#and the fact the show stripped them simply to that ..... sighs.

[sttoru]

OKAY IK YOU JUST DID SATORU BUT BOOBOBSESSED!TOJI PLEASE !!

 𝝑𝑒 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒. husband!toji fushiguro x wife!female reader. smut, pwp. mention of bôōb job, m. māsturbation. brēast play. reader gets called ‘doll, girl’ not proofread

“tojiiii, i just came home,” you whine as the black-haired man lifts you up and brings you over to the couch the second you step into your shared apartment.

it’s become a part of your daily routine at this point. every time you come home, you’re put on the couch or bed and your clothes come off. it doesn’t necessarily have to lead to sex—sometimes your husband does it to comfort you and relieve your stress (and his).

“yeah, i know, doll,” toji responds in a gruff voice. he lifts your shirt up over your head and leaves chaste kisses on your shoulders and collarbone, “jus’ let me take care of you, ‘kay?” you can feel his stubble, making you realise that he did not shave. not that you’re complaining.

in fact, you’re the one who told him that you prefer it when he has a little stubble. it’s so sexy on toji—especially during the early mornings, when you wake up next to him, his muscular body on full display with that lazy look in his eyes. it makes you drool every time.

you hum shortly in agreement. toji licks a strip over your collarbone before swiftly undoing your bra. he watches your tits bounce free from their confines and he groans, feeling his cock swell in his boxer shorts already.

“been needing to suck on those,” he sighs. he shamelessly attaches his lips to your nipple, tongue flicking out to taste your plump flesh. it’s an addiction at this point. not a day goes by where toji doesn’t leave your breasts alone.

he either has to knead them while he watches a show or lazily suck on them while you cuddle. he can’t help it—your tits are just a delicious treat he wishes to indulge in every second of the day. even when toji is out of the house, images of your perfectly round chest keep him from focusing on the road ahead.

hell; one time toji even had to pull his car to the side so he could quickly palm himself through his boxers, simply because of your tits. he had one of his hands under his pants and the other held his phone, scrolling through pictures that captured your bust well.

“fuck,” toji curses under his breath. he groans with nearly every suckle, his eyes closed like he’s experiencing euphoria. you run your fingers through his hair, your back arching off the couch a little. your husband massages your other breast, his tongue quickly circling your swollen nipple like a touch starved man, “mh, can’t stop. fuckin’ delicious. wanna keep on suckin’ em.”

toji pinches your other nipple which causes you to moan loudly. it’s like your stress is quite literally being sucked out of your body. every suckle motion makes you relax even more in his embrace.

“babe, i need t’ make dinner,” you mutter between soft whimpers. you know it’s futile saying that—toji is not going to let you go. once he’s got you, he’s keeping you for the rest of the day.

the black-haired man rolls his eyes at your words while he’s actively sucking on your tit. he looks up at you before detaching his lips from your hardened nipple. there’s a wet spot of his saliva left over your chest.

“no need,” toji rasps, kissing the valley of your breasts. his dick twitches at the thought of being sunk between your tits, his cum shooting from the tip and coating your breasts and face white. “got my dinner right here,” he sighs and wraps his lips around your other nipple.

you moan at the stimulation. you tug at toji’s hair from the pleasure, your hips bucking up to grind against that hard bulge that’s been pressed between your thighs since the beginning. your husband hisses at the contact and bites on the sensitive nub.

“easy, girl,” toji growls, his eyes darkening with lust, “just a little more, mhm? i’ll give it to ya real good after.” he’s nearly going insane from the sensations. his hips grind back slowly against your core while his face is buried against your tits. the pair is getting equal attention, either from his lips and tongue or skilled fingers.

the pleasure is unending. you want nothing more than to return the favor to your lover, but with how things are going, that’s going to take a while. you’re going to need to pry toji away from your tits; he won’t leave them on his own free will.

if it was up to him, he’d live there forever, right between your tits.

[forgaeven1]

the way the show’s simplified arya and gendry’s bond, and then had the audacity to sexualise them for the sake of ?? what?? views?? 🤢

[thebigbadbatswife]

Day 26 - Masturbation

Pairing - Bruce Wayne x F!Reader

Warnings - 18+ content, if you're under 18 leave immediately! masturbation, fantasizing. (if i missed something lmk!)

Summary - Miles away, all Bruce has are his thoughts of you to keep him company.

Six months. It had been six long months since Bruce had last seen you. This Justice League mission had gone on way longer than he had expected and he was missing you. He was missing you a lot.

He missed the feeling of your soft skin beneath his lips, the breathy moans and whines you made as he made love to you. The feeling of your nails digging into the meat of his back as he played with your clitoris. How you cried out his name, or simply started babbling it as you got closer and closer to the edge before your body finally tensed, your walls squeezing his cock and sending him over with you.

His cock twitched at the thought and he palmed himself through his suit, trying to relieve the ache that was starting to build.

Were you missing him like he was missing you?

He imagined that you were. That brought about the question of how you were spending some of your time. Which toys were you using? One of your vibrators pressed against your clit? Or maybe you were fucking yourself with one of your dildos? They didn’t come compare to him, you had confessed as much to him, but they did the job when he wasn’t around it help. 

The mental image of you using your toys had his cock aching more, desperate to be free of his suit.

He locked the door to his cabin and grabbed his phone. From what he remembered, before he had left, you had told him you had sent him some pictures to “tide him over” while he was gone. Bruce hadn’t looked at them yet. Assuming the mission would be quick, he figured he would look at them on the way back to your apartment. 

Stripping himself of his suit, he sighed in relief. It really hurt to be rock hard inside of the batsuit. Bruce settled onto his cot and switched his phone on. Before navigating to his messages, he opened up his camera, deciding that he would take a picture or two to send you once he was back in range. The sight of his cock, hard and thick, the head red and swollen, already leaking precum and veins bulging was sure to drive you crazy. The thought of how wet you would be by the time he got back to you made smile.

When he opened opened up the texts that you had sent him, Bruce groaned. You were wearing a new set of lingerie. Though, maybe, calling it lingerie was a little too kind. The scraps of black and red lace and silk didn’t leave much to the imagination. What he assumed was meant to be the bra barely contained your breasts as it pushed them together. The angle you had taken this picture at was perfect for showing them off.

He wrapped his hand around his cock, swiping his thumb over the head to collect up the precum. Slowly, he began to stroke himself.

The second picture you had sent had you turned around, your ass on full display thanks to the thong. You’re looking over your shoulder at the camera, your bottom lip caught in your teeth.

Fuck he loves you, he thought. And not just for the provocative photos of your body you’ve sent him. Those were just an unexpected bonus.

He groaned deeply, his head falling backward against the wall as he touched himself. Pumping his hand up and down the shaft of cock. Occasionally squeezing the head and running his thumb across the slit. God he wished you were here. 

Shutting off his phone, he closed his eyes. He imagined that it was your far softer hand wrapped around his cock right now. You would kitten lick the head of his cock, teasing him. Your tongue would swirl around him, tonguing his slit before your mouth would wrap around him. You knew how to make him feel good. Knowing exactly how to use your tongue and throat muscles, when you took him further in, swallowing around him.

It would take a lot of his willpower not to start fucking your throat, not wishing to accidentally harm you. Despite the fact that he was sure that you could take it. But you weren’t here and it wasn’t your mouth wrapped around him, it was his own calloused hand. So, to the thought of you, he started to fuck his hand. 

He groaned lowly, his mind focused entirely on what you would be doing to him right now if you were with him. “Fuck.” He moaned your name, not really caring if someone could potentially overhear him.

Bruce forcefully exhaled. He could feel himself getting closer and closer to his end. You also knew when he was close. Your voice would suddenly become sickly sweet, like a triple chocolate hot fudge sundae, and you would start using that nickname that he pretended to hate, but deep down he loved. “Pretty boy”. From the moment you called him it he was putty in your hands.

Moaning deeply, thick white ropes of his cum covered his hand and stomach. He collapsed against the cot, breathing heavily and feeling completely spent. He laid there, catching his breath before making a move to clean up.

He really hoped that this mission wouldn’t last another six months. He had no idea how he was going to survive if it did.

[mayaflowerxs]

WHERE’S THE GROOM?

Synopsis: What was meant to be a simple bachelor & bachelorette party for the wed to be couple. The night ends in massive chaos, how much worse could it get? Oh right, the groom goes missing, the mafia is after you and the wedding is in a few short hours. How on earth will you make it to the wedding on time?

Warning: Humor / SMUTTY / Angsty? LONG Fic, A bit angsty not too much promise, Swear word usage, alcohol/drugs consumptions! TW blood, vomit. Mentions of abortion, pregnancy. Gambling, accidental marriage, stripping, vandalizing and Illegal activity, massive hang over inspired by the movie The Hangover. F!boy & groom!Jaemin, Strict & Maid of honor!reader. Enemies to lovers type trope.

Pairing: Jaemin x f!reader

The phone rang once…twice…thrice

“Hello?” The worried feminine voice says the second they answer the phone. “Hey Angie…” you let out awkwardly. A relieved sigh is heard, a few voices you can’t quite make out in the background but it sounds hushed and you can only assume they’re asking the woman on the phone with you to ask their questions. “Hun where are you? You left sometime last night and you’re no where to be found.” She asks you worriedly.

“Mark nor any of the guys are here, are they with you?” Dejected by the fact that the very man you’re currently searching for wasn’t at the reception, you look behind you. All four guys, beaten and bruised leaned exhaustedly on the beat up car. None being Mark. Checking the time, a good five hours before the wedding starts. There’s no way you could even get there in time nonetheless find the missing groom on top of that. After searching a whole day for him, you wonder if he’ll ever show up. You don’t know how much longer you can go in keeping this reality a secret to your best friend, so with that you decide to simply come out with the truth. “Angie I got to tell you something…”

3 DAYS EARLIER

The time was nearing. Time ticked which meant the stress was at an all time high. Demands were shout left and right, speed bumps are bound to appear and a distressed maid was at the brink of losing it. And as the maid of honor, it was your duty to keep things at bay. As much as you possible could, going through the check list phone calls were endless. Customer service was complete Bull and the amount of patience was thinning each passing second but you pulled through. Because if there isn’t a stable maid of honor, there is no stable bride which means no stable wedding.

“Are the bridesmaid dresses here?” You hear Angie’s mother ask one of the housekeepers. Living in a large mansion Angie’s father gifted her for her wedding gift, the large house is now packed with guests. The wedding coordinator, the stylists for hair, dress, makeup, shoes everything were here and with their many suitcases of items. The gardeners out back finishing the last touches of their work, the ice sculpture was strolled in by the carriers. “What is that doing here?” The large chunk of ice sculpted Mark dipping Angie with a bouquet of roses in her hands. “This shouldn’t be here until the day of the wedding.” Louis the wedding coordinator claps his hands at the men. Shrugging they take a step back. “We were told to deliver it the 10th.” “No, I said the 14th and besides it’s not even the 10th it’s the 11th?!” Sighing he shakes his head and shoos them away. “Esmeralda!” He calls out for one of the cooks, “Put it in the freezer for now.” He says before walking off.

Eyes widened as she takes a look at the large sculpture. “But…how?”

The loud barking of Angie’s Great Dane is heard as he comes hurling in from being outside in the backyard. Trailing in tracks of dirt, everyone is frantic to get him away from the decorations that were mostly of warm/bright colors. Chasing after Billy, the orange cat your best friend insisted on keeping after finding him in the trash can. The two knock into the furniture and even manage to break a vase. “Bobby!” The maid’s mother shouts for the butler. And as the house erupts in chaos, just in comes the happy couple. Hand in hand beaming from ear to ear. “Y/n!” Angie beams upon seeing your frantic state. Rushing over to you, she wraps her arms around you. “Can you believe the bachelorette party is tomorrow? Gosh and we got to be in Vegas tonight!” Only letting out a mere chuckle, with her still hugging you, you quickly extend your leg out to catch the flower vase that was tipped over by her Great Dane.

“Oh Henry! Are you excited too?” She pulls away to hug the large dog. Walking over and grabbing the vase from where it leaned on your foot, you send Mark an appreciative smile. “Sorry about the wreck.” He tells you, shrugging you shove him playfully. “Isn’t that what weddings are about? Stressing the hell out of you until you’re pushed into the arms of hard liquor?” Snorting he nods, “Well at least we have a quick break before the real shit goes down.” “Yeah easy for you to say I don’t see you stressing over what napkins matches the theme color.” Rolling his eyes he grins, “You know Angie is fine with whatever right? We never wanted a big wedding, hell we could’ve just gotten married in a random chapel.”

“Absolutely not.” You frown at the thought. “I’m Angie’s best friend and as her best friend she automatically gets the best quality a best friend could give her which is a fantastic coordinated wedding. The least I could do, now as I told her I’m going to tell you, do not worry, have fun and don’t mess with anything I didn’t approve of you to touch!” Slapping his hand away from the wedding cake that was being strolled in, he winces and pouts slightly. “Geez okay.” He huffs but smiles regardless. “Now let me get back to my duties-“ you move past him and start barking orders again. “Those dresses need to be hanged not a single wrinkle in sight! When I go outside it better look exactly as I saw it in the catalogue. Those petals need to be displayed out on the grass ASAP, chop chop people!”

“I see she’s still the same bossy devil I saw a few months back,” Mark hears his friend mutter. Looking over and seeing Jaemin and the others enter the house he’s quick to greet them. Pat to the back as they grin at him, “Ready for Vegas?” Jeno asks him, “Hell yeah.” He chuckles. “But! Nothing too crazy right?” He points a stern finger at them, “We heard you loud and clear the first sixteen times man promise it’s just going to be a casual night at a casino.” Chenle raises his hand. Grinning he nods, “Alright, Vegas here we come!” Cheering with him, they whistle and hoot until it echoes throughout the house.

Five in the afternoon and it seems like there’s still so much to do. But you could only do so much, “Bitch, I promise everything is under control it’s why I’m here! Isn’t this why I was contracted?” Bobby crosses his arms and looks around for approvals from the other bridesmaids. “Bitch?…” you mutter to yourself, never were you called that before. Couldn’t tell if the gays meant that as an insult or a compliment. Probably neither but as he snapped his fingers and pushed you out the door, he grabs your luggage and hands it to you. “Me and my gremlins here..” pointing over to his employees who wave at you with a smile, “have it all under control. Now all you have to do is have fun and bring the bride in one piece. Remember no bride or groom means no wedding…” walking over to you, he sets his hands on your shoulder with a tight smile on his face. “Which also means, 234 hours spent on this wedding would all go down the drain and if that were to happen then I may just lose my marbles.” He giggles. At loss for words, you only nod at him and walk after the girls with your luggage in hand. “Have fun!” He shouts from upstairs.

Clapping her hands, Angie gets her driver to carry all the suitcases to the black SUV. “Are you girls ready for Vegas!” Letting out a series of cheers, she excitedly walks out the house waving for the rest to follow. And as the car is erupted in loud chit chat, you sit on the side, facing the window with a million worries in mind. Truly hoping, that nothing will go to shit in these last few days.

The hotel was truly luxurious. Arriving just on time, happy you planned accordingly. Going for the next set of agendas, you walk over to the reception. “Hi!” The woman greets, taken aback you chuckle lightly, “Okay um…hello!” You respond back just as enthusiastically. A grin on the clerks face, you give her the name under the rooms registration. “Oh! Ms. Lee, you’re booked for a suite on the twelfth floor yeah?” Nodding, Angie rests her acrylic nails on the marble counter and look around in awe. “Ooh pretty chandelier.” She can’t help but watch in amazement, “yep, pretty.” You say and watch how easily entertained your best friend is. A match made in Heaven with her and Mark whom seem to have freakishly similar personalities, “here’s your key cards-“ “Great thanks!” Grabbing them, you quickly rush the girls to follow after you. Excitedly they do and as all six of you fit into the small elevator, the door opens and proceeds to send all of you upward. And just as it did, in came the groom and groomsmen. “Damn this place is off the charts.” Haechan gasps.

A snorts comes from Mark as he agrees. “You really got it lucky in having a rich father in law.” Jaemin nudges his shoulder. “Hey I make money!” He tried to defend himself. “Yeah, an accountant is alright I guess. But now you’re going to be inheriting his company doesn’t that seem surreal?” Chenle shakes his shoulders. “You’re making it seem like money’s all I’m here for.” He snorts. “Oh of course not you would never.” Jeno pats his shoulder. “But if it was me…” sighing he nods his head. “I’d date any chick, hot or ugly.” “Okay, nice to know.” Mark nods and ignores the crowd of laughs from the guys a she goes to check.

“We have a room with two beds?” “Wait that’s it?” Jaemin cuts in. “I’m sorry, but the only other room registered in your name was just admitted.” Scoffing he looks over to the boys. “Guess the bridesmaids got it before us.” “See I told you, we should’ve gone to a different hotel.” Renjun tells him. “It’s alright,” Mark calms them down. “We can just use the master bedroom-“ “No way!” Jaemin cuts him off. “We’re adults this isn’t a sleep over, ma’am do you have any villas or something?”

“Actually…we do. We have one more.”

“Great we’ll take it.” About to take his card out, Jaemin stops him. “No way you’re paying Mark.” “But-“ “No man this is your bachelor party, we got it…Haechan.” The group looks over at him expectedly. With a huff, he takes out his credit card. “You know my wife’s going to kill me if she finds out.” “Look it’s not going to be swiped until the morning, relax we’ll..take out a loan or something.” Nodding, he gives the clerk his credit card reluctantly. And when given the key cards, Chenle claps his hands . “So! Shall we get this party started?”

Angie made it clear she didn’t want anything too rowdy. Both her and Mark agreed nothing to extreme which meant no strippers. For you, you couldn’t agree more. You never understand why the need for strippers, why the need for body parts to be shoved in your face? Doesn’t seem so faithful given you’re going to get married the next day. Even more when touching is involved. That tradition always seemed bizarre to you, and you were glad the happy couple agreed against it. And so, as originally planned you’d be taking her to a fine and divine hall. A table full of the best pastries, some light music playing and wine for the girls. Presents for the wife to be and some speeches the bridesmaids wrote for her. Something elegant and classy, nothing too extreme.

Getting ready, makeup placed here and there. Heels clanking the floor and dresses being out on along with blow dryers being turned on and vibrating throughout the suite, finally the eight of you are ready. Lip check to make sure no stains are present, last spray of perfume and grabbing purses, you make your way on out. Piling in the SUV, chatter is made until arriving to the hall. Soon after arriving, the bottle of wine and champagne is popped and as the glasses were being filled. You went for a toast. “A toast for our dearest friend, to have the best time of her life during her marriage and a toast to her final day as a non-wedded woman.” Cheering, the glasses are clanked and in did the drinks go into your systems. After a few hours went by, more of that alcohol was drank. And as more gossip was made, louder did the laughs get. Harder did the liquor kick, “I think!” One of the girls raise her hand to gain the attention of the others. “I think! We should go..to the casino!” Immediately the others agree and even though you never put it into your agenda you couldn’t see why not.

Angie, who trusts your leadership skills. Looks over at you with a plead in her eyes. Practically bouncing in her seat as she silently begs for you to agree. Slamming your hand on the table, you nod. “Mm fuck it! Why not!” You manage to slur out and soon your words were followed by a loud chorus of cheers.

An hour before midnight and you made it to the casino. Lights flashed brightly, slightly blinding you. The chauffeur opened the door for you and guided the driver where to park. And as he did that, you got out the SUV and immediately wrapped an arm around your best friend. Noticing a large grin plastered on her face. “Ready to have fun?” You ask her. “Yes!” “Okay then let’s blow our money down the drain!”

NEXT MORNING 8:04 AM

Sun cascading down the large windows, shining brightly on Haechan’s sleeping figure. Wincing when the sun begins to warm his face up does he wake up. Strands of feathers are floating in the air, the pillows on the floor and ripped to shreds. Cushions dismantled, bottles of liquor scattered all over the floor. The walls plastered with paint, the entire villa was flipped upside down. The once clean tidied floor was now in absolute ruins. The portraits once hung up were on the floor and ripped. The wine glasses on the floor a few still holding a bit of the red wine while others were slightly broken. The loud bang of a door closing is what truly wakes Hyuck and gets him off the cold floor. In nothing but boxers, he spits out a chunk of confetti that was in his mouth. Hair covered in silly string and a purple and green bead necklace around his neck.

He felt sore and tense around his shoulders and neck. Possibly from the bad position he slept in, his hair flared up, he turns to look at a mirror near him and notices the condition he’s in. Eyes squinting to limit the amount of light coming in, head buzzing loudly in his head as everything seems to be too fuzzy for him. Feeling the sudden need to whizz, he stands and takes cautious steps to the bathroom. Closing the door behind him and lifting the toilet seat, he lowers his boxers and begins to pee. He’s hung over, he knows that. He’s been through it before and one thing he knows is that he struggles to figure what he hears is exactly true or not. And when he hears the loud hiss, one you can be sure it’s from a snake. He swears there was one in the bathroom with him, but he turns his head to confirm it was all in his head.

He pauses when he sees it though. Huge and in the flesh, the large black, gray and black markings on its skin along with the large size gave it a dead give away on what it was. Watching as it seized up, Haechan widens his eyes and runs out the bathroom, slamming the door shut before it came after him. Frantic and not once looking at his surroundings, he comes hurdling down on Jaemin who is laid on the floor past out. Only, he wasn’t alone. “Ow!” Both bodies let out. Rudely awaken, they go to glare at the person responsible for tripping over them until they realize their current position. Eyes widen the two shove Haechan off them and spring up on their feet. Screaming and shouting, “What the hell were you doing next to me?!” You demand at the blue haired boy. “Me?! Why are you half naked?!” He points at you currently covering yourself with the single white sheet you had around you. “You are too!” Looking down and realizing he was in fact almost naked, only wearing boxers and shorts that he doesn’t remember packing. Widening his eyes, he’s mortified at the possibility that you…and him… “No way!” The two of you shoot in unison.

The sound of cans are rattled along with a loud groan. Glasses propped on their nose and a party hat on their head, Jeno hazily wakes up from his slumber, on the coffee table. “What the hell..?” He looks down at his bare chest. Tapping on the stains on his chest. Lip stains all over his chest, one he does not remember getting at all. Sitting up and wincing when he feels a kink in his neck, he adds pressure on it and notices his surroundings. “What’s…going on?” Looking over and seeing Chenle still passed out on the fucked up couch. Jeno kicks him awake. Whining, he swat at his leg until he’s kicked hard enough on his side. “Ow! What the hell!” Orange hair spiked up, he sits up. The others notice the darkness around his eyes. Smeared with mascara and lipstick this only adds further confusion, and more of the same question. What happened last night?

Tapping him repeatedly, Jaemin gives Haechan a look. “What man?” “T-There’s…” “Theres what?” “A python in the bathroom!” In disbelief, Jaemin blinks a few times before repeating his words. “A python?” Nodding, he glances over at you who only focuses on finding your clothes through the large mess made everywhere. “I think the alcohol really fucked with your head man..” walking over and turning the knob, he opens the door only to widen his eyes upon coming face to face with the snake. “Woah!” Closing it just in time, the loud bang is heard on the door by the sudden impact the snake made when it stroke at him. Laughing, he goes over to the other guys and points at the bathroom. “There really is a fucking python.” Still half asleep and completely hunger over, Jeno rubs his eyes while Chenle rubs his face. “What the fuck happened last night man?” Jeno asks seriously. “Yeah look at this place, for sure they’re going to make us pay extra for this.” Chenle adds. Eyes widening, Haechan rushes over to them.

“Oh no! I’m so screwed, god I’m definitely getting an ear full from my girl!” He hits his forehead. “Where are the others?” Looking around and noticing three were missing from the group, “Maybe they woke up earlier? Went to breakfast?” Chenle says but it seems no one was too sure. “Well you know what!” You interrupt them. “This was just…lovely. So if you don’t mind.” Going to grab your heels you continue to search for one last piece of clothing but can’t seem to find. “Where the hell is my…you know what? I don’t care, good luck. Grab Mark and get his ass straight back home and I’ll be doing the same with the bride.” You salute them and make your way over to the door. And as you do, Jaemin feels his pocket stuffed with something. Brows furrowed, he buries his hand in there and freezes when he feels the material. Taking it out slowly and sees the red thin article of clothing he had kept in his pocket.

“Um y/n…I think I found what you were looking for.” Rolling your eyes, you’re ready to tell him off but pause in horror at the sight. The other guys are shocked to see what he had in his hand, and why it managed to be in his pocket. “Why do you have my thong?!”

Walking out of the villa together, frazzled and utterly flustered, you had ripped your thong out of the insufferable man’s grip. Currently pressing the button on the elevator there’s a silence amongst the group that’s becoming unbearable. And when the elevator opens, you’re all shocked to see a woman currently getting downed on by a dude. “Ok,” you nod and wait for them to fix themselves up and stand side by side. Taking a step in, the air is much thicker this time. So much awkwardness you simply wish to die that very instant. “…so the two of you Huh?” Haechan speaks in regard to you and Jaemin. “Shut up.” You two reply sternly almost instantly, hearing a slap. Haechan receives it by Jeno and a smirk on Chenle’s face. By the time you get off, you make your way over to the cafeteria, it’s packed which means you have to find a seat outside. Busying himself with filling up his tray, both Haechan and Chenle are inside while the rest sit under the small umbrella that doesn’t do a good job protecting you from the blazing hot sun.

“Have you called Jisung and Renjun yet?” Jeno asks Jaemin. “I’m going to now.” “Yeah I should call Angie, tell her what’s going on.” Taking your phone out, you notice the large quantity of text messages from the girls. ‘Hello? Y/n? Are you okay? Where are you?’ Angie immediately answers, ‘I’m okay Angie, just having a rough morning…hey do you remember what happened last night?’ Hearing a chuckle on the other end, ‘Of course how could I not? We all got wasted last night. We went to the casino but I actually left the group earlier because I ran into Mark and the boys.’

‘Hey Jisung, where are you man?’ You hear Jaemin say on his phone call. ‘Eventually me and Mark kinda went somewhere private if you know what I mean,’ rolling your eyes, you smile sheepishly and tell her yes. ‘But we then parted and went back to our own parties. I didn’t see you there and I was told you had met with Jaemin so I didn’t intervene and when it got late went back to our suite. I assumed you’d come back but I didn’t see you here. We have to get going, where are you?’

‘What do you mean you’re on a flight home?!’ You hear Jaemin exclaim. ‘Is Mark at least with you?’ About to respond to her, Jaemin pulls the phone away from him and whisper hushedly at the two of you. “Mark isn’t with them.”

‘Y/n?’ You hear Angie say on the other line. ‘Yeah I’m here, look I won’t be able to make it back with you but I’ll get a ride back from the guys yeah?’ Hearing a teasingly tone to her voice, ‘Ooh of course. Don’t worry you have fun with Jaemin.’ ‘No, that’s not why-‘ ‘Have fun!’ And then the line cuts. Setting the phone down, you watch as Jaemin runs a frustrated hand through his hair and continues to talk with them. ‘I’ll have to call you back alright? Ok bye-‘. hearing Jisung saying wait just before getting cut off, Jaemin sets his phone down. “Relax man.” Jeno pats his back, “Maybe Mark is out somewhere, shopping maybe.” Backing away from his hands, Jaemin gives him a look. “Shopping? Really?” Huffing, Jeno rolls his eyes and takes out his phone. “Fine! I’ll call him and prove to you he’s fine!” A loud clank is heard on the table, two big plates of food was set in front of you. Large grins plastered on the returning boys who take a seat. “So…any news?” Haechan asks taking a sip from his slurpee.

Getting them up to date, a phone begins to ring. Looking at each other, everyone’s head turns slowly at Haechan who happily eats his Mac and cheese. Stopping mid spoon full, he raised a brow. “What?” “What’s in your pocket?” Chenle speaks, staring at the phone that buzzes. Looking down, he takes the device out and sees the caller ID, “Jeno?” Turning over, he sees the look his friend gives him. “Oh! I have his phone you guys!” He flashes it. “Why?” Pausing, he tries to recall the reason for it but shakes his head, “Who knows.” And goes back to eating. Groaning, the group seems dejected before Jaemin grabs a napkin and opens your purse. “Hey!” “Relax I’m getting a pen, what’s up with the crackers in your bag?” He raises a brow at you. “What? There were very good, don’t know where that hall bought them from but for the price they made us pay for ‘em hell yeah I was going to take some with me.” Shaking his head, he tries to ignore what he had just heard and goes to write on the napkin.

“Okay what does everyone remember from last night?” There’s a moment of silence before Haechan speaks up. “Oh! We went to the roof where we took a few shots of Jager.” Nodding. He writes it down. “Jager?” You scrunch your nose in disgust. “That’s…” “what not up to your taste? Miss prissy princess here only ever drinks the finest wine and most expensive champagne?” Scoffing you flip the blue haired boy off. “Okay what else.” “The casino.” Jeno speaks up. “Right!” You pitch in, “Angie said we all ran into each other there. That her and Mark had left together and then came back.” “Do you know what time?” “No, but she said by the time she returned to the group I was gone and had gone off…with you.” Tensing, Jaemin stops writing and pauses. The guys all do too and glance between the two of you. No one still not sure if the two of you really did sleep with each other but little by little, seems to be getting harder to deny that wonder.

Clearing his throat, “Okay…anything else?” Looking at each other and seeing no one was speaking up, Chenle does. “Does anyone actually remember anything from last night?” Everyone groans and shakes their heads. Covering your face with your hands, you feel your hand get tugged harshly by none other than the guy you can’t stand. “What the hell!” “What’s this?” Looking over at what he was staring at, you gasp at the sight. Retracting your hand, you shake your head and say no like a mantra. Horrified, you look over to the boys and raise your hand. “I’m…married.”

“What?!” Erupting in confusion, they start to ask questions they know you had no answer to. And while they continue to wonder what exactly went down, you feel an itch in between your boobs. Digging in your bra and feeling the touch of a paper. Taking it out and seeing it was beige and folded, they all quiet down upon seeing it. “What is it?” Mouthing agape, you look over at Jaemin who feels his heart pick up in speed. Leg began to bounce excessively and palms starting to sweat. Seeing you flip the paper around, his worst fear became true. “We’re married.”

The door to the bathroom is slammed open, pushing a girl in your way to the side ignoring the loud hey she throws out and into the nearest stall you go in. Toilet filling up with your vomit, you grip onto the edge of the toilet as more of the liquor starts to hurl out. Throat tightening and hating the acidic taste, you start to wonder if alcohol was all you had last night. The time seemed to have stopped and every time you thought you were done, you went back to puking again. By the time you were finished, you sat against the wall and closed your eyes. Too nauseous, too weak to even breathe. The room was spinning which only had you wanting to vomit again. Your stomach growled, it twisted and turned. It hurt and as you gripped an arm around your midriff to add pressure it wasn’t helping. You felt as if you were going to die. Feeling as if the world was collapsing on you and after the revelation of your marriage with the very man you can’t stand, the metaphor may not be too far off.

All four guys stand outside the woman’s bathroom. Leaning against the white wall as they wait for you to get out and get a move on. First stop to the chapel where apparently, you and Jaemin had closed the hatchet. When you did, hands slightly wet after smearing your mouth, face, hair everywhere that felt hot and yucky. “You look like shit.” Jeno tells you. Glaring at him, you take another weak step out and take a deep breath. Too out of breath to even utter a word you merely point to the exit and start moving. “How will we even get there? Do we even have Mark’s Mercedes? What if he left with it?” “Haechan why would he leave and not come back?” “Well do you have any other explanation Jaemin? If he’s not here it’s because he went somewhere and no way in hell did he leave without his Mercedes, dude fucking loves that car.”

“Here’s your vehicle sir.” The chauffeur says as he gets out of the vehicle and hands Jaemin the keys. A moment of silence as everyone sends each other looks. “Thanks!” Jaemin says and walks off into the direction of the cop car. “Uh Jaemin-“ “Don’t question it, get in.” Panicked, you whisper shout at him. “Are you crazy?! This is highly illegal!” Rolling his eyes, he shoots you a bored look. “God can you stop being so stuck up for one second? If we want to find Mark then we better get in and go to that chapel. After that we can just drop it off,” opening the car door he gets in followed by the other guys. Scoffing you look around you in disbelief. “No one else sees the fuckery?” “Y/n get in or I’m leaving you!” Jaemin shouts. Stomping your foot, you open the door forcibly and get in, in the back seat. “God damn it!”

Traffic was a pain. The loud chorus of honking continuously went off, a jam a few meters ahead causing the entire city to stop. The more the drivers honked the worst your head ache became. “Fucking hell can’t you find any other way to get through?” “Does it look like there is?!” Jaemin snaps back. Cursing underneath his breath, his eyes look over to the side of the road. And then it clicked. “Hang on.” The loud sirens go off, and soon Jaemin speeds onto the sidewalk. Turning on the mic as he speeds by even with pedestrians on it. “Police this is an emergency!” “Jaemin what are you doing?!” You ask him as you try to keep your head down, not wanting any one to catch sight of you. “You asked for another way princess, or should I say wife.” Gaining a laugh from Jeno who sits in the front, he grabs the microphone from Jaemin and begins to shout at everyone to get out of the way. “Move it people!” Merely missing them, Jaemin drifts off the sidewalk and takes a sharp turn. Flying into Haechan’s side who flies into Chenle’s side. With loud shouts, the three of you hold onto whatever you can to keep balance. And once he made the sharp turn, the three of you are forced back to your original spots. “Fuck Jaemin!” “Yeah that’s probably what you told me last night.” Grabbing Mark’s phone that sat on Haechan’s lap you throw it directly at Jaemin’s head. Only it never hit him but the clear glass that blocked you from reaching him. Bouncing right off the stainless glass and right into Haechan’s face. “Ow!”

“Oh I’m so sorry Hyuck!” Cradling his nose, he whines and peers his head. “I think I’m bleeding.” Removing his hand, you and Chenle gasp upon seeing the amount of blood falling from his nose. “Oh great going y/n.” Jaemin says watching through the rear view mirror. “Shut up!” Opening the glove compartment, Jeno sees a bunch of napkins from Dunkin Donuts. “Wow cops really do love living up to their stereotypes…here!” Sliding the window open he tosses the napkins inside. Quickly grabbing them, you push them up to his nose in which he winces. “Dip your head back.” “What? Are you nuts? Don’t listen to Chenle you need to keep your head down.” “No. He needs it back.” “Forward.” “Back.” “Forward.” “Everybody quiet!” Jaemin shouts and takes one last sharp turn before parking in a dirt covered parking lot. Hitting the brake harshly, he turns off the ignition. Turning around he stares at his friend.

“Haechan you alright man.” Sending him a thumbs up, he smiles and nods. “Alright now lets go. We’re here.” Getting out of the car, there before you lied the chapel. A dirty brown along with a tall sign with pink borders. “Halle’s Chapel.” You read it off. “You sure this is even legit?” “Only one way to find out.” Opening the door, in the five of you go. The bell is heard the second the door was opened and soon followed by a booming voice. “Aw you’re back! Mi amores!” A man shouts as he walks over to you. Arms out as he pulls you and Jaemin in a tight hug. “You crazy fucks really are back!” He laughs. “So how’s the happy couple?” “Happy?” The both of you say in sync before giving each other a dirty look. “Oooh trouble in paradise already?” Sighing, Jaemin rolls his eyes and shows him the certificate. “Is this true?” “Oh why of course it is! Came last night don’t you remember?” “No we don’t, none of us do.” Snickering he scoffs, not believing it at first.

“My oh my, well to prove it. The photo book is finished!…Mia! Photo book from last nights couple!” Following him over to the reception, out from the back comes a short straight haired woman, dropping the large book on the counter, the man whom you come to find out goes by the name Miguel ushers you to open it. Gasping the second you do, “oh brother.” You try to keep yourself from puking, Jaemin as equally mortified scans through every picture. “Wow, we really were hammered.” Jeno huffs. A few of them were all of you taking group pictures this including Renjun, Jisung and Mark. From flipping the camera, to taking shots for it. A few were of you and Jaemin making out the boys cheering you two on in the back. And the last and final one, was of Jaemin motor boating you. “Your face was in my chest!” You smack him with the heavy book. “Your chest was on my face!”

“Oh! Almost forgot this one. It’s my favorite.” Miguel gives you the picture and in it was Jaemin sticking the certificate in your boobs while you hooked his ring on his chain. Looking over to his neck, Jaemin taps his chest and realizes there was a dent underneath his shirt. Taking out the chain, there before him confirmed yet again he was married to you. Hanging on his very expensive most favorite silver chain was none other than his wedding ring. “For fucks sake.” “Excuse me, Miguel.” Chenle raises his hand. “Do you remember our friend Mark?” “Oh Mark? The boy with the crazy high pitched laugh?” “Yes! Yes him! Do you know if he might’ve left without us last night?” “Oh yeah! All of you left together. After taking the pictures Mark fell really hard and cut open his arm. You left to go to the hospital.” “Ok thank you!” As the boys went to leave, you and Jaemin stayed behind. “Any way to get us annulled?” “Please! I can do it in my sleep. But I don’t have the paper work so you can always get it done some other time.” Looking at each other, “Do it when we get back?” He nods.

“Has the bleeding stopped?” You ask Haechan, taking his hand off his nose and wincing when it looks slightly crooked. Going to touch it, he lets out a loud moan. “It hurts!” “Jesus I think I might’ve broken it.” By the time you arrive to the hospital Chenle goes to get Haechan’s nose checked while Jaemin contacts the clerk for any name under Mark Lee that might’ve checked in last night. “Who’s the doctor that operated on him?”

Throwing the door open, you rush into the first stall and begin to puke again. Not sure what the reason was this time but it felt worst than the first time. Especially the smell of the bathroom wasn’t the best it only made it worse. You didn’t understand why maybe you got food poisoning or maybe it was the liquor. Could be the best idea to get your stomach pumped and so with that, you asked for one. Luckily there weren’t many patients and as quickly you asked for it, is as quickly you got it. When getting your pressure checked, and a few other basic routines a nurse came back with a clear cup. “Oh no, I’m sorry but I just wanted my stomach pumped,” “oh no need. Just need you to pee in this cup and we’ll give you some medication to alleviate the pain.” “Oh okay..”

“Come on there had to be more to it doctor, Is there anything you can tell us that’ll help us find him?” Jaemin asks the doctor who’s currently working on an elderly man. “I don’t know what else to say. He came in with a large gash on his arm. Had to give him eight stitches, all of you were high off the charts.” “We weren’t high.” Jeno pitched in. When receiving a look from the doctor he adds on. “Drunk yes, high can’t be.” “Well, Mark seemed very worried about receiving the side effects of the drugs during the wedding that you all took last night and even asked for a test and some medication to make it go away.” The doctor snorts and asks the man to stand up and bend over. Sighing, Jaemin goes to speak again but widens his eyes when he sees the old man’s bare ass. Him and Jeno quickly turn around to face the wall. “I have the results you know? Took all your friends blood after you guys insisted on getting tested as well for whatever reason. All shows you guys took Rohypnol and a bunch of other drugs.” “The hell is that?” “Shit fucks you up alright… okay all done.” Taking off the gloves and throwing it to the trash, the boys turn around again. “Makes you lose your memory, could be why you can’t remember where you misplaced your friend.” Huffing, they follow the doc out of the patients room. “Did we say where we’d go next or something?”

Pausing, he waves his finger. “Actually now that I think of it yeah, you i mean not you..” he says at Jaemin then turns over to Jeno. “You said you were all going to some club a few blocks from here. You,” he turns his focus back on Jaemin. “Were too busy having sex with your wife in one of the empty rooms.” Raising his brows, he freezes for a second. “Pardon me?” “You idiots didn’t even realize there was a camera in there.” Jaw slacking, he turns over to Jeno who only smirks and pats his back. “Nice man-“ at loss for words, he looks back at the doctor hoping he’s only joking but the serious look on his face says it all. “I didn’t see it, but from the nurses who did…Geez you have some sort of pregnancy kink man.” “W-What?” “You kept going at it like a bunch of bunnies, saying you wouldn’t stopped until she got pregnant.”

“Okay I don’t want to hear it anymore!” Covering his ears, he sees you walk over. “Oh great..” “Guys…I have some news.” “And we do too.” Jeno speaks up, “How about we get the doc here to repeat himself again-“ Going to tell Jeno to shut up, you cut Jaemin off before he can do so. “I’m pregnant.” You say seriously then show them the blood work you’d taken. The three are silent, none knowing how to react and as subtly does Jeno mutter, “oh shit.”

In the security camera room, alone and allowed inside. You and Jaemin look over last night where he walks you discreetly to the room right next to Marks where he was getting checked. A finger going up his mouth as he giggles at you when you do so to him. Then the next clip appears of you two inside. Groaning and wincing when more and more clothes are being discarded and eventually having sex. “Okay I don’t think we need to see any more of this. I don’t know why we wanted to see it in the first place-“. pressing a button to exit out of it, the sound goes on and blares throughout the room. ‘Ah Jaemin!’ You moan from the security footage. ‘Fuck y/n’ Jaemin grunts out. Frantically pressing more buttons, Jaemin tries to help you out but only manage to increase the volume. ‘Feel so good! So big!’ Screaming, you begin to bang on the buttons hoping for any of them to shut it off. ‘God you’re fucking tight, keep doing that and i’m going to fuck a baby in you.’ Pausing, you turn to glare at the man besides you. “Don’t look at me like that you said I was big! You should know that’s an ego boost for guys” Leaving one last slam, he manages to finally shut it off. “Jesus fucking Christ.” He runs a hand through his hair and glances over to you and lowers it to your stomach. Intrusive thoughts winning, he extends his arm out to rest on your stomach but is quickly slapped away. “Pervert.” You scoff and walk out the room.

The car ride was silent, no one knowing how to start the awaiting topic. A white band over Haechan’s nose , still unaware of the situation. Currently making your way to the club the doc mentioned, does Jeno’s phone begin to ring. “It’s Renjun.” Disappointed, they wait for him to answer. ‘Where the hell are you guys?!’ He immediately asks once Jeno answers. ‘We can’t find Mark so we’re looking for him…don’t worry we got it all under control you just keep cool and cover for us…I don’t know make something up just don’t tell Angie the truth.’ Ending the call, the silence returns. “Okay…why the silence? What happened? Is it Mark?” Haechan asks. When none responds he sighs and begins to poke at you. “What’s happened?” Not glancing over at him and eyes staring straight ahead he turns to look at Chenle. “What happened?” Just when he’s about to let him in on the latest news, Jaemin speaks up. More serious than he’s ever been. “Utter a word and I’ll break your neck Zhong.” Tension made it unbearable in the car, so much you could no longer handle it.

“I’m pregnant with Jaemin’s kid.”

“WHAT?!”

Arriving to the club, Haechan is filled with many, many questions. Mostly as to when and how the two of you had sex. When he scrunches his nose in disgust, he winced slightly by the pain. “Please tell me you didn’t do it in front of us.” Rolling his eyes, Jaemin whisper hushedly at you. “Shouldn’t have told him shit.” “He was bound to find out.” You tell him and enter the club, shocked there were no bouncers outside. Dark, lights flashing and the smell of liquor hits your nostrils. A fruity scent that you usually smell it from perfume, walking further inside it made sense why you picked it up. “Jeno you took us to a strip club.” Monotonously your tone was. “It’s you guys again!” A voice shouts from behind the bar, a white rag draped over his shoulder. “Last night wasn’t enough huh?” “Who exactly are you?” Jaemin asks the stranger. “Not surprised, chugged a shit ton of Alfredo’s roofies.” “R-Roofies?” Turning into the direction he was pointing at, you all notice some knocked out men slouching on the counter with white powder over their noses. “Surprised you all survived that shit. He gave you guys all sorts of shit to snort and managed to accidentally give you guys some roofies.” He laughs and gets back to drying the glasses. “Yeah um…we can’t remember any of that so can you tell us what went down.” Jeno takes a seat in front of him. “Sure can. You all came in with some other guys as well.” “Was Mark with us? The blonde one?” “Sure was, even got on one of the stages and started dancing on the poles. You seemed to have liked that a lot.” He says pointing at you. Ignoring the frown Jaemin sends you, you speak up. “What else?” Chuckling he sets the glass down. “Then you switched spots with him.” Surprised, you begin to stutter. He laughs and continues, “while the others were too busy getting lap dances this man right here,” finger pointing straight at Jaemin. “Took off his jacket to cover you up. Drugs really kicked in and had you feeling brave if you know what I mean, clothes tossed left and right even flashed everyone and when guys started inching closer towards you, blue haired boy lost it and hurled you off the stage.”

Both you and his faces were bright pink, just hearing it was humiliating. You can hear the other snicker but you’re far too embarrassed to even hit them. “While the two of you were busy having sex in the bathroom-“ “AGAIN.” Heads turning to glare at Haechan he chuckles nervously and lowers his head. “Orange haired over here stole the keys of some cops.” He points at Chenle who only smiled sheepishly. “Took off with it with all of you inside, got the Mercedes towed.” “Do you know where it’s at?” “Yeah, a few miles from here. Terry’s Tow Yard.” Going to write down the directions, Jeno and Jaemin flinch back when they feel a pair of hands run over their biceps. “Hello cuties. Back for more?” Furrowing your brows, you stare at the curly black haired girl who’s currently biting her lip at them. “Sad we couldn’t have that threesome you promised pretty boy.” She lifts Jeno’s chin. “Uh…what?” “You were supposed to give me a wild ride before you ran off with your buddies.” She pouts at him. She turns to look at Jaemin, “Too bad I was too late, seemed like you were quite busy with someone else.” She sets her eyes on you, eyeing you before giving you a plastic smile. “If I hadn’t known any better, I would’ve thought you were the newbie.” She winks. Just as you’re about to down the shot the barista gives you, it’s quickly taken out of your grip. “Absolutely not preggos, have you forgotten already.” Jaemin says sternly. Groaning you roll your eyes and turn to him, “How could I not? It’s your child I’m carrying after all,” Shocked by the news, the woman widens her eyes never in a million years expecting that. Suddenly, the door is slammed open and the music is paused. “Police!” Shouts and screams are heard, “It’s a raid go!” The men who had transferred in the drugs scatter while policeman’s run after them. “Oh shit, we stole their car they’ll definitely bust us let’s get out of here!” Getting off your seats you run off backstage. To the nearest exit that the stripper helps lead you out, not before grabbing onto Jeno’s arm and tugging it back. “I hope to see you soon pretty boy.” She smirks and goes in for a kiss but he’s quick to reject. “Sorry don’t feel quite the same.” He manages to get out of her grip and run off with the others. Not noticing the pout on her face before going back inside where she’d be forced to have her hands up.

After being certain you were far from the cops, you stop to catch your breath. Hunched over as your sides burned, you feel Jaemin at your side. “You alright?” Nodding, you wave him off and stand up straight. “Im…fine.” You take a deep breath and continue on with the rest. Eventually you make it to Terry’s Tow Yard, wired fenced as there were piles of cars there. By then it was night and closed so you had no other choice but to climb. After Jaemin insisted they’d help you, you huff and let them carry you up high enough for you to throw your leg to the other side of the fence and climb down. One by one they follow until you all were standing inside the yard. “Alright now we just got to find it.” Separating to cover more ground, you don’t notice you weren’t alone until he snaps a branch. “Oh shit! Jesus Jaemin!” You scold him, a hard smack to his chest in which he winced and let out a low ow. “Sorry…” he mumbles before there’s a slight silence. You too focused on finding the gray Benz but not him. Instead he focuses his attention on you. “So…” “so?” “Are we going to talk about it or…?” “About what? The pregnancy?” “No…Nope actually I wanted to talk about the weather. Seems pretty chilly I wonder if it was a bad idea that I only brought a white blouse that’s covered in dirt and has slight holes in it.” Giggling you shake your head and shove him lightly in which he sends you a soft smile of his own.

“What are you thinking? About the whole ordeal?” Taking a deep breath you sigh and shake your head, “Not a single fucking clue. I don’t know what to think or how to feel. Definitely not how I planned to get pregnant. Surely not with you,” feigning offense he holds a hand to his chest. “Ouch.” He hears you chuckle and so he does to. “Guess we’ll have to work something out when we get back.” Making a face and cocking your head back you speak up, “Who says I’m keeping it?” Pausing, he thinks. “Oh! Well, then that’s okay too. I mean I’m not against it— I support it you know women’s rights to decide y’know all that feminist crap.” Sending him a look you speak, “Crap?” “Right sorry guess I shouldn’t have used that word, what im trying to say is whatever the decision..I’ll support it. And if you want to keep the child, I’ll be there.” Turning to face him you raise a brow at him. “You’ll be present?” “Yes,” “Like in the child’s life?” “Yes.” “Like not be a deadbeat-“ “What’s so hard to comprehend?” He looks at you with furrowed brows, shrugging you look forward again. “Just find it hard to picture you being a father.” “Yeah well I find it hard picturing myself raising a child with you nonetheless making one.” Sighing, he turns his body to face you. “Look just because I don’t commit doesn’t mean I can’t. Yeah I drink, sleep, fuck that’s how I live my life but that doesn’t mean I don’t know when to be responsible. I took part of this baby making fiasco and if you want this child then I’m there. I’ll be the father that child deserves to have and I can promise you I’ll be the best father they’ll ever need.” Failing to cover the on growing smile you, you nudge his elbow. “Even if it means to lessen the sex and alcohol?” Snorting, he rolls his eyes and smiles at you. “Even if it kills me.”

“Hey guys! Found it!” You hear Chenle’s distant voice. Tracking it, you all rejoin together in front of the perfectly untouched Mercedes. “What about the keys?” Shrieking when the sound of broken glass is heard, you look over and see Jeno climb in and after a few seconds climb out. “Got ‘em.” Turning the car, Haechan laughs and gets in. “Oh hallelujah!” As he tries to start up the ignition does he realize the car is out of gas. “Shit!” He hits the wheel. Sighing, he looks over at you guys, “any one know how to siphon gas out of a car?” While they busied themselves in doing just that, Haechan kept you company sat on top of the trunk. Looking up at the sky with hardly any stars in sight. “Can you believe our luck?” He laughs, “I don’t think I’ve ever had this much chaos go on in my life…like ever.” “Same, but at least it’ll make a sick story to tell our grandchildren.” “That, you got a point.” Feeling itchy, Hyuck goes to scratch at his arm when his sleeve rises up and there he notices the black ink. “What’s that?” You ask, reading the words the two of you say in unison. “Malcolm.” “Who’s that?” Worried he tries to wipe it off but to no avail. “Hyuck it’s permanent ink.” “I know what a tattoo is! Why do I have it?!” Groaning he falls back on the trunk and huffs. “God I’m so screwed.” “Oh come on, you make it seem like your wife beats you or something.” “No but she’s very scary when mad. What do I tell her when she sees this? Sorry honey I’m gay now?” Making a look, Haechan glares at you. “I’m not gay.” “Wouldn’t be a bad thing if you were.” “oh for fucks sakes.” Getting off the trunk he dusts himself, “Well I’m gonna go help the guys while you-“

Suddenly cut off by the loud banging in the inside of the trunk, you let out a shriek. Quick to help you get off, Haechan sets you down and pulls you away from the car. “Uh guys!” All quickly rushing over to where they can clearly hear the loud banging. “Do you think?” Sending each other a look until you all get to the same conclusion. “Mark!” Fumbling with the keys, Jeno gets it open but he’s kicked to the ground the second the trunk is unlocked. Shouting is heard and out comes a naked man who starts attacking them. “Wait! Wait!” Punched in the stomach, Chenle goes down. Body wrapping around Haechan who’s trying desperately to get him off. Slammed harshly on the ground when he’s knocked out of breath. Jaemin managed to dodge the first punch before the man wraps his legs around him and puts him in a head locked. “Ah! Okay his balls are way too close to my face!” Knocking him down on the ground, he turns over to you where you unintentionally go to cover your stomach. In an instant the naked man understood and doesn’t attack, “who are you?” Haechan groans on the ground. “Crazy assholes locked me in there!” He says before running off. Once he was good distance away you rush over to help them up. “Geez he’s got moves.” You say, inspecting Jaemin’s face that held light scratches. Not noticing how his eyes softened. Letting go, you move over to help the maknae of the group up. “Who the fuck was that?” “No idea.”

Driving your way back to the hotel, you separate from them and head into the direction for ice. Filling the bucket and getting some plastic bags for the guys. And while you waited for it to fill up, you look out the window in the mean time. “Where are you Mark?” You ask softly under your breath. Walking out the room and passing by the broken elevator. A few technicians there as they put up a sign. And floors below the fifth including the basement would need to be taken by the stairs. When making your way back up to the guys room, you’re shocked by the shouts. “What’s going on!” You shout above their loud voices. Currently deciding who would be feeding the giant snake. Breathing heavily, Jeno points at the door with the broomstick in his hand. “Guess one of us got to drug the snake.” “Why?” “Because that naked man that attacked us, is apparently a mafia boss. In which we played poker with us in the basement of this hotel, stole the money we originally lost and some more from what he betted on the table which came to be around…oh yeah thirty grand.” Chenle explains. “And that snake in there who’s name is Malcolm, was his where we had trespassed into his home and stole it. And now he wants us to return it to him and give him back the thirty grand which we need to accumulate by tomorrow morning.” Dropping the bucket of ice you simply shrug. “O-Ok.”

As the guys struggled to feed the snake, Jaemin sat below your feet, in front of you where you sat on the ripped up couch. Letting you press the bag of ice on his face. Getting a few hard beating from the men alongside the mafia boss. The purple color beginning to form on his face, he slightly winced when the coldness hits his face. “How will we ever explain this to Angie.” You shake your head worriedly. “Accidents happen right?” He mumbles to you. “Yeah guess so, but still. Louis will freak when he sees all the photos of the groomsmen will be covered in bruises.” Softly grasping your hand, he lowers the ice pack. “At least we know where Mark is.” Your eyes widen and lean forward not noticing how close the proximity got but he did. “You do?” Nodding he curls his lips. “Yeah, the boss has him which is why if we don’t give him the money…” your face falls at the realization. “Then we better give him that money.” “How?” “How else? We’re in Vegas Jaemin.” “But there’s a much bigger chance we’ll lose more money than win it.” Scoffing you wave your hand at him. “Baby that thong you had stored in your pocket came with a matching bra and heels all very expensive with the finest material used, and with what money? Gambling money I earned all by myself.” You flipped your hair and smirked at him. Curling a finger underneath his chin, his breath hitched when you inch closer. His hands instinctively coming to grip on your thighs, “Trust me when I tell you, i can gain back all that money.” Gulping, he nods. “Okay.”

A loud slam is heard, pulling away and seeing Chenle looking frightened and heavy breathing he nods. “Done…now we wait.” As the time ticked by, you took this chance to relax. Taking off your shoes where you moaned in relief. Massaging your calves to relieve the tension, pausing when you feel a hand grip them softly. Pulling them over to his lap, Jaemin silently begins to massage them. Not saying anything, you let him and relish in on the relaxation. After fifteen minutes Jeno stands. “Okay I think it’s knocked out by now.” Grabbing the bed sheet left on the ground you had used to cover your self, they take cautious steps in and when they see it was in fact unconscious. They cover it and pick it up. Helping you put your shoes back on, Jaemin helps you stand. “Thanks.” You send him an appreciative smile, about ready to help them but he stops you. A look of worry before he recollects himself clearing his throat. “Maybe you should stay in front of us. Just in case the snake wakes up.” Nodding, you help them with the door. “Fuck it’s heavy as hell.” Chenle groans. Even with the four of them the snake was far too big and heavy but they pulled through. Sneaking out from the back making sure no one saw them, you open the trunk and in do they shove the snake. When Haechan knocks it’s head, the others scold at him. “Gosh Hyuck do you want it to wake up and eat us like rodents?” “Sorry…” Piling inside the car and making your way over to the casino you quickly run to the game your most good at. Black Jack.

The more you played the more the crowd built. You were fantastic, the boys grinned from ear to ear as they never stopped hyping you up. But you couldn’t relish in the glory, you were determined to win back the thirty grand. But you realize it’d take too long so you told them that when the time came, to steal the chips from the other players on your cue. When you manage to win another stack you fail to hear Jaemin tell you he’s proud of you. Momentarily freezing, panicked at the possibility that you might’ve heard him but when he thought he was in the clear. He looks over and sees the guys smirking at him. Haechan wiggling his brows as Chenle and Jeno made kissy faces at him. Oblivious in seeing him show them the finger. A stranger walks by, slightly knocking into your chair you purposefully extended out and down you went. Gasps could be heard as you’re immediately crowded and asked about you’re well being. “She’s pregnant!” Jaemin shouts as he cups your face. “Baby you okay? You should probably get checked by a doctor.” “I’m so sorry ma’am.” The stranger who knocked into your chair says frantically. Wincing you nod and wave him off, “Im alright just…ah!” Cradling your head, Jaemin has you lean on him for support. “We’ll just take our winnings and get going.”

The boys were no where to be seen and by the time the two of you left, that’s when the rest realize their lack of chips. Running out to the car with the bag full of cash you high five each other. “You were great y/n wow who would’ve thought you had it in you!” “Yeah never did I think rule follower y/n would do such a thing.” “What? What are you talking about I don’t always follow the rules?” Scoffing, Haechan continues. “Please, you were practically the teachers pet in all of grade school.” Rolling your eyes you shake your head. “That’s because I was too good at hiding my bad behavior. Difference between me and you four, you make it obvious while I’m discreet.” “Oh yeah?” Jaemin speaks up this time, “Name one thing you did bad in grade school?” Thinking about it for a minute he’s about to snicker and say I told you so until you talk. “Back in the eighth grade when Seohyun had dumped that carton of chocolate milk all over you, I grabbed a pair of scissors during science glass and cut a chunk of his hair.” The car erupts in laughter as they shake their heads, “no way!” “Yep! Cried to the teacher and pointed fingers at me but I quickly tossed the scissors on his friends desk who also gave Jaemin a hard time and pretended like I was too busy doing my homework to realize what was going on around me. Teacher never suspected it and both got detention for ‘lying’ .” Laughing at the story, you go on to say other times in which you did bad things but while you did so you don’t notice Jaemin constantly glancing at you through the rear view mirror. He couldn’t believe you did that for him, maybe he judged you too hard. Back in school he assumed you couldn’t stand him, you never made the effort to talk to him nonetheless befriend him. Then again he was pretty nerdy and got bullied while you were the popular kid along with Angie. Around that time did Mark start gaining a crush on her, but he wasn’t the only one who had a crush on a popular kid. “I’m hungry not gonna lie.” You say after it quiets down. “I could eat.” Jeno adds and then the rest agree.

In the nearest McDonald’s, an Oreo McFlurry and French fries. Jaemin passes you one of his chicken sandwiches despite you saying you weren’t that hungry. And before you can object, Jaemin gives you look daring you to decline his sandwich. So you accept it happily. “I..am..beat.” In between yawns does Haechan say. “Better start heading back to the hotel.” For the most part, everyone passed out almost instantly. Except for you, couldn’t wink an eye despite your muscles begging for rest. And when you hear sudden movement and make out Jaemin’s figure, you accept his hand. Walking the two of you up to the roof. A blanket around you, he noticed you’re still shivering so he pulls you in his chest. Arms coming to wrap around you and even though his jacket did little to keep him warm, it definitely helped you gain some heat. “Thanks for what you did.” “Did what?” “Cutting Seohyun’s hair in the eighth grade. Pretty bad ass.” Snickering you roll your eyes. “It was nothing really, I had something worst in mind but it’s all I could’ve thought of in the moment.”

“Who else did you stick up for?” “Mm other than Angie, you.” “I find that hard to believe.” “I’m not lying. It’s also wasn’t my first time doing that. When Jae purposefully hit you in the face during dodgeball, I aimed for his feet which caused him to slip and split his chin open.” Laughing you feel his chest rumble. “No way that was you?” Giggling you nod. “I couldn’t stop laughing when I heard that day.” When it gets quiet again, he lowers his voice. “Thank you for sticking up for me. I judged you when I shouldn’t have, I’m sorry.” “Nah, I’m not innocent. I judged you too.” “Really about what?” “Mostly during high school when you hit puberty and started dating around. Thought the old nice nerdy you was gone and replaced by some fuck boy I didn’t know .” “You know I didn’t started screwing around until college.” “Bullshit!-“ “Swear on my life!” “But you got popular in high school! So many girls wanted you, there’s no way you didn’t go whoring around.” “No, I didn’t,” “and why’s that?” He’s silent for a bit before he answers, his humorous tone disappears and is one of pure sincerity. “Because I thought I’d finally grow the balls to ask you out.” He shakes his head as he keeps his focus out on the horizon. “Didn’t want to lessen my chance at dating you if you thought I was going from girl to girl but I see that didn’t work either way.”

Pushing yourself off him, you turn to face him. “You liked me? Was this before or after you started hating me?” Scoffing he smiles sadly and shakes his head. “I never hated you.” “Yeah I find that hard to believe.” “It’s true,” looking up to stare into your eyes. You notice how they begin to soften the deeper he looks into your orbs. “ I thought if I started being a dick to you maybe i’d forget about you but it never worked. While you hated me, I…” he scoffs and looks down at his hands. “You what?..” you get a hold of his hands, stopping him from playing with his fingers. “While you hated me…I fell in love with you.” His voice falls into one of a whisper. But you hear it, loud and clear. “I fucked around to forget about you but each time I saw you, my snide comments came out as a defense mechanism to avoid admitting my feelings for you. And for that…I’m sorry for what I said. I know I can never take them back.” “And I’m sorry as well.” You cup his face to look at you. “I’m stuck up because I try to pretend that I have my shit together when I don’t. I pretended to be better than you as a way to prove that I didn’t need you in my life. That there was no need to like you, to not think about dating you. Not fall in love with you.”

Gulping, he asks you softly. “And did it work?” Smiling sadly, you shake your head no. Staring into your eyes for a few seconds until he does the reasonable choice and goes in for a kiss. Hand reaching the back of your head, he pulls you closer to him. Afraid he’d lose you if he didn’t have you close to him. Tilting his head to reach deeper, sighing contently when you give him access. Groaning when he feels your tongue on his, the familiar feeling in his pants return but he tries not to act upon it. But it’s hard, so hard when it comes to you. For years he’s tried suppressing his want for you. For years he’s pretended you never had an affect on him and yet every chance he got he’d look over and admire you from a far. In awe at how well you wore your outfits, mesmerized by your beauty and your confidence. Your mere presence has him squirming and heart beating out of his chest. And as unfortunate it is to know that his first time with you he had no recollection of, it seems as if this was your very first kiss together. And it’s something he wants to cherish forever. So when you finally pull away and stare at each other lovingly, Jaemin grins and leans in for more. Heart fluttering when he hears you let out a soft moan. Squirming to try and hide the now obvious hard on, and when you climb on his lap and wrap your arms around his neck, he’s a goner. “Tell me you want me and I’m yours, I promise.” He breathes out heavily, almost pleading for you to tell him so. “Only if you want me.” Grunting, he nods and leans in to kiss you again. “I want you always.”

Blanket on the floor, he lays you softly on it. Climbing on top of you, arms either side of your head as he loses you softly. Letting out a loud groan when he feels your leg come to wrap around his midriff. Pulling him on top of you, bulge coming directly down on your wet heat. “Y/n-“ “Want you Jaemin, please.” Pupils dilating, eyes filled with lust and affection he obliges immediately. Gently pulling your crop top off you, undoing the buttons until it reveals the matching red bra to your thong. He leans in to press soft kisses on your breast. “So pretty.” He murmurs, cupping your breasts and diving deeper. Hands wondering behind you until he unclasp your bra and tosses it aside. Quick to pop a tittie in his mouth and start to suck. Fondling the other with his large hand as he looks up at you. Slightly grinding on top of you, feeling extra sensitive you throw your head back and take in the building pleasure. “Feels so good Jaemin.” Pulling away with a pop, he unbuttons his dirty blouse and throws it aside. Grinning when he feels you beginning to unzip his pants. “Impatient?” “Been wanting you for years, it’s understandable why.” Groaning he leans in to smash his lips on top of yours. “If only you knew just how much I’ve been wanting you,” leaning down to start sucking hickies on your neck and pulls away for a split second to talk. “All the sinful things I’ve done with you on my mind. Alone in the bathroom as I jerk myself off to the thought you…on your knees with your pretty little mouth open for me.” Biting your lip, you run a hand through his hair. Loving how he rolls his eyes and takes in the feeling of your hand slightly tugging his hair oh so sweetly, “then let me live up to your expectations.”

And like that, his fantasies became a reality. Standing and with you in your knees, he strikes your hair softly as you spit on his cock. Licking a long strip at his underside, eyes never once looking away from him. “So fucking pretty baby.” He curses out, holding your hair in a makeshift ponytail. Jolting when you begin to suck his red angry tip, oozing with precum you kitten lick it off. Hallowing your mouth as you took him further. “Shit!” Your speed increased and started bobbing your head. At times pausing to take him completely in the back of your throat causing a loud growl to emit from him. Throwing his head back as he tries to regain his steady breathing. And when you begin to play with his balls, he loses it. Getting a hold of your pretty face before he starts to shove his cock down your throat. “Fuck, I’m so sorry baby it feels too good,” you never thought Jaemin to be so..needy and apologetic from a man who was overly dominating. The kind who may even be into conflicting some pain kink. “You can take it right princess?” Nodding as much as you can with his cock deep in your mouth you slightly gag. Letting you go, you pull back to breathe. Feeling him pull your head up, he leans down to kiss you. Getting a bit of the salty taste on his lips. “I’m close baby, where do you want it?” “Wanna taste it Jaemin, let me swallow your load.” “Fuck,” standing up straight, he holds the back of your head. “All yours baby, take me as you please.” Watching as you take him back in your mouth, not caring when you gag you deep throat him with the intention of making him cum. Jerking him off in fast pace motion which is making him even more sensitive. He feels himself nearing his climax, his load building more and more. And when you begin to suck him like a lollipop again does he finally bust in your mouth. “Fuck y/n,” he feels himself shake slightly, goosebumps running up his skin as he watches you swallow all of him. Your eyes soft and pouty as you look up at him. With fuck me eyes, pressing your tits on him and rubbing yourself on his foot he slowly pulls you off his dick. Opening your mouth and there being a small web of his semen he can’t help but lean in and kiss you passionately. An arm under your leg as he lowers you on your back, removing the last bit of your clothing before spreading your legs for him.

Laying trails of kisses, brushing past the love marks he’s already left on your pretty skin, until he reaches your sopping cunt. Pressing a soft kiss to your nub and smirking when you immediately react to the sensation. “Keep em open for me princess.” Pressing more kisses to your clit until he starts taking long licks. Throwing your head back and letting out a pornographic moan this only encourages him to keep going. Rubbing a finger up your cunt as he buried himself further into your puffy pussy. Holding the back of his head and pushing it closer to your cunt your grip tightly onto the blanket when he prods your hole with his tongue. Whining when he pulls away, you squeal when he flips positions. With him on the ground and you over him, he keeps you above his face. Arms resting on either side of your thighs and without wasting a second, pulls you to sit on his face. Mewling at the pleasure, you lay your hands on his chest behind you, rubbing your self all over his mount in which he gladly eats. Sucking and licking, he pulls away for a second to spit and lubricate you more before attaching his mouth back on you. Licking figure eights on your nub repeatedly even when you begin to squirm above him. Squealing when he lands a harsh smack on your ass. Forcing you back to sit on his face. “Be good baby.” He tells you sternly. “Feels too good Jaem, fuck I’m close.” And even when you do come he still doesn’t stop. Sending you into overdrive, legs beginning to shake and chest heaving the more you find it difficult to catch your breath. “Fuck Jaemin, I can’t baby feels too good god no more!” You go to push at his head but he grabs your hands and sets them on your thighs as he continues to eat you out. It’s obvious he’s gotten pussy drunk, never has this happened before mostly he hits it and quits it but it’s you, of course the girl of his dreams is going to make his sexual experience a hundred times more amazing and meaningful. From someone who wasn’t really into oral, now willing to suffocate in your sex.

Despite your protests, you continued to grind on his face. His tongue was talented in many ways, he knew exactly how to make you feel good and as much as your body begged for no more you yearned for it like a bitch in heat. A part of you wishing he never stops and if he had it his way, he never would. But when he eventually does, his mouth is covered in your essence and fingers roughly rubbing your cunt. “Jaemin!” Squelching sounds get much louder, and out like a faucet comes your juices. Never did you think you’d be a squirter. “So good for me, my good girl.” He presses a kiss on your temple as you come down from your high. Pulling you into his lap where he hugs you, brushing your loose strands of hair behind your ears. And while he whispers your words of affirmation, he gets ready to push his tip in you. And you gladly open for him. “Oh god! Jaemin fuck you’re so damn big!” His girth was big, barely fit your hand, the length was a bit above average and the speed his thrusts were sure have you limping. The morning after your sexcapades with him you felt a bit of a limp but your raging headache over bared it. Now this time would be different there’d be no roofies to block the oncoming soreness you would bound to get. But you didn’t care, you wanted him. You wanted to bounce on his dick and have him make love to you until you dropped unconscious . So this went on for hours in the middle of the night when the city was fast asleep and the two of you busied yourself in fucking each other’s brains out. No longer caring how loud you two may be. Breasts bouncing in his face as you fucked yourself on his dick, face leaning in to burying deep in between your tits. Back arched and on your knees as he takes you from behind, the loud sounds of cheeks clapping emits through the air as he gets a tight hold on your neck and pins you still. Fucking you until he busts his load in you.

Getting you on your back where he’d throw your leg over his shoulder and pound into you, begging you to come on his cock. “Gonna get this belly round and full of my cum.” On your side where he holds your leg in mid air and rams into you. Nibbling and sucking on your neck to add even more dark hickies making sure that by morning he’d be reminded that he made love to you all night. The scratch marks on his back would definitely still be red by morning and very much apparent. The love marks all over his chest and those on your thighs would serve as memories from when he made you his. “Mine.” He hums as he cums in you one last time. So full you can’t hold no more and immediately begin to spill. But he won’t take it, so he keeps fucking you until he’s satisfied that you have most of him in you, not caring if he has to stuff you full of his cock again to do so. “Yours.” You hum back tiredly. “You mine too?” Chuckling he nods, running a hand through his sweaty hair , he wiped his forehead using his shirt and leans in to kiss you softly. “Of course, all yours…” pressing another kiss he rubs his nose on yours. “You own me.” Giggling you smack his arm and hold him tight. Not wanting to lose his warmth. “We should head back.” Whining in protest you pull him closer to you again, “No stay right here.” Groaning when he plunged deeper in your sex his lustful state begins to circle again. “Keep doing that and I might just fuck you again.” Pressing a kiss to his nose, you clench your walls around him. “Fuck me Jaemin.” And so he does gladly.

By the time morning came the two of you had fallen on the roof. And when the clock set eight am the two of you were back to fucking each other like crazy. “Ah right there, right there, right there!” You grip onto his arm tightly as he pounds into you harder until you squirt for him again. Picking you up and proceeds to bounce you off his dick you grab onto him tightly and hiccup with a few slight tears running down your face. Smashing his lips onto yours, forcing his tongue inside your mouth. Both bodies completely covered in dark bruised and scratch marks. Lips swollen and eyes puffed from the crying of intense pleasure. Jaemin grunts loudly when he cums in you again, “mmm fuck you sure you didn’t just fuck another baby in me?” Laughing lightly, he sets you down gently and thrusts his fingers inside your cunt. In love with your squelching noises, he doesn’t stop until you come for him one last time and when you do he wasted no time shoving his wet fingers in your mouth. Demanding for you to suck and when he thinks you did a good job cleaning him, he has you on your knees sucking his dick. “Such a good girl.” He doesn’t stop praising you, he knows how much you love it. How happy you get that it causes motivation to suck him more, better and faster. “Alright that’s enough baby don’t want you getting high off my dick.” Noticing the heavenly look on your face, he helps you stand and kisses you passionately. “Come back to me baby.” He whispers to you softly knowing you’ve fallen slightly into subspace. And when you do come back, he doesn’t waste time cuddling you. Covering you in the blanket and pressing soft kisses on your head, “did so good princess.” He rocks the two of you softly. “Ready to go back inside?” You nod tiredly.

“Where the hell have you been you two?” Haechan asks like a worried mother. Sparing a glance over, Jeno snorts. “Isn’t it obvious Hyuck? The two were off somewhere fucking like bunnies. Just glad they finally acknowledged the sexual tension.” Chenle walks over to look closely at the hickies, a glare on his Jaemin’s face when he sees he’s a little too close to you. “Oh yeah they most definitely should be expecting twins sometime soon.” He laughs and walks off. Huffing Jaemin speaks up. “Are we done chitchatting? Can we just get ready and get the hell out of here to get our friend back?” “The weddings today.” You remind yourself, nodding Jaemin claps his hands. “Alright quickly shower so we can get a move on.” Half an hour before the designated time to meet the boss the five of you quickly rush out the door with the bag of money and drive out to the middle of no where we you were instructed to do. In the black SUV, a few trucks surrounding the vehicle they await for your arrival. Parked in front no one dares to make the first move to leave. “What are we suppose to do?” Chenle asks. “I don’t know.” Jaemin shrugs and continues to stare ahead waiting for any movement but see none. “Should we honk at them?” Haechan speaks. You turn to him, “Honk? That’ll aggravate them.” “Aggravate? How so?” “C’mon Hyuck you only honk at a person if you’re demanding for them to get a move on.” “She’s got a point.” Jeno says following by a chorus of agreements from the others.

“Bullshit-“ sliding the clear window open, he reaches over to the steering wheel. “Haechan no-“ Jaemin and Jeno try to get him to stop but fail to do so and instead, a loud honk goes off in the middle of the desert. Freezing, you all watch as they begin to pile out of their vehicles and wait for you in front. “See?” Haechan scoffs and begins to get out of the car, following after him the five of you walk up to them. With the very boss standing in the middle with sunglasses on and a cigarette in hand. Once he knew you were in ear shot he points at Jaemin. “Next time you honk at me I’ll kill you.” Taken aback by it, he only makes a noise of disbelief. “See?” You retort to Hyuck who stood beside you. Snapping his fingers he extends his hand out, “money.”

Tossing him the black bag, the boss snaps to get one of his men to count it all up. As he did so, the suspense only rose and caused the terrible dread in you to build. “It’s all of it.” His deep voice spoke to him, “Very well, deal is a deal. Bring him out.” The door suddenly opens as the men drag a body out roughly, a bag over his head and arms tied behind him. “Mark!” The guys begin to call out for him and when he’s placed in front of you all, bag removed from him the once joy you were filled with is immediately wiped off.

“Who the hell are you?” Jeno tells the stranger in shock, “I’m Mark.” Clicking his tongue, he drops his hand on his leg leaving a loud smack before he turns to look at the mafia boss. “Yeah no, uh…hey! You kinda gave us the wrong guy.” Shaking his head, he points at the stranger. “Nah uh that’s Mark.” “Look I tried to tell him he’s got the wrong guy-“ “No, you see our Mark is Asian. This here, is a Caucasian man.” “You sure?”

Groaning, the group begins to feel dejected.

“Unless he decided to pull an April Fools Prank on us and change race…yeah we’re sure this isn’t him.” Shrugging, he raised his arms in defeat. “Too bad for you then, ok bye bye!” “Wait! You said you had him, where is he?!” “Not my problem now fuck off, you should be lucky I’m even sparing you twats!” One by one, they all cleared out the area. Leaving behind a hush of dirt that the five of you would have to cough out of your lungs. “Shit!”

With the bit of reception you got, you were finally able to get the call to go through. Have since stayed in the same spot from where the stand off took place. With the guys leaning on the car, you all decided it was time to come out with the truth. So when the line was received and heard her voice greet you, you spoke. “Hey Angie…”

“What should we do now?” Chenle asks to no one in particular. “Well…” Jaemin starts. “For starters, weddings off.” “Oh totally.” “Mhmm.” They all agree and he continues, “Secondly, we have no other choice but to file a police report.” “You know once we do that we’ll go to jail right? They’re still searching for us. If it’s not for the cop car we stole then it’s everything else.” Groaning, he covers his face with his hands. “We have no other choice Jeno, we can’t find Mark any where. For someone who hates walking for long periods of time he surely knows how to wonder off for miles.” Suddenly, Chenle sits up. “You’re right…” “huh?” Watching as their Orange haired friend start to piece whatever realization together, he scoffs and laughs. “I got it!” “Got what?” “Mark! I know where he is!” “How?”

“Just like you said, Mark hates walking. He can lock himself in a gym for weeks and not care but walking? No way. He’d rather play the piano than have to walk.” “Please get to the point Zhong.” Jaemin says tiredly, a patch of sweat falling down his forehead by the hot blazing sun. “This morning, the elevator stopped working for those going to floors 1-5 including the basement , the main floor is on the sixth. Now the basement can only be reached by two ways, the elevator and stairs but to go down to the stairs you need a key to open the door. Last night, we were downstairs playing poker then we ran off with the money. But we came back, what if we went to check if the boss was still down there? If we did and saw the coast was clear we must’ve stayed there for a while, decided to pull a prank on Mark, leave him in there and by doing so breaking the elevator so it can’t go down any more.”

“Then we forgot about him, and he’s been there ever since…” Jaemin finished it off. Processing his friends theory it makes sense, the confetti, paint, all of that can be found in the basement for special party requests that guests order as part of room service. It could be how they even got their hands on it. “Oh…my…god.” Looking over to where you stood only a few yards away, he quickly gets off the hood of the car and runs over to you. ‘For the last few days, we’ve been searching everywhere but we can’t find him. We can’t find Mark-‘ Feeling the phone get roughly snatched out of your grip, you shout at Jaemin to give it back but he pulls it up against his ear. ‘Angie! Hey! Did y/n here say we couldn’t find him? Don’t listen to her, she’s still a little loopy from all those margaritas she drank. I know I keep telling her to relax on them but you know how she goes, don’t tell me what to do and you’re not the boss of me…haha’ dropping the smile immediately after seeing the glare you send him, he clears his throat and gets back on track. ‘Mark is with us and we’re on our way you just get ready, we’re coming ok? Alright bye!’ Cutting Angie off before she can bombard him with questions he tosses you the phone and holds you hand leading you over to the car. “Come on we know where Mark is.”

“Mark!” You all begin to shout as you go down the stairs. Getting closer to the basement until finally getting to the door. Slamming on it, you realize there’s no key. “Some one kick it.” But when Jeno tries, it doesn’t budge. Turning your head and seeing the fire extinguisher, you break the glass by punching it. The shards of it immediately cuts you but you ignore the sting and grab the extinguisher, “Here use this.” Accepting it, Jeno asks the rest to take a step back and begins to smash it against the knob until it finally opens. “Mark?!” Piling in, you split to find him faster. Rushing past the piano, you freeze when you notice a figure sitting besides it. Gasping, you noticing it was none other than the missing boy. “Found him!” Kneeling besides him, you notice he was dehydrated and miserable most likely for having not eaten in days and having to put up with the hang over on top of that. “Mark are you okay?” You hear Haechan ask as the others follow close behind him. Looking up slowly, he softly manages to let out, “You’re all assholes.” Soft chuckles and relieved smiles are on everyone’s faces as they help him up. Jeno and Jaemin on either side of him with his arms over their shoulders. “Boy are we glad to have found you, you have no idea what we went to find you.” As he climbs the stairs weakly with the rest trailing behind, “Does anyone know what happened last night?” Only getting a chorus of laughs, he chuckles along confusedly.

Quickly getting him in the car and off back to Angie’s house, a quick stop to the gas station to get Mark something to eat and to bandage your hand. You took longer to get out, the guys waited outside. Jaemin filled up the gas tank as he watched Mark inhale the twinkies down and chug down the large bottle of water. “What did you do in there?” Shrugging he takes a breather, “what I could do, play the piano. After a while though I got too dizzy to even focus and collapsed on the floor, been there til you all found me.” “So sorry man, it’s those roofies we took. Really fucked us up.” “Roofies?” Nodding, Jaemin raises a brow in amusement. “Promise we’ll explain on the way home.” Nodding he goes back in the car once the others do. Just as Jaemin pulls the lever back in its spot, he walks over to where you stood. Outside the doors of the gas station. White gauze wrap covering the gash the glass left on your hand. “Hey, you alright?” Taking your hand gently you merely nod at him. “Doesn’t hurt does it?” Turning it slightly to look for any major injuries, lifting the wrap softly to take a peek inside you get a hold of his hand to stop him. “I’m fine.”

“Well then we better get going. Wedding’s in four hours, and then we can finally talk about our situation.” “Situation?” “Yeah. Us, the baby. What’ll be the next step.” He sends you a small smile, coming to terms with the fact that he’ll be a father soon. You send one back but it becomes to overbearing to continue faking and soon it breaks into a frown. “You okay?” He asks you worriedly. “Yeah I’m okay.” You utter out and go to push past him but he stops you, “Hey, y’know you can talk to me right?” He had a hold on your arm, hearing a crunch from what you had holding. He looks down to see the green packaging for pads. Looking back up at you, you can’t look in his eyes. Conflicted by what you were feeling…sadness?…happy? But mostly worried by how he’ll react. Maybe he’ll be upset and stop speaking to you or he’d realize he never felt anything for you and it was all in the heat of the moment because he knew he’d be stuck with you given you were carrying his supposed offspring.

“Is that…?” Nodding softly, you move your hand away from his grasp. “Turns out I was just late…” you look up at him with a few tears beginning to well up in your eyes. “A false positive was all it was.” He was at loss for words, much like you he didn’t know how to react. He had to admit it was scary to think his world was flipped upside down with the whole baby bomb, but then there was the sudden joy to have a little one to call his. As much as he wished to take a walk and process it he knows he can’t be given that luxury. So wiping the single tear that falls from your eye, you tap his bicep and nod over to the car. “C‘mon, we got a wedding to catch up to.” Getting in, turned away from the others. None ask questions. Ignition is turned on the second Jaemin gets in and off you all went. Midway, he stopped on the side of the road where they all jumped out to change into their suits while leaving privacy for you inside to change into your bridesmaid dress. Fixing your hair and quickly applying the little makeup you brought with you, you take out your heels to put on. Taking off your shoes and out falls a gold key, holding it up it catches the attention of Haechan. “The key to the basement.” He snickers and shakes his head.

“Can I tell you guys something?” Mark suddenly says. “When I woke up, I had a bag with me…” Unzipping it, the car erupts in shock gasps as they see what contained inside it. “Can someone explain why I have thirty grand?” Everyone laughs, Haechan who’s currently sitting on his lap, pulls him into a tight hug and rubs his head. “Oh Markie!” “What?” But again, he’s not given a full explanation until about half an hour to their final destination. Worried they’d have to call it off, Renjun and Jisung had just left the room filled with a very frantic bride. Had just convinced her to not smear her makeup with her tears. Walking out of the house, they’re about to make the decision to call it off when a loud horn goes off. “Is that?” Watching as the very beaten up car comes into the driveway and out the six of you get out hurriedly. They grin and go to hug them when they start demanding for people to move out of the way. “Right this way come on Mark!” Running off into the backyard not caring what the guests thought as they watched him sprint by the aisle and onto the stage, “Sorry for the dilemma, shall we get started?”

Slamming the door open, you try to catch your breath but only get more of it knocked out when you feel Angie’s arms wrap around you. “Where the hell have you been?” She scolds at you with a worried look. “So sorry…long…story but…m’here now. Mark is here…fuck…it’s show time.” Her sadness now replaced with happy jitters she starts to smile and walks out of the room where her father waits with the others. The groomsmen and bridesmaid all in formation to go pair by pair and as it starts nearing to the last pair before the bride, thus being you and Jaemin. You hook your arm over his gently. Taking slow cautious steps as the guests stand and watch you two. “You look beautiful by the way.” He whispers low enough for you to hear. “Thank you, you don’t look all that bad either.” Thinking it was the end of it, he keeps going. “You know I’m here for you no matter what right? Baby or no baby.” Swallowing hard, you hum. “So if you’d do me the honors, I’d like to take you out sometime say next Saturday night?” Smiling sheepishly, you’re at the end of the aisle and go to part. “Sure why not, we’re married aren’t we?” And walk over to stand with the other bridesmaids with Jaemin sending you a smirk.

Watching as Angie comes in view with her father besides her, you watch mesmerized by her beauty. Even noticing a tear roll down Mark’s face, and when the officiant mentions the rings both you and Jaemin pause and send each other looks. And then it clicks, “oh! Right!” Taking off the ring you still had wrapped around your finger as he takes his off from his chain, you ignore the confused look on Angie’s face and give her the ring. Swapping it, they go to put it on each others finger. Looking up and catching eyes with Jaemin, he sends you a wink in which you slightly giggle and look back at the couple. And when the words are heard to kiss the bride, everyone bursts in cheers.

After a long night of partying and watching as the happy couple parts for their honeymoon, you hear one of the bridesmaid suggest to go to Vegas soon. “It was very fun-“ “NO!” She’s suddenly cut off by the five of you, only to regain composure and look again. Chuckling, you feel Jaemin pull a strand of your hair behind your ear. Looking up and meeting eyes with him, he stares deeply into your inching closer and closer until he kisses you softly. “Hey guys check this out! Found it in my suitcase.” Chenle holds the camera he had taken with him, “Lets just say they’re graphic for sure.” “You sure we should be looking at this?” Renjun asks worriedly, “Duh we need to get a clear understanding as to what happened last night.” “Okay but we’ll see it once though then delete it.” Jisung warns, rolling his eyes Hyuck agrees. Showing everyone the set of pictures a lot of mixed reactions to them but mostly one of shock and in disbelief.

From strippers giving the guys lap dances, to getting paint over the guys. Confetti getting shot by canons while shots were made. A baseball bat no one knew how it got in the hands of Haechan as he began to break everything. A few of you giving body shots to Jaemin while the others cheered on. Ones from the club where it clearly showed when you all took the roofies and Mark on stage pole dancing. To posing on top of the police car Chenle had just stolen the keys to. To Jaemin carrying you while you held a bottle of wine with a veil over your head and the Diamond ring shining brightly on your finger. And lastly, the house in which you all stole the Mafia boss’s pet Python. And then the realization hit…

“Did we ever give him back the snake?”

Suddenly, a crowd of screams could be heard from the front of the house where the beat up Mercedes was parked at.

Oh shit.

[omkookie]

Where has he done wrong? 

⌈ ⚠️ 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 ⌉ Yandere!Chevalier, Implied Noncon/Rape, Mentioned dead body + Imprisonment, The reader is crumbling apart.

“No! Stay away from me!” You screamed at him, not knowing that you were bringing back memories of when he was a child, and his mother did the same exact thing. Chevalier remembers it all. Every time his mother had a meltdown, every time she was in hysterics… He remembers it all far too well, and seeing you like her left a bad taste in his mouth. 

Where has he done wrong?..

Imprisoning you was an awful thing that no human could take, but Chevalier did it all for your safety… The women of Rhodolite’s royal court were all doomed to die, and suffer a cruel fate. His mother was proof of that, and so were all of the other women the late king had fancied. He didn’t want you to suffer like them. As a result, he did his best to prevent it. 

He protected you from all of the malice in court, He eliminated all threats… He even got rid of spies sent here by that eye patch bastard who wanted to keep track of you.

Locking you in his room for so long, isolating you from all the others was the right thing. 

The others were dangerous to you. He knew far too well from the countless number of assassins that he cut down. You would not be safe near people. A simple commoner amongst nobles would be shunned, Treated with disrespect and disregarded even if she was the future Queen. He did everything to protect you. 

He almost cut Leon down for you. Nearly starting a war with the domestic faction, because his foolish brother tried to meddle with your business. 

How were you mentally unstable? 

Why did you end up so afraid of him?

Despite the countless books that he’s read and knowledge that he has, he can’t comprehend your situation… Or he refuses to. Maybe his mind didn’t want to admit that everything he did to you was wrong and inhumane, even monster-like. 

He looks down at his feet in frustration, before he moves towards your curled up body. You were sobbing on the floor, your cries refusing to die down even when you felt him wrap his arms around you. In fact, you were probably crying harder now because he touched you.

He holds you close to him, petting your head like you were some child he had to comfort, and he lets out a sigh. “Get yourself together, Simpleton.” 

It’s an order. 

Everything that leaves his mouth is an order. 

You bit your lip, trying to muffle your cries, but tears continued streaming down your face. “You’re a monster!” You somehow rasp those horrible words out between tears. His arms around you tighten as he is once again reminded of his mother. 

She said the same things. 

“Enough.” He picks you up, carrying you over to the bed on which he throws you down mercilessly. “Don’t do it! Don’t touch me!” You scream at him whilst trying to scratch and hit him. All of your resistance was merely because you didn’t know what love was.

He’s sure of it. 

You don’t know what it’s like to love someone as much as he loves you. You don’t know what it’s like to harbor such affection and feelings. You were clueless. So clueless, that he’d have to teach you. He’d have to keep you here, in the confines of his room until your mental state improved enough for him to take you out and present you as his Queen. You’d have to stay in his room and study. Inform yourself enough to make yourself a smart woman who is suitable to stay by his side. Knowledge is power, and while you are in his room you have more than enough time to obtain that power. 

You’ll come to terms with your feelings sooner or later, and realize that you do love him. 

You’ll love him. 

And for now, he’ll indulge in your body to show his love for you physically.

When you do come to that realization that you love him he’ll forgive you for all of your childishness. For behaving like his mother. 

He strips, taking his sweet time to peel his clothes off as you quit thrashing and simply lay on the bed motionless. What was to come has happened enough times for you to know that it’s hopeless. You can’t do anything against him. Compared to Chevalier, you were weak. Weak, fragile… frail…. A gentle little bunny who could not fight back against a beast. 

Looking up at the ceiling, you tried to ignore the stench of blood in the air, as well as the slayed body of your maid on the floor. This was the consequence of getting caught by Chevalier. Anyone who tried to help you was brutally murdered in his flashy cold-blooded style.

He gets on top of you, and you simply avert your eyes towards the bookshelves, Not wanting to see his face. You stare at the colorful book covers as his hands unbutton your plain white dress, and his fingers deftly take off your underwear. “It wasn’t so difficult to stop crying now, was it?” He asks, making you feel the urge to kick him. He sighs while throwing your dress to the side, finally stripping you bare before him. 

His lips are on your neck in an instant, and he sucks another harsh bruise amongst the countless number of hickies littering your collarbone, neck and chest. You don’t grace him with a response, and he doesn’t look too bothered by it. 

Even if he once considered love a worthless and unnecessary emotion, he could not deny that it had turned into a motivator for him. A motivator to work hard, expand the kingdom, and strengthen Rhodolite’s relationship with its neighbors. He wanted to work hard just for you, Maybe to impress you… Maybe to make you proud. Maybe, all he wanted all these years was love? which he never received, so he decided it was a useless thing. 

But you can give him that love now, right? Sooner or later, you’ll give him your affection and attention. Only for now… he’ll resort to receiving your affection physically, as you don’t even dare to look at him.

What an odd twist of fate. Is it because of Chevalier’s mother that he turned out to be so screwed?

[bigfan-fanfic]

Writing Game 1.1: Simple

Prompt: Picnic Pairing: Bruce Wayne/Clark Kent

Thank you to the 87 wonderful freaks who voted on my lil poll! I hope you enjoy the first of nine little short fics for this first round!

"Y'know, traditionally, picnics don't involve so much... silver." Clark chuckles, gesturing at the chilled silver tureen of fruit, the mahogany charcuterie board, and the few cloche-covered platters of sandwiches, profiteroles, and chocolate covered strawberries laid out as they take a picnic in the gardens on the grounds of Wayne Manor.

Bruce gives a smirk, his dark blue eyes twinkling. He leans across Clark, enjoying the way the farmboy blushes as he glances down where Bruce's shirt creases at the open button. "That so? I wasn't aware you were a picnic aficionado."

"Oh, hush." Clark chuckles, pushing ever so gently against Bruce's chest to move him back to his side of the plush red patterned carpet laid down beneath them in the garden - probably some material like cashmere.

"Truthfully, I... may have gone a bit overboard." Bruce admitted. "Despite my extensive training, I am... rusty with my culinary skills."

"Wait, you're telling me part of your Batman training was cooking?"

Bruce levels an unamused look at the astonished Kansan.

"Sorry. Carry on."

"I just... sometimes I can go overboard when it comes to extravagance, to cover up the inadequacy I feel at the basic level."

"You're charming enough at parties." Clark muses, observing Bruce, watching him make a conscious attempt to remain open in his body language, to defy the instinct telling him to conceal his emotions. It was adorable how hard he had to try to be vulnerable.

"It's easier when I'm playing a role. When I'm Bruce Wayne, the socialite, the Prince of Gotham, it's no different than playing the role of Matches Malone, or any other aliases. I can throw myself into the character. When I'm stripped of pretense... I'm woefully incomplete."

"Well, that's just not true."

Bruce rolls his eyes. "You really think that? My deficiencies in simply making a meal for myself without Alfred's aid, my failures as a parent and mentor, my lack of skill in basic socialization-"

"When you make yourself into a checklist, you're bound to leave some stuff out. You look at yourself with such a critical eye, you're bound to see all the flaws before the good. If nothing else, that just goes to show how self aware you are." Clark smiles, gently plucking a chilled square of watermelon.

"Leave it to you to turn my self-pitying musings into a complement."

Clark smiles, using a black cloth napkin monogrammed with a gold W to catch the juices of the fruit running down his chin. "Pa always used to try and freak me out. He said if you swallow a black watermelon seed, you'd grow a watermelon in your stomach."

Bruce raises an eyebrow. "I haven't heard about that."

"It's not true. In fact, it's not even anecdotally true; nothing will happen, they're not even slightly toxic, like apple seeds. It's just some random thing we used to say or believe. Like that you shouldn't swim right after eating."

Bruce doesn't talk about his parents. Just as a general rule. And he doesn't now, even though he can probably tell that Clark is wondering if Bruce's dad would've told him these silly little lies, or any of the other countless common parental platitudes. Clark is a deeply empathetic person, and it hurts him to imagine that Bruce never got to be with his parents. It's not even the same kind of situation as him with Jor-El and Lara, who are still somewhat strangers to him - he still had parents. Still had Ma and Pa. And Bruce had Alfred, but it couldn't be the same.

Clark looks at him and instead says, "Can I have a hug?"

And Bruce looks startled, but obliges him. Gracefully, fluidly rises and practically straddles Clark, embracing him. Clark sighs happily and leans back until he's lying down, Bruce on top of him, pulled into an inadvertent kiss.

They kiss for a while, then lie together looking straight up, watching the clouds drift by in the sunlight. A brilliant day, not even just by Gotham standards. Bruce still isn't sure that Clark didn't fly up there before the picnic to ensure the perfect weather.

"I don't mind how extravagant you are. I think it's just how you show love. And besides, I know you don't really mind how plain I am."

"I envy it. I wish I could be simpler, I just... don't know how."

"I don't need you simple, silly. I just need you."

"That's exactly the kind of sugary sweetness I expect from you."

"Why, I do believe I'm growing on ya, Mister Wayne."

Bruce looks at him. Clark looks back. He can see Bruce steeling himself, preparing. And he lets out a very, almost comically, serious...

"I love you."

Clark allows himself one second of pure shock, realizing just how much it took from Bruce to say that, finally.

"I love you too."

Bruce's hand finds its way into Clark's, and they stare into the sky until the sun starts to set and the honeybees start coming for the fruit left uneaten.

Some things, it seems, truly are that simple.

[alagaesia-headcanons]

I don't know of you've done this or not, but I would love to hear you opinions on Roran. Most people in the Fandom see him as a Chad, a better hero than Eragon, more badass etc etc. Me? I can't stand him, it scares me how he seems to take no no for an answer

In my return to my IC hyperfixation, I've found I don't like Roran quite as much as I did a few years back. My feelings on his character are a lot more complicated and I definitely see where you're coming from in your dislike. To summarize my thoughts right off the bat, as a character, I think Roran is a good person with his heart in the right place and he gets involved with a war that brings out the absolute worst in him.

The situations Roran gets pushed into cause a lot of friction with his worst qualities like his stubbornness, his aggression, his recklessness, and his arrogance. But these qualities don't garner much critique within canon because, similarly to Nasuada's flaws, the circumstances of war actually reward these questionable behaviors.

For one, despite how he's presented, Roran is not a good leader. In fact, he's pretty fucking awful at it. He's very good at a few specific skills that a leader needs, particularly inspiring loyalty, but he's entirely incapable in other aspects. Namely, dealing with other authorities. The argument with Orrin over the envoy that I talked about before is a perfect example, really highlighting his inability discuss and collaborate with anyone else or to think through any viewpoint that contradicts his own. Also, I didn't point it out before, but Roran ends that argument by promising to kill any envoy Orrin sends. Which is insanely stupid and barbaric. He thinks he has the right to openly murder an innocent man of their army solely because he decided that would be best, even when that'd give Orrin full right to have him executed. The risk of sending an envoy is only hypothetical and unclear while the damage of Roran murdering a Surdan is absolutely certain, but he can't see past his own sense of superiority far enough to realize that.

The chapter in Brisingr where the Urgals challenge his right to lead also really shows what a terrible leader he is. He doesn't even try to talk, to establish that an army doesn't follow their cultural hierarchy, and if they don't want to obey, they can simply defect and try fighting without the Varden's allies or resources. No, he instantly accepts hand to hand combat to the death. His conviction that he can do anything is so bloated it blinds him to any possible consequences. If you strip away our outside awareness of plot armor, his choices go from admirable and badass to outrageously careless. He can't handle conflict or disagreements with other leaders with anything but brute force. His interactions with Brigman in Aroughs also comes to mind.

What Roran actually is is a very good problem solver. He is very observant and creative and that gets him through very tricky situations. And he genuinely wants the best for the people he loves, he always takes their needs into consideration and does all that he can for them. But that doesn't necessarily suit him to leadership and being put in such roles during the war buries those good qualities under the soaring peak of his arrogance. The real shame is that his flaws never had real consequences that made him grow as a person, wouldn't that have been nice?

sigh.

I just want Roran to go back to being a farmer and stop taking himself so insufferably seriously, then maybe he'll realize not every single thing in life is a matter of life or death and he'll become more yielding and humble. Honestly for his sake, I want him to learn to coexist with the world around him instead of perpetually struggling against it.

[kiyoshimizu]

Starlight, Starbright Part 3

Humiliating. That's what these past few weeks had been. It had been difficult adjusting to his new surroundings with how terrible the strain on him had been from both being trapped for so long and what had been done to free him. And on top of that he had basically had to relearn how to move around. Walk wasn't the right term after all. That floating had infuriatingly stuck and he was forced to figure out how to move without getting stuck or going the wrong direction. Which led to a large amount of embarrassment and frustration.

He had taken to only moving when he needed to as a result and focusing his attention on learning as much as he could. The books had mostly been either old tales and histories or what looked to be star catalogues but there were a few things of interest. Namely some old methodology for all different sorts of applications of the dust, stardust he'd found out, that still fell from his messy hair. Not just for alchemy or how to use it for granting wishes either but practically everything. Stars were a… creative bunch. The most integral part however was the fact that it only worked a certain way depending on who was using it. So what he could do was different from what someone like Polaris or Virgo could. It was unique to each of them. Which explained why the one who had come down had only caused talking creatures and similar effects upon his kingdom… It… It made it all the more painful to know it had had such little it could actually do and wasn't as powerful as he'd imagined. Still something of concern but not to the level he'd assumed. Gods he was a fool…

"Maggy? Are you still here? Did you fall asleep again silly?" A sigh left him upon hearing that nickname and he looked over with some slight amusement as a certain little purple star floated up to him. She had taken to calling him that lately and while it wasn't the best nickname trying to get her to pronounce his name was much harder of a task. She was still young enough that doing so was difficult for her. He could endure for her sake.

"No, but I was doing some research. Did you get lost again? Or is there something else you needed?"

A smirk had worked its way onto his face as he spoke and there was a teasing tone to his words, unable to resist the chuckle that left him as she stuck her tongue out at him before doing the same. It was hard not to act that way around her with how curious and mischievous she was. There was a genuine affection she had for him too and while he still didn't understand it, he had come to appreciate her continued company. Even if he was still somewhat cautious about both her and her mother.

"Are you making something again? Why are you putting in leaves? Is it tea?"

Another laugh threatened to bubble out of him but he contained it this time and simply waved a hand around as he sarcastically answered at first. Even being stuck in that mirror hadn't stripped him of his flair for dramatics. It was far more amusing doing so with Virgo anyway. She may get a little mad at first but she always found it just as funny later on. Hearing her laugh was… heartwarming. He didn't know why but it…

"A special tea. One that will do more than taste good. If you like spitting fire that is. I'm kidding! Its a potion. Alchemy. Just a simple little healing tonic. Although… I doubt I could make anything more complex. You don't have many ingredients."

She had motioned as if to punch him like she had when they first met and he was quick to reassure her so as to prevent that repeating. Gods did she have a mean right hook for such a small child… He was more than willing to tell her what he was actually doing anyway. Her curiosity had been helpful in figuring some things out. She was so quick to state her opinions after all. Though he wouldn't be able to show her much. It was clear that Polaris or any other stars there hadn't used the place in a long time nor had they used the library much either.

It was concerning but… It wasn't as if he could do anything about it. Not with how he was still wrapping his head around everything. Catching sight of his glow or his disheveled appearance still caught him off guard. Not to mention getting any fresh materials was going to be difficult. He'd spotted a garden on his wanderings but it looked like there wasn't much there outside of crops and decoration. What was he supposed to do? He hadn't even mustered the nerve to try his magic yet.

Gods… He didn't know if he ever would. Every time he even thought of it all that followed was the fuzzy yet damning string of memories of that terrible day and standing there frozen as they flashed in front of him. He couldn't… He couldn't bear what might happen if he tried again. That thing wasn't there any longer but what if some part of it…? No… He shouldn't think like that… Sure he didn't know anything of what he could do now but…

"Maggy? Did you have a bad dream again? You're so quiet. Its okay. I won't let you get hurt."

A flinch went through him as Virgo pressed her tiny body against his chest and attempted to hug him. She had taken to doing that lately. It was honestly baffling how often and quick she was to show him affection. And yet… He couldn't help but calm under it. It was so warm and comforting. As if the weight had been lifted from him. As if he was free to breathe again. Gods… He was so broken wasn't he? Getting reassured by a child. That time in the mirror had wounded him so deeply… He should be better than this. He had been better with this.

"I'm sorry… I shouldn't be worrying you like that. I'll be fine. I just… I need a little time."

That only seemed to make her hug him more and a melodic sigh left him as he simply let her, his eyes glancing over the small amount of materials and equipment he'd managed to dig up. Outside of alchemy he didn't really have much else he could use. All of his astronomical studies and research into ancient tomes wasn't worth much when he couldn't apply the knowledge like he used to. Not when he could make another mistake… No… There had to be something he could do about this. If there weren't materials then he'd have to figure out how to find more. There had to be a way. He couldn't risk facing that thing inside the mirror again without some means of handling it.

Perhaps he could ask Polaris? She did know this place better than him. If there was a way of gathering what he needed then she would know the answer. He just had to go and ask her. If his body was willing to cooperate that is. He could already feel himself moving upwards as he moved the chair back to straighten up. Curses…

"You're going the wrong way again silly! Do you want some help?"

As badly as he didn't want to admit it he wasn't in a position to argue so he merely mumbled out that, yes, he did need help and let her gently tug him as he readjusted himself. Mastering that was going to be nothing short of painful wasn't it? He had admittedly gotten a little better but he needed more than that if he was going to be able to do anything. The books hadn't been helpful in that regard either though he had a sinking feeling it was like expecting instruction on how to walk.

Gods… Even if he could walk properly it would likely be hard on him. The first week had been a struggle after all with how weakened his legs still were. All that time sitting and standing in such a cramped place had taken its toll on them. Which meant lying down and getting back up took more effort than he was used to. Floating was not going to help that. Wait… Had… Had she stopped pulling on him? They had just reached the door so he could use the wall now but… Oh… "Virgo!? Wake up! Please! Oh Gods no…" She was simply floating there unconscious and he didn't hesitate to scoop her up and frantically check her over. What had happened?! She had been perfectly fine not minutes earlier. What had caused her to pass out like that? Was she sick? Could stars get sick? Oh Gods what should he do? What should… he… Dust… There was dust floating around her. Where had that come from?

He slowly reached out to try to pull some of it closer only to recoil as it suddenly shone brightly and formed together, watching with wide eyes as an image came into focus within it. Almost like it had become some sort of window. Like… That… That was him. Not just him but Virgo as well laying on what looked to be clouds together. What… This felt all too familiar. Was this her wish?

No… This… It couldn't be. Wishes didn't manifest like that. It had always been within an orb of some kind. He hadn't performed the spell to cause it to appear either. She had been put to sleep it looked from the way she had gripped onto his fingers and snuggled into his hands. But then… Was this… a dream? How was that even possible? In all of his studies he had never come across anything that could cause this effect. He couldn't ever see into the dream itself with spells or tonics. It had always just caused sleep. So then what was…?

"Mmm… Maggy… Don't… Don't go…"

He could feel his heart sink at that and the dream seemed to be reflecting that worry now. The sky had turned dark in it and he was gone. The sand around it had turned black as well. Was she having a nightmare? A nightmare that he would… He… He had to fix this. Wake her somehow. Maybe if he got rid of the sand? It had reacted before… It was worth a try at least. So with a deep breath he cautiously attempted to move it away. Only for it to glow brightly yet again as a warm fuzzy feeling shot up his arm and froze him in place.

It wasn't painful but the suddenness caught him off guard and left him floating there stunned. It was such a strong sensation. Yet a strangely familiar one as well. He couldn't place where he'd felt such overwhelming warmth but… Ah… It was fading. Had… Had he done something? And why did he feel so… relieved? As if… As if he'd just woken from a good night's sleep. Gods it felt so odd…

"Big brother…? What time is it?" Never in his life had he hugged someone that tightly to him before. Just the mere fact that he had come so close to possibly losing her… It… Gods… He couldn't let it happen again. Not when he'd lost so much already. Not when she was nothing but a mere child. He just… He couldn't bear-When had he started crying? Why were his tears glowing? Was this what a star's tears were?

He… He didn't know what to do. Everything he'd worked so hard for was gone. The chance he thought he'd had to build a place where no one would endure what he had was gone. His people hated him. Amaya hated him. He had nothing. Even if he destroyed or drove that thing away no one would be on his side. Why had he been such a fool? Why hadn't he found another way? Why…?

"Its okay. Its okay Maggy. I'm okay. Mommy said bad things happened to you… People did bad things. I won't let you get bullied anymore! I'll protect you. You'll be okay!"

Warmth. He could feel warmth spreading through his chest as the tiny star hugged him. How could she be so quick to defend him? Didn't she know what he'd done? Had Polaris not told her? She… She would hate him if she knew… And yet… How sincere she was being… It made him smile. She meant it. She meant what she said. It worried him that she would try to protect him but it was oddly reassuring as well. And refreshing. No one had been so blunt with him in so long. People had avoided speaking what they actually felt and had tried to please him with platitudes and false praise. She wasn't like that. If he went too far she didn't hesitate to correct him. Virgo was… special.

"Thank you… I… I'm sorry you had to see that. Are you alright? You were… You fell asleep. I didn't know what to…"

A shaky breath left him as he pulled himself from the thought and refocused. She was okay. He didn't know how she fell asleep like that but she hadn't been hurt from it. Focus on finding out where that dust had… come… His hair… His hair had that shade of dust coming from it didn't it? He'd been looking into uses for it hadn't he? In fact he could spot more falling from the corner of his eye right now. Had it…?

Was this… his power? The one that was exclusive to him? Why sleeping dust? What purpose did that serve? Yes he had seen into her dream and even affected it but… He… He didn't want to force that upon anyone. He had already seen where his magic could lead him. But then… Could he use it in other ways? It did feel different to what he had been using for years. It required no incantations, no hand signs, not even much focus at all. All it needed was for him to reach out and touch it. It was so… natural.

And it unnerved him. How easily he'd been able to use it despite only gaining it recently. All other magic required some level of understanding and practice. This… This was as easy as breathing. And it felt pleasant using it. It had spooked him earlier but it… It hadn't been anything painful. He could still feel the shot of energy he had been given from it. This was… It felt too much like what had happened before. He couldn't use it. He couldn't bear what could- "You think too much. Stop thinking so hard silly! I'll make sure the bad thoughts go away!"

The sight of a pouting little star filled his vision and he raised his hands as she looked ready to hit him again, calling for mercy as a small smile started to creep up his face at her antics. Gods she was so quick to violence… Part of that was likely that mischievous nature of hers but he was going to have to teach her not to jump that fast to it as an answer. It could cause her more trouble than she deserved. Ah… When had… When had he become so willing to care for her? Was it because she was a child? What was he doing? "Ah! Please have mercy! I'll stop! I just… I wasn't prepared for it! I didn't know I could do that… I'm… I'm sorry…"

A soft giggle was her reply and he startled as she patted his face. How was she so accepting of this? Had this… happened before? Come to think of it… He hadn't seen what hers was yet. Had she done similar things? Was this a common occurrence? Oh Gods… This was still so hard to wrap his head around. He'd gone years without being exposed to so much magic at once and without people who would be supportive of these things. Seeing her be so understanding was… odd.

"Its okay! I was bad at it too! Mommy had to keep putting everything back! I made her perfoom get stuck in the oven and she wasn't even mad!" Ah… Teleportation? It sounded that way at least. He could relate. Just getting things to appear and disappear had taken a lot of time and effort and he'd almost gotten Amaya's jewelry lost in the garden early on. Thank goodness he'd pulled it back before that happened… Though it did make him chuckle just the slightest bit imagining how that perfume bottle had to have looked in there.

"That would have been a terrible meal. Just think of all the food that would have to be served! All smelling like daises! A truly terrible fate! It-I'm kidding!"

A deep laugh left him as he saw the way she was looking at him and he put his hands in front of him to prevent her from hitting him, a mischievous gleam to his eyes as he pleaded not to be struck again. It was almost too easy to tease her like that. Though she always returned the favor in some way it was always very lighthearted. It… It wasn't often he was able to be this open with someone.

"Hmph… Meanie… At least let me teach you how to move better first… Then you can be with me more. I… I wanna help you. I don't like seeing you so sad. So let me teach you! About stuff!!"

What…? An expression of incredulity and concern crept onto his face upon hearing that and he raised an eyebrow as he questioned her. Was she serious? Teach him? What would she teach him? He'd looked into everything he could get his hands on so far so what could she provide? Although… Seeing her look at him like that… With such genuine worry and drive to help him… Oh Gods… Why was he considering it? Was he this easily moved?

"I don't follow. What exactly are you going to teach? How to float? What would you be getting out of this?"

She would pout at him at his words and zip around him, a small smile coming to his face again as he watched her. It truly didn't take much to rile her did it? It was honestly amusing seeing her get so worked up like that but also endearing. She never hid anything from him. She was completely honest with her intentions. It was… so relieving.

"Not just that silly! Mommy said you were reading a lot! About what we're like! So I wanna teach you! And you can teach me about stuff too! Like what a seasin is! Or why people run when its all rumbly out! Or-"

That… That wasn't unreasonable. From what she was saying she clearly hadn't been below the clouds, that star had been the first he'd encountered, so she knew nothing that happened below. Just as he didn't know anything of her world that he'd been taken into. It was a fair trade. How well she could teach him was still up for debate but it would be better to learn from a star itself instead of relying on just books. They weren't always completely accurate after all.

"Fine. I accept. On one condition! You have to listen and follow what I tell you. If I'm going to teach you, you have to be willing to listen if things go wrong. Please no violence either. Hitting things isn't always the answer. Just… Just promise you won't do anything dangerous."

He looked her straight in the eye as he spoke and held out his hand, Virgo going to shake it at first but pausing and nodding after a few minutes before continuing. How well she would keep that promise was unknown but at least now she knew not to do so. And hopefully he wouldn't be taking any further hits from her either. That last one had stung for longer than he'd liked…

"Okay! I promise to listen! And I won't hit you either! Maybe we can practice right now? You sound really hungry Maggy! We can go to the kitchen and I can help you!"

What did she mean by-Oh… A flash of embarrassment went across his face before he cleared his throat and agreed that something to eat sounded perfect. He had been in that side room for awhile… So long that he could still spot the last plate Polaris had brought him sitting on the desk. He'd have to include thanking her in his list of things to speak with her over. But for now just getting to the kitchen was more important so he focused his attention on the little star in front of him and let her help.

[glowing-blue-feathermage]

"I made us friendship bracelets."

Merrill and Fenris friendship. Merrill is excited, Fenris is just thoroughly confused.

Some more Merrill & Fenris Friendship for @dadrunkwriting !

Sundermount was lovely in the fall. Fenris never got tired of the colors—red and orange maples, cheerful yellow birch and the always-present evergreens—and he always enjoyed the crisp air. It was a welcome respite from the hot city and it was why he’d allowed himself to be dragged along on this trip.

Ostensibly he was a bodyguard. He wouldn’t say so out loud, but he knew Merrill and Anders did not need his assistance to defend themselves. It annoyed him somewhat to be given that excuse for his company, all things considered, but up in the mountains in the pleasant weather it was difficult to compare these two mages to Danarius. Blood magic or not.

He trailed after them, keeping a token watch on their surroundings with they searched for their alchemical ingredients. Merrill had a basket looped around her arm, full of stalks and flowers and several roots that Fenris had been persuaded to dig up with his dagger.

Near midafternoon they came across a stream and with unspoken agreement between the three, they decided to stop. It was a pleasant spot, shaded by trees, the ground soft and spongy and carpeted with clover. Merrill sat beneath a red oak and began sorting the contents of the basket and Anders unpacked lunch. 

The first thing Fenris did was strip his armor off and plunge his feet into the stream. It was chilly but glorious and soothing. He leaned back, weight on his hands and face turned up into the dappled sunlight that peeked through the trees. 

It was peaceful, the only sound the twittering of birds and the hushed conversation behind him. Merrill and Anders seemed as loathe as he was to disturb the serenity. 

But then Merrill appeared beside him, her own bare feet joining his in the water. 

“Ohh. This is nice, isn’t it?” She smiled as the water ran over her toes. 

Fenris grunted in agreement and then sighed when Anders joined them, putting Fenris in the middle. 

“Must I always be surrounded by mages?” he groused.

“Yes,” Anders said simply, handing him a sandwich wrapped in cloth. "But only the good ones."

That was an argument Fenris would not be drawn into this day. Instead he ate his sandwich with his feet in the stream. As he shoved the last bite in his mouth, Merrill spoke. 

“Here,” she said, holding something out to him. 

On Fenris’s other side, Anders…giggled. That was the only word for it. Fenris looked at him suspiciously and then turned the look on Merrill. 

She was holding out a knot of clover, stalks threaded through one another to make a circle of white and purple flowers. 

“What is this?” he asked, making no move to touch it. 

“I made us friendship bracelets,” Merrill told him brightly, showing him her own wrist where a similar decoration was fastened around it.

Fenris stared at the ‘bracelet’ and then raised an eyebrow at Merrill. 

“I have one too,” Anders told him, bumping his shoulder and making him rock toward Merrill. The mage stuck his hand out, showing him the same string of clover wrapped around his wrist. 

Fenris snorted. “I will not take offense at being left out of this ritual,” he said.

“Nonsense,” Merrill chirped, moving to take Fenris’s wrist and then stopping. Her eyes darted between his own. “You’re our friend.”

Anders leaned into him again, close enough that he could whisper into Fenris’s ear so quietly he doubted Merrill heard him, elf or not.

“Just wear it. I’ll reward you for your generosity tonight.” 

Fenris felt his ears heat. “Fine,” he said, thrusting his wrist out for Merrill to attach the flower bracelet to it. “You realize that these will be crushed beneath my gauntlet, right? And that they are in fact dead now, since you tore them out of the ground.”

Anders groaned but Merrill laughed. “I could make friendship crowns instead,” she suggested, smirking at him. She leaned forward to look at Anders. “He would be cute in a flower crown, don’t you think?”

“Absolutely,” Anders agreed. 

Fenris huffed. “Absolutely not.”

“Bracelet then,” Merrill concluded, draping the thing over his wrist, piercing the last stalk in the chain with her fingernail and threading the opposite end through it. “There. We are friends now.”

“We are—” he began, meaning to say not, but then stopped. He’d promised to try to get along with this woman, and had since been put upon by a plethora of knitting, woven baskets, hand-painted dishware and all manner of baked goods that he had not returned.

“Fine,” he sighed again. “We are friends.”

[typingdyslexiaisathing]

Love To Watch You (Trigun) fanfic

content: Just Vash catching his s/o watching him move around. Which has him ask why. Only to be told it's because of infatuation. Established relationship. Romance. Fluff. Casual flirting. Mature subjects of naked adults in one room together.

Getting to the inn meant that Vash and Retha were able to relax for the night. The room a bit on the small side to only have the one bed. There only being one room to have the toilet and bathtub right across the room from the fridge. This meant no privacy for either of them. Yet Retha had no real issue with this to just start stripping right then and there. Which had Vash blush to stammer out he was going to get something for them to eat. So off Vash went for Retha to chuckle in amusement and get cleaned up.

By the time Vash returned with their dinner, Retha was already dry and in her sleeping shirt. Her long hair currently braided to keep it out of the way. Vash smiled to sit himself on the bed and snuggle into Retha with a hum of pure affection and warmth. "They had a special on fried chicken sandwiches with coleslaw on them along with jam rolls. But you look pretty good to me."

Retha gave a chuckle to lean in and give Vash his desired kiss before she rubbed her nose to his. A lightness there in the contact as she mused a bit. "Hence why you bought enough for eight people? Silly angel. You still need to get cleaned up from walking through the sand pits. So get your finely toned ass into that bath. Hup two, Vash."

The blonde gave a sigh to kiss Retha on the cheek. Then he was up and heading for the bathtub. Retha moving to take out a sandwich and dig in as Vash removed his boots. The red coat taking some time to remove due to all the buttons on it. So by the time Vash had the coat off, Retha was already finishing her second sandwich. This had Vash smile a bit as he turned to start taking off his under armor he wore. But then he heard the room get even more quiet.

Vash felt Retha's gaze on him for the Plant to feel a blush dust over his skin. Knowing full well that his lover was watching him strip. So Vash made the rather bold choice to make a show of it. Removing the top with slow flexes and casual hums of a random tune. His eyes glancing over to see that Retha was fully focused entirely on him. Her green hues on his chest and arms as he moved and rubbed the last few traces of sand and grit out of his skin. Those muscles under the scars toned and sculpted for Retha to let out a barely audible hum of enjoyment for Vash to note she was blushing as much as he was.

Vash gave a sultry chuckle that had Retha blink as if waking from a trance. His smile one of pure love and desire as he asked Retha, "Someone seems to be very distracted from eating their dinner. I know you have to be hungry after all that walking we've been doing. So why aren't you eating, Retha?" The squeak his lover let out had his heart skip. While Retha's blush deepened before she cleared her throat so she might answer. Which had Vash's toes curl when she openly admitted to him, "I love watching you..." Vash paused when Retha looked up to his face for tears to prick at the corners of her eyes. "The very fact that I get to be with you is all I could ever want in life. Yet I get to watch as you dance to the radio we carry. I get to view you waking up to greet the sunrise with that gorgeous smile that reaches your eyes. I get to be here when you collapse into our bed to just snuggle into the pillows and me. I get to spend every moment we're together watching the most glorious treasure I will every have in my life."

Retha rubbed at her eyes to give a slight sniffle. Her words so full of emotion it had Vash melt inside. "But I get to have so much more than the joy of simply watching you. I get to laugh with you when we are happy. I get to dance with you when a good song plays. I get to listen to you tell me about whatever is on your mind or what weighs on your heart. I get to touch over your body and kiss you. I get to be yours for you to be mine. How did I earn such a priceless gift of being the one you are in love with for me to be in love with right back?" Vash felt the question deeply as Retha gave a hiccup of noise. So Vash moved to just lift Retha up and cradle her to his front. Holding his beloved for Retha to cry into his chest with all those swirling emotions of love and desire. It had Vash say a quiet prayer of thanks to God for giving him such a wonderful soul to be with.

Vash traced his hands over Retha's head and shoulders to nuzzle his nose to the crown of her head. Her own hands oh so gently lacing to his spine to hug him close as she sniffled and sobbed. Her words wavering as she kept crying to lament softly, "Sorry. I'm sorry. it's just so much to take in sometimes. How did we get so lucky to find each other, Vash? is this real? Or are we dreaming?" Vash felt his own emotions swirl as he sighed into Retha's hair. Yet he chose instead to act instead of speak. His hands shifting to have his flesh hand tilt Retha's chin so their eyes meet. A smile on his lips even as a few tears fall from his own eyes. Words of pure love and sweetness pouring from his lips. "This is no dream, sunbeam. We are here and we are together. You get to have all of me for as long as I might have all of you. Always. My precious and bold sunbeam. I am so lucky to have you in my life. I love you."

Retha gave a hiccup for Vash to lean in and place tender kisses to her face. Catching those tears to also kiss her lips with all the love he had within him. Making Retha mewl to kiss him back. Until the both of them were very much melted and panting for air. Vash asking with a bit of mirth, "Shall we have each other before we have a bath and then our dinner?" Retha gave a squeak to then hum with great enthusiasm. "I think that sounds perfect."

[velvet-paradox]

Curious (Preview)

Fandom: Outer Banks

Pairing: Rafe Cameron x Female reader + mentions of past relations with Topper Thorton

--> I've had this thot in my head for months and it's finally coming together, this a Noir AU; in which Topper seeks Rafe's expertise in finding the one who got away (you of course!) but will he give his friend the deets or attempt to keep you all for himself instead?

ENJOY!!!

He was thankful to be putting away that steel bladed fan, chipped army green base and all into one of the storage closest in the office, he hefted it, teetering just a little from the weight in the base out to the hall. He slicked back his hair, neat and tidy, back into place after dusting his hands of the thing. Autumn was coming, storm clouds and much needed and beloved thunderstorms were on the horizon. Rafe's favorite time of year.

The season when he wasn't sweating through his shirts, even the spare ones he had hung up in a cabinet in his office. He lost count of the times he had to strip himself of his shirts while he plugged away, hanging them on the window rod to dry out. The cat would be happy too, she hated the heat just as much, Rafe liked to think.

And speak of the devil and he (or she) will appear, the calico in question simply and appropriately named Penny pounced onto the windowsill. Rafe scratched her little head, pleased that she was purring and enjoying the cool night air when there was a sharp rapping on the frosted office door.

Rafe frowned and looked at his watch, one that his father had hand picked when he came home with another chip of sobriety. They were closed and he told the manly silhouette on the opposite side the same fact.

"Aw come on, open up Rafe it's me!"

He sighed and shook his head, he opened the door staring into the smooth face of Topper Thorton. Just a titch shorter in his brand new boat shoes, slacks and cozy looking cardigan. He was season ready as well, Rafe thought as he leaned on the door frame.

"Still means we're closed."

"Don't be like that!" Topper huffed and pushed his way past Rafe, who grumbled at the intrusion but didn't feel up to a fight tonight, so he let it go and shut the door behind him. "I've got a favor to ask and I'll even pay you this time."

"Damn right you're gonna' pay me! what mania is it this time or do I dare ask?" Rafe gave Penny another pat on the head before taking out a cigarette and leaning against the secretary's desk.

"I had a dream, you see. It was so incredibly real and vivid and when I woke up, I thought I knew for sure, without a shadow of a doubt it was completely real." Topper explained.

"That good, huh? what sort of pills are you on now then? I might have half a mind to ask for one."

"No Rafe, that's the thing. I was stone cold sober! not a lick of a buzz." Topper was on cloud nine from the looks of it, speaking most animatedly with his hands.

"So, you had a dream, thought it was real and now you're in my office after hours, for what exactly?" Rafe questioned as he smoked, clouds filling the air and right out the window, Penny took her leave and scurried around Topper's feet into Rafe's office.

"It was about a girl. And not just any girl, mind you. The one who got away."

"You mean the one you let get away. And rightfully so!" Rafe pointed his cigarette at him with a smirk, knowing exactly who he was referring. 

They didn't go to the same college but had kept in touch, pen pals and making sure all was swell for the other. On a random quiet spell away from the dorms, Topper had come back to the County and showed off a few small photographs of a few of his elite friends, girls and the ever regarded...

"Never mind all that, it was her. Y/N Y/L/N, what a gal. The best gal, if we're being honest. I haven't thought about her since college, since she broke my heart and put out my fire. But she was there, in my dream, clear as the day is long, calling to me ‘Topper come back, come back to me Top'..."

Rafe recalled your face, though a bit dodgy and mirage-like after so long but your exaggerated body language which wasn't the norm amongst other dames he knew, on the street, at work or between the sheets, was quite curious to him. That one photograph of you making a silly face, one that was usually seen in Men’s' dorms or between the same kin had made him chuckle and wonder about you.

Rafe had to snort at that. "Are you sure you didn't drink your dinner last night, Top?"

"Of course I'm sure! what do you take me as? Some rummy? No no, no hooch. I promise. But that dream got me thinking about the old girl and... dammit Rafe I need to know!"

"Need to know what?"

"What has become of her of course! How and what did she do in this life? Hw did she make her way in this world. Is she happily married with a couple of brats, is she just some spinster living out a lavish life on some yacht somewhere, with an umbrella in her glass. My mind has been reeling all day and I finally talked myself into coming down here and telling you all about it. So, will you be a real pal and help me out?"

Tagging: @synnersaint @cherienymphe @starkeyobx @outerbankspov @cockslutpadalecki @poguesarerogues @valeriiecameron

[moonlight-prose]

WIP WEDNESDAY

thank you for the tag @thefact0rygirl!!🖤 i keep meaning to actually post this on wednesday, but i always forget. but thursday is close enough so pretend it's wednesday. because i am so slow with the fic, here is a sneak peak of chapter five of hurt.

HURT: MIDNIGHT DOVE

joel miller x f!reader

“I’ll keep first watch,” he murmured, settling with his back to a tree, rifle placed across his thighs.

“Joel.”

He shook his head. “You need to sleep.”

“So do you,” you replied, in the hopes that he’d relent to you as he had before.

The dark lines beneath his eyes grew every day that passed and you wondered what kept him from sleep. Was it nightmares? The prospect of death around every corner? They were things that were enough to send terror running sharply down your spine, but as long as you’d known Joel he seemed to simply take those things in stride. Refusing to give life the satisfaction of watching him crumble beneath the strain.

Yet now he looked half dead; finally tired of fighting an infinite battle of fear.

“Come here,” you said softly, hand gripping onto his.

“Darlin’—”

“If you don’t sleep then, so help me Joel I will stay up with you.”

The threat had enough truth in it to spur him into action. You would stay up with him until dawn crested over the city, until you could no longer keep your eyes open. Joel had stamina you didn’t possess. Not anymore. So, he allowed you to guide him forward, his head resting on his pack, rifle placed between your bodies. A safety measure in case the night turned for the worst.

“Shut your eyes,” you murmured, seeing the tension in his body melt away the second your hand pressed to his chest.

He huffed—ever the stubborn man who saved your life—but relented without a fight, his eyes fluttering shut quickly followed by a long exhale. The stars were brighter than you’d seen them; the light pollution of the city was no longer a problem the sky had to combat. So, you shifted, resting your head on his shoulder and watching the small twinkle of a night sky free from the shackles of humanity.

“You’re supposed to sleep too,” he grumbled, his hand coming up to cover yours, thumb running along your wrist.

“I am.” You smiled at his audible snort.

Silence enveloped the two of you, but it never felt off putting in his presence. In fact you began to welcome it, because with Joel there was always more than just words. His thumb continued to go across your skin, creating a soothing rhythm that lulled you into a docile state. If you shut your eyes and focused on the beat of his heart—the rise and fall of his chest with each breath—you might be able to fall asleep. Except your mind still ran, still on high alert in case of something going wrong.

“Hey,” he mumbled, his head turning slightly until his nose brushed against yours.

“Hm?” You felt your heart skip at the sight of his brown eyes opening again, the deep brown hue pulling you in.

“What’s goin’ on in there?” he whispered. Joel didn’t need to go into specifics to know what meant by that. You seemed to pick up his meaning just by the inflection of his words—the tone he used when he spoke. This was no different.

You sighed, wishing more than anything that you could strip your shoulders of the weight they carried. “Nothing. I’m just…it’s nothing.”

“It ain’t nothin’.”

“I’m just…scared,” you said, finally showing a sliver of the truth. He hummed, attempting to show that he understood where you were coming from. “What happens when we get to Boston?”

Because that’s where that gnawing feeling stemmed from. It wasn’t your fear of death, or the terror you felt whenever you thought of Joel dying. No, you were scared of what the future held—what came when this trip finally came to an end. You didn’t want to let him go after everything you’d endured together. For the first time you felt like you found the one thing anyone could hope for in life. A partnership.

He sighed. “We keep going.”

“Together?” There you were laying your hope in front of him, hoping he’d give you the answer you longed for.

“Yes,” he replied, watching a smile cross your face—his heart beating a bit faster at the sight. It lit him up on the inside. As if someone injected him with a heaping dose of pure sunlight, claiming it would fix all his broken pieces. Save him from hell.

tagging the lovelies: @inklore @pennyserenade @tarrenterror25 @iamskyereads @sunflowersteves @saradika

[shutupptara]

cowboy like me - Brandon Tanev

two - the way forward

word count: 3,941

warnings: explicit language, mention of past character death

masterlist

Brandon makes quick work of getting you back to the ranch once your car is safely inside Jack’s shop. He doesn’t push you to talk on the ride back, and you’re immensely grateful. The silence gives you time to process, and start planning how you’re going to dig yourself out of this hole. You’re not under any impressions this is going to be a cheap undertaking, and with expenses already stretched thin, this is not an ideal situation. There’s always the possibility of dipping into your savings, but you’d hoped that that wouldn’t have been necessary unless something went drastically wrong once you arrived in Seattle.

If I even make it to Seattle, you think bitterly. It's hard not to be resentful; the universe was just not being kind to you at the most inconvenient time possible. At least you have a place to stay. Brandon is absolutely the bright spot in all of this. He’s kind enough to help you carry in the few bags you’d pulled out of your car, showing you to one of the unoccupied bedrooms in the house. It's simple - minimally decorated with a large queen sized bed in the middle of the room. There’s a large bay window on the far side of the room, one that likely bathes the room in sunlight in the early morning. Now, it's giving you a gorgeous view of the darkening sky, stars slowly starting to appear. It's comforting, a nice distraction from impending decisions and responsibilities you’ll have to deal with. 

“Okay,” Brandon says, drawing your attention from the window. He’s standing by the dresser against the wall, your bags neatly placed in front of it. “There’s a shower two doors down on your right,” he directs. “I figured you’d want to wash this day off of you. I’ll lay a towel out for you before you head over. Take your time, okay?” 

You smile shyly. “Thank you, Brandon.”

“Just holler if you need anything. I’ll be around.” With that, he steps out of the room, heading down the hall toward the bathroom. You rub harshly at your tired eyes, sighing deeply when you drop your hands to your sides. A shower certainly sounds wonderful. 

You haul your bags up onto your bed, carefully digging through to find clean clothes to put on. There’s more of a chill in the air now that the sun has gone down, so you opt for a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, something worn and comfortable from your college days. After gathering everything under your arm, you step out into the hallway, peering around before making your way to the bathroom. There’s a large, gray towel laid out on the sink for you, small washcloths set on top. You shut the door lightly before getting the water going, keeping your hand under the spray to help dictate the correct temperature. The pipes take a few minutes to heat up to what you deem ideal, so you take your time stripping down, folding your dirty clothes and leaving them on the floor to address later. 

Thankfully, the water is a gloriously scalding temperature when you finally step into the tub. You allow the spray to wash over your tense muscles, simply enjoying the cascade of the water before you reach for the shampoo. It’s just a generic brand, but it smells fresh, maybe a little musky, and you try not to dwell on the fact that this is probably exactly what Brandon smells like. That grows increasingly hard, however, when you use the conditioner, and next to impossible when you pick up the body wash. You’re human, it’s not like you’re not going to notice how attractive your personal savior is, you just can’t let yourself entertain the idea. He’s been so kind to you, and you’re not one to take advantage of kindness; nor will you be staying in Montana, so it’s a lose-lose regardless of how it plays out.

Settled on this, you focus on how refreshing it is to wash the day off. Brandon was certainly correct about that. A calm is settling over you as you lather the soap against your arms, watch the bubbles run over your toes and slip down the drain. You spend far longer in there than you usually do, unwilling to step outside of this small bubble and face the realities waiting for you. Eventually though, the water does start to run cooler. It’s all the indication you need to turn the water off and grab your towel, wrapping it tightly around you when you step out of the tub.

Wiping a hand down the condensation on the mirror, you frown at your reflection. There’s exhaustion in your eyes, tension you’re carrying in every line on your face. A meal and a night's sleep would do you some good, so you set about getting dressed and drying your hair as best you can. The towel gets hung up on the empty hook on the back of the door, and then you’re padding down the hallway, following the soft sounds drifting from the kitchen. 

Rounding the corner from the hallway, you find Brandon standing in front of the stove, fiddling with the cooktop dials. He’s so casual there, barefoot, in jeans and a t-shirt. You realize it’s the first time he’s left his hat off, giving you the opportunity to fully appreciate his shoulder length, chestnut hair. It’s curling slightly at the ends,framing his face delicately. “Hey,” you mutter, a subtle way to announce yourself before you’re shuffling over to the small table pushed against the wall and grabbing a seat. 

“Hey! How do you feel about chicken piccata?” He looks over at you expectantly, and you can’t hide your surprise. 

“That sounds wonderful.”

“You seem shocked,” he teases. 

You smile, resting your elbow on the table and your chin in your hand. “I don’t mean to. I just- I guess I didn’t expect such a seasoned chef.”

Brandon snorts. “I don’t know about that, but I know a few things. I like cooking, and a little baking too. My mom told me and my brothers that we needed to learn because there’s nothing worse than a grown man who can’t take care of himself.” His eyes sparkle as he talks of her, and you get a warm feeling in your chest. 

“You have brothers?”

“Two.” He gets everything set out on the counter before turning back to the cabinets and pulling out two plates. “One older, and one younger.” 

You nod, unsure of how much you should press; Brandon didn’t seem too shy to offer up information about himself, but you didn’t want your curiosity to come off as grilling. So you leave it at that, just allowing yourself to be impressed at the effort he was putting in.You can honestly say you’ve never had a man cook for you, especially not a man that looks like Brandon does.

He gets everything set out on the table in front of you before turning back to the fridge and pulling out a bottle of wine. “Are you okay with white? It pairs better…” He hesitates, brow furrowing. “Or, I guess I should ask if you even drink?”

“Oh I do,” you insist. “White’s great.”

This brings that beautiful grin back to his face. “Thought you could use it.” He takes his time uncorking the bottle, then pours you a glass.

___

It doesn’t take much time at all for Brandon to make dinner. Really fifteen minutes tops since he’d done most of the prep work while you were in the shower. The smells that fill the kitchen are absolutely mouth watering, and your stomach growls loudly in longing. It makes both of you chuckle, and he assures you that it shouldn’t be much longer, just need to make sure the chicken is cooked through. Every time you try to offer your help, Brandon will just shush you, insisting you relax. “It’s no trouble,” he keeps insisting. “You can be my taste-tester.” 

“Let me at least get you a glass then,” you say, gesturing to your own on the table.. “I don’t want to be the only lush around here.”

Brandon chuckles. He takes it upon himself to grab the bottle, pouring another glass. “To you,” he toasts, raising his glass before bringing it to his lips. You can’t fight the blush from creeping across your cheeks, so you take a long drink of your own.

Shortly after, Brandon’s sliding a plate in front of you. He brings his own to the small table, pulling his chair in until you're sitting close. You know it’s probably not a table meant for two. His knee bumps yours, and it’s oddly comforting. He watches eagerly as you take your first bite, all but moaning as the flavor explodes on your tongue. “God, it’s so good.”

He cracks a smile. “Glad you like it.” 

You start to talk a bit more as you eat. Just general things: the weather in Montana this time of year, the appeal of living so close to the mountains. It’s surprisingly natural now that some of the awkwardness has been chipped away, and as you finish off your glass, you’re thankful the alcohol seems to have taken the edge off. “So…” You begin, unsure of where you’re heading with the thought.

“So…” Brandon echoes, prompting you with a shy smile.

“I am still curious as to how you ended up in Montana,” you admit. “If you’re willing to share the story now. It is another time.” You’re trying to be endearing, and probably failing miserably, but Brandon doesn’t seem to mind. 

He simply pours you another glass after he’s offered it to you, topping off his own as well. “Guess now’s as good’a time as any. Though it’s probably not as good of a story as you’re hoping,” he warns.

“Try me.”

“After Seattle, I was feeling pretty burnt out. I’d moved around a lot for work,” he explains, “three cities in four years will do that, I guess. So I was looking for a change of scenery. Not unlike you.” He takes a swig from his glass, gulping it down quickly. You notice his eyes have dropped to the table, lingering there as he speaks. “It uh, took some convincing- Montana, that is. My wife… she was not on board.”

The word hits you like a punch to the gut, but it’s not all that surprising. Of course Brandon’s married. He’s far too wonderful to not be. Still, “oh, you’re married?” tumbles out of your mouth.

His shoulders tense a bit. “Uh, late wife,” he corrects.

“Brandon, I’m so sorry.” Your heart falls.

“Thank you. We spent a year here before she passed. Cancer.” His voice is decidedly sad, and you’re regretting ever broaching the subject. Reliving this awful time simply because you’d pushed was entirely unfair. “But Harper, that was her name,” he explains, “she was not excited about Montana at all. Told me it would be too quiet, and she’d be bored. She loved the city.” He shakes his head slowly, letting out a low chuckle. “But I begged her; I needed to slow down, just enjoy life again, you know? And that woman, she came with me to Montana and lived on a ranch. All because I’d asked.”

“She loved you,” you whisper. 

Brandon nods, slowly drawing his eyes up to meet yours. You don’t expect the intensity you find in them: maybe you’d thought he’d be angry you’d brought it up, or nearing tears, but he just looks captivated. By what, you have no idea, but it puts your mind at ease. “She was the greatest joy in my life. When I lost her, it was like losing a part of myself too. So I just… stayed. I didn’t really know what else to do.” You sit in silence, treading carefully and giving him his space. “And I’ve been here ever since. Mr. Moyer, he owns the ranch,” Brandon says, “he lets me stay, and work. I think he likes the company, but he and Harper were close. Maybe it’s his way of grieving.” He gives a sad shrug, and you purse your lips. 

“Brandon,” you sigh. “I’m really very sorry. I shouldn’t have asked-“

He frowns, shaking his head. “You had no way of knowing. I’m sorry to dump all of this on you. You’re just- very easy to talk to.” His expression is sincere, and the last thing you want him to have to do is make you feel better about this. So you take it at face value, trusting in the knowledge that Brandon is a grown adult, he wouldn’t share what he didn’t want to. 

“I’ve come to love Montana, though. It’s got this charm that you can’t find anywhere else.”

“Oh?”

He nods. “Think it might be the people.” Checks out, you think. “All I’m saying is, this isn’t such a bad place to find yourself.” He sounds hopeful, and truly, it’s hard not to mirror the sentiment. 

“Well,” you shrug, “looks like I’ll be around for longer than expected. Maybe that’s a good thing.”

“Maybe.”

He catches your gaze and holds it, and the intensity behind it is… almost intimidating. You’re losing yourself in it, breath catching. The moment is shattered, however, when the reality of how taxing the day truly had been catches up with you. Now that your body has had time to be still, it’s giving in to exhaustion, and you can’t help the yawn that slips past your lips. “I’m sorry,” you squeak, rubbing at your tired eyes. 

Brandon’s shaking his head immediately.  “No need. You’ve had a long day. You can head to bed, I’ll take care of these.”

“Brandon-“ He stands up from the table quickly, collecting your plate and wandering over to the sink with it.

“Sleep well, yeah?” He mutters, though he doesn’t look up from his task at hand. “We can chat in the morning.”

“Goodnight,” you sigh, reluctantly pushing your chair back and heading for the hallway. Just as you’re about to step through the doorway, you hear him say your name softly.

When you turn, you see the corners of his eyes crinkling, dimples appearing. “Goodnight.”

~

The next morning, you wake slowly, blinking the heaviness away. The sunlight is streaming in through the window, soft enough that you know it's still early, and the world just seems quieter. The quiet extends into the house as you climb out of bed, heading out into the kitchen. You had expected to find Brandon there, though it’s logical you don’t. You’re not extremely well-versed in the ins and outs of running a ranch, but it’s likely safe to assume he’d be up early, tending to morning duties. 

You take it upon yourself to get the coffee maker on the counter going, finding a bag in the pantry, and a mug in the cabinet just above the machine. As the familiar roar of the machine fills the room, you’re plagued with thoughts from the night before: Brandon so willingly confiding in you, the small smiles he’d shared with you, the hope in his eyes. You’re coming to realize he’s a rather intense person, someone who feels his emotions deeply, and it's refreshing. But that nagging guilt of digging up his past lingers in the back of your mind; it's something you’ll ruminate over, despite his openness and insistence it was alright.

When your coffee is made, you carry the mug out onto the front porch, breathing in the crisp morning air. There’s a wooden swing off to your left and you post up there, overlooking the grounds of the ranch. In the distance, you can see some of the cattle roaming, grazing and lazing in the early morning sunlight. The rays warm your face as you sit, just watching the world go by, and you can’t help but think of just how much you’d love to tell your mother this story. She would love an anecdote like this - the seemingly continuous curveballs the universe was throwing at you. She’d press about Brandon, ask you if he was cute, if he was single, unconcerned with any irrationality. You’d laugh about her old car breaking down and she’d scold you for holding onto it for so long, for not taking something more reliable with you when you drove across the entire country. You start to feel her presence with you, a lingering comfort in the air. Of course it makes you sad, but it's a hopeful sad. Maybe feeling her there is confirmation you’re on the right path? That this somewhat rash decision wasn’t the wrong one, and it would all work out for you in the end. She’d always loved to tell you ‘what’s for you shall not pass you’, and you could certainly use some of her advice at the moment. And a hug.

Lost in your memories, you don’t notice Brandon appearing in the front yard, until he’s calling out a “good morning”. He approaches you slowly, his thick boots clunking on the steps up to the porch. “Glad you found the coffee.”

You smile over the rim of your mug, savoring the rich flavor as you take another sip. “Thank god. Have you been up long?”

He looks sheepish. “Yeah, I’m usually up at four or five each morning.” His laughter fills the air when your eyes widen. “Catching worms and all that.”

“It’ll be hard to keep up with you,” you tease. “Is there anything left for me to help you with? I’d like to be of use while I’m free-loading…”

This makes Brandon laugh, a genuine sound erupting from him. His shoulders shake, eyes sparkling. “Well, sure. Wanna change and meet me out here in a few? I can show you the ropes.” You agree, finishing off the last of your coffee before heading back into the house. You make quick work of pulling on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, opting for an older pair of sneakers. It’s probably best to focus on keeping your skin protected, especially if you’ll be walking around the grounds. 

Back outside, Brandon is waiting for you on the porch, leaning against the wooden railing. He perks up when he hears the front door click shut, turning to you with a wide grin. “All set?” You nod, and he gestures for you to step off the porch first, following close behind. “Okay, so we’ve got a lot going on around here. We’ve got horses which you know, cattle, and chickens. I tend the cattle and herd them, so you don’t have to worry about that.” He leads you down a short pathway to the left of the house, in the direction of the stables. From there, you get a better view of the land. “The fences way off in the back mark the property line, and keep the cattle in check. Sometimes I repair the fences, but they’ve been in working order for a while.” He nods toward the small enclosure in front of you, reaching for the lock and carefully pulling the fence open. “This is the chicken coop. It does get pretty nasty, so I’d love the help cleaning it every now and again. I haven’t fed them yet today, so I can show you that?”

You nod, eagerly following after him as he walks into the building attached to the coop. It's no bigger than a regular shed, though it's stacked high with the feed. “We’re pretty lucky that none of our chickens are overweight,” he chuckles, “so it makes feeding them a lot easier. We recently got new feeders, which has also made my life significantly easier.” He grabs one of the bags and effortlessly slings it over his shoulder, once again making his way out into the coop. After dropping the bag down, he points to the small white and red container on the ground, reaching down to pop the lid off the top. “It's a gravity feeder, and it holds fifty pounds of feed, so we only have to refill it every week or two. The best part about it though, is that the bowls refill themselves, so we’re not doing it twice a day like we used to.” 

“Kinda like a serve yourself situation,” you joke.

Brandon nods. “It kinda is, yeah. I like to check everyday just to make sure they’re not eating too much, but they’re pretty good about stopping. You can help me fill it now if you want?” At the sound of your okay, he slides a pocket knife out of his pocket and hands it to you. “Slice the corner of the bag, and I’ll help you haul it up to pour it.” 

You do exactly as he instructed, cutting through the corner, then relocking the blade in place. You shove it into your back pocket and bend down, gripping the bag tightly as you heave it into your arms. It’s awkwardly shaped, so maneuvering is a bit difficult, but you’re able to get your bearings pretty easily. Brandon wanders up behind you, lifting part of the bag from the bottom, shouldering much of the weight. “You don’t even need me,” he laughs. His chest brushes against your elbow as you pour, his head leaning over your shoulder to keep eyes on how much you’ve filled the feeder. It takes about half of the bag, and he grabs it from you once you’re done. “This can go back on the shelf in one of the bins,” he explains. “Don’t want mice or anything getting into the open part of the bag.” He disappears inside again as you get the top secured back on, watching in amusement as some of the chickens come flying over. They’re clucking at each other, pushing and shoving to get as close to the feeder as possible and you simply step back, getting yourself out of the line of fire. 

With the feed safely stored, Brandon is beside you once again, rubbing his hand over the back of his neck. “Everything is pretty easy to clean - just sweep the coop out. Feeders can be power washed, same with the water troughs.” He clicks his tongue, eyes narrowing. “That’s probably all I’m gonna let you help me with, darlin’,” he admits.

“That’s not fair to you,” you protest. “I’m here! Use me!”

He grins at this, quirking an eyebrow when he looks over at you. “Noted.”

You roll your eyes, bumping your shoulder against his and sighing dramatically. “There’s got to be something else you need help with.”

He pauses, glancing around the ranch and considering. “Well, there's the occasional odd job,” he admits. “I’ve been trying to fix up the house here and there, but Mr. Moyer insists I don’t need to.” He takes on an annoyed tone, and you can tell that’s a topic of conversation frequently visited. “But if you let me teach you to ride a horse, you could learn about herding too?” He offers, expression hopeful. 

“As long as you don’t let me get thrown from the horse, you’ve got a deal.” You’re only somewhat teasing, but Brandon is quick to reassure you.

“Ah, I already rescued you once. You know I won’t let anything happen to you.” His eyes are wide, and out here in the sunshine, you can see the flecks of gold in the brown. It makes your heart melt on the spot. You could certainly put aside your fear of horses if it meant getting to spend time with Brandon- however short lived it will be.

[notladylikes]

thanks to a bribed security guard and a low level beat cop she’s four hundred dollars in the hole, but in her possession are the autopsy report and crime scene photos of her sister’s murder. juliette pulls her hair up into a messy bun and begins to spread them out across her desk, not at all shocked by the harsh nature of mutilation in which the photos depict her sister’s corpse.

juliette is a horror aficionado, she’s taking this in stride like she would if she were watching a horror movie detective try and solve a case. tucking back a strand of bangs, she turns on the small lamp on her desk and starts to sort through the information.

first - she reads the photocopied autopsy report. talks of multiple stab wounds, body mutilation, organ removal, blood drain - they all depict that this man is trying to accomplish something with his kills. her first thought is sacrifice - though most wouldn’t think to go there. but from the way the body was treated, it shows that he had something to prove - maybe it was to himself, or someone else, but he was going for a specific reason, this wasn’t just a kill for the sake of it.

along with the fact that this was obviously not his first - she doesn’t have the information from the other cases aside from a series of newspaper clippings she’s stolen from the local library, but there is definitely a ritualistic nature to the way this man approaches death.

a small sigh, she taps her finger along the desk as she reads, just to keep her grounded in the moment, not allowing her mind to wander the possibilities of all of this.

a thought pops into her mind and she has to actively focus to try not to let it worm it’s way inside of her, to take root and force her to think about this personally rather than simply logically.

did she suffer?

shaking her head, juliette grabbed a series of the photocopied crime scene photos, spreading them in a patterned array so they were easier to see the big picture all at once. her finger traces down one of the pieces of paper, and a single tear cascades down her cheek, only for her to fist it away.

"no." she says aloud. "there is no time for such emotions."

she spends hours pouring over the images and text before eventually dragging herself to bed. that night is the first of many in which she dreams, and they’re directly related to the case.

she’s young, now, somewhere in the realm of being five or six years old. there is laughter coming from the person beside her - her best friend, tracey. the two are wandering through the forests that they were specifically told not to enter - something they did quite often. she remembers this fondly, spending time with her young friend before they grew up, and she moved across town.

c’mon, julie! the girl shouts, and juliette spots something in the distance, obviously going towards it. in the middle of the forest, there is a small clearing, full of flowers. race you to the middle! it’s a beautiful sight, one that she will remember and likely visit again - except for the macabre vision that is now burning itself into her retinas.

laying there, stripped bare of any clothing, is a body of a young female. she is posed in a specific manner, laying in a space that has been cleared - obvious by the signs of freshly mowed grass, but the flowers that surround her corpse are still beautiful in nature, despite their harsh sight against them.

the sound of her young self screaming is enough to jar her awake, causing her hand to press against her chest, fighting for breath, on the edge of an anxiety attack. with a shaky hand she reaches for her medicine, popping a pill into her mouth and swallowing from a bottle of water, impatiently waiting for it to begin working.

this becomes a daily occurrence, images slowly shifting from her memories - but the core vision is there. this is not something she dreamt up, not a fantasy placed into her mind by the inner workings of her brain and some projected media. no. this is something that happened to her.

she tries to remember back that far, and it’s fuzzy, simply being comforted by mr. halston, crying tears into his blazer while tracey is in his arms, doing quite the same.

it’ll be okay, darling.

he croons, trying to calm her.

you’ll forget about this soon enough.

and as he expected she did. but now it was back and raring it’s ugly head with a vengeance, if only she could figure out just what it meant - other than the fact that she obviously witnessed one of these sites before. the location was unclear, though, and for the life of her she couldn’t remember the specific forest, but she knew this meant something.

and with her lips to god’s ears, she was going to figure what it meant soon enough, she hopes.

[halfbakedspuds]

Ya'll ever write a scene that actually hurt to put into words? Cause midnight last night (hey, that would actually make for a great name for a detective show) I got struck by inspiration for a scene that happens much, much later in the story and decided to write it outta order.

The fact that this hurt to write either means I was doing something right or I have one or two more unresolved issues than previously thought.

Anyways, here it is. Will it make it into the actual book? Probably, just needs some polish.

"Yes! For throne's sake, I care! I've cared about you since the moment you walked into my life, though curse the fool I was for being so loathe to admit it," Adrian said. He began to reach out to grab her arm. To stop her from going, then paused at the last moment. He could simply grab her, physically stop her if he wished, but that wasn't Adrian. He knew what it felt like to be stripped of choice, and Lyanni knew he wouldn't do that to anyone. And yet, as much as she hated to admit it, she wanted to buy into his words, to tell him to take her hand and never let go again. If the worst version of them in any world could have a happily ever after, a version who had grown from colleagues to friends to lovers while conquering a planet in the name of an empire that made their own G.C. look like a puppy, then why couldn't they -who had suffered so much in the name of protecting Kradoma- just have their peaceful life? "What do you care for me as? A friend? Or just another tool in your arsenal, a bargaining chip to stall hell and high water?" Lyanni asked him. She shook her head, fighting the tears which threatened to well up, "Face it Adrian. Your heart broke a long time ago and it hasn't worked right since. What can you speak of compassion who would readily sign for the execution of an entire world in the name of the greater good," She waited an answer from him. She didn't expect any from him. His eyes remained dry, as they were forced to due to the damage they had sustained long ago, but she could see the hurt written on his features. She'd grabbed at something raw and drove salt as deep as she could, and although she had thought it would make her feel better, it only made her hate herself more. Herself, Adrian and the whole gods-accursed situation. She sighed sadly and turned away, "May the winds be kind to you, Adrian" She turned to walk, then felt a metal hand clamp on her wrist. It didn't lock down hard, and she felt she could easily break away if she wanted. But gods, how badly she didn't want to. "I was a broken man when you met me. I'm not sure I'll ever be whole again, not sure anyone who's lived through as much shit as I have -as we have- can," Lyanni was about to keep walking out the door, trailed by human excuses, but paused at his next words, "You put my heart back together, Lyanni Sverik. And yes, you probably put a part in a little sideways here and there because I can feel this machine heart of mine falter whenever I see you, I can feel it falling apart when you speak of leaving," This time she turned to look at him and saw the pain he himself was carrying, not just her own, "I don't know why it knows you as it's master, but please, for it's sake and mine, just... Just stay..." "Adrian, I...I..." "When I came to this planet, I came to do a job. All the good and evil I have done, I have done it to the glory of the ministry, but now I wake daily with the dawning realisation that the ministry can go fuck itself," He spoke the words with a stoic mask, yet Lyanni felt his own hand slip back slightly, his grip loosening until all that touched were their finger tips, steel to keratin,

"I do what I do because in an entire galaxy of a million, million worlds of untold beauty, my half-repaired clockwork heart cares only for you. I do what I do so that regardless of what I am to you, you will have a better world to live in come tomorrow. So I must ask you to please, just stay." His hand slipped away fully and he dropped to his knees. Head bowed, hands on his legs. He wasn't begging. That was something he'd never learnt or been taught. He was giving up. "But, after all I have done, I will not blame or stop you should should you choose to simply walk out that door," Lyanni stood there, conflicted. Adrian was a monster. She had known this for more than a year. He was what happened when a broken being was given purpose again but not allowed to heal. He was dispicable. But was she any better? She who willing gunned down a gang of witchhunters in Xian H'ngaa without any remorse? Who had to be stopped time and time again from willingly casting aside the lives of her people? In a moment of startling and piercing clarity, she saw the truth. She was just as broken as him, and just as he had said she'd done to him, Lyanni also knew Adrian had been picking up the pieces of her own heart, reteaching it kindness and love. Before she could stop herself, she was on her knees in front of him, arms wrapped around him and holding him tightly. The tears which had been threatening the damwall finally burst forth. She felt a pair of metal arms return the gesture, holding her so tight that it almost hurt.

She didn't care. Judging by the dry sobs beside her, neither of them were doing too well at that moment. But maybe that was a good thing. Maybe all that mattered is they could be not-okay together. But what were they to eachother? That question could -and would- have to wait for another day, but an immaterial understanding had begun to form between them that they needed eachother, and it seemed they had both made the decision to never let the other go.

Never again.

[guiltyfilthysoularchive]

thanks to a bribed security guard and a low level beat cop she’s four hundred dollars in the hole, but in her possession are the autopsy report and crime scene photos of her sister’s murder. juliette pulls her hair up into a messy bun and begins to spread them out across her desk, not at all shocked by the harsh nature of mutilation in which the photos depict her sister’s corpse. juliette is a horror aficionado, she’s taking this in stride like she would if she were watching a horror movie detective try and solve a case. tucking back a strand of bangs, she turns on the small lamp on her desk and starts to sort through the information. first - she reads the photocopied autopsy report. talks of multiple stab wounds, body mutilation, organ removal, blood drain - they all depict that this man is trying to accomplish something with his kills. her first thought is sacrifice - though most wouldn’t think to go there. but from the way the body was treated, it shows that he had something to prove - maybe it was to himself, or someone else, but he was going for a specific reason, this wasn’t just a kill for the sake of it. along with the fact that this was obviously not his first - she doesn’t have the information from the other cases aside from a series of newspaper clippings she’s stolen from the local library, but there is definitely a ritualistic nature to the way this man approaches death. a small sigh, she taps her finger along the desk as she reads, just to keep her grounded in the moment, not allowing her mind to wander the possibilities of all of this. a thought pops into her mind and she has to actively focus to try not to let it worm it’s way inside of her, to take root and force her to think about this personally rather than simply logically. did she suffer? shaking her head, juliette grabbed a series of the photocopied crime scene photos, spreading them in a patterned array so they were easier to see the big picture all at once. her finger traces down one of the pieces of paper, and a single tear cascades down her cheek, only for her to fist it away. "no." she says aloud. "there is no time for such emotions." she spends hours pouring over the images and text before eventually dragging herself to bed. that night is the first of many in which she dreams, and they’re directly related to the case. she’s young, now, somewhere in the realm of being five or six years old. there is laughter coming from the person beside her - her best friend, tracey. the two are wandering through the forests that they were specifically told not to enter - something they did quite often. she remembers this fondly, spending time with her young friend before they grew up, and she moved across town. c’mon, julie! the girl shouts, and juliette spots something in the distance, obviously going towards it. in the middle of the forest, there is a small clearing, full of flowers. race you to the middle! it’s a beautiful sight, one that she will remember and likely visit again - except for the macabre vision that is now burning itself into her retinas. laying there, stripped bare of any clothing, is a body of a young female. she is posed in a specific manner, laying in a space that has been cleared - obvious by the signs of freshly mowed grass, but the flowers that surround her corpse are still beautiful in nature, despite their harsh sight against them. the sound of her young self screaming is enough to jar her awake, causing her hand to press against her chest, fighting for breath, on the edge of an anxiety attack. with a shaky hand she reaches for her medicine, popping a pill into her mouth and swallowing from a bottle of water, impatiently waiting for it to begin working. this becomes a daily occurrence, images slowly shifting from her memories - but the core vision is there. this is not something she dreamt up, not a fantasy placed into her mind by the inner workings of her brain and some projected media. no. this is something that happened to her. she tries to remember back that far, and it’s fuzzy, simply being comforted by mr. halston, crying tears into his blazer while tracey is in his arms, doing quite the same. it’ll be okay, darling. he croons, trying to calm her. you’ll forget about this soon enough. and as he expected she did. but now it was back and raring it’s ugly head with a vengeance, if only she could figure out just what it meant - other than the fact that she obviously witnessed one of these sites before. the location was unclear, though, and for the life of her she couldn’t remember the specific forest, but she knew this meant something. and with her lips to god’s ears, she was going to figure what it meant soon enough, she hopes.