#also my pretty dresses i ordered came in today and one of them feels soooo fucking comfy

[livingprophecy]

just received an internship offer for a really big company that will likely hire me outright once i graduate and i might cry just a little because i feel like i’ve worked my ass off tirelessly for months without any break and this is the best news i could have ever gotten

[emsylcatac]

What the future holds, we'll never know

Summary

Marinette didn't know what the future was made of—but the glimpse of the one featuring her akumatised partner she had seen taught her one thing: she and Chat Noir should never be together.

Which currently wasn't really a problem considering that she was in love with Adrien, and that they had been getting closer lately.

Read it on AO3

Hiiii @ladynoirist Lisa gemini bro ♥♥♥ I was soooo happy to be your totally secret (yes pretend you never guessed it was me okay I was so subtle) santaaaa for the @mlsecretsanta !!! (also pretend we're totally in December and not in May ho ho ho! Reindeers are still roaming!)

I'm so sorry for how late I am, but I hope you'll enjoy this fic 😄

───※ ·❆· ※───

21st of January, 1h after the reveal

Marinette stood in front of the bistro door, pacing. Pretending to look at the menu, pretending to think of what to choose, pretending that everything was absolutely normal and fine and this was just a perfectly normal day.

It was, however, not normal nor fine inside her head.

She had to push that door. She was already a good half an hour late and it wouldn’t do good to make her friends wait longer—excuses were harder and harder to explain the more she shied away.

Please, don’t be here. She never thought she would hope for that. Please have your bodyguard bring you home. Your father forcing you to go home.

Please, go home by yourself and find some stupid excuse.

She would feel bad for having all these unfair hopes if she hadn't been feeling completely panicked inside.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket. Gulping, she chanced a glance at it.

Alya girl where are u?? we’re waiting to order!

Well. She couldn’t delay for much longer. Taking a deep breath, Marinette pushed the door open and scanned the room.

Please, please don’t be inside.

She wasn’t being fair, she knew that—it wasn’t his fault if she didn’t feel like facing him.

“Marinette!”

She turned in the direction of her name where Alya was waving at her, hand held up high, while Nino was grinning and—he was there.

Swallowing—though her mouth had been dry for a while now—Marinette headed towards them despite her legs screaming at her to turn around and run as fast as possible away from here.

“H-hey,” she stuttered, “sorry for...for being late.”

She sat next to Adrien (because of course she had to be seated next to him). Their eyes met for a split second and he gave her a timid smile that she couldn’t return.

“It’s fine,” Alya waved off, “the most important thing is that you’re here now! But quick, choose what you want to eat, I’m staaarving!”

She, for one, clearly wasn’t.

Adrien was giving her quick glances and she tried her best to ignore him.

It was him, it was him, it was him.

And it was oh so unfair. She picked up her menu to hide her face as tears threatened to escape  the corners of her eyes.

───※ ·❆· ※───

5th of October, 108 days before the reveal

“Try that.”

Marinette turned around, abandoning the search for her size amongst the many red skirts on the clothes rail.

Adrien was holding a tacky glittery dress, reflecting  the light of a multitude of disharmonious colours, supporting two red fabric-flowers on each shoulder straps. It was positively horrendous, the kind of clothes you wonder who would ever buy when passing in front of it in the store.

She looked up to Adrien’s innocent smile and had to bite down the disgusted expression she suspected she must have shown for a split second. She hoped he hadn’t noticed—the last thing she wanted was to offend him. Growing-up in the fashion industry didn’t make him a good judge in the field, it seemed.

“I… You want me to...to try that on?” she stammered.

He gave her a nod, humming enthusiastically.

Maybe it was the kind of dress Adrien saw on girls at fashion shows, and she just hadn't seen it before. Maybe he liked it on them.

Maybe he would find her pretty in it.

Against her better judgement (because her judgement was always lost when it came to him, wasn’t it?), Marinette stretched a hand towards the piece of clothing, gulping. She raised her eyes to his, offering a tight smile.

Adrien’s mouth twitched, and his eyes held a new mischievous glint that hadn’t been there a few seconds ago.

“You...you’re pulling my leg, aren’t you?” she said, deflating.

He burst out laughing, a genuine, happy laugh that reminded her of a certain day in the rain, and she couldn’t help but smile despite herself.

“You should have seen your face!”

He hadn't made fun of her in a while—in fact, he hadn’t laughed at her since that day, in the rain. The thought of him being comfortable enough with her to allow himself to do it again made her cheeks heat up.

“I could...I could call your bodyguard or...or your dad! Yes! I could call your dad and out you, you know!” she threatened, fighting back the nerves that always messed up her words when she spoke to him.

She wouldn’t mess up today.

It stopped Adrien momentarily and suddenly he was pleading her, begging with joined hands.

“Marinette,” he said, and he did sound serious—she would have been convinced had his eyes not looked a tad too much like a kicked puppy’s, “please, you can’t do that. Please please please please, I’m sorry for ruining your shopping day and running into you and insisting to tag along and—”

Marinette giggled. “I’ll wear it,” she said, snatching the terrible (terrible!!) dress from his hands, careful to not brush his fingers and make it awkward. “Because unlike you who’s trying to hide, I’m no coward.”

Adrien straightened up. “I’m no coward either!”

She could feel her heart beating erratically in her chest. She wasn’t nervous. She wasn’t gonna be nervous when talking to Adrien. Not again. Not this time. She could banter with him—this was known territory. Not with him though, never with him, but…

“Okay,” she crossed her arms. Her eyes scanned  the different clothing items before landing on a pink plastic fur dress on a mannequin. “Prove it.”

He choked on a laugh before grinning at her. “Oh, you’re so on.”

───※ ·❆· ※───

16th of November, 66 days before the reveal

Adrien opened his diary, ready to write down the homework of the day Mrs Bustier was dictating.

The sound of ruffling papers and rummaging in bags filled the classroom, but he tried to focus on one sound in particular, resisting the urge to smile.

Any moment now.

Just a little longer before—

A loud groan resonated from behind him, and this time he let the grin slip onto his face, thankful that she couldn’t see it.

“What’s wrong?” Alya’s whisper made its way to his ears.

“Someone drew me with a towel on the head, swimming glasses and an ugly party dress!”

Adrien couldn’t help the snort that escaped him.

Teasing Marinette, he found, was very entertaining. He didn’t know exactly when he started to feel comfortable enough to do it. Didn’t know what exactly it was that was making it deliciously familiar yet all so new—and above all, warm.

Her reaction had been worth the wait. He  silently delighted in the way she battled between raging against him and finding him hilarious (because with the way she giggled, or stammered, or even bit her lips the few times he had joked with her, before getting ahold of herself and teasing back, she had to find him hilarious, right?).

He guessed he deserved the ruler slap he received on the head.

Yes, Adrien liked her reactions, he thought while rubbing his head. He liked that new, teasing  dynamic he’d been having with her for a couple of weeks now. He liked it.

But above all, he loved—

Adrien let a soft fond smile pull at his lips when he opened his diary that evening, once seated at his desk. A drawing quickly scribbled in the margin lit up by his many computer screens welcomed him of what he assumed was a new Gabriel ad featuring him in an atrocious fur dress coloured in fluro pink highlighter.

Above all, he loved her witty and sneaky comebacks.

───※ ·❆· ※───

8th of December, 44 days before the reveal

“What are you thinking about?”

Ladybug saw a smile stretch across her partner’s lips. He let out a fond chuckle, throwing his head up towards the sky. His eyes were closed, but she could tell that he was seeing more stars that way than if they had been opened looking up at the Parisian sky. She envied him a little.

“I’m thinking,” he simply said.

And didn’t say anything after that.

She waited a little, just in case, but he remained silent. His feet dangled above the edge of the roof and he started gently swinging his legs one after the other. He let out a breathless giggle, as if he couldn’t control it, and hummed a song her ears caught only because of the wind blowing towards her.

Her heart did a somersault in her chest at the sight. She felt a weird mix of emotions, not unpleasant but not entirely enjoyable either, bittersweetness and happiness mingling together.

He did look happy—but tonight it felt like she wasn’t a part of it. That he was in his own bubble of joy, a bubble she once had complete control over but, in that instant, was slipping through her fingers. If she was being honest, it had been slowly and subtly escaping her for a while now.

He was in love, she realised. Her gaze on him softened, before she turned away from him to look towards the sky, too, and exhaled a puff of hot air that dissipated in the cold and continued to grow as she joined him in his humming, closing her eyes.

If she wasn’t the one he was shining for tonight, she would still share that moment of exhilaration with him.

Besides, she had reasons to feel giddy herself too.

───※ ·❆· ※───

29th of December, 23 days before the reveal

“Hey.” Plagg’s voice wasn’t loud enough to pull Adrien out of his reverie completely, but enough to bring the cloud he was on a little bit back down to Earth. “You’ve been staring at the ceiling for the past twenty minutes now. What’s up?”

Adrien let the thread of his lucky charm pass through his fingers, feeling the beads between them rolling from one to another. “I have?”

Plagg stayed silent for a few seconds. “Yes. Are you alright?”

Adrien chuckled. “Yeah. Yeah, I think I am.” I have been for a little while now, he didn’t say.

Suddenly, he got up, walked towards his computer, picked up his phone from his desk and opened Instagram. His fingers quickly found Marinette’s name and pressed her icon to see her latest story. He smiled as a selfie of her and Alya appeared, and played it again once it was over.

“Ah. I see.” Adrien hadn’t noticed Plagg flying above his shoulder but he couldn’t care less. “You like her?”

“I love her,” he simply corrected.

“Really?! Planning on asking her out? Sweeping her off her feet?”

Adrien shook his head, chuckling. He put his phone back on his desk and let himself fall further in his seat, pushing his feet against the desk leg to propel himself back.

Marinette, Marinette, Marinette.

“We’ll see,” he stretched his arms above his head. “We’ll see what happens and when I feel that the time is right. I don’t want to mess it up. Not this time.”

Not with her.

───※ ·❆· ※───

11th of January, 10 days before the reveal

When she found Adrien waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs that morning, blushing, a hand rubbing the back of his neck, the other holding a yellow rose with red tips on the petals and stammering a simple yet powerful “I think I love you”, Marinette was glad she had been on time for school for once.

───※ ·❆· ※───

21st of January, 1h before the reveal

“I can’t believe you made me wake up at eight o’clock on a Saturday morning,” Marinette shook her head.

Adrien laughed and held her hand tighter as he pulled her along with him, striding alongside the Seine. “But you have to admit that it was worth it.”

Spending time with you is worth the world, she thought. I could wake up at five if that’s what you wanted. She didn’t say any of that out loud. They had only barely started dating, after all. It could scare him off.

Instead, she let half a smile pull at her lips. “I suppose.”

Adrien stopped in his tracks and turned to her. “It was worth it! It just snowed during the night—for once! It’s so rare, we have to enjoy it! And the sunrise was beautiful!”

She crossed her arms, pretending to think about it and evaluate her morning.

“It was,” Adrien insisted, pleaded for her to agree.

“Fine,” she conceded, giggling. “It was beautiful. I’m glad you forced me out of bed.”

She was rewarded by a brilliant smile, that melted her heart despite the cold January air on her cheeks, and a kiss on her forehead (that melted her whole).

A giddy laugh escaped her and she couldn’t help but kiss his nose, making him giggle, the sound sweeter than the glockenspiel a busker was playing a few meters away.

Adrien’s cheeks were red when she pulled away—from the cold or from her kiss, she didn’t know, but she hoped for the latter. She decided to grab his winter hat, leaving his hair all messy on top and wide eyes of outraged shock on his face. Adrien, she had realised, really liked when she was messing with him and she berated herself for never having dared to do such a thing before.

In retaliation, he grabbed her own hat and put it on his head. “Jokes on you,” he said, “now I have a pink pompom while you have a lame black one!”

She laughed as she put his hat on her own head. He likes me, she chanted in her head. He loves me even. He loves me, he loves me, and I love him.  All was well that day. All was perfect.

“When are we meeting up with Alya and Nino for lunch, again?”

“I think we still have an hour,” Adrien replied.

It felt like nothing could disrupt their date, their day, them, really.

───※ ·❆· ※───

21st of January, the reveal

Accidents were stupid, most of the time. One second of miscalculation, one careless mistake and every neatly protected secret could be disrupted forever.

Detransforming in the same alleway was probably the stupidest, lamest and most careless way to reveal their identities, Marinette and Adrien thought, as they faced each other with wide eyes and heart beating too fast in their rib cages with their kwamis hanging incriminatingly at their side.

Marinette didn’t think. She ran.

───※ ·❆· ※───

21st of January, 1h30 after the reveal

To say the atmosphere was awkward was an understatement. They were barely glancing at each other, passing each other the salt without brushing a finger or looking where they handed it.

Marinette overfilled Adrien’s glass when pouring him some water; Adrien startled when Marinette’s hand accidentally brushed his arm while trying to clean his table up.

They were a mess.

In a way, Marinette was glad that Alya and Nino were here to provide distraction.

She just hoped they wouldn’t notice the tension between her and Adrien.

“So, how have you two lovebirds been doing? Still in the chummy-chummy phase?”

So much for that. There was an awkward silence, none of them knowing what to really say.

“Sure,” she decided to take the plunge and ate a mouthful of fries so she wouldn’t have to explain further.

Alya and Nino said nothing, looking between the two of them.

“We’ve been, uh…we went walking around the Seine this morning,” Adrien mumbled. “To see the snow and, uh…”

“Oh, that reminds me,” Marinette cut. She couldn’t believe she was managing to talk to him. “Y-your...your winter hat.”

She handed it to him and Adrien looked at it for a few seconds before taking it back, his face crumbling and disheartened.

“...Thanks. Um, here is yours, I suppose.”

Marinette closed her eyes tight as she snatched her hat from his hands, feeling nauseous all of a sudden.

Where did they stand, now? They had barely even started dating. Could they brush off the massive new developments that were their identities? Could superheroes even date?

White flashed before her eyes. Her heart did a somersault, and the nausea intensified, making her head spin.

Stupid. Idiot, superheroes couldn’t date, least of all her and Adrien.

It was unfair that she was having these thoughts now, when she still didn’t know what was going on in her head—Adrien, Chat Noir, her partner. The same… so similar yet so different.

He had given her a rose when he had confessed. It was such a Chat Noir thing to do...she should have known.

They were the same person and it was awkward and she needed time she didn’t get the luxury to have. The second she thought she had acknowledged this information, it would all come back the next with the panic accompanying it.

The silence following must have been long and heavy because Alya took in a sharp breath. “Okay. What’s going on between you two? You’ve been acting awkward since we’ve got here.”

───※ ·❆· ※───

23rd of January, 2 days after the reveal

“So, this is it?”

Adrien felt the knot in his throat tighten a little more and more as Marinette kept looking to the side, silent, avoiding his gaze. He didn’t know why he asked; he knew the answer. And he knew that hearing it would cut like a knife, but maybe that’s what he needed instead of foolishly pretending there was hope.

“This...this is it,” she finally said in a breath.

He swallowed. “Okay.”

“Okay,” she repeated.

“I… okay.” Okay. Because what could he say? It wasn’t like he could decide for her.

If it was only on him, of course he wouldn’t want anything to end. Of course he would fight for them, and try and see where they’d go, identities be damned because...well, it was still them, wasn’t it? Wasn’t it?

“I’m sorry. I...I really am. It’s just… It’s…” Marinette sighed. “It’s just that it’s a lot to take in, you know?”

She had finally raised her eyes to his, and Adrien had to fight back tears; maybe it would have been better if she had continued to avoid him.

So he was the one to turn his eyes away this time.

“I guess,” he couldn’t help the bitterness in his voice to show through. “I just...I didn’t know it would be so bad.”

“It’s not! It’s not that! It’s just that… we still...we still need to get used to this,” she gestured between them, “and… superheroes ca—”

“—can’t date, I know. I understand. I mean—not completely, but... I get it.”

And he did; really, he did get it.

It was selfish of him, probably, to not want things to stop. He found that it was also maybe a little selfish of her to want them to.

None of them had decided to be heroes—and yet they had to bear the consequences of such a responsibility.

Looking back at her, she had now dropped down her eyes and wasn’t watching him anymore. A strong gust of wind blew on the balcony, making Marinette’s hair wave with it.

“It’s getting late,” Adrien spoke. “And you’re freezing out here. I should get going. We’ll see each other tomorrow at school.”

He extended his baton.

“Adri—Chat Noir! Wait!”

She grabbed his tail, stopping him in his tracks. He turned around. She was fidgeting, and looked tentatively into his eyes.

“I’m sorry. I hope it’s not...I hope it’s not too hard but…”

He sighed. “I’m not gonna lie and pretend it doesn’t hurt. It...it does. A lot. It’s like…” he sighed. “It’s like we had everything, and then…” He paused. “But I guess… none of us can control the way we feel, right?”

She nodded numbly. He attempted to give a smile, but he knew he wasn’t doing a good job at it.

“I just wished I knew what’s wrong with me, “ he murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

“I… it’s not… I don’t think there’s anything wrong with you,” Marinette tried. He could hear her voice trembling. I don’t think there’s anything right with me either, he didn’t say—and she didn’t say either, he noted with a bitter smile. “We’re just a mess right now.”

She bit her lip and he had to force to keep his eyes on hers. He felt terrible. Worse than all those times she had rejected him, because—well, because now he knew just how much he was losing.

“That we are.”

“We’re still...we’re still friends, right?” she asked after a few seconds of awkward silence.

“It’s you and me against the world, so… of course.” He shrugged.

And with that, he left, finally letting the tears blur his vision on his way home.

Tonight, their old promise sounded more bitter than comforting. Them against the world, the heroes fighting for the city, forced together by their duty and pulled apart at the same time.

───※ ·❆· ※───

23rd of January, 2 days after the reveal

Marinette rushed back inside her bedroom as soon as Adrien had left and threw her head in her pillow, crying her heart out. Screaming to Tikki how unfair it was to have to be responsible, at Master Fu for choosing this life for her, at herself for following it, at Adrien and Chat Noir for being the same people.

Shouting at Adrien again, at another Adrien she hadn’t even really known that it was all his fault. His fault, his fault, his fault, all his fault. She knew it was unfair of her—but she needed to put the blame on someone, and Chat Blanc, who didn’t exist anymore, seemed like a good candidate, no matter how wrong she knew it was.

───※ ·❆· ※───

24th of January, 3 days after the reveal

“...My father wanted us to break up.”

Marinette shrunk on herself. She wished she had been able to come up with a better excuse on the spot. Anything that would have avoided Adrien’s cold and numb tone when he repeated her flimsily excuse.

But nothing sounded plausible enough; nothing else could explain this sudden change in their dynamic.

“It...it was a surprise, really, we weren’t expecting it,” she tried, hoping he would follow her lead.

Adrien clicked his tongue. “A surprise, indeed.”

“Aaaand you didn’t think of dating in secret becaaause…?” Alya drawled, the cease in her brow increasing the longer she looked between the two of them.

“Because… well… because…” Marinette fumbled, trying to think  of a way out because Alya wasn’t wrong and it was a flaw in her carelessly crafted plan.

“Because Marinette didn’t want to,” Adrien supplied curtly.

Alya and Nino’s heads snapped towards her with incredulous looks in their eyes, making her involuntarily shrink on herself even more.

“She said it wasn’t worth a try,” he shrugged and sat down, his back now to her.

Alya looked between the two with a mix of worry, incomprehension and a hint of pity. Marinette didn’t dare look at Nino to see what emotions would flicker in his eyes.

“That’s not it, it’s…” she struggled, took a deep breath, and tried again. She had to roll with what he came up with. “If he were to find out we...we’d be in trouble. You’d be in trouble… and I don’t want that,” she whispered the last words.

“Like I said,” Adrien said coolly, half turning towards them. “Not even worth a try.”

Her heart crumpled.

───※ ·❆· ※───

26th of january, 5 days after the reveal

“Chat Noir, you’re here!” Marinette exclaimed, relieved.

He twirled his baton, deflecting a spurt of gooey green liquid she could only dread to know the composition of—some akumas truly were more disgusting than others to deal with. “As for every akuma.” He raised a brow. “Don’t act so surprised.”

She startled. In the midst of all the action, in the hope and wait for his arrival—because she always felt bolder and stronger once her partner was by her side—she had forgotten.

This was Adrien, her ex-boyfriend with whom she had broken up and had upsetted. And who still wasn’t talking to her much. Thinking about him as ‘ex’ suddenly hurt as she realised it was the first time she was referring to him as such in her head.

Marinette blinked back remorseful tears and tried ignoring the tightness in her chest to focus on the akuma again. She still needed to find where the akumatised object was, and she couldn’t let her emotions get in the way of her job.

She decided to pretend things were fine. “His name is Snowtty, we don’t know the victim but it’s a kid who was made fun of for having a runny nose after receiving a snowball in his face. Try to avoid his green spurts, they would freeze you on the spot!”

Adrien barely nodded before jumping into action, without so much as a word of acknowledgement like he would usually do. It hurt more than she would care to admit.

She knew they hadn’t talked since that evening on her balcony, but she had hoped he just needed time to process and that it wasn’t deeper than that. He had said they were still friends, hadn’t he?

Trying to ignore the sting in her eyes, she jumped after him into the fight.

“Ladybug! I see your pet has arrived to the scene as well,” Snowtty sneered. “All the better for me, I need both your miraculous after all!”

“I’m my own person, thank you very much,” Chat Noir said, none of his usual teasing in his voice. “And you won’t be getting any miraculous. Why don’t you give us your akuma instead and save everyone’s time? You’re just gonna lose like the others do, anyway.”

The akuma let out a growl of frustration and double-fired in their direction. Marinette ran for cover using her yoyo as a deflecting shield, Adrien using his baton.

He didn’t take cover with her.

She called him and was almost relieved when he picked up.

“Okay, he’s angrier than I thought he was. Any idea where the akuma could be?”

“You’re telling me you don’t?” he raised a brow. “He’s throwing his substance from that bracelet he has on his left wrist, and there aren’t any other objects.”

It seemed obvious now. But she wasn’t at the top of her game and was far too focused on her relationship with her partner than she was on the fight at hand, and she realised how detrimental it could be—not letting her personal life interfere with her duties as Ladybug was one of the rules she had promised herself to never break, yet here she was.

“Right,” she said, voice wavering. “I… Right. You’re right. Good job, Kitty.”

She regretted the nickname as soon as it left her mouth.

“‘tis nothing, Ladybug,” he shrugged. “Guess you cast your lucky charm and I distract him as usual.”

“Not yet, I need to first figure ou—” She let out a sigh as he ended the call, and turned to see him heading back straight for the akuma.

Well. The message was clear.

Throwing her yoyo angrily in the air, she called on her lucky charm. And was rewarded for her effort with an umbrella.

She wanted to scream.

She glanced up and closed her eyes, temporarily blinded by the brightness of the sun. “And it’s not even raining,” she grumbled.

She stomped away from her hiding place, only to be thrown on the ground a second after.

“Wha—”

Adrien was hovering over her and spared a glance behind towards Snowtty before standing and helping her up.

“Thank you,” she mumbled.

But he ran back towards the akuma without so much as a glance in her direction. The momentary relief she felt when he saved her evaporated right away. She ran after him.

She hated how he could be upset with her in the middle of an akuma fight but still be able to focus on the task at hand. Because he was paying great care to the akuma and his surroundings and was trying to actively find a solution to put an end to the fight—something she had a harder time doing when her personal feelings were getting overwhelming. She couldn’t reproach him for that. It was just incredibly infuriating.

“Adri—Chat Noir, will you please talk to me and stop ignoring me?” Marinette exploded, frustrated. “It’s been two days and now is not the time!”

“Bold words from someone who ran away and avoided me for two days after discovering my identity,” Adrien snapped back, avoiding another blast of green.

Her heart stuttered painfully. He was right, but it made it no less hurtful to hear. She and Chat Noir had argued in the past, and while it had never been pleasant, it was something they knew how to navigate through — how to come out stronger from. She and Adrien, however? Never. She hadn’t even fathom the possibility of it ever coming up one day. Any comebacks she could have had died on her tongue, and Ladybug found herself speechless.

They both ran for cover once again behind the safety of a rooftop chimney, leaving Snowtty growling at having lost their track.

She swallowed painfully. “Listen. I know you’re hurt, I understand and you have every right to be. But we need to work together right now.”

He kicked some of the remaining snow from the roof, fidgeting with his hands. “I don’t know. I don’t think my father would approve of that.”

She frowned. “Of what?”

“Us working togeth—” he sighed, closing his eyes and shaking his head. “Sorry. Forget I said anything, that was rude. Let’s...let’s just get back to the fight. I’ll behave.”

She grabbed his hand before he could vault away. “Wait.”

“Ladybug, I don’t think we have the time to talk or—”

“And I think it’s important that we talk now,” she said, giving him a pleading look. “Please.”

He kept eye contact with her for a few seconds before glancing hesitantly towards the city, nibbling at his lower lip. “Okay,” he finally murmured.

She involuntarily squeezed his hand in relief. He didn’t squeeze back, but he didn’t take it away either.

She hadn’t taken the time to focus on her feelings for him in the midst of her freakout about his identity; the warmth of his hand and the tips of his claws barely grazing hers and enhancing its delicacy made her realise that if anything, they had only gotten stronger.

It was painfully heartwarming.

“Are you...are you still… upset, about us, um… about me… you know…” she gestured between them.

“Breaking up with me?” He shook his head. “No. I’m hurt, yes. But that’s your right. That’s not what I’m angry about.”

“Then what…” she trailed off.

He sighed. “I thought I had made it clear, but I guess not.” He paused and kicked some more snow. “I didn’t like you telling everyone that my father forced us to break up,” he mumbled, and she had to listen carefully to pick up every word.

She blinked. “That’s… it?” She threw her hands in front of her at the glare he sent her. “I mean, don’t get me wrong… I agree it wasn’t my best excuse, but we had to find one that sounded plausible and…”

“That’s the thing, Marinette,” he said. “You decided to use my father as your excuse without asking me first.” He wrapped his arms around himself and looked to the ground. “I know my father isn’t… isn’t the best and that he can be… a little strict, but… He wouldn’t do that.”

There was a beat of silence.

“He wouldn’t do that,” he repeated more quietly.

She didn’t know if he was trying to convince himself or her; but she didn’t know Gabriel Agreste much and thus couldn’t confirm nor refute his words.

He shook his head. “But the thing is… How would you have felt if I had told everyone that...that your parents had forced us to break up?” He lifted his gaze towards her, green eyes piercing through her.

“Oh,” she said, understanding dawning on her. “Oh. I see.”

“Yeah.”

“I hadn;t...I hadn’t thought about that,” Marinette admitted.

“Well.”He sniffed, angrily wiping at his eyes. “You should have.”

She hadn’t noticed that he was on the verge of crying, but she instantly felt shame coursing through her.

He kicked the snow harder. “And the worst part  is… the worst part is that… it workedI he almost spat. “They...they believed your excuse. They didn’t even doubt it, they just….” He gestured with his hands .“...Bought it as if it was obvious and that...that hurt.”

She stayed quiet for a few seconds, taking it in. She didn’t want to start the conversation now as to why it had been that easy for their friends to believe his father would do such a thing—it was something that they would have to discuss another day. A day on which he’d be more ready.

“I’m sorry,” she finally whispered. “I panicked because I...I realised I hadn’t thought of a reason for our breakup. My mind was busy with something else.” She chuckled dryly with a hand gesture in the air. “But you’re right, I crossed a line and that’s not an excuse. I probably would have killed you if you had told them my parents were the reason for our breakup.”

A timid smile appeared on his lips. “Good thing it was just me, then.”

She giggled tearily. “Yeah, good thing. But still. I hope you can forgive me. I promise I’ll be more careful.”

He sighed. “You know I can’t stay mad at you for very long, Marinette. Thank you. And I apologise too. I… I probably overreacted. And I should have known better than to snap during a fight.”

She smiled. “It’s okay. But maybe now, don’t wait until there’s an akuma to talk to me. Now that we know each other’s identities, you don’t need to.”

“I think I needed time to… digest that. But you’re right, will do.”

They looked at each other, smiling shyly as an awkward silence settled between them.

“So, Ladybug,” Adrien spoke with a wobbly smile, glancing towards the lucky charm in her hands, “shall we go back to the fight so you can play Mary Poppins?”

It still wasn’t a ‘my Lady’ or a ‘Buguinette’, and there was no wink to accompany his teasing, but he was back to joking. She would take it.

“Of course.” She smiled. “But let me recharge first.”

───※ ·❆· ※───

15th of February, 25 days after the reveal

“Psssst, come here, kitty kitty! I just want to be your frien—”

Marinette groaned as the ginger cat ran away, joining a tabby cat further up the alleway.

A chuckle from behind her startled her. “Looks like you’re having cat troubles.”

She turned around to meet her partner’s cat-like eyes, and yes, she was having cat troubles, indeed.

“They don’t like me,” she just said.

Adrien seemed to search her eyes for a second or two, his expression unreadable. “You know that’s not true.”

She didn’t know if the conversation was about the cats in the street anymore, and she wasn’t sure whose fault it was. But soon after, Adrien shook his head, blond hair softly sweeping against his cheeks, and let a smile pull at his lips.

He crouched down, grabbed his belt tail and slowly moved it around.

“You need to let them come to you.”

Marinette watched the tail slither, half hypnotised by the movement, until she heard the soft tapping of his claws on the ground. His fingers drummed in a steady rhythm, and she couldn’t help but marvel at how delicate the motion was.

It seemed that some cats around agreed because, soon enough, one advanced towards him, while another had laid down and began wiggling his butt and tail, ready to pounce.

She looked back at Adrien and he was smiling widely at them, anticipating their every move and excited to see their reactions. He looked so happy, so carefree and her heart did a somersault at the sight — she knew that she shouldn’t think like this, but she wished she had been the one he was looking at. She wished she could be one of these kittens, ready to tackle him to the ground, so they could fall in a heap of laughter together. So they could suddenly stop, and gaze into each other’s eyes, getting lost in each other, and maybe, just maybe, lean a little bit closer and ki—

“Wow.” Adrien’s loud laughter shook her out of her reverie. “No need to bite me, little one!”

While a small grey cat had attacked his tail and was nibbling at it, rolling on the floor, another one was more focused on his hand.

The white one with blue eyes.

“Careful,” she told him, “that one’s nasty.”

Adrien continued to play with the cat, moving a finger around and hovering it above his nose that the kitten tried to take a mouthful of.

“What? Why do you say that?”

“Well, he bit you. And earlier, he scratched me. Good thing my suit could protect me or my arms would have been covered in blood,” she informed.

Adrien smiled. “That doesn’t make him nasty.”

She spluttered. “Wha—? How—of course it does! He’s a mean cat, trust me on this! All white cats with blue eyes are!”

He chuckled, giving him a fond look the kitten didn’t deserve. “Good thing I’m a black cat, then.”

She shuddered.

“And he’s not mean,” he went on, “he’s broken.”

Marinette frowned. “What do you mean, ‘broken’?”

Somehow, Adrien had managed to pet the cat on the head, making him let out a contented meow. “Cats who have been abandoned or rejected by their mother too young tend to be more aggressive,” he explained, a pained smile she wasn’t quite sure how to interpret. “They scratch and bite a lot because in a way, they’re kind of lost.”

He took him in his arms and kissed his nose, to which the cat answered with a small ‘meow’. Staying close to his face, he scratched under his chin that the cat was exposing happily to him as a sign of complete trust. Adrien’s smile melted when a purr rumbled out of the kitten, and Marinette hung on it with both fascination and envy.

He let out a breathy chuckle. “See? He just needs someone to show him they care.”

“Show him they care,” she repeated dumbly. She could do that. She coul— “What if...what if it still doesn’t change anything?”

Adrien’s gaze left the kitten to turn to her. “What do you mean?”

“What if...What if even if someone cares about him, and cares about him so much they would sacrifice their own happiness for him if it came to it, and shows him everyday and tells him everyday but he still…” She stopped, fumbling with her words for a second. “...He still keeps biting and scratching and feeling lost and alone a-and no one can save him?” She lifted her eyes to his, only to find her vision blurry.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, what are you talking about?” Adrien breathed.

“M-maybe, this cat is doomed from the start. Maybe he’ll be like that forever, no matter what and maybe they’ll all be like that and—”

“My Lady,” a hand landed on her shoulder, stopping her from spiralling further—and here it was, the ‘my Lady ‘she’d been craving for so much, at the most unexpected time. “That’s stupid. I’m not sure if it’s about cats anymore,” he chuckled, “but I’ll pretend it is.”

She blinked back tears. He kept on, “Yes, some of these hurt cats never change. But not all of them! You can never really know what will happen, how they’ll evolve, because they’re all different, and they’ll all live different lives.”

He smiled at her, his delicate hand never leaving her shoulder, while the other continued petting the purring white kitten. “We can’t guess what will happen to them. All we can do is try, and take the risk. And maybe the owners of this lovely kitty will be lucky and have a loving ball of fur”— he bopped the cat’s nose who in turn let out a small ‘meow’— “or they’ll be less lucky and have a little monster that—ouch,” he said, as the cat chased his bopping finger to bite it, “bite them from time to time but still would be worth caring for.” He sighed a chuckle.

Marinette swallowed, taking it in. “So you mean that… the future of this cat isn’t… set in stone?” she asked carefully.

“Of course not! No one can know what he’ll grow into now, it will depend on a lot of factors.” He took his hand off her shoulder to lift the cat off his lap and nuzzle his nose with his. “Isn’t that right, little one? You’ll be a good kitty, won’t you?”

She let a smile pull at her lips at the sight. Adrien turned to face her with a big goofy grin on his face.

“If our future was written in our DNA, we’d have known all about our futures a long time ago,” he chuckled.

She let his words sink in, closing her eyes. What if...what if.

What if their love wouldn’t destroy the world, this time.

But what if it did again.

...But what if it didn’t?

She heaved a sigh, releasing some of the tension that had been weighing down on her. When she opened her eyes, it was to see that Adrien was back to playing with the kitten.

“And what are we gonna call you, hm? Ooooh, I know! See, I’m Chat Noir, so that would make you Chat Bla—”

“—FLOCON!” Marinette interrupted him.

He blinked at her. “Chat Flocon?”

“No, just...just Flocon. He’s white as snow, and fluffy like a snowflake, so it makes sense. And,” she added after a beat, “it’s cute.”

And it reminded her of that date they shared, just before revealing their identities, strolling through a snowy Paris. It was a memory she cherished, even if it didn’t end quite well.

Adrien grinned. “Okay. Flocon it is.” He scratched the cat’s chin, who purred in turn and tried to bite his finger again. “No,” he told him, “I said no biting, you thickhead.”

She could watch him bicker with a kitten for hours, she thought.

“Hey, Buguinette,” he called out to her, pulling her out of her momentary reverie, “you wanna hold Flocon?”

She blinked. “Errr… I don’t know if that's a good idea or…”

He laughed. “He’s not that aggressive. It’s up to you; but if you want to try befriending him again…” He held a half-wiggling and meowing Flocon in the air towards her.

Marinette bit her lip, and took a deep breath. Maybe it was a bad idea to cave, but... “Okay,” she finally said. “I’ll give him a try.”

───※ ·❆· ※───

26th of April, 95 days after the reveal

“Adrien, aren’t you gonna snap her in half?” Alya asked with incredulous eyes.

It made both him and Marinette giggle. “It’s like she doesn’t know that you’re usually the one snapping me in half between the two of us,” Adrien whispered in her ear, which made her laugh harder. “She said she wanted to!” he told Alya louder.

“Yes, Alya,” Marinette added, “I’m a strong girl and I can carry him! Right, Adrien?”

“Right!” he replied enthusiastically, clinging harder on her back.

He wasn’t sure it was a good idea, but he was too busy feeling lighthearted and free on this spring afternoon. It was the first warm day of the year, with only a slightly chilly breeze coming to ruffle his hair at times that only contributed in increasing his  giddiness. For the fifth time this day, he thanked the star that made his father allow him to go out to the temporary funfair with his friends—though he thought they were studiously working on a school project.

“It’s not because you can carry him that you should,” Nino said, shaking his head fondly.

“You’re just jealous because Alya isn’t carrying you.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “Let’s ride to the moon and back!”

“To the moon and back!” Adrien repeated, one hand raised in the air.

Marinette let out a warrior cry before attempting to run, albeit slowly because of his weight, and he could tell they wouldn’t go far as he already felt himself slide down and her grip on his legs slacken.

He should have known they’d fall face first before she got too exhausted. If he had, maybe he’d have had the time to react and avoid it.

As it was, he just found himself on top of Marinette on the ground. He lifted himself up and sat down, Marinette soon doing the same.

Distantly, he heard Alya and Nino running towards them shouting “are you okay”s and “are you hurt”s at profusion, but he didn’t pay them any mind as Marinette looked up at him with eyes glinting with mirth and they both fell in a heap of laughters.

Some passersby looked at them funnily while others whispered some “that must hurt”s or “everything alright?”s to them.

“It’s okay,” Adrien told them. “We’ve had it worse!”

“Yes,” Marinette chimed in. “One time we were thrown by an akuma—”

“—A big tuna," he quickly corrected.

“—a big tuna, he’s right,” she repeated, “and we both fell right into a moving bus, and we survived!”

“And you find that funny,” Nino deadpanned, putting his hands on his hips as Adrien helped Marinette up.

Adrien just grinned at him. “Yup! We’re the survivors.”

“And we’re gonna make it!” Marinette sang.

“You’re insufferable,” Alya chuckled. “The both of you. I don’t know how you two can be more unhinged than me with Marinette, but—”

“—That’s because we’re exes besties,” Adrien chirped. Despite the months that had passed, it always hurt a little to call each other “exes”. But he had long since learned that laughing at his suffering was better than crying over it. He just wondered when and if he’ll ever be over her one day. He probably never really would.

“Hey,” Nino said indignantly. “But you’re my best friend!”

“Maybe, but are you also exes, hm?” Marinette asked him. “Because we are, and it makes us the unstoppable exes besties! And now, our next stop will be…” She jumped on Adrien’s back without warning and he caught her with a ‘oof’. “...to that splashing boat attraction over there!”

“Dudes, you already fell once, what are you doing?”

“We’re getting back up, Nino, and we try again,” she announced proudly, raising her fist up. “Let’s go to the boat, Adrien, and may our ship sail! Go, go, go!”

Adrien faintly heard a ‘they’re beyond help’ from Alya as he ran towards the attraction, both his and Marinette’s laughters echoing in the wind.

───※ ·❆· ※───

28th of May, 127 days after the reveal

Adrien landed with a grunt on the pavement. The suit was a good protector, but it didn’t stop his back from hurting from the impact with the ground. This akuma — Firebender as he called himself — truly was more violent than usual.

“Wow,” he managed to breath between two gasps, “you’re on fire today!”

He tried to push himself up with an arm, and raised his head towards Firebender with a half-closed eye. The fireball he saw coming towards him arrived so fast that he didn’t even have the time to do so much as widening his eyes. An anguish cry was the last thing he heard before it faded and he saw nothing at all.

───※ ·❆· ※───

28th of May, 127 days after the reveal

Marinette realised she was screaming when she felt her lungs were empty.

Usually, when an akuma took lives, the victims just disappeared into thin air, as if they had never been. They weren’t lying there, unmoving on the pavement like Adrien was. Somehow, seeing was worse than not.

She felt dizzy, as if everything around her was moving in slow motion. She staggered, trying to turn her head away from the sight of her unresponsive partner who was becoming blurrier and blurrier the longer she looked at him. She needed to breathe, she needed to—

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO,” she screeched instead, the sound reverberating into the street, bouncing from building to building.

She took a ragged breath, and another, closing her eyes as she took in the dead silence that greeted her scream.

She swallowed her first sob and squeezed her eyes tight shut, taking yet another heavy breath. She turned towards the akuma before opening her eyes, otherwise she knew she wouldn’t be able to tear her gaze away from Adrien’s dead form. She gritted her teeth as soon as the thought of him being gone entered her mind again.

“You’re a monster,” she spat, low and cold, the last word echoing through the silence and carrying her voice to Firebender’s ears — to Hawkmoth’s.

All these days worrying over the possibility of a devastating future she had seen, all this time doing everything she could to avoid it no matter how little she knew of it, and she hadn’t considered the possibilities she hadn’t been a witness of. All these days flirting with the line between caving and resisting only for her regretful indecision to hit her in the most cruel way.

“Give up, Ladybug,” Hawkmoth spoke through Firebender, “you no longer have your pet. All you have to do is surrender your miracu—”

“And what?” she spat. “Let my partner die? Listen to me, Hawkmoth. I have a chance to save him, and for that I need to defeat you. You think I’m stupid? I’m not giving up on Paris. I’m not giving up on him!”

And I’m not giving up on us, she told herself.

“Lucky charm!” she roared, rage and determination coursing through her veins.

She knew nothing about how Chat Blanc had really happened, she realised, catching the spotted chain falling from above. Nothing about her current future, as she scanned her surroundings for a solution. Nothing but the crushing weight of the present and her fear of the unknown, as she opened her yoyo to retrieve the dragon miraculous and put it around her neck.

“Tikki, Longg, unify!”

As she surrounded herself with water and ran towards Firebender with only one goal in mind, she promised herself to never let the gifts the present gives her slide in favour of hypothetical futuristic tragedies. She was finally done running away and sacrificing her life to her fears.

───※ ·❆· ※───

28th of May, 127 days after the reveal

Light suddenly flooded Adrien’s vision as he took a sharp and deep intake of breath. His lungs were burning with the sudden air filling them up, and he squinted his eyes, trying to make sense of his surroundings. He groggily lifted himself up on his elbows when—

“Chaton!”

—a red blur threw herself at him. He caught her, her hair in his nose and her warm breath and hot tears in his neck.

He let her sob and squeeze him as understanding washed over him. He gently threaded his clawed fingers through her hair and massaged her scalp, noticing absent-mindedly that she was also wearing the dragon miraculous.

She slowly detangled herself from him but stayed close, looking into his eyes through her wet ones and caressing his cheek with her thumb.

“Kitty,” she whispered, her voice hoarse, “my Kitty.”

He didn’t have the time to react before her lips were on his and she took her time to savour him before ever so slowly pulling away. He let her do.

She didn’t stop there. Gently cradling his face in her trembling hands, she kissed his cheek. And his other cheek. And his forehead. His nose. His jaw. Puncturing each of her kisses with whispers of “mon Chaton”, or “Kitty”, or “my love”, to which his heart made a somersault at, before diving for his neck.

Each time he kept on letting her do, keeping her close to him as she sobbed through her kisses and yet another nickname for him.

He could feel her breathing him in; so, with his nose in her hair, he inhaled her scent too. Her hot breath left his neck once again, and she came back for his lips.

This time, he kissed her back, and as soon as his lips moved against hers, she choked on a sobbed whine and pushed her mouth closer to his, if that was even possible

He hadn’t forgotten the taste of her lips on his, even after all these months; but he also knew their kisses had never burnt so intensely, driven by despair, the need to memorise the present and the aroma of being alive.

───※ ·❆· ※───

1st of June, 131 days after the reveal

“I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

Marinette smiled sadly. “Oh, I don’t know. Hurting you. Putting us through this mess. Not telling you about Chat Blanc. Take your pick.”

She let her arms rest on the railing of the bridge, looking across the Seine. The clouds were getting darker and darker, though a sunray pierced through one of them, lighting up a few buildings on the shore in a powerful atmosphere. Her eyes followed a barge floating further and further away, waiting for the moment it would cross the ray of light.

“You’ve been hurting too,” Adrien said after a few seconds. “You’ve been shouldering it all on your own. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

His hand slid into hers and she welcomed it, intertwining her fingers timidly with his. She glanced at him with a tentative smile and he smiled back, looking at her with soft eyes. She looked back towards the Seine just in time to see the barge slicing through the sunbeam.

“Still. Maybe, if I had told you… if I hadn’t let my fears get the best of me…” She trailed off, not knowing what else to say.

“And maybe,” Adrien spoke when it was clear she wouldn’t add something more, squeezing her hand once, “if you had told me earlier, I would have given up Chat Noir.”

She gasped and turned to him, but he was looking at the Seine with saddened eyes.

“What do you mean?” she breathed.

“I’m not sure I’d have been able to handle hearing that I could destroy the world as an akuma,” he whispered, caressing the back of her hand with his thumb as if to reassure her. “It’s… really hard already, but I feel like it would’ve been worse before.”

He turned his head towards her again and she held his gaze, gripping his hand harder as if to dare him to leave.

“You said it yourself,” he went on, “just like we have no idea about what the future can really hold, we can’t know how things would have played out if we had done things differently. What really matters right now is what you want us to be from now on.”

She searched his expectant eyes for a few seconds before looking back at the Seine. A tourist boat coming towards them had replaced the barge in the sunspot before the window of clouds closed on the light, leaving only a dark atmosphere in its place. The clouds grew darker and a warm gust had picked up, making their hair fly in every direction and their clothes ruffling in a frenzy. Marinette felt her emotions growing with the wind, begging to be said and to explode.

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes and feeling the wind coursing through her as she gathered her thoughts, and opened them again.

“I love you, Adrien,” she spoke, her declaration followed by a distant rumble in the sky. “I love you so, so much. Discovering that you were Chat Noir, once I took it all in… it was the best thing in the world, but also the worst.”

She faced away from the Seine to face him instead and take both his hands in hers, gripping them as tight as she could to ground herself as she felt a flow of tears coming in.

“It made me fall in love with you so much more it hurt, but I knew I couldn’t be with you or I knew I shouldn’t because…” She paused, taking ragged breaths. “...Because it wouldn’t be responsible. Because we’re superheroes and because I had this warning with Chat Blanc, and as the guardian it’s my role to keep us grounded and to do the right thing.”

A lighting bolt pierced through the sky, accompanied by a loud thunderstrike a few seconds later. Adrien was looking at her with a pain in his eyes that she knew meant he was hurting for her and not him.

“But I don’t want to do the right thing this time,” she murmured, as she felt a first drop of water slide down her cheek. “I’m tired of doing what’s supposedly right. Not when...not when we’re both hurting so much that it feels like it’s more dangerous to stay this way instead of just… giving in.”

At this point, she didn’t know who out of her and Adrien were gripping the other’s hands the tightest. She felt more and more raindrops falling on her face and clothes. She didn’t know if the water in his eyes were because he was tearing up or not.

“So maybe our love destroyed the world, once,” she continued, “but I think there’s enough far more damaging hate in this world; and ever since these akuma attacks started, what saved it is our love — for Paris, for our family and friends… and for each other.”

Adrien’s eyes now held a glint of adoration. His now damped hair was sticking to his face while some strands curled with the water. She supposed hers wasn’t faring much better.

“So to answer your question,” she swallowed a sob, “I want us to be together… if you’ll have me.”

Lightning ripped through the sky accompanied by deafening thunder as Adrien pulled her into a crushing hug. She put her arms around his neck to pull him even closer to her and let the flow of her tears finally mix with the rain on her cheeks.

“Marinette,” he whispered, voice wavering and lips barely touching her ear, “I love you, of course I’ll have you. I’ll always have you.”

The rain fell even harder as they hugged closer and cried, soaking them, yet they couldn’t care less. Their clothes were sticking to their bodies, growing more and more uncomfortable, which was worsened by them being in each other’s arms, but Marinette hadn’t felt so good in a long time.

She suddenly pulled away from the hug and cradled his head between her hands. He took her face in his and they stayed closed, forehead against forehead, breathing each other in. Another rumbled resounded and Marinette’s last resolve snapped with it—she brought her lips to his and kissed him.

He responded in kind, and she drank him in and pressed her mouth closer as she felt him doing the same. She should care about the rain falling and the thunder rumbling, but the battering of the elements were just making her feel freer, finally allowing her to get away from all her self restraints.

She sighed against Adrien’s lips as they kept coming back for more. They kissed their reunion, the relief of finding each other again, at last—unlike when he had come back from the dead earlier, these kisses tasted of the promise of more to come, because they knew they would stay together this time.

───※ ·❆· ※───

21st of January, 1h45 after the reveal

“Okay. What’s going on between you two? You’ve been acting awkward since we’ve got here.”

What was going on. What was going on.

“We’re fine,” the lie rolled out of her tongue easily. “Really.”

Alya raised a brow. “Adrien?”

She saw him smiling from the corner of her eyes. He was a much better actor than her—always had been.

“It’s nothing. It’s… we just… we’re working on it.”

...And much more honest than she was, be it with his feelings or with his heart. Always had been.

“Well,” Nino said, “I hope it’s not too big of a deal and that you’ll get over it soon. You guys are the cutest out there.”

Marinette smiled painfully. She glanced at Adrien who was looking at her with soft eyes that she didn’t deserve considering her reaction, and she felt his warm hand timidly covering hers.

“Yeah,” he whispered. “I have hopes we will. We always do.”

───※ ·❆· ※───

21st of January, one year after the reveal

“You’re heavy,” Adrien gasped.

“That’s a rude thing to say to a lady,” Marinette commented from atop him, head resting on the arms she had folded on his chest. “And even more so to your girlfriend.”

He groaned and attempted to lift himself up. Fail. She was grinning at him and he pouted in fake-annoyance. “Not when said girlfriend is purposefully putting all her weight on you! I can’t breath!”

Marinette giggled and pressed herself further on him to which he let out a choked whimper, before pushing away from him after a few seconds, ending his suffocation.

“I could report you for attempting murder, you know,” he threatened with a finger. “‘Ladybug slips into teenage model Adrien Agreste’s room and proceeds to suffocate him’, now that would make the newspapers talk for months.”

She laughed and came back to hover over him. “‘And Adrien asked her to do it again’,” she smirked, and she bent down to peck his lips.

He couldn’t even argue with that.

He discreetly brought his hand close to where his head was lying to grab a pillow. When she pushed herself up and sat next to him, he quickly hit her head with it.

She gasped, betrayed and that sent him into a fit of laughter. She glared at him playfully, grabbed his other pillow, and swatted him way harder than he had.

“You’re dead, Kitty! You hear me?” she said, trying and failing not to laugh. “You’ve just signed your death contract!”

“No, my Lady, please I’m just a defenseless citizen!”

“I’ll knock you out with my yo-yo!” she threatened.

They fought again for a few minutes before stopping, Adrien breathless but Marinette only slightly out of breath due to being transformed.

“I hope your father won’t come in,” Marinette said.

“Don’t worry, if he or Nathalie come, you’ll just say you’re investigating here because, uh...because you suspect me of being Hawkmoth!”

She laughed. “Kitty, that’s such a stupid idea.”

“Why not?” Adrien wiggled his eyebrows. “After all, I do disappear during every akuma attack.”

Marinette smiled and crawled into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck as he steadied her with his hands on her hips. They lost themselves into each other’s eyes, faces close but not close enough to exactly touch.

“Then,” she murmured against his lips, and he felt his cheeks heating up. “I’ve come to seduce my enemy. Is it working?”

“I’d rather be your partner if that’s okay,” he whispered.

“Yes, but is it working Adrien?”

He chuckled—she didn’t even need to try, he’d always been too far gone when it came to her. “A bit too much.”

He kissed the proud and satisfied giggle from her lips.

[nachohypno]

Nate and Dave - Ch. 15

Dave’s POV

I’m sure you already know how much a single person can change a whole lot of your way to see the world, or have your life take a 180° turn (Had to look this up, angles are weird.) just by standing in a corridor.

Now I was just happy to stare at my phone’s unlocked background. A pic I took of us while cuddling. I was kissing his cheek and staring at the camera, while he just laid below me, his face had a little smile and his eyes were closed.

He loved that pic. I loved it too, it was both cute and wholesome. Never been one to do those things, nor even Leslie managed to get me to change my Dallas’ Cowboys background, and we had a lot more pics together than Nate and I do.

It was a nice distraction. I would sometimes just unlock my phone to see that pic and feel a bit warm inside as I imagined spending more time with my soulmate. I loved him a lot, and I wouldn’t mind sticking around with him for a day, or two, or the rest of my life, just to make sure he has all he needs to be happy like I am when I’m near him.

We sat together at school, yeah. Nobody batted an eye. We hung out during our breaks, still no big catastrophe happened. After school, we usually have a date or spend some time together before heading to our respective houses (As much as I’d like, having daily sleepovers wouldn’t be wise).

According to… everyone in the world who knows that I’m hanging out with Nate (Which may be just 2 or 3 people that I’m aware of), the guy had a really positive impact on my behavior. He’s always encouraging me to help whenever I can and to be… nicer, in general.

I’ve already apologized to one of my favorite targets a few weeks ago, but decided to fully leave them alone. In my house, however, I’ve been trying to honor my soulmate’s wishes doing some house chores to help mom and pops around. I still don't think I'm ready to 'change my public image' that much. Kicking nerd's asses is fun... but mean and unnecessary.

Mowing the lawn, going grocery shopping, cleaning around whenever my parents seemed quite tired to do it, that kind of thing. My room wasn’t a messy place before, but now I could spend less time looking for my stuff!

And now… Nate was at his house. I left him there per his request, he told me we could hang out later today! But first, he had some homework to do.

I looked around and noticed the door was closed. I dropped my shirt and pants, felt the locket’s cold metal against my chest, and dropped on my bed.

I wasn’t intending to take a nap, just close my eyes and think of my soulmate was a nice enough plan for my evening.

As I closed my eyes, images of my first day with him invaded my happy place. Me getting his scent, slowly walking over to his locker, and noticing the guy I never paid attention to, the one that sat a few rows in front of me, and was usually in the middle of the way when I threw paper balls around.

Now that I thought of it, maybe I never noticed him because he always hid? He was hiding right now; it was obvious that he was using his locker as a cover. I stood there, though. Taking in the smell. Feeling myself realizing more and more of that nice thought I had never thought about after my pops told me about that weird phenomenon.

…I had found my soulmate. The love of my life… It wasn’t my girlfriend, but a guy from my class… I frowned both in the real world and in my fantasy.

In the fantasy world, I lifted and kissed him. He didn’t fight back, just returned the love I was giving him by returning my kiss. I didn’t care if anyone watched us. I loved this guy, and I still do now.

I love Nate Hall.

I rubbed my crotch in the real world, as I kept kissing him in my fantasy. That was more than enough. A single kiss, a single thought about my soulmate being happy and in love with me could make me so hard and horny…

“Dave?” A voice said. My soulmate’s? It sounded so different though… I kept kissing him. This was perfect. He was perfect. He was the love of my life, of course he was perfect! “Daaaaave?”

Was there someone invading my fantasy? Oh, wait…

I opened my eyes and saw a familiar face standing there, wide eyed. I had my hand on my hard crotch, rubbing it. This was definitely an uncomfortable position to be found at. I could normally hear when people are walking towards my room, but maybe I was so out of it this time that I didn’t hear him.

“Fuck, sorry— Didn’t wanna—” My cousin said. What the fuck was he doing here, anyway?! In my room! When the fuck did he arrive?!

“Shut the fuck up! And close the door!” I commanded, feeling anger building up on my chest, totally replacing the warm feeling from a few seconds ago.

Brad Walker. My cousin was my height, which was a bit funny given that he was a few years older than me. He was muscled too, but his shoulders seemed wider as his torso formed a sort of upside down triangle. He was a rugby player, maybe it had to do with that.

By looking at his face alone, he could pass as a brother because of the resemblance. He had the Walker’s smile, looking both chilled while also managing to look a bit menacing to keep everyone in their toes.

Doesn’t give him much use, given that he’s a Beta.

Brad closed the door behind him, and laid back on it. “Off to a rocky start, I guess. Let’s try that again… Hey, cuz!”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I could feel the anger diminishing. I thought of my soulmate, how would he react if he saw me like this. He would want me to be nice and polite to my cousin. I wanted that too, I wanted to be nice to him. I’m so hot-headed sometimes…

I smiled at Brad, and took a few steps forward to give him a bro hug. After that, I walked over to my bed and sat on the edge. “Hey man, wat’cha doin’ around here?”

“Uncle hasn’t told you? Pops and him thought about doing a little reunion, so we drove over and… here we are.” Brad left his hands in his pockets as he looked around. I noticed I was still almost naked, but didn’t give it much thought. I did put some shorts on, though. “Just the big guys, though. Mom was tired and decided to stay at home with the young ones, so it’s just pops, Logan and me today. The guys asked me to get you downstairs, so… shall we go?”

I pointed to my almost naked body. “Give me a few minutes, alright?”

-----

Dressed up in some shorts and a grey tank top, I walked downstairs with Brad following me closely.

Pops was there, with his brother and my other cousin. I walked over to Logan and gave him a brohug. I liked my cousins, they were like brothers.

“Hey man,” Logan greeted me after the hug. It was nice seeing him. Well, like, nice and not nice, because he was pretty annoying sometimes. So I hoped he didn’t get very annoying tonight. “Damn, you look buffed. Taking steroids already?”

I rolled my eyes. “Why do you ask? Need some to stop being so thin, cuz?”

“I swear I still don’t know how he's not broken after kicking that ball. Y’look like a stick, bruh” Brad backed me up. I liked that about Brad, he was pretty loyal.

Logan laughed. He’s not one of those chums who get mad at every tiny insult. He’s pretty easy going in that regard. Would need to learn from him, because I am one of those chums who get mad at every tiny insult. “Don’t pull my dick, assholes” He punched my shoulder, softly.

Even though Logan was a year older than me, he was an ass. And that’s coming from me.

Logan… He was alright, I guess. Not really very muscly like me or Brad, nor our parents for that matter. That’s because he liked soccer, ugh. Not even weightlifting, nah. Just soccer and cardio.

That got him looking well in a soccer uniform with long socks and knee pads, but… I really should reconsider his standing in my pack. Meh, might as well let him in just because he’s family, but I’ll most likely order him to start working out more to be a real wolf bro. (I’ll get into this later.)

“Uh… don’t wanna be rude or anythin’ but… how long are you guys staying? Thought about having a friend coming over and-”

“Ooooh, is it your girlfrieeend?” The soccer cuz said, moving his fingers towards my face. I slapped his hand off me, and he laughed. “Big meanie Daveee has a girlfrieeeend” He was like a little kid when it came to annoying others, and the worst part was that he nailed it.

“Oh, shut it, bro. You’re just jealous- Wait, that’s not what I was going to ask”

“Dad and uncle Adam thought about doing some beefs for tonight, soooo… family dinner, I guess? We don’t really hang out often, so I thought it would be nice. Besides, we all love beef” Brad answered, holding his arms behind his head and stretching for a bit.

“We’re about to leave, actually,” Uncle Thomas said, grabbing his car keys. “Gonna buy some meat and drinks for tonight. Y’guys wanna come? Hey cub, haven’t seen you in months...” 

I greeted my uncle with a firm handshake, before he gave me a little punch on the abs. “Strong as a rock. Not bad, kiddo.” He ruffled my hair, before turning his attention back to my pops.

I was a bit too worried to think about hitting the store. Nate was supposed to come after he finished his homework, so we could spend the night together. I was supposed to pick him up. Fuck, what am I gonna do?

I shook my head and remained silent. Brad followed suit with a “Yeeaaah… No, been in that car for an hour and I’d really like to move my legs.”

“Pussies,” Logan said in a snarky tone. I raised my eyebrow, but decided to take care of him later. “I’ll go, may find some hot chicks in this friggin’ town…” 

My uncle looked similar to my dad, just a few little differences. Dark blond hair, a bit longer. Their sizes were similar, but my dad was bigger. It was weird to think that my uncle was the one who activated the werewolf curse in a bar fight and not my dad.

If you kill someone, whether it was intentional or accidental, you can’t transform into neither your werewolf or full wolf forms without experiencing a lot of pain. Could be avoided by never turning into those forms but…

Transformation is mandatory during the full moon. This whole thing seemed really thought out to punish those who don’t follow the rules, right?

Brad grabbed my arm “Hey, since we’re staying behind apparently, wanna catch up?” He pointed back to the stairs, probably wanting to go to my room.

I nodded, nothing better to do. And it would give me some time to think about what excuse I could give Nate.

Again in my room, Brad closed the door behind me. “So… a friend? I mean, the locket already gave me an idea but I didn’t you were bringin’ her to your place already…”

“It’s nothing, really…” It was something, a lot. I loved wearing this locket, it reminded me of Nate. Thus meaning, it was pure bliss in a single necklace.

“So, what’s the locket for? Always thought you’d end up with that Leslie chick you talked so much about” Oh, I forgot. My cousins never met my ex.

I shook my head, but was kind of hesitant to talk about it. In the end, I eased myself to the idea as I thought more about Nate. “Got a soulmate now, cuz.” Was my answer. I was proud of myself! Not even a half of the average werewolf population gets to meet their soulmate once in their lives!

I was lucky, it was like, one in a whatever-number-of-people-there-are-in-Earth!

“Waitwaitwait, not gettin’ it. So, you and Leslie… or is it another girl?”

“It’s a guy, his name is Nate” I mumbled out quickly. I wasn’t embarrassed, but at the same time, I felt like a chunk of ice just fell through my stomach. 

Silence.

“So… you’re gay now?” Brad said, giving me a thumbs up. “It’s alright, I don’t mind gay people”

I honestly couldn’t get how he got that assumption. “What? What makes you think that?”

“You’re with a guy, like dating and loving him and you even have a locket… I mean, that’s pretty gay. But it’s cool, it’s not that weird. Lots o’ people take some time to discover their sexuality and stuff— Uh… Cuz?”

I stared at him. Not staring, actually. I was glaring at him.

Brad gulped. “I fucked up, didn’t I?” While he did sound afraid, his face displayed a mix of nervousness and worry. I always laughed at him when he asked if he fucked up, like it was a regular thing for him to do but still needed other’s approval about it.

I just glared at him, making sure he knew I wasn’t happy. I walked forward and held my gaze into his, trying out my favorite part of being an alpha.

As I focused on him, his expression slowly started to relax, then vanish, as his pupils dilated.

“On your knees” I commanded, making sure he got it as an order, not a ‘humble request’.

His blank face didn’t move an inch, as he dropped to his knees and looked forward. His eyes, besides the pupils being dilated, looked glazed over as his irises changed from hazel to pure yellow. The beta color!

“Who’s your alpha?” I mocked him, as he blankly stared ahead.

“You are, sir. David Walker is my alpha” Brad droned. I ruffled his hair. He was a good beta. 

“And who do you have to be respectful towards?”

“My alpha, sir. Being respectful towards their alphas is the sign of a good beta, sir” Brad answered, in a matter of fact voice.

…I should probably explain what the heck is going on.

I’m an alpha. I’ve mentioned quite a few times already, but I never mentioned anything about other ranks.

You have omegas, who are wolves without a pack. They’re usually weaker than alphas and betas. Then there are the betas, werewolves already in a pack.

Omegas can survive quite well on their own, it’s not a requirement to have a pack. But if you want to get stronger… Getting an alpha is the best you can do.

That’s one of the reasons Pops is so proud of me. He and mom conceived an alpha in their first try! Nate usually nerds out about me sounding like a “Jerry Stud” whatever the fuck that is.

So, since I’m an alpha, both my older cousins are ‘my pack’ to call it some way. And you just got to see one of my favorite alpha skills.

Much like a soulmate bond, being a beta for an alpha makes them completely loyal to the alpha, which means… I have some degree of control over them. Not as much control as my love has over me, but still… It’s fun!

“So, won’t you apologize for calling me a fag— Uh… gay?” I’m still getting used to not using that word. Everything for my Nate. Can’t be a bully anymore, right?

I didn’t have to ask twice. Brad seemed to struggle a bit against it, but after a few seconds he said “I apologize, sir. I didn’t intend disrespecting you like that…” It was a cold, empty apology. But it did the trick. I’m not a picky guy, he’s my cuz after all.

But that did make me wary. Should I tell Nate to not come after all, at least until these guys leave? Fuck, they were going to ruin my evening with my soulmate.

“Uh… what do you think about my soulmate being a guy?” I walked in front of him, back and forth. I was trying to think what would be the wisest decision here. A second opinion would be useful.

“I personally don’t care, sir. You can love whoever you want, especially if you met your second half.” My cousin answered.

“I mean, yeah. But what would Uncle Thomas and Logan say if they found out about it?” I should uh… ‘wake him up’ or whatever already. But I liked him this way. You can say I’m a dominant guy. Not saying I lust over my cuz, that would be incest, but ordering him around is fun.

“I don’t really know. He’s your soulmate, they shouldn’t say anything. Logan is a fellow beta though, it wouldn’t be wise to fear anything from him. He’s as loyal to you as I am, my alpha.” Not going to lie, I loved hearing that.

Being in control of the situation, having everyone in my surroundings looking forward to being with me, or do as I say out of fear/respect/whatever… That’s why I loved the not-studying-part of school!

As a little reward for his opinion, I did what Nate would have done to me if I did particularly good: Scratch the back of his ear. Brad’s head got some emotion again, as he got closer to my hand and started panting with his tongue out.

“There, there. Good beta cuz” I mumbled, as I machinated a plan in my head. I had an idea, but it would be a bit… not ideal. I stopped scratching the good spot, and his expression blanked out again. I crouched in front of him, and looked straight into his eyes. “I want you to listen very clearly to me, understood? Listen and do as your alpha says…”

If Brad wasn’t in ‘beta mode’ before, then he definitely was now. His irises were still a bright yellow, but his pupils were even smaller now. “I’d do anything for my alpha, sir” placing a hand on his chest. I knew what that symbolized, I used that expression with Nate before. It freaked him out a little.

“Y’know, my soulmate is kinda a big deal for me so… I want you to treat him like a king, alright? No mean or cocky comments, just be nice to him and I’ll be nice to you, got it?” I had to search for the words to say this, it wasn’t really a piece of cake as I expected. “Think of him as an extension of your alpha. Make him feel good and do what he says, and you’ll be good to go.”

He frowned a bit, but his face quickly eased up. “As you command, my alpha. Your soulmate’s wellbeing will be my top priority, sir.”

Yeah, that’s more like it. “Get up now.” I said and just… walked away from him. I wasn’t interested in bossing him around anymore, not for now at least. But actually…

“Lift your shirt.” One last command wouldn’t hurt, and he obeyed without a question, like a good beta. I walked towards him and gave him a little punch on his abs. Didn’t even flinch, he was keeping up with me! Of course, I wanted the best for my pack! “And… Beta out.”

My cousin snapped out of whatever that was, his yellow irises returning to a nice hazel, as his pupils got back to normal. He grabbed his phone from his pocket and smiled. “Huh, 5 minutes. Wonder what you did there” The guy said, smiling at me.

He couldn’t get mad at me. I was his alpha! I mean, he could… but there wasn’t much he could do about it!

“Meh, you don’t really care, do you?” I said, trying to sound uninterested.

Brad shook his head. “Nah, I really don’t. I really trust ya, cuz. Best alpha around!” Couldn’t tell if he was following the ‘you don’t really care’ thing, or if he was being honest, but I didn’t really care.

“That’s a good beta” I mumbled, going closer to him again to scratch the back of his ear. God bless Nate and discovering that hidden pleasure for me. I loved when he did that to me, as I mentioned, and I loved doing it to other wolves, too!

“What are you two ladies doin’ up here- What the hell are you two doing?” Logan entered the room. My other older cousin, although younger than Brad. Rather than being as muscular as we were, he was more chilled. Yeah, he was in good shape, but he didn’t look like a big gym bro like us.

This was probably due to him preferring Soccer rather than football or rugby. Each to their own, but soccer isn’t that fun to begin with? I tried to not give it much thought and respect his hobbies.

“Brad, close the door and put on some music.” I ordered him, walking over to Logan and wrapping an arm around his small soccer player’s shoulders. “You just made my whole evening way easier, lil’ cuz”

I wondered if Nate would like this. I’d have to send him a message telling him that I wouldn’t be able to pick him up… That felt bad, but at least these guys wouldn’t bother him tonight!

-------

Nate’s POV

Dave invited me to his house, but asked me to walk over. He told me we could have a family dinner, which was alright. I liked his family. Mr. Walker was funny and Ms. Walker was really nice to us. We just had one family dinner and Dave spent most of his time zoned out.

And also, there was a full moon, which I didn’t get to see.

Was I glad they considered me ‘family’? It pushed me out of my freaking mind when Dave sent me that text.

I was walking slowly. Not like a snail and doing baby steps, but I felt like I should slow down as much as I could and… be fashionably late? It was a good walk, from my house to his. But I didn’t mind.

The town was quiet, not much stuff happening as I walked out of my house, and on the way to Dave’s neighborhood.

I thought about buying some ice cream or some nice dessert to make a good impression this time, but hey, I don’t really think they’ll care about it that much. They highly prefer meat, as far as I know.

Stopping in the middle of the way, I grabbed my phone and checked my maps app. “Should have arrived 10 minutes ago… fuck, that shortcut would have been really useful…” I mumbled to myself, changing my route and getting back on the way.

I was nervous at fuck, that maybe explained my silliness. And I also never walked to this part of town. It wasn’t… bad, but it was a bit more private than the usual neighborhoods, which fits Dave’s family pretty well due to them being werewolves, and stuff like that.

I still had some time to cancel and be like “Oh, hey. My… hamster pet is sick and I want to look after him?” I kind of sucked at making up excuses, that's why I never wanted to be late on homework due to laziness.

It was late now, just another block and...

I reached Dave’s house. It was weird arriving here on my own. Guess I really got used to my soulmate acting as my personal driver.  

The rooms inside were on, Dave’s car and his dad’s were outside the garage. The closer I got to the front door, the louder I would hear laughter coming from inside. Were they having  visits? It didn’t sound like Dave’s laugh. His laugh was… deep and dumb-sounding.

I stopped now. What if they had visits? What if Dave didn’t tell them I was coming? I was shaking a bit, before taking a deep breath. 

Taking my final steps to be in front of the main door, I knocked and waited for someone. Loud footsteps later, Adam Walker (Dave’s dad) opened the door.

“Hey bud. Didn’t know you were coming, but uh…” He motioned inside with his head. “Come in, the big guy is in his room with his cousins. We’re having a family dinner”

“Thanks, mr. Walker-” But he stopped me as I set a foot on the door. The older man leaned in and started whispering.

“Don’t be afraid. If you don’t want to be picked on tonight, try your best to not sweat as you did the last time. Dave will probably have you covered, though.” He patted my back, and moved aside to let me in. After that, he closed the door behind me. “Dinner will be ready in a bit so… feel free to go mingle with the guys upstairs.”

Uh… that wouldn’t be needed, apparently. Dave and a pair of guys were coming downstairs, and as soon as my puppy boy saw me, he rushed towards me to give me a big tight hug. “Missed you a lot, bruh! Didn’t know there was going to be more family tonight so… I’m really sorry for that. But I’m sure we’ll have a good time!”

The other two guys just stared at me, arms folded. One of them was big, and buffed. He had an absent smile, a bit creepy but also inviting. The other was smaller than him (And Dave, for that matter).

“Uh… since your uncle is here, these are…”

“Cousins, yuh” Dave finished the sentence. I made the connection on my own, but it was good to get some confirmation. “Big one’s Brad, small one’s Logan.”

“Hey, I’m not small!” Logan complained, trying to punch Dave’s arm. He didn't seem to do much damage though.

“Yeah, and I’m a bottom, heh” My werewolf jock replied, obviously mocking his cousin. I noticed Brad chuckling, and I couldn’t help but find that funny though. I always wondered if Dave would like to bottom at least once. I feel like he’d be alright if I asked him for it, due to me having full control and all that...

After the introduction was over, and both guys shook my hand, my focus shifted again to who I wanted to be with: Puppy boy was looking at me too.

“I can’t find the words to tell you how glad I am to see you here, though” Dave said, before pulling me in for a good make out session. In the middle of the living room. He was feeling happy or romantic, I assumed? I was surprised his cousins didn’t react at all, and just looked like they were watching some kind of movie.

“Wait, what the heck?” Oh geez.

A man blasted in the living room, and tried to separate me from Dave. The puppy boy reacted quickly though, and pushed him away. “What the fuck, old man?! This is my soulmate!”

Before the guy could go back at us, Dave’s dad popped in to save the day! “You guys just had to hold on for a bit until dinner was ready!” I felt like the ‘complaint’ was more directed towards who-I-thought-was Dave’s uncle, and Dave himself.

The puppy boy seemed a bit angry, he got in front of me and made sure I was out of view. It was a cute touch. I noticed the other two guys taking a step towards us too, like siding with Dave in this.

“Just, calm down, all of you, and start setting the table. Try to not take your eyes out while you do, alright?!” Mr. Walker surely knew how to take care of these situations. Was this a normal thing?

After a long stare, both guys nodded, and we all scrambled.

-----

I was sitting next to Dave and that other guy, Brad. Across me, Mr. Walker looked around with a calm expression, as he chewed on his meat piece. Thomas, Dave’s uncle, wasn’t exactly subtle when it came to me. His eyes were like daggers, fixated on me as I nervously stared at my plate.

It was amazing, and terrifying. The resemblance and also differences between both werewolves were quite noticeable. Mr. Walker was probably calm because he already knew about my thing with Dave. The cousins seemed to be quite attentive towards my every movement and sound. I felt like their eyes would automatically fixate on me at any little sound I would make, which was killing me inside. (Were they glowing yellow? Maybe it was my head playing tricks…)

Was I doing something wrong or offensive? I should excuse myself from the table.

“So…” Uncle Thomas started, before biting a big chunk of beef and gulping it down quickly. “Uh… soulmates, that’s neat. How did you two meet each other?”

‘First family dinner all over again…’ I thought to myself, as I tried to find the words for my answer.

“School, I was just walkin’ around and smelled him. Knew he was the one so… tried my best, huhuh.” Dave saved my ass, although his story was different this time. We lied during the first dinner. I couldn’t remember the excuse anymore, and that’s what bothers me about lies.

They’re usually hard to remember. That’s also the reason I’m a bad liar, my memory is awful.

“Yeah, that’s how it usually happens. You just walk around and get the smell, all the soulmate stories start exactly like that, ain’t that right?” Dave’s uncle looked at his brother next to him, who gave him a really angry looking frown.

“Go fuck yourself, got’cha?” I understood that reaction, The man lost his soulmate, I guess the memories were still painful? I’m no psychologist to tell.

“Yeah, sorry, shouldn’t have mentioned that… So uh… back to you, kiddo.” Oh, fuck. Dinner was nice, the meat was delicious! But Dave’s uncle didn’t seem to be… really fond of me. I was glad to see (Not really, now I sound like a dick) that he was bothering Mr. Walker too, so it’s nice to see that the consensus was… Dave’s uncle was a loud mouth ass. “You don't seem to have big muscles, but that's pretty much a given when you're a human."

“I’m sorry…” I mumbled, looking up at him. I tried to sound nice and not afraid, like Mr. Walker suggested before but… it was hard. “Not really good at sports and stuff like that, I guess-”

“Can see that. At least you’re a valedictorian, right?” I shook my head. High grades weren't my top priority. I did well at school, but didn’t focus enough for high grades to be a given. “No? That’s too bad.”

“Tom…” His brother tried to calm him. I noticed Dave needed some calm too. The big guy was clenching his fist with a lot of strength, as he held his knife with the other hand. He didn’t seem eager to cut the meat though, so I decided to step in for him.

I grabbed his fist beneath the table, feeling as it relaxed the longer I touched him. At the end, he grabbed my hand too, and I noticed his expression relaxed as well.

“Dad, don’t be such a dick. The guy’s fine, cut it out.” One of Dave’s cousins, big guy, uh… Brad! He seemed to be standing up for me, for some reason. He angrily stared at Dave’s uncle, without an apparent reason.

Uh… I felt like I was missing a big chunk of information here.

The uncle just stared back at his son, a bit surprised by his reaction. But before he could answer, or even react at all, Dave’s dad spoke up. “Well, it’s been fun, a neat reminder of why we never have family reunions, heh.”

“Ow, c’mon. It’s just a big friendly talk between men and…” He looked at me, seemingly ready to strike another insult. I grabbed Dave’s hand tighter.

But Dave’s dad didn’t give him the chance. “Dinner’s over. You guys will be going upstairs.”

“Roger that” I mumbled, leaving my plate with still a good chunk of meat. I didn’t let go of Dave’s hand, but he followed right after me.

“But I wanted a bit more beef...” The other cousin said. Logan, if I remember correctly. He was small, rather than muscled and big. I related to him because of that, glad to see not all male werewolves are big muscular people.

“Take the plate” Brad whispered to him, before following us upstairs.

“Okay, what’s going on-” I started to say, but my boyfriend shushed me.

“I’ll tell you all about it upstairs, just follow me and don’t make loud noises. Remember that they can hear everything in here” Dave interrupted me, as we went to his room. ‘Great, now my werewolf seems to be part of a mafia’.

-----

Locking the door behind us and his cousins, Dave ordered his cousins to stand aside, and they obeyed right away. “I’ll put some music here and…” His phone started playing some loud rock, but not loud enough to make the place feel annoying. “There, we can talk now.”

“Whaaat’s going on? And just tell me already, it feels quite bad to be insulted for no reason.”

“You weren’t really being insulted, bruh. I was.” Dave explained, motioning for me to go closer before leading me to his bed. “Uncle has… a bit of a problem, like pops has. But while pops knows when to shut his mouth, my uncle doesn’t, huh.”

“I don’t really see the insulting part there but continue…” I pointed out, but Dave just chuckled. Which seemed to cause a chain reaction and the werewolves guarding the door in front of us chuckled too.

“Sorry, yeah. Uh, well… My uncle is just bitter because my dad got an alpha son on his first try, me of course” I could figure that out on my own. The ‘I’m an alpha’ part I mean, he says it all the time. “Brad and Logan here are my betas. They were born as omegas, yeah, but I got them in my pack by willing choice because betas are usually stronger than omegas.”

The cousins were on the other side of the room. The small one, Logan, was tasting his meal with delight, while Brad leaned in to… hear our chat? They looked directly at Dave as soon as he mentioned them, before each one of them saying a “Hey” “‘Sup?”

“Why are they so… attentive?” Nosy mode on. I wanted to get answers, mostly because my curiosity was triggered now. ‘Obedient’ would have fitted better than ‘attentive’ though.

“Asked them to take care of you for the night, because I wasn’t sure if It would look good for me to do it. Pops is usually really fond of my uncle, but I think he didn’t like seeing him insulting my soulmate to get to me, bruh” Dave then put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer. “I can put them back to normal if you want me to, but… they don’t really mind, so why bother?”

Uhm… I risk myself sounding like a dick right now, but I found the idea of the two cousins under Dave’s control quite arousing… I’m not going to say it to him, of course! I didn’t want him to feel bad or anything if he saw his soulmate interested in other guys…

“Where are they going to sleep, by the way? Or are they leaving after a bit?” It was after dinner already so… it wasn’t a bad thing to ask. Like, we had school tomorrow...

“Living room, sofa. One of them, at least. I’ve got a sleeping bag, because they both can’t fit on the sofa, so while the guest room is occupied by my uncle and… yeah, I’ll go get that old thing. Gimme a sec.”

Dave got up from the bed and left the room, leaving me sitting there alone as the two cousins stared at me.

“Hope the meat is still good…” I told Logan, trying to sound nice. I felt a bit bad, Dave made them look after me, and that made them ‘defend’ me against their father. Yeah, I definitely feel bad now. “Sorry for crashing into the dinner.”

“You kiddin’? You seem like a cool guy, dad was just being an ass. It’s okay though, I think he likes you” Brad answered, and I feel like he’s the one “kiddin’” here. “He’s just… We don’t like family dinners, we do them out of courtesy. Nothing personal, dad can be naturally obnoxious sometimes”

I wanted to say sorry again or something like that, but that’s when Dave bursted in with the sleeping bag. “Y’guys play rock paper scissors to decide who’ll sleep with the alpha… Like, beside me, don’t get weird ideas.”

I chuckled, as Dave threw the sleeping bag next to the cousins, and started taking off his shirt as he walked towards me. “You’re sleeping over, right? It’s still early, but I can make up for the bad time by cuddling, if you’d like.”

To be honest, it felt like a good idea to distract me from that… failed family dinner night. Never again I’ll ‘crash’ into a Walker dinner (Even though Dave knew I was coming over). Too many surprises for a lifetime, thank you.

I laid down, rolled over to leave him room. We wouldn’t be sleeping yet, I hoped. The big guy laid down beside me and quickly pulled me in.

“Fuck…” 

“Yeah!” We turned towards the other guys and noticed Brad had won the rock paper scissors game. Logan just seemed defeated, he grabbed his empty plate and looked over at us.

“Well, g’night bros. Gonna be in the living room, I guess.”

“Buh-bye” Dave said, before turning around again and holding me in his arms. “Sorry again for all that before, bruh. Let's get some sleep, a’ight?”

Honestly, I think I didn't feel as offended as I should have. Best to just let things slide off, I guess. I decided to just nod, and doze off while hearing Brad setting up his sleeping bag. 

I didn’t pay him much mind, though. My puppy boy's hug felt nice enough to help me relax quite quickly...

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

Author’s note:

Took me long enough. But chapter 16 went up already, so gotta keep up with the content.

Chapter 16 is available in my Patreon, but it will go up as soon as I publish Chapter 17 there. Shouldn’t be long, I feel very inspired lately! (Hopefully it won’t take as long as this one did 😅).

Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it <3.

[your-denki-kun]

Private Detective

Katsuki x Sister!Reader

you’re katsuki’s younger sister and Kirishima and Kaminari set you up for a blind date.

~3rd person pov.~

You're sitting behind your desk, looking through some files that were handed to you. They're all about cases that Katsuki solved, your older brother of two years. While he was in his second year of ua you decided to become a detective and go work for your brother to solve his cases if necessary.

He loved the idea and promised you the spot. You've been working for him for two years now. You're twenty three and he is twenty five. Currently your dear older brother is in a meeting about an upcoming mission and you can almost make out what he's saying from down the hall, both doors closed. You smile as you shake your head and keep reading, already used to the yelling.

As you grab the new file your door gets thrown open. You look up to see a very annoyed Katsuki. His eyes are burning as his posture is tens. You motion for him to close the door and sit down as you look back down at the file. Katsuki grumbles softly, but does as you asked him to. He sits down in front of you and glares at you. You sigh and put down the file.

''Okay, spit it out.'' You sigh.

''Fucking stupid extra's. They put Deku on the fucking case to! I can solve this shit on my fucking own, but nooo! I'm irresponsible and reckless.'' He grumbles.

''You kinda are. I looked into your last two cases, the damage you did. That's gonna cost the company.'' You state.

''Shut it. You're supposed to fucking support me and all that crap.'' He grumbles.

''I'm your younger sister, I listen and give you my insight.'' You hum.

''Fucking fine. Give me your fucking insight.'' He sighs.

''Well, if I were you I would try to keep the damage to a minimal and keep doing that for a while so they will let you do cases alone, and try not to do anything bad to Izuku, show them you're somewhat willing to work with others. The more cooperative you are the more they'll let you do.''

''Fine, but if this shit fails its your fault.''

''Sure, sure. Now go to your office and get ready for patrol.'' Hou hum, grabbing the file once again.

''Fine, but you're coming over tonight to help me relax.''

''Of course, now go.''

''Geez woman, calm the fuck down.''

''Says you. I could hear you from here.'' You giggle as you start reading.

''Fuck off.'' He growls, walking over to the door.

''Go.'' You giggle.

He slams the door behind him and you sigh, smiling as you keep reading the file. Once you're done you walk out of your office and head downstairs. You wave at the desk lady as you head out. she waves back with a smile. On your way to Katsuki's house you go to the store to buy some snacks and drinks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You wait on Katsuki's couch for him to come home. You have his key and he has yours. The two of you will occasionally go to each other's house. After a bit the door opens and you smile as you see a grumbling Katsuki walk inside. You get up as he takes off his coat and jacket and glances at you.

''Go take a bath, I'll make us some food and after that you're relaxing and letting me handle things. And no complaining.'' You smile.

He grumbles something under his breath before walking upstairs. You smile and walk into the massive kitchen. You open the fridge and cabinets to grab ingredients. You slowly start cooking different, small meals of spicy food for the two of you. You place them all on the coffee table and put on a crime serie as you wait for Katsuki.

After a bit he comes down and sits down beside you. He smiles as he grabs a plate and puts different foods on it. You follow suit and the two of you eat in silence while watching TV and talking softly every now and then. When it’s time for bed the two of you go into your own room after saying good night and go to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few weeks later you can hear Katsuki yelling. You sigh and ignore it. When you hear faint explosions however you get up from your desk and walk over to the sound. As you get closer you hear he's yelling at Kirishima. Once you spot them you see Kirishima is smiling while Katsuki is yelling loudly.

''What's going on here?'' You ask as you stand beside them.

''Nothing!'' Kirishima smiles.

''THE FUCKER SET UP A FUCKING BLIND DATE FOR ME!!'' Katsuki roars.

''Okay, why are you getting so mad about it? You're twenty five and single. A simple blind date won't kill you.'' You shrug.

''See, she understands it too.''

''Just go, the worst that can happen is that you hate them and walk out. Don't be a baby and go.'' You say as you pat his shoulder and walk off again.

As you reach your office again you sit down and grab the file you were reading and continue reading. After a bit you hear a knock on your door. You tell whoever it is to come in and put down the file. You are greeted with Kaminari and smile, motioning for him to sit down on a chair. He smiles and does as told.

''Say, do you have any plans this Saturday?'' He asks.

''Uhm, no. Why?''

''How do you feel about a blind date?'' He asks.

''Sure.''

''Sweet. I'll text the details.''

''Yeah, do that.''

He walks out with a smile and you shake your head, smiling as well. You grab your phone and unlock it, going to your messenger app and going to your chat history with Katsuki.

~Chat~

You Say, is your blind date Saturday?

Boom Boom Yes

You They're idiots. So, what you going to wear? I was thinking of wearing a red dress, matches your eyes.

Boom Boom What?

You I'm your blind date. Kaminari came in and asked if I was free Saturday. They are idiots like said before

Boom Boom Well shit. This blind date got a lot more exiting. Think I'm going to wear a black suit with red tie, it'll match your dress

You Hmm, true. Sounds good. Okay, see ya later. Looking forward to the date ;)

Boom Boom Me too

~Chat end~

You put your phone away as you giggle and start reading the file again. Later that day you clean up your office and get ready to go home. As you walk out of the building you spot Kirishima and Kaminari talking with one another as they both smirk. You smile as you shake your head as you exit the building and head home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two days later it’s finaly Saturday. You're wearing a red dress with black high heels and some natural makeup. You grab your black purse and head to the fancy restaurant Kaminari told you to go. As you arrive you see Katsuki sitting at a table in simple black, dress pants with a white blouse and a red tie. You walk over and sit down.

''Sorry I'm a bit late. Walking takes longer on heels and I tend to forget that every time.'' You giggle.

''Eh, is fine. I ordered (f/d) and (f/f) for you.''

''Ah, thanks.'' You smile.

''No worries. How's work been?'' He asks as he gets comfortable on the chair.

''Eh, it’s fine. Seeing you've been taking my advise I don't have much to do. Thanks for that. Been laughing my but off at your friends though.'' You say as the waiter comes over and gives the both of you your drinks. ''Thanks.''

''Yeah, I knew they were stupid, but this stupid? Tsk. Really wonder how they finished UA.'' Katsuki grumbles as he swirls his red whine around in his glass and looks at it.

''Eh, don't worry to much about it. Kaminari said it’s on him, so lets enjoy the evening.'' You smirk.

''Oh, I will.'' He grins.

The two of you order thing after thing to eat. You know the bill will be high, but don't really care. Kaminari and Kirishima are idiots for not noticing the two of you are brother and sister. At the end of the night the two of you leave and head to your house, cassualy talking and laughing at stupid memories.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day the both of you walk into work together and see Kirishima and Kaminari smiling proudly. You grin as you slightly look up at Katsuki. He looks down at you with a frown. Your grin just widens as you go to stand on your tippy toes and cup your hand around his ear as you lean in.

''They're looking. Lets fuck with them.'' You whisper before standing in front of him.

''Sure.'' He grins.

''Well, I'll be going to my office. See you later.'' You smile as you kiss his cheek.

''Yeah, come to my office before you head out for lunch. I'm treating you today.'' He smiles as he kisses your forehead.

''Know I'm holding you to that.'' You whisper as you walk off and wave at him.

You glance at Kaminari and Kirishima from the corner of your eye to see them both practically jumping around in joy. You giggle at their antics and head to your office. Once you walk inside you get to work, not that it is a lot. After an hour there is a knock on your door. You put down your file and look up.

''Come in.'' You smile.

The door opens to reveal a smiling Kaminari. He walks inside and sits down on a chair, smile radiating as he slightly bounces in the seat. You giggle at him and push a button that's under your dessk. It sends a message to Katsuki's phone. It's simple and given the situation you know he'll bring Kirishima.

''What brings you here Kaminari?'' You ask.

''How was the blind date?!'' He asks.

''It was fun. We talked a lot and stayed pretty late. He even went home with me. I got to be honest. When you set me up for a blind date I didn't expect it to be with my boss.'' You say, faking a blush.

''Are you two together?!''

''It’s a bit early for that.'' You mumble as you look down.

''You totally like him!''

The door opens and the both of you look at it. You see Katsuki and Kirishima and smile. You open your arms and Katsuki walks over with a grin. He hugs you and ruffles your hair before he sits down on your desk. Kirishima sits down beside Kaminari and the both of them smile brightly at you and your brother.

''I see the blind date did wonders.'' Kirishima smiles.

''We had fun.'' You smile.

''Sure as hell did.'' Katsuki grins.

''Soooo. Are you two together?'' The both of them ask.

You and Katsuki look at each other for a second before bursting out laughing. You hold your stomach as you double over and laugh loudly, tears brimming your eyes. Katsuki also holds his stomach as he doubles over and laughs, tears also brimming his eyes. Kirishima and Kaminari look at the two of you confused.

''No!'' Uou laugh as you slowly calm down.

''Fuck no.'' Katsuki laughs, also calming down.

''What?! Why not?!'' The both of them exclaim.

''I would never date Suki. Ever.'' You smile.

''But, but. You said the date went well!'' Kaminari exclaims.

''Yes, me and Suki had fun.''

''Why are you calling him that?'' Kirishima asks.

''Because she fucking can, geez.'' Katsuki grumbles.

''Come on Suki, it's not their fault they didn't pay attention back then. I bet if you asked no one would know, well. Izu would, but yeah.'' You hum.

''They're all fucking idiots. Like, fuck. We don't look that different.'' He grumbles.

''We aren't the same either Suki. Plus, we don't act alike. When around others.''

''Still, I act so fucking different around you. Somewhere in their small fucking brains it should click.'' He grumbles.

''Are the two of you married?'' Kirishima asks.

''No! God no! Never. Oh, wow. Just got mental picture. Nope. Nah ah. Not happening. Suki, get me some fucking bleach to poor in my eyes.''

''Fuck no. I ain't helping you blind yourself. Nor will I fucking allow it. Idiot. The hag would kill me.'' He scoffs.

''Mom would. Never mind. Don't want you to die.''

''I fucking know that. You wouldn't let me fucking go for three days after I got fucking kidnapped.''

''Fuck you. You liked it and can't change my fucking mind.''

''Fuck you! No need to fucking call me out like that!''

''Oh shut up. You are proud of me! Admit it!''

''I fucking am now shut the fuck up!'' He growls.

''Uhmmm. What?'' Kaminari and Kirishima say.

The two of you look at them and sigh. Katsuki curses under his breath as he gets up and hits both their heads. You just pinch the bridges of your nose in frustration.

''Don't hit them Suki.'' You sigh.

''Fuck off.''

''We both know you hate it when mom does it, so don't do it to others.''

''Fine.''

''Okay, explanation please.'' Kaminari says.

''Suki is my older brother idiot.'' You deadpan.

They stare at you with wide eyes and open mouth. Slowly they turn to look at the annoyed Katsuki behind them. He has his arms folded in front of his chest as he taps his foot on the floor impatiently. They turn back to you and shake their heads.

''Wow, didn't see that one coming.'' Kirishima mumbles.

''Me neither.''

''Well, now that you two fuckers know I'm going back to fucking work.'' Katsuki grumbles.

''Bye.'' You smile.

''Well shit, I'm broke now ain't I?'' Kaminari asks.

''Very much so.''

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed. requests are welcome.

[multmilk]

summary: just tae as a college student and plant mom on the side. also slow burn & sexy times :)

genre: smut & fluff !!

warnings: um dirty talk? bit of curse words? smut lol 

au/prompt: college!au, bestfriendtolovers!au

word count: 2818

not proofread, sorry!! wrote this in one seating hehehehe 

 i think Taehyung would be the kind of guy who’d wanna purse arts and/or fashion but he’d go for something a little more prAcTIcaL

introducing, Kim Taehyung of Daegu, 24, major in business

 he’d want his own business someday, just not quite sure what it’d be

 anyways, even being a sophomore at college, he’d have girls and boys feigning over him because he’s just famous for a lot things

 one of which is his looks

 another being the cute barista at your local café

and the one who sings at bars every weekend

he’s just very popular and everyone adored him

but he isn’t the f boy type of popular, though many people did want to sleep with him, he just politely declines them

not saying he doesn’t get action though noPE he’d have sex occasionally when his schedule allows him to

fast forward to monday, a day where college students doze off and attend class 6 hours late 

Taehyung was always punctual and early but today’s an exception

he fell asleep doing equations and maths on his table and well his classes start at 9 am but he woke up around noon

 Taehyung doesn’t even bother to change clothes nor brush his teeth, he just zoops out of his apartment and rushes toward campus

 he’s still sleep deprived from all the work load and late night shifts but his adrenaline’s too much that he reaches the campus in 10 minutes when it usually takes him a good 20 minutes

he just keeps on running and just as he was about to approach the door to 34A (where mr. jung teaches philosophy,, his minor) the door completely smacks him in the face

 he clutches his nose that was hit and was about to curse the person who accidentally hit him but when he sees who hit him

 his brain just goes @/$;2($:&sk;L3

 LIKE WOW???

hair blowing in the wind, light focusing on her figure, flowy dress lightly being blown by the wind and worry etched into her features

 “oh my gosh, i’m so so sorry !!” even her voice sounds like an angel

Taehyung says “it’s fine” then acts all cool and stuff and she smiles at him

AND WHEN HE WAS ABOUT TO ASK FOR HER NAME SHE JUST WOOSHES AND he’s left there looking at her disappearing figure

aaaand that’s where you come in thought that the angel-like girl was you? haH

you see taehyung still clutching his nose and staring off to space so you smack his back and he yelps in pain

“Y/N!!!!”

“TAEHYUNG !!!” you mimick but then you quickly apologize seeing that he was in a bad mood

you fix his hair and ask what happened

you two walk to the cafeteria as he tells you everything that happened

including the oh-so-beautiful girl that accidentally hit his face

“i wanna date her. she’s made my heart race so much. that’s very rare,”

you look at him like ????? like bro you’ve just met her and you’re IN L OV E

 what about me? you think. i’ve been with you all these years and you never even consider looking at me like that.

but you don’t say that. of course you don’t. that’s just too selfish.

so you hype him up and tell him you’d ask around for the girl’s name and Taehyung hopefully finds her to get her number

fast forward and you and Taehyung goes home. you two have no work today, just some lectures to catch up to

you set up the microwave to heat the fried chicken you bought home and Taehyung attend to his plants 

yes he is a plant mom™️ like he sings and hums classical tunes while he waters the plants and letting out little praises and encouragements 

he’s just overall a proud mom of his plants tbh

anyways you and Taehyung work on your school stuff until you felt your body growing tired and found yourself laying down on his lap

the view like this is ✨majestic✨his hair was loose and he had a headband to keep the bangs off of his face

his jaw was locked in concentration as he tries to make the numbers MAKE SENSE

 not to mention how your face is just millimeters away from his crotch akskakd

but you’re wholesome so you ignore the pool of arousal that’s in between your legs

“let’s go to sleep Taeee,” you whine but he pays you no mind

so you opt for straddling his lap so that he’d pay attention to you and it worked

“leave me alone please? you could sleep and i’ll wake you up later,” then he smiles at you

gaaaah his smile just aldksofkeoyn he’s soooo friggin’ warm and cuddly and when he smiles he just takes your heart then and there

but you stay perched on his lap and opt to nuzzle your head on the crook of his neck and mumble about sleeping there

he just chuckles and shifts a little bit to feel more comfortable

that night, Taehyung holds you dearly while he finishes his work. if you were awake, you’d probably see the slightest hint of adoration in his eyes whenever he’d stop working and look at you.

of course he loved you, way more than platonic. about half the population falls in love with their best friend anyways right?

but he wasn’t going to confess. he knew you deserve someone better

see, Taehyung, he sees himself as this messy and too emotionally damaged to even fucking function. much less start a relationship with you.

sure you were damaged like him, maybe even more, but he just can’t risk of hurting you and breaking you into pieces. you’ve already lost so much, he doesn’t want to add to that. so he opts for kissing you on the lips, just lightly. light enough so that it doesn’t stir you awake or anything of the like. he lays you down in his bed and bids you goodnight.

you and him started being friends back in the first year of college, you were both 4th year college students now. anyways, you used to visit the coffee shop he works at almost everyday. he’s seen you stress over your finals, seen you hang out with your friends there, also seen you cry when you boyfriend left you. 

you’ve always ordered something simple, choosing a black coffee instead of something creamy and milky.

until one day you decide to say, “surprise me,” to Taehyung and he just stares at you confused. then you tell him to give you something different, something he’d recommend to you.

alas Taehyung’s mocha latte was born !1!1!

 it was something simple and common as well but it held special meaning to him.

And so you started ordering his mocha latte while you stayed and studied at the coffee shop, eventually forming a friendship with Taehyung.

Anyway back to the present times

come Friday night and you were surprised to find out that Taehyung was going out on a date.

with Seo Soojin

the girl who hit him accidentally on the face

you were surprised with a lot things. first, knowing Taehyung was going out on a date. he wasn’t the type to date and settle down. I mean, of course he’d eventually settle down with a girl but not now. not while he’s in college.

Second, Soojin was actually pretty. In a goddess level, she might just be your girl crush lololol

And lastly, you thought that you had a chance with your gorgeous best friend. You knew he pecked you on the lips while he thought you were sleeping. You were sleeping at one point but you woke up when he lifted you up to place you on the bed. It took all of your willpower to not kiss him back but you were afraid of ruining things, despite the obvious actions he’s made.

But after days of convincing from your other friends, you decided to ask him out.

Yes, girls ask boys out now. it’s the twenty-fucking-first century after all

BUT THE UNIVERSE HAD OTHER PLANS

NOOO fate had to watch your best friend dress up in a nice tux and slick his hair back as he waited for Soojin to text him her address. You had to act all supportive while deep down you knew that him going out with Soojin was hurting you a lot more than you liked.

Now Taehyung,,,,,, he was more than surprised to feel his heart flutter at the appearance of Soojin. She really is pretty but he couldn’t help but think that you would look a lot better.

Their date surprisingly went well but he hoped that he just spent the night with you instead.

He came home to you watering his plants for him and he felt his heart flutter at the sight.

There you were, wearing his grey hoodie and god knows what else underneath

You had your earphones on while you tended to his cacti and various other plants 

If he were a murderer you’d be dead, no doubt bout that

So, he hugs you from behind and rest his chin on your shoulder

You ask him about his date, ignoring the pang in your heart when he talks about how good it was

Instead of breaking your heart over the details in their date, you focus on his warm voice that almost made you sleepy tbh

Taehyung didn’t know why he narrated their date with so much enthusiasm. Maybe he wanted to get out a reaction out of you

But you stayed calm and interested with what he was saying, not showing any signs of jealousy or hurt

He goes to take a shower and he was expecting to have a movie night with you but surprised to see that you’ve gone to bed and so he does to 

You two don’t sleep well that night

SATURDAAAAAAY and Saturdays mean parties

Meaning, Taehyung and you getting shit faced and the two of you could barely make it back to your apartment alive

But it was no doubt your favorite part of the week

You got dressed up wearing something seductive yet still conservative on the side paired with the comfiest pair of heels you have

When Taehyung saw you all dolled up, he was like :000 DAYUMMMM

But he felt a little overprotective when he thinks about the people who’ll look at your body and all that so he gives you his jacket

Though you tell him it’s too hot and that you could handle yourself if ever something happens

You’re already in the party and Taehyung swears to himself that he’ll keep an eye on you and that if something bad ever happens to you he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself 

He sees you out of your comfort zone, dancing around people and gathering attention from lots of people

You’re happy with the attention so you keep on partying

Taehyung was about to go to the bathroom, thinking that you’d be fine since you were just dancing, but then he sees a man talk to you

The man was fucking tall, very smug, very untrustworthy

His lips were too close on your ear and you seem very very uncomfortable

So Taehyung rushes to your side, grips your waist and says,

“Back off. She’s mine.” WITH THAT LOW AND SEXY VOICE OF HIS ASKJJDSK IM LOSING IT

But the guy had the aUDACITY to ignore Taehyung and continues “so, will you spend the night with me sweetcheeks?”

TAEHYUNG GROWLS AT PUSHES THE GUY WITH SO MUCH FORCE

You had to grip his arm and ask him to stop and not make a scene with the smallest voice you have

And just as you two were about to leave, the guy shouts “lucky you, you’ve got a fine piece of ass right there,” and that’s all it takes for Taehyung to throw his fist at the guy

Everyone stopped dancing and focused on the scene unravelling in front of them

Pulling Taehyung back you tell him “that’s enough,” and drag him out of the house

The whole walk home was quiet and the tension was thick

“It’s because of that damn outfit,” he says once you’ve entered your shared apartment

You scoff and bend down to take you heels off and say “It’s not my fault men can’t control their dicks,”

Taehyung looks at you with this animalistic glint in his eye and stalks toward you

“You should’ve been more careful, babygirl,”

His lips attack your neck

You couldn’t move because you were shocked and aroused all at the same time

He sucks at the sweet spot on your neck and it just turned you into a moaning mess

You tug his hair, moan his name 

“Jump,” he commands and so you do

He kisses your lip and you kiss him back with more force

Tongues fighting for dominance, teeth clashing, little spills of moans and grunts here and there

“When I saw you in that article you call clothes,” he chuckles “all I could think about was ripping it off of you right there and then,” he kisses your collarbones

“It isn’t the first time too. All the nights you spend snuggled up to me wearing my shirt with no bra on and I could feel your breasts pushed up against me,” he unzips your clothing and lets it fall to floor

·“God fucking dammit Taehyung. Fuck me already,” you say and he looks up at you

A smirk on his lips and eyebrows raised in challenge

He grips your hip and you wrap your legs around him as he carries you to your bedroom

You were slightly expecting him to be just a tad bit gentle but clearly he was in a bad mood so he throws you into the bed and removes both of your clothes quickly

 “Suck,” he tells you and moans when your lips wrap around his digit

He brings his fingers to pump his cock a bit and pushes into your cunt without warning 

The force got you screeching and clawing at his back

“Fuck, harder,” you mewl and he obliges

He fucks you at an animalistic speed and his eyes bore into yours as he thrusts deeper into you 

It doesn’t take long for you to reach your climax and Taehyung’s thumb rubs your clit until you were coming

And he’s coming to and as much as you want him to finish inside of you, you knew that that wasn’t safe so he pulls out and cums on your tummy

He helps you scoot over and lays beside you

“I’m in love with you and this is probably the worst timing ever but I just want to say that I loved you for a long time and even if you don’t like me back, I’ll keep on loving you and-“ he rambles

But you cut him off with a sweet and slow kiss

“I’m in love with you too, Tae. Have been for a long time,” and you look at him 

The moonlight from the window doing wonders to his face

His lips turn into a small smile and kisses you again

And again

And again

“Do you know why I made you a mocha latte on that day?” he quietly speaks as he tangles your bodies together

“Ooooh that’s a question I’ve been dying to ask for a long time. Tell me. tell me,” you pipe

He breathes before saying, “you know how you alternate ordering an americano on bad and normal days and plain milk on warm and good days?” You nod 

“Well, a mocha latte is a combination of both with just with added chocolate flavouring and sugar,”

“That’s how you made me feel,” he says and you look at him with question marks in your eyes

He laughs, “Before you, my life was just plain and dull. Kind of like an americano,”

“But then you started visiting the café shop more and everyday it brought me a whole new feeling,”

“Every time you’re sitting at alone, whether it be studying or just reading, it made me feel a lot of things. happiness, curiousity, the whole butterflies in my stomach thing,”

“So think of the sugar and chocolate to be my growing feelings for you and yeah,” he laughs again and this time you laugh with him 

“I love you, even though you’re so damn cheesy!”

“I love you too, Y/N. I love you,” and you both smile and hold each other

“I think I’m going to have a coffee shop as my business once I graduate,” he says and you nod

And you two live life happy and healthy 😊) (safe to say the universe’s on your side now)

 SO SORRY IF THAT WAS TOOOOO LONG AND NGL I FEEL BAD FOR SOOJIN AND THIS SEEMS SO RUSHED AKJDS ANW HOPE Y’ALL LIKED IT :>

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #454

“last thing i remember, i was running for the door  /  i had to find the passage back to the place i was before”

Last thing you bought online? Did you like it? I have no clue. Could you date someone who didn’t drive (and didn’t show an interest in ever getting their license, either)? I don't know. Public transportation isn't a big thing here at all, and even whenever I get my license, my partner needing to get somewhere while I'm needed elsewhere could be problematic. I think it would also depend on why they don't want their license. Like if they had a traumatic wreck, I couldn't blame them. How would you react if your artwork became famous? That'd be fucking amazing. Would you get your nipples pierced? I've briefly considered it. I ultimately wouldn't, though. How many people know your birthday? Without the assistance of Facebook, a few, I guess. My immediate family, Sara, uhhhh... Has anyone ever tried to ruin a relationship you were in? Yes, and it worked. For the better, though. He had a bad reputation. Have you ever watched a whole hour long infomercial? Ha, yes, this one time with Girt. It was a vacuum infomercial. We were just really bored at my place and... okay, I have no justification for watching that whole thing lmao. What is your current MySpace song? I still remember it was "Pocketful of Sunshine" by Natasha Beddingfield lmaooo. What is your favorite kind of meat to put on your sandwich? Ham. Which one of your exes do you feel like you have the most chemistry with? Sara or Jason, idk. How do you feel about people who make Facebook profiles for their pets? I don't care. Have you ever personally known a pair of conjoined twins? No. What was the most disturbing thing you have ever heard your mother say? Mom and my older sister got in a fight once and Mom yelled that she was a slut. I don't know why, but... it never left me, and I GUARANTEE it never left Ashley (who is not a "slut," by the way). This was when she was a teenager, so it's been many years and I can absolutely promise you Mom regrets it, big time. I don't even have to ask. Is there something in particular you like to look at photos of? What is it? Mark and meerkats, ha ha. Chewy chocolate-chip cookies: like or dislike? Chewy is the way to GO. If your boyfriend/girlfriend wanted to dress only in the opposite sex’s clothing, would you support that? If not, would you leave them? I wouldn't care. I'm pansexual, anyway. Anyone can be attractive to either gender's clothes to me. I think assigning clothes to a specific gender is dumb, anyway. Do you think your grandmother is/was beautiful? I only remember how my maternal grandmother looked, and yeah, she was a pretty lady. Which of your fields of interest are you a total expert on? Mark, ha ha. I know way too much on a person I've never met. When was the last time you got all dolled up? Not since last October when I did a witchy Halloween shoot with friends. Do you ever name objects? (i.e. mp3 players, guitars, cars, etc.) No. Do you have a criminal record? No. Last person you took a nap with? Sara, years ago. Well, unless you count my cat. He always comes running when he hears me getting comfy in bed, ha ha. Does seeing your mother cry automatically make you feel sad as well? Yes, and angry because I want to stop whatever it is making her cry, but I usually can't. Do you think someone likes the same person you like? I have no idea. Do you want your life to stay the way it is right now forever? God no. Have you ever been to craigslist.com? Yes; I've adopted and rehomed pets from there. What about eBay? Mom's bought stuff from there. Have you ever used Nair? Yes, on my legs. It's just as exhausting as shaving with how thick my hair is. Are you medicated? I think I'm on too much medication, personally. I want to try weaning off my OCD prescription, because I haven't had problems in a long time, but my psychiatrist doesn't want to? Which is odd to me because when I came to him, he was stunned by how many different meds I was on. He's concerned that the symptoms will just re-emerge, but like... I've beaten OCD before, for many years. I can do it again. I trust him with my life though, because he saved it, so I just go with what he says, honestly. Do you shape/fill in your eyebrows? No. Have you ever stolen/borrowed clothes from an ex? I've worn Jason's pajama pants before because I found men's pj pants more comfortable, and besides, sometimes I spent the night when I didn't plan to and needed something more comfortable than jeans. Could you make a statement about anything political? Texas' new "heartbeat bill" is fucking bullshit and is going to get so many women killed from DIY abortions. Do you think you’ve already met your soulmate? I don't believe in soulmates, but I do believe I met the person I loved more than I could ever possibly love somebody else again. Do you get the feeling something good will happen in your life soon? Fuck if I know. Do you enjoy romantic movies, even when they’re cliche? Yes. Have you been to McDonald’s in the past month? Yes. Have you ever slept over at your best friend’s house? I have. How often do you go bowling? Very, very rarely. I haven't been since I was on a date at the end of 2017, I wanna say??? Or was it '18??? Last time you were in an apartment? Not since Colleen still lived in one and I was visiting her. Have you ever seen a live seahorse? Yeah, in aquariums. Would you like to have your own yacht? I mean I wouldn't say no if you offered it to me for free, but I'm not exactly interested in one. I'd probably just give it to my dad. He'd be on Cloud 9. Winnie the Pooh or Tigger? Pooh! :^) What’s the unhealthiest thing you’ve eaten today? A brownie with caramel drizzle. Mom bought a box of them to split between Ash and her family and us, so I had one. :x Thankfully though she gave more to Ash, because I don't like having treats in the house for my weight's sake, but a little something sweet occasionally keeps you sane when you're trying to lose weight. Has a stranger ever offered to buy you a drink? Ew, no. What is something you’d be happy to receive as a gift, that doesn’t cost a lot? I'd really appreciate something hand-made, like a drawing or something. What kind of music does your significant other/crush like to listen to? He likes mostly the same stuff as me, but also more indie-ish stuff than me. Who did you have your first kiss with? Do you remember what colour his/her eyes were? Jason. His eyes are brown. Are there any themes from TV shows that you like to sing along to? Supernatural. It's inevitable that I'll sing, ha ha. Do you eat dessert after dinner? Very, very rarely. Have you ever had too much to drink and felt embarrassed about your behavior the next day? No. When you go out drinking, what do you prefer to drink? I don't go out drinking, but if I was to order a drink right now, I'd go for a sangria. That sounds soooo good rn. What was the last animal that you saw? My cat. Venus is in her hide as I'm answering this, so I can't see her. What was the last thing that you said to one of your siblings? I told Nicole bye when she was leaving the other day. What is the most expensive thing that you’ve purchased that you paid for: My snake. What is your favorite messaging program? Discord, nowadays. Do you eat fast food more than 5 times a week? Yikes, no. Have you ever almost drowned? No. Have you ever learned something shocking about someone through Facebook? It wasn't shocking in a bad way, just very unexpected. One of my friends has been an egg donor twice, I wanna say? What’s the scariest living animal that you’ve petted? I have no clue. Nothing that dangerous. Well wait, I shared the story of holding a tarantula before, and I was still kinda nervous to do so when I did. She was a total sweetie, though. Do you remember the first conversation you ever had with the person you currently have feelings for? I actually don't. Other than he got my attention with "lip ring girl," lmao. Do you dread certain days of the week? If yes, what day/s and why? No, because they're all the same to me. If you eat oatmeal, do you have it plain or do you have certain toppings that you like to add to it? I add a bit of sugar. What is the funniest or strangest thing you’ve ever heard somebody say in their sleep? *shrug* Choose one - Butterfinger, Milky Way, Snickers: Milky Way, 100%. Do you use Mozilla Firefox? No, I use Chrome. Who is your favorite person to hug? Sara. Have you ever had to have a mug shot? No. What was the last thing you carried to your room? Water. When was the last time you had a late night phone call? Damn dude, I couldn't possibly tell ya.

[give-me-back-my-rhodey]

You Jam My Gears

Link: Link to AO3

Title: You Jam my Gears

Creator: Purple_ducky00

For: @TolkienGurl for the @black-characters-matter-fest

Warnings: N/A

Rating: Gen

Pairing: SamRhodey

Summary: Based on the following prompt:  Rhodey notices Sam among the new recruits of Avengers that Steve is training. He starts coming to Avengers' trainings to "watch", but he's secretly pining. Sam mistakes Rhodey's stares for critique/dislike and develops an attitude towards Rhodey. Whenever Rhodey and Sam have an opportunity to talk, Rhodey gets awkward and clams up which only reinforces Sam's belief that Rhodey doesn't like him. Rhodey doesn't understand why Sam is so standoffish and is a sad puppy. Eventually they pull their heads out of their asses and get together.

++ READ BELOW THE CUT ++

yOu shOULD gO hElP stEVe.  Rhodey mocked Tony in his head. “It will be fun, he said.” He muttered. Today was not fun. He had come to the Avengers facility happy and cheerful; nothing could ruin his day… well, until he walked into the training room and saw the most beautiful man he has ever seen. 

Sam Wilson, codename Falcon, was standing in the room talking to Romanov.  Seeing him first, she waved at him. “Hey Rhodey! Come here; I want you to meet Sam. Sam, this is…”

“Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes, I know.” Sam smiled. “He’s one of my heroes.”

Flustered, and totally not ready for this conversation, Rhodey just nodded and stared. After an awkward moment of silence for Rhodey’s dignity, he mumbled something about needing to find Steve and walked away as quickly as he could.  Once out of earshot, he grumbled to himself. “Come on Rhodes, you’re smoother than this!” 

+++++++++++++

Sam Wilson watched as Rhodes walked off. “Well, that was weird.” He commented. 

“I agree.” Natasha eyed Rhodes’ retreating back. “That was extremely odd.” 

“I guess I just figured he’d be glad to see me here.  Does he want to be the only black guy on the team? Too bad for him because I’m sure as hell not going anywhere.” 

Natasha just grinned that stupid sneaky smirk. “No, I don’t think that’s the case.” 

“Whatever. It doesn’t matter either way. I’m here, and I’ve got more important things to worry about. Ready to start training?” 

“Follow me, Sergeant Wilson.” Nat inclined her head to the training room. 

Sam felt Rhodes’ eyes on him the entire time he trained. Rhodes and Steve were up on the balcony watching the training room below. He didn’t say a single word as Steve yelled orders; he just stared. Sam thought grimly that Rhodes was just waiting for him to mess up. Too bad because I’m gonna run this simulation perfectly. 

“Sam! That was amazing! Great job!” Steve praised him once training was over. Rhodes was still just watching. 

Natasha hip checked him. “Soooo, had to show off today, didn’t you?” 

“I’m just showing him that I am damn good at my job.  He won’t be able to find a reason to kick me off.”

“I… don’t think you’re seeing what I’m seeing, but think what you must. Now go shower, you stink.” 

++++++++++++++++++++

“It’s not funny.” Rhodey grumbled. 

Tony wiped tears off his face as he giggled. “Yes, it is! James Rhodes, the smoothest motherfucker in all of the science club in MIT, the man who met Whitney Houston and kept his cool, theee War Machine, theeeee Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes, just froze up like Hammertech when he met Sam Wilson. I find this ridiculously funny.” 

“You better watch it, or I’m going to tell Clint what happened the night of August 19th, 1994.” 

“Ok, whoa, you don’t have to go that far.” Tony quickly sobered. “So, what are you going to do about it?” 

“I don’t know. Try to talk to him? Maybe it will get better each time?” 

“Good luck.” 

Rhodey didn’t appreciate Tony’s skepticism, but he understood why he  would be . Every single time he saw Wilson, he would clam up and look for an escape route if needed. 

“Hey, Rhodes. Steve asked me to ask you if you have any tips for flying in these formations? He said you created these systems, and I could use a little help.” Wilson approached him yesterday. 

Rhodey had been caught unaware, but he was still able to go through the whole formation with Sam.  Fiercely proud and defensive of his formations, Rhodey admitted that he was a bit touchy about improving. The conversation ended with him feeling more frustrated than before. This really was hopeless. Maybe he should quit and go back to being a lone peacekeeper. 

++++++++++++++

Sam threw down his jacket as he stormed into his room. “That’s it, I’m done. If he doesn’t respect me, why the hell do I have to respect him?” Then he saw Natasha sitting on his windowsill, filing her nails. “Gah! How did you get in here? Why are you in here?”

“Sounds like Rhodes is getting under your skin.” Natasha mused. “I wonder why.”

“Because he’s treating me like I’m not worthy to be here! I feel like I’m more worthy than he is! Tony Stark basically gave him his suit, and everyone just accepted him! I had to work to be a part of the Falcon program.”

“You don’t mean that.” 

“No, I don’t.” Sam wilted. “I still am so amazed with him, like he’s a frickin badass. Like maybe I have a tiny crush on him.” Natasha raised an eyebrow; he amended. “Ok more than a tiny crush, but he acts like I’m beneath him! Like I’m… I just think that if he’s not going to treat me like an equal, I don’t have to hang onto every word he says. I’m going to stand up for myself.”

“Ok.”

“Ok? That’s all you’ve got?”

“That’s all I’ve got.” Natasha grinned evilly. As she walked out, she called over her shoulder. “Now hurry up and shower. We have a loooong night ahead of us. Oh, hi Rhodey. Was gonna get some dinner, want to join?”

Sam didn’t hear Rhodes’ response. He was too busy stripping so he would seem busy if Rhodes  decided to knock on his door. Thankfully the other man must have gone with Natasha, so Sam hopped in the shower. After a long, warm, steamy scrubbing, he dried off and dressed… only to find Natasha sitting on his couch. “You’re a piece of shit.” He told her.

“Come on. Let’s watch some Lord of the Rings.” She patted the couch beside her. 

“I’m serious. Now he probably thinks we’re fucking or something.” 

“I’m a lesbian, Samuel. And Rhodey knows that. “

“Still.”

Nat chose to ignore him as she turned on the TV. As this was his twenty-sixth time watching these movies, Sam could basically see them with his eyes closed.  He kept facing the screen even as he thought about why Rhodes wouldn’t like him. What had he done?

++++++++++++++++++

“You gotta help me, man.” Rhodey flopped on Tony’s couch as soon as he walked in the lab. 

“More man problems?”

“He yelled at me today! I was trying to talk to him about certain maneuvers, and he asked me why I didn’t think he knew that already. He was like ‘I was in the Air Force too, you know. What is it about me that makes you think I’m inferior?’ Tony, he thinks I don’t like him! And you know, I couldn’t be like ‘Um, actually, I just don’t know how to talk to you because you’re beautiful.’ Like, do you know how lame that sounds? And don’t you laugh, Tony! Don’t you laugh!”

Tony lifted his hands in the air. “Not laughing. See? What do you want me to do about it?” 

“I don’t know. Can you talk to him for me?”

“Have you ever done that for me?”

“No.”

“A part of me wants me to tell you to grow up and solve your own problems, but also, I have never been around him, so I don’t know what he’s like. I’ll think about it.” Tony leaned on the side of the counter. 

“It’s just so dumb, because I can talk to everyone. I looked a crazy dude with a gun straight in the eyes and talked him out of shooting everyone in the vicinity before shooting himself. I’ve gotten laid before using only my tongue as foreplay. I’ve delivered speeches in front of millions of people. But talking to Sam Wilson? No can do.”

“Men do become fools when they fall in love.” Tony side-eyed him laughingly. “Now, come here. I need your help on this. Do you see this piece of code? It’s not working right…”

“Yeah, I can take a look at that.” The two spent the rest of the night figuring out code for Tony’s new program. 

++++++++++++++++++++

“What did you do to Rhodes?” Natasha swung Sam’s door open. 

“Nothing. What are you talking about?”

“Tony wants you to visit him in the Tower today. Sounds like you’re in hot water.” 

Sam groaned. “Are you serious? Rhodes can’t take a little backtalk , so he needs Iron Man to step in?” Shaking his head, he tacked on. “Man, I’ll go, but geez.” 

A few hours later, Sam landed on the landing deck of Stark Tower. FRIDAY greeted him at the door. Hello, Sergeant Wilson. Boss is in his lab. Take the elevator to the 19th floor.

“Thanks FRIDAY.” Sam was trying to figure out what he’d say when Tony Stark confronted him about Rhodes. 

As he walked out of the elevator, Stark’s door whooshed open. No one came out, so Sam took it as an invitation to enter. He stood there awkwardly until Tony looked up from his project due to FRIDAY’s prompting. “Oh, hey Wilson. Sorry, didn’t hear you come in. Come here, take a look at this. Was wondering if it’s something you’d like to have.”

The thing which Tony was talking about, was a small drone, bearing the colors of the Falcon suit. Sam eyed it critically, wondering if it was a bribe. “If I take it, what do you want from me?”

“Steve didn’t tell you?” Tony looked surprised. “I make most of the Avengers armor and outfits, and I like to tech them up. This drone will fit right on your jetpack. He's  a learning AI so you can train him  how you want.” 

“And that’s all you wanted me to come for?”

“…Yeah, pretty much? Was there something else you needed that I forgot? I do that often.”

Sam felt foolish. “No, I just thought you were going to tell me to be nice to Rhodes or something.”

“Oh, well, you’re allowed to have your own opinion about people. I personally don’t see why anyone would be angry with him, but I’m not going to judge you for disliking my Honeybear.”

“Are you two dating?”

“Oh no. Can you imagine? I’d probably love it, but he needs someone more down to earth than me.” Tony laughed. “He’s the best. I love him so much – platonically, you know – and he’s always there for me. You get what I mean, right?"

At that moment, who should walk through  the door but Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes?  “Tones.” He said in a strangled voice. “Why is he here?”

“Oh, yeah, he’s the greatest.” Sam turned to Tony dryly. “If you’re still offering the drone, I’ll gladly accept but I don’t want to be here anymore.”

“Wait. I think I see what’s happening here. Both of you, sit down now.” Both men stood still where they were. Tony snapped his fingers. “Sit. Now.” When they complied, he resumed. “First, let this disclaimer be that I am not a licensed therapist, and secondly, you may not use this same method against me at a later time. Now, Sam, why don’t you tell Rhodey how you feel about him?”

Sam muttered. “This is stupid." He took a breath, looked at Rhodes and started "Ok. Rhodes, when I heard you were coming to watch training that first day, I was so excited. You were a big hero of mine, and you piloted an Iron Man suit. You can’t get much cooler than that. Then I meet you, and you basically dismiss me. I brushed it off, thinking you might have been late or something that day. But then time passes, I see that you’re good friends with everyone else at the Compound… except me. And you’re overly critical about every single damn thing I do.”

“Because I’m not halfway in love with anyone else in the Compound!” Rhodes blurted. “Oh shit. See, this is what happens, Tony! Why are you making me talk to him?”

“Wait. You’re… Hold up! There is too much happening all at once. Tony, did you set this up?”

“I plead not guilty. I had no idea Platypus would be coming here. Besides, why would I talk him up when I know he’s in earshot. That’s not something best friends do.”

That earned Tony a bit of a suspicious stare from Sam. “Okayyyy… and Rhodes – Jim – did you just say you are halfway in love with me?”

“Well, I mean. You’re really attractive and like, super badass.” Rhodes stumbled on his words. “And-and you’re so outgoing and friendly, and…”

“Let me step in and save his life and dignity. Rhodey is usually so calm, cool, and collected, no matter the circumstances. The fact that he can barely make a full sentence around you speaks volumes about your effect  on him.” Tony interrupted Rhodes’ rant. 

Rhodes deflated. “Yeah, what he said.”

“Ok, well then, I’ll make the first move. James Rhodes, would you like to get dinner and a movie with me tomorrow night?” Sam invited. 

“I’d like that.” 

“Then it’s a date. Thank you, Stark, for helping us figure this all out. Let me know when that bad boy is finished.” He pointed to the drone.  “I’m gonna name him Redwing.”

[hazbincalifornia]

Check-In

Chapter 8: Stolas checks in on Blitzo.

Likes, replies, and reblogs are all appreciated, both here and on ao3!

Warnings: Mpreg

Ao3 link

Blitzo startled awake in his chair at a knock on the door, nearly falling off from the strange angle as he’d draped himself over it and almost tipped it over when he jolted up. “Fuck!”

“Oh, good, you’re awake.” Loona held up the phone. “It’s for you.”

He gave a long, sustained groan as he dragged himself across the office to take the call. “Heeeeeeeeeello?”

“Blitzy! Good, there you are!” Stolas sounded chipper enough that Blitzo briefly imagined stuffing him through a leaf mulcher. Oddly enough, it didn’t really help. “Change of plans. Instead of our usual call, I’ve tried out that smartphone Via had me get, I’m right outside your office!”

“Wha- shit, really?” Blitzo looked over at the clock, then down at himself. He was dressed- well, pretty much the same as he always did, so it wasn’t like Stolas was going to judge, but it was all wrinkled from his nap. This was just what he’d get for springing this on him. “Uh, we might have a-”

“Your Loona said that there was nothing on the schedule for today.”

She gave a half-grin at Blitzo. “Have fun.”

He set a hand over the bottom of the phone. “Seriously?”

Loona shrugged. “He promised to get you lunch.”

“Slightly more acceptable, then.” Blitzo took a breath. “Alright, you can come-”

Stolas opened the door before Blitzo even finished his sentence, and Blitzo fumbled the phone back into place before trying to straighten his suit a little.

“Oooh, it’s so cute!” Stolas gushed, getting down on one knee to admire the bump. Blitzo could already feel his eye twitching as the owl began running his hands over it in full view of Loona, who, when he looked over, had already buried her face in a magazine.

“Soooo... Loona said you promised lunch?”

Stolas looked up. “Yes, I’m taking you out of here for a few hours. I’d rather get a face-to-face update today, see how things are going.” He paused. “And Stella is out with her parents, so we have the house to ourselves until tomorrow.”

Ah, right. “What about… Olivia?”

“Octavia.”

“Yeah, her.”

“She’ll be in today, but she’ll likely be in her room.”

“Alright.” She didn’t seem that bad from what Blitzo had seen, at least. Maybe she could even distract her dad a little if she showed up. “Let’s get this over with.”

“Aw, don’t you want to spend time with me, Blitzy?” Stolas fluttered his eyes, and Blitzo couldn’t hold back a snort, ruffling at the top of Stolas’s head.

“I’m not about to turn down free lunch and we needed to talk anyway, let’s leave it at that, got it?”

“Good enough for me.” Stolas stood back up- even having shrunk himself a little to fit into the office, he towered over Blitzo. He reached for Blitzo’s wrist, leading him towards the door, and when Blitzo looked back, Loona waggled her fingers in farewell without looking up. Traitor.

_______________________

The ride to the palace was mostly filled with Stolas talking about how the last week or so had been. Via had introduced him to some new band that he wasn’t particularly fond of but did enjoy the instrumentals on, and he’d had to go to some mega boring dinner party. On and on, including some political bullfuckery in fancy words that Blitzo couldn’t really understand or bring himself to care about. (Especially not when he was sweating like a pig even though the limo had AC on when he put his hand up to the vent.)

“But on the plus side, the mawplants in the back of the greenhouse had been blooming wonderfully! And speaking of blooming…” Stolas grinned, cupping Blitzo’s cheek. “How have you been, Blitzy?”

“Fine.”

“Fine isn’t saying much, you know.”

“I’m alive, that’s something, isn’t it?”

“It is.” Stolas’s grin shrunk a little, but it was becoming more of a soft smile instead as they pulled up to the front doors. “Is the child giving you much trouble?”

“I want some grub in me before I start talking about this.” The leather seat creaked as Blitzo stood up. He stretched, rolling his shoulders before Stolas took the lead.

“I suppose I cannot begrudge you that.” The owl folded his hands behind his back, falling quiet until they made it to the dining room. Or some version of it, anyway- the table looked pretty small, so it was probably the tea room or something? Blitzo couldn’t imagine any really big feasts in here. It was kind of cozy, though.

The imp servants that were talking to each other when the two of them entered shut themselves up and side-eyed him. He flipped the nearest one off, making them take a half-step back.

“Relax, dipshits. Not here to take your jobs.”

One had an expression that Blitzo couldn’t quite parse out, kinda like she’d just swallowed pickle brine but then also was trying to offer sympathy at a funeral. She hurried out when Stolas waved her towards the door.

“Go collect the lunch things.”

“Yessir!” They cleared out, and Blitzo settled himself down at one of the seats. He ended up having to just get into a kneeling position and settle down on his calves in order to reach the damn table.

“Ah, I’ll have them bring you a cushion,” Stolas said as he sat down himself. “Are you alright with fish?”

“Yeah, fish’s fine. I like fish.” Blitzo looked around- he usually didn’t see much of the palace outside of the hallways and Stolas’s bedroom. There were paintings and pictures all over- several of Stolas himself. “Interesting decorations.”

“Thank you!” Stolas seemed to take it as a compliment. “Now, how have you been the past week?”

“I told you-”

“It doesn’t have to be about the child. I want to hear about you.” Stolas’s elbows were on the table as his chin settled on his hands, head tilting slightly as he watched Blitzo with all four eyes half-lidded. Even kneeling, Blitzo was still getting looked down at, and he groaned, resigning himself to standing up on the chair until the servants came back with something tall enough to make him not feel like a fucking baby. His armpits felt like swamps and he hoped he didn’t smell like an acrobat’s ass-crack.

“Pretty typical week. We had a few jobs, I killed some random jackass who he tried to mug me because he was drunk as shit and tried to tear my clothes off.”

“Oh! Are you alright?”

“Yeah, it wasn’t much of a fight. Like I said, he was drunk, and it was enough he was super clumsy. That kinda shit happens a lot,” Blitzo said, leaning against the table. Dammit, Stolas was still taller, but sitting on the table itself was gonna be way too demeaning. “He had a lot in his wallet, though.”

“Ah. Resourceful!” Stolas’s smile widened a bit as one of the imp servants brought in a silver tray with two plates on it, kicking a small stepstool out from under the table in order to set the tray on the table and push the plates towards the two of them. “Now, a high cushion for Blitzy here, so he doesn’t have to stand.”

The imp turned to look over at Blitzo, but the narrowed eyes he met were enough to send him hurrying out of the room as Stolas picked up a little fork.

“Don’t worry if there’s any left over. The portion sizes are typically for Hellborns more my size.” He grinned. “Of course, I know you much you can swallow, don’t I?”

“Wow, you managed to make it a while. I’m actually impressed.” Blitzo picked up the fork and started to pick at the fish before taking a bite. It was- okay, it was delicious. Rich people had good food, he already knew that. He stabbed the fork into the plate as he scooped up another decent-sized chunk before stuffing it into his mouth.

“Mmm, and you haven’t decided to come over just for fun yet, I’ve noticed.” Stolas used his fork to cut the fish in half horizontally before dropping the top half into his beak, the two halves making a ‘click’ as they snapped shut and the whole thing moving down his throat in a huge lump. Blitzo lost at least half of his appetite, but the fish that was still in his mouth tasted good enough to swallow.

“It’s only been a week, I’ve been busy.” He paused for half a second. “Hey, besides, the deal was I come over if I want to now.” Blitzo pointed the end of his fork at him. “I thought you couldn’t go back on the handshake ones.”

“I can’t, I was merely curious.” Stolas licked at the side of his mouth. “I still expect updates, of course, but yes, it’s up to you now. I think that makes it more exciting, don’t you?” His voice practically dropped to a purr. “After all, it will be when you can’t resist staying away.”

Blitzo’s stomach turned as he plastered a smile on his face. “Uh… huh.” He looked down at his plate, then back up at Stolas. “Might as well get this over with. I need a new gun.”

“Done, but what happened to your old one?” Stolas didn’t seem angry, just curious, which was… well, pretty much what Blitzo had been expecting.

“....Puked my guts on it and it turns out pregnancy puke melts shit,” Blitzo grumbled.

“Would you like me to order it, or just give you the funds to-”

“Funds,” Blitzo said, just as the servant came back with a stack of cushions. He looked up at Stolas who nodded over to Blitzo, and then the cushions were passed up to Blitzo.

“Alright, I got them, you can go.” Blitzo made a shooing motion before sitting down, and the imp’s eye twitched before he hurried out. “What, was he expecting a tip?”

“He probably isn’t used to seeing imps get special treatment around here is all,” Stolas said with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Anywho. You were saying something about sickness- I believe that’s a good segue into asking you how the pregnancy in general has treated you.”

“Fucking terribly,” Blitzo snapped. “There’s the acid puke thing, which luckily hasn’t come back yet but definitely will, I have to basically cut out any coffee stronger than piss, Moxxie and Millie got all bitchy at me for trying to use coke-”

“Cocaine coke?” Stolas leaned over the table, alarmed.

“I didn’t get to actually use it, keep your feathers on.”

“I should have included a clause about keeping yourself safe as well in our deal!” Stolas slid off the chair and crossed around the table in a few strides, cupping Blitzo’s face. “I know how good you are at your job so I wasn’t too worried about the baby’s health before, but-”

Blitzo pulled back, pushing Stolas’s hand away. “-But I’m a grown-ass man, I can handle myself, alright? You asked me how it was going, I said it sucked, I’m not sugarcoating this.”

“You should have contacted me.” Stolas clicked his tongue. “I could make some tea for nausea, and at least given you some advice from when Stella was with Via.”

Blitzo slumped back on the chair and felt the cushion pile shift under him, not quite steady. “So. Do you have any advice?”

“Well, I would advise relaxing, but you don’t seem very fond of slowing down, isn’t that right?” Stolas pinched Blitzo’s cheek, getting a grumble out of the imp. “I suppose you should be on the lookout for odd cravings- they might be more raptor-esque, depending on how owl the child leans.”

“If I have to eat mice or something-”

“I could give you some!” Stolas interrupted, grabbing Blitzo’s shoulder. “You never know what’s in street rats.” He shuddered. “Via had a phase when she liked eating fresh-caught rats instead of respectably home-raised mice. She’s lucky she didn’t get sick.”

“...I don’t wanna eat rats,” Blitzo muttered, feeling sticky in his suit as he shifted around again.

“You may not have a choice- Stella was a right beast sometimes when it came to getting certain foods as she wanted them! It was more than worth it in the end to have Via, though, of course.” Stolas’s hand drifted down from Blitzo’s shoulder to his stomach.

“It hasn’t gotten any bigger in like a week.”

“I know that, but it’s still wonderful,” Stolas said, a big dopey grin on his face with his eyes plastered on Blitzo’s middle. “You’re really carrying our child.”

“Yeah. That was the deal.” Blitzo wasn’t really sure why his skin had ants scurrying underneath it at the touch. Stolas casually undid the lower button on Blitzo’s suit, pushing the fabric aside to see the fabric of the turtleneck underneath. “Hey, no gropey.”

“I’m just making sure that the child is still alright, if you’re being such a reckless little imp,” Stolas hummed, his hand glowing red. Blitzo’s stomach glowed underneath it, and Stolas let out a soft sigh of relief. “Good, they’re still fine.”

“And me?” Blitzo raised an eyebrow, and Stolas’s hand moved up to rest on his chest, still pulsing a gentle, warm red.

“Of course I’m worried about you too, but you can take care of yourself.” He paused, tilting his head. “Or at least I thought you could, but you might need some help, hmmm? Perhaps I should contract one of your employees to keep an eye on you.”

“Moxxie’s already halfway up my ass on a daily basis, you don’t have to do that.”

“Calls twice a week, then,” Stolas countered. “I can’t have you breaking what’s mine, can I?”

“I’m not going to fuck this up.” Blitzo crossed his arms. “Five months. I’ve been through worse than this, I don’t need a fucking babysitter.”

Stolas sighed. “Perhaps not, but I have both of your safety in mind.” He turned to return to his seat when a new owl stuck her head into the room.

“Dad, when are we going to-” Her eyes widened before narrowing into pink slits. “What are you doing here?”

Blitzo just waved with a strained grin as Stolas swept over to Octavia and pulled her into the room.

“We have some exciting news!”

“You’re turning him into the butler or something so you don’t even have to call first?" Her fingers twitched towards fists, and Blitzo held his hands up in a placating gesture.

“Hey, now-”

Stolas waved his arm towards Blitzo, as if he was a prized attraction. “We’re going to be having a child!”

Her tone dropped like a rock. “You’re what?”

[gaamagirl565]

Matters of the heart ep 12

Matters of the heart Episode 12 A day to remember {OPENING CREDITS} {We open to old Corona orchard and people are setting up the orchard for the wedding} Isaiah: Okay good…. lanterns check…. wedding arch check... father being nervous and being teased by the king and mr. Lance…. double check…. {Draki slithers on his shoulder} Isaiah: Oh! Hi Draki! Check it out! {he holds up a clipboard} Isaiah: Grandpa gave me the job of going around and checking off things that are supposed to be on the list... Yep I'm quite the big shot around here… Akina: LOOK OUT! {Akina runs into him and knocks him over} Isaiah: owwwww... Akina: S-Sorry Isaiah! Isaiah: Akina? ...why are you...wearing heels? Akina:....I wanna look pretty...don’t tell mama… {Lily enters frame in a lovely green dress} Isaiah: Lily!...I...uhh...you...Your looking….uh...green!... Lily: what? Isaiah:....one moment… {Isaiah goes behind a tree and screams before coming back out} Isaiah: I’m good… Lily: ummm...okay...I came to get you to tell you apparently there's something going down. Zapada’s freaking out. Isaiah:  is she okay? Lily: donno… Isaiah:  well then this looks like a job for the master of wedding planning! {he holds up clipboard heroically} Lily: I hope you realize your grandfather gave you that job just so you would get out of the way… Isaiah: …. why you gotta do that to me? {Cut to Isaiah’s house and Rapunzel is doing Zapada’s hair} Rapunzel: Calm down Zapada...it’s going to be alright… Zapada: How can I calm it? The wedding is today! And the cake has not arrived, the flowers have not yet been acquired,  and Varian knows nothing of it....but I had mothers necklace cleaned and it is not yet ready! Adira: This is why earrings and I never got married… Zapada: But... you have child? Adira: and? {silence} Zapada: never mind… {Isaiah, akina, and lily walk in} Isaiah: what’s going on? Rapunzel: It's alright kids just a bit of pre-wedding jitters... Adira:....Small one are you wearing heels? Akina: eep! Zapada: Wait! My wedding does not start until sundown... Isaiah... could you find it possible to head to town and acquire a few items? Isaiah: I don't see why I can't! Zapada: Ah! Blessed boy! Mulțumesc! {she hands him a list} Zapada: Take the wagon and horse! Go! Isaiah: You can count on the master of wedding planning! Akina: mama? May I go? Adira:...I suppose...But stay out of trouble, small one! Lily: I’ll go too! Keep these two out of trouble! Rapunzel: Alright you all can go but back here before sundown! Isaiah: Yes, Your majesty! Lily: Yes mom! Rapunzel: go! Go! Quickly! {They all run out; Cut to the main road and the wagon zips past the camera with Isaiah at the drivers seat and Lily and Akina in the back hanging on for dear life} Lily: Isaiah! Have you ever driven before!? Isaiah: Nope! Dad never lets me drive! Woo-hoo! Akina: I can see why! {They go over a bump and gallop through the main gate to the town; People dodge out of the way} Lily: Isaiah! Slow down! We want to get there but we want to get there alive and without homicide charges! Isaiah: ugh...okay, alright relax you kill joys...we’re here anyway… {He slows the horse to a stop} Isaiah: Well that was fun! {He looks in the back to see Akina holding onto Lily with messy hair and Lly glaring at him; cut to the three standing in town; Isaiah tears the list into 3 pieces} Isaiah:  we’ll get done faster if we each have our own individual jobs...Akina you go get the cake... Lily...heh... you go get the flowers… Lily: Very funny… Isaiah:  I'll get the necklace from the Jewelers.. once we're finished let's meet back here. Ready? Break! {They all run in different directions; cut to Atilla’s bakery}

Atilla: one cupcake! Two cupcakes! Three cup- {The door jingles and Atilla looks but no one is there; he goes back to baking} Atilla: four cupcakes! Akina: Ahem! Excuse me! Atilla: huh? {he walks over to the counter and looks down and sees Akina} Atilla: ….awwww! Hi there! Want a cupcake? Akina: um...actually… Atilla: I just made a fresh batch of croissants! with chocolate frosting in the middle! Akina:...sir.. Atilla:  or perhaps you're more of a fruit person!  I made some apple fritters! Akina:  actually I'm here for a wedding cake that was supposed to be delivered today! Atilla: oh...sorry!  you seem a little young to be getting married... or maybe you're just one of those really short people I'm sorry! Akina: N-NO! Not me!!! For miss Zapada! Atilla: OHHH! right! I have it all baked but I still have to decorate it... I suddenly got a huge order of cupcakes for a child's birthday party. Akina:... you still need to decorate it?.... maybe I can help... I used to help Papa with all the baking when I was little... maybe I can help you? Atilla:.. depends... can you hold icing in your hand and not eat it… akina: I can try… Atilla: You're hired! {he puts a chef hat on her and she giggles; Cut to the jewelers Isaiah walks in and the jeweler turns around ready to help} Jeweler: AH!...it’s you!... Isaiah: hello to you too? Jeweler: You...You blew up the marketplace! I lost a month's worth of revenue from that! Isaiah: oh for God’s sa-that was months ago! Jeweler: yes...but...still...what can I help you with? Isaiah: I’m here to pick up a Necklace? Was brought here by Zapada? Jeweler: oh...that one...ugh...yes I have it...but it’ll be ten gold pieces.. Isaiah: *Chokes* TEN GOLD PIECES!? The sign says cleaning is 5! Jeweler: Call it payment for all the suffering you've caused me after that horrible incident… Isaiah: So you're racking up the price for an event that happened months ago which you surely gained the money back for!?   let's not forget I also suffered! do you not see my face!? Jeweler: I could always rack it up to 15… Isaiah: why you stingy little…. {He throws ten gold pieces on the counter} Isaiah: well?...take it or leave it! {The jeweler takes the money and hands over the polished necklace} Jeweler: pleasure doing business with you... Isaiah: Yeah Whatever… {He goes to walk out} Jeweler: Traitor’s son… {Isaiah flinches but walks out with his head high; cut to the flower shop and Lily is looking at the various flowers as the old florist makes the wedding bouquet} Old florist: Something wrong my princess? Lily:  just... I keep wondering if... I don't know... if I'm pretty enough to be considered a princess. Old florist:  it's a boy isn't it? Lily: huh!? Old florist: I've lived a long time dearie…. I know that look in your eyes as well as I know the flowers in this shop.  you're looking for someone to notice you. Lily:  well... there is one boy... I chose the prettiest dress I could for this wedding hoping maybe... just maybe... he would see me as more than just a princess…. Old florist: I see... and what happened? Lily:  he said I looked green…. {The old lady chuckles} Old florist:  men can be a funny thing.  sometimes when they see something so lovely they become tongue-tied and don't know what to say.  another time they don't notice at all.  let me tell you something my princess.  if there's one thing I've learned from all these years on this Earth it's that people don't pay attention to what you look like. if you truly want a person to respect you for who you are rather than what you are show them through action not appearances. Lily: how do I do that? Old florist:  just be yourself...Be Lily... don't be princess Lily… {The old florist walks over and fixes her hair with flowers in it} Lily:. i...I look lovely… {The old florist hands her the bouquet} Old florist: Remember you may be lovely on the outside but what really matters is what's on the inside.  without beauty within we are nothing. Now go shine yourself bright. {Lily hugs her} Lily: Thank you! {She runs out of the store; Isaiah runs up to the wagon} Isaiah: Where is everyone-WHOA! {Akina is behind him covered in frosting with Atilla next to her holding a beautiful white cake decorated with flowers and pink sugar crystals to look like quartz} Isaiah: holy mackerel… Atilla: she did a good job right? Isaiah: Akina YOU  did that!? Akina: y-yes? Isaiah: It’s amazing!! Akina: Really! I did my best! R-really I did! Lily: What’s going on? Isaiah: Aki-wow …. Lily: Isaiah? Akina: Lily you look soooo pretty! Isaiah: yeah...beautiful…… {Lily smiles and blushes} Isaiah: Bwag! Uhh! We need to get back! Got everything!? Akina: right-o captain! {Isaiah goes to hop in the drivers seat but Lily is already there} Isaiah: huh!? Lily: oh no you don’t! I’m driving now! Isaiah: mmmnnn fine!!! Lily: alright everyone in? Then off we go! Hyah! {She tells the horse to canter; they pass by a shop} Isaiah: Wait! {Lily stops the horse; Isaiah takes out a small round object and tosses it into the store; a boom is heard followed by a girlish scream} Jeweler: MY GEMS!!! {Lily glares at him} Isaiah: what?...Oh relax it was one of my dads Bath bombs! Keep going! {she canters the horse; cut to the orchard and Varian getting ready to stand by the arch} Quirin: how do you feel? Varian: nervous...but excited… Quirin: just like I was...you’ve done everything for your family and now it’s getting bigger...I proud of you son. Varian: Thanks dad… {Cut to Zapada outside the orchard} Zapada: where are they!? Rapunzel: Zapada: they’ll be here soon! But the wedding is starting very soon! Zapada: mmnn...alright….lets how you say...do this… {Lily has the horse at a gallop} Isaiah: and MY driving was bad? Lily: oh hush up! We’re going to be late! Akina: Lily We’re almost there slow down! We’re gonna-! {The wagon breaks a wheel on a rock sending everything in the back including Akina  flying} Isaiah: NOO! Lily: ...my bad. Zapada: here we go..sigh...hmm? {Suddenly she catches the bouquet and her necklace} Zapada: Oh!? {The cake lands upright on a table} Varian: ummmm Quirin:...did I just see what I think I saw or am I finally losing it with age? {Distant screaming slowly becomes louder} Lance: MY GIRL! {He catches Akina} Akina: Papa! Lance: why are you covered in frosting? {Isaiah runs up by his dad and Lily runs to her chair} Rapunzel: Well..everything seems to be...in order now...you ready? Zapada:...Da...yes..I am… {The wedding march starts and Zapada walks down the aisle in a white off the shoulder dress with long sleeves, a braid and a flower crown; Varians eyes widen upon seeing her and he feels tears well up} Eugene: he cried pay up… Lance: d’ohhh… {He hands him a few coins and Zapada gets to the arch; Varian kisses her} Isaiah: Dad!...PSST!...Dad! Not yet! Varian: oops!..hehe sorry.. Preacher: Ladies and gentlemen we gather here under the sight of God to join in union this man and this woman in holy matrimony. {As he speaks the camera pans to different people in the crowd looking happy, loving on their significant other, or smiling} Preacher: Varian do you promise to love and cherish this woman, honor her, and be there for her in sickness and in health till death do you part? Varian:...I do… Preacher: Zapada do you promise to love and cherish this man, honor him, and be there for him in sickness and in health till death do you part? Zapada: I do… Peacher: may we have the rings… {Eugene gives the rings} Preacher: repeat after me. With this ring I thee wed… Varian: Zapada... With this ring I thee wed. Zapada: Varian... With this ring I thee wed… Preacher: With the power vested in me...I now declare you Husband and wife...you may k-!? {Zapada jumps and kisses Varian; the crowd cheers and Isaiah smiles Isaiah runs up and hugs them; begin montage of the celebration} {flash one} Zapada: *puts cake on Varians nose* Varian: *laughs* {flash two} Zapada: *throws bouquet* Adira: *accidentally catches it* Lance: *high fives Eugene* {flash three} {everyone is slow dancing} Lily: so uh...Isaiah...you wanna...dance? Isaiah:...o-okay… {Isaiah leads her out to the dance floor and they dance awkwardly at first but ease into it} Isaiah: so umm..you really do look nice tonight lily...and uh..you look...um.. You got flowers...and...ummm {Lily rolls her eyes and gives him a peck on the lips} Lily: hehe shut up… Isaiah:....okay… {pan to Varian and Zapada} Varian: Everything you ever dreamed? Zapada: even more… {They kiss} {END CREDITS}

[madamsixx]

Beyond The Leather Chapter 17: To The Moon

January 13th, 1986

"Wow who gave you these?" Tamara asked walking into my room and noticing the roses in the vase.

Shit! I completely forgot about those. "I...uh...a secret admirer." I lied throwing the covers off of me.

"Well what's his name?" She picked the vase up.

"I said he was a secret admirer. The delivery man gave them to me." I got up out of bed hoping she would stop asking questions.

"That's so cute, you know when I was your age and modeling. A lot of men chased after me. I was the most hottest thing in the news." She chirped

"I believe you Tamara." I giggled.

The thing with Tamara was that she had a lot of guys come calling for her. But she never settled with any of them. She also dosen't have children and I often wonder if that's by choice?

"Soooo how did the Magazine shoots go. I'm sorry I got back late both times I was really busy." She leaned against my dresser crossing her arms.

"They were good, I really really like Rachel." I smiled.

"I'm glad you do cause shes also going to be doing London fashion week. So you'll have somone to talk too." She moved off of the counter and left my room.

"Hey." I called out to Tamara.

"Do I have any bookings or anything today?" I asked.

"No sweety your off today. But tomorrow we have a lot to do."

I brushed, showered, and threw on some clothes. I wanted to relax a bit and watch TV before me and Nikki went out. I heard the phone Ring.

"I got it!" I yelled running to the phone.

"Hello!"

"Mani?"

"Hey Nik! I whispered

"Why are you whispering?" He asked

"Because Tamaras here." I giggled

"Soooo are we still on for today?" He asked like he was unsure if I still wanted to go out with him.

"Yes we are." I whispered again.

He sighed in relief. "When can I get you?" His voice sounded like he was very excited.

"Um... I'll meet you somewhere. We can meet at our old cafe for 6, is that alright with you?"

"Sure is princess."

By this point I was smiling to myself like a school girl. God what has gotten into me. Before I know it I'll be drooling.

"Alright see you then." I laughed.

"Hey before you hang up, what are you wearing?" He laughed.

I hung the phone up right away. Nikki was still Nikki. He could be sweet sometimes but at the same time be a complete pig.

6:15 pm

"Why are you rushing to leave? Can't she pick you up here?" Tamara asked blocking the door way.

"No she can't I promised Her I would meet her Tammi. Now please I need to go!" I raised my voice.

"Do not raise your voice at me young lady. If you don't speak to your mom like that you sure as hell won't speak to me like that!" She shouted.

I looked over at the clock, Nikki for sure would start wondering where I was, or worse he would think that I wasn't going to show up. And whenever Nikki had those type of thoughts he would show up here at the Condo and start making noise. And I didn't need that at the moment right now especially when Tamara was here.

"I'm sorry I just haven't seen Lisa in a while." I spoke softly.

She sighed and moved away from the door. "I want you back here as soon as the movie is over!" She demanded.

"Ok." I hugged her and ran out the door.

I didn't even bother to take the elevator I ran down the stairs in my platforms and bust out the door leading to outside. I ran down the street like I was chasing someone who stole something from me. I finally made it to the cafe that me and Nikki used to meet up at. But he was no where in sight. I walked over to the cashier and decided to ask her if shes seen him.

"H...hi um by any chance have you seen a raven hair guy in here? He's a rock star?" I asked.

She looked me up and down and raised her brow. "What's a girl like you even doing looking for a rockstar don't you know there just trouble?" She popped her gum.

Well she's no help.

I looked up at the clock that read 6:24. Nikki probably left thinking that I stood him up when I didn't, I just got held up. I felt really bad like I let him down. I sat on the chair in the cafe with defeat written all over my face and stared out the window. I got up and turned to leave when I saw Nikki burst through the door panting and sweating.

"Princess I'm so fucking sorry I lost track of time." He said walking towards me. "Please don't leave or get mad. Just give me another chance I'm so fucking sorry." He pleaded grabbing my hands and kissing them.

Well....I guess we were both late. But I don't have to tell him that I was.

"It's ok Nik I'm just glad you showed up." I rubbed his cheek. He smiled and wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me slowly towards him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and our faces came close to each others. Our noses were inches apart and I could smell the alcohol on his breath as his lips moved closer to mine.

"Emem." The cashier cleared her throat making us break apart and look at her. "If you want to make out or fuck, do it outside of my cafe. Thank you." She pointed to the door. We looked back at each other giggling and he intertwined his hand in mine and we walked out of the cafe together.

"So what did you have in mind princess?" He asked helping me on his bike.

"Were going to the movies. When we get there I'll tell you what movie were going to see." I smirked.

He stood in front of his bike then bit his bottom lip. I felt his eyes trailing up my body from my legs to my torso and stop at my chest which was showing part of my breasts because of the tube dress I was wearing. He gave me a devilish grin then looked up at me.

"Nikki get on your bike and let's go." I demanded. He chuckled then walked around towards me. He leaned and kissed the top of my head.

"Fuck your beautiful." He said as he made his way down to my neck and peppered it with kisses. I closed my eyes and breathed out wanting to feel more of him. His kisses were sweet and I was craving his lips on mine. He then planted one last kiss on my cheek. I started blushing and smiling. "Nikki let's go." I whispered. He got on his bike and I did the same thing as last time. I wrapped my arms around his waist, shuffled close to him, and rested my head on his back. He sped off like lightening with my dress and hair blowing in the wind. If I knew he was going to bring his bike, I would have worn pants or shorts.

We arrived at the movie theater and lined up to get our tickets. I looked around and noticed that a bunch of people gave us curious looks. Nikki noticed it too but payed no mind to it. I think they were surprised by the mis matched pair that we were. He was a crazy looking rock star in all leather and I was a model wearing a Valentino Garavani dress and heels. But that wasn't the only thing, girls were smitten with Nikki and scowling at me. I started to feel weird with all the looks and slowly put my head down and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Dont do that." Nikki lifted my chin with his index finger. "Learn how to tune people out and stop caring about what other people fucking think." He stated. I nodded my head and he put his arm around my shoulder. We walked up to the cashier and she looked at us wide eyed.

"Oh my God Nikki fucking Sixx, I'm a huge fan. Can I get your autograph!" She squealed.

"Sure you can." He smiled.

She pulled out a pen and paper and he took it and wrote his signature on it.

"So doll what movie did you want to see?" I smiled shyly.

"The Karate Kid." I giggled.

Nikki's smile turned into a frown. He rolled his eyes and looked back at the cashier. "Two tickets for the Karate Kid please." He said with a groan. She wasn't even paying attention, she was so far gone day dreaming about Nikki.

"Two tickets for the Karate Kid please!" I raised my voice.

"You don't need to raise your voice at me." She scoffed. She collected the money and gently handed Nikki his ticket and threw mine on the table.

She's lucky I didn't slap her.

"You hungry?" He asked putting his arm around my neck.

"Yes starving." I looked at him.

"What do you want?" He moved his arm away from my neck and brought out his wallet again.

We reached the cashier and I began ordering. "Um I'll have a poutine please with a medium orange pop." I said to the cashier. She looked at me with a scowl and rolled her eyes.

"Hi Nikki I'm a huge fan what could I get for you?" She smiled with all teeth showing.

This girl was actually ignoring me.

"Thanks, I'll have medium fries with a medium coke please." He smiled back.

"Ok that's going to be $5.88 please." She said in a seductive voice."

"That's pretty cheap are you sure you got both orders?" He asked raising a brow.

"Oh forgot hers, what was it again you wanted? A salad?" She gave me a devilish grin.

This bitch.

I leaned over the counter and smiled. "I want you to wipe that grin off your face or I'll take my size 10 heel off, and shove it up your ass." I leaned back. "Now I'll have a poutine with a medium orange pop!" I demanded.

Nikki looked at me with wide eyes and a smile . "Fuck your hot!" He spanked my ass.

"Nikki!" I gasped.

We collected our food and headed into the theater. I was so excited to watch the karate kid. I loved Ralph Macchio. He was so hot and sexy. If I ever met him I would just die I know it. The movie started and my eyes stayed glued to the screen. Nikki on the other hand was bored out of his mind, he would huff and puff one minute, then kick his foot up on the seat in front of him the next.

"This movie fucking sucks!" Nikki shouted.

"Shh!" Somone responded back.

"Nikki shh." I slapped his leg.

"Why do girls like him? What the fuck does he have that I dont?" Nikki snarled.

"Well for one he's classy, he's not a hot head, he's handsome, he's intelligent, and he's the type of man you can bring home to your parents." I responded quietly.

Also he dosen't snort coke, he doesn't get drunk, and he certainly is not a womanizing rock star. But those are just my thoughts. I would never say that directly to Nikki.

Nikki shot me a dirty look and I quickly turned away from him. He crossed his arms and huffed like a toddler that was on time out. I sat back and crossed my legs and started smiling at the scene when Ralph takes his wet shirt off. My lips parted alittle when I see him in his black tank top. God can men really look like this. My chest started moving up and down when he squeezes his wet shirt.

"I wanna leave, now!" Nikki demanded.

"W...why the movie isn't done yet." I furrowed my brows.

"Do you see your self. Your practically having a fucking orgasm watching him with his wet shirt. I wanna fucking go now!" He raised his voice.

"Hey can you be quiet please!" A woman shouted.

"Fuck you bitch!" Nikki shouted back.

"Hey don't speak to my wife like that!" A male voice shouted.

"Your wife's a cunt!" Nikki yelled.

"Oh my God Nikki let's go!" I grabbed him by his jacket and started pulling him towards the door. We exited the movie and I walked fast away from him. I crossed my arms over my chest and walked down the side walk.

"Mani the bike is that way!" Nikki shouted trying to catch up to me.

"I'm not getting your bike Nikki." I stated.

"Why cause I wouldn't let you finish your sex fantasy with Karate boy?" He yelled.

"Because your acting like a child!" I snapped and turned around to face him. "Its a movie Nikki your getting angry over a movie! And on top of that, you said I could choose what I wanted to do! And I wanted to watch the Karate Kid!"

Nikki sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I'm....I'm sorry I just got jealous." He whispered.

I sighed and crossed my arms. "Can you just take me home?" I asked.

The look in Nikki eyes broke my heart when I asked him to take me home. He looked like he was going to burst out into tears any second. But I honestly didn't want to be around him. Our friendship or what ever this was, was a rollercoaster. One minute we would be up and good then next be down and fighting. It was stressful. And I didn't want stress like this.

He nodded and we walked to his bike not uttering a word to each other. He sat on his bike and I sat behind him.

"Can you...can you please give me another chance? I'm not ready to take you home yet." He looked down at his hands picking his nails.

I rolled my eyes and scratched my neck. I honestly just wanted to go home. Today has just been the worst and I was tired of him.

"Mani!"

"What?" I responded.

"Tell me where you want to go and I'll take you there. But I can't take you home, not yet." He said with a low voice.

I thought about were I wanted to go. I didn't really know any where that I wanted to be right now other than home. And than I thought came to my head.

"I have a place that I want you to take me. If you can't take me there than I'm going home Nikki!" I stated.

"I'll try my best to-"

"No...no trying." I interrupted him. "You either take me there or I go home!"

He breathed out like he was nervous. "Ok... where do you want to go?" Nikki asked.

I leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "To the moon." Then I leaned back.

He turned around to look at me with an expression I couldn't read. His face was blank and I knew he knew that this was a challenge.

"I'll take you there." He turned around without smiling, laughing, smirking, or even grinning. This was a big deal to him and I knew that he wanted to fulfill what I asked. How he would fulfill it, I dont know, but this was going to be a lot of fun. He started his engine and took off. He sped fast passing cars and even running through red lights.

We turned into a neighborhood that I have never seen before. We stopped in front of a small complex/apartment. I looked up and read the sign it said Sunset Strip at 1124 N. Clark St. West. Where the hell are we? He grabbed my hand and pulled me into the complex.

"Hey Nik where are we?" I asked.

"I'll explain later just come." He pulled me along. He stopped in front of a door and knocked on it. The person opened up and her eyes went wide.

"Nikki Sixx how are you?" She squealed. She was an older lady probably in her 50s and she seemed to know him really well.

"I'm fine, I was wondering if I could use the old Motley balcony again. I have a task that I need to fulfill." He said with a serious voice.

"Of course you can. Hi honey how are? I'm Bonnie nice to meet you." She stuck her hand out for me to shake.

"Its nice to meet you too I'm Iman Darlington." I shook back.

"Nikki your girlfriend is beautiful." She cooed.

"Yup she is." Nikki grinned at me.

He then pulled my hand and brought me to the balcony. We ducked underneath the window to get outside. When I looked up I saw the moon shining bright in front me. It looked like I could touch it with the palm of my hands.

"So!" He leaned against the railing looking at me with a smirk. "How'd I do?"

I looked at him and smiled. "Your something else Mr. Sixx." I turned back around to look at the moon.

Nikki moved behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his chin on my shoulder.

Fly to the moon We'll take my rocketship, It's outta sight, Oh so outta sight. Leave your head, Check into this time, Check your mind, Let your sparkle shine. Pass the sun, Say goodbye to everyone-

"What are you singing?" I giggled.

"Well I took you to the moon so now I have to sing to you." He whispered in my ear. "From the moon, To the stars, To the sun, Baby I'm in..."

He all of a sudden stopped singing. I felt his fingers go underneath my chin and turn my face for me to look at him. I looked up at his hazel eyes that had darkened. He moved in close to my face with his lips parting. His lips grazed mine and he moved his fingers from underneath my chin to the back of my neck and pulled my head towards him. Was this actually happening? Was this my first kiss? He closed the gap between us and kissed my lips. It was beautiful, sweet, and was soft. My heart was pounding I thought it would burst out of my chest. It felt right like we were suppose to be here at this very moment. We parted from each other and looked into each other eyes. He brushed my cheek with his thumb and did that annoying smirk that will get him into trouble one day. I smiled then turned back around to look at the moon. Nikki held tightly on to my waist then kissed my cheek and rested his chin back on my shoulder.

[golddaggers]

La Vie En Rose // Dylan O’Brien

(NOT MY GIF)

A/N: Okay. So no one asked for the Sunday thing. It’s fine. But I had started writing this piece a while ago and just finished, soooo... no harm in sharing it, right? Well. I hope you like it! :D

Warnings: well...... it was supposed to be just fluff. but it sorta became a smut. nothing “wooow, what if people catch me reading this?”, but still a smut so. cursing. masturbation. sex. dylan o’brien. the usual. 

Word count: 1,8k+ 

It was a little past four p.m. when I decided I would cook dinner tonight. Normally Dylan and I would just go to a restaurant or order due to our busy schedules. However, since I had a free day, I decided to treat my beloved boyfriend with a homemade meal. He simply adored those little surprises. So did I, in that matter. 

Giggling, I focused on slicing the tomatoes. Within my family, there was a secret recipe for the perfect tomato sauce that I had never remembered to cook until today, so it would be the first time Dylan would taste it.

Well, the reason I chose this was entwined with our first date. The hot and humid night was still fresh in my memories, as if it had been yesterday. He took me to a private place, which, may I add, was booked only for us. I was so mesmerized I remember my legs going weak. I had gone to extravagant dates before, but this was a whole other deal. Okay, I definitely went off course here.

The chef was Italian, so I was tempted to go for pizza, but Dylan proposed we tried one of the pastas, his favourite choice. I mean, no one would ever hear me denying pasta. Either way, I was glad I didn't. It was the most delicious thing I had ever put in my mouth. I could only hope I was able to reproduce that dish.

“This house is so quiet…” Dropping the knife, I searched for my phone in hopes to put on some music. I was stuck mumbling the lyrics of “La Vie En Rose” all day long. “Oh you cheesy weirdo.”

There were a few texts coming from Dylan. They were brief, just saying that he couldn’t wait for the shooting to be over so he could finally see me. And also that he was missing me as hell. I mean - I knew I was a pretty decent person, no need to be humble, but… I didn’t know what I had done to deserve such a caring man.

With a shit-eating grin, I replied, noticing the texts had come about an hour ago, indicating that Dyl was probably on his way home. The butterflies on my stomach began bothering me upon thinking about his warm embrace and husky voice. I wondered if one day I would not feel like a thirteen year old around him. Something inside me told that I probably wouldn’t. I didn’t care.

“Hold me close and hold me fast…” I began singing, swiftly becoming oblivious to my surroundings, fixating myself on the sauce instead.

The kitchen smelt amazing, my mouth was watering to eat that. I swivelled a wooden spoon one last time and went to reach another pan to boil the pasta. The studio Dylan was working at was a bit far from the house we lived in, so I was taking my time. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind waiting a bit anyway.  

I leant down to pick up the Penne package I had bought. The song had shuffled to another version. Now it was a woman singing instead of Louis Armstrong. It was even more beautiful, I dare to say.

While adding the Penne to the boiling water, I went on mumbling the lyrics, closing my eyes for an instant. That was when I felt a set of arms wrapping around my waist, lips attaching to my neck.

“When you press me to your heart, I'm in a world apart…”

“Hey, darling.” His deep voice muttered against my skin. “I love coming home to you singing.”

“I should do it more often, then.” I grinned, lowering the fire so I could spin to face him. Dylan looked a tad tired, hence my hands urged to cup his face, my features probably showing a concerned gleam. “Is everything okay?”

“Now it is.” He simply said. “Can we just relax?”

“Of course we can…” In a quick movement, Dyl placed me on the counter, getting between my legs and urgently kissing my collarbones. I gasped, landing my hands on his broad shoulders. “Can we talk first? Please?”

“Babe, I just want to make love to you. No talking, please. Work was hell today. I promise I will tell you everything after.”

The tips of his hands got dangerously close to my core, so I threw my head back, gnawing my bottom lip. Oh shoot. There was no arguing when he dealt things like that.

“Dinner is going to burn.”

He chuckled, blindly turning off the oven, returning his full attention to my body. In a matter of seconds, Dyl undid all my dress’ buttons, which left me in nothing but a pair of black panties. I glared at him in expectation.

“A quickie? Right here?”

“Our neighbours might see it, hun’.”

“I don't care.” I felt his hot tongue wrapped around my nipple, hands grasping my waistline with some force. I, without a double, would get some purple bruises later. Not that I minded though. “Jesus, you are so fucking hot.”

“Oh fuck.”

My panties were torn with anger, causing me to squeal in astonishment. Dylan merely smirked, rubbing my clit a bit. That man just knew what he had to do to make me feel all bothered and flushed. However, after a minute or two, he stopped. I grunted, clearly frustrated. I wanted - no, no. I needed more.

“Oh babe, no need for that. I'm gonna’ take care of you just right.”

“Damn it. I love when you talk like that.”

I watched anxiously as he loosened his belt, dropping the pants and underwear down just enough for his dick to bounce free. A smug grin enlightened my face, which made him roll his eyes.

“What? You don't need to do much to make me hard.”

“I can see that.”

Dylan pried open my legs, stroking himself a couple of times before finally entering me in a quick push. I moaned out loud, grasping the cold edges of the counter. Shit, that was good.

Squeezing my butt cheeks, my boyfriend sought my lips, a sensual kiss following it. Our tongues rolled together as his hips slammed against mine. With my eyes still closed, I bit his bottom lip, slowly releasing it, his taste flooding my mouth. In the meanwhile, his long, skinny fingers went down, gently circling the throbbing nub between my legs.

I was not able to hold back the long, loud moan that followed. Dyl smiled against, my neck, his pink mouth sinfully attacking my neck, biting, sucking, whatever it could do to tease me further. Damn. My nails scratched his back, pulling him towards me even further. The sudden movement made him lose balance, bringing a wave of laughter to the steamy session.

“Careful, hun’, I don’t want you hurting yourself.”

“Oh. Are you going to pretend this is not your fault?”

Another laugh slipped whilst my gorgeous boyfriend rolled his eyes, gripping at the base of my thighs, picking up where he had left off. I bit my lip, my arms wrapped around his neck. The way his breath felt… Urgh. Every single hair I had in my body was up. Shivers, chills. I had them all. His tongue, then, toyed with one of my nipples, swirling playfully. I grunted, leaning in to have my way with him too. Taste the flavour of his skin, feel him reacting to my caresses.

Everything seemed to be hot and wet. I knew I wouldn’t last much longer and, by the looks of it, neither would Dylan. I knit my legs around his hips, clenching around him. He smirked, squeezing the flesh of my waistline, his irregular breathing stirring me on even further. Until one tired, husky moan fell off his lips as he came. Falling apart inside me. 

“Not yet?” He quizzed, still shaking from pleasure.

“Not yet.”

After a quick nod, Dylan moved a little more, the tips of fingers finally getting me to arch back, feeling a numbing, pleasurable sensation hit me. We both stood there for a moment. High on each other. His face was nested between my breasts, my fingers were carelessly untangling his hair, our breathing fighting to get even. And that peaceful moment would’ve lasted longer if it wasn’t for an annoying knock on the door.

“Fuck.”

“Go answer while I fix myself?”

Dyl nodded, finally pulling away from me. I felt unexpectedly cold without him within my arms. I slided down the counter, picking up my dress to carelessly put it back on again, leaving the two first buttons undone. Once I got to the living room, I was surprised with Mr. Frisier at the door, his face glistening red. 

Oh. They were fighting. I sped to stand beside Dylan, the two men suddenly quiet due to my arrival. His hand quickly found its way to my hip, pulling us closer. I could tell Frisier bubbled in anger.

“May I know what is happening here?”

“We have children, you know.”

“I know…?” I was puzzled. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“If you're screwing in the kitchen, you should at least close the freaking curtains.”

“Oh.” My cheeks grew warmer. “I'm sorry-”

“No, babe. Listen to me, you are not coming to my home, telling me what I should or shouldn't do inside it.”

“Dylan-”

“Babe. Let me handle it.”

Huffing, I rolled my eyes. Dylan was so stubborn sometimes.

“Mr. Frisier, I am sorry. We'll be careful next time. Now, if you excuse us, good night.”

“Wait-”

The door was slammed shut before he could finish. My boyfriend looked annoyed, his arms crossed against his chest whilst glaring at me. I chuckled. He was so cute when he was angry, that cute pink lip pouting.

Without saying anything, I walked back to the kitchen, finding my meal half done on the oven. I was quick to set everything back on so I could finish it. Dylan came to the room with an intrigued look on his face.

“Sweetheart-”

“I told you they'd see it.”

He laughed, hugging me from behind, his breath fanning the back of my neck. I chewed my bottom lip, trying to focus on the almost done pasta. The sauce boiling.

“Stop… I'm trying to cook.” Dyl smirked against my skin. “Don't you think once is enough?”

“With you? There's no such thing as enough.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Uh-uh.” The room went silent for a second. “I love you.”

My face gleamed with the happiest smile. It was barely a whisper, nonetheless, it pierced my soul. I could never get tired of hearing him say he loved me. And also a little bit relieved for I loved that man more than he could even imagine.

“I love you too.”

Dylan certainly made my life pink.

[dreadhaus-literature]

{Collection} A Haunted Haus : Day Two & Three

That is a mask...right?

Day Three, Start.

The past 48 hours haven’t exactly been “business as usual” for the Stone Spider Family.

Atamu hadn’t figured life would be all sunshine and roses every day since the Merger almost three years ago, but the Patriarch hadn’t ever anticipated anything quite like this. His displeasure in the recent, strange goings-on under his roof was clear on his dark, weathered face as he sat with his massive arms folded across his broad barrel of a chest. His long dreads were secured back in a thick braid that reached his waist, an impressive feat for a man over eight feet tall--it was a task he’d asked His little to perform, something Monica was quite skilled at by this point and had done so without hesitation. Atamu wanted his hair out of his face so he wouldn’t have to think about it or push at the long, thick twists of soft hair as the day’s events continued on around him. And while he normally reveled in the time Monica spent playing in his dreads, enjoying the way her small fingers felt beneath the lovingly secured strands, today it had been more for business than pleasure. There were events going on at the Haus that required the old Chieftain’s full attention and he didn’t want to miss a single detail.

Helen’s office was currently holding several select, key members of the immediate Family--the Reaver herself was behind her desk, with Thomas standing in front of it. Atamu was seated in a high-backed chair facing the desk, with Monica safely in his lap--she wasn’t allowed down, much less out of the Patriarch’s sight.

Not after what had happened yesterday.

And while normally Monica might chafe under strict restraints on being told what to do...after what happened she wasn’t too keen on being out of Atamu’s embrace at all, much less where he couldn’t see her.

Luvon Dreadful was the newest addition to the room, the Alpha standing beside his Father and lifemate. The werewolf had his arms folded much like his Father, his large, heavily muscled body blocking Monica from the door and providing a second wall of protection for the young vampire. If Atamu hadn’t been overprotective enough to keep Monica at his side, Luvon would have done it. The overprotective Alpha did not play around when it came to Monica’s safety and well-being and anyone who looked at him now would only notice his tightly locked square jaw and the way his orange eyes glowed almost ferally. There was a dormant volcano of rage smoldering dangerously close to Luvon’s surface. All he needed was a target to unleash it on--but that was part of the problem. No one was quite sure what happened yesterday, and that was the cause of the current meeting.

“Would you like some tea, sweetheart?” Thomas straightened up from leaning against Helen’s desk, his gentlemanly smile aimed at Monica. “I would be happy to make you some, or perhaps a snack?”

“You need to be here for the recording, Thomas, you cannot be off making her tea. That’s why we have staff,” Helen’s sharp tone was back in full force, sounding like a whip of censure, though Thomas was used to her by now and didn’t react as if scolded. His smile didn’t even falter.

“I’d happily do it if she’d like me to.”

Helen didn’t doubt that for a split second.

“That’s okay, Thom.” Monica offered the Detective a small but genuine smile, showing she meant the gratitude.

“How about a blanket?”

Monica shook her head, leaning a little closer to Atamu, who reacted immediately by tightening his arm around her. “Poppy’s really warm!”

“Oh, of course he is,” Thomas’s smile deepened, before he tried again. “Perhaps a stuffed animal?”

“Thomas for god’s sake would you stop fussing over her? She’s fine.” Helen gave the man a look of heavy disapproval, and this time he had to sense to clear his throat and fold his hands against his trim middle, his earth-toned vest-coat a perfect compliment to the paleness of his skin and hair.

“Right, of course, so sorry.” His apology sounded even more sincere in his British accent. “I’m afraid I’m a little...out of sorts.”

“Why?” Luvon bit out gruffly. “Nothing happened to you.”

Monica looked up at Luvon in surprise at the line that might have been misinterpreted as hostility, but Thomas either was so used to Helen’s way of speaking he didn’t rise to the challenge...or he was simply too non-confrontational and understood Luvon was reacting as a lifemate should. Thomas simply answered honestly, as he was one of the more emotional members of the Family and was unafraid to show it.. His chin lifted, with the truth lightening his blue eyes and his accented tenor.

“Something could have happened to Monica. I’m as upset as you are about that.”

Luvon didn’t speak, unsurprisingly, but his defensive posture relaxed. It was an acceptable answer by the Alpha’s standards.

Monica reached up for Luvon’s hand and he met her halfway, lacing his fingers through hers with a grip like iron. In a movement that brought both of her men together, she turned her smile back to Thomas, one that he readily returned, pleased that she seemed to understand how deeply he cared for her. Feeling emboldened by her smile, Thomas moved to press a kiss to her forehead, and a little of the tension seeped out of the office.

“Are we all ready to review the recording?” Helen glanced first at Monica, then Atamu, then lastly at Luvon as Thomas returned to leaning against her desk.

It wasn’t an easy question to answer; Monica didn’t necessarily want to relive yesterday’s experience, Atamu didn’t want to put her through it again, and Luvon was still grappling with a lifemate’s raging need to protect his mate and being unable to do so. But all three knew there would be no moving forward without reviewing what happened, and when Luvon squeezed her hand reassuringly and Atamu’s lips found her temple, Monica felt strong enough to nod from her safe place between them.

“Yes! Let’s do it,” Monica nodded, and was rewarded by one of Helen’s rare, proud smiles. Monica seemed to be the only one to ever receive them, though that wouldn’t surprise a single member of the Haus to learn.

“Rollback the recording, JARVIS.”

Day Two, Recording Start

It was a fair assumption on Wade Wilson’s part (for once in his insane life) that Usopp had never been to a Halloween store, before. And that was why it was his duty, as Usopp’s newest bestest friend in the whole wide world, to take the sniper captain shopping for more costumes than there are days in a calendar year!

It was also a fair assumption that Wade Wilson often lost the rights to his Family credit card for doing things like buying 500+ Halloween costumes.

“Is this...how we’re supposed to celebrate?” Usopp asked, watching Staff member after Staff member bring in armfuls of shopping bags. The Staff had tried to arrange the bags in some semblance of order but Wade had quickly upended the entire system, because as soon as a servant set a bag down he was rifling through it like a kid on his birthday, flinging costumes over his shoulder with wild abandon. “All these costumes?”

“One for every day of the year!” Wade cheered incorrectly, arms lifted over his head.

Usopp was left staring and wondering how Wade had managed to pull a long blond wig on over his masked face in the split second it took him to straighten up.

The recreation room of the Haus (one of many, actually) was quickly covered in fabrics and masks, novelty weapons and other assortment of accessories for the many, many costumes that lay strewn about. It was no coincidence that the majority of the costumes were couples’ costumes, or “Bestie Suits” as Wade kept referring to them to Usopp in the store. There was no denying the Merc with the ever-running Mouth was thrilled to have a friendship with Usopp and true to his clingy nature, wanted to do everything with his new friend. In his twisted, often incorrect mind, somehow he was going to figure out a way to do a couple’s costume with Monica, Usopp, Peter Parker, Dick Grayson, Nathan Summers, Logan Howlett, Bruce Wayne, Bruce Banner (just to piss Hulk off) and Oliver Queen (to piss off Clint Barton because the hawk-eyed assassin ate his leftovers). He didn’t know how he was going to do this, just that he was, and like everything in Wade’s life, somehow this would work out.

Or it wouldn’t.

He didn’t know.

“Soooo...” Usopp watched with his hands on his waist as Wade upended another bag onto the floor. “How do we decide what to dress up as?”

“Well~” Wade’s strangely pitched voice was all aflutter with excitement. “Tomorrow is one of the costume parties being held this month and I’m pretty sure there’s no contest because we’re all supposed to love one another and just have fun, but if I insult enough people’s costumes by saying ours is better then we can get one started and win!”

Usopp didn’t think that sounded right but was quickly learning arguing with Wade was a dangerous game--because you either got sucked into an argument that lasted six hours because Wade liked to talk, or he’d kiss you to shut you up. Usopp was still deciding which of those was the lesser of two evils.

“So we just need to dress up as something really fuckin’ kick-ass so we can win!”

Usopp’s brow pulled together in the center. “...Win the contest that isn’t happening?”

“Oh it’s happening, good buddy.” Wade straightened up, holding up an incredibly stereotypical pirate captain costume, complete with a hat emblazened with a cheap skull and bones across the front. “Would Luffy be mad at me if you were captain for a day?”

“At you?” Usopp asked, confusion clear on his tanned face. He was still learning everything circled back to Wade eventually...even if it shouldn’t.

“Yeah! I mean, he can be mad at you but I’m a sensitive boy. I have all these emotions. Feelings. Mostly in my junk but that’s where they come from.”

Usopp’s face was blank and Wade didn’t even miss a beat.

“See because my thought is, if you’re the pirate captain, then I can be the parrot...sitting on your shoulder for the whole night. And I can just say really raunchy things and no one can be mad at us because I’m just a bird, the fuck do I know?”

That cracked Usopp’s resolve, imagining Wade in a giant bird suit. He was tempted to say yes just for that.

“Oooo!” Wade’s squeal indicated his wandering eye had caught something else and he tossed the first costume to the side, picking up two costumes to hold up side by side, peering around them to grin at Usopp. “How about Peanut Butter and Jelly!”

Given the years he’s now lived at the Haus, Usopp recognized the food items and the oversized jar costumes Wade was holding up were definitely...something. The hands were connected, sewn together actually, so whoever was wearing the costume would have to hold hands the entire night.

“That’s...uh, if you want!” Usopp was too kind to shoot Wade down, which was partially why they’d been gone the entire afternoon and also why they’d run up a bill with more zeros than Usopp wanted to remember. It more resembled a bounty than a price to be paid.

Wade dropped the costumes before making a heart with his hands and sending it in Usopp’s direction. “This is why you’re one of my besties. You just get it, Usopp.”

“Get what?”

“Everything.” Wade stated, dramatic and somewhat breathlessly. “You get everything.”

If Usopp thought shopping with Wade was an ordeal, that turned out to be only half-truth--now that they were home, they had the monumental task of sorting through the haul to find what they wanted to wear.

“Gorilla and his really big banana?”

A pause before Usopp ventured, “that sounds kinda...lewd.”

“Oh! So Franky would do it.”

Usopp didn’t know if Wade wanted Franky to be the gorilla or the banana and he wasn’t going to ask.

“Okay so we’re not getting anywhere and since you won’t let me take your pants off--”

“You never told me why you needed to take my pants off?!”

“I need a reason to take your pants off?” Wade asked, blinking beneath his lifted mask. Usopp could easily read the confusion in the scarred half of Wade’s face he could clearly see.

“I’m starting to see why Nami hits Brook so much.”

“I thought Nami was going to hit me once but it turned out Sanji kicked me in my face before she could, which was just as good.” Wade quipped, but his attention was on one of his many pouches on his belt that he was rifling through.

“Why did Sanji kick you?”

“I think it’s because I was saying something about Monica sitting on my face--”

“HAHA WOW, YES, MHM, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN YOUR SUIT?!”

Wade paused in his search, slowly looking up at Usopp’s panicked expression. His visible grin was nothing short of wicked.

“Does Monica sit on your face, Usopp? I bet that nose is her favorite part--”

Shutting Wade Wilson up was a monumentally difficult feat to accomplish, something Usopp had learned recently, but had been told that food helps. Wade’ll still talk with his mouth full, but it might help distract him from his train of though--so Usopp started carrying around an extra stash of candy in his own pouches and pockets, aside from the stash Monica kept on him. Acting quickly, face red with the ideas Wade was putting in his head, Usopp plucked up a piece of candy and expertly tossed it into the Merc’s running mouth.

“S-So what are y-you looking for?” Usopp took control of the conversation in the split second Wade closed his mouth around the candy, nearly exhaling with relief when Wade’s multi-tracked mind switched lanes.

“My phone, I wanna text Monica.”

Trying to ignore the way his heart skipped at the mention of her name, especially so soon after the recent topic of conversation, Usopp cleared his throat.

“Why?”

“Oh, well she’s the smartest person I know--I mean Tony Stark likes to say he is, and he’s not the only one who says it either, but even he doesn’t argue when I say it’s Monica, so I think that’s the consensus.” Wade switched pouches for the fourth time. “Fucking thing’s gotta be here somewhere...anyway I wanna text Monica and have her come help us pick a costume!”

Usopp couldn’t argue with that, Monica was the smartest person he knew, too--well, she was a lot of things. Smartest, funniest, prettiest...even now, he was smiling wide enough to show teeth at the thought of Monica coming by, even if there wasn’t a reason for it. For as long as he’s known her (and he was very proud of the years!) he’s been head over heels in love with her and to feel it only grow as time passed wasn’t something he’d been prepared for. So much of his young life had been about action and adventure, a lot of the emotional journeys he’d taken had somewhat been overshadowed--but Monica brought them to the surface. He’s loved and lost--not always necessarily people, either--and that taught him that holding onto love so you don’t lose it is very, very important. Usopp was considered a lot of things by a lot of people, but the only opinion that really mattered to him was Monica’s. Yes, his captain and crew, but it was different when Monica talked to him, about him, told him things that no one else ever had before. Love becomes as necessary to one as air when they’ve had it for a while and now Usopp couldn’t imagine loving anyone more. It was a sentiment echoed by his entire crew and she became the central, uniting force behind the Straw Hats. Nothing and no one else would ever be more beloved or important to them.

Wade could definitely relate to his new bestie’s feelings; Monica was the love of his life and had been since the first moment he saw her. He’d fallen and fallen hard, not even bothering to get back up. He didn’t want to. She was smart, beautiful, funny as hell, sexy enough to make his suit uncomfortable 24-fucking-7, witty enough to put anyone to shame--she was a knock-out in every sense of the word. The Merc knew he wasn’t anything to look at and he knew Monica liked pretty things, pretty people; he didn’t know how he’d managed to slip under her radar but now that he was here, he wasn’t going to leave. Much like the fact that he couldn’t die, Wade couldn’t live with Monica. Plain and simple, end of story. That fierce love and his tendency to hyper-fixate made for one needy combination that Monica had to deal with--the fact that he was in near constant contact with her was one result but she was always so sweet to respond to his many, many text messages, to send him pictures when he asks for them, and to even pick up when he calls needing to hear her voice. Wade wasn’t dumb or oblivious enough to think he deserved her, he knew he didn’t but had decided, fuck the universe. He’d been dealt a real shit sandwich for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for years and years, so now that he had something good, someone who loved him and took care of him, why shouldn’t he get to have her?

Monica was never really ready for the love every member of the Haus had for her, but that didn’t stop her from being bombarded with it at any given hour of the day. The matching, exuberant expressions on Wade and Usopp’s faces should have scared her--just how much time had they been spending together?--but she could hardly find one single thing to focus on amidst the insanity she’d walked into. From what she could tell, Wade and Usopp had bought an entire costume outlet and then thrown every single costume onto the floor and were now standing in the aftermath, waiting for her.

“Monica~ Sweet angel girl. You came for us!”

Monica laughed at Wade’s loving coo, missing the way Usopp’s smile widened at the sound. “You make it sound like you got kidnapped. What is all this?”

“Costumes! Usopp and I went shopping.”

“Yeah you definitely went shopping,” Monica’s eyes lingered on a giant grape costume whose grapes were at least the size of human heads. “Are these for the whole Haus?”

“Noooo, the whole Haus can suck it.” Wade slung one heavily muscled arm around Usopp’s shoulders. “These are just for Usopp and me. But don’t worry!” Wade held out his other arm, giving his eyebrows an enticing wiggle in the hopes Monica would move beneath the hollow of his shoulder. “I bought you and me a whole room to go through later~”

“...A whole...room?” Monica couldn’t resist the offer for affection, slowly side-stepping costumes as best she could to move into Wade’s embrace.

“Yep! They’re mostly lingerie, mostly for you but I did buy myself a few things I thought you might like to see me in. My juicily scarred ass looks pretty good in lace, I’ve been told...by myself.”

Monica immediately turned to Usopp, avoiding that topic of conversation. “S-So, you and Wade are going to dress-up together?”

Usopp’s smile was boyish and loving as he nodded down at her. “We need your help, though! We don’t know which ones to wear for the party tomorrow.”

Wade was nuzzling into Monica’s hair, sniffing with keening little noises. “And since you’re so smart...and pretty...and smell like fucking heaven...”

Usopp gave Wade a look when Wade didn’t even bother finishing his sentence, far too wrapped up in being affectionate with Monica, who was grateful for her inability to blush at this particular moment.

“...We thought you’d be perfect to help.” Usopp finished for Wade, his smile returning full-force when Monica met his gaze.

“I’d love to help!” Monica nodded, smiling just because Usopp was. He looked so happy!

And so, the hunt for the perfect bestie costume began, re-energized by Monica’s presence. The trio sifted through the insane costume pile side by side by side; neither man moved too far away from her, wanting to be near and enjoy her presence. Wade’s openly affectionate ways were rubbing off on Usopp, who, on more than one occasion, was brave enough to give Monica’s hand a squeeze or even lean down to kiss her cheek or forehead, when he was so overcome with happiness at her participating that he couldn’t help himself! It felt good, doing this with her; it was good for both of them, Wade now so relaxed his mask was entirely off his face and Usopp feeling confident enough to express himself to the woman he loved.

The banter between the three was natural and flowed as if they’d always been, just like this.

“AAAA?!” Usopp reeled back with a surprised peal of laughter. “Wade! Take off that mask! ...That is a mask, right?”

Monica was nearly doubled over at the giant baby mask Wade had on, because it looked so ridiculous on his normal, man-sized body.

Wade did not help matters by beginning to talk and gesture with the mask still over his head, so his scratchy voice was coming from the baby’s pudgy face and gap-toothed cartoon smile. “I know it’s hard to tell when I have a mask on, okay, because my face looks like a melted candle in the shape of what I think Freddy Kruger’s balls probably look like--”

Usopp’s laughter was so loud it cut off Wade’s sentence and Monica all but threw herself on the Merc, because she couldn’t take his words coming out of that stupid looking mask!

Wade caught Monica effortlessly, strong arms like steel bands around her back as he took full advantage of the hug, and as soon as she pushed the mask off his face he was nuzzling against her soft skin, cooing and murmuring like one might imagine a baby would actually do.

“Mommy’s skin is so soft~”

“W-Wade you’re being silly,” Monica’s giggling turned shy, but she held onto him all the same. His words had come out like a self-deprecating joke but she knew the Merc and she knew his self-esteem was likely the worst in the Haus. So when Usopp laughed, and Monica took the mask off, it helped Wade feel a little better--because Usopp was paying him attention, and Monica wanted to see his face.

Time flies when you’re with the ones you love. Monica could hardly believe that an hour and a half had gone by and they hadn’t even made a dent in the pile of costumes the two had brought home. It left her a little concerned about how much time it would take to go through the room Wade had set up for the two of them...not to mention the tummy flip at the thought of what all would likely take place in said room supposedly filled with costumed lingerie for two. Smiling to herself, Monica picked up and then immediately tossed aside a naval sailor suit that Wade probably wanted to try and stuff Cora into. It was safer not to ask what his plans were for half of these things--

A prickle of unease had Monica’s attention snapping up, and her green eyes fell on...well she didn’t know if it was Wade or Usopp since the mask on the face made it impossible to tell. Her face broke into a smile, the unease chalked up to that feeling one gets when they’re being watched and it dissipated as quickly as it came. She hadn’t heard them approach, so it made sense she’d be a little startled. The mask itself didn’t exactly help; it was modeled after an old timey ventriloquist dummy, with the finely painted wooden features, including the slits down the side of the mouth where the dummy would “talk”. It’s eyes were brilliantly blue and inhumanly realistic looking, like doll’s eyes, and apparently came with a costume to match because the wearer was decked out in a full suit and tie. She must have been really involved in her searching to not notice Wade or Usopp pulling on a suit, but she had to commend the boys. A dummy and a ventriloquist was a pretty damn creepy costume combination--especially with the way this one looked. As she continued to stare at the mask, the mouth slowly opened but given it was a mask, couldn’t smile. They were just standing there with the mask mouth unsettlingly wide, as if frozen in a silent scream.

The prickle of unease returned.

Monica knew Wade and Usopp would never scare her on purpose, but she couldn’t make sense of what was happening, why they were just standing there. Were they expecting a different reaction? Maybe just wanting something more than her smile? ...It still wouldn’t make sense, Wade was never this quiet and to be honest now that she thought about it a bit more, Usopp would probably have to be coaxed into something this creepy, and she definitely would have heard Wade trying.

It was then that she saw Usopp pass by her peripheral, his spine bent as he traced a lengthy costume to it’s source.

That only left Wade--

“If I get my head stuck in a bag again I’m gonna be really pissed off.”

Wade was directly behind her, apparently head first in a bag.

So who...was in front of her...?

The mask’s eyes continued to bore into hers, it’s mouth open as if silently challenging her to scream, to say something, do something, but every instinct Monica had was fighting against that urge. She felt fear wrap around her silent heart like ice, and fight or flight was kicking in and fast--

And that was when it moved.

Slowly, the head inclined to one side, the arms of the suit coming up, up, then twisting, as if the elbow joints were being wrenched to the side. There were no hands coming out of the sleeves but there was definite sound like bone breaking as the arms twisted--which caught Usopp’s attention first, and he let out a bellow of surprise, all but leaping the distance between himself and Monica to push her behind him.

Some might consider Usopp a coward, but he never, ever hesitated when it came to Monica.

“What, is my ass hanging out agai--WHO THE FUCK IS THAT?!” Wade’s surprised bellow was accusatory, angry that someone was scaring his babygirl and bestie. His bulky body came into Monica’s line of sight but she caught the back of his suit, keeping him from fully approaching the mask--it had fallen still again, it’s face still staring straight at the group but it’s arms were still horribly twisted.

“W-Wade, don’t,” Monica managed, her instincts screaming at her not to let him get any closer. She didn’t know why, she didn’t know what they were looking at, dealing with, but she wasn’t going to let Wade get hurt--whether he would come back from it or not.

“Look, Dummy McDumbass, you better hope like hell you’re not anyone I know because you’re going to get spanked with the sharp end of my katana for scaring my wife and bestie like this,” Wade shot out, only held in place by Monica’s hand clutching the back of his suit. He was standing directly in front of her and she was grateful for that, but she couldn’t resist leaning around him just to keep an eye on their silent “companion”.

It just stared back at her with that same screaming expression.

Usopp kept Monica in his hold, just a little bit behind him, but when the mask didn’t speak, when one of their Family members didn’t yank the mask off with a laugh, he felt the first shivers of true fear race down his spine.

This wasn’t someone they knew and loved. This was something else.

Wade just got angrier, slipping his gun from his thigh holster. He didn’t like the way he could feel Monica’s fingers trembling. He didn’t like that at all.

“All right, even better. You’re a literal dumbass who broke into this Haus to die. Congrats.” Wade cocked his gun, sights perfectly positioned right at the forehead of the silent, staring mask. “Gonna say, I don’t know, fucking anything before I shut you up forever?”

The mask still didn’t speak, but it did move.

Slowly, just like with it’s arms...the head began to spin around. The trio watched as the doll’s head slowly, creaking as if made of wooden bone, turned toward the right and then kept turning. As the neck started to break, the eyes remained locked to the trio, and it wasn’t until it snapped that the mask and suit fell to the floor in an empty, crumpled heap.

There was no one there.

Monica turned away from the reality of what they’d just seen, burying her face against Usopp’s chest and was relieved when his arms closed around her, his own face buried in her hair.

“I-It’s okay, it’s okay,” Usopp comforted, his voice quiet but trying to be strong for Monica. “I’m here, W-Wade’s here, we’re okay.”

Angry and with nothing to do about it, Wade unloaded an entire clip down into the mask that had somehow fallen face up, those blue eyes staring at the trio until Wade shot them out.

But a full clip shot into the floor couldn’t erase the truth--there had never been anyone there, at all.

Day Two, Recording End.

The silence of the office was deafening.

Monica was resting her head against Atamu’s chest, absolutely dwarfed by the Patriarch and grateful for it; he was surrounding her, physically and emotionally, his strongly beating heart an anchor for her relieving the fear she’d felt in that room. A full day had passed since the incident but she still didn’t know how to feel about it except scared, but Atamu was doing his best to keep her from feeling that way. His large hand was rubbing her back, his other arm draped across her body and his bicep alone was wider than her middle; she felt safe here, knew that he wouldn’t ever let anything happen to her and she basked in that feeling, letting it wash over her to drown out the prickling uneasiness and fear. Luvon was still standing guard over her, his orange eyes hard enough to break glass, but that oppressive anger was a comfort to Monica, too. She knew her Big Brother would never let anything happen to her, either, and she knew that was why he was in here. As an Alpha and a Soldier, Luvon took a heavy hand in the security of the Haus. He trained the wolves that stalked and protected the grounds and he was one of the direct reports that any of the Staff came to with any security issues. He actively reviewed security footage from the Haus and all it’s properties, especially any that concerned Monica, and that was why he was front and center, now. He wanted to know what was being done to ensure this never happened to Monica again.

“You were so very brave, sweetheart,” Thomas finally broke the silence, his tone reflective of the sunshine title he’d carried for a long time--warm. He was offering Monica a soft, proud smile. “It wanted your fear, your screams, and you didn’t give in to it.”

Helen didn’t say anything, that wasn’t her way, but the gaze she affixed to Monica let the younger woman know she felt exactly the same way.

“Thank you,” Monica offered quietly, before laughing a little. “I-I was scared, though.”

“Anyone would be,” Atamu met her attempt to deflect the praise in stride. “But you were very brave, little one.”

As Monica turned to nuzzle closer to Atamu, Helen looked up at Luvon. “Have any of your security teams found anything? How about the wolves?”

Luvon slowly shook his head. “So far, nothing.”

It was not the answer anyone wanted to hear.

“And it isn’t a poltergeist or demonic entity?” Thomas had already asked this and truthfully, he’d know if it was. But he was nothing if not the ever hopeful optimist.

“No. I’ve been reading the Haus for the past three days and have not detected anything demonic or spiritual at all. It isn’t a ghost and it isn’t a demon.” Helen’s sharply accented voice was matter-of-fact. “What Monica and the others encountered was a smokescreen. Something else projected that at them, for the purpose of inciting terror, but that wasn’t truly it.”

There was quite a gaping hole left on the table of options when one removes a ghost or demonic entity and it was felt by all in the room.

Thomas’s blond brows knotted in thought. “What else could possibly be doing this?”

“I’m afraid it might be too early to tell.” Helen’s long fingers folded in her lap. “Some hauntings, possessions, disturbances, can take days, weeks, or even months before the source is identified. Vigilance is still our strongest defense.”

“And in the meantime?” Atamu asked, fingers massaging lightly against the roots of Monica’s hair.

“In the meantime I will continue to consult with the others knowledgeable in such matters here in the Haus, monitor incidents as they happen--we had other minor disturbances yesterday but Monica’s far out-weighed any others--and Luvon will keep me informed on anything the security teams find.”

Luvon nodded, once.

“And what about the Halloween celebrations?” Thomas turned to face Helen more fully from his perch at the edge of her desk. “The costume party tonight, should we cancel it?”

That was a fair question. Helen glanced at Monica, wondering if she even felt like celebrating--not to mention, an entire Haus with people in costume was like a breeding ground for whatever this thing was, to pull another stunt like it had with the dummy mask. But...wasn’t that letting it win? It may not be a demon, but it clearly enjoyed fear and manipulation through terror.

If the Family bows out, gives in to fear, whatever this thing is could win.

Before Helen could voice any of this, the office door swung wide open and something far more disturbing than any dummy mask came sauntering in.

“Look, Pops, I dressed up as you for the party tonight!”

It was Cavon Dreadful, dressed head to toe like his Patriarchal Father. He had on a dreaded wig full of ringing dread charms, one of Atamu’s outfits, but the true genius of Cavon’s costume? The tribal patterned apron that Atamu was known to wear; it was quite obviously too big even for the Alpha, the bottom of the apron nearly touching Cavon’s boots, but the Wolf looked absurdly pleased with himself, a wide grin on his face as he spun around in the doorway. The apron had it’s pockets full of spatulas and tongs, even one of Atamu’s cleavers and the utensils all clanked together noisily as the Alpha spun around.

Everyone was left staring, but Monica was the first to truly react, erupting in a fit of adorable little giggles that widened Cavon’s grin. Atamu was next to crack, his thunderous laughter something of a notorious sound throughout the Haus, now.

Luvon shook his head but couldn’t help his grin--but if anyone asked, it was solely because Monica found it so funny. “You look fucking ridiculous.”

“Fuck you, Fam, I make this look good,” Cavon leaned back, doing a shoulder shimmy.

Thomas had his hands over his face, shoulders shaking in silent laughter, and Helen had her eyes closed, just shaking her head.

“Unbelievable. To answer your question, Thomas, yes I believe we should cancel tonight’s event but solely because Cavon’s costume is so terrible.”

“Y’all a bunch’a haters. Gramps loved my costume.”

Luvon snorted. “Well of course he did.”

Cavon gestured. “And babygirl obviously loves it!”

“Of course she does, too, idiot. Gramps and babygirl both love Dad.” Luvon shot back.

“HATERS.” Cavon pointed at everyone except Monica before looking smug. “I’mma win the contest tonight.”

“Contest?” Helen arched a brow. “I was unaware there was a costume contest.”

“Yeah, Wilson sent out a mass text ‘bout there bein’ some sorta contest.”

Helen took a sip from her wine glass in lieu of replying, but Cavon picked up what she didn’t say.

“You still got his number blocked?”

“There’s a chain of communication that can reach me if Mr. Wilson truly needs my assistance for something.”

Monica found herself laughing. “Does he really text you?”

“Sweet girl, that man will talk to an empty room. He was sending me so many text messages, that i was not responding to by the way, that it was either block him or send him to a different dimension where he cannot harass anyone anymore.”

“I once got stuck listening to him for three hours uninterrupted because I was too polite to tell him I had work to do.” Thomas chimed in, staring far-off into the distance as if reliving the nightmare.

Cavon threw his head back, laughing. “Yeah, that fuckin’ sounds right comin’ from you.”

“Yeah, they’re in here, c’mon!”

Heads turned toward the voice from the hallway, and Helen was beginning to think she might need to move her office to another dimension to get any real work accomplished.

“Y’all, guess who dressed up as the Von Triplets for the costume party tonight!”

It was Jax and Lucca, side by side, both clearly dressed in Cavon and Luvon’s clothes. Jax was decked out in Cavon’s biker gear and Lucca was wearing Luvon’s camo, with Jax having shaved his blond hair into Cavon’s trademarked mowhawked ponytail and Lucca wearing bright orange contacts. The younger pups were surprisingly spitting images of their Alpha Big Brothers...but hilariously different at the same time; Jax had Cavon’s grin and Lucca had Luvon’s deadpanned, almost bored expression.

And it definitely incited a fresh round of laughter, leaving Cavon staring slack-jawed and Luvon actually looking impressed.

“Wait, wait,” Atamu managed, holding up one large hand. “Who one of you is Savon, then?”

Jax turned as if just noticing their third was missing, and he was scowling out of the room.

“C’mon man, you gotta come in too or it don’t work an’ we won’t win the costume contest tonight!”

Three seconds later and in came Tod, dressed up just like Savon--right down to the fake horns and tail and the long, styled black wig. The Omega looked a little more sheepish than his younger brothers and it became very obvious, very fast, that he’d been roped into this idea.

Fresh rounds of laughter shake the very room, and it was as if yesterday’s events hadn’t even happened. The fear and unease were gone, replaced by Family love and laughter, as the Haus was known to be bursting with.

Atamu turned his head down, catching Monica’s attention with a proud smile. “What do you think, little one, do you think Wade and Usopp will be making use of the Peanut Butter and Jelly costumes? Because if not, Poppy wants to wear it with you.”

Monica didn’t even care if they didn’t win the costume contest; all that mattered to her was that she was going to spend the whole night dressed up with her Daddy!

Day Three, End.

[sinsiriuslyemo]

Okay okay okay I'm excited soooo for the deleted scene thing pretty pleeeeeease do something with Rafael/Amber (if you want to that is) I loved them together!! Also maybe some Dama and Rafael scenes? Thank you guys for doing this! So excited for the new season!! ❤️

The Break Up

Amber looked in the mirror as she closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath, wiping tears off her cheeks.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, Woods.

Her bosses words were still in her head from earlier that week.

You can either spend your life as the poor congressman's disgraced daughter or you can take this chance, make a name for yourself.

Make a name for herself. It was all she'd ever wanted. She wondered if everyone felt the same twist of guilt when trying to chase their dreams. Then again, not everyone had to break it to their boyfriend.

“Hey,” she practiced in the mirror. “I'm going overseas to report on the war. I know you're going to be successful, now it's my turn. Oh by the way, I might die over there so don't get too attached.”

She huffed, rolling her eyes and splashing cold water on her face. The sound of the deadbolt being disengaged made her gasp, and she turned towards the sound just as Rafael opened the door.

“Cariño, you will not believe what happened today,” he said, tossing his briefcase on the couch and walking towards her to kiss her hello. “You okay? You look a little flushed. Feeling okay?”

“I'm fine,” she whispered and smiled, kissing his lips. “What happened today?”

He smiled proudly. “I finally heard back from the DA’s office in Brooklyn. I start next month as an official Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn.”

It had taken months for him to even apply, let alone get an interview, and after that, a few more weeks of waiting before he finally heard back.

“And I won my case, that won our client 7.9 million dollars--thank you very much--and I get a cut of that, which means we can finally go on that trip to Paris I promised you,” he said, wrapping an arm around her as he grabbed her hand with his free one and began to slow dance in the hallway. “What do you think about that?”

She smiled back at him, giving him a warm hug as they continued to dance. “That's incredible! Rafi! I'm so proud of you! I knew you'd win! And get the job. You're so incredible,” she whispered. She smoothed his hair down and kissed his lips again. “We should celebrate,” she said as she moved away from him to grab her phone. “Let's order in, what do you want to eat?”

“Well, I thought maybe we could go to dinner, out. Some place romantic and quiet,” he answered, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. “This win is huge for us. We can finally start looking at maybe buying our own place instead of renting if we wanted, and you wouldn’t have to work unless you wanted to.”

“Well I definitely want to work. But you have your own apartment, and I have mine,” she said softly. “Don't you like your place?”

“Sure, but we’ve been talking about moving in together for the last three months, now we can finally get around to actually doing it,” he answered, snuggling against her. “And that’s fine if you want to work, but if you wanted to stay home and write, I’ve saved plenty over the years, and with this latest win, we’ll be fine. You wouldn’t have to take money from your parents anymore either.”

Amber turned to face him and rubbed her fingers over his biceps as she smiled at him. “You're always so thoughtful,” she said gently.

He smirked back and kiss her firmly, humming against her mouth before he planted a few more kisses on her neck. “Come on, get dressed. I wanna take you out,” he said, moving into the bedroom to change his shirt and hang his jacket.

“How fancy? Can I just wear jeans?” She laughed and looked to him.

“No, come on, put on a dress for me,” he cooed, smiling at her. “Please? I wanna go someplace nice. I wanna spoil you a little bit.”

She laughed and smiled. “Fine, fine. As long as you don't spoil me too much. Don't do anything crazy like buy us a pet dog,” she wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Creepy little fuckers.”

“What if I wanted to? Maybe a little chiwawa or a yorkie,” he teased.

She made a horrified face. “Gross, their loud and...hairy.”

She moved to the bedroom, grabbing a dress and tugging it on, pulling her hair up into a sleek chignon while Rafael change his shirt and pants.

“God, if you feel that way about a dog, I’d hate to ask how you feel about kids,” he said in a laugh as he hung up his suit. “So, French? Or are you thinking maybe Italian?”

“Anything is fine, I could go for French for a change.”

“French it is,” he replied. “You ready?”

She nodded coming back out in a light blue fitted mini dress with ruching on the top. She smiled and did a little twirl. “Yeah?”

“Beautiful as always, cariño,” he answered, taking her hand and grabbing his keys as he led her out the door. “So, would you wanna stay here in Brooklyn or move to Manhattan?” he asked as they got into the lift and took it down to the street level. “I definitely don’t wanna stay in Greenpoint, that’s for sure.”

“I don't know Rafi, I'm just getting settled as it is.” She squeezed his hand and kissed it. “You know I suck at decisions, I'm gonna need months to decide where,” she teased.

He rolled his eyes, hailing a cab. “Well, I can pick the place if you want, but I’d really love it if we picked an apartment together.”

“You don't think this is...early?”

“What do you mean?” he asked, letting her get into the cab that stopped for them and giving the driver directions to an upscale French restaurant in Manhattan before he looked back at her. “I mean, I know it isn’t ideal dinner time, but at least we’ll be able to sit and eat before the dinner rush.”

She dropped it, snuggling up against him. “It's fine, I'm just excited to celebrate with you,” she said gently.

“What’s fine?” he asked in a chuckle, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “What’s the matter with you? This is really good for us, I thought you’d be happy.”

“I'm happy for you, I really am. You deserve this job Rafi,” she said genuinely. “I'm so excited for you.”

He quirked a smile at her, using a finger to move a fallen strand of hair. “I know it doesn’t pay as much as the private firm, but I cannot stomach listening to another privileged CEO complain about having to skirt a civil suit because they tried to cheat their employees and it didn’t work. I could make a real difference at the DA’s office,” he said softly. “We’ll be fine, I promise.”

When they reached the restaurant and sat down, Rafael ordered a bottle of wine for them before he reached across the table for her hand, kissing the back of it.

“I'm not worried about money, Rafi,” she said with a smile. “If this is what you want, then it's worth all the money in the world. You're right, you can make a real difference there. I want to do the same with my job.” She laced their fingers together and gave his hand a squeeze.

“Did you get one?” he asked with a smile.

“Maybe,” she said softly. “I'm deciding if it's something I'm capable of.”

“I’m sure you are, babe. I can’t really think of anything you aren’t capable of,” he said.

He was about to ask to hear more details about the job when their food came, and they ate in a comfortable silence. Rafael glanced up at Amber periodically; he’d noticed over the last few weeks a familiar feeling he’d only had once before, with Yelina. Of course that had ended badly for him, while Alex reaped all the benefits of Rafael’s heartache. But with Amber things were different, they were easy, natural, and he’d realized some time ago that he couldn’t see his life without her. He wasn’t sure at first, but every time she smiled at him, he was pulled under deeper and deeper. He knew he was in love with this woman, he just had to find a good time to tell her.

“How’s your food?” he asked.

“It's incredible,” she said warmly as she took another bite and scooting her chair closer. “You want to try a bite?” She held out a forkful for him and waited. “How do you say open, in Spanish?”

“Abre la boca,” he answered, eating the food off her fork and humming softly. “That’s really good. Wanna try some of mine?”

She nodded, parting her lips. “Abre la boca,” she repeated.

“Yup, you got it,” he replied scooping some food onto his fork and offering it to her.

She took a bite and hummed in approval, leaning in and giving him a long kiss, sliding her hand up his inner thigh. “Are we having dessert here? Or I can give you something sweet at home to celebrate,” she purred.

He let out a shaky breath as he met her eyes. “Home,” he whispered, groaning when she began to nibble on his ear. “Not here,” he whispered in a chuckle.

“I'm not gonna do anything dirty here,” she teased. He chuckled breathily as she began nibbling on his ear again and tightened her grip slightly on the top of his thigh.

“You wanna just grab a couple boxes and take this home?” he said in shudder. “Please?”

“Sure, we can do that,” she whispered as she rubbed a bit closer to his groin before pulling her hand away. “You want to take me home and let me show you how proud I am of you?”

He groaned and nodded his head, touching his forehead with hers. “Mhm.”

“Well then, let’s go,” she whispered.

Rafael quickly got their server’s attention and asked for boxes and the check before they left with their food and took a cab home.

They were barely through the door when Rafael set the food down on the kitchen table as Amber pushed him against the wall and pressed her lips against his. He moaned softly, arms wrapping around her frame as she unbuttoned his shirt and pushed the material off his shoulders. Still attached at the mouth, hands working to remove clothing along the way, they stumbled towards his bedroom and fell onto the bed in a heap of half-naked limbs.

“See? Way better than dinner,” she purred and tugged his boxer briefs down, pulling his cock out and taking him in her mouth.

He groaned and laid back, closing his eyes as she bobbed her head over his hips. “That feels good…”

She hummed around his member, pulling back to the top and running her tongue over the slit as she looked up at him, watching as much of his face as she could see of it.

Biting down on his bottom lip, he inhaled through his nose as one hand laid on the back of her head.

After a few more moments she pulled off, taking his now fully hard cock and stroking it before moving to tug her dress up and straddle him.

“Oh, condom,” she said, and he moved to the nightstand to pull one from the drawer, ripping open the packet and rolling it on as she climbed over him.

“Fuck, Amber...” he whispered as one hand settled on her hip and the other cupped the side of her face to kiss her deeply. He groaned as she slid down his length, breaking their kiss apart with their foreheads pressed together. “Can I be on top this time?”

“Just let me take care of you, Rafi,” she answered with a smile.

He nodded his head, kissing her again and moaning when she began an up and down rhythm on top of him.

“You feel so good, Rafi,” she panted as she moved. “Do you like that?”

“Uh huh,” he replied in a pant.

“You're so fucking sexy,” she growled as she dug her nails lightly into his chest.

He groaned, brows knitted above his eyes as she moved over him. His hands squeezed her hips as he tried to undulate from beneath her.

“Tell me how much you love it, papi,” she said with a moan as she sped up her actions..

“I love it,” he answered in a whisper.

She panted, moving a bit faster as she tugged him upwards to kiss him. “So good, Rafi, so fucking good, I love fucking you like this.”

He grunted, wincing a little at how rough she was being and wrapping an arm around her waist to quickly flip them until she was on her back. Slowing down the pace, he tucked his face against her neck and held her close to him.

She was never a big fan of love making, she wanted rough and dirty. But she liked that he enjoyed having sex this way, so she pulled him tighter.

Picking his head up, he looked down at her briefly before he kissed her lips. “I love you,” he whispered as he held her gaze again. His heart was pounding in his chest, both from their activities and his confession, and he swallowed nervously as he waited for her to react to his words.

Her eyes widened as she looked at him, unsure of what to say. “I…” She looked at his face, his sweet, hopeful face and she just couldn't deny him. “I love you too, papi,” she whispered.

The corner of his mouth quirked into a smile and he kissed her again as his hips moved more insistently against her.

She moaned and kissed him passionately. “More, more, please…”

He moved a little faster and tucked his face against her neck, holding her close to him until he swore he could feel their hearts beating in tandem.

“I'm close,” she whispered in his ear. “Rafi, I want to feel you come with me.”

He groaned in response and nodded, moving faster and panting against her skin.

She kissed him, matching every thrust as she panted harder, nipping at his skin and arching her back as she came as she moaned his name. Rafael came not long after and tightened his hold on her as their lips tangled. Nuzzling his nose against hers, he kissed her again and relaxed on top of her with his head resting against her shoulder.

“So, you love me?” she whispered.

He grinned against her skin and lifted his head again to look down at her beneath him. “Yeah, I really do,” he whispered back.

She hugged him. “That's...serious,” she acknowledged.

“I am serious about us. I have been for a little while, I just couldn’t find the guts to tell you,” he replied, nuzzling against the side of her neck again. “But I’m in love with you, Amber Woods.”

“White picket fence, then?” she teased. “2.5 kids and a house in the suburbs.”

He laughed softly, still trying to catch his breath. “Maybe someday,” he replied. Finally, he slowly rolled off of her and discarded the condom in the waste basket by the bed. “2.5 kids? What does that mean?”

“I'm not sure,” she said with a laugh, sitting up and stretching for a moment.

“Two kids is more than enough for me. A boy and a girl,” he said after a moment, sitting up to move behind her and wrap his arms around her frame. “And I kinda like the city, so I’m not too sure about moving to the suburbs.”

“I don't know about kids, I'd be a terrible mother,” she said with a laugh. “I like it here too.”

“I think you’re gonna be a great mom someday,” he whispered into her ear, kissing her. “Hungry or tired?”

“Tired,” she whispered softly, feeling a rush of panic come over her.

She could never be anyone's mother. She didn't think she was a very good girlfriend, let alone a parent.

“I love you,” he whispered again after he’d turned out the lights and snuggled up to her.

“I love you too,” she mumbled.

Rafael loved her. Why did that leave her feeling so unsettled. She should have felt warm, peaceful, like they do in the movies but instead she felt sick. She curled up against him and closed her eyes. Was this all things were ever going to be? Cuddling, missionary sex and kids she didn't want? She was getting ahead of herself. He just loved her, it wasn't the end of the world.

She took a shaky breath and pulled him closer, feeling herself begin to drift off. She dreamt of her bosses words.

Once in a lifetime, Woods.

The words repeated themselves over and over, like a broken record, and she opened her eyes, decided that in the morning she would be gone. It was for the best. Rafael would never be happy with her. They didn't want the same things. He wanted someone to love him and she...didn't.

Once he was asleep and his soft snores and loosened grip gave her just enough cover to sneak out unsuspected, she slid out of bed, grabbed everything in his apartment that belonged to her--toothbrush included--and then she was gone.

She repeated the words all the way to the airport. “For the best, this is definitely for the best.”

The first thing he heard the next morning were the birds as outside the window, they greeted the day with their usual chirpy song and Rafael had never enjoyed the melody more. His heart, still swollen with warmth from their exchange of love the night before, fluttered beneath his ribs at the thought of getting to see Amber in the cool, clear light of the morning and he turned in place, eyes still closed, to reach for her. The cold sheets in the space where he should've found her made him slowly open his eyes, and he smirked softly.

She was already up, probably making coffee in the kitchen, though he couldn't catch a whiff of a brew from his place in his bed.

Amber had reminded him a bit of Yelina when they’d first met; young, beautiful, witty and intelligent, and thinking back in that moment, he realized that it had been why he’d been so distant with her at first. It had been easy to ignore how his pulse would quicken in his veins every time he saw her, at your graduation and then that night you and she had gone into the city to have a “girl’s night”, the night he’d finally given in to his attraction to her.

He’d been so afraid of opening his heart again, she had proved him wrong and while he couldn’t be sure whether she was “the one”, he was sure of one thing. Amber had made him believe in love again. She had slowly wormed her way into his closely-guarded heart and unburdened it with her smiles and the warmth in her eyes every time she looked at him and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so happy.

“Amber, please tell me you’re making coffee,” he called out in a tired groan, pressing one side of his face against his pillow.

When there was no answer, he rolled onto his back and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

He called out to her again. “Babe?”

No answer.

Knitting his brows, he sat up and listened for any sign that she was in the apartment and maybe had her headphones in. He heard nothing, only the stillness of an empty apartment, and a tremble crept into the pit of his stomach.

“Amber,” he said in a loud voice as he got out of bed, put his underwear on and walked into the living room. If he could just find something of hers still in its rightful place, he could rest easy with knowing she would be back. She likely stepped out to get them some breakfast and would come through the door at any moment.

As he looked around the room, he realized that her laptop and charger were gone, as were the novels she kept at his place. Going back into the bedroom he found her side of the closet empty, as well as the dresser drawers that he’d given her. He rushed into the bathroom, hoping to find her toothbrush, but only found his.

“No,” he whispered as the world spun around him. His throat went dry and a pressure began to swell in his chest, clutching his heart as though a fist were trying to crush it. He nearly tripped as he went for his phone and called her. “Come on, come on, pick up.”

We’re sorry, the number you are trying to reach has been disconnected. Please hang up and try again.

The thumping in his eardrums drowned out his heavy breathing as the pressure that began in his chest traveled and welled in his nose and throat, eyes burning as tears filled his lowers lids. She was gone. He called her several more times, but each time the operator answered, his heart ached more and more. Determined to find her and talk to her, he called you.

“Hello?” you answered in a sleepy voice.

“Y/N, have you seen Amber?!” he asked urgently, keeping his tears at bay for the moment. “Her phone’s been disconnected. All her stuff is gone.”

“What are you talking about?”

“HER STUFF IS GONE! SHE IS GONE!”

“Calm down, Rafi. I’m sure she just went out for bagels or something,” you replied.

“With all her clothes and her toothbrush?!” he challenged.

Your brows furrowed. “Well, did something happen last night? No one just takes their things and leaves without any prompting right? Amber's not like that.”

It was a half truth, Amber wasn't usually like this. Though you'd known her long enough to notice her patterns in relationships. One of the biggest reasons you'd been hesitant about giving her your approval of her trying to date your brother. Amber was a good person, but a loose canon. Rafael hadn't needed another loose canon in his life.

“Okay, take a deep breath,” you said softly. “Tell me about last night.”

“What are you talking about?! We had an amazing night together; we went to dinner, we made love, we said ‘I love you’ for the first time, and now she’s just gone! There’s no trace of her, it’s as if she was never here!” he answered, free hand clutching the hair on the top of his head. “She must’ve been taken against her will.”

“Rafi, no one would kidnap her and take all her things,” you whispered, feeling a twinge of hatred growing inside of you. How could she do this to him? She'd known how fragile he was, he was barely over the last heartbreak. Amber wouldn't have done this. Your friend wouldn't have done this. So maybe she wasn't your friend after all.

He was quiet for a long time, biting down on his lip as his heart broke in his chest until it felt as though either piece was falling into an unknown abyss, never to be mended again.

“So she just left?” he asked in a shaky whisper. “No note, no explanation, just...gone? Why would she tell me she loved me and then just leave?” His voice cracked and he was unable to keep the tears from falling anymore. “I should’ve fucking known better,” he mumbled to himself as he rubbed a hand over his face.

His instincts had told him to steer clear of Amber Woods, even when she chased him, his gut told him that getting involved with her would end badly. Previously failed relationship aside, everything inside him screamed that trusting her, letting her in was a terrible, terrible idea. That she was just wanting to pass the time or use him as an excuse to move to New York. But he hadn’t listened to his gut, he had convinced himself that if she spent five years trying to get him to notice her, then she had to be worth trying for. He should’ve trusted his instincts.

“I'm driving down now, I'll be there by tonight. Stay where you are. I'm gonna call her, see if she'll pick up.” She better fucking pick up.

“Don’t bother, her phone is disconnected,” he replied, his voice trembling. “I’m fine, you don’t have to drive all the way down here.”

“Of course I don't have to but I'm getting in the car now. I love you so much,” you said softly. “If she's stupid enough to let you go then I don't want to know her either.” You meant those words. “As far as I'm concerned she's as good as dead to me.”

“Thanks,” he mumbled. “I love you too.”

You ended the call and hurried into your car, barely acknowledging speed limits as you felt your stomach twist with betrayal and hurt. She was supposed to be your best friend.

[lightforgedeve]

The Fumble and the Party~

Dear Journal! I have a sister! I have a sister! I've always wanted a sister! Now, it's offical. Mhm! I am making Lyn'dara my offical sister! Yes! Let me explain. Today was as any normal day, along the way i was finally able to give Aursuna the present i been hanging onto for her since the meeting. That...was not an experience i was quite expecting. I don't know why but as we were talking i sort of felt...embarrassed? I think. I had this weird feeling in my stomach and i felt really hot. My heart was hurting too.  I even dropped my helmet. I caught it, but it was weird. We talked about the celebration coming up and dresses..i think? The moment was all a bit...fuzzy i think. I don't know, i feel a bit flustered i think and my head goes blank when i think about it. So i'm trying to not focus on it. Aursuna's so pretty. And nice and smells nice and speaks kindly. Ah! Anyways! Uh...right so. Lyn'dara was having us all meet together, she wanted to talk to us about her life and her village. I was...very shocked by it, and sad of course. However, i wanted to be strong for her and help her continue on as we went. I think she felt it as she was able to continue on. It was really touching and amazing to see so many of us gathered in together for her. I even got us a bunch of candles to light for all those she lost and we set them into the ocean to float away. It was really beautiful, if i say so myself. I wanted Lyn'dara to have this closure, it is very important. The fact she was able to share with us as well, it means a lot to us.  It's hard carrying around that guilt, that shame and that sadness. Knowing that the people you love...are just gone. You don't know why, you can't understand it and it just..aches and festers in your very being. Could you have stopped it? Was there a way to save them? You..just hold onto those thoughts as if they were hope. Maybe you could do something, change something, somehow, some way. It's poisonous to do so, but you can't help doing it. You just...wish and want so badly for the past to change, to be with the ones you love and care for. Why do they have to go away? *Tear drops seem to spoil the ink and smear in places as she continues to write* Why was the last conversation you had with them the end? Why couldn't you tell them good-bye one more time or that you loved them? Why would the Light take such important moments away from you? Why did-*It seems a pauses was taken as the sentence wasn't finished. The ink dries, before the next part comes.* You ask yourself...over and over a million more questions. We come to know and understand we don't have the answers. We aren't meant to have the answers. The Light...it knows and it guides us, we have it for such reason. It exists to be our strength and our light in these dark moments we feel lost.  We...don't need the answers, we only need the hope that we continue on, we find purpose and we find out why we continued on. We push on. Just as Lyn'dara did, she found her strength, she found her allies and here, she found her home! She found us! She has a family once more, she has a purpose and with that new strength. So, Lyn'dara is now going to be my sister! And i'm going to protect her and make sure she lives a good long and happy life! I wonder what sisters do together, maybe i should find out and than see if Lyn'dara will partake in such activities. So long as she's not working with Aursuna of course, i can't take her from her duties. Hm, this may be hard, they are always together and Aursuna is always busy! Gah! Maybe Aursuna should be the one to get a mate so she can settle a bit. Ugh, for some reason that idea makes me a bit angry and sick. I'm going to bed! It's been a weird day!

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

Dear Journal, **A picture of herself for the celebration was pushed in with the page** We did it! Well Aursuna did it! The celebration for the signing ceremony was a grand succuss! An order didn't show, and another was late and only had a representive come sign. Oh well, they missed out! Each of the leaders gave a speech, they were perfect. Beautiful! The best speeches ever! I was so excited during the whole thing! It was so hard staying quiet and just sitting still. I wanted to leap around and shake everyone's hand. There were soooo many people! Of course there were some horde too! I got to talk to a Tauren! It was so exciting! I really hope to meet him again! And the orc! And so many others! Gah! It was all over much too quickly! Okay, so after the signing we had a bit of parade. Some of us got together and did a walk around. It was so amazing! I felt so official and important! It was so much fun! Though i really just wanted to get on to meeting and talking to everyone! Once the parade was done we all got changed. I think the High Vindicator was a bit...confused by what i was wearing? He just sort of stared at me for a moment.  I was mostly just looking for Aursuna to see it, i really wanted to impress her with picking it out myself! I seem to have done a good job. I got quite a few compliments for it! Lyn'dara was also wearing a golden dress too! I almost laughed at that, it made me feel a bit like real sisters! I think she understands that she is my sister now, as she called me so. It made me feel really giddy. Though...when i remembered Aursuna helped her by making the dress, i...for some reason i felt like..i lost? Yes, i was complimented but...i don't know. After such, i was able to mingle about and met some people, such as the Tauren. He was a very handsome tauren, he looked different then others i had seen. I learned quite a bit, like about the Earthmother. I want to find out more, we didn't get to chat as much as i wanted. I'm sure we will meet again though! We are now allies after all! Ugh! And again! I didn't get to see the Grand Mistress' toes! It's hard finding the Quel'dorei's so it's just getting annoying that i can't see her toes! However, she was in another meeting. I hope everything is alright in her end. It must be hard balancing Alliance and Horde when...well it seems war may break out again. I hope we can do something to help. Bah! I will see them! The toes can't hide from me forever! Duels came in next, i was able to watch a good chunk. I also made sure to lavish praise upon Aursuna for her hard work as well as the others who have helped. Such as Eveneah, and Axierion and of course Lyn'dara! So many hugs! It felt amazing! Lyn'dara seemed a bit down by it though, even Aursuna didn't seem to get through to her. I was quite worried, so even though i had to push on and miss the second fight, it being the High Vindicator Brutula and a Elf female, i took Lyn'dara aside to talk to her. That seemed to help, i just worked on reassuring her and breaking down what was wrong and i admitted how jealous i been feeling she get's to help Aursuna with all this stuff. I mean..i think that's it. I mean, my point is i was making my sister feel better! Not focusing on Aursuna or anything, just helping Lyn'dara feel like yes she deserved her dues and praise. It helped, anyways. Made me feel better. I was able to help my sister! I was able to help my sister! As we were coming back i could hear the victory sounds of the High Vindicator! Of course he'd win, i mean...yes his opponent was smaller than him...but she obviously had the gusto to even try it so you can't say that's why she lost. Anyways. We come in and we hear the crack and scream of her as the High Vindicator broke her arm and made her go unconscious. It...really made me think about the time he and i dueled. Yup...he coddled me. That fight, was full him. A shear strength and no mercy take of my High Vindicator. It of course being expected. At such an occasion one must not hold back on their might! It shows our strength and that if we don't show mercy to them, obviously our enemies will get it worse! That's a scary thought! I think he still held back a bit. I mean...she's alive and only with a broken arm...i think. I hope i don't miss any more of his fights, i can learn much from them. By this point many had been leaving, taking care of those who were injuried in the duels and going to bed. I prayed i didn't miss my own chance! As would have it, i was able to do the final one! Tyrae paired up with me. We were both in dresses. I was just going to take mine off, not like i wasn't wearing undergarments underneath and it was mostly other women so why would it matter? And the High Vindicator is older so i mean...what hasn't he seen at this point? He even mentioned such the day before when Aursuna got made at him for walking in while she was helping other girls with their dress'. Aursuna got a bit mad at me for that, and pushed me along to go change in private. So, we each went on ahead and changed into our other clothes. I couldn't even go topless like the others did! I mean, they've already seen me without such at my ceremony so why'd it matter? But of course, you can't go against Aursuna. I did the High Vinidcator proud! I showed no mercy! I even broke Tyrae's leg! Though...i really...really..didn't mean to. I just wanted to sprain it a bit, however...uh her leg is a a bit lighter than i am accustomed to. She got a good couple shots into my stomach, but i am unharmed. The High Vindicator saw me have a victory and i was able to please my superior so that made me very happy and proud of myself. I want to keep doing well by him, he knows much and i look up to him and his commitments. He may sway a bit too far on some things, but he means well and he keeps true to everyone, if everyone could aspire to be even just a bit like him, i think the world would be a better place. Lyn'dara and Aursuna didn't get to see my victory though. I was rather sad by that, i really wanted to display my prowess to them. I don't feel i've been able to do much lately. None of the Infantry has been able to really. So..i really wanted to show them that i'm not rusty, i'm still the Arbiter and i'm strong too! I didn't even get to have my dance with Aursuna! She said we were going to! She danced with the High Vindicator. Which..i know i've said in the past they make good parent figures....but that...looked weird. I did not, not, nope absolutely not! Like that! I just kept myself busy in the mean time. Though it made me feel a bit better when Aursuna told me in secret that she didn't like it much either. So hush book! Don't tell anyone! it's me and Aursuna secret! Over all, it was great seeing so so very many people get together, talk, work, play and laugh! Everyone looked so amazing too! So many different dresses and suits. No matter the background, or where anyone was from, or race, or anything silly like that. We still...we all got together and agreed, we agreed on unity and the importance that it shares to all the world, we can make a difference. Together. In peace. We can learn together, from each other and see all the amazing things we share in this wold. We can learn each others tongues, we can share each others cultures and we can share blood in a ring of combat, together! Then laugh about it all later. I'm proud to be part of such ventures. I am so glad the Light brought me to such amazing people who are my ever growing family. From a ten foot tall Light Forged Draenei, to a Tauren, and even on to a gnome. I'm so happy to have so many people be part of my family and i can't wait to learn everything about them!

[shytiff]

Small Nov Wins

1 - cant bring myself to study, got out of bed 10:30-ish am. While lazing around i read royal servant and do random internet stuff and watched romee's vlogs. Ate breakfast and i somehow has no appetite?? This is rare. e, cicil kompre began at 15:30 pm (i know, i waste my time a lot). Pengumuman wahana mpi wow yay kalideres makara and budi asih

2 - the weather was pleasantly cloudy. poli anestesi anak, simul. went to what used to be calais, its called flavola now. at this point i quite need some calories because i only ate bubur ayam and its like 2-3 pm ish. Eventually the hunger is gone, arrived home at about 4-ish, drank protein to curb my hunger (nanggung dinner). dad said sumn that annoyed me so after maghrib i just lazed in bed, not feeling like doing anything (even though there’s lots of exams and hw lmao), fell asleep

3 - woke up at 2 am, prated, randomly searched for angel - chancellor and taeyeon’s lyrics and i basically wept at 4 am. i assumed the song was just like,,, a guy talking to a girl, his angel, you know. EXCEPT,,,,,,,,. the 2 MVs was also rly222 beautiful 🥺. Poli geriatri today, didnt even see patient because there was no more at that time (status salin nadia). ate ichiban salad (surprisingly quite good) at dm bcs i rly do be functioning better outdoors, made matcha latte with full cream milk ((powder)), cicil PT

4 - can finally wake up late. finished 1 sitasi pt, made ikk ppt, bujing lina called about diarrhea and nausea meds, laddered the leader for tomorrow’s exam and it,, was,,, me,, group call with shiko. frantically studied for EA

5 - PT (finished in 45 mins), simul as a leader, with STEMI, VF and hypoglycemia case. somehow made it through. i suck at dosages omggg. PP by car with mom (not rly that tired) but i SLEPT after i got home and had no mood to study helpppp

6 - did my first swab test today. i pushed the doctors hand when she’s doing oropharyngeal swab im sorryyyy 😂. slept. matcha. cicil kompre

7 - still havent finished ikk (deadline: today), and still havent studied for geri and ikk AND i still managed to take a nap. why. Read a bit of kompre. Not sleepy after matcha, but insted i reread bj alex and tsubaki chou lonely planet until 2 am the next day #rippriorities

8 - im having matcha latte seven days in a row as of today :))))) woke up at 10:30 am, went to flavola with atikah and got strawberry yakult (tasted like es mony), arrived home at abt 7-ish am and there no dinner, so i drank protein and ate japota honey butter. My breakfast was chicken porridge, so my diet is sooo liquid today. Rip proper nutrition (ate buryam, lumpia, japota for the whole day and drank 3 beverage). Cicil kompre and studied geri

9 - suma geri, slept, cicil kompre, ny head kind of hurts

10 - my head still hurts, suma ikk with dr herqu and dr retno, didnt take swab result by car because the TRAFFIC in soetta so my brother took it. Thankfully negative.

11 - lulus kompre alhamdulillah, the examiner were Prof Saptawati and dr. Dani from THT. Dr dani still remembered me :"") they were very kind. Went to tamel for first wahana: klinik makara UI. Picked up masker first at mahmudas place, and then went to depok. On the way i was interviewed by maba 2020 wtf im so old. Cleaned up my room with the fam, printed sumn in barel (its quite empty there)

12 - first day at klinik makara ui. i WALKED. such wow. fixed my shoes in kutek. had breakfast in barel and bahari for lunch-dinner. somehow i felt very drained. bought Dapur Alya (nutella and regal) and 2 salads from Salad Point since there was 11.11 promo. Put all of them in the fridge. Read Fools and its sooo good omg

13 - had salad and left over bahari rice for brekkie. went to clinic by grabbike :)))), had my first teleconsultation experience today, a chemical trauma case. suma ea with the help of shiko

14 - woke up at 5:20 ish and i jogged a bit at ui lmaoo. fisip - ft - fisip. By 6:30 im already back at my room. 1 hour can be spent a lot of different ways, it turns out. Washed my clothes. Ate monstercheese pizza. Slept a bit. Went to blok m with ara (she was late as always, surprised her with koi milk tea), ate futago ya (greasy cheesy milky goodness, enak tapi eneg afterwards), bought red bean bread at la mouette, bought discounted onigiri bento box at papaya. We went to m bloc space, looked around, ate gelato at kebunide (blueberry: yum, fresh, kiiinda feels artificial, salted caramel: delicious but makes me thirsty) and did photobox at connectoon. Walked to mrt asean but turns out!! for weekends mrt is closed at 8pm. Took grabbike to sudirman, seeing the pretty city and people just hanging out, playing skateboards on the wide sidewalks.

15 - planned to go jogging with salemba frens but i woke up late (06:45), so i just lazed around. Ate onigiri bento (super worth it for 25k for the proteins), fell asleep again 10ish to 14:30 lmaoo. The doms from yesterday was present even on the right side of my lower back 🙂 the red bean bread made me feel full, and the red bean was not too sweet, which i love. Reviewed some meshwork materials i missed. Fianti called and we talked abt her and hari

16 - had mujigae for sahur and fish bite for iftar. The fish was not as soft as fish streat, but the flour was definitely better and crunchy. But it doesnt have the seasoning micin like fish streat do. The pasta was quite a lot im in food coma afterwards. Fell asleep, and my stomach was so gassy that i woke up in the middle with a headache that does not play around. Fortunately it dissapeared in the morning

17 - breakfast is rice kimchi and abon lmaoo just pretend it makes sense. The scrubs i ordered finally arrived. I fell asleep AGAIN, WHYYYY. Lost my streak in DL, i guess i can stop using it for now.

18 - finished reading blood link, girlll i thought the human died at the end. Did not buy food today wow. Took a nap and cicil kompre.

19 - brekkie at barel. Helped measuring antropometry today at clinic, and also measured my own. The fucked up thing was that i THOUGHT my body fat is still at 28% compared to the past (dr rina's research). So i looked at the old paper AND. I USED TO HAVE. 35% FAT 🙂 even my memories are in denial and are fooling me. All this time i thought i was at 28 🙂 did swab at rsui. The one swabbing was from fkui 2012 and we had small talk. It hurted more than lmk :( now this does feel like drowning in water (cause before i said "nah its not like water in nose"). Took angkot back to tamel, bought piscok lumer pocin and its soooo gooood ugh

20 - i feel like if i have breakfast with leftover rice and abon and sozzis i get hungry faster lmaoo. Ordered ken karaage from kukusan, yaa okela for 25k with ongkir. Did online posbindu education through wa. BTS BE COMEBACK 🥺 i maximized my wifi time (no wifi at tamel) so i listened to the whole album. My mobile data is at 200MB lol. Read a good longreads from the atlantic, about down synd and genetic screening. The writing is so so good im just blown away. And teary eyed.

21 - ran a bit, solid class (gastro, rheum, infection), embryo, webinar about sleep by dr Gita Anindyajati, SpKJ, bought ayam geprek gold chick (lotsss of oil since i ordered tempe, jamur, egg, bought pop cookies. matcha cheese was actually better than i expected (the combination somehow fits), dark chocolate and marshmallow is very chocolatey like mom’s brownies, and vegan strawberry cookie with a hint of mint. i wonder how they replace the egg. I wonder why after i run i dont feel hungry for a moment. bloating just gooes away

22 - joined kris' healthy weekly event (lmao) in tamsur. They went to epiwalk first. Its difficult for me to run w mask, ngl. Went back to tamel, embryo, ate leftover meal from gold and chick, felt somehow drained to the bone so i just laid in bed and lazed and lazed. Theres no soreness, but the weakness was generalized lmao. Ordered bbq chicken almond salad from salad point, it was actually quite fulfilling and delishhh (added chili sauce to the dressing). Literally laid in bed from 7 until i fell asleep and woke up at 6 the next day. Finished readin shame application lmao

23 - i still feel tired ckckck. No doms, but i feel like i just want to lay down. got DV patient today at clinic, its most likely derm numularis??? Ate salad and dark choco marshmallow cookies in the evening and that cookie. Is so damn sweet im just thinking about the increase in my blood sugar. And i like sweets so!!! Never thought id find sumn too sweet. Washed my clothes and cicil ukmppd (i put things about studying ukmppd in habitica now)

24 - ate tanoshi sushi and ufo ramen for bfast, ate the sushi again for lunch and after waking up from my sleep i tried kokku ramen (so so, but the egg yolk's good)

25 - bfast: superbubur, protein shake and cookies. (did not make me feel full long enough). Ordered burger from EATG (so so, burger bener is better) for lunch. Last day at makara ui. Ara arrived coz shes staying here in tamel. Waiting for mom to arrive from cibubur, she arrived at about 20:30. I passed out at home

26 - first day in pkm kalideres, i volunteered to be pj to avoid RSUD. my room is a mess, i feel tired after i go back. maybe its the physical withdrawal (?) because i dont walk like when im on klinik makara. came to pkm thinking i wont do anything (orientation only) but the 6 of us ended up going. i was at igd. i saw nail extraction and injected ats for another patient 

27 - talked for almost an hour with the doctor at poli lansia. went home, felt sooo tired, i slept and actually showered after maghrib. originally planned to go to sbux but i was just tired af. my mood was horrible at home. 

28 - turns out i started my period today. i havent studied at all during pkm kalideres era. embryo. slept again. read some manga by nishin something with the psychological and BL genre. 

29 - embryo. cut my hair, showered, and felt better. fell asleep on dr gita's lecture. Drank cimory banana milk with a bit of matcha powder. I dont know if its the sleep, or a bit of caffeine, but my mood feels better and im more awake. Cicil ukmppd with a slow pace. Read itasaku ff. Slept at about 2 am

30 - surprisingly, i dont feel sleepy when i wake up. poli anak today, surprisingly i got perinatology case (jaundice). presented it on pleno. for bfast i ate 3 slice of bread (2 with meat and cheese, 1 choco and cheese) and protein shake, lunch: a slice of choco cheese bread and a banana, fell asleep, dinner: 1 bakwan, a banana and nextar. i can feel that the calories i got today is even less than what i usually got (and usually i already try to limit calories that i am counting the intake amout and made sure im not too far from my bmr lmaoo (~1100)

[ask-svt-hearteu]

soulmate! Joshua

Anon requested: "Can you do a joshua soulmate, please? 😁"

Genre: little angsty

Word Count: 1198

Summary: in which visible injuries (like cuts, bruises, scrapes, etc.) that you sustain are shared with your soulmate and vice versa (part two)

A/N: OK WHERE TO BEGIN, first sorry if this is a bit long, Joshua is my (admin Jess) bias so I may or may not have gotten carried away, also this is a bit different then the normal au's we do /)~(\ . Hope you enjoy!

you don't know who your soulmate is, but everyday you're always scared

scared that if you accidentally trip because you're kinda klutzy, you might get hurt

and if you get even a scratch, your soulmate will too

you don't even know who they are

but how awful would it be to know that you caused them pain, that it was your fault

it's kind of unavoidable

you'll turn the page in your book and get a paper cut

you fell off your bike when you were younger and scraped your shin

you cried for hours, not because it hurt you, but because you knew somewhere, someone else got hurt too

you'd like to think that whoever they are, they're trying their best to not get hurt too

because then you'd be hurt

and sometimes you'll get a bruise somewhere or a scrape

but instead of being angry with your soulmate, whoever they are, you hoped they were ok

and taking care of themselves, because that's just the kind of person you are

luckily this whole soulmate thing only applied to visible injuries

so you twisting your ankle during gymnastics in 3rd grade wouldn't affect them

that didn't stop you from constantly being worried though

you're starting university now

finally moving out and living on your own

this is supposed to be where the rest of your life starts

you sang in choirs when you were little since you liked music

sometimes you get blisters on your fingers which makes you think your soulmate might play a string instrument

it's nice to know you both share music in common and not just visual injuries

but your parents convinced you to pursue a more practical career than music

which is how you ended up getting accepted with an undeclared major

might as well get all the mandatory classes out of the way before deciding how you want to spend the rest of your life

you work part time in this coffee shop, just a few bus stops away from your apartment 

it has decent pay and you adjusted well

you already know how to make everything safely and efficiently so as to not get hurt and free coffee for the late night study session

it doesn't stop your hand from shaking sometimes when you're carrying hot drinks

but you can do it, you can prevent accidents so as to not hurt yourself and your soulmate

thoughts wonder across your mind sometimes

would it be better to know who they were?

so that you could apologize for the various pain you caused them over the years?

but would they want anything to do with someone, someone who they were fated to share pain with?

useless thoughts maybe, but you think about them often

one morning you wake up with a cut on your thumb

you don't remember cutting your thumb though

and you want to scream, it stings like crazy

but sadly you can't use sick hours for a cut on your thumb

you're going to be late to work at this rate 

and so of course you forget to put on a band aid

and the day seems to pass pretty normally, at least at first

you're familiar with all the regulars in the coffee shop and converse with them while making their regular orders you have memorized

so when a guy comes in with a mask over his face, you're curious who he is

he orders a coffee and gives his name as Hansol

and when you pass him his order...

"How did you get that cut?" his voice has a mix of things you don't quite understand, it sounds a bit like pity and caution and something else

"What?" you ask, you almost forgot it amidst your usual routines

"I was asking how you got that cut?" he said more urgently, but then he catches himself, "I'm sorry, it just looked painful."

he gives you a stiff bow and leaves hurriedly

you didn't know who Hansol was, but he asked about the cut you got because your soulmate must have cut their thumb, and his hand didn't have a cut from what you saw

so why did he ask?

you hear this story much much later

that day after encountering you in the coffee shop, Vernon had went back to Svt's practice room

"Hyung!" Hansol called for Joshua

Joshua looked up at Vernon

"what's up Vernon?"

"You cut your thumb this morning right? while changing the strings on your guitar?"

"Yea I did... why are you...?" Joshua slowed

for him, this whole soulmate ordeal with the injuries was terrifying

what could he do knowing he had caused someone else to get hurt?

when he cut his thumb this morning, he spent thirty minutes low key panicking, knowing that someone also had the same cut on their thumb

he hated knowing it was his fault

while the other members who had found their soulmate like Vernon and Jun were ecstatic

they often repeated the stories of a fated meeting

but Joshua always felt guilty, like he owed more to his soulmate than he could ever repay

because before even knowing them, he had already hurt them

"hyung youcan't always blame yourself, everyone gets hurt sometimes, accidentally. whoever they are, you've got scratches from your soulmate before right?"

everyone in svt thought that this particular fate was hard, especially since it was Joshua

Joshua cared a lot about everyone and knowing that he might have caused someone pain, everyone knew how difficult it would have been for him

"Hansol, did you see someone with a cut on their thumb today?"

"Yea . . . she's working on the coffee shop around the corner"

it's raining when your shift is over

"aish..." welp next time, you'll remember to bring an umbrella

you start speed walking towards the bus station when-

"Yah!!!" the voice sounds familiar

you turn around and you see Hansol and another boy, both wearing masks and coats run through the rain behind you

now when random a random stranger you met through their order of morning coffee, who had also asked you a strange question, comes running towards you with another person next to him

common sense would tell you to turn around and briskly search for witnesses

stranger. danger.

but you stand there frozen while they slow and then walk up to you

you feel the rain slowly soaking into your clothes, it's really pouring now

it's cold

Hansol comes up to you and tries explaining

"You know how I asked about that cut on your finger earlier..."

you realize you're holding your breath

it's really cold now

"well..." Hansol stops and makes eye contact with the person he came here with

he's a bit taller than Hansol and his hair is auburn brown

whether you had meant to show it or not, you felt yourself shivering

Hansol's friend with the auburn hair takes off his coat and drapes it around your shoulders, his dress shirt immediately beginning to get soaked

he looks at you with a sad little smile on his face as he raises his hand

there's a cut on his thumb

the same cut on your thumb

The Seventeen Soulmate AU series:

|| Seungcheol / Pt. 2 || Jeonghan / Pt. 2 || Joshua / Pt.2 || Jun / Pt.2 || Hoshi / Pt.2 || Wonwoo || Woozi / Pt.2 || Seokmin / Pt.2 || Mingyu / Pt.2 || Minghao || Seungkwan || Vernon / Pt.2 || Dino ||

(If you want a rec, I recommend the soonyoung and Jihoon one bc even if you're not a stan, they're too cute and my admin friend slays my heart soooo.... yea go read those. Love ya!)

MASTERLIST