#and then i’m like did you get it sorted out yet

[zyafics]

can you write about rafe x sarahs bestfriend and reader keeps trying to get with rafe and he rejects her until he finally agrees and teases her around Sarah making reader nervous .. if you find a story like this LMK

truly didn't expect to write today, but ended up doing... this. hope you like it!

SOMEONE NEW | Rafe Cameron

MASTERLIST (Blurb)

Pairing — Rafe x Sarah's BSF!Female Reader

Content — best friend's brother, fluff, she falls first/he falls harder

Word Count — 1.1K

Song — Someone New by Hozier

“What gives?”

Rafe surprises you. Sitting on a barstool at the Tannyhill estate, you assumed when Rafe returned home, he would ignore you the way he had done all his life. For the past couple of years, you’ve harbored an embarrassing crush on him that amounted to nothing. Sure, you never outright confessed, but you assumed he knew.

He had to.

The way you always strike up a flimsy conversation during late nights in the kitchen from your sleepovers with Sarah. The way you would always try to convince Sarah to join him and his friends at parties—only to be rejected of an invitation. The way you would always search for him to fill your cup, or take you home, whenever you and the Camerons end up at the same function.

You never told him but the signs were there.

Yet, nothing happened.

After spending a summer in the Bahamas, you decided it was time to put yourself first. You changed the way you dressed, the way you style your hair, the way you put on your makeup. It wasn’t for him, it wasn’t to impress him—it was for you. A new version deserved a new update, a new way to love, and you’re pulling out all the stops.

Now, back in Kildare, you’ve resumed your presence at the Tannyhill estate. Sarah invited you over for a sleepover, but she’s currently out getting some of the snacks. Leaving you to your own device, in her house, with the return of her brother.

Whom you didn’t even realize came home.

It fucks with him.

Because he’s used to you, his little sister’s best friend, always gawking at him from across the room. Always fetching him a beer from the fridge, or blushing whenever he comes into your proximity. Neither of that has happened since your return and Rafe can’t lie and say the loss of attention hasn’t bruised his ego.

But it’s something else. Something magnetizing about the air around you. He doesn’t know if it’s the change in styles or the sudden wave of confidence you’re exuding, but it’s different, and it’s intriguing him like never before.

“What?” You ask, lips parting and releasing the chewed-up plastic straw you were sipping on. His gaze drops to the fullness of your wetted lips, the new shade of lipgloss making them appear more delicious than ever before. His heart slightly patters—what the fuck? He thinks to himself. What is going on with me?

“What’s going on with you?” He asks, and your brows pull together. They’re shaped, manicured, threaded, the way he likes his women. But what remains is that subtle dip between your brows, that boasts the look of innocence from your features, reminding him of the same naivety and shy-natured he always adored.

“What do you mean?” You say with a quiet laugh.

“You’re different,” he observes, his eyes tracing the openness of your clothes. You’re wearing a stylistic top, one revealing your navel, and a piercing on your belly button. When the fuck did you get that?

You tilt your head to the side, your doe-shaped eyes blinking at him with pure curiosity. “Is that a bad thing?”

“Sort of, yeah,” he admits. You shrink under this proclamation, shoulders tightening, your legs crossing on the barstool, revealing the pretty anklet on your feet, dangling, in a way that makes him imagine what they would look like over his shoulders.

You frown, jutting out your bottom lip, and looking to the floor. “I’m sorry,” you apologize quietly.

“Not—” He pulls back, trying to find the right words. “Not in a bad way. You’re not… you.”

You blink up at him, “Like what?”

You don’t look for me anymore, he concludes, but he finds it pathetic to say. Instead, he settles with: “You’re just different.”

You scrunch your nose at his words, the way they wrinkle, it’s so adorable, he wants to cherish that sight. Rafe finds the courage to ask, “And you’re quiet. You always wanted to talk to me; did some other asshole catch your attention in the Bahamas?”

“Why do you assume they’re an asshole?”

“Most men are,”

“You included?” You ask, tilting your chin to look at him in a sort of challenge.

“Yeah,” he admits after a long silence. “I’m the worst kind.”

It makes you laugh again. In that same carefree, airy laugh that comes with ease. Something about that simple sound unwinds his shoulders, and Rafe takes in the moment as if he can stretch it on for an eternity. Fuck, he thought. What is it?

“What’s so funny?” Rafe asks, his throat suddenly dry. He needs a glass of water, but it’ll be hell before he tries to move from this spot.

“Nothing,” you say with a soft smile, “Just… Self-awareness is always a good first step.”

“So you think I’m an asshole?” He asks, stepping closer. His leg knocks at your feet, causing you to shift your position in a way that accommodates him. You still do that, Rafe recognizes, you’re still making room for him.

Good.

You bobble your head in contemplation, “I don’t think it’s a lie,”

“I can be better,” Rafe declares.

“Sure,” you drawl, unconvinced.

“I’ll be better for you,”

The words came tumbling out without a second thought, and all the presence of air is stolen from your lungs. Your eyes widen into this impossible size, filled with such valiant shock, that you’ve never demonstrated before. He almost wishes he can take back his confession.

But Sarah returns, coming into the room to break the tense air.

“Leave her alone, Rafe,” Sarah snaps, dropping two plastic bags of snacks onto the kitchen island. “Don’t you have some whore to entertain?”

Rafe drops his jaw playfully. “Don’t call your best friend that.”

”I—“ Sarah reddens from the accusation, sliding her gaze apologetically to you, but you laugh it off, gently pushing Rafe’s shoulder, and forcing a gap between you.

He hates it.

“I know,” you answer, smiling at your best friend and shaking your head softly. “He’s being an asshole."

You cut a look over to Rafe with a knowing smile like you’re sharing an inside joke, before returning your attention to your best friend. Rafe had half a mind to grab your chin and force your focus back on him—the other Cameron. “Do you need help carrying anything?”

“Nope,” Sarah shakes her head, grabbing the bags with one hand and using her other one to grab yours. “Let’s go.”

You beam, radiating the same contagious joy as before, but with a new set of layers that Rafe wants to strip down and uncover. Sarah pushes him to the side and moves to the stairs, and as you’re dragged up the steps, you do something you’ve never done before.

You don’t look back.

And in that moment, he realizes, fuck, he might’ve liked you more than he was willing to admit.

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[smileysuh]

apartment complex

🌙 starring. Johnny Suh x afab!Reader I ft. Haechan & Jaehyun

🔮 preview. So… Johnny works on a rig for long periods of time, Jaehyun is a gym rat with dimples, and Hyuck is a… drug dealer who’s not afraid to be extremely direct and combative? And they’re all your neighbours and also into you? How did you get yourself into this mess? 

tw/cw. Unprotected sex, pent-up sexual tension, shower sex, masturbation, fingering, hand job, thigh riding, praise, dirty talk, breast worship/nipple play, big dick Johnny, pussy stretching, oral (f receiving), overstimulation, multiple reader orgasms, multiple sex positions, size kink (Johnny is big and a slight manhandler), mentions of aftercare, etc… I pet names: (hers) 304, baby, princess. 

👹 rating.18+ explicit I wc. 13.3k

🍭 aus. Love square, slice of life, neighbours to lovers, etc…

☀️ mlist + an. So when Johnny calls her the nickname ‘304,’ we’re not doing full numbers, it’s ‘three-oh-four’ which I actually think is kind of cute haha 

One:

You feel like an absolute mess. Your hair is all over the place, you’re in a full sweats ensemble that is - true to its name - making you perspire like nothing else as you lug boxes upon boxes of your stuff into your building and up to your new apartment.

To make matters worse, you’re exhausted. Moving days have this absolutely draining effect, and you can’t wait for the day to be over. You’re not even sure if you’ll unpack anything- maybe you’ll just fish out a towel and some body wash from one of the many crates you have, shower, then collapse onto your mattress- do you even have the energy to set up your bed frame?

You’re busy trying to plan out how you’re going to even accomplish the day, when the elevator doors open, and you find yourself staring up at one of the hottest men you’ve ever seen.

“Hi,” he grins, stepping next to you in the small space. “Moving in?”

You’re so distracted by the way his biceps look in his muscle shirt that it takes you a moment to speak. “Uh, yeah.”

“I’m Johnny,” he tells you.

“y/n.” The box in your hands is beginning to slip from the sweat on your palms, and you haphazardly readjust it on your hip.

“This might be a little forward,” Johnny chuckles, “but do you need any help?”

“Uh…” You turn once again to look up at this absolute tower of a man. “I’m almost done moving everything-”

“Let me guess, boxes done, just some furniture stuff left?”

You feel your skin flush with heat. “Is it that obvious that I’m struggling right now?” An awkward laugh escapes your lips, and you’re happy to find Johnny return the sound with a soft, understanding smile.

“Usually when cute girls move somewhere, they have a boyfriend, a brother, a dad, a friend- someone to help them do the tough stuff, and since you’re alone, I’m guessing you’re troopering this whole thing out all by yourself.”

“New city,” you explain. “I don’t uh- don’t know anyone here just yet, and my family didn’t want to take time off work to help with any of this.”

“Lucky you bumped into me then,” Johnny grins. “I just finished up at the gym, but I’ve got energy to help a new neighbour.”

The elevator dings to signal you’ve made it to your floor, and Johnny follows you out.

“You’re the new tenant for 304?” he asks.

“Uh huh,” you nod, stopping in front of the unit you now call home.

“We really are neighbours,” Johnny laughs. “I’m 306.”

“Look it was nice to meet you,” you say, “but you really don’t need to help, I’m sure I can manage my bed and a few other things-”

“y/n,” Johnny interrupts you, “I promise I’m not some creep, just a good neighbour offering help. You look tired, let me help you.”

Your pride makes it difficult to accept this sort of thing, but you swallow it, offering Johnny a nod. 

And that’s how you find yourself moving your bed and the last bit of furniture into your new apartment with one of the sexiest guys you’ve ever seen. He’s quite the charmer, and he’s reassuring too- calming you down when things are a little heavy, and slowing his own pace to match your exhaustion.

In no time at all, everything is out of the moving truck, and Johnny leans in your doorway as he watches you slump into a chair. 

“Do you want help making your bedframe or anything?” he enquires.

“Honestly? I think I’m going to call it a day,” you admit. “The drive here was long, I’ve been up since five AM, didn’t sleep well last night due to nerves-”

“Sounds like you should get some rest,” Johnny nods.

“I really appreciate your help though,” you offer. “I’ll uh, have to buy you beers or something.”

Johnny only laughs. “That’s not necessary. Besides, I work on a rig, so I’m only here a week or so every month, you caught me at a good time.”

“Oh.” You can’t help the disappointment that surges through you. Of course this man was too hot to be true- of course he has a job that requires him to be away for long periods or he’d probably have an equally hot girlfriend already.

“But… let me give you my number, and if you ever need anything while I am here, you can just give me a shout.” 

The two of you exchange digits, and with one final smile, Johnny leaves you be. 

You lay on your bed for a while, trying to calm down- from the moving, or from being around a ten out of ten, you’re not sure. 

Two:

It’s your first time doing laundry in the new building, and to your disappointment, you find the shared laundry room to have no available machines.

A sigh escapes you as you stand there momentarily, wondering if you should wait five minutes for a turn over, or just scratch this whole idea and hope there are empty machines tomorrow.

As you’re considering your options, the laundry room door opens, and a tall blonde enters.

“Hi,” he beams.

“Hello.” You watch him carefully, noticing that he heads to a machine to take out his clothes from the washer. “Uh- do you mind if I put my stuff in there once it’s empty?”

“Of course not,” he smiles. “With only six machines for the whole building, it can be a bit rough trying to nab one on busy days.”

“I’ve noticed,” you laugh. “I’m new here, my name is y/n.”

“I’m Jungwoo,” he tells you, moving his clothing into the only empty dryer. He turns on the machine and then steps back, looking over at you again. “So are you new to the building or new to the city?”

“The city,” you admit, beginning to move your stuff into the now empty washer.

“You have that look.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just- a lot of people here are boring, we’re not exactly known for fashion or anything like that-”

You look down at the Stitch onesie you’re wearing that you’d bought for Halloween a few years back but has since become a comfort outfit, then back up at the blonde.

“I just like your style!” he insists. “Not everyone can rock blue pajamas!”

You find yourself laughing at his sincerity, shaking your head as you grab your washer fluid to get the machine going.

“Anyways,” Jungwoo sighs. “Did you move here for work?”

“I actually work online,” you tell him. “I can work from anywhere, and I figured this would be a nice place to get out of the big city for a while- cheaper rent, more nature, that sort of thing.”

“Makes sense,” Jungwoo nods. “I’m a server at a bar just down the road.”

You take a moment, then laugh. “You seem like a server.”

“Because I’m so cute and social?” he grins.

“Definitely,” you nod, enjoying his energy.

“Anyways, I love making friends, and since you’re new to the city, I’m guessing you haven’t met a lot of people yet. If you want to be friends, I’d love to add you to my gossip roster.”

“Your gossip roster?”

“I’m a server, which means I love all things tea- except for when grandmas order actual tea in the middle of a rush, that’s the worst.”

“I’ll take your word on it,” you grin.

“So… friends?” Jungwoo asks.

You nod. “We can be friends.”

Three:

It’s been three weeks since you moved into your new apartment, and in that time, you’ve gotten settled, and even visited Jungwoo at his bar. He’s an interesting friend, and he seems to know everything about everyone.

At first, you’d been worried about any ulterior motives he might have, as you’ve experienced many men try to make a move on you under the guise of just wanting to be your friend. But now, you realize Jungwoo’s intentions towards you are pure- or, as pure as they can be given how much gossip he consumes.

You get the sense that you’re not his type, and that’s a hundred percent okay with you, in fact, it’s a dynamic that makes you finally feel comfortable accepting an invitation to visit his apartment.

It seems all the attractive men in your building live on your floor, and as you enter his unit, you find yet another cute man standing in the kitchen.

“This is Mark,” Jungwoo introduces you. “Mark, this is y/n. Don’t worry, Lee, I’ve told her everything about you.”

“Oh, great,” Mark sighs.

It’s true, Jungwoo has divulged way too deep into his roommate’s history. You know that he’s a content creator and chef, he used to work in a prestigious restaurant, went on one of those reality cooking shows, managed to be the runner up for the first place prize despite his awkward nature, and has now been commissioned to write a cookbook focused solely on burgers (which Jungwoo has assured you is actually a broad topic despite what you might think).

You also know that Mark has a limited dating history, with a high school sweetheart who left him right before his stint on live tv, and a new crush on some barista that he’s too shy to even talk to despite the fact that he goes to her coffee shop every day just to order frothed milk with vanilla since caffeine doesn’t agree with him.

“So what’s on the menu tonight, chef?” Jungwoo asks, coming to stand right behind Mark in the kitchen.

From the way Mark clears his throat and steps back, it’s obvious to you that he’s not as comfortable about being close to people as Jungwoo is, and you find yourself enjoying this roommate dynamic already.

“I’m actually testing some stupid protein burger for muscle heads,” Mark admits.

“Aren’t burgers already high in protein since they’re meat?” you ask.

“Yes, and no,” Mark groans, “it depends. I want to have a few vegetarian and even vegan options in the cookbook I’m writing on burgers- and lots of people want high protein even in their plant based meals.” 

“So… what are your options for this burger you’re trying to create?” you enquire. 

“I’ve tried some black bean patties, chickpea patties, that sort of thing- but I’m considering making an entire two page fold dedicated to dredges and batters that you could use on a variety of burgers, meat or vegetarian. I got everything to make a protein powder infused batter, but I’m just now realizing that the protein powder I have on hand is chocolate flavoured, which really won’t work if I put it on anything, let alone a tofu burger.”

“Call Jae,” Jungwoo says simply. “That man has a collection of protein powder that would make a man on steroids combust.”

“Maybe I should just run to the store,” Mark sighs.

“You only need a small scoop of powder, right?” Jungwoo counters. “Why would you go buy an entire plain jug of protein powder when a protein head lives next door?”

“I’d hate to bother him,” the chef groans again, and you find yourself starting to realize the true depth of his social anxiety. 

“I’ll call Jaehyun,” Jungwoo states, pulling out his phone.

You take a seat at the island counter while Jungwoo makes a deal for some powder with this ‘Jae’ person, and you watch Mark fuss over other ingredients that he adds to a dry mixing bowl.

There’s a knock at the door, and then a man peaks his head inside of the apartment.

Your eyes lock and the wind is knocked from your lungs- is every hot man in the city living in your building?

“Jae!” Jungwoo yells, “come in!”

The man steps into the apartment, offering a smile, and the dimples in his cheeks practically blind you. There’s no way around it, this man looks like a model. He’s handsome, but there’s a slightly feminine softness to the angles of his face, a warmth in his eyes, and it’s absolutely captivating.

“Am I interrupting?” Jae asks as he approaches the kitchen, his eyes continuously meeting your own.

“Not at all, Mark’s just floundering as usual, and I’m hanging out with my new friend. y/n, this is Jaehyun, Jaehyun, this is y/n.” 

“Nice to meet you,” you smile.

“You too.” Jaehyun sets a tub of protein powder onto the kitchen counter next to Mark, then he turns his full attention to you again. “So how did you meet Jungwoo?”

“In the laundry room,” Jungwoo is quick to explain, and you don’t miss the exchange of glances between Jaehyun and your friend. “She’s new to the building.” Jungwoo practically winks at Jaehyun, and you get the suspicion that he’s trying to set you up with this model looking protein man.

“I love meeting new neighbours,” Jaehyun says smoothly. “What floor are you on?”

“This one, room 304.”

“No way.” Jaehyun’s eyes widen. “That’s right across from mine!”

“You’re 305?” you ask, heart beating faster in your chest.

“In the flesh,” Jaehyun grins.

“Can we move the talking somewhere else?” Mark asks quietly. “I’m trying to concentrate.”

The energy fizzles immediately, and Jaehyun nods. “I was actually just heading to the gym.”

“Of course you were,” Jungwoo rolls his eyes.

“But uh, I’ll see you around,” Jaehyun says, looking at you directly. “Welcome to the building.” 

Four:

You suppose you shouldn’t be shocked when meeting cute men in your apartment building anymore, but you still find your breath leaving your body when you’re bringing groceries up from the parking garage only for a very cute man to enter the elevator.

He steps in and flashes you a smirk, then looks at the floor buttons. “You’re headed to three?” he asks.

“Uh huh.”

“Are you new?”

“Been here about a month.”

“Huh,” the man looks stumped for a moment. “I feel like I would have seen you. I’m Hyuck by the way.”

“y/n.”

Hyuck nods. “Are you liking the building?”

“It’s nice,” you muse, too tired from your day at the grocery store to make much smalltalk. 

“You must be… unit 304? I’m a couple of doors down, near the corner. I know someone moved out, and I heard from the building manager that someone was moving in, but fuck, I can’t believe I haven’t met you yet.”

“I can be kind of reclusive,” you joke. “I mean, I work from home.”

“Ahhh, you’re one of those girls.” Hyuck grins at you knowingly and your heart leaps into your throat.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing,” he shrugs. “Just, you know, sometimes the cutest girls are the ones that stay in their house all day.”

“Oh.” You’re really not sure how to respond to his statement, and your eyes shift down to the floor as the elevator comes to a stop.

The two of you both turn to the left, and Hyuck walks in step with you to your door, where he stops. “What’s that?”

You’re confused for a moment, too busy fumbling with your keys, but when you look up, you realize there’s a sticky note on your door. 

“Looks like you already have an admirer,” Hyuck grins. “Was nice to meet you, we should hang sometime,” he reads. “Who do you think left this?”

You’re pretty sure it was Jaehyun who left the note- after all, the only other people you know are Jungwoo and Johnny, who both have your number, and you doubt Mark Lee of all people would be this forward. 

“I uh-” you stutter a little, swallowing thickly. “I’m not sure.”

“So are you single, or…?”

“Definitely single,” you blurt out, pushing your key into the door and clicking it unlocked.

“Definitely single,” Hyuck repeats as you push into your apartment, “I’ll keep that in mind.” 

Five:

You’re finishing up after dinner when your phone makes a beeping sound, and you quickly pick it up, surprised to see a message from Johnny.

‘Looks like you’ve got some secret admirers, 304.’

Your stomach drops, and you realize that in your haste to enter your apartment after finding Jaehyun’s note with Hyuck earlier, you hadn’t actually removed it from your door- but wait, admirers? As in… plural? 

Tripping over yourself to get to the door, you throw it open to find not one sticky note, but two.

While Jaehyun’s initial ‘Was nice to meet you, we should hang sometime’ is still there, someone has taken the liberty to put a second note on top of it, and this one reads; ‘I’m more fun, let’s have drinks.’

It’s clear who the second note is from, and you’re quick to rip both off of your door. 

Jaehyun and Hyuck are both quite forward, and your heart is racing as you go sit on your couch, feeling conflicted.

You pull out your phone again, releasing a deep sigh as you write up a text to Johnny. ‘This apartment building is so weird.’

‘Boys will be boys,’ comes his quick response. 

Taking another breath to calm yourself, you look at the texts, and that’s when you realize, ‘I didn’t know you were back from the rigs.’ 

‘Got back a couple of days ago :)’ 

Tapping your fingers against your couch, you try to figure out how you should play this.

You’re most attracted to Johnny, but now that Jaehyun and Hyuck are so clearly demonstrating their blooming affection for you - out in the open where everyone on your floor can see - you wonder if that might throw a wrench at Johnny’s own feelings for you…

Does Johnny like you?

When he’d helped you move your things, was that just him genuinely being nice? 

You feel absolutely twisted, especially since you’ve never considered yourself the type of girl to entertain a long distance relationship…

‘So… you’re in town for a few more days?’

‘three!’ 

You definitely need to sort out your priorities. 

Six:

You’re in need of a drink as you walk into Jungwoo’s work, taking a seat at the bar and releasing a deep sigh.

“For a girl who came to happy hour, you don’t look too happy,” Jungwoo muses as he moves to stand in front of you.

“Is it that obvious?” you laugh.

“I mean… you’re the hot new girl in 304 who has two guys fighting over you in sticky notes, I’d expect you to be a little more up beat.” 

“You saw that?” you ask in shock.

“Everyone saw it. Whoever left those notes weren’t exactly subtle… who did leave those notes, by the way?”

You let out a laugh, shaking your head at your friend’s need for gossip. “You know one of them at least.”

“Jae, I’m guessing,” Jungwoo nods. “He asked me for your number but since I’m your friend I’m not just out here handing around your personal information.”

“I appreciate that.”

“And guy number two?” he enquires.

“Some dude named Hyuck.”

An interesting expression immediately appears on Jungwoo’s face. It’s something between an ‘oooooh!’ and an ‘ooop!’ and you can’t quite place the emotion.

“What?” you ask, leaning forward. “You know him?”

“Everyone knows Hyuck.”

“They do?”

“Let’s just say…” Jungwoo’s voice lowers as he leans over the bar, “he’s a provider of things that a lot of people like to get their hands on.”

“Huh?” 

“A plug, there, you tortured it out of me, Hyuck is a plug,” Jungwoo throws his hands up as if you just twisted his arm for the information, and you stare at him blankly.

“A plug,” you repeat.

“You can’t be that innocent, babes, you know what I mean.”

You sit back in your chair, thinking it through.

So… Johnny works on a rig for long periods of time, Jaehyun is a gym rat with dimples, and Hyuck is a… drug dealer who’s not afraid to be extremely direct and combative? And they’re all your neighbours and also into you? How did you get yourself into this mess? 

“Where did you even meet Hyuck?” Jungwoo asks.

“In the elevator?”

“Why did that sound like a question?” your friend laughs.

“I don’t know! God, I’m just… overwhelmed.”

“There are worse things to be overwhelmed about, I mean… tax season is coming soon, and I don’t know how much fraud I should commit with my tips.” 

You can’t help but laugh at Jungwoo, and he’s succeeded in using humour to calm you down. 

He’s grinning at you, and he taps his hand onto the bar top. “Let me make you a drink, on me, but you’ll be paying me with gossip, deal?” 

“Deal.”

You trust Jungwoo to make you drinks by now, and he doesn’t ask what you want, he simply begins to mix a fruity concoction together. Soon, he’s setting it down in front of you and you’re taking a large gulp.

“So…” he grins. “Hyuck or Jae?”

“Are those my only options?”

Jungwoo’s eyes widen. “Spill the tea.”

“I just… I met this guy Johnny when I moved in-”

“Johnny as in super tall, blue collar, muscle man, Johnny?”

“Sounds like him,” you laugh.

“And you met him the first day you moved in?”

“He actually helped me with boxes and furniture.”

Jungwoo lets out a whistle. “Now I see why you’re overwhelmed.”

“I guess, I just don’t really know any of these guys too well. I’ve only met all of them once-”

“But you have a favourite,” Jungwoo interjects. “Johnny’s your favourite, despite his fucked up job.”

You sigh. “How could you tell?”

“I watch a lot of reality tv, in shows like Love is Blind or Singles Inferno sometimes a girl has multiple guys going for her, but the first one leaves a mark… it’s not always the case though, but it’s about that initial impact.” 

“Impact,” you repeat. “Johnny definitely made an impact… and he saw the notes from Hyuck and Jae.”

“Oooooh,” Jungwoo grins, “scandalous.” 

“But he works away for weeks at a time!”

“He’s here now,” Jungwoo points out. “So… go on a date with him, and sort out Hyuck and Jae after.”

“You think so?”

“What could be wrong about it?” Jungwoo shrugs. “Go on a date with Johnny, see how you feel- maybe he does something gross that turns you off and it makes life easier.”

“Or maybe he’s perfect and it makes things even worse,” you sigh.

“You never know until you try. Another thing from my dating shows is that no one wants to live with regrets, and I don’t think you do either.” 

Seven:

You’d taken Jungwoo’s advice, and after two drinks at the bar, you’re home, waiting for a knock that sounds on your door.

Taking a deep breath, you fix your outfit, approaching your entry way to find Johnny standing in the hall. He looks all tall and gorgeous, in a similar laid back muscle shirt and sweats combo to the one you’d first seen him in. His hair is a little messy and damp as if he’d just come out of a shower, and the smell of his piney bodywash has you going weak. 

“Hi,” he grins. 

“Hi,” you smile back. “Uh, come in.”

Johnny nods, stepping past the threshold. “Are you a shoes off in the house kind of girl?”

“Yes, please.”

You watch him kick off his runners before turning to you. “I’m a little confused.”

“You are?”

“I got your text that you wanted me to come over, and I half expected you needed help building some cabinet or something, but then I remembered you’ve been here a month already, so now I don’t really know what I’m doing here.”

“I told you I’d buy you a beer for helping me move my stuff, remember?” You let out an awkward chuckle. “I don’t have beer, but I did open a bottle of wine.”

“That works,” Johnny grins.

“Come, sit.” You move to your living area, taking a seat on the couch. Johnny joins you, and you note the way he immediately shifts his body to be facing you. He watches you pour him a glass, and you both notice your shaky hand as you pass it to him.

“How much have you been drinking, 304?”

“A bit.”

“Rough day?” he enquires with a smile.

“Just…” you let out a deep breath. “Not used to all the attention I’m getting here.”

“Yeah, your entourage.” Johnny sips his drink, still grinning as if this is the funniest thing in the world.

“Would you believe me if I told you I’m not the kind of person who loves getting a lot of attention?”

Johnny cocks his head to the side. “I think it’s hard for a girl who looks like you to avoid that sort of thing.”

God, he is into you, you can taste it- or maybe that’s the sweet notes of your wine. 

You don’t know what to say, but you feel a grin appear on your face, your eyes shifting down to your glass. “I don’t know about that.”

“Just an observation,” Johnny laughs. “So… what are you going to do about all of this?”

“I think…” you swallow thickly. “I think I’m doing something right now.”

“Yeah?”

You look up at him, smiling. “Yeah.”

Now it’s Johnny’s turn to be at a loss for words, and you get the sense that this isn’t something that happens very often to him.

“I’m sure you know what it’s like to get a lot of attention,” you offer.

Johnny shrugs. “I’m only in town a week every month, and when I’m here I spend most of my time at the gym or at home. I’ve never been a big party guy, I prefer cheap beer to bars, and I guess I’ve just accepted that a guy like me has to be single.”

“You have to be?” you enquire, cocking your head to the side in a bid to understand him better. 

“Most girls aren’t interested in starting anything with a man who works on a rig. I understand the guys who have girls before the job, and they stay after building a foundation, but it’s hard to work on the start of a relationship when you’re not around.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” you nod- in fact, it’s something you’ve considered to great length already. “If… if the right girl came along, would that be something you’re interested in exploring?”

Johnny lets out a deep breath. “That’s a good question.” 

You watch him sip his wine, giving him the space to consider it.

“I just… I wouldn’t want a girl to feel like she’s an afterthought, or a fuck buddy- and doing the work I do, I have to be focused. It’s day rate, it’s dangerous, sometimes the rigs are a couple hours away from camp, and that’s on top of a twelve hour shift-” He lets out another deep sigh. “I think it would take a very special, very loyal kind of girl to give me a chance.”

“And what would you say your type is?”

His eyes meet yours. “I love a cute girl next door.”

Your heart thumps in your chest. “Funny, I like a boy next door.”

“Then it’s a good thing we’re neighbours.”

Johnny lifts his glass and you clink yours together, giggling.

It’s crazy how things can feel so comfortable with him already- but in the background of your mind there’s a sense of dread looming, after all, he’s leaving in just two or so days.

“Can I be honest with you?” you ask.

“Of course.”

“I’m sad you’re leaving soon.”

“I’m not leaving yet,” he points out.

“You know what I mean.”

Johnny shifts, resting his arm on the back of your couch. “I have a proposition for you, 304.”

“God, stop calling me 304,” you laugh.

“It feels like we’re interested in each other, but I get the sense you’re unsure about the long distance aspect. What if we hang out tonight, tomorrow I take you on an actual date, and if things go well, we could talk about what communication would look like when I’m away.”

“You know what?” you take a deep breath. “I would like that.”

“But… I have on condition.”

“Hit me.”

Johnny is quiet for a moment. “I’m aware that, no matter how good our dates tonight and tomorrow are, me being away might be too much for you. You have two other guys who are interested and they live here, so… even though I’m a cuddly person, I think it’s better for both of us if we keep things PG before I leave, that way… I mean, if you chose one of them because distance is too much, at least things won’t be awkward for us, and we can still be friends.” 

“I think…” - as much as you hate the idea and want to climb him like a tree - “I think that might be the most mature way to handle this.” 

Johnny nods. “So… what are your thoughts on aliens?”

“Huh?”

“UFO’s, UAP’s, USP’s-”

“What even are all of those?” you laugh.

“Unidentified flying objects, unidentified aerial phenomenon, which is pretty much another term for UFO’s, unidentified submersible phenomenon-”

You shake your head at him in affectionate shock. “Where did you learn all of this?” 

“History network,” Johnny grins. “Listen, why would I ask you surface level questions when we can dive into conspiracy theory? UFO’s are a good way to bounce into all sorts of topics, religion, politics, current and historical events-”

He’s a little odd, but you suppose you understand where he’s coming from now. You decide to give up control, and you lean into his question, loving the twists and turns that the conversation takes. You talk about everything, from the moon landing, to ancient monolithic structures and tv shows about space, a discussion about recent alien films leads to an analysis on favourite actors-

Before you even know it, hours have passed, the wine bottle is empty, and you feel as if you know him a lot better than when he’d first entered your apartment. 

“Do you work tomorrow?” he asks.

You sigh, looking at the time. “At nine.”

“I should probably get out of your hair then. When are you off?”

“Fiveish.”

Johnny stands up, stretching, and you can’t help the way your eyes move to the exposed strip of V-line when his shirt rises. “Guess I’ll see you tomorrow at fiveish, 304.”

You rise to your feet, pleasantly surprised when the gentle giant pulls you in for a hug. God, the feeling of his chest against your cheek- the soft cotton of his muscle shirt and the scent of his cologne- you release a deep breath, fully melting into what must be one of the best hugs of your life.

“I’ll text you,” Johnny says, and as he does so, his lips brush the crown of your head.

He’d said PG, and you suppose this is PG, but fuck, you want more.  

Eight:

Out of all the possible date venues, you hadn’t expected bowling. Johnny had told you to dress casually, he’d picked you up, and taken you down to a massive black truck- he’d driven you around town, pointing things out to you, and you’d ended up at a small, underground bowling bar.

He’s a bit of a goof ball, but you can tell he’s got experience playing this game. To compensate for your lack of skills, he does all sorts of trick shots that make him miss points, and you appreciate his effort to not decimate you. 

You drink beer and chat and play, and again, it feels so natural with him. 

When the game is over, the two of you get in the truck, and Johnny says he wants to show you something. A fifteen minute drive leads you to the edge of town, on a lookout that’s perfect now that it’s dark and the small city’s lights are sparkling.

“Do you take all your dates here?” you tease.

Johnny chuckles. “Would you believe me if I told you I haven’t been on a date in a while?”

“I guess with your job, I would,” you pause, looking over at him. “Do you want to talk about it?”

The large man releases a sigh. “I had a highschool sweetheart,” he starts. “But as time went by, she couldn’t deal with me being a blue collar man. She was very corporate, and our life styles weren’t exactly a match. When she broke up with me, I switched from construction to the rig jobs, figured it would be easier to just put my head down and work. Been doing that for about six years now.”

“So you haven’t dated since highschool?” you ask in shock.

“There’ve been a couple of things here and there. Took a few summers off, had flings, but shit always hit the fan when I went back to work.” 

“That makes sense,” you nod. 

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m a family man at heart,” he assures you. “As a supervisor, I definitely make enough money to take care of the people in my life, but it’s always been a time issue.” Johnny takes a breath, and then he meets your gaze. “What about you? Any skeletons in your closet?”

“Had a couple of failed relationships, the last one inspired me to move away from my home city and come here so I guess there’s a silver lining to it. Ended things with my ex about a year ago and nothing really felt the same after that, figured a change of scenery would do me good.”

“And has it? Done you good?”

You look over at the gorgeous man sitting next to you. “Definitely.” 

It feels like the perfect moment to kiss him, and you note the way his gaze dips to your lips, but then he pulls back, letting out a sigh. “You’re dangerous.”

“Me!?” You act scandalized.

“Yes, you, little miss 304.”

You can only laugh, doing your best to enjoy the rest of your date with him while the knowledge that he’s leaving tomorrow haunts in your periphery. 

Nine:

Johnny’s been gone for three days, and he’s been true to his word when you’d discussed communication while he’s on the rig. He’s kept contact with you, sending good morning messages for you to wake up to, and texting or calling in the late evening when he’s off work.

However, other things have progressed as well. You’d come out of your apartment this morning to find not one, but two bouquets waiting for you, and you feel as if this thing with Jaehyun and Hyuck is getting out of hand.

You find yourself at Jungwoo’s bar again, giving him the rundown on everything that has happened.

“So you’re like, set on Johnny then, huh?” your friend asks.

“I’m not sure, it’s only been three days that he’s been gone but I miss him already, and I can’t even imagine what it will be like to wait another nineteen days-”

“You always knew distance would be a struggle,” Jungwoo nods.

You groan, taking a sip of your fruity cocktail. “I just can’t believe Jaehyun and Hyuck left flowers at my door.”

“You’re going to have to do something about them.”

“Like what?”

“Reject or accept, babes,” Jungwoo says simply. 

“Accept?”

“You’re not technically dating Johnny yet. It sounds like he understands you might go on a date or two while he’s gone, I mean, you had that whole conversation about keeping things PG so it’s not awkward if he comes back and you’ve chosen someone else- it feels like he’s giving you breathing room to explore.”

You can only sigh, resting your head in your hands.

“Do you want to explore?” Jungwoo enquires. 

“I don’t know.”

“Well, you’re going to bump into Jaehyun or Hyuck sometime, so you better figure it out fast.”

Ten:

As you’re returning from happy hour with Jungwoo, you run into your building manager. He’s a young man named Doyoung. He has a very regal look to him, and he’s as attractive as most of the men on the third floor.

He’s in the small building office, and as you walk past, he stops you.

“y/n!” he calls, waving you inside, “I’ve been meaning to talk to you!”

Your heart sinks- your payment wasn’t late, was it? Did you get a noise complaint? Your mind begins to race-

“I heard that people have been leaving notes and flowers at your door,” Doyoung tells you. “As you’re a young woman who is new to the building, I wanted to check in with you and make sure you’re not being harassed.”

Your brain short circuits- it’s one thing for Jungwoo and other people on the third floor to know about your ‘secret admirers’ but another for your building manager to be broaching the topic with you. 

“I uh,” you swallow thickly. “I’m not being harassed.”

Doyoung gives you a pointed look. “You’d tell me if you were, right?”

“Of course,” you assure him. “It’s all just playful, nothing… nefarious.”

God, you hate how proper you’re trying to sound, but how else are you supposed to explain this situation to Doyoung? 

This is so awkward, who knew moving into a new apartment would be this fucking complex? 

Eleven:

You’re in the lobby checking your mailbox when the front door opens and Jaehyun walks in. His hair is windswept, and he looks like he’s getting back from the gym. He immediately flashes you that dimpled smile and your heart begins to thunder in your rib cage.

“Hey, you,” he grins. “Long time no see.”

“Yeah, I’ve uh… been busy,” you offer, quickly closing your mail box.

“Seems that way,” Jaehyun muses, and you realize he’s waiting to go to the elevator with you.

Taking a deep breath, you pull up your big girl panties, walking with him to the lift.

He hits the button, turning to you. “So-”

The elevator opens and you find Hyuck standing there, having just come up from the underground parkade, and suddenly you feel like a deer caught in headlights.

“Hiya, hot stuff,” Hyuck grins. “Going up?”

Part of you wants to turn and run away, but you’re in too deep now to go back, so you enter the elevator with the two men who’ve been fighting for space on your door, and maybe also in your heart.

“How’ve you been?” Hyuck asks.

“I’ve been good, just busy,” you mutter quickly, hitting the ‘close door’ button in the hope that it saves you even one second in this awkward elevator ride.

“You coming from the gym?” Hyuck’s line of questioning has taken a turn, and you realize he’s addressing Jaehyun next to you. 

“Yup, you?”

“Was just out,” Hyuck responds vaguely.

You get the sense that these two might know each other in passing, after all, you all live on the same floor, but at the same time, it’s somewhat clear from their muted interaction that they’re not particularly close.

It’s an awkward, silent minute in the elevator, but it’s even more awkward when you all get off on the third floor, with both men letting you exit first, only to struggle in a pissing match over who follows you.

They end up tracing your steps to your door, and when you get there, they both stop.

“Wait,” Hyuck breathes, and you watch him look from you to Jaehyun then back again. “You must be sticky note dude.”

“And you’re flowers guy,” Jaehyun sighs.

Both of them turn to you and it’s Hyuck who asks, “You’re still single right?”

It must be obvious to them both that if they’re warring at your doorstep, neither of them actually have your number just yet, and while it’s awkward to be put on the spot like this, you understand their confusion.

“Still single,” you assure them, fumbling with your keys. “I uh, actually have only lived here a month, and I’m still getting settled-” you search for the right words while trying not to drop your phone. “I appreciate the interest from you both, but this has gotten a little out of hand- Doyoung asked me about all of this yesterday-”

“Doyoung?” Hyuck scoffs. “What does he care if we leave notes and flowers at your door?”

“I guess he’s just concerned about my safety?” you offer.

While you can tell that Jaehyun understands, Hyuck still seems a little slow to the pick up, rolling his eyes. “As if we’d ever do anything bad.”

Which is funny, coming from a guy who’s supposedly a drug dealer.

“I think I just need some space,” you say finally, shocked by the conviction in your own voice as you slip your key into the lock. “To… you know, settle.”

“I’m sure we can give you some space,” Jaehyun offers, and you can tell from his tone that it’s a warning to Hyuck not to argue.

The plug sighs. “Yeah, we can give some space.”

They’re both very handsome, and upon different circumstances, one of them doing the sticky note and flowers trick might have swayed you, but the fact that it’s become something of a war between them has turned you off. The seriousness in Doyoung’s discussion with you yesterday had made you realize as much, and you’d be lying if you said your growing connection with Johnny didn’t have anything to do with it either.

Twelve:

After the debacle with Jaehyun and Hyuck, you’d anxiously awaited a call with Johnny when he was done work and back at the camp. But now, as you talk to him on the phone, you hesitate about divulging in the events that took place today.

Johnny’s making an effort with you, but you can hear in his voice that he’s exhausted, and you don’t want to add pressure to his shoulders-

“Are you okay, 304?” Johnny asks.

“Hmm?”

“You’re just a bit quiet.”

“I’m thinking,” you admit with a sigh.

“Sounds intense, what’s up?”

Another deep breath escapes you. “So… remember the whole secret admirer thing?”

“Uh huh.”

“They left flowers on my doorstep a few days ago too, and Doyoung actually pulled me aside to ask me about it- he was worried I’m being harassed, and it just makes me think about, you know, being a young woman in a new city and my safety…”

You trail off and Johnny takes the opportunity to empathize, softly telling you, “Being anxious about this sort of thing is reasonable given the circumstances.” 

“It’s not that I think Jaehyun or Hyuck would ever overstep-”

“Well, they left notes, and you didn’t respond, so they left flowers, it’s not exactly a sign that they’re going to back off.”

“I guess that’s true,” you admit.

“Anyways, you were saying, about Doyoung?” 

You love how Johnny can get you back on track, and you take another deep breath to steady yourself. “I saw Jaehyun and Hyuck in the elevator today, and they both walked me to my door which was super awkward, and I guess I pretty much ended up telling them both that I needed space. Part of me wasn’t sure if I should tell you any of this, I know you’re tired after work a long day, but I guess I want to be transparent with you about everything.”

The line is quiet for a moment, and when Johnny speaks, you can tell he’s choosing his words carefully. “I appreciate you bringing it up,” he starts. “If I’m being honest, I’m a little shocked you didn’t accept either of their offers to get drinks.”

Your heart lurches in your chest. “Really?”

“Yeah, I mean, I thought I’d made it clear that I’d understand if you did-”

“Just because you’d understand it doesn’t mean I was going to do it,” you tell him.

Johnny chuckles. “I suppose that’s true. I just, I don’t know, you don’t owe me anything- and maybe you’re just not interested in either of them, but I hope you didn’t say no to them to… spare my feelings or something?”

“Well… are your feelings spared?” 

Another laugh escapes him. “I just mean to say, this wouldn’t be the first time a girl thought she could do long distance, only to get a better option in town and jump ship.”

“Maybe I’m not like the other girls you’ve dated,” you tell him.

“It’s starting to feel like you’re not.” You can hear the fondness in his voice, and it makes your heart race faster in your chest. 

“When I get one man in my head, I can’t think about another. I’m not the type to jump ship,” you explain. “You’ve given me no reason to.”

“Except the distance,” he muses.

“Even with the distance, you’ve been attentive every day, and I’ve really appreciated that. You know, some guys will live in the same city as you, take you on one date, then not talk to you for five days- you and I did two dates back to back, and we’ve been talking consistently ever since.”

“Like I said, I didn’t want you to feel like an afterthought.”

“And I don’t want you to feel like just an option.” 

The line is quiet for a moment, then Johnny laughs. “There you go, being dangerous again.”

“If being genuine is dangerous, then I’m the most dangerous woman you’ll ever meet, Johnny.”

“I work on a rig, 304, I happen to like danger.” 

Thirteen:

You’re drinking wine with Jungwoo in your livingroom when your phone dings, and a smile spreads across your face when you see it’s a text from Johnny.

“One second,” you tell him, putting down your wine to respond to your blue collar man.

“Johnny?” Jungwoo grins knowingly.

“Yup, he’s just telling me he’s off work, but now it’s a two hour drive back to the camp.”

“So our girls’ night is over in two hours, got it,” Jungwoo jokes, except, is it really a joke if it’s true?

You can only laugh, shaking your head and setting your phone down again.

“You like him,” Jungwoo notes. “You like him a lot.” 

“I do,” you confess.

“You told Jaehyun and Hyuck off because of him,” your friend continues.

“Uh huh.” You take a sip of your wine, trying to ignore the knowing expression on Jungwoo’s face.

“So… has it gotten sexual yet? You know, asking for snaps of your tits-”

“Jungwoo!” you squeal, nearly spilling your wine as you go to gently smack his arm.

“What!? It’s a valid question!”

“No! It’s not sexual yet! I mean… I think we both have those feelings, but right now… we’re just, getting to know each other.”

“And when he’s home?” Jungwoo cocks a brow and you giggle even more.

“When he’s home…” you lower your voice, “I’m going to climb that man like a tree.”

“I knew it!” Jungwoo cheers. “Team Johnny!”

You clink your glasses in agreement, waiting for Jungwoo to settle down a little. He’s way too invested in your love life, but you kind of adore it. 

“You know…” Jungwoo trails off, “some rig guys do mostly winters, then come back for the summer and will take a couple of months off. I remember seeing Johnny more frequently last August.”

“He mentioned that,” you admit. 

“Did he say if he plans to do that this year? It’s almost March, so that’s April, May, maybe June… three or four more stints up there until a possible summer of love?”

You laugh at his choice of words, but your heart races at the notion of getting to spend your whole summer with Johnny, of a relationship of normalcy. 

“I’ll have to talk to him about it,” you decide.

“Maybe send some sexy snaps to tempt him, or talk about it once he’s home and you’ve sucked that dick, you know, incentives.”

“You’re so bad,” you giggle.

“I’m a hit of realism, which is what you need after living a fantasy for a month with three men fighting over you.”

You let out a sigh. “I suppose you might be right about that.”

Fourteen:

“How was your day?” you ask, practically kicking your feet now that you get to talk to Johnny.

“Long,” he laughs. “You?”

“It was good, hung out with Jungwoo for a bit, had some wine.”

“I can hear it in your voice, 304, you always get extra cute when you’ve been drinking your wine.”

“Do I?” 

“See? I can just imagine you kicking your feet right now.”

God, he knows you so well already- but you suppose that’s what happens when you talk to someone for hours every day. 

“And now you probably stopped kicking your feet because you’re embarrassed,” he continues.

“You’re a psychic,” you declare.

“Sure I am.”

You take a breath. “There was actually something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“So… you mentioned that sometimes you have the summer off, and I guess, since it’s almost March, I was just wondering if you’d be around in June or July.”

“I mean, I wasn’t necessarily planning on it, but if that’s something you wanted, I could see what I could make happen.”

You pause, considering your words carefully. “I don’t want to tell you what to do… and, I don’t want you to lose out on money for me, especially since we just started dating, if you even call this dating- but, at the same time, I think, long term, it would be easier to manage you going away for six or more months if I knew you’d be back for at least part of the summer.”

“I do call this dating,” Johnny tells you. “So I’ll see what I can do about it.”

“I also wanted to know when you’re flight back is, I was thinking I could come grab you from the airport.” 

Johnny chuckles. “I’ll send you the information, 304.” 

Fifteen:

You’re waiting outside your car when you see Johnny coming out of the airport, and you simply can’t help yourself anymore. You run to him, throwing yourself into his arms.

Johnny chuckles, dropping his duffle to pull you closer, even going so far as to lift you off the ground, releasing a groan as he does so.

Fuck, he feels so good, and big, and warm-

When he sets you down, you throw inhibition out the window, grabbing the back of his neck to pull his lips down to your own.

He smiles into the kiss, his palm flattening against the small of your back, his mouth moving in harmony with your own. You kiss him deeply, pouring in all the emotion of having missed him for weeks- 

It’s you who breaks the kiss, panting and looking up at him. “Let’s get you home,” you state. 

“Whatever you say, 304.”

The drive back to the apartment complex is a blur, you’re so distracted by Johnny that you’re surprised you even make it back in one piece. The elevator ride is quiet, filled with tension, and you can practically feel happiness radiating off of both of you.

“Wanna come to mine?” Johnny suggests. “I need to have a quick shower, unpack a little.”

“Okay,” you nod, excited as you follow Johnny to his place.

He lets you in first, and you eagerly eat up what’s in front of you, looking for details of the decor that might help you know this man even better.

However, you find that his apartment is sparsely decorated, with bare necessities, a minimalist look, which you suppose makes sense given the fact that he’s hardly here.

“Your place is nicer,” Johnny muses as he kicks off his shoes. 

“It’s just more furnished,” you laugh, not minding the lack of items.

“My bedroom is this way,” Johnny explains, heading into it while you follow slowly. He throws his bag on the floor next to his bed before turning to you. “I’m going to wash up a bit, then we can do whatever you want… or, I mean, you could always join me in the shower if that works better.”

He winks at you, and it’s very playful. You can only laugh, shaking your head and feeling your skin flush with heat as you look at the ground.

“I’ll be here,” you tell him, but when he disappears into the bathroom, you find your heart is still racing.

Should you go in the shower with him? 

He had offered for you to join…

Can you be a bit more patient?

No. You can’t. As you stand in his bedroom, you begin to undress, hyping yourself up for the moment that you’ve been waiting for.

After a deep breath, you knock gently on the door to his bathroom.

“Come in!” he calls over the sound of water spray, and you peek your head into the enclosed space. 

The room is full of steam, and the glassy walls of the shower are fogged up, but you can see the outline of Johnny’s body and it has you drooling.

You slip inside, closing the door behind you before making your way to the shower.

“Can I join you?” you ask, giving him one last opportunity to decide if this was a bad idea-

“Get in here.” Johnny opens the shower door, grabs your arm and tugs you inside with him. You blink against the mist, looking up at the large man who’s currently blocking the spray of water from hitting you. “Didn’t think you’d actually join,” he muses with a grin.

“Me neither,” you admit.

Johnny strokes your arm, fingers trailing up so he can cup your face. His thumb brushes by your cheekbone and you lean into his warm touch, releasing a moan. 

“Do you want to do this here, or would you rather we wait till I can get you onto my bed?” he asks.

“Here,” you tell him. “I’m tired of waiting.”

“Didn’t take you as the impatient type,” Johnny chuckles.

“I’ve been patient, for weeks,” you laugh.

“I guess that’s true, let’s fix that.” The tall man leans down, pressing his lips to your own. You immediately wrap your arms around his strong, wet shoulders, pressing your chests together as the kiss deepens. 

You can feel your nipples hardening against him, and his hands move to grab at your hips, pulling you even tighter to his body.

Something is beginning to press against your abdomen, and you love that you’re getting him hard already, that he’s as into you as you are into him. 

His palm slips down, and he grabs a handful of your ass, squeezing deliciously. You break the kiss to throw your head back, eyes closed as you enjoy the sensation of him.

“You know the only bad thing about shower sex?” Johnny asks, lips hot against your throat now. “Water isn’t lube, so I guess you’re going to have to be a good girl for me and wait just a little longer while I get you nice and wet for me.”

“I’m already wet,” you insist.

Johnny only chuckles, squeezing your ass harder as he licks at the sweet spot on your throat. “Let me enjoy this, I’ve been thinking about it for weeks.”

“Really?” you groan. “I never would have noticed, you’re always so PG.”

“I’m not going to be PG anymore.”

“Thank god!” A shiver runs through your body at the idea of what ‘rated R Johnny’ is going to look like- and as he pushes his thigh up between your own, you’re so grateful that you no longer have to wonder, you’re about to find out exactly how dirty this blue collar man can get.

Johnny laughs again, but as he laughs, he pushes his thigh up even higher, making contact with your clit.

“Fuck, I haven’t been touched in so long,” you whimper, immediately grinding down against him.

“Well, you deserve this, you’ve been a very patient, very good girl for me.” 

“I have been,” you nod, rubbing your clit harder against his large, muscled thigh.

“Had options, but you stayed loyal, even when you didn’t have to.” Johnny’s still kissing your throat, and he nuzzles up against your ear, biting your lobe gently. “I feel like those choices have earned you many rewards.”

His words are something like praise- appreciation almost, and you’re thankful that he’s taken into account the fact that you’ve made important decisions to put this blooming relationship first, even when - as Jungwoo said - you had no actual defined loyalty keeping you tied to this tall man.

“I just like you a lot,” you moan, feeling overwhelmed with the possibilities of a relationship with this man- a man who has communicated that he’s interested in something long term, which is such a stark contrast to most of the men you deal with these days.

God, to have hope for a man again- it’s such a foreign feeling.

“I like you too, 304.”

“Johnny,” you groan, “call me something else.”

“I think 304 is cute,” he grins against your throat.

“Please?”

“Okay, baby, I’ll call you anything you want,” Johnny promises, adjusting his grip on you so he can trail his hand up your torso, putting a slight distance between your bodies now so he can cup your breast. His thumb rubs over your hard nipple and you whimper, grinding harder against his thigh. “You are a baby, aren’t you, pretty girl?”

“Yes,” you whimper.

“I could also see you as a bit of a princess,” he muses, pinching your nipple and making you gasp loudly. “Adorable little pretty princess baby.”

He might be overdoing it with the pet names, but you can’t even bring yourself to care- in fact, this overt cheesiness is doing something to you, making your pussy throb as you grind against his wet skin.

“That’s it,” Johnny groans, “I kind of want to watch you get off on my thigh.”

“Yeah?” You swallow thickly, reaching for his hard cock. You’re a little taken aback by how large he is, but you guess you shouldn’t be all that surprised. You’ve been shy so far, not even taking so much as a peek at what you’re going to be working with- and maybe that had been a mistake. You’d been so sure of yourself earlier when you’d told Johnny you could take him without prep, and now you’re realizing how wrong you had been.

A deep moan escapes Johnny as you begin to stroke him, and he rolls your nipple between his fingers, making you cry out- only for his hand to move away, along with his thigh.

You want to protest- only for two digits to press between your pussy lips, teasing your entrance but not pushing in- just playing, toying, moving up to your clit then back down.

“Fuck,” you whimper.

“You definitely feel wet,” Johnny muses.

“So finger fuck me?” you suggest, applying more pressure to his cock as you stroke him off.

“Hmm?” He circles your clit teasingly, being so gentle that your body is already practically begging for more.

“Please finger fuck me?” you ask, your free hand now clutching his forearm in desperation.

“Only because you asked so nicely.”

Johnny cups the back of your head, pulling your lips to his as his fingers enter your hot core for the first time.

Fuck, his fingers alone are enough to stretch you out and it feels absolutely delightful. 

He starts slow, testing the waters as his digits explore your inner walls gently, but as the kiss deepens so do his motions.

You’re absolutely lost in him, whimpering and moaning- your hips even begin to move, eagerly seeking out stimulus that he grants when his palm presses flat to your clit.

“Fuck,” you gasp, holding his strong, veiny forearm even tighter.

“Feels good?” he asks, looking down at you with lust filled eyes.

“Feels so good,” you nod, fighting the urge to just close your eyes and enjoy it, while also wanting to stare up at this gorgeous man who is watching you with clear interest.

You take a shuddery breath, trying to focus on stroking his cock, but he makes it more difficult when he crooks his fingers up, hitting that sweet spongy spot inside of you that has your legs shaking.

“Are you going to be able to stand through all of this?” Johnny chuckles. “That’s the other bad thing about shower sex, it’s a slipping risk.”

“I think I can do it,” you insist, not wanting him to stop his motions for even one moment.

“Just hold onto me tightly okay, but if you start to fall, uh… don’t pull my dick off.”

You can’t help the laugh that escapes you, and Johnny joins you with a chuckle of his own.

This feels so natural, so safe- the fact that you’re both giggling during your first sexual experience together is a great sign, and it makes you relax a little more, which only adds to the pleasure that’s starting to throb out from your core.

“You close?” Johnny asks, sensing the shift in your attention.

“Too close,” you nod, swallowing thickly in an effort to control yourself.

“Want you to cum on my fingers,” he tells you. “You can do that for me, right princess?”

“Uh huh.” Your mind is becoming clouded by lust, and it’s making it harder for you to respond to him-

His fingers are moving fast now, pistoning in and out of you with just the right amount of pressure, his palm stimulating your clit in a way that’s just enough-

You’re getting closer and closer to the edge and you don’t feel like slowing down. 

Your eyes close, your breathing becoming haggard as your muscles tighten with anticipation-

“Cum on my fingers, baby,” Johnny groans. “Wanna feel it.” 

With that, you explode, unable to contain yourself anymore as his filthy words vibrate through your entire being like a mantra. The pleasure is intense, your core clamping down on his digits, body throbbing deliciously as you give yourself over to the feeling of it.

Your legs are weak, and you grab Johnny’s forearm tighter, digging your nails against his skin.

It’s the kind of ecstasy that you never want to end, and it’s clear that Johnny’s not going to be the one to pull the rug out from under you. He keeps you steady, working you through your high until your legs are physically shaking.

Only once he’s sure you’re finished does Johnny pull his hand away.

You open your eyes to watch him slip his fingers into his mouth, groaning at the taste of you, and an echo of pleasure throbs through your pussy again.

“You’re so pretty when you cum,” Johnny tells you.

“Want you inside of me, now,” you respond.

“Hmmm… not yet.”

“What?” 

“You almost just fell over, I don’t think this is the safest place to do this,” Johnny laughs. “Come on, let's get out of the shower, dry off, and I’ll take you to my bed, like I’d planned.”

“Is it really that bad to fuck me here?” you whine.

“One, I don’t want you to slip, and two, I don’t want our first time to be here, you deserve a proper bed, so I can cuddle you after.” 

“You’re such a romantic,” you tease, but your heart swells at the notion of a man actually taking care of you.

“You love it,” Johnny insists.

He reaches behind himself, turning off the spray of water, then, he helps you out of the enclosed space. “Here,” Johnny passes you a towel, quickly patting himself down with his own before wrapping it around his waist, then he begins to help dry you off.

“I can do this part,” you assure him.

“I want to take care of you,” Johnny muses as his palms massage your breasts through the towel, making sure they’re extra dry.

“I think you just want to touch my tits again,” you grin.

“That too,” Johnny laughs.

“Predictable,” you toy.

“You think so?”

“Uh huh.”

In one quick motion, Johnny grabs you by the hips and lifts you onto the washroom countertop, tearing the towel away and discarding it haphazardly as he sinks to his knees.

“I think I’m going to make you cum on my tongue before I fuck you, you know, to prove how predictable I am.”

You don’t even have a moment to argue, Johnny pushes your thighs open, pulls you to the edge of the counter, and dives into your core with his tongue. 

You immediately latch onto his damp hair, throwing your head back as his mouth begins to work your pussy. You’re still sensitive from having just cum, and the sensation of his lips now wrapping around your clit has your muscles clenching with pleasure already. 

“Fuck-” you whimper, loving the way Johnny’s fingers are digging into your thighs, holding you open for a tongue that has a mind of its own.

You especially adore how messy he’s being. There are no kitten licks, no hesitancies, just a full-on lust fuelled ravaging of your core- nothing in your life has ever felt this fucking good.

You tug on Johnny’s hair roughly, but he’s unrelenting, in fact, you think he kind of likes the inkling of pain because he groans against your clit, licking at you sloppily while his nose bumps your sensitive bud over and over.

For a man who doesn’t do one night stands very often, he definitely knows his way around a pussy.

“Shit,” you moan, louder this time, your muscles tightening more and more-

You’re not used to men behaving this way with you, worshiping your body and putting your pleasure first. To have two back to back orgasms before he’s even taken anything for himself? Unheard of.

You can tell he wants you to cum, can tell that he’s eager for it, and the wet licks of his tongue against your sensitive pussy are ensuring that his preferred outcome happens sooner rather than later.

You give in to the feeling, deciding to relinquish control. If he wants to make you cum fast, then you can cum fast, and all of your attention moves to the feeling of pleasure that’s radiating out from your core.

Your abdominal muscles are tightening deliciously, and you begin to buck your hips a little, trying to ride his tongue while you hold him tight to your pussy by his hair.

Johnny groans again and the vibration of it sends a shiver of delight through your entire body.

“Fuck, I’m gonna-” You swallow thickly, brows furrowing with effort as you latch onto that feeling of euphoria, unwilling to let it drift away- “just like that, just like that-”

He sucks lewdly on your clit, flicking it with his tongue, and that’s all you need to explode, your pussy clamping down hard on nothing, squeezing and squelching sinfully. 

You’re gasping loudly, moaning like a whore as your orgasm washes over you in waves- and like your first high, Johnny is just as unrelenting with this one.

He doesn’t pull away, and with so much attention focused on your throbbing clit, it’s almost too much for you to handle.

You begin to push at Johnny’s head, but he’s like a brick wall, unmoving and diligent in his task.

“Oh my god-” your voice is raising with effort, raising with the euphoria that’s threatening to overwhelm you completely. “Johnny- too much-”

This time, he allows you to push him away, and you sink back down against the countertop, chest heaving with effort. Your legs twitch with aftershocks from your orgasm, and you can’t even bring yourself to open your eyes yet, still lost in the ecstasy he’d just provided.

“You okay, princess?” Johnny asks, and you can sense him rising to his feet, his eyes inspecting you.

“Overstimulated,” you admit, another shock washing through you and making you jolt.

“I got side tracked,” Johnny admits, and you peer out at him from under hooded lids to see him sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.

“It’s okay, it was just a lot,” you assure him, reaching out to gently stroke his forearm. 

“Come on,” Johnny coaxes, lifting you off the sink so he can carry you to his room, “let’s give you a breather.”

He lays you gently onto his mattress, moving the blankets so you can get under the warm duvet.

The sheets smell like him, a manly pine scent, and it makes you groan, burying your face against the pillows while your brain tries to reaclimatize after a mind shattering orgasm.

Johnny joins you, and you instinctively cuddle close to his chest, delighted by the way his large arms wrap around you to hold you close.

“Just give me a sec,” you whisper, but even as the words leave your lips, your hand snakes down to his cock, and you gently wrap your fingers around the thick length.

Johnny chuckles. “Part of me thought you’d be too tired to actually fuck now.”

“Never,” you tell him, although you’re so exhausted from two extreme orgasms that there’s little conviction in the tone of your voice. 

“Take your time,” Johnny assures you, pressing a kiss to the crown of your head while you languidly stroke his large cock. Unlike in the shower, however, there’s no lubrication of any kind, and soon, you tire of it.

“Okay,” you tell him, sitting up, “I can ride you.”

“Are you sure you want to be on top?” he blinks in shock. 

“Just to start, just to get used to your size,” you assure him.

“Whatever you want, princess.”

You swing your leg over Johnny’s hips, straddling him, and his hands find your waist. 

“Actually, let me grab some lube,” he says, sitting up abruptly. The muscles in his abdomen ripple under the skin, and you’re taken aback by just how beautiful this man is even as he’s reaching for his bedside table.

He pulls out a green bottle, squirting some of the gell into his palm before he grabs his cock.

You kind of love the view of his large hand on his massive cock, stroking up and down-

“Like what you see?” he laughs.

“You’re just so perfect,” you muse.

“That makes two of us I guess,” Johnny grins. “Okay, whenever you’re ready.”

He’s all lathered up now, and you grab the base of his cock, guiding yourself down on the tip. 

As you sink down even an inch, you groan at the stretch.

He’s covered in lube, and you’re definitely more than lubricated from two orgasms, but fuck- having not had sex in ages only to take the biggest cock of your life is definitely an adjustment for your tight pussy.

“Take it slow,” he assures you, tightening his grip on your hips to keep you steady as you gently sink down further on his cock.

“I’m good, you’re just so big,” you whimper.

Johnny only chuckles at your words, his eyes fixed on the meeting of your bodies.

“Not sure I can take it all like this,” you admit.

“I’ve heard that when a girl is on top, things feel deeper,” Johnny muses. “Don’t feel like you have to take it all right now, we can work up to that.”

“Okay,” you nod, “I’m going to bounce a bit.”

“Works for me, princess.”

You close your eyes, leaning over him and placing your hands firmly on his chest as an anchor as you begin to move up and down. The feeling of his massive cock against your inner walls has your body singing with pleasure already, and you begin to moan.

“Fuck,” Johnny groans, his fingers digging into your hips. “Feels good.”

“So good,” you agree with another whimper.

One of Johnny’s hands moves from your hip to your breast, and he begins to massage the sensitive flesh as you ride him gently. The sensation of him tweaking your nipple has you groaning, your pussy clenching incredibly tight around him, which makes both of you cry out desperately.

“Fuck, let me know when you want me to take over,” Johnny tells you, and you get the sense that you might be killing him a little with the slowness of your pace. His hips twitch, and you suspect that he’s doing everything in his power not to madly thrust up into you, which is something you appreciate greatly.

You ride him for a little while longer, and then you give up, legs burning with effort already. “Okay, okay, you can top now.”

You pull off of his cock, and Johnny helps you roll down onto the bed, your back hitting the mattress.

Instead of just getting on top of you, however, he stays on his side and leans over you, pressing his lips to yours while his hand continues to massage your breast.

You groan against his lips, threading your fingers through his hair desperately as his tongue invades your mouth.

He kisses you until you’re breathless, until your pussy is pulsing with desire, only then does he get between your legs, bringing the head of his cock to your awaiting hole.

“If you ever need me to slow down, or be less rough, or anything, just let me know,” he tells you, swallowing thickly as he gazes at your body.

“Just do it, Johnny,” you assure him, stroking his forearm. “Please.”

You watch his adam’s apple bob with effort again, and he slowly pushes the head of his cock into your wet hole, making you cry out. You grip his arm tighter, closing your eyes to enjoy the stretching sensation.

He sinks into you, inch by inch, gently thrusting to get you used to the intrusion.

When he’s almost fully inside of you, Johnny leans over your body, his elbows making contact with the bed on either side of your head so he can be in something of a plank position overtop of you.

You can feel his breath on your face, and you open your eyes to look up at him, your hand moving to cup his cheek while your legs wrap loosely around his waist.

“You can fuck me now,” you tease, grinning at how slow and gentle he’s been up until this point. “Please.” 

Johnny presses his lips to yours, and just like that, he begins to move.

Each thrust is unbound pleasure, his hips moving fluidly as he gradually increases his pace. His long cock hits deep spots inside of you that have you crying out, wrapping your arms tightly around his shoulders while your tongues battle for dominance in the most heated kiss of your life.

He’s moaning too, and it sounds so good- making your pussy even wetter as he decimates it perfectly.

You love the feeling of his large body pressing down against your own, his hard muscles are delightful under your touch when you skim your hand along his shoulders.

He’s steadily increasing the power behind each thrust, and now, the bed is beginning to rock with his movements, delighting you even more.

How can this man have so much raw power, but still be so gentle and careful when it matters most?

You might be a little obsessed with him, but as his massive cock hits your g-spot, you suppose it’s no wonder your feelings are growing at a rapid pace.

He has you cock drunk, in a way that you’ve never experienced in the entirety of your life, and you kind of love it.

“Shit,” Johnny cusses, breaking your kiss so he can press his mouth to your throat. “I never- never asked about protection.”

“I’m covered,” you assure him.

“Really?”

“Yeah,” you nod, swallowing thickly. “You can cum inside me.”

A deep groan escapes Johnny, and it vibrates through where your chests are pressed together.

“Don’t want to cum like this,” Johnny tells you, “it’s too soon.”

He pulls away, and you whimper when his cock leaves your wet hole. But then Johnny is manhandling you into doggy position, and you let out a moan of pleasure, arching your back and resting your head against the bed.

“You look good like this too,” Johnny muses as he pushes his cock back into you, his hands grabbing your hips roughly. “Always look so good.”

His praise is doing something to you, encouraging you enough to make you begin to move as well, doing your best to match his pace and push back against him with each thrust.

The sound of skin on skin fills the room, and your moans mingle in the air together.

“Fuck,” Johnny groans, railing into you even harder. “So fucking tight-”

“I’m close,” you assure him, “just let me-” you slip your hand between your thighs, fingers seeking out your sensitive clit. The moment you make contact, you feel your pussy contract around Johnny’s cock, and it makes you both moan loudly.

“Yeah, want you to cum with me,” Johnny tells you. “Want us to cum together.”

You don’t respond, too focused on your task as you begin to draw small circles around the sensitive bud.

God, nothing has ever felt this good, to be so completely full, while your clit is receiving attention at the same time-

The tension is quickly building in the pit of your stomach, and it’s clear to both of you that you’re rapidly approaching the edge-

“Here,” Johnny’s voice distracts you, and all of the sudden he’s hauling you onto your knees, pinning your back to his chest with an arm braced across your breasts, one hand cupping your boob like a seatbelt. You can feel his breath on your throat, and you quickly turn your head, seeking out his lips with your own.

His free hand pushes yours aside from your clit, applying even more pressure to your sensitive bud as he fucks into you erratically.

God, you feel him absolutely everywhere. You feel like a doll, suspended in time and space while this absolute unit of a man gives you all of the pleasure you could ever ask for, pulling at your strings like an expert.

He’s groaning more deeply- and with one more rough circle of your clit, you feel yourself come undone. You gasp against his lips, core clamping down on his cock-

A strangled sound escapes Johnny, his thrusts becoming even more erratic as he cums with you, coating your throbbing insides with his cum as you both fall off the edge together.

He’s clinging to you in a way a man has never clung to you, and you’re kissing him as if he’s the air you need to breathe. In this moment, it’s only you and him and this feeling of euphoria that you never want to give up.

He fucks you through your high until you’re both a panting mess, and then, he helps you back onto the bed, taking a deep breath.

“I’m going to go get some tissues,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to your cheek.

You can only moan happily, inhaling the scent of pine as you cuddle against his pillow.

Johnny returns shortly, and he hands you some tissues to wipe his cum from your core.

“Should we take another shower or something?” Johnny asks, laughing a little at how messy you both are.

“Cuddles first,” you tell him.

Johnny grins, joining you on his bed, his strong arms immediately wrapping around you. “Cuddles first,” he agrees.

You both take deep breaths, and as your body begins to calm down while pressed against his, you know you made the right choice of man in this fucked up, love island-esque apartment complex that you now call home.

☀️ mlist + an. thank you for reading! This was way longer than I intended, which is why it took a minute to be posted, but I hope it was worth the wait!

🍭 support me by. sending a tip here or here - or become a patron to access monthly bonus content and extensions for fics like this one :) find the Patreon teaser below! 

🔮 preview.  In the summer, Johnny’s not just a blue collar rig man, he’s a dude with friends, tanned skin from his obsession with the sun, and a taste for margaritas while sitting on boats between water skiing stints.

cw/ tw. Unprotected sex, use of toys, vibrator, nipple clamps, overstimulation, breast worship, use of lube, inklings of pain kink, hand job, fingering, multiple reader orgasms, etc…   I petnames. (hers) princess

👹 rating. 18+ explicit I wc. 2.8k��I teaser wc. 100

🌙 starring. Johnny x afab!Reader

bonus

People sometimes talk about a specific summer in their life being ‘the summer of dreams,’ and you never quite understood what could make one stretch of months so significant- but now, living life with Johnny by your side every day, it makes total sense.

In the few months you’ve been dating, he’s done his best to introduce you to friends, but with such a short time in town, it was always difficult to juggle friends, family, and your growing relationship.

Now that it’s summer, you get to see how Johnny is when he’s just being himself.

☀️ to read the full fic AND 2.8k bonus NOW, subscribe to my Patreon, then click here

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As I was short on time this month and unable to do a teaser, here's another shout out to some of my favourite blogs who interact with my work, I love you guys endlessly

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[fazedlight]

Sand

This isn’t real, she thought, as she dug her toes into the cozy sun-warmed sand.

She kissed me this morning.

Kara gazed ahead, watching as the beach waves crashed on shore, warm and sunny against the backdrop of her planet’s destruction. Out across the waters, she could see the great horror of her past: Krypton as it died, damned in fire, debris floating across the expanse of space.

This isn’t real, Kara thought, listening to the grainy sound of sand as she moved her feet to pull her legs to her chest, placing her chin on her knees in quiet contemplation. She wondered if she would see the Danvers home if she turned around, or if that would be another expanse of sand and ocean and Krypton’s death.

She kissed me this morning.

Kara smiled at the thought. Lena had been working in the Tower lab; Kara had brought her doughnuts and espresso. Just like any other morning, they had cozied up on the couch together, laughing and talking.

But unlike any other morning, an odd sort of silence eventually fell between them. Flickering gazes, shy blushes, a tension that they couldn’t tell was real.

And then Lena leaned forward, and kissed her.

She kissed me this morning, Kara thought, eyes glancing ahead to Krypton, I’m sure of it. I think I’m sure of it. I’m…

Kara sighed, lying down on the beach, stretching as she stared up into the blue skies mixing with the fires on the horizon. She kissed me, Kara tried to convince herself, and then the Tower alarm went off right after, and Alex said I needed to get downtown to fight a threat. But she kissed me. I know she did…

“Would you like some company?” came a familiar voice.

Kara grinned. “I’d love that.”

She didn’t watch as her best friend took a seat on the sands beside her. Lena sighed, looking out on the horizon at the destruction ahead, seeming both curious and understanding. “This isn’t your world, Kara,” she said.

“I know.”

“You’re trapped in a black mercy.”

“I know.”

Lena reached down to brush some sand off her feet, frowning in curiosity. “I thought the plant shows you paradise. This doesn’t look like paradise to me.”

Kara hummed. “Maybe it doesn’t know what to do if reality is paradise enough.”

For a moment, Lena stayed quiet, mulling what to say in response. “If you know this place isn’t real, then why haven’t you woken up yet?”

“Because I’m not sure if reality is real.”

“What do you mean?”

Kara could feel the patter of her heart in her chest. “Did anything unusual happen this morning?” she asked.

There was a shy laugh in response. “It was real, Kara,” Lena murmured, “And if you wake up, I’d like to do it again.”

She kissed me this morning.

Kara smiled, breathing in the smell of sea salt in the breeze, eyes still trained on the bizarre images in the sky. “Okay,” she said.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Lena reaching for her ear, no doubt tapping at a device Brainy had provided. Watching as the figure faded away, Kara closed her eyes, feeling as the world began to morph around her, as though she were weightless and falling and flying all at once.

She finally opened her eyes, noting several figures hovering over her as her eyes adjusted to the harsh Tower light. “Welcome back, Kara,” Brainy said, as she felt the black mercy slither off her chest, “You gave us quite the scare.”

The crew began to shuffle around again. Brainy headed back toward a different monitor, Alex gave her sister’s arm a welcoming squeeze before chasing after J’onn, Nia carried the container with the captured black mercy into a back room.

Lena watched Kara intently.

“Was it real?” Kara whispered.

Lena smiled, and leaned forward - pressing her lips to Kara’s.

She kissed me this morning, Kara thought, and now I can kiss her back.

----------

For @ekingston's flash fiction challenge Prompts: fluff & hallucination & post-apocalyptic & sand

[icallhimjoey]

I can’t find the post where it said you were writing poppy and mark joe and also a ski fic — arguably those go so hand in hand, like that version of joe is so ski trip coded and reader being like of course you ski, of course you’re so good at it too🙄

babe, thanks for this! ive received a few ski fic requests after those vids dropped, but this one clicked all of it into place for me, so mwah, love you, you're a star <3 it helps to have read this beforehand! Wordcount: 3.7K

---

Said It Without Saying It

This is supposed to be a fun trip. A couple of days away with your friends. Nice scenery. Good food, lovely drinks. Board games and laughter – the whole ordeal.

You’re not quite sure what’s fun about this.

It’s cold. Fucking freezing.

“You all right?” Joe asks over his shoulder, holding onto Poppy’s ski stick as you cross a flat plane of snow after getting off the chair lift.

“Yea.” You lie, following your little group as best you can.

You’re wrapped up in so many layers of clothing that even something as simple as walking is the most difficult thing you’ve ever done. It’s hard to see. Hard to hear. You can barely turn your head, scarf so tight around your neck, you feel like you can’t breathe properly. But you’d had no other choice but to tie it the way you did. The zipper of your coat had to be done all the way up if you didn’t want the snow to get in.

Snow is still getting in, though, for fuck’s sake.

And there’s absolutely zero give in ski boots. It’s all hard plastic, digging into your calves.

Mark had bent through his knees a little and had told you, “No, it’s nice. Look, you can sort of lean into them. Takes less effort to stand.”

You know what takes less effort to stand?

Sitting down.

Going to bed.

Having a nap.

Preferably somewhere warm. Out of this fucking snow.

Yet you can’t do any of those things, because you’re stood on the top of a mountain, looking down a dangerously steep slope, and it’s snowing. Fat flakes obscure your vision, making you blink and squint fiercely, frowning as you try to follow your friends right to the edge.

You see how Mark checks his phone, holding up your whole group, and you half wish that he would just keep moving so you don’t get more than a second to think about what you’re doing. The other half of you wishes that he’d stall for another hour. Or two.

With hunched shoulders, chin tucked into your coat, and eyes barely open, you wait. Joe uses the moment to slide himself in between your skis from the front, smiling as he taps the goggles on your helmet and says, “Put these on. It’s easier to see with them, even if the sun’s not out. Especially as the snow will feel like it’s going sideways when we go down.”

You doubt you will go down that fast.

God, this is supposed to be a fun trip, but so far, the fun you had envisioned the four of you to be having feels miles away. Nonexistent, almost. You kind of wish you had never left the country.

You’re inside of a fucking cloud, and you can’t feel your fingers. Not properly anyway. You’re holding two ski sticks and your hands are inside of two thick stiff skiing gloves, but Joe just said to put your goggles on, so you give it a good shot and try your best to move your goggles over your eyes. It’s tricky though, because you can’t get a good grip since you’re entirely unable to see or feel what you’re even grabbing at.

“Here,” you hear Joe laugh and feel how two bare hands, no gloves, move your goggles from your helmet to your face.

“There you go.” He says, smiling, giving them a little tap with his finger before he pushes both his hands into his gloves again.

You’re not sure if this is helping your vision at all, but at least it’s all a little less bright now.

“Is this what skiing is?” you ask warily. “Because I’m not sure if I’m made for this…” you’ve had skiing lessons, but it’s different when you’re up on an actual mountain without a person in a bright red coat to help you down safely, especially in bad weather like this.

You had never considered snow to be bad weather before, but this is… everything about this feels scary, and insane, and illegal. Like this should not be allowed. Why do people willingly take these idiotic risks in the name of fun and games?

“See you at the bottom!” Poppy shouts, and before you even register what she’s said, you see a bright pink snowsuit shoot down, followed by Mark who is just as fast.

It’s nice that they’re having fun.

Mark and Poppy are constantly laughing, cutting each other off, and clanging their ski sticks together. They’re bumping into each other for a cuddle as they wait for you and Joe, and never seem in too sour a mood for a mid-slope snow ball fight...

It’s a different experience from the one that you’re having, and you silently wonder if you should suggest for you to maybe take the chair lift back down again. For you to maybe go back to the cable cars that took up the mountain this morning. Meet everyone later, preferably somewhere warm. Out of this fucking snow.

“Of course you’re made for it.” Joe says, far too generous with his compliments. “You’re good at this. I’ve seen you ski, you know how to do this. You’re an expert.”

“Liar.”

“Come on,” Joe laughs. “I’ll carve out a path that you can follow.”

Which is a really sweet suggestion, but he’s got two much more flexible boots strapped to a snowboard, and snowboards tend to leave icy patches behind. You’ve not even quite mastered going down a perfectly prepped snowy slope, let alone a big plane of ice.

Your friends should count themselves lucky that you’re not panicking at the look of how steep every slope actually is. Even the blue runs.

Joe jumps a few times to move his snowboard from between your skis, hops and slides a bit as he waves his arms about to balance himself.

“Ready?” He bends to check his straps.

You’re not ready, but you’re glad that at least your legs aren’t strapped to a singular board. The restriction of movement is quite enough the way it is. You don’t need your feet bound together like that.

Positive thoughts.

Joe starts his ascend and, like he said he would, he leaves you an easy path to follow.

It’s only about three minutes later that you think maybe it would’ve been better if your legs wouldn’t have been able to move independently from one another.

You’re unsure how you’ve ended up where you are, but you do understand that you weren’t meant to speed up the way you had. Weren’t meant to have steered yourself in the direction you had. Weren’t meant to lean on one leg and raise the other off the ground for balance.

From down where Poppy, Mark and Joe are waiting, all they were able to make out was how you suddenly went too fast before you disappeared in a big cloud of snow by your own making.

Everything’s white.

And you’re in pain.

There’s shouting coming from somewhere on your left. Far away. Down, you think. It feels like that should be down, but you’re actually not sure.

There’s a blinding pain in your leg.

Sharp.

Something’s pulling. Like it’s twisted a way it shouldn’t. A way it can’t.

You’ve landed on your back, skis still attached to your boots somehow, and snow is falling directly into your face.

Fuck.

Your knee hurts.

You’re bowing your back to alleviate pain but, it’s not enough, and your breathing quickly becomes short and shallow to help you manage the pain you suddenly have to deal with.

Shit, shit, shit.

Somehow one glove’s come off entirely, and your wrist hurts from where the strap of one of your sticks yanked at your hand.

Fuck.

You vaguely hear your name, followed by a distant, “You okay?” as the snow you’ve kicked up settles around you along with all the flakes falling from the sky.

You don’t get the chance to answer. To shout back that, no, you’re not okay. Something’s wrong with your knee.

Next thing you know, a small avalanche covers your arm from a skier who stops to check on you, and they speak to you in what you think is German before they ask, “Are you okay?” in English with a heavy accent. They hold your glove out to you as they tower over you, something they likely must have picked up as they approached you.

Embarrassment overtakes you entirely as you don’t want attention from strangers, you’re just a clumsy cow, so you attempt to sit up.

“Yea, I think s–”

Oh no, fuck, fuck, shit.

It’s futile.

You’re bum rests on the back-ends of your skis, your knees up in the air, so sitting up is a job for your abs and your abs alone. You’re simply not strong enough.

Where the fuck are your arms?

Why aren’t they working to prop you up?

Your knee hurts.

Why are your boots still attached to your skis?

You need to get out of these skis.

You need to move.

“Don’t move!” Joe suddenly sounds a lot closer, and the swishing of waterproof fabric, of feet digging into the snow as he does his best to rush his way up the slope, sounds like music to your ears.

“Stay still! You’ve got to– stay still, you’ve–”

“My knee! It’s my knee, I need to–”

“Stay still!” Joe sounds more panicked than you do, and that alone is enough for you to listen and follow his orders.

You can’t see how your knee looks twice it’s width.

How your lower leg looks like it’s no longer connected to the rest of you.

It’s a harrowing sight that Joe doesn’t want you to see, so he repeats, “Stay still, stay still, stay still,” through quick breaths, and disappears from your vision just as quick as he had popped into it, falling down to his knees into the snow by your feet. You feel some pulling, followed by a build of pressure as two hands take a firm grasp of your calf.

Through your padded trousers, it feels like Joe’s not wearing any gloves.

There’s some talking between Joe and the stranger but you barely follow any of it.

All there is, is white wet snow, thick flakes that somehow look grey when you stare up at the sky like this.

All of a sudden, there’s your glove. Someone is holding it out to you, and you’re surprised to find yourself reaching for it. Your arms are fine. That’s good.

There is snow, and there is pain.

There is prickling behind your eyes from tears.

A throat that feels sore from the cold air you’re inhaling in quick pants.

The ski stick of the stranger gets used to unclip your boot from the ski, and the relief is instant.

There’s more distant shouting, and Joe barks back a loud, “No!” over his shoulder that makes you flinch.

Joe catches it, immediately apologises, because he doesn’t want you to move, and says, “Please don’t move. You can’t move, okay?”

“Is it bad?”

“I–... I don’t know.” Joe answers honestly.

“It’s bad, isn’t it?”

“I don – what?!” You feel Joe get up a little, coming into your vision just slightly as he looks down the slope. Someone shouts something you can’t really quite decipher, and then Joe answers, “It’s on the map! Check the map!”

The stranger tells Joe he’ll go down to help, and for a moment, it’s just you and Joe and snow and pain.

You can still barely see anything, the snow falling down is a wash of specks that seems to be picking up more and more and, then, suddenly, Mark is there.

“Mark,” you raise a hand in hopes of your best friend grabbing it, so happy to see him there.

“Hey– oh my God, that’s disloca–”

“Did you call?” Joe cuts him off, voice stern enough to shut him up instantly.

“Poppy’s ringing them. I couldn’t get any signal. Hey,” Mark drops down to his knees in the snow next to you, just like Joe did before, but he doesn’t leave your vision. “Do you even know what happened?” You see how he immediately uses his mouth to remove a glove before he moves his own ski goggles from his face, revealing a pair of worry-filled eyes.

You wish he’d put them back on.

You’re glad your eyes are covered, still, because it means that the tears you’re silently blinking from your eyes go unnoticed.

“How did you even do that? Are you okay? Does it hurt?”

Too many questions at once.

You can’t answer any of them.

“Mark,” Joe catches his attention, tells him to use your skis to make a stand-up cross in the snow a few steps up the slope to prevent any other accidents with oncoming skiers. “I don’t know how quick they can be here.”

“Who?” you ask, voice suddenly so very small. Your throat feels tight. Maybe the tears don’t go quite as unnoticed as you thought.

You shift slightly, and, fuck. Your knee really fucking hurts.

Did Mark say dislocated?

“Careful,” Joe says when he hears you hiss, and you hate how you can’t see him. “Don’t want you to move. Is your jacket riding up your back? Do you feel any snow getting in?”

“N-no, I’m– I–” you can’t get through your words and take a shuddering breath instead. If anyone knows what you sound like when you’re about to burst into sobs, it’s Mark.

“I’m here, I’m here. Shh, hey. It’s fine, I’m here.” Mark’s back at your side, and it’s becoming more and more difficult to keep your sobs inside.

You don’t want Mark.

“Joe?” you ask with a shaky voice as one arm reached for him, and it’s a good thing that you miss how Mark’s face drops a little. How his head turns to Joe who’s still holding your leg. For a short moment, the two men look at each other, both unsure of how to react to that.

“They’re on their way!” Poppy suddenly shouts, and all three of you turn your heads to see a pink vision of a person enter on your right, making your group complete.

“Took me a second to figure out where we were, but they’re coming.” She turns to you. “Babe. That looked sick.”

“Pop,” Mark warns.

“What? It did.”

This was meant to be fun.

Your arm is still reaching for Joe, and with Poppy there now, Mark decides that he can take over his job of holding your leg in place.

“Here,” you hear Mark say by your feet, “Get your gloves back on, mate.” And with some new touches to your painful leg, you understand Mark and Joe have switched places. Joe moves Poppy out of the way and kneels down next to you, hovering over you, close to your face, finally in your line of vision.

“Do you want the good or the bad news?” Joe smiles down at you, sounding impossibly sweet. You understand it’s to keep you from panicking.

His nose is red from the cold, and somehow focussing on that works like a lifeline.

“Neither.” You’re not sure how wobbly your lips are – if they are even able to wobble at all in these low temperatures.

“Okay. Can you answer some questions instead?”

Joe asks where you can feel pain. If your head is okay. If your back feels fine. If you know why you suddenly started speeding up so fast. If you still think Poppy’s pink outfit is fucking ugly, which gets a loud laugh from Mark, and an offended “Hey!” from Poppy.

Joe also asks if you’re crying when he notices how you’re doing your very best to control your breathing. Says, “Oh, poppet!” through a sigh when you try to shake your head no, obviously lying. For comfort, he links his arm through yours, because holding hands is impossible when wearing these gloves, and he leans down to press his cold lips to yours.

They still feel warm.

“You’ll be okay. I promise.” Joe comforts. “They’re going to take you down safely, and we’ll be having some hot chocolate before you know it, all right?”

“J-Joe,” you stammer, but before anyone can say anything else, Poppy suddenly says, “I can hear them!”

The arrival of the mountain rescue team is meant to relax you, you’re sure. Help is here. Things will get better now.

Except, it kind of does the opposite.

It’s scary to let yourself be manhandled by people you don’t know. You listen to two men talk to each other in a language you don’t understand as they prepare to lift you onto a sled attached to a snowmobile. Mark gets moved aside, away from your leg, and you hold onto Joe even tighter as your leg slowly gets straightened.

You get told to relax, and you wish you knew how.

They’re moving what hurts.

Shit.

You’re freezing.

Fucking terrified.

Fuck, fuck, shit, shit shit shit.

Suddenly, an extremely painful snap makes you scream involuntarily, and you feel how Joe squeezes you impossibly tight as you burst into actual sobs now.

“Oh, Jesus,” Poppy comments, turning around to look away as she has a hard time pretending that any of that was easy to witness. Mark’s got an arm around her in an instant, doing his best to comfort her as well as you when he cheerfully shouts, “It popped into place! That’s good, that’s so good. It’s back in place. Trust me, that’s good.”

You don’t care if it’s good.

That fucking hurt, and the pain you’re left with now is somehow worse than before.

All you want to do is cry.

Preferably somewhere warm.

Out of this fucking snow.

Instead you’re left to cry in said fucking snow as two men lift you onto a sled before they strap you in, preparing you for the ascend. It’s only then that you realise that Joe won’t be coming with them.

With you.

“Joe,” you croak, and are immediately scared that you’ll be taken away too fast. “Joe! Joe!”

Poppy turns a curious eye to Mark, and she knows this isn’t the time, but she takes mental note to ask him how he feels about that later. About how you’re calling out for her best friend, rather than yours.

“I’m here, I’m here.” Joe coos, back on his knees again, close by your side. “They’re going to take you down to the cable cars we used this morning, all right? The three of us are going to find our gear and get our asses down as quick as possible to meet you there, okay?”

Their gear. Their snowed over skis and snowboard, he means.

How the fuck are they ever going to find those? Heavy snow has been falling this whole time.

They’re going to leave you on your own.

“Hey, hey. Shh. Don’t worry, we’ll be faster than you–”

“Joe, I–”

“We can take a few reds and blacks, and will be waiting for you there, all right? It’ll be fine. You’re okay. Don’t worry, it’ll all be fine.”

Joe leans down and kisses you again, warming your mouth with his once more as you silently cry.

“Joe, I–...” you falter, scared to say what you’re thinking, but the words are right there, and you’re scared, and in pain, and you’re cold, and you want Joe to come with you.

“I–...” you give it another shot, and see how Joe’s eyes suddenly double in size.

“Don’t you dare!” he begins. “Don’t you dare fucking say it right now! Not here. This can’t be–” he stops to laugh, and you can’t help the wet laugh that escapes you in return. “This cannot be the first time you say it, all right? Please save it for later. For when we’re inside and you’ve had your leg looked at by a doctor.”

“B-but,” you’re choking back tears as the snowmobile starts its engine, the two men now sat atop and ready to transport its precious cargo down a steep mountain. “I do.” you finish, just because you want him to know.

“I do.”

You said it without saying it.

It’s not exactly the same, it doesn’t really count, but Joe will take it.

“I know, me too.” Joe replies fondly as he knits his eyebrows together and leans down for one last kiss. He hates that he has to leave you, even if it’s for a short moment. “Me too.”

He’ll kick himself for weeks, months, for suggesting a skiing trip.

This was supposed to be a fun trip.

It still could be, Joe thinks.

You’ll likely not get back onto another set of skis very soon, but that doesn’t mean the trip’s ruined.

You’d almost said it.

Fucking silly.

He had been waiting around for you to find the perfect moment to say those three words aloud to him, just so he could say them back, and you were going to say them now?

Here?

Not a chance.

Not acceptable.

Maybe later, in the hotel bed, when you’re warm under the covers and safe in his arms. You’re allowed to say it then, and he’ll say the words back before yours have even left your mouth properly.

This was supposed to be a fun trip.

It still is.

Joe’ll make sure of it, he thinks, as he straps his board back onto his boots and doesn’t wait for Poppy and Mark.

“I do.” you’d said.

Asked for him instead of Mark.

“Me too.” he’d answered.

You said it without saying it and now, all Joe wants to do is hold you close and kiss your eyelids. He wants to kiss you on the eyes so fucking bad.

Preferably somewhere warm.

Out of this fucking snow.

---

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Add yourself

[nfr-girly]

Eddie Munson x reader // possible Steve x reader

:: angst + fluff jealous eddie <3

:: masterlist ♡︎ divider by @chachachannah

Chrissy had been hanging out at hellfire club for a few weeks now, you first introduced her and Nancy to them when Mike and Dustin joined the club. You weren’t apart of the club yourself, but you and Eddie had been friends for years, so he let you hang out there every so often.

You, Nancy, robin and Chrissy were closer than ever. Robin introduced you to Nancy, and you introduced them to Chrissy. You couldn’t go anywhere without eachother, you knew you could always rely on them. Which is why you felt super guilty about how you were feeling these past couple of weeks.

It was no secret you felt things for Eddie. How could you not? He was a confident rockstar, with loads of tattoos and long curly hair. Anyone with a brain would’ve fell for him

Ever since Chrissy and Eddie were first introduced, Eddie always stayed super close to her at hellfire, she would ask him questions about the game and he would guide her through it, you’d always see the two make small jokes between themselves. You loved chrissy, and you could never blame her for trying to make friends, but all you could think as you watched the two were how you wish that was you.

You and Eddie were good friends, but you knew you two would never be anything more than that, you always thought he’d prefer someone like him, or you thought that until Chrissy. They were complete opposites. She was the popular, nice cheerleader; and he was a rockstar who played guitar, and mostly wore black. But of course he liked Chrissy, everyone did! She was the best, how could they not?

After hellfire you and Chrissy walked to her car and talked, you asked her, “how did you find it?”

“I really liked it!! Everyone’s so welcoming especially Eddie, he helped me a lot” she replied

You nod slowly, curious you ask, “what did you guys talk about? I heard you laughing a lot”

“Oh well he talked about his hobbies he’s got, and asked me about some stories from cheerleading.”

“Oh, well it’s good you have another friend in the club, aside from yours truly” I nudge her and she laughs

I try to keep a positive attitude upon hearing about her new friendship with Eddie. But inside I can’t help but feeling all sorts.

*a few weeks pass*

The more hellfire met up, the closer Eddie and Chrissy got, it made you insane, you felt so guilty feeling this as they were both your friends, and Eddie didn’t belong to you.

Now you were walking towards Chrissy’s car, you had a shift at the video store with Steve, but you didn’t have a car yourself yet, so you had to rely on either Robin or Chrissy.

You waved at Chrissy as you approached her car and she waved back, unlocking the door for you.

You get in and hug her, “thank you so much for taking me, I still need to wait two months then I’ll have my license.”

“Don’t worry about it! The stores on the way to my house anyway”

You two start heading to the store and make conversation, until she mentions something about Eddie.

“Eddie also asked me if I wanted to go to the cinema with him”

Your heart dropped, they were going on a date? Maybe it wasn’t a ‘date’ but still.

“Oh that’s nice of him, what are you going to see?”

“We’re going to see pretty in pink! I know it doesn’t seem like his type of film, but he let me choose, and I’m hoping to expand his knowledge for movies”

“That’s good! But watch out for him falling asleep” You joke, hoping she doesn’t catch your sudden change in mood.

We get to the video store and you say bye to her, as you head to the door you think about her and Eddie, thinking of all possible outcomes of their ‘date’. Will he confess his feelings for her? Will she say yes? Will they announce their relationship at the next hellfire meeting?

Your mood has turned upside down, it’s obvious something’s up with you.

You get to the desk and meet Steve, you say hi to him and change into your uniform, as you come out the bathroom, he pipes up.

“Who shit in your coffee?”

“What?” You say

“You look depressed as hell”

“No- I’m okay, just got a bit on my mind”

“You can tell me, it’s a slow day today so anything’s better than standing here all day”

You hesitated telling him, but Steve had an idea about your feelings for Eddie anyway, so you thought why not?

“You know Eddie..” you turned around hoped he’d catch on

Steve raised his eyebrows and immediately grabbed a seat for you and him, knowing you were about to go on a rant

You chuckled before sitting down

“Well him and Chrissy have been getting close recently, and he asked her to go see pretty in pink at the movies”

Steve nodded, knowing your feelings for Eddie, that must’ve hurt

“Don’t get me wrong I know me and him aren’t a thing, it just feels shitty”

“Yeah I know. Listen why don’t you and me hang out tomorrow? I’ll pick you up after school and we can go to star court, we’ll go roller skating and eat some ice cream, whatever you want”

You lifted your head to look at Steve, you felt so grateful for him as a friend

“Really? Are you busy though?”

“Nah, I haven’t got much going on right now so I’m free pretty much anytime. Cmon, it’ll be fun”

Maybe hanging out with someone else would get your mind off of Eddie? You didn’t see why you and Steve couldn’t hang out

“Okay then, hellfires on tomorrow so if you pick me up at around 4, I’ll be waiting there, let me know when your at the front of the school”

“Oh do you want to finish hellfire first?” He asks

“No it’s okay. I could do with a break from seeing him and Chrissy all close”

He chuckles, “okay, 4 it is”

*the next day*

You spend the day waiting for the final bell to ring so you can finally hang out with Steve, you and Steve haven’t hung out in a while, so you’re looking forward to today.

You and robin head to her locker to get her things for the last lesson, maths.

“Hey me and Steve are going to star court to roller skate, wanna come with?” You ask her

“Sorry i would but me and vickie are going bowling tonight”

“Oh yeah, you and vickieeee” you nudge her

“Shut up, we’re just friends” she laughs

“Yeah right, you know she likes you back why don’t you just ask her out already?”

“We’re just taking things slow, besides I don’t see you asking out Eddie anytime soon”

You playfully slap her arm as she laughs

“Shut up! I doubt that’s gonna happen, see how close him and Chrissy are now?”

“They’re probably just friends, besides you and Eddie have known each other so much longer”

“I know, but it just sucks. I love Chrissy don’t get me wrong, but he hasn’t been like this with any girl he knows”

“Just wait a bit, maybe it’ll die down?”

“Maybe”

You both head to maths and the period goes by slower than ever, then finally the bell rings and you and robin pack up

You part ways with her, wishing her good luck with vickie, as you head on your way to hellfire. You didn’t wanna see Chrissy and Eddie being all ‘lovey dovey’, but you were only gonna be there for 10 minutes before Steve came, so you didn’t mind

You got to hellfire and said hello to everyone, before Eddie came over to you.

“Hey Princess, haven’t seen you for a while, what you been up to?”

Eddie called you princess since middle school, it was just a nickname you gained after knowing him, you never thought anything of it until you started to gain feelings for him, now it gets your heart spinning whenever he says it.

“Not much, just been busy with schoolwork, anything going on with you?” You notice your tones colder than usual, you just hope he didn’t notice, he did

“Just been practicing a new song with the band, we got a few gigs with a bigger venue than usual” eddies band corroded coffin had been gaining a bit of popularity in the town with their new songs, you were proud of him, you just weren’t in the mood to show in right now

“That’s good, well I’ll see you at the table” you give him a small smile and head to talk to Dustin

Eddie looks at you, eyebrows furrowed, he knows something’s up with you, he just wants to know what.

10 minutes later they start the game, you tell them you’ll skip out on this one as you have to go in a minute, Chrissy isn’t here today so Eddie doesn’t stay close to her, instead he looks at you, a lot.

You hoped he didn’t notice your change in mood, but maybe he did?

All of a sudden the phone rings, “hello?” You say

“Hey, it’s Steve, I’m outside”

You smile, “I’ll see you in a minute” you end the call and gather your things

“I’ve got to go now, let me know who wins!” You begin to leave before Eddie pipes up

“Wait where are you going?” Eddie looks confused. Why weren’t you staying?

“I’m going to star court with Steve.”

Eddies face drops slightly

“Oh. Okay.”

You feel bad, Eddie looks kinda annoyed you’re ditching hellfire

“What are you guys doing there?” He asks, curious

“Well we’re gonna rollerskate, and probably get something to eat, maybe other stuff”

Eddie doesn’t want to even think about what ‘other stuff’ means, but he just shakes it off

“Kay, see you later”, Eddie looks down and continues setting up the game, the whole rooms silent as everyone can see eddies pissed.

“Well… I’ll get going now.” You walk away before things can get any more awkward.

You say bye to everyone else and walk towards Steve’s car.

He gets out to greet you and you wave

“Hey you ready to go?”

“Yeah, thanks for taking me out today, it could really help me”

“Of course, Eddie say anything when you mentioned you were hanging out wit me?”

You thought about eddies face, you couldn’t tell if he was mad you were ditching D&D or mad at something else, but you didn’t like it

“No, but he looked really annoyed at something, I don’t know” you get into his car without saying anything else, you end up missing Steve’s smirk.

*at starcourt*

“You’re gonna have to hold me I can barely skate” you laugh as you put on your skates

“Hey I’m not perfect either, we can both fall” Steve replies

You two get onto the rink and you almost immediately slip before Steve catches you

“Woah! Slow down, Jesus”

“Don’t you dare think about leaving me” you say as you link onto his arm

“Don’t worry. I won’t”

You two attempt to skate, a few falls here and there, mostly from you of course, but you two end up having loads of fun

You two go to bring back your skates and change into your shoes

“Wanna go to scoops? I have a friend who always gives me a small discount” he asks

“Okay, but I’m out of money”

“Don’t worry it’s on me”

You two head over to scoops and order your ice creams, you walk around the mall as you eat and talk

“So why exactly haven’t you told Eddie your feelings for him yet?” Steve asks you

“Why would I, he’s clearly not into me”

“You say that but you two have been friends since middle school, you’ve known each other that long and you’re gonna tell me he doesn’t like you like that?”

“Just because we’re friends doesn’t mean he likes me”

“Well he’s always been soft to you, and Eddie isn’t usually like that, he’s still not keen on me”

“He’ll warm up to you eventually” you say

You two decide to start heading home when you see a Photo Booth near the entrance

“Steve! Please can we take photos” you beg him

He laughs, “yeah sure, cmon”

You two get in the photo booth and take photos, you both exit the booth to look at the photos

One picture is you and Steve making a funny face, one is Steve with his arm over your shoulder, the other with your head on his shoulder.

You both take a copy and walk towards the car park.

You both hop in and Steve drives you home, you get to your house and he walks you to your door.

You hug him and say, “Thank you so much for today. I had loads of fun”

“Of course, we should do it more often, we don’t hang out enough considering we work together”you both laugh, he says bye to you and drives away

You go inside your house and smile, you managed to not think about Eddie once while you were with Steve.

*monday*

At lunch break, you head to your locker to sort it out before your next lesson, inside is a wall of photos you’ve collected with friends, a few of robin, Nancy and Chrissy, a group photo of hellfire, a photo of Eddie and you in middle school, and a photo of you two from a few months ago.

You realise you don’t have any of Steve, but you remember you have the photo from the Photo Booth inn your jacket. You take the photo out and decide to put it on the lockers wall. You grab a bit of bluetac, but before you hang it on someone approaches you.

“Hey princess” Eddie says behind you, making you jump

“Shit. You scared me” you chuckle before facing him

“What you doing?” He asks

“Just putting up a photo” you turn back to the locker to stick the bluetac on the back of the photo

“Who is it of?” He asks

“Steve and me”

You don’t see, but eddies smile drops

“Oh, from when you guys hung out?” His tone now serious

“Yeah, we went to a Photo Booth in Starcourt” you show him the picture, he eyes go to the picture of you having your head on his shoulder, and Eddie sees red.

“You guys are kinda close there” he points out

You notice his tone, but you ignore it. “Yeah, I thought it’d make a nice picture”

You hang up the picture next to the one of you and Eddie, which weirdly make eddies blood boil even more.

“So what’d you guys even talk about, aside from his ‘gel filled hair’ and his ‘good looks’” he does air quotes with his fingers as he says the words, his tone filled with something you can’t figure out

“What are you talking about?” You ask, starting to get a little annoyed

“Well the guys so obnoxious, I can’t imagine you guys had any fun with him talking about himself for the whole day”

You turned fully towards Eddie now, how could he talk about Steve like that?

“What the hell is wrong with you? Steve’s great and we had a really nice time yesterday just so you know. What are you jealous or something?” You ask with annoyance

Yeah. I am. The words hang on the tip of his tongue, but never come out.

“No. I just don’t think you should be hanging out with Mr. Everybody loves me” you start to walk away but Eddie follows you

“Yeah well I don’t see what my friendship with Steve has anything to do with you. Do you want me to butt in about you and Chrissy?” You say quickly, not even realising what you said

Eddie stops. What are you talking about?

“What do you mean, ‘you and Chrissy’ ?” He’s confused now, what did she have to do with this?

“Don’t act oblivious, I’ve seen the way you guys joke and laugh with each other, it’s fine it’s not got anything to do with me, but don’t go poking at my business with Steve when I could easily poke at your business with Chrissy”

You felt kind of bad talking about Chrissy like she wasn’t one of your best friends in the entire world, you didn’t feel hate towards her at all, you didn’t even feel hate towards Eddie. It was just all confusing.

“What ‘business’ with Chrissy? Last time I checked there was nothing going on between me and her”

“Really? You’re telling me the biggest rock lover I’ve ever met, who hates romcoms, agreed to go watch pretty in pink with the schools most popular cheerleader, just because he’s friends with her? Nothing more?”

“Yes. She wanted to get to know me better, so I suggested we go see a movie, I don’t see any problem with that”

You’re both now quiet, eventually you decide to give up. Eddies love life isn’t your business at the end of the day, all you could do now was rot in your room trying to get rid of your feelings for him.

“Okay, Fine. Do what you want. But you know Steve’s really great. You are too usually, when you’re not acting like an asshole.” You roll your eyes as you head over to your next class.

Eddie watches you as you leave, regret filling him as he goes over the words he said to you in his mind. He didn’t mean to make you mad, but what do you see in this guy? He’s been with loads of women before, how can you be sure he has good intentions.

*end of the school day*

As the day comes to an end Eddie makes it a mission to apologise to you, he felt like an idiot and didn’t mean to lash out at you. At the end of the day, Steve treats you well, and anyone who does is alright in his book. But why him?

What did Steve have that he didn’t? He had only known you for two years, eddies known you for almost all his life. He should be the one whose shoulder you have your head on. He should be the one taking you out for ice cream. He should be the one making you laugh.

Eddie goes and waits outside the school doors, remembering exactly where you go to after school

he lights up a cigarette, after a few minutes he hears your voice and looks behind him

You’re talking to robin as you two walk past him, he gets rid of his cigarette and walks towards you

“Heyyy ladies how are we” he puts one arm each on your guys shoulders

“What do you want?” You ask

“What I can’t say hello to you absolute rockstars?”

Robin looks to you and rolls her eyes, to which you laugh

“I’m gonna head home so I’ll see you guys monday” she smiled and heads off

“So princess you got anything planned tonight?”

“Eddie what are you doing?” You stop to turn to him

“Alright alright, I just wanted to say sorry for earlier, i just want you to be careful, you know better than I do that Harringtons an ass”

“He’s not, you just won’t bother to get to know him, but I’m not pissed at that, I’m pissed that you’ve been blatantly ignoring me for weeks and all of a sudden the moment you find out I have another guy friend you act like you own me?”

“I know I know, I don’t know why I acted like that, I just don’t want us to be weird with each-other. But, I didn’t realise you felt ignored, I’m sorry, me and Chrissy are just friends, and I promise I won’t make you feel like that again”

You look at Eddie, knowing he’s being sincere. “Thank you, and I’m sorry I shouldn’t be annoyed about you and Chrissy, I’m glad you two are friends”

Eddie stares at you, not even realising he was, but before anything else can be said, your name is heard

“Y/n!! You coming?” You both turn to find Steve in his car, ignoring everyone staring at where the noise came from

You give him a nod, but when you turn to Eddie he’s confused

“Oh, are you two hanging out?”

You respond, “oh no, he’s just dropping me off home”

Eddie nods slowly, “oh okay, well uh I’ll see you Monday then?”

You smile at him “see you Monday”

He watches as you walk away and get into Steve’s car, he doesn’t miss the way Steve stares daggers at him

He knows he’s fucked up. He wants to tell you that he thinks nothing of Chrissy. That they’re just friends. He didn’t even see you in that way before Steve came into the picture. he tells himself, which anyone can see is a big lie, because he’s liked you for years

He shifts himself from the spot he’s stood in, already thinking of ways to gain the confidence to tell you how he feels

eddies ending ⇦

steves ending ⇦

————————————————————————

thought I’d make different endings in case some thought reader should end up with Steve ♡︎

^pls let me know if you want to be added on the taglist for when both endings come out^

[voxslays]

CLOSE TO YOU — THE SALESMAN

PART FIVE — QUESTIONS PAIRINGS: The Salesman (Gong Yoo) x Reader. WARNINGS: Mentions of kidnapping (sort of), Reader is mentioned to be a foreigner (not stated from where), not proofread. A/N: CHAPTER FIVE!!! Woo!

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

The next morning, you awoke to a bright beam of sunshine landing down onto your blanketed form. As you stretch your arms from your long, (surprisingly peaceful) nights rest, you hear the birds outside your window chirping a sweet melody. What a great way to start the day.

You casually sulk into the bathroom to get ready for the day, brush your teeth and picking out your chosen outfit of the day. Everything was going surprisingly smoothly. Hell, you couldn’t remember the last time you had such an amazing morning. It must’ve been forever ago, if it even happened.

Humming your favorite song, you close the door to your room, and stroll down the pink hallway lined with a dark red carpet. They were really going for the ‘love’ aesthetic when they built this place, weren’t they? You walk until you reach door ‘218,’ where the salesman currently resides. Maybe today was the day you’d finally get him to talk.

You were still thinking about what he said the previous night. What did he mean by ‘you’re not special?’ And why had it affected you so much? You pull the key out of your pocket, and unlock the door, expecting to see the enigmatic salesman still chained up in the bathtub, but what you see instead is much worse.

He’s completely free of his restraints, staring at Gi-hun’s calendar on the wall—the calendar that contains every single day he’s been looking for the salesman for the past two years. The ravenette is holding a small juice box of apple juice as he turned to you. “I see you’re finally awake, miss.”

“What the-” You pause, looking him dead in the eyes. “How did you…?” The salesman sets down his juice box, walking dangerously close to you. “You said you wanted to play a game last night, so let’s play.” He offers. “What game would you like to play? I’ll let you pick.” His tone makes you sick. He’ll let you pick? How kind of him…

“I’m not up for one of your games today.” You sneer. “I’m fact, I was having a great morning until I saw you.” The salesman chuckles, before continuing. “How about Ddakji? It’s a classic.” You scoff. “You mean the game you use to lure innocent people to their deaths?” You ask, fire in your tone.

“They all sign up willingly. I simply give them the card.” He smiles, holding up a blue Ddakji tile. “Now let’s play.” As you take the blue tile, he grabs the red one, gripping it tightly. “I’m sure you know the rules by now, miss.” He says, placing his tile on the red carpet. “You can throw first.” Oh, how kind of him.

You throw the blue tile down with all your strength, yet it doesn’t flip. It barely even moves. You look to the salesman, who is giving you a mocking pout. Asshole. He grabs his own tile and slams it to the ground with ease, making the blue tile flip in an instant.

…

Before you know it, your face is slightly bruised from all the slaps you have received. “One last time.” You huff, slamming your tile down. To your surprise, it flips. “Yes!” You scream, readying your hand. Yet, as you get ready to slap the man in front of you, he catches your hand.

“Since you won, I’ll answer your first question.” He pauses, his charcoal eyes meeting your own. “How could I possibly trust someone like you?” You look him up and down in feigned disgust. In all honesty, the man was attractive. He was tall too—about six feet, maybe? No wonder people were so eager to play with him.

“When I play with the recruited players, I always give them the money they’ve earned, don’t I?” He smirks. “You’ve been watching me for quite a while, I thought you’d have known that.” You gasp. So he knew? How the hell were you supposed to respond to something like that without sounding like a total creep? On second thought he was doing this on purpose, wasn’t he? All he wanted was to-

“Gong Yoo.” He interrupts your train of thoughts. “What?” You ask, clearly befuddled. The bright sunlight shone through the windows, making you squint at his handsome face. He chuckles as you hold your hand above your eyes, trying to see him clearly.

“My name is Gong Yoo.”

TAGLIST: @scuzmunkie @iloveinhodaeho @devilishdelirium @muchwita @ang3lgvts

[nottswitch]

⋆˙⟡♡ VENUS IN CAPRICORN

venus in capricorn is reserved in showing their feelings, but not for the lack of them – they’re just used to exercising self-control in order to protect themselves. this placement tends to be serious in their intentions, and expects the same from their partner.

bodyguard!mattheo riddle x rich girl!reader

warnings: 18+ mdni, gunplay, dry humping, brat taming, employer x employee, degradation/praise, cursing

nav // event / more

"brat."

it was the word that mattheo used for you quite often, so much so that it started to lose its meaning. you couldn’t help yourself, and you didn’t really want to – it was too fun, riling your oh-so-serious bodyguard up, plus, it was just in your nature. and damn did he look hot all bothered…

you teeth sank into your bottom lip as his strong hand pinned you firmly to his lap, fingers digging into the soft flesh of your hip under your flimsy nightgown. mattheo watched you with an emotionless expression, yet you could see an underlying hint of desire in his eyes – over the last few months of him working for you, you had grown to notice the little signs, becoming too observant for your own good. his pupils were just a bit more dilated than usual, his breathing was just a little more shallow.

of course, you decided to use it to your advantage. you ground your hips on top of him, expecting the usual hardening around his crotch, and you did get it. except this time, you felt something else, something even harder than his cock.

mattheo raised an eyebrow, watching how your eyes widened at the realization.

"didn’t expect it?" he asked smoothly, yet you could swear you could hear amusement thinly woven into his voice. you shook your head, eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

"you’re off for the day," you muttered, eyes flicking between his stoic face and down, between your bodies, where your inner thigh was pressed against his hipbone. he let out a small huff of air – was it irritation? was it that hint of amusement you managed to catch?

"i’m always on. you should know that by now.”

his free hand moved to the side, and moments later, your suspicions were confirmed – a gun. his gun, hidden somewhere behind the waistband of his pants, now dangling dangerously between his fingers in front of your face. the sight shouldn’t have been so,,, arousing.

"is it…?" you trailed off, somewhat scared to know the answer to your implied question.

"is it loaded?" mattheo prompted, and for the first time, a small smirk made the corner of his lips curl up. "wouldn’t you like to know…"

you very much would, actually, but for some reason, words evaded you at the moment. your tongue stuck out, and before you knew it, you were licking the barrel, cold and metallic, and for a moment, you thought you could taste gunpowder, but it was most likely just your colorful imagination.

"fuck,” mattheo breathed out, the sight in front of him making his hardened cock twitch between your thighs, straining against his pants. to relieve some tension, he gripped your hip tighter and started guiding it to grind against him. "this what you wanted, huh? the fucking gun? gods…"

you moaned, but this time it wasn’t one of those exaggerated moans you always used to tease him, no – this one was deep, genuine, as you felt yourself getting wetter and surely soaking the fabric of mattheo’s pants. he seemed to feel it, and it only heightened the state of his arousal. it was getting harder and harder not to snap, so in order to reestablish some sort of control over his reaction, he pushed the gun further into your mouth. your lips closed around the barrel, and the sensation of it was, for some godforsaken reason, the hottest thing you’d felt in a while.

"so fucking naughty, princess. who would’ve thought." mattheo groaned, his hips pushing up against yours as he felt the wetness starting to seep onto his aching length. "what if your daddy wants to review the cv footage later, huh? he’s gonna see his pretty little daughter behaving like a gun slut."

your eyes widened at the thought of your dad seeing exactly what you were doing right now, but deep inside your soul, you knew mattheo was bluffing. he’d be in as much trouble as you, if not more. it was a calming realization, but it did nothing to soothe the fire building up in your belly as you continued to grind against mattheo’s rock solid bulge.

"god fucking damn, princess. the dirtiest fucking slut i’ve ever seen." mattheo felt his composure slipping, which wasn’t exactly what he was aiming for. his hold on your hip grew painful, and he started moving the gun in and out of your mouth with an intensified pace. you eagerly took it, not in the right mind to think of the fact that it was wrong – supposed to be wrong, anyway. all you could do was feel, feel, feel.

"just like that, fuck… for being such a damn brat, you’re taking this gun so well," mattheo muttered in a low growl. he could feel himself getting closer and closer to the edge, the feeling of your clothed yet heated pussy sliding on his dick turning his usual mask of indifference into something he didn’t want to admit yet. "go on, princess. show me how bad you can really be."

and at that moment, you knew you’d be as bad as he wanted you to be.

[anotherjheastan]

This Will Be Our Year - A Jey Uso x Rhea Ripley FanFic

CW: suggestive, drinking, drinking alcohol

Chapter 1: Tequila Blues

August 19, 2024

Rhea downed her third tequila, neat. Her chest burned and she welcomed the heat. It helped sear away the image of Dom and Liv rubbing noses on another episode of Raw. This had become her new Monday night ritual since SummerSlam. Since Dom not only chose Liv, but betrayed her. 

Rhea looked at her phone, thinking about texting Damian. He had told her to stay in his room. He offered to watch a movie or play Uno, but Rhea had really just wanted to drink. He said he was worried about her and she reminded him she was fine. Heartbroken, but fine. He usually went with her to play bodyguard, but he was tired. And probably also tired of this song and dance, but he didn’t say that. She closed her messages. 

Someone sat at the bar a few chairs down. She looked. It was Jey Uso. She smirked. Jey always appeared at the bar when she was there. He usually had one drink or beer that he nursed through the night. She had talked to Damian about it last week. 

“He’s always here when I’m here,” Rhea said, stealing glances at Jey.

“Oh how odd that he would be at the bar in the hotel we’re all staying at,” Damian said sarcastically. 

Rhea laughed before she could stop herself. “But sometimes he stares at me.”

“Hasn’t he admitted a few times on national TV that he has some sort of feelings for you?” Damian asked. “You’re surprised he’s checking you out?” 

“No. I’m surprised he hasn’t approached me,” Rhea said, stealing another glance. 

“Cuz he knows I’ll stop him,” Damian said. 

“I’m not even that drunk today,” Rhea said, shrugging. She picked up her glass, considering another drink.

“Not yet,” he said. 

With her bodyguard upstairs, she wondered if he would approach. But she felt her liquid courage fueling her curiosity. The bartender handed Jey a Corona and Jey thanked him. Rhea kept her eyes on him. Jey was attractive for sure. And he was funny. Who didn’t love to laugh? But how serious were those feelings of his? Could she drown her sorrows in Jey for the night? Would he be okay with that?

Jey turned his head and their eyes met. Rhea smiled and Jey smiled back.

“Are you finally gonna come talk to me or are you gonna keep staring at me from far away like you’ve been doing?” Rhea asked.

Jey froze for a second. He chuckled and took a sip of his beer. He got up and walked over to her. He sat in the chair right next to her. 

“I can talk to you if you’d like,” he said. 

She looked him up and down. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

Jey bit his lip. He was trying to play it cool. It was cute. 

“So how’s your night been?” he asked. 

Rhea shrugged. “Pretty boring actually.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“You can make it more interesting though,” Rhea said, a grin slowly appearing on her face. 

“Oh? How so?” he asked, eyebrows raised. 

Rhea put her hand on his chest, the prospect of feeling something other than sad and drunk surprisingly giving her butterflies. “How about we go back to my room?”

Jey smiled and took her hand, keeping it on his chest. “How about I walk you to your room so you can get some rest?”

Rhea’s brow furrowed and she pouted at the rejection. The heat of embarrassment threatened to take over the heat from the tequila. 

“I thought you liked me,” Rhea said quietly, squeezing his hand. 

“I do,” Jey replied, his voice quiet as well. “I don’t want this to be a one time thing.”

“What if that’s what I want?” Rhea asked, her eyes searching his.

Jey looked away from her for a second, the grip on her hand relaxed a little. Her heart sank. It wasn’t a complete lie. She did want him for tonight. She just never thought about him and her being more than coworkers, let alone friends. She was with Dom when his advances started so she never entertained the thought. But maybe in the morning, she would. 

“Well Miss Ripley,” he said, looking into her eyes, holding her hand firmly, “if that’s how you really feel, you can tell me again when you’re sober.”

“Okay,” Rhea said, her liquid courage fading. She felt small. She dropped her head and let go of his hand. A wave of sleepiness washed over her. 

He lifted her chin up and her heart pounded in her chest. 

“It’s okay,” he said gently. “Let’s get you upstairs.”

Rhea nodded. Jey made sure both their tabs were closed. He held out his arm and she held onto it as they walked over to the elevator. 

The elevator ride and the walk to her room was silent, but not uncomfortable. She leaned against her door and looked at him. He smiled. 

“Where’s your key?” he asked. 

“Let me see your phone,” Rhea said. 

He narrowed his eyes at her, confusion on his face. “You sure?”

She nodded. He handed it to her. She put in her number and called her phone. She handed his phone back to him and took the key out of her pocket. 

“Goodnight Jey,” Rhea said. She looked him in his eyes before turning around. 

“Goodnight, Rhea,” he replied. 

She tapped the key on her door and pushed it open. She looked at him one more time, leaning against the doorframe.

Jey smirked. “Go lie down.”

Rhea bit her lip, holding back the words ‘Make me.’ She smiled and waved before closing the door. He gave her a head nod. She heard his footsteps fade away after she locked the door. She grabbed her phone and saved his number. She sighed as she stripped off her sweatsuit, down to her bra and panties.

Of course he was a gentleman, she thought, rolling her eyes.

She took her bra off and rummaged around in her bag for her big tee. She found it and slipped it on. She climbed into bed, her eyes closed before her head hit the pillow. Jey was the last thing on her mind for once. Not Dom, not Liv, not how Damian would come waking her up early with her hangover cure. Just Jey. And the way her hand felt in his. The way he said Miss Ripley. The way he looked sincere and not judgmental. She drifted off to sleep with a small smile on her lips. 

[cloudcountry]

FIRST AUBRITSU FIC AND ITS A LATE VALENTIENS ONE I AM NERVOUS THROWS THIS AT YOU AND RUNS

ALL OF IT UNDER CUT BECAUSE I AM EMBARRASSED

This, right here, has got to be one of the most nerve wracking things Auburn has ever done in her life. She thinks of all the verbal presentations she’s had to give and all the confrontations she’d had to do in the early years, before she was a stronger person and yet this outweighs them all. The box of chocolates is all too heavy in her bag, her sweaty palms wrapped around the straps. She peeks into the diner and nearly has a heart attack at the sight of Ritsu in their usual meeting place. They’re both five minutes early, as punctual as always, never a minute late but always at least a few early. She swallows, dry throat constricting around nothing, and heads inside.

Self consciousness gnaws at her as she makes her way through the empty dinner, dropping her shoulders and raising her head higher to give off an aura of confidence. Most of it crumbles when he looks up and locks eyes with hers, his usual indifferent look on his face.

“Ah, Auburn. Thank you for your punctuality, as always. It is appreciated.” he says, motioning for her to sit.

“Of course!” she replies, all too happy to sit down and let her shaking legs bounce rapidly with nerves.

Her smile is nervous and she must look so weird, hands clenched in her lap in vice grips. Ritsu does a once over of her and tilts his head, brow furrowing.

“Are you alright? You seem out of sorts.” he asks.

“Well...” Auburn hesitates. She’s never been a good liar, especially with those she trusts, and by now she knows she’ll cave to him no matter how she feels.

“Here’s your orders,” Ren says flatly, eyes glossing over her in a way she’s all too used to by now.

Ritsu thanks him cordially and passes her the chai he ordered for her in advance. He motions for her to continue talking, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Do you...know what day it is?” she murmurs, stomach tying itself up in knots.

“It is February the fourteenth.” he replies, raising a brow.

“Right...” she sighs, fidgeting with the straps of her bag, “Well, it’s Valentine’s Day, and I did get you something. Although I’m a bit nervous about it so if it’s not to your taste please just tell me and I’ll get you something else.”

Before she can take back her words she yanks the box of chocolates out of her bag and shoves it across the table at him. Her brain is screaming at her to crawl under the table or run away but she stays, rooted in her seat, eyes clenched shut as if awaiting some kind of verbal blow.

It doesn’t come.

“Thank you for the chocolates. Are you gifting them to me out of social obligation, or is this an expression of affection? Your answer will influence what you receive in return.”

What!? What does that mean!?

“Um...excuse me?” Auburn’s eyes jolt open and she blinks, wordlessly over at him.

“Would you like me to repeat myself?” he asks plainly.

Anyone else would think of him rude. She knows by now that this is simply how he communicates.

“No, I heard you, I just...well, it’s definitely not a social obligation. If that helps.”

Oh, she must be beet red. She can feel her cheeks burning. Hell, even her vision is getting blurry and she really hopes she isn’t about to cry in front of him.

“It does, albeit in a very roundabout way.” Ritsu responds.

She thinks she can hear a smile in his voice. She doesn’t dare check.

“Here are the materials for today’s excursions. I trust you looked at the information I sent you through text?” Ritsu pushes a manilla folder towards her.

Ah. The hour must have turned. It’s time for business now.

“Oh, yes. I did.” Auburn takes a deep breath and blinks away the blurriness before grabbing the folder, scanning the contents.

“Good. I will be sending you more information for our outing to the opera after work hours have ended tonight. I hope you will find the terms agreeable.” he says, taking another sip of coffee.

Auburn freezes, peaking over the top of the folder at him. If she didn’t know any better, she’d say he looked quite satisfied with himself.

[m4tthewmurd0ck]

All My Desires

── fiyero tigelaar x fem!witch!reader (no use of y/n but i do use she / her. no descriptors other than reader being shorter than fiyero. he’s able to rest his head atop readers when they embrace. jonathan bailey is 5’11” irl so do with that information what you will.

ooc glinda and elphaba, neither want fiyero romantically.

based on THAT scene in bridgerton 🙂‍↔️ but obviously changing things to fit my story. finally finished that episode of anthony’s season and just had to write this

Tension has been building between you and Fiyero for a long time now, and not all of it was good.

The end of the school year was nearing, there was just 1 week of normal classes, followed by a week of final exams. Assuming you passed all those, and you knew you would, you’d finally get to go home for a few months. You’d finally get away from this place, from him.

Things hadn’t always been this tense. In fact you used to be good friends. But then the drama started.

Glinda, your roommate and one of your best friends, had shown interest in Fiyero in the beginning, but she’d confessed to you that a big part in that was the fact that she didn’t want to end up alone.

You pointed out that she was so young and beautiful and had all the time in the world to find someone, that she didn’t need to marry the first man to show any sort of feelings towards her.

“I think if you’re not… if you’re not in love, you should break up with him. It might be sad for a while, but you don’t deserve to be in a relationship where you’re unhappy.”

There were also your unspoken reasons. Like the fact that Fiyero flirted with you just as much as he did with Glinda even though technically, they were together. That reason didn’t need to be unspoken, though, since even your pink loving friend noticed.

“Maybe it’s you he’s secretly in love with,” she joked.

You rolled your eyes as you threw one of your makeup brushes at her. “Now I think we both know that’s not true.”

“I dunno… I think maybe you two should get together.”

“Aren’t you still technically in a relationship?”

Glinda turned to you and shrugged. “I think even he knows we’d never last. Like you said, I’ve realized that part of my attraction to him comes from the fact that I just don’t want to end up alone. I love him, but I think we work better as friends. I’m just saying, I see how he looks at you. There’s something there. And if the two of you were to end up together, I’d be so happy for you. You deserve love, you know.”

“Even if that was something he wanted, you know I’m considering leaving Shiz and not returning next school year.”

Glinda shook her head, refusing to believe that you leaving was a possibility. Shiz University wasn’t the only school that taught magic potions and all that stuff. Before you’d even met Glinda or Elphaba, transferring after your first year was always a possibility.

Both of you were unaware of a certain brown hair, blue eyed individual standing outside of your room door. He’d come to study with you and Glinda, but upon hearing your conversation, he swiftly turned on his heels and stormed off back to his room.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

About a week after that conversation with Glinda, you were shocked to learn that he was the one who initiated the conversation that led to them breaking up.

You should’ve suspected that something was up when Fiyero wasn’t in Professor Wilson’s class. It was the one class you heard him say he was genuinely interested in, and he’d yet to miss a day throughout the entire school year. The professor’s favorite thing to discuss, as of late, were what he deemed the big 3. Aliens, androids, and wizards (and witches) were the 3 worst things you could possibly come across and have to fight.

Less than halfway through class, you thought you heard your name being called. But you looked up and saw Professor Wilson hunched over his desk as he graded papers, and your classmates were all concentrating on reviewing notes since final exams would start tomorrow. Assuming you were going crazy from the amount of studying, you looked back to your notebook.

But then you heard your name again, and this time you looked toward the door. Fiyero stood with his arms crossed, and waved at you to come out of the classroom. You shook your head and held up your notebook. But ever the stubborn man, Fiyero simply entered the classroom and approached Professor Wilson’s desk. The 2 men talked in hushed voices for a minute before your name was called again.

“It’s alright,” Professor Wilson spoke to you. “Prince Fiyero just told me, you may be dismissed early.” You suspected that whatever Fiyero said that allowed this was due to his charm and the fact that you were easily the best student in class. It wasn’t even a question of if you’d ace the final exam.

Feeling the heat rush to your cheeks as your classmates all paused their studying to watch you gather your things, you finally exited the room in record time.

“What—”

“Not here. Your room,” Fiyero spoke, grabbing your books from you at the same time. You could tell he was upset about something, but you didn’t know what.

You had to speed walk to match his stride. “If you’re upset with me, why are you carrying my books?”

He rolled his eyes as if the answer was obvious. “I’m upset but I’m still a gentleman.”

When the 2 of you finally reached your room, Glinda and Elphaba were just leaving.

“Oh shoot I thought we’d be gone already, sorry!” Glinda pulled Elphaba along, not even bothering to say anything else.

“What? Where are you guys going?” You watched as Elphaba turned and shrugged, mouthing sorry.

Glinda, on the other hand, got a big grin on her face as she whispered “good luck!” while giving you a thumbs up. “Actually let me just,” she ran back to you and fixed your hair, then pulled out a tube of lipstick from her purse. She was a second away from applying it on you when Elphaba grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

“Good luck!” She whisper-shouted again.

Now you were more confused than ever. As soon as you walked into the room, Fiyero stepped behind you and shut the door.

When he turns back around, you realize something is genuinely upsetting him.

“What—”

“Do you and Glinda make a habit of discussing me when I’m not in the room, hmm? Were you scheming to break us apart?”

Now it’s your turn to be upset, and you realize he somehow overheard your conversation last week. “Excuse me? I have never schemed to break you apart as you so kindly put it.”

“Oh what do you call encouraging her to break up with me??”

You scoffed. “If you eavesdropped on that part of the conversation then surely you heard everything else as well. I didn’t have a goal of hurting you, although I really am sorry that I did. But that conversation wasn’t intended for you and I think you knew that. I was telling Glinda that she shouldn’t settle, and don’t go twisting my words saying being with you is settling. You’re an incredible man and any woman would be lucky to have you. But that relationship wasn’t fair to either of you. I could see she wasn’t happy. And judging by the way you’d flirted with others I’m going to be bold and say that you weren’t happy either.”

“No.”

“What do you mean no? I—”

“You’re right, we were both unhappy together, had been for a while. But it wasn’t others I flirted with. Only you.”

This has you pause.

He continued. “And why do you think that is?”

You shook your head and took a few steps back. “No. Fiyero don’t go there. Why are you bringing this up now? Practically all school year you’ve been with Glinda despite admitting that you were both unhappy! Don’t come at me with questions like why do I think that is. We both know that as much as you flirt and maybe it was just with me, it was all talk. And as much as you were both unhappy I know you wouldn’t have just ended things with Glinda on a whim. So what has she done to you—”

“She has done nothing. It is you. You have made a relationship with her impossible. My flirting with you wasn’t just talk, I know that, and so do you.”

“But why! You heard Glinda and I, right? Then I know you heard me tell her I might not be coming back after final exams—” You were interrupted again, and had lost count.

“There is nowhere far enough! Do you think that there is a corner of this earth that you could travel to far away enough, to free me from this torment? I am a gentleman, my father raised me to act with honor but that honor is hanging by a thread that grows more precarious with every moment I spend in your presence. You are the bane of my existence… and the object of all my desires. Night and day I dream of you, and that it is you I’m with. You say that it is all talk, but I assure you it’s not. Do you even know all the ways a lady can be seduced? The things I could teach you…”

You shake your head again and take another step back, but Fiyero takes 5 steps forward and puts a hand on your waist as he pulls you closer.

“I did not ask for this. To be plagued by these feelings. But I was going to keep quiet because you were with Glinda and I thought that was what you both wanted. My intent was not to confess my feelings for you the moment that you two were no longer together.”

“I know,” Fiyero reassures you. He leans forward so that his forehead touches yours and you both close your eyes, only for a moment. “But you do, have feelings? For me?”

“Fiyero I—”

“Please. I need to know if I’ve just made the biggest fool of myself. What feelings are you plagued with?”

You’re unsure if you should tell him everything, but ultimately decide that at the very least, he deserves the truth.

“I am driven to distraction every time you enter the room. It’s why I never study with you and Glinda unless Elphaba is also there.”

“Do you feel for me, as I do for you?” Fiyero puts a hand on either side of your face and moves so that his face is less than an inch from yours. But just moments before your lips touch, you both step back.

You were so caught off guard by his question that you weren’t sure how to answer at first. “Is… is that why you ended things with Glinda?”

“It’s not the only reason,” his answer came instantly. “I love her, truly. But it’s as she said, we work better as friends. Where you and I are concerned, if I were to remain with her, it would bind me and you together in a way that would have me spending every day of my relationship wanting you. Dreaming of you. Dreading the day when my last thread of honor finally snaps. Is that a future you’d want for us? For your best friend?”

You’re not given a chance to respond when you hear talking outside of your room. After a few seconds, the voices grow softer and you realize it was only some students passing by. Still, the interruption was enough to scare you and Fiyero a little.

“You have to go,” a tear falls down your cheek, and without thinking, Fiyero wipes it away. He whispers your name, but you can only shake your head.

As much as he wants to push back and force you to talk, Fiyero can see that you’re close to your breaking point. You need time to be alone, and in truth, so does he. “Can we talk again, before we both leave for the summer?”

Once you nod, he steps forward again. “You and I haven’t even had a chance to begin yet, so I know this isn’t the end.” After placing a soft kiss on your forehead, he turns around and exits your room, closing the door softly behind him.

left it sort of open ended, may or may not do a part 2 depending on if more than a handful of people are actually interested.

[urprettylildoe]

Can’t the brothers just share me? 😭

As the saying goes, “2 is better than 1”

Also think long term, if we are old people I’m gonna be left all alone if the 1 man dies on me. Who’ll take care of me then and be my companion?

Hmmmm, you might be right.

This is the tiny drabble I made before.

𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝓂���𝓇ℯ, 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓂ℯ𝓇𝓇𝒾ℯ𝓇

(Slight violence ahead)

The arena was awfully empty to your dismay, but the tension was so thick that you could cut it with a knife.

Two men who looked eerily similar stared into their same emerald coloured eyes. But it was not eerie, because they were twins. If they didn't look so alike, you wouldn't assume they were if they were glaring with such intensity.

Milo licked his gleaming teeth as he gazed at his brother, "Y'know," he started, suddenly finding the sword in his hand so interesting. "It is such an honour to die at the hands of my dear brother."

His smile widened in sick amusement, "Blood does run thicker than water, after all."

It was Mason's turn to hum, but in a lower, more thoughtful tone. "Indeed, it does. Though I will miss you, something tells me the prize at the end will overcome any sort of despair in my heart." Both of their eyes turned to you and you practically feel the weight of their gazes.

"Bold of you to assume that you're going home with her tonight, brother dear."

You thought it was funny how Mason said he had a heart. They couldn't. How could they when they were so cool about the fact that they were going to battle to literal death?

And the reason? Your love.

As if they would earn your affection through brutal violence. But then again, when did they ever care about your opinion? Certainly not when they tied you to a chair overlooking the arena, like a doll at a festival stand, waiting to be picked by the lucky winner of that night.

The more mischevious of the two then turned to you, blowing you a mocking kiss. "You doing good up there, baby? Hope the chair's to your liking. We got you the best view."

"You are sick," you hissed harshly, earning a laugh out of him.

He wiped a tear from his eye then grinned, "Oh, my darling, that makes me want to go up there and show you how much I-"

"Milo," Mason warned. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We need to earn her."

His lively brother rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically, "Oh, how could I forget?" He snickered as he eyed his quiet sibling, "but y'know, Mason, you could back out now and avoid the trouble."

Mason knew Milo like the back of his hand; he was already used to the tricks. "And miss out on the fun of watching you lose? Never."

Even though Milo was at the same age as Mason, he behaved like a spoiled younger child (he was only younger by 1 minute, in his defence!). He huffed, brows knitting together as he changed the subject, "Moving on, we should really get started. Wouldn't want our darling to get bored in the wait." An obnoxious wink was sent your way.

"We really should, brother." Mason bowed, making his brother follow suite.

Then the game began.

And oh boy was it stressful.

It was awful, to say the least. Blood was splattering everywhere, bruises blossoming on their skin. Yet knowing their excitement and ego, you knew neither would back down.

Your arms clenched the armrests as you tried to contain the horror in your expression. This was a nightmare.

Milo was a time-ticking bomb high on adrenaline — his actions were immediate and without any hesitation that you could never know what was coming. The definition of think before you speak.

Mason, on the other hand, worked smarter and not harder. He assessed, then used as little energy as possible to dodge his brother's attacks.

They were both opposites, but equally powerful.

Digging his knees into Mason's chest, Milo taunted cruelly, "give up yet, brother dearest?"

The other closed his eyes and feigned pain, before flipping his brother down underneath him. "Never." With arms caging his hrother, you thought that the match would end like every other time. Yet, it didn't.

...though weirdly enough, it didn't continue either.

"Say," Mason pondered, voice oozing with sarcasm. "What do you say we...share?"

Milo sat up, eyes too wide for surprise. "Hmm, share?" His amused eyes flickered to yours, before exclaiming: "that sounds like a wonderful idea."

Then, it dawned on you that this was all cultivated, practised. Neither were meant to die, but to watch your hopes go down further down the drain.

This. was. scripted.

"Doesn't it?" Mason mused, standing up with his brother, who skipped over to you like an eager puppy. Though, he opted for slow, measured steps that would take time but inevitably find you.

Once they both arrived at your sides, Milo placed a hand on your thrashing shoulder and purred, "shouldn't you be happy? Neither of us will die."

Mason's lips twitched into a small, frightening smile, "that's right, babe. We're going to be here for you. We have shared a womb, so why not a girl?"

The other's laughter echoed in your ear, "he's got a point. The more, the merrier."

And then they both kissed your cheeks.

♡

@urprettylildoe

[wallflowerwritesstuff]

Coin Flip

You always admired the universe and how vast it was, even if it scared you a bit. If only you'd realized how scary it could truly get.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

a reader insert? the crowd is...unsurprised :)

I've been really into isekai stories, can you tell? Lovely. Hop into this one, then~

There will be one version of this story for each LI, so don't feel left out if you don't see your LI just yet. We're just getting started! :D

Can be read on ao3 here if preferred~

The universe was always rather strange.

You’d always been the type to peek into how vast it is only to pull away when it became too real: a habit of yours that you hid from the world as best you could. You couldn’t show the same sort of hesitation when it came to what you were trying to achieve. If you did, you’d think about that moment for ages – imposter syndrome threatening to pull you down into the ocean of fears until the bubbles stopped. 

So, with feigned confidence and a racing heart, you got up in the mornings. 

You showered, brushed your teeth, tossed your hair up, and got dressed with the intent to survive another day. 

All while ignoring the butterflies in your stomach that were hellbent on warning you of some unseen danger. It was a feeling you’d also come to ignore to masquerade like a normal person, losing all sense of self-preservation and gut intuition along the way. 

The sound of your shoes clicked against the tile as you stepped out of your apartment, breaking into a brisk walk to catch the elevator. It was just on the verge of closing when you stuck your hand between the door, your irritation at the person inside fading when you caught them smiling at you. 

Almost as if expecting you. 

“Sorry about that,” they spoke, smile never fading. “I’m the worst at this whole neighbor thing.” 

Neighbor , you register, the irritation fading as you relax. You attempt to unwind your nerves – you were the worst at noticing when they became wound, to begin with, really – and step inside with a small smile of your own. 

“Don’t worry about it. I made it, didn’t I?” you attempted to brush off, a nervous chuckle at how you’d almost exploded on a person because of your hang-ups enough to make your face burn in shame. You’d always talked to yourself about control and maintaining it, and yet the smallest of issues seemed to throw all that prep out of you. 

How embarrassing. 

“You did. You have rather good timing, I’d say,” the stranger complimented. “Perfect, even.” 

Before you could respond, the elevator came to a sudden stop, jolting as you stumbled into the side of it. You winced at the impact, feeling the ache in your shoulder sends tingles down toward your wrist. You raise your opposite hand to hold it, heartbeat in your ears as you turn to the stranger and scan over them. 

“Are you—?” 

Your words of concern get caught in your throat when you catch how they were still smiling, not at all perturbed by what had happened – what was still happening. 

“Perfect,” the stranger repeated, their voice followed by the sound of something snapping as you gasped at how weightless you suddenly felt. Your eyes were wide as you attempted to steady yourself, only to slam into the elevator again. You weren’t sure where you’d gone, jostled around and feeling as if your heart would stop at any moment. 

I don’t want to die!

A voice similar to yours echoed in your mind. You agreed with the sentiment, unable to breathe as the sound of screeching filled your senses. 

It hurts!

A gasp as your vision faded, the flickering lights of the elevator following suit. Your non-injured hand moved to your chest, clutching as you shut your eyes tightly. 

Then…nothing. 

Just silence and weightlessness – as if you were floating above it all. A sense of calm washed over you, the pain momentarily numbed. You part your lips to speak, but nothing comes out. You don’t try again. You don’t try anything . You, for the first time in your life, feel at ease. 

No deadlines, no push to work yourself to the bone for a machine. 

No worry about how you look, if others are judging...if you will ever be good enough. 

It’s just… you.

Or, it was you. 

If you ever existed. 

For all you know, you could be dreaming. Or, on the alternate end of the spectrum, maybe all you’d gone through was purely fabricated due to how long you’ve been hovering in nothingness. 

“Oh, no, my dear.” 

A familiar voice, one that you felt both attached to but fearful of for whatever reason. 

“This is real. You are real. You just need to come back now.” 

Come back? To what? 

A chuckle followed by a gentle force pressing down onto your chest – testing the limit of what you could handle in this state. It wasn’t painful. It was more odd – like a tug at your very being. A methodical approach to inching under your skin, muscle, and bone to reach the very essence of your soul. 

“Not to that. To who. And that person…is me.” 

The words settle in the nothingness, wrapping around you as you try to open your eyes. Or were they open already? 

“There we go…just a little more…” 

You part your lips out of habit, but rather than silence, a scream tears from your throat. The weightlessness is gone, replaced by a force that began to crush: pressure that made you feel as if the air had been pulled from your very lungs.  What felt odd became agonizing as the force aimed to tear your essence away from the form you called your existence. 

It hurts! It—! 

A gasp as air filled what felt like untrained lungs, eyes darting around only to see bright white through blurry vision. Everything about your body felt wrong , from the lack of control you held over your limbs to the bitter cold that encompassed your inner core. Gravity felt like too much, every sense on high alert as you were assaulted with sensation. 

Beeping machines, the color white, the sharp smell of medicine tainted only by gentle perfume, the straps digging into your skin enough to provide discomfort but not the release from actual injury.

No, no!

“Sh,” the person whispered, the white lab coat melting into the white background of the room’s walls. A hand on your head pushed the sweat-soaked hair from your forehead, but shadows of the overhead lighting too obscured the face of the stranger. 

“I’ve got you. Rest, now. No more.”

Despite every inclination to disobey, your body and mind sunk into the sweet-sounding words, your body going slack against wherever you lay. Your eyes grew heavy, the tears not stopping even after they closed entirely. 

“That’s it.” 

Your mind emptied, scarily similar to the weightlessness without the numbness of your shoulder and head. As you drifted off, you attempted to remember how you’d gotten here, falling short as memories blurred together. Some you recalled before they began to fade like a photo in a flame. Others you didn’t recall living through at all, flashing like images on a television being watched by an impatient stranger. 

People you knew and didn’t. 

Experiences you’d lived and hadn’t. 

Lives, spanning across who knows how long, shoved into your consciousness haphazardly. 

A strange place, indeed, this universe you existed in. 

[mattszombie]

FAKING IT? || M.STURNIOLO

chapter 5!

enemy!matt x fem!reader. YOU ARE TESS!!

Tess groaned as sunlight streamed through her window, piercing her eyelids like a dagger. Her head was pounding, and her mouth felt like it had been stuffed with cotton. A low grumble beside her made her shift, barely lifting her head to see Jordyn sprawled out across the bed while Sophie was buried under a blanket.

She sat up slowly, running a hand through her tangled hair, and that’s when she noticed—she was still wearing Matt’s hoodie.

Her entire body tensed as last night’s events came rushing back. The pool. The dare. Sitting on Matt’s lap. His arm around her waist. And worst of all, the fact that she had put his hoodie on without even realizing it.

Tess let out a strangled noise and yanked the sleeves over her hands, as if that would somehow make it disappear.

Jordyn stirred next to her, cracking one eye open. “Why are you making dying animal noises?” she mumbled.

Tess huffed. “Because I just realized I’m still wearing Matt’s hoodie.”

Jordyn blinked a few times, and then a smirk crept onto her face. “Damn. That’s kinda hot.”

Tess smacked her with a pillow.

“Ow!” Jordyn laughed, dodging another hit. “Relax, it’s just a hoodie. But honestly… you two last night?” She raised her brows. “I thought you were gonna kill him, but then you just sat there all cozy on his lap like it was normal.”

Tess scowled. “It wasn’t normal, I was just—ugh, I don’t even know. I was drunk, and it was a dare.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Jordyn waved a hand dismissively. “And yet, you’re still wearing it.”

Tess groaned again and flopped back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. “I hate you.”

Jordyn grinned. “Not as much as you hate Matt.”

Sophie finally poked her head out from under the blanket, her voice groggy. “Can you two shut up? My head is killing me.”

Tess sighed and forced herself up, grabbing her phone from the nightstand. She had a few texts from people talking about the party, but one in particular made her pause.

Matt: Hope the hoodie’s treating you well, MVP.

Her stomach twisted in irritation—and maybe something else.

Without thinking, she typed back.

Tess: I’ll burn it.

A response came almost instantly.

Matt: Damn, at least wash it first.

Tess groaned, locking her phone. This boy was insufferable.

She could still hear Jordyn giggling next to her, and she knew she’d never live this down.

Jordyn nudged her with her foot. “You know, if you hate him so much, you wouldn’t still be texting him.”

Tess shot her a glare. “I was shutting him down.”

Jordyn hummed like she didn’t believe her. “Sure, sure. That’s why you answered in less than five seconds.”

Tess grabbed the nearest pillow and chucked it at her, but Jordyn dodged, laughing. Sophie groaned again, flipping onto her stomach and muttering something about regretting every life choice that led to this hangover.

Deciding she needed to get out of bed before she lost her mind, Tess swung her legs over the side and stood up. The oversized hoodie hung low on her frame, the scent of Matt’s stupid cologne still clinging to it. It was infuriating—because she hated him. Absolutely, one hundred percent hated him. So why did it feel like the material was warm in a way that made her want to keep it on?

No. She needed to get rid of it.

Tess stormed to the bathroom, grabbing the hem to yank it over her head. But as she caught sight of herself in the mirror, she hesitated. The hoodie was big, swallowing her up in a way that was… annoying. But also sort of comfortable.

She groaned at herself. “I need therapy.”

After splashing her face with cold water, she changed into her own clothes, stuffing Matt’s hoodie into her bag so she wouldn’t have to deal with Jordyn’s teasing any longer.

When she came back into the room, Jordyn was on her phone, grinning. “By the way, everyone’s talking about you two.”

Tess froze. “What?”

Jordyn turned her screen around, showing a Snapchat story from someone at the party. The video was grainy, but clear enough—Tess, perched on Matt’s lap, his arm casually draped around her waist. And, worst of all, her laughing at something he said.

Her stomach plummeted. “Are you kidding me?”

Sophie finally lifted her head again, squinting at the screen. “Damn. That’s kinda cute.”

Tess smacked her forehead. “Not helping!”

Jordyn laughed. “Oh, come on. You guys looked good together. And now everyone’s convinced there’s some secret love story brewing between you two.”

Tess groaned. “This is literally my worst nightmare.”

And as if the universe wanted to make things worse, her phone buzzed again.

Matt: Saw the video yet? We’re the talk of the town, Tessie.

She squeezed her eyes shut. She was going to kill him.

Tess: first of all never call me that again, seconf of all I actually hate you.

Matt: That’s crazy, ‘cause last night, you seemed real comfy.

Her face burned. She was definitely going to kill him.

And maybe Jordyn too, for still giggling in the background.

a/n: im so happy that yall are liking it so far! i love all of you!!!

[cy-cyborg]

I swear Centrelink’s goal is to just be the most time-wasting government organisation 🤦

I went into the office in person 3 weeks ago to report income from my commissions, which is how I was told to declare the income last time I asked about it.

I explained how the income had been acquired (custom artwork via the internet) and why there was no abn attached (if you’re self employed, you’re supposed to have your own, if you have a normal job, whoever pays you should have one). After explaining it they said I don’t really fit in any category they have, so go home and they’ll call me when they know what to do, but it’s on my file that I tried to report so I won’t get into trouble at least.

A week later, they call and said that I need to register as self-employed, but an abn won’t be needed (yet). All they need is a profit and loss statement and a form. Easy, I did the same form for my partner’s door dash income and it’s pretty simple, and there aren’t exactly a lot of profits or losses for 3 digital-only commissions so that’s also simple. However, they told me on the profit and loss form to include things like electricity and internet costs as losses. I don’t exactly know how to calculate that so I decide to go to a tax agent for help, since what I submit to Centrelink needs to match what I will submit to the ATO later anyway, at least roughly, so it’s easier to do that now and get the more accurate numbers.

It takes a week to get in, the tax agent chats with me for 5 minutes and says she’s not entirely sure why Centrelink is asking me to do this, in the ATO’s eyes I don’t qualify to be a business yet and I wouldn’t qualify by centrelink’s definition yet either. I can register now if I really want to but it won’t be worth it until I’m making a more regular income. She also said she can give me a profit and loss statement but once again, it’s not really worth it and she’d have to charge me more than what I’ve made in total, so she highly suggests I don’t do that, and go back to Centrelink. Also they gave me the wrong form because of course 🙃.

I’m getting really confused at this point, and hear my explanations to each person getting more and more jumbled (which happens when I’m overwhelmed) so I wait until my support worker is there to go back in, since she’s helped me with Centrelink before and is getting good at understanding me when I get overwhelmed lol.

We go in, relay what the tax agent said and showed them the documents from the ATO that backup what I’m saying said to the person at Centrelink. The worker sighs, apologises and says that I was right the first time, I didn’t need to do any of this and the income should have just been reported when I came in last time. She confirmed that with her supervisor just to be sure and then wrote me a note with a big offical stamp on it to give to any other Centrelink worker who tries to say this is incorrect in the future, because it will happen again due to some vague wording in the rules they have to follow 🤦 she’s left a note in my file about it but people don’t always check so the paper note is a backup.

It took 3 week but I finally declared my commission income once it was all sorted out and hopefully the next time I go back it will be simpler…

[voxslays]

CLOSE TO YOU — THE SALESMAN

PART SIX — MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS PAIRINGS: The Salesman (Gong Yoo) x Reader. WARNINGS: Mentions of kidnapping (sort of), Reader is mentioned to be a foreigner (not stated from where), not proofread.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

“Gong Yoo, huh?”

You pause, unsure what to say. Had he really just told you the truth—or was he still bluffing? “That’s a…” You hesitate, chiding your next words very wisely. “That’s a name.” Well no shit. You scan his face, automatically grimacing as the words come out of your mouth. “So why’d you finally speak?”

“You won the game.” He answers simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Hmph.” You say, rubbing your slightly bruised face as you open the sliding door and step out onto the small balcony. Outside, there was a view of the city—which during this time of day, was filled with nothing but the sound of honking cars and gossip on the streets below.

“I have a proposition for you miss.” Gong Yoo says, startling you. “Jesus.” You mutter under your breath, turning around to face the tall man. “Yes?” You ask, gripping the railing behind you as the salesman slowly cages you in. It was a stress tactic, you knew that. So why was it strangely hot? “You’re looking for a friend aren’t you?” He asks, his breath hot on your ear. “A Kang No-eul?”

How the hell did he know about No-eul?

…

It was a dark evening, one you so rarely experienced living in such a bright city like Seoul. There was a light drizzle as you stepped outside into the rain to be met by No-eul. How long had you known her? God, it must’ve been seven or eight years by now—yet, her loyal devotion to your friendship never wavered.

“No-eul!” You wave at her, stepping into the pouring rain, no umbrella in sight. “What are you doing here so late?” You ask, standing under the ravenette’s umbrella. “Look…” No-eul paused, looking at her feet. “I’m going to be out of town for a few days, can you watch over my place?”

“Of course! And I’ll feed mitski too!” You smile brightly. Mitski was her small tuxedo cat, whom she had named after one of her favorite singers. “I’ll see you when you get back, okay?” You say, quickly walking back up the stairs to your apartment. “Okay.” She muttered.

That was the last time you’d ever seen her.

…

“What did you do to her!?” You ask, grabbing him roughly by his collar and pulling him back inside. “Did you put her in the game?” You nearly scream, holding your fist up as a warning. “Kang No-duo.” He pauses. “Number 011.” You gasped. This couldn’t be true. She wouldn’t go somewhere like that without telling you, right?

“She was a participant in the last year’s games.” He says smoothly, unblinking. “It’s been a while since she’s seen you.” You feel tears pricking at the corners of your eyes. “You fucker.” You choke out. He gently places his hand on your shoulder, as if offering condolences. His hand was too soft for the fist of a killer. He smirks.

Then without another word, he heads for the door. He pulls out his revolver and shoots the lock, opening the door with ease. You look up, wiping the tears from your eyes. “Hey, where the hell are you going!?” You yell, rubbing out the door, prepared to chase him down the long, pink hallway.

You couldn’t just let this man get away. How would you explain this to Gi-hun? And what would he think of you afterwards? The worst part of it all—you were struggling to control your blush. Earlier, when he had pushed you up against the balcony, you could’ve sworn your cheeks exploded from the way the blood ran down to your face.

You push those worries to the back of your befuddled mind. This was all his plan—to confuse you before making his getaway. It was smart though, you must admit. Seeing his tall figure walk did something to your twisted mind. Something definitely not PG-13.

You quickly catch up to him, but then again, he wasn’t running. Gong Yoo simply strolled down the dark hallway, not a care in the world. “Where are you going?” You ask as you follow him into the concrete staircases. Silence. The tension floats through the air as you reach the bottom floor. As you follow him through the small foyer you see a sterile white Van outside. That’s odd.

Gong Yoo swings open the glass paneled entrance door, trudging towards the white van. The second you can get close enough, you see a man (you can only assume) in a pink suit. His face covered with a black mask. There was a circle painted on it, just like Gi-hun described.

Gong Yoo steps into the back, briefcase in hand. When had he picked that up. “Hey!” You yell. Was he really getting away that easily? Not on your watch. You banged your fist against the side of the sterile van, as if willing it to open. Yet it was no use. It wouldn’t even budge.

As you step away from the Van, you feel a hand against your mouth. As you cock your head backwards, you can see another figure with the same black mask as before. Oh shit, you think. You struggle in his grasp, kicking, elbowing, and event attempting to bite his hand. Anything to get him away from you.

The last thing you feel is a sharp pain in your deck before the world fades to black.

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[babymorte]

gotta love depleting your entire savings because other people are terrible with their own money 🥲