#and my check engine light came on in my car yesterday

[allofuswantgwinam]

not me telling my mom i was coming out to make a coffee and then she makes the last coffee pod right after i tell her that? she must hate me and want me to die fr

[suappang]

my god i truly cannot catch a break huh

[maddogmp3]

hello google how to not be stressed over plans that are not stressful. thank you

[bunnyhugs77]

Driven 2 U

Pairing: Rich! Reader x Mechanic! Jungkook

Word Count: 5.2k

Notes: am i back from the dead??

Content Warning: reader is a bit spoiled but she can't help it!, ft manager! yoongi, jk is so whipped, fluff, car troubles, reader is a bad driver, kissing, witty jk, some smut, pining, mentionsn of ex boyfriends, dirty hands, flowers, reader is a bit oblivious, mention of death, jungkook is delusional just like us.

Other Content: making out, late-night rendezvous, choking, semi-public sex, they're both so desperate, marking, soft dom! jk, light hair pulling, oral sex (f! receiving), cute conversations in between, praise.

The sun beamed down gently between the spaces of the clouds that littered the otherwise bright blue sky. Your Chanel sunglasses framed your face perfectly and your arm rested on the ledge of the window as you steered with the other. The air was sweeter, the flowers were in full bloom and the grass seemed greener.

The world always seemed so much more colourful when you had a hair appointment ahead of you. "I swear this is your third hair appointment this month." Yerin's voice rings through your aux, judgy as always, but you love her for it. She's been your best friend since you could walk, if anyone was gonna call you out it was gonna be her--it could only be her. You didn't listen to anyone else.

Especially not your overprotective dad, who kept nagging you to get your engine checked since that little light kept flashing at you. You didn't see the point. You thought of yourself as a pretty good driver even though all of your passengers often fled the moment you parked, swearing to never get in a car with you again, but they always came back.

"Yeah? What's your point? These roots aren't gonna touch up themselves." Your car began to jolt, "Uhh-" You trailed off, looking down to your dashboard and scanning for a source of the issue, "What?" Yerin asks and you quickly begin to lose speed. \

Turning on your four-ways you begin to pull over on the side of the road, "My engine light is flashing red and there's smoke coming out from my hood, is that bad?" Yerin doesn't say anything, there's silence in the car until she exhales, "You need to take your car to a mechanic like yesterday."

"-But I can't take it to Wheely's, that's where Jae used to take me whenever my car needed work." This time Yerin made sure you could hear her distress with an extra long sigh, "You guys broke up almost 6 months ago, I doubt they remember you. It's not like they'll refuse service because you broke up with one of their customers."

"Okay fine. You're lucky it's close, I'll just drive-" Before your hand could even make contact with the clutch, you're interrupted by a shout, "Do not even think about moving that car, Y/n. You'll completely kill the engine. Just call a tow truck. As a matter of fact, I'll call one for you."

That brings you to where you are right now. The passenger seat of a high-rimmed tow truck with a rugged driver. He seemed miserable to you at first, hooking your car up with a lot of grunts and 'tsks' slipping through clenched teeth until he really looked at you, eyes looking you up then down, taking in your very wealthy attire.

Suddenly small talk and friendly conversation were being made. With a rocky abruption, you bounced in your seat as the truck pulled into the back alley of the shop where there were lots of other damaged cars sitting around.

You thanked him and tipped him one hundred dollars. You clearly had no general comprehension of the value of a dollar, not when it comes to tipping at least.

You stood off to the side of the open garage, against the wall, waiting for the driver to come back after he'd gone inside to notify the mechanics that your car would need to be manually rolled in.

"You're still rolling in this piece of junk, Scooter?" A voice catches your attention two more men walk out of the garage alongside the driver. It seems the driver was known as Scooter around here though you doubt that's his real name.

"Hey, you better watch it, ol'Ruby here may be a bit aged but she's got character." Scooter taps the hood of the rusty pick-up truck while the two men stand in front of him with their arms crossed, one with mint hair and the other with dark locks; both of their backs facing you, yet to notice you were standing there.

"A bit aged? I'm certain Julius Cesar could identify it." The mint-haired man jokes and the brunette laughs while Scooter rolls his eyes.

Scooter waves you over, cueing the two men to look over their shoulders, a bit shocked they hadn't noticed you standing there earlier. "This is Yoongi and Jungkook, they'll be overseeing your repairs." They finally turned and Yoongi hardly got a full glance at you before his gaze was fixated on the man beside him who couldn't look away.

Unsure if your mind was playing tricks on you but you're fairly certain you'd seen them both before. Maybe not for long as you'd only ever been at the mechanics for a few short moments while Jae dropped off your car and switched into his.

Eyes wide and alert, you resembled a deer in headlights, unable to hold the soft gaze that was being sent your way. "Don't worry, you're in good hands," Yoongi reassures while Scooter gets back in his truck and pulls out.

"We need to roll it in, Jungkook and I are going to push from behind the car. Do you mind getting in the front and just steering to make sure to aim for the inside of the garage? Try to get it between the two pylons." Yoongie points into the garage where there are two markers a few meters apart.

Agreeing, you're just about to get back into the front seat when your phone rings. Both men were already in position, strong arms bracing the trunk and hunched over slightly, legs split apart, ready to bear the force back into the ground with each push, but you answered the phone instead.

Yoongi's brow arched while Jungkook just watched you.

"Y/n speaking."

It was your hairdresser, calling to see if you were still on your way as expected. Your heart sunk, you'd nearly forgotten ever since your car committed suicide and then Yerin was yelling at you.

"I'm so sorry- my car broke down and--" The boys listen intently, nosey as always. It wasn't often they had someone so interesting stroll into their quarters in the middle of the week.

"Yes, I know you're very busy and I would never want to waste your time--" You start but she interrupts you again. "No! Please don't put me on the waitlist I'll be there. I'm coming!" Hastily you get into the driver's seat and steer it in with the guys pushing behind you.

You got out nervously panicking, scrolling through all your contacts for someone to give you a ride. "Something wrong?" Jungkook couldn't help himself. He had to ask, even though he knew the answer.

"I have a hair appointment and she'd booked through for the next three months and if I'm not there in the next 15 minutes she's giving my spot away." Jungkook just stood there, while Yoongi worked on elevating the car.

Not a thought behind his eyes at your worries. You were in your own world for that to be your biggest concern but he tried to understand. "Why not get a Lyft?"

"Ew," Your hand clasps over your mouth almost immediately. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that--or to offend you-" Now Jungkook seemed taken aback, "Why would that offend me?" Your mouth gapes open like a fish before finally shutting.

"I'm just saying, the choice is yours. You can either get a Lyft or call the b-b-bus." He puts on a horrified expression as he chops up the last word to get it through to you. The result on your face was priceless.

"How about you give me a ride? I'll pay you." He stills, straightening his posture while his brows contorted, evidently confused. Even though Yoongi was on the opposite side of the car, crouched down on one knee, he too was confused. That wasn't an option. Jungkook is in full uniform, on the clock.

Does he get ahead of himself sometimes? Yes. The kid's got a big heart but he's not crazy, there's no way he would- "I'll get my keys." Yoongi lets his head fall in disappointment.

Jungkook led you around the back of the building then outside to the lot where he was parked and you turned to him blankly. "Which one is yours?" He unlocks the car as an answer, the headlights flashing at you. Quick on your heels you pivot to face him.

"This is your car?" Your acrylic points to the grey polished, sleek sports car that had the two doors opening on their own. "Not too shabby for the working class, huh?" He quips and you swat at his arm.

"I already said I was sorry about the Lyft thing, will you just let it go already? He snorts at how flustered you're getting, "Already? That was literally 60 seconds ago." You pout and get into the car, avoiding any further conversation.

His car smelled good, like really good. You found yourself taking deeper breaths than usual. It was hard to describe the smell but if you tried you would describe it as a bold yet comforting aroma, it almost reminded you of a man's cologne but mixed with the fresh scent of smoked leather. Sweet but musky.

"Leave some air for me." Jungkook jokes and your eyes nearly pop out of their sockets, he pulls out of the lot and heads for the address you gave him. "Just hurry up." You slouch back into the seat hoping the chair would consume you.

"You do realize you're basically in a Lyft right now." Jungkook points out as the ending revs and the car accelerates, cutting up traffic, one hand on the wheel and the other out the window, just like you.

You ignored how attractive his driving was and zeroed in on the topic at hand. "No, this is different. I personally hired you, for the next..." You lean forward to see the GPS and the remaining time to your location, "6 minutes, you're my personal chauffeur." He just had to laugh, all those times he saw you with Jae, he'd always wondered what you'd be like.

He never would've guessed you be so full of...you. But it would be one hell of a lie if he said it didn't add to your appeal. He was no longer in dangerous waters, no no. The moment he accepted your proposition, he'd thrown himself into shark-infested waves with a pressuring current, destined to pull him to the bottom.

Jungkook pulled up to the side of the salon and you hurried got out. "Thank you, Jungkook. I really appreciate it; oh and take care of my car!" You smile from outside the window looking in, about to leave when you reach for your phone and hand it to him.

His heart leaps from his chest. That's it? So easy? He lags for a moment, staring at your arm that was outstretched to him. "So you can tell me when my car is ready."

Oh.

"OH. Yeah. Of course." he enters in his information before handing it back to you, and the sight of your bouncy steps in your high heels and sunglasses is the last he sees of you before he makes his way back to the shop.

-

Walking into the garage he picks up an oil cloth that he knows he'll need soon. Startled, Jungkook's hand grabs his chest as Yoongi pops up from behind the car, the opened trunk shielding him from sight before. Grease-covered hands and stained attire are what he notices before his displeased expression.

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't get in the front seat and back this car over you." He threatens, not a smile in sight except for the big one that spreads across Jungkook's apologetic face. "Because I'll work overtime for a week, unpaid."

Yoongi taps the wrench in his palm, thinking about it. "You were on the clock, Jeon. Make it two."

"Deal."

The two round the car to the open hood to get a better look at the engine. "Was it at least worth it? I know you've had your eyes on her since she first came in with that guy like two years ago."

"She's funny and she's beautiful. It's so over for me." Yoongi chuckles, reaching his hand into the hood, and starting the repairs. "Just ask her out, I don't see what the big deal is." He shrugs and Jungkook's head slowly turns, "This could be the love of my life, Yoongi. One wrong move and I lose my one chance, all my greatest dreams and aspirations-" Yoongi playfully closes the hood on Jungkooks fingers to shut him up.

"Alright Shakespeare, now help me get this engine out."

--

A week goes by when you are flipping through a magazine, 'What's the perfect job for you' the letters read and surprise surprise you got a model. You smiled as you placed the magazine back down on the craft services table as the photographer called you over to the center to resume the shoot.

This was for the cover of Serpahine, thankfully you weren't as nervous this time around as you were three years ago when it was your first time.

You'd been in the modelling world for a few years now, you got into it on a whim not expecting to really go anywhere with it, but the people loved you. You were only 19 when you went to your first shoot for a local retail store, fast forward six years and you'd actually driven past a billboard with your face on it this morning.

Once the shoot was done you finally reconnected with your beloved phone and saw there was a message from an unsaved number. "Your car is ready for pick up." Ah, finally.

You were sick of carpooling and hiring drivers this week, all you wanted was to finally get back behind the wheel of your own car.

The evening hadn't escaped you just yet. The sun was still out but slowly setting and casting an orange hue as you got out of the car in front of Wheeley's and dismissed them.

You could already see Jungkook from where you stood outside of the garage. Leant over the hood of another car, sleeves rolled up and tattoos on display. Just when he couldn't get any hotter.

You knocked on the wall, not sure if you could enter. He looks up with a glance before doing an immediate double take and stands to his full height. He welcomes you with a soft smile and gestures you over.

You approached him slowly, the last thing you wanted was to eat shit and land on the greasy floors in front of him.

The closer you got, the more intense his gaze became, "Wow, you look amazing." Jungkook compliments almost speechless. It was like you'd gotten even prettier from the last time he'd seen you.

Instinctively, you play with the chain of your white gold orchid necklace. It was just something you did when you were flattered or shy, in this case, a bit of both.

"Ahem." Neither of you had any idea where Yoongi had come from but he spawned and reminded Jungkook to stay focused before he vanished back into his office.

"Right. So. We assessed the damage to your engine, and the overheating engine caused the gasket to blow, causing the coolant and the oil to start mixing which is very bad." You could tell he was dumbing down the words for you and you had to stop yourself from chewing on your lower lip as he talked.

He's so hot when he talks about cars and stuff. "Are you following?" What? You thought you were doing such a good job of listening. He continued to explain what had been done and import fees and blah blah blah.

You weren't listening to a damn thing he was saying and Jungkook could tell. If he was being honest, he was hardly listening to himself, brain so warped on the fact that this was probably the last time he'd see you for a long time.

He walked you over to the register, "With the coverage you get from guardian auto insurance it reduces your initial price from 2,785.61 to 875.50." You blinked, guardian auto insurance. You had no memory of buying that, which is why you assumed your dad did and thank god for that.

Not that you couldn't afford the initial price but who would want to spend money on boring car stuff when they could go shopping? You paid and then remembered something.

"Here's your tip, for the Lyft." You smile handing him a hundred-dollar bill and he just smiles, not reaching for the money. "Aren't you gonna take it?" He shakes his head. "The car did all the work, all I did was steer. Besides, if I were you, I'd consider putting my money towards a better car."

Your hand falters, and you pout. "What's wrong with my Magma GRT?"

"I hate to say it, but this is the worst car money can buy. I see about three of these every week. For starters, the engineering of it is shit, it makes our job ten times harder. Not to mention it was wired by preschoolers, the batteries are cheap and I can guarantee you, your transmission is gonna blow sometime in the next year."

You stood there, jaw dropped.

"That's not true." You argue, feeling defensive over your sweet baby.

Jungkook guides you over to the hood of the car he had just been working on. "I'll take everything back if you can show me where the engine is."

You stood there for a solid minute, really giving it hard thought. "It's right here." You hold up the middle finger in front of his face before walking away and he laughs taking long strides to catch up to your furious pace.

"Where is my car, anyway?" Jungkook leads you around the back where the completed cars sit with a ticket on the windshield. He watched you excitedly hop into the driver's seat and run your hands over the wheel, then touching the fuzzy orchids that hung from your mirror.

You started it up and she sounded better than ever. You got out and fought the urge to do a little dance but you lost. It was cute, adorable really. "Thank you!" Without even thinking you placed a quick peck on his cheek before you returned to your car, honking at him twice before you sped off.

His fingers lightly grazed the cheek your lips had just met. His vision started to blur, he was about to faint. And then the doom settled in his stomach, you were gone.

--

"Let's take 5 everyone. Y/n, a minute." The head photographer calls you over. "What's going on? You seem out of it, and you can't be out of it. Not until this shoot is done, at least. I've got bills to pay too."

It's been a few weeks since you'd gotten your car fixed but now everything else felt broken. Suddenly a new outfit didn't put a smile on your face, and the buzz you got from a night out at the bar didn't compare to the flames you felt with the few moments you had with that pretty mechanic.

You shake away the thoughts and apologize, reassuring him that you'd get your head back in the game.

--

It's been a month.

He hasn't texted you, which isn't crazy considering you gave him your number for repair purposes only. Though it did make you sad to know he ignored the resource he had to contact you. Then again the phone did work both ways.

You were spiralling, just a tad.

Besides, you didn't want to text him, you needed to see him, but you can't just show up to a mechanic for no reason...

You paced around your room until your gaze landed on your car keys.

You shake your head.

No.

That's crazy.

You grab the keys anyway.

After a quick Google search, you concluded that this evening you would be making an impromptu trip to the gas station. Your tank holds about 30 liters so you pumped it with 35.

Once you got back in the car, just as Google said, your check engine light was on. At least this time it wasn't red.

"Oh no, looks like I've gotta get a check-up."

-

You pulled onto the lot with a mischievous grin, you weren't sure how you were going to pull this off but you had to.

Parking outside the open garage, you locked the car before walking in, looking around for any signs of anyone but it was empty--

"Back so soon?" You turn, face to face with the same face you'd been wanting to see for weeks. "Well yeah, I-"

The loud engine of that familiar tow truck came roaring up the driveway. A loud horn caught your attention. "Come on Jeon, roadside call ain't gonna solve itself!" Scooter shouts and Jungkook visibly gulps, looking between the two of you with a panicked gaze.

"I'm sorry, I have to go. Yoongi is in his office, he can help you."

Your shoulders slumped and your pout was prominent. Let this be the first and last time you ever stuck your neck out for a man.

-

A few days had passed when Jungkook sent you the invoice for your repairs. Your eyes analyzed the familiar statement of reduction showing that Guardian Auto Insurance saved you another 600 dollars.

You sighed.

You completed the transaction online and made sure to avoid him at all costs when you picked up your car. Unable to face him after he had blown you off. Even though you know it wasn't intentional, it was still humiliating.

The following weeks may not have been anything special for you but were most certainly eventful for Yerin. "I warned you not to dance on top of that bar." You joke as you walk Yerin out of the emergency room with a slight hangover while she has a cast on her left arm.

After driving her back to her place, not a silent ride at that, even on three different pain killers she was still whining about this curb and that curb, 'watch out for that pedestrian' she would yell as if you didn't have eyes.

"How am I supposed to get to work tomorrow." She sulks, resting her cast on a nearby couch cushion. "I can take you." You offer and she glares, "I guess I wasn't clear. I need to make it in one piece." You rolled your eyes.

"I'll just take my car, driving with one hand can't be that hard." She shrugs.

"It's not, but you're not left-handed. It's a bad idea." You warn but she is more stubborn than you are.

-

It was only around 10 am the following morning when you received a message from Yerin. She attached an image of her car, it looked normal aside from the missing side mirror.

Oh boy.

'I told you so.' You send her and she replies with a middle finger.

'Now it's your turn to go to Wheeley's and make sure to use your guardian auto insurance. Saves a ton.'

She gives you a thumbs up.

Talking about that shop made your mind wander. You wonder how Jungkook was doing. It's been a while since you last saw him. Sometimes you regret not sticking around for him to come back, or even avoiding him to pick up your car.

But maybe this was for the best.

Besides, you were just a customer. One of many. You're sure he's forgotten all about you.

-

Your phone buzzes once, then twice, pulling you out of the realm of peace and tranquillity that your nap had rolled you into. You'd fallen asleep on the couch while reruns of your favourite movie passed by on your screen. "Hello?"

"Guardian Auto Insurance my ass. I was charged $450. I asked Yoongi to double check and he said apparently that doesn't even exist." Slowly sitting up, you try to make sense of it.

How's that possible? If it doesn't exist then who made it up?-

Oh shit.

You quickly finish the call with Yerin, and check the time. The shop would close in about an hour, you had little time to get ready before you made your way there.

Pulling into the driveway so late at night made your headlights seem like spotlights, bouncing off every reflective surface in sight. Catching Jungkook's attention as he wasn't expecting anyone this late at night.

In his fitted jumpsuit, he watched the car pull up closer to the garage, shining the bright light in his face until the engine was shut off. He'd seen this car hundreds of times. He couldn't get his hopes up, but the second your red bottoms hit the concrete his heart was pounding.

You were headed right towards him.

You looked angry- no, upset, no-

"When were you gonna tell me that there's really no Guardian Auto Insurance and that you've been covering 80% of my costs out of your own pocket?" You definitely sounded angry but your gaze seemed... soft.

You stopped right in front of him, face to face. Your breathing was heavy and your brows furrowed as your eyes danced between both of his deep brown, apologetic ones. "I-"

"Just shut up." Grabbing a gentle hold of his cheeks in your hands, you pulled his lips down to meet yours. It took Jungkook a second to process what was going on but once his brain caught up, so did his hands.

He held you securely at the waist, tugging you into him until your front was against his and he worked his tongue with yours. Your heads tilted slightly to deepen the kiss.

You always knew he'd be a great kisser, but this was taking your breath away. Literally. You pulled away from him, lungs reaching for a much-needed dose of oxygen while Jungkook did the same. His gaze was much darker.

"You and this stupid uniform. I want to finally see what's underneath-" Reaching for his buttons, you're able to get the first four undone with a few stray kisses to his neck that send Jungkook absolutely reeling. A soft moan escapes him before he pulls back.

"Wait. Wait, I have something for you." He disappears into one of the offices before coming back with a bouquet of orchids. Your gasp is genuine.

"Yoongi said a friend of yours was in the shop earlier and I'd already been thinking about you non-stop so I just took it as a sign to reach out. I was actually going to bring these to you later once the shop closed. I noticed you had orchids on your necklace and in your car so I just thought you'd like them." You give them a sniff. "I love them. They were actually my mom's favourite flower before she passed."

He frowns, "I'm sorry to hear that," you give him a sad smile, "Thank you, it means a lot. Really. But we can talk about that later," You place the flowers behind you on the trunk of the car. Jungkook grins.

"You're very direct aren't you." You shrug. "You'll get used to it."

He walks up to you, looking down at you with the six inches his head carried over yours. "Oh, will I?" You nod with unwavering confidence. "Unless you can't handle it-" A big, gentle hand is placed around your neck, no pressure applied until he speaks, "I'm not the one who needs to be worried about."

With that said he slowly sinks himself to his knees, big hands reaching under your ruffled skirt, taking two handfuls of your ass and giving it a firm squeeze. You gasp as you feel him slowly drag a finger along the soaked fabric of your panties.

"Please, Jungkook." The harmonious sound of you begging rattled him to his core. With no self-restraint, he would do anything you asked. "Don't worry princess, I've got you. Gonna take good care of you." he pulls down the only thing keeping him from your soaked cunt and a low growl rumbles in his chest at the sight.

He helps you to step out of your panties with your heels still on, he couldn't let your bare feet touch the floors. You open your hand for the garment but you roll your eyes at the sight of him pocketing them in his uniform. You already know you'll never see them again and you accept it.

He has you bunch up your skirt around your waist for better sight. Smoothly he places one leg over his shoulder while your body rests against the trunk of the car. The grip he holds on your left thigh is tight enough to make your brain spin and surely marks will follow.

"See. I always knew I'd have you on your knees for me one d-AY. Oh fuck!" Jungkook can't be bothered to bark back at you not when he has an insatiable appetite and a full meal right in front of him.

His jaw worked itself as he lapped up at your center. Tongue long and warm, licking every square inch of you until you couldn't take it, hands reaching desperately for his hair and he groaned.

Once he finally had you where he wanted you, reduced to nothing but begs and whimpers, he allowed his tongue to flick over your clit repeatedly, until he felt half of your body weight fall onto his right shoulder for a moment.

You could hardly even keep yourself up. He was going to make sure you remembered this. "Oh shit! P-please Jungkook. M'So close." He groans, his right hand pressing down on the solid bulge in his pants for a little relief.

Your slick was running down his chin, some even down the sides of his neck as he worked you with his tongue. Writhing nonstop, though this wouldn't be an issue if he had a better environment. He'd have you pinned and unable to run from him.

To finish you off he let his teeth graze so lightly over your clit, you almost wouldn't feel it had he not heightened your senses to such an extreme with his intricate pussy eating.

You came with his name falling off your lips.

Your face turns beet red as he tells you to look down at the mess you made on the ground below you. "What were you saying earlier? Something about me being on my knees for you-"

"Just fuck me already." Jungkook stands back up to his full height, clicking his tongue with tsk' sounds. "I pay for your repairs, I buy you flowers, I make you cum and this is how you talk to me? Where are your manners." Jungkook adjusts your skirt so it's back in place and he picks you up to sit on the trunk.

"Besides. I'm not fucking you in here. I wanna take you out first." You smile at that, "Finally, a smile." He remarks, and your body limps forward naturally, your arms wrapping around his neck while your head settles in the crook of his neck and your eyes flutter shut. You ignore his previous statement until he whispers in your ears. "You do realize the garage was open this whole time, and anyone who drove by got a front-row show?" Your eyes shoot open.

[wuxian-vs-wangji]

When All the Work is Finished (Part 1: PayuRain)

Summary: What's the best way to unwind after weeks of hard work? Rain and Sky skip the monthly races to finish some homework, but when Prapai and Payu go back to their respective homes, they find something very unexpected.

Part 2 (PrapaiSky)

For my fanfic library, visit @rhysand-vs-fenrys-vs-writing.

To read on Archive of Our Own, click here.

Part 1 (PayuRain)

“Rain, do you need help?”

“I’m fi- hey!” Rain was red-faced and exhausted as he staggered into Payu’s house one evening, weighed down by several packages.

Saifah ignored what the little man was going to say, taking several boxes off the top of Rain’s pile, enough that the boy could finally see what was ahead of him.

Rain groaned as he stumbled to a table and deposited the two boxes he was left, his arms trembling with exhaustion. He stretched his arms in front of him, felt something pop loudly in his shoulder, and smiled.

Saifah set his own boxes down and leaned on the pile, watching Rain with a bemused look. “You have a car. How far did you carry all of this?”

“I did it for the exercise.” Rain dodged the question. It was true that he had left his car at Payu’s when he went out to pick up the packages. But the problem was-

“What did you do to the car?”

“I didn’t do anything!” Rain insisted, then caved to Saifah’s raised eyebrow, “The engine light came on yesterday.”

The race had come at the worst possible time this month. Payu was spending most days- and weekends- at the office, and before that Rain had been consumed by exams and projects. He hadn’t seen Payu conscious in three weeks. Combine that with all the last minute checks Payu ran on bikes the night before a race, and a guilty Rain couldn’t possibly add to Payu’s load. When he finally slipped into bed at three in the morning, he’d been pale.

After so long apart, it was normal that they would play with each other’s bodies at least a little, but Payu only pulled Rain tight to his chest and was asleep within seconds.

Of course, Rain wasn’t the only one who knew the kind of pressure Payu had been under. Saifah only sighed, “Good call then. I’ll take a look tomorrow. Do you need a ride to the race?”

Rain was a fixture at the event, where he liked to wander with Sky or watch Payu run about and work.

But this time, Rain shook his head, “Sky is coming over to help me with an extra credit project.”

“I’ll leave the gate unlocked then. We had to do a surprise break replacement earlier and it threw the schedule off. I’m only here to grab a change of clothes.” Saifah straightened up and checked the clock. The sun was still setting, glittering just above the guest house roof. There was still a lot to do before the race that night. 

Normally, Saifah would chat with Rain a bit, maybe tease his brother’s little boyfriend until his face turned bright red. But tonight was already off to a stressful start, so he just waved a farewell to Rain and left him in the foyer. 

Rain pulled out his phone and pretended to be busy until he heard the gate clang and peeked out to make sure Saifah’s car was gone. Then, Rain walked over to the gate and quickly locked it.

Unless he reappeared suddenly- which wasn’t unusual for Saifah- Rain might have finally managed to trick one of the brothers with a lie. For his part, Sky would also tell Prapai that he was going to Payu’s later to work on the extra credit project.

The two friends had finished and handed in their projects days ago, but…

When Rain asked Sky to help him in this lie a week ago, Sky had thought about it for a long time as his ears turned pink and a blush came across his cheeks. And he’d gone with Rain to- well… Sky had his own order to pick up, and his own incentive to lie and ditch the race.

Prapai was out of town on business until recently. Sky needed a night with Prapai as much as Rain did with Payu.

Doubt nagged at the back of Rain’s mind as he returned to the house to ferry the packages upstairs. It was going to take time to get everything ready, that was why he needed a time when Payu was going to be away, but…

I didn’t know there would be a problem with one of the bikes.

Rain was still pretty hopeless when it came to cars, but he’d studied while Payu worked in the past, and he remembered when Prapai brought his beloved red Ducati in for a brake change months ago. It took a few hours- maybe not much time in all, but the day of a race was when Payu usually allowed himself a rare nap to prepare himself for the long night.

He slept deeply and soundly in Rain’s arms until long after the sun rose, but if today proved to be stressful as well…

This will make him happy.

He’ll hate this.

It’ll help refresh him.

He’ll be too exhausted.

Rain brought the boxes upstairs one by one. His footsteps were heavy, his mood was getting darker and darker. By the time he was done, he was no closer to deciding what to do than he’d been when Saifah first mentioned the brakes.

It was then that his phone chimed with Payu’s special ringtone.

[Your boyfriend is working so hard, don’t you have any pity for me?]

Rain smiled as he read Payu’s message. 

If he was in the mood to be pouty, then things couldn’t be too bad, right? 

Rain opened his camera roll and selected a photo from back when he and Sky genuinely were working on their extra credit projects- one showing the majority of the model assembled, only a few hours of work left to do. Rain saved the photo in case he needed to sell his lie- in this one, his bare leg was stretched out into the frame. Innocuous when he sent it to Sky, but for Payu…

His phone pinged again, this time with an audio message. Rain smiled and turned up the volume.

[“If you bait me like this, I won’t take responsibility for what happens later.”] A low growl from Payu.

Rain always knew Payu liked to play with his legs when they had sex, kissing and biting while Rain moaned beneath him. But it was only recently that he realized just how much Payu liked them. A naked leg sticking out from beneath the blankets could make Payu’s eyes darken with want.

Rain slipped into the downstairs bathroom, out of sight of the walls of windows, and quickly removed his pants to take another photograph of his unmarked thigh and send it to Payu as a provocation.

Alright… Play it is.

---

---

Darkness filled the house- but not the kind of darkness that would alarm anyone. It was a gentle darkness, broken by the occasional table lamp. The inhabitants were asleep, the light meant to guide a weary soul up to bed.

Rain spent hours preparing it all. The darkness he waited in was whole and unbroken, even if the room was brightly lit. 

P’Payu will hate this.

P’Payu will love it.

He’s just going to pat me on the head, say he’s sorry, and I’ll have made him feel like crap. He’s already tired, he’ll feel like he disappointed me too.

He’s… he’s going to be… happy?

He won’t even come home. Remember how P’Saifah promised to fix my car? It’s because he knows P’Payu is too busy.

The sound of a car door closing made Rain jump. It was faint, but he’d been listening so carefully. His mind whirled- he’d just convinced himself Payu wasn’t coming home, so who could be here? Saifah? Saifah wouldn’t dare come into Payu’s room at nearly four in the morning when the door was closed… right?

Maybe Rain was mistaken. Maybe it wasn’t a car door, or it was a neighbor who-

The opening and closing of the door downstairs was not something Rain could mistake. His ears strained for even the slightest sound, and it wasn’t long before he heard weary footsteps. They were a bit slow, a bit too forceful, but Rain knew the sound of Payu’s feet on the stairs. Knew it as clearly as his voice.

His heart pounded so loudly that for a moment, Rain imagined he couldn’t even hear the steps anymore.

He listened in silence with baited breath as the footsteps became muffled on the rug outside the door.

The sound of the knob turning.

The kiss of cool air across Rain’s skin.

Payu’s surprise was marked by a soft but sharp inhale. Time froze for Rain as he balled his fists, trying to hide the trembling.

When Payu found his breath again, he remained frozen in place, unable to accept what his eyes were showing him.

Rain bit his lip, imagining the expression on his face.

Payu- who loved to do the most lewd things to Rain, and yet always controlled what happened. The charismatic and Dominant Payu… had the wind knocked out of him by his little boyfriend’s wanton display.

The first box Rain opened contained a hinged silver hoop, almost large enough to fit around both of Rain’s thumbs simultaneously. It was the object he was most nervous about- one that wrapped almost painfully tight around where his penis and testicles connected. If the salesperson was to be believed, it would make it almost impossible for him to release, no matter how badly he wanted to. At the same time, it would make him harder and more sensitive than even he usually was.

It wasn’t the tightness that scared Rain, it was the thought of going insane, trapped on the edge of cumming until Payu flipped the little latch on the side and let him free. Depending on Payu’s mood, that could take… hours.

Second came two tiny silver clamps that were tightened onto the pink buds of his chest and connected by chains of varying lengths- depending on what Payu would like Rain to do. For this display, Rain had used the smallest chain, which had three small loops in the middle for a series of weights that were set in a small box beside Rain’s form.

The third package contained something Rain knew Payu would love- a harness for his face that could either hold a ball gag or- what was dangling around Rain’s neck now- a rounded silicone mouthguard. Payu would be free to push the guard up so that Rain’s teeth rested on a special channel and his mouth was locked open for Payu to use as much as he wanted.

If the third package was something Payu would especially love, the fourth was something special for Rain- a vibrating plug that was sitting deep in his entrance- the control sitting beside the weights for his nipple clamps.

Only three pieces remained after Rain inserted the plug (and, to be honest, played with it a little.. Just to be extra sure it worked): the first was the tight black blindfold that Rain now wore. It was sculpted to his eyes, slightly raised at the center, and allowed not even a sliver of light through. He honestly didn’t know if his eyes were open or closed even now, which is why he could only imagine Payu’s face.

The next (and heaviest) parcel contained a firm message to Payu in case everything else was too subtle-- Rain wanted no say in what Payu did to him. A loop of padded black leather wrapped around each of Rain’s legs just above the knee and connected via metal chains to matching cuffs around Rain’s elbows, forcing his legs apart and his arms back as he knelt for Payu now, but on the bed, he would remain splayed and unable to move on his own. Leaving him utterly at Payu’s mercy.

As for the final box- it had a few smaller dildos, some flavored tubes of lube that Payu might enjoy, and a basic set of restraints that Rain had run under the mattress of the bed and laid out neatly- each with their own wrist and ankle cuffs, should Payu decide he wanted his boy tied up there.

Rain had been saving up for… quite some time.

It was such a lewd display that a piece of Rain’s mind worried Payu might just turn around and walk away. Or, more shattering, apologize and help him out of the various contraptions.

Rain had never dared ask Payu to play with toys in bed, and now he’d bought… quite a few. Would Payu like it? Or did it go against the kind of sex he liked- Rain submitting to him in body without anything else needed?

Doubt filled Rain’s heart as the silence stretched on. He shifted slightly, drawing an uncomfortable spasm from the vibrator in his rear. He was on the floor in front of the bed, but he couldn’t feel any footsteps to tell him if Payu left or remained. There was no sound of breathing. Even the cool air from the hall seemed to die away.

His stomach twisted and he shifted again, trying to close his legs and maybe preserve some decency. The silence only grew louder. He began to tremble and felt tears gathering at the corner of his eye, so ashamed that even though his mouth was free, he couldn’t bring himself to ask Payu to… to just forget the whole thing and help him get out of the cuffs.

“I- I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have-”

A strong hand grasped Rain’s throat as Payu’s mouth crushed against his. Rain couldn’t do anything but part his lips and accept the vicious force of Payu’s kiss. It was hot and hard and brutally hungry. Payu held Rain’s head and neck tightly as he made the small man accept the tongue that probed deeply in his mouth.

Rain wasn’t braced for the ferocity with which Payu crashed against him, and he shifted back in a way that knocked at the plug in his ass, causing Rain to cry out against the pain.

The hands released Rain’s neck to feel his shoulders, ankles, the ring around his member- Payu found the ridge of the plug and knew what had probably caused the yelp.

Something brushed against the blindfold- Payu’s fingertips. He felt the dampness at the edges where tears were caught in the fabric. Payu often teased Rain to the point of crying in desperation, but he knew from Rain’s paleness that these weren’t tears of desire. Bound as he was, without eyes to read, Payu could still tell what Rain was thinking.

“You have no idea what it feels like, seeing you dressed up for me,” Payu hissed against Rain’s ear. He placed a knee on either side of Rain’s bent leg and ground himself against Rain’s thigh so the boy could feel how hard he was in his jeans. “You have no idea how perfect you look.”

“I don’t- Mmmph!”

Payu didn’t let Rain object. He slid the ring up into the boy’s mouth, pinning it open.

Rain’s body jerked and he cried out as Payu’s fingers traced the aching rim of his rear where the skin was stretched around the vibrator. Clearly, he found the controller on his own- Rain let out a desperate and uncontrolled moan as it began to vibrate softly inside him.

When he thought Payu was going to reject him, it was cold and unbearable. Now, with the heat of Payu’s kiss, it felt… amazing. The ring around Rain’s little tendon became even tighter as he hardened.

There was a low curse, and Payu’s warmth vanished, followed quickly by the sound of clothing hitting the ground.

“Idiot,” Payu hissed in his ear. Rain heard something scrape against the floor. Payu had picked something up. Desperate to distract himself from the tingling feeling in his rear, Rain tried to think of what it might be. His answer came when Payu set something cold and round on Rain’s thigh.

“Why didn’t you use this?”

It was one of several containers of lube that Rain had set aside.

“I wanted you to pick.”

Payu had felt the dryness around Rain’s hole and realized… the boy must have used his own spit to force the plug in, not one of the new bottles of lube. And he must have been waiting for at least ten minutes already (twenty, actually. Rain couldn’t feel his legs from kneeling so long). 

Payu opened the cap on the lube and slid the bottle across Rain’s skin. He brushed the base delicately around his tied balls, and let the coolness press against the stretch of skin between them and the swollen, red entrance. Just as Rain began to whimper again, the bottle disappeared.

Something cold, thick, and wet dripped down Rain’s member as Payu pushed him back, back, back. Until Rain had to adjust his feet so that he could lay on his back, his legs parted, hands pinned beneath him, and fully on display for Payu.

He jumped at first, then sighed as the cold helped dull the pain. It was different from the lube he normally used, but with his mouth pinned open, it was difficult for Rain to get enough air through just his nose to try and smell which flavor Payu had used.

Sweat beaded on Rain’s skin and he broke out in goosebumps as the cold of the lube gradually warmed, then began to tingle.

One bottle wasn’t scented. It was smaller than the others, something Rain wasn’t sure about, but the boss at the shop threw in free, since Rain ordered so much. A lube that they said would make Rain more sensitive.

Powerful fingers pressed against the metal knot, then rubbed the liquid onto the stretched flesh. Rain closed his eyes (not that it mattered) and shivered as Payu began to pull and twist at the vibrating metal inside him.

It felt so big now- how had Rain ever managed to force it in? Payu paused a few times to retrieve the sample of lube and add more of the liquid, dutifully massaging the tight ring to convince it to open.

“Relax.”

It was the only warning Rain received before Payu took hold of the plug and pulled. Rain’s back arched and he shouted out around the mouthpiece as Payu began to slide it in and out at a steady rhythm- the vibration in it growing stronger.

“Nghnn!” Rain screamed as the plug was twisted so that it pressed hard against his p-spot, the pressure and shudder warming the lube that now filled his insides too. He shook his head side to side, writhing as Payu’s hand pressed hard against his stomach, until he could feel the metal inside Rain’s body shifting and moving.

Pain was crashing into pleasure, turning into a creature Rain didn’t know how to fight. He felt himself draw up, but the metal ring holding him closed prevented more than a few thin drops of precum from escaping his little snake. 

It was agony- but the kind that made drool fill his mouth. Rain’s entire body was shaking as he tried to finish. He felt himself clenching around the plug so hard that Payu finally yanked it out, in case Rain hurt himself. Cool air mixed with the teasing heat of the lube as Rain’s entrance gaped, begging for an erection to tighten around.

Payu devoured Rain’s skin as the spasm passed, then creating more as he licked and sucked at Rain’s trapped length.

“Ah… ah! Ah!!” Rain could only yell, his mouth pinned open and his body too overwhelmed to do more than grind himself shamelessly against Payu’s face, sobbing and moaning without release.

Payu only sucked harder and harder, basking in the desperation of his boyfriend as the little one fought so hard against the restraints he himself bought.

Trapped in darkness, unable to beg for what he needed, and without the ability to climax, Rain was now in some kind of wonderful hell. His insides were melting under the heat of the lube Payu poured around his entrance, and the mouth around his tendon felt better than he could imagine.

If Payu spoke, his voice was drowned out by the high pitched moans and whimpers that escaped from Rain’s mouth. The tears that drenched the blindfold now were filled with desperation and need. Rain began to roll his hips in a way that drove Payu insane when Rain was astride him, trying to make him desperate. It wasn’t impossible for Rain to cum with the hard metal around him, but he’d need Payu inside him.

Then Payu suddenly stopped moving, and climbed away. Rain’s whole body was on fire and he screamed in frustration. Something hard and heavy set down beside his ears. Without warning, he felt pressure on the opening of the muzzle as something began to push in.

Even lost in a growing haze of desperation, Rain couldn’t believe his luck. Payu was lowering his burning erection into the little man’s throat. Rain tipped his head back and relaxed his throat, breathing through his nose as his mouth was filled more and more.

He couldn’t stroke the shaft as it eased in, close his lips around that wonderful, thick length, or taste the saltiness of Payu’s precum with his tongue. All Rain could do was lay there and let himself be used as nothing more than a hole for Payu’s pleasure.

If it was even possible, Rain thought he felt himself getting harder.

Payu knew Rain was in the mood to be taken roughly. He gave the blind, bound man only one gentle thrust before he began to pump his hips and fuck the hot, tight throat in earnest. Rain felt something wet and warm wrap around his own cock as he tried to time his breathing to Payu’s movement. 

Payu’s teeth gently scraped against his most sensitive skin and Rain shouted around the length thrusting into his throat. The sensation on his tormented little snake was on the dangerous edge of tolerable- territory further from pleasure than Rain usually ventured. With the angle of the assault on his throat and the way his mouth was pinned open, the sound that came out was more sultry than intended.

Not an objection, but an invitation for another scrape of sharp teeth along his curving length.

A desperate groan escaped from Payu as his hips pumped into Rain. It reverberated around the base of Rain’s cock and drove bolts of pleasure straight through him. Whatever was left of Rain’s mind braced for the absolute agony that was pleasure without release.

His body tightened and he struggled to inhale. Payu was too big for his poor throat and Rain couldn’t breathe fast enough through his nose. As his mind filled with a desperate fog, Payu abruptly changed the teasing on his cock, opting to seal his mouth around it and nearly swallow the head. At the same time he reached down and began forcing the buzzing plug back into Rain’s hole with a smooth, unrelenting force.

Something blasted through Rain’s mind, shattering him completely as his hips bucked up to meet Payu’s mouth and release was ripped through him in spite of the metal ring. Every eruption of cum into Payu’s mouth brought a violent and viciously painful pleasure. Rain’s eyes rolled up into his head. His entire body seized up, shaking at the fire that ripped screams from his throat in spite of Payu still in his mouth.

If it weren’t for the guard on the gag holding him open, Rain wouldn’t have been able to stop his teeth from biting down hard on Payu’s most sensitive part.

Rain began to shudder and thrash beneath Payu as something even more powerful ravaged his body. His legs tried to kick, his hole constricted harder than he knew was possible around the plug that Payu still forced in and out of him, and that now-burning lube made him feel like his entire lower body was one raw, hungry nerve. Rain screamed again and a moment later was drowning in thick, salty musk as Payu cried out and released into him.

Fire and lightning danced beneath his skin. He wasn’t sure when he took the deep, shaking breath. Rain had no idea when he even swallowed the release that Payu’s bucking hips forced down his throat. Bright lights flashed in Rain’s blinded vision. His body was shaking uncontrollably.

Rain didn’t try to think too much- he wasn’t even sure he could anymore.

The sound that came from him was half-mad and weak. A shuddering, shivering whine.

His body was rolled over so that Rain was pinned on his stomach, but he didn’t have it in him to care. Cold air kissed his cheeks as Payu undid the clasp of the gag. A light touch pulled it away, but he felt a growing wetness around his cheek- Payu’s release, or his own drool pouring out from his open mouth. 

The blindfold stayed in place.

A sudden, intense spasm at his hips reminded Rain that the plug was still inside him, no longer vibrating. It shifted and moved, grinding against his most sensitive spot. The throbbing heat of the lube made his sensitive hole ache, and the hot mouth kissing his shoulders quickly turned the post-climax shivering into fresh trembles of desire. 

Payu fucked him with the plug, but it was the deep, desperate moan that Payu breathed against his ear that made Rain harden once again.

Rain wished his little snake stayed dead. He couldn’t move, could barely manage more than the softest of whimpers as- with a sudden wrenching motion- Payu yanked the vibrator from him at last. As metal slid over the liquid inside him, Rain shuddered. Were he free, he might have released again.

His toes curled and he whimpered once more.

Without the plug he felt empty, painfully so. His ass gaped where it had been stretched to the maximum. Rain could feel it twitching- opening and closing. Begging for something else to fill it.

He didn’t want it. He just wanted to be left alone.

No, wait. That was the opposite of what Rain wanted. He wanted to be filled, used, and fucked until he couldn’t breathe anymore.

Rain was both desperate for and somehow dreading what he knew would come soon. Payu would bury himself inside Rain, their bodies fitting together as if made for one another. His mind couldn’t decide what it wanted. His body wasn’t sure which it needed- to be filled, or left alone?

That was why Rain bought the muzzle with the ball, and Payu knew it.

He left Rain twitching on the floor for a moment and returned to brush gently against Rain’s mouth. “Rain?”

His voice was hoarse, but soft and sweet. Rain offered the smallest of nods. With great care, Payu lifted his head and fit the new muzzle on, sealing off Rain’s mouth. Rain tried to swallow around the ache in his throat, but the memory of Payu taking his mouth without mercy made him shiver in anticipation.

The spread of Rain’s legs, thanks to the binds connecting them to his upper arms, meant his ass was raised and on full display for Payu. His hubby knelt beside him and didn’t hesitate for even a moment to bury his entire length inside with a single sharp thrust.

As much as the plug prepared him, Rain wasn’t ready for the sheer size and heat of Payu slamming into him. He screamed against the gag, then groaned loudly as Payu set a torturous rhythm. Pull out slowly, slam in hard, stir his hips to force the shaft to grind against Rain’s insides, then slowly pull out once more.

Payu’s hand slid up from Rain’s hip. For a moment, the delirious man thought he intended to take hold of the little one’s tendon and stroke in time with his thrusts. He’d forgotten about the other toy.

There was a sudden, vicious sting in the pink raisins of his chest. Payu had a tight hold of the chain. Now, every time he slammed into Rain, the force sent the chain swinging and delivered sharp twists to Rain’s nipples. He was almost overwhelmingly sensitive on a normal day. Between the still-tingling sensation of the lubrication and the pulsing of his vice-caught cock, he had no hope at all. 

The screams and cries of Rain into the ball at his mouth drove Payu crazy. His slow and patient movements became faster and rougher. The thrusts shortened, but became wildly fierce as Rain tightened and screamed. He was calling out something, but even Rain wasn’t sure what it was. Not Payu’s name. Whatever it was, Rain was chanting it on a loop, over and over again as the gag prevented him from forming clear sounds.

Rain might not have been able to understand, but Payu could guess.

Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!

Rain was yelling that thing that drove his hubby crazy as Payu crashed against him. Heat erupted deep inside as Payu released without warning. He pumped his hips, driving the cum further into the little one. Rain rarely went a day without being filled by Payu, but three weeks had passed since their last time together, and his groans were vicious and hungry at both the sensation and the fact that Payu wasn’t getting soft.

Rain’s cock was nearly purple and dripped with desperate need. It twitched pathetically as Payu’s grasp bruised Rain’s hips and the air filled with the intoxicating musk of sex. Even Payu was gasping for air. His normally iron composition was breaking. He dropped against Rain’s back as the final ropes of cum erupted into Rain’s body, his voice ragged and groaning with every breath.

But he still didn’t stop thrusting his hips. Forcing himself to keep moving, keep torturing the boy beneath him who was trapped in his little vice and shaking so hard that he no longer had the strength to let it out against the force pinning him.

“I want you to watch this,” Payu’s voice was low and commanding again. He undid the blindfold.

Rain’s eyes had rolled up into his head. He was shivering and flush, his face shiny with the drool or release that had dripped from his lips. Still inside him, Payu bent down and left featherlight kisses along Rain’s jaw and neck. As he sucked at Rain’s Adam’s apple, the other managed to regain enough of his faculties to look down.

Payu noticed in an instant and he rose from Rain’s back. A darkness filled his eyes that both frightened and thrilled Rain, he felt himself clench around Payu’s cock. 

Something was on the floor beside the two men- something Rain had set on the table with the lube when he set all this up.

The question in his eyes was clear enough.

“I’ve been thinking of doing this to you for a long time. I just didn’t know you were thinking of it too.”

An almost impossibly long cock made of ridged silicone, about half as thick as Payu’s own member.

Rain’s eyes went wide as Payu grabbed the tube once more and coated in the silicone in more of that lubricant that was already driving him (and probably Payu as well, buried in Rain as he was) insane. Rain’s tendon twitched and white liquid dripped from the head. He was terrified of the dark lust in Payu’s eyes, and yet already fantasizing about what it would feel like to have something so long- a couple inches longer than Payu himself- buried inside his body.

Payu’s free hand undid the latch holding the cuffs on Rain’s ankles and wrists together. Rain was still bound at the wrists, but the worst of the tension was off his shoulders, and Payu could flip Rain onto his back, his legs free to drape on either side of Payu’s. 

But Payu didn’t insert the silicone cock into his hole. He pushed his own back in with a long, slow thrust, then held the false one beside him.

Rain finally understood what Payu was wanting to try- and it wasn’t something Rain had ever imagined.

He closed his eyes in acceptance and fear and braced himself. Payu grabbed his hair roughly and pulled until Rain opened his eyes wide. He shook with fear as Payu pushed the silicone against the side of his own cock, using his length as a helpful guide as he forced the second shaft into his boyfriend.

 Rain screamed against the gag and thrashed his legs- but if it was in pleasure or pain, even Rain couldn’t tell. Payu had to release his head, and Rain hit it against the floor a few times as he thrashed, until Payu paused long enough to grab his discarded shirt and shoved it behind him to act as a pillow.

While he was bent over Rain, Payu raised an eyebrow in question, his dangerous eyes filled with barely contained lust. Rain loved to be taken roughly by Payu, but the older one always kept it just at the safe edge of his tolerance. This was something further than they’d ever done before.

Payu was offering to remove the second cock and retreat back within the realm of what Rain was alright with.

By then, all Rain could think about was his torturous need for release, however he could get it. He pushed his hips down as best he could, screaming into the gag as another few centimeters slid inside and forced him open. His back arched, which only made him feel even more painfully full.

Payu wrapped his palm around the base of the dildo and bit his lip hard as he shoved it in. The motion was fluid and unyielding, and Payu didn’t stop until it was fully seated. No matter what sounds Rain made.

Rain’s eyes bulged and he stopped breathing for a few seconds at the depth and pressure of the second cock. His toes were splayed, his cock dribbling, and he stared wide-eyed at the ceiling. What fractured pieces of his mind that Rain had managed to pull together after his release were long gone. He couldn’t feel anything beyond the two long rods shoved so forcefully into his poor little hole.

He stirred with a gasping cry as Payu tipped him onto his side and straddled his leg, setting himself even deeper. Payu pulled the cuff entirely from the foot around Rain’s raised leg and hugged it tight to his chest to use for leverage. His free hand went to the chain still between Rain’s nipples, which he grabbed as if it were a convenient handle.

Payu began to thrust.

The pressure inside Rain was incredible. The two cocks sat on either side of his p-spot, and when Payu moved it felt as if it were being sawed between them. A kind of pleasure Rain didn’t even know existed burned through his body and made him let loose a primal, near animalistic scream into the gag. A scream so loud that, were it not for the object muffling him, it would surely have been heard throughout the entire house- and maybe even by neighbors outside.

Rain was by no means quiet when Payu fucked him- or if he tried to be, Payu took it as a challenge- but this was a new kind of sound entirely.

Something moist and soft traveled the length of Rain’s foot. He managed to turn his eyes only far enough to see Payu’s tongue complete its journey. Payu loved to kiss Rain while he fucked the boy. Deprived of lips to crush and bite, he concentrated on the sensitive skin between Rain’s toes.

Payu never stopped fucking him around the ridged cock, not even as he took three toes into his mouth and began to bob his head just as he’d done when he made Rain cum through the binding. He set the motion of his head counter to those of the thrusts and sharp yanks on the chain that connected Rain’s nipples.

Purple and swollen, Rain needed release so badly that it overrode all of the pain his lover was inflicting on him. He needed to touch his cock, to stroke it and force it to erupt in spite of the impediment he put around it. Rain’s hands were still trapped, so all he could do was scratch at his own back and scream over and over again as Payu gasped, threw his head back, and once again hot pressure exploded inside Rain’s body.

He was being filled with rope after rope of hot cum- something that usually made him finish in an instant.

But there was no relief. He didn’t have the strength to defy the metal binding.

Payu released his foot and leg. His ears were red and he was panting, but weariness lined his entire body. He was spent.

Payu pulled his withering length from inside Rain with a vulgar pop . He eyed the white cream that dripped out along the silicone. Even without the object of Rain’s desire still inside him he was shaking, nearly vibrating as he twitched and pulsed.

It took some time to undo the restraints on Rain’s wrists. His arms collapsed to his sides, utterly useless. Payu removed the cuffs from his arms and legs, then the gag.

His hand reached for the metal band tight around Rain’s cock. That was when the boy’s raspy whisper stopped him, “Don’t… take it…” he couldn’t form the words. Not after everything his mouth and throat had been through.

The meaning came through well enough as he tipped up the knuckles of a violently shaking hand, barely managing to touch the silicone hilt of the cock that still filled him. The one Payu planned to fuck him with and grant a final release.

But Rain wanted it out without achieving his own release. Payu obeyed, sliding the object slowly from inside Rain. The boy gave little response to even indicate he could feel that it was gone.

Payu’s hand returned to the metal clasp around Rain’s balls and the other nodded. Rain had moved his heavy fingers up to his chest to clasp the chain between his nipples.

When Payu flipped the small catch that released the metal, his other hand helped Rain yank down hard on the chain, ripping the clasps away from his nipples and sending a vicious and violent bolt of pain through his body. Another titanic scream tore from his broken throat as his cock was finally freed and tried to release- but the pain from his swollen red nipples slammed into the cresting wave and shattered it.

The need to cum was painful and raw. His cock was dripping onto his abdomen in a steady stream now. Rain wanted to cum so badly that he started crying in Payu’s arms.

Payu didn’t move a single muscle as Rain fought his battle. He just stared at him, confused and unsure of what his role should be. When the throbbing had eased, Rain twitched, trying to pull Payu down on top of him. The two men held each other, and Payu claimed Rain’s mouth with a deep, hot kiss.

His bites were gentler than they normally would be, the kiss not as aggressive and claiming. He gently rubbed Rain’s sore nipples, and massaged the bruises on his wrists from where he’d fought the cuffs too hard. After a moment, Payu offered a hot palm to rest against the bruised and aching base of Rain’s cock where the metal had set.

“Tell me what you want,” he broke the kiss to whisper to Rain after what felt to both like an eternity. The other member was still throbbing and purple, pinned at the very edge of release. He’d only had one true climax early on, whereas Payu managed three . And the lone orgasm was made more difficult, and intense, by the agony Rain endured with that clamp.

Rain couldn’t speak. He rolled his hips, hissing at the soreness that was rapidly settling in. It would have to be quick.

As he so often did, Payu understood without needing to be told. He rolled on top of Rain more fully and covered the boy’s mouth with his own. There was no biting this time as they kissed. Payu’s hair formed a curtain against Rain’s cheek as he stroked Rain’s tongue with his and wrapped a large hand around both his and Rain’s cocks.

Rain wanted to cum one final time not bound, but in Payu’s gentle embrace, with the heat of him alongside Rain’s desperation. For his part, Payu’s pace was slow and measured as he stroked the two together- though his own tendon wasn’t getting fully hard again any time soon.

When Rain’s breathing grew strained, he released his lips to nibble and suck at Rain’s ear. Payu rolled his hips, rubbing himself until- with a seizing gasp- Rain erupted across their stomachs and chests. Though quiet, the force of the release was hard enough to reach his neck, and his entire body shook so violently that he felt no different from the vibrator Payu had inside him earlier.

Payu pulled Rain up to sit in his lap as the boy’s body went limp and his eyes rolled up into his head. He brushed the strands of Rain’s sweat-soaked hair away from his face and licked the release from Rain’s throat and chest with gentle devotion. Rain stirred slightly in Payu’s arms as he worked, and he let out a thin and painful moan of thanks.

It would be a wonder if Rain’s voice recovered even in a week.

When Rain seemed somewhat awake, Payu carried them both into the shower, where he sat on the floor holding Rain’s shaking body as hot water rinsed them both. The only sign of life in the limp body was a flinch and a sob as Payu’s long fingers so gently scooped some of the release from inside his hole. 

Payu toweled Rain dry afterwards and laid him gently in bed while Payu picked up the toys on the floor, cleaned the messy ones, and returned with a small bottle of gel to soothe Rain’s entrance somewhat. It wouldn’t spare him from a sore day, but it would make things a little easier. 

Rain stirred as Payu’s fingertip pushed some of the gel inside. Rain felt as if Payu and the toy were both still inside him, he was aching in places he’d never ached before, and the growing stiffness in his groove was so deep that it felt as if he had been split in two. 

“I don’t think I can walk,” his voice was so hoarse that Rain choked on the unexpected pain. Payu flashed a savage grin as he brought a glass of water over.

“After a rest, I’ll do what it takes to make sure you can’t.”

“Promise?” Rain smiled, but his eyes didn’t open again. He rolled onto Payu’s chest as the other settled into bed, assuming his position in Payu’s arms.

Payu wrapped himself around Rain, intertwining his legs through the other’s. He held him tight, safe, and close, “I promise. I have next week off.”

Payu kissed the top of Rain’s head gently and turned off the bedside lamp so that they could drift off to sleep the day away as dawn broke outside.

He had questions- so many questions about where Rain found his new haul of toys and what possessed him to try them all out at once, but that could wait for another day. This was the perfect end to a hard couple weeks of work. A heaven Payu couldn’t believe was within reach when he first opened the door and saw his submissive little Rain tied up on the floor, obediently waiting for his daddy to come home.

Payu breathed a laugh and ruffled Rain’s wet hair, squeezing him even tighter as they both fell asleep with smiles on their faces.

---

---

Part 2 (PrapaiSky)

[frostytherobot]

Ahaha. Ha. My check engine light came on yesterday in the car I bought LAST MONTH after getting into an accident and the mechanic said I’m gonna need to have the air filtration system fixed because it’s totally fucked. For $1900. That I don’t have.

I’m begging for help again I guess. If I can’t get to work I can’t pay bills. I can pay about $500 out of pocket so $1400 might help me out

ppal

vmo: frostytherobot

csh: frostytherobot

0/$1400

[syoddeye]

the christmas party

ceo!price x reader / smut free / ~2.8k words

A very belated Christmas drabble thing. Definitely not inspired by real life events. 👀 Featuring a fem!Reader x Price, background Ghost x Soap, and Gaz, the incredi-boss. Might fuck around make this a series, we'll see! Maybe I'll clean it up and throw it on AO3, too.

CW: alcohol, substance abuse (mentioned) inappropriate comments from coworkers

You came to expect drama at the company Christmas party. It was as traditional as the optional White Elephant gift exchange, the hired group of carolers, and the ugly sweater competition.

Last year, a 'mystery' baggie of powder and a credit card belonging to the former Head of Sales was found in a bathroom stall. Two years ago, it was the unexpectedly raunchy dancing between an engineer and a project manager you swore hated each other. Three years ago, a division head went home with someone who was definitely not her spouse.

You'd seen a lot in your tenure. The good, the bad, the ugly, the hilariously mortifying.

Coming up on your fifth year with The 141 Group, you were a rarity. Most folks job-hopped. More power to them, no shame in gaining good experience after a year or two to leave for greener pastures. The fact you stuck around labeled you a 'veteran', a cheeky if not sensational label, though there were times you certainly felt like you'd seen war. Acquisitions. Rebrands. Reorgs. Yeesh.

But life at 141 suits you. You are an executive assistant, a good one. It helps that your direct supervisor and the VP of Finance, Kyle Garrick, a fellow 'vet', was an incredible boss. He lets you work from when you need to, doesn't micromanage, and treats you like a person, unlike other execs. He had faith in your ability to manage his calendar, prep materials, book travel - in short, you organized his work life. In return, whenever some new hire got too fresh with you, all it took was one teensy mention in a morning meeting, and by lunch, the offending party had only apologies for you. Most importantly, though, the job nets enough money to make rent and let you pursue your hobbies.

With years of Christmas parties under your belt, you were looking forward to tonight's low-grade yet cataclysmic event. Pre-gaming and primping at a fellow assistant's house, Jordan, you clasp the silver holly leaf pendant around your neck where it lies just above your modest cleavage. The dress code was simply 'Christmas Color', another tradition. Formal attire was expected, if not an unsaid requirement, which meant slipping into a gorgeous dark green dress you spied weeks ago in a boutique window. You thank yourself for earning that last pay bump to afford it because you look fantastic, in your humble opinion.

Lacing her leather Oxfords, Jordan gives a low whistle when you turn away from the mirror. "Like a big, sexy pine tree."

You smirk. "Thanks. Remind me why we both couldn't wear red tonight?"

"Because of the two of us, red is my color. Do I not look like some kind of holiday vampire?" She asks, standing with a sweeping gesture down at her deep, red velvet suit.  

"More bellboy, but-"

"Rude!"

The two of you lovingly bicker all the way out to the awaiting car. The 141 Group, ever mindful of its image, always reimbursed rideshares for its company parties. Given the amount of liquor that flowed at these events, it wasn't only generous but smart. Like the higher-ups needed a scandal. The car ferries you across town to the ritzy event space at a local art museum. Leaving your coats at the complimentary bag check, you enter the well-underway party.

The events team needs a raise, like yesterday. The sprawling space was completely done up. Several open bars, a champagne wall, a photo op with a to-scale Santa's Sleigh, and dining tables with place settings that probably rival a monarch. Silvery white birch trees enveloped in lights line the walls, with clusters of small fir trees fully decorated dotting the space. The dancefloor was already busy with a DJ fully dressed as Santa.

Four going on five years, and it was still quite the sight.

You gently elbow Jordan. "So. Cheesy themed cocktails first or canapes?" 

"Obviously drinks. I just saw one with an ornament in it!"

~~

Three hours in, it was a dead heat for Most Dramatic Event. Two separate calamities slowly built throughout the night.

At the nexus of the first, Chad from marketing was almost blacked out. After winning the ugly sweater with a true abomination of a sweater (working lights, a mini speaker, and an ungodly amount of sequins), he celebrated. A little hard. He bopped from open bar to open bar as the bartenders cut him off one by one. He was trying to convince a coworker to grab him another Mistletoe Martini, and it was progressively getting louder.

The second was from the rumor mill more than anything. Apparently, a developer named Scott brought the wrong gift for the exchange. As the story went, his wife used the same paper for an identically sized gift, one of a titillating nature, and now he was visibly paranoid that he nabbed the wrong one on the way out the door. The man stalked the pile of gifts as folks drew numbers.

Jordan bet on the first, and you bet on the second. From the corner, you watch, giggling behind a cup of Prancer's Punch.

The sound of your name drew your attention. Kyle, in a charcoal gray suit with a sleek snowflake tie bar and green tie, approaches with a Tiny Tim Collins in hand. Though you waved hello earlier in the night, he spent most of the evening in the company of who you deemed his 'buddies' - Johnny MacTavish, VP of Technology and Jordan's boss, and Simon Riley, the Chief Security Officer. You learned in your first month to leave the trio to it. 

"Having fun, are we?" Kyle grins and turns to observe the twin events. 

"I love this party. Every year, delivers just like Santa," Jordan gleefully said.

"Someone should stop them," You add, knowing nobody would. At least not Kyle.

And as if on cue, the man chuckles. "Not my circus, not my clowns."

The three of you chat, swapping bits of office gossip collected through the night. Not the most appropriate, but not the worst social crime, surely. You're the right amount of tipsy: warm and relaxed but solid.

The wager came up naturally.

"What do you want if you win, my pine tree?"

"Hmm. It's gotta be something outrageous but not a fireable offense. Hmm. Maybe I'll have you sing on a video call, pretend you thought you were on mute or something."

"...That's boring."   

"Do I want to know?" Kyle asks, sipping his drink. 

"We have a bet on who's gonna be this year's drama - Chad or Scott." You explain.

"Maybe I ought to get back…" Your boss said with a laugh. "Better not witness to whatever you two plan." 

"Might be for the best. Night, Kyle," You accept the brief hug from the man, then poke a finger against his chest. "Listen, if I get one DM about work during the holiday, I'm switching your coffee to decaf."

Kyle claps a hand over his heart as if he's been shot. "Monstrous. Fine, have it your way, no work during Christmas…Now, behave yourself, both of you." 

Watching him retreat back to MacTavish and Riley (who look quite cozy - perhaps another piece of gossip?), Jordan nudges you. "If I was into guys, that's who I'd be into."

"You and like fifty other people here," As Kyle's assistant, you're more than his Girl Friday; you're also a professional gatekeeper. You could wallpaper your apartment with the amount of cringy notes you've stopped from reaching his desk. 

"Not your type, then?" 

You whip your head back to Jordan, utterly horrified. "No way. Not that Kyle isn't an absolute dreamboat; he's just not my dreamboat. Plus, at this point, it would be so, so weird."

Jordan laughs. "Y'know, even though we've been work besties for a year, I don't think we've ever discussed this. What is your type? As dudes are not my specialty, I have no clue."

Your type, huh? As if you don't know. Your type's been the same for as long as you can remember. Big and brawny, the kind of guy who could haul you around. Dark hair. Well-groomed, well-dressed, well-endow–You could still make it onto the naughty list. 

Using better and cleaner terms, you relay this information to Jordan. 

"Huh. A man's man. Whodathunk–oh! Oh shit, look who it is!" The other woman pats your arm and gestures with a nod.

Joining Kyle and his buddies, is none other than John Price - CEO of The 141 Group. Fashionably late (very fashionably late), yet another tradition. Adorned in a Santa red suit jacket and a matching red tie, he somehow makes the boring dress code dashing. Flanking him is a pair of bodyguards. He's just in time for the wager to come to a head. 

God, he looks good. 

As Kyle's assistant, you see John fairly regularly. Not that he sees you. No one above a certain pay grade sees assistants. You kind of just blend right on in. Not even Mr. Riley, whom you've been introduced to a dozen times by Kyle himself, recalls your name. When you tag along to meetings to take notes for the boss man, you assume you're on the same level as a lamp or plant. That doesn't mean you haven't ogled John Price before. Kind of hard to not to, what with his commanding presence. You're kind of ogling him right now.

"Wow, you really do have a type," Jordan hums with a shit-eating grin.

"Shut up," You hiss into your drink and look away, just in time to see Chad from marketing lift a gift box-shaped ice sculpture and smash it onto the ground next to one of the open bars with a frustrated yell. The poor bartender and caterers jump back, and the music scratches to a halt. A thick silence fell over the party, impressive for a crowd of over a hundred, and your eyes flick to Mr. Price.

He glares daggers in Chad's direction, then nods at the taller of his bodyguards. Without hesitation, the man crosses the event space toward a petrified, drunk-crying Chad. As the guard hauls him away, your coworker, or former coworker, you assume, bursts into ugly tears and then disappears from sight. But your eyes are still on John, whose gaze turns to the DJ. The music starts again, as does the chatter. 

"Fuck yes," Jordan giddily whispers. 

"Well, shit."

"You know what this means, don't you?"

"...Unfortunately, yes. Yes, I do," You sigh and down the rest of your drink. "Before you swing the axe, let me grab another punch."

"Hurry back, I've got my thinking cap on," Jordan impishly smirks. 

With a groan, you make your way to the nearest open bar. One far from Chad's little tantrum. Most folks are on the dance floor at this hour, leaving this particular bar quiet. Waiting in line behind other tipsy coworkers, a clearing throat behind you grabs your attention. 

"D'you have a recommendation?" A low, gravelly voice from all your best dreams asks. 

You turn, and the sweet Hallmark-worthy image that blossomed in your mind in the last two seconds promptly morphs into a nightmare. Not a running-for-your-life nightmare, but a you're-the-only-naked-person-in-class nightmare. Laughable, considering the topic of conversation not three minutes ago.

John Price stands tall behind you, arms crossed, testing the fabric of his red suit jacket. He smells like tobacco and something spicy, and his eyes are a shade of blue you hadn't noticed before. You never got this close. They narrow slightly, and you realize you haven't answered him.

"Prancer's Punch." The name sounds cornier aloud.

"Hmm. Brandy or rum?" He sounds unimpressed. Was he unimpressed?

You're quicker to answer this time. Except, you babble. "It's, uh, made with dark rum. It's delicious. I've had a few. The cranberry juice isn't too tart, compliments the sparkling wine and–It's good."

Santa, run me over with your reindeer.

Kyle would be humiliated to have heard all of that. You are humiliated for having said all of that.

To your surprise though, the corner of John's mouth hooks in a smirk, then he chuckles. "How many qualifies as 'a few'?" 

You, apparently committed to acting moronically, answer honestly. "Five." 

It gets you an actual laugh this time. His hand raises up to scritch at his cheek, flashing the band of a watch you're certain is worth more than your life, then juts his chin forward slightly. "You're up, miss."

"Oh, no, Mr. Price, I insist, please-" You start to sidestep to let him up in line, but his hand lowers immediately and stretches out to stop you. He doesn't touch you, but the hair of your arm stands up at the proximity. 

John smiles again, and his head tips toward you. "I insist. Join me, Miss…?"

"Mr. Price?" A voice suddenly interrupts. The taller bodyguard that removed Chad steps up and steals away Mr. Price's attention. "The problem's been dealt with. Regarding…"

You don't hear the rest of the conversation because you hurriedly ask for a punch and bolt back to Jordan. 

And Jordan saw everything. Your heart is racing, and you miss half of her teasing. 

"You made him laugh. Twice. I don't think I've ever seen him smile, let alone laugh." 

"Because I basically admitted to being drunk!"

"Calm down, you're not, you're solid," She reassures. "Besides. You saw that death glare at Chad. If he was upset, I reckon you'd be on the receiving end of one of those."

You groan and take a swig of punch. You hope you've had enough of the good stuff to burn away the memory of your embarrassing rambling. You look back to Jordan to say something and find your friend once again grinning devilishly at you.

"I just thought of what I want for my victory."

Any time, Santa. Put me out of my misery.

"What?"

"So…You know #AskPrice?" 

You know where this is going, and your eyeballs nearly bulge out of their sockets. "Jordan. Please. No. Do not make me post something stupid there." 

#AskPrice was the name of the open channel at work. Anyone across the company could post questions for Mr. Price to answer. More often than not, it was a venue for bootlickers and kiss-asses to rain praises and share bad proposals. Rarely was there a legitimate question or a good idea.

"Darling, of course not. I have something far funnier in mind," She started, and you swore you saw the flames of hell itself in her eyes. "You're going to direct message Mr. Price and ask what he wants for Christmas." 

Jaw, meet floor. "Absolutely not!"

Jordan laughs and hooks an arm around your neck, pulling you in. "Come on. It's harmless. Believe me, I considered making you send a selfie or asking if you're on the naughty or nice list."

"He could fire me!"

"For what? It's just a question! He always says we're welcome to DM him."

To be fair, Mr. Price did say that at the end of every company-wide call or in email announcements. He always harps on 'transparency' and 'open channels of communication', hence #AskPrice. To your knowledge, however, no one ever takes him up on that, at least at your level.

"Jordan…Mercy. Please."

"My sweet pine tree, you lost fair and square," She releases you and pats your shoulder. "If it makes you feel better, I bet he gets a thousand messages a day. The notification will get lost in the noise."

It doesn't take much more prodding and encouragement from Jordan. Your phone ends up in your hand, and you tap into the chat app. Your hand shakes a little when you pull up John's username and open the message dialogue. 

johnprice - invisible Hi, Mr. Price. I was wondering what you want for Christmas?

Short and to the point. Jordan calls it 'boring', but you're already putting your neck on the line for a stupid wager. You're not risking anymore by dressing it up. Bet fulfilled, you press send, quickly turn notifications off, and shove your phone back into your little purse. Jordan rewards you with a squeeze to the shoulder.

"That was terrifying." You whine.

"That was a rush. Come on. Let's dance." 

~~

The next morning, when you're all but molded to your couch and housing takeaway, there's a little ping from your phone. It's the chime of the chat app.

"Kyle, for the love of everything, it's Sunday–"

You nearly drop your phone.

johnprice - invisible Hi, Mr. Price. I was wondering what you want for Christmas? > World peace. > I'd settle for a drink, though.

[paulgadzikowski]

I'm in the waiting room at the car dealership because my check engine light came on yesterday, and the nearest tv is playing Friends eipsodes. I'm not sitting close enough to hear properly, which is fine with me, but I can still tell that the audio track cuts out occasionally in favor of narration by, as near as I can tell, Courtney Cox in Monica's voice describing action bits presumably as an accessibility aid for the vision impaired. But there are also ads, so it's not a home video where the dealership turned a feature on, it's a feed the dealership subscribes to. Are they starting these days to produce closed dubbing like they've been producing closed captions?

[frostedpuffs]

got a new car a week ago today

car has been fine up until yesterday, where the check engine and battery light came on

shit. told myself I'd deal with it when I get home from work

on the way home from work it starts having electrical issues (won't tell me what speed I'm going/auto start-stop button keeps turning off on its own)

uh oh

make appointment with the dealership I got it at to be serviced

I bought the full warranty so everything should be covered at least!

warranty takes 30 days to take effect

anything they do I will be required to pay out of pocket

they will need to keep my car for at least a week

I will have to pay for a rental out of pocket

also apparently the kind of car I have can be stolen easily

cannot return the car because I am out of the 5 day return window so I'd lose all the money I put down toward it

HELL ON EARTH

[lionlena]

Hate run, love speed (Pedro Pascal x racing driver f!reader) part 3/?

Pedro Pascal x racing driver f!reader

Summary: You accidentally pick up a hitchhiker who turns out to be Pedro. You hear from him that he’s not a fan of racing and thinks drivers don’t do much… Then he finds out you’re a rally driver.

Warnings: swearing, small angst, mention of risk of accident and death,abuse from men (but not Pedro!) …

A/N: I’m not an expert on car racing and rally drivers, but I’ve always dreamed of becoming one. So please don’t take anything I write about racing and cars seriously. English is not my native language so I apologize for any mistakes. This is my first xreader so… I’m dying here.

*

Pedro wanted to see you after the race but his agent offered him a lift. He was sure he'd see you anyway, so he decided to be patient.

But he didn't expect to meet you any sooner than he expected. When he saw a familiar looking car, he slowed down. And then he stopped as he recognized a figure standing by the open engine hatch.

It had to be fate.

*

Sleeping on the couch all night wasn't the best idea.You woke up sore this morning, but at least you didn't oversleep. You calmly ate your breakfast, drank coffee and put on your favorite T-shirt. It was going to be a pretty good day.

(yes, this shirt)

 You were listening to your favorite song on the way to the track when suddenly the oil level light came on.

"Huh?"

You were really surprised. You regularly checked the levels of all fluids in the car. Besides, it was Mando. Your reliable car.

You pulled over to the side of the road, hoping it was just a mistake. When you opened the engine hood you knew it was bad. You immediately noticed traces of an oil leak. You could only guess that the oil line was damaged. The engine was hot, so you couldn't check it further. You groaned and held the bridge of your nose. You were sure you were going to be late.

You were about to call one of the mechanics when a black off-road Mercedes-Benz pulled up right next to you. That was weird. People rarely cared about other drivers. But when you saw who got out of the car, you were out of breath.

Pedro smiled broadly.

"Hi. Need a ride?"

You wanted to pinch yourself. How could you be so lucky to meet him again.

You were so stunned that you replied:

"My car is broken."

Yeah, as if it wasn't obvious.

He laughed and replied:

"Yeah, cars break down."

"Yes, but not Mando."

He frowned slightly and you realized you'd said it out loud.

"I'm assuming because it's silver."

"And reliable," you mumbled.

Pedro stepped closer to you, glancing at the engine.

"Hmm... I assume this place is just cursed."

"What?"

He was so close to you that you could smell his cologne. And oh... He was even more handsome than when you first met. Probably because his hair wasn't wet from the rain this time. And he wore a well-fitting blue shirt.

"It's almost the same place my car stopped yesterday," he replied.

You looked around and actually... It was almost the same place.

"Wow... It's actually cursed."

You both started laughing.

"Okay, lock the car and get your stuff."

You blinked in surprise.

"Umm, no. I can't. You're in a hurry for sure. I'll be fine.”

He shook his head and opened the passenger side door.

"Yes, I'm in a hurry. I'm supposed to meet my new co-star... at the racetrack."

"Ooo... Uh. Ok."

You quickly closed the engine hood, grabbed your bag and locked the car. Pedro was still standing there with a big smile and holding the door for you. You blushed a bit at the thought of what a gentleman he was. As you two moved on, you really wanted to ask him more about this mysterious co-star, but Pedro started the conversation.

"Look, I'm really sorry I said yesterday that racing isn't a sport and drivers don't do anything. I don't know why I said that. I guess it's because I used to swim and... God it was so much work and I finally gave up because I was too lazy."

You couldn't hide your slight giggle. Why did he have to be so cute? You couldn't be mad at him even if you wanted to.

"Really, you don't need to apologize anymore. I understand. Every profession has its pros and cons. Honestly, I don't think acting is for lazy people either. You know, all those late-night shoots, interviews, movie promotions. It's also a lot of work."

He looked at you for a moment.

"So you're not pretending you don't know who I am anymore?"

"Literally, a few minutes ago you heard that my car's name is Mando. Does it make sense to hide that I've seen your series and movies?"

"I don't think so. So, is any of your cars named Pedro?"

He winked at you, and you couldn't believe how much he was enjoying it.

"No," you replied quickly. "I only name my cars after fictional characters, and basically... I only have two. Mando and my racing car. And then there's the replacement car but someone named it Iron for Iron Man, and it stayed that way."

Pedro smiled mischievously.

"So what's the name of the racing one?"

"Trade secret," you replied quickly.

This amused him even more. He wasn't going to let go.

"Oberyn."

"What, no? How did you come to that?"

"Because it's yellow."

You were speechless for a moment. You realized that he must have watched the race the day before since he knew what color your car was.

"Javier," you replied with a slight sigh. "Because he's mean and he smokes a lot."

Pedro laughed out loud and... It was such a wonderful sound. Much better than in the videos you've seen.

Suddenly you realized you were already there. You thought Pedro was about to say goodbye to you, but he went straight to the track with you. When you saw your sponsors, you started to suspect that it was all connected somehow.

You were not wrong.

"Oh, there are our stars!" Tom shouted. "I see you two have already met."

"Yes," answered Pedro.

You looked at them completely surprised.

"I don't quite understand what's going on?"

Tom grabbed your hand and said:

"Pedro didn't tell you? You will play with him in...”

"NO!" you growled.

Seeing the surprised and sad face of Pedro, you decided to control your anger.

“I already told you that I am not an actress and advertising is not for me. Pedro is a great actor, but playing with someone like me, we will all come off badly."

You saw that Pedro was about to say something, but Henry beat him to it.

"Leave it to me. Y/N, let's go aside."

Henry grabbed your elbow gently and dragged you a few feet away. Then he asked:

"What do you want? New car, better parts for the old one, more money?"

You ignored his questions.

"Why don't you hire some actress?"

The man moaned.

"Y/N you must understand that this is a business and we don't have unlimited budget. We can't afford two professional, in-demand actors. No offense but you're not going to cost us that much. But it's not just about the money. We need authenticity. We want our customers to truly believe that our cars are for women who break stereotypes."

You groaned and shook your head, but Henry didn't let go.

"Look, if our profits go up, then... Next season, we're going to hire a different coach. The one you choose."

You looked at him shocked.

"For real?"

"Yes. Think about the advantages. You'll make extra money, you'll get more fans, you'll get rid of Ben... And don't tell me you don't want to play with a hottie like Pedro Pascal."

"Uh... All right."

"Ok. Let's go work out the details. Don't worry about training. I already told Ben you're off today."

Henry clapped his hands and gave the others a thumbs up. You got the strange feeling that Pedro beamed, as if he was really glad that you agreed.

What were you supposed to do? The offer was really tempting. You could only profit.

What could have gone wrong?

*

When you were talking to your friend in the evening, her excitement was vibrating on the phone.

"This is fucking awesome news!"

"I don't know," you replied skeptically.

"What is wrong? It's like a dream come true and you sound like someone just killed your puppy."

You rubbed your temples. How were you supposed to explain it?

"It's just too much. Sure, I dreamed of meeting Pedro... Like millions of other women, but that's it. I'm having a good season and all I wanted to do was just ride and win. I have a race in Spain in two weeks, then France... And I'm not an actress."

"Hey, listen," your friend's voice was calm and reassuring, "it's just an advertisement… Several two-minute spots.  Professionals don't always play in commercials. Besides, you said Pedro offered to help you."

"Yeah, when he gets the script, he'll call me and we'll meet."

"Oh, and thats great. Everything will be fine. You manage to keep your nerves at a speed of 200 km / h and you can't cope playing alongside... the hottest actor of this year!"

"Uhhh... You're not helping!"

Your friend laughed and you joined her.

Eventually her excitement started working on you. You started to think that this might actually be a fun adventure. In a few years you'll be able to say that you played with Pedro Pascal himself.

*

Part 2: https://lionlena.tumblr.com/post/717038721131855872/hate-run-love-speed-pedro-pascal-x-racing-driver

A/N: Please reader remember never to get into a car with strangers.... Unless it's Pedro Pascal :D

[depraveddove]

Hey all, I'm Rachael, a 39-year-old mama of 2. I work full time but money is tight and we live paycheck to pay check. Yesterday my check engine light came on in my car and hasn't gone away and the oil light is flashing on and off. I need to put the car in the shop and I just do not have the money to pay for repairs. I also need new brakes. I need my car to get to and from work and to take the kid's places. I can't afford to not be able to let my car sit without repairs.

Jasper had a wound on his back that required him to wear a cone for 8 weeks. He healed nicely and then about 2 weeks ago a lump formed near it. He has an appointment with the vet on Aug 7th and I can't afford what I know is going to be several hundred + dollars for the visit and treatment. Jasper has gotten me through some really tough times and it's breaking my heart that I can't afford to have him treated.

Please help if you can. It would be everything to my family for me to get my car fixed and my cat treated and feeling better. The money will also go to getting me to and from work while the car is in the shop.

Every little bit helps and even a share would mean the world to me!

[sugarandice3]

Self Destruction

AN: So this is one out of (hopefully) three chapters for a slenderverse-inspired fic I began a long time ago. Truthfully, I would love to continue it, but I am in college and leisure time is hard to find so just a little encouragement would be welcome. Also, given my lack of beta readers, this will probably resemble more of a rough draft than a polished piece, so constructive criticism is more than welcome. But, without further ado, my fic. Self Destruction.

Warnings: Mild horror and mental health issues.

Word Count: ~4K.

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Chapter 1: Homeward Bound

The road stretched onward for miles across flat Montana earth, only stopping when it met the wakening horizon. Glaring light filled Keres’s vision, searing the image of the sunrise into her eyes and obscuring the abandoned highway. With a groan, she flipped up the useless sun visor and reached across to fumble around her passenger seat for the pair of sunglasses she had tossed there yesterday. Her fingertips finally brushed against the beat-up aviators as the tires buzzed against the boundaries of the road, warning her of the vehicle’s drift. Keres quickly slid the glasses on, returning both hands to the steering wheel and correcting her wayward car. Glancing at her rear view mirror, she looked through the dust covered glass to make sure that her brother’s little black truck was still behind her. Oliver was farther back now than he had been earlier, but in the early Montana morning on this empty stretch of highway, the greater distance didn’t matter. It only made her feel better that he probably hadn’t seen how far into the other lane she had drifted during her quest to block out the blinding sunrise.

Sweeping unbrushed auburn curls back behind her ear, Keres turned her brown eyes back on the monotonous pavement and focused on keeping her eyelids from lazily sliding half-closed. It was only day one of a three-day road trip back home and Keres was already exhausted. College had not been kind to her. 

“College is never kind to anyone,” she mumbled, correcting the self-pity that seemed to be more incessantly tainting her thoughts lately. Just because she wasn’t able to handle the pressure doesn’t mean that classes and being away from home were harder for her than they were for anyone else.

Rubbing her leg, Keres adjusted her grip on the steering wheel and checked for her brother one last time. She sighed again and reached for her phone to turn on some music. It was going to be a very long couple of days.

The red Toyota pulled into a silent motel parking lot, gravel and grit crunching under the tires. Orange street lamps shone weakly around the wings of the building, giving spots of haunted color to the monochrome of the lightless evening. The car came to a slow stop in front of a worn motel door and after a moment, the engine cut off and Keres stepped out.

“We definitely could’ve picked a better place,” Keres muttered, taking in the patches of wind-peeled paint and the withered grass filling the cracks in the pavement. 

It definitely wasn’t a 5 star motel, but Keres and Oliver had known that when they made the reservation. What they hadn’t known was that the reviews had been extremely generous.

The motel sat on the outskirts of town, bordered by derelict, trash-strewn roads. Eerie silence pervaded the area, occasionally broken by a passing car, but nothing more. Even in the patchy lot, there sat only a handful of vehicles and Keres wasn’t even sure that most of them were guests here. At least, she hoped that the van emblazoned with the name of the pest control across the street wasn’t here for an extended stay. 

The sound of tires spraying gravel announced the arrival of her brother, prompting Keres to cease her critical assessment of the place. It was just one night after all, and it wasn’t like a good night's sleep would cure her exhaustion anyway. Letting out a heavy sigh, Keres turned back to her car to retrieve her backpack while her brother pulled into the parking space beside her. 

“Well, this place certainly isn’t gonna win any Google maps awards,” Oliver said grimly, keys jangling as he hopped out of the truck. 

“It’s just one night,” Keres said, to remind herself just as much as him, “And  the less time we spend awake in this place, the better.”

Keres pulled on the dusty handle and opened the door, pushing away all the stuff that had shifted during the winding drive through the hills of Montana. With a grunt, she pulled her backpack out and swung a worn strap over her shoulder, settling the weight more comfortably as she straightened. 

“Well, we should probably go check in,” Oliver sighed, leaning over the front of his truck and running his hands though brown curls in desperate need of a trim.

Keres leaned back against the car as she turned to her brother and replied, “I’ll take care of it. Why don’t you look up some places to eat while I get the room key?”

Oliver nodded, pushing off of the truck and walking around to fetch his phone from the passenger seat. The old door gave a grating creak as he opened it, sharply breaking the heavy silence. Both siblings froze, an unnatural apprehension taking hold of the two. The night air seemed to condemn them for the desecration of its quiet, a palpable threat riding the echoes of the noise. For a moment, Oliver and Keres stood there, both of them pretending that they didn’t feel that shiver up their spine or the nervous buzz of a mind on edge. Several beats of silence passed before she stopped holding her breath.

“Roomkey,” she breathed carefully. 

Her voice broke through the miasma, the unease beginning to dissipate like a bad dream the moment her words left her mouth. Oliver straightened, as if surprised, and glanced at the door handle his hand was still resting on. He thought for a moment then slammed it shut with more force than needed, rebelling against the irrational anxiety that had almost faded away. He half-turned to her and nodded his agreement. 

“Right.”

Keres glanced at her own door, shut it gently, and turned away from her car, ready to follow her brother. Then the two moved together, passing under the orange street lamps like a pair of ghosts, all color washed away in alternating gray and orange. They slipped past door after door, all of them so quiet that it seemed as if the entire place was vacant. The slightest noise echoed under the overhanging roof and washed loudly into the parking lot, making it feel as though anyone nearby could eavesdrop on their presence here. The feeling was slight enough to easily be ignored, allowing it to twist uncomfortably in their subconscious without their hindrance. 

As they made their way to the brightly lit office at the end of the wing, Keres became puzzled at the hollow and oppressive feeling of the place. Yes, the reviews weren’t glowing, but they didn't mention anything about the place feeling unsafe in any way. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she shook her head tiredly and lagged a bit behind her brother. They were just tired, that was all. She and Oliver had been driving by themselves all day, creating the perfect conditions for mental exhaustion. Stress and sleeplessness was putting them on edge.

A few paces ahead of her, Oliver called to her.

“Come on.”

Keres looked up at him and realized that they had reached the end of the wing and that he was holding the door to the main office open for her.  

“I’m coming,” she replied, lingering a moment longer before walking the building.

A current of cold air blew past her as she entered, unexpected after standing in the dry heat outside. Keres smoothed her hair back and walked up to the reception desk in the far corner of the lobby. Although the consistent lighting of the room was something of an improvement from the scattered lamps outside, the unsettling feeling of the whole property continued even here. She looked back at her brother as he let the door swing closed behind him. He stood stiffly, strung up to his full height with his shoulders drawn tightly forward, noticeably on edge. Keres looked around for an explanation to the feeling they both shared, something that she could blame for the uncanny nature of this place. 

The room decor was as lifeless as the rest of the building. Chairs that were clearly hardly used but were worn down all the same, plastic plants potted in dust, soulless paintings that Keres somehow felt were outdated despite the generic abstract pattern. Everything seemed out of place, yet she somehow knew this is exactly how everything was meant to be. There was a purposefulness about it, something that she couldn’t contribute to the sleepy manager who just stumbled from the room behind the desk and was trying to pretend she had been there the whole time. Oliver and Keres walked over together, but Oliver stepped forward to talk to the woman, temporarily shaking off his stiffness to put on a warm smile. Keres took a position a step behind him, flashing the woman a small smile as well, but she went unnoticed while he was the focus of the manager’s attention. Oliver was always a charmer, so that didn’t surprise her. Keres usually left the social interaction to him anyway. Having no interest in the small talk going on, she paced over to the window on the other side of the room. Looking through the streaked glass, she vaguely wondered if she could’ve also been capable of easy charisma like Oliver. It didn’t feel impossible, but there were walls that would have to come down first and then learning how to see people the way they wanted to be seen. 

“Alright, thank you so much! Have a good night Mia.” 

The closing of the conversation broke Keres from her ponderous staring, prompting her to turn and look at the woman waving goodnight to her brother. Mia looked out of place here, merely because she was alive in a place that only pretended to understand what that meant. Other than that, her appearance fit what you might expect of someone who ran a shabby motel. She had shaggy brown hair with grown-out, trashy highlights pulled into a messy bun and jarring makeup gave her face an unnatural business that was entirely too much to look at this late at night. Keres didn’t necessarily think less of her for her entirely avoidable appearance, but it did make her curious. What did people see in that? What did she see in herself? What did she see in others?

Once again, Keres was absorbed in her thoughts, her brother’s wake pulling her out the door and back into the heat of the night. 

“She seemed nice,” she mumbled, walking behind her brother.

He counted out the numbers they passed each door, searching for their room. She watched the back of his head, curls bouncing as he nodded and replied, “Yes, she was nice. A bit odd, but I don’t think you could expect normal in a place like this.”

“A place like this,” Keres repeated thoughtfully. 

She was still trying to figure out what that meant. What was this place like? Because what she felt here was not like anything she had felt before. It was unique. 

They stopped in front of a door near the end of the row, thankfully close to where they parked. Oliver slid the dull key into the lock and attempted to turn it, but the old knob was loose, twisting and jostling with the key. Her brother heaved a sigh and muttered something under his breath as he leaned closer to the door and began delicately messing with the troublesome apparatus. While he struggled with the door, Keres turned around to scan the sagging fence that bordered the parking lot. As her eyes roved over it, she wondered how it was still standing. The fence was caged by the brittle remains of whatever short-lived vine decided to weave between the rotting boards and it rattled like old bones whenever the hot breeze blew against it. She couldn’t see beyond the fence, even though she knew there were buildings out there. Cocking her head, she squinted at the darkness. Even though there weren’t any buildings close by on that side, there should still be some light, some glow that she would be able to see outside the perimeter of the fence. Keres took a few steps into the lot, searching for any shape or light outside of the area.

Something was there.

Keres froze, tendrils of terror constricting her chest and locking her limbs in place.

There was a figure standing beside the lamp post, just behind the fence. And it wasn’t human. Nearly as tall as the pole next to it, its form was grotesquely stretched, thinned and elongated beyond any natural capability. The head, thin and elongated like the rest of its body, was completely featureless and sickly white like deadman’s flesh. 

Yet somehow, without any eyes or expressions to tell her so, Keres knew that it was looking at her. The ambient world faded away, leaving her no familiar comfort while she faced this figure. Blood rushed in her ears and her ragged breathing came quick and shallow. She knew that it was looking at her, but there was more to it. It knew her. She could feel it in her bones, the invasive knowledge of her mind that it possessed. 

It knew. It knew everything.

Panic buzzed on the edges of her vision like static and all she could see was that face. That expressionless, featureless face. 

Keres suddenly couldn’t breathe anymore. Choked by her own fear, she wanted to crumble under the sightless gaze of this thing because standing under the weight of her own shame was too much. 

Her knees buckled and she hit the ground. The collision jolted painfully up her spine and the rush of blood in her ears climaxed to a shrill whine. She could not move, she could not look away, she could not speak.

“Keres!!”

The word echoed faintly around her, holding no meaning as it faded away and became part of the static hellscape. 

“Keres!!!” 

Firm hands grabbed her shoulders as her name rang out again. 

Everything stopped. The shrill whine of bloodrush, the black dissolving the edges of her vision, the fear-locked limbs, all of it stopped as her mind was slammed back into the reality she didn’t know she had been pulled from. 

Free will suddenly coming back to her, Keres desperately drew in a breath, filling lungs that had been too constricted by fear to act on their own accord. She keeled forward onto the crumbling pavement, catching herself on her elbows as he coughed roughly and sucked in air. The hands on her shoulders provided a steady pressure and banished the spell of isolation from before.

“Keres!! Can you hear me? Keres, answer me!!” Oliver shouted, voice gripped tight with concern. His fingertips dug into her skin, almost as terrified as she was. 

“Where did it go?” she gasped.

She lifted her head to scan the fenceline, and upon not seeing the figure, another shock of fear lanced through her body and her insides roiled violently with adrenaline. 

As she twisted to find the phantom attacker, Oliver caught her by the shoulders once more and spun her to face him. 

“Keres, what are you talking about?” he snapped, using one hand to make a large, sweeping gesture around them, “There’s no one here!”

That made her pause, staring back at her brother with hunted eyes. She saw her own fear reflected and magnified in his eyes, clearing the racing thoughts the residual panic was flooding her mind with. Traces of fear still remained, but it was now hidden away out of sight, festering until it could be triggered later. 

She took an anxious glance around them and whispered, “You didn’t see it?”

Oliver shook his head. Some of the tightness left his shoulders as he carefully let her go now that the urgency of whatever fit she was having had passed. 

“There was no one there,” he replied carefully, “I just turned around and you were kneeling on the ground, but you weren’t breathing and you just kinda went rigid.”

They stayed silent for several moments, each looking intently at the other as if they could find the answers underneath the fear in eachothers eyes. While Oliver’s face was struck by concern, Keres’s remained a mask and showed only what she could afford to express. How could she explain what she had seen, what she had felt? It was built on so much that she had kept hidden that to talk about it would require her to bare her soul, and Keres couldn’t do that. If she wasn’t convinced before, now she was. That other being had known her and all she felt was judgment and shame. She was almost crushed by the weight of that knowledge, of the stranger that showed her how revolting her true nature was. How much harder would it be to show that to someone who she cared about? To reveal the twistedness inside and still ask to be loved? It wasn’t possible. As things were right now, at least she was able to pretend that she was faking just as well as everyone else. 

Drawing in a long, steady breath, Keres finally crushed what was left of the fear and met her brother’s eyes with a firm gaze.

“I’m okay now,” she said, “I’m sorry I scared you.” 

However, Oliver’s fear would not simply be brushed aside. He had not seen the being, he didn’t know that this was something personal.

He shook his head in response and said, “I think you had a seizure or something. We really should get you to the hospital-”

“No,” she cut him off. The last thing she wanted to do was be stuck in a hospital for hours, only to be told nothing was wrong with her. Keres knew that the problem wasn’t physical.

“I think I just locked my knees,” she lied, “I’m fine now, really. Let's just get into the room so I can sit down.”

Conflict visibly flickered across Oliver’s face. Keres was too drained to argue, however, so when he didn’t make any move to insist on anything contrary to her wishes, she reached over and took the key from his limp fingers. Slowly, she turned her back on the fence line, now shadowed with a dull city glow, and stepped up to the motel door. The knob rattled loosely in the door, but it let her in, stale air drifting past her as the door swung inward. Keres didn’t look back at her brother, whose eyes she felt on the back of her neck, and went straight to the bathroom. She rested her elbows on the greasy, discolored linoleum for a moment, rubbing at her temples. 

“I’m fine,” she chanted to her haggard reflection, “I’m fine, I’m fine.”

The girl in the mirror solemnly shook her head in response, the lies rolling off the glass like water droplets. They both knew that wasn’t true and hadn’t been for some time. Frustrated, Keres stared into blank eyes, tears welling up and clinging to her lashes. Why couldn’t she make that true? She looked down, unable to look at the lies the reflection showed her, and turned the worn faucet. The water gurgled out and splashed in the stained basin, swirling hypnotically around the slow drain. Cupping her hands beneath the flow, Keres brought the cool water to her face and washed it over her skin. She let it trickle down her neck and drip off her nose, grounding herself in these sensations as she tried to find any emotion left inside her after what had just happened. Like the sink, she numbly wondered if all the emotions had drained away, leaving her a stained shell. Everything would come back, it always did, but somehow she knew that she wasn’t in charge of the faucet anymore. 

Straightening, Keres spared one last look at her reflection, at her hollow face, and left the bathroom. Oliver was laid out on one of the beds, watching something on the TV. His face wasn’t quite relaxed, his whole demeanor seemed troubled, and more so when he heard her exit the bathroom. He tensely sat up a little, watching her with apprehension. He opened his mouth to say something as he swung his legs off the edge of the bed, but Kere held up a hand to stop him. 

“I’m fine,” she said, the lie coming easily after so much practice. Drawing some power from the dregs of emotion in her gut, Keres offered him an easy smile as she sat down on her bed. 

“I’m sure I’ll feel better in the morning.” 

Oliver nodded and returned her smile with a relieved grin of his own, the tight lines of worry in his face easing a little at her false assurance. 

“I’m glad,” he responded quietly, “You really scared me back there.”

Keres looked into her brother’s eyes and saw the pools of fear her episode caused that haven’t yet drained away. Nodding, Keres smiles at him again, lightening her expression so that she won’t be able to see fear reflected in his eyes anymore. 

“I’m sorry I scared you. I don’t know what happened, but I’m sure you won’t see it again.” 

He smiled at her and laid back down, loudly yawning as he settled back against the mattress. The springs groaned as he moved and Oliver winced in disgust at the sound. Keres mimicked him, laying down on her own lumpy bed, and stared at the buckling popcorn ceiling. The two laid in sleepy silence for quite some time, food forgotten now that both of them were too tired to have an appetite.  

Eventually, her brother got up and got ready to go to bed, flicking on lights as he went. Keres closed her eyes and sighed, pushing herself up to a chorus of squeaking springs and slid off the bed. She felt like a mimic, an echo that followed behind Oliver’s actions as he went through his evening routine. It felt strange, but she couldn’t bring herself to care about it. 

In a few minutes, everything was done and they were both ready to go to sleep. The two slid into bed, and Oliver clicked out the light after wishing a goodnight to his sister. Keres hummed in response and lay in silence, listening to her brother’s breathing slow as he fell asleep. The darkness pressed in on her, thickening until it was almost palpable. It wrapped around her like a bad promise and fear resurged within her as it writhed around her. Huddling under the blankets, Keres closed her eyes and submitted to the fear, allowing it to crash over her until she fell into an anxious half-sleep

[thedeliverygod]

got my car fixed for $250 so thankfully it wasn't a huge deal [don't even remember if I mentioned on here it was having problems tbh but the check engine light had been on for a while and then it had a moment where the light was flashing and it didn't want to accelerate--it was the ignition coil that needed replaced]

came home yesterday and was tired af so I passed out right away and literally slept the whole night until like almost 5 when Salem wanted his food then stayed up for a tiny bit before going back to sleep again

sinuses/whatever was bothering me again today so took a migraine pill when I got home and I fell asleep after until like 9 something so oof

I would like to have my evenings back plz

[theretirementstory]

My goodness, how has the last day of March come round so quickly? It is Easter Sunday too, the traditional day for giving Easter eggs, all those children running around “hyper” from too much chocolate!

I was hospitalised on Monday, had a catheter fitted in my femoral artery and had an early night as I was to wake up at 4am, washed breakfasted and be ready for the taxi to pick me up at 5am to take me to the hospital in Paris. Once again I was having cells collected, not stem cells this time but cells which will be engineered to fight the cancer cells in my body. Oh well will find out more as the procedure rolls along.

It was a grey day for the journey, which was a shame as the chauffeur drove me alongside the Seine, there were some gorgeous houses.

We went through the commune of Vincennes, where I spotted the Hippodrome de Vincennes (the Racecourse) recognised by the white railings as seen at Redcar, The Knavesmire etc. We then passed the Château de Vincennes, it was difficult to photograph through a rain spattered window. Then in the distance I saw the Barriere du trône we drove right past them too. I love these trips into Paris where the chauffeur always wants to highlight some of the lesser known sights.

When I arrived, on foot, at the hospital the nurse tutted! I should have been on a trolley (I knew this from before) but was pleased that my taxi company had sent a car. However, as he was unsure where I wanted to be, we parked up, walked to one place then had a longer walk to where I needed to be. She asked if I had had breakfast, said yes at 4am, so she brought me another breakfast which I thoroughly enjoyed.

My blood was collected, the nurse kept asking if I wanted the tv on, don’t know why as I slept almost all day. I was concerned about the chauffeur, how was he filling his day? How tired would he be for the journey back? I needn’t have worried, they cater for this at the hospital, he too had slept and was refreshed for the journey back. There were more sights to see on the way back through Paris, no good trying to get photos, but I did see “Eglise du Saint-Esprit de Paris” and the “Fontaines aux Lions” which is very impressive albeit being used as a roundabout. Our homeward journey was in torrential rain, you couldn’t see tail lights until you were almost on the vehicle! However he kept the speedo on 141 k/hr in the 130 zone and we made good progress 😂😂.

The chemo they had given at the end of February had done what was asked of it, so the Doctor in Paris said another session of chemo would be given. This was done over three days and I gave up pestering to be allowed home as I realise that by keeping me here any transfusions or injections that need to be given can be administered promptly and they are just safeguarding me. Although I had an injection to boost white blood cells yesterday, I was surprised when the doctor said this morning that it had risen from 2,000/? to 20,000 in one day. I told her I had had pain in my bones, shoulders, back etc and she said that was as a result of the white cells, not that I am a doctor, but it may have something to do with bone marrow. She said I should have asked for pain relief, I said it wasn’t that bad, I managed to sleep, but I know in future. The nurses are always checking with me for pain but I think I am on enough flipping meds so will only request it if it becomes too severe.

The catheter came out about three days after it was put in, certainly comes out easier than going in! I have had to have a test on my brain functions, it was ok, painless and listening to music at one point I was trying to think of the English words to a song and almost missed the commands to open and close my eyes. I have the date for an MRI scan and another PET scan, all of which are needed by Paris before the reintroduction of the cells.

I feel a little like Lyndsay Wagner in “The Bionic Woman” or maybe I will do when they put these engineered cells back into me!

I have had platelet and red cell transfusions this week and all I can say is “thank you” to the people who donate these.

Friday the food was abysmal, I hardly ate anything! Monique messaged, she would buy foodstuff and bring it to the hospital. I asked for cheese and ham baguette and a tuna salad sandwich, unfortunately she couldn’t get the tuna sandwich so brought three quiche, tuna and tomato, goats cheese and spinach and a leek one. I ate thé goats cheese one, ate half of the tuna and tomato and have the leek one to have at lunchtime if I fancy it. She also brought me a gorgeous cake, sponge with patisserie cream and fresh raspberries it was delicious! Plus, apples, pears, bananas, oranges and mandarins I certainly have plenty of fruit to keep me going!

The music choices this week start with Elton John, my personal favourite is “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” but as a family we loved to sing along to a track first released in 1979 then made Number 1 in 2003, it is “Are You Ready For Love”.

I really hope that I haven’t had this Fleetwood Mac track before as it was a toss up between “Big Love” and this track “Go Your Own Way”, which is from the “Rumours” album of 1977.

So the long Easter holiday break in the UK usually sees people spending their time sorting out the garden, doing DIY etc and for “The Trainee Solicitor” and “The Reconnect Navigator” they have really taken this on board. One of the hedges has been successfully trimmed back, there has been a massive clear out, floors washed and everywhere given a big spring clean. It could be the turn of the partially blocked drain today (weather permitting) I am also wondering if the hydrangeas from last year are putting out leafy buds? There was a friends birthday to celebrate yesterday, so hope there are no sore heads this morning.

“The Photographer” and “The Jetsetter” snapped a photo of one of my old homes. Memories flooded back and I was surprised I could remember so many names of school friends and other friends from the mid to late sixties. Some of these friends I even remembered their addresses! Just goes to show I don’t have a lot to tax my brain at the moment 😂😂.

The weather here is grey, damp and cold, it looks as if the North East of England has had blue skies and some sunshine even if it has been cool too. I have had messages from the US, one from my friend who has had treatment for breast cancer, she is thrilled that her PET scan is clear, I am thrilled for her too! Hopefully, she will return soon to her beautiful home in Bar-sur-Aube. The other friend had been to see Billy Joel in New York, his special guest was Gordon Sumner better known as Sting! This was a lovely surprise as my friend is from North East England so a “local lad” on stage was a bonus.

I am going to finish reading my second book today (only brought two with me) then no doubt I will just read social media and news on-line although that just seems to be full of doom and gloom. I can also listen to some music although don’t think I will be jigging about as I am getting plenty of exercise visiting the bathroom regularly!

So I wish you all a Happy Easter Day, don’t eat too many chocolate eggs, have a good day tomorrow too before the start of another four day week.

Until next week!

[mynameismckenziemae]

I was really hoping to start on the next part of ‘In Case You Didn’t Know’ yesterday/today but I’m so fucking stressed out right now.

For anyone that’s been following my car journey 🥴 I had it delivered on late Friday night. The interior was not cleaned nor was the gas tank full (as agreed upon). The next morning we looked at it in the day light and there is significant hail damage to the entire vehicle that was not there when we looked at it on 2/23/24 (the dealership had severe storms with documented hail on 2/27/24). We drove it for the first time yesterday and the check engine light AND the oil light came on within 20 miles of driving it.

The dealership has a 3,000 mile warranty and I’m praying they’re decent and take the fucking thing back, I don’t even want it anymore.

I’m seriously going to scream.

[quinloki]

For Sleepover Saturday chatting. I had a flat tire yesterday. Well, it turns out it was under warranty so replacing it was really cheap--and now my check engine light came on. I can't win. I wish good public transportation was a thing so, so bad. But you need a car to manage here.

It's started snowing in my area but not as bad as previous winters have been. Bad enough to be miserably cold, though.

My birthday is coming up and I'm having people coming over. after talking to my therapist I realized that I'm so worried about being a good host and the party going well that I'm not even looking forward to it.

I know rationally my friends won't be upset if they don't have a great time, but I'm still afraid to waste people's time, I guess.

Do you like hosting people, Quin? Or does it stress you out? Maybe if I was raised in a culture that wasn't so centered on hospitality, this wouldn't be so bothersome.

This ask is kind of somber. How about you tell me three of your favorite One Piece side characters? I'm talking about characters that have one-two lines period, if even that. I really like Haruta of the WBP and Acilia, the big gladiator woman who fought in the colosseum with Rebecca. I want her to hold me like a pet cat tbh. I think she would give awesome hugs.

You cannot waste your friends' time by hanging out with them. So do your best not to worry about it. If everything blows up, order pizza and queue up the worst movie you can find and just bs with everyone and rag on the movie. /hugs/ Your friends are coming to celebrate you, so let them.

No matter what shape it takes <3

I don't mind hosting, but it's certainly not a strength of mine. I also don't know if I can say I even host, as folks would say, properly. ^^; I tend to just make sure there's food, and we have some board games, and there's movies we can watch, and once people show up we decide what we're doing and go from there.

I went all out for my wedding, and gods love me, I doubt I'll ever do that again. But even then a few things I wanted to do fell through, and I let them. There's no friend who is a friend who will be upset if you put your joy over being stressed.

Hmm.. favorite side characters....

Gods alive I am So Awful With Names, I don't know if I'll be able to name them...

Oh!

Fugetsu Omusubi - he was one of the samurai imprisoned with Yamato. I used his description for a cabbie in Elevated =3 so he sticks with me.

I do like gasping at Pandaman when he shows up randomly.

And I should include Haruta too, I like the character design a lot, and I don't have to look that name up to know who you're talking about. I also think I've referenced him in some of the things I've written =D

Honorable mention - Doctor Potsun, the alabasta doctor who tended to Pell, I used him for A Light Touch because I didn't want to tie down Hongo or Marco for the role at the time, and I'm glad I didn't since I ended up doing more with that story than expected.