#and then we decide to See Each Other Again and it turns out there’s more than a friendship between us

[vettelsvee]

I'M SORRY, JULIET | Mick Schumacher

Mick Schumacher x Secret Girlfriend Vettel!Reader

SUMMARY: You're secretly dating Mick, both of you hiding it from everyone in your families until you get so happy about him getting his first points in Formula 1 that your father, Sebastian, ends up finding out

WORD COUNT: 2404

WARNINGS: Curse words, mentions of teen pregnancy (age 17 from Seb and Hanna), angst. Settled on 2022 British GP

VEE'S NOTES: I missed so much posting about Mick so I had to bring him back... even that means Seb is the "bad guy" here. Hope you like it and thanks for reading! I'll be waiting for your opinions <3 ↳ TALK TO ME / REQUESTS! | FORMULA 1 MASTERLIST

© VETTELSVEE (2025). please, do not steal, copy or translate my works. thanks for reading!

You hadn’t attended a Formula 1 race for longer than you could remember, and truthfully, you never thought you would again until Mick Schumacher started turning your world pink.

The boy had known you since you were a child, back when you would occasionally attend races hand in hand with your grandfather, Norbert. Your relationship deepened every time you saw each other in the paddock or at family gatherings, and despite the age difference between you, you grew closer and closer until you eventually fell in love with each other.

Even before your relationship began, you were both fully aware of the obstacles in your way. It wasn’t just the fact that Mick was six years older than you, but also that you were the children of two drivers who weren’t just former rivals and friends, but also were like family.

All of that, combined with the inevitable pressure from the press if they ever found out about your relationship, mattered little to Mick. One afternoon in mid-June, when the Schumachers and the Vettels had gathered together, he had decided to confess his feelings for you. At first, you were completely in shock, hearing from the lips of the very boy you had loved for years that he loved you too.

So, of course, when Mick asked if you wanted to be his girlfriend, you didn’t doubt to say yes.

Neither of you cared what others might say because, for now, no one knew about your relationship.

And there you were now, standing in the Aston Martin garage alongside your mother and your three younger siblings, watching the race with great enthusiasm as Sebastian drove the emerald-green car.

To the outside world, it might have seemed like you were simply there for one of the most important days in your father’s career since it was his 35th birthday. But in reality more than watching your father, you wanted to see your boyfriend.

Hanna noticed the tense expression on your face. Smiling warmly and without taking her eyes off Emily and Matilda, who were playing tag nearby, she stepped closer to you.

“Are you okay, Y/N? You seem like you’re in another galaxy.”

Your body tensed at the question, something that happened every time someone in your inner circle mentioned directly or indirectly your secret boyfriend. You tried to hide what was on your mind, but the combination of your mother’s presence and your nerves made you say more than you actually wanted.

“I’m nervous because I want dad to finish in the points,” you said with as much conviction as possible, though it wasn’t enough to convince Sebastian’s wife. “And well… I’m also worried about Mick.”

Hanna raised an eyebrow, curious, but not pressing. She had once been seventeen too. More than that, she had gotten pregnant with you at that age, and she knew that your concern for Mick went beyond simple friendship. Mothers developed a sixth sense when it came to their children, and she knew you too well to be fooled.

“Mick? Why would you be worried about Mick?” she asked, making sure not to pry too much or reveal how much she already knew.

“Well… he’s having a really good race today,” you replied, lowering your gaze to the floor. “I’d like him to get a high position,” you explained, “even though with the piece of crap car he has we can’t expect much.”

Hanna nodded understandingly, reading between the lines of your words.

“I get it, sweetheart. I was the same way with your dad when he started racing,” she said, deliberately choosing her words to make you overthink. “Mick has a lot of talent, but he’s not in a team that helps him shine, so I understand why you care so much.”

“If you ever need to talk about Mick you know you can trust me, right?”  Hanna added,

You appreciated your mother’s words, though you remained cautious just in case she was digging for something that might expose your relationship. How naive you were to think she didn’t already know you were dating one of Sebastian’s best friends’ sons.

When the checkered flag waved and the twenty cars crossed the finish line, your eyes remained glued to the leaderboard. Not only had Carlos, one of your best friends, taken his first victory, but both Mick and Sebastian had finished in the points, placing eighth and ninth respectively.

Your father earning two points on his birthday was amazing. Your boyfriend earning three? Even better, especially since it was his first time scoring points in Formula 1. Saying you were emotional was an understatement, and no matter how much you tried to hold it in, a few tears escaped down your cheeks. You wiped them away quickly to avoid drawing attention.

Hanna, still by your side as she fed the youngest member of the family, noticed you approaching with a hesitant expression, as if you wanted to ask something but were afraid to.

“Can I go to Mick’s garage to congratulate him?” you asked cautiously. “It’s his first time scoring, and I’d like to say something to him in person before we leave for Switzerland.”

“I know you’re excited for him,” your mother said while burping the baby, “but I think it’s better if you stay here. It’s your dad’s birthday, and honestly? I doubt Haas would even let you see Mick.”

You nodded, though sadness crept in. You looked at the monitors, seeing the top three drivers already celebrating on the podium. Even from your location, you could hear the Spanish national anthem playing over the speakers.

“Mum,” you tried again, “come on, let me go congratulate Mick. I’ll be back quickly, and I’ll be here by the time dad gets back!”

Your exaggerated gestures and the way you waved your arms were too adorable, and Hanna couldn’t help but see herself in you. She remembered how she had felt when she started dating Sebastian, wanting nothing more than to see him every chance she had. As much as she tried to be the responsible mother, sometimes she just couldn’t help it. This was one of those moments, one where she gave in to the charms of her eldest, the spitting image of her father.

“Make sure you come back as soon as possible,” she relented with a small smile. “I don’t want your father calling me a bad mother for letting his baby do grown-up things.”

“Thank you, mum!”

With that being said, you sprinted off, weaving through mechanics, fans, and celebrities scattered around the paddock. You checked your phone to see if Mick had texted you, but there was nothing. That only made you hurry toward the Haas garage. Seeing it empty, you quickly turned around and headed toward the hospitality area, which was further away. While dodging anyone in your way, you sent Mick a message telling him you were on your way and that you had to be quick before your father returned.

When you arrived, the first thing you saw was Mick soaked in champagne, holding a bottle in his hand. The Haas team members, including Guenther, were celebrating. You felt out of place and your insecurity crept in, making you want to turn around and leave. But then Mick saw you, and the moment your eyes met, you knew you had made the right choice.

Mick immediately broke away from the group and rushed to your side, hugging you tightly. He wanted nothing more than to kiss you, even if just a quick peck, but his rational side reminded him that now was not the place.

“Congratulations, Mick!” you exclaimed, your excitement taking over you. “Oh my God, oh my God! I’m so proud of you!” you squealed, throwing your arms around his neck.

“I finally get to see you, princess. You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to,” he murmured playfully. “Although, I’d love to do a few other things with you.”

Your face turned bright red, something you had grown used to ever since you started dating Mick and were used to hear his endless compliments.

“How was the race?” he asked. “Did you like it, even though I probably looked like an idiot who doesn’t know how to drive?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Mick!” you scolded, lightly hitting his arm. “You scored points for the first time. If that’s being an idiot, then I don’t know what that makes me.”

“That makes you the love of my life.”

Mick pulled you even closer, and just as he was about to kiss you, completely ignoring the risks, a voice interrupted.

Or rather, someone did.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Mick Schumacher?!”

As soon as you heard your father’s shouts, you and Mick pulled apart. You stood frozen, your face turning completely pale as Mick began cursing himself. How was he supposed to explain to the man who was like a father to him in many ways that he was dating you, his daughter?

You didn’t stay silent. You, who had a temper as strong as the man who had given her life, stepped between Mick and your father, trying to ease the tension that had formed over a simple show of affection.

“Dad, stop! It’s not what it looks like!” you exclaimed, nervous but determined.

“What do you mean it’s not what it looks like?” Sebastian scoffed, unwilling to believe your words. “Come on, Y/N, you were about to kiss him!”

“Yes, because Mick is my boyfriend,” you stated without hesitation. “We’ve been secretly dating since last month because we didn’t want to say anything just yet,” you explained without caring about the consequences. “So don’t act like this and use your fucking head and be reasonable for once.”

The Aston Martin driver was stunned, unsure how to react to the news that his daughter had a boyfriend, and that it was none other than the son of the man he considered his best friend, who had once been his mentor.

Mick watched as Sebastian looked at you in disbelief before shifting his gaze back to you, focusing all his attention on you.

“Y/N, this is insane… Mick,” he gestured toward him, “isn’t just any driver, he’s the son of—”

“I already know, Dad!” you interrupted, your tone sharp. “And? Does it matter? I don’t care who his father is, or who mine is, or the relationship between you two,” you tried to keep your voice steady. “We love each other, we take care of each other, and that’s the only thing that should matter to you.”

Mick alternated his gaze between father and daughter, finally mustering the courage to say something. But, before he could even open his mouth, Sebastian raised his right hand, silencing him immediately:

“Stop trying to fix this. You’ve fucked up, Mick,” he muttered as he stepped closer, his voice low enough that not even you could hear it. “My daughter is too young, and you know you could get into serious trouble if this gets out,” he added before stepping away and moving back toward you. “ I just sort of saved you from shit talks about you, so consider yourself lucky.”

“You can’t blame Mick for this, Dad,” you interjected defiantly. “We’re adults, and we can make our own decisions, so just leave us alone already.”

“You are not an adult, Y/N Vettel, you’re still a kid,” Sebastian snapped, his voice filled with unfiltered anger. “Stop acting like you are, because all you are is a reckless little girl.”

“Let me remind you that when you were 17 you fucked mum and you got her pregnant.”

You threw it out without thinking, and immediately, you regretted it, placing your hands over your mouth as if that could fix what you had just said. You knew you had been the most beautiful mistake your parents had, but you didn’t think about the impact it could have in their lives, especially in your father’s.

"I'm sorry, Juliet," the older driver began, trying not to let his anger and, especially, the pain he felt from your comment show. "But it's time to leave."

"Dad..."

"Not 'dad' or anything, Y/N," Sebastian said, raising his voice and making it sound harsher than he had intended at first. "Do you think it’s funny for me to see my daughter rubbing herself up against the one I consider my son?"

Mick paled as he heard his mentor’s words, feeling completely awful because he knew Sebastian was right. You threw him a look, but didn’t have the strength to answer. You were so in shock that you didn’t know how you hadn’t just left yet.

"And you, Mick," he said now, shooting a penetrating look at the young man, "I thought you could show a little more respect for our family and everything we’ve built together all these years."

Having said that, Sebastian took you by your shoulders carefully and started walking back to where the rest of your family was, not giving you or Mick a chance to say goodbye.

"We don't choose who we fall in love with, Sebastian," Schumacher blurted out, still frozen in place.

Your father and you turned around. The look of disappointment on Seb’s face made Mick feel a thousand times worse than he ever thought he could, but it was the sight of your tears falling rapidly that made him start crying.

"I expected you, more than anyone, to agree with this," he continued, pointing at you and himself, "because if there’s one thing I know, it’s that your daughter deserves someone good who can make her life the best it can be. If I can’t be that person because you won’t let us..." he pointed at himself, "...then I’ll be okay with it being someone else."

Vettel swallowed hard, not knowing what to say to the German’s words.

"I just want Y/N to be happy," the boy said again, "and if I have to let her go for now until you can accept and see that I’m really in love with your daughter, and that she’s the love of my life, I’ll be willing to do so."

With that, the young man turned around, trying not to look back, hoping to hear some words from those he had considered his family for so many years.

But, unfortunately for him, you and your father didn’t.

[hscherrywine]

Tired Teasing

Summary: A relaxing night with Harry takes a naughty turn. Some more cute fluffy smut. Harry is a tease and you’re tired.

wc: 2.1k

warnings: none really just some smut, female receiving

Ever since you and your boyfriend, Harry, decided to become serious, Sundays have been your favorite day of the week. The two of you have the day off almost every week and always make the most of it.

The day itself was great - being able to be lazy with Harry and watch some movies. But now it was night and the two of you were getting ready for bed. You took a shower and got cozy in your fresh sheets, excited to read some of your current book read. Harry was somewhere downstairs finishing up some chores he’d promise to do.

If you could capture a feeling, it would be this one. So content with life that nothing could bring you down. Plus part of your nighttime routine tonight was an everything shower because you just needed some “me time”. You felt so relaxed and comforted by your bed.

You lay peacefully on your side, book in hand, curled up under the covers. You were waiting for Harry to come up to bed. Before you knew it, you heard his footsteps padding up the stairs. Within minutes he wandered into your room. You put your book down so transfixed by his being. He walked into your sight line since you were still lying on your side. You watched in awe as he changed from his everyday clothes into something more comfortable to sleep in.

Without even saying a word to you yet, he found his way to bed. His body dipped behind you and your body ignited. He was quick to wrap himself up in you, hugging your body from behind.

“Did you like the show?” He asks and you know he was aware that you watched him get dressed. Your cheeks flush feeling called out a bit, but you know he can’t see because your back is pressed to his front. You’re glad you're not facing each other because you can hear the smirk in his voice.

You don’t respond to his comment. Partly because you had no shame in watching your hot boyfriend strip and another part because you were too tired to engage him. Harry could sense this or something because he didn’t antagonize you much more, he just snuggled himself deeper into your neck like he couldn’t get close enough. You liked when he was soft and clingy with you.

His hands rubbed up and down your arms as he made small talk with you about your days. You loved being able to unwind with him like this. It was all very casual, him pressing mindless gentle kisses to your exposed skin as you talked. Until, he got a bit more carried away and you could tell that he was looking for a bit more.

“Harry…” you start but only trail off. The half of you that is exhausted just want to go to bed, but the other half always melts at his touch. Which one will win? you still don’t know. He keeps going up and down your neck and shoulders showing his affection until you call out his name again seeming slightly aggravated. He stops briefly, but only to get a few words out.

“You always smell so good..can’t stay away.” He mumbles and you feel his breath on you. That’s how close you two were. He reaches up to move your wet hair away from your shoulders to get closer to the spot he knows you love. “Can’t believe you showered without me baby.” He admits.

His affection tonight was undeniably adorable, so you give in. “I was waiting for you, why do you think it took me so long in there?” you tease. Truth is, you did take a long shower tonight, but not entirely for his sake.

“We’re not good at showering together.” He admits breaking away from you. “We never end up clean after those.” He jokes and you know exactly what he means. Memories come flooding back of times the two of had sex in your marble shower. “We’re not good at a lot of things, Harry, we always end up just having sex or something.” you laugh. It’s funny because it is entirely true. The two of you just can’t resist each other it’s like in your pheromones or something. Even mundane tasks like cleaning, doing the dishes, or folding laundry tempt the two of you. Right now is no different. With every delicate touch from Harry, you were getting less relaxed and more worked up and you were unsure if that was part of his plan or not.

“Look at us right now.” you point out “We can’t even relax in bed without being horny.” you scoff.

“Who said anything about that?” Harry asks playing dumb. Not cute. He doesn’t get to purposely rile you up and then pretend like that wasn’t his intentions.

“I know what you’re doing, Harry, and honestly i’m not sure if I have the energy right now.” You confess to him, still facing away. You know he respects your boundaries and everything but you’re shy to admit it.

“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want Y/N, but what if I do something for you. You know..just so you don’t over do anything.” He suggests. The idea is very tempting. At this point he was already slotting his leg in between your thighs and slowly moving the two of you so you were facing each other more. When you don’t immediately answer, Harry places a kiss away from your back and neck and on your check instead. The sweet gesture has you turning to face him with a smile. The two of you look at each other for the first time tonight all tangled together.

When you look into his eyes, you give in completely. After mere seconds, you are the one making the moves. You lean in the short distance to kiss your boyfriend in the lips for the first time tonight. The action is desperate in itself and quickly deepens. You hand Harry wrapped up in each other find a rhythm with your lips and body. All you can do is moan into his movements.

His hands trail up your back trying to squeeze you closer into him. Eventually they find their way under the hem of your shirt and up to your bra. Without breaking the kiss, he unclasps it like he has a hundred times before.

Slightly in awe you pull away and notice a guilty smirk on his face for what he just did. It’s one of your favorite things that he does. “I’ll never get tired of you doing that.” you says to him. “And i’ll never get tired of how perfect your body is” He compliments. You don’t always agree with the compliments he showered you with. Sometimes you feel like he says things just to make you happy, but the way he delivers them is impossible to make them insincere.

It’s like he can hear your thoughts going round in your head. “I mean it, baby, every time. Everything about you is so perfect.” He rambles. He goes back to his favorite position with his mouth on yours. This time his hands travel back to your back but they take of your shirt instead. His is quick to come off too.

“I know my girl is tired and it’s been a long week, but I just need to appreciate you a little.” he whispers to you. The energy between you two is heating up so much so he is practically above you at this point. He is taking in your body with his eyes even though the two of you are still under the covers. Harry isn’t a huge fan of that and gently exposes the two of you from your bedding. It is here where he notices that the shirt he removed from you was the only thing you wore to bed.

He is slightly shocked by the discovery. “You had me doubting the mood tonight, but here you were all ready for me.” he scolds. You rarely sleep completely naked so this is a surprise for him. He can’t contain himself now running his hands up and down your thighs. Teasing you with a soft touch. He makes the split decision to move from your upper body to focus on your lower half. He did a lot of teasing already when the two of you were mindlessly chatting. He didn’t think he had that much of an effect on you until he revealed what was under the conversation and it became every apparent.

He slowly worked his way down until he was inches away from your core. He was slow to give you what you wanted, knowing that you were struggling without his conceding. He kissed and sucked in your thighs until he couldn’t contain himself. He gently ran one finger up and down your folds just to gather some arousal. He then sucked his digit clean and leaned back up for a kiss.

“Relax for me. I’m gonna make you feel so good before we go to sleep.” He mutters traveling back down to your heat. This time he gently caresses two digits on your labia but careful not do really pay attention to your clit yet. He was too teasing in his actions that you reached your hands up to play with your own tits while he teased your bottom half.

“Normally I’d be upset with you for touching yourself, but just this once you can because you look so hot tonight” he smiles completely enticed by the way your hold and squeeze your own breasts.

“I wouldn’t have to if you just gave me what I wanted.” you shoot back, tired of his teasing.

“And what is it that you want to bad baby?” He asks looking into your eyes and adding pressure on his fingers.

“Mouth. Fingers. I want it all Harry. I need it.” you whine at him. your hands move from your breasts to to clutch at the sheets beside you.

Before you know it, he’s feverishly answering your prayers. Wasting no time at all he inserted two digits into your wetness. The interruption made you gasp especially since you were so sensitive from Harry’s games earlier.

He wanted to be slow and take your time on you tonight since you needed to relax but he knew that it wouldn’t be possible. He abandoned all his plans and dove right into your cunt. Mouth attached and sucking feverishly on your clit and his fingers worked their way rhythmically in and out. Your release was approaching embarrassingly fast, but you knew you couldn’t give in.

You kept your eyes on him buried between your legs. Every time he does this you swear he gets better. You’ve never met someone who loved giving hess as much as Harry does. He out does himself every time. His fingers worked at a perfect pace moving all around your soft walls. they curled against the spongy area inside of you and encouraged your hole to leak and squelch.

In response he would just lick it up and go back to your clit. You were in heaven when he went down on you. You think he even bit your clit at some point to get you closer but you were too pleasured to even realize.

Listening to Harry’s advice about relaxing, you didn’t clench you body as your orgasm approached. You fought the tightening for your limbs and reached a whole new feeling. This was different than any other orgasm.

Harry could read your body like a book and knew you were about to come. He slowed to an agonizing halt only to receive an aggravated groan from you that he just brushed off. He was trying to work you up even more but quickly threw the bit out. The pleasure was too intense to risk at this point. Harry himself was grinding his hips into the bed to try and keep himself from exploding.

Your breaths became shallow and Harry’s grew intense. Your orgasm is seconds away from hitting you and your boyfriend is giving you everything he has.

“You gonna come for me baby? he asks taking his mouth away for a second. The cool air hits your clit and it’s almost enough to put you over the edge. Instead he takes his hands from inside you and rubs your clit with them until you release onto his hands.

He laps up the rest of the area with his tongue snd kisses your pelvis and thighs for a bit while you come down.

Your eyes are even heavier than before when you come down. The adrenaline wears off and you are left tired. “You want me to help you out now babe?” you offer but you can even get it out without a yawn. “Don’t worry about me.” He remind you “Just get some rest now honey.” he says crawling back up next to you.

He wraps his arms around your stomach after pulling the duvet back up to your necks. Between his hold and the sheets, you were ready to pass out.

So much for that shower, you ended up going to bed dirty after all. But all of it was worth it because Sunday nights with your boyfriend are the highlight of your week.

a/n: i swear i can write other things than my usual cute coupley tropes…i just choose not to rn. Also I wrote this while watching the chiefs lose the superbowl.

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Every Light

Summary: The reader is driving along a long stretch of highway when a mysterious stranger on a motorcycle shows up and decides to have some fun with her...

Pairing: Dean x reader

Word Count: 2,600ish

Warnings: language, implied smut

A/N: This fic takes place post 15x20 (with some canon fixes adjustments). Also, we all know (including Jensen) Every Light is 100% Dean coded, right?

____________

Your fingers tapped against the wheel with one hand, your other hand hung out the window of your car, dancing in the wind. Music blasted through the speakers of your SUV, Ramblin’ Man pouring out as you drove down the long stretch of quiet highway on the bright summer day. The barren Texas flatlands stretched for miles before you, not a single car in sight.

You let your foot go heavy on the pedal, racing across the plains, the warm wind nice across your cheeks. Driving all day from Phoenix to Austin wasn’t exactly fun, but you were in a good mood. A great mood. One of those rare moments of peace and serenity where you just felt still and whole.

You happy little bubble popped when you drove past a crossroads, a slick black motorcycle turning onto the highway behind you. Fuck. It was probably a cop. You’d been making good time too.

You sighed as it came up on you fast, tension rising in your bones as you waited for a siren, lights, something. 

The motorcycle pulled up on your side, crossing the dotted yellow line and keeping pace with you. You turned your head, getting a better view of the bike. Okay, definitely not a police officer. Not unless Texas shelled out for jet black racing bikes with no markings. The rider was in head to toe sleek black leather, tight against his body with padding built in you were sure of. You couldn’t see past his black as night tinted visor. He, and it was most definitely a he based on those shoulders, turned his head toward you before raising his hand, giving you a wave.

You raised your eyebrows behind your aviators. The rider gripped the handlebars again, starting to weave his bike left and right ever so slightly before he straightened again. You tilted your head when he lifted his right hand and signed a simple gesture. 

“Hi.”

Okay…what were the odds some crazed person knew sign language? Probably lower than average and if worst came to worst, you’d just gun it until you hit a town.

You waved back to him, the man sitting up more and returning it. Then he was leaning back even more, popping a wheelie. Your heart skipped as he tore down the highway besides you, only setting the bike down when you flailed your arm for him to get it down on the ground. He finally did so, pointing at himself and looking around when you frowned at him.

“Behave down there!” You shouted out the window, even though he’d never hear it. He simply kept driving next to you, playing as he did so, doing something even more reckless each time he got you to laugh or smile.

But eventually you were coming up on a town and the roads were about to get busier. He made a quick gesture with his hand before taking off ahead of you, getting in front of you in your lane and disappearing down the road.

“Boys,” you mumbled, trying not to think of the last thing he’d signed.

“I had fun, sweetheart. Let’s do it again sometime.”

Six Hours Later

You’d wearily made it to Austin and after a quick shower at your hotel, you headed out to grab dinner at a local bar. 

“Hi,” said a handsome man when he took a seat next to you at the crowded bar top. 

“Hi,” you said politely, returning your gaze to scanning the menu. The stranger's eyes lingered though, your head turning slightly to find a smile on his face. “Can I help you?”

“No, just funny running into you again today.” You raised an eyebrow, the man chuckling. “You do that a lot, don’t you?”

“I’ve never met you before in my life.”

“Darn it,” he said, feigning a sigh. “Here I thought I made an impression. Did I not do enough wheelies?” Then he signed, “Sweetheart,” with his hand, flashing you a wink.

Your eyes went wide, the man smirking. “You! That was completely reckless.”

“So was going a hundred down the highway, rebel,” he teased. He turned his body to face you, smiling hard. “You’re telling me I wasn’t the best part of your day?”

“You’re a menace,” you said, picking up your drink.

“And that wasn’t a denial.” He waved down the bartender, pointing at your drink and holding up two fingers. “So. You like me better as the silent mysterious type with a helmet over my face?”

You rolled your eyes, taking the new drink. “It takes more than a pretty face to win me over, babe.”

“How about a ride on it?” You blinked. 

“A ride on your…” you swallowed, the man chuckling.

“My bike. Although you are more than welcome to ride anything of mine you like,” he said. You scoffed, ignoring the fact you hadn’t been with anyone in far, far too long and here was a man handsome as sin offering himself up to you. “Alright. I pushed too far. My apologies.”

“…Why do you know sign language?” you asked.

“My sister in law is deaf. I actually just became an uncle,” he said with a proud smile. “I had to finish up some work before heading back home for good. I’m going be a firefighter actually.”

He looked so…boyish for a moment that you smiled at his genuine pride.

“Good for you,” you said. “I’m just passing through myself. My old friend just had a baby up north.”

“So what’s to stop you from cutting loose tonight? I’ll even pay for dinner like a proper gentleman.” You glanced away, the man tilting his head when your eyes darted back. “I promise to be as well or badly behaved as you want.”

You looked him up and down, the man still sporting those boots and padded pants. 

Oh fuck it. 

“I ain’t getting on the back of that bike without a helmet.” His grin turned devilish, even when you held up a finger. “Calm down, big boy. Let’s see how you last through dinner.”

“You holding on tight?” asked Dean nearly two hours later when you were on the outskirts of the city. Only Dean. Tonight was a one time thing and that meant no last names, no histories, just plain old fun.

“Yeah, why?” you asked when he chuckled beneath you.

“Cause I’m gonna blow your mind, sweetheart.” He revved the engine and took off like a bat out of hell, going faster and faster, so fast your heart was in your throat. “Here we go!”

“What are you-“ You screeched when he popped a wheelie with you on the back, setting it down after only a few seconds. “Dean!”

“More you say?” Whatever you want, sweetheart.”

“Morning,” mumbled Dean, a kiss pressed against your temple. You groggily opened your eyes, the clock flashing that it was ten. You felt him pull the sheets up over your bare back, Dean running a hand over your head. “Wake up beautiful. You need a shower before you check out.”

“Yeah,” you yawned, sitting up in bed, watching him dress. He smirked as you openly eyed his body, Dean cupping your cheeks in his hands when he finished. “One night, right?”

“You deserve better than me, Y/N. You’ll find him someday. Until then though, just know you are the best I’ve ever had.”

“You say that to all the girls,” you laughed, Dean smiling.

“Wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it,” he said, kissing you once more. “Careful driving today.”

“You too. And don’t flirt with girls like that anymore. You’ll kill yourself on that bike.”

“Only flirt with you, got it,” he said. You playfully punched his arm, Dean letting your hands linger one last moment before pulling away. “In a another life, sweetheart.”

“Bye, Dean.”

You hadn’t planned on getting such a late start to the day but your night with Dean had been worth it. In a way, you wished you’d forced the issue and gotten his number at the very least. Sure, the motorcycle ride and sex were great but he was good company, funny and silly but something grounded to him that let you know you were safe with him. Eileen was always on you about living a life more outside of hunting and now that you’d officially retired, you were about to start living it more.

Including telling her all about your wonderful hookup.

You pulled up outside a house in Lawrence in the suburbs just after seven, barely up the front steps before the front door opened and Eileen hopped out, pulling you into a big hug.

“I missed you too,” you laughed, giving her a big squeeze, holding on tight. While you’d talked, you hadn’t been able to see her in person since she came back from the dead and this reunion was long overdue. “Come on, let me see the baby.”

“He just went down for bedtime. But he will happily see you in the morning,” she said, taking your hand and dragging you inside. “We just got the grill going out back.”

“Good. I’m starving and miss your burgers,” you said, letting her have another round of hugs with you. “Well if I can’t see the babe yet, you gotta let me meet your husband.”

“You know he has a brother that’s single,” she grinned, taking you through the house and to the back deck where a very tall man worked over a grill. “Sam! Y/N’s finally here!”

“Well it’s about time,” he said, picking you up in a hug. He smiled gently as he set you down. “I’m so happy Eileen has a friend in town.”

“Maybe you guys can give me advice on how the whole retirement thing works. I’ve just been traveling around aimlessly the past few months,” you said, taking a beer when Eileen offered it.

“You’ll figure it out,” said Sam, the rumble of an engine on the street out front echoing through the yard. 

“That’ll be his very single brother,” said Eileen. You rolled your eyes. “Oh come on, he hunted too! You guys would so get along now that you’re both retired.”

“I’ve dated other hunters and it never worked out, thank you very much,” you said.

“You’re lucky I managed to grab the last bag of franks,” said an all too familiar voice. You spun around, Dean, your Dean from last night, standing right in front of you wearing jeans and a white plain t-shirt. He dropped the package of hot dogs, both of you staring at the other. 

“I told you he was good looking!” joked Eileen.

“You?” asked Dean.

“You’re Dean fucking Winchester?” you asked, raising your eyebrows.

“You’re Y/N Y/L/N, Eileen’s bestie?” You both nodded, Sam picking up the package and looking at you both like you were nuts.

“Uh, do you two know each other?” asked Sam.

“Some would say intimately,” said Dean. 

“We’ll be right back,” you said, grabbing his bicep, ignoring the strength in it as you dragged him down the steps and around the corner of the house. You stared at him, Dean running a hand through his hair. “I thought you were a fireman!”

“I’m about to start my training. I was in Phoenix, cleaning up one last job but…someone had already fixed the sigils,” he mumbled. “You?”

“Yes, me,” you said, closing your eyes, putting your hands on your hips. “I worked out of Washington mostly. Eileen asked if I would clean up a sigil on my way down here. I-I’m staying here for a bit to help with the baby while I find a place in town.”

“So you’re that friend of hers…” he trailed off, eyes darting around your face. His lips parted but no words escaped them. An unpleasant crack tore through your heart. Gone was the happy go lucky flirt from twelve hours ago. Instead a man filled with horrors beyond imagination stood before you, a desperation in his eyes that made your skin crawl. 

“You were wrong back at the hotel.” He shook off whatever thoughts were running through his mind, confusion entering the forefront of his mind. “This morning you said I deserved better than you.”

“You do,” he said without missing a beat. “I’m-”

“Dean Winchester. I’ve heard about you. We all have,” you said softly, taking one of his hands in yours. He swallowed, closing his eyes. “You deserve the world and I’m not just saying that because of last night. You more than did your part.”

“I’m not the guy from last night. I am severely fucked up-”

“Oh get in line, Winchester.” He blinked rapidly, brows furrowing. “You think you’re the only one with daddy issues and who’s died and seen the shit hunters do? No, you’re not. There’s plenty of us who have. I retired because of you. I retried because Eileen told me her friends the Winchesters saved us all and I could quit. I should quit. She told me to live my life. So you and me? We’re going to live our lives as fucked up as we are. And last night…fuck, I had fun. You had fun. I forgot about the nightmares and I think you did too. You think Eileen and your brother aren’t as screwed up as us? Of course they are but they aren’t scared to do the hard thing and move on. So why not us too? It doesn’t have to be together but-”

“Shut up,” he said, slamming his lips to yours. It was hard, rough. Something possessive underneath the surface that had you sucking in air when he pulled back, tugging your bottom lip along the way. 

“Kissing me won’t make me shut up, Winchester,” you breathed, Dean ghosting over your lips, cradling a hand against the back of your neck to keep you close. “We aren’t strangers anymore. You want more, you got to give me more.”

“You want a visitors pass to the insane asylum in my head?” he laughed dryly.

“Visitor pass? Honey, I live there, just a different ward is all.” He flashed his eyes open, green orbs hesitant. “I ain’t doing this out of the goodness of my heart. I’m screwed up too and you’re going to have to give as good as you get. I need that. You need that. So either walk away if you just want to be friends-”

“Odds are this crashes and burns,” he said. Your hands slid to his cheeks, smirking up at him. “What?”

“Good thing I got my own firefighter then.” He raised an eyebrow, smiling when you tilted your chin up. “Stealing my moves?”

“Just remembered you were warned, sweetheart.”

“We’re going to work on that self-talk.” You tiled your chin further, Dean meeting your mouth, a smile in it. For the first time in a long time, in years, you let yourself think about a future and what that looked like. Dean pulled away slowly when Sam called for you both, his thumb brushing your chin.

“I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it with some help,” he murmured, trailing his knuckles down your arm, stopping at your hand to lace your fingers together.

Yeah, the future was looking a little brighter these days.

_________________

[supernova2205]

The Silence Of The Mole

Part 2

Summary: The past has a way of catching up, no matter how far you run. Years after leaving the 141 behind, you’ve built a new life one filled with purpose, loyalty, and something close to peace. But when fate forces your paths to cross again, old wounds are ripped open, and buried emotions resurface. Some things were never meant to be forgiven.

The moment you handed Price your transfer papers, you felt something inside you shatter.

You had spent years with the 141, built something you thought was unbreakable, but after everything after the interrogations, the bruises, the betrayal you couldn’t stay. Even if Soap and Gaz had started to mend the wounds they helped create, it wasn’t enough. Not when every time you saw Ghost or Price, all you could hear was their cold accusations, feel the phantom pain of their hands gripping you too tight, their voices laced with distrust.

Price didn’t try to stop you. He read the papers, his jaw tightening, then gave a single nod. “I’ll approve it,” he said gruffly. No apology. No fight. Just acceptance, as if he had already known this was coming.

Ghost hadn’t said a word. He watched you pack your things in silence, his mask betraying nothing, but his body was tense, like he wanted to say something anything. But he didn’t. And that hurt more than anything else.

Soap had been the one to argue, to try and convince you to stay. “We can fix this,” he had pleaded. “We will fix this.”

But some things couldn’t be fixed.

So you left.

The weight of the past was always with you, even when you thought you’d left it behind.

After the betrayal of the 141, you had nowhere else to turn. Los Vaqueros offered you a chance to start anew, and though you hesitated at first, something in you clicked when you met them. They treated you like family, not a tool or a weapon.

Alejandro was the first to speak with you when you arrived. His eyes were kind, though you could sense the professionalism in his demeanor. He didn’t ask too many questions. Instead, he offered you a place on his team, and with it, a new sense of purpose.

Rodolfo was the one who welcomed you with open arms, like a sibling you never had. He taught you the intricacies of their operations and helped you adjust to their way of working. Your Spanish, though solid, became smoother under his guidance. You felt a pride in being able to converse with ease now, the words rolling off your tongue without hesitation.

In the months that followed, you found comfort in the family dynamic of Los Vaqueros. They cared for each other in a way that made you feel safe, valued. For the first time in a long while, you allowed yourself to believe that maybe, just maybe, you could be happy again.

But when the mission came when you found out you’d be working with 141 again it felt like the universe had decided to toy with you.

The first time you saw Ghost and Price again, you felt your heart stop. They were standing in the same room, their presence so heavy that it felt like the air was suffocating.

“You,” Ghost whispered, his eyes not meeting yours as though he couldn’t quite process seeing you again.

“Yeah,” you said, your voice even. “Me.”

Price was quieter than usual, his gaze flicking between you and the rest of Los Vaqueros. He nodded but said nothing, his face hardened.

“Are we working with them?” Soap asked, his voice tinged with disbelief as he glanced at you.

“Sí,” Alejandro replied. “We need all the help we can get for this mission.”

It was the first time you had heard your old team’s voices in years, and despite your resolve, your emotions churned beneath the surface. You thought you had moved on, that you had buried the past but seeing them here, now, stirred up memories you weren’t ready to face.

You barely spared them a glance as you moved to your new team’s side, but Soap’s eyes lingered on you. You could see the pain there, the regret that was still fresh in his expression. You wanted to ignore it. You wanted to walk away from the past entirely but you couldn’t.

The mission was a blur of violence and strategy. You worked seamlessly with Los Vaqueros, and the team’s camaraderie was unmatched. But every moment with the 141 was a struggle.

Soap tried his hardest to bridge the gap, even joking with you in the same way he used to, but it fell flat. The wounds ran too deep. You could feel him watching you when you weren’t looking, as though waiting for a sign that you would return to the old dynamic.

Gaz was softer in his approach, but there was still a distance, an invisible wall between you and the rest of them. You felt it every time they looked at you, as though they were unsure whether you were still the person they once knew.

But it was Ghost who caused the most turmoil.

His eyes never left you, not for a moment. Even when you were deep in the mission, you could feel the weight of his stare. It wasn’t just the old tension between you two. No, it was something else guilt, regret, fear.

One night, after the mission had wrapped for the day, he approached you.

“Do you ever think about it?” he asked, his voice low and rough, the words hanging in the air between you.

You glanced at him, your heart hammering in your chest. “What?”

“The past,” he said, his eyes flicking to the ground. “Do you ever think about what happened?”

“I think about it every day,” you said, your tone steady, but the weight of your words hung heavily between you. “But that doesn’t mean I can forget it.”

You watched him swallow, his hands clenched at his sides as if he were fighting some internal battle. “I never meant to hurt you,” he muttered, almost to himself.

You didn’t respond. Instead, you turned away and walked off, leaving him standing there, a shadow of the man you once knew.

The mission progressed, and tensions mounted. Days passed with little change. But then, during a particularly dangerous operation, everything went wrong.

Soap got separated.

You didn’t know how it happened one minute, you were all moving together, and the next, Soap was gone, lost in the chaos of the battlefield.

Rodolfo immediately took charge, his voice commanding as he directed the team to search for him. You didn’t wait for orders. You moved, your mind on nothing but Soap’s safety.

You found him a few hours later, battered and broken, his breathing shallow but steady. His eyes flickered open when he heard you approach.

“You came,” he whispered, his voice weak but relieved.

“I always will,” you replied, your hand gently touching his shoulder.

You worked quickly to patch him up, your hands steady despite the pounding in your chest. The mission had already been a nightmare, but losing Soap after everything was too much.

He winced as you worked, but he didn’t complain. “I’m sorry,” he muttered again, his eyes meeting yours with a sincerity you hadn’t seen in years. “For everything.”

You didn’t know what to say. Instead, you just nodded, wrapping the bandages tight to stop the bleeding.

Rudy stayed close by, his presence a comforting constant as you worked. He’d been by your side this whole time, a steady hand when you needed it most. He wasn’t like the 141. He didn’t judge you or question your worth. He just supported you.

“I’m glad you’re here,” you said to him quietly, your voice hoarse.

“Siempre,” he replied, his hand resting on your shoulder.

After the mission, you couldn’t shake the feeling that things had changed irreparably. Soap had apologized, but there was still a distance between you, one that couldn’t be crossed so easily. Ghost had said his piece, but his actions spoke louder than any apology.

Price? He stayed quiet, as always, but his eyes were full of things left unsaid.

But you were no longer the same person.

And neither were they.

After all that chaos you guys were supposed to meet with Graves. The mission had started well, or so you thought. You had tracked your targets to a small compound nestled deep in the mountains. Alejandro led the way, as always, with his calm and steady presence. You had become accustomed to the rhythm of the team the way everyone knew their place, the way Los Vaqueros operated like a well-oiled machine.

But then, as with most missions, things went wrong.

You had been in the middle of clearing a room when the explosion rocked the building. Dust and debris filled the air as the ground beneath your feet gave way. The next thing you knew, you were thrown to the ground, your ears ringing, your vision spinning.

By the time you regained your senses, Alejandro was gone.

The panic in Rudy’s voice was unmistakable as he called out for Alejandro, but there was no answer. The silence that followed was even worse than the explosion itself.

Then came the realization: Alejandro had been taken.

And you…

You’d been captured too.

They didn’t waste time.

You were dragged through dark, damp corridors, your hands bound tightly behind you. You had no idea where they were taking you, but you knew it wasn’t going to end well.

“You worked with them,” one of the captors hissed. “You were with 141.”

The words stung more than they should have. The weight of the accusation the way they spat it at you felt like a blow to the chest. You were no longer just a soldier. You were the traitor who had betrayed them.

They made sure to remind you of that with every strike, every torture, every demand for information.

At first, you held your tongue. You knew better than to give them anything, but the pain was unbearable. They knew what to target, what to make you remember. And every time they dug deeper, every time they tore at your flesh, your mind flashed back to the 141 back to the accusations, the interrogations, the betrayal.

They knew about your past with them. They used it against you.

It felt like days weeks even before you heard any familiar voices. You barely recognized them through the haze of blood and pain, but when Rudy’s voice broke through the darkness, you almost couldn’t believe it.

“Hold on, we’re getting you out,” he said, his voice full of concern.

The next few hours were a blur of gunfire, explosions, and chaos. Rudy’s steady hands helped free you from your restraints, but the pain was still fresh. The wounds were deep, but they didn’t matter as much as what had been taken from you.

By the time Alejandro was found, it was clear that something inside you had broken. You had always been the medic, the one who healed others but you had nothing left to give.

Back at the safe house, the mission debrief felt like a slow-motion nightmare.

You sat in the corner, barely able to look at the 141, who had just joined the operation. The tension was palpable like a wall that had been built between you and the rest of the team. You could barely meet their eyes without feeling the weight of everything that had happened.

But it wasn’t the 141 that you were most concerned about.

It was Alejandro.

He had seen the toll that the torture had taken on you, and while he didn’t say much, his eyes betrayed the concern he felt. He pulled you aside after the meeting, his gaze soft but unwavering.

“Are you alright?” he asked, though he already knew the answer.

“No,” you replied, your voice barely a whisper. “I’m not.”

Days passed, and the pain of the mission lingered in the pit of your stomach. You couldn’t shake the memories of the torture, the feel of their hands on your skin, the words they had used to break you.

You couldn’t do it anymore.

The decision came as a shock to the team.

You told Rudy you couldn’t do it anymore and talked to Alejandro, unable to find the right words to explain why you were leaving.

“I can’t keep doing this,” you said quietly. “I’m not the person I was before.”

Alejandro didn’t say anything at first. He just looked at you, his brow furrowing as if trying to understand, trying to find a way to fix this.

“I’m sorry,” you added, your voice cracking. “I know you were counting on me. But I can’t keep pretending that I’m okay. I’m not.”

Finally, he spoke, his voice heavy with regret. “You’ve done enough, hermana,” he said softly. “No one can ask you to carry this burden forever.”

It was the hardest decision you had ever made. Leaving Los Vaqueros was like tearing a part of yourself away. You had built something with them, something real. But you couldn’t stay in a world that had broken you, couldn’t continue fighting when everything inside you felt like it was already shattered.

The 141 they had taken that from you. You had been so loyal, so willing to fight for them, but now all that was left was a hollow shell.

So, you walked away.

The days following your departure were lonely. You couldn’t bring yourself to speak to anyone, not even Rudy, not even Alejandro. It felt like they had all moved on without you.

But one night, as you sat in a dimly lit bar in a quiet corner of the world, you heard a familiar voice.

“Not the kind of place I expected to find you.”

You didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. Soap’s accent was unmistakable, even in the quiet hum of the bar.

When you did look up, he was standing there, his face tense but soft with emotion. His eyes searched yours for something anything.

“I’m not here to fight,” he said quietly. “I just… I need to see you.”

You didn’t say anything. You didn’t know how to.

But in that moment, you realized that you were done with them. But you weren’t ready to forgive either.

The days following your decision to leave were filled with uncertainty, but they were also peaceful. You moved to a small town, far from the chaos of the battlefield and the haunting memories of what you had endured. It wasn’t an easy transition, but you found comfort in the little things things you had once pushed aside in the name of duty.

You took up painting, something you had always loved but never had the time to pursue. The soft brushstrokes on the canvas became your refuge, your way of expressing what words couldn’t. You would spend hours lost in color, in texture, in creating something beautiful from the turmoil that had once consumed you.

You also started gardening, planting flowers in your backyard. The smell of fresh soil and the sight of buds slowly blossoming into life brought you a sense of calm you hadn’t felt in years. It was strange to feel peace again, but it was also liberating.

At night, you would sit on your porch with a cup of tea, staring at the stars, thinking about the life you had left behind. The memories of your time with Los Vaqueros and the 141 faded slowly, like the setting sun. It was as if you were finding yourself all over again, carving out a new identity far from the battlefield.

But no matter how far you went, no matter how much you tried to forget, there was one thing you couldn’t escape your past.

Years had passed since you walked away from the life you knew, and for the most part, you had found a quiet peace. But in the back of your mind, the shadows of your past still lingered, always just beyond reach.

One evening, while you were painting on your porch, you felt a strange sense of being watched. You glanced up, your breath catching in your throat as you spotted him. Simon, standing just at the edge of the trees, his figure cloaked in shadows.

He didn’t move didn’t say anything. He simply watched you, his masked face hiding whatever emotions were behind it. The familiar weight of his presence settled in your chest. Your heart skipped a beat, but you didn’t run. Instead, you stared back at him, trying to make sense of the moment.

What was he doing here?

Had he been watching you all this time?

Years of pain and uncertainty bubbled up inside you, but you didn’t speak. You couldn’t. Not yet.

Finally, Simon took a slow step forward, but stopped at the edge of your yard. He stood there for a long while, silent, his gaze never leaving you.

It wasn’t until you put down your paintbrush that he spoke. His voice was low and steady, as if nothing had changed. “You’ve been busy, huh?”

You nodded, unsure of what to say. It wasn’t the words that mattered it was the presence. The weight of everything that had come before this moment. Moments passed with just the two of you standing in silence.

“I never wanted to hurt you,” Simon continued. His words were raw, more vulnerable than you had ever heard them. “But I didn’t know how else to protect you.”

You stood still, letting the silence stretch between you, letting the weight of his apology settle in. It was enough for now. The years of hurt, of betrayal, of everything that had gone wrong, were too much to unpack in a single moment. But what you felt wasn’t anger anymore. It wasn’t rage. It was… sadness. A sadness that you had lost something you would never get back.

Finally, you broke the silence. “I’m okay now, Simon. I’ve found peace. I don’t need anything from you.” Your voice was soft but firm, as if you were reassuring yourself more than him.

His eyes softened his blond short hair slightly moving with the wind, It was calming in a sense staring at the face you once loved and would give your life for. And for a moment, you thought you saw a flicker of regret. But he said nothing. He simply nodded and turned, walking away into the night.

Months went by, and life returned to its quiet rhythm. You still painted, still gardened, still lived a life you could be proud of. You didn’t think about Simon every day, but there were moments like when the breeze would rustle the trees or when the stars hung low in the sky that you couldn’t help but wonder if he was out there, somewhere, still watching over you from a distance.

But you didn’t need him anymore. You had moved on, built a life for yourself, and in the end, that was all you could ask for. The weight of the past had finally begun to lift, and though there were days when you still felt the sting of what had been lost, you were stronger now. You had learned to live again.

And as you sat on your porch one evening, painting beneath the stars, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace. You had come a long way farther than you had ever thought possible and for the first time in years, you felt like you were exactly where you were meant to be.

Even if Simon still watched from afar, you knew that you were finally free.

This is where your journey truly began. The story of pain, loss, and healing had come full circle. It was no longer about the past, or the choices you made, but about the future you were building on your own terms.

Authors note: Hey everyone! I really hope you enjoy this chapter! I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to keep going with it because the last chapter felt like it could stand on its own, but all the love and encouragement from my last post inspired me to continue. I truly appreciate your support! Please let me know what you think and what else you’d love to see in the future. Your feedback means a lot to me!🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

[maraudersilver]

despise you (Sirius Black x Potter!Reader)

Sirius Black x Fem!Potter!Reader - Chapter 3

Series Masterlist

wc: + 2,4K

cw: swearing

Regulus had sat a couple seats away from you, and Barty had decided on a silent treatment in fear of incurring your wrath with the sour mood you had awoken with. You kept sending death glares at the Gryffindor table, specifically to where James was sitting. The poor boy had tried to huddle on the bench.

“What has your brother done?” Pandora asked once she placed herself next to you. 

“Has to bring me something.” The lack of bite in your tone almost offended Barty, who had suffered the consequences of speaking to you that morning in the common room. 

“Oh.” The blonde girl scrambled her eggs absentmindedly, and Barty leaned attentively to sneak on the conversation. “A book?”

“An antidote.”

Dorcas, who was at your left, spinned faster than a snitch and raised her eyebrows at you. “Has he poisoned you?” The girl narrowed her eyes at the Gryffindor table too, and now the four Marauders were flinching under both girls’ stare.

“Seems like it,” you grumbled, munching a toast angrily.

“Thank Salazar you don’t eat humans,” Barty mumbled in fear at the force you had applied to the poor toast, earning a slap on the back of his head from Evan, who sat beside him. 

“When was it?”

“During summer.”

The four of them shared a look, even Regulus, who had pretended to mind his business, was now eavesdropping. Bewildered, Dorcas took one for the team.

“And the effects are showing now?”

You shook your head, leaving the group more confused than before. “Have been showing since the middle of summer. It’s just getting worse.”

“And what symptoms do you have? Maybe we can develop the antidote ourselves,” offered Evan with a kind smile.

“Don’t think so. I’m pretty sure it has to do with one of their creations. They’re testing a prank on me,” you growled, and Evan recoiled in his seat.

Dorcas chewed on the inside of her cheek. “But what are the symptoms?”

You swallowed what was left of your coffee, almost smushing the mug against the wooden table. “Tachycardia, mostly. I should sue them for attempted murder.”

“Tachycardia!?” Evan’s eyes went wide, hands splattered urgently on the table, causing the cutlery to clink. “Is it at random times? At all times? At night? At day? Do you have cold sweat, too? And how’s your breathing? And-?”

“She gets it, Evan,” Pandora interrupted him with a raised hand and turned gently to you. “When does it happen? Are you okay now?”

You shook your head again. “No. It’s… I think it happens when you see the pourer.”

“Oh.” Pandora squeezed her lips together in a line. “And who is the pourer in your case?”

You groaned. “Sirius Black.” His name came out of you in what you had pretended to be a snarl, but ended up softened for the others’ ears.

The group shared a look again, Regulus looking horrified at the implications.

“Black wants to murder you!?” Barty cried, not catching on the others’ knowing expressions. “Over my dead body!”

You snorted, poignant at his concern, yet you rolled your eyes with affection. “Thanks for the sentiment, Junior.”

Dorcas coughed, and Regulus’ pale complexion turned paler to the point Evan swore he had camouflaged with the glass of milk in front of him. 

“Tachycardia, you say?” Pandora asked again. “Something else? Like, I don’t know, a tingle in your stomach? Sweaty hands?”

You stared at her with wide eyes, mouth agape. “They did it to you too!? I’m neutering them.” Your blood was boiling, and Barty took your mug away from your hand before you could crash it with your white-knuckled grip. 

“No, no,” Pandora shook her head rapidly. “Just wondering. To see if we can find the cure, that is”.

“Ah,” you sighed in relief, giving her a small smile. “Well, I do get a tingle in my stomach, yes. Like bees.” You placed your head on your hand, chewing on your lower lip. “And yesterday he made me so angry my heart churned. It felt like dying.”

Dorcas and Pandora looked at each other with a knowing look again, while Evan observed Regulus’ dampened expression. Barty just scoffed outraged.

“Um, honey,” Dorcas started, her voice sympathetic, and you turned to her in bemusement. “I don’t think that’s poisoning.”

Tilting your head, you furrowed your brows. “Oh? And what is it?”

Barty also leaned in interest, and Evan shook his head at Dorcas. Luckily for the blond, the clock at the entrance of the Great Hall showed they had ten minutes before Potions, and sighed in relief.

“Guys! We’ll be late and Slughorn has already threatened with detention.”

Everyone, including you, turned to the clock and gasped in alarm, gathering your bags quickly.

“Wait! James hasn’t given me the antidote yet!”

“Y-you’ll have time later, c’mon.” Dorcas grabbed you by the elbow and dragged you away towards the hallway, not before you could send a final death glare to James, Sirius shivering at his side.

James hadn’t approached you during lunch. He also didn’t give you the antidote when he saw you in the library after classes, nor at dinner either. You were on the verge of pulling your hair off in frustration. Not only your brother was contributing to such cruelty, but your best friend was still avoiding you and your heart was cruelly fluttering and screeching at the thought of Sirius Black. 

It was late at night, and the flames drew shadowy figures on the walls of the Slytherin common room, the green of the decoration melting into something warmer in the dim light. If anyone asked you what you were still doing up at midnight, you would have said you couldn’t sleep, which wasn’t exactly a lie. But, actually, you were waiting for Regulus to return from his Prefect duties. 

It seemed dramatic, to miss someone so much in just a day, it is. But he was your best friend. Had been your best friend since the two of you were put in Slytherin. So when the entrance opened at well past midnight and you saw Regulus step in with tired steps, you didn’t waste time standing up and approaching him with nervousness. 

He had seen you, you knew because his shoulders had all of a sudden tensed up. Though his eyes had yet to settle on your almost shaking form. 

“I’m sorry,” you blurted out in a panic when Regulus made an attempt to jump up the stairs to the boys’ dorms. He turned around slowly, raising a single brow in question, his cold grey eyes so piercing you flinched. 

“For what?” he slurred, sounding bored.

“For… um… Look, I didn’t meant to- You have to believe me, it wasn’t my intention at all to-”

“Get down to the brass tacks, Potter, I want to sleep,” he sighed, leaning his right shoulder on the wall.

“Of course! Um…” It took you a few seconds to gather yourself. What were you thinking? In the two hours you had spent alone you didn’t think of anything worthy of saying. Regulus rolled his eyes, pulling away from the wall to continue climbing the stairs. “Wait! Wait, what I want to say is that I’m sorry for embarrassing you in front of your brother. I didn’t think before speaking and… Merlin, why is this so hard,” you mumbled lamely, and Regulus snorted.

“Because you’re not used to apologizing.”

“Right,” you deadpanned. 

“Is that all?”

In panic of him leaving already without an answer, you shook your head. “No! No, uh-” Great. You had nothing to say.” Well, I’m also sorry for, um, teasing you with Miss Pinky- I mean, Umbridge! Yeah, her. And if you really like her, I support you? I guess. Although Reg, she tortures kids!”

“You’ve grown into quite a gobby,” grumbled the boy with a roll of his eyes.

“Sorry.” You were saying that word too much for your liking. “It’s just that I don’t get it. But if you like her, go for it. Horses for courses and all that jazz.”

Regulus shook his head and chuckled, his black hair -shorter than Sirius’- fell over his eyes. And when he looked up again, the coldness from them had melted. “I don’t like Umbridge. She just has a cat that usually sneaks in my dorm and I’ve been trying to guess if she uses him for spying or if she just starves him to death.”

“What?” To say you were flabbergasted was an understatement.

“Haven’t you noticed?” Regulus went down the few steps he had climbed and placed himself in front of you. “There’s always a cat with her. Sometimes the one that comes into my room, sometimes others.”

“An catmy of spies?” you joked, and he flickered your forehead. “Hey!”

“Leave the puns for those who know how to do them. But yes, I think she has more than one cat, and that she has a spy network or something like that.”

“I wasn’t expecting that. At all.”

“Yeah, tell me about it. You really thought I had a crush on her? She hums during classes,” he grimaced.

“You can excuse torturing first years, but you draw the line at humming.”

“Fuck off.”

You both laughed, until a yaw interrupted your moment of reunion.

“We should head to bed,” Regulus suggested, walking alongside you towards the stairs. “By the way, did your brother give you that antidote you were babbling about during breakfast?”

You groaned. “No. I think your brother and mine are attempting to murder me to get their hands on my part of the inheritance.”

“Don’t see it too hare-brained, brother dearest needs it at the moment,” he cackled.

You also wanted to, but the reminder of Sirius’ tear stained face when he appeared that summer night at your doorstep with just a small luggage and trembling limbs was enough to prevent it. Sirius was terrible, and your clenching heart and aching lungs were proof of it, yet you had to admit that what his family had done to him, even if you didn’t know the full story, was demolishing. 

At least you had Regulus back, now your main goal was to survive another day and get the antidote to whatever Sirius Black was provoking in your body. 

You didn’t see the Marauders the next day at breakfast, although Sirius and James were sightened on their Quidditch practice, just before Slytherin claimed the pitch. 

Sirius avoided your eyes like the plague, and James whistled as if that would lure you away from them. Yet, much to your distaste, you stomp towards them. Regulus made his way to the changing rooms, not really in the mood to confront his brother.

“You have something for me.”

“Good afternoon, dear sister! How are you? I’m doing great, thanks for asking.”

“Cut it off, James,” you bit, and your brother raised his hands in mock surrender. “Where the hell is it?”

“Is what?”

“The antidote!” Your volume was increasing with each nonsensical sentence coming out of James’ mouth, even Sirius was looking straight at you now, which caused your cheeks to warm against your will.

“I- Look,” sighed James, tossing his hair absentmindedly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. The other day was the same. What antidote?”

“You know damn well,” you snarled, and your angered eyes turned to a raised-brow Sirius. “And you, too! Don’t play the innocent, you are the most at fault on this!”

“The hell you on about? I didn’t do shit!” Sirius defended, crossing his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing. You tried to stop your beating heart from drumming at the sight of the clenching muscles of his arms.

“You tell yourself that at night to be able to sleep?” you cooed fakely. “I know you don’t like me, but trying to kill me it’s too much. Even for nimrods like you!”

“Kill you- What!?” James exclaimed, eyes as wide as plates.

“I don’t know which of your bloody concoctions you used, but reverse it this instant or I’m telling mom!”

“Telling mom what?” Sirius counterattacked, never one to be level headed. “You’re bonkers.”

Clenching your fists at your sides, you considered what you really wanted to do and its consequences, debating over your common sense and your desire of punching Sirius in the face. You had all the rights, not only for the poison, not only for being insufferable, but also for pointing out something as painful as not having boys like you that afternoon at the library. But you didn’t. If he wanted to be a pain in the ass and act like a bully for the rest of his life, that was on him. You wouldn't act on his level. 

“If you don’t reverse this, I warn you to sleep with both eyes open at night, because there is no wall, creature, Professor or prank that will keep you safe from me.”

In any other situation, both Marauders would have howled at you for your delusions, but the seriousness in your voice and gaze, the neutral expression of your face and your straight stand was enough to run a chill down their spines. 

“C’mon, you taking the piss,” James awkwardly chuckled, eyes not as haughty as they usually looked.

“Think what you might. But consider your options before it’s too late.”

“Potter-” Sirius tried to call on you again, and when you ignored him to enter the changing rooms, he pulled at his hair. “What was that about?”

“Maybe someone did prank her?” James wondered out loud, actually worried about you and -deep down- your not-so-covered threat. “And she blames us for it.”

“But I don’t see anything out of the ordinary. Her hair is still her colour, same with skin, body shape… Her moles weren’t out of place, either.”

“Moles? Do you notice those things or what?” James furrowed his brows, confused.

“Ah, I guess.” Sirius shrugged his shoulders, chewing on his lower lip while starting to walk away from the Quidditch pitch. “But I promise I didn’t prank her.”

James just followed his friend without muttering another word, which unnerved Sirius. Prongs was never quiet. 

“No luck?” Regulus asked when he saw you already changed into your Quidditch clothes, broom in hand.

You shook your head in exasperation. “No.”

He snorted. “What now?”

A sly smirk made its way up to your mouth, and Regulus' eyes twinkled in understanding. “Now we play.”

If they wanted to play with you, they would suffer the consequences of going against a whole chessboard.

Tag list: @moonlightremblack @mysteriouslyperfecttiger @siriusement

[moody-alcoholic]

Sub Ala Angeli

part 1 - The fall

Summary: Ghoap x fallen angel!reader, mini fic. Sub ala angeli - Under the wing of an angel.

CW: Mutilation, mentions of blood, mentions of injuries, suicidal ideation.

AN: I hate to be a tease but I will be finishing cross my heart before I commit to this full time.

enjoy <3

You don’t remember the fall.

You don’t remember much after the excruciating pain of your wing being torn. The scream that left your throat felt strange. You’d never experienced pain before, you never experienced the stench of blood. They made sure you felt pain. It was like someone had flipped a switch inside you, there were all these new emotions: Sadness, pain, fear. 

Fear was the worst, the thump of your heart racing in your chest, the tears clouding your vision as you listened to your fate being decided. 

Exile. 

It had been decades since an angel had been exiled to Earth, most are sent below to the depths of hell to live among the demons they became traitors to. Your crime was different, your crime was forgivable. All it would cost you was a wing and to live among the humans you were sworn to protect.

Live a righteous life and the gates of heaven would open again. 

One wing is left as a reminder, the other is taken to stop you coming back until they say you can.

You don’t know where you are, you're laid on your stomach, the ground is wet, you’re in a forest. It’s cold, you're naked, your body exposed to the elements. You can feel the wound on your back throbbing, blood trickling down your side. You let out a sob turning to your side and pulling your knees up to your chest. 

You can’t even use your other wing to cover yourself. It hurts too much. It doesn’t matter anyway you’re already soaked. You watch as beams of sunlight break through the trees. The sound of the rain hitting the ground around you is strangely comforting. 

Maybe you’ll just lay here and die. Die of exposure or whatever new conditions you’re vulnerable to. At least when you die there'll be no more pain. 

Hopefully.

…

The snap of a branch jolts you awake. It’s dark now, your body shivers, goosebumps have risen on your skin. Your lip starts to quiver, your fingers and feet hurt to move.

“I’m sure it was this way.” You hear a voice, a sob escapes your throat. If people find you they might hurt you. 

“Johnny this is a waste of time, there’s nothing here. We’ve been looking for hours.” Another voice says. You use all your energy to push your hands into the soft ground trying to force your body up. A groan leaves your throat, everything hurts.

“What was that?”

“Probably a fox or something. We should get back, it’s already dark.” 

Your back throbs, each movement sends a stabbing pain through you. You can’t hold yourself up, you have no energy, you’re too injured. 

Maybe these strangers are your only hope, or maybe they’ll give you a quick death. Your body slams back on the ground and you let out a yelp, tears fill your eyes again. 

“Over here!” One of them calls. You see lights breaking through the trees ahead of you. It’s not like the warm glow of the sunlight though. It’s bright and white, harsh causing you to close your eyes. Your mind flicks back to the courtroom, high walls or pure white and gold. 

You let out another sob as the sound of footsteps gets louder. You can’t defend yourself, if they hurt you there’s nothing you can do. You turn back on your side propping yourself up on your elbow. You bring your hand up to block the light, squinting your eyes. 

“Holy shit.” They stop a few meters ahead of you, you slowly lower your arm. One of them steps toward you and you flinch before you can stop yourself. It makes your body throb with pain and you cry out, your hand flys up to grip your shoulder. 

“Okay, okay.” He says backing up. You can’t get a proper look at him, your head is swimming now, your body starts to shake. You let your hand fall as your breathing picks up, a new feeling washes over you. Panic. Maybe you were wrong to trust these people. 

“We’re not going to hurt you.” He says, his arms outstretched palms open, he’s given his torch to the man standing behind him. He unzips his coat, pulling it off and holding it out. “You must be freezing, we can take you somewhere warm.” He says taking a little step towards you. This time you don't flinch. 

He takes another slow step, like he’s trying to move without spooking you. The arm propping you up gives way, your body slams painfully against the wet floor. You squeeze your eyes shut, gritting your teeth. Warm hands land on you, on your shoulder sending shivers up your spine. 

“Eazy lass, you’re okay.” He says, his voice is calm. Your head swims as he throws the coat over you. You hear the other man moving towards you. You turn your head and look up at the stranger now bent down by your face. He brushes a strand of hair out your eyes and smiles at you. 

You try to smile back, you try to get a good look at him but the light coming from behind him is too bright it stings your vision. Your head throbs as you reach out for him, it uses the last of your energy. You open your mouth to thank him but your body goes limp and everything goes black.

…

You don’t remember being bought here. 

You reach over for the water your hand is shaking as you pick it up and gulp it down. You’ve never been thirsty before, it’s a new feeling, everything is new. You go to stand up, your whole body feels unbalanced and you tip to the side crashing against the bedside table. You knock the glass over and it rolls on the floor smashing.

You wake in bed. You're still naked laid on your stomach. Som is bleeding through the curtains in the room. You look over and see a glass of water on the bedside table. Your body feels stiff, you push yourself up swinging your legs out the bed. Your back hurts, you grit your teeth reaching round to your back. You can feel bandages. 

If they wanted to kill you they would have done it already.

You back away, sumbling round to the end of the bed, your arms and wing stretching out as you try and balance yourself. The room to the door opens and you turn, it causes you to stumble and you fall backwards onto the floor. You let out a yelp as pain shoots through you. 

“Easy, you’re okay.” He says, you look up at him, wrapping your wing around yourself. It hurts pulling on all the muscles in your back, including the ones you won’t need to use anymore. Your breathing picks up, you look at him with wide eyes, trying to hide behind your wing as much as you can. He bends down so he’s on the same level as you. 

He's smiling at you, his head tipped slightly to the side. He has blue eyes and dark hair, he doesn’t look scary. 

“We’re not going to hurt you.” He says as you pull your legs up to your chest. The other man appears in the doorway with his arms crossed. He looks bigger than the guy with the dark hair, his eyebrow creased as he looks at you. He has blonde hair, and big arms, you swallow hard your eyes flicking back to the other guy.

“I’m Johnny, this is Simon.” He says thumbing at the guy behind him. “Do you have a name?” You shake your head.

"What happened to you, were you attacked?” He asks. You shake your head. “We tried to patch you up the best we could. We weren’t quite sure what you needed.” You lower your wing so he can see your face better. His smile gets bigger, he reaches out his hand.

"We thought maybe you could use something to eat? Or a bath?” He says. You feel your stomach rumble, hunger, you’ve never been hungry before. Your hand rests on your stomach. You nod, dropping your wing and reaching out for his hand.

Banners by plum98

[no-phrogs-in-hats]

Death and the Fool

Chapter 1: The Tower--Reversed

Agatha Harkness x fem!reader

Summary: Where the personification of Life believes she has no chance with Agatha Harkness after Death gets to her first

content: childbirth, takes place at the beginning of episode 9

A/N: Hi! I received a request for a oneshot by @hannah-0730 and decided to turn it into a whole fanfic so lmk if you'd like to be added to the tag list!

Spotify playlist for this book can be found here Ao3 link here

“The Tower–Reversed: Internal chaos, avoidance of change, delaying disaster.”

April, 1750

April has always been your favorite month–even when it wasn’t called ‘April’. Hibernations are ending and new life is being born. Bulbs of daffodils are breaking through the warmed soil. New souls are being introduced after remaining at your fingertips. 

This day was no different. The first birth of the day was a baby girl in the New Hampshire colony. Born at twelve–ten in the morning, she had a full head of dark hair and when she opened her eyes they were the darkest shade of blue. 

“Welcome to the world,” you’d whispered, wishing her luck on her journey with a kiss on her head before moving on to the next soul.

You have a special place for every soul. Each one is unique in their own way: each one has their own path, their own personality as they age, but your favorite type of soul will always be the new souls. 

With so much potential, there’s an endless amount of possibilities. You’re able to help guide them to their first life, able to see how they flourish and succeed. And then, you welcome them back to the Soul Plane with open arms.

Each soul is molded by the other souls around it. Every one of them is connected by a string, and you find it extraordinary and utterly beautiful. You have watched every single soul grow. You’ve watched them from the birth of their light, expertly crafted by your skilled hands, all the way to their final life centuries later. 

You’ve never played favorites, but these two were an exception.

You panted heavily as you ran beside her, cloak flowing behind you and your hood falling away from your head. “Agatha, we need to stop!”

As if on cue, she gripped your arm and doubled over in pain. You held her up, wrapping your arm around her back and guiding her off the path. “Come down here, to the river.”

Her breaths were heavy and labored as you removed your blue cloak and laid it out on the pine needle strewn forest floor. Agatha removed her own quickly and tossed it aside, leaning against the tree.

You knelt on the grown, taking the knife strapped to you from its harness and cut off a decent sized piece of your cloak. You quickly moved down to the riverbed and soaked it in the cool spring water before making your way back to Agatha.

She was drenched in sweat when you pressed the cloth to her forehead and neck. You let her grip your hand as you continued dabbing the sweat off her, “It’s okay…It’ll be okay…”

But, in truth, you didn’t know if it would be. Death–Rio–she had never been interested in the making of souls. In her words, it was too complicated and she’d rather stick to her “job description”. 

When it came to this soul however, she was insistent on helping.

“It’s my child,” she tried to reason. “I think I have the right to at least help with the creation of their soul!”

You weren’t stupid. You knew how it would end, whether or not she helped make the new soul.

The grip Agatha had on your hand tightened even more as she cried out in pain. “Something isn’t right,” she managed to get out. “Something–Oh, God!”

You looked up from her and ten yards away was a figure. She stood there, quietly observing you both in her green cloak.

“Rio,” you mutter.

Agatha turned her head toward Rio as she cried out again. “No! No! I told you not to come!”

Rio began walking towards you. Mud stained her cloak as it trailed behind her, and though her presence felt threatening, you could see it in her face that this was the last thing she wanted to do. 

Rio stopped a good distance away, “I had to…”

Agatha’s nostrils flared in frustration and her jaw tensed, “If you do this, I will hate you forever!”

But that didn’t seem to shake Rio outwardly. Instead, she offered a subtle nod, almost saying, ‘I can live with that’.

“Please let him live!” Agatha sobbed. “Please, my love!”

Rio looked at you with regret in her eyes and you sighed, “Rio, just this once, please! At least offer time.” 

Rio closed her eyes as Agatha once again groaned in pain. She had a decision to make and it needed to be made quickly. She let out a sigh and opened her eyes. “Okay,” she said softly, “but it is inevitable.”

When Agatha’s eyes opened again Rio was gone and she sighed, her thoughts muddled as she tried to speak, “She…what…”

“She’s given you time, Aggie,” you whispered. “Your son will live.”

A relieved sigh was let out and it turned into a broken moan as another contraction washed over her. You quickly pulled the hem of her chemise up and over her thighs, reaching to the side to grab her own cloak and place it in front of you. 

“Okay, Agatha,” you huffed. “I need you to give one big push.” You reached your hand up and she took it, squeezing it hard as she screamed. “Good,” you said. “Just one more to get the shoulders out. Squeeze my hand.”

The shrill sound of a baby’s cry echoed through the woods as you grasped the child with the cloak in front of you. 

“Welcome to the world,” you smiled.

You had never seen Agatha cry, but the moment her son was placed on her chest her walls broke. As she held him close, you picked up the wet rag again and brought it to his skin. You cleaned off what you could before cutting off more squares of your cloak. 

“I’ll be right back,” you muttered, standing up and making your way back down to the river. 

You went back with cloths dripping water and sat down in front of Agatha, beginning to clean her son off.

“I think,” she sighed, “I think I’ll call him Nicholas.”

You smiled softly and continued washing him off, “Maybe you could call him Nicky for short.”

“I like that,” she mumbled, smiling down at him. “Nicky.”

When Nicky was finally clean, you managed to swaddle him loosely in Agatha’s cloak. You settled beside them closely and since meeting her, you had never seen her so happy.

“How much time did she give him?” Agatha’s voice was meek and her smile had dropped when she turned her head to look at you. 

You took a deep breath and looked her in the eyes, “I don’t know. I wish I could tell you, but I won’t know until it happens.”

Her voice was strained, “Okay.”

After a trip to the river to help Agatha clean up, the two of you sat peacefully against the tree for at least an hour. It was quiet, the sound of birds and the rustle of leaves lulling both Agatha and Nicky into a light doze. You didn’t want to wake them, and you certainly didn’t want to leave them, but you knew you had to.

You placed your hand on Agatha’s shoulder. “Aggie,” you whispered, pulling back when she startled awake. “Come on, we have to go.”

You managed to create a sling out of your cloak, allowing Agatha to hold Nicky close to her while holding onto you for support. 

The sun was setting as you walked a path through the woods. With the direction you were walking, it was directly to Agatha’s left and the sight nearly made you weak. Her silhouette was illuminated in golden light as she walked and it made her look as if she were glowing–she was completely and unequivocally beautiful.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

You grinned, “Well, sometimes, the Soul Plane gets a bit boring, so Rio and I made ourselves a little cottage. There’s a garden there so I’ll grow you some fruits and vegetables, and a stream runs right by it so you’ll have water.” 

“Sounds like paradise,” Agatha chuckled.

The sun was almost entirely set and the air had grown chilly by the time you reached the cottage. When you entered, you immediately lit a fire in the hearth, smiling to yourself as you heard Agatha groan while sitting down.

“There are two rooms,” you said, “Mine is on the left, so you’re free to take clean clothing if you’d like.”

After gathering fruits and vegetables from the garden and replenishing it afterwards, you made your way back to the warmth of the cottage. In front of the fire, Agatha sat in a chair, holding Nicky close to her chest as she fed him. Her dirty chemise from earlier was replaced by a shawl and one of your own chemises, pristine and white as if it had never been worn before.

“I picked some apples from the tree,” you said, setting a basket down on a wooden table. “And some potatoes, carrots, peaches, strawberries, and peas. I grew some more of everything, so you should have a few months worth of food.”

Agatha smiled softly, her eyes giving way to her exhaustion. “Thank you,” she said.

“You’re welcome…” There was a beat of silence before you continued speaking. “If you’d like me to, I can stay the night, but–”

“Will you?” Agatha asked. 

You tensed up, not actually expecting her to ask. She was always alone, liking to be by herself–a covenless witch, she called herself. “Oh…yes. Of course.” At the sight of her smile, you relaxed. “Well, I hate these dresses, so I’m going to change into something more comfortable.”

With your own underclothes on a shawl to add an extra layer, you fixed a fire in both of the bedrooms  and rejoined Agatha with a book in your hand. “The bedrooms are ready and…I think Rio suspected we’d come here because there’s a cradle in her room…”

Agatha looked at you with a mix of emotions in her eyes, “There is?”

You nodded. “You and Nicky are more than welcome to sleep in there, Aggie.”

The night was quiet after Agatha went to bed early, politely declining your offer of dinner. You stayed in front of the hearth reading until the clock showed it was half past ten and you put the embers of the fire out. 

Before you could make it to your own room, lit candle in hand, crying pierces the air. You walked across the room to Rio’s room and just before you’re able to knock, Nicky’s shrieks stopped. The door is cracked and through the cool air and the crackling of the fire in her room, you can make out the sound of humming. And then, the sound of singing.

You felt warm, to see this side of her that no one else has seen–not even Rio since she had left earlier in the day. This was a woman whose tongue could cut sharper than a knife, whose wit was beyond measure, and who had never dropped her stone-cold mask for anyone.

And she was singing.

Agatha Harkness was singing a lullaby.

You leave her be and walk back to your room, unable to shake the picture of Agatha. Once settled into bed, you find that sleep doesn’t come easily. Your mind lingers on Agatha and no matter what you do, nothing helps. You toss and turn, but still, you think about Agatha and her perfect lips and her perfect eyes and her dark hair and the lullaby and how maybe, just maybe, one day she’d feel the same way about you. 

Perhaps you would no longer be the Fool in the deck. Perhaps you would be the Ten of Cups. But for now, you would remain the Fool, naive and hopeful, chasing after your Sun and preparing for the grief that would inevitably turn her into the Three of Swords.

[sunwonkism]

A love that waited

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ ➪ Synopsis: After confessing at literally the worst time to Jungwon, you both made a promise to each other that in 3 years, if you still want one another, you will meet up in the same place you first met him.

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ ➪ Pairings: fem!reader x Jungwon

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ ➪ Genre: right person, wrong time

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ ➪ wc: 2.4k

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ ➪ Warnings: implied bsfs, angst, fluff, cursing, not proofread much

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ ➪ a/n: I rlly wanted to finish this for Jungwon's birthday, but it feels shitty🧍‍♀️this is inspired by this yt short from mr.spicygremlin! https://youtube.com/shorts/FXGZp_CDqj8?si=sWdKLUQUCs1K6Gsu I love her POVs and enjoy watching them!

January 29th, 2023

You were running in the airport, checking your watch every 5 minutes, trying to get to Jungwon’s gate before he got on his plane.

god, why did you only realize your feelings for him just 2 hours before he leaves for Singapore?

You stopped running to take a short break, panting to catch your breath. You checked your watch to see how much time you have left.

10:40am

His boarding closes in 10 minutes.

“Fuck” you muttered.

Where the hell is gate 12?

You saw a security guard patrolling the area and decided to ask him. “Excuse me” you tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to look at you before you spoke again. “Could you tell me where gate 12 is? The person at the front desk said it’s around this area, and I’ve been looking for it for the past 30 minutes.”

He simply gestured to the hallway behind you. “Just a 10 minute walk, you’ll be able to see a big sign that says the gate number.”

You thanked the guard before sprinting in the direction he pointed at.

You didn’t even need to look for the gate number, you spotted him almost instantly. He was on his phone, wearing the bright orange hoodie he loved so much.

“Jungwon!” You shouted, running over to him.

He was getting his ticket verified when he realized he recognized the voice calling out to him. He looked up to check, only to see that it was none other than you.

“Y/n?” He asked, confused. “What are you doing here?”

You stopped to stand in front of him, panting. “Sorry…could…could you give us just 5 minutes please?” You breathed out to the staff member attending to him.

“Only till the line ends.” She briefly responded, attending to the rest of the passengers while lightly pushing Jungwon so he wouldn't hold the line up. And to give you more time for whatever you needed to say to him.

You pulled Jungwon away from the line, to give you both a tiny bit of privacy.

Jungwon was the first to speak up. “So…why are you here? Don’t you have a date with Niki in like, an hou-“

“I’m in love with you.” You said as soon as you caught your breath.

He looked taken aback, you could tell he wasn’t expecting that. “What?” He asked, with confusion and shock written on his face

“I’m in love with you” you repeated. “I had to tell you before you leave. I felt bad when I just left you there after you confessed to me during our last hangout. A-and when you kissed me…I-“. You took a deep breath before continuing.

“The truth is, I was stunned when you told me that you loved me, and ran away when we kissed because I was afraid. I wanted Niki but I also wanted you. I didn’t mean to avoid you when you came to my house…I was just terrified because I wasn’t even sure what to do. I did some self reflection about it and I only realized this morning that…my love for Niki will never compare to the love I have for you. I had to tell you that while I still had the chance.” You confessed.

It was silent for a few minutes before he spoke. “Promise me something” he softly said.

“Anything” you replied, with hope in your eyes.

He held your hands in his before speaking again. “3 years from now, if you still want me. Meet me at the park where we first met at 12pm. You know, where I chased Maeumi down because he kept following you?”

You softly chuckled at the memory. “Okay, I will.”

You heard someone cough from beside you. You turned to look to see it was the staff member calling both of your attention. “Times up, you need to enter the plane now sir,” she said.

Before you can even say a word, you feel Jungwon pulling you into a tight hug.

“I will never forget you, okay? You will always hold a special place in my heart. So don’t forget about me, please.” he pleaded.

You hugged him back, equally as tight. “I could never forget about you, you’re my best friend”. You pulled away from the hug, opting to hold his hands before continuing. “And the first man I fell in love with” you finished, with a small sad smile on your face.

He was about to say something when the staff member called for his attention once again, signaling that he had to board the plane now.

He squeezed your hands before letting them go, silently hoping it won’t be the last time he’ll do it, before following the worker.

He turned around to make eye contact with you one last time, waving his hand at you. You waved back, watching him disappear into the bridge that leads to the entrance of the plane.

That was the last time you saw him.

3 years later…

You woke up to the sound of your alarm clock blaring loudly. You groaned before turning it off, laying back on your bed, already dreading the day ahead.

You were thinking how you really didn't want to go to work today when you heard your roommate, aka your best friend, scream from the other side of your door.

“Y/n wake up right now!!! Do you know what day it is??” yunjin shouted while continuously knocking on your door.

You sat up on your bed with your brows furrowed, utterly confused about what she's saying.

“Yunjin, what on earth are you talking about? It's a Saturday, and I have work?” you replied back to her while going to open the door so that she'll stop the annoying knocking on your door.

You opened your bedroom door to face yunjin before she spoke again.

“Y/n, you have absolutely no idea what today is? None at all?” She asked again with her hands on her hips.

You shook your head.

Yunjin sighed before pointing to the calendar hanging in your room. “Check the date, now.”

“Okay, geez” you mumbled. You walked over to your calendar to see a big red circle drawn around the number 29th of January, with bold letters reading “meet jungwon at the park at 2pm”.

Oh. My. God.

Today is that day?!?!?

You whipped your head around to look for a clock to see it's currently…10am?!?!?

“Shit, I knew I shouldn't have stayed up watching that tv show” you thought.

“I'm gonna be late” you muttered, before dashing to your wardrobe, picking something good to wear.

But then you remembered, you have work today.

“Noo” you whined.

“What is it?” Yunjin asked. You forgot she was still standing there.

You turned to her with a pout on your face. “I've used up all my leaves this month, if I ask for one more I might get fired.”

“Ahh” yunjin mouthed, before speaking. “Well, I know it's supposed to be MY day off today, but then I remembered your meetup with him today. So being the nice friend I am, l covered for you today. Thank me later”.

You squealed before hugging her tightly. “Oh yun thank you thank you thank you! I definitely owe you on this one.”

“Yeah yeah, don't waste anymore time or else you're going to be late.” She replied before pulling away from your hug.

“I'll be outside if you need anything” she said while walking away, leaving the room to give you privacy to change.

You looked back at your wardrobe and just decided to wear an outfit that never lets you down.

You quickly changed into the clothes and went to your vanity to fix up your appearance. Making sure you look the absolute best.

You took one last look at the mirror, making sure you look amazing before heading out of your room to put your shoes on.

“You're not gonna eat anymore?” Yunjin asked, chewing on a piece of bread as you walked past her.

“No time yun it's…” you trailed off, checking your watch.

“11am?!?, I'm so gonna be late” you said while rushing to put on your shoes.

After making sure you have everything you need, you grabbed your keys before going to the front door.

“Bye yun! I'll be going now!” You said, saying goodbye to yunjin.

“Good luck y/nie! Go get him!” You heard her reply, before closing and locking the front door.

“Thanks so much!” You said to the cab driver, giving him your payment before climbing out of the car.

You checked your watch to see it's 11:50, happy that you arrived at the park just in time. “Not bad” you thought.

As you were walking further into the park, you decided to spend the extra 10 minutes thinking about the current situation you're in.

You haven't really spoken to Jungwon in a long time. You lost contact with him when he started becoming busy because of school. When you tried texting him again, you realized he changed his number.

You're not even sure if he still remembers the promise you two made 3 years ago.

You've been having a lot of doubts about this meetup for a long time now. The only reason why you came is because you knew Jungwon is a person who hates breaking his promises.

But it doesn't mean he'll be like that forever.

What if he forgot? What if he doesn't want you anymore? What if he found someone better in Singapore? All kinds of bad thoughts raced through you as you arrived at the exact spot you first met him.

You checked your watch again. 12pm it reads.

“Right on time” you murmured.

Right now all you could do was wait.

This could go two ways. 1, he shows up and you two get your happy ending. Or 2, he doesn't show up, and you just wasted your time waiting for him.

Or 3, he shows up, solely just to let you know he doesn't want you anymore because he can't text it to you.

But from what's happening right now, you think number 2 is currently happening.

It's been 10 minutes since you started waiting for him. You were currently sitting on a nearby bench because your legs started hurting from standing too long.

You wondered if Jungwon got the place wrong, but you knew he couldn't. Or were you just in denial?

20 minutes passed by and he still hasn't showed up. You felt tears well up in your eyes. He forgot, or found someone long ago and couldn't care to tell you.

Just when you're about to get up and leave, thinking you wasted a whole 2 hours rushing over here and yunjin’s day off. Someone stepped in front of you and spoke.

“Am I late?” The person panted, sounding really out of breath.

You looked up to see who the person was, only to see the same man you've been waiting for 20 minutes (and 3 years) for.

He no longer had the dark brown hair you loved to run your fingers through. Now he had platinum blonde hair, which suited him really well.

You always told him how you thought he'd look good in blonde hair before he left.

“Jungwon” you whispered. “You showed up”. You were in utter disbelief that the man you loved and waited for so long is currently standing right in front of you. You felt like crying.

You hadn't realized a tear fell from your eye until Jungwon wiped it for you.

“Shh” he whispered. “It's okay, I'm here now” he said, before pulling you into a tight hug.

As you hugged him back, you let the dam break. Tears were flowing freely from your eyes. You were full on sobbing against his chest, soaking his shirt.

You two were like that for a few minutes before speaking.

“I..I th-thought you for…forgot” you said in between sniffles.

Jungwon pulled away to wipe your years. “I thought you knew I don't break my promises. Did you already forget?” He asked with a sad, but warm smile.

“I just thought…maybe you found someone else…I haven't spoken to you in months…it's hard not to doubt you know?” You mumbled, but clear enough for Jungwon to understand you.

Jungwon held your hands in his, something he deeply missed doing before speaking again.

“Don't you remember what I promised you pretty? ‘If you still want me. Meet me at the park where we first met’, that's what I said, didn't I?”

“I already decided it's you who I wanted 3 years ago. But I didn't want to start our relationship with long distance. And I wasn't sure if you really loved me or if you just said it out of the blue you know..” he trailed off.

He went back to caressing your cheeks with both of his hands.

“Thank you for choosing me. You have absolutely no idea how much I was stressing over today.” He said with a happy grin on his face.

You laughed before responding. “You have no idea how much I worried over this meet up too.” You said with a soft smile. “I have so many things I want to tell you. You missed out on so much stuff while you were away.”

He took one of your hands in his, swinging it around. He was slightly dragging you, signaling you to come along. “Oh yeah? How about you tell me over lunch? Where do you want to eat?” He asked.

You smiled, walking after him. “Sure, I heard there's a popular restaurant just 2 blocks away from here…”.

Divider: @toastray

[lilgarbitch]

lovesick - Noah Sebastian

Beside You Pt. 3

Pairing: Noah Sebastian x Reader

CW: groveling, anxiety, angst, the whole shabang

Word Count: 4.5k

Author‘s Note: 🫵🏻 HAHA SUCKERS jk i hope you enjoy

Tags: @theanarchymuse95 @dontwantthemoney @chey-h @badomensgoodomens @collisionofyourkissmakesitsohard @enemiestolovershoe @blade-dressed-in-red @xmads-omensx @alwaysfightforwhoyouare @thatchickwiththecamera @tosoundlessdarkistare @lacy1986

Y/N

I had to force myself out of bed again today. Some days are better than others, but days like these, ones where I don‘t have work or anything planned, I have to give myself a reason to actually get up. Sometimes just the walk to the living room is all I can do, but today I‘m making myself do some shopping. The cupboards are running dry and I‘ve been surviving on delivery for too long to be healthy. After throwing on presentable but comfortable clothes, I make my way to the grocery store. 

My mind has been in a fog for as long as I can remember, so as I shop, I have to repeatedly check my list to make sure I don‘t forget anything, causing me to circle the store a few times. As I make it to the wine aisle, far back into the store, I hear a bit of laughter nearby. Like a bunch of college kids on their first grocery trip together who can‘t help but laugh at everything. It puts a small smile on my face, remembering what it was like to try and do things like this with the boys. Folio always doing whatever he could to make us laugh, Noah tripping over his own feet (Or Nick‘s) and almost crashing the cart, and Nick pretending like he hated us for causing a ruckus, even if he was constantly adding to it. 

I let the small sweet memory play in my mind as I scan the aisle, debating on what I wanted. I‘ve been good with drinking away my sorrows in the last few years, calming down after the first one, but I never know when those days will creep back in, so I decide on two bottles of a sweet, low ABV wine, and place them in my cart. I pause to take one last glance at my list, making sure I got everything, before looking back up to start heading to the check-out. 

And that‘s when my eyes land on someone. Someone in a cap, sunglasses, too familiar long hair, and an identical sleeve as Nick‘s. Every cell in my body froze as I watched him walk towards the aisle near mine, eyeing up the rows of beer. I watch as he decides on a case, grabbing it and finally lifting his head. His eyes barely grazed mine, before he did a double take. And then we just stand there, staring at each other. After a few moments, he blinks, glances behind him for a second, and then turns back towards me. I can practically hear the gears spinning in his head, debating how he wants this interaction to go. Or maybe they‘re the gears in my mind, thinking the same thing. Finally, he starts walking towards me, an awkward yet warming smile on his face. 

‘‘Y/N…Hi,“ He practically whispers, knocking me back into reality as I finally hear his voice again after almost 4 years. 

‘‘Uh..Hi. How are you?“ I almost grimace at how awkward this is, when, for years, we used to be able to talk about anything.

‘‘I‘m good. The boys and I are actually playing a show at the Canal Club tonight,“ He rushes out, like he needed to explain why he was finally here after so long. I nod, trying to show how proud I was, and not the pain and fear I was feeling, knowing that they were all back in Richmond tonight, ‘‘How have you been?“

I take the most subtle deep breath I could, needing to put all my energy into putting on a front. It would be embarrassing for him to find out that I‘m still hurting all these years later. That to this day, I‘ve yet to move on and I still miss them all more than anything. 

‘‘I‘m good!,“ I reply, maybe a little too enthusiastically. I try to keep a smile on my face, trying my best not to make it seem too forced, “Still at the same house. Still waitressing at the same place. Not much has changed.”

I almost see a small hint of shock on his face, but he just nods. He’s probably thinking about how I’ve gone nowhere with my life since they left, which was true. Them leaving destroyed me. I haven’t been able to do much other than the bare minimum. But I don’t want him or anyone else to know that, so I just let him know that life is the same old shit as before. 

“Well, you look great. I like what you’ve done with your hair,” He says with a small smile. I mirror his smile, ignoring the fact that he’s talking about the grown out, faded hair that I was currently covering with a beanie. I give him a small thanks, before I see a face pop up out of the corner of my eye. 

My stomach drops, I knew he wasn’t here alone, but I wasn’t sure how much more of this I could handle at the moment without fully preparing myself. All I saw was a tall, tattooed man with long hair walking our way in my peripheral, and I was silently begging to any higher being watching over it wasn’t who I thought it was. And thankfully, they answered. In comes their new member I haven't met yet. Nick glances to the side and gives him a small nod. 

“Jolly, this is Y/N. Y/N, Jolly,” Nick introduces us. I reach my hand out with a small smile, truly happy it was him and not any of the other guys. I pretend I don’t see the small look Nick gives Jolly before we shake hands. 

“Nice to meet you,” I say with the best sweet voice I could muster at the moment. 

“You, too. I’ve always wanted to meet some of the boy’s home friends they talk about,” he replies, with one of the thickest accents I’ve probably ever heard around here. I ignore the way he called me their friend, not knowing if he knows the full story or not. 

“Yeah, we were just uh..catching up. I mentioned that we were playing here tonight,” Nick throws in, trying to keep the conversation going. 

“Oh? They didn’t tell you already?” And there was my answer to if he knew our history or not. “Well why don’t you come down to see us perform? I bet we can hook you up with a ticket.”

I glance at Nick as I debate my answer, and surprisingly, he has an almost hopeful look in his eyes, making me rethink everything. 

“I..Uh..I’ll see if I can free up some time,” I lie.

”Well, we’ll tell them that there’s a free ticket waiting for you with your name on it. Why don’t you text one of the guys when you figure it out so we know. Maybe we can hang out after the show? I bet it’s been a while since you’ve all seen each other,” Jolly says, to which I nod. 

“Yeah, I’ll see what I can do. I’m still at the old house, like I said, so we can hang there if the others are up for it,” I awkwardly ramble, already feeling a pit forming in my stomach at the invitation I almost wish I didn’t give, both desperately wanting to have them in my home again, but also knowing I won’t be able to handle it.

Nick nods with an even more hopeful look on his face, and Jolly has a pleased, relaxed look, completely oblivious to what he’s about to witness if we all come together again. They talk a bit about the show, still sounding hopeful I’ll come, before we say our goodbyes, Jolly’s being a “See you later,” as if he already knows I want to see the other boys more than anything. 

My mind was racing even more than before as I pay for my groceries and make my way home. As I look through my closet, trying to find the perfect outfit to wear. As I stare at my appearance, knowing I’ll see Noah again tonight.

Do I wear something from the time we spent together? It’s not like I’ve gotten that much clothes since then, other than outfits that aren’t really ‘going out’ wear. My hair’s a mess. I have a few hours until the show. Do I redye it? Do I present myself as someone who hasn’t been slowly dying on the inside since the day they left? 

They’ve all changed so much in the last few years, so do I want to show that I have as well? Even though my version of change wasn’t for the better? Or do I show up looking like a day hasn’t passed, wearing what I always used to and bring back old memories like they will for me?

I already know I’m going to spend the next few hours freaking out over everything, knowing it’s going to be an emotional night as well. 

Noah

Folio swats at my hand, pulling me out of my thoughts and causing me to pull my fingers from my mouth as I was chewing my nails with anxiety. I go to glare at him before Nick catches my attention out of the corner of my eye. I asked him to run to the store for snacks and drinks, specifically requesting some type of alcohol in hopes it would ease my nerves just a little bit, so I was thankful he was finally back. But as our eyes met, I see that he has this sheepish look on his face. Then Jolly bounds through the door, as excited as ever. 

“We ran into your friend at the store! She’s really pretty,” he exclaims, causing me to completely stop breathing. I look back over at Nick, probably looking absolutely terrified, and he just nods. 

“You ran into Y/N?” I ask, trying not to sound too excited or worried.

”Yeah! I told her she should come to the show tonight. She even invited us back to her place after, if you guys are up for it,” Jolly answers. 

“She…She’s coming to the show tonight?” I ask slowly, and he nods, completely oblivious to how freaked out I was right now. 

“She didn’t confirm, but I assume she will. I mean, why wouldn’t she want to see you guys after so long? Especially now that we’re touring. I told her to text one of you if she can or not.”

I stare at Jolly for a few moments before turning to Nick, then Folio, all of them staring back at me. Jolly, confused with my reaction, and the other two with a pitying, yet hopeful look on their faces. 

“What am I missing?” Jolly asks. Thankfully, Nick responds.

”Y/N used to be…family. Even more to Noah than the rest of us.” He looked at him even more confused, not catching on yet. 

”Well? What happened?”

”I left.” I answer bluntly, making him turn back to me. 

“What do you mean?”

”I up and left. We were friends since childhood, dating for almost three years…and I left her to move to L.A.” He stares at me, waiting for me to continue, but I don’t.

”And I’m guessing she didn’t take it well?” I shook my head. 

“I purposely didn’t want her to take it well…I completely dropped her. The second I made the decision to leave, I decided it was best to get her to hate me so it wouldn’t hurt more in the long run. But it did. At least for me. It’s been almost four years since I pushed her away and it’s my biggest regret…And now, tonight, I might see her again.”

”Dude, what the fuck? Why the hell wouldn’t you at least try? I understand long distance sucks, but we’re getting big. We could’ve easily covered flights. You could’ve talked on the phone. She could’ve fucking moved out here with you.” Jolly practically berates me. 

“I couldn’t do that to her. I didn’t want to drag her along into my dream when she could’ve chased her own. I couldn’t have her constantly waiting for me while I lived this life, bringing her out here, knowing no one, and never being there for her as we all worked on our band. She’s probably so much better off with this freedom.”

“Noah…When I talked to her earlier, she didn’t look great. She told me she was still living in that house, and hasn’t even changed jobs. She looked like life has been dragging her down ever since. She needed you. Needs you.” Nick cut in, completely catching me off guard. I stare at him as I let his words sink in, not knowing if I hated the regret I felt knowing I absolutely destroyed her by making this decision, or if I was grateful to know that she still needed me as much as I needed her after all these years. 

I let out a sigh and fall back onto the couch, draping my arm over my face as the pain resurfaced once again, this time more confusing. I knew I fucked up, but I kept her waiting all these years. I destroyed a once amazing, happy girl, who was always there for me and my brothers. I made them cut her off too, assuming it would ease the trouble of leaving. This whole time, I was killing us both. As terrified I was, I needed to see her. I needed to make this right. Because I missed her more than anything. 

Y/N

I step into the crowd, hiding myself in the mix of people. I knew from the countless shows that the boys and I went to that I needed to stay off to the side so I didn’t deal with too many pushing people and crowd surfers, definitely not in the mood for that tonight, but I wanted to be close enough to the stage that I could see them well. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited. I watched my boys perform together countless times, just always in someone’s garage or dingy little stages in random tiny venues around town. This would be the first time I was actually seeing them perform their dream. 

Apparently, Cane Hill was playing first, then them, so I had a little more time to prepare to see them all for the first time in so long. I was still freaking out over seeing Nick after all these years that I didn’t know how I was going to handle seeing Folio and Noah. Especially Noah. 

I was terrified that they’d be looking for me in the crowd, so I was making sure I was blending in as much as possible, and then I could either sneak back home after if this was too much, or try and find them once they got off stage. 

As the lights finally turned off and the first band took stage, I couldn’t focus. Their music was good, but I couldn’t stop checking my phone, counting down the minutes of their set. I kept fixing my clothes, hoping my skirt wasn’t riding up too much and that I wasn’t over or under dressed. My mind was a mess. I didn’t know how tonight would play out and I was terrified. I kept running possible scenarios in my head of how everything could go wrong or if anything would go right. How do we fix any of this? Was it even worth fixing? 

As Cane Hill walked off stage, I had to close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. My stomach was hurting with anxiety and I could hear my heart racing out of my chest. I didn’t open my eyes until I heard cheering around me once more. 

Folio walked on stage, his large smile the same as it’s always been. He walked up to the drum set as Nick and Jolly stepped out, guitar and bass already slung across their fronts as they sauntered into their spots, looking confident as ever. I couldn’t help but smile. Some of my anxiety started to ease. They looked like they were meant to be here. To have a large crowd cheering for them, excited to hear them perform. They deserved this. And that proud feeling was just enough to distract me for the main attraction to sneak onto stage.

There he was…

The love of my life. The one who kept me sane for as long as I can remember. The one who brought me comfort in the darkest times. The one who created even darker times. The man I’ll never forget for as long as I live. Noah was once again standing in front of me. 

I watched as his eyes scanned the crowd, probably looking for me, but thankfully it was dark enough that he wouldn’t be able to see. As they started their first song, I couldn’t help but get emotional. To hear his voice in person again, even if it was through speakers like it has been since they released their album, brought me both pain and comfort. He was here. We were once again in the same room. 

As the show went on, I found myself singing along. The music allowed my nerves to calm a little, and being hidden from his sight and just being able to admire him from afar allowed me to feel a sense of peace for the first time in a long time. He sounded amazing. He was meant for the stage. As I let myself join in with everyone else cheering and singing along, I took the chance to really appreciate how much he’s grown. How confident he’s gotten being in the spotlight. How perfect he looks standing in front of hundreds of people, getting admired for his talent. 

And I get so caught up in finally enjoying my time that their set eventually comes to an end. And he speaks into the mic, letting me hear his voice one more time as he introduces the band and thanks everyone for being there. And I listen to his velvety voice being blared through the speakers one last time before they all step off stage. 

And now I wasn’t sure what to do. Do I watch the rest of the show, staying hidden from them? Do I leave? Or do I search for them? The room was practically pitch black as everyone waited for New Year’s Day to come out, so I didn’t think there was much I could do anyway. 

But then I feel my phone buzz in my hand. I look at it and see a text, surprised to see that he hasn’t changed his number and his nickname was still unchanged in my phone.

Nicky- Come to the left side of the stage

I glace up and see his face illuminated by his phone, and without thinking, my legs take me towards him. It was a bit of a struggle to get through the crowd, but finally, I was facing him for the second time today. Once he sees my legs in front of him, he looks up and gives me a small smile.

”So…how was it?” He awkwardly asks. I give him a smile back.

”You guys are unbelievable. I’m so proud of you, I can’t even put it into words,” I say, the comfort of being near him already back like nothing changed. He visibly relaxes at the sound of my tone and his smile grows bigger at my words.

”That means a lot, especially coming from you. I’m really glad you showed tonight, by the way.”

”I’m glad, too. But to be honest, I’m freaking the fuck out right now.” He changes to a warm smile and turns to sling an arm over my shoulder like he always used to when he wanted to comfort me. 

“Trust me. So is everyone else. And I truly mean it when I say I’m glad you showed. I know we fucked up real bad and made a really bad decision, and I couldn’t be more thankful that you don’t hate us for it.” He said with a soft voice as we finally started walking away from the crowd and towards back stage. 

“I could never hate you guys. I definitely felt something close to it when you all left, but I quickly understood why you all did what you did. But I can’t say I’m not still upset with you three, one more than the others.” He nods like he understands what I mean.

”Well that one may be the most regretful of all of us,” He says as he pauses outside their green room, “Folio hasn’t shut up since we told him we ran into you earlier, so you’re going to need to spend some time with him first, but just give me the word, and we’ll give you and Noah some space to talk.”

I give him a soft smile and nod, and he finally opens the door. Within a second of stepping through, I’m being tackled into a hug by Folio, instantly recognizing his scent as my face gets shoved into his chest.

”I missed you so fucking much, Y/N. Holy shit, I’m so happy to see you.” I hug him back for a few moments before patting his back, needing air to respond. 

I let out a soft laugh as he finally pulls away and looks down at me with an apologetic smile. I watch as his eyes take in my appearance and I catch my breath after he practically squeezed it out of me.

”I missed you, too. So much. And you fucking rocked out there,” I said as I grabbed his shoulder and brough him back into another hug, truly missing them. 

“I really hope you aren’t mad at me. I wanted to keep in contact but I didn’t want to hurt you more. Please don’t hate me,” he whispers in my ear as he holds me tight.

”Like I told Nicky, I could never hate you. I love you guys more than anything and am just happy to finally see you again,” I whisper into his. 

We pull away after a minute of our much needed embrace and I greet Jolly before I’m immediately pulled into Nick’s arms.

”It wasn’t fair I haven’t gotten a real one since I’ve seen you,” he mumbles as he squeezes me tight. I laugh softly but just let myself take in the feeling of peace and comfort I’ve been missing all these years.

These boys were my family and even after not seeing them for so long, the love has yet to die. And to know that they’ve missed me just as much as I’ve missed them is making me emotional again. I really hope I don’t cry just yet. I still had one more boy to get to. I can feel his eyes on me. His presence filling the room and running my nerves rampant. Nick finally pulls away, laughing at something Folio said as my eyes instantly drift to where he sat.

In that moment, I think we both stopped breathing as we just stared at each other for a few seconds. Seeing him so close again brought back so many feelings. Feelings from our time spent together. Feelings of our time apart. The love and the anger. The longing and the resentment. The grief. 

“Y/N…” he practically whispers out as he slowly stands up from his seat and makes his way towards me. 

“Noah..” I croak out, my emotions already collecting in my throat. 

As we finally stand in front of each other, I hear the other boys step out of the room, giving us our space without me even asking for it. I almost want to be mad they left me alone with the man that has haunted my every living moment, but I’m also thankful, not knowing how this is going to go and not wanting to cry in front of anyone but him. 

“I-…How are you?” he softly asks. I just stare at him, letting his voice play in my head after not hearing it for so long. 

“I’m…good,” I finally answer, lying. His eyes trail over my face, already knowing my expressions better than me, and definitely catching my lie. 

“I’m not. I-…Y/N. I’m so sorry. I’m so fucking sorry.” His voice cracks towards the end, and I can feel my eyes starting to well up with tears. 

“Noah. I just…Why?”

”I love you so much, Y/N. I love you so fucking much and I regret everything I’ve done. I thought I was making a good decision at the time, but I’ve regretted it ever since,” he gushes. 

“So you never reach out? You just leave me in the dark for four years? You drop me out of the blue one day, get your life together, and leave me in the dust? All alone? I couldn’t even talk to Nick or Folio!” I can see him grimace as I raise my voice. 

“I thought it was for the better. I thought it was selfish to ask you to join us. I thought that if I…if we left you behind, you wouldn’t feel overshadowed. I knew our focus was going to be put into the music and I couldn’t drag you along just to make you feel unappreciated.” His eyes were now turning red and he was waving his hands, reaching out for me. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was about to drop to his knees and beg me for forgiveness. 

“Noah. I’d do anything for you. I still love you. Despite the fact you did me so wrong. But you told me that you loved me and then you went and left me. I just..” I sigh and turn around, moving to sit on the couch, burying my face into my hands as my voice turns into more of a whisper, “Why’d you do this to me? I can’t eat, I can’t sleep. I can’t do much of anything at all… I’ve been so sick since you left.”

He moved to crouch in front of me, trying to look into my eyes. I sniffle and look up at him, desperately needing to see more of his face after so long, even if it’s covered in pain. His hand slowly reaches out, debating on touching me before finally placing it on my knee. 

“I’ve been dying on the inside since we left. I need you, Y/N. I can’t keep doing this without you…I now know how wrong I was.”

”Noah…”

TO BE CONTINUED

[nanami-is-nanamean]

Hi. I have seen a nerdjo fanart and went a little insane.

I specifically saw this art--

and like LJKHFGLKJSHLDFKhGKLSD i know its satosugu or some kind of self insert bUT HEAR ME OUT OKAY--

the thought of a nerdjo nanago where GOJO is the straightlaced person in the relationship while NANAMI is the "bad influence" rough and tough bad guy iS SO GOOD TO MEEEEEEE

BECAUSE LIKE--

we all collectively hc nanami as being some kind of emo punk in hs or at the very least got into some bullshit during his uni/college years when he got out of juju tech and this is just its Natural Conclusion OKAY-- IM NOT INSANE BUT I WILL ADMIT THAT I AM GOING FERAL

Because like-- imagine a college au where gojo and nanami are assigned to be each others tutors in their respective fields (gojo with physics and nanami in economics). Gojo is painting this picture of a mean, money focused economics student that would rather look at the stock market than entertain theoretical physics, a subject that wont really affect his life before meeting him

But then they actually meet each other for their study session for the first time and oh god gojos never felt this gay before-- other than the time that gojo discovered he was gay, dear LORD he didnt feel that bad before KJLGSDGDL

Because while yeah, nanami did show up rockin the stereotypical hoity toity econ student fit-- glasses, collared shirt, watch, shined shoes-- he didnt expect him to be built like a brick shithouse, okay. And even as he fell back on his tried and true method of getting back into focus (which is breaking things down using physics to figure out how they interact with the world), even that failed because he started wondering about the physics of fabrics and how they didnt rip yet from such huge rippling muscles

He does manage to get through the tutoring lesson safely and, thank god it was the physics lesson first because if he had to sit there listening to nanamis voice talk about literally anything for extended periods of time, he may turn into a puddle. As gojo packs up, both his materials and his thoughts that are steering WILDLY into inappropriate territory, he resigns himself into being the fushiguros babysitter for the next 3 weeks because cleaning up baby diapers are the fastest way to get rid of a boner and he cant be popping those everytime hes around nanami

So imagine gojos surprise when nanami hesitates a bit before he leaves. "Are you busy tonight?" "...what?" "Are you busy tonight." "Uhm..."

Is this it? Is his 1 to 2 hour long crush discovered? Is nanami actually straight, found out his gayness, and decided to destroy him????

"...I noticed you didn't have anything down on your planner. A friend of mine got sick, so now im kind of going alone to this concert." "...Oh! Aren't you gonna--" "Sell the ticket? No, its... not really a concert, its an underground diy venue. its more live music in a bar, than an actual concert you buy tickets to. you get to find a lot of small starting artists. its pretty good." "...so youre saying is, there's no ticket to sell?"

gojo's breath hitches, as his deep chuckle graces his ears. "yeah, no tickets." his face is warm, and he has no idea if it shows. nanamis eyes tear themselves away from wherever they roamed and met his again. "you wanna come?" "y-yeah! yeah sure, im down."

he really fumbled the delivery on that one, but thank god nanami seems to like clumsy people because that just widened the small smile on his face. "that's good. see you 8 down at the lawsons?" "8 at the lawsons, yeah sure okay--" a nod, a grin, and he walks off.

Triple Threat Tokyo Groupchat

Sight Impediment: @/Dr. House Kinnie @/The Ball Vorer help what should i wear to an underground bar Dr. House Kinnie: wtf happened on that tutoring session gay boi The Ball Vorer: what else dude, he was being gay Sight Impediment: YOU GUYS ARENT HELPING

[lieutenantbatshit]

CHAPTER 09 - once you go in, there's no turning back (hwang in ho x reader)

>> MASTERLIST

previous chapter | next chapter

----

You cupped your hands under the cold stream, letting the water pool on your palms as you brought it up to your face. The coolness sipped into your skin, a brief moment of relief as the tension in your temples eased. Droplets ran down your cheeks as it traced on to your jawline. You looked at yourself in the mirror as you dried yourself up, seeing Jun-hee behind, much to your surprise.

"Jesus, you scared me," your breath hitched as you rubbed the water away from your face using your shirt.

Jun-hee chuckled as you motioned to the side, awaiting her turn as she bowed to you. She moved forward to the sink to check herself in the mirror, then splashed some water on her face. Your skin felt refreshed, though you wished you had your skincare products with you to make you even feel better.

You went behind Jun-hee as both of you walked out of the bathroom, making your way towards the labyrinth of stairs down to the dormitory. You noticed Gi-hun, Jung-bae, Dae-ho, and In-ho already packing the beds, but the mattresses were being placed beneath the bedframes.

"Lights out in ten minutes," the voice said on the speakers. "Please prepare for bedtime."

"Pass it to me," you heard Gi-hun say as you walked near them, seeing them arranging the mattresses like a fort. The mattresses seemed clean, but its dust plumed into the air much to your sneeze as Jung-bae swatted his hand away from the dust.

"Bless you," Jung-bae said to you as you wiped your nose/ You sniffed, feeling the dust still lurking somewhere in your nostrils, only for you to sneeze again.

"God," you complained, turning away from the mattresses. "Please, excuse me."

"Excused," In-ho muttered. His voice was almost low but still audible for you, yeet you chose to ignore it.

"Is this really necessary? I don't like sleeping under there," Jung-bae complained, looking at the mattress being put under the bed with disgust.

"Once the lights go out, somebody might attack us," Gi-hun explained, his eyes fixed on the mattress he was arranging.

"What? Who?" Dae-ho asked, placing a mattress in front as a blockage, while Jun-hee held out the blankets.

"The prize money still goes up if we kill each other," Gi-hun said, his voice dark. "It's part of the game they designed."

"Seems like it," you said, nodding to Gi-hun in agreement. "This wasn't about the games anymore. They clearly want to see us fight up there. Some sort of a test for humanity, something like that."

In-ho scoffed from behind. "I think you're overreacting here. Even if that were true, people wouldn't do that."

As you were about to retort, Gi-hun turned away and faced In-ho, his expression dark but fearful. "In the previous games, dozens of people killed each other at night," Gi-hun pointed to the ground, his words pronounced every detail. "Right here." He sighed deeply as he continued. "You have no idea how people can change in this place."

In-ho looked away, sighing in defeat as he gave a small nod. "All right. I guess I didn't know what I was talking about. I'm sorry."

You raised an eyebrow, sensing his words with no hint of sincerity, as if it was perfectly memorized. Like it was an automatic response. You went back to your senses and listened more to Gi-hun, whose back was turned on In-ho. "Once it's lights out, we need to take turns keeping watch. I'll take the first watch. You should decide the order for the rest."

"I'll take after Gi-hun," Jung-bae raised his hand, then he looked at you and Jun-hee. "Both of you should get a good night's sleep for the rest of the night. It would also be better if you sleep at the bottom for your safety."

"I can handle myself," you assured, waving your hand as if to dismiss the idea. You turned to Jun-hee and gave her a small smile. "You can sleep for the rest of the night, Jun-hee."

Jun-hee nodded as she made her way to the mattress, seemingly wanting to sleep. She needed a lot of rest for her to get ready for the next games, hopefully to make it out in the end.

"I'll take watch after brother Jung-bae," Dae-ho said, giving a salute to Jung-bae, to which he returned. The two marines exchanged handshakes.

"That leaves me then," In-ho said, then he looked at you. "You can take watch after me."

You nodded and proceeded to get your blanket and pillow along with Jun-hee's, deciding to sleep beside her at night to accommodate her needs. You weren't knowledgeable on how to care for a pregnant woman, but you should at least try. You felt a sense of protectiveness for her, tucking her in.

You positioned yourself on the bed, placing a blanket over you. The lights dimmed as the piggy bank's light illuminated around the area. You could feel your eyelids drooping, growing heavier with every passing second. The world around you blurred, the edges of reality softening as your body sank deeper into the mattress. You could feel every muscle in your body ached with fatigue. No matter how hard you tried to stay alert, your body had already decided - there was no fighting it anymore.

----

Sleep had barely settled into your bones before something stirred you awake. Your eyes cracked open sluggishly, your mind swimming through the heavy fog of exhaustion. The world around was still wrapped in darkness, the dim lighting from the piggy bank overhead casting eerie shadows along the bunk beds. Your limbs felt weighted and slow to respond, and cold air stung against your exposed skin, making you shiver.

You slid out of the mattress, careful not to wake Jun-hee up. You rubbed your eyes as you blinked, sluggishly adjusting to reality.

And then, you saw In-ho.

He sat a few feet away, his back straight, his gaze fixed somewhere beyond the sleeping bodies. He barely moved, barely even blinked, his silhouette rigid against the dim glow of the room. The sharp angles of his face were softened by darkness, but there was something unnerving about how still he was.

You moved slowly and quietly as you approached him, only for him not to react much. He didn't even flinch, didn't turn his head, but you knew he was aware of you.

You hesitated before lowering yourself onto the floor beside him, mirroring his posture - leaning back against the bunk, legs stretched out, knees barely grazing. The silence between you was thick, but not suffocating. Not yet, anyway.

"You can sleep," you spoke up as his eyes flicked towards you. "It's my turn to watch."

"The lights will open in a few hours. It's no use to sleep now," In-ho replied as he returned his eyes to the shadows ahead.

You nodded, letting the quiet settle again. You closed your eyes a bit as you could still feel a bit of sense of grogginess, but fixed yourself up when you felt dozing off again.

The room was steeped in silence, save for the occasional rustle of bodies shifting in sleep. The longer you sat there, the more the exhaustion sank into your bones, making your mind wander to places it shouldn't. Your fingers absently traced the fabric of your pants as your thoughts had already slipped somewhere else. Before you could stop it, the memory surfaced - your father.

The same silence. The same kind that used to stretch between you and him, late at night, when you'd wake up and find him sitting alone in the living room, a bottle of beer long gone cold in front of him. He would watch a movie while drinking, enjoying the rest of his night with a cigarette on hand.

You would watch the same movie to help you go back to sleep as he would gesture toward the chair across from him. And you'd sit, just like this, neither of you speaking, both of you staring at the TV in front of you. It was something unspoken, but shared.

You weren't sure why you thought of him now. Maybe it was the stillness. The weight of unspoken things hanging in the air. Or maybe it was In-ho himself - the way he sat there, unreadable, distant in a way that felt too familiar.

The thought made your chest tighten, your throat constricting around something you weren't ready to name.

"Appa used to sit like this," you murmured before you could stop yourself.

You felt In-ho shift beside you - just barely, just enough that you knew he had heard. He didn't turn to face you, didn't press for more, but he was listening.

Your fingers curled slightly against your knee as you exhaled. You didn't mead to say it, but now the words were out, lingering between you both, impossible to take back.

"He'd just sit there at night while watching a movie, thinking about things he never talked about."

In-ho didn't speak, but his breathing was steady, his presence solid beside you. The moment stretched, heavy with something neither of you had the energy to unpack.

"He passed away recently," you swallowed, feeling an ache on your chest. In-ho's faze flickered toward you, seeing his eyes with shock and... worry. "Hemorrhagic stroke. I was getting ready for work when eomma called me and said that they rushed him to the hospital. He suddenly felt dizzy and passed out in the ambulance. The doctors said he was in critical condition," you felt tears forming in your eyes as your voice cracked. "I rushed to the emergency room that day. The doctors said they couldn't do a surgery on him anymore. There was no brain activity anymore and his body was only relying to the machine. We went home and waited for more news. It took a while for us to decide but then..."

Your voice cracked, and before you knew it, the tears came - hot, unstoppable, burning their way down your cheeks. You bit down on your lip as if that would keep the sob from escaping, but it only made your shoulders shake harder, your breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps.

"When we were on the way back to the hospital, the doctors tried to revive him twice. As if he was waiting for us. When we arrived, we decided to take the medicines off and let him pass naturally. And just like that, in just a few hours, he was gone."

It wasn't just the fact that he was gone. The fact that life had ripped him away from you, without warning, without time to prepare. That there had been so many things left unsaid, so many moments you thought you'd have, but never would.

You pressed the heels of your palms against your eyes, trying to smother the sobs, trying to control yourself, but it was useless. You weren't just crying - you were breaking, unraveling right in front of him.

In-ho was still silent. But he hadn't left.

His fingers twitched slightly against his knee, like he had considered doing something - but in the end, he stayed still.

You sucked in a breath, swallowing back another sob. "I don't even know why I'm telling you this," you whispered, your voice raw, shaking.

For a moment, you thought he wouldn't respond. But then, softly, he said, "Because he mattered."

You blinked, fresh tears slipping down your cheeks.

In-ho exhaled, tilting his head slightly, his gaze fixed on the floor. "People like that... they don't really leave us. They just... stop being where we can reach them."

Something about the way he said it made your breath catch. It sounded too familiar, too knowing, like he was speaking from experience.

You wiped your tears away with your sleeve, trying to steady yourself, but the weight in your chest didn't disappear. It wouldn't, not for a long time.

In-ho didn't offer anything else. No empty reassurances. No forced words of sympathy.

But he stayed. And somehow, that was enough.

You could feel his gaze on you, heavy and assessing, but he didn't speak. You turned your face away as if hiding it would somehow take away the humiliation of breaking in front of him.

In-ho's fingers ghosted over your wrist before retreating, hesitant, like even the smallest act of comfort was something foreign to him.

You sniffled, forcing a shaky breath. "You don't have to pretend to care."

In-ho exhaled through his nose, something like amusement, something like frustration. "I'm not pretending."

You turned to him, expecting coldness, indifference. But instead, you found something else. His gaze was unreadable, but there was something softer, something hesitant in the way his lips parted like he wanted to say more but wouldn't.

And then, you felt his lips against yours. It was brief, deliberate. Not desperate, not hurried - but real.

His lips were warm against yours, and for the first time in what felt like forever, you didn't feel cold. His grip on you tightened as he pulled you closer, surrendering to the moment.

But then, the light came on. The bright, harsh, unforgiving light illuminating the room.

You barely had time to register the words before In-ho pulled away, the warmth between you vanishing as quickly as it had come. His expression was unreadable again, as if the moment had never happened.

"The third game will begin momentarily. All players, please get out of bed and get ready."

----

The moment the heavy doors slid open, a stark sterile brightness spilled into the corridor, making you squint against the sudden change. The space beyond was massive, eerily open, the kind of emptiness that felt designed to make you feel small.

In the center of the room stood a series of platforms and narrow walkways, forming an intricate maze-like pattern, interconnected in ways that felt delibrate, calculated. At first glance, there seemed to be no immediate danger - no spikes, no pits, no obvious traps.

"Welcome to your third game. The game you will be playing is Mingle."

You looked around as you saw the doors around the place, each with different colors. If this was Mingle, then you would be grouping yourselves, pairing up, and choosing sides. This game could be to form alliances, or something worse - something to force you into connections you wouldn't want.

"All players, please step onto the center platform. When the game starts, the platform will begin to rotate and you will hear a number. You must form groups of that size, go into the rooms, and close the door within 30 seconds."

"Oh, this game? We used to play something similar on school trips," Jung-bae spoke up. "We formed groups by hugging."

"Yeah, instead of hugging, we go into those rooms," Dae-ho pointed at the doors.

In-ho, Y/N, Gi-hun, Jung-bae, Dae-ho, Jun-hee.

"If the number is six, we can stay together," you said, earning a nod from each of your group. "We can be divided by three and two. So that wouldn't be a problem."

"If it's two, you and me pair up," In-ho stated with no hesitation. Before you could react, he leaned in and wrapped his hand around yours steadily and certain.

Your breath hitched, but you didn't pull away. The words sent a sharp jolt through your chest - not from fear, not from surprise, but from the way he didn't phrase it as a question. He wasn't asking. He was deciding.

His grip was firm, not forceful, but final. Like he had already made the choice for you - like he wouldn't let you end up with anyone else.

Your eyes flicked up just in time to catch the others watching. Gi-hun, Jung-bae, Dae-ho, even Jun-hee noticed. The way In-ho held your hand. The way he had spoken so casualy, so sure as if it was obvious. The way you didn't pull away.

Gi-hun's expression tightened, his brows furrowing just slightly, as if he was trying to understand what he had just seen. You could feel the weight of their silent questions. But In-ho didn't look at them, as if he didn't care. He didn't acknowledge their glances. He just kept his grip on your hand, his thumb resting lightly against your skin.

Gi-hun seemed to shake away his thoughts, focusing on the game ahead instead. "If the number is bigger than six, we'll get the additional people we need."

"Yeah, we have Geum-ja, Hyun-ju, Yong-sik, and Young-mi. These rooms look like it could only fit up to ten people," you replied, earning a nod from Gi-hun.

"No matter what happens, don't panic. Let's stay calm," In-ho said, his hand still not pulling away from yours. "We'll all make it out together here."

One by one, your hands with the others pressed against each other, stacking in a firm, unspoken pact. The weight of each palm settled atop the next, fingers brushing, gripping, grounding. The warmth of skin against skin was a quiet promise - whatever happened next, you were all in this together.

"Victory at all costs!"

"Let the game begin."

The first bell-like chime rang out. The platform moved with the players on it. The gasps echoed from the room as you heard the song, "Round and Round" play on the background.

Dunggeulge dunggeulge Dunggeulge dunggeulge Binggeulbinggeul doragamyeo chumeul chupsida

Beside you, In-ho stood perfectly still, his gaze fixed ahead, his posture unreadable. You glanced down to find his hand was still holding yours, fingers curled loosely but solidly around yours. You hadn't let go, neither of you had.

Sonppyeogeul chimyeonseo Noraereul bureumyeo La-la-la-la, jeulgeoupge chumchuja

You tightened your grip to In-ho as you could feel your insides shaking, terrified of what was next. You could already anticipate the chaos it would entail once the music stops, trying to force your way into those doors.

Ring-a-ring-a, ring-a, ring-a-ring-a, ring Ring-a-ring-a, ring-a, ring-a-ring-a, ring Sone soneul japgo modu da hamkke Jeulgeoupge ttwieo bopsida

Your stomach tightened upon hearing the music stop. Then, the numbers flashed across the screen. The platform clunked, almost sending you to the ground but failed, thanks to In-ho's grip on you.

"Ten."

You barely had time to think as you watched the players around you scramble, hands reaching out to others as they searched for a sense of safety in numbers. Your heart raced. You knew you had to act fast. In this game, alliances would form and be broken in a split second. There was no in between.

In-ho was beside you, his grip on your hand stayed. The pressure was mounting with each passing second. You could see the other players eyeing each other, trying to gauge who would be an asset and who might be a liability.

Without hesitation, you grabbed Jun-hee, Gi-hun, Jung-bae, and Dae-ho as you grouped yourselves together with In-ho. Gi-hun approached Hyun-ju, seeing they were four which was perfect for a group of ten.

"There's no time, Gi-hun," In-ho said as he gripped your hand tighter and ran to a door, the group following you. The green door opened and revealed the green walls around you, panting as you entered.

The timer beeped as the latch clicked, indicating the door has been locked. You peeked through the hole and saw that there were still players outside, sparing for their lives as the guards aimed their guns at them, gunshots echoing through the room.

You froze, seeing the bodies drop to the ground. You felt someone grab you from the side, burying your head over their chest. You sensed it was In-ho as his breath was shallow against your ear as he whispered something you couldn't quite make out, something low and protective.

There was only the sound of bodies hitting the floor, and the quiet safety of being pressed into him, as if you were tucked away from the madness. And in the midst of the chaos, his chest was the only thing you could hold onto, the only thing that could remind you that there was still something human, something warm, in a world that was falling apart.

"The following players have been eliminated: Players 013, 043, 049, 054, 060..."

As the doors unlocked, only the blood remained around the floor. The bodies were no longer there, enough for you to think whether seeing the lives taken away were just a dream. In the span of moments, the tension in the air shifted from uncertainty to something else entirely - a realization that the number didn't just matter for the game; they mattered for your survival.

----

At this point, you weren't sure anymore how you were able to survive the next rounds. It's as if you were just breathing and passing the time, only this time, your life was at stake. At first, it had been difficult to watch. The gunshots, the screams - it had shaken something deep inside you. But now, it was just another sound in the background of this twisted game. A signal that the rules had already been set - only the storng survive.

You had long stopped reacting, long stopped feeling the sting of it. It was as if you had slipped into a place where you could no longer be touched, where nothing mattered but survival.

"There are 126 people left and there are 50 rooms. So there won't be enough rooms for everyone, only for 100 people," you told your group as you scanned the room. "The rest will be killed."

Gi-hun seemed to look at you in horror, as if shocked to hear about your casualty on talking about killing. You kept your gaze in front of you much to his horror. But In-ho, he was more amused.

The platform rumbled, indicating that it was time to pair up.

"Two."

In-ho instinctively grabbed your hand as both of you ran to find empty rooms. The others around were still floundering, unsure of their next move. Your senses were full now, numbed by the constant violence, as if something deep inside you had already switched off. You had seen too much, felt too much, and the pain and fear had begun to fade away, replaced by something darker, colder.

This wasn't about survival anymore. This was about the true unraveling of human nature, something you were finally starting to understand.

As the players slowly paired up, you saw another playing trying to make his way toward a room, a look of uncertainty in his eyes. He was too close to that room that should've belonged to you and In-ho.

In-ho didn't hesitate. Without a warning, he stepped forward and grabbed the man by the collar, dragging him out of the room as he tried to make his way inside.

"What the hell? Let go of me!" Player 285 screamed as In-ho held him back.

"Get in!" In-ho ordered you and rushed inside, only to see another player already inside.

In-ho followed after he threw Player 285 out of the way, seeing Player 343 there.

"Get out," In-ho commanded, his voice deep and low.

"We were here first," Player 343 retorted.

You stepped forward as your hands came into a fist. Player 343's eyes widened in confusion. You didn't give him the chance to fight.

Player 343 was looking at you, their gaze cautious. It wasn't a look of fear - not yet. But it would be soon. He shifted in front of you nervously, eyes daring between you and In-ho, but he didn't know.

He didn't know what you were becoming.

In-ho was just there, just a few steps behind you. It wasn't like he was holding you back, but there was an unspoken understanding between you. He sensed it, didn't he? The change. The shift that was slowly creeping over you, turning your survival instincts into something much darker.

You were no longer just fighting to survive - you were becoming the predator. And Player 343? He was nothing but a prey now.

You didn't hesitate. His neck snapped easily under your fingers, the crack of bones loud in the stillness, his body crumpling at your feet. His body dropped to the ground, lifeless, in a heap of twisted limbs. The silence between you and In-ho felt deafening.

As you turned to look at In-ho, you felt his eyes on you - steady and unblinkingg. He wasn't surprised. He wasn't even acknowledging you. But you could feel the quiet recognition he had of what you were becoming.

"I never taught you how to kill someone for a game," In-ho said, his voice low, his gaze briefly flickering to the body at your feet before he stepped closer.

You blinked, the words settling into the space between you, but you didn't answer. Instead, you felt his fingers gently press against your skin, just above your pulse. His touch was strangely familiar, like it had always been there, like you hadn't notiveed how much you craved it until now.

In-ho cupped your face, his thumb tracing your jawline as if committing the feeling of you to memory. And in that moment, everything else - the game, the players, the chaos - faded away. There was only the quiet intensity between you.

He leaned in, his lips just a whisper away from yours, and for the first time in what felt like forever, you felt something real.

"Do you still have my ring?" He asked, his breath warm against your lips.

His words stung as you stood there with him, realizing that he had remembered it all along. You knew that you were no longer afraid of who you had become.

Without thinking, you closed the space between you, your lips crashing into his with a force that sent shockwaves through your body. It was intense, desperate - a kiss that was as much about claiming as it was about understanding.

His body was pushed against the wall as his hands were on your back now, pulling you closer, his touch burning through the fabric of your clothes as if he was marking you as his own. His lips were demanding, like he couldn't get enough, as if he had been waiting for this moment just as much as you had.

The kiss deepened, a quiet growl of frustration escaping him as you matched his urgency, your hands threading through his hair, pulling him closer still.

In-ho pulled back just enough to breathe, his forehead resting against yours. He was panting, just like you, as if the kiss had taken all the air from both of you. "You're learning fast from all the game."

The moment between you lingered, a ting of happiness on your chest yet the realization of who you had become felt heavy. The realization of the game not just killing the players, but how it could change them. And for the first time, you understood. The brutality, the death, the constant tension - they weren't just part of the game. They were a mirror, reflecting the truth about human nature.

When pushed far enough, we all become what we fear the most.

You had become the villain as the game progressed. It wasn't about power, it was because you had finally accepted the truth. In a world like this, the ones who survive aren't the ones who cling to their humanity - they're the ones who shed it and embrace the darkness inside.

You were already too far gone to turn back.

"Let's finish this together," you whispered, your words a promise, and you knew deep down, that you were both already lost in the game. "No more lies?"

In-ho nodded, cupping your face with his hand, and gave you the softest smile you haven't seen for years. "No more lies."

----

A/N: And so, we're back! The past few days have been hectic. I added a little update of my dad's condition to this chapter as a way of updating you guys on what happened. But yeah, I hope y'all enjoy the rest of the chapter as we progress Y/N and In-ho's relationship in the fic. Feel free to leave out your thoughts here, and I'll gladly interact with each and everyone of you. 🫶

Don't forget to leave a comment in this post to be tagged on the next chapter! ✨

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>> MASTERLIST

TAGS: @machipyun @love-leez @enzosluvr @amber-content @kandierteveilchen @butterfly-lover@1nterstellarcha0s @squidgame-lover001 @risingwithtriples @fries11 @follows-the-life-ahead @goingmerry69 (p.s. if i forget to tag you, please let me know)

[yooniebub]

CSC pt. 2

taste me - @thedensworld

Can't friends taste each other? Seungcheol didn't know the answer. But he was certain that it'll be fair only if he could also taste you.

nom nom - @svtiddiess

After what seems like years of asking, your boyfriend has finally allowed you to bite his tiddies.

hit the books, hit the sheets - @hoshifighting

Where after weeks with your face buried inside of books on the brink of exhaustion, however, when the day of the exam arrives, your hard work pays off as you receive notice of an outstanding grade—an A+. Overwhelmed with pride and joy, Seungcheol decides to reward you for your dedication.

Seungcheol + mutual masturbation - @/hoshifighting

villain! cheol - @/hoshifighting

After facing constant rejection from your own boyfriend, you discover he’s a superhero flying around the city. Seungcheol, the so-called 'villain,' stepped in when you were left as bait, exposed to your boyfriend's enemies. It turns out, he's the one who truly took care of you.

gym rat roommate! cheol - @/hoshifighting

whenever we breathe ft. jww - @sluttywoozi

Weed always makes you a bit looselipped, especially around your two best friends, Wonwoo and Seungcheol.

(boy) friend material, pt. 2 - @/sluttywoozi

You'd think that, having matched with Seungcheol on a dating app, you would be, well, dating. You suppose you're lucky, but not that lucky.

black butterflies and deja vu -@ssentimentals

kiss a falling tear - @ssentimentals

kiss out of lust - @/ssentimentals

[20:08] - @hwanghyunjinenthusiast

cheeks are read like cherries in the spring - @scarletwinterxx

opposites - @gyubakeries

achilles' heel - @pochaccoups

after a knee surgery, your boyfriend feels off about his body. you’re determined to show him just how much you love it.

untitled - @woozivrse

[16:14] - @hannyoontify

untitled - @nonranghaes

untitled - @/nonranghaes

ex-conomics - @100vern

you supported seungcheol through years of being an aspiring athlete, and all you got to show for it was your undergraduate degree and an awkward, stuttered apology when he dumped you to go semi-pro. now he’s back after an injury derailed his career, and there’s only one problem: you’re the only one available to tutor him. you - 0; the universe - 1. talk about no return on investment.

rainy day with Seungcheol - @papajohnnyspizza

You and Seungcheol decide to spend a lazy morning together.

soft pillows, warm hugs - @babyleostuff

sleepy choi seungcheol means many things - dramatic, adorable, and very kissable

Seungcheol just needs a break from studying! - @cherrybr4t

remind me - @milfgyuu

You’ve had a little too much to drink at your sister’s wedding and can’t understand how or why Choi Seungcheol of all people is assigned to babysit you.

untitled - @etherealyoungk

coups fucking you against a wall - @love-strike

seen - @casuallyimagining

"you know that makes no sense, right?"

untitled - @wqnwoos

you are in love - @simpxxstan

[2:24am] - @soonyoungs

amnesia - @sailorrhansol / @sailorsoons

Choi Seungcheol has never been the type to commit to relationships - casual is more his thing. You’re fine with that - except you and Seungcheol seem to be terrible at casual when it comes to one another. 

untitled - @seungcheorry

pov - @bookyeom

pov by ariana grande

i wanna love me the way that you love me for all of my pretty, and all of my ugly too i'd love to see me from your point of view cause nobody ever loved me like you do

when in Rome - @highvern

After months of no contact, Seungcheol isn't sure what to expect when he sees you again at Jeonghan's wedding. He's prepared to apologize, to grovel, to bear the weight of a cold shoulder. Whatever it takes to have you back, his best friend since diapers; or whatever will ensure the last third of your trio has the best day of his life. But when he overhears the most recent development in your relationship, he must come to terms with something he was never prepared for, or risk losing you for good.

[hawkeyetrained]

You're Still Here

Dean Winchester x fem!reader (established relationship)

Other Characters: Sam Winchester, Castiel, Jack Kline

Warnings: mention of blood, head wound

Summary: Dean gets knocked out while Michael is trapped in his head. When he wakes, he's worried only about her.

Word Count: 1370

Dean had been through a lot recently. We had gotten back from saving Mary and Jack in the Apocalypse World only to face another threat, Lucifer trying to kill his son. Dean had decided to speak with Michael, the archangel from the other world, the two sticking up a deal to help defeat Lucifer and save Jack. Dean would say yes, let Michael in, and Michael would help take down the devil of our world.

The tabled flipped when Michael then decided to keep Dean, locking the hunter in his own mind and taking off. Sam and I had struggled a lot during that time, having all the hunters from the other world now with us and needing help adjusting was almost too much for us to handle. Sam took over the role of leader, the other hunters calling him "chief" when he commanded the room. I had fallen into utter heartbreak. Not knowing where Dean was, and if he was safe, took a lot out of me. Cas and Sam did their best to keep me on track and working with the other hunters, but I wasn't going to be the same until Dean got back.

Then he did, one day, Sam and Cas walked back into the bunker with Dean trailing after them in a crumpled white dress shirt and hair slicked down to his head. I had practically jumped at Dean, holding him tightly as we both cried at being back in each other’s arms once again.

Dean took the time to explain that he wasn't exactly safe from Michael yet. They had managed to trap Michael in Dean's mind, much how Dean felt over the last weeks with the archangel. We all knew the block wouldn't hold up forever, but it was working now. Dean could feel Michael every so often, poking around where he was stuck. This caused Dean to distance himself a bit from me, claiming that he didn't want Michael to get control one day and do something, that he couldn't bear to watch his hands do harm to me, even if it wasn't him in control. I did my best to understand his worries, but it didn't keep me away from Dean one bit.

We were slowly getting back to normal. Sam, Dean, Cas, and Jack all headed out for a hunt, leaving me back at the bunker for any research or backup they may need. I had kept busy, keeping an eye on the other people in our home, cooking, and providing any information I could to Dean over the phone that would help their case wrap up faster.

I was stood in the kitchen, cleaning the last dishes from the lunch rush in the bunker when the main door slammed open, and a few sets of rushed footsteps crashed down the stairs. "Sam? Dean?" I called as I dried off my hands, tossing the towel onto the counter as I wandered out of the kitchen to see what the ruckus was for. "Guys?" I followed the echoing noise down the hall towards the infirmary. My heart raced faster and faster the closer I got to the medical room.

When I turned the corner, my eyes widened in shock, hands shaking at my sides. Dean was laid out on one of the beds, head bleeding and covered in dirt. "Get me some bandages." Sam demanded, Jack rushing to a cabinet and grabbing a few rolls of white gauze.

Cas stood watching the two work, his blue eyes filled with worry, but flashing to me when I stopped beside him. "What happened?" The words were more of a whisper coming out, barely making it to the angels ears.

"We're not sure what's going on." Cas admitted, his hand resting on my arm to keep me from moving farther into the room.

"What happened on the hunt? Why isn't he awake? Why..." The world died on my tongue as I watched bright red cotton get tossed onto the floor around the bed. Cas only tightened his hold on my arm and pulled softly, trying to move me out into the hall. "Tell me!" I shouted, yanking my arm from his hold as we walked down the hall.

"The man we were hunting." Cas started, heading for the library to sit down and explain. "He knew we were coming, he could sense Jack and I, so they went in first and we planned to stay back." He sat down in one of the chairs at the first table. "Please sit." My shaking hands pulled the chair across from him out and I took a seat. "Dean got tossed into a wall, probably hit his head, but we aren't sure why he isn't waking up."

I nodded along as Cas recounted the hunt. "Ok." My hands came up and angerly brushed a few stray tears off my face from worry. "What do you think is going on? Is the block in his head still working?" Cas hesitated, brushing over his face in thought. "Oh my god." It seemed like all the heat was pulled from the room in realization. "You think Michael broke out? That he's fighting Dean in his mind?"

"I don't know what to think right now." His hand gently picked up my still shaking one, holding on gently. "But whatever it is, we will be here to help him. I will not let him disappear again." My wide eyes watched him, seeing the sincerity behind his blues.

Just as I was going to respond, a different crash came from the hall we had been down a moment ago. Metal clanked and skidded across the floor in the infirmary. Cas and I shared a look with each other, both asking silent questions, before we were both on our feet and sprinting down the hall.

"Dean!" Sam's voice echoed. "It's me! You're in the bunker!" I could hear the panic in his voice as he called to his older brother.

Another crash. "I know where I am!" Dean shouted, his deep voice nearly a growl. "That's not-" He hesitated, "He's gone." My feet stumbled as I heard his whisper, finally getting to the landing of the infirmary. Dean had his hands up to his head, fingers clutching at the short strands of hair. "Where's..." His eyes flickered across the room by Sam, the back of the room with all the extra chairs and medical supplies. "Where is she Sammy?"

His voice cracked and it shattered my heart hearing him so scared. He knew the archangel was free, out of the prison in his mind and his main concern was me.

"Dean." He turned to face me in a flash, watching as I came down the few steps and paused a few feet from him. "Honey, I'm right here." I tried my best to keep my voice calm and even though it was hard when I saw his bright green eyes filled with tears, looking so scared.

"You're still here." His words were hushed in disbelief.

"Of course, I am. I'm not ever going anywhere." With this, he closed the distance, wrapping his arms around me and pressing his face into my neck, near silent sobs escaping him. "I got you, it's ok." I hushed, doing my best to soothe the shaking hunter. "You're safe with me." My fingers brushed through the hair he had been pulling at a moment ago, doing my best to avoid the cuts on the side of his head. "You're safe." The words were whispered now as everyone left the room, allowing Dean to calm down without so many people looking at him.

"He got out, and I-I thought..." He trailed off again, arms tightening around me.

"I'm ok." I assured him, gently pulling back to look at him.

He nodded, eyes still cast down. "I don't want you to leave."

I brought my hands up to his cheeks, using my thumbs to wipe the tears from his cheeks before I leaned in to kiss him. "I'm not ever going anywhere, ok? I don't care what happens, I'm never leaving you." Another nod from Dean before he dropped his head back to my shoulder, arms squeezing me to him. "Never."

@thetallassgirl @hallecarey1

[yall-batman-fanfic]

Teen Titans! | Teen Titans x Batmom

Synopsis: Meeting the Teen Titans, or the Titans, isn’t like meeting the Justice League, it’s more grounded; and each time she meets each team of the Titans with each different Robin, Vivian felt like she was a mom meeting her sons’ friends.

Note: Damian’s storyline follows the events of Justice League vs. Teen Titans.

Donna Troy, Roy Harper,  Karen Beecher, and Wally West. Those were the names of the group of heroes that Dick mentioned he’s teamed up with and have been working with for a couple of missions now. She’s met them all, especially Wally who was Dick’s best friend—he’s even stayed at Wayne Manor a couple of times and ran into her doing some summoning ritual in the basement. 

He thought she was summoning Satan or something and promised he wouldn't tell anyone. Dick cleared everything out and said, “Viv’s just summoning a demon for the JLA for questioning.”

“A totally normal thing to do in the basement,” Wally told Dick. 

Then there was the time he ran into Vivian about to electrocute herself with water so she can enter Hell and find something for the Justice League again. Batman was there looking after her with Zatanna. 

“Nothing is normal in this house, isn’t it?” Wally told Dick.

“Define normal, Wally,” Dick retorted. 

To say that Vivian’s well acquainted with the Titans was an understatement. She’s met them so many times that they stopped with the stiff formalities of “Professor Pryor or Ms. Pryor” and started calling her by her name or, as Wally started doing, “Aunt V”. It was cute so she let him. 

So when Dick mentioned a new member of the Titans, she thought it would be like any other day meeting the Titans. Vivian wanted to meet everyone of his friends, especially now that Dick was growing up and was taking his Robin duties all the way to Titans Tower in San Francisco, which had him away from home for long periods of time. But she made sure he was back for school too. She won’t have him missing school. 

But when she went to San Francisco for work—she was asked to consult about an artifact found by some researchers of their local universities—she decided to inform Dick and invite the Titans for a private lunch at the hotel she was staying at. Knowing they might stand out in a public place with the new member being an alien and all, Vivian ordered a private area in the hotel restaurant to meet them all. 

Vivian was waiting inside, reading through the journals of the researchers she was consulting for on her laptop, when one of the attendants informed her of guests’ arrival. She smiled upon seeing Dick and his friends. She immediately got up to greet him with a hug but then Wally beat him to it.

“Hi Aunt V!” Wally hugged her tight.

Chuckling, Vivian patted his head, “Hi Wally, how are things?”

“Alright, nothing I can’t handle. Is that pizza?” Wally zoomed to the table. Luckily they were alone at this point. 

“Yeah, I got everyone’s favorite, but we can order more for your new friend,” Vivian turned to the only face she’s never seen and met before. “Thanks, Mrs. P!” Karen said as she went to the table. 

After she was greeted by everyone else, Vivian finally got to see Dick and held out her arms to her for a hug but then her boy just greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and said with a deeper voice than she would hear him talk with, “Hi Viv, good to see you.”

Puberty? She doubted it would kick in just overnight, she spoke with Dick last night to tell him about the lunch.

“Hi, kiddo,” Vivian brushed it off. But weird. “So, I guess this is the new friend you made?”

“Teammate,” Dick corrected her.

“Right, teammate.”

“Vivian, this is Koriand'r—or Starfire—Princess of the Planet Tamaran. Kori, this is Professor Vivian Pryor, she’s a Professor in Gotham University, and my…”

Seeing his hesitation, Vivian filled it in, “Dick’s our ward. Bruce took him in when he was a kid and later I was added to the paperwork. It’s nice to meet you Koriand’r.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Professor. Dick mentioned you liked flowers. He helped me pick this out in the store for you.” She held out the small potted plant. “I hope you like it.”

Accepting the gift, Vivian smiled and thanked Koriand’r. “I’ll add this to the garden when I get home. This is really thoughtful of you, Koriand’r.”

“Kori is fine, Professor.”

“Then you can call me Vivian—no need to be all formal now, this is just a social gathering. It’s been a while since I saw this kiddo,” Vivian hugged Dick.

“Viv, come on,” Dick embarrassingly whispered.

“Uhuh,” she raised a brow at him. She sees it now. That little fucker was trying to act cool before this beautiful young woman. Seeing the glint in her eyes, Dick knew he made a mistake and prayed she not do what was going on in her head now. “Why don’t we join the others before Wally eats up everything. Is there anything you’d like to add to the food, Kori?”

“No, this all looks lovely!” Kori told her and joined everyone in eating. 

As Vivian sat down with Dick to her side, she noticed how he was close with Koriand’r and how accommodating he was in teaching some things that she wasn’t familiar with. It looks like she knows more about pizza and other junk food, she is living with a bunch of teenagers after all.

They talked mostly about their time at the Tower and the missions they were taking. Vivian was glad to see everyone was settled in and the fact Dick was learning to lead the Titans in these missions, it just shows that he was growing under Batman’s guidance and was making it on his own. When it came to more social talks, Vivian saw how Dick would talk as if he was trying to impress Koriand’r with his an octave lower voice, his works as Robin in Gotham. It was very un-Dick of him. 

“So, how are things at work? When are you going back to Gotham?” Dick asked Vivian.

“I only just saw you today and you’re already asking me when I’m leaving?” Vivian jokes.

“Come on, I’ve lived with you for years now. You and Bruce don’t really like being far from each other for a long time.”

“Hey, there are times when we do, especially when he’s off world,” she took a sip of her scotch.

“When circumstances allow it,” Dick corrected himself.

“Well, considering your summer break is over soon, I was thinking we could head back together.”

Dick choked on his food. “Seriously?”

“Yeah.”

“Viv, I can travel on my own.”

“I know you can, but you know, less fuel consumption, less plane emissions. We gotta do our part, you know,” Vivian shrugged. “You do plan on heading home before school starts, right?”

Everyone, but for Kori, snickered as Dick was getting the hot seat. 

“I was hoping to fly back to school when it starts,” Dick sheepishly said. When she gave him a look, he quickly added, “You do it, and so does Bruce.”

“Kiddo, we’re paid to do it. Our work has us go to places and land hours before our next meeting at the next state. It’s the job.”

“This is a job too.” She held out her hand. “It’s unethical!”

“Exactly. While I know this is important shit, like I said years ago when you got in trouble for skipping classes and not doing your homework, you need a steady income to pay the bills. And to pay a freaking building’s maintenance, utilities, and shit.”

“How come I’m the only one you’re telling this about?” Dick muttered.

“Wally, when are going home?”

“A day before classes start,” Wally answered.

“Roy?”

“Same.” Roy shrugged.

“Karen?”

“I might head back a couple of days early for it.”

Vivian turned to Dick, showing her point. 

“But Kori’s—”

“I’ll be fine,” Kori told Dick. “Karen offered to let me stay with her so it’s closer to the tower.”

Dick turned to Karen who shrugged and happily ate her food. Sighing, he turned to Vivian and muttered, “Fine. I’ll leave with you to Gotham.”

“I’m touched with your enthusiasm to come home,” Vivian sarcastically said and proceeded with her meal. 

“When’s the flight?”

“I’ll meet you halfway for the date. Give more time to spend with the Titans. I’ll extend my stay at the hotel–I’ll just pay for the extra nights.”

Dick smiled. “Thanks, Viv.”

“No problem, wouldn’t want to ruin whatever you have planned with Kori, right?”

“Viv!”

“Tell me, Koriand’r what has Dick shown you since you came here?”

Roy laughed and whispered to Wally, “Checkmate.”

~ * ~

Right as their lunch ended, Vivian walked the Titans down the hotel where she treated them to some ice cream from a stand and said her goodbye to them. Just before Dick could leave with his friends, he stuck around with Vivian.

“So, Koriand’r,” Vivian mused. “She’s interesting. Not just because she’s an alien, Dick, but as a person.”

Dick turned to her with a defeated look, “I took it too far, didn’t I?”

“A piece of advice, don’t try to be like Bruce. Bruce has his way of charming women that’s more natural.”

“Really? Is that how he got you?” He grinned.

“No. It was the man behind those masks. He didn’t try too hard, he was a perfect gentleman. He’s a person with darkness inside him, Dick. That’s the thing with Bruce.”

“Yet you still…”

“You have to look closer and see beyond that darkness. Behind those masks, the trauma, there is a man with a good heart, who will always offer his help even when he needs it more. It’s the goodness of his heart that got me. The other things are just a bonus,” she winked.

“What about me? What do I have?” Dick sighed.

“You, Boy Wonder, have so much to offer… you’re a good kid, Dick. And you’re charming without even trying. As corny as it sounds, just be yourself. You’ll be surprised that smart-mouth Dick Grayson can also get some action.”

“Viv.”

“You do use protection, right? I just—I don’t want to hear that call from you about screwing it up because you —”

“Viv, I get it,” he blushed in embarrassment. “So, you sure you’re going to stay longer here and wait for me before heading back to Gotham?”

“I am.”

“What about Bruce?”

“He’ll be here tomorrow.”

“Wow, he’s taking a break.”

“That he is. Let GCPD do their job. See you in a couple of days?”

“Sure thing, Vivian. And thanks for the lunch, everyone enjoyed it.”

“My pleasure, kiddo.”

~ * ~

Meeting the Titans with Damian was far different from the time she met the team where Dick was leading it. It wasn’t a lunch date with them. It involved her expertise, and during that time, she and Damian were far from being close.

Raven, daughter of Azarath, the Daughter of Trigon. When she first heard of Raven, Vivian had no idea who the girl was, nor did the Titans, so it was surprising when Dick mentioned the girl’s had magic and hails from another dimension called Azarath and got a consultation on what her powers were and how they can help her. Vivian has read about Azarath and she knows about Trigon’s existence too. Raven was the daughter of a literal demon, and a powerful one too. 

“I’d like to meet her some day,” Vivian said to Dick.

“Sure but when are you free?” Dick gestured to her open journal and saw the booked dates. “I guess not soon enough?”

“Right, I’ll try to rearrange some things…”

“Viv, it’s okay. I just want to get a good picture on where she’s at in terms of power and how Starfire can help her. It was Star who asked me to check in with our magical consultant.”

“I can’t really give a reading until I meet her, Dick. Hopefully I can find the time soon too.”

But time wasn’t on their side because the time she was about to head to San Francisco and see Raven, the Justice League asked her help off-world. She was working with John Constantine on the mission and was gone for quite some time. 

Then an opportunity arises when Bruce has Damian go to Titans Tower to learn a bit more about teamwork. 

“Don’t you think it’s a bit too far?” Vivian asked Bruce as she watched Damian throw his things to Dick’’s car and get in the vehicle without even saying goodbye. He was obviously upset–pissed–with his father sending him away to “hero camp” and won’t even speak to any of them. Vivian tried to wave at him goodbye but he only glared at her.

“He needs to learn how to operate in a team, and I think the Titans can give him that. He gets to work with heroes his age,” said Bruce.

“He’s just a kid, Bruce.”

“He’s not. He’s raised to be an assassin. He never got the childhood that either of us had.”

Vivian sighed. “He’s your son, it’s your call.”

“Viv, that’s not…”

Vivian walked towards the car and knocked on Robin’s window. He looked at her for a moment and when he wouldn't pull it down, she used magic to open the damn thing and keep it open so he wouldn't close it on her hand. 

“Your father won’t do this unless he knows it’s good for you,” Vivian told him.

“He just wants me out of his way,” Damian replied.

“Well, I think this is a great opportunity for you to meet more kids your age and hang out with them. You’ll learn more from them.”

“We both know that’s not the case. One of the few things we actually agree on, Professor.”

Vivian sighed. “Listen, I’ll call you to see how you are once you get there.”

“I don’t need to be coddled.”

“I’ll still call anyway, you know why? Because I care.”

“You’re not my mother, Professor, let’s make that clear.”

“You’re right, I’m not. But I’m here, Damian, and even if I’m not, I still care. For each one of you. So, if you need anything, just call me, okay?”

“I don’t need your help.”

“Yeah, love you too, kid,” she let go of the window and got out before he shut it over her hand. 

“He gave you a heartfelt goodbye?” Dick teased her.

“He was actually sweet about it, and gave his love and kisses. Look after him there?” Vivian hugged him goodbye.

“I do not understand where you find patience with this kid.”

“He’s a kid, Dick. We all have our thing. Yours, while understandable with what happened, was anger management.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I’ll call you once we’re settled in and give updates on Damian. I’ll also have him back before school starts.”

“Paperwork isn’t even done yet, keep him for as long as you want,” she laughed.

“Can’t say we won’t chuck him to the bay by the time we bring him back. See you around, Vivian.”

“Bye, kiddo, say hello to the team for me!”

“I will!” Dick said goodbye to Bruce and Alfred, then hopped in the car then drove away. 

Rejoining Bruce, Vivian sighed and said, “It’s like sending your kid to summer camp.”

“Is it a good feeling or not?”

“Damian and I might not be as close as the others but I’ll miss the little brat.”

~ * ~

Vivian shot out of bed, gasping, as she felt the dark power enter the world. 

“What is it?” Bruce got up and held her shaking body. She was sweating coldly. “What do you need?”

“I… uh… something’s wrong—someone opened the gates of hell and something got out, something powerful,” Vivian shook her head to try and figure out what and how to find it. “I need to see for myself.” She got out of bed and was heading to the bathroom.

“Vivian, no!” Bruce grabbed her wrist. “I will not let you go there—we can contact Constantine!”

“Constantine is most probably drunk in some pub after losing a game of poker to some demons (he was, specifically in Las Vegas), we can’t afford to wait for him and sober up.”

“Damnit, Vivian!” Bruce could only watch as she entered the water-filled tub and sat down, still wearing her pajamas. He knelt down beside her and held her hand as she prepared herself. “Don’t even think about going down there.”

“Water is a shortcut-gate to travel across realms. Don’t worry, I’m not going to drown myself, I just need to do a ritual.”

“Which is?”

“Going underwater and see how long I can hold my breath.”

“Don’t–”

Vivian dove in, releasing all her air inside, and then cast the ritual’s spell. One moment, she was seeing a distorted image of Bruce above water. After blinking, she found herself standing in a throne room with a pyre at the very middle, the walls made of bones and obsidian. She knew this place, she’s been here several times. Damnit, why did she not bring her coat when she went underwater? Hell is freezing!

“Vivian Pryor,” a demon appeared from the shadows. She was beautiful, seductive, with a warrior’s body, then she turned to fully face Vivian showing the other side of her face. Rotting flesh and bone. A state of decay, which was what Hell was. “It has been a while.”

“Mazikeen, I wish to speak with your Lord,” Vivian said.

“Vivian Pryor,” a sultry voice echoed in the halls. Climbing the steps, a handsome man with golden blonde hair wearing white tux, and beautiful feathered wings appeared before them. He was smirking as he greeted her. “While I find your character amusing, I do not appreciate it when you World Walkers think you can simply walk into anyone’s domain without observing proper decorum.”

“Don’t talk to me about decorum when one of your own has entered the Mortal World,” Vivian glared at him. 

“Strong accusations.”

“I felt its power, and I know they took someone’s body. So do not lecture me about processes on knocking on your door when your freaking parasites go about as they please to get to ours, okay, Luci?”

“Watch your tone, Pryor,” Mazikeen warned her.

Vivian ignored her. “Who is it? What are the movements? I could smell sulfur in the air and it woke me from a really good night’s sleep.”

Lucifer sighed and sat on the edge of the pyre, lazily looking at her, “None of mine… entirely. As you should know, Hell isn’t exactly singular. It has many dimensions, just as your world has its own, so I cannot command all of them, my jurisdiction of Hell has its limits. But I can give you a hint, because we are good friends.”

She noted the sarcasm in his voice.

“The 8th Ring has made movements. I have no hold on it, but all I can say it is a home of a being that is far stronger than the All Mighty,” Lucifer shrugged. Mazikeen smirked, knowing who it was.

“You’re not telling me who, aren’t you?” Vivian asked the demon and the Devil.

“Now, where is the fun in that?” Lucifer got up from his seat and towered over her. From the pocket of his suit he handed her an old piece of parchment. “You have your clues, now do the work, Vivian Pryor.”

“My Lord,” Vivian bowed slightly and walked away. 

“And Vivian… my dear son has been asking for you… he misses you, oh, so dearly.”

Mammon.

Without looking back, Vivian reversed the ritual and was back in the land of the living, leaving Hell. 

“Sir, we have a heartbeat!” she heard Alfred’s voice. “She’s waking up!”

The first person she saw, as soon as she opened her eyes, was the old Butler looking at her with relief. “Welcome back, Ma’am.”

“Alfred,” Vivian coughed, her body showing steam from the cold temperature that was adapting to this tad bit warmer climate. “Where’s Bruce?”

“I’m here!” Bruce came to her side and carried Vivian from the tub and settled her on the toilet. “Vivian, what is it?”

“He gave me a hint,” Vivian opened her palm and showed it to him. 

“Is that?” Alfred gasped.

“Straight from Hell,” Vivian opened the parchment and saw the drawing of a gigantic demon with four eyes, and a body that can crush worlds and gods in one swoop. Lucifer wasn’t joking, this being could be more powerful than the All Mighty. “He’s not from our Hell. He’s from an 8th Planet of Hell, so I doubt our old tricks can work with him.”

Bruce’s phone sounded, it was from the League. “It’s an emergency. Superman’s been compromised.”

“I’ll go with you. You don’t know what you’re facing, Bruce. You need an extra shield with you.”

Arriving at the scene, Batman and Vivian saw Superman rampaging on the street, defeating Atomic Skull that was already down and near to death. Just as the Kryptonian was to attack Wonder Woman, Bruce got out with a kryptonite to weaken the Man of Steel.

“It is coming, and you cannot stop it,” Superman spoke in a voice that was not his. From the Batmobile, Vivian jumped out as she saw the Kryptonian’s face change to the face of the demon that was on the parchment Lucifer gave her. She cast a spell to protect Bruce from that creature.

“Batman, it’s got him!” Vivian told them, “Step back from him—Wonder Woman, get in the circle!”

“Superman, something’s controlling you. Something from Hell,” said Batman, trying to get the man out of this demon’s hold.

“You have your part to play, both of you.The girl will be taken,” said the demon in Superman’s body.

“Girl?” Batman wondered.

Superman shot into the sky, flying to wherever he is to go, just as Diana was to follow, Batman stopped her.

“We cannot let him–” Diana began.

“I’ve alerted Trevor, in any luck, military satellites would track him for now.”

“And what would we do? We just wait for him to pull the moon from the sky?”

Bruce stop in mid-step and glanced at Vivian’s direction, who too considered the possibility. “He hasn’t said anything about doing something like that, has he?”

“No, but…”

“We’re both targets. We can all be targets. Go back to that island of yours and lock yourself in the deepest and darkest tomb you can find,” Batman got in the Batmobile with Vivian. “I’ll call you.”

“You can’t expect me to wait and do nothing.”

“Worth a shot.” As the doors of the Batmobile closed, Bruce drove away, heading back to base. “Vivian, I wouldn’t ask.”

“But you are, and we both know I would still do it.”

“I need you to do your research on this thing and find out what he meant by a girl. As of now, you’re our supernatural expert in this.”

“And you? What will you do?”

“I’ll try to track Superman’s location… I’ll drop you off in the manor.”

“No, you’re bringing me with you.”

“Viv.”

“Bruce, we don’t know what that is, and right now we are using some doodle that Lucifer made on a piece of parchment to figure out what that is; and that thing is after yours and the JLA’s asses, the best we can do is stick together so I can use whatever spell I can find to drag that thing’s ass back to the 8th dimension of Hell.”

“You stubborn, woman,” Bruce muttered.

“Yeah, well, you know what you were marrying into. Should have spoken up when Alfred asked if there’s any objections.”

Bruce smiled and took her hand. 

~ * ~

“I found him! His name is Trigon, and Lucifer wasn’t kidding about his power,” Vivian showed Bruce and Cyborg the books. She has been going through the books she conjured in the JLA Sanctum, right beside Cyborg and Batman who were trying to track superman. “He’s a Conqueror of worlds, he takes what he wants and destroys what he wants. He needs a powerful host that can help him get to the human world.”

“The girl he mentioned,” said Bruce. “He knows someone who can be the host.”

Vivian’s teeth gritted at the thought of another person being hunted to be a host. Vivian could imagine what this girl was going through. “I can contact Midnite, ask him if there’s anything suspicious going around.”

“Hold on, we’re picking up energy signals,” said Cyborn. “The reading is off the charts.”

“Demons,” Vivian identified the energy signatures. “And a lot of them.”

“Where is that?” Batman asked.

“San Francisco?” Cyborg identified the location on the map.

“Bruce. Damian,” Vivian reminded him.

“Alert the Titans, we need to get to them,” said Bruce.

Arriving at Titans Tower via Boomtube, the League and Vivian were met by the group of teenagers. She first saw Damian, and then her gaze turned to the girl. She knew that girl, Dick showed her that face.

“Raven?” Vivian said in a whisper, and slowly realization came. She was the girl who this Trigon was after.

“Professor, what are you…” Damian began.

“We heard about the attack, was she at the center?” Batman questioned the Titans.

“Her father is an interdimensional demon, he was after her,” said Starfire.

“She’s coming with us.”

“Batman,” Vivian tried to calm him down.

“No, we can handle this,” Damian stepped up.

“If she’s part of this, we need to know.”

“We can protect her.”

“I’m sorry, Robin, but you had two magic attacks and Superman is still missing,” Diana added.

Raven gasped as she clutched her head. Vivian was about to approach her but Robin blocked her way with his sword.

“Damian, I know what she’s going through,” Vivian tried to reason with him. “I let me help her.”

“By taking her in and locking her in some cage? I know about you, Professor and that demon inside of you,” Damian glared at her.

“That’s not what I’m –”

“No! He knows they’re here!” Raven spoke. “He wants them here! If they stay, everything will be lost!”

“Who?” Barry asked.

“This is our job, Father, you have to leave!” Damian pressed on.

“FATHER?!” Jaime and Garfield exclaimed, completely in shock to know. 

“She’s coming with us,” Batman said.

“She stays here,” Damian declared and prepared his sword. Coming to his side were Jaime and Beast Boy ready to attack. The Justice League too prepared for a battle.

“What? No!” Vivian stepped between them, hiding Damian and Raven behind her. 

“Vivian,” Bruce spoke.

“I’m sorry, but this isn’t—I know that this is important, but you can’t possibly be thinking about battling this when the enemy is out here!” Vivian scolded her husband. “We can talk about this.”

“There’s no time, Vivian!”

“Damian,” Vivian glanced at him. “I can help her. I can bring Raven to a dimension and help her hide until we solve this. There doesn’t have to be a fight. We all want what’s best for her.”

“They want to lock her in a cage!” Damian argued.

“That’s not true! Listen to me, put down your goddamn weapons and fists, and we can do this civilly. This is way out of your depth and you know it.”

“Too late, they’re here,” Raven said.

From the shadows, the demons arrived and wrapped itselves around the Justice League, Vivian conjured a spell and had the Titans inside to protect them.

“Bruce!” Vivian called out to him as she saw him struggle to inject himself with a toxin that would save him. 

“FATHER!” Damian was about to go to him but Vivian held his arm to stop him from leaving the circle.

“STAY BACK, BOTH OF YOU!” Batman told them as he injected himself with the toxin, the demon retreated instantly as the man fell to the ground. 

“What the hell?” Jaime exclaimed.

“It’s a nerve toxin, from Bane,” Vivian explained as she held her stance. As the Justice League fully transformed, Vivian prepared herself for battle.

“The Kryptonian has found the Shrine,” said Wonder Woman in the demon’s voice and command. 

“The what?” Jaime asked.

“An ancient shrine built by Satanists, it has magical properties,” Raven explained.

“Maybe I should suggest that to my little problem instead of it trying to claw its way into my body and use it as a freaking gate,” Vivian muttered.

“What?” Damian asked, confused.

“Nothing.”

“You are the shrine’s final piece,” said the Flash.

“She’s stays here,” Damian pulled out his sword. He pushed Vivian away and attacked as Flash came at them. He made a cut at the speedster’s leg to immobilize him but the demon healed him instantly. The Titans was being defeated by the Justice League with the League’s power and expertise in battle, and the fact they were controlled by demons.

Vivian was thrown across the wall by the powerful Amazon. Diana was fast. Too fast for Vivian to cast a spell. She felt the air punched out of her lungs in its impact. She heard Damian call for her as she tried to get back up, but just as she was struggling to get on her feet, the Amazon came and stopped on her back and used the Lasso to strangle her.

“Don’t!” Raven begged the demons.

Holding out her hand, Vivian tried to cast a spell to open a portal for Raven to go to the dimension she said and wait for Constantine. The House of Mysteries was John’s but she can open its doors whenever she needed to. 

“Professor!” Damian tried to get to her but the Flash got to him and was using his speed to go push his hand through Damian’s chest without damaging the body.

“Damian!” Vivian tried to get out of the Lasso, but Wonder Woman only pulled on it.

“As the daughter of your Lord Trigon, I order you to release them… and I shall go with you,” said Raven.

A beat passed and the demons did as she said. They released them and they joined Raven as she opened a portal to where the shrine was, but before Cyborg could leave, Jaime shot an electrocuting device from his Beetle armor and had Cyborg down, leaving him with them as Wonder Woman and Flash disappeared with Raven.

Inside the Tower, Vivian was given proper medical treatment by Starfire to treat her dislocated shoulder, possible concussion, and her neck and throat. Wonder Woman’s lasso did some damage and left a nasty bruise around her neck. The entire time she was being treated, she was at Batman’s side, keeping watch on him.

“How are you?” Damian asked.

Vivian smiled, “Fine,” she tried to speak but her voice was hoarse and it made her cough out blood.

“You mustn’t speak, Vivian,” said Starfire. “You need rest to let it hear.”

Vivian nodded and smiled at the woman.

“You can rest in my room,” Damian offered.

Vivian shook her head and gestured to Batman who laid on the couch with an oxygen mask.

“He’ll be fine, the crucial hours have passed, he’ll survive. Father knows the risks and he’s calculated it to ensure he comes back after it.”

Vivian rolled her eyes and gestured that she was staying there with Batman.

“He’ll survive, but you…” Damian looked at her, removing his mask. “You risked your life without any experience in fighting nor do you have the same level of power as the Justice League and knowing full well that you would die if you were caught in the crossfire!”

“Damian,” Starfire tried to get him to stop.

“Why?!”

Trying her hardest, Vivian spoke with her hoarse voice, “Because I care, Damian. I care about you.”

“That’s foolish –”

“Enough,” Starfire stopped him. Damian looked at her one last time then left. “You can take the chair and wait for Batman to recover, Professor. I’ll get you a blanket so you can rest.”

Vivian smiled at Starfire and bowed her head in thanks. 

Cyborg woke twenty-four hours later, at that time Batman was still unconscious and Vivian was forced to take Damian’s room to rest. Her mind couldn’t take the pain of getting beaten up by an Amazon anymore. She woke just as the Titans were to leave with Cyborg and head to Hell.

“Don’t even think about going with us,” Damian told her with a threatening tone.

Vivian held out her hands and cupped his face.

“What are you–” He fell silent when he saw a gold glow around him that dimmed as soon as the spell ended.

“Protection spell,” Vivian told him. “For all of you.” It was then he realized Vivian cast the spell for the entire team. Then, to his surprise, Vivian leaned down and placed a kiss on his forehead. “Come back, okay?”

“I will.”

And before he left, Vivian handed him the parchment that Lucifer gave her, now with her own writing at the sides. A way to trap the demon.

“You were working in the room, weren’t you?” Damian said.

Vivian smirked and shrugged. “Go get ‘em, Boy Wonder.”

~ * ~

The battle ended with Raven trapping Trigon back in the stone that Raven trapped him in before. As soon as Batman was recovered, he and Vivian met with Damian and the others to see the aftermath. To her relief, Damian was okay and so was the rest. After dealing with the aftermath of the battle, Vivian returned to Titans Tower and finally got to know Raven a bit more, and understand her power. She offered to give her lessons on binding spells and ways to keep her father from haunting her, and the girl agreed.

“I can also bring Constantine, he’s a twat but he’s got more experience in magic,” Vivian told her as they walked out of Titans Tower where her ride was waiting. Batman was there talking with Damian by the Batmobile.

“It was nice talking with you, Professor,” said Raven.

“And with you. And thank you for looking after Damian, and for giving him a chance.”

“He has his way of showing he cares. Goodbye, Professor.”

“Goodbye, Raven,” Vivian waved goodbye. Approaching Batman and Robin, Vivian gestured to the man that she was all good to go. “So, I guess I’ll see you once summer break is over?”

“I guess,” said Damian. “Professor… I… thank you for standing up for us… for me.”

“Anytime, Damian,” Vivian messed with his hair. 

“But I stand by what I said about you facing an enemy you have no chance of beating.”

“Damian,” Bruce warned him.

“No, Father… Batman can find another Robin if ever I die, but the Professor… losing her, I know that is a loss you will never recover from.”

Vivian frowned. “Damian, you’re not just Robin. You’re also a son. Your Father would be devastated if something ever happens to you. I would be devastated.”

“Even after all I did?”

“Even after all that, kid.” Vivian smiled. “Promise us you’ll come home?”

“I will,” he smiled. “And Professor… I… it's an honor to have you as my stepmother.”

His statement stunned Bruce and Vivian that the two adults were speechless for a while, until Vivian brought Damian to a hug.

“Okay, you can let go now,” said Damian. “I said, let go.”

“Okay, okay,” Vivian released him. “See at home, kid!”

Getting in the Batmobile, Vivian and Batman drove away, leaving Titans Tower behind him and Robin looking forward to seeing his family back in Gotham.

[ivoyzzz]

promiseೀ

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: you promised yourself that you would stay away from her. the girl who has left you confused for weeks as if everything is all in your head. the girl being kang sae-byeok, the annoyingly stoic and attractive girl.

warnings: angst but mostly fluffy

a/n: first writing on here!! based on promise by laufey. also looking for moots!

There stood Sae-byeok, acting as if you were a total stranger. This was the same push pull she had been giving you since the day you met her. One minute she was gentle and sweet acting as if you were the most interesting thing in the world. The next she was back to your emotionless co-worker you once grew curious about. It’s been a week since you last talked to her making a promise that you would let whatever you had with her go.

Sae-byeok is like a magnet, it feels natural to be next to her and against your better judgement you find yourself making your way towards her. You walk up behind her as she is cleaning the coffee machine in the back. Her hair is tied in a loose low ponytail making her sharp features even more apparent. You swallow your nerves deciding that your heart might not be able to take it the next time she gives you the cold shoulder. “Sae-byeok.” You barley manage to announce from behind her. She turns around her sharp eyes looking at you but not daring to share what’s going inside her head.

She doesn’t say anything, and you take this as your sign to continue. “Can we talk?” You say with a sudden but short-lived pang of confidence. “About what?” She says her voice not showing even the tiniest bit of emotion. Her cold gaze makes you want to just apologize and walk away. “You confuse me.” You finally mutter out. This isn’t the conversation you had practiced the day before. You felt every thought leave your head and what occupied it was Sae-byeok. The way she was casually leaning against the counter or the way she kept eye contact with you. It made you feel woozy, the way you always felt when you were in her presence.

“What are you confused about?” She mutters back matching your hushed tone. You can see the way her eyebrows furrowed but that was all her sharp face revealed. “Do you not like me? It’s making me feel like every things in my head. So if you could just break it to me now if-“ You say letting all the thoughts that have been brewing in your mind for weeks before she interrupts you. “What are you talking about?” She sighs clearly not understanding what your trying to say. “Well sometimes you make me think that you like me and other times it feels like i’m in your way.” You say breaking eye contact feeling yourself start to feel silly for even coming to talk to her.

You liked when you and Sae-byeok would sit and talk quietly with each other. And of course you didn’t miss the glances she would give you at work or the way when she would reach for something her hand would “accidentally” brush past yours. She broke you out of your thoughts by saying something you never thought that you would hear from Sae-byeok. “I do like you.” She mutters so quietly you could’ve thought you imagine it. But her face tells a different story she looks as if she hasn’t said the thing you’ve wanted to hear for months.

“What?” You manage to mutter out feeling as if someone had just told you that you’d won the lottery. “I thought I made it clear.” She says back which makes you look at her to see if she was joking. “Not really.” You say a small but pleased smile making it’s on your face. “Oh.” She mutters turning her attention back on the coffee machine. Sae-byeok looks as collected as ever but you on the other hand look like you wanted to hear her say it again and set it as your ringtone.

“I’m-I’m going to go back to work okay?” You say hiding the smile that wanted to adorn your face walking back outside to the register. Sae-byeok let out a small hum as you left. When you were all the way out of the back Sae-byeok let a small, rare but genuine smile. She looked out the door you left from clearing her throat and getting back to work. Throughout the rest of the day when you both made awkward nervous eye contact, you weren’t confused.

[signorcerullo]

stiles and malia playlist: the only exception by paramore

and up until now, i had sworn to myself that i'm content with loneliness because none of it was ever worth the risk well, you are the only exception