#and he honestly looked so happy with his brunch

[7thcirclebaker]

I think we should make July 21st a challenge day, where you try and get a spritzer for Lunch as close to your office as possible without getting called into the office for work

[winxanity-ii]

FATHER, FORGIVE ME

ship: father charlie x fem!reader warnings: nsfw 🔞 ( oral sex/f. receiving; overstimulation; coercion/dub-con?; sacrilege, heavy religious imagery ) word count: 4.1k a/n: ahhh….I just want to say I'm so thrilled with all the love and support for the mini Devotion series! It means the world to me to see you guys enjoying it as much as I do. And a huge thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday! I got drunk asf, and here's the rough draft I made while tipsy, lolol. Hope you all enjoy~ 😈✨..

★·.·´ɢʀᴏᴛᴇsǫᴜᴇʀɪᴇ 🇲‌🇦‌🇸‌🇹‌🇪‌🇷‌🇱‌🇮‌🇸‌🇹‌`·.·★

You wouldn't say you were a bad person.

Selfish? Maybe. Impulsive? Absolutely. But "bad" seemed a bit of a stretch.

It's just that, when you saw something you wanted, you didn't hesitate to take it—and, honestly, you had no regrets. Not until now, at least.

Sitting here, surrounded by the smell of old hymn books and dusty incense, listening to some wrinkly old man in a white robe drone on about salvation.

The whole thing was your mother's doing. She had this recurring phase, like clockwork, where she'd get bitten by the "Bible bug."

For a few weeks every year, she was the most devoted Catholic you'd ever seen. She'd call, text, guilt-trip—anything to get her kids back on the straight and narrow, even if just for a Sunday morning.

For the last seven years, you'd managed to dodge it. Moved out at eighteen and never looked back, leaving the duty of church attendance to your three other siblings.

Usually, someone would take one for the team and tag along with Mom until her enthusiasm fizzled out again. But this time, it seemed your luck had run dry—your sister had finally roped you in, and here you were, seven-year streak shattered.

You sighed deeply, eyes half-lidded as they flicked across the stained glass windows—all those saints staring down at you in judgment.

You couldn't help but think of all the things you could be doing right now. Sleeping, for one. Your bed sounded like heaven compared to the hard pew beneath you.

Or brunch with your friends—mimosas and laughter, not these monotone chants and the faint smell of mothballs.

Hell, you could've called Kevin over and gotten dicked down instead of dealing with this—

Your thoughts screeched to a halt, slamming against an unexpected sight.

The old priest, the one whose croaky voice was practically white noise at this point, stepped away from the pulpit. In his place was someone else—someone younger, someone whose presence commanded attention.

A man, tall, dark hair neatly combed back, with a crisp black cassock that hugged his broad shoulders just right. He moved with a sense of ease, like he belonged up there.

And damn, was he handsome. Handsome enough to pull your focus completely, which was a feat in itself given the circumstances.

Your eyes tracked him as he approached the podium, his voice replacing the rasping chant of the old priest. It was smooth, warm, resonant. Nothing like the man you remembered from years ago.

He spoke about community, faith, redemption—but all you could think was how someone like him ended up in a place like this.

You found yourself leaning forward, just slightly, as if drawn in by some invisible force. Your irritation melted away, replaced by a strange curiosity.

Maybe… maybe this wouldn't be the worst way to spend a Sunday after all.

The priest stood quietly at the altar, his figure framed by the soft light filtering through the stained glass windows. A faint scar traced its way down the right side of his forehead, a mark that spoke of some unknown hardship or past misadventure.

He was youthful but with the stillness of someone who’d seen enough to understand patience and humility.

With each breath, the man seemed grounded in his presence, shoulders relaxed but broad, the fabric of his robe resting comfortably against his chest.

His appearance was almost angelic, yet the subtle scar and the weight in his eyes hinted at something more complex beneath the surface—a man of God, perhaps, but one who had walked through fire to find his faith.

"Oh?" You raised an eyebrow in appreciation as you stared at the handsome man up there. You leaned over a bit to your mother, eyes never straying from his figure. "Ma, who's that? Is he new?" you whispered to your mother.

She looked up from her phone, Candy Crush flashing on her screen. You silenced the snort that wanted to come out. Looked like she might retire from church early this year, you thought to yourself, seeing her early signs of disengaging.

She glanced up at the front, giving a quick look before going back to her game. "That's Father Charlie Mayhew. He was brought in about two or three years ago, I think," she murmured absently, barely paying attention.

Father Charlie.

You watched as he spoke, his voice strong yet gentle, his eyes sweeping over the congregation with a genuine warmth. He wasn't like the old priest—this one seemed to genuinely care, as if each word held weight.

You wondered if that scar came from something dramatic, some story worth knowing. Your gaze lingered, taking in the slope of his shoulders, the way his lips moved with each word. Something about him felt... magnetic.

You found yourself sitting up straighter when the two of you made eye contact—he blinked, his words stumbling just slightly, a brief hitch in his otherwise smooth delivery. "I, uh... I apologize," he stuttered, looking off to the side, the tips of his ears turning pink.

You caught the way his eyes shifted nervously, almost as if he was trying to regain his footing. It was subtle, but you could see it—the way he tried to pull himself back together, to get through the rest of the sermon without any more disruptions.

He cleared his throat to continue, "As I was saying... uh, the importance of faith in our lives cannot be overstated. We must always strive to, um, to do what is right, even when it's difficult..." His voice trailed off slightly, but he managed to steady himself, his eyes avoiding yours as he focused on the rest of the congregation.

It made something stir in you, a mix of curiosity and amusement.

You bit down gently on your lower glossed lip, eyes trailing over his form, taking in every subtle detail. The way his hands gripped the edge of the podium, the faint flush creeping up his neck—it was all so telling.

He seemed innocent, reactive.

You smiled to yourself, letting your gaze linger as he continued, noting the way he seemed to avoid looking in your direction now, as if afraid that another glance might trip him up again.

Maybe you should pay a visit to Father Charlie—see if you could break that serene composure of his.

You could already imagine it—the way he might tense up under your touch, the way his voice might crack if you whispered something just a bit too forward.

The thought alone made your heart race, anticipation bubbling up inside you, like something in you just knew—he'd be fun to unravel.

You leaned back in your seat, a slow, satisfied smile playing on your lips. Oh, this was going to be fun.

The sermon ended with a quiet murmur of 'Amen' from the congregation, followed by the gentle shuffle of people rising from the pews.

You glanced around, watching as people slowly made their way to the exits, some stopping to chat while others lingered near the back of the church.

The old priest was nowhere to be seen, but Father Charlie remained, standing at the front as he spoke softly to a small group of parishioners.

Your mother, of course, made a beeline for him. You heard her voice carrying over the hushed conversations, gushing about how moving today’s sermon was.

You rolled your eyes, unable to help yourself, and slowly rose to your feet, making your way over with an almost lazy stride.

As you approached, you could see your mother perk up, her eyes lighting up as she turned to you. "Oh, there she is! Father Charlie, this is my youngest, ____." She gestured towards you, her hand lightly resting on your arm to pull you closer. "You've met my other children over the years."

You could see the change in Father Charlie almost instantly. His posture shifted, his back straightening just a little more, his eyes rounding as they landed on you. He seemed almost like an eager puppy, his gaze bright and attentive.

He quickly pulled his eyes away, turning back to your mother with a polite smile as he nodded. "Yes, I remember," he said, his voice a touch softer. Then he turned to you, his eyes meeting yours as he gave you a gentle smile. "It's nice to finally meet you. I don't think I've seen you here before... ?"

Your mother gave a sort of laughing scoff, waving him off as she caught his attention again. She chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, Father, the day she willingly comes to church without an incentive is the day the devil is welcomed back into Heaven's gates."

You kept your eyes on Father Charlie, a small smile tugging at your lips as you tilted your head slightly. "Maybe I just hadn't found a good enough reason to come before," you said, your gaze locked on his, your voice light but carrying a hint of something more.

His eyes widened just a little, and you watched as a faint blush spread across his cheeks, his lips parting slightly as he blinked, clearly caught off guard.

Before he could say anything, your mother’s name was called from behind. It was one of her church friends, and in an instant, she was off, waving a quick goodbye and leaving you standing there in front of Father Charlie.

You didn't waste a second, taking a daring step forward, your eyes fixed on him. "So..." you said, letting your gaze roam over him before meeting his eyes again. "You seem awfully young to be running a church like this. I have to say, I'm impressed."

He looked bashful, glancing down for a moment before looking back up at you. "Oh, well, thank you. I just... I do my best," he said, his voice soft, the pink on his cheeks deepening.

You smiled, tilting your head just slightly. "Do you do one-on-one sessions, like other churches do?" you asked, your voice carrying a hint of mischief.

He blinked, clearly confused for a moment, before his eyes widened in realization. "Oh, you mean confessionals?" He nodded quickly, his expression shifting back to something more serious. "Yes, I do. In fact, I was planning on doing confessionals later today, after the services. Not many people take me up on it, but I think it's important to always offer the option."

"Oh, really?" you said, letting your voice drop just a bit, your head tilting to the side as you watched him. You let a small smile curve your lips, your gaze never leaving his. "Well, you wouldn't mind if I came to see you and... confessed, would you, Father?"

He stuttered, his blush deepening as he quickly nodded. "N-No, of course not. You're more than welcome to come by, anytime," he said, his voice a bit shaky.

You smirked, giving him a nod. "Perfect," you said, your voice smooth, before turning on your heel and walking away, back towards where your mother was waiting.

You could feel his gaze on you the entire time, the weight of his eyes almost burning into your back. And you loved it.

This really was going to be fun.

The church grew quieter as the service officially ended, people slowly trickling out while you lingered, waiting for your moment.

Eventually, you made your way to the confessional booth, the small wooden space feeling cramped as you settled in. The air was close, the scent of polished wood and incense hanging heavy.

You could hear Father Charlie shuffling on the other side, the sound of the door closing behind him, the rustle of fabric as he got seated.

You took a breath, letting the silence stretch for a moment before you began. "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned..." you said, your voice soft, but there was an edge to it that you couldn't quite hide.

There was a pause before you heard him clear his throat, his voice coming through the small screen that separated you. "The Lord is always ready to forgive. Please, tell me your sins, my child."

You sighed, leaning back slightly, your fingers brushing against the hem of your dress. "I fear I desire a man that is just out of my reach," you said, your voice carrying a hint of frustration. "It's wrong for me to want him... but I can't seem to help myself."

There was a moment of silence, and you could almost picture the look on his face—concerned, earnest, wanting to help. His voice was gentle as he responded. "Desire can be difficult to control, but it is not inherently sinful. It is what we choose to do with that desire that matters. You must pray for guidance, ask for strength... and remember that God understands our struggles."

You hummed softly, your eyes half-lidded as you listened to him, but your mind was drifting. His voice was soothing, and you found yourself imagining what it would be like if things were different.

If there wasn't a screen between you.

If you could reach out, touch him, feel that innocence melt away under your fingers.

Your hand trailed down your side, your fingers brushing over your thigh as you let out a soft sigh.

His voice cut through your thoughts, sounding a bit uncertain. "Sister ____... are you alright? Do you hear me?"

You smiled to yourself, your mind made up. You leaned closer to the screen, your voice dropping to a near whisper. "Father," you began, your tone coy, "I must confess... I find it difficult to focus when you're speaking. You have such a... soothing voice."

His breath caught audibly, and you could almost hear the way he was struggling to gather himself. "W-What do you mean, sister?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly, laced with confusion.

"It makes me think... sinful thoughts."

You could hear the slight hitch in his breath, the rustle of fabric as he shifted. "S-sister," he stammered, clearly taken aback. "This... this is not appropriate."

You ignored his protest, your voice growing softer, more intimate. "You know, Father, I've always heard that confession is good for the soul. And right now... I think there's only one thing that could truly absolve me of these desires." You let the words hang in the air, knowing exactly what you were implying.

"Sister, this... this isn't..." His voice was shaky now, the uncertainty clear. "I don't think—"

"Come get me, Father," you whispered, your tone daring, challenging him. "You wouldn't leave me like this, would you?"

There was silence for a long moment, and then you heard it—the slow shuffling as he moved. The sound of his door opening, the soft creak of the confessional booth as he stepped out.

You pushed your own door open, stepping out into the dimly lit church. Father Charlie was standing there, his head downcast, his face flushed a deep red. He looked like he wanted to say something, but no words came out, his eyes flickering up to meet yours before darting away again.

You took a step towards him, your movements slow, deliberate—like a predator closing in on its prey. His breath hitched as you approached, his shoulders tensing. He cleared his throat, his voice barely above a whisper. "Sister, I... this isn't right. We shouldn't—"

You reached out, your fingers brushing against the front of his chest, feeling the rapid rise and fall of his breath beneath your touch. You let your hand slide down, your voice a low purr. "Father," you purred, your eyes locking onto his, "I want you to take me somewhere... push me to a higher calling, yeah?"

His eyes widened, the pupils dilating as he stared at you, his lips parting in shock. For a moment, he seemed frozen, and then, almost as if the word was pulled from him, he whispered, "Okay..."

His hand was trembling slightly as he reached for yours, and you let him lead you out of the main church area, his eyes flicking nervously around to make sure no one was watching. He led you down a dim hallway, stopping at a small door that opened into a cramped janitor's closet.

The second the door clicked shut behind you, you were on him.

You pushed him back against the wall, your lips crashing against his. He gasped, and you took advantage, licking into his mouth, tasting the hint of mint on his tongue as a low groan rumbled from your throat. His hands hesitated for a moment before resting on your waist, his touch light, unsure.

You deepened the kiss, feeling the way he shivered beneath your touch, your hands pushing up under his cassock, fingers skimming over the hard lines of his abdomen. His muscles tensed under your fingertips, a shudder running through him as he let out a shaky breath.

You pulled back, just enough to see his face in the low light, and he chased your lips, leaning forward as if he couldn't stand the sudden loss of contact.

You let out a dark chuckle, your hands coming up to cup his flushed cheeks, squeezing gently. His face was a deep shade of red, his eyes half-lidded, his breath coming in short, uneven pants. He looked almost dazed, completely overwhelmed, and it only made your smile widen.

Your thumb grazed over his plump bottom lip, pressing gently before dipping just inside his mouth. His eyes fluttered, his tongue flicking out hesitantly to brush against your thumb before retreating. You let out a soft sigh, a hint of a teasing smile tugging at your lips. "Oh?" you murmured, raising an eyebrow, your gaze fixed on him.

Charlie swallowed hard, his eyes locked onto yours, his breathing ragged. You stepped closer, rising onto your tiptoes, your lips just barely grazing his as you spoke. "You did so well during the sermon, Father," you whispered, your voice low and dripping with suggestion. "It makes me wonder... what could such a blessed mouth do somewhere else?"

His breath hitched, his eyes widening slightly, but he didn’t pull away. You gripped his shoulder, your fingers digging in just enough to make him shiver, and tugged him downwards. "On your knees," you said, your tone commanding, leaving no room for hesitation.

Slowly, almost as if in a trance, Charlie sank to his knees, his eyes never leaving yours. His gaze was filled with a mix of confusion, desire, and something almost like reverence, and it sent a thrill through you.

You watched as he knelt before you, his lips parted, his chest rising and falling with each shaky breath. You could see the conflict in his eyes, the part of him that knew this was wrong, that wanted to resist—but the desire was stronger, and he couldn't bring himself to stop.

You smiled, running your fingers through his hair, your touch surprisingly gentle. "That's it," you murmured, your voice softening just a fraction. "Such a good Father... doing exactly what you're told."

You took a step back, your eyes never leaving his as you moved to the nearest wall, leaning against it comfortably.

With slow, deliberate movements, your hands reached down, unzipping your mini skirt and letting it slide down your legs, pooling around your ankles. You made a show of it, your fingers tracing along your thighs, sliding over your hips, and letting out a soft sigh as you watched him.

Charlie's eyes widened, his gaze following every movement, his lips parted, his breath catching in his throat. The flush on his face deepened, his eyes locked onto you with something like awe, mingled with pure, unfiltered desire.

You smirked, lifting one hand and curling your fingers in a come-hither motion. He hesitated only for a moment before slowly beginning to crawl towards you, his eyes never breaking away from yours.

The sight sent a thrill through you, a shiver of excitement running up your spine. He reached you, his hands carefully coming up to rest on your legs, his touch light, almost reverent.

His fingers traced along your calves, moving upwards with a hesitant slowness that made you release a shaky sigh, your back arching slightly as his touch grew bolder.

His hands were trembling as they reached your hips, his fingers brushing against the edge of your underwear. He swallowed hard, his gaze flicking up to meet yours as if silently asking for permission.

You gave a small nod, and he let out a shaky breath, his fingers hooking into the waistband and slowly slipping your underwear down, his eyes fixed on you the entire time.

Once they were off, he shifted closer, his breath ghosting over your bare skin. He surprised you by gently lifting one of your legs, settling it over his shoulder as he pulled you closer, his face inches away from your most intimate parts.

He let out a deep, almost pornographic groan as he leaned in, taking a slow, deep breath, as if breathing you in. The sound sent a jolt through you, your fingers tightening in his hair.

Charlie looked up at you one more time, his eyes searching, as if asking for final permission.

You smiled, your fingers sliding through his hair before giving a gentle but firm scratch along his scalp, your silent approval. He closed his eyes, letting out a shaky sigh before leaning in.

At first, his movements were hesitant, his tongue slipping out to give an experimental swipe. He was sloppy, uncoordinated, his lack of experience clear, but there was a determination in the way he moved, as if desperate to please.

You let out a soft hum, the sound encouraging him, and he grew a little more confident, his tongue pressing more firmly. He licked a long stripe up, his tongue swirling at the top, and you couldn't help the small smile that tugged at your lips.

"That's it, Father," you murmured, your voice a soft purr. "You're doing such a good job."

The praise seemed to light something in him, a low groan vibrating against you as he pushed in closer. The sound made you gasp, your back arching slightly as the vibrations sent a rush of pleasure through you, your fingers tightening in his hair.

He grew bolder, his tongue delving deeper, slipping inside you as he began to eat you out like a man starved. He was messy, the wet sounds filling the small space, his lips and tongue moving with increasing fervor, as if the more he tasted, the more he craved.

He bullied his tongue into you, his nose brushing against you as he lost himself in the act, his hands gripping your hips tightly, holding you against him as he worked.

You bit down on your lower lip, trying to keep quiet, but the soft, wet sounds filled the small space, making it impossible to ignore.

Your hand moved up, your teeth sinking into the back of it as you stifled a moan, your thighs trembling as he continued. His tongue moved with determination, pressing deeper, swirling before retreating, then focusing on your most sensitive spot.

When his lips closed around your clit, giving a particularly hard suck, your vision blurred, and stars burst behind your eyelids. Your back arched, your body pressing against his face as the waves of pleasure rolled over you, your breath coming in ragged gasps.

Your thighs shook as you slowly came down, your body relaxing slightly against the wall. You let out a shaky breath, your fingers still tangled in his hair, tugging gently. You gave Charlie a small shove, pushing him back just enough.

He hesitated, his tongue giving one last languid lick, followed by a reluctant suck before he finally pulled away, his lips glistening, his breath coming in low, heavy pants. His bottom face was a mess, his eyes half-lidded, dazed as he looked up at you.

You leaned down, your fingers cupping the bottom of his face, your thumb brushing over his flushed cheek as you gave him a swift peck on the corner of his lips. He blinked, his eyes widening slightly, a blush deepening across his face.

Straightening up, you reached down, picking up your discarded thong, folding it neatly before slipping it into the pocket of his cassock. He stared at you, his lips parted, his breathing still uneven.

"Thank you, Father~" you purred, your voice dripping with satisfaction. You watched as his blush deepened even more, his eyes darting away from yours. "You know," you continued, your tone teasing, "I might just have to come back for confession more often."

He swallowed hard, his eyes flicking back up to meet yours, a mix of confusion and something darker swirling in them. You smiled, giving him a wink before turning on your heel, striding out of the closet, leaving him kneeling there, his breath still shaky, his face still flushed.

As you walked away, a satisfied smile playing on your lips, you couldn't help but think that maybe church wasn't going to be so bad after all.

A/N: hehehe, dont mind me, just wanted to see charlie's and y/n relationship in reversal...

[pucksandpower]

Blow Out the Candles

Charles Leclerc x birthday girl!Reader

Summary: the many ways that you and Charles celebrate your birthday throughout the years

Warnings: vague depictions of childbirth and labor

It’s my birthday today so this is my gift to you 🫶

You let out a long sigh as you lean back against the cold concrete wall of the holding cell. This is not exactly how you pictured spending your birthday weekend.

The heavy steel door clangs shut behind you, the sound echoing in the cramped space. Looking around, you take in the sparse furnishings — a bench along one wall, a grimy leaking sink in the corner, and a single window so dirty that it barely lets in any light.

Charming.

You hear voices and footsteps approaching. Keys jangle and the door swings open again. A police officer steps aside and another person stumbles into the cell.

He looks to be about your age or a little older, with messy brown hair and a bewildered expression. The officer mumbles something about “sorting this out shortly” before slamming the door closed once more.

The new arrival blinks in confusion before noticing you sitting on the bench. “Oh! Sorry, I didn’t see you there,” he says with an accent you can’t quite place. French, maybe? He runs a hand through his tousled hair sheepishly.

You give a wry smile. “Don’t worry about it. I take it you’re joining me for the complimentary holding cell experience?”

He chuckles, leaning back against the wall across from you. “Yeah, something like that. I’m Charles.”

“Y/N,” you reply. “Nice to meet you, cellmate.”

Charles grins, and you can’t help but notice how his nose crinkles up when he smiles. It’s kind of adorable. “The pleasure is mine,” he says gallantly, giving a theatrical little bow that makes you laugh.

“So Charles, what terrible crime did you commit to land yourself in this lovely establishment?” You ask with mock seriousness.

He smirks. “Would you believe me if I said jaywalking?”

You raise an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

“Seriously,” he confirms. “I was trying to get to the bakery before they sold out of croissants. I may have darted across the street … outside of the crosswalk.” He shakes his head ruefully. “The things I do for pastries.”

You have to laugh. “A real menace to society, you are.”

He grins again. “What about you? Don’t tell me you’re in for armed robbery or something.”

“Me? No way,” you scoff. “I was taking the metro downtown and I may have … accidentally used an expired metro card. The transit cops dragged me off at the next stop. I tried to explain it was an honest mistake but they weren’t having it.”

“Ah, a hardened criminal!” Charles exclaims in mock horror, eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Clearly. Us lawbreakers need to stick together,” you joke.

You both erupt into laughter, the sound ringing brightly in the dreary holding cell.

As your laughter subsides, Charles regards you curiously. “So do you make a habit of riding the metro with expired cards, Y/N?”

You make a face. “No, I just grabbed the wrong card in my wallet this morning. I was rushing to get downtown and didn’t even think to check.”

“Why were you in such a hurry?”

You hesitate. The real reason seems kind of silly now that you’re stuck in a jail cell. “It’s my birthday today,” you explain with a self-conscious shrug. “I was meeting some friends for brunch downtown to celebrate. Guess I’m going to be late for that.”

“It’s your birthday?” Charles’ eyes widen. “Well, happy birthday!”

You crack a smile. “Thanks.”

“I’m sorry you got stuck in here for your birthday,” he says sympathetically. “That really sucks.”

You give another shrug. “Honestly, this will make for a pretty funny story later. Not exactly how I wanted to spend today, but what can you do?”

Charles nods thoughtfully. A moment later his face lights up. “I know what we can do! Since we’re stuck in this lovely cell, we should have our own little birthday celebration. I can sing for you!”

You raise your eyebrows, surprised but charmed by the offer. “Really? You don’t have to do that.”

“It’s your birthday, of course I do!” He insists.

Clearing his throat theatrically, he launches into an enthusiastic, if not exactly tuneful, rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

His voice echoes off the concrete walls as he gesticulates dramatically, getting really into it by the second verse. You can’t help giggling as he puts his whole heart into hitting the high notes.

By the time he finishes with a flourish, you’re both laughing again.

“That was amazing, thank you,” you tell him, still chuckling.

He gives an exaggerated bow. “My pleasure, birthday girl. Sorry I don’t have a cake to go with the song.”

You grin. “That’s okay. 10 out of 10 performance.”

Charles smiles, looking adorably pleased with himself.

You regard him thoughtfully. “You know, you really didn’t have to do that. Singing for a total stranger in a holding cell.”

He shrugs. “I wanted to. You seemed like you could use a pick-me-up.”

“Well, it worked. I definitely feel better.” You study him for a moment. “You’re pretty strange, Charles.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he laughs.

You shake your head amusedly. You have to admit, you’re really enjoying his company. For someone you just met under bizarre circumstances, he’s remarkably easy to talk to.

Charles checks his watch. “I hope they let us out of here soon. Those croissants are calling my name.”

“And I’ve got mimosas waiting for me,” you add.

As if on cue, footsteps sound outside. You both look up expectantly as keys rattle in the lock.

The door swings open and the officer from before steps in. “Alright you two, come with me. We got it all sorted out, you’re free to go.”

You share a relieved look with Charles as you both follow the officer out. After a quick stop to collect your belongings, you step outside into the sunshine.

Charles turns to you with a smile. “Well, it was very nice to meet you, Y/N. Happy birthday again!”

“Thanks, Charles.” You smile warmly at your strange but lovely cellmate. “This turned out to be a pretty memorable birthday after all.”

He looks pleased. “I’m glad I could help make it special. Enjoy the rest of your day!”

With a little wave he heads off down the street, presumably in search of those croissants. You watch him go, struck by an impulse.

“Charles, wait up!” You call out, jogging to catch up with him.

He turns, looking at you curiously.

“I just wanted to say thanks again for making a crappy situation fun,” you tell him sincerely. “And, if you want, you’re welcome to come join me and my friends for brunch.”

His eyes light up in surprise. “Really?”

You nod. “It’s the least I can do after you serenaded me in jail,” you joke. “Plus, I’m sure the restaurant will have croissants.”

Charles smiles broadly. “Well in that case, I would love to.”

“Great!” You beam, linking your arm through his. “Let’s get out of here.”

***

You sink back into the plush leather seat, gazing out the jet’s window at the twinkling stars dotting the endless expanse of sky. This is definitely a step up from last year’s jail cell birthday celebration.

“Champagne, ma’am?”

You smile up at the flight attendant as she offers you a crystal flute. “Yes please!”

Charles grins at you from across the cabin. “And please keep it coming, my girlfriend deserves to be spoiled on her birthday.”

You still get butterflies every time he calls you his girlfriend. This past year with Charles has been amazing. After that fateful day, he easily slotted himself into your life. What started as an impromptu brunch turned into real dates, which turned into a real relationship. You’ve never clicked with someone so quickly or felt so comfortable so soon.

Now here you are, celebrating your birthday at 11,000 meters aboard a private jet chartered from one of Ferrari’s sponsors. You had balked at the extravagance at first, but Charles insisted. “It’s your special day, we have to do something incredible!”

You take a sip of crisp champagne, the bubbles tickling your nose. “So where exactly are we headed?”

Charles has kept your destination a surprise. “You’ll see soon, birthday girl,” he says with a wink.

You pretend to pout. “Fine, keep your secrets.”

He just laughs. “Trust me, it’s going to be an amazing trip.”

You don’t doubt it. Charles has a knack for making every day feel special and fun. Even just being cooped up in this plane with him feels like an adventure.

As the flight continues, you enjoy a decadent five course dinner complete with even more champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Charles keeps you laughing with silly stories and jokes. By the time you finish eating you have to stifle a yawn behind your hand.

“Someone’s getting sleepy,” Charles teases.

“It’s been a long exciting day!” You say through another yawn.

Charles grins and hits the call button. A flight attendant appears instantly. “Yes sir?”

“I think it’s time to get the birthday girl to bed,” Charles says.

The attendant nods and pulls back a partition, revealing a plush bedroom suite.

Your eyes widen in delighted surprise. “Wha … we can sleep in an actual bed on the plane?”

“Only the best for you,” Charles says, planting a kiss on your forehead.

You happily snuggle under the covers in the sumptuous bed, sighing contentedly. “Okay, this is an amazing birthday present.”

Charles chuckles, sliding in beside you and pulling you close. “The fun is only beginning, mon cœur.”

Within minutes you’re sound asleep curled up in his arms.

Sometime later you stir slowly awake, momentarily confused. The bedroom is dark and Charles is shaking your shoulder gently.

“Wake up, chérie. It’s almost midnight!” He says excitedly.

You rub your eyes and peer blearily at the clock. 11:58 pm. “Why, what happens at midnight?”

“Your birthday starts again!”

You look at him blankly, still not fully awake.

He grins. “We just crossed into a new time zone. Which means ...” He pauses for dramatic effect. “I get to be the first to wish you happy birthday again!”

As it clicks you start laughing. Only Charles would come up with something so adorable. You watch the clock count down the last seconds to midnight as he bounces giddily on the bed.

“Happy birthday!” Charles exclaims right on cue, tackling you in a hug.

You hug him back, still laughing. “You’re crazy, but thank you.”

He beams down at you. “I have so much planned, it’s going to take more than one time zone to celebrate properly.”

Over the next few hours, you dip in and out of sleep as Charles wakes you at each new midnight. Every time he sings and wishes you happy birthday again with infectious enthusiasm. By the fifth round you’re both delirious and silly from lack of sleep, belting out drunk duets of “Happy Birthday” and collapsing into giggles.

Finally he lets you sleep through until morning. When you emerge from the bedroom, blinking in the bright daylight, you gasp. Out the window is an ocean of clouds and in the distance, a tiny island just coming into view.

You turn to Charles with wide eyes. “Are we … is that ...”

He grins and wraps his arms around you. “Welcome to St. Barts! I wanted your birthday to be paradise.”

“Every day with you is paradise.” You kiss him soundly. “Thank you, this is the most magical birthday I could’ve imagined.”

Charles trails his fingers over your cheek. “You deserve magic every single day. I’m just doing my part to make sure you get it.”

***

You stir awake to soft kisses trailing down your neck. Opening your eyes, you find Charles gazing down at you, his brown hair endearingly rumpled.

“Happy birthday, mon ange,” he whispers before capturing your lips in a sweet kiss.

You hum contentedly, running your fingers through his messy locks. “Mmm, now this is a nice way to wake up.”

Charles gives you his signature crinkly-nosed grin. “I have so much planned for your special day.”

Your heart flutters happily. After two amazing years with Charles, the connection between the two of you feels more intense than ever. You can’t wait to celebrate.

But his smile turns apologetic. “Well, so much planned for after the car launch.”

You nod in understanding. Charles has commitments. And today the new Scuderia Ferrari car is being unveiled in a highly anticipated event.

Charles kisses your pouting lip. “I’m so sorry, ma belle. I wish I could get out of it but-”

“Shh, it’s okay,” you assure him, silencing his worries with a kiss. “I know how important the launch is for the team. I’ll just miss you today.”

“I’ll miss you too. But I promise, as soon as it’s over I’m all yours.”

You spend a blissful morning lazing in bed, laughing over crepes Charles attempts to make for your birthday breakfast. Flour ends up more on him than in the pan, but you happily eat the lumpy results.

Too soon it’s time for Charles to leave for the launch. At the door he pulls you into his arms. “I love you. This evening will be perfect, I swear.”

You smile up at him. “Love you too. Go show off that new car.”

After one more lingering kiss he’s off. You distract yourself by meeting local friends for birthday lunch. But your mind keeps drifting to Charles. You hope the event is going well for him.

By mid afternoon you’re back in Charles’ Maranello apartment, curled up on the couch watching silly movies. You’ve just bitten into a slice of birthday cake when your phone rings.

It’s Charles FaceTiming you, his handsome face filling the screen. “Hi, mon amour!”

You grin at your adorable fiancé. “Hey you! How’s the launch going?”

“It’s good!” His eyes drop to your plate. “Are you eating cake without me?” He gasps in mock outrage.

You giggle. “Only a tiny cheat slice. Don’t worry, there’s plenty left for when you’re home.”

Voices sound faintly behind Charles and he glances over his shoulder. “Ah, the program is starting again soon. I just wanted to see your beautiful face.”

You blow him a kiss. “Knock ‘em dead, baby.”

“I love you!” He says before the call ends.

Snuggling back into the couch, you focus on the movie again. But a notification keeps pinging on your phone. You glance over to see texts flooding in from Charles.

Can you watch the livestream?

The link is all over social media

It’s starting again soon 😘

You go on Instagram and click the link curiously. The livestream shows an auditorium packed with press, Ferrari team members, fans, and VIPs. Cameras flash as Charles takes the stage along with his teammate and team principal. They talk about the new car but you mostly just stare lovingly at Charles’ dimples on the big screen.

After the speeches, they unveil the sleek new car. Your heart swells with pride for Charles. But you can’t wait for all the events and obligations to be over. You miss him.

The hosts invite Charles to say a few words. He steps up to the microphone, smiling. “Thank you all for being here today. I’m so excited to get behind the wheel of this beautiful SF-26 ...”

He continues talking passionately about the team and the season ahead. But then his eyes flick to the camera broadcasting the feed. “Oh, I also have a very special announcement.”

You sit up, intrigued. Charles winks at the camera. “As some of you may know, today is my wonderful girlfriend Y/N’s birthday.”

Your eyes widen. You have no idea what he’s doing but it makes your heart flutter.

“So to celebrate this amazing woman, I thought we could all join together to wish her a very happy birthday.”

Charles starts singing “Happy Birthday,” looking straight at the camera with so much love. The crowd joins in, the whole auditorium singing to you. You stare in overwhelmed wonder as Charles blows you a kiss.

When the song ends, the audience claps wildly. Charles grins. “I hope you enjoyed your serenade, mon cœur. I can’t wait to celebrate you properly tonight. Happy birthday, I love you!”

The livestream switches off and you sit staring at your phone in shock. Trust Charles to orchestrate something so thoughtful and adorable. Only he could turn a huge unrelated event into a birthday present.

A few hours later, the front door finally bursts open. Charles rushes in and sweeps you into his arms.

“Surprise!” He laughs, spinning you in a circle.

You hug him tightly. “Charles, that was the sweetest thing ever!”

He beams. “I wanted you to feel special today even though I couldn’t be with you. Did you like it?”

“Like it? I loved it!” You punctuate each word with a smacking kiss.

Charles looks immensely pleased. “Good, because the celebrations are just beginning. Now, I believe I was promised cake?”

You spend the evening feeding each other cake and laughing over champagne. Charles serenades you again, because one impromptu singalong just wasn’t enough for him.

As you sway together, slow dancing in the kitchen, you whisper, “Best birthday ever.”

Charles smiles and pulls you closer. “We’ll make every birthday together your best one yet. I love you, Y/N. So much.”

Your heart swells with joy. No matter where life takes you both, with Charles every birthday is celebrated to the fullest.

***

A salty ocean breeze ruffles your hair as you gaze out over the glittering turquoise water. The sun is sinking low, painting the sky in dazzling pinks and oranges.

You sigh contentedly, snuggling back against Charles’ chest. His arms tighten around you as you sway together on the yacht’s deck.

“Happy birthday, mon ange,” he murmurs, dropping a kiss to your shoulder.

You tilt your head back to smile up at him. “I know I say this every year, but this is the best birthday ever.”

Charles grins, his nose crinkling adorably. “Well you deserve the perfect birthday getaway.”

You hum in agreement, perfectly relaxed and blissful here in his arms. Charles always plans the most romantic adventures for your birthdays. But after three amazing years together, just being with your favorite person is celebration enough.

As the sun continues to set you chat and trade soft kisses. The conversation lulls eventually into comfortable silence.

Charles shifts behind you. “Y/N, can you turn around? There’s something I want to ask you.��

You swivel in his arms to face him, curious at his suddenly serious tone. But a radiant smile lights up his face.

Slowly, Charles sinks down to one knee before you. Your breath catches as he takes your hands in his.

“Mon amour, these past three years with you have been the happiest of my life. You are my best friend, my heart, my home. I want to laugh with you, explore the world with you, and grow old with you.” His eyes shine with emotion as he gazes up at you.

“So Y/N, will you make me the luckiest man alive by marrying me?”

Joyful tears fill your eyes. “Yes! Of course I’ll marry you!”

Charles’ face splits into the most delighted grin. He moves to stand but wobbles slightly, the boat swaying beneath the two of you.

You reach out to steady him. “Careful!”

“Sorry, just excited,” he laughs breathlessly. With exaggerated care he pulls a ring box from his pocket and opens it to reveal a dazzling diamond ring.

Your smile widens impossibly further. The sunset lights the gems ablaze from within.

Charles takes your left hand gingerly, his own hands trembling. “I hope you lik-”

But his unsteady fingers fumble and the ring slips from his grasp. You both gasp, hands shooting out too late to catch it. The diamonds glint once in the dying sunlight before plopping into the blue water.

“No!” Charles cries in horror. In a flash he’s scrambling to rip off his shoes and shirt. Before you can react, he’s diving in after the lost ring.

“Charles!” You rush to the railing, scanning the rippling surface for him. Bubbles appear where he dove down. The seconds stretch nerve-wrackingly until finally he surfaces, gasping for breath. In his clutched fist, the ring gleams triumphantly.

Relief crashes over you as Charles swims to the ladder. He clambers back aboard the boat, soaked and panting but grinning ear to ear.

“I got it!” He crows, holding up the retrieved ring.

A delighted laugh bursts from you. Only Charles would dive headfirst off a yacht to save an engagement ring. You throw your arms around his dripping shoulders, not caring that you’re getting drenched too.

“My hero,” you kiss him soundly.

Charles wraps you in a soggy hug. “Couldn’t let this ring get away when I still have a very important question to ask you … again.”

He sinks down once more to his knee, water pooling around him. With his hair plastered to his forehead and clothes soaked through, he looks adorably bedraggled but still so breathtakingly handsome.

Grasping your hand again, he asks earnestly, “Y/N, will you marry me and make me the happiest man in the world?”

“Yes!” You don’t think you’ve ever smiled so wide. “Yes, Charles, yes!”

Charles whoops triumphantly, surging up to kiss you passionately. This time his hands are steady as he finally successfully slips the ring onto your finger.

Admiring the shimmering diamonds you joke, “This ring might need a free cleaning after that swim.”

Charles laughs, pulling you close again. “I’ll get you a new one if you want. Anything for my future wife.”

Wife.

The word sends a thrill through you. You cup Charles’ face in your hands. “This is the only ring I’ll ever want. Because it’s from you.”

His eyes soften. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” You lean in for another searing kiss as the last light fades behind the horizon.

When you finally draw back Charles wrinkles his nose. “As romantic as this is, I should probably get into some dry clothes.”

You laugh, plucking at his soaked shirt. “Good call. Then we can continue this celebration in proper style!”

Charles grins and sweeps you up into his arms. “I like the way you think, Future Madame Leclerc.”

***

“One more push, you’re almost there!”

You squeeze Charles’ hand with all your might, face scrunched in exertion, as you bear down to bring your baby into the world.

This is not exactly how you envisioned spending your birthday this year. But as you give one final push and hear your daughter’s first cries, you know this is already the best birthday of your life.

“She’s here! You did amazing, mon amour!” Charles says through joyful tears, kissing your sweat-damp forehead.

The doctor holds up the squalling, wriggling newborn. “Congratulations, it’s a girl!”

Charles cuts the umbilical cord with shaky hands before the nurses whisk your daughter away to be cleaned and checked. He turns back to you, eyes shining. “I’m so proud of you, Y/N. She’s perfect.”

You beam tiredly back at him. The child you created together, your little family, is finally here. After long months of waiting, your birthday wish has come true.

Soon the nurse returns, swaddling your baby girl in a soft pink blanket. “Say hello to your daughter,” she says gently, placing the tiny bundle in your arms.

You gaze down at your daughter, tears of joy and wonder sliding down your cheeks. Ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes — she’s absolute perfection.

“Hello Juliette,” you whisper. “Happy birthday, my beautiful girl.”

Charles perches gingerly on the edge of the bed, staring at you both like you hung the moon and stars. He reaches out a tentative finger to stroke Juliette’s downy head.

“She’s so small,” he marvels. “And so perfect. I can’t believe we made this little human.”

His voice cracks on the last word. Your tough Formula 1 driver melts into a puddle of emotion in the presence of his daughter.

You glance up at Charles, your husband, your soulmate, and now the father of your child. The utter love and joy shining from his eyes in this moment eclipses every birthday and every milestone you’ve shared before.

“I used to think so many birthdays were the best day of my life,” you say softly. “But now … this is it. The real best day.”

Charles smiles through his tears and leans in to kiss you tenderly. “This is just the start of so many best days together.”

You both gaze back down at the baby nestled between you. Juliette blinks up at you tiredly and the sight of her green eyes looking back at you takes your breath away.

Charles lets out an awed little laugh. “She has my eyes.”

He holds out a hand and Juliette instinctively grasps his finger. Charles completely melts.

“Hello, ma petite princesse,” he coos. “I’m your papa. And I’m going to love you forever.”

Juliette seems to study his face intently before giving a big yawn that makes you both chuckle. Your heart feels fit to burst watching Charles bond instantly with your daughter.

The next hours pass in a blissful blur of feeding, diaper changes, and stealing each moment possible to just gaze at the miracle you’ve created. You almost forget it’s even your birthday until Charles speaks up.

“You know, I had something else planned to celebrate today but Juliette decided she simply couldn’t wait,” he laughs.

You just smile. “This is the greatest gift I could have asked for.”

He leans down to brush a feather-light kiss to Juliette’s forehead, then yours.

“I guess we’ll just have to plan an extra special party when you’re both home,” he says with a smile. “Our little princess deserves the biggest birthday bash for entering the world on such a special day.”

You grin up at him. “I have a feeling her daddy will go all out.”

“Only the best for my girls.” Charles winks.

Juliette stirs in your arms, letting out the tiniest of baby sighs that melts you both instantly.

As Juliette drifts to sleep cradled between you, her little fingers curled around yours, you know this birthday marks the start of your greatest adventure yet and many more amazing birthdays still to come.

[literaila]

the brunch

gojo satoru x fem!reader

summary: satoru does not get jealous, just so everyone knows

a/n: (that previous statement was a lie) the brainrot is real

last part | next part

year four.

it’s a bit unusual for the house to be this filled, especially this early in the morning. 

chatter echoes throughout the space, loud exclamations, and secret whispers, all making up a terrible-sounding symphony. 

megumi and tsumiki are playing some elaborate board game with onlookers on the coffee table, both of them smiling proudly. 

satoru is trying to tidy up the many different plates and cups everyone's left lying around, laughing when shoko rolls her eyes at something he's just said. 

and you're in the kitchen, talking with nanami like you haven't seen him in several years--it's been three weeks. 

it's very strange for the four of you. to let anyone--not to mention a dozen people--intrude on your carefully planned out saturday mornings. to invite others into your world of burnt breakfasts and uncombed bedhead. 

but here you all are, managing. 

and you’d reminded satoru probably seventeen times—too many times, he thinks, with far too many knowing glances—that hosting was not something to be taken lightly (and that you weren’t going to help him ((both of you know that you are)). 

but he doesn’t mind this. 

the crowded house, or the many different phone calls he had to make about getting this party (which he swore wasn’t one) set up. the loud sounds or the inevitable cleanup he'll try to swindle his way out of. 

it’s quite nice. actually, satoru is a little proud of his makeshift brunch, and the fact that everyone came, and everyone seems happy. he likes that he can barely hear his thoughts, that there's nothing important enough for him to think about anyway. 

and honestly, with all of it going on, satoru should not be this discontented with the fact that you’re smiling at someone else. 

he invited nanami because he knows that you miss him and that you’re too embarrassed to admit that. or too proud, maybe. too forgiving. and he knows that you wouldn’t have done it yourself, had he not gotten involved. 

but still. should satoru really have to sit back and watch as you fawn over a man who wore a suit to casual brunch? 

no, he should not, thank you. 

"what's wrong with your face?" shoko asks him after the silence has drawn on for too long, sounding very uninterested. 

satoru shakes his head, snapping out of his daze. "what?" 

"you've got a weird look." 

"no, i don't." 

"it's like that time that you chugged the entire carton of expired milk someone left in the fridge." 

"don't remind me," he says, trying to put on a theatrical wince, but he just ends up looking back at you, with a blank face. 

there is no time for joking, or flamboyancy, or caring about anything else in the world. 

shoko does the same, her eyes trailing where his are, watching as you tilt your head at nanami, laughing when he murmurs something. 

in typical nanami fashion, his lips only twitch a little bit, but it's enough to tell that he's amused by whatever conversation you're having. 

that he's got your full attention, and he gets to watch your eyes as they shift from one glance to another and--

shoko nods, looking back to satoru, who is trapped in his stare. chained down at the mere thought of you. "oh," she says, rolling her eyes. 

satoru doesn't look away, but grunts in the form of a question. 

"you're an idiot, you know that?" 

he frowns. "what?" 

her eyes are exasperated, and her smile is all-knowing. she has always alluded satoru, and his very short attention span. and he kind of hates her, at this moment, for distracting him. 

"seriously," she scoffs at his perturbed face, "after a whole year of living basically in the same room, i thought that the two of you would finally get over it." 

"who?" satoru asks, smiling confusedly. "get over what?" 

"you. get over yourself. honestly, only you and y/n would raise two kids together and pretend like there's no intimacy in it." 

"what?"' satoru repeats, dumbly. 

"and, by the way," shoko tells him, sipping on her drink. "jealousy is not cute." 

and then she walks away, like she's answered a single one of satoru's questions. 

and he frowns, thinking about it. 

because--no, there's no way she was talking about him--he shakes his head. where would she even have gotten that idea? there's--

no. 

and it’s—it’s not jealousy. he laughs off that thought.

satoru gojo is the strongest. he's the one everyone looks to. he doesn't have anything to be jealous about. 

and besides satoru knows that you don’t get enough time away from your discombobulated family. that your life revolves around them, and they around you. 

and the two of you have talked—at length—about the fact that you’re both young, and neither of you should live the lifestyle of some middle-aged parents, with no way to connect with the people in your age group. the people that would’ve been your family, in some alternate universe. 

satoru knows that you don’t carve out the things that you need without being asked to, that you get anxious about these types of occasions--he's watched it happen before, when you were forced into a corner at one exchange event the two of you shared, or when yaga took you all out to dinner, and you'd shrink yourself in your seat until someone noticed. 

he's seen you try to make yourself smaller at the convenience of others, and as he's grown (he almost winces at the thought) satoru has sworn to himself that he'd keep you from any situation where that might be necessary. 

so he shouldn’t--he doesn't--mind that you’re having a good time. he should be--is--happy with himself, for setting it up so you could, for planning it around you, and the kids. he should be preparing himself to gloat in your face about the fact that he thought of this, and he set it up all on his own. 

god. he doesn't have anything to be jealous about. 

but that doesn't change the fact that satoru can't really see beyond you, ten feet away from him, laughing at something that nanami said. 

and maybe it's not the fact that you're talking to him, or that you're smiling at him like satoru wants to be smiled at, he thinks, but more that you don't act that way with him. 

satoru is well aware of the grounds in your relationship, and he knows that you spend most of your days rolling your eyes at the obnoxious things that he says, trying to protect the children--and him--from the antics that you've all grown used to. 

he's not jealous, but maybe he's a little bit annoyed that he hasn't seen you this easy, and light since you were still in school. since you were still younger than him, and still someone he could look down upon. 

you cling to nanami like satoru clings to you, he realizes, sullenly. you smile and tease--if just the way your eyes crinkle means anything. 

you grin at nanami like you're trying to irritate him. like you're the reckless one between the two. 

and maybe it hurts satoru more just to know that you are the reckless one.

he'd lived with the two of you for three years. he'd experienced nanami's typical brooding--which, now, reminds him a lot of megumi, actually--and the way he'd think through everything. maybe a little bit too much, even. 

satoru was always there to watch you giggle alongside the austere man, pull him out of whatever thought process was darkening the mood, and remind him that none of it was all that serious. 

satoru knows--he knows--that you and him are similar. he knows that it's why he feels the way he does with you. that the way the two of you dance around your emotions, and say nothing that you truly mean is something to cherish, if also something to despise. 

he's not jealous, but maybe it hurts satoru because he knows that you've never been able to truly not care, with him. that he takes up all of the ignorance one household can get, even without meaning to.

or maybe it's just been a long time since he got the chance to watch you interact with anyone else. 

maybe he's just ridiculous, and he should go do something else before he thinks about this for too long. shoko is wrong, though, he thinks. he's definitely not jealous. 

he's satoru gojo. he doesn't have anything to be jealous about. 

but he's still watching when you shake your head at something nanami says, tapping him on the shoulder and excusing yourself while waving him on, still light and airy, eyes meeting satoru's with that same grin. 

it's probably worse to know that it doesn't quite belong to him. that he's not the sole benefactor of it all. 

"hey," you say, bumping into him on purpose when you come over, your hands wrapping around his forearm as you lean on him. "need help?" 

"nah, i've got it," he finally looks away. he doesn't want to watch this. 

but you're still grinning at him, trying to catch his eye--even with the sunglasses. "you're all alone over here," you coo, "i can help you clean up." 

satoru snorts. "i thought you weren't going to help with anything." 

"well, since i'm already here..." you drawl, beginning to pick up spare utensils, and napkins. all of the things he'd been too distracted to do. 

you're humming as you do it, completely content with everything. 

satoru tries not to grind his teeth at the fact that your mood is not because of him. 

"how's nanami?" he asks, unprecendented, after a moment. 

you shrug. "he's good. i guess the real world sucks too," you say it with a lilt, like there's an inside joke that satoru is missing. 

he shakes his head, trying to keep his words civil. "the real world?" 

"the corporate universe, and laws of reality, or whatever," you roll your eyes, and you sound exactly like him. "no curses or magic to liven things up." 

"no monsters, you mean." 

"or that," you smile at him, looking almost giddy. 

satoru hums. 

you put all of the trash you've collected on a serving dish, piling things up without a care in the world. and then you turn towards satoru, and he can feel your slight frown before he can see it. "you okay?" you ask him. 

satoru freezes. "what?" 

"is it getting to you? the brunch?" 

"what? no, i'm fine," he tries to look at you like you're ridiculous, but his face feels stiff, and wrong, and far too happy for you. 

"you look like your tongue is too big to fit in your mouth." 

he sticks his tongue out, almost on command. "does it look any different?" 

"hmm," you pretend to observe. "yeah. might want to see a doctor about it." 

"noted." 

"are you trying not to laugh at something? you can tell me if i have something on my face, you know." 

satoru's smile is a bit easier at that, but he shakes his head anyway. he kind of wants to run away to his room--something he's learned from raising two children. "no, i'm just thinking." 

you raise a brow. 

satoru scowls. "what? you didn't think it was possible?" 

"no, not really."  

he shakes his head. he tries to turn away, scoffing like it's a joke (it's not), but your hand reaches for his bicep before he can. 

"hey," you say to him. he turns back to you, and your smile, nose scrunched up as you lean in. "how are you?" 

"busy. i have to go make sure there's enough ice in that bucket." 

"i'll come with you," you say, even though you both know that he's lying. 

"no. i'm sure nanami has more he wants to talk with you about." 

"is that what this is about? nanami? are you mad at him, or something?" 

"why would i be mad at him?" 

"i don't know, satoru, your brain is a confusing thing," you tug on his hair just a little bit. "hey, c'mon. why're you upset?" 

"i'm not upset." 

satoru should be basking in your attention, but he can't quite bring himself to notice it. or that you spend every day with him--mostly without complaint--and never fail to laugh at something he says. 

no, his thoughts are not very organized, at the moment. 

"you've got your little angry pout on," you nudge his lips with a finger. "i think you've been spending too much time with megumi." 

he grabs your hand, trying not to squeeze. "i'm fine. go hang out. you're not supposed to be helping me." 

this time, you pout. "you don't want to spend time with me?" 

he groans, throwing his head back. "i'm trying to be nice," he tells you. "you know, like how you're always telling me to?" 

"ew," you say, giggling a little bit. "i don't like it." 

he rolls his eyes. 

"seriously, come hang out with me and the kids. we can beat them at charades, or something, again. you need a little pep in your step." 

"what are you, my mom?" he deadpans but feels his heart twitch a little bit because you're still holding onto him. 

"might as well be. take a break, satoru, i miss you." 

you say it so easily and nonchalantly that satoru wants to pick you up and lock you in a little box, just so you can never talk to anyone but him again.

he stares at you, blinking beneath his glasses, feeling like you're doing all of this just to mess with him. 

honestly, whiplash is a serious condition. 

you smile at him, fluttering your eyelashes unknowingly, pouting at him a little bit, even through the smile. 

and satoru's never been able to say no to you, so he lets you pull him with you, back to the kitchen, where you grab nanami too--to the dismay of satoru, of course. he tries not to glare. 

and satoru chooses to ignore the discerning look that nanami sends him, and the fact that his arm tightens around your waist as you drag the two men along. 

he's not jealous. god, it's just very loud in here. 

*

somewhere several minutes earlier, when the two of you were standing just a little bit too close to each other, both of you pouting, looking like two children fighting over a toy--you had a couple of spectators. 

shoko scoffs, shaking her head. "that's disgusting." 

you're on your tiptoes, head tilted as you purr something to satoru. they can't see his eyes from twenty feet away, but they can all tell that they're stuck on you. glued, never to be torn away. 

megumi looks at the woman, then follows her eyes to the two of you, blank-faced. 

tsumiki giggles. 

"we know," they both say, rolling their eyes. 

*

next part | series masterlist

[spookwriter-xo]

Coppélia

Chapter 5 - The Deep Dive

Chapter Summary - Y/N discusses the terms of the contract with the owners of ATZ Corp, where Hongjoong surprises her.

warnings: slight hints at sex work - poor descriptions of a house and room

Series Masterlist

The upper-class part of town was full of colorful people. You have the rich side, where the fashionistas and businessmen collide to indulge in brunches and auctions. And then there was the side involved in more illegal activities to keep their power and status.

It didn't seem far-fetched that ATZ Corp was involved in such activities. My own father was too, as it was common in old-money families.

The car ride was silent, not even the radio was on. I felt a sense of unease settle in my belly as we neared the restaurant, I knew this area, my dad's company building was close by maybe 2 blocks away. I stared out the window at the people walking up and down the street in their expensive suits and designer clothes.

A part of me missed that life. Being able to have everything I could ever want in the palm of my hand. I remembered my parents' house, my room was bigger than my apartment now, with the plush mattress and walk-in wardrobe. If I agreed to the contract, would I get that back?

The other half was happy with the life I had created, and the independence I'd gained. Though the progress was slow, I was making a name for myself.

"Miss?" The driver called out, I hadn't even realized he was holding the back seat door open for me.

"Sorry... Thank you." I say quickly collecting myself before stepping onto the pavement in front of the restaurant. I was met by another man, dressed in all black with sunglasses and a mask covering his face. He gestured for me to follow him, and surprisingly I did.

The man led me through the restaurant, a few heads turning as we walked. I tried to keep my breath steady, feeling the heat of embarrassment rise on my cheeks. He led me down a hallway and towards a sliding door that was firmly shut. He bowed to me before knocking twice.

A muffled voice answers and the man slides the door open. I stand there in the doorway for a moment. The only people in there were 8 men. I recognized Seonghwa close to the head of the table, and Mingi who sat closest to the door. Mingi gave me a saddened look, did I disappoint him by showing up?

"You're here." The man at the head of the table said. That must be Hongjoong.

I nod before stepping inside, thanking my escort before going to sit at the empty seat next to Mingi and in front of another, rather broad-shouldered, man.

"Are you hungry?" Seonghwa asks, his eyes staring into mine. I shift slightly under his gaze.

"Not really," I answered dismissively. Seonghwa grins, amused, before nodding to the man by the door, who then leaves.

I glance around at all of them, taking in their appearances. They were handsome, I'd give them that. Maybe I was lucky to have caught Seonghwa's attention.

"Y/N." Hongjoong says. "Let's discuss the terms of the contract, yes?" He says the smirk on his face made my blood still for just a moment.

"Well," I start "I don't like the implication that I'm to be used as an outlet for your sexual frustrations." I send a glare his way for good measure.

Seonghwa raises an eyebrow and sips his drink. "Do you now?" Hongjoong chuckles, and I glare at him again. Was he seriously laughing right now? Maybe coming here was a bad idea, the only one who I might have a chance at taking me seriously is Mingi, and honestly, I wasn't so sure of his defensive abilities aside from physical.

"If you're going to laugh, then maybe I shouldn't have come," I say, moving to stand up, biting back a grin as Hongjoong's expression falters for a moment. If they're going to play games, I'll play too.

"There's no need for that." Another man says quickly. I glance at him for a moment, his eyes cat-like as he watched, no, studied me. I slowly sit back down, glancing up at Mingi who was giving me that same boba-eyed expression from last night. I guess it was kinda cute.

"If you didn't want something from us, you wouldn't have come," Seonghwa states. "So what is it that you want, Doll?"

I think for a moment. What did I want? I wasn't in this for money, I couldn't care less about that no matter how much I missed luxury. I'd never been eager to be involved in a polyamorous relationship before either. Why was I even here?

Maybe it was the security aspect? Knowing that I'd have people to fall back on if my career went sideways? A place to live where I'd actually be able to lock the door at night. 8 men to protect me didn't sound so bad either, I suppose.

Knowing that there was someone aside from Mia who supported and loved my art enough to come to every show. Knowing that someone liked me enough to warn me despite probably being told not to about the dangerous side of their lives.

My mind drifted back to the girl Mingi briefly mentioned. I had so many questions about her, what was her name? What happened to her?

"Y/N?" The man with the broad shoulders calls out from across the table. "Are you alright?"

I nod. "I want to be involved in the making of this contract. It doesn't seem fair that I'm expected to blindly sign it without having my own input." I say, looking at Hongjoong. His smile had fallen, his eyes watching me carefully.

"I want this to be more than what you wrote on that paper. I'm happy you're letting me continue my time at the society, but I can't control how long I'm practicing for. So you'll just have to suck it up." I state. The man with the cat eyes lets out a snort of amusement, covering it up with a cough.

"Go on." Hongjoong urges, leaning forward on his elbows.

"I want to take this slow. This whole thing is new to me and I don't want to overwhelm myself, especially when I'm in the middle of shows."

Hongjoong tilts his head and nods in understanding.

"How about we forget about the contract," Hongjjong says, leaning back in his seat. "It seems pointless and outdated if you ask me."

I blink in surprise, even the others look at him with bewildered looks.

"I'm sure you already know of what we do, thanks to big mouth over there," Hongjoong says, sending a look to Mingi who lowers his head. "So there's no point in keeping you out of the loop, and the contract does state that you don't ask questions."

"So, no contract?" I question.

"No contract, sweetheart." Hongjoong chuckles. "However I will need you to make a decision tonight. If word gets out that you're involved with one of us, and it will, we'll need to have you somewhere safer than your apartment." He says, right as the door opens again. Waiters enter with various trays of food, setting them down gracefully in the center of the table before leaving without a word.

I furrow my eyebrows as the boys begin to start eating immediately, chatting like I wasn't there. Mingi places a plate in front of me with a slight smile before continuing on with his conversation. I listened to their conversations, learning their names bit by bit. The man across from me, San, offered countless times to retrieve food for me so I didn't have to reach for anything.

I felt a pang in my stomach. Seonghwas love letters, Mingi holding doors open for me, and now San offering to retrieve food. Were they all such gentlemen?

"I accept." I blurt out before I can even stop myself. They all paused their conversations, and the sound of cutlery screeching to a halt caused my lips to quirk up slightly in amusement. Their heads slowly turn to me, genuinely surprised by my answer.

"You're serious?" Wooyoung, the man with the cat eyes, says with a mouth full of food. These were supposed to be ruthless businessmen/gang leaders, yet at that moment I saw the opposite. I saw young men who were so open to showing me, a stranger, so much vulnerability I almost couldn't handle it.

"I'm serious," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. At that, the boys all snap their heads at Hongjoong, who is smiling once again.

"Excellent." He says, before taking a bite of his food. I glance at Mingi, noticing the conflicting emotions on his face. I had to stop myself from reaching out, a part of me wanted to apologize to him for my answer, knowing how much he hadn't wanted me to accept.

I stopped myself, however, turning back to my food. I'd gambled with my life with my answer. Was it really going to be hard if I wanted to leave? What if I ended up not liking these boys as much as I'd assumed I would?

I started to regret my decision, however my pride stopped me from retracting it. I sat in silence as the boys continued to talk amongst themselves, about work and other things.

When the time came to go, I was the last to stand. My legs felt shaky and my throat dry. Mingi stood behind my chair and waited for me to stand, pulling it back as I did so I had space to move away from the table.

"No need to return to your apartment tonight. We have a room for you already." Hongjoong tells me, resting a hand on my back which made my body jolt in surprise.

"Already?" I ask as he starts to lead me out of the room. Instead of heading towards the main restaurant, he leads us through to a back door.

"We had it set up in case you said yes." He explains, nodding to the men waiting outside. I blinked in surprise at the number of them. Were they standing out here the whole time? Hongjoong leads me to a car that Yunho had climbed into just a moment prior.

I climb in also, followed by Hongjoong before the door is shut. I'm sandwiched between them, looking up at Yunho who is staring straight ahead with a cold expression. I purse my lips and look away, clearly he wasn't interested in small talk.

The car began to move, the vehicle weaving into traffic and speeding off. I kept my knees tucked close together to stop myself from nudging against the two men on either side. Hongjoong was on his phone, a serious expression on his brows as he aggressively typed a message out. Yunho had a blank expression as he stared out the window. His left hand resting on his thigh, the fingers spread and slightly gripping the fabric of his pants.

I noticed the scars on his knuckles, light pink against his pale skin. I glance up at his face and flinch as my eyes meet his. I quickly turn to the front, hearing him let out a huff of amusement before returning to the window.

Hongjoong had sat his phone down now, relaxing in the car seat.

"Seonghwa tells me you're a talented ballerina," Hongjoong says, finally breaking the silence. "I should come watch a show of yours."

I give him a small smile. "I'm not that good, I've been dancing for years so it's all experience."

"Humble are we?" He chuckles, turning his head to face me.

"It's better than being cocky," I say. "Though you wouldn't know about that would you?"

He lets out a cackle, Yunho doesn't even flinch beside me.

"I see why Seonghwa was so eager to have you." He says, his voice laced with amusement.

"Is he always like that?" I ask, finding a strange comfort now that Hongjoong and I were actually talking one-on-one, despite the looming presence on my right. "Like romantic, heaps of gifts."

"Yes. You'll get used to it after a while, might even come to appreciate it." Hongjoong says. "He's always been a giver, I may be the leader but he runs the house as far as I'm concerned." He smiles fondly while talking about his friends.

"How long have you known each other?" I ask.

"Since we were teens, some longer than others. I met Yunho first." He gestures to the other man. "Met the others not long after." He states.

I turn to the front and realize we are no longer in the city, but instead on a long road, the only light coming from the headlights and the full moon overhead.

"I hope you like blue, I had our housekeeper decorate your room for you," Hongjoong says, sitting up a little straighter as we turn into a driveway. "And don't be intimidated by the size of the house, I'll have someone give you a tour tomorrow."

"How big-?" I cut myself off as the house came into view. I feel my jaw drop slightly at the size of it. I saw the fountain first, the statue in the center carved carefully from stone. The house itself was magnificent, maybe twice the size of the one I grew up in.

"24 bedrooms," Hongjoong says, his smile wide as he looks at me. The car slowly comes to a stop at the front of the house, the tires crunching on the basalt.

Hongjoong got out first, holding the door open as I followed behind him. I strained my neck to look at the house, noticing all the artistic details littered through the brick.

"Impressed is she?" I hear Wooyoung shout from down the driveway.

"Seems like it," Hongjoong says, offering his arm. I hesitate for a moment before taking it.

A man by the door opens the door for us, my heels clicking on the marble. The foyer was brighter than I expected, a chandelier hung low from the ceiling with a grand staircase curving up the wall. My eyes scanned the room, the marble floor a pristine white with black and gold patterns throughout, two plush armchairs positioned neatly underneath one of the stair railings.

Hongjoong started walking towards the staircase on the right, helping me so that my heels didn't catch on my dress. I glance down at the others as the stairs curve to the side. Some had dispersed into the house, others lingered by the door to maintain conversation. loosening their ties to provide some comfort.

Upstairs was a little darker, instead of a marble floor it was a dark polished wood. Hongjoong led me down the hall until he stopped at the fourth door towards the back of the house. He opened the door for me and stepped back, allowing me to enter without being followed.

A luxurious bedroom unfolds, centered around a grand canopy bed. The bed features carved posts of polished wood, supporting a cascading canopy of sheer, light blue fabric with subtle golden embroidery. The bedding mirrors the room’s opulence, with plush pillows and a comforter in light blue satin trimmed with gold.

A cozy seating area in one corner features a pair of tufted armchairs upholstered in blue velvet, accompanied by a small, round marble table with gold legs. The floors are polished wood, softened by a plush, cream-colored rug that complements the room's serene yet regal palette. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. Tall windows line the back of the room, and light blue curtains are drawn to give some privacy.

"Do you like it?" Hongjoong says from the doorway.

"I love it," I say softly, turning to look at him. He had a soft expression on his face before he spoke.

"There's clothes in the wardrobe for you. I'll have someone go to your apartment sometime this week and collect some of your things." He says, going to shut the door and leave me be.

"Can I ask you something?" I say quickly, making him stop. "Why did you all agree to this? I mean, you don't even know me."

He examines me for a moment before answering, "Same reason as you, sweetheart." Before shutting the door. I hear his footsteps retreat back towards the staircase as I stand there, scared to touch anything and ruin the warm feeling of the room.

I slowly find my feet walking towards the walk-in wardrobe, a wide smile on my face as I notice that it's full. Someone really went out of their way to buy clothes from expensive clothing lines that somehow were exactly my size. I notice folded-up pajamas on the vanity towards the back of the room, my fingers touching the silky fabric before bundling them up in my arms. I walk out of the wardrobe, opening the next door to find a fully decked-out bathroom, equipped with everything I could need.

I got changed and wiped off my makeup before trudging back out into the main room. My eyes felt heavy, and I realized my social battery had gone down to almost empty since the day began. So much had happened, in just 3 hours and I couldn't help but feel completely exhausted.

I flopped onto the bed, the plush mattress beneath me a welcome feeling as I settled beneath the covers. I closed my eyes, somehow feeling at ease despite being in a strange environment. Something about the effort they put in, even if it was just a nice room, made me feel welcomed despite the silence I'd received from a few of them.

Jongho, Yeosang, and Yunho seemed to be a bit more standoffish than the rest. Maybe they weren't as eager as the others about a new person being invited into their home, no questions asked, and for that, I couldn't blame them.

taglist:

@bellaptv @arilevenatz @my-atiny-kookie-rkive @hecateslittlewitchling

@neuviloved @monstacheol @latisthegenderfluidwannabealone

@vtyb23 @bigbabygremlin @professormingiglasses

@pinuspot @astral-trashcan @ateezswonderland

[child0feden]

FUNNEL OF LOVE

nico rosberg x wife! reader x ( platonic! ) oc daughter

♡ general headcanons for a valentine’s day with nico!

୨୧ my man my man my man! love him so much… i know valentine’s day has very much passed but just let me live <3 this takes place before little ladybug is born

♡ related smau available here, related hc available here and here | view my formula 1 masterlist here

reading music recommendations: funnel of love by wanda jackson - i wanna be loved by you by helen kane

♡ you and nico send rosie to her grandparents house the night before valentine’s day!

୨୧ as much as you both absolutely adore your little rabbit, rosie has been with you guys every valentine’s day since she was born…

♡ so for this one, you decided to spend it with just the two of you at home <3

୨୧ luckily you didn’t even have to try and convince her to go to her grandparents house for two days, she absolutely loves them and spending nights at their house

♡ it was honestly harder for nico to stop asking her if she has everything she needs, say bye and get back in the car after dropping her off… he hates saying bye to his little rabbit, even if he’s literally picking her up in the morning of the day after valentine’s day…

୨୧ you don’t think you guys have any plans, you’re probably just going to let your life flow with the day! oh boy, you’re wrong!

♡ when the morning of valentine’s day rolls around, you wake up ( much later than usual ) to the absence of nico’s arms holding you like they usually are…

୨୧ slightly peeved, you slide out of bed and make the short journey downstairs, looking for your husband

♡ you find him in the kitchen, cooking pancakes for you and they smell amazing

୨୧ when he notices you in the doorway, he gives you a beaming smile and comes over to give you a peck on the lips before telling you to go relax in the living room

“ good morning, miene liebe! you look beautiful this morning, as always, go watch some tv hm? breakfast, or i suppose brunch, will be done soon ” ( you’ll never understand how he’s such a morning person )

♡ while sitting in the living room, you can faintly hear him humming to himself and mumbling though you can’t make out what he’s saying

୨୧ when the pancakes are done, nico comes sauntering in to the living room, bending down to give you another kiss before giving you your plate and sitting down next to you with his, gesturing for you to lean into his side as you always do

♡ while eating, you notice nico is suspiciously smiley and giddy… but alas, you don’t say anything, figuring he’s just enjoying the peace of the morning without your crazy little rabbit running around and making a mess ( you should’ve known that wasn’t the reason, seeing his girl run around and make a mess does make nico happy because she’s happy )

୨୧ eventually after breakfast, nico asks you if you’d like to go into the local village with him, telling you he has to pick something up

♡ you’re even more confused now… pick something up? he hasn’t told you about him ordering anything and he doesn’t explain

୨୧ your curiosity is too strong and you agree, both of you heading upstairs to change into some day clothes

♡ nico could never get tired of watching you get ready, he thinks you’re the most beautiful person he’d ever seen and after giving him a child his love only grew stronger

୨୧ on the drive, his free hand rests on your leg, holding your hand under his, gently squeezing it every now and then… eventually, you ask what it is he’s picking up

“ it’s a surprise, meine liebe, you’ll know soon enough… ”

♡ when you drive into the village, the car pulls up outside of the cutest little flower store and nico asks you to wait in the car, giving you a kiss on the cheek before getting out

୨୧ you watch him enter the shop through the car windows, wondering what exactly he has planned…

♡ less than five minutes of him entering the shop, you see the door open and out he walks wearing a big grin and holding a gorgeous bouquet of assorted pink flowers in his right hand

୨୧ when he gets back in the car, you’re immediately leaning over the console and smothering him in kisses, thanking him as he goes to hand you the bouquet

“ you’re welcome, miene liebe, only the best for my beauty ”

♡ you’re beaming for the whole drive home, admiring the flowers as nico’s eyes drift over to you every once and a while, looking at you with a certain gleam in his eyes… oh, he’s not done

୨୧ when you arrive home, he’s helping you get out of the car ( opening the door for you and offering his hand, treating you like a princess getting out of a horse pulled carriage ) whilst you chuckle

♡ as you’re putting the flowers away in a vase, marvelling at them as they sit on the kitchen table, nico tells you to relax as he’s going to run a bath for the two of you

୨୧ and you do, by the time he calls you upstairs and you wander into the bathroom, the bath is full with a small layer of bubbles and petals on top… lit candles scattered throughout the bathroom which causes a smell of roses to enter your nose <3

♡ as you get in, you sit back against his chest, one of his hands stroking the side of your cheek whilst the other rests on your hip under the warm water

୨୧ the steam rising from the water makes you sigh, leaning your head back against his neck and gently kissing it as he looks down at you with nothing but love swirling around in his eyes

“ you’re so beautiful, miene liebe, i feel like i don’t tell you that enough, you know? ” ( he absolutely does, he tells you at least ten times a day )

♡ you guys must spend an hour in the bath, just giggling between yourselves as you place bubbles on each other’s face

୨୧ eventually, you both get out, the water having gone extremely lukewarm and nico tells you to get dressed up however you’d like as he has a reservation booked for dinner ( yet another thing you had no idea about but were very pleasantly surprised by )

♡ it’s quite a drive into the city where the restaurant is so it makes sense, by the time you get there it’ll be around dinner time

୨୧ when you’re getting ready, nico is again admiring you all whilst getting himself dressed up at the same time, buttoning up his shirt wrong as he was too hypnotised by you…

♡ you giggle as you point it out to him, reaching over to fix them for him as he chuckles

“ well, can you blame me? i was just too focused on the living art piece that stands before me ” ( god, he’s such a sap… but you’d be lying if you said you didn’t love it )

୨୧ you two look amazing as you prepare to leave, making sure your hair is fine and spraying on some perfume before you take nico’s awaiting arm and walk out the door

♡ on the lengthy drive to the restaurant, nico hums to whatever is playing on the radio as you admire him from the side… he notices and sends you a wink before beginning to talk about his little rabbit

“ i really am so proud of our little rabbit, miene liebe… she’s getting so big, so smart, so beautiful… just like her mother ” ( he has that proud dad smile on his face as he thinks about his little rabbit )

୨୧ when you reach the restaurant, nico again helps you exit the car, holding your bag for you and taking your hand

♡ the restaurant is beautiful, of course it is! nico wouldn’t settle for anything less for his beauty

୨୧ as you’re seated, nico takes your hand over the table, gently stroking over your fingers whilst you browse the menu

♡ dinner is unsurprisingly amazing, you and nico having giving each other taste tests of your food, jokingly trying to decide who has the best taste in food

୨୧ as you pay the bill and leave, both of you have the most lovesick smiles on your face, anyone passing you two would be able to tell how much you adore each other just by the look on your faces

♡ by the time you get home, nico is covered in lipstick kiss prints due to how many times you kissed him thank you for the amazing day on the way home ( i mean, really, you attacked him with kisses at every red light )

୨୧ as you enter the house, nico suddenly gasps and shouts at you to stay put in the living room, absolutely do NOT come to the bedroom!

♡ you’re laughing as he speed walks away and up the stairs, wondering what his final surprise of the day is…

୨୧ after a couple of minutes, he calls you up though when you reach the bedroom door it’s closed and nico is standing against it

♡ he takes your hand in his and suddenly goes on a huge ramble about how much he loves you, how happy you and your little rabbit make him, how he wishes he could give you the world… and how he hopes today brought you some happiness

୨୧ by the time it’s over, he’s almost out of breath and you’re nearly in tears, softly smacking him on the shoulder and telling him of course today made you happy, every day with him makes you happy, you could sit and watching paint dry with him but you’d still be so over the moon because you’re with him

♡ you’re both softly making out in the hallway after your shared confessions of love towards each other and he quietly gasps into your mouth, realising oh my god, you’re making out in the hallway like teenagers whilst the bedroom is right behind you!

୨୧ you share a laugh at his realisation before finally opening the bedroom door and you’re greeted by a dimly lit room, some lit candles spread around and flower petals laying atop your bed… so that’s what he was doing up here!

♡ you immediately turn to look at him and he gives a soft smile

“ wanted to give you one last surprise, you deserve so many, miene liebe… ”

୨୧ you smash your mouth against his, pushing him over to the bed as his hands wander your body, stripping each other of your clothes, the following two hours ( yes, two hours! listen, it’s been a while since you’ve really been able to get down and dirty since you’re had rosie ) are filled with sounds of pleasure filling the room, open mouth kisses being shared between you both as you make love on rose scented sheets

♡ oh yeah, this is the best valentine’s day you’ve had in a long time…

ynln: happy valentine’s day, i had the pleasure of begin treated like a princess by my own prince! ladies, don’t settle for anyone less than nico 🌸 🫧 🦢

nicoynforever: when will i find someone that treats me how nico treats yn? 💔

nicorosberg ✔️: only the best for you, miene liebe ❤️

loveyounico: where’s little rabbit?

> nicoynforever: in all of their past valentine’s day posts she’s been there so this must be their first without her 🥹

oldf1lover: that 6th picture… god, they look so good

[mothdruid]

Happy birthday!! Can I please get "you’re freezing, come here.” With Hangman?

Fast like Rain

pairing: Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x gn!reader

word count: 1k

summary: Your childhood best friend, Jake, is home from deployment. The two of you spend the day together and it ends with a cold but sweet treat.

a/n: sorry this took so long to write! my blurbs keep end up being longer than just blurbs lmao. i hope you enjoy!!

The day had started out great. Jake was home on leave for a little bit, meaning that you finally got to see your best friend after months of his deployment. He had promised you one full day of hanging out when he had left. So, it was time for him to honor that promise.

The day had started with brunch from his favorite local diner, to which he ordered his classic sunny side up eggs with crispy bacon and toast. You ordered your own favorite meal, earning teasing when you ordered your classic cup of orange juice. Jake never let you live that down, always joking that you were never going to fully grow up.

The two of you spent the next few hours doing whatever. It was so refreshing to finally have Jake home. He was your best friend no matter what, even if you happened to have a little bit more than just platonic feelings for him. It was hard not to like him. He had that Texan charm you had grown up dreaming about.

Charm with a bit of asshole to him, and it honestly made your heart sing. Maybe that's because he didn't intimidated you, instead it pushed you to be an asshole right back at him. Which Jake himself loved about you. Every time you ever swore at him and yelled at him, he would later that night think about it in bed, wondering if you would speak that way if you were underneath him.

The two of you were currently in some random field outside of town. Jake had decided to drive the old beater truck he had during high school while he was in town. So the tailgate was currently down, the both of you sitting on it with your legs dangling. The soft yet dry tall grass was brushing against your ankles.

"Are you serious?" You laughed after asking.

"Come on, of course, how could you not believe me?" Jake retorted.

"You weren't a track star in school, that's why!"

"I played football," Jake reminded you.

"As a QB, not a running back!" You could help the laughter that came from you.

"Fine," Jake hoped off the tailgate, "let's race."

The laughter immediately stopped when you heard him. You both had been too caught up in each other to have noticed the darker clouds starting to consume the sky. You gave Jake a serious look, tiling your head as if to question his seriousness.

"Hey, I'm being serious here," Jake threw his hands up in defense.

"One hundred percent?" You questioned.

He took his right index finger and drew a cross over his heart. You hoped down off the tailgate and stood face to face with him. You crossed your arms, signaling that you meant business.

"What's in it for me?"

"I'll buy you ice cream," Jake said.

"Fence line?"

Jake shook his head yes, that stupid smirk on his face. Without a second thought you took off running. You heard Jake yell from behind you about how he never said start. All you did was throw a middle finger back at him. Jake chased you all the way to the fence line, huffing once he finally caught up to you. You had been waiting for only a few seconds since reaching it. Your own breath was heavy, lungs struggling to keep up.

"Guess you aren't that fast," you chuckled while trying to steady your breathing. You looked over at Jake and then leaned again the fence post next to you.

"I don't know if that counts," Jake joked. He moved near you, putting a hands on the same post you were leaning on.

The two of you were close, only a few inches separating your bodies. Smiles adorned both of your faces while you stared at each other. You could never get tried of staring at him. Yeah, he looked like a generic jock, but he was your generic jock. Those green eyes never left yours, and a part of was starting to wonder if the two of you were moving closer towards one another.

Suddenly there was a loud rumble through the sky. It was only then that both of you noticed the dark sky. You examined the sky, a small drop of water hit your skin. Jake felt one too, looking at you quickly. It was seconds before a complete down pour started. You howled in laughter and shock as Jake just started laughing. After a few more seconds of taking the rain in, you ran back towards the truck. Jake was right behind you, stopping to lift the tailgate back up while you climbed into the cab.

"Holy shit," the words were breathy from your laughter.

"That was a surprise," Jake said.

The both of you were practically soaked. His t-shirt was practically a different color now. Yours was about the same though. Little goosebumps were starting to prick up along your skin. Jake noticed this when you wrapped your arms around yourself. He reached out hesitantly, brushing his knuckles against your skin.

"You're freezing," he whispered, "come here."

Jake opened his arms and gestured for you to move closer to him. You hesitated for a minute, eventually moving into his arms. Jake's arm were so warm, they were like one of his old sweatshirts that you had stolen forever ago. The sound of rain filled the silence between the two of you.

"I missed you."

The words came out of your mouth before you could stop them. You sat up a little and looked at Jake. There was worry weaved through your expression as if you had done something wrong. Jake moved a hand to your jaw, cupping it then leaning in.

Neither of you fought it, leaning into the kiss and your emotions. For so long the both of you had fought them, telling yourselves that this couldn't be real. But it was.

Jake pulled back and just stared at you, a small smile on his lips. He rubbed his thumb against your cheek, marveling internally at how soft your skin was.

"I missed you too."

[picklebunbun]

⌗ ★ |・:🪃〃➜ cw ; it's just a sfw alphabet with dazai and male reader ,

𐃘 osamu dazai x male ! reader, this is romantic, reader implied AMAB, masculine pronouns

{ pickles’ notes 🥒 ; I usually write these readers in mind that they're AMAB because I am AMAB , this reader is implied to be assigned male at birth but it's just one part dw, the header is not mine it's on pinterest }

lıllılı.ıllı.ılılıılıı.lllııılı.

Now Playing [pearl diver]

0:26 ———♡——— 3:50

◁◁ ▐ ▌ ▷▷

,, SFW ALPHABET !! ;

Activities - What do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?

he values his alone time with you, if you work with him, his favorite pass time is to have lunch with, just some one on one time -- even if you don't work in the ADA, he'll ask you to join him at a café for brunch. Distractions make it difficult for him to concentrate on you, so his favorite thing to do with you is to talk, he loves hearing the sound of your voice, the sterness, the softness, he could just fall in love again. In his free time, he likes holding you close, you'll run away if he doesn't suffocate you with his cuddles ! ( ˟̥̥̥᷄⁔̑˟̥̥᷅ ू)

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Beauty - What do they admire about their s/o? What do they think is beautiful about them?

Dazai would find every part of you beautiful, anything you do makes him fawn over you, admiring your every move, he'll just always find a way to compliment you. Like I said, Dazai thinks you are the epitome of beauty but if he had to name his favorite part, it'd be your eyes, no matter how boring you think they are, how dead they look, he'd always pull your head in and just lovingly stare at them, always pointing out the little details in them₍₍ ( ๑॔˃̶◡˂̶๑॓)◞♡⁰

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Comfort - How would they help their s/o when they feel down/have a panic attack etc.?

I feel like a lot of people think that Dazai would be bad at comforting, but I honestly think he's the opposite. Dazai doesn't like talking about his feelings to his s/o, he's more focused on your safety, he prioritizes you over his work, so if he sees you upset or crying, he drops everything. Holding you close until you calm down, and ready to talk, giving you cold water to replenish yourself. He'd stay the whole day with you if it means that it'd make you happy (ू˃̣̣̣̣̣̣︿˂̣̣̣̣̣̣ ू)

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Dreams - How do they picture their future with their s/o?

since Japan has a law about/doesn't recognize same sex marriages, there's not much Dazai can do other than propose to you. Although, he often day dreams about a wedding, how ethereal you'd look on it, how it'll all he worth it to be with the man he'd sacrifice the world for. Which usually leads to Kunikida to yell at Dazai and force him to finish his work, his work notebook is filled with you in a wedding suit / dress. Dazai isn't that much of a fan for taking care of children, but he'd be willing to take care of a few kittens with you !! ₊·*◟(⌯ˇ- ˇ⌯)◜‧*･

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Equal - Are they the dominant one in the relationship, or rather passive?

not seen has dominant but more possessive, maybe he has power over you in the bedroom, but in a more general sense, he’s not really a dominant person. Usually in serious relationships like these, he likes acting this way towards you, dumb and carefree. It doesn’t matter what position he takes, he’d take it just to embrace you and be close to you , ♡(◍•ㅅ•◍)♡

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Fight - Would they be easy to forgive their s/o? How are they fighting?

he's a bit stubborn at first, but then apologizes profusely after you give him the cold shoulder, he has such bad abandonment issues that he can't stand the thought of loosing you because of a fight. First of all, the argument would probably be his fault, Dazai doesn't take it seriously at the start, making jokes in between which just fueled your anger, then gets very serious and it leads to a screaming match between you too. After this, Dazai would be the first to apologize which leads you guys to talk about your feelings. At this point, he'd hold you close, never letting go . ༼˵˃̶̀ɷ˂̶́˵༽ ෆ⃛

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Gratitude - How grateful are they in general? Are they aware of what their s/o is doing for them?

he's very grateful for you, you are the reason why he's still here, he tries to tell you his gratitude in every way he can. He'd try and buy you gifts, cook you a meal, clean the whole house for you, basically anything. He's aware on what you do for him, when you're willing to go great lengths for him, and you are ! He knows the difference between putting effort in the relationship and not doing so, when he knows that you're willing to sacrifice anything and everything for him, he'll give off the same energy too !!   ٩(๑•̀o•́๑)و 

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Honesty - Do they have secrets they hide from their s/o? Or do they share everything?

unfortunately, he does have secrets, but not in the way you think. He hides how he truly feels, when he looks at himself, it's like puzzle pieces were scattered, not even he knows how he feels at times. Dazai doesn't want to worry you, he carries so much emotional baggage that he feels that if he ever told you, you'd be under pressure trying to fix everything and leave him. He doesn't know how healthy relationships work, you were the first one he was serious about. It's fine, you wear him down so he's forced to express himself !! (ﾉ≧ڡ≦)｡

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Inspiration - Did their s/o change them somehow, or the other way around? Like trying out new things or helped them overcome personal problems?

he would change, if he's committed then he would change for you. I believe if it's for the better, he'd do it with no hesitation, if it's change for the worst reasons. Odasaku had such a influence on his life, just for showing the slightest bit of affection, so if his s/o comes into the picture, they would most definitely change him. He would be willing to try anything with you, as long as your by his side, he doesn't mind . °\>3</°

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Jealousy - Do they get jealous easily? How do they deal with it?

he'd be the one who'd make you jealous, he is the flirty type after all, he won't go too far though, so don't worry your pretty little head. He trusts you enough to know that you'd do the right thing, so unless he has a real reason to get worried, he doesn't get jealous that easily. If the person you're talking to keeps tinkering with you, Dazai would snake his arms around your waist, or get physicallly affectionate with you. When the person doesn't get the hint, he'd try to get you out of the conversation. Reassure him that you'll always be with him after the situation . (*｀д´)

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Kiss - Are they a good kisser? What was the first kiss like?

yes. Definitely. He has slept with multiple women { + a few men }, so he would most likely be a good kisser. The first kiss depends, if he's known you for like a year or more than that, he'd he a bit nervous, but if he hasn't, the kiss would be pretty passionate. He knows what he's doing, and he does it well . ＼(´ ∇`)ノ

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Love Confession - How would they confess to their s/o?

at first he'd be pretty jokey, tip toeing around the subject. Acting like he doesn't want to date you and it was just a hypothetical, " it'd be so crazy if we dated.. hehe.. " " are you asking me out, Dazai ? " " ... maybe..? what do you think .. ? ", s/o acquired ! it actually didn't take him that much courage, but it'd be very scary if you hesitated for even a second . ( ・・)つ

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Marriage - Do they want to get married? How do they propose? What would the marriage be like?

like I previously said, Japan doesn't recognize same sex marriage, but Dazai would still be proposing, it reassures you to know that he's committed and would marry you in a heartbeat. When it becomes legal, he wouldn't even care if he gets a wedding, he'll take an elopement, he wants to get married. When he propose, it'd definitely surprise you, he'd have the whole ADA on it too, as long as it's not during work hours, everyone would be excited for him. His wedding would be simple, unless you wanted it to be extravagant, to which you will have, you are a king and should be treated as such ! ≥∇≤

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Nicknames - What do they call their s/o?

immensely corny ones in comparison to yours, his; sweetiepie, my rose, my fresh breath of air, sweetheart, my cold brew coffee with 2 pumps of vanilla, baby boy, princess | yours; darling, dear, my love, cutie, 'samu { + anything else you want to add } ! ლ(◞‿◟ლ)

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

On Cloud Nine - What are they like when they are in love? Is it obvious for others? How do they express their feelings?

when he's interested, he'll make it known to everyone. He's a hard flirt, buttering you up everytime, complimenting you every day. He LOVES being all over you, hugging you and clinging onto you. Unless you're SUPER oblivious or a massive himbo { not to be rude }, you should be able to guess that he likes you and his co-workers know that, strangers even confuse you two for a couple. if it won't be casual dating, he'd be more caring than flirting, y'know ? ( •᷄ - •᷅ )

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

PDA - Are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?

he is not shy about going public, he loves talking about you to his co-workers. Whenever he talks to Atsushi, he sneaks in little brags about you here and there, mentioning you in snippets of his conversations. Since his main love language is physical affection, he basicslly strangles you with his love, he just can't help but ooze out his intimate feelings for you, you're just so perfect to him !  ಢ‸ಢ 

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Quirk - Some random ability they have that’s beneficial in a relationship.

Dazai has a terrifying ability to easily persuade someone and read them like an open book. He'd convince a cashier to give him a discount whenever he buys you something, he even did it to bye you an expensive watch, " my love, how'd you afford this ? ", " uhh.. just enjoy the gift ". When you feel upset, he can tell immediately, by your body language, the tone of your voice and just how you look { like if you have motivation to do your care routine }, he makes sure to keep track of your mood . ( ⁼̴̤̆◡̶͂⁼̴̤̆ )

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Romance - How romantic are they? What would they do to make their s/o happy? Cliché or rather creative?

He can be very romantic, but sometimes, he doesn't have the money, so he steals from Kunikida, as long as you don't focus on that fact then his gesture is lovely. Whenever he plans dates, he blows off work to focus on it, Dazai likes to keep it plain, so he'd give you chocolates, maybe a restaurant or a love hotel. Not so much as cliché but the way he talks about you is super cheesy . (ιº o º)!

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Support - Are they helping their s/o achieve their goals? Do they believe in them?

it depends what type of goals you have. He tries to keep you on the right track, kind of scolding you when you’re off task, and of course he would be proud of you. Dazai is going to be your biggest cheerleader, he believes his s/o can do anything !  •᷄ ρ•᷅ 

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Thrill - Do they need to try out new things to spice out your relationship? Or do they prefer a certain routine?

he's extremely adventurous, wonder how you keeo up with him without passing out. One time, you guys went skydiving, he managed to convince you even with your little protests. Long story short, you caught him ripping his parachute, but you guys still had a good time {both of you almost passed out}. Dazai thinks the same rountine can get insanely boring, everything is new with him . (ง°̀ﾛ°́)ง

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Understanding - How good do they know their partner? Are they empathetic?

Dazai definitely has ASPD and NPD, it grew much stronger in the port mafia, and it was hard for him to heal from that. He tries to he understanding, it's just a little difficult for him, sometimes he comes off as a little insensitive. He apologizes but it depends on the situation, like if he makes a mess whether at your place or at your shared home and you get upset, he tries to ignore that and move on from the subject. Something that he thinks is worth giving an apology for .  ( Ĭ ^ Ĭ ) 

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Value - How important is the relationship to them? What is it’s worth in comparison to other things in their life?

he holds so much value into it, you mean a lot to him. It's hard for Dazai to find a reason to keep on living, but when you came in the picture, Kunikida didn't receive late night phone calls from Dazai about his morality and the meaning of life. If we're comparing you to something, you could be worth more than the ADA, but that's only if you're actually serious about this relationship. Sometimes he asks himself the question " if I'm faced with the situation, would I sacrifice the world for [first name] ? ", he usually chooses you, in this hypothetical question . (❁´▽`❁)

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Wild Card - A random Fluff Headcanon.

he steals lipstick from one of his female co-workers to kiss your face with them. One time, he stole Yosano's makeup on your lunch break, and when she found out, she chased him around the office for 30 minutes. You can't take it off since it's waterproof, so you have to embarrassingly ask for makeup wipes. Almost everyone at the ADA tells him to stop, but he never does ! ~ ♪(*^ ・^)ノ⌒☆   

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

 

XOXO - Are they very affectionate? Do they love to kiss and cuddle?

get ready to be tackled by this man. He ADORES the affection, he loves it more when you give, it makes him feel validated. Dazai's very public about it too, why shouldn't he make it known to everyone? Dazai is a " bear hug " man, he fully embraces you. He also likes it when you kiss his face, especially in front of everyone, he thinks it makes everybody jealous. Dazai wraps you with his arms in bed, you have to fight him under the covers because you feel too hot since he insists on being stuck to you like he's glued to you . (❁´▽`❁)

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧

Yearning - How will they cope when they’re missing their partner?

Dazai would try to manipulate his way back, but if you put your foot down and is set on your decision, he'll stop, he won't beg. his life shattered, it only fed his narrative about himself, " nothing good every stays ", Dazai thinks that he's not worthy of anything gold because it always leaves. Kunikida has to take care of him more, scolding him to eat more and to come into work, but he wouldn't have any motivation anymore. His friends would probably call you an " evil man " for a while, but you're an adult, you could make your own decisions, and they understand it. It's just hard to see Dazai's life revert back into the depressing one that he was trapped in, he didn't kniw what to do now that you were gone ...  ŏ̥̥̥̥םŏ̥̥̥̥ 

Zeal - Are they willing to go to great lenghts for the relationship? If so, what kind of?

he's willing to go far for you, he'd risk sudden death if you were in danger. It kind of makes him go berserk if you get hurt by someone, you're just really special. He'll sacrifice anything if it means hearing your soft snoring in the morning, or your disheveled hair from the pillow messing it up. To him, that view is priceless, and he'd do everything to keep it in his memory forever . (੭ ˃̣̣̥᷄⌓˂̣̣̥᷅ )੭⁾⁾

well dear reader! it seems we have to draw this story to a close ( •᷄ - •᷅ ) thank you for reading !!

[clarisse0o]

Camp Wiegman-Part 63

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe : Military School

Words : 5k

Masterlist

———————————————————————

Saturday, February 27th; 11:00 AM - Ingrid’s Apartment.

Our vacation is coming to an end, and you can feel it. A last-minute brunch was organized at Ingrid's before Mapi and Joan's departure in the early afternoon. Jenni and Alexia were, of course, invited along with us. It was an opportunity to spend the last few hours before wrapping up the holiday. I wished it would never end. I was already happy with my previous vacations, but this one far surpasses all the others I've had. The atmosphere was calm, with various topics of discussion on the table. It was a different mood compared to what we experienced just the night before. Lucy, sitting next to me, has had her hand on my thigh since we arrived. Since I told her about my late-night call, she hasn’t let go of me, in every sense of the word. We were both shaken. However, unlike me, Lucy is seriously considering the proposal I was offered. That’s not the case for me. Not at all. I couldn’t see myself moving away from her, from my loved ones, from this city. It caused tension between us, though we understand each other's arguments. I think our situation was noticed because our friends kept glancing at us, as if to ensure we weren’t about to explode in the middle of the gathering.

“Alright. Are we going to keep pretending everything’s fine, or are you finally going to talk?”

It’s Mapi who spoke. Of course, she’s the one who never holds back. I focus on my plate while Lucy tightens her grip on my thigh. A small sigh escapes her.

“Do you want to tell them?” 

I can feel her eyes on me. She’s leaving it up to me whether or not to share the news with them. I shrug and lean back against the chair. I have everyone’s attention, except for Joan, who’s still focused on his plate, undisturbed by the tension.

“The gallery called me back.”

“Really?” Mapi exclaims with excitement, then loses her enthusiasm. “Wait. They don’t want you, is that it? Is that why you look so upset? What a bunch of idiots! They have no idea what they’re missing out on if they refuse you!”

I smile despite myself at her mood swings. Honestly, she’ll always have my back, no matter the situation, even if she doesn’t know all the details.

“No, it’s not exactly that...”

“The manager offered her a job in Cardiff,” my girlfriend announces bluntly.

“What!?” Alexia reacts. “What’s going on? Why not here?”

“He’s opening a new gallery and putting together a team, and he sees me as a good fit for it.”

“And what’s next?” Mapi scoffs. “It’s a great way to trap you there! It’ll start with an apprenticeship, then a contract you won’t be able to refuse. We all know how this stor—Ouch!” she yells after being elbowed by Ingrid. “What’s your problem?”

“Stop talking so much. You’re not even letting them speak! And besides, this decision isn’t yours to make. If Ona wants to go, it’s her choice.”

“She doesn’t want to,” Lucy replies. “But I think she should. I mean, this is an incredible opportunity. This gallery is very prestigious, even here in Manchester. To be honest, she won’t find a better stepping stone at her current stage.”

“Oh, are you kidding me?” Mapi snaps. “Now that you two are together, are you trying to get rid of her or something? She trusts you! You have no right to say that!”

“Mapi!” Ingrid interrupts with a disapproving tone. “Lucy is supporting Ona. She’s right—it’s a unique opportunity if a top gallery wants to recruit her. It’s not something everyone gets.”

“You’re kidding, right? Ona freaks out when she’s far from her, and I’m not going to let this slide! She’s supposed to support you and your choices, Ona!” she says, looking me directly in the eyes.

That was the last straw for my girlfriend. She slams the table as she stands up.

“Just because I’m telling her to go to Cardiff doesn’t change anything for us,” Lucy says, surprising us all with her outburst. “There’s life beyond personal relationships, and that’s called a career. Sure, she’s happy with me, but she’d be even happier with a job that fulfills her.”

“Well, there are other solutions than moving miles away,” Mapi counters. “I don’t know, she could apply to other galleries in Manchester,” she adds, gesturing wildly. “Who cares about their influence!”

“Cardiff is just next door, you know,” Jenni chimes in for the first time. “Lucy isn’t wrong. A relationship like this is perfectly doable.”

“Next door?” Alexia scoffs. “It’s a three-hour drive! Sure, it could be worse, but that’s still a long trip to make every weekend. Plus, it’s a gallery. If they have exhibitions, some weekends are going to be off-limits. Ona, knowing you, I understand why you don’t want to go, and I support you.”

A heavy silence fills the room. Three against three, then. I thought their input would help us, but clearly not. We’re back to square one. I glance at Lucy, who sighs as she sits back down, running her hand over her face. This issue is far from over, and we all know it. The tension slowly fades, even as Mapi asks another question.

“When do you have to give them an answer?”

“In two weeks,” I reply. “The manager wants to meet me again. I’ll have to ask Wiegman for permission to leave.”

“She’ll grant it,” Lucy assures me, having already told me this information yesterday.

She even added that she’ll make sure to accompany me. I hope that’ll be the case. Since she’ll remain my supervisor until the end, there’s a good chance.

“Two weeks to think it over, huh... Ugh. No way are you leaving again when I plan to come here.”

“Well, you could just come back home,” Joan, who had been silent until now, suggests.

No one responds before we all laugh. He still seems hopeful for my return... Even though I talked to him this morning before coming here. He wasn’t too open, probably afraid to confide in me. With all this chaos, I haven’t had time to call my mom, but it’s still on my mind.

“Well, I’ve still got to finish packing,” Mapi finally says. “You girls coming to help?”

Having finished eating, Alexia and I get up to follow her to the bedroom. Lucy stops Joan, who wants to come with us, and encourages him to keep eating. He’s the only one who hadn’t finished yet, as he tends to take his time. I thank my girlfriend, who must have understood we needed some time alone to talk. It’s the first time I’ve set foot in Ingrid’s place. Her apartment is smaller than Lucy’s. For starters, it only has one bedroom, compared to Lucy’s three. However, I had the chance to see the bathroom, and for an apartment, it’s quite spacious. Of course, everything is quite modern. From the outside, the building doesn’t look old. She lives right in the center of Manchester. That was surprising. I imagined her living outside the city, like Lucy, but I guess I was wrong. Contrary to what you might think, you can’t hear anything from the outside world. It must be well insulated. When we arrive in the only bedroom, I notice it faces the back, overlooking a small courtyard. The place looks more peaceful here. I felt compelled to linger by the window, for whatever reason. Probably to delay the conversation. Mapi didn’t share that sentiment.

“No way! I can’t believe this!” she fumes.

I turn around to see her pacing back and forth while Alexia has flopped onto the bed like a rock. I don’t hesitate long before joining her. The conversation is going to be long, especially with Mapi in this state. She’s aggressively pulling clothes from the wardrobe, which I note is Ingrid’s. It seems we’re not the only ones moving forward in this new life. Yet, it’s quite contradictory to what she told me earlier.

“She seriously thinks this is what’s best for you!? Are you sure she knows you well, because that’s not the impression I’m getting!”

“Stop getting worked up like this.”

“I’ll get worked up if I want,” she says, throwing clothes into her suitcase one by one. “Honestly, I had a lot more respect for her before today.”

I sigh, casting a glance at Alexia. She doesn’t seem inclined to come to my rescue, judging by the way she shrugs. Clearly, those two are on the same page.

“She didn’t say anything wrong.”

“She wants you to go to Cardiff!”

“She’s only thinking about my professional well-being! She wants me to be fulfilled.”

- "And then what? Do you think you'll be away from everyone? Now that I've found something to build my life on here, you're leaving again! It's out of the question, I'm warning you!"

I laugh softly as I fall onto the bed. I stare at the white-painted ceiling. She's right. I can't just drop everything here when I've barely started forging a future. There are other galleries. I just need to apply. Anyway, I wasn't planning on accepting his offer impulsively. I already know a couple that broke up because of a career decision. I'm not going to make the same mistake.

- "What do you plan to do?" Ale. asks.

- "Negotiate at first. Then probably write some resumes. We need to talk about it more seriously with Lucy. She's not entirely wrong."

- "Did you two argue?" she continues.

- "No, not really. We didn’t raise our voices, even though we weren’t on the same page."

- "That's good. Anyway, the decision is yours to make."

I nod, though not very convincingly. I don't know where this is headed, but it doesn't feel good. I didn’t need any last-minute tensions to ruin the end of our vacation.

- "I think I would have preferred if he’d said no instead of making such an offer. To be honest, I expected this answer considering the kind of gallery it is."

I've had time to do some research since the interview. I didn’t know who I was dealing with before. If Lucy says it’s a golden opportunity, it’s because it's one of the most renowned galleries in Wales. they've established themselves in the big cities, and now they’re targeting smaller ones, according to him. Working there would be a great boost for my resume...

- "Oooh, I know that look," Mapi says, cutting through my thoughts. "Don’t even think about it. Have you forgotten what it was like being away from Lucy? Right now, you’re not thinking about it because you’re in your bubble, but wait until classes start again. You’ll remember what it feels like to have distance between you."

I bite my lip, thinking about her words. I hate to admit it, but she’s right. It’s unthinkable. Just look at my nightmares. Since I've been back in her arms, they've disappeared completely. I’d be curious to see if they come back when I return to school. If they do, I'd better keep it to myself. Wiegman might send me to see a therapist like she threatened before the holidays, and that's definitely not happening. But we’re not there yet. It’s not time to think about that. There’s more to it. I feel safe by her side, and being alone in an unknown city is definitely not a good plan. The idea of Lucy following me is simply impossible. She’ll be too busy with the renovation and opening of her gym. It’s truly a headache that I need to deal with.

- "Well," Mapi sighs, seeming to have finished packing. "I’m going to check the bathroom one more time to make sure I’ve got everything, and then we can head out."

The time is indeed approaching. Their flight is scheduled for early afternoon so they can arrive in Barcelona tonight. If it were up to Mapi, she probably would have flown tomorrow, but she agreed to change the date to accompany my little brother. It’s his first trip, and I have no doubt the time difference will affect him. I stand up, intending to head to the living room, but Alexia, who’s now sitting, stops me.

- "You know, I don't completely agree with Mapi's words, but she's got a point. I don’t know everything you’ve been through like she or probably Lucy does."

I part my lips to defend myself, but she continues before I can say anything.

- "But I’ve seen who you were before Lucy came into your life and who you are now. I’m not sure what to make of it, to be honest. Just don’t make any hasty decisions. You’re the only stable friend I’ve had lately, and I don’t want to lose you."

I smile at her heartfelt confession. I had always wondered if Alexia had any friends because she never talks about the people around her outside of school. I think I have my answer now. She probably never had the chance to get close to anyone because of her chaotic life, which is a real shame. She’s a fantastic person, and I don't regret meeting her at all.

- "How could you think I’d abandon you after school? You’ve managed to reach the same level as Mapi in my life, so even if I had to leave, we’d stay close. Now come here, you silly girl."

I open my arms, and she doesn't hesitate to accept my embrace. It’s actually the first time I’ve initiated it. She squeezes me so tightly I almost can’t breathe, but I say nothing. She must need this. She probably thought I didn’t care about her as much, but she’s wrong. She’s been a huge support to me this year, and I’m not going to forget that.

- "Thank you," she whispers.

After exchanging a smile, we head back to the living room. Our friends were deep in conversation, thankfully not about my job offer. As soon as I sit down, Lucy pulls me close and kisses my temple. I smile, leaning into her. No matter if we disagree, as long as love remains, I'm fine.

- "Are you okay?" she whispers.

I nod to reassure her. I’m not in the best shape, but she doesn’t need to know that right now. Knowing her, she probably suspects something anyway. Nothing is resolved, but now isn’t the time to discuss it. Time flies, and before long, we're cleaning up and preparing to leave. Everyone pitches in, and just before 12:30, we head out. Jenni and Alexia have already said goodbye to the apartment, preferring to go home rather than come with us. With just five of us left, Lucy took the initiative to drive us to the airport. The journey is long and silent, leaving me deep in thought. Why does something always have to spoil my happiness? It’s really unfortunate. I snap out of my reverie when Lucy places her hand on my thigh. Normally, I love that, but right now, it doesn’t lift my spirits. Instead, I look into the rearview mirror, where everything is just as quiet. Even my brother isn't saying a word. He must sense the tension; otherwise, I have no doubt she’d be chatting away the whole trip. Finally, we arrive at the airport. We accompany Joan and Mapi through all the necessary steps before boarding. It’s strange not to be the one traveling this time. I help my brother with each step; it’s definitely not something she can do alone.

- « Ona?" she calls out to me.

We’re alone at the baggage check-in, and it’s the first time he’s spoken. Mapi is at another counter while the others wait on the other side.

- "Hmm?"

- "You’re not going to break up with Lucy, are you?"

- "Why would you think that, huh?" I ask with a small smile.

- "Well, you both seem sad. I don’t want you two to break up. Even though she takes you away from me, she’s brought your smile back."

I blush slightly as the attendant chuckles, clearly having overheard. I try to ignore him to respond to my brother.

- "We’re not breaking up, Joan. We just have a disagreement. It’ll be sorted out soon."

- "I hope so. Because even though I pretended otherwise, I actually like her. As long as you both make your decisions with your hearts, everything will be fine."

His words make me smile. I ruffle his hair before we rejoin the others. Kids can be so perceptive when they want to be. He gave me the answer to my questions in a single sentence. We finally reach the boarding gate. The flight leaves in a few minutes. We’ve found seats, and Joan has taken advantage of the moment to sit on my lap. He snuggles against me, kicking his legs gently.

- "I don’t want to go," Mapi sighs.

- "It’s just three little months."

- "It’s going to be so long without you," she groans. "Next time, you guys are coming to me."

- "Mom wants us to come anyway, so we’ll visit one weekend."

- "You’ll come with them, right?" she asks her girlfriend.

- "Of course," she confirms, giving her a small kiss.

I smile sadly. It must be just as hard for Ingrid. You quickly get used to the good things. I’m glad Lucy and I weren’t already together when I used to go back home. It was hard enough then; I can’t imagine how I’d have felt if we’d been dating. It must not be easy for the girls either.

- "Are you okay, love?"

I look back at Lucy and nod. She smiles gently, running her hand through my hair, and I close my eyes for a moment, savoring the gesture. I definitely couldn’t part from her. I lean in to kiss her, and Joan, still sitting on me, groans in disgust, forcing me to pull away gently. Lucy laughs, looking at him.

- "Did you enjoy the vacation?"

- "Yes!" he replies, nodding enthusiastically. "Can I come back?"

- "Of course. We just need your mom’s approval," she answers.

- "And when are you guys coming back?"

- "Soon. One of the upcoming weekends," I tell him.

Lucy nods in agreement. We haven’t talked about it yet, but with my mom insisting and what’s going on with Joan, it would be a good idea to go as soon as possible. The intercom announces that the boarding gate is now open. The way Joan burrows into me tells me he’s been dreading this moment. I hug him tight before we stand to accompany them to the gate, ready to say our goodbyes. Mapi bids farewell to her girlfriend while I crouch down to remind my brother of a few final instructions.

- "You’ll behave, okay? And make sure you listen to Mapi during the flight."

- « Yes, Ona," he answers indifferently. "I’m going to miss you."

He catches me by surprise, wrapping one arm around my neck and the other around Lucy’s waist, who was standing next to me.

- "I’ll miss you too, sweetheart. We’ll see each other soon, I promise."

I kiss him cheek, giving him one last hug. Then he turns to Lucy to do the same. Meanwhile, I take the opportunity to hug Mapi.

- "Everything will be fine," I tell her.

- "Shouldn’t I be the one telling you that?" she giggles. "We’ll keep in touch, right?"

- "I promise. We’ll see each other soon anyway. And then you’ll come here, so there won’t be any more problems."

She gives me one last hug and then hugs my girlfriend before taking Joan’s hand.

- "Don’t worry, I’ll bring him back in one piece," she teases me.

- "I sure hope so," I chuckle.

- "Text us when you land," adds Ingrid.

- "I won’t forget."

She comes back to give her one last kiss before finally leaving. We stay in our spots until they pass the first flight attendants and the corridor. They turn around one last time, and we exchange a final wave before they disappear around the corner. That’s when we turn to leave.

- "Well, there you have it," Lucy comments. "Things will be calm again."

- "Oh yeah," Ingrid sighs. "It’s going to feel almost boring now."

- "No kidding," I giggle.

- "Do you have any plans for next weekend?" Lucy asks.

- "I don’t think so. Why?"

- "Well, I was thinking we could go visit. You want to go as soon as possible, right?" Lucy asks in return.

I nod. She wraps her arm around my shoulders. I smile softly, snuggling against her.

- "Well, I suppose we can do that, but I won’t be able to go every weekend," Ingrid warns us.

- "That’s not our plan, don’t worry," Lucy reassures her. "Alright, let’s go buy our tickets, and then we can head home."

Said and done. We head toward the ticket counters, taking our time. Then we make our way back, with a stop to drop Ingrid off. I let her sit in the front so they could chat. Once I’m alone again, silence returns. I avoid looking at Lucy, preferring to watch the world outside. Manchester is a very vibrant city if you pay attention.

- "Are you going to stay quiet for much longer?" she asks me.

- "Can’t I?"

- "No. Not when you’re thinking so much."

I look down at her hand, palm up, resting on my thigh. I get the message and take her hand in mine. She brings it to her lips and kisses it.

- "Talk to me. You know I don’t like it when you shut yourself off."

- "Was the answer you gave me last night from your heart?"

The question hangs in the air. I don’t dare look at her, afraid I’ll regret it. My sister managed to plant doubts in my mind. What if she was speaking from the heart? What if, as Mapi suggested earlier, she really wanted me far away from her? It’s hard to believe that of Lucy, but nothing is impossible. She sighs softly, squeezing my hand.

- "Cariño-"

- "Answer my question, Lucy," I interrupt. "It’s not a complicated one."

- "If this is about trust or-"

- "That’s not an answer," I groan, finally managing to look at her.

I don’t know why, but her evasion irritates me. As long as she doesn’t give me a clear answer, the doubts will remain. She’s not looking at me. Usually, she’d at least glance at me, but not this time.

- "No. Of course not," she finally answers. "If it was a choice made with my heart, I’d make sure to keep you by my side all the time."

- "Then why tell me to accept?"

- "It’s the reasonable answer, Ona. That will always be my first response. I thought you knew that by now."

- "So what? If we both have a problem talking openly from the heart, then we have a problem."

- "I just want what’s best for you."

- "I know, but that’s not what I expect from you. Well, it is, but not when it means pushing me away at the same time. Do you want to know how I’d feel if I accepted this offer? Imagine how I felt when you rejected me; it would feel just like that. Why do you think Mapi flipped out when she found out?! She knew exactly how I was feeling!"

My voice resonates in the car. I raised it on purpose. I want to provoke a reaction from her. I want her to hold me back. If she doesn’t, I honestly won’t know what to think anymore.

- "I—... Wait, let me park."

I realize we’ve arrived at her building from what she just said. She lets the silence linger as she parks the car, just as she said. As soon as the keys are out of the ignition, she turns toward me and grabs both of my hands again, holding them tightly and pulling them close. I force myself to look at her. She looks shaken.

- "That’s not my intention, baby. I’m really sorry if you took it that way. It’s just that, I was raised this way, you know? Making the reasonable choices, it’s what I do… I don’t want us to fight about this."

After everything she’s told me about her childhood, I can only understand. I don’t know much, but from what I’ve gathered, she was very focused on school. She probably didn’t have many friends, which is why she’s so close to Jenni. It always surprises me because, at my old high school, she would have been one of the popular girls. She probably would’ve been at hers too, but she turned down that role. After all, if she was bullied as a kid, I can understand her. Rejecting labels allowed her to make the best choices for her future, without having to worry about anyone. She never had to follow her heart because she wasn’t close to anyone but Jenni. She always seemed to follow her everywhere, so naturally, the reasonable always triumphed for her without question.

- "I love you, baby. If you want to stay here, I’m not going to push you away. It’s just that, I’m about to reach my goals soon. If I wanted you to accept this offer, it was so you could achieve yours with the best chances possible."

- "But there are other options, even if they’ll take more work. I’m ready to make sacrifices, Lucy."

- "I know, and we’ll talk about it. There’s no need to get so worked up. I’m not pushing you away, far from it," she teases gently, wiping away the tears I hadn’t even realized were falling.

- "We should never have involved others in this..."

- "No, we shouldn’t have," she smiles. "But it’s okay. What’s done is done. Besides, no matter what anyone else says, or even me, the final decision is yours, no matter what. I won’t be mad if you turn down the offer. Quite the opposite. Just don’t make any hasty decisions. Don’t focus only on me. As much as I don’t want it, we don’t know what tomorrow holds for us and many other things. You need to think it over carefully."

I nod, letting her gentle caresses on my cheeks soothe me. My doubts have finally eased. She’s not rejecting me. She just wants me to make the right decisions without regrets. I need to make this choice for myself, just as she has always made hers... Her words managed to plant some doubts.

- "Will you always put your goals before your relationship?" I ask curiously, opening my eyes.

- "No. It’s hard to explain, but I feel like you’re the person I’ve always been waiting for in my life... Since the day you agreed to be with me, you’ve become my priority. And anyway, as I said, my goals are being met right now, so I don’t think I’ll have any more for a long time, if everything works out."

- "Thank you," I reply, blushing. "Can I have some cuddles now?"

- "Of course," she laughs. "As many as you want, once we’re back in our apartment."

- "Our apartment?" I catch her slip.

- "Ours, yes..." she confirms with a hint of anxiety before continuing. "I’d like you to move into my apartment. For now, just on the weekends, but once school’s over, I want it to be permanent. I want you to stay here and live with me, my love."

My heart skips a beat. We had talked about me staying here after Camp Wiegman, but I didn’t expect her to make it an official request. I blink back the tears filling my eyes before throwing my arms around her neck, shouting "yes" over and over, making my girlfriend laugh as she catches me effortlessly.

[wannaeatramyeon]

HELLO!!! OMG I LOVE YOUR WORK SO MUCH ❤️✨. I WAIT FOR YOU EVERYDAY TO POST 💖 YOUR WRITING IS LIKE THE BEST THING IN THIS WORLD 🙇 CAN I PLS REQUEST LOOKISM MEN WITH A HOUSEWIFE READER. THANK YOU SO MUCH LOVE YOUR WORK 😍🥰

Hey anon, thanks for reading my brainrot and your request! You are adorable and I am loving the energy in this ask.

Gone for hc, but lemme know if you want a lil fic/drabble. I started to write a snippet for Jake and Goo and then realised I wanted to write for more of the boys but it gets a bit repetitive, yknow?

Lookism Boys with Housewife S/O headcanons

Jake Kim

After what feels like a lifetime of instant ramen and worrying about Big Deal, it's nice to have some homecooked meals and know that at least one part of his life is running smoothly.

Will always try to split the chores and errands evenly with you, because it's Jake. And if you wave him away and say no it's fine, he will follow you around anyway because spending time with you? Yes please.

Goo Kim

If you want to be a housewife, knock yourself out, honeybun. If you want to just sit around on your ass all day and do nothing, that's fine too. Goo will hire cleaners. Whatever makes you happy.

Actually loves doing shared chores with you though, and canonically he loves to cook. You do the prepping, he does the actual chef work. A little because it's a fun roleplay for him, and a lot because he does appreciate time together where he can just ramble on to you.

Gun Park

Housewife is.. fine. He can provide more than enough for the both of you. Honestly doesn't have any feelings about it one way or the other.

From a practical and pragmatic sense, it's nice to have someone he trusts look after your home. And then if/when there are kids coming along then it's also a lot easier if you are a stay-at-home parent too.

Samuel Seo

You're not so much a housewife, as a kept wife. Samuel has the vibes that if he can afford to so, and he absolutely can, then you are not lifting a finger.

Yes, he loves you but more because it's a matter of pride that he can provide for you in all areas of your life. You keeping the household running smoothly? Fine. But doing dishes? He has the ridiculous notion that it's below you.

Eugene

Yeah, you're also not going to be a housewife with Eugene. You can be in a power couple with him, but there is zero expectation to be a traditional housewife. You guys employ people for that.

Enjoy your shopping and brunches and being on the board of charities or whatever with other socialites.

DG/James Lee

This guy has enemies and unhinged fans coming out of his butthole, so for your safety and his peace of mind, housewife is great. Leaves pretty much most of the errands to you as his fame prevents him doing even the most simple things (but yet no one catches him beating up minors).

Extremely private with his personal life and with you. You're the only bit of normalcy in his insane life (lives?) and appreciates the sanctuary and home you have both built. Seeing you do the laundry, dust, cook, whatever? It's a sigh of relief for his soul.

Zack Lee/Vasco Tabasco

The two of them are pretty similar here.

Are you kidding? Absoutely loves that you are a housewife, there's something about the fact that you are looking after their wellbeing that they adore.

Has very traditional ideas of gender roles, much to the chagrin of you at times, so them being the financial provider, and the household being your domain sounds great to them. Any issues with that? Don't worry, just let them know and they will bend over backwards to make sure you're happy.

Xiaolong

Takes a long time to get used this, and even then you being a housewife and looking after the household and family never quite feels right.

Don't blame Xiaolong though, he has had a lifetime of servitude. Always feels a little guilty about not looking after you in all areas of your life. He never quite fully breaks out of this mindset but is forever grateful for you and all that you do.

Vin Jin

What housewife? You're on the road touring with him when he's an international platinum-selling rapper.

Johan Seong

Well a positive of you being a housewife is that the further away from danger you are, the better.

However, being the sole financial provider does stress him out. He's had to scrape so goddamn hard for his mother's surgery, and the thought that the he has to do that forever? It does freak him out a little.

Much much prefers an equal partnership.

Eli Jang

Loves the stability of having you being a housewife for Yenna.

He trusts you with his life, and more importantly with Yenna. Eli knows she is in a safe pair of hands with you so that is a massive weight off his mind.

Overall it does a lot for healing the shitty childhood he had. Experiencing the loving home you have cultivated means more to him than you will ever know.

Warren Chae

He is the best househusband, and no one can convince me otherwise. Being able to have a calm life, with a loving partner and his biggest concern are looking after the home and family? After worrying about Hostel? Sign him the fuck up.

Warren will wave you off to work with a smile, the most delicious home-cooked lunch ever and a little note for you to read and perk up your day.

[rottenblur]

Study break|J.MILLER| part four

Summary: After that intense brunch date with the Millers, Joel had been ignoring you. What better way to get your mind off him than to get drunk and make out with a stranger. Would you do it again if you knew you were gonna get caught?

Warnings: Alcohol, implied thigh riding, making out with a stranger, getting caught hehehe, jealous! Joel, thigh touching by said stranger, weed, truck sex, reader fails to give joel road head, over the clothes touching (reader to joel) crossfaded reader. Smut MOST SMUT IVE WROTE FOR THIS SERIES, joel fighting some guy for you, angry!joel unprotected sex (use a condom plz) violence for like two seconds

“You’re a lethal fuck baby.”

Three long, fucking cruel days of Joel ignoring you, he set you in place and just expected you to be okay with being high and dry.

You responded to his text, he read it and didn’t respond. He makes breakfast every morning, not even glancing at you once.

A fucking asshole. It was infuriating, you keep messaging him hoping he will respond but, nope he leaves you on delivered, as if you aren’t living in the same house.

You pass him in the hallways late at night when you can’t sleep, yet he never responds more than a “hm” to your desperate “hey”.

On a late Saturday night, you and Sarah are laying around, scrolling through your phones till she gets a notification.

“Hey..you wanna go to a party?”

You look over to her, turning off your phone.

Honestly, anything to forget Joel was a good idea in your books. Didn’t matter at what cost, or where… with who.

“Yeah..i guess” You replied.

Her face lights up and she almost mauls you, pulling you into the tightest hug you’ve ever felt.

“REALLY??? My baby is growing up so fast, she kisses your forehead.

“I dont have any party clothes tho, Wore my only dress yesterday.” You pull her off of you to look at her.

She looks at you, gets up and walks over to her closet.

“Are you fucking kidding me, I got everything you could ever want in here.”

You sigh, walk over and start looking through her dresses. None in sight that are even close to knee length.

I mean what’s better to get over a guy by getting drunk in a slutty outfit, and fucking a stranger?

You and Sarah both decide on a outfit, yours a purple mini dress with rhinestone straps that glimmer in the light.

Sarah’s a flowy floral, white dress, honestly she would look like a angel if it wasn’t so short.

“Jeez Sarah I look more like a slut than you do, that’s new.” You say as you both admire each other in a body length mirror.

You spend the next fifteen minutes listening to music and doing your makeup.

When you both look like you should be working a street corner, officially you’re ready to go to a shitty frat party.

You and Sarah grab your phones and head down stairs. Joel and tommy are leaning on the kitchen island looking over some blue prints with a beer in hand.

“We are going to a party so don’t wait up.” She smiles and gives them a twirl showing off her outfit, they both smile then both of their gazes fall on you.

They are staring at you like you’re their prey. Fucking devouring you with their eyes.

Joel’s eyes fall on the hem of your dress, falling just above mid thigh, he furrows his brows and adverts his gaze.

“Yeah alright, text me if you need a ride.” He practically mumbles then tommy pipes in.

“Shit Sarah you’ve converted her.” He laughs and sips his beer.

“Oh shut up, she’s the one that wanted to go.” Sarah says while shoving on a pair of heels.

You look at Joel to see his reaction, it for sure wasn’t a happy one. “Thanks for the ride offer, Mr. Miller.” You wanted it to hurt. When you bend over to pick up your shoes, you made god damn sure he saw your dress ride up revealing the black lace of your panties.

You can hear a grunt as you slip on your shoes and stand back up, rolling your eyes when his catch yours.

You shut the door behind you and you’re off.

Arriving at the party, groups of people are gathered on the lawn. The music is so loud you can hear it from the sidewalk, what the fuck. What the fuck were you doing at a college frat party with Sarah, willingly.

You brush away your shame and step inside. Guys with bass pro hats, covering a horrible mullet. Dressed head to toe in carhartt, the cherry on top is the timberland boots.

Every single god damn one of them looked the same, then one catches your eye.

A guy dressed head to toe in black, other than a green flannel, fucking perfect. He looked like he was only here for the free liquor, probably was best friends with one of these yee haw mother fuckers as a kid.

The only possible reason you could imagine why he would be here, a fucking frat.

You search the liquor table for something other than white claws or bud light, a bottle of jack daniel’s catching your eye, bingo. You grab the bottle screwing the cap open and taking a sip, you wipe your mouth.

A tap on your shoulder makes you turn around, it wasn’t Sarah, she was long gone talking to one of her boy toys.

It was a tall, mullet bass pro wearing mother fucker. Jesus you didn’t have time nor patience for them tonight.

“Hey girl, you can’t just take the whole-“

You flip him off and walk towards your target boy toy. If he was in a band, you’d gladly be his groupie.

Another swig of whiskey to calm your nerves and you’re strutting over to him. He’s perched on a large window sill nursing a cigarette, a bong laid carefully by his feet. Probably the only stoner in here.

You approach him and think of the easiest way to pick up a conversation, got it.

“Hey, can i bum one off ya’?” He looks away from the open window and smiles at you. “For sure, cutie.” He reaches into his pocket pulling out a pack of marlbaro golds and offers it to you.

You take one, putting it between your lips. He sits up, making room for you, you sit down next to him.

He leans in, lighting your cigarette with his. You inhale, pulling away and exhaling the smoke.

“You aren’t one of those frat girls are you?” You laugh at his comment, shaking your head and inhaling once again.

“Nah, my friend dragged me here.”

A lie, but he doesn’t know any better. Saying that you actually wanted to come to this stupid party would do you no good to a guy like this.

He puts the cigarette between his lips, and shifts to pick up the bong.

“You want some? It’s some quad shit really good.” He pulls out a bag from his flannel, packing about a half ounce of weed in it. I mean, fuck it.

You nod your head, picking up the whiskey bottle chugging a good amount and passing it to him, he declines. “What’s your name anyways?”

He takes a nug out, grinds it onto his hand, pitches it and puts it into the bowl.

“Tyler.” He lights the bowl filled to the top with purple and green weed, inhaling till the weed goes through, he pulls out the bowl and inhales the smoke.

A slight cough into his sleeve and he’s passing the bong to you. You take a swig of liquid courage, not that you needed it at all.

The music is slurred, the only features you can make out on his face is his long black hair, his dark brown eyes and a eyebrow piercing. God imagine if his name mattered, if you would even remember it tomorrow.

You pinch the remaining bits of bud, putting it into the bowl. He looks to you, putting out his cigarette onto the hardwood floor. You’re sure the frat DEFINITELY loves this guy.

You take one last drag of your cigarette, passing it to him and taking his lighter.

“How’d you get invited to this anyways, you don’t look like a frat asshole.” You point to his outfit.

He lights the bowl, you inhale. “Yeah i sell some of these assholes shitty overpriced weed.” He laughs, you finish the bowl and set the bong down, he takes a slow drag off your cigarette.

What he said hits you, so does the weed. You bust out laughing, so hard you start coughing.

“I only give pretty girls like you the good shit.”

Oh shit. Mixing the amount of whiskey you had plus the weed was a bad idea. At least you weren’t thinking about Joel.

“Fuck, you’re too sweet, too hot.” You slur.

He passes back the cigarette to you, everything was so calm. You almost forgot where you were for a second, you were fucked up.

You take a drag off the cigarette, throwing it onto the floor, stomping it with your shoe. He smiles at you, then leans in, dodging your lips and going straight for your neck.

He kisses up and down your neck, sucking every couple kisses, he dips down where your dress falls. Right on your tits. He shoves a hand in your dress dancing around your inner thigh, you let out a whimper when his thumb grazes your clit.

Fuck was it the alcohol or was it hot in here.

Then you remember exactly why you don’t drink, your stomach turns upside down. You pull his head away from your neck, smiling to him.

“Hey, I’ll be right back.”

He smiles and nods, picking up the bong as you walk away, stumble away would be more realistic.

You take the bottle with you, running up the crowded stairs and search for a bathroom.

A open door, no one occupying it with a quickie either, bingo. You walk in, pulling out your phone searching through your contacts with blurry vision.

You take a sip, sit yourself on the floor as the phone beeps. To your surprise, they answered.

“Hey, what’s up.” You can hear the mumbles of tv in the background.

You look at your phone, fuck. You swore you called Tommy, not fucking Joel.

It was late too, he was staying up to pick you and Sarah up, such a sweetheart wait no you’re mad at him, what a fucking dick.

“Fuck i meant to call Tommy mm b-“ He cuts you off before you can finish your slurred words.

“Nah, he’s asleep I’m all ya get. Sarah ready too? You sound pretty fuckin’ ready.” He states, did you ready sound that bad?

You sigh and take a gulp of liquor, setting the bottle on the floor and answer. “Yeahhh I dont know where she is, pretty sure she’s with a guy-“ You pick the bottle back up, taking another sip. “Call her yourself bro” You say giggling at your words.

You can almost picture his face when you said that, fingers pinched on his nose bridge, furrowed brows.

“Bro? Who the fuck are you talkin’ to darlin’? I’m leavin now.”

He hangs up the phone, you shove your phone back into your bag, take one last sip of your bottle and head back downstairs.

You’re on top of whatever his name was, you’d already forgotten. Too drunk to have shame, too high to care who it was.

You can feel how hard he was, kissing him was basically just teeth and spit.

You were desperate for each other. If you got up now there would be a wet spot on his black jeans, from you or him, No one knows. Your hips uncontrollably rub against him, your dress riding up for the whole fucking party to see.

You hear your name be called faintly through the pounding of loud music and talking. Then a tap on your shoulder from a rough large hand, oh fuck.

You turn your head to look, your face met with a broad chest in a black t shirt, you look up. Fuck.

“C’mon time to go.” He’s fucking fuming.

Tyler pulls your face back for another kiss, you’re lifted off him like you don’t weigh shit.

“The fuck is this? Your dad or something?” He remarks.

Joel laughs. “What are you 19 or something? Fucking kid.” He mumbles, You stumble aside. Joel steps towards him, tyler stands up, boner and pre cum stain for everyone to see.

“Who the fuck are you old man?” He spits out and goes to grab your arm.

Joel hits him, he falls back with a bloody nose. Probably broken. He was a skinny alternative boy and Joel was you know Joel.

“Wanna try to touch her again?” He picks him up by his collar, you’re frozen in spot. It was kinda hot, him fighting some guy for you.

“Jesus man are you her fucking boyfriend or something, she came onto me. Guess your old ass can’t hit it right.” He should have just left it alone.

“Hey, shut the fu-“ Joel looks at you and before you could finish your sentence, Tyler was on the floor with a fucked up face. You could hear the crunch of his bones against Joel’s strong fist.

Joel grabs your arm and starts pulling you out of the party. “What the fuck was that, Joel seriously?”

He looks at you, adjusts your dress and pulls you towards his truck. “I fuckin’ told you darlin’.”

He picks you up, putting you into the passenger seat, buckling your seat belt and slamming the door. “Told me-“ He walks over to the driver side and hops in.

“What the fuck did you tell me? That bullshit with Tommy?”

He doesn’t say anything, just starts driving. You huff to yourself and take off your shoes.

You get to a stop light, he looks at you. “Yeah, wasn’t bullshit. So much for being mine right?” His grip on the steering wheel tightened, was it Tyler or were you soaking fucking wet over how angry Joel was right now.

“You were fucking ignoring me, you think I don’t want you? Even now.”

He looks at you and the light turns green.

“I was ignoring you ‘cause—“ He looks away, his knuckles white against the black leather of the wheel. “-I can’t fucking control myself no more.” He sighs.

He looks back to you, looking you up and down.

“God did you have to dress so slutty?” His hips rut up, you had him exactly where you wanted him, or at least where drunk you wanted him.

You blush, reaching your hand to the growing bluge in his grey sweatpants, showing you everything you could ever want to see.

His breath hitches. “Fuck, you’re drunk.”

You smile at him and start rubbing him through his pants, he looks down.

A dark wet spot grows on his pants, god he was perfect.

“Darlin’ I can’t drive if you keep doing that.”

You nod and pull his dick out of his pants, his tip was angry and leaking. You thumb his tip, dragging the pre cum down his length pulling a groan out of him.

He looks at you, you unbuckle your seatbelt and adjust in your seat, leaning over to him. You spit on his tip and force him down your throat.

“Fuck- Jesus.” He grunts out.

You bob your head up and down trying to take him all in your mouth, working the rest with your hands, you can feel the car speeding up.

When you feel him about to cum down your throat, he pulls you off and parks the car. You look around, you’re at the bottom of his street, thank god it was too late for anyone to be awake.

“Look we can’t—“ he cuts himself off, looking at your dripping mouth, your dripping cunt peeking out from your dress.

“-Fuck it, come ‘ere.” He adjusts his seat, making room for you, leaning back his seat slightly. Your first time with Joel fucking Miller was gonna be in his truck.

You climb onto his lap, straddling him. He looks at you, reaches down and rubs your clit through your panties.

“Look at ya, all fuckin’ soaked for me” He pushes your panties to the side, pulling you up and notching his tip to your slit. Your breath hitches and you look at him with furrowed brows.

He leans in connecting your lips with his, then pushes his tip into you with a grunt. He disconnects your lips with a sigh. “You’re such a tease.” He grabs your face, making you look at him as he thrusts all the way in you, splitting you apart.

“Fuck—you’re too big.” You shut your eyes, working through the stretch of him.

“Look at me baby.” He fucks into you without remorse, a steady pace with no mercy.

You can feel him in your stomach, he pulls you back into a kiss. You’re moaning into his mouth and his balls are slapping onto your ass such a filthy sound.

He reaches his hand down, oh fuck. Was it the alcohol or could you come right fucking now.

“Oh fuck Joel—mm like that” You mumble into his mouth, he’s fucking you dumb. His fingers find the perfect pace bringing you to your orgasm.

He pulls away from the kiss looking at you with those beautiful, soft brown eyes, and scrunched up face. “Shit darlin’, wanna feel you cum all ‘round this dick.” He groans as his hips pick up a unbearable pace, his tip kissing your cervix with each stroke.

You whimper, and with a nod from him you’re coming fully undone around him, fucking you through your high.

“Fuck you’re squeezing my dick so fuckin’ good.” When you’re coming down from your high, pulsing all around him, his face relaxes and he pulls out. Pulling up your dress, jerking himself till thick white ropes pour all over your lower stomach and clit.

“Jesus.” Is all you can breathe out.

He kisses your forehead, and looks you up and down, blush covered cheeks, sticky white ropes now ruining Sarah’s dress and your panties.

He was out of breath, he looked more fucked than you. You ruffle his hair and climb off him.

“So what are we gonna do now?” You say looking over at him as he pulls up his pants, He looks at you in bliss.

“We do it again. You’re a lethal fuck baby.”

Taglist: @paleidiot @slvbl

(Comment to be added to taglist)

Masterlist: here

Part three: here

Part five: coming soon..

AN: probably wouldn’t have finished this if SOMEONE ( @slvbl ) DIDNT BULLY ME INTO IT. I hope y’all enjoy this. The smut is kinda short but ANGY joel MAKES ME HAPPY. I named tyler after a guy that ghosted me on tinder LITTLE DID HE KNOW HE WOULD BE GETTING BEAT UP IN MY FIC MWAHAHAHAH lmk how yall feel bout this part yall need to get into my inbox i need inspiration 😘

[apomaro-mellow]

Whatever Stevie Wants 10

Part 9

While writing this, I didn’t realize I was plaigirizing Durpleton’s backstory LOL

In accordance with tradition, Steve’s mother waited until they got home, until they were behind closed doors, before she started her tirade on him.

“I hope you’re happy with yourself!”

“As if you care about my happiness!”, Steve shot back.

“Everything your father and I have done has been for your happiness. Including all of the work I’m going to have to do cleaning up this mess.”

“What mess?”, Layton asked, coming into the foyer.

“You’re son slapped Findlay in the face and then threw egg salad in his face”, Margaret said.

“Actually, it was chicken salad.”

Margaret pointed a finger at him. “You and that mouth of yours. Whatever husband we can get for you, I promise he won’t tolerate it the way we have. Now we have to put out this fire before it spreads. People talk Steven!”

Steve shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. You won’t let me near the phones.”

“Son, settle”, Layton started. “You’ve been a good sport and the girls have been liking the nursery.”

“But I will send them to another house”, Margaret warned. “And they’ll be lucky if it’s one of our vacation homes. I’d just as soon send them off with a maid.”

Steve bristled at that, his scent turning sour. His mother pinched her nose.

“I keep forgetting to order you blockers. Honestly, it’s no good the way you throw your scent around. Now, go to your room while your father and I sort this mess out. And don’t even think of going to the nursery. Eleanor has taken the children out on a stroll anyway.”

Steve’s feet stomped with each step and he slammed his door behind him. There had to be something else he could do. Some way he could contact the outside world without a phone. Or at least without his parents knowing. It had been days since he’d last spoken to his real family outside his pups. They must have noticed by now and were doing something about it.

He might be able to convince someone on the staff to let him use theirs, might being the operative word. They were usually more loyal to his mother and father. Steve considered running away on his own. But he couldn’t leave the twins behind. He knew if he did, they’d be shipped off to parts unknown, maybe even separated. He tried to think of who could help him where he was now and there weren’t very many. Folks around here would either be indifferent or send him back to his folks.

Wait-indifference, that could work. 

Steve collected himself and went back downstairs, walking past a room where his mother was on the phone, either apologizing to Findlay or planning a party, it was hard to tell. He went right to his father who was on his way out in his golf gear, right on time.

“May I come along?”, Steve asked.

“With me? To the club? Didn’t your mother send you to your room?”

“She did. But I remembered I have to be a team player”, Steve said. “And maybe there’s some nice, younger alphas at the club.”

“Well you know we can’t afford to be picky when it comes to that”, Layton reminded him as he walked out, a silent approval for his son to come along. “But perhaps there is someone. You know Findlay has some kids around your age.”

Steve winced. “Maybe not anyone from that family.”

They arrived at the country club and it took very little to convince his father to go off golfing and leave him on his own. Steve’s front was that he’d find someone to talk to in the tea room or perhaps one of the leisure decks. True to his father’s nature, the man didn’t question the fact that Steve had just returned from brunch or even process what had happened at said brunch. 

All he cared for was that his son appeared pleasant, agreeable, and social. So Steve was free to roam. The moment his father was off on the course, Steve looked around for someone his age, maybe even younger. He really didn’t feel like flirting with someone just to get access to their phone, but he would if he must. 

He sat down at a table on the deck and allowed his order to be taken as he looked around and then he saw it, a kid with an ipad. Jackpot. Steve scanned the area and found their mother. They were wearing matching clothes and as usual, she was a distance away, distracted. It reminded Steve too much of his childhood, the kind of thing he was trying to save Violet and Vanessa from. But he couldn’t think about that right now.

“Hey”, Steve said, approaching the kid’s table. “It’s probably pretty boring here, isn’t it?”

“Yeah”, the little boy said, not looking up from his screen.

“You know, if you go through that door over there”, he pointed to where servers were coming and going. “Sometimes they give you sweets.”

The boy’s legs kicked a little at that. “Won’t I get in trouble?”

“You might. But they can’t take the cookies out of your stomach when you’ve already eaten them.”

That was all the boy needed to hop out of his chair and head to the kitchen. Steve took the ipad with a smooth motion and went further inside, finding a private bathroom. He went to the apps and of course this five year old child had twitter. Steve couldn’t judge some stranger’s parenting when it was in his favor right now. 

He searched around and found exactly what he was looking for. The trending page was full of phrases and hashtags regarding the whole situation #CorrodedCoffin, HE’S MISSING, #Stevegate, and BRING HIM HOME.

Steve wanted to spend hours looking at everything. But he had to be smart with his time. His pack knew he was missing, but Steve didn’t talk about his parents much. While the Harringtons were public figures, Steve could narrow the search down from their many homes. 

He opened up the camera and started recording, beginning with who he was. “My name is Steve Munson…”

---------------------

Margaret was waiting for them, glass of wine in her hand. “I don’t like it when people go behind my back.”

Layton looked confused, while Steve froze, afraid he’d been caught already.

“Steve was just at the club with me, on the prowl for a husband”, Layton said.

“He wouldn’t need to prowl if he took this seriously. And when I send someone to their room, I expect them to stay put until I say so.”

“Margaret, you’re too harsh on the boy. He was perfectly well behaved while with me.”

“Oh but of course, you’re his favorite”, Margaret bit out. “I’m just his warden.”

Steve slipped away, not interested in stroking his mother’s ego nor coming to his father’s aid. When he got to his room, he let out a sigh. He’d made the video, posted it on the kid’s account with as many keywords and hashtags as possible, then deleted it from the ipad. Steve wished he could’ve taken it with him, but surely the device had a location tracker. He could only hope the video got shared and viewed for the right people to see.

Corroded Coffin had ended their promotions early, citing issues at home. And it was just that morning that they came public with the fact that Steve, their pack omega, had gone missing after a visit to his parents. Their fans were making waves and news outlets were running with the story. The spouse of a celebrity going missing was juicy news.

Steve wouldn’t be able to see what effect his video would have. All he could hope for was that his parents didn’t see it too soon and that if they did, the coded messages in the video would go over their heads.

“My name is Steve Munson. This is a message to Eddie, Jeff, Grant, and Gareth. The pups are safe, we’re together. I went to visit my parents at a rented villa. They drugged me and now intend to make me break my bonding so that I can mate with someone in their circle. The castle has many defenses. But those unknown by the dragons may have a chance to cast a charm. I urge you to make off with the treasure first. The princess has her own wings.”

Part 11

[pearlywritings]

To wear white once more

synopsis: wedding is one of the most memorable and happiest days in one’s life. What are the chances of you dressing in white again to capture this moment on canvas? Diluc makes it possible.

pairing: Diluc x fem!reader

tw: established relationship, fluff, newlyweds, Adelinde is a mother figure we all need

word count: 1.7k+ words

a/n: a portrait after your wedding was suggested by a lovely @bobaboob​ who, by the way, said that she had this fic in mind while drawing this piece of art

Looking in the mirror makes all the memories of nervousness and excitement wash over Diluc again, sending a shiver down his spine. Everything is as just as it was a month ago - his white suit hugs his body in all the right places, the long-tailed jacket complimenting his height, the golden lines on its and vest's lapels along with golden buttons forming a perfect wedding attire. The only standing out feature is a ruby brooch pinned to his cravat, matching his flaming locks, reflecting light just like his crimson eyes, momentarily clouded by recalling the events that happened on one of the happiest days in his life.

His heart skips a beat when he remembers a mesmerizing venue organized in the gardens of the Winery, guests - mainly from your side - on the benches, Kaeya and Adelinde by his side… Come to think of it, his adoptive brother was present in this very room while Diluc was getting ready, lightly joking and unknowingly helping Diluc with his nerves. Yeah, the day was a rollercoaster of emotions. Especially after you appeared.

The man adjusts his sleeves, making sure he looks perfect - it's only logical he'll match you in that. Brushing a lock of hair from the left side of his face, he hears a soft knock on his door, immediately knowing who it is.

"Come in, Adelinde."

The older woman enters the room with the most adoring smile on her face, eyes crinkling in joy, just like on his wedding day, which brings even more blissful memories back. She walks directly to him, reaching out to help with hair a little - she knows him too well, and Diluc is grateful for that.

"I've just met Master François Clouet and offered him brunch. He was very eager about it, given his long journey, so you might have another 20 or so minutes."

Diluc hums, closing his eyes and letting the maid work her magic.

"Good. And my wife?"

His wife… it rolls off his tongue so naturally and the golden ring around his finger becomes so palpable.

"Checked on the girls and they said she was almost ready. I think you can go and see her already.”

She can clearly see he wants to - it’s in the smallest details honestly. The way his lips are twitching in a hardly contained lovesick smile, the trembling of his for once bare fingers, the darting of his eyes to the door behind her and it’s quite obvious from how he forces his body to stay still in place until she is finished. If she wasn’t helping him with his hair, Adelinde is sure - he’d be running out of the door the moment the words left her mouth.

Cute. The glimpses of a young boy she used to know and care about as a mother come through, and the woman can’t thank you enough for it, for the happiness you brought in this lonesome mansion and love you rekindled in the hurt man’s heart.

“All done, Master Diluc,” when he shifts his eyes, not spotting his bangs in sight, he doesn’t even have to look in the mirror to know Adelinde recreated his look perfectly.

“Thank you, Adelinde,” and he means it, not stopping his body from moving, just like it did a month ago, enveloping the woman in his embrace, squeezing just a little. The blond-haired maid laughs, standing on her tiptoes and hugging him back.

“It’s always a pleasure to me. I dreamt of helping you with the wedding one day, and I must admit, doing some of it the second time is just as thrilling.”

Diluc cannot agree more.

When the door of your shared bedroom is right in front of him, the owner of the Dawn Winery feels his heart thumping in his chest, cravat feeling a bit suffocating and hand twitching. He hears excited giggles of the maids on the other side and your soft voice speaking to them, so full of glee and eagerness, that he doesn’t notice his fingers curling in a fist and knocking against the wooden surface. Instantly the sounds of laughter and conversation disappear, but the redhead makes out quick steps hurrying to the door.

The maid opening it gasps and turns around, immediately ushering others outside. The man moves to let five girls out of the room, all bowing and greeting him, to which he answers with a nod, entering the moment the last one leaves, closing the door behind him.

“My love, you are here,” your sweet words pull crimson eyes to your figure and his breath hitches. Basked in the sunlight pouring through the big window, your body is swarmed in pure whiteness. The dress, tailored together with his suit, makes you the loveliest bride a man could wish for. Long flowing skirt consists of many layers, streaming and moving with the slightest of your turns, the corseted waist pushes your chest up a little bit, though leaving half of your back bare… Oh how many kisses he placed there when the night was over and his fingers were working on the strings-

He clears his throat, coughing in his fist and fighting back the rising flush off his cheeks. Your smile turns teasing, lips wearing a pretty shade of lipstick, and Diluc notes in disappointment that he won’t be able to kiss you before the work on the painting for today is over. It doesn’t stop him from approaching you though, arms wrapping around your waist and bringing you closer to place a gentle peck on your cheek.

“Aren’t you a romantic one, my dear husband?” He shudders at the new term that was applied to him the moment the rings were slipped on your fingers and you two were proclaimed wedded.

“Can’t help it when my wife is this gorgeous,” it’s your turn to become bashful, sliding your palms up his back in an embrace, being careful not to crumple the jacket.

“Honestly, I didn't think I'd get to wear this dress again, not to mention so soon.”

“Sorry for keeping it from you, my flame.”

Despite already exchanging wedding presents, Diluc kept one more surprise from you. He knew you adored his father’s tradition of keeping paintings of not only nature, but important events of the family life, and your newlywed husband fully shared the sentiment. Undoubtedly, you two hired a photographer from Fontaine to capture the day marking your journey as spouses, and now have plenty of photos, but Diluc knew that it would bring you both absolute joy to have a portrait painted to hang it in the hall for every guest to know what a happy couple lives in this mansion.

Today is exactly the day for it.

“It’s alright,” your lashes flutter as he leans close again to plant another kiss - on your forehead this time. “Had you told me earlier, I would’ve been too excited to properly enjoy our honeymoon. So, good timing.”

Diluc chuckles at that. Then, on a whim he gently grabs your waist and starts swaying slowly, twirling your bodies in a tender dance, still flash to each other and foreheads pressed together, gazing into each other’s eyes. Your palms shift to his shoulders, feet moving back, right, forward, left, creating small waltz squares under the guidance of your husband who, as it seems, doesn’t want to let you go.

You dance like this for just ten minutes, but for Diluc it’s an eternity spent in your arms. He almost forgets you have plans and a man waiting for you two downstairs, until you stop, huffing a little when he bumps into you driven by inertia.

“Shouldn’t we go?” You don't know why you are whispering, but the moment is so innermost, that even the slightest rise of one’s voice might break it. You see how he releases a small breath of discontent, but doesn’t let it be shown in facial expression - after all, you are right.

“Of course, dear," your heart skips a beat, when he brings your hand to his lips and kisses the back of it, right over your wedding band. "Let’s go, Master Clouet must be waiting for us.”

The old man, who happened to know Master Crepus personally, seems to be gruff at first, but turns out to be a sweet person at heart, being extremely patient with both of you and occasionally commenting on how nice it is to see the boy, whom he last saw as a little kid, standing in front of him all grown up and with a wife by his side.

You are awe-stricken by the speed with which his dry and sinewy hands are moving, putting layer after layer of paint on the canvas, glancing up and down with his strikingly lively and bright eyes. He is nice to have around, and he treats you like human beings and not like statues, which many artists tend to do. He gives you breaks of course, doesn’t scold for moving an inch and doesn’t have a problem with fixing your poses if one of you happens to ruin it. He readily partakes in lunch and dinner and accepts Diluc’s offer to stay in one of the guest’s bedrooms, promising that it’ll take him only three nights.

And just as promised, on the morning of the fourth day, you watch the big painting getting hung in the hall as Diluc is handing Master Clouet a heavy pouch of mora, shaking his hand and saying something that makes an old man heartily laugh and pat the redhead’s shoulder. He then nods in approval, adding a couple more words of farewell, before following Adelinde to the exit. Diluc returns to your side.

“It’s brilliant,” your voice is shaking a little, happy tears brimming your eyes. Your body leans back on your husband’s chest, feeling him wrap his arms around your middle and putting his chin on your shoulder. “I love it so, so much, ‘luc. Just… I didn’t know a brush could recreate something so accurately! It’s unbelievable. Just look at our faces! It’s so detailed, I can practically see hearts in my eyes! Yours too, by the way,” the man snorts, pressing a kiss to the side of your jaw, absolutely enjoying your amazement and teasing. He fully shares your feelings about the painting and almost opens his mouth to tell that he made a deal to invite your recent guest to make more paintings of you - some of the walls are pretty empty, if you ask him. However, he decides against it - after all what is life without pleasant surprises?

[indestructibleheart]

Hi, fam! Okay, so I'm going to be out at an appointment tomorrow morning, so I'm kicking this off a little bit early. It's technically Wednesday in several timezones and very nearly Wednesday in mine. I'm... also a bit eager to share this, ngl.

I know that I've shared a lot of angst lately, but I swear that's not all I'm doing. 😅 In fact, the actor/playwright AU decided to wallop me in the face out of nowhere after sitting in my WIP folder for months. I'm really excited about it, so I'm gonna share the first scene!

(Also, those of you who have been to New York with me will recognize my favorite brunch spot in this scene lmao.)

---

You probably didn't even know I was in the room, but I noticed you straight away. You were talking with your friends, happy and animated and fully alive—a person living in dimensions I couldn’t access—and so beautiful. Your hair was longer then. You were the center of attention, but you weren’t afraid. You had a yellow ipê-amarelo in your pocket. I thought, this is the most incredible thing I have ever seen; I'd better keep it a safe distance away from me. I thought, if someone like that ever loved me, it would set me on fire.

INT. MOM'S KITCHEN & BAR - HELL'S KITCHEN - LATE MORNING

"I'm telling y'all," Alex is saying, punctuating with dangerously large bites of his pancake burrito. "The dude's a dick." 

It's been two hours since the nightmare audition, but Alex has been on this tirade since June and Nora first slid into the retro diner chairs across from him (at least forty-five minutes ago).

They're at Mom's: a restaurant-bar in midtown that can only be described as millennial nostalgia incarnate. The trio fell in love with it two years back—post-karaoke, stumbling in right before closing—when Alex saw God in their Fruity Pebble pancakes.  Since then, it's been his favorite place to eat his feelings.

Mom's is just really fucking comforting in general, honestly; whether it's the televisions cycling through episodes of 'Rugrats,' 'Dexter's Laboratory,' and 'Hey, Arnold!' or  the rainbow straws and Lisa-Frank-looking menus, Alex can't be sure. It doesn't hurt that they've made friends with several of the waitstaff, including an eccentric bartender, Pez, whose pink hair and painted nails fit right in with the decor. 

Today, it's the combination of breakfast sausage, bacon, eggs and cheese wrapped up in a syrup-soaked pancake that's really doing something for him. It could also be the margarita the size of his face, which Pez placed in front of him before making himself uncharacteristically scarce. But it's fine. He's probably just busy.

Alex won't admit it out loud, but what really helps is having June and Nora here to talk to… even though Nora is scrolling on her phone.

"I'm sorry," June says. She pokes an ice cube with her straw, and Alex watches as it bobs around her mimosa like a buoy. "That sounds like it sucked, but if he's really that rude… maybe you didn't want to work with him anyway."

Nora doesn't look up as she pops a home fry into her mouth. 

"Several sources say he's difficult to work with," she adds, evidently reading about Henry on the internet. "Though, in his defense, his dad did just die, like, three years ago… and there was that whole thing when he came out after. Remember?"

Alex does remember. Henry's grandmother, Mary Mountchristen, runs a pretty major company that used to own half the theatres on the West End. When Henry came out last year, she tried blacklisting his shows from her properties to punish him—which totally backfired when it got around. At least a dozen other queer writers and producers started talking about how they were also denied the space, and Mary was stoned on the streets of the theatre district. Like, metaphorically. 

Alex, Nora, and June had just moved to New York, but between June's position at Newsday and both Alex and Nora on the audition circuit, it was all anyone in their new circles could talk about. They were some of the first to know when the Mountchristens were bought out of their properties and Henry moved to the States.

This show is the first of Henry's being produced here—and it's autobiographical, which Alex has to admit is pretty fucking baller. So, yeah, Nora's not wrong. He has reason to be standoffish. Still, it doesn't explain why Alex was only halfway through his audition monologue when Henry abruptly stood up and exited stage left as if pursued by a bear.

He shoves another forkful into his mouth. "It's just, like, they're the only people who let me into the room," he says, barely finishing chewing. "Nobody wants to take me seriously, and I really thought this was my shot, you know?"

June and Nora both know Alex is having a hard time landing serious roles after growing up on a sitcom—Nora more than most, as his former co-star. What they don't know is that losing this role, specifically, feels like a kick to the stomach. From the moment Alex saw the script, he wanted to be a part of it. He can't even explain why, and now he'll never figure it out. Henry wouldn't give him a chance.

"It wasn't your only shot, and you know it." Nora fixes him with a look. "Seriously, I get it—I do—but it's just one play, buddy."

June nods. "Something will happen for you, baby brother."

At that, Alex finally groans. "Okay, calling me baby brother doesn't help me feel better about the entertainment industry infantili—"

"—itty bitty, teeny weeny—"

Alex throws a home fry at her face. 

It bounces off her forehead and into the giant gauntlet holding her mimosa with a very unappetizing splash. Just as Alex throws his hands into the air with a victorious whoop, his phone buzzes on the table. 

A glance is all it takes for him to see that it's his agent, Zahra.

"Damn," he says, deflating. There goes that upswing. "You answer it."

June balks. "Me?"

"I don't need to hear how fucking badly it went. Trust me, I got the message." Alex blinks innocently, like he's six years old again, asking her to lie to their mom about that broken vase. "Please, Bug? Besides, Zahra actually likes you."

"Everyone likes me." June rolls her eyes, but she caves—answering the phone with a haughty, "Alex Claremont-Diaz's office," before breaking into a smile. "Yeah, Z. It's me… No, Alex is feeling a little sensitive today."

(He throws another home fry at her. This one misses.)

To her credit, June's face remains totally blank as Zahra no doubt tells her how Alex insulted Henry Fox's name and all of his inbred ancestors just by showing up, or whatever—which is extremely annoying and unhelpful—but, once she says goodbye and sets the phone back down on the table, her face breaks out into a grin.

"Guess you didn't suck too bad," she says. "They want you for the part."

He doesn't know if it's Nora throwing herself at him or the shock that knocks him onto the floor.

Tagging some lovelies. If you haven't been tagged and you want to be, consider this your tag!

@anchoredarchangel, @barbiediaz, @cha-melodius, @cricketnationrise, @guillermosfamiliar, @hgejfmw-hgejhsf, @hippolotamus, @inexplicablymine, @jettestar, @junebugclaremontdiaz, @kiwiana-writes, @lizzie-bennetdarcy, @missgeevious, @mulderscully, @myheartalivewrites, @ninzied, @nontoxic-writes, @notspecialbabe, @priincebutt, @rmd-writes, @rosedavid, @three-drink-amy, @treluna4, @vanillahigh00, @welcometololaland, @orchidscript, @ships-to-sail, @stereopticons

[corrodedcoughin]

Thinking about steddie future where they're both just average guys. No rockstars, no basketball players just two Normal men living a normal life because honestly? they deserve it. They deserve soft domesticity and happiness.

They both have jobs they like but don't love and they're happy with that. Eddie maybe becomes an electrician, working for someone else's company. His coworkers are chill, he gets to get out and work with his hands and that's more than he could have asked for. Steve is a physical therapist, or a manager in some business. He likes his team and the steady hours. He's not working for his dad which is a plus.

They buy a house together, that's not a mansion but it's not a trailer either. Steve does a lot of the dishes because Eddie hates it, hates the feeling of old food on the plates and cutlery. So Eddie will kiss Steve on the cheek and does the laundry because Steve fucking hates laundry. And sitting on the floor watching TV while he folds clothes is honestly sort of relaxing?? Love is doing the chores your partner hates.

Steve and Robin go out for brunch at least once a month, where they catch up and gossip for hours and hours and Steve comes home lighter with updates on Robin and Vickie. Eddie will have nightly phone calls with Wayne, where they talk and laugh and Eddie will eventually hand the phone over to Steve so he and Wayne can talk sports together. When he's in town Dustin will come over and stay in their spare room and they laugh and joke so much it's just like old times. They go over to Jeff's house for dinner on a semi regular basis, and it's nice having normal friends.

They adopt a very annoying cat who will climb all over them in bed and meow in their faces when they don't wake up to feed it breakfast in time. Steve will go for jogs on a Saturday morning, coming home to Eddie reading in bed. Some old western book Wayne recommended to him. There's a steaming cup of coffee waiting on their bedside tables that Eddie's prepared.

They take time off of work and go on a week long vacation because they can do that now. They do dorky touristy things and Eddie buys a mug to send to Wayne. Steve takes a lot of dorky photos of the two of them.

Idk they deserve to be normal and alive and happy with no upside down anymore <3

Oh I love this! I had actually been thinking about tradesman Eddie for a little bit I am so, so glad you’ve come up with this!

I can so completely see him learning a trade and just getting employed and put through his time by a small local employer! He has to go through his exams and that part of it worries him when he first gets the job but his team end up being really supportive and Steve stays up late with him, practicing circuits and wiring and quizzing him on currents and volts. Eddie returning the favour, letting Steve mark up his muscles and be a living anatomy dummy. Sure it gets a little sexy from time to time but more often than not it’s just them testing each other as Steve identifies bones and Eddie talks about parallel circuits.

The monthly brunches mentally and physically revive Steve after working extended hours with patients that he really does want the best for but a jobs a job and it can get pretty tiring. They joke that they rebalance each others chakras but they really do feel realigned after their meet ups. Eddie can see it to, sometimes he’ll come pick them up when it’s been a boozy brunch and delights in seeing them happy and light, clambering over each other to tell Eddie something about one of the waiters or an especially good dish they ordered. When he drops Robin home Steve sits in the front and looks at peace and Eddie feels the same way.

Their weekends are for them, sometimes that means staying home and cleaning the whole place between ordering food in and sometimes that means going on a day trip and taking Wayne around all the antique spots around the county and seeing what horrors they can uncover. Top spot currently sits with Wayne’s find of a doll whose limbs had been replaced with horse legs and had the head of a fish. Of course they bought it.

Every time they go on a holiday they make sure to send postcards to everyone, including themselves, seeing if they’ll get home before the postcard does. Steve keeps them in a photo album, each with a Polaroid of them next to it. Sometimes taken by a stranger, sometimes just a close up of their faces squashed together. It’s Eddie’s favourite thing to go through on their anniversary, or any day really, just loves being reminded that this is the life they get to have.

It’s mundane, dare say even normal, but they love it. Steve comes home every night, happy to put his scrubs in the washing machine next to Eddie’s uniform, happy to be where he feels loved.

[raya-hunter01]

Lights, Camera, Action! Pt. 5

Lights, Camera, Action!

Jey Uso x Black Female OC! (Shantell)

Roman x Black Female OC! Tangela

Solo x Black Female OC! Sofia

Jimmy x Trin

Rating: 18+

Warning: Smut; oral, sex, fluff, defloration (Virginity) masturbation

Words: 7,288

Summary: How do you keep it together as Smackdown’s production director and navigate your life as the girlfriend of Mr. Main Event Jey Uso.  Follow Shantell as she navigates her life as a girlfriend, sister, and confidant to the bloodline. Follow her on her journey to self-discovery of love and happiness.

R&B Brunch Club

One Week Later

Shantell’s POV

I can’t believe I let them talk me into coming here, but I have to say this is a cool concept. Blasting R&B past and present, people just vibing together from all walks of life enjoying. The dance floor isn’t too bad either.

“You drinkin' tonight?” Trin asks as I shake my head. “Nah, I don’t really feel like it,” I say nursing my ginger ale trying to keep the nausea at bay.

“I can’t believe this shit,” I hear Joe mutter as I follow his eyes and there was Jey and Taraji making their way over to our table. “Who invited her ass, I knew ya’ll invited him,” Tangela says looking at Taraji hanging all over Jey, who didn’t seem to mind.

“I know you fuckin’ lyin’. He knew Shan would be here, and he comes in here with her ass,” Trin hisses as Solo looks guilty.  He took a sip of his drink looking around. “We didn’t get to celebrate his win last week. Regardless of what we think, he’s with her and we got to accept it,” Solo says taking a deep breath.

“Guys, it’s ok, I’m good.  I don’t want ya’ll arguing, your family,” I say looking at them.  “So are you, we meant that shit when we said it,” Joe said looking at Jey shaking his head.

“Girl you so mature, because I would have been done beat his ass, and hers,” Sofia says eying the couple.  I took a deep breath as I felt Sofia’s hand on my leg.  I refuse to let this ruin my night, I’m going to dance and have fun. I looked over at Jimmy who is nursing his drink shooting daggers at his brother.

Jey’s POV

I see my family sitting at the table, and I know in this moment I’m wrong for bringing Taraji here. Shit! Shantell did decide to come. I know that ain’t the dress I bought for her to wear on our first date.

“What up my fam,” I say eying Shantell up and down as I see her plaster a small smile on her face. “Sit down, Uce,” Solo says getting up making room for us.

“This place is so nice,” Taraji says looking around as Shantell is nodding her head to the music, ignoring making eye contact with me. I couldn’t help staring at her, she was on point tonight, hell every night.

The table was quiet and tense as Joe finally spoke.  “let’s party,” he says ordering a round for the table. “Let’s dance, ladies,” Solo says standing up as all the girls except Taraji went to join him dance floor. She stayed sitting beside me, and I wanted to disappear. Why the hell did I bring her here?

Joe’s POV

“Why don’t you join them Taraji,” Jimmy says as I see him gulp, trying plaster a smile on his face. At least he’s trying, I guess.  “Yea, come on Jey,” she says pulling him up to go dance. “You just had to open your mouth,” I say eying Jimmy.

“Look I was trying to be nice, this shit ain’t easy,” he says honestly. “Well, now she bout to try to make Shantell jealous,” I said looking at them on the dance floor.  “Shan is in her element, she ain’t bothered bout that shit,” Jimmy says shrugging his shoulders pointing at Shan and Solo dancing.

As the Flex by Cupid started to play, we shared a knowing smile. “Ah, Shan and Solo bout to tear it up, let’s go by the dance floor,” I say also wanting to keep an eye on my wife as well because some of these guys like to get too touchy feely for me.  

"I’m going to dance with my wife, she got too much ass to be dancing to this song alone,” Jimmy laughs heading ahead of me, sliding in beside Trin as she gives him a quick kiss.

Jey’s POV

I love dancing especially with Shan, she doesn’t have a care in the world when she’s dancing. I find myself glancing down at her and she wasn’t disappointing. Her arms in the air moving, her body in sync to the music hitting every step,

I feel my dick tighten in my pants just looking at her fine ass controlling the dance floor in her own little world dancing next to Solo.

Slide to the right Slide to the left Right foot left foot then turn with it Right foot left foot then turn with it

“She just gotta be so sexy with that shit. Just throwing dat ass I love in a circle,” I mumble as I can’t help but to watch her, and I don’t care who sees me.

Now flex Come on flex Back it up, back it up Then turn to the left

“I know she ain’t disrespecting me? She really out here backing it up and twirlin' her ass like she single. The hell you say,” I mumble as I watched her continuing to swirl her hips, looking like a sex goddess.  Her moves are making it hard for me to control myself, we gotta talk about this shit.

I look around and I swear I’m bout to nut up as I see men looking at her. “Nah, this shit ain’t gon work, that’s my woman,” I mumble looking around the club at the attention that’s on her and my brother. I don’t even feel like dancing no more, I walked off to stand by Joe as Taraji stayed on the dance floor trying to keep up with them.

“They killin' it out there,” Joe says looking at the girls, Solo and Jimmy as they all moved together. Many of the people are now standing by watching, some recording. “Yea, a little too good,” I say looking at Shan as she continues to glide across the floor flawlessly in her heels.

Shantell’s POV

“Man, it’s lit in here!” Jimmy shouts as hey pulls Trin close to him as they share a kiss. We continued to dance as the D.J.’s voice rang out through the crowd. “Welcome to the R& B Brunch! Ya’ll we gon’ take it back with an oldie but goodie.”

The opening cords to “I like by Guy” began playing “Ah, shit! He jammin’ now,” Jimmy says taking mine and Trin’s hand as we danced together. The atmosphere was awesome as the whole crowd sang along, finishing the lyrics when the DJ stopped the music. I haven’t had this much fun in so long.

“Excuse me, Shan,” I hear as I turn and it’s no other than Montez Ford. “Hey you!” I greeted him with a hug as he laughed dappin’ up Jimmy and gave Trin a hug as well.

“How you ended up here?” I asked as he shrugged, smiling at me. “I came down to see to check on my mom,” he says as we made small talk for a few minutes on the dance floor casually dancing a little.

“Well, ya’ll shut it down out here, I might have to steal a dance before I leave Shan,” he says as I blush. “She would love that,” Trin says smiling as Jimmy shoots her a look.

“What! She’s single,” Trin says grabbing Jimmy’s hand steering them back to our table, leaving Montez and I on the dance floor. “Well, you heard the lady,” he says smiling at me as we began dancing together. His hands went around my waist pulling me close.

Ok, unexpected but it doesn’t feel bad as he spun me around and started doin' some old school dance moves. He's such a clown, and I can't help but to join in laughing.

“Sis, you good?” I hear Solo ask coming over to us. “Yea, I’m good,” I say shooting him a smile as I see him looking over my shoulder at something with a worried expression.

I spun around dancing, playing it off as my eyes landed on Jey. His gaze was so intense, it almost seemed like he was questioning me with his eyes.  If looks could kill Montez would be dead. “Great,” I mutter as I turn back to Montez finishing our dance.

Jey’s POV

“Why you staring at her like she is doing something wrong?” Joe questions me as I continued to look at Shan and Montez on the dance floor.

“She knows I don’t play that shit,” I say watching this clown’s hands as he's trying to find a reason to touch her. He really trying it, bitch ass.

“Dude, you here with a whole ass woman, who is pregnant with yo child,” Joe says frowning his face up at me before looking back at Shan and Montez on the dance floor. I don’t even care Taraji is out there dancing with someone else at the moment.

“Wait, so she’s just suppose to put her life on hold while you play house with Taraji?" Tangela asks looking at me pissed off.  “You done truly lost yo rabid ass mind,” Trin says shaking her head at me. They comin’ at me from all sides, but I don’t care Shan is my woman.

“Shantell knows she’s mine,” I say as Jimmy cuts me off. “But do you know your hers!” Jimmy says staring angrily at me. “Cause if you know it, fix it! Co-parent with Taraji ass and get your woman back,” he says bluntly not caring who could hear. “It ain’t that easy, “I say tapping my nervous fingers on the table.

  “Fuck, what people say, mama ass included!” Jimmy hisses at me as the table gets quiet. The tension is real as I feel attacked listening to the truth bombs my brother is laying on me. “I need a drink,” Solo says standing up. “Bro, keep an eye on Shan,” I say as he nods heading to the bar.

Shantell’s POV

“Thanks, for the dance Montez,” I say giving him a hug before excusing myself to get some air. I hate how he can just stare at me and get under my skin; I did nothing wrong.

“So, you layin’ down for him da night?” Jey accuses walking up to me as I try to put distance between us.” Really, you want to go there?” I question as I see the anger in his face. “Yea, I do! You been twirling yo ass all night like you single!” He hisses at me as I do the only thing, I felt like doing, I laughed straight in his face.

News flash! Jey, I am single,” I say smiling at him and it seems to have set him off. “No, yo ass ain’t  and stop calling me Jey,” he says warning me, invading my space. “You with somebody, you really think my life is going to stop. Nah, you got the game and me fucked up!” I shout as he backed me up against the wall.

“I ain’t gon’ have another night of men staring at you, or having anybody feel comfortable enough to approach you like I ain’t even here. You understand me, Shan?” he asked as I didn’t respond at first. “Have a good night,” I say beginning to walk away.

He grabbed my arm, and in an instant took me in a possessive kiss as I struggled not to moan, wrapping my arms around his neck. “You came up in here, shaking yo ass, givin all these bums a show, showing them how you put it down for me,” he groans nipping at my neck as I gasped feeling his hands roaming under my dress.

  “I paid for this dress, and you out her dancing with another man in it,” he groans as he slides my underwear to the side playing with my clit, before thrusting one of his fingers inside me as I kissed him.

Stay strong Shan, don’t give in my mind was screaming. My heart and body were betraying me as he’s all over me, overriding my senses as I’m moving against his fingers inside me.  

“We can’t keep doing this. We either going to be together or you let me go,” I gasp as he kisses me again, it’s so powerful it scares me. “I can’t let you go; I love you. Just let me take care of you” he pants against my mouth as I turn my head finally snapping out of his spell.

“No!” I shouted pushing him off me as we both are trying to catch our breath. “You want to be with me, you say you love me?!  I question getting more worked up by the second. “You know I do Shantell,” Jey says with an irritated groan readjusting himself.

“Then man up!  Be a man, show me that you love me! EARN ME!” I shout as I feel it’s the only way for him to hear me. I see Solo by the entrance looking at me worried as I wave him off that I’m ok.

 “I am a man! A man who fuckin’ loves yo' ass! He shouts, pointing his hands at me in exhaustion. “Ugh!! You make me can’t fuckin’ stand you!” I screamed, hitting his chest in frustration. “I’m trying Shan! I’m in a mess that I don’t know how to get out of! What am I suppose to do?” he asks as I could feel the heavy weight, he’s carrying on his shoulders.

“Choose to make yourself happy for once,” I whispered hugging him feeling like he really needed it as the moment, we both did. After a few minutes I did what I had to do, I kissed him gently on the lips and walked away.

------------------------------------

Fatu Family Barbecue

Jey’s POV

“Can you stop pushing him to be with Taraji. Ma, the boy miserable, he loves Shan, “I hear Jimmy say as he’s helping her in the kitchen.

“I ain’t did nothing, he knows that he laid down with her and made a baby. That’s his responsibility to take care of her and the baby,” she says with attitude in her tone.  “Ma,” Jimmy says as she cuts him off. “I’m talkin’ son, I know he loves Shan, but maybe it isn’t meant to be,” she said as Jimmy frowns sitting beside her.

“Ma, times have changed, he could be a great dad and not be tied down to a woman he despises. Josh, been crazy over Shantell since he first laid eyes on her in 2018,” Jimmy says as my she rolled her eyes at him.

“Yea, so much he divorced his wife, which I still ain’t forgiven.  Now we’re adding illegitimate babies to the damn list,” she says as the insult just rolling off tongue without a second thought.

“Ma, she was cheating on him, their divorce was in progress months before Shantell even came to WWE doing her internship,” Jimmy says trying to make her understand.

“Yea, I heard,” she snaps as Jimmy shakes his head. “Josh will do what I ask and will eventually grow to love Taraji and his family. It’s what’s right,” she says taping her hands on the table.

“Ma, if you really knew this girl, you would be begging Josh to stay away from her. The baby would be legitimized after the blood test, he or she would have the family name,” Jimmy says pleading my case. I loved my brother, my twin. We shared a bond like no other, but it was my battle to fight.

“Ma, I can’t do this no more,” I say walking into the kitchen leaning against the fridge. “What you mean you Joshua!?” she asks raising her voice.

“Calm down, I know you raised us a certain way. Ma, I can’t just turn my feelings off and marry somebody I don’t love,” I say trying to get my point across.  

“You can learn,” she says, her cold stare making me uncomfortable. “Ma, I’m sorry, I love Shan, and I gotta make it right with her,” I say honestly.  “Why her?” my mother questions in anger. “Because I know she’s going to be my wife one day,” I say confidently as I see my brother smiling at me with pride.

“So, instead of staying away like I asked, she’s encouraging you to abandon your responsibilities. I was so wrong about her, these damn career girls, I tell you.”She sighs getting up going to the sink. Jimmy and I share a look as he nods his head for me to continue.

“Ma, she ain’t told me to neglect my responsibilities, she told me to do what makes me happy. She’s right, I can’t live my life for you,” I say finally finding my voice to stand firm with my mom as I spot Taraji listening at the door.

“Jey, I’m not feeling well, can we go. I want to go lay down, the pain is trying to come back a little,” she says holding her stomach.

“Yea, I was ready to leave anyway,” I say giving my mom a kiss. “I’ll talk to you later, I love you,” I say as her face doesn’t hide the fact, she is not happy with me. “Bro, I’ll hit you up later,” Jimmy says as Taraji and I head out.

----------------------------------------

Solo & Sofia’s House

Shantell’s POV

“Ya’ll should have gone with the guys to the family dinner,” I say coming out of the bathroom for the second time. All this throwing up is for the birds “No ma’am something is wrong with you, and we need to find out what it is,” Trin says sitting on the bed next to me.

“We all wanted to make sure your good Sofia,” adds as I steady my breathing trying to not throw up again.

“I think you pregnant,” Tangela says as I shake my head at her. “No, that isn’t possible,” I say fighting the tears in my eyes. “Don’t cry, you are going make me cry,” Tamina says, but I couldn’t stop my tears from falling.

“I don’t want to do this ya’ll, I cried looking at my friends. “Well, I’m sorry this ain’t normal being this sick for weeks,” Sofia says standing at the end of my bed. “Sofia knows, she’s a nurse Shan,” Trin says agreeing with her as I laid back on the bed.  “The doctor said it was a slim chance of me having kids, ya’ll know that. Plus, I’m on the birth control shot,” I say quietly not trying to get upset thinking about that night my life changed and left me damaged.

---------

2018 After Raw

Mercy General Hospital, Chicago, IL

Being a student intern is fun and I’ve really seemed to have met some cool people in Joe, Josh, Trin and Jon. They really took me in and are taking care of me as I’m learning about the business. How many folks can say they got to do their summer internship with WWE. Hopefully it’s a step in the right direction to work here someday. Two more years of school and I’m free to pursue my dreams. Currently a temporary wrench was thrown in the plans as I lay here in the hospital.

“You sure you, ok?” Jey asks holding my hand as I’m trying to hold it together. “Well, I’m trying, it’s not every day you’re at work, collapse, and they tell you they need to do emergency surgery to take out one of your ovaries,” I say as Jey leans over wiping my tears away.

“You gon’ be ok,” he reassures me with a smile. His wife is a lucky woman, I hope they work it out their issues. I just appreciate how much of a great friend he’s been to me. He even rode in the ambulance with me here. “I’m going to be damaged; the doctor says having kids is going to be hard for me,” I say trying to keep my tears at bay.

“You ain’t gon’ be damaged, you everything Shan. A man would be lucky to have you, I mean you could adopt. You can do the thing where you let somebody carry the baby for you,” he says fumbling a little over his words.  “Well, I’m glad your positive about this,” I say throwing him a small smile. “A few of my family members are adopted, and we love them just the same, they blood, “he whispers kissing my hand.

 “You’re so nice to me,” I say feeling the drugs taking effect, trying to force my eyes to stay open.  “You stuck wit me too, yo' ass is in the family now. He says staring at me smiling lightly.  “Just sleep, everybody will be here when you wake up baby,” Jey says as I finally let sleep take over.

--------------

“Shan, you hear me!” Tangela shouts bringing me out of my that painful but somewhat beautiful memory.

“I didn’t hear you; I was thinking about something else,” I said honestly. “Well, we got you a couple different type of pregnancy tests to take, let’s do this,” Tamina encourages as I look around at my circle of sisterhood.

“Fine, “I say going in the restroom shutting the door. There is no way I’m pregnant.

Tamina’s POV

“I say she’s pregnant,” Trin says getting tired of the silence. “This could get messy though with that Taraji girl,” Sofia says looking at her phone. “Chile, if Taraji pregnant I will twerk across a pit of hot ass coals. Now Shan, she preggo and we all know who the daddy is,” Tangela says confidently.

 A couple minutes later Shan opened the door in a daze almost like she had seen a ghost. “What is it, Shan?” Sofia asks rubbing her back as she saw the fresh tears falling silently down Shan’s face. “We didn’t mean to get your hopes up to take it,” Trin says feeling bad knowing how much Shan wanted to be a mom one day, we all did.

 Tangela and I walked around Shan going into the bathroom, looking at the tests lined up on the counter. “Holy shit!” Tangela exclaimed covering her mouth, slowly looking at every last test. They were all positive, Shan was pregnant just as we had figured.

Shantell’s POV

“No, I’m not pregnant,” I say rushing back in the bathroom looking again at the results. “Girl, let me break this down for you.  Test one has two pink lines…Pregnant,” Trin says as I roll my eyes at her. “Oh, I’m on a roll, follow me,” she taunts looking at the next two.

 “These two are digital. What do they say? Pregnant!” She exclaims as I try to cut her off, “I get it Trin,” I say trying to process the news.  “They all say the same thing, which is you’re going to be an amazing mother,” she says embracing me as I cried.

I always wanted children, but I put off the idea after my surgery. That’s one of the reasons I made Jey wait so long before I even dated him. I wanted him to be sure about us because I knew it was a chance, I couldn’t have children.

------------------------------------

Hospital, Pensacola, FL.

Jey’s POV

After we left my folks, I took Taraji home and she was back to saying Shan had attacked her after the PPV and she was now feeling more pain from time to time. So, I brought her to the hospital, and it’s been hours since I’ve heard anything.

Her sister Rachel works here, and she assured me she would help take care of her and give me updates. The other day I finally heard the baby’s heartbeat on a recording she had taken and I’m finally feeling attached in a way to the baby. I hope everything is ok with them both.

Taraji’s POV

“Look, he will never know. Just say you did a scan, found no heartbeat. I’ll turn on the tears and the rest is done, it matches up,” Taraji says begging her sister who is an ultrasound tech. “How the hell you get yourself into this shit anyway?” Rachel says shaking her head at me.

“I had a plan, but some kinks happened, but after this blows over, he’s going to want to make it up to me. So, then he will ask me to marry him,” I say confidently as there is more than one way to skin a cat. “What if he asks to speak to a doctor. You know with a miscarriage that far along you would do a procedure called a D&C.,” Rachel says not letting me get a word in edge wise.

“You are going out there to comfort him as my sister, he’s going to be so concerned with comforting me, he ain’t going to worry about the rest,” I reassure her as she shakes her head at me.

 Rachel’s POV

 “You can tell him they have already done the D&C since I’ve been back here practically all night. Say it was an emergency, and I asked you not to worry him,” Taraji says as I raise my eyebrows at her crazy idea. “You are a piece of work;” I tell her stunned by the words coming out of my sister’s mouth.

 “Shit, like this always comes out Taraji, I could lose my job or even go to jail, I say looking at my her, angry about being put in this situation. “It won’t come to that I assure you;” Taraji says turning to looking out the window in a daze.

Taking a deep breath, I walked into the waiting room. This poor guy, the couple times I met Jey, he was so nice. My money hunger sister just doesn’t give a shit who she hurts. She really thinks saying she lost a baby is going to guilt him into marrying her.

“Hey, can we talk outside?” I asked him as his worried eyes told the story of a man with a lot on his plate. As we walked outside, I was struggling with what I had to do. “What’s wrong Rachel?” Jey asks worried. “Taraji had a miscarriage, and they had to do a D&C,” I say calmly. “Excuse me?” he questions, his face scrunching up in disbelief.

“The baby didn’t make it,” I say feeling myself about to cry as I see him about to break down. “You sure?” he asks quietly as a few tears had fallen from his eyes. “I’m sorry Jey, she should be ready to go home soon since the procedure was done a couple hours ago and she’s doing ok,” I say embracing him as he sobs. God, I’m evil like her, I can’t believe she has roped me into this.

“Can I see her?” he asked as I nod making the long journey back to Taraji’s room and thank God, she has been given her discharge papers. Looks like she may get away with this after all.

I watch from the door as Taraji started crying as Jey went over to hold her, both of them crying silently together. “Shan cost us our baby,” I heard her silently weep as he held her tighter. “It’s ok Raji, I got you,” he sooths her. I can’t watch anymore; I feel like confessing now. “I got some final paperwork to do before my shift ends; I will call you later.” I say as they seem to not hear me.

Sofia’s POV

I hate the morning shift; I would rather work all night. I had just clocked in making my way to the nurse’s station.  Turing the corner I ran into my brother-in law and Taraji. “Jey, ya’ll ok?” I asked walking over to him as he hugged me tight. “The baby is gon'," he cries as I rub his back and glance back at Taraji. I don’t know, it’s something about the look on her face that just don’t sit right with my spirit.

“I’m so sorry, bro,” I whisper comforting him as I held him for a few minutes. “Thanks, sis, I need to get Taraji back to her apartment,” he says pulling away starting to push Taraji towards the exit. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Taraji,” I say as they continued their way out, “Thank you,” she says still holding her head down.

I tried to call Solo, but I got no answer. Shantell was staying with us, waiting on the remodeling of her house to get done. I just hoped Jey didn’t have plans of going to our house today. I texted Shantell quickly after calling and getting no answer from her either, trying to give her a heads up.

----------------------------------

Solo & Sofia’s House

Solo’s POV

I see my brother’s car speeding into my driveway. “What the hell he got going on?” I say out loud, seeing him run up to my front door, knocking frantically.

“What’s goin’ on?” I ask stepping aside to let him in as he’s pacing. “Where is Shantell?” he asks as I see him trembling. “Maybe we should talk first, she’s upstairs asleep,” I say as he pushes me aside taking the steps two at a time. “Uce! Let her sleep, she’s been sick,” I say walking behind him as he reaches the spare bedroom door.

 “I need to see her now,” he says going inside slamming the door in my face, locking it.  “Josh! Let me in!” I semi shout now seriously worried about my brother and Shantell but also trying not to wake Cameron.  “I’m ok,” I hear Shan say as I stand by the door prepared to break it down if need be.

Shantell’s POV

“What is wrong?” I ask him as I saw a few tears streaming down his face. “You are what’s wrong! My mama was right!” He shouted as I looked at him trying to figure out what the hell was going on. “Me!” I say unsure of what he was trying to say.

“Taraji lost the baby,” he says coming towards me, his body trembling with rage. “Jey, I’m sorry,” I say honestly feeling sympathy for them both because I knew how much he wanted children. “Yo ass probably glad my baby died! You attacked her, didn’t you?” He shouted as I slapped him as hard as I could, the sound echoing throughout the room.  “I never touched her, and you know it!” I yelled in frustration that he would even believe that lie about me.

“I would never, that baby was never to blame for anything she or you did!” I continued as Jey seemed to be losing it, he wasn’t hearing anything I was saying,” “I think you were jealous; I mean it ain’t like you were gon’ give me any kids, Ms. damaged,” he says viciously at me as I gasped in shock.

How could he say something so cruel; it gutted my soul. My eyes filled instantly with tears as I backed away from him needing to put some space between us. Realizing what he said, I see the instant remorse on his face as he starts to follow me.  “No…. Stay away. You told me I was everything,” I whispered as he pulled me close hugging me as I began sobbing uncontrollably.

  I’m so sorry baby, I didn’t mean it,” he pleads as I’m trying to pull away. “Don’t fuckin touch me! I yell, finally pushing him away and using all my strength to slap him again. “Get out!” I scream as he continues to apologize.

“I didn’t mean it Shan; I swear to God. You’ve always been perfect baby; I shouldn’t have come here angry; “he says full of remorse and guilt. “You shouldn’t have done a lot of things,” I say wiping my tears, trying to calm myself down. “Look, just stay away from Taraji,” he says turning to walk away.

Pausing at the door, I heard his broken voice” I’m sorry, I really am,” he whispers, walking out of the room closing the door behind him.

“I… I’m pregnant,” I barely whisper finally letting the emotion take over me as I felt my world crumbling down.

Solo’s POV

I started to move, seeing the door open as Jey walked out of Shan’s room. I see red as he almost collided with me. “What the hell you say to her?” I ask hearing her crying. “I fucked up, I got to go,” he says as I block his path, refusing to move.

“You don’t come in my house slamming fuckin' doors and attacking people that love you. You need to fix your mess!” I say slightly raising my voice. “Move Solo!” Jey shouts in my face as I still refuse to move. I can’t let him drive in this condition something is wrong. “You gon’ hit me, Josh?” I ask looking at his closed fists and hard stare.

“What the fuck is wrong wit you? My son!  Your nephew is in this house!” I hiss in his face as it finally seems dawn on him when I mention Cameron, that he’s out of control.  I see his body relax and his fists open as he collapses against my shoulder, as I hugged him.

“My baby gon’ man,” he cried as I held him tight. “He gone” he cried against my chest. “I got you, bro, I always got you,” I say holding my brother letting him grieve the loss of his child.

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Smackdown

Shantell’s POV

“I need a favor Shantell,” Paul says looking at me. “Sure, what you need,” I ask almost dreading what it would be. “Janice is out, and I need someone to walk Jey, he is going to enter through the crowd tonight,” he says looking at me.

“You need me to give him his cue,” I say finishing his sentence.  “You would be correct,” he says with a small smile as I got up to go find Jey.

I found him by the side entrance with Jimmy and Trin as they seemed to be in deep conversation. “Hey, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need to walk Jey up to make his entrance,” I say making my presence felt as Jimmy hugged him.

Sis, I need to talk to you later,” Jimmy says giving me a quick hug. “I’ll catch you after the show,” I say as Trin gives me a hug. “Have you told him?” she whispers as I shake my head no in response. “I’ll text you,” I said as I could feel Jey’s eyes on me.

“Let’s get this over with,” he says breaking my thoughts as we made our journey up to the 105 section in silence waiting below the steps. I see him looking down at his title around his waist in deep thought.

I’m sorry beautiful,” he finally says grabbing my hand. I look around to see if anyway is around recording or looking.  “I know your grieving. You know I never touched her,” I say looking down as I feel him kiss the top of my head, his hands rubbing my shoulders “I shouldn’t have taken it out on you,” he says as we stand in silence.

“Well, it’s time for you to get ready,” I say as I began talking in my headset. "What camera do you want on Jey?” Stu asks through my headset “Camera five Jey will be coming down your way from section 105 pace yourself Don,” I say as I began the countdown for his entrance”

"5,4,3,2,1 go kill it,” I say as he storms into the crowd. “I’m on my way back, Paul and I know you set me up to talk to Jey” I say heading back to Gorilla. “Prove it,” he says laughing into my headset as I rolled my eyes.

Gorilla After Smackdown

Shantell’s’ POV

Sitting in Gorilla packing up my things I got a text from Trin. “Girl, I believe shit bout to hit the fan, Jey got a call from Mike asking to meet with him by his office. It was something about some labs that had been done,” “Ah, hell,” I mutter as I finished packing up my things. I went to find Jimmy and Trin refusing to give Jey’s drama anymore power over me. It isn’t my business; I’ve got my own issues to deal with.

Rounding the corner, I saw him talking to Mike and it seemed to be a tense conversation. “God, why you keep putting me in these positions, this ain’t my business no more,” I groan to myself as I hide where they can’t see me.

 “You sure, Uce?” I heard him say as Mike put his hand on his shoulder. “We do routine pregnancy tests through blood work, along with their full body work up panel for the women. We do it every couple of months,” Mike says trying to explain the situation to a confused Jey.

 “So, what you sayin’ man,” Jey asks anxiously. “Her checkup panel results were all good, but her pregnancy screen was negative, she isn’t pregnant Jey, labs don’t lie.” Mike says, looking at him with sympathy.  

“You got it wrong; she just miscarried last weekend when we were home,” Jey says rubbing his face anxiously. “Who told you that?” Mike asks intrigued. Her sister works at the hospital, and she told me Taraji lost the baby,” Jey says trying to wrap his head around what was being said.

“So, no doctor told you that correct?” Mike asked as Jey shook his head no. “Jey, I think you’ve been had son, there is no way Taraji was pregnant, blood work doesn’t lie,” he says giving him the results and a comforting quick hug before going back into his office.

“I can’t believe this shit!”  Jey shouts hitting his fist against the wall before stalking out of the building.

“Babygirl, why you hiding in the corner,” Joe says coming over to me with Tangela, Trin, and Jimmy in tow. “You and Jimmy need to talk to Jey, he just stormed out of the building,” I say nervously, still trying to process the news I heard.

“What’s wrong?” Jimmy asks, grabbing my hand, giving me a look as I looked at Trin. She quickly looked down, unable to look at me. She blabbed. “It’s not that,” I say as he smiles at me before looking down at my stomach,” Yea, he knew. “It’s about something else, but it’s not my business to tell,” I say to them.

“Well, you girls head to the bus and we will go check on him,” Jimmy said all headed out of the building, separating at the buses.

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Hospital, Pensacola FL.

Sofia’s POV

It’s been a slow night so far, but Rachel seems to be really on edge. I wasn't trying to not listen to her call, but then I heard who she was talking too, and my interest peaked. Something just isn’t right about her and her damn sister.

“I did what you wanted, I could still lose my job Taraji,” she whispers as I frown watching her.

“Lisa, I’m about to take my lunch break early, I got a little headache,” I said walking out of the er. I needed to be sure, so I headed down to the medical records room.  “Where is it,” I say talking to myself as I’m looking for Taraji’s medical file.

 It took awhile but there it was in writing under doctor’s notes. I got more pissed off the more I read.   Patient was brought in with complaints of stomach pains, x-rays, blood work were all normal. Further testing was done in a form of a pregnancy test through blood work, pregnancy screening panel results were negative.

“Son of a bitch,” I whisper looking at the rest of the notes. I quickly made a copy of all the information before clocking out for my break. I went to my car and tried to call my husband, but so far there was no answer.  I hate when he forgets to take his phone off silent when finally leaving the building.

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Jey’s Bus

Jey’s POV

“Jey, what Mike got to lie about? “Joe asks trying to reason with me as I’m grasping at straws. “Ya’ll didn’t see her at the hospital, she was devastated,” I say trying to not get ahead of myself.

“I think she heard us talkin’ with ma, she panicked. She knew that blood work from Mike was gon’ expose her ass too,” Jimmy says honestly as Solo looks confused as he sees he has four missed calls from his wife.

“Hold on, Sofia been blowing me up,” he says looking worried. “I hope everything is ok,” I say as he gets up to call her back.

“Sofia, baby slow down, I can’t understand you,” Solo said turning his phone on speaker.

“Where is Jey, I tried to call you both,” her exhausted voice filled the bus as we all listened. “He’s here with me baby, what’s up?” he says as I feel my night is about to get worse.

“I did something I could get in trouble for, but I had to know. I just sent you and Jey some pictures of Taraji’s medical files, I just copied it at work,” I pulled out my phone to look at the pictures Sofia sent. My anger slowly taking over my body as I look at Taraji’s hospital records.

“Jey, I’m so sorry. Taraji was never pregnant;” Sofia says as I exit out of the pictures. This is the second time tonight I’ve looked at a piece of paper telling me there was never a baby. I don’t even know what to feel as I got up and retreated to my room slamming the door.

Jimmy’s POV

“Sofia, thank you for looking out for my brotha,” I said hearing how sad her voice sounded. “I love ya’ll, we’re family,” she says as I smile at Solo, he really had him a ride or die in Sofia.  

“Baby, I love you, I’m gon’ check on you later,” he says as he and Sofia hung up. “So now what happens?” Joe asks as I rub my face. “We be there for him because I know my twin, it’s about to get ugly” I say heading back to speak with him.

“Uce, it’s me,” I say going inside. I could feel and see his pain as he is listening to the recording Taraji had given him, saying it was their child’s heartbeat.” “It was all a lie man, got me out her cryin’ over a baby that didn't even exist,” he says throwing his phone.

“We gon’ get through it,” I say reassuring him as we sat in silence. It was an unspoken bond, when my brother hurt, I’m hurt too.

“I was gon' be a dad,” he said pulling out the ultrasound picture, studying it for a few moments before ripping it up.

I hated seeing him like this and I wanted to scream at the top of lungs that Shantell was pregnant, but I knew it wasn’t my secret to tell.

“What you gon’ do bout Taraji?” I ask as I felt a shift in his demeanor. “I’m gonna find out why, Uce,” he says as we sit in silence trying to figure out what the next step was.

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