#and I was so confused cause I never heard of people pouring water on peoples faces to wake them up
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fandoms-spamdom · 2 years ago
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It’s 4 AM but tumblr I need to tell you a story
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tinyluvs · 1 year ago
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Can I get a fic of Reader slapping Spencer's butt for the first time randomly while he is making coffee or walking by and he does know how to react and Reader thinks his confusion is the funniest thing ever. (Up to you if you want to extend it further iykyk)
the mental image this gave me is *chefs kiss* tyyyy so much
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the smell of coffee starts to fill spencer's apartment, you give a small sniff to the air, trying to figure out what coffee pods he's using but to no avail, you can't work it out from the bed
with a yawn, you wander down the hallway, smiling to yourself when the sound of classical music pours out from a distant radio, "morning," you hum as you round the corner into the kitchen
spencer startles slightly but turns, back resting against the countertop as he looks at you, all gentle eyes and a soft smile, "morning honey, coffee?" he asks, tilting his head slightly
"please," you answer simply, pulling yourself up onto the corner of the counter. you start to sway to the music, not a personal choice but definitely not the worst thing you could be listening to early in the morning
you watch as spencer finds one of your mugs and one of the pods he had bought specifically for you, "do you want breakfast?" he asks, pushing the mug under the stream of hot water
"no thanks angel, just coffee for now," you mumble through another yawn. he hums, acknowledging your answer while his back is turned towards you.
the coffee machine splutters quietly and seconds later spencer's pushing your coffee mug along the counter with a gentle smile and a nod.
you mornings are always the same. you get your coffee, silently sipping it while your boyfriend moves around the kitchen, making his breakfast without saying a word, just the radio playing softly
by the time you're done with your coffee, spencer has already finished his cereal. you hop off of the counter when he starts to roll up his sleeves, kitchen sink filling with warm water
"thanks pretty boy," you giggle, finally feeling alive and not like you're sleep walking. you reach round one side of his body, dumping the mug into the sink before passing behind his back and without thinking, you slap his ass, not hard but just hard enough to make a sound
spencer makes a noise you've never heard before, a mix of a grunt, shriek and a shout, which makes you jump and whip around to face him again, "what was that? what is wrong with you?" he gasps, eyes wide as his hand flaps to turn the taps off
"have i never slapped your ass before?" you ask slowly before biting down on your bottom lip as you attempt not to laugh at the look of pure horror on his face
his eyes somehow widen even further, just for a second, his head shaking slightly, "what? no!" he huffs, brushing the butt of his trousers with both of his hands
the whole ordeal is too much and it forces you to break out laughing, your hand on the counter as you double over, "i'm sorry," you struggle out between a cackle and a cough
"no you're not," spencer grumbles, arms folding over his chest, "why on earth would you do that?" he asks, seriously, glaring at you fiercely.
it takes longer than you'd like to admit before you're recovering, standing up straight, hands wiping a stray tear off of your cheek, "it's just something people do when they're in relationships, spence," you explain
your boyfriend looks at you completely unconvinced, "why?" he asks again and you're sure you can almost see the cogs turning in his brain
you shrug, "because, people like it, i don't know," you take a step towards him and he takes a step back causing you to snicker, "why, didn't you like it?"
"no!," he shrieks too fast but then his eyes soften and he thinks, hard, "actually, i don't know, it surprised me too much," he says quietly, a red blush passing over his cheeks quickly
your laughing and giggling subsides, "want me to do it again?" you ask, softly, not wanting to make him feel embarrassed about anything
"not now,' spencer says slowly, starting to back away from you, "would probably be awkward now, right? right,” he asks through a nervous chuckle as you start to stalk after him
you hum, not a yes or a no as your eyes travel down to his hands, moving to cover his butt, "spence, i want a kiss, i'm not going to attack you," you do giggle this time
spencer makes a slight oh sound before crowding into your space for kisses, lots of little ones, tasting like coffee before he's kissing you a little longer and slightly deeper. he gets distracted, his hands sliding over your waist, just like you knew he would
"aha!" you cry, victorious, as both of your hands slap at his ass before he knows what's happening. you turn on your heel as he gasps, loudly, taking off back towards the bedroom
"i'll get you," he shouts, only a few steps behind you. it's your turn for your hands to shield your butt now, zigzagging your way down the hall until you're launching yourself into the air and landing on the bed, pressing your back down into the mattress with a giggle
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thanks for reading! remember to like! reblog! and comment! i’ll give you a smooch if you do, ily !! send prompts to my ask box!
❥ spencer reid masterlist !!
+
i like to think that spencer does like it, eventually. blushes when you walk past n gently tap at his ass BUT going up stairs in front of you gives him the FEAR to the point you just tease him about it
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yourgentlegirlfriend · 2 years ago
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Mentor!Reader giving Rookie!Leon a lesson in coercion... or trying to make leon give up information by any (sexual) means possible
Hi!! I’m definitely writing a part two for this because I enjoyed this request so much, and the part two will definitely have the spice. I’m obsessed with the thought of them somehow meeting again-
I hope you guys like it <3 My inbox is open im writing requests for the rest of the night!!
I know we all see Leon in RE2 as this precious baby and he still is he’s so cute, just a little toooo smart
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“Focus up, Kennedy.”
A huff being heard from Leon as he went to punch at the padding at your arms again, his fist colliding with the soft cushion causing you the shake your head, putting your hand out to stop him from swinging again.
“You should be punching, hard. I want to feel it through the cushion Kennedy. Put these on.”
You handed Leon the arm cushions, his chest rising and falling as he slipped them onto his arms, your fingers laid against your palms as you looked at the red padding on his arms, your fists punching into them, causing him to jolt back before standing his ground.
You nodded your head at him, catching your breath as you tapped at the padding so he could put his arms down.
“Leon your arms are much bigger than mine, I should feel your knuckles hitting my forearm like that.”
“I’m sorry, I’ll try harder.”
Leon sigh as he wiped the sweat off his forehead, you pull the cushion off his arms and threw him his water bottle.
“Never, ever be sorry, just do better you have that potential.”
You spoke as you took a drink from your bottle, your hands resting at your hips, clapping your hands together as you finally caught your breath.
“Alright, sit down.”
Leon sat at the chair in the room, watching you walk over to the white board in the room and drag it over towards the training area. His eyes secretly running up and down your body, examining the way the muscles in your arm moved as you wrote on the white board.
“Coercion.”
You spoke underlining the word before turning back to Leon. Your eyebrows raised at him as you walked to the other side of him.
“You have the have sex with me, or I wont sign your papers to allow you out into the field.”
You said tilting your head at him. Leon sat, blinking at you as he shook his head in confusion.
“What?”
His words came out in a stutter as he watched you laugh.
“That’s Coercion. Obviously, I would never truly tell you that, but in the field you’re entering it is a mighty fine chance you will be manipulated. By many people in higher positions than you could ever be in. Or, you could fight back.”
You went to write down another word before Leon cleared his throat, making you turn back to him with raised brows.
“Isn’t it unprofessional to use sex as an example to a rookie?”
Leon asked with a small smirk, leaning forward onto his knees as he watched you stare at him.
“I don’t know what’s crazier you questioning me or you acting like you can cut me off..”
Your tone was attempting to be stern, your body leaning against the white board as you crossed one leg over another. You squinted at Leon as he shrugged, his arms reaching over his head as he stretched. Your eyes flickering over the way his muscles flexed, his head moving to the side to catch your gaze again.
“Seems I lost you”
Leon chuckled causing you to point at him with the expo marker, your cheeks flushing before you turned erasing the word off the board.
“Go on your lunch, Kennedy. And come back without the attitude.”
Leon stood, he was your rookie to train, he was all your responsibility. You taught him everything he knows.
“You told me to fight back.”
Leon walked passed you and out the double doors. Your head nodding, but you couldn’t help but smile. The kid was smart, maybe a little to smart.
———
Half asleep still, your badge hanging from your neck as you yawned pouring the fresh coffee. The station was empty today practically due to some body’s found at the big mansion in town. It was your case but you handed it down, not having the energy today.
You plopped yourself down in your chair, groaning seeing the chief put way to much paperwork on your desk.
You bit at your cheek as you saw Leon’s file laying on top. Opening it seeing his paperwork awaiting your signature, your head shook as you brought your mug to your lips, taking a sip of your coffee. Your eyes shifted up at your closed door, a soft knock being heard.
“Come in.”
You yelled as you closed the file, reaching for your pen in the cup holder on your desk. Feet shuffled through the door and a small click of it being shut was heard, your eyes shifting between your other paperwork and the shoes of the person.
“Yes Leon, what can I do for you.”
Your voice was unenthusiastic as your eyes ran over the paperwork of your two year re contract. Your hand sloppily signing on the line. His silence making you look up at Leon. His hands were shoved in the pockets of his jacket.
“Sorry are you busy?”
He pulled out the chair in front of your desk, sitting down. He was a sweet kid, and when you first started training him he always nudged you about how you were only two years older yet you treated him like a child. Though you’re hard on him, he is gonna make one good cop. He is so driven, and his heart is in the right place.
“Not to busy, I thought you’d be with the chief checking out that case.”
You asked as you tossed him his file, his name printed on it. Leon shrugged as he pushed the file open, his finger tapping at the empty line.
“No signature?”
You nodded your head as you leaned back in your chair, the two of you staring at each other, his jaw tight. Leon let out a chuckle as he closed the file pushing it towards you.
“It’s either you sign it, or I tell the chief you asked to have sex with me.”
A laugh roared from your chest as you reached over grabbing your coffee.
“Real funny Kennedy.”
The liquid ran down your throat, but his face was straight. You choked on the coffee, coughing as you tapped your chest. You cleared your throat.
“Leon, this isn’t an appropriate conversation to be having with my rookie-”
“You’re two years older than me. Calm down.”
Anger bubbled in your chest as you glared at him. Your fingers prying the file open, your eyes never leaving his, only to find the line and scribble your name down on all the papers before throwing the file at him.
“Get the fuck out of my office.”
Now he was to fucking cocky. His smirk more than visible as he grabbed at the paperwork, standing. Leon would’ve been lying if he said he wasn’t hoping the conversation ended with you bent over your desk, your hair messy, whining his name. He was obsessed with you, even if you were mean at times he knew you cared and that’s what had him so attached to you. Eventually, time will tell, and he would eventually get what he wanted. He always did.
Watching his back as he walked out the door, your legs crossing before you smirked shaking your head. Coercion. Smart kid used your own teachings against you, and you fell right into it.
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This is my first time ever requesting SMTH OML IM SWEATIN 😟 BUT I WANTED TO HAVE MY FIRST REQUEST BE TOWARDS YOU CAUSE UR WRITING IS SO GOOD AND BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN LIKE THE EMOTION UR ABLE TO CONVEY JUST THROUGH WORDS IS CRAZY N ADDICTIVELY DELICIOUS NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES IT HURTS MY SOUL ANYWAY MOVING ON (i love ur writing sm its so artistic)
this is so akward but like a reader who grew up around family members who'd get RLLY drunk n made her home super uncomfortable for her so like it's like a sensitive thing when she's around intoxicated people yk like n one day bill shows up late from a party pretty messed up n is kinda acting like an asshole lowkey aggressive LIKE ANGSTY YK UR AMAZING AT THAT n then the next morning bill wakes up hung over without reader in bed next to him confused n finally remembers n how royally fucked he is n hes like super apologetic
THATS ALL I GOT BUT UM IF U DONT FEEL COMFY WRITING IT I TOTALLY GET IT LIKE IGNORE THIS DELETE THIS DW, BUT IF YOU DO THANK YOU IN ADVANCE IYLSM
(this Lowkey sucks ass and I'm so sorry for making you wait this long for this piece of shit writing I wrote, jut I still hope you enjoy it and I'm so glad you like my works and my writing!)
Drunk & Sober Mistakes
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Bill woke up with a pounding in his head, groaning as he flipped over onto his stomach. He reached for the nightstand, grabbing a bottle of water.
He drank from it like he was dehydrated for ten years, feeling like he was as he savored the feeling of it pouring down his throat.
"(Name)...?" Bill called out, his voice raspy and scratchy as he woke up, trying to see you.
Bill looked up confused when he got no response, looking around from the bed as best he could.
Bill groaned as he got up, almost stumbling as he made it to his feet and to the bathroom, desperately trying to get the taste out his mouth.
He brushed his teeth, almost gagging at the taste of the toothpaste with throw up in his mouth.
Bill finally has time to mull over everything, everything in small blurs except that he knew that he got drunk.
He came home, and for some reason felt in a bad mood, and unfortunately you were there as well, so you got some backlash.
Bill felt like hitting himself, especially as it came back in an almost tidal wave that he remembered everything.
Your family has problems with drinking, getting so drunk to the point of making you uncomfortable.
Bill promised to never do that to you, but now?
Bill felt the throw up coming back up as he realized he had broken that promise, and your trust.
Something Bill vowed to never do to you
As he did so, he heard the front door open and shut as soon as he heard it. Bill sighed, knowing it was you just from the sound of your footsteps.
Knowing he has to face you, and full of shame, he walks out of the bathroom to see you collecting stuff off the floor he had either knocked down, or dropped.
Watching you do so as he leaned against the doorframe only made him even more guilty.
You knew he was there from the burning and the feeling all over your body, but you chose to ignore him, feeling as he deserves it for what he has done last night.
At your silence and watching you trying to fix the bed, Bill sighed.
"I'm sorry, babe." Bill finally spoke up, looking as you stopped your movement, listening as he stepped closer, staying a little ways away as he didn't want to make you even more uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry for getting drunk. I…I didn't think I would get that bad." Bill sighed once more, walking closer to you as he heard you sigh as well, about to shrug him off.
"It's fine-"
"No, it's not. I fucked up. I'm sorry." Bill apologized once more, looking as you shook your head as he stood right behind you. Bill wrapped his arms around your waist, leaning down to put his chin on your shoulders.
"I'm sorry…" Bill repeated, kissing your cheek in light kisses as he heard you sigh, moving the hands to softly sit on his, so soft and quiet it was like you wouldn't notice your hands unless you spoke up about them.
"Just- just don't do it again…" you mumbled, looking over your shoulder slightly to see his face close to yours, a frown almost permanent on his.
"I promise you, I won't ever do it again." Bill reassured, pecking your lips softly once as he rubbed his thumb over your waist.
"...You were being a real asshole." You said, actually meaning it and thinking he deserves to hear it. Bill sighed, nodding softly as he knew he was.
Bill thought about something for a moment, to at least try and make it a little more better before he finally found it.
"...wanna smack me?" Bill offered quickly, getting a pause from you as you finally turned around to look at him.
"What?" You couldn't help but laugh at the suggestion, Bill smiling as he finally got a smile out of you.
"To make it better!" Bill laughed along, smiling as he put his hands on your hips.
"No!" You shook your head, objecting like he was crazy but he was smiling at the sound of your laughter.
"Come on, just one smack." Bill tried once more, tickling your sides softly as you playfully scoffed and moved his hands.
"Is this a new kink you're trying out?" You joked, Bill falling silent as he gave you a funny look.
You both gave each other little smirks, amused before you both bursted out laughing.
Bill chuckled, grabbing your arm and bringing you into a hug as you kept on giggling.
He rubbed your back, your arms and kissed your head.
"I'm sorry, again."
"It's fine…just promise to not do it again?" You mumbled out, smiling up at him from his chest as he chuckled, immediately nodding.
"I promise I won't ever do it again. Sticking to soda from now on, huh?" Bill asked, his hands on your waist now with yours around his.
"You most definitely are." You smiled back, scrunching up your nose as he leaned down and almost touched his nose with yours, still smiling.
"Well, got a soda cop here now, huh?"
"Yup, ass."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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heartsfromia · 1 year ago
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while i still love you — w. junhui
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pairing: non-idol! junhui x f!reader
word count: 5,695
genre: angst, established relationship
warnings: major character death, cursing
author's notes: i apologize in advance, please put down your metaphorical pitch forks T__T also, i realized during writing this that i have a hard time writing angst so don't expect a lot of angst from me T________T
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Something was wrong, and you hadn't a clue what it was.
Was it the oddly high humidity in your room, causing you to wake up in a pool of your own sweat? Or was that your boyfriend, Junhui, hadn't replied to your text since yesterday afternoon? Which you thought was odd because even if there wasn't nothing to continue the conversation, Jun would usually send an emoji (specifically the cat smirking emoji), if not, a meme of some sort—he never wanted you to be left on read.
Your concern was obvious, evident in your furrowed brows and slightly pouted lips as you stared at your text messages with Jun, the last text sent around 2PM yesterday and it hasn't even been read yet by your boyfriend. Minghao, the mutual friend between you and your boyfriend, stared at you in confusion, absentmindedly eating his food as the two of you were seated in the campus cafeteria.
"What's wrong with you?" Minghao asked, shoving his now empty plate to the side.
"Jun," you muttered, resting your chin on the table to exaggerate your obvious despair from not being contacted by your boyfriend.
"Maybe he's busy with prepping for his internship," he tried to reason, but you only released a heavy sigh, your shoulders rising and falling dramatically. "You guys are okay, though, right? Have you guys got a plan when he graduates next semester?"
Your head lifted, eyes bright. “We’ve talked about it, and if all works out, then we’ll most likely still be together. Jun and I haven’t discussed on serious terms, but so far, we’re both willing to commit to the relationship.” Minghao mirrored your smile, relieved that his two friends are still riding strong on the relationship.
Yeah, we’ll work it out, you thought, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling at the back of your head, urging you to see the red flags you weren’t aware were being waved in front of you. You couldn’t pinpoint why you were feeling uneasy when talking about your relationship, but you didn’t want to worry or have Minghao meddle in with your business—he’s always been understanding as an outside observer, and he knew you never liked it when people made opinions about your relationship. So despite noticing the crease between your eyebrows and the way you absentmindedly chewed at a hang nail anxiously, he didn’t ask. He knew you wouldn’t answer.
Nevertheless, you continued to ignore it. As you drive back to your apartment, rain began pouring from the dark sky, the heavy drops of water blurring your windshield as you maneuvered through the chaos carefully, breathing a sigh of relief when parked in front of your building. You hurried up to your apartment, hair strands sticking to your skin when you spotted Jun seated by your door, staring blankly at the space in front of him.
“Jun?” You called out, but he didn’t seem to hear. You stepped closer, a smile pulled at your lips before you utter his name again, softer, “Jun?”
His head shoots up, eyes wide in surprise before it softens at the sight of you and then… darkens? Why was he glaring at you all of a sudden?
You dismissed the thought, asking, “How long were you waiting for?” He didn’t answer your question, pushing himself up and taking a step back to keep his distance from you as he looked down on you—literally, and figuratively. “W-what’s wrong?”
“Y/N,” he finally speaks, his voice low and stern—a tone you had never heard from him, and it caused a chill to run up your spine. Please, please, you begged in your heart, please don’t let the uneasy feeling come true.
“Yes?” You tried to hide the shakiness in your voice, but you failed.
“We need to talk.” The air felt tight around you, whatever bad feeling you had earlier were now showing its light, mocking you for ignoring them when you should’ve said something, anything. With his tone and his stance, you knew that what he wanted to talk about had nothing with the future you hoped for, how after he graduated, he’d wait for you, work a steady paying job, and maybe, when the time feels right, he’d propose. He’d express his never-ending devotion towards you, how he can only ever envision a future with you, that he loves you.
Everything in this very moment were pointing in the opposite direction of everything you’d hoped for.
“Do you want tea? It’s raining—”
“I won’t be here long.” Jun struck you down, his tone colder than the chilling rain. He stayed standing close the door, as if when the moment is given, he has an escape out. You kept your distance, though, despite everything in you urging you to reach for him—if it’s going where you think it’s going, then shouldn’t you hold onto for the last time?
“What… what is it you want to talk about, Jun?” You asked, the corners of your lips tilted upwards in a wry smile, trying to cover up the fact that you’re slowly crumbling inside.
You watch his jaw clench, and unclench, huffing through his noise as he closed his eyes for brief second. When they opened, it was as if a light had been switched—what was dim earlier, had now flickered to black and Jun’s entire demeanor darkened as he stared at you. “Let’s end it here, Y/N.”
You blinked. Then, you blinked again, and again, confused. Your mouth opened, then closed, eyes flickering from Jun’s face to his hands to all around your grey-washed apartment. Why was everything feeling so much duller? Where did everything go wrong? “Why?”
“How long have we been dating, Y/N?” He asked, raising a sharp brow towards you, but nothing else changed. Everything was cold.
“A year…”
“Exactly,” he uttered with a shrug, “I’m done.”
The look of anxiousness had shifted to confusion after his statement. “What do you mean?”
“Did you seriously never realize?” He asked, the corner of his lip twitched upwards, his tone condescending. You shook your head, the bile rising in your throat as you watched him scoff at you, his eyes glaring back at you as if you were a joke to him. “It was all just a bet, Y/N. I was given a year to be with you, and now the deal’s done, it’s over.”
You hadn’t crumbled yet. You were a car window, and Jun was the rock, lodged in you, but you felt the slightest touch against all you were trying to keep together, you would collapse into millions of pieces.
You hoped that touch would never come.
“I—” You choked, pursing your lips to keep from whimpering. A hand combed through your hair in frustration as you tried to compose yourself, to try to keep yourself together to at least get an explanation out of him. But what explanation would you need when what he said had said it all—that he never loved, that all of it wasn’t real.
“S-so when you said you loved me?” You asked, staring back at him with glossy eyes, the tears piling at the brim and threatening to fall.
“I love you, Y/N,” Jun whispered, his head resting against your stomach as the two of you lied on the grass, staring up at the cloudless night sky, a bit drunk from the cheap wine you bought. “I love you, Y/N, to the stars and back.”
You smiled at the sky, your stomach rumbling in a fit of giggles, drunk off of the wine and his love. “I love you, too, Jun, to the moon and back. Ha! I’m further than you.”
He chuckled, rolling his eyes, “Only you would make loving each other a competition.”
“What was that, Jun?” You asked, anger slowly seeping into your veins and traveling to drown your heart and soul as you glared at him, waiting for his response.
He only stares at you blankly, void of the love and care that once adorned his smile, his eyes, and his words. His shoulders rose, then dropped, a sigh leaving his lips. “I was only pretending.”
And that was all it took for you to collapse—your heart, mind and soul, all shattering into millions of pieces, falling apart right in front of him and all he does is walk away, leaving you there to pick up the pieces alone.
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Heavy, angry knocks echoed throughout Jun’s apartment, waking him up from his slumber. Grabbing his phone, he tapped the screen and eyes practically bulged out of his eyes. Who was knocking like a maniac at 4 in the damn morning? Jun drug his feet against the floor, rubbing the sleep from his eyes to see who was disturbing him at an ungodly hour. His eyes peeked through the peephole, and his eyes widened, spotting a seething Minghao on the other side.
Shit, Y/N must’ve told him.
His hand flew to smack his forehead gently, afraid that if he was too loud then Minghao would realize he was home, awake and in front of the door.
It’s been less than three hours since he broke things off with you, and even though he never did show it then, he, too, was in shambles.
He never wanted to end things, but…
“Open the fucking door, Jun, I know you’re there!” Minghao, who was almost always calm and collected, never one to raise his voice, had his voice booming throughout the hallway, practically shaking the walls as his fist pounded against the door. Inhaling a deep breath, Jun tried to calm his racing heart—who knows what Minghao could do once the door opens, he cares about you as much as Jun does.
“If you’re going to punch me, save your energy and leave, Hao,” he called out, keeping his voice level despite his heart aching. He already had to lie to the person he loved, now he has to lie to one of his closest friends. It felt like torture.
“Open the fucking door, Jun.” Exhaling a heavy breath, Jun took his time to unlock his door. The second the door opened barely an inch, Minghao kicked it open, taking Jun aback as he stumbled, only to almost fall when Minghao shoved his shoulders aggressively back. Jun backed into the wall, and only then, with Minghao seething in front of him, did he see the damage that he had done. Eyes red with anger, Jun’s collar crumpled in his fists as his jaw clenches and unclenches—Jun had not only hurt you, but Minghao—his best friend—as well.
“How could do that to her, Jun?” Minghao seethed, pulling Jun and slamming him back against the wall. Minghao’s fist clenched harder onto his shirt, the anger was mixed with confusion. “Why is it that she called me fucking crying, and telling me that everything was fake?”
Jun stayed silent. He couldn’t find it in him to put up a fight, only because he felt that he didn’t have the right to do so—he hurt you, and he hurt Minghao, for what? He justified his actions as an act to protect the two of you.
But he still needed keep on the act—the only way to make things easier at the end is if everyone around him hated him enough.
“Since when did you become such an asshole?”
“I’m a great pretender, if you didn’t realize, Hao.” A strong thud echoed throughout the apartment as Minghao’s fist landed against Jun’s left cheek, throbbing immediately after as it glows red. A heavy silence hung in the air, tension lingering so thick in the air, Jun found it difficult to breathe in that moment. He knew this was going to happen, that you’d confide with Minghao, and he’d look for Jun. You were never one for violence, but Minghao was, and if you weren’t going to be angry at Jun, then he’ll deliver the message for you.
“You made her cry, Jun,” Minghao fumed, eyes wide in anger and glossed over. “You made her cry, you played her, and you broke her fucking heart—how could you do, Jun? What is wrong with you?!”
“So, she told you everything?” Jun asked, his tone didn’t waiver a bit. He didn’t want to show Minghao that the break up affected him as well, he didn’t want to come off as if the decision was hard to make, that he regrets it. That would foil his plan.
“Obviously, you dipshit.”
Jun’s jaw clenched, turning away from his best friend as he asks, “Does she hate me?”
“What do you think, Jun? You disappear, appear at her front door to break up with her because it was apparently all a fucking bet?” Minghao didn’t expect to get a call from you late at night, barely able to get a word out as you were a blubbering mess from the tears and heartache. He found you on the floor, the door to your apartment unlocked because you never bothered to get up from where Jun had left you to pick up the pieces he carelessly shattered.
You told him everything that happened earlier in the day, while the rain continued to pound against your windows, no lights were turned on and you could barely get yourself up, too weak, too much in pain to even stand.
”I just don’t get it, Hao,” he remembered you wept, the bile rising up your throat. “We were fine what happened?”
“A year, Jun. You and Y/N were together for a damn year,” he reiterated, shoving a finger in his face as he seethed. “How could you let it get this far, huh? How could be with her, let her fall in love with you, knowing that it was all fake?”
Jun stayed silent. He couldn’t defend himself—he had no defense. He knew that if he said anything, he would break, he’d confess everything and all his efforts would be in vain. He couldn’t allow that, so he bit his tongue.
“Did you even love her, Jun?” Minghao asked, brows furrowed in frustration. “Even for the briefest moment, did you love her?”
I still do, his heart echoed, clenching his fist as his jaw locked. If Minghao never confronted him, maybe he’d be able to keep himself up, keep this act going on without having to utter another lie. Everything he told you was enough, it was all he could handle, he didn’t want anymore piling on.
“No, Hao,” he lied, “I never did.”
He rubbed his face, hoping it’d calm the anger that was present beneath his skin, corrupting his brain to hurt Jun as much as he had hurt you. “Fine. Can I, at least ask—as your friend and as hers—why, Jun? She’s too hurt to face at this point, so the least you could do is explain it to me since you can’t explain it to her.”
“There’s nothing to explain.” This was a lie.
“Bullshit,” Minghao spat. “You expect me to believe that not even for one second that you didn’t love her? That you didn’t feel any remorse knowing how it would’ve ended? Really, Jun? Do you think I was born last night?
“You played her for a year, Jun. And because you hurt her, you’ve hurt me to as someone that has been there for both of you since the beginning.”
“I’m sorry, Hao.” This wasn’t a lie. It was the first crack in Jun, and if he doesn’t push Minghao away, he’ll break entirely.
“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to, Jun,” he sneered. “Y/N told me that you weren’t responding to her texts, and when I asked a bunch of your friends, you were supposed to be meeting with them, but you didn’t show, so tell me, Jun—” Minghao’s hovered closer to his face, voice threatening as his brow rose, “—was the bet a lie to cover up the fact that you’re cheating on Y/N?”
“Are you serious? You’re accusing me of that?” Jun scoffed, rolling his eyes in disbelief. “I might be the biggest asshole in the room right now, but I’d never stoop as low to cheat on anyone. Especially Y/N.”
“Especially? Does that mean she’s special to you?” A suspicious brow was raised in his direction as Minghao continued to egg him on. “I thought you said you never loved her, you don’t care to hurt her, why would it matter if you cheated?”
“It matters, Hao, I’d never cheat on anyone.”
“Okay, so where did you go?”
“I can’t tell you.”
A dry laugh slipped past Minghao’s slips, lips curled up in disbelief at the words Jun had just uttered. “You can’t tell me? We’ve been friends for over three years, Jun and you’d always confide with me about anything—Y/N, class, the most random things. And yet, you’ve changed so fucking much, what the hell happened that made you lose your trust in me?”
“I can’t tell you, Hao.”
“You can’t or you won’t, Jun?” he challenged, “because there’s a clear difference between the two, but either way, there is a reason, isn’t there? It’s not a bet, that’s why you “can’t” tell me? Because the Jun I know would never fucking do this, he would never hurt Y/N the way you are right now.
“He would never hurt the girl he told he’d loved to the stars and back.”
That was it. That was the trigger that shot the bullet into Jun’s shield—the shield he kept up, hoping it would protect him from breaking his act, and allowing for everything to spill out into the open. Jun shot Minghao a glare before he took large strides to his room to retrieve a report, shoving the paper into his friend’s chest.
“There, you want to know what’s going on? Read that.”
Jun watched Minghao as he read the report, eyes focused on what was written and brows pulled together, his expression darkening the farther he read.
“W-when was this?” Minghao asked, lifting the report.
“Yesterday,” Jun answered, “I was having a lot of painful headaches and decided to go to the hospital for some pills, but I got that—” he gestured to the sheet of paper, almost bitter that it existed, “—instead.”
“This still doesn’t explain why you’d lie to Y/N, Jun.”
“I need her to hate me, Hao, I can’t—” He inhaled a shaky breath, eyes stinging. “If the worst case happens, then it’d be easier for her to move on if she hates me.”
“That’s such a stupid conclusion, what do you mean you need her to hate you?” Hao criticized, tossing the paper to the ground. “You have cancer, Jun. You’re sick, and instead of telling Y/N the truth, you chose to lie and hurt her, and you’re here trying to justify it as if you’re doing it for her sake?”
“I don’t want her to be with me and anxiously wait for when the time comes, Hao, that’s killing her slowly, as much as the cancer is killing me right now,” he protested, “I cannot have her be with me, and be on edge the entire time.”
An exasperated sigh escaped Minghao’s lips as his fingers ran through his hair, tugging at the roots in frustration.
“You can’t tell her.” Minghao’s neck almost snapped at Jun’s demand.
“What do you mean I can’t tell her? She needs to know.”
“Promise me you won’t tell her, Hao!” Jun demanded, his tone raised an octave higher—higher than it was during this entire conversation, causing Minghao to take a step back in shock. “You can’t tell her. I don’t want her to worry about me.”
Hao’s eyes flickered all over Jun’s face. “When does your treatment start?”
“Next week.”
“Is there a chance you can survive this?” According to the report, they caught onto it early, and if Jun is willing to cooperate, treatment could shrink the tumor and prevent any chances of it worsening.
“Yes, there’s a chance.”
A pregnant pause. Jun watched anxiously as Minghao processed everything before he looked up, locking eyes with his best friend, tears collected at the brim of his eyes. “I won’t tell her. I promise, but promise me, Jun—” he placed a hand on his shoulder, the tears falling, “—you’ll get through this.”
“I promise.”
—5 months later.
“Hey, Y/N, do you want to grab dinner tonight? A celebration dinner for the end of finals?”
“I’d love to Seokmin,” you grinned, the smile that appeared on your lips stretched upwards at the sight of him.
He mirrored your grin, eyes turned to crescent moons. “Great, I’ll pick you up at six? Is that okay with you?”
“Yeah, I’ll see you tonight.” He nodded, spotting his friend over your shoulder before bidding goodbye. You watched his back with a faint smile on your lips, before a sigh escaped and you turned to walk to your car. You liked Seokmin, he was patient and sweet, and was aware of your past relationship with Jun, but you couldn’t feel that connection—you didn’t react to his touch the way you should’ve, his invite to dinner didn’t feel special, it felt like a regular hangout between classmates.
You hated the hollow feeling that Jun had left behind. He’d broken your heart, and instead of leaving it on the floor, he kept it with him, the spot that was once filled, still void even after all these months.
Jun was busy with his internship, and so for the past few months, you were lucky enough to not have to run into him anymore. It made it easier to forget about him—out of sight, out of mind, but unfortunately, even he was out of sight, he’s been occupying your mind since that night.
The days that followed the break up felt like hell for you. A part of you was ripped open, torn apart and you were left alone for hours, crying until your throat was raw and your eyes could barely open from how puffy they were. You couldn’t bring yourself to move from where he left you, you crouched and hugged yourself, cried your heart out before you were able to muster any bit of strength to call Minghao. You shouldn’t be left alone, you realized that.
The anger you could feel radiate off of your best friend, you knew that when you were fast asleep, he’d run off to where Jun was and teach him a lesson. You woke up the next morning in a panic, afraid that you missed a call from Minghao from the police station, but woke up to nothing but a sore throat and swollen eyes. Minghao didn’t seem as angry as he did when you saw him later in class. You remember asking him if he ran off to Jun to beat him up, but he shook his head, uttering some excuse you couldn’t remember before cutting the conversation off completely. It was odd, but you were too much in your feels to really care that time so you brushed it off.
You hadn’t heard from Jun since that day; you blocked his number, blocked everything about him, and focused on getting yourself together. There was nothing worse than letting yourself crumble over a guy that never loved you in the first place. The bet made you believe that.
Now, you were better—if you exclude the fact you couldn’t open your heart to anyone. You don’t cry yourself to sleep, you don’t catch yourself in a daze, thinking of the what if’s of what could’ve been if you were smarter, more carefully, and didn’t fall for his sweet smile, and bright eyes. If you didn’t get caught in the rain with him by the bus stop a year ago, allowing for the two of you to get to know each other as you waited for the rain to stop. If you didn’t kiss him that morning when he was about to leave your apartment after staying over since he got locked out by his roommates.
“I’m better.” You would often find yourself saying when you get caught in your thoughts. You were better than Jun because you wouldn’t have done this to him—you wouldn’t have allowed yourself to keep a relationship based off of a lie going for so long.
You are better than him.
The thought echoes in your head as you get ready for the dinner, the time was forty-five minutes before when Seokmin promised to pick you up. As you clasped the chain of your necklace, knocks sounded at your door and your brows furrowed, eyes glancing at your phone. He was early, there was still twenty minutes left.
Walking towards the door, you swung it open to find a frantic Minghao, hair a mess and in a hoodie and sweatpants, seemingly out of breath.
“Hao, what’s wrong?”
“Come with me, Y/N, it’s an emergency,” he rushed out in a panic.
“What? Where?”
“The hospital?”
Your eyes widened. “Why? Who’s at the hospital?”
Minghao spared you a glance filled with guilt as he uttered, “Jun."
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The steady beat of his heart echoed in the hospital room, wires strewn all across his body, on his arms, over his mouth, over his heart. Tears welled up in your eyes at the sight, the only semblance of peace you could find in this situation was his steady breath as it fogged up his oxygen mask.
“He has cancer, Y/N.”
A whimper escaped your lips, a hand clasped over your mouth to stay quiet. He’s been sick all this time, and you’re only finding out now. Anger fueled your veins at that second, and exited the room, finding Minghao seated by the door with his face in his hands. “How long did you know?”
Minghao stood. “Y/N—”
“How long did you know, Minghao?” You pressed, your teeth clenched as you fumed. “How long did you know he was sick, and why didn’t you tell me?”
His head dropped, focused on his fidgeting fingers as he uttered, “The night after he broke up with you.” A gasp of disbelief escaped your lips, and you had to reach for the wall to prevent yourself from collapsing.
“You knew all this time? And you didn’t tell me?”
“I couldn’t, Y/N, I promised him I wouldn’t,” he mumbled, knowing well enough how stupid it was. “I couldn’t break the promise.”
You scoffed, a crease formed between your eyebrows as you stared at him. “If you promise to not eat your friend’s pizza, then that’s understandable if you couldn’t break it—this isn’t a fucking pizza, this is Jun and he is sick! Did you not think to tell me? Did that idea ever cross your mind?”
“It did, Y/N, but Jun—”
“Is this why he broke up with me? Was it a lie?” Minghao was silenced, afraid to look at you as his head slowly nodded, and when you thought you were finally better, you felt yourself crumble once again—for the same guy, for the same reasons. Because Jun lied.
“He wanted to tell you when he got better, Y/N, you have to believe me,” Minghao pleaded.
“Is he?” you asked, “is he getting better?”
It felt like your world had completely been brought to ruins the second Minghao shook his head, uttering, “He’s gotten worse.”
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For the past five months, it had been a back and forth from the hospital, then back home. The long hours, the pain, the headaches, the sleep and weight he'd loss in the past few months had become a constant routine, and no matter how long it has been, he has yet to get used to it. He couldn't protest though, despite all of it, he still cooperated, he stayed resilient, he was adamant on getting better. Getting better physically, and mentally, all because he wanted to return back to you.
Jun was grateful that he told Minghao in the long run, he knew his sanity would thin if he were to go through this alone. Hao kept his promise to him as well, which he was relieved to know he didn't regret telling him. But it still had its cost. Minghao would be there during treatments, hospital visits, everything, and Jun noticed how much of a toll it was on his best friend, guilt clouding his mind whenever he found Minghao asleep on the stiff hospital chairs, or the dark circles around his eyes as he slaves over an assignment he brought to the hospital.
Jun would often find himself thinking if it were you there. Holding his hands as you waited for the call into treatment, wiping the tears from his cheeks when he feels too overwhelmed by the pain, staying his side throughout the entire process—being his anchor that keeps him steady during the storm.
He wanted it to be a miracle, that having you be the reason he kept going, that the universe would grant it.
It was wishful thinking, and despite the treatments, it had spread further. Before he knew it, his immune was failing, the cells weren’t reacting to the treatment and he has been bedridden for the past three days.
The steady beat of his EKG rang through his ears as he awoke; the familiar scent of medicine, and the fluorescent lights reminded him of where he was, where he had always been, where he will stay. However, an unfamiliar warmth encompassed his hand, the soft and tenderness of what enveloped his fingertips caused his brows to knit together, turning his head to where he felt it.
You were there; head rested against the bed and hand gripped loosely onto Jun’s. Amidst the noise of the beeping, the air conditioning, and steps of nurses and doctors running around outside the room, he could hear your steady breathing as you continue your slumber. Your fingers twitched in his hands, and he instinctively squeezed your hand, the action causing you to stir awake.
“Jun…” You rubbed your eyes with the back of your hand, blinking away the exhaustion that took over you earlier. “You’re awake.”
A tight smile adorned his lips, and although he was trying his best to look strong, his eyes spoke a different story. “Hey, Y/N. I’m guessing Minghao brought you here?” You only nodded.
You wanted to be angry. You had this entire rant prepared while he was sleeping, a rant filled with questions of why would he lie? Why would he keep this from you? Why is it that she was the only one to not know? Why, why, why? But all that anger simmered when you fell asleep clasping his hand, and all that pent up frustration disintegrated when seeing him awake and up close—tired, dark circles and hollow cheeks.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Y/N, I thought… I thought I’d get better,” he uttered, words caught in his throat as tears stung in his eyes. “I was hoping to meet you again when I was well…”
Tears stung in yours as you glared at him, lips pouted and shaking as your brows knitted together. “You’re an idiot,” you managed to utter, the bile in your throat causing your words to crack. Jun couldn’t help but smile, his heart imploding from how much missed you, missed your touch. Pulling you up, he scooted over on the bed, giving you space to lie beside him, hands intertwined as you rest your cheek against his shoulder.
“When did you find out?” You asked, eyes closed as you listened to his heartbeat.
“The day before I broke up with you,” he began, inhaling a deep breath, “I was having a lot of really bad headaches, and decided to go to the hospital to see what was happening… I got diagnosed, but they told me it was detected early, so there was a high chance of treating it, but… but it worsened.
“I’m sorry, Y/N, I truly tried to get better.” You lifted yourself, brows furrowed as you found Jun teary-eyed.
“You don’t have to apologize for trying, Jun, some things are out of your control.” Fully sitting up now, your expression shifted to that of confusion, “Why didn’t you just tell me? Why would you hurt yourself more by suffering on your own? Why—” Your voice came out as a whisper, “—why did you let me hate you all this time?”
“I thought if you hated me, then it would be easier to let me go if… if I failed…”
“Oh, Jun…” You held onto his hands, a pained smile etched on your lips as the crease between your eyebrows deepened. “I can never understand your thought process, and no offense—” you chuckled lightly, causing the corner of his lips to quirk up slightly, “—that’s the dumbest assumption you’ve ever had.
“I would much rather let you go, while I still love you, than hate you… You should’ve known that.”
You reached over, swiping at the tear that escaped his eyes. “Y/N, I’m sorry for all the pain that I caused you—I never stopped loving you, I wished I’d thought things through rather than make irrational decisions, but… but I’m grateful that to this day, my love for you never changed… And when the time comes, I’m grateful to have loved you to my last breath.”
“Not when, if,” you corrected, “keep trying, Jun… Please. If the worst case scenario happens, don’t hate yourself because you failed. Don’t call yourself weak, don’t call yourself a failure or a burden.
“You’re strong to have faced this all this time, and you should be proud that you kept fighting.” He smiled, squeezing your hands. “But please… Keep fighting, alright? Not for me, but for yourself. Can you do that?”
Jun was silent for a second, hesitant to answer, but when he felt your hands squeeze his, he nodded. “Yes, Y/N. I promise.”
His promise couldn’t be kept, and later that week, he passed away while surrounded by you, Minghao, and his family. Although you were angry at the world for taking him a breath too quick, you felt a sense of relief, knowing that he left the world while being surrounded by people he loved—that you were able to have a last goodbye, hand-in-hand, while you still loved him.
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teaberrii · 10 months ago
Text
Chapter 16: Spiralling
After ending a five-year relationship, you pour all your energy into work. Your latest assignment? Staying at a popular bed-and-breakfast to gather information. It should be a piece of cake... If only the owner isn't the man you scolded on the street.
Jing Yuan/You
Notes:
Cross-posted on Ao3
Female reader
Chapter index at the end of chapter one
Caelus’s uncle walks up to them. He glances at Dan Heng but doesn’t acknowledge him. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost, Jingliu. Are you that surprised to see me?”
Jingliu looks at Dan Heng and nods towards the restaurant. “Let’s go.”
“I’m here to make you a new offer.”
Dan Heng shoots him a cold look. What is he talking about?
“It’ll work in your favour.”
“Was I not clear the first time?” Jingliu asks, glaring at him. “No means no. Or, is rejection something you have a difficult time accepting?”
“You don’t know the terms or conditions. Are you sure you want to give me your answer so quickly?”
“If your reputation is anything to go by, I don’t need to know your terms and conditions.”
She turns around but stops when she hears:
“It’ll only get harder and harder to keep your gym running. You, out of all people, should know that.”
“...She doesn’t want to talk to you.”
Dan Heng’s voice has never felt more comforting.
“Get lost.”
He comes up beside her, but as they walk into the restaurant together, they hear him ask one last question: “You can’t rely on the so-called ‘community’ forever.”
Dan Heng has so many questions, and they won’t stop coming. The waiter ushers them to a table, and as soon as he leaves, Dan Heng looks directly at Jingliu. He doesn’t need to say a word. His face says it all. He’s confused as to why Caelus’s uncle is suddenly in Xianzhou, frustrated as he remembers his friend, and worried about what Caelus's uncle has to do with Jingliu.
“I wasn’t expecting him to be here out of all places," Jingliu says quietly.
Dan Heng pours her some water. “...Has something happened with the gym?”
Her silence makes him look at her. It’s a question that Dan Heng thought would lighten the situation. Surely, Caelus’s uncle is here just to cause trouble. Jingliu will humbly brag about how well her business is doing, and—
“...It’s starting to struggle.”
It’s the first time Dan Heng knows she's anxious. She isn’t looking at him, and she’s slightly fidgeting. She’s also not rubbing her thumb against her palm.
“Those two people you saw at the gym the other day,” she continues, referring to the day you and the brothers came to box. “They were affiliated with him.”
Jingliu was stretching in an area of the gym when one of her staff walked up to her.
“Jingliu, some people are here to see you.”
“I wasn’t expecting anyone,” she said, standing. 
Then, to her surprise, her staff handed her two business cards. She took them and saw they were from a big gym chain in the city. Jingliu had heard about them as she’d been exposed to their aggressive online marketing.
What did they want with her? Jingliu had a hunch.
When she entered the lobby, a man and woman immediately approached her, talking to her as if they’d already met. After the introductions, they jumped into a conversation about how they thought her gym had so much potential, and that they could help her become “bigger and better.”
This was so out of the blue that Jingliu would've had a good laugh and turned them away. But, the words wouldn’t come out. Perhaps it was because she knew that this was an opportunity to get her out of the red. It was something she kept to herself: the gym was starting to struggle. 
As she led the man and the woman to a room upstairs, Jingliu remembered the conversation with her father to sell the place and move on to something else. Of course, that was easier said than done. But she had to agree with her father on one thing: her growth—the gym's growth—was stagnating.
Between Jingliu and the man and the woman was a small, glass coffee table. They were sitting on the couches across from each other when the man said they’d like to acquire her business.
“We have global branches with a lot of high-end clients,” the woman said. “Also adding you to our roster of trainers will be very beneficial to us considering your background. I guarantee you’ll get tons of clients from the start. With our branding and reputation and your expertise, we know this will be successful.”
It sounded… okay. While listening to the man talk about how they would handle everything so she only had to focus on training plans and the like, a name stood out that made her instantly say:
“...Who?”
“Oh, he’s our new CEO.” The man said the name again, and Jingliu was certain. “He’s quite well known—”
“I’m sorry,” Jingliu interrupted. “This won’t work.”
“...Is this what’s been on your mind?”
Jingliu looks up at Dan Heng from her food. He hasn’t touched his food since the waiter brought it to them during Jingliu’s storytime.
“My dad wants me to sell the place and start something new.” She sighs, gesturing for him to eat. “He’s aware of the finances, so he knows about the decline. Looking back, I think it's because he didn’t want to be so harsh about it.”
“...Then, would you have accepted their offer if Caelus’s uncle wasn’t involved?” Dan Heng picks up a fork and begins to eat.
“They showed up out of nowhere and suddenly said ‘Hey, we want to buy your business’.” Jingliu gives Dan Heng a deadpan look. “I’d like a phone call first.”
“I guess they were too eager and too fast.”
“There’s a word for that.” Jingliu briefly points her fork at him. “Impatience. Unhealthy impatience.”
“...Still, it sounds like they did their homework.”
“I guess I’ll give them points for that.”
“For doing the bare minimum? You deserve better than that.”
Jingliu almost laughs. “Since when were you such a sweet talker, hm?”
“I’m always like this.” She gives him a deadpan look to which he asks, “What?”
“You’re full of surprises.”
Is that a compliment? He can’t tell. Regardless, he uses a clean spoon to scoop some food onto his plate. “Have you thought about it? Trying something new?"
“My dad and I have different opinions on what I should do. It’s just…” Dan Heng waits patiently for her to continue. Finally, she says, “...I just wish he’d stop bringing up the accident.”
“The accident…? Why would he bring that up?”
“...He thinks I can’t sell it because I can’t let go of the past. But, I don’t want to give it up so quickly."
Dan Heng doesn’t need to ask to know that she’s stuck between a rock and a hard place. Everything costs money, and when you’re in the red, it’s harder to take risks. But, most importantly, he knows she’s not going to ask for help. It’s already a feat that she admitted her troubles this far.
“If things get better, do you think he’ll still ask you to sell it?”
“...Hard to say… I… have a hunch that he doesn’t want to hurt my feelings by being so blunt.” Dan Heng puts his hand on top of hers. “A part of me wants to prove I can save it.” Her hand underneath his makes a fist. "I want to save it and expand to new ventures."
Dan Heng should’ve known.
“Greedy as always.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It is,” Dan Heng says. “Greed is a virtue and a sin.”
Jingliu slightly leans forward out of curiosity. “Oh? Why do you say that?”
“It's motivation to do more… to go after what you want. But people always crave something better. They’ll always want more, hence a ruthless cycle of never being satisfied with what you have.”
“I guess that means I should take it one step at a time.”
"I also don’t want you to just let it go either," Dan Heng says quietly. "We made a lot of memories there.”
“That’s true… Who knows? Maybe we’ll end up becoming business partners one day. That’ll have its own set of challenges, but…”
“...It’d be rewarding,” Dan Heng finishes, “with the right person.”
“The right person, huh?”
Dan Heng gives her the largest piece of meat from his plate as she finishes the rest of her food.
“And who’s your definition of the right person?”
“I’m looking at her.”
She stops, slowly looks up, and meets his eyes. Her mind unexpectedly goes blank as she desperately searches for something… anything to say. His little smile suddenly makes her heart race, and even when he looks back down to finish his food, she’s still coming up empty.
◆◆◆
After dinner, Blade dropped you and Welt back at the bed and breakfast as Jing Yuan had to take an important, work-related call. You’re doing some work in the small living room when your phone goes off. While you usually won’t bother with an unknown number, you have a hunch who it is.
“Hello?”
“Hi. I’m a journalist at Star Media. Also a friend of Herta’s." 
Your hunch is right. Once you confirm that she called the right person, the conversation picks up and turns to Caelus's uncle.
“...So, he was under investigation?” you ask.
“That’s right. It was also a family-owned business, and it was the sister of the man he was threatening who reached out to me.”
“Herta said that there wasn’t enough evidence to charge him. I don’t… The logic doesn’t make sense.”
“I get what you mean,” she says. “If he was threatening him, there should be some evidence, at least.” A sigh. “And, well, there was. They wanted to sue him when it began, but… they took back the lawsuit.”
“What? Why?”
“It started small. As in, the things weren’t as bad… but then it escalated. It got to a point where the family was terrified of what would happen to their reputation if their dirty laundry went public.”
“If they did, the things he was threatening them with had to be true,” you say. “At least, most of it.”
“I’ll say that they have their fair share of skeletons in the closet. From what the sister told me, not everything was true. But they considered the risks. It was either everything getting out or nothing at all.”
“But why would he target them? A family-owned business… What was the point of threatening them?”
“They were friends-turned-business partners in the beginning. It can be a messy boundary when personal and professional relationships get mixed up… I don’t know too much about what happened. But, they had a fallout, and things turned ugly.”
“...So, they dropped the lawsuit… Was that it?”
“Anticlimactic, huh?”
You lean forward with one elbow resting on your knee. “What was the story back then? You were taking their side, weren’t you?”
“The story was to paint them as victims since he had a bigger influence. Everyone loves a good story where the smaller guy takes on an 'influential' figure.” You hear a few mouse clicks, and then she says, “This happened before the news about Caelus broke out. So, maybe calling him influential is exaggerating a little. But, he was already making his mark in the business world. Speaking about Caelus… What do you know about what happened to him?”
“It’s just as messy as the story you just told me, I suppose.” By the end of telling her what you know, you say, “...We want to bring justice to Caelus.”
“It definitely sounds like his uncle was blackmailing him… but it’d be hard to prove.”
You wish you could say it isn’t. But, she’s right. Is it even possible to prove the threats are the reason Caelus died?
“...It’d be something he had to admit,” you say. “He’d have to admit that he done it with malicious intentions.”
“I don’t know how much you’re going to get out of him, unfortunately. He was quite the character back then.”
“How so?”
“I think he knew what I was trying to get out of him, so he kept changing the narrative. He kept painting himself as a victim instead. I can’t go into details of what I know about the family, but… while they weren’t the cleanest bunch, he exaggerated their wrongdoings. If you didn’t do your homework, you’d easily believe everything he was saying.”
“Oh, I can already imagine what he’ll say if I go to talk to him,” you mutter.
“I’ll need permission to share my recordings and emails regarding him… but my advice would be to be as prepared as possible.”
"Do you still have their numbers? The man and his sister.”
“I could give you their contact, but it might be a bit of a stretch. They want to forget about the whole thing.”
Then, she gives you two names and two numbers.
“You know, I’m quite surprised at how much you managed to discover what happened to Caelus,” she says. “It was a story that no one could get a lot of information on.”
“I think I got a bit lucky. Or… Maybe it was the timing. Regardless, I wouldn’t have gotten what I have without people coming out with information.”
“You’re still working for Star Rails, aren’t you?”
You lean back on the couch. “That’s right.”
“Have you thought about doing an article about all of this? It’d be huge.”
While you don’t want to think badly of Herta’s friend, you wonder if she’ll take the chance if you don’t.
“I have, but the narrative can change at any time. There must be proof that Star Rails knew what he was doing. That’s another monster in itself.”
She chuckles. “True. I was just going to say that you have an eye for news. If you do write an article, you should submit it to us.”
“Well, let’s see what I end up with in the end.”
After thanking her for telling you what she knows, you end the call and put your phone on the table. You never thought finding out the truth would be easy. But now you have your doubts. Will you be able to get Caelus's uncle to admit his malicious intentions? What about Star Rails? Is it possible you're looking at this too one-sidedly? Before your thoughts can spiral out of control, you stand and head into the room to grab your pyjamas before heading to the washroom for a hot shower.
◆◆◆
Pom has just finished grabbing dinner and groceries when he sees a somewhat familiar man standing outside and looking into the bed and breakfast resort. Sipping his chai tea latte, Pom narrows his eyes as he gets closer. Is that who he thinks it is?
The man notices him—probably out of the corner of his eye—and turns with a hand in his pocket. Pom almost drops his drink.
“Long time no see.”
Pom recognizes the voice.
There’s a small pause as Pom gathers his thoughts. Finally, he asks, “What are you doing here?”
“Why is everyone so surprised? This is my nephew’s hometown. I can’t visit?” Pom doesn’t want to answer that question. Caelus’s uncle nods toward the bed and breakfast. “Jing Yuan’s done well for himself.”
“Are you a fan?”
“This is what Caelus could have had.”
Pom frowns. “If only he listened to you, right?”
Caelus’s uncle walks up to him. “It’s been so long, Pom. The fact that you’re still here… I take it you haven’t found the answers you’re looking for.”
“Why are you bringing that up?”
“I was just surprised to see you just as you’re surprised to see me. You and Caelus were friends. I didn’t think you’d still be here after he left.”
Well, where else is Pom supposed to go?
“So, what are you doing now?”
“...That’s none of your business," Pom mutters.
“I don’t know what I did to make you hate me so much, but I suppose it’s because of Jing Yuan and everyone else's influence. All of you still see me as a bad guy because of what happened to Caelus.”
“...Pom?” You’ve just come out of the resort wearing shorts and a thin jacket. You glance at the man, knowing exactly who he is.
“Oh!” Pom says your name and walks up to you. “What’re you doing out here?”
“Wanted to get some fresh air.” In truth, you’d wanted to go to bed early, but you couldn’t sleep. So, you decided to take a little walk outside. You were close to the entrance when you heard Pom's voice.
You look at Caelus’s uncle who’s also looking at you. Does he know who you are? You’re getting anxious but it doesn’t show.
“Let’s go,” Pom says quietly.
You follow Pom inside without looking back.
A short distance in, you turn to Pom. “...That was Caelus’s uncle, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
“Was everything okay?”
“Yeah… I wasn’t expecting to see him.”
“...Do you know him? I’m curious because, well, a lot’s been happening.”
Pom sighs. “Let me guess… It’s about whether or not he had something to do with how Caelus died, right? It’s like an open secret.”
“An open secret that needs proof to get anywhere,” you say quietly.
“I don’t know him exactly… I formally met him once. So, I was surprised that he even remembered me.”
Now, this sparks your curiosity. It’s then you realize how little you know about Pom.
“Don’t tell me he wanted something from you.”
“No, nothing like that. There’s nothing he would want from me. He was just surprised that I’m still here.”
“...Still here? But, you’re from Xianzhou, aren’t you?”
Pom gives you a little smile. “Not... exactly. My mother was, apparently."
His mother?
“How did you end up living here?”
"The story I've been told was that my mom gave me up to an orphanage in the city when I was really young. Growing up, I ended up in a lot of different families. And, well, by the time I graduated high school, I'd been rejected by all the colleges I applied to because of my terrible grades... It's not like I had anything to lose, so I came here to hopefully find her with the little money I saved up from doing odd jobs." Pom smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "But, I didn't know if I had the courage to face her. It's not like I had a lot going for me."
"...Did you eventually find her?"
"...No. But, some people knew her. Said she got involved with a good-for-nothing man and got pregnant at a young age. The last time rumour I heard about her was that she went overseas."
The sad, little smile on his face almost makes you hug him.
“I met Caelus by complete chance, and… we ended up talking for hours," Pom says. "I can still remember the look on his face when I told him I came here with pretty much nothing. No plan. No money. No future."
“Pom…”
“One thing led to another, and I ended up helping Caelus at the hotel sometimes. He never took it for granted either. He paid me and even gave me a place to sleep when it was technically time for me to leave. Anyway, I eventually met his uncle and Jing Yuan… but I only saw his uncle on a few occasions. I never thought he’d remember me since that was like”—a sigh—”gosh… ten years ago or something?”
"How did you end up working for Jing Yuan, if I may ask?"
"Oh, gosh... Well, to start, I… After what happened to Caelus, I fell into depression for a little bit. I didn’t know what I was going to do. The friends I met... Everyone was focused on their lives as they should be, but it felt like I was dropping straight into hell. I had some dark thoughts at the time. But Jing Yuan and I got back in touch. We were talking, and he said he was looking to employ someone at his bed and breakfast.” Pom looks down. “I was super insecure because I didn’t have anything going on for me. Like… no degree, no solid experience…”
“...But you work hard. I’ve seen it myself the times I visited when you were helping Caelus,” Jing Yuan said over the phone. “Think about it and let me know if—”
“I’ll do it.”
“I knew if I didn’t take it, I’d be dumber than dumb,” Pom continues. He sighs. “But, I think that’s also when I knew that I wanted to continue living. Jing Yuan was also going through a rough patch then… I’m sure you know all about it.” You nod. “But, even though we are ‘more than friends’ now”, he always made an effort to show that he cared.”
You give him a friendly hug. “Our lives wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t in it, Pom.”
“Right?” Pom squeezes you back. “But, anyway, the rest is history.” Then, he chuckles. “Proud to say that my hard work did pay off with my yearly salary increases and bonuses.”
You let him go. “Just goes to show that as long as you work hard, you always gain something from it.”
“...Which is why I’ve been thinking… Ah, never mind. It’s nothing!”
“Oh, come on, you can’t do that. Now, you got me all curious.”
“You’ll probably find out soon enough.”
“Fine…”
“By the way… When you said a lot’s been happening… What exactly has been happening?”
“Eh… Well… Let’s just say that I need a confession,” you say. “That’ll be the happy ending everyone deserves.”
“A confession, huh?”
You and Pom turn around, and Pom immediately says, “Geezus, Welt! How long were you standing there?”
“Calm down, Pom. I wasn’t eavesdropping if that’s what you were thinking.”
“He just happened to pass by,” you say. “Right, Welt?”
Welt walks up to you and Pom. “You two are out late.”
“Right back at you,” Pom says. “Can’t sleep?”
“Came out to clear my head.”
“Ooh. It’s one of those writer things, isn’t it?”
“Sure. Let’s go with that.”
You’re walking between Welt and Pom when you ask, “How’s your book coming along?”
“You do know that's one of the forbidden questions to ask a writer, right?" Welt asks with a soft chuckle.
“Well, someone’s gotta ask the tough questions.”
“I’ve been getting inspired, that’s for sure.”
Pom leans closer to you. “So, like, have you and Jing Yuan done anything weird thanks to him?”
“Of course not.”
“Doesn’t mean it can’t happen.”
You give him a deadpan look.
Then, your phone goes off, and you see it’s a text from Kafka.
I have news.
Chapter 17
End notes:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I got to take a day off from work for my birthday today, so I spent some time working on this chapter. And I think I screwed up the timeline somewhere :x but let's just pretend it didn't happen... lmao. I was tempted to name this chapter: Pom's Story lol
Also, sorry for the lack of Jing Yuan... He'll be back!
Tag list: @suoshiii @lordbugs @lxry-chxn @seirenspinel @immahuman @queencybow @grimreapersscythe @nqctre @winterpein @asakenajustexistshere
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s0urw00lf · 2 years ago
Text
Bucky Barnes x Therapist!Reader
Summary: Bucky had a hard time trusting people obviously because of his past. So Sam recommended a therapist, not like the one he had before, someone who minded his time and didn’t rush him to open up. Bucky ends up trusting her a little more than he intended.
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They aren’t as frequent as they used to be, but they were still just as bad and anyone could tell when Bucky had a nightmare. He would stay in a daze all day. He wouldn’t make any kind of conversation, or look anyone in the eyes as if he would feel guilty doing it. And the biggest giveaway was that he would avoid the topic completely. These were all the things Sam Wilson had told y/n to look out for during Bucky’s two time per week visits. Y/n was a therapist Sam had recommended to Bucky. He hasn’t expected for the lady to understand his situation, as she was way younger to him. But she did, she had been through somewhat the same thing he had, that’s what made her so easy to talk to. While Bucky’s experiences were far worse she understood to an extent, that made the sessions bearable.
One night in particular Bucky’s nightmare had gotten really bad. He woke with a start, sweating, and panting as if he had stopped breathing in his sleep. The nightmare kept playing over and over again in his head. He couldn’t close his eyes because he would see the eyes of all the lives he had taken. This caused him to turn up at your door, looking completely broken and helpless. “Bucky?” You said with folded arms trying to keep warm on the cold night. You had been sitting on the couch watching t.v. Dozing off, when you heard the quiet knocking at the door. You were tense opening the door ready for any kind of surprise but when you saw it was Bucky your tense demeanor completely fell.
You stared at him for a second in confusion as to why he was here but you didn’t ask, instead you invited him in “it’s cold out come in” you said mentioning inside your house. He took the invite and quietly stepped in rubbing his hands together in what you thought was guilt which his words confirmed. “Uh sorry for bothering you so late, it’s just Sam’s with his family I didn’t wanna bother him and you said that you were free to talk anytime so I-” he said but was cut off by you “buck it’s fine, do you uh want anything to drink?” You asked walking to the kitchen and pouring yourself a glass of water, he had told you to call him that a couple of weeks into the sessions. “Uh I’ll take whatever you’re drinking” he said standing awkwardly beside your small table. You nodded and poured home a glass as well, setting it down on the table beside where he was standing. “You can sit, if you want” you told him while taking a seat yourself, he nodded and sat as well. It was quiet in the room, not awkward or the kind where they were silently rushing to find something to talk about, it was simply quiet and Bucky liked that.
“I- I had a dream” he said, after taking a small sip of water. “Well a nightmare, it was one of the worse ones.” He muttered looking again at his clasped hands. You nodded “ do you wanna tell me about it?” you asked softly. He looked up at you, eyes shifting from his hands to your face as he hesitated to continue. “It’s one of those ones that you could see when you close your eyes, or uh- or when you look in someone else’s.” He said whit his voice getting lower and lower as he continued as if he kept up the same volume his voice would break. “It was my first assignment, with hydra” he described recalling the memory. “I had been assigned to assassinate a man no older than myself at the time.” “I could see the absolute terror in his eyes before i pulled the trigger.” He muttered summing up the dream. “When i was younger my mother always told me ‘the eyes are windows to the soul’. I never knew what she meant until I escaped hydra” he said now staring blankly at a wall as he finished recalling the moments he spoke of.
You hummed deep in thought. “Your mother must have been very wise” you said softly, holding the glass of almost empty water. “As wise as a woman could be in the 40’s” he said, chuckling quietly. This caused a small smile to break out on your face. “You wanna know what I see when I look in your eyes?” You asked softly leaning forward resting your elbows on the table. He just stared at her not knowing what to say. You took this as your queue to continue “I see a man, who has been set free but is still fighting his demons. Someone who has a heart of gold and someone ready to protect those he loves. Someone who didn’t deserve in any way what happened to him” you said. You stared at the man in striking blue eyes as you recited what you saw. Bucky sat unmoving just staring at you, before abruptly standing up and walking out the door with you calling after him as he made a beeline towards the sidewalk leading away from your house. You stared at the man’s fleeting figure until he turned the corner and you could no longer see him. You closed your door and slowly walked back to your couch turning off your kitchen light as you passed it. You sat thinking of what you could have said wrong to make him leave. ‘Was it me bringing up his past’ ‘the mention of hydra’ your brain ransacked itself trying to find where you went wrong. You had Been say for 20 minutes thinking of everything when you heard a small nimble knock at your door.
You swiftly made your way to open the door to tell whoever it was to ‘fuck off’ but it was Bucky, the same man who had left with 20 minutes ago with no explanation whatsoever. Before you could say anything he spoke up. “I haven’t had anyone really say anything like that since to me ever, not before hydra or after.” He said looking at you. He looked at you as if he were trying to piece together the right words to say. “I really like you, and I know it’s unprofessional for you to be romantically involved with me as your client, but would you go an a date… with me?” He asked with the softest expression you’d ever seen cross the man’s face. It’s a known fact that Bucky hadn’t been on a date since the 40’s when his charm was at its peak. You stared at him completely baffled, you knew he was right it was unprofessional, but you couldn’t deny the feelings you’d felt for him, so with little to no thought you said “yes, James Buchanan Barnes, I’d love to go on a date with you” you said letting a smile grace your face, as did he.
With that he left and you sat standing in the middle of your living room excited about your date.
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beelzebuddy-catan · 2 years ago
Text
The Not Entirely Human-Human Exchange Student pt. 2
Summary: Cass manages to shock the student body at RAD when she makes her first pact with Mammon. She doesn't have time to think about it as she begins uncovering the dark secrets haunting the House of Lamentation. Warnings: Swearing, mentions of death, heavily implied sexual content Spoilers: Lesson two and Lilith's status Characters: Cass (OC), Lucifer, Mammon, Levi, Satan, Asmo, Beel, Lilith, Diavolo, Barbatos, Solomon, Luke, Simeon, Preta (OC), and Vassago (OC). Notes: (1) Lilith is absolutely a little shit (affectionate) who just likes pulling pranks and messing with people she loves. (2) I love the idea of MC finding Mammon's credit card without Lucifer's hint. Part One • Next Part
“Call me by my name,” she demanded.
“Fuck,” Mammon hissed, eyes wide. “Is this all ‘cause of the pact?! Listen to me hum-” he stopped, as if he physically couldn’t finish the word. “Hu-hum-FINE, Cass!” They stared at each other, Mammon catching his breath. Cass wondered how much energy it took to fight off whatever control the pact had over him. “Look, just because may be in control of my body doesn’t mean you own my mind.”
“I don’t want to own you,” Cass said, surprising him. “I literally only asked you to call me by my name. I’d expect even demons to have that level of decorum.”
He didn’t say anything at first, but his frustration seemed to fade. “Where is it?” Cass tilted her head in confusion. She already gave him his credit card, what else did he want. “The mark?” Silence. “You really don’t know anything about pacts do ya? When you make a pact, you have a mark to show it.”
His eyes fell to her hand, as if he already knew it would be there. She followed his gaze to her left hand. Oh. Wrapping around her pointer finger was an intricate golden design. It faded towards the top, the design tightening at the base. It almost looked like a ring, a sigil resting in the middle like a stone. Cass gasped, taken aback at how beautiful it was.
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Cass glanced down at the map Lucifer had given her and back up at the hallway. At this point she’d be lucky if she found her classes, let alone found them on time. Apparently giving the new student a tour was too kind for demons.
Her morning hadn’t gone great. Besides having no idea where she was going and Mammon being missing, she’d been assigned to wake him up earlier. She’d ended up just poking him in the face, only to be thrown to the floor. Now, she was lost in a giant school, no idea where to go. She shoved the map in her bag, deciding to go in what she thought was the right direction and hope she got lucky enough to run into someone she knew.
“Hey, that’s the human everyone’s talking about.” She heard someone whisper but opted to stay still. “Can’t believe Mammon got assigned to watch over her.”
“Doncha think that’s pretty lucky for us? We can devour this human before even Beel does, and they won’t know it was us.”
The first demon snickered in response. Before she could take a step, they started to jeer and catcall. Cass swung her backpack over her other shoulder, walking up to the demons with a cheery smile. Their cocky demeanors only grew.
“If you so much as even try to touch me, I will rip off whatever appendage of yours I can find, be it your arm, leg, horn, tail, whatever, and shove it so far up your ass I can pull it back out your throat. Then, I’ll pour holy oil into any open orifice and light it on fire while you’re still alive. And, as you burn and the light leave your eyes, the last thing you’ll see is me enjoying a glass of ice water.” Cass blinked her eyes innocently, her smile never faltering. “Do you happen to know what the cafeteria serving today?” Her smile finally fell as she stared into the second demon’s eyes, not blinking as she finished. “I’m caving barbecue.”
Neither of them moved, shock rooting them in their place. A third demon, standing off to the side stifled a laugh. Their black horns and eyes stood out against their pale skin and white hair.  Whoever they talking to looked equal parts impressed and disinterested. Cass flashed them a smile before walking towards where she hoped her class was. She only took a few steps before someone fell into step next to her.
“Hey, you’re Cass, right?” She cast him a look but didn’t respond. He laughed before continuing. “You don’t have to be suspicious of me.  I’m Solomon, the other exchange student. When I heard Mammon was looking after you, I thought Lucifer was just messing with you. Now, I’m not so sure.”
Cass stopped and crossed her arms. Something felt too convenient about the only other human showing up next to her right when she needed help. “I can handle myself with demons. Mind telling me where 2122b is?”
“You’re asking for my help? But you’ve got the great Mammon!” Cass didn’t miss the sarcasm lacing his tone. “Why should I just give you that information?”
“Help another human out? You are human still, aren’t you?”
“Hmm,” he smiled. “There are times even I’m not so sure. After obtaining the ring of wisdom from someone in a very high position and forming 72 pacts,” he paused glancing at her, “I became a wicked sorcerer. Or, that’s what they say about me. I am fairly sure I am still human. I’m happy to prove it to you if needed.”
Cass twirled a piece of her hair and giggled, taking a wild guess he was the same Solomon written about in theology. “It’s no wonder you got 700 women to marry you, you’re so charming.” She rolled her eyes and walked away without giving him another glance. She was stopped again after a few steps by Lucifer. “Morning?”
“It seems you’ve already become something of a celebrity. Is your plan to simply threaten any demon who talks about you?” Cass hummed, not really caring to have a conversation when she still didn’t know where her fucking class was. Honestly, if threatening demons who treated her like dirt or a meal was how she survived, that’s how she survived. “While I understand it is inevitable you associated with Solomon, you should know he can’t be trusted. Unlike you, he can wield powerful magic and will try to subjugate even a powerful demon given the chance.”
“Got it, I can’t trust the only human here, but demons are good.” Cass went to step around him before pausing, remembering her conversation with Levi yesterday. Lucifer had hidden Mammon’s credit card, the credit card needed to make a pact with Mammon. Maybe she should just come out and ask him where it was.
“Is there something you want to ask me?” Lucifer smirked, as if knowing she needed something from him.
“Where is room 2122b?” She asked. Maybe she could get Lilith to tell her.
“Is that all? I would have thought you had question about Mammon.” Cass didn’t answer, not giving him the satisfaction. “If you go down this hall and take the first right and it’ll be the second door on the left.”
“Great, thank you,” Cass said, going to her first class of the day.
As much as she wanted to focus, she couldn’t. While the material was interesting, it was too much being thrown into a new world. Especially considering she’d been told she’d be living with seven brothers but had only met six.
At this point, all she knew about the final brother was he had long, greyish indigo hair with white tips and was comfortable enough to fall asleep leaning against Beel. Given his brothers were avatars of the six of the seven deadly sins, she assumed he was the avatar of sloth. It probably wasn’t abnormal for him to fall asleep against anyone.
The rest of the day was a cycle of thinking about each of the brothers and how to find Mammon’s credit card. She should have just asked Lucifer. She had to look up what a credit card was. How was she supposed to find one hidden in a strange, unknown house by a strange, unknown demon? The only seemingly valuable thing she’d come across was freezing credit, which seemed like a good option if Lucifer didn’t want Mammon to spend money.
“If I was going to hide a credit card to freeze someone’s spending, where would I put it?” Cass said out loud. She was lying upside down on her couch, head hanging off the edge. “It’s not literally frozen. He’s been around for centuries. It has to mean something else.”
“Does it though?” A voice interrupted her thoughts. Cass opened her eyes to see Lilith floating upside down, staring at her. “Look, I love Lucifer, but he finds dad jokes a bit too funny.” Cass didn’t answer, unsure what dad jokes were. “Predictable jokes, puns?”
Cass spun around. “Are you saying he literally froze Mammon’s credit card? Wouldn’t someone have found it by now?”
Lilith didn’t answer, simply giving Cass a look before disappearing. Was everyone in the Devildom cryptic as hell? It was past midnight. If she went to the kitchen now, there was a chance she wouldn’t run into anyone. It was probably safter to go now than in the middle of the day.
Cass tried to be as quiet as possible going to the kitchen. Luckily, she didn’t run into anyone. Part of her had debated texting Levi but decided against it. If Lilith was messing with her or her hunch was wrong, she’d rather he not know about it. She managed not to scream when she ran into Beel as she walked into the kitchen.
“Why you going to the kitchen so late?”
 She was drawn to Beel. Despite the fact that he expressed less emotions than the other brothers and was harder to read, something about him felt safe. She could tell he was a caring person, or demon, he just had a harder time of showing it.
“I was just getting a glass of water,” Cass lied. She wasn’t sure why. Something told her Beel wouldn’t care why she was in the kitchen. He huffed in response, going to leave. Suddenly she remembered the picture, the indigo haired demon slumped against Beel in the picture. “Hey, Beel, can I ask you something?”
“What?”
“Diavolo said I’d be living here with you and your brothers. He said there were seven of you, but I haven’t met your youngest brother. I was wondering–”
“Don’t ever mention him in front of Lucifer” Beel cut her off “ and don’t bother asking the rest of us. We don’t talk about him. Even though he’s our brother, we have to treat him like he doesn’t exist, it’s not fair,” Beel trailed off. Another crack. “But since no one can defy Lucifer, that’s that. Besides, it’s not any of your business.”
Cass reached out, grabbing Beel’s arm as he went to leave. “I know it doesn’t mean anything, and I’m just this random human forced to live with you, but if you need someone to talk to,” Cass paused, looking up at Beel. He didn’t say anything, but for a moment, it looked like he wanted to. “Have a nice night, Beel.”
He didn’t say anything, just nodded before walking out of the room. She should ask Lilith next time she appeared. Despite not talking about the seventh brother, it clearly weighed on Beel. The longer she was in the Devildom, the more she started to think she might be an empath. She was trapped in a house with six broken demons who needed help and was beginning to feel like her purpose was to help them.
“That’s not important right now,” she whispered. One thing at a time Cass, damn. Start with the credit card and pact and move on to whatever the fuck was haunting these demons after.
She checked to make sure Beel had actually left before opening the freezer. She was certain Lilith was messing with her when she looked into the nearly empty freezer. Beel must have eaten everything possible, because it looked like the only thing left was ice. Well, ice and what looked like freezer burnt ice cream from God knows how long ago. She shoved it out of the way in frustration.
As she went to slam the door shut, a glint of light caught her eye. Buried in ice, underneath the ice cream was a golden credit card. She pulled it out, but was unable to read the name. It had to be Mammon’s. Why else would there be a credit card in the freezer. She threw the frozen card in the sink, running hot water over it.
As the ice melted, she sighed. Step one, complete. Now she just needed to get Mammon to agree to a pact. When Levi first suggested it, she hadn’t really cared much either way. Pact or not, she was still stuck here with no memory. As she thought about it at school, though, she realized it would be nice to have some level of control over her situation, as well as someone on her side in the Devildom, willingly or not.
Cass sat on the edge of the counter, waiting for the ice to melt. When the ice was almost gone, she picked the card up. Sure enough, in silver lettering was Mammon’s name. Cass stared at the card, wondering what her next move was. It wasn’t until she heard his gasp that she realized Mammon had walked into the kitchen.
“IS THAT GOLDIE? DIDJA FIND MY CARD HUMAN?” Mammon yelled, rushing towards her. He went to grab the card, but Cass shoved it into her back pocket before he could. “Whadda think you’re doin’?”
“Leveraging your card for my benefit?” Mammon looked at her in disbelief. “Make a pact with me, and I’ll give you your precious card.”
“NO WAY!” Mammon snapped. “What makes you think The Great Mammon, one of the rulers of the Devildom would ever make a pact? Let some human be the boss of me?”
”Oh Luuuuccccifffeeeer,” Cass called.
Mammon’s eyes widened in fear, hand going to cover her mouth. He stepped between her legs, eyes pleading with her to be quiet. He didn’t move for a while, maybe waiting for his fear to subside or until he felt he could trust Cass not to say anything.
“You’re serious right now?” He asked, pulling his hand away. Cass nodded, though she wasn’t. “Fuck, fine.”
He stepped back, hand going to his belt. It took a second for Cass to register what he was doing. “Um, what the fuck are you doing?”
He glanced at her in disbelief. “What do you think?” Cass stared at him, eyes wide in confusion. “I thought ya wanted to make a pact.”
“Yeah?”
Mammon threw his hands up in frustration. “Are ya aware of a different way to make a pact?”
“I guess I don’t know how to make one.” Mammon stared at her. “I literally don’t even know my last name, what makes you think I’d know how to make a pact with a demon?!”
“I’d expect ya to look it up at the very least.” When Cass didn’t answer, Mammon rolled his eyes and continued, “pacts gotta be consummated.”
“Oh,” Cass answered, “OH!”
“Havin’ second thoughts?” Mammon asked, hand going to grab his credit card from her back pocket. “We don’t have to do anything ya know? You can give me my card and we can forget this ever happened.”
Cass smacked his hand away. “It’s not a second thought. It’s just,” she paused, not sure how to phrase it. “I just, I don’t have my memories.” Mammon didn’t answer, waiting for her to continue. “I don’t know if I’ve done, if I’ve ever, you know.” She gestured in the space between them.
Before she knew what was happening, Mammon’s hands flew to the counter beside her. His grasp was so tight that the butcher block split in his grip. “Don’t, don’t say things like that to a demon.” His voice was quiet, like he was trying his hardest to restrain himself. Cass didn’t answer, not sure what he meant. He continued, not meeting her eyes. “I’m a demon.”
“Oh really?”
Mammon scoffed, the counter cracking more under his grip. “Ya can’t say things like that to a demon. Our whole thing is corruptin’ humans. Do ya realize what your doing to me right now?”
“Oh,” she repeated, “OH!” Mammon didn’t answer, almost as if he was trying to calm his erratic breathing. “Fuck it,” she breathed. Mammon’s head snapped up, finally meeting her gaze. “Let’s make a pact.
His hands left the counter at the speed of light, grabbing her hips pulling her closer. Their lips met in a bruising kiss. Before Cass had time to process what was happening, he had lifted her off the counter and was moving towards the door. Her arms tightened around his neck, clutching to him as if he was going to drop her.
“Wh-what, what are you doing?”
“You think I want any of my brothers comin’ in and seein’ ya this,” he scoffed, “fuck I’m surprised Asmo didn’t smell you and come down here already.”
“SMELL?” She gasped, but Mammon didn’t answer. Before she knew it, they were in his room and she was being thrown on his bed. Levi wasn’t kidding when he said he was fast. She barely had time to catch her breath, let alone stop her head from spinning before Mammon was kissing her again. And so, her first pact was made.
---
Cass stared at the ceiling of Mammon’s room. She’d expected there to be something more to making a pact besides saying something in Latin and sleeping with the demon. Cass glanced at Mammon, who was lying next to her, also avoiding her gaze.
“That was,” he started.
“Unexpected?”
“Sure,” he answered, but something in his voice told her that wasn’t what he was thinking.
He got up and started getting dressed. Cass sat up, holding the sheet up against her, not really sure what to say that could break the tension. She didn’t know how pacts work, much less what it meant to make one. Was this Mammon’s first pact with human? She almost asked but stopped herself. Why did it matter? 
“Um,” Cass said, breaking the silence. Mammon looked over his shoulder but didn’t say anything. “Is it, can demons, can I get pregnant?”
Mammon’s movement froze, eyes widening. After a moment, he started dressing, moving faster than before. Cass didn’t move, terror rushing through her. Something in his response told her it wasn’t the risk of pregnancy that had him moving like that.
“Mammon?” He didn’t respond. “MAMMON!” Finally, he looked at her. Her voice fell quiet under his gaze, “what happens to humans who are pregnant with demons?” Again, he didn’t answer, her question only making him move faster. Panic rushed through her. For the first time since arriving in the Devildom she honestly felt afraid. “MAMMON!” She said, summing as much energy as he could. “Am I going to die?”
He kneeled next to her, hands cupping her face. He looked at her with genuine emotions, and it scared the hell out of her. “No, do you think the Great Mammon would let that happen?”
Cass fought back tears. He looked as unsure as she felt. Fuck. Why hadn’t she thought of that earlier? It hadn’t even crossed her mind. Why would it have? She didn’t know anything about demons and humans. It was the uncertainty in Mammon’s answer that scared her. Had he acted like he didn’t care about her, that would have been better, more comforting.
“Stop.” Mammon’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. He held her eye contact, concern laced in his gaze. “You’re gonna be fine, okay? I’ll talk to Lucifer, and he’ll know what to do. It’ll be fine.” It sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than her. “I’ll go now, okay?”
Mammon made a move towards the door and Cass stood, grabbing the closest shirt she could find. Mammon opened his mouth to say something, but stopped when he saw her dressing. She didn’t notice his staring at first, flinching under his gaze when she finally looked up.
“Sorry, I just grabbed something. I figured it’d be faster than trying to find mine,” she said, pulling at the edge of his button up nervously. It was large enough that it was falling off one shoulder, the hem landing midthigh.
She tried taking a step towards Mammon but lost her footing. He was by her side in an instant, catching her. “Ya really think your going to be able to walk to Lucifer’s room?”
“Well, I’m not just going to sit around here waiting.” Mammon and Cass held a silent starting contest before he finally resigned, scooping her up bridal style. “Wha–?”
“I’ll just carry you.”
Cass didn’t bother arguing, knowing already how much faster it would be. She closed her eyes, turning her head into Mammon’s chest feeling a wave of motion sickness at his movement. It wasn’t until she heard a knock that she opened her eyes. A moment later, the door swung open revealing a disappointed Lucifer. It looked like he was about to start scolding whoever had knocked on the door when he must have realized why they were there.
---
Cass stared at the fire behind Lucifer. He’d been lecturing Mammon for the last hour, occasionally passing a condescending comment her way. She was having a hard time concentrating on anything he said, though. She couldn’t shake Mammon’s reaction to her earlier from her thoughts.
“Can’t ya do this later?” Mammon hissed. “There are more pressing issues.”
“If you had any semblance of self-control, there wouldn’t be.”
“I had self-control, considerin’ she was going on about being a virgin. Don’t act like you wouldn’t have done the same–”
“I wasn’t going on about being a virgin. I literally said I have no memories–”
“I don’t care what the circumstances were.” Cass looked away from Mammon, trying not to roll her eyes. Lucifer handed her a small vial. “This potion will prevent pregnancy. I had some made on the off chance you surprised us and made a pact. Though, I didn’t expect it to be so quick.”
As she drank the potion, Lucifer muttered something in what sounded like Latin. “Well, the potion is most effective before being intimate, it won’t hurt to take it after.” He handed her a piece of paper with something written in a foreign language. “This is a spell to help strengthen the effects. Any demon will be able to perform it with ease. Well, any demon worth making a pact with. I’ll work with Barbatos to make more potion, should you end up needing more. Please try to refrain yourself until then, no matter how hard you find it.”
“EXCUSE ME? Thanks for the potion, though I could do without the haughty tone.” She stood up, glaring at Lucifer. “Ass,” she said under her breath as she stormed towards the door, letting it slam behind her.  
Cass groaned, falling into her bed. Of all the things she expected to happen that evening, that wasn’t one of them. She rolled over to look at the time when she saw Lilith sitting on the edge of her table. She was grinning, feet swinging beneath her.
“He likes you,” she laughed. “Lucifer.”
“He has a funny way of showing it.”
“Yeah.”
“Wait, Lilith, you’ve been here for a while, right?” The ghost nodded. “Can you tell me about their seventh brother?”
Lilith’s feet stopped moving. She sighed, jumping off the table to start pacing. “No.”
“Seriously?” Cass demanded.
“shhhh.” Lilith glared at her. “They can’t know I’m here.”
“I thought you wanted me to help them! I can’t help them if I don’t know anything. Why is everything a secret?”
Lilith looked at her with understanding, but it only made Cass angrier. Why did it feel like she was playing a game where everyone knew the rules except her. It was frustrating enough talking to the brothers, but at least she could understand their perspective.
They didn’t ask her to be here, Diavolo did. Lilith, on the other hand, asked her to help. Cass’s only goal was to survive for the year and try to get her memories back. Despite wanting to help the brothers, if they didn’t let her, she couldn’t force them to accept her help.
“I want to tell you, I do, really.” Against her better judgement, Cass believed her. “If you know too much about them though, they won’t trust you. You have to earn their trust, or they’ll just shut you out more. They’ve been burned in the past, which is why they act that way.”
“Can you tell me anything? How do you know them? Why can’t they know you’re here? You told me you’ve tried contacting them before. What changed?”
She didn’t say anything for a minute. “Fine, but you can’t tell them. At least not yet.”
---
Asmo had been laughing for the last ten minutes, despite Satan telling him to quiet down. Apparently, Cass making a pact with Mammon was one of the funniest things he’d heard in a while. She was too busy replaying her conversation with Lilith to care about the little insults he was making towards her.
So, Lilith was their sister from the Celestial Realm. Well, that explained her ethereal nature and why she cared so much about them. Honestly, Cass should have seen it sooner given how many similar features she had to the brothers.
“If they know you knew about me, they won’t trust you. They’ll be angry and resent you.” It made sense. While Lilith wouldn’t tell her what happened that led to her being a ghost in the Devildom that her brothers couldn’t see nor what made their dynamics so bizarre, Cass understood why she couldn’t tell them. She knew they all had their defenses built so strong it would take a miracle to break through them.
“I don’t know what’s more surprising, an average human like you making a pact with Mammon so fast or you teaming up with Levi to make it happen.”
“All that matters is I got my money back from Mammon AND my figurine. I’ll finally be able to buy the Blu-ray box set of Journey to the Devildom: The Tale of a Little She-Devil and her Reluctant Companio! The initial rounds even have tickets to a live event,” Levi said.
“I never thought I’d see a human win over Levi, but here we are,” Satan mused, speaking over Levi.
Levi stopped mid rant. “Excuse me?! Nobody won me over. Especially not some non-otaku normie human. We had a purely business relationship due to our aligned interests.”
Levi huffed, crossing his arms and glaring at the center of the table, refusing to meet anyone’s eyes. Cass didn’t miss the blush appearing at Satan’s words though. She also didn’t miss the way Beel was trying to sneak food off her plate, though she used sneak lightly. She pushed her plate towards him, not having much of an appetite.
“You know, we should be careful or we might find ourselves in a pact with Cass as well. If you had to choose one of us to forge a pact with next, who would it be, Cass?”
She glanced at Asmo before her eyes flashed to the other demons at the table. She didn’t care to have the pact she had, let alone more of them. Besides, the question seemed like a trap. She’s certain no matter how she answered it would end with one of them insulting her.
“None of you, I’m not interested.”
“WHAT?! Do you know how offensive that is? It’s as if you think we’re not worth making a pact with. Yet you made one with that stupid, poor excuse of a dem-” Asmo was interrupted by Mammon smacking the back of his head. “OW! I can’t believe you STRUCK my beautiful, beautiful head! Not even Lucifer has done something like that!”
“Stop callin’ me a poor excuse for a demon, you pea brain. Y’all think you’re so great. None of this would’ve happened if Lucifer hadn’t taken my precious Goldie away from me and hidden her against her will.”
The brothers responded in disgust to Mammon personifying his credit card. Cass wasn’t sure Levi was one to talk considering his unnerving infatuation with an animation or Asmo given his self-obsession. She was just grateful the conversation was no longer focused on her. She wasn’t in much of a mood to talk. Besides, Mammon seemed to have more of knack of sticking his foot in his mouth than her. His mocking of Lucifer continuing despite him standing behind Mammon.
“You know, he’s so stupid it’s almost sad,” Asmo noted as Mammon rubbed his head where Lucifer had hit him.
“It’s almost like we’re being punished by having him as our brother.”
Lucifer sat down, speaking directly to her, ignoring his brothers’ continued squabbling. “Cass, I didn’t say it last night, but it’s quite the accomplishment managing a pact in such a short time.”
“Well, I supposed if you hadn’t been too busy implying I was a whore, you would have gotten around to it.”
Lucifer chuckled, shaking his head. “Perhaps, but Diavolo will be pleased regardless.”
“Oi, human!” Cass rolled her eyes at Mammon’s voice. “Don’t sit there with your heads in the clouds, we gotta go.”
Cass pushed her chair out, knowing her three options were to walk with Mammon, with the other brothers, or alone. Surprisingly, Mammon was the safest or quietest option. She followed him out of the dining room towards the door, not bothering to tune into his complaints.
“Hey, don’t go thinkin’ you can ignore the Great Mammon just ‘cause you managed to make some pact, human!”
Cass stopped in her tracks glaring at him. “Seriously?” He huffed, sticking his arms out. “You still won’t call me by my name?”
“No, I won’t. You’re just a lowly human, come back in a million years and maybe I’ll consider calling ya by your name. Learn your place, ‘cause if you don’t, I swear I’ll make you my next meal. Let’s go, human.”
“Call me by my name or I’m not going,” Cass said, crossing her arms.
“What makes you think I care if you go?”
“Call me by my name,” she demanded.
“Fuck,” Mammon hissed, eyes wide. “Is this all ‘cause of the pact?! Listen to me hum-” he stopped, as if he physically couldn’t finish the word. “Hu-hum-FINE, Cass!” They stared at each other, Mammon catching his breath. Cass wondered how much energy it took to fight off whatever control the pact had over him. “Look, just because may be in control of my body doesn’t mean you own my mind.”
“I don’t want to own you,” Cass said, surprising him. “I literally only asked you to call me by my name. I’d expect even demons to have that level of decorum.”
He didn’t say anything at first, but his frustration seemed to fade. “Where is it?” Cass tilted her head in confusion. She already gave him his credit card, what else did he want. “The mark?” Silence. “You really don’t know anything about pacts do ya? When you make a pact, you have a mark to show it.”
His eyes fell to her hand, as if he already knew it would be there. She followed his gaze to her left hand. Oh. Wrapping around her pointer finger was an intricate golden design. It faded towards the top, the design tightening at the base. It almost looked like a ring, a sigil resting in the middle like a stone. Cass gasped, taken aback at how beautiful it was.
“How did–”
“When you woke me up yesterday,” Mammon answered, not looking away from her hand. “The mark appears where you first touch a demon.”
---
Mammon didn’t say much after they left. He did keep looking at her hand, taking in the mark. Cass didn’t blame him. It almost seemed to catch the light like real gold. She traced over it, but it didn’t feel like anything. She had been starting at it since she’d gotten to her first class.
“Whenever an important announcement is made, the demons around here couldn’t care less. Yet, rumors spread like wildfire. The uproar about the new exchange student hadn’t even subsided, and now this.”
“Don’t say that Barbatos! This gossip ensures everyone is watching this human, making it harder for any demon to go after Cass’s soul.”
“Which is especially important given Mammon’s not doing a very good job as a guardian.”
Diavolo sat across from Cass. “I must say, I can’t believe you managed to forge a pact with Mammon. That’s no small feat.”
“I suppose it stands as proof that you chose well bringing this human here, Lord Diavolo,” Barbatos praised.
“Sometimes I wish I could trade a certain idiot brother of mine for Barbatos,” Lucifer said.
“It is sometimes said that a truly wise man does not flaunt his talents, he keeps them secret.”
Barbatos smiled at Lucifer, but it had a mocking aura to it. Lucifer scoffed, as if the very thought of Mammon having any talents was laughable. Cass tried not to smile at the reaction. He really did act like the protective older brother.
“I’ve heard it said that the most thick-headed child is always the cutest.”
“I don’t even want to think of Mammon as my child.”
“See how he doesn’t deny the part of Mammon being cute.” Cass looked up at the unknown voice. His laugh sounded almost like music. “Out of all seven of you brothers, you are, without a doubt, the most troublesome.”  
“That almost sounds like a compliment, Simeon.”
“Well, it’s not,” another unknown voice interjected. Cass was surprised to see what looked like a ten-year child in front of her.
“Allow me to introduce you, Cass,” Diavolo said, noticing her surprise. “This is Simeon and Luke. They are our exchange students from the Celestial Realm. As you can probably guess, they are angels.”
“Well, Simeon is an angel. Luke is more of a chihuahua.”
“I am NOT a chihuahua,” Luke yelled. “I may be a low-ranking angel, but I’ll have you know that I report directly to Michael the Archangel!”
“Luke, calm down, there’s no need to make such a fuss.” Simeon turned to Cass, flashing a dazzling smile. Unlike the demons, there was genuine warmth behind the action. “It is a pleasure to meet you Cass, we’ve heard a lot of rumors!” The warning bell rang through the room. “I apologize for any trouble we’ve caused, Cass, but I look forward to getting to know you better.”
Diavolo and Barbatos followed Simeon out of the room. Lucifer looked like he was about to say something to Cass, but decided against it. Luke stayed behind, glaring at the door Lucifer had just exited through.
“Are you okay?”
“Never trust a demon, Cass, especially if that demon is Lucifer. I was against this exchange program from the beginning, especially bringing humans to the Devildom. You need to be safe, and Mammon certainly isn’t going to help.”
Luke’s hand landed on hers and he looked at her with so much concern it warmed her heart. For the first time since arriving, she felt there was someone that genuinely cared about her, not just cared about her surviving because Diavolo wanted the exchange program to succeed. Luke left without another word, leaving her to wonder how much him and Simeon and him knew about the brothers.
---
Solomon laughed, laughing down his cards. “Read ‘em and reap. It’s a straight flush.” Asmo groaned, throwing his loosing hand on the table. “That’s 183 wins for me!”
“Are you using magic?”
“I am but a simple human, an innocent lamb. I’d appreciate if you wouldn’t accuse me of behaving like you demons.”
“How can you say that with a straight face, Solomon? I think you may be the least innocent of all of us.”
“Is that truly what you think of me, Satan?” Solomon joked, shuffling the cards. “I must say, it’s lucky Mammon isn’t here, he likely would have broken my record-breaking winning streak by now.”
Satan nodded in agreement. “You’re right, considering he’s usually such dolt, he is surprisingly good at making money.”
“Shouldn’t you be a bit more respectful towards Mammon? You’re always putting him down, despite him being your older brother.”
A third demon sat down next to Solomon at his question. “Have you met Mammon?”
“See, even Vas knows how impossible that is, and he’s not even Mammon’s brother!” The warning bell rang. “You’re running a bit late today, Vas, Preta make you late again?”
“Actually, we ran into Beel and he was telling us about the pact the new exchange student managed to make with Mammon.��� At his words, Satan and Asmo started laughing. “How did she manage that?”
“I honestly don’t know. She found Mammon’s hidden credit card on her own. Lucifer was quite impressed. He kept mentioning his surprise at breakfast,” Satan answered. “I think the rest of are just as surprised that Mammon actually agreed to make a pact.”
“It seems like everyone is acting like making a pact is a huge thing. Sure, it’s funny Cass tricked Mammon, but the pact itself isn’t that big of a deal. Take Solomon and me, we’re in a pact. You also have one with Barabtos and Vasago!” Vas scoffed at Asmo. “What? You must have had a reason to make a pact.”
“I lost a bet with Preta, I didn’t exactly want to make one.” Solomon smiled at Vas, knowing despite the reason behind the pact, they were actually quite close.
“I have to agree with Vas. Generally, demons are too proud to make pacts.”
“I’ve been very fortunate but can’t afford to be complacent. Otherwise, Cass might make a pact with Lucifer before I can.”  
Asmo giggled at Solomon’s words, his demeanor showing a lack of concern. Both him and Vas were well aware of how Solomon was at this point. Satan shot Solomon a curious glance, but let it go. Solomon likely wasn’t concerned given he didn’t need to rush in making Lucifer like him. Though Satan doubted he’d ever win Lucifer over enough to agree to that.
“Judging from how Beel was talking, Lucifer is already growing fond of the human. Preta took a liking to her yesterday too. I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to befriend her.”
“We may need to give Cass a bit of a warning. We were already joking about Beel eating her, but Preta is a whole different story. Given Lucifer’s added a new favorite person to his list along with Mammon, he wouldn’t take to kindly to her being eaten.”
Solomon pocketed the pack of cards as Satan took his seat and the final bell rung. They were in for a much more interesting semester than any of them had expected when Cass was first chosen. Hopefully it continued to be positive surprises.
---
“Never trust a demon.”
Cass kept thinking about Luke’s warning. When Luke had left the classroom, the calming aura he and Simeon had lingered. She wanted to hold them at arm’s length. Being angels didn’t make her immediately trust them. Both of them had a sincerity about them that made it hard not to though.
It reminded her of Lilith. Just like Lilith, Luke’s warning held some hidden knowledge that he wasn’t willing to share. She didn’t need his warning though. She didn’t need to know his reasoning behind it. She already distrusted Lucifer. Unlike his brothers, it always felt like he was playing a game, never revealing his hand even though everyone else’s cards were showing. Lucifer had a hidden card up his sleeve that he wasn’t sharing with his family.
A soft voice echoed through the room, startling her. Lilith was nowhere to be seen. Though Cass wouldn’t put it past the ghost to pull a prank, the voice was unfamiliar. She stood on her bed, trying to get closer to the vent.
“Someone, please, help me.”
The voice was just as faint. She could barely make on the words. Why was there someone calling for help? Was it another ghost that nobody could hear? Or was it something all the brothers were aware of and just learned to ignore? Well, she couldn’t sleep anyways.
Cass walked through the halls on her toes, praying to whatever higher power might be listening that she didn’t wake any of the brothers. She paused every so often to check that she could still hear the voice, letting it guide her towards the source.
When the voice was at its loudest, she realized the path was a dead end. She wasn’t even sure what part of the house she was in. She stood in a short hall that ended with a window. There was a large family portrait hanging on one wall, opposite was the only door. It wasn’t unlocked but it was only a closet for storage.
“Help! Please!”
“I’m trying,” Cass whispered, not sure if they could even hear her. “Maybe there’s another hall I missed?” She closed the closet door, ready to backtrack when Lilith appeared beside the family portrait. “About time you showed up. Want to give me a hint to how to find the person in the vents?”
Lilith laughed, tapping the edge of the painting. Cass gave her a skeptical look before inspecting the frame. No fucking way. She pushed the painting to the side revealing an indent from a hidden door. Of course, this creepy house would have hidden doors and secret passageways.
Luckily the picture was light despite the size. Cass pressed on the door, not sure how it opened. There was a click and the door swung backwards, revealing a small room with a stone, spiral staircase with an iron railing. Cass’s jaw dropped staring up into the darkness.
Before she could even take a step, a gloved hand wrapped around her wrist, and pulled her back. She suppressed a surprise scream. Lucifer’s ruby eyes glistened in the dark. A smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. It seemed he was just as surprised as Cass to find someone in the room.
“This is no place for humans, you need to go back to your room.” He stepped around her, blocking the way to the stairs. Lilith lounged on the stairs behind him, rolling her eyes at his warning.
“Okay,” Cass said.
Lucifer took a step towards her, expecting to follow her out. Before she second guessed herself, she rushed under his outstretched arm, towards the stairs. Within a second, Lucifer had pulled her back, wrapping his arms around her, constricting her movement. His breath ghosting over her ear as he chuckled softly.
“You are quite brazen. You do know that don’t you?”
“I figured at least saying the answer you wanted would help you save face,” Cass answered, failing to escape his grasp.
“I’m not giving you a choice, Cass. Go back to your room if you value your life. This is the Devildom after all, you need to follow certain rules to ensure your safety.” He let Cass go without warning, causing her to stumble out of the room. She turned around in time to see the door close behind her.
“What are you hiding, Lucifer?” She whispered, staring at the door.  
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dadonbabysworld · 2 years ago
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heyy bestie, can i request a jealous best friend hyunjin?
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scenario: the two of you were hanging out and you were telling him about this guy you were talking with and that you thought the guy was cute (basically swooning for this guy)
and he makes the face in the picture 😭 because he’s confused on how you could like anyone other than him. and because the guy obviously isn’t as pretty as him 🙄 lol.
he says something along the lines of “huh? who’s this guy? you don’t actually like him do you? 🤨”
you reply with “omg…is ferret boy jealous?”
this is very random lmao but i hope you like it!
Author's Note: Different but I got it lol just for you bestie!
Genre: Fluff
Wordcount: 609
This was the first weekend you were able to spend together in a while. Hyunjin was constantly busy with dance while you were busy with chemistry and biology. Nothing in your schedules aligned from recitals to exams everything got in the way.
Now as you both sat in your dorm everything was going great. You were listening to music together when Hyunjin turns it down to talk.
"How was that chem exam you had stayed up all night to cram for?" He asks as he warms up some water for his ramen. You sigh "I didn't do as well as I'd hoped, but I did cram so what did I expect? You know?"
You lean back in the chair to look at him upside down. He shook his head "You have got to stop cramming last minute. That's why you're so caffeinated now." He smiles when he sees you looking at him. He pokes your nose before walking away to get some chopsticks from your drawer.
You laugh and blush slightly before sitting up. "So how'd the middle of the year recitals go for your hip-hop class?" You hear him scoff and turn towards you before you actually look back at him.
"As if I could fail a dance course??" He asks you in shock. "You could. I'm pretty sure you don't got it all. You know how to do tap dance?" You both laugh because his facial expression basically said no.
"ANYWAYS.. it went well. I got some improvements to make as all dancers do besides THE Lee Minho obviously."
"Actually, that's just the person I wanted to talk about. I actually think he's very handsome and was wondering if you could introduce us."
'Huh?' He looks at you and turns his head in confusion. He looks completely lost. Where did you meet Minho? He barely knew the guy himself. Only seen him at a party ONCE. He was tearing the dance floor apart with his dance partner Han Jisung.
"He is so dreamy. I heard he has cats in his dorm. He is a very good dancer, and he is like an instructor according to a lot of people. We have Social Movements together. He has such a nice, soft tone when speaking. He never says much because our teacher has us speak English for whatever odd reason.. but when he does I can't help but to stare."
He frowns as he pours the water into his ramen. "I really haven't talked to him at all. I've only heard a lot of rumors about him. You don’t actually like him do you?" His tone was rather serious about this. You watched him squint and roll his eyes earlier. Is it that bad that you like Lee Minho? Are they rivals? but he has never met the guy...
A light bulb flashed above your head. 'Oh!' Your face turned to a look of realization and Hyunjin's one of panic.
"omg…is ferret boy jealous?" You question as you stand up and move closer to him. He pours the water into his ramen almost spilling it. "No!" You chuckle at him almost spilling it before touching his waist.
"No...? That's so disappointing because I actually think you're very handsome and talented." You admit to him before moving away again causing him to grab your wrist.
"Okay.. I admit it. I'm slightly jealous, and I just wanted to do this right. I like you y/n."
"I like you too. Now stop being shy around me. I like you for who you are."
"So were you serious about Minho? Because you seemed very passionate about it." You push him and sigh. Men...
Taglist: @kflixnet @lino-jagiyaa @l-luvr @moonmukamiamajiki @kpflyn [comment and ask to join my taglist]
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Text
Ever Move I Make Feels Lost With No Direction
Selena wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings and meets her little saviour again
Characters: Selena, Blinky
Words: 1386
Content warnings: some religious talk
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I did not wake up to the sound of bells, heavy knocking on my door, or Sister Mary Josephine yelling at me to get up, which was strange. I didn’t feel sore either, nor cold. In contrast, I was warm, and a soft blanket seemed to have been placed over me – at least I could not remember having taken it myself. I opened my eyes, expecting to see the cold stone walls of my small convent room, but instead was faced with one larger than I’ve ever had. The floors were wooden and the walls painted, there was a bed and other furniture, and curtains blocking out most of the daylight, though I could still make out that it must have been well past morning. 
Only when I heard voices and music from elsewhere in the house I remembered. The hours of driving, huddled up in the back of the car, not even allowed to look around. The gas station, the stranger, the dilapidated church. The Sisters and me being taken to a house and the strange people living there – and how they had not killed me. They had been... kind? It had not felt right then, and still didn’t. They said they had killed the Sisters but that they would not hurt me. 
Slowly, carefully, I sat up, folding the blanket back. There were stains on the covers, a reminder of the state I was in. It seemed almost metaphorical, a sign that I was made to taint everything I touched. Yet, the people here had said it wasn’t true. It did not make sense. Nothing made sense. 
There was a bucket of water, a wash cloth, and soap nearby, along with a note. It took me a moment to make out the words, “to wash”, it said, and I was sure it had not been there when I had gone to sleep. Additionally, there seemed to be different clothes on the bed – or was I misremembering? I examined them without touching, a blouse and a dress in neutral colours, and decided to at least try and get cleaned up a little. 
The water stung in the scratches and cuts caused by smaller twigs and thorns having gotten caught on my skin, but it was nothing in comparison to wounds I had received in the past. On my back and shoulders, I still had some welts from the most recent lashing that were in the process of healing. I was careful not to scrub to hard as to prevent bleeding. At least the wash cloth and towel were somewhat soothing on the irritated skin, not like the rough fabric in the convent. 
I got up and took a closer look at the clothes, slightly worried someone might walk in on me in my now nude state. Not because I was ashamed – I had been made to remain undressed before people before – but because it was not proper unless explicitly asked for. And I would rather not get into one such situation, orders to undress for anything that was not a shower were never for good reasons. 
Without too much thought, I put on the undergarments offered, and after a moment’s hesitation I reckoned that the blouse and dress should be acceptable as well. Someone had clearly gone out of their way to get different clothes, probably thinking I didn’t like the other ones. That in itself was confusing, I would have expected them to be offended or angry about my ungratefulness. 
To my further surprise, the dress reached well past my knees, fit my upper body, and the sleeves of the blouse were not much too short. I couldn’t help but rub the fabrics between my fingers, it was all so smooth and... soft. I could not remember if I had ever worn clothes that had felt like this. 
Looking back at the blanket on the floor, I decided that I should probably remove the covers and find somewhere to clean them. I also needed to pour out the water and clean the bucket. But that meant leaving this room, and despite having been told it was okay, the thought scared me. They had said what things I could do if I wanted, but not given any specific rules or orders. It felt like I was set up to make a mistake and fail. 
Then I realised that I had not said my prayers yet, I hadn’t even thought of it. All my thoughts had been about myself, and only my own. That was dangerous, or so I had been told all my life. Taking a grounding breath, I knelt down, closed my eyes, and prayed. 
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I don’t know how long I had been standing in the room, dirty sheets in my hands, and just stared at the door, but eventually the sound of footsteps approaching pulled me out of my thoughts. My body tensed up and I hardly dared to breathe, scared because I did not know what to do or expect. There was a soft knocking on the door, and it took me a moment to find my voice. 
“Uh, yes please?” I said, unsure. No one had ever waited for my permission to come in. It had not been my place to refuse anyone entrance. 
The door opened a crack and the head of Blinky appeared.  
“Oh, you’re awake and changed, that’s great!” they said, even though I wasn’t sure why they seemed happy about it, “Did you sleep okay? And how are the clothes? I figured the one’s Baby left weren’t like what you’re used to so I got different ones, does the dress fit? I had to guess your measurements and size.” 
I stared at them for a moment, trying to take in all the words and questions. It was so strange, to be talked to instead of talked at, and to be asked anything, really. 
“I... slept fine, but I dirtied the blanket covers. I wanted to clean them but didn’t know where-” 
“That’s alright, just put them in the laundry bin, Doe Eyes usually takes care of it,” they interjected. 
“I don’t want to be too much of a burden on you-” 
They waved me off. “You’re not a burden, especially not for some dirty sheets. You want someone to take a look at your old clothes as well or do you think you can part with them? We’ll sure find you new stuff you’ll feel comfortable wearing, or maybe Baby would even take you out shopping.” 
I had never been shopping, not even for food.  
“If you give me a needle and thread I can fix them up myself,” I said, “I don’t need anything new, and actually buying something really isn’t necessary, it’s not worth spending money on clothes for me.” 
They furrowed their brows but their tone remained unchanged, “I just think it could be difficult to find things in your size around here, Baby, Doe Eyes, and Mama aren’t as tall as you. I made the dress just to make sure you have something you can hopefully feel somewhat comfortable in.” 
“You made this?” I replied without even thinking about it, “For me?” 
“Yeah,” they shrugged. 
Once again, I could only stare at them. They sewed a dress for me. Even though they didn’t have to. They wanted me to feel comfortable. “No one has ever... made me something. And in the convent, I usually had to alter all garments myself, they could rarely find things that fit. They said women aren’t supposed to be as tall as me, but when I was younger, no matter how little food they gave me, or how many fasts they had me do, I would not stop growing.” 
Blinky remained quiet for a moment, just watching me. I was just about to apologise for saying something wrong, when they spoke up again, “Come, let’s put the sheets into the laundry and get you some food. You probably haven’t had breakfast yet?” 
I shook my head. 
“Yeah, me neither, and dad won’t be happy if I don’t eat.” 
“Why would you not eat?” I asked, confused. “Do you fast?” 
They shrugged. “No, sometimes I just forget. Don’t always notice hunger, especially when I’m busy.” 
“Oh, okay,” was all I said, and we stepped out of the room. 
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@immortal-velociraptor @myers-meadow @rottent33th @bluecoolr
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writerfarzanatutul · 3 months ago
Text
Muslim Story- (Romance Spiritual Thriller)
A gentle shake on her shoulder woke her from her slumber. Hasna groaned, still halfway between sleep and wakefulness. She had been dreaming of navigating a huge ship, with dolphins dancing in the crystal-clear waters beside her. The dream had been vivid and beautiful, the dolphins' graceful movements filling her with awe. She could still feel the warmth of the sun on her face, the wind in her hair. But then, a large wave had appeared on the horizon, and as it approached, she had reached out to defend herself, screaming in terror.
The scream was cut short as she opened her eyes to find Hamza standing next to her, holding a glass of water. Her face was wet with droplets. She blinked, confused, realizing he must have sprinkled water on her to wake her up. "The time for Asr is running out. Don't you want to pray?" he asked softly.
---
After finishing her salah, Hasna made her way to Hamza's study. As she entered, she noticed he was on the phone, his expression perplexed. He ended the call abruptly when he saw her, his brow furrowed in thought.
Had she heard anything? he wondered, his mind racing.
"Why did you sprinkle water on my face?" she demanded, her voice tinged with anger. "You caused a tsunami in my dream! What if I had drowned? And don't you fear me?" Hasna crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for his response, her tone a mix of frustration and bewilderment.
Hamza's frown deepened, but then a teasing smile tugged at his lips. "Why? Should I be afraid of you?" he replied, his voice light.
"What do you mean, 'why'? Don't you know I've killed seven men?" Hasna took a step closer, her voice low and menacing, but she was surprised by his reaction.
"Sorry, I forgot. I'll be sure to remember that next time," Hamza said casually, picking up a file from his desk.
"Do you think I'm joking?" she pressed, her frustration growing.
Hamza's expression sobered, and he looked directly into her eyes. "I wouldn't dare. But I believe you've repented for your actions, haven't you?"
His words caught Hasna off guard. She hadn't expected such a response, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. Without answering, she turned to leave, unable to face him any longer.
"You shouldn't have sprinkled water on me," she muttered as she headed toward the door.
Before she could exit, Hamza called after her, "O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, overseen by formidable and severe angels who never disobey whatever Allah orders—always doing as commanded."
Hasna stopped in her tracks, the words sinking deep into her consciousness.
"I'm sorry I sprinkled water on your face, but I was just doing my duty," Hamza continued. "I wanted to protect my family from the hellfire. I tried to wake you gently, but you didn't stir, so I resorted to water. And if someday I'm too lazy or fail to wake up for prayer, I give you full permission to pour an entire jug of water on me. Deal?"
Hasna listened, her mind fixated on one word—family.
Was she really his family now?
She left the study, feeling a conflict of emotions swirling within her.
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ilovelosersandshortmen · 11 months ago
Note
The Brotherhood of Mutants hiding their mutation from their S/O
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The fact that no one acknowledges Todd while he's running around, putting his tongue on everything and being a menace always makes me laugh.
TODD:
• Obviously a bit hard to ignore.
• "Hey, babe, why are you always so slimy?"
• *Frog blinking*
• "K cool love you."
• I honestly think he'd be excited and nervous to tell you at the same time.
• Excited because he's obviously awesome and cool and amazing so you'll love his mutation.
• .. but also just a little nervous because he thinks you'll find him disgusting or gross.
• When you're accepting of him, he'll become extremely proud of his mutation and will start showing off (more than he already does)
• Hopping everywhere, showing off his prehensile tongue (not in a weird way you creeps), just generally bragging about everything.
• Yes, he will always see you as a damsel/dude in distress.
• He gets a kick out of holding you in his arms and keeping you safe.
• Always asks for your opinion on his villain outfit (we need to help him with that it's so ugly 😭)
• Actually tries to shower more so his slimy skin doesn't freak you out (I once heard a head canon that he's sensitive to most soap because of his amphibious skin, so you'll have to be patient.
• Speaking of showers, I can just imagine him standing in a warm shower for hours because he likes the feeling of the water (like those videos of those frogs getting water poured on them)
• Anyways, this got off track.
PIETRO:
• Wait, you didn't know about his mutation?
• How?
• This man shows it off like it's his life's mission!
• But I feel like he'd keep it hidden to mess with you.
• He runs past you so fast that you just feel the gist of wind. He takes your things and rearranges them. But, to be fair, he also places cute notes for you before running away. At some point, you might start to think you're being haunted! Haunted by a weirdly flirtatious ghost, but haunted nonetheless.
• If you genuinely start freaking out, he'll come clean.
• He just likes seeing you confused sometimes, he says it's cute.
• Anyways, after he tells you, you're never getting off the couch again. Snacks? Pietro already got them. Drinks? Pietro was back before you even finished your sentence. He really is a simp, when you get down to it.
WANDA:
• I genuinely feel like she wouldn't care. She did show off her powers to that entire diner full of people for no reason.
• Doesn't like keeping secrets from you anyways.
• She just uses her powers randomly, to the point where she doesn't even realize she's doing it.
• Until she notices that you're staring at her in shock.
• "What? Why wouldn't I tell you? It's not like I'm coming out again or something."
• Would def use her powers to her advantage, like pulling you back to cuddle more on cold days.
FRED:
• Again, I guess it's kind of hard to hide. But he'll still be all nervous and anxious when he tells you anyway, even if you don't care.
• Like, seriously nervous. Fidgeting with his hands, looking at the floor, stuttering, the whole nine yards.
• Of course, you don't care and accept him with open arms. Which he's extremely grateful for.
• He treats you like glass. You're the most important thing in the world to him, and he would never forgive himself if he ever hurt you. Even if it was an accident.
• Once you get more comfortable together, he chills out a little.
• Likes it when you sit on his shoulder or when he gets to carry you.
• Honestly, he's such a sweetheart! I love Fred sm
LANCE:
• Usually pretty in control of his powers, out of fear mostly. He doesn't want to cause any unnecessary pain or destruction.
• Unless that pain and destruction helps the Brotherhood, obviously.
• Anyways, he always tries to keep his emotions in check around you so that you don't end up getting hurt.
• These people might be painted as villains, but they genuinely care about each other and the people they love!!
• When you find out, he tries to pretend that it's not a big deal. But he still apologizes for not telling you and waits for your response.
• You're chill, obviously. So he's really relieved. But, unfortunately, now he constantly makes stupid jokes based off of his mutation.
• Has said "I'm going to rock your world" multiple times before realizing how bad it sounded.
• Generally more cautious than everyone else because of how dangerous his mutation is.
TABITHA:
• Yeah, you already know.
• I'm sorry, but there is no way you haven't noticed.
• Unless you think she's a pyrotechnics genius or an arsonist or something.
• It's pretty hard to miss.
• Every time you guys hang out, it ends with something on fire.
• She's not shy about it. And, hey, you support her anyways!
Thanks again for all of the requests, it feels so nice to flex my writing muscles again! It's been so long. I really appreciate you and everyone who reads these! Have an amazing night!!
Do you think any of the brotherhood would be with a human S/O and not tell them that they're a mutant? Or maybe even try to hide it? I was thinking about it and honestly I think if any of them did, they'd probably tell or get found out after like a week.
But, I do find it funny that canonically everyone at Bayville High just sees Toad eating flies with a 4 foot tongue and is like 'yeah that's just Todd lol he's weird' 😭
LMAO Todd is just like that guys. Anyways I love this idea so I'm writing about it.
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happy74827 · 2 years ago
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Heaven’s Creation
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[Castiel x Female!Reader]
Synopsis: You’ve had abnormal dreams before and it wasn’t uncommon for you to stumble about odd situations in them. But, this time, it was different. He was different.
WC: 1,149
Category: Would you call this hurt/comfort? 
This was more of a random plot that I created during my daily “stare at the ceiling at 3am” moments but uh… I finished it and it’s Castiel so… enjoy :)
You’ve always loved the rain at night. The way soft droplets tapped your windowsill, drifting into the infinite amount of puddles that lay about the grass. The bright flash that would gloss over your dark abyss of a room, following rumbles from above.
During your younger days, you’d pretend that it was God sending an Angel to watch over you. To help you sleep through the sleepless nights and through the heavy storms with thunder that would shake the house.
At times, you were scared of it, scared of what would follow in the dark, but you overcame it with the belief that a higher power — one with wings — was watching over you. Protecting you from danger.
Even when you grew older, wiser with age, you still believed it, despite others. You believed it because you wanted it to be true.
And so, it began. The night that changed everything.
It was a similar night as this one. The rain that poured out of the sky wasn’t heavy but it wasn’t silent either. It was prominent enough to bring drowsiness to your eyes. To take you to your haven, away from the stress of the real world.
Usually, you had dreamt of the beach. The bright blue sky matches the color of the water. The sun reflects itself into the sand, mimicking the same happiness as a child. The fish swam peacefully as people gathered around to play beach volleyball.
This time, however, was inconsistent. You woke up in a strange place. A dark place. The flooring and the walls were all wood, with mold within the cracks. Spider webs were in every corner with dust on every shelf. The place brought you unease as you silently explored with your eyes, not daring to move an inch.
Just as you turned your glance toward a fogged-out window, you heard a name. Your name. It was soft, like a whisper, but the urgency in its tone made goosebumps crawl over your skin.
When you sought out the whisper, turning in confusion, you were met with eyes that were as blue as the southern sea. Eyes that sparkled like sapphires in the sunlight, despite being in such a dull environment.
They belonged to a man, a man you’d never seen in your dreams before. He was tall, taller than you at least, with dark fluffy hair that complimented his eyes. He was well-dressed, sporting a suit and tie with a trench coat that stopped just below the knees. The looseness of the coat on his shoulders gave him a more scrawny appearance, but something told you he was stronger than he appeared.
Your name fell from his lips again, as he stopped a few paces in front of you. His eyes were fixated on yours, causing an awkward smile to etch on your lips as you run your brain for a response.
However, the man didn’t give any opportunity for you to speak. “I apologize for the invasion of privacy.” He whispered, “I didn’t have many options given the amount of time I have.“
You looked at him blankly, only blinking at his words. Invasion of privacy? You were dreaming about someone invading your mind? What in the Inception is this?!
“So, you’re an invader of minds?” You finally replied, not sure what else there was to say.
He stared at you blankly, giving a little head tilt in response as if he were comprehending what you just said.
“I… uh, n-no.” He fumbled his words, “I’m an angel, Castiel, and I came to warn you.”
“Oh, okay… now I see why I’m—“
“You’re in danger.” He interrupted, causing you to halt in response. Your confused look made him sigh in response.
The man — Castiel as he named himself — looked over his shoulder in worry, glancing towards the bolted-up wooden doors, before turning back to you. “We don’t have much time.”
His eyes kept glancing at the doors like they were bound to swing open at any moment. The man made you nervous no doubt.
Could you die in dreams? It was a question he made you ponder. Still, you decided to entertain him with his claims. “Time for what?”
Then, as the apparent ‘angel’ suspected, the doors did open. They opened but nothing was there. You heard noises and conversations, but none of which were clear enough to comprehend.
When you turned back to Castiel, he promptly took you by your shoulders. Worry and panic were evident on his face as he hovered two fingers over your forehead. His eyes were staring into yours as he spoke to you. Well, more like ordered.
“Find Dean and Sam! Tell them I sent you, they’ll protect you.”
You were enchanted by the piercing blue in his eyes. For a dream, they seemed so surreal and inhuman. Yet, so natural. It felt… almost real.
You hadn’t realized he mentioned your name again. His fingers had lowered from you while his other hand was still firm on your shoulder, adding pressure that forced you to blink back into the present.
“We’ll meet again, most likely in a similar way.”
Finally, after what seemed like ages of staring into this man with nothing but confusion, you asked him a question. A simple, yet elaborate question.
“Is this actually real?”
He slowly nods, glancing behind him once more. “Very.”
“Why are you telling me all this?”
“You’re a future prophet of the lord and I’d like to keep it that way.”
Your eyebrows furrowed at his words. “Prophet of the Lord? You mean, God?”
“I’ll answer all your questions soon, but you have to go, now!” Castiel rose his fingers once more, hovering them over you. “Once you’re awake, leave your apartment. And remember, find the Winchesters. They’ll protect you while I’m away.”
You were going to respond to him, to ask how he knew about the apartment, but the dream was over in a snap. His fingers touched your forehead, making you feel tingly and lightheaded. Then you were home.
You were laying down, eyes facing the popcorn ceiling of your room. The rain was still active, lighter and calmer now but it was still there.
A part of you still believed it to be a dream, a wacky one at that, but the sincerity in the man’s tone… It made you get up in your pajamas, search for your car keys, and drive off.
And fortunately for your sake, you made the right call. You found your apartment in the news when you arrived at some diner for food. The building had crumbled beneath the seams, leaving nothing but debris and dust.
The shock and the terror that flowed through your body only turned into the repetition of what the man from your dream had told you.
“Find the Winchesters…” your mind replayed, “they’ll protect you while I’m away.”
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strangerthings-01 · 2 years ago
Text
CLINGY
Summary: Eddie was in bad mood from a drug deal gone wrong and wasn’t in the mood for to be touched. You, however, are a very touchy person and just wanted him to feel better but he snaps at you, leaving you upset.
Involves: angst, slight fluff
Definitely a short story but I’ve seen a couple like this and wanted to make my own. Hope you like it. Lmk if you have any requests. I do all sorts of stories.
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It was a Saturday in July, the first summer being graduated and out of Hawkins finally. You were at Eddie’s trailer, as per usual. You and Eddie had started dating months prior to being graduated and it had fine extremely well. Even though people constantly made you aware of what they thought of him, you couldn’t bring yourself to care. You knew who he was and you loved him for it. They were just mad he was different and confident with it.
Eddie had just come back from a drug deal, he was a seller and made some pretty decent money off of it, when you arrived. He had timed it so he would be back on time to make sure to let you in. You had walked up the gravel pathway and made it to his trailer and knocked on the door. A couple seconds later, you heard shuffling and then the sound of the lock clicking before the door opened. “Hey.” He said gruffly, small smile on his face that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
You smiled at him not thinking much of it since he acted like that sometimes. “Hey baby.” You leaned up and kissed his cheek and he cleared his throat as he moved out of the way to let you in. You were confused at his reaction but didn’t want to make a big deal so you stepped inside and set your bag on the kitchen chair like always and heard him shut the door behind you.
You turned to face him and watched as his hands went into his pockets and he looked at you clearly In a different mood than usual. “You okay?” You walked over and ran your hands over his arms. He pulled away from you and nodded. “Yeah I’m good. Just tired I guess.” You were hurt as this was the second time he seemed uncomfortable with your touch. He usually never minded how touchy you were so it worried you that he minded it now.
“Are you sure? You seem upset. Distant. You can talk to me.” He smiled softly at her and shrugged. “I know I can but I promise I’m fine. Like I said. Just tired.” You pursed your lips and nodded. “Okay…well do you want me to make coffee and we can watch a movie? Or we could just take a nap and cuddle?” You suggested knowing he usually loved sleeping next to you. But he was quick to choose the first option. “Coffee sounds good. I’ll go put on a movie.” He said and walked to the other room to turn on the tv.
You felt nervous at the way he was acting as if being around you at the moment was nerving. You started the pot of coffee and waited for it to start pouring. You watched Eddie from the other room flipping through channels, sitting down with his arms rested on his knees. You titled your head and walked over,hoping to coax whatever he was feeling out of him. You stopped directly in front of him and he looked up and chuckled lightly. “I can’t see the tv babe.” You raised your eyebrows and took the remote from him. “That’s the point, silly.” You straddled him and wrapped your arms around his neck. He sighed heavily and couldn’t stop the roll of his eyes as he moved you off of him which caused you to look at him with the utter mist hurt and confusion he thinks he’s ever seen on you. “Can you not, please?”
“Can I not what? Touch you? You’re my boyfriend, I can’t help it.” He looked at you and raised his eyebrows now. “Okay well I’m asking you to try and help it because I don’t want to be touched right now. God you’re so clingy sometimes.” Your heart panged with hurt and your eyes watered but you tried to blink away tears. You cleared your throat and stood up clearly not prepared for that. “Wow um okay.” You walked back into the kitchen.
“Baby-“ he started but you shook your head, stopping him with a wave of your hand. “No it’s fine. You have a right to not want to be touched. I’ll stop being so clingy.” Your grabbed your bag and slung it Over your shoulder. “I think I’m just gonna go home.” Eddie walked in front of the door preventing you from leaving. “Wait no. Please don’t go I’m sorry. That was me being a dick. I- I just had a bad day but I shouldn’t take it out on you…” You scoff and cross your arms. “No shit. You usually love to touch me when you’ve had a bad day. What’s going on?” You brief moment of hurt and anger went away when you saw the regret in his eyes.
“I know. It’s just- the customer I was doing a deal with today completely tried to fuck me over and so I’ve been in a really shitty mood and I just didn’t want to be touched but I should have just told you and not been an ass…” He reached over and took your bag from you. “Just please don’t go.” You sighed and looked up at his brown eyes that always seemed to make you stay and fold no matter what this boy did.
“Okay…just tell me next time okay? You know I’m touchy and don’t know stuff unless directly told. You know I wouldn’t have minded.” He nodded and walked over to you, taking your face in his hands. “I know. I know. I’m sorry. You’re not clingy. Well you are-“ that earned him a glare, not helping his case. He lifted a finger. “But it’s not a bad thing. You just love touching me and honestly I don’t blame you. I mean look at me how could you not?” He flexed his muscles and you laughed as your hand collided with his chest. “Shut up you asshole.” He laughed with you and planted a swift kiss to your lips. “But seriously I’m sorry for being a dick.” You kissed him back and a hand rested on his arm. “I guess I’ll forgive you…” you sighed dramatically to which he grinned, this time actually reaching his ears.
He leaned down as he moved your hair past your shoulder and kissed your neck softly. You smiled and moved your head to the side allowing him more access. He peppered kisses all along your neck and moved back up to press one to your lips again. “I definitely forgive you.” You giggled softly and he picked you up causing you to squeal as he brought you back to his bedroom. “Oh just you wait. You won’t just forgive. You’ll completely forget when I’m done with you.” He closed the door and threw you on the bed, the night closing in on a wonderful blissful night and you did in fact forget what happened.
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clanwarrior-tumbly · 2 years ago
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Okay- Can I request a fic with the Pizza Guy porniplier (Don’t worry) Where a ‘really’ confused fem reader finds him at her door. He starts doing his whole “flirty thing” and the reader, after a while, gives up on the logic, and just goes- “Look, man. Do you wanna come in? I just made a pot of tea.” Then they spend the rest of the night talking on the couch. 😌 ‘maybe’ pizza dude gets to cuddle with the reader a lil bit, later, when they decide to put on a movie. - Some people are calling the pizza dude “Ryder” ? - (Hopefully this all makes sense!) ^
This was partially inspired by your comic of the Life Guard, opening up to the captain he tried to flirt with, about his insecurities regarding the water hgdfx 👍🏻
Oh nice I’m glad you were inspired! And I’ve seen the name Ryder circulating and I like it so imma use that here
Now get in losers we’re dispersing the sexual tension these Pornipliers radiate by letting them open up emotionally <3
............
"Did someone order a large pizza? Extra...pepperoni?"
Puzzled, you looked at the delivery guy standing outside your apartment door. You don’t recall ever ordering a pizza--not to mention you lived here alone--so you weren’t really sure what to do. 
He put his hands on his hips, the box itself somehow...staying in-place as he gazed up at you with a small smirk, awaiting your response.
‘How is he doing that? It is magic or.......oh....’ You’re a bit ashamed as your mind goes straight to the gutter, especially after you were caught-off guard when he didn’t mention anything about sausages.
You’ve never met this man before in your life so you weren’t sure why he was being so flirtatious and horny towards a total stranger.
‘Unless he works at some pizza shop for adults...never heard of that before, though.’ You mused.
Still, he was quite a handsome guy, as you noticed a few barely-visible outlines of his muscles through the turquoise polo shirt under his jacket. On a pin you could see his name was “Ryder”.
But as charming as he appeared, he also seemed exhausted. The nearest pizza place wasn’t for miles. God only knows how far he had to travel to get here.
Usually this was the part where normal people would either say “sorry, wrong house” or call him a creep and slam the door. But you’d feel guilty for doing either.
So you decided to be nice for a change.
"I didn't, but why don’t you come inside for a bit? I just made some tea and I can't drink all of it by myself."
Convinced that you're just subtly flirting back, Ryder chuckled deeply. "Oh, I bet it's steaming hot~ I can take that as a tip....unless you got other things in mind-"
"Just my hospitality, dude. I mean..you look tired as hell and I'd hate to see you drive all the way back to the shop." That was more blunt than you'd like to admit, yet to the point so he knew your intentions.
He blinked. "So you don’t have any..."special requests"? Wink-wonk?"
"No.”
"...thank god. Seriously, thanks." He suddenly dropped the whole act, taking the pizza box off as he sighed. "Before you ask...no, i-it’s not my dick. I use a belt to hold this up. That's my secret. I swear I’m not that disgusting.”
“Oh, uh..okay.” You muttered, deciding not to question it as you invited him inside. He put the pizza on the coffee table and sat on the couch awkwardly while you got the tea and turned off the stove, pouring some for him, too. "I don’t know if you have any preferences for tea.”
“Anything beats their watered-down soda. Don’t tell my boss but it’s bad.” He grumbled as he took off his hat, running a hand through his greasy hair. 
Soon you joined him on the couch, yet he seemed rather shy now.
"Look, I...didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I'm just trying to earn better tips. My rent just went up and the only place that would hire me was this shitty ass pizza joint. I got laid off from another one that paid so much better ‘cause they’re using robots to deliver now.”
You weren’t expecting to hear his life story, considering all you did was invite him into your home. But you just nodded in understanding as you handed him a mug. “Sorry to hear that, technology sucks sometimes. And don’t worry. I wasn’t uncomfortable. Just...a little confused. Does this place know you’re flirting with customers?”
Ryder shrugged. “They said I can do whatever I want if I needed tips that badly, so I figured I could offer my own...."services" on the side."
"And....how has that been going for you?"
"..I hate it. I mean, surprisingly it’s kept me steady but...it just doesn’t make me happy, y’know?” The more he rambled on, the more tense he became. “Now it seems like people only like me for my body. I’m horrible at flirting and talking and..just..I-I don’t know what to do anymore...”
Again he sighed, before looking at you with tired brown eyes. “Sorry. I shouldn’t be dumping all of this on a pretty lady without even knowing her name yet..”
“It’s [y/n].” You smiled, a bit flattered at the compliment.
For a while you two talked and shared the pizza together--which did contain extra pepperoni, indeed--and he was slowly starting to get to know you better. To distract him from his shitty job you told him some things about yourself. 
Hours passed without either of you realizing it, but that was fine. He was in no rush to get back to work.
At some point you decided to put in a movie. He wasn’t too picky, so you just chose one of your favorites and got settled as it began. But in doing so you were awfully close to him, practically cuddling against him without realizing it, and you heard him huff.
“I knew it..”
“What’s wrong?” You sat up, confused.
“Nothing, I mean..did you actually want to take this further?” He questioned, looking a bit hurt for some reason, hugging himself in a self-conscious manner. “You could’ve just said that instead of leading me on.”
“..I’m lost. I don’t really understand what-”
“This is how it started with the last customer. We ended up just...making out during a movie the whole damn time. I really thought you were different, [y/n]. You’re the only one who’s treated me like a person.” His tone wavered with slowly rising anger. “But if you were just trying to get in my goddamn pants this whole time-”
“Woah, wait..wait.” Frantically you paused the movie and looked at him. “I thought I made it clear I didn’t wanna do anything unless you were comfortable with it. What made you think I was “leading” you on?”
His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “You were just...next to me, acting all cuddly and stuff. I mean I liked it but..usually that leads to something more intimate, doesn’t it? Is that not what you wanted?”
"Oh no, honey...” The affectionate word just spilled out, but you kept talking anyways, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. He was looking like a sad puppy right now, feeling like you betrayed his trust. “I wouldn’t invite you here just to use your body. Cuddling doesn’t always have to lead to anything else if you don’t want it to.”
“...it doesn’t?”
“No. It can be platonic.”
“..I see. I-I had no idea. I’m sorry.” Ryder felt extremely embarrassed for assuming you had other intentions--that you were only letting him open up emotionally just so you can get in his pants easier. The guilt was ever-present on his face still.
“It’s alright. Can I just admit something, though?”
Although a bit confused, he nodded.
“You look like you give great...”
He held his breath as you paused.
“..hugs.”
Then he exhaled in relief, which made you chuckle. He couldn’t help but return the smile, enamored by your laughter. 
Seeing that the plan worked, your eyes lit up. “Hah! I got you to smile again~” You snickered, before putting your arms out. “But in all seriousness, you probably need the cuddles more, so you can lean on me instead if you wanna. No pressure.”
While hesitant at first, he eventually agreed to cuddle with you, smiling lightly as you held him. He put his head on your shoulder, closing his eyes as you played with his hair a bit and watched the rest of the movie, both of you content as can be.
This felt undeniably good. No rough touches or pressure to do anything to please you.
Finally, he could be himself.
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julesclues · 3 years ago
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hi boooo! You’re legit my favorite author on here! I love your writing so much 💕 was wondering if you could do one: outer banks JJ getting so drunk at a party and throwing up at the party and getting sick all over JB car going back to the chateau with all the pogues. And like reader (not Girlfriend yet) taking care of him please 🥺 thank you so much!!!! 😍😍😍 I know you’re busy so like take you’re time and if you don’t want to it’s fine too 💕💕
Drunken Confessions
Warnings: excessive and underage drinking, cursing
Pairing: jj maybank x reader
Word count: 2.48k
Summary: JJ drinks a littleee too much at a party, which makes the reader worried about him. So being the great person she is, she decides to take care of him.
a/n: thank you for the kind words in your request! It really means a lot! <3
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3 things JJ Maybank loves most in this world: sex, surfing, and booze. Emphasis on the booze because once he started, it was almost impossible to stop him which, was currently the situation at the party you were all at.
It was a normal party, one mixed with tourons and pouges. But a normal party for JJ obviously meant drinking. You always worried about him when he would over do it like he is now. Though you were all used to the underage drinking, it was kind of hard to remember that it still is, technically, illegal.
The music was almost too loud. You could barely hear your friends as they each took turns telling stories about their most embarrassing moment. “Mine’s gotta be in 3rd grade when I was in the talent show for dancing and wound up twirling off stage,” Kie exclaimed, making all of you laugh. Pope went next and then John B and as you went around the circle, you realized JJ was no where to be found. You stood up in worry and searched the party for his unique clothing style and beautiful set of hair. “Where is he?” You ask, making John B tilt his head. “Who?” You roll your eyes and look at him. “Your best friend?” You ask with a laugh. Before John B could answer though, you all heard some yelling in the distance. Turning your head to the sound, your question was answered.
There was JJ. Standing on top of a table. Chugging beer after beer, almost as if he was putting on a show for the cheering audience under him. They were all applauding him as he downed the substance, some of it pouring down his chest, turning his dark blue tee into black. You groaned in annoyance as you and the other pouges ran up to him. You pushed through the crowd and made your way to the front, giving you the perfect view of JJ’s drunken state. You sigh and stick your hand out to him. “JJ!” You yell, but he still continued to pour the drinks down his throat. “Maybank! Hey! Let’s go!” You attempt again, but it’s no use. So, you climb up on the table with him, earning even more cheers from the people below. Maybe they thought you were going to join him.
He finally turns to you and his eyes light up. “Y/n!” He exclaims happily. As much as you loved JJ, in this moment, you were pretty upset. All you wanted was for him to just take care of himself so he wouldn’t do stupid shit like this. “Let’s go J,” you whisper only loud enough for him to hear. You reach out to him but he dodges your touch. “No!” He yells, scanning the people below. “Please J. Come on. Please let’s go home,” you plead, making JJ turn toward you. This time, his eyes were soft and warm, almost as if he had turned sober for a quick moment. “Ugh, fine,” he groans, but secretly doesn’t mind the feeling of your finger tips guiding him off the table and back to the pouges. You ignored the boo’s you heard from the others, but they soon forgot about it. To you, they weren’t worth JJ’s time.
“He’s shit faced,” you state to the other pouges, as JJ leans further into your side. Without you, he might have fallen over. “What’s new?” Pope laughs, making you roll your eyes. You knew that this was normal for JJ and that the pouges took it as a joke, but that doesn’t mean it should’ve been normalized. You always worried about JJ and the fact that the other pouges didn’t, made you upset.
You sigh as you sway awkwardly with JJ, thinking about what to do. “Can we just take him back to John B’s? He can’t be drinking anymore guys,” you plead, as John B nods and grabs his keys to the van. “Let’s go then.” You all start walking to the van, you and JJ a little bit behind due to his wonky walking. “You’re cute,” he laughs in his drunken state, making you smile a bit. JJ flirting with you both sober and drunk wasn’t out of the ordinary, but it never failed to make you blush like a middle schooler. “You too J,” you admit, and he chuckles without saying another word.
You make it to the van where Kie holds the door open for you two to hop into the back. You shove JJ in first, having him sit near the window while you sit in the middle and Kie sits next to you guys. John B starts the van and starts driving, which makes JJ hold his stomach. You’re the only one who notices it. “You okay JJ?” You ask him, but all he does it roll down the window. “I’m gonna throw up,” he mumbles, making your eyes go wide. “Oh no JJ, not in the van please,” John B begs. JJ doesn’t say anything as he sticks his head out the window and starts violently throwing up. All of you groan and laugh, as you rub JJ’s back to soothe him. You repeat the phrases “it’s okay” and “you’re okay” like a mantra.
You felt something on your thigh and looked down to see JJ’s hand. After pulling his head back out the window, he plops down on the soft seat under him and looks at you with a sloppy smile while squeezing your thigh in reassurance. “I’m good,” he laughs, looking around the van. “Good cause if you ever throw up in my van, I’ll kill you,” John B chuckles, making everyone else laugh along.
Finally making it back to John B’s, with JJ getting sick almost every 5 minutes, you limp with him by your side as the pouges rush to get the door open for you two. “Come on,” you grunt, finding it a bit difficult to hold JJ up by yourself. He keeps giggling and laughing while slurring his words. “Get him cleaned up in the bathroom y/n,” Pope says, and you nod. “We’ll get him water and some tylenol but until then, just make sure he doesn’t throw up all over my house,” John B exclaims, making you chuckle and adjust yourself against JJ. “Sure thing John.”
You walk into the bathroom with JJ and plop him down on the toilet seat. He sways back and forth, struggling to keep his eyes open. “Jesus J, your clothes are so dirty,” you whisper with a sigh. “Would you like me to strip then, princess?” You roll your eyes but can’t help but grin at his flirty words. “Shut it Maybank. Let’s just get you cleaned u-“
Your words were interrupted by JJ rushing to get off the toilet seat so he could open it. He instantly started throwing up, gripping the sides of the toilet until his knuckles turned white. You instantly got on your knees and sat behind him, rubbing his back to try and soothe him. “Shit JJ..” you say sympathetically. “I fucking hate when you do this shit.” After a minute or so of throwing up, he sits down on the floor and wipes him mouth. “Come here,” you mumble, coming closer to him with a napkin, but he swats your hand away. “JJ..” you warn. “Y/n just get out of here, okay? I don’t need you taking care of me.” You blink in surprise of his words and how quickly he can switch up. “Instead of being petty JJ, how about you be grateful that someone cares about you!” He scoffs and looks away. “Whatever,” he hiccups. “Why do you even care? It’s not like you’re my girlfriend.” 
You freeze for a minute, trying to pretend like his words didn’t hurt you as much as they did. “You’re an asshole sometimes JJ. Girlfriend or not, I care about you. So stop denying my help and just shut up! God, I don’t even know why I’m fighting with you. You’re obviously so drunk right now. You don’t mean anything you’re saying.” You get up and stick your hand out for him. “Come on. Let’s get you to bed.” He looks at your hand and then up at you. You shoot him a smile and he could swear, drunk or not, that smile would be the death of him one day. 
He hesitantly takes your hand, and you pull him up, having him stumble a bit before regaining his balance. You lead him to his bedroom and plop him down on his bed. You kneel down to take off his shoes for him, but he stops you. “I’m sorry,” he apologizes, looking down to the ground. “For what?” You ask him, sitting down next to him. He feels the bed dip down a bit, which makes him sway a little. “For what I said in the bathroom,” he mumbles. You shake your head and chuckle. “JJ, you’re just drunk. I know you don’t mean any of it.” You were always so patient and understanding when it came to JJ. It was one of the many things he loved about you. That’s what made you so different from the other pouges. 
“Y/n?” He whispers. “Hm?” You ask in the same volume that he had used. “I like you a lot.” You smile and grip his shoulder. “I like you a lot too, JJ.” He shakes his head and lays down on his bed, looking up at the ceiling. “No Y/n,” he sighs, while closing his eyes. “I don’t think you understand. I like you a lot.” You tilt your head for a second in confusion, but instantly look at him wide eyed when you get what he meant. “Wha- JJ? Are you serious?” But he doesn't respond. All you heard from him was his silent snores. You get up from his bed and look down at him, to see he was fast asleep. Your breathing starts to pick up as you pace around the room silently. “Oh my god, oh my god. He didn’t mean that, right? He’s just drunk.. right? My god Y/n, who are you even asking? You’re alone. Right.. okay.” You stop pacing and grab a blanket that’s folded on JJ’s bed and cover him, leaning down to give him a quick kiss on the forehead. “You better have meant what you said JJ, or I’ll kill you.” 
You leave a letter for him and go on your way, hoping he calls you in the morning or is not too sick to remember what he meant. 
Dear JJ, 
It’s your favorite person :) You were pretty drunk last night so the pouges left you some water and medicine while I took care of you. When you wake up, give me a call, okay? We kinda need to talk. And please JJ, try not to get so drunk anymore. You worry me when you do. I care about you. Girlfriend or not. 
Love, Y/n <3
-----
JJ wakes up the next morning with a groan and a pounding headache. He felt like he got hit by a truck. He never drinks this much and he knew it, but for some reason last night was different. He was trying to forget. And apparently it worked because he forgot what he was trying to forget. Bingo. He blinks a couple of times to get his vision from blurry to clear before standing up and stretching. He  looks down at his nightstand and finds a folded piece of paper and instantly recognizes your handwriting. 
He opens the letter and reads it. His eyes go wide when he reads “girlfriend or not.” He starts to wonder what he could’ve possibly said to you last night for you to include that in the letter, but his memory is failing him. Nevertheless, he finds his phone and quickly finds your contact, hesitantly clicking “call.” 
You answer after a couple of rings with a chipper yet out of breath ‘hello.’ 
“Hey Y/n..” he says softly, hearing your pants. “Are you okay?” he asks with a hint of concern in his voice. “Yeah J, I-I’m good. Just surfing. Why don’t you join me? None of the other pouges are here, and I’d like to talk to you, if that’s okay.” You didn’t sound mad or upset, which JJ took into consideration. The last thing he ever wanted was to make you upset. “Sure, yeah. I’m on my way.” 
-----
JJ meets you on the beach about 15 minutes after your phone call. “Hey J!” You say, running up to him with a smile. “How are you feeling?” You ask him, and he just rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. “I’m a little out of it but the strangest thing is that I don’t remember anything from last night.” Your face instantly drops and JJ is quick to recognize your disappointment. “Oh..” you sigh, biting the inside of your cheek and looking down. “What’s the matter? Did I say something last night? Y/n whatever I said, I didn’t mean it, okay?” You look back up at JJ with a bit of tears in your eyes. “You said you liked me,” you mumble, making JJ tilt his head. “Of course I like you,” he chuckles. You shake your head, realizing you were mimicking his actions from last night. “No JJ. You said you liked me.” His eyes go wide, immediately realizing what you meant. “Oh.. Y/n, I- I don’t-”
“Did you mean it J?”
“Y/N-”
“Just tell me JJ. Please. Don’t lie to me, okay?”
 JJ looks down for a moment, contemplating on whether or not he should tell the truth to you and potentially ruin the friendship, or lie to you, and ruin the friendship even further. He saw how hurt you look when he said he didn’t remember, so maybe, just maybe, there was a slight chance that you liked him back. 
“I like you Y/n. I do. More than a friend. I didn’t want to tell you while I was shitfaced and with you taking care of me. But I did, and I’m sorry. You deserved a better confession from me. I really do like you Y/n but if you don’t like me back then that’s okay. I ju- are you crying?!”
You wipe the tears away as you chuckle from JJ’s concerned face from you crying. “Of course I am, you idiot!” You exclaim, walking closer to him. “JJ I like you too. So much. I was really hoping you were telling the truth because I don’t think I could watch you have one night stands anymore,” you laugh, and so does he. “So does this mean..” his voice trails off but you knew what he meant. You nod with a smile and he returns it, blinking slowly. 
“Can I kiss you now?”
“Please do.”
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