#and my mom took my inhaler even tho she already had two inhalers and I don’t have one anymore

[boag]

My lungs are getting so fucked up I need to quit smoking but unfortunately I can’t go a few hours without a cigarette or well the Terrors will get me

[httpdabi]

Ecstasy

Genre: Smut, best friends (of course lol)

Summary: Your best friend is local bend‘s guitarists, subtly showing you on the stage that the two of you should fuck.

Word count: 4.1k

Warnings: 18+ ( minors DNI!!!!!!), creampie, unprotected, praising, little bit choking, MASK KINK!!!, semi public. Dom!Dabi

Saw a video of a Ghost member doing crazy shit on the stage and had to write this 🥲

,, Yeah, I know, I didn’t forget to pick it up mom‘‘ you muttered, nodding your head like your mother could see you. Placing the phone a bit away from your ear, you hoped that she‘ll be done with the nagging soon, so you could finally move on with your day. Doesn’t matter how many times you already told her that you didn‘t forget about the package she sent, she still had something to say.

,, You know, next time just pay a bit more so you can follow the location of the package. You and your trust issues, I swear‘‘ You sighed, before the convo was done.

Thankfully.

Putting your phone inside your pocket, you slowly made your way home, dragging your feet lazily across the wett sidewalk. After the overheated days that hit your city, you found yourself missing the rain. Since you were already out, you decided to go buy some grocery’s, since you didn’t have much time to buy anything these days.

After all, you needed some snacks too for the movie you were planing to watch. Cheetos, nachos and so on. Anything is fine.

Once the sun was completely gone, you made yourself a hot cocoa, and cuddled yourself in your favourite blanket before you found the new Orphan movie.

The first part was one of your favourite movies, so you were really hoping that the new one won‘t disappoint you, and so far it was good in your opinion. You were more then curious about stuff that was going on. Snacking on the chips as you waited excitedly for the next thing to happen.

Just when you found out about the plot twist, a loud sound of the doorbell echoed in your apartment. Pausing the movie, you made your way toward the door. There was no need for you to ask who it was, since only one person would pay you a visit without any announcements.

,, Hi doll‘‘your best friend greeted you, hood covering his white hair. Only a smirk formed on his face visible to you. Inviting himself in, Touya took your place on the couch. Placing his hands above his head, he raised his brow at the paused scene on your Television.

,, Of course you’re watching this shit alone‘‘ he chuckled, making some space on the couch for you as he invited you into his embrace.

There was nothing that you loved more than spending time with your best friend. Watching movies with him or just simply being with him. Times like that made you calm, and simply happy.

,, Want me to start from the beginning ?‘‘ You asked, making yourself comfortable.

,, Nah, I‘ll catch up‘‘ he answered, caressing the back of your neck slowly.

The focus you once had was long gone, since he was caressing you the whole time. Not that you were complaining, you loved it and Touya is the only person willing to do it.

,, You asleep doll?‘‘ Touya asked, as he turned the Television off. Shaking your head slowly, you hummed a small no.

,, Are you coming tomorrow to the Tamaris? We‘ll be playing some new covers‘‘ Touya said quietly, like he was scared to wake you up, even tho you were already awake.

,, Which covers ?‘‘ you asked back, burying your face into his chest as he played with your hair.

,, Tek it, Cigarette Daydreams, Sex drugs etc, and so on‘‘ he said quietly, not stopping his movements. Sometimes you asked yourself how the fuck doesn’t he get tired.

,, Of course I‘m coming‘‘ you whispered, closing your eyes as you inhaled the scent of his perfume. ,, Wouldn‘t miss it for anything‘‘ you added.

,, That’s my good girl‘‘ Touya said, smile forming on his lips.

In short time your eyes started to feel heavy, giving you a sign it was time to drift into the sleep. Even tho your bed didn’t have much space for two people, the two of you fit in perfectly fine, and having him so close to you, you knew that you‘ll sleep just fine.

,, What are you going to wear tonight ?‘‘ Nejire asked, playing with the ice inside the glass., before she took the sip of her coffee.

,, I have no idea, gotta see what’s hiding inside my closet‘‘ you answered, rubbing your eyes slowly. You loved how Nejire gets so excited every time Ecstasy is performing. Actually, lots of people were like that.

You understand why, it was something interesting happening for once in a while. Most of the people, or better to say girls, were coming to see the masked band, curious who‘s hiding behind the almost spooky masks. You didn‘t blame them at all tho, you would feel the same probably, but you already knew who the lead guitarist is.

How couldn‘t you know ? That guitarists shares with you all the songs they prepare. Touya didn‘t and couldn‘t hide that from you even if he wanted. Well what else could he even tell you once you found various Ghostface masks inside his room. Original one, silver one, red one with horns and what not.

,, I can‘t wait to see Myers one beating those drums‘‘ Nejire smiled. You were thinking about asking Touya who that is, but how could you explain to her how you found out ? The band was extremely popular in the city, and you were sure, if Nejire found out, everyone else will.

You love her, you really do, but she loves to talk.

Looking at the mirror, you heard Nejire humming some melody in your living room as you did your makeup. You weren’t sure if you got nervous because you‘ll see Touya on the stage, or because of the fact that rest of the club will probably simp for your best friend.

It took you some time to find something to wear. Unsure, you took the white oversized button up shirt, which was big enough to make it look like a dress on you. You put your golden earrings, before you wore your dr martens boots.

The fit was really simple, but you felt good in it, and Nejire‘s compliments helped you boost up your confidence. She also looked good, as always. Her hair was up, showing her pretty face perfectly.

Since the club was near your apartment, the two of you decided to take a walk instead of driving. That way both of you could drink a bit if you decide to.

,, Oh my god, look at Yui there.‘‘ Nejire mumbled, hitting you with her elbow lightly. Your eyes widened once you saw what that girl wore.

Both you and Nejire weren‘t really the type to put someone down or even laug, but Yui was the only exception since she did much worse things to Nejire in the past.

,, She looks awful‘‘ Nejire commented.

,, Yeah, worse then usual‘‘ You tried not to make a face, as the two of you made your way inside the club ignoring Yui and some other guy kissing.

,, Is he trying to swallow her ?‘‘ you whispered to Nejire, making her laugh.

It took you few minutes to find Keigo and Mirio. Of course they got the table super near the stage, Keigo would never settle for less.

The 4 of you started drinking before the rest of your friends arrived. It wasn‘t a plan to drink so much, but Malibu with cherry juice was your weakness. The taste was perfect in your opinion, and it was hard to stop once you start with it.

Keigo was telling you something, which was hard to hear since the music was loud, but you just kept nodding your head as you completely understood him. Deciding to ignore him for a bit, since you felt your phone buzz inside your pocket.

From D4B1: having fun ?

You were about to answer the short message, but another one popped up. A photo of him, wearing all black and his Ghostface mask.

To D4B1: you‘re looking way too hot

You texted fast, not thinking twice.

To D4B1: don‘t make me too jealous, yeah?

Once again Keigo was yelling about something, forcing you to put the phone away and enjoy the night with them. And you did exactly what he wanted since Ecstasy appeared on the stage anyway.

Four of them, Myers on the drums, Jason holding the mic, Ghostface nodding his head as his friend was greeting everyone and Leatherface preparing his guitar.

It didn‘t take them too long to start with the music, and the moment they did , everyone started going crazy. It felt like they had a literal fanbase in the club.

Song after song, and drink after drink you decided to sit and rest from all the dancing. Taking your time to pay attention to your best friend.

You couldn‘t help but smile as you saw him interact with the public in his own way, making the girls scream and put their hands up in hope they‘ll be the one to get his plectrum. Not even realising, the smile you had on your face was long gone.

he never gave it to anyone, yet just the thought of it upset you.

Shaking your head a bit, you noticed that he was facing you. Waving his hand a little at you.

You weren‘t sure how to react. Wave back? Nod your head ? Taking your drink, you gave him a small nod before you took a sip, eyes still on him.

Touya pointed at himself, giving you the same nod. Tilting your head, you almost got confused for a second. Pointing his finger at you, he nodded again. Slowly tilting his head to the left, he pointed at you again, as he relaxed his hand a bit, before he pushed his middle finger up. Moving up and down repeatedly, copying the literal act of fingering someone.

Blush was spreading across your face, as you looked around to see if some of your friends noticed that the Ghostface was paying you little too much attention. You could feel his eyes burning on your skin through that mask, making you look at him again. And without stopping his dirty movement, he just nodded his head again, before he started playing the instrument again.

What the actual fuck.

Billion small questions were inside your mind.

You always had those small feelings for Touya, but yet you always suppressed them for the shake of your friendship.

Well at that moment, all those feelings were exploding like a fireworks inside of you.

Since Keigo ordered you a new drink, you decided to finish the one in your hand. You could feel Keigo‘s arm around your shoulder, but your eyes couldn‘t leave Touya.

The way he was moving there, everything about him was suddenly unbearably attractive. Like he could sense your eyes on him, Touya made his way toward the part where your table was.

Banding down a little, his mask was facing you once again. Not giving a shit that your friends were around, hyping him up. Nodding again, he placed his left arm behind his back. His right hand was on the strings, moving his hand as he was playing it. You weren‘t sure if your friends were too drunk to notice, but he was moving his hand extremely fast, only his middle finger touching the strings of his guitar.

Once you realised that once again he had something else in his mind, imitating the way of rubbing a clit, your eyes widened. And once he was sure you understood him, he nodded his head again, not stopping his movement at all.

The blush spread over your face faster than ever, and you found yourself thankful for the decision to drink, since your friends won’t question the redness covering your face.

After that interaction with Touya, your friends simply continued with the night and the crazy party, yet you were stuck in the moment, not being able to push the image of masked Touya and what he did at the stage.

It took you at least an hour to come to yourself, you drank few more drinks as you enjoyed the night with your friends. Of course that didn’t mean that Touya was done there. Nope, he was coming back every now and then, interacting with you in any way he could.

and once they were done, at your surprise he came to you and gave you his plectrum. A huge smile formed on your face when you took it from his gloved hand.

Nejire started jumping around excitedly before she gave you another drink. You could feel the stares of all the jealous girls, yet you didn’t mind it at all.

Even tho the band left the stage, the club was still full. The night just started and the atmosphere was too good just to leave.

The moment you felt your phone buzzing, you grabbed it immediately, knowing very well that its Touya who’s texting you.

From D4B1: ,, Got a cigarette for me doll ?‘‘

To D4B1: ,, Of course, but I‘m not sure how to give it to you tho ?‘‘

From D4B1: ,, Come to the stars in the hallway, near the toilets. I’ll wait for you upstairs.‘‘

After that message, you told Nejire how you‘ll go smoke one, hoping none of your friends will try to tag along. Being a good friend, she asked if she should come with you, but she didn’t push it once you said you’ll be fine and how you’ll come back fast.

You weren’t sure how to act, maybe it was because of all the alcohol in your system, but you felt like you were so suspicious to everyone. Looking around, you made your way upstairs.

Once you reached the middle, you jumped a bit once you saw Touya standing there with his mask on, laughing slightly at your reaction. Grabbing your wrist, he pushed you closer to him, placing his arms around your hips.

Not thinking twice, you placed your hands around his neck, smiling like you were high.

,, It was so gooooood‘‘ you said, almost screaming, hoping he can hear since the music was super loud.

,, Did you like it ?‘‘ Touya asked, rubbing your hips slowly. The moment he asked u that, you had a flashbacks of him abusing his guitar.

,, Yes, the atmosphere was really nice‘‘ you said acting dumb, not realising that the blush on your cheeks was selling you off.

,, So my girl liked the performance ?‘‘ he asked again, moving his hands to your butt slowly. His face was too close to yours, only mask being between the two of you. And even tho he still had a mask on, you could smell his breath, mix of cigarettes, alcohol and a mint gum.

Not being able to answer, you slowly nodded your head. Instead of saying anything, Touya took your hand, leading you upstairs towards the balcony, which you assumed was private one since no one was there.

In fact, the whole first floor was empty.

The moment he stepped inside some room, he took his mask off and threw it on the bed, before he opened the balcony. Stepping outside and sitting down on the bench as he took a deep breath of fresh air. Tilting his head toward your direction, he smiled when you gave him a cigarette.

The two of you enjoyed each other’s company. Listening to the loud music and screams, you finished smoking there.

,, Come here‘‘ Touya commanded, tapping on his lap. It wasn‘t a first time you sat on his lap, so without thinking much about it you did as he told you.

,, So, did you like it ?‘‘ Touya asked again, face way too close to your own.

,, I told you, it was amazing‘‘ you said fast, hoping he will buy your shit.

,, Don‘t act all dumb doll‘‘ he smirked, rubbing small circles under your dress. It was almost funny to you how a simple touch and few words could make you so lost. Almost hilarious how you’re the person who can always speak up their mind, yet sitting on your best friends lap, his hands holding your waist as he is looking down on you made you the most quiet person ever.

It took him all of his power to control himself. You were simply too cute, sitting there all lost, not expecting him to mention the silly act he did back on the stage. Instead of giving you some time to answer him, he placed his hands on your face, pulling you closer a bit.

He did give you a second there to pull back, smile forming on his face as you closed your eyes, waiting for him to make a move. And that was really enough for him, pulling your face foreword and connecting your lips together.

Two pecks were all that happened, before the kiss turned into a french one.

Touya grabbed your waist, standing up with you in his hands. The kiss was hella messy, yet it was so beautiful. His hands sink on your ass, squeezing it sharply as he made his way back to the room that was connected with the balcony.

,, Doll, I hope you want this as much as i do‘‘ Touya breathe out, managing to say it in between the kisses.

,, I want it more than you do‘‘ You half said half whispered. That was all he wanted to hear, even more. Sitting down on the bed, his hands squeezed your ass again, the left hand rising slightly to slap down. To say it didn‘t hurt would be a lie, but it was more as an unexpected pain.

There was something so inherently erotic about the way he held you and looked at you, about the way his fingers soothed circles into the same skin he slapped few seconds ago.

Hiding your face into his neck, you had the sudden urge to kiss him just below his earlobe, to swipe his white ear to the side and place your lips against his throat. And you do so, licking his soft skin temptingly. Groaning loudly, Touya switched the position, forcing you to lay down on the bed.

His eyes were scanning your face, lids half lowered as he admired how you look underneath him.

Touya took his time playing with you, rolling his tongue over your hips, snapping his teeth against your skin, biting all over again. He was working his way down exactly where you wanted him to be. One hand holding your hips, and other one playing with your underwear.

Your flesh was on fire, pulse racing so fast you were sure he could feel it through your skin. A loud moan escaped your lips as his tongue rolled against your clit. He didn‘t waste his time at all, he had to taste you.

Since you were moving too much, he wrapped his hands around your hips, working to constrict your movements, limiting your motion. You could feel his lips curling into a grin as you gave into his touch.

You were lost in his mouth, whining loudly not thinking about the fact that you were in a unfamiliar place and god knows if the door was even locked.

But how could you even think of that when your best friends tongue was doing wonders on you ?

You were too lost in the ecstasy to realise that one hand left your hips, too lost to figure out where it was going. Soon finding out when one finger slowly touches your clit, before slipping inside of you.

,, Fuck..‘‘ You moan, body jolting in surprise, jumping a bit when he thrusts yet another finger inside. Touya doesn‘t respond, too busy eating you out. The length of his fingers was like a bonus to you, flexing around your curve to hit your g spot. It didn‘t take you long until you started feeling the pulse of your orgasm growing inside you.

,, You taste so good doll‘‘ Touya‘s mouth breaks contact to tell you that, fingers still fucking against you way too fast. Your walls squeeze over his fingers, closing your eyes you placed one hand over your mouth trying to quiet yourself down as you came all over his fingers.

,, Good girl‘‘ Touya said, pulling his fingers out of you, as he played with your juices.

A small idea got inside his mind, nothing huge, but simply fun in his opinion. Watching you all breathless on the bed, he couldn’t help but smirk as he took his mask from the edge of the bed.

You were never sure what your kinks are, you never really experimented. And you never even thought about mask kink ? Just watching your best friend putting his Ghostface mask on and unzipping his pants made you twice as wet as you already were.

Touya‘s hand traced unter your dress, not bothering to get you out of it, leaving every piece of skin he touched on fire. He was touching your lips with his fingers, and without thinking much you simply opened your mouth, welcoming his fingers and sucking on them.

,, Is this what you want ?‘‘ Touya asked, giving you a chance to refuse him and go back to being friends. But who on the earth would refuse him ? Just hearing his voice, muffed because of the mask made you shiver.

You didn‘t even let him finish the question, nodding with your head almost aggressively, since you couldn‘t answer him with his fingers stuffing your mouth, almost fucking it.

,, My doll‘‘ he sighs, hidden behind the mask, while he lines himself up and finally pushes inside of you slowly. Agonisingly slowly. Hearing his muffed heavy breathing was driving you crazy, closing your eyes you enjoyed the feeling of his cock stretching you out, and simply listening to him. He didn‘t want to hurt you, pushing slowly. Not knowing that the slow pace already hurt enough, since it felt like he was stretching you out forever.

Not like you didnt like it. Somehow, it felt good. And then, you’re filled with him, cunt squeezing around his length.

Touya stays like that, masked face buried in your throat, cock twitching inside of you.

,, Touya‘‘ you moan quietly, touching the skin on his neck, one that the mask didn’t reach.

,, Jeez doll, you’re so tight‘‘ He mutters, easing himself out of you slowly, teasing. Until just the head of his cock is inside you. Once you moan, instead of saying anything, he snaps his hips, pushing back inside roughly.

Grabbing your hips, he pulls his body up, giving you a nice view of him. And there you have it. You didn‘t have a mask kink, but now you do.

Holding you still while he thrusts so hard, moving the whole bed. It was too much for you. His moans, that sounded even better under the mask, heavier. His firm hold, his hard thrusts. And just the fact that you were doing it with your best friend, it gave you the feeling like you were doing something forbidden.

It felt way too good.

Your fingernails scrabble against the wood of the bed, trying to grab onto anything to hold yourself. Even tho Touya was holding your hips, keeping you still.

,, Such a good girl‘‘ Touya pants, leaning over you until he is hitting you there deep inside.

You couldn‘t hold your moans, way too loud, not giving a fuck if anyone could hear. You clench around him again, whole body trembling while your pleasure builds.

,, Touya‘‘ you moan his name again, grabbing the mask, as give your best to remove it. And once it‘s gone, you‘re grabbing his face and pulling him to you, connecting his lips with your own.

As much as you liked the mask, it had to be gone. You had to see his face.

Your legs tremble as you gasp, eyes rolling to the back of your head as he moves his hips at one reckless speed. Smirk forming on his lips, as he moves his hand from your hip to your neck, giving you a perfect heckles.

The moment you felt the pressure around your throat, combined with his hard moves <our body accrues up and you can feel the second your body breaks beneath him, orgasm hitting you so hard you can see the whole Universum behind your eyelids.

Not sure if it was from the choking or the orgasm, but it felt good either way.

,, Good girl, you‘re taking it so well‘‘ Touya is saying when your ears stop ringing, and you‘re finally catching your breath again.

His thrusts have slowed, working you through your orgasm, waiting until the pulsing is gone. and then once again, he‘s slamming his hips against you, reaching his own high and painting your walls white.

The two of you stayed in bed just like that, in your own world as always, far away from everyone else.

The two of you made your way back to others, once Touya was done cleaning you all up, before he was stating how you should actually go back there with his cum still inside you, since everyone should know that you‘re already taken.

His property

And no one else‘s.

[love-killed-the-superstar]

The Last Ronin 2: Re-Evolution Issue #1 LIVEBLOG

SPOILERS ABOUND. I'M NOT GOING TO BE NORMAL ABOUT THIS IT'LL PROBABLY GET SUPER LONG

Okay so Casey Marie's muscles are something I'm never going to get over. SHE LOOKS GOOD!!!!! Her getup is feeling a little too reminiscent of a cape-wielding superhero for my tastes to be honest - I really loved the more practical outfits she wore in TLR Lost Years, especially in issue 4 when she was running the training mission for the kids. But ah well, I'm sure this will grow on me. It may not be practical (edna's law of no capes is coming to mind, also PLEASE TIE YOUR HAIR UP WHEN YOU'RE FIGHTING GIRL!!!) but it's very cunty anyway which I appreciate

Straight up thought she killed this guy - what was that sound effect if he's still able to walk??? I fr thought she snapped his neck

IDK if we needed a whole 8 pages of punching and kicking to exposition dump what we kinda already knew from what's been shown in the lost years (esp the lost day special) but IT'S FINE IG... NOW ONTO THE BABIES

SORRY, SORRY. TEENAGERS NOW.

GIGGLING KICKING MY FEET. We're ALREADY getting the leo-v-raph adjacent dynamic with these two and I'm living for it. if one of them drops a stone cold 'fearless leader' jab i will lose my shit

HI? HELLO, EXCUSE ME, MIND-TALKING? PICTURES IN HEAD? ARE WE A FAMILY THAT LUCID DREAMS OR SOMETHING?!?? I DON'T REMEMBER THIS BEING SOMETHING THEY COULD DO?? every new speech bubble here is like a punch to the gut, wdym telepathy wdym secret lair wdym honouring everything master splinter taught you???? (although i'm proud that when this panel dropped on news sites i was immediately like THAT ISN'T THE KITCHEN FROM LOST YEARS. turns out it was a Secret Lair TM)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Seance -- TURTLES COUNT IT OFF!!

not gonna screenshot the whole backstory but they're basically doing a telepathic puppet show explaining the backstory and it's pretty much the mirage origins with a bit of extra tlr flair. as always it HURTS ME seeing the turtles dying so thanks for that tlr2 :'')) icb these kids watch a mind movie of their uncles dying every fucking night. yall are messy

SOBBING AND CRYING,, I WISH YOU'D ALL HAD THE CHANCE TO KNOW HIM TOO!!!!!! I WISH YOU'D GOTTEN TO KNOW ALL OF THEM!!!!! (tlr splinter doesnt count tho because hes a dick)

there was a cool sequence of them rooftop hopping n stuff but i wont cover it bc we already saw it in a bunch of news articles weeks ago

i just did the SHARPEST INHALE. casey marie you and your beautiful muscular arms have aged like the finest wine

YI NO!!!!!

lmaooo moja is JUDGING your taste in women u two

lots of text... blah blah blah jobs, crimerates, blah blah... jiro in pig uniform jumpscare.. casey marie i thought u were going to fix him :(((

YESSSSS KIDS ARE GOING ON A MISSION WITH THEIR MOM, LETS FUCKING GOOOOO

MY BABIES ARE KICKING ASS!!!!!

....,.HUH

WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO MY BABY BOY ODIE!!!!!!!!!!! WHO DID THIS TO HIM!!!!!!???? WHAT??!???? HUH/1?!!? EXCUSE ME????

I'M . LIKE WHAT DO I EVEN SAY TO THIS. IT CAME OUT OF NOWHERE??? WHAT IS GOING ON!!!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

dude that first issue was wordy but the kids were ON POINT. they were so fun!! their dialogue is fun and they kick ass.

i loved yi announcing the punishment for casey while the others were like NOO SHE DIDNT MEAN THAT DONT LISTEN TO HER. we're getting more of their personalities and it's great!! it was a nice throwback to issue 2 of lost years when they were cleaning - yi refused to help because of how strictly she was following instructions. im picking up that she might be neurodivergent but i did get that from the lost years too - only doing things within strict instructions, getting frustrated at teaching odyn chess, not because of him playing horseys with the knights but that it was Against The Rules Of Chess - and now not picking up on some social cues. It's nice to see!! I love her very much, but it feels like besides rehashing the origin story she took a bit of a backseat to the other three.

i want to know more about why uno said being a rebel was moja's 'thing', since she didn't seem to be any more rebellious than the other three in this issue. we didn't get any unique interactions between her and casey marie which is what i felt was lacking from lost years but i wonder if this is hinting towards a more turbulent mother-daughter dynamic with them... I REALLY HOPE SO!! her and uno butting heads in a leo-raph way is very fun - i don't mind one or two prior group dynamics leaking into the new turtle siblings because they're all so different from the original 4.

uno seems to be taking on slightly more of a leader role than moja so i think he won the title of fearless leader. which is fine, i think it'll be fun to see and he's definitely less of an asshole now than when he was growing up in lost years. still picking on odyn a bit but seems to snipe at moja just as much. even when he was commenting on yi's storytelling he didn't make fun of her, though - i think she may have inherited the 2k3 don ability of being Completely Unbullyable.

i was really pleased that odyn felt more involved!! i feel like he took the backseat a few times in lost years - it was fun seeing more of his personality shine through! he and yi seem to get on the best, and i giggled at them rolling their eyes at moja and uno's raph-leo schtick. i didn't expect him to TURN TO FUCKING STONE THOUGH, so i'm nervous about that. WHAT DOES IT MEAN? WHO DID THIS TO MY BOY? IS HE GOING TO TURN BACK NEXT CHAPTER OR IS HE OUT OF COMMISSION UNTIL THE END OF THE RUN??? (if it's the latter i'll be a bit annoyed - don't take odyn away from the equation please!!)

I do wonder if by introducing casually that they can PSYCHICALLY CONNECT, the turtles will use that as a technique to reach odyn's mind to make sure he's still in there and piece together what's happened to him. i mean, their casual telepathy has gotta be some sort of chekhov's gun right?

and shit.... april was so fucking mad casey took the babies out so she's going to EXPLODE when she finds out what happened to her baby boy, her beloved favourite, her baby odyn :''(( im giggling rubbing my hands together waiting for the fallout but also if she cries i might cry too. speaking of april, she seems to be working on a new project and i saw nano particles mentioned - are we going to have a roninverse version of nano in this run???? I NEED MY ROBOT SON

as always, casey marie... u have aged like fine wine. u are stunning. disappointed that ur still believing that jiro can do good as a cop when their entire police force and government is corrupt as fuck. just feels very naive of her. i'm excited to see her break down at the concept of losing odyn - in fact i need everyone to mourn this beautiful kid. they tell us so much that shes a super clingy helicopter mom and i am picking up on the strict part, but it would be nice to see more of her just... hugging her kids. holding them. i get why she didnt in this issue but id love more mama casey squishing their cheeks and kissing their foreheads.

i have zero fucking clue what's going on with odyn. im wondering if it's somehow related to nano, or to whatever project April is working on - she says it's to do with clearing the tunnels, but I''m not convinced. who knows, there might be some ulterior motive happening.

Anyway, that's the end of my liveblog!! thanks for reading all the way to the end... go read it wherever you read ur comics!!!

[kukuma-kit]

Audacious Venerate

Meet’ n’ Greet

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☆: * parings: College, Human! Lo'ak x Human!Reader

☆: * warnings: none, mentions of sexy women tho- ☆: * Characters: Lo'ak, Neteyam, Tuk, Kiri, Jake, Neytiri ☆: * Wordcount: 983

☆: * Na'vi glossary: Ftang nga- stop that. Yom wutsot- eat your meal, sa'nok- mother

☆: * Note(s): I'm not too happy about this one but I am satisfied enough, this is only the first part though:) Forgot who the artist is but if you know, let me know too!:)

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Finally getting to move out but you have to wait.

Or..

You find yourself thinking back to Lo’aks light hearted flirting and feeling butterflies in your stomach.

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"Ftang nga!!" "Yom wutsot!" Neytiri exclaimed, tired of her younger son and second eldest sister bickering over dinner. "sa'nok! sa'nok!!" Tuk ran over, Jake calling out to her about forgetting to take her shoes off and not run in the house. Neytiri couldn't help but smile at the family, seeing her kids laugh and talk about school. Although the constant bickering and trouble her kids put her through, she missed seeing her kids all day, not expecting Jake to come up behind her and put a hand on her waist. "Didn't notice how much I missed' em, huh" Neytiri chuckled at that, resting her head on Jake's shoulder. "eww!! mom! dad!!" Tuk might be older now but that didn't mean she wouldn't pass down a chance to tease her parents and their undying love for each other. The rest of the kids hurried the couple over, wanting to eat already but they always waited for their parents. ------------------------------------------------------------

I groaned in frustration, quickly pulling out my phone and placing it to my ear. As I made my way to the exit doors, I waited for the call to connect. Ao'nung was supposed to pick me up and take me to my new place so we could get the keys. He had texted me earlier that they had finished gathering their belongings and that Lo'ak and Neteyam were fixing up the room.

It wasn't even two months ago when Neteyam introduced you to Lo'ak, who offered you his old room that he had shared with Lo'ak. The room had been used as a storage unit until now. Due to some mishaps involving the wall paint and broken flooring, they had to repair both the walls and floors along with some wall linings.

To contribute to the apartment expenses and rent, you took on half of them. However, your current job wasn't making things easy, so you barely managed to cover your share of expenses. Fortunately, you enrolled in mixologist classes to supplement your income. "Yo?" " it alright if I swing by earlier than planned?" I took a sharp inhale before speaking, unprepared for the grogginess of sleep in Lo'ak's voice as I glanced down. Fiddling with my key charm, I walked to Ao'nung's car and stepped inside. We exchanged looks before he drove off.

"Huh? Oh, yeah- that's fine. Are you on your way?"

"Yeah, see ya in a bit."

The call ended, and Lo'ak wasn't too far - just a 25-minute drive from campus. To pass the time, Ao'nung and I enthusiastically sang along to our favorite tunes. Before we knew it, we were climbing the steps to the apartment and knocking on the door. Lo'ak emerged wearing sweatpants and a muscle shirt, his locks slicked back into a bun. He smirked at me, nodded at Ao'nung, and let us in.

"Hey, ma. The keys are right on the counter," he said as he followed me into the kitchen and poured some juice into a cup.

"You got what we need?"

"Of course," Lo'ak replied snarkily to Ao'nung as he turned to leave, tossing a bag to Ao'nung who was exchanging goodbyes to you. "Me and Neteyam just finished clearing the room, we're waiting for the supplies to come in" He informed me as I nodded before taking a look around the place, Lo'ak behind my trail as he told me what was what. After some touring and light-hearted flirting from Lo'ak, we settled down on the sofa and engaged in conversation about the plans. Time flew by, and he kindly offered to give me a lift.

"So you're going to be a bartender?" I had mentioned to Lo'ak that I was taking mixology classes, which required some explanation. Lo'ak seemed genuinely impressed, admiring the confidence it takes to be a bartender in certain establishments. Although it didn't feel like a big deal to me, I appreciated his sentiment.

"Yeah, I'll be like those hot skilled women pouring and shaking drinks," I joked. Lo'ak laughed at this, which made me chuckle too.

"For real, and looking great in the process," he added. Surprisingly, the thought of bartending and impressing Lo'ak stirred some flattering butterflies within me. "ya'know, you're not so bad yourself" I spoke softly now, looking out the window with my chin in my palm, I hear Lo'ak scoff, chuckling under his breath as he took a right. "uh huh? that so, ma?"

I smiled at him, noticing that he was already looking at me before he turned his attention back to the road. I hadn't even realized we'd pulled up to my driveway when he parked and opened the door for me, then returned to his spot after closing it and watching me get to my door-step. "I'll see you around, Lo'ak." I yelled out to him.

Watching Lo'ak reverse out, he blinked his headlights at me three times. A way of saying "goodbye", it was cute. I unlocked my door and took off my shoes as Ghost came running towards me.

"Hey, buddy! Mama's back!" I picked him up and walked to the kitchen, pouring some cat food for him to eat while I searched online for furniture. Reflecting on today's events, I realized Lo'ak wasn't so bad compared to our previous encounters - not that they were awful, but he often found himself in trouble and scolded by Neteyam.

My cheeks flushed as I recalled Lo'ak's lighthearted flirting – his subtle hand placements and the way he held the door open for me. He was quite the gentleman, to my surprise. Ghost, my cat, sat in front of me, blocking my phone view while placing his paw on my cheek and rubbing his cheek against my own. Typically, this meant he was ready for bed, so I scooped him up and headed to the room. After taking a quick shower, I lay down with Ghost curled up in my arms.

------------------------------------------ Reblogs and comments are welcomed:)

[jeonggukkiss]

A Jeon Jeongguk fanfic, by jeonggukkiss.

Tough | mom!reader x ceo!dad!jk with a little bit of reader x yoongi | smut, angst, fluff, slow burn, slice of life ! au series

Warnings for this chapter: kinda edited im not confident wt it tho, nari’s second bday is a rollercoaster of emotions, reader and yoongi talk about their relationship, joon and hobi making their appearance, confessions and arguments, nari cries bc joon scared her >:( , namseok thrash reader's apartment's living room, smut in the form of: unprotected sex (wrap it before u tap it), daddy kink is this even yoongi smut without daddy kink, reader is just a very needy baby, oral (f receiving), fingering, slight clit play, TOO MUCH DIRTY TALK (yoongi a pro), yoongi's big shlong debut O.o, creampie, degradation, praise, begging, slight nipple play, body worship, yoongi's whipped and reader is sex deprived, yoongi is really really whipped for reader like disgustingly whipped, sloppy seconds but it's reader who wants to go again, yoongi and y/n's vomit-inducing fluff, more to be added

Main Masterlist

Chapter 2

Previous || Next...

2018

"Y/N! I'm home." Yoongi's voice echoes through the small apartment in the early hours of morning, you wipe your hands off on your apron as you turn to greet him.

He took off his shoes and and set down the sling bag he had before meeting you in the middle. You were the perfect height, a little smaller than him to tuck your head under his chin as you wrap you arms around his neck.

"What do you mean home? You don't live here, Mister Min." You teasingly ask him as he holds you from your waist.

"Home is where my two girls are." He replies softly, feeling the way his chest rumbles when he talks.

You sighed contently and inhaled deeply, missing his manly scent.

Yoongi agreed to visit you every other day, you were alone and you stayed at home, relying on your savings from work and the back account your grandmother passed on to you to attend to your needs.

You didn't want to leave your daughter with other people to take care of her, she's only two years old, she needed you more than ever.

Yoongi tilted your face up by the chin and kissed you softly, greeting your lips with warmth.

This had become a routine every time he came home to you. Yoongi loved greeting you with kisses, you didn't mind it. He was a good kisser. But the two of you never went far more than kissing. You both knew your limits.

He pulled away and kissed your forehead, thumb rubbing your cheek.

"Good morning, beautiful." He says in a deep smiley voice, as if he just woke up and rushed to get here.

You smiled at him before pulling away, going back to cook the perfect birthday breakfast. He joined you in the small kitchen after hanging up his coat. He slipped his hands around you as his chest meets the small of your back.

"Is she awake yet?" He rests his chin onto your shoulder, watching you perfectly flip the golden soufflé pancakes.

"Nope, I woke up really early and showered to get all of this ready. Did I wake you up? I'm sorry. I should've let you sleep more, you're probably so tired from work." You say as you turn off the stove and turn to him, resting your hands onto his chest.

He chuckles at your concern before reaching over you and picked up a small piece and popped it into your mouth. You chew as he leaned down and nuzzles his nose onto yours, a soft smile onto his face.

"It's fine, baby, I was already awake when you called. Jin hyung's coming a bit later though." He kisses your nose before letting you go, setting up the living room table with food. You then went after him to clean the room, picking up toys and folding in Nari's tent.

You both were so domestic with each other, both of you might as well be the kid's mom and dad. Well, at least that's how Nari sees the two of you.

"Ap—pa!" The small two year old can hardly maintain her balance as she runs to Yoongi, hugging his legs as he looked down in surprise. Her princess night dress was ruffled and she was still holding her kitten stuffed doll.

"Baby! Did you just wake up, honey?" Yoongi asks sweetly as he picks up the small girl, giggling as he started to kiss her cheeks. You sighed before turning to kiss her cheek as well, smiling as she grinned at you, most of her teeth were already there.

"Nari-ah, Yoongi is called uncle, remember?" You ask the girl as she thinks for a moment, her brows furrowed and her lips in a small pout before looking back at you. She shook her head and pressed a finger to Yoongi's cheek, still staring at you.

"No, daddy, Appa." She says in the most serious voice, expression angry as her brows furrowed deeply.

Yoongi was the only man that Nari knows the longest, she knows that Yoongi is her father, and sometimes when Jin is around, that was who she called uncle.

Both of you and Yoongi had wide eyes from shock, the two of you looked at each other before laughing. The baby giggling, seeing her two favourite people laugh.

"Okay, baby, Yoongi is daddy." You chuckle lightly as she reaches for you. You adjust her on your hip, feeling her growing weight as Yoongi quickly went to the kitchen.

"Do you know what day it is, honey?" You ask the two year old on your hip, who was busy playing with your fleece sweater. She looks up after a moment, eyes curious looking at you with her head tilted to the side.

"Day?" She blabbers out cutely, oblivious of her birthday. You giggle and puckered your lips, she smiled and kissed you all over your face, it was the thing she knew how to do. She pulled away when she deemed she had filled your entire face with her kisses.

"Happy birthday to you~" You heard Yoongi's soft voice singing behind you, the baby on your hip gasped and leaned over your shoulder, getting a good look on the soufflé pancakes.

You smile and put her down before reaching over to the side of the couch and picked up the camera. You turn around to see her sitting on the couch with Yoongi approaching her, wearing a paper party hat, the candles were stuck on the side of the plate, away from the pancakes.

You sing with him, recording with your left hand with your phone while your right was using the DSLR to take pictures.

You documented every moment you had with Nari, sometimes with Yoongi, most of the time with both.

"Blow your candles and make a wish, baby!" She giggles at Yoongi's words before she blew the candles, having trouble because she kept sticking out her tongue so Yoongi had to help her. You cheered and leaned down to kiss her forehead.

You then placed the camera onto the shelf below the television, the perfect height were you three were all seen in the screen of the camera while sitting on the couch. You pressed the timer and quickly sat next to Nari, she was sitting between you and Yoongi.

"Say Nari!" You said before you smiled widely as you heard the two of them say,

"Nari!"

"Nawi!"

And the photo was taken. You smile before tackling the little girl next to you. Yoongi laughed and got off the couch, getting the rest of the breakfast you made. You sat up straight before looking at Nari.

"Eomma, I gips?" She peers under her long lashes to look at you shyly, hands fumbling with each other.

You nod and she quickly jumps up on the couch, squealing excitedly while her hands found your face before squishing. She always does this when she's excited. You laugh lightly before pulling her hands down and making her sit onto your lap.

"You can get your gifts later, but what did mommy tell you about jumping on the couch?" You lightly tell her as you brush her now messy brown hair, her big light hazel eyes looking up at you. She was growing up so beautifully.

"Fall, I cry." She says this while nodding her head, realising her mistake, she suddenly gasps and hugs you.

"Sowwy, not do." Her broken Korean made you chuckle. You rake your hand through her hair and sighed before kissing her head. You pull her back to make her stare at you, holding her face gently between your hands.

"If something happens to Nari, eomma will cry, uncle Yoongi will cry, uncle Jinnie will also cry, we don't want that, right, baby?" She quickly shook her head and you smile.

"So you have to be very careful, okay?" She nods just in time as Yoongi comes in with a tray of food.

He places it onto the coffee table before getting Nari's chair out. She drops off the sofa and sat on the chair before choosing what to eat.

She started to eat independently when she turned 1. And since then, she never gone a day without choosing what to eat by herself, only asking for help when she wants to use chopsticks.

Yoongi sits next to you and reaches for the fruit bowl, giving one to you and getting chicken with rice for himself.

You all watch the television as the morning news came on.

"New Crowned Prince of the Jeon Enterprises just turned 20 today! Mr. Jeon has now officially and legally gave his only son, Jeon Jeongguk, the title of CEO—" The news anchor starts. Yoongi didn't even let her finish her report before changing the channel to Nari's favourite cartoons.

You look at him and see him just continuing to eat as if nothing happened. He felt your gaze and looks at you.

"What?" He asks with a mouthful of fried chicken. You just giggle and lean in to kiss his bulging cheek, making him look so cute.

"Eomma, appa." You both were startled and looked down at your daughter, Nari was already looking at both of you. You smiled tiredly before gesturing for her to eat her food. Once she's immersed in her cartoons, you turn to Yoongi with a worried expression.

"I'm worried." You start.

"Why?" Answers the man sitting beside you.

"What if she grows up thinking you're her dad? Then she suddenly meets Jeongguk and-"

"We'll tell her when she's older and knows the difference between her dad and her uncle. You don't have to worry about this, babe. Let her grow first, you have her whole life to teach her everything you know." Yoongi assures you, grabbing your arm and pulling you towards him, making you lean into his side.

You sigh as you pressed your head against Yoongi's shoulder and nod, feeling as if a little bit of weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

Thank god for Yoongi.

"Baby, are you done?" You finished your fruit bowl and checked to see if Nari's plate was finished. There were bits of rice everywhere. You sigh when she meets your gaze, she suddenly smiled sheepishly.

"Clean now?" She asks and raises her arms cutely, knowing you can't resist her charm, you and Yoongi chuckle.

Rolling your eyes, you picked her up and bounced her lightly on your hip.

"You're lucky you're cute." You teased playfully, nuzzling your nose on hers before leaning into Yoongi.

You kissed his lips gently before pulling back, your daughter stares at you both before she kisses Yoongi in the cheek.

"Kiss eomma, appa." She blubbers, her voice so light and music into your ears.

"I'll clean it up, babe. Go give her a bath." Yoongi kisses both yours and Nari's forehead before standing up, starting to clear the coffee table of food.

"Bath time~" You sang as you hauled Nari with you. She squealed in delight as you playfully ran to the bathroom, well, not before stopping by your room to get towels.

You lift up her night dress, grimacing when you took of her soiled diapers, she giggled at your reaction. You undressed as well before you gently push your jumping daughter into the shower.

You laid the rubber mat on the shower floor so the both of you can sit down under the stream of water. She sits in front of you and waited for you to get the shower head from up top.

"Hehehehe~ eomma." She points out to your chest with a giggle as you sit in front of her. You laugh and shook your head.

Your Nari was a funny kid but a smart one too, at least.

You wash her hair and then after, she does the same to you, always making sure you get the same treatment. You loved when she always tries to massage your scalp like you do to her but she's really just shaking your head with her hands, making you laugh loudly.

"Baby, are you trying to make mommy's brain dance?" You held her hands to make her stop before turning around, her hair was up to form a spike, held by the shampoo in her hair. She giggles and nods aggressively.

You smile before rinsing her head first, then rinsing yours.

You then lather up the loofa with the baby bar soap.

"Arms up, baby." You gesture for her. She raised her hands over her head and then you start to scrub, tickling her in the process.

Bath time continued on like this, you two try to condition your hair before getting distracted and laughing. Once you had deemed both you and your daughter rinsed you wrapped her up in your matching white fluffy robes Yoongi got you both.

You sit her on the counter before reaching for both of your toothbrushes. You eyed Yoongi's toothbrush, wondering if he'll be sleeping here tonight before you handed her hers, you brush your teeth first then brushed hers.

It wasn't long till she was slouching on to the counter, eyes fluttering closed with her toothbrush still in her mouth.

You chuckled, she was always like this, likes to take naps after baths because she feels so cool and refreshed, plus she was full and ate well earlier. You wake her up for a bit to make her rinse her mouth.

She raised her arms up to you, "Up, up."

You pick her up and almost in an instant she laid her head on to your shoulder as you both step out the bathroom. You crossed the small hallway and neared the living room to see Yoongi sitting down the couch as he just finished cleaning.

"I think we're going out a little later than planned, Nari wants to nap first." You tell him as you turned around just enough to let Yoongi view the sleeping child.

"That's fine, Jin-hyung should be here any moment and we could all just chill while waiting for her to wake up." He nods and sends you a smile. You smile back at him before going to your bedroom.

"Nari, you have to get dressed first, baby." You wake her up, placing her onto the bed, before getting her clothes, a checkered print tshirt and gray fabric shorts so she could sleep comfortably, and slowly putting it on her, careful not to move her too much as she gets a bit cranky being woken up.

Her hair was still a bit wet, so after you got dressed in grey sweats, a white tank top with Yoongi's oversized white sweater, you sat in the bed and pulled her onto your lap, her face facing your chest while you dried the back of her head using a towel.

You leaned over the side of the bed to turn on the rotating fan, making sure Nari wasn't sweating so much, she hates sleeping without a fan on.

You hum a tune while swaying her side to side, raking your hands through her hair to dry it as the fan blows to you.

You finally lay her down, her hair not completely dry but it was fine enough. You were about to go out to the living room before you heard voices.

"Hyung! You're here, finally." Yoongi's voice sounded throughout the living room.

"Yeah, I know you missed me, where's Y/N and Na-" You heard Jin's voice get cut off with a loud bang of the front door, you furrow your eyebrows, leaning against the wall to peak at the crack of the door, but it was no use since all you can see was the hallway, so you opted to close your door and locked it quickly.

Something seemed wrong.

There was a still quiet moment.

"N-namjoon? Hoseok?" Yoongi's voice sounded out, laced with shock and clear nervousness.

Namjoon? Hoseok?

Your eyes widen in worry and shock, covering your mouth when a loud gasp bursts through your lips.

How did they found you? How did they know you were here?

"We followed Jin hyung, we saw him sneak behind the couch going out the front door while we were watching tv. You two are being secretive the past year, always going in and out on certain days, sometimes not even coming home to the apartment. What are you two hiding that we can't see? What is this place?" You heard Namjoon's deep voice laced with disappointment.

You heard a bit of shuffling, your eyes peered at the door knob, waiting for it to rattle but it never did, you sighed in relief before pressing your ear against the door again.

"What is all this? Baby toys? A pink tent? Hyung, are you and Jin-"

"No! No, it's not what it looks like. It really isn't." Yoongi quickly declines. You heard Jin's sigh.

"What do you mean it isn't? What, you want to act like a single dad now?" Namjoon snapped at him harshly, tired of being lied to. You can just imagine his face. Jaw locked and eyes burning daggers on his elders.

"Namjoon, I'm older than you and I-"

"I know you're older than us but what do you think we feel right now? You think the others won't suspect you both 'cuz they're young and always out but we're old enough to know when we're being lied to. Hyung, you're my roommate for heaven's sakes! You don't think I notice when your bed's empty? You don't think I notice I don't see Jin hyung eating a banana in the kitchen at midnight like he normally would?" Hoseok angrily answers. You quickly looked over your shoulder to see if Nari had woken up since their voices are a bit loud, but she's still sleeping soundly.

"You both also missed three of Jeongguk's birthdays. Last last year, last year, and now this year. And— what's this? A party hat?" You heard Namjoon tear the paper party hat, the ripping sounds making your heart hurt a little bit, remembering how the small hat made Yoongi look.

"Namjoon, Hoseok, please just leave, I—" Jin tries to say before you hear a loud crash, a loud shatter, and bang, followed by Namjoon's yell.

"I will not leave until we get an explanation! This friend group's slowly drifting apart! What do both of you have to hide?!" He yelled so loudly it echoed into the bedroom, like he was inside the room as well, the intensity making you jump.

You heard a sniffle behind you, you stilled.

"E-eomma?"

You quickly looked over your shoulder and see Nari slowly sitting up, tears already streaming down her cheeks, a scared glint colouring her eyes as you see her bottom lip visibly wobble.

You run to her and cover her ears, quickly hugging her and shushing her cries as a series of shouts and more crashing sounds echoed through the hallway.

"E-eomma, Nawi, s-scare." She sniffles harder onto your chest, mumbled by your sweater. You rubbed her back softly.

"You should fucking leave." You heard Yoongi's voice say. Your eyes widen in disbelief.

"Not until you stop fucking lying!" You heard Hoseok's voice shout as another loud bang sounded through. Nari looked up and stared at the door, crying harder.

It made you see red suddenly. You sat up.

No one swears in this house. Your motherly conscience got the best of you before you picked up Nari and went to the door.

"Nari, cover your ears once mommy talks, sweetie." You tell her and she quickly complies.

You opened the door and stomped loudly, your body carrying a crying Nari coming into the living room, making the four men stop with whatever they were doing.

A silent moment stilled upon the whole apartment.

Seeing the place thrashed and wrecked, you slowly neared the shelf on the television after placing Nari down, holding her hand, her little feet following near you and never leaving your behind.

You picked up a picture frame, glass broken from being thrown. It was a picture of you three in the hospital, Yoongi holding a one-day-old Nari with you in the hospital bed.

You slowly looked up and see the shock from the faces of the two new people.

"Who broke this?" You sneered lowly, face blank of expression. You slowly look into each of the men's eyes, seeing a glint of fear build up quickly.

They knew they fucked up.

Everyone pointed to Namjoon who clearly looked guilty, seems like he was the one who threw the stray pillow that was under the shelf. Nari stays, hiding behind you, away from the view of the men.

Namjoon and Hoseok's shock were now replaced with nervousness and fear. They knew how scary you can get when you're mad.

"And who swore?" You raised a brow, holding up the picture frame. You already knew who, but you wanted them to know that they should be scared. You visibly saw Hoseok and Yoongi gulp before raising their hands.

"Did no one tell you that not one person swears in this house?!" Your voice slowly raised in octave with each word, making your whole body shake. You saw them flinched.

You pick up two throw pillows next to you and literally threw it to Hoseok and Yoongi, making the two of them cover their face.

"And who gave you the audacity to thrash my living room?! Do you pay the rent?! Do you pay the helper?! Do you expect me to clean all of this for you?! Do you?!" The four of them shook their heads, looking down as they stand before you.

For some, it would be a funny sight to see four tall and big men look down at the floor and cower before you. But the seven of them know better than to cross you, they know they should never make you mad.

'Cause this is what happens.

"You two are so stupid to think your hyungs don't have a good reason why they're being sneaky! And you two could have done a better job at being sneaky!" You neared them and flicked all their foreheads with two fingers.

They groaned and rubbed the spot where you flicked them.

You went back to your place, Nari still following you while covering her ears. You motioned for Yoongi to come forward with your hand before crossing your arms.

He looks at Jin hesitantly and pleaded for help quietly with his eyes, but the eldest in the room pushes him toward you, not wanting to be under your anger radar.

You tilted Yoongi's chin to make him look at you. He gulps as you smiled fakely, knowing nothing good can happen with that smile.

And he was right. Because your sock-covered foot was meeting his in a painful stomp. The force made him fall and clutch his foot, groaning in pain.

"I'm sorry, baby, I'm sorry!" He chanted quickly with his eyes closed while clutching his foot, rolling on the floor. You looked up at the men, when you met their gazes yours they quickly backed away.

"Clean this up! Jin oppa?" The eldest flinched before looking up at you.

"Y-yes?"

"Call me in the room when everything's tidied up." He nods and the four of them started to frantically pick up the things they had thrown.

You turned around to pick up Nari, who was already staring at you with her red rimmed eyes. You sighed and kissed her cheek before she looked over your shoulder, curiously looking at the busy men following your order.

It was 1 in the afternoon.

"Y/N?" The door creaks open just as you had finished doing your daughter's hair. You both looked up and saw Jin through the crack of the door.

You changed your daughter's clothes to something warmer, and you only changed your tank top into a turtlenecked sweater. You decided to go out with the plans for Nari's birthday once everything's settled down.

"We cleaned everything up." You nod and turned Nari around. Jin leaving the two of you be, closing the door gently behind you.

"Nari, baby, listen closely to eomma, okay?" You held her hands in between the two of you, staring at her eyes as she nods.

"Two more of your uncles came today to celebrate your birthday. The tall one is uncle Joonie, and the other one is uncle Hobi, got it baby?" She nods, listening carefully to your words. You furrow your brows and ask her softly,

"Do you want to meet them?" She nods again.

"Do you want to hug them too?" She thinks for a moment, looking down at your intertwined hands before looking back up, her small face clear to view because of her normally long hair were in pigtails.

"Joonie scawy." She says unsurely.

Whenever she meets someone new, her go-to action was to hug them first. But she's certainly having a hard time deciding right now because of her first impression of Namjoon.

"Uncle Joonie is a good person, baby, he was just mad at Yoongi." You raised your hand to cradle her small cheek, rubbing your thumb across to soothe her stress.

"Appa do bad?" She looks up at you in worry.

"No baby, he didn't do anything bad, he just made uncle Joonie angry." She nods before looking at the closed door, contemplating. You look at the door as well before looking back at her.

"Let's go meet them?" She looks at you for a moment, then nods.

You stood up from the bed and she reaches for your hand, holding it tightly as you open the door. She follows quietly behind you as you both reached the living room, the men were now seated on the couch, anxiously waiting for you. Yoongi was sitting on the single cushioned chair beside them.

You cleared your throat loudly before their heads raised up to yours. Hoseok's eyes were glistening with unshed tears and Namjoon was just really in a state of shock.

"Y/N, is it really you?" Hoseok asks from the couch. You neared them, keeping Nari hidden behind you.

It seems that after the dispute earlier, they didn't notice the little kid trailing behind you. They were far more focused on trying not to get swatted by your hand than looked at the two feet behind yours.

"Hi oppa." You bowed and smiled softly. Namjoon suddenly sits up straight.

"Why did you leave, Y/N? We missed you lots. You know, you scared us to death. And what is all this? Why were you hiding from us all this time?" He asks softly this time, his anger seeming to have deflate while they cleaned earlier.

Namjoon and Hoseok looked at you curiously, Yoongi and Jin looked at you with a wide smile of anticipation, waiting for you to reveal,

"Nari?"

You call behind you and looked over your shoulder, looking down at the girl clutching your legs. You brought your hand to the back of her head as you stepped aside, giving the men view of her.

Hoseok gasps and held his breath while Namjoon's eyes were wide as saucers. Nari looks at all the men before her eyes landed on Yoongi, she smiled and ran to him, giggling.

"Appa!" She quickly climbs Yoongi's lap and stands on his thighs, her small weight seeming to have no effect on him as he smiles widely before quickly wrapping his arms around the little girl to prevent her from falling.

"Hi sweetheart." Yoongi says and she gushes while giggling as Yoongi nuzzles his face onto her torso.

"A-appa?" Namjoon, for the first time, stutters out as you all looked at the two.

Hoseok finally found out how to breathe again.

"Yoongi, you're — her dad?" Hoseok asks in small breathes.

"Kind of, it's a long story." Yoongi confirms, busy with the little girl squirming in his lap, playing with her stuffed kitten.

"How about we go out to eat? It's Nari's birthday today, and I'm sure you're all hungry for lunch." You proposed. They all nod and stand up, Yoongi carrying Nari with him.

The men in the room stare at you and Yoongi as you both got Nari ready.

It was like they were watching a family on an outing.

You took your coat, Nari's backpack filled with two milk bottles, two diapers, a baby cloth, napkins and baby wipes. You put in an extra t shirt because you knew she was a messy eater. Yoongi took the bag from you and slung it over his shoulder while you brought the biggest umbrella you had in the house.

"Jin hyung, can you hand me Nari's coat up there?" Yoongi points to the coat hanger as he helps Nari with her shoes.

"The brown one or the candy canes?"

"The brown one, it doesn't look like it's going to rain but it's a bit chilly out." Hoseok says as he sees that the brown one was more thicker. Jin hands over the brown to Yoongi, the man helping her putting it on as you sneakily snuck in another pack of tissue in Nari's bag.

Yoongi turning around to look at you exasperatedly, you raised your brows in questioning.

"What? My daughter is a messy eater." You say as a matter of fact with a raised brow, but the man just chuckled at you and went with your explanation.

When Nari was all done, Jin and Yoongi took both sides of her and held her hands and went out first.

Hoseok went to drape an arm on your shoulders and Namjoon reached out to hold your hand.

"Listen, we both missed you, but you have a lot of explaining to do, Missy." Namjoon side eyed you, his brow raised. You chuckle and nodded.

"Sure, oppa." And the six of you went out in the cold, sunny Seoul.

"So you're telling me, Nari is practically Yoongi's child?" Hoseok asks in surprise as the six of you sit inside the restaurant.

You were chewing on your bulgogi beef as Nari sipped on spoonfuls of kimchi stew Yoongi was feeding her; she loved spicy food. Her stomach tolerance on the flavour surprised you the first time you tried to offer her kimchi.

You nod and sighed.

"Nari sees Yoongi as her dad, I think it's because he actually raised her with me and has been with her the longest, he's the only man in her life, well besides Jin oppa, and now you two. It's a mess. I told Nari countless times to call Yoongi uncle, she kept saying appa." You picked up a piece of tissue and wiped the remnants of the stew on Nari's mouth, smilling as she mumbled a thank you before opening her mouth again to Yoongi.

"And Jeongguk's her real father?" Namjoon thinks out loud. You nod and confirm it as Jin puts more beef onto your plate, you thank him.

"Wait, so like, are you and Yoongi... you know? A thing?" Hoseok asks, scooping up a spoonful of rice and following it with the bulgogi beef Jin was cooking on the grill.

You and Yoongi looked at each other, not really knowing what to answer.

You both never really established what you had between the two of you. All the kisses, hugs, movie nights, dates. The way he greets you whenever he comes to visit, the way he holds you in bed when he decides to stay the night.

You didn't know. What were you two?

"Y/N's..." He starts, going back to feed the little girl when she tugged on his sleeve. The men around the table unconsciously leaned in, even you, were anticipating his answer.

"Y/N is Y/N." He looks up and nods at them with a blank expression. They all grumble in disappointment and sat back. You laugh and nodded, agreeing with the man feeding your daughter.

"And Yoongi is Yoongi." You confirm as you stuffed your mouth with beef and rice. Hoseok crosses his arms as Namjoon's eyes shift between the two of you, Seokjin continuing to cook on the grill.

"What does that even mean, hyung?" Hoseok asks the elder in laughter. The man in question shrugged and ignore them all, baby talking Nari as the two of them started a conversation.

When they received no answer, the two of them looked at you. You raised your eyebrows and shook your head, refusing to answer them as well.

Hoseok grumbled and Namjoon sighed.

"It means they don't know, so shut up and eat your food." Jin says as he fills their plates with more flavour ribs and beef. Namjoon nodded and ate as Hoseok picked up his chopsticks.

"Pssh, rude." He scoffs before scuffing down at his plate.

The table was quiet for a few, the soft voices of Nari and Yoongi in baby-conversation accompanied by the restaurant's chatter was filling the space.

"Uncle." Nari suddenly says, making all the men on the table look up.

"Yes dear?"

"What, honey?"

"Why, sweetie?"

Nari giggles as Jin, Namjoon, and Hoseok looked at each other with wide eyes.

"Uhm, I think she was referring to me." Hoseok started. Namjoon laughs airily before talking with a sassy tone and a raised brow.

"You wish, she looked at me when she said it." He crosses his arms.

"Excuse you, I was her first uncle here, you all can eat quietly, what is it sweetie?" Jin smugly says to the two before looking at Nari with a soft smile. Nari giggles shyly then shook her head before looking at you.

"Eomma." She calls. You laugh loudly before you brush your fingers down her pigtails.

"Me? I thought you called uncle?" You ask her as she licks the ice cream Namjoon ordered for her. She looks at you and then smiles.

"Eomma pwetty." She randomly gurgles. You smile before you leaned to kiss her cheek. Yoongi was looking at you both with adoration.

And if someone was watching, it would look like a scene from a happy Disney movie. That's how the men on the table look at you three.

"Okay we gotta take pictures." Hoseok pulls out his phone before stretching out his arm, he looks over his shoulder and asks,

"Do you guys say anything for Nari before taking pictures?" You nod, cleaned Nari's face and made her face the camera.

"Say Nari!" You cheered loudly as the others follow.

"Nari!" Says the uncles and mommy.

"Nawi!" Says the little baby. Hoseok clicks the button.

"Nari?" Says the new person that had enter the restaurant, startled by the cheers of the table.

You looked over your shoulder and saw the boy's landlord. Your eyes widen in surprise, not expecting the new comer, but you weren't worried.

Mr. Bang is like a father to you.

"Oh! Mr. Bang!" You waved him over to your table as the boys follow your gaze with surprise. Said man comes and greets all of you as he nears the table.

Mr. Bang smiles at the sight of you and the boys, nostalgia hitting him as he sits between Jin and you.

"Mr. Bang, are you here for the rent money?" Hoseok asks jokingly and the table rumbled with laughter, Nari looking at the newcomer with — once again — curiosity.

"Aigoo, I told you that the house was yours to keep, yes?" He waved them off with his hand as you offered him a plate. You gasped in surprise before looking at him.

"Really?! You gave them the dorm house?!" You ask him with wide eyes. They all chuckle at your reaction.

"Yes, Y/N, a big luxurious one in Hannamdong, you know I treat these boys like my sons." He says proudly before picking up a piece of beef and eating it.

"Really? 5 years ago you were banging on our dorm doors and threatening to kick us out because we just put the trash bags out and not in the bin." Yoongi comments and all of you around the table laughed loudly. Your stomach cramped as you tried to regain your breathing.

"Aish! I told you I was sorry for that!" Mr. Bang pointed his chopsticks at Yoongi, making the man shrug and lean back on his chair, the atmosphere calming down to soft chatter.

"By the way, how are you doing, Y/N? I haven't seen you since..." Mr. Bang trails off, deeming the subject uncomfortable to say. You waved it off and smiled.

"I've been doing great, Mr. Bang. Been busy and all." You don't think he sees Nari because she was sitting between you and Yoongi, so you were unintentionally blocking the little girl from Mr. Bang's view as he sat at the head of the table.

"Do you work?"

"Not at the moment, I've been taking care of something else, or someone." You leaned into your chair to give him view of your daughter, licking her ice cream in her baby chair.

The men chuckle as they see Mr. Bang's eyes widen, jaw going slack as he looks at the little girl.

"Is she your daughter?" Mr. Bang recovers from his shock and now was smiling and waving at the girl.

You nod and turned to pick up Nari from the high chair and put her down, her little feet padded instantly to Mr. Bang's seat. He pulled her into his lap and she quickly warmed up to him hugging him with one hand as her other was holding the ice cream.

Nari was like a observe-to-be-sure kind of kid. As long as she sees her mom smile at the person she was talking to, she deemed that person her mom's friend, and her mom's friend is her friend as well.

"Aigoo, what a cutie." You smile at your uncle's words.

"Of course, she takes after me." You say jokingly and Yoongi scoffs playfully. You look at him and push his shoulder lightly before he smiles and he places his hand on your thigh.

"Are you her dad, Yoongi?" Mr. Bang asks as Nari busies herself with playing with his glasses.

"Jeongguk is, but I raised her and she calls me appa." Yoongi simply answers. Mr. Bang stops and nods after a moment, not prying into the subject anymore.

He knows how you and Jeongguk ended, but didn't know what happened after you disappeared, but nonetheless, he didn't try to pester you with questions as he just played at the cute baby on his lap.

Lunch continued on 'til you were all full. You paid the bill even though the men all wanted to pitch in and pay it for you, but you said, "It's Nari's birthday, consider it her treat." So they stopped nagging you about the bill.

As the seven of you walked down the street, Hoseok and Jin were holding Nari's hand and were walking first. You had your hand wrapped around Yoongi's arm, inseparable as the two of you walked behind them, Namjoon and Mr. Bang were behind you conversing about changing something in their apartment.

The triad in front of you suddenly stop, making you and Yoongi look at them. Nari gasped and saw the sign of a store nearby. She turned to look at you, still holding her chonnies hands.

"Eomma! Eomma!" She squeals in excitement as she jumps up and down.

"What is it?" Hoseok asks as he smiles at the excited baby.

"It's her favourite toy shop." You sighed before you nodded at her. It was her birthday after all.

She squeals and pulled their hands towards the shop, Jin almost stumbling at the strength of the two year old.

The rest of the group followed closely behind, as soon as all of you were inside the shop, everyone had all dispersed, talking about what to get for Nari. You and Yoongi were walking together before he stops in front of a toy.

It was a hardware tools set, all in different colors. You smiled at Yoongi.

"You don't mind that it's essentially for boys, right? It's just that — she likes to pretend she's building furniture and stuff ever since she saw me fix the coffee table last July." He asks for your approval first as he picked up the box.

"What do you mean for boys? Yoongi, it's fine, it doesn't matter what gender it's for. As long as she'll be happy with it, then we'll get her all the tools and broken furniture to fix in the world." You kissed his cheek before he smiled at you, tucking the box under his free arm and continuing to walk with you throughout the store.

You eventually saw Namjoon, who was looking at a box before he saw the two of you.

"You think she'd like this?" He turned the box to you.

It was a block puzzle, with the blocks shaped as people in the army in different shades of purple. You had to assemble the soldiers to form a shape that was in the picture book the set came with.

You smiled at him and nodded, "She loves the colour purple and smart enough to know shapes, she'll love it." Yoongi confirms.

Namjoon smiles widely and thanks you both before quickly running to the cashier and having it wrapped up. You both follow him and also had yours wrapped to a gift.

Mr. Bang follows behind shortly, holding a giant yellow stuffed dog that stands at half of Namjoon's height. You laughed in surprise as the staff just shoved it into a huge plastic bag that had designs on it, to at least make it look like it was wrapped as a present.

You all walked out of the store, waiting for the three people outside.

And when they were out, Hoseok was wheeling Nari in a bike. Your eyes widen in surprise. That must've cost a lot.

"God, that must've been expensive, oppa." You say to him as Jin follows behind, holding a plastic bag filled with other toys.

"Nonsense, I'd buy anything for my little Nari, you think we didn't see the broken one outside your apartment's door when we followed Jin hyung?" He raises a brow at you playfully. You sighed and thanked them, feeling grateful.

You've been meaning to replace that one with a new one but haven't found time to go out alone to surprise her.

All of you were now walking towards the local playground, a comfortable chatter between all of you, sometimes Nari will slip in with her random blubbering, making all of you laugh.

It was now 3 in the afternoon, the sun was still high up in the sky but the weather was so chilly that you had to stick next to Yoongi for warmth, your coat doing you no justice whatsoever despite it being the thickest and warmest you have.

"Uhm, guys?" Namjoon stops you all, the group turning around to look at him but he was looking down at his phone.

"What's wrong, Joon?" Jin asks as he comes near to the back of the group. He leans in to look at Joon's phone before fumbling with the bags, reaching out to his back pocket.

"What's going on?" You ask, wondering why were they suddenly acting fidgety.

"Just tell me what happened when I get back, I'll distract Nari for a bit, she's bothered why we got all quiet." Said Hoseok before he wheeled Nari around, distracting her with his sound effects from the thick tension around the group.

"Jeongguk's sending screaming chats to our gc."

"He's mad, talking about how we bailed on him on his 21st." Namjoon replied while typing aggressively on his phone, Jin quiet as he types as well.

Mr. Bang had left a little earlier, saying that he'll mail the large stuffed toy since no one wanted to carry it while walking around town.

"Uhm, did you have plans for today with him?" You timidly ask them and Namjoon nods, continuing to type. Yoongi sighs before turning you to face him then hugs you.

"We were supposed to go drink at this exclusive club he goes to, he's got a whole section rented out since he's famous." Yoongi rubs your back to comfort your stress. You sighed before wrapping your arms around his waist, watching Hoseok talk to Nari playfully.

"I think you all should go. He doesn't know that you all came by to see me, let alone know I'm alive. Just say you weren't together but met up and came home when you saw his messages." You insisted. You didn't want to cause a rift into their friendship.

You already did once.

"It's fine, babe. It was for Nari anyway." Yoongi kisses your forehead before he pulls out his phone, sending a quick 'calm down Jeongguk' to the gc.

"No, I'm being serious, you two have been doing this for 2 years now, today makes it 3." You point at Yoongi and Jin. You quickly call Hoseok over, when he was near enough you turned to Namjoon.

"And I don't want you two, Namjoon oppa, Hobi oppa, to do the same. He's still a friend that you know the longest. He's still your brother. It's fine if you miss Nari's birthday sometimes, she understands, right baby?" You look at the baby that was still sitting on the bike, she looks up at you and smile while nodding, even though she doesn't understand what you just said.

"I guess we better get home." Namjoon sighs as he turns off his phone and picked up the plastic bags that had fallen.

"We'll walk you to your apartment, Y/N." Hoseok says before all of you started to walk towards your complex. Silence engulfing the group, gone were the happy auras earlier, now replace with dread.

Once you've reached your door, which was on the third floor of the building, you let Nari in first, putting her down from carrying her up the stairs. Hoseok wheels the bike by the door, folding it up as the others wait outside the entrance of your apartment.

Nari runs inside and gets her box of toys. Jin puts down the bags of gifts they had bought her before he stands up and hugs you.

"We'll visit soon." He says as he pulls away from the hug. You smiled. The other two did the same, bidding you a goodbye and a see you soon.

"Yoongi, are you driving your own car or you wanna ride with us?" Hoseok asks as he twirls his keys. Yoongi shook his head and waved them off.

"You go first, I'll see you all at home." They nod and said goodbye. You close the door after Yoongi came in, lifting the bags to put them into Nari's playroom. You start to walk to the living room when your phone dinged.

It was from your sister.

AreumUgly: Hey sis, I'm outside your complex, wanna ask if I can take Nari out with Janyeon, he's been wanting to see her

You look to the living room to see your Nari pouting, she didn't want to go home yet since she now knows it was her birthday.

Y/N Eonni: Yea sure lemme just ask her

"Nari baby? Do you wanna go to your auntie Areum's for a bit? Janyeon's with her." You ask when you saw her playing with her stuffed kitten. She looked up at you and nodded aggressively with excitement before lifting her arms out to you.

You went down the apartment with her in your arms and saw your sister with her son, Janyeon, who was around Nari's age as well. You greet her with a kiss on the cheek and a hug, then set Nari down, the two kids bonding instantly. You hand her Nari's backpack which still had her stuff you packed earlier in it.

"We'll be back a bit late, around dinner time, Eomma and Appa did said they wanted to see the kids, did they text you yet?" She asks you as you both stand outside the building.

Your parents finally reached out to you when Nari turned one. They were crying when they came to your apartment with Areum's help and had apologised repeatedly. You were a big mama's girl, well, also a papa's girl because you were the first born. You cried too and forgave them. Now, they were constantly video calling and made you visit them, always having Nari with you, sometimes Yoongi coming along.

"They did? I haven't received a text yet." You opened your phone and sure enough, no texts and calls from your parents.

"Yeah, well, they were supposed to send a text, since they planned to surprise Nari today. But then their sink got clogged again and they said they were just going to text you to come and I don't know, fix it for them? But I don't know." She jokingly shrugged and you laugh with her before she called the kids over.

"We'll get going now, see you later!" She holds each of their hands and you crouched down to kiss each of their cheeks. They start to walk and you waved to Nari, who looked back and waved.

"Be safe! Love you!"

You went back inside the complex, took the elevator to your floor, walked through the hallway and through your door, to see Yoongi standing in the middle of the living room, staring at his phone, his back was towards you. Locking the front door, you started walking towards him.

You quietly got behind him and wrapped your arms around his waist, startling him.

"Are you staying for a bit?" You ask him as he turns around. He reaches and pushed away the stray hairs falling on your face since you took out your hair from your bun.

He nods and lowers his hands to wrap around your waist, your hands reaching up to wrap around his neck. He pulls you closer and rests his forehead against yours before slowly swaying your bodies side to side.

"Yoongi?"

"Hmm?"

"What are we?" You push against him, hands on top of his chest as you looked up at him. He looks at you in gentle surprise, not expecting that question from you.

"What do you want us to be?" He softly asks you as he runs a hand through your hair before it rests on your cheek, thumb rubbing your skin softly.

What did you want you two to be?

You never imagined you and Yoongi in a relationship, let alone raise a child together. He was practically your husband with no strings attached. The way you acted with each other was so natural, you two were like a married couple. But the way you felt about Yoongi, it scared you. It confuses you. You knew how he feels about you, and he knows that you can't return them. You started to doubt what you said to him about your emotions.

Can't you really return them?

"I..." You trailed off. Uncertainty waving through your veins, filling your fingertips as Yoongi felt them fist his shirt lightly.

"You don't have to—" You quickly cut him off with your fingertip on his mouth when he starts.

You had to get this off your chest. You had to say this before you burst.

"I, Yoongi, I-I think, we can be something... more..." You struggle to say and looked down at the floor, embarrassed that you had actually confessed like a high schooler. You mentally groaned.

This was so easier back then with Jeongguk, why is it so awkward now? You thought.

You then felt his fingertips tug your chin upwards, when your eyes finally met his, he was smiling so widely. You lost your breath for a moment.

He was perfect. Perfect. You needed him to take care of you. Needed him in every way possible.

"I love you, Y/N, so so much." He says while tipping your chin. You struggle to say it back, words caught in your throat, staring at the beauty before you named Min Yoongi.

He chuckled at your reaction.

"You're not obligated to say it, if you don't-"

"I love you, Yoongi." You say out before you crashed your lips onto his, hands finding his neck as you leaned in harshly.

His grip on your waist tightened as he pulled you closer. His tongue prying your mouth open, exploring a bit before dancing with yours. He steered you both through the hallway, and into your room before pushing you gently on the bed.

Laying on top of you, he pushes you further so you were laying down, not pulling away from your lips.

As soon as you felt his hands on your sides, caressing every bit of your skin, you let out a rather loud moan. He pulls away quickly and says in his husky voice, panting for a bit.

"Quiet, baby, I wanna show you just how much I love you." He smirks at you, sending a wave of pleasure to your core as he leans in again, this time aiming for your neck as he suddenly sucks on the soft skin.

You groan out loudly, fisting his shirt before lifting it up, he took the signal and leaned away to take off his shirt. You copied him, taking off the sweater and the turtle neck before you looked at him. He was already staring at your chest hungrily and in adoration.

"Fuck, you're a goddess." His eyes flicker between yours and your chest. You laughed and pulled him in by his arm.

"If I knew better, I would be screaming at you for cussing." You whisper in his ear before licking his earlobe, bitting it softly while pulling away to lay your head back onto the bed.

"Well good thing you don't, 'cause now you'll be screaming my name instead." He says before he dove back in your neck and kissed down to your chest. He eyes them before looking up at you, asking for permission with his eyes.

You arched your back up and unclasped your bra, letting your breasts out in front of his eyes. His now wide eyes were ogling shamelessly, he licked his lips and captured one nipple into his mouth.

"Pretty tits." He says as he sucked and licked on your nipple, licking and suckling until it was taut and sensitive.

You moaned and gripped his hair as he suckled and flicked it with his tongue while he fondled with the other in his hand, twisting and playing with your other nipple in his fingers.

"Y-Yoongi, please, I-" He shushes you up by putting two fingers in your mouth. You moaned around his fingers and sucked harshly, wanting to be full. Your hands slid down his chest down to his trousers, fumbling around with his belt as he layered hickeys over hickeys onto your chest, paying more attention to your nipples.

You finally got his belt undone and you tugged down at his pants, whining loudly. He popped out your nipple loudly before looking up at you with a smirk.

"What is it, baby?" He asks in a sultry voice, teasing you a bit with his thigh rubbing onto your sweats-covered core.

You whined once more, your hands sliding up your torso before squeezing your breasts in each hand, Yoongi's eyes following your movements.

"Please, Yoongi, cock, I need your cock." You whined at him as you then moved your hands to take off the sweatpants you had on, revealing the lacy black panties you unintentionally wore today.

"Shit." Yoongi gulps as he quickly stand up to take off his trousers, cussing loudly as it got stuck on his foot. While he was busy prying his foot free, you took off your panties and watched him silently.

When he was done, he was clad in tight looking black boxers when he finally looked up at you, his jaw dropped as he watched you on the bed, snaking your hand from your chest down your torso and onto your dripping core.

You moaned at him, watching him watch you with love and lust. You shifted on the bed, your legs facing him as you spread them, giving him a good view of your dripping rose.

"Fuck, love, you're killing me." He breathes out before he neared you, laying on his stomach as his face neared your wet core, he places his hands on your thighs and spread them out more. He begins to place kisses on your inner thigh, making you groan eagerly.

"Y-Yoongi!" You moaned loudly as you buck your hips up to meet his face, but he leaned away teasingly before slapping your thigh. You gasped and moaned as soon as he kissed the spot his hand landed on.

"Good girls are patient, baby. Are you my good girl?" He asks you, voice muffled as his lips pressed against your inner thigh, so dangerously close to your slit.

You nod furiously, trying to keep your hips at bay as he slid his hands up and down your thigh, your eyes were closed when you felt his breath on your core.

"Look at me, baby, let me see your beautiful face." You looked up at him, seemingly in a daze as he smiles at you before lowering his head onto your slit.

You moaned loudly and thrashed around the bed as he licks up a bold line from your opening to your clit, swirling his tongue on it before sucking it into his mouth, pulling off with a satisfying pop.

"Pretty pussy." He seemingly says to himself as he admired your pink wet pussy, all on display for him. He brings up a hand and thumbs your swollen clit around, making you shudder.

"You like it when daddy plays with your pussy, baby?" Your eyes rolled to the back of your head, a wave of pleasure crashing to your body because of his words plus the pressure he was putting on your clit.

He chuckles at your reaction before he inserts two of his long fingers in you, tongue replacing his thumb on your clit as he flicks and sucks the bud.

You screamed lightly as he fingers your pussy in a fast steady pace, reaching down to fist his hair making him moan onto your clit before he licked it furiously, sometimes sucking while licking it. His fingers hit a spot in you that made you arch your back from the bed as your mouth formed the perfect o face.

"That's it baby, cum on my face. Let me taste you, such a good pussy, so tight and wet, I can eat you all day." He encouraged as he flicks your clit over and over, fingers hitting the spot that sent stars over your head.

"P-Please! Want you! Inside, please, Yoongi!" You try to push off his head off your throbbing pussy, not wanting to cum from his tongue. Your body was shaking when he finally pulled off, giving your cunt one last powerful suck and kiss to your pink and engorged clit, making you whimper, before he stood on his knees on the bed.

From your view, he looked like a king. You were ready to bow down at his every will.

"Kitten wants my cock?" He pulls off his boxers, making his length slap up his stomach, ending just above his belly button, the tip red and angry, leaking with pre cum. You eyed it hungrily and unconsciously spread your legs wider, feeling your wet cunt drip with even more of your juices.

"Yes d-daddy, want it in me, in my tight pussy!" You whined as you buck your hips at him. He grips his length and taps your inner thigh with it teasingly. You groaned as he smirked at you.

"Show daddy how much you want my cock." He commands, you comply. You reached down while staring at him, replacing his hands with your own as you gripped him tightly. He hissed and threw his head back before going back to look at you.

You stroke him in a steady pace, from the base and twisting your hand when you reached up to his head, he loved it.

"W-Want you to wreck me daddy, fuck me please, fuck my pussy hard, I-I'm so wet for you, daddy." You leaned back on your elbows, still stroking his cock when you reached down to rub your pussy with the head of his shaft, moaning when you rubbed your clit slowly with the velvet tip.

"You want this fat cock inside your slutty pussy? Bet your tight cunt's begging for me to fuck it open." His eyes followed your each move, licking his lips before he slapped your hands away.

He lined up against your entrance and slapped the head of his cock onto your wet throbbing clit before thrusting over it, rubbing your glistening pussy with his large cock. You moaned and whined as the underside of his long length caressed your pussy, spreading your pink folds and grinding against your clit, your entrance was dripping that the bed below you was wet.

"Yeah baby? Like how my cock glides on your wet pussy? Like this, baby? Oh fuck! You're so wet and warm, my good girl." He moans as he rubs the head of his cock onto your clit, teasing you as your back arches, your mouth letting out moan after moan.

"Please, daddy, fuck me!" You groaned as you buck your hips again when his head catches onto your opening, making you tighten involuntarily.

It astounds you that although it's your first time with Yoongi, he knew how to pleasure your body like the back of his hand.

He swears and he held your hands against the bed, levelling himself so he doesn't crush you. He grunts before he pushes in slowly, filling you up inch by delicious inch. Your mouth opened up in a silent scream as your pussy stretches around him, accommodating his large and thick cock.

It has been so long since you had sex, you forgot how the stretch felt at first.

Yoongi stills for a moment, letting you adjust to his size, brushing your sweaty forehead to get rid of your hair that covered your beautiful face.

Your eyes were closed and your mouth was letting out small pants as you focused on the way he felt inside you. He was admiring you, restraining himself from lifting your legs and fucking your pussy the way he wanted to.

Hard and fast. He wanted to wreck you, to fuck you until all you can remember was his name, how good his cock was inside you. He wanted to be the only man to ruin you.

"Yoongi, fuck me please." You open your eyes to find him staring at you. He nods and leaned down to kiss you harshly. His hips moving slowly before gradually setting into a steady face, restrained thrusts and muted grunts.

Your pussy was squeezing him so tight he didn't know how he hadn't cum yet.

"Yoongi, more, please, daddy!" You breathed out, wanting more than what he's giving you. He looks up to you and smirks, feeling his cock throb inside your warm velvet walls at the name.

"Baby wants more?" He suddenly thrusts sharply, as if proving a point. You nodded weakly, biting your lip as you pulled him down to stick your tongue into his mouth.

He started to rock hard and fast into you, skin slapping into each other as the room felt humid and hot. You moaned loudly as he repeatedly abused your soft spot, his thrusts never weakening.

"Good baby? Is daddy's cock fucking your pussy good?" He detached his lips from yours and moves down, now sucks at your neck as his hand comes down to rub at your swollen clit, cock still abusing your sensitive pussy.

"Yes! Ah! Fuck! Daddyyyy!" You cried out, your breasts were bouncing up and down and Yoongi's eyes were following them all the way, admiring how sweat drenched your body was, and it was all because of him — his tongue, his fingers.

His cock fucking you in the right places.

"What a good little cockslut, love your pussy fucked by daddy's big fat cock? Huh?" You nod aggressively as his words affecting you so bad. You had forgotten what it was like to be in subspace, it felt good.

"You want daddy to wreck you baby? You want daddy's cock to fuck you everyday? Make you cum so many times you lose count?" You nod and thrashed in his arms, feeling so overwhelmed as tears fall from your ears. You were tightening around him, feeling dangerously close to your high as his thrusts were hammering your body further into the bed.

"A-Ah! Daddy! Ohhh daddy!" You were a babbling mess, not aware of what was coming out of your mouth as Yoongi's cock fucked you nice and open.

"You love my cock don't you, slut? Fuck, I love this tight wet pussy so much! Should've known you were such a cockslut for my cock, baby. I would've fucked you over and over 'til your pussy's raw, but you'd like that don't you?" You nod enthusiastically and whimpered at his words, his hands squeezing at your breast as your head bobbed up and down at his thrusts.

"Can't even talk now huh? Daddy's cock fucking your little whore pussy so well, slut?"

You wrapped your arms around his neck, never getting enough of his lips. You begin to feel the knot in your core tighten and it seems like he too is close to release, his lips moaning into yours as your tongues battle for dominance.

"B-Baby, I have to pull out." He breathily says as he feels you wrap your legs around his hips, thrusting sharp and fast, trying to reach both of yours highs. You shook your head and looked at him, your body moving upwards as he keeps his pace. You moan as you say,

"I-IUD, you- cum — OH GOD! — i-inside!" He aggressively pulls you into a sitting position in the middle of your sentence, sitting on his thighs as his knees were still on the bed, the position making his thick cock go deeper into your pussy, grazing your swollen walls.

You wrapped your arms around his neck as you rested your forehead on his shoulder as you melt into his body, whimpering loudly as his thrusts going harder and faster by a mile as you felt his arms tightly hold you up.

"Fuck — baby! You wanna be my cum slut, huh? Are you my cum slut, babygirl? Want my cum in your slutty greedy pussy? Daddy's gonna fill you up, make you my cum bucket?" He asks you as he reaches down to slap your ass, making you jerk upwards, moaning.

"Y-Yes daddy! Am your slut! Want your cum in my slutty pussy!" You fall deeper into subspace, becoming putty in Yoongi's arms as he reaches down between your bodies to rub at your clit.

"I'm gonna cum baby, you're gonna cum with daddy, understand?" He demands you as he rests his forehead against yours, his lust filled eyes staring into your dazed ones as you felt your high quickly coming. You nod and moaned while looking into his eyes.

"Gonna let daddy cum in your pussy like a good girl? Are you my good girl?" You nod and started to move with him, wanting to release the pressure in your lower abdomen, desperately.

He groans loudly and he snaps up his hips sharply, making you gasp, a silent cry coming out of you as you shake with your release, Yoongi holding you tightly as he spurted ropes and ropes of his thick hot cum in you, grinding his hips slowly to ride out both of your orgasms.

"Yeah, take my cum like the good girl you are, baby. That's it. Fuuuuck! Take it princess, yeah — fuck, take it all, your greedy pussy's milking my big cock. Fuck, I love you." He groans as he still thrusts up to you, fucking his cum back into your sensitive pussy, not wanting even a small drip out. You moaned as he kisses your forehead, sensitive from your high.

"I love you, Yoongi." You say in breathes as you look up at him. He smiles and kisses your lips.

"I love you too, Y/N." He shifts your position, he was now leaning against the headboard, his back supported with pillows as you lay on top of him, too high from your orgasm you refused to move.

"Y/N, I gotta pull out, baby." He laughs as you grumble and swatted his hands that tried to pull you off, not wanting to move from your position. You were still pretty much in your subspace, and you weren't coming out anytime soon.

You got horny again after a moment of silence, wanting relief, the lack of sex for years was now getting to you. You started to slowly grind your hips into his, feeling his softening cock still in your very wet and very sensitive pussy.

Yoongi groans and holds your hips, stilling you from your movements, you whined loudly and tried to grind against him again. He raises a brow, feeling his cock harden inside your walls as you ground your clit into his pelvis.

"Babygirl wants to go again?" You nod and softly bounce yourself onto his hardening cock, feeling him graze your swollen walls once more. You gasped as Yoongi bucked his hips up, his now fully hard cock hitting your spot perfectly.

"Oh Daddy! So big! Please let me fuck your cock in me! P-Please!" He raised a brow as you continued jumping up and down, his eyes following your every movement. Stopping you from moving, you cried even harder as he grips your waist, and with an arched brow and smug smirk, he says,

"Beg."

"Daddy! I — hic! — my greedy pussy needs m-more! Please! N-need your cock, need your cum! Please!" Seemingly satisfied with you, he releases you and immediately you started bouncing up and down on his lap, his cock spearing your pink pussy once more.

He sighs at the feeling of your wet, tight and warm heat engulfing his huge cock, wanting nothing more than to fill you over and over with his cum.

"Go ahead baby, fuck your tight pussy back on daddy's cock, make daddy fill you up with cum again." Yoongi leans back and puts his hands to rest behind his head, watching you fuck yourself on his fat hard cock.

"Yes, daddy." You nod and leaned in, kissing his lips and fucking your tongue into his mouth, he groaned and sucked at the muscle as your pussy engulfs his huge cock over and over again.

You were obsessed.

After you both had shower, of course Yoongi insisting you shower together "to save water", you dry your hair with a towel as you step into the living, fresh new clothes on and sat onto the couch, reaching over to grab your phone.

AreumUgly: Eonni, Is it okay if Nari stays the night, Eomma and Appa insisted we sleep here and just go home tomorrow

AreumUgly: weather forecast says a snow storm will hit Seoul tonight

Y/N Eonni: Really? I thought snow was coming in late November. It's early this year

Y/N Eonni: Ask Eomma if Nari still has some of her clothes there

AreumUgly: Ok brb

AreumUgly: Yep they still here, does she drink the same formula Janyeon drinks?

Y/N Eonni: Ye, and make sure to tell Eomma to sleep next to her, she can't sleep without someone next to her

AreumUgly: sure c u tomo

Y/N Eonni: Bye

"Nari staying at your parents' tonight?" Asks Yoongi as he stepped into the living room and sitting down next to you, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you closer to him. You leaned backwards, back to his chest as you sigh.

"Yep, snow storm tonight."

"Tonight? Snow's coming early this year." Yoongi says as he runs his hands down your arms.

"You staying tonight? Don't you have somewhere to be, mister?" You say as you turn to face him. He chuckles and kissed your lips softly.

"I'll leave a bit later, I know Jin hyung's gonna get my head for this." He says as he leans back on to the couch. You nod and laid down on top of him, his arms automatically wrapping around you as you both watched a drama on the television.

The both of you stayed like this until Yoongi had to go. You kissed him goodbye before shutting the door behind him.

"Guess I'm all alone." You say as you relaxed onto the couch again, getting a well deserved rest.

Author’s Note:

beautiful reader,

SURPRISE SURPRISE!!! i was bored so i decided to post chapter 2 a day early! 

phew. well that was steamy. how r u guys doing? teehee this was such a long chapter tho! next chapter will be the second to the last chapter that flashes back into Y/N’s past and Nari's birthdays!

how'd u guys think i do for today's smut it's the first one I've ever written hehehe they'll be more coming tho wink wink

Taglist: @imanerdychubbyqueen @softiegguk @fan-ati--c @theblueslytherin @tigolebittiez @mwitsmejk @babyrosieareroses @awseokjin @ppeachyttae @000123-sakuraland-000123 @mwitsmejk please make sure your mentions are open so I can tag you!

send in an ask to be added to the Tough taglist!

hope you all enjoy and continue reading! reblogs are helpful for writers, and sharing!

[yeosanggotaponytail]

Secret Letter pt 1. //Reddie

In which Eddie receives mysterious letters on Valentine’s day:)

Eddie had always been bullied at school, so when a faint pink letter slipped out of his locker, he was taken aback. Valentine's Day had arrived, and couples could be seen everywhere, pink hearts plastered on every closet. Eddie has always hated this holiday, saying if two people loved each other, they shouldn’t just show it that day. Of course, his friends were exceptions to this. He was especially glad that they were all happy now. "Bowers must be having fun." He closed his closet with a sigh, tucked the letter in his bag, and left school with Stan, his best friend.

They met Bill and Richie outside, who had been acting suspiciously all day. "What about you, Rich? I haven't heard a single joke today about my mum. " Eddie laughed as Richie adjusted his glasses in confusion. " As a matter of fact, dear Eddie Spaghetti, I've been considering asking out your mother all day; I don't have time for jokes. " He shook his head. "Where's B-b-bev?" Bill asked, as he got on his bike. "They left with Ben first. I suppose they are in the bunker, so I wouldn’t go there. " Stan said his face flushed slightly as he looked at Bill.

“Guys I got a love letter tho. I guess it’s from Bowers, so let’s read it.” Eddie said cheerfully and opened his bag to search for the letter. Bill and Stan stood beside him, trying to look for the letter too. “I don’t think we should.” they heard from Richies direction. “How long have you been concerned about what we shouldn’t do?” Stan asked while laughing. “What if it’s serious? Would you make fun of the only bitch that Eddie gets? What if it’s just ‘Suck my balls’ with terrible grammar. It might trigger him so much that he calls the...” he was cut off by Eddie. “For fucks sake Richie I won’t read it just shut up.” he rolled his eyes and closed his bag. He is gonna read it when he is home.  “We s-s-should hang out at t-t-the lake... you know with the b-b-big ass cliff.” Bill suggested.  “I can’t. I gotta go home before my mom notices that I’m late. She really learned my schedule to know when I should arrive.” Eddie sighed as he got on his bike.  “Bye Eddie.” They said in unison, and waved. Eddie looked back over his shoulder and smiled. He was so glad that he had friends, he would never admit it but he loved them so much. 

He took his secret route to avoid Bowers and his shitty friends, he biked past the Neibolt street house. This house always gave him the chills, It was perfect for a horror movie shooting. When he got home, he greeted his mom and quickly ran upstairs to his room. He breathed heavily so he used his inhalator. When he normalized his breathing, he opened his bag and tried to find the letter again. He pulled out the pink letter and opened it. It obviously had a feminine scent on it, but from the handwriting he knew that it was from a boy. Fucking Bowers... He started reading it, highly concentrating. It wasn’t long, but it sure made Eddie blush harder than ever.

“I was already holding my breath when we first met, so I thought I'd ask for your inhaler. Since then, I've gotten to know you, and seeing your smile brightens my day. It's even worth going into this shitty place because of you. I've only fallen more in love with you over the years. Your soft hair, beautiful eyes, and rosey cheeks drive me insane. I adore everything about you, including your slight paranoia and the interesting facts you always share with us. I want to hold your hand, hug you tightly, and, most importantly, kiss you. I didn't want you to hate me after I confessed, so I'm writing you this letter to express my feelings for you. I wish I could say this to you; I love you

Your secret admirer”

Eddie was sure that one of his friends wrote this, since they were the only ones talking to him. But who could it be? Stan likes Bill, Bev and Ben are in a relationship, so this leads to three options: Mike, Bill, and trashmouth. 

"Nah, Bill likes Bev." He sat back on his bed and stared at the ceiling. So it's just Mike and Rich. I can't imagine Richie talking like that. I mean, yeah, I do like him, but he always makes fun of me and he is kind of homophobic too... But Mike is straight too, I’m sure of that. Then maybe it’s not my friend... I have to find this out.

It was his first love letter, and even though he didn’t know who wrote it, he put it under his pillow and fell asleep smiling.

[pokeexehasstoppedworking]

Love Doesn’t Do Encores Ch10 Battle Gym Leader Nessa

(Will have a reference to Pokemon Twilight Wings Series.)

You slept well that night. The hotel wasn't too far from the Hulbury stadium so it wasn't a very long walk from where you four left the light house and stationed yourselves for the night. Not before dishing out the rations between the four of you. You were a lot lower on food than you thought and surprised you hadn't noticed earlier. A month's walk drained almost all of the food you had aside from a few packets of dried fruits. Thank goodness for restocking. The next morning wasn't anything too different. Gloria and Hop of course wanted to stop by the stadium and get one of them that spot to battle Nessa before another trainer took it. Huh. You wonder how the battle between her and Bede went the other day? Victor mentioned wanting to go back towards the Hulbury Aquarium and offered for you to come with them but you had other plans for the day.

"Hey, Y/n. Since Glory and Hop's going to be busy all day considering would you like to come with me to the aquarium?, Victor offered after the two of you had dug through your rations for breakfast. Your Sobble tiredly yawning on your shoulder rubbing at his eyes.

You shook your head. "No thanks. I actually wanted to check out that market down by the docks. I heard they sell all kinds of trinkets and stuff and it's been a while since I was able to go somewhere by myself and have some me time."

He nodded in understanding before smiling. "Alright then. You guys know where I'll be if you change your minds."

The two of you parted ways outside the hotel before you headed back up the road towards the docks. Already in the morning the place was all a buzz with ship horns blaring off in the distance and a few people walking around. It was a nice day with the salty smell of the ocean, the gently breeze, not being too hot but nice and warm, etc. It was a very nice day that filled your tired body with a happy feeling as you inhaled deeply. The small market place was past the restaurant and just across the docks past the convenience store you had visited the other day for supplies. It wasn't really big. There was only about five stalls set up alongside a concrete wall with one or two picnic tables a little bit a ways from them. A few people were already there looking at the stalls or sitting at the tables to eat or just to sit. Walking over you strolled up to the first stall that sold a few random things like flowers, dishes, and a couple clothes hanging up. The man handling it was talking up some of the flower pots but you weren't too interested in those so shortly after moved on. The other four were a fruit stand, someone selling records, another one selling random objects, but the last one had you notice something. Sweet smells of perfumes and spices wafted from it the closer you gotten to it. And it didn't take too long for you to find out why. A young lady was there surrounded by a bunch of incense. She smiled as you stopped to admire all the sweet smells and gave a greeting.

"Get a whiff of that fragrance! Doesn't it smell sweet?," she asked holding out some sweet smelling sticks that smelt of lilacs, "How about some incense for you, Girl? Good for meditation, yoga, relaxing, or just making a room smell nice. And it all natural so it's safe for pokemon too and helps them destress....As long as they don't eat it. Non edible."

"Destress huh?,'' you pondered looking at your sobble who seemed more interested in staring at the food stand with hungry eyes despite just eating breakfast a while ago. Considering how spooked this lil guy could be, it might be a good idea. "....What scents to you have exactly?"

You ended up using the twenty dollar bill you had saved forever now to buy some of the sea and rose scented incense and then later one or two apples at the fruit stand since your sobble kept jumping on your shoulder and chirping in it's directed until you finally did so. All of it costing almost half your money leaving you from twenty dollars to twelve dollars and some change. You found yourself wondering over until you sat down at one of the picnic tables so your sobble could sit and eat and give your poor shoulders a break from carrying it all the time. Granted Sobble wasn't really that heavy, about half the weight of a small cat, but it was nice to be able to stretch your shoulders and neck out without worrying about accidentally knocking him off. Lazily you watched it make happy noises as it greedily ate as if you didn't already give it a big breakfast about an hour ago. It was still pretty early in the morning so it you really hadn't anything to do other than just sit here and watch your sobble. But it was refreshing. With a sigh you closed your eyes and slowly put your head down on the table. The only problem with having a bunch of free time is that your brain slowly fills itself with thoughts you might not want. Like now. You had been gone for what must've been a little over a month now. How worried was your mom? She must've been worrying herself sick if you were gone for this long without any notice or clues or anything. And(tho you were HIGHLY doubtful now-) if this all IS some kind of dream universe it was certainly the longest one you ever experienced. Not only that, but you were SURELY not going to be able to start college just like you wanted. You'd have to wait another year just to start it and that's only if considering you'd be able to go home after this whole journey has finished. It was the only way you could think of that you could go back, once this is over. If it'll ever be-

"I can NOT believe this!," an angry woman's voice piped up. Startled you jumped up and blinked light rushing back into your vision.

"Calm down, Ness. Don't make a big scene in public." ....That voice sounded familiar.

"I AM calm. I'm just restocking my incense before I head back!" Now that you think about it, that angry voice sounded familiar too.

Blinking you turned around to look behind you, and your eyes widened at what you saw. Two ladies were at the incense stand with their backs towards you, one with bright orange hair and a coat you recognized and the other wore a black cap and shirt.

"First he said I should stop modeling and now he's breathing down my neck because I just happened to lose to his endorsed challenger!,'' Cap Lady growled out as she waved her hand. "I mean yeah, usually I'm busy so I cut back to one challenger a day! That doesn't mean I lost my touch as a gym leader!" She paused as the lady manning the stall held out a small paper bag of incense to her similar to the one you had. "Oh..Thank you. It just drives me up a wall just thinking about it!"

"Then don't think about it," Orange hair replied patting her friend on the back, "It'll only stress you out before your other gym match today."

Cap Lady sighed. "You're right, Sonia...As usual. It just ticks me off knowing he's in town just to see you too no less and buddy up with the crowd!! It makes me angry!"

"Sonia?"

The orange haired woman turned to you immediately as you stared back, her friend turning too and that's when you recognized the other woman too. She smiled. "Hey, Y/n! Fancy meeting you here! Haven't seen you in a while." She fully turned to you now and walked over her friend following.

You casually waved where you sat and gave a tired smile. "Yeah. Honestly wasn't expecting to see you here either. What are you doing here?"

She gestured to none other than Nessa next to her. "I was chatting with an old friend before she needed to go. Since you're here I assume Gloria can only be here as well."

You nodded. "Yeah. I'm pretty sure she's at the stadium right now." Your gaze slowly shifted over to nessa as you spoke and you waved again. "Hello again. Nice weather you guys have here."

Nessa smiled. "Yeah. It's usually warm and sunny here all year round being the coast and all. You should visit the beach if you ever get the chance."

You shrugged. "I might. I mean I guess my sobble could use the chance to swim."

"Well, that all depends. Is your sobble a freshwater or saltwater sobble?"

"There's a difference?"

"Hey wait a minute!" Both of you turned to Sonia who was looking between the two of you with a confused look on her face. "You two know each other?"

"Sort of. She helped me out with some stuff yesterday, I didn't even know she was the gym leader until someone told me," you explained with a shrug, "I just appreciate anyone who helps carry groceries."

"Oh. I see. What are you doing here if Gloria is I assume at the stadium?," she asked.

You gestured to your sobble as it spat out an apple seed. "Someone wanted more food. I'm telling you he's worse than a kid hyped up on sugar once he sees the stuff." Both of you jumped at a ....snort? Blinking you looked at Nessa and noticed her holding her mouth and chuckling.

"I-I'm so sorry," she giggled out, "That's just the funniest thing that I've heard all day while stressing out. U-U-Usually people don't say that about s-s-sobble care."

You blinked. "Oh yeah?"

Sonia nodded as Nessa's giggles slowly fizzled out. "Usually sobbles are....how do you say it?...Massive cry babies that'll cry at the tiniest things like a baby would. It happened ALL the time with my Granny gave a trainer their first pokemon." She groaned closing her eyes as if the memory gave her instant annoyance and headaches. "They don't get an extra snack? BOOM! Crying! They trip the littlest, I mean tiniest bit. Crying! You're too busy to pet them? Crying! Forget playtime? CRYING! And don't get me started on the amount of times I had to buy Sobble Eye Drops for all the stinging and headaches. It's like walking on eggshells until they evolve into a drizzile! It's why a bunch of trainers rather chose scorbunny or grookey than a sobble." She pointed towards yours who had finished eating and began crawling it's way over to you. "In fact, the sobble Granny gave Leon for the trainers he endorsed was the pokemon who stayed in our care the longest. She must've had it for at least since it hatched and was given to her. It was such a little wimp clinging to her all the time...I never really had mush patience for them."

You jolted when something tugged on your arm, calming yourself once you noticed it was just your pokemon. "...Really?"

With a frown Nessa sighed. "She's right. Sobbles are much better suited for older more patient people. They aren't exactly really popular pokemon among starting trainers who are eager to start their journey. Most end up for adoption to pokemon centers or abandoned to the wild because the person decides it's not worth it to have their eyes burning after every battle or basically raise what could essentially be a child in their eyes." Her eyes suddenly narrowed. "I remember once Raihan came all the way to Hulbury just to give me a sobble someone carelessly discarded at his gym after they lost. The poor thing was so confused and scared. It was a miracle I found someone who loved it. Much more than the thoughtless trainer who never gave it a second thought. Pokemon aren't just toys you can give away or leave lying around after you decided you outgrew them."

"THAT'S AWFUL!!,'' you shouted feeling an anger grow in you as one hand instinctly came up to grab your sobble who chirped in confusion at your actions, both women giving you looks of surprise at your shout. How could anyone DO such a horrible thing!? That's like the equivilant of someone getting a brand new puppy and then not wanting to deal with the work and attention that goes into it and then straight up abandoning it to the streets in your world!! "How could anyone do such a thing?! That's like...So not ok!"

"Well....That is very true. Its not ok. But it seems to be you and your sobble have a very special connection," Nessa said gesturing towards your sobble making Sonia take a double take at you as well.

"Huh. Now that you mention it he does looked rather relaxed. He usually never looked so comfortable before Granny gave him to Leon."

"Really?,'' you asked, "He seemed pretty ok so far. Cried like...only one time but that might be cuz he was pushed over by these rockstar wannabes."

To that the ladies seemed lightly surprised. "Really now? Well then you must have lots of patience then. Sobbles usually tend to work better with people who have lots of patience or a motherly personality."

"And considering you mentioned never having a pokemon before I'm kinda impressed too. You must be a natural babysitter!," Sonia joked. You huffed and rolled your eyes at her joke. Yeah. You sure felt like one sometimes during your journey so far.

"Oh, Scales!" You blinked backed towards Nessa as she now held up her phone to her face with a frown before looking back towards you and Sonia. "Hey. Sorry but I have to bounce. I have to stop by home then head to the gym really quick if I'm going to make it to that match on time." Turning with a smile she waved. "I'll see you later Sonia. It was nice seeing you again too, Miss. good luck with that sobble of yours."

As she walked away, the both of you waved as you watched her go before Sonia turned back to you. "Hey. If you're not really busy, would you like to come to the docks with me?" She held up a small clear plastic bag with, what looked like to you at least, dog kibble with a smile. "There's always a small school of chinchou everyone likes to feed there. I always like to visit whenever I come to Hulbury."

You paused considering her words for a moment. It would be nice to have more time with another person around your age before you had to go back for a bit and they wouldn't be expecting you for a while. So it should be fine. With a shrug you stood up. "Sure! I don't think I've ever seen a chinchou anyways."

Smiling she gestured for you to follow. "C'mon. We're pretty close anyways. I think you'd really like them."

She was right. The small market area was right across from the docks anyways, so it took less than five minutes to reach the docks. You followed her onto the pathways on the water and looked over the edge. The crystal blue water acting like a mirror letting you see your reflection and your sobble's as it blinked big innocent eyes at the water. You nearly bumped into her when she stopped and already had the bag open with her hand inside rummaging around until she pulled out a small handful of the kibble. With a toss they all went into the clear water sending small ripples as they floated and bobbed on the mirror water. That was until almost instantly bubbles appeared from under them and in a flurry of lightbulb antennas and blue skin tons of tiny little creatures swam to the surface and the floating kibble was devoured by the pokemon. You blinked as you watched them swim around. There must've been around ten of them all swimming about here. You blinked as the bag was suddenly held out to you with a smile from Sonia.

"Do you wanna feed them a little? This pokemon food is specifically made for water type pokemons' tastes," she offered.

"Yeah! Thanks!" You happily took some from her and a small blue hand tried to reach out for it too as you pulled away and gave your sobble a look. It stared at you for a moment before chirping and grabbing your nose. "*sigh* Fine." With a sigh and roll of your eyes, you silently held one piece of the kibble up to him and watched as he grabbed it from you and popped it into his mouth. Before tossing more kibble at the peeping lanturn fish like pokemon still swimming around. As before they began devouring it. "They sure are hungry huh?"

"Always are," Sonia replied tossing some more kibble to them. "It's a really popular thing to do around here if you aren't visiting the stadium or Aquarium or eating at the famous cafe up the road. Since there's a battle later today with Nessa I suspect that's why it's so vacant."

You smiled. "Yeah. I just hope everything goes well for them later today. Hop and her seemed pretty excited to go battling Nessa."

Sonia nodded. "I can't blame them. When Leon and I were they're age we were excited over battling the gym leaders too." She smiled at some distant long memory. "In fact, it seemed like it was just yesterday I was right here feeding some Chinchou and then Leon came out of no where and fell in the water! S-Said he d-d-didn't even know how he got there looking for the stadium." She giggled and you couldn't help but smile back.

"Oh. Is that anything like the time I heard he somehow ended up on top of a barn?" Sonia snorted. "Or the time he went out to catch a train and somehow ended up back in front of his house?"

"That happened?"

You nodded. "Oh yeah. He ended up waiting for me to thank me for the two's Slumbering Weild field trip after it happened. I have no idea how."

She chuckled. "Neither do I. Lee's always had a bad sense of direction just like his Da-" She froze. The once smile and cheery attitude replaced by a look of mild panic before she coughed and tossed some more kibble towards the chinchou. "Hey. Look at how cute they are today. They look like such healthy wild chinchou. Don't you think?"

It was her attempting to deflect away from what she already said. You knew that and personally you wouldn't really bother looking into it as 1. It was really none of your business and you hated budding into someone else's business and 2. you didn't feel up to making Sonia more uncomfortable than she already looked...But you couldn't help yourself since this was the second time this has happened. ...That's right. She did a similar thing at the Opening Ceremony when she asked you not to mention what she said to anyone. By now you had completely forgotten about that moment with everything that's been going on and at the time just brushed it off having more important things to worry about. But now....You looked at her and by the look in her eyes she knew what you were about to ask.

"That's right. I spent a few days between their houses and I saw their families. And I met their mothers. And Hop's grandparents." You fully turned to her with a raised brow. "And Hop's older brother. And Gloria's brother. But not have I ever once seen any of their dads nor had they even mentioned them. So that's begging the question of where's the missing link then isn't it?"

There was a pregnant silence between the two of you as you stared at her expectantly and Sonia stared back down at the water, seemingly trying to process the situation she found herself in. The only sounds was the boat horns from the docks, and the splashing around and noises of the chinchou as they still begged for more of the kibble Sonia held. And after more silence your expression softened and a guilty feeling bubbled up. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to ask. Even if you were traveling with them it was none of your business really. So you went to apologize.

With a sigh, Sonia finally seemed to find her words and turned to you with a sad but serious look. "I...understand if you're concerned or curious. I'd be too all things considering. But I really CANT tell you anything since it's not my place to say....By now you obviously noticed they just..aren't there and let's leave it as that."

You nodded. "Hey. I'm..I-I'm sorry. I know it's none of my business. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

She shook her head. "No. To be honest you wouldn't be the first one to ask that question to Leon or anyone else and you probably won't be the last. But if you could do us both a solid and not tell anyone about this it'd be great."

"Believe me, I was about to ask you the same thing." You smiled. "Trust me. I won't tell us a soul."

"Thank you, Y/n. I'm glad you understand."

"Hey. Of course!"

So.....No fathers in the picture huh? A strange feeling settled into your guts that was something akin to feeling extremely guilty. And a....strange feeling of familiarity of it all for your own reasons...Then the reality hit you. In a memory of what happened back at the inn back in Motostoke. In the very slip up Sonia had made before that you had passed off until now-

"And thanks for taggin' along with the kids this far. I know we're practically strangers but there's just....I don't know....really good aura about you. I'm sure Lee appreciates it too. He's always so worried about Hop. He practically raised him after all-" All of a sudden it was like a switch flipped off in her mind and her happy smile went to a sudden shocked face. "Oh no. I didn't mean to mention that. Please forget I even said that."

You had pretty much pieced it together right after remembering that. For some reason, in one way or another, Hop and the twins had no fathers and Leon as Sonia said must've practically filled the role in which a father figure would fill. This would sum up a lot of the things you've bared witness too. Hop and Gloria's infatuation with Leon(especially on Hop's end), they're desire to climb their way up the ranks and make him proud-..Heck. Leon's behavior know that you think about it could've been summed up as brotherly...or fatherly. Sponsoring two (although it was VERY clear he was full on ready to just endorse Victor as well no questions asked if he hadn't made the choice of not competing in the Gym Challenge) kids for the challenge which as you came to know wasn't typical of a Galar Champion, buying you and them all those supplies and stuff, and with what Sonia said just set that fact in concrete. And....While that did make you feel guilty and sad for them...At the end of the day it really was none of your business. Any moment or day now you could wake up back home and none of this would have mattered, and you shouldn't really butt in between their business. Especially since you weren't planning on staying in the long run. Plus...you were trying NOT to uproot the game's progress as much as possible or no more than you might've already had done if at all with your actions. You might've not remembered how the game went entirely but you knew you were on the right track. For now at least. You continued to make small talk with Sonia about how her research was going and your trip over before deciding it was best to part ways there and bid her farewell before heading back towards the stadium. Nessa mentioned leaving to make sure she arrived on time. You wondered if Gloria was battling her right now?...Well you soon found out the answer to that question.

when you were just making your way up to the resturaunt your stomach grumbled. Making you wince a bit. Huh. Guess you were out for longer than you thought if you got hungry. Glancing up to the cafe you wondered how much a simple meal would cost? It was supposed to be famous for their food after all. With a shrug you decided on entering and seeing if they had anything your measly twelve dollars could buy. Fancy was the first word that came to mind when you entered through the double doors and a bell rung off. A woman at a front desk was the first thing to greet you along with some kind of pokemon you didn't recognize. It seemed the theme of the whole place was blue and white, giant tables lined the area with table setting and napkins fancily folded into boat like shapes, a MASSIVE window looking over the stadium, and a bar like area near the far right walls with another pair of double doors you assumed lead to the kitchen. The only other people there besides you and the lady was a man behind the bar counter who was talking on the phone with someone.

The woman smiled at you. "Greetings and welcome to the Hulbury Seafood Restaurant!" She greeted with a bow. "Do you happen to have a reservation or would like to make one?"

"Uh-..." You shook your head. Oh man. Was this one of those places where you HAD to make a reservation in order to eat? "Not exactly. I just heard your food was pretty good."

The woman still smiled. "Oh. Well then I'd be more than happy to seat you by the-"

"AHH!" Both of you jumped when a thud rang out which turned out to be the man in the chef hat slamming down the phone he was previously talking to.

"Chef, what on earth is the matter?," the woman asked.

The chef pointed to the phone scowl on his face. "My delivery boy just called. Apparently he's caught a cold and can't make it today! Out of all the days I need him most." The old man grabbed at his grey hair. "I have all these orders and no one to take them. The Chairman could show up any minute for his reservation but instead he's going to be present with angry customers calling for their orders and our reputation as Hulbury's greatest restaurant will be tarnished!!"

"Well...I could run out and deliver a few," the woman suggested.

"And leave your post!? OH no no no! That'd look even more bad if no one was here to greet them in while I cook!" He slumped forward. "This is an utter disaster! What am I to do?"

You looked between the two of them before slowly holding up your hand. "Um...If you'd like, I'd like to help."

Immediately the chef snapped his head up and blinked at you. Before a suspicious look came over his face as he looked you over. "You, Young Lady? You would please help us deliver some food?"

You nodded. "I mean..Yeah. It looks like you guys are pretty.." You gave a glance at the empty place. "-busy at the moment and I'd like to help."

After looking you up and down a few more moments the chef sighed before shrugging. "Why not? I have nothing else to lose in this moment anyhow." He reached under a counter and beckoned you to come over to which you complied before placing a small take out box onto the counter. "Thank you. I truly appreciate it. Tell you what. If you manage to deliver all the take out orders then I'll prepare you my famous 'Lucky Egg' dish as thanks. How does that sound?"

You mouth watered just thinking about free food. This just might be your lucky day after all. You nodded with a smile and took the box from him. "Sure! Sounds fair enough. Where do I deliver this one?"

He paused for a moment...before he rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh uh. Well as for where to deliver the food.....Sorry. We've been so stressed out for the Chairman's visit I forgot to ask for an address." You stared at him. .....WHAT!? "B-But I heard a clickity clack sound from the phone when I took the first order. Maybe that's a clue as to where to go?"

..........You sighed. "Yeah..Don't worry about it. I'll figure it out somehow."

"That's the spirit! Come back as soon as you're done delivering that one! And hurry please. Oh! And here. Take this notepad with you. They'll have to sign off on it so I can send the bill."

You had no idea what you had gotten yourself into this time. With a groan you exited the restaurant and spotted a peculiar sight to behold. There was Gloria standing just outside the restaurant as you approuched with her back to you and you soon saw what she was staring at. A little ways from her standing in the middle of the road was HIM. Mareep Head-..Er. I mean Bede who looked bored and in front of him was....It was her. The same woman from your dream and the Opening Ceremony as well. And in front of her was...No. It COULDN'T be!! In front of them was a group of about six to eight people, but with that group was none other than the CHAIRMAN himself!!...Tho he looked a little different than the other times you've seen him. You didn't expect to see Nessa outside of her gym leader suit, but you hadn't been caught too much off guard. The chairman however was a different story. Instead of that professional slim fitting suit he wore a baseball cap, slip on white shoes, sunglasses, .....a sweater that showed how chubby he was actually under his suit, and blue shorts with white polka dots to top it all off. You could only star at the man...Was this-....This COULDN'T have been the same professional high standing man that ran the whole Galar Region! He looked like someone's Dad on a lazy day. ...You chuckled which startled Gloria into giving a yelp and whipping around to see you and the box you held.

"Holy Magikarp, Y/n! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Sorry....Hey. What are you doing all the way over here? I thought you were having a battle today."

She sighed. "We got hungry just waiting for Nessa so Hop suggested I go grab us something while he holds our place. What are you doing?" She noticed the box you held and pointed at it. "And what's that?"

"Long story short is that I agreed to be the fill in delivery boy for a bit." You nodded past her towards the group. "Hey uh...Gloria, is that who I think it is?"

She turned around and with a huff she crossed her arms and frowned. "Yeah. The Cottonee so full of himself he needs a garden hose to wash the ego from his brain!"

".....Uh..Actually I was talking about the chairman over there, but I guess Bede's here too yes."

"Oh...Well yeah. It's weird just walking around the corner and seeing him right that. Like..what the bloody heck are those shorts?"

"Y'know I was thinking the same thing." You two continued to watch in bewilderment as the chairman smiled and spoke with the small group of people, before the woman suddenly stepped in front of him as he was about to shake another person's hand.

She held up a hand. "Our sincerest apologies," she spoke with a calm and professional tone, "The chairman is quite busy at the moment. Everyone please disperse. Please leave now."

The crowd murmered but eventually slowly parted ways, one woman saying. "Ok. See you later, Chairman."

"Oh h-hey! No need to rush off! I can still do autographs!," the chairman called after them raising a hand, "I'll even give you my pokemon league card!" To your surprise no one really paid attention and kept walking besides you and Gloria...And you rose a brow. With a sigh he turned back to the woman. "we need the support of our fans to keep doing what we're doing. Chasing them off like that. Aren't you being a little too harsh, Oleana?"

"Fans are very important of course," the woman, who must've been Oleana explained, "That's why you need to keep doing your work for their sake."

"I promise to do everything in my power to assist you too, Chairman!," Bede butted in proud of himself. Huh. Maybe Gloria had a point.

The chairman gave him a look for a moment before raising a brow. "Oh. And you were?"

Maybe it was just your imagination most likely, but you could've sworn you saw Bede frown for a moment before he answered, "Bede, Sir."

"AH! That's right! Bede! I daresay I'm impressed how fair you've come since I gave you that pokemon all those years ago. Will you be the one to win the Gym Challenge? Or perhaps it will be one of the Trainers endorsed by the Champion."

"I will prove your faith in me was well placed, Chairman," Bede assured, "I won't lose to anyone. Anyway speaking of which, I'll be on my way now." He turned and began walking away, but completely froze upon seeing you and Gloria..Well more Gloria than you as the two of them made eye contact...And he suddenly pointed. "YOU!?"

"Hey Mareep Head. How's your Hatenna?"

"WHY YOU-....YOU- ..LITTLE-"

"AH! You!" Bede practically jumped out of his skin as the chairman was quick to push past him and walk up to Gloria with a smile, Oleana right behind him. Gloria practically just stood and stared as he approuched and you rose an eye brow. "Your name was...." He thought for a moment before pointing to her. "Gloria right? We were just talking about you!" Your brow rose more. That was a complete and utter lie. They were standing right there entire time in front of you but you shrugged it off as an awkward ice breaker.

.....Gloria exchanged a look with you before pointing at herself. "....Me?"

he nodded. "Yes! I admit I'm curious about Leon's reasons for endorsing you. Ah! I just had a good idea, as I tend to do!" Brag much? "You're going to face Gym Leader Nessa soon, yes?"

"Um...Y-Yeah. I was on my way back to the stadium actually-"

"Well if you get a gym badge from her I'll hold a celebration! I'd like to get to know you a little better after all." He smiled and you felt ....odd about it all.

"Um..Y-Yeah..I guess so??"

"Chairman, we should really be going if you want to keep that dinner reservation," Oleana stated.

The chairman nodded to her before turning back to Gloria. "Alright. Please do your best, for the sake of Galar's future."

"I Uh...Y-YES SIR!!" Gloria gave her best smile under the situation.

With a smile and nod he turned and walked past her and you not sparing you a glance and you followed him with your gaze brow raised...You weren't sure, but you had a funny feeling about him and it wasn't a good funny. When you turned back around you nearly jumped the box in surprise. The woman-!! Oleana was standing right in front of Gloria so close her shadow was literally blocking the sunlight from her. The poor girl frozen under the woman's studying gaze.

"The Chairman will be heading to this town's seafood restaurant." She stated monotonely, "Win the gym badge and join him there at once. Do not keep him waiting. Am I clear, Young Lady?" Gloria didn't say anything..and you looked at her. Eyes shooting to the size of plates. She was more frozen than a glacier. ...All that came out of her was a small squeak noise making the woman's eyes narrow. "Perhaps I wasn't clear. Do not keep the chairman waiting. Head to the seafood restaurant. The Captain's Table. Do you need me to repeat myself once more, Child? Or do you understand-"

"Too skinny."

Gloria jumped having probably completely forgotten you were there for a moment as she snapped to you and Oleana followed her piercing gaze to meet your glare. ....She slowly blinked. "I beg your pardon, Miss?"

"I said you're too skinny for that," you explained as they both stared at her.

Her brow flicked up as she studied you. "And I happen to be too thin for what purpose, Ma'am?"

"Well you're certainly not fat enough to be throwing your weight around not to notice you're being a jerk," you explained raising a brow back, "Obviously she heard you with how close you are. Maybe she'd answer if you weren't so close making her feel uncomfortable like that."

They both stared at you stunned. Gloria jaw dropped and Oleana had the same face but her eyes much more widened as she stared at you. It was so quiet you could've heard a pin drop as you joined this little three way stare down. HECK. It felt like an entire hour just staring at her before her face slowly contorted back to her original bored/professional looking one and she took a step back, spooking Gloria in process as the poor girl blinked.

"Do you happen to know who I am, Miss?," she asked like you should already know this.

"Somebody who's heels makes them so tall their head's in the clouds obviously."

This time her brows furrowed, her mouth frowned, and you noticed the way her hands gripped each other. As if she was physically holding back her anger. But before she could reply a chuckle seemed to interrupt you. Blinking you turned around only to find that the Chairman guy was looking right at you. Raising a brow and humming. You rose a brow and frowned right back.

....He waved a hand off. "Oleana, you're right. We'll be late for that reservation. Give the young trainer my League card and let's be on our way."

It's amazing how fast her aura and face changed at a moment's dime. "Of course. So you will not forget the Chairman's face, I will give you one of his League Cards." She suddenly held something out to Gloria who blinked but after a moment took it. "Chairman Rose is the kind of man who gets downhearted if he doesn't take care of things he needs to right away. Go to the seafood restaurant as soon as possible so as to not keep the chairman waiting." She glanced back to you and your eyes narrowed more. "...Good luck in your battle." With that she stepped around Gloria who followed her as she went and so did you with your frown. And after the Chairman gave another look to you, also turned and walked away.

....You sighed and turned back to Gloria, only to blink when she was staring right back at you. "....Uh...H-Hey. Are you ok there? You looked spooked." Shaking. Your eyes widened noticing her hands shaking. "WHOA! Hey! Are you ok!? She didn't scare you too bad did she?"

"Y-Y-Y/n..," She stuttered. Her hands slowly clenched into fists. "T-T-That..was..." Her face snapped up to you in a smile. "AWESOME!! SERIOUSLY!! Like! Yeah she gave off major scare vibes I swear she's worse than a gengar in the darkest room! My heart was pounding so fast! Then you were all well slayin' 'ere like a beast!!...Omg." She looked down for a moment realization settling in. "....My traveling partner talked BACK to the Chairman's right hand!! What's he going to think when I show up!? I mean it was amazing to watch don't get me wrong. But STILL!!''

"Hey, hey, hey!!" You caught her attention by grabbing her shoulder making her blink at your face. "Hey. Look at me." Once you knew you had her full attention you smiled. "That woman was making you feel scared, and that's not ok. So I did what I had to do. If anything I'll get in trouble. Besides, Im a girl standing on the sidewalk holding a delivery box. They'd probably think I was just a stranger going to delivery a pizza or something. Right now you should just worry about your gym battle."

It was like a record scratch went off in her mind as she suddenly paused, face going blank for a moment before her hands suddenly snatched the top of her head. "AH!! MY GYM BATTLE!! I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THAT!! BUT THE CHAIRMAN SAID IF I WIN TO SEE HIM!! IF!! IF!! WHAT IF I DON'T WIN!? OMG!! CAN I STILL MEET WITH HIM IF I DON'T-"

You shook her with the hand still on her shoulder. "Gloria! Get a grip on yourself! Of course you're going to win!'' You smiled. "If you could beat Milo you can beat Nessa too! And if you lose it's fine. I'm sure he'll understand, you can't let all of that overthinking stop you ok? Be more confident in yourself, and if you lose..." You shrugged. "Then it's ok. You can always try again tomorrow or any other day. You are going to be ok....Ok?"

She stared at you for a long moment before taking a deep breath and sighing. A determined look now plastered on her face. "You're right! I'm just overthinking this! I just need to remain calm and everything's going to be fine!"

You smiled. "That's the spirit...Hey. Isn't it gonna start like..right now?"

"GAH! Y-You're right! I gotta go!" With a wave she quickly turned on her heel and ran off towards the stadium. "Thanks, Y/n! You're the best!"

You sighed before shaking your head watching her go. Well...glad that went well at least, she was a brave girl so she should be ok..But then why did you still feel eyes on you? As you turned your f/c eyes met purple ones and Bede jumped having noticed you spotted him. With a jerk of his head the other way, he quickly sped walked away from you in the opposite direction leaving you lightly confused. But you shrugged it off. Right now you had bigger fish to fry like getting this fish you were currently holding to the person who ordered it. Who ever it was. That was the thing you had to figure out as you stood there in the middle of the sidewalk staring at the box in your hands like someone staring off into space. Good gosh the guy couldn't think to ask for an address? What were you supposed to do with a click clack sound? That could mean anything....Well what kind of click clack sounds were loud enough to be heard over a phone. ....Your head turned towards the train station back towards the stadium. Didn't trains usually make a noise like that? A train would certainly be loud enough to hear over a phone. With a shrug you started off down towards the train station and right up to the first house right by it since there was two. Knocked and waited patiently as footsteps approuched.

The first one was answered by a middle aged looking man and you smiled. "Hey! Uh...Did you order seafood?"

"No. I don't like fish."

"Oh..Sorry about tha-" You flinched as the door was slammed back shut in front of your face..before you frowned. "Well he was pretty rude wasn't he?" Your sobble chirped in agreement. "Couldn't have said it better myself," you mumbled as you turned away from the door and away from the first house to go to the second. The Stadium not too far away roaring alive now with cheers. Must be Hop or Gloria having a battle with Nessa. Shame you couldn't attend but you were a bit busy right now. Walking up to the second home, you knocked on the door and waited. After a moment footsteps approuched and a sweet elderly woman answered. You smiled. "Hey! Good afternoon! Did someone here order some seafood?"

To your delight, she smiled. "Oh, are you the one delivering my food?" She happily reached out and took the box from you. "Thank you for your trouble! This restaurant's dishes are full of seafood and it's so delicious if I say so myself. They are pretty well known after all."

"Your welcome! ..Oh wait!" You reached into your pocket to quickly pull out your notebook. "I need you to-''

"Oh of course! Your tip. "

"Actually I-" You blinked when a small bag of what looked like small jaw breakers was placed into your hand tied off by a cute little red ribbon.

"I've already paid the restaurant over the phone, so I'll give you candy as a tip. There's nothing like sweets to go along with a beautiful day. You have a nice day now."

You blinked looking at the small bag. "Hey wait! I need you-" The door closed leaving you staring at it. "..to sign this. *sigh*" You held up the overly cute bag and your sobble gave it a curious look over. "Well, it's not money but it's better than nothing I guess. Wouldn't you say?"

Your trip back to the restaurant wasn't anything unusual, still faintly hearing the cheers from the gym on your way there. The only thing that was a little strange was a small group of three or four people standing outside the place trying to peep into the windows. Your brow rose but you shrugged it off and just stepped inside seeing the same woman as before.

"Sorry. We're closed at the mome-..OH! It's you young lady,'' she greeted.

"Back again?!" You looked over towards the chef and he smiled seeing you. "Excellent! I wanted to ask you to deliver some food again. Is that ok? I suspect that the package was delivered?"

....You held up the bag of candy. "Yeah. Sorry I couldn't get her to sign it. But she tipped me in candy."

"Oh. That must've been Mrs. Wesley. Don't worry about her, she has a habit of doing that." Again he reached under the counter and brought up another box. "But right now I need you to deliver this next one as soon as possible!'' You walked over and he held it out to you before slightly nodding over towards the right. You glanced over and your eyes widened seeing the chairman and Oleana looking out of the window over the stadium, not seeming to notice you thankfully. "Since the Chairman's here we're doing our best to try and not upset the atmosphere. Since you're taking care of this for us it's really taking one less thing off our shoulders to worry about."

You sighed with a smile before taking the second box from him. The fresh smell of fish and chips wafting from it making your mouth water. "Hey. It's no problem. Where do I take this one?"

He paused. "Well....I uh...Haha. D-Didn't quite get the address for this one either?" You stared. "...B-but I don't know if this helps, but I think I heard a pokemon cry over the phone this time. Like....Swiirl...Or something like that."

"....I'll...figure it out I'm sure."

Figure it out indeed! How in the HECK were you just supposed to deliver a dang food order based off a pokemon's cry?? Whelp! There was only one way to solve this! ...Visit all the houses here until you came across the right one. So that's exactly what you did. You already delivered to the lady up by the train station and the guy next to her rudely stated he didn't so that was two houses you could cross off your list. So there you went starting from one end of the long, LONG street of houses one after another smiling and asking if they ordered a take out. Every. Single. One. Said. No. Or just didn't answer at all, and to be honest you were feeling justifiably annoyed at this point. What was the POINT of having someone deliver food if you didn't know where to send them!? It must've taken you at least fifthteen minutes of walking and asking until you FINALLY caught a break coming to the very last house on the block before the road split off between the train station and stadium. You knocked and waited patiently as footsteps approuched, and you smiled when a blonde man who looked to be in his early thirties opened the door.

"Hey. Sorry to bother you, but did you order some seafood takeout?"

"Oh, I can smell the ocean. You're from the restaurant aren't you?" You nodded and held the box up to him as he took it with a hum. "Ah! I'm starving! I've been drooling while waiting for the food! Than you for delivering the food!"

"Oh hey. Before you go." You held up the notepad. "Could you please sign for this?"

"Oh sure thing. Wait right here." He turned and walked back inside leaving you standing there able to see the inside of the home as the man handed off the food to two little girls who looked so much alike that they must've been twins. A pink pokemon looking like cotton candy swirling around them. "Stacy, Lacy. Food's here. And this time don't let Pinkie eat my share of it." You stood there awkwardly until he finally came back grabbing the note pad. "Sorry about that. You know how kids can be."

"Heh. Yeah. Sorry if it took so long. Had to go the long way around to get here."

"Well you get energy from food. If you need energy you should eat balanced meals." He handed you back the notepad with a smile. "Thanks again!''

With a sigh you turned on your heel and began trudging off back towards the restaurant. Your stomach rumbled again and by this point you were seriously wondering if this was even worth any free food for? If you had half a mind you would've just quite, returned the notepad, and then just go back to the hotel to just eat some of your rations or order the cheapest thing on the room service menu. But then again, you already promised to help and free food does sound better than spending your remanding money. Plus their food was supposed to be really good. So..You made the choice to go back to the very cafe you came from and waltzed back through the doors and up to the counter this time. The chef seemed very pleased to have you back as he had already placed the last box on the counter he explained. Only one more? Oh THANK goodness. You weren't sure how much of this mumbo jumbo you could handle. You took the last box from him not sparing a glance over your shoulder in the chairman's way.

"As for the address-"

"Let me guess. You forgot?"

"Actually. No. I remembered to ask." Your eyes widened. Was this finally gonna be easy? "Unfortunately I have no idea where it is.".....WHAT?! "The customer told me to look for a green roof, but I wonder if there is such a house in Hulbury. I've certainly never seen a house like this before but Im sure you're smart enough to figure it out like the other two!"

".......Right."

Of course it wasn't going to be that easy. It never was going to be easy for you was it? It seemed simple enough tho. Just look for a house with a green roof and that should be it right? Except..none of the houses you had asked previously had ordered anything and the ones that did couldn't have possibly ordered a second time in such short notice right after getting the first. Oh well. Green roof. That's all you had to go on......and the amount of time you had spent walking up and down these streets looking for any building with a green roof was exhausting. NONE of the homes here had green roofs and when you checked the few buildings around here that weren't homes (like the light house and pokemon center-) discovered surprise, surprise. No green roof either. Oh you hoped whoever ordered this didn't live outside Hulbury. Not having any luck where you currently were, you decided to go ahead and go back down to the docks where you first went that morning. You didn't remember seeing any buildings there but it wouldn't hurt to cover all bases before giving up. Your body ended up wondering back to the market place you were once in...And you were about ready to give up. There wasn't anything around here with a green-

"HEY! Young Lady with the sobble on your shoulder!," a male voice shouted. Blinking, you turned around to one of the stalls. the one with the green and white top. A man with brown hair waved at you. "You're delivering food?" You nodded. "Well hey! I'm the one who ordered it!" He was!?...You glanced towards the striped roof of his stall.....Oh. A green roof. Whelp! Might as well get this over with. he smiled wider as you approuched. "You got here earlier than I expected! It was easy to spot the green roof wasn't it?"

No. Not really. In fact it would've been a LOT easier if he just said he was in a stall in this marketplace but instead you forced a smile and handed him the box and notepad. "Please sign here."

He gladly signed it. "The tail curry of this restaurant has a unique flavor. I love it! Say hi to the manager for me!"

You quickly grabbed the notebook. "Have a nice day!" And then you quickly retreated. A groan leaving your tired body as you dragged yourself back the way you came for a second time that day. By the time you had gotten back close to the restaurant you were sore, tired, but most of all you were hungry! OH! The food had better be worth it or else you were going straight back to the hotel to-

"Y/N!!" Hey. You knew that voice! Sure enough Gloria was waving her arm at you with a smile as you proceeded to walk towards her. Despite wanting time to yourself today you were absolutely glad to see her. "What are you doing by the docks?"

"Finishing my role as a replacement delivery boy," you answered when you got close enough and pointed at her white uniform. "Why are you still wearing your gym challenge uniform?"

"Oh uh.." She sheepishly smiled with a chuckle. "It's a long story. On the bright side I managed to defeat Nessa! LOOK!" A flash of bronze went in your face and you blinked before leaning back. A badge with some kind of blue water pattern shown before you. No doubt the water gum badge. "Feast yer eyes! I thought I was a gonna when I lost the second round, but I managed to pull a turn around and win enough rounds to pass! Ain't it great?!"

You smiled. "Hey! That is great! I'm so happy for you! But where's Hop? I thought he was with you."

"He stayed behind to set up his own battle with Nessa tomorrow. Don't worry. He already knows where I am. Said he'll meet back up with us when we're done having dinner with the Chairman."

"...We?"

"Oh.." She slowly lowered her had back down to her side. "I just...thought you'd be coming too since you were there with me when he invited me.I-...I just thought since y'know...B-But that's fine! I won't force ya to come with me. Yer probably tired from running around all day anyways."

You paused. Yes, you were tired but you were heading back inside the restaurant anyways. And if Oleana was there...You smiled. "Hey! I'd love to come!"

Her eyes lit up. "REALLY!?"

"Yeah. I gotta go in to let 'em know I'm done delivering all these confusing orders anyways." You turned and nodded towards the doors. "C'mon. Let's go eat and see what he wants. Ok?"

With a smile of relief she nodded and the two of you went up towards the doors and went inside. The woman from before was there and upon seeing the both of you greeted you both with a smile. "Welcome to the Hulbury Seafood Resturaunt. Unfortunately we're not accepting any reservations or walk ins today but if you'd like to schedule one for a later or order take out you're more than welcome-....Oh! It's you again, Young Lady."

"Uh. Yeah." You held out the notepad. "Actually I was promised free food if I delivered everything and we were both invited to eat with the Chairman over there."

"Oh." She glanced to Gloria who looked nervous, seeming to realize she was a trainer. "Yes. I recall he said something about an extra guest trainer with his party today. Chairman Rose comes here incognito, but the word always gets out when he's here." She grabbed the notepad from you. "You both may go ahead to the Captain's Table in the back. I'll notify the chef you completed your tasks."

With a thanks you both took off towards the back where you saw the Chairman, Oleana, and..HEY! It was Sonia. Relief flooding in seeing another familiar face. This might be more tolerable then...Maybe you should take this time to apologize? You glanced to Gloria who still looked nervous. If this was someone very high up and important it wouldn't hurt to swallow your pride and just apologize, if nothing else but to keep the peace and show you're willing to be the bigger person. After all you don't want to cause trouble. The first to notice you two was the chairman himself as he turned his head from Sonia to you two and smiled.

"Ah! If it isn't the young trainer I met earlier today," he greeted with a smile and raised brow, "If you're here then I suppose it's safe to say you won against Nessa?"

You didn't miss her gulp before forcing a smile. "Uh..Y-Yeah. Piece of cake!"

He nodded. "I'm so glad! Gloria, come. Let's celebrate your recent victory! On me!" ...You felt eyes on you and you turned from the Chairman's face to Oleana's who was staring right at you. ...You frowned back at her- "And I believe I've seen you before as well, Young Lady." You blinked back to the Chairman's face as he was looking at you too now with a raised brow. ...AH CRAP!! "You were the lady back there who gave my assistant quite a 'roasting' as the young kinds call it nowadays."

...You blinked. Forcing up a smile. Here we go. "Uh. hehe. Yeah. Actually I wanted to apologize to you.." You gave Oleana a glance. "-and her for that. I just thought things were getting a bit scary back there."

To your surprise he chuckled it off with a wave. "Not at all. In all honestly Oleana can be quite intimidating to others. It's one of the reasons she's so good at her job. But there's no hard feelings. Right Oleana?"

The woman next to him inhaled before breathing it back out. "Of course, Sir. Apologies accepted and all's forgiven."

"Excellent! I don't suppose you know Sonia here? She's a wonderful person to have on the research team."

"Yeah. We do actually. Hi, Sonia."

"Oh. Were you invited too?," she asked surprised.

Before you could reply the chairman interrupted you. "You two know each other? That's great! Come now." He gestured to the table directly behind him. "Please be seated." And the three of you followed him and did so after you and Gloria exchanged a glance. She still looked nervous. The order of which you sat was Gloria sat across from the Chairman, Sonia next to Gloria, and you next to the Chairman. Naturally you would've preferred to sit next to either one of the other girls but you weren't about to let Gloria sit right next to a guy you had a funny feeling over. Strangely enough Oleana didn't seem like she was eating with you four and instead opted to stand silently next to the Chairman. How odd. You watched as he oh so casually picked the napkin off his own plate. Hmm...Guess he's been here more than once. "Now that we're all together. Gloria was it? Tell us how did your battle go?"

She shrugged. "Oh. Um. I-It was pretty good. Very thrilling. It was really nice to get ta meet Nessa. She's very nice." Sonia smiled at her.

"That's all very good. If you're as talented as Leon mentioned you then you should have no problem defeating the other gym leaders."

"Well I wouldn't say that. I-It was really hard to beat her. She's a tough gym leader."

"Hey. What were you talking about with Sonia?," you asked successfully steering the topic off Gloria for the moment as the Chairman smiled.

"Oh nothing really worth talking about. How her trip was so far studying around with the legends and the Geoglph in Turffield. The theory is that the two are somehow connected but I digress. AH! Our food has arrived." You looked over to what he was gesturing at and perked up at the lady from before who greeted you carrying two plates. One obviously being some kind of fish as it was placed before the chairman who happily accepted. "Ah! My usual. You always remember." And you were surprised when the other plate was sat in front of you. It was curry, smelt sweet, and had an egg smack dab in the middle of it. "Oh. It looks like you're a regular here too I presume."

"The chef asked me to give you his 'Lucky Egg' dish as a token of his appreciation, Miss," she explained, "I hope you're ok with sweet boiled egg curry. Are the rest of you ready to order?"

"Go ahead ladies. It's on me today."

"Mm. Just a salad. I'm not very hungry today."

"...I mean. The tropical curry sounds good," Gloria guessed.

You were too busy studying the dish in front of you to notice the lady leave. Instead staring at the massive egg just sitting in the middle of the darn plate. ...You weren't up to eating something that might've been a pokemon egg no matter how much your stomach rumbled at the sight and your mouth watered at the smell. Luckily it seemed like you had a back up plan because your sobble was crawling down your arm already on his way towards your food. You extended your hand to allow the small pokemon to sit on the table next to you and without really thinking grabbed the egg off your plate and held it out to it. He smiled and happily accepted your gift with a loud chirp before grabbing it and you watched as it bit it nearly in half with one bite. Goodness. Guess you weren't the only one hungry.

"Hulbury is a seafood town. Naturally if one is going to eat here the obvious choice is the local cuisine," the chairman said already digging in, "Everything on the menu is delicious. Oh, Sonia. By the way how is Professor Magnolia getting on? I'm quite indebted to her you know. She was the one who figured out how to unleash the power of Wishing Stars and use that power to dynamax pokemon. We would never have been able to create dynamax bands without her."

Sonia sighed. "*sigh* She was saying that there's still so much we don't know about dynamaxing. It's causing her some worry. She even made me take a power spot detector with me when I started traveling."

"A power spot detector?," he asked interested, "That's the device that allowed me to discover power spots. Locations that emit galar particles and allow pokemon to dynamax. I don't like hearing that Professor Magnolia is worried though. If only there was something I could do." You glanced at him again out the corner of your eye and rose a brow. Why were you getting a weird feeling in your gut from this guy?

Sonia shrugged. "Unless you can suddenly provide more intel on the phenominon then I'm afraid there isn't much, Sir."

He hummed.".....Sonia. It may be good for you to visit the vault in Hammerlocke. I believe the key to unlocking the secrets of the dynamax phenomenon lies in the history preserved there."

Sonia blinked. "Oh. You really think so?"

"We usually study history based on what was left on it from the past. Although mostly legends at this point you know they always say that every legend has truth to it. Who knows? It might even help tie in with the lengend you've been studying currently. Oleana can arrange a meeting I'm sure. Can't you?"

"Understood, Sir," Oleana replied monotonly, "I will arrange a meeting with Ms. Sonia."

"Very good. See? Nothing to worry yourself over about. Now shall we dig in?"

The rest of that dinner get together was a blur. Honestly you were too busy stuffing your face to talk but you didn't mind. You only watched and listened to the small talk. Gloria and Sonia's food arrived a short while after and by this point they were mostly done eating as well. His other questions didn't seem too out of the ordinary. Asking how their day was? How they were enjoying the challenge so far? Talking about some of his recent appointments involving some kind of arrangement with a Prince from the Pasio Region?? You weren't sure. But the sun was starting to set soon.

"So then I figured the best way to solve the matter was to set up individual warnings for the two of them and move one to a different department under Oleana. *sigh* Both are hard workers so it'd be a shame to just fire one or both. Don't you agree Oleana?"

"Yes, Sir. However I believe it is about time we get going, Chairman."

"Hm?" He looked at her. "But I've hardly had a chance to speak with Gloria." You rose a brow. You had literally been sitting her an entire hour.

"With all do respect, Sir. It's getting rather late. I'm sure the young lady is quite tired from her day."

...He sighed. "It's regrettable but I guess it can't be helped. If something needs to get done there's no time like the present after all!" He slowly stood from his seat as the three of you watched and smiled. "Truly though I'm glad to have had a chance to speak with you ladies today. So sorry if we couldn't have spent more time together. In any case I bid you farewell."

"OH! Uh..G-Good bye, M-Mr. Chairman. Sir."

You remained silent as the two left. Narrowed eyes watching as they went...Something about those two just felt...Off. Like it didn't sit right in your gut, but you had no idea why? Was there some kind of plot in the game with those two you couldn't remember?...Hm. In any case you were glad they were gone now so you and Gloria could rela- Your head perked up with at a sigh as Sonia rubbed her face.

"Hey. You good there?"

"Does he think he's doing me a favor? He's right that the vault would be a good place to look for the legends but..." She paused suddenly looking up and noticing the two of you staring at her confused. "UH!...Nevermind! You got the water badge right? Defeating Nessa is no easy feat!"

"Uh..Yeah. What are-"

"Nessa's a good friend! Perhaps I should drop in on her!," her chair screeched as she stood up all of a sudden giving a nervous smile, "Ahaha! Yes! She'll be so happy to see me! Until next time, Gym Challenger! Nice seeing you again, Y/n!"

Both of you stared as Sonia quickly sped walked away from you two and then out of the restaurant as if she was escaping something...

Gloria blinked. "What the world just happened?"

"Believe me I have learnt in this point of my life to just go with things. C'mon. It's free food. Let's finish eating and meet the others back at the hotel."

[sometimes-i-write-4-you]

Steven Hyde x reader

Butterflies. Terrible.

Trigger warnings: weed (probably badly written cause I don't smoke but I tried), cursing, some angst I guess.

I sat in the basement, watching TV and eating chips. I was in my brothers superman pajama, which I steal from time to time from the laundry. He didn't care until the time Steven saw me wearing it and now he won't stop reminding Eric his pjs fit his baby sister. To be fair, he had it for years, it's just really stretchy, and I have to tie a double not for the pants not to fall. Steven didn't care about the small details tho.

It was quite, which was unusual. The longer I sat there the more it bothered me. Something was off. Why isn't my brother here? Where's his friends? They can't be at the hub, they'd invite me. Sure I was a year younger, but I had weed connections plus, it is my birthday. Wait a minute. It's my birthday. I turned off the tv and went upstairs.

"Oh, honey, why are you still in your pajamas?" My mom asked when you entered the kitchen. "Because only you, dad and Eric are going to see me, and You saw me in my pink faze, these superman pajamas are an upgrade" i replied, taking some water out of the fridge. "We are not the only ones who are going to see you" My mom said, but once she realised what it meant, she hurried up and added "not because i'm throwing you a party, it's just that, um, Steven lives here! he'll see you" she said. "Yeah, Steven already saw me wearing this, and as much as I hate being seen in the same outfit twice I could not care less" I said, and left the kitchen to go to my room. "Wait!" My mom said before I could follow through with my plan. "I need you to go get some sugar from the store. So put on some normal clothes, preferably fancy. Something you'd wear for a party, you know, just so that people can look at you and know you are the birthday girl. A birthday girl, in general" my mom said. "Fine" I sighed, and went upstairs to get ready.

I got to the store, wearing a bottom up with a fun print on it tucked in a Jean skirt. My shoes had a small heel, just enough to a little fancy, yet casual if paired with the right outfit. Now, where's the sugar… I finally found it, and went to the counter.

"Hi, (y/n)" the cashier smiled at me, "happy birthday" he added, taking the sugar from my hands. "Hi Derek" I smiled at him. Derek is my classmate (and my weed connection), who is incredibly hot with his dark hair, and eyes as blue as the sea, but he's as desperate as Fez if not more. "Thanks" I added, just to be nice. "and that'll be 2 dollars, should be 2.50 but, I'll give you a happy birthday discount" he said, "I also forgot to give someone 50 cents back, so..". I laughed,  he was charming in his own way. "Well, I'll see you later at your party" he said, waving goodbye. "I fucking knew it" you muttered as you waved him goodbye. 

I got back home to find Hyde sitting in the basement, wearing a decent button up. “Yo, Hyde, whatcha doing?” I asked, sitting down next to him. “Watching TV in hopes your mom won’t call me upstairs for your party. I am not going to hang out with a bunch of 17 year olds” he said. “You’re hanging out with me” i said, “and i was 16 until today” i said. “Yeah, but you’re forman’s sister” he replied, ending the conversation. “By the way, 17 suites ya” he said. “Thanks hyde” I smiled. “Ya know what, as a birthday gift, here, take a sip of my beer” he said, handing me the can in his hand (obviously it was wrapped so it looked like a can of orange soda). “Hyde. I drank with you guys more than a sip of beer” I said. “Fine, take the whole can. Women, you give ‘em a finger they grab your wallet” he sighed as i took the can off of his hand. I laughed and took a sip. “Steven. Come upstairs. I need your help with something only a man can help me with” i hear my mom. “Ask donna!” Hyde called back. I laughed. “STEVEN” my mom yells. “Well, (y/n), i gotta go" he says, tapping on my thigh. I smiled at him, "bye for now". Gid, I hope he didn't notice me blushing.

A few moment later I was called upstairs too to find my mom, my dad, my brother and the gang plus a few of my classmates. "Suprise!" They all called in unison. "Wow! I cannot belive it, mom, you throw me a party?" I said, and Derek looked confused. "I told you I'll see you at the party-" "shhhh" I cut him off. My mom bought the fact I was surprised every single year. She looked at me, then at him, confused. "You? Really? I do not…. Okay fine mom, I knew about the party. I know every year" I finally admit. "I can not belive you…" she opened her mouth, but gave up and left the livingroom, allowing us kids have fun. My dad walked behind her, in a mission to comfort her. 

The hours passed by, and most of the people left. It was now the gang, me and Derek. Turns out the guy actually has a personality. We laughed and talked, and I was actually having a decent time. I sat with him on the couch,  drinking a beer sponsored by Kelso. "Okay, okay, so here's a joke. Once there was this doctor, and he visited a mental hospital, y'know, for like, crazy people. Then one of the guys just slaps him, like" he said, and then softly "slapped" me. His hand stayed on my cheek for a moment, but soon enough he needed it for his overly dramatic way of talking. So many hand gestures. "And then the doctor goes to the principal and he's all like, "why did this guy slap me?" And the principal is like "that's just how they say hi here" so the doctor is like, okay, whatever, and he keeps walking around and then that guy slaps him not once, but 10 times. Now, one time is acceptable, y'know, it's polite to say hello, but 10? That's crossing a line" Derek said, and I laughed. "I'm not even at the punchline!" Derek smiled, nudging my shoulder and smoothly resting his hand on my shoulder as he took a sip of his own beer. "So anyway, he goes back to the principal, and he tells him just that. The principal looks at him and say, "well, this one stutters" " Derek smiles. I laugh, and so does the rest of the gang who apparently listened. The only one not laughing was Hyde, "yeah, saw that joke on playboy too" he said. "There are jokes on playboy?" Eric asks. I look at him, mortified. I did not need to know my brother.. uses these. "Because I don't… I don't have any, so like, maybe I should get one to check out the jokes" Eric said, attempting to save himself from Donna's stare. She rolled her eyes and decided to let it go. "Well, it's getting late, I should probably head home" Derek said, and took my hand, dragging me to the door and hugging me goodbye.

"Finally, I was dying for a smoke" Kelso sighed, and grabbed a metal box off of his pocket, taking out a joint as the rest of the group arranged in the infamous circle. "Y'know he is my weed guy, right?" I say, and he looks at me surprised. "Are you kidding me? He can get you weed, he looks good, he is funny, and so clearly into you? Girl, make a move" Donna says, nudging you. "He is not good looking" Hyde says, taking a puff off of the joint Kelso just passed him. "He is" Jackie said, "like, really good looking" I agreed. "Whatever, man" Hyde sighed, giving up, "but you gotta admit, the weed I get is better, I'm better looking and I'm also funnier" Hyde said. "Whatever, man" I mimic his tone, taking the joint off of his hands. "Guys,do you think I have a chance with the pretty lady that was at the party?" Fez asked. "You mean Josaleen? I've seen you talking to her" Jackie said. "I don't know her name, she said it but I was focused on… something else" Fez admitted. "Oh, definitely Josaleen. She was wearing this top, i wouldn't even call it a top, her boobs were completely out, she's such a slut. She'll sleep with anyone" Jackie said, taking a break from talking to inhale the smoke, "so no, I don't think you have a chance Fez". "But I am anyone" Fez said. He sounded so broken, "and she gave me her number, look!" He added, showing us a piece of paper he kept in his pocket. "Sweet!" Kelso smiled, taking the number off of Fez's hands, "thanks men, I'll call her later".

The next day, I went to the basement to find Hyde smoking all alone. "Hey man" I said, jumping on the couch from behind it, grabbing the joint off of his hands. "Hey" he says, taking the rolled cigarette before I could smoke it. "Hyde, are you okay? You were kinda quiet at the circle. You barely even laughed when kelso stole the number of the hot girl from Fez" I said, resting my hand on his far shoulder. "Yeah, I'm fine" he said, blowing the smoke and handing me the joint. I took it, "yeah okay". I gave up getting anything out of him. He just had no emotions and I had to face it. This is why I said yes when Derek asked me out over the phone two minutes ago. He doesn't make butterflies appear in my stomach like Hyde does, and his touch doesn't burn my skin but whatever, Hyde is a non-reachable dream. "Listen, uhm, Derek asked me out" I said, a part of me hoping he'd get jealous. "poor guy" he said. "Why's that?" I ask him. "Well, you crushed his heart. You shouldn't have let him hold your hand and be all over you, got his hopes high" Hyde said as he took his cigarette back. "Actually I said yes. Donna was right, ya'know, he is hot, funny and got weed connections" I say, moving my hand that still rested on him. He faced me, shocked. "But you deserve better than that drug-dealing-playboy-reading, pot-head teen" Hyde said. "You're a drug-dealing-playboy-reading, pot-head teen!" I reply, slightly amused but mostly upset. "Well, I'm better at it!" Hyde replies, and gets up. "Whatever, man" he says, and makes his way to the door. "No, non of that whatever man shit, hyde. Sit down and tell me why the fuck do you care" I say, and Hyde turns around. "He's just trying to get in your pants cause your hot" Hyde replies. "I- did you just say I'm hot?" I say, tempted to laugh. "No, I didn't. Look, (y/n), all I know is that you can do better than him" Hyde says, turning off the bearly used cigarette and resting it in the ashtray. He finally sat back down next to me. "Look, Hyde, in case you missed it, there aren't any guys lining up to date me. Is it so hard for you to believe someone can be actually interested in me for more than sex?" I sigh. "It's not, you're a cool person, (y/n) it's just… god, how do I explain that? I don't want you to get hurt okay? You're like… my best friend's sister, and…" he started, but gave up what he wanted to say. "And…" I ask. "Do you promise not to laugh?" He says. "Sure" I say, intrigued. "Well, it's just that… When i’m around you, i have this annoying feeling like- like there are butterflies in my stomach. Have you ever felt that? It’s terrible" he says. "I know what you mean, got someone that makes me feel like that too. It is terrible" I agree. "Derek, I'm assuming? I really think that-" he starts, but something cuts him off, and I am proud to say that something is my lips crushing into his. He breaks the kiss quickly. "Woah, man, hold up" he smiles. "God, I'm so sorry" I say, covering my mouth, "i- I guess I misunderstood you" I say, getting up. "Nononono you didn't, you didn't!" He calls, grabbing my hand and pulling me to the couch. I fall right in his lap. "I just wanted to make sure you mean it" he admits, looking anywhere but into my eyes. "I do mean it" I say, cupping his cheeks as he pulls me back into a second kiss. This time we are far more into the kiss, our lips move in perfect synchronization. It was amazing, I bet Hyde is a much better kisser than Derek. "Wait" I say, cutting off the kiss even tho I wish the moment would last forever. "I need to cancel on Derek".

[ashiiixoxo]

| Match made in Heaven | Lucifer x Demigod! reader

a/n- I hope y'all like this one even tho its 11.24 pm here and my 4 braincells keep thinking about the festivals event WITH SATAN AND LUCIFER IN A FUCKING YUKATA. enjoy~

summary- for the sake of your own safety you were send to Devildom, where Lord Diavolo would take you under his wing, being well aware of the abilities you possessed. you, being okay with going to Devildom, never expected to meet former angels. neither did you expect to fall in love down there.

masterlist

part 3 -  nosey brothers

you were showed around the House of Lamentation and tried to memorize everyones rooms and where to go and where not to go. everyone goes to their respective rooms, leaving you alone with Lucifer, whose room is next to yours. the awkward silence was broken when Lucifer opened your room door and said “go rest, dinner will be served shortly.” he turned around and left to his own room.

walking into your room, you admired how much it looked like your old one, except, the pictures with your friends and mom weren't there. you looked in the mirror of your closet. you looked like a mess, felt like one too but your hair and clothes looked slightly disheveled. opening the closet, hoping to find some comfortable clothes to put on, you found multiple uniforms.

your phone buzzed, signing that you got a text message.  Diavolo: This is my account. Diavolo: Feel free to send me a message any time. Diavolo: I forgot to mention that you will be attending to RAD with the brothers.

you opened the messages and checked his profile before responding.

Y/n: Thanks for letting me know! Y/n: I saw the uniforms in my closet already.

you locked your D.D.D and felt too tired to change clothes. in the human world it would be early in the morning already while here, it’s not even dinner time. the time in Devildom goes way slower than in the human world and its effects started to show.

you yawned and laid down on your bed. ‘it feels much softer than my own’ you sighed. you couldn't bring yourself to lay on the bed with the clothes you had worn the whole day. you remembered that Asmodeus had told you that each room has its own bathroom. sighing in relief you decided to check the two doors in your room.

the first one you opened was a storage room, filled with, what looked like some of your belongings and herbs. deciding that you had no business in that room to check anything you closed the door and headed to the other door. ‘this should be the bathroom then?’ the door creaked. 

looking inside, there was a large marble floored bathroom, slightly beige and (fave colour). you smiled at the sight of the bathtub and the shower cabin. you checked the cabinets for any type of skincare products and towels.

you sighed when you found nothing to clear your face with, but you did find the towels. taking some clothes from your closet and some underwear, you headed into the shower.

-

while you were showering some of the brothers decided that they wanted to chat with you a bit, only to find your room empty. they heard the water running and realized you were showering.

They let themselves inside your room and admired the way your room looked.  Satan found himself in front of your bookshelf.  Looking at the numerous books going from fiction to non-fiction, spiritual books, books about witchcraft, as well as science and anatomy books. He noticed books that he had himself, bought in the human world. On the other hand, Asmodeus found himself standing in front of your mirror and looking through your clothes. Admiring pieces he thought were cute or pretty.

Asmodeus beamed whenever he came across a revealing top or a dress.  Going, “this is so cute!” or “pretyyy” while looking at all the clothes in your closet. Meanwhile Belphegor made himself comfortable of your soft bed. As soon as his head rested on your pillow he was fast asleep.

While Mammon was looking around your room, being awfully quiet. He looked at your belongings, thinking to himself how much Grimm he can make of your furniture, accessoires and instruments (if you play any).

Satan took one of your books that seemed interesting, it was one of your notebooks where your mother wrote about your blood. You never really looked at it but it caught Satan’s eye. When he decided to open the book, he saw a sigil carving on it, a sigil used by witches to keep away demons.

He took note of the sigil and placed the notebook back. ‘Whatever was written in there shouldn’t be read by demons. And whoever wrote it, wields some real strong magic.’ Satan thought to himself.

You opened the bathroom door and saw the four demons looking through your stuff. Being too amused by their reactions, you quietly stood at the doorframe, observing them.

“I could sell these things for a whole lot of Grimm.” Mammon grinned, holding some of your traditional fans. You furrowed your eyebrows and looked at the fans. ‘why would you sell something as old as that?’

You saw Belphegor asleep and Asmodeus looking through your clothes. You held back a smile. Looking at Satan, who was quietly nodding while reading “the Resurrectionist”. He must like anatomy of mythical creatures. He seemed way too into it.

“sweatpants, really?” Asmodeus looked at the few sweatpants in your closet. “tsk tsk, why wear sweatpants when you have cute clothes like these.” You put your dirty clothes in the laundry basket and wrapped the towel around your hair.

“they’re really comfortable and easy to wear.” You grinned. You felt at ease. Even though they were demons, you didn’t feel threatened. It made you feel save even though they were looking through your stuff.

The demons snapped their heads into the directions your voice came from. They backed away from what they were touching, Mammon tripping over his own leg. You shook your head and dried your hair. “sorry, we didn’t mean to go through your belongings like that.” Satan was the first to apologize.

You gave him a reassuring smile. “what brings all of you to my room?” you asked while drying your hair. Asmodeus grabbed your hand and the towel and started to dry your hair. “don’t rub your hair, it will break. If you pat it, it will stay healthy and it will untangle easier.” He adviced. You nodded your head and thanked him. You felt your whole body relax as Asmodeus raked his fingers through your hair, eyes half shutting at the feeling.

“we came to talk to you.” Mammon answered your previous question. “about?” you inhaled when you felt Asmodeus fingers trailing down the back of your neck to your spine. You immediately moved away from him. ‘What the hell was he doing?!’ you thought.

You shook your head ‘demons’. Asmodeus got startled because of your sudden action and immediately moved his hands up. “was that too much?” he asked. Your eyes were wide and you felt the stinging pain on your back again. ‘Did he do that on purpose?’ you shook your head and muttered a sorry.

There should be no way he would know unless Diavolo had told him. “again, what did you guys want to talk about?” you asked, you were tense. Mammon shrugged at your action and answered “just talking.”

You nodded you head. They made themselves comfortable on the floor, bed and chair in your room. You joined on the floor with Satan. “so what is there you guys want to know?” you asked.

Mammon was the first one to speak up. “why are you not scared of us?” he was annoyed by the fact that you did not fear him the way he wanted to be feared. You shrugged. “this place is supposed to keep me safe, you guys are supposed to keep me safe. I guess I don’t feel that scared here.” Mammon wasn’t satisfied with your answered and shook his head.

“I’m THE great Mammon, Avatar of Greed, how can you, a mere, fragile human being, not be scared of me.” You shook your head. “so apparently the human world isn’t safe for you anymore, that’s why you’re here right?” you nodded your head, confirming.

“everyone will think you’re another exchange student.” Asmodeus sighed. “maybe that’s for the better, if the other demons think she’s an exchange student, they won’t bother her.”

“why is everyone talking so much.” The sleepy demon sat up and rubbed his eyes after being woken up from his slumber. His eyes landed on you, and he remembered why he fell asleep on your bed in the first place. “did you sleep well?” you asked. “hm? Yeah I did.” Belphegor yawned. “your bed is very soft.” He smiled slightly.

While we were talking, a glaring Leviathan stopped in front of the door. “Lucifer is calling for all of you, dinner is ready.” He muttered and walked away. “we need to go before Bee eats everything!” Mammon sprinted out of the room.

Asmodeus, Satan, Belphegor and you walked towards the dining area and took a seat.  Satan sat next to you, he sighed softly. He never got to ask you what he wanted to ask you. He now, had to wait until he could talk to you alone.

<previous - next>

Taglist  (ask to be added)- @cheesey-fox @inlustris-arts @izzieg3987 @salty-hearts

[fanmoose12]

Yay! Okay I have two scenarios and I cant pick so you can choose 1: Levi and hanjis child gets kidnapped (so ig this will be an au) and these two become the deadliest people alive to get their child back (pain duo is acary). 2; levihan child has been sad lately since they're parents havent been spending time with them but they know their parents are busy. Levi and hanji surprise them one day by having a day off and they all spend it together doing fun stuff(fluff) Thank you!

so i chose the first scenario because i guess i hate happiness and fun lmao hope you still like it tho and take care :3

Hugo closed his eyes, hoping that when he opens them again, it would all turn out to be a dream. A nightmare, induced after watching too many scary movies with his mother. He would open his eyes and see his father. His daddy would gaze at him softly and gently ruffle his hair, telling him to get up and go brush his teeth before coming down to have breakfast.                              

Hugo hoped that when he opens his eyes, all the scary men will be gone and he will wake up in his bed back at home, or even better, he would wake up in his parents’ bed, surrounded by their love and safe from any harm.

However, when Hugo opened his eyes, his hopes were cruelly shattered. The big bad men were still surrounding him, their scary guns aimed at him.                

“Are you scared, kiddo?” the man in the center asked. He bared his huge teeth and Hugo suddenly remembered a story his mother once read to him. It was a tale about a little girl, who got lost in the woods and happened upon a hungry wolf. But Hugo wasn’t some helpless girl, he was a son of Hange Zoe and Levi Ackermann, and even if he was trapped in a wolf’s lair, his parents were the fiercest and strongest hunters in this world and they would never let some stupid wolf lay its pawn on him.                             

So Hugo raised his chin, staring defiantly at the scary man in front of him. “It’s not me, who should be scared!” he said, raising his voice to try and hide its shaking. He furrowed his eyebrows, mimicking his father’s expression. “My parents are already coming for me! And when they arrive, they’ll tear you to pieces!”                             

The men around him started to laugh. “I hope your parents are coming here, kiddo. That’s why we took you.”                               

Hugo widened his eyes in surprise. They’ve been… they’ve been laying some trap for his parents. Just like the wolf in the story! Hugo’s head began to fill with panicked thoughts, but he tried not to focus on them. There were no one in this world, who could possibly outsmart his mother, and there was no one stronger or quicker than his father. They were just trying to intimidate him, but Hugo wouldn’t let himself get scared so easily. 

His mother once told him that he had all the best parts from her and his father. That he was strong just as his father, and smart just as his mother. And now he just had to remember that. He had to remember whose son he was and what kind of person his parents tried to make out of him. He would be fearless and strong just as they were. And no one, no matter how big they were or how many guns they had, would never make him afraid.         

“Can you drive faster?”

“I’m already driving as fast as I can, Hange. Calm down.”

“Calm down?!” Hange cried out, looking at Levi with wide eyes. “How the fuck should I calm down, when my son has been kidnapped? Who knows what they are doing to him! If you don’t worry about him that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t!”

Hange realized what she actually had said almost immediately. She clasped her hand over her mouth and stared at Levi apologetically. 

“Levi, I’m so sorry! I didn’t actually mean it, I know you worry ju-“

“Shut up, Hange,” Levi cut her off with a sigh. “I know you didn’t mean it. Your panic just messes with your head, I get it,” he took one hand off the wheel and outstretched it towards Hange, holding her hand and gently caressing the backside of her palm with his thumb. “But we’ll arrive there soon and then we’ll save our boy. Don’t worry, those idiots wouldn’t dare to harm him. They probably are more interested in hurting us than him.”

“When I find those bastards,” Hange growled, squeezing Levi’s hand almost painfully. “I’ll make sure they’ll pay for taking away my son. They will remember once and for all that no one should mess with my family.”

Levi nodded, his face set in an equally determined expression. “We will make them pay.” 

Hugo sat on a cold floor, surrounded by darkness from all sides. A small window on the door of his cell did nothing to brighten the room, and he shivered, trying not to think what could be lurking in that darkness. His fear was irrational, he tried to remind himself. There were no monsters hiding in the dark corners, monsters didn’t exist. If they did, his mother would surely know about them as she seemed to know about everything else. 

Besides, there was more real and tangible threat outside of his cell. The scary men threw Hugo in that cell some time ago, and now the only thing he could hear was the sound of their heavy footsteps and the quiet mutterings. 

Hugo hugged his knees and started to slowly rock back and forth, wondering why his parents hadn’t come for him yet. He was sure they would come, didn’t doubt them for a second, but the cell he was in was damp and chilly and Hugo wanted to go home already. His clothes were dirty from sitting on the floor and he couldn’t wait to take a shower and change into his pajamas. He was getting sleepy too and he wanted nothing more than to drink hot cocoa, prepared by his father, while listening to a fairy-tale his mother would read to him. 

Hugo closed his eyes and imagined himself sitting in his bed, wrapped in a blanket and nestled between his parents, feeling their warmth and listening to his mom’s quiet and soothing voice.  

Hange slowly circled the building, trying to find an entrance. Suddenly she saw a man, lurking in the darkness. The man saw her too, his eyes widened as he probably recognized who she was. His hands went to his gun, but before he could even aim it at Hange, a bullet hole appeared right in the center of his skull. 

Hange turned around and nodded at Levi, silently thanking him. She took out her own gun and jerked her head in the direction the already dead man came from. Levi replied with a nod, his face set in a grim determination. 

He slowly followed after Hange, his eyes looking around for a sign of slightest movement. Together, back to back, they entered the dark and too quiet building.  

Hugo gasped, when the eerie silence, which was surrounding him before, was suddenly interrupted with a loud bang. Hugo immediately knew what that sound was, his parents took him to a shooting range a few times and the sound of a gun firing was unmistakable. Hugo covered his ears with hands, the loud bangs already making his head hurt. 

Suddenly a door to his cell burst open, and Hugo tried to hide in the shadow, afraid that it was an enemy coming to get him. But as he gazed at the figure more closely, he saw a too familiar silhouette and Hugo ran to it as fast as his short legs carried him. 

“Mom!” he shouted, as he reached her and hugged her legs tightly. His mother fell to her knees, pressing him to her chest. 

“Honey!” she cried out. “Oh my god, Hugo, I’m so sorry! You must be so scared!”

“I’m not scared!” Hugo protested, clinging to his mother. He felt his eyes fill with tears and he pressed his face to his mother’s chest.

“You are not?” Hange withdrew from her son to take a better look at him. He shook his head vehemently and tried to hide his tears from her. Hange let out a sound that was half-laughter, half-sob. She was so happy to see her son, alive and well!

“Did they hurt you?” she asked in an angry, low tone. Hugo shook his head again, and Hange sighed with relief. 

She briefly hugged her son again and then she took his precious little face in her hands, peppering his cheeks and nose with gentle kisses. 

“I was so worried about you!” she whispered, her voice shaking. “My little fearless boy, I’m so proud of you!”

“Oi, quit it, Hange,” came Levi’s voice from behind. “You’re embarrassing him.”

He came to kneel beside his wife and son, his hands immediately wrapping around both of them.

“Did you finish them off?” Hange asked quietly. 

“Yeah,” Levi replied, just as softly. “I made sure that no one would repeat the mistake of hurting our son.”

“Good.”

“Are you alright?” Levi asked Hugo. The boy nodded, smiling at his dad. 

“I’m fine, you don’t have to worry, dad!”

“Tch,” Levi rolled his eyes. “As if I would ever get worried over something stupid like that.”

He came to hug Hugo as well, tucking his son inside his arms and inhaling his scent. His embrace was even tighter than Hange’s and Hugo felt how his father’s hands shook slightly. 

“I’m fine,” Hugo repeated patting his dad’s back comfortingly. 

“Of course, you’re fine,” Hange agreed, coming to embrace her two favorite boys. “You are our brave little boy, it’s not that easy to scare you.”

“That’s right!” Hugo agreed cheerfully. 

“Come on,” Levi urged them after a long moment, his voice steady and calm as always. And it was probably a trick of light, but Hugo saw how his father’s eyes glistened, as though he was crying. 

“We should get your home. It’s way past your bedtime, young man.” Levi got to his feet and then scooped Hugo in his arms. 

“But you will make me cocoa before I go to sleep, right?” Hugo asked, staring at Levi with his big brown eyes. 

Just as his mother’s, Levi thought fondly. He sighed, knowing full well that he could never say no to those eyes. 

“Only if you take a shower first.”

“Alright!” Hugo beamed. “Mom, will you read me a bedtime story?”

“Of course, honey,” Hange gently ruffled his soft black hair. “Which one do you want?”

“Red Riding Hood!” Hugo replied without missing a beat. 

His mother laughed and went to kiss his forehead. 

Then she hugged her husband by the waist and the three of them slowly started to make their way home.     

[bucketofcowboys]

2 Idiots At 2 AM

Thank you to RachelSnow on AO3 for beta reading this fic for me! I really appreciate it!

Relationship: Kazuma Kiryu & Akira Nishikiyama (NOT SHIP)

Warning: Underage Smoking, Smoking, a lil bit of angst, no spoilers for the games tho

Words: 2,044

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29684367

--------

Everything felt hazy, and the first thing Kiryu realized was that someone was holding his hand. The second thing he realized was that the hand was guiding him forwards, and his legs went with it like it was the natural flow of things. He didn't know who it was, nor did he know where he was going, all he knew was that for some reason he was completely at peace with it. He felt lax, like he was floating atop calm waters. It lapped at his skin in tranquil waves.

When he finally raised his head up to meet the gaze of the person that was holding his hand, he realized that they had no features. Instead they were smudged, like the scribbles of a pencil streaked against paper. Even with the terrifying lack of a face, he proceeded like nothing was out of place. Though he could not properly get a look at her, for some reason naturally in his mind, he identified the person guiding him as his mother. Her hands were soft and warm. Her voice was gentle, though he couldn't process what she was saying.

They approached a building that looked very familiar to him. It almost looked like Sunflower, but the signs were gone and it looked empty. He mindlessly labeled it as 'home'. He felt like he had lived there for years with his mom, though he couldn't pinpoint any specific memories that proved it. In front of the building stood another person with the same smudged looking face as her. He identified him as father. He smiled as they stepped in front of him. He had no face, so there was no way he could actually smile, but Kiryu felt it. He felt him smile at them, all cordial and bright and sunny.

"Kazuma!" Kiryu heard someone shout, and in an instant that warm calm feeling shattered like sheets of ice against the pavement. He turned around and he saw Nishiki on the ground. He was crying, broken. Knees torn open in great gashes. He turned back towards his parents, wanting to ask for help, but they were gone. Dissipated like dust in the wind.

"Kazuma! Wake up!" He opened his eyes and found himself laying on the wooden floor of he and Nishiki's shared room. He pulled his pressure numb arm out from under him, which he had been using as a pillow, and blinked a few times as he regained consciousness. Nishiki was squatting above him, flicking his forehead. They both were in the doorway of their room, and Kiryu had no idea how either of them got there. 

"Stop it!" He swatted the hand away from his face and pushed himself to sit up, "What happened?" He was still phased out of reality after that dream. Dreams about his parents always made him feel a bit disconnected once he woke up. Nishiki rolled his eyes.

"You fell asleep when I told you to be on the lookout for me, you dumbass." Nishiki flicked his head once more, and Kiryu groaned in disapproval. 

"They didn't catch you though, so I did my job." Kiryu pointed out, "Did you get it?" 

Nishiki rolled his eyes as if he was annoyed by his lack of confidence in him. 

"Yeah, of course I did." He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a pack of hi-lights. He popped open the top to show off the fact that it still had a few cigs in it. Kiryu raised his eyebrows, impressed. 

"Well give me one--" Kiryu impatiently grabbed at the package, and Nishiki immediately pulled back and held the cigarettes up and as far away as he could from him. Kiryu was taller, and could easily reach over him and grab them if he wanted to, but he didn't. He just sat there pouting. 

"Are you stupid? We can't smoke in here! What about my sister, dumbass!" He went to knock Kiryu on his head, but he quickly blocked it with his arm and threw Nishiki off of him. "We gotta smoke outside."

Kiryu shivered at the idea. It had been freezing the past few days, and he doubted just because two rebellious teens wanted to smoke that the temperature would magically spike up. But, Nishiki was right. Yuko definitely wouldn't fare well if she inhaled a bunch of smoke in her sleep, and smoking inside the building was banned anyways. If they smoked in there he was sure everyone would recognize the smell and they'd be in big trouble. He sighed, and got up to grab his jacket.

Once he arrived back at the doorway, Nishiki was already tiptoeing his way down the hall. Kiryu quickly made his way to follow, closing the door behind him as quietly as he could manage. If someone woke up and saw their door wide open, they were sure to become suspicious. He cautiously avoided the especially squeaky floor boards as he walked down the corridor, passing by Yumi and Yuko's own room with a flinch. If either of them found out what they were sneaking out to do they'd probably kill him and Nishiki. 

They finally entered the main area, and peered around the corner of the wall before they even attempted to get close to the front door. Scanning the darkened room, they saw no one occupying it. The usually full and bustling orphanage was disturbingly quiet during the night, many of the younger kids in a dead sleep after hours of play, the older ones confined in their rooms doing homework with only a flimsy book light to keep them company. He chased after Nishiki as he dashed towards the door, almost falling as his socks slid on the slick hardwood. Nishiki flipped the lock on the brass knob and it gave a click of approval, then he opened the door, as slowly as he possibly could to prevent any creaking.

Cool air rushed in and brushed past the both of them, causing a conjoined shiver. Kiryu tugged his jacket on tighter and regretted not putting anything over his tank top before deciding to do this. Eventually the door slid open to where the both of them could squeeze their body through, and then they spent a good couple minutes slowly closing it just in case. Outside, little flakes of snow had begun to fall from the dark gray sky. Under the cover of the night and winter, the white specks could be ash from a volcano and neither of them would notice a thing. Cool winds blew past, and the only things that illuminated their faces were the half moon in the sky, and the nearby porch light that lit up the wooden Sunflower sign. 

Nishiki quickly made his way to hide over at the side of the building, thinking they were less likely to be caught if they weren't directly in the front. Once they were under cover, they squatted down against the siding and Nishiki pulled out the pack of cigs again. He opened it and pulled out two of the white sticks and handed one to Kiryu while keeping the other for himself. Kiryu eyed at the object for a second, quickly realizing that the side with the blue lines was the side you were meant to smoke from, judging by the white foam filter he could see. The other side was jammed packed with dried tobacco. He sniffed at the odd end and flinched at the offending smell. 

"Shit, did you grab something to light it with?" Kiryu said when he finally realized that they had no way to actually smoke them. Nishiki waved him off. Kiryu noticed that he had already placed the cigarette between his lips, and he copied him. 

"Yeah of course, I'm not stupid." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a suspiciously familiar lighter. 

"Wait... that's-- Akira! Kazama-san’s already going to be pissed off when he finds that his smokes are missing, but you stole his lighter too?!" Nishiki shrugged, already flicking his thumb against the gear to try and light it. 

"Everyone else lights his cigarettes for him, he won't notice." He finally got the thing to spark hard enough that it lit, and he quickly moved the flame over to the tip of his cigarette. Kiryu watched as the fire slowly caught on the paper, and smoke began to plume at the end. He then reached over and brought the lighter closer to Kiryu. He leaned forwards and aimed the tip at the flame. He went cross eyed trying to get a glimpse of it as it lit up.

Nishiki shoved the lighter back into his pocket and took his first smooth drag from his cig, so Kiryu tried to follow suit. When he huffed the smoke in, he immediately began to choke. The taste was downright offensive, and his throat and lungs burned furiously. After trying to stifle his cough, he looked back up and saw that Nishiki seemed totally unaffected and blew his puff out with no problem. He furrowed his brows. 

"Have you done this before?" Kiryu asked, still gasping. 

"What? No!" Nishiki held the cigarette between his index and middle finger and gestured with it with mock experience, "I'm just cooler than you Kazuma." He added smugly. He took another drag, and this time Kiryu took notice that he had to stifle a cough. He smirked, but didn't point it out. 

They sat there for a while, quietly nursing their cigarettes, stifling coughs and chokes and accidently burning their nostrils as they let the smoke go through the wrong pipes. Their hearts pounded heavy in their chests and adrenaline pumped through their veins, knowing what they were doing was against so many rules and if they were caught they probably wouldn't be allowed outside of the orphanage for a week. But that was the appeal of it, wasn't it? The thrill.

As Kiryu kept smoking, a feeling of nausea fell over him. People always talked about how cigarettes were calming, and he thought that the more and more he inhaled the more relaxed he would get. Instead it was the opposite. He felt sick to his stomach and everything burned. He had no idea why adults smoked so often. All it seemed to do was hurt. He couldn't even finish his cigarette before he stubbed it out on the ground. 

"What's wrong?" Nishiki asked, Kiryu looked up at him pale faced and big eyed. 

"I feel sick, ototo-kun." He said honestly. He felt like he was going to throw up. Nishiki gave him a look of concern. 

"You wanna go inside?" Kiryu quickly nodded. Nishiki stubbed his cigarette on the side of the building and left a petty burn mark against the siding, a reminder of what they did here, then grabbed Kiryu and led him by the arm back into the building. They tip-toed their way back to their room, and Kiryu curled up on his bed with the sickening taste of tobacco and nicotine sinking in his stomach. By the time morning came around, the sickness had passed and he felt much better, but they soon came to regret their decision later in the day when Kazama came to visit. 

It turns out that he had, indeed, noticed the lighter Nishiki stole was missing, and he lined all the kids up and asked for whoever stole them to come clean. When no one stepped forward, he made his rounds and after only a few seconds he figured out it was he and Nishiki just by the smell of tobacco that still clung to their breath. He forced the two of them to fess up and apologize in front of the whole orphanage (Kiryu wouldn't have been so embarrassed about it if Yumi wasn't angrily eyeing him the entire time), then he sent them off to their room and grounded them for a couple of weeks. What Kiryu remembered the most was that he was less pissed off about the smoking, and more pissed off about Nishiki stealing, and getting away with it.

About a year later, when they both had turned fifteen, they tried the same thing all over again.

It went about as well as the first time.

[one-spidey-boii]

BUMMER SUMMER || peter parker; ch. two

read chapter one here

masterlist

an; welcome back y’all. thank you to all who have read so far, even tho it’s only chapter two. i’d love to hear your feedback! enjoy!

**italics indicates flashback**

warnings; mentions of battle wounds (i.e. blood/scars/etc), future smut, mature language, fluff, angst, both peter and oc are 18+!!

word count; 2.2k+

edie's pov

so that's spiderman? seems like a fun guy, i think as i walk through the dark alleyways so i don’t draw unwanted attention to myself. it's late and i'm navigating my way home, still thinking about my run-in with the red and blue clad boy. it's easy to tell he's young by the sound of his voice, leading me to believe he’s twenty at most. that doesn't bother me of course, as i too am considered young for a crime-fighting vigilante.

i turn the last corner before reaching my street and sigh with relief at the sight of my apartment building. the light in my window is off, aiding in the illusion that i'm asleep so my mom doesn't come in while i'm away on my semi-nightly adventures. just before i can touch the brick stones of my building as i pass by, a mechanical swoosh comes down and picks me up off the ground. i let out a small yelp and quickly find myself placed on the roof.

"hey, wolfie." mr. stark says as he walks out of his iron man suit. i let out the breath i was holding and turn around to face him. i offer him a small smile and take my hood down.

"mr. stark, hello, sir."

"school's almost out, right?" before i can answer, he keeps talking, "good. i'm gonna need your help with something."

i wipe away the beads of sweat running down my forehead as i bend down to pick up my throwing knives from the concrete ground. i steady myself and focus on the tattered piece of cardboard nailed to the wall that is my makeshift target. with a small grunt, i fling one towards the center of the red dot, hitting it dead on. i continue this activity until i run out of things to throw and my arms feel like jelly. i lost count of how many times i'd hit the center of the target in a row.

stepping back with a satisfied smirk, i collect my knives, shoving them back into their rightful place in my bag or around my waist and turn on my heel to head home. i manage to take two steps before a voice stops me in my tracks.

"hey, don't walk away now, kid, the next one would have been fifty." my eyes widen at the familiar voice that often appears on my living room television. i slowly move to face the man and gulp, mouth opening and closing like a goldfish, not being able to say a word.

"come on, one more. show me what you got." says tony stark, with a loose smile on his face.

without a word, i force my trembling hands to grab my favorite knife from my right boot and brace myself for a throw. my breathing is shaky as i raise my right arm and inhale along with it. i can feel the sweat running down my back as i close my eyes for a moment. don't embarrass yourself, e, i think to myself. with that i snap my eyes open and silently chuck the knife towards the target.

i missed.

"oh for fuck's sake." i groan into my hands before i remember who i'm with and freeze. i keep my head in my hands, making sure to cover my face, only gathering enough courage to peek at tony stark through my fingers.

"well, that's awkward, i won't lie," he says, looking uncomfortable, "but i think i saw what i needed to see beforehand. i'm tony stark, or iron man if you wanna get fancy." he reaches a hand out in my direction.

"edie wolfe, hi." i reply with a defeated and lame handshake. to save both of us from looming silence, he pulls at my hoodie before continuing on, "okay, ms. wolfe." he pauses to inspect my attire, "what is this? leggings? and a hoodie? kid, if you're gonna be throwing knives, you gotta expect people to throw them back at you. this isn't going to cut it." he motions to the thin fabric covering my arms and chest.

i laugh at his words, "oh hey i see what you did there."

not catching on to his own pun, he moves on again, "what? actually never mind, we have a lot of talking to do, wolfie."

ever since that night, he took me under his wing- and a week later i got a package with a brand new suit in it. one that would protect me a whole lot more than what i was working with before.

"earth to wolfie, beep beep boop," mr. stark says as he pokes me in the forehead. i swat his hand away and give him my full attention. he continues on, "so you're in? a summer at the compound, being scary and keeping bad guys away?"

i raise an eyebrow at him, "what makes you think my family will be okay with that?" i ask. mr. stark simply rolls his eyes, "i already talked to your father, need i show you the proof?" i shake my head and he nods with satisfaction.

"okay, kid. see you in a few days." he says, preparing to get back into his suit, but before he can fly away i stop him, a question looming over my head, "am i doing this alone?"

"of course not. i wouldn't leave you alon- well actually i can't leave him alone so that's why you're gonna be there," he explains with a shake of his head.

"and who exactly is this person?" i ask with my arms crossed.

"how about one friendly neighborhood spiderman!" he yells and takes off before i can say anything back.

-

finally, the last day of school was upon us. it seems that the ending of every school year is bittersweet, and to be honest it hasn't quite hit me yet. senior year was way lamer than everyone played it off to be. you're told that you're officially ‘top dog', but let's be real- no real credit is given until you've graduated. but hey, here's to making it this far.

i'm sitting at my usual lunch table, surrounded by peter, ned, and mj. we pass jokes around the group and take in every moment we have left of our time together, yanno, since peter is leaving. but so am i. which is something i still have to share with everyone.

"uh, hey, guys. can i be a debby downer for a moment?" i ask, clearing my throat and disturbing the light mood of the afternoon. the table quiets down and all eyes are on me. "so you know how peter is leaving this summer?" i ruffle peter's hair in an attempt to not make that statement so sad.

"yeah, edie, we know." mj says with an eye roll as she picks at her cold french fries. i roll my eyes back at her and mock her voice. i can't help but notice peter's guilty face sitting next to me, little does he know i am going to make it a whole lot more weird up in here.

i take in a big breath and hold it to up the anticipation, "well it looks like i'll be gone too."

ned drops his chicken wrap and shakes his head furiously, "nuh uh, nope. no way. sorry, e, i can't allow that to happen," he says with a stern voice. peter chooses this moment to negatively highlight my new confession, "edie, how dare you! someone needs to be here to look after the kids."

i lower my head in shame, god this was so hard to do. faking a playful smile, i try to make light of the situation, "hey, c'mon, we all know mj is the mom friend of the group."

mj shakes her head violently and protests against my statement, "absolutely not. i veto that with all of my being, ned is the mom." she insists as she points to the pouting boy. we all laugh at that before falling into an uncomfortable silence. i glance in peter's direction and try to smile at him. doing this to him was the hardest, i tell him everything and knowing full well that i can't tell anyone about my stay at the compound, it just hurts my heart. we won't be able to communicate all summer.

"my mom signed me up to be a camp counselor...at, uh, a self-defense camp." i panic at the last second, realizing i never thought about what kind of camp i would fictitiously be a part of. the whole table bursts out into laughter.

through short breaths and a hearty laugh, ned pokes fun at me, "edie? teaching children how to kick someone's ass? look at you, you're like a soft pillowy little marshmallow." i stick my tongue out at him and cross my arms.

"hey, i wouldn't shut down the idea too fast, remember e's dad is like, an actual fbi agent. i'm sure he's taught her some stuff," peter chimes in, coming to my rescue. i nod along and hum a 'mhm', snickering inside at how much they don't know.

-

once i'm home, i pack my suitcase with all the things i think one would need to stay at a high tech superhero compound. i grab all of my knives and shove them into a utility pack, along with my suit.

my parents know where i'm going, and lucky for me they’re okay with it. well, at least my dad is.

my father, sam wolfe, works for a hidden branch of the fbi that trains government spies and the occasional assassin. thus being the reason i grew to be so good at combat. he would take me onto the roof of our building and have me shoot at targets and hit punching bags. we would practice for hours at a time, his booming voice critiquing my every move and decision as i worked. i've never been comfortable with a gun, so i stuck with knives and made that my craft.

i haven't seen my dad in a few months now. to 'protect' me and my family, we weren't allowed to know where my dad was going or why he had to leave in the first place. once mr. stark came into my life, he and my father became close, putting his trust in mr. stark to watch out for me whenever he was gone.

my mother on the other hand, she hates everything about it. she’s afraid of the world and all the things that lurk behind closed doors. when dad isn't around, we aren't allowed to talk about anything related to knives or fighting or tony stark. and for my nine-year-old brother's sake, i oblige.

pulling my bag onto my shoulder and lugging my suitcase through the hall, i meet my mother and brother in the living room. she meets my eyes with her cloudy ones and closes the distance between us with a strong hug. i chuckle at her before wrapping my arms around her plump frame.

"mom, it's okay-" i start, before she cuts me off, "shhh, edie. let me have this moment."

i shut up and continue to embrace my mom. i know this is hard for her, but she needs to understand that this is an amazing opportunity for me. i'm being put in charge of the avengers compound for the entire summer. i wish i could share this excitement with my dad, but i know he's happy for me, wherever he may be.

"edie, promise me you'll come home if you can't handle it. no one is going to judge you for that. you're only eighteen. i can't believe your father is letting you do this." my mother rambles as she pulls away from me. i smile at her and just nod my head.

my little brother looks over in our direction with a shy smile on his face. i ruffle his hair and pull him to me for a quick hug, "take care of mom for me, booger." i whisper into his ear. he gives me a simple nod and backs away.

my phone buzzes in my pocket. i pull it out to see a message from mr. stark.

'beep beep, i'm here'

i sigh and look up at my mom one last time, "that's my ride." she lets a single tear stroll down her cheek before wiping it away and shooing me out the door.

once out of the apartment, i lug my suitcase down the three flights of stairs and out onto the sidewalk. mr. stark is pulled up to the curb in his fancy black car. he rolls down the passenger side window and yells at me through it, "time to party, wolfie."

i stroll to the car and pull the back door open to throw my stuff down. then i hop into the front seat and look at mr. stark, "you know, you could have come in."

"yeah, well we all know your mother doesn't like me very much. i don't wanna poke the bear," he says as he pulls his sunglasses over his eyes and revs the engine, "let's get you to your new home for the next three months, shall we?"

|| taglist; @my-patronus-is-mabel-pines

[joonsgalaxy]

true care |07 (m)

cr.

→ pairing: bodyguard!Jungkook x female reader

→ genre: fake dating au, fluff/romance, angst, (smut. not in this chap tho)

→ word count: 6,8 k

•  summary: your (endearingly) shy bodyguard—hired by your father—would do anything for you. even though you roll your eyes at his persistence and pretend there’s no need for him to follow you to every and any place you go, there might be many more hazards in your life than you let on. and you might end up needing him in more ways than you—or your father—would ever think.

! warnings: mentions of toxic past relationship throughout the series; mentions of alcohol; mentions of guns

the series masterlist is in my bio

↠ chapter 7: behold! chaos

The first drawer you opened had nothing intriguing in it. Some documents, some notepads with random notes, a calendar. Nothing suspicious at all. And still, you felt as though you were doing the crime of the century. Your heart was punching nails into your ribs; your hands were shaky and starting to get numb. A part of you screamed at you to hurry up and get out as soon as possible before anyone could notice you snooping around, another part of you told you to take deep breaths and go through the things slowly and scrupulously. If your father was hiding something, you certainly wouldn’t come across it in a matter of seconds. It could take tens of minutes. Hours even.

It could be anything. It could be anywhere. On a small piece of paper at the bottom of a drawer. A scribble inside one of the notepads. In some sort of secret part of a drawer. Literally anything anywhere.

And you had no idea what you were looking for. What to devote most of your attention to. Where exactly to look. What to expect.

God, it could take days to go through every page, every piece of document if you did it as meticulously as you could possibly manage.

It was almost funny, really. A daughter sneaking into her father’s home office to search for something she didn’t even know was looking for. Perhaps she wouldn’t even find anything. Most likely. Poor confused little girl. Maybe her father was right to treat her as a child. Maybe that was what she deserved all along. What would her father say to her now? “My silly daughter, remember what I said to you about going into my office?” “I’m so sorry, Daddy. I will never do this again.”

More documents that you’d seen examples of during your lectures at the university. Nothing special, nothing worth looking into more. You were starting to think you’d end up empty handed. But that didn’t happen. You found something interesting. Something that, at first glance, maybe wouldn’t seem so suspicious or question inducing. Though, it was something that gave you more of the backstory of your father’s life. Well, the picture itself didn’t tell you much, but it was the final push of a snowball down the hill. It would get bigger and more damaging on the way down.

In the last drawer that you looked, the drawer on the right at the bottom, under empty notepads and new pens, you came across a photograph. Right of the bat you could tell it was from the 90s. It was a portrait of a young woman. A beautiful woman. You hadn’t seen her before, you were certain of that. And still, somehow she seemed familiar. Like an old soul you’d known in your past life. This was the first thing that you paid more attention to. It intrigued you. Who was she? Why did your dad have a picture of her in his drawer of the table in his home office? She certainly wasn’t your grandmother, mother or some relative that you’d met before.

You could be guessing for hours, or you could ask your father about it. Maybe it wasn’t anything odd or detrimental.

Your fingers held the picture with a delicate touch. It looked so fragile and important. She was smiling. She had an adorable smile on her innocent looking face. The photograph imprisoned er youth. Her happiness. Her hopes and dreams for the future. Her love that would last as long as the picture existed. Carefully, you flipped it over. The back of it was greyish with yellow undertones. Years that had passed after the picture was taken had an effect on it. There was some numbers and words on the back, too. And now it made sense. At least some part of it. Evidently, the feeling that you somehow knew the woman was real. Now you understood why she seemed so familiar. All it took to strike you was the last name of her, scribbled in black. Jeon. You only knew one person with that particular last name. Your bodyguard. Was she his mother? Judging by the few subtle similarities, you’d dare to say that yes, she most likely was.

'Did you know your father and mine were best buddies while they served together?’

'Really?’ You stared at him, surprised. ‘No, I had no idea.’

'Yeah,’ he smiled quite excitedly, ‘your father recognized my name and mentioned it to me. I asked my mom about it; she confirmed it. Your father helped her out when mine passed away.’

You stared at your cup of noodles in wonder. 'So, when you did the whole speech about being competent and being hired for a good reason..?’

'Uh-ha, I kind of been wondering if he hired me because of your father knowing my family, from… pitty’

What the hell did this mean? It would be rather strange if Jeongguk had given your father the picture in the past couple of weeks. That didn’t seem like a likely thing to happen. He got it years ago. From the woman herself, or her husband. Less strange? Not really. The fact that he kept it in this drawer gave you the creeps for some reason. Her husband was dead. Your dad helped her. While he was married to your mother. And after all these years he still had a picture of her. Now he hired her son. Sure, sometimes fate works in odd, unexplainable ways, connecting people from the past again, making their paths cross over and over again, for they are meant to learn something from one another, give something back, but this.. you had a bad feeling about it.

“What are you trying to find?”

Your heart dropped to the floor as well as your stomach. Blood rushed to your head, ringing in your ears, and you jumped in place, hearing the unexpected question.

It was your father. He was standing at the threshold, gazing at you with judging, sharp eyes that could petrify a person as much as the crackle of a gun terrifies a deer. And yet, he stood calmly, his body quite relaxed. He seemed confident. He was confident. Didn’t need much of an effort to get your limbs go numb.

I’m so sorry Daddy. I will never do this again.

‘Mm? Looking for something? I can help you with that, you know. It’s my office, after all.’

‘I, uh—

The picture felt heavy in your hands. When your dad’s gaze had settled on it, it seemed to be even heavier then just a moment before. God... what now?

‘Um, I found this picture and I wanted to ask you something...’

‘Okay. But let me ask you something else first. In order to find something, you have to be looking. I’m sure you already know what kind of questions are going through my head.’

‘Yeah, I... I don’t... I don’t feel like I can trust you.’ Your voice sounded weak. You cleared your throat as your father arched a brow at you. ‘I need to find out something about you. I know pretty much nothing about you as a person. I know nothing about the things that happened before I could properly comprehend them.’

A sigh. ‘You know a lot about me. Everything you should know.’

‘That’s the thing! It’s like your hiding a huge part of your life from me. Sometimes... sometimes I feel like we’re strangers forced to live together.’ Yeah, maybe you got along pretty well, but it was always on the surface. All the conversations, all of the interactions. There was always something missing. And only recently you mustered up the courage to admit that to yourself.

‘Strangers?’ He scoffed, stepped deeper into the room. ‘I’m sorry you feel like that, but... going through my things isn’t an adequate way to solve this.’

‘Yeah, probably.’ You felt ashamed. And even so, you still were determined to get this mission to succeed.  ‘Who is this woman?’ you lifted the picture to his eye level. ‘Is she Jeongguk’s mother?’

He stared at the picture, his features tugging into an expression of annoyance. And yet there was a spark in his eye that implied deep nostalgia. ‘Yes,’ he soberly said.

You gulped, thought for a moment. Frankly, you were hoping your dad would continue to explain. He didn’t.

‘Why do you have it?’ You asked.

‘Has your bodyguard said something about his family to you?’

‘Yes. You helped them, when his father died.’

‘Mm.’ A crooked smile came to his lips. ‘You two are pretty close, huh?’

You were a little taken aback by the question. He said it in a way that let you understand he has been wondering about it. And he didn’t look too happy about it.

You had to bring the attention back to the photo. ‘Why do you still have it? Have you been talking to her lately, or..?’

Your father gave a nonchalant shrug. ‘I don’t know. I guess I forgot it was there.’

‘Forgot it was there? The photo is like 15 years old. You haven’t opened that drawer in that long?’

‘What is it with you? It’s just a photo.’

‘There’s no photo of me. Or my mom.’

Your dad looked away.

‘Admit it—it seems rather odd.’

‘We were good friends.’

‘This was taken after Jeongguk’s father passed away.’

‘Yeah, so?’

‘She looks… so happy.’

He huffed. ‘You don’t know how hurt she was, for how long she couldn’t stop the tears flowing. This was one of the moments that she relaxed and grinned. It’s precious to me.’

‘Was it at the time you were having a divorce with my mom?’

Your dad narrowed his eyes at you. ‘What are you implying?’

You shook your head. ‘Nothing. Did you love her?’

‘Who?’

‘Who? My mom, obviously. Was Jeongguk’s mother the reason you two separated?’

Your dad looked resentful. He inhaled, released an exasperated breath and glanced to the side. You could see something in his body talk. It seemed that even though he was irritated by you confronting him he knew the best thing would be to be truthful with you.

‘She... it was a part of it.’

Your heart dropped. Was he being serious? His features showed shame.

‘Is this... is this for real?’ You had no idea how to react, what to say or what to think. Your dad and Jeongguk’s mom? What the actual fuck?!

‘You wanted to know the truth. Here’s the truth. We were involved. It just... happened. Me and your mother were talking about divorce, Mrs. Jeon was lonely and weak. You can’t blame me, ____. You can’t blame anyone in this.’

It was almost too much to comprehend. Jesus, if your dad and your bodyguard’s mother would have stayed together, Jeongguk would be your step-brother now. You felt disgust curl in your belly.

‘It didn’t go anywhere far, though. We both felt guilty while being near each other.’

‘Because of his father?’ Your hands felt numb; the photograph landed onto the desk.

‘Yes,’ your dad said, sorrow in his eyes. He sighed. ‘Now it’s all coming back... I shouldn’t have hired Jeongguk,’ he murmured.

‘He’s good, though. I mean, I’m sorry he reminds you of those times, but if you hired him that means he was the best of the candidates, right?’

He remained silent.

‘Dad?’ You knew how Jeongguk felt about your father hiring him. Your bodyguard was unsure about the reason behind it. ‘Don’t tell me you pitted him.’

Your dad avoided eye contact.

‘Oh god...’ you sighed. ‘Was he even in the top 10?’

‘Yeah, of course,’ he stated the fact as it was supposed to be obvious already. ‘But... there were a few other men that could’ve done a good job at protecting you, too. The final decision wasn’t based only on facts.’

‘Did you know he was wondering about it?’ You were emotional, you might have shown your dad how actually enraged by this you were. ‘Did you know how much he’s trying to prove you he’s good at his job? The boy’s ready to do anything to show you that you did the right thing when hiring him.’

‘Good.’ Your dad shrugged flippantly.

You scoffed bitterly at that. Maybe it was a mistake, for your dad felt like he was excellent at reading between the lines.

‘You know, he’s your bodyguard, not your friend, not your boyfriend as you’re declaring to some.’ Oh here we go... ‘Don’t roll your eyes at me; you’re getting too close to him.’

‘What? You’re joking right?’

‘Not at all.’

You shook your head, not believing this was actually happening. ‘This is fucking bullshit,’ you muttered, striding across the room toward the exit. ‘I can be as close to anyone as I want to.’

As you were passing by your dad, he warned you, ‘Don’t make me fire him; he’s a good boy.’

You stopped in your tracks. ‘A good boy? So why the hell would you fire him?’

‘You probably haven’t noticed it yourself, but you started acting different since I hired him.’

‘Different how? What are you talking about? This is so ridiculous, dad, you can’t be serious!’

‘You’re acting up. Even more than you used to! All that talk about Kim Seokjin, his mother... now you’re going through my things?’

‘Oh, you think it’s because of Jeon Jeongguk? He’s what? A devil on my shoulder?’ Having spat that out, you left the office.

And you didn’t see your father for a few days after. It’s easy when your house is a fucking mansion.

.

The next day—it was Sunday—Hoseok messaged you to invite you to his house for a drink. To Jimin’s house. To Mina’s house. Hoseok had just came back from the tour with his dance crew, and not going to see him after all these weeks would be quite rude to say the least. You had missed him, but the whole Mina situation was hindering you from making a definite decision. You understood why she was mad at you. You told her that Yoongi only hung out with her because he wanted to spy on you. Now even to you it sounded ridiculous. He was just infatuated by her like every other guy that meets her. She had that effect on guys that were into girls. She was gorgeous. On the one hand, seeing her at the welcome home party for Hoseok might be awkward as hell. She knew how to sharpen her gaze looking at people she was fighting with. On the other hand, Hoseok was a social butterfly that had lots of friends; perhaps the house would be packed and you wouldn’t even come eye to eye with Mina.

Eventually, after going through all the pros and cons you decided to text Jeongguk and go.

As you had been expecting the house was swamped.

Your mission for the night was to greet Hoseok.

It didn’t matter that it was Sunday; strong drinks were mixed and swallowed like there was no tomorrow. If your grandmother saw you in this kind of party, she would freak.

Hoseok was catching up with Jimin when you saw him in the living room amongst other people. The air hung heavy and thick with the smell of weed.

‘Hobi!’

‘_____! I thought you wouldn’t show up!’ His smile was as dazzling as ever.

‘You promised you’d bring me something back from your trip; how could I miss that?’ You’d missed his light-hearted laugh.

Hoseok’s attention snapped to Jeongguk beside you. ‘I don’t think I know you, do I?’

‘Jeon Jeongguk.’ Your bodyguard reached out a hand. Your friend shook it.

‘It’s ____’s boyfriend,’ Jimin excitedly let Hoseok know.

‘Oh?’ There was a new kind of intrigue in his eye now. ‘I didn’t even know you were back into the dating game.’

You shrugged, sending him a cheeky smile.

Of course, you weren’t ready to date someone new just yet, but for the sake of the act you had to pretend you were already dating the new guy.

‘Wait...,’ Hoseok got serious. ‘Is Kwangsun over you?’

You simply looked at him, puzzled.

‘I saw him tonight. He’s here.’

‘Oh...’ There was a familiar unnerving chill crawling up your spine. You glanced around.

Jimin sensed the tension and decided to dissipate it. ‘Hey, Gguk, my legs still feel like hammers after the run! Haha!’

Your bodyguard grinned at him. ‘We should take it easier next time.’

The argument between you and your father came to your mind. Apparently Jeongguk was getting close not only to you, but your friends as well. Was this such a bad thing that it would force your father to fire him? Would Jeongguk, after being fired, still hang out with Jimin and go for a run with him? Would he tell your friends the truth about his job eventually? And lastly would he keep in touch with you?

‘You know what, ____?’ Hoseok questioned in a much chirpier way than just a moment before. ‘I have something for you. A few things, actually,’ he said proud of himself. ‘Picked some stuff from different cities like you wanted!’

‘How did you even have time for that? And you look good by the way; I thought you’d come back all exhausted!’

‘Well, I kinda am, not gonna lie.’

You gave him an exaggerated sad smile.

‘It’s okay though. I’m happy to be home! Let’s go upstairs. I have your gift in my bedroom.’

Hoseok pushed through the people in the house, creating a narrow space for you to walk through. Joji’s “dancing in the dark” was playing in the background. The lights were dimmed appropriately.

‘I didn’t wrap it nicely or anything, but I still think you’ll like it.’

You stepped over a puddle of some drink that had been carelessly spilled on the floor. The residents of the house were already used to cleaning up the day after. They didn’t mind it at all. If they did, there wouldn’t be any parties held there, obviously.

Most of the guests always knew they weren’t allowed to go upstairs. And even if they did sneak up the stairs, the rooms were always locked during these parties.

The stairs themselves were carpeted; another reason for the rule. Cleaning the carpet would take much more effort if somebody spilled their drink all over it. Even the thought made your skin crawl.

You followed Hoseok as he led you up.

The hallway on the second floor was narrow. Too narrow for your liking. The walls were too close. It wouldn’t had been such a problem had you not ran into Mina there.

‘Oh, hi.’ She looked tired. Not nearly as joyful as the boy standing beside you.

‘Hey.’ It was an awkward greeting. And knowing the circumstances, it made complete sense. She basically called you an attention whore. She said you think everything around you is for you. You told her Yoongi was only interested in her because of you. God... that was a fucked up thing to say to your best friend. It probably wasn’t the truth. You were, perhaps, only seeking attention...

Mina glanced at Hoseok, at you. ‘I—I was thinking of texting you. Can we talk?’

‘Uh, sure...’

‘I’m going to the kitchen to grab something to eat. We can talk there.’

‘Um, I was—

‘Go. That’s great opportunity to wrap the gift!’

You had a feeling Hoseok felt the tension between you and Mina. Well, how could he not, it was almost palpable like a thick fog wrapping around your throats.

There were two guys in the kitchen. Leaning against one of the counters, chatting about the song that was blasting through the speakers at that moment. They thought only people that were high as fuck could dance to it.

‘You came here with Jeongguk?’ Mina asked you, tone a little higher than usually.

‘Yup.’

She pulled the door of the fridge open, she was so tiny she disappeared behind it.

‘So... you’re hanging out in your bedroom?’

‘Yeah.’ You heard something clank in the refrigerator. ‘I’m not really in the mood to party.’

‘Oh.’

The guys, having heard the quicker beat of another song, pushed away from the counter and strode out the kitchen. ‘This is what I’m talking about,’ one of them chirped.

‘You know...’ Mina was now pulling a chair out from under the table, bread, a knife and butter in her hands. ‘I wanted to call you yesterday, and the day before. But... I guess it’s hard for me to admit someone else is right and not me.’ She chuckled, the sound cold.

‘What do you mean? Right about what?’

Both of you sat behind the table. She sighed, delicately opening the bag of bread. ‘It would be better if Yoongi was here. He’d tell you about it. He knows more than me, but I can’t wait any longer. Especially now that you’re literally right in front of me.’

Your heart was beating fast. The way Mina talked scared you. Something was most definitely wrong. What about Yoongi? What were you right about?

It couldn’t be...

You remained silent; didn’t want to go to conclusions too fast.

‘I’m always amazed by how smart you are,’ Mina continued while spreading butter on a piece of bread. ‘So observant, so aware of what exactly is happening around you.’

It was rather pleasant to hear that, but you knew it wasn’t true. You weren’t as observant and aware as she thought you were, as you hoped you were. People kept secrets from you. People didn’t think you could handle them.

‘You find connections between stuff. Always. You did it this time, too.’ Mina sighed again, put everything in her hands down onto the old, scratched table. She looked you in the eyes. ‘Yoongi hung out with me just so he could keep an eye on you.’

Wow, no more beating about the bush, huh?

‘You’re... you’re kidding, right?’

She shook her head slowly. ‘’M sorry.’

Even though your own theory was just confirmed, you couldn’t fathom it anymore. It felt unreal. Like you were in some kind of lame, predictable thriller for teens. ‘How did you find out? When?’

‘A few days ago. The things you said kept bugging me so I asked him.’

‘Yoongi?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Are you okay? Did he... was he calm about it? Where is he?’ A plethora of questions ran through your mind. The conversation when Mina confronted him could had gone terribly wrong. And by the looks of it, Mina was feeling not too well right now. She must be so angry at Yoongi. At you. ‘I’m so sorry.’

‘Oh, don’t worry, love.’ She chuckled in a much warmer tone than before. ‘We talked it out. Calmly. Apparently, it was too heavy of a burden for him. Y’know, to watch you like some sort of creep.’ Her body trembled in disgust. ‘Anyways, he said he stopped talking to Kwangsun. He was annoyed by all the questions he got from your ex. Talk about creeps, right? Have you been in contact with him?’

‘Ew, no!’

She laughed.

Then, she looked worried. ‘You should be careful, you know. He’s clearly not over you.’

‘Oh my god...’

‘What?’

‘He’s here. In the house. Only now that properly sunk in.’

‘Ew. You should like walk arm in arm with Jeongguk through the whole house.’

A small smile flickered on your lips. ‘You think?’

‘Oh definitely. Maybe sometimes it looks like Jeongguk has a baby face, but damn he’s quite intimidating if you look down from his chin.’

You couldn’t help but grin.

‘Oh by the way, we’re kinda okay. Me and Yoongi.’

‘Oh?’

‘Yeah, he said he stopped informing Kwangsun about you before he asked me on a proper date. At first it was just because of you, bet later he started crushing on me, so.’ She shrugged her shoulders.

‘Well, I’m happy you got something nice from this.’

‘Yeah... I think i’m just gonna go to my room and eat. You make sure to hug and smooch Jeongguk whenever you get the chance! Oh... that reminds me. I’m so sorry that I made you kiss him the last time you were here.’

‘It’s cool. Don’t worry.’

‘Is it? Are you guys, like..?’

‘No!’ You chortled, the laugh eventually growing awkward. The memories of that night were still fresh in your mind. Though, nobody would find out about it. It was embarrassing.

Mina left the kitchen first. You remained seated, various thoughts curling their ways through your brain. You wished you were intoxicated. Perhaps it would have been easier that way. At least for the time being.

On your way out of the kitchen you bumped into Jeongguk. He smiled awkwardly at you. Had he been there the whole time? Had he heard the conversation you had with Mina? You hoped not.

‘What’s up?’ You asked as awkwardly as ever.

‘Nothing much,’ Jeongguk answered in the same manner.

‘You know what? I think we should leave, go someplace else. This party is...’ You looked around, trying to find a convincing excuse.

‘Yeah, this is just... y’know...’ Jeongguk was attempting to do the same thing. Couldn’t find the right words.

You let out a chuckle. ‘We can just hang out with my driver, it would be a hundred times better than this. He knows so many cool places in the city!’

Whenever Jeongguk laughed, adorable wrinkles would form around his eyes.

It was in that moment that you started feeling shy and averted your gaze only to find Kwangsun standing by the couch in the living room. He was chatting with some dude. Seemingly unaware of your presence. Seemingly having no idea you were just meters away, looking his way. You, of course, wanted to keep it like that. God only knows how he would react spotting you in the crowd. Perhaps he would attempt talking to you. He would embarras you in front of everyone in the room. In front of Jeongguk.

He, your bodyguard, noticed you gazing toward your ex and turned to inspect what had caught your attention.

‘Wait... he’s the one that...’

‘What?’

‘Uh...’

‘He’s my ex.’

Jeongguk, having heard your statement, turned to look at you, eyebrows furrowed and confusion painting his face. ‘Your ex?’

‘Yeah. Why are you so surprised? What were you saying just before?’

‘Ah, nothing. I... I think I just confused him with someone else.’

‘You’re being weird. Don’t be weird.’

You would’ve questioned him more, but you wanted to get the hell out of there as quickly as possible.

.

Mr. Ri, your driver, apologized at least five times for not checking the level of gas in the car sooner. He now had to stop at a random gas station to fill up the tank while you waited inside the car. You didn’t mind it. At all. But Mr. Ri was an exceptionally lovely man with proper manners so he told you he’d be quick with it and you’ll soon be able to go anywhere you wanted. You didn’t know where that was. Something else was on your mind. Jeongguk, weirdly enough.

You weren’t even thinking about the way Kwangsun turned toward your direction and spotted you in the crowd standing just meters away. No, you played something else in your mind. Over and over again. And you felt stupid for it.

You had a feeling Jeongguk noticed your ex boyfriend meeting gazes with you, because when you moved to walk out the house, your bodyguard placed a hand on your lower back. It was done either with no intention other than to be suave, or with a deliberate motive. Either way, you were rather grateful he did that, even if it sounded petty. Kwangsun had to realize he’s not in the picture anymore.

Jeongguk’s sudden movement in the car pulled you out of your thoughts. He flung his foot over the gear shift and pushed himself into the driver’s seat.

You snorted. ‘What are you doing?’

‘I saw the opportunity and couldn’t miss it,’ he answered, softly laughing. ‘I don’t often sit behind the wheel of a lexus, as you might guess.’

‘Oh, and how does it feel?’

He placed his hands onto the wheel, glanced at each of the mirrors of the car. Why did hot dudes have to look even hotter behind a wheel? Ugh.

‘Pretty nice, not gonna lie.’ His chuckle filled the empty space between him and you.

‘Do you have a driver’s license, though?’

‘Yeah. Had to get it while serving the military.’

‘Oh. Do you enjoy driving?’

Jeongguk fixed the rear-view mirror so he could see you. Although, as his hand landed on the gear shift, he acted smug as if to say he was the best driver around, his eyes were sparkling in such an innocent way you couldn’t help but smile softly. ‘Where to, miss?’

A silly big grin plastered your face, then a dreamy one as you leaned back against your seat. ‘To the stars.’

Both of you couldn’t help but burst into uncontrollable laugh.

And maybe it would’ve lasted longer. Maybe, when your driver came back, you would’ve surprised Jeongguk by asking Mr. Ri to let your bodyguard drive around the city for a little while. Perhaps you would’ve ended up in the animal shelter; you’d been feeling guilty for not visiting it for a while, after all. Maybe...

However, due to some people with their sick minds and lack of empathy, the night had gone in entirely different way.

It happened fast. Jeongguk’s laugh died out as he focused on something behind the window on the driver’s side.

‘Get down,’ he said, calm and composed at first, perhaps not yet convinced it was truly happening. ‘I said get down,’ he urged after a beat of silence. There was much more authority in his voice now.

You were baffled out of your mind. One moment both of you were laughing about the reference from the most famous movie of all time, and the other he sounded worried and serious.

‘What? Why?’ Your eyes scanned the surroundings, looking for something that had set your bodyguard off.

And then you spotted them. An alert clicked in your mind, forcing you to slide down the backseat and become invisible to whoever was outside the car. Your heart was pounding, temples pulsating.

There probably wasn’t a single person in the city that hadn’t heard about these masked criminals. They were only scaring people from a distance at first, wearing grotesque masks of animal faces, attempting to make some kind of political point. Then all of that suddenly changed, when they started committing serious crimes.

‘This is a joke, right? They’re just joking,’ you said hopefully, voice rather shaky, fear making it sound breathless already.

Jeongguk, after slouching himself down as well, answered, ‘I don’t know. I think they’re armed. We can’t risk it.’

‘Fuck. Fuck. I—fuck...’ you kept on whispering.

‘They’re going inside,’ your bodyguard observed. ‘Mr. Ri... shit.’

Your heart dropped to the floor. If they’re armed... they’re armed for a reason. Your driver could get hurt, or worse. ‘Wh—what do we do?’

‘I think the guy in the blue mercedez just called the police.’ Even in this kind of threatening situation you couldn’t stop yourself from taking a moment to appreciate Jeongguk’s incredible observation skills. ‘We should... we need to leave.’

‘What? Where to?’

‘Somewhere safe. C’mon.’

Jeongguk, being as stealth and quiet as he could manage, opened the door and slid outside. In the same manner, he pulled open the back door so you could climb out.

‘Mr. Ri took the key with him,’ Jeongguk explained. ‘We have to walk. Fast.’

You nodded. It was more of an automatic, programmed answer than an attentive and genuine agreement. You felt like you were dreaming.

Your legs were shaky as you stood on the asphalt. Your muscles seemed to be non existent.

Where do you go now? Which direction leads to a safe place?

Your head was spinning.

‘Follow me.’ Jeongguk took your hand in his, urging you to run with him.

Everybody knew the masked criminals committed crimes in groups. There was never just one or a couple of them. There would always be some others lurking around, watching, waiting. That’s what made this whole situation terrifying.

It was just before 9pm, but it was still considerably bright outside, you could see everything around you clearly. You were in plain sight yourself.

And perhaps you would have marvelled at the sunset that was smeared all over the sky. Pink and orange and bright blue. Lines, soft at the edges, seemed to be painted by an experienced artist full of hope and wonder. But you didn’t have the time. There was no interest in that. There was only the unnerving sensation sinking into your bones as you were sprinting to somewhere you could not be seen easily by people with baleful intentions.

Would Jeongguk succeed in protecting you from the dangers you could encounter at any second? Was this the time and place he’d finally prove everyone including himself that, yes, he’s completely capable of doing his job flawlessly? The bodyguard of the year. The most desired bachelor in the country. The boy that your father wanted to fire, leaving him with no income and no way of serving people.

God, time undoubtedly slows down when you need to finish something as quickly as possible. Every microscopic part of a painfully slow second becomes your enemy. You become aware of all the things that could go awfully wrong in that moment. You feel unsafe. You feel as vulnerable as they come. But you hope. You muster all the belief in your heart and your soul, and you hope. For it to end, for you to come out safe and alive, for all of the regretful things that you did or didn’t do that hurt someone not to ambush you as a massive wave of karma that had been chasing you your whole life. Not now. Please, God, not now.

‘Here.’

Unsurprisingly, there were no pedestrians around as you reached an alleyway that Jeongguk pointed toward. It wasn’t a crowded part of the city. Perhaps that was the reason the masked gang chose the neighbourhood.

Dizzy and out of breath you held onto Jeongguk’s hand. And when he halted his steps by a green humongous dumpster you realized just how tightly you were holding onto it. You felt undignified. Like a kid squeezing a hand of whoever’s the closest because of a mildly uncomfortable event.

Your hand let go and shot upward to touch your collarbone just so it had to do something.

Your bodyguard’s breaths came in and out in remotely even rate. He barely seemed affected by the sprinting both of you had done moments ago.

‘You okay?’

You gulped in order to even out your own breathing. As if it helped. He was probably thinking you were weak and scared and tiny. To him, you were a rich girl that didn’t know how to live in the real world. Deal with the real problems.

A wavering ‘Yeah’ was all you could get out.

He nodded. Then looked around, inspecting the surroundings. It was a little darker here since the sun couldn’t directly reach the narrow alley. You could see that the other end of it had an opening too. In your mind, it was a disadvantage. Anyone walking by could easily notice the both of you.

‘I want you to know that I won’t enjoy saying this, but...’ Jeongguk began, ‘you need to get inside.’

‘Inside what?’

His head tilted toward the dumpster. No way.

‘Why the fuck—

‘____, these people are dangerous. This is serious and I don’t want you to—

‘Okay, fine,’ you blurted out, partly pissed partly grateful.

Satisfied with the answer, Jeongguk moved to push the lid farther so there was a big enough space for you to squeeze in through.

You couldn’t believe this was happening. Well yes, you were a rich girl, but, quite frankly, certainly no one would enjoy climbing into a trash bin.

Bags inside it were squishy and so your legs sank into the deepest point possible. ‘Jesus.’

‘Crouch down,’ the boy said before starting to walk away backwards. ‘Nobody will see you here.’

‘Wait, how about you?’

‘I’ll go look around. You’ll be safe here. Just keep your head down.’

‘What if—

‘You’ll be fine.’

Okay, but how about you?

And just like that, without any ceremonies, he was out of your sight. Out of the alleyway, the safest place around. He was gone, and you were left alone with your hammering heart and pulsating temples.

You did as he asked you to. You crouched down in efforts to make yourself as small and unnoticeable as possible.

You had no idea if Jeongguk would be back in 30 seconds or 10 minutes. You didn’t know how much time had passed anyway. Your brain was confused and out of focus.

It was silent there. Too silent, if you were being frank. The silence hurt your chest. The stench hurt your nose.

It didn’t take long for certain images to flow to your mind. The masks. The articles you’d seen about them before. You started picturing the crimes they were doing at that moment.  You tried to imagine and count how many of them there were somewhere around you. Was Jeongguk safe? What was he doing? When would he run back to you to tell you everyone’s fine and you can finally go home?

Home. Where your father keeps secrets in the corners of rooms you’re not allowed to enter. Home. Where supposedly the closest person to you lies and hides things from you. Home. Where Jeongguk’s employer is making plans on how to fire him.

That was not the place you wished to be at.

You listened carefully to any sounds. It seemed as though time had stopped and all that was lively and loud had dissipated into thin air and would never come back to its original form. All you could hear was your own ragged breathing and the thunderous beats of your heart.

Bang.

It was much louder than anything stressed in your body. It was much louder than anything you’d heard in a very long time. Though it was years you’d witnessed this kind of sound being made close by you, you recognized it immediately. Right after it went off.

It was the petrifying sound of a gunshot.

Jesus.

You were convinced neither your driver or your bodyguard had one on them.

It could mean lots of things. It could have come from anywhere around you. For any reason. But... Who were you kidding.. Considering the circumstances, it most likely wasn’t just a test shot or someone training their kid to shoot at cans. No. You were in danger. And perhaps your driver or your bodyguard were too. Maybe they were the ones closest to the gun when its trigger was pulled. Maybe one of them had a bullet stuck in their flesh. The thought made you sick. The feeling drowned out everything else that was happening before. Your mind was fuzzy, skull too small for your pulsating brains. You were shaking.

There was another gunshot right after the first one.

A tiny shriek came out your throat. You couldn’t help it. This was real. This was actually happening, and you had no idea where Jeongguk was. Or Mr. Ri.

Seconds dragged on into something that seemed like hours.

Would he be back? Safe and alive?

Were you really safe here? Jeongguk said you would be. Nobody would notice you here. He can be trusted, right? He knows this stuff.

There was a tiny soft sound near you.  You guessed it was in the same alleyway you were in. You held your breath.

‘Oh my god,’ a whisper followed by a sigh right above you. You jumped. It was Jeongguk. ‘You’re still here.’

‘You told me it was safe here, why wouldn’t I be here?’

‘It is safe. I just worry too much sometimes.’

‘The—The gunshots... Did you see what happened?’

‘No. It was really close, though.’ Just as he was answering you in a soft voice, sirens started screaming, then more of them joined. This was coming to an end.

[gloriousprofessorhan]

muffin

in which you’re bestfriend with Kyungsoo, and he called you muffin

(re-upload, ‘Muffin’, on AFF 2018)

“Have a nice day.” You said.

“I won’t.” he coldly replied.

You rolled your eyes and left his side to walk with Chen. “If only he could be nicer.” You mumbled and Chen chuckling beside you.

“Then what? You gonna date him if he’s nicer to you, muffin?” Chen teased you with the nickname you got from him.

“Shut up.”

“Ah, sorry, you have a boyfriend.”

Chen continue laughing while you grumbling. You’re waving your hand to your friend, “Wendy! Wait!”

You semi run towards Wendy leaving Chen and your grumpy childhood bestfriend, Kyungsoo.

“How’s the exam?” Wendy asked while sipping her slushie.

“Surprisingly good!” you grabbed her slushie and sip it. “Can’t believe I answered all the question.”

“Hey, ladies.” Wendy’s classmate, Suji greet you and her. You’re not very close to Suji but she’s a pretty and nice girl, “wanna go grab lunch?”

You remember you promised Kyungsoo to have lunch with him after he handed the paper, “I’ll skip, I’m going to have lunch with Kyungsoo later.”

“He’s your boyfriend? I’m in the same science class with him.” Suji said.

“No, no,” you gestured your hands like an X, “we’re just childhood friends.”

“She has a boyfriend.” Wendy pointed at you, “Lay, from Art major.”

“Oh, I see… and Lay’s gonna join you for lunch later?” Suji asked.

“Uhm, no… he got another paperworks… so…”

“And he’s fine with your relationship with Kyungsoo?” 

“Of course,” you laughs, “they’re friends… I know Lay from Kyungsoo.”

-

You’re waiting for Kyungsoo at the College park and you saw him walking with Chen and Kai, “Dyo!” you called him by the nickname you gave him, it’s from his surename, Doh.

He turned to see you and nod, “what?”

“So what are we having for lunch?”

He raised his eyebrows a bit, “lunch? I just had lunch with them.” He pointed the two other boys.

“What???”

“Well, I’m hungry after finishing the paper.” He said it calmly, “you haven’t eat? It’s almost 3 pm.” 

“Because you—“ you harshly inhaled air and finally said, “yeah I haven’t eat, I’m just gonna grab whatever in the convinience store and eat it while walking home.”

You turned around and fished your cellphone from your bag and call your boyfriend.

“Hey, babe.” He answered.

“Where are you? I’m hungry, wanna go grab lunch?”

“I had one, you haven’t eat?”

“Not yet…” you sighs.

“I can’t go anywhere now, I’m still working on my final project.” He said. “You good?”

“Yeah, I’m fine… bye…” you hung up and walking towards your house, it’s not close from the Campus but you feel like enjoying the nice weather.

“Muffin!!”

You knew who’s voice it was but you keep walking.

“Where’s your lunch?” Kyungsoo jabbed your shoulders while panting after he ran after you.

“I haven’t buy one.”

“Let’s go.”

“Huh?” he pull you to a small market and next thing you know you’re sitting in front of bibimbap stall and Kyungsoo already order one for you.

“Even tho I told you to have lunch with me, if you’re hungry then go eat by yourself first.” He said while mixing the rice for you.

“I’m unlike you,” you said, “if I promised something to someone, I’ll keep it.”

He laughs, showing his cute gummy, “good girl,” he patted you head, “now eat.” 

You shove the spoon to your mouth and you know he’s watching you.

“Where’s Lay?” he asked.

“Busy with final project.” You shortly replied.

“Neglected again~” he sang the last part just to make you pout.

You scoffed while busy chewing your food.

“Hey, I saw you talked to Suji before.”

You turned to see him with squinting eyes. Kyungsoo never asked about a girl like this before. “Yeah.”

“She’s pretty like cupcakes.” He said.

You rolled your eyes, you have a history about you nickname that related to Kyungsoo and cupcake.

“We’re at a same class.” He murmured.

“Yeah, she told me that—“

“What if you set me up with her?’

You almost choked on your food, “you… w-what? You like her??”

“Well,” he shrugged his shoulders, “she’s cute.”

“You don’t like cute girls!”

“And who are you deciding what kind of girls I like?” he mocked.

You munch your food slower, “so… you like Suji?”

“I don’t know yet… but I think she’s cute.” Kyungsoo chuckles.

-

it wasn’t a double date since you were on a date with Lay and you told Suji if she wants to join, and you saw a brighter smile when you mentioned that Kyungsoo might be there too.

Lay and Kyungsoo talked about games they were playing and Suji seems to enjoying the conversation and you can’t help but observing how Kyungsoo being gentle to Suji. He likes the girl. You knew.

Moreover when Kyungsoo offering to walk her home.

He likes her.

You knew.

-

“How is it with her?” you asked Kyungsoo when you met him in front of your Campus gate.

“Huh?”

“Come onn… you know whom I was talking about.” You took the cola from his hand.

“We talked a lot on the way home.”

“And?”

He’s turning to see you, “I like her.”

You stop walking.

“Muffin?” he stopped and turned his heels and stretched his arms out, “my cola.”

-

The following week you saw Suji’s social media when he posted her picture with Kyungsoo and the caption was: love.

“Oohh~ my Kyungsoo have a girlfriend~” you teased him when you met him later on at the subway station.

He smiles widely, something he rarely done. “we went out just us few more times before I told her if she wants to be my girl.”

“Tell me the details!!” you asked when he pull you to the train and he found you both seats.

“What details? We went out for a meal and on the way home I told her that I like her, she said yes.” He plug the earphones on his phone and scroll the music directory, press play to a song and offer the other end of the earphone to you.

You took it without saying anything, “you happy?”

He nodded, “told you, I like her.”

-

“Valentine’s coming, do we have plans?” you asked Lay.

“Of course.” He kissed your hair, “dinner?”

You nodded while looking at him designing something on his computer tablet, “I hate your projects.” You murmured.

Lay laughing, “why?”

“I’m jealous that you put more attention to them than to me.”

Lay clicked ‘save’ and put it down on the table, then he joined you on the bed, his bed, “you missed me, aren’t you?”

“I’ve told you that million times but you always said: my final project this, my final project that.” You pouts and he kiss the pout away.

“Let’s go on a date on val’s day. I’ll book a place for us.”

-

He said that but he was the one coming to you asking, “have you book a restaurant for us?”

You can’t  help but furrowing your eyebrows.

“Hey, Soo.” Lay greets Kyungsoo who walks with you towards your class together.

“Me? Do I have to book it for us?” You raised your voice.

Lay looks confused, “yeah, no?”

“No.” You replied, “you said you’re gonna book a place for us, you told me that! Oh my God, Lay, I can’t believe—“

“You guys can join me and Suji.” Kyungso cuts you before you explode.

“Why would us??” you shout at him.

“Hey, babe, come on, we can join Kyungsoo and Suji… come on…” Lay tried to hug you.

“Yeah, me and Suji is gonna celebrate val’s day at the french restaurant down the street, it’s new, the place’s nice and the price is good, not gonna robbed us as student.” Kyungsoo explained.

“Let me go!” you escaped yourself from Lay and left them.

“Book another table for us, please.” Lay said to Kyungsoo and go after you.

-

You know you should’ve been mad to your boyfriend when he called you saying that he couldn’t make it to the val’s day dinner, but you really can’t because he said he’s stuck on train from Seokchon to Seoul due to heavy snow.

Then Kyungsoo came to your house. Alone.

“Where’s Suji?”

“She has to go to the hospital.” He said.

“Everything’s okay??”

He nods, “her little sister fell from bike and she has to be with her mom because her father is out of town.”

“Why don’t you come with her?” you asked.

Kyungsoo shook his head, “I haven’t being introduced formally to her parents.”

“Isn’t it the good time to be introduced to her mom at least?”

He shrugged his shoulders, “she said otherwise.”

You didn’t say anything for a while, looking at the bright winter afternoon, you two just sitting side by side on your house’s patio.

“Cold.” Kyungsoo murmured.

“Let’s get inside.” 

“Let’s just go to the restaurant.” Kyungsoo suggested, “I already made reservation, my reputation is at stake.”

You crinkle your nose, “you made two reservations, right?”

“Yeah, but the other one is under Lay’s name… just let the restaurant thinks that guy is irresponsible.”

-

It’s a set menu you got, pretty appetizers for each, steaks as the main course and one nice vanilla cake and ice cream as dessert for both of you to share.

Kyungsoo read a table tent that said something about special menu.

“Have you ever tried caviar?” he asked.

“Not yet, but I really want to try one… people said it’s amazing.”

“Who’s that people?” Kyungsoo raised one eyebrow.

“Uhm, some people on TV.”

He scoffed, “they give it for free as special val’s day menu.”

“Realllyy??”

Kyungsoo showed you the promotion then you raised your hand to call a waiter.

“Can I help you, miss?”

“Yes, uhm, can I have one sweet potato crème fraiche caviar?” you said, and Kyungsoo silently cooing at how you pronounce a hard name.

“Oh that special menu?”

“Yes,” You said, “it’s free, right?”

“Correct! It only have one super easy requirement to get that menu.”

You both raised your eyebrows, “requirement?”

“Just kiss your partner.”

“You don’t really want that caviar…” he said.

“I’m curious, and this actually a good chance I can taste that expensive shit…” you murmured, “but… well, damn you Lay Zhang!!” you cursed your MIA boyfriend, “where are you when I need you.”

“Okay let’s call that waiter and claim the caviar.” Kyungsoo said.

“What??” You saw him staring at you. “but the req—“

“Don’t act like we’re not each other’s first kiss.” He said just above whispers, and you’ll lie to yourself if you said you didn’t feel that bubble inside your chest.

“But that was…” you didn’t continue because hell, you were friends for ever with him and there’s no way you feel this way, and there’s no way he’s involving any extended feeling when he pick up that first kiss topic again.

Yes, you were each other’s first kiss, but that was because the 12 years old you and him were curious about how it feels when lips meet other lips, and it happened after you two watching a foreign TV series where the heroine kissing the love of her life.

“Have you ever kissed someone?” Kyungsoo asked one day when you both walked home after a piano lesson.

“Yeah.” You murmured.

“Liar.”

“Okay, never, but I know how to kiss.” You said.

Kyungsoo scoffed. “how?”

You gestured your fingers, putting it together, “pout your lips and go forward and stick it to—“

“Stick it???” Kyungsoo flinched, “stick??”

You sulked and walked away while he was laughing.

“Muffin!”

“Stop calling me that!” you walked faster.

He ran after you and pull your shoulder, “let’s try.”

“Try what?”

“Kissing.” He said.

“Gross!!”

“Okay then be a lip-virgin forever.” Kyungsoo walked passing you.

“Huh?” you started to worry, will someone kissed you later? or you will be a lip-virgin forever. “Dyo! Wait!”

“Stop calling me that!”

“Kiss me!”

he turned around, “huh…?”

you stood right in front of him, and your height was similar to him, it was years before he suddenly grew much taller than you. 

He was staring at you, and you can’t help but lowering your gaze. And when you’re looking at him again, he immediately avoiding you.

“So, w-what should I do first?” he asked.

“Just… uh…” you really can’t lift your gaze, suddenly he put his palm on your shoulder, and his feet move forward.

“look at me…” he said.

You lift your face and realised how close you were. Then you saw him started to close his eyes, and so do you, and after a long excruciating second, you’re finally feel something soft touching your lips.

His lips stayed there for another few second before detached them from yours. It was just a long innocent peck. But you and him were walking home in silence after that.

And no one talking about it again.

Until today.

“Are we really… gonna…” you search for Kyungsoo’s ‘I’m just kidding’ but you saw his flat face.

“Yeah, why not.” He shrugged, “I never had caviar, you too, and the requirement is only kissing you… easy.”

“Easy?” you scoffed, “kissing me is easy?”

“Lay knew better I bet, but, come on, nothing to lose, we would only gain two crème fraiche caviar in roasted sweet potato.” He made a yummy gesture by kissing his thumb and index finger together.

Yeah, what would be so hard with kissing him, right?

“Okay.” You said and Kyungsoo casually raised his hand to call a waiter.

“Can I help you, sir?”

“Can we get the caviar?”

“Of course, just show me your love to your girl, sir.” The waiter smiles.

And Kyungsoo reached out to palmed your jaw, briefly caressing your cheek before lift his gaze to meet yours, and your brain start telling you that this isn’t right. You should stop him, you shouls say no, you should—

His face is getting closer, and closer, and he tilt his head.

You hold your breath.

He stop for one milisecond before capture your lips.

You gulp when he touches your lips.

And he kissed you.

And you kissed him back.

And he move his lips between yours.

And you don’t know when and how but your hand is on his nape.

Shit.

You pulled away and he’s startled. The waiter didn’t seem to notice because he’s smiling happily while preparing the caviar for both of you.

You couldn’t focus on whatever happened after the kiss. And the caviar that served tasted bland.

-

“You haven’t forgive me.” Lay sat across you in a fast food stall near your college.

“For?”

“For stuck inside the train in the middle of the snow storm that made me unable to spent val’s day with you.”

“That was two weeks a go.” You continue your meal.

“Yeah, and you act so cold since then.” He tried to get you feed him.

“I’m fine, I’m always fine… even if you’re never there for me, I’m fine.” You fake a smile.

“See… you’re mad at me.” He sighs.

“Do you love me?” you stopped eating.

“Uh-hum.”

“Uh-hum?”

Lay stop trying to steal your food and looking at you instead, “that’s another way to say yes.”

“A lazy way to say yes.” You corrected him.

Lay shrugged his shoulder.

“You never said you love me, you choose lazy way to answer me when I asked if you ever love me. God…”

“Are you on period?”

“This has nothing to do with my period, Lay, you’ve been so insensitive and deserting me a lot! And I’m tired of trying to understand you!”

“Whoa-whoa… wait, babe, when did I—“

“When? When, huh? It was when you always put you final project whatsoever first.”

“But that’s for my future!” he said.

You stopped.

“You’re being selfish.” Lay said.

“Oh…” you paused, “am I?”

Lay nodded.

“Okay, let’s put your future first…” you said, “go focus on your future first… and if we meant to be together, let’s meet in the future.”

“W-what do you mean?”

“Let’s not see each other again as couple… let’s just be friends.”

“You break up with me?”

You nodded, “I’m sorry for disturbing you from focusing on your future.”

“But babe…”

“Stop calling me that.”

“You’re just mad, babe…”

You stood up and Lay also standing up, “I’m not kidding, Lay, I’m tired of this relationship where I was the only one trying to hold on the thin thread that connect us… I’m sorry, but I really can’t continue this.”

-

You didn’t cry on the first day you broke up with him, but cried the day after. However, it was a year full of him. Something is definitely missing.

And Kyungsoo, someone who suppose to be your bestfriend is busy with his girl, you knew they’re get along well when Wendy told you that Suji introduced Kyungsoo to her family.

“So… now the family already know you?” you match Kyungsoo’s pace on the way to subway station.

He was a little startled but then he look straight ahead again without giving you any answer.

“I texted you yesterday.” You said.

“Oh, I haven’t replied?”

he hasn’t even read it.

“I called you few days a go.”

“I saw the missed call but I was out with Suji.”

You just nodded while glue your lips together. There was stung in your heart to find out that Kyungsoo doesn’t even know that you broke up with Lay. He didn’t even give you a chance to tell him.

He stepped inside the train. Without pulling you in.

He stand in the corner, the train wasn’t packed but he didn’t go finding a seat either. So you stand beside him.

“Sit there if you want.” He said pointing at an empty seat.

“No, i—uh, I wanna talk to you.”

He pull out his cellphone and plug the earphone. You were lowkey waiting for him to give you one earphone but the hope crumbled when he said,

“Hello, hey, I’m at the train right now… you’re already at campus?”

He’s calling Suji and left you awkwardly standing next to him.

Two stops later you find an empty seat near you, and you left Kyungsoo to sit down, didn’t realised that Kyungsoo finished the phonecall and staring at your sad face.

Next day kyungsoo waited for the subway but he didn’t find you, and the next day, also the day after. You weren’t avoiding him, you just went to Pohang because one of your older cousin’s getting married.

At the fourth day, you were already at the station waiting for the train when Kyungsoo appear beside you.

“Where were you?” he asked but the train coming and the pulled you inside and found seats for you, then he pulled his cellphone, you looked away, trying not to care if he’s going to call Suji again, but then you feel him slip the earphone into your ear.

“Listen, new song I discovered.” He said.

You didn’t say anything, keep your face away of him, and slowly release took the earphone off and give it back to him.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing.” You stood up and standing near the door even tho your destination is still three stops away.

Somehow you couldn’t understand what you feel about him, is it about the kiss? Or your disappointment towards him because he wasn’t there when you’re down after broke up with Lay.

“Why you’re sulking?” he asked when you both get off at your stop and walking towards the campus.

“Me? When?”

“Now.” He said.

“Oh, since when you know me that well till you know that I’m sulking?”

“Well, it doesn’t need to be genius to see how you fold that face into an ugly frown.” He shrugged.

“Don’t talk to me as if we’re close.” You walk faster.

“Huh? What do you mean? We are close.”

“You think so?” you turned to him, “are we still close now? Because as far as I remember, I didn’t neglect you when I have a boyfriend but look at you! You didn’t even reply my messages, you didn’t pick up my calls, you didn’t talk to me!”

“I didn’t ask you to do all of that to me while you have boyfriend.”

“Oh, so you think if you’re dating someone, you could just throw away your friends??” you raised your voice.

“I never threw you away! I’m just being a normal me, and I’m sorry if my girlfriend is actually paying attention to me, unlike your—“

“I broke up with Lay.” You said, “more than a week a go. And I’m trying to tell you this, I need you but you’re busy with your life!”

Kyungsoo called you but you runaway.

-

“Muffin…” 

you murmured the nickname he gave you. Muffin. It was from the incident of your birthday years a go, when you had your 11 birthday, when you specifically asking for a cupcake for your birthday and Kyungsoo gave you muffin instead, telling you that they looked similar. You sulked for day and he teased you by calling you that, until now.

And as the courtesy of how Kyungsoo love to get you on the edge, he always giving you muffin in your birthday and told you to eat the cupcake.

You told him it’s a fake cupcake, muffin is not pretty like cupcake, muffin is ugly and by him calling you muffin, you knew he lowkey telling you that you’re ugly like muffin.

“Kyungsoo’s here.” Your mom knocked on your door.

You sat on your bed when he’s get into your room.

“Hey muffin…” he said.

“Stop calling me that!”

he smiles and gave you a cute box.

“If you dare buying me another dozen of muffin, I’m gonna hit y—“ you opened the box and found cupcakes inside.

He sat beside you and took one of the prettiest cupcake and feed you.

“How’s it?” he asked while you munch.

You only responds with a hum.

“Do you like this better?”

you never care about how it taste but actually it tastes like a birthday cake, a classic vanilla with overly sweet icing.

“Do you know why I prefer to call you muffin than cupcake?” he asked.

“Because I’m not pretty enough like cupcake?”

He shook his head, “because muffin tastes a lot better than cupcake.”

You didn’t say anything, just let him continue.

“muffins has various flavour inside, could be banana muffin, choco chips mufin, blueberry… and all flavour is inside the cake… unlike cupcake, cupcake is just a vanilla cake with icing. A plain cake with over decorating outside. And for me, you’re pretty inside, not outside.”

“So, I’m not pretty?”

“Hm, of course you’re gonna take it wrong.” He sighs, “who says muffin is not pretty? Muffin is honest… do you think cupcake is pretty without all the icings?”

“You mean cupcake is like girls with thick make up?”

“Exactly.”

You tried to hold your smile. “I’m gonna tell Suji you said her make up is too thick.”

“When did I said that?”

“Hey! Remember you told me Suji is cute like cupcake?”

“When did I??”

“You did!”

Kyungsoo waved at you in dismissal. “Anyway, I’m sorry about you and Lay…” he caress your back.

“It’s fine… it’s time… I’ve been very patient for too long.” You said, “and you’re right, my boyfriend is not paying attention to me like your girl…”

He chuckled, “you’ll find someone who deserves you soon, muffin.”

You talked to him for another hour before he bid himself goodbye, and when you walked him outside, you realised you want to see him longer.

“Kyungsoo.”

 He startled when he heard you calling him with that name, not Dyo.

“Have you ever think of not being friends with me anymore?” you asked.

He shook his head, “when you were mad at me yesterday, I thought I lost you as my friend, and I don’t want that.”

And that brought you back to your place. He doesn’t want you and him to be more than this. “w-what about something else… other than being enemy.”

He stopped, but his gaze linger, he was staring at you and from his eyes, you knew he get what you mean. You saw the complication in his eyes.

“Sorry, I mean—“

“I have a girlfriend.” He said.

-

And so time flies, spring’s here, the flowers bloom and the weather getting warmer. Kyungsoo still remind friends with you, only he’s few feet farther than before. Many things changed after the whole blurry confession you told him, and you never blame him.

Lay finished his final project and he called you, he even went to see you several times, telling you that he’s sorry and if there’s another chance for him but you haven’t give him answer.

It’s still breezy but you decided to drive yourself to the beach at the city side. Suddenly you saw someone walked towards you, someone very familiar.

“Muffin…” he smiles.

“How did you know I’m here?”

“Your mom.”

You made an ‘O’ with your mouth.

“All good?” he asked.

“Lay wants to reconcile.” You told him.

“Oh…” he walks beside you, “and?”

You just shrugged your shoulders.

“You don’t love him anymore?” he asked.

“I don’t know if I could love him again when I have someone else occupied my mind…” at this point, you don’t care. You knew you like Kyungsoo and if he can’t like you back, and he feels disturbed by your confession, he can leave and you two can stop being friends.

“Oh…” he still walking beside you. “I broke up with Suji.”

You stops, letting him leaving you behind. But after few steps he turned around, “I can’t stay being his boyfriend while my mind is occupied by someone else.”

You can’t help but asking, “who?”

“A friend a kissed on valentine’s day.” He murmured.

“You choose a muffin instead of a cupcake?”

He nodded, “always choose a muffin, because it tastes better.” He smiles.

You scoffed.

“Soo…” he stepped closer, “instead of just thinking about each other… why don’t we date each other?”

“Since when did you like me?” you asked when he come even closer to you.

“Since I called you muffin for the first time.” He put a strain of your hair behind your ear.

“That long?”

“Hmm… but I’m afraid to ruin what we had…” he whispers.

“What about now? You’re not afraid to ruin what we have?”

Kyungsoo pull you into a hug, “being with or without you ruining me in different ways, and I choose to live the present, to show you how much I want you more than a friends do…” he kissed your hair, “muffin… I want to be with you for the longest time.”

You snugged deeper in his chest, “me too…”

He pull away a bit just to tild his head, “be my girl…” he said before leaned down to kiss you before you could say yes.

But you knew, he knew you’d say yes, because you kissed him back.

-end-

[richie-fuckface-tozier]

medicine - reddie wedding

the gay wedding we deserved as a head canon ! also, I was listening to the song medicine by the 1975 and realized how much it radiates reddie energy, so here, enjoy this reddie hc :

- basically fuck all that clown bs that bitch ain’t SHIT

- both Eddie and Stanley are alive? It’s canon Stephen king idk what you’re talking about

- basically Richie and Eddie are happy bitches and love each other so much and we just can’t thank Beverly enough for encouraging both Richie and Eddie to confess their life long feelings for another and Stan for practically exposing them for loving one another

- it went a little like this : they were all at dinner and alcohol was in their veins

- and Eddie and Richie are bickering (per usual)

- Richie pulls some dumb your mom joke again that basically makes no sense and Stan has had : enough for the night so he just says

- “oh god shut the fuck up richie we all know that you’re gay”

- “-actually, that you two are gay. Especially for one another.” He adds sassily.

- Beverly just stares at Stanley angrily because she kind of told him after both Eddie and Richie privately came to her and told her that they both have feelings for each other but Stan’s always speculated it

- obviously I mean

- how couldn’t you

- so richie and eddie are just dead silent alongside the other losers

- and then Richie just says “I’d prefer the term ‘bisexual’ but kudos to you for OUTING me, dickhead”

- Stans just like : 🤷🏻‍♀️

- and Eddie is, for once in his life, just quiet about it

- they don’t talk about it and bill changes the subject as soon as possible to talk and discuss about a new ending he had planned for a new book he’s writing

- in fact, that book is just straight up about 7 kids fighting a killer clown in the sewers and shit

- Bill had planned for him to get the girl, but Ben doesn’t approve (nor does Beverly, to be honest)

- Stans kind of pissed about it too because he gay

- anywho so Eddie sleeps over at Richie’s after

- and Richie knew it was going to get awkward as fuck but Eddie couldn’t help himself on the drive to his place and just shot it out

- “you have feelings for me to?”

- “I mean, you’re annoying as hell, but it’s cute-wait, what do you mean by ‘too’?”

- and Eddie just places his hand on Richie’s

- kudos to Eddie for making the first step ily babe

- still doesn’t mean he’s a top you fuckers

- “I like you, a lot”

- yup so they fuckin at the end of the night

- it’s cute tho cause they gay

- they start to passionately date and although it seems to annoy the fuck out of Stanley he’s so goddamn happy for the two for finally making it happen

- he’s been legit rooting for them since ‘89

- hardcore and first reddie shipper

- so like not long after Richie actually manages to get his grandmothers ring or something

- Eddie has tiny hands™️

- and after three months he already proposes and it’s so inappropriately adorable

- like, he had planned this whole romantic gesture when they travelled to Paris to support Beverly at her fashion show, and Richie was going to do it completely cliché under the stars at the Eiffel Tower

- turns out, he accidentally does it at one of his stand up comedy shows

- btw, a bitch is : famous

- cowrites and acts in some snl sketches and oml Eddie couldn’t be more proud of him

- so at one of his stand up shows, he’s talking about Eddie, something he usually does

- Eddie couldn’t be there for that show but he definitely watched it on tv

- richies also in a completely different state and he returns 3 days after that show

- so Richie says some shit along the lines “so, my boyfriends a bitch. But it’s okay, because soon, I’ll make him my bitch”

- he’s kind of unaware that Eddie’s seeing all of this

- “that sounds wrong, which it is, I can assure you that. But it’s okay, I love him, more than I love his mom”

- his fans love his mom jokes, especially because they know it’s about Eddie’s mom

- at some point he just lovingly but stupidly goes “fuck, man, sometimes I just look at him for like 30 minutes and think ‘shit, he likes me back’ and I watch him do these small noises while he sleeps and how he smiles when I gently touch his hair or when I kiss his forehead, and I watch him blush...and I’m just thinking ‘marry me, you bitch!’” He yelled and Eddie was kind of surprised, but his heart was fluttering so much

- especially when he saw the beautiful ring Richie showed to the crowd

- “so, yeah, I’m a dumbass. I was supposed to propose just a few weeks ago in Paris, you know, the usual cliché bullshit, but I forgot the ring back in LA! And then I was about to do it in a Taco Bell, you know, propose, but my hands were all greasy and I couldn’t even properly hold the steering wheel after that. And now-”

- he stopped, falling on one knee

- “I’m just gonna propose? On stage? Without him noticing?”

- yep Richie definitely had some drinks before that but Eddie couldn’t stop laughing and blushing and crying and ugh

- Richie starts pouring his heart and soul out but with humor obviously added and at some point he just repeats I love you like a hundred times over again and jumps around with his hyper ass

- people are enjoying this gay mess

- “should I say, will you marry me, eds? Or will you lawfully take me as your bitch?” He asked to the crowd and everyone had different answers, which just made him laugh.

- “he’ll complain about me calling him eds, so that could guarantee a no”

- he stopped about the proposing for a while and Eddie definitely had no proper sleep for the next 3 days

- Richie just comes home on a rainy night and Eddie’s already ready for bed, and when he answers the door he just jumps into Richie’s arms and kisses him oh so passionately

- “I do, Richie. I do. I want to be yours.” He whispered against his lips and for a second there Richie was completely confused but smiled and they both started crying and being in passionate love

- Stanley when he finds out, Jesus.

- stan has emotions? Hell yeah a whole LOT of them

- anyway back to the gay wedding

- so it’s the 20th of April

- yes, Richie chose that date and Eddie just thought it was a normal date without any meaning whatsoever

- man oh man was he wrong by the time the invites were sent

- Richie’s wearing a suit, a black one, it’s nice but casual and he took maybe 4 hours to choose the right one for the right one

- Eddie is wearing a white suit that so nice and soft and silky and he’s so in love with it

- and under Richie’s request, or well rather damand, he’s wearing a small veil with a small flower hair clip on the side of his hair (que, Stefon’s fairwell)

- Eddie is : panacking on their wedding day and Bill and Mike help him calm down as much as possible

- his inhaler won’t even help he’s a : mess

- Richie is pretty chill and everyone’s just like ??? what the fuck you’re marrying the love of your life today you dickwad and he’s just like “okay”

- but that all seems to change when Eddie walks down the eisle and Richie just gets so weak in the knees

- it’s like seeing him the first time

- btw, their first encounter was at the pharmacy of the summer of ‘86, richie tried contact lenses for the first time that summer and had to pick them up, but he stupidly forgot his glasses that day so he just ended up bumping through the entire store

- including Eddie

- Eddie was way too soft at that time and he just looked at him and helped him all the way to the counter and helped him get his prescription and fuck

- Richie could tell by his voice and his blurry vision that he saw an angel

- they had multiple classes together but Bill was the first one to really introduce him to the losers

- anyway Richie’s almost crying and Eddie is nearly having a heart attack

- but as soon as he arrives and everyone applauds, Richie just takes his hand to assure that he’s doing okay

- Richie is wearing contact lenses btw

- Eddie is so soft for that shit because he knows how deep Richie takes things and knows it’s about their first encounter

- Richie didn’t really think about that though until Eddie referenced it later and he’s like “yeah, uhhh, totallyyyyy” but he just didn’t want to wear his glasses on his wedding day

- especially because they broke the night before on his bachelor party

- don’t even ask unless you want a single hc for THAT

- they don’t even listen to the priest talking and just admire each other’s presence

- Richie doesn’t even hear him say “will you take eduard kaspbrak as your wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death-”

- “oh please, have you met me? I will love the hell out of this bitch”

- Eddie is just so embarrassed but he loves him so much so he’s the first to crack up after everyone went dead silent and gasped

- “you really had to say hell, Tozier?”

- “sorry, tozier in 5 minutes”

- Eddie blushes and it’s his turn to say, after the priest took that as an obvious I do, and Eddie just immediately blurts out and can’t even hold his excitement, jumping up and down for the priest to finish before saying himself “I do, till death tear us apart”

- Richie cries, Eddie cries, Stanley’s SOBBING (Stanley btw, Richie’s best man), Beverly and Ben and mike and Bill are all crying the hell out of them

- bev is Eddie’s bridesmaid and the other losers basically are too lmao

- “I will now pronounce you husbands-” Richie is already eating Eddie’s face and everyone’s jumping up and applauding

- everyone’s throwing white roses after them as they get out, Richie holding Eddie bridal style to the limousine

- they spend the wedding in a nice hall and the decorations are whites and wine red

- decoration and designing both by Ben and Beverly. They really went all out with this and the two couldn’t thank them enough.

- red velvet cake with both Richie and Eddie as figures on them.

- after Richie’s request, they made Eddie purposely smaller and Richie’s just loving Eddie’s anger about this but it’s not too bad because it’s his wedding day, with the love of his life

- Stanley makes a toast, prepare to cry :

- “Maybe since 1988 I’ve been waiting to call Eddie Eddie Tozier. I sometimes did when Richie wasn’t around because I didn’t want to be that mean to Richie. I knew he had hardcore feelings for him. Richie was so in love with him that he’d sometimes come to me crying about Eddie, how much he loves him. I was the first one to know. I was the only one to know.”

- Beverly stands up, going on : “Eddie told me he loved Richie. It was first a like situation, but it truly and quickly turned into true love. I was always there to support Eddie. I could never be mad about it.”

- Bill goes on, saying “I-I never knew until n-now, b-but I c-couldn’t be more proud of them. I d-don’t know how I would’ve thought about it b-back then, them being homosexual, but then was then, and now is now. I am so happy for them.”

- Ben says “I couldn’t think of anyone else for them. Richie belongs to Eddie. Eddie belongs to Richie. They were meant for each other. God wanted this. No one knows how important this love story is, and I am so glad I can be apart of this.”

- Mike, finally stands up and adds “all of this bickering was just them confessing their love for another over and over again” he pauses to laugh with the others, and Eddie and Richie are crying so much, Eddie more than Richie. Eddie’s sobbing but Richie, his tears are just falling down and he’s holding onto Eddie’s hand with the ring on with his own ring wearing hand. “So, us losers, we couldn’t be more proud of how you two have finally made it. You two deserve one another. Till death do you apart”

- stan finally ends off with “honestly, I’m great full that I accidentally drunkenly said that you two loved each other” everyone laughs, alongside the two. “But you two were simply meant to be, and even though I always seemed like I hated you two, it was just me being sick and tired of you not finally kissing one another.” He smiled. “Till death do you apart” everyone says, raising their glasses, and everyone else does so too.

- they all party and eat cake a little until the wedding dance is on. Their song is ‘medicine’ by the 1975. Richie and Eddie loved the 1975 and it once played on this playlist Richie made for Eddie and then the whole day long they were just dancing to it

- this was pre-engagement by the way, turns out they were learning their wedding dance all along

- so they dance, Richie takes the man role of the dance, and Eddie just has his hands wrapped around Richie’s neck. They can’t stop looking at each other and kissing each other and they both always mouth along the song, especially at the chorus

- “in case you’re my medicine, yeah you’re my medicine”

- Richie softens up at the part “I, i wanna marry you”

- after the dance everyone applauds of course and they just party a little

- maybe around 4am everyone else goes home except the losers. The losers go to the beach and hang out together until the sunrise.

- it’s so beautiful because they make a small fire and then just watch the sunrise and Eddie and Richie are just so in : love

- and everyone’s so happy for them

- Jesus Stanley can’t stop crying and Richie makes fun of him forever for that

- they all go home and Richie and Eddie into their new home, which is so nice, and then

- ya know

- they fuck

- and after that, Eddie falls asleep first, Richie can’t stop staying awake and he just looks at the ceiling with Eddie in his arms, wearing the brightest smile he’s ever worn, and just whispers to himself

- “holy shit, he likes me back”

- and then he just admires Eddie and at some point, he falls asleep

- they’re the happiest together, don’t come for me

- it’s canon you fuckersssss

- also they adopt a pomaranian and later a girl

- aLSO (nearly forgot to add this, I came up with this during bills part of the speech) bill ends his story with the two best friends of the main characters ending up together, although he nearly killed off one of the characters, he edited it and they end up together and live a happy life together

[rulesofthebeneath]

@lookslikezombiesatbest @lilmissperfectlyimperfect :3

tw blood mention, child abuse mention

Chapter 5

Grace was lost.

Ever since Rory had left that morning, after an hour of running lines and another hour of trying to tease information about Grace’s crush out of her, Grace was alone. James and Erin were out on their date, Skye was completely unreachable, and Grace was too unreasonably irritated by Rory’s good-natured attempts at reconciling their friendship to talk to them about it.

That left one confidant for her, but he was the very one that Grace didn’t want to know about this. Everything around Ajay was so complex: her feelings for him, his supposed feelings for her, the juxtaposition of someone who’d recovered from cancer and someone who probably never would. Ajay was too good for her, too good to be hurt by her. Every time her thoughts wandered towards him, she shut herself up by imagining him at her funeral.

Deeper inside, her mind was like a tempest. Thoughts of wanting and needing the love and validation and just plain closeness that came with having close friends rose up and circled around before raining down as heavy guilt-hail, knowing that she was condemning each of them just by getting close.

Against her will, her fingers typed out a text to Ajay.

Grace: hey do u have a sec

Ajay: Are you okay?

Of course he’d ask if she was okay. It was just going to make her eventual death worse if he cared about her.

Grace: it’s weird but i kinda feel like i shouldn’t have friends, i’ll just end up making a lot of people sad when i die.

The words came out of her before she could stop them. She’d kept these thoughts to herself for far too long, and they spilled out of her.

Ajay: That’s how I felt when I was in treatment. Like I would only ever hurt people that I got close to.

Grace: but you were never actually going to die tho. it’s different

Ajay: 60%

Grace: ?

Ajay: You keep saying that I wasn’t actually going to die. The doctors said the survival rate for my cancer was 60%. That’s not exactly great odds, Grace. I was scared, too.

Grace immediately felt guilty. She’d always thought of osteosarcoma as a relatively easy cancer, just costing an arm or a leg before you were ready to go home and live a life in remission. Ajay seemed fine; it was hard to think about that just three years ago he could’ve died.

Grace: shit, im sorry

Ajay: No, it’s fine. But you should keep that in mind. I might have had less time to deal with what you’re dealing with, but I do understand it.

Grace: maybe. thanks for talking. i think i just held this inside for too long

Ajay: No problem.

Ajay: Actually, if you’re just sitting around, would you like some cookies? I made some extra.

Despite herself, Grace smiled. It would be a lot easier to face these feelings with another person, especially someone like him who drove all the thoughts out of her head and made her heart lighter than she’d thought it could ever be. Like it or not, she’d become addicted to him. Maybe if she could just keep him as a friend, she could find a way to suppress her feelings for him.

That thought flew out of her mind once her mother pulled up to Ajay’s house and saw her off with a knowing smile. She pushed her cart up to the Bhandari’s front door and rang the doorbell. She heard a lot of loud footsteps heading up to the door quickly, and backed up just before a small boy that looked almost exactly like Ajay threw the door open.

“Who are you?” he asked loudly. Not knowing what to say, Grace stuttered for a moment before Ajay came to the door wearing just a t-shirt and shorts, balancing on crutches. He didn’t have his prosthetic leg on, and once he saw Grace, he quickly turned red.

“Grace!” he said, gently pushing the kid out of the way and towards the kitchen. “Mo, go help amma finish packing, okay?”

“Okay bhai!” Mohit said happily and trotted off. Ajay nudged the door open with the leg of one of his crutches, and gestured Grace inside with a nod. She closed the door behind her. A woman called out to Ajay in a language Grace didn’t understand, and he responded with some equally incomprehensible words. A door slammed, and they were alone.

���My mom and Mohit are going camping,” Ajay explained. 

“Clearly I surprised you,” Grace said, not sure where to start. She took him in: his stained yellow Cedar Cove Fair t-shirt, his ratty black gym shorts, the sliver of brown skin that peeked out from under the hem of his gym shorts. His face was flushed and his hair was mussed, and maybe it was just because she was surprised because of how dressed down he was, but she thought he looked beautiful.

“You didn’t respond to my text, otherwise I would’ve changed…” he said. “Actually, wait, let me go change right now.”

“No, wait,” Grace said, settling down on the couch that Ajay had clearly just vacated, because it was playing some show from the History Channel on mute. He stopped and pivoted.

“Remember what I said about not wanting to put on appearances for people I want to get close to? And anyways… I think you look nice like that.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean I want to look homeless in front of the girl I have a crush on,” he said, a small smile on his face. Then, he turned and hopped down the hall, leaving Grace staring at him as he left.

Crush? Grace thought. So he DOES like me! She couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face, and how, regardless of any anxieties she might have had before, her mind just filled up with him. She knew it was a bad idea, but she just couldn’t bring herself to care right then.  Crush!

He reappeared in the hallway, still legless but wearing a clean t-shirt and a pair of jeans pinned up on the left side. “Compromise,” he said.

I have a crush on you, too, she wanted to say. You look really hot in those jeans. Do you want to go get lunch? My treat, wherever you want to go.

Instead, she gestured to the TV and said, “What are you watching?”

He settled down next to her, closer than he would’ve usually been. Grace couldn’t tell if it was because of lack of balance on crutches, or because he’d wanted to be close to her. She figured it was both.

“Nothing special, just some documentary about swords,” he said, just as the screen did a cut-scene with flames as the transition.

“Dork,” Grace said, nudging him slightly. He shot her a grin. Even more beautiful, she thought.

“So where are those cookies?” she asked instead, and Ajay started to stand up to go find them but his left crutch got tangled in her cannula. His crutches crashed to the ground and he barely managed to catch himself on the coffee table, and Grace’s cannula was painfully yanked out of her nose.

She inhaled sharply at the pain and sudden motion, but she didn’t get enough air and the breath sent her into a coughing fit. Ajay struggled to prop himself up on the coffee table, and only when he was seated did he notice that Grace was struggling to breathe and coughing violently.

Grace had started to become dizzy from the lack of air, but she had enough presence of mind to ease the nubbins of the cannula back into her nose after she felt Ajay tuck the split lines of the cannula back behind her ears. She calmed down as the fresh oxygen tricked into her lungs and focused on breathing deeply and slowly, painfully swallowing the coughs. Throughout the process, Ajay's hands rested on the sides of her face, his worried expression coming back into view as her vision faded back in.

She closed her eyes and rested her cheek in his hand, trying to avoid the heat of shame spreading over her face like a blush, and trying to keep the tears that had formed in her eyes while she was coughing from rolling down her cheeks, but to her horror, they did anyways. Ajay made a concerned sound when he saw it, and then Grace felt the pad of his thumb pressed against her cheek, wiping the tears away. 

Not wanting to seem any more pitiful than she already did, Grace reluctantly pulled away from Ajay’s hands, causing him to pull back as well, but he left one protective hand on her knee. She wiped the rest of the tears away and let out a forced laugh, which did a little bit to clear Ajay’s concerned expression.

“You okay?” Grace managed, her voice still a little weak from the debacle. She cleared her throat.

“I’m fine,” Ajay replied, his fingers rubbing the fabric of her jeans over her knee. “I hit my hip a little on the way down, but it’s nothing more than a bruise. I should be the one asking if you’re okay.”

“I’m okay now. Um, thanks,” she said, hesitating. “Thanks for helping with the cannula. And I’m sorry I tripped you.”

Ajay just shook his head, though a smile was the predominant expression on his face. “No need to be sorry. Let’s just chalk that up to an unfortunate accident, alright?”

Grace nodded, and Ajay’s hand on her knee came up to her shoulder and squeezed, a gesture that was purely friendly by all means but somehow felt more intimate with the way he looked into her eyes. She had to be careful not to stare into them for too long, or she’d get lost in them.

Luckily, before she had to make the choice to tear her eyes away from him or not, he broke the spell by leaning over to pick his crutches up off the ground and standing up, hopping into the kitchen and returning with a pan of cookies in a bag slung over his shoulder. He deposited the pan on the coffee table, then took his place back on the couch next to Grace and handed her a cookie.

“Here. To apologize for tripping over your cannula.”

Grace rolled her eyes. “Thanks. You’re forgiven.” She bit into the cookie.

Half an hour of conversation passed easily between the two, although it was increasingly filled with tempting glances and casual touches-- a shoulder shove, a playful poke-- that seemed too intense to be just friendly. The short time ended when Grace’s phone buzzed insistently from the table. Ajay handed it to her, and she answered the call. It was from Rory.

“Where are you?” they demanded, then paused. “Wait, never mind. I need you to come over.”

“What’s wrong?” Grace asked, put off by the anxiety she could hear in their voice. Ajay shot her a concerned look.

“It’s Skye. Look, can you just come over?”

“Sure. Uh, I’m with Ajay, so I’ll ask him to drive me over, we can be there in 20 minutes.”

“Oh, great, you’re with Ajay? We actually need him, too.”

“You need-- Rory, what’s going on?”

Over the line, Rory sighed. “Please just come over. I’ll explain it all to you then.” With that, the line went dead.

“What was that?” Ajay asked.

“Rory needs both of us over at their house. They said it’s something about Skye?”

Ajay’s eyes hardened, and Grace saw a terrifying darkness in his expression.

“Alright, come on.”

Without any further ado, Ajay propped himself back up into a standing position on his crutches and grabbed his car keys that were in a dish on the coffee table.

“Open the door for me, would you?”

Grace did so, and soon they were both in the car on the way to Rory’s house. Ajay bit his bottom lip, and then started talking.

“Listen, Grace, I’m not sure how much Skye has told you about her home life, and it’s not really my business to say, but it’s pretty well-known in the theatre program at Berry that her parents are assholes.”

Grace nodded. “She said something strange a few weeks ago, about them using her and her cancer to make money? But then she just dropped it and I didn’t want to bring it up again.”

“Probably best. Last year in our spring musical, her parents decided to sponsor a trip to compete in this theatre festival. But they also decided that that meant they got executive control over the show, and over her. They’re manipulative and horrible people, and if this is about something else they’ve done, I won’t be surprised.”

Grace chewed on the inside of her cheek. She’d heard Skye’s offhand comment in the light booth, and she’d noticed the darkness behind the girl’s blue eyes and goth makeup, but she hadn’t thought it could be that serious. 

“It’s out of my depth,” she explained to Ajay. “I don’t know how to help with this.”

“You can’t,” he replied. “I don’t think there really is a way to get rid of the Crandalls. But what we can do is just be there for her, let her talk to us and comfort her if that’s what she wants, okay?”

Grace nodded again, and then the two were silent for the remainder of the drive over.

Rory greeted them at their front door, stress clearly shown on their face. Wordlessly, they gestured down the hallway.

“She’s in my room,” they said quietly, obviously not wanting their voice to carry upstairs. “I don’t know much but if I had to bet anything, I’d say someone hit her.”

Ajay cursed under his breath and clenched a fist. 

“How bad?” Grace asked.

“I don’t think anything’s broken, but she’s got a black eye and a busted lip, and her nose is bleeding like all hell.”

Grace’s eyebrows raised, and Ajay’s eyebrows pinched together. “Can we see her?” he asked.

“Yes. Yeah, I think that would help. Come on,” Rory said, leading Grace and Ajay up the stairs.

Skye was sitting on their bed, an ice pack held up to her cheek and a cross expression on her face.

“Don’t look at me like that,” she snapped, and Grace immediately looked away and stopped walking at the entrance to the room. Ajay continued in, and leaned in close to Skye.

“Let me see,” he said, leaning precariously on his crutches. Rory quickly fetched a seat for him before he could fall over.

Hesitantly, Skye removed the ice pack from her face. Her nose had stopped bleeding, leaving behind a red crust down her lips and chin. The side of her lip had also swelled somewhat, and a purple bruise was forming around her eye.

After inspecting her for a few seconds, using his fingers to tip her chin so he could get a better look from different angles, Ajay sighed and sat back. 

“Nothing’s broken,” he said, “Not as far as I can tell. You’ll live.”

Skye rolled her eyes and pressed the ice pack back against her eye.

Grace was starting to get weak from standing for so long, and Rory offered her the chair from their desk. She sat in it gratefully, and wheeled it over so she could get closer to Skye. She took the redhead’s ice-cold hand.

“What happened?” Grace asked. Unwilling or unable to sustain eye contact, Skye cast her eyes downward.

“My parents. They wanted me to come see a client with them, so they could exploit me to get more money. I said no. My father, I guess he was just stressed about the meeting going well, and he started throwing stuff. A book hit me. I don’t think he meant to.”

“And then you came here?” Ajay asked.

Skye nodded. “Nobody hit me, I was just in the way.”

Grace reached out to tuck a strand of Skye’s red hair behind her ear, and when Skye looked up, there were tears brimming in her eyes. Skye brushed them away angrily.

“I guess my life isn’t my own,” she said sharply. “If I just did what they told me, everything would be fine.”

“No, Skye. They shouldn’t use their own daughter,” Grace said, squeezing Skye’s hand. “I don’t really know what you’re going through, but I know it’s not right for them to manipulate you like that. And even if your dad didn’t mean to hit you with the book, he still did.”

The tears started spilling over onto Skye’s cheeks, but they weren’t sad tears. By the way the girl’s small body shook and her hands curled into fists, Grace knew that she was angry.

“No,” she said, “it’s not right! They don’t get to treat me like this. They’ve been shitty parents my entire life.”

“Do you wanna hit something?” Ajay asked, and Skye, Rory and Grace all turned to him in surprise. “When my parents were getting divorced, all I wanted to do was just explode. Keeping it contained isn’t healthy.”

Skye considered this, and then turned to Rory. “Do you have anything punchable?”

They gestured to the plushies at the end of their bed. “Go wild.”

Skye turned to face the plushies. She was silent for a second, then yanked her elbow back and walloped a stuffed bear as hard as she could.

“Hell yeah,” Grace said, cheering Skye on. “Give him what he deserves.”

Skye punched again, this time a precise hit on the nose of a stuffed lizard. A smile grew on her face, making her look slightly deranged. She hit another plushie, and another, and another. Her hits became less and less precise until she was wildly swinging, knocking the plushies off the bed and around the room.

“Fuck you, dad,” she said emphatically, launching a stuffed pig into Rory’s window, causing a crash as it hit the plastic blinds. “And fuck you too, mom,” she shouted, accompanied by a stuffed sheep being drop-kicked across the room. “I never asked for anything from you! I never wanted anything except… except... “ her voice got softer and softer until the last word was a whisper. 

“Except love.”

Then, to everyone’s horror, she sank down onto the mattress and started sobbing.

Rory looked to Grace and Ajay, who both looked alarmed. “Think we should give her some space?”

Ajay nodded. “Probably best.”

Grace closed the door behind them, muffling Skye’s sobs. The girl’s cries tore at her heart, and she longed to fix everything, but she knew she couldn’t. This was Skye’s healing process, and Grace knew that they had done well by leaving her alone. That didn’t make it any easier for Grace to walk away from the room, though, wanting nothing but to hold the redhead and make her believe that everything would be okay eventually.

Once they got back downstairs and out the front door, the three collapsed on the swing on Rory’s front porch.

“If I could hurt him, I would,” Ajay said, glaring at nothing in particular. “Make him see what he’s done to her.”

“I’m with you. But he’d just hurt us too, try and blackmail our families or something.” Rory chimed in.

“I know. But if I could just…” Ajay’s hand curled into a fist again, and Grace put her hand on top of his, gently unrolling it.

A car pulled into the driveway, and Rory stood up. Grace waved at Mrs. Silva as the woman stepped out of her car. Rory pulled her quickly inside, explaining the situation and leaving Grace and Ajay outside.

Once the door closed behind them, Grace leaned her head onto Ajay’s shoulder.

“Shit,” she said. He just nodded. Their hands were still linked, and Grace was holding onto him for support. She’d never seen anybody like that before, and she couldn’t even conceptualize how much Skye had been affected by the years of abuse that her parents had been enacting on her.

“You’d think,” Grace said, “that surviving cancer would entitle you to a little gentleness.”

Ajay turned to lean his head back on Grace’s, thinking about what she’d said.

“I think that if there’s one thing I’ve learned about life, it’s that nothing really entitles anyone to anything.