#and even a few weeks ago I told my cousin I was excited to see it and she was like

[teddy06]

Okay but something about being a trans masc person and seeing the Barbie movie with a group mainly made of cis girls just feels so isolating

[salmonskinrolltf]

Soulmates 2

[Here's a sequel of sorts to my previous story Soulmates (you don't need to have read it to understand this story). With thanks to @guytransformedforever, @beardobession, @tf-vigilante, @maletransformationlover, @clevertreephilosopher, @scorpionofredsand, and @maletffanatic for providing the photos used as inspiration.]

Hello, my name is Tyler. This is me:

And this is my roommate, Dylan:

Now look, I don’t have a problem with gay people. My cousin is a lesbian. And Dylan is a great roommate. Stays out of my way when we’re not gymming together, but is always down to hang when I need someone to talk to. I just wish he would be less in my face with all his gay shit. Rainbow flags everywhere, blasting Ariana Grande at all hours, constantly bringing new Grindr hookups back to the apartment but giving me side-eye when I ogle women. It’s just… too much for me.

Here’s the thing. I might actually be able to change that. I have this friend Evan, who I’ve wingmanned for on a few occasions over the past year. One night, when we were getting drunk together, he shared his secret with me. He has a magic gift. He clasped my hand and said “tomorrow, you will wake up and have this magic too.” And sure enough, the next day I could feel a tingle coursing through my veins, and I automatically had the knowledge of how to channel it.

Now I have the ability to change somebody’s future. I can’t fiddle with anything that’s innate or has already happened to them. Like, I can’t just make Dylan straight. But I can shape his future decisions or actions, and my magic will make alterations to speed the process along. Like if I made him decide to work out more, he would basically become a muscle beast within the week. Not that I’d do that. I still gotta be the alpha here. I just want to make him a little more… palatable. Someone cool to kick back with all the time, even if he sucks dick. Let’s see... I think I know what will work.

TOMORROW, DYLAN WILL BECOME OBSESSED WITH SPORTS

———————————

Hello, my name is Dylan:

Sports are my LIFE. I never cared about them much growing up, but about a month ago I felt the urge to join my local queer volleyball team and never looked back. It became my everything. It’s been great exercise, but on top of playing volleyball and getting totally jacked off of it, I’ve loved the sense of camaraderie. I love my team. So much so that I even pierced my nipples on a dare when we lost the semifinals. My teammate River also recommended I stop dyeing my hair, and I think the look is really working for me. For some reason, even though it’s only been a month, my hair has grown out significantly since then. Was the red dye stunting its growth or something? Anyway. I also feel like my roommate Tyler and I have really bonded. We’ve been watching baseball games together and I think he appreciates how into it I am. He says he’s excited to bro out while watching football together in the fall.

I love Tyler, but here’s the thing. Maybe I love him too much. I’ve always had this huge crush on him, and no matter how many random Grindr hookups I try to distract myself with, I just can’t stop hoping that one day he’ll give up women for good and decide he loves me. Especially now that we’re spending all this time together, bumping chests when our team wins and shit.

I know us getting together is never going to happen, but I have this… temptation. I was born with a gift. Or maybe I wasn’t. Something my twink friend Paul told me made me think maybe he had something to do with it. Anyway, I have the ability to reshape someone’s past. I change just one thing about their past, and everything about their present just ripples forward to reflect that change. It’s a delicate art. Changing something big can have huge effects that are totally unpredictable. It’s a major temptation to make Tyler gay, but who knows how he’d turn out. Plus, I think that’s just too invasive.

But… Maybe I could change something small about him. Something that would make him less my type, and allow me to move on and focus on finding a boyfriend who would actually be into me. I’m into nice guys. I really love how kind and caring he is. And come on, he’s a FIREFIGHTER. So maybe I can try…

TYLER GREW UP SELFISH AND SPOILED

———————————

What’s up, I’m Tyler.

You dig the jacket? Yeah, I’m still a firefighter, I’m just off duty. But babes dig whatever look I rock, you know what I mean? I get what I want, and what I want is a lot of one night stands. I know how to get ‘em, too. I’m so glad I made the decision to grow this beard out a year ago, it’s opened so many doors for me. And opened a lot of legs.

I’m getting what I want from Dylan, too. Finally, I have a roommate who’s willing to grab brews and watch the game with me. But I think I fucked up when I changed him. Queer volleyball isn’t exactly “sports,” at least not in my book. I thought he’d come out like a linebacker or something! I mean, nipple rings were never part of the plan. The gay guys seem to really go for them, too, so he’s got an even steadier stream of Grindr hookups coming in and out of the place.

On top of that, I’m a little sick of his shit. He’s always giving me lip about stupid stuff like leaving my dishes in the sink or dropping my unwashed uniform on the bathroom floor. He says it’s unsanitary. Like his parade of twinks aren’t dying to sniff that shit anyway. He just doesn’t get it. I think his volleyball teammates are a bad influence too. They’re all so obsessed with aesthetic and anti-hetero rhetoric. I still can’t make him straight, but I can definitely make him less… annoying.

TOMORROW, DYLAN WILL START HANGING OUT WITH MORE STRAIGHT PEOPLE WHO WILL HELP HIM STOP WORRYING ABOUT STUPID SHIT AND BE LESS PRISSY, WELL-GROOMED, AND UPTIGHT

———————————

Yo, I’m Dylan.

Yeah, I cut my hair shorter than the last time you saw me. The upkeep was just getting to be too much, y’know? A couple weeks ago, about the time I dumped that lame-ass volleyball team I was on, I just got bored with shaving every day, too. I invested in a trimmer and now I rock the stubble look, and it’s working for me. I’ve gained a bit of weight since then, and it’s all for the better because I joined my local football league. Having a few extra beers with my new buds afterward just adds to my potential as a linebacker, anyway.

I thought hanging out with more straight people would make me get used to their vibe and kinda inoculate me against Tyler, but I’m still totally obsessed with him. He’s more of a bad boy now, but I’m finding that less unappealing than I used to. Plus, he’s still parading around in his uniform all the time. I can’t help it! I’ve jerked off more times that I can count to his Mr. June photos in the local firefighter calendar.

Whenever I see his mom, she’s constantly going on about how, out of all his Tonka toys growing up, the fire truck was always his favorite. She thinks that’s why he grew up to be a firefighter. Maybe I can change that core memory into something a little more… disreputable. That would definitely make him not my type anymore. I hope.

TYLER’S FAVORITE TOY GROWING UP WAS A TONKA MOTORCYCLE

———————————

Fuckin’ A, man, I’m Tyler.

God, I love my hog. She’s a beaut, ain’t she? My parents wanted me to grow up to be a doctor or a lawyer or a firefighter or some shit, but all I ever wanted to do was ride my hog. Chicks want to ride my hog too, and I let them. As long as they don’t go near my bike! Hahaha, get it? Fuck, I love life. Let me take another drag on this stogie real quick.

Where was I? Oh yeah, my roommate, Dylan. I wish I didn’t have to room with anyone, but my boss at the garage keeps refusing to promote me. I should knock him around one of these days, see if that changes his mind. Anyway, sure, Dylan isn’t so much of a priss anymore. He doesn’t give me shit if I leave my grease-stained clothes on the couch or light up when we’re watching a football game.

But I wanted him to be straight-acting, you know? I tried to train him up as my wingman but he wore a super gay shirt with all these see-through holes to the party, and all the chicks kept their eyes on him the whole time! Fucker. Why can’t he be more like his brother? I’ve seen pictures. That dude is a full on redneck slob, got a Confederate tattoo and everything. I know they had the same backwater-ass trailer trash upbringing, why can’t he be rougher around the edges? You know what… maybe he can!

TOMORROW, DYLAN WILL REALIZE HE WANTS TO EMBRACE HIS WHITE TRASH UPBRINGING

———————————

Hey y’all, I’m Dylan.

Hoo-ee, life has been good lately. I dunno why I resisted my good ol’ boy roots for so long. This goatee really makes me look rugged, dunnit? Also the chest hair. So grabbable. I decided to stop shaving my body, and poof! There it went. A full rug, within like two days I reckon. Like a sign from God. This is how I was always meant to be.

I know I was trying to push away my crush on Tyler by making him not my type, but what’s the fuckin’ point? I need someone who can handle me, and this hot as fuck biker dude I’ve created might be the only one who can handle me at this point. I ride ‘em rough and bareback, just like the horses back home, and weak city dudes just can’t handle it.

Will he be the same if he’s not straight? Maybe not. But as long as he can take my eight inches, I’ll keep him around. I vaguely remember having some sort of compunction about changing him so drastically, but I’m too horny to remember what it was.

Fuck it.

TYLER WAS BORN GAY

———————————

Uh… hi. I’m Tyler. Who are you again?

Sorry, I’m pretty forgetful. Daddy Dylan says I don’t gotta remember shit though, as long as I let him ride me as rough and as long as he likes. He’ll do all the rest for me. He tells me where to go, what to do, who to do. There are so many nice, hot guys who are willing to pay our rent if I turn a few tricks. I love it.

I’ve been like this as long as I can remember. My mom and dad kicked me out when I was 18, in my senior year of high school. I was caught sucking my English teacher’s dick behind the locker rooms. I never went to college after that, but it’s not like I was getting good grades anyway. Sucking Mr. Brentmon’s cock wasn’t for my health, you know. He had a nice juicy one, too. I still dream about it sometimes.

What was I saying? Oh yeah, I took up with this biker gang for a while after getting kicked out. I’ve always had a thing for bikers. But once they got through using my ass, they got bored. It was hard for a while, but now things are oh, so easy. I get all the dick I could ever want. I have a roof over my head, and no job to worry about. All I do is go to the gym and eat and fuck and I never have to think. Dylan said he might take me out muddin’ sometime too. I don’t know what that is, but anything Dylan does is fun. Fuck, I love the way his goatee tickles my skin when he kisses me, so rough, so manly. Way manlier than I’ve ever been. It’s so fucking hot. I love how he takes care of me.

I really have no complaints. I wouldn’t change anything about my life, even if I could remember how…

[onlyjaeyun]

𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍 – 𝟐𝟑

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄: 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲

��� 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

⤲ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞!𝐀𝐔, 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝!𝐀𝐔, 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭, 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭

⤲ 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟕.𝟓𝐤 (not proofread yet i got hungry, sorry)

⤲ 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨'𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧...

"The actual love of my life."

The sound of your best friend's voice sends literal chills of excitement over your body and for the first time in a total of three weeks you feel like your lungs fill with oxygen again.

You still have to get used to not spending every single second with your better half after doing just that for the past twelve years and as you wrap your arms around his strong body, you let out a deep sigh.

Jungwon's warmth, his familiar scent and calming energy embrace you within seconds, easing your nervous soul in ways only he manages to do it.

You've never associated anyone with an actual home except your brother, until you met your best friend all these years ago. You still remember the way he'd make you laugh in the worst moments of your life as he wiped away every single tear and as usual, healed injuries he hadn't caused.

"Now now", he sighs and takes your face into his big, delicate hands, his attentive eyes roaming your face and you know he can read you like an open book. It's always been as easy for him as it's been for his older cousin and the ability's definitely a blessing and a curse in one.

"Let's save those conversations for the next few days, yeah? Today's going to be a good day and you're going to enjoy yourself or I'll have to throat punch you", Won's words leave no room for discussion and you can't help but chuckle at his threat, knowing he'd actually pull through with it if he had to.

Once the two of you get comfortable in Heeseung's car, you catch up on the past week, since neither one of you has had the time to actually talk on the phone, both of you covering extra shifts to get the same week off and enjoy your time together.

For some reason, neither one of you seems to dare mention a certain someone and you wonder what Jungwon talked to Heeseung about, only to get rid of those thoughts as quickly as they appeared.

The drive to your brother's apartment is calm and everything you needed right before a nervewrecking night like this one and all of a sudden you find yourself dreading the upcoming few hours.

Just as you two step out of the elevator, you literally run into the strong chest of someone you recognize by his scent before you even get to see his face.

"Wonie!" Heeseung's deep voice fills your head in the most agonisingly perfect way possible, taking over yet another one of your senses and with your bottom lip firmly tugged between your teeth you take a step back and watch the two cousins greet each other.

"Where are you going? The party's literally about to start", Jungwon asks and definitely doesn't miss the way the older one's eyes find their way to you and back within a second.

You're just glad neither one of you is brave enough to actually address it.

"Jong's too drunk to cook and everyone got here straight from work. Yuna almost punched Yun in the face because he told her to relax, so I'm gonna go and get something to eat. Delivery would take too long."

Heeseung wants to look at you, he's dying to take in the sight of your perfect body in that cute little dress, save it in his memories for all those times he's by himself and has nothing but his thoughts to handle, but he doesn't.

Not even a single time does his gaze shift to you, his eyes remaining on his cousin's face as he hears his heart breaking into thousands of pieces in a far distance.

"My baby's going to join you", Jungwon suddenly says and with wide eyes you lift your head and stare at him, trying to understand what the fuck he just said.

"Huh? No, it's okay", Seung says and for some reason there's a quick flash of irritation in his eyes, but you can't help and be sure it's mostly because of your best friend's choice of words to address you.

"You'll have lots to carry", Won states calmly, "you've got like ten hungry mouths to feed and my presence will distract them long enough."

"What about my presence?" You say and place a hand on your hips, looking him up and down only to catch a gentle smile of amusement on Heeseung's pretty lips, which however slips away rather quickly once he realises.

"You'd be too much of a distraction to the boys, especially in a dress like that." Jungwon's shameless flirting doesn't even faze you anymore and with a roll of your eyes, you allow yourself to peak a glance at Heeseung, who – again – doesn't seem fond of his cousin's behavior towards you.

"It's okay, seriously", Seung says and you can tell it's directed towards you, yet he still refuses to make eye contact, which definitely irritates you in a way you weren't expecting it.

If he's going to act the way he does, the least he could do is have the audacity to meet your eyes when he's talking to you once in a while.

So, without an ounce of hesitation, you lift your head to look at his face, subconsciously enjoying the definition of his features and how everything about him seems perfect.

"Don't be a baby now", Jungwon rolls his eyes and reaches for his suitcase, pushing it away from the three of you before he follows and quickly lifts his hand to make you stay.

"Whatever you're ordering, please get a less spicy version as well, not everyone has a tongue of steel like you." Those are your best friend's last words before he makes his way to the front door of your brother's apartment and with a soft sigh, you turn around and press the button of the elevator.

The following few minutes are filled with nothing but silence, since neither one of you dares to start a conversation. You know he'd feel uncomfortable and quickly bring it to an end so he can act like you don't exist to ease his conscience, which is why you'd rather sit there and say absolutely nothing at all instead.

Once you two make it to the boys' favorite restaurant, you thank Heeseung for holding the door open for you, a big smile suddenly appearing on your face as you spot the cute waiter and owner's som at the register.

"Hey, there!" You lift your hand to wave at him, Heeseung's eyes attentively watching your every movement and just like Jake had told you to, you decide to play a card you usually would have been too scared to even think of, but this time it's actually happening and not just in your instagram stories.

"Oh, goodness! There she is, the prettiest girl in town!" The young man shoots you a charming smile, runs his hand through his dark hair and even winks at you, yet not giving an ounce of his attention to the tall male mext to you.

"Don't get me all flustered now, you know I tip too well if you do!"

Both of you erupt in laughter, much to Heeseung's dislike and with his hands balled into fists to the point where his rings actually hurt him, he just clears his throat and finally manages to make the man avert his gaze from you.

Once he's made sure to get everyone's order and a few side dishes, the man disappears for a quick moment and you can feel the tension between the two of you.

"Close, huh?" The sudden question takes you aback and with furrowed brows you look at him in annoyance.

"Too lazy to form a complete sentence..huh?"

You hate yourself for being so irritated by his behavior because you've been playing with his patience all week, thanks to Jaeyun. You genuinely didn't think it'd work, yet from what your brother's friend has been telling you, your little game of provocation has worked just as you had planned and Heeseung's been going crazy just because of your instagram stories.

But you've decided not to care too much, knowing he won't act on it anyway so there's absolutely no point in considering if it's too much or not.

"Here you go, this is the change and a little something for you guys while you wait", Siwoo says with a bright smile, his pretty eyes again, remaining on you only and you hate how happy the sudden tension in Heeseung's posture makes you.

"Thank you, handsome", you reply with a charming smirk, carefully watching your life long crush roll his eyes in annoyance in your peripheral sight, while you're barely holding back a chuckle.

You quickly take one of the tooth picks and take a little rice cakes into your louth, humming softly when the perfect sauce hits your taste buds and you can feel both men's eyes on you, yet only caring about the one's beside you.

"I've been meaning to ask for your instagram", Siwoo suddenly says and pulls out his phone, handing it to you with a hopeful expression in his pretty eyes.

"Oh, su-", but before you can even think about reaching for the device in his hand, an arm suddenly appears in front of you, pushing him away casually but firmly.

"She has a boyfriend", Heeseung suddenly hisses and you feel heat boiling in your lower tummy, the possessiveness in his voice sending shivers down your body and with an inaudible gasp you look at him in shock.

"Oh? So, you and Jaeyun are dating? I always thought he was just joking, I'm sorry", Siwoo mumbles and you hate how Heeseung's reaction has him embarrassed as he puts his phone away again and smiles awkwardly.

"I do not have a boyfriend", you quickly reply and push Seung's arm away, holding your hand out for the young man to give you the device again, "Jaeyun and I are just friends."

You emphasise the last two words while looking into Heeseung's eyes with a fire he's never seen before and for some reason the urge to just bend you over and fuck you into oblivion has never been as intense as in this particular moment.

He hates the way his blood is boiling and he can't do anything but watch as you type in your instagram user name into the search bar, quickly tapping the follow button and give Siwoo his phone back while shooting him one of your prettiest smiles.

Heeseung knows he has absolutely no right to feel jealous or angry, but these past two weeks he's had to tap through your stories and listen to Jaeyun tell him all the details about your new lover, so he has absolutely no energy left to fight these thoughts and emotions.

This is what he's always wanted. For you to move on with a good guy who eats you out and takes you on cute little dates, something your new fucker has apparently been doing a lot, according to Jaeyun.

He hates his best friend for being so open about your new relationship despite his knowledge of Heeseung's feelings, but there's no point in blaming anyone but himself so all he can do is let out a loud sigh and accept his defeat.

Once Heeseung thanks the kind employee for helping him load all the bags full of hot food into the little box in the back of his car, you both say your farewells and head back to your brother's shared apartment, yet again – not a single word being exchanged throughout the whole drive.

But as you turn to the side to reach for the door handle, Heeseung doesn't immediately unlock the door itself, a loud sigh following his lack of movement.

"Why are you doing this to me, princess?"

His choice of words and way to address you, as well as his tired tone and the lack of eye contact sends a jolt of sadness through your body. You hate how much he's fighting his feelings but you have no choice but to push him if you really want him.

"What exactly am I doing – especially to you?" You spit back, sudden anger and frustration taking over the place of your sadness and with your hands balled into fists you turn your body to face the love of your life again.

"Don't act like you don't know how much watching you with other men hurts me", Heeseung growls and throws his head back against the seat's headrest, his hands tightly holding onto the steering wheel and you can't help but bite your bottom lip at the sight of his pretty, ring adorned fingers.

"Yeah, right", you reply and don't even try to hide the annoyance in your voice, "you act like I was the one who pushed you away every time. I get to do whatever I want with whoever I want to do it with."

And those words flip a switch in Heeseung's brain, mental images of your pleasure contorted face with a faceless guy between your legs, driving him absolutely insane within a few seconds. He's never felt as jealous as he does right now and he actually watched your boyfriends kiss you multiple times in the past.

The fact you're so open about your intimacy with other men has his heart skipping a few beats, all while he tries to breathe in as much air as possible, only for his lungs to fail to take it all in.

"Oh, so you're going to go and fuck some lame ass loser because you feel like it? Come on, why don't you go back and let that ugly bitch from the restaurant take you, hm? You love wasting your time after all."

You don't expect his sudden outburst and as soon as your brain processes his words, you feel heat pooling in your lowe tummy as your cunt clenches in despair. He's not being loud or aggressive, yet there's nothing but raw jealousy burning in his usually so soft eyes and you hate how much you're enjoying it.

"Maybe I'll do just that", you hiss and can barely hold back the look of surprise on your own face in response to your words.

You've never been one to openly talk to your brother or his friends about anything related to intimacy, but you've had enough of Heeseung's games.

"And what about your little boyfriend, huh? The one you post and talk about all the time? Think he's gonna like hearing you talk like this?"

At this point you have absolutely no ounce of patience left, and neither does he.

You attentively watch the way a deep shade of pink starts covering the soft skin of his cheeks, his eyes filled with anger and jealousy as he tries his best not to yell at you. And for some reason you feel relieved to see a reaction as intense as this one from the man you've been head over heels for all this time.

In a twisted way it's helped you finally get rid of all those thoughts dismissing any possible feelings of his towards you.

"There is no fucking boyfriend!" You finally raise your voice as your patience finally finds its absolute limit and with wide eyes you look at Heeseung and try to calm yourself down.

"Oh, so go ahead then! Let's see if that fucker can even last longer than a fucking minute and then you can come and brag to me about it", Seung's words are harsh and dirty, they make you feel uncomfortable yet for the first time in your life you don't even think about stepping away from a confrontation.

For a short moment you're surprised at your boldness, not used to being like this to anyone, especially someone with an aura as intimidating as Lee Heeseung.

"Maybe I'll do just that, Heeseung." You take a deep breath and roll your eyes, turning your head to hide just how much you love this side of him to avoid a sudden turn of atmosphere.

"He looks like he eats it well, too, doesn't he? Once he's done with me I'll make sure to let you know if I've finally found someone who can eat-", but yet again, you don't get to finish your sentence as Heeseung quickly reaches over to cover your mouth with his ring clad hand.

His touch isn't rough or harsh, not even firm, it's just a way of him asking you to be quiet as your words get the best of him and with big, glossy eyes you watch the way he pushes his forehead against the steering wheel and lets out a loud sigh.

He sounds defeated, tired and just done.

But you don't get to feel bad for what you said, nor does he give the time to pity him.

"Stop", he whispers and tightens his grip on his own thigh, yet not moving an inch when it comes to the one on your face, "I can't do this anymore."

You sigh and reach for his hand, gently wrapping your fingers around his and placing it in your lap before you turn to look at him.

"Why are you fighting it so much, Seungie?"

The question lingers in the air for a good minute and if it wasn't for the feeling of your skin against his, Heeseung would have stayed quiet for another thirty.

"I promised to never cross this line", he finally admits after losing the battle against himself for the nth time within a week, "I fucking promised."

Heeseung was doing so, so well hiding his feelings for you all this time, which is probably the reason why he would have never expected your close presence to make it so much harder than before.

Knowing you're this close to him physically and he still has to pretend like he's not going absolutely crazy over you is what has driven him into absolute insanity and at this point he's just exhausted.

He's had to watch you live your life without him for years, pretending he didn't care and be content with being as distant as he's always been but after realising how close the two of you could have been if it wasn't for his stupidity, he's been regretting most of the things he's done and wished he could have done it differently.

At this point he's just glad he somehow gets to stay in contact with you, talking to you becoming a privilege and treasure he could not take for granted even if he wanted to and after leaving his apartment for the fifth time within a week to make you feel as comfortable with the lack of his presence, he's simply had enough.

"Look at me, please", you whisper and patiently wait for him to meet your eyes, knowing you'll feel more comfortable and less tense if it was for that, "stop being so hard on yourself. It's breaking my heart to see you like this."

Just a few minutes ago you were yelling at him about having another man eat you out and now you're on the complete opposite side of the road. If it wasn't for the fast pace of your heartbeat, the sudden change in air would have given you a good whiplash.

"I want you", Heeseung suddenly whispers, allowing himself to indulge in the sweetness of your tone and the softness of your touch, calming his nerves in a way he's never experienced it before until you came into his life.

"I've never wanted anyone as much as I want you, princess." His confession immediately pushes you to the furthest edges of your self control and as a thick veil of tears blurs your sight, you can't help but swallow them down again. His tone is genuine and you know he's being honest, but from the way his eyes are looking everywhere but your own, you know he's about to crash every bit of hope you had manage to build up these past few days.

"I just can't break this promise, Sunghoon is my everything", yet again, you find yourself despising their bond, when everyone else in this world would probably kill to have a friendship like theirs. Neither one of them is at fault, and you know that, yet you can't stop yourself from being angry at life for putting the both of you in a situation like this one.

And as you hold Heeseung's hand, something you've been dreaming of for years, taking in the sight of his perfect face and those soft eyes you've been craving for so long, your heart finally manages to overpower your mind and before you can overthink them, you find yourself mumbling the words "and what about me? What am I to you?"

"My most precious treasure."

Heeseung doesn't miss a single beat as if he felt your question in his heart before you had the chance to voice it out to him. He's been through these questions so many times already, at this point he's sure he's got an answer ready for every single one of them.

Maybe it's the raw honesty in his voice or the actual pain in his eyes, yet as soon as you process his sweet confession, you feel the tears streaming down your cheeks, leaving a burning trail on your skin and doubling the knot in your throat in its size.

Heeseung has seen you cry before, but this time he knows he's got the chance to actually comfort you and for a minute, everything and everyone becomes irrelevant. Nobody and nothing matters as he pushes his seat back and reaches for your hand, pulling you into his lap and wrapping his arms around your body.

Neither one of you remembers the last time you two hugged each other. Both of you turning too shy and awkward once puberty had come around and yet as soon as you indulge in his embrace, the comforting feeling of familiarity overwhelms you.

"My sweet souled angel girl", Heeseung whispers and caresses your back, his heart breaking a little more with each one of your sobs, but for some reason he's glad you finally know how he feels about you.

"Why is life so unfair", you mumble against the soft skin of his neck, breathing in his calming scent because you know you won't get another opportunity like this.

"I'm sorry, Baby, I wish I could give you an answer but I'm still trying to figure it out myself. Always wondered why you had to fall for me and not one of the other boys", he sighs and pushes a strand of hair out of your face, taking it into his big hands and nudging his nose against yours.

"Life would have been so much easier for you if you fell for basically anyone else." You know he's not doing it on purpose, yet after talking to both Jake and Jungwon about it for so long, you can't help but actually hear the self destruction in his words, the conviction of his presence and place in your life being nothing but a burden to you wavering in each one of them.

"It's unfair but I wouldn't want it any other way", you quickly say and look up at him with teary eyes. You need him to understand just how much he means to you.

"You're the reason my standards have always been so high", you chuckle and nibble on your bottom lip as soon as Heeseung looks at you with surprise grazing his perfect features.

"You're so fucking cute", he sighs in response and cocks his head to the side, his eyes slowly roaming your face to land on your parted lips and for the first time this evening you regret your choice of outfit. Your skirt has already ridden up your thighs and you can feel the zipper of his jeans against your sensitive cunt, yet still afraid he might feel the growth of the wet patch in the center of your panties.

"Don't look at me like that, princess", he suddenly grunts and tries to adjust in his seat, "we can't do this."

You don't say anything. You don't even dare to move. There's something heavy lingering in the air, a sexual tension neither one of you had ever had the guts to acknowledge, yet now happened to be the reason for the lack of oxygen in your lungs.

"Then we won't do anything", you whisper and lean further into his gentle touch, loving the way his other hand is holding onto your hips with such vigor, you have to physically hold back a whimper.

"Just one kiss", Seung's voice is a mere whisper, barely audible, "and then I'm gonna let you go again."

"Just one kiss", you reply in the same way, gasping for air as his hot breath fans your sensitive skin, "and then I won't ever let go of you again."

Neither one of you dares to make the next, important move. Both just taking in the presence of the other as you lose yourself in all those hidden feelings and urges, until you've finally had enough.

Without missing another beat you lean forward and press your lips against Heeseung's, almost instantly eliciting a deep grunt from his throat before he moves even closer into your touch.

The kiss is calm and soft at first, Heeseung obviously hesitating in hopes of maintaining his composure, only for you to break every single wall he had built throughout the years with one whimper.

He's been dreaming about hearing your noises for so long, there's absolutely no way he's going to back away now that he finally got a taste.

You can feel the bulge in his jeans growing underneath the light movements of your hips as you kiss him deeper, harder, hungrier. The need to lose yourself in the sweet taste of the man you've wanted for so long finally taking over every single one of your senses and with a soft sigh your hands find home in his dark hair.

Heeseung on the other hand has lost every bit of self control and if it wasn't for the current situation you're in, he would have made his way with you in the backseat with absolutely no hesitation. He knew he wasn't going to push you away for a third time and now that he's actually wrapping his lips around your tongue, he knows he's absolutely fucked.

With each time your lips meet, his hot muscle grazing yours and exploring your mouth in ways you've been craving for way too long you lose yourself even more in the sweet haze of pleasure, subconsciously rocking your hips against his to get rid of the pressure on your cunt.

"Princess", Heeseung suddenly whispers completely out of breath, his attention remaining on you and you're surprised just how heavy the both of you are breathing, "your phone is ringing."

You forcefully swallow the last few noises of pleasure before you reach for your phone on the passenger seat, ice cold shivers running down your spine at the sight of your brother's contact picture and name on your display.

"Where the fuck are you two?" Hoon slurs, not even trying to hide the few drinks he's had since he had come home a few hours ago.

You look at Heeseung with heavy eyes and your hand on the base of his neck, biting back a whimper when he moves it a little further up to wrap around his own throat, his gaze never once leaving yours.

"We just parked the car", you say and try to sound as unaffected as possible, "two more minutes."

"Just hurry the fuck up, Yuna's going to fist fight Jaeyun if she has to listen to another one of his stupid jokes without anything in her stomach."

You chuckle nervously in response to your brother's words but can't get yourself to verbally answer him, just ending the call and slowly climbing off of Heeseung's lap and back into the passenger seat.

The air and tension in the car is filled with arousal, so heavy, you feel like there's barely any oxygen left as your head starts spinning.

"Are we going to talk about this?" You ask softly, not brave enough to lift your head and look at him, only for Heeseung to place his hand on your hand and letting out a soft hum of approval.

"Yes, Baby", he replies quickly and you stare at him with big eyes, surprised at his sudden openness, "but let's get this party over with first, yeah?"

All you can do is nod and kiss the palm of his hand on your cheek, his lips stretching into a soft, honest smile before he lets out a sigh and gets out of his car rather quickly.

As soon as you two step through the door, both Jaeyun and Jungwon are attentively watching you and with your brows furrowed in confusion you just roll your eyes and make your way past them. Neither one of them manage to get a minute with you to themselves as you help Heeseung and the girls with the food and since both of them haven't eaten in several hours, they quickly shift their attention to the more important things.

Once everyone is seated none of you bothers to even bring a toast to the birthday boy, who's currently busy drinking the little cocktail Ryujin had mixed him up and you can't help but feel glad because if anyone was sober enough, they would have felt the tension between you and Heeseung withou any difficulties.

Sitting across from each other and right next to your brother definitely doesn't contribute to it, since your gazes meet more than you would have expected but every single time Heeseung looks at you, he wipes his thumb over his bottom lip and lets his eyes fall to yours, casually letting you know of his unspoken thoughts.

By the time everyone's well fed and back to giggles and loud laughter again, you feel yourself easing up a little as well and actually manage to shift your attention away from your brother's best friend for a little longer, focusing on your girls instead. Since the three of you haven't had much time to chat the way you used to, both Ryujin and Yuna have quite a few stories to tell as you clean up the kitchen knowing the boys are busy enjoying the night in the living room. However, it doesn't take long for Wonie to join you and soon you find yourself holding your belly from how hard you've been laughing at your friends' comments.

Every now and then you catch yourself letting out a sigh of relief and gratitude, since this has been the first time in weeks you feel like you're actually living a moment instead of just making your way through a night and as much as you want to hate the reason behind it, you can't.

After about an hour of seperation, Jungwon forces the three of you to join them in the living room again and after almost brutally pushing the girls into the hallway of your brother's apartment, you're adamant to finish the rest of the dishes as quick as possible.

But as soon as your friends stumble through the door, Heeseung's eyes are nervously looking for you, yearning for your presence even worse than before and every time he looked at you after the kiss, his head has been telling him just how badly he fucked up because letting go of you and staying away seems absolutely impossible now.

He doesn't say a single word, just waits for everyone to agree on what Cartoon to watch for their drinking game and sneakily making his way out of his spot once the argument becomes more serious.

You don't even give him the chance to watch you, as his presence creeps up on you before you can even see him in your peripheral vision and quickly shoot him a soft smile.

"Is everything okay?" You ask and reach for the towel to dry the last few dishes, only for Heeseung to take them out of your grip and place them on the kitchen counter again.

With a quick glance to the door to make sure no one followed him, he reaches for your face and pulls you closer to his strong body, his hands finding home on your hips as he buried his nose in your neck and inhales your sweet scent the way you did it with his.

"We can do the rest tomorrow, princess", he whispers into your ear, tightening his grip and gently groping the soft flesh, "I want you as close to me as possible from now on."

Your thighs basically start pressing together almost automatically in response to his words, the sudden attention nothing you're used to and you genuinely hope he can't tell just how needy you are.

Of course Lee Heeseung has always read you like an open book but he's never seen you in a state of arousal, so maybe these are the first pages he still has to figure out.

"Stop doing that", he suddenly presses through gritted teeth and nudges his knee in between your thighs, "I've been trying everything in the books to get rid of my fucking boner for the past two hours and knowing you've probably ruined your panties just makes me want to bury my face in that pretty cunt and finally take what's mine."

Speechless.

There's not a single word left in your vocabulary to describe what his words have managed to erupt inside of you and for a whole minute you're convinced the whole world has come to a stop for you to actually process them.

For some reason you're not even shocked, since you always kinda knew Heeseung's got a talent when it comes to charming his way into one's heart, yet you've never actively heard him something so lewd, so forbidden that you simply don't know what to say.

Your whole body is on fire; there's not one part of your limbs not burning like someone threw you into actual flames and with wide eyes you try not to fall to your knees.

"Are you thinking about all the ways I'm going to make you cum, pretty girl? You seem so thoughtful", Heeseung chuckles and casually leans against the wall behind him, his eyes roaming your body and taking in every single one of your reactions. He's always loved the effect he's had on you, yet now it's finally time for him to take advantage of your body's sweet response to him and just the way you're looking at him through glossy eyes is enough for him to never stop.

But all of a sudden there's a light shift in your thoughts. He can tell by the way you nervously start nibbling on your bottom lip that he isn't your only focus anymore and with another quick glance to the door he places his hand on your cheek and looks at you worriedly.

"Too much, Baby? Want me to go a little easier on you?"

You quickly shake your head no, since you definitely don't want him to stop or take it easier, his pace and everything he's been doing more than just perfect and with a soft sigh you try to get rid of those stupid demons, only to realise there's no point in hiding them from Lee Heeseung.

"What's wrong then, princess?"

"I've never –", you take a deep breath and try to compose yourself, but still giving you the time you need to find the right words simce you've never actually told anyone about this, not even your closest friends.

Heeseung doesn't really know what to expect since he's stopped hoping to be any of your firsts the day he saw you get quite handsy with your first boyfriend during a friendsmas dinner back in his last year of High School, which is probably why remaining quiet and just waiting for you to talk is his best option instead of getting his hopes too high up.

It's not like he cares if you're experienced or not, nothing is going to change how much he wants you anyway.

"Nobody has ever made me cum and I don't want you to be disappointed when it doesn't work out the way you've imagined."

For some reason, you don't feel as ashamed about it with Heeseung the way you usually did when it came to your previous boyfriends and the fact you have yet to talk about the whole moment in his car from a few hours ago, yet are already discussing details like this definitely seems a little rushed.

Yet it doesn't feel like you're going too fast. There's just too much pent up frustration for the both of you to actually take it slower and you're pretty sure (and hopeful) Heeseung feels the same way.

You carefully watch his reaction and nervously fumble with the rings on your fingers, the knot in your throat growing bigger and bigger the longer it takes for him to reply to your statement. You never thought it'd come to this point with Lee Heeseung, of all people, no matter how much you've been dreaming about it, so you simply can't help but feel even more self conscious about it.

It's not like you've never had an orgasm before, you've got a fair collection of toys to do just that, after all. It's mostly about your lack of satisfaction provided by someone else, which is why you've stopped asking for basically anything after about three months into your second relationship. Most of the time you liked them enough to give them head or let them fuck your fist, yet never trusting them enough to take it to another level, which you're definitely not ready to tell Heeseung just yet.

"I'm sorry", you whisper quickly when you realise he still hasn't said anything, the guilt of ruining his fantasies overtaking you in an instant and without hesitation you try your best to compensate for your lacking, "but I wasn't expecting anything from you anyway, I promise. I could just uhm do something for you and–"

"Princess."

As soon as the petname falls past his lips in the form of a whisper you shut your mouth almost instinctively, yet never once looking away from his face. You're still too shy to meet his gaze but try to focus on his pretty lips instead.

"First of all", he sighs and pushes your chin up with two of his fingers, "don't ever apologize for something like this, do you hear me?" All you can do is nod softly, still too flustered to respond and the possibility of someone walking in on you two so close to each other like this definitely contributes to the thrumming in your throat.

"We're going to talk about this when it's not as risky but I just want you to know you could never, ever disappoint me about these things. You're everything I've ever dreamed of and nothing is going to change that, yeah?"

It's definitely the way he talks and looks at you, which easily calms down all of those anxious thoughts in your brain and for the first time in yesrs you find yourself believing someone, almost instantly falling in love with the silence in your head.

"Good girl", Heeseung mumbles, doesn't even think about it for another second only to turn around and open the fridge to prepare Sunghoon's birthday cake, knowing one of them might storm into the kitchen any minute wondering what you two have been doing for so long.

And as he looks around for the decoration bag, you can't even blink as your body tries its best to cool down from the heat those two words of praise have sent through your system.

You've always had a thing about being praised, realising it's most likely caused by your lack of attention and validation in your childhood and confirmed by your choice of romance books, but none of your romantic interests had ever cared enough to indulge in it.

You still remember your most recent boyfriend trying his best to compliment you, only to use the words "hot" and "sexy" four times in a row and making it even worse for you to the point where you had accepted your fate, yet again.

Knowing Heeseung seems more than just casual about it to the point where he doesn't realise the effects it has on you sends jolts of excitement and anticipation through your body in the best way possible.

However, just as he'd expected, Jongseong stumbles through the kitchen door with flushed cheeks and messy hair, questioning the two of you only to place a finger over his pursed lips when he spots your brother's birthday cake.

It doesn't take long for them to absolutely destroy it all, not even bothering to plate each piece but instead everyone digging into it with some kind of utensil they found on the table, Jake not even giving enough fucks to find the second chopstick to his first one.

You have no idea how much time passes as you start playing random games and everyone tells a story about Sunghoon to honor him, most of you losing it as soon as Heeseung starts to speak because he never fails to bring out the best ones.

The girls are the first ones to leave, Heeseung insisting on driving them home with the boys, despite them living in an apartment across the street. By the time he's made sure everyone got home safe it's way past midnight and to his surprise mostly everything is cleaned up, yet none of you are where you're supposed to be.

It's not until he hears your chuckles through Sunghoon's door that he lets out a sigh of relief when he realizes you're still here.

"This was the best birthday ever", your brother slurs, his words barely coherent at this point and usually you'd be a little stricter about his drinking habits, but this time you just don't have the heart to actually say anything, "you and Seung are my favorite people in this world. I'm so grateful to have you both."

For some reason you feel a sting reach your heart as you thread your fingers through Sunghoon's hair, taking in the sight of his features and reminding yourself of his importance in your life, yet not feeling guilty enough to turn your head and look at Heeseung, who's standing in the doorway, just watching the three of you, with genuine adoration.

"Shut the fuck up."

Your best friends whine quickly ruins your oscar worthy moment and with a roll of your eyes you give Jungwon a kiss on the forehead and finally make your way to where Heeseung's standing.

"I'm–"

But for the third time within a few hours, Heeseungs cuts you off by wrapping his arms around your shoulder and pulling you into his embrace, just holding you close to his chest.

"Today's been a long one, how about we leave the talking for another day, yeah? I'm here, princess", he whispers and gives you a quick kiss, afraid one of the boys might still be up, "and I promise I'm not going anywhere anymore. Now go and get comfortable in my bed, I'll take the couch."

When you bury your face in Heeseung's pillow, you can't help the big smile on your lips and your brain finally lets you relive every single moment between the two of you, even showing you the mercy of pushing every bit of guilt to the back of your brain until you can barely keep your eyes open anymore, hoping you're not the only one falling asleep with butterflies in your tummy tonight.

And if Heeseung had the heart to let you know that this is the first time in weeks he's not actually crying himself to sleep, he definitely would because he can't even remember the last time he placed his head on a pillow with a genuine smile on his lips.

For a moment he can't help but wonder how something that feels so right, could ever be so wrong, only to throw all of those thoughts out of his head before they can take away this newfound feeling of hope filling his chest.

Maybe life isn't as bad as he thought.

← 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 — 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 — 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 →

(A/N: and here it is 💀 i know you guys had quite high expectations of this and i'm sorry for deciding against a proper smut scene last minute but i feel like it wouldn't have matched the vibe 😭 thank you ao much for all the love, you guys are the best. i love you sm 🥺🧸 feedback and reblogs are always appreciated!🩷🧸)

TAGLIST CLOSED: @soonigiri @thvhannie @enhaz1 @kpoprhia @abrazosolorcereza @deobitifull @mixtape-racha @certifiedmoa @jungwon-xo @hoonieluv @enhamysunshines @jaehoonii @pussyslayerhd @ineedsomezzz @neocockthotology @heerinnie @onionzzzs @hee-pster @3amstarlight @xxxxrvexxxx @primroselover @mimikittysblog @iea-tsand @lhspeachie @xiaoderrrr @viagumi @smg-valeria @kells5595 @heeseunghee7 @xrvrqs @ddazed-lhs @heebrry @fakeuwus @dammit-jjk @ivyannemarie @thekinkpopstandsforkrackheads @s00buwu

[wonwoonlight]

Cheol secretly clearing your schedule for the week to take you on a surprise trip to Jeju 😌

IT'S THIS SEUNGCHEOL ACTUALLY

when you miss seungcheol but you're going on a trip to jeju without him

A/n: not proofread, just fluff!!! Short lol idk the wc bc i wrote it on tumblr. Thank u anon i love u for this, virtually kissing you on the mouth (with consent) for your big brain😗😗😗😗

The company has given you a month break on top of the first two weeks you were told to rest by your doctor.

Seungcheol tries to be there as much as he can, but between concert preparation and some other schedules, he can only squeeze in so much of his time between his overall schedules.

You've been recovering well, thankfully, and you’ve declared yourself too well rested that you're at the point where you're antsy and you just want to move. So you've been catching up with friends and family instead; meeting them over meals and desserts.

Obviously, Seungcheol can't come with you even though he would love to. He was going to join one of the dinner with your family, but one of his schedule got delayed for two hours so there goes his plan. Instead, he quickly sent your family a set of desserts as an apology like the good boyfriend that he is.

That said, you're on your last week of resting and you'll belatedly return to your schedule starting on Tuesday. Which you're kinda excited for because you miss your hectic schedules already, but it also kinda sucks because you've only gotten to see Seungcheol about four times for a few short hours throughout your break. It was such a good opportunity to finally spend time with him, but, then again, he has schedules to attend to and you understand.

Still, you were hoping you can finally just laze around with him even for a day.

"You're all packed?" Seungcheol asks lazily through the phone, his face filling your entire screen.

"Pretty much." You nod as you look through your luggages. "This is enough... right?

Seungcheol laughs incredulously, and you glare at him because you already know what he's going to say.

"Baby, you're--"

"--going on a three days trip, I know. But you don't know what's going to happen!"

He grins so hard his cheeks hurt, and it takes everything in him to hold back from telling you just how much he knows what's going to happen during your trip.

"Curse my cousin for asking me to go on a trip out of nowhere. She knows I'm the worst when it comes to packing. How could she ask me if I want to go to Jeju three days ago! Three!"

"But you're excited anyway, right?" He coaxes you softly, reminding you that it's been quite some time since you go on a trip that is not related to your schedule.

"I am." You admit, then drop the sundress you're going to put into the luggage (last minute because you're literally leaving to the airpory in an hour) before you take your phone and plops down the bed, looking at him through your screen. "I wish I could've gone with you, though."

"I know." He tries to sound as sad as possible, and he's thankful that you were too busy pouting to see the battle he's close to losing to fight a smile. "We'll go on a trip soon, I promise."

"Don't make promises like that." You say sternly; he knows just how much you hate promises like that, and he's learned not to say them carelessly, but of course he says that because he knows just how soon that actually is.

"I'm sorry, I just really want to go on a trip with you, too." He musters the most pitiful tone he can let out, and you roll your eyes before you tell him he's obligated to take you on a trip now that he's said it. "I will. It'll happen before you know it."

You're not playing with him anymore though, because you're suddenly hit with an overwhelming sense of loneliness even though he's here with you on the phone almost everyday. You don't want to sound clingy, because you're grateful that Seungcheol always tries to spare the time to talk to you on the phone when he could; but it's actually been a month or so since you actually spend time to be with each other and you suddenly miss him so, so dearly.

"I miss you..." Seungcheol would've missed it had he not been staring at you, and he returns the sentiment before he winces at his manager telling him they've arrived at their destination. "Go. Your schedule is waiting."

"I'll see you very soon, okay? Promise me you'll have fun in Jeju?"

"I will if you're there with me."

Seungcheol laughs, which seems to help you smile also because you've always claimed you're his number one fan when it comes to that.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do about that."

"It's fine." You brush off his words, not wanting him to feel bad about it. "I love you. Do well on your schedule today."

"Love you too." He smiles before you hang up, not forgetting to remind you to eat properly.

You don't get to be dramatic and wail about your loneliness, because it's not even three minutes later that someone knocks on your door and you open it only to have your breath knocked out of your lungs.

"Surprise!" Seungcheol grins, his arms wide open, ready to wrap into your frame. "I heard you're all ready for Jeju?"

[not-magdi]

Media Intern - Pt.1

Summary: Getting accepted at her dream job at FC Barcelona and starting a new journey that can lead her god nows where.

Warnings: None

Words: 1.3

Part 2

Deciding to study Sports Management, Y/N stood before the decision on which University she should study. Not having a single idea where she wanted to go she just sent applications to the five most attractive looking universities. These being the Universidad de Barcelona, the LUNEX University in Luxembourg, and three more in France and Austria, and England. 

After getting cancellations from three out of the five Universities she had to decide between Barcelona and England. After thinking for a long time she decided that she wanted to study in Barcelona, preferring the hot Spanish weather over the rainy English one. 

This leads her to now, after finding an apartment near campus and packing all her things to move to Spain she now is in the middle of her second semester. 

Starting to search for a roommate shortly into the first semester, after realizing that Barcelona is freaking expensive and paying for everything alone is impossible. Surprisingly just one hour after posting her offer online someone answered. 

Carmen Sanchez, 19 years old studying International Marketing. After meeting up and clicking immediately they ended up as roommates. 

Y/N was happy she was now not as alone anymore, having someone there when you come home has something comforting while living so far away from your home country. 

Now in the middle of her second semester, Y/N's desk was full of piles of books and folders, needing to study for various exams and projects she has to hand in, in the next few weeks. 

Finishing her last course of the day Y/N is about to head home as her professor stops her, "Y/N... wait a second, please." Turning around Y/N comes to a halt turning around to see her professor going up to her with a smile on his face. 

"Hello, Professor what can I do for you?" asking him as he stops in front of her fishing a little folder out of his bag. 

"Oh, nothing ... I just got this job offer from FC Barcelona, my cousin works there and sent me this. They are searching for an intern in their social media department. She sent it to me asking if one of my students would maybe be interested, and I thought of you." 

Handing her the folder she opens it, seeing the details of the offer. She once told him that she searches for a job as affording school supplies is really expensive and her savings are slowly coming to an end. 

"Thank you professor ... I will definitely look into it. " Y/N told him and put the folder into her bag trying not to freak out. 

"Please do that ... I think something like this would really fit you and benefit your studies. That's all, I just wanted to give you the folder. Hope you have a nice evening ... bye Y/N" waving him goodbye, Y/N continued her way home, the offer from Barcelona the only thing on her mind.

Football has always been a passion of Y/N, starting to watch it with her dad every Sunday and loving it just as much as him. 

Y/N always admired the reporters who got to travel around the world and getting to comment on the sport they love. Wanting to be just like them, Y/N worked her ass off to be able to study Sports Management and now getting this offer, Y/N was over the moon. 

Opening the front door she searched for Carmen to tell her the news, "Carmen where are you ... you can never guess what Professor Cruz just gave me !" Running into their living room she spots Carmen on the couch with her laptop on her lap. 

"What did he give you?", looking up from her laptop she chuckles at Y/N's excited behavior.

Jumping beside Carmen on the couch she pulls the folder out of her bag showing it to her. "Look ... it's a job offer from THE FUCKING FC BARCELONA!" Y/N tells Carmen squealing the last part.

"OMG really ... that's so cool. Please tell me you already sent something to them." 

Y/N looks at her, "No ... he gave me that thing thirty minutes ago, should I have done it while walking home?" Raising an eyebrow at Carmen she continues. "I wanted to do it now but I have no clue what I should write them, I think 'Hey I'm Y/N, I love football I have no clue what I should do at your club, and would really like the job' won't bring me in" 

"See this is why you have me ... you didnt even read the folder because if you would have read it, you would have seen that they gave you an exact list of what they want to know about you" 

Giving her the paper, Carmen closes the project she has been working on her laptop and opens an empty Word document. 

"They want my Instagram name too?" looking surprised Y/N looks at Carmen, "Why would they want that?" 

"They want to see what you post and if you could damage the image of the Club ... we had that last week in one of my courses. That's something many companies now do, most of the time big and famous companies, like FC Barcelona. These days something like that is mandatory." Carmen tells her. 

"Wow, that's kind of scary" speaks Y/N as she turns the page around.

"Yeah it kind of is ... but now let's go to work, let's start with your CV" Carmen takes the folder and looks at what the first thing on the list is. "They want to know what my work experience is ..."

It took them solid three hours and five Red Bulls but they're done. Before them now lays a complete CV with as many details as they could put into it, a Photo of Y/N, and a recommendation from Professor Cruz, ready to be sent. 

"You ready?" Carmen looks at Y/N, who holds her trembling finger over the sent button. 

"Y-yes ... I think so?", taking a deep breath she presses the send button and closes her eyes. 

Your application was successfully sent. 

"Omg ... I can't believe I just did that ... I think I need a beer", chuckling Carmen looks at her and adds, "Please bring me one too ... they have no choice but to accept you with that bomb CV we just wrote." 

Laughing Y/N stands up and goes to the kitchen to grab them a beer, they sat on the couch cuddled together watching TV until they both fell asleep. 

Y/N hasn't heard anything from them for several days, she slowly started to think she didn't get the job, so she tried to ignore it as best as possible, distracting herself with coursework and projects.

Currently walking home after having to do the shopping today Y/N felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. Pulling it out her mouth fell open, they replied they really replied! Wanting to open it together with Carmen she started to walk home as fast as she could but was too impatient in the end. Opening the Email in the hallway of her apartment building. 

Dear Y/N Y/L/N,

We are happy to inform you that we choose you as our new Intern at th-

She got it, she really got the job!

Y/N read the mail over and over again, she started to believe it after the about sixteenth time. Running to her apartment as fast as she could, only tripping once she kicked the door open and shouting at Carmen. 

"I got the job! Carmen, they said yes ... I'm going to work at THE FC BARCELONA!"

[rafesslxt]

🐰 secret bunny⎥ rafe cameron

part 1 ⎥"welcome back"

「 ✦ 𝐇𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞.✦ 」

summary: Scarlett, JJ's cousin comes to visit him after 4 years, surprising everyone. But even than, what would be a day on obx without a fight between the Pogues and Kooks?

word count : 2436

warning: memory of losing someone, death, shooting,JJ pulling out his gun, English is not my first language

JJ's POV:

"So when did you want tell us that you - or should I say we - get a guest over the summer?" I shrugged my shoulders. "John B knew it." "Wow, so a complete stranger spends the whole summer with us and you don't think it's necessary to tell us?" Kie raised her eyebrows in a huff and pierced me with her gaze.

I looked at my watch and got up. " Yes, and I have to go now. By the way, you know her. It's my cousin Scarlett and I didn't tell you so you wouldn't make such a big fuss like last time until she felt uncomfortable."

"What? Scar is visiting us? Today?" Pope almost screamed. "See! That's exactly why I did not tell you!" " When was the last time she was in outer banks?", Kie asked. " I don't know, I think 4 years ago?" "I hope she hasn't changed and is still as cool as she used to be."

I left the house and took John B's Van to get Scar from the ship she came on.

Scar's POV:

It had been a long time since I've been here and yet the air smelled exactly as I remembered it. I had missed the warm weather and the nice people, but the older I got, the more and more responsibilities I had at home. Besides college, I helped my parents with the marketing of their company. They were markers in New York and I supported them with their website and Instagram profiles. In addition, I would occasionally take photos of the houses for sale.

As much as I loved helping my parents, I was glad to have a break from everything and finally visit my cousin JJ. I missed him from time to time, but we never had much contact when I wasn't here. As soon as I arrived, however, we were inseparable as children. Talk about the devil.

"Scarlett!"JJ yelled, who just got out of a van. "JJ!" I smiled and jumped into his arms. "How's my favorite cousin huh?" I laughed and hugged him tightly before letting him go. "Good, I'm your only one." I took a closer look at him now that he was standing in front of me.

He had grown a lot, his face looked the same as it did 4 years ago, just a little more mature. He looked more athletic and his style hadn't changed much either. He still looked like a typical surfer boy from the movies. The girls here had to kiss his feet.

JJ took my luggage and put it in the back of the van. "I'm surprised you didn't come on your bike." I knew he loved to ride his bike and I wouldn't have been surprised if he'd come on it instead of the van.

"We'll ride it soon enough," he winked at me and got into the van. " So? Go on, tell me. How are you little one?"

During the car ride, JJ told me everything that had happened in the last few years. His life hadn't really changed and his circle of friends was still the same as 4 years ago. I told him everything about home, how my family was and what I had been doing for the last few years.

We arrived at a small hut where John B lived, as far as I could remember. Excited, I got out of the car and helped JJ unpack my luggage before we brought everything inside. "This is where you're going to live for the next 6 weeks."

We went out onto the terrace where the rest of the Pogues were sitting. " Oh my god, hey." I felt myself getting a little emotional seeing everyone again after such a long time. "Scar!" John B was the first to ask how I was and hugged me tightly. Then I hugged Pope and after him Kiara. "Kiara. I'm surprised to see you here. Are you a Pogue now too?" I smiled and pointed at the others. Kiara was always better off with the Pogues than with the Kooks. Who on the island cared more about the turtles than her?

" I needed a change of scenery from all the glamor." she shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and smiled back. But as quickly as her smile appeared, it disappeared again when I asked my next question. "Do you know where Sarah is today? I wanted to meet her when I've settled in. Why don't you come with me if you want?" She just shook her head. "You know, Kiara and Sarah aren't really friends anymore. There was this thing..." Pope began. "This thing, exactly. That she's a bitch, you mean?" She looked annoyed at Pope.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know that." Sarah had never mentioned anything. Back in the days, we spent almost every day together. Kiara, Sarah and me. I wondered what could have led them to no longer being friends. " But have fun with her anyway. Hopefully you'll see as quickly as I did that she's a snake."

"There's a party at the beach tonight, you'll definitely meet her there," JJ assured me. I exhaled deeply. I was beginning to get the feeling that a lot had changed in the time I had been away.

In the evening

I went to take a shower and changed into some new clothes as I was already sweaty from the warm weather and the trip here. "Hey John B, thanks again for letting me stay here with you. " I knew that his father had been gone for a long time now and probably couldn't imagine how hard that must be for him. " No problem, JJ's family is my family too. Well, except for your uncle. " My uncle was the reason I spent my time in the Outer Banks at John B's. My parents and JJ didn't want me to sleep over there because they knew what Luke was like. Besides, JJ assured me that he slept at John B's most of the time anyway.

I chatted with John B for a while until the Pogues arrived. Together we went down to the beach where I met many familiar faces again. Including Sarah's. "JJ I'll be right back." Before he could answer, I ran to Sarah. "Sarah?" A wide smile appeared on my lips as she turned around. " Scarlett!" I probably heard my name for the 1000th time today. Happy that she was as exited as I was, I hugged her tightly and closed my eyes. "Oh my God, I've missed you so much!" she murmured into my shoulder as she returned my hug.

"Look at you! You're even more beautiful than last time!" she said, making me spin around. "What about you! The boys here must all be after you, right?" Embarrassed, she looked down at the floor and something clicked in my head. "Don't tell me! Do you have a boyfriend?" " Yes, his name is Topper. He's over there with his friends." I looked in the direction she was pointing. A boy named Kelce was standing next to Topper with another guy. I couldn't tell who the third one was because he had his back to us.

Sarah waved Topper over and he followed her hand like a puppy until he stood next to us.

"Topper, this is my friend Scarlett. Scarlett, this is my boyfriend Topper." she introduced us. " Ah, Scarlett. Sarah has talked a lot about you, especially the last few days." "Scar is enough and I'm pleased to meet you. " I shook his hand. I wish I could have returned his words, but Sarah hadn't said a word about him, which surprised me a little.

Rafe's POV:

"Where is he going?" Kelce asked me. "What? Who?" I followed Kelce's gaze. Topper ran to my sister who waved him over. I wasn't really surprised at that. She had him wrapped around her little finger since day 1. What did surprise me was who was standing next to my sister. "Who's that girl next to Sarah?" I asked Kelce. "I think that's Scarlett. Topper had mentioned something about Sarah being happy because she was coming to Outer Banks today. " He shrugged his shoulders and continued. " You know I hardly listen to him when he talks about Sarah."

My eyebrows drew together. Scarlett? Why did her name sound so familiar? Kelce seemed to have noticed my look " Man, that's Scarlett! She used to play with Sarah and Kiara. It's been years since she was here. "

Suddenly I could remember her. Scar. Kelce was right. She used to play with Sarah and Kiara at our house.

I took a closer look. Her long blonde hair fell in waves over her shoulders. I could already see her curves from here. Damn, she's grown up. I licked my lips and took a few steps closer. "Watch out before something flies into your mouth." Kelce laughed loudly. I closed my mouth and punched him lightly in the ribs. "Shut the fuck up."

Scar's POV:

"I'm throwing a costume party at my house tomorrow. My dad and Rose are going to the Bahamas for the weekend. Why don't you come over if you want? Then I can introduce you to the rest of us.", Sarah suggested. "That sounds great. Is there a theme? Or a dress code?" I asked to make sure. "No. You can come as whatever you want." That meant I would definitely have to go shopping tomorrow.

We chatted a bit more with Topper when JJ and John B joined us. "Hey Sarah! Can I interest you in a tasty Milwaukee beverage?" JJ offered Sarah. Sarah looked at the beer and then at JJ " No, but thanks." " Oh sorry. Is it not fancy enough for you?" A little irritated, I looked at my cousin. "JJ, she doesn't want anything." Sarah smiled at me and said " No, we were just leaving."

Now I was even more puzzled. We had been talking normally. Why were they just leaving? The atmosphere quickly became tense. I wondered if Sarah already knew what was going to happen.

"Hey, you know what? I'll take it." Topper said and reached for the red cup, but JJ pulled his hand away.

"If you said pretty please, maybe. But you didn't." " Oh really pretty please? Pretty please?" " So Sarah, you can have it." JJ tried to give his cup to Sarah again but Topper interrupted him by tipping the cup into JJ's face. "She doesn't want it, you dick!"

JJ tried to reach for Topper but John B intervened." Hey JJ. Come on he's not worth it man." He pushed him back more while I ran to JJ's side. "JJ what was that about? What's your problem with each other?" Before I could get an answer Topper shouted "Dirty Pogues!"

John B let go of JJ, stormed towards Topper and pushed him back. It only took a few seconds for them to start punching each other. John B fell into the water and turned around. "Hey John B, don't make me drown you like your old man, all right?" John B got up and rammed Sarah's boyfriend to the ground.

Slowly everyone gathered around and shouted: "Fight!Fight!Fight!"

"John B! Stop it!" I screamed, as did Sarah next to me. Kie joined in and yelled "Guy's stop it!" JJ and Pope cheered their friend on as he slammed his fist into Topper's face. "Stop cheering him on! Stop it you idiots!" I screamed into their faces.

They continued to fight and it didn't seem to stop until Topper got the upper hand and threw John B into the water and pushed his face under the surface. My stomach turned at the sight. Why didn't anyone intervene?

Sarah screamed Topper's name in vain. " JJ do something! He's drowning your best friend!" I wiped my face in panic. This was not how I had imagined my first day in Outer Banks. Suddenly JJ came up behind me and ran straight towards them. Just as the weight on my heart dropped, my eyes caught sight of something sparkling silver in JJ's hand.

He held a gun against Topper's head. "Yeah, you know what that is." Everyone started running away when they saw what JJ was holding against Topper's head. "JJ! Put the gun down." Sarah tried to speak calmly to him and took a few steps towards them. " Did you say something, princess?" " We're good! We're good! All right? Come on, man!"

" Kie! Can you check your psycho friend please?" Sarah called out to Kiara. My eyebrows drew together at her statement.

"Okay everyone, listen up! Get the hell off our side of the island!" JJ screamed and shot into the air. My whole body flinched at the sound.

"Aaron! Can you hear me! Please say something!" I shook his body as hard as I could but got no response. "Please please get up! We have to get out of here!" Tears were streaming down my cheeks and snot was coming out of my nose. "Scar, I love you. Tell mom and dad I love them too okay? Please. " " No! No! Get up come on! Please someone help us!" I screamed but no one came. Everyone ran like crazy through the streets and tried to hide.

" Scarlett! Are you okay?" Kiara brought me out of my thoughts when she touched me on the shoulder. I jumped and looked at her. "Scarlett, you're crying." She pointed at my face, which I wiped with my sleeve seconds later. I nodded and ran over to JJ.

Pope yelled at him and pushed him. "Are you crazy? What have you done you idiot!" "What did I do? I saved him!" They continued to argue until Kiara intervened. " Hey! That's enough guys!" JJ looked at us. I saw him look at me and recognize my red eyes. " Shit, Scar. I'm sorry, I- " " Can we please just go? Everyone's gone home anyway.", I said and went to John B who was still in the water. I helped him up and handed him to Pope.

After we had gathered all of our things, we walked to John B's hut. I changed straight away and layed down. Kiara and JJ stayed here too. Pope went home because otherwise he would be killed by his dad if he didn't show up. I had a hard time falling asleep that night with my hand around my pendant that was hanging from my necklace. Hopefully tomorrow would be a better day.

—

Let me know what you think 🫶🏻

part 2

Secret Bunny Masterlist

xoxo sarah

[izpira-se-zlato]

Bootleg Hojan Merch

I know Nace shared part of the story in an interview a couple days ago, but I was planning on doing a write-up before I knew that, so here you go 😂 Also contains the continuation of the saga in Finland :D

Putting this under a cut because it's gonna be a bit of a read (plus a few more pictures). Yeah, I hope no one here is surprised that I suck at keeping things short 😂

So I have done a fair bit of clownery this year, and the most recent bit (before the shirt project) was attending two of the Polish gigs, Wrocław and Poznań.

I was wearing my Cha Cha Cha shirt to the Poznań gig, and when taking pictures with Bojan and Nace after the show, I opened my jacket so the shirt was visible. When stepping back after the pic, Nace spied the shirt and was kinda excited about seeing Käärijä merch – though he prefers the Häärijä merch, as he told us, because he's a "big fan" (his words, not mine).

So back at the hotel, I told @braveheart1418, "God, I'm so tempted to try to procure an actual Häärijä shirt. Tell me that's a stupid idea." Of course she did no such thing and so we looked into how much it would cost (too much) and how long it would take (too long), and so I was like, "bummer. And I'm not comfortable making bootleg official merch. Although, omg – it would be hilarious of we did Hojan merch!"

And the longer I thought about it, the more I fell in love with the idea. Again, I told friends, "tell me that would be a stupid idea," and again, they were filthy enablers, and so I started looking into the matter semi-seriously once I was back home (that was Wednesday the 22nd, so almost exactly a week before I left on a business trip leading into a stay at my parents' place leading into the gig).

The first thought was to get a big HOJAN in the Häärijä lettering on foil to iron onto a black shirt, though @braveheart1418 had commented that the design with a picture Häärijä on is much more memorable. That was a very valid point, except that there were no Hojan pics in suitable resolution that were in the right pose.

Thus, things I needed to solve:

get a plotter to cut out "Hojan" for the chest -> my mom said my cousin had a friend with a plotter. Contact was established

get a picture similar to the official merch of Hojan -> I reached out to Dean, who was absolutely lovely and set me up with a picture I could use

clip Hojan from the picture -> I had @submariini as well as another dear friend help me there because they are both much better at photoshop than me and were kind enough to offer their help, and decided to add the yellow border because the best picture Dean had sent me was black & white

get transfer paper -> easy: amazon (loathe as I am to use it)

find a copy shop to print Hojan for me -> tricky bc I got Inkjet-Printer transfer paper and most copy shops have laserjets, if they allow using your own paper at all -> I got laserjet transfer paper and once again had my cousin come to the rescue and helped me print it :D

find t-shirts in the right sizes -> I solved this by eyeballing and taking pics of my dad in the various sizes to check with @submariini. While nerve-wrecking, I am astonished just how well the sizing worked out in the end!

Despite the limited time (limited further by me getting sick Monday/Tuesday before my business trip), it all came together beautifully: I did a test-print Friday evening and picked up the foil cuts, went shirt shopping with my parents on Saturday (shout out to them for letting their adult kid drag them through three different clothes stores and especially to my dad for gamely trying on half a dozen shirts and waiting while I yelled at ed about which to take 😂), finished the test shirt (mine) that evening and adjusted the colours on the outline to be closer to the foil, printed three more copies of Hojan Sunday morning, and got them ready just in time for leaving for the gig!

Which was yet again nerve-wrecking because of the unprecedented amounts of snow happening in Bavaria, but it stood no chance against our determination!

Unfortunately, the snow situation meant that JO couldn't come out after the show, so I passed the shirt to Nace during it and received a pick in return, which made me bluescreen as I hadn't expected an exchange 😂 He put the shirt down without having looked at it, which was a bit unfortunate because I would have loved to have seen his reaction, but it was still a pretty cool moment.

They did get a lot of gifts this close to St. Nikolaus (which is also celebrated in Germany, or at least was in my youth), most of which they left on the stage for the crew to gather up, so I bluescreened even worse when Nace bee-lined over to me as they came back on stage for the SSOL-encore to thank me again for the shirt – others told me later he'd taken it backstage after Carpe Diem with him, which I'd missed 😅

After the show, I met @mogoce-nocoj and ended up talking to her for quite a while outside the venue because neither of us wanted to split off into different directions, and so it wasn't until we were on our way back to @braveheart1418's hotel room (finally accepting that we wouldn't manage to say goodbye quite so soon and might as well talk somewhere warm 😅) that I saw that Bojan had posted the story to his Instagram 😂. Let me just say that it was very fortunate we were still out-doors and not near normal flats, because I don't think I was quiet when I saw 😂

I actually ended up making four shirts including my trial one – one for Nace, one for Häärijä himself because it felt fitting, and one for @submariini because he's such a Häärijä fan :D

The latter two, I took with me to Rovaniemi (which was ed's fault, because (and I quote), "come to Rollo! It'll be fun!"), where a bunch of friends and I met up for a birthday party slash Käärijä gig (over 20 clowns in one place, it was amazing, 10/10 would do again (genuinely)). The weather and means of transport tried to keep us apart (train strikes and ice rains on my end, though I still had better luck than Joker Out), but we actually all made it and by now all made it back again, too :D

As I mentioned in a different post, I actually managed to hand over the shirt to Häärijä before the gig, and he told me he would wear it on stage, which he did! I also got a picture with him, ed, and me all in our shirts, which was also pretty great :D

So, yeah! The Process™ of project 1.

Thank you so so much to everyone who helped and encouraged me along the way -- my parents and my cousin, the gift to our fandom that is Dean Grainger (none of whom will hopefully ever read this specific post), @braveheart1418, @submariini, @alephai, my dearest friend K who's been an enabler for so so many shenanigans, and xia!bf for bearing with my insanity (both where the shirts are concerned and the general Käärijä/JO brainrot) and helping me make this project a reality 💛

[jxfndm]

JEREMIAH FISHER ONE SHOT - READER x JEREMIAH FISHER

"i’ll keep you safe"

CONTENT - FLUFF, SOME ANGST

WARNINGS - PLEASE DO NOT READ IF THE FOLLOWING TOPICS AFFECT YOU <3 | self harm, mental health, mature descriptions/cussing

description - it’s another summer in cousins, youre about to indulge in your favorite fisher, except you’re feeling lost and tired. your anxiety is high, the depression has come back, and you’re just not up to it like you normally are. sweet boy jere might just be your one true escape from reality <3

JEREMIAH FISHER

I waited out on the porch for Y/N and the Conklin family to arrive. Y/N was Belly’s best friend, but was here every summer for the past 7 years without fail. She quickly became my best friend too. This was my favorite time of the year, and even more so this year because me and Y/N have been talking for the past few months. This summer, I was determined to ask her out, I wanted her to be mine.

Con stepped out and joined me, a smile plastered wide on his face, but his focus on his phone. I coughed, resulting in Con looking up at me.

"Belly texting you?" I questioned. He grinned, that was a yes. "I could tell."

"I’m just excited to see her, it’s been like a month." Connie said, a smile tugging at his lips with every word he said. "Better than me and Y/N, I haven’t seen her since New Year’s." I stated. Conrad just looked at me and shrugged.

"Well, maybe if you tell her how you feel.." Conrad started. I sighed and nodded. "I will, don’t worry." I said.

Conrad went back to his phone, we ended up sitting out on the stairs of the porch, waiting for their arrival. 15 minutes later, a familiar car had pulled up to the driveway.

"They’re here! Oh boys, there you guys are. Let’s greet them!" mom exclaimed, running past us. Me and Con exchanged grins as we watched the car unload with our favorite people. Connie went straight to Belly, while I high-fived Steven, catching up with his most recent mishaps.

"Dude, this summer is gonna be dope! Especially when my girl, Taylor, comes down for Belly’s birthday!" Steven stated excitedly, a smile was plastered all over his face. I nodded back in response, I had forgotten all about Tay and Steven. "Well man, it’s good to have you here. We should go out tonight, all of us." I suggested, earning a smirky approval from Steven.

While Steven was talking, I couldn’t help but notice Y/N clung to Laurel. That wasn’t normal, usually she would’ve saved me from Steven’s annoyance by now.

"Hey man, let me unpack real quick. I’ll catch you up on what’s been the move!" Steven yelled, lugging his suitcases into the house. I grinned at him, focusing my attention back on Y/N, who was not by Laurel’s side anymore. I was confused, where had she gone?

I jogged over to my mom and Laur, earning a wide smile from Laurel, cueing me to embrace her. "Jere! Look at how much you’ve grown! Ready to go off to college?" Laurel asked, a smile painted on her face the entire time. I smiled back, "Yup, dorming and everything." I responded. Laurel nodded, exchanging proud grins with my mom. I looked around, still no Y/N.

I was desperate to find her at this point, this just wasn’t like her to not mingle amongst us all.

"Hey, uh Laur, where did Y/N go? I saw her with you a few minutes ago, but now I can’t seem to find her. She didn’t even say hi." I said lowly, Laurel’s smile quickly fading.

That didn’t seem good.

"I’m sorry Jere, she’s just not feeling good right now. Her mom and Belly mentioned she hasn’t felt good the past few weeks. I wish I had more answers for you, but you’re her best friend. Maybe you can turn things around for her." Laurel explained. I was a little confused, was she sick? A small feeling of concern took over me. "She told me she was going to unpack, I’m sure she’s in her room somewhere. Don’t worry sweetheart, everything will be okay." my mom said, squeezing my arm with a small smile.

"Thanks, I’ll follow up with her." I said, giving them both hugs as I trailed off into the house. Everyone was occupied, I was focused on getting to Y/N as soon as I could.

Y/N

As I headed off from Laur and Susannah, I couldn’t help but feel all those emotions at once again. I wanted to cry, I wanted to ignore everyone and everything. The happiest part of the year felt so solemn to me, everything about my life felt so stagnant right now.

The past few weeks, my anxiety and depression have been terrible. I had yet to tell anyone why, even Belly, my bestest friend since the 4th grade. I couldn’t even look at Jeremiah, the boy I really really liked, my best friend.

I felt like the world was swallowing me every time I took a step. Getting to my room felt like a mission, but as soon as I shut the door, I broke into a million pieces.

Useless. A waste of space. You’ll never amount to anything.

The thoughts in my head kept running, my vision was blurred by the amount of tears I’d been shedding.

I knew how to silence them. A year ago, I would’ve said that this could never help anyone going through things, but here I was reaching for the small blade I kept tucked in my bag.

I stood up, facing my figure in the mirror. I had looked weak, all the nights I couldn’t sleep and the meals I was pushing away was showing as clear as day now. I fell to my knees sobbing, pulling up the sleeve of my sweater, taking in all the marks of my emotions. I sobbed so much, I wasn’t aware someone was with me.

JEREMIAH FISHER

As I approached her room, I heard light sobbing. My heart broke at the sound, and confusion rushed through my head. What the fuck was going on? I slowly opened the door to Y/N’s room, horrified at the sight I was seeing.

She was huddled over in front of her mirror, a blade small, but evident, in her right hand. Her left arm was scarred. Her sobs were consistent, the pain evident in each and every one of her cries.

I didn’t know whether to feel upset with any asshole who could’ve hurt our Y/N or sad at the idea that Y/N had been struggling in silence. I didn’t know any of this was going on, because every time we talked, she was nothing but happy and positive.

As soon as I saw her, I rushed over, grabbing the blade from her and kneeling down to her level. I pulled her into my chest quickly, rubbing the smalls of her back, embracing the scent of vanilla and flowers emitting from her hair.

I could tell she wasn’t aware of my presence prior, seeing she was just sobbing, hard now. Her body trembled in my arms, I was doing everything I could to get her to stop, but I knew she was feeling more than I’d probably ever be able to comprehend right now.

All I cared about, was her. Every cry broke me, and made me wonder why I hadn’t known. She was in pain and I didn’t know. Had I known, maybe there wouldn’t have been as many scars, maybe she wouldn’t feel so much right now. A million things were running through my head, but I just wanted to be there for her. I didn’t want her out of my sight, I wanted her in my arms, for as long as she needed.

"Y/N, shh. It’s Jeremiah. Calm down, what’s going on?" I cooed, carefully brushing away pieces of her hair, revealing her tear-stained face.

"I-it h-h-hurts." she choked, coughing as her sobs continued.

"What hurts? Y/N please talk to me. I’m right here, I promise I won’t leave your side. Please, just tell me what’s going on. I want to help you." I pleaded, desperate to know what could be hurting her so bad.

As soon as I knew who had done this to her, I was gonna beat their ass and ensure they wouldn’t have the privilege of seeing her ever again."

"Fuck, everything. E-everything fucking hurts Jere." she coughed out. I sat there silently, my full attention on her. "I was finally happy, I felt so good, so a-at peace. T-then I started comparing myself, to everyone. All the girls at school, all my friends, e-even the girls you’ve ever been with. A-and I fell so bad, I fell down a bad hole, of depression and anxiety. It-it’s been so bad, and the only thing that takes the p-pain away is cutting. I just-"

I slammed my lips on hers. I wanted to so badly take away the pain she was feeling. I wanted her to know that nobody, anyone in the world, could take away how special she was. To me, she was beyond everything I could ever want.

I didn’t expect her to kiss back, partly because I had caught her off guard, but she kissed back, hard.

The kiss was filled with passion, almost like a need from both of us. Our lips moved in perfect sync, the intensity rising between us both.

Her hands found ways to my chest, feeling my skin underneath my shirt. Calmly, without shaking, her hands made their way to my torso. My hands trailed down to her waist, softly grabbing her.

After a few moments, we finally pulled apart. We were breathing heavily, but her eyes looked at me pleadingly.

"Y/N, listen to me," I started, still rubbing her sides. "You are amazing, beautiful, everything I could ever fucking want. You mean everything to me, and nothing could ever change that. I know you’re hurting, but fuck, I love you so much that I will be here anytime you break down. I’ll hold you and remind you of what you mean to me. Please, I need you here, with me. Nobody else in this world could ever be you, I’m fucking crazy about you. I’ll keep you safe, that’s my promise."

A single tear dropped from her eye, but soon enough, a smile appeared on her face. Her eyes beamed with light, true light.

"I love you too, Jere. I want you, all the time. Please stay." she begged. A smirk pulled on my lips. I planted one soft kiss on her forehead.

"I’m here, baby. Don’t worry anymore." I said, nuzzling into her neck, letting her play with my hair and soak up my embrace. We stayed like that for a few moments, till she insisted taking a nap, in which I got under the covers and held her closely.

No matter how long she would need to heal for, I’d be here for every step.

~

a/n - first jere one-shot lol, s3 im ready for youuuuuu! im a team jere girly, but at the end of the day, i love the books, the show, the cast, all of it. hope you enjoyed! <3

[islandtarochips]

A Wedding Date

Arthur’s Note: Just wanna show of how Gaz and Tiala ended up dating. And these events take place back in 2022! So enjoy! Pairing: Kyle “Gaz” Garrick x Tiala “Shark” Toa (OC) Word Count: 5.3k words

Summary: After a few months the events happen from Las Almas. Tiala’s mother had called her, while being with her team and the 141, about her brother’s wedding that was coming up. And she is expecting her daughter to bring a PARTNER. Will Tiala ever find a man who is willing to come with her for her brother’s wedding? Or will she just get over there by herself?

“La’u pele, fa’amolemole. Bring a MAN to your brother’s wedding. Most of your cousins have their boyfriends coming over.” The woman on the phone, who was video chatting, was looking at Tiala very desperately.

The daughter sighed, listening to her mother’s pleading. “Mama. I already told you. I don’t have ANY men that I’m interested in right now. And also, most of them are work friends.”

“Ona tuu atu lea o i latou e o mai! Just let them PRETEND to be your boyfriend!”

“Mamaaaaaa. I’m NOT gonna lie to our family that they are my “boyfriend”. Are you really that desperate to show off with them?”

The mother scoffed at her complaining as she pointed at her through the screen. “Vaai lou gutu. I’m NOT showing off. I just…”

Tiala saw her being silenced for a bit. “Mama?”

She sighed softly before showing her sad expression. “I just…want you to have SOMEONE to go with you. I know things have been difficult for you when it comes to trusting a man. But I don’t want you to come alone to the wedding.”

Tiala rolled her eyes at that sentence as she continued to listen to her mother.

“You can’t just be alone for the rest of your LIFE. I’m not getting any younger here!” She looked at her daughter’s brown eyes through the screen. As she gave her a soft smile. “I’ve been PRAYING for you to have someone who will treat you well. Ma o loʻu manaʻoga mulimuli lena. To see all of my children growing up, go on dates, get MARRIED and have their own family in the future.”

The daughter looked at her mother with deep thoughts before looking away. Of course, she does have problems trusting men when it comes to relationships. That is because her LAST relationship didn’t end well when he was trying to get what he wanted from her. Even though she didn’t want to. 

And also, from what happened from that mission she went to. That gives her a loss of hope of having a relationship with ANY men. Afraid that they might use her again or worse, HURT her.

But seeing that her mother wanted her to open up for a relationship again. Made her feel hesitated. She knows that she wants what’s best for her. And she doesn’t want her to be alone all of her life as well.

But…she can’t. She’s just too afraid to accept a man’s heart into hers.

Her mother took notice of the daughter’s silence and how she looked away from the screen. She got the hints and took a deep breath. “Fa’amalie atu, Tia…I didn’t mean to rush you.”

Tiala looked at her and saw her mother with an apologetic expression.

“If you wish to come alone then you can. I only wanted you to bring someone so you don’t have to be lonely during the party.”

“I won’t be since our family is going to be there.”

“I know…I know…”

Tiala saw how her mother was saddened that showed upon her face. Which caught her with guilt in her heart. She closed her eyes tightly before breathing out through her nose. “O le a ou aumaia se tasi ma aʻu i le faaipoipoga…”

Then she saw her mother perked up with a smile just a little. As her eyes sparked up with little hope.

“Are you sure?”

Tiala nodded. “Yes, mama. I’m sure. I’ll bring him in. As a FRIEND.”

Her mother had shown her brightful smile as she’s excited to hear this. “Alright then! Just remember that your brother’s wedding is NEXT month!”

“Next month. Got it.”

“And Tiala?”

“Yes mom?”

“Oute alofa ia oe.”

Her smile started to show at her mother’s words. “Oute alofa fo'i ia oe, mama.”

That was TWO weeks ago the last time she had spoken to her mother about her brother’s wedding. And she STILL hasn't found any man to be her guest partner. She only has ONE more week before leaving the base.

Tiala is in the base where Task Force 141 is at. Her and the rest of the WTF were assisting them for one of the missions that involved illegal weapon shipment. And they JUST got back from it. A well done mission accomplished though.

She kept looking at her phone while walking through the base. Seeing the text from her mom that she received two days ago. Reminding her to find a partner. It really frustrated her.

HOW is it so hard to find a MAN to go out with? Just for one day of a wedding. Well, it has been a long time since she asked someone out.

She doesn’t want to disappoint her dear mother. Imagining that look on her face once she comes to the most important events. 

ALONE. 

So she has to find someone fast before next week.

While walking through the 141’s base. She took a look at the other soldiers to see who will be good enough for her to take for the wedding.

Most of them are looking okay. But she doesn’t even KNOW them that well. So she decided to check with the MAIN members of this task force. Someone that she knows.

She went to the designated area. Just to see Nikolai fixing his helicopter along with Aelan assisting him. She saw the two having a nice chat as they smiled at each other. And once she saw Nikolai, she started to ponder a bit.

“Nah. Nik is too old for me.” Tiala said with a small cringey look on her face before continuing walking. Towards where the vehicles are at. And that’s when she saw Price was talking with Kanoa and looking behind the two Captains. She saw Soap, Agnes and Nigel were doing something that she has a feeling that it’s not good. That’s when she saw a small explosion in the middle between the three.

“Bloody hell- SOAP! BLAST! QUIT MAKING THAT RACKET!” Price yelled at the two Sergeants.

“Ehehe…sorry sir.” An awkward smile had shown onto Soap’s face when his Captain had scolded him.

“Blast. We talked about this.” Kanoa said while crossing his arms as he looked at the female soldier with a small smile. He’s not using his scolding tone in his words but like a ‘don’t do it again’ kind of tone.

“Sorry Cap…” Agnes made the same expression as Soap before the two started to clean up. Along with Nigel helping them out.

Meanwhile, Tiala was looking at the Captain and Soap as she thought about taking one of them. “Hmm. No. Price is also old and Soap is too annoying to handle.” She sighed as she continued her search. She started to walk back to the base before heading to the mess hall.

And that’s when she saw Ghost and Gaz were at the table, talking. She was just standing at the entrance to examine them a bit. Her gaze started to land on Ghost as if she was trying to read him a bit.

Of course, she’s not gonna take HIM. For the two of them doesn’t get along that well. Don’t know why.

So she turned her gaze towards Gaz. Seeing him being focused on their conversation. She kept looking at him while still pondering.

Looking at his sweet smile, his beautiful brown eyes and his gorgeous-

“Shark?”

She suddenly snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Gaz calling out to her. She saw him looking at her with a confusing look.

Shit.

The woman cleared her throat before making her way over. She looked at the two awkwardly and hoped that they didn’t find her staring at them the whole time. “Ahem. Lieutenant. Sergeant.”

The two gentlemen nodded at her.

“First Sergeant.” Ghost responded first before looking at her with a plain look in his eyes. He may not show it in front of people but Tiala could DEFINITELY tell he doesn’t like her presence. And so does she with his presence.

“Do you need something?” Gaz asked the First Sergeant while giving her a small welcoming smile.

Tiala had looked at the Sergeant while still having that feeling of Ghost staring at her with that same old plain look. But she ignored him before taking a quick deep breath. “Yes. I would like to speak with you. In private, Sergeant.”

Gaz raised his eyebrows a bit as he was surprised. For him and the others know that Tiala is not much of a talker when it comes to other people besides her team. Mostly towards guys. But hearing THIS from her? VERY unexpected.

“Oh uh…sure.” He stood up before looking at Ghost. “We’ll talk about this later, yeah?”

The Lieutenant nodded as he also stood up. “I’ll just head over to where Soap and the others are at.”

“Alright then.”

Then the two walked out of the mess hall while Ghost went in the opposite directions.

Tiala and Gaz kept walking before standing in the middle of the hallway as Gaz was laying his back against the wall while crossing his arms. Looking at her. “So. What is it that you want to talk about?”

Tiala looked around to see if there’s anyone going to walk by. Even keeping an ear and eye out for Soap, Agnes and Nigel. For those three are always sneaking around, budding into people’s business.

And once she saw the cost was clear. She looked at Gaz with seriousness in her eyes. “I want to invite you to my brother’s wedding. As being my plus one.”

The Sergeant was a bit surprised by her invitation. “Oh. Uh…sure. I’m fine with that. But question…why?”

Tiala was trying to explain her situation with Gaz as she doesn’t want to make things awkward. “Listen, my mom wanted me to bring a guy as my plus one. For she really doesn’t want me to come back home ALONE.”

Gaz tried to process all of this until he heard her talking about her mother. “So…you’re asking if I could come JUST for your mom to see you coming in with a MAN?” 

Tiala felt a bit embarrassed at Gaz’s statement. “Uh…yeah. And I’m sorry that I have to drag you into like this. It’s just that my mom REALLY wanted all of us to have a love life. But I’m not interested in that. So she’s ok for me to bring a “guy friend”. And the…the others are…uuuh…”

Gaz smiled a little to see her trying to find a word that doesn’t offend him about his team.

“Never mind. But I need to find one ASAP before I leave the following week. So…are you up for it?” Tiala waited for him to answer and hoped that he’ll accept. Because she REALLY needs this before heading back home. For her mom.

The British man pretended to think DEEPLY about this as he hummed softly. “Hmmm. I don’t know. Exactly why did you pick ME out of all of the others?”

Oh here we go.

“I mean, Price and Nikolai are good men. Soap is a fun lad and Ghost can be hard to interact with others but he’s nice once you get to know him.” Then he sweats a bit seeing Tiala’s unamused looks as if she’s not satisfied with that answer about Ghost. “Ok. Maybe not Ghost.”

Tiala crossed her arms while looking at Gaz with a little bit of an impressed expression that showed on her face. “Huh. You got some good observations, Sergeant.”

He shrugged. “That’s what I’m good at ma’am.” Then he smiled at her. “Well? Are you going to give me your REASON?”

The First Sergeant was silenced for a bit as she really can’t admit why him of all people? So she started to answer his question.

“Yes. You’re not wrong about them. But…Nikolai and Price are too old for me. Well, Price LOOKED old actually.”

Gaz snickered when she mentioned Price's age appearance. “Heh. Yeah, you’re not wrong. I thought he was in his 40s. But I’m even MORE shocked to hear that he’s in his 30s.”

“Like for REAL?! Like damn…ANYWAY. Soap is fun, yes. But he’s annoying to deal with because of his yapping and I’m pretty sure he won’t even stand STILL for one second.”

He laughed a little. “Like a little toddler who had finished eating his sugar candy.”

“Oh my god. Reminding me of my little cousin who ate one once. And it took me 2 hours to put him down.” Tiala groaned as she shook her head, having fond memories about her little cousin with sugar rush. “And Ghost? ……I just hate his guts so it’ll be awkward if I bring him along.”

“Exactly WHY do you hate his guts?”

“......I have no idea. I just…HATED it?”

The two of them shrugged as they continued the conversation.

“But you? You’re not that old.”

“Ouch.”

“Not that annoying either.”

“Aaaw.”

“And…I…don’t exactly HATE you. Like how I am with Ghost.”

Gaz grinned a little when he heard that last sentence. Before he moved himself from the wall and slowly leaned down a bit towards her. “Oh really? I thought you did hate me.”

Tiala looked at Gaz’s teasing grin and his brown eyes as it was shining against hers. And she had felt something in her chest pounding. But she ignored it and looked away with a scoff while leaning back.

“As I was SAYING.” She moved aside from this man before facing her back at him. “I just want you to come with me for the wedding events. After EVERYTHING is done and we’re coming back to our work. We’ll forget everything about this and continue on with our own lives.”

Gaz was just standing there looking at Tiala with a little bit of hurt expression. But he swallowed it down as he walked over to her.

He gently touched her shoulder before giving him a small smile. “Sure. I’ll be your plus one for your brother’s wedding. Let me just talk to Price to ask about my leave.”

She looked at Gaz, seeing his soft smile before sighing. Patting his hand that was on her shoulder. “Thank you, Gaz. And I promise that I’ll pay you back after this.”

He nodded with agreement before the two started talking more while on their way to the Captain.

—--------------------------------------------------

A week had already passed and Gaz was in the plane with the Toa siblings. On their way to the Island of American Samoa. He looked through the window seeing the island and his eyes sparkled with amazement seeing the view.

“You like the view, uce?” Kanoa asked as he was looking at this exciting British man. He chuckled to see Gaz is still sticking his face against the window. Before seeing him withdrew from it.

The Sergeant smiled at Kanoa, who was sitting in the middle seats. “It’s BEAUTIFUL! I appreciate you and Shark for inviting me to your brother’s wedding!”

The Captain gave him a friendly winked. “Of course! I’m just as excited as you are to meet everyone! And also, you can just call us by our names. No need to bring those code names in front of them. Ok?”

Gaz nodded. “Right! And also, are the others going to come as well?” He asks as he wonders if the rest of their team are gonna join in this wedding event. Since their older brother had known them for a while.

“Only Agnes and Nigel are coming. The General and the Doctor had something to do. Like, ordering medical supplies for Urzikstan.” Kanoa explained to answer Gaz’s question. As he mentions the medical supplies and Aelan going back to Urzikstan to assist Farah and her forces.

“Your General seems very generous.”

“Yup. She is. The BEST supporting General there is.” Kanoa said with a proud smile. 

As soon as the plane landed, Gaz could see a small vehicle pulling a tall object that looked like stairs. It stuck it tightly against where the door of the plane was before hearing one of the flight attendants announce to everyone to get their things. Kanoa got up first before opening the compartment to get his duffle bags.

He also brought Tiala's bag out too and even Gaz.

“Tia, make sure to call Rangi or Sami to pick us up.”

The sister nodded as she whipped out her phone and tried to replace her SIM card for her home. Gaz saw her trying to open her phone as he leaned in from behind.

“Here. Let me try.” He said a bit close behind her and then saw her flinched a bit. He could also see her widening her eyes when she turned her head to look at him. He was a bit surprised at her sudden reaction before he leaned back. Seeing her wide eyes out of….fear? “Uh, sorry. Um…I can fix your phone while you get your things.”

Tiala just stared at him silently before looking back at her phone. “No. I got it. You can help Noa to get the bags.”

He noticed her change of tone of sounding serious. No matter how the seriousness of her tone sounded like he could also hear mixed with nervousness. He even glanced up to see if Kanoa noticed it. But He was too busy pulling out the bags from the compartment.

So Tiala got out of her seat for Gaz to come out. And he went to help Kanoa to take the bags.

The three of them went down the stairs and had said their thanks and goodbyes to the nice flight attendants.

Tiala had finally got the SIM card in before starting to dial the numbers. While Gaz was looking around as he was pretty impressed with the place of the airport. It’s not that big like any other airport from London or the one from the base. A bit small but not that shabby.

The three went inside the small building where the security guards were waiting to check their luggages. As one of them has a security dog.

Gaz saw the dog walking up to him. Pulling his owner to follow him. He smiled softly as he saw the dog sniffing onto his bag. And then looked up at Gaz as he tilted his head a bit and ears perked sideways a bit. 

“Nothing suspicious here, mate. And sorry, got no treats.” Gaz said with a shrug.

The security chuckled at his response and let him pass. As Kanoa nodded at the security and shook hands with him before chatting a bit in their Samoan language. While they waited for the other luggages. Which Gaz saw him.

“Your brother knows him?”

Tiala just finished making a call before seeing Kanoa talking to a man. “Yeah. That’s actually our cousin. He works here as the airport security.”

“Ah. Nice.” Gaz continued walking with Tiala to the scanners.

Where a woman was standing with the computer screen in front of her. Smiling at Tiala. “Toe fo'i mai, Tiala! O loo i fafo se tasi o ou uso, tausoga ma isi ou aiga e faatali mai mo oulua ma Noa!”

Gaz heard this woman speaking the Samoan language to Tiala as he saw her smiling at her.

“Faafetai Aunty. E toe sau Kanoa iinei i se minute. O loo talanoa o ia ma Jacob i le taimi nei.”

“Ae a! Leai se fa’afitauli! Na'o le alu e tu'u au ato ma au mea i totonu!”

The lady had brought some trays out for the two to put their device, their jewelry and other small things in. Before Gaz started to put their hand carry bags on it and let the machine roll it in through.

Soon the woman told them to step through and let the other security to scan them. They listened to the orders and let the man do his thing.

The security smiled at Tiala after he’s done scanning her. “Manaia le vaai atu ia te oe i se tasi vaega. E fa'afefea le galuega iina?”

Tiala groaned a bit before leaning her head backward as she was tired of hearing the word WORK. “LEVA. Ae e malie foi. Ia e sasa na tagata leaga.”

The man laughed as he patted her back. “E manaia le faalogo. Manaomia se fesoasoani e tu'u au atopau i totonu o le ta'avale?”

“Leai, Uncle. Na matou maua.” Tiala reassured the man, who is her Uncle, before telling Gaz to help her to put the bags on the trolley.

Gaz did as he was told before looking back at the man and the woman who was helping Kanoa to bring the rest of the luggages. “You…know those two as well?”

“Yeah. The woman over there is my Aunt. That cousin I told you about? That’s his mom. And that chubby man, he’s my Uncle. My Aunt’s younger brother.”

Gaz was getting more surprised to hear that these people are her FAMILY as well. “Does…most of your family work in the airport?”

“Some. We do have other family members who works in restaurants, cafe, as a police officer, firefighters, teachers, lawyers, construction workers, business owners-”

He continues to listen to her explaining about her family working on the island. And you should know that Gaz was SHOCKED. “My god…it’s like your family owns the WHOLE business on this island.”

She gave him a small grin plastering on her face. “Maybe.” 

The two of them pushed the two trolleys with their bags on it and walked up to a ramp where another security opened the door for them. Tiala nodded to him and said thanks in her language.

And once they both exit from there. They both suddenly hear someone calling out.

“TIA!”

Gaz looked up to see two boys running up to Tiala as they almost tackled her down with their hugs.

She smiled as she hugged them both. “IONA! KIONA! OOOOOOOH!” She hugged them tightly and kissed on top of their heads.

Gaz smiled a bit at this scene. He rarely saw this woman smiling so kindly and with happiness when those two boys came up to her. And he somehow felt a bit jealous for some reason. 

The two boys looked like they were in their teens and they were just only four inches shorter than her.

He also saw them looking at his way and got a good look at their faces. Seeing that they’re identical. They’re TWINS!

“Tia? O ai lea?” One of the twins asked their older sister with a curious and confused look. Speaking in their native language.

Tiala put both of her hands onto their shoulders. As she explained to them. “Boys. This is Kyle. He’s a friend from work.”

Gaz walked up to them and gave them a warm smile. “Hey there lads. It’s nice to meet you.”

The boys returned the smile as they shook hands with him.

“Hi! I’m Iona!”

“And I’m Kiona! Are you actually friends with our sister?”

The two boys spoke in very good English. Despite the accent.

Gaz gave the boys a confirmed nod. “Yes I am. We work together and I got to say that your sister here is quite a brave one.”

“Well DUH! Because she’s the BEST! Even our other older brothers!” The kid that Gaz tried to recall is named Kiona. He had said it like he was offended by this British man’s words.

Tiala chuckled softly before patting her little brother’s head. “Thank you, Kiona. I appreciate your kind words. Now, how about you two boys help Kanoa-”

“TWINSIES!” Kanoa had interrupted the conversation when he rolled in with the trolley.

The twins looked and smiled with glee as they ran towards their older brother. “NOA!”

Gaz watched the twins making a harsh tackle onto Kanoa as they all fell onto the ground. Good thing he pushed the trolley away before they ran to him. Or else it’ll be a MESS.

Gaz also snickered a bit to see the Captain being tackled down by the two boys as they all laughed. Before he spoke to Tiala while still looking at the three. “I’m guessing HE’S the favorite older sibling?”

Tiala gave a tired sigh as she smiled a little. “Yup.”

Soon Kanoa sat up a bit as he laughed. “Aw man! I missed you two! Have you caused any mischief lately?”

“Not really. Since mama always caught us and scolded us about it.”

“Yeah, it’s a bummer. So we haven’t done any pranks.”

The older brother chuckled before ruffling both of their hair. “I guessed it’s best NOT to before Rangi’s wedding, ah?”

The twins’ giggles at Kanoa’s hand ruffling their hair. “Yeah, we guessed not.” They both said in unison before standing up. And pulling Kanoa up as they went to take the trolley.

Gaz saw the twins take their trolley up. “Oh. Hey, you don’t have to.”

“It’s ok! We got it!” Iona said as he kept pushing the trolley down.

“Yeah! We know you guys are tired from the plane ride! And also, papa told us to help you guys out!” Kiona looked at Gaz with a smile as he also pushed the trolley away. “Question, are you Tia’s boyfriend?”

Tiala and Gaz's eyes went wide to hear that question from a teenage boy. Even Kanoa snickered after hearing that. The two weren’t expecting that.

“Kiona, tulei pea le taavale toso.” Tiala said to her little brother with a commanding voice and giving him that serious look.

“Ok ok. Sheesh. Sa na ona ou fesili atu.” He rolled his eyes as he giggled and kept pushing the trolley up next to his twin brother.

Kanoa pushed the trolley next to Gaz as he looked at the two. “Expect the question to be repeated when we get home.”

Tiala groaned as she faced up to the ceiling. “I hope NOT. Just coming in as FRIENDS.”

“Uh huh. FRIENDS.” Kanoa said with a teasing grin as he nudged Gaz’s arm.

He could also see Tiala’s unamused look before she started to speak. “Shut up and push the cart, Noa.”

“I’m going. I’m going.” He gave a light chuckle before giving a playful wink at Gaz. Receiving a small snickered from him. Before he pushed it up further.

They have arrived at the parking lot as Gaz could see MORE people waiting for their arrival. He was actually quite shocked to see so many. Some of the young ones and the teens ran up to Kanoa and Tiala to greet them with hugs.

Seeing them exchanging hugs and small chats before some of the older men walked over to the twins as they took their bags and put them in the trunk of their truck. He could also see some of the older women walking over to Kanoa and Tiala as they gave them hugs and kisses on their cheeks.

He even smiled a bit to see Tiala looking so happy but feeling embarrassed by one of the women who can’t stop giving her kisses on her face. 

“Auntyyyyyy…Ua e fa'asiasia a'u.” Tiala started to mumble out to her aunt before hearing laughter from her.

There was also another laugh from Gaz that caught one of the other women’s attention. And she walked up to him with a bright smile. “Talofa! I’ve heard that you’re with my niece and nephew?” The woman, who looked like in her 50s with short blonde curly hair and had brown skin, asked him.

Gaz nodded as he put his hand out to her. “Yes, I’m with them. It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”

The woman just shook her head before opening her arms out. “None of that! Come here and let me give you a hug!” Which she did in a very joyful way. She must’ve been REALLY excited to see the new guest. “I am SO happy to meet my niece’s boyfriend! My sister-in-law had told me ALL about you two!”

Gaz suddenly froze in place after hearing her words and he looked at Tiala. Who has the same expression as his but with wide eyes as it was about to pop out.

“Um…Aunty? He’s just a work friend. He’s not my BOYFRIEND.” Tiala had looked at her aunt as if she was crazy or something. But seeing her aunt looking at her own niece with a confusing expression that was written on her face.

“Ea? O le a le uiga?” She let go of Gaz and faced towards her niece as she put both of her hands on the side of her hips. “Your mother told us that you’ll be coming with your BOYFRIEND.”

Kanoa turned his head as he heard it. And couldn’t help but give a wide smile as he started to laugh. While Tiala’s eyes went wide as if it's the size of a baseball and her mouth opened just a bit.

She shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose as she tried to understand what she just heard. “I’m sorry aunty…but WHAT did my mom tell you?”

The aunt had started to look a bit annoyed and disappointed at this. “Your MOTHER had told everyone at home that you’ll be bringing your BOYFRIEND. E le o ia o lau uo tama?”

Gaz started to feel REALLY awkward at this. Before seeing Tiala taking a very DEEP, DISAPPOINTING breath.

She looked at her aunt while ignoring her brother’s laughter. “WHEN did she tell you that, aunty?”

“Three weeks ago!”

Almost everyone could see Tiala’s right eye twitch a bit but she remained calm and just smiled at her dearly beloved aunt. “Faafetai lava Aunty. O le a ou talanoa i lo'u tina pe a matou oo i le fale.”

The aunty just nodded and took both Tiala and Gaz to the car. While Kanoa went with the twins on the truck before they all headed over to their home.

The two went with the two aunties in the car but didn't say anything. Gaz could see the two aunts didn't want to bother Tiala after that information that she had received. He sat a few inches away from Tiala as he saw her glancing through the car window. He could feel the intentions from her. Knowing that she’s upset about her mom telling everyone about the “Boyfriend” situations. 

So he tried his best to calm her down. “Hey, I’m sure she has her reasons.”

Hearing a frustrated sigh from her before looking at Gaz. He could see her eyes were filled with annoyance and disappointment. But then softens a bit as she doesn’t want to put out her anger onto him.

“I’m sorry about all of this, Garrick. I don’t know what she was THINKING.”

“Hey hey. It’s okay. Maybe we can talk to her when we get there in a CALMING manner. Yeah? She’ll explain her reason and we’ll figure this out. I mean, it’s not a BIG deal.” Gaz said to her calmly as he gently touched her shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile.

Of course, it is awkward how people see them as a couple. And it doesn’t bother him. BUT things will get a bit out of hand if someone might cause a drama about it or even assume it in a BAD way.

Gaz kept his gaze at Tiala with his brown and kindful eyes. “I’ll come with you. Alright?”

Tiala looked into Gaz’s eyes as she could see some comfort feelings from it. She sighed softly before nodding. “Alright then…thank you, Kyle.”

“Ah. First time hearing you calling me by my first name.”

“DON’T push it.”

While the two are still talking little by little. The two aunties in the front seat could hear them and saw how the two were acting at each other. The ladies looked at each other and smiled as they continued on driving home.

And hoping that things will get better once Tiala talks with her mom.

To Be Continued...

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

Characters:

Tiala "Shark" Toa

Kanoa Toa

Tagging:

@alypink @dirtfullofwork @justasmolbard @kaitaiga

@welldonekhushi @deeptrashwitch @sweet-samnang

Opt In/Out: If you want to be tagged into these kind of story or other posts that I'll be posting. Go ahead and clicked that link up there and liked that post! Thank you!

[kimbappykidding]

Imagine being nervous around D.O. because of his angry reputation and having no idea D.O. has a soft spot for you because he has a crush on you

Exo's Kai was your cousin and he was one year younger than you. You were both idols and being family and similar ages, interacted a lot. You saw each other often and were always at each other's houses, hanging out with the other's members and that was how Kai quickly noticed some things. D.O. was into you! His eyes would go to you when you entered a room and even though he wasn't obvious he'd follow what you were saying and was very aware of you. He'd tell Baekhyun to knock it off if he was messing with you and was sweetly protective of you. Drunk D.O. was even more obvious and would stare at you the way a prince looks at a Disney princess. Based on all this, Kai picked up on D.O.'s crush on your pretty much immediately and did everything in his power to get the two of you together but it was hard. For one, D.O. wouldn't outwardly admit he had a thing for you. Anytime Kai mentioned it he gave him a death glare and point-blank refused to engage in the conversation. Meanwhile, you were too nervous to say more than a few words to D.O. Kai tried talking him up to you and encouraging a conversation but frankly, you avoided D.O. and Kai had no idea why. D.O. was everything you wanted in a man but you just couldn't see it. So one day he asked you why you weren't comfortable around D.O. "I just get nervous around him Kai, I've seen him yell at Chanyeol and it scared me". Kai paused "wait when was this?". "At Sehun's 25 birthday party". Kai's eyes widened "but that was ages ago when you first started coming around". You nodded "I know, that was the first time I met him and it just stuck with me. I'd had a rough week and my manager had yelled at me all day so when he yelled it scared me and I don't know that's just always kind of stuck". What neither of you knew was D.O. was outside the room listening and folded his hands to stop them from shaking. He felt awful. He didn't even remember the party you were talking about but it sounded like him.

"Then I don't know, he can sometimes look angry and intimidating and I can never tell if he hates me or not" you continued. Kai shook his head almost laughing "he definitely doesn't hate you and I promise D.O. is not that scary. He's a bit tougher than say...Baekhyun but he's a softie really. You just have to talk to him to see it". You bit your lip "I'm just not sure" and Kai sighed "fine but just be open-minded yeah?" he asked. You nodded "okay I will be" but Kai didn't notice much change in your behaviour. So you were too swayed by an interaction with D.O. almost a year ago and D.O. wasn't the type to just insert himself into a conversation or go up to a girl he didn't know very well and start talking so despite his crush nothing happened...but Kai was determined to change that.

You had dinner at Kai's often but when he found out all his members would be out except D.O. he was very excited. Kai didn't say anything to you and welcomed you like usual. You were both playing Mario kart when he pretended to get a phone call from Suho. He then told you there was some problem and he had to go to the studio. "I'll be back as soon as I can and D.O. can keep you company, I've told him the situation" he explained. He'd told D.O. his friend was having an emergency and he had to go and had purposefully asked him to be welcoming to you but he needn't have told D.O. that. D.O. remembered the conversation he overheard and he wanted to put some things straight. D.O. figured a pretty good way to create a welcoming vibe was to bake. Everybody loved brownies and what said I'm not scary better than chocolate and raspberries? So D.O. got to work and you eventually came to find him in the kitchen, the nice smell wafting out to you. "Hi" you said coming into the room and D.O. smiled at you "hi Y/n, how are you?". You paused at his friendly voice but told him you were good and enquired how he was. "I'm good" D.O. told you "thanks for asking, I've made cupcakes if you want one". "Really?" you asked and D.O. nodded "of course". "Thanks" you said taking one and sitting down. "Do you like cooking?" you asked and D.O. paused. This was the first time you'd asked him a question unprompted and embarassed him how much that pleased him. "Erm yeah I really enjoy it. I like how it's a really practical hobby and you can make any dish your own". You nodded "it's hard to do though...I burn everything I make even stuff that goes in the microwave". D.O. laughed "really? How". "Well I get confused with all the buttons and forget how long it needs to be in for...it's a mess". D.O. laughed "well I was going to cook dinner tonight and if you want I can show you some things?". You paused "are you sure? I'm a pretty bad student". D.O. remembered what he'd overheard that day and smiled "don't worry I promise not to get annoyed or angry". You searched his face for a few moments before nodding "okay" and came to stand beside him "so what's first?". Kai returned home a few hours later with all his members and he was practically bouncing of the walls to see you and D.O. cooking dinner together. You announced the two of you had made dinner and D.O. was just helping you with the finishing touches. So you disappeared into the kitchen together and Kai watched you pretending not to. You looked so comfortable around D.O. now and D.O. himself was acting like a giant teddy bear. Dinner was served and you and D.O. fluttered around like nervous parents. You seemed especially worried that the food was edible but the boys soon told you it was delicious and you beamed. D.O. congratulated you and only then did the two of you sit down and eat. You sat together and Kai could see how happy D.O. was...which of course the other guys noticed too. "Is it just me or is D.O. glowing?" Baekhyun asked "anytime y/n looks at him he lights up". Sehun laughed "yeah now that you mention it, is he into her?". Chanyeol smirked "if he's not he's doing a good job of pretending". "They look good together" Lay said and Suho nodded "I was just thinking that". D.O. looked up and saw them all staring. His smile fell away and he glared at their smiles before turning back to you. "Awww pouty D.O. is the cutest" Baekhyun grinned. Kai popped a delicious piece of chicken into his mouth and considered this a huge success. And it was! After that the two of you grew closer and closer. Now D.O. would join you on your cousin days and Kai adored the way D.O. acted around you. He still wouldn't admit he had a thing for you but he also stopped denying it because all the guys teased him for it because he was just SO obvious. One night you were here late so it had gone dark by the time you were heading home. You only lived around the corner but D.O. walked you home just to make sure you were safe. Another time you were abroad for a few weeks and D.O. looked after all 5 of your house plants immaculately. Then when you heard D.O. wasn't going to be able to go home for his birthday you organised a small party and even baked a cake for him. Kai thought D.O. was going to pass out with pride when he heard you baked it yourself for him. D.O. didn't stop smiling the whole night and finally when the party was over Kai turned to him. "Still going to pretend you don't fancy my cousin?". In response D.O. just shook his head "I like her" and left the room. Kai squealed in delight. Now you were both aware of one another he just had to get you two together and he had the perfect opportunity...a wedding! Your joint cousin was getting married and the two of you had to be at the ceremony. You were stressing out because you'd just heard everyone had to have dates and Kai could've grinned at how perfect it was. "The wedding's in 2 weeks! How am I going to find a date on such short notice?". Kai smiled "Well why don't you ask D.O.?". You blushed "I...he's probably busy". Kai laughed "Have you forgot our cousin invited all of Exo and the boys are all going?" Kai asked. "But how do you know he hasn't asked someone else?". "Well let's ask him" Kai shrugged and yelled for D.O. "No don't! What if he doesn't want to?" you asked when D.O. appeared "what if I don't want to do what?". "Be Y/n's date" Kai said looking right at his friend. D.O. eye's widened and he blushed but luckily he was tanned enough to hide it. "To my cousin's wedding" you quickly clarified "I've just find out everyone in the family photos has to have a plus one but it's totally fine if you don't want to..." when D.O. shook his head "I don't mind, I'll be your date". "Really?" you asked and D.O. nodded "sure, it'll be fun" and you smiled hugging him "thanks D.O., I'll feel so much better with you over some random guy my mum would've got". D.O. smiled "no problem" and Kai had to hide his laughter at how dazed D.O. looked after you hugged him. So two weeks later the wedding rolled around and you, Kai and D.O. all travelled separately to the boys because you had to be there early. You checked into the hotel and then a few hours later were in the church for the ceremony. D.O. was the perfect date, he was polite, kind and seemed to always be there when you needed him. You cut your hand on one of the flowers and he just had a tissue for you. When the weather suddenly became rainy he was there with his jacket to cover you and whenever any family members asked if you were together he side-stepped the question without being rude. So by the time you made it to the reception you were so pleased D.O. was your date. He'd been perfect and you realised Kai had been right this entire time and you didn't know how to react. You vowed never to judge someone so quickly again and were having a really good time with D.O. Then you saw someone walk through the door and your smile dropped. D.O. noticed the change in your behaviour and how pale you'd gone but he couldn't work out why. He looked around the room and turned back to you "what is it? What's wrong?". You looked down and shook your head "nothing just my ex is here...Eun said he wouldn't be here but I guess he turned up". D.O. looked across the room and saw a guy watching you. "Do you want me to get security?" D.O. asked. You shook your head "no he'll just cause a scene. It should be fine, he probably won't come up to me because he doesn't know who you are and that'll intimidate him". D.O. nodded "okay then I'm not leaving your side". The smile you gave him was so amazing it have him the courage to go one better. "Actually how about we dance? There's no reason why you have to hide away and I'll make sure he comes nowhere near you". You seemed very surprised by D.O.'s request and he worried you'd say no when you nodded "I'd love to!". D.O. took your hand and led you to the sea of people. You were both adorably unsure around one another and took each other's hand delicately. D.O. gently put his hand on your waist and took the lead. You of course knew D.O. was an idol therefore, was experienced with dancing but it still took you by surprise how good he was! He took you around the floor effortlessly and it was very hot to see a guy like him be so good at dancing. You must've looked like you were having quite a lot of fun because you attracted attention from Eun. After dancing for a while you and D.O. grabbed a drink and headed outside to cool off. Eun followed you. Eun waited until you were halfway down the path before calling your name and you looked back and froze. “Shit” you said and D.O. saw where you were looking “do you want me to speak to him?”. You sighed “no just let’s stop and see what he has to say”. Eun caught up to you quickly and raised his hands “what no hello?”. “Hi Eun” you said and he looked you up and down “that’s a bit cold for a childhood friend”. You didn’t reply but he didn’t take the hint “you look good, have you lost weight?”. D.O. wanted to pummel him right then and there but as if sensing this you touched D.O.’s arm and looked at Eun “no I haven’t”. Eun looked you up and down again and made a surprised noise. “We’re going now, it was nice to see you” you said and turned to walk away. “So soon but we haven’t even caught up!” he called following you. “She said we’re done!” D.O. called but that angered Eun. “So who's this Y/n? Your boyfriend?" Eun replied. You shook your head and D.O. continued walking, ignoring him. "I don't owe you any explanation" you said and D.O. nodded "she doesn't, come on y/n" and he led you away but Eun followed. "If he's not your boyfriend then why were his hands all over you in there? If you're trying to make me jealous you should try harder" Eun called. D.O. shook his head "man this guy's an idiot". "What did you say!" Eun yelled and you tightened your grip on D.O.'s hand "come on let's just go back inside". D.O. was agreeing with you when Eun carried on. "I'm the idiot? You're the pathetic one y/n. Let's not forget you asked me out! You were the one chasing me Y/n. I have way more options than you and I was the best thing that ever happened to you but life finally started again when I was free of you". That's when D.O. lost it. "You have no clue what you're talking about! You came here, to her cousin's wedding to see her and she's the one who needs you?" D.O. asked yelling. Eun was slightly caught off guard by how D.O. had changed from a quiet sweet guy to a scary man ready to kick his ass. He went to reply but D.O. cut him off "no, you're done speaking and if you say another word I'll shut your mouth for you. Got it?" D.O. asked. You watched nervously, hoping D.O. wouldn't hit him if he made a smart comment but Eun was smarter than you gave him credit for. "Whatever" he muttered and walked away. Once he'd gone you felt better but turned to D.O. nervously. "Are you okay?" you asked and he nodded calming down "I'm fine...are you?". "I'm okay" you said cautiously and D.O. recalled your first impression of him and cursed himself for getting angry. "Y/n I'm so sorry for yelling at him like that and not just ignoring him like you said. I know you might think less of me now but I hope I can make that up to you". "Think less of you?" you asked “D.O. I couldn't think more of you! You defended me when you didn't have to and said things I wish I had the courage to say so thank you". D.O. blinked "you're thanking me? I was worried I'd made you nervous by raising my voice..." D.O. said but you shook your head "no I know you're safe so that didn't scare me". That was so nice for D.O. to hear he felt like dancing all over again. "But I don't think I want to go back to the party, so I'll head to my room". D.O. nodded "let me walk you" and you fell in step together. The hotel looked really pretty in the evening and the now quiet night made it feel like it was just the two of you in the world."Y/n just in case you aren't aware that guy is an asshole and you can do so much better than him. There are so many guys who would love to date you, who would treat you right and be there for you so please don't listen to that idiot". You laughed awkwardly and D.O. smiled "I'm serious! He didn't know what he was talking about, you were way too good for him". You didn't respond and when you turned D.O. realised you hadn't been laughing but were crying. "Ow y/n I'm so sorry..." he started when you cut him off "no it's okay. They're happy tears. Thank you. That was really sweet and I didn't expect it but I needed to hear that". "Of course!" D.O. said offering you a tissue and you took it. D.O. helped you sit down on a nearby bench and waited for you to stop crying. "I haven't dated since Eun and I've thought a lot of the stuff he said tonight about myself". D.O. shook his head furious "but none of that stuff was true! He was lucky to have you and you're far too good for him. Plus who cares if you chased him and it didn't work out? That just shows you're brave enough to go for what you want and make mistakes and that's one of the most admirable things in the world!". "It is?" you asked and D.O. nodded "totally...well that and not murdering a guy like Eun when you had so many opportunities". You laughed and D.O. smiled to see you looked happier. You both sat in silence for a while before you sighed "you know I just realised I've never asked about your love life, is it as bad as mine?". D.O. shrugged "well depends on what you mean by bad, if pretty non-existent counts then yeah it's bad". "You've never dated anyone?" you asked and D.O. paused "no there was one girl. We got together when we were 14, just kids really, and were together for 4 years...it got pretty serious but we were too young" he said "both of our lives were just taking off and we were changing as people. I wanted to keep trying but she broke it off and I guess the experience changed me. I'm of course glad when I look back on it, it was definitely the right thing to do but it made me more cautious and pessimistic. You might've realised I'm not exactly a ray of sunshine like Baekyun". You shook your head "you're plenty sunny to me, I always feel happy around you" and D.O. smiled "you do?". "I do" you nodded watching him and D.O. couldn't believe he had that effect on someone like you. You both stayed in that moment just gazing at one another for a few seconds before you blushed looking down. "Well I think whoever she is, she's probably kicking herself now to have lost you" you said and D.O.'s heart fluttered "thanks y/n". You smiled and gently squeezed his hand "thanks for telling me. I used to think you were so intimidating and scary and I'm so glad I got to know the real you". "I'm glad too" D.O. nodded "I know how I can come across so thanks for giving me a chance I guess?". "You never need to thank me for that" you said "I wish I'd have done it so much sooner". D.O. realised you were still holding his hand and looked down. You followed his gaze and dropped his hand "sorry! The alcohol and weeks of wedding stress are kicking in. I'll leave now before I do anything else embarrassing" and you disappeared. D.O. however didn't find it embarrassing at all. D.O. woke up the next morning feeling great! Which was hilarious as all his members were clutching their heads and moving slowly, nursing hangovers. After last night D.O. was in pretty good spirits and he still got goosebumps when he thought about everything you'd said to him. However one thing was bothering him. He'd mentioned how after his ex he'd become more cautious but he meant what he said about admiring people who went for what they wanted. It applied to him so much that he felt a bit like a hypocrite and so he knew he had to tell you he just didn't know when. Luckily you had a car ride back together so he could work that out then. D.O. was coming back with you because he had to be in the studio later today while his other members didn’t. So they were going to go film something and do some sightseeing which D.O. was upset to miss out on that for work of all things but when he realised he’d be coming back with you he warmed up to the idea. He was waiting for you by the front of the hotel when you appeared. You came around the corner and D.O. paused at how beautiful you looked. Your hair hung loose and you had no makeup on at all. You looked so naturally radiant his heart skipped a beat as he took you all in. "Are you ready?" you called and D.O. nodded re-discovering the ability to speak. "Yeah let me just put my stuff in the boot" he said and hid his face behind your car. The car ride was the most fun road trip D.O. had been on. With the members, there was always someone who was too loud or an elbow in his side or someone who wanted to play music D.O. hated but there was none of that with you. The car ride was so peaceful and just proved to him how well the two of you got along yet again. D.O. realised he just loved being around you and enjoyed seeing you happy. He adored that he could now make you smile and it was pretty much on his mind constantly. You stopped off at a cafe on the way back and got breakfast. You were both pretty happy and made the waitress laugh several times at your infectious happiness. When it came to paying the waitress had clearly taken a liking to you. "It's on the house for the young couple" she said "how long have you two been together?". D.O. went to reply you weren't together when you spoke first. "6 months, we met at work" you said and the waitress grinned "I thought you had that honeymoon period glow! But to be fair 6 months is a little late for that so the two of you must just be the real deal". "We hope so" you nodded and the waitress smiled. "Well have a nice trip home, it was nice meeting you". "You too" D.O. said and he held the door open for you. The two of you got back in the car and D.O. paused "so she thought we were..." he trailed off but of course you knew what he was saying. "Yeah, I agreed in case she charged us for our bill. I love a free meal". D.O. took a breath "is that the only reason you said we were a couple?". You paused and turned to look at him "why? Would you like there to be another reason?". D.O. nodded "I would" sending a shiver down your spine. "You would?" you asked and he nodded not showing how nervous he was. "Yes, I'd like you to want us to be a couple because I want that...I like you y/n". You smiled "you do? I had no idea! Since I met you I've been so pleasantly surprised and I felt myself falling for you but thought I might've ruined it with my preconceptions". D.O. shook his head "you didn't ruin anything" and kissed you. Having a first kiss in car is slightly awkward because of the positioning. You both had to turn towards one another to reach but you managed. It wasn't the most comfortable position but neither of you cared. D.O. couldn't believe you were kissing him back and you couldn't believe how sweet D.O. was. Then D.O. tried to move closer to you and elbowed the dashboard sending a shooting pain down his arm. He cried out in pain and you jolted apart. "Are you okay?" you asked and he nodded sighing "yeah I'm fine..." then you both started laughing. Once you'd settled down you turned to D.O. "you sure you're okay?". He nodded "I'm better than okay" looking at you and you blushed. D.O. had to rush off to work as soon as he got back in the city but he hesitated to get out of the car “so are you free this evening for dinner?” D.O. asked “we can go to a restaurant or I can cook you something”. You smiled “I am but let’s go to a restaurant, I don’t want you to have to cook after working all day. I want to take care of you too” and D.O. went bright red making you chuckle. “How did I ever think you were scary?” you asked and D.O. smiled “I get why you did but hopefully I’ve gotten rid of all those thoughts now?”. You nodded “completely” and shot him a warm smile that made D.O. just want to kiss you all over again. The thought must’ve been contagious because you glanced at D.O.’s lips before sighing “so you should probably go before I refuse to let you”. D.O. smiled “I’ll call you as soon as I’m done with work?”. You nodded “can’t wait” and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. D.O. practically strut into work and smiled and greeted every single person he passed. His manager remarked he was in a good mood and he smiled “it was a good wedding!” and got ready to start recording but before he did he pulled out his phone and sent Kai a text which you ironically also sent Kai a few minutes later. 

Both of your texts were three words long. 

“You were right”.

[bloodyknucklesforme]

I Can't Help Myself | Carnal XIV

Simon was born with what his father called 'The Curse'. A wanton craving for taboo meat. Since meeting the similarly cursed Johnny, the two had formed a bond. They didn't just fight together, they ate together, slept together, and shared everything.

When a favor to Price reveals another cursed person, Simon worries she could destroy everything.

Masterpost

CW: cannibalism, smut

This is very much a horror fic mostly based around the films Raw (2017) and Bones and All (2022), if you sit through those you should be good here. This is my first horror fic.

Chapter Title Credit: Can't Help Myself - Alexandra Savior

She took long baths, frequently. Water hot enough to burn her toes as she stepped in. Johnny had said she smelled like vanilla so soon a box filled with vanilla scent body care had arrived. Gourmand bubbles that threatened to overfill the tub.

She’d let herself slip, feet coming gliding out the one end while her head sank violently into the water. Stories about women bathing in perfume rewound in her mind.

She was afraid that Johnny would leave. He’d told her he would, that he wanted to stay. Then he and Simon would spend hours talking and she felt like a little girl spying on her father’s dinners. 

Simon was something else. She wouldn’t say she was afraid of him, cautious was a safer term. Excited was another word.

He made her want more from the world. That there was something else out there. Johnny and her were content in their little world but she wanted more. She wanted to learn to hunt, to prove she could take care of herself.  

Her hair was still damp when she went downstairs for breakfast. Johnny had made her tea just how she liked it. He and Simon were eating breakfast. They’d left a plate out for her. Eggs, toast and bacon. She sat between them at the table.

“How’re your arms?” Simon asked, holding out a hand to her. She pulled up her sleeve. It had mostly healed, a couple deeper gashes were still bandaged up. Simon’s hands were cold as they examined her. Johnny’s foot rubbed against hers.

Anytime Simon got too close Johnny would do something as a reminder that he was there. Not possessive, just a reminder. 

She wanted a second cup of tea. 

The fridge was running low. No milk, wilted green, green cheese. She hadn’t gone shopping in over a week, more occupied with Johnny’s recovery than anything domestic. 

“I’ll do the shopping today,” she said, scribbling down a list. She liked going early in the mornings, avoiding most of the town's crowd. 

She grabbed a couple reusable bags, her purse and a coat.

“You can’t take Johnny’s car.” Simon said. 

“Wasn’t planning too.”

“You walking?” 

“I have two legs.”

“I’ll drive.”

“No.”

“Not a question. Rained last night, it’s cold and foggy. I already have one body to get rid of. Don’t add to it.” 

She directed him into town even if he didn’t seem to need it. His car was an old Land Rover. Older than her at least. He took good care of it. Clean, detailed, didn’t shake as it took the curves. 

She kept her gaze out the window. His reflection came clear at particularly foggy stretches. He was wearing a black surgical mask and kept his hood up. He huffed when she told him to pull into Waitrose.

“What?” She frowned.

“Nothing.” 

“You coming in?”

“I’m not a dog.”

He followed her around as she shopped. The few eyes in the store still lingered on them. She was the weird girl. The girl who barely left her house, the haunted house. It was a couple weeks prior she was here with Johnny and now there was this other strange man. 

“Oh Nina! I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there.” A shopping cart, piloted by an older woman, had come out in front of hers.

“Miss. Carter.” She said curtly. She had vague memories of her and Mr. Carter attending her father’s dinners a decade and a half ago. 

“How are you? You’ve gained weight!” She reached over and laid a hand on Nina’s stomach. “And who’s this?” Too many questions.

“My cousin… on my mother’s side.” 

“I didn’t know your mother had siblings.” She had a hand on Nina’s arm, a thin fleshed handcuff. 

“I imagine you don’t know lots of things.” Miss. Carter’s face dropped. Nina pushed her cart around her. “Excuse me.” 

“Your father would never approve of how you’re acting, Nina. Having strange men in the house, your father’s house! He would -”

“He blew his brains out in our dining room in front of me. He clearly didn’t care about the house or what I did with it after. Kindly fuck off.” Nina made sure to knock Miss. Carter’s cart to the side harshly. 

“Cousins?” Simon’s eyebrow raised as Nina grabbed flour and yeast off the shelf. She wanted to try baking again. 

“Johnny has a type apparently.” They had matching brown eyes and if his hair was longer than a buzz it could have been a similar shade of blonde to hers. Not a mirror but a variation, something better and stronger. Looking at him like this made her stomach warm. She didn’t know in what way but she wanted him in her mouth. 

He put a lot of salt into the cart. Twine too. Various spices, herbs, cooking oils. She let him add whatever he wanted. 

“Sweet tooth?” He asked when she put a white frosted cake into the cart. 

“I like cake.” She shrugged. He grabbed a pack of biscuits and tossed them in as well. 

Cleaning chemicals and bin bags. 

“Is there a drain in the stable?” 

“I believe so.”

He nodded. 

His grip on the cart was tight as the price on the till went up. Her father had left enough money for her that it wasn’t a questionable sum.

He pushed the cart back to the car. It had started sprinkling again and the air was colder. 

They loaded everything and shut the boot. She stepped out to walk around the car when Simon’s arm looped around her waist and pulled her back. A car whipped past them down the aisle. Simon yelled out a curse. 

“Sorry.” He let go of her. She could feel his arm around her, constricting muscle that lifted her up off her feet. Her body felt hot under her coat and sweater even though her face chilled with the wind. 

He honked the horn and she hurried into the car. 

“You walk all this way?”

“I did. Still do sometimes. When Johnny’s not around.”

“Old boyfriend wouldn’t drive you?”

“Never around much before…” She made a vague gesture to her neck with a grimace. She still thought about him on occasion and not always in a negative way. She did care about him up until the moment. 

“I’ll drive you until we can clean Johnny’s car.” No discussion. 

Nina and Johnny put the groceries away while Simon took the chemicals and bin bags to the stable. He said it would take a couple hours to clean up. Johnny volunteered to make dinner and then quickly asked Nina for help. 

The rain continued through the afternoon. She found Johnny napping in his room. She watched from the doorway for a moment. She was trying to not think about Simon. How his arm felt, how he smelled, how his eyes felt as forceful as his hands. 

“Need something, bon?” Johnny asked, not opening his eyes. 

“Didn’t mean to wake you.” 

“Could smell ya before I heard ya.” He beckoned her over lazily. She climbed onto the bed and tucked herself into his side. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“I want to fuck.” She rested her chin on his chest. He opened his eyes and smirked at her. 

It was easiest if she was on top, careful of his stitches. Her skirt hiked up to her hips and her sweater bunched up above her breasts. Johnny pinched and tugged on her nipples as she stroked his cock. 

“So pretty.” He smiled up at her. It was so easy with him, so nice. He looked at her like he got off on her pleasure rather than resenting it. His touch was delicate and precise. Quick circles around her clit. His finger slid between her folds, she was wet for him. “There we go, my pretty girl.”

He held her hand as she lowered herself onto his cock. Their moans harmonizing sweetly. 

“Johnny Johnny Johnny.” Rosemary. He smelled like rosemary and sweat. He was holding her hand and he smelt like rosemary. He was rubbing her clit and calling her pretty. They didn’t even bother with a condom this time. She wanted him to finish inside her. She wanted to know what it felt like. She wouldn’t call it love but it was close enough. Pushing her closer to the edge. “Oh fuck. Johnny! Please Please Please!”

Cedar…She held it in her head for a brief moment and then it was gone. Johnny’s hands held firm on her hips, holding her up as she came. He thrusted upwards, groaning loudly as he came. He tucked her in against his side, fingers playing with her hair.

“You okay, Nina?”

She nodded and kissed his chest. They stayed like that till the late afternoon. Simon pushed out of her head and away from her. 

She took a cold shower, alone. Her hand finding itself between her legs again, thinking of Johnny and Simon. Johnny with Simon. Simon with her. Johnny with Simon and her. She came so hard she almost fell over. She rested her forehead against the tile and let the water beat down on her back. Her mouth was dry. 

Tag list: @gogh-with-the-flow @queen-ilmaree @cathnoneofyourbusiness @pssytrux

Lmk if you want to be added ❤️

[bradshawsbaby]

Happy Anniversary, love! Although I knew you prior to my Top Gun: Maverick era, your blog was one of the first I followed once I joined this fandom. You also supported me when I decided to write fics within the TGM universe and I’ll always be grateful for that. Would you be willing to write a little something for Bob that involves a sweet summertime date? I know he would plan something thoughtful and memorable because that’s the kind of guy Bob Floyd is☺️💛

Katherine! You were one of my first Tumblr friends and I’m so thankful for you! From WSS to TGM, I’m grateful for all the men we’ve been able to thirst over together 😂

Summer in San Diego was shaping up to be magical.

Just a few months ago, you’d shocked your family and friends by making the uncharacteristically spontaneous decision to leave your comfortable and safe life on the East Coast behind in favor of a life full of unknowns and adventure in sunny California.

Considering it had only taken you three weeks after moving into your new apartment to meet Lieutenant Robert Floyd, you couldn’t say you regretted that decision in the slightest.

One of the girls who lived in your building had a cousin who worked on North Island, so she’d invited you to tag along with her and her friends one evening for a girls’ night out at The Hard Deck. You hadn’t been there for more than an hour when you locked eyes across the bar with the most handsome man you’d ever seen in real life.

Evidently, you still had a little bit of that uncharacteristic bravery left inside you because after finishing your drink, you mustered up the courage to go up and talk to the cute officer who had snagged your attention. And you found out that not only was he the most attractive man you’d ever met, but also the sweetest and most gentlemanly, too.

The two of you spent the whole night talking, stepping out onto the deck so that you could hear each other better. You learned that he was a naval aviator stationed as part of a special squadron at TOPGUN, and he listened attentively as you told him all about your sudden cross-country move.

“So you’ve never been to San Diego before?” Bob asked curiously, nursing the Diet Coke he’d been sipping on all night.

“Never,” you replied with a smile, shaking your head as you looked up into the bluest eyes you’d ever beheld.

“You’ll need someone to show you the sights then,” he said a little shyly, rubbing the back of his neck as he shifted from foot to foot.

“Mhm, I will,” you nodded, butterflies fluttering in your stomach as you watched a blush extend from his cheeks down to his neck.

“I mean, what kind of a guy would I be if I didn’t offer to show a lady around?” Bob questioned, smiling nervously as he looked into your eyes.

You’d happily given him your number, and from that night forward, Bob had been making it his personal mission to show you every inch of San Diego. Just last weekend, he’d surprised you with a drive to La Jolla, where you’d been delighted to see a beach full of seals close up.

Today, since he had the day off from work, Bob had told you that he was taking you out for the afternoon, but he hadn’t given you much details beyond that.

“You can wear whatever makes you comfortable,” was all he’d said. “Oh, and maybe put on some sunscreen.”

Excited but nervous, you’d settled on a pretty yellow sundress and a pair of sandals that were easy to walk in. When Bob called you to let you know he was outside your building, you snatched your purse and a pair of sunglasses and hurried downstairs to meet him.

Standing outside his car, Bob beamed when he saw you, hurrying to open the passenger door so that you could slip inside.

“You look great!” he told you as he slid behind the wheel, eyes widening and cheeks flushing when he realized what he’d said. “I mean, um, that’s a really nice dress. Very…yellow. You look like sunshine,” he stammered, growing more anxious by the second.

You just smiled, charmed by his shyness. “Thank you, Bob,” you said, resting a hand on his arm. He smiled back at you in gratitude. “So where are we headed on today’s adventure?”

“Ah, now that’s top secret information,” Bob replied, eyes twinkling as he glanced over at you. “I’m afraid you don’t have the necessary clearance, Sunshine.”

The nickname slipped off his tongue easily, and the air between the two of you sizzled with a thick tension that you could cut with a knife.

“Would that be my call sign?” you teased softly, breaking the silence that had descended in the car.

“Yeah,” Bob nodded with a smile, taking a breath. “I think it suits you.”

You’d been so distracted by the conversation that you hadn’t even noticed where Bob had been driving until he suddenly made a turn into a lush and verdant park, greenery and flowers everywhere as he drove along a winding road.

“Oh!” you exclaimed brightly, pressing your face against the window. “What is this?”

“Balboa Park,” Bob explained with a grin, driving for a few more minutes before he found a parking spot. “The San Diego Zoo isn’t far from here.”

“Is that where we’re going?” you asked curiously as Bob came around to open your door, ever the gentleman.

“Not today,” he shook his head, smiling as he took your hand and helped you to your feet. Hurrying around to the trunk, he quickly pulled out a large picnic basket. “I hope you’re hungry,” he said, suddenly looking worried. “I realize I didn’t say anything about us getting lunch, so I understand if you already—”

“I’m starving,” you cut him off, grinning as you placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“Good,” Bob sighed in relief, smiling down at you. He hesitated for a moment, but then reached for your hand and guided you towards an open, spacious field, where he set the picnic basket down underneath the shade of a tall tree.

“Oh, Bob, this is so wonderful! Thank you!” you cried in delight when you saw the spread that he had prepared—sandwiches, a fresh summer salad with strawberries and apple slices, homemade lemonade, and some cookies for dessert.

The two of you spent the next hour talking and laughing together on Bob’s picnic blanket. It was so easy to talk to him. You found yourself revealing things about yourself to him that even some of your closest friends back home didn’t know.

“So how are you feeling about San Diego?” Bob asked, sliding his glasses up his nose. “Do you think it could be home?”

“Most definitely,” you smiled, shifting closer to him. “I’m especially fond of the people.”

Bob reddened at your words, his blue eyes widening behind his glasses. “Oh—oh, yeah? Any people in particular?”

“Mhm,” you breathed out, leaning in and brushing your lips against his. “My tour guide has really been making me feel at home.”

“Sunshine,” Bob breathed out, gently cupping your face in his hands.

“I want to be your Sunshine, Bob,” you whispered, nuzzling your nose against his.

“That’s good,” Bob grinned, pecking your lips softly. “Because I want that, too.”

Join my “TOP ONE” Anniversary Celebration! 🥳

[eyeslikewatercoolers]

wedding planner au first family holiday 💕

AHHH this sounds so cute. I decided to go with the first family Christmas after Kerri is adopted for this one. Also I didn't mean for this to be 1.3k words lmao See this post for some references mentioned in this fic!

"Why does your room look like a tornado went through it?" Sasha asked as she hovered in the doorway of her daughter's bedroom.

Kerri usually kept her bedroom fairly clean, but it seemed that half of her closet was scattered on the floor. Even though they were about to leave to spend Christmas Day with Anetra's family soon.

"Because I have nothing to wear." Kerri came into view as she plopped on her bed, on top of the clothes and hangers. "What am I supposed to wear to these things?" she sighed as she slumped against her headboard.

“What do you usually wear for holidays?” Sasha asked as she carefully found a place to sit on the long storage ottoman.

“Before or after the foster house?” Kerri asked as she rolled her eyes. “Either way, I’m not wearing my old church suit.”

“I know, Kare-Bear,” Sasha said with a sympathetic smile. She started using the nickname before the adoption was finalized, which Kerri liked hearing. “So what were you thinking?” She asked, looking at the scattered clothing.

“No idea.” Kerri pursed her lips as she looked at her clothes. “What are you and Anetra wearing? I don’t want to stick out too much.”

Sasha looked down at her cream sweater and bootcut jeans, “Probably this, maybe some mascara and lipstick before we head out.” she shrugged.

“So you don’t dress up nice or anything?” Kerri asked.

“My dad's side of the family never dresses up for anything, besides a wedding or a funeral.” Both looked to see Anetra leaning against the door frame. “And they already love you, even though you haven’t even met most of of them yet.”

Anetra picked through the clothes on the floor, before finding a gold sweater with small white cats all over. “What about this one? Although I don’t remember seeing it before.” She held it up for Kerri to see.

“That’s because it’s Jasmine’s. She left here two weeks ago and hasn’t noticed yet.” she pointed out.

That gave Sasha an idea, “You should wear it tonight, maybe it will help you feel more comfortable.” she offered.

She watched Kerri’s face as she thought, “Maybe I could wear that, I know it’ll fit me.”

“We’ll go get the car ready and meet you downstairs soon.” Sasha gently squezzed Kerri’s knee efore leaving the bedroom with Anetra.

"We've been here for over an hour, and you still haven't left this chair," Sasha told Kerri after finding a moment in between talking with family to sneak off. "And getting up for the bathroom doesn't count."

Kerri frowned in response, "It's just really different from other family Christmases, I guess." she shrugged as she looked around.

"In what way?" Sasha asked.

"Usually it's church service, then I watch my siblings and cousins since I was the oldest, then we go home," Kerri explained, looking out the window to a group of cousins playing outside. The group was bigger than what she was used to, and a wide variety of ages.

"That sounds more like work for you than fun." Sasha pointed out, and Kerri thought for a moment, before nodding in agreement. 

"Don't let us loud Filipinos scare you off." Anetra appeared on Kerri's other side. She was holding a blue bundle of blankets that Sasha had last seen in her arms.

"How long have you been holding your cousin's baby for?" Sasha playfully asked her. She had a feeling Anetra may have had baby fever when she was excited to meet the newborn a few weeks before.

"She hasn't asked for him back yet," Anetra said in mock defense, "And he's wearing the onesie we got him too!" she showed Sasha and Kerri.

Sasha playfully rolled her eyes before turning her attention back to her daughter, "I think the kids are going to have hot chocolate and watch Home Alone in a bit."

"You're probably bored of listening to your aunties gossiping about their soap operas too," Anetra added in a low voice, glancing at the group of older women sitting across the room.

Kerri tried to stifle her laughter as Sasha tried to lead her to the kitchen, "C'mon, you can be on whipped cream and sprinkles duty." 

A couple hours later as the night was drawing to a close, Sasha watched more family members say their goodbyes and leave to go home. Even Anetra started looking more tired as she tried to hold a conversation with her grandmother.

She started gathering her family's belongings and new gifts as Anetra began to notice and start to help. Once everything was in the car, Sasha found the remainder of the younger cousins watching Home Alone 2 in the den of the house. She smiled to herself as she saw Kerri sitting in between two female cousins around her age., quietly chatting.

She waved Kerri over to the doorway, and before she could say anything, Kerri spoke first, "Is it okay if I spend the night?" she asked. Sasha knew that the younger cousins and grandkids that lived closer liked to spend Christmas night at their grandparent's house. She would have never guessed Kerri would want to stay as well, especially for her Christmas in the family.

"Oh, I guess you could," Sasha said, trying to hide her surprise. "Do you have everything you need? We can bring you something from home if you want." she offered.

"I don't think so, I think I have everything I need here." Kerri beamed before hugging Sasha goodbye, "Thank you."

Sasha wrapped her arms around her daughter, "If you need anything, just let me or Netra know, okay? Just call us and we'll be right here. Love you, Kare-Bear." she smiled as she let go.

"I know, I love you too."

"At least we can have a nice drink tonight," Anetra said as Sasha settled next to her on their living room couch, passing her a small glass of eggnog.

Sasha took a sip of her drink before finding a coaster on the table. "I'm still worried about Kerri, what if something happens?"

"She'll be fine, she's in great hands," Anetra said as she scrolled through the holiday movie selection on Netflix. "She knows that we'll answer the phone no matter what time at night."

"I know, I'm just hoping this is a step in the right direction and her cousins don't just make her watch the little kids," Sasha said.

"They wouldn't do that, that's more of a white people thing," Anetra joked. "She's going to love it. I wish I had that option instead of going to boring Mormon church all day on Christmas when I grew up."

"Sounds better than no celebrating anything at all," Sasha said matter-of-factly.

"Good point. Wanna watch A Christmas Prince?"

"Of course I do, we watch it every year." Sasha laughed as the movie started playing, pulling Anetra closer to her by the waist.

They quietly watched the movie, and let the autoplay start the next movie. As the beginning scenes played, Anetra spoke up as she took the last sip of her drink, "Hey Sasha?"

"Yes, sweetheart?" Sasha responded as she looked away from the screen.

"I want another one," Anetra said out loud as she turned down the volume of the TV. She continued to stare into her empty glass.

"Another what? Do you want another drink?" Sasha guessed.

Anetra sat up and looked at her wife, "No, I want another kid." she said. "I've been thinking a lot, and I really want us to be parents again," she said in sincerity, holding Sasha's hand.

Sasha nodded, understanding where Anetra's baby fever was coming from for the last few months, "I want to see our family grow too." she smiled. "I can try to call that social worker to see what kids we can adopt, or we can look into other options soon, too."

"I want to try carrying a baby." Anetra said, "I know we'll probably have to find a sperm donor and go to a lot of doctors, but I want to try to get pregnant."

"Then that's what we'll do after New Year," Sasha said as she gently kissed Anetra's cheek. "Even though holidays with a newborn sounds like hell."

"I think it'll be a Christmas to remember."

[theinvitation-bot]

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺

After you received an invitation with your new outfit that Wednesday evening, you’ve been unable to see any of the kings. You assumed that since the party was so soon they’d be pretty busy with their assigned duties. The party started a few minutes ago and you could see the celebration set up outside, you heard they were celebrating the lucky couple as it was now two weeks away from the wedding. As you were looking amongst the people, you saw a few familiar faces but also some new ones, they seemed to be royal as well but not from this kingdom.

It was only getting later and you decided it be best not to be late like instructed in the invite. You exited your quarters and were greeted by your usual maid, she smiled and lead you downstairs and to the party. You tried looking around for any sign of him but you found nothing, you were nervous, was he not coming? did something happen? An uneasy feeling sat in your stomach, you imagined yourself entering with him but once you reached the archway and heard the castle’s steward announce your name, you had no choice but to walk in to the event.

All eyes were on you as you walked through the lighted archway, it was dark outside and there wasn’t much light besides the fairy ones hanging around which made you feel more secure. You made your way to get a drink but then suddenly ran into a girl, she was smaller than you and had a friendly smile “hello! you must be Y/N, K/N has told me so much about you! I’m yuna!” she giggled before hugging you. Yuna seemed unusually happy to meet you, a stranger she just met but you figured that was just her personality. It wasn’t long after when another female had came up from behind her, having more of a dark, cold aura.

“Forgive my sister, she can get too excited sometimes” she said to you before pulling her sister back and glaring at her “so you’re Y/N? You’re more scrawny than I’d imagine, surprise my cousin is interested in you” she lightly scoffed making yuna gasp and smacked ryujin’s arm “don’t be so rude! just cause they’re scrawny to you, doesn’t mean the same for our cousin.” she scoffed making ryu narrow her eyes at the younger before turning back to you “anyways, I take it the wedding planning is going well, this party isn’t bad so i expect the wedding will be better” she said again with a condescending tone. Before she could continue though, the steward had called for everyone’s attention as the monarch’s arrival was announced.

“Please welcome K/N” he announced each name in order as everyone applauded them, each brother had spoke a little bit, thanking everyone who had been helping with preparations for the wedding. Unfortunately, the lucky couple wasn’t able to join them tonight but before passing the mic back they made sure to thank you and mention your hard work, “and before we start dancing, I’d like to praise our wedding planner, y/n” he sent a small smile your way before continuing “she/he/they have been such a big help, even through thick and thin, they’ve been able to pull through and comply with every assignment we give them. Thank you Y/N” he toasted to you before the music began again.

K/N wasted no time making there way over to you, he was wearing a suit that matched yours very well but made sure that you stood out more, just like he intended. He kissed the back of your hand and lead you to the dance floor for the first dance of the evening.

⚔️ - “my my, I must say you look stunning in this dress bun, it seems I’ve kept you waiting too long huh? you unfortunately ran into this trolls” he glared at his cousins “leave them, let’s go dance @writingstuffandmore

🏹 - “now where did this pretty flower come from?” he hums pulling you in close, holding you by the waist as his lips hovered over yours “how are you darling? hope these two didn’t reveal too much” he chuckled “shall we dance?” he asked @honey-beaut

☕️ - “what a show off” he scoffed lightly, tsking as he eyed you in the outfit he picked out, admiring how it looked ten times better on you, “let’s dance bone boy” he winked, teasing jung slightly. @halloween-idols

🦇 - “the deep red color is my favorite, especially on you” he hums while biting his lip, looking up and down, “mm like fine wine my darling” he pulled you close and kissed you cheek “come dance” he said before glaring at his two cousins. @jayswritingcafe

🔪 - “hi ace, you look s-so pretty in that skirt” he smiled admiring the outfit, each aspect fitting his frame so well “we’re matching! or almost hehe, I tried my best” “sorry I’ve been gone for the past couple of days, a dance to make it up?” he offered before noticing ryujin and yuna “oh, hi yuna!” he cheered, then shuttered when he greeted ryu “let’s go ace” he said briefly @livealittleoc-cb

(Disclaimer: ryujin and yuna are only side characters meaning they’re not gonna be added to the blog as official muses or anything, you can only interact with them when they are mentioned in a rp or update like this one. I was supposed to post this like 5 hours ago but got busy 😅 Please enjoy 🫶🏻)

[thedeathofduty]

The Center of Every Poem

Chapter Two

Summary: Aemond and his mother had been preparing the feast for Emera and her family's return for weeks, and she would not even accept his offer for a dance. With her rejection came the realization that Lord Leander had perhaps not been honest about his daughter's true feelings.

Warning(s): Brief mentions of child abuse

A/N: Decided to try my hand at writing from the babygirl's POV. I actually had a lot of fun with this chapter, especially the differing depictions of the same exact dialogue. Here's the link to the full chapter list.

Aemond was decidedly not nervous. The only reason he was knocking on his mother's door at all was because he wanted to discuss a few minor details with her, nothing more. He licked his lips and tapped his foot against the floor a few times before knocking again.

"Just a moment," his mother called out through the door and he breathed out a shaky sigh. He was not nervous. There was nothing to be nervous about. His hand absently came up to adjust his eyepatch as he waited.

It was important that tonight of all nights everything go perfectly. His mother had been helping him with the preparations for weeks and together they had orchestrated everything from the food to the music to the number of torches there should be in the Great Hall for the feast. Aegon had taken charge of the wine as that was more his area of expertise and Helaena had asked close to a dozen times if she could be excused from the festivities, but their grandsire had refused, claiming it would be good practice for her now that she was Queen. She would not have to practice attending feasts if Aegon did not throw so many, but Aemond was aware there was little he could do convince his brother to use his new position as King for much else.

His mother's door opened. Her new handmaiden stood off to the side with her head bowed and Aemond barely spared her a passing glance before he rushed in. Near the window, his mother stood dressed in a modest green gown as a couple of the servants braided pieces of her brown hair with deft fingers.

"My darling," she said with a deep smile as she stiffly held out a hand that he immediately took, "are you excited for tonight?"

He squeezed her hand in his and bit his lip. "I am, yes, but..."

"What troubles you?" Her eyes widened with concern and the dimples that had adorned her cheeks disappeared. Sensing his hesitation, she offered him a gentle smile. "Aemond, Lord Lannister has assured me that Emera is happy to be returning to us and she is most eager to see you."

"He told you this today when they arrived?"

"Yes, and he said something to a similar effect in a letter he sent just before they left Casterly Rock," she said, gesturing towards her desk with her mouth, "you may go and read it yourself if you like."

He did and, true enough, there it was.

'My daughter has often told me throughout the years that she considers King's Landing her true home though her birthplace is here. She misses the young Prince and the rest of your family dearly.'

That particular sort of sentimentality did not sound like the Emera Lannister of his youth, but it had been nearly a decade since he had last spent any time with her, spoken to her, or even gazed upon her face. She was sure to be different now, perhaps even unrecognizable. Her cousin Lord Desiric of Westerling had visited the Red Keep a couple of years ago and they had spoken of her briefly. The man had described Emera as "not ugly but not exactly pretty either", saying she looked too much like her father to truly be described as beautiful. Shortly after the man left, Aemond had heard talk of the two of them traveling to Essos together. Only a month or two after that, he too went out in search of adventure.

"You believe him?" Aemond asked, still staring down at the parchment.

"You do not?"

"No," he said, pressing his lips together with a displeased hum.

"Come, darling." He drifted over to her, finding it hard to look at her until she was bringing her hands up to fix the collar of his shirt. "I know you are nervous-"

"I am not nervous."

"Of course not, because there is no cause for concern. Soon you will see your old friend again and all will be well, despite any lingering doubts."

He tried his best to heed his mother's words and brush aside any nagging questions as the festivities drew nearer. Still, there was one thing that did not fit. If Emera had truly missed them all so much, why had she never sent a raven of her own? She'd had nine years to return his stacks of letters with even a small note, but he had received nothing but silence from her all that time. It was true that there may have been many reasons for a lack of correspondence; Emera had been an wild, arrogant girl who liked to throw punches and have the last word in any argument. It was likely she had grown into a prideful woman who could not bear to admit she missed him.

But more to the point, Aemond simply did not trust her father. After his childhood with Emera, he knew far too much about the man to ever offer him that great a courtesy. Even when Lord Leander Lannister stood in front of all of them with his wife and daughters, smiling with all his wide teeth and saying all the right things, Aemond could not bring himself to look at him with anything but disdain.

"And I am sure you remember our daughter Emera from your shared youth, Your Grace," her father said and at the mention of her name, Aemond sat up straight in his seat as she stepped forward.

As the Lannisters first marched into the Great Hall, he had only caught a brief glimpse of Emera tucked behind her father, but even as he knew it must be her, his head had been filled with doubt. She did not look like herself, if there even was a way for him to say that with how many years had passed. The girl he had known only ever wore dresses with trousers and muddy boots hidden underneath, her hair either loose in tangled blonde ringlets or in one braid when they trained with See Criston. She never wore jewelry, she never let the servants touch her hair, and she certainly never curtseyed. And yet here she was doing all those things and glittering like a pile of gold coins and rubies.

His mouth felt dry and his throat tight as she smiled and talked politely with the rest of his family. Her cousin was wrong, she could certainly be described as beautiful. While her father looked like a fox, all her features looked sharp, feline, and clever. Everything from the quirk of her lips, the slant of her green eyes, and the fine edge of her squared jaw were identical to her father's, but all those features made a home on her face where they looked foreign on his. He tried not to let his eyes wander down to her dress and how it accentuated all the ways she had changed in their time apart, but it was near impossible not to admire what was being displayed. Several times he looked into her eyes, hoping she would return his stare but she very pointedly refused to let her gaze pass his sister Helaena sitting just to the left of him.

He wanted to feel scorned or angry, but the feeling in his chest was instead one he was much more familiar with: shame.

Maybe after dinner he could find a moment to speak with her privately and hear the truth of it all straight from her own lips. Was King's Landing truly home in her heart? Was she still holding onto what had happened so long ago? Had she thought of him all these years? If her father had been truthful, perhaps he could even convince her to dance. They had done it a few times as children, but it had mostly been playful. It would be different now, more serious.

He had been practicing. His mother had taught him everything about how to treat a Lady with care and honor, how to court so as to avoid the spread of any salacious rumors that could damage a young woman's reputation, and how to protect without presumption.

"What do you think, brother?" Aegon asked and when Aemond's eye flickered back to Emera, he found her staring up at the ceiling as if lost in prayer. Their mother, unfortunately, had not imparted such lessons upon his older brother. "Is she to your liking or shall we find you another one?"

Without even waiting for his reply, Emera spun around and stormed off, only stopping for a moment to smack her mother's hand as it tried to stop her. Ah, so in many ways she was the same.

"Aegon," their mother scolded him, her face twisting in anger as he brushed her off.

"Mother, I only want the very best for my brother," Aegon said.

"And I can assure you that is our Emera," her mother Johanna chimed in with a nervous smile. "She is merely tired from the long journey."

"And quite shy," her father added and Aemond raised an eyebrow at him. Shy. Really.

"Oh yes, very shy."

"I don't remember her being shy," Aegon remarked with an exaggerated frown, "but I suppose even a worm can turn."

If anybody realized he was not making sense, nobody said it. It truly must be wonderful to be King.

The rest of the daughters were introduced, but Aemond barely paid attention, keeping his one eye fixed on the young woman he'd spent the last nine years wondering about until dinner was finally served. He had remembered her favorite and ordered the kitchen staff to prepare it for the feast. As he watched her spirits lift and her smile grow, the knot in his stomach slowly came undone. It seemed she loved to drink and maybe even dance? Though she was having a bit of a hard time standing, she still made her way to dance with the younger sisters.

"Why not go to her?" Helaena asked and Aemond jolted in his seat as he looked at her. She had solved the little puzzle box Aegon had gotten for her and she somehow looked both bored and overwhelmed. He shook his head. "You are nervous."

"I am not." He clenched his jaw and turned his gaze back towards the dancers, watching the way Emera's crimson dress spun around her as she twirled and laughed.

"Manticore bound lion in red silk sashes."

"Is that meant to make me less nervous?"

"It is meant," she ground out, slapping her palms on the table several times, "to help."

A man approached Emera there and put his hand on her shoulder, drawing her a step away from her sisters. Aemond stood, his sharp gaze never once leaving the two of them. Whatever the man said, she did not like it because she immediately pushed past him with her head ducked and arms crossed. He nearly gave Helaena a pat on the back before leaving and perhaps she sensed it because she leaned away from him. While a part of him wanted to confront the man who had upset Emera and demand to know what he had said to her, he doubted she would appreciate that sort of display as they had not even properly spoken.

Instead he walked along the edge of the Great Hall, watching her cut her way through the crowd as she found Ser Criston and they began to speak. Surely there was nothing wrong with the fact that he was watching her? He was merely waiting for the right moment, the best moment, to make a proper introduction. Or rather, reintroduction.

His eye found the mousy little servant girl who had been trailing after Emera all night with a pitcher of wine in her hands. What a perfect opportunity. After dinner, he could find her and question her about anything she may have heard or noticed during the feast. The girl was sure to have some morsel of information to offer him.

When Emera finally turned to look at him, there was a flash of something small and sad on her face before she scowled, turned right back around, and quickly scurried away with her little companion. He did not even try to follow after her. For what purpose? To terrorize her with questions that were better aimed at her father? If the look on her face was any indication of her true feelings, she would sooner claw at his remaining eye than humor him with a response.

So truly it was no surprise when she refused his offer for a dance, but he made sure to do it in full view of his mother and grandsire. They should know they had been led astray by a man they considered an ally. Though he felt a twinge of hurt at the sight of Emera's retreating form bounding through the door, it was dwarfed by the all-consuming rage at the fact that he and his family had been made to appear so foolish.

"Emera!" Leander Lannister's voice boomed through the Hall above even the pounding drums. She did not even slow down at the sound of his voice. In fact, it seemed to make her run even faster.

Aemond's head pounded as he stalked towards her father, cutting the man off before he could follow his daughter out the door. The shock on his face was delicious. The last time the two had faced each other, Aemond had been a young boy who barely reached his chest. Now, it was Lord Lannister who had to look up at him.

"It seems you must explain yourself, my Lord," he said lowly. For the first time since word had reached his family of the Lannisters' return, Aemond felt completely at ease. Before he could say another word, his mother and grandsire were beside him. Ser Criston appeared immediately after, ever his mother's faithful protector.

"Not here, Aemond," his mother murmured, gently placing a hand on his arm as she turned to the Lord with an earnest gaze. "My Lord-"

"I apologize if my daughter has caused His Grace some offense."

"You would interrupt the Dowager Queen while she speaks, Lord Lannister?" Aemond jerked his arm away from Alicent as he took a step forward, ignoring how she chiding him with a hiss of his name. "You are the one who has offended both me and my house."

Leander had barely opened his mouth before Otto was speaking, his voice ringing clear and final as it almost always did, "my Lord, my Prince. Perhaps this is a conversation best continued elsewhere."

Aemond knew a few of the people around them were staring and his eye instinctively found Aegon's through the crowd. His brother raised his cup with a raucous cheer and at his command, the music changed and was more lively than ever. That was as good of a distraction as they were going to get. Aemond could smell blood now and he wasn't going to allow his grandsire to end this before it had reached its proper conclusion.

"No need," Aemond said, glaring down his nose at the little lion lord, "but Lord Leander will apologize to my mother for his brazen deceit."

"Aemond, that's not necessary."

"Yes, it is, mother." The two men did not look away from one another, did not even move. Aemond read the fury on Lord Leander face through the faint twitch of his left eye. Men like him hated nothing more than being forced to submit after a lifetime of playing the tyrant at home with those who were smaller than him. "Apologize to her and you may go in peace."

Lord Leander's jaw clenched, his wide nostrils flared, and his bright green eyes blazed in the torchlight. Time stretched on as Aemond's hands curled into fists and released in turn. With a deep sigh, all of the tension in the Lord's body left him and was replaced with a cold, empty stare. He slipped a polite smile onto his face and turned to the Dowager Queen and Lord Hand. "My apologies, Your Grace. It appears my daughter has led me astray and made a fool of me once more, but I regret that you had to pay the price. It is my deepest hope that we may find a way to remedy this together."

"That is my hope as well, my Lord. We can meet on the morrow and discuss the matter in detail in the Small Council chamber." Alicent's hand found Aemond's arm again, this time with an iron grip as if she was grabbing an unruly pup by the scruff of its neck, and he knew better than to speak again. Instead, he only stared at Lord Leander's retreating figure, a crimson shadow stalking through their Hall. "You should go to bed," she finally said and he scoffed at her.

"I am a man grown, mother. You cannot order me to bed."

She yanked him in close, digging her nails into his skin through the thick fabric of his overcoat. "If he had not apologized, what then?" she asked through clenched teeth, "the Lannisters are our allies. Would you have started a war with the Westerlands over what may have been a simple misunderstanding? After the trials of the last few months? Be reasonable, Aemond. I am your mother, I am the Dowager Queen, and I order you to go to bed. Now."

The Lord Hand looked almost proud at his daughter's show of force. Aemond supposed all parents liked to see a bit of themselves in their children, so he tried to show his mother the bit of her that lived in him as he lowered his gaze with a nod and quietly left the Great Hall without uttering another word. The hallways leading to his chambers were completely empty, a dim crescent moon shining through the archways and painting parts of the stone floor a milky silver.

He had not been thinking of the possibility of war when he'd antagonized Emera's father. He had not been thinking of anything but the fact that he had been wronged and somebody, the responsible party, had to pay for it. Only a complete imbecile would believe that man's lies about his daughter leading him astray. A liar sees only liars everywhere he turns, a thief only thieves, a traitor only traitors. Nothing was more of a condemnation than his immediate insistence that Emera was the true source of his lazy falsehood.

His own childhood was filled with memories of Emera sharing stories about her father and how he treated her. Though it was a rare thing, sometimes she would even cry, and his heart would break at the sight of her bright green eyes reddened and awash with thick tears. By the time she turned twelve, she'd only laugh in an empty and cheerless way that was hers alone, her eyes dry though her hands still shook. Now he imagined she concealed even that. This was all he had of her now: his own imagined version of her cobbled together with gossip he'd heard throughout the years and the impression she'd left him with tonight. She seemed bitter and unpleasant, though he supposed he would be much the same if his family had forced him to go to Casterly Rock.

Did she even know they were to be wed? Had her father discussed the possibility with her at m? The war with Princess Rhaenyra was over before it had even begun, her sons Aegon and Viserys gathering dust in the nursery until such a time when there may be use for them. Since the day Otto traveled to Dragonstone to deliver the peace terms, there had been nary a sighting of Prince Daemon or his dragon. With the threat of war looming so close, now was the perfect time to strengthen old alliances. They could not hope to go against the Velaryon fleet without Lannister gold, and the most amiable way to secure it was with a marriage pact. The fact that he and Emera had been promised to each other as children, and so were already familiar with each other, certainly made things easier, but they would be wed to each other now even if they were strangers.

Aemond had always known he would likely not be allowed to pick his own bride, but he had hoped she would at the very least not hate him. He had hoped she would find herself capable of looking at him with some semblance of kindness or mercy, despite his most glaring and loathsome fault. The old anger sparked in his chest as his steps grew heavier.

Could she truly still be angry with him? He had been a child of ten and two when last they'd last seen each other and he could admit that he had hurt her, but gods, could she not grant him a measure of grace, of absolution? He had just lost his eye and he had been cruel to her, but he had not been himself. Was she so spiteful that she could not forgive a child?

She certainly seemed spiteful with her bitter smile and how she mocked him for calling her "my Lady". What else was he supposed to call her, by her name? They were hardly close enough for that.

And what of her crimes? He'd not forgotten how she'd looked at him then: the anger in her squinting eyes, the disgust that had twisted her face into a scowl. Perhaps her father was being honest and Emera had lied, all so she could have a golden opportunity to publicly humiliate the King's crippled brother. Perhaps she did know they were to be wed and her outright refusal even to touch his hand was her way of telling him she would never feel anything for him but pure revulsion.

He stopped walking and leaned against one of the windows, listening for a moment to the sounds of the night. The wind rushed through the shadowed trees outside and music flowed faintly through the hallways. He gazed up at the sliver of moon curved like a smile against the blue velvet sky.

Though the feast had not gone the way he had hoped, the path forward remained unchanged. He would just have to rise early tomorrow and catch Emera before she went out for a ride on her horse Nymeria, as she had done nearly every morning in the last year before the Lannisters' exodus from King's Landing.

He had missed her, in his own way. What other way did he have? Of course, his life had continued after she'd been torn away from him, as he was certain hers had. Despite everything, however, he could not bring himself to forget her. Emera had been his dearest, and at one point only, friend. Whether she hated him or just hated the thought of knowing him as a husband, it changed nothing. No matter what her true feelings were, he would do his duty as he always had and as she would have no choice but to do alongside him.

[beautiful-songbird]

The Strings of My Heart [38] - Not My Home

← Chapter 37 | Chapter 39 →

Pairing: Zoro x Jupiter

Genre: fluff, angst, f2l

Word Count: 1.9k

Warnings: mentions of infidelity and adoption

Summary: Zoro’s moved to sunny California for college to escape from the life of fame for a little while. But when he loses his violin case in the second week of school, he’s sure his college experience has just gone up in flames. What will he do when, despite all odds, his case is returned to him?

Noah had been oddly excited when he’d been asked if he wanted to go to America over summer break.  Their whole family was going to California for a week at the end of July, and then he’d be staying by himself for another week or two.  It was a long time for him to be away from the family, especially considering he’d never been without his parents for even one night, but Luna had asked if he could stay with them for a little while, and Noah had agreed to it.  He’d be staying with them for the week that they were all there, and then they’d decide how long or if he was even staying after that.

Zelda and Tae had long ago explained to him that he was adopted.  There was no point in keeping it from him, and they figured it would be easier for him to process if he knew it when he was young.  Besides that, he didn’t look related to them at all, so he had an explanation to give people if they ever asked why he looked so different from his family.

On the other hand, they’d never really approached the topic of Luna being his birth mother.  He was only six, so familial relations were still something he couldn’t quite wrap his mind around.  He knew Luna was his siblings’ cousin, so they figured it wouldn’t really make sense to tell him that she was his mom.  He didn’t even really fully understand what adoption was, so how would he understand that his cousin was actually his mom?

It didn’t really matter, and they weren’t going to bother telling him.  He was just staying with his cousin’s family for the week.

No one could quite figure out why he was so excited, though.  Noah wasn’t one to enjoy change, so generally the first week of trips was hard.  Not this time, though.  He, despite being jet-lagged, was very excited to be running through the airport.  It did help that he had sunglasses and headphones to aid him this time.  Generally, he was overwhelmed with all the loud noises and bright lights, but they’d recently discovered that he was a lot calmer when those stimulants were blocked out.  So, they walked through the airport with a much happier boy.

“What are you so excited about?” Hyeon asked with a yawn as she picked Noah up.

He poked her cheek. “We get to see baby Rosella.”

“Ah,” Hyeon hummed. “I see.”

Of course, that was the reason.  Noah loved babies, and Rosella had been the first one he’d gotten to hold.  In a way, it endeared Hyeon.  It reminded her of the way her mother had told her Zoro had acted when she’d been born.  In fact, she’d seen a few videos.  Her brother had loved her so even then, and she liked to think that someday, Noah and Rosella might have a relationship just like she and Zoro did.

“Ah!  Noah, what are you doing?”

Noah squished Hyeon’s cheeks together. “You look funny.”

“I’m sure I do.  I’ve barely slept in the past twenty hours, unlike you, mister!”

Noah grinned.

◇◆◇◆◇

Noah ended up requesting that Jiho stay with him at Kohen and Luna’s house the first night.  He didn’t really know either of them very well, so he wanted someone familiar with him.  Specifically, the brother who he slept with most nights now that Zoro was gone.

“Wow, look at Rosella!  She’s gotten so much bigger!” Jiho exclaimed when he saw his cousin’s daughter.

Indeed, she was.  Now closer to one than she was to being a newborn, she was standing in her crib attempting to chew on it when they arrived.

“Can I hold her?” Noah asked excitedly.

“How about we blow up the bed first?” Kohen suggested. “Then you can hold her.”

“Ok!”

Rosella was absolutely delighted to be sharing her room.  She spent most of the time they were blowing up the mattress standing on her toes with the aid of her grip on the side of the crib.

Noah, on the other hand, was horrified.  He’d nearly immediately put his headphones on, and he pressed his hands on top of those.  He started humming on instinct, knowing that it would help block out the noise a little bit.  After a few seconds, Kohen picked him up and took him out of the room, shutting the door behind them.

“You ok?”

“Yeah.  Don’t like that sound,” Noah explained, staring at the wall.

“Yeah?  I’m not a huge fan of it either.  It makes my ears hurt.”

Noah’s eyes widened. “Yeahhhhh.  Your ears hurt too?”

Kohen nodded.

Noah smiled. “No one else’s does.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed that.  It doesn’t bother Rosella and Luna.”

The two of them were silent for a few moments.

“Do you like crackers?” Kohen asked.

Noah shrugged. “I like triangle gimbap.”

“What’s that?”

Noah gasped. “They’re seaweed wraps!  They’re this big,” he mimicked their shape with his hands, “and they have rice and bulgogi in them!  They’re soooooooooooo good!”

“Oh, really?  They sound good.  Is that what you snack on at home?”

“Yeah.  Mama makes them for me.  Or she buys them downstairs.”

“Ah.  Maybe we should buy some while you’re here.”

Noah nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”

Kohen walked into the kitchen and set Noah down on the counter before pulling a bag of saltines out of the cabinet and ripping them open.  Then he handed one to Noah.

“This is what I snack on.”

Noah took a cautious bite out of it. “Ooh!  It’s crunchy!  And it’s salty, like seaweed.”

“Do you like it?” Kohen asked as he ate one of his own.

Noah nodded emphatically. “It’s really yummy!  Can I have another one?”

Kohen laughed. “Sure!”

◇◆◇◆◇

Jupiter had slept through about half the day, leaving Zoro to keep an eye on all the kids.  This, of course, had been exactly how he’d expected the day to go, only Jupiter should’ve been at work.

Andromeda wasn’t too happy to have been left with him, though.  She’d cried for about half the time she’d been awake, and the other half of it had been spent running away from Zoro and eating baby puffs.  Zoro wasn’t really sure what to do.  It was very clear that she knew her mother was gone and not returning anytime soon, but he wasn’t sure how to comfort her.  They were all basically strangers to her with how little her mother had brought her around them.  She knew Jupiter, but that was about it.  And Jupiter couldn’t take her with her everywhere she went.

This was truly a disaster.  Zoro couldn’t even imagine what it would feel like to have one of his parents leave his life, so the fact that Jupiter’s family had lost both of them within a year was horrifying to him.  He couldn’t believe that Jupiter’s mom had just left.

Andromeda let out a loud squeak, startling Zoro.  He rushed out to the living room to see what she was doing.  Ah, she’d figured out how to turn on the TV.

“What are you up to, little miss?”

She glanced up at him, and as they stared at each other, he couldn’t help but chuckle.  Andromeda didn’t look like the rest of her siblings.  He squinted at her.  She almost looked like what he imagined his and Jupiter’s kids would look like.  She had those blue eyes that none of the rest of her siblings had, and her hair was growing in dark, thick, and curly.  Almost like she didn’t share the same father as the rest of them….

He crossed the room and squatted across the table from her.

“Andi?”

She titled her head, and he followed.  Her eyes were so, so blue.  He hadn’t ever thought much of it.  The other nine of them were quite varied in their coloring, ranging from blonde to black-haired and green to brown eyed.  Zoro glanced around the room.  There was a photo on the mantle.  He crossed the room to pick it up before returning to the table.  He glanced at Andromeda and then at the picture.  She most resembled her mother, but there was absolutely none of her father in her features.  Was he looking too much into this?  Jiho didn’t look like either of Zoro’s parents, but he was definitely their full-blood son.

“What are you two doing?”

Zoro spun around to find Jupiter standing in the doorway.

“Um….”

“Is that a picture of my parents?” she laughed, crossing the room to take the frame from his hands.  She stared down at it for a few seconds before glancing down at her little sister.  Then she turned her attention to Zoro.

“Zoro?”

“Yes?” he nearly winced.

“Andi…doesn’t look like my dad.”

He nodded slowly. “I…noticed.”

They shared a look that was more dumbfounded than anything else.

“Do you think my mom was having an affair?” Jupiter voiced suddenly.

He glanced down at Andromeda. “I think it’s entirely possible.” He hesitated. “Is there any way for us to really know, though?”

Jupiter tossed the photo on the couch. “There definitely is.  If she’s not fully related to me, a blood test would show it.  I’m not really sure I want to know, though.”

“Yeah,” he replied quietly. “Do you have any idea who it would be?”

Jupiter shook her head before scoffing. “I have absolutely no clue.  I have a feeling one of the girls would, though.”

“Do you really want to ask them?”

“Not really,” she admitted. “Honestly, I think my life just keeps getting worse at this point.”

He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “You don’t say.  I…honestly feel rude for even suspecting that she’s not your dad’s.”

“Don’t feel bad.  I should’ve noticed it sooner, honestly.  Look at her.  None of us have eyes that color.”

He shrugged. “It could definitely just be a gene the rest of you didn’t get.”

“I don’t think so.  No one on either side of my family has blue eyes as far as I know.”

He grimaced. “I wondered.”

Andromeda stuck the remote in her mouth as the two of them spoke.  She clearly didn’t care about this.  Not that she even knew what they were talking about.

Jupiter sighed. “It doesn’t really matter.”

“Um…it kind of does.”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“If we’re going to adopt her…and they figured out she has a father who doesn’t know about her, the whole process could be seriously complicated.”

“Not if they don’t figure it out,” she countered. “We don’t even know that she’s not my dad’s kid.”

“We don’t know that he is either, though.  I don’t think he’s on the birth certificate since he died before she was born.”

She was glaring at him now, so he cleared his throat.

“Sorry.  I just think it’s entirely possible they might question it.”

“If they do, I think all they’ll need is word from my mother that my dad is the father.”

He hesitated. “That’s…probably true.”

“I don’t think we shouldn’t try.  If we run into issues later, we’ll work them out.”

He nodded. “Ok.”

Jupiter glanced down at Andromeda again. “If she really did cheat on my dad, I’ll have a lot to say to her,” she huffed. “Especially if it complicates the adoption.”

Chapter 39 →

This is part of the Dad!BTS series that can be found here

Series M.list

A/N: personally? I want to scream, lol

It would be greatly appreciated if you reblogged the story if you liked it!

Taglist: @jiminie-and-his-pinky-finger @jinnie-forthe-winnie