#and the last time i felt this happy was when i was deep in the Halo fandom

[withwritersblock]

You are in Love

~You are in Love by Taylor Swift~

Author's Note: requested! sorry for blue balling you all! But I couldn't figure out how to really finish this, if that makes sense? Summary: Y/N needed a plus one to her friend's wedding. She invites her best friend Warnings: brief mention of former verbal relationship abuse, implied smut Word count: 15,031 Luke Hughes x fm!reader

They were neighbors first. She knew Jack for a long time. Their interactions never passed a polite conversation and a small smile and wave. The conversations never lasted long enough to even get to know one another. 

That ended when Luke moved in. He was a talker. Jack was always trying to end the conversation so they could leave but Luke and Y/N could talk forever. It was easy and never forced neighborly chat. 

Jack swore it was because Luke was attractive to her. But their conversations were very platonic. But that was because her boyfriend marked his territory from the first time Y/N and Luke met. Jack didn’t even know another person lived in Y/N’s apartment. 

But the second his little brother arrived, her boyfriend felt it was important to make his presence known.

It was only a month into Luke’s rookie season when he offered to have Y/N and her boyfriend come to one of their games. Without hesitation, they agreed to go. After that, the four of them became “friends”. Luke, Jack, Y/N, and Jonathan. 

They would travel to bars together and they would hang out at each other’s apartments. It was safe to say that they were all becoming close. But Jonathan definitely did not like Luke. He was fine with hanging out with him but he thought Luke was attracted to Y/N. Who wouldn’t be, she was the definition of stunning.

Jonathan and Y/N had been together since she was a junior in high school. It had been almost four years of them being together. But it was obvious that their relationship was not perfect or good. They would put on a front to show that they were happy. 

Luke was definitely attracted to her but when they first met he had no intention of romance. His intentions went strictly platonic. His intentions got even more platonic after he found out she was in a long term relationship. He’s not the type of guy to hit on another guy’s girlfriend. Any passing thought he had disappeared.  

Tonight was the last hang out before Jack flew to get his shoulder surgery. They were all hanging out at the Hughes’ apartment. They were sprailed out in the living room, drinking some beers as they watched Quinn’s game on the screen. 

Luke delicately rested his hand onto Y/N’s arm as he stood up from the couch. She smiled softly towards Luke. “Do you guys want anything else?” he asked as he walked towards the kitchen. Jonathan fought back spits of anger as he tilted his head back to stare towards the ceiling. 

“Nah, we’re good,” Jonathan offered. 

“Actually I was hoping–”

“We’re good,” he interrupted her, his face was practically bright red from anger. Y/N pulled her head back as she met Jonathan’s gaze. “We’re good, we don’t need anything else,” he said through gritted teeth.

“What’s wrong with you?” she asked softly before clenching her jaw. He huffed as he rolled his eyes. 

“What’s wrong with me?! What’s wrong with you?!” he shouted. 

“Dude,” Jack mumbled. 

Jonathan stood up from the floor. His back was pressed against the couch as he pointed towards the front door. He quickly began to walk out of the apartment, the beer still in his hands. 

Y/N took a deep breath as she tilted her head back. Shutting her eyes for a moment while she contemplated on following him. She would probably get screamed at if she didn’t follow within the next five seconds.

Jack pursed his lips forward as he awkwardly looked down towards his lap. “Are you okay?” he asked Y/N as he watched her reluctantly stand up from the couch. 

“Nope,” she let out as she walked towards Luke, handing him her half dranken beer. 

“Y/N, hey,” he said softly as he awkwardly took a hold of the drink.

“I’m sorry, so sorry,” she expressed as she walked fast out of the apartment towards her own apartment. 

Jack tilted his head back as he looked towards Luke who was still staring towards the door she left from. “What did you do?” Jack asked as he saw Luke awkwardly place her beer onto the counter. 

“I–I don’t know,” Luke stuttered as he pulled out another beer for himself and for Jack. As Luke walked back towards the couch, their was loud muffled voices coming from her apartment. It was hard to make out the words being said but it was definitely Jonathan yelling towards her. Luke’s eyes widened as he felt his heart start racing.

“Should we go over there?” Jack asked softly as Jonathan’s voice got louder and clearer.

“I’m tired of seeing you throw yourself at every fucking guy on the planet!” Jonathan shouted so loud they could hear it through the wall. 

“I–I don’t know,” Luke mumbled as he swallowed hard. 

It took another ten seconds before they both stood up from the couch, placing their beers onto the coffee table. Luke led the charge towards the door, pulling the door open. His body ran hot. He was seeing red. How could anyone talk to a girl like that? Let alone someone they called their friend. 

“Do we just walk inside?” Luke let out softly. 

“You’re the one that’s acting all macho man!” Jack said as he nervously chewed on his bottom lip. They stepped into the hallway the same time Jonathan pulled her apartment door open. 

“I’m fucking done! We’re done! I’ll get my shit tomorrow! I’m staying with Veronica!” he shouted smugly as he slammed the door shut. He smirked once he saw Jack and Luke. “She’s all yours boys, have at her! I’ve got a much hotter–” Jonathan began before he met Luke’s gaze, “Much hotter woman who isn’t a massive–”

“Fucking finish that sentence and I’ll break your arm,” Luke let out simply as he crossed his arms over his chest. Jonathan’s mouth clammered shut before he shoved passed Luke and Jack, storming down the hallway. 

Jack and Luke instantly walked up towards the door. Carefully pushing the door open. She was sitting on the couch, her face in her hands. 

She didn’t lift her head as another sob fell from her lips. Both of them sat on either side of her, wrapping their arms around her shoulder as they held onto her tightly as she sobbed. Luke glided his hand along her upper back as Jack kept his hand on the center of her back. 

They shared glanced as they both took deep breaths. She was still sobbing. Not caring that she’s technically only known them from less than a year and how embarrassing this probably was. But she didn’t care. She took the comfort, she needed the comfort.

Nine months later

She was sitting on her bed, staring towards the light blue floral maxi dress hanging from her closet door. It was form fitting, a dress that Jonathan wouldn’t have let her wear. Because God forbid another man found her attractive. But she was wearing it tomorrow. 

Tomorrow she had a wedding to attend where she had checked plus one on her reservation card. The reservation card was sent out six months ago. Out of habit she would check the box. She didn’t think she would have a date for the wedding after everything that happened with Jonathan. 

She forgot that she said that she would bring a plus one until the bride, her freshman roommate, Anna, gave her a call and briefly mentioned it. Now she has to have a date to the wedding for tomorrow. 

Standing up, she took a hold of the fabric of the dress, letting it cascade against her hands as she smiled softly. Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she quickly pulled it out to see a text from Luke.

–Luke: let me in pleaseeee

A soft chuckle fell from her lips as she left her bedroom. Y/N took fast steps towards the front door as she pulled it open. “Hey,” she said as she allowed him to step inside of her apartment. 

“Thank god you’re home,” he mumbled as he happily plopped down onto her couch, he took up the whole thing. “Jack’s been gone for like a day and I’m bored out of my mind,” Luke explained as he ran his hand over his eyes. She chuckled softly as she shoved his feet off of the couch. He sat up slightly as she sat down beside him. 

“Are you doing anything tomorrow?” she asked shyly as she twisted the rings on her fingers in a different cadence. He pursed his lips forward as he tilted his head to the side to meet her eye. His cheeks flushed slightly. 

“Nope,” he said as his gaze fluttered all over her features. She nodded as she chewed on her bottom lip nervously. “What’s on your mind?” he asked.

“Do you remember me telling you about my old roommate Anna?” she questioned. He hummed as a reply as he awkwardly ran his fingers through his hair. “Apparently, I’m supposed to bring someone to her wedding. I checked plus one without actually having anyone so now I need a date to this wedding,” she explained in what felt like one quick breath.

Luke nodded slowly, “What suit should I wear?” he asked softly. Her eyes widened slightly as the corner of her lips curled upward. 

“Wait really?”

“I don’t have anything better to do,” he let out somewhat teasingly. Her soft smile widened as she giggled excitedly. She tapped her fingertips against his shoulder several times, joy pouring out of her frame. 

“Okay this is going to be so fun!” she said as she leaned away. “I might’ve forgotten a little detail,” she mumbled as she shyly looked down towards her lap. 

“What’s up, Y/N?” he asked while laughing.

“The wedding is in Connecticut,” she said while awkwardly twisting her rings on her hands again. 

“Doesn’t Anna live in Jersey?” he let out while laughing.

“I don’t understand it either but if we leave today, she has a hotel room that we can stay in,” she explained as she had a hopeful grin on her lips. He tilted his head back against the couch as he rolled his eyes playfully. 

He took a deep breath, “Let me guess you want me to drive?” he let out as he pursed his lips forward. 

“I can drive,” she said as she looked into his light eyes. Her cheeks suddenly heated up as she watched his gaze dip towards her lips for a second before lifting back up to meet her eye.

“I hate your driving,” he mumbled as he stood up from the couch. She scanned his frame for a moment before he held out his hand towards her. “Let me see your dress so we can try and match,” 

Looking up towards him, she fought a grin forming to her lips as she happily took a hold of his hand as he helped her up from the couch. Luke started walking towards her bedroom, still holding onto her hand as he guided her towards her room. Her eyes landed onto their hands, it felt as though electricity was coursing through her veins. 

After a few seconds, Luke pulled his hand away from hers to push open her bedroom door. Y/N awkwardly crossed her arms over her chest as she rested her hand against her own cheek. It was instant heat radiating from her skin. 

Luke was not a guy that put too much thought into the idea of physical touch. Holding hands for a few seconds didn’t mean anything to him. There was no other intentions, he swore. Luke walked towards the closet looking towards the light blue maxi dress and his eyes widened slightly.

He glanced towards her, his lips curled upward slightly. “That’ll look pretty on you,” he mumbled as he looked back towards the dress.

Compliments fell from his lips so easily that they didn’t have any hidden meaning. He was a gentleman afterall, compliments were him being nice. Not being interested in her. She knew that. She knew that. He was just nice, that’s all.

“Thank you,” she mumbled before taking in a much needed breath. “Do you have anything that can work with that?” 

He pressed his lips together as he tilted his head back thinking. He nodded as he met her eye. “I’ve got some options,” he mumbled. He pulled his phone from his pocket as he quickly took a photo of her dress. She furrowed her eyebrows as she smiled softly. “I gotta know if it matches,” he said nonchalantly as he ushered her to walk out of her bedroom.

“I’m going to finish packing while you do that,” she said as she stepped aside. 

“Okay, what time are we leaving?” he asked as he poked his head back into her room. His eyes scanned her frame subconsciously.

“Whenever we’re ready,” she mumbled as she still kept her arms shyly crossed over her chest. 

“Okay!” he called out as he walked down the small hallway towards the front door. Y/N rolled her eyes playfully as she took the dress and placed it into the suitcase very delicately. She was planning on bringing a steamer anyway, but she wanted to make sure it was perfect. 

Obviously, it didn’t need to be perfect. It’s not like she has anyone to impress, or leave speechless. 

An hour passed and Luke reentered her apartment, unannounced this time. He had rolled his suitcase next to her kitchen countertop as he leaned against it. His phone was vibrating in his pocket. Quickly, he pulled it out to see Jack was calling him. 

He brought the phone towards his ear, “Hey,” he let out softly. 

“How’s your break going?” Jack asked sarcastically. Luke chuckled while rolling his eyes.

“I’m actually getting ready to drive to Hartford,” Luke let out as he watched Y/N walk out of the hallway rolling her suitcase behind her. She smiled towards him as she switched her gaze towards her own phone in her hand. Luke continued to watch her, admire her frame.

“Connecticut?” Jack asked while laughing. 

“Yeah, Y/N needed a plus one for her old roommate’s wedding,” Luke explained. At the mention of her name, she lifted her gaze meeting Luke’s gaze. He smirked before he dropped his gaze towards the floor.

“Can’t wait to hear how that goes,” Jack said sarcastically. 

“Sharing a hotel room, huh?” Quinn chimed in.

“That sounds like it’ll be a good weekend,” Jack expressed teasingly. 

“I mean it’s been a long time coming, right?” Quinn shot back.

“Oh yeah, weddings have a lot of romance in the air,” Jack let out through laughter.

“Alright!” he said while laughing, “Goodbye, good luck tomorrow,” Luke forced out as he hung up the phone, silencing the eruption of laughter from his brothers. Luke shoved his phone back into his pocket as he looked towards Y/N. “Ready?” he asked softly as he awkwardly chewed on his bottom lip.

“I think so,” she expressed as she shoved her own phone back into her pocket. “Did you pick a suit?” she asked as she took a hold of her suitcase and began walking towards him. He nodded as he fought off a grin as he looke deeply into her eyes.

“I might’ve packed three of them,” he muttered as his cheeks pinked up. A soft chuckle fell from her lips as she walked up towards him.

“Of course you did,” she mumbled as she walked towards him. He scanned her features as he swallowed hard. “We’re going to have to get gas before we get going,” she offered. 

Nodding slowly, “No we don’t, I’ve got a full tank,” he offered as he pulled his keys from his pocket, dangling them in front of her face. 

Tilting her head to the side, she pursed her lips forward fighting a grin. She rolled her eyes playfully as she began walking towards the door. “Come on, Lukey,” she let out teasingly as she walked towards the door. He chuckled dryly as he followed after her, taking a hold of his own suitcase.

~~~

They only had thirty minutes left of their drive and it was safe to say this was her favorite road trip yet. Luke was an amazing driver, so she didn’t have an ounce of anxiety with him behind the wheel. She couldn’t say anything like that about Jonathan.

She was in control of the music. Luke didn’t mind because they had pretty similar music taste. She would sing along softly to the songs but if Luke was confident, and not so confident, in the lyrics he would sing loudly. He mostly did it to hear her giggle. Her giggle was everything to him. 

Rihanna was playing loudly in the car and Luke was trying to sing the lyrics, pretending to know what he was singing along to. She was laughing as she was singing along. He held his hand towards her and she happily dropped some pretzels into his hand. He tossed them into his mouth as he continued to dance slightly.

Through laughter, “You are an awful singer,” she mumbled out. He glanced towards her, smirking through a mouth full. He tilted his head back slightly against the head rest. “Like so bad,” she said while covering her mouth. 

“Well play something I know!” he said while laughing.

“Fine, fine!” she let out, “You listen to depressing country music, so if you want to kill the mood. Then I’ll play something you know,” she teased. He smirked as he nodded, urging her to change the song. “Depressing country music it is,” 

After a few seconds the song switched to Love You Anyway by Luke Combs. Luke smiled widely as he glanced towards her before he switched lanes. He held his hand towards his mouth mimicking a microphone. 

“If your kiss turned me to stone, I’d be a statue standing tall in Ancient Rome. And if your touch shattered me like glass–” he sang with a country twang in his voice. She giggled as she watched him sing as he bobbed his head back and forth to the slow beat. 

He was adorable as he continued to stare ahead, singing along to the song. He was right he did sound somewhat better. 

“There’s just some things that leave a man no choice. Like a compass needle needing it’s true north. Even if I knew the day we met you’d be the reason this heart breaks. Oh I’d love you anyway,” 

She fought the grin and the soft laughter falling from her lips. He was fully invested in a dramatic performance.  It was probably the cutest thing he’s ever done. 

He finished singing, looking towards her for some sort of approval. “Definitely better,” she said as she clapped her hands together. 

“Thank you, thank you,” he let out grinning as he pulled off on the exit. “Alright, I need a performance now,” he offered as he glanced towards her as they were waiting at a red light. 

“I don’t do solo performances,” she teased.

“Come on!” he begged as he tapped his steering wheel. “Please! I just sang my heart out,” he whined as he pouted his lips. Rolling her eyes playfully, she took a deep breath as she began to search for a song of her own. “Yes!” he cheered as he bit his bottom lip with a grin on his lips.

She pressed play on Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. She began to dance slightly as she brought her hand towards her mouth as she started singing, “I am unwritten. Can’t read my mind, I’m undefined. I’m just beginning, the pen’s in my hand,” she sang not too seriously. 

Luke was bobbing his head along as he watched her, he glanced in front of him as the light switched to grin. “Staring at the blank page before you, open up the dirty window. Let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find. Reaching for something in the distance, so close you can almost taste it. Release your inhibitions, feel the rain on your skin–” she continued to sing.

Luke was tapping along on the steering wheel as he was lip syncing. She was pretending to sing badly but even without trying she sounded beautiful. She was an amazing singer, something she always hid. It was beautiful. She was beautiful. Soon she put her hand in front of his mouth mimicking a microphone. He pouted before he sang the chorus loudly with her.

After another fifteen minutes, they finally arrived at the hotel. It was a short cab ride from the wedding venue. Anna’s family rented out the hotel so that all of their guests could have a room to stay in. Luke parked pretty far from the entrance since all of the guests were practically already there. 

She led the charge with her suitcase behind her. She was practically skipping towards the entrance. He rolled his eyes playfully as he followed after her. 

They walked into the lobby, she walked straight up towards the desk. Luke trailed behind her, glancing towards an entire lobby of people he had no idea who they were.

“Are you here for the wedding this weekend?” the desk attendant asked with a forced smile. Y/N nodded encouragingly. “Okay, name?” 

“Y/N Y/L/N,” she let out she glanced towards Luke as he walked up beside her, his shoulder brushed against hers.

“Perfect,” the desk attendant said as he crossed off her name on the paper in front of him. He spun around pulling the key cards from a collection. “Rooms are already assigned, here’s your keys,” he said happily as he handed the key cards towards Y/N and then Luke.

“Thank you so much,” Y/N mumbled as she glanced down to the card that said their room was 805. She switched her gaze towards Luke. “Ready?” she asked softly. He nodded as his eyes flickered all over her features. Her lips curled upward before she began to walk towards the elevator. Luke was following after her like a lost puppy.

She pressed the button for the elevator, “This is going to be so fun,” she said as she was practically exploding with excitement. 

“You really like weddings huh,” he let out as he continued look over her features. 

“I really do,” she let out happily as the elevators door opened. “Come on,” she mumbled as she walked into the elevator. Luke chuckled as he followed her inside. She pressed eight as she stepped back as the doors shut. 

His eyes were still admiring her features. He stared towards her lips, admiring the gloss and the soft smile on her lips. 

After a few seconds, she shifted her gaze to meet his eye. She watched his gaze flicker up towards her eyes. Their eyes remained connected without saying anything. Her eyes squinting slightly while her breathing was starting to quicken. Her lips parted as she was going to say something but the elevator dinged as the doors opened. 

At the same time their eyes shifted towards the brightly lit hotel hallway. Swallowing harshly they both began to walk into the hallway. He clenched his fist as he pressed his lips together as he followed her towards their room. She bit her bottom lip as she kept her gaze onto the floor.

She stopped in front of the room, staring at the 805 on the door. She dipped her card into the card reader, unlocking the door. She pushed it open as Luke rested his hand onto the center of the door holding it open for her. She smiled softly as she walked inside. Her eyes landed on the king size bed. One bed. 

A dry chuckle fell from her lips. Luke walked up behind her, placing his suitcase beside the wall. She dragged her tongue across her bottom lip as she stared towards the bed with a card on it.

Letting go of her suitcase, she reached towards the card. “Y/N and guest. Enjoy,” she read aloud fighting laughter climbing into her throat. “There’s a heart,” she said while chuckling holding it behind her showing it to Luke. 

He cleared his throat as he took the card from her hand. Staring towards the perfect cursive handwriting. “I can go see if there’s a different room available,” he mumbled as he kept staring at her name. 

“We can make it work,” she mumbled as she spun around meeting his gaze, “As long as you keep your hands to yourself,” she let out teasingly. He rolled his eyes as a sudden laugh fell from his lips. 

“Right back atcha,” he teased as he stepped around her, flopping down at the center of the bed. “What time is the ceremony tomorrow?” he asked as he adjusted the pillow beneath his head. 

“We have to be there by four,” she expressed as she rolled her suitcase beside Luke’s. She stood at the end of the bed staring towards him. 

“What?” he asked softly. She shook her head as she sat down on the edge of the bed, kicking off her shoes in the process. “How rich is Anna exactly? This place is nice,” he asked as he continued to look around the small hotel room. 

“Her family owns like Haribo or something like that,” she explained as she stood up from the couch, pulling her suitcase towards the bed. She quickly rested it beside Luke. 

“Actually?” he asked as he watched her unzip her suitcase. She flipped it open and instantly pulled out the dress. It cascaded down as she held it out in front of her. Luke’s gaze landed on the dress, picturing it on her gorgeous frame. 

“I’m not sure, I just know they own something,” she said while laughing. He smirked as she walked towards the bathroom door, hanging it from the top of the door. After a few seconds he stood up walking towards his own suitcase to try and decide what suit would be for the best. 

“Is there a specific color I should avoid?” he asked as he slammed his own suitcase onto the bed. 

“I would definitely say white–” she let out teasingly.

“No I mea–” he trailed while rolling his eyes playfully. “I’ve got a suit that would be perfect but it’s a cream or off white or whatever it’s called. But I don’t know if that would be weird,” he questioned. “I’ve worn it to other weddings but I don’t really know Anna and I don’t know if she would be mad.” 

She nodded as she watched him pull out the cream suit jacket, it was one of her favorites. Her lips curled upward just as there was a knock on their door. Her eyebrows fell into a harsh furrow as she walked towards the door. She looked through the tiny peephole to see Anna standing outside the door. 

Y/N smiled widely before she pulled the door open. “You made it!” Anna cheered excitedly, instantly wrapping her arms around Y/N. Loud giggles fell from her lips. 

Luke rounded the corner to see what was going on. Anna met Luke’s gaze while still hugging Y/N. “Oh my god,” she whispered as she pulled away. “He’s so much hotter than Jonny,” she said, “So much hotter,” she fanned herself.

Y/N eyes widened as she awkwardly chuckled. She pointed towards Luke as he laughed nervously too. “We’re not–he’s not–we’re just friends,” she explained while nervously crossing her arms over her chest. 

“I’m Luke,” he held out his hand towards Anna. She happily shook it. Anna’s eyes widened as she stared towards the one bed.

“Oh my god! I didn’t think–I just assumed. There’s no other rooms available. I’m sorry!” she said panickedly as she pointed towards the bed. 

“Oh that’s amazing suit jacket, that’ll be a great color on you,” she expressed genuinely before she looked towards Y/N.

“It’s okay, Anna. We don’t mind, it’s cool,” Y/N offered as she delicately rested her hand onto Anna’s shoulder. Anna stared towards her while taking in a deep breath. “We promise,” she muttered.

“Oh so that note was probably super awkward,” Anna mumbled. The three of them chuckled. Luke awkwardly pressed his lips together as he stared towards the ceiling.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket. Anna pulled it out to see her fiance, Brandon, texting her saying there was a few more guests arriving. 

“Okay, I have to go but I’m so happy you came! Lots of people I have to see and like no time. I love you, have fun this weekend! We’ll see you at the reception!” Anna expressed as she quickly hugged Y/N before smiling politely towards Luke.

Anna left the room nearly as quickly as she entered it. Y/N swallowed harshly as she forced a small grin towards Luke. “So, that’s Anna,” she mumbled. Luke laughed as he looked back down towards his suit.

“She seemed like she’s fine with the cream–off white– suit,” he let out awkwardly. She laughed as she pushed him slightly. 

“I’m starving, can we find a place for dinner?” she switched the subject quickly. He smirked for a moment.

“I’ll get to googling,” he offered as he flopped back down onto the bed.

~~~

They returned from the restaurant an hour ago and they were getting ready for bed. Luke was in the shower while she was steaming her beautiful dress. A dress she has been wanting to wear for almost a year. 

The TV beside her was playing a random episode of Friends. She listened along as she placed the hand held steamer onto the small desk beside her. She smiled towards it. Weirdly, the dress holds a lot of power over her. All she wanted was for it to be perfect. 

This weekend had to be perfect.

The shower turned off and she spun her head around staring towards the bathroom door. There was small amounts of steam coming from the small crack at the bottom of the door. 

“Oh shit,” she heard Luke say from the bathroom. “Dammit,”

Swallowing harshly, she bit her bottom lip. Almost instantly Luke pulled the door open. Steam poured out of the bathroom behind him. His hair was soaking wet. His body was only covered by a towel loosely around his waist. There were small droplets all over his frame. Her eyes widened as she scanned his frame. Her body froze as she suddenly felt weak looking over him. 

Her eyes trailed up his frame as she soon met his gaze. “I um–” he let out as he stepped towards her. “I forgot my clothes in my–” he mumbled as he looked into her eyes as he gripped the towel tighter on his waist. “My clothes are in my bag,” he let out softly as he continued to look into her eyes. 

Slowly, she nodded as a hum fell from her lips. He took a deep breath, his gaze dipping towards her lips. He cleared his throat as he slipped past her. Spinning around, she rested her hands onto the small desk beside her. Her hands clenched into fist as she let out a breath she was holding. Her shoulders slumped as she squeezed her eyes shut.

She could hear Luke rummaging through his bag. Her fist delicately hit the desk. He shuffled past her as he stepped back into the bathroom. She took a deep breath as she walked towards the bed. She sat down as her feet dangled off the end of the bed.

She took a deep breath as she stared towards the ceiling. “I can’t–” she mumbled as she swallowed harshly. It took another minute before he stepped out of the bathroom. This time a pair of black sweats and a lose black t-shirt on his frame. Her eyes widened as she kept her gaze ahead.

He walked around her as he laid on the bed. Luke leaned up on his elbow as he looked passed her towards the screen. Her body straightened as she took a deep breath. She could feel him laying behind her. She clenched her fist as she tilted her head back. 

“Y/N,” Luke let out.

She stood up from the bed instantly. “I’m going to shower,” she mumbled as she walked towards her suitcase taking a hold of her own set of pajamas before she walked into the bathroom. Quickly, she shut the door as she pressed her back against the door. She let out a huff of air as she shut her eyes again. Carefully, she placed her pajamas onto the bathroom counter.

She walked towards the walk in shower and turned it on. The water was already hot, steaming as it shot out of the shower head. Stepping back, she took the ends of her shirt and pulled it over her head and tossed it quickly towards the floor. Her breathing was fast as she took the remainder of her clothes from her frame. 

Without hesitation, she stepped into the shower. Letting the steaming water burn against her skin. Washing every thought out of her mind as she tilted her head back. Her eyes shut as images of Luke shirtless flashed into her mind. Swallowing hard, her eyes opened trying to push the image from her mind. 

Despite shoving the thought away it found itself back in her mind. Shutting her eyes, Luke’s body came back into her mind. The muscles that look like they’re sculpted by hand. 

Clenching her jaw, she forced her attention towards her body wash to shower as fast as possible.

It took another twenty minutes before she was done with her shower. Stepping out of the bathroom, her entire frame got hit with what felt like a wind of cold air as she reentered the tiny room.

Luke was scrolling on his phone as he was still sprailed out on majority of the bed. He lifted his gaze as he saw her walking towards the bed. “How was your shower?” he asked softly as he dropped his phone face down.

“What?” she forced out, her eyes widened.

“How was your shower?” he repeated slower. 

“Fine,” she mumbled as she climbed onto the bed, pulling her knees to her chest. Luke looked over her side profile, watching her brush her wet hair away from her face as she stared straight ahead. 

“What’s wrong with you?” Luke let out while laughing. Her eyes widened as she looked down towards him, he was still laying and leaning on his elbow. 

“Nothing, I’m fine. Wa–Water was hot, really hot,” she mumbled, swallowing hard. “Really hot water,”

“Yeah?” he let out as he smirked slightly. She hummed before she shifted her gaze back towards the TV, tapping her fingers against her knees. Luke nodded slowly before he climbed off of the bed. “It’s late,” he mumbled. “Are you cool if I turn off the light?” he asked as he walked towards the light switch beside the bathroom door.

“Yeah,” she muttered as she took a hold of the comforter and climbed under the covers. She laid facing the wall. Luke looked over her frame for a moment before he flicked the light switch off. He walked around the bed and laid onto his side again. He climbed under the covers as he was sitting up slightly. 

She tossed the comforter lower on her frame. Luke looked over her, watching her body rise and fall. He took a deep breath, tilting his head back against the headboard. He chewed on his bottom lip as he shifted his gaze towards the TV. 

“I’m gonna watch this a little longer, is that okay?” Luke ashed as he shifted his gaze towards her. Y/N adjusted the pillow beneath her head. 

“I don’t mind,” she mumbled as she forced her eyes shut, needing sleep to overtake her body. He nodded as he kept looking over her body. He took a deep shaky breath as awkwardly fidgeted with his fingers.

~~~

She woke up to the sound of her alarm blaring beside her. She stirred as she reluctantly reached towards her phone that was rested on the night stand beside her. Luke jolted awake before he rolled onto his stomach with a groan falling from his lips.

“Oh my god, turn it off,” he mumbled as he covered his head with a pillow. She chuckled softly as she turned it off. She snuggled deeper into her pillow as she rolled over to face him. Well the pillow that was covering his head. “Why is your alarm so obnoxious?” he questioned, his voice rasped as he spoke.

“How else am I supposed to wake up?” she shot back as she stretched her arms up. 

“To peaceful bird sounds and twinkley noises, not whatever the hell that was,” he expressed as he pulled the pillow from his head. He rolled onto his side to face her, holding the pillow against his chest.

“Is that really what your alarm sounds like?” she asked as she chuckled softly. 

“Absolutely, I like to wake up in a good mood,” he offered before he rolled onto his back, staring towards the ceiling. “Now I’m in a bad mood,” he muttered as he fought off a grin on his lips. 

“I can fix that,” she offered as she looked over his side profile. He swallowed hard as he shifted his head to meet her gaze. 

“Yeah?” he asked as his gaze lowered towards her lips briefly. “Fix it how?” he asked teasingly.

She watched his gaze meet her eye again. She pursed her lips forward as she stewed on it for a few seconds. “There’s a breakfast buffet downstairs that opens in ten minutes,” she offered. He smirked as he raised his eyebrows. He fought off a chuckle as he shifted his gaze towards the ceiling. 

“You do know the way to my heart,” he let out teasingly as he stood up from the bed, whipping the comforter off of his frame. She smiled teasingly before she followed in pursuit. “When do we need to start getting ready?” he asked as he turned on the sink while also reaching towards his tooth brush. She took a hold of hers as well.

“I want to show up by three-thirty, so shoot for that,” she expressed as she applied toothpaste to her toothbrush. 

“And you set our alarm for nine in the morning,” he let out while shaking his head. She chuckled as she rolled her eyes playfully. “Disrespectful,” he muttered before he began brushing his teeth while fighting off a grin.

After another ten minutes, they were walking side by side down in the lobby towards the buffet. 

His phone started vibrating in his pocket, he pulled it out to see Quinn was calling him. “I’ll meet you in there,” he expressed as he held up his phone, showing it to her. She nodded encouragingly before she entered the huge dining area.

He brought his phone towards his here, “Big day!” Quinn shouted into the phone. 

“Yeah, first game of the tourney, right?” Luke let out before taking in a deep breath. He spun around watching her search for an empty table. He watched her look towards his direction. He looked down towards the floor as his heart jumped into his throat.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever–not what I was talking about!” Quinn said while laughing, “Isn’t tonight the wedding of Y/N’s old roommate,” Quinn expressed.

Luke chuckled dryly as he lifted his head up again to look back in her direction. Yet she wasn’t where he last saw her. A small frown formed to his lips as he forced his gaze to the ground again.

“Did you seriously say whatever about the Four Nations Faceoff?” Luke questioned.

“You have been pining after this girl for almost a year and you two are going to a wedding. Where you are sharing a hotel room for fuck sake,” Quinn expressed excitedly.

“Quinn,” Luke let out while laughing. 

“Y/N inviting you to this wedding was practically handing you a condom. You just gotta use it!” Quinn said through laughter. Luke was sure he could hear Jack and a few other guys laughing in the background.

“I cannot believe you just said that!” Luke said as he tossed his head back, “What the hell does that even mean?” he let out while laughing, “You know what, I don’t even want to know! Good luck today,” 

“You too, big guy,” Quinn teased before Luke hung up the phone. 

Luke dragged his tongue across his bottom lip as he fought a grin. He tapped his thumb against the screen a few times before he shoved it into his pocket again. He lifted his head up as he began walking towards the dining area. Y/N was already sitting down, waiting for Luke. Her plate full of food. 

He walked towards her, delicately resting his hand onto the back of her chair. Tilting her head back, she met her gaze. “How’s he doing?” she asked softly. He took a deep breath as he bit his bottom lip for a second.

“He couldn’t care less I think,” Luke muttered as he glanced towards her food. “That looks amazing. I’ll be back,” he said walking towards the line. She chuckled to herself as she glanced behind her watching him walk away. He shifted his gaze behind him, quickly Y/N looked back down towards her plate; avoiding his gaze. 

Her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears. Shutting her eyes, an image of Luke standing in front of her. His body was only covered by the towel. Her gaze lingered on the muscles tensing from the cold air. All she wanted was to glide her hands across the lines of the muscles. Instead of him walking away from her, his hands took a hold of her cheeks desperately leaning towards her.

Forcing her eyes open, she swallowed harshly. She clenched her fist as she took a deep breath. “I can’t,” she reminded herself as she poked her food with her fork. “I can’t think about it,” she mumbled before she brought a forkful of food towards her mouth. 

She kept her gaze on her plate despite the incoming steps towards her. “Everything looked so good,” he offered as he sat down beside her. She hummed as she kept her gaze onto her plate. “Suprised you didn’t get coffee,” he muttered. She hummed again before shoving a bite of food into her mouth.

He nodded as looked over her features suspiciously. “Are you okay?” he asked again as he poked the scrambled eggs on his plate. She hummed again as she avoided his eye. He pursed his lips forward for a moment as he looked over her; avoiding his eye. “You’re doing that thing again,” he asked before he took a bite of food. 

Y/N furrowed her eyebrows harshly before she shifted her gaze towards him. “What thing?” she mumbled before she took another bite of food. He smiled softly as he took a deep breath.

“You go all quiet and avoid looking at me,”

“I do not,” she muttered lowering her gaze again, “I’ve been told I don’t shut up actually,” she shot back. He chuckled while rolling his eyes playfully. He continued to look over her features. Taking note of the soft grin on her lips as he watched her lift her gaze back up towards him. Tilting her head to the side, she met his eye. 

“Which is why it’s weird when you do the quiet thing,” he let out.

“Just eat your food,” she said as she kicked him under the table. He laughed before he took a dramatic bite of food.

~~~

The ceremony was starting in an hour and she only had thirty minutes left to get ready. A robe covered her frame as she was leaning into the mirror as she was applying the final touches of her makeup. 

Luke was standing beside her as he ran his fingers through his hair with some gel in his hands. He was almost ready, he was procrastinating on putting on the suit. It was something he’s always done before game days. Luke felt good for all of five seconds while wearing suits, so he avoided wearing them for as long as possible. But tonight was special. She loved that suit. 

She met his eye through the mirror as she pulled out her lip gloss from her travel bag. He smiled softly towards her as he rinsed the gel from his hands. She applied the gloss onto her lips as she continued to look towards him through the mirror. He smiled softly as he dried his hands off before he began to walk behind her. Delicately, he rested his hand onto the center of her back as he squeezed passed her. 

“I’m going to get changed,” he said softly as he slipped passed her. Her posture straightened as she pressed her lips together to even out the gloss on her lips. She hummed as she watched him walk out of the bathroom while delicately shutting the door. 

The light blue dress came into view. A soft smile formed to her lips as she looked over it. Y/N took a step back as she began to undo the robe. Slowly, she let it slip from her frame before she adjusted her matching underwear. Y/N reached towards the dress and pulled it off of the hanger as she began to unzip the dress and pull it from the hanger.

After a few seconds, she was able to pull it up her frame. Her eyes lit up as she put her arms through the thin straps. It remained unzipped in the back as she admired the color against her skin. Her eyes were brighter as she admired herself in the mirror. Blue was not usually a color she wore. Her business casual attire was constantly neutral tones only.

Her hair cascaded down her back as she glided her hands across her shoulders. Smiling to herself, she felt beautiful. She felt beautiful and sexy and the dress wasn’t even fully on yet. Reaching behind her, she took a hold of the zipper, she began to pull the zipper up her back. 

She was only able to get it halfway up but it began to squeeze her body in an amazing way. She turned to her side admiring the way the dress showed off each curve of her body. Her hands glided along her frame, the fabric was smooth against her hands.

It was everything she was hoping for and more. Except she couldn’t get the damn zipper up all the way by herself. She took a deep breath as she clenched her jaw as she attempted to reach for the zipper again. It moved a milimeter before she realized that she would need help.

The dress was perfect, her hair was perfect, her makeup was perfect. She was perfect. Tonight had to be perfect. 

Swallowing hard she glided her hands along the dress again before she took a delicate hold of the door handle and pulled it open. 

“Luke,” she let out softly. 

“Yeah?” he called back.

“Can you help me with something?” she asked as she took a step out of the bathroom. 

“Yeah,” he said as he walked towards the bathroom. Stopping short as his gaze scanned her frame. He bit his bottom lip as he continued to admire her. “Wow, you look–” he trailed off as he dragged his tongue across his bottom lip, “Gorgeous,” he muttered.

She took a deep breath as she smiled softly as her own eyes looked over his frame. The suit was cream colored with a hint of blue. It was such a unique shade of white that his eyes were the brightest she’s ever seen. His undershirt was more blue but it was still cream-like. He smirked as he watched her eyes look over his body. 

“I can’t get the zipper all the way up,” she said nervously. He nodded as he chewed on his bottom lip. “Can you help with that?” she questioned barely above a whisper. He nodded again as his eyes flickered all over her features.

It was impossible to speak. He was speechless. His gaze lingered on the clear gloss on her lips. Her beautiful lips that he hasn’t stopped thinking about. Her lips that he’s dying to feel on his. He forced his gaze to meet her eye. Her eyes squinted slightly.

Slowly, she spun around pulling her hair over her shoulder. Y/N took a deep breath as she felt Luke’s hesitant hands hover over her frame. It was electric as tension and desperation coursed through her frame. 

Her body straightened as he rested his hand delicately onto her waist as his other hand took a hold of the zipper that was nearly zipped up. Her eyes shut as her breathing picked up. 

He glided the zipper up her frame as his slender fingers grazed the smooth skin of the center of her back. It was fully zipped up and it fit her frame perfectly. His hand kept a hold of the zipper as he watched her tilted her head back slightly.

It was a moment that lasted longer than it should’ve. Him being that close to her and her unsteady breaths. His hand on her waist was twitchy and hesitant. Almost as if it didn’t belong there. It was intoxicating having him that close, her vision was blurring. Yet, it felt right. 

His fingertips glided down the center of her back before he reluctantly pulled his hands away from her waist. Her body instantly ran cold without his touch on her skin.

Luke pressed his lips together as he took a deep breath. Y/N turned around to face him. Her gaze stared towards his chest for a few seconds before she looked up and met his urgent gaze. 

“Gorgeous,” he let out barely above a whisper.

She smirked as she took a deep breath, “I was shooting for stunning, but I’ll settle for gorgeous,” she teased as she watched a wide toothy grin form to his lips. “You look handsome,” she offered as she scanned his frame again.

He nodded, “I was shooting for sexy but I’ll settle for handsome,” he shot back as she pushed him backwards while chuckling. His hands landed onto his collar as he was adjusting it. “Are you ready to head out?” he questioned softly. 

“I will be in like two minutes,” she mumbled as she walked towards her suitcase to pull out the white strappy heels that matched with the light blue. Luke sprayed himself with his cologne three times all over his body. She smiled softly as the smell took over the hotel room. It was the one she bought him for his birthday back in September.

It was a bourbon and oak cologne that she thought he would hate. It was sweeter than a typical men’s cologne. It had hints of vanilla. She thought that alone would force him to leave it on his shelf and never wear it. Except, he has worn it nearly every day since she bought it. 

Luke placed his cologne into his bag, watching her struggle to slip the heel onto her foot. He smiled to himself as he walked towards her, awkwardly holding his hands in front of her to help her. Meeting his gaze, she rested her hand onto his shoulder for stability. 

Once the heels were on, she met his gaze. His cheeks were pink as he was scanning her features. “And we’ve reached stunning,” he expressed. A shy smile fell on her lips as she pushed him away from her teasingly. 

Quickly, she pulled out her own perfume bottle from her own suitcase and sprayed it all over her frame. It was a beautiful mixer of rose and vanilla. “Okay, let’s go! We are going to be late,” she expressed. He chuckled while rolled hos eyes playfully. 

~~~

The wedding venue in itself was gorgeous. The ceremony side was outside. It was an old garden house that was refurbished into a wedding venue. It was covered in vines and gorgeous white and pink flowers. The floor was a shiny concrete that look slick and new. It was beautiful. Luke and Y/N were sitting beside one another near the outmost aisle.  She was sitting on the inside as he was awkwardly resting his hands into his lap.

The ceremony was going to start in a few minutes and she saw a few of her college friends walking towards her and Luke. Y/N smiled a wide grin. “Y/N!” Chloe cheered. Y/N stood up from her seat and happily wrapped her arms around Chloe for a hug. “I’m so glad you came!” she expressed as she pulled away.

“Me too,” Y/N mumbled as she pulled away. “Chloe, this is Luke,” she muttered as she pointed towards Luke behind her. Luke stood up as he adjusted his suit jacket. Chloe’s eyes widened as she nodded approvingly. 

“Ten out of ten,” Chloe let out teasingly. Y/N mouth fell open as she fought off a grin.

“Oh no, we’re just friends,” Luke interrupted as he delicately rested his hand onto the center of her back. Chloe’s eyes widened as she nodded slowly. She took note of the hand on Y/N’s back. “Nice to meet you,” Luke offered his hand towards her. Chloe quickly shook his hand. Sharing awkward glances between them.

Some music erupted inside of the ceremony room, signalling that everyone should get ready for the bridal party to come out. Chloe’s boyfriend jogged down the aisle of seats. Luke, Y/N, and Chloe all sat down in a row. 

Luke looked towards her, taking a deep breath. After a few seconds, she shifted her gaze to meet his eye. “Thank you,” she mumbled. 

His eyes squinted slightly, “For what?” he asked softly.

She smiled softly, “For coming with me,” 

“Of course,” he let out with a dry chuckle as the music switched towards the typical bridal music. Their eyes remained connected as the bridal party began making their entrance into the venue. “Y/N,” he let out softly.

Swallowing hard, she forced her gaze towards the bridal party. Awkwardly, he pressed his lips together as he tilted his head back.

The ceremony began with the usual wedding speech. The sun was starting to set behind the alter. From the glass being somewhat clear, it created a beautiful hue of orange and pink. Anna and Brandon were stunning. 

“Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it for forever. You don't have to have a ceremony to have a marriage. And when you think about it, the whole thing is kind of weird, right?” Anna’s brother began, who was officiating the ceremony. He continued on cracking a few jokes here and there. Anna didn’t want anything serious, her brother officiating the ceremony was the perfectw ay to make that happen.

“You fell in love by chance, but you're here today because you're making a choice. You both are choosing each other. You've chosen to be with someone who enhances you, who makes you think, makes you smile, and makes every day brighter. You're about to make promises to each other that you intend to keep. You're going to vow to take care of each other, to stand up for one another, and find happiness in the other.”

You’ve chosen to be with someone who enhances you.

Her gaze shifted towards Luke during the speech, his gaze was already on hers during it. Meeting his soft gaze, her lips curled upward. A barely audible chuckle fell from her lips as she tilted her body into him; bumping him. A toothy grin formed to his lips while he rolled his eyes playfully. 

The rest of the ceremony went by beautifully. Anna’s brother’s words were clearly something that Anna wrote for him to say. Anyone that knew him, knew he had to study those words. But it was beautiful and unique to Anna and Brandon. 

Anna could barely get through her vows. She spent most of her two minute speech, trying to stop crying. Through the tears, she was able to express all of her love and admiration for her partner. “My everything, my world. I want nothing more than to spend forever with you. I love you, B,” she concluded as she carefully handed the paper towards her maid of honor.

“Anna,” Brandon began as his voice shook, “There was a time in our lives where we were convinced that we were just friends. That part of our life lasted seventeen years. In case you guys didn’t know, we’ve been friends our entire lives because our parents we’re best friends. You’re my soulmate but I thought we we’re those platonic soulmates. That was until we went to prom as just friends and then I kissed you. So that whole just friends thing went right out the window.”

The entire ceremony began chuckling along as Anna rolled her eyes playfully.

“But you’re my best friend and the love of my life. I never thought that I would fall in love with the girl I’ve seen eat worms at the age of six or the girl who fell off of the monkey bars and broke her arm trying to impress the playground yard at the age of nine. I never thought that my best friend and I would fall in love. But everyone in our lives did. It was as if destiny refused to change our path, the path that allowed us to fall in love and stay in love. I want nothing more than to grow old and wrinkly with you. I am so in love with you Anna Julie Grimes,” 

Y/N tilted her head back slightly as her eyes began to get teary. God did she love weddings. Delicately, she raised her hand up and tapped away the tears that were fighting to fall from her eyes. She took a deep breath as she watched Anna wipe tears away from her face. 

Y/N sniffled as her lip quivered. Luke rested his hand onto her clothed thigh forcing her gaze towards him. She met his eye as she smiled shyly. He dragged his thumb across the fabric of the dress as she looked back towards Anna and Brandon. Luke kept his hand low on her thigh.

After a few more seconds, Brandon kisses his bride in the most dramatic fashion. He dips her back. Everyone began to clap and cheer for the newly weds. The bridal party began to walk down the aisle the same order they arrived in the ceremony. 

Anna and Brandon kissed several more times as the bridal party was leaving. Y/N wiped her tears again as she was smiling widely. As Anna and Brandon started walking down the aisle, all of the guests stood up and clapped as they walked out of the venue. 

Hesitantly, Luke rested his hand onto the center of her back. His thumb gliding along her skin. Her body stiffed, not used to his hands on her skin like that. She turned to meet his gaze, smiling softly. 

“You really love weddings, huh?” he let out teasingly. She fought off a smirk as she tapped beneath her eye again.

“I really do,” she mumbled as she looked into his soft gaze. He ran his hand back and forth slowly. Their eyes remained connected as they talked quietly about the ceremony in itself.

Chloe glanced down towards Luke’s hand onto Y/N’s lower back. A teasing smirk on her lips.

The reception started two hours ago and it was safe to say that majority of the guests were tipsy from the open bar. The food was incredible and now all of the guests were on the dance floor. There was not a single person sitting down. 

It was as if they were in a night club with everyone clustered together dancing and singing along to the songs that the DJ was playing. To her suprise, Luke was fully invested in dancing, she thought he wouldn’t want to partake. He looked ridiculous but she was convinced that she also looked ridiculous.

Resting her hand onto his chest, she leaned towards him, “I’m going to get another drink,” she whispered loudly into his ear. He nodded.

“I’ll come with you!” he shouted, a smirk toying to his lips. He held out his hand towards her and she gladly accepted it allowing him to guide her through the crowd towards the bartender. He was holding her hand tightly as he glanced behind him every time making sure she was okay. Every time their eyes met, her stomach erupted into butterflies.

Once they left the crowd, she thought that he would drop her hand. Except he didn’t. He kept a hold of hers as he slowed down. He stopped short waiting for her to walk beside him. 

They reached the bartop, the bartender immediately looked towards their direction. “I’ll take a beer and she’ll have–” he trailed off as he met Y/N’s gaze. Her mouth fell open as she looked into his eyes. His eyes were so bright despite the darken venue. She watched as his gaze lowered towards her lips as he bit his bottom lip. 

“Vodka cranberry please,” she offered as she forced her gaze towards the bartender. Slowly she slipped her hand away from Luke’s. His gaze immediately dropped down towards his hand without hers. He pressed his lips together as he rested both of his hands onto the countertop. She followed in pursuit as she bobbed her head back and forth to the Wocka Flocka Flame song in the background.

“Having fun?” he asked softly as he inched towards her. His shoulder bumped into hers.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” she mumbled. He smirked. She loved when he did that. His cheeks would also flush slightly every time his lips curled upward like that. Her heart would pound so hard against her chest. 

She was tipsy, her thoughts always toyed the line of what it would be like to kiss his perfect lips. A mental pros and cons list of what would happen if she did. 

The bartender slid over the beer and the short glass. Luke forced his gaze towards the bartender, sliding over a fifty dollar bill. The bartender’s eyes widened but he didn’t oppose on the tip.  

Luke brought the beer towards his lips, taking a long sip while making eye contact with her. She took the tiny straw towards her mouth, sipping urgently. 

He rested the beer onto the bartop as he reached up and unbuttoned another button of his undershirt. His cheeks were flushed red as his forehead was glistening with sweat. She didn’t slow down, desperate to intoxicate more and more of her thoughts.

His eyes widened slightly as he chuckled, “Woah,”

“Was thirsty,” she let out teasingly, the glass was empty and she happily placed it back down onto the countertop. 

“Guess I gotta catch up then,” he mumbled bringing his beer towards his lips.

“You’ll need like four more,” she let out. He shook his head while drinking it. The bartender wandered back towards the pair, looking towards her expectantly. “Can we have two vodka cranberries, please,” she let out. The bartender nodded as he began making the drinks again. 

Luke finished his beer, nearly instantly and placed it down. He leaned against the bartop on his elbow as he looked into her eyes. “This is crazy,” he let out as he pointed towards the dance crowd. Even Anna and Brandon’s older relatives were apart of the dance floor. 

“I expect nothing less from those two,” she explained while chuckling. Y/N brushed her hair off of her shoulders. Tilting her head back as she shut her eyes for a moment.

“If my wedding isn’t a party like this, there is no point,” Luke expressed as he looked towards Anna and Brandon dancing like no one was watching. Anna was scream singing in Brandon’s face. They were in love and it was so evident from how they were looking and dancing. Luke dropped his head towards the floor as he dragged his tongue across his bottom lip.

The bartender placed two of the short glasses in front of them. Y/N happily took a hold of it and instantly brought it towards her lips. He smirked before he brought the tiny straw towards his mouth. He took a cautious sip before he nodded. Shocked that it was good. 

“Alright, I need all of the couples on the dance floor for a little slow dance,” the DJ spoke as he slowly changed the song to Easy by James TW. Luke took another long sip before he placed the mostly dranken glass onto the countertop.

He held out his hand towards her. She squinted her eyes slightly as the corner of her lips turned upward. “Luke,” she let out barely above a whisper.

“We’re dancing,” he expressed as he let her take another long sip of her drink before she placed it down.

“Okay,” she mumbled as she took a hold of her hand. He guided her towards the dance floor where people were dancing together. Anna and Brandon were in the center while the couples surrounded them. They found a spot, where Luke dropped her hand waiting for her to initiate. 

A shy smile formed to her lips as she delicately raised her hands up and rested them onto the base of his neck. Her thumbs glided along the skin beneath his jawline as he slowly wrapped wrapped his arms around her lower back. His hold at first was hesitant but she slowly got closer to him. Subconsciously, she glided her fingers through the ends of his hair. 

“I’m surprised,” she muttered as her gaze flickered all over his features. His eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“About what?” he questioned softly.

“From your dance moves earlier, I assumed you had no rhythm but here you are,” she let out teasingly. A chuckle fell from his lips as his arms around her waist tightened, pulling her closer to him. 

“I have incredible rhythm, thank you,” he shot back. 

Soon her arms wrapped around his neck, getting closer to him. He smirked as he stared towards her lips. “Found a way to my heart now it’s like you’ve here the whole time, ‘cause girl, you make it, oh, so easy. Oh so easy to love you,” the lyrics rang loudly throughout the room. 

“Not as good as me,” she teased. He pursed his lips forward as he fought a grin while shaking his head. 

Their eyes remained connected for a while. She never wanted to look elsewhere. His blue eyes were so intoxicating as he didn’t look away. Usually by now she would look away, overly shy. But the alcohol in her system or his hands around her waist gave her the confidence to fully look into his gaze. There was something different with the steady gaze he gave her. 

His cheeks were flushed red while they continued to sway to the new slow song, This Love by Taylor Swift. She took a deep shaky breath while her lips curled upward slightly. 

Luke’s lips parted as he contemplated on saying something. One of his hands glided along the exposed skin of the center of her back. His thumb very delicately glided along her skin. Her body erupted with goosebumps.

“You’re my best friend, you know that right?” he let out softly. 

Her smile widened as she looked into his eyes while her heart jumped into her throat. All she could muster up was a nod as she rested her head against his shoulder. Words were impossible but being this close to him felt so right. He tilted his head against her head as they continued to sway back and forth to the lyrics.

“Been losing grip on sinking ships. You showed up just in time. This love is good, this love is bad. This love is alive back from the dead. These hands had to let it go free and this love came back to me,” the lyrics rang out.

Her eyes shut as she took in the familiar scent of the cologne he wore; every day since she bought it for his birthday. She could hear her heart pounding against her chest. 

They’ve never been this close, their bodies pressed against one another. Yet it was familiar, like their path allowed them to be this close. All she ever wanted was to stay in this moment, their bodies swaying in perfect sync.

“Y/N,” he mumbled against her ear. Slowly, she lifted her head off of his shoulder, their faces mere inches away from own another. Taking in a deep breath she pulled her hand back, gliding it along his neck before she took a hold of his cheek. 

Her manicured thumb glided along his cheek. Their noses bumped into one another as his breathing was uneven. Her lips curled upward slightly as her eyes shift upward, meeting his gaze. His eyes squinted slightly before she looked back down towards his lips. Her eyes fluttered closed, trying to obtain any amount of courage she has.

She couldn’t wait any longer while pulled him towards her. Her lips met his with so much need and desperation that Luke froze for only a second. His lips parted, deepening the kiss instantly.

His hands tightened along her waist as he pulled her against him, kissing her back instantly. His lips tasted like the vodka cranberry he just drank as his tongue met hers. Her entire body felt like fire while his lips were perfect against hers.  

There was no moment where they were trying to figure out what each other liked. It was as if they knew exactly what the other person wanted. He pulled back taking an urgent breath before he reached his hand up and tangled his hand into her hair as her arms wrapped around his neck.

A soft moan fell from her lips as her hands found his curls again. Her fingertips glided and tugged at the short curly pieces at the base of his neck. He pulled back, his eyes flickering open as he watched her lean towards him again. 

Looking around him, he noticed the other wedding guests. The reminder that they weren’t alone, surrounded by a hundred people he didn’t know. He chuckled softly as he raised his hand up, delicately brushing a few pieces of hair away from her face. She took a deep breath as she finally opened her eyes meeting his gaze. 

“Luke,” she mumbled out. 

“Can we–” he trailed off as she instantly nodded as her hands glided down his chest, gripping the suit jacket. 

He chuckled dryly as he stepped back, tilting his head back slightly. He grinned as she held out her hand towards him. He gladly rested his hand in hers as she began guiding him away from the crowd. 

Her gaze stared towards her phone in her hand as she was ordering an Uber to take them back to their hotel. After the order was placed, she raised her hand up towards her cheek, feeling the heat rising against her skin.

Luke admired her frame. Her hips swayed as she walked in front of him. There was an overwhelming sense of urgency in the way she guided him out of the venue. He was drunk but his mind was the clearest its ever been. 

She was everything to him. 

She’s everything that he’s ever wanted. 

She’s everything that he’s ever needed. 

They stepped outside, the Uber was nearly there. The cold air hit her skin yet her body was so hot it didn’t matter. She leaned against the wall outside of the venue and Luke stepped in front of her. Luke pulled his hand away from hers as he scanned her features. Looking up towards him as he took a hold of her chin. His thumb glided along her jawline as he looked into her eyes.

Her hands rested onto his chest for a moment before she glided her hands up towards his neck.

He leaned towards her delicately pressing his lips against hers. Her phone vibrated in her pocket as she reluctantly pulled her head back. His eyes flickered open as he glided his thumb across her swollen bottom lip. 

“Fuck,” he let out barely above a whisper. She smirked as she glanced behind him, noticing the car behind them.

“Uber’s here,” she mumbled. He hummed before he leaned towards her pecking her lips for a few seconds. He walked towards the Uber, introducing himself as they both climbed into the back seat.

The Uber took off to the hotel that was only a few minutes away while Luke reached over and took a hold of her furthest thigh from him. His hand was running along the fabric of her dress soothingly. 

Y/N tilted her head to the side looking over his side profile, admiring the redness of his cheeks. “Luke,” she mumbled. He turned his head to meet her gaze as the driver turned up the radio. He took his hand off of her thigh as he raised his hand up and rested it onto her neck. Luke pulled her towards him, kissing her so delicately before he leaned forward; pressing his forehead against hers.

It only took another minute before the Uber driver pulled up to the hotel. 

They climbed out of the car together. She began walking ahead of him. Luke glided his hand across his chin as his eyes trailed her frame. 

She glanced behind her, almost double checking that he was following after her. Of course he was. They entered the hotel lobby and walked straight towards the elevator. Luke pressed the elevator button several time before he reached towards her, taking a hold of he waist. 

Y/N giggled as her back pressed against his chest. He brushed a few pieces of hair away from her neck. She pressed her lips together as she tilted her head to the side. Luke pressed wet kisses along the side of her neck. Her breath caught in her throat as his hands wrapped around and rested onto her stomach.

The elevator doors opened and Luke instantly guided her into the elevator. Another giggle fell from her lips as she instantly pressed eight. He guided her towards the back of the elevator, forcing her body against the wall. A sudden gasp left her lips as she watched his swift movements. The elevator doors closed and he instantly took her lips with his. 

A rush of heat coursed through her body as he began to suck on her bottom lip. A breathy moan left her lips as he popped her lip out of his mouth before he devoured her lips once more. Her stomach tightened as pleasure coursed through her body. His body pressed against hers, desperate to get as close as possible.

The elevator dinged as it pulled open. Reluctantly, he stepped back, his chest rising and falling quickly as he scanned her frame. He grinned as he walked backwards holding his hand towards her. She smirked as she took a hold of his hand, letting him lead her towards their shared hotel room. 

Luke was pulling out the keycard from his pocket as he continued walking down the hallway. They reached their hotel room and he instantly unlocked the door.

The hotel room was nearly pitch black. Luke pulled her inside, a soft giggle fell from her lips. Her back pressed against the door as she met his gaze. Slowly, Luke pulled the suit jacket off of his frame while looking into his eyes. He tossed it towards the floor as he reached towards her taking her face in his hands as he continued to look into her eyes.

“Should we talk about this first?” he asked softly as he searched her gaze for answers.

Shaking her head slightly, she took a hold of one of the buttons on his undershirt. She began to unbutton his shirt, “I’d rather not talk,” she expressed as she tugged at his shirt. He stepped back, kicking his shoes from his frame as he continued to unbutton the shirt for her. 

Without hesitation, he pulled the shirt from his frame, tossing it to the ground. Luke instantly stepped back towards her, taking a hold of her cheeks as he devoured her lips. Quickly, she kicked off her heels as her hands glided along his newly exposed skin. 

He took a hold of her waist, guiding her away from the door, towards their shared bed instead. They tripped over his suit jacket over the floor, causing giggles to fall from their lips. She pulled her lips away from his as she glided her hand down his chest teasingly. His lips curled upward as his hands glided along her frame.

Slowly, she turned around, pulling her hair away from her back. He glided his fingertips across her upper back while he carefully took a hold of her zipper. Hesitantly, he rested his hand onto her waist. He didn’t tug the zipper down instantly, suddenly nervous. 

“Please,” she mumbled as she tilted her head back slightly. A soft blush formed to his lips as he tugged the zipper so slowly down her back. He glided his hand along the skin, toying with the clasp of her bra before he slowly pushed the straps of the dress from her shoulders. 

Carefully, still facing away from him, she pulled the dress frome her body. Stepping out of it, she kicked it away from them. Luke took a hold of her stomach pulling her back against him. “Luke,” she mumbled as he pressed wet kisses along her shoulder, towards her neck. He hummed against her ear before she slowly turned around to face him. His eyes widened as his gaze lowered. Her body was only covered by the lacy light blue bra and underwear. 

Standing so exposed in front of someone like this, she was used to overwhelmed. A wave of insecurity used to wash over her. But right now, she’s never felt so beautiful. Subconsciously, her arms began to cover her frame. Luke instantly took a hold of her arms, pulling them back down to her side.

His lips curled upward, seeing her like this; seeing her in a light that is only for him to see. He took a delicately hold of the strap of her bra, pulling it forward as he glided his hand down. Letting it clasp back in place. 

Her gaze was shifty, afraid to fully look into his eyes. He reached towards her, resting his hands onto her cheeks’ forcing her to meet his gaze. “So fucking beautiful,” he mumbled as his thumbs glided along the hot skin of her cheeks. He leaned towards her pressing his lips so delicately against hers. 

Slowly, she pulled away from him as she carefully sat down onto the bed. She looked up towards him, her eyelashes fluttering. He stepped back, unbuttoning his pants in the process as he grinned towards her. His chest was hurting from the intense unsteady breathing. She leaned back, scooting back on the bed as a soft chuckle fell from her lips. 

Without hesitation, his boxers the only thing covering his frame, he climbed on top of her. Their lips connected instantly. Her hands instantly found his curls as she tugged on the small strands. His hands started roaming her body, delicately gliding along her silky skin. 

“Luke,” she mumbled against his lips. He pulled back briefly before he began to trail wet kisses from her lips down her neck. She tilted her head back giving him more access. His tongue circled momentarily as slowly climbed lower down her frame. “What does this mean?” she found herself asking as her hands ran into his curls. He hummed against her collarbone as he toyed with the clasp of her bra. 

“I thought you said no talking?” he muttered as he looked up towards her as he unhooked her bra with one hand. She bit her bottom lip as she helped him pull her bra from her frame. “Just be here with me, right now,” he mumbled against her skin. “No overthinking, no thinking at all,” he pressed his lips against her collarbone. 

“Yeah, yeah; let’s do that,” she mumbled breathlessly. He chuckled against her skin, sending a vibration through her body.

~~~

It was early the next morning when she finally woke up. She stirred slightly, taking in a deep breath as her eyes slowly flickered open. Glancing down, she saw familiar hands around her stomach. She felt his lips, softly brush against her shoulder.

Flashes of last night entered her mind like photographs. The way his hands gripped and glided along her skin. His lips pressing and sucking against her skin. The breathiness of his voice and the soft moans coming from her own lips. Her vision blurring from the overwhelming amount of desire as he continued to make her feel so good. His lips and hands felt like they were meant to touch her frame, please her.

“Morning,” he whispered before he continued to brush his lips delicately along her skin. Slowly, she rolled onto her back, meeting his tired gaze. She raised her hand up and delicately glided her hand along his skin.

“So last night wasn’t a dream,” she mumbled while looking into his gaze. He smirked slightly as his fingertips glided along her skin of her back in an inconsistent pattern. Leaning towards him, she kissed him; mainly to see if the magic from her intoxicated mind was still there. 

As soon as his lips connected with hers, the sensation was almost more magical then the night before. She hummed as she pulled away, every ounce of tension in her body faded as she looked into his eyes.

“What are you thinking?” he asked softly as he continued to glide his hand along her skin. She shook her head as she began to kiss him again. He chuckled against her lips as she carefully push him onto his back. Her hand glided along his chest, the more she deepened the kiss. She could feel his heart pounding hard against his chest.

She pulled back, meeting his gaze, “What’s this?” she asked softly as her hand continued to carefully glide along his chest. 

“What?” he asked softly, a dry chuckle leaving his lips.

“Why is your heart beating so fast?” she asked. He glanced down towards her hand on his chest.

He smirked, “I can’t really control it,” he let out teasingly. 

“Do I make you nervous?”

“A little,”

“Why?” she asked softly as she continued to look into his eyes. His lips fell into a pout as he shook his head slightly. “Don’t be nervous,” she whispered.

“What are we doing?” he asked softly as he ran his hand across her cheek. His thumb gilded along her lower lip. Y/N hummed as she looked into his eyes deeply. She didn’t reply right away as their eyes remained connected. Simply enjoying the moment of them being this close. 

“Right now, I just want to stay like this,” she explained as she inched towards him, wanting his lips on hers again. Luke nodded as he looked all over her features, “I don’t want to talk about anything yet,” she mumbled. 

“But–” he muttered as he glided his hand to the base of her neck. Her lips fell into a pout. “We’re going to have to talk about it eventually,” he expressed. She nodded as he quickly leaned towards her kissing her desperately. 

“Okay,” she mumbled against his lips as he slowly climbed on top of her, a giggle falling from her lips.

~

They were only fifteen minutes from their apartment complex and neither of them have talked about what has happened. The music was loud and they were singing along to the  songs. Their hands were kept to themselves. Suddenly aware that the bubble they have been in since the wedding won’t last.

Reality was around the corner and wedding bliss was completely gone. The tension between them was high, she missed having his lips on hers. She knew that last night meant more. It was obvious to both of them that they had feelings for one another. But it was difficult to finally say the words.

Luke swallowed hard as he reached over and turned down the music. 

“I was listening to that,” she mumbled as she tilted her head to the side to meet his brief gaze. 

“Y/N,” he let out with a soft smile on his lips.

“I know,” she muttered while chuckling softly. “I just don’t know what to say,”

“I would maybe start with something like “Oh my god Luke, you’re like the best kisser ever,” or something,” he let out mocking her voice slightly. 

She barked out a laugh, “I would never say anything like that,” she teased.

“So it’s not true?” he said with a smirk.

“I would never stroke your ego like that,”

“Funny, you did a lot of that last night–”

“Luke Hughes!” she scolded smacking her hand against his shoulder.

“And this morning,” he let out, a teasing grin on his lips.

“Oh my god, Luke,” she let out again while shaking her head.

“There you go,” he teased.

She rolled her eyes playfully while looking back down towards her lap. Slowly, she spun the rings on her fingers as her heart was pounding so loudly. She chewed on her bottom lip as she searched for the right words.

Usually she would run. She hated confrontation or real conversations. Maybe that’s because Jonathan was never good at it. She was always afraid of speaking her real feelings, finding the right words.

Luke took a deep breath, realizing it was more serious than what he was letting on. It was important, this moment was important. Probably not perfect timing on his part because all he wants to do right now is kiss her. Except he was flying down the expressway going eighty miles an hour. 

Y/N fist clenched as she shook it slightly. She tilted her head back, staring towards the car in front of them. “I am not good at this,” she muttered while letting out a long breath. 

“What do you mean?” he asked softly as he glanced towards her for a second.

“I’ve only been in one relationship and it was bad. Not even just at the end. It wasn’t good from the start. I don’t know what’s good. I don’t know how to be–” she trailed off as she dropped her gaze towards her lap. “I know but I can’t say it. I don’t know how to say it,”

“I don’t know either,” Luke let out while taking a deep breath, “But I do know that I am in love with you,” he forced out. His eyes widened slightly as his mouth forced shut. He stared ahead as he pulled off the exit towards their apartment. Her lips curled upward as her heart jumped into her throat.

“In love?” she asked with a smile. 

He scoffed before he let out a sudden laugh. “Don’t pretend like you didn’t know,” he teased as they pulled up to a red light. Their eyes finally met as he tilted his head to the side.

“I’m not pretending,” she mumbled, “I thought–I didn’t– I thought you were just…” she stopped talking as she continued to look into his eyes. “In love?” she asked a grin toying to her lips. 

“I thought I was obvious,” he let out teasingly as the light switched to green. He forced his gaze ahead. “Like embarssingly obvious,”

“And how were you obvious?” she questioned teasingly.

“Well there was the constant flirting with you,”

“It was not constant,” 

“It was almost all of the time, actually,” Luke let out while chuckling.

“Maybe you’re bad at flirting,”

“Maybe you’re oblivious,” he turned his head meeting her gaze as they landed at another red light. “I was kind of just waiting until you were ready,” 

“Ready for what?” she asked softly.

“Ready for this,” he muttered as he leaned towards her, kissing her desperately for only a few seconds. He kept his hand onto her cheek, gliding his thumb across the skin momentarily before he pulled away from her.

“We need to get home,” she mumbled as she tilted her head back as she bounced slightly. Her body was full of adrenaline as she saw their apartment complex straight ahead.

“Yeah?” he let out teasingly as he drove ahead. All she come muster up was a hum as she chewed on her bottom lip. He pulled into the parking garage towards their apartment complex. He parked his car in his parking spot and instantly climbed out of the car. She followed in pursuit. 

He jogged around towards her side of the car, looking deeply into her eyes. Luke stepped up towards her as her back pressed against his car. Her heart jumped into her throat as she looked into his eyes. 

He reached his hand up and delicately took a hold of her cheek, “I’m in love with you,” he whispered again. Her lips curled upward as she scanned his features. 

“Yeah?” she teased. He rolled his eyes playfully, shaking his head slightly before he leaned towards her kissing her urgently.

Her hands instantly found his hair again, pulling him closer if it was even possible. “I’m in love with you too,” she mumbled against his lips. 

He pulled back as he tilted his head to the side, “Thank god,” he mumbled before he devoured her lips once more. 

[kquil]

REMUS LUPIN | TEMPER

sum. : remus is usually a grump, as dismal as a cloudy day and you're his sunshine, whether he accepts it or not -- he denies it vehemently until his sensitive nerves make him lash out the day of a full moon

length : 2.2k

tags. : grumpy remus ; sunshine reader ; opposites attract ; angst with a happy ending ; remus is a meanie ; reader is stubborn ; a little ooc remus lupin ; fluff ; angst

navi. | more remus lupin

Remus thinks you’re strange. He didn’t know of you until you made yourself known to him, wearing the brightest smile he had ever seen on a person. It was like the sun breaking through a stubborn wall of clouds on an otherwise dismal day. He wasn’t usually the extroverted type, especially with Sirius, James and Peter as his best mates so he was surprised that someone like him managed to catch your eye.  

He was perfectly fine with being a silent presence in his close group of friends, appreciating them for their companionship despite knowing of his ‘furry little problem’. He hardly interacted with others outside his small group and preferred it that way. So when you suddenly appeared before him, he didn’t know what to do with you. 

You had a horrible preference for appearing whenever he was reading in the library – something he enjoyed for academic and recreational purposes. James, Sirius and Peter never understood his fondness for reading so left him alone whenever he simply wanted to read. He was more than comfortable with having only himself for company until you started sitting with him. That was how you first got to know each other or, rather, how you made him your ‘friend’ but not by choice. 

“What are you reading there?” your chirpy voice cuts through the silence that first day. Hoping you weren’t talking to him, Remus ignored you and, instead, brought his book closer to shield his face. “Hello?~” you sang softly after a beat of silence and he could hear the smile in your words. Finally, Remus looks up but only spares you a brief once-over. He was being rude, yes, but so were you for interrupting his reading. Remus also couldn’t stand seeing your bright and sunny gaze for longer than he’d be willing to stare directly at the sun. He’s half convinced he’d burn himself if he looked at you too long.

“Frankenstein,” he answers quietly, hoping you’d leave soon enough… but that was wishful thinking on his part. 

“Oh! A muggle book? That’s pretty cool.” there’s a pause after Remus gives an acknowledging grunt but nothing more. Please go away!  He remembers pleading to himself as he tried to find where he last left off – you were too distracting, “May I sit with you?” Remus goes to give you a judging look but you’re already sitting in the seat across from him when he looks up. He glares at your happy disposition, unaffected by his obvious disapproval, much to his irritation. His annoyance flares sharply as he emits a low growl from deep within his chest but there’s no response from you. You’re as immovable as a mountain. He has no choice but to accept his fate and does his best to ignore you in favour of reading. 

However, in doing so, he had deeply underestimated how determined you were to disturb his peace. 

From his periphery, he sees you pausing in your own reading to stare blatantly at him from across the table. Your first few attempts were, somewhat, sneaky but, over time, you eventually gave in to an obnoxious stare. Remus felt like he couldn’t turn a single page without you eyeing his long fingers. Your eyes peek out from over your book and Remus has to fight himself to keep from getting lost in your curious, twinkling eyes. 

“What do you want?” he snaps agitated and suppressing the horrible urge to grind his teeth menacingly at you. A disguised effort to resist your infuriating charms. Someone this annoyingly persistent shouldn’t be so adorable. 

“Sorry, I umm…. I just wanted to know what your Frankenstein book was about…”

You were polite and sweet with the decency to appear, somewhat, ashamed of your behaviour —it was very cute— but that only seemed to rile Remus up even more, “Read it yourself.” he snaps again and continues reading. 

He doesn’t feel bad for snapping at you, which is why he avoids your gaze entirely. In his efforts, he manages to make more progress with reading and doesn’t realise how much time has gone by until the ache in his neck makes him look up and see you asleep atop the table. Rolling his eyes, Remus packs his things and leaves you to return to Gryffindor Tower — he’s not a babysitter so he shouldn’t feel guilty and he shouldn’t look back. But he does alert the librarian about your presence so that she gets you up instead. 

Remus doesn’t see you until a few days later when you happen upon him in the library and disturb his peace once again. When he looks up this time, however, his eyes manage to linger on your smile before you direct his attention to a copy of Frankenstein in your hand. It makes him raise a brown in silent question. 

“I got the book to read as you suggested,” you ramble on more than is necessary. At least your voice isn’t super annoying, it’s actually quite nice to listen to, “I haven’t read much yet but it’s really good so far. It’s not like anything I’ve ever read before. You have a really good taste in books,” by this point, Remus has already buried his attention back into the pages of his current book and tries to zone you out with only minimal success, “May I sit with you?” that question immediately catches his attention and he almost snaps his neck in half, looking up to firmly reject your attempts. 

“No–!” but he was too late as you were already sitting down and smiling innocently from your seat across the table. He frowns deeply and sighs loudly, making his annoyance obvious but you’re unbothered and already have your book open. His eyes narrow, perplexed at how someone can act so brazenly. He notices the stray hair that falls out of place, the slight crookedness of your collar, the focus in your eyes, the softness of your skin and the gentle curve of your face… You’re so annoying! “What edition do you have?” he suddenly asks, his voice rough and disinterested as if he couldn’t care less whether you answered him or not. He wasn’t interested at all; he just needed to desperately put an end to his earlier train of thought. Hopefully, your response would irk him again and he could return to being rightfully irritated by you. 

“Oh um…” you flick to the very first page of the book, “I have the 1818 edition, why?” you’re smiling sweetly and he scoffs, turning his head away. His ears had become a bright pink beneath his hair. 

“No reason…” The two of you return to reading your individual books while Remus hopes you don’t register the subconscious hum of approval he let out. He’s only happy you’re reading the original, unrevised version. 

⋅˚₊‧ ଳ ‧₊˚ ⋅

The two of you have become an unusual pair that is often seen around Hogwarts. Many have criticised you for always trailing behind the tall Gryffindor, and despite his cold, impartial disposition towards you, Remus is the first to put an end to such ‘annoying’ talk. 

“Stop talking about things you hardly know anything about,” he would often use his tall height to glare down at those same, clueless people, demeaning them further. And, although that should have been the end of it, many persisted to the point where James, Sirius, and Peter also stepped in when neither of you were around to defend your unusual pairing. 

“Thank you, Remus,” you would chirp at him but receive no response in return. It was odd that, despite his cold shoulder, you persisted. Always wanting to be his friend, always smiling so easily, always greeting him with a friendly tone. It didn’t make sense to him. 

Deep down, Remus wants to keep you. He thinks you are adorable; you are a shining light to a monster like him, and he knows he doesn’t deserve it. Whenever you stand particularly close to him, he savours the warmth you radiate. And whenever you talk, no matter if it is nonsense, he always listens, even if he pretends to ignore you by doing something else entirely. He keeps you at a distance but also wants you close at the same time – he was confusing even himself! 

He was grateful for your consistency, however. Grateful until the week of the full moon. 

You are consistent, and that was something Remus always appreciated about you. But it has become Remus’ main point of irritation for the past few days. Everywhere he looked, you were there, smiling brightly as always, but his sensitive nerves have grown intolerant of you; as soon as he sees you approach, he turns away and hurriedly escapes your company. It scares him to feel so genuinely irritated by you that he doesn’t dare lash out. In the beginning of his friendship with the Marauders, he had lashed out at them too, but their determination for a close bond kept them together. He knows how persistent you can be, but losing you is a thought that makes his blood run cold and leaves an awful taste in his mouth, worse than any potion. 

True to your character, however, you manage to corner him after three days of avoidance, the day the full moon would finally appear in the night sky. It was only a matter of time, but why today of all days? 

“You have the worst timing…” Remus mutters to himself as you innocently tilt your head in question. Usually, as perceptive as he is, Remus would have answered your silent question by now, but he remains silent. The still pause stretches on between you, and Remus uses it as the perfect opportunity to turn away and begin walking off. However, you are adamant about not letting him leave and hug his arm to anchor him down — this is the closest the two of you have ever been. Although Remus never raised a hand at you, his violent flinch to escape your touch makes your heart stop. “Don’t. Touch. Me!” he growls lowly through clenched teeth, his expression making you freeze up. 

“I-I just…” Under his intimidating gaze, you deflate and confess honestly. “I missed you…I haven’t seen you in three days, and you’re my friend. I was really worried. Did I do something wrong?—” 

“If I walk away, then that means I don’t want you anywhere near me!” Remus glares coldly at you, his face crumpled into one that completely replaces his once gentle features. He is unrecognisable. “Leave me alone!” With that, he turns and leaves, a boulder in his stomach and a bitter taste in his mouth, with the still silence ringing in his ears. He needs to get a hold of himself; he can’t believe he lashed out at you like that. Hopefully, you will leave him alone from now on, at least until after he has recovered from his transformation. 

Remus was halfway down the hall when the silence was finally broken by a soft sniffle and a suppressed whimper. He stops completely in his tracks. He dreads turning around, frozen in place in his fear that he had made you cry. The soft footfalls that follow as you walk away prompt him to turn and rush to you, desperate to correct his mistake. 

“I’m sorry!” he shouts, his heart thundering in his chest as he runs to you. It isn’t until he sees your heartbroken expression and the tears falling from your eyes that he drops to his knees and hugs you around the waist, burying his face in your stomach as he repeats his apology over and over. It is overdramatic, in hindsight, but in the moment, he can’t think of any other way to keep you from completely turning away from him. His lycanthropy has taken so many things away from him, and now he is about to lose the one thing he would fall apart without. “I’m sorry…I didn’t mean it. Please forgive me, love,” 

Never before had you heard such affection in Remus’ words than in that moment. You don’t know what compelled him to be so incredibly mean, but his softened, pleading eyes, as he looks up from where he presses his cheek against your torso, have your knees weakening. 

⋅˚₊‧ ଳ ‧₊˚ ⋅

Ever since that day, Remus was found to be always trailing after you, always touching you and eagerly leaning down to hear you better. He loves peering intimately into your beautiful eyes and getting to smell your sweet fragrance. He now insists that you sit in his lap every time you join him to read in the library together. Feeling you close and getting the chance to hold you in his arms is an addictive feeling that Remus will never tire of. 

“Let me carry that for you, love,” Remus’ soft whisper has you hypnotically handing over your books as heat rises up your neck, “I’ll make you to class, today,”

“You walk me to class every day, Rem,” you giggle and smile as he presses a kiss to your temple and nuzzles your crown affectionately. 

“What about it?” there isn’t a trace of malice in his voice, only warmth. 

“Nothing~” he doesn’t let you go easily. Before you begin walking to class, he holds your chin and tilts it up ever so slightly, guiding your lips to meet his own in a soft kiss. 

“Good morning, sweetheart,” his loving eyes and soft words make you melt. You’ve never had a more perfect morning.

“Good morning, Rem,” 

navi. | more remus lupin

a/n : this is dedicated to my darling friend @cheriiepies who's birthday is new years! i hope you enjoy this short imagine/oneshot, my lovely! i just hope i managed to include everything you wanted to me to include. and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE! I hope you're surrounded by all the love and happiness you deserve on your special day!

[bloatedandalone04]

Every New Year

➪the one where you and drew share your fourth new years kiss, and it quickly becomes something more heated.

Warnings: fluff, smut, unprotected sex, dirty talk, oral (f receiving), multiple orgasms, swearing, alcohol consumption, pda if you squint a bit. | Can be read as a part 2 to this fic.

Word Count: 1.8k

Do not repost this anywhere, reblogs are fine ♡ | Happy New Year !

It was New Years Eve, and you and Drew had been invited to a mutual friends’ New Years party. It was almost time for the new year to come, and Drew was stumbling a bit from how much he had to drink tonight as he looked around for you. 

He hadn’t seen you in at least half an hour, and it was getting closer and closer to the countdown. You’d been Drew’s New Year kiss for the last three years, he’d be damned if he missed out on the fourth one just because he couldn’t find you. 

But then when he turned the corner and entered the living room of the penthouse the party was being hosted in, he saw you tucked away in the corner, a lazy, tipsy smile on your face as you swayed a bit to the music that was blasting through the speakers. 

You looked so pretty, Drew felt his throat tighten up a bit as he maneuvered his way through the crowded space to get to you. Your dress fit you just right and showed off all the curves he knew off by heart, and he bit his lip as he approached you. 

“Hey, baby,” he said, his deep voice clearly heard over the music and cheers. “I was looking for you.” he added, wrapping one arm around your waist as he finished off his drink.

“Well, you found me. Here I am,” you murmured, looking up at him with a smile on your face as the party goers grew more rowdy. You leaned up and nuzzled your face against his neck, inhaling his familiar and addicting scent as you let out a content sigh. “I can’t believe how fast this year went by. Feels like I can’t keep up with it. But I’m glad I have you with me through it all…you keep me grounded.”

Drew smiled down at you, running his hand up and down your back as he held you close. “Me too, babe. Every year with you gets better and better,” he said back, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of your head. 

The countdown began shortly after that, and he pulled you even tighter against him, his fingers bunching up your dress a bit as he looked down at you. The noise of the party faded until all that was left was the faint chant of numbers, and when it became midnight, Drew leaned down and kissed you deeply. 

When he pulled away, he was grinning down at you. “Happy New Year, pretty girl,”

“Happy New Year, baby,” you say back, smiling at him as you wrapped your arms around his neck. You leaned up on the tips of your toes and kissed him again, tasting the faint remnants of alcohol that was lingering on his lip and tongue. “I love you.” 

Drew groaned softly into the kiss, his arms tightening around you. “I love you too, baby,” he murmured, his hands sliding down to grip your waist and pull you hard against his body. His fingertips dug gently into your skin before he leaned further down and gave your ass a firm squeeze, his other hand tangling in your hair. “You know what I want to do to ring in the new year?”

You hummed, your teeth sinking into your bottom lip as you leaned in closer to him, matching his intense gaze with one of your own. “Tell me,”

Drew smirked, peppering soft kisses along your neck. “I want to take you home, get you naked, and fuck you hard. Maybe I’ll even eat you out before, just for fun,”

And that was how you found yourself under him on the bed half an hour later, and his hands all over your body once he stripped you from your dress. “Fuck, I want to start every new year like this,” you mumbled, tipping your head back on the bed as you pulled at his shirt. 

He smirked against your neck, his tongue poking out to run along your collarbone before he sat back and pulled off his t-shirt. “Every fucking year,” he agreed, unzipping his jeans and pushing the restricting fabric down his legs so he’s only left wearing his boxers that were a lot more tighter now than they were when he first put them on. 

His hands reached around your back and unclasped your bra, and he tugged the lacy material away from your chest, his eyes darkening as his hands ran over your exposed breasts. 

“Fuck, baby, you’re so beautiful,” he muttered before he leaned down and captured one of your nipples between his teeth, flicking his tongue over the hardening peak greedily. 

Your hands flew to his hair, your fingers tangling in the strands as you leaned into his touch. “Drew,” you gasped, wrapping your legs tighter around his waist as you writhed under him. “I need you. I need you so bad.”

He pulled away from your chest, his eyes dark with desire as he braced one hand flat on the bed beside your head. “Need me where, baby? Here?” he rasped, running the tips of his fingers along your collarbone before his palm covered one of your breasts. “Or…here?”

You were whimpering as you tried pressing your thighs together to create friction, but his hips were in the way. “Drew…”

“Or maybe…here?” he continued, his hand sliding down your body until his fingers dipped under the waistline of your soaked panties. His lips curved upwards when he felt the wetness of your folds coat his hand, “Mm, I think you need me right here.”

Drew hooked his fingers in the fabric and slowly pulled it down your legs, tossing it aside to reveal your glistening core. You were now completely bare to his greedy eyes, and he let out a groan as he settled his head between your thighs, his fingertips grazing your clit. 

“You’re so fucking wet for me,” he muttered, glancing up at you as you writhed above him. “I need to taste this sweet pussy, baby.” he added, then he was leaning in and tasting you all over. His tongue poked out and spread your folds, a deep groan leaving the back of his throat as he savored your taste. 

His big hands were holding onto your thighs, keeping you spread open as he devoured you like a man starved. His teeth grazed your clit, making your body twitch a bit as you pulled at his hair. “Drew,” you whined, bringing your legs up and draping them over his shoulders. You subtly bucked against his face, pushing your soaked core closer to his skilled mouth. “So good…”

Drew moaned against your pussy, the vibrations adding to your pleasure as he licked you all over. “That’s it, baby, ride my face,” he encouraged, his hands moving up to grip your waist as he guided your hips into a slow roll. His nose bumped against your clit with every lap of his tongue, making your moans grow louder in volume as you ground your body against him. 

He sucked harshly on your clit, and you let out a loud cry as your body trembled, your high washing over you in one big, warm wave. Drew lapped and licked at your pulsing pussy, tasting everything you offered until your body finally stilled. He lifted his head from between your thighs, his chin and lips glistening with your arousal. 

“You’re so gorgeous. So perfectly fucked out,” he groaned, pressing a soft kiss to your inner thigh. After he placed another gentle kiss to your sensitive clit, he sat back on his knees and pushed down his boxers, freeing his hard cock. He gripped your knees, pushing them wider apart as he ran his tip along your wet folds, making your body jolt from the sensitivity. 

Then he moved forward and buried himself inside you, stretching you deliciously around his cock. You let out a sharp gasp, your back arching as your hands reached up and grabbed onto his wrists. “Fuck,” you moaned, your eyes wide as you gazed up at him. One of your hands moved to press flat against his abs, and you could feel them tense and flex under your fingertips. “God, Drew…”

His grip on your knees tightened as he began to move, pulling out until just the tip remained before he drove back in. “Fuck, you feel so good. So tight and wet for me,” he groaned as the sound of your bodies coming together filled the room. He released one of your knees and reached down to rub your clit, feeling the puffy bundle of nerves throb against his fingers. “Come on, baby, I know you can take it.”

Your eyes fell shut, your back arching even more as your whole body trembled. His words went right through you, and you clenched around him tightly. “Fuck,” you cried, your chest heaving with heavy breaths and pants. “Feels so good, Drew.”

“Yeah, babe, squeeze me just like that,” he groaned, his voice strained a bit before he leaned down and kissed you deeply. His tongue brushed against yours as he continued to fuck into you, and the clash of teeth and sharing of saliva only fueled both yours and his desire. His other hand groped one of your tits, his thumb and index fingers pinching and pulling at your nipple as he let out harsh pants against your lips. “Fuck, I’m close.”

You whined and clung onto his shoulders, your eyes squeezing shut as you felt yourself get close again as well. “Me too,”

And a few more thrusts was all it took before you came hard, your pussy clamping down tightly around him as you let out cries of his name. Drew buried his face against your neck as he came too, filling you up and marking you as his from the inside out while he grunted against your skin. 

After a few seconds, he lifted his head and looked down at you with a lazy smirk on his face, his eyes dark and hooded as he leaned in and pressed a much softer kiss to your lips. “Love you,” he mumbled, wincing slightly when he pulled out. A trail of white followed and dripped down your thigh, and Drew gathered some on his fingers before bringing them up to your mouth. 

You smiled up at him, a thin layer of sweat on your body as you leaned in and wrapped your lips around his fingers, taking the digits into your mouth with a soft groan. “Mm,” you moaned, cleaning his fingers of his cum as you held eye contact with him. “Tastes so good, baby.”

Drew hummed, leaning down to kiss you again once he pulled his fingers from your mouth. “You’re the sweetest thing,” he mumbled, his nose bumping against yours before he kissed you again and rolled onto his back, taking your still shaking body with him as he went.

[r1m4nc3rre]

#ADORE YOU

"I'd walk through fire for you, just let me adore you."

- adore you, harry styles

player 120 | cho hyun-ju x female reader

cont. fluff, light angst

DEEP down, you knew she's the one. The person who you want to spend your life with till you take your last breath.

Cho Hyun-ju is an angel sent from above you're certain. It doesn't matter what other people say— you don't care.

They wouldn't understand you.

They would never see her the way you see her.

They'd never feel the bliss of knowing you now belong to the woman you've pursued for so long despite the hate you received from others.

But they're not your priority. Your priority is none other than the love of your life, Cho Hyun-ju.

You turn your attention to your girlfriend, admiring her every move as she works through the kitchen, making breakfast for the both of you. Seeing her skillfully flip the pancakes, you couldn't help but awe at how talented she is.

Some might say it's basic skills, but to you, it's not. That's a talent.

Unable to hold yourself back, you slowly made your way in her behind without her noticing, you held her in a tight embrace.

You felt her tremble, obviously startled at the sudden hug, making you giggle, "Sorry, babe. Did I surprise you?"

Cho Hyun-ju's thoughts were preoccupied while she was flipping the pancakes. The sudden hug she received from behind almost made her instinctively defend herself.

But then, she heard your giggling voice.

Hyun-ju released a sigh of relief, setting the spatula she was holding aside. She turned around, her face coming into your view.

Her eyes drifted from your eyes down to your swollen lips, to your neck littered with fresh red marks. Just the sight of them made her vividly recall everything that happened last night. She almost felt sorry for you— but then she remembered it was you who begged her to do it. But she couldn't help but feel sorry for you.

Maybe, she should've at least held back a little.

Hyun-ju had the urge to kiss those lips of yours again. But to her disappointment, the sound of your phone ringing echoed through the kitchen, interrupting the intimate moment the two of you were sharing.

Her eyes drifted to the table, her gaze stuck at the name of the caller being displayed on the screen of your phone.

It's that bastard, Su-bong.

You met him once at the baby shower of your best friend, Jun-hee. The asshole started flirting with you despite Hyu-ju being with you all the time.

Ever since he learned your name, he wouldn't stop bothering you.

Although you already rejected the man multiple times, telling him you have a girlfriend, he seems to not care at all as he remained persistent on pestering you. And you were starting to lose your patience. Especially when the man just ruined your moment with your partner.

Pulling away from Hyun-ju, you picked up your phone, declining the call.

Wait, did you just block the guy?

You nodded your head in satisfaction, regretting that you didn't do it much sooner.

"There, no more interruption."

You turned around, returning back to your previous position as if it's where you should be— which is right in her arms.

Then you see it, the hesitation in those beautiful eyes of hers. Was she doubting herself again?

You were offended that she'd think you'll like someone like him. But the thought of her doubting herself made you frown in discontent— not from her, but to yourself.

How dare you let your girlfriend doubt and think negatively about herself?

Moving your arms to the side of her head, you pushed her thoughts away, confessing to her with your outmost sincerity, "Cho Hyun-ju, I've loved you from the moment I first laid my eyes on you, and nothing could ever change that."

You out your hands to her cheeks, staring with deep intense in her eyes.

"I don't care about those other people— you're the one I love, not anyone else."

She teared up at your words, leaning closer to you. Her bright eyes expressing how happy and loved she felt at your words.

The vulnerability she's showing you at the moment urged to kiss her right now. To express your feelings not only by words, but also action.

And you did.

Your lips touched hers, temporarily stoping yourself from breathing.

Sharing a passionate kiss, you couldn't care less about anything else in the world when your most prioritized person is in front of you. You treated the kiss like air, needy and desperate for more.

To your dismay, Hyun-ju suddenly had to pull away, allowing the two of you to breathe.

Gasping, you frowned, smelling something unusual coming from the kitchen.

"Is it me or I smell something burning?"

- fin -

© r1m4nc3rre 01|01|2025

[daycourtofficial]

Tell me I’m the only, only, only, only one - part three

Pairing: Eris x reader x Azriel | WC: 3.3k | warnings: general angst, some violence

Summary: after a week of avoiding talking to him, Azriel invites you out for a meeting that only leaves you with a more urgent sense of jealousy

Author’s note: happy new year’s eve!! I know it hasn’t been too long since the last part, but I wanted to spread some holiday joy! This year has been awful but my time online and the friends I’ve met through here have been so lovely and kind and you guys have gotten me through a lot do here’s some pain!

Last part | Next part | Masterlist

Your conversation with Nesta left you reeling, some deep part of you rattled at her words. A deep loneliness settled in you after she left, a swirling storm of anger and jealousy threatening to fester into a hurricane out on the balcony.

‘He’s a challenge on his best days.’

Why had the Mother given her most loyal follower a mate who was so difficult? Weren’t mates supposed to be a blessing?

Rhys and Feyre, Nesta and Cassian - they all had their own fair share of turbulence. You remembered the stories from Mor about Feyre throwing her shoes at Rhysand, or Nesta’s seemingly complete apathy around Cassian.

The journals left you confused, both smitten and giddy and a deep questioning of should it be this hard? Azriel and Eris had already seen the worst of each other and still chose and defended their bond. Would the same be said of you if Azriel saw your faults? Or would one flawed mate be enough for him?

Would another fae be able to look past your status as a second choice? Would you be able to even look at other fae if Azriel rejected you?

It had only been a few weeks since the bond had snapped for you, but in that time you didn’t notice other fae. They were just background characters, no one in particular ever catching your notice.

Except Eris. That was nothing though - merely Azriel’s feelings about him swirling within you.

None of it made any sense, your body subconsciously leaving the balcony and moving to find Azriel, repeating to yourself that an answer laid in one of his journals. You stopped by your room to gather the journal before following the bond to find the shadowsinger alone in the library. He looked incredible - his large wings stretched out over the black leather, the definition of his body evident through his loose fitting clothes. He was hunched over a small table, flipping through a book and jotting things down on the paper next to him. All your time spent reading this past week made his handwriting a familiar sight.

“Hi Az.” You stopped before him, presenting him with your most recently finished journal. This one had contained much the same - fighting between Eris and Azriel, occasional snippets about Cassian and his drunken antics. It seemed Eris and Azriel were in a constant cycle of never getting too close, one or the other always finding some fault to keep their distance.

He accepted it wordlessly, the replacement journal ready in his lap. How you hadn’t noticed it says more about the focus of your attention than you would like.

“Expecting me?”

“You usually find me around this time.” He huffed, the slight smile on his face enough to know he’s being light hearted. You took the new journal, about to turn on your heel when you spotted the empty chair next to Azriel. You waited a moment, turning back to find him still looking at you. Your chest felt tight with vulnerability, looking back to the empty chair, something inside of you begging to sit in his presence.

It felt like a good sign finding him in the open. You usually found him in his room, his door closed in front of you once the exchange was made. But now he sat on display, his own work spread out before him. You weren’t certain you had ever seen him work so openly.

You took the sign as an invitation, sitting in a chair opposite him, the spine a harsh crack in the silent room. He did nothing more than watch, hazel eyes tracking the delicacy and respect you showed to the journal before looking back to his own notes.

It was silent save for the turning of pages and his scrawling. It felt so warm being in his presence, sharing this time with him. It was so easy to get lost in it that the next time you looked up you realized he had pulled out a fresh journal, scribbling away in it. It was a cleaner version of the one you spent every night hunched over, staying up until the last word was comprehensible to your sleep-addled brain.

“Have you ever done that in front of someone before?” You croaked the words out, throat dry from your lack of water in hours, too afraid if you got up, your return would show an empty room.

“No, I haven’t.” His scrawl hadn’t stopped, and you straightened up, trying to catch a glance of what he was writing, if your name made an appearance. Shadows swirled at the top of his journal, obscuring your vision. You looked at the shadow, a cross expression trying to threaten them. They only seemed to dance more rapidly, in agitation or preening beneath your gaze, you weren’t sure.

“None of that.”

You sank back deflated, surprised you were caught. Picking up the journal once more, you flicked to the page you had left off at, settling back in.

“You’ll see this one soon enough.” The book snapped shut at his words as you readjusted to sit back up.

“I will?” Azriel only nodded, finally looking up at you instead of the pages of his journal. His eyes darted around the room before a shadow curled around his ear. Whatever the shadow told him, he relaxed a little, his posture easing into his seated position.

“I gave them to you to understand Eris and I’s relationship. But I think it’s impossible to figure out this situation without getting completely up to date.”

You nearly salivated at the thought of Azriel’s present journals. To know what he’s thought about you this whole time, in his own words, even without knowing about the bond? Priceless.

He had said he had been interested in you, drawn to you.

Azriel smiled, a soft pulsing of the thread around your heart. Tonight had been a step forward - you didn’t want to push your luck and find out if he was pulling the cord tight in reassurance or suffocation. You kept the question to yourself, nestling into the chair and the comfort of Azriel’s scent.

-

Mindless chatter moved across the breakfast table, your eyes constantly flickering to Azriel. It was impossible to keep them off of him, his emotions roiling in your chest kept you up half the night once you had retired from the library. You had been avoiding him for a week now, and the hours spent in his company reminded you of just how nice it was to linger in his presence.

This past week had been an anomaly, one you weren’t certain your friends had noticed or not. Azriel was usually a source of company at some point during your day - a meal, transportation, or just someone to go out walking Velaris with you.

If this past week showed you anything, it was how ingrained into your daily life Azriel had become.

You looked at him again, your eyes lingering on the lack of sleep beneath his eyes. He was tired. You couldn’t pinpoint it exactly- it wasn’t in his face or in his movements. Was it the bond? Was it your late night insomnia that kept him up?

Could mating bonds do that?

“Azriel, what time are you leaving?” Rhys’s question brought you from your focused gaze, waiting to hear Azriel’s response. So focused on Azriel, you hadn’t bothered pretending to even eat or notice Cassian’s glances to his own mate.

“I’m leaving in the afternoon.” Azriel’s head turned to you, his hazel eyes capturing yours in a gaze you couldn’t look away from. Where was he going? You had been so wrapped up in your thoughts you had missed the beginning of the discussion.

“I think it would be better if you came with me.” The table had turned quiet, the clattering of cutlery pausing for just a moment, all eyes slowly directed your way, waiting for your response.

So they’ve noticed this weirdness between you two.

“Are you sure, Az?” Azriel didn’t look away from you at Rhysand’s question, merely waiting for your response. Something in you was drawn to his gaze, wanting to linger in it for the rest of your days. His eyes held such softness, a look he reserved just for you.

And his other mate. The bitter thought made you grimace. Azriel and Eris had something real, something tangible that they fought for every single day.

But surely the moments in the library were also real. Not as intense or passionate, but full of a warmth you had hardly experienced before, a domesticity many would dream about.

“Yes, I will. Where are we going?”

Azriel was quick to answer, one of his shadows nearly muffling Rhysand’s voice so Azriel could be the one to respond.

“I have a meeting with Eris.” You were too focused on Azriel’s face to notice Nesta’s eyes widen imperceptibly on the other side of the table.

-

Your fingers tapped against your thigh, an anxiety coursing through you at the thought of seeing Eris again. He was something - a sharp face, even sharper tongue, decadently dressed. You hated to admit it, but you could understand why the Mother had mated him to Azriel - the two were quite possibly the most gorgeous fae in all of Prythian.

You had stayed up late again pouring over Azriel’s journals. Each notebook left you more and more territorial over him, romance pouring through every page. It was so different from the books Nesta read - the fictitious couple having grandiose gestures, no depiction of how the day to day worked.

But Azriel’s notebook was filled with longing for Eris. Recaps of long conversations they have had, almost word for word detailings of what they spoke about.

They had been together for a little over a century by now. They both fought it - Azriel all but withdrew from his family, avoiding them for over a year while he figured it out.

It took nearly a decade for them to come to terms with it - one of them never quite ready to dive in, both playing the hesitant role at different points.

It seemed one day Eris just snapped. Tired of talking in circles and exhausting every avenue, he went for it. He kissed Azriel and it spiraled from there, consummating the bond. It was a romantic tale of longing and distance and overcoming any and all odds for each other.

A story you had no business playing a part in.

Azriel pulled you from your thoughts, reaching out a hand to winnow the pair of you away. You took it, remembering all too well the last time you were gathered in his arms.

You both rematerialized in a densely packed forest, the trees so close together it was difficult to move between. You steadied yourself against Azriel, hands pressed to his broad chest. Winnowing yourself anywhere wasn’t an issue, but someone else winnowing you left you unmoored, your feet unable to find solid ground for a few seconds. The bond tightened around your heart, the beat of it speeding up at the contact.

“Come to gloat?” Your head whipped towards Eris as you yanked your hands from Azriel’s chest. You didn’t notice Azriel bringing his hands back up, reaching for you, trying to keep you close.

But Eris did. He schooled his features, looking toward Azriel with hardened eyes.

“No, I brought her so we can figure this out.”

Eris scoffed, the sound loud enough to be heard over the bird song high above the group. He stomped forward in a direct path towards Azriel, a trail of smoke in his wake.

His long red hair flowed behind him as he moved, reflecting the light of the sun so beautifully the homes of the Autumn Court could be full of portraits of the male before you and his beauty would still surprise. Your heart hammered in your chest, unable to look away from him.

“I’m sure that’s exactly what you’ve been up to this past week. Trying to figure this out with her, shutting off your bond to me.” The last words came out as a whisper, the underlying accusation one Eris couldn’t bear to say. He looked almost hurt as he said it.

“Er-“ Eris cut Azriel off, pushing his back into a tree, his hands curling into the leathers. Your feet followed the action, a hot sense of protectiveness overcoming you.

“No, Azriel. You don’t get to play house with her and show up here with her.”

“She can hear you, ya know.” You pushed Eris off of Azriel, the male staggering back in shock at your actions.

“How sweet. What a waste of my time to be here if you’re going to tell me you’ve finally picked someone else when you’ve had a century to do so.”

Azriel reached out for Eris, his grip tight around Eris’s forearm. Eris tried to push Azriel away from him, but his hand remained around Eris. He pulled the redhead closer, his thumb slowly stroking over his mate’s skin. It felt so intimate you wanted to look away.

“Eris, I am not picking her. I am trying to figure this out.” Azriel’s words stung, no matter how pragmatic they were. A teeny, tiny part of you wanted to blurt out to Eris about the journals, certain it would send the Autumn male out of your life for good. The action stayed in your mind at the betrayal Azriel would feel.

Some part of you knew something so hurtful would end in Azriel having no mates.

“‘Figure this out’? What is there to figure out? Which one of us you would pick?”

“No!” Azriel’s rebuttal was frantic, his lack of sleep more prominent now in the sunlight. It didn’t stop the sun from highlighting how gorgeous his brown skin was, though. “Can’t you think past your own self for five minutes and realize my soul, my entire being is connected to the both of you?”

The words did something to Eris, causing him to finally look at you. You couldn’t help the heat rushing to your cheeks beneath his gaze, a small part of you hoping he finds something interesting. You straightened, taking the time to look over him as well. It was nearly unfair how good he looked in his riding clothes. His shirt opened just enough to see his collarbone and the top of his sternum, his pale chest decorated with freckles. His loose, billowy shirt tucked into some well fitting trousers, thighs nearly ripping the fabric.

He wasn’t as big as Azriel - a bit shorter and not nearly as broad, but he was lean and strong, and you were certain they both threw each other around the bedroom with ease.

“I suppose severing this bond would mean lifelong consequences for you.” Eris spoke to Azriel, but kept his gaze on you as he walked toward you. Heat crept up your body the closer he got, each step raising the temperature by ten degrees. It was nearly unbearable by the time he stood in front of you, so close you had to look up at him.

Eris’s anger made him more beautiful - the sharpness of his face poised and ready for attack, the red shades of anger perfectly matching his skin and hair.

Heat coursed around your neck, the flames dancing across your skin. You were enraptured with Eris, this moment only for the two of you. You could hear Azriel start to object, but paid him no notice, your full attention on Eris.

“I could end it all now, remove the most painful thorn in my side you’ve been.”

You smiled up at him, overcome with a new feeling of competition. The flames around your neck tightened, but you kept on, stepping infinitesimally closer to Eris.

“If my mere existence is a pain to you now, just wait until I’ve decided you’re worth the effort to bother. You’ve only known me for a week and already I’m worth your ire.”

“Go home to Velaris. Go be a small town healer and find a small town male for you to fake your orgasms with.”

Your jaw dropped and you felt Azriel’s hands wrap around your upper arms, trying to pull you back, but you rooted yourself to the ground, pulling from his grasp.

“At least my constituents will look me in the eye out of respect and not fear. At least my patients know I had to work for my job and that I wasn’t given it because of my father!”

The flames were choking now, your breaths coming in hard and shallow. You were trying to fight it, to win whatever this was, but breathing harder and harder, fresh air a luxury you couldn’t remember.

“Eris!” Azriel all but growled as he wrapped his arms around your torso, pulling you into him. You reached up, trying to pull the collar off, tried to get any air, but it was impossible.

“The Mother is absurd for mating Azriel with someone so foolish who speaks of things she knows nothing about.” Eris relinquished his power as you sagged into Azriel’s arms, but Eris cupped a hand around your jaw. His eyes burned with fury and something you couldn’t quite make out, the amber color replaced with the blown pupils of his ire.

“Az, come back to me when you’ve decided the bitch isn’t worth your time.”

Chest heaving, you squared your jaw, a rebuttal on your tongue, but Eris had turned, walking into the trees before disappearing completely into them.

He was everything Nesta had warned you he was. He was cruel, difficult, and maddening.

And if the Mother wanted Azriel to pick one of you, you would do whatever it took to beat out Eris Vanserra for Azriel’s affections.

You’re stuck so deep in your head, you don’t even notice Azriel winnow the two of you back to the House of Wind, the two of you landing in the dining room. You turned to ask him about Eris, to talk to him about how ridiculous his mate was, but Azriel had dropped your arm, winnowing away immediately after. Your hand instinctively reached out for the shadows, but it was too late.

He was gone and he left you here.

You sighed, not knowing what you expected him to do. Coddle you? Tell you Eris didn’t mean his threats? Tell you Eris is a big meanie head?

You shook the thought away, your steps soft as you made your way through the house, a journal calling your name to pour through.

Your adrenaline was wearing off, the grime of the forest stuck to your clothes making the bathtub’s siren song call to you from many rooms away.

“How was your meeting with Eris?” Nesta’s voice found you as you were about to climb the stairs, one foot raised. You spun on your heel to look at her, her face indecipherable. Just his name filled you with anger and confusion once more. How was it him that had received Azriel’s affections?

“He’s worse than you made him seem. Vile and cruel, just like everyone says.” You spat the words at her, not receiving the reaction you wanted from her. Nesta only raised her eyebrows as her nose twitched.

“Are you sure?” Your anger had flared too much to notice her strange tone or the look in her eye.

“I’m positively certain. Anyone having to spend time with that awful, awful male is a saint or somehow even worse than he is.”

She approached you, her eyes lingering on your neck. You weren’t certain if you had scorch marks or not, unsure if Eris’s wickedness scarred. She was quiet as she looked at you, eyes of silver intense as they locked onto yours. You weren’t sure if she found what she was looking for or not before she brushed past you to go to her own chambers, her words quiet in the stillness of the house.

“If you say so.”

Divider by @tsunami-of-tears

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[jenosbliss]

🍇🎀ᝢ grapes under the table?

pairing. fem!reader x bsf!jeno | genre. fluff, friends to lovers | wc. 1k | warnings. none

a/n:: happy new year! btw did anyone tried the 12 grapes under the table thing?

“Why do you even want to try this?” Jeno asked, his tone caught somewhere between amusement and disbelief as he crouched under the small dorm table with you,  holding a bowl of grapes like it was the most absurd task he’d ever been asked to do.

You rolled your eyes, pushing the bowl of grapes into his hands. “It’s not like I’m throwing salt over my shoulder or reading tea leaves. It’s harmless. And who knows? Maybe it’ll work!”

“You don’t even believe in this stuff,” he shot back, holding up a grape and inspecting it like it was an artifact.

“I also don’t believe in horoscopes, but I still check mine every morning,” you countered, leaning back against the table leg. “But after twenty-something years of being single, desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Jeno’s chest tightened at your words. He’d heard this complaint a million times before—your usual dramatic groaning about how unfair the dating scene was, about how no one ever liked you. But tonight, sitting under the table with you, something about it hit differently.

He remembered the evening he’d seen you at that café with some guy from your class. He’d never thought of himself as the jealous type, but watching you lean in with that laugh—the one you reserved for people you really liked—had made his stomach churn. But when the date didn’t turn into anything more, he buried the realization deep. You were his best friend, and losing you wasn’t worth the risk.

And now? The thought of this little superstition actually working, of you finding someone who wasn’t him? That made him want to throw the grapes out the window.

“You stayed back for this?” Jeno asked, his voice dipping into that teasing tone he always used to cover up his feelings. “You never skip parties, and it’s New Year’s Eve.”

“You’ve been skipping a lot of them lately, too,” you pointed out, raising an eyebrow at him. His heart stuttered. Yeah, because of you. “I just didn’t feel like going this time,” he lied.

You studied him for a moment before sighing, your gaze dropping to the bowl of grapes in his lap. “I don’t get why everyone makes such a big deal about New Year’s,” you said as if stating the obvious, your tone softer now. “It’s just a change of date. Not like Christmas or Thanksgiving, where there’s something to celebrate.”

Jeno watched you as you spoke, your expression pensive, your voice tinged with that familiar mix of frustration and longing. He’d heard this all before—how you hated being the only one without a date, how everyone seemed to find someone except you. He used to laugh at your complaints, teasing you until you smiled again.

But now? The thought of someone else being that person for you, the one who turned your complaints into laughter and made your eyes light up—it terrified him.

“Fine,” he said eventually, picking up a grape. “Let’s eat these grapes and see if your superstition works. But if you get a boyfriend this year, I’m blaming the table.”

You laughed, handing him a grape. “Deal. Now, eat.”

The two of you began eating, one grape for each month of the year. With every bite, Jeno’s heart beat louder, his thoughts spiralling. What if it actually worked? What if this silly little tradition actually brought someone into your life? What if someone else swept you off your feet and he had to watch from the sidelines?

As you popped the last grape into your mouth, you grinned triumphantly. “Done! If this works, I’m buying grapes by the crate every year.”

Jeno hesitated, his grip tightening on the bowl. His chest felt heavy, like the words he’d been holding in were threatening to spill over. “What if I don’t want it to work?”

You blinked, confused. “What do you mean?”

He set the bowl aside, his gaze locking onto yours with an intensity that made your breath catch. “What if I don’t want you to find someone else? What if… I want to be your boyfriend?”

The words hung in the air, the weight of them pressing against your chest. “Jeno…” You stared at him, your lips parted in shock.

“I mean it,” he said, his voice quiet but firm. “I stayed back tonight because I didn’t want to be anywhere else. I don’t want to watch you love someone else. I want it to be me.”

Your heart raced as the truth in his voice sank in. The boy who’d always been your anchor, your constant, was now baring his heart to you. “You’ve always been my best friend,” you said softly. “I never thought you—”

“That’s the problem,” he interrupted, his tone urgent. “You never thought. But I did. I’ve been thinking about it since the day I saw you on that stupid café date, and it scared the hell out of me. I’ve loved you longer than I even realized, and I’m done pretending I don’t.”

You stared at him, the room suddenly too small, too warm, too charged with everything you hadn’t let yourself feel until this moment. “Jeno,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “Ask me again.”

His brows furrowed, confusion flickering across his face. “Ask me again,” you repeated, your voice steadier this time.He swallowed hard, his hand reaching for yours. “Can I be your boyfriend?”

A smile broke across your face as you nodded. “Yes. You can.” Relief flooded his expression, and before either of you could second-guess it, he leaned forward, his hand cradling your cheek as his lips met yours.

The kiss was soft, tentative at first, but quickly deepened as you melted into him. His touch was warm and steady, his thumb brushing against your skin as if to reassure you this was real.

When you finally pulled back, breathless and grinning, Jeno rested his forehead against yours. “Guess I owe the grapes an apology.” 

You laughed, the sound light and free. “You do.”

For the first time, New Year’s felt like more than just a change of date. It felt like the beginning of something real—something that had been waiting for the right moment all along.

As Jeno held you close under that tiny dorm table, you couldn’t help but think: this was the best start to a year yet. And just like that, New Year’s Eve didn’t feel so pointless anymore.

navigation.

masterlist. nct dream | nct 127 | wayv

[sweetdispatch]

Like a bitch - J. Hughes

Purple Chemistry

summary: Jack was keeping distance between you two but still was showing up for sex on which you agreed

warning: NSFW, graphic sex (18+), arguments, swear words

words: 1.4k

note: happy 2025!🥂

---

It was summer time. You knew that Jack is not in New Jersey but back at home in Michigan. You felt better knowing that he’s not around and won’t show up at your place just to have sex with you. You agreed on the deal but deep down, you didn’t want it. You wanted to have him back as a friend and discover your feelings towards him. 

Since the last time you saw Jack, you two haven’t spoken. He made it loud and clear that he needs you only for his release. You understood it because you broke his trust but still, you were bitter that he saw only sex in you, despite the cute moments you two shared. You held your tongue and decided to act like he wants. He held all the cards. 

You were mad that the conversation ended up this way and regretted the need to explain to him why you hadn’t told him about being a Rangers fan. You made the bed and now, you have to lay in it. You really wanted to call Jack and try to talk him through but you knew it was pointless.

Jack was still pissed at you. He couldn’t stand the fact that you lied to his face about everything. He was questioning if anything you two had was real or it was your act. In summer, he tried not to bother his head with the thoughts but it was difficult. He really liked you but for him, it looked like you acted just to impress him. 

That’s why, Jack decided not to speak to you the months he was in Michigan. He tried to collect his thoughts about what your relationship is gonna look like. When he left your apartment, he regretted saying that you two can just stay fuck buddies. He enjoyed having sex with you but he wished you two were more than this. 

At the beginning of September, Jack returned to New Jersey to start preparation for the upcoming season. You knew he was back in town and started feeling anxious. As much as you wanted to see him, you felt that it might hurt you. You tried not to bother your head with this and focus on other things but it wasn’t the easiest task.

It was a quiet Friday night. Your friends went out to a party but you were too tired after work to go with them. Instead you stayed at home and turned on your favorite tv show. You grabbed a bottle of wine from the cabinet and poured yourself a glass. You took a sip and the taste of the alcohol on your tongue felt like a reward. 

In the middle of the episode, you heard a ring bell. You looked at your phone to see that the clock shows 10 PM. You were confused because you didn’t expect anyone to pay you a visit that late. At first, you wanted to ignore it but then you heard the bell again. You groaned and stood up to open the door. To your surprise, it was Jack right in front of you.

“What are you doing here?” You asked him and let him enter your apartment. 

“I just wanted to spend time with you” He said and went into your living room. “Looks like you’re having fun” He pointed at the wine standing on your coffee table.

“Yeah and you’re interrupting me” You crossed your arms. 

“I thought you might want to have company” He joked.

“Seriously? You ignored me for the last few months and now you want to spend time with me?” You wanted to laugh hearing his words but decided to stay quiet.

“Okay, you got me. I need a relief and that’s why I showed up here” 

“So you want sex?” He nodded. “You could at least tell me this earlier, I didn’t shave” 

“I don’t care. All I need is your tight pussy around my dick” You blushed hearing those words. “So what do you think?” 

You haven’t responded to his question. Instead you closed the gap between you two and kissed him. Immediately, Jack grabbed your thighs and picked you up. He walked into your bedroom and put you down. You broke the kiss and started undressing yourself. He did the exact same thing. He pushed you on the bed and went to grab a condom from your nightstand, where he left them last time. 

Jack spread your legs and hung them around his waist. Slowly, he entered you and you threw your head from the pleasure. This gave him access to your neck. He started kissing and biting your neck and collarbone. You went with your hands into his hair and pulled them slightly. He was thrusting into you faster with each move. You were moaning at the feeling of him inside of you. 

You missed having sex with him and you were glad he’s taking it easy on you. Jack kissed your lips and bit your bottom lip. You grabbed his shoulder when he started hitting your spot. You felt that you’re not gonna last long. He felt that too when you started clenching around him. His dick started throbbing inside of you and you felt that he reached his high. You were undone but he quickly placed his hand on your clit to help you cum. You moaned loudly and your orgasm went through your body. 

Jack pulled out of you and went to throw away the condom. You were laying on your bed when you saw that he was putting his clothes back on. 

“You’re not staying the night?” You asked him. 

“No, I’ve got what I came for” He answered while zipping his pants.

“So I basically became your sex doll” You said and he looked at you. 

“You agreed on that, remember? If you don’t want to, we can stop and forget about each other” He shrugged but deep down, the thought of you cutting him off his life hurt him. 

“It’s fine” You stood up and went into the bathroom. “You know where the doors are”

Days went by and you started to accept the fact that Jack sees in you only sex. As much as you wanted to repair the damage you’ve done, he didn’t let you. You didn’t know that he’s doing this for his safety and not wanting to be hurt by you again. You two met up a couple more times this month for hookups until the preseason games started and he became busier.

For an irony that the New Jersey Devils played two games against the New York Rangers in preseason. You watched both games from home and you felt terrible seeing your team lost these two matches. You were telling yourself that these are only preseason games and they don’t mean anything but because of the rivalry, it still bugged you. What annoyed you even more was the fact that Jack scored three points in those two games.

Day after the second match, Jack showed up at your apartment. He did this on purpose to laugh at you about the two lost. Whole day you weren’t in a mood and the last thing you needed was to see his face. Nevertheless, you let him into your place. 

“Great two wins. I think I deserve a reward” He joked.

“In your dreams Hughes, I’m mad at you” 

“Oh c’mon. Not my fault Rangers suck” He looked at you.

“You know who really sucks? You. You showing up here and expecting me to be at your beck and call” You fought back. 

“What’s gotten into you?” He asked you irritatedly and you rolled your eyes. 

“Oh, so now you care” You huffed. 

“Yeah, whatever. I’m out. I thought we can have a nice evening but you prefer to act like a bitch” 

“Fine!” You said a little louder than you wanted. He looked surprised at your outburst. 

Jack didn’t say anything, just left you. You sighed. The whole day went from bad to even worse. The last thing you needed was a pointless argument with him, especially when you two started becoming comfortable with each other again. You decided to go and take a shower and went straight into bed. You wanted to forget about this day. 

It took you a couple days to apologise to Jack for your reaction. You wanted to have him by your side, no matter how much he was getting on your nerves. He accepted your apologies but you felt that he’s starting to put distance again. You two weren’t seeing each other. You tried to explain to yourself that he’s been busy with the season that started but you weren’t sure of that. 

---

next chapter

[mrsshabana]

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 ✧ 𝐆𝐲𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐨 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

ꔫ Content Gyutaro x female!reader, canon-ish, fluff ꔫ Note Happy New Year! This is a continuation of the Christmas fic I did. I'll link it below in case you didn't get the chance to read it. ଘ( ˊωˋ )ଓ

:･ﾟ✧ Part one

Ever since your secret admirer gave you that beautiful bracelet Christmas night, you've been communicating with him in secret. Leaving notes outside your doorstep every time you went to bed, and when you'd wake up you'd always find a crinkled-up piece of paper with sloppy handwriting in return.

Gyutaro knows he shouldn't be communicating with you. He knows better than that. But when he read the note that you left for him he just couldn't help it. No one has ever been so sweet to him before, even through writing. The way you went on complimenting him, telling him he's so sweet and kind and how blessed you feel to have someone like him around. It almost felt like a love letter, making Gyutaro's cheeks burn the whole time he read it.

He tries to keep his responses brief but he figured it wouldn't hurt to tell you his name, right? Now you know the name of your suiter. Gyutaro~

You like saying it to yourself. Sometimes calling out to him when you feel like you're being watched. Causing him to sink deep into the shadows, trying to calm down as he gets all flustered.

He's in too deep and he knows it. But is it bad that he doesn't really care?

In your last letter, you asked him to join you for New Year's Eve as you didn't have any plans and would like to spend the evening with him. After a double shift, you finally get home after sundown to read his response.

"Listen, you can't see me. How many times do I have to tell you before you understand? Even though I wish we could... we will never meet. Just accept it Y/N.

You don't need to be hanging around a guy like me anyway. It's for the best.

I hope you have a happy new year,

Love, Gyutaro"

The intent of his words was to push you away for your own safety. That much is clear to you so you don't take it too personally. But, does he take you for some kind of idiot?

"Ha, what are you so afraid of, Gyutaro?" you yell up into the air, knowing that he's around, "Are you afraid that I would reject you because you're a demon?"

As soon as that statement leaves your lips you hear a loud thud behind you. And before you can turn around a large hand is clasped against your mouth and pulling you back against a muscular chest.

"Quiet! How the hell did you know?" he whispers in an inhuman voice, confirming your suspicions. It's raspy and harsh, just like his handwriting.

"Mm mm mm!!" You hum behind his hand, unable to speak.

"Oh... sorry," he mumbles and takes his hand off your mouth. Though he still keeps you held tightly against his body so you can't see his appearance.

"You only write me at night! And no normal person would be able to stalk me like you do. You managed to uproot a whole Christmas tree and sneak it into my home without anyone noticing. Not to mention you said that we should never meet, so I just put the clues together," you can't help but snicker as you hear him huff in frustration.

"You're smarter than I thought you'd be..." he mumbles. Though he can't be surprised. He fell for you for many reasons, and your intelligence was one of them. He just didn't think you'd outsmart him so easily. Or maybe it's because he was careless and let his guard down.

"Gyutaro, I don't care that you're a demon-"

"I'm not just any demon! I'm..." he takes a deep breath to calm down, "I'm ugly. And before you say you like me anyway, I'm uglier than ugly. Worse than anything a mere human could ever imagine."

You don't know what to say. Simply just telling him you don't care about his appearance isn't enough, you know it won't satisfy him. He's been alive for who knows how many years, so he's probably heard it all.

You want to see his face, more than anything. But if it's something he isn't comfortable with then you won't force it on him.

"Fine. Blindfold me then."

"What?" he gasps, "You serious?"

"Yes, I'm completely serious. I want to spend the New Year with you so I'll do it blindfolded if that makes you feel more comfortable," you reach down to lay your hand atop his, conveying your sincerity.

"B-But you won't be able to see the fireworks if-"

"I don't care," you cut him off, "I want to be with you, that's all I care about."

A distorted laugh rumbles out of him, "You got a deal, human."

You're honestly surprised that he agreed. But you know he's serious when he wraps some type of fabric around your eyes. You don't know what it is, maybe some type of scarf or ribbon. But he tightly ties it around your head, then lifts you up into his arms.

"Where are we going?" you ask.

"To watch the fireworks. Er- I guess I'll watch them, you'll just listen to them," he chuckles, finding the situation you've put yourself in quite amusing.

You hear the sound of people walking around and talking within a crowd, but you feel the wind blowing through your hair as Gyutaro moves quickly. Surely he isn't running through the crowd of people? No, they don't sound close enough. He must be above them, carrying you onto the rooftops where the two of you won't be spotted.

You get confirmation when he gently sets you down, as you can feel the slates of the roof beneath you.

"A-Are we on top of a building?" you stutter, feeling slightly afraid especially since you can't see anything.

"Heh, wow you really are smart. I come up here every year to watch the fireworks," he smiles, looking up into the sky as it's filled with colorful lights, "Just relax. I won't let you fall off."

He hesitantly reaches over to take your hand, finding himself more confident without the threat of being seen. This actually feels really nice. For once, Gyutaro feels like he can be normal. Not defined by his unsightly face or grotesque body.

"You know what we usually do at midnight, right?" you whisper, looking up to where you think his face is.

"Uh... what?"

"Kiss," you blush and squeeze his hand.

"O-Oh! I see..." he mutters, gulping audibly.

Gyutaro looks down at one of the city clocks. The time is ticking fast and before he knows it it's already almost midnight.

"Shit, do I have to kiss her? Or maybe I wait for her to kiss me... but she can't see. So how is she supposed to know when it's midnight? Maybe I can just pretend it's not midnight yet..." he thinks to himself.

He wants to kiss you, he really does. Deep down at least. Though he knows he shouldn't. He should see you as nothing more than a meal, but you couldn't be further from that. You mean so much more to him than you know, especially now that he's sitting beside you with his hand intertwined with yours.

He wants to be with you. Wants to receive love for the first time in his life. He knows he isn't cut out for it but would it be so bad if he gave in? Just for tonight?

When the clock strikes midnight Gyutaro's body moves on its own. Chasing the one thing he's craved for his entire life, even though he doesn't deserve it. All of the terrible things he's done, all of the people he's hurt, killed, eaten.

But he just wants to be happy.

Your body jolts in surprise as you feel a pair of strong hands grab your face and pull you forward until your lips collide with Gyutaro's.

It took you by surprise, but you quickly relaxed into the kiss. Savoring the moment you've sought after ever since you found out about him.

Your touch feels so good. So addicting.

He knows there's no going back after this. There's no way in hell he'll be able to go on without having more of you. More of your affection, your attention, and the sweet words that come out of your mouth. He needs it all.

So he takes a leap of faith. Removing your blindfold, knowing that once this kiss ends you'll open your eyes and see his hideous face.

He holds you closer, squeezing his eyes tight and colliding his lips harder with yours. Doing whatever he can to lengthen the kiss and prolong you opening your eyes.

Maybe this was a mistake after all.

But you can't help but giggle into the kiss as he desperately tries to kiss you longer.

He's prolonged it as long as he can, and he finally opens his eyes.

Only to see that yours are already open. And... you're still kissing him.

[scoupsakakitty]

A Beat of Fate | idol!Woozi x idol!Reader | fluff

Y/N stood nervously in front of the door to Pledis Entertainment’s famous recording studio. Today was a big day—her first session with Woozi, Seventeen‘s talented producer and singer. She had arrived a few minutes early, unsure if that was a good or bad thing. After taking a deep breath, she knocked gently.

No answer.

Slowly, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. Her eyes widened at the sight before her, mixing boards, flashing buttons, and glowing screens filled the room. It was like stepping into another world.

She couldn’t resist walking closer, her fingers itching to touch something. That’s when she saw them, a pair of headphones resting on the desk. Curiosity got the best of her. She looked around once more to make sure no one was there, then carefully put them on.

Pressing the play button, she was immediately hit by a smooth, catchy beat. It was impossible to stand still. Her head began to nod, her shoulders moved, and soon she was dancing softly to the rhythm. She didn’t even notice her smile growing wider as the music wrapped around her.

What she didn’t realize was that Woozi had arrived moments after her. He stood at the door, arms crossed, silently watching. A small smile tugged at his lips as he saw her lose herself in the music. There was something about her energy, her carefree movements, that completely captivated him.

Then it happened…Y/N spun around and froze.

She ripped off the headphones, her face turning red. “I-I’m so sorry!” she stammered, bowing deeply. “I didn’t mean to touch anything! I just—”

Woozi laughed, holding up his hands. “It’s okay. Really. I’m glad you liked it. Watching you dance to it was actually pretty cool.”

Her eyes widened. “Wait… you’re Woozi.”

“That’s me,” he said with a grin. “And you must be Y/N?”

She nodded quickly, still flustered. “Yes, that’s me. I’m really sorry again. The beat was just so good—I couldn’t help myself.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m happy to see someone react like that to my work. It means a lot,” he said.

She let out a small laugh, the tension finally easing. “I’ve actually been a fan of Seventeen for a while. I’m not a Carat, but I listen to your songs a lot.”

“Oh? Which ones?”

“I really like ‘Home’ and ‘Adore U.’ They’re on my playlist all the time.”

Woozi’s eyes lit up. “Good choices. Those are some of my favorites, too.”

They shared a smile before Woozi gestured toward the recording booth. “Ready to get started? I can’t wait to hear your voice.”

Y/N nodded eagerly. “Let’s do it!”————————————————————————————-The session was going well. Y/N’s voice fit perfectly with the melody Woozi had created, and every take felt stronger than the last.

At one point, they took a break, and Y/N sat down beside him on the couch. She flipped through her notebook, reading over the lyrics carefully and mouthing the words to herself.

Woozi leaned back in his chair, intending to check his phone, but instead, his eyes drifted to her.

She looked so focused, her brows furrowed slightly as she studied each line. She tapped her pen against the edge of the notebook and occasionally whispered a lyric under her breath, testing how it sounded. Her hair fell softly around her face, and the faint glow of the studio lights made her features look even more delicate.

Woozi couldn’t stop staring.

There was something about her.. something effortlessly beautiful and calming. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone, but she still managed to leave him completely mesmerized.

Suddenly, Y/N looked up and caught him staring.

Her eyes widened. “What? Is something wrong?”

Woozi blinked and quickly sat up straighter. “No! Nothing’s wrong.”

She tilted her head, clearly not buying it. “Then why were you looking at me like that?”

He hesitated, then smiled softly. “I guess I was just… admiring how focused you are. You look so natural here, like this is where you’re meant to be.”

Y/N’s cheeks turned pink, and she looked down at her notebook with a shy smile. “That’s… really sweet of you. Thank you.”

Woozi grinned. “It’s not just sweet. It’s the truth.”

She gave a quiet laugh and turned her attention back to her lyrics, but Woozi kept stealing glances at her. He didn’t know why, but he couldn’t look away.

The rest of the session flew by. Woozi continued to be impressed by her voice and professionalism, and they found themselves laughing and chatting between takes.————————————————————————————-By the end of the day, Woozi couldn’t ignore the feeling growing inside him. He liked being around her more than he expected.

“Y/N,” he said as she packed up her things, “I had a great time working with you today. Would you maybe… like to grab dinner sometime? I’d really like to keep talking with you.”

Y/N paused, surprised, but then smiled brightly. “I’d like that a lot.”

They exchanged numbers, and as she headed toward the door, she turned back and gave him a little wave. “Thanks again for today. I’ll see you soon.”

Woozi stood there long after she left, a grin spreading across his face.

Wow.————————————————————————————-

[atangledfate]

The mouse was glad that the man let it go, as she didn't wish to get Altriss involved. She knew how rough around the edges the old Doc was, and how straight forward he could be. The last thing she wanted to do was get him involved, especially with how hectic everything was. She wasn't sure why the Lemur requested no one be let in to see her, but they would honor it even if it was making the Mouse uncomfortable.

With things back to normal the facility was as busy as ever, with the various nurses going about there duties. Though Dawn herself would be happy when this chaos was over and she could rest. Holding this many clones for so long wasn't easy but, it wouldn't be the first time she'd had to do it. Of course just when she thought the menace as over she was startled by the female Lemur.

The Clone opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by the head nurse, or in this case the original Dawn. She hoped a person of authority would put Miss Grimrose in her place and quell the situation but--- she had a feeling she'd be a problem.

" Hello Miss Grimrose, I am Head Nurse Dawn of Restoration Medical Staff. As you can clearly see the attack on Restoration has taken a heavy toll on its staff. Between the crash, and GUN at our doorstep we are in a state of high alert--- As such i am sorry but none one is allowed in without clearance by either a commanding officer or the doctor himself. "

She took a deep breath and gave the elder woman a stern stare down as she felt like this woman was going to be a problem.

" You are within your right to file grievance, though suing restoration would be a bad look for any firm don't you think? Your daughter will be out of our care in next 32 hours... 24 hours if she takes to her treatment. I'm happy to answer any questions concerning her condition to you but i will not let you disturb her while she is recovering... and i'm not about to interrupt Doctor Altiss's work for this either... and trust me--- you do not want to interrupt him with this. "

Dawn took another deep breath and gave Claire a firm star down with her gaze going from the usual sweet natured nurse. To one of icy steel, as she wasn't budging on the issue. She had an overbearing mother to--- and lord she felt bad for Tangle now.

" Your Daughter is an Adult Miss Grimrose, and of sound mind and body. If she doesn't want to see you right now, You should respect that... especially when you know she's ill, or injured... especially when you know she's resting and recovering. Yell at her later when she's recovered, have this argument with her when she's well and mentally prepared. But--- i won't hesitate to throw you out of this facility if you cause a scene... are we clear? "

"Just make sure to move it along as quick as you can." Twist didn't expect the doctor to rush, though didn't want him dragging his feet either. For now the lemur would take a seat, sitting stern and with his arms crossed. Seems he wasn't one to let himself relax much if at all, though he did use to be a soldier himself and still had a strong mindset for it as well.

A few minutes would pass before another lemur wearing a business suit walked in looking rather annoyed as she walked over to Twist. They would seem to be having a quiet argument before she would make her way to the nurse. "Excuse me, my name is Claire Grimrose. Knowing my daughter I'm sure she requested none see her, though I am legally put as a health care proxy which I can enforce if I think she is making poor medical decision. So, why don't you hurry along and get the doctor so we can sort this out, yes?" She spoke with a rather sweet yet threatening tone.

[doughyk]

ᡣ𐭩 RUN YOUR MOUTH ᡣ𐭩

012. Happy New Years

10:50 PM

"Iced Matcha with strawberry top" Matthew calls out an order. It's not long before the clock hits 12 and the year goes from 2024 to 2025.

"Jun, why in God's name do we close at 11? Who the hell wants butterfly pea lemonade at this time?" Hanni says while rolling her eyes.

"Well that person wanted something, and we close this late because we don't open until twelve. Don't you guys need hours?" renjun hummed.

Looking at the interaction made you giggle as Hanni always asks the question. Sion who is sitting next to you, takes your hand in his. "Looking around, Chenle seems to be the only one missing. You think he's gonna make it before twelve?"

your lips curl up due to the silly question. "No, he's never on time for work meetings or even his shifts" you lightly laugh.

Resting your head on his shoulder;sion looks down at you still holding your hand, he brings it up to his lips and lays a light kiss on it.

You quickly snap your head up and snatch your hand away due to the sudden contact. Though you knew you liked the boy, chenle still lingered in the back of your head. Your friend's words kept replaying in the back of your head. You shouldn't lead sion on, but you aren't. Are you? No of course not, you liked him. Just not as much as he liked you. What if he wants something more-

"I'm sorry if I scared you, but can we talk outside for a short moment?" Sion interrupts your thoughts. You nod your head at the brown-headed boy. Following the boy, you hear the front door open. Looking back, you see another boy. Chenle.

11:39 PM

Walking to the back of the cafe, where flowers are still bloomed. The moon shone down perfectly on sion as he looked up at the hole of light. Taking in the scene upon you, you felt at ease. The air, the moon, the temperature, and Sion were perfect. Your energy matched well with each other.

"I'm sorry if I scared you back there. I should've asked before I grabbed and kissed your hand. It just felt right in the moment. I won't do it again." Sion is now rambling due to his nerves

You take his hand in yours this time, smiling at him. Nonverbally communicating with him to reassure him. Turning his body back to you, forcing you to face his body; looking down at where your hands connect with each other. You felt warmth throughout your body.

11:41 PM

" You know when I first started to work here, I used to beg Renjun to schedule me with you. He told me that you enjoyed working with Chenle. It did bum me out if I'm being honest. I always admired how hard you worked even when it was a bad shift." he stops mid-sentence to take a breath. You couldn't help but smile as he complimented your customer service.

" When Renjun finally switched you to the morning shift, I was shocked because of what he told me before. But working with you every morning made me realize my feelings. I know we haven't hanged out much but Y/n I like you. More than a coworker and more than a friend. You don't have to give me a response right away" You watched as Sion walked back into the cafe like nothing happened.

You somehow felt winded from the sudden confession, taking a deep breath as you sat down on a bench that was covered with vines. You didn't know what to make of it, you knew he liked you so why are you shocked by it. Looking up at the moon for some answer but it never came. You sat alone with your thoughts.

7 minutes until New Year

Getting up to walk back into the "party", you turn around but instead are face to face with Chenle. Stunned to see the boy since the last time you talked was quite awkward. You both just stood there looking at each other not wanting to say a word. He looks down at his shoes as he walks by you to the bench that you were just sitting at. Following his footsteps, you sat by him but left a generous space between the two of you.

You fidget with your hands."I assume you want to tell me something"

Chenle clears his throat. "Look Y/n, I'm sorry that I rejected the cake you got for my birthday. I'm sorry I've been an asshole to you since you started to work here. I was never fond of you because you like to run your mouth-"

"Are you fucking serious? this is what you call an apology? I thought you were being sincere until that last part." you snap at the boy's rude remark

5 minutes until New Year

" No, listen I didn't mean it like that. It's just that you sometimes talk a lot and it annoys me that I don't speak to you because I figured if I don't talk to you, you would leave me alone." chenle rambles trying to fix his mistake but he makes it worse.

" Have you ever once thought how I felt being scheduled with you? Every day I tried to get you to like me, but it never work because your head is up your own ass constantly" Tears threatened to spill out of your eyes

2 minutes until New Year

"You need to hear me out, please. Im sorry for everything. I'm sorry for this right here but please just listen to me. Once I'm done talking you can say whatever you need to" chenle begs

you just looked at him but you already made your mind up.

"No" This caught chenle by surprise as he had never seen you stoned face before.

1 minute until New Year

Looking him dead in the eye, with no expression on your face besides anger "I'm tired of hearing your shitty apology. I'm sure you have a certain image of me in your head. But I am far from that. I tried and tried to be your friend but you always shut me down. Why? That's all I wanted. Just tell me why" Feeling hot on your face you take a deep breath

30 seconds until New Year

Chenle now looking at you, a small tear fell down his cheek. He takes in your beauty under the moon light. His thoughts are clashing in his head, he doesn't know what to say without saying how he truly feels. He wants to hold your hands like how Sion does, but he will never be Sion. His breath is picking up as he tries to hold everything.

10 seconds until New Year

You look at him with disgust visibly shown on your face. Scoffing at the boy, you start to walk away not wanting to continue the conversation. You heard his voice.

3 seconds until New Year

"I like you that's why" Chenle grabs your hand, forcing you to look back. Pleading in his eyes that you respond back and you do.

12:00 AM, Januray 1st 2025

You smile up at the boy.

"I'm dating Sion, cope with it"

Walking back into the cafe looking for Sion, leaving Chenle by himself. He huffs out and leaves through the back door.

Happy New Years to Zhong Chenle.

𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙭𝙩

𝚝𝚊𝚐𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝 (𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗): @spacejip @iamsimplyasimp @nanahachi3 @dinonuguaegi @xxxnrigi @chenlesfavorite @peterm4rker @joyzluvr @winwintea @haefelt @mouldyeggsblog @yeosangiiess @ypoom151999 @luluvhs @livingdoll-hara @flaminghotyourmom @222low @slayhaechan @jeonghansshitester @josuk3lvr @meemememeem @kookssecret @beomgyusonlywife @gela0205 @usahanami

Authors note: HAPPY NEW YEARS WOOOOOP. I hope 2025 brings you nothing by joy and happiness!!! I was gonna post this later tonight but ik I won’t be in the right condition to do so!!

[shygirl4991]

Six Splits For Four Chap 3 Discourse

All art is done by @b-r-i-n-g-x be sure to check out her other stuff! Please do not repost art!

Next Chapter Last Chapter

Tags: Action/Adventure, Romance, fluff, angst with a happy ending!, blood, character death, injury, SMG34 is canon, split au

The princely SMG4 smiles brightly at Three as he checks over the man “I’m glad to see my fair maiden is okay!” SMG3 felt his face go into a darker shade of red the longer he was held, unable to handle it. Three starts waving his arms “OKAY YES PUT ME DOWN YOU BAKA!” The personality gently puts Three down, once his feet touch the floor he slides away from the princely personality. Still red in the face he slowly checks the papers before handing them over to Producer, Four stands in shock seeing the fourth member “How…Three?!” 

Three frowns looking at the personality “And you are?” the personality giggles lightly tapping his head “Where are my manners, I’m Prince 4! The heroic side of the original, I'm the one that makes the risky moves to protect our loved ones.” Four walks over to Three feeling sick “Didn't you say you only had three?”  SMG3 looks at the personalities and frowns “Yeah…i don't know how you got four, if there are more than three then we need to know how many of you guys are there.” Four nervously look at his personalities as they exchange looks, Ringmaster nods taking center stage “There are six of us taking the stage! It was certainly a mess, before you ask I have no idea where the others are.” Three’s eyes go wide as he looks at Four, it was official that Four was going to vomit. Four walked away from the group, worried, Three walked over to his boyfriend “Hey blue? It won't be that bad, together we can figure out what's going on.” Four faces Three with grey eyes “Am i broken? You only had three…does that mean there is something wrong with me?”  Three frowns as he grabs Four “Shut the fuck up right now, you’re SMG4 popular youtuber with all the friends a person could ask for. There is nothing about you broken you hear me, you might have just been feeling a lot of emotions at the time of the split.” Slowly Four’s blue eyes return as he hugs Three, the man sighs as he hugs him back. The personalities smile softly at the sight, remembering the others Three pulls away letting out a small cough “Right, now Prince can you help us find the final two?” Prince smiles softly as he takes Three’s hand giving it a kiss. Three's face goes bright red as he does his best to keep his composer,  SMG4 smirks at Three seeing the man's face so red “Not a word scrub.” 

Prince smiles lovingly at Three “Of course my love, i was actually sent here by Parent to find help. That's when I noticed our maiden in danger and I had to act. I almost forgot about the message he gave me!” Three sighs as he inches away from Prince, taking a deep breath he plays with the heart pin. Prince takes out a note and smiles “Prince remember to tell the others that i need help, while i was busy helping Karen the treasure we both were watching over has run away.” Three and Four look at Prince confused as the other personalities gasp. The reaction made the pair nervous as they exchanged a look before Four grabs the paper, Prince frowns from the rude interaction. Slowly anger could be seen in Four’s eyes, his blue eyes having a tint of pink. He storms off taking the group by surprise, Three gently takes Producer’s hand and smiles at him before looking at the others “Knowing how he is when angry i think it's best we follow now!”

As the group went after Four there was one thing bothering Three, the hint of pink in Four eyes gave him a strange feeling.  They finally caught up to Four only to see him walking up to a green version of himself, Parent turns and notices the crew. Before Four can grab his green version, the man ran past him right toward SMG3. He shakes his head as he opens his fanny pack “My word Honey, you need to watch over that beautiful face of yours!” He takes out an alcohol wipe and starts cleaning a cut on Three’s face. His eyes go wide as pink dust his cheeks again, Parent hums cleaning the wound then covering it with a spinning fish bandage. 

Parent gave Three a soft smile before being dragged away by Four “Parent?” he spits out, seeing the anger in his original eyes makes him nervous. “Ah Prince read the letter to you…PRINCE WAS SUPPOSED TO WATCH THE KIDS!”  Three’s eyes go wide at Parent’s words as he turns to Prince “Hey Romeo, what the hell did he mean by that?” Prince stares at Parent , showing him an expression of betrayal. Prince takes a  step back seeing Three getting angry “My gem please listen! Parent took Beeg and Eggdog out to play, he then said Karen needed help with her kids. He told me to watch the little ones, the only thing is when he told me that the children were already gone!”  Three’s face turns from anger to panic as he grabs Four pulling him away from his green personality, seeing the panic on his boyfriend's face snaps Four out of his anger. 

Parent frowns as he looks around at the group “There are a good amount of us, how about we split up the gang!” Prince nods in excitement while Artist and Ringmaster glare at each other, hearing this plan Four looks at the group as his eyes turn green. Four takes Artist hand and pairs him up with Prince, Ringmaster gets to partner up with Parent leaving Producer with Three. He smiles at the pair up before Three speaks up “Alright and who will you be with?” Four looks at the pairs then waves his hand “Don't worry i can handle this alone, who knows i might even bump into our last friend!” The personalities share a nervous look before nodding and separating, once everyone was out of sight Four’s eyes go back to blue. He lets out a sigh as he walks on his own, he needs space from everyone and wraps his head around everything. He had six versions of himself running wild into the world, not to mention a missing meme child.  He wondered how on earth Three handled everything, he couldn't even believe Three was handling so many versions of himself. His eyes start flickering different colors as his mixed emotions screams at him, without thinking he walks back to the showgrounds.  “This is just like everything else Four, just deep breath and smile. Just like everything else, just wash it down your back and move forward!” 

As he cheers for himself in front of Three’s cafe he hears a chuckle, he turns to see the front door of the cafe broken down “Who's there!?” He glares at the cafe till he hears an excited bark, Four relaxes for a moment confused “Eggdog?” The pup hearing his name running out excited to see him. Four giggles picking up Eggdog, remembering the voice he slowly walks in. His eyes go grey as his anxiety starts to take over, he gasps seeing who was at the cafe. It was him in orange wearing a cloak, he looked bored as he sipped a cup of tea. Nervously Four decides to ask the question. Three always asked “Who are you, what part of me?” The orange Four sighs into his cup “Is that important? Aren't you busy sucking face with that backstabber?” 

Four takes a step back surprised, he then notices Beeg on the counter eating ice cream. Four sighs reaching for the ice cream only to get threatened by the child,  Four gives a nervous smile as the orange Four watches him. “If you need a name to call me by the others call me Delinquent or D for short, personally i don't care what you call me.”  He sips his tea before speaking up again. “What I am doesn't matter, I can feel your rejection.” He gets up and leaves the cafe, seeing this Four puts down Eggdog next to Beeg. Once outside the cafe Four reaches out to Delinquent “Wait!” Both men pause hearing Three “Alright i hear you boys, is Four in that bad of shape?” Four smiles seeing Three on the path to the showgrounds with the others, his smile drops seeing his personality’s look at him with wide eyes “Original!” They all tackle him down for a group hug. Delinquent takes a side step to avoid the affection, Three looks around and sees Beeg and Eggdog watching the hug. He smiles feeling relief that his son was safe, that's when his eyes locked into orange ones. Three nods “So you're the missing one, nice to me-” Delinquent scoffs not letting Three finish talking “I don't need to hear words from a backstabber.” 

The group hug ended the moment the crew heard Delinquents words, Parent gets up frowning at him “Now D thats no way to treat our boyfriend, he's not that man anymore.” Ringmaster nods as he walks over to Three putting his arm around the man “Yeah that's the fans favorite arc, it makes the shippers go wild!” Delinquent crosses his arms looking Three up and down, then he looks at Four. He rolls his eyes, he turns from the group “Not going to listen to a failure of a leader and a man with so much ego he can't keep it in check.” SMG4, getting sick of the attitude of his personality, stands up glaring at him “What is your problem? You have been nothing but an asshole pushing us all away!” Delinquent shrugs “Who knows, maybe you're just not happy looking in the mirror.” Three reaches out to Delinquent only for the man to walk away, his hair touching Three’s gloves. Three frowns looking at his hand “huh? Ink?” looking at his glove a strange black stain was on it. He sniffs the stain and stares confused by the chemical scent, Four sighs watching Delinquent walk away. He turns and gives a small smile at the others “How did you all know?” 

Producer smiles “We felt you, there was a moment we all were connected. T-that's when we knew you needed help.” Four smiles at Producer before it clicked that he never got to learn who Parent or Delinquent were, he turns and gives a sheepish smile “Sorry that we started off pretty rough, want to give us your introduction?”  Parent giggles as he walks over to the kids patting their heads “That's okay our kids are more important. Ahem as you know im Parent, I'm your parental side and I'm also the leader of the group!”  Three walks next to Four looking at the group, things have turned completely different from what happened to him.  He peeks a quick look at Four, he knew the idiot for a long time to know that Four is about ready to scream into the void. “Hey everyone, could you all stay at the castle and wait till we return. I have something important to talk about with Four.” The group give him a thumbs up as they walk toward the castle, Ringmaster twirls his cane as they walk to their home “At least we are all together again, no thanks to your leadership Parent.”  Parent stops walking as his face drops. “Haha you're funny, if it wasn't for my leadership we wouldn't have found the kids!” Parent forces out a smile as Producer frowns and shyly looks at him “Didn't D and our Original find the kids,” Producer  plays with his sleeves “we failed them so badly…oh memes do you think he hates us now?!”  Artist gently pats his back “Are you squidding me? He doesn't hate us, if anything he seemed really happy to see us back there!” As the group chatted happily, Parent stayed a few steps back staring at them “Nothing but a failure huh?” 

Three turns to Four blushing as he shyly pulls the man close to him “No one is around but me, you don't have to keep the act up Baka.” Four’s eyes go wide as his vision blurs from his tears, he hugs Three as he cries into the man's chest.  Three rubs Fours back “Nothing is wrong with you, together we will figure out what caused this. We will fix this after all someone like me managed to do it, there is no way the great SMG4 cant.” Four lets out a giggle as he pulls away wiping his tears “Wow never thought i hear those words from you.” Three’s face turns a darker shade of red “Shut it or I'm leaving you here with your snot!’ Four laughs harder as he leans forward giving a kiss on Three's cheek, feeling the kiss Three let himself smile and laugh alongside Four. While they don't know how they will manage six personalities, they were confident they would figure it out as long as they had each other. 

[sunny374940]

You are worth any danger, love

Sooo I may have made Emmrich suffer a bit. A lot. But there is a happy ending because I am a sucker for those. Without further ado, Emmrich gets caught up in a building collapse and almost dies.

Here on ao3

“Emmrich, move!” Rook was screaming at him, sounding so terrified, but there was no time, no way to get to safety fast enough. There was a deafening rumble, like the earth itself was opening up to swallow them whole and then… nothing but darkness. His ears were ringing, but there was no other sound, only the sort of deep silence to be found way down below the ground. In a grave, one could almost say.

Emmrich took a breath, desperately trying not to panic. He was lying on his back, sharp rocks digging into him, he couldn't see a thing and there was a scraping, creaking kind of pain in the right side of his chest that was getting worse with each breath. Broken ribs, then. At least he hadn't punctured a lung.

He felt wetness on his forehead, flowing slowly down onto his temple in a warm trickle, dripping on the ground to pool beneath him. The metallic smell was unmistakable. Blood. His own blood, to be precise, and the scent of it was sickening. He raised a hand to wipe it away and his fingers caught on torn skin right above his eye. He winced at the pain of it.

His breath was coming faster now, shallow and gasping, the pain in his chest getting worse and he could no longer draw breath at all, he was dying, this was the end! He was shaking, heart thundering in his chest and he covered his face in his hands, as if the action could make all the horror he was facing disappear. But as his hands touched his face, a feeling he hadn't yet gotten used to gave him pause. The ring on his left index finger. Still gleaming and new, the one that Rook gifted him but a week prior, presenting it with a shy smile, so sweet and always managing to surprise Emmrich. He ran trembling fingers over it, using it to ground himself. He wouldn't go down without a fight, he had to get to Rook.

He tried to get up, but his right leg was caught under something and he couldn't feel it much, which was probably a blessing. When he bent his left leg to maybe get some leverage and escape the weight pinning him down, he felt such a nauseating scrape of bone fragments in the middle of his shin, that he fell back with a strangled cry. He lay there for a moment, head spinning.

A broken tibia. Had it been his femur, he'd be well on the way to bleeding to death, though the blood loss was likely significant anyway, given the weakness that was spreading through his limbs. His body was going numb, mind following suit, thoughts scattering and he found himself strangely calm.

Was this what it was like for his parents? He had been told their deaths were quick, always wished dearly that it really was so, but would anyone tell a grieving child otherwise? Would they tell the little boy how his parents drew their last breaths, lying there in agony, hoping against hope that help would come?

And then it didn't.

Would help come for him? Where was Rook? He last caught a glimpse of him mere moments before the collapse, before an opponent's misfired spell brought destruction upon them. He was yelling at Emmrich to move, to get away, looking so scared that Emmrich's breath caught, and then the ceiling came crashing down and the darkness descended with it. Was he entombed somewhere below the rubble, much like himself? Was he dying too?

He felt himself drifting, slipping away and he didn't have much willpower left to defy the icy cold pull of oblivion.

Suddenly there was a clattering noise, cutting into the silence like a knife. And then another, louder, the rumble of something heavy moving very much against its will, stone scraping against stone with terrible urgency. Was the structure giving way completely to give him a final burial?

A pinprick of light he hadn't really noticed before caught his attention. It was getting bigger, the noises louder, it was overwhelming his senses after the horrible darkness and silence that had been his only companions until now.

“Fuck, Bellara, get some light in here!”

Was that Rook?

“On it!”

A brilliant explosion of light made him squeeze his eyes shut, turning his head away from the searing pain of it.

“Rook, he's here!” he heard Bellara yell. And then her voice fell into a whisper that sounded quite terrified. “Oh no, is he…” She didn't seem inclined to finish the sentence and Emmrich wondered idly just how bad he must have looked for her to consider him gone already.

There was a sound of running feet and then something collided with his shoulder, making him grunt in pain. It was Rook's hand, shaking him, and he was here, he was really here!

“You came for me,” Emmrich whispered, tears gathering in his eyes.

“What are you talking about, of course I came for you!”

Rook sounded almost angry and Emmrich would have apologized, but talking was an impossibility now. His eyelids grew heavy and there was no way he could keep his eyes open for much longer, he was so very tired, he wanted so badly to rest.

He stole one last glance at Rook’s face. He was saying something, his mouth was moving and there was a look of terrible fear in his wide eyes, but Emmrich could hear nothing but the ringing in his ears. He let the dark claim him.

When he came to himself again, there was a throbbing ache in his ribs. And his legs. And head. But it seemed that he had been at least partially healed when he was unconscious and he was lying on something soft, so that at least was a welcome change. A comforting weight was pinning his hand down and he finally managed to crack his eyes open to take in his surroundings.

There was a fire roaring in the fireplace, casting the room in a warm glow. He was in his bed, wearing one of Rook’s soft tunics, and the covers drawn over him were hiding the damage to his body from sight, though he wondered just how spectacular the bruising must look, given the amount of pain he was still in. And in the armchair next to the bed was Rook, asleep. He was holding onto Emmrich's hand with both of his and resting his cheek on their tangled hands, having leaned over from the chair to be as close to him as he could without causing him any more pain. The sight was endearing and Emmrich squeezed Rook's hand gently, anchoring himself in the familiar shape of his lover's palm.

Rook stirred, blinking up at him with bloodshot eyes. There was a moment where he seemed to be getting his bearings and then he was on the bed and hugging Emmrich close, burying his face in his shoulder, and Emmrich could feel wetness soaking into the fabric of the tunic.

It hurt. His ribs were screaming in agony, his head was pounding and he didn't want the moment to end.

“You're an idiot,” Rook mumbled against his shoulder, voice thick with tears.

This wasn't quite what he was expecting to hear and he turned his head to look at Rook, eyes narrowing just the slightest bit.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Of course I came for you, did you think I would leave you there to die?”

Oh. That. And just what was he supposed to say? That he would rather have died than have Rook hurt? That out of the two of them, he would always want Rook to be the one who survived? That he would never ask Rook to throw himself in harm’s way for him?

“Darling, I simply do not wish to have you come to harm running to my aid. I could never forgive myself if something happened to you.”

“You are worth any fucking danger and any fucking harm, you dumbass,” came the indignant answer. “I love you and you will deal with it,” Rook added in a tone that brokered absolutely no argument.

Emmrich found that he truly had nothing to say to that. Except the one thing he enjoyed saying so much.

“I love you too, dearest.”

[aspenmissing]

ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ʜᴇʀᴇ

ᴘᴏᴡᴅᴇʀ/ᴊɪɴx x ᴘʟᴀᴛᴏɴɪᴄ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ (ꜰᴇᴀᴛ. ꜱɪʟᴄᴏ/ꜱᴇᴠɪᴋᴀ)

ꜰʟᴜꜰꜰ/ᴀɴɢꜱᴛ || 4023 ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ || ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢꜱ: ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ, ᴇxᴘʟᴏꜱɪᴏɴꜱ, ꜰɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ, ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ, ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ, ɪᴍᴘʟɪᴇᴅ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ

ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ: ʏ/ɴ ᴄᴏɴᴛɪɴᴜᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀ ɢᴜɪᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴄʜᴏʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ꜰɪɢᴜʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴊɪɴx, ꜱᴜᴘᴘᴏʀᴛɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴋᴇꜱᴛ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛꜱ. ʙᴜᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴜɴʀᴀᴠᴇʟꜱ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴊɪɴx ꜱᴇᴛꜱ ᴏꜰꜰ ᴀ ᴅᴇᴠᴀꜱᴛᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴇxᴘʟᴏꜱɪᴏɴ, ᴀɴ ᴀᴄᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ɪɴꜱᴛᴀɴᴛʟʏ ʀᴇɢʀᴇᴛꜱ.

ᴘᴀʀᴛ 1 || ᴘᴀʀᴛ 2

ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ | ᴊɪɴx/ᴘᴏᴡᴅᴇʀ | ꜱɪʟᴄᴏ | ꜱᴇᴠɪᴋᴀ | ʜᴀʟʟᴜᴄɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ

The sun was setting over the bustling streets of Zaun, the deep orange hues of dusk clashing with the smog that constantly clung to the city’s underbelly. Y/N had been sent on a task by Silco: retrieve the cargo from a ship that had docked near the outer docks. It was a simple job, or so it seemed.

However, things never went as planned.

By the time Y/N and her group arrived at the docks, the cargo was no longer theirs to take. Word had gotten out, and an opposing gang had already secured it. The air crackled with tension as weapons were drawn, and a vicious fight broke out.

The opposing gang had the upper hand at first, but Y/N was no stranger to fighting. Her agility and ruthless efficiency helped even the odds, but the fight was messy. She ducked under a swinging knife, slamming the hilt of her own weapon into her opponent’s stomach, sending him sprawling. But there was too much chaos, too many enemies.

A brutal exchange of gunfire erupted. Y/N’s group took cover behind crates and debris, but her pulse raced. Every moment felt like an eternity. Her sharp eyes locked onto the leader of the opposing gang, making her way through the fray with precision. A final clash between the two gangs left several dead and injured, but the cargo was still out of reach.

Barely standing and covered in bruises and blood from the fight, Y/N managed to rally what was left of her group. Retreating, she left the dock with no victory to claim, the cargo still slipping through her fingers.

When she finally returned to her factory, her boots clattered heavily against the cold concrete floor. The door creaked open, and she stumbled inside, her breath ragged, her body bruised and battered. The stench of blood was thick on her clothes as she wiped a smear of blood from her brow, and the harsh, fluorescent lights of the factory only made her injuries more evident.

The sound of metal clanking echoed through the factory as she limped toward the back, where Jinx was always tinkering away in her little workshop. There, surrounded by a mess of tools, gears, and parts, Jinx was lost in her work, humming softly to herself.

Y/N paused for a moment, watching her. Jinx looked up, her bright, manic eyes glinting with curiosity as she noticed the state Y/N was in.

"Woah, rough day?" Jinx's voice was playful, almost too carefree for the situation.

Y/N gave a tired smile, trying to hide how exhausted she truly was. "You could say that," she rasped, her voice hoarse from the fight.

Jinx's eyes widened when she noticed the blood, the bruises, and the cut along Y/N’s cheek. She hopped up from her workbench and rushed over, her face softening for a brief moment. "You're a mess, mom!" She grabbed a nearby cloth and began wiping the blood from her face, working quickly but gently.

"I couldn’t get the cargo," Y/N said, the words feeling heavier than they should. "Another gang beat us to it. Silco won't be happy."

Jinx paused, then gave Y/N a mischievous grin, her usual energy coming back. "Well, maybe we just need to find another way to make it fun, huh? You know, maybe blow something up along the way? That always makes things better!"

Y/N chuckled weakly, but the exhaustion was catching up. She leaned against the workbench as Jinx continued cleaning her up, wiping away the grime and blood.

"Next time," Y/N whispered, "we’ll make sure they don’t get the drop on us."

The hours dragged on in the factory, the air heavy with the hum of machines and the faint smell of oil. Y/N had just finished stitching up her last cut when the door slammed open, its harsh sound vibrating through the concrete walls. Silco stood in the doorway, his presence commanding and unmistakable, but his usual composed demeanor had been replaced with something raw. Anger. Concern. Fear, barely held in check.

Y/N froze at the sight of him. Her heart skipped a beat, and her hand faltered for a moment as she finished her work, the sting from the wounds a distant reminder of the chaos that had unfolded. She had seen Silco furious before, but this felt different. This wasn’t just about the failure—it was about her.

"Y/N!" His voice, rough with emotion, cut through the silence, sharp as a blade. "Where the hell have you been?" His gaze swept over her, noting the blood, the bruises, the way she stood, clearly exhausted and hurt. "I sent you on a simple job. Why the hell didn’t you report in? I thought... I thought something happened to you."

Y/N's chest tightened as she met his eyes, feeling the weight of the worry there. She hadn’t realized how much Silco could care about her safety—how much the uncertainty of her well-being might affect him. His words hit harder than anything she’d endured out in the field.

"I'm here," she muttered, trying to steady herself despite the exhaustion that clung to her like a second skin. "I’m fine, Silco. The cargo... another gang got to it first. We fought for it, but we lost. I couldn’t bring it back. I didn’t think you needed to hear it until I was back."

Silco’s gaze flickered between her and the bloodstains that marred the concrete floor. His jaw clenched as he processed her words, the rage simmering beneath the surface, but now tinged with something else. A flicker of relief? Worry? It was hard to tell, but there was no mistaking the tension in his posture.

"You didn’t think I’d need to hear it?" Silco’s voice was tight, frustration evident in every word. "I didn’t know if you were dead or alive. You didn’t check in, didn’t send a damn message... I was starting to think the worst."

Y/N’s heart sank, understanding now. This wasn’t about the job. It was about her. About Silco’s fear that she might not make it back. His anger faded slightly, replaced by something deeper, something she hadn’t expected to see from him.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, the weight of her silence settling in. "I got caught up. I didn’t want to worry you, but I should’ve—"

Silco cut her off, his voice softening, but only slightly. "You should’ve reported in." He stepped closer, his dark eyes scanning her face, taking in the bruises, the cut along her cheek, the exhaustion that weighed on her like a thousand bricks. His hands were steady as he reached for her chin, gently tilting her head upward, forcing her to meet his gaze.

His thumb brushed lightly over the bruise on her cheek, the action tender in a way that sent a chill through her. "You think I don’t care about you?" His voice dropped to a near whisper, the words almost fragile in the stillness between them. "I don’t give a damn about the cargo if you’re not safe. Don’t make me lose you over some senseless fight."

Y/N swallowed hard, her chest tightening with the enormity of his words. She could feel the weight of his care pressing down on her, something she hadn’t realized she needed until that moment. Silco rarely showed this side of himself, but when he did, it was disarming. Vulnerable, in a way that made her want to reach out and steady him.

"I’ll be more careful," she promised, her voice hoarse from both the exhaustion and the gravity of their conversation. "Next time, I’ll make sure you know I’m alive."

Silco didn’t say anything for a long moment. His eyes remained locked on hers, the fire of his anger now a faint ember beneath a layer of something softer. He exhaled, the tension that had gripped him easing just a little as he studied her face, his thumb gently tracing the outline of the bruise on her cheek.

"Don’t make promises," he finally muttered, his voice low, the softness lingering in it. "Just don’t keep me in the dark next time."

Y/N nodded, her chest tight with something she couldn’t name, something between guilt and relief. She had never been in a position where Silco’s care for her had been so clear, so direct.

As the silence hung between them, Silco’s hand remained on her chin, his thumb brushing over her skin with a tenderness that sent a shiver down her spine. Then, in a rare moment of vulnerability, he pulled her close, his arms encircling her tightly, as though trying to keep the world—and his fear—at bay.

Y/N froze for a moment, shocked by the sudden closeness, but then she melted into him, her face pressed against his chest as he held her with an intensity that made her heart race. She could feel the steadiness of his breath, the rhythm of his heartbeat, grounding her in a way she didn’t expect.

"I would’ve hated for the last time we were alone to have been a fight," Silco murmured into her hair, his voice low and steady, but with an unmistakable edge of sincerity. "I’d never forgive myself if that was it."

Y/N nodded against him, the words settling deep inside her. This moment, this unexpected tenderness, was something she never expected from him. She had always seen Silco as a force, a man with an unyielding drive. But now, standing in his arms, she saw another side of him—the one that cared, fiercely, about her safety, about her life.

"I won’t let it happen again," she whispered back, her voice muffled against his chest, her heart steadying as she breathed in the scent of him. "I’ll always come back to you."

In that moment, the factory, the bruises, the chaos—they all seemed so far away.

The hideout was bathed in a dim, flickering light as the air hummed with tension. The chaos inside Jinx’s mind mirrored the storm outside. Her hands trembled as they clutched a broken toy in front of her, eyes wide and unfocused. Her breath came in shallow gasps, the voices swirling louder, more insistent. Her chest tightened as they pressed in, suffocating her.

"Jinx…" Mylo’s voice came first, soft and familiar, but it was twisted, distorted. "You always mess it up. You’re nothing without us…"

Her head jerked as if she could escape the voice, but it only seemed to grow stronger. Her fingers clenched into fists, nails digging into her skin.

Claggor's voice cut through, his tone like a distant memory. "It's your fault we're dead. You killed you You never could."

Jinx’s eyes darted around the room, trying to focus, trying to push away the overwhelming pressure of the hallucinations, but it was as if the walls themselves were closing in on her. Every shadow seemed to mock her, every sound turned into a distorted echo. She could hear the footsteps of those who had left her, could almost feel them standing just behind her.

Vander's voice came next, he deep, resonant voice, firm but filled with a sadness that gnawed at her. "You got them all killed. I looked after you. Took you in with welcome arms. And this is how you repay me. You are a monster"

"No!" Jinx cried out, pressing her hands against her ears, trying to block out the voices that circled her mind like vultures. "No, no, no, you’re wrong!" Her words were a desperate, frantic plea. Her breathing quickened, panic rising within her as tears began to spill down her cheeks.

And then, a figure stepped out of the shadows, her presence like a weight in the air. Jinx turned toward her, eyes wide and frantic. It was her sister, Vi. But something was different. Vi’s face was twisted in anger, eyes hard and unrecognizable. Her fists were clenched at her sides, her posture defensive, accusatory.

"Why didn’t you listen to me" Vi’s voice was sharp, cutting through the haze of the hallucinations. "I told you to stay home. And because of you, they're all dead!"

Jinx’s heart clenched in her chest. The image of her sister—the one person who could ground her—was slipping through her fingers, distorted, unreachable. "Vi, please… no. I didn’t mean to… I didn’t want this. I’m sorry."

The hallucination of Vi stepped forward, her face hardening. "Sorry won’t fix anything. You’ve already ruined everything because you're just a JINX!"

"No!" Jinx screamed, falling to her knees, her hands clutching her head as if she could physically force the voices out. The word Jinx echoed around her, coming from every direction, distorting with cruel laughter. "Please, stop… Stop, stop, STOP!"

In the midst of the cacophony, Jinx’s breath hitched as she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder—warm, steady. It was real. She could feel it. She turned, her tear-filled eyes meeting the concerned gaze of the one person who had vowed to always be there for her—her mother, Y/N, standing behind her.

"Jinx," Y/N’s voice was soft, grounding, like a lifeline in the storm. "Jinx, come on, Powder. I’m here."

The voices seemed to fade, the shadows retreating just slightly as Y/N’s presence pulled Jinx from the edge. The weight of the hallucinations still lingered, but they no longer pressed on her as suffocatingly as before.

Jinx looked up at her mother, her chest heaving, her body trembling with exhaustion and raw emotion. "I... I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just… I just can’t stop it."

Y/N knelt beside her, wrapping her arms around Jinx and pulling her close. "There’s nothing wrong with you, Jinx. You’re not broken. You’ve been through so much, but you’re not alone in this fight. I’m right here, every step of the way."

Jinx buried her face in Y/N’s shoulder, tears streaming freely now, her body shaking with the weight of everything she had been holding in. "I’m scared, Mama. What if I can’t get better? What if I lose everyone again?"

Y/N tightened her hold on Jinx, kissing the top of her head softly. "You don’t have to do this alone, Jinx. You’re loved, just as you are. You always have been, and you always will be. I’m not going anywhere."

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Jinx let herself go, sobbing freely in her mother’s arms, the hallucinations no longer able to drown her in their cruel whispers. Y/N held her through it, knowing that this was just one battle in the war of her mind, but she would always be there to fight beside her.

The dim glow of The Last Drop cast long shadows across the room as Y/N and Sevika sat in a quiet corner, the clinking of glasses and murmur of patrons muffled by the thick walls. They had been talking for hours, the conversation drifting from one topic to the next, but there was an unspoken tension hanging in the air. Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, that the fragile peace she’d managed to build with Jinx was beginning to crack.

Sevika, ever the stoic presence, leaned back in her chair, her mismatched arms crossed over her chest, a half-empty bottle of something strong sitting between them. She had been a steady presence in their lives, a protector of sorts, even if her rough exterior sometimes hid that side of her. She wasn’t one to offer reassurances or sentimental words, but Y/N knew Sevika cared—her actions spoke louder than any words ever could.

"So," Y/N began, her voice softer than usual, her gaze drifting toward the door where Jinx had been last seen, the faint sound of her laughter—hollow, manic—still lingering in the back of Y/N’s mind. "I need to ask you something, Sevika."

Sevika raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "What’s on your mind?"

Y/N hesitated, the weight of the words she was about to speak sinking deep into her chest. Her gaze flicked briefly to Jinx’s empty chair before returning to Sevika’s unwavering stare. "If anything were to happen to me…" She swallowed hard, the words thick in her throat. "I need you to look after Jinx."

Sevika’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise flashing across her face before it disappeared. She sat up straighter, her voice low and steady. "You’re not going anywhere, Y/N. Don’t talk like that."

"I know," Y/N replied, her voice barely above a whisper, the concern evident in her tone. "But if the worst does happen, I can’t have her alone. She… she’s not the same. Her mind is… slipping, Sevika. I’ve seen it. The voices. The paranoia. She’s starting to unravel, and I can’t protect her from everything. I know Silco will try to help in his own way, but I’m not blind to the fact that, when things get too heavy, he’ll likely retreat to his office, locked away from it all. Jinx… she’ll need someone to stay with her when that happens."

Sevika studied her for a long moment, a rare vulnerability showing in her gaze. She didn’t have to ask the details—Y/N knew Sevika understood the silent battle Jinx was fighting inside her own head. The manic episodes, the hallucinations, the overwhelming guilt that twisted her mind. Sevika had seen it too, though she was more pragmatic about it, never one to show much emotion toward Jinx’s spirals.

Finally, Sevika nodded, her voice gruff but sincere. "I’ll keep an eye on her. You have my word. I won’t let her fall apart alone."

Y/N felt a wave of relief wash over her, though it was bittersweet. "I know you can’t fix her, Sevika. But just… just be there for her. She needs someone who won’t run from her when things get too dark. Someone who won’t be scared of the mess she’s become. She needs stability."

"Don’t worry," Sevika replied with a grunt, though there was a softness to her tone now. "I’m not going anywhere, either. I’ll look after her. I promise."

Y/N gave a small, grateful smile, but it quickly faded as she glanced back toward the door, knowing Jinx was somewhere in the hideout, lost in her own world. "Thank you, Sevika. You’re one of the few people I trust with her. I just… I want her to have someone when I can’t be there anymore."

Sevika didn’t offer any more words, but the weight of the promise hung in the air between them. She wasn’t one to offer comforting words, but Y/N knew that Sevika’s loyalty was unwavering. If anything were to happen, Jinx would be in good hands, even if the road ahead was uncertain.

"I’ll take care of her," Sevika repeated, her tone final, as if sealing the promise between them.

Y/N nodded, a deep sense of relief washing over her, knowing that Jinx wouldn’t be alone, no matter what happened. She could only hope that, with Sevika's help, her blue-haired girl she sees as a daughter would find her way back from the darkness before it consumed her completely.

The sky was darkening as Y/N made her way to the bridge, the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders. The same bridge where so many lives had been lost all those years ago—where the rebellion had taken everything from them. And now, it seemed, history was repeating itself. The distant sounds of explosions and shouting told Y/N everything she needed to know: Jinx was causing chaos again — caught in her spiralling mind, tearing through anything in her path.

As Y/N reached the edge of the bridge, she saw her in the distance. Jinx was laughing maniacally, her wild eyes flicking back and forth between the people she was tormenting. It was as if she hadn’t even noticed the growing danger around her, the imminent threat of death on every side.

Y/N’s heart twisted in her chest, but she knew she had to act fast. She couldn’t lose her now—not like this. She dashed forward, her feet pounding against the old, cracked stone of the bridge, her breath coming in short gasps as she tried to close the distance between herself and Jinx.

"Jinx!" she called, her voice cutting through the chaos. "You need to stop! Now!"

Jinx’s head snapped around, her manic smile widening as she saw her mother approaching. "Y/N!" she screamed, her voice high and twisted, filled with a mix of excitement and something darker, more desperate. "Come join the fun!"

Y/N’s heart sank as she saw the look in Jinx’s eyes. The girl she once knew—the one who had loved and trusted her—was slipping further away, lost to the madness that was consuming her. But Y/N wasn’t going to give up. Not now. Not when her daughter was so close to the edge.

Without thinking, Y/N lunged forward, dodging the debris and smoke as the sound of another explosion ripped through the air. She caught sight of Jinx as she stepped too close to the edge of the bridge, unaware that the blast from a nearby explosion was heading straight for her. Y/N’s instincts kicked in just as the ground beneath them shook, sending chunks of debris flying through the air.

"POWDER!" Y/N cried out, her voice barely audible over the roar of the explosion.

But it was too late.

Y/N acted on pure instinct, her body moving before her mind could catch up. She shoved Jinx roughly, throwing her out of the blast’s path, but the explosion was too powerful. Debris rained down on them, large chunks of metal and stone tearing through the air, and Y/N felt the crushing weight of the wreckage slam into her. She crumpled to the ground, gasping for air as she felt the sting of metal against her skin.

Jinx froze, her wide eyes locking onto her mother as the dust and smoke from the explosion began to settle. The sounds of the bridge and the chaos around them were drowned out by the pounding of her own heartbeat in her ears. She blinked, unable to process what had just happened. Her mother, the only person who had ever truly protected her, was lying there, crushed beneath the debris.

Jinx’s mind seemed to fracture in that moment, her vision blurring as her world spun. Her heart pounded in her chest, and for the briefest moment, she saw her mother—Felicia—exactly as she had when Jinx had last seen her, dying in the same position, blood staining the cracked stone beneath her.

A flash of memory flooded her mind—the same bridge, the same loss. She had been just a child, hiding behind the wreckage, seeing her mother and father’s bodies sprawled across the ground, knowing they would never come back. And now, here she was again, staring at her mother—Y/N—pinned beneath the rubble, a cold realization settling in her chest.

“No… no, no!” Jinx screamed, her voice raw with panic. Her trembling hands reached out, desperately trying to clear the debris from her mother’s body, her heart racing with every inch of progress she made. The images of the past, of her parents’ deaths, of that devastating moment when she was left alone with no one to turn to, came crashing back in waves.

But there was no time to wallow in the memories. Y/N’s breathing was shallow, her body barely moving beneath the weight of the rubble. Jinx had no choice. She couldn’t lose her again—not like this.

“Come on, come on,” Jinx muttered to herself as she tore away the debris, her hands covered in dirt and blood, her mind racing. "You can’t— You can’t leave me too… I… I can’t do this alone."

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jinx pulled the last of the wreckage away. She gasped when she saw Y/N’s face, pale and bloodied. Her hands shook as she touched her mother’s face, a sob tearing free from her throat.

“Mama!” Jinx cried, her voice breaking. "Please, don’t go. I can’t lose you."

"MAMA!"

[letternotekisses]

KATIEEEEE!!!! KEEP WRITING MAUGA ONESHOTS/HEADCANONS, AND MY LIFE IS YOURS🙏🙏

i love how you write sm…

love you have this thought i had about barmaid reader and mauga <3

He's here again.

Always sneaking glances at you when he thinks your back is turned, or while you tend to a gaggle of giggling patrons swathed in pink feather boas and cowboy hats, here on a hen do. You took little notice of Mauga the first few times, that was, until he started showing up a bit more often.

You upkeep a good reputation in this bar - warm, homely and familiar until the odd troublemaker comes around and you have to put on a brave face - and it's on one of those nights that he finally introduces himself instead of eyeing you up like a cut of fine meat.

It's nearly closing time and you could practically sing with joy at the thought of getting home and into your nice warm bed, supressing a small yawn as you idly clean a glass, calmly surveying over the last few dwindling customers until the door swings open and smacks against the wall loud enough to nearly make you drop your glass.

You sour almost immediately because you've seen this guy before. In fact, you've barred him before for starting fights with some of the other patrons - including the cook on his day off. Unfortunately for you it seemed he'd come back with a bit of a vengeance, sitting down at the bar and clicking his fingers in your face for a drink.

Unbeknownst to you, Mauga had stopped swirling the little umbrella you put in his drink the moment he caught you sneering at the new arrival.

You snarl and dump your rag on the bar unceremoniously, demanding that he get the fuck out of your bar and fixing him with a hard, ornery look that hopefully gets your message through to the drunkard across you.

(It does in fact, not. And when his meaty fist starts heading for your face at the speed of light, you wonder bitterly if the outcome could have ever been any different?)

Except the collision never comes, and when you crack open an eye you're pleasantly surprised to see that Mauga had intervened, his usual grin forgone and replaced with an eerily stormy look that you weren't sure you should be scared or turned on about. You're all too happy to let him deal with it, chucking the patron out onto the concrete all too harshly before he turns and offers out a big burly arm to walk you home after you close.

He screamed trouble, something you'd always hated at this job. But there was something so dangerously enticing about Mauga that you felt a little guilty about, like you shouldn't really be mixing with him but you are anyway. Grabbing your coat and locking up almost as swiftly as you'd taken his arm, letting him charm your ear off all the way home until you stop outside your dingy little apartment.

(Mauga tries not to let his eyes betray him, because the thought of taking you home where you'd have much more space to be bent over crosses his mind much more than once. Although, for the meantime he supposes your coffee table will do.)

Inviting him in for a nightcap wasn't the best idea, but it was the least you could do considering he'd saved you from a black eye earlier. A few drinks later and he's already got you against your kitchen counter, melting like putty in his hands as he pulls you in deep for another steamy kiss.

A few more and you're waking up frazzled and late for work, with surprisingly no regrets and a sore throb in-between your legs, you don't linger on the fact that he wasn't there when you woke up. Getting on with your day until it's time to close up and you catch him waiting for you outside when you're locking up for the night, grinning salaciously with a toothpick placed precariously between his teeth.

What was that phrase again? Trouble tends to follow you or something?

[videolaa]

A New Years Kiss: Minho

Hello, long time no see. Happy New Year. Please enjoy this unedited, extremely poorly written one-shot. From a tired, hungover writer. As always, all rights go to videolaa. You are not allowed to discredit my work, I don't post anywhere else unless stated by me.

You batted your eyes, trying to adjust to the lighting in the room. What would have been distant sounds from the kitchen sounded like loud bangs from your newfound hangover. As your vision cleared enough, your eyes widened, realizing that wasn't your bedroom door. This wasn't your bedroom, your sheets, none of it.

An arm tossed itself over your side, making you tense at the feeling onto your bare skin.

Slowly turning to find Minho, sound asleep next to you, shirtless. There was a hard gulp in your throat, trying to process everything that happened, as you tried to piece the puzzle of last night together. A part of you wanted to wake Minho up and ask what happened, but he looked so at peace that you couldn't pull yourself to do it.

With a deep breath, you closed your eyes, trying to remember everything.

You and your friends decided to go out for a few drinks and watch the countdown. While everyone discussed who's car was taking who to where, you went to get ready. It was new years after all, might as well dress up a bit.

Hyunjin poked fun at you from the drivers seat about Minho, possibly showing up, which made you want to dress up. He wasn't entirely wrong. You did like Minho. He was built, handsome, and he had a beautiful smile that sometimes resembled a bunny. He knew how to make you laugh, especially on days when you felt like crying. Some people said he seemed cold or distant, only they didn't know how caring, funny, and soft Minho was. So maybe you did dress up to see if he would notice yet enough to still blend in for the evening.

He showed up and stuck to the guys and you like you. Slick shots, chasers, and mixing drinks began to swirl with your thoughts. At one point, Seungmin teased you both about not having anyone to kiss at midnight. Remembering you were ready to fire back a comment until Minho raised an eyebrow with a smirk looking at you. "Your alcohol is talking," you pointed out. Minho shrugged, "Mine doesn't have me turning red. Well, how 'bout it. Be my midnight kiss?".

It's just a kiss. He was consenting to it, "Okay. I'll be your midnight kiss." At the twenty-second mark, take a shot for courage.

"10" his eyes went between your lips and eyes, double checking if you were positive with this.

"9" you nodded your head before both of looked at the screen like everyone else.

"8" an arm rested on your back.

"7" the world was quiet.

"6" both of you were leaning in with your hands snaking around his shoulders.

"5" Both of you closed your eyes, and leaned in.

That was all you could remember, not even the cheering. You rubbed your temple, embarrassed by last nights actions. One kiss shouldn't have led to waking up in his bed.

"He's gonna think I'm easy" you mumbled as quietly as possible. You liked him, maybe someone mentioned it and he used it to his advantage - especially adding alcohol into the mix...

With as much strength as you could muster you swung your legs off his bed, trying to slip away in order to get to your trail of close.

Freezing as you heard a tired groan, with a cat like stretch, "Leaving?"

"Yeah," you felt self-conscious now that you were sober, still bare in front of the guy you liked. You wouldn't be surprised if your makeup was smeared across your face. "Give me a minute, and I'll take you home" his voice raspy as he went to leave his bed. "I can call Hyunjin..."

"I'm sorry about... everything," he mumbled. "Don't be, we're both at fault" The air felt unfinished, as if more was supposed to be said, but neither of you could find the right words. "Tell me, do you remember last night?" you asked, quickly pulling your shirt over your head. "Everything got blurry a little after we kissed."

"Was it bad?" Your fingers quickly scrolling to your best friend's contact.

"No, and I don't think the rest was either," his ears were turning pink, causing you to giggle, seeing that thankfully, neither of you remember coming back. "I do remember a certain someone liked having her hands in my hair," he laughed, causing the heat to rise to your face, hitting the call button, your heart leaping to your throat. "I didn't mean -"

"Don't worry, I liked it"

"What?" You stared in disbelief. That did not just come out of his mouth, which had a mischievous smile forming, "I said, I liked it."

Your face was burning, so visible it had Minho shrugging on a pair of sweats as he came over, cupping your face, "You're so red,"

"So are your ears," you shot back. Then he did it again, eyes flickering from your eyes to your mouth. Only his eyes were softer, sober, a soft hello being heard from your phone, repeatedly. "Shit! Hello, sorry"

"You call and don't say anything? Do you want me to have a heart attack?" Hyunjin screamed, bringing throbbing of your head hit you harder than before. "Don't be dramatic, I don't want you to have a heart attack. I was going to ask what you were doing right now -" an echo of vomit, followed by the sound of flushing, was heard in the background. "Are you sick?" Minho raised an eyebrow at the question.

"It comes and goes, last night really-" Hyunjin's body cut him off again, the mere sound was enough to make you feel queasy. "Hello? Is someone there with you?" your voice switched to concern. Only relief you got was Changbin answering, "I got him. He'll be fine. Everything okay?"

"Yeah, I was just trying to check in" you explain.

"And that she has a ride home!" Minho said closer to the phone. "Can you take care of him?" you asked before Hyunjin mumbled something, "Yeah I can do that - she's fine, you two can talk about it later! Minho has her, she's fine! (Y/n) can you call him later?" Changbin huffed. "Yes I promise," you sighed with a slight laughter before hanging up, placing your phone in your back pocket.

"Did that kill the mood?" The feeling of guilt, seeing how close Minho was standing. "Not entirely - could have gone without hearing him sick," he scoffed, but you agreed.

Minho lifted his hand back up to your cheek, "I might though," you stated as his hand froze, letting you continue. "I know last night wasn't planned, and maybe a mistake, but I don't do friends with benefits. So if you want that I can't do that. Plus I really like you I'm not putting myself in a situation like -" you were explaining only to be cut off by a pair of lips.

Shock ran through you at the feeling of his lips on yours. You couldn't help but lean into it yourself. Shutting your eyes, sparks flew across your eyelids. Your hands flew to the back of his neck, Minho pulled away, resting his forehead against your shoulder, "I don't who you believe in but, thank God. I've had liked you for such a long time"

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah, a couple people figured it out. Then last night happened and... I didn't plan on taking you home. I wanted to kiss you, but I planned on asking you out on a date" Minho dumped his confession, leaving you speechless.

This gorgeous man, who could have anyone he wanted, who seemed so far out of your league, wanted you? The new year barely started, but the last 24 hours definitely were not expected.

All you could do was laugh, and kiss him again. "We don't have to do anything but come back to bed? I'll put a movie on and we can just -"

"Lay there?" you finished his sentence.

"Or sleep off two hangovers" he joked.

"I would love that." Minho pulled you back to the mattress at your answer.

"Happy new year Minho"

"Same to you, too (Y/n). Lets make it a good one"