cautiously. I find it hard to keep up with you sometimes.

She smiled in spite of herself, lowering her eyes.

- Come back inside? I need someone to finish my cinnamon roll.

He laughs softly, his heart a little lighter, before putting an arm around her shoulders to accompany her.

- Is this how you keep me? Sugar?

- No, by tenderness. But sugar helps.

They walked home together, a little closer than before. A little clearer, too.

When they returned to the café, the laughter was still there, the voices as lively as when they left. Jaad looked up at them with a raised eyebrow, but didn't ask any questions. Samarah watched them sit down, a mischievous smile on her lips, as if she had guessed that an intense exchange had just taken place.

Ivy resumed her seat, a little closer to Chan than before, without even realising it. He picked up his lukewarm drink and she picked up her half-eaten cinnamon roll.

- We were talking about karaoke on Friday," Changbin announced, stretching in his chair. And I suggest we book the room we like, the one with the ugly neon lights and the crackling microphones, but with, like... atmosphere.

- Oh, the one where you sang 'Let it Go' with too much emotion?" Jaad exclaimed, laughing out loud.

- Exactly that one," confirmed Samarah, her eyes sparkling.

- I'm up for it," gasped Ivy between mouthfuls.

- You're always on board when someone promises you a microphone and an Alicia Keys playlist," Chan teased softly.

- And you're always there, crashing my duets," she replied without looking at him, smiling.

- Well, that way we both win. Couples energy, you know.

The others laughed, and Ivy rolled her eyes without trying to deny it.

Then Samarah continued:

- By the way, I was thinking... Could Hyunjin come with his girlfriend? I think she's nice, we had a nice chat last time.

- Good idea," agreed Ivy. I'll send her a message. They'll certainly add to the atmosphere. And some competition, too. Hyunjin always thinks he's a rock star when he sings.

- It's true, but he does set the mood," says Chan with a smile. And his girlfriend is funny. Their duet is a show in itself.

- So it's on? Friday, 8pm, the room of ugly neon lights and dodgy microphones?

- Agreed," they all chorused.

And as if the tension of earlier had never existed, they continued to laugh, to talk, to make plans for Friday.

But under the table, Chan had slipped his hand against Ivy's, without saying anything, without looking at her. Just a quiet, discreet gesture, as if to say: I'm here. I'm with you. Even in silence.

Friday arrived more quickly than they had expected.

The week had flown by, a little blurry, a little heavy too. The lessons had come and gone, the nights had been short, and yet they hadn't really seen each other. Barely a few messages between classes, sometimes a hurried voice message. No time to relax. No time to really breathe together.

But every evening, without exception, Ivy and Chan ended up calling each other.

Sometimes to tell each other about their day, sometimes just to hear the other's voice. There had been these comfortable silences, these tired sighs that they didn't even mask any more. Ivy, her hair a mess on her pillow, talking to him half-asleep. Chan, in the dark, the light from his screen on his face, sometimes just there to say goodnight.

They hadn't talked about it, but they were both looking forward to Friday night as a break. A moment to themselves - even if it was crowded, even if they weren't alone. They knew they'd missed each other. That there had been missed glances, avoided appointments, but that in the end, it was just a parenthesis in what they were slowly building.

Tonight they would meet again. And even if it was under the neon lights of a seedy karaoke room, that would be enough.

Chan had been parked in front of her house for a good five minutes. He was absent-mindedly fiddling with the radio buttons, the engine barely purring, the windows half-open to the warm early evening air. He looked up at the windows of the building and reached for his phone.

"I'm here."

A few seconds later, Ivy appeared in the front door frame, an oversized sweatshirt over her shoulders and her phone in hand. She walked quietly down the few steps, then opened the passenger door.

- Are you getting in?" she asked, tilting her head. I haven't finished doing my hair. Just a sec.

Chan looked up at her, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

- You mean you're not at your best yet? Because frankly... I'm getting used to being dazzled like that.

- Stop talking nonsense and get in," she growled, holding back a smile.

He cut the engine and got out of the car without arguing, following her into the hall of the building. They went upstairs in silence, the steady sound of Chan's footsteps behind her. When she opened the door to her flat, he followed as if he had always done so, as if he already knew the place.

He glanced around - the living room, the warm light, the familiar smell of vanilla and clean linen. She invited him to sit on the sofa before disappearing into the bathroom, a comb in one hand, her phone still in the other.

From inside, she called out:

- Do you want something to drink? There's juice, or sparkling water. Or... something stronger if you need it before you sing.

- I'll take a shot of courage, if you've got it," he joked, getting up and walking to the kitchen.

He poured himself a drink and sat down on the arm of the sofa, looking out into the corridor.

- Are you wearing your hair like we're going to the Grammy Awards or what?" he shouted gently.

- You've no idea what my hair does when it's in the mood," she replied, laughing. Just be patient.

He smiled, more tenderly this time. He loved moments like this. Just them. Just simple.

- Take your time," he said. I like it here.

Ivy finally emerged from the bathroom, her curls perfectly in place, a gold clip stuck on one side, catching the light from the ceiling like a little wink. She smoothed her oversized sweatshirt with the flat of her hand, grabbed her phone from the hall cupboard and joined Chan in the living room.

He was still sitting on the arm of the sofa, half-empty glass in hand, looking very comfortable for someone who was supposed to be going out in less than twenty minutes.

- There, it's done," she said, patting her curls with a touch of pride.

- Beautiful," he confirmed without looking away from her.

She sat down beside him, knee to knee, her fingers clasped in his lap.

- We haven't got much time left... So where are we going?" she asked with a knowing look.

He shrugged one shoulder, relaxed.

- We can stay here, if you like.

She stared at him, intrigued.

- What about karaoke? Jaad, Samarah... Hyunjin and his girlfriend?

- We've still got a bit of leeway," he replied. And frankly, I'm in no hurry to share this evening with eight other people if I can have you to myself for just five more minutes.

A smile slowly crept across Ivy's lips. She grabbed a cushion from beside her and threw it gently against his shoulder.

- You mean you want to dodge Hyunjin? Is that what you mean?

- I'm saying you spent twenty minutes taming your hair and it deserves a moment of peace and quiet before it ends up full of karaoke smoke and ugly blue light.

She burst out laughing, then settled a little more comfortably on the sofa, bringing her legs up against her.

- OK, five minutes then. But if we arrive after Changbin has started rapping, the snacks are on you.

- It's a deal," breathed Chan, already too busy watching her to care about the timing.

They had come together naturally, as if there had never been any space between them.

Chan's arm had slipped around her shoulders, almost absent-mindedly, but he hadn't withdrawn it. Ivy had allowed herself to do so, her head coming to rest lightly against his chest as they talked about everything and anything - the stress of the forthcoming exams, an episode of a series they had watched at the same time, without telling each other.

Then silence fell. Gentle. Complicit.

Chan looked at her, his thumb absent-mindedly brushing her shoulder. He seemed to hesitate. Or perhaps savouring the moment. And Ivy felt her heart beating a little faster every second.

Then he leaned towards her, gently, as if checking to see if she was going to move away.

She didn't move.

Their lips met. And this time, there was nothing furtive, nothing contained. It was slow, deep, like something they'd been holding back for too long. His hands slipped to her waist, then down her back. She responded with the same intensity, her fingers sliding through his curls, drawing him a little closer to her.

He gently rocked her on her legs, his thighs coming on either side of hers, without even really thinking about it. Ivy found herself straddling him, their breathing more breathless, the kisses more impatient, more feverish.

Her fingers grazed the bottom of his sweatshirt, then slid against his stomach, to the edge of his jeans. He hesitated and looked up at her. She didn't look away.

But just as his fingers grazed the first button...

Brrr. Brrr.

The vibrating sound of her phone broke the moment. An incoming call. The screen lit up right next to her on the coffee table.

They froze for a moment, their foreheads pressed together, their breaths mingled.

Chan sighed reluctantly against his mouth.

- It's probably Jaad or Changbin," he murmured. We're running out of time...

Ivy closed her eyes, a barely restrained smile on her face.

- Of course they're calling us now.

She sat up slowly, still straddling him, and looked at him mischievously.

- We're going to be very late.

He smiled back, slipping his hands around her waist as if he didn't want to let her go just yet.

- We'll do better than catch up. We will.

[___]

Ivy and Chan entered the karaoke room under the coloured spotlights and with all eyes already on them. Conversation paused briefly, then resumed with more laughter and teasing.

- Well, that's it, we can get the party started now, the lovers are here," said Han, raising his bottle of soda.

- It's not our fault you have no sense of timing," replied Chan, raising an eyebrow and gently pulling Ivy towards the back seat where there was still room.

- You didn't come on a scooter, did you?" joked Changbin, a mocking gleam in his eyes.

- No, but I swear they came down from seventh heaven," Jaad whispered to Samarah, low enough for Ivy to pretend not to hear.

She stifled a laugh and sat down next to Chan. Her cheeks, still rosy from their stolen moment earlier, betrayed her apparent calm.

- We've started the scores, you've got some catching up to do," said Hyunjin, handing the microphone to Samarah, who had stood up and sighed with a false air of diva.

- What's the plan for tonight?" asked Chan, sliding his arm behind Ivy on the back of the seat.

- Free karaoke, two compulsory solo performances, a duet, and then we vote for the best break-up song," explained Jaad with theatrical seriousness.

- Do you want us to do a duet?" Ivy asked Chan, turning her head towards him.

He looked at her with that half-smile that said it all.

- You're afraid of losing to me solo, aren't you?

- No, I'm not afraid. I just want us both to win.

All around them, the atmosphere was already in full swing. The room was buzzing with the sound of bass, voices not always in tune, bottles clinking and laughter. But at that table, between Ivy and Chan, there was another kind of tension - softer, more intimate.

And as Samarah voluntarily massacred Britney Spears' "Toxic" to the loud encouragement of Hyunjin's girlfriend, Ivy felt Chan's hand rest lightly on her thigh, like a discreet reminder that he was really there.

- You know I'd have let you finish earlier, don't you," he whispered in her ear, low and laughing.

She turned her head, her eyes squinting.

- Chan. Shhh.

- I'm just saying... there was still a button.

She burst out laughing in spite of herself, hiding her face in her hands.

Just as the laughter died down a little, Hyunjin took his turn at the microphone, attracting a few friendly jeers.

- We'll show you what a real duo is," he said, winking at his girlfriend, who was already digging through the titles with a knowing smile.

Ivy watched them for a moment, touched despite herself by the fluidity between them. They often bickered, but tonight they were clearly in osmosis. And it showed in the way Hyunjin put his arm around her shoulders as they sang an old K-R&B song together that no one had seen coming.

- They're cute," Chan murmured, almost surprised to say so.

- They're chaotic," Ivy corrected with a smile. But yeah... still cute.

- We could do better.

- You haven't heard anything," she said with a chuckle. They sing really well.

- I wasn't talking about the song.

He looked at her with that look she knew so well. That calm before the provocation. She could already feel her reply coming, but Jaad, too curious, interrupted them:

- What are you two going to sing? You're not going to back out, are you!

- We're still hesitating," replied Chan.

- No Air?" suggested Ivy without giving it much thought.

He raised his eyebrows. - I wouldn't have expected you to be a Jordin Sparks fan.

- There's a lot about me you wouldn't imagine, Chris.

And there was nothing innocent about the look she gave him after that. He lowered his eyes for a moment, a smirk on his lips.

- No Air, then.

- You'd better be good," warned Changbin, his mouth full of crisps.

When it was their turn, the room almost naturally fell silent. They stood up together, Chan keeping one hand on Ivy's lower back as she adjusted the microphone. The music started. Soft. Slow. The intro alone was enough to set the mood.

Ivy began, her voice clear, slightly shaky at first, but growing stronger as the words went on. Then Chan entered. His voice, deeper, enveloped hers. And something about the way they looked at each other during the chorus... captivated the whole room.

"Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air..."

They hardly moved. No choreography, no theatrics. Just them. And that vibrant tension that ran through the song like a vein under the skin.

At the end, they didn't even applaud themselves. There was no need. Hyunjin clapped his hands first, followed by a cry from Samarah and a whistle from Han.

- I hope you're not a couple, otherwise you've just broken the game.

Ivy put down the microphone, her breath a little short. Chan looked at her for a long time, then breathed softly:

- Do you still think it's all a blur between us?

Ivy looked away for a second, as if trying to sort out her mind after the sudden surge of intensity.

- I think there's a lot we need to talk about," she said finally, calmly.

Chan nodded, without taking his eyes off her. - I'm ready to talk. Whenever you're ready.

But before they could say anything more, Han stood up, clapping his hands.

- Ok, normally it's my turn... but he looked at his phone and pouted. - Emy said she'd be here in 10 minutes, so I'll wait.

- How convenient," Jaad remarked with a smile.

- Well, I'm not going to sing All My Life without my girlfriend, you're crazy.

Samarah rolled her eyes in amusement. - You're so silly, I love it.

- Why don't we have a general break?" suggested Changbin, getting up to rummage through the snacks.

Conversations resumed in small groups. The background music continued softly, but the atmosphere had softened and become more relaxed.

While everyone was still dispersed between chips, drinks and hesitant playlists, Jaad discreetly excused herself to go to the toilet. She crossed the small corridor lined with posters of forgotten bands and LED lights, humming the last song in her head. Nobody really noticed her absence. Until she came back.

She burst into the room like a tornado, eyes shining and cheeks slightly flushed.

- THE MUCKS.

Samarah gasped, almost spilling her drink. Ivy looked up in surprise. Even Han turned around briefly, one eyebrow raised.

- What's the matter?" asked Ivy, laughing softly.

- I just passed a chick in the corridor... a chick... like... A WOMAN. A pause. It's not human to be so beautiful.

Samarah widened her eyes, interested. - Like how? Describe.

- She had on an oversized black bomber, beige cargo trousers and Jordans, but like not even in a forced way. One hand on her chest dramatically. - Her hair is short, platinum blonde, with an eyebrow piercing. And her eyes. Brown. Dark. I fell in love in four seconds.

Ivy stifled a laugh in her hand. - Jaad, calm down.

- No, you don't understand. She looked at me. And she smiled at me. Not an 'I'm being polite' smile, but an 'I know you fancy me' smile.

- Did she speak to you?" asked Samarah, hanging on her every word.

- No, she hasn't. Jaad shook his head as if reliving the scene. - But I swear it's not over yet. She was just entering the next room. I'll find an excuse to go back there.

- We've lost you," concluded Ivy with a mocking smile.

- If I come out with a number tonight, you owe me a cinnamon roll.

- Deal," said the girls in unison.

Next door, Chan leaned towards Han with a discreet smile.

- Should we leave them alone or call security?

- No, no, no, no. Let's leave them to it. It's better than Netflix.

As Han climbed the stairs with Emy beside him, their muffled laughter echoed faintly in the stairwell. He held her hand, his thumb absent-mindedly tracing circles against her palm.

- Are you ready to meet some people?" he asked softly, stopping in front of the door.

- I know Ivy, that should help me survive," she replied with an amused smile.

- Yeah, except you don't know Jaad or Samarah, and they've got... how can I put this... infectious enthusiasm.

Emy raised an eyebrow.

- You mean they shout when they're happy?

- Exactly.

Han gently pushed open the door. A wave of music and voices immediately escaped. Ivy was the first to spot them.

- Emy!

She almost jumped out of her seat to hug her. Emy returned her embrace warmly, before whispering to her:

- You haven't changed a bit... you're always the loudest whenever you see me.

- I'm glad to see you, it's not my fault," laughed Ivy, stepping back.

- Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone.

She led him over to the sofa, where Jaad and Samarah had fallen briefly silent as the newcomers arrived. Ivy quickly made the introductions:

- Emy, this is Jaad, and this is Samarah. The two most dangerous brains in the university.

- And the most beautiful," added Samarah with a wink.

- And you, Emy?" asked Jaad, smiling curiously.

- I'm that other one's girlfriend," she said, nodding towards Han. - But I knew Ivy long before she was surrounded by so many guys.

- You say that like it's a cult," replied Ivy, falsely outraged.

- Have you seen their hair? Of course it is.

Everyone burst out laughing, the ice broken.

The evening was slowly drawing to a close. The microphones had been put down, the benches were recovering the last of the exhausted bodies, and the subdued light of the karaoke room heralded a quiet end to the night.

Hyunjin and his girlfriend were the first to slip away. Han was chatting to Emy downstage, their laughter discreet amidst the hubbub. Changbin had offered to put the jackets away while the girls went to the bar for a quick drink before leaving.

- I need some sugar," said Ivy as she stood up. Are you coming?

- Always up for a sweet diversions," said Jaad with a tired but sincere smile.

Samarah adjusted her earrings, nodded towards Changbin, then stood up too.

- He promised me a message on the way home, I need to stay fresh.

- You're already fresh, don't worry about that," Ivy chuckled, earning them a knowing chuckle.

They went to the little bar at the back, which was still open despite the hour. Ivy ordered a lemonade, Jaad opted for a sparkling water, while Samarah looked at the options.

The waiter, in his twenties, immediately smiled when he saw them.

- Ah, the team of karaoke stars," he said.

His gaze shifted briefly to Ivy, but it was to Jaad that he handed a drink without her even asking.

- It's for you. I don't know what you want, but I was thinking... maybe me?

Jaad froze for half a second, blinking slowly.

- Dude, are you serious?

- Do you want me to be funny or sincere?

- Neither," she replied coldly, taking her bottle of water without another glance.

The waiter, a little stung, turned his attention to Samarah.

- And what about you? Would you like my recommendation?

Samarah, half amused, half embarrassed, exchanged a glance with Ivy.

- I already have a personal adviser," she said with a smile. He's got dark hair, dimples, and he's texting me as we speak.

- Touché," Ivy murmured with a wink.

This time the waiter just gave a dry laugh and handed them their drinks.

As they left the bar, Jaad huffed:

- Men, seriously...

- You can't lump them all together. Some of them are useful as doorkeepers," said Ivy, deadpan.

Samarah chuckled.

- And others are Changbin.

- You're really into them, aren't you?" teased Ivy.

- I don't know," Samarah replied softly, "but when he looks at me, I don't want to run away any more.

Jaad smiled gently, sincerely, looking straight ahead.

- That's rare. So keep him close.

As she left the karaoke bar, Ivy immediately spotted Chan leaning against his car, arms folded across his chest, his face half-lit by the street lamps. He was absent-mindedly playing with his car keys, but looked up when he heard her approach.

- Did you survive the bar?" he asked, seeing the three girls approaching.

- Barely," she replied, laughing. The waiter tried his luck with Jaad, then with Samarah. But we all went out.

- I'm flattered he didn't try it with you," he teased, opening the passenger door.

- He's already done it. Several times," she replied with a wink as she sat down. But I think he saw you once and put his ambitions away.

He closed the door, rounded the bonnet and sat down on the driver's side, casting an amused glance at her.

- He's right to take it easy. You're already taken.

She raised an eyebrow. He hadn't said 'by me', but the implication had been clear. And yet he wasn't looking at her. Just staring straight ahead, as if he'd just said something innocuous. Which was not at all the case.

- Is it true?" she murmured after a few seconds.

He finally turned his head towards her, his eyes softer than before.

- I think it is. But you're entitled to doubt it if you need to.

She looked at him for a long moment, then nodded gently.

- I don't doubt you. Just... everything it might involve.

He smiled, this time more frankly, then tilted his head towards her.

- Do you know what's involved now?

- Do you know what it means now?

He leaned in a little closer. Just close enough for his voice to drop.

- That you owe me a kiss. I sang well before. Not even a word of encouragement. Not even a sympathetic look.

She laughs.

- Do you want a kiss because you sang?

- I want a kiss because I'm your almost-boyfriend and I've been starving for you for two days.

She laughed again, more softly, before moving closer and placing her lips against his.

A short, sweet kiss, a little laughter. Just like them.

He smiles against her mouth.

- This one's for the public. But I want a private one too. When we've parked. At your place.

She replied, closing her eyes for a second.

- You haven't changed a bit.

- Not when it comes to you.

The car drove quietly through the quiet streets of the city, bathed in the orange lights of the street lamps. The atmosphere was soft, almost suspended, as if everything they had to say to each other was long overdue.

Chan glanced at Ivy, sitting next to him, her legs folded back on the seat, her head turned towards the window. She was playing absent-mindedly with the top of her drink, silent.

- What are you thinking about?" he finally asked, breaking the silence.

She turned her head towards him, her eyes a little tired but bright.

- About us," she answered honestly. About what it's become. And to what I still find hard to call clearly.

He nodded gently, his hands firmly on the steering wheel.

- You know, it took me a long time to admit it too. That you were more than a crush, more than an end-of-summer fantasy.

She turned her head towards him.

- And what now?

He shrugged slightly, looking both calm and sure of himself.

- Now I'm sure. That I want to be with you. That I want us to stop pretending it's all a blur. Because it's not a blur to me.

She was silent for a moment, then said softly:

- Me too... I want to. I'm just afraid of doing it wrong. Of rushing into things like I did before.

- You don't have to run," he replied. But I want us to walk in the same direction, Ivy.

She looked down, a small smile stretching her lips.

- You're so serious when you say that.

- Because you matter. You've always mattered. Even when I pretended you didn't.

She looked at him for a long moment, then reached out to place her fingers on his, on the gear lever.

- So that's it, is it? Are we together now?

He gave her a wry smile, the kind he saved for important moments.

- Yes, we are. Do you want me to write you an official card?

- No," she replied, laughing. But I wouldn't mind another kiss.

He smiled frankly this time, before slowing down slightly at a red light. He leaned in just enough to catch her lips in a slower kiss. Less giggly. Truer.

When he pulled back, the light had turned green. But neither of them really wanted to move.

- What do we do now?" she asked in a whisper.

- What now? He smiled. We go back to your place. And I'll give you an official couple hug. With all the seriousness in the world.

Next chapter…

- I just wanted to hear your voice, Ivy," he said in a softer tone. And make sure you're okay. I just miss you, that's all.

- I miss you too," she murmured.

They hung up after a few tender words. Ivy put her phone down on the table, a small smile still hanging on her lips.

Masterlist

[onthepyre]

Steve's life is going to fall apart, he thinks.

Dustin's away at summer camp, Nancy's left for college two weeks early. He has a late shift at six, a house to return to that's emptier than usual, and a funeral to attend at eleven sharp tomorrow morning. His mother is writing a eulogy and his father is cold and pale in a box in some back room of the funeral home. He can't get the image out of his head.

At half past five, he shakes himself out of the stupor he's been sitting in. It's been at least twenty minutes since he's last moved, but really, who knows — all he's aware of is his aching back and the sharp pain in his neck from the hunched position he'd assumed at the kitchen table. Steve's car keys have left an imprint on his hand. He'd forgotten he was holding them. The Family Video vest is in his car, tossed haphazardly over the dash, and he shrugs it on over his gray polo before he pulls out of the driveway. Robin's house isn't far, something he's glad for. Less time he has to spend alone. Maybe she won't notice how tired he looks in the quickly dimming light.

She does. It's Robin, after all. Steve can't hide much from her.

"Hey, Stevie," she says as she slides into the passenger seat. Her voice is gentle, the way she might speak to an injured cat. "How are you doing?"

"It’s pretty bad," he tells her, and it feels like he's confessing to a crime. "I didn't get out of bed until, like, two hours ago and I still want to go back to sleep."

"Yeah?" she asks. He can tell she isn't sure what else to say.

"Yeah."

"I'm really sorry. I know that's pretty much the least helpful, most generic thing I could say, but I mean it. I can’t imagine how… how hard it must be."

There's a long pause. Steve starts thinking they're just going to drive in silence for the rest of the time, which is weird, especially for Robin. It makes him want to cry, sort of — that she, of all people, can't find anything to say to him. Inadvertently, he grips the wheel tighter.

"We'll close early," she says finally, timid in a way she usually isn't. "Keith can suck my dick, I don't care. He'll get over it. And we'll go get ice cream, if you want, and then I'll come stay over. If that's alright."

"Yeah," Steve answers, and God, there are tears in his eyes. "That would be great." He's careful not to let his voice catch.

"I'm thinking 8:00 — we'll start shutting down at 7:30 and be out by a quarter past. Then we've got almost an hour until Dairy Queen closes, unless you want to go somewhere else?" Out of the corner of his eye, Steve can see Robin twisting one of the rings on her left hand. Like a gut-punch, he knows it's the shitty tin band, the one he'd gotten out of a quarter machine at the arcade and fake-proposed to her with. She hadn't taken it off since that day.

Steve pulls into the parking lot, and turns to her once he's parked the car. She's still fiddling with the ring, so he reaches over to take her hand.

"Rob, listen," he says. "I'm not gonna fall apart. I'll be okay." He can tell that they both know it isn't true.

"You don't have to be," she tells him, and through slightly blurry vision, Steve can tell she's tearing up, too. "You can fall apart, it's all right. We'll put you back together. I'll be here the whole time."

Steve isn't sure why it's a problem, but he needs to make sure Robin doesn't see him cry. He gets out of the car and turns away. He can hear her, four feet away, doing the same.

———

The shift, short as it is, passes slowly and in relative quiet. Robin feels too far away, but the little bit of stability they've found since getting out of the car is fragile, winding between them like a spiderweb. If Steve reaches out, he'll break it.

They follow her schedule exactly, locking the door behind them at 8:15 — two hours before they're supposed to. Steve isn't one to get worked up about things like this, but he's even less worried than he usually would be. Nobody ever comes in on Thursday nights. The only people that will know are him and Robin.

"So, Dairy Queen?" she asks as she opens the door. "Or do you want to go somewhere else?"

"Dairy Queen is fine," he tells her. Nothing will really make him feel better, he thinks, but ice cream can't hurt.

The drive isn't long, but it feels like it. Steve can hardly stand whatever version of Robin this is, the one that's treating him like he's about to crumble at any second. She's right, but that's part of the reason it's getting to him so much. If the silence was unfounded, it wouldn't hurt so bad.

She insists on paying, and Steve almost can't stomach the sweetness of the Oreos. Robin gets M&Ms so he can pick at hers, too.

"So, how's band been going?" Steve asks, just to break the quiet.

Robin tilts her head a little. There's pity in her eyes.

"Pretty good," she says slowly. "The directors always get super uptight around concert season, so that's starting to kick in. We just got our last piece. It's this stupid hard classical thing — Stravinsky, I think — fuckin' Russians. It would be awesome, though, if we could play it right."

This is the Robin he knows. Fuckin' Russians, he thinks. It makes him smile.

"That's great. What's it about?"

"Oh, I have no idea," Robin says with a grin. "It’s from the Firebird, and it has something to do with hell, and it's impossible to play."

"I'll have to come to the concert." Steve holds her eye for a second, but when it goes on too long and her smile shifts to an expression of sympathy, he turns his gaze down into his blizzard.

"Steve…" she starts, but she leaves it there, reaching across the table.

"Can we go?" He squeezes her hand and she does the same.

"Yeah, of course. Come on, we can go straight to sleep if you want."

They do — or they try to. As soon as they're home and settled, Robin in a pair of shorts she'd left there and one of Steve's old shirts, Steve much the same, they spread out blankets on the floor of his room and try to sleep. Robin's presence is a comfort, but not enough for Steve to get the coffin out of his head.

"Can you talk?" Steve asks, rolling over in his bed to face her in the dark. "About anything you want, I don't care. Just say something. Ramble."

She reaches up to put a hand on the bed, and he places his on top.

"I love you," Robin begins. "The other day, I learned that a quarter of the world's population has tuberculosis. Well, not has, like they're sick with it, but they have the bacteria in them. That's insane. Tuberculosis is up there with rabies for me, you know? There's a new outbreak of it that's resistant to the treatments, and I know it's not likely we'd get it here in Hawkins, but man, it would suck so much. Especially if it was one of those drug resistant strains. We'd end up sad little waifs like in the Victorian era and we'd die a slow death and there would be nothing they could do."

"I love you," Steve responds. "Can you come up here, Rob?"

"Yeah, for sure."

Robin stands up and climbs into bed next to him. He can make out the shape of her, squinting at him. Neither moves for a moment.

"How are you holding up?" she asks.

Only then, in the darkness, does Steve let himself fall apart.

It comes on slowly, but he knows it's coming as soon as she asks. He can't speak around the lump in his throat, so he just sits there fighting tears until she reaches out and pulls him into her chest. He breaks then. He sobs in Robin's arms for a while as she rubs his back and whispers reassurances to him. He feels like a little kid.

"Sorry," he gets out as it starts to die down.

"Shh." She buries her face in his hair. "Don't. It's alright. I'm not going anywhere, Stevie. This is what I'm here for."

Steve is hit with another wave of tears, this time a mixture of grief and gratitude. Robin, true to her word, stays. She holds him tighter still as he clutches her like she's the only thing keeping him tethered.

"I love you," she says under her breath. "I love you. It's alright. I'm here. I love you. I've got you. I love you."

She keeps going like that endlessly, quietly, into the top of Steve's head. Only when the sobs have slowed to sniffles does Robin stop, and even then, she keeps running her hands across his back, occasionally punctuated by a kiss pressed to his hair. There, cradled like a toddler against her chest, Steve starts to put himself back together. They fall asleep like that, intertwined, at home.

[kyouryokusenshi]

A prompt: Mulder and Scully get into an argument. She goes into labor when he leaves and he almost missed the baby being born again.

A Labor of Truth and Love

@today-in-fic

Dana Scully paced anxiously around the living room of their unremarkable home. The muted sounds of rain tapping against the windows provided a calming backdrop, but her nerves were still on edge. She was due any day now, and every twinge, every ache, sent a fresh wave of anxiety through her. Though she’d been through this once before, it had been so many years, it was like experiencing everything all over again for the first time. She glanced at the clock. It was 10:30 PM. Where was Mulder?

Mulder had promised to be home early that evening. They had been bickering a lot lately, mostly about trivial matters. But tonight, they had a full-blown argument that left both of them frustrated and upset, and it seemed that, lately, they were more at odds than ever before.

Scully sighed, sinking onto the couch. She rubbed her swollen belly, whispering soft, soothing words to her unborn child. The argument had revolved around one of Mulder's wild theories, which Scully had grown tired of dismissing. Their words had escalated, leading to him storming out of the house in a huff. 

“Scully, you're not even considering the evidence! This could be a breakthrough in our search for the truth.”

Scully sighed. “Mulder, we've been down this road before. I can't keep chasing shadows. Not now.”

“Scully, you said it yourself that this was why you fell in love with me, what’s changed?”

Scully shook her head. “Nothing and everything. My feelings for you haven’t changed, but Mulder, we’re in our fifties and having a baby.”

Mulder huffed, his voice laced with irritation. “I know that.”

“I'm holding onto rationality, Mulder. We have a child to consider now.”

“What are you saying, Scully?” his voice teetered.

Scully’s voice hardens as she takes a step closer to him, placing her hand on her abdomen, torn between frustration and overwhelming love for this man and the miracle between them.

“And what happens when we follow your hunches and they lead us nowhere? We waste time and resources and put ourselves in unnecessary danger.”

Mulder leaned in closer. “You signed up for this knowing what we were up against. You said it yourself that you wouldn’t change a day. What happened?”

Scully sighs, her tone less combative. “Mulder, I believe in the truth as much as you do. You know that. But we have to be careful not to lose ourselves in this endless pursuit. We have a life, a home, and another child on the way. I can't keep living like this.”

The words struck a cord within Mulder, and Scully regretted them almost immediately as they came out.

As she watched his expression shift, she knew he was reexperiencing the pain that was their separation, and on some level, she was too. 

Scully reached for his hand with her free one. “Mulder, I…”

She gasped as he pulled back from her reach and turned toward the door. He couldn’t go back there, not now.

“I need to go, Scully.”

Her heart broke as she recalled a familiar scenario several years ago. “It’s like you said, it’s why we can’t be together.”

Scully was just about to call him when a sudden pang shot through her abdomen. She gasped and clutched her belly, the pain intensifying. Panic flooded her as she realized that this might be it – labor had started. Her heart raced, and she fumbled for her phone, trembling fingers dialing Mulder's number.

Meanwhile, Mulder sat alone in his car, raindrops tapping rhythmically on the roof. The drive had done little to soothe his anger, but as the minutes ticked by, his frustration was slowly replaced by guilt. He glanced at his phone, seeing missed calls and messages from Scully. His stomach knotted as he listened to her voicemail, her voice strained with pain.

"Mulder, it's happening. I'm in labor. Please, please, I need you to come home."

Fear clutched at his chest, and he cursed himself for letting his stubbornness get in the way. He turned the car around, speeding back toward home, heart racing faster than the raindrops on the windshield.

Inside their home, Scully fought back tears as she hung up the phone. She knew she needed to stay calm for the baby's sake, but the pain was overwhelming. Just as she was about to call for an ambulance, the front door burst open. Mulder stood there, soaked from the rain, eyes wide with concern.

"Scully, I'm so sorry," he breathed, rushing to her side.

She managed a weak smile, tears mingling with raindrops on her cheeks. "Just... be here now."

He nodded, helping her to her feet, and supporting her as they made their way to their car. The hospital felt impossibly far away, every bump in the road sending shocks of pain through her body. Mulder's knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel, his worry evident in his clenched jaw. All these months, he worried for Scully, for their baby, and any complications that might arise. He knew with every fiber of his being that he couldn’t lose either of them.

At the hospital, the hours seemed to blur together. Scully's contractions grew more intense, and she gripped Mulder's hand in a vice-like grip, tears streaming down her face. He whispered words of encouragement, his worry and guilt driving him to be the supportive partner she needed.

“Subsequent pregnancies have a faster labor,” Scully had told him. Something he had immediately recalled from reading all the “What to Expect” books, but it did little to soothe his worry.

As the final stages of labor approached, Scully's grip on Mulder's hand tightened even further. Her breathing grew labored, and her face contorted with the effort. Mulder watched with a mixture of awe and concern, feeling a rush of emotions he couldn't put into words. He had missed the first time, this was completely foreign to him.

And then, finally, he heard the first cries of their baby daughter. Relief washed over him, and he squeezed Scully's hand, tears welling up in his eyes. The doctor held up their newborn, a tiny, fragile life that was the embodiment of their love and partnership.

Scully let out a shaky laugh through her tears. "You almost missed it again, Mulder."

He chuckled, a mixture of relief and exhaustion in his voice. "I'm here now, Scully. I wouldn't have missed this for the world."

As they held their baby for the first time, Mulder and Scully's arguments and frustrations seemed distant and insignificant. At that moment, all that mattered was the new life they had brought into the world, a reminder of the strength of their bond and the love that had carried them through even the toughest of times.

[chirpsythismorning]

What do you think about Byler's first kiss being like kiss #1 or #3 from this Eyewitness video? https://youtu.be/twVy0GJQnXo

#1 ! It already fits their dynamic a little too on the nose, and at this exact point in Stranger Things as well. Like the whole you're amazing line reminds me of the painting scene. Also the blocking feels very much like the cabin scene at the end of s4. They could very swiftly put Will and Mike in a situation just like this one. sooner than later, with Mike making the first move and Will being confused about it, not even making the move to meet him halfway at first. Though, I don't see it going much further than that bc tbh I actually picture this more eloquently as an almost kiss?

Whereas #3 is giving more so second kiss? Like after a stressful confrontation or something? We know this literal scene from Eyewitness, with them in the garage in front of the car, could very well have been used as inspiration for the s3 byler rain fight, so that could fit the idea of them kissing after their highly anticipated potential 3rd fight in s5?

I do think their first kiss is something that we've all assumed has to happen at the very, very end of the season. However, I've come to realize that's sort of a cliche? Not saying they can't kiss at that point (again) or that they can't find some way to stretch it out at all, but I do think waiting until that very last moment at the end for their first kiss would be a little too expected.

Like for example, I could see a first kiss actually being an almost kiss? Similar to #1, but with them getting interrupted or something of that nature. It's interesting that in s4 Mike made a point to close the door behind him when entering Will's room, and we saw how the rest of s4 went with them being focused on very intimately, both alone and with other people, often interrupted. And so I think it's likely Mike is going to either make a real effort to be alone with Will or they're going to be in a situation where it wasn't their choice (ie. all the byler alone together in UD foreshadowing).

But, let's just say in early s5, it gets to a point where Mike is just really really needing a moment alone with Will, bc they haven't been able to actually talk about things properly. And there's this building up of tension between them, where Mike is starting to think Will returns his feelings, and it leads to this moment somehow, but someone knocks on the door and Mike's just like JESUS!!!!!

Them building it up in a unique way, where they're maybe almost kissing once or twice. And then it happens!?!? And then they're all in danger again so the stakes are high and so maybe they're having doubts again, that the other doesn't feel the same? And THEN they fight and things get emotional and real and then they kiss for a second time. It would feel like 2 first kisses essentially.

The reason I think this would really work, is because on Will's end especially (and in some homophobic viewers' minds), Will's going to be telling himself that he's the one that is wrong and if Mike has feelings for him, it's bc he doesn't actually have feelings for him, he's just been corrupted by Will or something. Like I think he would probably notice Mike's nerves in the moments after they kissed, as Mike being uncomfortable/having doubts, and that would cause Will to distance himself and then Mike would do the same as a result of having those same doubts too, as a result of them both misunderstanding each others fear for rejection.

And THEN, after Mike finally confronts Will, his first time being the one who is fighting for their relationship with Will sort of giving up atp (for good reason) we get second kiss, directly following their final boss fight (Reminder: Will successfully packed a blue shirt in his backpack that he brought with to Hawkins...).

I just think that could allow the second kiss to be more tender and give a lot of appreciation and layers to those past fights, now knowing that this is kind of what they've both wanted for a long time? And I think that #3 kiss is what makes it fit perfectly, as it would terrifyingly tie back to the s3 rain fight it inspired

And when it comes to the like official first kiss, I do think it could be them both feeling it in the moment and both clearly being into it, but bc of the high stakes scenarios surrounding them, you just know they would be hit with some crazy ass shit right after and have to deal with that, which would lead to the confusion between them despite them both clearly feeling the same.

This is not me saying this will 100% happen, obviously. This is an ask and I'm just giving detailed answers! Also just in case something along these lines does happen, I want to have it written down somewhere!

I do think them going with like an almost kiss approach followed by a heated first kiss and then a slow second kiss, and then a third endgame kiss would be cool. They wouldn't even need to kiss in the epilogue for me atp.

And that's how I can appease both the action packed byler first kiss truthers and the soft quiet/intimate byler first kiss truthers...

[chill-pills-yandere-haven]

Dreams of Coffee and K-pop pt.2

Pt.1

An: I found the emoji!

Tw: yandere, implied murderous intent

Disclaimer: Yanderes are abusive, this is not love.

Art cred: Kackaorz1 on Twitter

It was the day of the concert. You had been listening to the 4NEMO music that your friend had been recommending you and had gotten quite familiar with it. Now, you were dressed in your favourite outfit, ready to attend the concert with your best friend. It was two hours before the concert started, but Venti advised you to come early so you and your friend could hang out with them and watch them warm-up. 4NEMO had gotten closer to you in the time before the concert. The boys texted you constantly and you got attached, welcoming them into your tight little circle of trust. You even all had a group chat with just you and the boys. They proved to be a pleasant way for you to blow off steam from your classes and relax so you welcomed them. Just a week after you all had met, 4NEMO had a new hit album called "Coffee Dream". It had become your new favourite album from them, containing all of the things you loved in music. Almost as though it was made with you in mind. You even set your ringtone to the instrumental of one of the album's songs. A beep resounded from your phone as you looked yourself over in the mirror. A text from Venti, " Hey cutie, just wondering if you need a ride to the concert, I'd be happy to give you a ride!" The nickname 'Cutie' had been something that sort of just happened, no inside joke, just Venti teasing you. You smile and chuckle a bit then answer him. "Yeah sure, I'm already ready so you can come now and I'm sure that they're ready too so you can pick us up now." Five minutes later you received another text telling you that Venti was now at your apartment. Making sure to fix your hair, you went outside. Outside was a black limousine waiting for you. "Get in, cutie! The others are starting warmups!" Venti called to you as you got in the limo, admiring the interior of the vehicle. Vent pulled you to his side, thighs touching. You were confused at his actions but then Venti slung his arm around your shoulder and explained. "Well we've got to make sense for your friend, right? Ehe." He giggled at the end. In return, you shrugged but it did make sense so you didn't mind. Plus, this was Venti, he's always like this. Once you got to your friend's house you saw them with a 4NEMO glow stick in hand and wearing a 4NEMO tee with the group's logo on it. "Hey, bestie! And Venti!" You laughed at the stupid nickname and replied. "Ok, you know you are my best friend and I love you platonically, and that I would die for you if necessary, but do not call me bestie. You can call me anything else, hell I'd even prefer if you called me your 'stupid butt-kicking partner in arson,' than whatever that was. Now, let's pretend that never happened and erase that from our memories. 'Kay?" This was just harmless teasing as you two had done much more stupid things and had many more inside jokes that no one except for you two knew about. "Aye aye, captain!" You talked about random subjects as the car ride went on. And Venti held onto you the whole way, almost as if he thought you might disappear. Maybe even a bit more than usual. Once you got to where the concert would take place, Venti escorted you both to the private room where the boys were practicing. "Hey, guys, I brought a little something!" Venti called to the other 4NEMO members, a hand on your shoulder tugging you to him. All the group looked up from what they were doing. From Kazuha trying out different chords on the electronic piano to xiao going over some dance moves that you hadn't seen yet, to Aether doing vocal exercises. Aether and Kazuha meeting you with soft smiles. Xiao looking away from you after he met your eyes. "So that's what you went off to do, and I almost thought you were trying to skip out on practice." Xiao retorted. "Well it is nice to have you here with us, and you too." Aether addressed you and your friend. It was surprisingly relaxing watching them warm-up for the concert. The practice was flawless, clear that everyone had already gotten everything down to the most minuscule detail. "4NEMO, you ready? Shows about to

begin." One of their workers called, you fairly remember her name being Rika or something along those lines. The boys nodded already dressed in their beautiful yet casual costumes. "Wooh! Go 4NEMO!" You called to them as you and your friend headed for where the audience had already situated itself. (On the other side) That past week, they had been almost three times more productive with you as their inspiration. Starting and releasing a new album dedicated to you in just a week. With you on their brains, inspiration was abundant. They were more devoted to you than even some of their superfans, Kazuha even stalking your social media in secret so he could make sure that his next compositions were to your taste. 4NEMO had been trying to express their love for you in the clearest yet unsuspicious way they could. Even referencing the day you met with the album. Nevertheless, you seemed to be only interested in friendship. No matter, everything would go their way in the end. Venti had put in so much effort to have you by his side, even if it was for just before the concert. Having to sneak away from the group without being noticed to go get you, paying the limo driver extra as he was only supposed to have driven 4NEMO there. Even holding back what we wanted to say to make you ditch that lousy friend of yours. Just for you to voice your feelings of devotion for them while he was in the same car!? So oblivious, so innocent, he had to protect you. The other boys were also surprised to see you but welcomed your presence. They all thought you would only show up at the concert, not before. But they all loved to indulge in you, so no one really minded Venti's little stunt. 4NEMO appeared on the stage. Smiling at the crowd with meaningless movie star smiles. At everyone except for you of course. All their eyes scoured the crowd for you, happy to see that you were close to the stage. Close enough, to tempt them into pulling you up to be with them. But, they had an image to uphold. So they held off on the longing looks at you and just focused on impressing you. "Hey, guys! Who's ready for a 4NEMO concert!?" Aether grinned and asked the crowd? The audience wooed back, even you, something the boys genuinely smiled at. "Well then, we've ought to get this party started!" Venti cried as the first song started. The boys knew that this had been your first concert as you preferred more quiet, secluded ways to spend your time while your friend was the one dragging you to interact with the outside world. And they were determined to make it special. Make this day the one that makes you as head over heels in love with them as they are. They started with a fast fan favourite, the one that you had as your ringtone. The one they created as a way to only express a fraction of the passion they felt for you. Xiao moved beautifully and elegantly as he sang. Venti hit a flawless high note that even most female singers couldn't reach. Kazuha harmonized with them in such a beautiful way that it could take one's breath away, rapping clearly and rapidly. Aether was the one who pulled it all together, he was the leader after all. 4NEMO was pleased to find that you were enjoying the change of environment. Moving your head and singing along with some of the songs you knew. Just one small problem. Though it was an irritation, the boys kept up in the perfect way only they could achieve. The problem was that you just had to bring your friend with you, Venti told the others what he had heard in the car, about how you would even die for them. And they just had to separate you two, it was too much jealousy to handle. It drove them even further, made them crave your praise even more. Even just a small compliment would suffice. So they worked their hardest at this concert. Making sure you have the time of your life. The concert was finally over and now you could be reunited with the boys. They swarmed around you once you had arrived at their private room. Asking you how the experience was and was delighted that you said that it was "absolutely

surreal" and that you loved it. It might not have been a direct 'I love you.' But it would work for now. Though they couldn't be with you in public due to their status, they would still have you. They would still make you theirs. They would remove anyone to make that happen. And it seemed like your friend was going to be the first.

[littlespoonevan]

Hi!! for the prompt thing i'd love to see either U (Coming home) or W (Waiting impatiently for something) if one of them spark joy. Thanks so much for doing this 🥰

Manon 💖💖 you had to know i couldn't pass up on the opportunity to write something home related after all the metaphors we've gotten this season sakdljhfa

this is a part 2 to amy's prompt which you can read here (but this can probably be read as a standalone too!)

Enjoy :')

-

As soon as Eddie’s given the all clear at the hospital he stands at the foot of Buck’s bed and hovers while the nurse checks him over. She gives Eddie the side-eye when he gets in her way but her smile is almost amused when she announces Buck can go home as long as someone stays with him and Eddie volunteers before she’s even finished her sentence.

Buck’s expression is a little harder to parse but he dutifully moves to Eddie’s side and lets him lead them out of the hospital. Bobby is waiting in the parking lot with the battalion car and he only looks a little like he wants to laugh when Eddie directs him back to where he parked his truck near the restaurant so he can take himself and Buck home.

Bobby leaves them with a promise to call after his shift and Eddie’s assurance that he’ll keep him updated.

“I have a mild concussion, I’m not incapacitated,” Buck says exasperatedly, cutting through their exchange, but he seems to melt just a little when Eddie places a hand at the small of his back to guide him towards the truck.

The drive to Eddie’s house is silent which means either Buck suspected they’d go to Eddie’s anyway instead of his apartment or he’s too tired to protest.

He hopes it’s the former.

Christopher, naturally, is ecstatic to see Buck. It’s been a while and Eddie tries not to feel guilty as he watches them hug each other hello.

“Are you okay?” Chris asks then when he pulls back, finally taking in Buck’s dusty uniform.

“Buck hit his head earlier so he’s gonna stay with us tonight to make sure he’s okay,” he explains, not quite able to help the hand he puts on Buck’s shoulder, like he can keep him here if he holds on tight enough.

“There should still be some of your stuff in my room if you want to get changed out of your uniform,” he says to Buck, nodding down the hall. It feels weird, like something you might say to an ex who actually had claim on a drawer or one side of a closet. Buck’s not his ex but two of the drawers in Eddie’s dresser belong to him and his toothbrush still has pride of place in the bathroom next to Eddie and Christopher’s.

Buck smiles, mumbling out a quiet, “Thanks,” and ruffling Christopher’s hair as he heads for Eddie’s room.

“Is he really okay, Dad?” Chris asks when Buck is out of earshot, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth in a move that’s so reminiscent of what Eddie himself does when he’s trying not to cry it almost knocks him sideways.

“Hey, yeah. He’s fine,” he soothes, kneeling down and wrapping an arm around Chris’ shoulders. “There was an accident at the restaurant I went to for lunch so Buck and the rest of the 118 showed up. That’s where he got hurt. But he’s been to the hospital and everything. I promise he’s okay.”

Inexplicably, Christopher smiles. “That’s really lucky.”

“What is?” Eddie asks, tilting his head bemusedly.

“That you were there to help Buck even though you weren’t at work together. Imagine if you had left early or something!”

It makes Eddie pause. He hadn’t really thought of it that way, had been more concerned about making sure Buck stayed awake, but well. He tries to imagine how today would’ve gone if he hadn’t been there. Sure, Buck probably wouldn’t have stuck around in the lobby without the rest of the team. But if the collapse had happened five minutes earlier? If he’d still gotten trapped? Would Eddie be getting a call now telling him to get to the hospital? He shudders; it doesn’t even bear thinking about.

“Yeah, it was really lucky,” he says weakly.

“What’s lucky?”

Eddie looks up to find Buck in the doorway of the kitchen again. He’s wearing my clothes, Eddie thinks dumbly. There are two drawers worth of Buck’s t-shirts and sweats in Eddie’s room and yet he purposely picked Eddie’s clothes. It’s a lot, actually.

“That Dad was there to save you,” Chris explains, craning his neck to grin over his shoulder at Buck.

Buck has the same deer in the headlights look Eddie’s sure he himself was wearing a few minutes ago but he recovers quickly. “Your dad always has my back,” he says as if those words don’t make Eddie want to pull Buck into his arms and never let go. As if they don’t make him want to call Bobby right now and beg him to reinstate him.

Instead, he musters up a smile for Christopher’s benefit and says, “I sure do. Hey, Chris. Can you hang out in the living room for a little while so Buck and I can talk?”

Chris looks between them and clearly considers how to work this situation to his advantage before turning a shrewd eye on Eddie. “Okay, but that means I can play video games until you’re done.”

Eddie rolls his eyes. “Fine.”

Buck snorts out a laugh, shaking his head as he watches Chris go. As soon as the door closes behind him the air in the kitchen feels suddenly heavy. Eddie clears his throat, feeling lost for a beat, before he turns to the cabinet. “I’ll get you some water. Might help your headache.”

Buck doesn’t answer but Eddie catches his nod out of the corner of his eye. There’s the scraping of a chair then and when Eddie turns around, glass in hand, Buck is sitting at the kitchen table and staring up at him with wide eyes.

Eddie swallows the dryness in his throat and sets the glass down in front of him. He takes the seat across from Buck, folding his arms on the table top.

“I’m sorry,” Buck says, seemingly out of nowhere. “You said it when we were trapped but I’m sorry too. I don’t like fighting with you.”

Eddie nods, following the vague pattern the grain of wood makes on his table. “You brought up the will.” He looks up to meet Buck’s gaze but his eyes are unreadable.

“Yeah,” Buck breathes and Eddie’s heart is pounding so hard in his chest he’d almost think it was a heart attack if he didn’t already know better.

“I- do you want to know why I didn’t tell you after the well?”

The faintest flash of surprise colours Buck’s features and he still gives a measured nod.

Blowing out a breath, Eddie tries in vain to steel himself. “Chris is my heart, y’know? He’s- he’s the most important thing in the world to me and you’ve been a better support to me in the past three years than my parents have since Chris was born and I know you know I trust you more than anything-“

“I get all that, Eddie,” Buck interrupts, voice soft. “I’m not- you know I love him. But that was still a conversation or- or a decision we could’ve made together. You could’ve told me.”

Eddie closes his eyes, curling his fingers against the table. “When I was underground-“ he grinds out. “When I- I almost gave up and it was like people always say, you know? My life flashing before my eyes. And it was all Christopher.” He raises his head again and finds Buck watching him with glassy eyes. “It was Christopher,” he says again. “And then it was you.”

Buck sucks in a breath like the words are a physical hit, blinking rapidly to dispel the tears gathered at the corners of his eyes.

“It was- so much of you, Buck,” he tells him. “You were everywhere. You and me. You and Chris. The three of us…and I just- I knew. Christopher is my heart and I knew he’d be safe with you. But if I told you then you’d know. And I was still afraid of that, I think. Afraid of what it really meant.”

There’s something quietly devastated etched into the crevices of Buck’s expression and Eddie suddenly gets it.

“But you didn’t know, did you?”

Buck shakes his head, sniffing and scrubbing at his eyes. “I thought I did. In the moment- I think I did. But the more time that passed, and the more I got in my head, it just felt like- like I was a backup plan. One that you didn’t need once you quit.”

“Buck.” Eddie reaches across the table and grips Buck’s hand before he can think to pull away. “You’re not a backup plan, how can you even-? You’re on my walls and in my drawers and my bathroom and in my fridge, I-“ He cuts off with a rueful laugh. “I thought I was laying my whole soul bare and you thought-“

“That you were trying to make this family conditional.” Buck shakes his head, pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes and letting out a noise that could be a laugh or a sob. “Fuck.”

Eddie can’t take it anymore. He pushes back his chair, standing up and rounding the table until he’s in front of Buck. He crouches down, waits until they’re level and gently tugs on Buck’s forearms to pull his hands away from his face. “The only condition here is if you love us because if you do then-“

“I love you,” Buck interrupts, the words blurted out in a rush, but they still give Eddie a dizzying kind of head-rush.

“I love you,” he repeats, hands gently cupping Eddie’s neck. “I want this family. It’s all I want, Eddie.”

Eddie breath hitches and he can’t help the way he sways forward to press their foreheads together. “Me too,” he whispers and he’s not sure if he moves first or Buck does but either way their mouths meet in a bruising kiss.

And it feels like love. Like a question that’s finally been answered. Like trust and a thousand years’ worth of moments packed into three and a half years.

It feels like coming home.

-

[hcrdknocklife]

Though she may be an internationally-recognized actress, Matthew had always found Clara to be an absolute spoilt brat. She was extremely talented, and there had been no doubt about that. But with her fame came the constant attention of her fans, and the paparazzi who hounded her wherever she went, both of whom Matthew had now been tasked to protect her from. For a man who had served in the military before he had established his own private security firm, he had always believed that this sort of job was beneath him, but he did not have the right to be picky about the jobs he took on when he had a business to run. He had protected castles, and royal palaces from being attacked, and saved politicians from assassination attempts. But now he was stuck playing the role of a glorified babysitter to someone who had been given a taste of fame far too early on in her life to have any sort of grasp in the reality of the world in which she lived. The constant partying was getting out of hand, and Matt was determined to put an end to it, not just because of his own annoyance, but also the sake of the very real concerns for her security. "I can't drink. I'm on the clock." Matt responded to her words, unable to hold back from rolling his eyes as her long hair whipped him squarely in his face. It almost made him want to yank that hair, and drag her right out of this club. But for the sake of his professionalism, he fought that urge, and stepped closer towards her. "There's paparazzi lining up outside of the club, and someone has managed to leak your location online. Fans are lining up outside, and they've shut down the entire street. We need to go." He stated, his voice quite stern as his comms device crackledm in his ear, and he listened intently to what his team had just informed him of. "It's not safe to leave through the main entrance anymore. But we've found a back exit that seems quite secure. I've put my team on standby, and I've instructed the driver to bring the car around. Either you come with me now, or I leave here without you. You can deal with the hundreds of people waiting outside all on your own." Matthew had never been so brutal with a client before, but with Clara, this had become inevitable. It often seemed like the only way he could get her to cooperate with him. Truth be told, he could not exactly leave her here, as he had been bound by the contract that he had signed with her mother, which stated that he must remain by Clara's side at all times whenever she was out in public. As long as she was kept unaware of his contractual obligations, he was certain that he could have his way. She did not seem like someone who would pay any particular attention to the rules, including the ones that he was meant to follow. Needless to say, Matthew had been more than willing to use that to his own advantage. "Whenever you're ready, Clara. We don't have much time." He informed her, glancing down at the time on his wristwatch before he looked up to meet her gaze, completely unfazed by all of her attempts to not cooperate with him.

there were many perks of being an internationally-recognized actress, but in clara’s opinion, the security detail wasn’t one of them. just when things were starting to get fun, her career finally taking off the way she’d always hoped it would — the way her mother always hoped it would — she was saddled with a surly stranger who apparently thought breathing down her neck was part of his job description. and okay, maybe it was, but they still didn’t appreciate it. “late?” she echoed, exaggerating so as to make the word sound outrageous. it was really too bad that he didn’t appreciate her talent for drama. “the night’s barely started. why don’t you have a drink, loosen that tie a little, yeah?” she turned her head to continue her conversation with the fashion model she’d been chatting up all night, letting her long sheet of black hair whip matthew squarely in the face as she did so. 

[haddonfieldwhore]

If you don't have too many requests at the moment, may I request Quentin's S/O helping him run away from his dad? I feel like after the freddy incident his dad would be more strict and controlling, to the point where it becomes almost impossible for Quentin to do anything without his dad's permission. And when his dad says that he needs to break up with his S/O, Quentin would be gone by sunrise.

i love the hostile energy towards his dad that lives on my blog. idk if this is headcanons or an imagine or what but i hope it’s what you were looking for! also i didnt edit this really lol so if theres any mistakes im sorry!! <3

cw. shitty parent lol

his dad has never been the most involved in his life, and rather than being more nurturing and trying to be a better parent after badham preschool, he distanced himself from quentin even more

after the events of the movies, he feels like he failed again to protect his son, so i agree that he would be stricter and more controlling

quentin isn't a pushover, and we've seen that he isn't afraid to talk yell back at his father. but i feel like he's just tired of it after all these years, and i feel like after freddy comes back they argue even more since quen is so angry

slamming doors and yelling can be heard often when they’re both home, so quentin starts to leave early for school and stay out later, usually with you or at your place. when his dad really pisses him off, he will just leave a note that he’s spending the night at your place (it happens at least once a week)

so when his dad tells him that he doesn't want him to see you anymore, he is livid, you’re all he has left. he signs quentin up for volunteering and extra curriculars through the school so he has no time to see you, and takes away his car keys

quentin is visibly miserable because of it. he can’t take being away from you this much, only seeing you in the halls and the few classes you have together (and when you sneak in through his bedroom window)h

a week away from his 18th birthday, you suggest that he just runs away, and comes to stay with you at your house. he says yes before you even finish asking 

his dad is furious when he comes home, quen having skipped his after school programs and getting a ride home from you to pack up his things. his dad tries to stop you but it’s no use. no way in hell is quentin gonna put up with this bullshit anymore, and if his dad does/or says anything bad to you? his dad is as good as dead to him

he settles in fast at your place, having spent so much time there already. your family loves him (who wouldn’t) and the only time quentin has to see his father is at school. his dad got the message that there is no separating you two, especially since you’re basically adults now

eventually, you graduate high school and with money saved up from working at the diner or wherever in town, you two move out on your own into an apartment, and never have to worry about his bitchass dad ever again <3 

[baronessblixen]

Could you please write a story about that attempted strangulation My Struggle scene and how Mulder took care of Scully later that night?

Hurt/comfort set after MSIII. Tagging @today-in-fic and @xffictober2021

Wc: 1021

Fictober Day 7

Tomorrow Isn't Promised

There's no question as to where he's taking her; they're going home. Scully leaves against doctor's order claiming her own status as a medical doctor and is released into the care of Mulder.

His hands are unsteady on the wheel and he leaves the radio off to listen to her breathing in the passenger seat. To prove she's there, she's alive and relatively healthy. How did she do this year after year when it was him in the hospital?

He's too old for this. They both are. They should be sitting on their porch, tend to their garden, and go to bed early. But they've never been these people, have they? They tried. God knows they tried. Like sharks, they have to keep swimming. Like moths, they will go look for the light, in hope of finding the truth.

And their son.

Mulder doesn't know what to make of Scully's visions. All he knows is that he trusts her. If she says to wait for William to contact them, in whichever way he chooses, he will wait right alongside her.

She's sleepy when he turns to check on her halfway to their home. He could have taken her to the place she's living - he refuses to call it her home, or even her place - and stay there with her. Taking her home might be a bit selfish, but it's where she belongs. It's the place where he knows how to keep her safe.

It's pitch-dark when they arrive and Mulder goes to help Scully out of the car and into the house but she does it on her own, like a sleepwalker. He follows her and opens the door for them. It's like she's never been gone. The realization is a needle prick to his heart.

"I want a shower," she says and he nods. She stands there watching him. "I can't do it alone."

Oh. Of course not.

"I'll be right with you." He hears the shower spring on as he collects towels and a fresh pair of pajamas for her. She only took the essentials when she left, leaving him with all her things. He hasn't touched them, hasn't moved them or thrown them away. Like him, they're ready for her to return.

Scully stands in the bathroom, completely nude, waiting for the water to turn hot. There are bruises on her body that he wishes he could take away. He can't live her life, feel her pain. But he hopes he can share it, make it easier on her. She must have felt him there because she turns around and smiles at him when she sees the pajamas and the towels.

"You want me here or-"

"In the shower," she says, stepping in. "Please," she adds. He undresses quickly and joins her.

"Hi," he says, sputtering water. "How are you feeling?"

"Exhausted."

"That all?" She nods. "It's quiet," she says over the rushing water. "In my head. William- he's quiet." The smile on her face takes him back to earlier times when she was pregnant with their child. She'd put her hand on her stomach, smile, sometimes whisper soft words to the baby. He'd watch, jealousy like a fine film over his eyes, until she'd take his hand and put it with hers. He wishes she could do that now. Wishes he too could see what their son is showing her.

Back in the here and now, under the hot spray of water, she takes his hand and puts it on her chest, right where her heart is.

"I'm okay," she says. "I'm still shaken but I'm okay. We both are."

He nods. "I should be taking care of you."

"We've always taken care of each other, Mulder. Open your hands." She pours shower gel into his palms, then her own. She starts washing his chest, his arms, and he mirrors her. Like reuniting lovers, their fingertips discover new scars and old stories on their bodies.

"I wish it didn't always have to be like this," he says.

"Like what?"

"One of us almost dying."

She looks up at him, her eyes swimming between blue and green.

"We always save each other."

"When did you become the optimist?"

"When did you become the pessimist?" She counters.

"As long as we always have both," he says, "we'll be safe. We're Yin and Yang, night and day-"

"Mulder and Scully," she interrupts him, smiling softly. "Let's get out of here. The water is getting cold." They towel each other off, needing the contact, needing to feel each other. In their bedroom, when Scully gets into her side of the bed, Mulder stops.

"Should I sleep on the couch or-"

She stares at him. They haven't shared a bed in so long. He wishes it were because she chose to come back, not because of fear and desperation.

"I want you here. If that's what you want too."

"Can I hold you?"

The question seems to surprise her as it takes her a moment to reply.

"I'd love that." He gets into bed with her, scoots close, and holds her. She smells like his shampoo and he's transported back a whole decade, maybe even two. He tightens his arm around her, reveling in the fact that he gets to hold her and feel her against him. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

"I might have nightmares," she admits quietly.

"I might too. I could have been too late and-"

"You weren't," she says, putting her hand on his arm that's encircling her. "You weren't, Mulder. You were there."

"And you're here."

"We need to sleep."

"Close our eyes on the count of four?" He always adds another one to give them more time, one more moment.

"One," she says, relaxing in his arms.

"Two," he counts, whispering the word against her cheek.

"Three," she sighs sleepily.

"Four." He closes his eyes but stays awake until he's sure that Scully is asleep. Only then does he allow himself to sleep too. There are no nightmares and when they wake again in the morning, still entangled, they smile at each other.

[spidxysense]

Back to You | 14

Summary: He broke your heart, but you’d always love him. Two souls that not even the universe could tear apart, even if you wanted it to at times.

Pairing: Tom Holland x Reader x Timothee Chalamet

A/N: Yay I updated! I hope you guys like this one, I was stuck for a bit there but once I sat down and got to typing, I really finished it in one sitting. I was just planning on updating it bit by bit lol. Let me know what you guys think, Love you!!!!!!

Word count: 2,591

Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

In a few short months of your movie premier with Timothee, you were finally able to release your double-release album, and the response was massive, to say the least. You'd been getting calls from different show hosts' upcoming awarding ceremonies. Still, you couldn't for life in you accept, all except for the Oscars, which your manager told you was a must since you'd be attending in the first place anyway and that performing at the Oscars was a big deal given that you also starred in films and shows.

You turned in bed, facing Timothee's sleeping face. He had been in town for a week now, back on a break from filming in Hungary. Then he'd be back to film in England in a couple of weeks. After your talk on your premiere night, it was to an agreement that whatever you had going on was just two people exploring and experiencing things with someone they had strong feelings for. There wasn't a need for a media circus to cover anything about you two except your movie.

You move his arm, placed it over your waist, and sit up slowly in bed, making sure not to stir Timothee. The jetlag must be shit. You stretched your arms in front of you, glancing at the clock that read 2:07 AM. You get up, grabbing Timothee's white shirt from the floor, and, putting it on, walking over to the bathroom. You looked at yourself in the mirror, touching some of the reddening parts of your neck courtesy of Timothee, and then you notice the toothbrushes… there were two. From this single thing alone, it had you catching everything about the bathroom, how there were two towels, one black, and one violet, which just so happened to be your favorite color.

You walked over to the nightstand beside the bed, putting on your skinny jeans, turning on the lamp, and noticing his wallet. Inside was a picture of you. Opening the closet doors, the ones hung up were various suits, jackets, and even dresses you've worn to events. Why didn't he just send these back? Why would he let you keep your stuff in his house?

You drag your feet downstairs, noticing small details you'd been blind to before, like the large dog bed positioned by the door despite Timothee telling you he could only ever get himself to take care of a tiny dog. You noticed the colored mugs and bowls, a deep dull navy blue color, the same as the ones in your house. Suddenly, everything feels as if it's moving too fast. You both agreed there was no relationship, and there was attraction, but why does his home feel like it's become yours as well?

You sit down, taking a few deep breaths before deciding to stand up and grab your cardigan from the coathanger, opening the front door and closing it behind you as you waited for a taxi to bring you to the more active part of the city at night.

You just couldn't deal with a relationship right now. You couldn't let your heart get broken again, so you have to find ways to distract yourself.

The car stops in front of you, driving off into the night and dropping you off by a club that Troye agreed to meet you at.

You and Timothee had an attraction, but you both agreed there was no label; ergo, there was no intimate relationship even though you both have done everything together. No boyfriend means you were free to do whatever you wanted without worrying about him. But if you were honest with yourself, this was more of you suggesting something you already knew Timothee wasn't too keen on agreeing with but would just because he thought that having something with you was better than absolutely nothing. You saw Troye waiting out by the back entrance for you when he spotted you and called you over. Almost like clockwork, every time you snuck out away from Timothee, everything in you screamed to turn back, to clear your head, and for the first time, you listened.

You motioned for Troye to go ahead and sent him a text that you'd probably just head home because you weren't feeling well. He gave you a knowing look before looking like he finally approved of your actions and sent you a quick and short 'Good." text, and headed inside.

You walked around for a while after that. Soon it was already just about 5 in the morning, and even though you wouldn't let yourself come to any conclusion as to what you even wanted out of this almost relationship with Timothee, you still found yourself back at his front door.

You took out the keys in your pocket, slowly opening the door only to find Timothee sat on the couch, his knees up to his chest as he stared off into space, either deep in thought or trying to keep himself awake… maybe even both.

When he saw you enter, a soft smile formed on his face, and for some reason, that made you smile too.

"Hey, you." He spoke softly.

You sat down quietly next to him, instantly he set his feet on the ground and reached over to embrace you in a hug, the familiar scent of Timothee that never left you that evening even more evident… It felt and smelled familiar, and right now, while your mind was a mess, familiarity was what you needed.

Timothee lifted his head, worried, "Hey, are you alright?"

You sighed, "I don't want to hurt you."

He murmured quietly into your neck as he peppered kisses, "You could never."

You pulled away, feeling guilt in your bones, "Aren't you even a little bit frustrated that we've been like this for months? That even in private, we can't even say that we're in a relationship?"

You gave you a reassuring look, "We both wanted this Y/N."

You sat up, "Except we didn't… You didn't." You corrected yourself, "You're bringing your mother to the fucking Oscars next month because I told you we couldn't be seen together at carpets for Pete's sake."

You stood up, starting to pace back and forth, "We have to coordinate outfits for the sake of not matching, and we never go out because I can't be seen with you in fear that we're going to get found out. I'm a terrible fucking person, and I don't understand how you're so okay with this."

Timothee was grinning, sleep still in his eyes, "I'm okay with it because I love you, Y/N."

You froze in your spot, "You what?"

He nodded and got up, walking over to you. The blue light of the early morning peaking through the curtain made this moment feel and look ethereal, "I said I love you, Y/N. I've known that I loved you from the moment I met you." He kissed the top of your head as he embraced you.

You shook your head, "No, no, no, you don't. I'll even list more shit I've done to you just so you understand how and why you don't love me."

Timothee chuckled, "And yet despite all this... all that's registering in my head is the fact that you've been thinking of me and only me this whole time. You've been worried about how you're hurting me because you don't want to."

And that's when you realized that Timothee was right. This whole time you've been thinking of Timothee and how much you wanted to protect him from you, but he never wanted to be protected from you because he knew that you could never hurt him. You rested your forehead against his.

"I-I need to go. I need to think."

He smiled sadly, "I'll be here when you're ready. I'll always be here Y/N until you don't want me to be here anymore."

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

You sat in your house, since leaving Timothee's earlier, you had been sat there lost in thought as you argued with yourself. It was true, the last thing you wanted was to hurt Timothee, but you were confused because it's like you couldn't understand your feelings. After all, a particular person still held a large part of it in his hands.

Timothee was there for you. Late night at the recording studio, whether through being there physically or even calling you or skyping you, he was always there. He was there with you when you bought all your albums from Target, and he was also the one who insisted you find another target that hasn't sold out your CDs so he could buy all of them too. Timothee was there with you when you had interviews that you almost felt like you could puke from nervousness backstage as he watched you talk about another celebrity you were getting linked to, and he was there with you to giggle about how stupid talk shows were. Timothee was always there. Whether it was dancing, kissing, or even fighting in the rain, he was always with you. He always wanted you around. Even when you rode the subway to get to a press conference of his or a promo for his upcoming movie, he always wanted you with him. He'd run with you in the rain, and he'd kiss away the sadness when you didn't want to speak with him. He was there with you when you get the sudden urge to buy all the popsicles from the nearest whole foods, and he was there with you when you got sick with the flu, which he also got from you. You'd spend afternoons walking around a far-off hill as you two put flowers in your hair despite knowing that you two probably had your busy schedules. Nothing mattered when you were with Timothee. Nothing mattered except each other. A part of you felt hurt that these memories you had kept of you and Tom were slowly being replaced by everything Timothee, but a large part of you also knew that the person you have now had no doubt that you couldn't ignore your feelings. You couldn't have to take Timothee out of your life.

Making up your mind, you got up, got dressed, and left for where you were sure you would find Tom.

He was in the middle of filming a new movie, but the second he saw you, he immediately asked to stop filming, a familiar, loving face plastered on as he walked over to you before being stopped by the director. They looked to be having a bit of a disagreement before he pointed you out, and the director looked at you in realization, patting him on the back and allowing him to jog over to you.

"Hey." You paused, your hand grasping your arm, and Tom took notice right away.

His eyebrows furrowed, "Hey, what's wrong?" He pulls you to sit by the curb as you two sat side by side, "You only do that when you're having a hard time saying something."

You gave him a look, "Well… I came here to ask you if it was alright if I try things out with Timothee."

He looked taken aback, "Oh, well, honestly, I thought you came by to sort things out between us…." He took notice of the way you looked down in guilt, "I don't think you could do anything with another guy that wouldn't upset me… but I don't really get that prerogative anymore, Y/N." He sighed, wrapping an arm around you to comfort you, "The fact is, you're trying to grow into who you've always wanted to be, and I'm trying to do that too for the sake of us and what we could be. If that means that you need or want to date someone again, I'll fully support you, but the most important thing is, does he make you happy?"

You sighed, looking out onto the filming lot, and nodded slowly, not noticing the slight upset look on Tom's face, "I catch myself sometimes smiling to myself when I think of him… But it's like I can't do anything because I don't want to let go of what we had."

Tom took a gulp, deciding that what was important right now was you, more than what he wanted, "What we had and what we were isn't important anymore Y/N. I'm working towards what we could become. What we had was co-dependency and a constant need to be in each other's presence to prove that what we had was perfect. I want us to find each other again in the future and know that no matter how far apart we are, if hopefully, we get together again, there is nobody in this world we'll love more… and that's what I'm encouraging you to do. I want to grow with you and grow for each other, and if that means you dating other people to understand yourself more, then I support you."

You looked at Tom for a second before hugging him and pecking him on the cheek, "I really needed that, Tom. Thank you."

He hugged you tighter, "Anytime. I'll always be here for you, Y/N."

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

You gripped your seat in the car in pure nerves. You were on your way to the Oscars with your assistant constantly telling you about your performance and what not to mess up and things to remember, especially about reporters who wanted an interview with you. To say you were all nerves today was an understatement. You hadn't spoken to Timothee ever since you told him you needed time to think, so today would be the first time you would ever come face to face with him. You thought long and hard about everything between the two of you. Still, you think you're finally ready to actually put some time and effort into this… and if that meant doing things that would significantly make Timothee happy, then you'd do it.

Your assistant watched a live feed from the Oscars as she gave you updates on how Armie was on the carpet. Saoirse was on the carpet, talking about how she hoped to make a movie with you and various other stars. You were a few minutes away from the carpet when she spoke up again.

"Timothee has just arrived." then she looked at her phone and back at you, doing a double-take as you gave her a sheepish smile, all she could do was smile approvingly at you before going back to giving you live updates.

A few minutes later, and your heart didn't feel like it was going to slow down anytime soon as your assistant gave you a pep talk, "Y/N. You are gonna rock that carpet, you'll turn heads, and most importantly, you're gonna be the talk of the night. There is nothing that could go wrong tonight. Just take deep breaths and don't trip."

Luckily you were still coherent enough to understand what she said as you took deep breaths to calm your nerves.

"Alright, three… two… one." The door flew open as one of the large men in suits grabbed your hand and helped you out. Your dress was not providing you much flexibility to move, and for almost 15 seconds, it felt like everything was moving in slow motion as everyone was quiet. You found Timothee busy with an interview as the crowd looked from you to him, the topic on everyone's minds for the past few months. As if this were the only proof they needed, they held their cameras in their hands as they snapped pictures of you and a commotion started as they started asking for Timothee.

You think you gave them a quick, charming grin as you told them he was in an interview before walking towards the interviewer and Timothee. She was the first to notice while Timothee talked about how his mom stood him up as his Oscars date, something you arranged a week earlier and something Timothee's mom was more than happy to comply to.

The interviewer looks ecstatic as the only one and the first one on this carpet to get whatever the scoop was here, as she wasted no time when you slowly approached them, "Timothee! You said you were stood up, but you never told us that your backup would be late!"

Timothee shot her a confused look before he felt your arm slowly snake around his arm, "Sorry I'm late." You quickly whispered to him.

His face looked shocked. Almost as if a reflex, he almost pulled away from you before getting a good look at what you were wearing. His jaw looked like it would drop to the floor as he looked utterly awestruck.

The interviewer giggled nervously, already knowing her interview time was slowly coming to an end without any payoff to the two of you, "Timothee, you look to be speechless at Y/N's dress tonight." She looked at you hopefully, "Could everyone here assume this is date night?"

You smiled shyly at the lady before giving her a tiny curt nod, "I know it's a bit cliche to match outfits, but when I saw that Timothee was going to wear a harness, I just couldn't let him take all the attention for tonight, so I apologize, but I've kept this secret from him too just to make sure he doesn't do anything to take the spotlight, that's why he looks like he's just had a heart attack." you giggled.

He gave a quick, playful tilted look to you before blinking multiple times, "In my defense, I didn't even know that this was a harness... They told me this was a bib."

"Bib or not, you two look like the sexiest couple on the carpet, and I just so happen to be the luckiest interviewer tonight." The interviewer looked ecstatic as can be as she jumps up, more energetic to interview the two of you, "And well, Y/N, one look at you, and it's hard to believe anyone would still have the ability to speak. You look gorgeous." She winked at the camera, "But I can't help but notice you just confirmed this is date night… Is it safe to assume what everyone has been wondering for the past few months? That you two are dating?"

Somehow, Timothee finally snaps out of it and looks at you, a questioning look before you leaned over and spoke into the mic, "Yeah. We're together. We have been for a while now." You smiled sheepishly as you saw Timothee's face glow as he wrapped his arm around your waist, "I apologize for keeping quiet for so long, but we think it's the right time to go public now that we've decided to take things to a more serious level."

The interviewer waves a hand in the air, "As long as you two let us in on the secret, there's no problem there." She faced the camera, "You heard it here first, folks. Hollywood's newest and hottest up and coming power couple. From both Y/N and Timothee themselves, now going public with their relationship."

As you two walked away from the interviewer for more pictures, Timothee embraced you, uncaring of the cameras flashing in your faces, "Are you serious?"

You nodded slowly, "I'm ready to be with you completely, Timothee. I'm sorry I took so long."

He shook his head like a puppy, "As long as you're here with me now, Y/N, I don't care."

He pulled away at the sound of your name and his in the same sentence as the photographers asked for your attention. He quickly kisses you on the cheek as you shut your eyes and grinned, cameras going off and commotion started up at you two, the young hot couple everyone had wanted more details on.

Timothee clutched your waist tightly, almost like he was afraid that if he let go, this would all go back to how everything was before.

Before entering the venue, he pulled you to the side, "Are you sure about this? I don't want you to force yourself."

You shook your head, guiding his head to yours, "I think I'm in love with you too, Timothee. I'm all in with you." And then you kissed him.

[ssa-thotchnerr]

A Certain Hopelessness

Aaron Hotchner x Daughter!reader

Warnings: angst, kidnapping, violence, swearing, sad!hotch

a/n: some sad Hotch stuff for your angst needs!! Also, there is a creepy unsub here, just a warning. This is set in around s7 and the reader is 15-16

word count: 2.1k

—

There was a feeling of hopelessness that had settled within the BAU over the past 2 days. A feeling of helplessness that was most felt by Aaron Hotchner, who'd been listening to his daughter screaming in pain, begging for him to come and save her. The whole team had the same thought in their head;

They couldn't come and save you because you'd been hidden so well.

But that didn't mean that they weren't going to try, they would try their hardest to find and save the little girl they'd watch grow up for years. But they also know that they couldn't save every single person, they just hoped that you wouldn't be that next person that they couldn't save. No one had even tried to get Hotch to move from his position at the round table, he'd told them that he wouldn't leave you, even though you had no way of knowing that he was there.

He would always be with you.

—

You'd pulled your knees up to your chest to try and obtain some body heat, since sitting on a cold, concrete floor of a basement where it was always constantly breezy didn't give you much of a high temperature. You wished that you hadn't left school early, maybe then you wouldn't be in your current situation.

"Good morning," You looked up at the door at the top of the stairs in fear, seeing the shadow of your kidnapper standing in the door. You winced as you pushed yourself into a corner, trying to make yourself as small as possible. He laughed as he stepped down the creaky stairs, and you saw the silver glint of a knife in his hands. "I hope you slept well, you got a long day ahead of ya'."

"Pl-please don-don't hurt me, I-I won't try to run again! I-I promise," You stuttered, fear filled eyes looking up at him. Through the little light in the basement, you could see the malicious grin on his face. "I'll-I'll do whatever you want, just-just please don't ki-kill me." You begged.

"Oh honey, I don't know if you got this, but I'm not gonna kill you, mainly because I wanna hurt your daddy," He said. "Make him feel like the awful person he is."

"This is about my dad?" You asked him, letting yourself relax a tiny bit. He nodded and crouched down in front of you, pulling you forward by the collar of your no bloodied hoodie.

"Damn right this is about your dad," He snarled, pushing you back into the corner roughly. "Don't you feel awful when he leaves you and that little brother of yours own your own? But then again, he worries about what you'll do to the only child he cares about, he couldn't give a shit about you." You blinked and couldn't help but furrow your eyebrows, feeling your heart sink. You shook your head as you looked up at him.

"Wh-what?" You asked quietly. He chuckled at your confusion and obvious hurt, his plan coming together. He was reversing everything you'd ever known, he knew that your dad loved you and Jack equally, but he could easily make you believe that your dad hated you with every single fibre of his being. He knew you were easily manipulated, and he knew exactly what to say to get you upset.

"Don't act like you don't know, darling. Your dad despises you, he hasn't even got that team looking after you," He said. Your eyes filled with tears as you thought about being left with this man a minute longer, but it hurt even more to think about that your dad didn't care about you enough to look for you. "They left on a case this morning, he told them you didn't matter."

"You-you're lying," You didn't know if you were telling him that he was, or you were trying to convince yourself that he was. "My-my dad wouldn't leave anyone." You said. He chuckled and came closer to you.

"Well, maybe you aren't anyone, you've never appeared to be to your dad," Tears leaked from your eyes as he'd finally, truly broken you down. "Why are you crying? I haven't even started hurting you yet."

—

Hotch couldn't bare to watch this man hurl abuse and untrue thoughts at you much longer, he couldn't watch you be broken down anymore. He shut his eyes as he heard you start screaming, presumably in pain. There was a knock on the door, Hotch spun around on the chair he was sitting on to see who was there.

"Sir, we think we've found a possible suspect on who has Y/N," Garcia told him. "Based on what he'd said in the video earlier, we found that he believes your a bad father to her and Jack, and that she'd be better off with him," She said. It didn't take a criminal profiler to see the hurt flash on the normally stoic Aaron Hotchner's face. "So, taking information with males that had lost a child, we found Craig Brock, he lost his daughter Leona in a car crash last year, And she shares a very, very striking resemblance to your daughter,” Garcia watched as Hotch took in what she was saying. “And with that, Reid determined tha5 he wants you to feel the same helplessness that he had felt when he lost his daughter.” She finished, sliding a picture of the girl across the table to her boss. Hotch took the picture and saw the resemblance, he sighed. He didn't want you to share the same fate as this girl, he didn't want to lose you.

"Do you have an address yet?" He asked.

"I'm working on it sir, but you should have her back by the end of the day," Garcia said, smiling at Hotch, who gave her a small sliver of a smile in return. "You should probably turn that off, or at least go home and see Jack, if anything happens with Y/N or  our Unsub, you'll be the first to know." Hotch sighed as he turned the TV off, turning the volume down and standing up.

“I never thought the day I’d be taking orders from you would come, Garcia,”

—

You grunted as you finally built up enough strength to rip the sleeve off of your hoodie so you could wrap it around your waist where you had been slashed. His words had echoed in your head since he’d even muttered them, did your dad even care about you? Were the team even looking for you? Hell, were they even in the country? You broke down into tears again, your blood coated hands coming up to cover your mouth. They fell back down to your sides when the door was yanked open, almost coming off of its hinges.

“Get up!” He snarled, huffing out in anger when you pushed yourself further into the corner, making yourself as small as possible. “I said, get up.” He practically growled. You sat still, crying out in fear when he grabbed the collar of your hoodie and pulled you up onto your feet roughly.

“Okay! Okay! I-I’m sorry,” You whimpered, holding your hands out in fear. He dragged you up the stairs, you crying all the way up as the pain from your wounds shot up.

“Looks like I was wrong about your dad not caring for you, he and his team are on their way here,” He said in your ear, his arm snaking around your neck and then his free hand holding a gun to your temple. You were shaking, your entire body trembling with fear. “He’s not gonna know what to do when he comes through that door, you’re cut up like a piece of paper.”

“He’ll probably fucking kill you,” You snarled. He was taken back by your sudden change in attitude, and righted his arm around your neck and pushed the barrel of the gun closer to your head.

“Anymore of that, and I’ll put a bullet through your skull,” He said in your ear.

That shut you up quickly.

It felt like hours before the door creaked open, and from the back room, you could see that Emily, Morgan and Reid were entering the house.

“Help! Help!” You screamed, only for a hand to be clamped over your mouth and to be thrown to the floor. His foot was on your neck, a gun pointed between your eyes. Emily, Morgan and Reid all cornered him, their eyes watching as you struggled to breathe, coughing and gasping as you tried to bring air into your lungs. You were beaten black and blue, and covered in blood, they almost didn’t recognise you.

“Craig Brock, let Y/N go,” Emily said calmly. “We know what happened to Leona, and we know that there was nothing you could do to help your daughter. Do you really wanna put another father through the pain of losing their child?” She asked him. In a moment of hesitancy, he removed his foot from your neck, allowing you to cough and then slide away from him. In what seemed as though a move of panic, he shot down at the floor, narrowly missing your head, but just clipping the side of your ear. A ringing noise deafened you, and you screamed.

—

Hotch felt his heart drop as he heard a gunshot and then a scream. Emily had ordered him to stay outside, she didn’t want him doing something that he would end up regretting. Minutes later, the front door opened again, only this time you were there, Spencer’s arm around your waist to support you and your arm around his shoulder. Walking out of there, you looked so small and scared. There was no way that Hotch couldn’t run towards you, gently taking you from Spencer.

“Da-daddy?” There was a small smile on your face as you saw the blurry figure of your dad. Hotch smiled in relief and nodded, arms going around you gently so’s not to disturb anymore of your cuts or slashes. “You-you came.” You stuttered.

“Of course I came, I wasn’t gonna leave you, honey,” He assured you. You couldn’t properly hear what your dad was saying, but you could make it out. “Alright, let’s get you to the hospital.”

“Can you carry me?” You asked, holding your arms out to him. Hotch nodded and lifted you gently, holding you close like if he let you go, he’d lose you once again.

-

“Can I see Y/N yet?” Jack asked his dad. Hotch smiled as he nodded at his youngest child, who was clearly eager to have his older sister back. Hotch was getting Jack from school while you were asleep at home, with every door and window locked to improve your safety.

“Yeah, she got home this morning after I dropped you off at school, she’s been missing you too,” Hotch told Jack. When they got home, Jack practically shot upstairs. “Jack, do not go into Y/N’s room.” Hotch called up to him. Jack sighed as he waited for his dad to come up the stairs.

“Can I go in yet?” Hotch laughed as he nodded, opening the door to your room and sighing at you when he saw you were now awake, Greys Anatomy playing on your TV. “Y/N!”

“Hey bubs!” You cheered, smiling at your brother as you pulled your brother up onto your bed. Hotch sat down on the end of your bed and took the TV remote turning it off. “Dad.” You whined.

“You’re supposed to be asleep, Y/N,” He reminded you. You sighed as you flopped back onto your bed.

“Can I stay here?” Jack asked, looking at your dad. Hotch shook his head.

“No, Jack, Y/N has to try and get some sleep,” He said. You pulled Jack to sit beside you and you both pouted up at your dad, who sighed as he shook his head. “Fine, fine.”

“We love you, dad.”

—

[seonghwanotes]

730 days | song mingi

pairing: mingi x reader

genre: angst

word count: 2k

a/n: i personally hate this piece so much, it hits a little too close to home but i wrote it decently and its still cringy gah dayum & there's no part 2 because some things are better off this way

You were in a relationship with Mingi for 2 years now and today was your anniversary with him. Lately, you could never get to go out with him on your monthly anniversaries since he was always busy with work which you understood and didn't mind about. So, you were exhilarated that you finally got the chance to celebrate a special day with him today.

You got dressed pretty early and drove to his house because you knew that he would be late or forget that you both had a date planned out since he hasn't texted you all day long.

While you were driving to his place, you turned up the volume on the radio and drove silently. The memories of when you first met Mingi flooded into your mind as you drove by the familiar street.

You fell in love with Mingi the second you saw him at a distant friend's birthday party. He was avoiding people at the party so it wasn't that hard for you to start a small talk with him. That night was definitely one of the best nights you've had, Mingi didn't even hesitate talking to you, in fact even when everyone had left, you both were still chatting away without realising it was late night.

You let out a small laugh as you drove into the street that Mingi lives at when you thought about the day he confessed to you. You had been talking to him everyday for a few months now and there was a misunderstanding between the two of you which resulted in a fight. Mingi being the gentleman he is, came to your doorstep late at night apologising and also, confessed his feelings for you.

And ever since, things have been going amazing between the two of you. Or so, you thought.

You reached the place and parked your car in front of his porch, turning off the engine before you walked to his doorstep. You felt nervous, as if it was your first date with him. Your hand reached the doorbell and clicked on it.

"Coming!"

You took a few steps back, knowing that his tall figure would accidentally bump into you by accident if he was about to walk out. Within seconds, he opened the door and came out. The smell of his cologne immediately flooded your surroundings, making you flinch a little, followed by a loud sneeze.

He was in the middle of locking his house door when his head turned to your direction, "Everything alright?"

You nodded, rubbing your nose. You managed to steal a glance at him, he was clad in a pair of light blue jeans along with an oversized white shirt, a denim jacket over it. You, on the other hand, wore jeans as well and a flowy blouse with your hair let down.

"You look pretty," He commented, making you realise he was done locking his door. You smiled at his compliment and returned one to him, "You look handsome as well."

"Where do you wanna go?" He asked, holding your hand as you both started walking. Everytime Mingi touched you, it would make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This time, you didn't feel anything at all, not coming off as a surprise to you anymore.

"I don't know, I told you I didn't mind any place." You replied back.

"It's okay, it's better if you choose a place. I don't want to argue with you later about this." He said.

You looked at him with furrowed brows, wondering what he meant. Was he really going to argue with you before your date even started? That too, on your anniversary?

It took him a while to realise what came out of his mouth as he looked at you and tried to come up with an excuse. "I mean, I just don't want you to feel unhappy about it later."

You were obviously hurt from what he said earlier but you didn't want to show it to him, knowing that he would try to convince you to not feel this way. You hummed at his statement and looked at him, "Let's just go to McDonalds, I guess."

"McDonalds?"

"Didn't you tell me to choose a place?" You questioned him, starting to feel tired with his questions. You managed to catch him sigh and roll his eyes before he turned away, clenching his jaw.

Your relationship with Mingi was falling apart, that was for sure.

The first year together, everything was perfect and you had almost no arguments at all. You both went on dates a lot and took things up a notch. It felt like paradise whenever you were with him.

However in your second year, you felt like things started to lose its authenticity slowly. You began to argue with Mingi over the pettiest things and so did he. You've cried more during arguments with him than out of stress that now if you argued with him, you felt so numb and tired.

The relationship was getting toxic day by day.

"What's your problem now?" He finally asked, leaving a scar on your heart again with his blunt question.

"What's my problem?" You quivered, tears were starting to form in your eyes. You let go of Mingi's hand and asked him, "Why are you always arguing with me, Mingi?"

The look of fury turned into sorrow on Mingi's face as he heard your voice crack when you asked him that question. He knew that you had reached your point, you couldn't hold it in anymore. He had hurt your feelings to that point.

Yet, he didn't show any sign of pity towards you when he questioned you back. "Why are you like this? We've been fighting almost everyday."

You were on the verge of crying as tears collected in your eyes. "Why am I like this? Are you really asking me why I am like this? I've been trying my best to save our relationship every time it has been falling apart and you're asking me why am I like this? When are you going to realise that you have been screwing up our relationship, Mingi?"

He flinched at the mention of his name. You had never used his name before when you were together unless you were pissed or sometimes, jokingly. You had never used it when you were arguing as well. So it took him by surprise that his name left your mouth that day.

"Baby…"

Even him using pet names on you made you shiver, you knew it wasn't genuine anymore. He had stopped using pet names for weeks now, you didn't want to hear anything anymore. You looked at him in the eyes, hoping for him to tell you that it's okay and we would be alright. But he didn't.

Even though he put in more effort into your relationship compared to you, he was also the one hurting you the most that it was starting to drive you crazy. You loved him, you loved him with your whole heart and you didn't want to let him go. But in order for you to be alright again, you had to let him go.

Which resulted in you saying those words that you never expected yourself to say when you started dating Mingi.

"I think it's best for us to break up."

You both remained silent for a while, until you started sobbing and looked down. You hated this so much. You didn't want to show him that you were weak and vulnerable. You were at your lowest and you knew you couldn't hold it in anymore.

Mingi's hand reached to touch yours but you jerked away. "Please don't."

He immediately took his hand away and stood still in front of you. Seeing that he was quiet, you knew he was speechless and was thinking of what to say. You didn't want to look at him as well knowing that you would start to cry harder.

At the same time, you wanted him to ask you to stay. You wanted him to tell you that he was willing to fix things between the two of you. You wanted him to tell you that he loves you and he doesn't want you to leave him.

But he did nothing.

You didn't want to leave him, heck, it was stupid of you to even initiate the break up. but, you were not wrong. Mingi didn't even bother begging you to speak or wipe away your tears as he would.

You didn't want to assume things, perhaps he was hiding his pain as well as you did. Maybe it was going to take him some time to realise how fucked up the relationship was.

"Okay." He breathed out, a croak following along as he looked away.

You looked up at him, "Okay?"

"Yeah, let's break up." He said, making eye contact with you as you watched a tear roll down his cheek. You wanted to hold his cheek, wipe his tears and say that it was okay. You wanted to kiss him like there was no tomorrow.

But you didn't.

Instead, you started to cry. You covered your face with your hands as you cried in front of him. You didn't want to leave him, you knew very well you were still wrapped around his finger. You wanted to call him everyday, you wanted to text him good night and I love you everyday. You wanted to give him kisses every time he was sad after watching movies. But that wasn't going to happen.

You felt a pair of warm hands engulf you into a hug, hot tears dropping onto your blouse and Mingi held you tight for one last time. You dropped your hands and hugged him back, crying on his chest that you were starting to lose air.

You knew very well if you stayed in that position for a little longer, you would tell him that you were sorry and you would tell him to forget what you said. So, you pulled away from his hug. Mingi's eyes were red and puffy, he sniffed and looked up at the sky, holding back his tears.

You kissed him back for a brief second before he pulled away. His hand remained intact on your cheek, "It's okay Y/N, you don't have to apologise. I understand where you're coming from."

You couldn't help it. It broke you to see him in pain and you didn't want to see him in that situation ever. So, you opened your mouth to speak but Mingi stopped you by asking, "Can I kiss you one last time?"

Your eyes were glazed, you didn't know what to say. This was really it. This was happening for real and you had to accept it. You gave a subtle nod which led him to kiss you out of nowhere. You didn't move, you stood still as his kiss made you feel warm and content for one last time.

You looked down as he said that, shutting your eyes. You took a deep breath, telling yourself that it was okay and heartbreaks are normal. His hands took yours and he kissed them, before he talked to you.

"Just promise me that you won't give up on love because of what happened between us."

You had no words, you didn't even know what to say to him. You remained quiet for a while. He let go of your hands, "I love you Y/N, I always have and I always will. I'm sorry for hurting you all this while and not owning up to my mistake."

"I'm sorry too Mingi," Your voice croaked, you weren't able to tell the former cause it hurt too much in you to say it back.

"Just…" He paused, looking hesitant to continue his sentence. You could tell he wasn't going to continue his sentence knowing your answer, "Text me when you get back home."

After he said that, he walked back inside his house, leaving you alone at his porch - a crying mess. You got into your car and cried for a good 10 minutes. You wanted him to come out and kiss you, tell you to come inside and convince you to stay.

But you were both too egoistic for that. He knew you wouldn't bother his words, nor would you if he asked you to give him another chance. You looked up at his window, you saw his shadow through his sheer curtains and you could make out that he was crying as well.

No matter how much you loved him, you had to end your relationship before everything felt forced and fake. Before everything was merely a show. It was better to give your all in the relationship instead of giving only half or nothing.

So you drove back home.