#and he doesn't know why his stomach is flipping and his heart is beating double time but rest assured Buck WILL be seeing Tommy again | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

atxxzist · 2 years ago

Text

broken | c.s (03)

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pairing: choi san x reader

word count: 9.1k

warning: allusion to traumas, pervert san, some smut (read at ur own risk!)

your stomach drops at the sight of the large crowd, and that loud, unpleasant sound of the music blasting through the speakers already grating to your ears, your feet tempting to turn back around.

"wow," yuna says in awe, your eyes moving to her.

the weekend you so long have been waiting for finally comes, meaning so does wooyoung's party.

a quiet sunday that's about to flip completely; your heart already beating alarmingly inside your chest just at the thoughts of meeting the boy who invitedly you so kindly with such a handsome smile on his face.

yunho has decided to sit this one out, but yuna filled in the spot pretty quickly, after seeing her mope around the dorm with no plans for tonight, you asked if she wanted to come along.

it's going to be her first ever college party.

"shut up! you're really going?" mingi squeals a little too loudly, you have to merely double check the area again.

you nod at the question, chin bumping the top of the textbook being hugged as you both continue on the path with light steps.

"this is all because of that guy, huh? san?"

you shoot mingi a daggering glare and shush him with an index finger, fear raising at the name drop.

"it is!" he cheers too excitedly, like he's cracked you, forgetting about just everything you told him not to do.

"it's not!" you counter.

mingi moves from the side to in front, halting your movements so suddenly, your toes nearly dig into the ground.

"is that a blush i see," he teases, amusement written all over his delivery.

"oh my gosh, mingi!" you whine, stepping around him to continue along the narrow path.

a cackle is heard from behind until he catches up, shoulder touching yours again.

"jesus, y/n. what exactly did that guy do at the party? you were giving him lovey dovey eyes the entire time we were at the restaurant."

you swallow down a nervous gulp. because if mingi noticed, you wonder if the rest at the table did as well. fuck.

"i told you, it's nothing! i just... i just want to get out of my shell a little bit," you lie through your teeth. and of course, it doesn't work. not on mingi.

he chuckles and shakes his head.

"this is the same girl that didn't even want to show up to her own graduation, and now you're trying to convince me you're all for a place full of drunk and annoying people?"

you shrug, putting on an act.

"people can change."

"right, and i think i know the exact reason why."

there's a few seconds of silence, you hoping that he will just let it slide because you're not in the headspace to be confronted about your crush on san.

"but, that's a good thing," he adds.

you snap to him, your eyebrows pinched together and in utter surprise, because you did expect him to maybe go off about the gut feeling he has about san, similar to yunho.

"it's about time you get laid."

"pfft!" you scoff, and almost choked.

"i'm forreal!"

but you don't want to just get laid, or let it be a one time thing. you want something more than that.

"he looks like he gives good head, you're going to have the best first orgasm of your life."

"gosh, mingi! keep your fucking volume down!" you nudge him, flustered.

"no, actually, I don't know that. you could've already finger--ouch!"

mingi cries out pain when you land a hit to his foot with your own.

"that's what you get for having such a big damn mouth," you hiss, sticking a tongue out at him and walking ahead.

"rude!" he comments, before limping the rest of the way.

"okay, so how about this. we go shopping later this afternoon and get you the sluttiest party outfit ever. you know, hot bitches stuff."

you look up at him, disbelief in your expression.

"are you, my literal best friend, trying to pimp me out?"

"no," he denies casually, "i'm just excited that love isn't completely dead to you yet, after what happened the last time."

you roll your eyes. "whatever. don't sour the mood."

"oh! so it is what i think it is," he takes the chance to annoy you even further.

"no! i just... want to get to know him a little better..."

"that's what they all say at first, and before you know it--ouch!"

after telling mingi that, no, you're not showing up to the party half naked since you already have an outfit planned, he still insisted on pushing the shopping spree date back just in case.

but you're just glad he finally stopped interrogating you about the jacket that looks familiar, because yes, it belongs to san, and yes, he asked you to wear it to the party.

"hold tight, ladies. don't get lost," mingi announce, grabbing at your wrist, and you continuing the pattern by grabbing yuna's.

he guides the way inside the house, the limited space causing his grip on you to tighten, and you equally returning the strength to the poor roommate, knowing how effortlessly it takes to get lost in such a setting.

you guys make it to the same corner, the couch to the right that was a lot more stained last time but now looking like it's been somewhat sanitized.

you get to spare a single glance at it, before wooyoung pops out. no drinks in his hand; all open arms and ready to give some bro handshake to mingi.

"hey, man!" he greets.

"hey!"

he then catches you in a staring contest and a bigger smile quirks up at the realization.

"hey, y/n! you really came!"

you return a small nod.

you did come. but it's already defeating that the one reason you're showing up for is nowhere in sight. you just thought maybe, just maybe, since san so eagerly invited you, he might be with wooyoung for the arrival.

just maybe.

"oh, and this is?" he refers to the new face; your roommate who you brought along, just patiently hanging off by the side and waiting for her turn.

"hi! i'm yuna!" she holds out a hand immediately, a complete contrast to how you were at first meeting. even she doesn't flinch when wooyoung delivers a kiss to the top of it.

"nice to meet you, yuna." he smiles. "you guys roommate?"

"yup," she answers.

"lots of roommates situation lately," he remarks, "everyone's been wonderf--"

"--woo!" he's interrupted when another voice comes into attention. a male you haven't seen before, shoving through the abundance of people until he comes into wooyoung's view.

there's a troubled look on him as he goes to inform the much shorter boy.

"there's some wacko in the back stirring up troubles again."

wooyoung's stance changes from relaxed to annoyed, releasing an irritated click of his tongue.

"these fucking losers, i swear," he mumbles under his breath before turning to the three of you. "i'll be right back. have to make sure none of these fuckers leave any of their shit on my property."

"seonghwa, keep them entertained," he speaks to the taller male, and begins making way to the back, yelling for people to make space as he goes.

"what's going on?" mingi's the one to ask.

"a fight," seonghwa answers, "they happen more than you think, so just heads up. i guess that's just bound to happen when anyone can come. woo really gotta start taking those invitations seriously."

"so all this time, we could've just showed up?" mingi pretends to be offended. "or are we literally the only ones who actually got an invitation."

"well, at least that means wooyoung actually wants you guys here. everyone else just enters through the front door. not that wooyoung cares. for him, the more the better. but because of it, we get this shit show."

"yeah, i remember hearing about something similar happening the last time, around the front of the house. can wooyoung not afford any security guards?" mingi pokes fun.

seonghwa lets out a low chuckle.

"then that means his parents will hear about all the troubles going on, and a little disastrous party is better than none at all."

mingi nods in understanding. "true."

"oh, right!" something suddenly comes over him. "this is the sophomore i was telling you about, y/n."

the sophomore that he left with wooyoung to go hang out with, that lead you right into the chest of an incredibly charming stranger who's still yet to make an appearance.

"hey," you offer a greeting that sounds more like a whisper; seonghwa sending one right back, but with more enthusiam.

the conversation continues in a similar fashion; introducing one another and smiles plastered on your guys' faces, until it just keeps going on and on.

unable to keep up with the topics and feeling like you don't have much to offer anyways, you once again, end up on the couch as you watch everyone else like a bystander.

the jacket still on feels like it's taunting you more as the night carries on. your eyes trailing from one side to another; the people on the dance floor, and then to your friend group off by the corner, all chatting and looking like they're having a good time at least.

maybe after all, it was wrong to come just because a boy asked you to, knowing if san's request wasn't so tempting, you'd be with yunho right now, working on assignments or studying the night away.

you sigh, keeping your focus on the friend group. yuna is laughing at something seonghwa said and mingi has a smile on his face. the two got along pretty fast, it's like you didn't even need to be the middle man at all.

smalls talks and making friends must be so easy for someone like yuna--you knowing how easy it is for mingi. not having to worry if you'll say something stupid or worst case scenario, scare them away because you're just that boring.

wooyoung finally comes back after some time, bringing along someone new at his side, you wonder just how many more introductions you're going to have to witness before the end of the night.

"look who i bumped into. mother fucking kim hongjoong." he slaps said boy on the back, making him chuckle.

"why are you so suprised for? you literally invited me, you maniac."

"a maniac who hasn't seen his friend in fucking forever. where the hell have you been?"

"i've been... busy," hongjoong replies, aloof.

wooyoung rolls his eyes; the rest watching in amusement.

"well, since you're here, how about we play a drinking game?"

hongjoong shakes his head.

"no can do. i have to be out of here within an hour."

"seriously?" wooyoung whines, and even you giggle a little at the scene.

it's now a party of five, or six--including you, you don't really know. but you're glad mingi's making friends and yuna is fitting in perfectly. it's just you whose spirits is getting worse by the moment, thinking to yourself if san is even here tonight at all.

wooyoung hasn't mentioned him and there doesn't seem to be any other telltale signs.

you didn't really think anyone from the group would notice, besides mingi who keeps glancing once in a while to check on you. but it's been more than a couple times that you accidentally catch hongjoong's gaze in yours, only to shyly look the other way immediately.

it might be a coincidence, but seeing as how he's literally making way over to you right now after whispering something to mingi, you think he caught on to your pitiful state.

"hey," he says softly, taking the seat right beside you--you clearing your throat and fidgeting awkwardly.

"hey."

"not much for parties, huh?"

you slowly shake your head. there's just something about you that gives it away, considering this is the second time you're hearing such a thing.

"your friends didn't force you to come, now did they?" he jokes lightheartedly, causing a smile to crack on you.

"nah. it was all my doing, but i'm already starting to have second thoughts."

hongjoong giggles at the pessimistic tone.

"i understand. if it wasn't for that asshole wooyoung always pestering me, i wouldn't show either. i mean, it can be fun. you just gotta be the right person for it, you know."

you agree with a nod, a more faint smile on your lips from the remark directed at wooyoung.

"i'm hongjoong," he properly announce.

"y/n."

the more the conversation drags on, you find yourself shifting his way more and more, until you're at least comfortable enough meeting his eyes even if just for a few seconds.

"you're also a freshman, correct?"

you find that the sequence usually consists of him asking you a question and you answering with just a nod. but something about hongjoong, even if this is your first time speaking to him, makes you feel so comfortable.

he's very easy to talk to and despite your short replies, never fails to carry on the conversation.

with hongjoong, it's almost like you're speaking to an older brother; one that you want to listen to, because you think he might have something important to say.

it feels a lot more different than san; wanting to listen to him because his words are like the call of a siren, and his smile and eyes lures you into the deepest temptations.

temptations that are slowly but surely dying because you're ready to accept it at this rate that san will not be showing.

"you go to the same school as the rest?" hongjoong asks another question.

"yeah. i-i haven't seen you around before," you answer, crawling out of the shell bit by bit.

he releases a short giggle.

"i attend another university not too far from here, but i visit the area sometimes."

"oh..." you say, mouth drawing an 'o' shape. well, that explains it.

"have you decided your major, yet?"

"i have. i'm uh... majoring in information technology."

"oh, cool!" he beams. "i haven't heard of much women going into that field. how are you liking your classes so far?"

"they're okay. just intro classes and the usual general educations. i don't think i've seen anything yet."

he chuckles.

"oh, definitely not. i heard it only gets harder. but best of luck to you, y/n. you can do it."

"thank you," you mumble, the shell coming off almost completely when you go to ask him the same question. you don't want it to just be about you, because you are just the tiniest bit curious about kim hongjoong, too.

"how about you?"

"creative writing," he says, waiting for your reaction but you're exceptionally unmoved.

"usually when i tell anyone that, they always say i look like a music major."

you snicker quietly.

"you do, but, you're also definitely believable as a writing major."

he delivers an endeared smile your direction.

"that's a first. but thanks. if you told me a couple years ago that i'd end up choosing writing, i wouldn't believe it either. it was never really something i was ever into or cared too much for growing up." he pauses briefly.

"but there was a tough period in my life, and to deal with it, i kind of just started journaling and writing my thoughts down onto whatever paper or notebooks i could find, and it made me feel a little better afterward."

he spares you a glance for a second too long and starts laughing nervously.

"i'm sorry, for dumping all that information on you first meeting."

you shake your head, objecting.

"no, no. you're fine. that sounds interesting. i'd love to know more about how you got into writing," you assure him. a simple smile gracing his features.

"have you ever had intrusive thoughts that keeps you awake at night? or things that just, no matter how hard you try pushing to the back of your mind, you can't seem to get rid of?"

you have to actually take a moment and consider the questions. at least not currently, you cannot think of anything. so you shake your head.

"well, writing down my thoughts at the moment was kind of my way of countering those feelings, and somewhere along the way, i just found my love for writing."

"i mean, i'm not saying if you start journaling, you're all of a sudden going to find your love for writing, too, but just advising maybe if something ever bothers you and you need to let off some steams. sometimes you don't necessarily need to talk to someone; it's just a way of comforting you for the time being. for you to look back on and reflect on what you were feeling back then. but of course, that's only the first step."

the passion burning in his eyes is almost visibe; the words leaving him and how they're conveyed, you can tell it is something from the heart; from a place of sincerity.

"i'll think about it." you smile, and he returns one.

"joong! y/n! over here!" both of your heads snap to the voice, belonging to wooyoung and he's ushering with his hand.

"let's go," hongjoong mumbles, standing up and waiting for you until you're both walking back to the circle of friends.

"so, we're having a bet. wanna put your money down?" wooyoung enlightens, earning a groan from hongjoong.

"again? the last time we betted something, the cop almost busted your ass for prank calling them. if you want your parents to take away your privilege of having a house off campus, just say so."

you giggle a little; the interaction giving it away that hongjoong pretty much looks out for the other boys.

"you're no fun," wooyoung boos, rolling his eyes.

another round of fun banters between the group are exchanged, but you already begin feeling like you want to leave, after only being met with disappointment from the one person you came for.

but at least you got to know hongjoong and can go back tonight with a small victory that you actually talked to him. which is why you really want to leave once hongjoong takes his official departure of the night as well.

it's been a literal hour, and mingi can sense the shift in you, a part of him feeling sorry knowing you were probably swarming with butterflies before the arrival.

but it just isn't right to ask, also aware you'll probably step on his foot again if he even dares to say san's name out loud.

mingi opens his mouth to make an excuse for you, only to stop when an arm is thrown over wooyoung's neck from behind; the culprit coming into full view, and he doesn't even have to look to know how ecstatic you probably are.

"hey!" san greets the group.

"oh, look who finally decided to show." wooyoung turns to his friend and untangle the hold off of him.

san chuckles and situates himself next to wooyoung, nodding off mingi's direction.

"sup!"

mingi respond with a raise of his head back. that's when san moves to you, his gaze biting deep and you feel yourself cowering in. if he will take in and appreciate the fact that you did exactly what he asked of you.

"hey, y/n. you really came," he says with a lower volume, settling on a tender smile.

"yeah."

it's all he gives you before prying away, eyes already on the next person. no reassurances or anything that will make you feel just the slightest bit better about waiting for him all this time.

all as if he wasn't so keen on getting you to come. he barely even acknowledges the jacket on you, like it doesn't belong to the man himself.

"don't think i've ever seen you before," his comment directed at your roommate.

"hi! i'm yuna!" she holds out a hand; you watching in apprehension as san goes to shake it with some type of mirth in his eyes that makes your stomach sinks in the worst way possible.

but you shouldn't be feeling like this. there's no reason for you to be so bothered about how he's looking at your roommate right now--or how she's holding his gaze right back with some form of fascination.

you thought maybe san's appearance might dispel some of the doubts building up, but it's having the complete opposite effect, and at the moment, there's nothing you want more than to disappear, feeling like the entire thing was a mistake.

it also doesn't help that he's so charismatic, yuna's bubbling laugh ringing against your ear once in a while from the jokes he'd make--or maybe she laughs at all of the boys' jokes but you're just too hyperfocus on san.

you wish he's looking at you the way he's looking at her right now; intrigued eyes and attention hanging onto every words. he has yet to even look back at you ever since.

foolish; so foolish of you.

you think you're about ready to go back at this point, but with everyone talking over one another, it's hard to properly excuse yourself without coming off disrespectful.

if only mingi catches on as well, but he's too busy making small talks with seonghwa that eventually, when wooyoung suggests karaoke, you wind up in a room upstairs with all the others.

yuna takes the seat right next to san, causing you to sink in your spot and posture deflating more as the clock ticks.

the jacket on you sliding down your skin one by one until it's completely off and you can start feeling a little less pathetic about everything.

your curiosity still naturally averts to the two, chatting away like they've known each other right out of the wombs.

yuna looks like she might be san's type. you wouldn't really know. but she's pretty, her eyeliners are always perfectly winged and she makes heads turn when she passes by--so really, what is there about you that is worthy of being looked at when yuna's in the same room.

but surprisingly, you're not having too hard of a time accepting the reality of it. it's easy when you're accustomed to always being second place; second choice, and being a mere back thought.

a light headache creeps up, and the screeching voices of mingi's and wooyoung's out-of-tune's singing is adding to the misery.

you need to use the bathroom, or at the very least, sneak away to a space where you don't feel so suffocated. you leave san's jacket on the seat and leave unannounced, seeing as everyone's occupied within their own little bubble.

thank goodness wooyoung had made the location to the bathroom direct enough beforehand, or else you'd probably spend the whole night just looking for it.

you sit on the idea of staying in here until mingi comes looking for you, or perhaps, make your way back to the dorm and give both him and yuna some lame excuse later like your head hurt so you had to go back.

not like it has anything to do with a certain boy and his broken promises that's making you the slightest insecure from the lack of attention.

how weird, given you've never really put too much emphasis into anything like that--especially from a boy.

but san. you can admit you want it from him, and you weren't getting it. you can come to terms with it, and at the same time, allow yourself to be just a little sad.

between hiding in here and scuttling back to the dorm, you don't even get to choose because there's a knock at the door.

quickly drying your hand and throwing the paper towel into the small bin, you apologetically nod your head at the girl who's soon to take your place in the bathroom, giving her a shy smile as she passes by, slamming the door shut.

damn other human beings for having to take care of their needs.

you sigh in defeat, thinking that maybe, you'll just head back and explain yourself later; the image of san and yuna snuggling so close to one another conjuring up a bile in the back of your throat.

and suddenly, it all happens very fast.

an unseen figure from the side snatches your wrist and hauls you away into what looks like a closet. you're about to release a string of muffled protests, until the light comes on and all the fear dissipates, seeing who it is.

"sorry, didn't mean to scare you," san says, an apologetic smile on his face and letting go of the hold he has on you.

just as you were about to forget about him and accept your losses, he decides to show up again--making your heart pound immensely because of the proximity.

you take a nervous step back and utter in such a quiet, doubtful voice, "w-were you looking for me?"

your lips draw into the tiniest pout; san thinking someone shouldn't look this cute when they're sad, though he's noticed you being adorable too many times tonight.

he's stolen countless glances, all with a smirk at the corner of his lips, but you didn't seem to catch on--probably too busy thinking he doesn't care about you--or maybe he wants you to think that.

wants you to believe that he's so intrigued by your roommate though he doesn't remember a single thing she's said to him.

"i was. you left this."

he pulls something into your view, and your eyes swell a little, seeing that it's his jacket.

neatly adjusting it around your shoulders and tugging on the collar so it can hug your smaller frame more firmly, you feel a rise beginning to settle on your cheeks--the small gesture taking your breath away.

"i just thought maybe you forgot about it..." you mumble, similar to a whisper.

he smiles and using the grip on the collar, pulls you inward with a jerk, releasing a short gasp that falls from your lips when your chest bumps into his.

lips that are almost way too close to his right now, if you just dive in a little more, it just might.

because yes, he didn't really acknowledge you earlier and was all over yuna, but he's here now. he came looking for you and he remembered the request.

and just like that, you feel yourself falling into the temptations again.

"of course i didn't. just, everyone else was there. you would understand, right?"

it takes a quick silence for you to nod, convincing yourself that what he's telling you is the truth. that there really was just too many people and the timing wasn't right. that it's not because he was purposely ignoring you or trying to string you along.

"the rest are drunk as shit right now. you want to go home?" he asks, breath ghosting the tip of your skin and returning goosebumps. the limited space and his face only inches away not making it any easier.

"i do, but i wouldn't want to leave yuna and mingi in that state."

he chuckles, admiring the fact you always look out for those close to you.

"well, everyone else besides yuna. wooyoung should have someone help mingi later on. if not, he's got plenty of spare bedrooms for him to spend the night," he assures, like he knows the layout of wooyoung's house at the back of his head--which he does.

"oh, okay..."

"you got classes in the morning, don't you?"

"yeah..." you answer, refusing to meet his penetrative gaze that makes you so shy.

he smirks at the endearing sight, taking it as a victory even if you're always as red as a tomato either way.

"let's go," he declares, taking your hand in his in the same fashion he did last time at the restaurant and escorts you back to wooyoung's karaoke room.

unsurprisingly, wooyoung, mingi, and seonghwa are as expected, drunk as shit, but still singing their hearts out rather sloppily and slurring half of the lyrics.

yuna's off to the side with her arms crossed and watching the show with an amused smile on her glossy lips. she's the first to catch your and san's arrival considering she's the only one sober enough.

after bidding goodbyes to the rest and saying each of your farewell of the night, which you're sure none of them understood because of their state, san walks both you and yuna back to the dorm.

the house is just right across the street from campus, and because wooyoung has a thing for making everything all more convenient, it's going to be a rather short walk.

yuna and san exchanges small talks along the way, but it's almost weird and uncanny how disinterested he sounds in comparison to back at the party.

even weirder when he'll laser you a glance once in a while like he's trying to catch your attention--when you were the one being pushed to the side before.

"but pastel colors for sure. those are my favorites," yuna replies to a question asked by san--what's her favorite colors to paint with--but you don't even think he's listening.

his head is elsewhere and there looks to be a moment where he snaps back to reality.

"yeah, that sounds cool..." he murmurs, stopping in place when the big '43-d' comes into view.

"here we are," he changes the subject almost instantly.

yuna turns to him, a tight smile on her. "thanks for walking with us."

"my pleasure."

you stand there, conflicted of what to say. because it would be a shame if the night with san ends right here. but what do you tell him?

"well, be careful walking back, and see you around on campus some time." yuna waves, and san's unreadable eyes move from hers to yours, then back to hers.

"you go in first. after i'm done with y/n, i'll give her back to you. just a few minutes."

you momentarily catch his gaze in yours and a handsome smile decorating his lips that eventually changes into a smirk.

"ooh..." yuna coos, "okay!" she jumps in her position, a relaxed expression before going to undo the lock with a jingle of her keys and prying the door just slightly open, head turning back to you.

"see you in a bit."

he doesn't speak until he hears the door fully shut.

you do wonder what exactly he has in mind. not that you have anything to complain about getting to be in his presence for just a little longer.

he has both his hands jammed into the pockets of his pants; a visual that makes him look so mysterious and enticing.

"didn't mean to hold you back, but, i heard you're looking for a job?"

you raise an eyebrow, aware it's probably mingi's doing. you have only slightly mentioned it in passing conversations.

"i've been thinking about it, yeah..."

you have thought of it, applying a few places here and there but that was so recent, you haven't gotten a reply from any, yet.

"i know a few people. if you want, i can try passing some words around. try your luck."

"oh no, it's fine." you shake your head, unwilling to let someone else do the work for you. if you're going to find a job, it will be from your own effort.

"i'm serious." he chuckles. "it's just a small little favor. if you're only looking for part-time or something to do on the side, i have a few options."

"i hope this isn't because mingi got on his knees and begged on my end or anything. he can be a little bit..."

san laughs and those dimples you like a little too much, appearing and then disappearing.

"not at all." he quirks his lips to one side to think.

"how about this." removing one of his hand, you see he's gripping his phone. "you give me your number first, and after looking around, we can meet again to further discuss?"

you hesitate, but at the same time feeling like denying such an offer will be even more rude. and especially when it's from san, it will only be a missed opportunity if you don't take it.

you nod as a response, and he smiles, extending an arm to hand you the phone.

quickly inputting your number, you simply name yourself 'y/n', returning back the device and watching him gracefully put it back into the pocket of his pants.

"perfect. i'll text you my address if i get any news."

you thank him, observing his features through your eyelashes before realizing once again, you've yet to return his jacket--slowly slipping it off your shoulder.

"keep it," he says, stunning you. "you look good with it."

"it's getting late, so, i should get going. thanks for showing up to the party, and you should be hearing from me within the next few days."

when he so suddenly pats your head, you wince just a little from the touch that makes something inside you flutter.

"see you around, y/n."

and he's walking away; you pouting from the distance because the more you're with him, the deeper you seem to fall. all kinds of scenarios and "what-ifs" flying around your head.

maybe yunho is wrong after all, and maybe san really is genuine. because no one goes to this extent if they don't have some good intentions.

for some reason, hongjoong's words stick with you.

“have you ever had intrusive thoughts that keeps you awake at night? or things that just, no matter how hard you try pushing to the back of your mind, you can’t seem to get rid of?”

“i mean, i’m not saying if you start journaling, you’re all of a sudden going to find your love for writing, too, but just advising maybe if something ever bothers you and you need to let off some steams. sometimes you don’t necessarily need to talk to someone; it’s just a way of comforting you for the time being. for you to look back on and reflect on what you were feeling back then. but of course, that’s only the first step.”

it's not like you're going through it presently, but you think the idea sounds nice. and to be able to write out your feelings somewhere; feelings that even you cannot tell mingi or yunho, can be relieving.

you find yourself in the university's bookstore that sells lots of goodies, ranging from the school's merchs to even snacks, and plenty of colorful notebooks in all kinds of colors.

the yellow spiral notebook with dandelions on the cover catches your eye, and you buy a stack of brightly-colored pens to match it, mumbling a thank you to the student working the register and trailing back to the dorm with the newly bought items.

prying it apart to the first blank sheet, your mind becomes as equally empty, unsure of what to put as your first entry.

“but there was a tough period in my life, and to deal with it, i kind of just started journaling and writing my thoughts down onto whatever paper or notebooks i could find, and it made me feel a little better afterward.”

you do dwell in the curiosity of what exactly happened to hongjoong for just a second, but in all, trying the best to not speculate too much, as that would be rude because it sounded really personal when he said it.

maybe he might expand more on it next time, though you're not sure when that is. he just seemed like a sweetheart and you don't mind talking to him again.

clicking the end of the black-colored pen, you go to write the first entry. you're probably doing it wrong, but you're just going to write whatever is currently on your mind.

a start is a start.

entry #1

i am still not sure of what to write yet, but i got the idea from hongjoong, someone i met at one of wooyoung's parties. maybe as time goes on and i start inputting more of my thoughts, i'll get the gist of it, but for now, i'm just rambling. well, i started college? moved out of the old hometown and came to seoul. it's nice but i haven't really done much. i hope to, though. maybe sometime in the summer when school isn't in session and mingi and yunho are also free. the people i met so far... i already talked about kim hongjoong, but i guess i'll also mention kang yeosang too. mingi and yunho really likes him and i don't get it at all. so far, he's been nothing but snarky to me. he hasn't bothered me ever since the last time, though. so that's good? my roommate is kwak yuna. she's cool. i did got a little jealous of her this weekend because san was giving her attention. but after he left, we talked a little and she was very supportive of my crush. and lastly, choi san. i bumped into him at one of wooyoung's parties also. it looks like that's where all things happen lol. i still don't know much about him, but i want to? i gave him my number and he hasn't texted or called yet, but then, it's only been two days. he seems nice, and i hope to get closer to him :) i also think he's really cute.

you giggle a little to yourself, rereading what you just wrote. proceeding right under the text, you begin doodling and outlining the shape of a boy. one with a deep set of eyes and slicked back hair that makes him so handsome.

you give him the cutest dimples to complete his cheeks and the most daring slit in between one of his eyebrows to make his appearance such a contrast of one another, yet, they blend in so perfectly on him.

after finishing the last stroke, you settle on a soft smile, closing the notebook.

it takes four days in total for a text from san to show up.

a thursday morning when you're just about to go on your day, you get a text from a foreign number you do not recognize--with an address on it and worded in simple terms no more than a "tell me when you're available".

somewhere in the later afternoons, you tell him. that's when you finish with the last class of the day.

he suggests to meet at four, and you agree, eager to be done with the final class, and ready to give an excuse to mingi and yunho that you won't be able to make it today, just so you can take a cab over to san's apartment a few minutes off campus.

it's not too far out, but still a good distance away from the site. it's a smaller complex with two stories situated just right next to a couple of stores.

the walls are a nice light peach and the neighborhood is peacefully quiet, not many people outside when you go to knock on apartment number 205.

as you await for the door to open, there is a turmoil in your stomach sitting in great distress about having came all the way here just for a boy who makes the adrenaline in your body course in a way you've never felt before.

but, you also came because of the job. yeah, the job.

the frame flashes open and there stands san in his casual clothing, all bare face and hair in their natural state, some bangs falling on top of his forehead.

he's in a grey sweatpant and white t-shirt, and you're literally thinking to yourself if it's even possible for someone to look this good in the comfort of their own home.

"good afternoon," he greets with a smile that takes the smallest of your breath away.

"hey," you simply reply.

"come on in." he widens the door and moves aside just a smidge to make space.

your sneakers scrape the flooring, taking light steps into his apartment that is surprisingly easy to the eyes.

you're not saying just because he's a guy, you expected it to be somewhat cluttered, but the style is very minimalist with very few picture frames as possible, the wall almost blank.

there is a lone grey couch in the tiny living room and a medium-sized flatscreen right across from it.

aside from a few clothes hanging out from the laundry basket sitting in the corner and maybe one or two unwashed dishes, it really is well put together.

you're starting to think a guy like san just might be perfect in every aspects of his life.

"so, for the job," he utters, shutting the door and making you jump a little. "i have a couple options."

you turn back around, meeting his gaze.

"want to take a look?"

you nod and he responds with a gentle smile.

"over here," he says, trailing to what you assume is his bedroom. you follow behind, entering the room to a bed right in the middle, everything all white. from the pillows to the sheet.

his computer setup is also just across from it, the screen lit up and the gaming chair pushed way back.

"you have a 4k monitor. cool," you comment, unable to hide the excitement from the sight.

"yeah." he giggles. "wooyoung got it for me as a gift last christmas. he can be a little... extra."

he plops down onto the chair and scoots forward, closer to the desk.

"must be nice. last christmas, mingi and yunho chipped in money to get me a laptop that could barely even run the sims 2."

both his hands now resting on the arms of the chair, and he's laughing at what you just said.

"you're into stuff like this?" he asks, some genuine curiosity.

"kind of."

"i'll keep in mind." he smiles, then gestures toward something behind you. "take a seat."

there's a spare chair and you think he must've gotten it from the kitchen for your arrival.

you pull it forward, sitting down; the gap bothering san and he has to keep telling you to come closer, until you're practically next to him, both of your knees nearly touching.

again, the proximity is not good for your heart. and given the quiet atmosphere, you're afraid he just might hear how loud it's beating in your chest.

you watch him navigate to a tab, scrolling through what looks like a site to a company you haven't heard of before.

"how does an office assistant sound to you?" he asks, eyes on you and anticipating your answer.

"office assistant?"

"yeah, you know... just helping with basic tasks, sometimes answering and directing phone calls, greeting customers, and getting a superior a coffee if they ask. i think it's a good job if you're just starting out and not looking for anything too demanding."

it doesn't sound too bad; an office assistant kind of fitting for your field as somewhat of a start as well, but considering your social skills, it's the phone calls and customers part that's making you just a little doubtful.

"i can probably work with that, just..." you try to be optimistic about it, because it's san after all, and he's taking the time out of his day to help you. but even he can read your tone.

"if you're not sure about it, we can skip to the next one."

he switches to another tab; a different looking website with kids and the alphabetical order as the banner.

"how about a teacher's assistant?"

"like... working with kids?"

he nods. "yeah. just the usual, keeping them in check and reviewing materials with them. and whatever other things kids usually needs help with."

working with kids rather than adults definitely sounds a lot more doable and tempting.

a quiet hum departs from you, actually considering the idea.

"are there any requirements?"

"as long as you graduated from high school," he answers, with something playful in his voice. "i know a couple people from the field. if you want it, i surely can secure you an interview sometime next week."

you stare at him like an idiot, kind of wanting to ask how he got all these connections, but deciding not to. because you really are so grateful.

"thank you, san... really," you whisper, earning a smile from the man himself but with something that can almost be mistaken as a smirk.

"of course. want to look through the site? it should give you a better idea." he takes his hand off the mouse to give you full control.

you comply with a nod, shyly going to grab the mouse, the warmth from his touch still lingering and you're scrolling, clicking different navigations, and reading just about everything you can.

your body leaning closer to his as time goes on but you're way too occupied to be flustered that you don't notice his gaze tracing your lips, down to your collarbones and to the long sleeve blouse you're wearing that he thinks will be better if they're off.

he scans the shape of your breast and already, they look just like the perfect size.

moving his focus back to your lips, then taking in the way your eyes always blink so innocently making your lashes extra pretty, and that cute pout that you probably don't even realize you're doing because you're just trying to digest in the information, he thinks he's going to have to.

because the thing is, san's never actually waited this long. usually, it only takes a couple hours, or maybe a day, until he's buried in between some girl's legs or fucking them from behind.

but with you, there's something so innocent, something so pure about you, that it would be no fun if he ruined it so fast.

but those very same reasons making it hard for him, and right at this moment, all he wants, is to do that very thing.

because he didn't go through all the troubles of job searching and trying to get you two alone alone for nothing. he's gonna have to get something in return.

he knows he won't have a problem getting it either way, but he wants it now. and when he wants something, he always gets it.

"oh, it seems the school is also kind of--" you turn to him, about to make a comment regarding how convenient it is that the elementary school also isn't too far from campus itself, only to meet his lustful gaze that makes you shrink on the spot.

he's merely only centimeters away from you, his scent intoxicating and you can hear his heartbeat loud and clear, though at this rate, you're not sure if it's his or yours.

"do you want to thank me properly, beautiful?" his voice low and seductive, his fingers suddenly going to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear.

your words get stuck inside your throat, also unsure if it's the nickname or his touch that's making the heat on your cheeks burn a flaming red.

"you really don't know how fucking pretty you are, huh?"

his fingers begin moving down to your jawline, the sensation tickling your skin, until it stops below your chin, lifting it and making your head raise so abruptly.

and just like that, he takes your still lips that only slightly opens to release a gasp, in for a messy kiss.

your fists balled against his chest, eyes wide still caught in a surprise and lips still unmoved, only letting him take you as he wishes. because choi san is fucking kissing you right now, and you didn't think it'd happen so fast.

also because you haven't kissed in such a long time, you're basically back to square one.

but he's moving so nicely against your flesh, and with each kiss, he grows more desperate, only overtaking you more and more, until the arm of his chair prevents him from doing so any further.

he breaks the kiss, and locks eyes with you shortly after. his deep brown irises staring back at yours and you might've catch your own reflection in them, your lips parted and expression like a little deer caught in headlights.

"do you want this?" he asks, as if he already doesn't know your answer. as if he actually values something like your end of the agreement, when he took your lips in the first place without it.

and as expected, you nod.

again, you don't know much about him yet, but you want to. and you're not sure what he's going to do; if he's really going to initiate sex right here and then, but you just know you want it. anything about him, you'll take it.

you feel like he's got you under a spell and you have no choice but to be ruled by it; fall for his irresistible charms, for his alluring eyes, and his words that hit your heart strings in all the right ways.

if choi san wants you, you're going to let him have you.

which is how you wind up under him, both his palms pinning the mattress and enclosing you in between, his hot breath meeting yours again and swooping your lips for another kiss. this time, slow and sensual.

you have no idea what you're doing, but you're meeting his rhythm, flesh against his like waves of a current that travels in one direction.

he removes one of his hand from the soft material so he can latch it onto the side of your body, palm snaking until he finds your breast, settling on it with a light squeeze that makes you grunt out a moan, disrupting the pattern of the kiss.

both of your arms are stilled above your head and spread across on the covered mattress.

"fuck, even your moans are pretty," he hisses, pulling away to look at you. your lips are red and your breathing already a little unstable, and he's just getting started.

there's barely any time to catch your breath, when he dives into your neck, peppering kisses and love bites, some at your jawline, a few at your collarbones, before he's face first at one of your breasts and he peeks up to get a glance of your fucked-out face.

"may i?" his fingers clip at the neckline of your blouse.

"please..." you answer, almost like a whine.

he smirks, fingers stripping you of the shirt along with your bra straps from the shoulders first, then tugging down the neckline after to reveal your breasts in its bare form.

your nipples already hard, and dare san say it, you also truly have the prettiest fucking boobs he's ever seen on anyone.

with a quick cup of both of them, he hooks your left one into his mouth, causing you to twitch in pleasure. your hands now tangled around his hair, indulging in that wet sensation that keeps encircling your nipple.

your mind all of a sudden wandering back to the times you'd refuse sex, but now letting a guy who isn't even your boyfriend get on top of you and take over like he owns your body.

maybe after all, junseo is wrong, and you're not just some prude. maybe you just needed that special someone who makes you feel so strongly, you want to give him your all.

when san's other hand begins creeping down till it lands on the buttons of your jeans, he detaches from your nipple again so he can say something.

"if you're uncomfortable with anything, you can tell me whenever, and i'll stop."

you nod, and he doesn't return to what he was doing before, instead proceeding to scoot up, your arms naturally falling down to rest around his neck, and he goes back in for a kiss, you readily accepting as if you've done this a thousand times before.

he sucks your lower bottom in between his, drawing away, then continuing back on track and meeting your pace but gradually, because he's also focus on trying to undo the buttons of your pants.

he gets to the last one, the jeans unloosen itself around your hips, just enough for him to slide his right hand inside your underwear, palming the surface of your entrance that's already making you squirm.

dragging his middle finger up to your clit, you whimper in between the kiss, nails accidentally digging into the skin of his neck when he starts drawing circles on it.

everything is moderate at first; your moans along with the slight creaking of the bed, till he thrusts two fingers in almost instantaneously and you yelp, arching in your position.

he pumps them inside your core as if he's an expert, aware of exactly the spot to hit and how to get you to come in a minute. and you do.

san kissed you that afternoon and made you cum on his fingers, and you're still thinking about it.

as you lay awake in your bed that night, eyes on yuna's sleeping figure across from you, you can't stop thinking about what happened today.

there's something heavy sitting on your chest, and you feel you have to get it out. but you definitely cannot tell yunho or mingi, and yuna doesn't seem like the right person for it as well.

moving your gaze away from her, your backpack on the floor slanted against your bed gives you an idea.

taking the yellow notebook that is buried behind a bunch of other school materials, you pull the blanket over you, using your phone as a flashlight and with the inked black pen, scribbling a line right under the first drawing to make a separation, you go to write the second entry.

entry #2

it's been two days since i wrote my last one. to be honest, i didn't think i'd be writing again this soon, but i kinda needed somewhere to put my feelings. well, today, i went over to san's apartment and he helped me with finding a job. i am super grateful for that because he really didn't need to, but he insisted. and after, we did some things. i'm not gonna go into details, but it felt really good. it was my first time and i don't know why i trusted san so easily, but just something about him. after we were finished, he helped with the cleaning part as well as helping me get dressed and said we can meet again sometime soon, that he looks forward to doing more with me. he's sweet, and i think i really really like him ༼ಢ_ಢ༽

you don't draw anything this time, instead closing the notebook and thinking to yourself that it truly will be a tragedy if someone is to ever find out what goes on in your head.

next // series m.list

taglist: @sorryimananti-romantic @revehosh @cookiechristie @avantalem @atiny68 @belletiny @shibera @mochibabycakes @justineasian @eastleighsblog @baguette-atiny @crimson-mia @yeosxxx @m4rsluv @sleepychimm @atz-diary @diorwoo @naiify @becauseiloveyunho @damagelove @softie00 @s-nsanshine @atinytinaa @moonseonghwa @lemontreefantasy @wooyoung4eva

#kinda proofread kinda not #choi san x reader #ateez series #choi san angst #san angst #san smut #ateez smut #san x reader #ateez angst #fic: broken

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imesthersmith · 3 years ago

Text

Young Hearts

Pairing: Young Nathan Drake x reader (university ages, i guess?)

Prompt: You got stressed by school, but here comes the young and lovely Drake brother and he tries to help. And you two are confessing your feelings about each other too...

Note: This is my very first oneshot written in English. I'm not a native speaker of this language, mostly using Mr Google Translate, but I'm trying to make it perfect grammatically.

Warnings: Lot of fluff, hints of smut, some slight curse, stress.

(E/C) - your eye color

(Y/N) - your name

(The Gif isn't mine)

–★–

You sat all alone outside. That's all you needed at the moment. Beautiful chirping of birds, barking of dogs in the yards of the neighbors, buzzing of cars on the distant roads. The faint sound of the wind was also heard, and by the sudden coolness, you got a slight shiver. You didn't really care about that, you sat there still like a statue.

You ruined the test. You thought you would succeed. But when the paper came in front of you, full of questions, suddenly it was as if time had stopped. A question was circulating in your head.

‘What if I can't do it?’

Your mind became empty, your stomach flipped, you looked back and forth at the multitude of letters in the midst of dizziness.

You just solved some tasks. It may not be enough for a better grade. In fact, it won't be. You were in a quite strict university, and it matters a lot.

Not so far away, you heard a door open and then close. You didn't even look up. You were too busy with your own thoughts.

You start badly from this subject. Especially since it was a big test with a double grade value. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

When you returned to reality – without even hearing the footsteps –, you immediately saw the figure in front of you, you looked up at him. It was Nathan. The familiar face on which you always see that typical cocky smile, now he's eyes stared at you anxiously.

“What happened with you?” he asked.

“Nothing” you lied. “Why?”

Unfortunately or not, he knew exactly when you were lying. He has known you for many years, during these times, you have got to know each other pretty well. To put it mildly.

“Because it doesn't seems like nothing” he was looking down at you, with his hands in the pockets of his dark trousers.

“I'm fine” you stated.

“Anyone who's been sitting out here for an hour, not even mentioning where they're gone, and not caring about the cold weather, I don't think they're fine.”

Obviously, he wasn't dumb – just as much as he really was. Even if he didn't know what caused your pain, he knew there was something. He wanted to figure it out fast, and solve it.

You quickly realized you had been sitting there for an hour. ‘Crap.’

“I just...” you started, but you thought twice. “...nevermind, it's not a big deal. Really.”

Suddenly he kneeled in front of you and cupped your cheeks with both strong, but gentle hands, his ocean blue eyes deeply, caringly looking into your (E/C) ones.

“Doesn't matter if it's a 'big deal' or not. You're hurt and I don't like to see you hurt” he said softly. “So please, talk about it.”

You got stunned for a second. You already knew he cares about you, but still, it always made your heart beat faster.

You just nodded. He saw that he had convinced you, so he sat down in front of you in the cold grass and he paid attention to you, curiously, and with a little hint of worry.

You inhaled and open your mouth to talk.

“I messed up the test with the illusion that I had studied enough” you mumbled, not daring to look in his eyes again.

And yet you look up to his face. You saw how the features of his face soften, he was almost completely calmed down.

“(Y/N), c'mon...” he started, but you cut him off.

“You know how important this test was?” you were a bit frustrated. “It has a double grade value and if it gets really bad, it will be very hard to fix!”

“Really hard” he repeated. “But not impossible.”

You looked at him in a slight confusion, but he was right.

“Look” he crawled closer, next to you. “I’ve noticed in the last few days that you’re very tired. You’ve spent more time locked in the room, but when you’re tired, your brain won't be able to process what you’re trying to learn. For self-checking – such as telling the curriculum to yourself –, you don’t even have time for that anymore.”

You were genuinely surprised that he was talking so long and complex about something that wasn’t history or treasure.

“So, I have an idea” he gestured with his hand in the air while explaining, which would make you laugh. “I could stay in your room with you, while you study, and tell me what you memorized.”

“Not a bad idea” you confessed. “From a Drake.”

“Hey!” he whined, pretended to be offended. “I'm trying to help, and that's what I get?”

“But you would distract me, I know” you chuckled.

“I will just sit there, and do nothing, I promise” he even placed his hand on his chest.

“But your whole handsome existence is distra–”

You cut yourself off, when you realized this sentence left your mouth, too loud. And there was no chance he didn't hear it.

“So it's my fault now, huh?” he raised his eyebrows, but you saw the playfulness in his eyes.

“What? No! I mean– I–”

His smile just grew bigger and bigger, when he saw you were extremely blushing by your own embarrassment. You would just slap him in the face, but of course just for fun.

“So, what do you say, sweetheart?” he asked softly, leaning a bit closer to you.

That's it. This behavior. This is what made you feel comfortable and really curious at the same time. Curious about what he's gonna do or say. You never felt that before you two met. He also had this gleam curiosity in his eyes, just like in yours. Now it's almost the same. Just almost, because it was now visible, and you were both aware that there could be a flame from that spark.

And of course, he called you "sweetheart".

You looked down, so he wouldn't see (at least you hoped) how much you liked that he called you by that nickname. But he immediately, fondly grabbed your chin between his thumb and index finger, turned your face back towards his, and he kissed you.

It was slow, passionate. His lips were soft against yours. You melted into the kiss, one firm hand travels from your back down to your waist to bring you closer to him, and the other landed on the back of your neck to deepen in the kiss. Your smaller hands held his cheeks and then reached for his hair. As your fingers went through it smoothly, you pulled on it, just a little bit, not wanting to hurt him.

He absolutely loved that. He indicated this by his fingers at your waist deliciously dug into your skin through the cloth, which made you faintly gasp in surprise. He took advantage of this moment and quickly took over the dominance. You enjoyed it so much. You didn't want it to end.

But as soon as both of you ran out of air, your lips parted. Nathan, with a wide smile, placed a small kiss on your face. He started playing with a lock of your hair when you spoke.

“So I don't have to worry about studying alone anymore, right?”

“You're right” he nodded, as he lifted you up into his lap.

You rested your head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, slowing down from the previous high pace.

“And what about my sleeping problems?” you asked jokingly.

You thought he would burst out laughing, as you knew his sense of humor. After the laughter didn't sound from him, you looked up at him. He was silently watching you with mischievous eyes.

“This problem can be solved as well” he said, leaned closer to your ear and whispered “If you really want to.”

The way you melted away in his lap, he loved to see it, and chuckled. And after that, you both said what you wanted to hear best so far.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you even more, sweetheart.”

#uncharted #uncharted 4 #my first story #nathan drake #he's so cute

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bunnyywritings · 4 years ago

Note

Hi, I'm sorry to bother you, but could you please do an imagine where the reader is super shy, like they can't even look anyone in the eye, and her amd noya bump into eachother or something and start becoming best friends, but the reader gets a crush on him and he doesn't know he really likes her back until she comes to one of his games to cheer him on and some guy from other team starts flirting with her and yeah, and so sorry this is long, but please do this🙏🏽

an unlikely match

nishinoya yu x fem!reader

[a/n: you’re no bother my love, thank you for the request🥺!! This is my first ever nishinoya request and I love this prompt, enjoy!! -yours truly, bunnyy -`ღ´- ]

It was a normal sight to see you walking down the hall, head down and scurrying to your next class but that means that who don’t take the time to notice, are completely blind to your presence.

With that being said, you had gone to the gym to find Kiyoko. She had approached you about joining the team as a manager, she found it a little endearing that you had barely looked up into her eyes, your cheeks a permanent crimson color. After dropping off the form, you rushed out. Head down, as always. That’s when-

“Oof!”

The person you had bumped into groaned as you lost your balance, a small shriek of surprise leaving your lips as you landed on the hard concrete. You looked up to see a boy that you thought was in one of your classes. His eyes were wide with worry.

“Nishinoya! Don’t just run in so suddenly like that!” Daichi scolded before making his way into the gym.

“I-I’m sorry.” Nishinoya stuttered as he held his hand out to you, frowning a bit when he saw you stare at it in confusion before hesitantly reaching out and taking it, shakily getting back to your feet.

“T-Thank y-you...” He noticed that you had been staring at the ground.

“O-Oi...are you that upset about it?” He asked curiously, crouching down to get eye level with you. “I said I was sorry.” He grinned, eyes finally finding yours. Your breath hitched once you made eye contact with his golden-brown gaze, a strange feeling erupting in his stomach as he gazed into your gorgeous eyes. His smile quickly dropped into a frown once he noticed you looked away. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

You nodded before softly murmuring a ‘yes’ and running off.

He stood there, a bit shocked before making his way into the gym, not wanting to be late for practice. He couldn’t help but be a little distracted, your eyes were mesmerizing and he couldn’t quite pinpoint why he was feeling so giddy. Even the rest of the team had pointed out that he was extra energetic during practice, he shrugged it off as it just being a particularly good day.

That next morning, there you were. Sitting at your desk while mindlessly doodling in the margins of your notebook while you waited for the bell to ring. A light bulb went off in his head and with a grin, he rushed out of the classroom.

You almost jumped out of your skin when something suddenly thumped against your desk, meekly looking up, you were a litttle surprised to see the boy you had bumped into yesterday. There was a carton of milk and some bread sitting beside your notebook.

“I didn’t know you were in this class.”

“Y-yeah, I’ve sat behind you s-since the beginning of t-the year.”

From then on, he had paid more attention to you. Asking to be paired up with you on projects and inviting you to have lunch with him. You had ended up not joining the team as a manager since the social aspect of it was a little overwhelming.

Your guys’ friendship had been the talk of the second year class. Nobody had ever really seen you open up that much, it was definitely surprising to see you smile or laugh with some during class. Tanaka being...well, himself. He blabbed about it to the team. Basically in tears because ‘Noya was leaving him for some girl.’ Everyone shrugged it off since they thought he was talking about Shimizu but they were all shocked when they had seen the both of you walk towards the gym, stopping right outside. They watched as he gave you a hug and the way you had shyly waved goodbye before scurrying off.

“Wah! Noya-senpai has a girlfriend?!” Hinata shouted the moment Yū had entered the gym.

“I didn’t know you and (y/n)-san were dating.” Asahi asked, teasing grin on his face.

“Wait, who said anything about dating?” Tanaka tilted his head in confusion.

“Dating?” Noya echoed his confusion as he stood beside his bald friend.

Tsukishima shook his head, unbelief clear on his face as the gym fell silent.

“You just said that Noya was leaving you for a girl?” Suga clarifies.

Tanaka frowned and shook his head. “I meant that he had a new best friend...”

“Wait...who am I dating?” Nishinoya scratched his head.

“(Y/n)!” Everyone shouted in frustration.

...

“Eh? Me and (y/n)?”

After having denied it, practice went on as usual but he was a little distracted. Did he like you like that? He did feel strange when’s he was with you, it was a good strange though. Like his heart was doing flips. It wasn’t until the next day that he had realized it. The team was setting up for a game when he realized that he had let you borrow his club jacket. He remembered the blush on your cheeks when he had draped it over your shoulders, it made his own cheeks heat up.

Once warm ups were over, the starting lineup made their way to the court. He had hopefully searched the stands but you were no where to be found. He didn’t focus on it too much but you were still on his mind.

Spirits were low, hope almost lost. There were in the middle of their third set and things weren’t looking so well. Especially Nishinoya, he was beating himself up for not saving the chance ball they had and you could tell. You had been watching since the start of the second set and his mood had significantly gotten worse. It ached you to see him so angry at himself. You took a deep breath, hands clutching around the fabric of the jacket you were wearing.

“YOU’VE GOT THIS Yū! SHAKE IT OFF KARASUNO! YOU’LL GET THE NEXT ONE!” your voice echoed through the silence. Both teams looked up at you. Everyone from Karasuno was surprised. The day you had trial tested the manager position, you had flinched when someone so much as looked at you. Nishinoya was grinning so wide he thought his face was gonna split open. Watching you shout with all your might, eyes screwed shut, cheeks flushed, and clutching onto his jacket was all the confirmation he needed.

“Well you heard her.” He smirked, Asahi and Daichi nodded determinedly.

They ended up winning the match, excitement coursing through their veins as the whistle blew.

You waited for people in the stands to start leaving so you could rush down to the court. As you sprinted passed the threshold of the double doors, you had crashed into someone and stumbled back a bit.

“Oh I’m so sorry.” You apologized, looking up in confusion when he didn’t move away.

“You’re that cutie that was shouting in the stands, aren’t you?” He flashed you a flirty smile.

“Please, can I just pass through?” You asked meekly, meeting eyes with Nishinoya.

“Come on sweetheart, what’s the rush?”

“Leave her alone man.” The guy turned and sure enough, there was Nishinoya. Arms crossed and glaring.

“Tch and what are you-“ then Tana and Daichi appeared behind Nishinoya, a scary look in their faces as they crossed their arms.

“Is there a promise here?” Daichi’s voice rumbled. The guy that was hitting on you rolled his eyes and gave up, walking over to his team. Before you could say anything, Yū grabbed your shoulders and planted a big smooch on your lips. Surprising yourself and everyone else.

“Y-Yū! What’re you d-doing?” You stuttered, self conscious about all the eyes on the both of you.

“Well, I really like you. S-so I just thought-“ you cut him off by throwing your arms around his shoulders and pressing another kiss to his lips, burying your face in the crook of his neck.

“I-I really l-like you t-too.” He grinned and wrapped his arms around you, holding you nice and tight.

Let’s just say that wasn’t the last time you cheered for him at a game.

𝔤𝔢𝔫𝔢𝔯𝔞𝔩 𝔱𝔞𝔤𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔱 (open) : @ohbois-biggay-bnha @yuiji-yuiji

#nishinoya yu x reader #nishinoya x reader #haikyuu x reader #request

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creative-nightmares-37 · 6 years ago

Text

How to become punk

This is 4000+ words so it's a very long shot, and i made this a longgggg time ago but I hope you like it, at the bottom ill post his transformation!

"I don't understand it!" I sighed to myself angrily as I watched Patton blush.

What's so great about Virgil?! I mean I could be like that!

"Anyways Patton, I gotta go." Virgil says giving him a two fingered salute as he turned his back and walked away.

"Oh my goodness Logan did you see him?!" Patton exclaimed. "I can see it now, we're going to own four dogs, and our house it gonna be mag-" He starts as I interrupt him.

"I wouldn't look to far into the future Patton, your not even sure if you two at compatible ." I state feeling my heart break slightly.

"Plus he's no good for you, he's got a bad reputation in the school, and previous schools."

"Maybe that's why I like him..." Patton mutters to himself as he stares lovingly in the direction Virgil walked in.

Patton, the school most innocent kid, has fallen for the 2nd most bad boy in ringwell high.

And his best friend has to watch.

"His hair is soooo purple now, it's a great color on him!" Patton smiles growing red in the face.

"You know if you like him so much why don't you talk to him." I suggest putting on a fake smile.

"But I couldn't!" Patton starts.

"Yes you can, you've been swooning over him for the past two months." I say rolling my eyes.

"Will you come with me then? I need a wingman." He pleas

"If it will make you happy." I say knowing he doesn't know the double meaning to that statement.

"Awe thank you Lo!!" He says as I lead the way to Virgil.

"Hey teach, hey pat." Virgil states leaning back against the wall.

"Hey Virgil!" Patton smiles, as they quickly start to talk.

Soon I see a tall figure, covered with tattoos, hair in a Fo-hawk. Wearing a jean jacket with the arms ripped off combat boots and ripped jeans. Devan, the reason why Virgil is the 2nd biggest bad boy of the school.

"Hey Virgil." He says voice deep. "who's this?" He asks raising a brow at Patton, and I can see his heart skip a beat,

"I'm p-Patton." He states flustered

"And I'm Logan." I state as Devan nods his head.

"Well do you want to ditch next period. Virgil?" He asks as Virgil nods.

"Sure thing Dee."

"I'm going to get a new tattoo, I'm thinking snake scales right here." I says turning his head and pointing at his neck.

"That's sweet! I think imma get a thunderstorm, or something" Virgil states as he licks his snake bites on his lips.

"Well I'll see you two around." Devan says giving a wink to Patton and I can see his breathing quicken.

"Sure thing." He blushes as the other two walk away.

"He was sooooo hot! I would let him fu-"

"Don't finish that sentence" I sigh trying not to sound sad as I fix my glasses.

So Patton as a thing for bad boys huh, well I guess that is do able.

"He Logan, I'm gonna be gone next week, my cousin is getting married!" Patton smiles as my heart explodes.

"That's fine, I'll pick you up when your back." I state as he nods happily.

(Next week)

"Virgil I need your help." I state as he glances up at me.

"With????"

"I need to be more like you, Patton has a thing for bad boys and-" I start but get interrupted

"You have a thing for him, and trust me I can tell he likes bad boys." He laughs "but don't worry I got you covered." He states as relief washes over me.

"But under one condition." Virgil states as my stomach sinks. "You need to help me with Mr. popular over there He states pointing over at Roman Prince.

"Why that moron?" I think out loud as Virgil blushes.

"I don't know, maybe it's because he's a moron, but you get him to at least befriend me, and I'll give you a free ride into Patton's heart". He states before mumbling "since h- a- does"

"What did you say? Ya know nevermind, you have a deal." I say as Patton's smile flashes through my mind. "I bet I could do it within 30 minuets." I state confidently as Virgil stares at me strangely

"If you can I'll even teach you how to build and ride a motorcycle." He laughs not believing I'm my capability's and Romans arrogance with his overwhelming lack of common sense.

Oddly enough I'm pretty good friend with Roman, although it's safe to say I'm probably the Biggest nobody in the school, and he's the one who's got everyone around his finger, we make a pretty good team.

I make my way over, as a smile grows on my face "oh Mr. Popular." I say in a goofy voice as he turns around with a smirk.

"Oh great it's Einstein himself." He says putting on a face of disgust and I laugh. "What's up lo?" He asks.

"Can I talk to you for a bit?" I ask as he nods his head and waved goodbye to his friends.

"You good?" He asks In a soft voice as I nod.

"I just got a few questions for ya that's all." I shrug "first what's your favorite color

"Purple? Why?"

"Do you like guys?" I ask

"Wow big jump okay..."

"Oh shut it, i think i know the answer." I state slapping his arm as he chuckled under his breath.

"and uhh yeah I've been openly bi for a few months, I can't believe I didn't tell you." He laughs awkwardly.

"What do you think of Virgil August?" I ask

"I've never talked to him, he seems kinda Unapproachable." Thats what he says about everyone he likes, he uses it as an excuse, even tho he knows he cab talk to anyone.

"Hmm, what about look wise." I ask knowing he won't catch on.

He turns around full 180° and checks Virgil out in the least subtle way possible. "He's a cutie, I guess. But I adore his piercings."

"Wanna meet him?" I say alittle surprise on how he hasn't even guessed why I'm asking all of theses questions revolving around the angsty bad boy.

"Alright." He shrugs as we make our way over to the dark dressed teen.

"Virgil this is Roman, Roman, Virgil." I state as he looks at me surprised.

"Hey, your the receiver on the football team right?" Virgil asks as he doesn't know.

"And your the kid who plays the guitar before and after school." Roman says giving his, what the girls call it 'heart stealing smile' and I can tell it worked on Mr. bad boy over here.

"Uhh yeah." Virgil blushes. "I didn't think anyone heard that." He states bringing his hand to his neck and rubbing it nervously.

"Your really good, Is love to hear you play sometime." Roman claims casually as Virgil shrugs

"Roman! Come here!" I hear josh call as Roman holds up a finger telling him to wait.

"Here." Roman says pulling a sharpie out of his letterman's jacket as he grabs Virgil's hand and taking off the lid.

"Give me a call, maybe we could see a movie sometime." He smiles as he finishes writing his number and just as he leaves he turns around waves us goodbye and gives Virgil a wink.

"Holy shit you did it. Holy fuck I have his number, holy damn he wants to take me to a movie." Virgil fangirls

"Holy hell, can you say holy one more time?" I laugh as Virgil rolled his eyes.

"Well, lets make Patton fall for you harder than I can fall down the highschool stairs."

I laugh as I remember Virgil staring at Mr. Royal pain, not paying attention to the snow covering the steps, as be sails down the stairs spraining his wrist as be almost manages to do a hand stand only to flip over the rail to the other half of the stairs. And somehow I was the only one who saw it.

"Alright Logan, now that you've built one, now you need to learn how to ride one." Virgil sighs as I look at my hands covered in oil and other substances.

"Can I you know, wash up first?" I ask wiping my hair out of my face.

" No you gotta learn now dammit." He states with a smile.

"Uh alright." I state akwardly. "Ohhh you were using sarcasm weren't you?" I say as it clicks.

"Yes, yes I was." He says shaking his head, but once you've learned how to ride, we will do something about this." I states pointing me up and down.

"I'm thinking electric blue." He mumbles outloud.

"You know if it makes patton, share similar, feelings I'll do it." I sigh

"You do know you shouldn't have to change for him, he should like you for you." Virgil states uneasy.

"That's the thing, no one is going to want to date a super computer with no style." I state.

"Well, I'll do this for you, but I'm not going to have you do the permanent stuff, just in case you ever want to go back." He states as we make our way inside to get washed up.

After an hour of relaxing I hear Virgil call my name.

"Let's teach this nerd how to ride!" He laughs as I walk into the living room rolling my eyes, knowing full well he's just teasing.

I follow him out side to see the motorcycle I built, and his.

"So what have you driven?" He asks

"A car and a Moped" I shrugged as he lets out a snicker

"So you've driven a gay motorcycle?" He laughs." As I nod laughing with him. "Don't worry I've driven one too, but atleast you should be decent at riding this bad boy."

"If you say so." I claim as I climb onto my bike."

"So when riding your right hand is responsible for two crucial functions, acceleration and braking." He begins to explain "remember that a little twist on the throttle goes along way, you'll find that out when you find your ass on the pavement."

"You have to be smooth when pressing the brakes, if not you can and will skid and cause an accident if you push the brake to quickly." He states moving over to the other side of the bike "but if you are going to use your rear break right here, you are going to have to multitask and use your foot, this is the most effective way of stopping." He explains while I make a mental note to use that one more often.

"The clutch on the motorcycle is very similar to a car." He starts pointing at it. "You must brake slightly when switching gears, so your bike won't rattle. But finding neutralwitg your left foot will get some getting used to, make it a habit to clutch every time you switch." He stated as he grabs the clutch and puts it in neutral.

"That about it, now go to first gear and ride."He states walking over to his bike.

I take a deep breath in as I slowly let go of the break, hold down the clutch as I make it into first gear, and I start off down the dirt road.

Slowly it becomes more natural, me using my left foot gets easier and I'm learning how to use the brakes without almost flipping the bike. After a few hours of riding around me and Virgil decide to call it a night.

"You did good," he stays with surprise In his voice "better than my first go."

"Thanks!" I smile at him as I walk inside and flop on the couch.

"I say when we wake up in the morning, we go get some bleach and box dye, and mix up your wardrobe alright." He says throwing me a few blankets and pillows.

"Thanks Virgil, really."

"Anytime, plus you got me a date with Mr. Roman Prince so I might as well." He laughs slightly, " if ya need anything holler, I'm probably gonna be awake till, three."

"Alright But you should sleep more, really." I state

"Oh god your beginning to sound like my mother." He scoffs lightheartedly as he walks into his room.

I pull out my phone to see a text from Patton,

Hey lo, my flight will be here at 10:30am on Thursday, I know your going to be at school. But I'm hoping you can still pick me up

Yeah that should be fine, and you know how you were telling I should change up my style?

Yeah! Omg did you do it,? What are you going for?! I think you would look fantastic with a piercing or two!! Or like a jean jacket!!

You'll see, let's just say I've picked up a few tips from our neighborhood edge lord.

Omg I'm so exited, I can already imagine what your going to look like!!

Yeah anyways I'm gonna head to bed I'll see you in a few days, goodnight Patton.

Goodnight lo, I have something ive wanted to tell you, but since your suprising me, I can wait.❤️

Strange he normally doesn't send hearts to me. I think as I feel my heat rate increasing. he's probably is just excited to see me all 'punked up' I think to myself as I plug in my phone and allow myself to fall into a peaceful sleep

I wake up at a semi reasonable time, later than I normally sleep.

I sit up and rub the sleep out of my eyes before realizing that I slept in my clothes from before.

I stand up, and make my way into the kitchen to see a note.

I'm guessing you wake up early so if you so eat what ever, I'll be up around one, if you want you can continue practicing riding

-V

10 isn't early. I think to myself shrugging as I open the fridge and decide to make myself some egg toast. I'll make Virgil some before he wakes up.

After about 15 minutes it's done yet food isn't really on my mind. All I can think about is patton. His smile, his laugh, his very sexual innuendos that are actually funny, how he's been by my side since day one. I love it how his curly hair springs back up when he pulls on them. The freckles that line his glasses, his dimples. He bright emerald eyes. He, in my eyes is the definition of perfect. But I'm worried he won't like me, even after I change for him, after all I'm just... me

My hair is a taupe brown, messily combed back, so strands naturally fall in my face. Brown eyes, they sometimes look gold but they aren't anything impressive. I'm tall, lanky, boring. My smile doesn't light up a room. My laugh isn't the best. Patton is everything I'm not, so why am I trying so hard to 'win him over?'

I sigh as I push my plate to the side, I know I'm in too deep, plus Patton already knows that my look is going to change so I might as well.

I sit in the same spot at the breakfast bar, pondering, the 'What ifs' and all the possible endings if we got together, having some be a magical fantasy others, heart breaking friendship ruining endings . Apparently I was sitting here for a long time since Virgil stumbled into the room pulling out the milk from the fridge.

"Logan I can feel your doubt in my sleep, what's up?" He asks with purple hair flying every which way.

"I don't know, I feel like even after I change, Patton's still not gonna like me." I explain as Virgil laughs slightly

"Are you Fucking me right now? Patton only ever talks about you!" He exclaims. "He May not know it but I can see that he is head over heals, believe it or not Patton is always happier when your around. He blushed when he retells the adventures you've been on, like I said were not doing anything to permanent, just making you pop, so everything clicks for him." Virgil says trying to lighten my mood.

"But how do you know, all we know is he loves me platonically, Patton likes bad boys, and guess what I'm not." I huff as Virgil rolls his eyes as the doorbell rings.

" Uhh I'll be right back, but this conversation is not over." Virgil states as he stands up and swings open the door to see Roman standing confidently, hair styled to his perfection, while Virgil is standing embarrassed, hair like a train wreck, purple pajama bottoms with storm clouds, and shirt less.

"Uhh her Roman!" I hear Virgil squeak out "I didn't know you were coming."

"Well I wanted to surprise you!" Roman laughs as Virgil pats down his bed head. "Trust me you look great." Roman complements as Virgil opens the door letting the taller In

"Hey lo! What's up?" Roman asks as he slides into the chair next to mine.

"The ceiling." I shrug. As he give me a small smile and shakes his head.

"You ready for your hair transformation?" He asks giving me wiggly eyebrows, like the goofball he is.

"Actually, I am."

"Great! Cause I already got the dye!" Virgil says shaking two boxes, one is bleach the other a bright blue dye box.

"I thought we were getting those today?" I ask aloud

"Yeah but i was bored last night, sooo." He laughs while he stands on the other side of the breakfast bar.

"When did you go out?" Roman asks.

"4:30 I think maybe 5ish" He states already mixing the bleach.

"Good god! No wonder why you sleep in so late." I claim surprised.

"Yeah, yeah, I've heard it allllll before. Now come over hear and imma make your hair look hotter the Dee's. I glance over at Roman and I see a look of jealousy that's covered with a smile.

"Is it supposed to feel it itchy?" I yell going into the shower for the second time.

"Yes!" I hear the two yell

"Just like last time!" Roman adds as I watch the blue run down the white tile

"It looks like I killed a smurf!" I yell and I hear laughing.

After the color fades in the water I hop out and get dressed.

"Holy fuck" roman states with a giddy smile.

"Your hair took the dye so well!" Virgil complements, well I think it's a complement. "Now let me style it!" Virgil says as I sit in the familiar chair, that I've been sitting in for 2 and a half hours.

After fifteen minutes I hear the blow dryer get turned off and the combing stops.

"Well go see your luxurious hair." Virgil's says pointing at a mirror and I'm met with the brightest blue hair I've ever seen.

"Wow..." I say running my hands through my fingers speechless.

"Now how do you feel about contacts?" I hear Roman ask.

"I have some, but I normally don't use em." I explain as Roman pulls some out of his letterman jacket.

"I stole theses from your house last night." He shrugs handing them to me and I take them rolling my eyes.

"You mean my landlord let you in?" I state raising an eyebrow as Roman nods and laughs with a cheesy smile.

I get up close and personal to the mirror in front of me, and put them in with ease, while I can feel Virgil cringing.

I blink a few times as it shifts into place. I look over at the two smiling like idiots.

"Hey Virgil?" I start. "Do you know how to do any piercings?" I ask as he cocks a brow, smiles.

"Yeah, I can do snake bites, ear piercings, tongue and eyebrows." He states,

"I want all, except the tongue one." I state. If I'm being completely honest I've always wanted piercings but I've never had the means or courage to get them.

"You sure? I mean they are a pain to clean." He states making sure this is what I really want.

"Yeah." I state confidently as he leaves, and returns with a box."

"I'm starting with your ears." He starts. "They are the easiest to do." He claims as he pulls out a lighter and a needle.

"Roman go into the kitchen and find me a potato." He states as Roman stands up and leaves and Virgil starts lighting the needle.

"Roman what's taking you so long?!" Virgil yells? After at least five minutes of waiting.

"I'm coming! Calm you horses." He Roman sighs dramatically as he tosses Virgil the potato. And before I know it my ears and my lip is pierced twice.

"Your right! This didn't hurt at all!" I say surprised as Virgil nods concentrating intensely as I feel his hands pinch my left eyebrow.

" be still." He grunts as he gets a bigger needle with a piercing connected to the end."

I feel the needle go in and this time it's painful.

"Fuck." I mutter, as Virgil freezes in fear

"Your lucky." Virgil states as he starts to clean up his gear.

"Why?"

"I normally don't do eyebrow piercings because there's a vein near there where it could permanently paralyze you, unless your lucky." He says

"And your only now telling him?!" Romans gasps and I nod along.

"Trust me, I know my Shit, I'm trying to be a professional."

"But your not." I state as he gives me a playful glare.

"Alright nerd, well I guess i cant call you that anymore, anyways lets go shopping."

"I love shopping!" Roman smiles happily as we all head out the door

We come back with bags upon bags of grungy/ punk outfits that I personally like, and will make me look 'cooler'

"Well that's been enough shopping for me, my children and my grandchildren." Virgil says flopping on the couch.

"Are you serious?" Roman gasps. "It was only 2 and a half hours!" He says

"Well how long do you normally shop, Mr. Flamboyant over there?" He asks lifting his head from the cushion, just to let it fall back down.

"I normally go out, and wander around all day, then go home with all my Goods." He states holding his few bags.

"I'm so happy I'm not you" Virgil stare muffled as I get a call by the one and only Patton.

"Hey Patton? What's up?" I ask and I hear a weak voice respond

"Um, are you alone right now?"

"Uhh." I state walking into Virgil room and locking it behind me. "I am now, what's wrong."

"So uh, my cousin slipped up that I liked guys at her wedding, and my parents didn't take it well." He states voice cracking.

"I'm so sorry Patton." I sympathize as my heart breaks for him.

"It's alright." He sniffs. "But they made me come home early, and I know it's all of a sudden but I need a place to stay, and a ride, and I know that you just got your own place and I don't want to intrude but I-"

"You can stay with me Patton. Where are you right now?" I say understandingly.

"I'm out side the airport."

I'll be right there, luckily for you, I just finished shopping so you can see my new style." I say trying to lighten the conversation.

"I can't wait." He says and I can hear the soft smile on his face.

"See I'm a few." I state.

"Thank you so much Logan, really, and I've been thinking a lot, and I've decided that I got something important to tell you once your here."

"I can't wait." I say just as he did to me as he hangs up and I open the door to clothes thrown at me."

"Go to your lover!" Roman squeals as I stare at him and shut the door.

"I get dressed in a long green shirt with a flower print on it, black skinny jeans and boots as quickly as possible, and I freeze at the door.

"Do you think i can drive all the way to the airport?!" I panic.

" Of course you can! Your a natural, just go on the back roads." He states worring a little since we didnt practice much.

I soon arrive to the air port where I see Patton with a back pack and I pull up beside him.

"Hey patton." I smile as I see his jaw drop slightly.

"Holy fuck." He whispers but quickly turns pink.

I open my arms as he clings on to me.

"What was the thing you were going to tell me?"

"I Uhh... I've thought... um." He starts as he pulls away.

"So, I was talking to Virgil and he made me realize that Ireallyreallylikeyou! Butnowyoulooksogreat! Andidontknowwhattodowithmyself!" He says quickly as my heart speeds up.

And I do something the nerd I was would have never done. I grab his face and kiss him, and he quickly melts into the kiss. And we break apart smiling.

"You have no idea how long I've been waiting to do that." I gasp as Patton blushes.

"I liked your nerdy style, but I love this one." He states.

"That's why I did it."

I watch as his eyes grow wide as he runs his fingers through my hair. "Logan! You shouldn't have changed for me! I was going to ask you out anyway."

"But I like the style too, so don't worry about that." I reassure him and he stares skeptically.

"If you say so." He states as I take off his back pack and put it beneath the seat the I get onto my bike.

"You coming?" I ask as he nods happily and climbs on the back seat, his arms snaking around my waist and as I begin to ride I feel his head lean against my back and I can truly say that this is the happiest I've ever been.

@dailypattondoodle @ashstormfall @loki-god-of-soap

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firebirdphe · 7 years ago

Text

New Look

Part 1

Michelle is tired if being just Michelle. She's decides that the only way to get Peter to notice her is to change her look... And when Michelle does something she goes all in.

"Mom, stop fussing!" MJ groaned, swerving away from her mom, who was trying to style her hair further. Her mom looked at her through the mirror in the dashboard and smiled.

"This is a monumental day in my life Michelle! My daughter is actually wearing make-up. And an outfit that looks nice. And she's brushed her hair."

"Gee, thanks mom," Michelle drawled, rolling her eyes.

"Wait, I have to take more pictures." She fumbled in her bag, looking for her phone. Michelle took this as an opportunity to leap out of the car before her mom threatened her with her mascara brush again. She slammed the car door shut and peeked her head through the open passenger window.

"Bye mom," She smiled, rushing away before her mom could speak again.

Michelle speed walked, more like quickly stumbled in the 5 inch heeled boots her mother put her in, towards Midtown's front doors. She kept her head down as always but it wasn't the same, she could feel many pairs of eyes staring pointedly at her. Most of them probably wondering who she was.

"Hey baby, are you new here?" Was shouted obnoxiously in her direction by one random guy, while many others just sent whistles her way.

"Come on, it's for science." She mumbled while reminding herself to never do any shit like this again, even for science.

She got to the front of the building without much of problem, besides the large amount of testosterone . She stopped short in front to the double doors of Midtown High, unsure if she really wanted to do this, or if she just wanted to go to the back of the school and change into the extra outfit she had in her bag. Before she was given the chance to choose the 20 minute warning bell sounded, causing a large mob of students to charge into the building pushing Michelle in with them.

Shit.

Now that she was in there was no going back, she had to suck it up and stick it out until the day was over. She started the short journey to her locker which happened to be very close to a certain friendly neighborhood Spiderman's locker, aka the real reason she was doing this. After 3 years of pining, obsessing, lowkey --extremely highkey-- stalking and 1 year of budding friendship, she was tired of being seen as the odd friend.

So caught up in her thinking, Michelle doesn't realize that her body has taken the liberty of doing all the work while her mind was going crazy thinking about other things. When Michelle finally choose to look up, she found herself directly in front of her locker. She went about her business as usual, opening her locker, putting away her books --that she was storing in a large purse for the day instead of her usually run down backpack--, closing her locker and going to find Peter and Ned. She had been having a very heated debate with herself on whether or not she should approach them first. Should she act normal? Should she just avoid them until she can't avoid them anymore?

She was stuck.

She didn't know how she was going to act around them and it was stressing her out. She's Michelle! Ned and Peter aren't supposed to stress her out! They're her friends. Well, if you call being head over heels in love with Peter and hiding it through sarcastic remarks and flipping him the bird friendship then, sure they're friends.

"Fuck this is too complicated" Michelle says under her breath. She looks up realizing that she has absentmindedly started to walk in the direct of her little friend groups' usual meeting place. The thought of turning around crises her mind but before she can turn her thoughts into actions she sees him. Peter, staring at her wide eyed... oh and Ned's there too, looking just as surprised. There's no turning back now. She strolled up to them as best as she could in the heeled boots and slid into her seat, feigning an air of nonchalance, as though everything was normal. She avoided their eyes as she pulled out her trusty flask of green tea. She may have changed her look but that didn't mean everything about her had to change, not for a dweeb like Peter.

A dweeb with soft brown eyes and a killer smile.

"What's up losers?" She brought the flask up to her lips and took a sip, careful not to smudge the lipstick as her mom had taught her a few hours before. The boys didn't reply, they just stared at her.

"Michelle?" Peter gasped, unable to comprehend that the girl sat in front of him was really Michelle. A girl who thought make up was a waste of money and frankly unnecessary was in front of him now, wearing it...and looking good with it too.

"Peter?" Michelle replied, mocking his previous tone of voice. Their eyes met and she momentarily lost all her confidence and witty attitude because the way Peter was looking at her was causing the unwanted butterflies in her stomach to work over time and her heart to beat faster. She had only ever seen him look at one other girl like that before and that was Liz, his former crush. Michelle took a deep breath, regaining her composure before speaking again.

"Quit staring Parker, have you never seen a girl before?"

"I'm..I'm..sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable." Peter stuttered, the words tumbling out of his mouth in quick succession. "It's just, you look...different."

"Good or bad?" Michelle asked, going straight in for the kill. After all, she'd done this for him, something she'd never fully forgive herself for. She deserved to know what he thought of it.

"Good. Definitely good. Not that you didn't look good before..because you did..not that I was looking...wait..I mean...you..I didn't mean..I'm-"

"Smooth Peter." Ned whispered to his best friend, giggling at how disorientated he'd been since MJ walked into the cafeteria. Peter kicked Ned under the table, glaring at him.

"Ow!" The boy yelped, rubbing furiously at his shins. He got up from the table, limping slightly. Slinging his back pack over his shoulder, he picked up his books and moved to the edge of the table.

"I've got an essay to print out before class so I'm heading to the library. I'll see you in first period."

He then walked out of the hall, leaving Peter and the stranger in front of him alone. Peter knew exactly what Ned was doing because he has been there last night when he printed out his English essay. He was going to kill him the next time he saw him.

"So...did you have a good sleep?" GOOD SLEEP? What the fuck Peter? He thought. God, why was he suddenly so nervous around her. All she'd done is change her clothes and wear make up. That colour make her lips look so soft and her hair looked so long and-

"Umm...Peter? Are you listening to me?" He shook his head and focused on what she was saying.

"I'm sorry, I got lost in my thoughts." He replied, playing with his fingers.

"Anything interesting?"

"Huh?"

"What you were thinking about." She spoke slowly as though he couldn't understand English. "Anything interesting?"

"Can I touch your hair?"

"What?" Michelle replied, looking at him quizzically. SHIT. Had he said that out loud?

"I mean...I'm-"

"You can. If you want to."

Peter blinked several times, unsure of what to say.

"Seriously? Last time I tried to pat you on the shoulder, you threatened to castrate me."

"You didn't ask." She shrugged. "Now you have, I'm saying yes."

"Umm...okay." Peter lent across the table and gently ran his hands through MJ's hair. God, it was so soft, like silk and felt so good between his fingers. He didn't want to stop.

"Okay, Lennie, you can stop now." Peter pulled back suddenly, almost falling off the bench in the process.

"Sorry, ummm...thanks?" Michelle laughed.

"Whatever, loser."

Michelle gives him one last look, giggles -- she would tell you that she chuckled --, and pushes herself up from her sitting position.

Peter watches closely as she stands, still extremely confused by the entire situation. As she gets fully upright he sees them... And by them he means her bare hips. He's now even more confused. He feels himself blush and quickly looks down, pretending to cough, trying to cover his face, hoping she won't see the effect she's having on him.

"You okay?" Michelle asks him, raising an eyebrow at his sudden coughing fit.

"Fine, I'm fine." He manages to get out as he looks up at her again.

The two make eye contact. The stare at each other for a while, both trying to decide when to look away. Neither of them could. Suddenly they're both caught off guard by the sound of the five minute bell.

"Well, I should probably go to my locker." Peter states finally looking away.

"Yeah and I should get to class, don't want to be late." Michelle give a short laugh.

Not knowing what to say next, the two gave a small wave to the other and went their separate ways. If there was one thing both of them knew...

It was that it was going to be a long day.

#spideychelle #peter x michelle #petermj #peter parker #michelle #ned leeds #spider-man: homecoming #spiderman: hoco #hoco #sm:hc #sm:h #awkward #spiderman #michelle jones #high school #pre far from home

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believingispowerfulmagic · 7 years ago

Note

Hotel verse: Robin tells Regina he loves her and she freaks out because she thinks no one can love the EQ. Bonus points if Robin already knows who she is but doesn't tell her

Three Small Words

Regina stared ather closet, trying to find the perfect outfit. Bobby hadn’t been specific aboutwhere he was taking her for their date and his only clue was that he was goingto treat her now that he was the owner of the Ever After Hotel. “My bankaccount has suddenly doubled in size,” he said, “and I want to spoilyou.”

With that in mind,she imagined he was taking her some place a bit more on the pricey side, eventhough she always protested he didn’t have to. Regina had had her share ofsomeone trying to use wealth to win her affection (though Leopold wasn’t somuch trying to win her affection but hope to please her without reallybothering to find out why his young bride was truly unhappy). All she neededthis time was Bobby, their sons and time together. They could just have a moviemarathon and she’d be infinitely happier than she ever was in the royal palace.

Yet spoiling hermade Bobby happy and she doubted it would be as painful as sitting through aball shrouded in shadows while her husband treated his daughter as a queen.Bobby always gave her his full attention and did everything in his power tomake her feel special. In turn, she hoped she did the same to him.

Regina selected agreen cocktail dress to wear. Green wasn’t one of her usual colors but it wasone of Bobby’s favorites, so she had gotten the dress especially for him. Ithad a plunging neckline that gave a tantalizing–but tasteful, in heropinion–glimpse at her breasts before hugging her curves and ending just aboveher knees. Cap sleeves covered her shoulders but not her arms, so she pulledout a black wrap to wear as well.

She sat at hervanity, curling and pinning up her hair, when she heard a soft knock.“Henry, is that you?” she called out.

“Can I comein?” His little voice was muffled by the door.

“Ofcourse,” she called out. “The door is unlocked.”

The door creakedopen and Henry peeked in, hazel eyes gazing at her. “Are you getting readyfor your date with Mr. Bobby?”

“I am. Do youneed something?” she asked, pulling out her makeup as she sat at hervanity.

He shook his head,jumping onto her bed. “I just wanted to spend some time with you.”

She smiled at him,her heart melting at his comment. However, she was sure he would get bored. “I’mjust putting on my makeup, sweetheart.”

“That’sokay,” he said, bouncing a bit on her bed. “I’m fine just sittinghere.”

Regina turnedaround, concerned. That was a statement that usually sent him heading backdownstairs to play with his toys. She frowned. “Are you sure there’snothing wrong, Henry?”

“Yes,”he said, far too quickly for her liking. She kept her gaze on him, trying notto glare or stare, and waited.

He squirmed on herbed before asking: “Are you going to marry Mr. Bobby?”

That caught heroff guard. She stood from her vanity and sat next to him on the bed, pullinghim close to her as she wrapped her arms around him. “I don’t know,”she admitted. “Why?”

“Because Ilike him and I like Roland. I think we’d be a great family,” Henry said,hopefully. “A normal one.”

“Normal?”Regina felt like her gut was twisted into knots as the fear she was deprivingHenry of something vital crept up again.

He nodded.“You know. Mom, dad, siblings…maybe a dog? Like I see on TV and whatsome of the other children have.”

She hugged himclose, feeling sick from her guilt. “Do you feel like you’re missingout?”

“Sometimes,”he admitted, snuggling closer to her. “You’re a great mom but there aresome things a boy just needs a dad for, you know?”

Fighting backtears, Regina gave him another squeeze. “I know, sweetheart. And I don’tknow if I’m going to marry Mr. Bobby. But I think no matter what happens, he’llalways be in your life.”

“Really?”Henry perked up, smiling as hope filled his eyes.

She nodded.“I’m sure of it.”

“Great.”He seemed happier and she relaxed as he looked up at her, a sly smile on hisface. “I hope you marry him though. That will be cool.”

“Well, I’mnot even sure if Mr. Bobby loves me,” she said, fiddling with her necklaceas her heart fluttered.

Henry giggled.“Of course he does.”

She glanced downat him, frowning. “What do you mean by that?”

“Please, Mom,it’s so obvious.” He rolled his eyes, something that was clearly her.

“Ohreally?” she asked, her eyebrows rising to meet her hairline.

Henry knelt on herbed, almost eye level with her. “Mom, please. He has this goofy smilewhenever he sees you, is always trying to touch you, wants to spend all histime with you, and kisses you all the time. He loves you.”

“Love is abit more complicated than that, Henry,” she said, her heart speeding up asshe realized everything Henry said was true.

“Why?”he asked, frowning.

She sighed, notsure she was ready to get into this with her young son nor if she had the time.“It just is. Now, let me finish getting ready for my date. We don’t wantto keep Mr. Bobby waiting, right?”

“Right,”he replied, though looking a bit unsure. Henry slid off the bed. “I’mgoing to go back to watching my cartoons.”

“Henry,wait.” When he paused by the door, she approached him and hugged him.“No matter if I love Mr. Bobby or not, I love you. You’re my son and themost important man in my life. And that’s not complicated at all.”

He grinned andhugged her back. “I love you too, Mom. And that’s not complicatedeither.”

Regina laughed andthen gave him a gentle push. “I’ll be right out, sweetheart.”

“Okay, Mom.By the way, you look really pretty,” he said before leaving the room.

She smiled andheaded back to her vanity to finish getting ready.

Bobby wiped hishands as he approached Regina’s door, his heart beating so loud he was afraidshe was going to hear it. It’s just adate with Regina. Nothing to be so nervous about. It’s just Regina.

Yet he knew he hadeverything to be nervous about. Today was the day. He was going to tell her howhe truly felt about her and he could only pray she felt the same. While his guttold him she did, doubt still filled him.

He rang thedoorbell as he tried to get his breathing under control. To his relief, Henrywas the one to open the door and he smiled down at the boy. “Your mothersay it was okay to open the door?”

“Yes,”Henry replied, “because it was you. She said she’ll be right down.”

Bobby nodded, spottingDr. Hopper standing in the doorway. Surprise filled him. “Archie, you’rewatching Henry tonight?”

“Pongo and Iare, yes,” Archie said as his beloved Dalmatian appeared by his side.“Regina asked and we figured it would be fun. Right, Henry?”

Henry nodded asthey heard the familiar click-clack of heels on the stairs. Bobby looked up andhis breath was stolen as he saw Regina, all dressed up in a gorgeous greendress and smiling at him. “Wow,” he breathed.

She smiled.“You like it?”

“I loveit,” he said, taking her hand and kissing it. He kept his eyes on her. “Stunning,in every way.”

“Youflatterer,” she replied, but her cheeks turned pink. He loved being ableto make her blush like that.

He grinned.“I only speak the truth, milady.”

Archie cleared histhroat, reminding them they weren’t alone. He smiled, holding Henry against hisside. “So, what time do you two expect to be back?”

“Right,”Bobby said, nodding. “I promise not to keep her out too late. Is elevenfine?”

Archie looked downat Henry, who nodded. Satisfied, the older man looked back up. “Eleven isfine.”

Regina walked overto Henry, hugging him. Bobby’s heart melted as she combed her fingers throughhis hair, murmuring: "I love you, sweetheart.”

“I love youtoo, Mom. Have a good time.” He then turned and hugged Bobby, a bear hugthat almost knocked him over. “You too!”

Bobby hugged himback, kissing the top of his head. He already considered the boy to be his son.“Thanks, Henry. I hope you and Archie have fun too.”

Once Reginagrabbed her coat, she took Bobby’s arm. “Where are we off totonight?”

“That,”he replied, opening the door for her, “is a surprise.”

She raised aneyebrow but she continued to smile at him. “Should I be concerned?”

He smiled, knowingshe was uncomfortable not having control of a situation and feeling pleasedthat she trusted him to give him control. “It’s a place I know you like.No worries about that. Trust me.”

“I do,”she assured him, her smile making his stomach do flip flops. She then climbedinto the car, giving him a wink. Or rather a slow blink he now knew was herattempt at a wink. He followed a few moments later, a bright smile on his face.

*****

Regina relaxed inthe front seat of Bobby’s truck. She never thought she would ride in one whenshe first got to Storybrooke but since meeting Bobby, she found herself liking itmore and more. There was just something cozy about it and she felt like she wasflying over the streets since they were sitting so much higher than herMercedes.

“Is the radiotoo loud?” he asked, hand hovering over the volume control. Until heasked, she hadn’t realized the radio was turned on and only just made out softmelodies, no lyrics.

She shook herhead, looking at him. He was staring straight ahead and he was now clutchingthe wheel for dear life. In the glow of the passing streetlamps, she could seehow tense his shoulders were and the furrow between his brow. Regina frowned.“Is everything okay?”

“Of course.Why?” he asked.

“Because youweren’t this nervous on our first date. So what’s going on?”

He sighed. “Ijust want today to be perfect.”

“Why?”

“Because it’syour birthday. Well, tomorrow is, but I thought we could get a start on ittoday.”

She tensed up, hereyes widening as she continued to watch him. No one knew about her birthday. "I don’t talk about my birthday. How didyou find out?“

"I have myways,” he said, sounding mysterious. He then grinned at her for a briefmoment. “Such as a contact who shall remain nameless at the DMV who mighthave pulled your information for me.”

“That’scheating,” she replied, cursing this world’s bureaucracy and efficientrecord keeping.

He shrugged.“I guess. But I wanted to celebrate you. When better than yourbirthday?”

“I haven’tcelebrated my birthday in a long time. Didn’t seem to see any point toit,” she admitted. “Henry doesn’t even know.”

“Well, maybeit’s time we changed your perception of it,” he said, reaching over at ared light to caress her cheek.

She doubted thatwould happen, but she was secretly pleased that Bobby wanted to try. At thenext light, she leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

He smiled at her,taking her hand and kissing it. “Don’t worry. I won’t draw attention thatit’s your birthday. This is just for me and you. Then tomorrow night, cake withRoland and Henry. Both boys may have already worked on birthday cards andstashed them in my safe.”

That soundedwonderful to Regina. She leaned back again, imagining the scene: lights down inher kitchen as she sat in front of a cake covered with flickering candles.Henry and Roland sat on either side of her, helping her blow out the candleswhile Bobby clapped. It was a lot better than the last time she blew out acandle, bitter over Snow White and surrounded by a court forced to celebrateher birthday.

“Here weare,” Bobby said, putting the truck in park.

Regina glanced outher window and smiled in confusion. “You took me to your hotel? Really?”

He grinned,opening his door. “It has some of the best food in town—though don’t tellGranny I said that. I plan on pampering you. Wait there.”

“I can open my owndoor,” she insisted but she remained still. When Bobby opened her door, shetook his hand and let him help her down. He kissed her cheek and she glancedover at him. “What was that for?”

“For yourbirthday,” he told her, holding out his arm to her. She took it and let himguide her toward the doors, which the doorman opened for them with a tip of hishat.

Bobby paused atthe doors to one of the ballrooms in the hotel, turning to smile at her. Shetilted her head as she watched him and he felt his excitement for his plansgrow. “Are you ready?” he asked.

Regina crossed herarms as she narrowed her eyes. “There isn’t a surprise party waiting in there,right?”

“No, sweetheart,”he assured her. “I wouldn’t do that to you. I promise your birthday will be asecret I’ll pinkie swear the boys to take to their graves.”

She dropped herarms and appeared to relax, no doubt comforted by the fact their sons both tookthe pinkie swear very seriously. He slid open the door to reveal the ballroom,its lights dimmed to make the candle on the one table set inside stand outmore. One of their best lacy white tablecloths covered the table and the bestChina rested there, waiting for them.

Regina gaspedsoftly, grabbing his arm as she looked up at him. “Bobby? Did you do this forme?”

“Unless you knowof another gorgeous brunette mayor with beautiful brown eyes who also happensto be celebrating a birthday,” he teased her.

She pushed againsthis shoulder. “Someone suddenly switch from hotelier to comedian?”

“It’s just ahobby,” he told her, pulling out her chair. “Milady?”

“Thank you, goodsir,” she replied, sitting down. He placed her napkin on her lap with aflourish before pushing her in.

Bobby thenapproached the ice bucket containing a bottle of champagne. Regina frowned,shaking her head. “There’s treating me and then there’s going overboard.Champagne seems overboard.”

“Nonsense,” hesaid. “I own the place now thanks to someone who shall remain nameless…you…”

She gave him abemused look. “I thought I was to remain nameless?”

“Eh, changed mymind,” he teased, uncorking the bottle with a soft pop. “Anyway, I now have more disposable income thanks to some gooddeals I’ve managed to make and I am determined to spoil Roland, Henry and you.”

“Henry?” sheasked, lips curling up at the thought that he would include her son in thatlist.

He poured thechampagne into her flute, smiling. “Of course. I hope you don’t mind but I seehim as my son as well.”

“I don’t mind atall,” she replied. “As long as you don’t mind that I see Roland as my son too.”

Bobby paused, hissmile growing brighter before he handed her the filled flute. “Of course not.With Melynda gone, I’m glad he has a mother figure now. I always worried whatsuch a hole in his life would do to him. Now, I’m not so worried.”

“Samehere,” she replied. “I had such a close relationship with my father that Ioften wondered if Henry was missing out on that.”

Sittingdown, Bobby took her hand. “You and Henry have a close relationship. I doubt hefeels he’s missing out.”

“Still,”she said, thinking of everything she had done with her father growing up. Shewished the curse hadn’t required his heart, that he could’ve been here to enjoythis new world and to spend time with his grandson. He would’ve loved Henry,she was certain, and would’ve doted on him endlessly.

“Youmiss him, don’t you?” Bobby asked quietly.

Shenodded as tears started to run down her cheek. “Very much.”

Heleaned over and brushed the tears from her cheeks. “I wish I could’ve met him.”

“Hewould’ve liked you,” she said, smiling as she was certain in that fact. Shecovered his hand as he cupped her cheek, enjoying the warmth and comfort.

Bobbyslowly removed his hand and picked up his flute. “To you, Regina, the mostamazing woman I know. I know you haven’t really celebrated your birthday but Iknow you are someone who deserves to be celebrated. Happy birthday.”

Theyclinked their glasses together before taking sips of their champagne. Once thebubbly liquid went down her throat, she smiled at Bobby. “Thank you so much.”

“You’rewelcome, but I’m not done yet. Hang onto your socks.” He winked as he stood,heading to the kitchen.

Reginawatched him walk away, shamelessly letting her eyes drift down to his ass. Shesmirked, watching as it moved with his every step and hoping to get her handson it before she had to go home that night. Once he disappeared behind theswinging door, Regina thanked Tinkerbell—wherever that pixie had ended up. Itseemed pixie didn’t lie after all.

Dinnerhad been a grand affair for just two people. There had been three courses,starting with a salad before moving on to the most delicious lobster she hadever eaten. It had been paired with roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables.Regina had eaten greedily, her mother’s voice a distant echo in the back of hermind reminding her about manners and maintaining her figure.

Bobbythought she was beautiful and sexy, no matter what, and slowly, he was buildingup her own self-confidence to believe the same about herself. And so her voicewas finally starting to drown out her mother’s.

Wipingher mouth, she leaned back in her chair. “So, what do you have planned fordessert? Because I might need a new dress.”

“Yourdress is fine for now,” he assured her, wiping his own mouth before placing hisnapkin on the table. “Dessert will be later. I have a special surprise forthat.”

Sheraised her eyebrow as she studied his smiling face, trying to find a clue. Onlyone thing came to her mind. “I do have to relieve Archie tonight. He’s notgoing to spend the night with Henry.”

Bobbynodded, standing. “I know. Ian can’t keep Roland the entire night either. Butwe still have plenty of time, so don’t worry.”

“Isee,” she said, looking up as he approached her. “What do you have planned?”

Heheld out a hand to her. “Dance with me?”

“Towhat music?” she asked, glancing around. Was he hiding a string quartetsomewhere? Or perhaps an entire orchestra?

DidStorybrooke even have an orchestra?

Bobbytilted his head. “Regina? Are you okay?”

“Sorry,I got lost in my head,” she replied, glancing around. “I was wondering whereyou’re hiding the musicians?”

Hechuckled, pulling a small remote from his pocket. “There’s a sound system inhere. I have a CD already to go. You just have to say yes to dancing with me.”

Shecrossed her legs, smiling up at him as she decided to have a little fun. “Andwhat if I say no?”

“Thenthe remote goes back in my pocket,” he replied, “and we find something you wantto do.”

Reginastood, taking his hand. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing I want to dance withyou.”

Bobby’ssmile brightened and he hit the play button on the remote. A soft ballad filledthe room and he pulled her close, twirling her around the floor. She rested herhead on his shoulder, sighing in contentment.

Aftera few turns around the floor, she felt Bobby kiss the top of her head. “Are youhaving a good birthday, lovely?”

“It’sthe best I’ve ever had,” she confessed, closing her eyes as she enjoyed justbeing in his arms. She tried not to think of birthdays past—elaborate affairsthrown more for her mother to show off rather than to celebrate her. Dinnersloaded with foods she didn’t like and filled with people she didn’t know. Onceshe married Leopold, her birthday went ignored while Snow White’s wascelebrated with balls that grew grander and grander as her stepdaughter grewolder. Even when Regina was the sole ruler, her birthdays seemed to just beattempts from her court to placate her, not celebrate her.

Whenshe created Storybrooke, she decided to treat her birthday as just another daybut she promised herself that Henry’s birthday was all about him once sheadopted him. Now, though, Bobby was just celebrating her and making sure herhappiness was paramount. It was alien, refreshing and frightening all at once.

“Good,”he replied and she could feel him smiling against her hair. “I want you to feelas special as I know you are.”

Shelifted her head, biting her lip. “Why do you treat me so well?”

“Isn’tit obvious?” he asked, coming to a stop. He looked right in her eyes as hesaid: “I love you, Regina.”

Thepounding in her ears drowned everything else out. All she heard in her mind washis voice repeating I love you, I loveyou, I love you. Then her mother’s voice broke in, as well as Leopold’s andRumpelstiltskin’s, all reminding her that no one could love her. It wouldalways be a cruel trick that would end in pain. So she did the only thing shecould think of:

Sheran.

Behindthe Ever After Hotel was a beautiful botanical garden that Mr. Gull had guardedwith his life. No one had ever been allowed back there and he had tended to theflowers himself. His reasoning was a mystery but the garden was not sufferingfrom his absence. Bobby had hired an excellent gardener and had plans to letpeople book time in the gardens once the warmer weather came. He figured someof the summer events would rather be outside than in some stuffy ballroom.Regina thought it was a sound business plan.

Now,though, the garden was dead and full of snow. Bare trees lined the dirtwalkways, blowing in the wind that Regina didn’t start to feel until she was agood distant from the hotel. She shivered as the cold bit at her skin, cursingher rash decision to run off and not even grab a coat.

Shehugged herself as she stood in the middle of the dead garden, trying to processeverything. Bobby had said he loved her. At least he thought he loved her. Howcould he really love her if he didn’t know the real her? Perhaps it was justpart of the curse. It was supposed to give her her happy ending. She alwaysthought that would be Snow White miserable but then she got Henry. Now she hadBobby and Roland. Maybe they were all her happy ending.

No,she reminded herself. Snow and Charming’s daughter was out there, destined tobreak her curse in only a few short years. Then it would all come crashingdown, she knew. Bobby would remember she was the Evil Queen and be repulsed byher.

Ofcourse, he could forget her entirely first. She hadn’t bothered to learn howthe part of the curse that froze time worked. Roland had advanced to firstgrade with Henry but she had a feeling he wouldn’t go to second, instead goingback to kindergarten. How was she going to explain that to her son? How was shegoing to explain it to Bobby and Roland? Or would they just forget her and theywould be at square one again?

Therewere so many reasons Bobby couldn’t really love her and she hated herself forloving him. Once again, it was only going to end in pain for her.

“Regina!Regina, are you out here?” Bobby’s voice echoed amongst the trees before heappeared on the pathway she was on. He looked anguished and concerned,clutching her coat against his chest. Relief filled his eyes as he hurriedtoward her.

Bobbythrew her coat over her shoulders, pulling it tight against her and gave her agentle tug toward him. His body heat started to warm her up and her skin beganto tingle. She realized she was shivering, her teeth clattering.

Hekissed her forehead. “Let me take you back inside, please? Before you catchyour death out here?”

Unableto speak, she nodded. She stuck her arms through the sleeves and wrapped thecoat tight around her body. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, guidingher back toward the warm hotel.

Theydidn’t return to the ballroom. Instead, Bobby ushered her onto the elevator andhit the button for his floor. She didn’t protest, though, still too frozen todo much except stand there and drink in all the warmth the hotel provided asthe elevator ascended.

Bobbylet them into his room and guided her to his kitchen table. He eased her into achair. “You stay here and I’ll make you some tea.”

“Whyare you being so kind to me?” she asked, her teeth no longer chattering. “I ranout on you.”

Hisshoulders tensed up as he stood over the stove before he took a calming breath.“Yes, you did. But that doesn’t change how I feel about you. And it certainlydoesn’t mean I’m going to leave you to freeze in the cold.”

“I’msorry.” She shrugged off her coat, feeling warm enough without it.

“Forwhat?” he asked, taking out a teabag and a mug. “For running off or for notfeeling the same way I do?”

Hesaid it so matter-of-factly, it gave her pause. Did he really believe shedidn’t feel the same? Even though she had run off, couldn’t he tell why? Thenagain, he wasn’t a mind reader and she had some very thick walls. Maybe she wasstill an enigma he was trying to unravel.

Couldhe really love her then?

“Regina?”he asked, setting down a steaming mug of tea. “Do you want anything else?Sugar? Milk? Lemon?”

“Whiskey?”she asked, giving him a half-joking, half-hopeful look. He nodded and headed towhere she knew he hid his alcohol supply, pulling out his bottle of whiskey.

Afteradding a generous amount to her tea, he did the same to his own. Bobby left thebottle between them on the table as he took a seat across from her. “So…”

“I’msorry for running out,” she clarified. “I just needed to get away before I gothurt again. Because I know this is all a cruel trick.”

Hefrowned, anger burning in his eyes. “Do I seem to be the type of man to hurt awoman in that way?”

“Noand I know you don’t mean it to be cruel. Nor do you want to hurt me. But atthe same time, you don’t really know me. And I know that once you see the realme, you’ll run far away. It’s just my lot in life.” She sighed, sipping herwhiskey-laden tea.

Bobbystood, moving chairs to sit closer to her. He tucked two fingers under her chinand gently turned her head until she was forced to look him in the eyes. “Whatmakes you think I don’t know the real you?”

“Becausethere’s a lot about me that you don’t know,” she said. “Things that would makeyou never want to see me again.”

Hewas quiet for a long time, searching her eyes for something. She wasn’t quitesure what it was so she didn’t look away, ready to face whatever was going tohappen next.

“Haveyou ever spoken to anyone about your self-esteem issues?” he asked at last,brow furrowed.

“Itdoesn’t help,” she snapped, thinking of wasted sessions with Dr. Hopper. Whyhad she thought getting help from a former cricketwould do any good? She had been a weak fool.

“Well,let me see if I can help you,” he said, taking her hand. “Do you want to knowwhat I see in you? I see an amazing woman who runs a town almostsinglehandedly. Who juggles that with being a hands-on mom raising an amazingboy in a house full of love. A woman who has opened her arms and heart to myson, nurturing and loving him.

“Isee a strong woman who loves to learn. I love watching you when we watchJeopardy. How you shout out the answers and are usually right, how you scrunchyour nose when you’re considering Final Jeopardy. It’s just downright sexy.” Hesmiled at her, gently tapping her nose.

Shescrunched her nose, shaking her head. “Bobby…”

“Hush,”he said, pressing his finger to her lips. “I’m not done. You are an amazingcook and I think I would gladly sell an organ for one of your apple turnovers.You like to sing when no one is looking and you do the cutest dances…and I feelso privileged to get to witness them.”

“I can’t believe you’ve seen those,” shemoaned, hiding her face behind her hand as her cheeks started to burn.

Hegently pulled her hand away, still smiling. “I have. And you have nothing to beembarrassed about, Regina.

“Butback to what I was saying…There are many sides I don’t know about but I know Iknow the important ones. I know who you truly are at your core and I love youfor it. And no matter what I learn in the years to come, that will neverchange. I promise you that,” he finished.

Shewanted to believe that, wanted to believe that he truly loved her and wouldalways love her. But she knew that love was conditional. Everyone wantedsomeone who was perfect and she knew she was far from it.

“Youcan’t promise that,” she whispered. “Please don’t promise that if you mean itwhen you say you don’t want to hurt me.”

Hepaused, his eyes studying her face. After a few tense seconds, he slowlynodded. “Alright, I won’t promise that if it hurts you. I don’t want to hurtyou.”

“Iknow you don’t, but you will. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday,you will,” she said, knowing it was her fate. If only she could convince Bobbyof it without sounding like a complete loon…

Itwas bad enough he was now looking at her like she was. He reached over andbrought her hand to his lips. “I’m sorry you’ve been hurt so much before, Regina.And if I could, I would fight every person who did that.”

“You’resweet,” she said. “But I’m afraid everyone who hurt me is long dead.” Because I killed them.

“Allof them?” he asked.

Shepaused, thinking of Snow White. “Well, no. But I like to think the other persongot what they deserved.” A mediocre lifeas a meek schoolteacher doomed to spinsterhood. No more happy ending.

“Well,then, I guess I have to be satisfied with that until they invent time travel.”Bobby gave an exaggerated sigh.

Reginafinished her tea, feeling warmer and a bit lighter than she had. She glanceddown at her empty teacup. “I guess I ruined this evening, huh?”

“Notnecessarily,” he said, running his thumb over the back of her hand. “We couldtry to salvage something of it.”

Sheshook her head, feeling awful but knowing she needed some time to herself. “Ithink I should just go home, Bobby. Thank you for a wonderful evening. I’msorry it didn’t go as you planned.”

“Okay,”he said softly, letting go of her hand. He stood. “I’ll go get my keys and I’lldrive you home.”

Regina wanted to say something, anything toalleviate the tension now in the room but she didn’t know what she could say.Her throat also seemed to have closed up and she followed Bobby out of the roomsilently, fearing she had just ruined the best thing to happen to her in years.

Theirdrive home was just as bad. Neither said anything, though many words racedthrough Regina’s mind. She couldn’t put any in something that resembled anintelligent sentence and so remained quiet, watching the town she had createdgo by her.

Hepulled into the driveway and turned off the car. That was when he finally brokethe silence: “I’ll help you down. Just wait right there.”

Shedidn’t put up a fight, just waiting until he opened the door. He held out hishand to her and she took, letting him guide her as she stepped down from histruck. Bobby held her hand until they got to the door, where he dropped it andtucked his hands in his pockets. “So…”

“I’msorry, Bobby,” she said, unable to help herself. “I just…I just need some time,okay?”

“Takeall the time you need. I’m not going to rush you. I’ll be right there whenyou’re ready.” He leaned down, kissing her cheek. “Good night, Regina.”

Shewished him a good night, trying not to let anymore tears fall in front of him.Pulling out her keys, she opened her door and stepped inside. Their eyes met asshe went to close the door and he nodded, heading back to his truck as Reginaclosed the door with a soft click. She pressed her forehead to the cool wood,still fighting her tears.

“Regina?”Archie’s soft voice still sounded so loud in her quiet foyer. A wet nose pushedagainst her hand until it was resting on the soft, warm head of his belovedDalmatian, Pongo.

Scratchingbehind his ear, Regina turned to face Archie. He looked confused and frowned.“Is everything okay? I wasn’t expecting you until eleven.”

“Yes,”she lied. “I just got tired and thought it best if I came home to get somesleep.”

Hetilted his head and she knew he saw right through her. There was probably stillpart of him that had his conscience abilities and she cursed it.

Reginadecided to distract him before he could ask any more questions. She started todig around in her purse, looking for her money. “I will pay you until eleven,don’t worry. How much did we agree on again?”

Archiedidn’t respond with his amount, though Regina knew it. He hadn’t fallen for herplan to change topics. Instead, he continued to study her. “Are you sure youdon’t want to talk about it?”

“I’mpaying you to be a babysitter, not a therapist,” she snapped, glaring at him.

Hehad the audacity to give her a smile. “I’m always a therapist. You don’t haveto pay me for that.”

“Well,I’m just interested in your babysitting duties.” Regina slapped down the agreedupon amount into his hand. “Good night, Dr. Hopper.”

“Regina,I am available if you want to talk. And not as a therapist,” he told her, voicelow.

“Aswhat? A friend?” she asked with a derisive snort.

Henodded. “If you want that. And I think you do.”

“Oh,really? Why?” She crossed her arms, staring down the former cricket with herbest Evil Queen glare. To her dismay, it didn’t seem to affect him.

“You’rethe mayor and everyone knows you…but do you have a good friend? Someone you canconfide in, someone you can seek counsel from? Someone you can turn to in bothgood and bad times? Just someone else who is there for you? Someone you cantrust?” he asked.

“Good.Night. Doctor.” She enunciated every word, making sure they were dripping withdisdain.

Archienodded, putting on his hat and taking Pongo’s leash. “Good night, Regina. Thankyou for letting me watch Henry. We had a lovely evening. I’m sorry yours wasn’tthe same.”

Sheturned around, starting to climb the stairs. “I trust you can show yourselfout, Dr. Hopper?”

“Yes,Madame Mayor,” he said, finally returning to the more formal address sheusually insisted on. She paused on the steps, waiting to hear the door open andclose. But first, Archie had one last piece of advice: “No man is an island,Regina, and it’s not weakness to want to have companionship. Isolating yourselfwill only end up hurting you. And you don’t deserve that.”

Sheheard the door open and then close again. Tears began to trickle down her cheekand she hurried to her bedroom, letting them fall. Regina cursed herself, Dr.Archie Hopper, Bobby Locke, Maleficent, Rumpelstiltskin, her mother and thenherself again. Her life had always been lonely and now that she had the chancefor it not to be, she knew it would be snatched away. There was no way herrelationship with Bobby could survive the curse breaking and she knew it waspointless to believe otherwise.

“Havea good day at school, sweetheart,” Regina said, pulling on Henry’s coat. Shehadn’t gotten any sleep the night before but tried to stay chipper for hissake, giving him a big smile.

Hetilted his head, though, frowning. “Maybe I should stay home today.”

“Oh?”she asked, concerned. “Why?”

“Ithink I’m sick.” He then let out the least convincing cough in the history offake coughs.

Reginagave Henry a skeptical look. “You don’t sound sick. Are you sure you need tostay home?”

Henodded. “I need to cuddle with you on the couch, watch movies and drink hotchocolate until we both feel better.”

“Oh,Henry.” Her perceptive little prince had picked up on her mood and wanted tomake her feel better. What had she done to deserve him?

Oh,right. Nothing.

“Mom?”he prompted, waiting for her response.

Shesmiled, rubbing his arms. “I’m fine, sweetheart. You go to school, see yourfriends and then we’ll watch a movie together tonight.”

“Withhot chocolate?” he asked, hazel eyes wide and hopeful.

“Yes,”she assured him, locking their pinkies together. “Promise.”

Hethrew his arms around her, hugging her tightly. “I love you, Mom.”

“Ilove you too, Henry,” she replied, holding him close. She kissed his cheekbefore letting go to open the door. “Have a good day at sch…”

Herwords died as she came face to face with Bobby Locke, who was standing on herfront porch. He was bundled up in his puffy green jacket and a navy blue scarfwas tied around his neck. One gloved hand held onto Roland’s as the boy beamedat her and Henry. “Hello, Ms. Regina.”

“Goodmorning, Roland,” she said before glancing up at his father. “This is asurprise.”

“Papasaid I could take the bus with Henry!” Roland announced.

Henrylet out a whoop and high-fived his best friend. “Awesome!”

Theyellow school bus pulled up to the curb by Regina’s gate. She crouched down,kissing Henry’s cheek and then Roland’s. “Have a good day, you two.”

Bobbyhugged both boys before giving them gentle pushes down the path. He shoved hishands in his jacket pockets, much like the night before, and stood next toRegina as they watched their sons. The door slid open and Henry got on,introducing Roland to the driver. They moved down the aisle as the door closedand their faces soon appeared in a window. Regina and Bobby waved as the busdrove away, disappearing around the corner.

Sheturned to face Bobby, frowning. “So, why are you really here?”

“Iwas hoping we could talk,” he said, eyes looking over her shoulder into herwarm house. “May I come in?”

“Sure.Do you want coffee?” She stepped into the house, trusting he would close thedoor behind him.

Reginawasn’t sure why she offered him something. He said she could have all the timeshe needed last night and now he was here to talk. She knew what it was aboutand so there was no need for him to have some coffee. It would just prolong theinevitable and she wanted to get it over with as soon as possible. Then shecould lick her wounds and remind herself that happiness wasn’t meant for her.

Hehadn’t taken off his jacket, hands still in his pockets, and he shook his head.“Let me just say what I have to say and we’ll go from there, yeah?”

“Fine,”she said, leaning against one of her chairs as if it were a shield for whateverhe said. She made a sweeping motion with her hand. “Proceed.”

“Regina,I meant what I said last night. I love you. And no, the abrupt ending of ournight didn’t make me suddenly stop loving you,” he said, eyes narrowed a bit.

“But,”she added.

Heshook his head. “There is no ‘but.’ I love you. And you said you loved me.”

“Bobby…”

“No,”he said, voice firm. “I’m not done. Please let me finish, Regina. I need to saythis to you.”

Swallowingshe nodded, slipping into the chair she had been leaning again. Regina kept hereyes on Bobby, noticing how serious and open he was.

Hepaused, gathering his thoughts. “I understand that you’ve been hurt in thepast. And it pains me to see how you had to guard your heart because ofyourself. I considered myself honored to be one of the few people you loweredyour walls for because it means I get to know how special you really are.

“Ialso know how scary this is,” he continued. “I know because I’m scared too. Iwas hurt by loss too. It’s been me and Roland for quite a long time now,Regina. While it was easy to fall in love with you, it was difficult for me totake that first step. I sat up many nights thinking about it. Especiallybecause it wasn’t just my heart I had to consider. I had to think about whatthis would do to Roland”

“Ofcourse,” she said softly. She had been so caught up in her angst, she hadforgotten about Bobby’s past and his own pain. His smile and easy demeanor hadtricked her into thinking he wasn’t as conflicted as her.

Henodded. “I can’t promise you what tomorrow will bring because I don’t know. Iknow I would never do anything intentionally to hurt you. Just as I know youwould never do the same to me. All I do know is that now that I know whathaving you in my life is like, I don’t want to go back to what it was when youweren’t there. You and Henry have made my life so much richer. I am asking younot to remove that. But if you need to walk away from me for whatever reason,then I wish the best. Just know that I will be pining for you from afar andmaking sure that you are happy. Because you deserve happiness, Regina, nomatter what anybody has told you in the past. All you have to do is say thewords and you will have it. You will have me and Roland.”

Theclock in her kitchen ticked the seconds away as she stared at him, unable toformulate a response. Her mind seemed to slow as it processed everything he hadsaid. She knew he was expecting something though, but all she could do wasstare at him.

Bobbynodded, pushing away from the chair. “I guess I won’t be having that coffeeafter all. Goodbye, Regina.”

Andthen he was gone.

Shedidn’t register it until she heard the door close. It felt like she was wakingup from a dream except it was real. Bobby had walked away from her. She hadpushed him to it.

Wetdrops splashed onto her clasped hands. She raised one, brushing her cheek tofind she was crying. As she stared at her damp fingers, she let out a loud sob.More followed and she sat hunched over, body shaking as tears fell and shecried in a way she hadn’t since Daniel died. She felt the same—as if her hearthad been crushed as well and that nothing would ever be good again.

This is different, a small voice chidedher. It almost sounded like…her. Youdon’t have to lose Bobby. You can fight to keep him.

“How?” she askedher empty kitchen, not caring that she was talking to herself out loud.

You need to find the root of what’s keepingyou from him.

“I know that,” shereplied, growing annoyed with her inner voice. “It’s this stupid Dark Curse Icast. It’s brought me everything I want and then it’s going to take it away.”

It’s not all the Dark Curse and you know it.There’s something more at play, something you don’t want to admit. But if youdon’t, you’ll end up alone and unhappy yet again.

Thevoice in her head changed, now sounding like Archie Hopper. She groaned as shefigured out what her subconscious was trying to tell her. Putting her mug inthe sink, Regina sighed. “Fine. I’ll go bear my soul to a former grasshopper.Happy?”

Shereceived no answer.

IfDr. Hopper was surprised to see her at his door that morning, he hid it well.He stepped aside and let her step into his office. Pongo, his faithfulDalmatian, perked up and bounded over to her. Regina petted him as she feltArchie study her. “I’m glad you’re here, Regina.”

“Becauseit means you can charge me an exorbitant fee?” she asked, not looking away fromPongo.

Hechuckled, which annoyed her. She stood, crossing her arms as she stared himdown. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing,”he said quickly, smile falling as he grew a bit uncomfortable. “I…I thought youwere making a joke.”

Shepaused before sighing, closing her eyes. “I’m sorry, Dr. Hopper. I’m just…in amood.”

“Ican tell. Do you want to have a seat? Or we can stay standing. I’m good withwhatever you want to do.”

Reginaopened her eyes, finding Dr. Hopper standing there with his hands casually inhis sweater pockets. He gave her a soft smile and she frowned. “Why are youbeing so nice to me?”

“BecauseI’m going to charge you an exorbitant fee,” he joked back. She felt her lipsturn up a bit, impressed.

“I’dlike to sit, please,” she decided. He nodded and motioned for her to followhim. Pongo followed her, remaining close even when she sat on the couch inArchie’s office. The dog jumped up next to her, resting his head on her lap.

Reginascratched behind his ear as Archie took the seat across from her. “So, Regina,what do you want to talk about?” he asked.

“Well,I’m sure the entire town knows that Bobby Locke and I have been dating,” shestarted.

“It’scaught our attention, yes,” Archie said. “But to be fair, you two haven’t beenhiding your relationship nor should you have to. You are both adults.”

Shenodded. “I know. I just…I just don’t like to have my private life aired sopublicly. I like to keep somethings for myself.”

“Understandable.Yet you are such a private person, Regina. I doubt many people in Storybrookeknow much about you besides the fact that you’re the mayor and Henry’s mother,”he said.

“Addin that I was dating Bobby Locke, that’s everything about me,” she replied witha shrug.

Hefrowned, shaking his head. “Certainly there is more to you than that, Regina.You aren’t just who you know. What do you like to do?”

“Do?”she asked with a frown.

“Yes,”he replied. “What are some of the things you like to do to relax? When you’renot being the mayor or Henry’s mother?”

“I’malways Henry’s mother.”

Hepaused, nodding. “You’re right. Let me rephrase—what do you do in your sparetime?”

“Oh,”she said, thinking about it. Her frown deepened. “I guess…I guess I like tobake. And read. Bobby said I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. I guessI do like to learn and I like to know a lot about…well…everything.”

“Anythingelse?” Archie asked, smiling softly.

Shethought about it and realized there wasn’t much else she liked to do…or ratherthat she made time to do. “I used to like horseback riding. I haven’t done thatin a long time,” she admitted sadly.

“Well,why don’t you start again? Storybrooke does have stables,” he pointed out.

Thoughtsof Rocinante flashed through her mind and she swallowed past a lump, unsure ifshe could love another horse. “I don’t know…What does that have to do with myrelationship with Bobby? That’s why I’m here, remember?”

“Ido,” he assured her. “You just seemed so defined by your relationships, that Iwanted to know who the real Regina Mills is.”

Hewould never know who the real Regina Mills was. She was locked away with theremnants of her old life in her vault hidden under her father’s coffin. No moremurders, no more threats, no more…

Nomore Evil Queen.

Whowas the real Regina Mills then?

“Regina?”Archie asked, concerned. “Is everything alright?”

Sheshook her head. “I think I’m having an existential crisis.”

“Wemight need all day then,” he replied with a wince. “Do you want me to cancel myother appointment? I’m sure Leroy won’t mind.”

Reginasmirked at the thought of the grumpiest dwarf turned town drunk spilling hisinnermost thoughts to Archie before she shook her head. “No, I don’t think Ihave the time. Maybe we can just focus on my relationship with Bobby?”

Henodded, pulling out a pad and pen. “So, what exactly seems to be the problem?”

“Heloves me.”

Archiepaused, frowning as he looked up to her. “I’m sorry. How is that a problem,Regina?”

Shetoyed with Dalmatian’s ear, pleased that it didn’t seem to bother him as hecontinued to nap on her lap. Taking a deep breath, she said: “Because there’sstill so much he doesn’t know about me.”

“Iimagine not,” he replied. “No one can truly know someone. There are couples whohave been married decades and are still learning new facts about each other.”

“Youdon’t understand, though. I’m sure they don’t have things that would disgustand horrify their partners if revealed,” Regina protested.

Archieleaned forward, tapping the pen against the pad. “I don’t understand, Regina.What have you done that would disgust and horrify Bobby?”

Sheshook her head. “I can’t talk about it. I just know, though, that it will comeout eventually and I’ll lose everything.”

“Why?”he asked.

“It’sbad. No one would be able to love me after learning it,” she replied. “No one.”

“Why?”

Shesighed, growing frustrated. “What do you mean by that?”

“Whydo you think love is so easily lost? Why do you think that love isconditional?” Archie asked.

“Because…it…is?”She furrowed her brow in confusion. How could he not know that truth aboutlove? Or did he believe all that romantic garbage instead? If so, could he bean effective therapist?

Hetook off his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Okay, let’s look at thisanother way. Is there anything Henry could do that would make you stop lovinghim?”

“What?Of course not,” she said, certain of that fact. No matter what he did—even ifhe had a body count to rival hers, she would always love him.

“Whatabout Roland?” Archie pressed.

Shefrowned. “The same as Henry—nothing. I would always love him.”

“Andwhat would it take for you to stop loving Bobby?” he asked her.

Reginapaused, considering everything before finding the truth in her heart: “I’dprobably always love him, though I would leave him if he hurt either me orHenry. But he would never do that.”

“Howdo you know that?”

“BecauseI do,” she said, annoyed that she had to explain it. “Bobby is a good man whohas been nothing but kind to us.”

“Buthow do you know he won’t one day turn violent?” Archie asked.

Shethought he was crazy. “Because I trust him. I trust that he would never turnviolent. That he would rather hurt himself than us.”

“Andwhat if you learned he was violent in his past? Something beyond a simple barfight here or there?”

“Itwouldn’t matter,” she said resolutely. “That’s not who he is now.”

Archiegave her a pointed look and she swore silently. Scowling, she leaned back andcrossed her arms. “That’s your point, isn’t it? That if Bobby loves and trustsme as much as he says, no matter what he learns about my past, he’ll still seethe person I am now and still love me?”

“Yes,”he said. “Do you trust Bobby enough for that?”

“I…”She paused, thinking about it. Did she trust Bobby to not crush her heartwhenever he turned back to whoever he had been before the curse? Did she trustherself to love whoever that person was? Would he still be Bobby?

Archiesmiled softly at her, leaning forward. “I think we just had a breakthrough,Regina. Care to talk about it more?”

Reginaleaned back, smiling softly. “Yes, I think I would,” she said, hoping it wouldhelp her move on with Bobby.

Theywould be family. She was going to make it happen.

#once upon a time #outlaw queen #hood-mills family #oq au #oq ff #hotel verse #oq prompt #glindalovesshoes

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alivingfire · 8 years ago

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Can you make a fic rec where Harry is the one who fuck up? Please? I haven't read many fics (I joined the fandom in September) but the ones I did its mostly Louis doing something wrong, and that doesn't sit well with me, I feel like that's why I haven't read many fics here yet. Do you know some good ones? One fic I liked a lot was Into The Blue so something like that should be fine.

how about we try something else, is that okay? because it’s totally understandable to get tired of fics where louis fucks up, just like it’s totally understandable to get tired of fics where harry fucks up. some of my favorite fics are the ones where the drama isn’t in the relationship, it’s the situation or other characters or something where it can be harry and louis vs. the world, so i’ll give you some of those and we’ll see if you prefer that!

non-relationship drama fics:

→ Here in the Afterglow“If you hadn’t noticed, I don’t have many friends,” Louis whispers, the blossom of insecurity in his stomach unfurling and clawing its way into his throat.

Harry is silent for a long time, and then he speaks; a soft, slow uncurl that makes Louis’ stomach shake. “I’ll be your friend.”

1970’s AU. In a tiny town in Idaho, Louis’ life is changed forever by the arrival of a curious stranger.

→ Cameras FlashingWith his breakout single platinum three times over and his second album still selling out in stores around the world, Louis Tomlinson has made it to the top. However, his position as Pop Heartthrob of the Decade is threatened by the edgier, more artistic Zayn, who happens to be releasing an album a week after Louis’ upcoming third. Louis needs something groundbreaking- scandalous, even- to push past him in the charts. Much to Louis’ dismay, his PR team calls in The Sexpert.

Consulting with PR firm Shady, Lane and Associates pays the bills so that Harry Styles can spend his down time doing what he really loves: poring over data. On weekends and late into the evenings, he researches gender, presentation, and sexual orientation, analysing the longitudinal study that is his father’s life’s work. That is, until his newest client, the popstar with the fascinating secret, drags him off his couch and frighteningly close to the spotlight.

As the album’s release date approaches, will Tomlinson and Styles be able to pull off the most risky PR scheme of the millennium and beat Zayn in sales or will the heat of their feelings for each other compromise everything?

→ the impossible nowA wish on Christmas Eve sends Louis to an alternate dimension where Harry is a member of One Direction.

→ They Never Quite LeaveWhen Liam Payne inherited his great aunt's mansion, he never expected it to be haunted. With the help of famous ghost hunters Harry and Niall, Liam is hoping to evict the ghost and sell the house once and for all.

There's just one problem: Louis has been in that house for a hundred years, and he doesn't much feel like leaving.

→ I No Longer Feel I Have to be James DeanThe tale of how Harry married Louis, the bartender that's nursing his sorrows, three days after getting dumped by his fiance.

→ Run Like the DevilHarry stops pouting, but his frown is still fixed in place. “Are you sure?” he asks. “You know it’s your soul you’re signing away.” He sounds…sad? No, that’s not right, but there’s something.

Christ. This is the most incompetent demon Louis’ ever met. If he hadn’t seen the red of his eyes he wouldn’t believe he was a demon at all. How’d he get this job if he isn’t trying to convince Louis to deal? Or is it just another trick? A ploy for sympathy?

“I’m sure,” Louis says. “Come over here and kiss me.”

*Supernatural AU. Louis hunts demons; Harry's the strangest demon he's ever met, and he keeps fucking meeting him.

→ break open the skyBeing a werewolf isn't always easy. Especially if you have no idea what you're doing.

→ Long Before We Both Thought the Same Thing“So are you admitting you love Harry yet?”

Louis pauses in the middle of his story about the movie he and Harry went to see last night to raise an incredulous eyebrow. “What are you on about? Of course I love Harry.”

Has Zayn lost his mind? He’s been friends with Louis for nearly seven years and Harry for six, under what circumstances did it appear like they didn’t love each other?

“Okay, let me rephrase,” Zayn says, an amused little quirk to his mouth like he knows something Louis doesn’t. “Are you admitting you’re in love with Harry yet?”

Louis stares at him in bewilderment, mouth working as he tries to form a response. “I…what?”

Or, Louis maybe, sort of realises he's in love with his best friend of almost twenty years and he maybe, sort of thinks that said best friend could love him back? A prequel to If You Asked Me If You Love Him (I'd Lie).

→ Coax the ColdEngland, 1897.

English Professor Louis Tomlinson’s passion for the occult has been a source of mockery and derision for most of his life. When he hears whispers of a travelling freak show newly established in London claiming the existence of a monstrous sea hybrid, half-man, half-fish, Louis sees it as his ticket to credibility amongst his peers. The summer he spends undercover working on the show, however, gives him much more than that.

→ wings to break your fall“I’m glad you like my clothes,” Harry whispers, sliding his arms further along the couch until he’s speaking directly into Louis’ ear. “Would you like me to take them off?”

or: strip club AU. Harry’s work and family are keeping him busy. He really isn’t looking for a relationship, doesn’t want one. He just wants Louis. Problem is, Louis has other plans.

→ domestic monsters seriesHarry is a witch from a long line of power, an ancient line that’s one of the strongest left alive in their hemisphere. He can cast spells without a word if need be, fly on a broomstick, and has a black cat (a kitten, really) named Felix that is his animal familiar. He can shape galaxies in his cupped hands and can destroy them just as easily. He can choose exactly how to use his power, for encouragement and support, or for more nefarious causes if he wishes to.

And as fate would have it, he’s scared of haunted houses.

(Harry is a witch who carries around a stuffed pumpkin, Louis is a vampire with too much time on his hands, and their best mates Zayn & Niall aren't exactly what they seem...)

→ I would name the stars for you (I would take you there)"Harry Styles is a poem waiting to happen, Louis thinks, eyes tracing peach flesh and the undercurrent of blue veins. He wants to write him all down, to capture the image of green eyes and red lips and skinny wrists... dark ink spilled across the page."

Or a vaguely Notting Hill-like AU (or that made for TV Disney movie Starstruck if you’ve seen it… no? Just me?) starring popstar!Harry and bookkeeper/soulful poet!Louis; and including guest appearances by Fate, a wise elderly aristocrat, and lots and lots of pining.

→ Two Hearts Drawn TogetherLouis Tomlinson is 1/3 of a world-famous boy band. Harry Styles is a deaf university student. When they meet each other at a book signing, they experience an instant connection. They soon discover, however, that bridging the divide of their differences is easier said than done.

→ We Made These Memories For OurselvesBreath held, Harry squints his eyes open and focuses on the first stick. A blue line. Harry breathes out an unsteady breath. He’s pretty sure he read that one blue line is a negative, but he fishes the box from the bottom of the pile just to make sure.

“Negative,” he confirms, voice echoing around the small room. “Next.”

Now that he’s feeling a little less shaky, he scans the rest of the tests at once, is met with a headache-inducing mixture of pink plus signs and blue double lines. His heart rate picks up until it’s pounding triple-time in the base of his throat and the pit of his stomach, thundering in his ears and throbbing in his temples. He flips over the rest of the boxes slowly, but he knows what they’re going to say before he even looks.

[or, Louis is a footballer, Harry owns a bakery, and they're having a baby.]

→ FugueHarry falls asleep a 17 year-old who lives in Cheshire and is probably rockstar Louis Tomlinson's biggest fan. He wakes up 24 with a wedding ring on his finger, two kids, and Louis Tomlinson attempting to wake him up with a blow job. The doctor calls it organic retrograde amnesia, says he might never get back the last seven years of his life. The only thing that feels the same is how he feels when Louis touches him, and maybe that's enough to make him fall in love all over again.

→ The Dead of JulyBeing an Avenger means continuing to be Captain America and smiling and being honorable for the public and Harry does his best. But it doesn’t give him time to figure out who he is supposed to be once he takes off his uniform and puts the shield to the side. Just being Harry had always involved Louis, and Harry fears he doesn’t know how to exist without him.

or: Harry is Captain America, and Louis’ been dead for 70 years.

→ Hold Me CloserLouis Tomlinson is one of the most promising dancers of the English National Ballet, on track to become the youngest principal dancer in the company's history. That is, until forces conspire to significantly complicate his life, including: a surprise ballet, an unfairly attractive guest choreographer, and being pushed into a rivalry with his best mate. Featuring lots of wine, dancing, pining, and a happy ending.

→ Celebrity DiscountLouis fell for Prince Harry when he was ten and Harry was eight and peeked behind the Queen’s elegant gown for his first public appearance—a shy smile and a mess of curls. He fell for him when he caught Lottie putting up a magazine cover of Harry on her wall and all she had to say for herself was, “He’s such a good person, yeah?” and, yeah. He fell for him when Harry gracefully accepted his demotion. He fell for him when Harry came out and stayed out.

#I'VE NEVER READ THE PARENTHESES ON THE BOOKSHOP AU #IT'S BASED ON DANIELLE'S MOVIE hjakfshasdkflsah kfdhskfl hadsfkhasdlf IRONY IS FUN #anyway let me know if you like these!#relationship drama is fun sometimes but other times it's so nice to see HL vs. the world #fic rec #anonymous #rachel talks

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