#and they said yes we just need their records and you could hear the dial up noise echo in my brain

[killbaned]

rufus when he knows what "nails done" in a sentence means and i keep talking about it and it keeps not happening

[munsonfamilyband]

I’ve decided to elaborate on Steve’s Mom being good

~~~~

“Elizabeth Harrington.” She didn’t usually answer calls but Richard was busy preparing for his meeting that afternoon, so here she was answering the cellphone she had bought so that Steve could reach them at any time.

“Hi there, are you Steven Harrington’s mother?”

“Yes… who am I speaking to?” There was a pit of worry growing in her stomach, somehow she knew this wouldn’t be a nice conversation.

“I’m calling from Hawkins Memorial Hospital. Your son has just been admitted and is being treated for infected animal bites and a potential concussion. We’re calling because your son has a history of head trauma and we wanted to inform his family that he is being treated.” Her heart stopped for a moment, barely able to hear over the ringing in her ears. Her son, her only son, her baby, was in the hospital. What did she mean infected animal bites? And history of head trauma? What had she missed as she allowed Richard to drag her all over the country.

“Thank you, I-we will be there as soon as we can. We will be there, thank you.” She hung up before the nurse could respond and, blinking back tears, began gathering her things and throwing them into her suitcase. As she was folding up her skirts, Richard walked into the bedroom and raised an eyebrow.

“What are you doing?”

“We need to leave, I just got a call from the hospital at home, Steve is there, he-“ She was interrupted by Richard scoffing and she looked up to see him roll his eyes.

“We can’t leave, Elizabeth. I have a very important meeting this afternoon. Besides, Steven will be fine, he was last time.” Elizabeth froze, her blood going cold as she stared at Richard in dawning horror.

“What do you mean, last time?”

“The boy is so needy. I got a call last summer from that hospital that Steven was there, something about his job at the mall, I don’t know. We were in the middle of that big merger and I said he would be fine. And he was, when we came home-“

“We didn’t come home until late August, that merger was around the fourth. My son was in the hospital and you never told me?” The cold numbness she had felt just moments ago was disappearing, fast, and replaced by a burning hot rage. Fury that she had put up with this man for so long, that she had let him do so much to her son, that she hadn’t noticed that her son had been hurt last summer. “Who do you think you are to hide that from me?!”

“I am your husband, and I can hide whatever I like from you. The boy is fine, he doesn’t need more of your coddling.” In that moment, anger coursing through her veins, Elizabeth made a quick decision. Straightening her back, she turned away from Richard to begin packing again.

“Fine, if you don’t want to come, you don’t have to. I will go by myself and be with my son.”

“How exactly are you planning to get there? You’re not taking my car.”

“I don’t need your car. In case you have forgotten, I am the one with the money in this marriage. I have my inheritance, and the house- speaking of,” she grabbed the phone, dialing a number and turning to face him as she put it to her ear. With a grin, she heard the bank correspondent answer and ask what they could do for her. “Hello, I am looking to remove someone from my account.” She stared at Richard with a smug grin as she recited the account number and told them who she wanted removed. “And if you could add a message or something in your books to let anyone know that if he tries to access the account to not let him and call the police, that would be greatly appreciated.” When they confirmed that the note had been recorded and her account was all hers, she thanked them and hung up. “You can keep the parts of my inheritance that I gave you, but the rest of it is mine.” She took great pleasure in seeing how red his face was before turning back to her luggage and zipping it up. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go see my son. You should be getting a letter from a divorce attorney in a few days.”

She left the room without saying goodbye and got in a cab, heading straight to the airport. Elizabeth thought she should be crying, she had just ended her 30 year long marriage after all, but she felt like screaming instead. Screaming about how free she felt for the first time in her life.

The airport was full of people running around, clearly trying to get somewhere but being stopped by something. It wasn’t until she caught sight of a TV screen that she realized what was happening.

“7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Hawkins, IN”

She starts walking toward the counter faster.

———

After managing to charter a small plane to get as close to Hawkins as she could, then getting a cab that was willing to drive into Hawkins, Elizabeth found herself running into the hospital and fighting her way though the crowd of people to the nurses station.

“I’m looking for Steven Harrington, I got a call a couple hours ago that he was here-“ A voice behind her spoke before the nurse could.

“You’re here for Steve?” She turned and saw a group of the most dirty teenagers she may have ever seen. She could vaguely recognize two of the children as Sue Sinclair’s but she didn’t know their names. She did recognize Nancy Wheeler, though she had thought her and Steve weren’t dating anymore.

“Nancy?” The girl mirrored her own confused face, brow furrowed as they looked at each other.

“Mrs. Harrington? What are you doing here?”

“I got a call in Chicago that Steve was here and I came as fast as I could, what are you…I thought you and Steve weren’t-“

“Oh! No, we aren’t dating, but we are friends and he got hurt so….here we are.” Nancy gestured to the other people around her, including a girl her age in a red beret that was staring at her like she was an alien.

“Right….” Just as she was about to ask who the others were, a nurse tapped her on the shoulder and informed her that she could come back to see Steve. Elizabeth didn’t even stop to say goodbye to the group of children she had just seen, all she could focus on was seeing her son.

When she entered his room - after having to go into a new wing with men in black suits standing in front of the doors - she nearly collapsed. Because there was her son, lying in a hospital bed with bandages wrapped around his head and neck, looking so small in a way he hadn’t since he was little. She stumbled forward and the noise she made had Steve jolting, looking around the room like a cornered animal. She hurried closer and grabbed his hand in both of hers, getting him to focus fully on her.

“Steve, sweetie, you’re okay, it’s just me.” He squinted in her direction before something like shock covered his face.

“….mom? What are you…what are you doing here?” Her heart cracked at the hesitancy in his voice and she felt tears drip down her cheeks.

“I got a call from the hospital earlier, I got on a plane and got here as fast as I could. Your father….well, he’s not here.” Steve stared at her, processing her words as he blinked slowly.

“Why now? You didn’t come last time, why now?” She could see the tears shining in his eyes that he was fighting back and her heart cracked all over again.

“Oh, my sweet boy…. If I had known, I would have been here.”

“What…what do you mean, if you had known? The hospital called, how could you-“ He cut himself off and his eyes widened slightly. “Dad….dad got the call, didn’t he?” She nodded sadly, knowing that no more had to be said. Reaching forward, she cupped his cheek with one of her hands, rubbing her thumb gently under his eye and she smiled sadly as he leaned into it.

“I’m leaving your father.” Steve’s attention snapped back to her, trying to sit up in his bed and she quickly shushed him, guiding him back to laying down. “I should have left him years ago. All the things I let him do to you….I am so, so sorry, Steve. I should have done this a long time ago but I wasn’t brave enough. Finding out that you had been hurt enough to be in the hospital and he never told me… that was the final straw for me. I already took him off the inheritance account.”

“Mom…. That- I am so proud of you. I can’t imagine how scary that was-“ She brushed that aside with a wave of her hand.

“We can worry about that later, me being on my own is not the most important thing right now. Steve, baby, what happened? They said you had infected animal bites, and-and a history of head trauma? How much…. How much have I missed in your life?” They stared at each other in silence and she watched Steve thinking about his next words very carefully. His careful thinking didn’t do much good though when his tears came back with a vengeance.

“Mama….” Immediately she was wrapping him in her arms. He hadn’t called her that in years, ever since Richard insisted that she was coddling him too much. He was only 8, but out of fear or a need to please, she had listened and the nights of watching movies with him curled into her side had ended. They had been so close when he was little but had drifted apart after that moment. Now, she knew that she wouldn’t leave him again because here he was, crying in her arms and calling her mama for the first time in a decade.

“It’s alright, my sweet boy, it’s alright, I’m right here…”

———

When Steve had calmed down some he was able to tell her everything, after warning her that she would have to sign multiple NDAs just by hearing what he had to say. She was horrified, and angry, and she wanted to kill her husband for dragging her away from her son when he had been fighting monsters for years without her even knowing. Once he had explained it all, she pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“Do you mind if I step out? I’m going to go call an attorney to get the divorce process started now. I want to be done with your father as soon as I possibly can be.” He nodded but was having a hard time letting go of her hand, so with a gentle smile she took off her jacket and handed it over to him. “I promise I will be back. Do you want me to send someone else in while I’m gone? All of the children you adopted are in the lobby.”

He gave her a dry smile, clearly feeling better if he could sense her joke. “Could you send Robin in?” He was holding onto her jacket for dear life, and with a pang she was reminded of him clutching his teddy bear the same way when he was little.

“I can do that. Is Robin…?” She wanted to know everything she had missed, and if he had a girlfriend then she wanted to know.

“Robin? Oh, god, no. The kids joke that we share a brain sometimes, but I think we have twin souls. I haven’t….I don’t have the match to my soul yet, but Robin and I, ours are identical. She’s my best friend.” Elizabeth knew what he was talking about and smiled as she left the room. As a child he had been obsessed with soulmates, he took after her romantic heart. He had said he wanted to meet the person whose soul completed his, but she had told him that wasn’t how it worked. His soul was already complete, but his soulmate would have a soul that added to his, like paintings in a series: complete works on their own but they become something bigger when they are together. He had clearly taken that idea to heart and was trying to find that person.

Stepping into the lobby she found it mostly empty, clearly people had been moved to see their loved ones. With a gently cough to get the groups attention, she spoke. “Which one of you is Robin?”

The girl in the beret sat up straight, staring her down in an almost challenging way. “I am. Why?”

“I have to make a call and he’s asked if you could go back.” The girl stood and narrowed her eyes at her.

“What? Couldn’t even stay with him for an hour before you had to run off-“

“Robin!” Nancy cut her off, clearly telling her to be nicer but Elizabeth appreciated the girl’s fierce protection of her son.

“I’m calling a divorce lawyer so that I can finally leave Steve’s father. I want to get it started as fast as possible so that neither of us has to deal with him far any longer than we absolutely need to.” The girl blinked at her in surprise and Elizabeth placed a gentle hand on her arm. “I know I haven’t been there for Steve, and I hate myself for how long I let it go on. I know he and I will have a lot of things to work through, but I am not planning on leaving him again. I’m glad he has a friend like you, though. Finding someone who matches you on such a deep level is rare, and if anyone deserves that, it’s him.” The girl nodded at her with wide eyes and Elizabeth walked away to go find a phone.

When she returned to Steve’s room later everyone else had moved into the space, including someone on a second bed closer to the window. Steve noticed her first and reached a hand out to her.

“Mom…” Without hesitation, she pulled a chair over and sat down beside him, clutching his hand in hers and pressing a kiss to the top of it.

“Hi, sweetie. The attorney is finalizing the paperwork and then sending it to your father so he should be getting it in a few days.” Steve gave her a tired smile and then looked around the room.

“Do you…do you want me to introduce you to everyone?”

“If you feel up for it, I would love to meet them.”

“Alright, well you know Nance and you already spoke with Robin.” He gestured to the girls sitting on the other side of his bed before nodding to the little girl curled up in a chair by his feet, resting her head against his leg. “That’s Erica, you and Sue Sinclair were friends right? She’s her youngest. Lucas was in the waiting room but he’s with Max next door, he’s Sue’s older kid. Max is his maybe-girlfriend, it’s complicated.” Elizabeth smiled at the little girl who had curled one fist around the blankets of Steve’s bed. She could hear Steve slurring his words a little from exhaustion but he kept talking. He looked over at the other bed where a boy his age with long hair was sleeping, covered in bandages, and another boy, younger than Steve but not as young as Erica, who was sleeping on the couch under the window. “That’s Dustin on the couch, he’s the one whose cat got eaten, remember? And then, uh, that’s Eddie, in the bed. He’s-he’s new, this is his first go around, and he got really hurt but they said he’ll be okay.”

Elizabeth managed to school her face into a neutral expression when she saw the blush that colored Steve’s cheeks when he spoke about Eddie. She could see in his eyes and hear in his voice that he was well on his way to being smitten with the other boy but she didn’t want to startle him too badly. So she decided to wait to speak to him about that until later.

The time finally came a couple hours later, Steve had just woken up again and everyone else had fallen asleep so Elizabeth took her chance.

“Steve? I know I haven’t been great about showing you lately, but I do love you very much. And if, for any reason, you had something you wanted to tell me, I wouldn’t stop loving you.” He blinked at her, the blush rising up his neck once again.

“Uh, well, I know I said I hadn’t found the match to my soul yet, but that may not be fully true.” She gave him a smile and glanced over at the other bed.

“I can see what you see in him, he’s your type.” Steve turned bright red.

“He’s-what-I don’t-what do you mean by that?”

“Well, he looks a lot like Nancy is all. Big curly hair, large eyes. I also know how you felt about that man in the space movie, the one who did that treasure hunting movie?”

“I-Mom are you talking about Harrison Ford?”

“Yes, that’s his name! I can tell when you like someone, Steve, and you always paid more attention to those movies.” Steve just groaned in embarrassment.

“I can’t believe that you picked up on that.” He glanced at her, the nervousness back on his face. “You aren’t… you don’t care, that he’s a guy?”

“Steve, my beautiful boy, all I want is for you to be happy. Besides, I have a cousin back in Italy who just married a man a few years ago. I thought it was rather romantic, that they decided to get married even if the law wouldn’t recognize it.” Steve smiled at her, tears in his eyes.

“I’ve missed you so much, mama.”

“And I’ve missed you, sweetie. Go back to sleep, you need your rest.” He nodded at her and in moments he was back to sleep.

She knew they had a lot to do, a lot of healing both on their own and together to get over years of trauma and trust issues, but she knew, somehow, that they would be okay.

[thebeast-dennis-etcetera]

Alibi

The morning had gone seemingly well, having the day off, you were able to take care of a lot of errands you had been putting off such as pulling all of the weeds from your backyard that managed to weasel their way back in even after drenching them in weed killer.

You were so engrossed with picking them and listening to one of your favorite podcasts, you almost missed hearing the doorbell ringing. Taking the gloves off, you paused your podcast and went inside to answer the door, slightly surprised to see two very professional people standing outside.

"Good evening ma'am. I'm Special Agent DiNozzo with NCIS and this is Agent McGee, mind if we ask you a few questions regarding Karen Moss?"

You shifted your weight nervously, stomach turning at the sound of your friends name.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

They shared a solemn look between the two of each other, telling you everything you needed to know.

"Her body was found this morning a few streets away and based on her call history, you were the last person to speak with her before her death. May we ask where you were last night around 11pm?"

You covered your mouth in shock, not believing that they just told you that your close friend died, let alone was possibly murdered and know were questioning you as if you might be a suspect. You thought back about the time they were referring to and memories of Jethro and you tangled together in your bed sheets popped into your mind. You thought about telling them, not sure if they even worked with Jethro, but decided on giving them the simplified version instead.

"I was here. With my boyfriend.."

"Is he here now to verify your whereabouts?" DiNozzo asked, taking a small peek over you as if he'd catch a glimpse of someone fleeing. Were all NCIS so suspicious?

"No, but I can give you his number. His name is Leroy Gibbs. His number is-

"Wait, sorry. Leroy Gibbs?" Agent DiNozzo interrupted, facial expression disbelieving. "Grey hair, high and tight haircut, broody mysterious Leroy Gibbs?"

You chuckled a little at his choice of words to describe your boyfriend, seeing how well he made an impression on people.

"Well not usually broody around me but yes, I guess you could say that. Why? Do the two of you know him?"

Once again, the two agents shared a look, this time one of confusion and awe.

"Uh, could you just hang on one second," DiNozzo asked. "I'll be right back."

You stood there with Agent McGee who looked like he wanted say something, but didn't as Agent DiNozzo walked a few paces, pulling out his phone and dialing a number.

"So was Kathy murdered? You said her body was found. When I talked with her last night, she said she was on her way to meet up with someone for a blind date," you asked McGee who was focused on the phone call Agent DiNozzo was having.

"Well Abby was able to go through the Lieutenant's phone and her number was the last dialed. We were just following- Uh yes- Well I wasn't sure- Of course boss, I'll tell McGee."

Agent DiNozzo came back over before murmuring to Agent McGee.

"Gibbs wants us to bring her in for protection. I told him you'd explain to him why we questioned his girlfriend without letting him know."

"What do mean, me? You're the one that had Abby look up the phone records."

"Just take one for the team McProbie. He's still mad at me for the whole coffee incident. Plus, you owe me."

You watched the two supposed Federal Agents argue like siblings, neither one of them wanting to be in the line of Jethro's mood and honestly it was kind of funny. Jethro never really talked much about his team but you had only been seeing him for a few months and 9 times out of 10, the two of you weren't doing much talking when you saw each other.

You decided to break up the little tiff the two of them were having in order to save some time.

"Alright, well while the two of you sort all that out, I'm going to change and lock up the house before we leave."

"Sounds good," Agent DiNozzo responded before going back to bickering with his partner.

- - - -

You took another sip from the little paper cup of water Agent David had given you as you waited in the conference room. She wanted to know about you and Jethro but you didn't divulge much information, knowing Jethro liked his personal life kept close and unknown for the most part. It wasn't long before the door opened and your boyfriend walked in along with Agent DiNozzo and David. You decided against giving Jethro a hug or kiss in front of his subordinates, although the both of them looked like they'd love nothing more than to see that happen.

You all sat down at the conference table except Agent DiNozzo who was wound up tighter than a jack in the box.

"Did Kathy give you a description of this blind date she was seeing?" Jethro started the questioning with. You spoke about everything you knew from the phone call you had with Kathy, tearing up towards the end, still not believing your friend was dead.

Jethro reached out to hold your hand and give you a tissue to wipe your eyes with, making his agents stare in interest at the caring gesture.

"It's like I'm in an alternate Gibbs reality," DiNozzo whispered to Agent David.

Jethro shot him a look before speaking. "Why aren't the two of you putting out a BOLO on this guy?"

"On it boss," Agent DiNozzo spoke quickly, leaving the room with Agent David following close behind, shutting the door after them.

"I think you should stay with me just in case until we catch the killer," he offered, standing up.

"Ok," you squeaked, not wanting to do much talking anymore.

"Come ere," he ordered softly, pulling you to your feet and into his arms for a hug. You accepted it eagerly, breathing in his scent, calming you down a bit.

Once you were better, the two of you walked out of the room and into the squad room, not expecting to be stared at by almost everyone there.

"What kind of reputation do you have with the opposite sex to make everyone look at me like the new zoo exhibit?" you asked Jethro, making him chuckle.

"They're just being nosy. Ignore them."

Jethro stopped Agent DiNozzo from asking anymore questions about the two of you as well as pulling you away from a very animated Forensic Scientist that seemed to have had entirely too much caffeine.

Jethro accompanied you back to your house where you packed a bag before driving you to his house, making a drawer available for you in his bedroom.

"I get my own drawer now. Things are really becoming serious, aren't they?" you teased him.

"Hey, I'm not the one who told my agents that I was your boyfriend," he retorted.

"Should I not have?" you asked genuinely worried that you had overstepped a boundary. He pulled you into his arms, staring into your eyes and tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

"I don't mind the title. Just know that they're gonna have a million questions for you now," he stated, referring to his very curious agents. You smiled, giving him a peck on the lips and loving the new stage you both were now in.

"That's alright. I'll be sure to tell them how you love it when I give you back scratches while we cuddle together and watch movies."

Your joking was cut short as his fingers pressed themselves into your ribs, effectively tickling you till the both of you were on the bed, him hovering above you.

"You know, had it not been for you, I wouldn't have had an alibi for last night," you told him, running your fingers through his hair.

"Must of slipped my mind but," he murmured into your skin, kissing your shoulder. "I don't exactly remember how last night went. Maybe you can help jog my terrible memory."

Laughing at his playfulness, you played into it, pulling him in for a passionate kiss, ready to remind him exactly what happened that night.

[cherry-pop-elf]

Newly Made Man

Draco Malfoy x Professor!Reader

Inspired by this post, which is originally drawn by Antenna

Summary: Ivy, Daniel, and Olive (Weasley) have asked for you help catching a ferret. You needed an excuse to not do some paper work. Who knew helping a gaggle of kids could lead to a date

“Professor! Professor Professor Professor-!” You would hear the gaggle of students call for you. They always seem to find you whenever you weren’t busy. A mysterious talent they held. As if you would complain. You were once a Hogwarts student as well. You liked the adventure.

“Yes? Ah, you three.” You chuckled, as you saw the trio show up. A pair of red heads, and that silvery violet, right in front of you. The trio looked rather excited. Daniel seemed more so frustrated, Ivy curious, and Miss Olive had that look in her eyes that reminded you so much of the twins. You could only assume something will blow up soon.

“There’s a ferret, and it stole Daniel’s bag-!” Olive would inform you. That had Ivy giggle, as Daniel was getting more and more frustrated. The boy didn’t have the best family life. That bag was nearly all he had to call to his name, after all.

“Oh dear. We can’t have that, can we? Where was it last-“ Before you could even finish the sentence, something skittered between your legs. A clinking bag was being dragged in its mouth, as it ran. The clinking sounds had to be potions, which meant it was Daniel’s. Such a white blur.

“AFTER THAT RAT-!” The red heads screamed, as Ivy tried to clarify it was actually more closely related to a dog or cat than a rat. Jeez, whoever could be the Hermione of that trio?

With a fond smile, you were soon chasing after them. It was rather nostalgic. It reminded you so much of your days as a student. Having Hermione, Ron, and Harry chase after the likes of Malfoy. How often times many a fellow student would tag along, and it was almost a big game between everyone. Almost like capture the flag if you will. Never thought you would miss something like that.

“WATCH OUT-!” Was soon shouted by you, but they were moving too fast. The trio crashed right into a gaggle of other students. They were all in a clump, and groaning. You wanted to assign, but you didn’t want that ferret out of sight.

“IVE GOT IT-!” You reassured, as you kept chasing the creature. You wanted to try and fast a spell, but it seemed to zig zag infront of you. As if aware that you would attempt such actions. Might not be the first time this little devil caused some mayhem. Perhaps it was a students pet? Would explain why it seemed to know where it was going. Managing to avoid dead ends, and not go where there were stairs to slow it down.

“Will you get back here?!” You huffed, as it finally found a place to hide with the bag. Nice and cozy in a tree, at a familiar courtyard. Just snuggled into the branch. Taking a little yawn. As if bored, and ready to slip. Such a mocking thing. Having the bag just out of your reach.

“I swear, every white haired creature I deal with is a pain in the butt. One way, or another.” You huffed, as you just swore the ferret rolled its eyes at you. Seeming to not take your comment too lightly.

“What would you even need a potion bag for? Gonna make some potions?” You would say to the ferret. Wand in hand, and sass on full dial. Sure had the students in the court yard giggle at you.

“Where is your owner?” You asked, as if expecting an answer back. That’s when you looked around. Hufflepuff’s! They should know! Or at least know someone who would.

“Do you know who this ferret belongs to?” You would ask the students around you. After a few thoughts, and whispers, they all shook their heads. No one knew. How strange. White ferret’s aren’t uncommon, so you figured that someone would.

“This school certainly isn’t showing itself to have a good track record with ferrets. Huh? Hope you aren’t another turned student, who played dirty with the wrong crowd.” The knowing tone made said ferret stick its tiny tongue out at you.

“Sassy like the last one too.” A wag of your wand was given, as you were ready to try and cast a spell to get the bag back. Maybe it was something in your tone, but it seemed the ferret had enough play for one day. With its tiny nose, it would nudge the bag off the branch. Narrowly managed to understand what it was doing, and grabbed said bag. As if you needed potions to explode.

“Thank you.” You would give a dramatic bow, as if with a Hippogriff. Another stick of its tongue, before it took its chance to jump on you. Ran right all over your body, before curling around your neck. As if a little scarf. Wet little nose nuzzled your cheek, before it was ready for its nap.

“Cuter than the one I knew to.” You would give it a gentle pet, before going to try and hunt down those students. Quit the sporting look you held now. A pretty little neck piece, that was as blinding white as the clouds in the sky.

Was a rather peaceful walk, you couldn’t deny it. Just enjoying the fresh air. Along with having a companion to snuggle with. Tiny scratches to its little chin. Gave you happy chirps in return.

“Adorable thing. You remind me a lot of a companion I had in school. His name was Draco. Draco Malfoy. Prettiest man I had ever seen. So handsome, and sly. I wonder what life would have been like, if there was no war. So many confusing emotions at the time. Can’t love the enemy, as they say.” You sighed, as the ferret gave your cheek a little lick. As if to comfort you. It was accepted, as you gently brushed your finger down its spine.

“My bag-!” Daniel was quick to point out, and hardly gave you time to register he found you. It was in his hands again. Left to be hugged tightly. Certainly gave him a scare. Ivy was quick to pat his back, while Olive gave the ferret a suspicious stare.

“…….You look familiar-“ She muttered, only for the ferret to quickly hide itself in your robes. Made you giggle, as its little paws ran around your body. Poor thing seemed startled. Olive did have that effect. She was the daughter of George Weasley. That certainly made her friends of peeves. That alone says it all.

“Coward.” Another mumble was tossed, before she would give Daniel’s head a ruffle. The poor boys, pun intended, bag was returned. One of the few things he could call his own. A relief it was. That’s for sure.

“Thank you Professor…” Daniel sighed, as you nodded. Anything for the students.

“Does the ferret belong to anyone?” Ivy would ask, as you would get said rascal into your hands. Just dangling him around, as he looked at you with big silvery eyes.

“None of the Hufflepuffs I asked knew. Seems far too intelligent to just be a wild stray either. Seems well aware of the Hogwarts grounds as well-“ Before you finished, Olive stared daggers at the white furred menace. You heard of the story about the family rat, so you don’t blame her being anxious around creatures. Yet, that was a Weasley stare. A stare that could pull the truth out of you like any Veritaserum.

“Animagus…..And one that I know. Come on, Uncle D-!” She would poke at the ferrets little tushy. Made the small thing give a chirp of annoyance, as you blinked. Uncle D-? Uncle….No. White fur, silver eyes, knowing the Hogwarts layout….

The moment you dropped him, it was a whisper of black and white. As if a swirling mist. All the thematics, to show a slender figure in its wake. With long bleached hair, a tight black attire, with a silvery under bust to ever keep him tall and slender. If it wasn’t for that playful smile you would think it was Lucius.

“For a Weasley, you certainly know how to ruin the fun.” He scoffed at Olive, as she stuck her tongue out at him. Left you all a fluster. Given said ferret had been nuzzling and licking you, and the little secret you spilled.

“Woah…..Draco Malfoy….” Daniel was wide eyed. Of course he would. He himself was a potion prodigy. Much like the Weasley twins, and Draco, were when his age. It can’t help being admire. Sure fueled the man’s ego.

“And why is a Malfoy stealing random children’s bags?” You would puzzle, as he seemed to cringe at such a name. Lucius did make sure it was tainted. That was for certain.

“It’s Black, actually. Draco Black. Took on my mother’s maiden name, for obvious reasons.” He would grit. “-And as for the bag. Well, I was curious. Is curiosity a crime?” Ever the sassy one. Had you roll your eyes, as you jabbed him with your wand.

“Ow ow-! Ok, I did it because….I…Well-“ He swallowed, as the trio were wondering why a grown man would do such a thing. That is, until Olive started to giggle.

“You thought it was funny, huh? That’s something dad would do!” She kept giggling, as he was pink on the face. Guess Draco wanted to be a little bit normal, for once. Actually do pranks, and be childish. Least, that’s what you are getting. Olive did call him Uncle D. It had been so long since you last saw him. You swore he was sentence to Azkaban. Suppose it’s time to catch up.

“Tell him, and you are dead-“ He threatened, as Ivy soon had her wand drawn. Taking the threat rather literal. Had the older man throw his hands in mock defeat, at such a gesture.

“I’ll deal with him, you three hurry off now. It’s almost lunch. Go on-!” You would shoo, as they ran off. Daniel holding his bag tighter, Ivy with a scowl to the older man, and Olive with a two finger salute.

“So……Seems like you finally got along with those red heads…..” You said, as you started walking. He didn’t refuse the motion, and walked with you.

“It’s complicated…..I rather avoid the details. Potter was able to make sure my mother and I avoided Azkaban, and community service was applied instead. Thanks to Po….Harry-�� He would begin to explain his story to you, as you both walked.

A case of laying low, and rebuilding himself. A hard thing to do, given where his father was position in the death eater group. Regardless, you were happy for him. Suppose some exposure therapy to Harry’s family and friends was what he needed.

“Welcome back, than……It’s lunch time, so…..” You trailed off, as he stared at you with shock. Were you asking him out? Why? His name isn’t exactly clean, but well….You missed him. You knew that, deep down, he wasn’t truly a death eater. You do what you can to survive, and sometimes who you survive from is your own family.

“You are insane….Fortunately that was always something I admired about you, back then…..I’ll cover the meal. We-…George pays his employees rather well.” He admits, as you giggled. A smile was returned, as the two of you would make a right instead of a left. Not heading to that great hall, but that rebuilt wooden bridge. To go give Madam Rosemerta a friendly hello.

He’s a new man, after all, so why not allow for a new first impression?

[androgynousblackbox]

The Horror of Our Love. 4 [Appleradio, Radioapple]

The Radio

"It took a little more money that we would have prefer to. I worked to get lowest price that she was willing to accept and still was a good amount. I think she only relented when I told her that we investigate objects such as that one to know about them. In the end she made me promise that I would send her back any updates on whatever we could learn about the radio and the ghost that was using it. She liked the voice of the man. It was scary, but still someone to keep her company when her own grandsons wouldn't call back. The man in the radio was never agressive or threatening. He seemed content with just talking, or at least that is the impression that she got after the first exorcism failed. We promised everything she wanted with zero intention of doing it. She seemed like an actually nice lady, she shouldn't have to be involved on any of this.

I came back with my pockets almost entirely empty. The conversion of wizard money to muggle money is fucking bullshit. But I got it. I fucking got it.

They weren't kidding when they said this fucking thing was heavy. It's on top of my desk and hasn't done anything until now. The old lady said that the first day it also didn't do anything on her store. It was only after some people looking around and messing with the dials is that the noises started. There were some stations in which it didn't react at all. We need to find the ones that does.

It's exactly as we were said. There is no cable, no battery. Whatever powers this thing is not electricity. I will have my record player near it as we test it out.

Nothing yet?"

"No. Wait. Yes, it did something, isn't it?"

"Sssh, I wanna hear. It's music."

"Old ass music. My grandpa would hear something like that. Do we even know if this thing can hear us?"

"It knew to laugh at the muggles, so something knows about what happens outside of it. Keep looking on the stations, maybe one of them is for communication. Don't look at me like that. I don't fucking know, angel."

"Hello? Alastor Magne, can you hear us? Hello, can you hear us? Hello?"

"Do you know who I am, my good man? That is a new one."

"Ah, fuck! That gave me a heart attack. Okay, now I understand the old lady."

"That is him. Hey, Alastor Magne? Do you recognize my voice?"

"No, I don't believe so. Should I? Are we friends?"

"That depends. How old are you now?"

"I was 24 years old when I was made."

"Then no. We met you way after that."

"How long after?"

"Last we knew about you, you were on your 40s."

"And after that?"

"We don't know. That is what we try to find out."

"I see. What about Luci? Do you know who he is?"

"Yes. You told us about him."

"I did? That is such a big relief then. You must have been very good friends for that to happen. I wouldn't trust that information to about anyone."

"Yeah, totally. Husky here was your favorite student ever in fact. That is why you made him into your little assistant for the class."

"Angel."

"What? It's true."

"What a delightful surprise that we happened to find each other again in these circumstances! For you, I mean. To me you are still a pair of strangers. Do tell me, Husky, my friend, what did I say about my Luci?"

"First of all, you call me Husk. Husky is Anthony's thing."

"Ah! Duly noted."

"Just that you adore him to bits and want to kiss him and cuddle up under the stars to see how his scales shine under the stars. He did! I saw it with my own two beautiful eyes."

"R-really? Then… we must had have a pretty close relationship then."

"Favorite student ever. Never lost contact not even after we graduated. Right, Husky?"

"Sure. I mean, yeah."

"For so long the only other person I could talk to about him was Rosie. I didn't thought anyone else would understand."

"Oh, but we understand completely, professor. In fact, if anything, we want to hear more about it. All the details if you can! Don't listen to that grumpy pants groaning in the background, he is just being dramatic for another unrelated thing that has nothing to do with us."

"Angel, I swear to god."

"You are free to leave the room if you want, kitty. Professor Magne. Alastor. You don't mind answering my questions, don't you? We just want to get a clearer picture of how things went down with you and Luci."

"Of course not! I am all ears."

"Okay, so…"

"Angel."

"Did you fucked with the snake or not? Please, be as explicit as you want.

Hello? Professor, are you there?"

"You fucked it up. Good."

"Apologies, I was just taken aback by the wording of the question. If you absolutely must know, then yes. Luci and I have made love before, as couples often do. It was wonderful."

"I fucking told you."

"Please, shut up."

"Everything alright?"

"Yes, he is just being silly. So, did you made love when you were still a student? That is the part that has been bugging me for a while now."

"Is this the kind of relationship that we had after I became your professor?"

"Oh, come on, don't be like that! Everyone is an adult here. We have been adults long enough so yes, we totally have that kind of trust. You can fully count on us, professor. We won't repeat a word to a soul."

"I am going out. Tell me when you are ready to talk about something useful."

"You are still hearing the recording later, Husky."

"Don't remind me."

"You were saying, professor?"

"Very well. I guess there is no harm on it since we are all friends here.

Most young people get to experiment around that age. I guess I really wasn't that different in that aspect. I wasn't interested into doing anything like that with any of my classmates, so my Luci was the perfect vehicle for it. He was so infinitely patient and kind, even as I was getting overwhelmed with all the new sensations I was having. I couldn't have asked for a better companion for those moments. When on my own it always felt like such a chore to go through for very little reward, but with him I finally understood a little bit of what the fuzz was about. Although no doubt other teenagers were no having the same experience, my body and his were for the first time sources of a different kind of pleasure I didn't know before.

At first, when I asked him to let me see him on his own, I truly believe he was convinced that I would find it gross or it was a temporary curiosity that would die the moment it was satisfied. A part of me thought so as well. My dedication to him wasn't about to diminish one bit even if that was the case. I didn't need that kind of physicallity to know already that the rest of my life was going to be tied to his. But I was curious nonetheless. If there was even the slightest chance that we both got to have any kind of enjoyment from it, then why I would deprive myself from it?

To be clear, we never did anything of that nature until my last year. I didn't even thought of doing anything until then, when I realized it was going to be a long while until I saw him again at the end of the year. I was going out to study for my title of professor at a wizard university in another continent. Four years at the very least we would have to keep apart. The thought was unbearable, but it had to be done if I wanted to stick around the school to stay with him in the long run.

Our status as a relationship wasn't a conventional one and not only because of the curse imposed on him. Actually there were probably too many factors to count and no small portion of them was Lucifer's own doubt that I could even want him as an actual partner. Everything else could be handled or left to a side, but he was convinced that once I was out in the world I would find an actual human and forget anything about him. No matter how much I said that was never going to happen. He just kept repeating we will see to the point I was tired of touching the subject all together.

Before then, I had what I would call kisses with him, I had slept besides him and even brought him back to my room to stay on my pillow when I found out he could actually control his size to his will. That is what had allowed him to go whichever part of the castle he wanted to without relying on the pipes or being seen. I was clearly already comfortable and safe around him, just like he never had to fear any harm coming from me. I thought that a experiment of that kind only made the most sense possible.

I was fully unprepared for the impact of what I saw had on my own body. I won't give you a full rundown of what I saw then because that was meant only for my eyes. Just know that he wasn't exempt from the most common snake traits for his body and he didn't need hands to give me a demostration of how he has relieved himself all this time. I had my own mouth dry from keeping it open for so long, gasping, by the end of it. No matter how many things we have done since then or we will in the future, that first impression will never leave my mind. It consumed me for weeks worst than his venom ever could. Any moment I wasn't actively paying attention to something else, my mind would conjure up that image again and I wished I could be with him again, on his nest, our chamber, where we both could indulge in without judgement, without worries.

My curiosity, my need for more, didn't die at all. Every free time that I had was fully spend down there. Lucifer was a lot less reluctant about touching me as he was about me doing the same for him, when he saw how willing I was for it. He was so afraid of hurting me that he didn't want to hear about us becoming one in the most traditional way. I didn't mind it that much back then because any way that he would allow me to have that experience with him was new and perfect already as far I was concerned.

The night of the last banquet I brought him a present I had been working on for months. This radio that I am speaking through now was meant to be our only way of communication while I was away, studying abroad. He could talk to it back if he wanted to and I would listen through a smaller radio I had brought with me. Since it didn't work on electricity, it would work no problem on school grounds. I put it on his nest under the bigger statue and we listened to some tunes while everyone else was celebrating above us. I didn't care for what house had won that year or what points were distributed. This was all I needed.

Lucifer remained weirdly silent for a big part of it. His head was moving slightly to the rythm of the music, but I could tell he wasn't really all there. When I asked him what was wrong, he looked up and said it was going to be hard to get used to not having me around anymore.

That should not have me so stupidly happy as it did. I of course assure him that I would have the same struggle, but in the end it was going to be worth if we could spend together the rest of our lives once I was hired here. I was going to work as hard as I could to make that goal come true, you could mark my words. Meanwhile, we can still keep in contact like this, my love. I could tell there was something else he wanted to say."

[Note from Husk: At this point the dials start moving on their own and changing stations. It will become obvious later on, but these are memories being played back and not the current Professor Magne speaking. He won't respond to anything we say in that state. There is some music playing on the background.]

"Four years is not that much, dear. It will pass sooner than we expect."

"I know, I know. You would think that four years would be easy for me to pass through."

[Note from Husk: I have to imagine that second person speaking is what professor Magne hears when Lucifer speaks to him. It's a younger kind of voice that what I would have expected. He couldn't have been older than his 20s or early 30 when turned into a snake. Later on he will sing through the radio and it will make sense why the journal said he had an angelic kind of voice. It does sound nice. But also sad.]

"I will miss you too, love. I will use the radio everyday, even if you don't answer."

"You should… try to live a little bit while you can, Al. You are young only once. I won't take offense if you have other things going on."

"Not tonight, darling. Please. Just for tonight, can you believe me when I say I want to stay with you? That I want to spend my life with you? I don't want to hear about the rest of the world. They won't ever matter as much as what we have here."

"You see, Al, you keep saying that and it's exactly what makes me think… maybe that shouldn't be. You should care about others and let them care for you. I don't have an option here, but you do."

"I care about you. Is that not enough? Does that mean so little for you?"

"It means everything. I just don't want you to feel trapped here like I am. You say you want this and I do believe you, but what about in ten years? Twenty, fifty? How do you know you won't regret it? I can't hug you, Al. I can't go on in dates with you. You will never have any of the things other people have with their partners with me. What if you ever want to have a family?

Listen, I am sorry, I didn't mean to ruin your surprise. All I am saying is… when that day comes, I will understand if you tell me you found someone else that makes you happy. That is all. You don't owe me anything."

"You think I didn't thought of all of that? I don't need all those things to know how you feel about me. If we want a family, we can make it ourselves, I will find the way somehow. If I can't, then who cares? I only really need you.

I already don't want to go away. Get up on that train is going to be one of the hardest things I have done. Don't push me too."

"Funny. I think I lost the ability of doing that a long time ago. I know I should, I know that is the least I should do, but I can't. I don't know anymore what does that say about me."

"Do you love me?"

"Yes. I feel like a selfish piece of shit for saying it, but I do. I haven't loved anything in so long. That is why it terrifies me that I could ever hurt you, even without meaning to. I would never forgive myself if I did. You are so precious to me, Al."

"You won't. Darling, look at me. Please, listen. You won't hurt me by letting me stay with you. I might not know the future right now, but I know that much. If you are selfish, then I am too. Just… try trust me back when I say I want this. I want you. Can you do that for me, love?"

"I can try."

"That is all I ask. Come here.

I want to stay the night here. All my things are packed already, so I don't need to rush in the morning. Is that okay?"

"Mmm. Actually… I was thinking we could… try that thing you talked about last time."

"What thing? Merfolk meat?"

"No, the… You are really going to make me say it. Fine. You putting it in on me. Not just my mouth. You asked if we could try that, but you were so busy with your finals that… You don't have to if you aren't in the mood. We can just sleep. I am just saying that if you want, we can."

"Oh! No, I was just surprised you even remember that. That was months ago. You were really mulling over it this long?"

"It's a limited offer. The clock is ticking."

"I better take the chance while I can in that case. Yes, of course I want to. How?"

"Take your clothes off."

"If you wanted me naked, you can also just ask, my love. Those eyes of yours are a dead give away."

"Shut up. Do you need help?"

"It's still hard for me to do anything with it if you aren't the one touching it."

"Heh. Hard."

[Note from Anthony: HA! Luci and I could have been friends, I can tell.

Note from Husk: For fuck's sake, Angel.

Note from Anthony: Never better said, Husky.

Note from Husk: I hate this. So much.]

"Are you twelve?"

"Come on, you did it unpurpose."

"I won't deny or confirm such an accusation. But if you can assist me, I won't say no."

"Very well.

Did you really missed my tongue that much? I barely did anything and you are reacting so well already."

"I… did. It has been a while, hasn't it?"

"Mmm. You must be so pent up. It's okay, hopefully this will help."

[Note from Anthony: I can't believe I didn't think of the tongue before. I feel deeply dissapointed on myself. Ashamed even.

Note from Husk: NOTES ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE USED FOR THIS BULLSHIT.

Note from Anthony: Fine. There are pants and moans now with the voice of professor Magne. The music is still playing in the background. I don't recognize the singer, but it's a ballad about missing a lover that has yet to come back. Bittersweet, that is the word I was looking for. I kinda like it. It's an oldie but a cute one. For when you want to be a sad bitch with hope.]

"Luci…"

"There we go. Now I can work with this. Get on top of me. I won't drop you, it's fine. Just let me move you a little… There. That is where I want you to put it."

"Isn't that where your stuff comes out?"

"Mmm. I have to push them for that. If I keep them inside, they are still sensitive. You can rub against them if you want, but it should be tight anyway. I tried using my tail a couple of times, but it's still too big no matter how small I make myself. You should be the perfect size as I am now."

"You… you used your tail like that?"

"Well, yeah. I had to try to see how it felt before I could offer it, right? I was trying to think it was you, but it really wouldn't work."

"You have never done this before then?"

"Just with my own tongue. You are the first one I will do it with, though."

"I am glad. I would have to kill anyone who saw you like this."

"You are the only one who wants to see me like this, you weirdo."

[Note from Anthony: I don't know, I would be curious at least. I think Luci really understimate how many freaks there are out there.

Note from Husk: Angel, I swear I will start deleting all your notes if you keep this shit up. It's bad enough I had to hear it myself.]

"The only one you want to be seen by, right, my love?"

"I would have blinded you already if not.

Stop teasing it and fuck me already, Al. You won't need lube, it's fine."

"Mmm. Ah, I feel you… They are throbbing there. So warm. Luci, you really wanted this too, didn't you?"

"You started it… How is it?"

"Amazing. You sucking me in so nicely, love. You?"

"I… I have to concentrate on keeping them inside."

"Is that… good?"

"Heh. It means I like it, yes. It's good. So much better than my tail ever was.

Are you sure you haven't done this before?"

"I only… with you… Ah, no, never."

"I was kidding, Al. You know… I can feel how warm your blood is compared to mine? I always could, but now it's like you are burning me from the inside. In the best way.

You can… finish inside if you want. It won't go anywhere."

"Not now. I want this to last some more. We should… have done this before."

"Better late than never. I didn't want you to go without knowing if this could work."

"But it's not. Pull them out."

"What?"

"Pull them out. I want to… I want to touch them. I want to taste them myself. Please? Please, love. Let me finish with you. I don't want you to repress yourself during this. I can see how much effort you are using."

"That is… Are you sure? What if you don't like it?"

"I have seen you sucking yourself off and wanting to do it myself since the first day. It will be fine. Just relax and let me do it."

"Fine… But don't force yourself if you want to stop. Move a little. Can you touch yourself a little? Perfect.

There."

"See? Doesn't feel better that way?"

"Mmm! Aal, if you lick it…"

"A lot more sensitive too."

"That is how dicks tend to work! Sorry, it just took me by surprise. You don't find it gross?"

"I think I actually like this better."

"Really? One would think the youth would just love to have a hole to fuck."

"I think we establish already I am not like the other wizards my age. You haven't put them in on anyone either, right?"

"Believe it or not, I didn't had any chances down here, no."

"Can you get smaller and do it to me?"

"What. You are not serious."

"Why not? They seem to react well to my presence. I think I like them too. Your flavor is unlike anything I had before."

"Mmm… that, that is not the point. If you have never done anything like it before it's going to hurt you, even if I do get smaller. My smallest is still bigger than your whole body. No, Al, we can't."

"But I want to…"

"No. Just… use your legs to make some friction and get yourself betweem them. You can use one arm if you want."

"Like this?"

"Squeeze a little more. Don't worry, you can't hurt me… Yes, baby, just like that. Exactly like that. I will get a little smaller, hold on… Now you can just use your thighs.

You like it?

Heh. You are cute when you don't talk. It's okay, you can let go."

"You-you too. Together."

"Mmm, yes."

"L-luci, Luci, Luciii…"

"Alastor…"

[Note from Anthony: Hot. And before certain grumpy pants says anything, after the happy ending you could only hear the music. At some point they lowered the volume. The station changed again to another memory.

Note from Husk: Not at all of them are as long as the last one. They are mostly fragments of conversations that Magne and Lucifer had.]

"I really wish you were here, love. I would have gladly feed you our professor in Ethics. I don't think anyone in the whole institutions would mind either. Most students probably would congratulate me."

"One of my classmates asked for a date. According to Rosie, the whole asking me my notes for almost every class was all an excuse to talk to me. If I had known that is what she was after, I would have tell her already I have someone else."

"I don't mind music, but do they really need to put it so loud at this hours of the morning? Some of us have scholarships we need to keep by not sleeping during class."

"I end up cursing their radios to shock them everytime they try to use them after the sun is down."

"I found a dead cat on the sidewalk that made me think of you, dearest. If I could I have send it to you. It seemed fresh enough at least."

"Of course I love you, darling."

"I got this book on my outing today. It's about a woman who marries a man cursed to look like a beast. Would you believe me if I tell you this come from a muggle library? From a muggle author too! Want me to read it for you?"

"I hated the ending. It felt unnecessary? You already made these two fell in love. Why did he had to become a man at the end of it?"

"I heard this song, maybe you will like it too?"

"I miss you."

"I miss you."

"Today was awful. I miss you."

"I miss you."

"I miss you."

[Note from Husk: It continues like that for at least other five minutes as the dials keep turning in random stations. Every I miss you is different from each other. At least the sex talk is over.

Note from Anthony: Until it was back and Husky checked out again. Sorry, honey.]

"I think I finally got a solution to our size problem."

"Our what now?"

"So you can mate with me properly."

"Are you still on that?! I thought we had a good enough time already."

"We did. Don't misunderstand, darling, it was wonderful, but surely you would like to experiment for that as well. I have been working on it for weeks now and I believe I finally got it. I have tested it out and is so much better than I thought."

"Al, when you say test it out, what do you mean?"

"Is that jelousy I heard, my love? My own fingers, of course. But let me tell you about my process a little bit. Did you know that witches have tons of spells already to make intercourse all the better for them? In handsight, that only makes sense, but I had no idea how many options they had. Remember that party my classmates dragged me to after the end of the semester? There, a witch was talking about a particular kind of spell that let her enjoy one night with a… particularly endowed centaur. Normally something like that could have kill her, but she was determined to make it work so she tried that new spell and it worked wonder for the both of them. Want to know what it does?"

"I am sorry, a centaur?"

"A centaur, darling. Anyway, the spell consist on just in making it so her parts would make it so her lover would instantly adapt to her without losing any sensation. It's like living an actual fantasy where you only count with the pleasure and none of the real life inconveniences. I asked her for it, she wanted to know for what and when I told her it was for my boyfriend she very kindly taught me the exact gesture."

[Note from Anthony: Maybe we should look into the centaur girl? For the sake of the investigation, that is. We don't want to miss any important detail.

Note from Husk: No. Also, you already know that spell anyway.

Note from Anthony: But a centaur, Husky! Are they kind? Are they rough? Do they cuddle after? Those are the big questions that need answers! Besides, that girls sounds like fun.

Note from Husk: Still no.]

"That was just the first part of what I intended to do. The next one was the issue of my own body. I don't very much care for the parts I was born with, so I did some research and found an easy enough spell that would allow me for something far more comfortable. For what I could gather, lots of wizards and witches do stuff like that to themselves all the time! Some people create their own parts to closely resemble what is on their mind or just because they can! Truly fascinating subject, my love."

"Wh-what… You mean you have a…"

"A vulva, yes. I have to say, it's so much more convenient than what I had before. We won't even need lube after all! But I wasn't done yet. I thought I was, but then I remembered about how you believe I should have fun with other people before settling down with you."

"Hey, I didn't put it exactly like that."

"Point is! If you won't believe on my words, you don't leave much any other choice than to show you with my actions. So I basically found a variant of a chastity spell and now I have nothing. Nothing unless I have to relieve myself or you are here."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing at all. It's completely smooth down there, like a doll. It will keep being that way unless the one of my choosing makes me want to show what I have for him. That means you, dear. There won't ever be anyone else who will even come close to it."

"Did… did you really do that?"

"It was a pretty arcaic spell, but I think I have pull it off very well on my own. With all these changes in place, I should be ready for our next encounter. You can take me however way you want. You won't hurt me."

"Al, you are… fucking insane."

"But you like it?"

"Baby, I don't know if I am going to contain myself the next time I see you."

"Who said I want you to?"

[Note from Anthony: Eliminated because NOBODY NEEDS THE COMMENTARY.

Note from Anthony: ALRIGHT, FUCK. The next memory we think is when professor Magne was interviewed by the Headmaster Sera. There is the sound of people talking in the background. They are on some tabern, probably in Hogsmeade.

Note from Husk: Hearing her voice all of the sudden was a genuine jumpscare. I never liked her much either. She always seemed very… cold, I guess? Indifferent to others, but she knew to hide it better than professor Magne ever bothered.]

"I have to say, I still don't fully understand why do you even want this job, Alastor. A young man like you would get bored of being surrounded by old wizards like us the entire year. You could work in any other school if you really wanted to."

"Nonsense! There is a certain beauty on helping out the future generations in the same way that I was helped with. I just can't ignore the calling that Hogswarts has on me any longer. The best memories I ever had and my best friends both I made under the ceiling of that castle, walking those aisles. I truly feel at home right there. I couldn't imagine dedicating myself to my students in any other place, if I have to be honest. It would be my honor if you would consider me, Sera."

"I definitely will and make you know my decision by tomorrow. For now, I am afraid I have to leave you."

"To interview my competition?"

"To see another candidate to the same position. It was nice talking to you again, Alastor. You were always an exceptional student and I am glad to see the kind of men you became to."

"You, on the other hand, have remained just as pleasing to the eyes as the day I graduated."

"Flattery won't affect my decision, Alastor."

"I had to try at least. Go on then, dear. I will be waiting for my letter of acceptance."

"Confidence is a virtue, but arrogance can be a flaw."

"Which one I have?"

"That is about to be seen. I do need to go now. Thank you for coming to see me here and your time."

"My pleasure! I was nostalgic for this small little town anyway. I might stick around a while more just to have a look. Have a nice evening, dear."

"Likewise, Alastor."

[Note from Husk: Another memory.]

"I got the job. Darling, I got the job! I barely had to curse only one of the other candidates! I will get to see you soon, Luci. Once I do, there won't be any force in this world that will ever tear me apart from your side. We will kill anyone that tries."

"Why do you always have to make everything creepy?"

"Some call it romantic, dear. You don't sound that displeased either."

"I am not. Not at all. Congratulations, Al. Can't wait to see you too."

[Note from Husk: The next thing we hear are steps over grass and someone panting. The steps reach solid ground. They won't stop running. At some point there is a whisper of professor Magne ordering something to open up. After some time, the steps sound wet as they renew the run. The next time professor Magne speaks again, again ordering an entrnace, there is a sound of unlocking before a heavy door is moved. The entire time professor Magne is panting for air.

Note from Anthony: Not just for the exercise either.

Note from Husk: What is that supposed to mean?

Note from Anthony: Can't you hear his heartbeat from here? The man is anxious, Husky.

Note from Husk: Something very heavy is moving over rocks. The voices barely echo there.]

"My love! Luci. I am sorry for not coming sooner, but I had to wait for a moment in which they left me alone. Sera would not stop yapping my ear off about the new year. I have all my things with me, I can stay with you. Where are you?"

"Al?"

"Lucifer. It's me, love. Come here. I missed your scales so much."

"You are taller now."

"Can you really tell? It was just a few inches."

"Of course I can. Those are new glasses too."

"I had no choice when my eyesight was getting worse. Surprisingly enough, dark arts are not really dedicated to the improvement of eyes's health. Who knew? Wow. I forgot you literally can swift me off my feet."

"I also feel you lighter. Have you eaten already?"

"Yes, dear. The rest of the staff had a little party to welcome me into the castle. I even had to take a bite of the cake because the chef made it for me."

"Have you sleep…"

"My dear, not that I don't find your concern endearing, but are really not going to take me to your nest so I can settle in?"

"You… have a bed upstairs."

"I like yours better. I can also just sleep on top of you. You are so convenient like that, love."

"It's cold here."

"Then you better keep close to save heat, mmm? Nobody is going to even know that I am here, Luci. I can stay all night without any worry. I won't get in any trouble. I can feel you shaking, darling. What is wrong?"

"Tell me this is real."

"Of course it is, silly. You had me worried for a second there. But if you still have any doubt, I can show you something very real instead. You just have to take me to your nest. Would that help?"

"Yes."

[Note from Angel: Another memory. Bummer.]

"Love. Darling, I have to go."

"Tell them you are sick. Later."

"It's my first day on my new job and you want me to call in sick already? Not the best very first impression, isn't it?"

"Can you even walk?"

"Do not ask that with that smug tone in your voice! For your information, yes, I can. I am not made of crystal, I will have you know! I took all necessary precautions so I wouldn't have any unwanted pain. You are welcome, by the way."

"Thank you. You are limping. Are you sure you are okay?"

"Because I just woke up, it's fine!"

"Wait. When are you coming back?"

"After the banquet of inauguration. I will come as soon as I can."

[Note from Husk: The dial moved again to the original station where we first talked to professor Magne. Thank fucking heavens.]

"I never spend a single night on the room I was assigned to. Now that I was finally back at the school, I could finally look into another little project I had in mind. Everyone knows about the Shrieking Shank on Hogsmeade, rumoured to be the house of violent spirits, but at the school it was said that it was made just for the sake of one student that turned into a werewolf during the full moon. Back then potions to keep his mind conscious did not exist and rather than put him or any students at risk, that house was made to contain him. I can only the terror a kid would have gone through during those nights. Once I became a member of the staff of the school, I soon learned another detail that it wasn't known by the student but could be easily deduced if one thought about it. A tunnel was connecting directly the school to that location, as to avoid the townspeople to wonder what was doing a Hogwart's student outside at those hours. That kid graduated closely before my generations, so now the building stood silent, empty. Without anybody to put it to good use. It was time to change that.

The building itself was easy to buy with the money I had saved. You can't hope to achieve the magical accomplishment that I had in mind without having some extra credit. It took me years of part time jobs and living as frugal as possible during my student years, but that and a few months of my new salary finally allowed me to sign whatever name I told them to put. I made sure nobody ever saw my own face close to that place.

Once it was mine, it was a matter to make it according to my own interest. I changed the start of the tunnel from under that awful tree to the same lenght of the tunnel with a few teleportation spells and a security system in place so we would both be alerted if anyone we didn't trust tried to get in. Both the immediate steps inside the house from the entrance, the back and the view from the window wouldn't show a single thing different to how they were before I touched anything. If anyone was dumb enough to go beyond that, they could be trapped inside until we could determine what to do with them.

I had to make both the kitchen, the bathrooms and the chimney functional, make sure that the smoke would come out in a random locations of the forest and finally clear out the living room to make a proper nest for Luci. Then it came the clean up. Lots and lots of clean up. But it was worth it when Lucifer was there, absolutely incredulous when I told him this was our new place. I never lied when I said I didn't mind the chambers. If anything they hold a nostalgic attractive for me, but they weren't ours. We had nothing to do with their creation. Someone had made it to contain Lucifer, for it to be his prison, so now he was going to have a new place to go where he could do as he pleased or just rest without bringing up what had happened.

I was slightly less excited when I gave him the option to decorate himself and he kept asking for the guadiest things possible from the catalogues I gave him to fill our space. I relented on some, not in others. Our first proper fight as a couple was when he just needed a figurine of a duck the size of a medium dog. I used what was supposed to be Rosie's room if she ever came to visit for two nights. I don't actually remember how we made up, but in the end there was now a white duck greeting guest next to the ladder to the second floor. Besides his unfortunate taste, I was rather proud when the place didn't looked like it had been abandoned for more than ten years.

The curse of Lucifer was very much still there. The paliatives I had managed to make were just that and very conditional. He could go to Hogsmeade and to our house, but not a step beyond that before he was taken immediately back to the chamber. At the very least that extended his range of hunting in the forest so he could go for bigger prey if he wanted to. It still wasn't perfect, but it was getting there. I just needed to work more on it. Between grading students, my classes and impart the odd discipline, we were set for me to do pretty much whatever I wanted with the rest of my time. The vast library of Hogwarts were older and therefore more useful than the ones on the university I came from. The forbidden section proved to be rather useful.

After a few years, a little sickness curse in our good old current professor for Care of Magical Creatures left the path open for Rosie to come join me. It was during one of our monthly dinners as the Shrieking Shank with her wife that I had an idea. But it needed to be worked on still.

All things considered, and with all of their limitations, I liked this small life we had managed to build, one that the school had no idea about. It was as nice of a simple life as we could get."

[Note from Husk: This is where I intervened.]

"What was the idea?"

"Pardon?"

"You mentioned an idea that Rosie's wife… Lilith, right? Gave you. What was that?"

"Oh, I couldn't possibly tell you that. Apologies if I gave you the impression that I wasn't going to leave some stuff for myself. If I haven't even told Luci yet! Like I said, it needs to be worked on before I feel it approporiate for him to know about. I don't want to hold his hopes up without any garantees. At the point I was made, I still haven't found the right way."

"But it's something that he wanted? Not you?"

"I wanted it as well. Can we change the subject, if you don't mind?"

"Yeah, sure. So, how were you made? I know about the process already. Professor needs to kill someone each time."

"Did he tell you that?"

"He did."

"Huh. Well, that is correct. I picked up this old radio for some sentimental value left. The one I had to eliminate was a man in Hogsmeade that was infamous for beating his small children after the dead of her wife. I am talking kids no older than 12. Isn't that awful? I of course made sure that they had a loving aunt that could take care of them before doing anything. Once that was settle, it was as easy as to catch him after he was kicked out from the pub and applied the tiniest drop of Lucifer's venom to his temple. Went down instantly. From there, taking him back to our house and finish the job was easy. Luci was the one who recommended to use this radio. He said he liked how my voice came out of here. I did always liked to listen to it, even as a little boy."

"How many more horrorcruxes was professor Magne planning into doing? He asked us to keep a tally of them, but didn't specify any number before he had to go into hiding again."

"Mmm. As far my knowledge goes, the idea was to make at least 5. A good solid number that would give me enough time to figure out what to do with Luci. But that might have changed by the time you two met him. If he went into hiding, do you have any idea if managed to get out with Luci?"

[Note from Husk: That is when it suddenly hit me. We had no idea if he had actually managed to break the curse. What if he didn't? What if he made a huge mess at the school, faked his death and just stayed there? The place should be empty, but it's really, really big. If someone really wanted to go unnoticed inside, they could. Lucifer had plenty of experience on that.

I answered yes to the question of the radio and left it there. We had a travel to make.]

[luvluvdally]

MEETING DALLAS

Ive never been the type to fall in love.

Especially with a boy who wouldn't be able to love me back.

My Parents weren't around. Ever.

Ive never known them, My grandparents raised me.

My Grandfather is a respected man he built his construction company from the ground up.

He was able to give me and my mom.

A comfortable middle class life.

It was pretty boring.

To me It seems like to be present and known.

Was to be a "Greaser" Or "Soc".

Im not exactly anywhere near them.

My grandmother is a strict old soul.

My Grandparents weren't that old despite being grandparents.

They were in their late three when I was born.

My mother had me at sixteen.

She dropped me off and left when i was only a week old.

My dad was a man even older than my grandparents.

We don't talk about it much.

My grandpa likes to help anyone he can.

So when a family of five, Tragically and suddenly becomes three young "lost boys" as he said.

He took the olde one "in" and gave him a job.

The younger one two.

He some genius and was hired to tutor me.

It embarrassing to have a kid younger than you

treat you like you below him.

Even though I knew that was never his

intention.

__________________________________

It was a boring Friday late afternoon.

I was heading to Ponyboy Curtis house.

I liked his name it was unique, it was nice to know someone with a unique name.

Like me my name is Estrella.

Star.

My middle name is luna.

I liked my name.

It was the only thing that made me feel special.

It was also the most my mom ever did for me.

Estrella, Luna, Smith.

__________________________________

I got Pony's house.

I knocked on the door expecting the same

greasy hair boy as usual.

But I saw a brunette, it seemed like he didn't care much for his hair.

Or first impressions.

He was only wearing a pair of dark blue jeans.

"Hey darling, what brings you here" He smiled.

I clutched my books bringing them closer to my chest.

Looking down I quickly and quietly let out.

"Im here for Ponyboy curtis, sir".

"Sir, Com'n don't be so formal doll"

He reached out and grabbed a strand of my hair twirling it around his finger.

"don't" I whispered screamed pushing his hand away from me.

I didn't really want to.

"Hey dal cut it out" Pony came pushing past

him.

"Hey, Star come in" He continued.

I nodded my head walking in.

I felt His Eyes on me, as I walked past him.

Setting my books down on the table.

__________________________________

The whole time me and Pony were doing our tutoring session he didn't speak.

He just sat there staring or watching TV.

I looked up from my notebook to look at the time.

5:15pm.

"Hey pony, Its time" I nudged his shoulder still looking at the clock.

"Mmhm" Pony rarely talked to me unless needed.

"For what" I heard a the familiar voice I now knew as Dallas Winston say.

I turned over to him.

Not to respond but to study him.

Dallas Winston, Tulsa's bad boy with a record so long he has two folders full downtown.

There was something about him I thought.

There just has to be.

I was shook to out of my thoughts by his words.

"So, is that a yes? Pone what with this gal she just stares".

I was completely confused.

"What? I think it was the loudest I've ever spoked around Pony.

"He wants to know if you'd like to go get cokes as the dingo, But i told him that your curfew".

"I can ask" I interrupted.

I think pony was shocked that was

talking so much.

I got up and headed to the phone.

I looked over to Dallas, He was putting his shirt and shoes on.

As I picked the phone off the hook and dialed the only number I could remember.

"Hello" I hear my grandmother say.

"Hi gram, Pony and his friend invited me to go get some cokes" I was quickly cut off with a slur of questions.

Who, where, you know curfew and who again.

I lied a little to her.

"Umm some friend he's over here to keep an eye on Pony so I think Darry trusts him" I knew that would convince her.

She loves Darry

__________________________________

We walked to the Dingo.

I was the only one not talking.

Never been much to talk at all.

Juts didn't like it.

I felt an arm around my shoulder.

"What up with this broad man".

Broad, I thought to me it was not a simple way to describe a woman.

"Im not a Broad" I pushed his arm off me.

"What with you? Ever heard of personal space?!"

I looked at him expecting a hurt or angry emotion plastered on his face.

But it wasn't that.

He was smiling at me.

"I think I like this broad Pone".

I finally knew then,

what was under all that bad bot act.

It was New and Intoxicating.

I've never felt this was about a Someone before.

Let alone a Boy.

__________________________________

I Hope you guys like this one.

I love it.

So far Im not sure where this story will end up.

- With love Cynnie

[jerzwriter]

What Happened in Vegas Chapter 4 - We did...

Book: Open Heart (Book 2)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Casey MacTavish)

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Some suggestive content, limited/not explicit.

Category: Series - AU

Words: 4,575

Series Summary: Casey & her roommates are heading to Vegas, intent on taking down Declan Nash and Panacea, but this time, Dr. Ethan Ramsey is in tow.

Chapter 4: Their hangover was cured quickly when they woke up to shocking news that neither could recall, so what happens next? Ethan & Casey retrace their steps in hopes of something sparking a memory and make some revelations along the way.

A/N: Hey everyone, the dog, the child, and Kevin McCarthy were not stopping me from finishing this today! 😂 Quick note, the laws regarding getting married in Vegas are pretty lax, but you can't merely walk into a chapel and get married, but I took creative liberties. I hope you enjoy the story. @choicesjanuarychallenge - Day 4 - Self-Reflection

Artwork for this chapter by the lovely @/artbyainna.

Catch up here

"MARRIED?"

Moving wasn’t a consideration, so he didn’t even try; after all, it felt as if his bones had turned into lead. Shock was apparent in his voice, but his face was devoid of emotion. Perhaps his flesh was now immobile, too. After this news, anything was possible.

MARRIED.

With the two doctors rendered speechless, the word hung in the air, clanging like a chime in Casey’s ears as she frantically paced the room.

"I know!" She finally replied with a nervous giggle and a racing heart. “It can’t be! It’s impossible! Right?”

Panicking, she silently prayed that this was a joke. After so much turmoil, she and Ethan were finally in a good place. Yes, they had to remain a secret for now, but they were in love and happy. She was confident they had a future together. Yet she was intimately acquainted with every brick she had to dismantle in the wall that had surrounded Ethan’s heart, and she was certain this would have him rushing to rebuild.

"We were so drunk!" she insisted. "They wouldn't issue a marriage license to anyone in that condition…. Would they?"

"I… I…," he stammered. "It is Vegas."

"Look, it’s OK," she attempted to assure. “Everything is fine. Like you said, it’s Vegas… right? Vegas. We can’t possibly be the first couple to drunkenly get hitched. If you can get married in a day, I’m sure you can get an annulment in a day, too, right?”

“I…I’m not sure it works that way.”

“It has to!” She yelled, pulling her phone from her purse. “I’m Googling it right now! You should too.”

But Ethan still couldn't bring himself to move, and the longer he remained in this comatose state, the more unraveled Casey became.

“Ethan!” She yelled, finally causing him to jump. “Take out your goddamn phone!”

“Casey, I think we should….”

“GOOGLE IT!!!”

He knew Casey was right; action was needed. And the first thing he needed to do was to get his girlfriend… uh… wife?… to stop hyperventilating. Gently grasping her shoulder, he pulled her close and kept her in place despite her attempts to squirm away.   

“Casey, Casey!” he hollered. “You have to take a breath! We’ll figure this out, but panicking won’t solve anything. Who knows if this is even legitimate?”

“I don’t know,” she worried. “It looks legit.”

“Does it say where this took place?”

“At the Blue Bell Chappel.”

“OK, we have a starting point. Let me call them.”

Casey sat at the foot of the bed as he rapidly dialed. 

“Hello, you have reached the Blue Bell Chappel of Love… if you’re hearing this message, we’re making someone’s dreams come true….”

“Or maybe their nightmare!” Ethan muttered.

“Please leave your name and number, and we’ll call you back as soon as they say I do!”

As Ethan left a detailed message just as Casey let out a scream. Clenching his eyes, Ethan turned around with trepidation.

“That can’t be good. What else did we do? Rob a bank? Take a hostage?”

“No. But apparently, you sprung for Blue Bell’s triple diamond package because our ceremony was recorded.”

“Recorded? How… how do you know that?”

Casey tossed her phone in his direction like it was a hot potato. “Because it’s posted on their website!”

“It’s post… it’s posted….”

“Not only posted, but we’re the freaking ‘Couple of the Week’!”

“No,” he breathed. Moments away from hyperventilating, he fought to keep his composure. “Did you see it?”

“NO!” she shrieked. “NO! We have to have it taken down! What if someone else sees this?”

Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose, relieved to hear his phone ring.

“Ethan Ramsey,” he answered.

“Hello, Mr. Ramsey. This is Edna from the Blue Bell Chapel. You left a….”

“EDNA! I think… I think I may have gotten married there last night.”

“You think?” Edna quipped. “I’d assume that’s the sort of thing someone would remember, don’t ya think?”

“Not if they are completely inebriated! And if your establishment actually allowed us to be wed in that state, I assure you, I will have a lawyer on this.”

“Mr. Ramsey, I…”

“DOCTOR Ramsey!” he corrected.

“Not the time to worry about your title, Ethan!” Casey scolded. “Just get them to take the ceremony down!”

“The cer, the cer… YES! I need you to take that down IMMEDIATELY! I insist!”

“You insist?” Edna asked. “Last night you insisted we put it up! You said you wanted the whole world to see it!”

“I WAS DRUNK, EDNA! And now, sober Ethan Ramsey is telling you, you NEED to get rid of that recording!”

“Fine… I’ll delete it.”

“NO!” Ethan gasped. “I said take it down from your webpage… I didn’t say delete it!”

“Why are you so… Wait, what’s going on here? One of you isn't married to someone else, are you? Cause we got laws about those things. Even here in Vegas!”

“No! I’m not married. Well, I might be now. I… I don’t know.”

“Listen, why don’t you come down here? You can watch the ceremony, and maybe being here will jog your memory. But I’m telling you: you and your pretty lady sure weren’t acting like a couple who didn’t want to get married. Come on down. It can’t hurt.”

“I guess it’s a start. We’ll head over now.”

Casey stood next to him with pleading eyes. “Tell me it's all a misunderstanding. We're not married, right?”

“It… it appears we are. Why don’t we head down there, try to piece this thing together… and take it from there?”

Casey diverted her eyes, nodding slowly as she felt the gravity of the situation sinking in. Ethan slipped his hand in hers and started toward the door, but she pulled him back.

“Wait!” she blurted. “Before we go… I have to ask...”

“What is it?”

“Ethan, you’re… you’re not going to break up with me, are you?” she asked with a quivering voice.

“What?” he asked, brow furrowed in confusion as she stood, practically shaking, before him.

“I don’t remember this either. You know that, right? I wasn’t trying to trick you into anything….I hope you know...."

“Casey!” He cupped her face in his hands and brushed away an errant tear. “The thought never even crossed my mind. And why would I break up with you?”  

“Because you were terrified to even date me, and marriage… you don’t even believe in marriage. But you know I do. So I don’t want you to get spooked and call things off.”

Ethan's heart sank, and those bones he believed had turned to lead now dissolved into jelly. His body slumped as guilt coursed through his veins. Of course she was frightened; given their history, she’d be a fool not to be.

“Casey, baby,” he whispered. “Whatever happened last night, we were both there, we’re both responsible, and we’ll handle it together. I don’t blame you, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, pulling him close.

“One hundred percent. I love you. It took me a long time to admit it, I know, but I am exactly where I want to be. You don’t have to worry…” he smiled gently. “… not about me leaving you, anyway.”

“OK,” she smiled. “I feel a little better.”

“Good. So, can we go?”

“Yes! Please!”

~~~~~

Though they never let go of each other’s hand, the ride to the chapel was filled with tension. Nary a word was uttered until the silence was broken by a stream of unladylike curses falling from Casey’s lips. 

“It's Sienna,” she mouthed as she answered her phone. As cheerful as could be, she was about to deliver another stellar performance. It may have taken a little work, but she convinced her inquisitive friend that she was fine... just needed to clear her head, so being with her med school friends was a great distraction. Once she assured her she’d be back for the roommate's celebratory dinner, Sienna relented. But while her best friend may have felt better, Casey only felt guilt. 

“I hate lying to her,” Casey sighed.

“I understand, but these are extraordinary circumstances….”

“I don’t mean just now,” Casey snapped. “I’ve hated lying to her about us all along.”

He lifted her hand to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles. He was about to impart some Ramsey-level wisdom when Casey gasped.

 “Oh my God! I remember this,” she screamed. “Driver! Are we near the chapel?”

“Sure are! Just a couple of blocks away.”

“Ethan, we have to get out!”

“Here? Are you insane? It’s 102 in the shade today!”

“I don't care! I remember that taco stand from last night. We were driving by, and I said I was hungry and wanted a taco.”

Ethan’s eyes went wide. “You did! And I told the driver to let us out… he hesitated because the security guard told him to make sure we got to our hotel….”

“…. but we insisted we were sober enough to walk the rest of the way! I don’t care if it’s hot. We have to get out!”

Ethan shaded his eyes as he exited the cab, looking for anything that looked familiar.   “Some of this is coming back to me.”

“Me too! Now, buy me a taco.”

He turned to her with a scrunched nose, “Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack! If we’re reenacting this thing, it’s go big or go home. Now, get out your wallet and buy me a taco!”

“Considering that we apparently got married last night, I think we already went big, but sure,” he grabbed his wallet. “What kind of taco would you like.”

One hand cradled her elbow as the other rubbed her chin. She studied the menu as intensely as she had studied for the MCATs years before. After several minutes passed, Ethan’s patience was wearing thin.

“Casey! There are eight choices! How long do you need?”

“Ethan! I take my tacos very seriously!”

“I understand,” he exasperated. “But considering the other rash decisions we’ve made in the past 24 hours, this choice seems to pale in comparison.”

Both of their heads turned to the chuckling old man working behind the counter.

“Is something funny?” Ethan asked.

“It’s just that you two sound exactly like you did last night!”

“Wait!” Casey yelled. “Did you serve us last night?”

“Sure did,” he grinned, "and you were just as undecided then.”

“Was I just as irritated?” Ethan smirked.

“You? Nah! You were clinging to her and slobbering all over her shoulder. I don’t think you had a care in the world.”

Ethan ran a hand down his reddened face. “Oh, my God.”

“Oh really?” Casey teased. “So he was being nicer to me then, was he?”

“You can say that,” the man nodded.

“Do you remember what I ended up ordering?”

“You went with the fish taco. And then,” he hesitated, his cheeks turning a bright shade of crimson. “You know what… nevermind.”

“NO!” Casey insisted. “Please! See, we don’t remember everything that happened last night, and we’re trying to retrace our steps, hoping something will jog our memory. Please! We can take it, whatever it is.”

He seemed to squirm as he rubbed the back of his neck, carefully eyeing Ethanto to gauge his potential reaction. Ever the diagnostician, Ethan picked up on it at once and moved to reassure him.

“Please, it could really help us. I don’t care what it is.”

“Well,” he quivered, “you said that you were usually the one who wanted a fish taco, but you didn’t get it at a taco stand….”

Casey held up her hand, unsure if she wanted to laugh or cry. “OK, STOP! Stop! Say no more! We get the idea.” 

Ethan quietly slipped on his sunglasses as if they would help him disappear.

“That… doesn’t sound like something I’d say…” he muttered.

“Well, you weren’t exactly sober, pal.”

Ethan turned to Casey in desperation. “Have you settled on a fish taco, so we can leave with a shred of our dignity?”

“It’s Vegas,” Casey shrugged, “no one really has dignity.”

He slapped a few bills on the counter, wondering if it was possible to die of mortification “One fish taco, please!” He couldn’t get away fast enough.

With Casey completely engrossed with her taco, they walked side-by-side to the chapel.

“You know,” she mumbled with a full mouth and messy hands. “On the way back, we should pick up more of these. They’re delicious!”

Ethan shook his head with a chuckle. “Only you would make tacos a priority right now.”

“Hey, when all else fails… tacos are always there for me,” she grinned. But the grin disappeared when she found herself in front of a towering sigh. “Oh, shit. The scene of the crime!”

“The Blue Bell Chapel,” Ethan groaned. “You know, I never pictured myself getting married, but if I ever would have, this is the last place it would be.”

“Well, like the old man said, you weren’t exactly sober. In fact…”

“In fact, what? Do you remember something?”

“YES!” She blurted.  “We were walking here, arm-in-arm, and you were laughing… you kept saying how much you loved Vegas, and I reminded you that you hated Vegas.”

“… and I said I didn’t hate it tonight… then we kissed….”

“… and you stumbled and nearly dragged me down with you! We almost crashed into a bride and groom running out of the chapel!”

“YES!” Ethan exclaimed. “And while you apologized, you tripped... and your taco fell to the ground….”

“An absolute tragedy!”

“You apologized to the bride again, and she said not to worry but asked you to take a picture!”

“I took the picture,” Casey said, “I can only imagine how bad it was considering I could  barely see straight.”

“Then we waved them off together! I think…” Ethan snapped his fingers.

“You think what?” Casey demanded.

“I may have thrown popcorn at them as they departed.”

“You were definitely drunk! But I remember they were such a cute couple!”

“OK… I’m remembering….”

“Oh my God, so am I!”

Casey couldn’t contain her excitement as the car drove away. Waving frantically, she jumped up and down, coming perilously close to falling. 

“They are so cuuuuuuute! Ethan, aren’t they cuuuuuuute?”

But Ethan had lost all interest in the departing couple. His eyes were fixed on his girlfriend’s… uh… assets… as she bounced away.

“Uh… yeah, cute! So… so cute….” he sputtered.

“Are we that cute, Ethan?” Casey asked, falling into his arms with a grimace. “I don’t know if we’re that cute.”

“What? We’re cuter!” He insisted. 

“We are?”

“Yes… and… and sexier, too!” Lifting his arms to show off his muscles, he spun around on unsteady legs. “Look at me! This… is… sexy!”

Casey only stopped laughing long enough to wolf-whistle, then she shimmied seductively in his direction. "Am I sexy too?" she asked.   Ethan didn’t answer with words, but the lecherous smile on his lips as his hands began to run over her every curve provided all the answers she needed.

An elderly couple passing by appeared to be equal parts entertained and repulsed by the tipsy couple. The man laughed and yelled, “Get a room!”

“But have him put a ring on that hand first,” his wife winked, and they were on their way.

Casey let out a long sigh. “I did make it entirely too easy for you, didn’t I?”

“What do you mean?” Ethan asked, still pawing at her.

“I was always there when you wanted me… always waiting,” she slurred. Pulling back, she grabbed his face and ran her hands through his hair. “But I loved you, Ethan,” she said far more earnestly. “I loved you all along.”

He looked at her intently, with a thoughtful expression on his face. He couldn’t get over how beautiful she was, not only tonight but always. And not just physically, but in every possible way. She waited for him. She was willing to lie to her best friend for him. And she loved him like he’d never been loved before.

“Ethan,” Casey laughed, shaking him back to reality. “What are you thinking?”

“Marry me.”

Casey appeared shocked but was certain it was a joke. “Sure, let’s just mosey in here and get hitched.” she laughed. She took his hand and began to drag him away from the chapel, but he tugged at her arm, stopping her in her tracks.

“That’s what I'm suggesting. Let's do it."

She looked at him as if he had lost his mind, even in an inebriated state. She knew this didn’t sound like Ethan.

“OK, jokes over,” she smirked. “Let’s go.”

“I’m not joking,” he insisted. “I love you… you love me… I never want to be without you, and look!” He pointed dramatically toward the chapel door. “We stopped here. Not in front of a burger joint, or a strip club, or a casino, but here. It’s a sign, Casey.”

“You’re serious?”

“I am,” he suddenly dropped to both knees and let out a small yelp. "I’m serious. Marry me, Casey!”

Her confused look on her face disappeared, replaced with a smile that rivaled the lights on The Strip; she pulled him to his feet and flung her arms around his neck. 

“Let’s do it!” She beamed. “Yes! Let’s do it!”

“So,” Casey swallowed. “That was how it happened.”

“It appears so.”

“But, we were so drunk," she whined. "Aren’t there laws against marrying people in that condition?”

“It’s Vegas, Case. I don’t think that matters much.”

“Well,” she swallowed. "Let’s go inside and face the music… or at least Edna.”

~~~~~

Casey clung to Ethan’s arm as they entered. Both were rendered speechless by the blend of gauche Grecian and Baroque décor surrounding them. 

“I swear to God, if a cupid comes flying out at us,” Ethan grumbled.

“You’re right," Casey laughed. "This is the last place on earth that you’d get married.”

“I’d assume the same would be true for you?” he asked with a raised brow. 

“Nah, I’m way more fun than you. This was always a possibility for me.”

They did their best to keep the mood light, but they were disappointed. The tacky décor may have garnered laughs, but it didn’t spark a single memory. Luckily for them, their conversation with Edna did glean some insight. For example, Ethan had, in fact, sprung for the triple diamond package, as Casey had suspected.

“You insisted… only the best for your bride,” Edna assured. “In fact, I was going to call you two today. You were in such a hurry to get out of here you left this behind.”

Casey reached over the counter and took a small blue gift bag from Edna’s hands.

“What is this?”

“All part of the package. Your wedding album and a link to the recording of your ceremony… don’t worry… it’s passcode protected now; the passcode’s in there. There is also a gift certificate for a cake from Sinful Sweets.”

“I do like cake,” Casey replied, almost sadly.

Edna looked between the two inquisitively. 

“You know, for what it’s worth, you two are the last couple I expected to see back here with buyer remorse… and I’ve been doing this for a long time. I thought you were really in love….”

“We are in love,” Casey defended. “We just…”

“… weren’t planning on getting married,” Ethan finished.

“Well, if you were drunk, the state of Nevada allows you to get an annulment pretty easily. Given your call this morning, I also threw a pamphlet with information on annulments in your bag."

"Do you toss that into these bags often," Ethan simpered.

"You'd be surprised. But you know… sometimes life brings us to the place we are meant to be, even if we don’t realize it.”

“And sometimes people get drunk and make rash decisions,” Ethan countered. “But thank you for your help.”

~~~~~

After another somber taxi drive deposited them back at their hotel. They entered separately, careful not to be seen together. Once they were both inside his room, they kicked off their shoes and fell into bed. The excess alcohol from last night and the emotional shock of today were beginning to take their toll.  

“We should have stopped and gotten our free wedding cake on the way back,” Casey lamented. 

“Do you think of anything other than food?” Ethan asked.

“Sure,” she rolled over and faced him with a smile. “I think of you.”

She could see the tension leaving Ethan’s face with her words; reaching over, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. 

“I know we’re tired, but I suppose we should watch this thing.”

“I suppose,” Casey replied nervously. “I have a feeling it’s going to be a hot mess.”

“I’m not expecting to see the two of us at our best,” he concurred.

“As long as we’re not like Ross and Rachel. I don't want to see Ethan scribbled across your forehead or kitty whiskers on you.”

“And I'd like to be the only one with a mustache,” he chuckled.

They both shifted, leaning against the pillows as Ethan took out his phone for them to watch.  

“Let’s get this over with,” Casey mumbled.

“Before we do…” he said, taking her hand. “I want you to know I love you, and no matter what we see on this, it doesn’t change that.”

Casey let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding, then reached over for a tender kiss.

“I love you, too, and nothing will change that. But, let’s pull off the bandaid and watch this thing.”

They expected the worst, and it sure started out that way.

Casey tipsily walked down the aisle, bordered by large Grecian columns fashioned of the finest plastic money could buy. Clutching her bouquet in both hands, she teetered on her heels after every few steps. But there was no denying the enormous grin on her face.

“That’s what I get for doing this without my parents,” she sighed.

When she reached Ethan, the two of them broke into a fit of giggles. Stopping only when Ethan spoke.

“You look really, really cute,” he sputtered, causing the two of them to laugh even more.

“Oh, God, this is going to be painful,” he moaned. But Casey shushed him as the officiant began to speak.

“Dearly Beloved, we come together today to join this man and this woman in matrimony. Is there anyone present who knows of a reason why this marriage should not take place?”

“Pffft,” Casey chuckled. “You’re the only one here! If you don’t object, I think we’re good.”

“Uh, you also have me,” Edna hollered from behind. “You need a witness, ya know.”

“So, do you have any reason why we shouldn’t be wed?” Ethan asked.

“Nope. Not a one.”

“Good,” he turned to the officiant with a stern glare. “Then let’s get on with it.”

“Oh, boy…” Casey muttered.

“Do you, Ethan, take this woman to be your wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” he replied, with the softest smile on his lips.

“And do you, Casey, take this man to be your husband, to live together in matrimony, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” she beamed.

“Then repeat after me, I Ethan, take you, Casey….”

“Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute,” Ethan interrupted. “I’m sorry, I can’t do this.”

“You… you what?” Casey frowned.

“No! Not the wedding, we can do the wedding; but I can’t marry you without saying something first. Casey, you know how much I love you; at least, I hope you do. You came into my life unexpectedly, and you were such a pain in the ass, but that’s honestly the best part about you. That strong, spunky, never give up attitude is what got us here… it certainly wasn’t me. If I had let you go, I would have spent the rest of my life regretting it and living with what a fool I had been. I love you, Casey; thank you for making me see what my heart knew from the start… that you are worth any risk.”

“Awww,” Casey cried, instinctively leaning forward to kiss him.

But that was met with the officiant loudly clearing his throat. “We’re not at the point where you can kiss yet,” he scolded.

“Oops! Sorry!” Casey apologized.

“Again… repeat after me, I Ethan, take you, Casey….”

“Wait, wait, wait!” Casey interrupted.

“Again?” the officiant growled.

“Excuse me!” Ethan shouted. “I paid for the triple diamond package, so if my bride wants to interrupt, she can interrupt.”

The officiant looked back to Edna, who merely shrugged. “He’s got a point!”

“Thank you,” Casey demurred. Reaching up, she gently caressed Ethan’s cheek, her eyes brighter than he had ever seen before. “You know, when we met,  I wasn’t looking to fall in love any more than you were. It wasn’t on my agenda. My residency, my career… they were my focus… they had to be… because I want to be the best… just like you. But it didn’t take me long to realize that sometimes life can take a detour. It can put us on a road we never expected to take, then it leads us to the most beautiful place… one we would have never experienced if we didn’t make that unexpected turn. You’re my beautiful place, Ethan. And I hope you always know just how much I love you.”

Ethan’s face was aglow as a single tear trickled down his cheek. Pulling Casey close, he went to kiss her when….

“AHEM!” The officiant was growing tired.

“Sorry,” Ethan smiled. “But could you get through the rest quickly? We’d really want to kiss.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” he grinned and went on to oblige Ethan's request. Within moments, the ceremony was nearing it's end.

“By virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of the State of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife. And, at long last, you may kiss your bride.”

The Wedding March march blared from the speakers overhead as Ethan and Casey shared a passionate kiss under the fistfuls of confetti and rose petals, tossed their way by Edna.

Casey tapped Ethan’s hand, and he stopped the recording on the phone. Both overcome, they lay next to each other without saying a word.

“Well,” Casey said after several moments passed. “That wasn't what I expected.”

“No,” Ethan agreed. “It wasn’t what I anticipated either.”

“Do you need to be drunk to speak so sweetly to me, Dr. Ramsey,” she teased.

“Really?”

“I’m just kidding. You’ve come a long way.”

With a deep sigh, Casey sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed the blue bag from the chapel. Pulling out the annulment pamphlet, she began to read.

“Well, Vegas may let you marry in a day, but it looks like it takes up to three weeks to get out of it.”  Tapping the brochure nervously in her hand, she began to stand. “I suppose we should start the process right away. Maybe before we leave, we should stop....”

But her words and movements halted when Ethan reached out and tugged her arm. She turned to him with a questioning look as he took her hand.

“What if we don’t….” he asked, as her eyes opened wide.

“What?”

“What if we don’t. Casey, stay married to me.”

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[cicidarkarts]

Joonam - 3: The Bazaar

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Once home, he finally assuaged his prickling and uncomfortable skin. He stood over his kitchen sink and lathered up his flesh, up to his elbow to cut the feeling off before it got worse. The steamy water, just hot enough to gnaw away at the first layer of skin, let tension slip off his shoulders.

He took time to reflect on his first date in… he didn't want to remember how long. Should he have kissed her at the end? Now she was going to think he was stupid or uninterested. He briefly imagined their goodnight phone conversation involving him shouting “I'm both intelligent and really into you!”, just to set the record straight. But embarrassment made him recoil at the thought. No, he would show his interest by trying to set up another date. Simple.

When the phone rang, he rushed across the room to snatch the receiver, then tried to sound calm.

“Hello?” he answered. “Idrees? It's me. I made it back okay.”

The sink still spewed water behind him, the ill-gotten suds disappearing down the drain, flushed away never to be thought about again, so long as he could hear her voice and know she was safe. His arms itched from the drying soap still sitting upon them but that felt much better than the roach-skittering of his nerves.

“I'm glad to hear that,” he said. “I hope I wasn't too pushy…” “Not at all, I thought it was so sweet. I don't know if I've ever gone on a first date where he wanted to make sure I got home okay. It was very thoughtful.” He gripped the receiver tight, his mind floating along her serene voice. “It just seemed right.” “I really need to get to bed early, though.” “Yes, your rehearsal is eight tomorrow morning.” “Damn, man, did you have to listen so closely? Don't remind me!”

He shared another laugh with her, like she'd gifted it to him wrapped in a beautiful box. He held onto that present as they said goodnight, and carried it with him through his evening routine. He opened the box one more time as he lay in bed, thinking about her, and how she made him feel… Normal. He held his extra pillow in one arm, keeping it against his chest and trying to pretend it was Cece laying beside him.

Manu was very good at keeping secrets. None of Idrees’ co-workers seemed to know a thing about Cece. Or, if they did, they were charitably quiet about it. As he went about his duties cleaning the store, he kept his mind light with thoughts of Cece and how their conversation that evening might go. He looked to the clock to count down the time until he got off work. His stomach flipped when he saw he was halfway through his day and he'd not scrubbed his hands at all.

“You seem peppy,” said Kanta as she passed by with a large box in her arms. “I am,” he agreed. She stopped and faced him, her brow cocked, half-lidded eyes looking him up and down. “Mm, you got a girlfriend, didn't you?” “Well, I dunno about that…” “Oh, please, it's all over your face! Ooh, don't tell me it's that cute American from the other day! Idrees, you sly bastard.” He fidgeted, eyes falling to the shelf beside him. He wanted to deny it, but he knew he must've looked guilty—his face was so hot that he was sweating a bit, and his lips were pulled up into that unfamiliar smile. “Well… Yeah. We went out last night.” “Aw, that's so romantic,” she teased. “Way to go.”

Mercifully, Kanta left without another word. Now the whole shop would know but… He supposed that wouldn't be so bad.

He’d never been so giddy to get off work—there was a bounce to his step all the way home, rather than dragging himself back with the weight of the world crushing him down. Despite the rumbling in his stomach, his first instinct when he got home and put his keys and wallet on the side table was to grab his landline. He dialed Cece’s number without missing a beat and held the phone up to his ear while he searched his fridge for something quick.

“Hello?” she answered after a couple rings. “Hi, Cece, it's me. Just wanted to see how the rehearsal went today.” “Hey, Idrees! Went all right. Donna can be a bit of a Bridezilla. Er, meaning she's a little overbearing. Her sister wore some flashy eye shadow today and Donna flipped out saying she better not wear that kind of makeup on her wedding day. Then she got on my ass about wearing no makeup. Like, what the hell do you even want, Donna?” “I'm not really seeing the part where it went all right.” “Free food.” “There it is.”

She laughed again, a sound he'd been dying to hear all day. He joined her, letting that familiar unfamiliar smile bust out from ear to ear. A little bit of leftover rice went down the hatch. He didn't care that it was cold and clumpy as long as he got to chat with Cece.

It seemed only natural that they conversation veered into their next date—that bazaar she’d mentioned. It was such an overcrowded, overstimulating experience that he never wanted to go there. But with Cece? He would risk it just to be with her.

The next morning, Idrees pulled up to the bazaar parking lot about ten minutes early. He waited for her near the bus stop. The first bus that showed didn't have her on it, but he reminded himself that he was still early. Even that reassurance didn't stop his intrusive thoughts from proclaiming she'd gotten hurt somewhere, which in turn made his palms creep, which then made him slather sanitizer on his hands. Someone walking past gave him a wide berth. Between the smell and him possibly looking insane pacing near the bus stop, he figured anyone in their right mind would give him more than ample personal space.

The second bus that showed did have Cece, however. She beamed and waved to him, still struggling with that golden shawl she wore but didn’t seem to know how to use from their first date. When she got close enough, she held her arms out for a hug. He tossed his arms around her and pulled her warm, soft body into his chest. He’d been waiting for this for so long. The willpower it took to let her go and not hold her all day…

“I missed you yesterday,” she said, giving him another round of butterflies. Those big genuine eyes and pink cheeks assured him she meant it. “I tried to tell my family about you but I think most of them think you're a figment of my imagination or something.” “How can you be sure I'm not?” “Don’t give me an existential crisis today, dude.” She held onto his hand as they headed toward the bazaar. “You ever been here?” “Once. Kinda. It was a bit much so I left after a few minutes.” “Well, we can be brave together.”

And brave the bazaar they did. It was large, full of people (and several bands of macaques), with beige buildings, and stone under their feet. The colors of the stands that stood out. Though most of them had the same white canopies, their wares of clothes and food and spices were an array of colors that had Idrees firmly holding Cece’s hand.

Was holding her the only reason his palms didn’t itch? Or maybe her sharing in his anxiety made him feel less outcast than he would’ve if he’d tried to come alone. Still, Idrees kept himself present and sane just by holding Cece's hand. She had him gripped pretty tight at first, but as they kept walking and looking through the various stands, her fingers loosened. It was bittersweet to have her release him, leaving his hand so cold without her… But her confidence was infectious.

Somehow, Cece found more things of worth upon the ground than she seemed to at the stands. It seemed like every time he turned around, Cece was scouring the ground for something else. At first, he thought maybe she'd found loose change, until he saw that she had a rock in her hand instead. Why she then stashed it in her pocket, he had no idea.

They explored an art stand where the owner had painted many dogs and cats in various human activities and Arabesque attire, yet all the colors and sights didn't keep Cece as invested as a feather she'd found nearby.

“Look, Idrees!” she said, proudly showing off the blueish-grey hued feather. “Ooh, it's such a pretty color. I wonder if a swamphen dropped this!” “I would have no idea,” he said.

She reached into the front of her shirt and pulled a plastic bag out of her bra. As she bagged it and stuffed it back into her shirt, he couldn't help but finally break and laugh.

“What?” she asked. “You just— You're very you. It's kind of impressive.” “What is that supposed to mean?” “You literally have two rocks in your pocket and a feather in your bra.” She pouted at him as though highly offended. “So?” “Nothing,” he said, unable to stop himself from chuckling. “I just think it's cute.”

Her sour face turned into an adorable smile alongside radiant pink cheeks. It was impossible not to be blown away by her expression and tone. There was something amazing about that. Maybe because he hadn't laughed and smiled in such a long time, every crack stuck out to him. She had a way about her—strange, endearing, vibrant. If they spent the whole afternoon picking up pebbles and feathers and who-knows-what else, it would be the best date he'd ever had.

The bustle of the bazaar didn't pierce his ears and assault his eyes this time, and he found himself perusing stands under the shade of their canopies. Sometimes Cece would be right behind him when he looked at someone's wares, only to then be at a totally different stand when he turned back around. How she moved so fast in what felt like a second or two, without even tripping over the brazen monkeys that liked to dart out onto the footpath, he didn't understand. Yet her enthusiasm was nothing short of energizing and exciting.

One such time happened while she was looking at spices, breathing them in, crinkling her nose in the cutest way. He may have gotten too close, as the spices tickled his nose and threatened a sneeze. He turned away to rub his tingling nose on his sleeve, then turned back to find she'd yet again wandered to the next stand over. This one was a shawl shop. As he headed her way, he noticed the darzi eyeing her.

“You'd look so lovely in this!” the darzi said, holding up a blue shawl that would bring out her dark brown eyes. “You think so?” asked Cece. “Oh yes, but then any of my shawls would look good on such a pretty young lady.”

Cece took the shawl and held it up to her face to examine it. When Idrees walked up beside her, she beamed at him and showed him the shawl.

“What do you think?” she asked. “It would look great on you,” he agreed, tossing a glance to the owner. The darzi's eyes lost their gleam.

From there, he was a bit more hands-off. This let Cece find her own way and search through the shawls herself. She ended up picking a different buta-filled green, jewel-toned that fit well with her black clothes and dyed hair. The darzi smiled brightly at her as she walked away, but that smile faltered into uneasiness when Idrees passed by.

Oddly enough, Idrees wasn't jealous or upset like he imagined he might have been. Maybe because Cece seemed oblivious. Yet, with him, she picked up on his interest without issue. He looked down at her as they walked, watching her pull her previous shawl off and struggle with putting the new one on properly.

“Here,” he said, “let me help.”

He stood behind her and tied the shawl around her small shoulders. Her long hair got caught under the fabric. Before he could talk himself out of it, he scooped her hair in his hand, feeling the silky locks run across his palm as he freed them, incredible and soft, tickling his skin and giving him a small rush down his spine. His fingers gingerly detangled her hair and the scent of her shampoo dispersed—a slight herbal, flowery scent, and an even slighter smell of fruit. He let her hair fall and watched it bounce and sway and gleam in the light through its multiple wavy layers.

She turned to face him and grinned. “Thank you! People usually wear these up to protect from the sun, right?”

She flipped the loose bit of shawl over her head and his heart dropped. He saw her covered, oppressed, underfoot, gazing up at him with big, terrified eyes—

“Idrees?”

His mind bolted back to reality. The whiplash stole his voice and he skittered along his tingling palms. He tried to take in her confusion and true features. Not like the women of his home. Not like the little girls he almost killed. No. Not like that…

“Are you okay?” she asked. “I-I… Yes, I'm okay.”

His voice came out weak. It only seemed to concern her more, her brow creasing, her eyes examining him. She pulled the shawl down, letting it rest along her shoulders and back once more, and flicked her hair into place. He rubbed his palms on his sides, trying to get the creeping itch to leave him alone. The last thing he wanted was to have Cece worry over him again.

So he tried to smile and play it off as the overwhelming nature of the bazaar getting to him. She offered to sit together near the outskirts, still very much in the crowd but more off to the side. The bench wasn't comfortable—metal dug into his ass—but he was with Cece and his hand stopped creeping toward the sanitizer in his pocket.

“It is kind of a lot,” Cece agreed. “Right. But you're having fun?” “Yeah!” She grinned. “I'm having a great time. Are you?” “Yes, a very great time. Did you want to get some food? I've been hearing your stomach growl for the past five minutes.” “I guess we probably should eat.”

The food trucks weren't far off the main area, and a ton of locals and tourists alike were already lined up. They tried to pick out a truck to visit after Cece rejected the idea of curry because she was “sick of eating curry”.

Once they ordered food, they squeezed in beside some strangers at one of the picnic tables. Not that Idrees minded her needing to almost sit in his lap just to fit. She was squished between him and the older lady beside them. Cece tried to have a conversation with the woman, but she only spoke Hindi and Cece struggled to keep up.

“She says you have good taste,” Idrees helped, gently tugging at her shawl.

That really sent her over the moon. She blushed even more than when the flirty darzi complimented her.

Cece took one bite of that street samosa and her eyes lit up like twinkling stars. She stared at the crispy pastry as if it granted all of her wishes, enthralled, enraptured, and completely cutely dramatic. It only took a moment of observation before she devoured her food. Idrees watched as she stuffed so much in her mouth that her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk's.

Though he wanted to keep talking to her, he couldn't fathom interrupting what was possibly the cutest thing he'd ever seen. Potato smeared across her lips and when she went to wipe it off, it traveled along her cheek. She didn't break stride. Her fingers flew with a desperation unmatched, like she was trying to beat her personal samosa eating record.

When most of her container was empty, she took a moment to sip their lassi. Idrees leaned closer to her, napkin in hand, and wiped the bit of potato off her face. The way her eye flinched closed and that tiny indignant grunt made his heart flutter. So cute. She was so cute.

“You got samosa on your face,” he said.

She responded with a grunt without removing her straw. So he mocked that grunt in turn. She giggled and nudged his shoulder, a touch that radiated warmth all through his arm and along his body. He would do anything to feel her touch. Even something as simple as a joking shove had his heart light and fluttery.

The day ended with his feet so sore and his cheeks even worse as they headed toward the parking lot. His heart jumped a little when her fingertips caressed his hand again; this time, though, he laced their fingers together. Her hand was much less clammy than his… Her confidence rubbed off on him.

“Want me to drive you to your hotel?” he asked.

He wanted to bite down on his tongue when he saw the way her eyes turned to worry. They scanned the ground at her feet and she chewed on her bottom lip.

He continued, “If you don't want to—” “It's not that. I mean…” “I shouldn't have offered, that was pushy.” “No, it's not,” she said, gripping his hand tight. A smile spread along her lips—not quite hugging her eyes like it had been all afternoon. “I'd really like it if you took me to my hotel. Those busses are torture.” “Are you sure?” he asked, avoiding her gaze. “I don't want to make you.” She bumped his arm with her shoulder. “Oh, honey, you can't make me do anything.”

He couldn't laugh like she did. She'd given pause to his offer, worse than she had after their first date, like he had suggested something obscene. But she kept walking toward the parking lot, tugging him along. He glanced back at the bus stop and the huge group of people waiting for it, before keeping stride with her.

There was his next dilemma: the state of his car. It was a relatively newer model, tan, undecorated but unscratched like the day he bought it. Though a little more expensive than the older used cars, he couldn't pass up the allure of air conditioning. While the outside was unassuming but it was the inside he worried about. And the door locks were a little funny.

“Sorry, hold on…”

He went to his side and unlocked it with his remote. He opened his door, as it was the only one of the four-seater that unlocked with the remote. The other doors clicked open when he pressed the unlock button on his door.

“There we go,” he said. “Hit a pothole last year. Not sure how it messed up the locks, but… yeah.”

They slid into the car and Idrees held his breath while waiting for her response. Which seemed silly now. The car wasn't nearly as full as his mind had remembered. A few to-go cups from the tea shop on the floor, and one in the cup holder. Several strewn about napkins gleamed white against the backdrop of browns and tans. Two clamshell containers from take out still sat on his backseat like passengers that overstayed their welcome.

“Need my gps?” she asked as she used the buttons on the side of her chair to adjust it. “Maybe,” he said, worry melting off of him the longer she didn’t pay the mess any mind. “What's your hotel?”

He recognized the name of it and it wasn't very far from his usual routes.

“That's only, what?” he asked. “Ten minutes from my work?” “Yeah, I saw your store on my maps and just had to try it. Lucky I did.”

Lucky? Idrees bit his lip to avoid grinning like an idiot. She thought she was lucky to have gone to his store? And then to have met him? No, that was insane—he was the lucky one. With everything she did, he felt luckier and luckier.

During the trip, Cece took the baggie out of her bra again and admired the contents. She muttered something about reaffirming the identity of the swamphen feather as though saying it both to him and to herself. Before she put it away, her head popped up and her gaze shot to a small caravan of cows passing by.

“Aww! Oh, I love cows, we rarely get to see them where I live! You're so lucky to live in a place with so many cows.” He shrugged. “I guess so.” “Look at their little tails, so cute,” she gushed, hands pressed up against the car window as she peered out. “I know they're supposed to be sacred here but what's the story behind that?” “I, uh… I dunno.” “You don't?” She turned back to him. “Ohh, are you Buddhist or something? I know that's a popular religion among Indians, too, isn't it?”

A layer of cold sweat tingled his flesh. That's right, Cece would of course assume he's Indian and not realize the truth. Not that he wanted her to know. If any of those truths left his mouth, she would disappear from his life and take her light with her, leaving him in darkness once again. Lucky… Certainly not her.

To think that she would pursue him in blissful ignorance, holding onto him and his lies as they embraced and held hands and… kissed. That was sick. It was so sick that the words nearly clawed out of him anyway, all in a desperate plea to have her know every marred inch of his past, and maybe… maybe she could still like him. Maybe she’d still think she was lucky.

“So religion is a no-go,” she said after a stretch of silence. “Got it. I’ll stop trying to guess.” She pulled a fake zipper around her lips. He cleared his throat. “It's okay. Just touchy.” “Yeah, I get you. Either way, India seems really cool so far. At least in the city. Must be nice to have grown up in a place like India.” “Yeah. India has been nice.”

She truly couldn't grasp the scope of what he said but her wonder and excitement made such awkward, nerve-wracking moments worth it. The rocks on the ground were vibrant. The sky such a deep blue. Clouds like classical paintings. And even the cows had such cute faces and little tails.

She spent the car ride pointing out things he'd never noticed—the architecture of dusty buildings, and the way the trees were still in bloom (”and it’s autumn where I live!”). She grinned brighter and warmer than the sun she gushed over. Its beams rushed ethereally through the sparse trees and their tiny green canopies. And although she'd been hesitant to get in his car, and his mind wanted so badly to return to its familiar guilt and beat him down for forcing her to come along, it was all cast aside for the joy within him at the perfect end to his perfect day.

At her hotel parking lot, he pulled into a space as close to the front doors as he could.

“Thanks for the ride, Idrees,” she said, unbuckling herself.

Though… she didn't leave straight away. She watched him as though waiting for something. A… a kiss? He didn't want to assume such a thing. His skin crawled when he thought of going in for a kiss only for her to feel threatened, coerced, and vulnerable. Several scenarios hit him at once—“What are you doing!?” she could shout while pushing him away. Or maybe she would freeze up, her face frowning and fearful eyes wide as she let him take her. Or maybe he would grab her and rip her into him, kicking and screaming— His stomach lurched. No. He could never let those things happen.

He faced his steering wheel and ran his fingers along it, strumming tunelessly. “I had a great time, Cece. A really great time.” “So did I. Thanks for coming with me. Can't imagine I would've had so much fun on my own.” “Yeah,” he said, still unable to meet her eyes. “Going with you was a lot of fun. And we'll see each other again soon, right? I mean, if you want—”

Her lips brushed against his cheek. His brain stopped working mid-sentence. Though it had lasted a fraction of a second, Idrees felt that kiss warm and tender, and it sat there even after, leaving him in reverie as the memory tickled his flesh. The courage to meet her eyes returned to him, and those pink cheeks were immaculate to behold.

She didn't press it further and instead opened the car door. And perhaps next time he would be ready. Until then, they said their goodbyes, and he watched her beautiful form enter the hotel.

[r-o-s-e-f-i-r-e]

(kiki's delivery service! au)

“She should’ve been back hours ago,” Steve said, for about the hundredth time. He peered through a crack in the blinds out into the dark street like a creep. Nothing, still. They’d closed up the bakery as usual, to dissuade any potential customers, but had kept the lights on so that Max would know they were awake and waiting for her, so that she’d use the key they’d had made (This is for me?” She’d said, so shocked her eyes had gone big in her face and she'd looked exactly as young as she actually was) to let herself in and tell them how her first delivery had gone, whenever she finally fucking got back.

“You’re right,” Eddie agreed, joining Steve at the window, cinching up the blinds fully with a sharp jerk and squinting out into the dark. He’d tried to placate Steve for the last few hours, perched behind the counter with a book while Steve paced in endless circles (“This is her, like, witch adult rite of passage, we can’t treat her like a kid, and she’s so smart, she’s okay,” he’d said, watching Steve wear a groove in the shop floor.) But since the sun had gone down he’d gotten just as restless as Steve — clearly stuck on the same page in his book for the last hour, tapping out endless rhythms on the counter, fiddling with the radio. 

“What should we do?” Steve said, getting frantic all at once now that Eddie had finally agreed with him, running his hands through his hair. “Do we call the police? No, I know, I know, they wouldn’t be able to fucking do anything,” he finished, seeing the look on Eddie’s face. 

“We have the lady’s number, right? The one who asked her to do the delivery?” Eddie said, going behind the counter, opening all the drawers and ruffling through Steve’s very meticulously organized inventory notes and sales receipts and client records; Steve literally couldn’t care less, in that moment. “Maybe we can call her and she can call the house she was delivering to and tell us if she made it there —“

“Right right yes,” Steve said, finding Ms. Kelly’s number at last and going over to the phone and carefully beginning to dial, heedless of the fact that it was 10pm, when Eddie slapped first his back and then his arm and then the heavy receiver right out of Steve’s hand. “OW,” Steve started —

“She’s back, look, c’mon,” Eddie said, pulling at Steve, and through the open window Steve could finally see Max, just touching down, tucking her broom under her arm, Heathcliff the cat perched on her shoulder. 

“Oh thank god,” Steve said, twining his fingers with Eddie’s, and they pulled the front door open and ran out into the street to meet her. 

“Oof, hey—” Max said, when Steve collided with her, wrapping her in a hug. 

“Thank god you’re okay, what the heck happened,” Steve said, pulling back so that Eddie could get his own hug in, running his eyes over her — messy hair, a rip in her dress, but back safe, all in one piece. 

Max lit up. “It was crazy,” she gushed, while Heathcliff wound around her shoulders; Eddie started steering her inside. “We got hit by this huge gust of wind, and the toy cat fell out of the basket and I lost it, and then these crows tried to attack us, but the crows were friends with this nice girl who lives in the woods named Robin, who’s a writer, she’s so cool, and she fixed the real toy while Heathcliff pretended to be the toy, and—”

“Whoa, Red, hang on,” Eddie said, laughing, pushing her upstairs. “I think I’m gonna need you to slow down and start at the beginning—you want some hot chocolate? Steve?”

“Yes,” Steve said, following them up the stairs, knowing Eddie would be able to hear the please spike mine with our strongest liquor in his voice. “Meanwhile, I think we ought to get you a radio to take with you on deliveries, just in case this happens again — maybe one of those nice young nerds you made friends with can help? What’s his name? Lucas?” Steve said, faux innocent, while Max whipped her head around and glared at him.

“He’s not my friend, he’s a total stalker,” Max started, and while Heathcliff the cat wound around her ankles yodeling for milk and she went off on her tirade against the club of preteen boys who’d been trying to befriend her all week Steve just smiled at Eddie, over her head. Eddie looked back at him, just as fond and relieved and overwhelmed. We’re not her parents, Eddie had said, earlier, gentle with it, and Steve knew that — really, he did, that she had a family somewhere, that most likely Max was just passing through their lives, that they had no real claim to her. But, Steve thought, searching in the cupboards for the marshmallows he’d hidden away earlier that week, as long as she was here, with them, for however long that actually was, he’d make sure they were her port in the storm, the solid ground she needed, in order to kick off and zoom away on her broom, climbing higher and higher, up into the clear blue sky. 

[tweedlydumbtweedlydoo]

Shark Bait | JJ Maybank x reader

Requested by anon / Summary: You have an accident and have to go to the hospital. 

A/N: hope you like it! xx 

Tag list is at the end. Let me know if you want to be added xx

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********************************************************************************************NOT MY GIF, CREDIT TO OWNERS

! Warning: talks of blood, injury detail, hospital 

You and Kie were currently laid out on your surfboards, floating along with the waves. The waves hadn’t been the best this morning and the water was calm. Your fingers ran along the surface of the water and you squinted at Kie, the sun’s rays on full display. 

“Maybe we should just head in? I’m starving.” You moan. 

Kie looks out to the horizon, “Just a few more minutes. There has to be a good wave coming. I can feel it.” 

You let out a loud and obnoxious groan, splashing Kie with the water, “You said that 30 minutes ago!!” 

She laughs, splashing you in return, “I mean it this time! I promise I’ll buy you breakfast after this.” 

“I can’t believe you dragged me out of bed at sunrise to surf and then there’s no waves.” You sat up, balancing on the board. 

“The sunrise was gorgeous this morning though.” 

“Okay fine. Yes it was. But, I like my sleep. I wanted to sleep in. JJ and I have plans tonight and I-” 

Unbeknownst to you and Kie relaxing on your surf boards, there was a shark lurking below you. It had swam around a couple times, rounding the two of you from beneath the surface and calculating his next move. And his next move happened to be your leg, floating in the water. 

You’d screamed, the motion of the shark taking a nip of your leg knocked you off your board into the water. The water surrounding you began to turn red. Kie was screaming nearby. You sputtered the water, grabbing at your board and hauled yourself up the best you could. Your eyes scanned frantically, looking for any sign of the shark, but he’d already retreated when he’d realized his mistake. 

Your leg burned profusely and you glanced down, wanting to vomit and pass out at the sight. 

“Shit shit.” Kie says, “We gotta get to shore,” 

You nodded weakly. 

As the two of you made it to shore, Kie had to pull you onto the sand. You’d used all your strength paddling to the beach. 

“Towels.. we need towels.” Kie’s hands go to the bite on your leg, putting pressure on the wound. “Help! Someone help!” Kie screams. 

“Kie...” You whimper. 

“I know I know.” Her hand goes to your cheek, “I have to get my phone and call 911.” 

“Please please don’t leave me!” Your eyes go wide at her. 

“I have to call 911 y/n.” She stands and runs off toward the car, leaving you alone on the sandy beach. 

Your eyes stare up at the blue sky, panic setting in. You could feel yourself wanting to sleep. Yeah sleep sounds good. Your eyes flutter closed and the last thought on your mind is JJ. 

~ 

Kie had called John B and Pope first. She was dreading the last call to JJ. John B and Pope arrive soon after, running like mad men into the waiting area. 

“What the hell happened!” John B says, “where’s JJ?” 

“I haven’t called him yet. I’m about to.” Kie says, moving her bag so John B and Pope can sit down. “The shark came out of nowhere. It took a chunk of her calf.” Kie’s eyes filled with tears. “She passed out before I could get back to her. I thought she was dead.” 

Pope brings her into his arms, “It was a freak accident.” 

“I’ll call JJ.” John B mutters, pulling out his phone and dialing JJ’s number. He answered on the third ring. He could hear the sound of a machine in the background. He was working at the mechanic shop in town. 

“what’s up?” JJ says.

John B takes a deep breath, “JJ there’s been an accident.” 

~ 

JJ rushed to the hospital in record time. He’d dropped everything at the shop, getting on his bike and leaving without another word. He’s grateful to have not ran into any cops because he was most definitely speeding. 

He ran into the room, covered in grease and went straight to his friends, “Where is she? Is she okay?” 

“We haven’t heard anything yet.” John B tells him, “It took a chunk of her calf and she passed out on the beach after it happened.” 

JJ runs his hands through his hair, looking at Kie, “Why the hell would you surf Tucker’s point in the first place?! You know they’ve had sightings!” 

“I didn’t think they would be out in the early morning. I thought it was a safe time to go!” 

“Obviously not Kie!” JJ argues back, “y/n got attacked!” 

“Okay okay.” Pope says, stepping between the two. “Settle down. Both of you. This yelling and putting blame on someone isn’t going to help the situation. We should hear something soon so how about we take a breather and sit down?” Pope suggests to JJ, pointing to the chair next to John B. 

It was a hour later when they finally heard something about your condition. JJ had spent the entire hour pacing the floor and didn’t listen to Pope’s suggestion. 

The nurse led the pogues to your room, JJ’s face was the first one you saw and you bursted into tears, glad to see his handsome face. Even if there were a few grease stains on his brows and chin. 

“oh baby.” He wraps his arm around you, kissing your head, “It’s okay. You’re okay.” 

“It was scary.” You sobbed into his chest. 

“I know, shhh..” He pulled away, wiping your tears, “I was worried to death. They made us wait a damn hour before telling us anything.” 

“JJ paced a hole in the floor.” Pope says. 

“Like a literal hole.” John B makes a large hole with his hands. 

You laugh through your tears. 

JJ kisses the side of your head again, “god damn it, you scared me.” 

“You scared all of us.” Kie says, poking her head around John B. She was scared you’d be mad at her, “I thought you were dead on the beach.” 

“I told you not to leave me.” You tease, earning a laugh from her. 

“Excuse me I needed to call 911 to save your life.”Kie hugs you and John B and Pope are next. JJ doesn’t leave your side. 

“I hope you know its the law. we have to call you shark bait.” John B says. The pogues take a seat in the nearby chairs. 

“We can’t call my girlfriend shark bait.” JJ says, comfortable at your side in the bed. 

“It’s the perfect nickname.” Pope adds. 

You didn’t care about your new nickname. The only thing on your mind was food. You never got your promised breakfast. 

You pouted, “I never got my promised breakfast.” 

“You just got attacked by a shark and you’re worried about missing breakfast?” JJ asks, looking down at you with a smile on his face. God, he loved you. He’d give you all the damn breakfast you wanted. When he’d gotten the call from John B his mind went to the worst, but here you were, alive, well and worried about your promised breakfast. 

comments, likes and reblogs greatly appreciated xx 

**I think I’ve added everyone who has asked to be on these taglists the last few weeks. If I missed someone, I’m sorry, message me and I’ll add you!

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[dreamescapeswriting]

Stuck With Me ~ KNJ [M] [Request]

WORD COUNT: 2K

PAIRING: Namjoon x Fem!Reader

GENRE: Smut, elevator smut, fluffy, silent treatment, public sex,

Sometimes Namjoon and you fought and when you did it would end up the silent treatment coming from one of you. Today it was Namjoon's turn to give you the silent treatment only you had no idea why. You couldn't even remember what had started the fight, to begin with. All you could remember was showing up to your lunch date and Namjoon being moody with you. Snapping randomly about you dropping your plate on the floor and it spiralled out of control from there.

"Please, Joonie what did I do? Why are you ignoring me?" You questioned as you both stepped into an elevator together. Staff members deciding to leave you both to it as they waited for the next one.

"Did I forget an anniversary? Birthday?" You quizzed, pushing the button that leads to his floor but he folded his arms over his chest in complete silence.

"Namjoon you're acting like a-" There was a huge sound of thunder before the lights began to flicker and the elevator trembled. Your hands were gripping onto the railing that lined the boxed elevator and Namjoon began frantically pressing the alarm but it wasn't doing anything. 

"Must be a power outage," You whispered as he continued to desperately push it over and over again until your phone rang.

"Yes, Hobi?" Namjoon glanced at you out of the corner of his eye when he heard you talking. Hoseok sounded relieved that you answered the phone, 

"Where are you guys? Jimin said he saw you heading for the elevators," You hummed looking around at the frozen elevator.

"Yeah, we're stuck in the second building's elevator..." Hoseok sighed as he looked over at manager Sejin who had been on the phone with the power company. A huge thunderstorm had taken out a bunch of buildings power,

"You're going to be stuck for a while, looks like a power outage in the city. There's a thunderstorm too." Whining you put your hand on your head wondering why this was all happening in the middle of silent treatment from Namjoon.

"Seriously? How long until we get out?" You needed answers but Hoseok didn't have them all, no one did. 

"Technicians can't get to us for two hours."

"Two hours?!" You yelled out as you stared at the wall in front of you, there wasn't much else to stare at.

"You have Joonie to keep you company," Scoffing as you watched your boyfriend you did your best not to laugh. Namjoon was too busy giving you the silent treatment to even think about speaking to you. Namjoon could hold a grudge when he wanted to.

"He's not much company when he's ignoring me," Hoseok chuckled remembering the bickering he had heard while he was in the canteen with you both.

"You'll have time to make up with one another then," You didn't need to see him for you to know he was smirking down the phone. The boys hated it when you fought about stupid things.

"Hobi." You begged, wanting him to stay on the phone with you but you heard him and the rest of the boys laughing. 

"Bye." The dial tone sounded and you stared down at your phone before looking to Namjoon. 

"There's a power outage...We probably won't get out for two hours." No change in Namjoon, all he did was sit down on the floor and lean his head back against the metal wall. 

"Did you even hear me?" You asked sinking down in front of him as you waited for a response but all he did was close his eyes. 

"You have to speak to me eventually," You told him as you stared at him once again. An hour had passed and the power supply to the building was still cut off. Namjoon barely moved as he sat there, he had been on his phone but that died around half an hour ago and now you were sitting in silence.

"I mean it's a shame you're not going to speak to me," You mumbled as you began pulling out your bag and glancing at your boyfriend who glanced back at you. He knew what was inside of that bag, everything in case of an emergency. Literally everything, snacks, first-aid kit, spare clothes, and water. Normally he would be the one to playfully mock you for carrying so much around with you but this was exactly why you did it.

"Namjoon," You giggled pulling out his favourite brand of snack bars, waving it in front of his face as he looked at you. 

"Speak to me and it's yours," You breathed out as you moved to sit by his side, laying your head on his shoulder. 

"Baby." You whispered as he reached for the bar but you inched it away from him, giggling as he stared at you. 

"Talk to me-" No talking happened, Namjoon simply smashed against yours as you whimpered. Feeling your heart racing as you were suddenly pulled onto his lap, his hands holding your hips as he whined. 

"That's a lot better than the silent treatment," You giggled as you rested your forehead onto his as you panted a little, 

"What's up with you, anyway?" You questioned as you ran your hand over his cheek and smiled weakly. Normally Namjoon would tell you anything that was bothering him but lately he hadn't. 

"It's stupid and nothing. I'm sorry," You sighed as he looked at you, you'd missed hearing his voice so much so you were glad he was finally speaking to you. 

"It's not stupid if it's bothering you that much," You told him as he began blushing. The truth was he had missed you, sure you had been around but the two of you hadn't been together in a long time and he missed it. He missed feeling you clamped around him, the two of you used to be inseparable.

"We haven't...We haven't you know...Done it in so long."

"Done it? What are you? 12?" You giggled as he grumbled something at you under his breath.

"Joonie...We stopped because we got caught," You reminded him of the last time you had been caught having sex in the building. Poor Jungkook was scared of life when he walked into the studio to find you pressed against the glass screen of the recording booth.

"No one is around now," He whispered as he ran his hand up your skirt, hiking up the ends as you whimpered. Looking around for cameras but there weren't any inside of the elevator and even if they were. It was a power outage, no one was going to see what would happen. 

"Joonie," You moaned out as soon as you felt his lips on your neck, biting and sucking on your skin as his hands rubbed your thighs. The boy knew just how to get you in the mood, he had you under his thumb. 

"Tell me you don't want this and I'll stop," He whispered in your ear as you shook your head, not wanting this to stop as you ground your hips down into his jeans. Moaning out at the contact, Namjoon chuckled softly. 

His lips moved to that one spot on your neck that made your legs clench together and he chuckled. 

"You love it," He whispered as he continued to suck on that one spot that turned you into a puddle. 

"Namjoon," You whispered tugging at his shirt as he shook his head at you, running his hand up between your skirt and rubbing you through your panties. Your head rolled back as your hips ground down against his hand. His free hand pulling at the thin fabric of your panties and snapping them off, 

"Joonie!" You yelled as you watched him tucking your panties into his pocket. Licking his lips he said nothing as he ground you down against his crotch whimpering a little. 

"Are you that needy?" You giggled as you raised yourself from his lap and undid the button of his jeans. Pulling him free from his boxers and giggling as you saw how red his cock was. 

"Joonie, how long have you been wanting this?" You ran the head of his cock through your folds, enjoying the sounds that left his mouth. Letting out small grunts of annoyance as you continued to tease him at your center, whimpering a little as you rubbed the head of his cock at your entrance. 

"You know I could just thrust up into you," He growled as you smirked down at him, watching as his hands reached up to grip the railing behind him. Moaning as you slowly eased down onto him. Instantly feeling filled as you moaned out his name and gripped his shirt. 

"Oh fuck," He grunted as his hands fell down to your hips, rocking you slowly as he began to moan out loudly. 

"You feel so good, tighter than I remember." He chuckled darkly as he began to buck into you faster, smirking as the lights flickered. 

"Lights are coming on princess...Four floors to get you to cum," He smirked as he got up from the floor, pushing your back against the wall of the elevator. 

"Think you can do it?" You teased as he smirked again, biting your neck harshly as his hips began to move at an erratic pace. Your hands gripped tightly into his shoulders, hard enough to leave a mark as you screamed his name out. 

"Look at that princess, we're moving." He chuckled as the elevator began to move up the floors, making you whimper. 

"Someone could walk in and see me fucking you." He chuckled reaching down to rub your clit with his thumb, grunting when he felt you clenching down tightly. 

"Namjoon...S-Stop we won't be able to-" You could barely finish your sentence as you shut your eyes, flickers of white spots filling your sight as you contracted around him. 

"Hmm? What was that baby?" You could hear the smirk leaking from his tone of voice as he continued to ram into you. Barely giving you time to think as your mind went blank. His fingers strumming against your clit until you exploded around him.

"I-I'm cumming!" You screamed gripping his shirt, ripping it just a little as you kissed him desperately. Riding out your high as Namjoon fucked into you until you were done. 

"What-" Namjoon couldn't finish his sentence as you suddenly dropped down in front of him and took him into your mouth. Wasting no time in moving your head almost as quickly as his thrusts had been, 

"Shit, your mouth feels so warm." He whispered as he pushed his hips against your face, helping you as he grunted loudly. 

Slipping him out of your mouth you pumped his length and smirked evilly, 

"One-floor left baby, you sure you can cum in time?" You smirked as you continued to pump, running your tongue along the slit of his cock when he suddenly thrust into your mouth. Gagging around him you smirked as you began to move your head, taking his sac into your hand and massaging softly just the way he liked.

"Ugh fuck...F-Fuck!" He grunted as his hand slammed against the mirror inside of the elevator and he came undone in your mouth.

Looking up at him you parted your lips to show him that you had taken the full load of him. Swallowing it slowly as you got up from the floor. A small ding from the elevator to signal you had arrived and Namjoon was rushing to chance himself.

"I told you that you would makeup," Hoseok said as you suddenly stepped out of the elevator and smiled, noticing Namjoon storming towards his studio sweating a little. 

"I have to go and sit with him," Excusing yourself you chased after Namjoon, preparing yourself for a second round with one another.

Tag list: @lyoongx @rms-moonchild @mitzwinchester @rjsmochii @taestannie @sw33tnight @sweeneyblue1 @jin-from-the-block @acciocriativity @mwitsmejk @taeechwitaa​ @justbangtanthingz​ @stillwithlix​

[non-binaryzombie]

𝔏𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔰𝔦𝔠𝔨

Summary: Jake is a little bit obsessed with you, he needs to know more about you, going beyond what you show on the internet, but his biggest problem now is making you understand that he owns you, and that no one is taking you away from him.

Characters: Jake x reader (a little bit of Darkness too cuz, you know that I love him)

Warnings: Yandere Jake, stalking, possessiveness, lovesick, obsession, not exactly a happy ending, angst, language, use of straw (sorry turtles)

Word count: 2672

A/N: Here it is! I hope you don't hate me for it, I changed the name to fit more with the story, but the context is the same :)

(Most of my pics/gifs come from Pinterest, if I use a photo that belongs to you and you don't like it, please contact me and we'll take care of it)

Fascinating, that's the word Jake would use to describe you if he had to, he could spend hours trying to decipher you, trying to understand how are you able to like him without even seeing his face, without even knowing who he really was? You just know what he allows you to, but you've never been nosy, if you ask something to him and he says that he can't tell you, you just put it aside, not wanting to bother; and that's one of the things he most admires in you, the fact that you're so curious and yet, when he doesn't want to tell you something, you just try to let it go, making a mental note about the things you shouldn't ask, at least not over the phone.

Ever since you helped Jake to find Hannah, he've been more and more interested in you, how did you manage to help him to find his half-sister, and at the same time made him fall in love with you? Something he never thought would happen, suddenly from a time to another, he saw himself in love with someone who he thought be just someone that would help him to find his sister, just a means to an end.

But now, here he is, watching you from the window of the café you're in, he knows that he shouldn't, what would you think if you found out that he've been following you? He is pretty sure that 'happiness' would not be the right feeling, but he had no choice, he wanted- no, he needed to know more about you, and this time the internet wouldn't help him, for some reason you're really reserved, unlikely the most people at your age, you have social medias, of course but you rarely post something about yourself at them, the most interesting thing that the hacker could find about you was your school records and not surprisingly your track record is perfect, you never got bad grades, you never got into trouble, you are simply flawless. It makes him question, it's impossible for someone to be so perfect, you're sweet, kind, innocent and you always want the best for everyone no matter how bad someone has done you; you always forgive them. But you have flaws, everyone has, and that's what he's trying to find out, what are you hiding from everyone? And how are you so good at hiding it?

His blue eyes getting darker when he sees you hugging a man, who is he? And why do you look so happy to see him? You two talk a little before sitting down in one of the tables close to the window, the waitress soon come and both of you place your orders. The black-hair boy on the outside quickly grab his phone, sending you a message, just a 'Hi Y/N :)' waiting to see if you're going to answer him, he sees you pick up the phone and look at it for a few seconds before putting it back in your your pocket, did you just ignore his message? Okay, now he has no other choice then go inside.

And there he goes, entering the place and thankfully he could seat somewhere that you couldn't see you, but he could listen to everything, pretending to be doing something important on the phone. He orders a black coffee, nothing more. Soon you and the tall man started to talk while he paid attention to every single word.

"I am glad that we were able to meet, Y/N" he says with a grin on his face

"Wow, you really talk like this even in person, I thought that it was just you way to text" a giggle escaped your lips

"What do you mean?" he tilted his head

"You just, talk like you are in a really important dinner with the queen" you say resting your cheek against your hand while looking at him

"I think I never stopped to notice the way I speak, is this a nuisance for you?" he asked and you quickly shacked your hands

"Oh, no! That's not what I meant, I happen to like it, actually" he looked relieved

"You are really observant aren't you?" you smiled

"You'd be surprised how many times I've heard this" the girl came back with your orders and you thanked her with a gentle smile

"So, I haven't seen you in the forum lately" he took a sip of his latte

"Of course you've noticed" you giggle playing with your milkshake straw "I should have predicted" he let out a light laugh through his nose

"Is there a especial reason for that?"

"Well if I am being honest, lately I have been too tired to even scroll through the forum" you looked down playing with your fingers on the table

"It’s okay, you don't have to talk if you don't want to" he said putting his hand next to yours

"No, it’s just-" a sight left your mouth "Do you ever feel that everything around you is slowly becoming tiresome? How if the slightest effort to follow your routine makes you tired?" he nodded, you are not sure if he really understands you, or if he is just trying to make you feel better, but you continue "But for a few seconds, something makes you step out of your comfort zone, makes you hope again, but then it ends and everything becomes monotonous and boring again" you didn't even realized that your fingers are now entwined with his, you feel your face turn red and quickly let go of his hand "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you" the hand that was holding his is now between your legs pressed against the soft upholstery of the seat you are on, and the other on the straw of your milkshake bringing it to your mouth.

"You don't have to apologize, Y/N, it’s okay you know that you can trust me" he said straightening his posture

"Yeah, I know, Dark, and I thank you for that, but I don't really want to bother you with this, we're here to have a good time" you smiled, and he nodded

"Let's chance the topic then. How about the guy you told me about? Are you two a couple?" you felt your face turn red again

"Jake? Well, not exactly, it's complicated" 'Not exactly? Of course, we are a couple' the hacker thought with himself

"Complicated?" Darkness asked encouraged you to continue

"Hum, none of us really made a official dating request, y'know?" Jake never thought about it that way, he really has to put a ring in your finger for you to know that you are his?

"But you like him, don't you?" he looked straight into your eyes, like he was trying to guess what was happening in your head

"Yeah, we haven't said 'I love you' yet, but, I really like him, and I think that he likes me too, it's just..." you paused lettings out a sigh "He is not really good at showing how he feels, he is not good at talking at all" you giggle

"Then why don't you take the first step?" he asked confused

"I'm afraid of being rejected." the man sitting in front of you looked surprised, so did the one sitting behind you

"Why would he reject you? You are amazing, anyone would be lucky to have you." a shy smile appears on your lips

"I just, don't think he has time for a relationship, he's constantly busy and moving, because of work" you completed

"Well, this is really a misfortune, but you know I'll always be here for you, don't you?" he said picking your hand

"Yes, I know, and I can say the same to you" he gave you a smirk "Why are your hands so big?" he laughed

"You really know how to change the subject very quickly don't you?" you smiled at him.

The man sitting in the table behind you got up putting the money on the table and got out of the café as fast as he entered, what made him bump into someone that he quickly ignored making his way back to the motel he was staying at, he was angry, how dare this random guy even touch you? Say that he's going to be there for you, you don't need anyone else, you have him, you may don't know it, but you are his, he always makes time to talk to you, and now you say that it’s not enough? You even dare to consider that he's going to reject you? What more he needs to do for you to be sure that he wants a relationship with you? When he finally arrived at his room, he slammed the door shut, sitting in front of the computer, trying to calm down, breathing heavy. He knows exactly what he must do for you to know that you belong to him.

You threw yourself on the bed, with a smile on your face, the day with Darkness was better than you expected, he is not all serious personally, or you just have the ability of making him less keyed up, your phone buzzed on your pocket and you grab it quickly not so surprising it was Jessy 'Hey, how was your little date?' you giggled after answering her 'Not a date Jessy, but it was really good to be honest' Jessy was incredibly supportive when you said you were going to meet your forum-friend 'I'll want to hear everything about it tomorrow' ' Don't worry, I'll tell you everything'. Soon you remembered that Jake texted you early and dialed his number wondering whether or not to call him, you bite your bottom lip before working up your courage, clicking the green button and bringing the cell phone to your ear, settling down on the bed, you start to wonder if this is a good idea right away thinking about just hanging up and pretending it was an accident, but as soon as the call is answered you feel your body tense up.

"Hum, hi" you say shyly "Sorry I haven't texted you earlier, I was kinda busy"

"It's okay" his deep voice make your whole-body shiver "How are you?" he asked

"I'm good, how about you?" why do you feel so awkward?

"Good" he says and keeps silent 'god, why is it so hard?' you thought while trying to think something to say

"I-" you are interrupted by his voice

"What were you doing?" he asked, and you frowned your eyebrows

"What?"

"You said you were busy, what with?" you blinked a few time before answering him

"I went out with a friend" you said and heard a 'hum' coming from him on the other side of the phone "Are you mad?" you asked apprehensively

"Why would I be?" his voice makes you feel butterflies in your stomach

"I don't know, we haven't talked the whole day, and you seem, rough" he sighed

"It wasn't my intention, I’m sorry"

"Don't worry" you heard someone knock at the door

“Oh, wait a minute there’s someone at the door” you said getting up, and walking towards the noise opening it, just to see a black hair boy standing there, with his phone on his ear

"okay" he said before giving you a little smile, your eyes widened and you felt your body freeze

"Jake?" you ask and he nods, that's all that he needs to do to see you quickly hug him tight, he looked a little surprised but then he just wrap his arms around you, feeling the good smell of your hair, you two stayed there for a while hugging in the doorway.

When you finally looked up at him your eyes were full of teas, happiness tears, but that didn't stop Jake of push the tears away

"What are you doing here? I thought you were with Lilly" you said pulling him inside and closing the door

"I've come to see you" he said looking at you

"You could have warned me, you know, I would have at least organized this a little bit" you say scratching the back of your neck shyly

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise" he says putting his backpack on the sofa "And it's not that messy at all" you two sat on the bed, your face is so red it looks like you're going to explode

"I have something for you" he says taking a little box of his pocket, opening it and revealing two rings your eyes widen and you quickly look up at him

"Are you serious?" you ask and he nods

"So, what do you say?" he smiles

"Jake, I-I don't know..." his smile disappeared and he looked at you confused

"What?" that's what you wanted a ring, an official request, wasn't it? Then why are you rejecting him?

"It's just- I like you, I really do!" you say as you see his reaction

"Then why don't you want to be with me?" he looks sad

"That's not what I said, I mean, you're wanted Jake, by FBI and by another hackers, I know that there's a lot of things that you don't tell me, I know that you're just trying to protect me but, I can't keep in the dark just trusting that you are doing the right thing" no, he's not sad, he's angry, he closed the box tightly, making you flinch

"Okay, look I don't need a fucking ring to prove that we are together, I just bought it because that's what you wanted, you are mine, and I don't care who the fuck is coming after me, I won't let anyone be on our way, you don't have to worry about it" you blinked a few times trying to process what he just said, he sighed putting his hand on your cheek "I love you, Y/N" he smiled again

"I'm not a pet, Jake, you don't own me" you took his hand off

"I think you should leave now" you said looking away

"I won't leave you" he said firmly

"Are you even listening to yourself?!" you said getting up "This is not love, Jake" he got up standing in front of you, the difference between your highs makes you feel intimidated

"I am lovesick, Y/N, can you blame me?" he says getting closer making you step back "I can't stop thinking about you everything that you say or do makes me love you more, I want you, I need you, why can't you understand that?" you now see yourself trapped between him and the wall behind you

"You're not lovesick, you're just sick, you are fucking obsessed! I would never be with someone who acts the way you're acting right now" instant regret

"If I can't have you, no one can, and I'll make sure of that, my love" he muttered taking his cell phone out of his pocket and showing it to you, your eyes widened

"What the fuck is wrong with you?! Let him go!" Darkness was tied to a chair with a cloth over his mouth, he didn't look hurt

"I'll let him go, when you accept to stay with me, otherwise, I'll kill him." you can feel the tears wetting your face

"You sick motherfucker" he pretended to be hurt

"You better choose your words better Y/N, I can kill him in just a snap" you looked at the picture again

"Fine, just let him go" he grinned as he put his cell phone away, he took the rings again and offered them to you, you looked at him before picking the ring and put it on your finger, he did the same

"You won't regret it, my love" he says pulling you closer and kissing you 'I already did' you thought with yourself.

[chocominnie]

One Last Time 02  —  Pjm. (M)

⇢ pairing: Jimin X Reader

⇢ Genre: Idol!Jimin, Exbf!Jimin, model!reader, sad au, fluff, tons of smut, angst

⇢ Synopsis: Your idol ex boyfriend Jimin cheated on you. You two have been broken up for a while now and the media has been keeping track of you and him. You’re trying to get over him, but the things that happen inbetween makes you re-think the entire breakup, and so does Jimin…

⇢ Song : xxxxx

⇢ Previous : 00   01

⇢ Word Count : 

⇢ Warnings: dominant jimin, makeout sessions, this is honestly a sad angsty au, cheating, pregnancy, unprotected and protected sex, a bunch of sex, no really a LOT of sexual themes too, I know I’m forgetting some but sorry in advance!

⇢ Copyright: please do NOT repost, translate, or modify my works in any way, shape or form, on any platform. If found doing so , it is considered as plagiarism and appropriate LEGAL action will be taken

⇢ Authors note: This is my mini series for the summer! Get your tissues, things to take your anger out on, and sit back and watch the drama unfold. Shall we begin?

Your eyes shoot open, chest heaving heavily as you let out a blood curdling scream. Not this again. The same dream over and over again each night. It leaves you sleepless. The time on the clock on your nightstand reads 3:04 am. Just only four hours ago is when you fell asleep. But a full night’s sleep hasn’t happened for a year so why would it matter anyways.

Once you catch your breath you unplug your phone from the charger and read some of the notifications. From your window, the night-time critters sing their songs along with the persistant owl that’s somewhere around the apartment complex. You’d only noticed him, the owl, just a few months ago when your cat started meowing with his hoots. 

A missed call from your uncle. 

Immediately you unlock your phone and dial the number. Bringing your index finger to your mouth you gently nip on it waiting for it to answer, The rings are agonizing to you. If something has happened you only wish and pray it wasn’t as bad as you think. He’s the only parental figure left in your life.

‘‘ Princess! Hello I was just calling to speak to you earlier. But I realized you are five hours ahead of me and you had probably went to sleep.’‘

His soothing voice calms your emotions making you let out a tiny breath of air. Thank god.

‘’Hey Charlie.” You sigh. Looking towards your left, you spot Clara purring quietly next to you. You can’t help but to smile while bringing a hand over to rub her head with your thumb.  She’s so small under the shining moonlight from your window.

Her white coat shines brightly amongst her, making you remember the first night you had brought her home. All she did was sleep, and it worried you because you had no prior expierence caring for anything, let alone a small animal. Clara only drank kitten milk and slept back then. Occasionally being awake enough to nip at your fingers whenever you pet or touched her.

Now she’s a bit bigger and walks around the apartment like she owns the place. Quite the little attitude she has, but its too damn cute for you to scold her whenever she does something wrong. 

“ Yes I did fall asleep from after a gathering at someone’s house.’’ You continue on, bringing your knees to your chest after opening the curtain of your window fully.

The moons brightness illuminates the entire room, but not so bright for you to complain though. ‘’ Oh- was it Jimin’s? Tell him I said hell-’’

You bite your lip hard at his name. He doesn’t know and you wont even dare to let him know. Knowing him, your uncle would have a fit and oppose to come back to Seoul to ‘set the record straight.’ to Jimin. That’s the last thing you want to do, cause trouble.

‘‘ It was his brother’s house warming party.” You say, lowering your tone in your voice. You look at the nightstand for a couple of seconds just before opening the top drawer of the wooden, polished piece. Your hands shakily pull out a picture of you two together.

It was taken at  Marne-la-Vallée, France right infront of Cinderella’s castle. That was the day that you and Jimin had to went to Disneyland in Paris, France. You cant help but to think, with the picture in hand, that it was one of the best nights ever. It was also the same night your virginity was taken.

‘‘ Oh.. I know that tone. Are you two arguing at the moment.”

You shrug, “ I mean you could say that.’’

No you cant.

‘‘ Alright alright I won’t talk more of him. Let’s change the subject.” He chuckles deeply into the phone.

‘‘ How’s Europe? Anything new happening on base?”

‘‘ Same old Same old. It’s been what? 2 years since I’ve left Seoul? The food is different over here. They don’t have kimchi pancakes sadly.”

You can only imagine the frowny face he makes at you whenever he doesn’t approve or like something. It always turns out to be funny.

You giggle into the phone shaking your head slightly, “ Of course. You are in Europe Charlie. Where are you getting food from anyway if you are on base?’’

‘‘ I can go off base to a certain mileage when I am off duty. I just have to report back in time. But you do know that you can always come live on base with me...’ He trails off.

Oh boy. Here he goes. He’s always talking about moving you on base with him. Hell, he’s been talking about it since before he had to go to be based in Europe. By then you were twenty years old and old enough to live by yourself. Growing up in Daegu, Korea since you were six, you felt as if Korea was home to you and you definately weren’t ready to leave yet.

Especially, after losing your parents here. Around eight years old, your aunt and mother were on the way to pick up your father from the airport. With your mom and dad also being military and based in Korea with your dad’s bestfriend, your uncle Charlie, your father had been called to take military leave to go and be based in Korea for the National Guard.

On the way back from the airport, a drunk driver had struck the car knocking them off the road and colliding head first into the railing of the bridge. All bodies were reported dead upon collision, including your aunt. Charlie didn’t take the news well at all, and so did you. Only eight years old and still a bit new to a foreign country. It was devistating for you and Charlie. Charlie did what was right and stepped up to be your legal guardian while taking some time off from the military. Till this day, he treats you like his sacred little daughter and you can’t ask for anyone better than him.

 “You are old enough to live on your own and housing is avail-”

You jump at his voice on the line again, being too spaced out from the tragic memory. Before he can go on any longer you cut him off. ‘‘ Im fine with the apartment you left me. Im paying the bills on time and taking good care of it.”

‘‘ Alright fine. But that option is always available you hear me? I will always be ready for you to come with me.’’

‘‘ Okay Charlie” You groan.

‘‘ Alright.. sweetie it’s getting late on this side and it’s already 3 am on your side. Get some sleep okay? Don’t you have a model shoot thingy or something? You have those a lot.’‘

‘‘ Yes i actually do in a couple of hours. It’s been a while since I’ve did a shoot. Please eat and sleep well. Don’t injure yourself.’‘

‘‘ I promise. You promise to do the same right?’‘ He says, rustling movements are in the background.

‘‘ Yes I promise. Good night sleep tight..’‘ You smile as you wait for him to finish the rest.

He chuckles one last time on the other end, ‘‘I’ll always love you, goodnight‘’

Beep Beep Beep

You in a racy light pink lingerie with white duvets and sheets is the concept of your comeback. It’s supposed to symbolize the “Night After’’. Camera’s click and directors yell and praise you in your subtle yet damaging moves and facial expressions. You want.. no need for this comeback to be successful. Not only did your manager schedule this, but she is making sure that they release this same very day.

Nobody in this company’s industry has ever did this before. But you, you are sort of the special one. The special foreigner as they say. It’s not like you don’t like it but you don’t like that they label you as that. Stylists, employee’s hell even anybody who works there treat you as a princess. It’s not bad, but it’s just weird.

‘‘ One last one. Give me a sexy yet innocent look mama.’‘ Elliot, the director says, smiling wide at you.

You slip a finger into your mouth and do a little pout with your lips.

Elliot busts out into a roar of happiness with his hands clapping furiously. ‘‘That’s it mama yes! That’s just what we needed!’‘

Adjusting his microphone earpiece, he turns around to greet and thank everyone, ‘‘ Alright everybody this concludes our shooting! You all worked so hard today. Make it home safe, eat well.’‘

Finally. You sigh out in relief and close your eyes. It’s been a long day. Almost 6 hours of shooting. Three Videos, and five swap outfits for each session of shooting for the ‘’ Night After’’.  As everyone heads out and starts cleaning up you bow your head slightly and thank them.

A stylist brings you a satin robe to cover yourself in. You thank her and put it on just before getting up from the bed and walking towards wardrobe. Once you are done putting on your clothes, your manager leads you straight out the exit. Outside awaits the car that drives you everywhere. Literally everywhere.

‘‘ Tomorrow somebody has put in a special request for you to appear as the main lead girl in their music video. It’s short notice and I told them I would have to bump some things around and notify you. But they are paying us and you good money to be in it.’‘

Money? Sounds like a plan.

‘‘ It’s fine. Who am I shooting for?’‘ You say, fluffing your hair just a little while inspecting yourself in the rear view mirror.

Your makeup is still intact with no ruins and the contacts they had given you suited you very well. A hazel with a slight bit of teal. Suddenly the car moves off into the busy streets of Seoul. You can’t help but to notice every couple that walks along the sidewalks. They seem so happy, glad to be around each other.

On the floor of the car lies your little mini backpack filled with all of your items and belongings. Picking it up, you begin to dig through it looking for some hand lotion to soothe your semi-dry hands. Once you find it you gently start to squeeze the tube.

‘‘ Kim Namjoon.’‘

You freeze. Namjoon? The same Namjoon from the group? Joonie? It’s been well… a year since you’ve seen him in person. Hell since you’ve seen all of Bangtan Sonyeondan together. Except for lastnight when Hoseok and.. that guy showed up.

You sigh already knowing the answer from the question you are about to ask.

‘‘ From…?’‘ You ask then put the lotion back in your bag. Slowly you rub your hands together to moisturize.

Your manager quickly flips through the daily planner, ‘‘ Bangtan Sonyeodan but this is for one of his mixtape songs.’‘

Thank goodness.

‘‘ That’s fine. What time will the car be arriving tomorrow?’‘

‘‘ 8 am on the dot. You need to be there by 8:30. I’ll be tending to one of my other models tomorrow so you will be alone. I can send som-’‘

‘‘ No no it’s truly okay. I know how to manage things myself. Besides, I learn from you.’‘ You reassure her with one of your winning smiles, laying your head on her shoulder.

‘‘ Aigoo what am I going to do with you?’‘

The day ends very well. The movies you’ve been watching have kept you occupied. But not occupied enough for you to keep crying at all the sad parts in the chick flicks. Breakups, someone had died, someone had even just spilled something onto the floor and that was enough to send you into tears.Only because when the main lead boy rushed to help clean it up, it reminded you of Jimin last-night helping Isabel.

‘’What is going on with myself.’’ You blow your nose into a tissue for what seemed like the thousandth time today. Clara lets out one of her meows beside you then goes back to grooming herself.

You place her onto your lap and begin to run your fingers through her fur over and over again. Such a soothing effect to you as you stare into space sulking in your thoughts.

Why is it that you weren’t enough for him? Why is it that every single little thing reminds you of him? You gave him your all and he gave you his but what happened? Where did you go wrong? Cooked, cleaned, satisfied his needs. You guys had even started to plan out what you wanted out of a family. When you wanted a baby and what you would name it. It was fun. The whole relationship was fun. Right until that scandal.

Ding.. Ding.. Ding.. DI-

You unlock your phone immediately to stop that annoying dinging noise. Not surprisingly it’s a text from Jeon Jungkook.

Kookie : Im coming over I’ll be there in exactly 3 minutes.

Kookie: Don’t think about leaving either.

Kookie: Im bringing someone with me.

Kookie: We need to have a serious talk babycheeks.

You roll your eyes at the nickname he’s given you. No matter how many times you tell him you want him to change it, he declines. There’s no point in asking anymore.

Why would he want to talk anyways and who is the person he’s bringing. Eh.. it might just be Ryan they seem to do everything together as a team.

As soon as you step foot out of your bed the sound the door clicking makes your head shoot up. How in the living hell does he know the password to your house? Rage takes over you. That’s something that you hate. When people invade your personal space. In this case, personal home.

‘‘ Jeon fucking Jungkook!’‘ You scream, abruptly stomping your feet all the way to and out your bedroom door. Suddenly you stop at the sight of the two faces staring back at you.

Jungkook’s expression holds a concerned yet upset face while the other just stands there calm and cool. But you on the other hand are way besides that level.

Your eyes must be filled with rage and the expression on your face is no good. How dare he disrespect you like that? Bringing him into your home, knowing the bad blood between you two. Oh, they both have something coming towards them. You begin to walk to them again making each step make the floor shake.

‘‘ Get out. Both of you. One you invade my personal private home..’‘

You grab both boys by their collars, making sure to grip the one on the right’s harder than usual. ‘‘ Two, you fucking invite him over here.’‘ You drag each of them towards the exit. Which is going good until Jungkook rips your hands away from his shirt and takes you over his shoulder.

You’ve had enough of him and his invasive ways. Pounding on his back with your fists, you make sure to scream into his ear. “ Put me the fuck down Jeon Jungko-”

You hiss at the stinging sensation on your ass. Did he just? Jimin stands there awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. You make sure to make eye contact with him and roll your eyes. Something that always had and will piss him off.

‘‘ Hush. I told you all of us needed to have a deep talk about you.’‘

Jungkook plops your frail body onto one side of the couch in which he sits next to you. He motions for Jimin to come sit across from the both of you but you aren’t having it.

‘‘ Don’t you do it.” You glare at him. Jungkook sighs harshly only to pluck your forehead two times. You whine and rub it with your index and middle finger.

Jungkook shakes his head in disapproval, ‘‘ When are you ever going to learn? Jimin sit down now.”

‘‘ Truthfully.. I feel as though I shouldn’t be here so-”

“ Good. Get out you are unwanted.” You snap back causing him to give you one of his long stares with no facial expression at all.

Jungkook glares at you just before getting up to throw his hands in the air full of disappointment. “ Enough! “

Yelling. Something else you don’t like to hear being done at yourself. You finally sit still and quite avoiding any eye contact with the both of them.

He sits back down and clears his throat. Jungkook gives Jimin a look before continuing on.

‘‘ I gathered us here to talk about you..”

‘‘ Why. Im fine. How many times do I have to say it. Im fine im fine im fine im fucking fine!’‘ You exclaim, getting more mad by the second. When will people accept this?

‘‘ Baby.. ’‘

Your eyes shoot up to him and his soft voice. You didn’t want to but you did because his voice to you is like candy that melts into your mouth.

‘‘ Don’t call me that. You have a girlfriend at-least be loyal to her rather than what you did to me.’‘

‘‘ Fuck is anybody going to just sit here and listen? Can we at-least get to the source of the problem? Huh?’‘ Jungkook leans back into the couch clearly pissed by your attitude.

Jimin’s the first to speak and holds a firm eye contact with you, almost daring you to break away from it.

‘‘ Fine. Im just going to cut straight to it then. Why are you so jealous? You aren’t okay at all. I seen the way you looked at us yesterday. You wanted to break down so bad but you didn’t. It looks like you’ve been dropping weight day by day why aren’t you eating well?’’

You’re taken a-back by his jealous comment. Although you are you just cannot admit it. You are jealous. You do want him back. You cant bear to see him with another girl but you. But the fact that Jimin is concerned makes you really hope. Just hope that there is something left of you still in his heart.

‘‘ Jealous? Jealous tuh.” You scoff, leaning into Jungkook’s arms where you rest his head on your chest. You only do this just to see Jimin’s reaction and by the look on his face he doesn’t enjoy that move one bit.

‘‘ Yes jealous. I mean why else would you put almond extra-

‘‘ Woah. No need to go there. We established that it was a so called accident lastnight.” Jungkook does finger quotes into the air and looks down at you.

You lift your head up and furrow your eyebrows in annoyance, “ So called? So you really believe that I did it on purpose. Wow Jungkook. Escort yourself out.’’

He sighs, wrapping his arms around you securly in hopes of you settling down a  little, “ Honestly it’s not like that. I wasn’t there to see you bake them nor was I watching her eat it. Im just saying that you knew Jimin was coming and obviously his girlfriend was going to come too. It’s a little sketchy is all.”

There’s no fixing what he said. Him adding onto his explanation just made things sound worse than what he’s trying to say. You don’t have time to be ganged up on, nor like it at all. It’s best if they both just leave, to not turn nothing into something.

‘‘ Get out. Now. Before I call and tell Ryan what you said and then she’ll definitely deal with you.’‘ You say, removing yourself from off of him and onto the other side of the couch with your legs crossed.

Mad isn’t even the word to describe yourself right now. You’re just a mixture of all emotions.

Jungkook now looks of sorriness written all over his face. You bite your lip and shake your head while pointing towards the door. He sighs heavily and takes one last look at you while removing himself from the couch. You watch him slip on his coat and shoes.

Jimin gets up from his spot on the couch, ‘‘ I’ll be leav-”

‘‘ Sit down we aren’t done talking.” 

He looks at you with his eyebrows furrowed, sitting back down slowly.

Jungkook keeps his head down as he wraps his blue scarf around his neck. Poor baby, but he shouldn’t of said it. “Please better yourself and talk it out with each-other. Im leaving.”

‘‘ Make it home safely.. Kookie.” You sigh once the door closes behind him. Now you’re here. Face to face with Park Jimin.

The same Jimin who cheated on you. The same Jimin you haven’t seen in a while. You take a few moments to take in his appearance. He seems to have re-gained his muscles that are peaking through his black, longsleeve shirt. His thighs are still thick, just like his luscious lips. Of course he changed his hair color to black. But who knows, he might change it again.

‘‘ You’ve been doing well?’‘ You say, voice low but enough for him to hear. You drop your eyes to your lap instead of keeping intact with his.

‘‘ Yes. But you have not. Im disappointed in you. Why are you doing this to yourself? Don’t do this because of me.”

‘‘ Jimin you don’t know the feeling. You don’t know how it feels to be left wondering why you weren’t good enough for someone. Why they had cheated on you. You don’t understand at all and wont ever.’‘ Your voice cracks on the last sentence and you an feel the lump in your throat become sore.

He bites his lip unsure of what to say next. Those words had hit him good inside. ‘‘ Im sorry. I truly am. But you know the reason why we had to end it. I fucked up bad and the media was making the scandal bigger and messier day by day. It was better to just call it off.’‘

One by one your tears start to drop. You nose begins it’s running trip but you sniffle it back up.

‘‘ You could of denied it. You know you could of made a statement and denied it. But you felt something for her didn’t you? Didn’t you?’‘ You semi-yell, sobs already starting to take it’s way over.

He bites his lip once again and ruffles his fingers through his hair, “ Baby..’’

You wipe your tears with your hands making your face even more puffy from the crying. “ I am jealous. I am I admit it Jimin. But do you know i have been suffering for one year and two months? I can’t sleep at night because im so used to your touch at night. I look at every couple in Seoul and think to myself, Dang they seem so happy. What’s their secret?’’

Jimin sits up, making eye contact with you with tears welling up into his eyes. It hurt’s you more than yourself to see him crying. It always has.

‘‘ Please don’t do that. Don’t do this to yourself. Please get help from someone to try and move on. Please. I don’t like to see or hear you make yourself suffer.’ He begs, getting up from his seat and coming towards you.

Jimin sits next to you, hesitantly opening his arms up to you. Would it be wrong to embrace him? He’s being too sincere, but thats what you want right? You decide to just do it, and lean into him only for him to pull you in closer into his chest.You just lay there crying and sobbing while he runs his fingers through your hair. You shouldn’t be doing this. He has a girlfriend. But it feels so right.

‘‘ What does she have that I don’t? Why couldn’t you love me the same way you love her “  You cry into his chest, soaking his shirt with your tears. 

You’d been waiting for this moment to just let it out. Let everything out.

‘’ Please don’t make this harder than what it is right now. Just try and forget me and move on. Please.” Hypocritcal. How does he expect you to get over him when he’s the one whos holding you so tight right now. Soon enough his sniffles join yours in harmony.

You raise your head up and look him deep into the eyes while you wipe away his tears, “ Don’t cry Jimin. I’m the one supposed to be crying over you. Don’t cry.’’

He takes your hand away from his face and wraps his fist ontop of yours, “Please promise me you will move on okay?’’

You shake your head no, “ I can’t make that promise.”

He doesn’t say anything. He gently cradles you in his arms and lifts you up. You don’t think to where he is going. You just close your eyes and grab onto his shirt firmly not wanting to let go.

Soon enough you feel the cold sheets over your bed. He covers you in the duvet and leans down to your forehead.  A kiss. Your fist is still locked onto his shirt in which he tries to pry it away but you don’t want to let him go. He sighs and raises his arms up as he takes off the shirt revealing an extra plain white wife beater under it. Taking your other hand, he wraps your hand into another fist onto the shirt to where both of your hands are holding onto it.

‘‘ Please better yourself for me baby. Sleep and eat well. “

Is all he says before turning off the lights and walking out your bedroom door.  You can hear him putting on and zipping up his heavy coat but you just don’t make a sound.

The apartment door clicks and beeps letting you know he’s already gone.

[drarrily-we-row-along]

Day 58: Voicemail

Harry's mobile rang, interrupting a perfectly nice (if solitary) dinner at home with a good book.

With a sigh, he put his bookmark in his book, set his fork down in his bowl of pasta, and dug his phone out of his pocket. He looked at the screen and huffed at the unknown number, "Bloody spam call," he grumbled, tossing the phone onto the couch beside him.

He picked up his fork once more and opened his book.

He hadn't read more than two paragraphs when his phone pinged, notifying him that the caller had left a voicemail. Pointedly, he turned away from the phone and went back to reading; he made it a few more pages, his pasta bowl almost empty, when his phone started ringing again.

The same number was calling again. He scowled and ignored it, going back to his book and letting it ring out. He wasn't especially surprised when he got the notification that whoever was calling had left him another voicemail.

After that, his phone was blissfully silent as he continued reading. When he finished his book he set it down on the side table and stretched until there was a satisfying pop in his lower back.

He glanced at his phone, his curiosity winning out, and reached for it to play back the voicemails.

"Potter? Are you there?" a drunken voice slurred, and Harry knew that voice but he couldn't possibly believe that the person it sounded like had a muggle phone and even if he did, it didn't make sense that he'd be calling Harry. "Oh I can never understand these stupid things. Am I supposed to push a button so you can hear me? This is Draco Malfoy, so if you can hear me, you'd better speak up."

To say that Harry was shocked would be an understatement.

(Read more below the cut)

"You know I don't understand how to make this work," he whined at Harry, "Can't you help me? Isn't that what you do?"

Harry huffed.

"Fine. Don't talk to me. You're the one who's missing out. I'm hanging up now, Potter."

He shook his head and hit delete on the voicemail before opening the next one.

"Potter," he greeted again and Harry almost laughed because he didn't know how it was possible to sound so drunk and so posh at the same time. "I've been informed that you were not, in fact, on the other end of the string...wire?... line?..." he trailed off and this time Harry did laugh.

"Whatever. None of those words make any sense. Anyway, I was told I left you a recording of my voice. You're welcome."

Harry laughed again, ridiculous man.

"So, since you weren't being rude before, I thought I would call to present you my offer. I am out at a club dancing and drinking with Pansy, and I couldn't help but wonder what you might be doing. I'm going to guess that you are finishing a terrible detective novel while you sit on your sofa eating dinner by yourself."

He rolled his eyes, "I like my detective novels, thank you."

"And I know you're probably rolling your eyes and extolling the many virtues of your paperback novels, but they're absolute drivel, Potter, you must know that."

It was ridiculous to be fond of this man. Utterly and completely ridiculous, but Harry was nothing if not fond of Draco Malfoy.

"Anyway, I bet that your cat hasn't even joined you on the sofa. Magnus has much better taste in literature than you do."

Magnus was currently resting on his cat tower, but if he'd been asked, Harry wouldn't have admitted it.

"The point I'm trying to make, is that you are living a lonely, miserable life. So you should come out dancing with me. And I know," he carried on, "that you would say that you don't dance but I can teach you."

He smiled at the phone, gripping it a little tighter as he imagined that scenario playing out in his mind.

"And then, you can take me home with you at the end of the night."

Harry promptly choked on his saliva. Draco Malfoy couldn't be implying what he thought he was implying.

"What's your bed like, Potter? Is it soft? Is it red?" he asked aghast. "Maybe we should come back to mine instead. You'd look so lovely on my green sheets." He trailed off with a wistful little sigh. "Or. Just call me back and tell me to leave the club right now. Tell me to floo over and maybe we won't make it past the living room. Maybe on that hideous sofa. Hell maybe we won't make it past that garish rug."

There was a short pause and Harry wondered if Draco was imagining it like he was.

"I'm dying to kiss you." he murmured. "Surely you see it, surely you know. And I'll be anything you want me to be, Harry. Anything. Because you must know that I-"

The voicemail ended abruptly and Harry glared at the phone. What happened? He opened the voicemail box again and a notification popped up. His mailbox was full. Of all the rotten luck.

And he had no idea where the other man was and even if he had known, did it really make sense to go there anyway?

He listened to the voicemail, then he listened to it again.

And again.

He listened and he fell a little bit more in love with Draco Malfoy and he knew that even if he had known where he was, he wouldn't have gone, because he didn't want to be something the other man regretted in the morning.

After retrieving Magnus from the cat tower, he carried him into his bedroom and decided to deal with everything in the morning.

----------------

Harry slept very poorly that night and when 7:30 rolled around Harry couldn't stand it for one more second. He stuffed his feet into his trainers, pulled a sweatshirt over his head, and apparated to Draco's front door, pounding on it before he could stop himself.

He waited for a long moment and when there was no response, he pounded again.

The door swung open while he was still knocking, revealing a very tired, very grumpy Draco Malfoy in nothing more than a pair of boxers, "What the fuck." He stared at Harry as if he couldn't quite believe his eyes. "What are you doing here at this ungodly hour?"

"What were you going to say?"

"Potter, I am in no mood for your bullshit; I am tired, I am hungover, and it is bloody early. You're going to need to start making sense. Right now."

"You said, 'I'll be anything you want me to be, Harry. Anything. Because you must know that I-' and then my voicemail was full and I couldn't hear anything more."

All of the color drained from Draco's face, "I think I'm going to be sick." He turned around and stumbled back inside, but he left the door open so Harry took that as an invitation to enter.

Draco was serious, apparently, about getting sick because he made a beeline for the bathroom and Harry heard him vomiting before he reached the doorway.

"Oh," he murmured sympathetically, making his way over and gathering Draco's shoulder-length hair in his hand to keep it out of his face. He rubbed soothing circles on his back as he heaved up the contents of his stomach which truthfully smelled like pure vodka.

"Go away," Draco finally groaned when he'd managed to stop dry heaving and flush the toilet. "Just leave me to die. That would be preferable."

"Stop being dramatic," he said as he stood and moved toward his medicine cupboard. "I'm sure that a potions master has a hangover potion lying around here somewhere." He dug through until he found a bottle and handed it over to Draco.

Draco took it, wincing as the pain of the hangover he would have had hit him all at once. He shuddered, "Fucking Pansy," he grumbled. "Thank you for your assistance, you've done you're duty to help those less fortunate than you, you may go."

"Not likely," he replied. "Why don't you shower and get cleaned up? I'll make some breakfast and we can talk."

Draco groaned, "Let me die."

Harry rolled his eyes, "You have ten minutes, then I'm coming in and dragging you out."

He made his way to Draco's kitchen and made some scrambled eggs and toast for both of them, as well as coffee.

Draco appeared after nine minutes and fifty-two seconds. "Please, Potter," he groaned, "Can't you just drop it. I promise never to drunk dial you again," he added as he slid into a chair and took a sip of his coffee.

"Draco what was the end of that sentence?" Harry asked.

The other man picked up his slice of toast and took a bite, "I don't know. I was drunk off my arse."

"Don't lie to me," Harry replied. "I'm not stupid."

Draco's eyes flicked up to meet his, "I know that."

"Please," Harry whispered, "What was the end of that sentence?"

"You aren't going to let it go are you?"

He shook his head.

Draco's shoulders slumped, "I am in love with you," he whispered. "That's the end of that sentence. And usually I have enough of a sense of self preservation and dignity not to just go spouting that sort of nonsense to someone who couldn't possibly feel the same-"

"But I do!" Harry exclaimed. "I do feel the same. I have for absolutely ages."

"You don't have to lie to me-"

"Do you remember that trivia night we went to eight months ago," Harry interrupted, "the one where everyone else bailed?"

"Yes."

"I knew," Harry said, "I knew that night that I was completely besotted with you. We were the worst team there."

Draco rolled his eyes, "Right. Everyone falls in love with someone who's a complete idiot about a subject school children could play better."

"I fell in love with someone who didn't take himself seriously. Who laughed at getting the answers wrong, who was clever and funny, and made up answers a hundred times better than the real ones." He looked down at his hands, steeling himself to say something hard but real, "Things are hard for me sometimes," he confessed. "I get stuck in my head and it's not," he swallowed, "Not always good."

Draco's hand found his across the table.

Harry looked up, "But I don't feel like that when I'm with you. I can't remember the last time I'd laughed like that before that night. And I'm not trying to put pressure on you," he added, "I see a mind healer, I'm not asking you to fix me," he said. "Just, when I'm with you I feel like there's something to look forward to." He swallowed and Draco waited patiently for him to continue, "And I couldn't let myself imagine that you might want someone broken like me, I wanted to be better before I let myself even think about it. But then you left me that messa-"

"You're not broken," Draco murmured, bringing Harry's knuckles to his lips and pressing a chaste kiss to them that left Harry breathless. "The war changed all of us and we all have healing and growing to do from that, but you aren't broken. You're enough as you are right now."

"You don't know what my bad days are like," Harry said.

Draco shrugged, "And you don't know what my bad days are like, but you're not holding them against me."

Harry rubbed the back of his neck.

"I really like you," Draco confessed. "A lot. And I know that things aren't always going to be easy, but if we wait for either of us to be perfect before we try, we'll wait our entire lives." He swallowed and Harry watched his throat bob with the motion, "Could we maybe try healing and growing together?"

"I'd like that," Harry whispered.

"Good," Draco replied before standing up and moving around the table to straddle Harry's lap, "Then I'm going to need you to kiss me."

"I can do that," he replied, cupping Draco's cheek and leading his mouth down to his.

Their breakfast got cold but neither of them could bring themselves to care.

-------------

Day 57: Text Message | Day 59: Ring

[jaehyunspeachparty]

daddy jaehyun

iv.lxviii. (a,m)

"Are you ready?" Jaehyun took your hand and grinned broadly. You take a deep breath and grab your stomach. You had a little girl inside of you. You almost couldn't believe it. A girl. "Yes," you say softly and look at your husband. You go into the house but something happened. All the blinds were down and no light came into the house on this sunny day. You hear the children talking softly and suddenly Mia runs towards you. "What happened?", Jaehyun asked worried and Mia didn't quite know what to do. "I didn't reach you." She sighed and looked around. "Mummy." Sunoh ran to you and hugged you. "A drone was back here over the property." Mia frowned and she didn't know what to think. "A drone?" You ask uncertainly and again caress your stomach and Sunoh's back at the same time. It was such a strange mood and you notice how the mood in the room was depressing. "Yes, it flew so close to the windows, that's why I closed everything." Mia pointed to the locks and you nodded. You go further behind the kitchen island and see how the twins play and Miga takes care of her little brothers. She was very calm and knew that she is now the oldest. "Are you okay?" You ask her and stroke her hair. She nodded and looked at you with wide eyes. "Yeah, I'm trying to distract Kiwoo and Geon." She smiled so sweetly and you were so proud of your girl. "Very good," you say and kiss her head. When you come back up you see Jaehyun talking on the phone. "Who are you calling?" You ask him. "The police. This terror must stop." Jaehyun was so angry again and you didn't know what to do. "Mia, go to Xiaojun. We can do it alone now," you tell her, because you didn't want to drag her along. "What? No!" But your sister was stubborn. "There's no point and I don't want them to start terrorizing you too. Please Mia." You wanted her to be safe. "Okay, but if there is anything ... I'll be right there." Mia looked at you seriously and you nodded. Then she went to her room and packed her things. Jaehyun was still on the phone. He was in the living room so the children couldn't hear him. But you could watch him through the window and you can see that he was angry. The conversation was not very satisfactory. You look at your children who were playing quietly with each other. You were really surprised that they stick together like that at this moment. "Okay, I would go now," Mia said as she came out of her room. "Well, take good care of yourself," you say and gently stroke her shoulder. Mia put on her shoes, but just before she left the house she turned to you. "I know it's all serious right now, but I'm curious. What will it be?" Your sister suddenly smiled and pointed to your belly. You look down at yourself in amazement, you briefly forgot that you have just come from the doctor. "A girl," you say very gently and you have to smile too. "Yay, finally." Mia hugged you happily and you had to admit that you are also very happy. At that moment she saw Jaehyun coming to you and he was surprised that you are both so happy. "Congratulations to the Daddy too. Now you finally have your girl." Mia grinned and now Jaehyun had to smile too. "Yeah, I still can't believe it." Jaehyun put an arm around you and kissed your head. "Okay, I'll go now. But if you need anything, let me know." Mia said goodbye to you and then left. But as soon as she was gone, things got serious again. "What was going on?" You ask your husband and Jaehyun looked disappointed at the floor. "The police say drone flights are allowed in Korea." "But also on private property?" You couldn't believe it somehow. "Because I'm a public figure, they think I should expect it." Jaehyun was really exhausted and done. He just couldn't believe it all. "I can call Donghwi," you suggest. "Donghwi?" Jaehyun didn't really know her way around. "He's the detective who handled the case when Miga was threatened." You were on good terms with him and maybe you hope to get a little more information from him. "Oh, yes okay ..." Jaehyun nodded and you go into the kitchen and look for his business card. You picked it up and dialed his number. Before long, Donghwi answered immediately. "Hello?" "Hi, this is Y/N Jung. I hope you can still remember me." You laugh uncertainly because you didn't know how to address your request. "Yes of course. Is Miga okay?" He apparently remembered it very well. "No, I mean, yes. I just wanted to ask something." "Yes?" "We had a drone around our house today. The police said we should expect it because my husband is famous. But I can't imagine that people can just take a drone and spy on our house." You didn't quite know what he was going to say now, because there was a short silence. "Hmm, that's difficult. You have cameras in your house, don't you?" He asked. "Yes we have." "I can come over tomorrow and take a look at the recordings. Would that be okay?" "Yes thank you!" You put your phone aside and nod at Jaehyun. "He'll come by tomorrow and see if we can do something," you tell him. "Hmm, ..." Jaehyun found all of this suspect. "What?" "Why is he so nice?" He was getting more and more suspicious. "He's still taking care of Miga's case. It's his job." You stroke his shoulder and notice how tense he was. Jaehyun then nodded and he realized for himself how insecure he was.

You had decided to tell the children the next day that they will have a sister. It was enough excitement for them today already. They had behaved really well, but in the evening they were so tired that they almost fell asleep over dinner. Jaehyun was stressed all day, but you try to stay calm, after all, you had to take care of your girl in your belly. "Come to bed," you say gently and look at Jaehyun who is walking up and down in the bedroom. Jaehyun looked so uncertain and mistaken, but he nodded and came to bed with you. "I know it was a very busy day. But remember that we found out today that we are going to have a little girl." You stroke his upper body and lean against his shoulder. "That's right. I'm really happy about it." Jaehyun smiled and stroked your hair gently. "We should celebrate this," you say, stroking his bare abs with your hand. "To celebrate?" He looked at you in amazement and you nod. He didn't know his way around yet, but when you ran your hand over his middle, he knew. "Y/N, I don't know ..." "Your pregnant wife is horny. Do you want her to be unhappy?" You sit up, sit on his thighs and pull his pants down a little. "Oh, is that so?" He asked and had to laugh. "You know me when I'm pregnant." You grin and stroke its bare length. Jaehyun immediately closed his eyes and pressed his lips together. You take his cock in your hand and start to massage it harder and faster. He groaned and enjoyed your touch, but the moment you feel him hard enough, you get ready. Actually you wanted to sit on top of him, but Jaehyun sat up and turned so that you are now lying in bed. "You shouldn't work so hard. Relax." He kissed your neck and pulled up your shirt and panties. You couldn't wait to feel him again and when his tip pressed against your entrance, you couldn't take the tension anymore. Very slowly he pushed himself into you. "That feels so good," you breath and dig into his shoulder. "Yeah? You feel perfect too." Jaehyun kissed you gently and begins to move inside you. The sex felt really good. Your bodies could relax again and the togetherness was good for you too. In the beginning you were very gentle with each other, but later Jaehyun turned you around so that you were in the doggy position and he was the same again. He grabbed your hips tightly, clutched your buttocks and fucked you right. Your toes curled up and you almost lost your mind. You scream into the blanket with pleasure and Jaehyun threw his head back to enjoy everything. At some point he lifted one leg up on the mattress so that he could fuck you even better. And at some point you will reach your climax, closely followed by Jaehyun. With a loud moan he injects all his cum inside you and you two lie down in bed. Your breath was heavy, but you were happy. "I love you", Jaehyun breathed and kissed you.

daddy jaehyun masterlist

[moonbaby26]

Title: Sleepover

Pairing: Peter Maximoff x Reader

Summary: Continuation from previous chapter. After getting Peter back to his house in D.C., he asks you to spend the night. You want to, but you’re also worried about what his mother and his twin sister Wanda may really think of you. As you and Peter get a little more time alone, you also wonder how far you’re ready to go yourself.

Warnings: Nothing more than kissing really in this chapter. Bit of awkwardness from Reader though not knowing what they really want or how to go about it yet.

Chapters: Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Taglist: @drikawinchester , @n0obmaster69 , @alexloveskili , @bluesprings18 , @weakmoony-stuff , @slytherinsi-mp , @wintwrsoldiwr , @tommy-braccoli , @amourtentiaa , @cringingmemeries , @bi-panicatthe-disco , @himbos-are-my-lifeblood , @simp4mcuwomen , @ikkleroniekins , @cowboyenorgy , @the-chaotic-cow

My Masterlist

——————————

“Anyway, can we argue inside at least? (Y/N) promised to call Xavier when we got here.” Peter piped up, trying to shuffle away from his mother at last.

At the sudden sound of your name though, you felt an added bit of nervousness. You also made eye contact with Peter’s mother for the very first time then, as if she’d only just realized you were there.

Peter’s sister Wanda was also looking back at you with question in her face as well at the reveal of your name. But you said nothing yet, just walking up to hand Peter his crutches.

You purposefully busied yourself turning right back around too, getting that jacket he’d stolen on the plane out from the back of the car as well for him. The sunglasses he already had still on top of his head.

So then, the only other things left in the car were the meager amount of clothes you’d bought for yourself. Which you didn’t need right now as you walked back to the others, carrying his jacket. But really pretty unsure yourself if you were even going to be invited inside for long at all.

“Come on, I’ll show you where the phone is,” Peter spoke again though, either oblivious to the increasing awkwardness for everyone else or just ignoring it entirely as he motioned for you to follow him back up the steps and through the still open front door.

—————————

As you were unfolding the little piece of paper with the motel address and phone number from out of your pocket, you tried to concentrate on the task at hand. The corded phone was propped against your shoulder to rest against your ear, you now standing there in the Maximoffs’ small kitchen. But even as you started to dial the numbers, half your attention was still on whatever Peter was now rapidly saying to his family.

“Yeah, (Y/N) goes to that school. You know I just went there to go ask about Dad since they know him. But then there’s this explosion, and I had to pull everybody out. And all the sudden this mutant god is apparently attacking the world and he took Xavier. But then the government shows up like dolts thinking Xavier’s doing it instead. And they take us to question us, but they’ve got some evil experiment shit going on in there too-”

He only took the smallest breath, continuing at that accelerated pace. “And they had that other guy, remember him, Mom? Logan? Anyway, so he breaks out and wrecks the place, so we get out and I get (Y/N), then we find out where Xavier is so we go to get him. We’re in Egypt and we all fight and that god dude breaks my leg. But he’s trying to make Dad help him, but Dad turns on him and-”

“Hello?” You heard someone on the other end of the line finally answer at the motel. You could still hear Peter rattling on excitedly behind you though, your name peppered into his story several more times as you just answered back on the phone.

“Hi, is there a Charles Xavier checked in there? I need to ring his room please.”

There was a long pause where you could only keep standing there, just looking at the kitchen wall and the bit of older panelling that covered it before the phone finally started ringing again.

Peter was now already talking about the aircraft carrier and your stay there by the time you heard the receiver pick up again.

“This is Charles.”

“Hi…hey, it’s me.” You answered with some relief.

You could hear the quick recognition in the Professor’s own voice as you didn’t have to say your name before he gladly responded. “Ah, good. You made it with no trouble then? We checked in here a while ago. I’m in room 104 if you’d need to call back. Are you leaving now to drive back?”

You tried to commit the room number to memory even as you were already replying. “Yeah, it wasn’t a bad drive. We just got here a minute ago. I-”

“Yo, Prof.!” Peter interjected, surprisingly at your side abruptly, also speaking into the phone then. “We’re barely in the door. I was going to show (Y/N) around a bit. That cool? Pretty jet lagged anyway. Probably be safer to crash on the couch tonight and have (Y/N) head your way in the morning, right?”

You blinked, for one thing not even having heard Peter stop talking to his family. But two, he was really saying you should sleep here? Not just joking around anymore? Could he even decide that on his own?

You felt frozen in that moment, not wanting to look back towards the kitchen at all and whatever surprised expressions his mother and sister may now also have on their faces.

The pause on the other end of the line was very noticeable as well before Xavier eventually continued. Peter shimmied even closer to you so he could also put his ear almost against the phone as you turned it slightly for him.

“Peter, I appreciate you looking out for everyone’s best interests and safety,” The Professor answered then, but with that tone which said he clearly doubted that was the speedster’s true or only reasoning. “But I would think that’d be more for your mother to-”

“Mom!” Peter turned his head back, rather loud in your ear as you flinched a little. “Can (Y/N) sleep on the couch? I mean you hate it when Wanda drives late by herself. Same thing right? It’s a long drive back to New York. What self respecting mom is just going to throw anybody’s kid out into the night like that, huh?”

You were tired, yes. It’d already been a very long day of traveling. But you weren’t that helpless. You were pretty sure you’d be fine. This was so weird though. Standing here in silence while someone else bargained for you. Was he really just trying to extend your time together however he could?

“I don’t care, Peter.” You just heard a rather exasperated answer though from Magda after another moment. “You’re going to do whatever you want anyway. Why even ask me anymore?”

The tension from their argument in the driveway clearly remained, or maybe this was how it always was between them? You couldn’t know yet, just caught in the middle it seemed as Peter only took that as good enough, talking back into the phone quickly, “Mom says it’s cool.”

You heard a sigh on the other end, and Xavier replied, “You’re old enough, I don’t have much say myself. But do call me again when you are leaving so we know when you’re back on the road, agreed?”

“Yes.” You said, pulling the phone more back to you then. “I’ll definitely let you know. Please tell the others I’m okay. I’ll see you all soon.”

After that, you and the Professor both told each other goodnight, and that was it. You hung the phone back up, but not yet sure what you’d really gotten yourself into as you glanced back at Peter. Peter who was now outright grinning from ear to ear.

“So…Chuck Norris or Bruce Lee? Movie night?” He asked you.

But what else could you do? You didn’t mind getting the chance at a little more time together of course. You just weren’t sure about how much anyone else actually wanted you here in this house tonight.

——————————

Not long after, whatever deeper discussions still loomed in the air about Peter’s choices of chasing his estranged father straight into a near death experience with a genocidal mutant god appeared shelved. At least for now anyway.

You’d seen Magda grab some sort of drink. Resigning herself to an armchair and the living room television as she seemed to ignore you all then, even as Peter remained almost bubbly while the two of you started down the basement stairs to his room.

You really hadn’t seen where Wanda had gone, but Peter just kept talking. So your focus only returned to him as you both cleared the last step at the bottom of the staircase. You behind him as you carried his crutches, then handing them back to him as you entered the room.

“And voila, man cave de Pietro!” He announced, waving an arm out towards the space.

You weren’t sure why you’d expected something smaller either. Of course most basements sprawled out to take up near the whole bottom footprint of a house. But this was still large to you, and clearly well used.

There were things everywhere. More than just a room obviously. No, this was his life, his hideaway. The more you looked, the more things you saw. Bicycles, guitars, comic books, band posters, all pieces of his hobbies and likes scattered about.

But there was furniture as well. A little table, some chairs, was this always where he ate too? There was a big sectional couch, the cushions indented a little like he may have a favorite spot there.

You didn’t miss the expensive looking television as well, and the VHS player. All the tapes, and the nintendo and the atari, the record player, a stereo, and boxes of games, cassettes, and music records.

And his bed was near in the center of it all, much wider than one person should need and almost right on the ground as he just fell back onto it sending a noticeable wave across the sheets. A waterbed clearly. But you just laughed a little, still a bit amazed. “You really do live here in the true sense of the word don’t you?”

“Hey, I make do. Home sweet home.” He smirked, but also raised an eyebrow at you not long after. “So you didn’t even notice the table back there did you?”

At his words you did look back over your shoulder with a little confusion. But you started to smile as soon as you realized what he was talking about. An air hockey table back around the corner. Some clutter on top of it like it hadn’t been used in a while, but it was clear he remembered your arcade favorites to point it out like he was.

“I figured I’d try to keep that a surprise until now…you know, since our arcade date might be a little postponed for the moment. So uh, surprise?” He said, laying back on his bed as he put his arms behind his head, still watching you.

“I did see the Ms. Pac-Man.” You replied, motioning to the more obvious machine right against the wall. No wonder he’d said he was pretty good at that one.

“Yeah, I used to have Pong too. Wore it out though. And got tired of trying to find parts to fix it.”

“Oh, I could see that happening.” Sure, he probably played everything with a little super speed. Though imagining him somehow ‘shoplifting’ a whole arcade machine whenever he needed another one was a bit interesting. How did that even work?

“So, uh…you want me to put a movie on for real? I was trying to get us out of that kitchen before Mom went off again. But we can do whatever. You know…whatever you want?” He spoke, albeit maybe a little oddly as you glanced to him again.

He almost sounded a touch nervous with those last words? The slight change in tone was enough for you to catch anyway as you did walk over to the bed regardless before sitting down on the edge of it beside him.

But it was strange here, the more you considered everything. It was hard to explain really. Because how many countless times had you sat in your friends’ rooms at the mansion? Guys or girls, just talking or playing games or whatever. Just hanging out as you supposed most all people your age did. But there was never anything weird, never anything uncomfortable.

It could even be late at night sometimes, some of you only half dressed in your sleep shirts or pajamas and no one thought anything about it. Because you just knew back then that no one thought of you as anything but a friend too.

But with Peter…being here now, you were suddenly acutely aware that you were sitting on his bed. In his room, as he seemed to be waiting for some sort of guidance from you as well. Was that why he sounded nervous?

Yet had Crystal ever been here too you wondered. Sitting just where you were sitting now? And why would you think of such a stupid thing in this very moment?

“Hey.” Peter said gently, causing you to look down as you felt his fingers graze your wrist after he moved his arm to reach out.

You smiled a little at the contact, but still felt kind of foolish. There was no point in trying to play it cool though as you confessed the current reason for your own awkwardness at least. “I guess I just didn’t expect to be in anybody’s room like this. It’s not bad, it’s just…”

“Different?” He asked, helping you out a little to your surprise.

“Yeah.” You answered simply. But you could see as another emotion seemed to pass briefly through his expression, furthering your bit of confusion.

Was that guilt on his face?

And he spoke a little abruptly, with that rarer more serious tone emerging even though the words came fairly quick. “You know I was still just giving you a hard time right? I’m cool going as slow as we need. Despite being the fastest dude alive and all, I don’t have to be the fastest guy in bed. That’d royally suck actually. For both of us. So don’t feel like there are some sort of rules here. Like, you do not have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

You blinked, those words not what you were expecting. But it wasn’t bad at all the more you got to consider them. Was he really so worried that you may think he was trying to get something from you here that you weren’t yet ready to give?

Honestly, you didn’t even know yourself what you were ready for though. “Really, it’s okay.” You replied truthfully. “I’m not uncomfortable. I think I’m still in disbelief is all. I never would have thought this is how my summer would start this year. Never in a million years.”

He sat up, smiling again then with his normal tone bouncing back fairly easily. “And I am totally coming over for a pool party, as soon as this damned cast is off. I mean I’m white as shit so people may have to avert their eyes. But we would totally wreck the others in some volleyball or something. I know we would. As long as Jean doesn’t cheat with the telekinesis crap. I could do some whirlpools too you know, knock ‘em off their feet.”

“Sounds safe.” You said, laughing at the image. Maybe living in some random motel for the foreseeable future wouldn’t be so bad after all?

He chuckled in return, but was cut off by another voice just before he started to speak again.

“Knock knock.”

You both looked up toward the stairs as you first saw a pair of black boots coming down them. Black boots, old jeans, and a dark red t-shirt.

Peter called back, straightening up a little more at the sight. “Hey, sis. Fun run out upstairs with Mom and Dynasty on the tube or what?”

“Well, it was an Alexis and Dominique Deveraux battle episode, actually.” Wanda answered a little regretfully.

“Aw, your favorite catfight duo! Why the exit then?” Peter questioned in return.

She gave Peter a slight accusatory look. “Well, you got Mom in a mood and she wanted to talk about my school next. She wanted to and I didn’t. Simple as that.”

“Well…actually I thought you’d still be at your dorm too really. Not that I’m complaining. Haven’t seen you in forever. Your classes get cancelled?” He asked.

“Well, when the metal roof got pulled off the main assembly hall, I think they decided to err on the side of caution.” She responded, rather deadpan.

“Understandable. You think you’ll still go back in the fall?” Peter questioned anyway.

“Don’t know. I haven’t really liked anything about that college yet. But I said I didn’t want to talk about it remember?” Her tone wasn’t cold to him, but still rather final.

He clearly wasn’t as intimidated by her as you were though as he didn’t miss a beat. “Well how about a movie with us? Me and (Y/N) were about to pick something.”

How true that statement was on Peter’s part, you weren’t really sure. But you still said nothing as Wanda just moved to sit on the other edge of the bed, almost as far from you as could be you noted. But Peter still between the both of you as she looked unimpressed. “Can it be something a little less bloody than your usual at least?”

He scoffed, teasing back. “Well I don’t keep your Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie box sets down here you know.”

“Oh shut up.” Wanda retorted, but it was the first time you’d seen her really smirk. Though the siblings were clearly very different, that expression was also a brief resemblance you couldn’t miss.

“Wanda’s a bit of a sitcom connoisseur.” Peter commented for your benefit.

You took the chance to make eye contact with her at that, thinking that might be your in to finally start a real conversation. But she only looked away. If Wanda was unfriendly with strangers period, or actually just disliked you specifically, it was hard to know yet.

“Just pick something.” She finally replied to Peter though. “If I go back through the living room to try to go to my room right now, Mom’s just going to try and start an interrogation again.”

—————————

Hours later

“Hey, you keep moving around. Do you want a pillow?” Peter’s voice drifted from above.

You were pretty disoriented, for one strange moment just staring up at him and clueless to where you even were before your senses returned a little.

The sunlight was gone then. The only real light flickering from the television nearby that was now on some movie you didn’t remember the name of as you sat back up a little on his bed. Was this the third movie he’d put in? You hadn’t lasted very long at all had you?

“I can get on the couch,” You offered, awake enough then to at least remember his mother and sister were still around here somewhere. Though, when had Wanda left? You didn’t see her anymore and you didn’t even know what time it was.

“Seems kind of unnecessary,” Peter replied, in a quieter tone that caught your attention as you paused.

Was he inferring that you should just get under the blankets right here? With him? But sharing the bunk on the aircraft carrier wasn’t the same as being in his literal bed. Here in his family’s home where they already seemed to be rather distant with you at best.

They didn’t know you here. You had to remind yourself of that. They couldn’t know you didn’t spend the night at boys’ houses as habit. You didn’t get in their beds with them upon just meeting. Honestly, you couldn’t even remember the last time you’d slept somewhere besides the now destroyed mansion.

“Peter…” You didn’t know how to convey that concern really. You did want Magda and Wanda to like you eventually if you were being honest. You wanted them to understand. But you wanted Peter to understand too. Even though he’d said he was fine taking things as slow as you wanted, you felt it would still be all too easy to make him feel rejected without meaning to if you weren’t careful.

“I mean, we could both fit on my couch down here too,” He added, so close then that you were sure he was waiting for you to cross the rest of the small distance and kiss him.

And how could staring at each other in the dark, with the muffled sounds of some badly dubbed kung fu movie in the background now be bordering on romantic for you? Somewhere in the back of your mind you did think of all those stereotypical movie scenes all of the sudden. Two young people just in their own world, oblivious to all else.

“I don’t know if I’ve made the best impression on your family yet.” You tried to explain. “If I’m still in this bed with you the next time one of them comes down here…there is no way they’re going to believe we only watched movies and slept tonight.”

He tilted his head a little, yet already smiling. “And you assume they think someone like you would be that physically attracted to someone that looks and acts like me?”

“I do…and I am.” You answered though. Not trying to lead him on, but unable to help yourself either then as you did close that small distance to kiss him. You still disliked anytime he made those comments about somehow being underserving. He was far from it.

The little bit of tension you felt in return told you he was surprised too, but that quickly faded of course as he only pressed into it to kiss you back.

You had no intention of going too far or taking advantage of his family’s allowing you to stay here tonight however. It wouldn’t be right.

But you were still young as well, and it’d be a lie to say it didn’t feel good as he touched your face and your own hand moved onto his chest. It was something too how quickly the heat rose inside you. You could feel the outline of his body through his shirt as your hand trailed down.

He was warm, his abdomen firm against your moving hand. You kissed him harder actually as his own hand moved back behind your neck. But you needed to stop soon, either that or he needed to wear thicker clothing as your hand wandered further.

It was him that surprised you to finally pull back first though. Yet smiling at you again as he kept his face close.

Your breathing had already changed a little as you looked back to him before he glanced down. He raised an eyebrow at your hand now resting on the waistband of his shorts.

Realizing what he was looking at, you pulled your hand away, apologizing reflexively. “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to…” Your mind fumbled a little. Your hand had just been running down. There was no real intent behind it, despite how it looked.

“You’re so funny. Seriously.” He said in that slight tone of amusement though. “Jumping out a plane one day, ready to sacrifice yourself samurai warrior style for your buddies, brave as shit.” He tilted his head, before then enclosing his hand around yours that you’d just pulled back. “But here you get flustered? I’m just a guy, (Y/N). Total nobody. There’s nothing to apologize for. Though I still don’t get it at all. I mean, why you like me like you do.”

“But you admit it then at least?” You tried to counter back, instead of arguing against his very real point that a new relationship could be more intimidating to you than a battlefield. “You admit that I like you. Instead of just telling me I’m making a mistake?”

“Yeah, I mean I guess even I can’t really make up a story of why you’d choose to drive all the way back to New York by yourself instead of bringing one of your friends here with you…unless you really wanted to be one on one with me.” But he just smirked once more, leaning in again to steal a quick additional kiss before pulling back away. “Guess you’re just that nuts.”

“Thanks.” You joked back.

“Takes one to know one.” He answered tauntingly, then sliding off the bed a little awkwardly as he put his feet back on the floor, albeit trying to only put weight on his good leg.

He didn’t have to go far though to reach a nearby closet, pulling a large blanket from it. He wadded it up a little, then tossing it to you. “Since you’re being modest though, you can sleep with Optimus Prime and Megatron tonight. But here, take one of my pillows too.”

In the dark, you couldn’t really make out what was on the blanket. Some sort of characters. You’d just have to take his word on it being Transformers before you caught the pillow that he threw to you next.

“As far as which couch you sleep on, your call. But Wanda always gets up, classic insomniac. I don’t think you want to tempt her with the opportunity to peek into your head if you stay in the living room. She hasn’t met you for real yet and probably still wants the background deets on you.”

“She’s another psychic?” At first you couldn’t remember if he’d already told you that or not. But no, you definitely would have recalled that. Yet maybe this was better? You wouldn’t have to prove anything if she could just see the truth in your mind of how you felt for her brother.

But Peter waved his hand in a ‘so-so’ type gesture. “I don’t think labels really work well with my sister. Yeah, she can get in people’s heads. But she’s not like your friends. She’s her own deal. It’s different. There’s a lot more that she can do. I’m just saying I wouldn’t advise messing with her is all.”

Whatever concerned look you must have given then was enough for him to quickly continue though, “But I’ll work on her the whole time while you’re back in New York. She just doesn’t know you yet. It’ll be fine!”

“Uh huh.” You said, not so confidently. “Guess I’m sleeping on this couch then.”

“A wise choice I think.”

“Of course, you could just be saying all this to get me scared enough to stay down here.”

“Oh, it’s both of course.” He smiled, watching you lay down on the couch even as he got into his bed. “And if you get cold, babe. I’m just a few feet away you know.”

Even from here, you were pretty sure he winked at you as you wrapped yourself up in that blanket he’d given you and stretched out on his couch. “If I go over there, I’m not coming back over here and I know it.”

“Or I could come over there,” he offered, only half jokingly of course.

But you just laid your head on the pillow, knowing you were trying to do the right thing at least. “Not enough room for your leg. You’d be uncomfortable.”

“If you say so, killjoy.”

You only smiled. “Goodnight, Peter.”

“Night, Glo-Worm.” He responded happily.

“Ugh,” You’d hoped he’d forgotten that by now, but apparently not. “Really have to fix that. There’s got to be a better codename for me.”

“Well we can’t all be Quicksilver. Sorry, I called dibs.”

“And we can’t all choose our nicknames out of a department store display case either.” You retorted.

“Ouch. Touché.”

He didn’t tease you anymore after that, but you could still feel his gaze on you as you closed your eyes again not long after. He was close enough that you also felt safe, even here in this new environment.

It was going to be hard to leave tomorrow, that much was certain. But at least you’d also know what you’d have to look forward to as soon as his cast was off again.

Maybe the next time you two fell asleep under the same roof, it’d be in a more neutral territory where you wouldn’t have to worry about his mother or sister’s judgement. Then you could hold him just like you wanted to. And it would be well worth the wait.

——————————

(Continued in next chapter here)