#also just to distract from the… everything…

[vaaaaaiolet]

Anxiety left you sleepless all night. Leon figures his favorite dream of you might help.

mdni CIAO CHILDREN!! f / m smut w established relationship. put bluntly, leon fucks the worry out of you 😭 he talks you through sex by retelling a dream, tiny bit of character study, PRAISE!! TONS of fingering, 0.5 sec of cockwarming, light angst, p in v w/ a happy ending iykwim, aftercare and i love you's awww. also strawberries 🍓

a / n: req fic from my event!! i took the premise from isle of strawberries by edwin raphael and you can find a playlist for this fic here. motivational smut is a first for me LMFAO but i hope this works w your vision, anon <3 also PEE AFTER SEX YOU GUYS

word count: 2.5k // read on ao3

The 5 AM sun shines rays through the cracks in your plan. You thought you’d been convincing enough with your face pancake-flat against the pillow and your left arm thrown out of the blanket just so. You’d even made sure you had a foot poking into Leon’s side the way he always grumps about, but somehow, your boyfriend always seems to see right through you.

Just like now. 

A busybody poke on your shoulder. “Sweetheart,” follows a drowsy whisper, “what’re you doing?”

Sleeping since last night, thank you very much.

“No use playing possum. You haven’t moved an inch since we went to bed and you, ma’am, can’t sleep still to save your life. C’mere,” and you’re tugged to Leon’s side of the bed, the top of your head peppered with slow, sleepy kisses as he hugs an arm around your middle. “Did you sleep at all tonight?”

You clutch his forearm like a safety bar on a rollercoaster. “A little.”

“Enough?”

“Um…” 

Leon kisses his teeth. He’s usually the one on the receiving end of these questions, but he’s picked up a couple things from you. “Too hot? Too cold? Anything I can get you?”

“Nothing’s wrong, I just can’t fall asleep.”

A quiet sigh from you, a hum of understanding from him.

“Because you’ve been thinking again.” He asks if you want to talk about it.

“It’s just a bad night,” you mumble, playing absentmindedly with his fingers. “Overwhelmed. Been getting into my head about everything I should be doing but don’t. I feel like I’m letting everyone down all the time.” 

In the champagne pink of the early morning light pouring through the bedroom window, your eyes trace the corded muscle of Leon’s arm around you – a testament to the strength it takes to do his job every day. There’s scars here, burn marks there, a plum-hued bruise.

Your words stumble to a halt. Embarrassed color rises to your cheeks. 

The matter is that scars from his missions to the ends of the earth litter the chest cradling your back right now. Leon must be sore and aching, listening to you whine like a child with too much food on your plate. What could be keeping you up at night when he shoulders your worst nightmares for a living? All while you lay cuddled and coddled? You don’t know the first thing about worry, the paralysis in his bones that must pale to yours.

Guilt creeps up your spine, and Leon frowns at your sudden silence. You’re retreating into a shell he’s called home too many times. He won’t have any of that with you. 

“Hey, hey, you’re okay,” he soothes, smoothing back your hair. “I’m still here. You don’t wanna talk right now?” 

You let go of his arm and burrow into your pillow, mumble about how you like sleeping late on weekends anyway.

A scoff sounds behind you. “Sleep late, my ass.” 

Leon’s arm comes circling back over your ribs in an instant. He squeezes you so tight to his chest that you feel his heart thump behind your back, and you can’t help the unexpected laugh that bubbles up your throat when he lets go. It’s his favorite reflex of yours.

“If you won’t talk, I will.” Leon presses a kiss to your cheek. “Gonna distract you for a bit, sweetheart. Humor me?”

“Hm?”

“I wanna tell you about my favorite dream. You’re in it.”

You can’t pretend that doesn’t catch your attention like lightning to a rod. Leon doesn’t dream much, not besides the nightmares that have him scrambling to throw off the covers in the middle of the night. 1998 hangs thick in the air of your bedroom some days, but for him to have a dream where you don’t die for a change? That’s new. 

So is his hand starting to creep under your sleep shirt, playful circles tracing on the soft skin below your navel. Part of his distraction strategy. A successful one, if the skip in your heart rate has anything to do with it.

“This okay?” he rasps.

More than. 

You reach behind, cradling his cheek to kiss him a proper hello; allow yourself an anticipatory inhale when Leon’s hand dives under the waistband of your shorts. It takes exactly three seconds for his middle finger to pinpoint the pearl of your clit, and he circles it twice, maddeningly slow, before sliding right under to trace along the seam of your entrance. 

Leon keeps the pressure light. He needs your head clear so you listen. 

“It always starts the same.” He shifts his hips so yours widen for him. “I’m standing in the middle of a huge field, a strawberry farm. There’s nothing around for miles, just rows of bushes full of berries and storm clouds in the distance. I find an empty basket in my hand.”

You imagine your mountain of a boyfriend holding a basket like Strawberry Shortcake. Adorable. “You dream about picking strawberries?” you giggle, arching your back to fit more comfortably against him, and your consideration earns you a searing dip of his finger into your pooling arousal. 

“That,” Leon chuckles, “and a nagging, sinking feeling that I should be doing something but I can’t.”

Oh. 

“Mhm. It hits me that I have to pick as many strawberries as I can before the storm rolls in, and I can’t even move, sweetheart.”

You swallow the returning lump in your throat. Push down a sigh that was building at the upward roll of his fingertip inside you. Leon tuts at your effort, coaxing the sound out anyway with a press of the spongy spot he knows is tucked at the back of your walls. You crumple at the delicious nudge; it leaves you open to welcome another finger into your warmth.

“But this is a good dream because,” Leon smiles at your next gasp, “then I see you at the edge of the field standing next to a little house, waving at me.” 

He scissors you open like he’s got all the time in the world. You clutch the corner of your pillow when you hear it through the comforter: the soft, rhythmic squelch of his fingers curling into your cunt.

Pretending he can’t hear your whimpered little curses as he coos in your ear, “There you go, listen to that,” Leon continues. “That’s when I start thinking. There’s no way I can save all these strawberries in time. You’re standing there, smiling at me without a clue there’s a storm brewing, and suddenly all I can think about is getting you into the house before you get hurt.”

His lesson becomes one of endurance the more he talks. The fingers pumping into your pussy melt your brain into mush that’s chanting, more, more! Exactly the root of your problem.

“So then I- oh, poor baby. This isn’t enough?” 

Shit. You forgot you talk in your sleep. And apparently when you get fingered too. 

“Guess I can’t blame you. I get distracted in the dream too, fuck.” There’s a pause, a sputtering stop to the lovely fullness when Leon pulls his fingers out and promptly sucks them off. 

Even a worm will turn; you certainly do. You whine Leon’s name when he makes a show of it, gazing at you with half-moon eyes and a boyish grin pulling at his lips. “What, it’s my fault you taste better than the strawberries did?” 

No, for leaving you hanging. You were paying attention — maybe a bit too much.

“It was you, by the way,” Leon chuckles, lifting the comforter so his knees can bracket your thighs. 

“I distracted you in the dream?” you gasp, sliding your hands up his shirt.

“In the best way, angel. You helped me get moving again.”

The peachy light of dawn caramelizes gold as Leon climbs on top of you. It doesn’t warm the bedroom quite yet; Leon makes sure the comforter is tucked over your bare skin after he finishes kicking off his pajama pants. He’s back to murmuring sweet nothings, gently tugging your shirt over your shoulders so he can kiss down the swell of your breasts. You’re so toasty under the covers that the goosebumps now speckling your chest are entirely his fault. 

“I remember you picking a few berries off a bush,” Leon looks fondly up at you under golden lashes, pressing a gentle kiss over your heart, “and you just looked so content eating them. I was fretting over saving the whole field and you were fine with a handful.”

You’re itching to ask: but the storm’s still coming, isn’t it? Thunder, rain, your aching cunt dripping onto the sheets right under him. 

Leon is all too happy to answer. 

One hand cradles the back of your head so he can drop his mouth onto yours, leaving the other free to slip under the blankets, rub consolation over the hood of your clit, and finally, finally, notch the swollen head of his cock at your entrance. You cry out, clutching at Leon’s hair when he sheaths himself in a buttery-smooth stroke – as if it could be any other way with how you’ve melted like chocolate in his hands. You both gasp at the stretch.

Leon’s jaw works as he kisses you, savoring you. Spit bridges your mouths in between split-second gulps of air. Your heart thumps against your ribcage like you’re hanging off a precipice, no difference in the dizzying drop that waits ahead. His length sits adjusting inside the squeeze of your plush walls. 

Leon’s sentences come out chopped and desperate as he alternates sucking berry-toned love bites between your breasts, and he admits, “I don’t save the all the strawberries.”

You wheeze as if you’ve dashed across the field yourself. “No?”

“Just need enough to last us the storm. Fuck the rest, figure it’ll grow back. Only need to focus on what matters – getting enough for you – so I pick a couple,” the thick of his cock is suffocating when it’s this still, “run,” Leon pants at the first snap of his hips against yours, outrunning the storm all over again, “and pull you inside the house before lightning strikes.”

Electric pleasure curls up from the base of your spine, spreads to your head and flickers down to your toes as Leon starts pounding into your pussy. No room in your chest for anxiety to linger when your eyes are rolling skyward. The edges of your vision melt into vignette as your lover sinks into you again and again. 

Tunnel vision. 

“Keep those pretty eyes open. Focus on what matters,” he repeats in a frenzied whisper, and the tunnel closes in.

All you see are Leon’s eyes. Smack dab in the middle of his blown out pupils is your reflection.

That’s it.

Coherency goes flying out the window with all your brainpower used up to connect the dots. “Leon, you-!”

“Tell me what you see, sweetheart,” he breathes sharply. “I know you can.”

You beg for mercy at each dig of his blunt cockhead. “Me, I get it, fuck! Please- just let me come!”

Course he can, he just has to drill something else into you first. 

“Need to hear you say it,” Leon grits. Nips at the base of your neck as your nails claw stinging holds on his shoulders. “Shit, I’ll make you see stars, don’t worry, I just need to – oh, you’re so fucking tight! – get it in your head. You can’t shut down on me.”

You thrash under him, make more space for bruising kisses to bloom up your neck. “But you’ve had it worse,” you sob out, overwhelmed. 

“How else do you think I know?”

He’s not letting you head off into your own storm alone. Not when you’ve saved him from his.

“Tell me you’ll let me in next time you get in your head, and I’ll make you come. I’ll make you come so fucking good, baby,” Leon hisses, stealing one last kiss from your panting lips. 

“Promise?” 

“Promise.” 

“I will.”

And you ought to thank your lucky stars your levees don’t hold. 

It starts with spiraling cracks. Leon reaching down to press his thumb over your swollen clit. One shaky thrust away from dislodging the last brick holding you together. A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it flutter of your cunt, choked breaths torn from his throat when the silken clutch of your walls sends him into that final crescendo. 

Leon’s fraying at the edges, obsessive in how rolls his thumb at the bundle of nerves that make you shriek his name, and you, hand in hand with him, finally let the swelling tsunami in the pit of your stomach topple your walls. 

Turns out he’s right. Stars explode across the night sky when your eyes squeeze shut. 

You can’t pay attention to much except the rolling tide of pleasure. Leon’s soon spilling into you, his brow pinched as he blindly works his spend into your cunt under the covers. His forehead glistens with sweat, hell, your baby hairs are a dripping mess, but strangely, you think you’ll spend the rest of your life chasing this warmth again. 

Your heart’s never felt more weightless. 

Glowing seconds sail by. Leon’s shaking arms eventually give way and he collapses onto your chest. You let out an “oof!” at the drop. 

“And then the dream ends,” you hear him sigh, eyelids fluttering shut.

About time, you think, smiling as you brush a thumb over his cheekbone. “Then you wake up?”

“No.” Leon cracks open a sapphire eye and grins. “Sometimes we do this.”

In the little hou- Oh. “Fuck you,” you laugh.

“It’s my favorite for a lot of reasons!” 

He sits up, keeping his touch featherlight when he pulls himself out from between your candied thighs. Tiny aftershocks jerk your thighs once, twice, and Leon takes the time to whisper soft apologies when he reaches for a tissue on the bedside table. 

“I meant it back there, y’know?” he hums, gently wiping off the mess between your legs. “I hate seeing you so hard on yourself.”

“It just feels like I’m making a big deal out of nothing. Especially when you’ve been through worse,” you mumble, picking at the covers.  

The tissue gets tossed into the trash, and Leon shoots you a small smile. “Worse to you, maybe. To me, the worst thing I’ve seen is watching you lose your spark and not being able to help.”

“You really think so?”

“Why wouldn’t I? I love you.”

So you remember your promise. 

You tell him you love him too, no more secrets to keep in your head. The bedroom blooms warmer than you remember it ever being, a little slice of summer straight out of both your dreams.

You remember the strawberries from the farmer’s market in the kitchen, and that Leon makes killer Sunday pancakes.

You remember how much you love afternoon catnaps with your limbs tangled between his. Infinite possibilities pile high like the papers on your work desk. So much to get started.

Focus on what matters. The rest will grow back.

You turn the other cheek, and kiss your lover on the mouth.

psst, find more of my work here!

comments and reblogs are very much appreciated <3 take care and i love you!

[badplacetohaveagoodtime]

I imagine Nerdanel as a woman who wasn't afraid to speak her mind, not even to the arrogant oldest prince, because in her eyes, he was just another stupid student of her father who thought she was pretty, and she didn't care for that nonsense because she just wanted to sculpt.

And Feanor loved that because he didn't want some pretty lady dangling on his arm who would only try to distract him from his smithing and language making, and Nerdanel loved that.

When they got their children, they quickly set up systems. Feanor was the one taking care of everything while Nerdanel was pregnant, and when she was recovering, and after she recovered, they switched with who was taking care of the kids.

They're both practical and as in love with their craf as with each other as with their children, and they made sure that each of these aspects of their lives were well taken care of.

Also, Nerdanel is a sculptor, the daughter of a smith and the mother of 7 rowdy kids. She has muscles. BIG muscles but everyone is afraid of buff women.

gotta say some people are always like oooo fëanor loved plain nerdanel because she was so soft and kind and patient and lovely to him and that’s what made her beautiful to him. ok well what if she wasn’t. what if she was impatient and irritable and jumped up during family dinner to go start work on a new sculpture. what if she spent days down there in her workshop covered in dust ignoring everyone. what if she wasn’t very maternal. what if she had a temper. what if she was a brilliant abrasive artist like he was. what if she wasn’t just a woman forced to mother a difficult man. what if instead their partnership was built off homophrosyne and that’s why they worked

[munsonsmixtapes]

Guess

Eddie x fem!reader

summary: Eddie invites you over for dinner but decides to skip straight to dessert

cw: MDNI (18+) oral (f receiving) age gap (reader is 25 and Eddie is 40)

This is part two to this post!

You feel nothing but confident as you knock on the door of Eddie’s apartment. The two of you have only slept together a couple times since you first met over a month ago, but you know that Eddie will be nice and gentle with you. He’ll never cross a line and be sure to check in every once in a while. And Eddie is by no means a gentle lover, but he will be for you. He’ll do anything for you. 

The door opens and Eddie’s standing on the other side, looking like something straight out of your dreams. He’s dressed in a pair of black dress pants paired with a maroon button up shirt, the top few buttons undone showing off his chest hair perfectly. He’s a walking wet dream and you feel the need to close your legs tight. 

He opens the door wide, holding a hand out to you which you take. He pulls you to his chest, the door closing behind you as those honey eyes stare down at you, progressively growing darker by the second. He tilts your chin up so you’ll look him in the eyes, an infectious grin spreading across his lips. 

“Long time no see,” he says as leans forward, capturing your lips with his. It’s slow and sweet at first, but it progressively grows more hungry as a groan escapes the back of his throat. His tongue slides into your mouth and you moan at the sensation. 

Your hands grab at any fabric you can find as his mouth slowly migrates to your cheek, your jaw, then finally to your neck, licking and sucking as his hands grab onto your ass, causing you to gasp as he gives it a squeeze while he sucks hard on your neck. 

He pulls away before you’re ready and he has to catch you in his arms as your legs have started to feel like jelly. He looks down at you with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, his hands now grabbing hold of your waist, keeping you from falling to the floor. 

“Already falling for me, huh?” He asks with a wink and his tone is nothing but teasing, but you can’t help but think that he’s right. He just makes it so easy with how sweet and charming he is. It also helps that he’s easy on the eyes. 

“It’s hard not to,” you wink back, trying your best to cover up how hard you’re starting to crush on the man. 

Eddie doesn’t know why you can’t see that he likes you too. He thought it was obvious as he doesn’t usually just invite anyone to come over for dinner. He even made everything instead of ordering takeout so that must mean something. He hopes you know that this is a date that he asked you on with the intention of having more in the future. He hasn’t stopped thinking about you and wants to see where this goes. 

He leads you over to the kitchen table with various dishes filled with different courses of the meal in the center of it. He bought some nicer dishware in preparation since most of the time he’s home he just uses the disposable stuff because of how little he’s actually home. He wants to impress you. So badly in fact that he made this very dish multiple times to practice just so he wouldn’t fuck it up tonight. 

It’s just spaghetti, but he’s not a very good cook so he needs help wherever he can get it. He even went as far as having Steve come over to help so the meal would actually be edible. The man can’t even make ice properly so he thinks he made the right call. 

You sit across from Eddie and he’s so distracted by how beautiful you look in the candlelight-how beautiful you’ve looked every time he’s seen you-that he doesn’t even hear you when you speak, he only sees your lips move. 

“What was that, sweetheart?” He asks, his voice soft as he looks up at you, desperate to know what you just said.

“Oh,” you clear your throat as you put your napkin in your lap. “I was just saying that this all looks really good.” You’re not lying when you say this, but seeing him sitting there, looking good enough to eat, you’re more than ready to skip right to dessert. 

“Well, thank you,” he nods, reaching for the salad, moving to your side to serve you, piling a bit of the stuff onto your plate until you tell him it’s enough. As he bends over you, you get a whiff of his cologne, so close to clearing the table and pushing him down onto it to have your way with him. 

Once you’re fully served every part of the meal, Eddie serves himself before sitting across from you and can’t decide if you’re hungry for the spaghetti or the man in front of you. As you both eat in silence, you slide your heel off and drag your foot up and down Eddie’s leg, watching his face out of the corner of your eye to his reaction. 

He’s caught off guard at first considering how shy you seemed to be earlier, but he’s eating it up now. He watches you as you eat your salad, your face pointed towards your plate and he wonders how you can act so casually as you as your foot travels higher, making contact with his crotch, his cock becoming harder by the second. 

“You’re playing a dangerous game, sweetheart,” he warns as he grabs hold of your ankle. His grip tightening around it. You still seem so casual as you grab the glass of water that’s next to your plate, taking a sip from it. 

“What if I like danger?” You ask as you stare at Eddie over the rim. You then set the glass down and slowly swipe your tongue along your bottom lip, watching Eddie practically drool across the table. 

Eddie stands, his chair scraping across the floor as he pushes it away from him. He then rounds the table, pulling your chair out from under the table then turning it around so you’re facing him. He leans down, grabbing hold of your chin so gently even though his eyes are almost black. He tilts your head back, exposing your neck to him and giving it a rough bit before pulling away. Your gasp is enough to get him to want to do it again, but he can’t. He wants to hear you beg for more.

He then holds his hands out to you and helps you to your feet as you kick off your other heel, kicking it to the side as Eddie pulls you to him by your ass, pressing his lips to yours. This kiss is hot and even more hungry than before, Eddie grabbing onto the backs of your legs as you jump, wrapping your legs around his waist. 

Your tongue slides into his mouth this time and he brings it between his lips, giving it a rough suck that elicits that pretty sound he’ll never be able to forget. He continues to suck on your tongue as he carries you to the couch, wondering what your cunt would taste like, how you would respond to him eating you out. He can practically hear the whines and feel you tugging on his hair, begging for more until you’re seeing stars. He wants your cunt to clench around his tongue as he pushes it in and out of you. He wants you to sit on his face for hours, riding him until he can’t breathe. And Eddie thinks that would be the best way to go. 

Eddie sits on the couch, as you straddle his waist, your dress riding up as you do so. You grind against him and Eddie has to pull away before he comes in his pants. He’s so desperate to have you ride his face, but he knows you’ve never done it before so he’s hesitant to offer it up. Even though he’s drooling just thinking about getting his mouth on your cunt. Even though he can practically feel how wet you are underneath your panties that are pressed against his crotch. 

“You look so pretty,” he says as he pulls away from you, your tongue now removed from his mouth. “But I bet you’d look even better sitting on my face.” 

Your face changes when he says the words and now he’s regretting saying anything at all. He feels stupid for suggesting it in the first place. This whole thing is riding on you being comfortable and he can tell he’s crossed a line.

“Eddie,” you say, pressing your hands against his chest, your tone sounding hesitant. “I don’t know…”

“You don’t have to,” he assures you, his hands moving up and down your sides as a way to comfort you. “We can just-”

“I don’t feel comfortable sitting on your face,” you cut him off. “I’m afraid I’ll hurt you and I’ve never done it before.” You’re speaking so fast that he can barely understand the words you’re saying, but the look on your face says it all. Your eyebrows are furrowed and you look either worried or concerned, but either way, Eddie hates it. 

“That’s okay. You don’t have to,” he says again, wishing there was a way he could magically wipe that look on your face. This is supposed to be fun, something spontaneous and consensual between the two of you and if you were uncomfortable with anything, he’s going to refrain from whatever that is, no matter how much he may want to do it.

“But maybe I’d be willing to let you eat me out with your head between my thighs.” That sounds safer in your opinion, especially for your first time. It seems less intimidating. Less..dangerous even though you told him that was what you liked. 

“If you’re sure,” he says hesitantly, still not wanting to cross that line. 

“I am,” you nod enthusiastically, pressing a kiss to his lips. “But I’ll only let you if you guess the color of my underwear.” 

“Guess the-baby, what are you talking about?” He lets out a laugh and you’re not sure what he’s confused about. You think you were pretty clear.

“Guess the color of my underwear and I’ll let you get a taste.” 

“That sounds like a fun challenge,” he says as he pushes you down on the couch, your back pressed against it as he pins you there, pressing a long, lingering kiss to your lips as he lowers himself down on top of you. “But just know sweetheart, that I always win.” He goes in for another, this time smiling against your lips. 

“We’ll see,” you reply against his lips before he pulls away.

“Are we going for overall color or specific shade?” 

“I’ll be generous and say overall color,” you reply as he pushes down the straps of your dress, peppering your chest in kisses as guesses fly out of his mouth at a rapid rate.

“Red.”

“No.”

Green.”

“No.”

“Pink.”

“No.”

“Purple?”

“No.”

“Blue.”

“Yes.” Eddie pulls away and a grin spreads across his face before he leans in for another kiss on your mouth as he pushes your dress up to your waist, looking down and sure enough, they are in fact a light blue but they’re see-through and lacy with a slit right down the middle and he lets out a dramatic gasp. 

“Y/n, are these crotchless panties?” He was expecting to see the normal panties you usually wear, but this, this is new. And he’s loving it. He never thought you’d wear something like this and he’d never ask that of you, but now that you are, he just can’t stop looking at you. 

“They are,” you nod, feeling even more confident than you have before. 

“They’re hot. You’re hot.” You really are, especially temperature wise and now you feel like you really do look it too. 

“Are you sure?” He asks, making sure one last time that this is what you want. 

“Eddie, yes, please just do it.” 

He grabs onto each of your thighs and pushes them onto his shoulders, turning to the side, his tongue licking a long stripe up one of your thighs, wanting to get a little taste before the main event. You gasp as the sensation and feel Eddie’s hot breath on your skin as he lets out a chuckle. He then turns to the other thigh and does the same thing, going slower this time to really savor it. 

Eddie spreads your legs wider before pulling you closer, burying his face into your cunt, causing you to gasp. His tongue flattens against your slit and he licks upwards slowly, moving back and forth, trying to behave himself, especially since it’s your first time. And for once, he wants to go slow. He wants for both of you to enjoy it. 

He sucks on your slit as he tongue swirls around and your hands slide into his hair as moans fall from your pretty lips, making you feel so good. So good that you don’t know how you’ve gone so long without experiencing anything like this. 

He’s now going at it with his teeth, not being so gentle this time as he bites down on the sensitive skin, his fingers digging into your thighs as they press against his head, squeezing it. Your fingers dig into his scalp in return as you mewl, moaning so loud that Eddie is convinced that he’s going to get a noise complaint. 

“Fuck, yes, just like that, baby,” you whine and he goes even harder, biting down as hard as he can before diffusing the sting with his tongue before moving on to your clit to give it some love. He licks and sucks, getting more lazy and sloppy with it as you’re holding onto his hair for dear life, tugging as even more moans pour from your lips.

Eventually his tongue slides inside, pumping in and out and that seems to undo you, your moans become louder, more breathy as you push his face further into your cunt, knowing that you’re getting close. 

“Eddie, oh my god,” you moan as his pace picks up, moving as fast as he can, his tongue hitting just the right spot to make you see stars. “Didn’t know it could feel this good.” You reach your orgasm as your back arches, your eyes almost rolling into the back of your head because of the intense pleasure you’re receiving. 

And just when you think you can’t take it anymore, Eddie introduces his fingers, pumping just as hard and fast as he did with his tongue while his mouth goes back to your clit, sucking on it as hard as he can, trying his best to get at least one more orgasm out of you. 

“Feels so good.” You’re starting to slur and Eddie gives you just a few more pumps, your final orgasm coursing through you even though you feel absolutely spent, every last bit of energy having just been taken from you. 

Eddie removes his face and fingers from your cunt and wipes the slick from his face with the bottom of his shirt before pulling it back down, lowering himself on top of you and pressing his head against your chest, the two of you breathing deeply in tandem as you both try your best to catch it. 

“Alright,” he says, getting up off of you, grabbing hold of your hands as he pulls you up from the couch. “C’mon, angel. Time for bed.” He picks you up and carries you to his bedroom as you hold onto him resting your head on his shoulder. 

“But what about the food?” You ask, looking over your shoulder to see the abandoned dinner he had made that had barely been touched. 

“I’ll clean it up while you get some rest, hm?” He presses a kiss to your forehead as he brings you into his room, setting you on the bed before helping you take off your dress. “Do you want to sleep in your underwear or do you want that t-shirt you left here last week?”

“Underwear,” you tell him. “And I know you’re gonna throw my dress in with your laundry like you did last week and this one has to be washed on delicate.”

“You got it, boss,” he salutes you. “Anything else you need before bed?” 

“Water,” you reply as you rub at your eyes, collapsing onto the bed as Eddie pulls the covers over you. 

“Water, got it,” he nods, leaning over so that his face hovers right above yours. “Ice?”

“No. It’ll just melt,” you sigh as you turn on your side to face him, snuggling further into bed. 

“Alright, well goodnight, baby. I’ll be back in just a sec, okay?” He presses a kiss to your lips before heading to the kitchen to clean up dinner and fetch your water. Yeah, it’s safe to say you’re falling in love with him.

[cutehoons02]

For me he's only a rival or something else for my heart?

Heeseung

*pairing: Popular pervy student Jungwon x Good girl

*trope: Rivals to lovers

*synopsis: What if the best student in the course was put to work with one of the most popular students? A catastrophe for Y/n, she and Jungwon are so different in everything: Jungwon is one of the most popular kids at the university, he’s so cheeky and takes life too lightly, and for Y/n is the distraction representation. The good girl only thinks about finishing her studies in places from her parents and is a little hesitant about Jungwon’s personality, but what would happen when their two worlds meet and for 4 months they will have to study and spend many hours to create a university project?

*tags: A lot of humor, Jungwon proposes: that he wants to make her relax after each study session (sexual distraction), unprotected sex (don't horny ppl), tension, oral sex (f.m receiving) fingering,corruption, hickeys, fluff, orgasm,possessive Jungwon, pet names (nerd, good girl,honey,sweetnees,princess) +16

8k (📘)

(English is not my first language)

The study room was bright and almost aseptic, perfect for working and studying in peace. But after only 10 minutes, you were already at the end of your patience.

Jungwon was late of course!

You were a model, disciplined student, always in the front row, with impeccable notebooks and a natural distrust of people too charismatic like Jungwon, who made trouble from morning to night. When you saw it, you thought it was "too perfect" not to hide some defect and didn't understand how it always had its head in the clouds, but being like you, one of the best students in the course.

Jungwon was the perfect boy, both academically and socially. He was part of the Taekwondo team, the girls loved him, he had a huge fan base, and the professors appreciated him. He didn’t try too hard to get good results, but he was always one step ahead and had that feline look: smart, quick, and mysterious.

During a management seminar for the Hoteleri, the professor announced that you two would be partners in a project that was worth 50% of the final grade. You would have to work together for four months and submit a paper that not only met the academic criteria but was innovative and creative and at the end of the course it would be put in your student and work CV to take more credits at the end of the degree.

You looked at the clock and mumbled loudly: "10 minutes late who knows what excuse will come up this time. It’s typical of Jungwon to arrive late but get away with it only because of that pretty face, when you’re so perfect you probably think the time of others doesn’t matter." you thought.

The door opened, and Jungwon made his entrance with the nonchalance of being at home everywhere. Casual jacket over a flawless white shirt, hair that looked just like it had been taken care of by the wind, cat eyes that looked at you from head to toe, and his usual cheeky smile. He carried two cappuccinos and a croissant.

With a satisfied smile, ignoring your murderous look, he put a glass in front of you from the bar of the university, and after a while, he stretched out like a cat and saw his shirt stand up and your cheeks were slightly colored when you saw his perfect V line and his perfect muscles in beautiful shows for long hours spent training. «Sorry, the barista was slow. Do you want a piece of croissant? It’s buttery to the point! I got you a cappuccino not knowing what you like, i also added sugar to make it sweeter»

You stared at him like he was an alien.

"Sure, because breakfast is more important than the project that is worth half of our final grade to be late for our first study appointment and i don’t like things too sweet for anything."

Jungwon looked at you with a slight grin « A man must feed himself and my favorite meal is breakfast in all senses both sweet and savory. If you may be interested, my plan for the project is already all here in my head, i had to deduce myself that you were a lover of things bitter or sour as your personality but for once you can make an effort and drink this sweet cappuccino just right to sweeten you»

You leaned forward, crossing your arms on the table and gazing at him with a murderous look.

"Oh? So you think your genius boy brain is gonna win us all without having to do anything? And stop saying i’m sour, you’ve arrived late with your usual smile of serial charmer"

«I don’t like to brag, but... yes. In my beautiful head i have a lot of ideas that could work, just relax a little you are always so tense and serious in everything you do, honey»

You bit your tongue to not answer immediately. But in the end, you clattered.

"You know what I don’t understand about you, Jungwon? How do you get such high grades when you don’t seem to take anything seriously and don't call me sweetie, I’m not a fan of yours or one of those girls who would pull their hair out to get your attention"

Jungwon leaning against the chair’s back, with a sneering smile

«It’s a natural talent. And then, maybe the professor appreciates my relaxed style. You should try to relax sometimes there are so many things you could try!»

Closed your laptop with a strong blow and Jungwon looked at you with a small smile

"God, you are impossible how do you get so full of yourself? Here’s the plan: we’ll work together, but I’ll make the planning. You follow the instructions, no improvising, no distractions, and no provocations"

Jungwon stood at the table and looked at you with a diabolical smile «Distractions? You are the one who seems distracted, I saw how you looked at my muscles before or how you’re blushing now while I’m near you with my face»

You blushed imperceptibly, but you quickly recovered and left the study room angry; why of all people had to put you in a pair with him? Jungwon watches you leave, with a satisfied smile. He knows that he has the potential to test your perfection and enjoys this new challenge with you.

The men’s dorm was noisier than you had anticipated. Although it was only five o'clock in the afternoon, laughter could be heard from a room next door, the distant sound of a video game, and someone singing in the shower. It was chaotic, suffocating, and exactly the kind of place you didn’t want to be. Jungwon greeted you at the door with his usual cheeky smile, dressed in a relaxed way: a grey sweatshirt and suit pants that made him look even more casually perfect and with his usual cat eyes that never detached from your body.

"I can’t believe i wasted precious time to come here. We could just work in the library."

Jungwon closed the door behind you leaning against it

«The library is boring. And then, i wanted to show you that i’m good at working even in the middle of chaos you know as a normal person.»

You looked around, noticing the perfectly made bed, the books stacked neatly on the desk, and a pair of headphones hanging from the edge of the computer monitor, There were some records from current and former artists and there was a smell of clean and vanilla that invaded the whole room and was much more neat than you expected.

"For a male dormitory, it’s surprisingly... clean and fragrant."

Jungwon raised a funny eyebrow «What did you think? That I was a mess and lived in dirt? I let you down again, huh?»

You looked up and sat down in the chair by the desk, trying to ignore the way he moved around the room with a cat-like naturalness, as if he was always in complete control of the situation.

After an hour of discussing, it was clear that working there wasn’t going as planned you kept talking, explaining details and strategies but Jungwon seemed more interested in watching you than taking notes.

You were really exasperated and snapped your fingers near his face "Jungwon, are you listening or waiting for me to do all the work for you?"

Jungwon chuckled sitting on the bed with a bent knee

«I listen to you. You’re charming when you get angry, you know?»

You stared at him, but he got up from his bed and leaned over the desk with one hand on the table. He was too close and you felt it immediately: his scent, his piercing look, the way he seemed to enjoy making you uncomfortable.

You backed slightly back into the chair "Don’t try to distract me we have a lot to do."

He looked at you with a cheeky smile «Distract? I would never do that but you know, i think, i have found a solution to our problem»

You looked at him suspiciously, crossing your arms.

"And what is this brilliant idea of yours?"

Jungwon lowered the tone of his voice, with a more sweet and provocative nuance «You put aside your obsession to be the best... Just for these sessions. And i make sure you relax. Physically and mentally»

You immediately blush with your mouth open for surprise.

"What.. what do you mean 'physically'?"

Jungwon giggled, raising a finger to touch your chin slightly «Nothing too compromising, but if you want we could raise the bar just a little is a way to let you off a bit and to make you understand that there are much more beautiful things besides the study. Like a kiss or two, maybe a hug, i could make you feel good with my fingers, you might shoulder or hair massage, but we could make each other feel good to each other. It depends on how tense you are that day, sweetness»

You opened your eyes wide, torn between indignation and...something different something you didn’t want to admit. You stood up, trying to keep calm.

"That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. I don’t need... you to relax. I don’t even like you and I just think you’re a pervert and that’s it."

Jungwon smiled, coming close enough to make you feel the warmth of his body «Are you sure? Because you already seem less nervous now.»

Your heart was beating faster, but you refused to let it control you.

"You are unbearable."

Jungwon laughed slowly, tilting his head like a satisfied cat

«Yet you are still here»

He reached out his hand, gently brushing a lock of hair that had fallen on your face you held your breath, your face red, but you did not move «Hey, I’m kidding... partly. I know you are wonderfully good at what you do but maybe that’s the problem you’re too focused on showing it to everyone when you don’t have to do it with me, you can be yourself»

You looked at him with surprise at the sincerity in his voice.

"It’s not so simple for me, we can come back for another hour to study the project and then if i feel comfortable we may not know how to do" Jungwon with a sweet smile, moved slightly back.

«I know. For this i want to help you, we go back to study a little bit nerd but then i want to make you relax a little and put you at ease sweet»

It was almost an hour and a half ago when you had started to throw ideas down again and he had been surprisingly helpful, but after a while, his attention began to fade. Without saying anything, he got up and went to his computer, turning it on with a grin.

You looked up from the confused book "Jungwon, what are you doing?" Jungwon with a cool touch and a mouse movement opened a video game «I’m taking a break. You know, the brain needs to relax every now and then»

"Pause? We’re trying to get a major project going, and you think about video games?"

Jungwon turned to the chair, with an innocent expression: «Hey, what did we say before? I want you to relax. Also, I see you tense as a violin string and it’s been almost 3 hours that we are throwing down our ideas, now enough and come here» You looked at him suspiciously "Why should i come there? There’s only one chair"

Jungwon waving and turning the chair slightly made room for you «Come here and sit on my legs»

Your heart began to beat faster. You were furious, but you didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of showing himself intimidated and with a deep breath, you stood up and walked towards him, trying to keep an impassive expression.

You crossed your arms, standing in front of him "If you think this is a way to relax me, you’re wrong, Jungwon"

Jungwon raised an eyebrow, tilting his head with his usual cat smile« I’m sure i’ll help to relax a bit. Trust me, sweetness»

Slowly youy sat over his legs trying to keep a distance, but Jungwon gently pulled you closer by leaning your back against his chest.

"What now? You gonna play while i stay here as a decoration?" Jungwon laughed quietly, lowering his head near your ear

«Not really» Then, with a naturalness that left you breathless, Jungwon touched your neck with a light kiss, and with his fingers moved slightly a handful of hair on your shoulder should not have intended to kiss you and as a feline sniffed your neck and laid gentle kisses and his big braver smitten you to him.

You whispered slightly, trying to get away not so much because you were annoyed by his kisses or rather they were pleasant but because they made you feel a lot of chills and slight tickling. " Jungwon, what are you doing?"

Jungwon with a mischievous smile continued to give you little kisses on the neck « I’m just relaxing...and trying to relax you. Try to close your eyes and trust me for once, sweetness»

Closed your eyes as he told you and with a voice that trembled slightly, but tried to keep control you said "This is not... professional."

Jungwon started laughing slowly, this time sliding his hands over your hips without squeezing too much «Oh, let’s face it, you’re enjoying it. Don’t look so tense now.» Blush, trying not to give in but unable to hide a small smile. " You’re amazing, you always do what you want, right?" Jungwon finished the session of those little kisses he leaned his chin on your shoulder, with a satisfied smile « Only with you sweetie. But you know what? When you relax a little, you’re even more adorable.»

You looked up but did not move from his legs to get away from him. As much as you hated to admit it, Jungwon knew exactly how to surprise you and at the same time make you feel safe. That night, his plan to distract you worked perfectly.

It was late afternoon and Jungwon arrived on time at the girl’s bedroom door, which in itself was an extraordinary event, and knocked twice, waiting with his usual smile.

When the door opened, he was surprised. The room was a perfect reflection of something you would never expect from yourself: walls decorated with vintage posters of fashion icons, shelves full of glossy magazines, an electronic keyboard near the window and a sewing mannequin in a corner covered with unfinished fabric, and on display were the course books.

«Wow, and I thought all you wanted to do was be the best in class. What is this? Your secret side as an artist? When you told me that you wanted to study in your room I thought "Cabbage will kill me"»

You blush slightly as you close the door behind him. "You might still risk Jungwon. It’s not a secret, I just don’t talk about it. It’s not important for the class, so..."

Jungwon approached the dummy and observed it with curiosity

«Isn’t it important? You make it seem like nothing is important but studying. But this is amazing I bet you’re good at that too, huh?»

You shrugged, trying to hide the embarrassment "I’m not as good as you think. It’s just a hobby, can we start transcribing the various areas where we would like to develop our hotels?"

Jungwon chuckled as she sat down on the chair by the bed and you leaned in your bed

«Always so serious. All right, boss tell me what to do!»

For a couple of hours, something unusual happened: you really studied, obviously Jungwon loved to throw you jokes about how methodical you were with all your notes and you would tease him because he was very messy with his ideas but he loved that mess and understood. You worked on the project with a surprising understanding, almost forgetting the tension that usually accompanied you. But Jungwon looked at you with his languid gaze, a mix of curiosity and mischief.

When you finished studying without wanting to, you stretched and the sweater just lifted up, revealing a hint of light skin over the jeans. Jungwon tilted his head as a cat would be fascinated by something he could not ignore.

«You must relax a little,» he said in a low voice, almost a whisper.

You are slightly distracted, looking at him with suspicion. "I’m fine."

«You don’t look well. You seem stressed and if you relax you concentrate better. Want an example?» You saw Jungwon get up from the chair and lean on the edge of your bed where you were sitting with crossed legs

You looked at him confused and with a slight redness on the cheeks. "Jungwon"

He didn’t answer. He just put a hand to your face, moving a lock of hair behind his ear. His eyes never left yours and that simple touch made you shudder.

«Don’t run away» whispered, his voice a hypnotic call.

Before you could protest, Jungwon touched your lips with his, so gently that it almost seemed like a dream. But he didn’t stop there, his hand moved on your neck holding you with surprisingly gentle firmness, while the kiss instead deepened becoming slower, more intense, and in the room there were only the sounds of your mouths touching and the rain that was beating hard against the windows.

You found yourself answering him without thinking your hands clung to his sweater, Subconsciously pulling him closer and you felt a slight groan from your mouth as he put his tongue into your mouth and you strapped your arms around his neck to keep it closer to you. Jungwon smiled when he heard that little moan and would hear it for the rest of his life.

When you separated, you both had heavy breaths and he smiled at you with his usual cheeky smile, that typical satisfied cat expression.

«See? It’s not so bad to relax every now and then! You want us to continue kissing or we could do something else, always with your consent and with your sweet times» Watched Jungwon take off his sweatshirt and stay with a black t-shirt that made his muscles and biceps stand out

You hit him lightly on the chest, but he couldn’t hold back a small smile. "What would you like to do?"

Jungwon looked at you with a curious look, god how could you ask them such a question? He would do a lot of dirty things with your body but you were so innocent in his eyes that he would treat you like a princess but at the same time he would want to ruin you completely.

«Take off my shirt and try to find out what makes me horny» You watched Jungwon lean on your keyboard and you with slightly cold hands but not trembling took off his black shirt that made his muscles visible and when you took it off a thin but sculpted chest was in front of your eyes and without doing so you lick slightly the lips that still knew from your strawberry lip balm and Jungwon.

«Do you like what you see, sweetie?» He asked knowing that even if you were shy and innocent you could not say that what you had in front of you did not like, you reached out to trace his toned muscles, His abs seemed to form toned valleys until you reached her V line and felt Jungwon tremble slightly both for your light touch but also because your hands were slightly cold and looked at you this time with a serious look.

"Can I. Can I touch you, Jungwon?" Jungwon laughed a little when you asked him but he immediately nodded yes and raised his hips slightly because he thought that you only took off his pants all the way with your fingers, you also slid the boxer shorts and saw his venous length already sticking out standing up fairly, Jungwon hissed when you touch it there, the sensation overwhelming him like electricity as your soft hands contrast with the venous muscle.

«God Y/n, it didn’t have to go so i had to be the one that made you relax not you» You started with a good cat lick on his dick and with his hand flying to hold your hair for you, wrapping it around her wrist like a ponytail. He wanted to be careful and kind, and not scare you but when he heard and saw that you started putting almost everything in his mouth a slight moan came out of his lips, and looked at you with the head saying yes to continue. Your mind is overwhelmed by the way his tip presses down the bottom of your throat and how your pussy felt excited and you felt that your panties became wetter and wetter as Jungwon slowly pushed his cock into your mouth, his big hand never stopped caressing your hair.

«Y/n» his breath stops, he was delighted to see you so busy making him feel good and it was a feeling of well-being but also of perversion for him because even the good girl who did not want distractions stooped to make him feel good by giving them a blow job, the urge to push you even further down on his cock blossoms in his mind but he puts it aside as he looks at his dear, sweet rival bent in bed sucking his dick.

«Honey, you can stop now seriously you have already done too much for me» feeling bad for yourself.

You can shake your head and insist that you could take much more and make him relax. You relax your throat a little, breathing through your nose as you push it deeper; Jungwon groans at the action, and his hips are wailing and pushing awkwardly. Do your best to satisfy him, until he leaves a whiny mess as he reaches his orgasm moaning softly your name, lost in its world of pleasure while you struggle to not choke and spit the liquid that goes down your throat until you swallow it all in your mouth. You raised your head to see him completely red, with the hair unkempt, and pulled you to yourself putting you embraced beside him with his big arms.

"You liked..." Didn’t even finish the sentence and gave you a light kiss on the lips, then on his forehead, and looked at you with a sweet smile until you heard a loud thunder coming from outside the light went away for a few seconds and there were only your breaths that could be felt.

«I liked it and also very much Y/n, who would have said that you were so entrapping and seems that the time has decided to do me another favor, sweetness» commented with his usual relaxed tone, but with a glimmer of malice in his eyes.

"What favor?" You asked without turning away from the window.

«Force me to stay here for the night» he replied shrugging his shoulders and you shoot yourself. "What? Don’t even think about... staying here! You can go home."

Jungwon raised a funny eyebrow as he hugged you even more to himself. «With this storm? Look at the weather Y/n, do you really want me to catch a cold and then you have to double the work for the project? I could get a lot of bad things with time like the kind that makes me drive by some distracted motorist»

You looked up because these were only excuses that he invented to be with you and invade your living space.

"Okay, but don’t you dare do anything weird," Jungwon nodded with an innocent smile and watched you go to the bathroom to change.

You were quiet in your bed, flowing through the various social media until Jungwon came out of the bathroom with his black shirt and his tracksuit pants on and lay down next to you as if it was the most natural thing in the world «It’s funny, you try to be a good girl and be my rival n*1 but you are playing with fire by inviting me here. Are you sure you know what you’re doing?»

You just turned with your faces only a few inches apart. "Maybe I’m not as predictable as you think."

The answer made him smile, but this time the smile was different: deeper, he put a hand gently on your waist, bringing you even closer to his toned chest. «And anyway... you’re still too tense. Let me hug you, at least for one night»

The following week during one of the working sessions, a senior boy came to supervise the progress of the project. He was tall and confident with a charismatic smile, the classic type who did not go unnoticed and Jungwon looked up when he saw Minjae enter your study room.

<< Oh, you two are the ones from the hotel management project I heard a lot of good things about your duo especially about you Y/n>> said Minjae looking at the documents scattered on the desk. You smiled at him and looked at you from the head to the foot and you looked at him softly so as not to appear timid and awkward.

"Yes, we are working on the marketing and area management plan for hotels in different parts of the world. It’s a bit challenging, but we’re getting there and working day by day."

<< Well, if you need help, you can count on me>> said Minjae winking at you, and when he stepped out to see what you were typing on the computer, he put a hand on your shoulder with a gesture that seemed random but didn’t go unnoticed by Jungwon.

He was sitting in front of you and at that moment stopped writing. His eyes slowly rose towards Minjae, a look that was not very friendly.

«I think we do very well even alone, we are the best of the course and they put us together in pairs to surprise everyone with our ideas a little bit conflicting but it will come out really a nice job,» said Jungwon with the tone of cold but controlled.

Minjae chuckled. << No need to be so protective and territorial. I’m just trying to lend a hand>>

«Yes, but we didn’t ask for your help even if you are our supervisor I repeat we’re doing a good job» replied Jungwon, crossing his arms.

You stepped in quickly, trying to calm the tension. "All right, guys. Minjae, thanks for the offer. If we need you, we’ll let you know but right now as Jungwon says we’re really at a good point of work."

Minjae smiled at you, ignoring Jungwon. << Sure. But if you have any problems or issues to talk about...>> paused, lowering the tone of voice, << you can contact me also after hours. >>

Jungwon stood up slowly, putting his hands on the table. «Minjae, I don’t think your advice is so necessary.» Jungwon made a sign of his head to Minjae to leave and raised his hands as a sign of surrender

<< Relax, Jungwon," said Minjae with a smile. <<You don’t have to be like that... I repeat "territorial">>

Minjae left after a while and you watched Jungwon touch his hair and roll his eyes. "What the hell was that? Why were you so hostile to him?" Jungwon laughed for a moment and looked at you with a slightly angry look

«Don’t pretend to be dumb Y/n» he replied, approaching your body and sitting in the chair next to yours «That loser was clearly hitting on you.»

You shook your head a little amused. "So? He was just nice, there’s no need to make a scene like the one you made earlier."

«Kind of you?» he repeated, laughing bitterly and touching your cheek slightly to gently put a lock of hair in your ear

«Honey, there’s nothing kind about the way he looked at you. And if you think I’m going to stand here watching someone else hover around you, you’re wrong.»

You crossed your arms, trying to keep control of the situation. "You’re not my boyfriend, Jungwon. You can’t decide who talks to me or what I do with other guys when all this is over I can do whatever I want."

Your words struck him, but instead of getting angry, his smile changed. It was more dangerous now as if something inside him had snapped.

«Oh, really?» he asked, approaching to reduce the space between you a few centimeters. «So I can afford to show you that you don’t need anyone else, right?» Before you could answer, Jungwon took the chair you were sitting in and pulled it toward himself with a determined movement. His hands were attached to your thighs, firm but not aggressive, and the way he looked at you was intense and overwhelming.

"Jungwon..." you started talking but he interrupted you by putting his finger in front of your lips

«Tell me you don’t want this» whispered, the tone of his voice deep and hypnotic as he approached your neck «Tell me that you don’t like it when I am like this with you»

You could not answer and at that moment he lowered his head, his lips finding your neck with disarming security. The kiss was not gentle, it was bold, possessive, and made you shudder.

«You mustn’t play with me, honey» he continued, his hands now moving along your back tracing slow lines that made you tremble. «Because I will never play clean with you.»

He continued to kiss your thin neck but this time with more fervor and slightly sucked a part of your sensitive neck and moaned his name and drew him closer to you and felt his hand make little circles in your thigh, It was totally dangerous what you were doing because you were in public and when you realized this thing you pushed him slightly but only to look into his eyes, short breath and red cheeks. "You’re impossible, Jungwon" you mumbled

«Yes» he replied, smiling before kissing you on your lips this time with a passion that left you breathless, it was as if he wanted to show you at that moment that there was no one else who could make you feel like that.

When you sat down, you looked at him with eyes still full of wonder. You weren’t sure how you got into that situation, but one thing was certain: you liked the way it made you feel.

It had been a few weeks since Jungwon’s alleged jealousy towards Minjae and now that jealousy was coming back when he saw Minjae supervising your project but the problem was that he wasn’t looking after Jungwon as if it didn’t exist but only Y/n.

<< Really impressive work you’ve done so far>> said Minjae, leaning towards you. << I understand why everyone says you are one of the brightest students in the class. With a talent like yours, you could get anywhere in the hotel world and I would see you as a luxury property manager. And... maybe if you need some guidance, we could work together after this project or I could mentor you for your final thesis. >>

You blush slightly but try to keep control and be professional because you don’t like the flattery that Minjae is giving you. "Thank you, I’ll think about it but now I think our teamwork with Jungwon is going very well and I think it will bring us both good grades and nice references from the professors" Jungwon was slightly surprised to hear good things about him from you, Your n*1 rival was the one to tell it all.

<< Oh, sure your work is going great, you need some tricks but surely tomorrow with your presentation you will make a beautiful figure>> said Minjae, casting a fleeting glance at Jungwon, who was observing the scene in silence. << But you know, with someone more experienced, you could get much more. I could teach you techniques that go far beyond what you’re learning now>>

His words had a subtone that left no room for misunderstanding. Minjae came closer, almost invading your personal space, and he put a light hand on your arm. << If you want, we could discuss your ideas better... maybe over a coffee, just you and me. >> You looked at Jungwon with a straight jaw and slightly red cheeks

"Ehm, thank you so much seriously but now I’m only focused on the project with Jungwon, and" Jungwon moved before you kept answering. He rose from his seat, grasping Minjae’s wrist with a firm but controlled grip.

«I think you’ve said enough, she’s trying to tell you in a polite way that she doesn’t care about you and even your provocations of spending time with her don’t interest her,» Jungwon said, the low tone and tension-laden.

Minjae stared at him, trying to maintain an air of superiority. << I’m just trying to be helpful. No need to overdo it and I repeat as the last time to be so territorial with Y/n>

Jungwon took a step forward, forcing Minjae to take a step back. «Your help is not needed. And I don’t think she’s appreciating the way you’re behaving with her»

Looking at Jungwon with a little smile "Jungwon, it’s all right. We can"

«No» he interrupted her, without taking his eyes off Minjae. «Everything is not all right»

After Minjae left, Jungwon was still furious. The tension in his body was palpable and you didn’t know how to handle it.

“You shouldn’t have behaved like that, I can defend myself you know how many girls have to endure these things every day?” said trying to keep calm and make him reason

Your words seemed to break something inside him. Jungwon came quickly, his eyes dark with dangerous determination.

«Sit down at the desk,Y/n» he said in a low voice.

"Jungwon, I" He gave you a provocative look and you sat down at the desk marrying some books. His eyes were nailed in yours, and you felt your heart beating hard. «You are mine. You know that, don’t you? And now I will make you say I don’t know how many times my name so you’ll remember and I’ll make you come between my dicks and lick your sweet pussy so you’ll understand who belongs to»

You don’t know exactly how it happened, but the next thing you know his fingers finally land on your covered clitoris. Rub some delicate circles, fast and precise, sending shocks of pleasure through your body. «Shit, you’re so wet to me and you still have your panties attached, let’s see if there are already some little strands of your excitement sweetness» The tip of his finger grasps the hem of your not-so-clean panties and Jungwon seriously wanted to know why you were wearing slutty panties if you were being a good girl and you are complaining in your throat about the slight cold that you felt because of the desk below you.

With your legs lightly thrown on Jungwon’s shoulders, his head buried between your thighs, his tongue immediately got to work kissing your pussy everywhere. His tongue moves around your core so fucking well, alternating sucking and clicking on your clitoris to pushing and licking inside your pussy, your unacceptably sinful and delicious sounds were a joy to the ears of your rival n*1.

"Jungwon, pls is so beautiful but at the same time sick we are in public" You tried to hold yourself with your elbows on the desk, and with the other hand, you pulled slightly the tuft of Jungwon that was slightly tickling your body. «You are lucky that there is no one left at this time otherwise what people would think of hearing your moans and irregular breathing. Speak Y/n, otherwise, I stop what would they think?» was literally squeezing and torturing you with his tongue constricted in your pussy and a finger stuck into your clit to massage it.

"They would have thought that maybe I’m not such a good girl" A light laugh came out of Jungwon’s lips and said «Good girl» closes his eyes and enjoys your delicious juice flowing in her mouth, Groaning in your pussy as it is fucking nice to have you so vulnerable and cheeky while you are waving for the various sensations that you feel but it was not yet finished because after a few seconds two fingers entered inside of you, already starting with an unforgivable rhythm, By curling them and finding that spot in you easily.

When you came between his fingers it detached from you both had breathless breath. Jungwon took your face in his hands, stroking your cheeks with his thumbs.

«I will never leave you to someone like him,» he said, his voice soft but still. You smile slightly with your heart beating wildly. "I didn’t think you were so jealous."

«With you?» he replied, his tone that only softened slightly. «I will always be. We go to my dorm to finish fixing the last few tricks that tomorrow our presentation must be perfect, sweetness»

The rain kept on beating against the window panes, creating an almost hypnotic background. After the scene with Minjae, the tension between you was palpable. It was 10 o'clock past and you had reviewed the project at least 3 times and Jungwon didn’t leave you alone for a moment, as if he wanted to reiterate that you belonged to him, and no one else.

When you had finished the project you wanted to keep a minimum distance, but Jungwon had other plans.

«Why are you avoiding my gaze?» he asked, sitting on the edge of the bed and looking at you with that feline and piercing look.

"I’m not avoiding anything" lying by arranging the project documents with shaky hands and red cheeks

«You’re not very good at lying, princess» he replied in a low voice. «You’re wondering what’s going to happen now, aren’t you?»

You stopped by biting your lip. "Jungwon, we can’t..." You began but you hushed when he stood up, approaching you with slow but determined steps.

«We can’t what?» he asked, tilting his head slightly as a curious cat would. «Can’t we be together? Can’t we do what we both have wanted to do for weeks?»

His voice was a whisper now, and the way he looked at you made you feel trapped, but you didn’t want to run. When he took your face in his hands, his thumbs gently caressed his cheeks, your heart seemed to want to go out of your chest.

«I don’t want to share you,» he said in a strong tone. «Not with Minjae, not with anyone else. You’re mine, understand? And now I’ll make you understand even more»

You didn’t answer, but when he kissed you, it was impossible for you to back out. There was too much passion, too much intensity, and you knew that at that moment you were completely giving up.

Jungwon’s hands reached your legs pulling them towards him, before reaching with his arms behind your chest and lifting you like a Koala, and a part of your mind flashed thinking how strong it was, how easily it could lift you up, and how easily it could make you feel good. He dragged you to his bed, laying down where there were his pillows and your eyes waved towards him his look was feline, and looked at you as if you were only his and no one else’s, «I can show you that you are mine, and i’m yours, Y/n?» He leaned down on your neck and before moving his head towards your ear began to kiss you and suck the area that he knew was sensitive, his breath tickled your skin as he continued «Use words, princess» A shiver ran down your back, a trembling breath left your lips as your body finally forced the words out, "Yes. please".

Jungwon smiled when he heard those words coming out of your mouth his lips were so soft They moved slowly against yours as she tilted your head slightly to better access your sweet mouth that she knew from lip balm to strawberry and the contrast of her mouth that still tasted like the chocolate cookie she had eaten before. A slight whimper slipped over your lips, your hands rose to wrap around his shoulders and immediately went to lightly tighten his hair when you felt him wringing around your suit pants with his cock around your center; His hand that was on your jaw moved along your body, His fingers played with the hem of your shirt before he pushed his hand down slowly and took it off you and left only with your bra and even that in a few seconds left your body and began to torture you the bud of your nipple with his mouth and with his teeth and with the other hand she lightly squeezed your other breast.

«God, this body is perfectly made for me» You had Jungwon take off his shirt as well, you didn’t know where to put your hands, they were going from his shoulder, to his hair, to his biceps, a gasp left Jungwon’s lips to the feeling of your cold hands on his warm stomach. Jolts, whimpers, and little moans came out of your lips as he kept giving you pleasure in both breasts, he only moved away slightly but his hand kept on squeezing and stroking the other breast while mumbling, «You’re so beautiful fuck.»

"more," you whined, any appropriate response was now far from your mind because you felt so good with Jungwon, he leaned back and left a kiss trail along your breast, in your belly as his hands roamed before finally resting on the edge of your suit, «Lift up your hips for me for a moment, princess»

You slightly push your hips giving him a way to slowly lower your suit and panties. «You’re even soaker than before t/n, fuck.» You were seriously embarrassed and slightly covered your face with your hands but when he looked at you gave you a little kiss on the forehead «Don’t hide from me, I have already come a few hours ago and with me you can be safe and show yourself for what you are Y/n, relax.» one of his fingers slipped between your folds, a sudden jolt left you, he put two other fingers inside you, starting to pump them, curling them and easily finding that point in you that made you crazy.

You shouted Jungwon’s name and thought that this time you were seriously ready to take his cock, he made you come and tease yourself a little more clipboard and you raised your hips as sensitive as you were, Splashes of slimy cum went around Jungwon’s fingers and when he pulled out from your pussy he showed you that he brought it to his tongue and sucked it slightly and you at that moment could die because it was a scene so dirty but sexy as you had never seen it in your life. He pulled down his boxers in one fell swoop and you saw his hard cock slapping his stomach, the tip was red and slightly dripping, your mouth made an O, You had already taken it in the mouth but fuck that member would ruin you instantly when it was inside of you. He stroked his hand a couple of times and pumped it lightly and with his usual arrogant and cheeky smile on his lips looked at you noticing your reaction. " Are you sure I can fit it all?" Jungwon laughed at your words «Are you ready or do you want to pull yourself up now, sweetie?» You nodded at his words pushed your hips forward and slowly slid, wrapping yourself in your tight warmth.

«Fuck, you’re so tight» When he pulled out but pushed back in faster and you couldn’t think clearly, your mind was confused and completely focused on how well you were feeling at that moment, About how Jungwon was kind to you but at the same time, he was hammering you.

"Jungwon is so beautiful" moan as your hands move on his biceps then go on his back and scratch him slightly things if you were his kitty. «I imagined this moment for months Y/n masturbated and thought of you, when I touched myself I thought of you, fuck you are a fucking witch»

In the room you could hear only the sound of rain and your skin rubbing skin against the skin «I’ll make you come on my dick. I’ll make you forget Minjae, any other guy who tries to get with you», sighed when you felt how it pumped fast inside of you and was completely destroying you; "Jungwon, pls" his hand came down to press on your stomach, your eyes that swirled backward for the pressure « Fuck, I’ll thank that prof for putting me in pair with you, look how well you’re taking my dick, princess» He stopped for a few seconds inside you when he saw that you were closing your eyes.

"no-no-no-no pls, don’t stop".

«Don’t you dare to close your eyes Y/n, you have to see how well your pussy takes my cock, you have to remember who is fucking you and not as a good girl but as a slut» His words got you even more excited and he grabbed your legs holding them there tight around him and started moving again, the new angle made you feel his cock deeper. " Fuck, oh my god", you whined, throwing your head backward against the pillow. had practically locked you under his grip, unable to do anything but take it all and retake it. With a firm push, he made him push against your G-spot, a gasp left your lips as his hand began to torture your clitoris.

"Oh my god, Jungwon is too much," you stammered, trying to hold back the tears and moans that were coming from your mouth, he accelerated more, hitting repeatedly the perfect spot. You felt your high grow and electric shocks of pleasure covered your body and your heat, "I am close to it", Jungwon made small circles in your clitoris stimulating him to the maximum «I also princess, want to fill with my sperm all your pussy» He accelerated his thrusts and you held him so strong «Fuck, sweet hold me so strong. I’m going to come and fill you up to the last drop» his voice was choked and his hips slammed against yours while he shot his sperm inside you while you came at the same time.

When he came out of you he lay down near you and embraced you and filled you with sweet kisses around your face, on your forehead, and in your hair, you were perfect for him and no one would ever have seen you so extremely excited and lost to someone else.

While he hugged you with the sleep that was starting in your body, he said softly «You will remain my rival N*1 but you are the most important and beautiful thing that has happened to me in the last few months, Y/n»

You hugged him even more and you put your head down in the groove of his neck and gave him a little kiss, "You too have become really important to me, but tomorrow morning I don’t want to be seen as your new conquest but something more for you Jungwon" a slight smile formed on Jungwon’s lips and gave you a kiss in the head. «You have always been mine in my head since they put us together Y/n, what did I tell you first? I wanted to be yours and you mine, so don’t worry that tomorrow I’ll still be yours for a long time.»

Comments are appreciated

©cutehoons02 all rights reserved 2024.

[thesecondhandwoman]

I’ve got another one for you. Can you do Ambessa x NB Reader, where the reader is on their period and is dysphoric. Could you also have Ambessa use her hands as, like a heating pad?

Drink some water and take some time for yourself

-🧚‍♂️

THROUGH THE ACHE

Ambessa x nb!reader

Synopsis: It was that time of the month, and something that you hated the most, desperately wanting to forget that this single part of you clung more than any other, and it was difficult to remove. But even with that, the ache was always numbed by her, Ambessa’s, warmth.

Request: Anon 🤍

The streets of Noxus were colder than usual tonight. A harsh wind swept through the city, carrying the scent of rain and the rumble of distant thunder. Despite the looming storm, the streets remained busy as ever, filled with the clatter of boots against cobblestone and the low hum of conversation in the shadows. Yet, inside the grand hall of Ambessa’s estate, all was still and calm.

You sat on a velvet chaise, draped in a loose robe, with your arms crossed tightly over your stomach. The dull ache that had been with you all day had worsened, now gnawing at you like an unwelcome guest. It wasn’t just the physical pain of your period, though that was certainly bad enough—it was the overwhelming sense of dysphoria that seemed to surge with every passing hour.

Your body, which felt alien to you on the best of days, seemed to betray you even more now. The soft swell of your hips, the warmth that clung to your skin, all of it felt wrong. You weren’t sure why, not tonight, but it made every inch of your body feel like an unbearable weight.

You had tried to distract yourself with work, but it was difficult to focus. The constant twinge of discomfort was too much. You needed to retreat, to hide away, to not be seen—at least until the storm inside you had passed.

Just as you buried your face in your hands, a voice broke through the silence of the room.

“Little one?” Ambessa’s voice was soft, but laced with concern. “You’ve been hiding away in here for hours. Is something wrong?”

You didn’t lift your head to face her, not trusting yourself to keep your composure. The last thing you wanted was to make her worry about you.

“Nothing’s wrong,” you muttered, but even to your ears, the lie was thin. You could hear the soft rustling of her clothing as she approached, the swish of her long gown barely audible over the sound of her boots.

“You’re not fooling me,” she said, her tone warm and understanding. Ambessa was no stranger to observing people, she could read them like an open book. She knelt beside you, her powerful hands gently taking your own, urging you to look up.

Reluctantly, you did.

Her eyes, always sharp and calculating, softened when they met yours. “Talk to me,” she murmured, brushing a strand of hair from your face with the gentlest touch. “What’s going on?”

A quiet sob escaped you, one that you hadn’t been expecting. The tears weren’t just from the physical pain, though that was enough to drive you to the edge. It was everything—the weight of it all—the days when your body felt like a stranger, the times when your dysphoria crept up like a shadow, and you could never quite shake it off.

“I hate it,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “I hate how I feel. I just want to disappear. Everything feels wrong. It’s not just the pain. It’s…” You trailed off, unsure how to put it into words. You had tried to explain it to others in the past, but no one had truly understood. No one had known what it felt like to have your body betray you so completely, to be trapped in a form you didn’t recognize, didn’t want.

Ambessa didn’t speak for a moment, her expression unreadable, but the warmth of her hands on yours never wavered. Then, as if deciding something, she gently pulled you into her embrace, guiding your head to rest against her chest. The scent of her—leather, herbs, and something sweet—wrapped around you, grounding you.

“I know it’s hard, little one,” she murmured, her voice low and soothing. “I can’t claim to understand what it’s like for you, but I can see the weight you carry. And I, I don’t want you to carry it alone.”

You didn’t say anything, your face pressed into the softness of her clothing, the rhythmic sound of her heartbeat filling your ears. For a long moment, you simply existed there, comforted by her presence.

Then, her hands—those hands that had so often been the instruments of power—shifted. They settled gently over your stomach, warm and firm, a subtle pressure that you hadn’t known you needed until that very moment.

“What…?” you whispered, confused.

“Let me,” she replied softly, her voice thick with care. Her hands stayed there, covering your abdomen in a way that was almost tender, but strong. “It’s not much, but I’ll keep you warm. I’ll help.”

At first, you weren’t sure how it was helping. The ache didn’t disappear, of course; that would be far too easy. But there was something soothing about the heat of her palms against your skin, something calming in the simple gesture. Ambessa wasn’t rushing to fix you—she was simply being with you, offering comfort in a way that didn’t demand anything of you. It was an act of care, pure and without expectation.

The longer her hands stayed there, the more the tension in your body seemed to fade. The sharp ache didn’t feel quite as unbearable. The feeling of being trapped in your own skin began to ease, as though the warmth of her touch was reminding you that you were still whole.

“You don’t have to apologize,” Ambessa continued, her voice steady. “You’re allowed to have days like this. You’re allowed to feel however you feel, even if you don’t have the words for it. No one can tell you how to feel, especially not me.”

Her words sank deep into your chest, bringing with them a sense of relief you hadn’t known you needed. You realized that you had been carrying this burden not just in your body, but in your heart too—this constant fear of being a burden to others, of not being understood, of being less than because of how you felt. But Ambessa didn’t see you as less. She saw you as someone worth caring for

You inhaled deeply, the scent of her and the heat of her touch grounding you. “I don’t want to feel this way anymore,” you confessed, your voice small but steady. “I don’t want to feel broken.”

“You’re not broken,” she said, her voice firm but kind. “You’re human. And you deserve love, just as you are. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

The sincerity in her words made your heart flutter, and a wave of warmth spread through your chest. Slowly, carefully, you wrapped your arms around her, pulling her closer, finding solace in her strength.

Ambessa didn’t pull away. She held you there, her hands still gently resting on your stomach, her presence enveloping you like a shield from the world outside. You didn’t know how long you stayed like that, just breathing together, the warmth between you a silent promise that you would never have to face the world alone, not as long as she was by your side.

When you finally pulled back, your face was streaked with tears, but you didn’t feel ashamed. You felt safe. You felt cared for.

Ambessa smiled softly at you, her eyes warm, her hands slowly pulling away from your stomach. “Do you feel better?”

You nodded, wiping away the last of your tears. “A little,” you said, your voice softer now. “But I think I just needed you to remind me that I’m not alone. That I’m okay. Even when I don’t feel okay.”

“I’ll remind you as often as you need,” Ambessa said, brushing a hand through your hair in a rare show of affection. “You’re more than okay. You’re everything I need, my beloved.”

The words—so simple, so profound—touched you deeply. In that moment, with Ambessa’s arms around you and her warmth still lingering on your skin, you realized that maybe, just maybe, you weren’t as broken as you had once thought.

You were loved.

And that, for tonight, was enough.

A/N: [immediately starts bawling]

[pinkmoontaco]

It all started at a Set || KMG Pt.3

Pairing: Actor-Idol Mingyu x Actress-Idol Reader Genre: Fluff, Idol romance Summary: This story is a heartwarming slow-burn romance between Mingyu and Y/N, a senior idol. It begins with them being cast as co-stars in a drama where their contrasting personalities—Mingyu’s vibrant, outgoing nature and Y/N’s reserved, composed demeanor—become the catalyst for an unexpected connection. Throughout their journey, they face professional challenges, emotional conflicts, and growing feelings for one another.

Author's note: Please, if possible, leave a small comment it really helps me to write more Part one _ Part two _ Part three

The drama’s success was undeniable, and the cast was invited to a grand success party to celebrate the show's achievements. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and shared memories of the intense but rewarding filming process. Mingyu arrived with his usual charm, his members teasing him about how this was as much a celebration of his growth as an actor as it was for the drama’s success.

Y/N, meanwhile, was standing across the room, engaged in an animated conversation with the second lead, who had also won over fans with his portrayal. Her rare laugh rang out, catching Mingyu’s attention. He found himself watching her, a strange pang in his chest as he noticed how effortlessly the second lead made her smile.

“She looks like she’s enjoying herself,” one of Mingyu’s members commented teasingly, nudging him. “You okay there?”

“I’m fine,” Mingyu replied quickly, though his clenched jaw told a different story. He tried to focus on the celebration, but his gaze kept drifting back to Y/N. The sight of her laughing at another man’s jokes, the ease with which she seemed to connect with him—it was enough to make jealousy bubble up inside him.

Unable to hold himself back, Mingyu walked over, his steps purposeful. “Y/N,” he said, interrupting their conversation. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

Y/N looked at him, surprised by the sudden interruption. “Uh, sure,” she said, excusing herself from the second lead.

He led her to a quieter corner of the venue, his heart racing. Before she could ask what was wrong, Mingyu did something completely out of character—he leaned down and kissed her. It was quick, almost fleeting, but it was enough to leave them both breathless. Realizing what he’d done, Mingyu pulled back, his eyes wide with panic.

“I—I’m sorry,” he stammered, his cheeks burning. Without waiting for her reaction, he turned and bolted, leaving Y/N standing there, stunned.

Y/N found him later that night on the rooftop of the venue, leaning against the railing, his shoulders tense. She walked up to him, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her. “Mingyu, what was that?”

He didn’t turn to face her, keeping his gaze fixed on the city lights. “I shouldn’t have done that,” he said quietly.

“Why did you, then?” she pressed, stepping closer. “You don’t get to just kiss me and then run away, Mingyu. Talk to me.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Because I couldn’t help myself, okay?” he admitted, his voice laced with frustration. “I’ve been trying to ignore it, but every time I see you, every time you smile, I—I just can’t.”

Y/N’s breath hitched at his confession, but before she could say anything, he continued, his tone turning somber. “But it doesn’t matter. I can’t... I can’t do this right now.”

“Why not?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Because my group is at its peak,” he said, finally turning to face her. His eyes were filled with a mixture of longing and regret. “Everything we’ve worked for—it’s all happening now. I can’t let anything distract me from that, not even you.”

Y/N felt a lump form in her throat. “So you’re saying I’m a distraction?”

“That’s not what I mean,” he said quickly. “You’re amazing, Y/N. But I have responsibilities—my members, our fans, our future. I can’t be selfish right now.”

Silence hung between them, heavy with unspoken words. Finally, Y/N nodded, her expression unreadable. “I understand,” she said, her voice steady despite the ache in her chest. “But you don’t get to push me away like this and expect me to wait forever, Mingyu.”

He looked at her, his eyes pleading. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I just... I can’t.”

Without another word, Y/N turned and walked away, leaving Mingyu alone on the rooftop, the city lights blurring as he blinked back tears.

The weeks following the success party were filled with promotional activities, interviews, and variety show appearances. Mingyu and Y/N were often paired together, their on-screen chemistry a major draw for fans. Despite their personal tension, they maintained a professional front, though their group members couldn’t help but notice the subtle shifts in their behavior.

During a joint guesting on a popular variety show, the host couldn’t resist teasing them. “So, Mingyu and Y/N, the nation’s favorite drama couple! Tell us, how did you two manage such incredible chemistry?”

Y/N smiled politely, giving a practiced response. “We both worked hard to bring our characters to life. It was all about understanding each other’s strengths as actors.”

Mingyu nodded, echoing her sentiment. “Y/N’s professionalism made it easy. She’s amazing to work with.”

Their co-stars smirked knowingly, while the host leaned closer. “Come on, there’s got to be more to it than that. Did you two practice those romantic scenes a lot off-camera?”

Mingyu laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “Not really. We just... trusted each other.”

Y/N added, “And the director guided us a lot. It’s all thanks to the team.”

Despite their composed answers, the knowing glances exchanged between the cast and their group members didn’t go unnoticed by fans. Social media buzzed with theories about their relationship, with hashtags like #MingyuYNRomance trending worldwide.

When award season rolled around, the drama received multiple nominations, and the cast attended the ceremonies together. Mingyu and Y/N walked the red carpet side by side, their elegant outfits complementing each other perfectly. Fans cheered loudly, holding up signs and chanting their names.

Inside the venue, the tension between them was palpable. Seated next to each other, they exchanged polite smiles and small talk, but their group members noticed the lingering glances and subtle hesitations.

During one of the breaks, Mingyu’s fellow members cornered him. “Okay, spill it,” one of them said. “What’s going on with you and Y/N? You’re acting weird.”

“Nothing’s going on,” Mingyu insisted, though his flushed cheeks betrayed him.

“Yeah, right,” another member chimed in. “You’ve been acting like a lovesick puppy since the drama started.”

Meanwhile, Y/N’s groupmates weren’t letting her off the hook either. “You’ve been so distracted lately,” one of them remarked. “Does it have anything to do with a certain tall, charming co-star?”

Y/N sighed, shaking her head. “It’s not like that.”

“Sure, and I’m not a singer,” another member teased. “Come on, Y/N. We’re your friends. You can tell us.”

Despite their denials, the truth was becoming harder to hide. As they continued to navigate the whirlwind of promotions and public appearances, Mingyu and Y/N found themselves drawn to each other more than ever, their unresolved feelings simmering just beneath the surface.

The culmination of the award season came with the announcement of the Best Drama Couple award. As the presenter read their names, Mingyu and Y/N exchanged a surprised glance before standing up to accept the trophy together. The crowd erupted in applause, their fans going wild as they walked to the stage.

Standing under the bright lights, Mingyu took the microphone first. “Thank you so much for this honor. Working on this drama has been an incredible experience, and I’m grateful to have shared it with such an amazing team.”

He handed the microphone to Y/N, who smiled warmly. “This award belongs to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this drama a success. Thank you to the fans for supporting us and believing in our story.”

As they walked offstage, the host quipped, “Looks like the chemistry isn’t just on-screen!” prompting laughter from the audience and a shared, embarrassed smile from Mingyu and Y/N. Backstage, their group members were waiting, their teasing remarks only adding to the flurry of emotions the two were struggling to contain.

During one of Seventeen’s concerts, Mingyu found himself overwhelmed with emotion. As the group performed a heartfelt song dedicated to their fans, he felt the weight of everything he had been carrying—the success, the expectations, the unspoken feelings for Y/N. Tears streamed down his face as he sang, his voice trembling with raw emotion. The fans in the audience cheered louder, their love and support palpable.

The video of Mingyu crying during the performance quickly went viral, touching fans and even reaching Y/N’s group. One of her members showed her the clip during their downtime. “Look at him,” they said, smiling softly. “He’s always so composed, but this... this is different.”

Y/N watched the video, her heart aching as she saw the vulnerability in Mingyu’s expression. She didn’t say anything, but the sight of him like that stayed with her, a reminder of just how much he had been holding back.

Not long after, Y/N had her own moment of vulnerability during a live performance. Her group performed a ballad about heartbreak, and as Y/N sang the emotional climax, tears welled up in her eyes. The lyrics hit too close to home, and for a moment, she let her guard down, her voice quivering with the weight of her emotions. The audience was moved, their cheers a mix of admiration and sympathy.

Backstage, her members comforted her, while fans took to social media to express their support. Mingyu saw the performance later that night, and as he watched Y/N pour her heart out on stage, he felt a surge of longing and regret. She had always been so strong, but seeing her break down reminded him of how much she had been holding back as well.

Despite their best efforts to move forward, it was clear to everyone around Mingyu and Y/N that they were suffering. Mingyu was distracted during practices, his usual playful demeanor replaced with a subdued, distant energy. Meanwhile, Y/N, always composed and professional, was retreating into herself more than ever, her laughs sounding hollow even to her group members.

The tension didn’t go unnoticed by either group. During a shared music show appearance, Seventeen and Y/N’s group found themselves in the same waiting room. Between performances, Seungkwan finally spoke up, addressing both groups.

“I can’t take this anymore,” he said dramatically, earning a few chuckles. “Mingyu’s like a zombie lately, and I don’t think Y/N’s doing much better. They’re miserable.”

Y/N’s leader nodded in agreement. “It’s true. She’s been off since all of this started, even though she’s pretending she’s fine. Something has to give.”

Hoshi clapped his hands together, his eyes lighting up. “Then let’s make them talk!”

“Exactly,” Seungkwan agreed, his eyes gleaming with determination. “They’re clearly in love but too stubborn to admit it.”

The group members exchanged knowing glances, quickly forming a plan.

A few days later, Mingyu received a cryptic text from Joshua, asking him to meet at a quiet café in Seoul. Mingyu was confused but figured it was nothing unusual. At the same time, Y/N’s leader convinced her to visit the same café, claiming they had an errand to run.

When Mingyu arrived, he looked around, confused to find no sign of Joshua. Moments later, the bell above the door chimed, and Mingyu turned to see Y/N stepping in.

She froze when she spotted him, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Mingyu replied, standing up. “Joshua told me to meet him here.”

“My leader said the same thing,” Y/N muttered, crossing her arms.

It didn’t take long for them to realize what was happening. Turning toward the window, they spotted their group members sitting in a nearby van, grinning and waving. Hoshi held up a sign that read: "TALK IT OUT!"

Mingyu let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Looks like we’ve been set up.”

Y/N crossed her arms, but her lips twitched with a hint of amusement. “Well, they’re not wrong.”

Inside the café, they sat across from each other in a corner booth. The silence was deafening, with Mingyu nervously tapping his fingers against his coffee cup while Y/N stared out the window.

Finally, Mingyu broke the silence. “I’ve missed you.”

Y/N turned to him, her expression softening but guarded. “Mingyu…”

“No, let me say this,” he interrupted, his voice filled with urgency. “I thought I was doing the right thing by pushing you away. I told myself it was for your sake, but all I’ve done is hurt both of us. And I hate it, Y/N. I hate being without you.”

Her lips parted as if to say something, but she stopped, letting him continue.

“I was scared,” Mingyu admitted. “Scared of what this would mean for you, for me, for our careers. But now I know that I was just making excuses. I don’t care about any of that anymore. All I care about is you.”

Y/N blinked back tears, her voice trembling as she responded. “I was scared too, Mingyu. But I never wanted you to go through this alone. I wanted to be there for you, but you wouldn’t let me.”

“I know,” he said, his voice breaking. “And I’m sorry. I’m done running away. I’m ready if you are.”

Her lips curved into the faintest smile, and she nodded. “Okay. But we have to face this together, Mingyu. No more shutting each other out.”

“Together,” he promised, reaching across the table to take her hand.

From the van outside, their group members erupted into cheers, causing curious passersby to glance their way. “Mission accomplished!” Seungkwan declared triumphantly.

“Finally,” Y/N’s leader said, grinning. “Now maybe we can have some peace.”

When Mingyu and Y/N stepped out of the café hand in hand, their groupmates burst into applause. Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile, while Mingyu laughed, his ears turning red. Their friends quickly pulled them into a playful group hug, sealing the moment with their shared excitement

Their relationship brought new dynamics to both groups. Mingyu and Y/N started dating discreetly, often sneaking out for late-night walks or quick café visits between their busy schedules. However, their group members were far from subtle about their budding romance.

During one practice session, Woozi casually remarked, “So, did you two have a good date last night?” Mingyu choked on his water, while Y/N shot him a warning look. The room erupted into laughter.

Another time, Y/N’s group members cornered her during a makeup session. “Did Mingyu really buy you that bracelet?” one of them teased, pointing at the delicate chain on her wrist. Y/N tried to deny it, but her flushed cheeks gave her away.

Months into their relationship, after much discussion and deliberation, Mingyu and Y/N decided to make their relationship public. They wanted to share their happiness with fans who had supported them through every step of their journey.

One quiet evening, both posted matching statements on their respective social media accounts. The posts included a candid photo of them holding hands during a sunset walk, along with heartfelt messages thanking their fans and promising to continue their careers with the same dedication and love.

The reactions were immediate and overwhelming. Fans flooded the comments with messages of support, some even recalling the sparks they had noticed during the drama’s promotions. Within minutes, their names trended worldwide, with hashtags like #MingyuYNRomance and #SupportLove gaining traction.

Their group members, of course, couldn’t resist chiming in. Seungkwan posted a screenshot of the announcement with the caption, “Finally!” followed by several heart emojis. Y/N’s leader commented, “About time! Proud of you both.”

In the days that followed, they appeared on a variety show to address the news. When asked how it felt to go public, Mingyu joked, “I feel lighter now. No more sneaking around!” Y/N laughed, adding, “And no more teasing from our members…hopefully.”

The hosts congratulated them, and the episode was filled with lighthearted banter about their romance, including a reenactment of their first on-screen kiss, much to their embarrassment. Their members, seated in the audience, cheered loudly and made exaggerated heart signs, causing the couple to dissolve into laughter.

Despite the initial nerves, the public response was overwhelmingly positive. Fans praised their courage and celebrated the love story that had unfolded before their eyes. With the support of their loved ones and fans, Mingyu and Y/N embraced their relationship openly, proving that love and career could coexist beautifully.

While promoting on separate shows, the teasing didn’t stop. During an episode of a cooking show where Y/N was a guest, the host brought up Mingyu. “So, does your boyfriend cook for you?” he asked with a sly smile. Y/N nearly dropped the bowl she was holding, her flustered reaction earning laughs from the crew.

Meanwhile, on a talk show with Seventeen, the host slyly mentioned Y/N’s name while discussing Mingyu’s favorite co-stars. The members immediately jumped in, with Seungkwan exclaiming, “You mean his favorite person in general!” Mingyu buried his face in his hands, mumbling, “Why do I even talk to you guys?”

As the teasing continued on the talk show, the host couldn't resist digging a little deeper. "So, Mingyu, does Y/N have a favorite dish of yours? Or maybe something you cooked that she pretended to like?"

Mingyu, still blushing from Seungkwan's antics, looked up with a sheepish grin. "Well... she says she likes my kimchi stew, but I think she’s just being nice. She’s a really good cook herself, so it’s a little intimidating."

The members, of course, weren’t about to let that go. DK leaned forward with mock seriousness. "Mingyu, are you saying that your love language is cooking, but you’re worried you’ll never win against hers?"

The audience burst into laughter, and Mingyu groaned, "You guys are the worst!" But the fond smile on his face betrayed him.

Meanwhile, Y/N faced her own set of playful jabs. During another variety show appearance with her group, the topic of dating naturally came up. The host smirked and said, "So, Y/N, is it true that someone has been giving you pointers on acting lately?"

Y/N blinked, caught off guard, but one of her members jumped in with a laugh. "Oh, she’s had lots of inspiration lately. Isn’t that right, Y/N?"

Y/N shot her a look but couldn’t hide the small smile forming on her lips. "Maybe," she replied, trying to keep it vague, but the knowing chuckles from the audience told her it was no use.

As time passed, their relationship grew even stronger. Their fans, though initially surprised by the announcement, were incredibly supportive. Fan projects celebrating their relationship popped up worldwide, ranging from fan art and video edits to organized donation drives in their names.

Even during promotions, fans showed their love. At a fan signing event, Mingyu received a note from a fan that read, "Thank you for being brave enough to share your happiness with us. We're rooting for you and Y/N!" He couldn’t help but beam, and later, when Y/N was shown a photo of the note by her own fans, she smiled fondly.

Their groups also made light of their relationship during joint appearances. During a game segment on a music show, Y/N’s leader and Seungkwan ended up on the same team. At one point, Y/N's leader turned to him and said, "We should work together more often. Maybe we’ll pick up some of Mingyu and Y/N’s chemistry."

Seungkwan clapped dramatically. "Exactly! Let’s call it inspiration. They’ve raised the bar for all of us!"

The playful exchanges were always met with laughter, and though Mingyu and Y/N often rolled their eyes at the teasing, it was clear they appreciated the love and support surrounding them.

One memorable moment came during Seventeen’s encore stage at an awards show where Y/N’s group was also present. Fans had been hoping for some interaction, and they weren’t disappointed. During the song, Mingyu subtly glanced toward Y/N’s group, catching her gaze for just a moment. The fans screamed as Y/N, always composed, broke into a shy smile.

Later that night, as they sat together at the after-party, Mingyu whispered, "You smiled at me on stage."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, pretending to be unimpressed. "And? You’re acting like it’s the first time."

He grinned. "It’s different when millions of people are watching."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You’re impossible."

Their love story, now openly celebrated, became a symbol of balance and determination. Fans admired how they managed their busy lives while supporting each other. Their interviews began to touch on the theme of love and career, with both of them often emphasizing the importance of trust and mutual respect.

"People think it’s hard to date when you’re in the spotlight," Mingyu said during an interview. "And it is. But when you find the right person, it feels worth it."

Y/N, in a separate interview, shared similar sentiments. "It’s about understanding each other’s worlds and growing together. I’m lucky to have someone who does that."

As the years passed, their relationship only grew stronger, weathering the ups and downs of fame together. Their story wasn’t just about two idols in love—it became an enduring tale of growth, courage, and the power of love to thrive, even in the most extraordinary circumstances.

As the teasing continued on the talk show, the host couldn't resist digging a little deeper. "So, Mingyu, does Y/N have a favorite dish of yours? Or maybe something you cooked that she pretended to like?"

Mingyu, still blushing from Seungkwan's antics, looked up with a sheepish grin. "Well... she says she likes my kimchi stew, but I think she’s just being nice. She’s a really good cook herself, so it’s a little intimidating."

The members, of course, weren’t about to let that go. DK leaned forward with mock seriousness. "Mingyu, are you saying that your love language is cooking, but you’re worried you’ll never win against hers?"

The audience burst into laughter, and Mingyu groaned, "You guys are the worst!" But the fond smile on his face betrayed him.

Meanwhile, Y/N faced her own set of playful jabs. During another variety show appearance with her group, the topic of dating naturally came up. The host smirked and said, "So, Y/N, is it true that someone has been giving you pointers on acting lately?"

Y/N blinked, caught off guard, but one of her members jumped in with a laugh. "Oh, she’s had lots of inspiration lately. Isn’t that right, Y/N?"

Y/N shot her a look but couldn’t hide the small smile forming on her lips. "Maybe," she replied, trying to keep it vague, but the knowing chuckles from the audience told her it was no use.

As time passed, their relationship grew even stronger. Their fans, though initially surprised by the announcement, were incredibly supportive. Fan projects celebrating their relationship popped up worldwide, ranging from fan art and video edits to organized donation drives in their names.

Even during promotions, fans showed their love. At a fan signing event, Mingyu received a note from a fan that read, "Thank you for being brave enough to share your happiness with us. We're rooting for you and Y/N!" He couldn’t help but beam, and later, when Y/N was shown a photo of the note by her own fans, she smiled fondly.

Their groups also made light of their relationship during joint appearances. During a game segment on a music show, Y/N’s leader and Seungkwan ended up on the same team. At one point, Y/N's leader turned to him and said, "We should work together more often. Maybe we’ll pick up some of Mingyu and Y/N’s chemistry."

Seungkwan clapped dramatically. "Exactly! Let’s call it inspiration. They’ve raised the bar for all of us!"

The playful exchanges were always met with laughter, and though Mingyu and Y/N often rolled their eyes at the teasing, it was clear they appreciated the love and support surrounding them.

One memorable moment came during Seventeen’s encore stage at an awards show where Y/N’s group was also present. Fans had been hoping for some interaction, and they weren’t disappointed. During the song, Mingyu subtly glanced toward Y/N’s group, catching her gaze for just a moment. The fans screamed as Y/N, always composed, broke into a shy smile.

Later that night, as they sat together at the after-party, Mingyu whispered, "You smiled at me on stage."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, pretending to be unimpressed. "And? You’re acting like it’s the first time."

He grinned. "It’s different when millions of people are watching."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You’re impossible."

Their love story, now openly celebrated, became a symbol of balance and determination. Fans admired how they managed their busy lives while supporting each other. Their interviews began to touch on the theme of love and career, with both of them often emphasizing the importance of trust and mutual respect.

"People think it’s hard to date when you’re in the spotlight," Mingyu said during an interview. "And it is. But when you find the right person, it feels worth it."

Y/N, in a separate interview, shared similar sentiments. "It’s about understanding each other’s worlds and growing together. I’m lucky to have someone who does that."

As the years passed, their relationship only grew stronger, weathering the ups and downs of fame together. Their story wasn’t just about two idols in love—it became an enduring tale of growth, courage, and the power of love to thrive, even in the most extraordinary circumstances.

As the teasing continued on the talk show, the host couldn't resist digging a little deeper. "So, Mingyu, does Y/N have a favorite dish of yours? Or maybe something you cooked that she pretended to like?"

Mingyu, still blushing from Seungkwan's antics, looked up with a sheepish grin. "Well... she says she likes my kimchi stew, but I think she’s just being nice. She’s a really good cook herself, so it’s a little intimidating."

The members, of course, weren’t about to let that go. DK leaned forward with mock seriousness. "Mingyu, are you saying that your love language is cooking, but you’re worried you’ll never win against hers?"

The audience burst into laughter, and Mingyu groaned, "You guys are the worst!" But the fond smile on his face betrayed him.

Meanwhile, Y/N faced her own set of playful jabs. During another variety show appearance with her group, the topic of dating naturally came up. The host smirked and said, "So, Y/N, is it true that someone has been giving you pointers on acting lately?"

Y/N blinked, caught off guard, but one of her members jumped in with a laugh. "Oh, she’s had lots of inspiration lately. Isn’t that right, Y/N?"

Y/N shot her a look but couldn’t hide the small smile forming on her lips. "Maybe," she replied, trying to keep it vague, but the knowing chuckles from the audience told her it was no use.

As time passed, their relationship grew even stronger. Their fans, though initially surprised by the announcement, were incredibly supportive. Fan projects celebrating their relationship popped up worldwide, ranging from fan art and video edits to organized donation drives in their names.

Even during promotions, fans showed their love. At a fan signing event, Mingyu received a note from a fan that read, "Thank you for being brave enough to share your happiness with us. We're rooting for you and Y/N!" He couldn’t help but beam, and later, when Y/N was shown a photo of the note by her own fans, she smiled fondly.

Their groups also made light of their relationship during joint appearances. During a game segment on a music show, Y/N’s leader and Seungkwan ended up on the same team. At one point, Y/N's leader turned to him and said, "We should work together more often. Maybe we’ll pick up some of Mingyu and Y/N’s chemistry."

Seungkwan clapped dramatically. "Exactly! Let’s call it inspiration. They’ve raised the bar for all of us!"

The playful exchanges were always met with laughter, and though Mingyu and Y/N often rolled their eyes at the teasing, it was clear they appreciated the love and support surrounding them.

One memorable moment came during Seventeen’s encore stage at an awards show where Y/N’s group was also present. Fans had been hoping for some interaction, and they weren’t disappointed. During the song, Mingyu subtly glanced toward Y/N’s group, catching her gaze for just a moment. The fans screamed as Y/N, always composed, broke into a shy smile.

Later that night, as they sat together at the after-party, Mingyu whispered, "You smiled at me on stage."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, pretending to be unimpressed. "And? You’re acting like it’s the first time."

He grinned. "It’s different when millions of people are watching."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You’re impossible."

Their love story, now openly celebrated, became a symbol of balance and determination. Fans admired how they managed their busy lives while supporting each other. Their interviews began to touch on the theme of love and career, with both of them often emphasizing the importance of trust and mutual respect.

"People think it’s hard to date when you’re in the spotlight," Mingyu said during an interview. "And it is. But when you find the right person, it feels worth it."

Y/N, in a separate interview, shared similar sentiments. "It’s about understanding each other’s worlds and growing together. I’m lucky to have someone who does that."

As the years passed, their relationship only grew stronger, weathering the ups and downs of fame together. Their story wasn’t just about two idols in love—it became an enduring tale of growth, courage, and the power of love to thrive, even in the most extraordinary circumstances.

[memento-morri-writes]

TBR Tag Game

I'm hopping on an open tag from @tc-doherty to share 9 books I read this year, and 9 books I'm hoping to read next year.

Read This Year:

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson

Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland

The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickenson

A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine (also read the first book)

The Spirit Well by R.K. Ashwick (@ashen-crest)

The Obsidian Tower by Melissa Caruso

Godkiller by Hannah Kaner

Snowblooded by Emma Sterner-Radley

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune

The first 5 were my favorites of the year (in no particular order), and the rest were honorable mentions.

Hoping to Read Next Year:

The Tyrant Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

The Monster Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

A Captured Cauldron by R.K. Ashwick (@ashen-crest)

Voyage of the Damned by France White

Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn

Strictly No Heroics by B.L. Radley (@radley-writes)

The Quicksilver Court by Melissa Caruso

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

I don't have a 9th I'm super excited about, despite having more in my TBR, so 8 will have to do. I'm most eager to read the top row, but I'm excited about all of them!! I do really want to re-read the Gentleman Bastards series, though... I need to read about the original Idiot Bastard Man (affectionate).

Tagging @transmasc-wizard @space-writes @writeouswriter @cryptid-s-wips @emrowene @talesofsorrowandofruin

[onebadassunicorn]

All I Want Is You

pairing: Azriel x Reader

content warnings: pining

word count: 3.7k

Taglist: @firefly-forest @salvatoresister1 @daughterofthemoons-stuff @batboyslutt @tiredsleepyhead

Image owned by Velocity Visual Media

Read previous chapters here:

Chapter 1

*********************

Chapter 2 

Y/n POV

You stood on the balcony of Azriel’s townhouse, staring out at the glittering city of Velaris as the first rays of dawn painted the Sidra in gold. The view was breathtaking, but your thoughts were elsewhere. 

 Azriel.

Still sleeping inside. 

Unaware. 

Your fingers trembled as you tightened the belt of your coat, the morning chill doing little to distract you from the ache in your chest. You could still feel his touch lingering on your skin, the intensity of his hazel eyes haunting you. He was unlike anyone you had ever met—dark, brooding, and yet so tender in the way he held you, as though you were something precious.

For the briefest of moments last night, you had allowed yourself to imagine a life with him. But it was a fleeting dream, one you knew you couldn’t have.

Your gaze dropped to the streets below, bustling quietly as the city woke. Velaris had been your escape, a place to spend your holiday away from the responsibilities and expectations of your home in Montesere - a territory far removed from the freedom of this vibrant city. Montesere, a land of wealth, opulence, and endless responsibilities. It was your home, but it was also your cage. Your family owned one of the largest trading empires in their territory, and your obligations to their legacy consumed your days and dictated your future. There was no room for deviation, no room for a life of your own.

You had come here for a holiday reprieve, to forget the weight you carried back in your own city. But Velaris wasn’t yours, and neither was Azriel.

You pressed your fingers to your lips, remembering the way he had kissed you, the way he had looked at you as though you were the center of his world. It had been real, what you both shared last night. You couldn’t deny that. But it couldn’t last.

Montesere was waiting for you—a city full of obligations, promises, and a life your family had built long before you ever knew Azriel existed. You couldn’t uproot everything for a single night, no matter how much that night had changed you. Your father simply wouldn’t allow it. You had responsibilities, family, and commitments that tied you to Montesere. Staying in Velaris, staying with Azriel, would mean abandoning everything your father had built for your family and worked so hard to maintain.

And yet… the thought of leaving Azriel felt like a knife twisting in your chest. You closed your eyes, willing the tears back. 

You thought of his hands on your waist, his lips murmuring your name like a prayer. You had seen something in his eyes last night, something more than desire. It was as though he had found something in you he hadn’t known he was searching for. You knew the mating bond snapped for you, but you couldn’t be certain it did for him as well. 

And that made leaving all the harder.

As you moved back inside to his bedroom, your heart squeezed painfully in your chest. 

What could you offer him? 

A few fleeting moments?

A connection that could never truly be fulfilled? 

You knew you couldn’t stay, and you couldn’t ask him to leave his world for yours.  Besides, he was an integral part of the Night Court.

He couldn't leave and it wouldn’t be fair to even ask him.

With trembling hands, you picked up the note you had left on the pillow next to him, your heart breaking as you read your own words. You had tried to keep it simple, to explain just enough without giving him false hope. But the truth was, you had felt something for him, something deep and undeniable. And leaving him now felt like ripping a piece of yourself away.

As the sun rose higher, you pressed a kiss to your fingertips and ran your fingertips softly down his cheek. He stirred in his sleep, and you took a deep breath. 

You had to leave. 

Montesere was your home, and whatever had passed between you and Azriel had to remain a beautiful memory, one you would cherish for the rest of your life.

But as you turned away from the bedroom and back to the balcony, your green eyes shimmering with unshed tears, you couldn’t shake the nagging thought: What if Velaris wasn’t just a holiday? What if, for one night, you had found something—or someone—you didn’t want to let go of?

Pushing the thought aside, you stepped through the balcony doors, looking down at the city below, the dawn’s light casting long shadows across the cobblestones. You glanced once more toward the city, your green eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“I’m sorry, Azriel,” you whispered, your voice barely audible over the rustling of the leaves.

And then, with a deep breath, you winnowed.

The air around you shifted, bending and folding in on itself, and a moment later, you were standing in the grand estate of your family’s home in Montesere. The contrast was immediate—where Velaris was vibrant and free, Montesere was polished and cold, the weight of responsibility pressing down on you the moment your feet touched the marble floors.

Your father’s voice echoed faintly from another room, discussing business as always, and you straightened your shoulders, burying the emotions that threatened to overwhelm you. This was your life, your duty. 

There was no room for longing. 

No room for Azriel.

But as you walked through the halls of your family’s estate, your heart ached with the truth you couldn’t ignore: you had left part of yourself behind in Velaris. 

******

Azriel POV

For four long years, Azriel searched.

The morning Y/n had disappeared from his bed, leaving only a note and a hollow ache in his chest, he had sworn to find her. She was his mate—his, the other half of his soul—and the thought of living without her was unbearable.

At first, his search was methodical, driven by the determination that had carried him through centuries of missions for the Night Court. He scoured Velaris, questioning anyone who might have seen her, piecing together her movements in the days before she vanished. The name “Y/n” was all he had to go on—a name that, to his growing frustration, was far more common than he had realized.

Weeks turned into months, and still, he found no trace of her. No one in Velaris seemed to know “a Y/n” who matched her description, and even his shadows—his constant, loyal companions—were silent, unable to find a thread to pull. It was as though she had disappeared into thin air, leaving only the ghost of her presence behind.

Azriel expanded his search beyond Velaris, traveling to other territories, questioning travelers and merchants in bustling marketplaces and quiet taverns alike. But the world was vast, and Y/n’s name was just one among thousands. Every lead he followed ended in disappointment, every hopeful moment crushed under the weight of reality.

He replayed their night together over and over in his mind, clinging to the memory of her laughter, the way her green eyes sparkled when she teased him, the softness of her touch. But as the months dragged on, even those memories began to feel like a cruel taunt. 

She was his mate. 

How could he live without her?

By the second year, the search had taken its toll. Azriel, once unshakable, began to unravel. The fire that had fueled his determination dimmed, replaced by a growing sense of despair. He withdrew from his friends, his duties, and even his shadows. He had always been reserved, but now he was quiet in a way that alarmed those closest to him.

Cassian tried to draw him out, suggesting drinks at Rita’s or sparring matches to shake him from his brooding. Mor offered to help with the search, her tone light but her eyes filled with concern. Even Rhysand, his brother and High Lord, spoke to him in private, urging him not to lose himself in the search. But Azriel waved them all off, his responses clipped and distant.

“I can’t stop,” he told Rhys one evening, his voice raw. “She’s out there. She’s my mate.”

“And what happens if you never find her?” Rhys asked gently, his violet eyes filled with a rare softness.

Azriel didn’t answer. The possibility of failure was one he couldn’t allow himself to consider, even as it loomed larger with each passing day.

As the second year came to a close, Azriel’s despair deepened. He rarely slept, his nights spent staring at the stars and wondering where she was. The name “Y/n” haunted him—a name so painfully common that it seemed to mock him at every turn. How could the universe give him his mate, only to take her away with no trace?

He returned to his home one evening, exhausted and hollow, the shadows around him eerily silent. The note she had left two years ago sat on his desk, the edges worn from his constant handling. He unfolded it for what felt like the thousandth time, tracing her words with his fingers.

Let me live in your memory as the woman who shared this night with you, because you will always be in mine.

Her request felt like a dagger to his chest.

How could he let her live in his memory when she was his very heart?

How could he carry on knowing she was out there, somewhere, beyond his reach?

Azriel sank into a chair, his head in his hands. He had always been a creature of shadows, but now they consumed him entirely, their whispers turning into a mournful echo.

For the first time in centuries, he felt truly lost.

He whispered her name into the quiet, his voice breaking. “Y/n.”

And for the first time, he allowed himself to consider what he had fought so hard to avoid: that she was gone, and he might never find her. 

And he began to sob. 

******

Azriel POV

Azriel sat in the garden of the River House, the scent of blooming flowers mingling with the gentle murmur of the Sidra. The world around him seemed peaceful, serene—a stark contrast to the storm that churned within him. For two years, he had searched for Y/n, and for two years, he had come up empty. 

Halfway through the third year, the bond thrummed faintly in his chest, a constant reminder of what he had lost and could not find.

He was drowning in despair, and it showed. His friends had noticed the shadows deepening around him, his brooding silence becoming heavier with each passing day. It was Elain who finally reached out, her soft presence a tentative light against the darkness consuming him.

At first, Azriel had resisted her gentle attempts to draw him out, her kind words and quiet companionship. But eventually, the loneliness became too much, and he let her in—or at least, he tried. Elain was kind, beautiful, and sweet in a way that soothed his raw edges, if only briefly.

One evening, as the sun set over Velaris, they found themselves alone in the garden. Elain’s laughter was soft, her voice warm as she told him about her latest efforts in the greenhouse. Azriel listened, or at least he pretended to. His thoughts were far away, his mind always circling back to Y/n, to green eyes that weren’t Elain’s, to a voice that no longer echoed in his world.

When Elain reached out, her fingers brushing against his hand, he didn’t pull away. She looked up at him, her brown eyes filled with something hopeful, something he didn’t deserve.

“Azriel,” she said softly, her voice hesitant, as though afraid to push too hard. “You don’t have to carry it all alone.”

He stared down at her, his heart heavy with guilt. He wanted to feel something for her—anything that could drown out the ache in his chest. She leaned closer, her hand sliding up to his shoulder, and he let her. When she stood on her toes, her lips brushing softly against his, he didn’t stop her.

But the moment their lips met, everything unraveled.

In his mind, it wasn’t Elain he was kissing. It was Y/n—her taste, her scent, her voice filling his senses. He closed his eyes, giving into the illusion, and when he pulled back to murmur her name, it slipped out before he could stop it.

“Y/n.”

The word hung in the air like a shattered glass. Elain froze, her eyes widening in shock, hurt flashing across her face. She stepped back, her hand falling from his shoulder. “Y/n?” she repeated, her voice trembling.

Azriel’s heart sank. He ran a hand through his hair, his wings shifting restlessly behind him. “Elain, I’m… I’m sorry.”

She took another step back, her hurt expression cutting him like a blade. “Who is she?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Azriel couldn’t meet her gaze. He looked down at the ground, shame washing over him. “I can’t do this,” he said, his voice raw. “I’m kidding myself. And I’m hurting you.”

Elain’s brows furrowed, her hurt giving way to confusion. “Azriel, what are you talking about?”

He looked up then, his hazel eyes filled with guilt and pain. “When I’m with you, I’m not really with you. I’m… picturing her. I see her. I hear her. I’m sorry, Elain. You deserve better than that.”

Her lips parted as though she wanted to speak, but no words came. She simply stared at him, her brown eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“You deserve someone who can give you all of themselves,” Azriel continued, his voice breaking. “I can’t. My heart… it’s already hers. Even if I never find her, it will always be hers.”

Elain swallowed hard, nodding slowly. “I see,” she said softly, her voice tight. 

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, his wings sagging in defeat. “I thought… I thought maybe I could move on. But I can’t. Not like this.”

She nodded again, her face a mix of understanding and heartbreak. Without another word, she turned and walked back into the house, leaving Azriel alone in the garden.

He sat there for a long time, the silence of the night wrapping around him like a shroud. The bond thrummed faintly in his chest, a cruel reminder of what he had lost—and what he might never have again.

******

Azriel POV

Azriel found himself on the streets of Velaris as they buzzed with life as Solstice approached, the air crisp and filled with the scents of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon. He walked among the throngs of people, his wings tucked tight against his back, his hands shoved into the pockets of his coat. He had spent the last hour wandering the shops, selecting gifts for his family and friends, though his heart wasn’t fully in it.

Almost a full four years had passed since she had left him, and though he had tried to move forward, the bond remained a constant ache in his chest. The search for her had eventually ceased, not because he had given up, but because there was simply nothing more he could do. Her name, her face, her laugh—they haunted him, even now.

He turned a corner, stepping into a quieter side street where a few small shops lined the cobblestones. The crowds thinned, and he took a deep breath, trying to shake the heaviness that always seemed to linger around him this time of year.

A blur of movement caught his attention, but before he could react, a warm liquid splashed against his chest. He stopped abruptly, looking down at his coat now stained with coffee.

“I’m so sorry!” a female voice exclaimed, hurried and flustered. “I wasn’t looking where I was going—”

Azriel’s head snapped up at the sound of her voice. It was a voice he would know anywhere. His hazel eyes locked onto her face, and for a moment, the world seemed to tilt on its axis.

It was her.

She stood before him, her green eyes wide with surprise and embarrassment, her cheeks flushed. She looked exactly as he remembered—her long black hair spilling over her shoulders, her beauty undeniable even in her obvious distress. She clutched an empty coffee cup in one hand, her other hand hovering as though unsure whether to help him or retreat.

“Y/n,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, as if saying her name too loudly might break the fragile moment.

Her eyes widened further, recognition dawning as she looked at him. “Azriel?” she breathed, her voice filled with equal parts shock and disbelief.

He couldn’t move, couldn’t think, as the bond in his chest surged to life, thrumming with a fierce, undeniable pull. She was here, standing before him, after all these years.

“I-oh-Gods, your coat,” she stammered, gesturing helplessly at the coffee stain. “I’m so sorry-“

“Y/n,” he interrupted, his voice steadier now. He stepped closer, his gaze searching hers. “It’s you.”

She froze, her hands falling to her sides as she met his eyes. For a moment, she looked like she might turn and run, but then she sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. “It’s me,” she said softly, her voice tinged with something he couldn’t quite name.

Regret?

Guilt?

Relief?

Azriel swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. “You’re here,” he said, his words coming out almost accusatory, though he didn’t mean them to be. “After all this time.”

She nodded, her green eyes flickering with emotions she clearly couldn’t hide. “I didn’t think I’d see you again,” she admitted, her voice barely audible over the sounds of the city around them.

He let out a shaky breath, his hands clenching at his sides. “I searched for you,” he said, the words spilling out before he could stop them. “For many years, Y/n. I tried to find you.”

Her expression softened, but there was still a sadness in her eyes. “I'm sorry” she said quietly. “I… I thought it was better this way. For both of us.”

His jaw tightened, his shadows swirling faintly at the edges of his being. “Better?” he repeated, his voice low, raw. “You’re my mate, Y/n. How could leaving ever be better?”

Her breath hitched, and she looked down, as if unable to hold his gaze any longer. “I didn’t know what else to do,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “I had my life in Montesere—my family, my obligations. I thought… I thought it would be easier for both of us because my life was there, and your life is here.”

“Easier?” Azriel took another step closer, his wings flaring slightly. “Do you have any idea what it’s been like, not knowing where you were, not knowing if I’d ever see you again?”

Her eyes snapped up to meet his then, glistening with unshed tears. “And do you know what it’s been like for me?” she countered, her voice shaking. “Living with the bond, feeling it every day, knowing I left you behind? I thought I was doing the right thing, Azriel. I thought I was sparing us both.”

Silence fell between them, heavy with the weight of their shared pain. The world around them faded, leaving only the two of them standing there, staring at each other as though trying to bridge the years that had separated them.

Finally, Azriel spoke, his voice softer now. “You’re here,” he said again, as if trying to convince himself. “You came back.”

Y/n nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. “I did.”

Azriel stared at her, his chest tightening as her words hung in the air. Living with the bond, feeling it every day, knowing I left you behind.

He took a step closer, his voice low, raw with disbelief. “You knew about the bond?” His hazel eyes searched her face, desperate for an answer, for the truth she had kept from him.

She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground as though she couldn’t bear to face him. “I felt it that night,” she admitted softly, her voice trembling. “I felt it snap into place, just like you must have. I—” She choked on the words, lifting a hand to her mouth. “I didn’t know what to do.”

Azriel felt the world tilt beneath him, her confession hitting him like a physical blow. He reached for her, his hand cupping her cheek, forcing her to meet his gaze. “I felt it too,” he said, his voice breaking. “That night… I knew you were my mate. I’ve known ever since.”

Her green eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her breath hitching as she leaned into his touch. “I thought I was protecting your life here,” she whispered. “I thought it would be better for you if I stayed away. I didn’t want to burden you with my life in Montesere—my family, my responsibilities. I knew you had your life here as part of the Night Court. It was an impossible situation. I thought… I thought you’d move on.”

“Move on?” Azriel’s voice rose slightly, the pain and anger he’d bottled up for years spilling over. “You’re my mate. There’s no moving on. I searched for you for years. I—”

“Mommy!” a high-pitched voice interrupted, small and cheerful, cutting through the tension like a blade.

Azriel froze, his hand falling away from her face as a little girl came running toward them. She was small, her black hair tied back in long waves, and as she looked up at Y/n with wide, excited eyes, Azriel’s breath caught. She had wings. Tiny, delicate Illyrian wings that flared slightly as she came to a stop beside Y/n, clutching the edge of her coat.

“Mommy,” the girl said, tugging on Y/n’s hand. “I saw a toy dragon in the shop over there! It looks like the one you read to me about. Can I have it? Please?”

Y/n’s face turned pale, her lips parting in silent shock as she glanced at Azriel. She placed a gentle hand on the little girl’s shoulder, her movements stiff. “Sweetheart,” she said softly, her voice unsteady. “Just… give Mommy a moment, okay?”

But Azriel was already staring at the child, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. Her wings, her dark hair, her delicate features. And then her eyes—hazel, flecked with gold.

His own eyes.

It felt like the ground had been ripped out from under him.

Chapter 3

[mejaemin]

200 - lee minhyung

wc: 1.2k

summary: mark cannot lose you, so in a desperate effort to let you know, he does so in the way he knows best

warnings: fighting, they make up dw, i mentioned a crude joke towards woman being made but it was never explicitly said

an: what did i eat today that made me to a triple upload ?!?! and none of those three were pre written ?!?! crazy.. but anyway here’s my first (solo) work for markle sparkle !!! lowkey i prefer the minhyung version of 200 over the regular.. but anyway pls enjoy this !!! also tysm to @viasdreams for helping me come up with an idea for what the argument should be about 😙😙 ly queen

listen 🎧! : 200 - minhyung’s version

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mark is so done.

it’s been about a week since “the incident”, and a week of going through extreme withdrawals and torture on his end from being shut out. within your circle of friends and quite a few people outside of it, your “argument” has become quite a popular topic amongst the people.

it’s honestly very petty of you, but you can’t help it. your whole situation just doesn’t sit right with you. for reference, you were hanging out with mark and his friends last week, nothing new. it started when his one friend started making sexual jokes, and of course it’s gross but boys will be boys, so you chose to distract yourself in your phone rather than torture yourself with listening to that nonsense.

the real problem arose when said jokes started turning strange, almost feeling objectifying towards women. it was quite uncomfortable to have to sit in the middle of a conversation, but thankfully you didn’t need much incentive to leave when mark started laughing along with the group. you immediately snapped your head around to look at him, giving him a look, and you could tell that was all you needed to do because he was immediately leaning towards you, but you paid him no mind and just left.

he was following behind you, and you ignored him all the way until you were halfway down the block. he grabbed your wrist, and maybe your hormones were a little off balance because you did make it out to be a little more than it should have been, but you turned around and snapped at him. in public, standing in the middle of the sidewalk, you and mark had an argument about why it was so inappropriate for him to laugh at such crude jokes. of course, in the heat of the moment it went nowhere, and ended with him driving you home (he drove you to the hangout, and despite being angry he still didn’t want you walking) in silence.

as soon as you got home, you bid him a very upset goodbye before sitting in your frustration. you managed to calm down, able to admit that you were a little harsh on him, but upon remembering the fact that he just couldn’t get why you were upset made you upset all over again. thus, you got heated all over again and decided to block mark on everything until you were able to be calm about things again (that was an excuse, and the real reason you did that was just to be petty).

the next few days he tried contacting you many times, even through other people, and you completely ignored it. at some point you did start feeling bad, but you were already too deep into it to go back now. so, you kept on, even going to the length of ignoring him when you saw each other on campus. he truly looked like a kicked puppy, well, as far as you could tell without making direct eye contact, and it sucked, but you kept walking. he had yet to admit he was in the wrong, and maybe you both were, especially you for not letting him admit it, but oh well.

after about a week and a half of avoiding your boyfriend, you’re laying on your couch, alone, scrolling through your phone when you get a notification from one of mark’s friends. the text doesn’t say much, simply a pair of eyeball emojis followed by a screenshot of mark’s profile on spotify.

he’s a music major, and you’re aware of the fact that he sometimes posts his projects on spotify or other platforms.. however, this time is a little different. the numbers on his account are way larger than they were the last time you checked, and there’s a whole other album added onto it. immediately you’re going to your own app to look at his profile, and you see that it’s for real. the numbers next to all his songs have changed from under a thousand to ten times that, and there’s an ep with five songs under the ‘latest release’ section.

immediately disregarding whatever grudge you were holding, you play it. the first song, titled 200, begins with the quiet strumming of an acoustic guitar, and you hook it up to your speaker to really feel it. he starts with his vocals, and your heart picks up. despite being more involved with rap, you always told mark you loved his vocals. you always asked him to do more songs with them, because to you they sounded godsent. it seems that after all this time, he’s finally decided to listen. there’s no doubt in your mind that he’s talking to you, the lyrics full of love and mentions of little things that have always been staples in your relationship. it’s really the cutest, and your heart hurts at the fact that you’re ignoring him while he releases a song all about your relationship while simultaneously reaching a notable point in his career.

immediately grabbing your things, you get into your car and make your way to mark’s apartment. on the way, you unblock him on everything and send him an apology message before driving to him, as close to the speed limit as you could. he tries calling you, but you ignore it in favor of the fact that his apartment is close and you’re already almost there. on the way you listened to the rest of his ep, and all the songs are including the same things, all about love with one of them even including an apology with him nearly pleading for you to come back to him.

as soon as you get to his door, you unlock it with the spare key he gave you and let yourself in. he’s in the kitchen, his back facing you, and you waste no time in running up to him and closing him in your arms.

“oh my god, markie, i’m so sorry..” you squeeze him tight in your embrace, and although he’s startled and more than a little upset, he turns around and returns the favor.

“it’s alright, babe, come sit.” he pries you off of him, leading you to the couch where he sits down with you, keeping an arm around your shoulder.

“i heard your songs and i just, i’m sorry. i feel really stupid, and i shouldn’t have ignored you, and i really hope you can forgive me.” you ramble, saying anything and everything to help explain just how terrible you felt.

his thumb rubs reassuring circles into your shoulder as he turns his head to face you completely. “it’s okay, baby, i forgive you. and i’m sorry too, i was being immature and there was nothing funny about what he said.”

you nod, feeling a little more relieved, yet still very stupid now that you saw how easy everything was discussed. “so… we’re okay?” you ask, eyes meeting his with an unsure look.

he turns his body to face you fully, using one hand to hold your face and lean in to kiss you. “of course. let’s not do that again though, okay? i was on the verge of death, bro, i swear.”

seeing how quickly he returned to normal, you giggle, nodding as you lean back into his arms. “of course, mark, it was torture for me too. now.. you seriously made five songs about me in the span of a week and a half all because of this?” you tease, and that’s how you spend the rest of the night, celebrating his success and loving each other like the way he says in his music.

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[to-thelakes]

who's been at your apartment?

pairing; carmy berzatto x reader

content warnings; MINORS DNI, 18+ ONLY (pls), angst turned to smut, afab!reader, oral (r!receiving), fingering, unprotected sex, light dom/sub dynamics

summary; you and carmy had ended things a month ago but you just couldn't keep away from each other.

this has been sat in my drafts for far too long, like last month i was obsessed with 'your apartment' by wallows (i saw them on tour, hearing the song live was insane), and this was born, it's probably one of the more horny things i've released so please enjoy <3 my little end of the year treat for you all <3

also i have a whole ass playlist for this dynamic with carmy and it's eating my brain up when if i think too hard

You and Carmy had been dancing around each other for months. Your situationship - that neither of you had ever been brave enough to call a relationship - had ended messily but mutually. It hurt you both but as you both did, you bottled it up and pretended like nothing had happened.

You were amicable with him inn person but when you got home, you cried on the phone to your best friend about how much you missed him. And then you went back around, doing it all over again the next day. 

Your best friend had tried to get you to move on, think about someone else but it never happened. Nothing seemed to distract you from him.

Carmy had similarly been struggling. Even the stress of opening The Bear hadn’t distracted him from you. Even Syd and her refusal to sign the partner contract hadn’t distracted him. Seeing you every day made him crazy and seeing you laugh and smile and seem so care-free drove him even crazier.

He didn’t understand how you weren’t falling apart at the seams. He was. Even if he hid it, he was falling apart without you. And he would lie awake at night thinking about how you were moving on and imagining all the ways you had moved on. It was his own unique form of self-harm. Or that’s what he thought because he didn’t know that you were also falling into that same pattern.

You knew that Carmy didn’t sleep around but he had gotten closer to Claire recently. He had been friends with her for as long as you had known him - so your entire lives - and that made it even worse.

Was he sleeping with her? Did she hold him like you had? Was he moving on? 

It drove you crazy.

And service at the Bear was driving you crazy. It was stressful, the new menus every day basically made it impossible to be efficient. Everything was difficult and the company was drowning and Carmy was drowning. He was stressed and you could see it but you couldn’t do anything because you were drowning too; drowning in your own feelings and your own self-inflicted mental wounds.

Service was the most stressful you’d had since Carmy had joined months ago and the intensity in the kitchen seemed to increase with every passing second.

Every second counts.

That was becoming increasingly true as you rushed your way through dinner service. When the last order went out and everyone cooled off and Carmy had stopped asking for food to be re-fired over and over and over and everyone began to clean up, you felt like your head had finally come up from under the water.

The tides were calming but then you made eye contact with Carmy and it was like you were drowning again. He was anxiously chewing on nicotine gum as he quickly averted his gaze from you. You looked away and ran your hands across your face.

“Fuck,” You mumbled to yourself before you turned away and went straight to the back door. You couldn’t exist in that kitchen, you felt like you were drowning. The night air was soothing as you dropped onto the bench next to the back door. Your hands rested in your lap as your whole body slumped back into the brick wall.

You couldn’t get the thoughts out of your head. Carmy with Claire, Carmy fucking Claire, Carmy touching Claire. It was driving you fucking insane. You let out a rough breath.

“Fuck,” You muttered again. You leant forward, elbows on your knee as you rested your head in your hands, “Fuck!” You shouted before you let out another rough breath, kicking your heel into the bench. 

It felt impossible to think. Nobody could distract you enough to keep him off your mind. Sydney, Marcus, Tina, even Ebra had tried to help but nothing. He was stuck in your head, invading every bit of free space, sinking his claws in.

The memory of him was branded into the deepest part of you. The genuine look of relaxation when he was asleep beside you was seared into your mind, his smile when you said something funny, his laugh that you rarely ever heard, the way he became pliable and obedient after a stressful service and his face when you kissed and praised him was burnt into the very deepest parts of you. The reminder of how good he felt between your legs and how easy he slipped inside you and fucked you until you couldn’t think persisted in every corner of your mind.

It was like every part of you was clawing, desperate to get back to him.

But you couldn’t talk to him, you couldn’t speak, any time you went to text him, you couldn’t do it and the words clawed at your throat, desperate to spill out but they never did. Instead, your throat was left sore.

“Yo, Chef, gonna finish cleaning your station?” Carmy asked as he appeared outside the door. His voice was a little awkward, trying to be casual but both of you could sense the tension that needed desperately to be broken.

“Yeah, uhm, give me a sec,” You said as you lifted your head out of your hands. You cleared your throat and wiped your hands down your apron - force of habit. You glanced at him, giving him a small smile. That was a mistake. He was looking at you so softly. It made your head spin and you had to look away, “I’ll be there,” You added, hoping he would take the hint and walk away.

“Yeah, take your time,” He responded. You nodded and when you didn’t hear him move, your body felt like it was burning up. This was so much. There were words on the tip of your tongue, desperate to get out but finding no way, “Everything good?” You didn’t even know how to respond to that as you stared blankly at the night sky.

“Are you fucking Claire?” The words fell from your lips before you even knew what the fuck you were saying. But they were out there. It wasn’t what you wanted to say but you needed to say it, to do something about this because fuck, you were losing it. With or without him you were losing it.

Carmy was baffled by your question, pausing and not entirely sure what you wanted to hear. He cleared his throat and glanced at the kitchen before he stepped down out of the restaurant into the back alley.

“No,” He retorted. You nodded and rested back against the wall, “Are you?” He asked. Your eyebrows furrowed.

“What? Fucking Claire?” You asked, unable to help the way you teased him as an amused smile spread over your lips.

“No, fuckin’ hell, no. I meant, fucking anyone,” He quickly corrected, stumbling over his words.

“No.” You didn’t feel the need to elaborate. Both of you knew why. It was fucking obvious to everyone.

You both fell silent and a soft breath escaped your lips, somewhere between relief and annoyance. You felt like you were being tortured by this, by him. It wasn’t exactly all his fault but you fucking needed him. You wanted him so badly and you had no idea how to tell him, how to do it.

“Want me to help with your station?” He asked after a beat. You nodded and he nodded back in response. You then got up from the bench and the two of you headed into the kitchen. The silence that lingered between the two of you was somehow comfortable as you cleaned. You worked in tandem, together, perfect and in rhythm. It was easy. 

The two of you had always been easy, well, until it wasn’t but it had been mistake to quit just because it wasn’t fucking easy anymore. You felt so stupid.

Once you were done with your station, you took the trash out together. You were both deep in thought, not needing to speak to understand what was going on here. Carmy held the bin open as you chucked the black bags inside. 

Your mind was running around in circles. You felt like you were going crazy and every time you looked at him, you wanted to scream and cry and kiss him all in the same instant. It was mind-numbing and dizzying and you didn’t know what to think. And his hand was on your back when you stood on your tiptoes, supporting you as you threw the bags into the trash. 

His hand was on you, his eyes never left you. It was making your head spin and he wasn’t saying anything. 

Granted, neither were you, but he wasn’t saying anything. You didn’t know what to do. You wanted to kiss him and when you made eye contact, you caught the way his eyes briefly glanced to your lips. 

You were halfway picking up a trash bag when you let out a ragged sigh.

“Fuck this,” You stated. Carmy’s eyebrows furrowed and you dropped the bag. You were done, done with this fucking back and forth bullshit. You turned to him and kissed him.. He let out a sigh of relief into your mouth as he kissed you back. His hand kept the bin lid up, frozen and yet relieved all in the same instant. After a moment, you pulled back, “My apartment or yours?” You asked bluntly.

“Mine.”

You threw the last few bags out, washed your hands, grabbed your shit from the locker and got into Carmy’s car - heading straight to his apartment.

The tension was only growing and neither of you really speaking as he drove.

“You really haven’t been fucking Claire?” You asked as you stared out the window.

“No, not fucking Claire,” He retorted. You nodded and let out a breath of relief.

“So I was the last one to touch you?” You questioned as you turned to look at him. He nodded, glancing at you from the driver’s seat. You nodded, letting your hand slip over the console to rest over his thigh. His head snapped to you again, taking in your face.

Your mind was screaming good, good, I’m the only one who should touch you but you kept those thoughts to yourself as he continued to drive.

The second Carmy had the apartment door closed, your hands were on his face, pulling him in. You were kissing him, arms wrapped around his neck as you tugged at the curls at the nape of his neck. He gasped and you used it as an excuse to lick into his mouth, pulling him towards the couch. You didn’t care about getting to the bedroom, you just needed him, right fucking now.

You pushed him until he was sitting on the sofa and he groaned into your mouth as his hands roamed up your sides. His hands slipped under your t-shirt, his cold fingers slipped over your warm skin. It made you shiver as you whined softly into his mouth. He smirked against your lips and tugged you down so you could feel how hard he was.

You whined just a little louder, grinding down against him but his hands snapped to your hips, keeping you still.

“No,” He panted against your mouth as he gently began to kiss across your cheek and jaw. His nose nudged your jaw up as he sucked and nipped and kissed at the skin of your neck. His arms wrapped around you, keeping you pressed against him as you let out breathy whines, “Good girl,” He praised softly when you threw your head back so he had better access to your neck.

You were needy and compliant in his arms as he flipped you both over so you were lying across the couch beneath him. He used his knees to nudge your thighs open. His hands slipped over your crotch and he could feel the heat, glancing up at you. A shit-eating grin was spreading across his face.

“Really fucking needed this, huh?” He asked. You whined, using your heels to wrap around him and tug him closer. He quickly grabbed your calves, holding you back as he looked at you, “Words, baby,” He reminded.

“Take them off, please,” You begged as you wiggled in his lap, desperately trying to get something from him. You needed him. It had been too long.

He needed it too which is why he was quick to strip your jeans off.

“Fuck,” You said softly as he threw your pants to one side. He moved so fluidly and the look in his eyes, the desperation was making your head spin. 

His thumbs then hooked under your panties and he glanced at you, seeking permission again. You nodded your head, “Yes, please,” You reaffirmed, desperate and needy. He pulled them off and threw them in the direction of your pants before his head was between your thighs. His tongue was licking up across your inner thighs, kissing and biting and nipping at the skin as you whined and squirmed under his ministrations. Your fingers were quick to bury into his hair, gently tugging them closer to where you desperately needed him as you squirmed.

“Please,” You begged softly. Carmy hummed, smirking against your thigh as he pressed kisses along the skin. Whenever a little whine escaped you, he took his time to bite and nip at the spot.

“Carmy,” You were fucking breathless and needy, unable to think straight and he had given you nothing. “Stop- stop teasing,” You whined, just as he pulled your thighs a little wider. His hands moved to your pussy, using his thumbs to gently push your folds open. He leant forward and used the flat of his tongue to lick from your opening all the way up to your clit. The feeling made you grip his hair even tighter, a needy whine escaping your lips. Tears formed in your eyes, desperate and so beyond needy.

“Forgot how good you tasted,” He murmured against your pussy before he began to lap at your opening like a man starved. The mix of his saliva and your wetness coated his face as he reacquainted his tongue with every part of you. His tongue then moved to your clit. He gently sucked it into his mouth and your back arched off the couch.

All that fell from your lips were whines of his name as he sucked and lapped at your clit. He used his hands to pin your hips down to the couch, not giving you even a moment of reprieve. You couldn’t decide whether to watch him or stare at the ceiling or close your eyes. The pleasure was so overwhelming; you didn’t know how to think. One hand gripped his hair, nails digging into his scalp while the other gripped the couch cushions for dear life.

He gave a particularly harsh suck to your clit before he began to lap across your cunt again. His tongue licked across your entrance before he traced it all the way up again. His fingers replaced his tongue at your entrance, one finger gently nudging past your walls. It took him with ease, greedily sucking him in. You whined softly.

“Oh, Carm,” You let out as your head fell to the side. The feeling of having someone else inside of you - even just his fingers - was a new kind of euphoria. You let out a soft whimper when he began to curl his finger, pulling in and out.

“Such a pretty pussy,” He murmured as he pulled away to watch his finger sink in and out of you. Once he was sure you were ready, he added a second one and glanced up to see the way your face contorted. You were squirming, desperately shoving yourself further into his fingers, “So fucking desperate.” You looked down at him, using your hand to tug him towards your mouth.

He swallowed your moans as he kissed you, his fingers starting their brutal pace inside you. Every time he thrusted them in and out, he crooked them at just the right angle to make you see stars. You could barely think straight, let alone kiss him. Carmy swallowed every moan as he licked into your mouth. Your eyes closed, head thrown back as he pulled you closer and closer to orgasm, just from his fingers.

“Baby,” He whispered against your skin as he trailed his kisses across your face and towards your ear, “Feel good?” He whispered directly against your ear. Your loud moan as he crooked his finger at just the right angle was the only way you could respond as your thighs began to shake. 

“Please, please, please,” You begged as you gripped his hair, pulling him into your neck as your back arched. You could feel the coil tightening and then you were hit with a blinding orgasm. You were panting and whining and moaning as you released around him, walls throbbing around his fingers. He gently coaxed you through before pulling his fingers out. Your grip on his hair had loosened almost completely as he sat up, taking his fingers into his mouth.

You watched with wide eyes as he slowly licked up your wetness from his fingers. You had forgotten how dirty Carmy could be and watching him had your head spinning.

“You look so pretty, baby,” He praised as he trailed his saliva-slick fingers across your thighs. Your cunt was throbbing and he watched with a smirk on his face, admiring how wet you were. It was all just for him.

“Carmy,” You let out, whimpering as you gently reached out for his arm. He looked up at you and you gently pressed a kiss to his fingertips, kissing up to his tattooed knuckles. The action made his heart melt and then you placed his hand on the hem of your shirt, silently begging him to strip it off. He did, without hesitation. He was quick to trail kisses along your stomach, taking in every inch of the exposed skin. He breathed heavily, transfixed by the taste and smell of having you this close. His tongue slowly licked up and across the skin of your stomach before he nuzzled his face back into your cunt. His nose pressed up against your clit which made your hips instinctively hump against it. The feeling made you breathlessly and Carmy chuckle against you.

“Needy,” He said as he pressed a kiss against you before licking his tongue all the way up to your clit.

“You’re the one who told me to leave, haven’t been able to fuck anyone else,” You murmured back. The smirk that spread across his face was dangerous and you felt the way his licks and kisses became more confident. His fingers held your thighs apart as he began to eat you out like a man starved.

“Fuck, Carmy,” You moaned out, not expecting the sudden stimulation. Your back arched as he sucked on your clit, his tongue flicking back and forth across the sensitive bud. Your eyes rolling back at the stimulation before his mouth moved down. His tongue nudged past your entrance, licking into you while his nose continued to press against your clit. The double stimulation was driving you wild, desperation clinging onto every whine and praise that fell from your lips;

“So good, Carmy, make me feel so good.”

“Tongue feels so good, keep doing that, please, please,”

“No-one else can fuck me like this, no-one makes me feel this good”

“Don’t want anyone but you.”

You felt like you were losing your mind as Carmy used his tongue and nose to slowly break you apart. You didn’t expect the orgasm until it was cresting over you. Your back was arched, pushing your cunt into his face, your hands gripping his hair, thighs wrapped around his head as you moaned out his name like a prayer.

Your thighs loosened around his head as he licked up the slick and cum that leaked out, cleaning you up before he sat up. He looked pleasure-drunk as he used the back of his hand to wipe the slick from his chin. You were staring, watching the way his mouth turned to a smirk. His hands slipped over your thighs, tugging you towards him.

“You okay, baby?” He asked softly. You nodded, following his lead. You dropped into his lap without a second thought and wasted no time, grabbing his face and kissing him. Carmy was a little breathless still but would never deny the kisses as he wrapped his arms around your waist. You kissed him over and over again before he tilted his head to the side, deepening the kiss.

You groaned out in satisfaction as you wrapped your arms around his neck, lifting yourself up to get a better angle on the kiss. You gently licked across his bottom lip, begging for permission. He opened his mouth, letting you lick your tongue into his mouth. It was hot and heavy and you felt dizzy from kissing him but this was all you had wanted.

For weeks, this is what you had craved. Your hands slipped down to the hem of his white t-shirt and you slowly began to tug it up, desperate to get it off him. Your hands clawing for any touch of skin. You broke the kiss, only for a moment, before your hands were wrapped around him again. The shirt was discarded somewhere with the rest of your clothes and your hands roamed his chest.

The strong muscles made you feel somehow even wetter and all you wanted to do was kiss and lick your way down his chest. But another part of you desperately needed him to fill you up, you needed him to fuck you like he always did.

You broke the kiss, whimpering his name. Carmy opened his eyes, pressing kisses here and there as he asked what was wrong.

“Need your dick,” You admitted shamelessly. Carmy let out a soft ‘mhm’, his hands moved down to your waist.

“Yeah?” He asked as he pressed kisses over your face. You whined, wiggling in his lap and pressing your still wet cunt against the fabric of his jeans. The grunt he let out was music to your ears.

“Let me take them off, please,” You begged softly as your hands trailed down to the waistband of his jeans.

“Okay, baby,” He responded. You smiled happily, dumb on pleasure and desperate for his cock. You unbuttoned the jeans and tugged them down, standing up off the couch to finish pulling them off his legs. Once they were gone, you could see just how hard he was.

The tent in his boxers was hard to miss and it made you smirk.

“Did I make you this hard, Bear?” You cooed, teasing him. Carmy looked up at you and he tugged you back into his lap.

“Don’t be rude or you won’t get this cock at all,” He snapped back, his voice right in your ear. The dominant way he spoke quickly put you right and you nodded, swallowing thickly. He cupped your face with his hand and gently but slowly kissed your lips. It was the kind of kiss that made your head spin which is why you didn’t notice Carmy nudge his boxers down or flick the tip over your cunt until he was pulling your hips down to sink into him. 

You let out a stuttering whine as you sank down onto him. You weren’t used to taking him so Carmy took to slowly pushing in but it wasn’t long before he had bottomed out. You felt so full, your forehead pressed against his as you panted, breathless. You felt so fucking full.

“Carmy,” You whined his name, high-pitched and needy as you buried your face into his neck. It felt so good.

“Good girl,” He praised, his fingers running through your hair. You whimpered at his words, slowly lifting off him. You followed his movements, letting him guide you up and down. You slowly got used to the movements, eyes rolling back, mind going blank as you felt him fill you over and over again.

“You take me so well.”

“I’m so proud of you, baby, look at you.”

He let out soft words of encouragement as he guided you. It was soft and slow, every thrust hit the spot that made you see stars. Your fingers dug into his hair and when the pace became too soft, you slowly began to speed up. Carmy smirked against your hair, your head still buried in his neck.

But your thighs were exhausted and he could tell from the needy whines you were letting out that you wouldn’t be able to keep this pace up for much longer. 

So, Carmy grabbed your hips and pulled you all the way down onto his cock before flipping you both so you were lying on the couch again. His arms caged you in as he began to fuck you. Every movement of his hip was quick and sharp as you threw your head back. His cock made you see stars as you grappled for anything to hold onto. His thrusts were speeding up, taking you quicker as he felt your walls throb around him. Part of him was chasing his own orgasm, desperate to cum in you.

“That feel good?” He asked as he pressed kisses along your chest and shoulders and neck, his teeth nipping at the skin as he fucked into you. Your eyes were squeezed shut as you gripped his shoulders, legs wrapped around him as you moaned and whimpered his name like a prayer.

You nodded, unable to let out anything coherent especially when he added a finger to your clit. The quick circles he ran over the sensitive bud made your walls throb around him. You were both desperately chasing your orgasm as you moaned his name and begged for him to take you, to cum inside you. You needed it.

And then you both fell apart.

Your legs were shaking, head thrown back, chest pushed up as you let out a loud moan of his name, devolving into heavy panting as Carmy filled you up. He worked himself through the orgasm, painting your walls white with his cum before he pulled out completely. A soft whimper fell from his lips and your eyes opened to take him in. He was panting as he watched a mixture of yours and his cum leak out of you.

Some carnal part of him wanted to scoop it up and push it back in but he held himself back. He watched it slowly leak out over your couch cushions as he panted, desperate to get his breath back.

“Carmy,” You said softly, grappling for his attention. His head snapped up as you looked at him, “Come ‘ere, please,” You begged softly. He followed your hand and then you tugged him down onto your chest, allowing you to move him however you wanted. Once you had settled him, you buried your face in his hair, “Missed you,” You muttered softly. Carmy nodded his head, pressing a soft kiss to your skin.

“Missed you too.”

[dalmoonflower]

NSFW HEADCANONS PARK GUNWOOK

contrary to popular belief, I think he’s largely inexperienced. but what he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for in enthusiasm.

I see him as someone so highly caught up with chasing his dreams, he didn’t have the time for girls to distract him. so he only started experimenting now.

HIS FIRST TIME

he pretended like he wasn’t a virgin the first time you had sex. you had doubts at first, but he made you cum and that’s all that mattered lol.

“you’re quite talented for a virgin, wook”

“shit, what is that obvious?” he’s so embarrassed he buries his face into your neck.

“you did very well, baby” you reassure him as you tuck yourself against him for him to continue spooning you.

HOW HE LEARNS

literally is like a puppy and WILL FOLLOW what you say, to perfection. he takes instruction so well and quickly gains confidence with every drawn out moan from you.

his cheeks flush easily, but that’s the only indication you have of his shyness. he’s so nervous he might fuck up but it doesn’t show in the way he talks or moves.

“noona, does this feel good?” and he’s literally 2 fingers in, curling at your gspot

he’s searching your face for an answer because you are rendered speechless from the pleasure, all you can muster at this moment is a nod as you pant heavily.

on a random day, he suddenly asks you to teach him how to eat you out. you end up riding his face and it becomes his new obsessions for weeks.

you have to beg him to stop, and he has this smirk on his face as he wipes off the remnants of your juices with the back of his hand.

HOW HE INITIATES

gets turned on by everything. but somehow, still gets shy to initiate sex with you. imagine you’re literally doing the dishes and he comes up from behind to give you a back hug and you feel his hard on.

“you don’t have to act all cute to have your way with me you know”. he chuckles and captures your lips in a deep kiss, before carrying you to the bedroom.

one time he boldly asked you for a blowjob and you were so proud of him for asking you directly, you got on your knees immediately. —-he literally had to ask you to slow down or he’d cum too fast.

PREFERENCES/KINKS

definitely is a service top and a giver. gets so pussydrunk he forgets how much time has passed.

he’s also been asking you to edge him to build up his stamina so he can go multiple rounds with you.

loves it when you cry. he can’t explain he just loves to see tears running down your face from pleasure.

has sick anime-related fantasies but he keeps that tucked away deep in his mind because it’s embarrassing. he’ll bring that up one day…hopefully

—-

Overall, gunwook is still experimenting to see what he likes/doesn’t like. But he’s eager to please and unconsciously prioritizes your pleasure first.

He gets braver every day to try something new, or be a little bolder with his touches. He feels like he has a lot to make up for, being younger than you and all.

has a big dick and is learning how to use it, thanks to you!

——

A/n: it’s 5am I should sleep

[scariusaquarius]

chicken à la king.

Bucky Barnes x Empath! Fem! Reader

Summary: His blue eyes met yours, and his body responded almost instantly: a slight tremor up his spine, a feeling of breathlessness from the caring expression on your face, and he could feel his fingers tightening around the mug in his hand slightly from the boyish nervousness that suddenly aroused from deep within his mind.

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A/n: I swear to god this wasn't meant to be a huge fic. It was supposed to be a cute little oneshot that turned into this huge yearning. God, i missed writing for Bucky Barnes a;lkdfj;sdjf

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Genre: Romance, Friends to Lovers Rated: Everyone Warning: Slight Angst, Fluff, Bucky's a bit awkward, Mentions of PTSD/Anxiety symptoms, Dark/Crude Humor, Mentions of HYDRA, Mentions of Torture

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Author: ScariusAquarius

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The last time he had been on a real date was when he went home for a week-long furlough back in June of 1943. It was the last time he remembered Steve Rogers as the way he'd been before Project: Rebirth made him into the big soldier he was today; small, frail, and knuckles busted from getting into another fight.

James Buchanan Barnes could still remember a time when Steve had to stuff his shoes with newspapers because his feet were too small. Granted, that was during a time when you weren't allowed to be stingy with money, but Bucky digressed.

Three dollars then was a mere blink for today's world, and though Bucky was still getting adjusted to the way the new world was, he wasn't exactly thrilled to find out that a simple cup of black coffee costed a whole five dollars in comparison to a nickel in the 30's and 40's.

But that was the difference that stood out the most: Bucky just wasn't meant for this time.

Like Steve, he was also a man out of time; forced to wake up for tasks he didn't want to do and his mind scrambled over and over for the littlest mistake and sometimes just because. HYDRA, and the world, had been unforgiving to Bucky, but he couldn't complain.

He could only adapt. Like a soldier.

I am not the Winter Soldier. I am James Buchanan Barnes.

I am Bucky.

Bucky's blue eyes fell to his cup of steaming coffee; his reflection almost distorted completely as he raised the drink to take a sip. The bitter taste and burn distracted his nerves for a moment, but he was deftly reminded by the way the December sun glinted on his left hand and the metal shined right into his eyes.

Constant noise and stimulation made his body tense, but when your voice filtered through the chaos, it seemed to melt everything away until he was enveloped in a cocoon of quiet, comfortable distractions.

"You seem like you got a lot on your mind, Bucky."

His blue eyes met yours, and his body responded almost instantly: a slight tremor up his spine, a feeling of breathlessness from the caring expression on your face, and he could feel his fingers tightening around the mug in his hand slightly from the boyish nervousness that suddenly aroused from deep within his mind.

While these feelings were flooding his brain, there was the other part of him that was chastising him for letting his guard down.

A good soldier never feels anything but the need to complete the mission.

'You're my mission,' metal to flesh; the feeling of the wind searing against his face; the smell of smoke and gunfire invading his nostrils as the man beneath him allowed him to carry out his duty.

'then finish it-'

"I'm doing perfectly fine, thanks for asking."

Bucky curses internally at the way his tone comes off as sharp and defensive; apologies beginning to string along his tongue like a Chatty Cathy, but your voice cuts him off before he can say anything more; his head instinctively ducking.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. Would you wanna go somewhere less crowded?"

The consideration within your voice makes Bucky want to second-guess your intentions, but he has to remind himself that he knows you.

He's looked into everything about you. You're not a threat to him.

But you could be. Bucky can't predict the future and he doesn't know what happens when you go home from visiting him.

The thoughts that race through his mind make him almost guilty from how untrusting he is of you, but you never made it a point to be upset with him about it. As someone who had also been a prisoner of war, you seemed to understand him better than most.

He met you through Dr. Raynor, his court-appointed therapist that he was required to see despite being pardoned for years and years of crimes while working under HYDRA (under no consent of his, mind you). His therapy hadn't really been going anywhere, and so Christina had suggested meeting with someone that was like him.

The words always left a bitter taste in his mouth, and the scribbling of her pen made the feeling even worse.

You weren't anything like him when it came down to it. While yes, you had been taken prisoner and experimented on and conditioned, you weren't as seasoned as he was; as broken and old and confused.

Bucky wasn't sure what to say. His chest was starting to tighten, his eyes darting for the door, and Bucky was becoming aware of the weight of the knife in his boot. He was starting to look for danger, but your hand on his made Bucky snap his attention straight to you; the feeling of wanting to recoil making the muscles in his forearm tense.

"Hey, it's okay."

It was simple, short, and sweet. Just two words that held more weight than you realized, and the man couldn't help but to hold his breath. Your touch was soft; a far-cry from what he was used to, but it was working.

You were bringing his heartrate to a slow; his body instantly relaxing, and there was a part of Bucky that wanted to hate the subtle golden glow that shined within your (color) irises.

This was why Raynor wanted you two to become friends: you were an empath. Not exactly like Wanda Maximoff, but you were close; a natural-borne mutant. You hadn't been able to use your abilities for good until him; HYDRA made sure to squash any thought of using your powers outside of missions before you even realized it was a thought.

When you were recovered from HYDRA, Dr. Raynor had been your therapist while you were learning how to use your ability at S.H.I.E.L.D when it was led by Phil Coulson. But then, Coulson was killed, and things became different.

Then, it was discovered that HYDRA had infiltrated the agency, and you went under the radar in fear of what HYDRA would do once they got your hands on you.

You were only found when you showed up unexpectedly in Raynor's home, apparently after a run-in with him.

The Winter Soldier.

He wasn't sure what had possessed Raynor to pair the two of you together for therapy sessions, but from what Bucky had gathered, it was because you had asked to be seated with him.

You asked.

Maybe it was due to the new-but-not-new 'exposure tactics' that most therapists used nowadays. He remembered it being huge back in the 20's when a developmental psychologist named Mary Cover Jones and other psychologists began to use desensitization tactics as a different form of therapy.

Bucky was a bit of a skeptic, but when Raynor suggested that it would be good for the both of you, Bucky had relented and now here you two were months later: having a cup of coffee together while you held his hand.

It wasn't exactly a date, but Bucky wondered if you had begun to think of it that way like he had.

Bucky liked your company. You didn't poke and prod at him; didn't expect him to answer when he didn't know what to say; didn't wait for him to come to the rescue when he was knee-deep in his own shit; didn't get angry at him for what he did when he was the Winter Soldier.

You just held his hand, sent nice feelings to him, and grounded him when his vision began to grow shadowed in the corners and unfocused. You helped him to feel normal, and it was a dangerous game that he played with you.

He was getting attached, that much Bucky knew. Anytime you two went out in public, Bucky kept an eye out for suspicious activity because you were there; not because of his conditioning. He'd search for exits that he could get you through, he'd walk slightly in-front so he could shield you from attacks if need be, he made sure you were completely in your apartment and then-some so he knew that you were safe, the list was endless.

Bucky tried to tell himself that he was just doing this because it was courtesy and amendment; that inner-gentleman that never was completely conditioned out of him, but even Sam could tell that it was deeper than that.

Though, Sam Wilson seemed to know everything about Bucky while knowing completely nothing.

Bucky couldn't keep his fingers from brushing against yours as he intertwined your hands together, and he murmured, shaking his head slightly.

"I hate it when you do that."

"Promise it's just output. No meddling into that big head of yours."

Bucky snorted, rolling his eyes, but the words brought him comfort.

He was deathly afraid of what you would see if you ever took a dive; drowning in the fucked up shit he'd gotten himself into. While befriending an empath with telepathic abilities wasn't exactly comforting, it helped that you allowed him the choice.

A choice he never had while he was with HYDRA.

"My head isn't that damn big."

"I don't know, the longer hair kind of hid that."

His blue eyes were unamused as he looked at you, and you couldn't help but to chuckle, and the golden hue of your eyes went away and he was no longer under the blanket of your powers. Bucky, however, felt rejuvenated; like he'd just gotten 10 hours of peaceful sleep, and his back straightened just the slightest as he asked you.

"Is that offer to get out of here still open?"

Your eyes twinkled, nodding, and Bucky made sure to [begrudgingly] lay a ten dollar bill on the table before the two of you left. Brooklyn was hustling as the new year began to close in; the air still crisp and freezing, and he held the door open for you on the way out.

He was walking close to you; shoulders brushing with every step, and instinctively, Bucky's eyes began to scan the area; looking for danger, and your quiet chuckle snapped him out his focus. Bucky glanced down at you with a raised eyebrow, and your voice held a tone of teasing to it; your expression soft.

"There's nobody out here to get us right now, Bucky."

"Can't be too sure."

And that was that. You didn't fight him on it; didn't question his thinking. You just let him be, and Bucky didn't know whether to thank you or to feel bad because even he could tell that your shoulders were tense.

War never left.

While the physical remnants would fade; leaving off-colored skin and metal parts and ribbons and awards and dog tags that dangled too loudly despite the fact that there was no heart to remove them...it was still active mentally.

Streets were zones, people were potentially dangerous, and there was always a question of 'what if' that lingered in the air like a foreboding warning sign that never shut off no matter how badly the neon flickered.

The conditioning never left, but when you had someone to sit with in the trenches, it wasn't so bad. A deep breath left his body, and you hummed as you took a sip of your coffee, your eyes looking up at the lights that were strung along the street lamps; lit up despite the dim light of morning.

"Are you excited for the new year? You're gonna be what, 107-past-ancient?"

"You kids have no sense of respect for your elders these days."

You giggled while Bucky's eyes lit up with amusement, his lips curling up slightly despite his best effort to keep a poker face.

"So, you do admit that you're old?"

The words slipped from his mouth before he could help it, wincing to himself slightly from the embarrassment.

"Only in mind, sugar."

You didn't say anything, but Bucky could tell that you had heard him loud and clear by the way you had broken your own poker face; biting your lip to keep a laugh from slipping out. Shaking his head slightly, Bucky glanced over his shoulder at the sound of something approaching fast before he turned back to front and placed a hand against your waist and tugged you to him when a skateboarder came from around you; startling you.

You melted into his side, the warmth of your body heat mixing with his, and you both paused as you breathed a sigh of a relief. Before Bucky could ask if you were alright, you were already smiling up at him, eyes crinkling in the corners as you exclaimed.

"You saved me again! This time from an oblivious skateboarder. Wasn't it a raccoon in a trashcan last time?"

Bucky's cheeks burned, and he pinched your ear, making you yelp and giggle as he quickly let go the second your hand swatted at his.

"Listen, punk, I really thought someone was there."

"The look on your face was priceless, but it's the thought that counts."

Bucky rolled his eyes, and he couldn't help but to wonder if you were more trouble than anything else. Trouble that he liked. Trouble that he was starting to indulge a little too much in.

Trouble that he wanted to get more of.

Shaking his head slightly, Bucky let out a breath again as you continued to chuckle quietly to yourself, and when he made it to your apartment with you, Bucky respectively stood on the outside mat that read 'welcome!' in big black rubber letters.

You turned to him, the key to your door lodged into the lock while your hand was still on the doorknob, and Bucky was giving you his undivided attention.

"Do you have any plans for tonight at all?"

Bucky shook his head, shrugging his shoulders.

"Not that I know of, but I can let you know if it changes."

You were suddenly nervous, Bucky's eyes zeroing in on the way that you swallowed slightly; throat undulating, and he became alert. If he listened closely, he could hear the way that your heart was starting to race; your hands trembling just the slightest as you looked lost-in-thought and unsure of what to say exactly.

"Um, would you...like to come inside? I was...thinking of trying a new recipe and it'd be nice to have someone to test it out with me."

Bucky hadn't been expecting it, if he was honest. In his mind, you'd become nervous because you had sensed some sort of presence or danger and it was going to be a fight.

Not because you wanted to invite him inside.

It was actually cute.

Bucky's shoulders relaxed inconspicuously, and he replied with a tilt of his head.

"You want me to be your test subject? Not the worst torture I've been subjected to."

The joke was in poor taste, and Bucky felt awful for saying it; his mouth running faster than his mind could think, but you were laughing at him; your head thrown back as if the words didn't apply to you either.

"I didn't realize my cooking was that bad."

"I wouldn't know-"

Bucky thought for a moment, and when you opened your mouth to reply, Bucky responded confidently despite the sweat running down the side of his neck from the nervousness.

"-but I'd like to...if you'd have me."

Suddenly, he was back on Sarah Rogers doorstep, a much-younger Steve looking at him with surprise as his mother stood at the stove with a kind smile, inviting him in but making sure to let him know that 'he can't just run away from his folks every time they get onto him' or something like that, Bucky couldn't quite remember what Sarah had said to him that day.

He just remembered how damn good her Hoover stew was despite the Great Depression taking a huge toll. Bucky was brought back to the present by you chuckling and unlocking the door, gesturing with your head to come in.

"You'll always have a place at my table, Bucky."

There was a part of him that expected you to say the same thing that Sarah had, but you didn't say anything else. You just walked inside, hung your coat on the rack, and left the door open for him, and Bucky was washed with the lovely scent of your apartment from the candles he had gifted you for Christmas.

Raynor's idea, but Bucky was happy that you liked the gift.

While Bucky's apartment was bare, yours was furnished down to the last bit of space. Antiques were hung on walls or sat on shelves, some of them things that he'd seen and used back in the day, and Bucky shut the door and locked it tightly, kicking his shoes off at the door and walking into the kitchen where you had a familiar cookbook open.

"I was thinking of making Chicken à la King."

You looked embarrassed and nervous, but Bucky was given such huge whiplash that the poor man didn't even notice.

"You know about Chicken à la King?"

Your heart was racing, sounding like a drum within your ears, and you averted your gaze; looking nervous and embarrassed while you fidgeted from foot to foot. Your throat was tight, the words getting caught in your throat, and Bucky was surprised by how small you seemed to look.

Had he not been a super soldier, he probably would have missed the words that you whispered softly.

"I...wanted to make it for you."

Bucky's heart began to race, drowning out the sound of your own as blood rushed through his ears, and his face began to get hot. Bucky could feel his toes and fingers tingling, and it was almost a fight to stay rooted in place.

You wanted to make him dinner...a dinner that he hadn't tasted since his childhood, no less...damn near forgotten about it until the words had slipped past your lips in a nervous little whisper that he wanted to swallow.

"You...wanted to make me dinner?"

"Specifically this, yes."

You picked up the book, and Bucky's eyes damn-near bulged from his head when he finally got a good look at the familiar cover.. In your hands was an antique cookbook by Fannie Farmer, almost seeming brand-new judging by the leather cover despite the yellowed paging giving away the age. Bucky stepped forward, and he asked you as he looked at the cookbook.

"Where did you get this?"

"Believe it or not: the internet."

Bucky damn-near rolled his eyes, but he relented, shaking his head.

"I'm surprised you even know about this thing."

"I did some research...looked up what was popular back then, and I just settled on this. It seemed easy...nothing too complicated. I just...thought...maybe that you would like it."

You were curling in on yourself; second-guessing your reasoning, and Bucky would have melted if he didn't notice the tell-tale signs of anxiety. Gently placing his hand on your shoulder, he was taken back by the speed your head turned to look at him; eyes wide as you relaxed beneath his touch.

"If you want the truth: I haven't had this for...a very long time...so I'm not even sure if I remember what it tastes like. I remember how to make it though. I can help...if you'd let me."

A bridge was beginning to solidify between you; a trust between you two becoming reinforced and growing and Bucky wasn't afraid of it this time. In fact, he was beginning to cross that very bridge; searching for your hand and your presence and the calming comfort that came with (Y/n) (L/n).

"You don't think it's weird? I mean, I thought it was a bit weird when Raynor suggested it...I asked for her advice on what you might like cause I wanted to do something nice for you, but then I started to think about it and what better way to the heart than through the stomach? I mean, I'm not exactly the best cook, but I wasn't sure what else to do for you-"

Your nervous rambles were cut off by the feeling of his finger against your lips, a soft look on Bucky's face as he smiled with amusement. Your ears were burning, and you almost fainted when he asked you softly.

"You know what you could do?"

Your eyes were wide; doe-like and staring up at him as if he was the only thing in the world, and Bucky's voice became shaky as he asked you.

"Kiss me?"

The cookbook dropped from your hands, your heart skipping a beat, and you rose onto the tips of your toes to grasp at his cheeks, and Bucky cupped your own so he finger was out of the way. Lips crashing into his own, Bucky was finally in heaven. Whether you had meant to or not, your power was going haywire, your emotions flooding into his and vice versa; almost as if the bridge was finally complete.

You never needed to tell him that you loved him. Bucky knew it with the way you handled him even in the beginning when your friendship was just a suggestion made by a court-appointed therapist that somehow turned into more because you both were ripped from the same cloth despite the differences in timeline because you understood each other.

Despite the fact that there was a time where he was supposed to hunt you down and eliminate you due to the fact that you knew too much, you never faulted him for that as if you knew what was hiding beneath that mask at the time.

Bucky wouldn't know that it was because you did.

You had been able to access those locked parts of his mind because of your telepathic abilities at the time, but to be fair, he had never asked. Whether it was because he was uncertain or didn't think it was the right time, you didn't think anything more of it.

Just like now: there were no thoughts except for Bucky. Just him. And he could feel it; hear it even within his mind. Whether you meant for your control to become null in that moment, Bucky felt damn near accomplished for being able to make you falter.

If there was one thing you prided yourself on, it was your control.

Fingers danced at the nape of his neck, and a shiver ran down his spine, and though Bucky was damn-near thoughtless, he refrained from swiping the shit on your counter onto the floor so he could seat you atop of it. Instead, Bucky slowly pulled away from the feverish kiss, and you were vibrating within his grasp. Your voice was quiet, shaky and breathless.

"Bucky, would you...want to start dinner and stay the night?"

"Nice to know I'm not so out-of-practice after so many years."

The moment was broken, but you were giggling; looking shy as you took a tempered step back, and Bucky winced slightly. Probably in poor-taste, but you were still smiling, so he wondered if he should keep going or stop before he got too-ahead of himself.

"Would you...like to help me make dinner?"

Bucky nodded almost enthusiastically.

"I would be honored."

If Bucky thought hard enough, he could hear Steve's smug chuckling as you tied a frilly apron around his waist despite Bucky's protests; grumbling to himself as he began to dress the chicken while you put on a record that Bucky knew all-too-well.

"Shut up, punk,"

No, I don't think I will.

[END]

[look-me]

“𝑷𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑪𝑬𝑺𝑺”

abby anderson x masc!reader

pt 3

all the chapters in my masterlist

TW: weed, sex, idk what else

Please don’t mind any grammar mistakes, and please keep in mind that English isn’t my native language. P.S. I’ve never written smut before. Also, I probably won’t correct any mistakes because I’m too lazy to do so.

When the car finally pulls up in front of Abby’s house, You don’t even bother to look at her as you unbuckle your seatbelt and open the door, stepping out into the cold night air.

Abby follows you, her presence like a weight behind you, but you don’t turn around. Not yet. You just keep walking toward the front door.

Inside, the house is quiet, too quiet. The faint glow of the kitchen light filters through the dark hallway, casting long shadows on the floor. Abby shuts the door behind you, the sound of it slamming echoing in the otherwise still house.

You glance back at her, your voice low, barely containing your fury. “What the hell is wrong with you, Abby?”

Her eyes narrow at you, the blue in her gaze like ice, hard and cold. “You think I’m the one with a problem?” she spits, her voice sharp as a blade. “You’re the one who started all this bullshit, playing games, running away from me. You kissed me, Y/N, and then you act like I’m the one who’s crazy?”

“Are you seriously blaming me for this?” You throw your hands up in exasperation, stepping closer to her. “You’re the one who can’t make up your damn mind, Abby. You act like you don’t care, like I’m just another person to fuck around with, and then you have the nerve to get mad when I try to protect myself from getting hurt!”

Abby’s nostrils flare as she steps toward you, her breath coming out in short bursts. “Don’t you dare act like you’re some victim in this,”

The words hit you like a punch to the gut. You recoil, but the anger inside you flares even brighter. “You think you can just tell me what to do, who I can see? Because I’m not yours Abby”

Abby takes a step forward, her chest nearly touching yours now. “You want to keep acting like you don’t care? Like none of this means anything to you? Fine.“

A sharp, tense silence fills the space between you, your breaths coming in quick, uneven gasps. For a moment, neither of you moves, and then, as if an invisible line has been crossed, Abby suddenly shoves you back. You stumble, but catch yourself just before hitting the wall.

“You don’t get to walk away from me, Y/N,” she growls, her voice low and venomous.

“I’m not going anywhere,” you snap, your eyes burning with anger. “You don’t get to treat me like I’m some kind of toy you can play with whenever it suits you. If you don’t want to be with me, then stop pretending like you do. Make up your damn mind.”

The words seem to hang in the air between you, suffocating everything around them. Abby stands there, her chest heaving with anger, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. She opens her mouth to say something, but before she can, her phone buzzes loudly on the bedside table across the room.

You both freeze, the buzzing a jarring interruption to the intensity that’s thick in the air. Abby glances at it, then at you, clearly annoyed by the distraction but still unwilling to move.

The phone buzzes again, louder this time, demanding attention.

With a sigh, Abby finally walks over to the bedside table, her movements stiff. She picks up her phone, and when she sees the name flashing on the screen, her expression falters for just a moment. Riley.

A smirk spreads across your face as you catch a glimpse of the name. The shift in Abby’s demeanor doesn’t go unnoticed by you. It’s subtle, but it’s there. A crack in the armor she’s worked so hard to maintain.

Abby’s gaze flickers to you, her eyes narrowing slightly, though she tries to hide it behind a mask of indifference. “What?” she asks, her voice tight, trying to maintain control. But you can see the flicker of annoyance in her eyes, a brief crack in her usually unshakable facade.

You step closer, your voice dripping with playful challenge. “You don’t want her to know that I’m here, do you?”

Abby stiffens, her jaw tightening, but she doesn’t answer right away. Instead, she turns the phone over in her hand, her fingers brushing the screen, but she doesn’t pick up the call.

“It’s nothing,” she mutters, though her voice is strained, as if trying to convince herself more than you.

“Then answer the phone, Abigail,” you say, crossing your arms, a challenging smile tugging at your lips. The playfulness in your voice only adds fuel to the fire of the argument that’s already been burning between you.

Abby’s gaze flickers to you once more, her lips pressing into a thin line. The room is thick with tension as she stares at the phone, her grip tightening.

“No,” she finally says, her voice clipped. “It’s nothing. Just some bullshit I don’t need to deal with right now.”

But you can see through her. You can see the doubt in her eyes, the uncertainty creeping in. Abby isn’t used to feeling vulnerable, and right now, she’s doing everything she can to hide it.

Without waiting for her to say anything else, you walk toward her, closing the distance between you. “Maybe it’s time you stop pretending, Abby. You can’t just shut people out when it gets hard. You can’t keep pretending everything’s fine while you’re stuck in this stupid game you’re playing.”

Abby looks at you, her expression hardening once again. “You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

“I know more than you think,” you say, your voice quiet but firm. “You’re scared, Abby. And I’m tired of being dragged into your mess.”

The air between you is heavy with unspoken words, with the rawness of your emotions crashing against each other. But neither of you speaks. Instead, there’s just a tense, lingering silence, both of you trapped in your own stubbornness.

Then, with a final glance at her phone, Abby walks past you, her back stiff, and heads toward the door. “I’m done with this,” she says, her voice low as she steps out of the room, you're left standing there, feeling the weight of everything that's been left unsaid. The silence presses down on you like a heavy weight, and you're seething, trying to figure out how to process everything that's just happened.

Then you hear it-the unmistakable sound of water running from the bathroom.

She's really doing this? You're still standing here, frustrated and pissed off, and she's in there taking a shower like you're not even in her house.

"Are you fucking taking a shower while we're arguing and you leave me here?" you shout, unable to keep the anger out of your voice.

There's no response.

Just the sound of water splashing against tiles. You feel your frustration building, but Abby clearly isn't interested in engaging right now. You pace the room, your fists clenched, as you try to hold on to the irritation that's growing inside of you. A few minutes later, the water shuts off, and you hear the soft sound of the bathroom door opening.

Then, she appears.

Abby steps into the room, wearing only a towel wrapped loosely around her waist, her skin glistening with the warmth of the shower. You freeze for a second, taken aback by how effortless and stunning she looks. The towel barely covers her, and your eyes automatically drift to her bare shoulders, the curve of her hips, the way the fabric clings just enough to leave nothing to the imagination.

And then, you notice something new. Her hair. For the first time, Abby's hair is down, falling in wet waves around her face. She looks different, more carefree, and it hits you harder than you expected.

You've always loved her hair down-there's something incredibly intimate about it, like she's finally letting her guard down in front of you.

You swallow hard, your mouth dry. "Damn," you mutter, before catching yourself. "I didn't know you looked like this with your hair down."

Abby doesn't miss the way you're looking at her.

She raises an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest in a subtle challenge. "What, you didn't think I could pull it off?"

You shake your head, trying to stay focused. "I don't know what I thought. But right now, l'm more concerned with you leaving me alone in your house after a fight. Are you really just gonna ignore me like this?"

She stands there for a moment, her gaze flickering from your eyes to your body. Then, her expression softens, just a little. "It's late. You're not going anywhere. You can stay here for the night."

You're about to argue, but she cuts you off. "No, I'm not asking. You're staying. Don't make this harder than it needs to be”

You want to protest, but the look in her eyes silences you. Abby isn't giving you an option.

"You can't just make decisions for me," you snap, but she doesn't back down.

"I'm not," she says coolly. "I'm telling you. Now, go take a shower. I left some clean clothes on the bed."

You open your mouth to argue again, but she raises her hand, silencing you. "You've got two choices. Go shower or stand here in your dirty clothes. Up to you."

You huff in frustration, but you know there's no point in fighting her. You make your way to the bathroom, still simmering, but as you step inside and close the door behind you, you can't help but let out a frustrated breath.

After you've showered, you grab the clean clothes Abby left for you-just a simple t-shirt and sweatpants. As you dry off with the towel, you make your way to her bedroom to get dressed, hoping to get some space from the tension that's been hanging between you two all night.

But as you step into her bedroom, you freeze. The towel still around your waist, you feel two hands on your back, fingers sliding down your skin, sending a jolt of shock through you.

"Fuck, Abby, you scared me," you snap, spinning around, heart pounding in your chest.

Abby's standing there, close enough for you to feel the heat radiating from her body, her own towel barely clinging to her figure. Her hair is still down, wet strands framing her face as she pulls you into her space. Before you can say anything else, she grabs your face gently with both hands, forcing you to look at her through the mirror.

"Not my fault, princess," she whispers, her voice low, playful, and intense. "You're in my bedroom, wearing only a towel. What makes you think I won't do something about it?"

Your pulse quickens, and you roll your eyes, trying to brush off the tension. "Stop it, I don't even like my body," you say, but the words feel hollow coming out of your mouth.

Abby's expression softens, and before you can say anything else, she grabs you by the shoulders, turning you to face her. She pins you to the bed with surprising strength. "Look at me," she demands, her voice almost a command.

You try to look away, but she holds you there, her fingers lightly brushing your chin to make sure you meet her eyes. "I said look at me," she repeats, her voice softer this time, full of something you can't quite place.

And then she says the words you didn't expect.

"You're gorgeous."

You don't know what to say, the words getting stuck in your throat as she leans in and kisses you softly on the lips. The kiss is slow, tender, as if she's trying to reassure you without saying a word.

Then, she moves down to your neck, her lips grazing your skin with a featherlight touch.

You shiver involuntarily, but Abby doesn't stop.

She trails soft kisses along your neck, sending waves of heat through your body. When she reaches your ear, she whispers, her breath warm against your skin.

"'ll make it up to you. I promise."

Her lips press against your cheek in a gentle kiss, lingering there for just a moment longer than expected. Then, she pulls back, her gaze intense as she steps away from the bed.

"Now get dressed," she says, a playful glint in her eyes. "I want to eat. I'll wait for you in the kitchen."

You step out of the bedroom, feeling the lingering weight of everything still hanging between you and Abby. You find her on the couch, dressed now in her usual loose flannel shirt and some pair of boxers, giving off that masculine aura that always seems to draw your attention. She’s scrolling through her phone, not paying you any mind. The room feels quieter now, the tension thick in the air as you stand there, unsure of how to proceed.

Without saying anything, you walk over to the couch and sit next to her. You feel your heart racing, but you can’t just keep pretending that everything’s fine anymore.

“I’m not really hungry,” you mutter softly, still not looking at her, your voice almost lost in the silence.

Abby glances at you briefly, then shrugs. “I’m not either, but I was going to cook if you were hungry.”

You nod absently, not knowing what to say next, your mind spinning with everything you’ve been holding in. Finally, the words start tumbling out, too fast to stop.

“Abby, you play with people. You have so many girls with you. You can literally call all of them to come over right now, and they’ll be here in the blink of an eye. I don’t want to be one of them.”

As you speak, your throat tightens, and before you can stop it, a tear slips down your cheek. You wipe it away quickly, hoping Abby didn’t notice, but you feel that familiar rush of vulnerability threatening to overwhelm you.

“I’m scared of ending up alone, Abby,” you say, your voice raw, but still trying to hold it together. You don’t want her to see you as weak, to see you as little. You don’t want her to pity you.

But the words are out now, hanging in the space between you two, and you can’t take them back. You try to turn away, but before you can, you feel her hand gently reach for your face, turning you toward her.

Abby’s touch is tender, surprisingly soft, as her thumb brushes against your cheek, wiping away the tear you missed. Her hands hold your face gently, making sure you can’t look away. The seriousness in her eyes is undeniable, and for the first time, you see the raw emotion beneath her usually guarded expression.

“Don’t,” she whispers, her voice quiet, but firm. “Don’t hide from me.” She wipes away another tear, her touch almost like she’s trying to erase the hurt that’s been weighing on you for so long.

You refuse to look at her, still fighting to hold your composure, but Abby doesn’t let you pull away. “Look at me,” she says, her tone not demanding, just insistent. “Please.”

Finally, you meet her gaze, the vulnerability in your eyes clear. “I don’t want to be a part of your game. I don’t know how to be with you when I’m so scared of losing myself.”

Abby doesn’t speak at first, her hands still cupping your face as she looks at you intently. Then, with a sigh, she pulls you gently into her arms, holding you tightly against her chest, like she’s afraid you’ll disappear if she lets go.

“I’m not playing with you,” she murmurs into your hair. “ I don’t want you to feel alone.”

You feel her breath against your skin, the warmth of her body comforting in a way that makes everything else seem to fade, even for just a moment. But the fear is still there, lurking in the back of your mind, and you can’t help but ask the question that’s been haunting you.

“Then why do you have so many other girls, Abby? What makes me different?”

Abby pulls back slightly, just enough to look into your eyes, her hand still resting on your cheek. The intensity in her gaze is undeniable, like she’s trying to pull the words from deep inside her.

“ I’m not going to treat you like anyone else. I don’t know how i will make you see that, but I’m going to prove it over and over, if I have to.”

You stay silent, your heart pounding, torn between the need to believe her and the instinct to protect yourself. Every inch of you wants to pull away, to shut it all out before you get hurt. You close your eyes for a moment, trying to steady your breathing and you fall asleep in Abby’s arms, the steady rise and fall of her chest lulling you into a peaceful slumber. Abby, sensing you’re completely out, stays there with you for a while, letting you rest. The comfort of her presence eases the tension in your body, and she doesn’t want to disturb you.

But eventually, as time passes and she realizes you’re not going to wake up soon, Abby carefully shifts, gently moving you so she can get up. She stands and, without much effort, scoops you into her arms, cradling you like a bride. It’s an oddly tender gesture from someone so fierce, but the strength in her arms and the way she holds you makes you feel safe.

Abby walks to her bed, carefully settling you underneath the blankets. Once you’re comfortable, she pulls the covers up to your chin, tucking you in. She stays for a moment, watching over you as you sleep, but soon lies down next to you, her body still close, but not quite touching.

The warmth of her presence keeps you feeling grounded. You stir a little, eventually waking up, and the first thing you notice is the unfamiliar softness of the bed and the fact that you’re no longer on the couch. You blink, confused, and whisper, “How did I end up in your bed?”

Abby’s voice is calm, almost amused, when she answers, “You fell asleep, princess.”

You turn to her side, suddenly feeling self-conscious and embarrassed. Without thinking, you roll toward her and instinctively hug her, pressing your face into her pillow. “I’m sorry”

Abby doesn’t return the hug. She lies there, stiff and unreadable, her breathing steady but distant. The warmth you’d felt earlier is replaced by a wall you can’t quite get through. You pull back slightly, glancing up at her face, but her expression is calm, almost indifferent.

“Go to sleep, princess,” she says, her voice low and cold, with no trace of the softness from earlier.

The words cut through the air, leaving no room for argument. You nod silently, turning away and curling up under the blankets, feeling the weight of the space between you. Abby doesn’t move closer, and the silence stretches long into the night.

You close your eyes, but sleep doesn’t come easily.

2 days later

The kitchen’s quiet, save for the scrape of Abby’s fork against her plate. She’s still in her workout gear, muscles tense like she just got back from beating the crap out of a punching bag. You’re leaning against the counter, watching her as you try to figure out how to say this.

“Ellie’s having a party tomorrow night,” you finally say, keeping your tone casual.

Abby doesn’t even look up. “So?”

“She invited me.”

“Good for her,” Abby mutters, still focused on her plate.

You cross your arms, leaning your weight on one leg. “I was thinking you could come with me.”

That gets her attention. Abby’s fork freezes midair before she sets it down with an exaggerated clink. Her eyes meet yours, and there’s that familiar edge in her gaze—calculated, sharp, and clearly annoyed. “You’re joking.”

“Nope.”

Abby leans back in her chair, arms folding across her chest as she stares at you. “You seriously want me to go to some party organized by the girl who’s been trying to get under my skin since day one?”

“She’s not gonna do anything,” you reply, keeping your voice steady. “It’s just a party.”

Abby laughs—a short, humorless sound. “Yeah, sure.”

“Abby.” Your tone is firm, but she doesn’t budge. “You’re making this a bigger deal than it is. She invited me because we’re friends,” you say, keeping your voice calm but firm. “That’s it. You know where we stand.”

“Do I?” Abby’s eyes narrow, and there’s a heat in her voice now, the kind that warns you to tread carefully.

You meet her glare head-on. “Yeah. You do. Or you should, by now.”

The tension hangs heavy between you, neither of you backing down. Abby finally looks away, running a hand through her hair, her fingers tugging at the blonde strands in frustration. “I’m not going. End of story.”

You let out a slow breath, keeping your tone even. “Fine. Then I’ll go alone.”

Abby’s head snaps up, her eyes narrowing. “What?”

“You heard me,” you say, crossing your arms. “If you’re not coming, I’ll just go by myself. No big deal.”

She stares at you like you just challenged her to a fight.

“I just thought you’d want to be there with me. But if you don’t, fine. Stay home.”

Abby glares at you for another long moment before she finally lets out a low, reluctant sigh. “Fine. I’ll go.”

“Thank you,” you reply, a small smirk tugging at the corner of your mouth. “Just don’t start anything.”

Abby rolls her eyes but doesn’t argue further. She picks up her fork and stabs at her food, muttering something under her breath that you don’t quite catch.

You let her have the last word this time. You got what you wanted. For now.

[yanderes-galore]

May I request a romantic Light Yagami vs L from Death Note rivalry concept please?

As if their canon dynamic wasn't bad enough, huh?

Yandere! Light Yagami vs L Lawliet Concept

Pairing: Romantic - Rivalry

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Manipulation, Stalking, Possessive behavior, Hidden cameras, Murder, Dubious relationship(s).

These two are already playing 4D chess with one another.

The two are constantly researching and watching one another, cameras everywhere, mind games, etc...

That's just with them trying to catch one another.

You throw an obsession into that?

Well, things just got worse.

I like to imagine you're oblivious to this whole thing, just trying to live your own life.

You're just trying to do college or something, unaware these two men are doing mind games over you.

Even worse if this is during the arc where L introduces himself as a student to learn more on Light.

That way they both have a chance to be near you.

Making the rivalry even worse.

Let's be honest, your house/dorm/ apartment is being bugged.

Cameras, recording devices, everything.

These two are master manipulators who could easily outsmart their obsession.

But they also know not to let too much slip.

This rivalry isn't physical.

In fact, most of it would occur just like the series does.

It would be all mind games, trying to make one another slip.

It just has the added goal of trying to get the same obsession now.

Light is charismatic, often wanting to be around you to talk and study.

He's popular which may make it easier for him to get closer to you.

After all, you won't suspect him of anything, right?

Everyone likes him.

L, whom you know as Ryuzaki, is less social.

He's strange... but not really a bad person to you.

He seems a bit like he's studying you at times but acts like a student similar to you.

In reality, it's a ploy to get closer to Light...

Then it becomes a way to get close to you.

The two may be focused on finding each other out, but they end up both meeting you.

L probably ends up learning about you through Light since he notices you around him so often.

You start off as a suspect, yet soon their focus shifts to you for other reasons.

Both may find you as a distraction... but notice the other is also eerily into you.

L is the one most likely to put up cameras and other devices to monitor you.

He'd sit in front of those monitors for hours while he researches Kira.

Light on the other hand, ends up dragging you everywhere he goes.

You're most likely going to befriend them both in some way.

I say this as I feel if you're involved with one, the other will follow due to them researching one another.

Maybe it's for the best that you're unaware of all of this....

Do you really want to learn your best friend Light is killing people, some even because they were too close to you?

That or the fact Ryuzaki has bugged your home to watch your every move?

Should you know that the two are trying to get rid of one another, perhaps even one of them getting you to themselves afterwards?

Sometimes it's nice to be blissfully ignorant.

To you the two seem to get along fine, maybe with some tension here or there but...

Nothing too bad... right?

....

No, it's really bad.

I feel it's worse that they're both romantically interested in you.

That means I feel both of them would try to take you on dates.

But since they both like manipulating you... it comes off as subtle manipulation.

Invited for sweets with L? Date.

Hanging out at Light's house? Date.

It's honestly a gamble if it will be a normal hang out or not.

They both would enjoy messing with you.

You're just so oblivious to the fact they want each other dead.

Well, Light wants L dead...

L is... debatable.

The only murder that would occur in this rivalry is people around you... and it's all Light.

If he can't get rid of L, he'll make do.

L mostly prefers manipulating you into staying beside him or framing people.

In terms of kidnapping, neither would want to give each other away.

They're both subtle and masters at what they do.

Kidnapping brings too much attention.

Even if L sort of likes the idea of keeping you in a small space to observe you....

Now, who would win this rivalry?

I'll stick to canon for this and say Light would.

He's going to figure out L at some point.

Light's tired of being hunted.

Eventually he'll find L's name, write it down... then the rivalry is done.

Now you'll come crying to Light... scared for your life...

Only for Light to carefully take you in his arms...

The whole time grinning over your shoulder, knowing that he's won both games he was playing with L.

[tackykachowch]

Every time I see a "they clearly needed more seasons, they didn't have time to tell the full story properly" I lose 10 years of my life and 5 particles of my sanity. Why in the world would they need additional seasons to tell a full story, when in season 1 they were perfectly capable of it with the same 9 episodes? In season 1 they didn't waste our time at all, every scene was meaningful, every line of dialog said something important to us or set up something for later. The way the story was structured showed us that the writers understood their limitations and decided to use every single second they had properly. Also said limitations allowed them to focus on one specific overarching conflict (Piltover vs Zaun) and one specific set of characters, each of whom were directly involved in said conflict. No other distractions or side plots that go nowhere.

And there's season 2. Suddenly the writers decided that dialogs are for losers, actually, and it's better to replace characters reacting to major world-changing events (like Silco's death for example) with music videos. Weird choice, but okay. Oh, a bunch of new characters that serve no practical role in the narrative and distract actually important characters from interacting with each other? Give me 10. Also add a bunch of side storylines that go nowhere and serve no purpose to the main conflict- *the phone rings**picks up* what do you mean the main conflict changed? It's not about Zaun and Piltover anymore? What do you mean this conflict is left unresolved and is forgotten about completely in act3? Then what on earth do they focus on instead??? What, arcane? Meaning like. What? The magic subplot that was only a small part of season 1? And why would it matter more? Ah, marvel fights. Uh-huh, yeah. Yeah, yeah, sure. I get it, thank you *hangs up*. Well, that was a disaster. The decision to change your MAIN CONFLICT in the middle of the story is probably one of the worst ones you could ever make, and then yeah, no wonder they didn't have time to tell the full story. Because they don't know what the hell the story is about anymore. Therefore they can't use the resources at hand effectively and every wrong decision they make going forward is going to make everything even worse. And from what we see they made plenty of wrong decisions. Remember what I said about not wasting our time? Well forget it, because you NEED to see this joke play out in full, even though it's not funny in the slightest and doesn't tell us anything significant about the characters or the world. Also there's flashbacks that also don't contribute anything substantial to existing character stories, and even actively make them worse and inconsistent (ily Felicia🫶🫶🫶). And then there's the entirety of ep7 which is an abysmal abomination in and of itself. Not only does it waste our time with an alternative universe that has nothing to do with the canon conflict and characters in the first place, but it actively pretends that it does matter, actually. Which is detrimental to the whole story going forward. Because now instead of on-screen character interactions and actual resolving of existing conflicts within the story we're just told. To imagine it ourselves. Because the au somehow implied what was going to happen between completely different characters. Somehow. Alright.

So, I hope the reasons I listed above more or less explained why arcane, in fact, did NOT require more seasons to tell its story in full. What it did require was more tight writing, focusing on the conflict we had initially, flashing out the existing dynamics between characters and introducing the characters who didn't interact previously to each other (for example: Jinx and Jayce), thought through dialogs which focused on giving us important information first and foremost, less music videos and more actual scenes with dialogs and characters reacting to the world around them properly, subplots that actually mattered to the main conflict etc. Like, it really is THAT basic. If the story is badly written more runtime isn't going to fix anything, it could even make it worse, because more time = more chances to screw up even more stuff. Only good writing can fix bad writing, and that's an unfortunate truth we have to come to terms with. No amount of pretty visuals or microexpressions or character/prop design is going to change what is ruined at its core.

[yesimwriting]

Stawp!

Louis and bestie reader are so cute

They would be so satc coded and go out for drinks and vacays

Also i think reader would introduce him and call him "my beautiful louis" to other people

But imagine louis getting home and texting her with a smile on his face all cute 🥰

I like the idea of the person who makes vampirism good being her, a platonic relationship, in contrast of a romantic companion.

Also i imagine this convo:

Armand: do you have to go over to her apartment every other day?

Louis: first of, we have our movie night fridays together and you know this!

Armand: its 4 a.m

Louis: duh? I got to get there while the sun is down, besides we need to pick up thai food because she does not cook and she will starve herself before turning on the stove

AND ARMAND WITH HER

I feel like after he knows her, he would be jealous of any relationships/ one night stands she might have (louis knows about them obvi! She calls him all the time 💅🏻)

Im obsessed with this concept 😭

everything about this is so perfect!! i'm so happy you got the vibe! i feel like he just needs someone to pull him out of his (slightly subconscious) angst and something about that happening through a platonic relationship is so endearing to me

they're so satc coded too, just besties drinking and vacationing and having (slightly) delusional conversations <3

also bestie reader calling him "my beautiful louis" to others is everything to me 😭 they for sure love each other so much omg

armand is definitely so messy with this 😭 he's like a cat trying to gaslight their owner into thinking they don't want attention

bc i love this sm here's an actual drabble/fic:

pls be nice writing for new characters for the first few times is so daunting for no reason 😭, also armand is a bit messy here <3

----

Not unlike daylight's earliest hours seeping through shut curtains, the haziness--the easiness--you offer him is persistent.

Louis has grown accustomed to the feeling, to the consistent warmth of your friendship, but every once in awhile the sentimentality of it all digs at him.

"This is..." You trail off, legs crossed beneath you and television remote still loosely held between your fingers. "Complex."

Louis's focus flits between you and the screen you're intently staring at. The two of you hadn't set out to watch a documentary on some nature channel, but this is far from the first time you've gotten distracted by some default program while attempting to put on a movie. "Very."

His sarcasm is enough to break the spell. You turn your head, frowning, "Don't make fun of me."

The documentary cuts to a well lit, sparsely wooded forest. The camera focuses on a deer patiently grazing on the surrounding foliage.

"I’d never," he mumbles, suppressing a smile in an attempt at seeming as serious as he needs to be for the joke to work.

You let out a sound that's too gentle to be a laugh before straightening your shoulders and returning your attention to the television screen. There's something ironically pointed about the way the peaceful background melody fades into something more sinister. Looming Danger.

The deer, alerted by some sixth sense, stiffens, its body stretching to its full, insignificant height. The camera zooms in, focusing on the deer's wide eyes and unmenacing features. "That kind of reminds me of you."

This time, your laugh is full, sharpened by a partial scoff that's as amused as it is offended. "That's the weirdest thing you've ever said to me."

The comment is almost enough to ease him. The camera pans out, allowing the audience to see the other surrounding deer. "Maybe the deer from that one animated movie."

You're quiet for a moment, thinking through the implication of the words before turning your head towards him again. "You mean Bambi?"

He had been much too old to be interested in the film by the time it came out, but the name is vaguely familiar enough. "I think so."

You blink at that, tilting your head slightly. "How do you know Bambi?"

"I don't know Bambi," the argument is a relatively flat one. Louis turns to better face you, resting his arm against the back of your couch. "I've just seen some commercials."

That only seems to confuse you further. You straighten, pulling your legs towards your chest. "Where would you have seen Bambi commercials?"

"They were everywhere when it came out in the 40's."

You don't respond right away, your attention shifting away from Louis and towards your bent legs. As far as references that remind you of his lack of humanity, this is far from a drastic one. The 40’s weren’t long enough ago to be inconceivable to you.

Still, you’re quiet, as if thinking through the potential outcomes of your reaction. You nod once. “Right."

When you look up at him again, there's a hesitant sort of curiosity behind your eyes. It's an expression Louis's more accustomed to than he wants to be, it's the way you look at him when you're reminded of the reality of the differences between the two of you.

You tap your nails against your knee. "Does it feel weird?" The question comes out with a suddenness that doesn't suit you, the stiffness of the words sharp and uncertain. "All that time--carrying it inside your head?"

For a moment, all he can bring himself to do is sit with the question. Your question. It's a simple enough thing to ask, but not a exactly a straightforward thing to answer. Especially not to you, who has yet to experience a significant passage of time even by human standards.

"Well," he starts, "You know about the way that time has impacted aspects of my memory." You watch him patiently, saying nothing to prompt or rush him as he thinks through his response. "It does make things feel different--years spent with someone can feel like moments, and moments with others can feel like eternity."

You nod once, allowing his answer to sink in. "Which one am I?"

He knows his answer before he knows how to put it into words. You’re too familiar for either.

“You’re more like a memory.”

Your eyebrows briefly pinch together at that. You part your lips, but before you can respond the documentary’s music swells.

You turn your head in time to see the coyote lunge at a deer. You sigh, screwing your eyes shut before leaning forward, You press your forehead against his arm. “That’s depressing.”

Louis could have anticipated the reaction, you’re usually more bothered by animals dying in movies than people. Still, though, your ability to find comfort in him of all things will never not perplex him.

Instead of pointing out that you’re the one that chose to watch this, he gently reaches for the remote. “Fine, I’ll put on the movie.”

----

The familiar ringing is so muted, so low, Armand's certain that if it wasn't for his enhanced senses, he wouldn't have been able to hear anything at all. By the time he's turned his head, Louis is already reaching for his coat's pocket.

Armand frowns. If the late hour and limited number of people Louis talks to weren't enough to let Armand know who the message is from, Louis's smile as he unlocks his cell phone would be evidence enough. You--it's always you.

He continues forward, allowing Louis to type out a response without interruption. Once he's certain the message has been sent, Armand begins, "It's her again."

Louis's attention shifts away from the screen. "She's my friend."

"I know," he says, voice flat, "Your best friend."

"Stop it." There's nothing aggressive about Louis's response, but there's an underlying warning pressed into the syllables, the same almost-sharpness that Louis relies on whenever Armand implies a lack of fondness for Louis's latest source of entertainment. "It's not like that."

No, it really isn't. When you first began to weave yourself into Louis's life, Armand had almost convinced himself that this was a blatant betrayal that defied Louis's usual preferences. After about five minutes of assessment, Armand realized that the two of you really are as affectionately platonic as you claim to be.

"No," it's an easy enough concession. Armand continues forward, the coolness of the night's air sharp against his skin. Their walk hasn't exactly been the most exciting night of their companionship, but it has been non-contentious in a needed way after their latest session with Daniel. "You do spend a lot of time with her."

Louis's quiet for a moment, thinking through his response in a way that Armand finds unusual. "You could spend time with us, too."

The sentiment isn't as true as Louis intends it to be. While Armand's been around you regularly enough to consider you familiar, there are a few things that the two of you want to do on your own. Your weekly movie nights, casual drinking at bars, the surprise trip to Milan. And during the evenings in which Armand is there, Louis regards him with a subtle uneasiness that if you've noticed, you know better than to mention.

In your presence, what they are may only be portrayed in the softest of lights. The facets of vampirism must only ever be suggested, alluded to so faintly that they're rendered incapable of tarnishing that darling soul of yours Louis is so determined to preserve.

"And subject the poor, little fawn to an evening with two vampires?"

Armand keeps his gaze focused on what's ahead of them, but he can practically feel the lack of amusement radiating off of Louis. "Come on," he tries again, "She's not like that."

Although he'd love nothing more than to solely resent your existence, Armand does have to give you credit for that. You hadn't so much as missed a single step when Louis revealed the truth to you, never once treating him differently. You also barely flinched when Armand appeared in your home with no warning as a way of hurting Louis during a particularly lively argument. Armand's yet to determine if your bravery is a sign of idiocy or a testament to how certain you are in your connection to Louis.

It's far from rare for Louis to feel the need to defend you, but there's a determination there that seems urging. "She asked you to come over."

Louis's hesitation, though brief, is confirmation enough. He almost stills but seems to think better of it, placing his phone back into his pocket as if that will be enough to make Armand forget that you're the source of this. "She just ended things with the boy she's been seeing."

Hm. Not exactly an interesting update, but intriguing...more intriguing than why you usually call Louis, if nothing else.

"Alright," Armand agrees, "Let's visit your puppy."

----

The apartment building you live in is far from run down. You've slowly but surely transformed yourself into one of those rare artists with a curated following so obsessed with being able to credit themselves as the discoverer of the next big thing that they go out of their way to purchase anything that you've labeled as yours. Existing at the cusp of fame has allowed you to afford a decent apartment in the city, but it's nowhere near as nice as where you could be if you'd accept Louis's offer to get you a place closer to them.

Louis knocks on your door twice. In less than a second, you're clicking the lock out of place. You're beaming as you pull the door open, "Louis."

Armand watches Louis's expression melt into one of total warmth. There's a definiteness to your friendship that Armand might envy if he understood it any better. What's so special, so interesting about you that your presence is always desireable?

Louis extends an arm, offering you the bouquet of flowers he insisted on purchasing before visiting you.

Your smile widens even further at the arrangement. If it wasn't for the information that Louis gave him earlier, Armand would have no reason to think anything remotely upsetting happened to you tonight. "I love peonies. Thank you."

You lift a hand, your pointer finger gently brushing a thin petal as you examine the flowers. After a moment, you straighten, turning your head enough to acknowledge him. "Armand, hi." The greeting is cordial yet far from cold, the way you often are with him.

"Hello," he replies. You step back, pulling your front door open as a way of inviting them in. "I'm sorry about your boyfriend."

You pause at that, parting your lips as you look back at him. Louis speaks before you get the chance to, "I told you to look sad when we got here."

It's a playful chastising at best, but you react as if Louis had really meant it. In some ways, Armand believes he did. "Oh," the sound falls flat. You walk further into your home's entryway, giving them the space needed to enter. "Give me a second, I can do better." You turn slightly, holding onto the flowers a little tighter as you bring your free hand to your chest. "I'm distraught."

Your performance isn't worthy of a standing ovation, but there's a humor there that might have been charming if Armand's disinterest in you was less inherit.

"Nice try," Louis mumbles as he wanders towards your couch. He sits down with a casualness that highlights how used to existing in your space Louis really is. "Armand wasn't up for visiting anyone and I wanted you to at least look sympathetic."

You walk past your living room. Armand watches you for a moment before following, if for no other reason than to feel something resembling Louis's familiarity. He keeps his steps even, making a point of remaining a few paces behind you.

You stop in front of a cupboard. After opening the cabinet, you have to extend your arm so fully to reach a vase Armand's surprised when you manage to grab it without knocking it off its shelf.

"Trust me," you say, exaggerating the syllables as you approach the sink, "I'm very sympathetic." You place the vase beneath the sink before turning on the faucet.

Armand steps forward, setting a palm against the granite that makes up the island attached to your sink. "I'm sure." The words are spoken so lowly they're nearly drowned out by the sound of running water.

"What did he do?" Louis asks from his spot on the couch.

You lift the vase out of the sink's basin, shutting off the faucet as you move to set the glass onto the counter. "Broke up with me because he thought he had a chance with his ex-girlfriend."

"What?" Louis turns fully at that, craning his neck to look at you.

You nod sharply, completely validated by Louis's shock. "I know." You remove the plastic binding your bouquet together. "Men are the worst." You carefully pull a flower away from its bundle before placing it in the vase. The process of arranging the flowers must remind you who brought them to you, because after a second, you amend your statement, "Except you guys. Obviously."

"Obviously," Louis repeats in a way that only feels somewhat sarcastic. "So are you...upset? Angry?"

You pause, giving yourself a moment to really think about your response. "A little of everything, I guess." You pick up two smaller flowers by their long stems before placing them in the vase. "But not crushed." You reach for a filler flower. "I don't know...it's not like I was in love with him."

Louis rests an elbow against the back of your couch, propping his head up as he watches you continue to adjust your flowers. "I'm glad you weren't." You raise your eyebrows at that. "He wasn't the right person."

"You always say that."

"And I haven't been wrong yet."

You give him another look that would be threatening if it wasn't for the underlying fondness there. "Don't start." You don't wait for Louis's reaction before returning your attention to the flowers.

Armand watches you for a moment before allowing himself to take in your apartment. This place is a known entity, but it's not exactly familiar. He's never seen anything beyond the living but he has heard you talk about a room that you've converted into a studio space.

It's not as easy as it should be to imagine a space solely dedicated to your work when touches of it seem to cover your entire apartment. Two canvases too uniquely you to be purchased are hanging behind your couch, there's a ceramic vase on your dining table that reminds him of the way you paint, and then there's the abandoned palette and partially finished canvas still on its easel.

Armand walks forward slowly, approaching the painting as you and Louis begin discussing your least favorite things about the boy that ended things with you.

Even unfinished, the project is strong in its certainty, in its style. Your brush strokes are sharp, unafraid. Next to your well loved palette, there's a small photograph that parallels but doesn't exactly fully match the partially completed house on the canvas.

"That's an idea for a new collection--the repurposing of abandoned things, places..." Your explanation is abrupt in a way that borders on shy. "It's not meant to be as pretentious as it sounds."

There's a self deprecating quality to the disclaimer that doesn't fit you. Perhaps he's stumbled onto an actual insecurity. "Does someone seeing it like this make you uncomfortable?"

"Uh," you start, confused by his own suddenness, "No, not really. As long as you know to look it as a work in progress." You tap your nails against the counter. "I--I have a room down the hall that's full of half-finished stuff if you want to look at those, too."

The offer feels more like an attempt to convince yourself that you're okay with his analysis of your work before it's been polished than anything else. The concept of your uncertainty makes Armand curious enough for him to actively reach for your thoughts.

Armand's concentration shifts onto your mind, and he's immediately thrown by the vaguest implication of resistance. Your mental defense is so feeble it might as well not exist, but the fact that it does...that you're trying to at all is almost endearing enough to convince Armand to leave you be. Almost. "Are you attempting to block me out of your thoughts?"

You blink, the blood beneath your skin rushing its way up your neck at your embarrassment. "Are you trying to read them?" When your counter question doesn't impact him at all, you sheepishly offer an explanation, "Louis taught me."

Of course he'd teach his pet a new trick.

Louis lets out a small laugh at that. "The fact that he felt it at all tells me you're better at it than I'd thought you be."

Armand's gaze returns to your painting. You've managed to find a warmth, a beauty in the forgotten. "The implication of resistance isn't the same as resistance itself."

The criticism stings, but you don't let it impact your expression. You let out an exaggerated sigh, your shoulders slumping slightly to add to your point. "Be nice, I was just broken up with. Over text."

He continues to study the painting, his mind attempting to break the piece down by individual brush strokes. "That doesn't matter to you. Not really." Armand can almost imagine the creation of the house's boarders, of the formation of each individual stone and the heavy ivy covering them. "You're not 'crushed' because you're interesting and he's not, and a part of you knows that."

The sentiment behind the words leaves you desperate to push him away. Blood settles itself beneath your chest. Your feeble mental shield returns, this time determined enough for Armand to feel its desire to push him out.

"You don't know if I'm interesting," the response is too soft, too curious to reflect your unease.

You tap your nails against the counter, the gentle clicks of them hitting the granite echoing throughout the space. Armand refocuses on the canvas. "Louis wouldn't like you if you weren't."

Something about the statement seems to ease you. Armand's reminded of how almost overly genuine your friendship is. "Thanks."

Louis lets out an almost-scoff at that, his eyebrows briefly drawing together in a display of mock offense. "Don't make me sound so shallow."

"It's less about your shallowness and more about my winning personality."

"Uh-huh," Louis mumbles, pressing a synthetic lack of interest into syllables, "Well, as long as its about you."

----

a/n this is lowkey way longer than i expected it to be but i loved this dynamic so much so if you want to see more of them pls let me know <3