#and I mean I think I’ve said this before but I do think part of the movie PR is leaning into some of the drama - not disputing that | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

emberuby · 22 hours

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you deserve better | l.hs

pairing: lee heesung x fem! reader

summary: heesung overhears you crying about your asshole of a boyfriend. he'd do anything to show you how much better you deserve.

warnings: best friend's brother! heesung, age gap (hee is 3 years older), mentions of body shaming, heavy insecurity, toxic ex, infidelity but it's deserved, soft dom! heesung, simp heesung, sub! reader, thigh riding, oral (f receiving), vaginal sex, missionary, creampie, sort of angst?, hurt comfort, not proofread.

wc: 4.7k

“Stop being such a pussy and break up with him already,” Sunoo groaned, rolling his eyes at the ceiling. Hojung slapped him on the shoulder and glared fiercely. She felt a surge of frustration on your behalf at Sunoo's nonchalant attitude.

“Sunoo! That’s not helping,” Hojung snarled, her eyes filled with annoyance as she looked at him, but they softened when she turned back to you.

You looked utterly miserable, eyes red and puffy from crying. Your hair was a mess, and your mascara was smeared in blotchy streaks across your cheeks from constantly rubbing your face.

You had recently discovered that your boyfriend of six months was growing bored of your relationship, especially your sex life. You knew it was a trivial thing to cry over, and Sunoo was right. Breaking up with him would be the simplest solution to end this cycle of misery.

“Come on, I'm just being real. He’s clearly not worth it. He humiliates you in front of his friends, sexualises you in front of them, mocks your weight, and can’t even make you orgasm but has the audacity to say the sex is boring? Hojung, why haven’t we kicked his ass yet?” Sunoo folded his arms across his chest and scowled, imagining the worst possible things happening to your boyfriend.

Hojung looked deflated as she slowly nodded, agreeing with everything Sunoo said. She grabbed your hand softly and looked at you with pure sympathy. “Y/N, I hate seeing you like this. Why are you still with him?”

You hiccuped, feeling on the verge of tears again at her worried tone. Despite hating to burden your best friends with your problems, they had been persistent in getting you to open up about what had been happening since they noticed your change in demeanour over the past few weeks.

You had been unusually quiet and dejected, often barricading yourself in your room. Sunoo and Hojung decided to hold an intervention, and now here you were, tipsy off a few seltzers, spilling everything that had been plaguing your relationship onto them. At first, they were angry with you for not telling them sooner, but now their focus was solely on your cunt of a boyfriend.

“I don’t know,” you sniffed, “I have no idea why I’m still with a man who makes me so utterly insecure. I guess I think…I won’t be able to find someone if I were to leave him. I’ve never had guys go after me so a small part of me thinks I should just deal with this because what other choice do I have?” You knew you sounded pathetic, but at this point, you couldn’t care less.

“Is that what he told you?” Sunoo asked, now matching Hojung’s level of rage.

You stayed silent, but the answer was yes. Your boyfriend always told you how lucky you were to be in a relationship with him given how dull and flawed you were. Before this relationship, you couldn’t remember having this many confidence issues, but ever since he came into your life, you can’t help but believe his words. Maybe you were so undesirable that this is your one and only chance for a relationship.

“Snap out of it, Y/N! None of what you said was true. You are beautiful and so incredible," Hojung furrowed her eyebrow and drunkenly yelled, “I will kill that bastard for making you feel this way, I swear!”

“Oh! But if I said that, you’d call me all sorts of dramatic,” Sunoo scoffed.

“Yeah, because you would actually mean it,” Hojung retorted, snapping her fingers in front of Sunoo’s face. It made you flashback to your early high school days when Sunoo would go after boys who teased you, usually by physically confronting them in the courtyard.

“I…You’re right. Both of you. I will break up with him, soon. I just hope I’m not such a coward that I chicken out like last time,” you used the ends of your sweater to wipe the tears away from your eyes, not caring anymore about the mascara stains that were being left on the fabric.

“You’re telling me you tried to break up with him before and didn’t follow through?” Hojung gasped.

Before you could answer, you heard footsteps approaching. Turning around, you saw Lee Heesung, Hojung’s older brother. Despite knowing he was off-limits, you couldn’t help but get nervous and infatuated every time he was around. Ever since you met him at thirteen, you’ve had a crush on him that was all too obvious to Hojung, not that she ever commented on it.

Perhaps it was slightly more than a tiny crush, but either way, you knew your place and never sought after him. Even if he wasn’t your best friend’s older brother, you knew he was way above your league. He carried himself with a confidence and beauty you could only dream of possessing.

It had been a year since you’d last seen Heesung. He went off to a university in Europe but came back periodically to visit his family. Now that he was almost graduating and had more free time, he decided to come home for a few months and was staying at your and Hojung’s apartment for the week to catch up with his baby sister.

Hojung snapped her head up at him, furrowing her eyebrows. “Heesung! What do you need? We’re having a private conversation,” she scolded.

Heesung came up behind her to ruffle her hair, much to her annoyance. “You need to watch how much you drink,” he said sternly.

“Ugh, I didn’t drink that much. I’m fine. Now go away!” She slurred.

“Fine!” Heesung raised his arms slightly in surrender, “I just came to get some water.”

Heesung looked down into your eyes, mesmerising you. You held eye contact for a moment before you got too nervous and tried to find anywhere else to look. Although his stare was rather intense and mostly unreadable, there was a hint of concern etched on his expression. “You okay?” He asked.

You nodded meekly, face heating up at the embarrassment of him having to see you in this state—a crying and babbling mess over a boyfriend who clearly wasn’t worth your tears. You tried to lower your gaze so it wouldn’t be so obvious to him, but it was mostly useless.

Heesung walked over to the fridge and took out four water bottles. When he came back to the table, you felt him behind you, and the heat emanating off his body was all too noticeable. Your breathing became irregular as he leaned over from behind you to place the water bottles on the table.

Hojung took a swig of water and suddenly tumbled out of her seat, running towards the kitchen to empty the contents of her stomach into the sink. You stood up to hold her hair back, followed by a worried but calm looking Heesung.

“How much did she drink?” Heesung asked.

You kept your mouth shut, but Sunoo didn’t seem to have a problem with tattling as he said, “A few seltzers, a bottle of soju, three shots of tequila,” he grabbed a can from Hojung’s side of the table and inspected it, “And a beer?”

“Fucking hell,” you heard Heesung murmur under his breath. “Hojung, what is your problem? You know you’re a lightweight.”

Hojung just groaned back, too dishevelled to say anything. You placed your palm on her forehead and felt it burn.

“Alright, that’s enough, let’s wrap it up. Hojung, go to bed,” Heesung scolded.

“Sunoo, I’ll call you an Uber and—,” you started.

“No, he can stay and sleep on the couch, it’s too late. All of you go clean yourselves up and go to sleep,” Heesung instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Heesung and Sunoo led Hojung back to her room, holding onto her by the shoulders.

You were sitting alone at the table now, scattered with empty cans of cheap alcohol and glass bottles of half-empty liquor. It was half past midnight, and although you desperately wanted to sleep, your mind was still plagued with the thoughts of how you were going to break up with the man who was poisoning your life.

You hadn’t even realised that Heesung sat across from you until you felt him grab the drink can from your hand. He looked over to you disapprovingly, but also worried.

“Hojung and Sunoo both went to bed, you should too,” he said quietly. His voice was so soft and soothing that it did make you want to fall asleep to the sound of it.

“I don’t think I can.”

Heesung had heard everything you said, and he was doing a rather good job at hiding just how enraged he was at your scum of a boyfriend. Not to mention how angry he was at the words you said about yourself. It made him want to grab you by the shoulders and tell you in detail just how gorgeous and desirable you were, right after breaking the jaw of the man who made you cry like this.

If it were up to him, you would never cry unless it’s from pleasure from how good he made you feel.

He snapped out of his crude thought. “Your boyfriend sounds like a real charmer,” he said sarcastically.

You looked away from him, embarrassed, “So I guess you heard everything?”

“Sorry,” he said all too unapologetic, “I’m not the type to eavesdrop, I swear.”

“It’s fine. I just don’t want you to think I’m pathetic. I swear I’ll break up with him tomorrow.”

“I don’t think you’re pathetic at all, just misguided. You think way too low of yourself.” His stare made you feel so small. “You’re fucking gorgeous, Y/N.”

Your face heated up like crazy. You finally looked back up into his eyes and Heesung felt amused at your flustered and shocked face. You were adorable beyond your comprehension.

“You don’t know how many men would do anything to have you.” Present company included, Heesung thought.

You shook your head, chuckling weakly, “You don’t have to say that.”

His eyes went dark now, frustrated at how you didn’t believe him. He leaned over the table to grab your hand. It was comforting and far too gentle for you to have reacted by flinching at the sudden touch. “I mean it, Y/N. You deserve so much better than him,” he lowered his voice and whispered, “You deserve to feel good. A man who can’t pleasure his woman is what’s actually pathetic.”

You had no idea what to say at that, your body going stiff at his insinuating words and the feeling of his thumb rubbing over your hand.

He smiled tenderly at you, trying to soothe your worries. “I could show you what it feels like to be taken care of.” He leaned closer towards you now, and you felt yourself leaning as well. “Come sit over here,” he patted his lap.

You had no idea what you were thinking when you stood up from your seat and began walking towards him, but you felt him pulling you in. In these months of misery and heartbreak, Heesung’s comforting presence was magnetic and you couldn’t stop yourself from getting close to him.

You stood in front of him, and he gently held your waist to pull you down to sit over his lap, legs scandalously spread in front of his pelvis. You felt yourself heat up even more, especially the in-between of our legs. You were wearing pyjama shorts and a baggy white shirt, no bra. Heesung snaked his arms up your back and pushed you even closer so your chest was flush with his.

You were flustered at the feeling of your tits pressed up against him, and your shorts dampening ever so slightly with your arousal.

“I bet I could be a better kisser than him,” Heesung whispered.

Your faces were so close now that one slight push would have your lips pressed up against each other. “We…We can’t do this Heesung,” you managed to say.

“There’s nothing wrong with it,” He cupped your face, “you’re going to break up with him anyways.”

“No, that’s not it,” you bit your lip and reached up, grasping onto his shoulder, “It just feels…I don’t know if Hojung will be happy with me—”

He placed a finger over your mouth, “Shh, enough of that. She doesn’t matter right now, and you do. What is it that you want?”

You leaned into his palm, ever so hypnotised by his stare. You stayed silent, your mind thinking of all the ways this may hurt Hojung. What if she thought of you as betraying her? You’ve always had feelings for him, but what if you succumbed to your desires as just a means of using him to get over your heartbreak? You cared far too much about Heesung to do that to him. What if he just wanted to use you?

You were snapped out of your thoughts when Heesung grabbed you tightly by the hips, making you rub your pelvis against his, not helping at all with your wave of arousal. You held back a whimper. “Tell me, gorgeous. What do you want?”

“I want you,” you finally pushed yourself against his lips. It didn’t take long for Heesung to hold your head and push his tongue inside your mouth. The way he was using his tongue was making you hazy, not being able to suppress your noises any longer. It was rough and passionate. A fiery passion you weren’t used to.

“Stay quiet, baby. Don’t want to wake anyone up, right?”

You nodded weakly, but you weren’t sure if you were going to be able to keep that promise. His tongue now latched onto your jaw and you clasped your lips together to hold back your whimper. Your squirming made Heesung’s cock harden and stand up, and you began feeling sensitive to the feeling of his erection pressing up against you.

It was almost involuntary the way you began grinding against his crotch, and you felt desperate. His lips were now on your neck and he grabbed a handful of your ass, steadily pushing you back and forth on his thighs. It made you see stars.

It was embarrassing how you felt yourself nearing your orgasm just by this. You have been so sexually deprived and neglected it made you sensitive to real and passionate intimacy. It was in the feeling of your clit pressing against the fabric of your panties, and Heesung’s hand inside your shirt playing and palming at your tits. Your nipples hardened at the pressure.

Fuck, you were going to cum practically untouched.

You quickened your pace, your hips beginning to tire as you started chasing the high.

“Are you going to cum, baby?” Heesung whispered. You nodded meekly, not being able to speak a word. He gripped your hips, halting your movements. “Why don’t you take off your panties and ride my thigh? It will feel so much better.”

Although you were frustrated by having your pleasure taken away from you, you stood up on unbalanced legs in front of him once more. He put two fingers into the hem of your shorts and pulled you towards him. He leaned his head towards your leg and began placing kisses on your thigh as you felt your shorts slide down your legs and eventually pool on the floor.

“You’re fucking drenched,” you felt him place his fingers on the wet spot on your panties and whimpered at the feeling. “Have you ever been eaten out?”

You shook your head. Your boyfriend was the first sexual relationship you had, and he never seemed to be interested in making you feel pleasurable. You weren’t even sure if he knew how to.

“Bastard,” Heesung murmured under his breath. He was utterly furious at how your boyfriend had practically been using you for his own pleasure like you were some object. He discarded your panties and pulled you back on his thigh.

Your clit came into contact with his thigh. He rocked you back and forth and your mind short-circuited at the friction of his jeans and your sensitive clit. You pressed your lips into his shoulders trying to muffle your moans, not trusting yourself to keep it in.

Heesung was in bliss seeing you like this, desperate and beautiful and in utter pleasure. He felt his jeans get dampened from where your cunt was drooling on them.

Because you were already so hot and stimulated, it didn’t take long for you to feel it. The feeling was almost foreign to you since it’s been so long since you’ve pleasured yourself. You were going to cum on his thigh.

“I-I think…I’m close,” you whined.

“I know, baby,” he cupped the back of your head gently, “cum for me.”

You rolled your eyes back as you felt your orgasm wash over you. You felt it everywhere in your body. You wrapped your arms tightly around Heesung’s torso, almost like you’d fly away if you weren’t anchored to him. He kept slowly pushing you on his thigh, gently helping you come down from your high.

“Thank you, Heesung,” you said after you had time to calm down.

“Don’t thank me. Not yet,” he chuckled. You were confused until you felt yourself rise as he picked you up and began walking towards his bedroom.

He laid you gently on his bed and leaned down to press his lips on your forehead. You were prepared for him to fuck you some more, and as much as you were tired, a major part of you was excited at the thought of him wearing you out for the night. You were surprised when he stood back up and grabbed your phone out of his pocket. You had no idea how you got that.

“Open it,” he demanded. You did so, feeling upset at yourself for being so unquestioning and submissive. You couldn’t help yourself though as you had the utmost trust towards Heesung.

He went through your contacts and found the man he was looking for. His name on your phone was followed by a sparkly pink heart after it. It made him want to gag. He pressed the call button, surprised at how quickly the man picked up given how late it was into the night. “Babe?” came out of the other line.

He put it on speaker and handed you the phone. You were immensely afraid to take it, still hesitant about your ability to leave this dead relationship. “Tell him. Tell him now or I will,” he whispered spitefully. He wanted to watch you dump that pathetic excuse of a man before he let himself have you fully.

He couldn’t give a fuck about how the other man felt about his girlfriend cheating on him, but he knew you needed to get this over with. He wanted you to forget your boyfriend and focus solely on him as he took you.

“Y/N, what do you want?” the voice on the phone came out harsh as he was getting annoyed at your silence, making Heesung clench his fists. How dare he speak to you like that, he thought.

“H-Hi…I called because I wanted to tell you something,” you said gently. Heesung was sure he did not deserve to hear your soft voice.

“Okay? Well hurry the hell up, I want to sleep.” Heesung felt himself holding back from becoming violent.

“I think…I don’t think I can keep doing this.”

“Do what? What are you talking about?”

“I…,” your eyes trailed towards Heesung, looking for help. He held your hand to help comfort you, but he wasn’t about to break up with your boyfriend for you so he gave you a stern look to continue what you were saying. You decided to rip off the bandaid and said, “I think we should break up.”

There was a silence on the other line until your boyfriend—now ex—began raising his voice and cursing at you, “You’re not fucking serious, Y/N. Is this seriously why you called me in the middle of the night? I mean, what the fuck?” You noticed Heesung clench his jaw. “Go ahead, leave me. You’re just going to come crawling back when you can’t find someone who can put up with how boring you are. Honestly, you are suck a fucking bitch, too scared to—,” Heesung grabbed the phone out of your hand.

There were tears welling up in your eyes, but you were trying your absolute best not to cry over this prick. You already embarrassed yourself enough.

Heesung knew he couldn’t yell in fear of waking up the others in the apartment, so he said as quietly as he could, “Listen here you fucking cunt. Speak to her like that again and I will rip your throat out with my bare hands, do you understand?”

“Who the fuck are you?” the man on the line spat, but you could hear the slight fear in his voice. Your ex has never been a particularly confident man around men who intimidated him. Heesung’s strong presence was clearly making him feel inferior, even if it was through the phone.

“I said do you understand? Never call this number again. In fact, don’t step or look or breathe anywhere near her, asshole.”

“Are you fucking—,” Heesung ended the call and blocked his number for good measure.

Heesung leaned down and pressed his forehead against your forehead, “How do you feel?”

Instead of responding you grabbed him by his shirt and pulled his lips on yours. You felt like your body would not function unless he was on you. You didn’t want Heesung to think you were upset over leaving your boyfriend, because you weren’t. You couldn’t give a fuck about him anymore, but fuck were you embarrassed by your cowardly attitude.

You may have been too weak to take action against your now ex-boyfriend, but you mustered up all of your strength to show Heesung how much you wanted him, and solely him.

He grabbed your waist and pushed your back on the mattress. You were moaning into each other’s mouths. It was hot and desperate. He needed you just as much as you needed him.

“Fuck,” he groaned, one hand pinning your wrists above you, the other descending down to your waist and grinding into you. You moved your hips up to meet his, trying to satisfy your craving for getting him inside you.

He kissed you one more time before trailing his mouth down your throat, eliciting louder moans out of you. “Please,” you begged. You moved your hands to try to take off his shirt, forgetting he had them restrained.

Heesung let go of your hands, but instead of undressing himself, he peeled off your white shirt, leaving your bare breasts on display for him. He couldn’t hold himself back from moaning, gripping one with his hands and wrapping his lips around the other. It was practically impossible to keep quiet at the feeling of his mouth flicking and sucking on your sensitive bud.

You felt his fingers yet again, but this time on your bare cunt, making you flinch in sensitivity. “Heesung…,” you said breathlessly.

“Baby, you’re drenched,” his eyes were like a predator before it was about to devour its prey. He moved down the bed, placing your legs over his shoulders, thighs resting comfortably on his shoulders. He began lapping at your hole, and it felt like this was all that he was made to do. He was meant to pleasure you and now that he has been given the chance, he won’t be able to live without the feeling of your arousal on his tongue.

He licked up all your juices and then moved up to begin sucking on your clit. You accidentally yelped, despite your desperate effort to stay quiet. Heesung chuckled, and looked up at you, “Baby, I told you to stay quiet. Or would you rather I shove your face into the mattress and take you from behind?”

You clenched at the thought, not entirely sure if you would mind. It didn’t get past him how positively you reacted to his threat. “Next time,” he murmured before continuing the devouring of your cunt.

Your hand was tightly pressed over your mouth as you felt yourself cum on his tongue, your body shaking as you began to take in the feeling of overstimulation. You don’t remember a time in your life when you’ve had more than one orgasm in a single night. Heesung climbed up once more and placed a kiss on your lips, letting you taste yourself on his tongue.

“You taste incredible,” he groaned, making your face heat up in flames. You couldn’t believe he could say such intimate and coarse things so calmly. He began kissing your neck again, surely leaving a mark for tomorrow. That’s something your future self would have to worry about.

He slid off his jeans and groaned as you reached down to cup his cock with your hand, mind going haywire at how massive it felt. You were nervous now to take it in your cunt, but he removed your hand and thrust himself inside you in one quick motion, wrapping your legs around his waist.

You were both moaning now, your walls clamping around his cock from the pleasure, but partly due to your struggling of trying to take his size. You were still a bit too tight even with the two times he’s already made you cum. He let you slowly adjust to it before increasing his rhythm, pumping his cock more deeply and quickly.

His back was now littered with your scratches from clawing at him. He was pounding into you at a speed that was making it harder to form any thoughts. How could you, when you were having your guts rearranged by the man you’ve been in love with since you were a little girl? You felt his cock throbbing inside your walls, and you knew your climax was coming closer, as well as his.

“Fuck, I’m going to cum baby,” he breathed. He reached down and you felt his fingers playing with your clit, trying to get you to cum at the same time as you. Even if you tried your best to stay as quiet as possible, the sounds of the bed creaking were not going to fool anyone who was awake at this time.

“Cum inside me, p-please,” you managed to say in between whines. He didn’t object, and you felt your insides become hot as his seed spread inside you, coating your walls. At the same time, you clamped around his cock as you came with him. You gripped tightly at his back, needing him as close to you as humanly possible.

Heesung stayed still as he waited for you to calm down, running his hands up and down your waist to help warm you and stop your shaking. He pressed his forehead against yours. It was just you and him in this world, breathing slowly to each other’s rhythm.

He knew you were exhausted, so he wasn’t about to bring it up now so as to not overwhelm you, but you were his now. You were now forever belonging to him. There is only one thing that will let him live a fulfilling life and it’s to keep you in his life, happy and protected.

While you were sound asleep, you didn’t even notice your phone vibrating throughout your sound slumber.

LEE HOJUNG [09:27]: i’m guessing you’re still asleep but…seriously girl. i’m glad you’re moving on from that garbage bin of a human (please please please tell me u broke up with him) but did you seriously have to do it with my OWN BROTHER????

LEE HOJUNG [09:27]: i’ll kill him if he hurts you i hope you know that.

LEE HOJUNG [09:28]: are you guys together now or smth?

LEE HOJUNG [09:28]: he’s never allowed back here again don’t argue with me istfg

LEE HOJUNG [09:28]: UGH…YOU GUYS ARE DISGUSTING 🤮🤮 WAKE UP ALREADY SO I CAN BEAT YOUR ASSES

KIM SUNOO [10:03]: Yeah…I’m not shocked in the slightest.

#heesung enhypen #lee heesung #heesung smut #heesung x reader #enhypen #enhypen x reader #enhypen fic #enhypen hard hours #enhypen smut #you deserve better 🖇

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13uswntimagines · 2 hours

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The Royal Playbook (Alessia X Leah X Royal!R)

Summary: It wasn't often that you used your name or your titles, but to see your girlfriends, you would do just about anything. Even if it means going head-to-head with your new security.

Warnings: Slightly suggestive, but otherwise nothing. It's a fluff piece.

Your life was complicated. Well… that may have been putting it lightly.

Everything in your life had been planned for you since well before you were born. You had a tutor, an etiquette instructor, and an equestrian coach from the moment you came screaming into the world. Along with a security detail and a personal team of butlers to help you navigate life.

It was simple, you would be academically trained, coached in diplomacy (and swordsmanship as was customary on Braavos), and exposed to different cultures so that you could continue to lead your country like your father and his mother before him. You would marry a foreign diplomat, and make political bonds that would strengthen your little island nation’s place in Europe.

Falling in love had never been a part of that plan.

Neither had your absolute obsession with football. Specifically, your obsession with English football.

But your parents had taken it in stride and were far more accepting than you had any right to believe they would be. They were supportive even after they found out you preferred the fairer sex, and they absolutely adored the women who had stolen your heart.

You happened to adore them too.

Well, something stronger than adore.

You would do anything for them.

They made you willing to break all of the carefully constructed rules you had grown up with. They made you forget the weight of responsibility that had been balanced on your shoulders since your coronation date was set the day you turned 16.

They treated you like Y/n instead of Her Majesty the heir to the throne. They made you feel normal.

It killed you that you couldn’t be… open with your relationship. That having the world know would put them in the firing line.

You sighed, leaning back into the leather seat as the SUV slowed, turning in front of the Emirates. The dark window tint blocked out the flashing lights, and the thousands of pounds of armor plating dulled the chanting from the throngs of people. The little flags on the cars in your motorcade told them all who was inside, even if they didn’t know which of the 4 cars you were in.

You shifted, tugging at the hem of your jersey. “Do you think we’ll make it in time for warmups?”

The new material was still tight on your skin, so much different than the cotton dress shirts you normally wore, and the two little names above your favorite number felt unnaturally… weighted.

They were in a way. As soon as a photographer caught a picture of them, your secret would be out.

“I’ve sent a team ahead to clear your entrance and the box you’ll be staying in, so as long as we can get through this crowd we should make it,” Davis said, glancing up at you in the rearview mirror. “I know they’re your favorite part,”

You hummed, glancing back out of the darkened windows at the masses of people dressed in white and red.

A part of you envied them.

You would never be able to walk into a stadium through its entrance. You would never get to see the mural of the team that existed in the main hall of the Emirates. You would never get to sit in the supporters section, surrounded by the various chants.

The other, larger part knew how much you despised being surrounded by people. How claustrophobic it made you feel, and how hard it made it for you to breathe.

But you still wondered if it would be different if those people weren’t carrying cameras and screaming for your attention. You wondered if watching your girlfriends do the things they loved would negate how incredibly uncomfortable you got when people were too close.

“It just completes the whole experience,” You mumbled into the glass.

Davis made a noise of agreement. “Yes, it does,”

He knew that one of the reasons you loved it so much was because it gave you time to not have to think. To just exist in a space where you weren’t the air to the throne. Where all that mattered was what was happening in front of you.

You didn’t have to say it for him to know.

He could read you like a book. He had experienced every day of your life with you. He acted more like a father than your own father did, and you trusted him implicitly.

The car inched forward, past another gaggle of people holding their phones up to video the caravan.

“We might have to go with plan b if Her Majesty wishes to see the warmups,” Your driver said more to Davis than to you.“There’s an obstruction ahead,”

Your eyebrows pulled tightly together as the car crawled forward through the growing crowd.

Your head of security made a gruff sound, already lifting his phone and speaking rapidly into the receiver.

You barely paid attention to what he was saying. It didn’t really matter anyway.

You knew he would explain when they had a plan, just like he had always done before.

The car came to a stop, and men dressed in bright yellow jackets came pouring out of an entrance you hadn’t recognized, forming a human tunnel.

Davis turned in his seat to face you.

“We’re going to go in a different entrance. I’ll guide you, Gabriel and Tomas will flank us,” He explained. “It’s 16 steps to the door. Stadium security will make sure that they’re unobstructed,”

You hummed. “Will you cover my back?”

It wasn’t that you were ashamed to wear your Loves names.

It actually made you incredibly proud and had a warmth blooming in your chest that was hard to explain.

But you weren’t quite ready to share that with the world yet.

You wanted to protect them from your world for as long as you could. To prevent the people who didn’t agree with your family’s policies from hurting them to get to you.

“My jacket will block you,” Davis assured you, understanding glinting in his eyes. “We’re ready whenever you are,”

You leaned back into the leather seat, glancing at the little walkway that had been created. Fans pressed against it, and you could imagine the wall of sound that would meet you.

You flipped your sunglasses down over your eyes. “Let’s get this over with,”

“I’ll get out and open your door,” Your security chief said, reiterating the protocol you always followed when you had to exit your car in a crowd.

You nodded, never looking away from the window.

You took a deep breath when the car door opened, letting in the onslaught of screams and cheers. They only got louder when Davis opened your door and held his hand out to help you out of the car.

He shielded you as soon as your feet were both on the ground, wrapping an arm over your shoulders, directly blocking the names on your back.

You tucked your face into his chest, closing your eyes at the roar of squeals and cheers that met you.

You never did like crowds.

You felt Tomas take up your other side and counted down the steps in your head as they guided you through the crowd. You didn’t look up at the calls of your name, or the blinding flashes of light, or the jostling that your security tried to protect you from.

This was routine.

The press didn’t pay for photos when your face wasn’t clearly visible.

You let out a long breath when the entrance doors closed solidly behind you.

“It’s over little commander,” Your burly chief of security mumbled into your hair when you didn’t immediately begin to untangle yourself from him, running his hand up and down your back.

You really didn’t like crowds.

You sucked in another long breath before carefully pulling away from him.

“Thank you,” You said, straightening your hair and jersey. Smiling just a bit at the name he had given you after an incident involving your country’s general and an assassin when you were five.

“I don’t think anyone caught a photo of your jersey, your majesty. The Captain's jacket was covering the lettering,” Gabriel added, glancing out the glass doors. “Though I think it’ll be harder to hide if we leave with guests. We’ll also need extra security,”

It made you sigh.

Gabriel was not a bad person, but he was young, and far too serious all of the time.

He hadn’t learned that you didn’t need to know all of the inner workings of their operation yet, or that you were the one who would dictate what you wanted.

You hadn’t even decided if your girlfriends would be leaving with you yet, and when you did, Davis would work it out.

He always figured it out.

“We’ll cross that bridge later,” Davis said, glaring at the younger guard (they would pull the SUV on the fucking field if that’s what it took), before his eyes returned to you, softening. “First, I believe your attendant is waiting to scan your ticket,”

Your eyes lit up at the prospect, looking past your burly squad towards a very shy looking girl.

“I can scan you in,” The girl's voice shook as she spoke, her eyes darting towards your guards before meeting yours again. “Your majesty,”

You rolled your eyes at the title.

You hated it as much now as you had when you first learned you would be your fathers successor. As much as when people started using when you were 16 and your coordination date was set for the day you turned 22.

Davis passed you a paper ticket and nudged you forward.

It was a superfluous detail that your girlfriends had teased you mercilessly about.

No one used paper tickets anymore, they said. Everything was mobile, not that you had ever needed an actual ticket.

You stepped towards the girl, holding out the ticket with a grin.

She very gently took it, running it under the little scanner. You walked past her after it beeped.

It was nice to get the full experience, even if it was a bit outdated.

“We’ll take that back,” Davis said, as the girl turned to throw the scrap of paper away.

He reached for the ticket, tucking it into his jacket for safe keeping.

“To the box little commander?” He asked you directly, stepping past the girl.

You shook your head, a smirk playing at your lips. “I think a little… exploration is in order first. Especially since we’ve never come into the stadium this way before,”

“Lead the way then,” He matched your smirk, gesturing for you to head down the hallway. “The mural you’re obsessed with is to the left,”

Your eyes brightened again and you looked down the hallway he had gestured to.

You would definitely have to check it out before warmups started.

******

Alessia and Leah were… distracted, even as they passed the ball back and forth.

Warmups had barely started and they couldn’t help the way their eyes kept falling to the box now occupied by a tall, bald man in a well-tailored suit, his aviators reflecting the field back at them.

They should have expected it. Tomas was always the first of your personal team to arrive to a location, but usually, you followed closely behind him.

“The queen has arrived,” Millie chuckled, intercepting the ball Leah had passed towards Alessia.

“She’s not queen yet,” Alessia huffed.

“How could I forget? The coronation isn’t for 2 more months,” Millie said, waving her arm dramatically.

Leah rolled her eyes. “3 more months, actually,”

“And Y/n isn’t exactly counting down the days,” Alessia added, stealing the ball back. “She doesn’t seem too keen on the title,”

“I’m not surprised,” Ella said, catching the ball when Alessia tried to pass it to Leah. “She got mobbed coming into the stadium,”

Leah’s eyebrows furrowed. “I thought she was using the player entrance,”

You had discussed the plan with them in detail during your nightly phone conversation, asking about the location of the locker rooms in relation to the entrance your security wanted you to use.

They weren’t sure if you intended to surprise them before or after the match, but it didn’t really matter.

“Apparently not,” Ella said, skirting around the forward's outstretched leg and passing it to Millie. “I saw the clip before we came out here. Looked like they formed a wall of security and then ushered her in the front gate,”

Leah and Alessia shared a look.

They knew how much you disliked being in a crowd.

They could picture you tucked into your security chief’s chest like a small child, trying to hide yourself from the noise of the crowd. It was an image that had been splashed across front pages of newspapers more times than they could (or wanted) to count. It still never failed to break their hearts.

“I never realized how big her security team was,” Ella mumbled, glancing up at the box again. “Like physically. They’re fucking mountains,”

More of your team had joined Tomas, all wearing the same black suits and dark aviators, tall, and muscular.

They looked intimidating. Like they could take down any threat that would come at you.

Neither Alessia nor Leah had any doubt that they would.

Alessia shrugged. Frankly, they had both been very nervous too until you had actually introduced them to your security. They learned quickly to expect pranks from your security when they weren’t on duty, and that their protectiveness extended to them as well as you when they were.

Considering all 12 members of your team had given them the shovel talk, they knew you were in very good hands. Hands that looked out for your mental health as well as your physical health.

“Looks like she only brought half her team,” Leah hummed, counting the men in the suite, noting your missing head of security. He would certainly be wherever you were, and she found it slightly strange you weren’t in the box yet.

You hated missing warmups.

But then a group standing near the benches, behind Serina caught her eyes.

There were 4 tall, burly men surrounded by stadium workers dressed in bright orange vests.

“Maybe not,” Alessia mumbled, her gaze also falling to the growing crowd behind the benches. “She doesn’t usually try to come down to the field,”

“She’s never had to come through the front door before either,” Leah answered.

Ella wiggled her eyebrows, shimming between them. “Maybe she wants to do something wild before she has the weight of a country on her back,”

“She already has that,” Both blonde women said in unison, eyes snapping away from the sea of orange towards the midfielder.

“She’s had that since her father put her in charge of their trade negotiations,” Alessia added. “And their UK commerce,”

Frankly, you had been taking more and more responsibility for years. Trying to gain the trust of your people so the transition of power was an easy one. A safe one.

An uncontested one.

“And she’s been doing a bang-up job,” Leah said, just as Davis appeared in the mix of security next to a blonde man she had never seen before. “She’s actually coming in the field,”

“You mean we finally get to meet the Queen?” Millie said dramatically, standing on her tiptoes to catch a glimpse of you, the ball forgotten at her feet.

Alessia slapped her stomach. “You’ve met her before. You tried to get her drunk after our Euros win and convince her to fly the England flag on her father’s palace,”

“Details,” Millie rolled her eyes, shoving the striker. “How can she see through the mass of people though?”

“It’s a special formation,” Leah grumbled, pushing Millie, and stealing the ball they had all disregarded as she moved it forward she saw Davis shift and the flash of a pair of aviators. You were certainly on the field. “Designed so she can see out but no one can see her. They’re trying not to draw attention,”

Ella snorted. “Well, they failed at that,”

It was true.

The fans in the stands seemed to be clamoring over themselves to see why there was a substantial crowd near the benches.

Leah and Alessia shared a look.

They both knew how much you hated attention. It was why you usually stayed in your box and came in through back entrances. They joked you were like a ghost coming to their games, never seen or heard.

But this. This was different.

Before they could respond Geriant clapped his hands, “Alright ladies let’s do some through balls on goal. Lineup,”

Leah tapped him the ball and followed Alessia to the back of the line.

There would be time later to figure out why you had come down in the field.

Right now they had to focus on beating Australia, especially if they wanted a good game kiss from you after the game.

You only kissed winners.

******

You shifted awkwardly as you leaned against the cool, stone wall outside the locker rooms, playing with the identification lanyard around your neck.

It wasn’t often that you used your… status to get into areas no fans could. That you finagled your way into the tunnel of the stadium after a game.

You were much more prone to letting your security whisk you in and out so you weren’t seen and no one knew if you were actually there, but today, you had been feeling bold.

Well, kind of.

Davis had been the one to suggest that seeing warmups at field level might be fun if you were going to venture to see the mural.

You had agreed.

And he had been right.

You had gotten to chat with Serina about tactics and formations while getting a close-up view of your girlfriends in action, even if it was just warmups.

You had gone back up to your fancy box for the game, but couldn’t resist Serina’s invitation to wait for the team in the tunnel after.

That’s how you ended up here, shifting nervously from foot to foot while the players made their mandatory lap around the field.

It wasn’t really being in the tunnel that had you on edge. It was that Davis had gone to coordinate your motorcade out of the stadium, and left you with Gabriel. You didn’t feel as… safe with the blonde man, and his seriousness was really starting to set you off.

You would have to very carefully bring it up with Davis later, though you hated doing anything that could potentially make his job harder.

“Can you, um, not stand so close please?” you mumbled, as he pressed more closely to you as players from the Australian team started to make their way down the tunnels. “I want to say hello to the players,”

Gabriel shook his head, standing firmly. “They haven’t been checked through security,”

“They just played a match,” You rolled your eyes, pushing him away from you, trying to create some space. “I doubt any of them are smuggling a weapon between here and the locker room, or have Ill intent,”

They were your friends. People, your girlfriends played with every day. People you had spent a lot of time with. People who saw you as a person and not as a title. They wouldn’t cause you harm.

“We can’t take that risk, Your Majesty,” Gabriel answered, already pressing back to pin you between his back and the wall, as his head whipped back and forth.

You shoved him off of you more harshly, stumbling with the force. “I told you to go away. Why don’t you go stand at the front of the tunnel if you’re so worried,”

You would have face-planted had strong arms not caught you.

“Whoa there Princess,” Leah’s warm voice chuckled in your ear, using the term of endearment that annoyed you when it came from anyone but your girlfriends. “You only had to fall for me once,”

“Leah,” Your shoulders instantly relaxed at her voice, and you looked up to meet her eyes. “You guys played so well!”

She smiled brilliantly at you, and you leaned up to place a gentle kiss on her lips.

It only lasted a second before a large hand appeared between you.

“No physical contact please,” Gabriel said, looking incredibly uncomfortable. “It’s policy,”

You glared at the side of his face.

You were definitely going to have to talk to Davis about this.

“What about me pretty girl?” Alessia asked, materializing to Gabriel’s right. “Do I not deserve a kiss too?

“You definitely do. That goal was a fucking banger,” You said, pulling away from the defender, and throwing out a foot mocking the way Alessia had smashed the ball. “Lee crossed it in and then woosh,”

You threw your arms out, mimicking the goal celebration that Alessia did. The one that reminded you of an airplane, right into her waiting grasp.

She leaned forward, brushing your nose with her. “You’re adorable,”

You closed the last millimeter, connecting your lips in a gentle kiss.

She tasted like mint gum, and blue Gatorade, and something so… Alessia. She tasted like home.

“And you look very fit with our names on your back,” Leah added, running her fingers across the bold letters across your shoulders before she wrapped her arms around the two of you.

You buried your face in Alessia’s chest to hide the red blooming across your cheeks, earning a giggle from both women.

“Your majesty, I don't feel comfortable with this situation,” Gabriel said, clearing his throat, and stepping into your space. He leaned down and lowered his voice like he thought it would prevent Leah and Alessia from hearing him. “We’re in too public of a place. It’s not befitting of the crown,”

You froze, your back going rigid.

It was one thing for him to not understand personal boundaries. For him to be hyper-vigilant.

You could chalk that up to his… newness.

But this. This you could not tolerate.

Your fingers caught Alessia’s top before she could pull away, forcing her to stay pressed against you, as your other hand reached back to hold Leah’s hip. You didn’t need them to move. You didn’t want them to move.

You took a deep breath before pulling your face out of Alessia’s chest to stare daggers at the bulky, blonde man.

“Call for backup,” You said, your voice deadly calm.

He raised an eyebrow at you. “There’s no need. I have it-“

“It wasn’t a request,” You cut him off icily. “Call for backup now, or I will do it myself,”

He paused at your tone, glancing at the teammates and friends that had been on their way to the locker room, also frozen at the foreign chill in your voice.

It was the tone you saved for meetings with world leaders you didn’t particularly like. Ones with foreign dignitaries who thought they could walk all over you, your family, and your country.

He took a step back, lowering his voice like he was talking to a child. “Your majesty, I don’t think this is a proper conversation to have with an audience,”

You weren’t in the mood to be scolded.

“And I don’t care what you think,” You bit back, letting go of Leah’s hip to reach up to your necklace, pressing the bottom button hidden on the pendant twice.

The signal that you needed assistance, but it wasn’t emergent or life-threatening.

Still, within 30 seconds Tomas was rounding the corner near the locker rooms, speed walking towards you. The crowd of white and yellow jerseys parted for him like he was Mosis.

You were slightly disappointed it wasn’t Davis, but Tomas would do.

“Little commander,” He nodded his head in greeting, his eyes flickering across the scene before returning to you. “How can I be of assistance,”

You appreciated that he had addressed you first.

That he acknowledged that you were the one in control here.

But Gabriel didn’t seem to get that message.

“Your presence isn’t needed,” The blonde security man huffed, “Her majesty is throwing a temper tantrum,”

Alessia’s fingers tightened around your hips, and you didn’t have to look at her to see the scowl pulling across her lips. Leah’s arms similarly squeezed around your shoulders and you knew daggers were being thrown his way.

Had this been any other circumstance you were sure the growing crowd of footballers would have oooed.

Not that you needed them.

You had this all under control.

“Take Gabriel to the exit,” You said evenly, command and… dominance, radiating through the simple words. “or to the dumpster or the Thames. I don’t really care but get him away from me. He is relieved of his duty,”

The blonde security man sputtered. “You can’t do that. I’m-“

“Actually I can,” You cut him off. “I can do whatever the fuck I want. Tomas, please remind Gabriel of the terms of his service,”

Tomas cleared his throat, suppressing a grin. “We serve at the pleasure of our charge, Her Majesty, Princess of Braavos, heir to the throne,”

Your chest puffed a bit at your full title.

One you generally despised, but it served its purpose here.

“And you certainly have not… pleasured me. Not that you’re capable,” Your lips turned upwards in a cruel smirk, as Alessia and Leah, and the surrounding crowd didn’t hold in their giggles. “Perhaps you should work on your listening, and little things called consent and common sense,”

“Let’s go,” Tomas caught Gabriel’s arms before he could protest or argue with you, not that there was anything he could say. The taller, balder security man made eye contact with you before he hauled Gabriel away. “Davis and Matthew will be by shortly. I’ve left Carson at the top of the tunnel and I’ll have him perform personal security until they arrive,”

You sent him a stiff nod, standing at your full height until they were out of sight before you let yourself collapse back into Alessia.

You would never. Could never truly be alone.

“I fucking hate doing that,” You groaned into her chest, and Leah leaned forward to press a kiss to the back of your neck.

“We know love,” The defender hummed into your soft skin, and Alessia made a sound of agreement, shooing the crowd of football players around you to go about their way.

“But on the bright side, you did look proper sexy,” Alessia said, gently pinching the skin just beneath the hem of your jersey. “Her Majesty, Princess of Braavos, heir to the throne,”

You couldn’t help the giggle that bugged from your lips at her terrible rendition of Tomas’ heavy accent. The one you worked incredibly hard to suppress.

It had come out slightly in the exchange, the only indicator that English was not your first language.

It was something that happened when you were annoyed, which was rare in itself. You didn’t like to wield your power, and thankfully, you usually didn’t have to in your personal life.

“For a second I thought you were going to yell at him in Valyrian,” Leah said, her lips working from the back of your neck up to just behind your ear.

You hummed. “I try not to do that in mixed company,”

Despite how much you had pushed against the mold of your upbringing, your impeccable manners could not be changed.

Plus you knew how much Leah and Alessia loved when you spoke in your native language. How… wound up… it made them. You didn’t want to associate your annoyance with that. Ever.

Alessia smirked. “So he can’t pleasure you?”

You rolled your eyes at the change in subject.

“No. He was only on my team for 3 days, and I wanted to strangle him for most of it,” Your lips pulled up in an impish smirk. “Plus I could tell that he’s never given out a feminominon in his fucking life,”

Leah mirrored the expression against your neck, and Alessia’s eyes sparkled.

“I think we could definitely show you what we know about feminominons,” Leah said, pressing a kiss to the sensitive skin just below your ear.

“Would you like to shower with us?”Alessia’s thumb ran over the skin just above your pants. “We promise we won’t bite, “

“Unless you ask nicely,” Leah finished, her teeth grazing over the wet skin she had just kissed.

It was sometimes scary how they could finish each other's thoughts, though you weren’t convinced that this had been their endgame all along.

You melted into them, the rest of your annoyance fading.

“I would love nothing more,”

They nodded at Carson as they dragged you towards the locker room, the shorter, muscular man shifting to stand by the door, already talking into his earpiece.

You just needed some time with your girls.

It’s what you wanted and the security team would respect that and leave you undisturbed.

They served at your pleasure after all, and so did your girlfriends apparently.

Well, at least at the moment, they would serve to pleasure you.

#woso x reader #woso imagines #alessia russo x reader #alessia russo imagine #leah williamson x reader #alessia russo x leah williamson x reader #royal!reader #Royal Playbook Universe

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zepskies · 1 day

Text

Every Second Counts - Part 5

Pairing: Russell Shaw x F. Reader

Summary: One date with your best friend’s brother leaves you wanting more, even though his questionable job and vagabond lifestyle make you want to guard your heart. When your brother falls into trouble, however, Russell is the one you trust to help you find him.

AN: I thought about breaking up this chapter into two parts, but for some reason it didn’t feel right. I hope you enjoy the finale! I think this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for…

Word Count: 7K

Tags/Warnings: 18+ only! Fluff, angst and hurt/comfort, ‘90s movie reference, mutual pining and tension, and a strong dose of smut.

💜 Series Masterlist

Part 5: “Damn Worth It”

You borrowed Russell’s cell to call Dory from the hospital. You let her know that Charlie was stable and resting, and that Russell was bringing you home.

You should’ve known that when you two got there, you wouldn’t have the kind of privacy you craved. Colter and Dory were waiting in his car, parked in your driveway. They met you in front of your house, where Dory pulled you into a big, swaying hug. She cried, you cried, and her brothers hung back to watch the warm scene.

Dory pulled back to get a better look at you. She hesitated to touch the bandage above your brow.

“God. Are you okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’m…I’m fine,” you sniffed, wiping at your face. “Come on, let’s go inside.”

Dory actually had your keys. After she handed them to you, you took in a steadying breath, and you unlocked your front door without incident this time. You invited everyone in.

Even though you told her not to, Dory began straightening up a bit for you. She had Russell take out the trash while she washed the dishes.

Meanwhile, you pulled Colter aside in the living room. You led him to sit with you on the couch.

“Can I at least give you $1,000?” you asked. It was all you had left in your savings, but the man had literally saved your brother's life, and yours as well. “I know it’s not much, compared to what your jobs usually get you—”

“Please,” Colter said. He touched your arm. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you and Charlie are safe.”

You teared up all over again, but you gave him a smile and held his hand with both of yours.

“Thank you,” you said.

Russell happened to spot the cozy little scene from the doorway. He couldn’t help staring, and trying not to frown.

When Colter caught sight of his brother loitering (and that look on his face), Colter tried to hide most of his smile. He let go of your hand, patted your shoulder and stood. You followed him to the kitchen, where he went to check on Dory. Russell filtered in behind you both.

“Hey, wanna grab some lunch?” Colter asked his sister.

She gave him a raised brow. “Wow, my brother actually wants to hang out with me instead of rushing off to the next job?”

He gave her an amused look. “I’ve got some time.”

Dory was happy to hear that, but her expression dimmed when she turned to you.

“Would you want to go? Or do you need to rest?” she asked.

“Oh, I need to get cleaned up, and then sleep for about ten years,” you said. “But you go, D. Have fun.”

She frowned. “I don’t want to leave you here by yourself.”

“Well, she won’t be,” Russell chimed in. “I’m gonna hang out here for a bit, clean up and take little power nap myself.”

At that, Dory slowly smiled, both amused and suspicious. Her gaze slid back to you.

“Are you sure?” she asked. You read the double meaning laced in her tone.

“Yeah, definitely,” you said with a smile, and the beginnings of a warm blush. “You guys go ahead.”

There was a knowing gleam to her own smile, but Dory shrugged and gave you one last hug. She and Colter said their goodbyes to their older brother before they headed out. It left you alone in the house with Russell for the first time since this all began.

“Um, you can use the guest bathroom if you want to shower,” you told him. “Towels are under the sink, and feel free to borrow any of Charlie’s clothes if you need.”

“It’s okay, I’ve got a bag in the car with some stuff,” Russell said, tossing a thumb over his shoulder. “I take one wherever I go.”

“Smart,” you nodded. “Very prepared.”

A strange silence stretched between you two, until you couldn’t take it anymore.

“I’m just…gonna go clean up,” you said. “We can order some food after?”

“Yeah, sounds good,” he said. He was amused as he watched you scurry off, after giving him another smile over your shoulder.

Though he’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel a small trill of nerves himself. It brought him a little bounce in his step as he headed out to his car to grab his stuff.

By the time you were done showering and drying your hair, Russell had ordered a pizza (and a side of fries). You padded out into the living room in an old college shirt and pajama shorts. He tried not to linger his gaze on your smooth, bare legs.

“Sorry, forgot to ask if you’d want something else to eat,” he said.

“Pizza is perfect,” you said. At this point, after almost a full day without food, you’d eat sliced bread out of the bag. You gave him a teasing look. “I’d ask you if you wanted a beer, but I’m afraid it’s not up to your standard.”

“Well, that’s okay. I happen to have brought a sample for you, just like I promised,” he said, with that grin of his you’d come to expect.

He retrieved a case of homebrew from his car, but you had to add some ice cubes into a tall glass before you joined him back on the couch. You poured the contents of a bottle into the glass.

“Sorry, I know this is sacrilege, but I can’t drink warm beer,” you said.

“I can’t fault you, though I didn’t really peg you for a pizza and beer kind of girl,” he said. He tipped a swig of beer into his mouth, right from a lukewarm bottle. He was a purist.

You quirked a brow at him and took another bite of your pizza slice.

“Why not?” you asked, after swallowing a mouthful of pepperoni and mushroom.

Russell shrugged. “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

“No, no. I want to hear this,” you said. “What, because I teach college students?”

Russell looked over at you and leaned on his elbow, resting above his knee.

“You’re a college professor with a handful of degrees,” he said. “I’ve got a GED and a give ‘em hell outlook on life.”

You shook your head at that.

“We’re different. That’s not a bad thing,” you said. “And like my brother, you’ve fought for this country. You’ve saved lives, including mine. I’d say that’s pretty damn special.”

His head tilted at that. He didn’t want to remind you that, just like you saw today, he’d taken lives too. Perhaps just as many as he’d saved. You could debate the quality of those lives, but in the grand scheme of things, he knew what he was. A trained killer.

He rolled his shoulders, feeling a familiar weight.

You didn’t like the pensive look on his face, so you aimed to distract him.

“Want to watch a movie?” you suggested.

Russell inclined his head. “Sure. What you got?”

That was how the two of you ended up finishing the box of pizza and a case of beer while laughing at Tommy Boy, of all things—one of the best '90s buddy road trip comedies of all time. Apparently Russell had never seen it before, but you enjoyed watching him experience it for the first time. He had a deep, infectious laugh that made you laugh just by proximity.

Later in the movie, the reluctant, unlikely duo of Tommy and Richard hit a deer, and tried to transport it in the car. Russell both laughed and cringed when the animal woke up and thoroughly wrecked the car from the inside. You noticed his reaction and nudged him in the arm.

Russell held in a grunt of pain when you unintentionally hit his injured shoulder, bandaged underneath his gray henley.

“What if that was the Chevelle,” you teased.

He cast you a playfully chiding look. “Woman, don’t even joke.”

You laughed and squeezed his forearm in a friendly gesture. But he thought there was more than just friendliness when you shot him that little smile. He decided to take a chance.

“Come ‘ere,” he said. He slid a hand around your waist and guided you closer until you came to lay against his side. You allowed yourself to rest against him, splaying your hand flat against the firm wall of his chest. Your heart tripped up faster, but you also relaxed more fully for the first time since you got home. You let out a long breath, and you used the remote to lower the volume on the movie a little.

“Do you think Charlie will be able to get past this?” you asked quietly. “Think he’ll be okay?”

Russell hummed as he thought back to his conversation with your brother in the hospital. Charlie was still young, but he seemed to realize what he’d done, and what he needed to change. He wouldn’t have volunteered himself for rehab if he hadn’t.

Russell brushed your arm with his thumb. “Well, I think he knows what he needs to do. If he’s anything like you, then he’ll be all right.”

Your mouth tugged upward, though you considered his words with a sigh.

“He hasn’t had it easy,” you said. “He was barely eighteen when our parents died. Suddenly he had to be an adult. In fact, he almost didn’t finish high school. Had to take care of the funeral, had to get a job, had to take care of me…and I didn’t always make it easy on him.”

Russell’s lips curved in light of your faint smile. Then, your expression dimmed.

“He pulled me out of the car,” you admitted. Russell looked down at you.

“You all were there?” he asked.

“My dad was driving. We’d just gone out to dinner as a family,” you said.

You hesitated as the scenes once again filtered through your mind. Some things were hazy. Others, you could see with perfect clarity. You remembered how your parents argued about the best way to get home while the pouring rain beat down overhead, half-drowning out their voices.

You remembered what the flash of a red stoplight looked like through the car window, with streams of water coming down, and a dead leaf stuck to the glass.

You remembered the sound of horns blaring in your ears, the crunch of metal on metal. Your mother’s scream. The feeling of being suspended, and then ricocheted painfully through time and space.

Then the smell of exhaust, and the metallic tang of blood.

“We were heading through a terrible storm,” you said, after letting out a long breath through your nose. “By the end of the night, it was just me and Charlie in the hospital.”

He’d broken his arm, but thanks to him, the only thing you really walked away with were a few cuts and bruises, and the memories of that day. They were like old scars, painful and tender at the touch.

Russell shook his head, his brows knitting together. “I’m sorry.”

“Yeah,” you breathed. “And I’m sorry too. I know you understand what it’s like to lose a parent.”

The movie played on as that new weight settled between you. Russell fell into his own thoughts as he continued to rub your arm in comfort. His own past wasn’t like yours, but he did understand some of your pain.

“How much did Dory tell you about how we grew up?” he asked.

You shifted a bit, so you could see his face too.

“I know your dad took you all to a cabin in some sort of compound in the woods, when you all were still pretty young.”

“He taught us to live off the land. Drilled us, really,” Russell explained, noting your raised brows. “Yeah, he was…well, a paranoid bastard, to be frank. We still don’t know all of why, and what drove him to move us out there.”

“Dory said he was…eccentric,” you said. Russell snorted.

“He was a piece of fucking work,” he said. “Half the time I hated him, if I’m honest.”

That part was hard to admit, even if it was true. Your hand soothed across his chest, more comforting as you listened. Russell’s lips quirked. He liked that about you, that you were willing to listen without judging him, or his family. Maybe that was another reason Dory seemed to love you so much.

“But one night, it was like he snapped,” he said.

For a moment, he was lost in the memory. His father’s anger, and the damn crazy look in his eyes.

“What happened?” you asked quietly.

Russell glanced at you again. “I don’t think you wanna hear this right now.”

You shook your head. “No, I do.”

He hesitated, but that earnest look in your eyes got him. Still, he surprised himself when he actually told you. He explained it the best he could, the way he saw it in his mind’s eye.

Their mom had been missing, hadn’t come home yet. Then his dad had torn around the house like a man possessed, until he told them it was time to leave for their own safety. Dory had been scared, especially when he grabbed her, yelled at her.

That was the one thing Russell couldn’t tolerate. So he snapped, yanking the older man back and shoving him away. It was one of the first times Russell had ever defied his father.

Ashton Shaw left them then, heading out into the night and the rain. Maybe he’d realized what he was doing to his own kids, his own family.

Colter wanted to follow after him, but Russell stopped him. Being the eldest, he took on the responsibility, even if he’d been reluctant. We’re better off without him…

He was barely sixteen at the time, but Russell knew he’d seen his father arguing with someone—a man he’d seen before, talking with his mother. And then…

“I watched him die that night,” Russell said.

Your hand clenched in his shirt, reminding him that you were still in his arms, still listening. He remembered that scene, looking over the cliff to find his father’s broken body down below.

“He fell, and I couldn’t stop it,” he said. “And to this day, I still don’t know what all that was about.”

He’d been reluctant to tell even Colter that it still haunted him sometimes; that night, and the not knowing.

You pulled yourself up further so you could meet Russell’s gaze.

“I’m so sorry,” you said.

The movie had long faded into the background, but at least it gave some white noise for the next heavy beat that passed between you two. His eyes eventually fell away from yours.

“It’s old history,” Russell said at last.

“It’s not just history,” you denied softly. “It’s your life.”

He didn’t know what to say to that, so he just hummed in agreement. He encouraged you to relax against him again, with a warm hand on your back. You settled and released another contented sigh. Even though Russell’s story weighed on your heart, you did feel closer to him. It made you feel like you understood Dory better too, and even Colter.

Russell rubbed your arm. “You doin’ okay? You’ve had a long day.”

“Day and night,” you agreed. Your eyes closed against your will. “But, yeah…I think I’m okay now.”

At that, he smiled. He laid a kiss on your forehead.

“Good,” he said.

A few minutes later, Russell heard your soft, deeper breaths in sleep. He chanced grabbing a throw blanket laid over the back of the couch. He managed to toss it over your body, but he made sure it covered you. You shifted in your sleep and curled up more comfortably against him.

Russell smiled down on you fondly. He’d learned a hell of a lot more about you in just the past couple of days, but ever since he met you, he’d been picking up on the important things. The things that made you the woman you were.

And he wanted more, he realized. He wanted more time with you.

That turned out to be the last real thought he had before his eyes closed on him too.

Russell didn’t wake again until the credits on the movie were rolling near the end. You were still knocked out. So he carried you, blanket and all, over to your bedroom.

He smelled the remnants of your floral shampoo and body wash in the air, likely coming from the bathroom. It was an intoxicating mix, one that had infiltrated his nose ever since you came out of the shower today.

It was only 6:00 p.m., but it might as well have been midnight. He laid you down toward the middle of the bed. There was still space on the other side. Very tempting.

She did offer, he thought, remembering what you’d said at the hospital. And yet, he hesitated.

Before he could make a decision, you made it for him. Your hand reached out to hook in his shirt.

Russell looked down at your sleepy smile.

“Get over here,” you said, tugging him downward. He chuckled and wrapped his hand around yours. He allowed you to guide him over, and he somehow managed to roll onto the other side of the bed without crushing you.

“Reflexes like a cat, I tell ya,” he quipped.

You giggled softly. He took off his first layer of defense (his pants), leaving him in his henley and boxer briefs. He settled into bed behind you and slipped an arm around your waist. He fit in snug against your back.

“Mmm,” he sighed. His lips pressed behind your ear, smiling there. “Feels nice.”

“Mhmm,” you agreed.

He couldn’t see your smile, but you held his arm in place. For the first time in a while, you weren’t alone.

In the early morning, you woke up to warmth and closeness. The man in your bed snored lightly, mouth parted in sleep while he faced you. You smiled.

How could a man who felt dangerous, in more ways than one, also make you feel safe? It was a wonder. Though when an idea hit you, you carefully slid out of bed.

Russell eventually roused in his own time. He blinked awake, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He stretched out his limbs in your very comfortable bed. This sure beat rusty motel springs.

He realized that he was alone in the room, but he heard you puttering around the house. He allowed himself to doze some more.

A few minutes later, you returned to greet him with a couple of mugs, drawing him back into the waking world with the rich smell of coffee.

“Aww yeah, that’s the stuff,” he said. He groaned as he slowly sat up.

You laughed and sat beside him on the edge of the bed. “Good morning.”

“Morning,” he said. His voice was deeper and rougher with sleep, washing down your spine pleasantly.

He accepted the mug you offered him. He took a sip and hummed in pleasure at its bold flavor. It wasn’t as sweet as he usually liked it, but it was exactly what he needed right now.

“I just did a little sugar and creamer. That okay?” you asked.

“It’s good,” he nodded. And you looked good, he noticed, with your bed-tousled hair and an open robe over your tank top and little shorts.

“Do you want to meet Dory and Colter for breakfast?” you asked. “Dory texted me this morning.”

Russell’s brows shot up.

“Colt stuck around?” he asked.

“Yeah, Dory asked him to stay at her place last night,” you said. Russell hummed in response.

A bit of an awkward lull fell between you. You’d felt bolder yesterday in the hospital, but now, you weren’t entirely sure what you were doing with a man who just slept somewhat-but-not-altogether platonically in your bed.

“Um, I’ll just…get ready then,” you said, pointing to the bathroom. “You…take your time.”

He cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah.”

He peeled back the covers and climbed out of your bed, away from the sheets that smelled like you.

You watched him go when he headed across the hall back to Charlie’s room. You sighed and beat your hand against your own forehead in frustration. What the hell am I doing?

You’d literally invited him into your bed last night, but he hadn’t done anything more than hold you while you slept. It was incredibly kind, and it said a lot about him, despite his rough-around-the-edges exterior. You were just a little disappointed that he’d been a perfect gentleman about it all.

You rolled your eyes at yourself. What did that say about you?

You shook your head and resolved to freshen up. There was still a cut that the ER nurse covered with a butterfly bandage above your brow. You cleaned it up and applied a new bandage. Then you put on some makeup to cover the ugly bruise on your cheek and the dark circles that lingered under your eyes.

God, look at me. You actually wouldn’t blame Russell for not being into you enough to make a move.

A bit disheartened, you changed out of your pajamas to slip on a nice, but comfortable dress over your bra and underwear. Afterward, you paused to stare at yourself in the mirror for a moment. What exactly do you want here?

“Hey, uh—” Russell’s voice startled you, making you flinch. Maybe you were still jumpy.

He raised an apologetic hand. “Sorry. Just thought I’d ask if you want some toast or something. I don’t think my stomach can wait ‘til we meet up with Dory.”

You smiled faintly. “Sure, go ahead. Whatever’s there, you’re welcome to.”

Russell paused, tilting his head. There was something off with you. He saw it, and felt it.

“Hey, you okay?” he asked.

“Yeah,” you said, glancing away.

Russell’s spidey senses began to tingle. He approached you and laid a hand on the counter, inches from yours.

“You sure?” he said. He took in your hesitant face, then the pretty dress you had on. The color matched your eyes. Soulful eyes.

He smiled when you let him see them again.

“Can you see the bruises? I think I covered them up well enough,” you said. You turned to look at yourself in the mirror again, touching your jaw carefully.

Russell’s hand raised to find your cheek, earning your attention with wider eyes. His thumb swept across your skin as you started to blush.

“You’re beautiful,” he said with a smile. “Don’t you worry about that.”

Your face warmed further, despite your smile.

“Yeah, the makeup helps,” you quipped.

“I didn’t say anything about makeup,” he replied. Though he grinned and made a show of looking closer at your face. “Although, have your lashes always been that damn long?”

You laughed, but he didn’t let go of you. Instead, his hand drifted down to your neck, cradling your jaw. His thumb brushed over your lower lip this time, smudging your lipstick a little. Your eyes met his, but they’d already lowered, to the path of his hand. You were tempted to nip at his thumb, or better yet, suck it into your mouth.

Perhaps he read the thought crossing your face. Because when those darkened eyes flicked up to yours, he finally bowed his head to kiss you.

You took in a deep breath, and you melted into his mouth with a moan of wanting. A craving from the depths of your heart, finally being fulfilled.

You didn’t let yourself think anymore. You gripped the front of his shirt and pulled him closer. He cupped the back of your head, tangling his fingers into your hair as he deepened the kiss. His tongue invaded your mouth, and you let him in. You met his every kiss with the same fervor, claiming him right back, demanding just as much.

Your hands slid up his chest and helped him shrug off the green jacket first, then his shirt (Led Zeppelin this time). He hooked an arm around your waist and brought you flush against him, so he could turn you around and walk you back to the bed.

You clung to his bare shoulders and savored the feeling of his warm, calloused hands burning up your thighs and ass, bunching the skirt of your dress. You helped him get it over your head and toss it onto the floor along with his clothes.

As he held you by the waist, his gaze dipped for a moment to take you in, from bare thighs and hips and lacy panties, all the way up to your breasts cupped in your bra. Through panting breaths, you smiled and blushed at the heated depths of his green eyes. You felt like your heart was beating in and out of rhythm.

But you managed to get a hold of your nerves long enough to drag your hands down his chest, down to his belt. You unclipped it for him and took your time in sliding the entire belt out of its loops. Then you let the brown leather fall to the floor.

Russell raised a brow at you, smiling. Taking your challenge for what it was, he unbuttoned his jeans himself and aimed to step out of them, but he had some trouble when one of the pant legs got caught around his ankle and sock-covered foot.

“Shit,” he muttered as he stumbled a little. “Hold on.”

Unable to help a small giggle, you grabbed his left arm to help steady him. He hissed in pain, but he cleared his throat to cover it. You gasped as you realized what you’d done. You noticed then that he had a bandage tightly wrapped above his elbow, right below one of his tattoos.

“What’s this?” you asked in concern. You held his arm with both hands. “Did you get shot? Did you get this looked at when we were at the hospital?”

Russell staved off your questions with a gentle hand on your shoulder.

“It’s okay. This is old, just still healing up,” he said.

You frowned up at him. “You got stabbed, shot, what? When did this happen? I thought you worked in private security.”

“A couple months ago. I got, uh, grazed. Don’t worry about it,” he said. “Sometimes the job gets a bit dicey.”

He could tell though, that you weren’t going to let it go easily.

“Let me see,” you said, trying to peek under the bandage. Russell laughed and gathered you into his arms to stop your attempts. Your concern warmed him, but it wasn’t necessary.

“I’m fine, sweetheart. I promise. Can we focus on the fun part, here?” he said.

Your brows furrowed. You opened your mouth to reply, but Russell saw the testiness in your eyes. He dipped down to kiss you, swallowing whatever snippy remark you were about to make.

You weren’t the only one giving into a craving here. Russell’s was bone-deep, molten in his blood, and getting to see you, to feel your soft body under his hands was already so much better than he’d imagined. His hold tightened on your waist, his fingers pressing into your skin.

A shudder ran up your spine at his touch. You circled your arms around his neck and let him continue ravishing you, then laying you down onto the bed.

While you were careful about avoiding the bandage, your hand did drift down his arm, and further still, to palm at the straining bulge pressing against you. And Jesus Christ, did it feel generous. He grunted at your touch and paused with his lips against your jaw.

“Well hey there, cowboy,” you said, adopting a more sensuous tone. “I had a feeling you’d be packing. What’s that, a .45, or a 38 Special?”

Russell’s eyes blinked wide. Then he erupted with deep laughter that made his shoulders shake. Aside from throwing a punch, your brother must’ve taught you something about guns too.

“Well thank you, kindly,” Russell said, putting on a bit of a southern drawl, just to tease you. “But you’re about to find out, naughty girl.”

You giggled as he began to kiss your neck, languid and sloppy. He blazed a wet trail down the column of your throat and between your breasts. His beard rasping against your skin made you shudder a little, but it wasn’t unpleasant. In fact, you quite liked that a lot.

He slipped a hand underneath you to unclip the black lace. You arched into him so he had easier access.

He slid the bra from your body and tossed it somewhere behind him. Just as he’d imagined, you had beautiful tits. His lips explored each of them in turn, squeezing supple flesh and rolling your sensitive, hardened nipples with his tongue and fingers.

It was a prequel, you thought, for what talents that mouth might have further down. You had to moan just at the idea, your fingers clenching in his hair, but also at the sensations he was drawing from your body wherever he touched. The man clearly knew what he was doing.

He traveled lower still and laid slow, occasionally nipping kisses across your stomach, hips and thighs. His fingers hooked around your panties and lowered them down your legs. You felt his warm breath panting against your thigh. You glanced down at him and tensed in anticipation.

“Still good?” he checked, squeezing your hip. You smiled and reached for his hand. Russell gave it to you, brushing his thumb over the back of your hand in affection.

“I think I’m about to be,” you said cheekily.

He smirked. His other hand smoothed up the inside of your thigh and slipped past your folds, finding wetness that already coated his digits.

“Goddamn. You’re soaked,” he said, just a hint teasing. “Bet if I put my mouth on you, you’d fuckin’ drown me.”

Again, he stopped whatever smart quip you were about to levy at him next when his fingers found your clit. You let out a gasping moan instead.

He decided that he already loved that sound. He endeavored to pull it from you, again and again when he began working you open with his fingers and pumping them inside you. He enjoyed seeing you writhe and arch against his hand. Your hands squeezed his arms, his shoulders, trying to anchor yourself.

His thumb circled and strummed your clit in a rhythm only he could hear in his head, until you couldn’t help biting your nails into his shoulders when you came. You shuddered your release as your core throbbed with warmth and slick around his fingers.

“Fuck, that’s my girl,” he said. His voice rasped deep with arousal. “Wouldn’t even mind if you did drown me.”

You huffed in response, unable to form speech just now.

Next time, Russell thought. He slipped his fingers out of you and licked them clean, making your eyes widen. He smirked and stroked your thigh as you came down, a shuddering mess.

After taking a second to regain your breath, you pulled him down for a kiss, both grateful and fueled by a passion you couldn’t put into words. What you felt for this man was instinctual, from the moment you saw him. And yet, it was also so much more. It was raw, and real, and maybe even beautiful.

The thought spurred you on as your hands moved with purpose down his body. Your nails caught at the waistband of his boxer briefs as you tried to roll them down. You got it halfway down his thighs, enough to let his hardened length spring free. You bit your lip at the mere sight of him. Goddamn.

Your hand slid around his cock, near its weeping head. You used the beads of wetness there to work your way smoothly down to its base. Russell’s body tensed above you, just before he groaned low in pleasure.

You pushed at his chest to have him let you up.

“Your turn, baby,” you said. It would be one hell of a challenge to get your mouth down that beautiful 44 Magnum, but you were more than willing to try.

To your surprise, Russell shook his head and guided you back down.

“Let’s pin that one for next time too. Wanna be inside you already,” he said.

You blinked, but then you nodded in breathless agreement. He kissed you deeply, devouring you with his teeth grazing your bottom lip. His tongue soon slipped out to soothe it.

“Condom?” he panted, between kisses.

“Oh, yeah. Um…bathroom, bottom drawer,” you whispered, though you weren’t sure why you were whispering.

“Okay, two seconds,” he said.

He left you in the bed, quite literally hot and bothered, and very naked. You crossed your arms over your breasts on reflex while you tried to recover. Your core was still tingling, and your heart was beating fast, though you couldn’t stamp out the smile forming on your face.

You heard the sound of foil unwrapping and clothed rustling. When he came back to the bedroom, you finally got a full picture of what you were in for. You unconsciously licked your lips as your gaze dipped down his body, and the indeed impressive package at full mast, and full display.

A grin curved his lips when he caught you staring. He climbed back onto the bed with just a bit of struggle with all the blankets coiled about. He pushed a heavy blanket out of his way, accidentally shoving it to the floor.

“Back to business,” he said.

“Oh, yeah,” you agreed, and you welcomed him back, sliding your hands up his arms and shoulders. You hooked your thigh around his hip as he found his way back between your legs. Holding his bearded face in your hands, you pulled him in for another kiss that reignited you both.

He sunk his hand into your hair and treated you to another slow, deep kiss. Until your thigh tightening around his hip urged him to satisfy what you both had been wanting and waiting for.

He grabbed your thighs and angled you higher. Then he lined himself up at your entrance. Looking into your eyes, your breaths mingling together, he sheathed himself a little at a time. A keening moan fell from your lips.

He started with shallow thrusts, giving you time to adjust. But that in itself was a torturous tease. It made the coil in your lower belly start to tighten again. Pleasure began to thrum inside you, ever slowly. Your head tipped back into the pillows with a gasp.

“God, Russell, please,” you uttered. You squeezed his arms on reflex, your heels digging into his ass.

“I know, baby. Gonna fucking wreck you, I promise,” he said with a grin.

You huffed in amusement. That was a hefty promise.

Though a moan tore from your throat when he finally bottomed out, stretching your inner walls. He groaned along with you. His lips fastened to your neck as he gave you deeper thrusts.

“You feel so good,” you said raggedly in his ear, raking your fingers through his hair. You felt every damn inch of him.

“You too, baby. So damn good,” he gritted out. “Tell me what you want.”

He raised your thigh a bit higher, his fingers pressing into flesh.

“Ugh, fuck,” you gasped, as he hit a particularly delicious angle. “Whatever you want to give me.”

“You sure about that?” Russell asked, panting against your neck. Your nails dragged down his back between the muscles in his shoulders, hard enough to earn a halting groan from him.

You nodded empathically. “Yes!”

His lips hinted at a smile. “Okay, hold on."

Before you could even respond, he pulled out of you all the way, just so he could guide you over onto your stomach. He pulled you up onto your hands and knees. As he ran a hand down the gentle slope of your back and around the curve of your ass, you breathed harder in anticipation.

“So damn beautiful,” he muttered.

You glanced at him over your shoulder. You unconsciously bit your lip as your heart couldn’t help but swell at his words. Russell met you with a look that betrayed his desire, making your lower belly tremble as well.

He parted your cheeks and slotted himself between your thighs from behind. You once again felt the head of his cock nudging at your entrance, and then pushing back in with one deep plunge. Both of you let out moans of relief at the feeling.

Pretty soon, he was pounding into you deeper and faster than before. Oh, fuck yes…

You clawed at the headboard, trying to find something to keep you stable. Russell’s arm slid around you for a solid support. You held onto him right back with one hand while he continued to drive into you, earning each and every sound coming out of your mouth. He’d finally angled you just right, so he could hit that special spot inside you with every thrust. Your pussy clenched on him in response, making him grunt in pleasure.

“Fuck, you’re close. I can fuckin’ feel it,” he said, panting. He laid a biting kiss where your neck met your shoulder. You cried out in both pain and pleasure, your inner walls once again squeezing on him.

“Yeah,” you nodded, breathless. “This time, you’re gonna come with me.”

You reached back and tangled your fingers into his hair. He held you to his chest and squeezed your breast a bit roughly. You uttered a wanton sound. You dragged his hand down your body to part your folds. You used his fingers to press against your clit.

He picked up your hint, and then took control, massaging you with his fingers. There you began to tremble from the inside out. Warmth emanated from your core and spread outward, down to your toes as you came even harder on his cock.

Russell wasn’t far behind. His voice joined yours as his body locked up, and he spilled hot into the condom. You almost wished he’d come freely inside you, so you could really feel him. Regardless, your body was boneless when he lowered you down onto the bed afterward.

“Holy shit,” you breathed.

He chuckled and kissed your shoulder, before he fully pulled out. Panting for breath though you both were, you managed to twist onto your side and reach a hand for his cheek. Your fingers slipped higher from there, cupping the back of his neck. Your thumb swept tenderly across his cheek, and you guided him down for a proper kiss.

Russell obliged you, his lips meeting yours plush and wet. He brushed strands of your sweaty hair away from your forehead with affection.

Somehow, that last kiss was softer than all the rest.

One thing was for sure though. There was no way you two were making it to breakfast.

“I kind of feel bad now,” you later confessed.

You and Russell were taking a few minutes just to recover under the messy sheets. He held you while sitting up against your headboard. He almost craved a smoke. You’d given him a damn workout.

He smirked at the thought. Admittedly, his mind was more on focused on the scenes replaying in his head than on what you were saying.

“Dory doesn’t get to see you guys that often,” you continued, “and who knows how long Colter will seriously wait for us to get out of bed.”

Russell’s attention drifted back to you at that.

“Come on, it’s not like they know why we’re running late,” he said. You gave him a knowing look.

“Are you kidding? They were already suspicious when you brought me home yesterday,” you replied with a laugh.

Russell grinned and rubbed your arm. He knew you were probably right, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.

“Yeah, well. That was damn worth it,” he said.

You smiled. You rolled your head over on his shoulder, so you could see his face, but you became contemplative as uncertainty crept in. You let in a breath to gather your courage, and you decided to take a chance.

“You know, drug dealers aside, Laramie isn’t such a bad place to live,” you pointed out. “We’ve got a movie theater, a couple good outlet malls, a new Tex-Mex restaurant that just opened down the street. I’m gonna have to find a new bar though.”

Russell smiled at you. He knew what you were suggesting.

He sighed as his amusement faded.

“Look, even if I stay…” he hesitated.

He looked into your eyes and saw the vulnerability there. You were being honest with him, putting your heart into his hands. The least he could do was be honest. He covered your hand where it rested on his chest.

“If I’m on a job, I could be gone weeks at a time. I won’t be able to tell you where I am or what I’m doing. That’s gonna be hard on you,” he said.

He knew his friend Doug made it work with his wife, but their relationship wasn’t without friction because of the job he and Russell shared.

“I can handle it,” you said firmly.

“You just had a little freak out over a scratch earlier,” Russell pointed out, with a gesturing hand at his bandaged arm.

“Okay, that’s different,” you said.

You wouldn’t say it now, but there were things that still concerned you about his job. You had a strong feeling that "private security" wasn’t all it entailed. However, after what he’d done for you, after what he’d done for Charlie, you knew that Russell Shaw was a good man.

There was something good here, and you didn’t want to lose it this time. You shifted in his arms, so you could face him.

“Look, we can sit down and figure all that out,” you said. “But do you want to at least try? Or…am I reading this wrong?”

Russell stared back at you ruefully. He raised a hand to touch your cheek, grazing your soft skin with his fingers.

“No, you’re not,” he said.

In fact, what he felt already ran deeper with you than he’d like to admit. He let out a long breath through his nose.

“Okay,” he said at last. “If we’re gonna do this, let’s do it right, I guess. I’ll book a motel here in town for now. If things go well, I can…I don’t know, find an apartment.”

Your answering smile broke him down further, even as it warmed him inside. You turned over to circle your arms around his neck, and as an added bonus, pressing your bare breasts against his chest. You kissed his cheek with a happy hum. He laughed at your enthusiasm. He also accepted your sweet path of kisses that led to his lips.

He groaned when it became not so sweet, with your tongue slipping hotly against his. His hold on your hips tightened.

“Uh oh. Baby, we can’t do this now,” he chuckled, even though your hand was already wandering down his body and under the sheets. You both were supposed to be getting ready to meet his brother and sister for lunch.

“Five minutes,” you said against his lips. All the while, you were pushing him back onto the bed. You began to kiss down his chest, and lower still.

Russell snorted. Right.

But he wasn’t about to argue with you. He had a gut feeling…one that made him almost certain.

He’d found where he wanted to be.

AN: Well, then! I hope you enjoyed the "happy ending." 😘 I always get a bit sad at the end of a series, but thank you to everyone who's followed the ride on Every Second Counts. Let me know what you thought of how it all shook out here at the end between her and Russell! 💜

And...if you'd like to read more about these two, feel free to send me your thoughts on that too!

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moody-alcoholic · 1 day

Text

Sleepover

This part is a little shorter, the next part though ;)

MDNI +18

Summary: Ghoap x Reader, throuple. Slow burn (sorry but not sorry). 2.4k words. Reader is female (she/her), army nurse, non descript physical features, names used: Ashe.

CW: Alcohol, kissing, lots of kissing, still very fluffy, nothing too explicit but for my own sanity MDNI +18

Enjoy <3

Previous parts - masterlist

It feels nice having Simon’s hand in yours, your thumb stroking his as he continues to watch the TV with Johnny. You’re pretending to pay attention too but the fact that you’re now staying the night had your mind racing. You spent the last week fantasising all sorts of different situations, hell you even chose the dress on purpose, so it would be easy to rip off if said fantasy was to come true. Your head cranes to look up at Simon, his eyes look darker in the low light of the living room. He looks down smiling and squeezing your hand. There’s an ache in your belly something deep, you want to kiss him. You look away blushing.

You look over at Johnny sipping his glass of wine, his hand on your leg. God you want to kiss him too. Simon Squeezes your hand again and you look up at him. His eyes are scrunched together, giving you a worried look. Shit, you don’t want them to think you’re not enjoying this. You let go of Simon’s hand pulling yourself up and sitting on your knees. Simon and Johnny both turn their attention to you.

“I want to kiss you,” You say flicking your eyes between them both. “But like how does it work? I can’t kiss you both at the same time.” You let out an awkward laugh reaching for your glass of wine taking a sip to calm your nerves. Johnny lets out one of his chuckles sitting up, you look at Simon still laid back on the sofa smiling.

“Love, if you want to kiss one of us you just have to ask.” Johnny says.

“Okay but what if one of you get’s jealous, wouldn’t it be fair to just kiss you both?” This time it’s Simon who lets out a little chuckle. You look at Johnny.

“Would you be jealous if I kissed Simon right now?” He asks, you shake your head.

“It would be kind of hot though.” You blurt out before you realise what you said, slapping your hand to cover your mouth. Man this alcohol has really loosened me up. Johnny and Simon laugh, Simon sits up his hand resting on your shoulder. You feel a wave of embarrassment falling over you.

“Don’t worry, I also find it hot when Johnny kisses me.” Simon says in your ear. You relax a little feeling his breath on your bare shoulder sending shivers down your spine. Johnny takes your hand in his. You turn to look at him.

“You do whatever your comfortable with. Unless you want to set boundaries?” Johnny asks. You think for a second, what kind of boundaries? Like sexual ones? You’ve not really experimented with much other then some pretty normal vanilla sex. That ache comes back in your belly when you think about all the things you would be willing to try.

“I’m pretty open, I mean, tonight has been really great, the best I’ve felt in years. I just don’t want to ruin things I guess.” Simon squeezes your shoulder.

“We invited you here to relax, get to know each other. If anything happens that’s fine just as much as if nothing happens. You pick the pace, we’re patient people.” Simon says. Now they’re being too kind. Most guys would expect you to put out of they’d gone to all this effort, Simon and Johnny seem content with just sitting here and watching TV, cuddling till you all fall asleep. You take another sip of wine putting the glass back on the table.

“I would like to get out of this dress.” You say looking at Johnny. Simon gets up his hand leaving your shoulder.

“C’mon, lets see what we can find you.” You get off the couch bending down to pick up your shoes and follow him into the bedroom. Simon starts opening drawers rummaging through till he hands you a few t-shirts and PJ bottoms.

“I only need one.” You say as he closes the drawer.

“Now you have options.” He says smiling and leading you to the guest bedroom. He leaves and you close the door so you can change.

——————————

You make it back to the sofa but Simon’s gone. You look around frowning at Johnny.

“He had to take a call.” you nod making your way back to sit next to him. You find yourself automatically cuddling up against him, he’s warm and your arm reaches round his stomach. You yawn, watching the news play on the TV.

“Tired?” He asks.

“A little bit.” You reply. The sound of a door slamming closed makes you jump and you sit up looking over at the source of the noise. Simon is coming out his bedroom pulling a jacket over his shoulders as he steps down to the sofa.

“I have to go, work.” He says, Johnny sighs.

“Me too?” He asks. Simon shakes his head zipping his jacket up.

“I’ll be back in a few hours.” He bends down kissing Johnny on the forehead. Then kisses you on the top of your head. You look at Johnny smiling.

“Tell Price I’m gonna kick his ass for ruining date night!” Johnny calls as Simon rushes out the door.

“He’s not going to drive is he?” You ask suddenly concerned.

“Price’ll pick him up.” Johnny sighs. You can tell he seems down now. You move back to cuddle with him. You wait a few minutes feeling Johnny’s body language change, as you try to concentrate on the news.

“Hey Johnny,” you say rubbing his stomach, swallowing the nerves. “Want a kiss?” That seemed to perk him up and he straightened his body up. You pull yourself up so your face is level with his. What if he only want’s to do this if Simon is around? Does this count as cheating? Clearly not as his hand makes it’s way to your cheek. His touch is nice you find yourself lost in his eyes as his fingers trace your chin. He pulls your face to his and your lips meet. You instantly relax as his hands find your waist pulling you closer to him. He parts your lips with his tongue, you can taste the wine, his kiss is sweet, his tongue soft as he explores your mouth.

Your body is tingling, sending vibrations down your spine. You can’t remember the last time you’ve been kissed, you’re becoming needy, pushing yourself closer to him. He squeezes your hips as the kiss becomes deeper, sloppy, that ache in your stomach working it’s way down through your body to between your legs and you grip his shirt, holy shit. You feel Johnny smile, he pulls away making you almost moan at the sudden absence of his lips on yours. You slowly open your eyes, still tasting his sweetness in your mouth.

“Holy shit,” You breathe, looking in his eyes they’re glazed over he’s smiling, of course he is when is Johnny not smiling, it just makes you want to feel his soft lips on yours again. It’s been years since you’ve been kissed like that. He goes back to stroking your cheek and you kiss him back. Your hand wraps round the back of his neck, your fingers running up his hair, his hand drops pressing on the small of your back, you can feel his heartbeat as you’re pressed up against him. Whatever strange doubts you had are washed away, you just wish Simon was here now. You pull away from him taking in a deep breath. You can feel the smile radiating on your face, you lean back into his arm and he plants a kiss on your head.

“That was nice,” you say your hand finding its way back to rubbing his chest.

“Good.” He whispers in your ear making your heart flutter. He rubs your back, as you watch the end of the news.

“Does Simon usually have to leave like this?” You ask.

“Sometimes. ‘Pends on how dramatic the worlds being.” He says chuckling.

——————————

When the news is finished you find yourself nodding off on Johnny’s chest.

“Want to go to bed?” He asks kissing your head again. You don’t want to, you want to keep laying here with him, you want Simon to come back.

“I’m tired too, c’mon.” He says sitting up, you’re too tired to protest. He turns off the TV and the lights in the living room leaving a light on in the hall. For Simon you assume.

“Let’s find you that toothbrush.” He says heading to the bathroom and opening the cupboard under the sink, he rummages through the shelf for a bit.

“Ah ha!” He hands you a new brush still in its packaging.

“Thanks.” You smile taking it from his hand, he nods leaving the room. You brush your teeth and wash your face rubbing off the thin layer of makeup. When you leave you bump into Johnny, he’s shirtless. He’s well built, of course he is, with a nice amount of body hair, he looks amazing. It takes you a second to realise you’re just stood gawking at him, you close your mouth blushing. He smiles pushing a strand of hair behind your ear and heading to the kitchen. Holy fucking shit. Your mind turned to Simon, if that’s what Johnny looked like... You couldn’t finish your thought you find yourself biting your bottom lip as Johnny comes back with a glass of water. He lets out a chuckle and you smile at him. There’s that ache again the need for physical contact. The last thing you wanted to do was go into the room next to his knowing he’s on the other side of the wall.

“Johnny,” you grab his arm before you can stop yourself. “Want some company? Till Simon comes back of course.”

“Sure thing lass,” he says chuckling and you follow him into the bedroom. You wait for him to get in his side then crawl in next to him. He leans over putting his phone on charge.

“When will he be back?” You ask.

“Could be in the next 10 minutes, could be a few hours, might not be back till the morning.” He says.

“Is it hard? Not knowing when he’ll be back?”

“It gets easier, I know he’s safe, just stuck in meetings probably.” He scoots down the bed so he’s lying flat, reaching over to turn the light off. You move closer to him your eyes adjusting to the darkness his arm finds you pulling you into his shoulder. Your fingers run across his chest and down to his waist. Johnny’s hand running up and down your back. It doesn't take you long before you’re both asleep.

You wake to movement behind you. At first you think it’s Johnny but when you open your eyes you can see him still sleeping.

“Simon?” You ask sleepily.

“Yeah,” he says as he wraps his arms around you pulling your back up against his chest. He smells of cigarettes.

“I can go back to the other room,” You don’t want to leave but you fell like you have to offer it.

“Don’t be silly,” he says kissing your neck. You smile relaxing into him. you feel him reach out grabbing Johnny’s arm and pulling over you to his waist. Johnny just murmurs pulling himself closer to you, gripping Simon's waist. You close your eyes and drift back off to sleep sandwiched between them.

——————————

You wake facing Simon he’s smiling at you.

“Watching me sleep?” you ask smiling back.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.” He says. It makes you blush. You turn to see the other side of the bed empty.

“Johnny’s making breakfast.” He says. You stretch and turn back to Simon who is still looking at you. You feel good, you had fun last night more then fun this felt like something different. It was something different, it all felt so natural. How was this going to work though? It had only been one night. How would you even explain it to people? Not that it really matters anyway, it’s your life. One thing was for sure you desperately wanted to kiss Simon. You missed him when he left yesterday. You don’t overthink it you just move closer to him. He seems to see what you’re thinking and moves his lips to meet yours. He’s rougher then Johnny, not that you mind you’re too blissed out to care, he’s almost needy playing with your tongue, like he’s trying to drink you up. Your hand slips under his shirt working it’s way up his chest. You can feel his heart racing as he runs his hand through your hair gripping it. There’s that ache between your legs again, throbbing, begging for touch. You can’t tell who the better kisser is does it matter? You get both of them. Your interrupted by a knock at the door, Simon breaking away to look over you.

“Sorry te interrupt but breakfast is ready.” Johnny says, you feel heat flush to your cheeks. You look over your shoulder to him and he winks, turning to leave. “Take your time!” He calls back. Simon chuckles touching your cheek, you don’t know why you feel embarrassed, it’s just something you’ll have to get used to. This is the new normal. You both head to the kitchen to see Johnny has made a stack of pancakes. You try to tell them they didn’t have to go to all this effort. Johnny tries to convince you this is normal, but you don’t quite believe it. Regardless you eat until your full then Simon offers you a ride home, which you gladly accept remembering the dress you were wearing last night. When you make it back it feels weird you unclip your seat belt turning to Simon.

“When can we do this again?” You ask.

“I’ll check the calendar, when do you go back to the base?” He asks.

“A month, but it could be anywhere, I usually find out a week before.” You reply. He nods.

“Johnny will text you.” He smiles. You lean over and kiss him. He smiles as you get out. You reach in your jacket for your keys and make it inside the building before you see Simon drive off. When you get into your flat you check your phone, you see there is a group chat now, with Johnny and Simon. There is already a message from Johnny.

Miss you already xx

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dailytomlinson · 2 days

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Yeah so we're at the last gig of the Faith In The Future Tour but it feels more like the last gig really [of] the last three years, I didn't really have a big break between the Walls Tour — the first tour — and the second tour of Faith In The Future. It's pretty sad, to be honest but like any, you know, moment in time is definitely a lot of room for reflection and like, I think it was the first tour gig, but it was the first time that I did like a full set, which I wanna say is about three years ago now, I was in Scala. I wanna say that was about to, about maybe 700 people forward to tonight and, you know, we're playing a sold out show in Mexico in an arena, and the shows in this run have been absolutely incredible. It's just another one of those moments for me to be really proud of what we've created. You know, a lot of my fans know I'm a massive, massive football fan. To have the luxury of being able to play in some of these football stadiums and also, you know, being able to play football in these stadiums after the gig, that is a luxury I'll never, ever get used to, it's an amazing feeling. Even when I was having a really good day before I started touring, never in a million years would I've ever included the word 'stadium' on my own solo tour. I thought that was one of those things that was incredible that happened in One Direction, that will never happen for me again unless, you know, we got back together or whatever. So to have gone through that journey and to feel that level of triumph, which feels... which surpasses my expectations by quite a long way, it's just one of those times where I just feel like in reflection, you know, once me and the fans are aligned and we really wanna do something, we fucking do it, man! And I like that, I like that a lot. So yeah, really proud to say that I've played some stadiums on my own, crazy even saying that. [fans section] I think my relationship with the fans has been relatively consistent but I think as time has gone on, that fans have realized just how vital they are to this whole thing. You know, before I started touring, it was only me on Twitter really telling everyone how important they are to this whole thing but the great thing about tour is: it gives the fans an opportunity to really feel their worth in the room, you know. And that's what's really been really special for me, it's not as if I've played more shows, I've got more experience and I've had to rely on them less, quite the opposite. As the shows got bigger, and the pressures got more, I've known I've got them with me so it's been really lovely, it's been a really lovely tour and one thing I'll never take for granted, no matter where I am. The consistency of the energy in the room is absolutely electric so yeah, all in all I think we've done a pretty good job. [FEQW stream section] It's funny that any big moment in my career always feels like, you know, the ultimate moment really and that was another one of those, the stream. Massive venue, sold a lot of tickets and obviously streaming as well and I put a lot of pressure on myself in those situations, because I know how hard I've worked to get here so I wanna get to these big moments in my career, I wanna be able to enjoy them but I also wanna provide a great night for the fans so that was one of those nights for me. It felt like a real achievement and yeah, just a really literal example of how far this whole thing has come. [downtime touring section] Don't get loads of downtime, there's a lot of travelling, there's been a bit more on this tour. My relationship with the band and just, I mean like everyone on the road really, it's vital. As I've said before, my experience of touring is that of, you know, part of the unit, part of the band obviously, that was my experience coming up. So to be able to share these moments, not just the incredible live moments but also, you know, great moments of like fun and downtime, like when we were on the ATVs the other day, [...]. Those things are really vital to making this whole thing feel almost homely, you know, almost like home away from home. You need to have your people on your side and to be able to have a laugh a break from the madness. [AFHF 2024 section] It's the fourth years, can't quite believe that, of Away From Home Festival. As always, always a great day in the [...], something I'm really excited about and you get a different sense of achievement on those days,you know, it's really— it's not just my show that I've created, but something bigger than that and then yeah, something that I've always wanted to do so always in the run up, I'm excited. There's definitely some nerves going into it 'cause it's a bit like hosting a party, you know, you really want it to be great, I'm crossing my fingers that everything will go right on the day, yeah, I'm really, really excited, it should be another special day in the calendar. [LT3 section + festivals] At some point I'm gonna thank about the next record but I'm a bit scared, truthfully. Like right now feel like I've been enjoying the success of Faith In The Future for quite a while and yes, there's been the pressure of the shows but I delivered that, I think a good record and the record that was successful, so now I'm going into that next cycle it's a little bit tense to go into it, and I know it'll change once I get off the road and really start thinking about the essence, the record, the concept of the record and stuff like that but right now, yeah, I'm just thinking about the festivals, I'm excited for those.

Louis’ full monologue for the last leg of the Faith In The Future Tour in Latin America + FEQW livestream and AFH 2024

#louis tomlinson #quote #transcription #i just about died typing this #and there's two or more words i just couldnt pick up so feel free to help out lol

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anime-owo-kage-san · 3 days

Text

Unpopular (?) Opinion: I want Crymini to happen before or during the “Huskerdust” development.

(This is speaking in the sense IF Huskerdust would be canon. And don’t argue about whether it is or isn’t pls. I said IF, to stay vague about it.)

Okay. Obviously I don’t want her to show at EXACTLY the first episode of the next season. But, I would like for Crymini to show up in season 2.

I’ve heard some say that it wouldn’t be appropriate timing, because Husk ‘already has Angel to deal with’. So, it would be better for her to show up after some more development between Angel and Husk, otherwise she might be getting in the way of their development with each other.

But, for me? I say her showing up ‘early’ might work:

In the pilot, Husk says “I’ve lost the ability to love years ago.” And ofc, that’s the perfect line to give to a character who will eventually learn to love again.

He finally started liking Angel, but he doesn’t ‘love’ Angel just yet.

And, while I honestly ship these two to double death —I don’t think Husk learning to ‘love again’ should start with Angel (A.k.a ‘his potential love interest’).

I personally think it should start with Crymini (a.k.a ‘the child figure’).

It could just come from my personal belief, that not every character who grew cold should find a ‘love interest’ to break their walls down. (Not saying that they can’t have a love interest. They absolutely can. But, my point is ‘finding love’, can be more than just in a romantic sense). ——I just think it might suit Husk better if this is what happened first, before he and Angel; while he opened some vulnerable parts of himself to Angel, he opens up his softer, wiser, and more protective side for a kid who needs guidance (speaking from how I assume Crymini would be portrayed, until she’s official).

And Angel? ——Husk has done good for him, by listening to his problems, and cheering him up during Loser Baby. Now, it’s time to see some Angel doing good for Husk (and maybe minor angsty feels); he sees the family-like relationship between the two, and decides to give Husk space.

Angel would think to himself, ‘I’m a grown-ass adult. I can handle myself. Husk should focus on that kid. She definitely needs him more than I do.’

So, he’d bitch about his work a lot less to Husk, thinking it would help not overwhelm him. Might even let Husk bitch to him instead, when Crymini becomes a handful, because everyone else usually leaves it to Husk since he’s the closest to her. And Angel listens to it all.

And maybe from all of this, it’ll remind Angel about the rocky relationship he had with his family (namely his father and brother), and admire how nice Husk is to a rebellious kid who he hasn’t known for that long yet. (Cue falling in love with a guy who’s good with kids.)

Husk eventually notices that Angel comes to him a lot less now, when he had a bad day , and confronts him about it. They have a heart to heart about it, and came to an agreement to rant to each other about their busy day.

Then some eventual Angel and Crymini relationship, when he runs into the same club as her. Then takes it upon himself to watch over her from afar because Husk wasn’t there, but starts hovering over her like he did with Niffty. (Okay, I’m writing a fanfic at this point.)

But, I hope you all get what I mean here; Husk CAN love Angel when he learns to love again, but learning to love again doesn’t HAVE to start with Angel.

#hazbin hotel #husk #angel dust #huskerdust #crymini #husk and crymini #angel and crymini #hazbin hotel husk #hazbin hotel angel dust #hazbin hotel crymini

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probably-writing-x · 3 days

Text

All The Firsts (Part 3)

Summary: So, could you write something about the reader being in her first relationship with spider (hbh) and her being worried about how she’s new at this?

Warnings: Drinking, mentions of drugs, cursing, some sexual references and hints but no actual smut (UNLESS THIS IS SOMETHING WE WANT IN PART 4????), mentions of anxiety

Word Count: 7.9k

Author’s Note: Okay I LOVE writing this series and I love the love i’m getting on it!! I’m already setting up for part 4 - please let me know what y’all want to see in that part and whether we’re wanting smut or not <3

“Alright, well, we’re going to leave before this gets any more awkward than it is,” Amerie grimaces, reaching for Harper and dragging her by the wrist to get out of the room.

Missy scoffs and mutters something incoherent under her breath before standing up from the bed and following the girls out of the door. Her eyes linger on Spider as she walks past and you feel your stomach turn.

He pushes into the room and the door shuts swiftly behind him, Spencer taking a spot on the bed opposite you where Missy had just been sat.

“What’s going on? Why are you upset?” He frowns, reaching out for your hands just as you draw them into you, folding your arms over your torso. His hands fall just in front of his lap, like he’s not sure where they should be if they’re not holding yours.

“I-“ You clear your throat, trying to stop the emotion from taking over.

This was Spencer. You could be annoyed at him. You’d done it before.

“What did you say to Missy about me when you two were dating?”

“Wh-“ He exhales, scanning your face as if wishing you would tell him more, “What do you mean? I probably said a lot of things I-“

“About me,” You say abruptly, “What did you say to her about me?”

He visibly shifts at the change in your tone, like this is no longer him trying to comfort you and instead him trying to fix whatever damage he’d done.

“I said a lot of stuff about you, in fact, she got annoyed about me talking about you so much,” He half-laughs like he hopes it will brighten your spirits, “We argued about it, actually. About how I spoke about you too much.”

“And in that argument you told her that you felt sorry for me,” You bite through the words, feeling the same bubbling sickness rise through you, “You told her you’d never see me like that. And then you told her you feel fucking sorry for me. So is that what this is Spencer? Is this you just feeling fucking sorry for me?”

You stand up from the bed and try to fight back the tears brewing in your eyes, taking a deep breath to try to suppress any spilling emotion. Your back is to him now and it feels easier to deal with when you weren’t looking at those eyes.

“Sorry for you?” He breathes out, “Do you think that’s what I’m doing? That me kissing you was just some sort of pity party?”

You bite your lip to stop it from shaking, feeling the looming presence of him stood just two feet behind you.

“You think that when I kissed you, when I told you how long I’ve been waiting to do that, when I told you I want to be with you,” He steps forward, “You think all of that was just some fucked up version of charity?”

You glance upwards into the mirror over the sink in the bedroom and watch as he steps closer to you once more. His hand reaches forward and pulls down one of your arms, gently, letting your arm fall to the side before lacing his fingers with yours.

“(Y/n) you shouldn’t ever think that,” He clenches his jaw and unclenches it like he too is trying to stop himself from getting emotional.

“Then what did you say to her?” You half-whisper the words, letting out a shaky breath alongside them.

He guides you around to face him, his hand only momentarily leaving yours, “I told her that I wished you spent more time with us. I kept telling her how everyone would love you and nobody got to see it because you never came out with us, never came to parties, nothing. And when she asked me why I cared about you so much I just told her it was because I’d known you the longest. And when she got jealous I told her I’d never seen you like that. Not that I never would. And, in fact, I think that’s one of the few things I lied to her about. I’m not sure when I’d first seen you like this (Y/n) but it sure as hell wasn’t just last weekend, I just needed that weekend to wake me up to it, that’s all.”

You smile just a little and then look down from him like you’re ashamed to admit to it.

Spencer moves his hand to tilt your chin up to his, smiling down at you until his expression reflects on your own features, “It’s you, (Y/n). Nobody comes close.”

With that, he cups your cheeks into his hands and kisses you with the most gentle, sincere touch that he can muster. It’s sweet and soft and yet reminds you in his contact that he really meant the words, like a seal of approval.

“Please don’t let Missy upset you like that, okay?” Spencer sighs as he pulls away from you, “She’s just…”

“I know,” You say, leaning forward to rest your forehead on his chest, “I know.”

The pounding in your head seems to settle then, slowing against the beat of his heart. And you do believe him, of course you do. But part of you wanted to forget that anything with him and Missy had ever happened. You wanted to forget that they’d ever been together, that she ever knew the parts of him that you knew. You wanted to forget it all.

———

Later that night, Spencer tells you that everyone’s meeting outside for a bonfire. The teachers weren’t going to be there and Ant and some of the other boys had managed to get enough beers for everyone. You still didn’t feel one hundred percent after what had happened with Missy but the worst thing you could do would be to sit in the room knowing that she and everyone else was out. You wouldn’t be able to get the thought of the two of them out of your head.

Spencer holds your hand as you walk through to the clearing in the forest, everyone already mingling around the space. Your friends are sat huddled together on one side of your view - evidently uninterested in making small talk with everyone else there. They look over at you and down to where Spencer’s hand is in yours as if it’s the strangest thing they’ve seen. As if it still didn’t make sense. On the far side of the fire is all of Spencer’s friends, all of them loud and shouting at each other as one of them is downing a drink from a can. And on the other side, Harper, Amerie, Darren, Cash and Quinn. They’re chatting amongst themselves, all laughing at something Cash had just said.

“Come on, let’s get a drink,” Spencer encourages, squeezing your hand gently.

“Um, can I catch up with you in a minute? You can go see the boys,” You smile up at him, squeezing his hand back.

“Yeah, sure,” Spencer nods, letting your hand go as he goes to walk over to the guys.

He glances back, expecting to see you walking towards your friends but frowning a little when he sees you instead walk over to Harper’s group.

“Hey!”

You don’t even have to speak before they all part ways to let you into the group, Amerie and Harper smiling at you brightly as Harper greets you.

“You all know (Y/n), right?” Amerie looks at the rest of them, “She’s in our dorm this week.”

“Yeah we’ve got chemistry together, I think,” Cash mentions, “You’re the one that knows all the answers.”

You laugh, crossing your arms in front of you as if trying to shrink away from the overwhelming attention.

“I love your jacket, (Y/n), how opposed are you to sharing clothes with people you’ve just spoken to?” Darren smiles, taking a sip of their drink.

“Only a little opposed, maybe get a few drinks in me and ask me again,” You joke, trying to relax into their company.

“Okay, I’m only going to ask once,” Amerie squeezes your arm, “Is everything okay with you and Spider?”

You let out a deep breath, “Yeah, yeah I think so.”

You glance over your shoulder, over to where Spencer is stood chatting with his friends. He glances over at you too and his face seems to light up in the flicker of the bonfire flame when he sees your eyes on his. He frowns a little at the sight of the group you were stood with but you shrug a little and he smiles. You’re the one that looks away first.

“(Y/n) they’re getting a drink, do you want one too?” Quinn speaks up to ask you, smiling brightly.

You turn back to the group and smile, feeling a little more yourself around them.

It wasn’t that you didn’t want to see your old friends. It was just that something felt a little restricted with them now that they knew you were with Spencer. They weren’t outwardly judging you but you could tell there were conversations going on behind your back. Like they saw you as someone new now. Like you weren’t the person they’d known. And it worried you that they weren’t just happy to see you happy. Instead, they were watching on as if waiting for it to go wrong. Like this would all be something that they could laugh at you for in a years time. Do you remember that weird time when you started dating Spider?

“Come on (Y/n), what’s your drink of choice?” Amerie links her arm with yours and you feel yourself relax even more into the company of the group.

———

A little while later, the groups seem to be combining more so and you end up blended with the boys’ group as Ant comes to find Harper. Everyone settles onto makeshift log seats around the bonfire and you watch Spencer walk over to seek you out amongst the group.

“Do you mind if I sit here, Darren?” Spider asks, smiling awkwardly in a way you rarely saw from him.

Darren looks up and scrunches their face in disgust, “Why are you being like … polite?”

The boys laugh and all yell incoherent mumblings about Spider being a changed man. You look up at him and try to fight back the smile on your face, laughing a little at his evident discomfort.

“Look, if (Y/n)’s going to be a good influence, please god make the most of it,” Darren rolls their eyes at you, “But just warning you she’s way too good for you.”

Spencer scoffs and sits down beside you on the log, “Yeah, I’m well aware.”

You nudge at his side just gently as if ensuring that he knew that wasn’t true and Spencer rests an arm over your thigh, drawing you close to him.

“How’s your night been?” He asks you quietly, like he wants to preserve the conversation for only your ears.

“Good,” You smile softly, “I’ve had maybe… one too many drinks.”

He chuckles, brushing a lock of hair away from your face, “Are you cold?”

You shake your head, “Beer blanket.”

“Ahh,” Spider nods knowingly, “Well tell me when that wears off.”

You tap your cup against his in a cheers and avert your attention back to the group, everyone bustling in separate conversations as the last few stragglers join the circle. Your friends had already left, you hadn’t seen them go.

“Alright, truth or dare?” Ant suggests, cracking open another beer can and pouring half of it into his cup and half into Harper’s, “Unless anyone has any other suggestions?”

“How about never have i ever?” Missy cocks a brow, her attention seemingly focused completely on you as she speaks, though her eyes scan over everyone as if seeking out a reaction.

“Yeah, why not?” Spencer clears his throat, his arm still on your thigh, his fingertips brushing the bare skin of your legs.

You glance at him and he smiles at you, so strangely innocent compared to the venom that he seemed to inject into those words. You lean into him just a little more and he relaxes into your touch.

“Okay, never have I ever…” Sasha begins slowly, eyes scanning the circle, “Done shrooms.”

At least half of the circle all drink, Spencer taking a sip from his cup too. He rolls his eyes at the question. You remember him mentioning after the last school trip here that they’d all taken something. He’d told you all about it the week after.

“Never have I ever…” Ant begins this time, “Got with two people in the same night.”

You watch as a few people around the circle drink. Spencer doesn’t, instead just swirling the liquid around his cup in his free hand.

“Really?” You speak quietly, looking up at him with raised brows.

He laughs as he looks at you, “Yeah, you surprised?”

“No, no,” You shake your head, “Well, a little.”

“Not for lack of trying, right Spider?” Missy speaks up from over the circle, tilting her head as if examining the two of you.

“Cut it out, Missy,” Spider returns, taking another swig of his drink.

“Hey, (Y/n), you haven’t drank yet,” Missy points out, frowning exaggeratedly as if wanting to remind you that she meant it mockingly, “Let’s give you an easy one - Never have I ever… lost my virginity.”

You could easily lie. Take a sip of your drink and roll your eyes at her like it was nothing. But you think about it for a second too long. And, before you know it, it feels like everyone’s eyes are on you - waiting for you to take a sip.

“No drink? You can’t-“ Missy stops her words to laugh outwardly, “You’re not a virgin are you?”

“She doesn’t have to play your shitty little game,” Spider speaks up, his voice raised in the way he knew would make people listen, “How about you cut the bullshit, yeah?”

“Is there something your precious little girlfriend needs to tell us, Spider?” Missy pouts, “Or am I still the only girl you can get it up for?”

The group seems to wince in chorus, all murmuring under their breath words that you couldn’t hear. You don’t look at any of them, not sure where to place your eyes that wouldn’t make you instantly embarrassed. More so than you already felt.

“Stop being such a bitch Missy, seriously,” Amerie speaks up to defend you, “(Y/n) doesn’t need to get caught in the crossfire of whatever unresolved shit you and Spider have.”

“I’ll leave it if he answers the question,” Missy shrugs, “What will it be, Spider?”

It’s like the conversation is happening to you, like you’re powerless to respond, just watching it unfold. This was all too much. How had it got to this already?

“Go fuck yourself Missy,” Spencer spits the words at her, his jaw clenching, his arm unmoving from your thighs, “How about you worry about yourself rather than trying to ruin my relations-“

You stand up from the log quickly, the blood rushing to your head as you do, your heart pounding to keep up with your instinctive thoughts. You couldn’t hear this any longer. You couldn’t do this another minute. You had to get away. And your feet are hurrying you away before your mind has a chance to catch up.

There are the sounds of feet chasing after you and part of you wishes it won’t be Spider. You couldn’t deal with him just yet. He’d be angry and annoyed and he’d be talking about Missy. And he’d be trying to make you feel better by making her sound worse.

“(Y/n)!”

It’s Amerie that calls out to you and you stop in your tracks to turn around. Her and Harper were the ones following after you, smiling reassuringly when your eyes meet theirs.

“Good shit walking away,” Amerie grins, linking her arm with one of yours as Harper does the same on the other side of you, “I’d have swung for her.”

“Yeah don’t listen to Missy, trust me, she’s just trying to find shit to mess up,” Harper encourages, “Like seriously, she should’ve stopped talking before she’d even started.”

You laugh a little and continue the walk with them towards your cabin. The tension in your body seems to have relaxed walking alongside them, feeling like you had at least two people that were on your side. Two people that were rooting for you.

They walk with you all the way back to the room and then the three of you flop down onto your mattress on the bottom bunk, all leaning back against the wall in the squashed space.

“God, I’m starting to wish I’d never gone tonight,” You groan, resting your head back against the wall, closing your eyes to try to ease the drilling headache that hadn’t subsided.

“No, you know what? It’s good you went,” Amerie encourages, “Missy was going to be saying shit whether you were there or not and at least her seeing you with Spider should prove to her that he’s not hers to claim anymore.”

You nod, “Yeah, maybe. I’d just rather not be there when she’s saying all that shit about me.”

Harper laughs, “She’d talk shit about anyone Spider liked, you’re just getting caught in the crossfire between those two.”

“Yeah, right? What the hell is that?” You groan, “I feel like a spare part or something.”

“Those two hate each other these days,” Harper explains, “Ever since they broke up, maybe even before they broke up. Trouble is, I think part of Missy just hoped that would change. You being with Spider has just made her realise that might not be so possible anymore.”

“I never meant to get in the middle of anything like that,” You shake your head, “As far as I was aware they were fully over. Spencer didn’t tell me he was seeing anyone, that he liked anyone, nothing.”

“They are over,” Amerie reminds you, “Missy’s just going to do whatever she can to make this hell for you.”

“I’m starting to wish Spencer was still just the boy that drove me to school every morning,” You mumble the words like you don’t want to admit that they’re true, “It was so much easier when we were just friends, when I was invisible.”

“You like him, right?” Harper nudges your side and waits for you to nod in agreement, “Then that’s all you need to know.”

You go back to resting your head against the wall and the two girls lean in to rest their heads on your shoulders, trying to inject some of their confidence and reassurance into your uncertain nerves.

“Speaking of which…” You can practically feel Amerie’s face curl into a smile, “We’ve been dying to know the story with you two! Because, no offence girl, but you seriously surprised us all with that one. Spencer White?! How did it happen?”

You laugh and it feels like the first time you’ve spoken all day without feeling like something was restricting your throat. It’s the first time you’ve been able to talk about Spider without feeling like you were being judged for everything you said. The girls made you feel welcome, made you feel heard and seen and like you weren’t just an accessory on Spencer’s arm. They gasp when you tell them how he kissed you, and they joke that you must be thinking of a different guy when you tell them how sweet he is. Your heart swells when you talk about Spencer and your headache eases, relaxing into the idea that you could be with him and he could be with you and nothing else needed to matter.

It was a nicer feeling.

———

Missy didn’t sleep in your dorm last night. You assumed she’d gone to stay in one of the other girls’ rooms. Maybe with Sasha. Although your stomach churned when the nightmare scenario entered your mind that she had instead stayed with Spencer. You ignore it. He would never.

There was a text on your phone from him when you woke up.

Morning x Hope you slept okay <3

You smile and stuff your phone into the pocket of your cargos, wearing one of Spencer’s baggy t-shirts over the top that seemed to drown out your figure. It still smelt like him.

The girls walk down to breakfast with you and the canteen is already full of everyone getting their food. Some eyes fall on you as you walk into the room but it’s less judging this time - more sympathetic. Some of them even smile at you, like they’re trying to tell you they didn’t agree with what had happened last night. But none of them had stood up for you - like only now were they realising they probably should have.

You join the queue to get your food and drag the tray across the countertop, stopping every so often to pick up something else.

“Hey, the others are over there,” Harper points out to you as her and Amerie walk over to the table where Darren, Cash and Quinn were sat.

“Be there now,” You smile, pouring yourself a cup of water from a heavy plastic jug.

“(Y/n),” Its Spencer that comes up behind you, not reaching out to touch you but close enough that it seemed he wanted to.

“Morning,” You smile, “Sleep well?”

“Uh-“ He scratches the back of his neck, “Yeah, I did, did you?”

“Not bad,” You shrug, “I’m going to sit with Harper and Amerie, catch you after breakfast?”

“Wh-“ Spencer half laughs like he’s not sure what to do with himself, “Don’t you want to talk about last night? I mean, you seemed pretty mad when you walked off and I think I should at least explain myself and we-“

You lean up onto your tiptoes and press a quick kiss to his lips, the tray of your food bumping against both of you in the restricted space, “I’m starving, and we can chat later, yeah?”

Spencer looks at you and then looks over at the group waiting for you to sit down, “(Y/n) are you sure you’re okay?”

“Of course,” You smile, “See you in a bit.”

It wasn’t that you didn’t want to speak to Spencer. Maybe part of you just hoped that all of this would be forgotten if you just moved on from it. You wouldn’t have to feel that sickness in your stomach that came when you spoke about Missy. You wouldn’t have to admit how embarrassed you were to be caught in the middle of all of that. You wouldn’t have to tell him that you were worried he wasn’t over her. You could just be his girlfriend again. You two could go back to how you were and Missy wouldn’t be so much as a mention in your conversations. That felt easier. Maybe it wasn’t the best way of dealing with things, but it’s what felt right for now.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” Darren asks as you sit down with a bright smile as if reassuring you.

“I’m okay,” You nod, “Kind of ready for this trip to be over if I’m honest.”

“You and me both,” Cash laughs.

———

Today, you had to do some sort of orientation task through the forest. The group trudged through the beaten path through the trees as your teacher rattled on about the importance of staying together and listening to the instructions clearly. You were sure everyone had stopped listening a while back.

“(Y/n), you can come with us!” Harper encourages you, “Promise to not let you get lost.”

You laugh, “Yeah, I’ll do the same. Thanks girls.”

The two of them seemed to have taken you under their wing instantly. Like they saw you were swimming out of your depth and both threw you a life jacket.

“So, you’re smart at like everything else, how are you at reading a map?” Amerie asks.

“Hate to burst your bubble girls-“ It’s Spider speaking from beside you, his head lowering to your shoulder so that his words were spoken directly next to you, “But (Y/n)’s with me.”

“Yeah, she’ll never make it out here if that’s the case,” Amerie scoffs, folding her arms over her chest.

Spencer rests an arm over your shoulders and glances down at you before looking back to the other two, “No, I wouldn’t make it out of here. She’s my only hope.”

“Surprised Missy isn’t rushing after you to team up,” Harper cocks her head, “She can’t seem to get enough of you.”

You look up at Spencer and watch as he narrows his eyes at the girls, like he’s assessing how much he can say without annoying them further.

“I hope she does get lost out here,” He states clearly, “It would do us all a favour.”

“Hmm, he almost sounds like he means it (Y/n),” Amerie smiles at you, “Just shout if you need us, we’ll rescue you if he can’t.”

With that, they leave the both of you to it and Spencer tightens his arm around you, drawing you into his chest. You groan as your head collides with him, his other arm wraps around you too.

“Ready to get lost in the forest?” He asks you, his chin resting on top of your head.

You pull away just enough that you can look up to him, “Didn’t the boys want to go with you?”

“Yeah,” Spencer shrugs, “And I wanted to go with you.”

You take the map from his hands as the other pairs seem to scatter off amongst the trees, all eyeing up different directions.

“We don’t need that,” Spencer takes it back from you, stuffing it into his back pocket, “Come on.”

“Wh-“ You stumble to keep up with him as he laces his fingers with yours, leading you through the dense trees, “Spec where are we going? We’re meant to-“

“Oh they won’t miss us, I’ll make sure we’re back by the time they notice we’re gone,” He encourages, looping your interlocked hands over your head so that his arm now sat back around your shoulders too.

For a short while, the two of you walk together. His arm stays around you, your fingers still interlocked with his. The noise of the other students starts to drown out the further away you get and it seems somewhat poetic to the bigger picture - when you and Spencer were together it still felt like nothing else mattered. Like no other stories and no other gossip could get in the way. You fell back into the reasons your heart swelled the way it did when he first kissed you.

“So, are you going to talk to me now?” Spencer nudges your side just a little.

“Wh-“ You look up at him, “What are you talking about? I’m not not talking to you.”

“You’re talking to me, but not about what we should be talking about,” Spencer points out, directing the two of you towards a rock overlooking where the trees start to dip downhill.

The two of you sit down and both of your hands return to yourselves. Like you’re somewhat shy around each other.

“There really is nothing to talk about, Spence, I don’t know what there is to say.”

“There’s plenty to say!” He half-laughs, “You’re telling me from all of last night there’s nothing you want to say?”

“I don’t-“ You stop yourself, swallowing the lump in your throat, “It hasn’t even been a week Spencer, I don’t want us to argue, okay?”

“Hey,” His voice softens, shifting so that he is looking more directly at you, “We’re not arguing. I just need you to talk to me about how you felt last night.”

“You just… you have this thing with Missy. Like you two can’t be in the same room without it being obvious. Like, okay, imagine two magnets. And they’re both North magnets so they just repel each other. They’re not joined but they’re still magnetic. So they’re repelling but there’s still something in that - something connecting them, tying them to each other. That’s how it feels seeing you and Missy. I know you two aren’t together, I know you don’t want to be with her. But there’s just this thing between you two. And I saw you last night and just thought … I’m not her, and I can’t be her. I’m not confident like she is, I’m not going to yell at you or have a screaming match with you. I don’t want any of that.”

“And you think that’s what I want?” Spencer frowns sincerely like a realisation is dawning on him, “(Y/n), there’s a reason that Missy and I aren’t together, okay? There’s a reason that relationship ended, there’s a lot of reasons. I don’t want you to be a replacement for her. In fact, that’s the exact opposite of what I want. This thing between me and Missy it’s just… it’s exes. We hate each other, that’s never really going to change.”

“But I don’t…” You feel your voice crack, your bottom lip trembling, “I don’t have any of that. I don’t know what it’s like. And I just… I’m worried I can’t be enough for you.”

“Enough for me?” He says the words like they’re venom on his tongue, like it convulses his stomach to even think of questioning that, “(Y/n) how can I prove to you that you are?”

You shake your head as two tears spill from your eyes, trailing slowly down your cheeks.

“Okay,” Spencer takes a deep breath and reaches out to take your hand, “Yes, me and Missy dated, she’s my ex. It wasn’t the best breakup and ever since we’ve just argued any chance we got. In fact, we argued just as much when we were together. And when I dated her, I just thought that was normal. It was my first proper relationship - I just thought that’s how it went, that you had to argue to get all of the good parts too. But, I’d argue with Missy one night and then the next morning I’d be waiting in the car to drive you to school. And you’d ask me how my night was and I’d probably just dismiss it, and you’d play your songs and tell me about your weekend and you’d make me laugh and you’d listen to me. And so every time I fought with Missy I’d think, fuck, it’s so much easier to talk to you.”

You look up at him and he smiles when your eyes make contact with his, like it’s a breath of fresh air.

“I don’t need you to be her. Because… the reason I was glad that relationship ended was because I realised that she wasn’t you.”

You let out an exhale as if a thousand weights had been lifted from your shoulders, Spencer’s hand coming up to your cheek to brush the skin there as though stopping any more tears from falling.

“Thank you,” You half-whisper and he smiles, kissing you quickly as if to lock in the moment.

“Just talk to me, okay?” He whispers, kissing you again, more strong and certain this time.

You rest your head on his shoulder and he wraps an arm around you, holding onto you like you were the best thing that had ever happened to him.

———

“Well, you two look like you’ve had fun,” Harper grins when she sees you and Spencer break out into the clearing in the forest.

He’s walking alongside you, his hand in yours, laughing at something you’d said. You smile at her and she gives you a look as if double checking you’re okay, you nod quickly.

“Get lost in the forest, did ya?” Ant wiggles his brows at the two of you.

Spencer steps behind you and wraps his arms around you above your shoulders, your hands resting on his forearms underneath your chin as his chin settles on top of your hair.

“We just…” You run your fingers along the skin of his arms, “Went for a walk.”

“Yeah I bet you did,” Ant winks and it’s evident what he’s insinuating.

Maybe him thinking that was easier than you telling him about the conversation you’d just had. He could believe what he wanted to believe.

“Party in the boys cabin later?” Amerie rushes over, grinning at Spider like she’s hoping he’ll agree with her.

“No pissing, no vomit, no spilling drinks,” Spider reaches out one arm to point at her as if directing his concerns to only her.

“Deal.”

Ant goes on to talk about who would be coming and points out that there were certain people he’d rather not be there. He smiles at you as if trying to make you feel welcome, like he’s assuring you he too hated what happened last night. That he, just as much as you, didn’t want it to happen again.

———

That night, you go over to the boys room and the doors already open. The guys are all there, Quinn, Darren and Cash too, and a few others you still weren’t sure of the names of. You, Amerie and Harper walk in and Ant shuts the door behind you.

“There she is,” Spencer grins when he sees you, “I was just talking about you.”

“All good I hope,” You cock a brow at him as you walk over to where he’s speaking to Cash and Darren.

“These two were just asking me of my … intentions,” He comments, wrapping an arm around your waist, “I wasn’t aware they cared so much about your relationships.”

“Someone’s got to look out for her now she’s with you,” Darren jokes, “And we’re always watching.”

“Noted,” Spencer nods and then looks down at you and smiles again, “Want a drink?”

“Yes please.”

Everyone manages to squeeze into the condensed space as people occupy spaces on the floor, you and Spencer take a spot on his bed, sat close beside each other as three other people managed to squeeze into the space beside you. Missy wasn’t here - thankfully. And you overheard Quinn saying that she was staying in their room with Sasha tonight instead. Thankfully.

Everyone was passing round bottles of liquor and trying to think of games to play and talking over each other and you just sort of let it all happen around you. You liked this group, as much as you felt different to them. They were friendly and welcoming and they didn’t judge you like you thought they would. In fact, it seemed they were happy to see Spencer with you. Like they were looking forward to him having a good influence.

“Hey,” Spencer nudges your side, “Do you want to get out of here?”

“Wh-“ You look at him and frown, “We don’t have to, I don’t mind staying.”

“But you’d rather go,” Spencer points out and waits as if he’s making sure you don’t dispute it, “Come on.”

He takes your hand in his and both of you stand up from the bed, trying to step your way through the bodies of people sat on the floor. They start to protest about you leaving, complaining that you two were boring and that they were offended you didn’t enjoy their company. One of them makes a joke about Spider being wifed off. But Spencer opens the door, sticks a middle finger up to all of them and then closes it behind you.

“Come on, we can go to my cabin,” You say, your hand still interlocked with his as the two of you walk the short distance across the complex to get to your room.

It’s empty, of course. Missy was in Sasha’s room and Harper and Amerie were still with the boys. Spencer locks the door behind both of you and breathes a sigh of relief.

“Just us,” He smiles lightly, his hands reaching out for your waist.

You hum in agreement and lock your hands behind his neck, Spencer taking steps to walk you backwards towards the bed. It’s awkward and stumbling when you get there, however, as you duck down to avoid hitting your head on the bunk on top. He stumbles to stop himself from falling too, tightening his grip on your waist.

“Well that was meant to be more romantic than that,” Spencer grimaces, dropping down onto you on the mattress.

You laugh and run a hand through his hair as he pushes up onto his elbows.

“It’s better when it’s just us,” He mumbles, leaning down and kissing you again.

You hum against his lips and keep your hand in his hair as he deepens his connection against you, his body shifting to hover over you, friction increasing between you both. He moves a hand to snake around your back, pressing against the skin to draw more of you into him, lips parting yours for his tongue to dominate. You move a hand to his shoulder and grip at the material of his t-shirt and Spencer pulls away from you.

“We don’t have to-“ He swallows the lump in his throat, catching his breath, “We don’t have to do anything.”

“No,” You reply quickly, “I want to.”

“(Y/n), you don’t have to say that I-“

“I’m not just saying it,” You assure him, “I just… I don’t really know what I’m supposed to do.”

Spencer smiles softly, “Okay, we can take as long as we need. There’s no rush.”

He leans in to kiss you again, starting softly before getting to be more sure of himself, hand gripping your waist and kneading the skin there.

You weren’t anxious like you thought you would be. In fact, it was anticipation more than anything. And you felt safe knowing it was Spencer with you, in any lifetime you’d want it to be him.

———

The following morning, you wake up with Spencer’s arms still around you. The two of you are squashed in the cramped space of the single bed, his limbs folded to fit into the space, his breath hot on your neck as he wrapped around you, laying behind you. When you wake up and shift beneath him, he groans at the disruption, tightening his grip around you.

“Not yet,” He grumbles, drawing you into his chest.

“Spence,” You laugh, pushing yourself around to face him, “We need to get up and pack.”

He buries his head into the crook of your neck, sighing into the skin, “Not yet.”

Before you can speak again, there’s a knock at the door followed by a;

“Are you decent?!”

It’s Amerie’s voice.

“Come in,” You laugh, shifting underneath the covers as Spencer still buries his head into you, refusing to move.

The door opens and Harper and Amerie both walk in, still in last nights’ clothes, both of them looking like the hangover had hit.

They look down at the clothes discarded on the floor and then back up to the two of you in bed. You were wearing Spencer’s baggy t-shirt and he was in his boxers, bodies covered by the sheets over you.

“Well looks like you two had a party of your own last night,” Amerie grins, “Now I’m even more glad we stayed in the boys’ room.”

“Yeah good call,” Harper smirks, “We’ve got thirty minutes before we need to leave.”

“Oh, and Spider, I may have spilt vodka over your bag last night…” Amerie winces, “So have fun with that.”

He groans and turns into you even more, his arm draped over your stomach, “Thanks Am.”

The girls open the curtains in the room and he groans again.

“Is that necessary?” He mumbles, propping himself up onto his elbow beside you.

“You should probably go back and start getting your stuff packed,” You point out, “And get showered.”

He tilts his head down to sniff under his armpits, “Are you telling me I stink?”

You laugh and he jabs at your side to tickle you, making you squeal and writhe under his touch.

“God what did you do to this guy (Y/n)?” Amerie scoffs, “You’re a changed man these days Spider.”

He rolls his eyes and leans down to kiss you quickly, “I’ll see you in a bit.”

Spencer rolls over you on the mattress to get out of the bed, standing up and stretching his arms over him, his back muscles shifting and contorting as he does.

You lean up onto your elbows and watch him, “You’re not going out there in your pants are you?”

He turns around and grins, “Don’t worry darling, they can look but they can’t touch.”

You roll your eyes, “Goodbye.”

He grabs his other clothes from the floor and bundles them into his arms, walking out of your room with a yelled ‘goodbye darling’.

“Seriously, what did you do to that guy?” Harper laughs, “He’s like… nice now?”

You laugh, sitting up in the bed, a waft of his aftershave lingering on his top.

“Okay, leaving the party, clothes on the floor, room to yourselves,” Amerie wiggles her brows, sitting down on the mattress opposite you, “What did happen last night?”

“Oh and we want all of the boring details,” Harper grins, sitting beside her, both of them leaning forward in anticipation.

“Well… Ive never actually done that before,” You say, “But Spencer… well he seemed pretty good at it.”

They both squeal and laugh, bursting into a flurry of questions. You feel your heart swell when you talk about him.

———

Everything felt strangely in place now, for the past few weeks at least. You and Spencer had struck up a perfect balance in your relationship. To compromise not seeing each other at lunch, he would get to your house twenty minutes early and have breakfast - or stay there the night before and have breakfast in the morning. You’d go into school and stay with him and his friends until Harper and Amerie came in so you’d part ways and go with them instead. They’d welcomed you into their group without a thought. You’d go to your classes and Spencer went to his. At lunch, you sat with your old friends. They’d been a bit apprehensive about your relationship with Spencer but they could see how happy you were with him and, in fact, he’d even been making an effort to say hello to all of them at least. You’d go to your afternoon classes and then Spencer would meet you from the last one, driving you home or out to somewhere and it was rare the two of you had an evening without each other. It worked. You were happy.

You were in chemistry when the announcement sounded.

“Can the following students please make their way to the principal’s office,” The words came through the speakers, “(Y/n) (Y/l/n), Spencer White, Sasha So and Missy Beckett.”

Amerie frowns at you and you shrug, gathering your things as the teacher dismisses you from your class. Spencer walks out of his own class and meets up with you in the corridor, squeezing your shoulders as he walks behind you.

“Have I finally got you in trouble (y/l/n)?”

You roll your eyes and squeeze his hands over your shoulders, looking back at him, “It was inevitable.”

When you walk into Woodsy’s office she’s sat at her desk, Missy and Sasha stood opposite her already. They both look at you disapprovingly when you walk in.

“Good morning,” Woodsy begins, “Thank you for joining us, you two.”

You and Spencer fall into line beside the other two, everyone looking just as confused as each other.

“Well, I’ve brought you here today because I’ve got a very exciting proposition for you all,” She explains, “We’ve had interest from a local university about offering scholarship programmes to some of our students and you are the lucky four that have been shortlisted.”

“You’re kidding, right?” Sasha laughs, “What did Spider do?”

“Well, the school is considering sporting excellence as well as academic excellence,” Woodsy continues, “And Spencer is one of our talented sportsmen here.”

You look up at him and he leans down to whisper in your ear.

“Didn’t realise you were dating the top jock.”

You laugh and nudge his side, turning your attention back to Woodsy as you ask, “What do we have to do for this scholarship?”

“Well, you’ll be meeting with the scholars from the university and in a few weeks you’ll be presenting to them your ideas for how we can improve an aspect of the school. That could be trips, facilities, classes, anything. You’ll all be working individually and maybe more than one of you will get the scholarship and the opportunity to add a really good trait to your CV,” She explains, “How does that sound?”

“Can we go now?” Missy says bitterly, arms folded as she eyes you and Spencer.

“Not yet, I want the four of you working together on your initial ideas! You guys will be spending a lot of time together over the next few weeks and I want all of you to be successful.”

“Brilliant,” Missy rolls her eyes, “Can’t wait.”

The sarcasm seeps into the air but Woodsy chooses to ignore it, turning back to you and Spencer, “I am aware that you two have recently entered into a… romantic relationship. Do you feel this is going to affect your ability to do this?”

Spencer looks at you and raises his brows, looking back to Woodsy, “Was unaware you followed our personal lives, Miss.”

“Nothing is ever a secret in this school, Spencer.”

“We’ll be fine,” You interject, “We can be professional.”

“Alright, then you’re all free to go. We’ll be meeting today after school for your first session,” Woodsy nods, “I look forward to it! Let me give you these brochures and then you can be off.”

Missy and Sasha walk out first, mumbling between themselves about how it was ridiculous that they had to do this. Missy looks back at you and gives you a glare enough to slice through you. You ignore it.

“So, I think being professional means you’ve got to keep your hands off me, do you think you can manage that?” Spencer grins down at you, walking backwards out of the room as you follow him.

“No, I’m just insatiable,” You roll your eyes sarcastically, “I tell you what, I bet you’ll fold before I do.”

“That sounds like a challenge, (y/l/n).”

“Okay, you have to keep your hands off me whilst we’re in school - as soon as we’re back in these walls you’re back in the friend zone - until this whole thing is over,” You cock a brow.

“Oh it is on, darling,” He narrows his eyes at you, “And what do I get when I win?”

“Anything you want.”

You watch him swallow the thick lump in his throat, clearing it as he taps the brochure onto your forehead, “Done deal.”

Avoiding Spencer, spending all this time with Missy, trying to get this scholarship for college? The next few weeks were surely going to be hell.

———

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writerpetals · 4 hours

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mbfw: boundaries | 🔞

; optional male lead smut | ☁️

w / au's: werewolf!au, bestfriend!au, getting you off with his fingers ...

summary: you learn more about what it means to be mates and Wolfie has a few things to say when you tell him you just want to talk

a/n: part two to my best friend's werewolf !!

words: 4899

“So tell me more about mates.”

The two of you decided to go to a small coffee shop just outside of town the following Saturday afternoon. You both knew there was so much to still be discussed, settling on a quiet place to sip drinks, eat a dessert, and talk at a corner table near the back without as much foot traffic. You wanted to know more about his werewolf side as well as discuss the what if’s and the maybe’s. The best thing about your best friend is he is always willing to talk through whatever is going on.

“What would you like to know?” he asks before taking a bite of the raspberry pastry he ordered for himself. “Mates are just kind of like soul mates. Our perfect partner. One we could spend lifetimes with.”

The thought has your heart swelling. Oh… to be loved so strongly. You couldn't imagine. Or, maybe it's not about love and just about what fits best. Does his wolf even care about you? Could he love you? These are the questions that have been plaguing you and you know you need to find the answers before the situation drives you crazy.

“Well, how did your wolf decide me?” You poke at your own danish with a fork, not as hungry as you thought. “Why me?”

“I think it’s because of our friendship.” He doesn’t sound so sure, but he sounds sure enough that it’s a pretty good guess. “You’re the closest friend, honestly closest anything I’ve ever had. You’re like a sister to me.”

“Ugh,” you huff, rolling your eyes, “sisterzoned by my mate’s second brain cell.”

“No, we share a brain cell, remember?” He chuckles while you laugh, nudging him with your arm.

“It’s still so bizarre to me,” you tell him in a whisper. “That all of this is happening with my best friend, but I don’t think I would want it to happen with anyone else.”

He smiles at that. He has always been the sweetest person you’ve ever known. Even in high school, you became friends because he spotted you crying coming out of the bathroom one day freshman year. He stopped you to ask what was wrong. You told him some excuse about your period. He laughed when you actually told him the truth that it was over a boy. A boy that broke up with you to immediately ask out your only friend in the class, all while his friends laughed at your embarrassment. Teenagers can be so cruel.

The reason he laughed was because he already knew what he was going to do. He asks you to point the boy out so casually, as if he was only going to talk to him, so you do. Turns out that talk turned into a fight and he was suspended for three days. The guilt weighed down onto your shoulders like a heavy rainstorm until the day he returned. You apologized, asked him why he did it, and he said it was because of the t-shirt you were wearing. He knew you were cool. No one as cool as you should be crying.

Looking back, you can barely remember the band on the shirt because they disappeared due to a scandal a year later, but it was his favorite as well as yours at the time. Your favorite tv show became his next one and his sentimental dessert shop from his childhood became the place the two of you would get ice cream and study on the weekends. You went to prom together (as friends), played video games together (as enemies), and your families grew as you got to know one another. His family fell in love with you because you kept him focused on school, and your family wasn’t convinced he didn’t have ulterior motives (they eventually came around).

He’s always been there for you. Became your friend, the person you looked to first when you tell a joke and the last person you wanted to disappoint. Protected you and kept the creeps away from you as you grew older. You didn’t find it funny when he would tell guys you liked that he liked you more. They ran away because they felt like they had no shot after that, but in the end you were glad because most of the time, you loved when it was just him and you.

Which is why you nearly spit your drink in his face when he asks you, “Are you going to tell me what the two of you do?”

“What… No! Fuck no. Absolutely not!” You reach for the nearest napkin to wipe your mouth from where the liquid dripped. He stares at you from across the table, a questioning look on his face. “Why would I? I mean… do you want me to?”

The two of you have never, in the history of your friendship, discussed such topics. Sure, you’d joke about sex in general because that’s what friends do, but you’ve never talked about personal details with one another. You didn’t care to know about his sex life, and he knew yours was nonexistent. Well, until now.

“You’re okay with doing things with my body, but not letting me know about it?” He raises a brow, and damn it, you know he has a point. He’s right and the last thing you want to do is overlook a boundary he might have. Talking about it isn’t one for you, but it is embarrassing.

“Didn’t you say you can feel it?” You try your best to look for a loophole. “So, just… feel what we do, maybe?”

His body slumps as his expression goes slack, his mouth even pouting a little. He’s seconds away from calling you by your government name, so you take a deep breath and nod.

“Okay, I will tell you. It’s not like I care if you know, I just can’t seem to say the words to you.”

He chuckles, leaning in with a devious look in his eyes and… is he actually trying to smolder? “Would you rather show me?”

“Ugh!” You shove his shoulder to make him fall back in his seat. His laugh echoes throughout the coffee shop, so you glare at him until he quiets down because the barista is looking. “That’s not funny, Flynn Rider.”

He’s still smiling wide, but it soon begins to settle. “I’m not asking to know to be a weirdo or anything. It’s just that it feels weird, sometimes, to have these blank slates in my memory. I can feel that everything is okay, if I’m happy, or angry, or… other things…”

Your cheeks heat at the comment. Just like he’s always been there for you, he’s always made you feel so safe. He was your sanctuary when you felt bullied and had nowhere else to turn. He’s understanding and patient. He’s sweet and kind, and always puts you before himself. But now it’s time for you to put your feelings aside for him so you give him his own peace with the situation.

You lean in, voice just a whisper. “He was in my room that night after work, waiting on me after my shower. I just had my robe on.”

“He didn’t warn you first he was coming over?” You shake your head at his question.. “That asshole. I’m so fucking sorry. I’m sure that scared you.” He reaches to take your palm in his own. Offering a squeeze, you smile and shake your head once again.

“I was startled, but it was you, so I calmed down. Well, I thought it was you.” You sigh, gathering the strength to do the most embarrassing thing you can think of. You just hope he won’t judge you for it. “He asked if I remember him. I didn’t at first, but it clicked when I remembered the night of the full moon. He then told me no one can keep him from me, and he wanted to see me… um, see my body.”

You can’t meet his gaze as you tell him. Staring a hole into the uneaten pastry in front of you, you take a moment to catch your breath. You aren’t sure why this is so hard for you. Maybe it’s the fact that you’ve never had conversations with your best friend like this before, or maybe it’s the situation at hand. It’s got you so confused and emotionally charged.

“Did he…” He cocks his head to the side, pursing his lips in thought for a moment. “Did he ask nicely?”

For a second, you’re silent as the question registers. Then you release a breathy laugh. “He was very… gentle. Dominant and… convincing, but he wasn’t forceful if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Good.” He nods with a wrinkle of his brow. Then he leans forward, elbows on the table with his forearms crossed, ready to hear the rest. Your heart races.

“He untied my robe. I had nothing on underneath, so he pressed me to the wall and his thigh pressed into me and I pressed into him and we were really just pressed… pressed all together doing stuff.”

He can’t control his laugh at your rambling. You don’t care. You did it. You told him and he’s not storming off, so you’re good, right? You force a smile at him, making him shake his head.

Then his smile settles and he bites his lip for a second. “Did you like it?” Warmth surges through you at the question, surprise taking hold. You stammer for a second, unsure how to reply.

If you tell him yes, you’ll feel like a creep and if you tell him no, you’ll be lying.

“I did.” Creep it is, because you’d never lie to him. He nods, gaze falling down for a few seconds.

“I’m not asking to make you uncomfortable about it,” he admits, taking you by surprise again. “As long as he’s coming out to be with you, I need to know for sure that you’re okay. That he isn’t… you know.”

“Okay,” you interrupt, getting the hint. “I know. Okay.”

“Okay.” He nods and smiles at you. You grin at him, warmth blossoming in your heart because no one has a best friend like you.

***

omw baby

The single text you receive the following night sends your heart into a spiral. You know it wasn’t your best friend that sent that text from his number, but the wolf inside him. You barely had time to shower once you arrived home from work, but as you were throwing on an oversized, faded t-shirt, your phone dinged with his warning.

Luckily you had the place to yourself, and it didn’t take him much longer to arrive after sending you the warning. You assume your best friend made his disapproval of dropping by your place unannounced clear, which makes you feel a little better. It also made clear the fact they both are taking care of you, whatever you need. Why do you feel like the luckiest girl alive?

You’re happy he’s stopping by, however, knowing you need to try to talk to him like you said. You answer the door with a racing heart, letting him inside, but not before he raked eyes up and down your body.

“You smell as pretty as ever, baby,” he tells you in a deep, dark and demanding voice, shaking you to the core. Once you shut and lock the door behind you, he pulls you close with hands on your hips. For a moment you’re tempted to melt into him. His scent begins to drift through the air right to your nostrils. It’s warm and safe and inviting, daring you to trust him and give yourself to him.

Shaking your head, you blink away the thoughts and push him away. “Can't we just talk?” Raising your hand, you point toward the couch close by in the living room. You take a step away from him to back towards the front door. “Go sit over there, please. We need to set some boundaries.”

“Sure. Can I play with your pussy while we talk?” He shrugs before sitting down on the couch, spreading his legs to push aside the fuzzy pink pillows your roommate just bought and gripping his cock through his gray sweatpants. “Come sit right here, baby. We can talk all night.”

“No!” You groan, stomping your foot and waving a finger at home. “We need boundaries here and now!”

He pouts. Actually pouts and gives you puppy dog eyes. Releasing his cock, he sighs. “Whatever you want, baby, but if I don't get to play soon, I might go crazy.” Then he gives you the most devilish grin to remind you he’s not human. “Don’t make me come bite you.”

You huff and roll your eyes. “You'll be fine.” Your fear turns to aggravation toward him. Maybe the confidence comes from the fact he would never hurt you. Or maybe it’s because he’s getting on your last nerve. If your best friend is patient and understanding, Wolfie is too playful for his own good, too bold with his choice of words, and a pain in your ass.

Then for a split-second you wonder what he would feel like in your ass. He does look absolutely delicious sitting there in sweats and a plain t-shirt. You really did want to have a seat and be served a never-ending course meal and… what are you thinking?

“Your scent!” You cover your nose with a slap of your hand against your face. “What are you doing?! It’s like you’re making it stronger.”

“Having fun thoughts, baby?” He chuckles. “Tell me what they are and if you’re a good girl, you’ll get it.”

“Why are you so horny?!” You turn away from him toward the front door and throw your hands in the air. “I need to know what this is, okay?! Because I’ve never done this before and I don’t want to lose my best friend!”

You turn and point between the two of you. All smiles fade from his face as he leans forward, elbows on his knees. His lids lower, eyes darkening as he stares at you. A chill shoots straight down your spine. His glare is iced over, but the fire it ignites inside of you shoots straight between your thighs.

“I’ve told you before, you’re mine.” He rises to his feet to step toward you. Your body jumps on high alert as he nears, knowing if his scent enters your body, you can’t control yourself. “He can’t live without you, so I think you’re safe there.” He reaches for you when he’s close, taking your chin between his index and thumb. You have no choice but to meet his gaze and his body burns hot pressed against your own. “There’s no need to worry over what you have and haven’t done because the only things you’re going to be doing from now on are with me. And if you want to know what this is, it’s me wishing to cherish, worship, honor and obey my mate because you’re not only my mate, baby, but my master. I might have claimed you, but you own me. So that’s what this is.”

You can’t think. Can’t breathe. Can’t speak. You feel flushed and weak and dizzy all at once. To keep from slipping to the floor, you press your hands against him, until he guides you to the couch where you settle in his lap. Side pressed to his chest, his arm around you.

“Breathe, baby.” He rubs your back in small circles to soothe you, his voice caring, yet confident. If your best friend can make you feel better by being with you whether it gets better or not, the wolf in him speaks as if it’s a fact. He demands the troublesome thoughts in your mind and lures them out with his deeper, yet gentle tone that will rip them to shreds with his claws. If he has a playful attitude with you all the time, he has a deadly one with your anxiety. “Breathe and tell me what happened? How do you feel?”

His words are a warm blanket on the coldest night. It shouldn’t surprise you. Sure, this wolf desires you and wants to mate with you, but he’s also the protector. He can save you from drunk college wolves as well as your own worries and insecurities.

“I’m fine… I just… can’t wrap my head around it still.” You inhale a slow, deep breath, then exhale as he soothes the anxiety with his hand against your back. “The fact that you’re my best friend, but you’re his wolf side, so it feels like two different people to me. And this is all happening so fast. Three weeks ago we were planning our summer vacation after we graduate. He beat me in three games of Mario Kart and I had to buy him pizza. That was the deal. Now the deal is a very intimidating werewolf in the shape of my best friend wants to mate with me and I’ve never ao much as made out with a guy. Now… all this!”

You throw your hands up in the air. Finally, you let it all off your chest. You only wanted to be strong for your best friend. Considering it was your fault for ignoring him and going to the bonfire anyway, you decided you owe it to him. But holding onto every emotion after a confession like that has you nearly in tears. You don’t even want to think about how much you’ve been crying lately.

“You’re human, so it’s hard for you to deal with it all at once. But, baby, look at me.” You turn to see the look in his eyes that serves as warning. Listen to every word he says or he’s going to bend you over and spank you. The thought sends a jolt of desire straight to your core. “Everything I said is true. I’ve waited half my life for you so don’t think I act this way just because I want to fuck you. I act this way because I crave you like a sinner craves salvation and it would make me go insane not to have you now that I’ve finally got a little taste. You are my moon because you made me like this, but I’m still just an animal, baby.”

Your body comes alive with every word he speaks. Heat courses over your skin, feeling the air hard to breathe in the moment. His hand caressing your back falls to your thigh, reaching around to pull your t-shirt higher up your side. You’re frozen. All you can do is look him in the eyes.

“I can’t help that your body is calling to me.” His tone shifts from assertive to teasing. His voice is still deep, but there’s a dark desire there that is begging you to play with him. “I can smell how wet you are for me. Don’t be a bad girl and hide it from me.”

As he speaks, his other hand rises to the knee closest to him, pulling it apart from the other. Your body remains weak in his hold, but now it’s due to the way your body yearns for him. He’s right. You can’t help but be turned on. All he’s done is talk about how he wants to worship you and you’re starting to become curious about what that would entail. The thought excites you. He made his intentions clear, now maybe it’s time you start trusting your best friend’s wolf.

You finally look away from him to look down at your parted thighs. Your shirt is hiked up, exposing your cotton panties with a darkened spot showing him just how much you want his attention. Your pussy begins to ache with need as his sights fall between your thighs, taking in the fact that he was right.

“You’re going to let me play with this pretty pussy, aren’t you, baby?” He moves his hand to dip between your thighs, his thumb brushing over your clothed pussy. A gasp fills the air. “Don’t make a wolf beg.”

He begins to whine like a puppy dog a second before a devious smirk replaces his pout. Then without warning, he twists your body so your back is pressed against his chest and his hand falls to cup your pussy in his palm. Your breath hitches and body tenses, until his hand moves back and forth over your panties, coaxing you to relax against him. A soft sigh falls from your lips. You can’t stop your hips from moving, giving in to his touch because it just feels too damn perfect. He is perfect for you, there’s no denying it.

“Please,” you softly whimper. You can’t stop yourself. Your clit begins throbbing, needing more, wanting the attention it deserves. Arousal drips from your aching cunt, dying for more pressure, more friction, more everything.

“So you want me to play now? Want me to slide your panties to the side and fuck you with my fingers?” You’re trembling against him as he speaks. He leans in, mouth next to your ear, lips ghosting over your skin. “Be a good girl and let me make it feel good for you.”

Your legs part wider for him without thinking as his hand dips into the band of your panties. His fingers slip between your thighs to brush over your slit, feeling how wet you’ve become. A jolt of electric pleasure courses through you when he grazes your clit, his fingers wet with your juices.

“Perfect, baby,” he groans into your ear from behind. Light, feathery strokes graze over your pussy as his other hand slips beneath your big t-shirt, fingers caressing up to your breast to take in his palm. “You feel so perfect in my arms. You were made just for me.”

He finds your clit as he speaks, beginning to circle your swollen, slick flesh to earn little whimpers and moans from your body. His motions are slow and steady, taking his time to appreciate the way you feel in his grasp.

“Oh…” You cry out his name, hearing him groan behind you just from the sound. Your hips begin to move, only to feel just how excited this wolf is beneath you. His hard length presses into your ass, but the more you move yourself against him, the more lost you become in the moment. “Quicker… please…”

“Show me,” he growls against your ear, beginning to roll your hardened nipple between his fingers. The sensation sends your head rolling back, a gasp filling the living room. “Show me how you touch yourself. What gets you off, baby?”

It’s like your body follows his commands before your mind has time to register what he’s saying. Your hand dips into your panties, pressing your fingers over his own to guide him in touching you. You apply more pressure and circle your clit a little quicker. Feeling his fingers against you, pleasuring you in the same way you pleasured yourself the night before to thoughts of him, has your limbs trembling. Soft moans and strained whimpers fill the air until you’re breathless in his hold thanks to his pleasure.

“So wet for me, baby,” he groans, holding you threw every second of your limb-twitching and hip-rolling against him. “You feel so soft, just like I thought. I can’t wait to feel you like this with my cock. Filling you up with my cum until it’s dripping out of you. Would you like that?”

“Yes!” you gasp before you can stop yourself. Every word he speaks draws you close to the edge. The heat of bliss surges between your thighs. You’re so close. Every stroke of his fingers feel like heaven and it only takes seconds before you’re tumbling over the edge.

A final gasp falls from within as your body tenses, the first wave crashing over you before you completely sink into him. Every inch of you melts into his embrace as you coast the planes of pure, unselfish pleasure. He whispers in your ear how you’re so good for him, how you feel so perfect, guiding you into complete euphoria. Your head becomes light and your fingers and toes begin to tingle, so high off of him touching you, your vision goes blurry.

The first tear falls before your mind can catch up with your emotions. Your frustrations, your worries, your fears, and the pleasure all roll into one cloudy storm and you can’t make heads or tails. A sob slips from your lips and before you know it you’re being tugged into his arms, chest against chest, one leg on each side of him. His hands find your back as he wraps himself around you, holding you tight against him as your tears fall into his shoulder. He tries to get as much of his skin pressed to your skin as possible, and the warmth of him begins to calm you.

“It’s okay, baby,” He whispers into your hair, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

“I dnn knn wh mm cyngg,” you mumble into his shirt, because you truly don’t. It’s like everything came crashing down at once and the flood gates opened.

“It’s my scent,” he admits, soothing your tears with his hands rubbing circles into your back. “It makes things feel so much more intense when I make you come. I know it was overwhelming the first time, but you will get used to it.”

It makes sense, but now you just feel exhausted from the night. Your body slumps into him, closing your eyes. You didn’t know how you were ever going to get used to anything about this situation.

“When will you leave?” you ask him, pulling away from his shoulder with wet cheeks. He reaches to brush the tears away with his thumb.

“When you’re ready for me to,” is all he replies.

“How do you decide who gets control?”

“I decide when you need me and then I find you.”

Your heart skips a beat. “Could he come out right now if he wanted to?”

He stares at you for a moment. “Do you want him to come out right now?”

Sighing, you bat your heavy lids, ready for sleep. “I want to get to know you more,” you tell him. His brows twitch in surprise. “This is still kind of scary to me because you feel like someone different. Like a stranger. I think I only trust you because of him, but I want to trust you for you.”

For a second he grins, all before pulling you down to press your lips against his own. His scent floods your nose from being so close, only thinking of how soft his lips are and wondering what they would feel like in other places. You can’t stop the moan that spills out, feeling him deepen the kiss with a tight grip on your hip. His tongue slips against your bottom lip to tease, and so you playfully nibble on his until he chuckles against you.

When you pull away from him, you look down at him looking up at you. He really is so beautiful. It’s like your heart threatens to burst when you set your sights on him. He’s a stranger, but your mate. Someone else, but your best friend. You’re so conflicted yet satisfied with how perfect it feels.

“Are you dangerous?” you whisper as you ask him.

“Not to you.” He pulls you closer, wrapping arms around you with your face inches from his. “Never to you.”

“To others?”

He licks his lips, taking in a sharp breath. “To no one that keeps their hands off of what’s mine.” You see the visceral danger etched in each of his features so well it makes you scared for whoever he is imagining. A darkness settles over his eyes that chills you to the bone. Their fate would be sealed, no doubt, and the thought of just how dangerous he is both thrills and scares you.

“Can I ask you one more question?”

“Ask me a million.”

You take a deep breath, then blurt out the words. “Do you think he is truly okay with this? I’m scared for my best friend…”

He takes in your question with a few seconds thought. “I told you before, you are our moon. You created us.” He cups your cheek, brushing his thumb over your skin as heat spirals down to the pit of your stomach at his words. “One animal, one human, fused together by our moon both wanting the same thing.”

“Which is?” He couldn’t seriously be implying your best friend wanted to be mates, right?

“We want what’s best for you. We have our different ways of showing it and experiencing it, but in the end you’re what we need to feel complete.”

His words have the tears welling again, but he’s quick to kiss them away. Who knew the big bad wolf had such a gentle side?

“You’re sweet,” you tell him, bottom lip still trembling just a bit as he scoops you up to guide you to the bed, ordering you without words to get some rest.

“I’m everything you need me to be.”

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louisupdates · 19 hours

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Transcript to Louis’ FITFWT24: Latam IG recap reel [25.6.2024]

Yeah, so we’re at the last gig of the Faith In The Future Tour, but it feels more like the last gig of the last three years. I didn’t really have a big break between the Walls Tour, the first tour, and the second tour, Faith In The Future. It’s pretty sad, to be honest, but like any moment in time, there’s definitely a lot of room for reflection. And like, I don’t know if it was the first tour gig, but it was the first time that I did a full set, which I wanna say is about three years ago now, I was in Scala. I wanna say that was to about 700 people. Forward to tonight, and you know we’re playing a sold out show in Mexico in an arena. The shows in this run have been absolutely incredible. It’s just another one of those moments for me to be really proud of what we’ve created.

A lot of my friends know that I’m a massive, massive football fan. To have the luxury of being able to play in some of these football stadiums, and also being able to play football in these stadiums after the gig— that is a luxury I’ll never, ever get used to. It’s an amazing feeling. But even when I was having a really good day, before I started touring, never in a million years would I ever have included the word “stadium” on my own solo tour. I thought that was one of those things that was incredible that happened in One Direction, that will never happen for me again unless, you know, we got back together or whatever. So to have gone through that journey and to feel that level of triumph, which feels— which surpasses my expectations by quite a long way, it’s just one of those times where I just feel like in reflection, once me and the fans are aligned, and we really wanna do something, we fucking do it, man! And I like that, I like that a lot.

So yeah, I’m really proud to say that I’ve played some stadiums on my own. Crazy even saying that.

I think my relationship with the fans has been relatively consistent. But I think as time has gone on, that fans have realized just how vital they are to this whole thing. You know, before I started touring, it was only me on Twitter, really, telling everyone how important they are to this whole thing. But the great thing about tour is, it gives the fans an opportunity to really feel their worth in the room. What’s really been special to me is, it’s not as if I’ve played more shows, I’ve got more experience, and I’ve had to rely on them less. Quite the opposite. As the shows got bigger, and the pressures got more, I’ve known that I’ve got them with me. So it’s been really lovely. It’s been a really lovely tour. And one thing I’ll never take for granted, no matter where I am, is [that] the consistency of the energy in the room is absolutely electric. So yeah, all in all, I think we’ve done a pretty good job.

It’s funny, like, any big moment in my career always feels like the Ultimate Moment, and that was another one of those, the Stream: massive venue, sold a lot of tickets, and obviously streaming it as well. I put a lot of pressure on myself in those situations because I know how hard I’ve worked to get here, so I want to get to these big moments in my career. I want to really be able to enjoy them, but I also want to provide a great night for the fans. So that was one of those nights for me. It felt like a real achievement, and yeah, just a really literal example of how far this whole thing’s come.

I don’t get loads of downtime— there’s a lot of traveling— there’s been a bit more on this tour. My relationship with the band, and just, I mean, like everyone on the road— it’s vital. As I’ve said before, my experience of touring is that of part of the unit, part of the band. Obviously that was my experience coming up. So to be able to share these moments, not just the incredible, live moments but also great moments of fun and downtime, like when we were on the ATVs the other day; that was a laugh. Those things are really vital to making this whole thing feel almost homely, you know— almost like home away from home. You need to have your people inside, and to be able to have a laugh, a break from the madness.

It’s the fourth year, can’t quite believe that, of Away From Home Festival. It’s always a great day, the kind of thing I’m really excited about. You get a different sense of achievement on those days. That really is not just my show that I’ve created, but something bigger than that, something that I’ve always wanted to do. Always on the run up, I’m excited. There’s definitely some nerves going into it, ‘cuz it’s a bit like hosting a party, you know, you really want it to be great. I’m crossing my fingers that everything will go right on the day. Yeah, I’m really, really excited! It should be another special day in the calendar.

At some point I’m gonna think about the next record, but I’m a bit scared of it, truthfully. Like, right now? I feel like I’ve been enjoying the success of Faith In The Future for quite a while. And yes, there’s been the pressure of the shows, but I delivered that; I delivered the record and the record was successful. So now going into that next cycle, it’s a little bit tense to go into it. I know it’ll change once I get off the road and really start thinking about the essence of the record, the concept of the record, and stuff like that. But right now, yeah, I’m just thinking about the festivals. I’m excited for those.

#transcription #ig reel #transcript #Louis Instagram #25.6.2024 #louis igtv #louis tomlinson

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onceuponapuffin · 1 day

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Fanatic Intervention Part 19!!!

Okay SO, that last poll was insane. Everytime I tried to break the tie by calling in a friend, you all tied it again! Even after the poll ended! You talented lot, you. In the end, the only way I could think to do it, was to split the difference. AND SO we get a half-and-half situation. Honestly, I legit love the way all of you keep me on my toes. It makes writing this so much fun.

Alrighty then. Let's do this.

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The toilet seat art museum took more out of you than you thought. Anathema too, as it happens, because you find out very quickly that she snores. Not wanting to wake her up, you tuck your phone away so she can sleep in the quiet, and weirdly enough, her snoring becomes like white noise, and after a few minutes, you find yourself drifting off as well. It isn’t long before both humans are asleep, leaving the celestials to their own devices.

For a while, they continue on in silence. Well, “silence” is technically the wrong word, but the point is, they don’t talk. Crowley is driving, Aziraphale is in the passenger’s seat, and Sardis sits in the middle of the backseat. For a while, there is nothing except Anathema’s snoring. Honestly, they put up with the sound for a surprisingly long time.

Crowley’s patience runs out first. He needs to hear something that isn’t snoring, so he goes for the radio. Which, as it turns out, is a bit of a mistake. You see, the SUV has now had the benefit of Celestial Energy for a couple of days, and has started to wake up – slowly mind you. With you being in charge of the music with a playlist, it’s had some time to listen to a wide variety of music. It is now developing its own mind and its own taste. Remember that this is not the Bentley. The Bentley likes Queen. The SUV is a significantly younger model, and has decided it rather likes Taylor Swift. And when Crowley turns on the radio for the first time, it’s the equivalent of handing the car control of the playlist. So it decides to lead with Wildest Dreams, which, for those unfamiliar, goes like this:

He said “Let’s get out of this town,

Drive out of the city, away from the crowds.”

I thought “Heaven can’t help me now”

Nothing lasts forever

But this is gonna take me down

He’s so tall, and handsome as Hell

He’s so bad, but he does it so well.

I can see the end as it begins

My one condition is

Crowley slams the OFF button, intentionally with more force than necessary. Finally, after days of forcing them to listen to your songs, the brainrot is spreading.

“Are you alright there, Crowley?” Aziraphale asks gently.

“Fine, Angel,” Crowley mutters through gritted teeth, “Just remind me to throw that human’s blasted phone out the window next chance I get.”

“As long as they are also willing to play my symphonies, I will do no such thing.”

Crowley humphs, and settles back down. Sardis is smiling in the back seat. He waits a moment before speaking.

“So how long have the two of you been together?” he asks. Crowley swerves, but Aziraphale grabs the steering wheel to hold the car steady. Aziraphale gives Crowley a chastising look.

“Crowley, do get a hold of yourself dear, the humans are sleeping.”

“Why should I care?” he growls, definitely because he is a demon and definitely not because if the humans were to wake up there would be a buffer so they wouldn’t have this conversation. Definitely.

Aziraphale sighs. “We’re not, I’m afraid,” he says, “Sorry to disappoint.”

“Can’t fool me, sunshine. I’ve been around too.”

“Can I at least throw him out the window?” Crowley mutters. Aziraphale ignores him.

“It’s best not to discuss it,” he says instead to Sardis, “Rather a dangerous topic.”

Sardis hums to himself thoughtfully. “I mean, we’re staring the end of the world in the face,” he says, “But sure.” And he leaves it there. Silence returns. Actual silence, as Anathema has finally stopped snoring. Suddenly the air feels thick and uncomfortable. Aziraphale clears his throat.

“It’s very kind of you to be helping us,” Aziraphale tries.

“Yeah well,” Sardis says with a shrug, “Not exactly keen on the world ending. I’d rather not go to Heaven OR Hell if I can help it.”

“Oh come now, Heaven’s not all that bad.”

“You ever been?” Sardis asks with a chuckle. Crowley snorts a laugh despite himself. “There, you see,” Sardis says, pointing at the demon, “He gets it.” Aziraphale sits back with a harumph, and decides that staring out the window is the better option after all.

This time the silence lasts another hour at least. The sky is darkening, the stars appearing over the sparse Texas landscape. Out here in the middle of practically nowhere, the sky is hardly sleeping. There are millions of stars out here. Far from the light pollution they even have different colours, and there is a faint white swipe across the sky – the Milky Way Galaxy, visible to the naked eye from one of its own resident planets. Dear Reader, if ever you get a chance to get away away from the light pollution, do so. It is breathtaking.

At least, it is until Anathema snorts and grumbles awake.

“My neck hurts,” she complains, still half asleep. She blinks herself into a more-coherent state. “If we don’t pull over so I can get a good sleep, I will curse every single one of you.” She rolls her head to the other side and mutters “I will. I know how.”

The celestials look at each other.

“I think,” Aziraphale says, “That perhaps resting for the night would be a good thing.”

Crowley nods, if only because he doesn’t want to test Anathema’s threat. It doesn’t take long for them to find a convenient motel conveniently located just off the road they are currently on. Conveniently. Because I say so.

This is also when you wake up. You’re groggy and sore, but the lights of the motel bring you out from the lull of sleep, and as soon as your brain realizes you are at a motel, you wake up fast. Why? Because you are at a motel. While on a mission to save the world. Your fan-brain is already going at a hundred miles an hour by the time Crowley parks. You practically jump out of the car. Does this place have a weird gimmick or theme? Does it have a pool? A sketchy lobby? Local supernatural lore?? You have questions and you need to know. But, ah, not alone. At a random sketchy motel. In the middle of nowhere. At night. So you hesitate and wait for everyone else to get themselves together and exit the vehicle. Crowley pops the trunk so you can go get your bag, and by the time you get back, Sardis and Aziraphale are already gone – checking you all in, no doubt.

Under the questionable fluorescent lights, you can see a wooden gate. Well, I mean...curiosity such and such, right? You saunter over, and peek between the boards. It looks like...Yes! A pool! Will you be swimming in it? Absolutely not. Are you excited that this place has one anyway? Absolutely yes.

“Okay,” Sardis calls behind you. You turn around and see him waving a card key against a door. “I’m all set. Good night folks!” You wave to him as he disappears into his room and the door clicks shut behind him. Aziraphale walks to the next room and opens it with a similar card key. You follow. Honestly, you’re expecting him to have expanded the room into another Royal Suite or something, but when you follow him into the room you find...a normal motel room with two beds. Oh, this is excellent. You turn to face Crowley and Aziraphale with a huge smile on your face.

“I am not sharing a bed with either of you,” You declare, “Because you,” You point at Aziraphale, “Will definitely be awake all night reading with the light on. And you” You point at Crowley “Are exactly the type to take all the blankets. I will share with Anathema because we actually need to sleep. SO as far as YOU TWO are concerned – THERE’S ONLY ONE BED!!” You stand there with your hands on your hips. You are triumphant. You have won. There is only one bed. A fan’s dream! Fanfiction trope come to life! Everything seems possible and wonderful for a moment…

Until Aziraphale hands you another card key.

“You and Miss Device are in the room next door,” he says. Damn. Logic. You deflate really quickly and take the key with a huff. As you approach the door, you turn to look at them over your shoulder.

“I hope you share anyway,” You mutter, before you exit.

The room next door is identical. Anathema, apparently, is able to fall asleep pretty quickly, but you can’t settle your brain that easily. So you may or may not spend some time trying that trick where you put a glass up against the wall to try and hear what’s on the other side. Not that you want to snoop, but, well, yeah okay you want to snoop a little. Unfortunately it doesn’t work, so you give up and watch tik tok on your phone instead. Your battery hasn’t needed recharging since you started hanging out with supernatural entities. Funny, that. Between Tik Tok, Reddit, and Tumblr, you’re able to eventually wear out your brain enough to make closing your eyes a good call. And from there you fall back asleep with no issue.

And yes, Dear Reader, Crowley and Aziraphale did share a bed. Just so you know.

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ 🖤

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sevenboarproductions · 8 hours

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[IDOLiSH7] [Part 6] Chapter 12: In a quiet night

6.12.1. - The right mindset

Kujou Tenn: Good work.

Staff: Good work! I’m looking forward to “New Black or White”! Do your best!

Yaotome Gaku: Thank you very much.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Good work!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Tenn, are you going back to Kujou-san’s house today as well?

Kujou Tenn: Lately, Kujou-san keeps going on business trips. And I can’t leave Aya alone, so…

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: She’s a girl, after all. Tell me if there’s anything I can do to help.

Kujou Tenn: Thanks.

Yaotome Gaku: If he keeps going on business trips, is Kujou working on something big?

Kujou Tenn: I wonder… He won’t talk to me properly. But it seems that he said the truth about staying home being hard on him, though.

Yaotome Gaku: Why would that be hard? Did he argue with Aya-chan?

Kujou Tenn: Well, kind of…

Yaotome Gaku: If something happened, just talk to us. Don’t worry about it by yourself.

Kujou Tenn: Yeah… Well, see you tomorrow.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I wonder if Tenn will be fine…

Yaotome Gaku: He’ll come to us if things get too out of hand. At least I’ve had that sort of impression lately.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: The impression that Tenn trusts us?

Yaotome Gaku: The impression that he’ll let us spoil him. He seems like someone who’s never been spoiled in a non-calculated way. He sucks at giving signs that he wants it, though.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Aah, I get that… I’m also getting the feeling that cautiously, bit by bit, he’s trying to reach out and join hands with us.

Yaotome Gaku: That was unthinkable for Tenn before. Even when he cried during the street live, he was TRIGGER’s standard.

Yaotome Gaku: Even right now, he is doing his best trying to get used to being the youngest when he’s with us. It’s different when he’s on stage, though.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: TRIGGER stays TRIGGER but at the same time we continue to change. I think that’s interesting.

Yaotome Gaku: It’s cool, right? If we keep changing, we’ll never be done.

Yaotome Gaku: If we’re never done, that means that there is no end, either.

Kujou Tenn: I’m back.

Kujou Aya: Ah… Welcome home, Tenn-onii-chan. Kujou-san said he is sleeping somewhere else tonight again.

Kujou Tenn: I heard as much. You made dinner, right? Thank you.

Kujou Aya: You know… Can I ask you something weird?

Kujou Tenn: Go ahead. You can ask me anything.

Kujou Aya: Uhm, well… It’s about a friend! My friend confessed to the person they like, and they got rejected.

Kujou Tenn: I see…

Kujou Aya: But they still love them… How long should they wait so it’s fine to confess once more?

Kujou Tenn: …Like a retry?

Kujou Aya: Yes.

Kujou Tenn: …

Kujou Tenn: I think that your friend has earnestly confessed, but the person who rejected them also earnestly thought about it before rejecting them.

Kujou Tenn: Wouldn’t that person think that if your friend confessed again, their own earnest feelings weren’t accepted, either?

Kujou Aya: But… I often hear stories about people getting attacked fiercely, giving in and then going out after all or something?

Kujou Aya: Retry and retry and retry, and then reaching the finish-mark as a married couple thanks to tenacity!

Kujou Tenn: …That sort of story, well… It does happen, but…

Kujou Aya: So it might be the same for the person my friend likes! How do I put it, like valuing your own persistence and retrying… a person chasing after their dream…

Kujou Tenn: Ah— Certainly…

Kujou Aya: So what do you think? If it was about you, Tenn-onii-chan, how many days of waiting would be the most favourable for a retry?

Kujou Tenn: …The most favourable retry, huh…

Kujou Aya: Never give up, never lose, never die. It shows up a lot in the lyrics of love songs, too, so…

Kujou Tenn: …Certainly…

Kujou Aya: Never die.

Kujou Tenn: Never die, huh…

Kujou Tenn: …By the way, to change the topic, with Kujou-san taking so many business trips like this, aren’t you lonely, Aya?

Kujou Tenn: Besides, until now, you were with Kujou-san when he moved around, so I think things must have been very hard on you, Aya.

Kujou Tenn: Isn’t it about time we look for a quiet place for you to live?

Kujou Aya: A quiet place…?

Kujou Tenn: By your real brother’s side.

Kujou Aya: …

Kujou Tenn: If you want to continue to be with Kujou-san as his daughter, it’s fine for you to continue living like this, too, though.

Kujou Tenn: If you want to be with Kujou-san for a different reason, it would end up being weird if you don’t get rid of your standpoint as his daughter first, right?

Kujou Aya: …That’s… That might be true, but…

Kujou Tenn: Yotsuba Tamaki is still a student, but he’s a kind, cheerful, dependable and reliable person.

Kujou Tenn: It’s about time you properly talked for once? It’ll turn out alright, you’re siblings after all.

Kujou Aya: …Did you talk to him, Tenn-onii-chan? Your real brother.

Kujou Tenn: We talked. On the stage of the “Zero” musical. Bathing in the lights there, we didn’t need any words.

Kujou Tenn: We were born together. But we can’t keep holding hands. I’m sure we’ll be walking different paths from now on.

Kujou Tenn: Still, we couldn’t replace each other. The same goes for you and Yotsuba Tamaki, as well as for you and Kujou-san. Please have a proper talk with him.

Kujou Aya: …Yeah…

Kujou Aya: I’ll try talking to Tamaki-nii-chan…

Ousaka Sougo: Manager…

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yes. Did something happen?

Ousaka Sougo: Regarding “New Black or White”... I was wondering if there’s still open seats for priority guests.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Ah… Could this be about your parents, Sougo-san?

Ousaka Sougo: Yes… I want to try inviting them.

Ousaka Sougo: I don’t think they’ll come. My mother might come, but she’s not the type of person who would go against my father…

Ousaka Sougo: I’m sorry about wasting the seat space, but…

Takanashi Tsumugi: You don’t know that yet. But regarding the arrangements, I understand! I will get things ready!

Ousaka Sougo: Thank you.

Takanashi Tsumugi: I’ll get in touch with people right away.

Ousaka Sougo: Please do.

(footsteps)

Ousaka Sougo: …………

Ousaka Sougo: Even though it took a long time, with this, something will finally end…

Ousaka Sougo: And the life of the new me will start.

Natsume Minami: This is the demo of the new song. Please listen to it.

Inumaru Touma: It’s finally completed!

Isumi Haruka: It’s the song we’ll sing as “New Black or White”!

Midou Torao: What kind of song is it? How did it turn out?

Natsume Minami: Let me just say that I have no intention of being criticized by everyone.

Natsume Minami: I will not listen to anything but praise.

Midou Torao: You don’t have to be so menacing…

Inumaru Touma: So it’s about building confidence, right?

Natsume Minami: …. Well… That’s true… …

Inumaru Touma: Well, I’m looking forward to it!

Isumi Haruka: What’s the title?

Natsume Minami: Did I not tell you?

Natsume Minami: It’s “Utopia”.

Isumi Haruka: That’s a nice title!! Ah, it started. …Ooh!

Inumaru Touma: Aah…!

Midou Torao: Hee…!

Natsume Minami: What is this reaction supposed to be…?

Inumaru Touma: It’s good!

Isumi Haruka: It’s cool!

Midou Torao: I like it!

Natsume Minami: This is exactly why people who lack vocabulary are so… Praise me more, please, properly.

Inumaru Touma: The best of the best! Mina, you’re a genius!

Isumi Haruka: With this song, ŹOOḼ is definitely gonna win!!

Midou Torao: It’s perfect! The entire world will bow to Minami!

Natsume Minami: …Alright!

Inumaru Touma: You’re unusually excited…

Natsume Minami: Let’s listen to it from the start once more. Please praise the lines one by one.

Isumi Haruka: It’s super super super cool!! Only Minami can make songs like this! You’re number one!

Midou Torao: Aah! Now we can't afford to lose. Let’s win with this song.

Natsume Minami: Yes. Absolutely. Since you said that, please put your body on the line, too.

Midou Torao: Eh?

Inumaru Touma: Like, “show me some bold moves”. What do you think about something like that?

Isumi Haruka: Isn’t that nice!? Let’s be bold! Torao, can you do it?

Midou Torao: Huh… Who do you think you’re asking?

Inumaru Touma: Alright, I’m slowly getting the hang of how to get Tora’s motivation.

(door opens)

Utsugi Shirou: Excuse me.

Isumi Haruka: Utsugi-san. Did you hear the song Minami made?

Utsugi Shirou: Yes. I listened to it a bit earlier. An incredible song has descended upon earth.

Utsugi Shirou: Natsume-san. I cannot express it in words very well, so I will write a 10,000 character report about it later.

Natsume Minami: Fufu. Thank you very much.

Utsugi Shirou: Since the new song is finished now, there is someone I want to introduce to you.

Isumi Haruka: Someone you want to introduce to us…?

~ to be continued ~

6.12.2. - Moonlight

Inumaru Touma: Are they coming here right now?

Utsugi Shirou: No. He said he wanted to say hello using a webcam. I’ll set up my computer now.

Natsume Minami: …What kind of person is it?

Utsugi Shirou: Uhm, wait a second, please. I’m connected to them via this headset right now, so I’ll confirm things before switching to speaker.

Utsugi Shirou: Hello? Did you decide on the settings?

Isumi Haruka: …Decide on the settings…?

Utsugi Shirou: Anything’s fine. Eh? Ah… Ugh, what a pain. I get it, I get it.

Inumaru Touma: That’s a lot of arrangements…

Utsugi Shirou: Sorry to keep you waiting. I would like to introduce you to a world-renowned event artist teacher.

Midou Torao: I didn’t have the feeling you were talking to a world-renowned teacher, though…

Natsume Minami: What is the teacher’s name?

Utsugi Shirou: Ah, that’s right… Please wait a moment.

Utsugi Shirou: What should I do? What’re you gonna do? Did you decide yet?

Inumaru Touma: He said “Did you decide yet?”...

Isumi Haruka: Isn’t he introducing us to a really shady teacher? This manager…

Utsugi Shirou: Sorry to keep you waiting. This is Moonlight Ichirou-sensei.

Natsume Minami: Moonlight Ichirou-sensei…

Midou Torao: Have you heard of him?

Natsume Minami: Unfortunately, I have not, either…

Utsugi Shirou: Well then, let’s switch to speaker. I’m very sorry, but his camera has a mosaic effect on it…

Inumaru Touma: Why!? Serious, why!?

Utsugi Shirou: I’m starting.

(beep)

Isumi Haruka: Ah… it started…

Midou Torao: Can he hear this already?

Natsume Minami: It seems so… Nice to meet you, Moonlight Ichirou-sensei, I am ŹOOḼ’s Natsume Minami.

Moonlight Ichirou: Yes… Nice to meet you.

Moonlight Ichirou: This is Moonlight Ichirou.

Inumaru Touma: …Ryou-san…？

Isumi Haruka: …Isn’t that Ryou-san…？

Midou Torao: …Is that Ryou-san…？

Natsume Minami: …Ryou-san…？

Moonlight Ichirou: Eeh~, to get right to it, before you take on “Black or White”, I’ll give you some advice.

Inumaru Touma: Wait a minute… you’re Ryou-san, right?

Moonlight Ichirou: I’m not.

Isumi Haruka: You’re Tsukumo Ryou, right?

Moonlight Ichirou: This is Moonlight Jirou.

Midou Torao: The more I listen to it, the more it sounds like Ryou-san… Also, did you say Jirou?

Moonlight Ichirou: Tch… That’s why I told you, Shirou. Come on, hurry.

Utsugi Shirou: Wait a sec, I’m trying right now, so…

Natsume Minami: What settings are you changing on your computer, Utsugi-san…?

Utsugi Shirou: I apologize. It might be difficult to hear the audio, but… Ah, it’s working.

Moonlight Ichirou: Yes, I am Moonlight Ichirou.

Inumaru Touma: Ah, what’s this, it’s a voice that’s different from Ryou-san… Is what you thought I’d say!?

Isumi Haruka: Stop blatantly using a voice changer!? I mean, you’re Ryou-san, right!?

Moonlight Ichirou: I’m not.

Midou Torao: You’re Ryou-san! Utsugi-san, take down the mosaic effect.

Utsugi Shirou: Can I? Ryou-kun.

Moonlight Ichirou: No way you can, idiot.

Natsume Minami: He’s calling him Ryou-kun…

Moonlight Ichirou: Anyway, I’ll give you some helpful advice, so listen to what I’m saying.

Inumaru Touma: It’s been a while, Ryou-san. How have you been?

Moonlight Ichirou: I haven’t been fine. It’s my first time meeting you.

Isumi Haruka: Did you see “BLAST”?

Moonlight Ichirou: I watched it. Not to the last episode, though.

Midou Torao: It was good, though! I jumped by myself in that one.

Moonlight Ichirou: I know. I read it in a magazine.

Natsume Minami: Wanna listen to the new song?

Moonlight Ichirou: Did you finish it? The one for “Black or White”?

Natsume Minami: Yes.

Moonlight Ichirou: Send me the data.

Utsugi Shirou: Ryou-kun, can you stop playing Moonlight-sensei yet?

Moonlight Ichirou: Don’t call it playing. It’s your fault it got ruined.

Utsugi Shirou: I don’t think it’s ruined. You might be able to keep going if you force yourself.

Moonlight Ichirou: Really?

Utsugi Shirou: Maybe?

Isumi Haruka: No way. Utsugi-san, do you think we’re idiots?

Utsugi Shirou: No, I would never.

Isumi Haruka: Ryou-san is the one on the other side of the screen, right?

Utsugi Shirou: …？

Isumi Haruka: Stop tilting your head and playing dumb, you’re a grown adult!

Natsume Minami: Well, isn’t it fine. So Moonlight-sensei, what in the world could the advice you want to give us be?

Natsume Minami: We will no longer act according to someone else’s whims.

Moonlight Ichirou: Hm… Aren’t you cocky?

Moonlight Ichirou: I will give you advice regarding the composition of ŹOOḼ’s mini lives so you can win “New Black or White”.

Isumi Haruka: Don’t need it! Stop messing with us by continuing to pretend.

Isumi Haruka: Tell us properly. You’re Ryou-san, right? You wanna be involved with us, right?

Moonlight Ichirou: …

Moonlight Ichirou: I’m not.

Isumi Haruka: Utsugi-san! Hang up!!

Utsugi Shirou: Understood.

Moonlight Ichirou: Don’t “understood” me!!

Isumi Haruka: See you! Mosaic filter man!!

Midou Torao: Hey, hey, hey! Wait! Isn’t Moonlight fine for now?

Isumi Haruka: You’re too soft, Torao!

Midou Torao: Look, how do I put it, I just experienced wanting to say something but being unable to, so…

Moonlight Ichirou: Why are you saying, idiot? Weren’t you replaced by some kid at the last second in the action scene? Since you have no guts.

Midou Torao: …

Midou Torao: Utsugi-san. Hang up.

Utsugi Shirou: Right.

Moonlight Ichirou: Don’t “right” me.

Utsugi Shirou: Ryou-kun. If you’re just going to hurl insults at ŹOOḼ, I will hang up. This is an important time for them.

Utsugi Shirou: You said you had something to tell them, so I set up an opportunity to talk. If you have nothing to say, I’ll end it here.

Moonlight Ichirou: …I get it. Remove the mosaic filter.

Utsugi Shirou: Understood.

Moonlight Ichirou: As you said, my true identity is the one who scouted you…

Tsukumo Ryou: Tsukumo Ryou.

Inumaru Touma: Huh…? The blur on the screen got stronger…?

Natsume Minami: Utsugi-san, what did you press?

Utsugi Shirou: Huh? That’s strange…　

Tsukumo Ryou: I had my own reasons for not telling you my name right away. My position is little more than that of an observer, so…

Isumi Haruka: Wa… Ryou-san, wait with the serious talk for a bit. Since it’s kinda become like an interrogation.

Tsukumo Ryou: What’s that supposed to… What are you doing? Isn’t this an important moment?

Utsugi Shirou: Hey, Ryou-kun, that thing. The face editing game, where’d you drop that?

Tsukumo Ryou: Just check your downloaded apps?

Natsume Minami: These old guys seem to play rather enjoyable games.

Isumi Haruka: Even when you become an adult you can use face editing apps. I’m kind of relieved.

Inumaru Touma: That being said, aren’t those two getting along pretty well?

Utsugi Shirou: We’re not getting along well. But we’re kind of like childhood friends, so I’ve been looking after him for a long time.

Tsukumo Ryou: I’m the one who looked after you, though. Since you’re from a family of commoners and all.

Utsugi Shirou: No, I’m the one who did. Since you were hated by your family. Ah, it’s fixed.

Tsukumo Ryou: Hello. It’s been a while.

Inumaru Touma: It’s been a while. It would’ve been fine for you to contact us in a non-roundabout way, though.

Tsukumo Ryou: I was busy.

Natsume Minami: You haven’t met Momo-san, either? Isn’t he your friend?

Tsukumo Ryou: He’s not my friend, so I haven’t met him. But after “New Black or White” ends, I might go comfort him.

Isumi Haruka: Comfort him? Why?

Tsukumo Ryou: You know, since ŹOOḼ is going to win.

Isumi Haruka: …Ryou-san…

Natsume Minami: …You said you had advice for us, but what kind of advice is it?

Tsukumo Ryou: I’ll decide that from here on out. First, tell me the set list. He won’t tell me ‘cause I’m an outsider.

Inumaru Touma: I mean, that’s true. After disappearing like that and then not contacting us, that is.

Tsukumo Ryou: What’s this, are you mad?

Inumaru Touma: Yeah.

Tsukumo Ryou: …

Inumaru Touma: It might be a little different from being mad. After all, I feel grateful to you, Ryou-san, so I can't quite hate you.

Inumaru Touma: But as ŹOOḼ’s leader, I cannot let anyone who might hurt them get close to them.

Inumaru Touma: I think that's also why Utsugi-san called you an outsider. Which is it gonna be?

Inumaru Touma: Are you going to cheer us on and pick up the pieces of our dream together with us? Or did you just come here to poke fun at us on a whim?

Inumaru Touma: Tell us properly. …I know you disappeared by yourself to protect us.

Inumaru Touma: Tell us properly if you want to hold our hands once more.

Tsukumo Ryou: …

Tsukumo Ryou: You guys are really stupid. You were used this much, and yet you thought you were being protected?

Tsukumo Ryou: What's more, “holding hands”? You guys are idols, your image is your trade, right? What a bunch of imbecile idiots.

Tsukumo Ryou: I was feeling down, so I poked fun at you, but I stopped. Since my identity got revealed, too.

Tsukumo Ryou: This is the end of it. Shirou, you can hang up now.

Isumi Haruka: You're the idiot here, idiot.

Tsukumo Ryou: Excuse me?

Midou Torao: This is really pointless. Utsugi-san, lend me your laptop.

Utsugi Shirou: There you go.

Tsukumo Ryou: What are you doing? I can only see Torao’s face like this.

Midou Torao: Wouldn't that be lucky? You guys are fine with that, right?

Inumaru Touma: Sure.

Natsume Minami: I don't mind.

Tsukumo Ryou: What are you even talking about?

Midou Torao: Look, I sent it to you just now. The set list. It's still a work in progress though.

Tsukumo Ryou: …Hmm…

Inumaru Touma: We thought about it in our own way and did our best.

Inumaru Touma: If you have advice, we'd like to hear it. But don't hurt us for no reason.

Inumaru Touma: If your words affected us and we couldn't give it our all for the actual thing, that’d be the worst.

Inumaru Touma: I no longer think you don't like us at least a little, Ryou-san.

Natsume Minami: But the fact that you left us without saying anything is true, too.

Natsume Minami: Right now, we love ourselves, more than a certain someone who wouldn't take responsibility…

Natsume Minami: Even if they don't love us, we need someone to take responsibility for us.

Utsugi Shirou: Why are you looking at me like that? I properly love you guys.

Natsume Minami: If you care about our feelings, then let's play together again.

Natsume Minami: Ryou-san, you said idols are the best game in the world.

Tsukumo Ryou: …

Isumi Haruka: It's fine, right? You'll cheer us on, right?

Isumi Haruka: During last year’s Black or White… Ryou-san, you came to see us. I saw it from atop the stage.

Tsukumo Ryou: …Hmm…

Tsukumo Ryou: I won't cheer you on. After all, I don't like idols.

Tsukumo Ryou: But, every now and then, Moonlight Ichirou might make some nice comments.

Midou Torao: You're going to continue with that character even though you failed that much at pretending?

Inumaru Touma: …I get it. Then I will say goodbye to you.

Inumaru Touma: But I'm glad you're doing fine.

Tsukumo Ryou: Yeah. You, too.

Natsume Minami: Contact us anytime.

Midou Torao: Come see us on that day, too.

Tsukumo Ryou: If I have free time.

Isumi Haruka: Cheer us on.

Tsukumo Ryou: Do your best.

Isumi Haruka: …

Tsukumo Ryou: Do your best.

Isumi Haruka: …Yeah. Thank you.

Tsukumo Ryou: Haha… …Shirou, this is enough. Hang up.

Utsugi Shirou: Understood.

(beep)

Utsugi Shirou: …I cut the connection. Sorry for taking up your time while you are busy.

ŹOOḼ: …

Inumaru Touma: Since we're idols… I hope we can make Ryou-san happy one day, too.

Midou Torao: That's right…

Utsugi Shirou: Everyone is very kind. ...Huh?

(ring)

Natsume Minami: There's a sign of an incoming call. May I try taking it?

Utsugi Shirou: Yes…

(beep)

Natsume Minami: Yes. Who am I speaking to?

Moonlight Ichirou: It's Moonlight Ichirou.

Natsume Minami: …

Isumi Haruka: You're pretty fast at switching, Ryou-san…

~ to be continued ~

6.12.3. - News from the country up north

Nanase Riku: Finally, “Black or White” is tomorrow…

Izumi Iori: That’s true…

Takanashi Tsumugi: Everyone, you did your best even though you were busy! I’m sure there will be good results!

Nanase Riku: Mhm, that’s right. Thanks, manager!

Rokuya Nagi: Iori, Riku! OH! Manager, too!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Nagi-san, what happened? You have your laptop with you…

Rokuya Nagi: Manager! Please gather the members. He wants to talk to everyone using the internet…

Izumi Iori: To whom?

Rokuya Nagi: My brother… Seto!

Izumi Iori & Nanase Riku: Seto-san!?

Nikaidou Yamato: Ah, Bernard-san appeared on screen…

Izumi Mitsuki: The background is stunningly gorgeous~… I’m kind of nervous…

Bernard Kenneth: Good evening. Can you hear me?

Rokuya Nagi: I can hear you.

Bernard Kenneth: Huh…? I think I can’t hear them.

Yotsuba Tamaki: He said he can’t hear us.

Ousaka Sougo: What’s wrong? Are we muted?

Yotsuba Tamaki: Bercchi! Bercchi, how are you?

Nanase Riku: Bernard-san, hello~!

Bernard Kenneth: ＜Apparently there is trouble with the audio. Can they no longer my voice, either?＞

Bernard Kenneth: ＜That’s troublesome… I can’t type in Japanese, so I can’t confirm whether they can hear me or not via messaging them, either.＞

Bernard Kenneth: ＜If it’s going to be like this, the only thing I can do is to say some risque words and judge from whether his Highness looks shocked or not…＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Stop taking dangerous bets, Bernard.＞

Bernard Kenneth: OH! Hello! I just heard something! Hello, can you hear me?

Nanase Riku: I can hear you!

Izumi Mitsuki: Hello~! I can hear you!

Bernard Kenneth: OH! Hi! My friends! IDOLiSH7-dono, it has been a while!

Yotsuba Tamaki: It’s been a while! How have you been?

Bernard Kenneth: OH! I’ve been good! I saw “Crescent Wolf” on blu-ray! It was truly wonderful!

Nanase Riku: I will tell TRIGGER about it! Tenn-nii and the others will definitely be happy!

Bernard Kenneth: I will invite His Highness Seto. His Highness Seto has been studying Japanese.

Rokuya Nagi: Japanese! I’m impressed!

Bernard Kenneth: He wants to give an encouraging speech to everyone in IDOLiSH7. Please look forward to it!

Ousaka Sougo: He said it’s a message of encouragement!

Izumi Iori: I presume he contacted us because we are taking on the challenge of “New Black or White”.

Nanase Riku: Ah! Seto-san is here!　

Nikaidou Yamato: It’s been a while since I’ve seen him, but he is stunningly gorgeous as always…

Ousaka Sougo: Even though there’s no effects, both the background and the people look like they’re in an MV…

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: He.

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: H e l l o.

IDOLiSH7: Hello~!

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: IDOLiSH7, how are you?

IDOLiSH7: We’re fine!

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: I am, Nagi’s brother, Seto.

IDOLiSH7: We’re IDOLiSH7!

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: I cannot, come to Japan, on December 31st. In order, to win, I will give you, a hundred, sea breams… sea breams.

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: Brimming with happiness.¹

Izumi Mitsuki & Nanase Riku & Yotsuba Tamaki: Ya~y!!

Izumi Iori: …Rokuya-san. Is it alright for His Highness, the crown prince of Northmeir, to memorize bad puns?

Rokuya Nagi: OH… Aren’t Japanese puns a lucky charm, though?

Nikaidou Yamato: Huh? Wait. Did he catch a school of a hundred sea breams?

Ousaka Sougo: Do you mean a swarm of a hundred sea breams? Sea breams aren’t that big, are they...²

(doorbell rings)

Izumi Mitsuki: Huh? A guest…

(door opens)

Ousaka Sougo: The lock unlocked before we even opened the door!?

Thorvald: ＜As usual, the security of this accommodation is weak…＞

Rokuya Nagi: Thorvald!

Thorvald: It has been a while, Your Highness. I came to deliver the sea breams which come from Northern Europe.

Thorvald: They’re stored in a container right now, but is it okay to store them all in your refrigerator?

Izumi Mitsuki: No way it is, no way it is.

Nikaidou Yamato: Our fridge will be filled to the brim with sea bream! Did you really bring a hundred of them?

Thorvald: Yes.

Nikaidou Yamato: Why!?

Thorvald: …So you’d brim with happiness…

Nikaidou Yamato: Are the people of Northmeir that innocent?

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Nagi.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Yes.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Is there some sort of trouble?＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Yes, uhm…＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜It’s nothing. Everyone is happy. Thank you, brother.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Is that so? I’m glad.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜You, IDOLiSH7, are Nagi’s friends and you saved me. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I wish for you to attain honor and victory in tomorrow’s battle.＞

Nanase Riku: What did Seto-san say?

Rokuya Nagi: He’s grateful to everyone from the bottom of his heart. He wishes for us to attain honor and victory in tomorrow’s battle.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Thank you~! Prince Seto!

Ousaka Sougo: Thank you very much.

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜One more thing.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I’ll bring this up through the Northmeiran Embassy again, but Nagi’s residence problem needs to be resolved.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜You’re saying there’s a problem with my housing…＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜You may have relinquished your royal rights, but you are my only brother. I want you to live peacefully and safely.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Brother…＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜But I know that you like living with IDOLiSH7, Nagi.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜If your friends are alright with it, I will look after the matter for all of you. The property is secured.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Our residence? What about our homeland? >

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Those who left the royal family cannot be supported by the people’s taxes. This a personal loan from me.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I have backed up talented people. I never aimed for profit, there were people who expressed their gratitude to me by giving me some of their privileges. ＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Those are my personal assets. Do not worry.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Wa… Wait. I will discuss this.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I don’t mind.＞

Rokuya Nagi: …

Izumi Mitsuki: Nagi, what’s wrong?

Rokuya Nagi: My brother would like to prepare a new house for me. He’d like to know if everyone else would like to live there, too…

Nanase Riku: You mean we’d all live in the house Seto-san prepared?

Izumi Mitsuki: All seven of us!?

Rokuya Nagi: Probably. What should we do…?

Izumi Iori: Manager…

Takanashi Tsumugi: …Even at the agency, we were thinking of preparing a new residence for everyone.

Takanashi Tsumugi: The only question is whether you’d live together as seven like right now, or whether there would be a different setup…

Takanashi Tsumugi: But as for an answer, we don’t…

Nikaidou Yamato: It’s fine to live as seven.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yamato-san…

Nikaidou Yamato: There might be a limit to living like this someday.

Nikaidou Yamato: But that will be alright when the time comes. Right now, we still want to be together. At least I do.

Ousaka Sougo: Me, too… I want to be with everyone, too.

Ousaka Sougo: When I came home fatigued from work, just seeing everyone’s smiles blew away my fatigue.

Ousaka Sougo: I don’t want to lose this place.

Izumi Mitsuki: I agree. Until Iori becomes an adult, I think we’ll stay together.

Izumi Mitsuki: So I think staying with everyone is fine. What about you, Iori?

Izumi Iori: …If possible… If I could stay with everyone, I think I’d want to, too.

Izumi Iori: One day, the time where everyone live on their own will come. But even so…

Izumi Iori: Right now, I want to be with everyone and still have them be within sight.

Yotsuba Tamaki: …I… I might not be able to do it…

Ousaka Sougo: Tamaki-kun…?

Yotsuba Tamaki: I can’t leave Aya alone after all. When it comes to living with Aya, it doesn’t have to be right now, though…

Yotsuba Tamaki: The idea of me being surrounded by people while Aya is alone is…

Nanase Riku: Tamaki…

~ to be continued ~

6.12.4. - Sea bream

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜What are you talking about?＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Tamaki has a younger sister. He would like to live with us, but he says he cannot neglect her. >

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜She should just live with you. If you are concerned about the fact that there are a lot of men, I can hire female staff. >

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Is there a problem? If there is, let’s resolve it right away.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Brother…＞

Yotsuba Tamaki: Nagicchi, what did Prince Seto say…?

Rokuya Nagi: OH, Tamaki… Prince Seto is my pride.

Rokuya Nagi: When the circumstances got bad, he would repeatedly try to escape from reality. For him to say he wants to resolve something right away…

Yotsuba Tamaki: Nagicchi?

Rokuya Nagi: OH, sorry. I was too impressed…

Rokuya Nagi: He said that living together with her is okay, hiring female staff is okay and that if there is a problem, he’ll solve it.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Really…!? Thank you, Prince Seto!

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: Y o u ‘ r e w e l c o me.

Izumi Mitsuki: I’m glad for you, Tamaki…!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah! All I gotta do now is convince Aya…

Nikaidou Yamato: Have you not talked to her? If you keep putting off the conversation, you’ll become like me one day.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Since we can’t just keep putting the burden on Seto-san, please let us do something as well.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Which is to say, originally, we should have been the one to secure the property…

Izumi Iori: Isn’t it fine? There probably aren’t that many buildings with security levels that satisfy the royal family…

Takanashi Tsumugi: Seto-san. Please let me consult the President! We are very grateful for your feelings! Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜She is IDOLiSH7’s manager, right? What did she say?＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜She thanked you and said she would like to consult with her boss first.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜She can do what she wants. Well then, Nagi and everyone in IDOLiSH7. I wish you great fortune tomorrow.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜May the goddess of victory smile upon you. Cheers.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Thank you so much.＞

Izumi Mitsuki: Thank you very much! Thank you! Very thank you!

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: Thanks. Byebye.

Nanase Riku: Thank you so much! Byebye! See you!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Thank you!! Byebye! See you again!

Izumi Iori: Thank you very much.

Nikaidou Yamato: Byebye~

Rokuya Nagi: Good night, byebye.

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: Byebye.

(beep)

Nanase Riku: …Sending us an encouraging message as we worry about tomorrow… you have a great big brother, Nagi!

Rokuya Nagi: Yes… A day like this coming is like a dream.

Izumi Mitsuki: About the dorm though… Is this really fine?

Thorvald: Next time when I have time, I will show you around the property.

Nikaidou Yamato: Thorvald-san, what are you doing with that penlight turned on?

Thorvald: It’s preparation for tomorrow. I wanted to make sure it shines properly…

Rokuya Nagi: OH… How foolish…

Ousaka Sougo: I didn’t think you were close enough to him to say “How foolish”.

Yotsuba Tamaki: It’s like a manga, it’s cool. Rokuya Nagi: This type only glows for a couple of hours. So there won’t be a tomorrow for that penlight.

Thorvald: How tragic…

Nikaidou Yamato: Shouldn’t we be happy he came to cheer us on? Thorvald-san, thank you.

Thorvald: You’re welcome. Is it fine with you if I distribute the sea breams that wouldn’t fit in the refrigerator among the neighbors?

Izumi Iori: I don’t know about giving out perishables in the current times…

Thorvald: Don’t you give leftover ingredients to the neighbors in Japan?

Nanase Riku: It is sea breams, though… Do you think TRIGGER will eat them?

Nikaidou Yamato: It does seem like they’d eat them, but should we really give sea bream to the people we’re competing against tomorrow…?

Izumi Mitsuki: That’s just how we are, isn’t it fine? I’ll go ask Momo-san, too.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Then I’ll contact Isumin.

Nikaidou Yamato: Riku, will you ask TRIGGER?

Nanase Riku: Yes! I’ll send a rabbit chat right now!

Izumi Iori: Nii-san, our parents might eat it, too…

Izumi Mitsuki: That’s true! I’ll contact them. It seems like we’ll be able to hand out all 100 fish!

Ousaka Sougo: I will ask Touma, too.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Sou-chan, don’t you get along better with Toracchi, too?

Ousaka Sougo: Because Midou-san is the type of person who can eat sea bream whenever he wants…

Thorvald: Eating sea bream anytime… He must be brimming with happiness.

Nikaidou Yamato: Uhm, I don’t think you have any bad intentions at all, but there is a risk of battle occurring here…

Thorvald: Is that so? Are you the type of person who is brimming with happiness without engaging in battles, Nikaidou-san?

Nikaidou Yamato: Yes…? Are you trying to pick a fight…?

Takanashi Tsumugi: Well then, I will go for a quick drive to deliver the sea breams to those we managed to contact!

Izumi Iori: Somehow, it has become a strange evening…

Izumi Mitsuki: Well, isn’t it fine? It’s not like the sea breams are poisoned.

Yotsuba Tamaki: We’re brimming with happiness, after all!

Yuki: What is this, what happened…?

Momo: It’s from Maneko-chan. A delivery of sea bream!

Yuki: A declaration of victory…?

Momo: Eh~!? It’s to make us brim with happiness for sure. Isn’t it like, “let’s do our best together”?　

Yuki: Huh. They’re strange kids. Momo, do you wanna eat some?

Momo: I wanna~!

Yuki: Then I’ll grill it.

Momo: Nice~!

Yaotome Gaku: Takanashi-san just delivered this to us. Ryuu, prepare it!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Sea breams are a lucky charm, after all! It’s a big sea bream, too! What do you want to eat it with?

Kujou Tenn: Sea bream over rice.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: That’s good, sounds delicious!

Kujou Tenn: Do we have mitsuba leaves? Maybe I should buy some.

Yaotome Gaku: We got three sea breams, so we could also do grilled fish or sashimi.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I kind of… am starting to feel like we won!

Kujou Tenn: Same.

Yaotome Gaku: Same. I feel like I’ve just scored a goal.

Kujou Tenn: Maybe it’s a strategy to make us let down our guard…?

Yaotome Gaku: IDOLiSH7 will eat it tonight, too, so I don’t think so…?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Let’s be thankful and eat it! Alright, let’s prepare it~!

Isumi Haruka: We kinda got a lot of sea breams from IDOLiSH7…

Haruka's grandmother: My, isn’t that nice, Haru-chan? Eat lots of it with your friends, will you?

Inumaru Touma: Excuse me! Sorry for intruding! I thought since it’s a good opportunity, we could all eat together!

Haruka's grandmother: It’s fine, take your time. The sea bream rice is almost ready, too.

Natsume Minami: I’m happy. I love it.

Haruka's grandmother: My, well, I am glad.

Isumi Haruka: Grandma, you can go now, so.

Haruka's grandmother: Yes, yes.

Midou Torao: Thanks, it will be a feast.

Midou Torao: The sea bream Haruka’s grandma grilled is yummy. But don’t you normally eat pork cutlets³…?

Natsume Minami: Sea bream have a bone called the sea bream’s sea bream because it is shaped like a fish. Supposedly, carrying it with you will ward off misfortune.

Isumi Haruka: Then the leader should carry it.

Inumaru Touma: A fish bone!? Won’t it smell!?

Midou Torao: Won’t it be fine as long as you put deodorant on it?

Inumaru Touma: Then should I hide it in my costume for the sake of victory…?

Isumi Haruka: It’s both surreal and funny that the guy preparing sea bream bones is going to dance in “New Black or White”.

Inumaru Touma: Mina, around where is the sea bream’s sea bream?

Natsume Minami: It appears to be around the pectoral fin.

Inumaru Touma: Then I’ll go find it now…

Isumi Haruka: If you find it, I want to see it, too.

Midou Torao: Me, too.

Inumaru Touma: It’s like a treasure hunt. Fufu, just wait for it…

Takanashi Tsumugi: And just like that, the night before the battle passed―

Takanashi Tsumugi: And December 31st… The day of “Black or White Live Showdown” arrived.

~ to be continued ~

TL notes:

Mod Riku here! I'd actually drafted this ages ago, so going back to do TL notes was kind of a hassle. We started this project over a year ago... Nostalgic, am I right? Two more chapters to go!!

...That being said, expect chapter 13 to take a bit. Both mods are kind of preoccupied.

¹ - I've dreaded this pun for a long time. I managed, though! (Click.)

² - Japanese counting words correspond to the thing you're counting, hence them joking about what counter to use for sea bream. (Click.)

³ - Katsu (pork cutlet) and katsu (to win) are homophones, so you eat katsudon before a competition.

#idolish7 #idolish7 part 6 #idolish7 spoilers #idolish7 translations #idolish7 translation #i7 translation

22 notes · View notes

okay-j-hannah · 22 hours

Text

Part 5: Mieczyslaw

Teen Wolf : Multishot

Stiles Stilinski x Reader

Word Count: 13k

Warnings: series rewrite, season 1 {aka 2011}, slow burn, friends to lovers, Stiles pining, eventual NSFW, usual teen wolf levels of violence and gore, heart conditions, fainting

Request: This just came from my own head 😊

A/N: A little more history of the Reader in this one - I honestly love her family's backstory

Part 4: Ollie's Catnip

Part 5: Mieczyslaw {You Are Here}

The hospital was quiet that evening. You were assigned to the long-term care floor and spent long hours updating patient files and making your rounds. Checking vitals, refilling water bottles, adjusting patients with bed sores, and administering medication at the right times.

It was the perfect distraction. You would be missing the lacrosse game that night, missing the first game with Scott being co-captain and Stiles being first line.

You’d be missing Andrew and his dimpled grin.

Instead of focusing on that the rest of the night, you call Lydia who had texted you an SOS.

“What do you mean you’re done?”

“I mean, he sent me a pathetic text asking for his house key back. The loser is so down in the dumps that he doesn’t think he deserves me, which is right, of course.”

You hold the phone with your shoulder and start typing notes into a patient file, “I’m sorry, Lyds. Breakups suck.”

“He’s become such an asshole recently. I don’t know what’s gotten into him. But good riddance. I needed to climb the social food chain anyway. He’s been lacking in the lacrosse category.”

“Sounds like you’re handling it surprisingly well.”

“I’m completely over him. Only took a few minutes… seconds actually.”

You smile, “Yeah, you barely sound upset over it.”

She can hear your sarcasm, “Did you hear that Allison is still going to the game? Her dad and aunt are going too.”

“That’s weird,” you frown, “I wonder why.” With the Argents being hunters… you wonder how much they know about the number of werewolves in town.

“You’re still on shift tonight?”

“Yes, right where I want to be. The perfect excuse to miss the game.” You upload another patient file and wave to another night nurse leaving for her break. It was just you and one other nurse on the floor – a redhead named Jennifer.

“Anything exciting happening?” she asks in a huff, upset that the attention was no longer on her dilemma.

“Nope, I’m working the long-term floor. Everyone here is mostly in recovery or stuck in their beds. It’s usually pretty quiet at night, which is why there’s less staff.”

“Fascinating,” Lydia says quickly, “Anyway, I’ve got to go. I’m going to sit with Allison and scope out my next boyfriend.” She laughs before adding, “Don’t worry, Andrew is off the table.”

You scoff, “Yeah, thanks. Have fun.” And you slide your phone back into your scrubs pocket.

The next half hour was relatively quiet, just two call buttons going off. The rest of your time was spent making your rounds and completing chores. That is until a pair of sneakers comes walking down the hallway.

“Yeah, I said I can’t find her.”

You stand to confront the foreign male voice that was definitely intruding past visiting hours, only to find Stiles on the phone. He was getting snippy with whoever he was talking to, “Hey, listen here wolfman – the only reason I’m harboring your fugitive ass is because you saved (Y/N)’s life last full moon, got it? I don’t owe you any more favors.”

“What the hell?” you say, catching his attention, “Don’t you have a lacrosse game to get to, hotshot?”

In a few seconds you can see a range of emotions flickering through his face: confusion, happiness, worry, and something in the way he looks at your scrubs. “Hi, (Y/N).”

You walk around the nurses station and fold your arms, “Care to answer my question?”

He gives you a goofy side smile, “You’re talking to me.”

“Yes, Stiles,” you fight the immediate grin that wants to envelop your face. “What are you doing here?”

He leans into the phone for a second, “Uh… is there a Jennifer working here?”

“She’s the on call nurse tonight, why?” you pop a hip, arms still tightly crossed.

“What about Melissa?” he asks, walking down the hall and to a room. He speaks to the phone again, “Yeah, well, he’s not here either.”

“Who are you talking to?” you ask exasperatedly, “Stiles, you can’t be here past visiting hours. Would you please…”

“He’s not here. He’s gone, Derek.”

Your jaw drops, “The fugitive you’re harboring is Derek?”

He looks to you, “Yeah, the rest of the town doesn’t know he’s innocent because it’s actually a psycho Alpha werewolf that’s killing everyone,” he says to you. “You sure Melissa isn’t here?”

You hold your hands up, “I’m not answering anymore of your questions until you tell me what’s going on.”

Suddenly you can hear the frantic voice of Derek over the phone and Stiles has a look of instant terror. It sets you on edge when a mysterious man stands at the corner of the hall; it was as if he had appeared out of thin air.

Half his face is covered in burn scars and after a second thought you realize that it’s Peter Hale – the long-term resident of the floor. Your eyes widen at the sight of him standing without his wheelchair and Stiles takes a few steps in your direction.

“You must be Stiles,” Peter says in an eerily calm tone. He’s barely smiling as he nods in your direction, “Hello, (Y/N). It’s nice to finally be able to speak to you.”

Stiles drops his hand holding the phone, walking back until he feels you near him. He reaches behind him and takes hold of your arm. Your instinct is to press yourself closer into his back, “Is that…?”

“He’s the Alpha,” Stiles mutters, whipping his head to the side at the newcomer.

“Jennifer!” you say, “We have a situation with…”

The redheaded nurse holds her head high, “Shut up!”

Your mouth clamps shut – how many people are in on this? Stiles, in his usual fashion, can’t stay quiet for long.

“You and… him? You’re his… and he’s the…” Stiles is shielding you with his body at this point. “Oh my god, we’re gonna die. We’re gonna die.”

You jab a finger into his spine, silencing him. “This is not how I’m supposed to die.”

But with an elbow to the face, Jennifer falls to the floor and Derek takes her place. You forget momentarily how tall, dark, and handsome he is. Peter speaks again with that same calm, menacing tone.

“That’s not nice. She’s my nurse.”

You start to pull Stiles against you, taking you both behind the nurses station.

“She’s a psychotic bitch helping you kill people.”

Peter makes his way over, “You think I killed Laura on purpose? One of my own family?”

A growl ripples from Derek’s throat, fangs appearing from his open mouth. Blue eyes glowing with strange power, he bounds for the attack. You’re paralyzed at seeing the action up close.

“Holy shi…”

Stiles drags you to the floor, doggy-paddling across the tile like a swimmer. You army crawl beside him as Peter and Derek start to throw each other against the hospital walls. Bits of plaster and plastic side railing break away easily.

“Okay,” you say, coughing as you breathe in some plaster dust, “I believe you now. I really believe you.”

“Is that why you haven’t been talking to me or Scott?” Stiles yells over the growling werewolves. “Scott could have easily proven werewolves existed if you just asked him to show himself.”

They continue their sliding movements across the station and to the next hall, the sound of breaking glass loud behind you. “No, I stopped talking to you because I needed a break after hearing the truth. It’s a lot to think about when you realize the whole freaking town has lore in supernatural entities that aren’t just make believe… they’re actual fucking werewolves!” You swipe an arm across the tile and shove his legs out of the way to reach his side. “I needed time to cope with the sudden shift in what I knew to be reality.”

“Understandable,” he pants, tongue sticking out, “I just wish we could’ve helped you cope instead of you just shutting us out.”

“Like I said… I wasn’t really thinking!”

“And of course it was the same night as Scott forcing a kiss on you and trying to kill you in your own home…”

“Shut the hell up, Stilinski! Bigger problems at hand!” The werewolves were moving to a different patient room to continue their fight. You gesture to the end of the hall, “The emergency exit is there. We just have to get there and down the stairs. We can call 911 when we’re outside.”

Stiles agrees, watching you with a different panic, “How’s your heart?”

“If anything happens we’re in a hospital,” you say frankly, “Come on.” You lead the way as the fighting becomes quieter.

Stiles admires you from behind, standing to run the last few feet. You slam into the door and guide the way down the many flights of stairs. Stiles is jumping whole steps and crashing into the walls.

Your lungs start to fight for breath by the time you reach the bottom, Stiles tripping over the last step and falling to his knees beside you.

“Does… Does the Alpha have control…” you pant, holding a stitch in your side, “… over Derek?”

Stiles breathes dramatically, his face scrunching up in a funny way. “I wouldn’t be surprised. He might be forcing Derek onto his side right now with some crazy alpha mind control.”

You stumble toward the exit, shoving it open to a gust of chilly night air. You lean against the hospital wall, hands on your hips. Stiles follows, pulling out his car keys.

“Can you make it to the jeep?”

“If I say no would you carry me?”

He shrugs, pulling a face, “No promises. I could probably swing a piggy-back ride.”

“Yeah, no thanks,” you say, bending down to put your head between your knees. It was routine when you were out of breath and starting to feel lightheaded. Your hands lay flat on the concrete, your mind focusing on how cold and gritty it feels under your fingers. You listen to the crickets and the wind whistling through trees. You smell the honey sweet rain from Stiles.

A large warm hand spreads against your back, rubbing up and down your spine.

You feel the air flood your lungs, “Have you called the police yet?”

“I told them there was a possible break-in and a nurse got knocked out,” he says, “They’ll be here soon.”

You take a few deep breaths, soothed by Stiles’ hand. “I have to wait for the police.” You sit up and Stiles retreats a few feet. The action makes you consider him for a few seconds. “I’m not mad at you or Scott. I just… I needed some distance while I tried to figure things out.”

There’s a bob in Stiles’ throat, “And… have you figured things out?”

You screw up your lips in thought, “I need to talk to Scott first.”

Stiles nods vigorously, hope lighting his eyes. “Yeah, yeah – for sure. Let’s go find him now, I’m sure the lacrosse game is almost over.”

A flash of pity is in your face, “You missed your first game.”

“Yeah, well…” he waves a hand, extending it to help you to your feet. “I had a couple more important things to tackle tonight.”

“Won’t your dad be disappointed?”

“Maybe a little,” he shrugs, walking to the passenger side of the jeep, “But if the pinkeye epidemic continues then I’m still first line for the time being!”

You giggle, sliding into the jeep, “I’ll pray for the conjunctivitis.” With the heater still broken, you’re grateful you chose a long-sleeve undershirt for your scrubs. It took a few minutes for you to call your boss and explain the situation.

The police were on their way, and you were meant to stay to give a witness statement. It would also have been irresponsible to leave your patients in their time of need. Choosing to wait in the jeep was just common sense seeing as there were two werewolves having a row upstairs.

“Do you think Derek is okay?” you look out the window.

Stiles was drumming his fingers against the steering wheel, “He’s fine. Peter will probably try to get him under his control.”

“Then what?”

“He’ll keep trying to get Scott into his pack.” Stiles leans more against the door to get a better look at you. “So we have some catching up to do.”

“Like what?” you smile.

He frowns, picking at his fingers, “I don’t know… like how Jackson broke up with Lydia.”

“Yeah,” you grimace, “Lydia only just told me about the breakup tonight.”

Stiles blows air between his lips, “Jackson always has another agenda. He’s been black mailing Scott because he wants the werewolf bite.”

“You’re kidding,” you say, “How did he find out about the supernatural?”

“I don’t know! He hasn’t been talking to anyone, not even Danny.”

You lean against the door to match Stiles’ stance, “Well, I know Lydia has said he’s never been the same since Scott outperformed him. He’s been slipping ever since.” You rub at your eyes, “He doesn’t talk to me much, and now it’s awkward between him and Lydia.”

“There’s also the news that the Argents know about a second beta werewolf.” At your look of confusion, he continues, “They know there’s an alpha and they know about Derek. They’ve realized that there’s a second werewolf and they’re trying to figure out who it is.”

“They being Allison’s dad and aunt?”

Stiles nods, “They have been scouting ever since – they think it might be a teenager.”

Your head perks up, “Lydia said Allison’s family was going to be at the game tonight. I bet they’re looking for clues as to who could be the other werewolf.”

“Let’s just hope they don’t suspect Scott.”

Stiles continues to pick at his nails, looking at them instead of you. “I’ve also heard that you might be going on a date with a certain potential lacrosse boyfriend…?”

You fight a smile, “Andrew asked me out.”

“And you said?”

“Yes!” you laugh, “I’ve been waiting for him to ask since I started working with Coach on the lacrosse field.” You miss the bitterness in Stiles’ face; he was trying to hide it with his downcast gaze.

A police siren could be heard down the highway. Stiles clears his throat, “Is he going to ask you to the winter formal?”

“I don’t know,” you shrug, tickled at the thought, “But that’s still a couple weeks away.”

“Do you want him to?” Stiles finally looks at you, straining to keep the hurt he feels at bay. The tightness of his chest was smothered by the boiling jealousy in his stomach. He hates the way you sound doting on Andrew. And he hates himself for being jealous over something he shouldn’t be mad about.

You made your choice and Andrew is a good guy.

“I’m not sure. He doesn’t know about my heart and a formal dance would be prime time for it to give out.” You take a deep breath, “I’d rather not spoil an evening like that.”

Stiles nods and considers you, “I guess you just need to go with someone that knows how to calm you. That way you don’t need to worry.”

It was suddenly tense for a few seconds while the police cars come closer to the hospital. You put a hand on the door handle and say, “You should probably get out of here so your dad doesn’t overhear why you might not be at the game. Police radios, you know…”

“Right,” Stiles says, “Let me know if anything comes up. I’m going to find Scott and tell him about our newly identified alpha.”

~~~

The next few days felt a little less hostile as the friend group settles into a new norm. Jackson is still moseying up to Allison, who is still apologizing on behalf of Scott for the impromptu kissing. You console her in that Scott wasn’t himself that day.

Allison was also venturing into new hobbies to keep her mind off things. She had taken to practicing archery in the woods, sometimes taking you or Lydia with her.

Jackson was talking in angry whispers to Scott and Stiles more often. You know it has something to do with seeking the werewolf curse.

As for yourself, you were working on your science project implanting E.coli in varying meats and cooking them, swabbing each as you go and putting samples in petri dishes. They were currently incubating in the chemistry lab while you walk down the hall with Andrew.

“I’m sorry I missed it,” you say, eyeing the way Andrew held your books for you.

“Hey, now we’re going to state,” he says, “You can come to that game.”

You smile, almost to English, “I’ll bring my pom-poms and megaphone.”

Andrew laughs, handing back your books for class, “I won’t say no to a little cheerleading outfit.” He winks at you and a warm blush envelops both your faces.

“I’ll see you later,” you say.

Walking into class you’re quick to notice Scott and Stiles staring at you (Stiles with a little more of a frown). You choose to sit in front of Scott, taking any opportunity for Allison to be near him.

“(Y/N)…” he starts with hesitance, “Stiles told me you’re talking again.”

You don’t turn around at first, “And?”

He leans forward across the desk, and you can hear his whisper over your shoulder. “I’ve been trying to think of a way to apologize to you this last week and… nothing seems good enough. After you avoided me and everything, I thought I lost my chance.” He sighs and you can feel it in your hair. “(Y/N), I am so so sorry. I’m sorry for attacking you – I’m sorry for forcing a kiss on you – I’m sorry for scaring you – and I’m sorry for trying to kill you.”

Very slowly you pivot in your chair to look at him.

Those puppy-dog eyes were back full force. Those were Scott’s eyes – not the dark, menacing look they had on the full moon. You knew the difference was night and day. The real Scott McCall would never do those things if he was in full control.

“I feel terrible,” he continues, afraid at your persistent silence. “I’m an awful friend and I should have told you the truth sooner. Maybe you would have been more prepared for the full moon like Stiles.”

You blink, “Have you apologized to Allison?”

“Well, I tried…” he scratches at his shaggy head, adding to his puppy-dog look. “She was shooting arrows in the forest with Lydia yesterday… and I needed to return a necklace of hers.”

“You mean you were stalking her?”

“The details are a little foggy,” he says quickly, “I might’ve scared her and she tazed me.”

Stiles snorts from beside Scott and you have to stop yourself from losing your composure. “She’s picked up a few things since breaking up with you.”

“I noticed,” he says lowly. “Anyway, I tried to apologize, and I think it got to her a little. She’s still mad, but I think she might forgive me eventually.”

“I told you,” you say with a slight smile. It gives Scott hope.

“And what about you?” his dark brown eyes are wide with anxiety.

You share a look with Stiles, who shrugs. “I forgive you.”

Scott sighs, his head falling into his arms on the desk. “Thank god. I promise, (Y/N), I didn’t mean to do any of those things. The full moon had me wired and it was like something else was controlling my body.”

“It’s okay, Scott. I did a lot of thinking while taking a break.” You look between Scott and Stiles as the tardy bell rings. “And I don’t think I can be involved with all this werewolf stuff.”

Stiles is nearly out of his chair with how he reacts. “What do you mean?” his desk squeaks terribly against the tile floor.

“I mean, I’d like to still be friends with you guys…”

An awful needle like puncture was screwing its way through Stiles’ chest. Friends.

“… but I don’t really want to be included in any werewolf business or late night investigations or almost being killed – which has happened to me about three times now since starting school.”

“Werewolf business is a very regular part of my life,” Scott says with a disbelieving laugh.

You nod, “I get it, I just mean I’d love to hang out or go to a party sometime, but I can’t be involved with anything else related to the alpha situation.”

Stiles was having trouble swallowing as Scott continues, “Like it or not, (Y/N) – you’re kind of a part of my pack. The pack that the Alpha wants me to get rid of.”

“Then… I’m resigning from the pack,” you shrug half-heartedly.

Stiles’ jaw nearly hits the floor as the teacher snaps at the three of you for talking. There is about three minutes of quiet as the teacher explains the upcoming book report that you’ve already finished on Sense and Sensibility.

After that you receive a group text from both Scott and Stiles.

Stiles: You’re just unfriending the pack?!

(Y/N): Can’t I do that and still be friendly?

Stiles: No

Scott: Of course you can. We just don’t get why

You raise your hand and share what stance you took on the book report requirements. You wrote an analytical piece on the personalities of two sisters: Elenor being all sense and Marianne being all sensibility.

The teacher looks pleased and asks for more volunteers. You’re now covered to keep texting.

(Y/N): Tell you later

Scott: Ok

Stiles: Tell us now

You tuck your phone away and feel it buzz with a few more messages before going quiet. You don’t mean for it to be such a shock. You just knew that the more stress you had the more likely you’d have a fainting episode with your heart condition. That would lead to more heart damage and an end that you want to prolong as much as possible.

Being surrounded by high stress werewolf situations was going to be the death of you.

You are quick to leave the classroom at the bell and the boys weren’t far behind.

“Hey,” Stiles grabs your shoulder, slowing you down. “Explain.”

Scott holds his backpack straps, awkward but less demanding on hearing your explanation.

“It’s not a good idea for me to be around a lot of stress,” you sigh, “You know… because of my heart.”

Both boys purse their lips and share a look. Scott is quiet when he asks, “Because you have a tachee-heart?”

You and Stiles both say, “Tachycardia?” You laugh and continue, “Yes. My heartbeat is already irregular and if I do anything to add to it… it’s bad news bears.”

“Care to expand on what these bad news bears are?” Stiles asks irritably.

“That’s a talk for another day,” you say quickly, leading the way to your next class. “Just know that the more my heart struggles the worse off I’ll be.”

“But we can help you,” Stiles says, pressing into your shoulder as you all walk down the hallway. “We can calm you down if that happens.” I can calm you down.

You sigh, “Not always. It can be random and persistent.” You stop outside the door of your next class. “This isn’t me saying we can’t be friends, just… I want to avoid any werewolfy scenarios that might involve near death and/or general terror.”

You leave Scott and Stiles to contemplate out in the hallway. Shoulders sagging, Scott groans, “This werewolf thing is ruining my life.”

“Yeah, and mine.” Stiles broods at the classroom door, taking a second to realize what he said and turning to the mild anger on Scott’s face. “What? I’m the best friend – I am legally bound to whatever misery you experience.”

“All the new friends I’ve made are literally being pushed away because of this curse,” Scott rubs hard at his face, “And it’s ruined my love life, not to mention my lifespan. Hunters are basically knocking down my front door!”

“Yeah, it’s really putting a damper on my love life too.” Stiles mumbles to himself, “I really thought I had a shot with her.”

Scott shoves his friend, “Even after all her talk about Andrew?”

Stiles scowls, “That’s just a silly crush.”

“And what she feels for you is… what exactly?”

“Hidden feelings that I will unlock one day for her to realize that I am the perfect guy for her…” he licks his lips, wincing, “… despite the clumsiness, sarcasm, and general idiocy.”

Scott laughs, “Yeah, she’s really missing out.”

“Hey!” he rams into Scott as they walk towards their next class. “I really like her, Scott. Like… I like her, like her.”

“I know, Loverboy.”

“She’s all I can think about, and I know I’m just a pathetic friend of hers, but I’m hopeless, Scott! Completely hopeless.”

Scott gives him a look, “Are you sure you’re not stalking her?”

“In a broad sense of the term,” Stiles shrugs, “I’ve never felt this comfortable around a girl before. I’ve never felt this way about any girl.”

“You’ve got it bad,” Scott sighs, “I know the feeling well.”

~~~

You walk through the aisles of computers to sit near the back beside a hunched figure. He keeps his head down even as you watch his eyes dart to see who you are. If anything it makes him more shy, his shoulders drawing in as if he were trying to make himself as small as possible.

You sling your backpack onto the ground and ignore the random text Stiles sent you about the history of the male circumcision. He was always sending you the most out-of-pocket things.

“Hey,” you smile at the quiet boy, “My name’s (Y/N)…” He turns his head a little more and you instantly recognize him as one of the benchwarmers on the lacrosse team, “… and you’re Isaac, right?”

His blue eyes seem to warm at your recognition, “Yeah, Isaac Lahey,” he clears his throat, “I uh…”

“You play lacrosse!” your smile widens, “I didn’t realize we had computer science together.”

“Play is a strong word,” he says with a hint of a smile. “I sort of keep to myself.”

You lean on your elbow, considering him as he fidgets under your gaze. “I think the last time we talked was when I was passing out permission slips for that spring retreat Coach was talking about.”

Isaac nods his head, still bowing like he was trying to hide behind his computer screen. “I don’t talk much.”

“You didn’t bring back your permission slip if I remember correctly.”

“No,” he clears his throat again, finding it hard to swallow. “My dad needs me to stay home.”

“Even for just a weekend?” your brows knit.

He licks his lips, “He needs help at work and… I’m the only one around to do it.”

“Shame,” you mutter, “I’d like to have seen you there. Maybe we could’ve roasted marshmallows together and tossed Coach’s whistle in the lake.”

His lips upturn a little more, “You’re going on the retreat?”

“I don’t think the Coach can survive without me,” you stifle a laugh, “Besides I’m the only one who knows anything about the retreat. He probably couldn’t drive a single one of you up there.” You nudge your arm into his, “You should ask your dad again, see if he’ll change his mind.”

Isaac has an emotion you can’t gauge flash across his eyes. “Maybe.” He nods and hides that smile you’re trying to pull out of him. “I wouldn’t mind messing with Coach, though.”

“We could hide his energy drinks or put dye in his toothpaste,” you muse, “Make his teeth blue for a day.”

“Or we could put a squirrel in his cabin,” Isaac says with a little more enthusiasm, “Or maybe we could hide his shaving kit and see what kind of beard he can grow.”

You snort, “I bet it’s as white as an old mans.”

“It’s because all us kids give him gray hairs,” Isaac laughs, smiling wide.

You laugh along, suddenly struck with his change of demeanor. “You have a great smile, Isaac,” you say, “It looks good on you.”

A rush of red fills his cheeks, unable to stop smiling now. He isn’t hunched behind his computer anymore, “Thank you.”

The teacher was about ready to throttle you two for giggling over her talking. You nudge Isaac again with your arm, putting a finger to your lips.

~~~

The next day you’re being dropped off at the Argent residence for a ‘family dinner.’ Allison has been complaining about how often her dad talks about meeting you. It was odd not having met them – almost every parent in town knew who you were.

That was the consequence of a small town with two working parents in the emergency fields. Most adults knew that they had to leave at the drop of a dime if your heart was ever in trouble.

Hence the anxiety making your fingers pull on your sleeves.

“(Y/N)!” Allison greets, pulling you into a hug, “I’m so sorry for this,” she whispers.

You whisper back, “Don’t be.” But a flash of fear crosses your face when the door widens to reveal a blue-eyed, middle-aged man. “Mr. Argent?”

“(Y/N),” he extends a hand, eyes never blinking as he probes you, “We finally meet.” He shakes your hand firmly, “My wife and daughter have only had good things to say.”

And my friends have told me about your penchant for shooting arrows at teenage boys. “Nice to meet you.” You follow the family inside and to the dining room. “I hope you don’t mind…”

In your free hand was a small container of peanut butter brownies you had made earlier that day. Chris Argent looks pleased when he inspects the contents, “How wonderful – you didn’t have to.”

“I know,” you say, handing the dessert to Allison to plate. The Argents were able to provide for themselves, plus extra.

Living on the other side of town, the Argent residence was much more lavish than what you were used to. It created a very unfortunate divide between the teenagers. An invisible line that was rarely mentioned, but nonetheless present.

Over in these neighborhoods, Lydia, Allison, and Jackson lived with rich crown moldings, nice cars, high ceilings, and antique furniture. More in the valley, you, Stiles, and Scott lived in modest homes with hand-me-down items and a small growing pile of bills.

With one check you bet the Argents could take away your family’s medical debt.

“Your home is lovely as always,” you say, admiring the chandelier in the dining room. “And dinner smells amazing.”

“Not my doing,” a dirty blonde says with a crisp laugh. A near forced laugh as her less piercing blue eyes meet yours. She assesses you with something a little colder than Chris. “Hello, I’m Kate, and I have no talent for cooking.”

You give a wave across the table, instantly wary of her. Allison pops up beside you, “That’s my aunt I told you about.” She looks to Kate as she sits, “(Y/N) is an amazing cook.”

Kate nods, still scrutinizing you with her gaze. “What else are you good at, (Y/N)?”

“Reading,” you say instantly, sharing a laugh with Allison. “I keep to myself mostly.”

With the table set, the Argent family sits to enjoy the meal. Victoria Argent, whom you’ve met the few times you’ve been out with Allison, sat with her husband.

“So, (Y/N), tell us a little more about yourself,” Chris says, spearing asparagus with his fork. “You’re close with our daughter but we know almost nothing about you.”

You try to swallow your roast chicken quickly as Allison scolds her father. “I told you not to interrogate her,” she leans closer to you, “He doesn’t really have a ‘pleasant conversation’ option in his vernacular.”

“It’s alright,” you say with a wave, grabbing a nice cloth napkin to dab at your mouth. “My parents like to know who I’m friends with too.”

“You know Scott and Jackson, correct?” Kate digs into her chicken with a knife.

“Yes, we’re all friends. I also am a teacher assistant for Coach Finstock, so I see them at lacrosse a lot.”

Chris considers you, “But you weren’t at the last lacrosse game?”

“No, I work at the hospital as a medical assistant and I picked up a shift that night,” you take a sip of your water. How much information was too much information to give?

Kate tilts her head in your direction, “Wasn’t there a break-in at the hospital that night?”

You nod slowly, “Yeah, someone got into an altercation past visiting hours. I don’t know who but when I went to investigate the noise, there was a lot of broken glass and cracks in the walls. Thank goodness none of the patients were harmed.”

Chris takes his time cutting his meal into pieces, “That sounds terrible. What did you do?”

“I called the police, checked on my residents, and ran outside to meet the cops.” You take a small bite of food, “They didn’t find anything besides the damage.”

“Cameras?” Kate questions.

You shake your head, “My co-workers said that they had been damaged as well. Wiped clean or lost… I don’t know exactly.”

Chris seems satisfied for the time being, “Well, I’m glad you got out safely, whatever it was.”

Kate, on the other hand, seems to perk with interest, “I hear you’ve had a run-in with danger a couple times this year.” At your look of confusion, she nods toward your collar. “The attack on the video store, I mean.” She barely moves a centimeter as she stares you down, “Allison told me you had gotten clawed pretty bad.”

You spot the wince in Allison’s brow. “I did get attacked that night,” you wipe at your mouth again. “It was pretty bad for a while, infected and everything. But I’m okay now.”

Kate was persistent, “Must have left a pretty gnarly scar.” Her eyebrows lift as if expecting you to reveal your shoulder. She was scolded by her niece.

“It’s still a little pink, but that’ll go away with time,” you say as nonchalantly as possible. “I’d say it makes me look a little cooler than I am.” You shift the collar of your shirt an inch to reveal the tail end of three massive claw marks, another curling around your arm. It was your turn to gauge the reaction of the Argents.

Chris and Kate share a look and you clear your throat in response. Are you making yourself a possible werewolf suspect?

“And what do you guys do for work?” you say, steering the conversation off yourself. “Allison says that you’re a weapons dealer?”

Chris pours himself more water, “That’s right. We have quite the collection if you’re interested.”

You shake your head quickly, “I’m not really built for that. I enjoy my books and my lazy cat sleeping in my lap as I read.”

He nods, hopefully in a sign of respect. “That’s why Kate is here. She deals in weaponry as well – a very skilled hunter.”

She raises her glass, “The art of the kill. I needed my brother’s expertise on a few pieces for my latest hunt.”

“What do you hunt?” you say innocently.

“Big game predators,” she says, cold eyes locked on you. “Cougars, bears, wolves.”

You almost smirk. These people are hiding in plain sight.

“My mom is a buyer for a store in San Fransico,” Allison steers the conversation even more. “Right, mom?”

Victoria, already done with her meal and leaning back in her chair, replies, “Yes, it’s a charming little boutique. I also teach math at a boarding school for boys on the side.”

You nod, “Why math?”

“Strategy,” she says flatly. “Equations and probabilities. I enjoy the art of stratagem.”

That was slightly off putting as well. Did these people know how to be subtle? How had Allison gone this long without knowing her family history?

“And your parents are…?” Victoria continues.

You smile, “My mom works behind the desk at the police station – taking and directing calls. My dad works at the firehouse.”

“You must hear everything that goes on around here,” Chris smirks.

“Only when I ask,” you say, “And that’s considering nothing wild has happened in Beacon Hills for years…”

Kate leans back in her chair as well, crossing her arms in contemplation. “Have you lived here your whole life?”

“Yes,” you say, pushing your plate away, “Almost since birth.”

“Where did you live before?” Chris asks.

He might be intimidating, but you enjoy talking to him much more than Kate. “My parents lived in Palo Alto when I was born. We had a nice house and my mom worked security at Stanford University. My dad actually met her at the San Francisco Bay. He was a lifeguard before he was a firefighter, and he watched the swimmers at Keller Beach and Berkeley Marina.” You smile a sweet smile, “She kept coming back to those places to see him… even pretended to drown once for a kiss.”

“Must be a fan of The Sandlot,” Allison snickers, enjoying hearing you talk more than her family.

“So why make the move to Beacon Hills?” Kate asks, arms still tightly wound.

Your smile falls a little, “I was born with a congenital heart defect. The medical bills and surgeries became too much… and we had to downgrade.”

Allison puts a hand on your leg beneath the table. Chris sends a piercing look to his sister and mutters, “I’m sorry, (Y/N) – I didn’t know you were sick.”

“Still am,” you say with mock cheerfulness, holding your water glass with two hands to give yourself something to focus on. “Heart problems are persistent. We try to keep it as discreet as possible.”

He nods, looking at you with a different air of likeness. “It sounds like you have a wonderful family.”

“I do,” you say fast, “Thank you.”

They move on to the brownies you brought as a means to change the subject. Victoria hums her appreciation, “These are delicious, did you put caramel in here too?”

“Caramel is one of the greatest inventions of all time and deserves to be incorporated into as many sweets as possible,” you laugh, “Of course I put caramel in them.”

The table laughs as you eat, feeling a little stripped bare after revealing so much about yourself. As Allison said, it did feel more like an interrogation rather than a pleasant family meal. You were quick to text the boys as you leave the residence.

“My place in ten minutes. I have an Argent update.” You smile as you add, “… and leftover brownies.”

Allison was kind enough to drive you home, apologizing the entire way. “My dad wasn’t as brazen as usual, but my aunt Kate?” she rolls her eyes, “I can’t believe how much she was grilling you.”

“You have a protective family,” you shrug, “So do I.”

“Your parents have a good reason to be extra protective of you,” she retorts, “My family is just nosy and suspicious and… I don’t know, my aunt and dad have been a little tense with each other this visit. They usually get along so well.”

“How much longer is your aunt staying here?” you ask, holding your container of leftover brownies.

Allison knits her brow in thought, “I’m not sure. She says she’s getting ready for another big hunt and just needs supplies and my dad’s advice. But I don’t know… sometimes I feel like she isn’t telling me everything.”

You thank Allison for the ride and the invitation to dinner. You promise to give her an update on your date with Andrew that weekend, and she drives off. Entering your house was a breath of fresh air.

Oliver trots to your side, his furry underbelly swaying side to side before you scoop him up and kiss his head. He purrs instantly.

“How was dinner?” your mom asks, sitting at the dining table with little potted plants in front of her. She was trying to grow herbs from seeds and the lavender was not doing so well.

“It was fine,” you kick off your shoes, “Her family is a little interrogative.”

Tom walks in with his usual cola, no doubt with a few ounces of whiskey poured in. “I knew they were a little tense, especially after that Chris guy shot the mountain lion at parent teacher conferences.”

You scratch under Ollie’s chin, “It was still nice, but I would watch out for that Kate Argent. She scares me a little.” You sit at the table and watch your mom preen the little sprouts of eucalyptus and rosemary. “Oh, I also invited Scott and Stiles over, if that’s okay.”

Tom folds his arms, making them look massive beneath his firehouse flannel. “I thought you liked that Andrew guy.”

“I can like a guy and be friends with other guys, dad,” you snicker, “I’m just going to take my medicine real quick, will you send them up when they get here?”

Your mom waves you off, adding some water to her seedlings, “Leave me one of those brownies, would you?”

A minute later, and having taken all your prescription meds, there’s a howling laugh coming from downstairs. You move to the foot of the stairs to see Stiles beaming and your dad wiping his eyes.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Tom says, “Stilinski here was just telling me about a police fiasco with a red tricycle and a klepto.”

You look puzzled as Stiles scratches at the back of his head, “Yeah, I might’ve stolen some already stolen items from evidence when I was a kid. I was the prime suspect for about three days with all the stuff in my possession.”

“And at five years old,” your dad laughs, downing his drink.

“I really wanted the tricycle!” Stiles retorts, “It was my first bike.”

Tom shakes his head, “Learning to pedal on stolen property.”

Scott pulls on his friend, “It was nice talking to you guys.”

“Of course, sweetie,” your mom says, “Now not too late, you still have school tomorrow.”

Walking up the stairs (Stiles tripping over at least two of the steps) you lead the boys into your room, Oliver already on your bed.

“Hey, buddy…” Stiles gets on his knees and crawls to the edge of the bed, “How’s the fuzz ball?”

Ollie perks his ears and blinks slowly at Stiles, bowing his head for a pet. Though upon Scott’s arrival, the cat sets his ears back and hisses.

“What the…” you mutter, watching your cat growl low in his throat and dart to leave the bedroom. “He’s never acted like that before.”

Scott looks guilty, “Well, I am part dog and… I did break into your house as a werewolf not too long ago.”

Your lips make a thin line, “Right. Cats and dogs don’t always get along.” You walk to your bed, flicking at Stiles’ head as you sit down, “Do you guys want a brownie? They’re leftover from my dinner with the Argents.”

Stiles’ greedy fingers dive for the plastic container while Scott shoves his hands in his pockets. “You had dinner at their house?”

You relay some of the conversation you had. The mysterious penchant for weapons and hunting big game predators. The interrogative questions on the hospital break-in and your involvement with Scott and Jackson. The request to see the claw marks on your shoulder.

“Do they think you might be the second beta too?” Scott asks with a tense line between his eyebrows. Stiles was too busy eating his third brownie.

“Maybe… do they think a scratch could turn you?”

“That’s what Derek said,” Scott swallows hard, “He told us a deep enough alpha scratch might give you the curse. The Argents might have the same theory.” He smacks his forehead, “Which is why they’re suspicious of Jackson. He has those claw marks in his neck from Derek.”

You frown, “And they don’t know they’re from Derek and not the Alpha.”

“But they do know your scars are from the Alpha,” Scott mutters worriedly, “I wouldn’t be surprised if they do a follow-up on you.”

“But after I told them about my heart condition, they seemed to back off. At least Chris did.”

You relay the conversation that you had about your parents meeting in Palo Alto and the move to Beacon Hills because of your heart. You remember the likeness Chris Argent had in his voice as he expressed his apologies for your sickness.

“If you’re sick then you couldn’t have the curse,” Scott mumbles, picking at his chin. “Werewolves heal really fast unless the wound is supernatural too.”

Stiles is licking his fingers when he suddenly blurts, “Do you think if you were a werewolf your heart would be cured?”

You shrug, finding the amount of brownie left on Stiles’ face amusing. “I don’t really want to find out. Anyway, I knew you guys would probably want to know.”

“Still not keen on all this werewolf business?” Stiles asks.

“I’m just trying to protect myself.” You sit on the bed, Stiles on the ground and leaning against the mattress. He’s looking up at you with his brown eyes, fizzing with warmth like cola and whiskey. “It’s not that I don’t want to investigate with you guys. I just worry what it’ll do to my heart.”

You laugh and point at your own face, “You’ve got chocolate all over your mouth.”

Stiles is quick to rub his mouth across his shirt sleeves, “Those brownies were just too damn good.” There was still a smudge at the corner of his lips.

“Maybe if you swallowed between bites…” you move your fingers to his face, lifting his chin to look up at you. He’s frozen as you move your thumb to the corner of his mouth and wipe down and under his bottom lip.

Eyes wide and imploring as they look up at you. He’s all sweet innocence and deeply adoring as you touch his mouth. The brown of his eyes was melting into the sticky sweet sap color, like warm honey in the sunlight.

You pull your hand away and suck the chocolate off the pad of your thumb, “… but thank you for the compliment. I’m not as much of a baker.”

Scott was trying to keep a smile off his face as his hand hovered near his crinkled nose. He was smelling something that was flying off Stiles like a firework set aflame. The poor boy was squirming in his spot on the ground, crossing his legs and keeping his hands over his lap.

“How was Allison?” Scott changes the subject.

You look up, now ignoring the sappy eyes gazing from below. “She was fine – maybe a little embarrassed about her family. It was strange knowing the motive behind her family’s questions but seeing none of it register with her.”

“I have a feeling she’ll find out soon enough.”

“Me too,” you stand, “For now she’s releasing a lot of her stress through archery and training with her aunt.”

Scott shivers, “Scary.”

You nod, walking to the door and hearing Stiles scramble to his feet. “I’ll see you guys at school tomorrow?”

Getting into the jeep was uncomfortable, Stiles pulling at his jeans. Scott was laughing at him before too long, “Dude, you should have seen your face. You really are hopeless.”

Stiles groans, slamming his forehead into the steering wheel, “She touched me and every thought just flew out of my head.”

“I could smell it off you,” Scott grimaces, “Just awful lovey-dovey sex hormones, even without the full moon I could smell it.”

Stiles sat straight, making the jeep wiggle side to side. He had a ruddy red mark on his forehead. “Did you smell anything from (Y/N)?”

Scott clamps his mouth shut before shaking his head. “I could hear her uneven heartbeat, but that’s nothing new.”

In a dramatic turn of events, Stiles slumps in his seat and puts the car in drive. “I need to figure out a way to tell her.”

“Tell her your feelings?” Scott gaps, “What about the possibility of utterly crushing humiliation? Not to mention ruining what friendships we still have.”

“Thanks for adding to the anxiety, Scott,” he grumbles, “I just… I can’t help thinking about how I am with her. I have never been able to just talk about my mom to anyone… but with her it’s easy. I’ve never brought a girl over to my house before… but with (Y/N) it was a no brainer. I’ve never been so equally terrified and comfortable with a girl. And with her heart…”

“You’re like an anchor for her,” Scott says quietly, all teasing aside. “You can calm her.”

Stiles puts one hand over his cropped hair, “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell her.”

“You know the difference between you and Andrew Wickstrom, Stiles?”

He snorts, “He’s maybe four inches taller than me, has perfect curly hair, and is way better at lacrosse than I am.”

“He asked (Y/N) out,” Scott says, “You just need to ask her out.”

~~~

Friday night was all excitement and butterflies as you walk around a strip mall with Andrew. The white fairy lights turn on when the sun sets, and you’re left walking on cobblestones and eating ice cream.

You were laughing at the ridiculous training regime that Coach was making the boys do in preparation for the state game.

“What is the benefit of running laps to the classroom and out to the field?”

“Coach makes us carry his stuff too and from his office,” Andrew mocks, “He makes it sound like an exercise, but really he just wants us to fetch his granola bars and energy drinks.”

You laugh again, “That sounds about right. How do you feel about the game?”

“Since switching to goalie it’s been hard figuring the plays out. But I think I’ve got the hang of it now.” He offers to throw away your empty ice cream cup and spoon.

The night so far had entailed a dinner at a little café outside the mall before looking in some of the stores for new summertime clothes. Andrew bought an outfit for you, shorts with little revealing tears in them and a strappy top that shows your scars way more than you’re used to.

You love that Andrew doesn’t question you about them.

Next was a stop at an ice cream parlor, taste testing different flavors before picking your favorites. The pair of you now walking around as the moon comes out, the trees adorned with white fairy lights.

You were walking so close to each other that you kept bumping arms. “Next time I want to show you my favorite antique shop downtown. It has some of the coolest things from every time period, and it’s connected to an old bookshop – one of the ones with tall ladders and a second floor just like in…”

“There’s going to be a next time?” Andrew says, sounding a little giddy. He was looking at you with pink dusting his cheeks.

You blush, “Is that alright?”

In reply, Andrew locks your fingers between his. “Very alright.” You stroll down the next street of cool fairy light, squeezing each other’s hands. “What were you saying about the old bookstore before I rudely interrupted you?”

You brush hair behind your ears, “Oh, just that it reminds me of the old bookstore from Beauty and the Beast… the one from her town.”

“You’re a fan of Disney?”

“Always,” you laugh, “With movies like The Princess and the Frog and The Emperor’s New Groove… how could you not be?”

Andrew snickers, “It’s because of Naveen, isn’t it?”

“Ah, Prince Naveen,” you groan, “You got me there.”

“Got to be honest though… Treasure Planet might be the best one yet.”

You pull on his arm, “I haven’t watched that in ages!”

Andrew side eyes you as his dimples come out, “So old antique shop and then movie night?”

You’re giddy at the thought of another date, “Sounds perfect.” You wander the streets just talking and laughing for another half hour before he offers to drive you home.

He holds your hand atop your lap the whole way.

Walking to your door, porchlight on as your parents wait for your return, you thank Andrew for a lovely evening.

“It’s nice after all the chaos the town’s been in the last month.”

He nods, “I had a really nice time with you, (Y/N).” He hands you the shopping bag with your new summer outfit, “I’ll text you a time for the next one.”

You smile wide as he takes a step closer, “I had fun too.” He was leaning down to your height, your chin rising to meet him.

In a quick mind-boggling moment, Andrew presses his lips to yours. He pulls away just an inch to see your reaction before moving further.

At your slight smile he leans in for more, kissing you more firmly and cupping your cheek. A sudden warmth blooms up your chest and into your face – and a beeping comes from your watch.

You break away suddenly, “God, sorry…” you cover the watch face with your hand. “Parents are waiting.”

Andrew licks his lips, all smiles as he says goodbye, “I’ll see you on Monday.”

You slip inside and find your mom pruning a more successful chamomile plant at the dining table, no doubt planning to make tea with it. “Hello, honey…” she smirks, “Had a nice time?”

Checking your watch, you take a deep breath, your chest tight from something a little more than your racing heart. “The best.”

You had no idea that Stiles was burrowed beneath his blankets in bed, his phone lighting up his face is somber blue light. He watches the alert of your heart rate die down and knows in his gut that you probably had an exciting goodnight kiss on your date.

It sticks him with an ache he can’t shake for the rest of the night.

~~~

The weekend came with an invitation from Stiles in the most untoward manner. You were working on term projects for history and math when there was a sharp rapping on the window. Turning around you see Stiles waving on the roof.

Already smiling, you go to unlock the window and help him open it, “What are you doing here?”

“I came to ask you something.”

“And your phone is…?”

He shrugs, “More of a boring gesture than this.”

“And not coming to the door…?”

He screws his face up in a comical expression, “Again, this is a more interesting entrance.” And with a graceful slip of the hand, he falls forward through the window and crashes to the ground, “Ow!”

You grimace, hearing the floorboards squeak in the hall, “Shit, Stiles my parents will kill me if they knew you were sneaking up our roof!” In a frantic waving of your hands you shove him under your bed.

He does his now famous doggy-paddling across the hardwood floor.

“(Y/N), sweetie?” your mom calls as she enters your bedroom, “Oh – what was that noise? I thought you must’ve fainted and fell.”

You put your hands behind your back, looking around and finding Ollie still snoozing on the history textbook on your desk. He was so unbothered and not at all helpful. “Um… I dropped my math workbook,” you say quickly, “It’s pretty thick.”

Your mom looks to your hands to see the workbook and raises her eyebrows in question.

Choking on your words you look around and find the evidence on your bed covers, “See! I just picked it up when you walked in.”

Angela shakes her head, “Studying must be getting to you. Maybe you should take a break.”

You nod vigorously and thank your mother, closing your door and finding Stiles already trying to pull himself out from under your bed. His tongue was sticking out as he struggles.

“That was close,” you laugh, sitting on the floor with him, “Who knew you’d be such mischief.”

Stiles snaps his eyes to yours and flounders in his words, “I… you – did you…”

Your knees are inches away as you give him a quizzical look, “What?”

“My m-, my mom used to call me mischief.” His voice was quiet and wondering as he says it. He looks at you with a kind of awe; a freckle of sadness making his eyes glassy.

You suddenly feel warm, maybe from embarrassment – maybe from empathy. You couldn’t imagine a life without your mother. “A very fitting name for someone so mischievous.”

He chuckles, his smile subconscious, “That’s not the only reason she called me that. Um… I uh – my name isn’t actually Stiles.”

“I knew it,” you smirk.

“I actually have a polish name – my grandpa’s name. And it’s really hard to pronounce, so I’d pretty much stop at saying mischief cause that was as close as I could get.”

You raise your eyebrows, all curiosity, “And this name is…?”

He looks shy as he mumbles, “Mieczyslaw.”

“Mitchy-slav?”

He becomes shier as he repeats, “Yeah, Mieczyslaw. You can imagine why a young impressionable child would choose to go by something a little easier.”

You look at him fondly, “I like it. I like learning things about you.” You stand, taking his hand to pull him up, “Now what was the thing you wanted to ask me?”

“I wanted to know if you’d come hangout at my place tonight and meet my dad.”

“I already know your dad, Stiles.”

“Yeah, on a professional basis,” he mocks, “But… but you’ve never seen him without the badge on.”

You agree to come over that night and say you’ll bring a treat, which immediately strikes interest in Stiles. You plan accordingly, cooking all Saturday evening and dishing it in traveling containers. Placing them in a large take-out bag, you drive with your dad to the Stilinski bachelor pad.

You hope your gesture is kindly met.

“(Y/N)!” Stiles says with as much enthusiasm as one seeing someone for the first time in weeks. He’s awkward as he thinks of another way to greet you and is grateful when you go in for a hug. “Something smells delicious.”

You lift the large bag, “I told you I’d bring something.”

He leads you to the kitchen and you see Noah Stilinski looking over case files at the dining table. He looks stressed and wary until he spots you in the doorway.

“Ah, hello (Y/N). It’s nice to see you outside of the station…” he stands up, “… and outside of an ambulance.”

You laugh, going in for a hug that he wasn’t expecting, but loving it nonetheless. He holds you for a second longer as you say, “It’s about time.” He smells of whiskey. You gesture to the food in your bag, “I brought us dinner.”

“Oh my god,” Noah deadpans, “You spoil us.” He frantically tries to shuffle his case files into an orderly fashion, “I’m sorry it’s such a mess.” He moves his full whiskey glass and goes to put the decanter away.

“It’s okay,” you start to help, catching words like ‘murder’ and ‘Hale House.’ Stiles ran for some plates and forks. “There’s not always warning when Stiles makes plans.” You wonder how drunk the sheriff already is – the case must really be getting to him.

Noah chuckles, “You really know my son, then.” He seems awkward without the authority of his badge – like any other suburban dad. “He didn’t tell me you were bringing anything. Wait… did you cook that?” he points to your bag of containers.

“Yeah,” you say, helping Stiles set the table, “My specialty.”

Noah shakes his head, “I haven’t had a homecooked meal in…”

“Years,” Stiles snorts, “(Y/N) is the real deal, dad. Whatever she made will change your life.”

“He eats some chicken and rice and suddenly I’m a three-star Michelin chef.”

Stiles chortles, “Don’t forget those brownies. I’ll never be the same.”

You laugh as the boys sit down and you reveal the dinner you brought. A bowl of spicy Italian sausage, a plate of sliced garlic bread, and a dish of homemade mac and cheese topped with chopped parsley and green onion.

It was very quiet for the first few minutes, you placing a slice of garlic bread on each plate and ladling the cheesy noodles on top like an open-faced slider. You end with placing a few pieces of sausage on the side and passing the plates to the boys.

Stiles still can’t find the words as his dad says, “Did um…” he clears his throat. “Did Stiles tell you…”

You nod, feeling a presence there like nothing you had ever experienced before. “He said it was one of her signature dishes – a favorite of his.” You look to Stiles beside you and notice something glistening in his eyes.

You let them soak in the thoughtfulness of the gesture – what it actually signifies for them – and you start to eat on your own. Though it didn’t bring up any childhood memories of motherly love that it would for Stiles… it was still delicious.

“You’re right,” you say softly, “Like a fancy kids meal.”

Noah starts to chuckle, sniffing as he clears the emotion from his throat. He’s next to start eating his meal and the way he savors each bite is compliment enough. You wait for Stiles to start, very conscious of his quietness.

Stiles was never quiet.

He picks up the garlic bread laden with mac and cheese and takes a bite. He giggles like a schoolboy, “Wow.” He closes his eyes and you feel inclined to put your hand on his. Beneath the table, you wrap your fingers around his against his leg.

You rub your thumb in circles around his knuckles, watching him open his eyes and see tears there. “How is it?”

He sniffs, looking at you with wet eyes, “Like I remember.” He wipes at his face as you smile.

The rest of the meal continues with small talk and fond memories bringing up laughter. The sheriff finishes his whiskey and seems full and tired. Stiles keeps eating until there were no leftovers in sight.

He was now staring at the files of paperwork on the current Derek Hale case. You catch his eye and stand to wash dishes, “You finished, sheriff?”

“Oh no, I’ve got it,” Stiles slips out of his chair and takes the plates from your hands, “You just sit down, I’ll clean up.”

You smile to yourself as the sheriff looks more work wary, leaning on his hand and rubbing at his temples. “You bring out the best in him,” he says quietly, “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him willingly wash a dish before.”

“He’s sweet,” you say. Realizing too late that that was another thing Mrs. Stilinski used to say all the time.

Noah nods, a little red in the cheeks from the alcohol, “He is. She always said so.”

You had a feeling the sheriff didn’t talk about his wife very much. “You seem a little put out.”

“It’s just this case,” he rubs hard at his face, “I’ve been staring at it for weeks and I know they’re all connected, but there’s something missing.”

“What are all connected?” you ask.

He points a finger at you, “I shouldn’t be telling you.”

“You know I’m not going to say anything, sheriff,” you say candidly, “I’m a hermit that makes very good mac and cheese in my spare time.”

He chuckles deep in his throat, quieter the drunker he is. “The thing is… the bus driver that got killed, he was an insurance investigator assigned to the Hale house fire.” He pulls on a paper with his fingertips, sliding it across the table.

You read it sideways as it moves. “’Terminated under suspicion of fraud.’”

“The video store clerk who got his throat slashed, he’s a convicted felon, history of arson. Two others in the woods… they had priors all over their records, including…”

“Arson…” you say to yourself. The true crime fan within you was a little tickled. It sounds like all the victims had something to do with the house fire six years ago. You look over your shoulder to see Stiles standing in the doorway. He had soapy water soaking the front of his shirt.

He puts a finger to his lips and listens.

“There’s just so many questions…” You don’t stop him for fear that he’ll register all that he’s telling you. “If Derek wanted to kill everyone involved with the fire, then why start with his sister? I mean, she had nothing to do with it. And why make it look like some kind of animal did it?”

You shake your head. It must be killing Stiles to know the real reason behind some of these things and not being able to share. He was protecting his dad from the supernatural. Just like how he was trying to protect you from it.

“You know the instances of wild animal reports were up 70% over the past few months? It’s like they’re going crazy and running out of the woods. I don’t know.” He hand a palm to his forehead, already dozing off.

You feel a little guilty as you lean in your chair.

“Hey, sheriff, can I ask you a favor?”

“Anything, sweetheart…”

You smile warmly as Stiles leans his head against the archway. “Would you be willing to call my parents and tell them I’m staying the night? It’s late and I don’t want to worry them. Stiles and I have some work to catch up on… our chemistry project and stuff. Now would be a really good time to get it done.”

The sheriff had a dopey smile on his face as he looks at you. He considers you while Stiles is having a heart attack in the kitchen.

“Sure thing,” he says, fumbling for his phone, “I know your parents worry about you.”

“It’ll sound better coming from you,” you say kindly, “Thank you, sheriff. And thank you for letting me stay.”

He scratches at his head as you stand, already dialing your mom’s number, “Hey, Angela. No, no – she’s fine. We’re taking good care of her… hey, listen. The kids want to work on some projects, and I wanted to offer to let her stay the night.” He rubs at his tired eyes, “Sure, sure… of course. It’s just late and I know Tom is at the firehouse tonight so… yeah, sure thing. We’ve got plenty of room. Yep, thanks Angela. Sure, bye bye.”

You’re walking towards Stiles with a stupid grin on your face, “Let’s go talk.”

“Night dad!” Stiles yells instantly, still in awe that you were able to pull that off.

Noah waves them off, “Don’t stay up too late.”

You pull Stiles’ hand and go upstairs. “I can’t believe that worked.” You find the bathroom but wait for Stiles to show you his room.

“Um… one second,” he holds up a finger and tells you to stay put. He rummages like a madman in his bedroom, knocking things over and slamming things shut. You picture mounds of clothes and old plates of food being shoved into the closet.

He’s breathing heavy when he opens the door again, “Okay, you can come in.” He holds open the door and you walk in to find a queen bed with ruffled blue sheets, a desk on the other side with bulletin boards hanging on the wall. One of the smaller ones had a blanket thrown over it.

You wonder how much decluttering Stiles did because it was still very messy. Papers, sticky notes, and red string were everywhere. “Cozy.”

He looks nervous, playing with his fingers and watching your expression, “I don’t… ha…” he fidgets with his soapy shirt, “I’ve never had a girl in my room before.”

You take a bow, “I’m honored.” You sit on the edge of his bed, “What your dad is investigating…”

“Derek… I know,” he sits at his desk chair. “He’s so close to figuring it all out. He just doesn’t know about the Alpha.”

“Was it bad of me to egg him on while he’s so clearly drunk?”

“No, I would’ve done the same thing.”

“Exactly,” you deadpan, smiling. “If the Alpha is killing people responsible for the fire, then Derek siding with him at the hospital…”

“… is probably because he wants people to pay for the fire as well.”

You rub your legs down to your knees, “And the Alpha just wants to become powerful again in his revenge.”

Stiles was tapping his fingers against the desk, “So was there any other reason why you wanted to stay the night? Because I know for a fact you already finished our chemistry project and it’s incubating in the lab right now.”

“Well, there have been a couple things I wanted to talk to you about.” You sit cross legged on the mattress and say, “Coach has been talking to me about Scott failing his classes.”

“Big surprise,” Stiles scoffs, “The guy thinks he can be some werewolf savior and graduate high school at the same time.”

You wince, “Finstock made a deal with the office. Scott can’t go to the winter formal.”

“Because he’s failing?” Stiles gawks.

“They wanted to kick him off the team, but Coach said… some strange things… and made the dance agreement.” You tilt your head to the side, “Are you still planning on going?”

Stiles spins around in his chair, fumbling over his words, “Um, er – yeah, technically. I was s-still planning on it. Why… might I ask?”

You sigh, “Allison will need someone to ask her out.”

He was caught off guard, “I’m sorry, what? Me ask Allison to the dance.”

“It makes sense!” you say, “With Scott’s savior complex he’s going to want everyone under supervision in case the Alpha decides to take us out one at a time.”

There was a hesitance in the way Stiles kept spinning around in the chair. He seems grumpy, “Why can’t Jackson ask her?”

“You don’t want to go with Allison?’

“Well, I…” he was biting his lips, “I don’t know. Are you going?”

“I think Andrew is going to ask me on our next date.”

Stiles bangs a foot against the desk and nearly slips out of the chair, “A second date? Already?”

You smile, going a little red, “We had a good time and… we may or may not have kissed.”

A horrible sinking feeling enters Stiles’ stomach. His heart clenches painfully and the sudden desire to hurt Wickstrom came on hard and fast. “And… you liked it.”

“It was a nice change of pace from my usual,” you try to hide your smile, “I haven’t been kissed in a while.”

Stiles waves his hands around, “Woah, woah, woah… you’ve been kissed before? I thought you were a hermit that made mac and cheese.”

“And I have the occasional neighbor boy kiss me,” you laugh, “There was Easton from down the street when I was thirteen and then Adam who was visiting from San Fransico over the summer when I was fifteen. Not to mention, nimrod, that Scott kissed me just the other week.”

“Oh my god,” he wipes a hand across his face, “How do you do that?”

“What?”

“Get people to kiss you?”

You squint your eyes, folding your arms, “Are you telling me you’ve never been kissed?”

Stiles squirms in his chair, swinging it back and forth. “Maybe.”

“Ah, Stiles!” you bounce on his bed, “That’s so sweet.”

He groans, “Don’t tell me it’s sweet. It freaking sucks. All of my friends are getting their jollies off and I am left here in the dust with the driest lips this side of the valley.” His arms hang limp at his sides, “Is it nice?”

You giggle, “It can be. I think it only ever is when you kiss someone you like. It’s just… god, it’s hard to explain.” But Stiles was leaning in like the most attentive student. “There’s something really vulnerable about it, which leaves you wide open to feel anything and everything. You’re scared to death of course, especially with someone you like. But the bliss you feel after doing it is like nothing else.”

Stiles purses his lips, “Is that how the Andrew kiss went?”

“Almost.”

That raises his eyebrows, “I thought you really liked him.”

“I do, but I kind of have this new rule since the summer with Adam from San Fransico,” you hold up a hand, “I can’t date seriously. I can’t get too involved with any guy. So I’ll have to tell Andrew to stop eventually if this keeps going well.”

Stiles frowns, a punch to the gut, “Why can’t you date seriously?”

“Personal choice.”

“Because of what?” You smile and he groans, “Let me guess, it’s another story for another day.”

You use a finger gun on him, “Precisely, you’re catching on.” But the smile starts to dip from your face as you look at him. You lick your lips and say, “How about this. If you don’t have your first kiss by junior year… I’ll kiss you.”

The chair creaks as Stiles nearly falls from it, feet kicking out, “What!?”

“I’ll kiss you. We’ll make a kiss pact. I don’t want you getting too far into high school without having been kissed. The first one is always nerve-wracking anyway. It probably won’t be as meaningful as getting surprised with it by someone you really like, but it might be the next best thing.”

Stiles was losing his marbles, little fireworks exploding behind his eyes and falling like sparklers into his chest. “Okay.”

You smile at his goofy expression, “Now, can I borrow those sweats again? And maybe a t-shirt?”

He was still looking at you with sparklers in his eyes, “Huh? Oh yeah, sure.” He went to rummage through his dresser.

A few minutes later you were both in pajamas, having taken turns to use the bathroom to brush your teeth – you just using toothpaste and your finger – and standing in Stiles’ bedroom. You had dark sweats and an oversized shirt. With how broad Stiles’ shoulders were, the shirt hung low on your frame.

His throat was bobbing when he saw you standing there, pillows and blankets on the ground. “You good?”

You yawn, “Yep.” You meet him at the makeshift nest on the ground and nudge him, “Move please.”

“Oh, no this is for me,” he says, “You get the bed.” Standing so close to each other, you have to look up at him.

“I’m the guest, Stiles. You use your bed and I’ll count the dust bunnies under the bed.” You smile at the deep frown on his face.

He shakes his head, “Not gonna happen.”

“Fine,” you say, crawling onto his bed, “We can share.”

He chokes on his spit and starts coughing, “Share the bed?”

“Is that okay?” you look at him innocently.

That look combined with you wearing his clothes was sending him over the edge. His stomach was full of butterflies tickling the tightness in his ribcage. He wasn’t sure what to do with himself. In one night he had a girl in his room, said girl promised to kiss him, and now wanted to share a bed with him.

“Um… I kind of sleep in the middle of the mattress. I don’t want you to wake up to me invading your personal space.”

You laugh, “That’s fine, I can just shove you away.”

He nods, but is lost for words, going to turn off the light while you get comfortable. He’s back in the darkness and hesitates, “Are you su…”

“Get in the bed, Stilinski,” you mumble, already buried in his woodsy honey scented sheets. You feel the mattress dip as he finds his pillow. His knee knocks into your leg, and he apologizes. He shuffles down further and pulls up the blanket, rubbing his arm against yours, and he apologizes again.

“It’s fine, Stiles,” you laugh, “We’re bound to touch being this close.”

He swallows hard, staring at the ceiling as you cuddle further into your pillow, blanket tucked under your chin. “Goodnight,” you mumble.

Stiles bites the inside of his cheek, “Goodnight, (Y/N).” In the dark of his bedroom and the warm, calm presence of you beside him, it gave him a sense of ease. He takes a deep breath and says, “Thank you for the dinner today. It… meant a lot.”

You hum in reply, “You’re welcome.”

The last thing he remembers is turning on his side to face you already asleep. Your mouth was a little open and the pillow was squashing your cheek. Your hair was wild behind you and the shirt you borrowed was low enough that he could see the scar above your heart. You look more beautiful than ever laying there.

He wanted to know what you were holding back. He wanted to know what he had to do to give you the same feelings he was having.

And with thoughts of you looking beautiful in his bed, he fell asleep too.

~~~

Hours later you wake groggily to a still dark room. Stiles was standing and pulling his shoes on, phone in his hand. You groan and shift the covers closer to your body.

“Where are you going?” you ask half-asleep.

Stiles freezes at your words, “Uh… werewolf business. You can just stay here…” he walks over to your nearly asleep figure, “I’ll come back later.”

You don’t reply and he thinks you’re already back to sleep. It makes him smile. He bends down to tuck the covers a little tighter around you and… he hesitates, looking at your face. He swallows hard and leans down to place a kiss to your head.

“Sweet dreams.”

~~~

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#stiles stilinksi x reader #stiles stilinski #teen wolf stiles #teen wolf #okay j hannah #okayjhannah #fandomfantasia

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