#and my last shift at my job i quit is tomorrow...feeling...

[loverboybitch]

NEMETHON pants from Shine Luxury Studios worn by @/shawnsylabol via instagram.//.

[little-writers-posts]

Keeping You Warm (The Milkman x F!Reader)

Author's Note: It's been a long (LONG) time since I wrote smut, so please excuse anything, plus English is not my native language so I apologise for any mistakes. But I do hope you enjoy this!

Warnings: MINORS DNI 18+ Smut. However, it's quite light/soft, so to speak. The reader has a female genitalia.

Word Count: 1.957

“Double shift again, Francis?” I asked over the phone.

“I’m sorry, (Y/N).” I heard Francis’ tired voice say in almost a whisper.

“Is there really no other person who could take the shift? It’s the third time this week, Francis. You’re killing yourself.” I sighed as I rested my head on my hand.

“Not really; everyone has been quitting lately because of the rise in the number of the doppelgangers' sights.” I heard the sound of glass bottles clattering in the background.

“Just… Don’t push yourself too hard, okay? You’re already tired and worn out. I understand that there’s a job that needs to be done, but you’re human.”

“I know. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself. Don’t wait up for me, okay? Get your rest. You need it more than I do. Bye.”

“Bye.” I hung up the phone, lowered my head, and laid it on the table.

It has been nearly two weeks since I last saw Francis, which is foolish since we live in the same apartment. However, due to our jobs and taking shifts, our schedules haven't been exactly the same. It’s actually gotten worse because he’s been taking double shifts to cover the lack of people, and now he has to deliver the milk and stay an extra shift preparing all the packs for the next day, which means not only collecting the empty bottles but also refilling them and sorting them out in the boxes. We only see each other when the other one is asleep since I start my shifts early, and he only gets home quite late.

As I was lost in thought, someone knocked on the window. Steven was waving his papers to get into the building.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, proceeding with my work.

Eventually, my shift ended, and I went to my and Francis’ apartment. While setting down my things, I checked my schedule for the next day, and a big smile spread across my face. It was a day off. I decided to wait up for Francis, so for the next few hours, I occupied myself with getting dinner ready and tidying up the house. When I ran out of things to do, I sat in the living room watching one of my favorite shows.

It was past midnight when I heard the keys to the front door. Francis walked in looking as tired as ever, sighing as he locked the door, the tension leaving his shoulders at being home becoming visible.

“Welcome home, love,” I said, getting up from the couch.

“I told you not to wait up, (Y/N),” Francis whispered as he wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me tight.

“I’m not working tomorrow, so I thought I would wait for you,” I whispered back. I held his face in my hands, and he looked exhausted. “Do you want to go to bed? We could cuddle a little before sleep.”

“I would like that,” he smiled.

He followed me into the bedroom and started to get changed. I got in bed while waiting for him.

Soon, I felt his arms around my waist and his lips pressed against my neck. I turned off the lights and faced him. I put my palm on his cheek and caressed it with my thumb. I heard him sigh and move his head closer and I held it between my hands. His lips met mine in a soft and slow kiss.

“I missed you” Francis’s embrace tightened.

“I missed you too, my love” I smiled.

We kissed again, our lips moving slowly, just appreciating each other’s presence. His hand moved from my waist to my hip and down to my butt, giving it a light squeeze. I gasped slightly, and Francis took the opportunity to slide his tongue inside my mouth. What was just a lingering kiss turned into something more pressing. The warmth and softness of our lips, the wet touch of tongues, and the subtle taste of each other only added to my incoming arousal.

Unconsciously, I pushed my hips against his during the kiss, feeling his semi-hard dick. Francis moaned into the kiss. With his hand under my neck, he grabbed a fist full of my hair at the back of my head, squeezing tight and deepening the kiss. His other hand moved back to my waist, slipping under my shirt, caressing my skin, leaving goosebumps all over me.

“Fuck,” he muttered under his breath, breaking the kiss and leaving both of us panting.

Francis rested his forehead on mine, and his hands continued rubbing the skin of my waist and neck.

“I thought you were tired,” I smiled.

“I am, but I want you,” he said hoarsely.

At the same time, his leg slipped between mine, pulling me closer by the waist. I could feel his need pressing against my intimate parts. I squeezed his leg between mine, rubbing my heat trying to ease my aching, but I knew he was exhausted, so I took the lead.

“What if I keep you warm?” I asked.

I spit a bit into my hand and reached for his pants, slipping under the waistband and into his underwear. I took his dick and started slowly moving, feeling him twitch. Francis groaned, and I felt his breath at the top of my head; he hugged me tighter and started to slowly, rocking his hips against my hand. I felt a chill down my spine; my core throbbed, and I felt it was getting wetter.

“Prep me up?” I mumbled.

Francis hummed, agreeing. His hand went from my waist to my heat, massaging my skin lightly along the way, and he pressed one finger to my entrance. I moaned quietly, continuing to pump him. He started to spread my juices around my lips and then pushed one finger inside. I moved my hips along with his finger, Francis kept his movements slow, and with each thrust, he touched a new spot inside me. Soon, he added a second finger, making me moan again and grind my hips in his hand.

“And I thought I was in need,” Francis chuckled.

“Francis…” I whimpered.

He pressed his thumb into my clit and began his scissors movements inside me, also curling his fingers to reach that sweet spot and stroke it, making me roll my eyes and breath heavily. I lifted my head, looking once again for his lips, and captured them in a hungrily open-mouth kiss, our tongues stroking each other rapidly and messy, with spit starting to drip.

I felt my walls pulsing around his fingers and that tickling sensation in my lower belly rushing me to grind faster. But I forced myself to stop. I pulled my hand away from his throbbing dick and grabbed his wrist, moving him away from me. I pushed Francis by the shoulder, laying his back on the mattress, and undressed myself. I lifted my leg and sat across Francis's lap, pulling his clothes down, freeing his dick, making him groan.

I kissed his tip and licked his entire length, from bottom to top, taking him to my mouth next. I took him until his tip reached the back of my throat and pumped the rest with my hand. I bobbed my head, sucking him and pressing my tongue against his flesh. Francis gave a husky groan and thrust his hips, hands tangling my hair.

When his dick was all wet, I raised myself and aligned my entrance with his tip. I slowly sink into him, feeling him twitch, relinquishing the feeling of his dick filling me up until he was all of him was inside me.

I set my hands on his stomach, getting used to the sensation of having him inside. Francis released a strangled breath, his hands resting on my thighs, caressing them with his thumbs.

When I was about to move, Francis took a strand of my hair and nestled it behind my ear, pulling me towards him by the back of my neck right after. He kissed me again, lips moving rapidly, only pulling away when we needed air.

The sudden movement had me squeezing his dick and he grinded his hips against me.

“Fucking tight,” Francis whispered.

I began rocking my hips, Francis matched my pace by grinding into me. Grunts and pants echoed in the bedroom; my hands were back on his stomach for balance, his hands pressed firmly on my waist to guide my movements and leave bruises. Each thrust felt heavenly, his dick sliding in and out, hitting the right spots every time, making me whimper and my legs shake.

The familiar tickling feeling in my lower belly came back, and my movements became erratic, faster, and sloppier, chasing that rush.

“I’m cuming,” I begged.

“Wait for me,” Francis urged.

He grabbed my leg and pushed my back onto the mattress. Settled between my legs, Francis resumed his movements, thrusting deep and fast. The change in position made me whine and squeeze him even tighter; it was bliss, the feeling of his weight on me, his grinding, and his dick rubbing every part inside me and hitting just the right spot.

“Francis, please” I begged again.

“Almost there” he grunted.

I tried my best to delay my incoming orgasm, focusing on Francis, on his short breaths, his muscles stiffening beneath my fingers, his raspy moans in my ear, just everything about him, taking my mind away from the pleasure he was giving me.

I tightened my legs around his body and my nails scratched his back, I was so close.

“Cum with me,” Francis pleaded.

I focused back on the sensation in my lower area. Francis sped up his pace, with chaotic and messy movements, as he began to shake. I felt the buildup of tension that made my back arch and my toes curl, like a clenching feeling. As soon as I thought that I couldn’t take it anymore, I sensed all that tension being released and pulsing throughout my body, an all-consuming release and euphoria. I moaned loudly against Francis's skin.

At the same time, Francis tensed up gave his final deep thrust and his dick throbbed inside me, releasing all of his seed, filling me up.

Francis kissed my lips tenderly, again, again and again, holding my face while supporting the weight of his body on one arm.

“I love you” he whispered between kisses.

“I love you too” I giggled, kissing him back.

He lay next to me, pulling me onto his chest. We stayed like that for a while, still panting and recovering.

“I’ll get you some water and a towel,” he said kissing my temple.

“No, it's okay I’ll get it” I pushed him down and got up. “I have to use the bathroom anyway. Do you need anything?”

“Just some water, please”.

I went to the bathroom, cleaned myself and then got a glass of water from the kitchen. When I came back to the bedroom, Francis’s breathing was deep and slow, suggesting that he was already asleep. I smiled and placed the water on his nightstand, I gave a small peck on his lips and laid down in bed, feeling my muscles relaxing after so much tension and pleasure.

The fact that our lives are regularly in danger because of the doppelgangers leaves everyone on edge, meaning that our time together safe at home is a blessing and a getaway from everything on the outside. Losing ourselves in each other is not only a reminder of being alive but also a reassurance that the other person we love so much is still by our side.

Thinking about all the things we do for each other, and while caressing softly Francis's face, I also fell asleep.

[trying-harder-then-u]

Johnny's Daddy

Johnny has been my friend since forever, and while we grew apart in High school, we would always make sure to comfort each other through all the tough times. He helped me with my breakup, and I helped him when he lost his job.

Johnny was always on the smaller side; Puberty Hit never really got to him, and while he never got the muscles he wanted, he eventually became quite happy with his body and my numerous numerous offers to wing man him and help him get a girl were always turned down.

Earlier today, my phone pinged while I was at work. Johnny had messaged me:

"Hey man, could you come to my place after work?"

"Sure? What do you need?"

"I'll explain when you get here."

Me and Johnny had always been open and clear without ever really needing to talk outside of texts, so I thought this must be something big if he wanted to talk about it at his place, so after work finished up, I got in my car and drove to his apartment in the city. After a good 50 minutes of driving through the winding roads, I finally arrived.

As I opened the door, he came and hugged me. "How was the drive?" "Nothing special, just some traffic jams and that stuff," I responded. For the first few hours, we just hung out talking about life and playing games before I finally asked why he wanted me here: "Well, I wanted to tell you I was gay." he blushed as he said it, "Damn man, thanks for telling me; I'm glad you trusted me enough to tell me, do you want to go to a gay bar or  something?"He shook his head at my question: "You don't understand; I've been trying to get a boyfriend for awhile now, but it never works out, and I wanted to ask you if...." "I'm sorry, man," I interjected. "I love you like a brother, but I don't feel the same way about you." "Okay, sorry, I hope we can still be friends," Both of us laughed awkwardly at the incident, but decided to hang out some more. At about 6, we were both getting hungry, so he ordered a pizza, and he got up to grab us a drink. I heard what sounded like pills rattling in the kitchen before he returned with some beers, caps removed. "Thanks, man," I said as he handed me one. Taking a sip, I thought it tasted funny, but I just shrugged it off as the pizzas had just arrived and i was starving.

As we ate and played video games, it became latter and latter, and the beers piled up, each tasting stranger, then the last. At some point, my mind started to became fuzzy. "Ugh, I don't feel good," i said. "You don't look good either. Maybe you should just sleep here for the  night."Johnny commented, Too tired to argue, I ended up on his couch and fell asleep quickly as he went back to the room. "You'll be fine; I bet you feel like a new man tomorrow morning," he called as he closed the door.

That night, as I shuddered in my sleep, my body began to change, moving around as my stature grew, stretching from 5 feet 8 to 6,2. My flab melted away as my skin tightened around new abs that began to push out one by one, and calves became strengthened along with arm muscles. My round face gained structure as a square jaw and clear skin gave my face a new, more attractive look. But it wasn't just my body changing; my dreams began to shift; thoughts that I used to have about women became directed towards Johnny; as I dreamed of dominating and using him, the apartments that we each had eventually became one, just as my place had his boyfriend cemented, and soon I was picturing him submitting to me every night. As these dreams peaked, I felt my dick pulse, lines of cum shooting out as my rock-hard cock lengthened, growing longer and longer inside my underwear from it's normal 4 inches to a monstrous 9, and my boxers turning to briefs as they were soaked in my semen. The transformation was over, and my new place in the world was confirmed.

The next morning, Johnny smirked as he walked in to be greeted by me staring at him in nothing but my briefs. "I have a job for you, boy; I need some services," I commanded, His dick jumped up, and his body shuddered as he moved towards me. All memories of my past life disappeared as he wrapped his lips around my dick; all that mattered was teaching my boyfriend his place.

[bring-forth-his-sac]

so I watched The Losers (yes, because I wanted to gawk at JDM for 90 minutes) and I kept noticing how much he held his partner's hand in it😭💕 and so of course I had to write a lil drabble about this but with Negan lmao

tags: mentions of nudity, aftercare, established relationship, this is seriously just goofy idk why I wrote this

I didn’t proof read this, pls be kind xoxoxoxoxoxo

word count: 950

Bated breaths, shaky legs and a whole lot of sweat. That’s how your night has been going. 

The trail of discarded clothes that leads to the bed is a testament to the passion of the last few hours. Catching your breath, the cool air caresses your bare skin as you sprawl out on the soft bed sheets.

Beside you is Negan, his breathing just as ragged. You both lay side by side, staring up at the ceiling and completely worn out. The room is filled with a comfortable silence, broken only by the sound of your mingled breaths of recovery.

A hum escapes your lips when you feel Negan’s touch. His hand finds yours, fingers interlocking in a gentle embrace. Negan lets out a content sigh, his voice tinged with satisfaction as he remarks “Now that was quite a workout”.

He runs his other hand through his tousled hair as parts begin to curl and flick out in different directions. 

“I don’t think I’ll be able to walk for a week,” you groan, though you’re not complaining.

Negan chuckles, nudging you closer to him “Guess I did a damn good job then, huh?”. Taking the hint, you roll over, momentarily letting go of his hand as you reposition yourself.

You pay no attention to the brief pout that crosses Negan’s face. His shift of expression only lasts momentarily, quickly fading once you take his hand again and interlock your fingers with his. 

“You wanna have a bath?” Negan offers. He knows you’re both exhausted but the thought of sharing a moment of intimacy with you in the suds has its own allure.

“Honestly? I think I just wanna change into something comfy and sleep until noon” you admit, the prospects of a bath sounding more like a chore than a luxury. Tomorrow you’ll shower and start fresh. Tonight, after the last few rounds you’ve had, you just want to sleep.

“Sounds like a plan” he agrees with a weary grin. 

With a groan, you move to get up, giving Negan’s hand a small squeeze as you go to release your grip. But you don’t. You can’t. As you sit up on the bed, your hand stays entangled with Negan’s.

You glance down at your joined hands and then back up at him.

Your voice is laced with amusement as you try to break free from his grip. “…Negan,” you say, shaking your hand as if you're trying to shake off droplets of water “y’know I kinda need my hand back if I want to get dressed”.

Negan looks up at you, his expression almost comically petulant. The look in his eyes is one of sheer stubbornness and you can’t help but let out a soft laugh.

“So if I don’t let go, you’re staying butt-ass naked?” He smirks, his gaze roaming over you.

You roll your eyes playfully. “Let. Me. Go. Put. My. Clothes. On” you punctuate each word with a tug of your hand, trying to pry his fingers away from yours as you stand up by the edge of the bed. 

But despite your best efforts to free yourself, he easily holds on, his long limbs giving him the advantage.

“C’mon now, don’t go running off,” Negan teases, his grip unwavering but gentle as he attempts to pull you back on to the bed “aftercare is good for ya, and I gotta take care of my girl!”.

“Clothes are good for me too!” You try to argue back, not caring if you’re being just as silly as him.

Negan chuckles and makes no attempt to hide the way his eyes rake over your body, appreciating every curve and contour. “Yeah, well, not when I'm around”. 

With a sudden yank from Negan, you let out an “oof” sound as you collide with him, finding yourself laying on his chest yet again, pressed against his warm, naked body. He gives you a smug grin, squeezing your hand in his, just to let you know he’s won this silly little battle. 

“Hmph” you try to give him a glare but he quickly steals a kiss from your lips, completely wiping your scowl away. 

You look down at Negan, a soft smile playing on your lips as he lays beneath you, his hand holding yours against his chest. You can feel the steady beat of his heart and the tickle of his chest hair on your wrist. Negan meets your gaze, his eyes drinking in your face with deep affection.

Damn him. As much as you have him wrapped around your finger, you’re most definitely wrapped around his too. “Fine, we can do it your way,” you relent, snuggling closer and resting your head on his chest “but I swear if one of your men come barging in here—“

“Then they’ll be going on the fence with the rest of the dead pricks, don’t you worry, baby” he reassures you, kissing the top of your head. 

As you close your eyes to relax, Negan lifts his head up, quickly scanning the bed for any blanket within reach. He spots the one hanging off the bottom of the bed and internally debates whether it's worth the effort to reach it. 

Negan lets his head fall back down on his pillow, abandoning the idea of blankets for now. Instead, his eyes travel over you appreciatively, taking in every dip and contour of your bare skin. He lets out a sigh, becoming certain that a blanket isn’t needed for now.

After all, why would he want a blanket to cover his amazing view?

[puckinghischier]

omg wow i need more of whiny injured luke i love it

he would try so hard to not be needy and whiny but even when he’s trying not to, his inner whiner comes out. like, obviously you’re more than happy to help him in any way you can, but he’s just extra pouty and clingy.

you would be trying to get some work done, having arranged to work from home for the next few weeks incase he needs help with anything, but also because you don’t know when you’ll get to spend this much time with him again. you’d be in your make-shift office, busy on whatever tasks you had to get completed for that day, and he’d constantly be peeking in, pacing around for a few minutes “just to see what you’re up to. got a little bored.”

around time for you to take your lunch break you’d feel him hovering, turning to find him standing in the doorway like a toddler sneaking into their parents bedroom.

“do you need something?” you would ask him, trying to get your last little bit of morning work and find a good stopping point. “just wondering what your plan is for lunch. didn’t know if you wanted to order something or make something here. i’d go ahead and start lunch, if i could,” he’d motion to the black sling on his arm, shrugging in slow motion with a sad, exaggerated eye roll

or when you’re trying to get some laundry done after finishing work, hauling the towering basket over to couch so you could fold clothes while watching a movie. luke’s lounged in the recliner, immediately sitting up when he sees you set the mound of laundry down, picking up whatever was on top. “i wish i could help you, honeybee, i really do. maybe i could try to fold a couple towels?” he would offer, taking a couple of hand towels and slowly folding them for you.

after he finished his small pile he grabbed a pair of socks, trying to fold them into one another so they formed a small ball, but he couldn’t get the job done one handed, huffing in frustration and looking over at you for help. “i think i need some help, honeybee,” he would say dejectedly, giving you a pouty, puppy dog look.

“luke, i said i’d get it. you don’t have to help me. i’m almost done anyways. just sit back and watch the movie,” you would tell him, walking over to grab the socks from him.

“but, if i help you get done faster you can come cuddle with me in the recliner sooner,” was his response, lip jutting out even further to make his pout deeper.

“lu, i still have a lot of stuff to get done. i don’t think cuddling is on the table just yet. you’ll survive until i can put all the clothes away and clean up the kitchen a little bit.”

he would huff in response, grabbing his bad arm with his good one, pouting like a child with furrowed brows and his chin pressed to his chest.

“but my shoulder hurts, and the only thing that’ll make it feel better is if you come lay here with me while i put the heating pad on it.”

you roll your eyes, knowing he won’t quit whining until you give in, so you place the now folded clothes in your bedroom, still in the laundry basket before doing a quick spot clean of the kitchen, making your way back to luke with a pint of ice cream in hand.

“now, will you stop being such a baby and just eat ice cream with me while we watch this movie? will that make you feel better?” you ask him as you crawl onto the recliner with him, laying your body between his legs with your back against his chest, your head resting on his shoulder.

“it’s like my shoulder is good as new, might even try out a couple slap shots tomorrow,” luke says with a smirk, shoveling a spoonful of ice cream in his mouth.

you bring your hand up to lightly smack his good shoulder, shaking your head at his antics, knowing it’s going to be a long six weeks

[avvail]

supervillain x their super oblivious civilian lover

original ask submitted by @save-the-villainous-cat for the ask game!

“Morning, baby,” the civilian yawns wearily as they plod into the kitchen, rubbing their eyes softly. The supervillain turns in a beat, smiles, and then focuses their attention back onto the pans over the stove.

“Good morning, my love,” they answer smoothly, not stopping from flipping over a pancake when they feel arms wrap around their waist and a forehead nuzzle into their back. “Have a good sleep?”

The civilian nods, sighing. “Yeah. I didn’t even feel you come back last night.”

That’s because the supervillain didn’t, but they wouldn’t tell them that, of course. Once the pancake is flipped, they turn and cup their cheeks, kissing their lips softly.

The civilian looks at them and smiles happily, and the supervillain almost wants to drop the breakfast and whisk them right back to bed.

“Another late night at the office?”

The supervillain chuckles, like that’s funny. It is, a little bit. Their lover was too naive for their own good, and the idea that they would be content with an office job was quite amusing.

“Unfortuantly,” they simply respond, and the civilian huffs, like they’re offended themselves.

“They can’t keep doing that, you know,” they pout, eyes fluttering slightly when the supervillain brushes some hair from their face. “Can’t you complain so I get to spend more time with you? You’re always so busy.”

They peel away, reluctantly, and the supervillain sees the playful pout on their lips, smiling to themselves.

“The overtime is criminal,” the supervillain smirks, and the civilian laughs, shuffling away.

“You’re funny.”

The supervillain turns back to the stove, checking on the pancakes. They have some bacon and egg on the go, simply because they feel the need to spoil their lover like there was no tomorrow. They were theirs, after all, all their obliviousness aside. They just didn’t know it.

The civilian hums softly to themselves as they set the table and pour some drinks, and the supervillain relaxes into the tune. It makes them work more efficiently, until they’re dishing up, and letting their eyes linger on their pretty lover easily.

“Wanna eat and watch TV?” The civilian asks, an eager glimmer in their eye. “Unless you have to rush...”

The supervillain was their own boss – it didn’t really matter to them, not when the civilian didn’t even notice their lackluster “office hours”. They kiss their head, herding them into the lounge.

“Go on, then,” they smile, handing them their plate and watching them get comfortable on the couch with a little smile. The supervillain joins them, and they attatch themselves to their side like glue, but the supervillain doesn’t mind. They eat their fill of bacon and an omelette, while their civilian shovels added pancakes into their mouth as well.

Sometime during a programme, the supervillain’s phone rings. The civilian’s head lifts in curiosity, and they answer it. It’s work related, but they don’t leave the room, letting their hand gently card through their lovers hair as a distraction. Not that they needed it.

“Uh huh, and that’ll be ready to use by tomorrow, will it?” They absentmindedly question, their annoyance piqued by the delay of their supplies. “Just don’t fuck up the encryption. It’s sensitive, one wrong move and it’ll be your head, do you understand?”

They end the call, and the civilian shifts, glancing at them with an amused smirk. “Encryptions? Sounds fancy.”

The supervillain laughs. Not because it was funny, but just because the civilian was absolutely clueless. They lean forward, kissing their head, a roaming hand landing on their thigh.

“You know what?” The supervillain drawls. “I think I’ll have today off.”

The civilian frowns softly. “That’s the fifth time in the past two weeks. This is why they’re keeping you late, you know.”

They shut them up with a kiss, and the civilian doesn’t complain. They never do – the supervillain could destroy the city, and their clueless little lover would be by their side every step of the way.

[kishibe-kisser]

"I like to think Yuji is ours in another life." Your words were soft and gentle, speaking so quiet almost in fear that Nanami heard it. It had been plaguing your mind since you had met the boy, how he sparked that parental instinct in you both. However the last few weeks it was all you could think about when him and Nanami were out on a job.

You felt relief thinking the boy had someone like Nanami to look up to and that Nanami had someone to dote on. They both deserved it, the happiness of a family. Yuji only had his grandfather growing up and Nanami yearned for nothing more than a family. It was only natural that when you packed and extra lunch for Yuji that the thoughts crossed your mind.

You watched Nanami shift, turning his head on your chest to look at you. He looked tired, with slight bags under his eyes. The stress was from work, not Yuji. If anything the boy made him feel younger again... he reminded him so much of Haibara.

"They're all just kids. They need someone looking out for them." He replied shortly... wrapping his arms around you tightly, feeling the sheets around you shift. You mussed your fingers through his unstyled hair, nodding in agreement. "And Yuji..." He trailed off, his eyes looking past you rather than at you. He didn't like talking about him much, out of anger and out of sadness for the boy's inevitable fate. It upset the sorcerer more than he wanted to admit. He loved and hated the boy's sunny disposition despite it all.

"He's a kid, put into a position where he can't be one." You trailed your fingers over the lines on his face, sighing at his words. He too was just a kid once, him, Gojo, Geto... Haibara, all just kids in unfortunate positions. You would have been lying if you said you hadn't shed a tear thinking about the things Nanami had went through, the things he had shared at least. It was clear the topic of Yuji struck him deeply.

"It's silly of me, I know. But I sometimes imagine what he was like when he was a child." You smiled, trying to make the conversation lighter. "Boys like him are always such a handful as kids. So curious." You added on and Nanami stifled a laugh. "I imagine with Yuji's personality. He definitely got into trouble." Nanami surprised you, not thinking he would indulge this fantasy of yours. He tended to be the realist between the both of you, but even a realist needs to dream every now and again.

"He probably got into everything he wasn't supposed to because he still does." He laughed and you felt a weight sit on your stomach. It was a combination of joy and sorrow for both Nanami and Yuji. "It's good to dream." Nanami said, taking note of your sudden somber expression. His hands finding your face to wipe away tears you didn't even know had slipped.

"It is." You agreed and released a shaky breath. He never realized quite how much you had thought about this or how much he had. "He's a good kid..." You laughed, shaking off how ridiculous you were being and wiping the tears away. "He is." His laugh was sympathetic, maybe towards you or maybe towards Yuji, maybe even to himself. "You're working together again tomorrow right? I'll pack him a lunch too." You said, feigning a smile as Nanami stroked your hair.

It was indeed good to dream and for kids to be kids, he'd protect them to the best of his abilities. For their sake and the sake of himself, because he too was young once.

A/N: I'll get over Nanami soon (no i won't) and I'll write less for him (no I won't) eventually. No but seriously I'll write something else soon, it's just that this is stuck in my head so it's easy to put down on paper. I don't have time lately to write alot because it's exam season the next weeks. But after that! I will try my best to update my lists!

[varpusvaras]

The days continue like that.

Fox tries his best to continue focusing solely on Leia. He feeds her, plays with her, puts her down for a nap. Feeds her, bathes her, puts her to bed.

They continue to keep watch in turns. Ben stays up first, while Fox sleeps the best he can, and then he stays up until the suns start to rise.

Then they do it all over again.

Ben does most of the housework. Fox thinks that he takes pity on him, and lets him focus on taking care of Leia, instead of making him do any of the maintenance that the house needs every day. Fox tries not to feel too bad about it.

The days and nights go by.

Leia starts to get a little restless. Fox hasn't had the courage to let her outside, in case they are spotted. Or in case there are any of the gangs or other dangers lurking around. Or because the days are hot, and Leia's skin is light and sensitive, and Fox doesn't want to expose her to the suns too much.

He sees Ben watching them. It almost looks like he is getting a little restless, too.

That night, after Fox has gotten Leia to fall asleep, Ben speaks.

"I think we are out of immediate danger now", he says. "Of course, it might just be because they haven't managed to track us down yet, but perhaps we can afford to relax a little."

Fox is not sure if he wants to relax a little.

He is, quite frankly, a little afraid of what will happen if he does so.

He can see that there is something else tied to what Ben is saying, though.

"Are you getting tired of staying inside the house with us around the clock, Kenobi?" He asks.

Ben makes a little huff. Fox doesn't know if it's a laugh or a sigh.

"Not that I don't enjoy your company", he says. "But I do have a job. Or at least I had a few days ago. I might already be laid off for not turning up for my shifts. Things are a bit scarce here, and even though there are various jobs available, getting one that is at least somewhat on the side of legality is always a bothersome thing. And, since things are scarce, they cost credits. Even more so now, as there are three mouths to feed, instead of one."

He looks at Leia, and smiles slightly.

"Even if one of the mouths is smaller than the other two", he says. He sounds fond as he speaks, and there is a look in his eyes that Fox knows.

He wonders who exactly Ben is thinking about when he looks at her.

"I do have credits on me", he says. "A lot of them."

Ben turns to look back at him. He raises a brow.

"And they cannot be traced back to you?" He asks.

"No", Fox answers. "They were reserved exactly for a situation like this. Just like everything else we have with us."

He decides not to think too much about that right now. He's doesn't have the energy to start and really think about how everything they have with them is everything they currently have left.

Ben nods. He is quiet for a while, clearly thinking.

"I will still go out tomorrow, to see if I still have a job", he says. "We do need to get more supplies as well at some point. Might as well do it at the same time."

That is true. Fox has supplies with him, but they are not going to last forever, and they need to keep up a stock, in case they need to leave again.

So he nods.

"Good. I will leave more weapons for you. But do not stay and fight. If they come, flee. Do not worry about me or anyone else."

Fox nods again.

It's for the best. If he flees, they will probably not go after the boy.

"I don't think I could even fight against all of them", he admits. "It would be a losing battle from the start. Most likely Vader himself would come after her-"

He stops talking when he sees the expression on Ben's face.

He looks like he has seen a ghost.

He stands there, his face white and his eyes wide, and Fox isn't sure if he is even breathing anymore.

He looks more like a ghost himself.

"Ben?" Fox calls. He doesn't seem to hear him. "Ben? General Kenobi?"

Nothing.

"Obi-Wan?"

That gets him to move again. Ben breathes in sharply, and his eyes focus fully back on Fox.

"He..." His voice comes out as a strained whisper. "He's...alive? Anakin is alive?"

Fox nods.

Ben sits down on the floor. He stares at the wall, and when he doesn't get up after a while, Fox stands up, and carefully pulls him back to his feet. He walks him all the way to the bed and makes him sit down on it, next to Leia, who is thankfully still sleeping.

Ben doesn't say anything. He just keeps staring somewhere, somewhere beyond the walls of the house.

Fox takes the first watch for the night.

[nanawritesit]

Twice Enemies to Lovers Imagines/ AUs

TW: making out (momo and tzuyu) corruption themes (momo) mentions of killing (sana) revolutionary themes (sana) mentions of daggers and knives (sana and dahyun) reader is kidnapped and tied up (dahyun) sharing a bed (tzuyu) partial nudity (tzuyu) neck kissing (tzuyu) light swearing

Nayeon: Former Best Friends

Your jaw hit the floor as your next applicant walked into your office for an interview. It was Im Nayeon, your high school best friend who ditched you freshman year to become a cheerleader with all the popular girls. To make matters worse, you had always secretly been in love with her. Not that you would ever admit that to yourself.

“Nice to see you again, Im.” you said flatly, flipping through her resume as she sat down in front of your desk.

She looked confused. “I’m sorry sir/ma’am, but I’m not sure what you…” You glared up at her with ice cold eyes, and suddenly she remembered. “Oh, Y/N… I’m so sorry. I didn’t recognize you…” she stammered meekly.

“Doesn’t surprise me. You hardly acknowledged me after you became the ‘it girl’ of our high school.” you resigned, folding your hands together on your desk. “So, what have you been up to since high school?”

She chuckled uncomfortably, eyes shifting to the ground. “Well, I was at university, but… things didn’t work out this semester.”

“So you’re looking for a job just until the end of the semester?” you asked, trying to sound as professional as possible.

“I’m not sure… But I’ll at least need a job until the end of the year. I’m living back home now.” she explained. “I need a job in the worst way, and to be honest I’m really relieved that you’re the owner of this place.”

You cleared your throat, closing up her resume and looking at her sternly. “So you think that just because you were super popular in school and I wasn’t that I’ll immediately hire you at my restaurant?”

“No, no! Not at all!” she insisted, eyes widening. “It’s just… you’re a very kind person. And you’ve always had a way of making me feel calm. I always remembered that, even if I didn’t recognize you at first.”

You winced. There she went again, making you feel special. It scared you how easily her praise still got to you.

“Oh… sorry for jumping to conclusions.” you mumbled.

“No, it’s alright…” she reassured you, seemingly okay with taking all the blame. “I’m really sorry we drifted apart. I never meant to hurt you. You were actually the person I cared about more than anything. I just thought you wouldn’t want to be friends with a cheerleader given how much we used to make fun of them.”

You glanced at the ground nervously. You were kind of a pick-me in high school. Not that it was your fault, you were just conditioned to be that way. In high school, you were either popular, or you hated everything related to being popular.

“I understand.” you told her. “It was quite a long time ago.”

“See… I’m not doing well in my classes, and my parents said I can’t move back home unless I find a job first.” she explained, eyes locking in on yours. “Please, consider me.”

Her pretty eyes were sparkling with need the way they always did, and your last reserve finally cracked at the sight of them.

“Okay, okay, the job is yours.” you told her, a reluctant smile appearing on your face.

“Really?” she asked, a huge grin breaking out on her face. “Oh, thank you so much!” She stood up to shake your hand making you laugh.

“No problem. Can you start tomorrow?” you asked, still sitting at your desk.

“Yes, I’ll be here!” she chirped, grabbing her bag. “You won’t regret this, I promise!”

Once she shut the door behind her, you plopped your head down on your desk, releasing a huge sigh. “Oh, I most likely will.”

Jeongyeon: Bad First Impression

You were running horribly late for your first day on the job. You had gotten an internship at a high end company, and were expected to bring everyone coffee in the morning. So now, you were carrying a carrier full of four huge iced coffees while sprinting down the sidewalk. You could see your building in the distance, all you had to do was turn one corner and you would make it to work on time!

That was, until you actually turnt the corner and slammed straight into a girl who was walking while on her phone. All four of the iced coffees splashed between the two of you, ruining both of your outfits.

“Oh my gosh, watch where you’re going!” she screeched, wiping coffee off her face.

“Me?” you questioned, fixing your hair. “You’re the one who wasn’t looking where you were going! Maybe if you weren’t glued to your phone, we wouldn’t be covered in coffee right now!”

She scoffed. “Well maybe if you weren’t running with a carrier full of coffees…”

You both stopped what you were doing as your eyes locked in on each other. She was absolutely gorgeous, the kind that makes your heart stop beating. She seemed to be caught off guard by you as well, the two of you just staring at each other blankly for a moment.

“I’m sorry, this was totally my fault.” you chuckled, adjusting your bag. “I shouldn’t have been running down the sidewalk.”

“No, you’re right, it was stupid to be on my phone while I was walking. I’m sorry for not paying attention.” she refuted, laughing along with you. “I’m Jeongyeon, by the way.”

“Y/N.” you told her, shaking her hand. “I’m sorry I covered you in coffee. I’m just running horribly late for my first day on the job…” you sighed, shaking your head in disbelief. “Although I’m sure I can kiss it goodbye now, as I’m either going to show up soaked in coffee or an hour late.”

“I’m really sorry about that…” she said sympathetically. “Where’s the job?”

“Right behind us, actually.” you laughed, gesturing behind you.

“Oh my gosh, I work here!” she told you exasperatedly. “In the administrative department!”

“That’s where I’m interning!” you gasped, a hopeful smile making its way onto your face.

“This is perfect. I’ll just call the office and say that someone ran into the two of us while we were walking in, and that we had to go change clothes.” she suggested.

“Thank you so much, you’re a lifesaver!” you sighed in relief, placing a hand affectionately on her arm. “Are you sure they’ll accept that as an excuse though?”

“Oh please, everyone here loves me. My word is law.” she giggled, putting an arm around your shoulder. “Now, let’s go get you some fresh clothes and new coffees, okay? I’ll even buy my own, since I’m pretty sure one of them was.”

You laughed along with her, letting her lead you down the sidewalk in the opposite direction. Somehow, you had made an enemy, ally, and crush all in the same day. Lord help you in navigating this relationship.

Momo: Angel/ Demon AU

You bit your tongue in anger. Things were not going well with your latest assignment. You were trying to be a guardian angel to a certain human to improve their life. However, this human also happened to be under the influence of a demon. Not only a demon, but one of the most powerful demonesses in your department. Momo Hirai.

“Something wrong, angel?” a sultry voice asked. You whipped around to see her standing at the entryway of your human’s living room. You could see them, but they couldn’t see you. She was absolutely captivating, with her dark hair, ruby red lips, and tight black dress.

Remembering yourself, you looked away. “As a matter of fact, yes. You are.” you spat, crossing your arms across your chest.

“Oh, I didn’t know you thought about me so much.” she grinned, stepping closer to you. “I wonder what twisted little fantasies are running through that pretty little head.”

“You wish.” you groaned, rolling your eyes. “I happen to be a being of purity.

“How boring…” Momo sighed, stopping in front of you, who was leaned against the wall. “I figured someone like you would feel really repressed. Nothing causes the mind to wander more than being cooped up with a bunch of puritans.”

You swallowed hard. How had she known that you’d been having sinful thoughts lately? You wondered if she also knew that she was the subject of some of them.

Deciding you had to stand your ground, you held your head up high. “It’d be none of your business if I did.”

“Oh, I know…” she glanced down at your lips momentarily, then met your eyes once more. “I just can’t help myself. Seeing you, who’s so bright and clean… it makes me think about how much I’d like to corrupt you.”

Your heart stopped. Every part of your brain was screaming at you to resist her.

“L-like how?” You could barely control the words coming out of your mouth.

She grinned a sinister smile, brushing some of your hair behind your shoulder and playing with it. “Well, for starters, I could run my fingers through this pretty hair…”

Your eyes squinted shut at the feeling of her doing so, hating how good it felt.

“I could gaze into these sparkling doe eyes…” she purred, tilting your chin up to look her in the eye. Her own dark eyes were locked in on yours, pupils dilated but squinted slightly like a siren’s.

You allowed her to push you further against the wall, showing absolutely no sign of displeasure at her actions. “Then what?” you whispered.

“Then… I could kiss these beautiful, delicious lips…” Momo finally leaned down and connected her lips with yours, pressing her body up against yours with a fiery passion.

You moved your arms up around her waist, hands gripping onto her for dear life. The pleasure was so great, you almost forgot why you vowed to resist temptation in the first place.

Her hands snaked up into your hair, tugging slightly and making you whimper into her mouth. You could feel her smirk at this, and with the knowledge that you were enjoying yourself, she slipped her tongue into your mouth, letting it explore slightly before pulling away.

“I hope you know what you’re doing.” you muttered breathlessly, forehead still pressed against hers. “Both of us could get fired if anyone found out about this.” Demons and angels were not allowed to have relationships. “Besides, how do I know you’re not just using me to win over my human?”

“You can have the human.” she told you without hesitation. “I don’t need them. Right now, I only want you.”

You looked at her closely, studying her expression for any sign of dishonesty. If this was a trick, or one of her lustful schemes, she wouldn’t have been so upfront about it. She would’ve been sneakier.

“I want you too, Momo…” you sighed, crashing your lips into hers once again.

Maybe you would lose your angel status for this, but you knew that no amount of purity would ever feel as good as Momo on your lips would.

Sana: Royal/ Assassin AU

You grunted as you scaled the wall of the castle with a dagger in each hand. One of them would momentarily be used to kill the princess in her sleep. You winced as you thought about what you had to do, feeling your stomach turn.

You were a member of a rebel legion who was planning on overthrowing the palace during a coup. While you weren’t too thrilled about having to kill anyone, you believed the king and queen deserved it. They were incessantly cruel to their subjects, denying them any assistance and punishing them when they took matters into their own hands. Your people were dying of starvation while they were having extravagant parties, and something had to be done about it.

There really was no reason to kill the princess other than your leader feared it would be unwise to leave the only rightful heir to the throne alive. You didn’t think it was right, but the suffering you and your people endured overcame that.

As you reached Princess Sana’s bedroom window, you carefully crept inside and over to her canopy bed. As the moonlight graced her features, your breath hitched in your throat. She looked so peaceful, so content… not to mention, she was positively breathtaking.

You sighed defeatedly, realizing you couldn’t possibly harm this innocent girl. You stepped back and dropped your daggers on the floor, startling her awake.

“Hm? What’s going on? Who are you?” she asked, clutching her blankets to her chest in fear.

“Sh, it’s okay. I’m here to help.” you tried to reassure her. “There’s a rebel legion that’s going to assassinate the king and queen momentarily, and they want to kill you too. If you want to live, you’ll have to escape with me right now.”

She gasped, throwing her blankets off of her. She looked so adorable in her long white nightgown and pink hair bow. “Oh my, let’s go then!”

You grabbed her hand and led her down the hallway and out through the back of the palace. You knew your legion would only be using the front entrance.

The two of you ran off into the night, ducking into a nearby forest for protection. Luckily it was a warm summer night, and the weather was mild.

“I’m sorry about your parents.” you finally spoke as you both caught your breath. It hadn’t dawned on you that Sana might not take the news of her parents assassination very well until just now.

“It’s alright. To be honest, I’ve always hated them. I was hoping to become a better leader than them one day, but they were only interested in marrying me off to a nearby kingdom. I’m just glad the kingdom will be heading in a better direction.” She sat down by the riverbed, taking her hair out of its bow and letting it fall over her shoulders in loose waves. “Thank you for rescuing me.”

“I don’t deserve any thanks.” you sighed, sitting down next to her. “I was the one who was supposed to kill you.”

She gave you an unfazed expression. “Well, you didn’t. And I never really liked being a princess anyway. I’ve always craved a life of adventure.”

“Well, you’re certainly going to get it.” you chuckled, stretching out to lay down in the grass. “We’re going to have to flee the kingdom, or at least go to the countryside. They’re going to wonder where the lost princess is, and why she wasn’t executed.”

She laid down next to you, curling into your side. “But… you’ll protect me right?” Her eyes were so big and twinkling with innocence. She looked as if she would shatter into a million pieces without you.

“Why do you trust me so easily?” you asked her genuinely. Any other princess wouldn’t have even believed you, let alone followed you into the woods.

She smiled cutely, brushing some of your hair back. “I had a dream once that someone came into my room and saved me from being a princess.” She traced your features with your finger. “They looked just like you.”

Your mouth fell slightly agape. You were never one to believe in fate or destiny, but this girl was making you second guess yourself.

“Now, are you going to take care of me?” she asked again.

“Of course I will.” you told her, running a hand through her long hair. “Now, let’s get some sleep. I’ll find us some breakfast in the morning.”

Jihyo: Idol Rivalry

Park Jihyo was the bane of your existence. The two of you had hated each other for years, and for good reason. For one, you were both under different companies that constantly compared artists with each other. Two, both of your groups debuted around the same time, and since then it felt like every time your group got a moment in the spotlight, Twice would come along and upstage you. And three, you were both leaders, so everyone expected you to get along due to your similar roles. However, all that meant was that you were both extra protective of your groups, and even more hostile when someone threatened their success.

Today, however, your rivalry was coming to an eruption as both of your groups were performing at the MAMA awards. Luckily, they were spaced apart enough to where it wouldn’t look like one of you was the opening act for the other. Both of your groups put their absolute all into the performances, and everyone agreed that you both owned the award show.

Your members somehow all got along. It was just you and Jihyo that couldn’t seem to find a common ground.

You were thinking this over as you walked up to her dressing room after the show. You decided it was time to be a grown up and hash things out with her. You took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” she chirped from behind the door. You walked in, seeing her at her vanity, still in her stage outfit. You lost the plot for a bit as you took in her features. Her beautiful skin, her pretty eyes, her perfect smile… wait, when did she get so gorgeous?

“Oh… hi Y/N.” she interrupted your thoughts with genuine surprise. “What are you doing here?”

You shut the door behind you and walked up to her. “I’ve come with an olive branch.” you began in a serious tone.

She glanced behind you, furrowing her brows. “Really? I don’t see one.”

You bit your tongue to keep from laughing. Damn, she was funny, but you were trying to have a serious moment!

“A metaphorical olive branch.” you sighed, pretending to be annoyed to save face. “We’ve been fighting for years because of stupid reasons. I think it’s time we sort out our differences.”

She smiled warmly, inviting you to sit down on her sofa. “So, what exactly are our differences?” she asked, starting to remove her makeup.

“Well for starters, you guys have always overshadowed us.” you told her. “Every time we’d start getting attention, you guys would immediately do something even better, and then it was all anyone could talk about. I guess I was sick of the company always telling us how much better you guys are.”

She paused, making eye contact with you in her mirror. “Are you serious?”

You nodded. What did she mean ‘are you serious,’ of course you were serious! It wasn’t that hard to comprehend.

“Oh my god, that’s so funny…” she laughed out loud, shaking her head. She spun around in her chair to face you. “Y/N, ever since we debuted, all our company does is compare us to you.”

“You’re kidding…” you marveled, eyes widening in shock.

“No, I’m serious! I especially get compared to you a lot. You’re super mature and have killer visuals, not to mention you’re one of the best dancers in the industry.” she praised, leaning back in her chair slightly.

“Oh please, I would commit arson to have your vocal skills! You light up a whole stadium with them!” you told her enthusiastically. “You’re so bright and energetic, and you’re absolutely stunning. I mean, who wouldn’t hate you?” you joked, slapping her on the knee playfully.

The two of you laughed for a moment, then sat in a comfortable silence. It was probably the most pleasant interaction you’d ever had.

“Did we just compliment each other?” she asked suddenly, cocking her head to the side.

You shrugged. “I guess so. Maybe we’re not so different after all.”

She smiled affectionately, moving to sit next to you on the sofa. “I actually think I quite like you now.”

The way she was looking at you made you feel butterflies. You didn’t know if you were seeing things or what, but she looked as if she was absolutely captivated by you.

You shrugged cheekily, a sly smirk making its way onto your face. “I kind of like you too. See you around?”

She nodded enthusiastically, a hopeful glint in her eyes. With that, you turned and exited her dressing room, pressing your hands to your warm cheeks.

How did that just happen?

Mina: Fake Dating

“I can’t believe they actually fell for it!” Mina marveled as you both exited the party into the cool night air.

“I know right! Like, are they really that stupid?” you laughed, leading her back to your car.

You wondered how everyone had set aside all their memories of you two absolutely hating each other when you walked into the party holding onto her waist. Anyone with eyes could see that you and Mina despised each other before. You guessed that the two of you were just really good at acting.

What led to your truce was that both of your crushes weren’t paying any attention to either of you. You were trying to win back your ex, whereas Mina’s crush had totally friend-zoned her. So, you came to an agreement that you would pretend to date each other in order to hopefully make your crushes jealous.

You were worried that it was going to be hard to sell your affections for Mina, but it turned out to be surprisingly easy. From spending time with her, you were able to see that she was actually really funny, incredibly bright, and sensitive. Not to mention, she was a perfect ten. That was part of the reason you hated her so much.

As you drove off to drop Mina off at her house, you kept glancing over at her with an amused smile.

“What?” she asked, giggling slightly.

“Nothing, it’s just… you’re so different from what I thought you were.” you answered, eyes focusing back on the road.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she interrogated you, crossing her arms with a smirk.

“Well, to be honest, I thought you were incredibly stuck-up. I mean, you hardly paid any attention to me, and whenever you did, it was to disagree with something I said.” you chuckled.

“Yeah, I’m sorry about that…” she apologized, shifting her body to face you more. “I have a tendency to close myself off when I find someone intimidating.”

You scoffed in disbelief. “Intimidating? How could you find me intimidating?”

“Oh come on, Y/N!” she rolled her eyes, hitting your arm lightly. “You’re like the coolest person ever! When you talk, everyone pays attention to you. It makes me so jealous the way you command a room.”

You shook your head in amazement. “I had no idea you felt that way…”

“Yeah well, I do.” she laughed. She ran a hand through her hair as if to calm herself down.

The two of you enjoyed a comfortable silence for a moment until you spoke again. “You did a really good job today.”

“Thanks, so did you.” she complimented you, nudging you slightly.

“I’m sure your crush is still thinking about how good we looked together.” you pointed out.

“Oh yeah, them…” she resigned, looking out the window absentmindedly. “Well, I’m sure your ex felt the same way.”

You glanced over at her. Why did she seem to shut down when you brought up your love interests? Isn’t that what she had wanted out of this?

“Well, there you are ma’am.” you announced as you pulled into her driveway.

She snapped out of her daze and grabbed her purse, turning to you with a smile. “Thanks again, Y/N. You make a wonderful fake partner.” Suddenly, she leaned forward and planted a brisk kiss on your cheek. You looked at her in disbelief, feeling your cheeks heat up. “Just practicing. You know, for the next time we see them.”

“Oh, r-right…” you stammered, shifting anxiously in your seat. “Well, see you later!”

“Bye bye!” she waved, cutely scampering away into her house.

You sighed, slamming your head against the steering wheel. Suddenly, a relationship with Mina was sounding a lot better than getting back with your ex. Why did you think this was a good idea again?

Dahyun: Hero/ Villain AU

You struggled against your restraints, rocking the chair you were tied to back and forth. You were previously on a mission from the hero agency to retrieve a stolen artifact from a well-known villain, but something had went wrong, and they ended up capturing you. Now, you were tied up and didn’t know what awaited you.

You screeched into the cloth around your mouth in frustration, feeling hot tears prick at your eyes as you realized there was no way to get out of these ropes. Damn it all. Was this going to be how you were going to be taken down?

Suddenly, you heard a rustling coming from the window in the corner of the room. You furrowed your brow in confusion, until it opened and in tumbled Kim Dahyun, your arch-nemesis.

“Dahyun? What are you doing here?” you asked, although it just sounded like a bunch of muffled syllables to her.

“Sh, I’m here to get you out of here.” she instructed you. She then came over to undo the cloth around your mouth and slice through your ropes with her knife.

“Why are you helping me?” you asked, massaging your wrists from their rope burn.

“Because, you’re my enemy.” she smirked, crawling back through the window she had previously entered in. “If anyone’s going to take you down, it’s going to be me.”

You scoffed with a smile, getting up to follow her. “I won’t go down so easily.”

“Oh I know. I’m looking forward to it.” she cockily winked. “Now, are you coming or not?” She extended her hand to you, face illuminated by the soft candlelight of the room. God, she was devastatingly beautiful. Perhaps in another universe, the two of you would’ve made a great couple.

You brushed the thoughts away, knowing they could only lead to heartache, and instead just took her hand and fled with her by your side. Maybe you didn’t need a relationship with her. This game of cat and mouse was too damn fun anyway.

Chaeyoung: Forced to Hang Out by Mutual Friends

You walked into the restaurant, face twisting into a scowl as you realized only one person was at your table: Son Chaeyoung, whom you could not stand. However, you had to get along with her because she was a part of your friend group. You knew she didn’t really care for you either, but also agreed to keep the peace for the sake of your mutual friends.

You took a deep breath to calm yourself down, then walked over to the table to sit across from her. “Hi Chaeyoung.” you said, flatly but still politely.

She looked up from her phone and cracked a forced smile. “Hey there, Y/N.”

“I wonder why everyone’s so late.” you commented, trying to make small talk.

“I’m not sure.” she replied. The two of you shared an awkward silence, save for your repetitive tapping on the table. After a while she coughed uncomfortably.

“Hi there! Are you two here for the couple’s special?” the waitress suddenly asked as she arrived at your table.

You both looked at each other horrified. “No, we’re definitely not a couple…” you insisted.

“Yeah we’re just waiting for some of our friends.” Chaeyoung explained to her, chuckling nervously.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” the waitress apologized. “I’ll come back in a few minutes, okay?” You both nodded, and she scurried off to the other end of the restaurant. Wow… you thought, the two of you were so uncomfortable it was spreading to other people.

“I’ll text them and see what’s keeping them.” Chaeyoung announced, picking her phone back up. However, her eyes widened as soon as she looked at the screen. “Apparently Rosè is sick.”

“Really? That’s odd. She seemed fine yesterday…” you replied, grabbing your own phone. You too already received a text, but from Yeoreum.

yeoreum 🌻: “hey, sorry to cancel last minute, but i forgot i have a doctors’ appointment :( say hi to the girls for me!”

You sighed, setting your phone back down. “Well, Yeoreum bailed too.”

“Are you serious?” Chaeyoung asked. “Well, at least there’s…” However she never got to finish her sentence, because both of your phones rang at the same exact time. You were getting a call from Somi, and she was getting a call from Jinsol. You both snatched up your phones again and slammed the answer button.

“Hey Y/N!” Somi chirped on the other end of the line. “I gotta cancel today. Forgot I already made plans with my sister!”

“No, Somi please-“

“Have fun! Give my love to the girls!” she responded, hanging up.

You squinted your eyes shut and sighed, setting your phone down to see Chaeyoung doing the exact same. “Jinsol too?”

“Yep.” she nodded. “Something about a family reunion.”

It was obvious that all your friends had planned this in an effort to get you and Chaeyoung to spend time with each other and hopefully sort out your differences. However, right now that seemed like a lost cause, as both of you were consumed with irritation and discomfort at the situation.

“Great…” you grumbled, putting your head in your hands. “Guess we’re stuck with each other.”

“I don’t get what your problem is with me.” she snapped, crossing her arms across her chest.

“Me? You’re the one with the problem!” you responded defensively. “You’ve always hated me for no reason. I can see it in the way you talk to me.”

“That’s not true!” she replied angrily, furrowing her brow in frustration. “I was just upset with you because you threw that huge party a year ago and invited everybody but me! I had to hear about it from Bangchan of all people!”

Your jaw unhinged in disbelief. You had totally forgotten about that event, and how you never invited Chaeyoung. To tell the truth, you couldn’t even remember why you didn’t invite her in the first place.

“I didn’t know it bothered you so much…” you marveled, leaning back in your chair as if backing down from your anger. “I guess… maybe I assumed you wouldn’t want to go? You don’t really seem like the type to enjoy a huge party.”

“That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have want to be invited.” she retorted, glancing down at the table nervously.

You blinked, straightening yourself up. “You’re right. That was really rude of me. I’m sorry I didn’t invite you.”

She smiled genuinely for the first time since you had known her. “I appreciate that.”

“If I have another party and invite you, will you stop hating me?” you chuckled.

“I wouldn’t say I hated you…” she replied, softening even more. “There were still things I really liked about you.”

“Oh yeah? Like what?” you asked, trying not to be too enthusiastic with your curiosity.

“You have a really pretty smile, you’re super passionate about what you do, you’re really sharp and witty…” she listed out with a bright grin. “You’re really cool. I guess that’s why I was so mad you didn’t invite me.”

“I understand why you were mad, and I’m sorry again.” you replied, looking at her sympathetically. “But it didn’t come from a place of malice. I actually think you’re really cool.”

“You do?” she inquired perplexedly.

“Of course I do! You always make everyone laugh, you’re super nice to everybody… and you’ve got a really cute face.”

She grinned, and you swore you saw her cheeks turn a light shade of pink. “You think I’m cute?”

Now it was your turn to blush. You cleared your throat, then glanced away with shifty eyes. “I mean, like objectively. You have bright eyes or whatever.”

She giggled quietly to herself, then as soon as your eyes were focused back on her, she spoke again. “I think you’re pretty cute too.”

You couldn’t help the smile that crept it’s way up your expression, looking away again bashfully.

“Do we still need a few more minutes?” the waitress asked, suddenly appearing again.

“Nope, I think we’re ready.” you replied, glad to be changing the subject. “I guess we will take that couple’s special since it’ll just be the two of us.”

“Oh, well it’s actually only for real couples…” the waitress told you sympathetically.

“What if this was our first date?” Chaeyoung asked her. Your eyes widened as you whipped your head around to look at her. She was just looking at the waitress with a confident grin. You had never seen her so bold, and you had to admit, it was really attractive. You were starting to kick yourself for messing things up with her in the past. You could’ve been around her best self this whole time… well, at least you were seeing it now. And you couldn’t get enough of it. You loved the excitement about where things were going with her.

Tzuyu: Only One Bed

You frowned as you realized who had just walked into your hotel room. “What are you doing here Tzuyu?”

“Believe me, this wasn’t my choice.” she groaned, shoving the door shut behind her. “Apparently the hotel booked up their last room by accident. And since you’re the only one who doesn’t have a roommate yet, I’m going to have to room with you.”

“Are you serious?” you asked, sitting up in your bed. “Aren’t there any other hotels in the area?”

“I went all around the neighborhood looking for one. Why do you think I’m soaked? It’s pouring down rain right now.” she complained. “They’re all booked up too.”

You took in her appearance. “Where’s your suitcase?”

“Airport lost it.” she replied, an angry sarcastic smile on her face. “This is a really great vacation so far. None of my things, and I’m stuck with you.”

“Yeah, well I’m not exactly thrilled about this either.” you sneered, shuffling your way out of bed. “Here, you can have one of my big shirts.”

She looked amazed. “Wait, are you actually being nice to me?”

You glared at her. “I may not like you very much, but I’m not heartless. Now go change.” You threw the shirt at her and got back into bed. You thought you caught a glimpse of a smirk on her face, but she turned the corner to the bathroom so fast you couldn’t be sure.

You got settled in bed again, then stared up at the ceiling. You were currently on a group vacation with all of your friends. Well, Tzuyu wasn’t your friend, but she had come along because she was close with some of your friends. You did kind of feel sorry for her… it had to suck losing all of your things. You shook your head. There was no need to feel sympathy for her when she had never made any effort to be nice to you. However, your thoughts were interrupted as she re-emerged from the bathroom, wearing nothing but your shirt. Your heart stopped. She looked really cute, with her wet hair and bare legs.

She chuckled cockily. “Like what you see?”

“Don’t flatter yourself.” you scoffed, rolling over in resignation.

She laughed at you again, walking over to the other side of the bed and crawling in. “Try to control yourself Y/N, we’ll both need some sleep for all the stuff they have planned tomorrow.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” you laughed, curling up in displeasure. “Rosè and Chaeyoung were way too excited about going downtown.”

“I know right? Like, how many shops can you go to before you get bored?” Tzuyu joked, making you laugh even harder. “And Elkie and Shuhua want to go to that museum…”

“Oh my god, what a snooze-fest.” you rolled your eyes, making her cackle even louder. You started chuckling again too, and soon you were both consumed with laughter.

“Do you realize this is the first time we’ve had a conversation without arguing?” you asked, leaning over to face her with an amused smile.

“Yeah… it was pretty nice.” she responded, looking at you and resting her head against the pillow. You both just stared at each other affectionately for a moment, taking in each others’ features. “Well, I guess we should go to sleep.”

“Yeah…” you agreed, moving to turn off the lamp. “Goodnight Tzuyu.”

“Goodnight Y/N.”

You lied awake for a moment, glancing over at her every so often. You couldn’t help the giddy, flustered feeling that crept up in your chest. You never knew Tzuyu could be so pleasant, and you were excited you got to share a room with her for the rest of the vacation. And you were even more excited to share a bed with her. Your mind started to wander about holding her, touching her, kissing her…

You shook your head, shuffling a bit. You couldn’t think these things while she was asleep next to you. Unless… maybe she was thinking them too?”

“Y/N?” she suddenly asked, rolling over to face you.

Your heart stopped. Holy shit, was she reading my mind?

“Yeah?” you asked, mirroring her actions.

You both stared at each other in desperation for a while, until she dove forward and kissed you passionately. You were taken aback for a second, but soon brought your hands up around her neck. She shifted to straddle you, kissing you more intensely. She pulled away for a breather just as your hands were going up into her hair.

“I hate you.” she smirked evilly, gasping for air.

“I despise you.” you retaliated, yanking her hair slightly and making her whimper a bit. You used her moment of weakness as an opportunity and pushed her over to straddle her. You began kissing her again, then moved down to nip at her neck and chest. “Let me show you just how much I do.”

[honeywinner06]

In that hotel room...

A! Enji Todoroki x O! Male Reader

(Y/N) stared at the clock located on the wall. He became more and more impatient.

They began to meet in that hotel and almost always in the same room since they had their first meeting in the omega's office. Since it was his job to be the public relations advisor, it would be justifiable for him to be everywhere with him, to a certain extent.

And although he felt something more than that lust at the moment of being with him, Enji wanted to keep this whole "relationship" without making it known.

Despite that, he had never been late and even less so if it was the alpha who called him to meet in that room.

"Fuck it, I'm already tired. If it doesn't come, that's his problem."

Saying that, you got up and went into the bathroom to change your clothes into pijamas, that consisted in some gray shorts and a simple light blue t-shirt.

3 Hours later...

The sound of your cell phone began to fill the room with noise. When you took it, you saw that it was a call and you answered it

"Yeah?"

"Are you in your usual room?"

"Yes, I am."

"That's good. Now, wait for me there. Today I had a night shift"

"I'm tired and I suggest you don't come. Tomorrow, it's the press conference and I must arrive early to organize it."

"(Y/N), listen to me..."

"Good night, Enji."

And with that said, you hung up the call, and lay down again, hoping to fall asleep.

But those aspirations did not last long when in less than approximately half an hour, the door to the room was knocked.

"Can I help you?" You asked in a quite sarcatical way.

"Quit the mockering towards me, omega" answered the alpha with his deep voice

Your only response was rolling your eyes and then, he pounced on you and starting kissing you like a salvage.

The kiss became more and more passionate and it became even more so when he began to put one of his huge hands into your shorts and began to touch your plump and soft butt.

You let out sighs from how good it felt when he touched you and you started feel on one of your thighs, as if a small river had formed.

"You've already started to get wet down there, right? How I love being treated hard, you little omega slut."

"R-Really?" you said with a defiant and excited tone. You felt like you were melting like a snow cone in Phoenix (Yes, I made a reference to "Mrs Doubtfire" lol)

"Yes, I love that they are like that. Obedient, whether they are submissive or not. Too bad Rei would never do that with me."

The moment he said "Rei", your excitement immediately disappeared.

"W-Wait. Were you thinking about her? All of this time?"

Enji just laughed and smiled "What's wrong, omega? Does the fact that I think about my wife while fucking me make you jealous?"

"N-Not at all. Not at all" you said to turn around and avoid agreeing with him.

"Pff, typical omegas. They feel offended if you don't think about them"

"Well, leave that aside. Do you even want to do it with her or will I just be with you to satisfy you?"

"Sure, but she's very sporadic, so we don't do it much. So I have you."

"Fuck you, bastard!"

"Don't tell me you never thought about anyone else when we were doing it?" Asked the alpha trying to contain his laughter

"Of course not! I did it because I love you!"

"How naive. Well, you thought wrong, omega. I respect my wife and I wouldn't denigrate her."

"If you respected her, you would be with her, not kissing and fucking with me!"

The alpha just grabbed you by your neck and began to hang you against the wall.

"Listen to me, you whore. I do what I want and I totally respect my wife. All you are is to be my sex toy because you have an enormous ass and nothing else. You won't ever be my lover even if you were The last omega on The surface." With that said, he let go of you making you fall to the ground as you caught your lost breath.

"Now undress for me. I want to see that belly of yours totally full with my seed"

"D-Don't even think about it."

You said to get up, still weak. You took your suitcase and started to gather your things as quickly as possible.

"What are You doi..." asked before being interrupted by a cushion "Hey!"

"And don't even think about seeing me tomorrow at the conference, I'm sending you my resignation letter by mail and don't even think about seeing me in your miserable life, You piece of shit!" After that, you slammed the door as hard as possible.

"Come back here now, you fucking slut!"

So, you left that place with your suitcase in your hand, leaving the hotel and holding back your tears as much as you could.

[silverflqmes]

you are legit my favorite ffvii writer at the moment dude. if you feel like it, do you think you can write smth about being childhood friends w zack and reuniting with him one day? make sure to take care of yourself 💕 :)

໒⦂ 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆.

notes. HELP YOU’RE SO SWEET ANON??? IWOWJDJDK i haven’t written as much yet and i still have lots to learn but that really warmed my heart to hear 🥹🥹🥹 i decided to combine this with another request, i hope that’s okay with you both!<3

genre. fluff + angst

disclaimer. tifa speaking on cloud can either be platonic or romantic — whatever you wanna think just don’t start up a whole ship war bc it’s embarrassing as hell. obviously this is a zack fic so focus on zack smh.

zack fair x gn!reader.

“you’re.. leaving for SOLDIER?”

you shouldn’t be shocked, that was the last thing you should have been since you had been the one to encourage his decision.

and yet.. why did it hurt? you had known that it would, it was only naturally — but not like this.

zack averted his stare from the star blanketed sky, smiling solemnly. “sure am. you helped me realize that becoming a hero is something that i should do — that the world needed my kind of help.. so that’s,” he paused, allowing the evening breeze to shift his dark bangs. “exactly what i gotta do.”

you fell into silence for a moment, pursing your lips together as you considered his words.

it had been your crush’s dream from young, since seeing sephiroth on propaganda and hearing of his endeavors, to become a hero. the life he’d led in gongaga was wonderful, peaceful.. but you knew, deep down, he’d wanted to make that name for himself. that zack was.. meant for greater things.

and you, torn between your feelings for him and the need to encourage him as his best friend.. had no choice but to put aside what you felt to urge him to embrace his dreams.

when he received no answer, the raven haired teen took it as a sign to continue, leaning back on his elbows. “as of now, you’re the only one i’ve told about my decision — cuz well.. as you know, my parents aren’t super chill with it.” he laughed out, shaking his head. “so i’m gonna leave tomorrow night. got everything packed up already, a letter ready for them to pass on and i’ll be good to go!”

“tomorrow night? so soon?” you nearly interrogated him, only to respond with a slow nod. “you have my word, don’t worry about it.” should you tell on your friend? would that keep him just a little while longer if his parents knew and prevented his departure? would he hate you for it and finally give you a reason to stop feeling this way about him?

no.. you couldn’t live with yourself if he had hated you. that was practically death served on a silver platter, your heart would never start again if zack had expressed contempt for you.

for a second, longing flashed in his eyes before he allowed himself to grin, patting your back gently. “you’re amazing y/n!! i knew i could count on you no matter what! i’ll be sure to bring you something real nice from the big city!! and that’s a promise!”

a smile that didn’t quite meet your gaze etched itself onto your lips as you let out a hum of agreement. “you’re the amazing one, zack. i’ll..” miss you. “..be holding you to that promise, so you better keep it.”

three years passed and no sign of zack. the promise stood, but remained unfulfilled.

you should have expected it, that becoming a SOLDIER meant never seeing him again. you knew he was alive, a letter would have come if he wasn’t, and his parents kept you posted thankfully.

yet, there was still an emptiness you felt in his absence. every year, you’d told yourself that perhaps maybe, he would come home to visit this time.

now, having turned eighteen, you had decided to leave the comfort of gongaga as zack once had, and journeyed to nibelheim — a village in the mountains. it was small, quaint as your hometown was, perhaps colder, but after being offered a job through your parents, it called to you.

your mother had been from nibelheim and met your father in midgar — who had left gongaga to pursue a career in research as she had.

despite their retirement, they had developed many connections.. one of which, had been in the mountain village.

when you pleaded to leave and join up with your friend in the city he’d left for, your parents had urged you not to, and were strict on it.. as though something had been terribly wrong there.

you’d never asked why they retired so early on, and just assumed they had wanted to settle since they’d made their money.

but it didn’t.. fully seem that way.

“didja hear y/n? there’s a group of SOLDIERS coming down here tonight. ahhh, i hope cloud is there — i haven’t seen him in years.” your companion and guide sighed out, pacing about idly as you jotted down notes on your observations of the terrain.

tifa had been a friend you’d made upon your arrival. she was a year younger, but a real go getter and great help on your expeditions. in the beginning you worried for her safety, stringing her along as you did — only for her to protect you from the perils you feared.

you’d have to ask if that mentor of hers was willing to show you a move or two on self defense.

“cloud, huh? is he in SOLDIER, too?” you had told the girl before you already about your old buddy, as there was no possible way of her exposing your feelings for him.

and honestly, it was comforting to confide in someone for a change.

she nodded eagerly at your question, smiling softly. “he should be, it was his dream to become a SOLDIER, like sephiroth — that’s what he told me one day before he left.. and he’d promised to always protect me, no matter what.”

your writing seemed to pause at her comment, head lowering as you willed yourself to chuckle despite your anguish. “is that so?” zack, as you recalled, had dreamt of the same. “well, i hope he comes home safe if he’s a part of that group.” you smiled a little, closing your notebook before standing up from your crouched position.

“that should be enough for today, thanks for coming along again — i think i’m almost there with reaching my conclusion on this strange increase in mako spillage on the landscape.. but i just- can’t seem to put my finger on it.” you muttered, knitting your brows together before casting a glance over at mt. nibel- the highest point of the area you had moved to. “whatever, they’re keeping in that reactor.. there’s something really off about it.”

the burgundy eyed female followed your gaze before humming absentmindedly. “yeah.. i’m hoping those guys coming today might know or at least clean up over there.. i’d hate to see what might happen if the pollution intensifies down here.” she answered softly, helping you up before looking ahead. “for now, let’s get back — it’s almost sundown.”

at the mention of the visitors on their way from midgar, your thoughts went to your old friend, but you reprimanded yourself quickly. you would not have hopes again — as they only ever existed to get shattered and turn into despair.

and yet.. that one percentage asking but what if, remained.

the sun had drowned into billowing clouds, a shade of golden casting over the scenery as you walked beside your friend, exhaustion creeping up on you. however, you reminded yourself that the descent was always easier than the ascent.

“and we’re back, thank you for taking the tifa express way~” your travel partner giggled, earning a smile in return from you. she always had a way of brightening the mood with her optimism. kind of like.. nevermind.

the brunette looked around when she found the villagers gathered in the centre, adjusting her hat with a pout. “did we just miss them? i didn’t think we would be this late..”

you copied her actions, letting out a sound of contemplation. “maybe they turned in, midgar is a long way from here.. i’m sure they wanted to just take things easy for the night and start off fresh tomorrow.”

tifa paused for a minute to think before letting out a sigh and nodding. “i guess you have a point — tomorrow, then.” she smiled again, holding out her thumb. “i’m gonna be their guide, i’ll make sure of it!”

you rolled your eyes in amusement before nudging her with your elbow. “whatever helps you sleep at night, tifa.. i’ll catch you in the morning, in that case. i still gotta sort some things with information i picked up today.” a trip to that mako reactor and your research might at last be complete. perhaps.. you could convince the group in bringing you along- especially if your friend would be going.

it was the perfect in!

“mhm, see you in the morning, y/n! don’t be up all night doing that work of yours if you wanna wake up on time!”

with those parting words, followed by a wave, the female dressed in orange walked towards the direction of her home, eagerly greeting her father at the door before joining him inside.

your shoulders fell, a low exhale escaping your lips as you adjusted your backpack. and just like that, she was gone.

you made your way into the inn you’d been staying at for the time being, rubbing your eyes.

it was a temporary arrangement, given you hadn’t fully decided yet if you would be staying permanently in nibelheim. however, the living accommodations worked just fine.

you hadn’t thought yourself difficult to please, anyway. so long as you had the necessary essentials needed to live, all was well. that was what you’d learned growing up in gongaga.

entering the inn, you greeted the host before ascending the steps, pausing when you caught sight of a towering, silver haired.. male? unless a woman could stand at nearly seven feet.. and across from him, stood.. no — had your eyes deceived you?

“z-zack..?”

the conversation between the pair, whatever it had been about, came to a full stop as they turned to face you, shock painting on the face of the SOLDIER with the darker hair.

“y/n..??” he spoke up incredulously, blinking over at you as his jaw fell just slightly. “no way- what’re you doing here.. in nibelheim of all places? i thought you were-”

“in gongaga?” you asked with a small smile before shaking your head. “my parents found me work here, so i moved just a few months ago. never thought i’d see you here, before returning home, no less.”

zack could feel the coldness of your words, piercing through him like icicles tipped in poison. pissed was an understatement.

the taller behind him smiled awkwardly before moving towards his door, not wanting to be muddled into the affairs of his triend. “i believe you both have some catching up to do.. i will see you in the morning, zack.”

the boy in question parted his lips in protest, but the cat-eyed male was gone before he could do so. damn!

awkwardly, he turned to meet your awaiting stare, swallowing thickly.

“sorry, i’ve.. had a lot going on.” he confessed, lowering his head in shame. “i wanted to come home sooner — especially after making first class just recently- but things.. everything that has been going on as of late at shinra, it’s been really messed up.” zack confessed, clenching his fists at his side before letting out a glum chuckle. “and it just keeps getting weirder.. what were the odds i’d find you here of all places?”

you leaned against the window, folding your arms as you gazed out. “close to none. i guess it’s a thing of fate, maybe.” you offered, sliding your eyes back to his zircon ones. “seems my parents were right to not send me to the city with whatever ‘messed up things’ that happened.”

the SOLDIER nodded, allowing a brief silence to pass before smiling. “they probably were, yeah.. don’t think you would have liked midgar much, anyway. it’s all gross and industrial looking.. although!” he blurted suddenly, perking up as though he’d remembered something. “wait right here, i’ve got something i want to give you!”

you rose a brow at his random burst of energy, reminding you that despite the change in his appearance, the development he had gone through.. he was still your zack, and that wouldn’t change.

he disappeared into his room before you could answer, rummaging by the noises you’d made out, which had you shielding your mouth with your hand. “don’t get lost in there, now.”

“like i would!” he laughed before emerging from his quarters, holding out a messily wrapped box for you. “no matter where i went, i always kept this with me, thinking that maybe- just maybe, i would pass through our hometown and find you to hold up that promise i made to you. finally,” the spiky haired SOLDIER paused, grinning brightly. “i was able to fulfill it!”

you blinked in surprise, taking the package into your hand as you felt your face burn despite the coldness provided by the high altitudes of nibelheim. “you.. remembered?”

appalled, zack let out a gasp of offense. “remembered? how could i forget?? a promise is a promise, and i intended on keeping it!” he huffed out before raising his fists before him in excitement. “now come on, open it!!”

overcome with a sudden happiness, to know you hadn’t been forgotten despite the negative thoughts you’d created, you opened up his gift to you with earnest. a glimpse of green entered your vision as you quirked a curious brow. a plant? no.. zack wasn’t the type to keep plants.

finally removing the top completely, you stared down at the present before stifling a laugh into your forearm. “you- you got me a cactuar.. stuffed toy?” you spluttered in surprise.

of course he did — it was zack for goodness sake..

“sure did!! ya like it?? it looked authentic when i saw it in the window!” he answered proudly, placing his hands on his hips.

you continued laughing, unable to contain yourself as you held your stomach. “it’s so random- but that’s.. that’s just like you to get me!” you wiped a tear, allowing a smile nearly as bright as his, or perhaps- even brighter for a change, to replace your initial frown. “i love it a lot, but.. you wanna know what i love more?”

a mixture of interest and excitement sparked in his eyes as he inched closer, eager to hear. “what? what is it??”

having caught your breath, you closed your eyes, holding the plush close to your heart. “being here- reunited with you, again..”

like an invisible string, knots and tangles had appeared in the thread that connected you both. however, it wasn’t impossible to unravel and detangle that which connected you both, to allow an opportunity of reunion.

( even if it was the right place, but sadly.. the wrong time. )

notes. bittersweet open ending cuz well.. it’s nibelheim- anyway, i hope this was okay! i think my writing style kinda changed.. scary. oh well! the support these last few days have been much appreciated<3 tysm you guys, hearts out to you fr<3

↳ return to main masterlist . request rules . send an ask

[axelsagewrites]

Daemon Targaryen*Lunch

Sugar Baby Series Part Two

Part one

Pairings: modern daemon x reader

Platonic: jace, cregan, Sara snow

Warnings: possessive daemon, daemon being a bit pretentious but nothing major

Word count: 4k

Masterlist Here

Call me when you quit – D.T.

You had told Sara all about the horror of your shift when she got home an hour after you and showed her the paper. “I mean he was hot,” she said as she handed you the paper back, “Couldn’t hurt,”

“But he said when I quit,” you said as you put it on the fridge with a magnet before returning to the sofa to drink your warm beer next to Sara, “Do you think its like a job thing?”

“I think it’s a sex thing,”

“Why do I need to quit to get laid?”

“Maybe he doesn’t fuck servers?” she said making you kick her with her foot, “Hey! He’s a Targaryen you know what they’re like,”

You rolled your eyes as you thought back to the horniest man you’ve ever met aka your ex-classmate Aegon Targaryen. “Yeah, well shut up. Heleana is nice, Aemond was before the whole manager thing- “

“Ugh don’t remind me,” she groaned as her head fell back, “Can’t believe I hooked up with him,”

You snorted at her expression, “Bet Jace cried when he found out,” you said, “Hey!” you whined, rubbing your shin that she’d kicked, “C’mon he’s a nice guy its not his fault he’s in love with you,”

“We’re just friends,”

“I’ve already booked off the wedding,” you smirked, moving quicker than her when she went to attack again. “However, one good thing happened tonight,” you said as you fished the money out your pocket that Daemon had gave you, “Dun dun dun,” you said as you waved the money in the air.

“No shit!” She said as she snatched it out your hands to count, “Dude is this all from that Daemon guy?”

“Yup,” you smirked as you snatched it back before grabbing the jar from under the sofa, “We made rent!”

“Woo!” Sara yelled as she jumped off the couch, “To another month of not being evicted!” Your cheers were shushed by your neighbour who banged on the ceiling with his brush, something you had grown used to since even walking past 10 pm was too loud for him, “Hey this means we’re like one shift short of next months rent,” Sara said as she ignored the banging to grab you both more beers.

“Are this what financial security feels like?” you laughed as you graciously took the bottle.

Sara laughed as she took her spot next to you again, “If you don’t call him I will,”

“Back off he’s my millionaire,” you laughed before taking another drink, “I’ll call him tomorrow, fuck it what’s the worst that can happen?”

“You get murdered?” she said making you glare, “Hey he might be rich but take pepper spray when you hook up,”

“Who says its for sex? Maybe it’s a job,”

“Yeah at a sexteraunt,” Sara snorted, “Ooo maybe he wants you to be his sugar baby,” the rest of the night was spent discussing the pros and cons of being a sugar baby and you kicking her several more times.

The next morning you woke up in the afternoon, thankful for your day off after a run of terrible shifts. Sara had left to hang out with her brother, and you were left to stare at the paper, your phone practically burning a hole in your pocket. “Fuck it,” you muttered as you punched in the number.

It rang and rang and just before it rang out and all hope was lost a deep voice answered the phone, “Hello?” Daemon said, sounded already so uninterested that you were close to hanging up.

“Hey um,” you began to choke out, pacing the room, “Its your server from last night. You chased me down to the bus stop and gave me your number,” you half laughed as you tried to sound calm.

“Oh yeah hi,” he said, his tone instantly perking, “So you quit?”

You bit your lip and tried not to groan, “Not just yet,” you said as you heard him sigh over the phone, “I want to know what im getting myself into before I make any big decisions that may affect my financial situation,” you said, throwing in any word you thought could make you sound smart.

“Sensible I suppose,” he said, and you swore you could hear his smirk, “You free for a late lunch and I’ll give you a rundown of my proposal?”

“Um yeah sure when?”

“30 minutes, the Red Keep on sixth street. You in?” he asked as you looked down at your stained pyjamas that smelled stronger than you’d like. Fuck it, you thought, before agreeing, already digging out some decent jeans out the hamper. “See you then love,” Daemon said before the phone clicked off.

“10-minute walk, 20 minutes to look like a person,” you muttered as you began to get dressed. You tried to keep it a semi casual vibe as you pulled on some dark jeans and borrowed one of Saras host button downs. She’d get over it. your hair was less manageable than your outfit, but you managed to at least brush it and wash your face, flinging on the lightest coating of makeup before you saw it had already been 20 minutes.

You quickly threw your shoes on and began running down the stairs as you pulled your leather jacket on. You jogged up to the restaurant, glancing in to see if he was there yet through the window when you noticed a black car pull up and you gulped when you saw Daemon step out and the car drive off.

He was in a lilac button up that seemed to perfectly match his eyes. It didn’t help that the sleeves were rolled up to display his forearms. His dress pants were clearly well fitted, and you couldn’t stop yourself checking out his tight ass. Hot was an understatement for the man. Somehow his dishevelled hair only added to the look.

He smirked when he saw you before raising an eyebrow, “Did you run here?”

“I live a couple blocks away, so I didn’t wanna be late,” you said as you stuck out a hand to shake.

If possible, he smirked wider as he took your hand expect instead of shaking it, he raised it to his lips, kissing your knuckles softly, “I would’ve sent a car if you asked,”

“Its alright,” you said as your face began to flush.

Daemon led the way in, instantly getting ushered over to a table and you both were handed menus. “Pick anything you like,” he said when he noticed your eyes scanning the prices first. “Technically it’s a company lunch,”

You couldn’t help but laugh at the fact even the rich liked to milk their own bosses even when its their older brother. After you had ordered Daemon leaned his arms on the table, his eyes gazing at you in a way your legs began to melt, “Tell me about yourself,” he said.

“Well, I’m- “you said as you started to rattle of your age and job experience, “And I plan on- “

“No,” Daemon said, raising a hand slightly, “tell me about you. not your jobs,”

You chuckled nervously, your eyes looking at the floor for a moment, “Well I have a roommate, Sara, she’s pretty funny when she wants to be but totally clueless. We moved into a little flat a few months ago when some stuff went down with my family and I ended up leaving college because of it all but that’s fine,” you said.

“What did you do in college?” he asked, and he seemed to be genuinely interested as he leaned forward, resting his chin in his hand.

The action alone made you almost blush, “Well it was prelaw, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do,”

“Well, what do you wanna do?” he asked.

“I want to become a writer,” you said as the server brought the food over and you thanked him with a warm smile before turning back to Daemon, “I never have time for it anymore with work but its my dream. I’ve always liked writing. Saras probably sick of hearing about all my ideas,”

“Tell me instead then,” for the rest of lunch you rattled on to Daemon about all your ideas and plans and he listened intently, asking questions and agreeing with your plans. “Seems like you have it all figured out,” he said as you both came to the end of your food.

“Yeah but no time, you get me?” you said, and Daemon agreed as he ordered himself a coffee, “Why did you want me to call you though?” you sheepishly asked the question you had been wondering all lunch. “You can’t really expect me to quit my job for one lunch date?”

Daemon chuckled at your questions, “Well darling I have a proposal,” he said as the waiter brought his coffee and he thanked him, “I’ve been traveling nearly every other day for the past seven years, it can get lonely. I’m sure with your work schedule you understand,” he said, and you nodded, folding your arms as a pit grew in your stomach that Sara was right, “In a way you would be working for me but don’t think of it as work. It would be dinners mostly, a gala here or there when I have to attend which I rarely do. Company really is all and of course I would compensate for your time,” he said as he began to sip on his coffee.

“I’m not a prostitute,” you rushed out before even thinking making Daemon choke on his coffee.

He quickly began to rush out an apology as the once composed man tried to steady himself, “I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression,” he began to rush out as he cleaned up the coffee he had spilt with a napkin. At least he isn’t a dick to server like his sister-in-law you thought. “We wouldn’t be having sex. Well of course if the time came and we both wanted we’d talk about it but- “Daemon ranted before finally composing himself. “Do I make more sense now?” he asked.

“So, I’d be like a sugar baby?” you asked looking at the table as you tried to take this in.

“If that’s what you prefer to call it, then yes,” Daemon said. You paused for a moment to try think this all through. “I don’t need an answer today but I’m free tomorrow night. I’ve got a table for two booked at The Highgarden’s tomorrow at seven. Think about it. and if you decide not to its no pressure,”

“I’ll think about it,” you said, finally looking up from the table, “You have to understand this is all a bit overwhelming,”

“Its alright,” Daemon said as he placed his hand over yours and giving it a gentle squeezed. You missed his touch as soon as he took it back to take the bill off the server. “You don’t owe me anything after all, we’re strangers, but you can’t blame me for wanting to be more,” he said as he placed enough cash in the check to cover the bill twice over. great tipper, brownie points. “After all, you look amazing even after your little run,” he smiled, and you knew your blush was showing. “I’ve got to get back to work love but if you need anything just call doll,” the nickname made it hard to stutter your goodbye. “For your troubles,” Daemon said as he placed an envelope on the table before walking out to the car that just pulled up.

You waited till the moment he closed the car door that had just pulled up for him to pull out your phone as you left the restaurant. Sara picked up on the first ring, “Oh my god you were right code red we need to talk,”

“We’re at Cregan’s get your ass over here and tell me everything!”

Within half an hour you were sat on Cregan’s sofa spilling everything that had just happened to him, Sara, and Jace, Cregan’s roommate. Jace was a really rich really oblivious kid who had everything paid for by his parents, but he was that normal than him being rich didn’t matter. “So, you’re going right?” Sara asked as she moved to sit on the arm on the couch, feet in Jaces lap who blushed bright red. She was holding the money Daemon had left you, counting it again to double check she wasn’t crazy.

“Is this guy even legit?” Cregan in his older brotherness questioned, “Is it safe?”

“This man has already paid our rent three times I say what could a month hurt?” Sara said grinning as her brother leaned over you to slap her head. “You’re just mad he didn’t pick you,”

“I’m not gay,” Cregan rolled his eyes resulting on all three of you giving a very convincing and drawn out suuure. “

Jace had finally managed to stop blushing and join the conversation, “What’s his name again?” he asked and suddenly it dawned on you.

“Daemon Targaryen,” you said, cringing as you spoke when Jace realised his uncle was trying to pimp you out.

Jace rolled his eyes with an over emphasized sigh, “Of course it is,” he groaned, “He’s a good guy even if this is insanely weird. But he won’t stiff you,”

“Yet,” Sara smirked resulted in several grosses.

“So, he won’t murder me in a dark alley?” you asked.

Jace shook his head, “He’s surprisingly cooled all things considered. He’s a bit eccentric but so’s everyone in my family. plus, then this way I won’t be alone at family reunion!” he said, instantly perking up.

“Oh my god no,” you dreaded to think how Alicent would be at a private event.

“Bestie not that I’m trying to whore you out,” Sara said as she handed you the money back, “but you’re broke. Like broke broke. Like eat cold food out a can on a Thursday broke,”

You groaned as you looked down at the money in your lap, “I suppose one date can’t hurt,” especially when its with one of the hottest men you’ve met, but you waited till Jace was gone before discussing his uncle’s ass.

Sara had insisted on shopping for a nice dress for your date. To be fair she was probably right. Your clothes ranged from your server uniform to pyjamas to the one club dress you owned and somehow you didn’t think they’d let you in under that dress code. Half the money from today’s envelope went to your outfit, something you dreaded at first, but you had to admit felt nice as you looked at yourself in the mirror.

“I’m so borrowing that at some point,” Sara said as she zipped you into the red dress. It was a red knee length dress, but it was that tight that all modesty the length gave it was lost, “Damn you look good,” Sara said as she watched you admire yourself.

“Thanks,” you said as you rolled your eyes and grabbed your purse. Daemon had text you earlier asking for an address for the car to pick you up and after insisting you didn’t need it, he sent it anyway. “And you can only borrow it for your date with Jace,”

“Hmm don’t tempt me,” she teased as she helped you clasp the necklace, she’d lent you. “Look at my baby all grown up,” she faked tears up as she looked over you one last time.

“Fuck off,” you laughed when your phone buzzed.

Outside darling. Be safe – D

You couldn’t help but chuckle at the way he signed off his text, “I gotta go. If im not home by 12 I’ve been murdered,”

“Don’t get blood on the dress,” Sara grinned as she practically pushed you out the door, “And oh bring home any leftovers I heard the food basically melts in your mouth,”

You laughed at your roommate before rushing down the stairs, doing your best to get past your nosey neighbour without being questioned. The shiny black Benz stood out like a pretty thumb in this ugly street. Daemon stood beside the door to the car and his eyes looked you up and down as you walked out the building, “How’d you know reds my favourite colour?” he asked, eyes still glued to your figure.

You laughed as you walked up to him, “Lucky guess? My roommate made me get it,”

“Tell Sara she has great taste,” even your last boyfriend hadn’t remembered her name for the first month, “You look wonderful darling,” Daemon said as opened the door for you, “Ladies first,”

“Thank you,” you said as you took his hand and Daemon helped you into the car, you quickly thanking the driver for the ride.

Daemon was chuckling when he slid in his side but said nothing and just nodded at the driver who started the car. “I hoped I gave you enough for the dress,” Daemon said as the car turned out of your street.

“More than enough,” you said as you felt the fabric, still obsessed with how it felt on you, “But Sara insisted I get something fancy for this place plus this feels way better than my other dresses”

Daemon laughed lightly as he took in your smile, “You could show up in a sack and you’d still look the best in the room,” he said, and you tried to ignore the butterflies in your stomach. “May I?” he asked, gesturing his hand over the fabric and you nodded, looking down to hide your flush as he felt the fabric over your thigh, “Feels nice,” he said, his hand still resting on your thigh making your stomach flip and the butterflies toss and turn.

“Thanks,” you said, not moving his hand as you continued to chat during the ride. Oddly enough despite most rich people feeling alien to you and usually pompous the conversation just seemed to flow effortlessly. Before arriving, daemon had asked to keep your arrangement under wraps to which you quickly agreed.

Daemon insisted on opening the door for you as you got out the car and wrapped his arm around your waist as he led you to the host. “Welcome Mr Targaryen and a date I see,” The host greeted him like an old friend, “and a very pretty one,” he added with a laugh. Daemon smiled but you felt his grip tighten around your waist, “right this way,”

You thanked the host as you sat down and took the menu off him, “There’s no prices,” you said, face scrunching with confusion.

“Don’t worry about the money love,” Daemon smiled as he glanced over the menu, “You’re worth every penny,”

Daemons sweet talking and flirting continued through the night. There was no awkward “what do you do” or “I heard you liked xyz” it was as if you already knew everything you needed and had started on date three.

The food was far superior to you had been used to. The three-course meal was a far step up from the McDonald’s saver menu. When you told Daemon what Sara had said about the to go box, he ordered a fresh salmon to be boxed up for her when you finished your meal, “You don’t have to do that,”

“She can consider it a thank you for that dress,” he said, that same sly smirk toying on his lips. “So did you quit that shit hole yet?” he asked as he sipped his 3rd coffee.

You cringed slightly at the question, “Look im all for this arrangement, it’s actually been pretty fun, but im not gonna give up my independence just like that. I’ve been working way to hard to just give up,” you started your mini rant, fully prepared for Daemon to stop you or make demands but he only seemed to laugh and smile at your determination. “What?” you finally asked.

“Nothing its just cute to see you riled up,” he said, sipping his coffee while you regained your composure, “You don’t have to quit your job, if anything I admire your attitude but I wish you worked somewhere that valued you more,” he said, placing his hand over yours and running his thumb over your hand, “Besides you need the time if you want to get serious about your writing,”

“I suppose,” you said, gnawing at your lip as you mulled it over, “Maybe I could do part time then write on the side and see you as well,”

“Sounds like a plan doll,” he said, and you rolled your eyes with a smile, “What?” he laughed, “Do you prefer love? Darling perhaps? Princess, sugar, pumpkin,” he began listing off names.

“Dolls fine,” you laughed, “Any of them. You’re paying after all,” you joked and for a moment he got serious.

“Just because I give you money doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself. Never give yourself up for a job. I did that. Seven years I’ve been wasting away on planes and cars. I’ve been back here for one week and I already feel more like myself,” Daemon seemed to be full of life advice and business tips.

By the end of dinner, you were tipsy on the finest Dornish wine you’d ever drank and amazed at the deal you had lucked out on. Daemon wouldn’t let you see the bill when he gave the server his card, but you knew it was far from cheap. He walked you to the waiting car, smile plastered on his face as he laughed at your crude joke. “You really are a little minx,” he said as he helped you into the car.

“Sometimes,” you grinned as he climbed in the other side.

When the driver asked where to Daemon turned his head to you, “Where do you wanna go?” he asked, his eyes looking deep into yours.

You looked at the time on the dash, 1120. You had practically stayed till the restaurant closed. You turned to the driver to give him your address, “Saras expecting me soon. She’ll think I got murdered if Im not home,” you half joked to Daemon.

“That’s alright love,” he said as he took your hand, placing a kiss to the back of it, “Your company is all I need,” you half wondered if he was disappointed, the other half wondering if you’d regret not going with him.

When you pulled up outside the apartment you turned to Daemon. “I’ll walk you in,” he said before you could say goodbye, his eyes on the men smoking outside your building. He leaned forward to his driver, whispering to lock the car.

You couldn’t help but laugh as Daemon let you out, his arm instantly wrapping around your waist. “Hey pretty lady,” Theon grinned as you walked past which only made Daemon tighten his grip.

Before Daemon could say anything, you turned to Theon and Robb, “Hey boys,” you grinned, sending Robb a wave. He looked far too stoned to even know what way was up, “Don’t be too loud tonight,” you joked as you walked past them and into the building.

“No promises,” Theon called after you.

Daemon raised an eyebrow, looking at you like an alien would, “They’re my next-door neighbours. Very gay, massive stoners,” you told him.

“Ahh,” Daemon said, nodding his head, “Forgive my scepticism. Im not used to this part of town,”

“Don’t worry you weren’t all wrong. My downstairs neighbour is basically crack as a person. Tin foil hats and all,” you told him in a whisper as you past his flat to go to the stairs. “I’ll tell you all about my crazy neighbours next time,”

“So, there will be a next time?” Daemon asked, eyebrow raised and a casual smirk on his face. “Glad to hear it,”

“This is me,” you told him as you reached your door, “Text me. I’ve got work tomorrow but we’ll make it work,”

Daemon smiled down at you, pushing a strand of hair out your face, “Can’t wait doll,” he said, his fingertips grazing past your cheek, “Would it be wrong if I kissed you?” he whispered, his touch resting on your jaw.

“It’d be wrong if you didn’t,” a sudden boost of confidence ran through you as you stepped forward, pressing your chest into his. Daemon didn’t need to be told twice before he closed the gap, his lips crashing onto yours as he pressed you into the door.

Your hands wrapped around his neck, toying with his silver hair. His squeezed your waist before sliding down to grip your hips. If sara wasn’t home right now you wouldn’t have let him leave. When he pulled away you were both breathless. “Until next time,” he said as he caught his breath.

“Next time can’t be soon enough,” you said as Daemon slipped an envelope out his suit pocket and handed it to you, all while keeping eye contact, “Goodnight Daemon,”

“Night doll,” he said as he kissed your hand goodbye and walked back to the stairs.

You took one last moment to compose yourself before opening the door to instantly be bombarded by Sara, “Omg your head blocked the peep hole what happened?” she said as she grabbed your hand and rushed you to the couch to sit between her and Cregan for some reason.

“Why you here?”

“To make sure you didn’t die?” he said like it was obvious, but you just rolled your eyes.

Sara slapped the pair of you as she gained back the attention, “Now what happened? How much did he give you?”

“I’m not sure,” you said as you finally opened the envelope, again marked only by his initials. “Holy shit,” you said as you took out the bills.

“He gave you a grand!?!”

Part Three Here

Taglist: @clairacassidy @valeskafics

@delicious-xx @pet1t3 @themotherofblood @avalyaaa @starkleila

[whatever-fanfics]

Oops...

~~~

Jin Grandet x reader

A/n: Their child catches them doing the dirty.

CW: fingering, nipple play, hand job, NSFW, Sexual intercourse. Minors DNI

~~~

Jin

You sigh softly, face contorted in pleasure as you felt your husbands fingers work their way through your folds squeezing and massaging your bud. He has you on your back, legs parted as he fingers you into lustful bliss. In your shared room nothing echoes louder than your moans of pure pleasure, as he alternates between sucking and teasing your nipple with his tongue. Your gaze shifts to his neglected length dripping with pre cum. Left twitching pathetically, you lock eye contact with him as you move your hand just enough to lightly caress the head with the tips of your finger.

You love how his breath falters, moaning around your nipple. Tearing a loud moan out of you.

"Haaah~"

His mouth pops off your perk nipple, red from the attention, it'll bruise before tomorrow. A whimper escapes your lips as he roughly withdraws his fingers from your core. "Be careful, they're just down the hall" he reminds you with a whisper. You know what he means, of course, your little one is sleeping right down the hall.

You nod, too far gone to really reply. Jin's mouth closes over yours locked in a heated kiss. Your eyes locked in each others gaze with nothing but lust present. You don't look away as he breathes in deeply ready to enter your aching core.

Your groans and moans mix as he enters you. You only break your gaze away once he starts to move more urgently, your breaths mix.

You arch you back as he drills his cock into you. You moans get louder and louder but your both are to engulfed by your pleasure.

"Jin!" you cry

"Jin!"

Your orgasms immanent.

"Ah~"

"Ah~"

Your moans getting louder by the second "Ahhhh~"-"AHHHHH!!!"

Time stops as your both taken out of you pleasurable stupor by your 5 year old child. Charging into your room wooden sword in hand.

You could only watch in pure shock as they attacked their father.

Your matching faces of shock only unmatched as Jin raises his hand in self defense, though he remembers that he's still inside of you, he tries to use his other arm to balance himself so he doesn't move too much. A fruitless effort as he moves anyway.

"Mm-" you try not to make any noise but a noise escapes you none the less.

"GET OFF MY MOMMY!!!" they scream

You only break out of your shock when they start going for his head, raising one hand up to shield the sword and the other to cover Jin's head, as they did get two good strikes in.

"Hey, hey, hey~" you softly try too diffuse the situation

"What's all the fighting about, huh?'" Your husband asks, head a little hurt.

"I heard you" they fumed, their little face contorted with rage.

"Eh?" your face racked in astonishment and embarrassment.

"I heard you, you were hurting mommy" they fumed once more.

"A-Ah..." Jin's expression now matches your own. "Kiddo, I'm not hurting your mom, I'm-I'm just playing with her" your husband tries to assuage your child with a fib. "YOU LIAR" they shout, "I HEARD HER SCREAMING AND LOOK AT YOU, YOU'RE ON TOP OF HER" they gestured to your position. "Oh-oh" you truly were dumbfounded at the situation. "Papa, how could you do something like that, I'm really disappointed in you" you could only stare at your poor child who looked like they were ready to burst into tears.

"B-Baby" you get their attention, finally gathering your bearings. "Daddy wasn't hurting me" you try to keep your voice even. "Hm?" they question, face back from anger to pure child like confusion "he was massaging me" you say, as a matter of factly.

"Eh? Really" they ask again for reassurance. "Really" you and your husband say at the same time. "Baby, why are you here?" You enquire, "did we wake you up?" you ask, using your hand to caress their face, your heart swells as you feel their soft cheeks, the last of the baby fat not quite all gone.

"N-No" they answer, suddenly going shy. "Everything alright, any monsters in your room" Jin speaks up, always weary at the possibility of an intruder. "I sawm a lighter in ma room" they mutter out, face seeming more embarrassed than scared. "Hm" you wonder aloud, "it's okay you can tell us" you reassure softly, caressing their face once more.

They look at you two eyes soft and unguarded "I saw a spider in my room, it was bigger than my thumb" they say more accurately and show you their thumb for comparison.

You look at Jin, knowing you were not good with spiders in any sense. "Ready dad" you ask, he chuckles a bit before looking down and remembering the position you two were in. A sigh leaves his lips "Alright, can you be a little brave for mom and dad and wait in the hall for me" he pleads, eyes soft with adoration. "Mm-mm" they shake their head no. You both sigh this time, "Pretty please, our brave brave knight" you try your luck this time. They purse their lips in doubt, but ultimately agree to wait in the hall.

You exhale shakily as Jin's, now flaccid, cock pulls out of you.

You hear a chuckle escape his lips, "it's not funny" you exclaim as you smack his shoulder in mock anger. "It's a little funny" he defends himself as he reaches for his trousers. "But-uh I like the idea of being the only one to make you scream like that" he says as he bends down on top of you to give you a quick kiss. You laugh as he takes another, and another.

You break away "Jin don't make them wait in the hall" you chide softly. He nods and takes one last kiss before getting up and off the bed.

You watch as he hastily pulls on his trousers, only his trousers. "You're not putting your underwear on?" You ask a bit perplexed. "What's the point if they're comin' off as soon as I come back" he answers. It's your turn to laugh, "we'll see" you breathe out in a whisper, "hm?" he asks, "nothing, go" you wave him off and watch as he exits your room.

~~~

Jin exhales as he lays back down on the bed where his wife sleeps, trousers gone, replaced with sleeping pants.

It'd taken around 15 minutes to find the spider since it had moved from its original spot, and another 15 minutes to get their child back to sleep. He looks at your sleeping form, his gaze burning with soft adoration. He lays down and feels his heart swell as you turn on your side, leaving your hand on his heart. As he drifts off to sleep, only one thought is evident in his mind.

God he loves you...

~~~

A/n: Not sure yet but I might do some of the others, all... I'm not sure yet. If anyone wants more lmk.

[fuck-customers]

Ok you uppity ass bitch, maybe you should fucking be open and communicative with your fucking coworkers and then none of them would feel the need to speculate about what is going on at THEIR OWN GODDAMN JOB!

So for months, the hours have been very, very low at my company. Just recently it was announced that the company filed for bankruptcy.

The only reason that any of us employees know about this is because a lead stuck her neck out and informed us.

And apparently, that lead no longer works at the company. Suspicious much? I honestly don't know (because we are never given information, but this one is personal info about a former employee, so I understand) whether she let us know on her last day after giving notice or if she was fired after informing us or what.

I would like to reiterate that ALL of the information we've been provided with has been from that now ex-employee and from whatever info we could fine online ourselves. Not a single manager has so much has said a peep to us about any of it and are just acting like everything is the same as it always was.

Anyway.

We all got a notification that the lead, A, has left the group chat.

A few coworkers asked why she left. Valid enough question. Another coworker said she and another employee quit. And another employee speculated that it may be due to the bankruptcy. And then the conversation quickly changed to someone asking if anyone can cover their shift and someone else agreeing and more switching shifts, etc.

10 minutes AFTER the conversation had moved onto other work-related topics, this upper lead, B (sorry, I forgot what the actual position is called. She's one level under the Assistant Store Manager. And the B stand for Bigassfuckingbitch) hops on after NEVER, EVER participating in the group chat in the 3 months since it was formed, to talk down to us and lecture us about speculating about what was going on at OUR OWN GODDAMN JOB

"There's a lot that you guys don't know and shouldn't be speculating about. Let's respect everyone and their choice not to speak about it to the group." WELL MAYBE YOU FUCKING USELESS MANAGERS SHOULD KEEP YOUR EMPLOYEES INFORMED ABOUT THEIR OWN GODDAMN JOB!

I agree, we do not need to gossip about why A left the company. That is her own private business. But those of us that are still left have the right to know what is going on in the company and if/how it will impact our job. The company is bankrupt. We're not gossiping about someone's marriage or some shit. We're wondering wtf is going on with our jobs. Wil we still have jobs tomorrow? Or next week? Next month?

Posted by admin Rodney.

[skateordiebitch]

PHOTOSYNTHESIS || EUPHORIA AU

What if the only way to escape your past is to confront the secrets you've hidden from everyone?

At 22-years-old, Indigo is trapped in a dangerous and abusive relationship. Living with her twin brother Andre, Indigo struggles to keep her life together while hiding her painful secret from those she loves.

Working at a photo studio in the mall, she meets Elliot, a compassionate coworker who brings light into her life. As their bond deepens into a romantic relationship, Indigo is torn between her growing feelings for Elliot and her fear of Giovanni's wrath.

Faced with mounting tension and the threat of discovery, Indigo must find the strength to confront her past and reclaim her future. Photosynthesis explores themes of love, resilience, and the quest for freedom amid fear and secrecy.

I. PHOTOWORLD

"Do you have any work experience?" The manager's voice cuts through the low hum of the neon lights overhead.

Indigo meets his gaze with a cold stare. "No. That's why I'm here."

He blinks, clearly unprepared for her bluntness. "Why do you want to work here?"

The silence stretches out, heavy and uncomfortable. Only the buzzing of the neon lights fills the space as Indigo shifts in her seat, her expression unreadable.

"I like taking photos," she says, her voice clipped.

The manager raises an eyebrow. "A passion for photography?"

She hesitates, then nods. "Yeah. I've loved it for as long as I can remember."

There's another long pause, the weight of his scrutiny hanging in the air. "Indigo Autry, right?"

"Yeah," she confirms, her voice quieter this time.

He looks her over, taking in the details—her long brown braids, blonde eyebrows, septum piercing, and the tattoos visible on her arms. After a beat, he pulls a purple vest from his desk drawer with the name "PhotoWorld" embroidered on the chest.

"Alright, Indigo. You start tomorrow. Elliot will train you." He hands her the vest. "See you at 10 AM."

Indigo takes the vest, nodding stiffly, "That's it?"

The manager blankly stares at the girl, nodding his head, "Well, we need more workers."

"Oh. How many people work here, again?"

"Just Elliot."

Elliot. A man, who's probably the same age as the manager. He's probably pushing seventy, at least. The idea of working with someone his age every day makes her stomach churn.

"Great. Can't wait," she mutters under her breath as she steps out of the mall office, scanning the crowd for Andre.

-

"So, you got it?" Andre asks as they walk toward the car, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Yeah," Indigo replies, tearing into her Auntie Anne's pretzel bites, her face blank.

"That's dope!" Andre grins, starting the engine.

Indigo rolls her eyes. "No, it fucking sucks. I don't want a job, let alone that job."

"Quit being so dramatic. At least you've got one. Now you don't have to steal shit to survive," Andre says, shaking his head.

"Dude, that place hasn't been updated since, like, the '80s. The manager looks like he's about to drop dead, and there's only one other employee—probably twice my age."

Andre laughs. "It could be worse. You could be working at Amazon or something, where you'd actually have to break a sweat. Who even gets their photos taken at a mall anymore?"

"I'm just lazy. I don't want to work. I don't want to go to college."

"Oh, right," Andre scoffs. "What, you want to spiral again?"

"Shut up!" Indigo snaps, blowing smoke from her joint directly into his face.

"Yeah, well, last time you didn't have a job or go to school, we know how that ended. You want to go back to rehab?"

"Spare me the lecture. I'm clean. I'm doing the job. But that doesn't mean I have to like it." "Welcome to adulthood, sis."

Indigo says nothing more, slumping against the seat as the city lights blur outside the window.

-

Indigo groans as she wakes up to Andre shaking her. "We don't have any water," he says, his voice sharp with irritation. She groggily glances at her alarm clock—8:45 PM. She slept through the whole day again.

"Try turning it on again, dumbass," she yawns, turning over.

Andre shakes her again. "They turned off the water! I can't shower, I can't do the dishes."

"What do you want me to do about it?" Indigo growls, burying her face in the pillow.

"Help me pay the fucking bills!" Andre snaps.

She rolls out of bed, grabs the fifty-dollar bill from her dresser, and shoves it at him.

"Here. I start work tomorrow, so whatever."

Andre takes the cash, but she's already back under her blankets, the weight of their shared history hanging between them. They've always lived like this—financially unstable, dealing with a house that's too small and a life that never quite gets easier.

"Don't wake me again unless you're dying," she mumbles.

"Well, everyone is coming over in an hour."

"Great. Get me a Red Bull when you hit the corner store."

An hour later, the small mobile home fills with the sound of laughter and clinking bottles.

Their friends D'Shawn and Daniel are already posted on the couch, playing video games. Andre's twin sister, as usual, is in the middle of it all, but her mind is miles away.

She knows the cycle too well—Giovanni will show up soon, and things will take a turn. The room will turn silent. The mood will become far less lively. But for now, she forces herself to enjoy the moment.

-

About an hour later, Indigo and Andre's friends gather in the living room, cracking open Coronas and playing video games on the TV.

"You going to my New Year's party tomorrow?" Daniel asks.

Indigo nods, a playful smirk on her face. "Duh."

"How are my favorite twins doing today?" D'Shawn calls out, grinning.

D'Shawn and Daniel have been their friends since childhood. D'Shawn is practically their third sibling, having spent countless nights at his house when their mom was drinking. They all grew up together, navigating life's ups and downs.

A sudden knock at the door interrupts their laughter. "Dre, who is that?" Indigo asks, a knot forming in her stomach.

"It's probably Gio," he replies nonchalantly.

"What's good, man?" Andre greets, dapping Giovanni up and taking the pack of Truly's from his hands.

"Mmm... You're glowing today, baby," Giovanni smirks, pulling Indigo in for a kiss. When they pull away, her expression betrays her discomfort.

"Thanks," she says flatly, and Monet raises an eyebrow, "Rough day?" Monet asks, her concern evident.

Monet Manning is Indigo's best friend, the one person who stuck by her through thick and thin, even after rehab.

"Yeah, kinda. Every day feels like a rough day at this point," Indigo admits, earning a nod of agreement from Monet.

Just then, Giovanni chimes in.

"I can fix that for you, baby," he smirks, his hand trailing along Indigo's back. She groans audibly, her friends chuckling at the scene.

"Don't call me baby. We're taking things slow, remember? That includes kissing, too... So, watch it," Indigo reminds him, trying to assert herself despite the disappointment in his eyes.

"Mmm-hmm. I remember," he replies with a hint of arrogance.

Monet watches them, a soft smile on her face, "You guys are so cute."

But they weren't cute. In fact, they were the complete opposite—filled with toxicity that erupted whenever they were together. But, Monet always had a fixation on love and romance because she struggled to find it herself.

"You're cute," D'Shawn flirts, causing Monet to blush a deep shade of pink. It's almost cringe-worthy how hard she tries to play it cool, but she fails miserably.

"Shut up, D," She playfully hits his shoulder, while Indigo cringes at the reminder of her own messy relationship.

"I got a job at the mall," Indigo blurts out, hoping to change the subject.

"Yo, that's dope! Congrats!" Monet exclaims. "You're about to be making that money!"

"You didn't tell me about a job. In fact, you haven't said a thing about looking for one," Giovanni scoffs, "What store?"

Indigo takes a long sip of her beer. "PhotoWorld."

"The fuck is that?" Giovanni raises an eyebrow.

She slams her Corona on the coffee table, "You don't have to curse at me, Gio."

Giovanni chuckles and stands up beside her. "You better watch your fucking tone with me."

"Yo, chill out, G! Don't talk to my sister like that," Andre causually warns, still glued to the TV.

Just as tension builds, Monet interjects, "Indigo, girl, we need more wraps. Wanna go grab some Backwoods with me?"

Relieved, Indigo agrees and they head out the door. She glances back to see Giovanni picking up her beer, blowing her a kiss.

-

"Still putting up with Gio?" Monet asks as they walk, watching Indigo type on her phone. She hesitates to text him after their earlier encounter.

"Why are you still with that bitch? I know he's our friend, but this is a serious low point for feminism."

Indigo looks up, caught off guard by Monet's bluntness.

"Excuse me?"

Monet launches into a passionate rant, "It's obvious you're not into him anymore. And honestly, I wouldn't be either! He cheated on you when you were literally in the other room. That's some fucked up shit."

"I let a lot slide, but never that. That's STD territory right there," Monet says with a chuckle, making Indigo grimace.

"Ew," she replies, knowing Monet's right.

Indigo sighs, her embarrassment evident. "I mean, it's not like I can just leave him..."

Monet's eyes widen in disbelief. "Why not?! You hate him."

"I hate his guts, but I can't stop loving him. He's cute, toxic, annoying," Indigo groans. "But, he has this stupid chokehold on me that I can't explain."

Monet scoffs, frustrated, "Well, break it, girl."

"Relationships just aren't my thing anymore. I can't handle commitment; it's too much. I liked being casual, no strings attached. I need to leave him, but I just... don't want to be alone," Indigo admits, her voice tinged with desperation.

"Or maybe, you can't handle your commitment to him. Girl, the entire city would date you if you let them. Maybe, it's time to find someone new," Monet replies, attempting to lift Indigo's spirits.

Indigo ponders for a moment, staying silent and completely ignoring her best friend's statement.

-

"Indigo, we need to talk," Giovanni demands, grabbing her wrist and pulling her away from her friends.

"What the fuck is your problem?!" Indigo snaps, throwing her hands up, irritated by his sudden mood shift. Instead of answering, he drags her into her bedroom.

"What makes you think you can treat me like that in front of our friends?" Giovanni asks, forcing Indigo to meet his gaze, "Look at me when I'm talking to you."

She stays quiet, nodding submissively, feeling his control tighten around her.

"You think you're cute, huh? Acting like you can treat me like crap?" he accuses, his anger flaring.

Indigo shakes her head, her patience wearing thin. "I'm sorry, but do I not have every right to treat you like shit after I saw you fucking some girl?"

Before she can process what's happening, he slaps her across the face, the sound echoing in the room. Indigo instinctively clutches her cheek, feeling the sting.

Tears threaten to spill, but she refuses to let them fall in front of him.

Giovanni softens, brushing his lips against her forehead, "Hey... Don't cry," An ironic attempt to soothe the pain he caused, "I'm sorry, baby. I just needed you to be quiet, okay?"

Indigo glares at him, her resolve hardening, "Just let me go, I need to go socialize. This is my house you're in."

"Indigo—" he says, reaching for her wrist, already bruised. "Touch me, put a fucking hand on me again, and I'll yell."

He steps back, and she opens the door, rushing to the bathroom to finally let her tears flow.

How can he make her feel so small when she knows she's so much bigger than this?

-

"Fuck," Indigo groans, staring at her alarm clock.

Her first day of work is finally here.

Growing up, she never had a job she liked. At seventeen, she went through a phase of trying every job she could find, only to be fired within a week. From hostessing at Olive Garden to working as a waitress at Waffle House, and even trying her luck at Target and Walmart—nothing stuck.

She slips out of her pajamas, gazing at her bare body in the mirror.

Her skin is marked with multiple bruises on her ribs and abdomen—some fresh, some faded—but all from the same person: Giovanni.

As she leans closer to examine her reflection, she notices a bruise on her right cheek from last night's incident. Indigo stares at it, tracing the sensitive area with her fingers. Tears stream down her face.

She's always prided herself on being strong and confident, someone unafraid to stand up for herself. But every time she confronts Giovanni, it's as if her body freezes.

Her mind halts. Time stops until he decides she's had enough.

But she can't let it affect her today. Not on her first day. She has a big day ahead, learning how to take mediocre mall photos.

-

"I'm supposed to train all day with some dude named Elliot," Indigo tells Andre, exasperated. "If I'm stuck with some 80-year-old, I'm walking out."

"Why not at least try to be optimistic?" Andre suggests.

"Optimism is not in my vocabulary," Indigo retorts.

She notices her brother watching her rub her lower abdomen throughout the car ride.

"Hey, are you and Giovanni good?" he asks cautiously.

Indigo raises an eyebrow, removing her hand from her stomach. "Yeah, we're fine. Don't worry."

"I was just asking because he was talking to you pretty crazy yesterday."

"We're fine, Dre. I made him mad; it's whatever," she insists, slipping on her purple vest. "He just has a short temper, you know that."

"Yeah, that's why I'm concerned. You disappeared all night after you two talked."

"Drop it, Dre! Jesus," she snaps, getting out of the car. "I'll text you when I'm ready."

"Okay, whatever. Good luck, sis," he calls after her.

-

Indigo stepped into the mall, perhaps the worst one in all of Florida. Most of the stores were shuttered and gathering dust, and the few shoppers were mostly local families just trying to kill time.

She paused in front of the flickering neon purple sign of 'PhotoWorld,' her feet rooted to the ground as if reluctant to step inside.

"Yo, my girl over there?" A girl shouted to a blond guy behind the counter, gesturing in Indigo's direction, "Yeah, she thinks you're fine as hell."

"Oh, really? What's her name?" The blond asked, flashing a charming grin.

"Nia."

He chuckled, "Beautiful. Tell her to give me her number."

The girl returned to her friend, Indigo still standing outside, uncertain. With a deep breath, she finally pushed through the store's entrance.

"So, are you my new coworker?" he asked, extending his hand.

She took it, nodding. "Yeah, I'm Indigo. You must be Elliot."

"Yup, Elliot Fike," he replied, holding her hand a beat too long before she pulled away.

His gaze fell on the bruises that marred her wrist. "Nasty bruise you got there. You alright?"

Indigo sighed, irritation creeping in. "I'm fine."

"Damn, I kinda wish you were the girl that thought I was fine," Elliot joked, earning him an eye roll.

"Well, I'm not," She shot back.

"Here, want to play some music?" He offered his phone, a glimmer of friendliness in his tone.

Grudgingly, she took it and selected one of her favorite songs, "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" by The Smiths.

"Your music taste is fire. I fuck with The Smiths," he said, trying to keep the conversation going, but Indigo felt the connection falter.

"Don't you have to train me or something?" she finally asked, glancing around the empty store as the minutes dragged on.

"Do you know how to work a camera?"

She nodded.

"Consider yourself trained," he said nonchalantly.

Indigo rolled her eyes, thinking, 'Great, he thinks he's funny. Charming, even.'

After a few minutes of silence, Indigo glances at Elliot and blurts out, "What's with the face tattoos?"

Elliot grins, flashing his tattoos, "Don't let them intimidate you."

To his surprise, Indigo cracks a faint smile, the first he's seen, "Trust me, I'm not intimidated."

"Right, because you're the intimidating one," Elliot teases with a smirk.

Indigo rolls her eyes, sitting up straighter. "I'm literally just sitting here, minding my business, and you're over here assuming things."

"For the first five minutes, you wouldn't even look at me," he points out.

"God forbid I'm shy," she says dramatically.

"I doubt that," he replies, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't judge a book by its cover."

Elliot leans back. "I'm not judging. But we went to high school together, Indigo. I sat behind you in math for two years. You never even said hi."

Indigo blinks, her brow furrowing. "Wait, what? Really?"

"Yeah, East Highland. You even used to ask me for answers sometimes," he says, watching recognition dawn on her face.

"Oh, shit." She leans back, surprised. "Well, I wasn't a bitch—"

"A little bit," he jokes.

Indigo narrows her eyes. "Well, it's a good thing I didn't ask your opinion, huh?"

Elliot smirks, finding her fiery response entertaining. She wasn't the type to back down, and that intrigued him.

"You were the popular girl," he says teasingly, watching for her reaction.

Indigo grimaces. "Gross. I was not."

"Could've fooled me. You had your little friend groups," Elliot continues, enjoying the banter.

"Friend groups, yes. Was I like Regina George? Hell no. Stop obsessing over me," she shoots back.

Elliot shrugs. "You were definitely popular. Admit it."

"If that helps you sleep at night," she says with a dismissive wave. Then, she switches the topic. "You going to Daniel's New Year's party?"

Elliot raises an eyebrow. "Daniel who? I wasn't popular, remember?"

Indigo snorts. "He's my friend. But, you should go. Lots of weed, shitty music, and assholes who are just like you."

"I prefer having no friends, thanks," Elliot says with a grin.

Indigo giggles. "Yeah, I can tell."

Elliot smirks. "So, are you inviting me to go with you?"

Indigo sucks her teeth, "No, I'm just suggesting you go. Alone. So you can make some friends, which you apparently don't want."

"Jealous boyfriend going with you or something?" Elliot asks, clearly fishing as Indigo's smile fades slightly. "It's complicated."

Elliot leans in, intrigued. "Complicated?"

"Ex-boyfriend. Current situationship. I don't feel like explaining it to a stranger," she says, shutting down the conversation.

"Technically, we're not strangers. I introduced myself. And I've known you since freshman year," Elliot reminds her with a grin.

"Yeah, well, he was my boyfriend, did something really fucking stupid, and now I'm stuck trying to fix things," Indigo says vaguely.

"What'd he do?" Elliot asks, mocking her earlier tone. He's clearly poking at her now, and it starts to get under her skin.

"Personal."

Elliot raises his hands in surrender, but Indigo's curiosity flickers again.

"So, what? You got big plans on Friday or something? Running this photo studio your whole life? Where's the manager?" she asks.

"The manager is never here. But, wow," Elliot drags the word out, feigning hurt. "That's rude. I don't even want to be a photographer, actually. In fact, I might have a gig downtown Friday, if you need to know my agenda so badly."

Indigo's interest piques again. "Gig? You sing?"

"Maybe," he replies, brushing it off.

"Hmm. Interesting," she says, grabbing a piece of copy paper and doodling absentmindedly. She puts in her earbuds and doesn't speak to him for the rest of their shift.

-

As they're about to close, Indigo gets an AirDrop notification on her phone.

"I made you this playlist," Elliot says casually. "Might keep you better company than that complicated boyfriend of yours. Songs that remind me of you."

Indigo raises an eyebrow, slightly taken aback. "Remind you of me? Is that a compliment?"

"Sure. Just songs I think you'd like," he says with a small smile. "Made it during my break."

Indigo grins, unable to help herself. "Geez, got a crush on me or something? Guys don't usually make playlists unless they wanna fuck or like you."

Elliot looks away. "Nah. Honestly, still deciding if I even like you as a person."

Indigo watches him, amused. "But?"

"You're interesting, though. The type of girl people write songs about," he says, almost too casually.

It catches Indigo off guard. It's the best compliment she's had in a while, not the usual shallow "you're hot" comments or Giovanni's manipulations.

"That's... sweet. Thanks," she murmurs. "I'll listen to it."

"So, I'll see you at Daniel's?" She asks, glancing back as she leaves.

"Maybe," Elliot says, softer this time.

-

"So, how was your first day?" Monet asks as they pull up to the drive-thru.

Indigo laughs, lighting up their joint, "Elliot? My coworker? That man is fine as hell."

Monet gasps. "Let me see!" Indigo pulls up his photo. "Bitch, you work with that?!"

"Yup. Only me and him."

Monet shakes her head, "If you don't fuck him, I will."

Indigo chuckles. "I mean, I've thought about it. Like, on the counter or something."

"Girl!" Monet claps her hands. "You better hop on that!"

Indigo sighs, munching on fries, "Stop, you know I can't. Giovanni would actually kill me."

Monet gets serious, "And you don't see a problem with that?"

"I'd rather stay with him than deal with the mess that would come if I left," Indigo says quietly.

Monet shakes her head, her voice softening. "But you deserve to be happy, Indigo."

Indigo changes the subject quickly, "Well, I invited Elliot to the party tomorrow."

Monet grins, "Oh, you're definitely planning something. Don't lie."

"Maybe... a little bit," Indigo admits with a mischievous smile.

She doesn't know what she did by inviting him, or what's to come between them while working at PhotoWorld. There was no doubt, she's attracted to him. But, there was no point in fantasizing over something that could never happen.

[aloysiavirgata]

Details of how his school works aside, tomorrow is VirgataBoy’s last day of high school classes. He won’t graduate until June, but he finishes formal classes tomorrow.

He turns 18 the weekend after this, and his sister will be 20 in June. Legally, I’m just about done parenting. It’s a very strange feeling.

I was 43 in December and maybe I should be feeling my age, but I don’t. I love my 40’s and this sort of quiet peace I’ve found in not caring about whether other people find me pretty anymore or if my clothes are cool or in performative femininity or whether I’ve done my makeup the right way.

I’m feeling a little wistful for being a teenager in the 90’s, but not because I was young and easy under the apple boughs. My closest friends and I from those days, we are all still friends. I like and love myself much better now than I did then.

Truth? I was conventionally attractive on the East coast and took road trips with my friends to DC and Manhattan and the beach. I was VERY lucky for parents who gave me a car (a Taurus of course) and a cell phone in 1997. I was lucky that my jobs were at trendy places to have jobs. (I was an Abercrombie Girl, a barista in the nascent days of the independent coffeehouse boom.) There was no social media. There were mix tapes and the mall and the Delia’s catalogue and Hard Candy nail polish and posters carefully ripped out of Tiger Beat. Kipling bags and Peace Frogs and Absolut Vodka ads that Rachael (that BITCH) collected.

And also, also.

Also.

I was super into this geeky show, and there wasn’t streaming or social media so you watched or you recorded it on VHS. You were, if as EXCEPTIONALLY geeky as I was, on ATXF on the dial-up modem. You printed reams of fanfic on a dot matrix printer because your friends worked at Kinko’s. You were a little shy about it all because it was wildly popular but somehow also not quite cool.

You eyed up the FTF action figures at Suncoast. Even though your friends bought Chanel Vamp, you bought Chanel Brown Sugar because it seemed like a Scully sort of lip color.

You realized some things about yourself, with Scully. With Gillian. With the complicated feelings being at an all-girls school gave you.

You went to college and grad school and got married and had babies and they grew up too. You shop online now and the posters and Scotch tape gave way to framed art.

Kinko’s isn’t even a thing anymore, you married a coffee shop customer, the Ford Taurus has been discontinued, is Abercrombie even cool?

But. This one funny thing remains. Remains so unexpectedly and sometimes, on a Thursday evening in March, you might be 17 again.

***

“We are not preordained, we are not predestined, and even so, in this enormous world of men we found each other, a colossal global coincidence causing earthquakes in Turkey and Mexico. We shook it up, she and I. We shake it up.

And when the dust settles it's just her, and me, in the car, shifting lanes and she reaches down to turn the radio on, quietly, just enough to distract me, just enough to warm us up. Streetlights outside, and night. Cars and children.

Wood and nails.”