#and are probably trying to say hey Liana

[lilacsolanum]

WHY DID YOU TAG ME?????

im so glad we have cards for this kind of thing now

[queensunshinee]

Time Of Our Lives || Part 16

Part 16:

Patrick heard Liana vomiting faintly and it made him jump out of bed. "Li, is everything okay?" he asked from outside the bathroom. "Everything's great, go back to sleep," she stammered, and he sighed. He went to the kitchen and filled a glass of water, entered the bathroom, and saw her sitting on the floor, holding her hair with one hand and gripping the edge of the toilet with the other, trying to steady herself.

"Hey, baby, it's okay. I got you," he mumbled, placing the glass on the sink and sitting down next to Liana, holding her hair in place and tracing gentle shapes on her shoulder. She was shaking from the effort as her free hand also moved to hold onto the toilet.

"Sorry I woke you," she mumbled after a few minutes, not moving her head out of fear of vomiting again. "Don't be silly, is it something you ate?" he asked. His eyebrows furrowed as he handed her the water. "There was only regular milk at work, I probably drank one cup of coffee too many yesterday," she mumbled, and as soon as she finished speaking, she vomited again, and they found themselves in the same position.

"Come on," after a few minutes of this, he helped her get up from the floor. Patrick spread toothpaste on her toothbrush and put it in her mouth, starting to move it side to side. Liana could cry. She felt the tears gathering at the back of her eyes, in moments like these she remembers how gentle and sensitive Patrick can be. If he only wants to, if he cares enough.

He stood in the bathroom while she showered and didn't take his eyes off her, not in a sexual way but out of genuine concern. Because at the end of the day, Patrick loves her, even if sometimes he doesn't know how to show it.

"Shall we go back to sleep?" he asked hopefully. "There's no point, I feel better and in half an hour, I would've had to get up anyway," she shrugged as he handed her a towel. "Li, maybe you should stay home today?" he asked, even though he knew the answer. "I'm on a schedule and in a few days, the construction starts, I need to get there to fix some drawings. If I'm lucky, I might be able to leave earlier," she smiled at him. "I don't know..." he tried to protest. Just ten minutes ago, she was shaking in his hands, and now he has to let her get dressed and leave the house. "I'm fine Pat, really. I'll drink tea today, and I'll be okay," she gave him a small kiss on the lips and left the bathroom, concluding the conversation.

"Then there must be a pillar here, otherwise the whole thing will collapse, and we didn't draw it in the sketch." Art heard Liana's voice from afar, like an echo. He automatically found himself walking towards her, because that's why Art came. He didn't really care about the construction schedule; as far as he was concerned, the longer this thing took, the more time he had to come and see her work. An excuse to be close without being creepy.

"Hey," he gave a small wave, keeping his distance from her conversation but letting her know he was there. "Mr. Donaldson," she mumbled, and so did the guy working with her. Art could say that nothing happens in his body when she calls him 'Mr. Donaldson'. That formality in front of people doesn't affect him at all. It doesn't send a little shiver through him. No memories surface, and he certainly doesn't imagine that one day she might be 'Mrs. Donaldson'. He could say all that, but he tries not to lie too much.

"Miss Levy," he returned a toothy smile, and she walked towards him. "Why are you here?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Where? On the land I bought?" he was amused. Now that she was closer, he could examine her. He wondered if he would ever get used to the fact that she needed glasses now when she worked. Or the small wrinkle that formed on the side of her mouth from the number of times she smiled and laughed. He wished it was because of him. Too many times he thinks about the number of things he could tell her that would make her laugh enough to deepen that wrinkle.

"You look... green." he mumbled after a few seconds. She was pale, even for her. "It's January, I turn green in January." she retorted. "Liana." he tried a more official tone, a bit more concerned. "I'm fine, Arthur, let it go. Can I ask a favor?" she asked, looking at him with big eyes. Making him raise an eyebrow. There are very few things Liana could ask of him that he wouldn't agree to do. She must know that by now. "Always." he said quicker than his ego was happy to hear. "Can you give me Tashi's number?" she asked and saw his surprised look. "Why? Are you trying to steal my coach for your lazy boyfriend?" he asked, feigning amusement. He didn't understand the endgame of this move. Overall, he didn't understand what Liana had to talk about with Tashi; Liana hates tennis, and from what Art knows, Tashi enjoys talking mostly about tennis. "don't call Patrick lazy, can you give it to me or not?" she didn't answer him. "Will it hurt my interests?" he asked, pulling out his phone. "I would never do that, Art." she sighed, and he sent her the number. There are very few things Art Donaldson wouldn't give to Liana Levy.

Liana waved for a second when she saw Tashi entering the café where they had agreed to meet. She couldn't help but feel tense and wondered how to calm her jittery leg. Why couldn't she just act like a normal person and be more…cool.

"Hey, Liana, what's up? Sorry if I'm late." Tashi was a bit confused. A bit was an understatement. Tashi was very confused. 'Hey, it's Liana, if you have free time, I'd really appreciate it if we could meet' was the message she received yesterday, and that's how she found herself in a café, sitting in front of the girl Art has been trying to fuck without success for God knows how long. Tashi couldn't help but wonder what Art's tennis would look like if he succeeded.

"All good. I'm early." Liana smiled. "Do you want to order something to eat?" she asked, and Tashi waved at the waiter, asking for coffee. Her energy was businesslike. Always in a hurry. Always busy. It didn't matter that she came from the rain. It didn't matter if she was cold or hot. She had no time to waste. "What's up, Liana?" Tashi asked after a few more minutes of awkward silence. "Is this about Art?" she added. "No... Art's not involved." she answered too quickly. Why did she answer so quickly? "So how can I help you?" she asked, taking a sip of the coffee that had just arrived.

"I don't have many friends here." Liana took a deep breath. She knew how it sounded. Desperate and pathetic. But she had no choice. She really didn't know who to talk to. "So... you want me to?" Tashi looked horrified for a moment. Not understanding what situation she had gotten into. "God, no." Liana's eyes widened. "Can you stop with the leg? It's driving me crazy." Tashi said. All the chaotic energy Liana was emitting didn't suit her. It almost threw her off balance.

"I'm pregnant." Liana said quietly right after she took a sip of her tea. She examined Tashi, who looked back at her. "Patrick?" Tashi asked, and Liana looked at her horrified. "Of course it's Patrick's. Whose else?!" she defended herself. "So, congratulations, I guess?" Tashi still didn't understand why she was there. Why her time was being wasted with news about her ex from years ago. If it's not Art's child, if it doesn't become Tashi's problem, why bother filling her brain with this unnecessary information.

"No. I don't want this." Liana said, and Tashi couldn't hide her surprise. "I'm Sorry, what?" she couldn't stop herself. "It was a mistake. I'm on the pill, and I really don't know how it happened. I need to stop this..." Liana mumbled. It wasn't coherent, but Tashi understood every word. "You've been together for years, Liana, I don't understand..." Tashi tried to be more sensitive. "It's just not the right time. We need more stability, and bringing a child into something like this is just not fair." she said, looking at her for a change.

"I would go alone, but I need someone to be listed as an escort," she averted her gaze as she said it. Ashamed of what she was asking from the girl in front of her, a complete stranger in her life, yet the only one she could think of. "Patrick?" Tashi asked quietly. "He doesn't know." Liana's eyes filled with tears. "Please-" she had been thinking about this monologue from the moment she found out, three days ago. "Okay" there was no need. Tashi answered immediately. "Okay, I'll go with you." she smiled the most genuine smile she had to offer.  "Thank you." they both took a sip of their drinks.  The rain outside intensified.

When Liana entered the house, Patrick was in the kitchen, and she quietly leaned on the doorframe, watching him while he wasn't looking. Thinking about what she was going to do tomorrow. Knowing it's for their own good. He wouldn't understand if she told him. He wouldn't understand, and he would want to keep it, and neither of them could raise a child right now. She knows that. She knows he will hate her no matter what she decides tomorrow. If he finds out, he will feel trapped. He will feel like she has ruined his life. Again. Little by little. Each time draining him of the last drop of joy left in him. The last drop of youth.

"Are you just staring now? Not saying hello?" he asked, amused. He had felt her gaze on him for a few minutes. "Hey," she approached him and hugged him from behind. Leaning on his shoulder and closing her eyes. "Hey, Lilo," he was confused. Not understanding the sudden closeness. The last few days had been strange, to say the least. Liana and Patrick hadn't fought even once. She hadn't been feeling well, and he mostly tried not to bother her with his presence. He was afraid of making her feel even worse than she already did, and the more he distanced himself, the closer she got. The more space he gave her, the more she sought touch.

"What are you making?" she asked quietly, not moving an inch, still with her eyes closed. "I'm pretty useless, but I called your mom, and she gave me a recipe for the soup you like," he said quietly. "You called my mom?" she asked in a half-broken voice. "You haven't been well for a few days, Lilo. I wanted to make something that would make you feel good," their gazes met.

Liana started crying, and Patrick panicked. These weren't just tears welling up in her eyes but real crying with her hands on her face. "Hey, hey, Liana. What's going on?" he gently took her hands off her face, revealing how red she had become in those seconds, how sad she was. His hug was comforting. More comforting than anything she had felt recently. "I'm such a bitch. Really," she mumbled. "Lilo, you're the kindest person I know," he chuckled above her head, tracing small shapes on her shoulder while gently rocking her, trying to soothe her in any way he could.

"I really love you. You know that, right?" she pulled away from him for a second and studied him. "Of course, I know," he replied, "I don't understand what's going on, Lil. I need you to talk to me." He was half-lost, not understanding what he did or what she did that led to this situation. "I don't say it enough, but I really love you, Patrick. More than I love most people in the world," she said again, unable to stop the tears. "I know. I really know," he replied, hugging her once more, not letting her slip away from him. "You're okay. Whatever it is, we're okay," he said, and she nodded into him.

Liana also thinks that most of the time, they are okay.

The months that passed were more of the same. Liana worked on Art's house, meeting with him once or twice a week to show him the project's progress. Every time he tried to have a conversation beyond professional matters, Liana cut him off. She owed that to Patrick. She owed it to herself and Patrick to be okay. She couldn't let herself betray him emotionally with someone who, the moment he had a hold on her emotions, her entire system would recalibrate around him again.

The calm dynamic between Liana and Patrick lasted exactly two weeks. Liana was quite sure they didn’t know how to manage without fighting to the point where she wanted to smash a plate against the wall. Sometimes they went to bed without exchanging a single word, and those were the days it was hardest for her to be near him. Those were the days she also canceled meetings with Art because Patrick made her so angry she became indifferent. And indifference leads to mistakes. She knew that. She had seen it up close.

Now, with both Art and Patrick participating in the tournament in Atlanta, Liana found herself ordering coffee and soda at the hotel bar while opening her laptop, hoping to tie up some loose ends before sitting down with Art for a few minutes tomorrow. "Hey, Liana," she heard Tashi’s voice from behind. They hadn’t been in touch since that time, when Tashi went with her. But Liana had a soft spot for the woman in front of her. She used to be so afraid of her once, trembling when exchanging more than a word with her. Today she thought she and Tashi saw each other with flaws and strengths. Sometimes Liana didn’t know what her strengths were, but she always knew Tashi’s.

"Hey," she smiled at her. "Mind if I sit for a bit while I wait for my order for Art and me?" she asked. "Is he sending you to fetch orders now?" Liana raised an eyebrow. It was uncharacteristic. "Actually, no, I saw you from afar and didn’t want his mind to be distracted." Tashi said, and Liana rolled her eyes, wanting to say something. "There’s no way I could distract him right now. Not before I finish working, nothing to talk to him about" she said, and Tashi rolled her eyes and chuckled. Liana wasn’t entirely sure if something was happening between Tashi and Art. It wasn’t her place to ask him, she wasn’t in contact with Tashi, and her parents hadn’t told her anything special as gossip as they usually did about his life. Maybe it was just friendly, and she was purely his coach, but Liana didn’t want to be in the middle of it. She wasn’t going to disrupt Art’s happiness. She was with Patrick. Most of the time, she was happy with Patrick.

"Has he ever shown you his necklace?" Tashi asked. "Excuse me?" Liana was confused. "Art, has he ever shown you his necklace?" she asked again, slower, like speaking to a child. "No, I never asked, and it’s always under his shirt," Liana shrugged as Tashi took her order. "He’s such a pussy," she shook her head from side to side, chuckling. "So dominant on the court and yet, such a coward. Unbelievable. Good to see you, send my regards to Patrick," she smiled and walked toward the exit, not giving Liana a chance to respond.

Art was terrified. He was bored, so he went down to the lobby half an hour before the time he had arranged with Liana. He was so happy he could see her in person and knowing she was also in Atlanta, that he didn’t care the only reason they were meeting was to talk about the house. But now he felt the air leave his lungs. He saw Tashi and Patrick. Holding hands. Like that. In the fucking lobby. And while Tashi didn’t owe anyone anything, Patrick owed Liana. And Art was supposed to be happy because he understood what was happening. It was Patrick. No matter how much time passed, he knew Patrick.

When he returned his gaze to where they had been sitting, after giving someone an autograph, they were gone. His heart was beating faster than usual. He felt like crying. He was supposed to be happy, but all he could think about was Liana’s face and that he was about to be someone who told her something that would make her cry. Again. He swore to himself he'd never make her cry again, but he was about to. And he hated it.

"Donaldson," she smiled at him, causing him to jump in his chair. "How did you get so startled, you were practically looking at me," she rolled her eyes, and he smiled at her. "What’s wrong?" she asked. His smile was fake. Liana hated that she could still tell if his smile was fake. "Nothing, just thoughts about the tournament." he said. "You crushed your competitor today, you’ll be fine." she rolled her eyes. "Mind if I order some wine? It’ll help me sleep." she added. He didn’t know she liked to drink wine. "Of course. I would order some too, but, you know." he replied, somewhat pleased she was allowing herself to relax a bit around him. It took her only a year.

"So, I’ll show you a few things and then let you go." she said, sipping her wine, and he nodded. "Hit me." "Question, while the computer loads." she said, and he looked at her. Liana hated how his green hoodie made the bright blue of his eyes stand out. She had never seen so many shades of blue as when she looked closely at Art Donaldson’s eyes.

"Talk to me." he leaned on his elbow, not taking his eyes off her. A little reveling in the moment. A little afraid to ruin it. A little wanting to ruin it. Because the voice in his head told him he had to tell her. Liana had to know. She deserved to know. Art deserved a chance. He would never do this to her.

"What’s the story with your necklace?" she asked, and he raised an eyebrow, quickly running a hand over the back of his neck. "There’s no story." he answered too quickly. He wanted to punch himself for it. "Arthur. Come on, what’s the deal, you didn’t wear a necklace when we were kids. Is it a gift from someone?" she asked. "Are you keeping track of my jewelry, Liana? Be careful, I might think you care about me more than you let on." he knew it would make her change the subject. He wouldn’t tell, but the blush on her cheeks and the big sip she took from her wine only made the conversation better.

"This is the final plan. They started the interior construction two days ago." she showed him a diagram on the computer, moving a bit closer to him. Close enough for her scent to hit him like a slap in the face. He wanted to dive into that closeness. To reach out. To tell her and immediately promise everything would be okay. That he would be there to pick up the pieces. He knew he could.

"I saw Patrick and Tashi earlier." he said quietly, almost in a whisper. Not taking his eyes off her. "Oh, I didn’t know they were in touch..." Liana said, not moving her eyes from the computer. "Liana," he sighed. He hoped she would understand from the previous sentence. That he wouldn’t have to say it. "What?" she looked at him and chuckled, but her smile quickly faded when she saw his expression, "Just say what you have to say, Donaldson." she said with an uncharacteristic coldness.

She knew Art too well. Every time she tried to deny it, she could precisely recognize a look he gave or a joke that no one around understood. She knew how to tell by his walking pace to a construction site if he had a good practice or if he was tired. She knew who he was at his core. And more than anything, she knew how he looked when he was about to break her heart.

"They were holding hands and then disappeared from my sight," he sighed, breathing heavily. He said it in a whisper, almost not wanting to say what had been weighing on him. "Oh." she drank all that was left of her wine in one gulp and signaled the waiter she wanted another glass, returning her gaze to the computer. "I need to finish a few things, and I believe we can wrap everything up in two months. After that, you’ll need to work with an interior designer-" "Liana." Art interrupted her and placed his hand on hers, giving it a slight squeeze. This made her move her hand to her leg.

Without realizing it, tears welled up in her eyes, and the waiter who brought her wine hurried away from the table as fast as he arrived. "Talk to me, please." he was desperate to know what was going through her mind. "It’s okay, it’s whatever," she shrugged and looked at him indifferently, letting one of her tears fall.

"Liana." he sighed. "How is it okay? He’s cheating on you." Art wanted to raise his voice. He wasn’t mad at her. He was mad at Patrick. He was mad at the circumstances. He was mad at himself. "I know what holding hands and disappearing with Tashi Duncan means for someone like Patrick, Art. Contrary to what you think, I’m not stupid." her words were almost venomous, but he knew she wasn’t lashing out at him. He knew he was the closest person right now. He was ready to take it.

"What do you think is happening here?" she asked, taking another big sip of wine. "That I’ll hear about Tashi and Patrick and go up to your room so you can fuck me until I forget all my problems?" she asked, and he almost choked on his own spit. He didn’t expect her to be so blunt. That sentence showed how long she’d been in a relationship with Patrick. He spoke through her.

"No, Liana." he sighed again. Running his hand over the back of his neck once more but this time leaving it there a little longer. "I’m content in my relationship. Shit happens." she finished the second glass in one go and closed the laptop, ready to leave. "Shit happens? How many times has it already happened, Liana?" he couldn’t believe the level of indifference. He wanted to shake her so hard that her brain would reset and go back to the beginning. To reboot her self-respect that had clearly been trampled on more than once.

"Bye Art, good luck tomorrow." she muttered and turned. This time his grip on her hand was firm above the table. She wouldn’t be able to move him. Not now. "You’re making a scene." she whispered. He couldn’t help but think about the power dynamics between them now that she was standing and he was sitting, but he was holding her. She couldn’t move as long as he was holding her. And if it were up to him, he would hold her forever.

"Look. Here." he did the only thing he could think of and pulled the pendant of the necklace over his shirt. Seeing her breath catch for a moment. "Is that...?" She couldn't find the words and automatically moved her free hand over the metal. "Yes." He whispered. His grip loosened, and he let his fingers intertwine with hers over the table without her pulling away. "Why?" She murmured, not stopping her hand from moving over the pendant, her dorm key. The key he refused to return to her time and again. Hanging around his neck. "You know why." He closed his eyes for a moment. "Why?" She asked again. Not letting go. She had to hold on to something, and he knew that if he wanted to give her a moment of peace, even if not for himself—because for himself, he would have chosen another way to tell her, to show her—that all these years, she had been his good luck charm, even from afar. Right now, she was the only one who mattered. Only succeeding in changing the way she looked at herself and what she thought she deserved. "Because I’m yours. I’ve always been only yours."

Oh my god!!! I hope it wasn't too long. I feel like so much has happened in this part, but we are finally in Atlanta. What are you thinking guys? We've got a bit more Tashi on this one. I love hearing from you, so talk to me. Thanks for still reading and commenting. It means the actual world. 

taglist: @soberbabes @nina357 @lamoursansfin @marley1773 @ruyaas-world @apolloscastellan @primlovesdilfs @fangirl-kimora @serenadingtigers @imbabycowboy @do-it-for-kicks @izzywags478 @4deline08 @igotmajordaddyissues @jackierose902109 @ganana @yoitsme-04 @swetearss

[wilsons-three-legged-siamese]

another fic of mine woah 😩

fandom; house md

can be interpreted as non slah or slah between house/wilson

summery; wilson is dying, being taken care of a person. but wilson cant remember who they are.

word count; 1.3k

tw; major character death.

a/n: i dont have ao3 so it shall not be put up on there. if it is notify me, ill say if i have given permission as if someone asks i probably will say yes.

this was based on the song "rises the moon - liana flores"

rises the moon.

days seem sometimes as if they'll never end.

its august. the 20th if we're being exact. coming to the close of summer and the opening of autumn, usually being my favourite time of the year. cozy sweaters, warm socks and scarfs, the perfect weather. usually sunny with a nice breeze. well, i wish i could enjoy it. instead, im stuck in bed, my breathing laboured and my body shaking. though, this year, summer was my favourite.. june. i really enjoyed that, when i could walk without aid and just, enjoy life. ever since mid july, ive been deteriorating quicker than an abandoned building, which has been agonising. i want the pain to go away, please. it hurts..

but i dont want to die.

from the bedroom, i hear the singing voice again, a soothing melody. their voice smooth and deep. i sigh softly, it being a sort of comfort for me, knowing at least someone was there and i wasn't alone. their humming and muffled singing drowns out the continuous beeping of the heart monitor besides me. they had stolen the machine after faking being ill in a walk-in clinic, once the doctor had done to complain to the dean about them being an ass, they smuggled the monitor and brought it back. the good ol' days hm? that day was probably the most ive complained and laughed for a long, long time.

a mass than sat on the bed, the weight shifting slightly on the mattress. i ket out an involuntary groan, my back being slightly unsupported.

"hey, i made some broth for you.. its 1, and i think you should at least try and drink it for me," they murmured.

the bowl, of what i assume was broth, was set down on the small table besides me. soon enough, long, lanky arms were wrapped around my middle, gently pulling me up to sit up. wait.. what time did they say again.. 1 was it? only.. 1?

the sun digs its heels to taunt you.

the rim of the bowl was scarcely pressed to my lips, the bowl being slightly hot. i signal them to tip it a little so i can take a sip. and so i do. and holy shit..

thats fucking amazing.

the warm, soupy liquid runs down my throat, a sort of feeling i dont get that often, especially being warm. the way he flavours mix together is phenomenal, the spices and the subtle beef. its flavourful, but not enough to freak my taste buds out, which happens all too often now.

"is it okay?" they ask, their voice soft and gentle.

i hum with a slight nod.

but after sunlit days, one thing stays the same:

rises the moon.

days fade into a watercolour blur.

its been.. maybe a week? my sense of time is so off, it could be a week for a few days.. lets say its been a few days - to make me feel better. im now slipping in and out of consciousness, which is concerning in itself. i dont know how long im out for at a time. theyve been becoming more and more worried about me. i mean, there was always an elephant in the room, hell even when i was first diagnosed. but, the elephant has been growing larger and larger than before, making it hard to ignore. we have to adress it sometime.

but its hard to breathe.

then im awoken by a coughing fit.

it shakes my whole body, racking everything as i shut my eyes tight, desperately trying not to wake them up behind me. but, of course they woke up, they always do. i tried to savour the two, lanky but muscular arms around my abdomen, as they were warm and comforting, but soon, all i could feel was pain.

"are you okay?" they ask, their voice still a bit groggy from sleep.

i hum, my voice still hoarse even though i barely made a sound.

this just reminds me of them, i swear something to do with an infarction to the leg. but i cant quite remember.. or remember them.. their face is slightly recognisable, but not by a lot at all. my memorys been wracked up.. pisses me off, i wanna know whos caring for me. i wanna thank them, using their name, recogising their face.

memories swim up and haunt me.

"hmm.. mm!" i hum, trying to catch their attention.

they run over, quickly turning me on my side and holding the bucket to my mouth. i start to cry as i retch, vomiting harshly into the bucket, they rub my back gently, mumbling words of encouragement and reassurance softly to me. finally, i stop. glancing down at the small puddle of bile and saliva, i frown slightly.

look into the lake, shimmering like smoke.

i look into their eyes. my, coffee like brown into their, ocean like blue. scared and helpless meet concerned and determined. they run their skinny, pianist fingers through my frail hair. they always wanted to care for me, secretly.

rises the moon.

"close your weary eyes, i promise you that soon the autumn comes to darken faded summer skys." they pause for a moment. "breathe, breathe, breathe."

almost immediately after hearing that, i start to cry, just a full on breakdown. they quickly embrace me, wrapping their arms around my middle. i dig my face into theit shoulder, tears still rolling down my pastey cheeks. its nice.

oh to be hugged like this again.

days pull you down just like a sinking ship.

its been a day? maybe.. i dunno anymore. it might've been 2, 3, 4 a week, who knows - not me thats fot sure. it might be september now, i last remember it was august, that seems like yesterday. them, my carer, whatever, i dont know their name anymore. i dont know who they are, i cant see.. its all blurry and fuzzy, so is my memory. i cant remember the last time i ate..

floating is getting harder.

"im sorry.." they mumble, their voice snapping me out of my thoughts - though it was barely above a whisper.

their thin fingers run through my hair again, gently letting it fall between the gaps and repeating.

oh, i forgot to mention, i also cant speak.. or breathe for that matter. i think the tumor - or tumors more like - have begun to press against my trachea and esophagus, making his hard to both eat and breathe. wheezing has become a normal, daily routine.

considering my condition,

i have tonight,

and thats it.

because of my fate, i keep repeating a phrase i once said to a child as they went through chemo. they had no parents, i was the best thing they had..

but thread the water, child, and know that meanwhile: rises the moon.

days pull you up just like a daffodil.

its the next day, i think. its really hard to just think. the weezings gotten worse, i feel awful, like horrendous. its awful... maybe i am ready to die. i can just subtly feek them holding my fraile hand, stroking their thumb over my knuckles. only barely. im scared, terrified more like. i dont even know who they are, but im scared for them.. they'll miss me definitely. what will they do when im gone? i dont know..

uprooted from its garden.

once again, i feel consciousness slip from underneath me. which is normal, very. but this wasn't normal.. i could still hear.

"they'll tell you what you owe," they mumble. "but know even so, rises the moon."

i try to smile, a small twinge of my lips. but nothing happens. i try to tell them i love them, but again, nothing happens.

"you'll be visited by sleep. i promise that the autumn comes to steal away each dream you keep." they choke back a sob.

"breathe, breathe, breathe." houses voice sobs.

they're house.

but its too late to tell him i love him.

[drewsbuzzcut]

Can you write the part where Mat and Y/N make love after their wedding reception ?

I Love My Name Inside Your Voice

mat barzal x model!fem!reader

a visceral in doses fic

warnings: smut, smut, cuss words, alcohol consumption, being drunk, breeding kink

You should be joining everyone for breakfast right now. You should be basking in all of the happiness and compliments that you’d be receiving if you were with everyone, but right now you’re basking in a different kind of attention.

The sun is hot, shining in through the curtains in your hotel suite. Your salacious moans are hotter, though. Mat’s laid on the bed, pillows providing support and you’re straddling him, enjoying the way his thick length hits deeper in this position.

“Holy fuck, maty. Fuck,” you moan, trying to adjust to the fullness in your core.

Mat’s hands are gripping your hips, holding you to settle your squirming and to guide your movements. It wasn’t your first time riding Mat, but you still had to adjust each time as the position let him fill you more than he already does.

“C’mon, baby. Look at me. Look at me,” Mat tells you, your back arched and eyes focused on the ceiling. You take deep breaths, trying not to cum too soon. You place your hands on his strong thighs, anchoring yourself as you start to bounce on him.

His eyes are glued on you. The bright sun doing wonders at masking both of your evident hangovers. Even if it didn’t mask anything, Mat still knew you were the most beautiful person on earth. He watches the way your boobs bounce with your movements. Your stomach tenses at a particular spot being touched by his tip.

“Fuck, you’re so tight, baby. Keep fucking yourself on my cock,” he says to you, making you moan loudly, your walls clenching down on him.

Mat throws his head back, mouth open, a sweet moan clawing its way out of his throat. You continue bouncing on him, dragging an early orgasm out of Mat, but you aren't finished yet. The feeling of his hot cum painting your walls drove you insane, your movements becoming faster. It’s all too much, you throw your body to lay on top of his. When he gets through his orgasm, he moves to a sitting position. Your hands go to his back, scratching your nails into his skin. His hands still your hips, so he can thrust into you at an unforgiving pace. You scream out in ecstasy, most likely waking up anyone who isn’t already awake. The whole hotel could probably hear the animalistic noises coming from the both of you.

“Faster,” you say breathlessly, throwing your head back and trying to meet his thrusts.

“Gonna cum, pretty girl? Cum for me,” he circles your clit, driving your orgasm home. You tense and throw your body back, whimpering as his cock slips out of you, and landing on the blankets sprawled out at the end of the bed.

Mat tenderly picks you up and moves the both of you to the top of the bed to lay down, knowing you were in need of some aftercare.

“We need to shower and get downstairs to join everyone,” you whisper dazedly.

“Shower together?”

“Of course.”

You and Mat make it downstairs, red tinting both your cheeks at all the smirks and knowing looks you’re receiving. As you greet everyone, Nolan perks up when he sees you, jumping straight into your arms. His head nuzzles into your neck with his little hand reaching out, wanting Mat to hold it.

“Hey, little man. Good morning,” he greets Nolan, causing his son to squeal in your arms.

“You mean good afternoon,” Liana teases, earning a glare from Mat, but a giggle from you.

As you settle at the table and Mat serves the both of you breakfast, you chat amongst your friends and family, trading stories about last night. Your girlfriends are trying to get any details from you that they can. You’d eventually tell them what they wanted to know, but not in front of family.

Nolan, predictably, moves to rest in Mat’s arms where he falls asleep the moment his daddy starts patting his back. You watch as Mat eats with one hand while the other holds Nolan securely. It’s so natural for him. His large hands being so gentle transports you back to last night. The way he carefully undressed you and pulled you apart with those same hands.

Stepping out of the elevator and into your suite, Mat’s hands immediately attach themselves to the zipper of your dress. The feeling of the silk falling off your body is nothing compared to the warm touch provided by the soft drag of his fingers along your shoulder blades and spine. You’re only left in your white, wedding lingerie. You hear the surprised gasp from Mat, a smirk automatically painting your face. He saw the 13 embroidered in the back of your thong.

“You’re unbelievable,” he whispers, nosing at your hair before moving to press soft kisses onto the side of your neck.

You turn in his hold, wrapping your arms around his waist, feeling him trace the blue 13. Your heart is pounding and your fingers are twitching, dying to touch him all over, dying to hear him talk some more. His hands start to roam your back, teasing you with his touch. A soft whine escapes your mouth when he unclasps your bra with just one hand. Your mouth finds his chest, wanting to show him attention as well. His hands hold onto your cheeks, bringing your lips to his, finally. The kiss is slow and sweet, but it definitely makes your heart speed up. Lust starts to linger, infiltrating your every move.

“I love you, wife,” it sounds so sweet coming from him.

“I love you, husband,” you say, resuming your kiss to hide your shy smile, but you couldn’t stop it from forming.

He picks you up, your legs around his waist and hands in his hair, making a mess of it. He lays you down in the center of your hotel bed, the plush comforter surrounding you. He kisses the edge of your jaw, kisses your neck, kisses your collarbones, kisses your “13” tattoo on the swell of your boob, kisses in between your boobs, and all the way down your stomach until he reaches your panties. Your impatient body writhes under his lips, hips jutting up, eager for friction.

He pulls your panties down your legs, careful to not rip them, knowing you’d be bothered if he did. He starts kissing around your waiting core. Your inner thighs, hips, and your lower abdomen all receive attention that you want so badly to be focused on your needy cunt.

“Maty, please touch me,” you plead, hands trying to grab a hold of his face so you can guide him where you need him.

“As you wish, Mrs. Barzal,” he winks at you, holding eye contact as he leans down and presses kisses to your pussy.

He starts off with kitten licks, smirking every now and then at the silent squeals you let out.

The soft licks turn into strong flicks, ravenous noises slipping from him as he enjoys your taste. You try to remain still, but when his tongue starts to twirl around your clit, you lose control. Your back arches, mouth open, spewing moans and sounds of bliss. Your hands grip his hair tightly, pulling on the strands each time you edge closer to your release.

“Cum for me, baby. I know you want to. Let me taste you,” he hums into your heat, making you cum on the spot.

Your wet hole clenches around nothing, practically begging for something to fill you up. Your moans get a little louder as you pull harder on Mat’s hair. You try to scoot up farther on the bed, but he pulls you back to where you were by your ankles, making you giggle.

“I’m not done,” he says hotly, making you groan internally, ready for whatever he was about to do.

Mat doesn’t give you much time before he’s tonguing around your hole. You let out a moan that soon turns into a loud gasp when he starts sucking on your clit while fingering you. Your head turns sideways, mouth biting onto the sheets to keep your screams in.

“Look at me. I want to hear you,” he instructs, momentarily giving you time to breathe.

Your breathing gets more erratic with every movement his fingers and mouth make. Your back continues to arch up, he eventually has to hold your hips down. His thick fingers make a come hither movement inside of you, reaching your g-spot, catapulting you into your second orgasm of the night.

“Holy fuck. Maty, fuck me please,” you beg.

He ignores your begging, preferring to lick up your sweet release. He thrusts his tongue into you, very much loving the way your chest heaves and the satisfied moans and groans you’re letting out.

“No more, baby. ‘M sensitive,” you whimper.

Your husband makes his way up your body, kissing on your neck. You lazily unbutton his dress shirt and peel it off of him, feeling up his strong biceps. Between his kisses, he bites your neck, using his tongue to soothe the pleasing sting and blowing cool air on the wet spot, surely making you arch your back some more.

He moves his kisses to your lips, sending you humming into his mouth. Your body starts to relax with the way his body is resting against yours. His warmth surrounds you, melting you into a puddle of mush.

“Baby, I want you in me. Please, love me,” you whisper into the kiss.

“I love you,” he whispers into the skin of your neck, leaning his body off of yours, slowly unbuttoning his pants.

He smatters kisses all round the skin of your boobs before he’s licking your nipples and sucking them into his mouth. You bring your hands into his hair, massaging his scalp, but also holding him there while you bask in the euphoria of his mouth on you.

He pulls away from you, making you pout at him, but he just smirks at your blissed out state. Lips swollen, hair messy, nipples red and wet, and your eyes glazed over. He’s at the end of the bed when he pulls his pants off, eyes boring into you, further heating you up. Once he moves to be between your legs, so close to where you need him most, you reach up and pull the band of his briefs down. His thick, hard, and ready cock hits his abdomen, and you guide his shaft down to glide against your used core. His red tip nudges your swollen clit, sending your hips flying up.

His hands hold onto your hips before he lets himself be swallowed by your warm walls.

“Oh my god, you feel so good!”

“You’re so tight, baby. So wet, too,” he gasps.

His thrusts are slow, but strong, enough to have you moaning his name. Both your fingers are entwined while he holds your hands down on the bed. You’re not sure if it’s all the alcohol you’ve consumed tonight, or the way his body moves against yours, but you’re dizzy. You’re both drunk off each other.

Your legs wrap around his body when his thrusts start to speed up. Mat’s eyes close in effort to distract himself from watching the way your body is reacting to him, the way your walls clench down on him. You were close to your third orgasm of the night, and he didn’t want to release before you did.

“Maty, baby, I need to touch you,” you groan out, trying to free your hands.

He doesn’t release your hold, just fastening his movements, pounding into you. Your moans and screams of bliss start bouncing off the walls. Your body becomes damp in sweat, hair starting to stick to the skin of your neck and forehead. While his thrusts are fast, you can feel him start to tense up, meaning that he was close, too. You need to have your hands on him, so you squeeze down on him, making him release his hold and thrust even faster. Your nails dig into the skin of his back, finding their way down to his ass and squeezing the round globes. He silences your moans with a kiss, tongue sneaking in when you start to moan again. You can still taste the faint taste of your arousal on his tongue. You suck on it, wanting him to submit to his orgasm instead of holding it in.

“Stop squeezing me, I’m gonna cum,” he warns you, forehead resting on yours.

“No. Just cum in me, baby. I want your cum deep inside of me,” you answer, knowing that calling him “baby,” makes him weak. You didn’t often call him by that pet name, usually sticking to “barzy” or “hotshot.”

“Fuck. Want another baby? You want my cum to paint your walls? Fuck, you all pregnant and round with my baby is so sexy,” he moans.

“Fuck yes!” You whimper as his thrusts continue without an end in sight.

You throw your head back, gripping onto the sheets as you feel his hot cum spurt into you. The sensation causes you to hit your third orgasm. Your walls spasming around his member, both of your stomach tensing at the feeling. Your legs are shaking, whimpers falling off your lips when he eventually slips out of you. You feel Mat lay himself down next to you, so you turn on your side to face him. You let your fingers trail up his torso from his happy trail to his collarbones, enjoying the way he twitches because your touch heightened his sensitivity.

“I love you, baby,” you whisper sweetly, moving to rest on the upper half of his body and kissing his lips.

“I love you more. I’m happy we’re finally married,” he whispers into the kiss.

“Me too. You’re my forever, always have been,” you say, starting to come down from the clouds, falling into a satiated sleep.

He presses a kiss to your cheek, covering both your bodies with the sheet, and letting himself fall asleep, knowing damn well you’d be up and ready to start another round soon.

You both basically fucked the night away, well whatever was left of the night.

“Baby?” You snap out of your memories of the night prior, fixing your attention on Mat.

“Yeah?”

“Are you okay? You spaced out,” Mat asks, adjusting a sleeping Nolan in one arm while the other moves to the back of your chair.

“Just thinking about last night,” you whisper, bringing your body closer to his and wrapping your arms around his neck.

He only smirks, a gleam in his eyes. He wraps his free hand around the back of your neck, pulling your face towards his.

“We get to do that for the rest of our lives,” he states.

“Hell yeah we do,” you say cheerily, closing the space between you both, loving the way his kisses will never fail to make you blush.

You will never grow tired of your life with Mat Barzal.

a/n: Wedding night smut is finally here! I hope you all enjoy!

[randomkposts]

Hey so, people who are still on Fanfiction. Net, have you guys been getting PMs from people who claim to be Concept Artists?

I say Claim , as I have gotten six similar sounding PMs from 'concept artists' who say they are into my writing, with very similar wording.

Minor points to Angeliena Williams, Angela Wilson21, and Liana hayden for using the name of one of my stories in their PM as an example of something they are inspired by, and Iillian maya for following me, way to put a little bit of effort into attempting to cullivate a connection.

I'm fairly sure they are not real people as the instagram accounts I attempted to look up did not lead me anywhere.

The art station got me to Angela Wilson, who surpise,' surprise' does not seem to be into fire emblem, which would probably be seen if it were a subject that inspired them to read my stories in the first place, and they were intrested in commisioning art for fanfiction.

On the plasuability of good faith that they are real people, I will say this.

"I am fine with fanwork, provided credit is given. Contact me about it, and I can plug it and tell readers where to go look for it. I am not looking to commision anything for my fanfiction, but am happy to hear about insperation. If you enjoyed an work of fanfiction listen to what authors on many platforms are asking begging you to do, and leave a review. Please give something back for the time and brainpower spent on the fic. Even if its ❤!

That is fuel. That inspires them to write more. Someone liked it. They are not preforming to an empty stage. A long wordy, thoughtfull review will power their week.

They do this for free. Out of passion for the medium.

Don't repay that by trying to make a profit from them. If they are intrested in a comission, they will find an artist on tumblr they are intrested in. If you want that to be you, then make an effort to be involved in the fandom and do things like review, and show some fandom art. Have some stories on your fav list. "

Fandom can be really lonley these days. The counter to that is to try to build community. And contacting someone only to try to get them to pay you for something is Capitolism, not community.

[httpjeon]

SEHEBON ― KTH (M.)

synopsis. you find yourself on izo huen, home to the sehebon. luckily for you, you've arrived at an interesting time.

pairing. taehyung/reader genre. angst, fluff, smut au. alien!au wordcount. 16,580 contents. Huge Dick Tae, cocky!tae, soft!tae, protective!tae, lowkey possessive!tae, human!kink, slight harrassment, dom/sub themes, size kink, size difference, sensitivity kink?, orgasm kink?, cunt slapping, breath play, dry humping, cunnilingus, fingering, cumflation, belly bulging, lowkey consent kink, unrealistic sex but it’s aliens what do u expect, lots of mention of humanity note. tae just wants to learn human things ):

blog masterlist. made of stardust masterlist.

© httpjeon 2020. do not repost, modify, or translate.

It had been a little over a half a year since your move to the Vela System of the Fanet IV Galaxy courtesy of the Interplanetary Relations Commission had begun. You were still adjusting to your new environment, Izo Huen being a vastly different place compared to Earth in terms of culture and climate.

"So, to wrap up the events of this past week," you shifted in your chair, staring into the lens of the camera you used to send reports to your superiors, "I met with the head of the Embassy for a dinner in order to meet the head of Izo Huen's military. The only way I can describe the whole interaction is...tense. Warrior Sehebon are truly another level of terrifying. Horrible burns across their bodies correlate with the information we had about their rituals. They wear the burns with pride, however ― a mark of bravery I suppose. The middle of the week was rather uneventful," you shifted in your seat, leaning over just out of frame to take a sip of your water. You stared at the arched ceiling, thinking of anything that could come to mind of importance to note. Outside your window, you could see people walking through the streets, laughing and chatting with one another.

"Oh!" you sat up straight again, "The monthly market came back once again. This time it was mostly vendors from Liana. They had the most amazing fruits I'd ever seen ― nothing like Earths. They were delicious too, so sweet. I wish I could send some back for everyone to be able to taste. You know," your gaze shifted out your window again, to the people bustling about, "Things got really hectic here in Fia recently, I don't know what it is. They're hanging banners up and there seems to have been an extreme increase in population of the city. I'm not completely sure what's going on."

After ending your weekly log and sending it to your fellow researchers on Earth, you downed the rest of your water and groaned. Izo Huen was sweltering hot, the two suns that hung in the sky upping the temperature past comfortable.

You couldn't wait for night to come, the freezing cold giving you a wonderful excuse to cuddle under the wool blankets.You decided to take a bath to pass the time, as it would be night in just a few hours. Plus, you desperately wanted to wash the days grime off your body.

By the time you woke up the next day, you were acutely aware of how incredibly loud it was outside. Shouts and cheers emanated from just outside your window. So with sleep-filled eyes you hurriedly dressed yourself and rushed out to see what the fuss was all about.When you stepped out of the door, you were shocked by the incredible crowd of people filling the streets.

Banners and streamers, even balloons, decorated every inch that could be covered. The alphabet was one you hadn't yet learned to decipher so the meanings were completely lost on you.

"Excuse me?" you asked a nearby woman. She was much taller than you ― a key trait in both men and women of their race. She turned and looked down at you with surprise in her eyes, "What's going on?"

"It's the pre-celebration," she answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

She turned her back to you once again and quickly disappeared into the crowd and you sighed. Sehebon citizens were still getting used to their planet being visited by other races outside their own solar system ― they were the newest planet to be opened for visits by the Interplanetary Commission.

It unfortunately resulted in some of the citizens to hold ill feelings towards those entering their cities.

Sighing, you decided to follow the flow of the crowd to appease your own rabid curiosity. A lot of the cultural information on Sehebon had yet to be discovered or disclosed, as a race that held their own traditions close to their hearts.

You were surprised that the place everyone was flocking to was the massive Colosseum that was centered in the very middle of the city. Larger than any stadium found on Earth, you'd never had the opportunity to find out what it was for.

In your excitement to get through the crowd of large Sehebon, you stumbled over your own feet and hit the ground hard ― knocking the air out of you. The crowd didn't wait, stepping over you and for a second you were scared you would be literally crushed under a stampede.

However, strong hands grabbed your arms and lifted you up, grabbing your wrist and dragging you out of the crowd. You stumbled trying to catch up, with his large steps while trying not to end up slammed into unsuspecting people.

The person tugging you pulled you out of the crowd and rounding the stone walls until you realized the amount of people had dissipated. You had the opportunity to look at the person who had helped you ― a male Sehebon finding a safe spot for you and finally slowing down.

"I...thank you," you muttered when he didn't say anything, his back still facing you.

"You're a human right?" he asked, finally turning to you. You choked on your own spit at the sight of him ― black hair hanging over two pretty dark eyes. He was tall, probably a little above average for his race and he was absolutely gorgeous, "I heard there was one staying in Fia but...damn."

"Uh...I'm an advocate for the Interplanetary Commission," you sputtered out, unable to break your gaze away from his face. He had tanned skin, smooth as could be with a jaw so sharp it could cut glass, "I'm from Earth, yes. My name is _____."

"Incredible," he moved closer, having to lean down to look at you how he wanted. You could feel his breath on your face and you could see the way he had one mono-lid and one double ― which was absolutely adorable, "My name is Taehyung...you know, you're so...small."

"I-I'm actually quite average," you refuted, glancing away under the power of his gaze.

"Maybe by human standards but..." he straightened up, looking around, "You should be careful. You can get hurt easily, you're lucky I saw you fall and bothered to help you."

"Bothered..." you whispered with a soft scoff. You could still feel his eyes on you, burning into you as if he was analyzing every inch of you, "Hey, so what's going on anyway?"

"You don't know?" he asked, cocking an eyebrow when you shook your head.

"I asked someone and she just said it was a pre-celebration," you shrugged.

"Yeah sort of," Taehyung gnawed at the inside of his cheek, jaw cocking to one side at the action, "It's gonna be our lottery in a few days so we come to the stadium to get our tickets."

"Wait...lottery? Like a money thing?" you asked, "You guys have that?"

"What?" Taehyung shook his head, staring at you like you were stupid and you suddenly felt embarrassed.

"O-On Earth we have this thing called a lottery and...you scratch these little papers and you can win money," you explained, hoping to help him make sense of you assumption.

"Huh, that's interesting," he actually did seem interested and maybe a little impressed, making you feel weirdly proud, "But no, that's not what we have. Once a year the government holds a lottery here in Fia, in the stadium. You draw and if your number is picked you gotta fight."

His words made you blank out.

Fight?

They had to fight?

"What the hell?" you sputtered before you could stop yourself and Taehyung cocked his head to the side.

"Have you not read any of the banners and information sheets floating around?" he asked, shoving his hands in his jeans pockets, "They put them up to inform new visitors of what's going on, you know."

"I..." you cleared your throat, suddenly feeling embarrassed again, "Can't read the alphabet."

Taehyung went quiet for a minute before he snorted, beginning to laugh way too much for the simple problem you had. Your cheeks burned as he held his stomach, no doubt aching from how hard he was laughing.

"Oh my gosh!" he choked, wiping under his eyes, "Y-You're illiterate!"

"I am not illiterate!" you gasped, ears beginning to burn now at his accusation, "I-I just haven't had a need to read the alphabet! Since we speak the same language, you know?!"

"Okay, okay," he sniffled, finally calming down from his outburst. He looked down at you and cooed, placing his hand on your head, "Aw, don't-don't pout, I'm sorry. You're so cute!"

"St-Stop making fun of me!" you whined, petulantly stomping your foot which just made him coo more at you, calling you cute.

"I'm not making fun of you!" he argued, standing at his full height again, making you look up, "Isn't it only natural that I find the small little human girl cute? You're so...small."

"So you keep saying," you mumbled, crossing your arms over your chest, "Are you going to go into the stadium?"

"Yeah, probably a little while later," he shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets, "It'll calm down soon enough and it'll be less hectic. You're welcome to wait with me, if you'd like."

"I might as well," you sighed, leaning back so you rested your shoulder against the wall, "I'll probably literally be killed if I try to go in there at this point."

"Probably," he agreed, looking away from you when you squinted up to glare at him, "Say..." He looked back at you, head cocked to the side curiously, "Is it true Earth has a lot of oceans? And only one Sun?"

"Eh? Yeah, that's right," you nodded, making him hum, "You've never been to Earth?"

"Nah, can't afford to make that trip," he sighed, sliding down the side of the wall to sit on the ground, "I read about it when the news that we'd be open for visits from them, though. Here sit," he tugged your hand until you were finally sitting beside him.

"About this...fight," his head lulled to the side as he gazed at your through his lashes, "What...why do you guys do it? How's it work?"

"Well," he rested his hands on his bent knees, head resting against the wall behind him again, "You know majority of our planet is uninhabitable right?"

"Yeah, dominated by deadly deserts that will kill even Sehebon," you replied mechanically, having studied their landscape immensely on your voyage from Earth.

"Then you also know there's only a few, select places suitable for us to live," you nodded and he continued, "We have three cities on Izu Huen, Fia our capitol, Veles, and Holis. That isn't a lot of room for an entire planet to live, right? We have to stay within the habitable zone and fit every person on the planet in the cities. Excluding those that have the means to move to Vimoldara, that is. That's a lot of people, isn't it?"

"Wait," you sat up straighter, jaw dropping open, "You mean, it's a form of population control?"

"That and," his gaze turned much darker, sending a chill up your spine, "It's a chance for us to show each other how strong we are. That we're the best and we deserve to live, we offer more. Those who lose are killed and only the winner can stand."

"That's..." you cleared your throat uncomfortably, "That's scary."

"Not for us," Taehyung shrugged, casting a sideways glance your way, "It's a celebration. We're all excited and ready to do it. We get to make our families and ancestors proud as we fight."

You hummed, still weary of the lottery but kept the rest of your opinions to yourself. You and Taehyung dissolved into talking about things he was curious about on Earth, deciding it would be worth it to travel there simply after hearing what a cheeseburger was.

The suns began to set when Taehyung stood, helping you to your feet.

"We should be able to get in easily now," you followed him to the large entrance that you'd been unable to see past when you had first approached.

With the smaller influx of people, you could see fully inside the stadium. There were banners and decorations strewn about everywhere, a wash of white, red and black colors seeming to be the theme. In the very center of the stadium was a booth with a man standing inside, handing things out to the people in line.

"I hope he doesn't think I'm here to pick a lottery," you mumbled to yourself as you stood in line with Taehyung. He was still holding onto your hand as you waited, large fingers wrapping completely around your wrist, making the size difference more apparent.

He really was right when he said you were small. But his hand was so warm and comforting against your skin that it made you feel...cute.

"Nah, they won't assume a foreigner is here to participate," he said, not breaking his gaze from the booth.

By the time you reached the booth, the suns were down to just peeking over the horizon and the moon was, instead, shining large in the sky. The temperature was dropping and you couldn't help but move closer to Taehyung for warmth. You weren’t dressed to be out at night, you’d only anticipated spending the daytime hours out.

"Thank you," he said, tucking a slip of paper into his pocket after folding it up. The man behind the booth nodded, waving the next person forwards.

He began to walk when he paused, looking down at you with wide eyes. You scrambled to detach yourself from his side, not realizing just how close you were to him. However, you were quickly brought back when he pulled you flush against him again with a small smile.

"You humans are so fragile," he breathed, beginning walk, keeping you tucked into his side. Your face was burning with embarrassment but you also felt a strange sense of pride flowing through you at the prospect of such a good looking man treating you like he was.

"I-It just gets really cold here, you know?" you mumbled, trying to defend yourself albeit weakly.

His chest vibrated with his laughter, tightening his hold around your shoulders, "I guess if you're not used to it. You live around here?"

"Uh yeah," you pointed in the general direction of where you were staying, "I live down this road a ways."

"Alright, I'll walk you there," he offered, though he left no option to refuse.

You both fell silent as you walked, every once in a while another person would pass and stare at the two of you. Their eyes followed you even as you passed, turning back to stare at you and you began to feel strange about it.

"Why is everyone looking at us like that?" you asked suddenly, making him look down. The moonlight cast a soft glow on his face causing the shadow of his lashes to dust his cheeks.

"Probably because you're a human and you're with me," he answered as if it was the most normal thing in the world, "It's not exactly common for Sehebon and foreigners to be together yet."

You swallowed thickly, cheeks burning for the thousandth time that day it seemed.

It wasn't long before you reached the stoop of your house and you dislodged yourself from Taehyung, wrapping your arms around yourself to keep in the warmth you now missed.

"Um thanks for walking me home," you said, shrugging your shoulders self-consciously as his eyes scanned over your body.

"It was my pleasure," he leaned closer to you, "Hey, why don't you come to the celebration in a couple days, hm?"

"You mean the fighting?" you asked, feeling uneasy at the invitation. He nodded eagerly, eyes bright in excitement, "Taehyung, I do understand it's an important practice for you...it's your culture. But humans and Earth...it's punishable to kill someone. It's against the law. We find the concept of death scary...you know?"

His head cocked to the side, brows furrowed and the excitement in his eyes gone, "You're scared to die? And you don't like to see others die?"

"Exactly, it's...it's a very negative thing for humans," you attempted to explain while trying not to upset him.

"You know being invited to a fight is a very special thing," he muttered with a frown, leaning close to you so his nose was touching yours. Your eyes grew wide at the fire burning in his eyes and you swallowed nervously, "It's very offensive to reject an invitation to a fight. I want to show you how good I am, how well I can fight. I want you to be proud of me. Impressed by me."

Your mouth grew dry at his words and the way he uttered them, deep voice dark and no hint of the gentleness he had spoken with before. You attempted to move back but found your back pressed against the door. He loomed over you, leaning on his forearms above your head ― caging you in. Strangely, the only thing you could think of was how good he smelled; like the fruits you'd eaten a couple days ago.

"I-I'm sorry, Taehyung," you whispered, licking your lips in an effort to rid yourself of your nerves, "I just...Y-You don't need to kill someone t-to impress me, you know?"

"Then how can I?" he squinted, "I find you fascinating. A cute little human girl, smart and charming. I want to...what is it you humans call it...court you?"

You wanted to smile at the sound of the outdated term he used. But it was stopped by his confession, of what he thought of you.

"W-Well...you're trying to court a human girl..." you spoke slowly, meeting his eyes in faux confidence even though your heart was beating a mile a minute, "Why don't you try...a human method?"

"A human method," he gnawed on the inside of his cheek ― apparently a habit he had while thinking, "What are human methods?"

"Well um..." you noticed that with his body covering yours like it was, you weren't affected by the cold and that your trembles were no doubt excitement, "Like...dates. Do you guys have dates?"

"Usually an invitation to fight for someone to see is sufficient enough to begin a relationship," he explained, making you sigh. He frowned at the sound and leaned closer to you to meet your gaze, "Tell me what to do and I'll do it."

"F-For humans usually a man will ask a woman on a date," you explained simply, "Like...you would ask to take me to see a movie or take me to dinner."

"A dinner," he repeated, seeming to mull it over for a moment before nodding. The dark look was gone and he smiled the cutest boxy smile you'd ever seen in your life, "Then I'd like to take you to dinner, _____."

"I'd like that, Taehyung," you smiled, feeling your cheeks burn under his soft gaze.

"After my fight, to celebrate my win I'll take you."

"Alright, Taehyung, I look forward to it," after what seemed like an eternity, his eyes flickering from your lips to your eyes, he finally stood up straight. The cold immediately began to sink into your bones and he stepped back off your stoop.

"See you soon, cutie," he waved, twiddling his fingers before spinning on his heel and walking in the direction you both had just came from.

You opened your front door, slipping inside and relaxing once the warmth hit you. Leaning back against the door, you pressed your hand to your chest and sighed.

"Not how I expected my day to turn out," you mumbled, taking a seat at your chair in front of the camera, turning it on so the red light blinked indicating recording, "I know it hasn't been a week yet but I've found something interesting. I met a man named Taehyung and he told that they're about to begin a planet-wide lottery. Everyone draws a number and they're picked to fight. It's a...form of population control and some kind of cultural flex on each other to show who is the toughest and bravest. The fights are set to take place in a few days and I was invited but...I had to decline. The prospect of watching it was just too much for me to consider so I apologize for that."

You went quiet for a second, deciding to leave out the fact that the invitation was an attempt to ask you out. You greeted the people who would be watched goodbye and shut off the camera, turning to your computer monitor and hurriedly sending the video before shutting everything down.

The city was quiet for the next few days, everyone packed into the stadium. You would frequently hear the thunderous roar of the crowd but ultimately did your best to block out the prospect of the death no doubt going on.

You laid on your bed, reading a book you'd read several times already but lacked the means to acquire a new one. You wouldn't be able to read the books in an alphabet you couldn't read. Though you could take the time to learn but, you were in no mood to study.

As expected, you found yourself thinking of Taehyung. He was charming, no doubt, and you were surprised by how much you ultimately enjoyed his company. It was quick that he decided he wanted to date you, by human standards anyway, but Sehebon were very fast-moving people as more than half their race were warriors who could be killed in the blink of an eye. No doubt a cause for Taehyung's rush to be with you.

You couldn't deny the complete attraction you had for him; he was incredibly good looking and had the cutest smile. His voice was hypnotic, smooth as whiskey and as deep as the ocean. Dating someone of a completely different species wasn't the strangest thing by far ― plenty of humans had counterparts from different races. Dating a Sehebon, on the other hand, was different since the brand new introduction of their race to humans.

There was no fear that Taehyung would bring you any harm or have ill intentions, there was just a lot of confusion about him. You didn't exactly know much about who he was as a person rather than his race.

The date would no doubt clear things up and open doors for you.

Remembering the fact you would be going on a date with him set butterflies off in your tummy and you bit your lip to hold back the gleeful grin that threatened to spread across your face.

It was a full week before the streets became the same again. The population of Fia went back to normal as visitors from other cities left and went back home. The banners were taken down from around your street and before long everything seemed to have returned to the way it was.

Unfortunately, you were running out of food so you needed to go food shopping. As the suns were beginning to set, with the temperature steadily dropping, is when you decided to go shopping.

You slid a sweater on to keep you warm before stepping out the door. It was still a little warm but you knew you'd be grateful for your choice later.

In the past, you'd made the mistake of forgoing something warm and had to quite literally run home before you froze to death.

You carried a bag, an effect from when you lived on Earth and refused to use plastic bags in fear they'd end up in the oceans. When you first presented the bag at the local grocers, the cashier had looked at you like you were stupid ― making you feel just a tad self-conscious.

Fortunately, they'd now grown used to your practice and barely batted an eye in response when you brought.

The shop wasn't busy during that time of day and you were thankful to be able to navigate the aisles without having to avoid the giant Sehebon people that easily blocked your shelf access. You packed your bag with things you were vaguely familiar with. There was a lot of food you didn't dare try ― you couldn't read what it said or it was just gross looking.

Unfortunately, however, the shelves were so damn tall that you sometimes had to scale them to actually reach the things you needed. Standing on your tippy-toes using one of the shelves to grab a simple box of noodles ― something you were very pleased to find on Izo Huen.

You chose a lot of fruits and vegetables ― trusting them more than their alien-meats. You were basically the alien version of a vegetarian at that point.

When you stepped outside, you were immediately grateful of the sweater you wore. The cold still seemed to seep in a bit but it was tolerable despite the light shivers that took you. Carrying your bag, you hummed a tune to yourself as you navigated the darkening streets. The lamps were lit to illuminate your way but there were no other people in sight, making you feel calm.

"Hey, you a human?" scratch that, there were people.

You paused, looking into an alleyway separating two residential streets. A small group of young men were smoking cigarettes. Part of you wondered if they were cigarettes or some Izo Huen-version.

"Yes I'm a human," you replied, pulling your bag off your shoulder to hold it in front of you.

"You want a hit?" one of them asked you, offering you what he was smoking off of.

"N-No thank you," you backed away slightly to get away from the smoke emanating off the burning end, "I really should be getting home...I have things to put away."

You turned to walk away but a hand aggressively gripped your arm to stop you, startling a gasp out of you.

"Hey, that hurts," you mumbled, attempting to tug your arm free but he tugged you closer to him, "Let go!"

Before he had the chance to speak, a hand was violently wrapped around his throat and slammed him back. He pulled you with him slightly, knocking you to the ground as the man was pinned to the wall. Looking up, you could see Taehyung leaning close to him ― whispering something that had the man's eyes widening.

"Do you understand?" Taehyung growled, loud enough for you to hear. The man nodded so hard you were sure he was going to give himself a headache. Taehyung held him still for several more seconds, looking over him to make sure he was telling the truth.

When the man was dropped, he took off down the alleyway with his friends following, none of them daring to look back.

"Are you alright?" he asked, crouching down to where you were sitting on the ground. He cupped your cheek ever so softly, thumb grazing beneath your eye, "I didn't mean for you to get knocked down."

"It's alright," you muttered, using his shoulders to pull yourself back to your feet. He remained crouched for a moment, just gazing up at you silently, "W-What is it?"

"You should be more careful, _____," he said, picking up the bag of groceries you had dropped, tucking some of the things that had been knocked out back in where they belonged, "Didn't I tell you that you could get hurt?"

"W-Well yes but that was different― "

"It wasn't," he snapped, moving close to you once again. Fingers hooked beneath your chin to make you look at him, "Don't you understand how much people want you? How they look at you when you walk around?"

"N-No..." you blinked as you tried to recall any staring while you were on your own.

"Everyone finds you alluring here, _____," Taehyung's voice dropped and he stepped even closer so your foreheads were just barely touching, "The cute little human girl. And I'd be very disappointed if I had to kill someone for hurting you."

You were speechless, lost staring in the fiery blaze within his eyes. He held your gaze for several seconds before stepping back and smiling.

"I'll walk you home, I was on my way to see you anyway," you sputtered in shock as he tugged your hand in the direction of your home ― his rapid change of demeanor no doubt going to give you whiplash.

Your feet pounded the pavement as you struggled to keep up with his large strides. You were running out of breath and stamina, though he appeared unaffected.

"T-Tae...can you s-slow down?" he halted in his tracks so suddenly that you fully ran into his back.

"What did you call me?" he looked over his shoulder, staring sharply down at you.

"I-I..." you pulled yourself away from his back and stuttered, "I called you Tae. I'm sorry i-it just slipped out...h-humans like to make n-nicknames, you know?"

He was quiet for a second before he turned around completely, cocking his head to the side.

"Say it again," he commanded.

"Uh...T-Tae?" the name sounded more awkward than it had before coming out of your mouth.

"Hmm," he made a noise akin to a moan, rolling his head back in response before looking down and smirking, "I like that. You're the only one allowed to call me that, yeah?"

"A-Alright," your heart was racing from the way he had reacted to the nickname but you didn't get to dwell on it long before he was tugging you along once again.

You stood on your stoop again, looking at Taehyung, a small smile on his lips as he watched you. He held your bag of groceries out for you and you had to hold back a gasp when your hand brushed his.

"Shit, your hands are freezing!" he gasped, taking one of your hands in his and bringing them closer to him.

"U-Uh yeah it's...pretty cold," your words came out a whisper, reveling in how warm his hands were against yours.

"Poor thing," your eyes widened as he pulled your hand up to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against your fingers.

"T-Tae," the nickname had his eyes flicking up and he hummed, pressing another kiss against them.

"Did you like that?" he dropped your hand from his lips but continued to hold it, smiling at you, "I read in a book about common human practices for courting and it said a kiss to the hand will make her heart flutter. Did it work?"

"I..." you swallowed thickly, nodding your head ever so slightly, "I-It was nice, Tae..."

The two of you fell quiet, his hand enveloping yours and his soft gaze fixated on you. Your groceries hung in his free hand and he slowly reached out to hand them to you once again. Once the bag was in your hands, he released your hand from his hold and shoved his own into his pockets. He stepped backwards off the stoop but continued to stare at you, bottom lip tucked in his mouth.

Your eyes danced over his body ― never really looking him over that much besides his face. He had a black button-up tucked into tight fitting jeans and boots that made him even taller than he already was. It surprised you how thick his thighs were but how small his waist was ― it's like he was sculpted by actual gods.

"Well," he smirked, no doubt having caught you staring, "See you around, cutie."

"Hey, Tae wait!" you called before you could stop yourself.

He halted immediately, turning to look at you once again, "You alright?"

"I just..." he jogged back to the stoop, stepping up and moving close to yours.

He cupped your chin between his fingers and made you look up at him.

"You can tell me, sweetheart," his brows were drawn together in concern.

The pet name causing a shiver to go down your spine, "What is it?"

"C-Can...Would you...like to stay for a while?" your cheeks were on fire and you couldn't meet his gaze after whispering the words.

Taehyung's eyes softened and his lips quirked up, running his thumb over your lips for a split second ― so light you almost missed it. He stood up straighter, removing his fingers from your face. You found yourself missing the touch and your heart was pounding at the possible rejection you could face.

"Were you nervous to ask me that, baby?" your core lit on fire at the new pet name and you held in a whimper, "I'd love to stay with you."

"O-Okay..." you reached behind you, turning the knob and pushing the door open.

Warmth hit you from the inside and you scurried out of Taehyung's view as fast as you could to the kitchen. You could hear him walking, the sound of his boots on the floor seeming deafening in the silence of the house. Leaning against the counter, you took a few deep breaths to steady yourself.

You began putting your groceries away in their designated places, noticing that Taehyung's footsteps had gone silent.

"This place given to you by your job?" he asked suddenly, making you jump.

"Um...yeah," you cleared your throat, "It's nothing special but it's cozy."

"It's nice," he muttered before falling silent.

You placed the box of noodles in your cabinet, steeling yourself before moving to the living room. Your brain nearly short-circuited at the sight before you.

Taehyung sat on your couch, legs spread wide and arms stretched out on the back of the couch. His head was tilted back, exposing beautiful expanse of throat. The way he sat was so confident and commanding that you had to clench your thighs together to control yourself.

"Um...are you okay?" you whispered, stepping forward as he lifted his head to look at you.

"I'm perfect," he responded, scooting to the side to allow you to sit beside him, "I think I've figured out a place to take you on our date."

"Oh?" you'd nearly forgotten about the date, "So you're ready to take me?"

"I'm thinking tomorrow, if that's okay," he looked down at you and you smiled.

"I'd love that," your gaze fell to your thighs, noticing the size difference between his and yours ― reminding you of how large he was.

Flicking your eyes up, you were frozen by the sharpness in his own as he stared at you. As you kept his gaze, you felt one of his hands find its way to your thigh and you bit your lip to keep from outright whimpering at the feeling.

"You're so soft," he muttered, shifting to turn more towards you, "And absolutely breathtaking..."

His lips drew closer to yours, his hair brushing your nose as he dipped down. When he pressed them completely, his hand tightened around your thigh. You whimpered, seeming to set Taehyung off as he cupped the back of your head with his free hand ― deepening the kiss.

Your hands clutched at the front of his shirt, losing yourself in the feeling of his lips and hands on you. The hand on your thigh traveled up, grazing your hip, drifting up your stomach and over your breasts before wrapping around your throat. You gasped at the feeling, lips parting from Taehyung's just slightly before you surged back forward to reconnect them.

He groaned against your lips, giving your neck the lightest squeeze before he released you and reached lower to cup your breast through your sweater. You arched your back into the muffled touch but he didn't linger for long because his hand was diving between your legs.

Your jeans impeded you from feeling his touch properly and you whimpered, grinding your hips forward in hopes to remedy the problem. You reached down, holding his hand against your core as you whimpered into his lips.

"Do you want me to touch you, pretty baby?" he asked, kiss parting until your lips just barely brushed his.

"P-Please Tae," you whimpered, feeling your eyes sting with tears of desperation ― having never wanted to be touched so badly in your life.

Taehyung didn't reconnect the kiss, instead he tilted your head back to press his lips to your neck. His long fingers unbuttoned your jeans and hurriedly tugged them off your hips until you finally reached down to pull them off completely, tossing them away.

The way you cried out when his hand cupped you again, this time through your panties, was nothing less than lewd. He tugged your thighs open further, one of them resting across his own, leaving you completely open to his fingers.

"Sound so pretty," he mumbled, teeth grazing your neck where he continued to mouth at you.

You wrapped one hand around his wrist, dragging his fingers up ever so slightly until you were able to push them past the band of your panties. He immediately took over, fingers diving between your folds to find just how wet you were for him. He groaned, pulling away from your neck to meet your gaze, his lips open just slightly as he brushed against your clit. Your hips twitched and you found yourself clinging to his arm as you whined.

"So sensitive, little one," he whispered, wrapping his free hand around your thigh to pull you even closer to him until you were completely in his lap with your back tucked to his chest.

"Tae..." you whispered, eyes fluttering closed when he began to press kisses to your shoulder ― the sweater not allowing you to feel it properly but enjoying it nonetheless.

"Yeah baby?" he cooed, resting his chin on your shoulder to watch his hand move beneath the fabric of your panties.

"C-Can..." you trailed off, feeling your cheeks burn and he tsked.

"Tell me what you want and I'll do it, baby," he assured, fingers now running across your folds without dipping between ― teasing you.

"Can you...take them off?" you asked, turning your head slightly to meet his gaze.

"If that's what you want," he pulled his hand out of your panties and you whimpered at the loss, making him chuckle, "So needy, huh?"

His thumbs hooked into the band and he pushed them down your thighs. You pulled your legs up to help him take them off ― tossing them off somewhere else to join your jeans. He gripped your knees, roughly tugging them open until your cunt was completely exposed to him ― glistening in the dim light and flushed swollen with your arousal.

"Fuck, babygirl..." he breathed, reaching down to run his fingertips through your parted folds, "Such a pretty little pussy, hm?"

Deep in your mind, you wondered where he learned such delicious dirty talk from ― seeing as he didn't even know the proper word for courting. The thought was completely wiped from your mind, however, when he used two fingers to spread your folds open. Your hole clenched around nothing and Taehyung let out a choked groan.

"St-Stop staring!" you whined, snapping your thighs closed around his hand.

Taehyung growled, wrapping his hand around your throat again and pulling the back of your head against his chest. You whimpered, eyes flicking up to briefly catch his glare. His jaw was set, glaring down at you with a gaze that made you feel incredible small.

"Spread your fucking legs," he ordered, tone making your eyes flutter slightly. When you hesitated to do as he said, he leaned closer until his mouth brushed your ear, "I said...spread your legs."

You whimpered, bottom lip trembling as you pouted, slowly opening your legs back up. Too slow for his liking, he jerked one open and pinned the other down until you were just as exposed as before. His hand cupped your entire core, middle finger sliding between the folds.

"That's more like it," he sighed, finally releasing your neck, "You better act right, baby, or else I'll have to punish you."

His words made you tremble, thighs twitching ever so slightly. He raised a brow at your reaction, an almost detached look coming across his face.

"Would you like that? To be punished?" when you only whimpered, he smirked, "I see...how would you like it, hm? To be choked until your lungs burn for air? Or maybe if I spanked your little cunt?"

"Tae..." you felt your hole clench, sending a gush of arousal to meet his fingers.

"Oh?" he chuckled, making you cheeks burn, "You'd like to be slapped, huh?"

Before you could even think up a reply from your foggy brain, a sharp pain right against your clit had you crying out. Your eyes found his face but he was watching as he smacked your cunt again. His fingers ran over your folds to soothe the sting and he laughed.

"Interesting..." he hummed, middle finger circling around your clit. Your eyes fluttered and your hips arched into the touch more.

His index and ring fingers spread your folds, his middle finger swirling over the hardened bud until you were moaning. He pulled the hood back, exposing it even more to his sensitive touches. Your eyes rolled back in your head and you choked out his name.

"Does that feel good?" he asked, pressing a kiss to your shoulder, "Does it feel nice to have your little clit touched?"

"Y-Yes!" you squeaked, reaching down to take hold of his wrist. Your body was practically vibrating as you trembled beneath the almost too much stimulation. Suddenly, his touch was gone and you were left still trembling with the remnants of his fingers lingering.

"It's alright," he cooed, wrapping one of his arms around you to hold you tighter against him, "I've got you, little one."

"Please, Tae," you begged, burying your face into his arm, thighs trembling still spread.

"What is it?" he asked, voice soft as silk.

"Your...Your fingers," you canted your hips up ever so slightly and he hummed.

"Want my fingers inside?" he asked, although he already knew before you nodded.

He hummed, two fingers finding your spasming entrance, coating them in your juices. You held your breath as he finally sunk them inside you, stretching you deliciously even though you were plenty wet enough. His fingers were big, filling you up nice and deep. Gasping against Taehyung's arm, you mindlessly ground your hips up as he slowly pulled them out. You didn't get to mourn their loss for long because he was quickly pushing them back in ― slick sounds accompanying the movement.

"You're so fucking tight," he muttered, "So small...Shit, how long has it been since you've been fucked, pretty girl?"

"Ah-Never..." you gasped, hand circling around his wrist as you squirmed.

His fingers paused, halfway inside and you whined, "You've never been with somebody?"

"N-No, Tae," you whined, using your hand on his wrist to push his fingers back inside, "J-Just you...only you!"

He cursed under his breath, wrapping his arm tighter around you before he began to finger fuck you wholeheartedly. The sounds pouring from your lips only spurred him on, your cunt tight like a vice around just two of his fingers.

"This little cunt won't ever be able to take my cock, sweetheart," he growled, crooking his fingers up to nail that little spot that made you sob, "I'm gonna be too big for you."

"W-Want it a-anyway, Tae," you cried, nails digging into his wrist. Tears welled up in your eyes, trickling down your cheeks as your body was sent into overload.

"Yeah? Want me to fuck you open until you can't take anymore?" he groaned, "Watch your virgin cunt get stuffed full of a cock you simply can't handle...have you make those pretty noises while you cream all over me..."

His words seemed more self-indulgent than aimed at you but you whined and nodded anyway. His palm ground against your clit as his fingers filled you up so nice and you found yourself teetering on the edge.

"I-I'm gonna cum," you panted, thighs twitching erratically in response to your pleasure."Go ahead, cum for me," he commanded, groaning alongside you as you tightened up around his fingers.

"Tae! 'S so good..." you slurred, eyes closed as you buried your face in his arm to ride out the pleasure he was giving you.

"Coming so prettily, little one," he whispered into your ear, fingers beginning to slow as your orgasm died down, "You're such a good girl."

"Ah...Tae," you whimpered as he pulled his fingers from your still-clenching pussy, sensitivity hitting you like a brick wall. Your thighs clenched shut, trembling uncontrollably in the aftermath of the most pleasure you'd ever received.

Taehyung slid his cum-soaked fingers into his mouth, eyes rolling back at the taste of you on his tongue. His arm still held you tight as you continued to whimper against him.

"Taste so so good," he whispered, mostly to himself.

Once his digits were clean, he glanced down at you. It was clear you were still a bit overwhelmed and he cooed, shifting you in his lap until you were facing him. He pulled you into a hug and couldn't hold back a chuckle.

"Humans are so fragile," he whispered, "So overwhelmed...even that was too much for you, huh?"

You didn't respond, simply tucking your face away in his neck. You let your weight drop fully on his lap but froze immediately. You hadn't realized while you were being touched, how hard Taehyung's cock was against you but with a clear mind you could.

He was fucking big.

He chuckled darkly, lips finding your neck as he slowly made you grind against his covered length, "I told you, babygirl, I'm too big for your little pussy."

When you whined and tightened your grip on him, wanting to avoid the painful overstimulation, he simply chuckled. He let you cling to him and lay with him until your eyes fluttered shut ― sleep quickly and eagerly overcoming you.

Just as you sunk into darkness, you felt him press the softest of kisses against your forehead.

"My cute little human," he whispered, voice fading out as you finally fell asleep.

When you woke up, you were tucked cozily in your bed beneath your wool comforter. The sun was up and you groaned, kicking the blankets off as you grew warmer with every passing second.

You had on your sweater from yesterday and a pair of panties you hadn't been wearing. Looking beside you, you found the bed empty and sighed.

Despite yourself, you found yourself feeling disappointed he hadn't stayed the night. He had shown you such a sweet, caring side before you fell asleep. It had made your heart flutter, how he treated you so delicately yet used such a sharp tongue to fluster you.

"He's such a strange dude," you muttered, staring at the ceiling as you spread starfish on your bed.

There was a dull ache between your legs, reminding you of the night before. Feeling your cheeks flush, you sat up straight and hurriedly crawled out of bed intending to take a cold shower.

Drying your hair with a towel, you hunted around your closet for a cute outfit for the date. Briefly, you wondered if he was still planning to take you out. Excitement thrummed through your veins, a giddy smile lighting up your face and making your cheeks ache.

After choosing your outfit, you took a seat in front of the vanity you had set up. You had found a mirror at the monthly market a few ones back and decided it was the best purchase ever. You hadn't known mirrors were scarce on Izo Huen for whatever reason until you desperately needed one.

Deciding to leave your hair down, too lazy to try and make anything of it, you mindlessly spun around in your chair.

A strange feeling bubbled up in your chest that made your heart race. Leaning your head back against the back of the chair, you ran your hands over your face with a groan.

"I actually miss him," you scoffed, leaning forward to rest your head on your vanity counter, "What is wrong with me?"

The day seemed to drag on longer than any other as you waited for Taehyung to arrive. The heat hadn't even bothered you, your mind too muddled with thoughts of your date. You wondered if he would hold your hand and where he planned to take you.

As the sun finally sunk beneath the horizon, you were more antsy and began to pace your living room. Every once in a while, you'd glance out your window in hopes a passing man would be Taehyung. Unfortunately, you were mistaken every time.

Before long, you began to realize that he simply wasn't going to show up. You changed into your pajamas, rejection burning in your veins before sitting on your bed. The streetlights and the moon cast a decent glow around you.

Your feelings were hurt. You’d been stood up by an alien.

Your heart ached and you felt your eyes sting with unshed tears. You flopped over, covering your face with a pillow before screaming into it.

"What a jerk!" you shouted in the material.

By the time you went to sleep, your simmering anger gave way to pitiful dejection. Your eyes were wet with tears as you closed them.

He was polluting your mind, everywhere you went you found yourself hoping that he'd turn up around the next corner. You’d hoped he would come knocking on your door with a sheepish smile, apologizing.

Though as the days passed and you had seen neither hide nor hair of him, the prospect of an apology made you angry. You didn't want his stupid apology anymore.

A week lapsed and it was time, once again, for your weekly log.

Sitting in front of the camera, you sighed, "The...friend I had made seems to have disappeared. It's weird, I was perfectly content by myself but once he showed up and vanished ― it's made me lonely," you gnawed on your bottom lip before sighing, disappointment becoming a common feeling in your life by then, “Maybe I need to make some friends but...I can't explain it; the Sehebon are such a strange race that it feels like it's going to be really difficult to make friends. There's really nothing eventful that happened worth logging besides my own problems so...I'll sign off."

A couple clicks on your computer had the log sent. You'd be getting paid again soon, perhaps you'd be able to go out and find something to do for yourself. Maybe you'd hit the jackpot and find someone who would want to be your friend.

It felt childish, the need for friendship you had. But with Taehyung's absence, your loneliness was at an all time high.

It was beginning to get dark and you decided to say 'fuck it' and get dressed. You'd find something to do ― you hadn't really checked out nearly all the districts of Fia and you knew there were some popular places to hang out.

It was a long walk to the area they dubbed the Social District. The second you stepped onto the rowdy street, you were blown away by the flashing lights and heavy bass emanating from the various buildings.

They had their own clubs.

You suddenly felt out of place and awkward, weaving through the giant people blocking the streets as they talked with friends. It seemed like no one saw you, as if you were just invisible to them. You moved to the sidewalk, being able to squeeze by the people and avoid the large crowd that filled the street.

You slipped into a pub ― judging by the tables and bar. You couldn't read the sign but you still walked in anyway. It wasn't very crowded, a few tables still open. The vibe inside was much cooler and calmer and you felt yourself begin to relax.

Walking up the bar, you took a seat, grabbing a menu without thinking about it.

"God dammit," you muttered, staring at the alphabet you still couldn't read.

"Can I help you?" the tender asked, moving to stand in front of you.

"Uh...I can't read this," you admitted, feeling your cheeks burn.

"That's alright, what do you like?" she pulled the menu from your hands and looked over it herself.

"Do you have any good alcohol?" you slumped against the counter, chin resting in your hand.

She regarded you with furrowed brows, closing the menu, "You do know alcohol is poisonous, right?"

"Wait what?" your head snapped up and the woman laughed.

"Alcohol is poisonous to us. We don't drink it," she placed the menu back where you got it and smiled, "We have some Soda."

"You do?" you perked up at that, not tasting soda since you'd left Earth. You watched eagerly as she filled a glass with brown liquid, placing it in front of you.

"It's not...Earth's soda but it's basically the same," she smiled, "It's got seltzer and sugary syrup in it."

You thanked her before she was whisked away to take care of another customer, leaving you by yourself. You sipped out of the straw, sighing at the taste. It was slightly off compared to the soda you were used to but bubbling seltzer had you smiling.

"_____?" you jumped at the sound of your name, choking on your drink and erupting into a fit of coughing. A hand carefully patted your back until you calmed down, "Are you alright? I didn't mean to scare you."

"I-It's fine," you choked out, clearing your throat and swallowing a few times to rid the feeling. Your eyes flicked up to meet Taehyung's and you felt a frown fall over your face before you realized it, "Taehyung."

His brows furrowed at your using his full name but he didn't say anything, "I uh...didn't know you came around here."

"It's my first time," you muttered, turning back to sip on your drink. When you didn't offer another opening for a conversation he let out a sigh and slid up next to you between the vacant seat beside you. You didn't have any choice but to interact, seeing at he wasn't going to back off.

"I'm sorry I missed our...date," the word still sounded foreign on his tongue, "I had urgent business to attend to in Holis."

"You don't owe me anything Taehyung," you muttered, failing to mask the hurt in your voice.

He sighed again, "I had to go visit a friend of mine, he was stranded and couldn't get home on his own. I promise that's all it was, _____."

You sighed, feeling your hurt and anger soften. Turning to look at him, you opened your mouth to reply but were interrupted.

“Whoa, is this the little human?” a loud voice from behind you made you jump. Twisting around, you saw a large man with biceps so big his t-shirt was stretched taut, “Oh you are a cutie!”

“U-Um...hello,” you greeted timidly.

"Uh yeah," Taehyung smiled, placing his hand on your shoulder, "This is _____. And _____ this is Wonho."

"N-Nice to meet you," you held out your hand, gasping when he leaned down and pressed a kiss against your knuckles.

"It's my pleasure," you could hear Taehyung let out a long sigh, "Bartender, I'll take a Blue Ice please. I gotta take a leak," he muttered the last part to himself, fingers lingering on your shoulder before he disappeared.

"You drinking a soda?" Wonho asked, peering into your glass, "Mind if I have a sip?"

"I guess not," you shrugged, watching him wrap his hand around the glass and bring it to his lips.

He was good looking, you couldn't deny. He had cute ears that stuck out just slightly and pretty teeth as he grinned at you. You found yourself comparing him to Taehyung ― deducing Taehyung definitely set your heart racing the second you looked at him.

"You know," Wonho placed your glass back down in front of you, "I was surprised to hear Taehyung was fooling around with a little human. I never thought he'd be the type."

"What do you mean?" you asked, brows furrowing as you mindlessly stirred your drink with your straw.

"Well I just can't believe he's actually giving in to it," Wonho said, pulling out a menu to look over it.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," you muttered, quite blunt.

He seemed surprised, chuckling and waving his hand, "Just the whole human kink that's going on. You know, since humans have started coming here it's become like a game to see who can actually manage to bang one. Can't believe Taehyung managed to snag one."

Your eyes drifted to your glass, the ice melting in your soda ― watering it down. A human kink?

"So...I'm just a conquest?" you whispered, though you were sure Wonho didn't hear as he was ordering a drink.

So many things bubbled up inside you; anger, humiliation, shame. Humiliation at the fact you'd been used, shame over the fact you fell for it and were so close to giving in, and anger of the audacity he had to do such a thing to you. Tears stung your eyes and you bit your lip to hold them back.

"Oh man, that looks delicious," Taehyung groaned, grabbing his tall glass of blue drink and taking a sip.

"I'm leaving," you muttered, sliding off your stool and moving to walk away.

You were stopped by a hand grabbing your elbow. Taehyung stared at you, brows drawn together.

"You just got here," he muttered, obviously confused by your sudden change.

You scoffed, "I'm going home, Taehyung."

You snatched your arm out of his grip and stormed out the doors and onto the busy streets. You could vaguely hear your name being shouted but it was quickly covered by the noisiness of the people. Crossing your arms over your chest, you weaved through the bodies. Tears were burning your eyes but you held them back.

"Hey a human!" you heard someone shout but you didn't stop, "Why don't you come party?"

'The whole human kink.' Wonho's words echoed in your mind, making it harder to fight your tears. 'It's become a game to see who can bang one."

By the time you reached your front door, your jaw was aching with keeping your tears in. Slamming the door behind you, you immediately burst into tears ― bringing your hands up to cover your eyes with your sleeves. Sniffling, you dropped onto your couch and let your sobs out freely.

Hugging one of your throw pillows, you attempted to calm yourself down. Just as you were about to drift off to sleep, eyes fluttering against your will, there was a series of sharp knocks against your door. You didn't move, silently waiting to see if they'd go away.

Unfortunately, the knocks became harsher and more frantic. Deciding that they weren't going to go away, you stood up and dragged your feet to the door.

You already had a feeling who it was and you weren't wrong ― Taehyung standing on the other side. His fist was raised like he was going to knock again and his hair was a complete wreck. His shirt clung to him with sweat and his breathing was a little heavy.

"What do you want Taehyung?" you muttered, crossing your arms around yourself.

"You've been crying," he whispered, moving to step forward but stopped when you moved back, "I knew you were upset. What's the matter, sweetheart?"

"Don't!" you snapped, turning on your heel and storming into your house.

"What?" Taehyung whispered, closing the door gently behind him.

"Don't call me that," you said, keeping your back to him so he wouldn't see your tears.

It felt so nice to have him call you pet names so gently. But you remembered it was just a ruse to lure you in ― and it was so hard not to fall.

"Why not? I thought you liked being called that?" he sounded so confused and you could imagine he looked akin to a kicked puppy.

"Because it's not fair!" you shouted, finally turning around, "You can't just play those games with me because I'm a human, Taehyung!"

"I really...What are you talking about?" his voice was so soft, so gentle. He took a couple steps towards you, hands outstretched, "I'm not playing any games."

"Oh yeah?" you scoffed, wiping away a few stray tears from your cheeks, "Wonho told me about your disgusting kink! You don't care about me, you just wanted to be able to say you fucked a human!"

"Wh―" he stumbled over his words, irises desperately scanning over you, "That's not...true."

You scoffed, shaking your head., "You're so unfair, Taehyung." he cocked his head to the side curiously, "You made me like you and I trusted you. But you just...you really aren't any different from men on Earth, huh?"

"What do you mean? Of course I'm different!" he argued, his own eyes growing glassy, "I never lied to you, _____. I promise!"

"You just wanted to use me as a conquest, something to brag about," you breathing stuttered as you sobbed, "And I almost fell for it!"

"Would you listen to me?!" he snapped, suddenly moving and pinning you against the wall.

He was caging you in, scent overwhelming you and making more tears fall from your eyes. You refused to meet his gaze, even though you could feel his eyes burning into you. You sniffled, staring down at your cardigan sleeves that were functioning as sweater paws.

"I never once intended to use you like that," Taehyung growled, voice giving away his frustration, "Everything I have said and done for you is real and not because you're a human. I don't want you as a...a...conquest," the word sounded foreign on his tongue, "And I certainly am not like your pathetic human men on Earth. I am better in every single way."

"Taehyung..."

"Stop calling me that!" he snapped, making you jump, "I-I want you to call me Tae!"

"I don't think..." you shook your head.

"Why won't you believe me?" he sighed, voice going soft, "Is it really so easy to lose trust in me when I haven't even done anything? You heard my friend say some stupid nonsense a-and you're suddenly convinced I'm evil!"

When he put it like that, you felt silly. Your own insecurities caught up with you and you shifted awkwardly in your place against the wall. You sheepishly looked up to find him staring at you, eyes dark beneath his long bangs. They were damp from sweat and you swallowed thickly at how good he looked.

"I'm sorry Tae..." you mumbled, nibbling on your lip beneath his glare, "I just...I really like you and I don't want you to―

"Listen to me," he tilted your head up, making you look at him directly. His eyes were much softer now and your eyes felt hot once more, "I have no intention of hurting you. You can trust me, _____. I promise."

It felt like all self-control slipped through your fingers as you suddenly surged forward to press your lips against his. Standing on you tippy-toes, you wrapped your arms around his neck. He eagerly kissed you back, arms wrapping around you ― teeth nipping at your bottom lip to make you whine.

One of his hands traveled lower, cupping your ass and pulling you closer to him. You could feel his length hardened in his jeans ― and it was just as big as you remembered. It made you whimper, feeling him so hard against you. You squeaked when the floor was suddenly pulled out from beneath you and you found yourself pressed against the wall with your legs wrapped around his waist, his weight supporting you.

You whined when his lips found your neck, trailing his lips over the sensitive skin beneath your ear. He smirked at the feeling of you shuddering against him.

"Are you wet for me, baby?" he asked against your skin. You whimpered and nodded, feeling your pussy clench and gush into your panties, "Do you want me to touch you? Tell me."

"Yes please, Tae," you begged, blushing when he chuckled at your desperation.

The wall was pulled out from behind you and you scrambled to hold onto him around his shoulders, "I got you," he reassured, turning to walk through the open doorway of your bedroom.

You were deposited onto your mattress, making you bounce slightly on it. Taehyung was covering your body once more, however, as he met your lips for another kiss. Resting his weight on one forearm beside your head, he used the other to push your shirt up.

Getting the hint, you pulled your cardigan off and tossed it off the side of the bed before tugging your shirt off as well. Taehyung groaned, his lips kissing the swell of your breast above your bra. His fingers trailed over your bra ― cupping you and sighing softly.

You were surprised by your own boldness as you reached behind you and unclipped your bra. Before you could tug it off, however, Taehyung pinned your arms above your head and growled.

"Why are you so eager?" he asked, making your blush further.

"I-I just want you to touch me..." you confessed, lashes fluttering when he leaned down to brush his lips against your lips once more.

"There's no rush, little one," he cooed, "I'm not going anywhere until I've made you cum for me."

You clenched your thighs with a whimper at the pressure in your core. He pulled off your bra, finally, tossing it away and sitting back to admire your body. You were laid out beneath him, breasts heaving in your arousal.

His head dipped down and you held your breath as he enveloped a perked nipple into his mouth. Your hands flew up to clutch at his hair, back arching. His teeth grazed the bud, and groaned at the way you whined.

"Fuck, you're so responsive to everything I do," he gasped, pulling his lips away from your nipple. His fingers found it and brushed his thumb nail over and you choked out a sob, "I love it so much..."

"T-Tae please!" you whined, arching your hips up.

"Alright, baby," he cooed, flicking the button of your jeans open and tugging them down. Your panties went with them but neither of you cared, "Look at that. So wet."

"Please touch me, Tae," you begged, spreading your legs wider around him.

"You ever been eaten out, sweetheart?" he asked, watching the way your breath stuttered at his question. When you didn't answer, he gave your cunt a swift smack. You cried out, clutching at the blankets desperately, "I asked you a question."

"N-No I've never― " you were cut off by his fingers sliding over your clit softly.

"Do you want to?" he asked, cocking his head to the side.

"Yes, yes please, Tae!" you gasped, eyes wide when he shifted down the bed until his head was positioned over your core.

"So pretty, baby," he sighed, spreading your folds open to expose the pretty wet hole that clenched desperately around nothing.

Your mouth fell open, a stuttered breath escaping you when his tongue slid over your entrance up to your clit. He hummed, licking his lips to chase the taste. He looked like he was in heaven, swirling his tongue over your bud and chuckling when your whole body trembled.

"Love how you react to me," he whispered, mostly to himself. He tongued at your hole to taste your juices once more before dragging up to your clit once again, "I don't think I'll ever get enough of you."

"Tae!" you cried, tugging his hair harshly though he didn't seem to mind.

His lips wrapped around your clit, sucking the bud into his mouth. You keened, eyes rolling back into your head at the stimulation. You nearly screamed when you were suddenly filled with two long fingers.

"Fuck!" you cried, back arching. You abandoned your hold on his hand to wrap your hands beneath your knees ― keeping yourself open for him.

"Good girl," he praised, making you smile down at him.

He pressed a kiss against your thigh before diving down to take your clit into his mouth again. His fingers stretched you open, catching your g-spot every chance he got. He reached so deep inside you with just his fingers and you suddenly remembered how big his dick was. Just the thought of it had your walls clenching around his fingers. He groaned in response, the vibrations against your clit making your thighs twitch.

"A-Another finger, Tae, please," you begged, voice not above a whisper.

"Can you handle that, sweetheart? Your little cunt’s already stretched around two," he teased, his index finger beginning to nudge against your entrance.

"N-Need it," you gasped, "Need to take it for you cock."

His fingers froze and you felt him exhale sharply against your core ― as if the air had been punched out of him. Glancing down, you saw his jaw was clenched and his brows were furrowed.

"Don't say things like that, little girl," he growled, finally pushing the third finger into you, "Don't make promises you can't keep."

"Tae I― " your words died on your tongue when he enveloped your clit once again.

You felt stuffed with his fingers, the digits making your entrance stretch deliciously. You lost your grip on your knees and let them fall open once again. Taehyung's tongue danced over the sensitive nerves, eyes closed as he relished in having your cunt wrapped around his fingers. You were gushing, coating the digits in your juices and he couldn't wait to have them in his mouth.

"W-Wanna cum, Tae," you gasped, reaching above you to grip desperately at the pillow.

He reached up, pulling on one of your hands until you released the material. You felt your walls clench tight when he urged you to put your hands on his head.

He wanted you to pull at his hair.

Not one to reject such an offer, you tangled both your hands in the soft locks as he began to fuck you with his fingers eagerly. The wet noises were obscene, mixed with your moans made an incredible melody for Taehyung.

The fact he was the only one who had ever had you like that made his cock throb. His hips moved mindlessly against the bed beneath him to get some stimulation. His cock hurt in the confines of his jeans but he didn't dare try to pull it out.

Suddenly, your walls clenched tight and the grip on his hair began to sting the harder you pulled. Sobbing out his name, your entire body began to quake beneath him. The pleasure was overwhelming and you snapped your thighs closed around his head. He didn't pull away, however, keeping his lips attached to the throbbing bud through your orgasm ― milking every spectacular second until you were whimpering from overstimulation.

He gasped as he pulled away, sitting back on his heels before pulling his fingers out of you. He spread your folds, groaning at the way you gaped slightly from being stretched open. Sliding his soaked fingers into his mouth, his whole body trembled and he reached down to palm himself through his jeans.

The feeling of a smaller hand covering his had his eyes snapping open. He pulled his fingers out and stared down at you as you shyly palmed him through the material. He groaned, head falling back.

"C-Can I..." you trailed off, not quite sure what you were asking.

"I...I don't know..." he bit his lip, apprehensive.

"Please Tae?" you pouted, looking up at him through your lashes.

"Shit, alright," he whispered, switching your positions. He scooted up until his back rested against your headboard, shoving your pillows aside to make room for himself, "Come here. Sit on my lap, pretty girl."

Your hands were trembling as you did what you were asked, swinging your leg over his lap until you were straddling him. As you pressed your full weight on him, he tossed his head back in a groan. The pressure of you sitting on him felt spectacular.

Gripping his shoulders, you suddenly felt shy with his eyes on you. He gazed at your body on top of him like you were a goddess, hands drifting up your sides and cupping your breasts. Thumbing your nipples, he smiled crookedly when you shivered at the feeling. He cupped your cheeks, finally, and pulled you down for a soft kiss.

"Go ahead and grind on me, baby," he cooed, gripping your hips to urge you to move.

The first grind against him had him releasing the most beautiful moan that you felt yourself gush in response. His head leaned back against the headboard, watching through lidded eyes the way your cunt ground against his cock through his jeans. He wishes he could take it out and feel your wetness drip all over him ― to feel you cream against him as you came. He swallowed the urge down and continued to guide you.

"D-Does it feel good?" you asked, biting your lip as you watched his jaw tense as he held back his moans.

"So good, babygirl," he groaned, feeling his heart stutter when you proudly grinned down at him, "You're so fucking cute."

"D-Don't call me cute when I'm doing this," you hissed, narrowing your eyes at him.

"Doing what?" his head rolled against his shoulder and he smirked at you, "Go on and say it."

"No..." You whispered, clutching his shirt. Leaning forward, you wrapped your arms around his neck and held him close.

"Why so shy, little one?" he chuckled, kissing your temple and trailing his hand up your back before cupping the back of your head, "Grinding your wet little cunt against me like this...wanting to make me cum. And you want to act shy?"

You whimpered, gasping into his ear so prettily that he shuddered. He felt his orgasm coming and he groaned through clenched teeth.

"Close..." he whispered, fingers digging into the soft skin of your waist while he other clenched in your hand, "You're gonna make me cum, baby."

"Please cum, Tae," you begged, gasping when he wrenched your face out from where you were hiding in his neck.

"You want my cum?" he panted, mouth falling open as you fastened your pace. You nodded as best you could with his hand in your hair, "How about you cum first for me?"

Your eyes fluttered, realizing with his words how close you were to another orgasm. You leaned forward, pressing your lips against him. He hummed in response, smiling in the kiss when you started trembling in his lap.

You pulled away from the kiss and tossed you head back as you cried out his name, gushing against his jeans. Taehyung cursed, his own hips stuttering beneath you.

By the time you came down, you realized how wet his jeans were beneath you. You whined, falling off the side of his lap. He still sat up, chest heaving as he caught his breath. With his eyes closed, he didn't see you cupping his softening length through the wet material. He hissed, brushing your hand off of him.

"I-Is that all your..."

"I should get home," he interrupted. You frowned, watching him stand up and shift uncomfortably.

"Can't you stay?" you asked, finding yourself not wanting him to leave.

"Sorry, baby," he leaned down and pressed a kiss against your forehead, "Maybe another time." With a final, departing kiss, he turned and stepped out of the door. He paused, however, and looked back at you, "Be ready tomorrow, 8PM. I'll take you for dinner."

You were left alone on the bed with a little smile on your lips ― the promise of seeing him tomorrow making you giddy.

You felt apprehensive when 8PM rolled around and there was no sign of him ― the time blinking on the screen of your computer. You sat on your desk chair, watching the moments tick by.

It was nearing 8:30 when there were a series of knocks on your door. You jumped to your feet and raced to the door, pulling it open to see Taehyung with a guilty smile and a handful of flowers.

"Sorry I'm late I uh..." he cleared his throat and held the flowers over to you, "I had to go a bit out of my way to get these."

"Oh Tae..." you smiled, taking them from his hands and bringing them up to your nose to smell, "They're beautiful."

"They're imported from Liana," he smiled, shrugging sheepishly.

"How'd you think of this?" You asked, motioning for him to enter your home as you went to your kitchen to put the flowers in water.

"Well..." he cleared his throat, "I just...I've been reading about human dates and just human things like that, you know?"

"You've been studying for our date?" you giggled, putting the flowers on your counter before turning to him. He looked shy, keeping his eyes averted from you, "I really appreciate it, Tae."

"Really?" his eyes lit up and he grinned his adorable smile.

"I think it was very thoughtful," you led him back to the door and out into the cool night.

"There's this place I really like around my place," he suddenly explained, taking your hand in his as he helped you down from the stoop, "I like to go there with some friends. I think you'll like it!"

"I'm sure I'll like anything, Tae," you admitted, smiling when he squeezed your hand in response.

The two of you made simple talk as you made your way to the restaurant. You hadn't had the opportunity to go to one in the time you'd lived on Izo Huen.

It was a simple, small building with an Open sign in English. You grinned, bouncing inside tugging Taehyung by his hand excitedly.

"Pick a seat, little one," Taehyung cooed, nudging your back.

It was set up exactly like a restaurant on Earth and you slid yourself into a booth, grinning. Taehyung took the spot across from you, lounging back as he looked at the menu. You followed his lead and opened the menu yourself. Eyes wide, you realized you were able to read everything.

"Hey...It's in English!" you muttered, eyes scanning over the words. They were translated underneath into what Taehyung could understand ― the characters and symbols lost on you.

"Yeah it's the only place around here that does it," he shrugged, "I figured you might enjoy that."

"You're..." you grinned, shaking you head, "You're so thoughtful, Tae. I really appreciate it."

He shrugged, though you could see that his ears were tinged red.

You both ordered drinks and food, the atmosphere dissolving into one of calm company. You both chatted idly about anything ― Taehyung asking a lot of questions about Earth and him trying to teach you the different characters for his alphabet. He gave up when you just couldn't get a hang of it ― teasingly calling you illiterate and cooing when you pouted.

"Hey Tae," you muttered, picking at the salad you had ordered. He hummed, mouth full of some type of steak ― though the meat was of a consistency that made your stomach turn, "How did you learn to speak so...casually?"

"What do you mean?" he asked, sipping his soda.

"You know..." you blushed, realizing the question wasn't really something to ask over the dinner table, "When you talk you use a lot of slang terms. Like...in bed," You whispered the last word and picked at your salad again.

"Oh," Taehyung chuckled, "See, I have a friend who has been to Earth a few times. He has a lot of...interesting material that he let me read. And he kind of taught me some popular slang on Earth."

"You didn't have to go to so much effort, Taehyung," you whispered, although you were grinning. Your heart fluttered in your chest nonetheless.

"I wanted to," he suddenly set a hard gaze on you, "I want you to like me and I want you to feel comfortable around me. I want to be good for you."

"Tae..." you reached across the table and cupped his hand in yours, "I already like you very much. You make me feel comfortable and you make me feel very happy."

He grinned, looking away from you shyly but squeezed your hand tightly.

The walk home was peaceful, you found yourself wrapping your arms around one of Taehyung's ― wanting to be close to him. He didn't seem to mind in the slightest, squeezing your hand tightly and staring down at you with sparkling eyes. It felt like he looked at you like you hung up the moon ― it made you feel fluttery inside.

"Do you want to come inside, Tae?" you asked, opening your front door.

He hesitated for just a moment before stepping inside. He kicked his boots off along with you, watching as you tucked both of them away in the corner. You went to your bedroom to change into something comfortable ― settling on some pajama pants and an oversized sweater. When you walked back out, Taehyung was sitting at your desk looking at your computer.

"What's this?" he gestured to your setup with your camera.

"It's where I record the logs needed to send back to Earth," you explained, "I update my superiors every week on things that are happening. When I learn something new about the culture or something interesting happens."

"Interesting," he muttered, sitting there for a moment before standing up and navigated over to your couch.

You dropped into the seat beside him and molded yourself against his side. He wrapped his arm around you and pressed a kiss against the top of your head. The silence was comfortable and you rested your head on his chest ― listening to his heartbeat.

"Hey Tae?" he hummed, looking down at you when you looked up at him, "Can I have a kiss?"

His gaze softened and he quickly leaned down to press his lips against yours. He went to pull away but you followed him, pulling him into a deep kiss making him moan. Swinging your leg over his lap, you straddled him boldly. He seemed surprised by it but didn't say anything, just moving his lips against yours.

"Tae," you whispered against his lips, "I want to touch you, please?"

"_____― " he pulled away from the kiss, pushing you back slightly by your shoulders.

"You keep saying I can't handle it, but I can!" you argued, pouting at being pushed back.

"I don't want to hurt you, _____," his brows came together in a deep furrow, "It wasn't just talk when I said you couldn't handle it. It's too much, you're too...small."

"It turns you on though doesn't it?" you teased, noticing how he was growing hard beneath you, "Can't we at least try, Tae?"

"I-I..." his head fell back when you ground against him, "Fuck, we can try."

You held in a squeal of joy when he scooped you up in his arms and carried you to the bedroom. He dropped you on the bed and stripped his shirt off.

It was the first time seeing him naked and you sat up to admire his body. He was fit, as you expected. His stomach was flat with a small trail of hair leading beneath his jeans. On his shoulders were patches embedded in his skin that reflected off the dim light of your bedroom.

"What..." you sat up on your knees, brushing your fingers over them. It felt like normal skin, and you hummed in wonder.

"They're...light-sensitive patches that we just...never evolved out of," he explained, "They were useful for survival when we dominated the deserts. Now they're just...here."

"Interesting," you muttered, trailing your hand down his chest and stomach to the button on his jeans.

Before you could flick it open, however, he grabbed your wrist and pinned you back to the bed. His gaze was dark, making you shiver underneath it. He smelled wonderful and you reached up with your free hand to brush his bangs out of his eyes.

"You've got another thing coming if you think you'll get anywhere near my cock before I think you're good and ready, little one," he growled, making your thighs clench at the sound.

You whined when he rushed to discard your clothes, not wasting a single second in getting you bare for him. He palmed himself through his jeans as he looked down at you, licking his lips.

"So pretty," he whispered, smoothing his hand down your body. Smirking, he pinched one of your nipples to hear the way you whined, "Spread your legs for me."

You hurriedly did as you were told, shame and inhibitions thrown out the window. You felt nervous under his gaze but with every compliment and soft touch ― you began to feel better. Mouth falling open, you gasped when his fingertips brushed against your folds.

"You're so wet," he mumbled, more to himself, "Are you always so wet, baby?"

"Y-You're the only one ― "

"I know that but when you touch yourself, pretty baby," he glanced up when you tensed, "I know you do. Tell me do you get this wet?"

"O-Only when I think of you," you admitted before you could think twice about it. You felt your cheeks burn at your own admission but Taehyung cursed and grunted as he squeezed his cock.

"You're such a good girl," he praised, fingertips trailing up your body again. Goosebumps ignited across your skin and you arched your back to get more of the feeling of his touch.

His fingers eagerly dipped back between your thighs to find your entrance. You whimpered when he immediately slipped a single digit inside. It felt nice but unfulfilling.

He pulled his finger out and circled it over your clit ― using your own juices to lubricate the movement. You hummed, eyes fluttering as he circled the bud several times. When your thighs began to tense, he pushed his finger back inside.

He continued the teasing until you were whining beneath him. Suddenly he pressed his thumb against the bud, circling and pressing against it relentlessly.

"I'm gonna cum!" you warned, your eyes squeezing shut.

"Go ahead, pretty baby," he urged, not pausing in his torture of your clit.

You came quickly, arching and trembling on the bed. Your cunt was empty, gushing and clenching around nothing. His touches on your clit slowed until they stopped all together.

You figured he'd give you a moment to recover but, he was suddenly sliding two fingers inside you. You were so wet from your orgasm, your cum slicking down his fingers and onto the bed. You sobbed, grinding your hips into his touch. He didn't try touching your clit or your spot, showing that much mercy. Instead, he leaned down to envelop a perked nipple in his mouth while he scissored his fingers, stretching you a bit more.

You hummed, cupping the back of his head to keep him in place. He didn't seem to mind, beginning to fuck his two fingers into you faster.

"A-Another, please," you requested, whimpered when he immediately did so.

There was a slight, tiny burn that immediately gave way to pleasure. His palm pressed against your clit ― still so sensitive that it made you tremble. As he fucked you with his fingers, he switched to give your other breast attention.

Your hips jerked with his every movement, following the pace he'd set. Every time he brushed your g-spot and you whined, he would laugh.

He took so much enjoyment in your pleasure it was almost baffling. You were always sure that men would be selfish and unsatisfying in bed but Taehyung was nothing but attentive.

Perhaps he was right; he was better than any human man.

"Cum again for me," he purred, swiping his tongue along your chest before meeting your neck.

The feeling of his fingers and teeth on your neck had you inching closer to the edge of the abyss.

"T-Tae, please," you whined, grinding your hips down, "T-Touch me, please."

He hummed, moving his thumb to press against your clit. The simple touch set you off and you were coming once again beneath him. Your body was on fire, sweat sticking to you and making you pant. It crested beautifully and faded out into trembles and whines.

He didn't remove his fingers, instead beginning to nudge a fourth into you ― his pinky finger. His eyes met yours, keeping his eyes on your face as he stretched you further than he had before. The width of his hand was bordering on painful but you found it highly enjoyable. His thumb continued to circle your clit even as you sobbed in overstimulation. Your spasming walls eagerly accepted the new stretch and you found yourself relaxing into it.

He was quickly going to send you to another orgasm but before you could fall off the edge again, he removed his thumb. You whined, grinding your hips to chase the feeling. His eyes drifted down to where his fingers were buried into you, smoothing two of his fingers from his free hand over your folds.

"Stretched so wide," he muttered, scooping up some of your cum on the digits and popping them in his mouth. Your walls squeezed his fingers in response to his display.

He suddenly pulled his fingers out and you cried out at being empty so fast. Your walls weren't able to close properly and you closed your thighs at the feeling.

Instead of stopping you, Taehyung stepped off the bed. Your mouth went dry when he unbuttoned his jeans and began to shuffle them down his thighs.

You realized he wasn't wearing underwear when his cock popped free ― flushed incredibly red at the head and leaking precum down the shaft. He visibly shuddered when his cock was free from its confines and he quickly wrapped his hand around himself ― giving himself a few good squeezes.

He was just as big as you thought. His fingers didn't meet when wrapped around the girth. He was wider than his four fingers and so long that you found yourself whimpering at the thought of him drilling into you that deep.

"You still think you can take me, little one?" he asked, crawling on the bed to kneel in front of you still clenched thighs.

"Y-Yeah...want it," you let your legs fall open, showing him your flushed and swollen cunt.

Her cursed, tapping the fat head of his cock against your cunt. You whimpered when you saw just how big it was compared to your own pussy. He was surely going to rip you in half but damn if you wouldn't enjoy every second.

His precum mixed with your cum as he slid his shaft between your folds, getting the underside of him nice and wet. You whimpered, feeling him grinding against your clit bringing you close to the orgasm you'd been denied.

Before you could fall into it, he positioned his tip at your entrance. Prodding ever so slightly, he sighed at the feeling of your heat against him. You spread your legs wider for him as he began to press inside.

You cried out, clutching the sheets beneath you as he stretched you wide open. The head of him was so thick, bordering on painful. You reached out to stop him from going any further, gritting your teeth at the feeling.

"You're okay," he whispered, shifting back so he pulled out of you.

You breathed heavily, relaxing once more as he circled your clit with his thumb. As your eyes fluttered, he began to press back inside. You whined as he pushed past what he had been, thumb not letting up on your clit. You walls spasmed around him, making him groan as you began to tremble.

The head of him popped inside and you cried out as you were sent over the edge. Taehyung's body fell over yours, catching himself on his hands beside your head. You sobbed, tears filling your eyes at the pleasure of being stretched as you were.

Taehyung's mouth fell open as he felt you cum around the head of his cock. When you calmed down to just little sniffles and whimpers, he leaned down to press his lips against your neck.

"You okay, baby?" he whispered. You nodded, reaching up to cup his cheeks and pull him into a soft kiss.

He took that as his cue to sink further into you. The flare on the head of his cock was the thickest part of him and it felt much easier for the rest of him to slide in. He nudged your cervix and when you flinched at the pain, he pulled back slightly.

"Look at that," he chuckled looking between your bodies. Following his gaze, your eyes widened, "You can't even fit all of me inside you, little one."

He was right, you'd only managed to fit half his cock inside you. Your walls clenched around him at that.

"Feels so good, Tae," you whispered, feeling his cock twitch against your walls.

He grinned, moving his hips gently, sinking in as far as he comfortably could before pulling back out. Although he wasn't able to fit in you completely, he still found himself groaning against you

"Such a tight little cunt," he growled, nipping at your jaw, "Took me so well, like a good girl."

You began to grind your hips up as he sunk into you and he growled. Sitting back on his heels, he soothed his hand over your body to soothe you.

You cursed loudly when he snapped his hips much harder into you ― testing how much you could take. When you gushed and spasmed around him, he took that as a sign to keep going. You moaned so beautifully for him, body reacting like a dream to his every touch and movement.

Cunt stretched wide and stuffed full of cock, you couldn't even think of anything else. You felt drunk, dizzy and lightheaded. Taehyung cooed when you slurred out his name, swiping his thumb over your bottom lip to collect some drool there.

"You're so cute," he grinned, breaking out into a moan when you clenched him tight, "All you can think about is my cock, huh?"

"'S so good..." you whispered, the words coming out almost breathlessly.

"I know, baby," he replied, licking his lips as he moved to his cock pounding you open wider than you should have been able to take, "You're gushing and squeezing me so nice. Are you gonna cum? Can you cum for me?"

You swallowed and nodded, whining when he hit your cervix. It hurt but it blended in with the pleasure. Mindlessly, you reached down to find your clit ― intent on sending yourself over the edge.

"No, no baby," he cooed, brushing your fingers away, "You'll cum without touching your pretty clit, yeah?"

"C-Can't," you sobbed, tears leaking out of the corner of your eyes.

"I think you can," he muttered, smoothing his hand over your lower stomach. "Fuck, look at that, babygirl."

You lazily followed his gaze to where his hand laid. Your cunt clenched at the sight of your stomach bulging every time he sunk in ― his cock literally molding you around it. You gasped, your high bubbling in your stomach.

"Wanna cum!" you cried, attempting to reach down and circle your clit again only to be stopped once more.

"I said no, little one," he snapped, pinning your hands above your head as he loomed above you, "You can do it. Cum for me."

Your body went still, focusing on the feeling of his cock filling you and stretching you. His cock was so big that he didn't even have to try to reach any good spots within you.

Astoundingly, you shrieked as your orgasm finally washed over you. Taehyung cursed in your ear, fucking you ruthlessly through the high. Distantly, you felt wetness splatter between your thighs and coat both of you. You chanted his name as you squirmed and writhed at the overwhelming pleasure.

"Shit, I'm― " Taehyung's warning was cut off by a groan.

His weight fell on you fully and he hid his face in your neck as he came. You hugged him against you, still trembling as he pumped his hot cum into you. There was so much, his cock keeping his cum plugged inside you. You gasped and twitched as you felt your stomach bloat over so slightly. You walls clenched around him, the idea of him filling you so much sending you into another quiet orgasm.

It was less spectacular than the others, but still left you gasping of air. Taehyung groaned in your ear as he felt you cum around his sensitive cock once again ― forcing a couple more spurts out of him to add.

It seemed like forever until his body finally relaxed. He continued to hold you, pressing kisses against any place he possibly could.

"That was...nice..." you muttered, making him laugh as he rolled off of you.

Your mouth fell open as he pulled his cock out ― it ached, there was no denying it. There was a gush of his cum, so much of it that it formed of pool beneath you. Your cheeks felt hot as Taehyung watched his cum pour out of your abused hole.

"Who knew my little human girl could take so much?" he teased, enjoyed the way you squirmed in embarrassment, "Want to take a shower?"

"Only if you will with me," you offered with a tired voice, watching his face morph into an expression of confusion.

"Is that some type of human thing?" he asked, sitting up and stretching his muscles.

"Apparently so," you whispered.

"Hey..." he paused from getting off of the bed. "You...you'll be here a while, right?"

"What do you mean?" you asked, clenching your thighs shut as you felt your core begin to burn and ache as you came back to yourself.

"Like...you won't have to go back to Earth any time, right?" his voice sounded small, almost fragile.

"I'll stay as long as I want to," you reassured, leaning over to kiss him but freezing before you could.

"What is it?" he asked, frowning.

"I'm just really fucking sore," you mumbled, flushing when he burst out laughing.

"Ah, my cute little human," he cooed, kissing your nose.

[3laxx]

Giggly Confession

Luz had been familiar with crushes to that point, with crushes to males, females, and others. She had known what the fluttering feeling in her belly felt like, she was familiar with the way her face would heat up and her mind hiccup and fall out for one, two seconds before her thoughts would start running again. --- The confession goes a little differently.

I thought, what if Luz didn't destroy Hooty's awkward and kind of creepy FNAF inspired Tunnel of Love? What if she got to confess her way, not Hooty's way? What if there was less angst between the two sweet girls and more in the past? Enjoy~

Ao3 / FF.net

---

Burying her head in her arms, Luz groaned. This was going all wrong.

She had wanted to be cool for once, suave and actually sweet, not overbearing.

Unpleasant memories bubbled up within herself, as she remembered how the last time had gone when she had tried to woo one of her classmates.

Luz was bouncing on her chair impatiently.

If she had had friends, she would’ve probably rambled to them unstoppably, but since she was sitting alone, she was trying her best not to combust on the spot.

She had dressed up and bought chocolates and everything. She had even tried putting on Mami’s perfume, even if it had gotten in her mouth and she had spent the rest of the morning washing that out. But now she was ready.

She had hidden the chocolates in her bag and waited for school to end, to surprise her crush after the lesson.

Maybe they’d even go to the cinema with her. To the new Azura movie to which she had already bought the tickets!

This had cost all her lunch money for the week but that was worth it, probably.

Finally, the teacher wrapped up the class and Luz was free to go. As quickly as her legs could carry her, she sprinted out into the hall and to her locker, to get some last-minute things before meeting them outside.

As expected, he was hanging around on the steps after school, because his bus always came a little later. He was sitting surrounded by his friends and sunbathing in the late May sun. Luz always felt her breath catching in her throat when she saw his soft hair shining like that.

She hiccupped shortly, before straightening up and puffing her chest out.

She wanted this to go perfectly, and she didn’t want to lose it to nerves.

Putting on a brave smile, the twelve-year-old went down the steps and approached the group of friends, waiting for them to notice her. His friends did first before he looked up and a small smile ghosted across his lips.

“Hey Luz.”, he greeted and she steeled herself.

“Hi Noah.”, she smiled back and his friends started to notice her clothes. Small giggles sounded but Luz couldn’t hear them because his beautiful blue eyes were staring up at her and her only. Quickly, she slid the bag from her shoulders and pulled the chocolates out, holding them out to him.

“Uhm…  D-Do you wanna go out with me?”, she finally choked out, and silence laid over the group like a blanket. Luz swallowed as his smile vanished.

“… With you?”, he clarified and Luz gave a small nod, still holding the chocolates. She had checked everything. He was kind enough to greet her in the halls, he was single and she had done everything right… Right?

His friends suddenly erupted in laughter. Cold dread started pooling in her stomach the longer she stood there, the longer he wouldn’t give an answer.

“You do know the boy is supposed to ask, right?”, one of his friends brawled and Luz pulled up her shoulders.

“Yeah, but, I thought-”

Noah then got up, snatched the chocolates from her hand, and snorted at her. He was standing a good head taller than her.

“I don’t wanna go out with you.”, he clarified and his friends sneered and cackled at the sad display she was putting up by now, “But thanks for the chocolate.”

“Look at her all dressed up!”, a girl got up now, pointing at the good blue button-up shirt that she had only worn once to a wedding, “If you wanted to impress him, you would’ve gone for a dress. Don’t you have a dress, Noceda?”

Another round of giggles went through a group before a boy from behind Noah chirped up.

“Luz in a dress wouldn’t impress anybody, Fiona!”, he laughed and Luz’s shoulders pulled up more as her eyes filled with tears. The worst was that Noah started laughing along with them.

He had always been so nice to her. He had actually greeted her, and he had even thanked her once when she had held the door for him. He had never been mean to her, like the others.

His friends got louder now, attracting the attention of multiple other students just leaving school and waiting for their parents or buses.

“Ew is that perfume you’re wearing?!”, a girl closer to her now shouted and made an act of getting closer to her, to which Luz responded with something she had never done before. She gave the girl’s shoulder a rough shove, causing her to fall against Noah. The boy in question stumbled and they fell back. Before they could even get back up, Luz had already grabbed her bag and bolted down the stairs and out of view, accompanied by the laughter of the group and some students around them, running all the way home until she burst through the front door with tears in her eyes. For the first time in her life, she was glad her mother wasn’t home.

Sniffling, Luz shut the door and leaned against it, her bag slipping to the floor. She couldn’t show her face around school anymore, for sure. She couldn’t even look at anyone anymore.

But her mother wouldn’t let her take a sick day tomorrow.

Sniffling and wiping her eyes, she finally dragged her feet up the stairs before her phone chimed, making her pull it out. The calendar had sent her a notification that the Azura movie would begin in an hour. That only made her sob harder when she flung herself on her bed, desperately asking herself how to skip tomorrow.

 “I don’t wanna be made fun of again…”, she mumbled, keeping her face obscured by her hands rubbing over it. The incredibly cheesy song in the background droned in her ears like a headache and she heard something mechanic going on, probably these scary animatronics Hooty had apparently thrown together to make this happen.

She had had to listen to students mimicking her shaky voice for weeks, and some even had thrown chocolates at her or sprayed their parents’ perfumes that they had stolen from their bathrooms around. They hadn’t stopped sneaking cheese strings into her pockets until a month later.

“Did you, uhm, say something?”, Amity suddenly asked and when Luz looked up, she felt like a foolish twelve-year-old again who thought she could woo the prettiest guy in school. Or like the eleven-year-old who had tried serenading her crush in the school’s talent show, by singing a love song and staring at them the whole time, with their friends suddenly catching on and starting to whistle in the middle of the performance while her crush had sunken into the chair deeper and deeper the longer Luz’s performance had gone on. Or like the hopeful seven-year-old who thought she could maybe get a playdate with the coolest girl in her class.

Whenever Luz fell, she fell hard and fast. She had already fallen hard when she had been five and had met a nice boy in kindergarten who would always play ball with her. She had announced to her mother that she would be marrying him later, but when she had pitched that idea to her crush, he had begun crying and ran to the swings.

It had come to no surprise to her that she had fallen hard and fast for Amity as well. They had been friends, colleagues, god knows what other awkward platonic titles Luz had given her in her mind until she had saved her from her parents’ abomaton. She had looked so cool, jumping down to the destroyed stage from above, swinging like Spider-Man, and her hair fluttering in the momentum. When she had turned to her and asked her if she was okay.

Luz had been familiar with crushes to that point, with crushes to males, females, and others. She had known what the fluttering feeling in her belly felt like, she was familiar with the way her face would heat up and her mind hiccup and fall out for one, two seconds before her thoughts would start running again.

She knew exactly she had fallen for Amity head over heels the moment she had stared at her standing up to her parents while fighting the scariest thing Luz had ever faced until then. She wasn’t even that scared of the Emperor. Because she had somehow known he would stop before eliminating her. She had known he would talk more, that he would seek a deal, that he would be the diplomat she had known him to be, not a brute unstoppable force.

She had felt her heart drop when Amity had thrown herself between danger and her, but oh man had she felt her chest compressing the moment she had asked if she was okay.

From there, it had only gone downhill, fast, and Luz had become more scared the deeper she fell. Only when Amity had kissed her cheek, she had known she couldn’t make a fool of herself again.

She couldn’t make another George, Liana, Kim, or Noah out of Amity.

This time she had wanted to make it right.

Because this time she was sure Amity could like her back. No, this time she knew Amity liked her, maybe more like friends.

Staring into those beautiful eyes, like before, sent shivers down Luz’s spine. Gulping, she shook her head.

“N-No, I didn’t say anything, Amity.”, she whispered and instantly, the girl’s expression turned concerned.

“Are you okay?”, she asked and Luz’s breath hitched. It sounded just like back then, on the stage in her parents’ factory, “You look pale.”

Her lip quivering, Luz shook her head and finally managed to break their eye contact, wrapping her arms around herself.

“N-No, it’s fine.”, she finally choked out, waiting for Amity to break out in loud laughter when she looked up and followed the girl’s gaze to a sign Hooty had put up. Through the haze of her tears, she couldn’t even make out what it said.

Sniffling, she hugged herself tighter and tried ignoring Amity’s concerned gaze. Finally, she felt a hand on her shoulder. No laughter followed.

“Luz, something’s wrong, isn’t it?”, a soft voice asked and the girl flinched. This didn’t sound like laughter.

“… It’s-… It’s just that-… This is super embarrassing…”, she mumbled finally and Amity caught her gaze when she looked up. There was a smile on her face, but not an amused one. Just, soft and warm and so reassuring that Luz wanted to fall into her arms and forget this ever happened.

“You know… If I wasn’t kidnapped, this would be kinda sweet, actually?”

Before Luz could say anything, she heard a string being plucked. A guitar?

Her gaze shooting up, she saw an arrow plunging into the water next to them. Another followed. Luz looked up and suddenly, she spotted a lot of arrows.

“Woah, what the hell?!”, quickly getting up and grabbing the first best sign she could reach on the side, she held it up before Amity and her, the arrows embedding themselves in the scrap wood Hooty had hurriedly put together for this ride.

“Hooty! Be more careful!”, she yelled, but the house demon didn’t seem to listen. The arrows stopped and Luz threw the makeshift shield away, sighing heavily when she dropped back down next to Amity.

Only then, she worked through what Amity had said.

“Wait, you think this is sweet?!”, she suddenly exclaimed and immediately shrunk back when Amity flinched at the volume of her voice.

“Well, yeah.”, the witch tried, then she grimaced, “Without the, you know, deathly traps.”

Groaning, Luz leaned against the backrest of the stupid Hooty-swan-thing and rubbed over her face.

“Let’s-… Let’s just get this stupid ride over with. This was Hooty’s doing. I’m so sorry, Amity.”

A shadow flickered over the other girl’s face and she settled next to the human, slanting her lips.

“Yeah, you’re right. Us, dating? That’d be stupid… Right?”, a slight quiver in Amity’s voice made her look up. The witchling was pulling her knees close now to rest her chin on them and wiped at her eyes, avoiding Luz’s gaze at all cost.

Once again, like all the times before, Luz felt her heart sinking, and cold dread pooling in her stomach.

“No, I mean-…”, she gulped. She had messed this up so many times. She would choose the right words now. She had to, “Amity, this Tunnel of Love was Hooty’s idea. It’s-… dumb and embarrassing and absolutely not how I wanted to do it.”

Amity’s watery gaze turned back to her and finally, Luz rediscovered her bravery to get this off her chest now. Mirroring Amity’s seating position, she pulled her knees close as well.

“I wanted to do something else, but I wasn’t sure what to do yet and Hooty just-… Went ahead.”, gulping, she continued, somehow managing to hold Amity’s gaze, “I wanted to-… To be sweet and cool and-… Not ridiculous. I didn’t want you to laugh at me and now look what Hooty got me into. He kidnapped you and put together this-…”

Grimacing, she made a choking sound, finally managing to put that little smile back on Amity’s lips. The witch chuckled and Luz managed a smile as well. This was the first time her crush would laugh during a confession and not make her bad.

“You wanted to-… To ask me out?”, Amity finally mumbled and Luz nodded, hiding her nose in her crossed arms.

“Yeah… But I wanted to do it my way and-… This is not my way.”

Sliding closer, Amity’s hips bumped against hers and suddenly, she was really close. Luz’s breath hitched, like so often around the pretty witch, and she looked up to meet her gaze again.

“… What would’ve been your way?”, Amity asked and Luz shrugged, suddenly feeling all the heavy dread in her stomach again.

“Actually, I don’t know. Every time I tried to confess to someone before, they would just laugh at me and call me cheesy and over the top…”, tears welled up again but Luz managed to push them down and talk around the lump forming in her throat, “I probably would’ve gotten you chocolates or something.”

She received a small bump against her shoulder from Amity’s and looked up again, to see the witch smiling and offering her hand. Luz took it.

“I’d never laugh at you.”, she promised and Luz felt a giant boulder rolling off her heart, breathing through.

“Think you can allow me a second attempt?”

Grimacing, Amity giggled and nodded, trying not to look around too much and see the horrifying animatronics Hooty had put up.

“Yeah. Let’s get out of here?”, she offered and Luz looked up to see the boat had stopped on a pier, probably a long time ago already. Getting to her feet, she pulled Amity up with her and helped her onto the steady ground again, before shuddering when she looked back down the Tunnel of Love.

“Uh, thank Hooty, but we’ll, uh-… Be going now.”

The house demon appeared from the water and Luz tried so hard not to be weirded out by the over-eager bird anymore.

“But what about the-”, he began, but Luz waved it off.

“Thank you so much for that, uh, but we’ll get out of here now, okay?”, her gaze flickered around before she suddenly pointed in a random direction, “Look a bug!”

When the house demon turned, she tugged on Amity’s hand and gave her a shaky grin, whispering.

“Let’s get out of here.”

The two girls turned and ran, giggles carrying them all the way to the back door of the basement, before climbing out and running along the shore to get as far away from the Owl House as they could. Giggling and laughing, they propped themselves on their knees, before Luz straightened up again and offered her hand to Amity.

“I know a place, come on!”, she grinned and the witch readily grabbed her hand, her fingers slotting so perfectly between Luz’s.

“You wanna go to the Grom tree?”, Amity guessed and Luz groaned, laughing and rubbing over her face with her other hand.

“Noooo, I wanted it to be a surprise!”, she whined and Amity giggled, shaking her head and putting her other hand over their connected grip.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I have no idea where we’re going!”, she laughed and Luz grinned, before tugging her along. The run broke into a jog and finally a walk, as they approached the nearby cliff with the giant, towering tree they had created when defeating Grom.

Sometimes, when she had visited this special place between Hexside and the Owl House, Luz had asked herself if Grometheus was still trapped in there, but she supposed his bits and pieces had found their way back to the Glandus ruins beneath Hexside.

“Ta-dah! The Grom tree!”, she led Amity on the cliff who had playfully closed her eyes before, watching her open them and act surprised.

“Luz, I didn’t know you would be bringing me here!”

They giggled almost maniacally when they ran up the slope to the tree, before Luz picked some grass and flowers in her jog and spun around Amity, hiding whatever she had picked (she hadn’t exactly looked), before walking backward.

“Alright, this is completely unplanned, but I’ll make the best of this.”, she promised and Amity laughed, softly halting her in front of the tree before Luz could walk into the massive looming trunk that was towering over them in multiple levels of height.

“I think it’s very sweet and fitting.”, Amity confessed and Luz giggled again, before breathing through.

“Everything is so crazy right now, and I have no idea what my future holds.”, she softly squeezed Amity’s hand who was blushing by now, smiling like crazy, “But it would be so cool if you were in it.”

Luz finally pulled the little bouquet out behind her back, grimacing when Amity giggled. She had effectively missed all the flowers she had been aiming for, so she just threw them away and brushed off any leftover grass on her pants, before pulling out a glyph to conjure a rose.

“So, uhm, Amity Blight-…”, gulping, she held out the rose and the witchling carefully took it, still grinning at her so sweetly, Luz thought her heart might stop, “Do you wanna go out with me?”

When Amity laughed, Luz felt no dread in her stomach, and no shivers down her spine. She didn’t feel a lump building in her throat and she didn’t feel any fear or pain.

“Yes!”, she giggled and Luz found herself grinning like mad.

“Okay!”

Amity played with the rose before Luz finally let go of her hand, blushing when she realized they had been holding hands all the time now. She patted her thighs, then she caught Amity’s gaze again.

“And, uh, now?”, she found herself asking. After all, she had never come this far and didn’t exactly know how to proceed from here. Amity was blushing, too, and shrugged cheerfully.

“I don’t know!”, she laughed, making both of them pull up their shoulders awkwardly before Luz motioned to the tree as an offer.

“We could sit down here, and uh, I didn’t bring a picnic but we could, well, talk?”

Amity nodded to that and they settled down before Amity hesitatingly took her hand again.

“This is still kinda scary when I do it consciously.”, she mumbled and Luz nodded, looking down to their interlaced fingers.

“Kinda…”, looking back up, she smiled at her new girlfriend, “But I’m sure we’ll get used to it!”

The witch giggled and put the flower down on her lap, before leaning over and leaving a soft, feathery kiss on Luz’s cheek, before leaning back and smiling.

This time she didn’t feel like running away.

“Yeah, I’m sure we will.”, she smiled. Grinning stupidly, Luz squeezed her hand, before Amity leaned against her and nestled her head in the crook of Luz’s neck, looking out to the Boiling Seas, “No matter how scary, this is really nice, too.”

Luz couldn’t agree more. She hummed and leaned her head against Amity’s, looking out to the steam rising from the body of water in front of them.

For the first time, she hadn’t been laughed at. At least not with bad intentions. She had laughed with Amity, a lot, at their silliness and unexperienced stupor. But she hadn’t felt bad laughing a lot this night.

This was a first and she hoped she’d still have a lot of moments with Amity in which they could giggle so much she thought she couldn’t breathe anymore.

Or maybe it was just the cotton candy-haired goddess that stole her breath, she couldn’t decide.

---

Let me know if you liked it!

[sneakerdoodle]

''Bard breathes in, taking in the calming alien view, and swings their legs in the air softly to the tune of the simple song they are so used to humming. It comes out a bit more strained, this time. There is a slight tightness in their chest, but they will not dwell on that. It can probably be chalked up to balancing many, many feet above the ground.''

Hey guys!!! I've been working on a post-canon Wandersong fic! Come watch Bard have Issues :- )

The first chapter is a shorter one, sort of like a teaser/exposition! Check it out right freaking here or on ff.net (with non-ideal formatting) bc i don't really wanna post on AO3. The second chapter is in the works >: 3

PDF || FanFiction.Net

(Not) Alone

Rated: K

Chapter 1

(General warnings: inability to breathe; heights)

Your footsteps used to echo through sacred halls no human had walked before, accompanied by the eager beating in your chest. Heartbeat – footstep – echo. A heavy, impending rhythm.

The only thing you heard was the glorious cheer of the crowd. The anticipation of victory made every breath ring like brass, like the blaring trumpets that would surely welcome you home. You felt golden, and colossal, like the Sun. Both of you had no choice but to shine.

The edge of your blade vibrated with a song of its own, metallic and crackling with static electricity. And you let it sing.

Time after time, you would sound the sharp final note of this intoxicating symphony.

Each time, for a split second of silence in your speeding heartbeat, you would be left alone, in a dark without a sound. A moment of ultimate finality in a place that was no longer a place.

Time after time, you would be brought back into the light and air, reaping your rewards, letting the world's ecstatic cheer crash against you like waves, flood you, fill you.

Not this time.

This time, the dark does not subside.

This time, you have nowhere to go back to.

What is worse, perhaps, is that you have nowhere to be.

The place that is no longer a place is all you have now. The cosmic opposite of spaciousness means that, in the suffocating absence of air, you are not granted the relief of feeling the walls close around you, the world smother you. There are no limits to the vacuum; there is no vacuum; there is no thing.

When your bare, hoarse voice escapes, lonely and flat, there is no ether to reverberate through, no echo to harmonize with you.

You are nowhere. You are a song that cannot sound. You are the only morsel of consciousness to vaguely grasp your own melody.

You are barely anything.

You are irreversibly alone.

***

A note catches in Bard's throat, and for a moment they are breathless, and shaken. Then they cough – like the fuzzy wheezing of a clogged flute – and feel the air fill their lungs once again.

Miriam's voice sounds from high above, impatient and strained with effort.

- Hello?? A little help???

Kiwi shakes off the uncomfortable reminder of last night and raises their head, up to the tops of two twin trees, where Miriam is trying desperately to keep her broom straight. It does seem quite hard to do with just one hand, while the other is occupied, clutching one end of a rope stretched between the two parted crowns.

Kiwi clears her throat one more time before singing out:

- A lit-tle bit high-er! 🎶

Miriam grumbles, and her broom lurches up just a bit. The rope now runs parallel to the ground, a level bridge from where its other end is glued to the opposite trunk.

- Now??

- Perfeeect! 🎶

From down below, Bard can't quite make out her movements, but they can imagine them vividly: Miriam pressing the end of the rope into the tree bark, letting the adhesive substance on its tip fix it in place; then her wrapping her fingers around it, face shifting into a concentrated frown. They can almost hear the quiet exasperated sigh, masking the nervousness Miriam always feels when casting less familiar spells and never wants to show.

As a thick woody vine stretches and knits itself along the length of the rope, connecting the flaming-red leafy tops, Bard claps their hands excitedly.

- Great job, Miriam!!

Miriam is already floating down to the ground. She is trying really hard to not look relieved.

- Yeah, - she mutters, glancing to the side, - thanks. Let's just... hope it holds. - She nods at the free space behind her, impatiently inviting Kiwi to join her on the broom, to rise back up to the connected crowns.

- Sure you're holding on well?

Bard adjusts their position in the hold of a curving branch and flashes Miriam a slightly tense smile.

- All good here! 🎶

Miriam frowns.

- Don't fall. Here you go.

Bard takes one end of yet another piece of rope from her hands and holds it up to the level of the previously conjured vine above their head. The sticky mushroom mash takes hold, but they do not take their hand away as to not test the glue with the rope's weight.

Miriam flies over to the other tree trunk, stretching the rope along the already formed scaffold. She glances at Bard nervously, and they give her an enthusiastic thumbs up – before immediately fretfully grabbing the branch below him, having almost lost his balance.

- Don't fall! - Miriam exclaims emphatically. Her tone is nothing short of disbelief: perhaps at the fact that she has to repeat herself so soon, perhaps at the fresh confirmation that the warning is actually warranted. - Eya... Just. Hold on, hold the rope, and don't.. stare while I do this.

Kiwi graciously looks away, letting their glance glide across the treetops shimmering in the light evening breeze. It's a new, fascinating perspective from this high up: the mass of moving, rustling red stretching all around them, making them forget about the ground below.

Bard takes the moment to appreciate the old trees, some of the tallest ones in the forest, raising him above their smaller siblings, into this weird valley of whispering leaves. Here, there is only the gentle waving of foliage and the sky that goes on and on, painted gentle orange by the setting sun.

Saphy was right. This is the perfect spot for a little perch, especially with the two crowns so conveniently close together. The thought brings Bard a gentle kind of joy. It is as if the forest itself was encouraging the initiative, eager to accommodate humans' curiosity.

Bard breathes in, taking in the calming alien view, and swings their legs in the air softly to the tune of the simple song they are so used to humming. It comes out a bit more strained, this time. There is a slight tightness in their chest, but they will not dwell on that. It can probably be chalked up to balancing many, many feet above the ground.

The rough bark of a newly formed vine softly bumps against Bards fingers, and they accommodate it, letting the woody liana reach the trunk and sink into it, as if having grown out of it many years ago. Miriam is doing amazing!

- You're doing amazing! - Kiwi promptly shares aloud, slightly breathless. Magical feats never lose their novelty, not to them.

Miriam skips past the usual embarrassment at being complimented and straight to a quizzical look.

- You sure you don't wanna' help?

- I'm helping! - Bard replies readily, feeling just slightly disregarded. Miriam fumbles.

- Ugh, no, I... - the words come out loud and annoyed in her rush to explain herself. She pauses - with obvious effort - and takes a few seconds. - ...Yeah, you are. Thanks. Just... aurgh, - she gives a jerky impatient shrug, - you know what I mean!!

Bard does know. Combining spellwork and singing is something the two have been experimenting with quite a lot. Bard could probably orchestrate the movement of the vine, direct it with their voice while Miriam is inducing its growth, instead of her sending it along the pre-marked trajectory of the hemp rope. But they shake their head, perhaps a bit too hurriedly.

- This is better! And you're doing great!!

Miriam examines their face, looking skeptical, vaguely confused.

- Fine, - she mutters in resignation. - If you say so. Toss me the next one.

Bard complies.

Their humming has stopped now. Instead, they turn their full attention to Miriam, promptly forgetting her earlier request. She throws a slightly irritated glance in their direction, but does not say anything, letting them observe as a new sprout rises out of a previously bare section of the bark.

Kiwi looks at the sturdy vines that will hold wooden planks, that will in turn hold a shiny new telescope. One of the many Elara has prepared for her world-wide project, to direct everyone's questioning eyes to the sky, to the novel, unfamiliar stars. Together, the people of Earth will explore the horizons of this young universe that has become their new home.

The thought of stars tickles Bard's throat, like the beginning of a song. The faraway lights, so tiny against the vast dark night sky, trading rays and stitching into constellations, must be creating a symphony of their own - one Bard is so eager to discover.

- This is gonna be great, isn't it? - they ask, their eyes clouded by visions of otherworldly landscapes.

- Yeah... - Miriam is silent for a moment, and Bard comes back to earth to look at their friend, questioning. - I don't... know much about stars... But if the astronomer lady says we can help--

- Of course!! 🎶 - Kiwi all but jumps up in a rush of passion. - We just need to look! We will find something really cool!!

Miriam smirks, but the smirk is unprecedentedly close to a smile, only adding to Bard's emotional high. They swing their legs in the air excitedly. It's new, and thrilling, seeing their friend like this: with the steadily growing readiness to find joy in the world around her.

- I'm glad we're doing this together, Miriam, - they say, smiling, as they shuffle to the side to secure yet another piece of rope against the trunk. - I like sharing things with you.

Miriam's hand holding the rope jerks just slightly as she looks away, momentarily flustered.

- Uh... yeah. Me too, - she blurts out, then draws a breath. - It... wouldn't be the same on my own. Or. You know. Without you.

The last vine is grown, and both of them sit down on the soon-to-be-platform, listening to the rustling of the leaves and watching the sun slowly sink towards the horizon.

Bard glances over at Miriam and examines the new look on her face, the one they've been spotting more and more. It is quiet surprise, like stepping out into the garden early in the morning and being met with a perfect gentle breeze. These days, the world seems to keep startling Miriam in the best of ways.

Miriam appears to have felt their gaze and meets it, eyebrow raised. They do not feel the need to explain, simply smile and dangle their feet happily. Miriam smirks and turns her face back to the gentle peachy sunset.

- ...It's gonna be nice, - she says contemplatively, - spending time here.

Kiwi takes a deep breath and feels the tightness in their chest ease and melt away.

- Yeah.

The walk back to Saphy and Miriam's home in the orange twilight is comfortable and special. Bard rants about the trees back in Langtree, and how different they are, and how she never climbed any before, in all her time living out in nature. Miriam grumpily recounts all the times she had to, to get potion ingredients back when she hadn't yet learned to properly fly a broom. When exiting the woods, she points out a specific tree which, she is convinced, has a personal vendetta against her, always tripping her up on its bulging roots. There is that unmistakable comfort of familiarity in her voice. For Miriam, exasperation often seems to be the easiest way to express her deep fondness for everything that is home.

They both take a second at the edge of the forest as the colorful house comes into view, just as the last rays of sunlight fall down the roof, then softly go out, one by one.

Saphy welcomes them with a boiling cauldron. (Her firm habit of using it indiscriminately, for food and for potion-making, is something Bard is still getting accustomed to.) Over dinner, she asks the two about their exploits with genuine, animated interest. Miriam shares the details, half-begrudgingly, throwing quick glances at Bard in moments of self-consciousness. They chime in readily and take the opportunity to praise Miriam's skills, seemingly making her more miserable in the process. It is a new and sweet routine for the three of them.

It is well into the night by the time Kiwi and Miriam get to setting up the guest cot, and Miriam keeps stoically fighting back her yawns. She isn't great at staying up past a certain hour.

- It isn't very bouncy, - she mutters, dissatisfied, as Bard plops down onto the thin mattress.

- It's great! - Bard reassures, running their hand over the clean sheets. - Goodnight, Miriam!

- G'night, - she mumbles sleepily, already walking towards the rope ladder hanging from the second level. With her hand on one of the rungs, she lingers for a moment and looks over her shoulder. - Are you still sure about tomorrow?..

Bard tenses up for a moment and does their best to shake it off.

- It... Yeah! It has been a while, so...

The rest of the sentence hangs in the air between them, irresolute. Miriam sighs quietly and makes her way back to the cot.

Their friend's arms wrap around them in a steady, comforting hug, and Kiwi suddenly feels very fragile. They return the embrace, hands on her back, and stay there for a few seconds, allowing themself to feel small.

Miriam pulls away and looks at them, eyelids heavy and droopy.

- Need... - a big, poetic yawn finally escapes her, despite all the efforts, -...company?

Bard shakes his head.

- You should get your rest!

- ...Yeah. Probably best, - Miriam grumbles and turns away with a final awkward pat on Bard's shoulder.

Halfway up the ladder, she sighs in annoyance and pauses, hanging from the wall with her head turned.

- Could you maybe try counting sheep this time? Silently??

Bard gives a couple of hurried flustered nods. Sharing space with other people again is proving to be difficult to combine with their musical routine.

- Sleep well, Miriam! And, - they grope for words for a bit, but don't find anything better than, - thank you.

Miriam nods slowly, turning away.

- Yeah. You too.

Bard dresses down and flops on top of the cot, hands on their chest. They listen as the house fills with the familiar duet of snores and quiet whistles and smile to themself, thinking about how rapidly Miriam nods off when she is tired enough.

Lying in bed and exploring the authentic years-old webs in the corners of the room, Kiwi goes over the events of the day in her head, and ponders what is waiting for them tomorrow.

A glum gnawing feeling rises in their chest, clawing at it from the inside. They push it away. It will be okay. And they won't be alone.

They lie there, trying not to worry. About tomorrow, about last night, about what this night will bring. They try not to think about the nightmares, and about the tightness in their chest, and the labored sounds of the once-effortless tune.

They close their eyes and dutifully imagine a sheep. A reeeally fluffy one. With big, shining eyes, and with a spring in its step, ready to conquer the highest of fences.

- One 🎶, - they sing to themself, as quietly and softly as they can.

The note does not come out right.

Next chapter

[toplinetommy]

You Bring the Moon and Stars to Me (Part Seven) - Tyson Jost

Synopsis: A Soulmate!AU where your soulmark only appears once you fall in love with your soulmate

Words: 7k

a/n: i want to thank everyone that’s been reading along so far, especially those that are reblogging and sending me messages, it means more than you think :)

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six

August 2019 - Kelowna, British Columbia, CA

To say Tyson was nervous would be an understatement. He had just picked you up from the airport, coffee in hand for you due to the early flight, and now you were on the way to the Fabbro’s cabin for the week. The two of you chatted briefly, but your habits of talking everyday left little to no updates to give to the other. But now that the conversation has faded and the sounds filling both yours and Tyson’s ears was his summer playlist through the speakers, you noticed his insistent finger-tapping on the gear shift.

“Why’re you so fidgety?” You ask curiously, placing your hand atop of his to stop his movements.

His eyes flick to where your hands are touching on the gear shift, up to your face, and back to the road in front of him before answering, “Just excited is all.” His answer seems plausible because you were plenty excited to be here, but the small smile that quickly disappeared from his face has you thinking it’s just a cover-up. 

“You sure that’s all?” 

“Mhmm,” he nods tight-lipped. With his curt response, you retract your hand and turn your gaze back to your phone in your lap, clicking through your Snapchat stories. 

“I’m really excited for this week,” you beamed, locking your phone. “And I’m really excited I finally get to meet your friends.” 

“I am too,” he responds matter-of-factly as he looks over his shoulder before changing lanes and exiting the highway. “I’m going to warn you; they’re all obnoxious as shit when new people are around.”

“Tyson, I spend eight months a year around you and your teammates chirping, I think I can handle a few more hockey players,” you reassure. “Besides, have you met yourself?”

The chirp pulls a dry laugh from your best friend, “Ha ha. You got a sense of humor all the sudden, eh?” 

It’s the last thing he gets out before the view of the lake to your right takes your attention away. Your jaw drops with a gasp at the rolling mountains and the crystal-clear blue water that flowed between them. You rolled your window down, deciding to fully embrace the clean Canadian air, a considerable change from the polluted, less-oxygenated air of Denver. 

Out of the corner of your eye, you notice Tyson gazing in admiration towards you and turn up the radio before smiling out the window. The two of you spend the remainder of the car ride singing along to the songs playing through the speakers and Tyson pointing out any notable landmarks he sees.

As he pulls into the large driveway behind the multitude of cars and throws the car in park, your awe-struck gaze stays plastered on your face. You hop out of the car, turning your head to the back of the vehicle to see Tyson grabbing your duffel bag. You thank him, and he leads you through the front door of the house. It’s eerily quiet even though it’s nearing noon, and you look around the vast living room and kitchen before Tyson is leading you up the stairs and down the hallway to his bedroom. He had plopped your bag onto the bed, the one he told you you’d be sharing.

“Where is everyone?” You ask, taking the few steps to the window to look at the view out towards the lake. You spot a group of guys all in various spots of the backyard; one’s running off the dock and diving into the water, two girls are lying in the grass, and one other guy is walking around gathering several different water toys. “Oh, nevermind.”

“If you change into a bathing suit, we can go join them,” Tyson suggests as he appears behind you. “They already worked out this morning, so the rest of the day is free for whatever. We usually just mess around until we get hungry.”

You nod your head, turning around and heading to your duffel bag in search of a bathing suit. You pull out one of the many, Tyson laughing as you throw the variety of different colored tops and bottoms. You scoff, knowing he’s holding back a comment about your tendency to overpack. “Who’re the girls?” You ask, a hint of jealousy in your tone. Whenever the two of you talked about this trip, he had only ever mentioned you meeting some of his hockey buddies.

“Yeah, about that,” Tyson mumbles, running his hand over the back of his neck. “Mat’s sister ended up visiting, and uh, so is mine?”

“Tyson!” You exclaim, whipping your head to the side, throwing the lilac, two-piece bathing suit you had in your hands at him. He blocks it with his hands and hands it back to you.

“It was last minute!” He defends. “She really wanted to meet you, and she usually spends time out here anyways. It just fell during the same week!”

“Some warning would’ve been nice,” you gruff, folding the bathing suit in your hands. That’s probably why he was so fidgety in the car ride from the airport to the lake, you think. “I’m gonna go change.” You announce, making way to the hallway intending to search for the bathroom. 

Tyson steps in front of the door before you reach it, essentially blocking you from leaving, “Hey, you’re not mad at me, right?”

He looks at you with soft eyes filled with worry. Your shoulders drop as you gaze back at your younger friend. “No,” you sigh out. “Just tell me next time, ‘cause it’s kind of a big deal.”

“Okay,” He starts, speaking more to himself than to you. “I’m sorry, though. You can change in here if you want.”

Once you’re done changing you open the door to see Tyson leaning against the wall. He looks up at you, and the way his eyes move from your face down to your bare legs makes your cheeks warm. He leads you out to the backyard, ready to introduce you to his friends.

“There she is!” The one with longer, shaggier, dark hair cheers. Tyson groans next to you and the small group of guys and girls all begin making their way over. “You must be y/n, I’m Mat, but you can call me Barzy.” 

“And you play for the Islanders?” You ask, looking for confirmation as you hug him.

“Eh, you got yourself a girl that knows her hockey.” Mat chirps towards Tyson when the two of you pull away. 

“And then you must be Dante, and you’re in Nashville?” You ask, unsure if you’re even correct.

“Yeah, but I’m still playing at school this year.” He answers as he accepts your open arms and hugs you in greeting. It clicks in your head now, and you remember how Tyson’s told you he’s still playing college hockey somewhere on the East Coast. 

The blonde next to them introduces herself as Liana, Mat’s little sister, and the brunette next to her introduces herself as Kacey. You hug them both, letting your hug linger a bit longer on Tyson’s sister. 

“It’s nice to put faces to the names finally, Tys talks about you all a lot during the season,” You comment, following everyone to the end of the dock. Mat dives headfirst in the water, and Liana is close behind him. Dante, however, stays next to you two, deciding to comment on his own,

“Probably not as much as he talks about you to us.” 

A boisterous laugh comes from the water at the chirp, and Tyson seethes out a ‘shut the fuck up’ before he’s shoving his friend into the lake with a yelp. 

“If they say anything about me, they’re lying.” Tyson rushes out before he’s running away, trying to avoid Dante, who’s getting out of the water to get his revenge. Tyson runs away, jumping into the lake on his own accord, and Liana comes next to you, her blonde hair dripping with lake water.

You spend a majority of the afternoon glued to Tyson’s side, just trying to make up for the time spent away from one another over the past few months. The rest of the group doesn’t seem to mind, and you make a mental note to talk to his sister and friends more for the rest of the week.

After spending hours under the sun that was shining brightly in the sky with no interruptions, your skin was warm and sticky from the combination of sweat and sunscreen, and your hair wet from the clear lake water. You’re more than ready to shower it all off and throw on your biggest hoodie and spend the rest of the evening outside. 

Once you’re completely showered, and you’re in your extra-large UND hoodie, you make your way downstairs and outside to join everyone. Dante and Tyson are sitting around the fire pit while Mat is by the grill. He’s finishing up some fish from what you see as you pass by him on your way over to the empty Adirondack chair next to Tyson. 

Dinner was spent casually around the small fire, the guys all sharing various stories from when they’ve played together over the years. It was almost like being back at the Rookie House in Colorado, just this time everyone was their age, and you were the oldest for a change. You could tell very early on why Tyson had a hard time coming back to Denver every fall. 

As you finish your third drink, you go stand up, intending to head back inside to get a refill, “Does anyone else want a new drink?”

“Nah, I’m good. You wanna switch it up, though?” Mat asks, quirking his eyebrow and looking around for everyone’s reactions. You knit your eyebrows in confusion before everyone around the circle agrees and stands from their seats.

“Barzy can shotgun a beer in like six seconds; you have to see it,” Dante notes, nudging his paler friend. Mat lets out a laugh before he’s racing inside to grab new drinks. 

“I couldn’t even tell you when the last time I shotgunned a beer was,” you admit as you all make your way back outside. The group passes the knife around, all piercing the ends of their cans. You go to grab the knife from Tyson, but instead, he hands you his beer and asks for yours, cutting out a hole for you. You smile and thank him and pass the knife down the circle. Everyone clanks their cans in the middle in a cheers before you bring the can to your lips and chug the cold liquid. You drop the can to the grass, a sour look on your face as you shiver from the alcohol. 

“You did do that fast, holy shit,” You say, thoroughly impressed. 

“He drinks like a fucking fish,” Tyson points. “You guys wanna play a drinking game?” 

“If we play flip cup, I call Tyson not being on my team,” You interrupt. Tyson groans next to you, a dumbfounded expression on his face from your chirp. The rest of the group laughs and declines the idea. After a rowdy conversation, you all decide on playing Picolo, a group drinking game app you never deleted off your phone.

“Okay, so the way it works is you pass the phone around the circle, and you just follow the prompt on the screen. Each prompt will tell you who has to drink and how much. It’s really easy to understand once we start going,” You explain, typing in everyone’s names into the game.

“Sounds easy enough,” Tyson shrugs.

“Okay, first one. Tyson,” you turn to your friend sitting next to you. “Make up your mind: if you had to hand in a school project, would you rather Dante or Mat be in your group? That person gives out three sips.”

“Oh, easy. Dante,” He answers without missing a beat. Liana laughs, and Mat drops his jaw in shock. “What? He went to college, and you didn’t.”

You pass the phone to Tyson as Dante gives out his sips, giving one to you, Liana, and Mat. 

“Drink two times if you’d told someone you loved them this week,” Tyson says. Everyone around the circle takes two sips, and Tyson passes the phone to Dante.

The six of you continue your game until the sun is long gone in the sky, and Dante is getting up to turn on the outdoor lights. The night ends shortly after that, you barely being able to keep your eyes open with your early morning of travel. Tyson follows you to bed, bidding everyone goodnight and silently glaring at them since he can see the wheels turning in his friends’ heads. 

“I know you already said you were, but you’re sure you’re fine sharing a bed all week? I really don’t mind if you kick me to the living room.” He asks, looking for reassurance. You continue to dig through your bag before your toiletries before answering,

“Yes, Tyson. I’d rather share a bed than make one of us go sleep on a couch,” You look at Tyson as you finally locate the small bag. He nods his head in understanding before stripping his t-shirt off and going to the bathroom. You change while he’s finishing up, and you have to hold back your laugh as he double-checks that you’re changed before re-entering the bedroom.

He’s lying on the right side of the bed under the covers when you emerge from the bathroom, just like he does back at the Rookie House in Denver. You hop in bed next to him, bringing the blankets up to your armpits and opening your phone. After a few minutes of scrolling, you lock it and place it on the nightstand next to you.

“Thanks for inviting me, Tys,” You start, turning on your side to face him. “I’m already having a lot of fun, and it’s nice being able to get away from Denver.” 

“I’m glad you were able to get the time off,” He responds, turning to his side to face you as well. 

--

The next morning, Tyson’s spot in the bed is empty, and you assume he and the other guys are all participating in their workout. Making your way downstairs to the kitchen after you’ve fully woken up, you greet Liana and Kacey at the kitchen table. You pour yourself a matching mug of coffee, leaning against the kitchen counter.

“Did you guys eat yet?” You ask. “I can make breakfast.”

“I’d be happy to help,” Kacey smiles, standing up from her spot and moving around the table towards you. She opens the large fridge, pulling out the carton of eggs and the milk, while Liana behind you rummages through the pantry to get the pancake mix. Kacey’s in charge of cracking the eggs and Liana’s in charge of measuring out the stuff for the pancakes, and you’re focusing on the stovetop. 

The three of you work in tandem, and before you know it, you have plates stacked high with pancakes and a pile of scrambled eggs. You bring the dishes to the table and sit down and begin digging in.

“So, how do you know Tyson again?” Liana asks, taking a sip of her coffee.

“We, uh, met in college. He’s actually not the only NHL player I’m good friends with.” You shrug. Both Laina and Kacey visibly tense, both protective of their older brother’s lifestyles. “I went to North Dakota, and I tutored the hockey team. I was a senior when he was a freshman, and I didn’t really see him much or even know him. Fast forward a few months later, and turns out he lives next to my coworker in Denver.”

“When Tyson officially moved to Denver, he called our mom and me to tell us about this-” Kacey starts before being interrupted by the three men barreling through the back door. Mat steals a pancake off his sister’s plate, which you barely notice because you’re too busy internally drooling over the way Tyson looks. He’s just wearing his running shorts, which are rolled up so you can see his thighs bulging out of them, and his shirt is draped over his shoulder. His torso and arms are glistening in sweat, the lines of his muscles defined, and the veins in his arms protruding as he rests his hands on his hips.

“Not telling any embarrassing stories, eh?” He asks the group but directing his gaze towards his sister, who just shoves another piece of pancake into her mouth.

“Do you guys want food? There’s plenty left,” You suggest, pointing to the plates still full of food. The guys accept their offer, finding empty seats and digging in.

“It’s not supposed to be cloudy at all today so I think the plan is just to spend the day outside,” Mat announces to the table. “We just have to go get fuel for the jetskis.”

“We have paddleboards, a kayak, two jet skis, and spike ball,” Tyson says, focusing on you. “Have you been on a jet ski?”

“I haven’t, no.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll drive you around,” Tyson assures.

A few hours later, you’re diving into the water, swimming over to where Tyson’s resting his arms on the yellow paddleboard. You splash him, making him jerk forward from the surprise burst of water. You swim to the edge, pushing yourself to kneel on it before gaining your balance and standing.

Tyson’s still got his hands on the end, helping you keep it steady. He shakes it slightly with a wide smirk, and you breathe out a small shriek. He does it again, and you bend over at your waist to catch your falling body with your hands.

“Tyson,” You warn harshly. “Don’t fucking do that.”

He just smirks once more, laughing as he uses his strength to twist the paddleboard, forcing you to fall off. 

Once you emerge from the water, you brush your hair out of your eyes, glaring at the brunette who’s still laughing. You splash him in revenge, hiding the smile forming on your face. 

“And you said I was the rude one.”

He shakes his head at you, now making his way atop the paddleboard, essentially stealing it from you. You take his previous spot, resting your arms on the edges using it to keep you afloat. After a few seconds, you decide to join him on it, shaking it a bit as you sit down on it.

Tysons takes a seat across from you, criss-cross applesauce just like you. You clasp your hands on either side of the board, attempting to shake it a bit to throw Tyson’s balance off.

“Oh, so that’s how it’s gonna be, eh?” Tyson quirks.

You laugh, continuing your efforts to throw him off. Both of you let out loud laughs and occasional shrieks when you’re close to falling. In the end, Tyson’s athletic build is no match for yours, and you fall off every time you get back up. When someone yells that they’re starting to make lunch, you take that time to catch him off-guard, and you shove him off.

--

With Tyson’s face pressed against your shoulder blade and the left half of his body thrown over your back combined with the higher than average heat in the bedroom, you twist your face in frustration. You had gone to bed over an hour ago, Tyson joining you shortly after and falling asleep almost instantly. Opening your eyes, you decide the frustration of being in bed awake isn’t going to help you find sleep anytime soon. You slide out from under Tyson’s body weight as calmly as possible before grabbing the throw blanket and heading outside.

You close the sliding door quietly behind you, trying not to wake anyone in the house. You take a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air around you before glancing around the yard until your eyes land on the hammock towards the back of the yard, near the dropoff wall where the yard ends, and the lake starts. You lay down, staring up at the night sky, seeing the brightly lit full moon and the abundance of stars.

Moments pass before a soft ‘hey’ startles you and pulls you from your thoughts. Craning your neck backward, you see Tyson’s shirtless figure emerging in dark, the only light coming from the moon and the decorative lights on the fence. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” He apologizes as he reaches you. 

“Did I wake you up?” You ask in an apologetic tone, sitting up on the hammock, steadying yourself, so you’re not swinging too much. You scoot to the side, making room for Tyson to take a seat next to you.

“No, I had to go to the bathroom,” He answers smoothly as he settles next to you. “I was confused when I didn’t see you, so I thought I’d come to find you.” 

“I know you’re lying,” you smile, settling back onto your back, so you’re lying next to him. “You avoided looking at me when you said that.”

“Ah, you caught me,” He jokes, moving his arm to wrap around your shoulders. You graciously accept the movement and rest your head on his bicep, using the toned muscles as a sort of pillow. “When you opened the bedroom door, it woke me up, but it’s all good, I promise.”

“Good,” you whisper, turning your eyes back towards the sky.

“You wanna talk about why you couldn’t sleep?” Tyson asks, breaking the silence.

“It wasn’t really anything. I just couldn’t sleep, so I was getting annoyed with being in bed. Also,” You turn your head to look up at Tyson’s face. “I was getting really hot, and you were honestly sweating so much, so that didn’t help, and it was kind of gross.”

Tyson pulls his head back, putting space between the two of you so he can look more clearly at your face, “When did you get so rude?”

“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but my best friend is this NHL player that chirps everyone he knows, so I’ve learned a thing or two,” You quip back without missing a beat.

“This guy sounds like a charmer, eh?”

You laugh at his statement, obviously fishing for some sort of compliment. You don’t give it to him, and he pulls you tighter into him. You twist onto your side, resting your head on his shoulder and placing your hand on his warm chest. You sigh out a heavy breath, closing your eyes momentarily. 

“You were right, you know,” you breathe out, opening your eyes and focusing on your surroundings. The ruralness of the lake and the city surrounding it makes for a darker night atmosphere than you’re used to. You don’t mind, though, being able to see miles into the distance due to the clean air and being able to see more stars in the night sky than you could imagine.

“About what?” He asks, and to your surprise, he avoids the opportunity for a chirp.

“This place is beautiful, magical even.” 

You think back to that one night over a year ago where the two of you drove out to the mountainside just outside of Denver, a night similar to the one you’re currently having. You hadn’t touched more on the topic of soulmates that often after, only talking about it when someone close to either of you had their soulmark appear. It seems like a lot’s changed since then. Jack had moved to Denver to be with Caitlyn, Gabe got married, Kerfy had finally gotten his long-awaited soulmark right before being traded with Tyson to Toronto, and Tucker had gotten his. With how close you were to Tyson, for some odd reason, the topic didn’t come up in conversation when it regarded yours or his soulmate. Part of you thought that after the situation with Aiden, Tyson just didn’t want to step on your toes when it came to your dating life.

“Have you thought about your soulmate at all since that time a year ago when we last talked about it?” You ask, curiosity getting the best of you.

He moves your head off of his chest, leaning upon his elbows. “You wanna go down to the water?” 

You nod your head, stretching your arms above your head before standing to your feet. You leave the blanket on the hammock and follow Tyson the short walk down to the edge of the dock. He leans against the railing of the walkway, and you lean on the one opposite of him.

“I’ve kinda thought about it,” He starts, crossing his arms over his chest. “My soulmate.”

You raise your eyebrows in question, your stomach slightly churning at the thought.

“Not like who it is specifically, but just like, life when it does or doesn’t happen, I guess.” He shrugs his shoulders, crossing his ankles. “I haven’t really talked about it, but I’m pretty scared I’m not gonna find mine.”

His statement shocks you, and you tense your upper-body. This moment of vulnerability, moments you tend to be having more often than not with him, makes your heart double in size. How could the man in front of you genuinely think he may not have a soulmate? Sure, he wasn’t actively dating due to his intense focus on hockey, but he was one of the purest souls you’d ever met.

“Tyson Jost,” you start softly yet firmly, taking a step towards him. “You can’t possibly think there isn’t someone out there for you.”

Tyson huffs out a heavy breath, not sure how to accurately articulate his thoughts. You can see his eyes flick around from his feet out to the water. “It’s not that. I’m just so all over the place it’s hard to believe I’ll find her. When I’m in Denver, I’m not even there all the time, and when I’m up here during the summer, I’m in two different provinces between being with my family and training.”

“I think it just depends on how you look at it, ya know?” You start, treading lightly. “Like for me, I just think that the universe has a plan and that it puts people in my life at certain times for a reason. If that means I’ve met my soulmate and I don’t know it? Then oh well, I’ll figure it out soon enough.”

He took in your words, sticking his tongue out and wetting his lips as you spoke. 

“You’re only 21 and you haven’t even hit the prime of your career. It’s gonna take some time, you can’t expect to just wake up one day and have your soulmark,” You continue. “Besides, wouldn’t you want to spend time falling for her instead of just being an out of nowhere thing?” 

“I guess it’s just hard sometimes,” He mutters through a frown. “On the one hand, I see so many of my friends getting theirs already and on the other, I’ve seen a few where it didn’t work out in the end. What if the universe messes up?”

“Then you trust your gut. At the end of the day, only you can tell yourself who you love.”

Silence falls around the two of you while Tyson lets your words sink in. You bite your lip, thinking about this whole scenario; how could your best friend even be thinking like this? He was a confident, good-looking, elite athlete, with a down-to-earth personality. In your eyes, those were qualities only a girl could dream of their soulmate possessing. 

“You remember your birthday?” You let out softly, disrupting the silence around you. 

“Yeah?” He answers with knitted eyebrows, confused as to why you’re bringing up an event that was almost six months ago. Your heart raced as you felt the thumping of it deep down in your stomach as you mustered up the courage to bring up this topic with Tyson. 

“Do you remember how you told me you wanted to kiss me and then asking me if I’d let you?”

Tyson’s eyebrows unknit at the memory flashing through his head. He stops himself from cursing under his breath and lets out a heavy ‘yeah.’ 

“Well,” you start with a shaky breath, taking a few steps forward towards him. You take hold of his hands and play with his fingers in between your two bodies. “It’s my turn to ask if you’d let me kiss you.”

You look from where your hands are linked up to his face as you go quiet, looking up through your eyelashes to try and read his mind. 

“Is that even a question? You don’t even have to ask, fuck,” He answers, letting go of one of your hands to push his hand through his curls. “Of course, I’d let you kiss me.” Silence falls between the two of you momentarily as you gaze at each other before he’s grabbing your hips and pushing you across the small walkway of the dock until your lower back hits the opposite railing.

The stillness of the night sky around you brings your heartbeat back to a calming pace. You lift your hand to cup his jaw, brushing your thumb along the stubble that he’s left unshaved for the time being as you look into his eyes. He keeps one hand on your hip as he slides the other one up until it’s splayed against the side of your neck. You let out one more breath before he’s leaning down to bring his lips to yours. 

Your calm heartbeat disappears almost as quickly as it came as his lips move along yours with ease. Your heart is pounding inside your chest, and your stomach is fluttering as you move your hand to run your fingers along with the short hair on the back of his scalp. The hand that’s resting on your hip moves to the other side of your face, fully cupping both cheeks in his hands. 

As you run out of breath, you pull away, leaving a few mere inches between your faces as the two of you lock eyes. You’re breathless as you gaze up at him doe-eyed, the knots in your stomach tightening more when you lock eyes with Tyson. When your eyes meet, his soft facial expression turns to one with a smile that fills his face with glee, and he lets out a small giggle. 

You pull him down to you once more with your hand, pulling his lips to yours. This time, it’s all teeth as the two of you can’t stop smiling long enough to kiss properly.

“Why did it take us so long to do that?” He whispers against your lips. You shrug your shoulders, not ready to fully answer the question, and lean in one more time to leave a quick kiss before you’re pulling away and tucking your head into his chest. Tyson rubs your back as you breathe his scent in; it’s a mix of lake water, leftover sunscreen from the day, and sweat from his sleep. The two of you stand there, wrapped in each other’s arms for a few more minutes before you slightly pull away to yawn.

Tyson pulls away at your movements, keeping his hands on your back as he leans back down to brush his nose against yours. “C’mon, let’s get you to bed.” 

You lean up to place your lips on his for a few more seconds, pulling away slowly with a soft smile. He pulls you into his side and walks you back into your shared room for the week. The two of you didn’t find sleep as easily as one would’ve thought with your previous yawning. The night consisted of the two of shushing each other’s giggles in between quick, stolen kisses before you finally gave him a stern look saying it was the last kiss and falling asleep. 

The next morning came quickly. Your eyes opened reluctantly, your mind feeling like it only got fifteen minutes of sleep. Tyson’s sleeping figure is still next to you for a change, and you gaze over at him, a smile forming at your lips. He’s got a few curls dangling over his forehead, and his cheeks are tinted pink from the excess of the sun the past few days. 

You lightly scratch the side of his ribs for a few minutes before his face is scrunching, and his eyes are opening, “Good morning.”

“Morning,” he smiles, pulling you into his front with the arm that’s draped over your side. He places a kiss atop your forehead and rests his chin there. “I was thinking we could go into town today? Just us two.”

You ponder the idea for a moment, continuing to scratch lightly at his side, “Yeah, that sounds nice.”

He pulls back and rolls over so he’s on his back and you lean upon your elbows over him. You look into his brown eyes, flecks of gold shining from the sunlight creeping through the curtains. His already pink cheeks turn a shade redder from your stare, and you bring a hand up to brush the few stray, floppy curls back over his head. 

“We can get brunch at this place that’s on the lake,” he suggests, bringing his hand to rub over your bicep before tangling his fingers with yours. “It’s, like, 15 minutes down the road.”

“I’ll just get dressed and do my make-up, and I’ll be all good to go,” you smile. 

“Perfect.”

An hour or so later, Tyson’s showered and dressed in a casual, white, long sleeve shirt and a pair of grey chino shorts. He’s sitting upright in bed, scrolling on his phone as he waits for you to come back from the bathroom dressed. You step into the room, heading straight for your bag to grab your sandals, and you sit down on the bed next to Tyson to put them on. 

He watches as you, doe-eyed, as you stand back up to fix your denim skirt and strappy satin tank combination. 

“You look really nice,” he compliments you as you turn back around, about to tell him you’re ready to go. Your cheeks heat up as you give him a tight-lipped smile and thank him. 

The drive to the restaurant is quiet, full of the two of you bickering about what song to play and telling him you want the air conditioner on rather than the windows down, so your hair doesn’t get too messed up. 

The two of you sit at a table outside, one closer to the railing that blocks off the edge of the patio. Even with all the one-on-one time you’ve spent with Tyson over the years, you can’t help but let your mind wander through anxious thoughts as you look over the menu. 

You both order mimosas, and when you finally decide on getting french toast and set your menu down on the table, Tyson’s already staring right back at you. 

“What?” You ask, a smile forming and a giggle escaping from your mouth. 

“Nothing,” He shakes his head with a smile. “Nothing.”

It’s a bit awkward at first for you; you’re not quite sure what this brunch really is. It feels much different than any other time you’ve hung out with him, and you struggle to start a conversation. It feels like an extra weight on your shoulders, something you haven’t felt around him since the first few times you met him those few years ago.

Brunch passes by quickly, even though when you check the time on your phone, more than two hours have passed since you left the cabin this morning. Tyson picks up the check before you can even reach your hand out to grab it. You open your mouth to argue, but Tyson silently stops you, a stern look on his face with his eyebrows raised. He even declines your offer to pay for the tip. As you guys leave, he suggests going for a walk down the main street for a bit before heading back.

A block or two of you mostly oohing and aahing at the cute shops passes by, your hands brushing at your sides every so often. Tyson finally bites the bullet and grabs your hand, giving you a small smile when you look up at him. You return the smile, offering his hand a gentle squeeze.

“Have you found a new place yet in Denver?” You ask, regarding the dismantlement of the Rooke House since Kerfy got traded last month. “I know you still have a bit but have you narrowed it down at all?”

“Uh, kinda, I think so,” He answers. “It’s kinda hard because I can’t go see them, so I’m doing it purely based on pictures and what my real estate agent says.”

“If you want, I could always tour places with your agent?” You suggest, more with a questioning tone. “I can facetime you or something and give you my opinion and stuff.”

“Yeah, that’s actually a great idea!” Tyson exclaims. “We can figure it out a little more when you’re getting ready to go back to Denver. So far, I think I’m leaning towards Cherry Creek if you know where that is.”

“Yeah! That’s an amazing place from what I know. I think a few people I work with actually live there.”

“A few of the younger, single guys live around that area, too,” Tyson responds, swinging your hands between the two of you. Your stomach tightens slightly at the mention of the word ‘single,’ not too sure how you feel about that. The conversation dies down once again, and you continue walking until you hit the water.

You pull off your sandals once you hit the sand, and Tyson takes the pair of shoes from you without hesitation. Once your feet hit the edge of the water, Tyson’s pulling your back into his front, draping his arms over your shoulders. You turn your head, so your cheek is pressed against his forearm, breathing in a long breath.

Being able to be around Tyson during this time of the year was beautiful, relaxing even. It was a nice change to the normal pace of the NHL season when he was in Denver. You got to see a different side of him than you usually did, the side of him that was more relaxed and carefree. A side of him, you could get used to being around for years to come, you thought. 

You turn your head further, so you’re entirely looking at him. You look up into his eyes before closing your own and leaning up to press your lips on his. Your lips move in sync for a brief moment before you remember where you are, and you pull away shyly. 

He places a kiss atop of your forehead once you’ve pulled away, and you can feel him smile against your skin. “I’m not sure I can stop kissing you now that I know what it feels like.”

You chuckle lightly, pulling away from him, so you’re standing shoulder to shoulder. The back of your arm itches, and Tyson wraps his arm around your waist, squeezing your side gently. You shriek, playfully slapping at his hand before he pulls you so you’re side-stepped in front of him. 

You hold onto his forearms before speaking, “It’s okay because I’m pretty sure I want you to keep doing that.”

Your stomach twists at your admission, Tyson, and you have a matching expression of joy and glee as he pulls you further into the water. You’re shocked at the temperature when the water crawls over your toes, and Tyson laughs. He pulls you in as a tiny wave crashes around your calves and grabs your face. 

He leans in, leaving centimeters between your lips, “Good because I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.” You smile, your heart fluttering, and doubling in size before closing the gap between the two of you.

A vibration against Tyson’s thigh pulls him away, and he reaches into his pocket to pull out his phone, “Hey, Kace, what’s up?”

“I know you’re on a date with y/n, but I have to go to the airport in an hour and a half,” you hear the voice on the other line. He grabs one of your hands with his hand that’s holding your sandals and tugs you towards the beach. You smile to yourself at the word ‘date’ and wonder if that’s just what this was and if that’s why you felt all that extra pressure at the restaurant.

He had never explicitly used the word to describe what you two were doing this morning, but it makes sense when you think about it. It was his idea, and it was just the two of you instead of the whole group, he drove and paid, you were both dressed nicer than you had been all week, plus the hand-holding and kissing. Your train of thought must’ve gone longer than you thought because suddenly Tyson’s off the phone and talking to you. Even on the drive home, the two of you are holding hands over the middle console.

The remaining few days you spent in Kelowna consisted of just that. Quick stolen kisses when no one was looking and making out like teenagers when you finally had alone time. It was kissing each other goodnight and kissing each other good morning before spending the day with everyone as nothing had changed between the two of you. It was clearly feeling new things both in your heart and in your head for the other person, but neither of you decides to have a conversation about what it all meant.

tag list: @reavenedges-lies​ @oilers2997​ @quinnsbxtch​ (let me know if you wanted to be added!)

[aiorevelations]

A Number, Not a Name: Part 16!

Last chapter for tonight! Feel free to share your thoughts and reactions if you like. We’d love to see them! : - )

15 years earlier:

Liana stared up at the ceiling of her room, gazing up at the stars projected by the galaxy projector. Her mother had loved astronomy or at least that was what she’d heard. She supposed she’d inherited her love for space and celestial objects from her. The stars always seemed to help whenever she was feeling sad and alone. Try her hardest to forget her father’s words from earlier, they had cut through her heart like a knife. Tears filled her eyes and a sob escaped her lips. 

She bit her lip back, trying not to cry. “Venus…” she whispered to herself, “so bright and beautiful.” Her eyes flitted over the ceiling. “And Jupiter, so large and colorful. I wish I was up there…in the sky,” her voice cracked, “away from all this.” 

Haunting images and scenes shook her. Her father lashing his hand across her face. His hand in a vice-like grip around her arm. Abusive words and insults spewing from his mouth. And her shrinking back from him in terror. 

A pang shot through her heart. Why couldn’t her father love her…if only for a moment. From the time she was born he had hated her. Make-believe - it was what had sustained her through the years. In her mind, she saw her fictional family, whose fictional details she’d memorized. Mom, obviously, was an astronomer. One of the best in the world. At least that’s how she saw her in her eyes. Every Sunday she’d make her signature chocolate cake. She and her sister would dash to the kitchen to offer her their help when what they really wanted was to get a small taste of the batter. By the time the cake was ready they, their mom, and the whole kitchen would be covered in flour. The result of one of their “famous” flour fights. Mom at first had disapproved of the whole thing and tried to put a stop to it. However, after being covered head to toe with flour on one occasion, she’d joined in on the fun. 

Dad was a botanist, and he preferred plants to people, except when it came to his family. Gumdrops and lollipops, he’d bring them home every Friday after work. Smiles would fill the living room as she and her sister would eagerly await their Dad’s arrival. He’d playfully pretend to be hurt that they only waited for the candy, not to greet him. They’d tell that wasn’t true and give him a huge hug. And he’d hug them back…both of them. 

Her sister…was the only part of her “family” grounded in reality. Her sister was Lena and Lena was her. Her voice. Her laugh. Her smile. Their epic “battles” in Scrabble. Nearly every time Milena would win to Liana’s frustration. Their happy place was Terzian lake. They’d swim and splash each other senseless. Laughs and giggles would fill the air. All their problems and troubles would melt away in the warm afternoon sun and it’d just be them…together and happy.

Liana turned over on the bed, burying her head in the comforter. Most times it was easier to just try and shut everything out, ignore the real world she was in and the ache in her heart. Tic-tock, tic-tock, the clock that graced her nightstand marked the minutes she laid there motionless on the bed. 

A soft hand gently touched her back. Rolling over Liana saw her sister glancing down at her, a worried look in her eyes. Safety, that’s what she felt whenever her sister was around. Despite his overwhelming hatred toward her, Norvan at least controlled his anger in his oldest daughter's presence.

Milena sat beside her on the bed. “Are you okay?”

“I’ll be okay…just thinking.”

Milena tucked a curl behind her little sister’s ear. “Thinking about what?”

Liana looked down at her hands, her mind suddenly blank. What should she say? Tell her the truth. Shatter her view of their father. Reveal that beneath his masquerade as a supporting loving father he was a cruel monster, who she despised. Would she even believe her? For Milena, their dad was everything a girl would want in a father. He supported her and showered her with gifts and affection. He gave her the world. Worse what if Milena turned on her for saying such things. Lena was all that she had. Joy was a rarity in her life and, for her, Lena was its only source. No, she couldn’t risk losing the only light in her life.

“About…mom. I wish I knew what she was like. Do you remember her?”

Milena sighed “Not really. I mean I see her sometimes in my mind. But it’s not a memory. It’s more like…I don’t know.” She sniffed. “ Bits and pieces in time. Fragments. Like…a collection of moments and feelings. The warmth of her arms around me. The sound of her voice as she sang me lullabies. It was the only thing that could get me to sleep.”

Liana sat up. “She sounds…wonderful.”

“She was.” Milena gently rubbed her sister’s hand.

“I wish she was here.”

“Me too” Milena lied back on the bed. “When I think of Mom I feel…it’s hard to explain. It’s more like there’s something missing, an emptiness, rather than a feeling of loss. It’s hard to miss someone you can’t even truly remember.” She turned to face Liana “But I’m lucky I have you.” 

“And I’m lucky to have you.” Both girls smiled. 

“Which reminds me. Yesterday I was going through the things in my jewelry box. And found this” she held up a bracelet. 

“Mom’s old charm bracelet. I always loved the little stars on it.”

“I want you to have it.”

Liana shook her head. “No, no. Dad gave it to you on your tenth birthday.”

“And now I’m giving it to you.” She glanced up at the ceiling “I love stars but not as much as you do. I know Mom would have loved for you to have it. Also, think of it as a way to be closer to her.”

“I-I don’t know…”

“For me…please…I want you to have it.”

Liana relented and took the bracelet. “Okay…for you.” She silently placed it around her wrist and gave a small smile.

“It looks beautiful on you,” Milena commented.

“Thanks.” Liana softly replied, looking down at the bracelet.

“Hey,” Milena gently touched Liana’s shoulder causing her to look up at her older sister’s gaze. “I love you to Saturn and back.”

Liana gave a small laugh at her sister’s use of her favorite planet. “And I love you… to Venus and back.”

“No. No, don't use Venus.” Milena protested.

“Why not? It’s your favorite planet.”

“It’s closer to the earth than Saturn. And there’s no way you love me more than I love you.”

“Okay.” Liana thought for a second. “Then how about, we both love each other to Neptune and back. Since Neptune was the Roman god of the sea and the ocean, and the water is our happy place.”

Milena smiled. “I love that. To Neptune and back.”

“To Neptune and back.”

“Forever.” Milena took her sister’s hand.

Liana squeezed Milena’s hand back. “Forever.”

…..

Present-day:

Jason made his way up the bifurcated staircase to the ballroom. In the distance, he could hear Beethoven’s Für Elise resonating from the room. Some part of him felt a sense of relief that he had made it back to the confines of Dalmar’s home yet another was filled with dread. After the horrific scenes that had just unfolded before him, the last thing he wanted to do was to spend hours with the man behind it all. On the surface, he appeared exactly like any other gala attendee, animated and lively, yet inside a burning anger consumed his soul. 

He looked upon the sea of people gathered in the ballroom. How could these people wine and dine without a care in the world? While not even five miles away an innocent man had been tortured and murdered without a second thought. What he wouldn’t give to be able to take Dalmar down, right there, at that moment. To make him pay for all that he had done.

He saw now how easily what agents saw and experienced out on the field could make them slip into the darkness. Make their whole mission about vengeance instead of justice. Jason had heard stories of agents going rogue and deciding to kill their targets, rather than allowing them to be brought in. He’d told himself that he could never be that easily swayed. That no situation would ever get the best of him. He wished he hadn’t spoken so soon as he now realized that it wasn’t as easy as he had thought. It was one thing to be behind a desk, sticking to your code on the field was another. 

Jason scanned the vast room for Tasha. His eyes landed on her in the corner of the grand room. Dalmar was twirling her around, prompting a laugh from her. How could Tasha just casually giggle and dance with Dalmar like that?

It is what I'm supposed to be doing. It just feels so…like we should be doing more to help these people than playing a role at one of Dalmar’s galas.

He couldn’t help but feel affronted, he then saw Dalmar encircle both of his arms around Tasha, pulling her dangerously close to him. 

Of course, he's attracted to her. She looks even more beautiful and attractive in that dress. Who knows it might even work out to our advantage. If he likes her there’s probably less chance he’ll suspect us. Still, Jason couldn't shake the disgust and repulsion he felt seeing her in his arms.

As Jason walked closer to her Tasha saw him come into view. Immediately a sense of relief washed over her, yet she was still angry at him for choosing to sneak off. She called out to him. “Edward.”

“Mr. Delucas. How kind of you to grace us once again with your presence. I was thinking you had perhaps gotten lost.” Dalmar added. 

“Only in conversation with a lovely blonde,” Jason responded, which was partly true.

Dalmar chuckled. “I must confess I cannot understand how Ms. Tylerson has escaped your attention.”

“Actually, we tried before. It didn’t work out.”

Tasha smirked. “It’s true what they say about mixing business with pleasure, don’t. Eventually, we had to decide whether to be partners in business or life. And well that was an easy choice.”

Jason crossed his arms. “Yeah, for the sake of my sanity.”

“I was thinking of the money” she fired back.

Dalmar was somewhat taken aback by the exchange between the supposed exes. “So…Mr. Delucas, what do you think of this evening so far?” he asked, attempting to make conversation.

“It’s fine. Though with all due respect I’ve attended better events” Jason tersely replied.

Dalmar found himself surprised by Jason’s blunt response. Upon meeting him he’d struck him as someone who kept their inner feelings closed off from others. “And what about the works by Sargayan?”

“They’re fine I suppose. I prefer Surrealism” he responded curtly. Frankly, he was sick of humoring Dalmar. Talking with him as if it were as natural as breathing. As if he wasn’t responsible for the deaths of countless individuals.

Tasha found herself getting a little unnerved and even annoyed by Jason’s aggressive demeanor. He didn't seem himself, or at least the self she had become accustomed to for the past several days. Outwardly, he appeared very much the same but in his eyes, there was a passion, a fire. Images of Jason flooded through her mind from earlier that day confirming what she was nearly sure of, that look in his eyes, it hadn’t been there before he abruptly left the gala. She felt deep in her soul that something was different now. A shift of sorts had taken place which she only now realized had occurred. Things were different now; she didn't know what to expect. One thing she knew for sure: she didn't like it. Nor did she appreciate Jason’s behavior during the evening. It seemed almost to her that he was determined to blow his, not to mention her cover every chance he got. First by sneaking off into the woods and now starting a near verbal confrontation with their target. Completion of their assignment was the only thing that mattered in the end. Especially now when all that was left was to make it through the rest of the evening without being caught. This was no time to mess things up.

Tasha interjected. “I found the pieces to be quite lovely…as well as this evening. I also told Davit that we have to return to South Africa to attend to some business, but that we’ll be back on Wednesday when the weapons are delivered.”

Paying no attention to Tasha’s words, Dalmar directed his reply to Jason. “I had planned to save the highlight of this evening for later. But since you seem to be so bored with tonight’s festivities I’d say it’s time to liven things up a little. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Jason shrugged. “It’s your party. Besides why even ask me in the first place. You do whatever you want.” A touch of anger shone through his voice. One could feel the temperature in the room begin to rise. Beethoven’s Für Elise and the dancing about the ballroom came to a standstill. Whispers from the crowd filled the tense silence as they witnessed the unfolding scene. Everyone knew Dalmar wasn’t accustomed to being addressed in such a forward manner. The glowering expression on his face confirmed that much.

Dalmar walked closer to Jason. The two of them were standing nearly eye to eye. Anger burned in Dalmar’s eyes; his jaw was visibly clenched. He turned his head to Jason’s ear and sharply whispered. “I suggest you remember who is the guest and who is the host.” Dalmar stepped back from Jason and began making his way to the center of the room.

Tasha stood, her heart pounding, recognizing how close things had been to taking a downward spiral. She laid her hand on Jason's wrist; his pulse raced against her fingers. She looked earnestly at him, hoping he’d let it go. Jason sighed and unclenched his jaw. Patience had never been his strong suit. He never could just wait and sit back. Let things fall into place. He always wanted to take action and make things the way he wanted them to be. The way they should be. It didn’t help how easy it was for him to get angry. His parents were always telling him to learn how to control his anger, yet it seemed a part of him. 

Dalmar’s voice echoed throughout the room. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to thank you all for attending tonight’s event. I hope you’ve enjoyed yourselves.” The audience spoke and nodded in agreement. “This evening I have something to share with you all. Now I’m sure you all are probably acquainted with the person I’m about to introduce. She’s an extraordinary entertainer. Her voice and songs have captured us all. May I present Krudia’s own Ms. Jemma Kazarian.”

A tall young woman, with shining brown eyes and a beaming smile, came into view. In her hand, she held a microphone which she brought to her lips. The music started and Jemma’s melodious voice filled the room. Neither Jason nor Tasha paid attention to the song. The words seemed to blur in the background; their thoughts elsewhere.

…..

Outside, the sky was as dark as pitch, the sun long since set below the horizon. Tasha and Jason bid their goodbyes to Dalmar and then headed back to their hotel. They were silent on the way back to The Chardell. Tasha glanced out the tinted window of the BMW, burning to tell Jason what she thought of his actions at the gala. They had gathered all the information they needed, their mission was officially complete, yet she knew she couldn’t just ignore Jason's rash actions and behavior. They’d been lucky this time, or at least so it appeared, but what about the next time. True the odds were she probably wouldn’t be Jason’s partner on his next assignment. But what about his next partner, their security. The security of the mission. If Jason’s reckless streak continued on his assignments it was only a matter of time before something happened. Not if, when. Lives could be lost. National, even international security could be put at risk. Jason needed to be reined in before that happened and it was up to her to do that. 

He had to understand that this incident could have resulted in deeper consequences. His passion for helping others, for bringing down the bad guys, for trying to defend the free world, that was undeniable. But along with a desire to make the world a better place agents had to be able to exercise restraint, to know when to hold back. Jason’s relentless drive to catch the bad guys would do them no good if it got them killed. And if they were killed, or worse, successfully interrogated, it could spell disaster for the NSA. At the very least, it most certainly would prevent them from stopping Dalmar, something they couldn’t afford at any cost.

Crisp cool air hit them as they exited the car. How things had changed since they were last at their hotel. Jason had noticed Tasha was unusually quiet on the ride to The Chardell but assumed she was tired from the long evening. 

Once in his hotel room, Jason carefully pulled the pen out of his pocket and placed it next to the stationary on his nightstand. When it came to ensuring its security his best bet was putting it in a setting where it didn’t appear out of place. If it was seen in a safe or hidden somewhere it would be easy to determine that it wasn’t just a pen. 

A knock came from the door. Jason opened it and found Tasha standing in front of him, a serious expression on her face.

“I guess we need to talk,”  Jason spoke.

“Yes. We do” Tasha crossed her arms.

“I was just about to take a shower. So perfect timing.”

Tasha inwardly sighed. I could really use a shower. A long and very cold one to cool me off. 

Jason turned on the shower to its highest setting. “Since it’s late and we’re both tired, I’ll cut to the chase.” Jason took a breath, eager to tell Tasha of his success. “I got it. The intel we need. I took some shots of a file on Dalmar’s laptop. His plans, where the weapons are stored, it's all there. It’s all on my pen in the other room. Not only do we have intel on his plans we also have photographic evidence. That should make it an airtight case.”

“That’s…good,” Tasha replied in an even tone. “Dalmar pretty much told me the same. Took me to a bunker, showed me the weapons.”

Jason didn’t say anything for a moment. He was surprised by Tasha’s reaction. After how she’d stressed the importance of learning this info hours earlier, he had expected her to show more emotion now that they’d acquired the necessary intel. He could tell from the look on her face that something was wrong.

“You know I’d figured you’d be… I don’t know…more excited that we have the intel we need. What’s wrong?”

Tasha glanced to the side and shook her head in disbelief. Anger trembled through her; she knew she couldn’t hold back any longer. “What were you thinking? Speaking to Dalmar that way. Sneaking off like that. You jeopardized this entire operation. You could have easily blown our cover.”

“But I didn’t.” he firmly responded. “I don’t see any reason to get all bent out of shape.”

“Bent out of shape?” Tasha repeated his words, stunned he’d even say such a thing. Why Jason couldn’t see the seriousness of the situation and even regarded it as trivial, she couldn’t fathom.

“Look, there was a good chance Dalmar wasn’t going to tell us anything. I know what I did was a bit of a risk but not as great a chance we were taking relying on him to give us the intel we needed. You’ve seen his supporters. You’ve seen what he’s capable of. An innocent man was literally tortured and murdered not twenty feet from where I was standing.” The horrific scene replayed before him. “All I could think about was how much I wanted to bring Dalmar in, right then and there. To just forget the mission and…take him down on the spot. I was sick of humoring him. Pretending to enjoy his company when I’ve seen all the suffering and pain he’s responsible for.”

“I know it’s difficult to keep up your cover when all around you see the terrible things these people are doing. But when you take this job it’s what you sign up for. We play these roles so we can catch the bad guys.”

“Exactly! We go undercover so we can bring people like Dalmar to justice. But what good is playing a “role” if we have no evidence to do that. I had to ensure we had all the evidence we needed to convict Dalmar.”

“What about our lives? Our security? You put  them deliberately at risk.” Tasha stretched out her arm, emphasizing her point.

“C’mon Tasha, no need to be overly dramatic about this. It’s not like our lives weren’t in any danger to begin with. Besides, what about the security of the free world? We can’t just sit around and wait for Dalmar to get the upper hand. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to stop these guys. Are you?”

Tasha’s voice rose. “So now you’re questioning my ability?  This isn’t even about me.”

“Who said I was questioning your ability? Frankly, I don’t get why you’re so upset. We got all the information we needed and nothing serious happened.”

“Right now I don’t care that nothing serious happened. You took an unnecessary risk!” 

Jason shook his head, his frustration growing by the second. It was obvious he and Tasha weren’t going to see eye to eye on this issue. “Look, doing good involves risk, that's how it works. I thought about it and decided that finding out the truth about Dalmar’s scheme was worth the increased danger of getting caught. I wasn’t just about to sit back and let my first field mission be a failure!” 

Donovan’s words came flooding back to her mind. In my experience I have found that oftentimes new agents are so anxious to prove their skills as analysts that they recklessly take action without thinking. And I...I worry that the same thing will happen with Jason.“Oh, I see. Everything Headman said about you was right. You wanted to prove yourself as a field agent and decided the best way to do that was by not following my plan.”

“Why can’t I try to prove myself? If I can do that, help others, and bring the bad guys to justice…what’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing. As long as you stay within certain guidelines.”

“Well, I'm sorry. I don’t go by the book.”

Neither of them said anything for a moment. The steam from the shower was almost stifling, fogging up the mirror beside them. Tasha finally broke the uneasy silence between them.“Make sure you pack your things. I’m booking us a flight back to D.C. for tomorrow morning.”

Tasha left Jason behind in the bathroom and made her way to her room. She sat in the chair by the window and buried her head in her hands, exhaustion overcoming her. She was emotionally, physically, and mentally drained. Leaves scattered across the ground outside as the wind picked up. Tree branches slammed against windows on the city street, the noise threatening to interrupt her thoughts. She had hoped that Jason would see her point of view. If not recognize how his actions could have jeopardized their mission, at least understand why she was upset. 

At least we’re going back to D.C. tomorrow. The worst thing would have been if our assignment wasn’t done since we obviously don’t see eye to eye. We probably can’t stand each other right now. Hmm, tomorrow's flight is bound to be awkward. Tasha ran her hand through her hair and sighed. What am I even going to tell Donovan or put in my report? Jason was doing so well…and then this. Headman was right he has all the makings of a great event analyst. It would be a shame if he threw it all away because of his…recklessness and impulsiveness.

She stood up from the chair and went to the closet. After grabbing some pajamas she made her way into the bathroom. The warm, hot water felt especially relaxing after a long day. It seemed in a way to make her forget her problems and worries. For better or for worse she and Jason knew how the other felt about this issue. All they could do now was try to get along as best they could.

….

The older man's eyes felt heavy and sleep called to him. He and his associates had been watching The Chardell for hours. He had to admit this was one of his most boring assignments but at least it paid well. He stifled back a yawn and reached for the car microphone. "White Falcon here. The targets have entered The Chardell.”

Red Sparrow’s reply came through the speaker. “Affirmative. Stay in your current position. In two hours bring them in. Understood.”

“Roger.”

[sinner-as-saint]

Kill For You (Mob! Seb AU)

Part 3 of: Back For You and Want You Back.

 Run-through: A phone call from your dad changed your life instantly. One moment you were cuddling in bed with the mob boss, and the next you were rushing out of your house; running away from the one who claimed you as his. Were you right to do so?

Themes: dark! Seb, violence, smut, mob! Seb, dark family history.

A/N: The symbols “^^^” means a change in POV. Also, this is a long fic, grab your food.

   A/N: OMFG IMMA SAY THIS AGAIN, i will always be a hoe for this shoot!! 

Your heart was pounding; like a prey’s when trying to escape the jaws of death. Was Sebastian chasing you? No, not yet.

 You drove with one hand, while the other one rubbed your temple in weak attempts to alleviate the excruciating headache which you were experiencing.

God, what am I doing? You asked yourself, but again, your conscience did not reply.

Your eyes flicked to the folded piece of paper which was carelessly thrown on the passenger’s seat. The address which was written was not far; only a 15 minute drive from your dad’s house. Yet, it felt scary.

Actually the whole situation was scary; sleeping with a mob boss, running away from him, him eventually finding you and now the recent phone conversation with your dad.

You just hoped Sebastian would give up on you.

Yet, a little part of you; hidden in the depth of your heart; a little bit of hope burned bright – and it made you wish that Sebastian comes and takes you away like the prince charming on his white horse that you talked to him about, the first time you met him.

You sighed remembering that night in the pub. If all of this wouldn’t have happened, if Sebastian didn’t turned out to be a mob boss, how simple and easy things would’ve been?

You’d go to work the next day and brag about it to Liana, your co-worker. You’d tell her you met with a fine piece of man last night, that he took you home and disappeared in the morning without leaving behind any note or making any promises of coming back for you.

Things would’ve been easier that way. So much easier.

Lost in your thoughts, while the GPS gave you the necessary direction; you didn’t realize that you reached your unfamiliar destination already.

And the sight of it caused a familiar upsetting feeling in your gut.

 ^^^

 Sebastian walked in the room once again when he ended the call.

“Sorry babe, that was- babe? Babygirl, you’re in the bathroom? Y/n?” he called out, checking every corner of the room but was unable to find you.

He could’ve sworn he left you right here in bed. He was gone for barely five minutes, where could you have gone?

“Babygirl, come on,” he called out again and the only thing he heard back was his own voice echoing in the empty house.

 He approached the bed and set his phone down on the bedside table. Where is she?

He thought you probably went to get a drink, but he was just outside, he’d see you stepping out of the room. Right?

Suddenly, he noticed a folded piece of paper on the table beside him. The pen next to it had its cap off so whoever used it must’ve been in a hurry.

He was weirdly calm as he reached for the folded piece of paper. He held it in his hand and almost scoffed at the sight of it.

She wouldn’t, would she? She won’t leave me, again. She can’t. She’s mine.

He unfolded the pale yellow piece of paper and read the words scribbled upon it. Once, twice, three times.

It took him 3 reads to finally make sense of what was written on the paper; in a rushed, messy handwriting.

 -I can’t do this.

Love can’t be forced onto someone.

You need help.

 He chuckled, darkly. Oh you did it, you ran away again.

He liked chasing you, but you took it too far this time.

He folded the note again and placed it beside him carefully. He hurried to find his clothes and put them back on and while he did so, he stared at the spot on the ground where your unpacked luggage was just a few minutes ago.

He was trying his best not to let his anger get to his head. Because God knows what he would do when blinded by his anger.

 He took the note and slide it into his pockets. Sebastian let out a sigh as he stepped out of the room, taking a deep breath to get one last whiff of your floral scent which lingered in the air around the room.

Oh how he missed you already.

 He sighed again when he entered the driver’s seat of his car; the same one he drove to the pub, where he met you for the first time.

He grabbed the steering wheel and leaned his head back against the cool leather and closed his eyes. For the first time in all of his life, the notorious mob boss found himself in a dilemma. For the first time in years, he had no idea of what his next move should be.

Should he call Chris and ask him to track you down?

Should he go after you himself? He was experienced, one way or another he’ll end up finding you, but since you disappeared in thin air; that was gonna be difficult.

What would people say if they found out? What would his allies think of him if they found out that he could even keep his girl in check, that he couldn’t control her?

If people found out that his girl ran from him, which would be an ultimate embarrassment to the mob boss.

So, starting the car with a press of a button, pressing the gas and putting his ego and his reputation above everything else; the mob boss set out to look for you.

And he prayed that you knew that if the pathway that’ll lead to you ever required him to eliminate someone; he wouldn’t think twice. As he loved you enough to kill for you.

 ^^^

 You sheepishly got out of your car, clutching the folded piece of paper which contained the address. You looked up and in front of you was a house, identical to your dad’s in structure; only it was slightly larger. The front yard was a bit messy and it looked like it hadn’t been maintained in a long while.

The paint on the outside walls of the house looked a bit old, and certain places were covered in moss.

 You walked timidly till the front door and knocked, hoping to see your dad but instead; an unexpected person appeared and pulled you in for a bone crushing hug.

“Y/N!! Oh my Goodness! Thank God you’re okay, what did he do to you? Did he hurt you? Did h-,”

“Liana? What the hell are you doing here? Who- what- what is happening? Is my dad here?” to say you were confused would be an understatement. You were completely baffled at this point.

“Yeah, he’s inside. Come on in, we’ll explain everything to you. I know it might be a lot to take in, but, please you have to believe us,” Liana said, closing the door and dragging you into what seemed like the living area.

She was your friend/co-worker at the pub. What in the world was she doing here?

 As she pulled you into the living room across the long hallway, you managed to take a brief look around. You saw pictures of your mom and dad, when they were still together. The pictures looked old, and the frames looked like they were covered in thick layers of dust. You looked at the pictures rapidly, and a lot of them made sense.

There was one of your mom and dad from when they visited Paris, before you were born. There was another framed which held the picture of your mom and dad dancing at their wedding. There was one of your dad, and another man; whom you didn’t know, and he looked a lot like him.

You rushed through the pictures rapidly, and one in particular caught your attention. It was of a man, standing next to a woman, and the woman was holding a two year old. It looked like a normal family picture until you realized that the two year old was you, and the ones holding you weren’t your parents.

Who were they?

 “She’s here,” Liana announced as the two of you stepped into the living room. You stood awkwardly behind her and in front of you were your dad, Mariah, your mom and an unknown young man.

“Mom? What is- what’s going on?” you asked again, out of confusion. You prayed that this was all a dream and that you would wake up in your bed back in your little town. You wished none of this ever happened.

“Hey peanut, come here,” your dad took a step forward and extended both his arms. You hurried into his arms and closed your eyes, letting your tears fall.

“Dad! I missed you!” you spoke through the tears and opened your eyes to find your mom sniffling too. She looked like she was in shock, she looked scared.

“Hey mom,” you spoke as you pulled away from your dad and hugged her. She hugged you tightly, and sobbed.

Ever since they broke up, you rarely saw your mom.

“Oh my baby, I’m so sorry I had to leave you, I’m sorry,” she sobbed against your shoulder.

What does she mean ‘had to leave you’?

“Mom, it’s okay,” you tried calming her down, and since she wasn’t getting a grip on herself, your dad had to step in.

“Ellie, please, I need to talk to Y/n,” he spoke in a tone you did not quite understand.

“Let’s go upstairs, peanut. We have a lot to talk about,” your dad spoke again, giving you a faint smile.

 Your mother finally let you go and your dad ushered you upstairs. You followed him in pure confusion, and a slight bit of fear.

 He led you to a study room, similar to the one he had at his place. Only this one was empty; dark red walls, and only a wooden desk and two chairs on either side of it. The shelves were free of any books, and the table was empty as well.

“Have a seat honey,” he pointed to one of the chairs as he settled on the other one.

“Dad, please. Just tell me what’s going on,” you pleaded and he did everything to avoid your eyes.

He sighed. He looked upset.

“Honey… Y/n, promise me whatever happens, no matter what I tell you, will change nothing between us. Can you promise me that?” he asked and an unsettling feeling formed in your gut. Again.

“Yes, yes okay, fine. Just tell me,” your voice was desperate. Desperate to finally figure out what was going on.

Your dad sighed again.

 “You were two years old, when my brother and our wives went on a family trip including you. We stayed at a cabin in the woods and were having a great time when my brother’s wife told us a man with a gun was at the door. My brother was, well, a bad person. But he loved his family more than anything. And when it came to protecting it, he wasn’t afraid to sacrifice himself,” your dad spoke, his eyes glossy with tears as they threatened to fall.

Woah, you thought, you never knew all this.

“Dad, what do you mean by bad person? Was he like Sebastian o-,”

“Y/n! Don’t you dare utter his name in this house!” the chilling tone he used was enough to shut you up.

“My brother was nothing like them. He was just, helpless. When we were young, and abandoned by our mother, he had no choice but to join the mafia so he could raise me. The day he died was the worst day of my life, I lost my brother and… you lost your dad,” he spoke softly, his eyes searching yours.

The last few words he spoke replayed in your head like a broken record.

You lost your dad… you lost your dad… you lost your dad

 “What- what does that mean?” you managed to choke out. Your head was spinning as you tried to wrap your bran around what he had just said.

“Oh peanut, you promised this wouldn’t change anything between us. You, well, you’re my brother’s daughter. One of the Stans murdered him that night, and your mother Ellie hasn’t been the same ever since, which is why she moved away from you. I had to take care of my own family, that’s why when you came of age, I left you at home. That boy you saw outside is my son, and Mariah is my wife, she has always been. We’re so sorry we had to hide this from you,” he spoke and stopped for a second just to make sure you were still following.

“We thought you would lead a normal life, away from your father’s past and our buried family history. It would all be well if that rascal did not lay his eyes on you. He ruined everything. And when I found out that you were coming to New York, I knew something was up. I had, uh, my people look into it and they said a certain…Stan visited you at home. So, I had to step in. You will always be my daughter, Y/n. I have loved you like my own, kept my own son away from me. This won’t change anything between us, right?” he continued, leaning forward slightly.

He watched you as your heart broke into a million pieces, and silent tears fell down your face. His face was surprisingly expressionless.

Your whole life had been a lie, hadn’t it? You tried to cry but you couldn’t find the energy to. Your mind was blank, unable to think.

 “Honey? Hey, peanut come on, I know it hurts. But you still have your family here with you. You belong here, with us. You’re home sweetheart, and you’re safe. You’re away from him,” he spoke again.

“I just- the pictures they, mom is- I, I’m sorry. I think I need to be alone for a while,” you whispered, closing your eyes and allowing the hot tears to fall down your cheeks.

It was too much, way too much. You were afraid you would lose your mind if you didn’t step away to get a grip on your racing thoughts.

Your… uncle agreed and let your step outside. He yelled a name, you heard it but your brain didn’t register it. You felt like you were gonna faint.

You felt a pair of hands grabbing you.

“Y/N! Hey, hey you okay? Take my hand, let’s go to your room,” your heard a voice say. Liana, perhaps.

 You walked, and walked while your thoughts raced. You saw your feet move, and with each step; the words repeated themselves.

You lost your dad…you lost your dad…One of the Stans murdered him… that rascal laid his eyes on you… you’re home now… you lost your dad.

It was too much, way too much.

 You didn’t realize you were sobbing until your body hit the ground. Liana was no longer there. The carpet upon which you curled up in a ball was dusty, the room was well furnished but it looked old.

Your tears didn’t stop.

 Liana was right outside the bedroom door. She heard, she heard everything when your uncle explained all the stuff to you. She has known you for a little bit, but the girl really liked you.

She was sent to befriend you and become your co-worker at the pub; she was sent by your own uncle. So she knew from the beginning. She knew it all, and she knew just who to call.

As she heard your sobs, she grabbed her phone, made sure no one was around and dialed a certain number.

It rang once. Then twice, and then they picked up.

“Hello?” the husky voice said from the other side.

“Boss, they have her,” she whispered, turning around to make sure no one was hearing her talk. Liana told him everything he needed to know. Including all the lies which were involved.

 ^^^

  Sebastian toyed with his shiny gun in his hands as he sat in the living area of his home in New York. Scotch in his hand, and his most trusted friend in front of him; the thought of you gone was driving the mob boss crazy.

“Liana called yet?” Chris asked from the other side of the room. A minute ago, he was barking orders at his people too, but when he saw his boss/best friend looking all upset for the first time in his life; he realized that you being gone was actually harsh on Sebastian.

“No,” was all Sebastian said.

Oh he was angry, very angry. At himself, at you, at whoever it was that took you away from him; at everything.

He missed you, your face, your touch, your voice; everything about you. He needed his girl, and she wasn’t here.

He gulped down the burning liquid at one go and poured himself another. Not even alcohol was helping him in getting rid of the thought of you.

He had sent his people everywhere; Paris, New York, back in your town, even sent some at some nearby airports. But none could find you.

Chris sighed.

“Dude, it’s just a girl. You’ll find a thousand more, just say the word. Women basically throw themselves at you, man, if she doesn’t want this, then let her go. You’ll find someone else, someone better,” Chris reasoned with his friend and all he got back was a death glare.

Sebastian gave him his signature death glare from the stool of his indoor bar. He leaned against the counter, and even that reminded him of you. He thought about the day he first met you, and how gorgeous you looked with your dark green polo shirt, and your messy hair and shiny e/c eyes.

“Oh come on! Look at you, you’re Sebastian Stan, the most notorious mob boss in this fucking country. Look at you being a softie for a girl who left you and ran away to someone else! Get over it-,” before he could finish his sentence, he had to duck down till his body hit the ground because Sebastian aimed in his direction with his gun.

A series of cuss words left his mouth as he covered his ears while on the ground.

The gun shots boomed across the entire house as Sebastian fired at nothing in particular; a vase or two broke. Maybe even a glass pane, but Chris wasn’t hurt – luckily.

And once the booming gunshots stopped, Sebastian spoke up.

“Stop talking,” was all Sebastian said, after which he gulped down another shot of whiskey and as he began pouring himself another glass, his phone rang – vibrating on the counter top.

 “Hello?” he answered the call without even bothering to check who the caller was.

“Boss, they have her,” came the female voice from the other side. Sebastian sat up straight in the stool, while Chris walked up to him; trying to figure out what caused this sudden change in his demeanor.

 Fuck! He should’ve known that you’d fall right into whatever trap they would lay out in your path. He should’ve known.

 “And?” Sebastian wanted to know more from Liana, after all, she was his spy. He sent her to the rivals just so she could keep an eye on them.

He didn’t know that they would buy her façade so much that they’d send her to keep an eye on their daughter who knew nothing of her family’s criminal background.

Liana was working for the Y/L/Ns but she reported back to Sebastian whenever there was something he needed to know. And right now, he needed to know how they were treating his girl.

“They’re feeding her lies. He told her the made up cabin story he tells everyone, and told her how one of your family killed her dad and everything. I think she bought it because she, well, she…” her voice came to a halt, and Sebastian’s heart skipped a beat.

He jumped off the stool at the mention of his girl and as worry washed over him. He thought he’d be angry at Y/n, but he wasn’t. He was worried, he needed to know that she was safe.

Was he actually being a softie like Chris said?

“What? She what? Where is she? Is she okay?” he asked in exasperation and Liana explained everything much slower once again.

Sebastian understood that your uncle had you, and that he was feeding you lies. He wanted to see you, hold you in his arms, look into your e/c eyes and tell you the truth. He didn’t want you to hate him, he wanted you to trust him.

Your uncle was…not to be trusted. He knew that, but you didn’t. You were being manipulated and he hated that.

I need to see her.

 “I need to see her,” he repeated at Liana and she almost lost her shit.

“What? Are you insane? I can’t let you I-,”

“I’m Sebastian Stan, I do what I want. And when I want to see my girl, no son of a bitch will stop me. Do what you have to do, I’ll be there tonight. I need to see her,” he spoke in his bossy tone. And it shut Liana up.

“Will do, Boss,” was all she said and ended the call.

 Sebastian placed his phone back on the counter top and let out a sigh of relief.

 “So… you’re going to see her? At Connor’s place? You’re going to the Y/L/Ns? You know he hates you more than anything, right? Take some men with you, I’ll h-,” Chris got cut off by Sebastian’s annoyed voice.

“Do you ever stop talking, man? Don’t tell me what to do! I have a plan, just handle their security cameras,” Sebastian ordered as he made a mental plan on how to reach you.

He grabbed his phone again and sent a text to Liana, telling her to get everyone out of the house by 10 p.m. He’d drive there and see you, while Chris will have his people hack into your uncle’s security cameras and delete all the footage which needed to be deleted.

He would a couple of his men guard the premises while he talked to you. He really needed to clear things out. And he needed to you know the truth.

 ^^^

 “Are you sure, honey? You know you can come along, just say so,” your Uncle Connor said while he stood right at the door frame of your temporary bedroom.

It seemed unreal to you how just hours ago you thought this man was your dad. Your biological father, but now he’s just… Uncle Connor.

You were curled up in bed, holding a pillow under your chin as you politely refused him. They all to leave suddenly, to… meet someone? An old family friend, maybe? You didn’t bother listening to wherever it was they were going. You were way too caught up in the chaos which occurred in your mind.

“Okay then, Liana and Dylan will be right here, okay. You kids be safe, alright? I’ll see when we get back, we won’t be long I promise,” with that said, he shut the door and you sighed as you heard his footsteps walking away.

You didn’t want to talk to anybody, you didn’t care who kept you company or who went away. You just discovered that the one you thought was your dad, is actually your uncle. You just found out that your family has a criminal history. You found out that someone actually murdered your real father, and that someone was a family member of the mob boss you slept with a few days ago. And although you were never close to your mom, you felt bad for her. And even though you don’t remember you real father, the revelation of his death did cause a void in your heart.

Fuck. This was a lot to take in.

 You weren’t crying anymore. You didn’t want to. You just needed to get away from here and never look back. You wanted to be back at your small town, and wake up complaining about going to work at the pub.

The thought of going back home was comforting. But going back home would always remind you of why you wanted to leave in the first place.

Sebastian…

You whispered his name under your breath and close your eyes as his face popped into your mind. He was, unforgettable. The power he carried, the way he knew he could do whatever the hell he wanted, the recklessness in him; the danger which lurked around him – it was addicting.

You were afraid and ashamed to admit it, but you wouldn’t dislike him being here right now, with you.

Yup, all this mess has finally made me crazy. You thought.

 A few seconds later, you heard knocking at the door. You had no energy left to physically open the door so you yelled from your unmoved spot on the bed.

“Yeah?”

“Y/n, its Liana. I, uh, I just wanted to let you know that if you need anything I’ll be downstairs in the basement playing video games with Dylan. Okay?” came Liana’s slightly muffled voice from the other side of the room.

“Yeah, okay,” was all you replied with and listened intently to her fading footsteps as she walked away.

 You laid around in the bed, and admitted that it was weirdly comfortable and expensive looking. Maybe this whole mob/criminal business really did pay well.

 After a while of doing nothing at all, you glanced at your phone and saw that it was quarter to 10, so you decided to take a shower because long, hot showers made everything much more bearable.

You opened your luggage and fished out a sleeping garment; boy shorts and a white tee, your daily PJs. You walked into the bathroom attached to the room and began undressing, then slipped under the hot water.

The door was slightly opened, and the air got slightly colder than before; felt like a breeze just rushed through. Weird, you thought, you don’t remember opening any windows.

 After your long shower, a full 30 minutes later; you quickly got dressed and stepped out of the bathroom, untying your hair from the topknot and letting it fall down your back.

You through the towel in the hamper and walked over to the wide open window. You wanted to feel scared. But you didn’t.

You felt numb. Like as if nothing would surprise you anymore. Not even if a certain mob boss barged into your room like he did in your other house.

You scoffed. He wouldn’t come here. Not if he knew about the whole t-

 “We really need to stop meeting like this,” said a voice from behind you.

 You were halfway through closing the window, but his words got you frozen in your spot.

You closed your eyes and almost laughed at the irony. If this was a book you were reading, this would be the part where you’d close the book, take a breath and sigh, and open the book again to keep on reading. Unfortunately, you couldn’t pause time in real life.

You knew you’d have to turn around eventually. You knew you’d see his face. You weren’t ready for it, yet a part if you knew that his face would, surprisingly, act as a balm to this situation.

You turned around reluctantly. You thought you would scream and shout until either Liana or Dylan, your cousin, came upstairs to help you out; but it seemed like your body refused to listen to you.

You could feel the blood rushing through your body, you could hear your heartbeats ringing in your ears. Your hands were shaking slightly; you didn’t know if it was out of fear or because you needed to hold on to someone.

 “You need to go. Now,” was all you could say to him, and his face fell.

His eyes held an emotion you had never seen in them before. Pity? Repentance? Care or worry? You didn’t know what it was.

 “I promise I won’t be long, I just need to talk to you. Just let m-,”

You cut him off.

 “There’s nothing to talk about Sebastian. Just go. He, my- they’re gonna k-,”

He cut you off.

 “Just hear me out! Please, please just hear me out once. Just give me five minutes of your time. And after that, if you want me gone, I’ll go away without a word and you’ll never see me again. But please, baby, just listen to me,” he pleaded. He looked miserable and your eyes were quickly filling up with tears.

You simply nodded and took a step forward.

 “God! Fuck! I don’t even know where to- okay, listen. Your uncle, Connor. He’s a conman, a manipulative ass-,”

 You cut him off again.

“Watch it! He’s my-,”

 He took a step forward, and for the first time, you didn’t take one back.

“He’s your what? What did he tell you, huh? That he watched his brother get murdered, and that he raised you up like a daughter because he loved you? He lied, baby. It’s all a lie, the whole story is a lie!” he raised his voice slightly, emphasizing on the fact that your uncle lied to you.

 “And how would you know? You could be defending your-“

 “I’m not defending anyone! I know because my family was there too. My dad told me all about that night before he- before he died! Connor took you and your parents to that cabin, but not because he loved his brother, but because he wanted to kill him! He killed them both, your mom and your dad. That woman, Ellie only looks like your mother, she’s no one to you. She was hired,” Sebastian spoke and your heart broke a little more with each revelation that he made.

 You were waiting to feel something, anything, but again all you felt was nothing. Just numb.

 “Connor had a plan. He would kill his brother and the brother’s wife, and get their money. He needed the title that your dad had, of that of a well-known boss in the world which I’m from. Your dad did what I do. Our families weren’t enemies long ago, they were allies. That night, on which your parents were killed, my dad and some of his men were nearby. They heard gunshots and when they later discovered what happened, they threatened your uncle. Because we don’t kill our family, we protect them,” he continued and you listened calmly.

You were lied to again.

“My family thought what Connor did was terrible and were planning to get him out of the way but we heard the news that him and his wife took you and ran away to a small town. We tried to reach you, but Connor already had a gang of his own. He wanted your dad’s money, but your parent’s already had a will. A will which states that their money will be given to you when you turn 25. So, Connor had no other choice but to raise you like his own, until you turn 25. Baby, he is someone who is willing to do anything for the fortune that your parents left you. If he killed his brother, he won’t hesitate to… hurt you,” Sebastian finished and took a deep breath and waited for your reaction.

 “How do you know all of this? How do I know you’re no lying to me, because clearly everyone else is,” you asked, your eyes glossy with tears.

He sighed.

 “I just needed you to know this side of the story. You deserved to know that you were being lied to. And now that Ellie has played her part, I have a feeling they’ll get rid of her soon. This world, this life is a dirty game, babygirl. There are few you can trust, if any. And right now, I need you to trust me,” he said, walking up to you and placing his hand softly against your face.

Oh how he missed you.

 You closed your eyes briefly at his touch and opened them against, the back of your eyes burned as the tears threatened to fall.

 “Is that why he lied about you? I- how can I just believe you? You’re, you- you are one of them as well,” you asked, feeling slightly bad for comparing him to your uncle Connor.

God, what even is this life anymore?

 “That’s up to you, baby. All I wanted was to let you know that you shouldn’t trust him. Connor is capable of anything. Just, be safe for me. Please,” he looked you deep in the eyes with his worried blue ones.

 You finally let the tears fall. And sobbed.

 “I just want to go back home. I’m tired of this. I don’t want to be in this crossfire, I never asked for this. I just, want my old life back,” you sobbed and he pulled you in for a tight hug.

The mob boss was surprised at his own actions. He never thought he would be the type to care so much, but apparently he did.

 “Don’t cry, babe,” he said and lifted your chin up to look at your teary face. He didn’t like seeing you in tears.

 He could be lying as well, your brain projected at you. But after all that happened today, all the things you learnt; you believed that Sebastian wouldn’t sneak in the house of his rival’s house just to lie to you. He had to be telling the truth.

Well, then you just spent your whole life calling a murderer ‘dad’. What makes it worse is that he killed his own brother. The thought of it made you sick; you were just a pawn in their game. He didn’t love you like a daughter, he kept you as a bargain, as an assurance which he would then exchange for money later.

Would he kill you though? Was the love he showered you with all fake? All those Sundays you spent baking in the kitchen when you were younger, was that all for show? All the trips you went to as a family? All the promises he made of walking you down the aisle one day?

Turns out it was all fake.

 It could be the built up frustration, anger, fear and all the other emotions which you were feeling, you weren’t sure; but it somehow caused you to pull his neck down and connect his lips to yours. You could sense his surprise as he slowly kissed you back.

The kiss was messy and you could taste your salty tears in it, along with his raw taste and suddenly, there was just the two of you that mattered in the moment.

His arms circled around your waist as he deepened the kiss, tilting his head to the side slightly. He groaned as your lips lightly stroked the inside of his mouth.

Your hands wrapped around his shoulders as you felt him walk the two of you back until you hit the edge of the bed.

“Baby, I missed you so much,” he whispered as he took off his suit and his button down shirt, leaving him shirtless in front of you.

Despite the messy situation, you couldn’t help but traced a finger along his bare torso, down until his Adonis belt. Driven by the recklessness of the moment and the lust in your veins, you started unbuckling his belt when he stopped your actions, causing you to look up at him.

“Take your time later, babe. We have to be quick, and I need to be in you. Now,” he spoke in between kisses as he pushed you back on the bed, got rid of his pants and briefs and climbed on top of you again.

His hand slipped into your shorts and he pressed his fingers against your core, which started dripping with desire as soon as his cold fingers made their way into your folds.

 “Sebastian. . .” you moaned out his name and felt his fingers circling your clit faster at the sound of it.

His mouth was on your neck as you lifted your back off the bed slightly to get rid of your white shirt. His tongue slipped out and licked along your jaw and you let out a breathy moan. Fuck, his touch felt so right.

 He lifted himself off of you just for a moment, taking your shorts off and admiring your bare body under him. And he was in awe of your beauty.

“Seb!” you broke his reverie and dragged him back to reality and he chuckled and got back to kissing you again.

His mouth on yours and everything was alright in the world. Here you were, you thought, seeking refuge in the arms of a notorious mob boss who was feared by most people in the country. Life really took you to unexpected places.

You lost your train of thoughts when you felt a bulge pressed against your heat. His mouth was still assaulting the skin at your sweet spot and soon, he teased your entrance with his tip.

 You moaned out loud as your back arched off the bed and your hands gripped the sheets tightly as the familiar wave of euphoria washed over you.

Seeing your squirming body, he placed his mouth onto one of your breasts and gave the erected bud a soft suction.

He kissed his way upwards across your skin once again and captured your lips in a longing kiss; his tongue slipped past your lips while he slowly slipped his length past your glistening folds and into your entrance.

You whimpered as his thick cock stretched you to your maximum, you felt his length pulsating inside you, against your walls and in that moment that was all you could focus on. Just him.

His touch, his scent, his voice as he whispered your name over and over again under his breath as he filled you up to the brim.

He lifted his head to look at you with hooded eyes, he was breathing heavily and you were too. Both driven by lust and desire and an unexplainable trust in each other, you felt connected when you looked into his stormy, ocean eyes.

Slowly, he moved his lower body and slipped out of you slightly before rocking into you once again. He never broke eye contact and your whole body shook under him.

 “Tell me you’re mine,” he whispered in between ragged breaths, more like demanded, while he was buried in you; unmoving. He looked like he was determined not to move until you answered him.

You wrapped your legs around his waist and noticed the little smirk which made its way onto his gorgeous face.

You wrapped your arm around his broad shoulder while the other hand held his face gently.

 “I’m yours,” was all you whispered. And it was all that he needed to hear before he could pound into you like he owned your body.

He supported himself above you by placing his elbows on either side of your head; while he rocked in and out of you at a fast pace. He dipped his head back down and kissed you again.

You felt him, all of him as he slipped in and out of your tight entrance. Your lips were slightly parted as you gasped at each of his movement.

 His mouth moved wonderfully against yours as he filled you up nicely with each sinful stroke of his length.

Your eyes rolled back as he gripped your jaw tightly with one hand as he broke the kiss. He lifted his head slightly to get a better look at you; at you completely at his mercy under him.

“You’re mine, you get that? You belong to me, and I won’t let anyone hurt you. You’re mine alone, babygirl . . .” he said so more to himself than to you, but still you couldn’t help the warm feeling that washed over you when you heard him.

 “Daddy, I- fuck!” you yelled as he hit a sensitive spot you didn’t even know you had. As he kept thrusting relentlessly into you, you heard him chuckle.

 “I’m right here, baby. I got you,” he whispered against your lips and tugged on your bottom lips as you felt the pressure forming at your core once again.

The hot, burning desire coursed through your veins and his name and a series of cuss words escaped your lips as his quickened his pace; rocking in and out of you with ease.

A thick warmth surrounded the two of you as you basked in each other’s body heat. This was comforting; he was comforting.

 Your moans got louder, and he pulled his length all the way out of you then slammed into you almost immediately and that was all you needed to let go.

The sweet pressure became too much to handle so you came around his length as his name left your lips like a chant.

He came right after you as well, coating your walls with his hot load as he had his throbbing length buried inside your warm entrance.

You were gasping for air under him, you felt as if your throat was slightly sore from moaning his name over and over again earlier. Once he came, he moaned you name under his breath as well.

He gave you a sloppy kiss as he carefully slipped out of you and plopped on the bed right beside you. When he did so, you felt his warm load slowly trickle out of your pulsating entrance.

You heard him sigh, after which he pulled you into his arms, placing your head on his chest – you let out a sigh as well.

A thin layer of sweat covered both your bodies and the air smelt like his cologne mixed with the scent of sex.

 “If they find us like this, they’re gonna kill you,” you whispered, feeling weirdly safe in his arms. His chest vibrated under your head as he chuckled at your words.

 “No one’s taking me away from you anytime soon,” he replied and you smiled, feeling the tears coming back once again. Your heart was racing, and so was his still.

 “Take me with you. I don’t wanna live my parent’s murderers. Please, Seb,” you choked out as a hot tear escaped your eyes and fell down your cheek and landed on his torso.

You didn’t know why you were asking him for help, but it seemed as though you would be safer with him than here in this house filled with murderers.

 The mob boss felt helpless. This was all he wanted from the beginning; to have you with him. And here you were, asking him to take you along with him, but he couldn’t do that. It was too risky. And he knew he wouldn’t gamble or played this dirty game if you were at stake.

He could easily take you with him, bring you wherever you wanted to, but if Connor or his men ever found you; he was certain that he would kill you on sight. And he couldn’t take that risk. He would take you with him once he has Connor out of the way, and right now, he couldn’t do that.

 He pained him to say that, but he had to refuse.

“I can’t,” was all he said and both your hearts broke a little bit more. He felt more tears landing on his torso and he wanted nothing more than to just empty bullets into Connor’s skull for making you cry.

 You sniffled and your whole body shook as you silently sobbed against his chest.

“So you’re just gonna leave me here? You followed me this whole way, and now I’m literally asking you t-,”

 “I’m not abandoning you, baby. You have to understand, please, I can’t put you at risk by g-,”

 His words came to a halt as you heard knocking on the door.

You both froze, you searched his eyes to see if he was as frightened as you but he wasn’t.

 “Boss, they’re here,” came Liana’s frightened voice from the other side of the door.

 Boss?

 “Gotta go babygirl, I’m sorry. I love you, just be safe. Keep Liana close, and don’t trust Connor. I’ll figure this out, I just need you to stay safe okay. Don’t go anywhere with him alone, don’t trust anyone here, except for Liana, you get me? I love you,” he spoke while putting his clothes back on.

 And he left after giving you a kiss on your forehead.  

 I love you . . .

   ^^^

  Sebastian managed to sneak out of your room using the dark of the night to his advantage and he hurried to his car. He noticed that Connor’s car was parked right in front of the front door, and he was getting out of it.

He saw the ugly smirk on his face and it took everything in his willpower to not grab the always loaded gun and shoot him dead right in front of his house, on his own property.

But he didn’t.

 Connor, having done what he did; including having used and manipulated you all this time, didn’t deserve such an easy death.

Sebastian smiled sinisterly as he sat comfortably in the leather seat of his car; he was gonna take Connor down painfully. He would make him confess whatever dirty tricks he played in the past, he would destroy him; butcher his existence until he begged for death.

They hurt his girl, and in doing so; they unleashed the beast he had buried long ago. The beast left no room for mercy; he only knew how to kill.

So, he would kill for you . . . 

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[queensunshinee]

Time Of Our Lives || Part 25

Part 25:

Patrick stood with a cigarette outside the building where Liana worked. He knew it wasn't ideal, but he'd been debating for half an hour whether to go in and say he had an appointment with her. He wondered if there were people who knew him, who had heard stories about him, who knew who he had been in her life. Maybe there were people who would recognize him from tennis, who would recognize him as the one who beat her fiancé.

He threw the cigarette away, not bothering to pick up the butt, and went inside after popping a gum in his mouth. "Hey, love, I'm looking for Liana Levy's office," he said to the girl sitting at the reception. She looked at him for a moment, probably trying to figure out where she knew him from. "At the end on the left," she muttered and smiled at him. He nodded and smiled back, walking confidently.

Patrick knocked on the door and heard Liana's gentle voice telling him to come in while she continued talking to someone who was already inside. "Hey," he muttered. He suddenly felt stupid. Not understanding why he came at all. She looked so confused when she saw him that he regretted the decision the moment he saw her face, but there was nowhere to run. "Can we continue this later, Paul?" she asked the guy she was talking to, and he nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him.

"Well?" Liana looked at him after a few seconds of silence. Patrick didn't say anything, leaning on one of the cabinets in her office and shifting his weight from his heels to his toes. He felt like a lost four-year-old seeking attention from his mom. "Patrick, why are you here?" she asked after he didn't say a word. "It's been a while since we talked." He tried to sound determined. "It's been two weeks since France. Before that, we didn't talk for a year, and you didn't show up here. Did something happen?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowing. Always so practical. Always looking to solve a problem. "No," he chuckled.

"Do you need something?" she added another question. Liana didn't understand what was happening. Her heart was racing, and Patrick refused to explain himself. But when did he ever explain himself? When did he ever bother to answer one of her questions? "Don't worry, I'm not going to ask you to build me a house, I'm not an Asshole" he indirectly jabbed at Art, about that time he practically demanded Liana build his house, which over time became her house (just like Patrick told her it would, but he wasn't petty). She sat down in her chair and sighed, closing her eyes for a moment.

He sat in the chair opposite her and examined her and her office in general. Her degree was framed on one of the walls, there were some letters of appreciation, a strange frog toy standing on a shelf, and Patrick swore it was looking back at him. "That's a gift I got from a client," she said quickly, almost justifying the creepy frog Patrick was staring at. "Was it a real frog once?" he asked, almost horrified. "No. Why are you here, Patrick?" she answered, and he returned his gaze to her. "To invite you to dinner," he said quickly, and she raised an eyebrow, the horrified look seemingly taking turns between them. "Both of you, of course, I have boundaries." he added quickly. "You're at my workplace, and you're talking about boundaries?" she chuckled. "I see the irony, yes." The familiar smirk appeared on his face. "It's not appropriate, you know it's not appropriate," Liana said, still looking at him as if he was the craziest man she had ever encountered, maybe he really was the craziest.

"Why not?" he asked, "You're getting married, and I'm in a stable relationship. We were all friends once, I don't see why it can't happen again," he tried to sound convincing. "What's the catch?" Liana asked, raising an eyebrow. "A man can stop being in love with you and miss his best friend." he said, looking at the picture of her and Art on the desk. "You two haven't been friends for a long time, Patrick." Liana sighed. "Whose fault is that?" he asked. And it came out with a lot more venom than he intended. "I'm sorry, Li, it's lonely. Okay? You have each other, and I don't. I'm not allowed to miss you, but I'm allowed to miss him." He sounded so vulnerable that all Liana could do was nod. Even though there was no way it would work.

"He won't like it." Liana muttered, trying to make Patrick give up. "You're good at ultimatums. I'm worth an ultimatum, Liana. Waste one on me." he moved towards the exit. "Still the same number?" he asked, and Liana nodded quietly, looking at him with almost pity. "I'll text you the address. This Friday," he didn't say an arrogant 'see you later' before he left because he wasn't sure if they would really see each other. And it was sad and exciting at the same time.

When Liana came home, Art was lying on the couch, flipping through TV channels, looking either bored or completely exhausted, one of the two. He smiled at her and glanced at the clock. "This isn't a reasonable time to come home, Ms. Donaldson," he said, and she heard the sarcasm. "I'm not married to you yet. I can still call the whole thing off, you know," she leaned against the doorframe, looking at him amused. "You won't do that." He smiled. "You're very confident for someone who didn't wait for me with takeout and flowers in a vase," she replied with a half-chuckle and moved towards the kitchen, hearing him stand up and follow her.

"Hey," his large, rough hands from holding a racket most of his life, wrapped around her from behind as he kissed her neck. "Hey." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, letting herself sink into his warmth, the security that only he could provide. "It really is late, Lia, you're working too hard." He murmured and bit her earlobe before she could respond. "It was a long day. And two hours of it, I sat with your mom and picked out napkins. It was really fun." She replied, feeling his chuckle against her neck.

Art gently turned her to face him, examining her and seeing the dark circles forming under her eyes. She was exhausted. "Oh no, you look worried," Liana said suddenly, and his smile was partial. Because he would never get used to how well she knew him. It always caught him off guard. "You're putting too much on your shoulders, Lia, and I love those shoulders too much for them to collapse." He gave her shoulder a small squeeze, not taking his eyes off her. "I can handle your mom, Art, she loves me more than she loves you anyway." Liana rolled her eyes in response. "Christine needs to stop telling you things like that, I can't handle your ego anymore." He said, amused.

"Do you love me?" Liana suddenly asked. Art couldn't help but chuckle and take a step back. "A bit of a weird question to ask in the middle of the kitchen in our house, a month and a half before you become my wife," the amused look didn't leave his face until he realized how serious she looked. "Art." She said, demanding he say it. "Of course I love you. How is that a real question right now, Lia?" He would have rolled his eyes if she didn't look so shaken in front of him. "Hey, what's with this talk all of a sudden?" He added, standing close to her again and hugging her as tightly as he could. If he could, he would have absorbed her into himself. To be part of him every moment.

"Patrick came to my work today," Art recoiled from her in a second. How did Patrick always show up in his life like an ambush? How did he always manage to surprise him? Why was Art never ready for the attack? Why did he always have to defend what was his? He looked at Liana with a look she probably couldn't read because he couldn't organize what was going through his head, he just felt his heart start to beat rapidly and his mind racing with all the worst thoughts forward. "Son of a bitch." Art muttered with a chuckle that came out more bitter than he planned, but it was all he had. "Art-" Liana sighed. "What is it this time? What does he want?" Art asked. His fingers danced uncontrollably. He felt how he couldn't stop his level of anger, how his tension was increasing, how he wasn't the person he wanted to be.

"He invited us to dinner. He wants to leave the past in the past." She sounded confident in what she was saying. Art chuckled. "He can shove his dinner up his ass and let it come out of his nose," Art said and started pacing back and forth in the kitchen. "Art." She sighed again. "Don't talk to me like I'm a 12-year-old, Liana, I know that tone," he interrupted her again. "Not what I wanted to do." She clarified. "My head is starting to hurt; can you stop?" She added, referring to his pacing. "Are you serious?" He looked at her after he stopped, "You want to go? Unbelievable." He muttered. "How did he convince you, Liana?" He asked.

"He didn't convince me of anything." She muttered and looked at Art. "He convinced you of something if you're even bringing it up." Art leaned on the table in front of her. He looked like a man ready for an attack. One who wasn't willing to let go until the other side surrendered, and Liana didn't plan to surrender anytime soon. "Would you prefer I hadn't told you?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'd prefer if you were smart enough to know he doesn't want to have dinner with us, not with me at least." Art said with disdain that didn't characterize him, not when he talked to Liana. "Call me stupid again and see what happens, I dare you," her jaw clenched after she said that, her anger evident in every syllable that came out of her mouth.

Art sighed, looking at the love of his life standing in front of him, furious. "I don't think you're stupid, Lia," he sighed in frustration, feeling all his anger leaving him. He couldn't be angry when she was angry too, one of them had to compromise, and after how he treated her in college, he swore to himself he would always be the one to compromise. That he would never let his anger be what led his words when he was with her. "So what do you think?" She asked, her gaze piercing, and luckily for him, couldn't actually kill. "I think you're naive," he said, searching for the right way to say it, "and that you'll always have a soft spot for Patrick," he added, examining her. "And you don't?" She asked, "You don't care about him? You won't care about him ever again? Wasn't he part of your life too?" She added the questions that hovered over them for years.

Of course, Patrick would always be part of Art's life. Sometimes Art dreams about him. Distant dreams, about the academy, about games they played together, about competitions they won together. There are entire conversations Art has with Patrick in his head, they're never about what really matters. They come up when Art eats a date before a workout and manages to imagine Patrick laughing at him. He sometimes knows in what intonation Patrick would say things or what would be the crudest joke to think of so Patrick could say it in the middle of a bar full of potential sponsors. Art misses the moments they smuggled beer when they were minors. The talks about their hot math teacher. Tennis.

"I've come to terms with him not being in my life anymore, Liana, I came to terms with it a long time ago," Art said, his eyebrows furrowing for a second. No one in the world besides Liana would have noticed it, but he stood in front of her, and she recognized the lie. "Okay." She surrendered and heard him chuckle, "What? You've come to terms with it, what can I do about it?" She added. "Clearly, you have something to say, so say it." He said. "I'm tired of fighting with Patrick and about Patrick, it exhausts me. I'm too old to carry this anger. I think you are too. I love you, and I don't think I can keep trying to convince you that nothing and no one can change that."

"You're quite convincing, Ms. Donaldson," he started moving closer to her until he finally stopped in front of her, moving his hand to her back pocket while hugging her possessively. Even though no one was around. "I'm not married to you yet. I can still call the whole thing off," She muttered into him what she told him every night from the moment he proposed and started calling her that. He just nodded and pulled her even closer to him.

"I can't believe he lives here," Art muttered as they stood at the entrance to Patrick's apartment. The suburb was uncharacteristic. None of them imagined Patrick would live in such a... quiet neighborhood. Liana ran her hand over Art's collar, straightening his sweater as she always did before they entered places together. "Behave. It's just one evening, and we can leave after half an hour if we want." Liana told him, seeing his eye roll.

Casey, Patrick's perfectly blond girlfriend, who wasn't actually a million years younger than him as Liana initially thought, enthusiastically opened the door. "You came," she smiled. It seemed genuine. Genuine enough for Liana to find it hard to be mad at her. "We brought wine and flowers," Liana handed her the wine, and Art handed over the flowers he was holding. Patrick stood behind her, looking amused but not saying a word. "Good to see you," he smiled at them. Liana nodded as Patrick extended his hand to Art, who took his time but eventually shook it. "Do you want a tour of the house? That's what adults do when they invite someone over, right?" he added, trying to lighten the mood, knowing Liana wouldn't refuse to see a house she had never been to. It was one of her favorite things to do. When they lived in London, she would drag him to various open houses, and they would pretend they were about to buy homes they couldn't really afford, just so she could see them.

"We'd love to," Liana said with a smile. Patrick's house looked like it was taken from a magazine. Like a catalog of how a home should look. She saw his mother's touch in the pictures he hung in the living room, in the candlesticks she saw on one of the shelves. "This is a good neighborhood to live in. My dad is big in real estate, and he recommended the area," Casey didn't stop talking, and secretly, Liana wanted to thank her for it because otherwise, they would have been walking around in awkward silence, moving from room to room as if they were on one of those London tours, surrounded by strangers.

"Who wants something to drink?" Patrick suddenly asked, and everyone raised their hands. Thank God. In the dining room, more people had already gathered, some of their mutual friends from the tennis academy. Liana thanked every god she knew that it wasn't just the four of them. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits, and Liana couldn't help but wonder if she was the reason Art didn't spend enough time with his friends. If he was wasting too much time keeping her company. She would have to ask him about it when they got home.

Casey was sweet. It was infuriating how friendly she was and how she tried to include Liana in a conversation about Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. It was almost infuriating when she asked her how the wedding preparations were going and made everyone interested in her and Art's wedding arrangements.

Art and Patrick went out to the balcony with beer. It was inevitable; after all, that's why Patrick organized all this, to put the past behind, to lie to Art's face, to find the right moment to return to the lives of the two people who were once his greatest motivation. "You're getting married," Patrick said suddenly, and Art swallowed, looking at who was once his best friend. "You won't be able to stop it, Patrick," Art said. "I'm here because she needed this, but I know what you're doing." He continued, not taking his eyes off the guy in front of him, who was once so close but today, when Art looked at him, all he saw was ruin. He saw Patrick destroying his life without blinking, without thinking twice. He had already done it once. Art wouldn't let it happen again; he was more prepared this time.

"I'm not trying to ruin things for you, man. I'm happy for you. For you both. Isn't this what you wanted?" Patrick asked Art while the latter took another sip of beer, leaning on the balcony and watching Patrick light a cigarette. "Want one?" he offered Art the pack. "I don't smoke," Art muttered, almost ashamed of the fact that he didn't live his rebellious youth like Patrick clearly still did, almost ashamed of the fact that their achievements were starting to look similar, but Art was doing everything by the book while even Patrick's expressions were smug. "Of course not," Patrick nodded his head, talking half to Art and half to himself, causing Art to roll his eyes.

"I'm not trying to ruin things for you," he repeated. "So what are you trying to do?" Art asked. "You don't care about Casey; I can see that. I know you." He continued, trying to press, trying to find weak spots. He couldn't leave this house without understanding the endgame of his most important competitor. "She's nice. It's fun with her," Patrick shrugged in response, and Art nodded. "It feels strange that you're getting married and I'm not part of either of your lives. Isn't that strange, Art?" Patrick sighed. "You haven't been part of our lives for a long time, Patrick," Art stated a fact. "I know," Patrick muttered. "Do you remember when you came to ask me for her key?" Art suddenly asked, and Patrick looked at him confused. "She and I had the fight, and about a week later, you asked me to give you the spare key to her room," he reminded him, and Patrick nodded slowly. "I told you not to do it. You made your choice that day," Art shrugged as if it no longer mattered to him. "Are you going to hold that over my head forever, Art? That was almost seven years ago," Patrick looked at him from the chair he was sitting on. "It was a pretty defining moment, Patrick," Art explained. "Look, man, she wants us to be okay, so we can be civil to each other." He continued, "I'm not at a stage where I'm looking for friends. I have everything I need."

"I didn't do it to ruin things for you, Art. It was never to ruin things for you," Patrick said suddenly, laughing in frustration and taking another drag from his almost finished cigarette. "So what was it?" Art asked. He looked at Patrick as if he were dirt he needed to scrape off his shoe. A problem he needed to solve. An obstacle to overcome. "It wasn't about you. It was for her. I would do anything for her. You're about to marry her; you surely know how that feels," Patrick sighed, feeling defeated.

"So that's why you cheated on her?" Art suddenly asked. It bothered him. Because for years, he managed to find logic in Patrick's behavior. He knew he loved Liana. He knew he cared for her in London. He imagined their relationship in his head as ideal. They were always closer than he and Liana were. They never fought just to fight; she never looked at him like she hated him because he ordered ice cream she didn't like or forced her to watch tennis or said something that made her parents laugh at her expense. She and Patrick were always ideal in Art's mind, and he envied that quite a bit when they were young. He regretted more than once that he introduced them, that he didn't keep his worlds separate. He envied them before he even realized how much he loved Liana. Then he found out Patrick cheated on her. And more than he hated him for how he made Liana feel, he hated the fact that all those years he believed she was in a relationship with someone more deserving than him. With someone who loved her more than Art knew how to love her, while Patrick was lazy, cruel, and unfaithful. And for that, he couldn't forgive him. For the time he took from them. For the illusion he shattered for both of them. "That's between Liana and me, Art," Patrick muttered. "You're saying choosing her all those years ago was inevitable because you loved her, and I would have accepted that two years ago. I would have, really. I would be sitting here thinking it made sense and that I would also choose Liana without hesitation because, it's Liana, and I love her, and I thought you loved her like that too. But then I saw you cheat on her and found out it wasn't the first time." Art stopped to catch his breath, his hand clenching into a fist irrationally. "I would never do that, Patrick. You ruined our friendship and didn't really choose her. Why? Was it worth it?" He didn't take his eyes off him. "You don't know how it was, Art. When it was just me and her. You don't know the level of expectations and disappointments. You don't know anything," Patrick felt the need to defend himself. Because if there was one thing that couldn't be taken from him, it was his love for Liana. "Poor Patrick, someone loves him and expects him to fulfill his potential. How could anyone not sympathize?" Art spoke in a mocking tone.

"Do you want to know what I think, Patrick?" Art approached him after a few seconds of silence. "Go on," Patrick's jaw clenched. "I think you don't love her. I think you love the idea that you can take what's mine. But you can't. You can beat me in tennis. But that's not what's important. It's a means to an end. The end will always be a good life for Liana and me. I think you're still sure you're hot shit, that without effort, you can keep taking what's not yours. That without looking people in the eye, you can hurt them, and they'll keep letting you off." Art stopped to breathe as they both didn't blink for a moment. "That's not the case. I'm not buying what you're selling here. Do you want to be invited to our wedding? Fine, I don't care. It's up to Liana, but you're not part of our lives, and you won't be." He finished, and Patrick let out a laugh that sounded like a deep breath.

"If you go to her workplace again, I'll make sure your next sponsor is painkillers." Art said as he moved toward the balcony door, feeling done with this conversation and the evening in general, wondering if it was too early to leave. "Good talk, pal," Patrick said sarcastically. "Yeah, good talk." Art muttered and left, leaving Patrick in a house full of people yet completely alone on the balcony.

When Art sat next to Liana on the couch, she was in the middle of a conversation with Brody's girlfriend. Art wasn't paying enough attention to remember her name. "Everything okay?" she whispered in his ear a few minutes later. "Everything's great." He felt her lips brush against his cheek for a moment. "We need to use our excuse?" she asked, and he looked at her for a moment, seeing her feel more comfortable with the people and not wanting to take that away from her. "Soon, it's all good." He smiled and nodded, watching her return to the conversation. He could endure another half hour in the hell called Patrick Zweig's apartment. He could do it for Liana.

Come to think of it, he could do almost anything for Liana.

Hey guys!!! It's been so long and I'm sorry. As you know, my computer was dead for a while, and then I was kinda taken aback by those hate comments. But we're back! What do we think? What does Patrick want? What about Art's reaction? Any thoughts at all? Hope you are still enjoying it. Talk to me and feel free to send more ideas for blurbs as well <3

taglist (if anyone wants to join, just ask): @lydiaxkirby @suzysface tqd4455 @soberbabes @nina357 @lamoursansfin @marley1773 @ruyaas-world @apolloscastellan @primlovesdilfs @fangirl-kimora @serenadingtigers @imbabycowboy @do-it-for-kicks @izzywags478 @4deline08 @igotmajordaddyissues @jackierose902109 @ganana @yoitsme-04 @swetearss

[onlyyyariii]

My Alpha

Part Four

Ethan’s POV

Switches to Liana’s POV, switch is in bold text

*******

Liana and I walk back to the house. Showing her my wolf was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Seeing her smile and laugh brought a lot of happiness to me. When she got sad, I was worried. I don't like seeing her sad. She had asked me to take her home. On the drive to her house she didn't utter one word. My wolf was going into a frenzy thinking she was rejecting us. Doubts crept into my mind as we pulled into her driveway. A guy, I'm assuming is Aaron, standing on her porch. She wants to go back to him? The other side of me freaking out and screaming in my mind telling me to kill him.

"Liana!?" I say as my voice shakes.

"Yeah?" she turns towards me a look of concern on her face.

"You'll be... okay right? You'll come back?"

She smiles lightly, "Of course I'm coming back. I have to talk to Aaron and my mom."

I let out a deep breath and look at the steering wheel. He's not calming down. I need him to stop freaking out.

"Hey," she grabs the sides of my face and forces me to look at her, "I won't leave you. I'm coming back."

Leaning in, she kisses my cheek. My wolf finally calms down.

"Thank you for calming him." I say to her.

"Of course. I love him and I don't want him to feel that way."

My heart swells. Love. She loves him. But me? She doesn't love me.

"I'll be back tomorrow morning. Nine AM sharp."

"Okay."

She gets out and waves after me as I drive away. I just hope she's breaking up with Aaron. I don't know how my wolf will react if she doesn't want him anymore. I don't know how I'll react if she doesn't want to try this with me.

Liana's POV:

I sigh as Ethan drives away. My mind is already racing about what will happen with Aaron. I was already eager to get back to Ethan. I felt guilty because I was already more attached to Ethan than I was to Aaron.

"Liana?"

"Hi Aaron." I say walking up the stairs and into the house. He follows behind me.

"Please tell me he was just a friend."

"Listen Aaron I think we should-"

"You are not breaking up with me right now."

"A listen to me-"

"How long? How long have you been cheating on me Liana!?" He screams at me. I flinch at his sudden violence.

"I haven't been cheating-" I gasp as he slaps me.

"Bull. Don't lie to me Liana!"

I'll have to lie.

"Not long. A few days."

"Seriously Li I thought we were special."

"We were but-"

"We're done. I don't want to talk to you."

"Aaron I'm sorry-"

He turns around and pushes me up against the door. His hand wraps around my throat as he yells.

"I said I don't want to f*****g talk to you."

Clawing at his hand with my nails, he releases me. I fall to the floor crying.

"You're weak and pathetic." he spits on me before he leaves.

I want Ethan. I want Ethan so bad. I pull out my phone to see a text from my mom.

Mom: Won't be home this weekend. Had to travel out of state to get organs for transfer. Love you!

I cry harder. I just want Ethan. I crawl up the stairs to my room and pack a bunch of clothes in a duffel bag. Writing a note to my mom, I walk down stairs and set it on the island in the kitchen.

Mom,

Hey it's Li! I got accepted to a study abroad for acting. It's so cool! They've booked me a flight for tonight and since you weren't home I figured this is the best thing to leave you. Especially knowing your phone will be off all weekend. I don't know how long the study is but hopefully a few months at best! Love you!

~Liana

I hated having to lie to my mom but it was for the best. Grabbing my hiking books from the shoe closet, I tug them on then made my way through the woods. Following the path I took last night I see the tree Ethan held me up against. It's crazy to think I had only met him yesterday. And to miss him already, it's insane. I walked in on a mating tradition last night. A mating tradition! I didn't even know they existed. I didn't know werewolves existed. I was still skeptical until Ethan transformed. Seeing his wolf was- I'm brought out of my thoughts by the sound of crunching leaves. I start breathing heavily.

"Ethan this isn't funny." I say, slightly worried it's not him.

A boy walks around the tree and sniffs at me. I glare at him.

"You're Ethan's mate." He states.

"Yeah so?"

"I'm Grayson, Ethan's best friend. I'm assuming you're looking for him."

"Yes I am."

"Okay follow me."

He grabs my wrist and tugs me along. Soon we're back in the valley walking in the direction of Ethan's house. He lets go of my wrist as I follow behind him.

"So how did you find out you're Ethan's mate? I mean you're human."

"I walked into the mating tradition unknowingly."

"Oh that makes sense."

"How did you know I'm Ethan's mate?"

"You're wearing his sweatshirt so you smell like him."

"Ohhhh."

"What happened to your neck?"

"What about it?"

"You have a red handprint there. Ethan didn't-"

"No! Ethan didn't do anything. My ex boyfriend, well I just went to breakup with him because I felt guilty about liking Ethan. When I said that we should break up he didn't take it too well."

"I'm so sorry that happened to you. After Ethan finds out he's probably going to have people look after you. Just to make sure you're okay."

"Would you want to be one? At least I would know you."

"If he mentions it you can count me in."

"Thanks Grayson."

"No pro-"

"Liana?" I hear a voice call. 

Looking around me I find Ethan jogging towards us. When he gets here I wrap my arms around him and pull him into a hug. He hugs me back but sends a bewildered look towards Grayson.

"What are you doing back here? I told you I'd come pick you up in the morning." Ethan says pulling away from the hug.

"I broke up with Aaron and my mom isn't going to be home for days. There was no reason for me to stay."

"How did Grayson even find you? I-" he stops, noticing the hand mark around my neck. His eyes darken.

"What is that?" He growls out.

"Aaron didn't like the breakup but I'm okay."

"So he laid his hands on you?"

"Just my neck and my cheek but Ethan-"

"Grayson go tell my father we need to send out a few people."

I look at Grayson as he starts backing away.

"Grayson don't you dare move. You are not sending people after him." I scream.

"Liana I will do whatever I want. He put his hands on what's mine. He needs to be punished."

"What are you going to do to him?"

"Beat him up til he's half dead. You wouldn't want me to kill him."

A tear slips down my cheek. Of course I don't want him to kill Aaron. As much as I hate Aaron for what he did, we had history and he deserves a good reason as to why I was breaking up with him. I couldn't tell him I was leaving him because I found out my soulmate is a werewolf. I turn to see Grayson still standing there.

"Well what are you waiting for? Go get the people!"

Grayson runs toward the house as I turn to look at Ethan. He has a small smile on his face as he pulls me into a hug kissing the top of my forehead.

"Thank you." He whispers.

*******

So we finally meet Grayson, what do you think will happen next chapter?

Stay tuned to find out!

Taglist: @fangdolan @grantzarrr @blindedbythelightt

[dat-silvers-girl]

When @hogwartsmysterystory made his quiz, and I saw others doing it, I wanted to make one for Sarahi too! It was hard because I didn't know what to make the quiz about and felt stupid like Sarahi is my MC how do I not know what to do but I was able to make it eventually! So what if Sarahi Silvers was a character you could befriend in Hogwarts Mystery? What would her interactions be like? Try to take her quizzes! I'll post an answer key at some point I don't know when please don't be mad.

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

Meal with a friend - Sarahi quizzes you on facts about ninjutsu!

"Master Riku has taught me the art of ninjutsu all my life. What do you know about it?"

"Where did ninjutsu originate?"

Scotland

Japan

China

"What was ninjutsu derived from?"

Military tactics

Weapons

Karate

"When was Ninjutsu first used?"

Sino-Japanese War

World War 2

Genpei War

"What is the most important trait for a ninja?"

Brawn

Stealth

Sacrifice

"What is a female ninja called?"

Shinobi

Sensei

Kunoichi

"What is Bojutsu?"

Stick and Staff techniques

Unarmed combat

Spear techniques

"Sword techniques are called-"

Shurikenjutsu

Kenjutsu

Kayakujutsu

"Your knowledge of such an ancient art surprises me, [Your name]! I bet you could impress my Sensei too!"

Gobstones - Win by making Sarahi nervous!

"Honestly, I'm rotten at Gobstones. Let's see if this time is any different."

"I'm playing my best, [Your name]!"

I appreciate it!

Is this seriously your best?

You'll get better.

"Okay, let's do this!"

Yes… let's.

Don't worry about it!

It's not that difficult.

"Wait, what just happened?"

Nothing.

I haven't even moved yet.

You're about to get sprayed.

"How stupid am I being?"

I probably shouldn't say…

You're not, don't worry.

Just a tad.

"Hey, I think I know what to do!"

Do you, now?

I see what you're up to.

Good for you!

"Uh… you're winning aren't you?"

You still have a chance!

I am.

Maybe, maybe not.

"Stop making me nervous!"

I'm not, I swear!

Is that a knife!?

Why?

"Alright, alright you win. But I'm bringing my A game next time!"

Butterbeer - Prove how well you know Sarahi!

"I'm not used to talking about myself. What have you picked up on?"

"Where was I raised?"

Britain

Japan

India

"What's my middle name?"

Lakshmi

Krishnaa

Vaishnavi

"What's my favorite color?"

Purple

Yellow

Red

"What did my brother leave behind for me?"

A magic ring

A cursed amulet

A charmed necklace

"Who am I in love with?"

Diego Caplan

Chiara Lobosca

Barnaby Lee

"Who are my muggle best friends?"

Liana and Aaron

Anna and Miyako

Rowan and Ben

"Do you know why I'm so nervous?"

Old friends betrayed you.

You were born like that.

You like being the center of attention.

"I'm glad that you don't get mad when I talk about myself for a bit. You make me comfortable. Thank you, [Your name]!"

[kingdomofbretonxrpg]

Parties: Our Villain and (In order of appearance) Liana Romano, Jadon Floch, Kit Chareonsuk, Rory Pierre, Aramis Gagne, Julia Pelan, and a security team.

Date: October 12th, 2022

Location: An unknown location in Vannes.

Triggers: violence, abuse, kidnapping, threats, horrible language, neglect, gun shots, gun wounds, fighting, and probably others.

@lianaromano-ofmaine @jadonfloch @kit-chareonsuk @rory-of-nantes @aramisgagne @subjuliapelan

ooc// A conclusion.

Liana tried for the umpteenth time to swallow the lump in her throat. When she had first seen some shady happenings going on at one of the buildings she passed daily on her way to one of her job sites she instantly got a bad vibe, but tried not to think too much about it. She had seen worse in Verona. Then she realized something bad was happening with Jadon, and then others, and that building meant much more to her. She reported it to Cyrus and after some surveillance, a team was dispatched to the location for a rescue mission. She was asked to tag along to help the team get to the location but was under very strict orders to not leave the car. Anticipation and dread both filled her as she fidgeted in her seat, especially as they got closer to the building.

Jadon sat perched in the corner of his cell, no longer willing to look in the mirror at the shaggy head and thick beard that covered his sunken features. “You know what really grinds my gears about all of this?” He mused aloud to no one, indifferent if the others heard him but obviously perturbed, “I’m gonna die not knowing who the hell one this library challenge. I had a really good bet going against Eliane.” His fingernails chipped at the paint on the wall. Jadon had lost track of the number of days he’d been down there, making him cynical, “Anyone care to sprinkle some optimism on this shituation?”

Kit jumped at the sound of a voice before realizing it was Jadon’s. They’d sat in silence in the dark for some time, long enough for Kit to get lost in his thoughts and anxieties, wondering where Aramis was, if he was okay, and when the bastard who kidnapped them was going to come back down to check on them. Kit had to be ready with more shitty things to say to him. But Jadon’s statement took him out of his head. Was this guy serious? The library challenge thing? That’s what kept him up at night? Or whatever time it was. Time felt weird in this basement dungeon situation. “Pretty sure whoever won the library thing, Eliane won between the two of you just for not ending up in this basement.” Kit was not exactly the person to go to for positivity. “But we’re alive still? I think...?” 

“Ayyy, take that back. I bet her ears are burning just by you whispering those words into the universe.” Jadon groaned into the cement wall, but the corners of his mouth tweaked into a small smile. “Not a chance in hell she beat me.” Running his fingers through his shaggy locks he let out a sigh, “What day was it when you got here?” He’d kept quiet for the most part, not mentioning the grazed wound on his arm or the promise from their kidnapper. Jadon still didn’t think they were getting out of this alive, even if Kit thought otherwise. So he bit into his chapped lips every time a meal turned up hoping that the last memory he had wasn’t seeing this guy kill his companions.

“What universe? There’s only this basement.” Kit tried to remember what the date had been. It could only have been a matter of days, right? “September 30. Wednesday,” he told Jadon. He’d tried to keep track of the time by counting, but gave up on it quickly. Time was an illusion anyway. “What about you?” He knew Jadon had been here longer than him. What had Kit been doing when Jadon had been taken. How long had it been for him? How long would it be for all of them before they were either found or killed by the madman who’d taken them?

“The nineteenth.” His steely blue gaze squinted over in the direction of Kit’s voice. “Got me when I was leaving J2.” He hesitated, scared to even ask. “Does anyone even know I’m missing or did they just assume I was out getting the life that Javan kept insisting I go out and get… Rory turned up not long after me.” Jadon had tried not to think about what was happening out there, now he was cursing himself for his boyish curiosity, what good could come out of it?

As Liana pointed out the area in question, she felt the car begin to slow. Anxiety bolted through her as she wondered what they would find, if anything. If they did find something, how bad would it be? She honestly wasn’t sure if she was mentally prepared for all the possibilities so she did her best to focus on the positive. They were doing something. They were trying. They had a chance. When the car stopped she took her seatbelt off so she could crane her neck, trying to catch a glimpse of what was going to happen.

The nineteenth. Kit frowned deeply. More than ten days before his own kidnapping. “I don’t know. I hadn’t heard anything,” he admitted. He knew that Aramis would know something was wrong. He’d texted just before he had that gun shoved in his face. “I’m sure someone knows by now though. About all of us.” They had to, right? He sighed, wishing he could actually be sure. “I texted my boyfriend to let him know I was on my way home. I’d just left work. And…he knows who this guy is. Our kidnapper. He’s going to figure it out. Soon.” 

It was hard to not take the news too personally. This wasn’t, after all, about him- he’d told Cyrus as much when he’d suggested the self-defense classes. With a long sigh Jadon tried to channel his pre-kidnapping optimism. “Yeah, I’m sure you’re right. If you got a message out that you were on your way home and obviously Rory’s dog is just out there alone… I’m sure someone’s out there looking…” He trailed off, not wanting to finish his sentence that someone was looking for them, not him.

Rory had no idea how long she’d been in that cell. With the lack of windows in the basement to let in any light, day and night had become the same. She tried to keep track of the time based on how often she and her fellow cellmates were brought food; but considering she now spent most of her time sleeping and fighting off severe waves of lightheadedness, any sense of time she may have had was long gone. Between her inability to eat the food that was served without feeling sick to her stomach and the fact she’d not taken any of her much needed medications in God only knew how long, she’d gotten to the point she had some trouble registering what was going on around her. And then whenever the lights were kept off in the basement, forget about it. In the darkness, she was alone. Alone and sick and scared and confused.  

Our Villain: He was irritated. He was tired of cooking for these fucking capitives (although pasta noodles and tinned sauce was scarcely a hardship) but still. He wanted this foolish project over with. He had been waiting for days for further instructions. Although in preparation, he had already taken the time to prepare the holes in the yard for a swift vertical burial (horizontal holes could get you caught. That was the kind of shit the Watch looked for). He walked down the stairs, plastic bowls of food and three water bottles in hand. He dropped the bowls through the tray slots created for this purpose, unconcerned if it spilled everywhere. The bottles of water fell afterwards, uncaring again as they tumbled across the floor. 

Jadon looked at the food and up at their captor, “Hey, what’s in here...in this sauce?” His gaze moved from the food to Rory’s cell. He was already wondering if she’d be able to touch it without getting sick. His worry on her and not being able to help her if she had an allergic reaction. This guy clearly didn’t care.

Our Villain: “If you don’t want it. Starve.” He stated flatly. “Frankly you’ll be easier to bury if you lost some weight anyway.” He continued with a shrug as he finished ‘serving’ the meals to his captives. He would have left them down here to rot but the boss said ‘alive’ so alive they would be. For a while anyway.

Maybe it was what Kit had said about not having heard any news, but Jadon was already feeling defeated. The sense of doubt and despair kept him huddled in the corner of his cell, ignoring the slopped over meal. He’d already lost weight, didn’t expect to get out of this, and there was little fight in him to do much but pass his food along to one of the others.

Kit glared at what was trying to pass as food and then up at their kidnapper. He wasn’t surprised the guy wasn’t exactly sympathetic to any of their dietary needs. “Wow, thanks, Mom. Guess we know why you made a career out of shooting people and kidnapping instead of becoming a chef or some shit. Though, you’re not really a good shot either, are you? Remember? You missed and shot a librarian instead of a duchess? Remember that? Armand must really like how you suck his balls if he keeps you around.” He really felt he was channeling his inner Dean. He’d have to thank his friend later when they reunited. 

A slight vibration travelled across the basement floor as a tray of food crashed down upon it, a vibration that mixed with the prior vibration of heavy booted footsteps was enough to alert Rory it was dinnertime. Slowly, she opened her eyes and glanced over to the tray of pasta and a questionable sauce that was splattered on the concrete of her cell. The mere blurry sight of it made her stomach lurch; though she knew she should at least try and eat something, even if it would lead her to feel sick again. The sick feeling was better than starvation; and despite the fog in her mind, she knew the importance of trying to keep her strength up right now. But she still hesitated, her eyes lingering on the tray for a long moment as she contemplated whether or not she could get up from her ratty cot without stumbling and falling over again.

Our Villain: He had ignored the girl completely now. She had been a good choice - she didn’t say anything or make any sort of fuss. He might actually sell her in another country rather than kill her. Someone was bound to enjoy a girl who didn’t speak. Then the pretty little bitch-boy was yapping again. “Listen here you little piece of shit. I’d be fucking delighted to use your corpse for target practice …. After I fuck your …..” Then he stopped. Was that a car? What the fuck? He turned and raced up the stairs. No one should be on this road, even by accident.

Aramis nervously wrung his hands together as the security team rolled toward the building they were sure Kit was being held. Well, Kit and the other captives - they’d discovered that he wasn’t the only victim of this crime. 

His stomach was so twisted that it hurt. Aramis’s worst fear came true - Kit had gotten hurt because of his past. Even more people had gotten hurt. But now that Katarin knew the truth, the full truth, he knew he’d soon get what he deserved. Kit just had to be okay first.

When the van parked, Aramis was the first one out, though he was roughly grabbed by a member of the security team.

“Look, you’re here only because Duchess Katarin allows you to be. If you get in our way, you will be left here in the van. Do you understand?” the other man said gruffly. The urge to punch the other dominant was strong, but Aramis relented. 

“Fine. Just... how the fuck do we get in?” he asked, impatient. If their intel was correct, Kit was just inside. All Aramis could think about was the possibility that his boyfriend was hurt and it killed him inside.

“You need to wait by the van, let us do a perimeter check and see if we can get any details on the building. Stay put. If you go in headstrong, you could jeapordize the mission and put the hostages in harm’s way. Including your boyfriend.” The other man gave Aramis a stern look and bumped his shoulder as he walked away, indicating that he wasn’t up for any kind of argument.

To his credit, Aramis did do as he was told and stayed put by the van, though he swore he was pacing through the asphalt as he waited anxiously. Every minute they spent talking felt like a minute wasted. What if he’s hurt? What if he’s hurt and I can’t get to him?

“Aramis, we have a plan.” 

He all but bolted in the direction of the security lead, ready to hear exactly what the plan entailed. 

“We need you to go in first to locate the kidnapper. We’ll have two people on the roof working their way down, and we’ll also have four people behind you as backup. We don’t know exactly where the hostages are located, nor do we know how we’re contained. Your job is to lure this prick out until we can safely detain him. Got it?” The security lead finished, giving Aramis a serious look. The plan was risky for him, but there was no way he would say no. Whatever it took to get Kit back safely, he’d do.

“I can do this. Just let me know when we’re ready,” Aramis replied confidently, looking over at the building. 

“Five minutes while we get into position. I’ll let you know when to go in.”

Aramis was already heading toward the front of the building, though he did pause and wait for the signal before stepping inside. He wasted no time trying to draw out the kidnapper.

“Hey, you son of a bitch! We’ve got unfinished business,” Aramis hollered into the hall, stepping inside. “Where the fuck is Kit?” He walked further inside, his voice raising. “Where is Kit?!”

Jadon had been about to give Kit a look for his comments about the food, about to tell their kidnapper to fuck off himself when he started popping off again, but he’d lacked the energy and as soon as his mouth bobbed open the guy was running off. His steely blue eyes looked over at Kit and Rory, eyebrows knit together as if to say ‘what the hell was that’ and then he swore he heard it, someone yelling.

A lot happened at once, and Kit struggled slightly to keep up. One second he was listening to a slew of threats coming from their captor. The rape threats had escalated to necrophilic threats, so that was new. But before the threat could be completed, the man was running up the stairs, seemingly alarmed. Kit perked up, listening closely. Then there was yelling. Aramis. Both fear and relief filled him. They’d been found, but Aramis was here. Aramis was in danger now too. He got up so fast, he was nearly lightheaded as he gripped the bars of the door keeping him contained, shaking it, trying to make as much noise as he could. “Aramis!” he screamed as loud as he could. “We’re downstairs! Aramis!” He didn’t even know if Aramis could hear him. He was shaking as he gripped the bars, definitely feeling a bit weak from days of being kept literally in the dark. 

Being in the cell closest to the door Jadon panicked, “Kit, are you sure?” He ran his fingers through his hair, still tucked against the wall in the back of his cell. “What if it’s just more of his people… a boss or something?”

Kit didn’t even spare a look for Jadon. He kept shaking his door, as if it would do anything to free him so he could get to Aramis. “I know my boyfriend’s voice. It’s him. I told you he’d figure it out,” he said. He’d been right. Now they had to get out safely and they could go home. “Aramis!” he shouted again, his dry throat feeling raw. 

Jadon nodded, pulling himself up and moving to the front of his cell, joining cacophony of screaming and rattling in the basement. His eyes darted between the door and the others, still not daring to hope they all just weren’t hallucinating. Picking up the water bottle he splashed water over at Rory and signed ‘people’ and pointed to the door before going back to shouting and shaking his cell door.

As water was splashed on her from the direction of Jadon’s cell, Rory glanced up in confusion, her eyes squinting in the darkness in order to make out what it was Jadon had signed to her. ‘People’? That didn’t seem right. Why would he be signing ‘people’? Her eyes then darted to where Jadon had pointed towards the door; and she watched him begin to shake his cell’s door. And then she noticed it seemed as if Kit was doing the same, shaking his cell’s door as well. Now she was even more confused as to what was going on; but at least she had an answer to what was causing the new set of vibrations she’d started feeling.

When the shouting began, Aramis lost sight of the mission. His goal had been to draw the kidnapper out, but now he just needed to find Kit. He was fairly sure he’d pinpointed his boyfriend’s voice. There was also a good chance he was hallucinating; he’d barely slept since Kit was taken.

“KIT?!” Aramis cried out, heading in the direction of the voices. “KIT?! Baby, where are you!?” He began jogging through the building, trying to find anyway he could to get to a basement. “KIT. I’M HERE. I’M GOING TO FIND YOU.” He wasn’t sure how well his boyfriend could hear, but he was going to keep trying.

“ARAMIS!” Kit shouted as loud as he could, shaking the door to his cell. “The door in the garage! The door in the garage!!!” He knew it was Aramis, even if the voice was muffled by the distance between them, the walls and floors keeping them separated. He’d managed to mostly keep his cool, experiencing his anxiety in his own body without showing it. But now, he felt like his whole body was shaking, his throat tight with it. Everything was about to come to a head, surely, if Aramis was here, and he was terrified, but he was also so close to going home. 

Aramis stood still, panicked as he tried to make out the words shouted at him. No doubt it was Kit. He was so close. 

Garage. He could easily make out the word garage. Aramis began running through the place as fast as his feet could carry him, hanging onto that word. Garage. Garage. Garage.

When he finally found it, he spent no time checking any surroundings. His eyes zeroed in on a door beside the entry - no doubt the way down to the basement. 

Aramis checked the door, but it was, of course, locked. However, the whole thing was only a flimsy piece of plywood. He could break through. Determined, Aramis heaved his shoulder against the door, already hearing the material creak under his effort. Deciding a kick might work better, he stood back, putting everything he had into it. 

The door splintered. Growling, Aramis kicked it again. And again. And again. And finally, it busted open.

Whatever the plan was with the security team, it was now long forgotten. It didn’t cross his mind that Armand’s man could be down there, or there could be any series of traps waiting for him; all he knew was that he had to get to Kit. Quickly, he made his way down the stairs, suddenly terrified of what he might find. 

When he finally got sight of his boyfriend, his knees nearly buckled; Kit was alive. Probably not well, but alive. 

“Fuck, are you okay? I mean, I know you’re not okay - but did that motherfucker hurt you? Are you hurt?” Aramis asked, panicked as he made a beeline straight to the cage. He reached through to grasp Kit’s hand, as if the other man might not be real. 

The joint fear and relief hit Kit again when his bleary eyes caught sight of Aramis, elated, even as his heart dropped at the thought of Aramis being in danger with them. Kit was sure he looked like a mess when Aramis saw him. Bags under his eyes, hands shaking as they gripped Aramis’s, and tears just looming in his lashes because even in this state, he refused to let himself become a sniveling mess in front of the others, in front of their captor, should he reappear. “I’m fine,” he said, trying to control his now hoarse, shaky voice. “You have to be careful. He’s still in the house I think.” He didn’t want Aramis to get hurt. “I don’t know where he keeps the keys. Are there others here with you? You’re not alone, right?” His eyes pleaded, hoping Aramis hadn’t done something as stupid as coming here alone.

Aramis moved close to the bars, wishing he could rip them apart so he could hold his submissive in his arms. He took Kit’s hands and brought them to his mouth, gently kissing his knuckles; it was the best he could do for now.

“No, baby, I’m not alone,” Aramis promised, refusing to let go of the sub’s hands. “There’s a security team here sponsored by the houses. As soon as you didn’t come home, I knew something was wrong. I told Kat everything that night and she started working on a plan. I would’ve been here sooner, but we had to figure out where you were...”

He swallowed hard, tearing his eyes away from Kit’s long enough to survey the room. There were two others down there as well; Rory and Jadon. Aramis felt his stomach clench; more innocent people hurt because of him.

“Alright. I’m going to go back to the garage, see if there’s anything I can find to get this lock open. I’ll be just upstairs, baby, and I’ll be right back, okay? I’m not leaving you here.” He squeezed Kit’s hands, reluctant to let go.

As Aramis walked by Jadon called out and asked, “Who? Who else came?” He wondered if it was security or maybe his brother looking for him, finding a sliver of hope for the first time in days.

Aramis looked over at the other dominant and shook his head slightly. “I - I don’t know, really. All people I haven’t met before. I think one guy’s name is Mark? Marcus? Marco? Look - point is there’s other people here and they’re supposed to be right behind me...” Though he was beginning to wonder what exactly was taking so long.

Jadon just nodded in return, trying not to be defeated. “What can we do while we wait?”

Our Villain: He had made it to the grounds and he was tempted to bolt for it but damned if he would let these fuckers off. That pretty little bitch in the basement needed two between the eyes so fucking badly that he could taste it. He circled around and saw a lone woman sitting in the vehicle. He narrowed his eyes and considered his options for a moment. Patting his pocket he realized the fucking keys were sitting on the kitchen counter. Fuck! What the hell did he do? All right, that settled it. He’d grab the little bitch in the car as a hostage and get out of here.

Liana had picked her fingers raw while she waited, trying her best to be patient. Each second felt like a lifetime when she thought about Jadon and the others, whoever they were, in that building. She rolled the window of the car down a bit in an attempt to get herself some air and to maybe hear if any progress was being made. She hoped she heard something good, soon, rather than something terrible she couldn’t let herself imagine.

Julia felt like her heart was in her throat from the moment she'd been asked to go along with the others. She'd known something was wrong for weeks- Jadon had stood her up, not returned her calls or texts, Rory hadn't been seen.... She felt guilty for coming to worse conclusions til now, but now that she knew they could be in very real danger, she was pushing her own thoughts and emotions aside, just wanting to help. But now this, just laying down in a car...it wasn't helping. She looked over to the other woman in the car with her and let out a breath, shaking her head as she sat up. "I can't just sit here anymore." she announced as she moved, grabbing the handle and climbing out of the car, none the wiser to anyone nearby watching them.  

Our Villain: Shit shit shit … there were two of them. Two dumb bitches just sitting around. Getting their dumb cunts wet he bet while the men went off and tried to play hero. Grabbing one of them would be stupid now since he couldn’t safely control two of them while he drove. Circling to the side, he tried to get out of eye-shot. He knew these grounds well. It had been a safehouse of his for years. These fuckers being here meant they would also inconveniently find the graveyard and the predug holes in the copse of trees behind the house. Dumb shits. He debated re-entering the house but those bastards that Aramis had brought with him looked like they knew what they were about. Pulling a knife from his boot, he dug it into one tire and then the other. He just needed the dumb broads to get back out and head toward the house. A couple of well-placed shots and one of them would be injured enough to scream for help and he could get in the remaining operational vehicle and get the fuck out of here. He was not going down for this - no way, no how. He did not deserve this betrayal. Fuckers…. His bosses needed to hear about Aramis turning on them. 

Liana was doing her best to stay in the car per Cyrus’ orders, but when she felt the car jolt she knew something was wrong. Her adrenaline was at an all time high when she climbed from the vehicle, looking around and wondering if she could throw some lucky punches if anyone was near. If only she had her gardening tools… That was a silly thought, but she’d been much more comfortable with a pair of gardening scissors in her hand than nothing at all. She stayed close to the car, peeking around the back in an effort to figure out what was happening. When she saw the slashed tires she felt the hair on the back of her neck raise on end. “Julia- Run!” She wasn’t sure where they could run to, but she had to at least try to warn her. If they both ran maybe they could distract the bad guy long enough that he wouldn’t get either of them.

Aramis squeezed Kit’s hand for a final time before pulling himself away from the cage. “I’ll be right back, baby, I promise,” he assured the sub as he took steps back, forcing himself from the submissive. It was not easy for him to do, but he had to find something to get them out of the damn cages.

While reminding himself to work on cardio and not just strength training, Aramis flew back up the stairs and back out into the garage. He searched the area quickly, trying to find tools or even something to pick the lock with. Frustrated by finding nothing, he moved on back into the house, searching each room he came across for something to help.

Part of him was cognizant of the fact that Armand’s man was lurking somewhere around here and would no doubt kill him given the chance. But Aramis pushed that away for now; he had to focus on getting Kit out of that cage. 

He was beginning to feel hopeless until he got to the kitchen. And there, sitting on the counter, was a ring of keys. “No fucking way it’s that easy...” Aramis muttered to himself, carefully looking around the room as if someone might pop out and shoot at the last second. Steeling himself, the dominant rushed forward and quickly grabbed the keys before heading straight back down to the basement. 

Triumphantly, he held up the ring of keys to the three prisoners. “Now the fun part is figuring out which fucking key. Any of these look familiar?” Aramis asked, passing the keys through the bars.

Jadon spoke up immediately. He’d been in there long enough to know which key it was. He may have been uselessly silent in that cell but he’d been observant. Moving to the bars he looked at the keys on the ring, for once glad that his eyes had adjusted well to the dark after years of nothing but night shifts. “Third one, real tarnished copper.”

“Be careful.” Kit felt his anxiety peak when Aramis had to step away from him, but he knew it was necessary. He listened closely, as if waiting to hear something terrible happen, sure that there would be some kind of run-in with their captor. Instead, thankfully, Aramis returned safely with a ring of keys, some relief filled Kit again. He reached through the bars for Aramis, not for the ring of keys. He opened his mouth to remark on the keys, but then Jadon spoke up with such certainty that Kit didn’t think he, himself, would be able to possess. There were many details he remembered from the day he was kidnapped. What the key that locked him in looked like was not one of them. 

The second that Jadon’s cell was open he followed Aramis to Rory’s door. “Hey kiddo, let’s get home.” He clapped a hand to Aramis’ shoulder in thanks as he went into Rory’s cell and signed ‘home’, offering an arm to help her up. Despite his weight loss and the homeless filth of him, he’d always been in top shape, a daily runner, and with his adrenaline pumping his only focus was on Rory. Jadon was sure Aramis could help Kit.

Rory hadn’t opted to get up from her cot the entire time she watched the exchange between Aramis and Kit and Jadon. She was afraid of what might happen if she tried to stand. But as she watched the door to her cell open and Jadon walk inside signing the word ‘home’, she knew it was time to get up. Like Jadon said, it was time to go home. A small smile began to spread upon her pale face for the first time in days? weeks? She really had no idea how long it had been. Slowly, she moved to a seated position, shutting her eyes momentarily as a wave of dizziness came over her. And once she opened her eyes again, they fell to the strong arm Jadon was offering out to her. She didn’t hesitate to reach out and take it, slowly making her way to her feet, wobbling as she found her balance. Home. She signed, glancing up at Jadon as her tired smile widened further, before leaning into his side for additional support. 

Jadon did his best to support Rory’s small frame, tucking her to his side as they made their way to the stairs out of the basement. It was a slow and tired slog and as they made their way to the top he felt Rory needing more and more support, “C’mon, almost there.” His blue gaze fell to her face, full of concern as the sunlight stun his eyes. “Almost out, c’mon. You got this, kiddo.” With no idea where their kidnapper was or where these other people that Aramis had mentioned were, he took a risk. Adjusting Rory’s weight at his side as he squinted into the blinding sunlight. Throat dry from shouting in the cell, he called out for help, wondering if he should keep pressing on with Rory or if he should help her sit down against the wall of the building.

Rory continued to lean against Jadon as he began to lead her up the basement stairs and towards their hopeful freedom. She felt as if she was going to trip up the stairs with each step; but the feeling of a strong arm wrapping tighter around her frame helped to keep her as upright as possible. Her eyes trailed up to Jadon’s face; and she could’ve sworn she saw his lips moving. But she had no idea what he was saying. She couldn’t focus enough to lipread right now. All her focus was on not tripping up the stairs. And somehow, she managed to make it to the top. They somehow managed to make it outside, into the blinding light of day. She quickly shut her eyes and let out a soft groan of discomfort. 

The second his cell door was opened, Kit wasted no time wrapping his arms around Aramis, hugging him tightly, doing his best to hold back tears. “I knew you would come. So stupid. Why did you come? You could get hurt...” He was so mad and so relieved at the same time. Taking one more second of comfort in Aramis’s arms, he pulled back. “We should make sure the other two are okay. They’ve been here longer than me, and Rory didn’t look so good.” Taking Aramis’s hand, he started after his dungeon companions, climbing up the stairs carefully. When they made it outside, the light blinded him, and he had to shield his eyes from the sun with his free hand, still holding tightly onto Aramis. 

Aramis held onto Kit tight, almost afraid if he loosened his grip that the submissive would somehow slip away from him. He closed his eyes and buried his face in the other man’s neck, taking comfort in his boyfriend’s warmth. He was back in his arms, he was alive, and though he looked worn, he was okay.

“I had to know you were okay,” Aramis admitted, pulling back slightly just so he could look at Kit’s face. He rested his forehead against the sub’s, sighing softly. “I didn’t trust anyone else to come get you.” It wasn’t like he had any special skills that the security team didn’t have; he was strong, but wasn’t the best fighter and had no medical knowledge. And yet. He still wouldn’t trust anyone else to get his boyfriend back.

Aramis fought the urge to pull Kit back into his arms when the sub moved away, but he knew they had to get out of there. The other prisoners needed help and somewhere in the house, the asshole was still wandering around. Reluctantly, he grasped his boyfriend’s hand and headed out from the dungeon with him, pulling him a little closer once they reached the top.

When Liana heard the call for help she immediately knew it was Jadon’s voice. There was no mistaking it. Her concern about the other woman and what was happening with the cars was pushed aside and she ran towards his voice. “Jadon? Jadon!” She ran until she saw him, somehow feeling both relieved and devastated all at once. He was alive and okay enough to walk, but he also looked horrible. Never in her life had she wanted to murder someone like she wanted to murder the person that had hurt him. She wasn’t to his side yet but she was close enough to call out “We’re here! Oh my god, you’re okay.” She wanted to sob and scream and cling to him, but knew that they weren’t out of the woods yet. That was what made her keep running in his direction.

It wasn’t until Jadon had heard a voice that he realized his heart was racing, ringing in his ears really. His eyes searched for the sound and saw nothing but stars in the bright light until she was closer, but still too far and he was too tired and weak holding Rory to close the gap. “Liana?” His head was fuzzy, confused as to what she would be doing there with Aramis. Then, behind her he caught sight of a too-familiar dark frame and he could have sworn his heart stopped, breath catching in his throat.

Our Villain: There we go. Okay … he needed to get fucking practical. Right fucking now. So what to do .. what to do.  He needed his keys and some essentials from inside the house. Which meant he needed a distraction. He rose to his feet and reached for the closest brunette and hauled her back against him as he raised his gun and pointed at the pretty beefcake. “Guess I should make up for that wild shot earlier … huh?” He intoned with a snarl. He needed it to be slow because he needed them to think there was hope to save the dumb fucker. So as tempting as it was to hit him straight through that fucking pretty face, he put one shot in his abdomen and the other in his calf. Shoving the pretty blonde in his hands forward, causing her body to bounce off the vehicle in front of him, he ran for the side entrance to the house. 

Liana was so close to Jadon she thought she could almost reach out and grab him, but then the ground shifted beneath her feet. Before she knew what was happening she was pulled against someone and she let out a yelp, trying to claw her way out of his grasp once she realized this wasn’t someone she knew. She struggled as hard as she could, determined to break free and to lash out at this horrid person. Then two shots rang out, stunning her for a moment before she screamed. Her voice didn’t sound natural to her ears, almost as if it wasn’t really her screaming. She was still in shock when she was shoved against the car, hitting her head hard enough that she felt it bounce off of the panelling. She laid on the ground for a long moment before she was able to manage to pull herself up and start stumbling towards Jadon. “No! No, oh god, no.”

The confusion about Liana’s presence, the sight of his captor behind her, the panic of her getting hurt before he could say a single thing about what he’d thought a million times over in that cell… it all melted away with two ringing sounds and the hot pain searing through his body. In an attempt to keep Rory safe the second he’d seen the bastard, Jadon had put himself in front of her, but the action had made them both unsteady. The pain, at first, seemed like he’d moved too fast and hurt his old tired frame. The falling, at first, seemed like Rory collapsing and taking him down with her. At first. Then he heard Liana screaming, his gaze moving down in confusion to see the blood pooling steadily warm down his dingy clothes. Jadon pressed his palm to the first wound, unaware of the one to his leg as he pushed his other hand toward Rory. “Go. Go, run. Don’t look. Run, please.” His vision blurred, this time with the sting of tears. As he laid on the ground his head rolled back over toward Liana, head thumping, everything somehow unbearably loud and yet muffled. It seemed like too much of an effort to speak, to try and see if Rory had run, if Liana was okay. The truth was he couldn’t bear the thought that the second bang had been for her, couldn’t open his eyes and see her dead. All of this time, repetitiously playing every turn from the ride to this place in his head like he could escape and get home, every little mental speech, hours of time had gone by and he’d realized he was holding out more hope than he’d realized. Now it all felt like too much for Jadon, his hand slipped from the wound, his blood soaked clothes no damper for it and he felt the last ounce of will go with it.

Rory felt a shift in how Jadon was supporting her; and she hesitantly opened her eyes. Her first thought was that their captor had learned of their escape and caught up with them; and her first thought unfortunately happened to be correct. The next thing she knew, it seemed as if Jadon lost his grip on her; and she stumbled forward, catching herself just enough not to face-plant. Once she caught her balance, her attention shifted towards Jadon; and her eyes went wide as she registered the words on his lips and the reason he’d lost his grip. He was bleeding. He’d been shot. She brought a shaky hand to her mouth as she stumbled backwards in shock, this time unable to catch herself as she bumped into the wall behind her, ultimately sinking down against it, her gaze never once leaving the sight of Jadon’s bloody body. Her chest ached; and her heart felt as if it was beating a mile a minute. The ground and wall felt as if they were swaying beneath her as black spots began to dance across her already blurred vision. But how she felt was the last thing on her mind. All she could think about right now was that she couldn’t lose Jadon. The two of them had been through so much together during their time in that basement; and he’d become quite important to her. He couldn’t die. She needed him to be okay. One of them had to be okay. 

The sound of two gunshots came just as Kit’s eyes adjusted to the light outside. Sight bleary, he saw Jadon go down, Rory with him as he’d been supporting her, and their captor running. And he was pissed. He remembered screaming at trees with Elle, and right now he would scream at them that he’d been afraid for too long because of this man, because of Armand. Before he could think, he’d let go of Aramis’s hand, sprinting as fast as he could towards the man. He’d always been one of the faster members of his soccer team, and with his body full of adrenaline, he intercepted this villain of theirs, throwing himself at the man and tackling him to the ground. Kit scrambled to get the gun away from the man, not so he could shoot him, but so that he could safely wail on him without getting his brains blown out. “What the fuck is wrong with you, shooting innocent people? Haven’t...” Punch to the left jaw. “...you...” Whack. “...done...” Bam. “...enough to us?” 

Our Villain: He liked to think he was prepared but honestly the pretty little subby boy coming at him full body was unexpected. He hit the gravel of the driveway so hard it briefly knocked the air from his lungs and left him momentarily stunned. He spun in the younger man’s grip and nailed him in the abdomen with one fist, as hard as he could before aiming a little lower with the second blow. His head felt like it was reeling but fight adrenaline was now coursing. He was a dirty fighter, always had been, and wasn’t holding back. Still, Kit’s fists were catching him hard. 

At the sound of gunshots firing, Aramis ducked and tried to yank Kit down with him. But his boyfriend had other plans. In a flash, the sub was sprinting away, heading straight toward the son of bitch who’d caused so much turmoil.

“KIT!” Aramis screamed, taking off behind his boyfriend. Kit often complained about him taking too many risks with his own life and now look - the sub was running headfirst into a killer. 

He was slower than Kit and by the time he’d gotten to his boyfriend’s side, the two had already been exchanging blows. He put his hands under the sub’s arms and drug him off the son of a bitch on the ground, then moved between them. “We’ve got to talk about your decision making,” Aramis replied, exasperated. The talk would have to wait until later.

Aramis leaned down to the asshole laid out on the ground and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. “You never should’ve touched him you fucking prick,” he growled. “What did you think I was going to do? Let you and Armand take him?”

Kit grunted when he felt the blows to his abdomen, and was about to go for another hit when he felt someone yanking him up by the arms, causing him initially to fight this person too until he realized who it was. Aramis. “My decision making?! He shot Jadon! He shot Adelaide!” As if that explained his actions. He kicked at the man on the ground before Aramis placed himself between them. Kit reached out for Aramis’s arm, trying to pull him back too. Aramis, frankly, was a fair bit stronger than Kit, so not as easy to move. “I told you,” he said to his captor. “I told you I was going to be your mistake. And you laughed.” Kit stayed close to Aramis, hand still on his arm. They could surely distract this guy until the security team could take him away, right?

Liana’s head pounded, but that pain seemed dull compared to what she found when she reached Jadon. She grabbed for him, desperately wishing she could have stopped what happened. What if she had fought harder? What if she had fought less? Could she have stopped it somehow? “No- No Jadon. You don’t get to die. Don’t- I need you here. Please.” Tears streamed down her face and she reached for the wound on his abdomen, trying to stop the blood. Then she remembered that Julia was there in part because of her skills in the medical field. “Help! Please help!” She screamed the words, hoping that some higher power might hear and take pity on them.

Julie didn't really know what would happen, but she absolutely didn't expect this --Liana being yanked away just feet in front of her, and then seeing Jadon shot twice and her screams mixed in the air with those of others. Everything kind of blurred after that. She ran without thinking much of it, falling to the ground so hard and fast beside him that she scraped the skin of her bare knees- but the sting of broken skin was nothing compared to everything else. Liana screaming at her as well kind of blurred into the background as she looked at the blood pooling out of the man with whom she'd grown close to and she swallowed hard, hands shaking as she moved her fingers to immediately press down against his abdomen. "J-Jadon, come on Don't. You...--fight." she practically whimpered, hating how his blood oozed out between her fingers and she swallowed hard, trying to focus. "Focus okay? Please?" She asked before she looked to Liana, "His leg. Help me take his shirt off or...or something. We need to rip half for his stomach, half for his leg. Now!" 

Liana knew they had to stop the bleeding somehow, so when Julia started giving her instructions she didn’t hesitate. She pulled her overshirt off since she had a tank top on underneath and ripped it in half as best as she could manage before handing over one half to Julia and using the other half to tie around his leg. She placed it above the gunshot and tied, wincing at how hard she knotted it. “Like that?”

Julia was pretty sure she wasn’t going to get the sight of Jadon’s blood staining her hands out of her mind anytime soon, but she tried her best not to think about it and she glanced back, seeing just how tight the material was nodded. “Y-Yeah. Yeah. Good. Perfect. I left my bag in the car….it has some emergency stuff. It..” she swallowed, taking the material offered to hold it tightly down against his abdomen, “It can help til we get him to a hospital.” With one hand pressing hard to his side, she used the other to reach up, gently jostling his face, keep him awake, “Hey. Jadon, open your eyes, look at me. Come on. Please.”

Everything after she stumbled back and slid down the wall was a complete blur for Rory. She struggled to register anything that was happening around her. The pain in her chest begun to intensify, almost to the point she felt like it was getting harder to breathe thanks to how her heart was racing. And the black spots dancing across her vision were growing bigger and bigger as she fought, and ultimately failed, to stay awake. She thought she felt someone trip over her outstretched legs; but as she was teetering on the edge of unconsciousness at that point, she had no idea if she’d simply imagined it.  

Our Villain: He was still trying to throw punches, lost in a heat of rage when the subject to them (who was giving back as well) was pulled off. Dragging in deep breaths, he managed to stumble to his feet. That’s it. He needed to get the fuck out of here. No more pussy-footing around. He stumbled past the group and broke into a run. Blood dripped into his eyes but he knew the property well. He knew where he was going. At least he thought he did. Then he was on the ground again. Glancing back, he noted little miss complaint on the ground. Had the little bitch tripped him? Fucking hell. He had no further thoughts about her though as he was suddenly staring down the barrel of a gun. His gaze flicked up and straight into the eyes of a professional. Fuck. Mercenaries. Like recognized like and he slumped to the ground again. Fuck.

When Liana heard Julia’s words she nodded and looked around, yelling when she saw a member of the security team running towards them. She told him where to find the bag full of the supplies and then turned back to Jadon. She was so close to having him back and the thought that he could still be taken from her infuriated her. Even if he changed his mind about her after all he went through, she needed him to be around and alive. She would rather see him well and move on from her than the alternative. In her mind she bargained with whatever gods might be listening, begging them to let him live. She would do anything if they would just let him live. “Please… Please Jadon? I can’t lose you. Not like this. Please.” She could stop herself from leaning forward and pressing a kiss to his lips. It was a quick, maybe selfish, move but she needed him to know she was there for him.

Following the sound of gunshots, the security team quickly made their way to the sound. 

Marco took the lead, arriving to the scene just in time to shove the barrel of his gun into the kidnapper’s face, forcing him to stay down on the ground. The traitor and Kit were just behind him, clinging to each other as if one of them would be stolen away again.

Two other members of his team began to assist Jadon who lay injured on the ground, practically having to peel the submissive Liana away from him to get him help. His team saw that Rory was cared for as well and taken immediately to a hospital right behind Jadon. Julia flitted between patients, trying to stem Jadon’s bleeding while also tending to the weak and woozy submissive. Christ, this fucker had done a number to these people.

“Alright, you son of a bitch,” Marco started, nodding for another member of his team to cuff the kidnapper. His gun stayed trained on the man on the ground; no way this asshole would be getting away after all of the trouble he’d caused. “How about I lock you up in my dungeon, find out a little more about you, yeah?” 

Once the kidnapper was cuffed and hauled to his feet, Marco put his gun away and began leading him away to one of the vans. There were some questions Kat and the other heads of houses would have for him, and after that, Marco already knew he had carte blanche over this shithead’s fate. He’d definitely be getting a taste of his own medicine.

[takonei]

Beta AU - Main story, Chapter 3, deadly life (Part 8)

Note of the author: Sheesh, that chapter was a huge mess, but I’m done!

Also graphic depictions of violence. Beware.

Chapter 3: What is beyond humans’ control - Deadly life

...

Shuichi stared at the screen for who knows how long.

He noticed Rantaro approaching Angie, looking furious. He thought the medic was going to harm her but...

He slammed his hand on her forehead.

“... I knew it.”

The girl rubbed her forehead and had now the trace of Rantaro’s palm on it.

“So she had the disease after all?” Kirumi narrowed her eyes at the craftswoman.

The despair disease...

A disease that is capable of twisting someone’s mind to the point of committing such atrocities.

A disease that made her kill Himiko in such a horrible way.

She wasn’t even willing to harm anyone, right?

... Right...?

...

Shuichi’s eyes widened in realization.

Why didn’t he realize sooner?

-

Shuichi didn’t know if asking her about her island was a good idea, but it was worth a shot. “Hey… I know this is probably a touchy subject for you and I won’t force you to talk but… How was it back there, sculpting?”

But when he looked at her, her eyes were empty. She had stopped in her tracks. “… I wish I could slaughter Atua with my own hands for all the shit he put all of us priestesses through. Just cutting him like Monokuma cut Maki with the scissors and watch his-”

The violinist couldn’t believe what she was saying. He wanted to put his hands on her shoulders, but refrained from doing so. “Angie! I-”

He paused. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have talked about this.”

-

Did she...

Did she have the disease from the very beginning?

Did she kill Himiko so she could take revenge on those who hurt her?

All of this could have been avoided if he thought this through.

The signs were right before his eyes and he ignored them entirely.

It felt like she murdered Himiko in front of him and he didn’t even flinch.

He glanced at Kiyo, who seemed to feel the same guilt.

Even after talking to her about her past, he hadn’t judged her suspicious.

Was she hiding the disease that well?

“Angie...” Kokichi muttered. “Why...?”

She stared at him with a deadpan expression... Then giggled.

“Silly Kokichi! It should be obvious by the crime scene~”

The lavender eyed boy froze. “I still... Don’t get-”

“It was for fun of course!~”

Shuichi saw everyone’s expression growing both worried and confused.

“... Huh?”

She approached Kokichi’s face at a high speed and gripped his hoodie with both of her hands.

“She was so fun to play with! The moment she told me she had a fragile constitution I knew she was the one!”

Shuichi frowned. “How... How would that make her-”

“Do you have any idea how much I wanted to see blood flood to the ground and painting the world in crimson red?”

She was only a few centimeters from the small boy’s face, staring at him with wide, joyful yet empty eyes.

“It was so easy to make her go to the shrine! She is so naive, you didn’t notice this?”

“I just had to write that I found a secret passageway outside for us to use! Just that she couldn’t tell the others! And she completely bought it!”

Shuichi could only watch in horror Angie describing her train of thoughts, a strong grip on the powerless boy.

“Have you ever tried to paralyze someone? It took exactly 4 seconds for her to fall to the ground!”

The violinist could only stare at her terrifying eyes.

“First I bashed her head against the ground. Then I twisted her ankles and her fingers.”

“Then I sliced her body into pieces to watch her sweet blood drip to the ground... Did you know she was hemophiliac?”

“When I saw how weak she was becoming, I took the axe to see how much blood would flood before dying... I had so much blood on me afterwards you know...”

She strengthened even more her grip, her forehead touching Kokichi’s and starring at his very own soul.

“Have you ever tried?! You keep repeating your karma killed so many, but have you ever tried enjoying the sight of mutilated bodies?! Of blood flowing beneath your feet?”

“THIS IS TRULY WONDERF-”

*slap!*

Angie fell to the ground, Kirumi towering above her, pure disgust on her face. “... Shut up. Just shut up.”

The craftswoman rubbed her cheek. The slap in her face was violent, but she didn’t seem to care.

“Hahahahah... Kirumi you’re pretty hypocritical, you know? You’re a mercenary, don’t you enjoy the sight of blood, too?”

“... Don’t compare me to you. We’re nothing alike.”

The girl stood up. “Blood... Hehehehehehe....”

She hysterically laughed. A laugh so similar to Kokichi’s earlier, yet so different.

Her laugh was a different kind of madness.

She grasped her head, nails digging her skull so much that the violinist wondered if she wasn’t doing it on purpose to make herself bleed.

“Blood, blood, blood! I could see it flowing all day, from each and every one of you! I could slice all of you into pieces! This disease truly opened my eyes to the art of slaughter! Himiko was my first and last piece after all!”

Shuichi wanted to puke.

Kokichi, who had felt horror when she was describing him the murder, was now staring at the ground with empty eyes.

“I’m guessing you have the bloodlust disease?” Tsumugi kept her distance.

Angie looked at her shaking hands “Hehehehehehehehe... What else would it be?”

Rantaro glared at Monokuma.

“So you had no intention of getting out after all?” Kiyo asked.

“Not really~ It was just for the amusement.” Angie replied like nothing was wrong.

“Monokuma...” the medic clenched his fists. “Was her disease truly the bloodlust disease?”

After a short silence, the bear giggled.

“Puhuhuhuhu... Absolutely! Angie Yonaga’s disease was the bloodlust disease!”

Shuichi could barely mutter “So the real Angie was long gone...”

Silence fell upon the group.

The only audible noise was Angie’s non-ending giggling as she kept mumbling the word “blood” over and over.

Everyone wanted to get out of here, but no one could bring themselves to say anything because they knew what was coming.

Himiko’s death was horrible. They all had stared at the dead body for what felt like an eternity this morning.

They all had wanted justice for the astronomer. And yet...

Did they really want to send Angie to her death...?

No- was it really Angie in front of them, expressing the pleasure she felt by killing her?

It certainly didn’t feel like it.

Shuichi hesitantly glanced at everyone.

Kaito was looking away, an expression of both guilt and denial on his face. Was he still thinking about Keebo?

Kiyo had the same expression as the biker. Did he choose to ignore Angie’s unusual behavior? 

Tsumugi and Ryoma were unreadable. Although Ryoma seemed to keep an eye on Rantaro, the lack of emotion on the prodigy’s face was disturbing.

Kirumi was making sure Angie didn’t try anything.

Rantaro was looking away. Shuichi couldn’t even see his face.

Miu felt desolated. Her best friend accidentally killed someone, and everyone else was unable to accept the truth.

They all wondered how an illness could push someone to commit murder...

... And the answer was right in front of their eyes from the very beginning.

No one had anticipated Monokuma to pull out such a move.

And they should have.

As for Kokichi...

He was not responding. Like his spirit was somewhere far away, leaving a body devoid of soul standing in the courtroom.

“Heheheheheheheh... My execution will be wonderful too...” Angie perked up, glancing at Monokuma.

Shuichi snapped out of his panic, his heart racing like crazy. “W-Wait-”

“Looks like you’re already prepared. Now then, let’s get started...”

The bear grinned.

“It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for-Punishment time!”

Angie continued giggling. “Heheheheheh... Maki and Tenko’s executions were so wonderful... Just thinking about it makes me so excited!”

She looked at Kokichi, arms wrapped around herself. “I’ve heard legends that killers have their blood tainted in a gorgeous ebony color...”

"...I wonder what your blood looks like.”

This sent a chill down Shuichi’s spine.

It was just like Rantaro said earlier.

Angie wasn’t even remotely sane.

Not anymore.

“I’ve prepared a special punishment for the Ultimate Craftswoman, Angie Yonaga!” Monokuma exclaimed.

“I can’t wait to see this... I can’t wait any longer...” Angie muttered.

“Let’s give it everything we’ve got! It’s... PUNISHMENT TIME!”

“THIS IS THE BEST I’VE EVER FELT IN ALL ETERNITY!!”

The bear took his toy hammer and pressed the red button.

GAME OVER

Angie has been found guilty.

Time for the punishment!

(BGM)

Angie found herself standing on grass, on what looked like a tropical island, the sun setting in the distance.

However, the scenery around looked fake. The waves were painted wood, and the sun itself was fake too.

Hundreds of black and white small dolls appeared from the ‘sea’, circling Angie.

The girl waited for them to attack, a wide grin on her face.

However, they didn’t. Instead, they formed a path leading to the top of the hill, to a gigantic tree, lianas hanging from the branches.

As an earthquake shook the island, Angie realized it was slowly sinking.

Her only choice was to follow the path the dolls created.

Emissary from Heaven and Hell Ultimate craftswoman Angie Yonaga’s execution: Executed

She ran and followed the path traced in front of her, panting as running on an upward slope started to feel exhausting.

She noticed the dolls were not even trying to survive. Every time she ran past one, it would face the fake sea and try to form a shield to make it stop flooding the stage.

She reached the top plateau, the giant tree towering on the small island.

On a closer look, the tree was fake too, and just as she noticed this, the wooden panels that served as a door lowered, revealing the center of the tree- or rather, an elevator, judging from the ropes on the sides.

Just as she stepped on it, three of the dolls joined her as guards, and the elevator started going up.

The interior was dark, aside from the candles each doll had.

The travel was long, she realized.

Out of boredom, she kicked one of the dolls to see how it would react.

Just as the poor doll fell, the two others reached for ropes and quickly attached her hands.

She couldn’t move, and the third one linked her feet with its rope close enough so she couldn’t try to do anything, but could still walk.

The elevator brutally stopped, and the door opened to reveal the tree’s top branches.

And just as she exited the elevator, a hoard of dolls shot her with darts.

Her eyes widened and after a few seconds, she stumbled on her feet out of dizziness.

When her conscience went back, she looked around in confusion, like wondering where she was.

And as Shuichi watched her eyes on the screen, it hit him.

The darts were the antidote for the disease, and she was now out of it.

She turned to the dolls, panicking and trying to resonate with them, but two of them planted something on her back and her head.

Fake wings and a wooden halo.

The dolls forced her to walk on one of the branches where she could see the horizon.

When she reached the end of the plank, looking down was an ocean of fake waves and giant stone spikes with them.

A doll forced her to jump.

And tears flowing down her face, she did.

As she was falling, the wings and the halo fell off, and her body finally crashed onto one of the spikes, impaling her.

Angie Yonaga, the ultimate craftswoman, was dead.

Shuichi kept staring in horror at the screen that played the execution.

The real Angie still existed but...

... She died not knowing what happened to her. She died not knowing why she was executed.

He looked away, closing his eyes.

What was Monokuma gaining from this? What was he gaining from those killings? 

What was the use of those motives? Was it really entertainment?

What about the mastermind? Were they enjoying this? Were they truly enjoying their despair?

What did they want from them? What had they done to deserve this?

What was the point of putting them through a disease? Of reversing Kokichi’s karma? of making Angie a bloodthirsty killer?

He didn’t know.

... He didn’t know.

The rest of them kept starring at the screen.

Shuichi heard footsteps over the white noise in his head.

Kokichi was leaving without a word.

Kiyo turned to him. “Wait-”

“I’m fine.” he coldly responded.

Shuichi gulped. “But are you-”

“I said I’m fine.”

His gaze was cold and empty. He didn’t even bother completely facing him.

“Himiko is dead. We got it by now.”

“Everyone dies at some point, and her death was sooner than I expected.”

“I’m used to people dying, I don’t need anyone to tell me how I should feel.”

“It’s a killing game after all. People die. Big deal.”

“I was a fool to think anyone would be an exception to the case.”

As he approached the exit Miu took a step forward but stopped immediately.

Then it was Kaito’s turn to leave without a word.

This time Miu didn’t stay silent.

“Kaito wait-”

She reached her hand towards him but he slapped it away.

“... Stop trying to be everyone’s mom. It’s annoying. I’m not your damn kid.”

She stepped away, visibly troubled.

Miu starred at the ground, defeated, as the biker walked away.

Kiyo felt sorry for her. “Let’s just... Rest for now. Everyone is tired and we shouldn’t start fighting in this state.”

Rantaro was the first to move towards the exit. He was clearly furious about the entire trial.

Shuichi just managed to get a glimpse of his face. He didn’t look at anyone and just left the courtroom like Kokichi and Kaito.

The others followed shortly after.

He wanted to say encouraging words but...

They never came.

Even Kiyo was unable to say anything. Or perhaps it was because he didn’t think it was the time to cause another outburst in the group.

Shuichi approached Miu, who had her arms crossed and didn’t even look forward.

“Miu... I’m sure Kaito didn’t mean this...” he muttered.

“No... He’s right.” she mumbled. “I should stop. It’s weird.”

She fastened her pace before he could argue.

They finally reached the dorms and Shuichi muttered a good night, to which the remaining students responded quietly.

He let himself fall onto the bed, unable to think more about it.

...

He could only hope for the...

...

No.

Was there any hope at all?

There was surely a mastermind secretly laughing about their misery.

Someone enjoyed their situation.

And they were going to suffer even more.

There wasn’t any hope at all.

They were already in hell.

--

“...”

“I wish things would have gone differently.”

“But I can’t go back now.”

“And... I have our promise to fulfill.”

“I know this is neither your fault nor mine but...”

“I’m sorry.”

“...”

“I’ll fulfill our promise no matter what.”