#and those thing 1 and thing 2 jackets with the circle on the tummy

[leclercskiesahead]

“But I have to confess, I'm glad you two had at least a few months of happiness together."

“I'm not glad," says Peeta. "I wish we had waited until the whole thing was done officially."

This takes even Caesar aback. "Surely even a brief time is better than no time?"

Maybe I'd think that, too, Caesar," says Peeta bitterly,

"If it weren't for the baby.”

[jackiejacks923]

Love in Four Ways: Dream Lover [part 4 - final]

Pairing: Shownu x reader

A/N: A little cameo in this one from the idol that sent me the inspiration to continue with the rest of this series and actually complete it. To those that have read this series, thank you for joining me in this journey. I hope you enjoyed! And please look forward to the rest of the collab in the upcoming months with the lovely ladies that were so kind in joining this amateur in making an overwhelming idea come to life <3

Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

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Your phone alarm went off and you reached over to shut it off. You stretched your limbs to get the sleep off of them. You blinked a few times as you stared at the ceiling and smiled. You knew you had a really good dream...you could still feel the residual warm butterflies in your tummy. However, the harder you tried to remember, the more the details eluded you.

“Oh well,” you sighed out loud. You kicked off your blanket and put your hair in a messy bun. It made you sad that you couldn’t remember, but you couldn’t dwell on it any longer. You had a big day ahead of you. You made your bed and started cleaning every room of your apartment. Your parents called in the midst of all the cleaning, just as you had predicted them to, and so you multitasked for a few while they caught up with you.

Minutes after you had hung up with them as you transitioned from cleaning to cooking and prepping food, your best friend from work, JB, called you to make sure it was truly OK for him to bring his college friend along to your birthday dinner. When you confirmed that it was, he cut the call short and said he’d see you soon. Something about his tone made you suspicious, but you just brushed it off and continued with your cooking.

As soon as pasta was prepped and bread was keeping warm, you decided you needed to get yourself presentable and then start on the rest of the remaining tasks. You left your TV on as you showered, groomed, and styled. As you were applying your makeup the weather report came on predicting showers for the night. You looked out your bathroom window and saw the sun shining through and laughed to yourself thinking of how off today’s weather report was.

As you finished your look with your favorite lip color, the doorbell rang. When you opened it, you found the smiling faces of your brother, his wife and their 6 month old son. You gave hugs and kisses as you invited them in. Your sister-in-law handed you your present from them, your favorite cake from the bakery in the neighborhood you grew up in, and you hugged her in thanks. You told them to get comfortable on the couch as you still had a few things to finish up in the kitchen before the rest of the guests came.

“I’ll help!” your brother exclaimed as he jumped up and followed you into the kitchen. You were then directing him on where things needed to be and what else needed to be made. With his help, everything was set and before you got to play with your nephew, you made sure to turn on some music to lightly play in the background.

Your guests started to arrive and you were up off your seat every few minutes or so to greet your friends into your home. Luckily, you have a small circle of friends so no introductions were needed. You’ve all interacted with one another at one point in your lives so you felt at ease leaving them to mingle and catch up with each other in your living room with each other as you went to fetch drinks and snacks from the kitchen as needed. There was just one more person you were waiting on. Correction...two.

As you were looking at the clock, you started to hear pitter-patters on your window and saw raindrops starting to cling to it rather quickly.

“Wow,” you said out loud to the group, “I didn’t think it was going to rain earlier cause of all the sun and yet the weatherperson was right.” Your group then started talking about the rain and who listened to the forecast versus who didn’t. You offered the extra umbrellas you had on hand to those that came unprepared for the weather change should the rain not let up.

The knock on the door interrupted your interaction with the conversation. You got up and opened up the door and was greeted by a bouquet of white roses. The man holding it was busy shaking the water out of his hair and off his jacket. He smiled and his eyes crinkled at the corners when he saw you. You almost got lost in his warm, brown eyes...his familiar warm, brown eyes.

“Y/N?” he asked you, bringing you back out of your stupor.

“That’s me,” you responded.

“I’m Hyunwoo, Jaebeom’s friend.”

“Oh!” you exclaimed when the relation clicked in your brain and you stepped aside to let him in. “Nice to meet you. Oh goodness! You got all wet! I didn’t realize it was coming down that hard outside.”

“It’s just water,” he said, still smiling, “These are for you. Happy birthday.” He offered the bouquet and a gift bag you didn’t notice he was holding in the same hand.

“Thank you so much. This is really thoughtful of you,” you replied as you accepted and smelled the flowers. “Roses have such a special meaning to me. They’re my favorite.”

“My gut was telling me to trust the old lady at the flower shop. I’m so glad I did.” He chuckled and rubbed the back of his head as he did. You tilted your head as you started to feel a sense of deja vu with the gesture.

“Hey, sis!” your brother called out, pulling you out of your thoughts, “Who’s the new guy?” You introduced Hyunwoo to the gang and he shyly waved his greeting to the group.

“Where is JB?” your sister-in-law asked Hyunwoo.

“He went to go park the car,” he answered, “He should be joining us in a few minutes.” You offered to take Hyunwoo’s coat to hang up to dry as you signaled your brother to keep him company while he waited for his friend to come and excused yourself to go put the flowers in a vase.

After you hung up his coat on the coat rack behind your door, you went into the kitchen to arrange the flowers in a vase handed down to you from your mom the day you lost your grandmother. You used to imagine how they would display the love from your grandfather when he would gift your grandmother different bouquets during their life together. Usually, you used it for the flowers you bought yourself from time to time to brighten up your space and now here you were using it for flowers you received as a present for a change. While this bouquet wasn’t one of love, it was one of kindness and thoughtfulness from a stranger. Now that you were thinking of it, a stranger that seemed oddly familiar and you didn’t know why.

Your phone began to ring in the back pocket of your pants. “Hey Jaebs, you find parking OK?”

“I’m not finding anything close and it’s coming down pretty hard right now,” JB answered, “I just wanted to make sure I dropped off your birthday present.”

“Hyunwoo gave me the gift bag and the flowers. Thank you,” you acknowledged.

“Those aren’t from me,” JB replied, “Those are Hyunwoo’s presents to you.”

“Well, I didn’t get anything else,” you said as you leaned against the countertop.

“Hyunwoo is my present to you,” JB revealed as he chuckled.

You sighed and let out a laugh yourself. “What nonsense are you talking about, Jaebs?”

“Remember all those times I’ve been asking you to join me for a drink at my friend’s bar?” he reminded you.

“I vaguely remember,” you feigned. You really did remember clearly each time he’s asked for the past month or so. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to. You just couldn’t just ignore the workload you always had in front of you.

“I’ve been trying to get you and Hyunwoo together for the longest time!” he exclaimed, “I just had this voice in the back of my head saying that you two would really hit it off. So, since you’ve been so busy, I saw your little get together as that open door to push the possibility of love right through it.”

You didn’t know how to respond other than laughing at your friend’s hopeful notion. “You’re a nut,” you finally said after you let it all out, “I never thought of you as a hopeless romantic, my dear friend.”

“I’m not,” he denied, “but I’m not one to go against my gut.”

“OK, Jaebs,” you surrendered, “Thank you...I guess. I can’t promise you that we may end up married with a bunch of kids, but I can’t say that I’m not open to it. He is quite handsome.”

“Well, not as handsome as I am, but pretty close,” JB cockily remarked and you could hear his smirk through the phone.

You rolled your eyes even though he couldn’t see you. “Right,” you replied sarcastically.

“I’m gonna head on home,” JB informed you, “Tell Hyunwoo to give me a call when he’s ready to go home...if he wants to go home.”

“Jaebs, you’re the worst,” you said as you rolled your eyes yet again, “I’ll let him know. Be safe.”

“Always,” he replied, “Happy birthday, Y/N.”

You thanked him and ended the call. After placing your phone back in your pocket, you grabbed the vase with Hyunwoo’s flowers and entered the living room to rejoin your guests. You were greeted with the sight of your brother in deep conversation with Hyunwoo and your nephew drinking his bottle comfortably on Hyunwoo’s lap. Your heart did a thing. Then an image of you and Hyunwoo on the couch with two kids of your own entered your mind. You had no idea where it came from, but you shook it off. You just met the man a few minutes ago, Y/N! you scolded yourself, WAY too early.

“Bad news you guys,” you announced to the room and placed your vase on one of your side tables, “Jaebs said something came up so he’s not gonna be able to make it.” You twisted the truth a little bit. You couldn’t tell the entire truth to the group. You looked over at Hyunwoo who looked calm on the outside, but something in his eyes told you otherwise. While the others were discussing what a shame it was for him to miss out. You had walked over to Hyunwoo to have a hushed discussion with him.

“I’m pretty sure you really know why Jaebs isn’t here,” you told him. He sighed and nodded with a look of contemplating how to murder his friend. “If you’re uncomfortable, I will totally understand if you wanted to leave right now,” you continued, “He said to call him when you wanted to go home.” The last thing you wanted was for this innocent man to feel obligated to stay because his friend was so insistent he be matched with some girl he doesn’t even know.

Hyunwoo thought about it as he looked into your apologetic eyes. “It’s OK,” he replied, “I’ll stay. It’s your birthday.” He smiled. You couldn’t help but smile back.

You looked over at the rest of your guests and suggested they all have dinner now since everybody was now accounted for. Your group moved from the living room into the ready set dining room and gathered around the table as you brought the food for your small birthday feast. You sat at the head and urged your friends and family to help themselves as you watched on. Hyunwoo had taken a seat next to yours and your brother on the other side. You waited until everyone had their plates all filled before you served yourself.

As you were about to reach to fill your own plate, it was taken away from you and replaced with one that was full. You looked over at Hyunwoo who had the empty plate in his hand reaching to fill it with the salad. He looked over at you and saw you looking.

“You should eat,” he insisted and continued to fill the empty plate for himself. You could feel the blush rise to your cheeks as you thanked him and picked up your fork. You’ve only witnessed this gesture once in your life when you were young sitting around your grandparents’ table for dinner. Your grandmother had made sure your plate was full and your grandfather placed a ready made plate for her in front of her. Your heart did a thing...again.

Luckily, conversation started to happen all around you to distract you from your fluttering heart. You caught up with your friends and siblings and at the same time, got to know Hyunwoo a bit more. The more you talked with him, the more attracted you were to him and wanted to know more about him. You started to become quiet as the conversations around you started to become background noise and you just took in the moment. You then felt a touch on your hand that brought you back to reality.

“Everything OK, Y/N?” Hyunwoo asked.

You smiled at him. “Just extremely happy,” you replied. You looked at his hand still gently placed on yours and for the second time that night, the feeling of deja vu hit you. He lightly patted it and smiled at you as he removed it to reach for his drink.

The rest of the time flew by quickly, as it is known to do when one has fun with great company. Your brother made you blow out candles as your guests sang Happy Birthday. An hour after dessert and getting to more playtime with your nephew with Hyunwoo sitting beside you, your guests started to take their leave. At some point during the night, the rain finally stopped to allow a safe journey back home for all your friends and family. After your brother, who had really bonded with Hyunwoo that night and made sure to give you that look of “I really like this guy - I approve”, and his family left, it was just you and Hyunwoo.

The music you had turned on earlier that night started to fill the space around you two as you both sat silently on the couch next to each other.

“I should probably text Jaebeom to come get me,” he said breaking the silence and taking out his phone to send the message.

You nodded. “I should start clearing things up,” you said and got off the couch, “Would you like some leftovers to take home? It’s way too much for me to eat by myself.”

“I’d love that!” he exclaimed, “Dinner was delicious!”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” you replied and walked into the kitchen with Hyunwoo following your footsteps as he grabbed his present from the small pile you made.

“I hope you like tea,” he said as he walked into the kitchen area.

“I do,” you answered

“Do you have a tea kettle?” he asked, “I can heat this up for you, if you like, while we wait for JB to come get me.”

“I do,” you repeated as you retrieved it from your cabinets for him, “and thank you.”

“This tea was made by the old lady that I got your flowers from,” he told you as he pulled out a mason jar from the bag and transferred it into the kettle to heat up on the stove, “She wrote down the instructions to it on the extra package of dried petals in this bag if ever you want to make it fresh.”

“That’s so sweet of you!” you exclaimed as you were packing up leftovers for him to take home. A familiar song then played on your radio and you smiled.

“This is such a classic song,” Hyunwoo commented.

“It is,” you agreed, “It was my grandparents’ special song.”

“Was it?” Hyunwoo replied and hummed a few bars as the song played. “Unforgettable is such a great song.” You smiled at him and nodded your head in agreement.

You had finished packing the food for Hyunwoo when the tea kettle whistled. After you placed two mugs on the counter, Hyunwoo poured servings for you and him to share. You both picked up your mugs and clinked them together.

“It’s rose lemon honey tea,” he informed you as you took a sip.

The moment the flavor hit your tastebuds, images of your dream began to flood back to you. You saw the face of the man you dreamt of pop up in your head several times and it matched that of the man who was standing beside you at this very minute. Your heart began to race.

“Hyunwoo,” you said as you subtly placed your mug on the countertop that you took hold of to steady yourself, “What’s your last name?”

“Son,” he answered after taking another sip from his mug, “Why do you ask?”

It’s him, you said to yourself, He’s real. “Just curious,” you replied and picked up your mug to mask your smile.

You stood side by side, silently drinking tea while listening to your grandparents’ song as you began to remember all the details to the dream you had the night before. Rosemarie and Rainer, blanket forts and bubble baths and dancing to this same song as you did on your wedding day.

“Hyunwoo,” you said breaking the silence, “I’m going to need these containers back, if you don’t mind.” You needed to come up with an excuse to see him again.

Hyunwoo nodded and looked down at his cup. “I don’t mind,” he replied, “And maybe when I do, I can take you out on a date or something.” You looked up at him trying to hide the smile forming on your face. “If you don’t mind,” he added as he turned to look at you with a shy smile on his face.

“I’d like that very much,” you accepted, the blush very evident on your cheeks. Your hand brushed his and as it did, he intertwined his fingers with yours. You stood there in comfortable silence, connected while sipping tea, listening to a song that now had special meaning to the both of you.

You took a deep breath and let out a contented sigh as the dream details continued to come back to you and you couldn’t help but smile. You felt Hyunwoo affectionately squeeze your hand he held in his. You weren’t delusional thinking that real life would ever be as perfect as that dream you had...but knowing that he was now a part of your reality was already a dream come true.

(picture credit to Bored Panda, #58 Having family and friends around your table)

*~ THE END ~*

[chilly-me-softly]

Part 4 of the Ben and your daughter one? 🤩

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

Every night Ben stayed over that week, they saw the same routine repeat itself. You and him put Emma to sleep in her bed, the baby had a story read to her, waited for Ben to kiss her and Twinkle goodnight and then fell asleep. The next morning, however, the wake-up call always included her little body in the middle of yours. For the first two days she woke you up in the middle of the night, for the other nights she had done it by herself and you had done nothing but sigh still feeling her presence.

You don’t know what to do, on the one hand you’re happy because it means she trusts Ben.  But it’s a situation that unfortunately you have already experienced, telling her to go back to her room and sleep in her bed when you were alone had been the hardest thing in the world. Seeing her eyes fill with tears and having to act like it didn’t matter, it made your heart burst every time. And many times the opposite situation had shown up, you going to her to keep her company until she went back to sleep but you ended up falling asleep with her.

Obviously you’re hoping it’s a temporary thing, due to Ben’s new presence in the house.  Otherwise you’ll be forced to do it the hard way and you’ll wish you hadn’t.

You dry your hands on a cloth in the kitchen and head for the stairs, Ben had arranged for Emma to brush her teeth and put her pajamas on and there was no noise from her room for a while so you decided to go upstairs and check.  When you look out the little girl’s door, a sweet smile is painted on your face.

Emma and Ben are both asleep on her bed, Ben is in a little uncomfortable position for his back but they are so cute.  Emma is resting on Ben’s chest and he has his hands on her back as if to protect her even in his sleep. Emma is wearing the blue Leicester shirt, Ben has brought her all the different kits - to her and Twinkle - and she takes turns wearing them all.

After capturing the moment, you approach by placing a hand on Ben’s arm and his eyes open immediately. You were right, his ears got used to hearing even the smallest movements almost immediately.

You immediately bring a finger to your mouth when he looks at you confused and then you smile, “Let’s go back to the room” he nods yawning and carefully moves the girl from his chest and tucks her in.  He leaves a kiss on her forehead before leaving the room and you close the door.

He stretches as he walks down the corridor and when he gets to the door of your room he stops to look at you, “What?” you shake your head following him.

“Nothing, I’m just happy”

“Happy huh? And what makes my girl so happy?” his hands are on your waist while he holds you from behind.

“You. All this” you sigh as you lay your hands on his and take a few steps forward to the bed.

“You know what would make me even happier? Our things all under one roof”

Although you accepted the proposal to move in together, you haven’t addressed the subject anymore. There are many things to decide. Is he moving out? Are you and Emma moving out of that house? You raised your baby in there, those walls have affective value, but if you and Ben should decide to expand the family, you don’t want to face another move in a few years because your house is too small. You’re buying a new house? And then there was the ‘how to tell Emma’ factor.

But you wanted all this, to go to sleep and wake up with him. To see him getting ready to go to practice opening drawers with his things on them, to be woken up by him holding you after days away for a game. Snuggle up on the couch and decide to go out because it’s a beautiful sunny day, Ben chasing Emma and her screams of joy. Planning parties, inviting friends and having one key to what you call home.

“How about tomorrow after practice we talk to Emma? You don’t think that’s too much, do you?”

You giggle at him, “No Ben, I think it’s perfect”

“Oh so you’re not worried about meeting my friends anymore?”

“Terrified, but what can a couple of muscles do to me” you grin as he drags you onto the mattress and all you can do is laugh.

“You will never, ever be allowed to look at the boys like that, is that clear?”

“I don’t take orders from you Benjamin” your eyes narrow in defiance while your expression is always smiling.  He shakes his head and then bends down to kiss you, “I love you so much”

“I love you too, but it’s useless I’ll look at them anyway” you laugh when he rolls his eyes and comes down from your body to go and occupy his space.  You snuggle up to him anyway and he starts stroking your hair until you give in to sleep, a smile on his face as he looks at you and vows once again to make you happy always.

Keeping an eye on Emma a few steps ahead of you as you make your way towards Ben, who is leaving the building at that very moment.

“Hey Twinkle” he picks her up and the baby kisses his cheek before she looks behind him, towards the huge building he came out of.

“Hey” he greets you leaving a quick kiss before arranging the baby in his arms.  "Are you ready?“ you nod as Emma looks at him without saying a word. 

Ben wanted so badly to take you to one of his games, he was dying to see you in the stands cheering for him with his name on your back.  But the confusion and chaos of all the people at the stadium probably wouldn’t have allowed Emma to relax at all and so he invited you to meet the boys on a lighter day when they could have taken a break from training. You would have had your off-campus moment when the house was ready, now let’s go see where Ben works.

Emma lets herself be carried in by Ben, her little arms always wrapped around his neck, while you’re next to them and look curious at everything around you.

“Do you recognize him?” Ben asks, pointing a boy at the wall and Emma’s face lights up. “Madders!” she giggles while Ben leaves a kiss on her cheek stopping in front of a door, inside you can hear the chatter of many people.

As soon as Ben enters, the voices stop and many eyes are pointed at you. It must be a sort of canteen as the boys are sitting around round tables and at the sides of the room there is a sort of counter.Emma’s eyes open slightly as Ben starts walking towards one of the tables, her eyes moving from one corner to another to analyze the new place.

“Are you okay?” he whispers to her as he moves his hand on her tummy and she nods with one thumb in her mouth, he leaves another kiss on her temple before arriving at destination. The boys have more or less gathered around a bigger table and look at the little girl curious.

With all those eyes looking at her, inevitably the little girl becomes embarrassed and withdraws into Ben’s arms who giggles and caresses her back soothingly. "It’s okay, they’re all good I swear”

Some laughter rises up in the air and then Ben does the general introduction, “So guys, they are (Y/N) and Emma.(Y/N), the guys” a general greeting comes from the group while you wave a hand and giggle when one of them jokes that Ben can’t even remember their names.

“Hey Twinkle, would you like to say hi to the boys?” the girl seems to think about it and then she turns to the group, a shy hello comes out of her lips and that’s all it takes to bring down fifteen men at a girl’s feet.

“Want to go say hello? I’ll go with you” Emma nods in that condition and while Ben is circling his mates, there’s someone coming to greet you.

“Hey, that looks good” James smiles, leaving a kiss on your cheek. You met James when he showed up with Diego at home, distracting the little girl while he got to know the girl who had made his best friend lose his mind completely.

“Still not letting go of Ben, but hey she’s smiling” a sincere smile on your face as you follow both of them with your eyes and your heart could really burst with joy right now seeing how well those two get along.

“I heard there’s a party going on in here,” the boys’ coach walks into the room a few minutes later, followed by two other guys.  Ben meanwhile has Emma sitting on the table, the jacket forgotten on some chair and the pink Leicester jersey on display.

“Oh a little girl. Hello” he greets her gently and then sits in a free chair around the table, Emma walks on the table towards him under the attentive eyes of those present and then sits on the edge in front of the man, dangling her feet in the void.

“Hello” she giggles, looking back as if to make sure that you two are still there and then looking curiously at the man, tilting her head slightly to the side and giggling again.  You watch Ben who shrugs amusedly, relaxing against the chair for a moment.

Then the girl gets up, Brendan’s hands go immediately to protect her in case she loses her balance, and as if nothing had happened she comes back to the other side of the table waiting for Ben to take her in his arms.

“Are you having fun?” Ben caresses her head while she nods. “You have so many friends” Ben almost laughs at the statement, someone does but he just takes a quick look at the room before he looks down on her again.

“I know, they’re so special. They’re your friends now too, you can come visit them anytime you want, okay?”

“Really?” the boy nods and something shines in both their eyes. Then you decide to go, starting to pick up the various things you’ve scattered around the room being careful not to forget anything.

You see Ben whispering something to the little one after taking the jacket from above the chair nearby, Emma looks up looking for something with her eyes and nods.  They go around again to greet everyone, giving kisses and hugs to all those who ask and when they arrive in front of a particular boy the two exchange a look of understanding.

“I like your nose” screams the girl carelessly and you open your mouth wide in disbelief while the boys burst out laughing.  James turned all red in an instant and the boy in question puffs up his cheeks pouting and sitting in the chair. He mumbles something to Ben looking at him badly and the next thing you see is Emma struggling to get down and climbing on the boy’s legs. “I really like it” the boy’s look immediately softens as his hands automatically go to hold her waist. The boys almost have tears streaming down their cheeks and you, despite being mortified, can’t help but flash a smile. You know Ben has a special relationship with those guys and that probably that poor guy is used to hearing teasing about his nose, but you can’t help but be happy because Ben is not only good for you. But it’s also good for Emma, and maybe you just realize that now when it hits you like a wave all of a sudden and James puts his hand behind your back for comfort. 

The final blow is when you put her to bed that night.  You talked to her about the possibility - indeed the certainty - of moving in together. Her eyes had lit up with the idea of Ben every day at home with you and it had gone well, now you just had to make grown-up decisions. Both of you had gone up to put her to bed, but when Ben had leaned down and left a kiss on her forehead like he always does, Emma had looked him in the eyes.“I love you” she whispers to him and you could see Ben’s figure stiffen for a few seconds, a second kiss on the forehead and a “I love you too Twinkle” and then they left the room.

You can’t decipher Ben’s face, too many emotions hovering over it at the moment and you just caress his cheek with your thumb before kissing him. It was as if everything was taking its place, every piece of the puzzle was finding its way and the fact that it was official - they were all really going to live together under the same roof, no empty houses or running because he had to go home and change - had given the little girl another reason to let go, to trust him.

I’m not leaving, he said with that gesture. And Emma no longer slipped into their bed at night.

 Part 5 - Part 6

[madlymiho]

Hello dear <33! Of course, you may request this!! This drabble is LIFE, and I enjoyed so much to write this!

Really I hope it would suit you! 💖 I put all my heart in this continuation! Amazing topic, love the idea that after all those reckless intercourses, they are finally facing some unexpected consequences!

Oh oh and yeah, it's suitable for once! ~

Words : 2930

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Crocodile - Scenario Part 4 (read after the cut)

Crocodile didn’t plan that he would be gone for so long. The mission in the New World was utterly different from any other one, and a simple trip of two weeks has ended up in the longest business he had to close for a long time. Now that he reaches his mansion’s door, Crocodile feels how much all of this adventure has deeply tired him. Lazily smocking on his cigar, creating a puff of grey cloud around his shoulders, he lifts his chin and looks up at the radiant stars, gleaming in the nocturnal sky. For a moment, he listens to the sounds of the house, feeling at ease to recover his common environment. The soft splashing sound of the fountain in the flowered garden. The appeasing clinking of the night insects. Everything feels like a suspended moment, and Crocodile can’t help but let lose a quick but real sigh of blissful.

“Sir,” someone greets at the door.

Crocodile, brought back to reality, gazes at his coworker with an eternal severe look. He didn’t even hear him open the door.

“Mister 1.” He greets back, making his way inside the mansion.

Almost by instinct, Crocodile can’t help but checks at the coats on the coat rack, searching for a particular element. He eventually spots a brown trench with a white fur around the collar, classy but also very feminine, and for one second, he smirks, satisfied.

“It seems that Name isn’t on the loose for once,” Crocodile comments, removing his own raven long jacket from his large shoulders. “It’s almost impressive.”

Daz Bonez blinks, grabbing his boss’ dark cap as this one extends it to him.

“I think it’s my duty to warn you that she doesn’t feel good for several weeks. Yet, she continually insist not to see the doctor, Sir.”

Crocodile raises an eyebrow, intrigued by his subordinate’s statement. He eventually shrugs, extracting a long cloud from his cigar. He forces himself not to care too much about this odd situation, preferring to have a long night of sleep before their next meeting tomorrow, where he’d be more able to judge her condition. However, since Daz Bonez is still staring at him with a strange light in the eyes, as if he’s waiting for a certain reaction, Crocodile exaggeratedly sighs and nods. After all, he knows that he needs to act like a boss would do, and even if this girl is particularly hard to handle, he still cares about his employes.

“I’ll take care of this tomorrow. Good night, Mister 1.”

***

Indeed, that’s what he does. After a short but restful night, Crocodile is already ready to take care of everything in the mansion. First, he needs to have a quick check on every of his business, hoping that there’s nothing alarming. Second, and also very important to him, finds out what’s wrong with his tiny secretary. It’s not in her habits to show any form of weakness, and it clearly bothers him. So Crocodile walks in the meeting room with the most determined eyes ever. His partners are already here, standing back up from their chair to greet him. Crocodile lets his gaze travelling through the entire room, surprised, but also upset, to notice that she’s not here yet. He throws a furious look at Daz Bonez, yet, his subordinate doesn’t show any kind of emotion. Frankly wrathful, Crocodile decides to start the meeting anyway, sitting on his favorite chair. He lazily grabs the papers in front of him, his boring gaze wandering on the symbols noted down there, until he eventually hears a timid knock on the door. Daz Bonez immediately reaches the entrance of the room, opening it to let her in.

“Oï, Name, you’re…,” Crocodile makes a pregnant pause, almost surprised by her complexion. She seems at the edge of fainting. “Late.”

She nods, impatiently scratching the skin of her arm, making her way quickly to her usual chair. She doesn’t bother to answer, and for once, Crocodile wishes she would open her mouth and delights him with one of her everlasting comebacks. Yet, she remains quiet, gathering the documents in front of her, avoiding Crocodile’s stare. There’s something different about her. She seems exhausted; dark circles surrounding her beautiful almond-shape eyes, her complexion almost grey, like a faded flower. He’s unconditionally sure that she has lost some weight as well, her jaw slightly hollowed, which gives her a spectral aspect. Yet, has his eyes continue their journey on her body, he spots a light swelling of her belly. He raises a curious eyebrow, unable to find a link between her disastrous features and her rounder tummy, to the point that he starts to believe she might have an aggressive form of infection. He pinches his lips, furious that she let herself go that way, and promises himself that he will drag her to the doctor right after this meeting.

“Alright, gentlemen, let’s begin.” Crocodile orders, maintaining his everlasting unconcerned face, since he has a business to rule, and other problems to take care of.

However, as Daz Bonez usually acts during these meeting, offering to each of them a cup of coffee, he notices that her secretary repulses it violently, pouring the burning liquid all over the table. She presses a hand over her mouth, struggling against a powerful retching, already back on her feet. Before Crocodile could say anything, she’s already running somewhere, disappearing for the rest of the day.

***

If it’s not infectious, then what it is? Crocodile, eyes closed, his head falls back on his back chair, tries to assemble all the missing pieces of the puzzle. He feels there’s something he doesn’t understand, and this situation starts to get under his skin. It’s been three days since he’s back, and clearly, she’s not going any better. She avoids him at any cost, locked in her room as if she’s keeping the darkest secret ever. Secret. Yes, it feels more like an impossible confession she’s trying to hide. Something which would match her odd condition. The more he thinks about it, and the more he gets close to an hypothetical answer, and for once, his throat goes dry and his mind is nothing but a burning pyre. If this theory is real, then he understands why she’s suddenly wholly different, turning into a devastated ghost who has abandoned the fight. A curse she can’t take upon herself, carrying a secret not only in her mind, but also in her belly.

Crocodile stands back up, slamming his glass of whisky on his wooden desk. There’s no any other possibility; no other option. Every single signs of an early pregnancy are here, and if it’s real, then he needs to muster up his courage and talk to her. He knows her enough to understand that she plans for her departure. She’s ashamed, unsure, terrified at the idea to carry his child. She doesn’t love him, or at least, this is what she tries to believe. To despite him is her only way to find the courage to leave his house, disappearing somewhere he wouldn’t be able to find her. Yet, Crocodile can’t really figure out what are his own emotions at the moment. She has been reckless, once again, ignoring all the risks to have him in her bed, moaning under his touch as she wasn’t fully protected. He’s furious, towards her, but also against himself ; all those years of manipulation to end up with a bastard in a secretary’s tummy, what was he thinking about, really?!

Bastard? Crocodile freezes, mortified by his own thought. Clearly, this is not a bastard that she’s carrying. This is the unexpected fruit of two lovers who certainly have been imprudent, but have somehow loved each other, at least that’s what he hopes for. He pinches his lips, pushing his fist and his hook down on the table, bending his chest, like he suddenly feels his torso becoming tighter. What should he do, now? What is his role in all of this? Crocodile sighs, his eyes brushing the papers in front of him as her name appears on every of them. He knows what he has to do. He needs to act like a man.

***

The room is plunged into the darkness. There’s only a couple of candles lighting the bedside table which offers a timid clarity for his eyes. He hears a soft and deep breathing coming from the bed, and for a second, it reassures him ; she’s not gone. She’s profoundly asleep, hunched into a foetal position, her sleep apparently broken. She’s mumbling a few words, and Crocodile finds her a bit pitiful like this. He hesitates for a second, but then, he decides that it’s more than time to have this little talk together. Tomorrow, she might be gone, and he can’t bear the idea to lose her because he couldn’t put aside his pride for once. He first removes his golden hook, not particularly enjoying the sensation of his missing limb on the mattress, but he doesn’t want to hurt her, if she would ever try to get away from his grip ; and he knows her enough to believe this is a thing she might do. Beside Daz Bonez, she’s the only one who has ever seen his handless arm, and somehow he hopes that it would be a proof of his benevolence, and that he came here metaphorically unarmed and without any design to harm her. Once he’s eventually ready, he slides himself into the sheets, still entirely dressed, careful not to wake her up. For a moment, he remains still, simply lied on the silken sheets, his eyes watching her closely. She’s far for being peaceful, even in her deepest sleep. Her eyebrows are furrowed, and for some reasons, she presses her tiny hand directly on her swollen tummy. He slides himself closer, spooning her gently, his massive arm curled around her waist, until she eventually breathes more vividly, her eyes wide opened.

“Easy,” Crocodile whispers, feeling how tensed her body is against him.

She doesn’t even turn her head, preferring to remain mute. Her fingers scratches the skin of his arm, desperately intimating him the order to go away. Yet, he doesn’t obey, his digits suddenly spreaded wide open to cup her entire belly, pressing it gently to feel that specific hardness he’s looking for. His heart pumps strongly against his chest, like it would cross this muscle barrier to explode in the tensed atmosphere. She’s now shaking, her whole body wilted under his touch, her face flushed against the pillow. When he finally finds the courage to caress her rounder belly, he hears a plea coming from her mouth, something desolate and almost unbearable to handle. He presses his lips against her forehead, somehow hoping it would cure her wounded heart, but all she does is flinch.

“Crocodile… I can explain myself,” she tries, her voice struggling to break the barrier of her lips.

“Sssh, don’t talk.” Crocodile snaps with a severe voice.

It almost sounds like one of his numerous emotionless orders, and he curses himself for being such a cold man at the moment. Yet, he still doesn’t know how to react. Feeling this tensed body against him, but also this roundness under his large palm, bring many emotions in his dry heart. He usually always knows what to do, how to deal with emergencies and unexpected situations. But this? This requires so many change. He has never truly desired a family of his own, his business way too dangerous and time-consuming to have another useless burden. However, here and now, as he presses his torso against her small body, circling not only one, but two lives, he feels different. He feels finally as a whole. No more missing parts. No more everlasting conquests around the world. Everything he craves is right under his palm, not entirely alive, but already present, peacefully growing into the womb of a woman he has once despised. What an unexpected twist of fate. He can’t help but let lose a soft laugh behind her ears, setting ablazed her curiosity, but also her anger.

“There’s nothing funny about it, Crocodile!” She finally snaps, rolling on her hips to eventually face him.

So there she is. For a few days he has thought that she wouldn’t ever be back at her true self. Yet, her fierce look is still present, gazing at him through the darkness of the room. He grins, wildly, his old habits coming back as he softly cups her jaw, putting a strand of her long hair behind her ear.

“There you are, untamable creature,” he greets teasingly, vivified by her furious features. “I’m not mocking you, Name. We need to talk about it, though. It’s a serious matter.”

He sighs loudly as he loses his smile, his gaze travelling through her tired face for a moment, before he eventually points at her covered tummy, the roundness slightly noticeable under her short night dress. She bites her bottom lip and looks down, her nose digging a bit more into her pillow, as she presses a timid hand on her belly, as if she’s not entirely ready to accept this situation. She looks weak, almost like a child, yet he still can feel this wild strength emanating from her every movements. She’s lost, but she’s still fighting, and somehow, this is something he has always loved about her. She eventually gathers her courage, putting her elbow on the pillow to lift her chin, her face resting on the palm of her hand, as she faces Crocodile, her deep worried eyes digging in his impassive stare.

“I’m listening.” She says severely, her eyes serious.

He slightly grins, trying his hardest not to make a comment about her situation, remembering her that she’s still his secretary. But then, as he thinks about it, Crocodile furrowed his eyebrows, adopting a colder face.

“I figured out that you’re carrying my child,” he begins, his voice low and deep. “This is something reckless. I don’t want a family. I’ve never wanted one. You may understand that I’m concerned, but also disappointed,” he states, watching her eyes remaining still, yet full of anger and tears. “I’ve never wanted to have a family because I’m a businessman, and I have no use of it. I don’t want any burden in my path, and bringing children in my outlawed business is nothing but a stupid idea. And you must know that I despise stupid matter. I don’t have time for this, Name.”

She rolls up her lips like a wild animal, her gaze nothing but a ravenous fire, preparing herself to answer to this insult. Yet, he lifts one ringed finger, keeping this patronizing face.

“No, let me finish. You’ll have all the time of the world to let me know your deepest thoughts about the situation, but for now, you listen to me, and you do it quietly.” Crocodile orders, his hand firmly grabbing her shoulder, until she eventually bites her lips and allows him to continue. “All of this, what I’ve just said, this was my prepared speech for the past few days. I may be harsh, and sometimes severe with you, yet I’m still not a liar.”

She blinks, unable to understand what is his point. He remains silent, his gaze travelling through her body to eventually digs in her eyes. His hand on her shoulder moves slowly, coming up to cup her jaw, his thumb fondling her cheek.

“I don’t want you to go,” He simply states, his voice slightly tender than usual.

“But…,”

“If you go, you better be sure that I’ll use all the necessary means to find you, and bring you back here.”

“This is not your choice…,”

“It is,” he says more loudly, almost like a cry from his heart. “You’re the mother of my heir. Do you really believe that I would let you run away, Name? So I…,” he marks a pregnant pause, closes his eyes for a second, and lets out what he couldn’t say before. “I beg you to stay.”

She freezes at the last sentence, tears falling quietly on her cheek, his thumb gently wiping them. Her lips are trembling, her vision blurry, her whole body shaking under his touch. Crocodile doesn’t want to be harsh anymore. He moves his hips forwards, to bring his body closer, until he has a better access to her waist, pulling her against his chest. She doesn’t protest, her face finding its favorite place in the crock of his neck, her hands gripping the edge of his collar, humming his manly scent she deeply enjoys. She finally allows herself to let go all of her anxious feelings, her voice echoing in the room as she cries loudly, sometimes hiccuping between two breathing. He kisses her forehead, putting his jaw against her hair as his hands cautiously fondle her back.

“It’s alright.” Crocodile simply whispers, unable to find any other words tonight.

He doesn’t know if this situation is alright, but he believes for sure that she needs to remain by his side. He craves to tell her that he wants her to be the mother of his child. That his heart is pumping furiously against his chest. He wishes he has the courage to say that he’s terrified to become a father, but also profoundly sorry to inflict her such a heavy burden. However Crocodile is a proud man, and silence is his better option. At least, it is for tonight, as he makes her roll her hips, spooning her delicately, his large ringed hand finding its way back to the roundness of her tummy, where their most beautiful secret is peacefully growing.

[teamflby]

Drabble idea? Step 1. Yang. Step 2. McDonalds. Step. 3 Indigestion. Step 4. ??? Step 5. Profit.

Ask and you shall receive anon. Mainly because you’ll never see me pass up an opportunity to write a full, gassy Yang because she had too much burg.

McDonalds and Yang Xiao Long went together like a burger and fries.

There most likely wasn’t a day where you wouldn’t find Yang eating at this fast food joint, whether it be for a quick breakfast, mid day lunch or a late dinner to celebrate a hard days work. Was the food unhealthy, grease filled and something a beautiful woman like herself shouldn’t be having? Absolutely. It was trash on a bun, and everyone knew it. But those burgers... those grilled, juicy burgers with cheese and pickle and onion, and that special sauce that just oozed out from under the bun whenever you took a mighty chomp into it. How could she forget about those fries too, all coated in salt from head to toe and rounded out with a nice, cool, refreshing large Coke straight from the tap itself. And all of that could cost her less money then to go to some bigger name place, like a Five Guys or something. It was heavenly bliss for Yang to get such cheap, filling and delicious food all in one, which probably explained the pudginess and tummy she’d accumulated over time.

Yang was the muscle of Team RWBY for sure, but these days that muscle was growing softer and softer. It wasn’t even a laziness thing, far from it actually. It just stemmed from her crappy eating habits and diet, something that Weiss has been very keen to point as of late. She’d tell her to lay off the cake they serve in the cafeteria, or don’t eat that last slice of pizza in the fridge from the floor meeting they had, or to stop drinking chocolate milk at three in the morning. Yet, none of that stuck. Yang was confident in herself to just keep plugging away and doing her job fine, which she did in spades. However, all of those midnight milk binges were showing, and even though she wasn’t slowing down she was certainly getting fatter. Some people, like Blake and Ruby, thought it was cute, while other’s like Weiss saw it as embarrassing and something that needed to be covered up. Yang meanwhile didn’t care. She was having fun and eating good, so who cared if she had some fluff? Boys and girls like meat on their bones right?

Which brings us right back to McDonalds, the go to choice for food for Yang. More often then not, her orders would consist of the basics for a busy, athletic and tough girl such as herself: a dozen McDoubles, six large fries, and three large Cokes. It was the perfect wrap up for a day of fun and training, and it left her fully satisfied and sedated until the next day would come.

When Yang ate, she took ravenous bites into her burgers, grease trickling down her chin and semi-chubby cheeks with every messy bite, and sauce staining her fingerless gloves as she polished off one after another. Sometimes she’d even get creative with how she ate her food and would open up the McDouble, stacking the inside with fries as well to create the ultimate burger, or as Weiss like to put it, “A Cholesterol Sandwich”. Sometimes she’s take a bite so large that the fries would fall out from the other end, leaving for Yang to pluck it up and toss that now soggy fry into her mouth and moan in delight from how it mixed with the salt.

It was quite evident to see from the look on Yang’s face whenever she ate here that it wasn’t just her getting a simple meal, but more so an experience all together. Was a local McDonalds the best place to eat if you wanted some atmosphere? Not a chance, especially in a city like Vale. But... it was cozy. Yang knew that she could get her meal, sit down in her usual booth by the window and eat to her heart’s content without having to worry about anything. This was as much an escape as anything else she did, and it was a great, delicious one too.

As Yang wrapped up her meal, she reached under her gut and went for her brown belt, undoing the golden buckle and letting her stuff tummy fly free from under her black volleyball shorts. Grunting and huffing, she then went for her jacket and undid the lowermost button, letting out a soothing sigh of relief as she was now in her most comfortable position: lied back against the cushioned booth, stuffed gut free and pressed up against the table, and a hand rubbing it in small, gentle circles on the sides. The only thing that would make this better is if Blake was the one doing the rubbing, but she could manage on her own.

“Hoooo man... that’s the good stuff right there...” Yang stated contently, reaching past her tummy and grabbing hold of a stray fry on her tray. She tossed it into her mouth and swallowed it before going right back for the last Coke on the table. She just managed to grasp the large, plastic container and bring the straw to her lips, taking a large sip before letting out a blissful and refreshing “ahhhhh.”

“Man, look at this... Weiss was saying that this was super bad for you, but honestly? I’m feeling greaAAAAAAAAAAt right now... Like I’m on top of top of the world or something. Is there a reward for downing a dozen McDoubles? If there is, I’m thinking I’m in line for some kind of reward~” Yang muttered, doing her best to stifle belches in her fist when she could. However, when she spoke, if one came out it came out loud and proud. It was a sign of triumph and establishment, that she owned this place and could eat as much as she wanted.

Though, eating as much as she wanted did have it’s downsides. Like usual, with all that grease and salt and caffeine stirring around in her stomach came the inevitable tummy grumbles and rumbles, and not the good, hungry kind. They were painful and rough, and they sounded like a storm was brewing inside of her stomach. Inside that stuffed, bloated tummy was a build up of gas Yang was used to, and one she really only ever indulged in here when she was away from the judgmental eyes of one Weiss Schnee. Wincing in pain, Yang lifted up one chunky thigh and spread herself out across the booth, huffing as she finally managed to get out one long and drawn out:

“**Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee........ Fllllbbbrrrrrtttttttffffffppphhhh....**”

“H-Haaaaa... T-That’ll clear some stuff uUUUUUURRRRPPPP... u-up... Or at least it should... W-Wait...”

Yang lifted her leg up once more, this time a much louder and more wet sounding one came out, causing some sweat to role down her forehead from the struggle of getting it out. Her face was flush, and her stomach was making quite the racket that some people began to look over to see who or what could make such violent noises. Her hand still went all over the surface of her gut, rubbing it down in an effort to appease the rumblings it was making, but to no avail. Yang’s stomach was like a ticking time bomb, ready to go off with every quick toot and every loud and obnoxious passing of gas.

“**FLBBBPPPPRRRTTTTTTTTTTTTTT-**”

That last one was the loudest one yet, one that even surprised Yang with how noisy it was. Some more bystanders looked over at her, causing her to blush and smile and lean up from her more relaxed and comfortable position. “M-Maybe I’ll take my leave for now... Don’t wanna stink up the whole place...” Yang muttered to herself, huffing as she tried to slide out of the small booth and onto her feet. Before she did anything, she buckled back up her pants, but let the jacket remain open. Her stomach still needed some room to breathe, so what was left was one chunky girl now exposing her gut off for all to see. How full she was made it harder for her to move, so Yang was doing a small little waddle to throw out her trash, almost every other step leading to some kind of belch or toot that was still relatively audible for everyone to hear.

With all her trash thrown away and her gut out for everyone, Yang was finally ready to leave, and as she did she left a trail of obnoxious stomach noises that made focusing impossible, toots that could probably smoke out the whole joint, and belches that could shake a wall if she really tried. Yang was a spectacle for everyone to witness when she ate like that, whether they liked it or not. She was the distraction, and the world ran around her when she was in the zone. Many after a performance like that would be far too embarrassed to show up to that same place again, but Yang?

Yang was excited to come back tomorrow and repeat it all over again~.

[regrettablewritings]

Dios Meme-o! (Rafael Barba Mini-Series, Pt. 6)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 7 Part 8

Frankly, it had to have been when Lucia got involved that Rafael knew things were going too far. Even Carmen of all people was beginning to join in on the fun! (While Rafael really did appreciate the cup of coffee waiting for him when he came into work that morning, but did she really have to include the receipt bearing the name “Abo-guapo”?) And all at once, it appeared that the dam keeping his cohorts in SVU at bay had buckled under pressure – and the typhoon of fresh, new memes.

The initial, unspoken agreement had been to not bring up memes around Rafael or to laugh about them in his presence. But it didn’t take long for Sonny to throw caution straight into the garbage and use the technical loophole of sending him his latest finds (though, always making sure to precede them with at least one contribution to the case). It didn’t take long for the likes of Fin, Rollins, and even Liv every once in a while, to follow suit in some way shape or form.

By the end of the third week of this madness, Rafael swore he’d seen it all: Gifs of him from the press conference, pastel edits (causing him to wonder what the significance of flower crowns even was), more crude comments about his hand veins and midsection pudge, photo compilations of himself in his attire from previous acclaimed cases. Every once in a while, he’d even receive a screenshot wherein somebody had clearly photoshopped themselves into a picture with him. These were interestingly enough some of the images that caused Rafael the most concern, seeing as they weren’t even using decent photos for their apparent intentions: Were they really supposed to look like a power couple, with him so clearly focused on the press and not by their clumsily Photoshopped-in figure standing behind him? They looked more like prosecutor and client than anything.

What, more gifs of him before the press? Wait, these ones had captions edited into them. Oh, hell, what do they say?

           Rafael Barba: I am here to address the rumors that have been circling about. I’ll be  upfront: Yes, (Y/N) and I have been seeing each other. No, we are not dating – we’ve             recently become engaged. I’ve loved her for many years in secrecy, and it shouldn’t be         a crime to want something beautiful in this harsh life –

“Ugh.” Rafael all but retched as he x-ed out of the newest link from Rollins. He glared once more at the message she’d written in the email:

           When were you gonna tell us that you were betrothed, Barba? I’m sure we would’ve  understood the harshness of your life ;).

The lawyer sighed heavily through his nose as he pressed against his forehead. Rollins had given him some crucial information yesterday, so he couldn’t completely hound on her for slacking off. Yet. But god, was his already thin patience eroding at a rapid rate.

By noon, just as he’d calmed down from the eerie feeling of being shipped with other real-life people, another message came through. This time, to his surprise, from Liv.

He rose a brow. No words; just a link. This could’ve gone one of two ways: Bad, or very bad. He knew better than to do anything about the message, and honestly should have just deleted it on site. But alas, curiosity was such a destructive trait of man, enough so as to overwhelm his sense of self-preservation out of grotesque intrigue. With the click of his laptop mouse, Rafael at least had an answer as to which direction this would go down in: It was a Buzzfeed article, so that meant very bad.

“ ‘Check Out the Attorney Everyone Wants to Call’ ” it read. Before he could stop his eyes from searching the page for more info, he found himself reading the embarrassing excuse for an article:

           The NYPD’s specialized squad, the Special Victims Unit, has had more than its fair share of rough roads. But luckily, they have a secret weapon:

Below lay a gif of Rafael stepping up to the podium on that fateful day where his looks would break the Internet. Inside of his own mind, Rafael screamed for gif-Rafael to retreat and run away before it was too late. Obviously, gif-Rafael persisted, over and over in an endless loop that would reset itself the moment he settled himself at the pedestal.

           Meet ADA Rafael Barba. He’s been with the 16th precinct for four years, and he’s   managed to make quite a splash for all of them. But let’s be real, it’s not just his smarts and courtroom prowess that the Internet has been talking about these last couple of days . . .

The next image was a photograph of Rafael mid-speech and even he had to admit: The angling was just right. The lighting and shadows worked together to properly define his profile in such an appealing way. It was a photo capable of damning a man.

           It turns out that ADA Barba is actually one Harvard-educated hottie!

The accompanying picture came from one of Rafael’s previous cases. One wherein his stance atop the courthouse steps looked artistically posed. With one foot still planted on a step higher than the other, briefcase clutched in one hand, suit tailored to fit, eyes looking elsewhere. Amateur modeling photographers would’ve been proud. To anyone else, he would have looked like those grand oil paintings depicting a conquering hero, the gleaming sunlight only serving to further this victorious suggestion. Even the tweet that the image came attached with went as far as to say, “LOOK AT THIS MAJESTIC MF.”

While visually this might have been the case (especially assuming he’d just exited the courthouse after a victorious trial), the reality was more likely that he had been contemplating getting pho for dinner and was trying to remember the name of that one noodle house a couple of blocks away. The article went on:

           No, seriously, if sexiness was a crime, this man would be guilty as charged!

Rafael couldn’t help but lift a brow at this. A law pun? Really? Hadn’t there been enough of those? He scrolled down further, his eyes first catching the image of him being surrounded by the press.

           Because of the nature of his job (and hopefully single personal life), there aren’t too  many photos of him for us to draw on. But don’t worry: The press has given the Internet just enough fodder to work with.

The image of him at arraignment court prior to the prolific AJ Martin case was posted, courtesy of the blue hellhole that was Tumblr. It was taken predominately from behind, given the position of the press at the time but from the way his head was turned, Rafael’s profile was made just noticeable enough for the original poster to freak out: “He could peck my eye out with that nose and I would thank him for it so long as he left me the other eye to still see him with.” The hashtags visible, aside from his name and title, included #dat profile doe, #LAWD, #such a noble nose, and #seriously tho that profile is perf i need to use it as reference for my art project.

Rafael could feel his teeth digging into his lips as they tucked themselves into his mouth. For a split second, he wondered if he was subconsciously trying to swallow himself.

            Some people are drawn to him for his eyes, the article read, offering an example in an enhanced photo of Rafael that managed to capture his eyes just enough to show that they weren’t an expected brown, but an enchanting green. Having been a tweet, the post’s source expressed that Rafael’s eyes “made them weak.”

           Some just can’t get over this guy’s designer duds, it went on. Beneath the text was a small photoset of four pictures: Each one of Rafael, of course, but each one also had him sporting vastly different color themes. In this one, springtime pink accessories stuck out against the darkness of his pinstriped suit. In that one, yet another dark suit . . . But orange was, in the grand scheme, quite the unusual color to be seen on most lawyers. Even in tie form. The third photo had been taken as he was leaving the courthouse, the billowing wind allowing for the yellow streak of his tie to flutter about, as well as to showcase that even his suspenders were brightly colored. And in the fourth one, purple. Everywhere. Maybe not in the charcoal grey of his suit jacket, but definitely in the primary color of his polka dotted tie, the lines running up and down his dress shirt, and the lightly-checkered pattern of his pocket square.

To say that these were mighty unusual colors to be found in the courtroom (and on an attorney for such horrific situations, no less) would be an understatement.

           And others? They’re finding completely different assets to be won over by! (All perfectly wonderful in their own right, of course.)

These “assets”, apparently, were his stomach and hands (surprise, surprise). Or, perhaps more specifically, the pudginess of his stomach and the veins that lined his hands, as suggested not only by Rafael’s own experience, but by the corresponding images for that particular line: Some of the very same posts he’d seen at the very beginning. The post about wanting to slurp up his hand veins, enthusiasm over his tummy-embellishing suspenders . . . It all came rushing back to Rafael with an internal shudder.

But apparently, not all of the images were of him: The next textual segment (But whichever physical attribute people have found themselves drawn to, one thing is for certain: They help make one clean-cut counselor) was followed by the image of a tan, cartoon fist popping out of a yellow sweater sleeve. The tweet it had come from included the words, “When you catch feelings for the perfect man but he’s a goddamn lawyer.” Rafael almost wanted to feel upset by the comment, but there was just too much about it to figure out what all to be peeved with.

Many are willing to risk it all for this Manhattan heartbreaker, the article proclaimed, their evidence coming in the form of a Twitter post stating exactly that. It was a photograph taken at a gala (God, it had to have been long ago, then), and Rafael just happened to be in just enough of the photo for the dapperness of his appearance to pop. In the background, however, was a man (whom Rafael recognized as a judge) with an expression that could easily be mistaken for subtle lusting. Of course, Judge Khachaturian was actually probably looking in Rafael’s general direction and likely at a woman off camera. But the Internet didn’t know that. Or rather, the Internet didn’t care to consider that.

The caption lining the top of the picture stated that “old man finna risk it all for Barba 😂😂😂.” This, of all things, caused Rafael’s mouth to hang open with shock. The idea of his superior (and much older superior at that) lusting after him left a bad taste in his mouth. But with one last line to go . . .

           But don’t worry: We’re sure he can use his smarts to get you out of it.

Simple, yes, but considering all that Rafael had to go through just to get to it, the cocktail of feelings within him was still quite present.

“Oh . . .” Rafael whispered shakily as he watched the gif version of himself raise a hand and retreat from the podium at the press conference. Despite the ridiculousness of the suggestion, his mind screamed at the gif, Now you leave!? His ever hungry but scowling eyes couldn’t help themselves from scanning the comments section below. Lot of Spanish terms being thrown around there by people who probably only knew them from the Latin Lover craze from the early 2000s. Like June Madoff’s comment on how he was such a “precinct papi”, or Barbra Cassahan, with her suburban mom-ness, having the creepy, middle-aged audacity to call him a “papi choulo.” (Which, Rafael thought in his tempered bitterness and attention to the misspell, was probably the most out of her comfort zone she was willing to travel.)

There was also Celia Esposito calling him “Barbaro Barba”, but he really wasn’t sure how comfortable he was being called a badass under such circumstances by a high schooler, creativity behind the nickname be damned.

But then . . . there was Julia “JuJuBean” Parson: “My friend’s sister sat in the gallery during the Jocelyn Paley case where ADA Barba was defending Jocelyn against Adam Cain. Y’all, she said Barba won the case by letting Cain choke him with his motherfucking *belt*!”

And, for the first time since this entire escapade began, Rafael couldn’t help but feel true a hint of pride. After all, it was by letting Cain choke him at all that he was able to convince the jury to plead guilty and send that bastard to jail where he belonged. He was honestly quite pleased with that little daring stunt, considering how worth it it was to experience such a dangerous discomfort. But even more so, he was just glad that someone had looked past the more superficial traits that everyone else was adoring in order to focus on something more important: His job and the crazy things he did to perform it.

. . . But then he read the replies to it: “OMFG” and “choke me, daddy 😩😩😩!” And those were just the ones he could see without clicking “see more replies.”

At that, Rafael’s eyelids practically retreated back into his skull as his eyes popped more than he even knew themselves capable of doing. The loud clap of his laptop being shut closed resonated within the office, followed by huffy breaths of embarrassment. He could feel his face burning. Of all the implied fetishes and kinks he’d seen centering about him, the use of the belt to choke him was an entirely new one, and one that he could very easily proclaim he had no desire to try again.

ENOUGH!!!

A ragged sigh was released into the air as Rafael pinched the bridge of his nose. Probably harder than he even needed to, anyway. He regarded the time ticking by in the corner of his laptop screen. It was still too early to start sipping bourbon like tomorrow was a dream, but not too early to grab a bite and pop a tablet or two of ibuprofen. Not necessarily what he was in the mood for, but it was a start. Anything to get away from his laptop, which he now deep down felt had been completely sullied by now from all the meme trash he had to view upon it.

Grabbing his phone and wallet, he exited his office and made Carmen aware that he was going on his lunch break. As he headed for the elevator, he could’ve sworn that he’d caught a glimpse of the Buzzfeed article on her computer. He fought against the urge to shake his head in somberness: He’d officially lost her; she was too far gone into the rabbit hole to pull her out of it. Exiting the Hogan Place, Rafael felt alone amongst the crowded streets of Manhattan.

[justanotherbuckydevotee]

New Rules - Part 1 (AU)

Prompt: New Rules – Dua Lipa.

Word Count: 853 words.

Warning(s): angst.

A/N: My (horrible) entry for @whothehellisbella‘s writing challenge. I hope you’ll enjoy. Feedback is very much NEEDED

part 1 || part 2 || part 3 || part 4 || part 5

masterlist

It started off like this; you were friends, first introduced by similar acquaintances. He was charming and you were gullible, and fell for that stupid toothy grin and those ridiculous blue eyes. You fell for the sweet words that left his lips, even when you knew they were lies.

Then things went a little … Complicated. One night of a drunken mistake had you waking up in his bed. You should’ve left when you woke up because friends don’t sleep together, but he looked so at peace as his head laid on your tummy, toned arms wrapped around your hips. His hair was so soft when you weaved through them gently, making him let out a soft moan as he snuggles closer to you.

You told yourself you’d leave when the sun rises, but couldn’t really when the morning light slowly spills on him, highlighting his perfect skin. Something inside you flutters and you knew you were in deep trouble, but in that moment you didn’t really care. After all, the both of you have been dancing on this since you met, right? Bucky slowly but surely wakes up, brings his hand to shield his eyes just as you close yours. “Shit” you heard him mumble, putting a huge distance between the both of you as he stumbles out his bed, feet darting around to grab his clothes before the bedroom door is practically slammed shut. There were whistles and clapping of hands outside, but all you could register was the way your heart was breaking. Neither of you talked about it. Hell, that afternoon everyone had lunch together, the both of you included, and Bucky went on as if nothing ever happened. It pained you, but maybe be was right. Friends don’t do that. So you smiled and cracked jokes and laughed. Then one night you found yourself opening your door to find Bucky in his leather jacket, the liveliness energy he was known for now replaced with confusion and sadness. “What’s wrong?” You asked worriedly. He didn’t say anything before crashing his lips against yours. And in the morning you’d find yourself naked on your empty bed. This cycle went on for a while, this intoxicating relationship that blurred so many lines for you. But you didn’t mind because Bucky was addictive -his energy, the sounds he made, the feelings he evoked. He made you feel invigorating, reminded you that youth was supposed to be wasted.

But it still stung when you see him around with other girls; the way he wraps his arms around their tiny waist, how his lips would brush ever so gently on their ear when he whispers, the way he looks at them like they were perfection. It made you doubt your worth, made you compare yourself to them. What does he see in them? What do I do to be like them? It was this that made you try and be better. You put on make-up, wore nice clothes. Hell, you even signed up for a membership at a gym.

Your roommates, ever the observant people, of course noticed this change. Upon returning from the gym, hair tied in a ponytail with sweat glistening your forehead, gym attire clinging to your body, you had found them sat on the couch of your shared apartment.

When your eyes landed on the huge teapot and alcohol bottle next to the mugs set on the table, you knew you were in for a huge intervention. Helen’s gentle voice led you to take a seat just as Natasha and Maria pushed their backs from the couch to come closer to you, their hard gazes softening when you played innocent as you asked what they were doing.

“You know why” Wanda said softly but firmly as she poured drinks in the mugs. You sighed as your friends began their opening speech, which you didn’t listen because you knew they were right.

“I know that you know you deserve better” Wanda declared, pushing a mug to your hand. You felt Helen’s hand on your back, lightly running in circles to comfort you. Your felt your eyes stinging with tears but you will not shed them, not when you were exposed like this. So you mumbled an excuse before going to your room.

You let your bag drop to the floor with a loud thump, feeling fatigue slowly set into your bones, the kind of exhaustion you feel to your core after finally accepting the harsh truth. You landed on your bedroom floor, the tears falling down your cheeks like a broken dam, feeling the heartache take over your whole body; the sting in your chest, the ache around your arms, the wrenching feeling in your gut. It’s when you realize you need to stop.

Inhaling felt like a chore but you managed to breath in heavily, despite your body arguing against it, and allowed yourself this moment to bask in the pain you felt and value the lesson it taught you because it was time to move on, to let go.

But then your phone rings, and his name pops up.

part 2

TAGGING: @whothehellisbella || @alphaabucky @captnbarnesrogers @barnes-heaven @heartmade-writingbucky @buchananbarnestrash @minervaem @mellifluous-melodramas @buckyywiththegoodhair @hellomissmabel @heartmade-writingbucky 

[ If you want to be tagged / untagged, send an ask ]

[sav-wites-everything]

Science Partners (Peter Parker x Reader) - Part 4

A/N: It’s Spider-Man: Homecoming Eve and that means it is a perfect time to release part 4 of Science Partners!!! Tomorrow, your’s truly, will be heading off to the theater to see Tom Holland kill it as Peter Parker!! Thank you all so much for the love you’ve been giving the series!! Your support and love is the reason I keep writing!! Enjoy!! xx

Warnings: things get rather... hot and heavy ;), blushy Peter ofc, cute as heck 

PART 1  PART 2  PART 3  PART 5  PART 6

The rest of the night was absolutely perfect. Ned was a surprisingly good dancer and led you deftly across the dance floor to Careless Whisper. Peter watched from the edge of the dance floor with a large grin on his face. He let out a belly laugh as Ned dipped you in front of him, you flashing a wink Peter’s way. After you danced with Ned, When a Man Loves a Woman began to play. You couldn’t think of a better song for such a lovely, cheesy moment. 

Peter walked up to you, his face flushed red and a nervous half-smile on his face. Nervous yourself, you slid your hands up Peter’s chest and rested them behind Peter’s neck, your arms resting on his shoulders. His hands rested on your waist and you could almost hear his heart hammering in his chest. Your heartbeat wasn’t any slower. The two of you swayed to the beat and his eyes never strayed from yours.

You were stunning. You were magnificent. You were gorgeous. You were Peter’s. He was so overwhelmed with happiness that he didn’t know what to think. He couldn’t look away from you. Your (Y/E/C) eyes danced in the multi-colored lights. Your whole being took his breath away. How did he think that denying his feelings for you would help anything? It almost ruined everything. He was just so relieved to have you back. 

You never wanted Percy Sledge to stop singing. You wanted to dance with Peter forever, with his eyes on yours and him holding you close. 

“Alright, kiddos!! Let’s speed the beat up with some Liam Paaaaaaayne!” the DJ shouted, playing Strip That Down. Students flooded the dance floor, grinding on each other and you were sure someone dabbed. You and Peter were pushed from the dance floor by the sea of bodies. The two of you watched Coach Wilson attempt to separate gyrating teens but eventually get up, causing you both to laugh. 

Peter slipped his hand into yours, holding your hand tight. You looked up at him and gave him a sweet smile. He smiled down at you and felt his head rush with joy. He felt as if you two were the only two people in the world and he loved it. That is, until Ned walked up besides you. He watched Ned lean down and whisper something in your ear, giving Peter a playful glance. What was he doing now? Peter noticed a smirk spread across your face as you nodded and looked back up at Peter through your eyelashes. He felt his face grow increasingly hot and his hands began to go clammy. 

Peter didn’t know that Ned had basically told you to “go get it, girl.” Glancing out into the mass of students dancing to the pop song, you figured you might as well join them. With a confidence you didn’t know you had, you grabbed Peter’s tie and led him out onto the dance floor, swaying your hips to the beat. 

Peter, his face beet red, glanced back at Ned with wide, excited eyes. Ned just gave him a thumbs up and laughed at his friend. 

You led Peter into the crowd and when the two of you were a good ways in, you backed yourself up into him, still swaying your hips. His hands instantly went to your waist and his grip was tight. You glanced around the dance floor and mimicked what the other girls were doing. Peter gradually got into it and the pair of you danced to the next three songs like this. Your heart raced and your stomach fluttered with forbidden urges but in that moment, you didn’t care. 

You, Peter, and Ned left the dance at around 11:30 and started walking into the night. You were between Ned and Peter but Peter held your hand tightly. The pressure was warm and comforting. Once again, his jacket was draped over your bare shoulders. 

“So, uh,” Peter began nervously, breaking the peaceful silence, “Ned is coming over, would you want to?”

You could see Ned’s shoulders bouncing with silent laughter and Peter’s grip on your hand became tighter. “I’d love to, I just don’t have anything to change into,” you replied, thankful he couldn’t see the intense shade of red your cheeks had turned. 

“You could wear something of mine.” Peter spoke quickly and his voice sounded high with nerves.

“Okay, cool.” You all walked the rest of the way to Peter’s apartment in silence. You carefully climbed the steps, your feet aching in your heels. When you got inside, your heels were the first thing to go. 

The first thing you noticed was that May wasn’t home. Your heart flipped and butterflies fluttered in your tummy. Ned was here, why were you acting like this? You all went into Peter’s room where Ned already had a change of clothes for himself. He went into Peter’s bathroom first to change, leaving you and Peter alone.

“Tonight was fun,” Peter said, swallowing hard. 

You nodded in agreement and asked, “So, about those clothes?”

“Oh, right.” Peter rummaged through his dresser and pulled out a pair of gray sweatpants and a Captain America t-shirt. 

“Oh, he’s my favorite!” you exclaimed when you saw the shirt. You didn’t notice but Peter grimaced at that. “Um, would you mind helping me with the zipper?” Peter stared at you, unblinking. Were you going to undress in front of him? “Peter? I can’t reach it.” Peter nodded and you turned your back to him. With shaking fingers, Peter pinched the zipper between his fingers and began pulling it down. He slowly revealed your skin to him and it took all of his willpower to not gingerly trace circles on your bare skin. He noticed that you weren’t wearing a bra and his breath hitched. 

Gently, he dragged his fingers down your arm and leaned into you, pressing his lips against your sensitive neck. You tilted your head to give him better access. Your eyes fluttered close and your hand that was holding up your dress almost slipped. His lips moved smoothly across your skin and you felt his teeth graze the nape of your neck. You thought you could feel something hard pressing into the small of your back...

“Alright, who’s next?” Ned exclaimed, stepping into Peter’s room. Peter quickly stumbled away from you and you bolted past Ned into the bathroom. Ned looked his friend up and down and cocked an eyebrow at him. Peter quickly began undressing, tossing his dress clothes into a pile of other clothes. “So, should I leave?” Ned smirked at the flustered Peter.

“No, dude, no. I just..”

“Pete, this is your night. It’s your guys’ moment. May won’t be home all night...”

Peter let out an exasperated sigh as he struggled to get his sweater on. “I can’t Ned. I.. I’ve never done this before!”

“I’m sure she hasn’t either! Look, dude, you both clearly want to. So just... go for it!”

“What are you guys talking about?” you said, leaning against Peter’s door way. Peter’s shoulders relaxed but his stomach did flips as he turned to look at you. His sweatpants fit you exactly as he imagined and you looked absolutely adorable in his t-shirt. If only there was a different superhero logo on it...

“I was just letting Peter know that I was heading out,” Ned said, making his way quickly to the door. “Ate too many of those mini muffins... (Y/N),” he stopped in front of you and bowed, “thank you for the wonderful dance.” 

You giggled at your friend and curtsied. “Of course, Ned. See you later, dude,” you replied with a smile. Ned nodded and left Peter’s apartment. You two were alone. Peter sat down on the edge of his bed and shyly looked up at you. “So,” he said, his voice cracking a little, “what do you want to do?”

You tugged your lip between your teeth and looked over at Peter through your eyelashes. Mustering up as much courage as you could, you said in a hushed tone, “You.”

Peter snapped his gaze up to meet yours. He couldn’t believe what you had just said. His hands gripped the edge of his bed until his knuckles turned white. You had slowly begun to walk towards him. You leaned down and pushed your lips against his. His eyes instantly fluttered close and he reached his hands up to your waist, pulling you down onto his lap. His grip involuntarily tightened as you began to grind your hips down into his. 

You bit at Peter’s lip, eliciting a moan from him. You slid your hands under his sweater and he pulled away just long enough for you to pull it off. You had seen Peter shirtless before but this was different. Your insides trembled as you ran your hands along the warm skin of his bare chest. 

Peter attacked your neck with his lips. He ran his hands up and down your back under your shirt. With vigor, he sucked and nipped purple marks into your flesh. Trying to bite it back, you let a moan escape your lips. His touch was so warm and it sent electric chills through your body. As if you were weightless, Peter flipped the pair of you so that he hovered over you. His hips were already between your legs and his dark eyes bore into yours. His stare gave you a thrill. 

He began to pull up the hem of your shirt but hesitated. “Do you want this?” he asked in almost a whisper. 

“Yes,” you replied almost instantly. Peter smiled down at you and you smiled back. A little awkwardly, Peter removed your shirt. He ran his hands, barely touching your skin, from your waist up your stomach and to your breasts. A warm feeling began to build in your stomach as Peter smashed his lips against your’s again. 

“Oh, almost forgot,” he mumbled, pulling away from you. An involuntary whimper left your lips as he pulled away and you went bright red. Peter smirked at you as he reached into the drawer of his night stand. He pulled out a small, square packet and set it on top of the night stand. Peter returned his attention to you, running his fingers through your hair. “You’re breathtaking,” he breathed. You smiled broadly and pulled him back down towards you.

It wasn’t the fireworks and magic that you had expected but losing yourself to Peter was definitely an experience you wouldn’t forget. He racked your body with pleasure, even through all of the giggle breaks that had to be taken. More than once your head was bumped against the wall but it was the little things like that that made the moment perfect. 

Afterwards, the two of you laid on Peter’s bed, the moonlight peeking through the window. Peter lay on his back, still shirtless, and you lay with your head on his chest, now back in Peter’s clothes. One strong arm was wrapped around you while the other rested behind his head. Your hand lay gingerly on Peter’s abdomen. The sound of his steady heart beat and the gentle rise and fall of his chest was putting you to sleep. You let out a yawn and your eyes fluttered shut.

Peter looked down at you and smiled softly. The moonlight shone silver against your features. You were like a goddess. Softly, he whispered, “I.. I love you, (Y/N).” The words tasted like honey on his lips. 

“I love you too, Peter,” you replied, your voice sleepy. Peter turned on his side and wrapped both arms around you, hugging you to his chest. You had already begun to snore softly. Peter kissed the top of your head and let his eyes also flutter close.

A/N: Whoo!! She’s long but I love her!!!! I hope you all liked it!!!!! Do you guys want more???? Do you want to see Peter in other situations???? Let me know! Send in requests!! xx

Tags: @notawarriorjustyet @glupijelen @chanandlerphalangesparkles @conboyrachael @mylameinternethome @woah-broah @scottsxmmxrs

[benefits1986]

Airport Hacks Kuno

Braving Manila airport is one thing.

Slaying Manila airport is a totally different ball game. Kaya, subukan nating ibsan ang ragasa ng delayed flights, papalit-palit ng boarding gates and long waiting lines among many other quirks ng isa sa pinaka hayupbeast na airports in this day and age.

#1 Better kung magstay ka sa gitna ng mga boarding gates kesa dumerecho ka sa boarding gate mo lalo na pag seat sale ang nakuha mo. Maraming beses na akong nakakita ng marathon meets zombie apocalypse mode dahil napakalayo ng lipat ng boarding gate. This is especially helpful if may kasama kayong PWD, tamad maglakad, kids at saka seniors. Mas may chance kayong makasakay sa roving mini shuttles sa gitna.

#2 Maliban sa pasensya at masidhing good vibes na pangontra sa bad vibes, magbitbit ng kutkutin at water bottles. Actually, nagdala ako ng French Press sa lipad ko recently kaya makakatipid ka kung talagang coffee or tea lover ka na na-trap sa inefficiency ng kung ano mang airline ang may sala sa iyo.

#3 Iwasang mag headset kasi minsan walang sound yung ibang speakers and this happened to one of my friends. Nakastand by sila sa tamang boarding gate so early in the morning tapos naiwan sila ng plane kasi hindi nila narinig na lumipat. Nakipag-away pa yung friend ko kasi gusto silang pagbayarin. Ang sabi niya is ni hindi man lang nag announce yung tao sa original boarding gate kung hindi naman pala nagana yung speakers doon. After niyang hamunin na icheck yung CCTV kasi nga walang due diligence yung airline staff, pinayagan silang magboard sa next flight. Grabe lang. So better talaga na wag magheadset lalo na kapag an hour before boarding.

#4 Plan your food and liquid intake. Maraming restroom na sobrang hindi makatao lalo na sa pagflush. Di ko lang sure ano ng ganap ng bidet dito sa Manila airport kasi ultimong tissue, nagkakaubusan. Pati pagpila, nakakaloka. So, make sure na tummy-friendly ang lahat ng bitbit mo. Mahirap na 'pag kelangan mo ng lifeline.

#5 Manage your yosi break kasi nagkakaubusan ng magandang upuan. Best is to smoke right after you arrive and before you board para hindi sobrang hassle.

#6 Okay naman yung upuan malapit sa charging station pero mas mainam magbitbit ng decent extension cords kung pwede. Minsan kasi bawal ata pero di pa naman ako nasita. Marami-rami na akong naging kakwentuhan at tila naisalba ko ang buhay sa pasasalamat nila dahil lang may extension ako. Random acts of kindness na, sure na makakacharge ka pa.

#7 Magbitbit ng power bank na pangmalakasan. If all else fails, kasangga mo sa delayed flights at kung ano pa ang reliable power bank. Kahit mabigat ang 20000mAh na power bank ko, nasa carry on ko yan lagi. Kahit anong mangyari, sure ka. And best if dalawa ports mo para if need mo magcharge ng laptop, drone, GoPro o kung ano man, safe ka.

#8 Masarap magbasa ng libro habang tumitingin sa mga parating at paalis. Promise. Therapeutic siya at in line with hack na iwasan magheadset hack.

#9 Magstrategize ng upuan. Malayo sa maiingay. Malapit sa toilet at drinking station. Swerte mo na lang if may matiempohan ka na malapit din sa smoking area. Pag seat sale, bonus yung Gate 134 sa NAIA 3. Maliit lang pero andun na lahat. Iwasan mo lang talaga yung maiingay at mga uga ng uga ng upuan.

#10 Peoplewatching is best in this corner of the world. Sarap lang manood ng mga tao at mga paganaps nila. Mag-shades para hindi obvious. Masaya rin yung pahapon na panood kasi maganda tama ng ilaw at saka hindi super duper stress.

#11 First flight in. Last flight out. Most of my flights, ganito para iwas surge. Iwas beast mode. Iwas traffic. Iwas stress papalabas at pabalik ng Manila. Grabe lang kasi pila at sistema natin. Hindi biro. Malakas makawaldas ng tax at pagkatao.

#12 Kapag kelangan mo ng seryosong quiet time for whatever reason, prayer room is key. Hindi siya religious purposes lang, actually. Nakakapayapa lang na iba vibes ng prayer room in contrast ng kasalimuotan ng Manila airport. Iwasang matulog kasi minsan may walang habas ang paghilik na mga nilalang. Mag breathing exercise at mag-stretch ng spine.

#13 Kung wala kang WiFi na masagap or mahina ang mobile data or wala ka na talagang ibang maggawa, mag clean up ng mobile device. Lakas makaubos ng oras ng task na ito kaya sure na you are wasting time wisely.

#14 Magbaon ng jacket. Preferably may hood kasi minsan matinde ang lamig. Nakakaloka siya. Hindi biro. Minsan naman mainit like whyyyy. So better come in versatile clothes na Manila airport temperature volatility-ready.

#15 Kahit ano pang gender preference mo, best to bring aloe vera spray, trusted lotion, Lucas Papaw at your choice of essential oils. Ang lakas makasira ng skin ng airport at airplane so do yourself a favor. Iyong Lucas Papaw sobrang all around ointment niya na puwede rin lip balm. Mag apply at reapply ng lotion para iwas dry skin lalo sa nails and toes. Essential oils naman sobrang mala tita or tito but it saves a life. :p

#Circle shawl is so versatile. At support local din tayo kasi my friend owns I.M.Pressa shawls. Marami-rami na akong shawls pero ngayon, most of the time, eto na staple ko unless gusto ko umarte. Hindi lang siya shawl. Pang cover up pag nagkatagos ka which happened to me IRL dahil malimit mga travels ko fall on those red days and redder nights. Blanket or additional insulation. Top or skirt pag gusto mo lang ng kakaibang look or need mo for whatever reason. Headwrap or headband. Puwede rin instant bag to place stuff inside. And pang taklob sa eyes pag gusto mong matulog or ayaw mo lang makakita ng mga tao na beastmode kasi delayed na naman ang flight.

[serensama]

To Help #5

Welcome to my monster fic for Saeyoung, this one is damned long.16k+ long.

 I’m so sorry.

**R.I.P readers**

PLEASE NOTE: (Ok so this story will have)

1)    Nsfw bits

2)    Profanity

3)    TRIGGER WARNINGS: suicidal thoughts, miscarriage, depressed/self-sacrificing MC

So, if you’re ok with any/all of the above, please continue reading, if not- thanks for stopping by and hopefully you’ll be back for the next one with Saeran.

  Saeyoung:

 “-MC you need to pull over, you’re not in the right frame of mind right now-”

“-You think I don’t know that? But if I pull over now it means stopping and I can’t stop… not now… not ever, Saeyoung. If I stop- it means he’s one step closer to coming for me”

“I won’t let that happen MC- but we need to make sure you’re safe!”

“I’m not stopping. I’m not letting this happen again. It doesn’t stop Saeyoung. He doesn’t stop!”

“MC CALM DOWN PLEASE! I NEED YOU TO-”

“… I just want it to stop.”

 A sharp intake of breath before the sickening sound of metal bending and glass shattering was the last thing Saeyoung heard before the phone line died.

 The moment Saeyoung had turned on the camera in the hallway that first day MC literally walked into their lives, he knew he was in trouble. When she accidentally looked into the camera and his heart had sped up and suddenly the palms of his hands grew sweaty and… seriously all this from one quick look from her? She could have been a psychopath, a super clingy boy-obsessed girl or an antisocial loner- but she wasn’t. She had unfortunately turned out to be perfect. His exact type. He didn’t even know he had a type and suddenly he was proclaiming it all over the messenger? What the hell was wrong with him? Whenever he’d hear her voice he’d feel excited yet calm- like his skin was the only thing keeping him together at all. Whenever she’d send him a text just to randomly cheer him up or answer a question he posed just right or just add a random meow to her sentence-…he knew he was in serious trouble.

He’d dream about her- which in it of itself wasn’t so weird, he watched her everyday on the camera to make sure she was safe. It was when he’d start daydreaming about her that he started to really panic; what use would it be for him to start fantasizing what their life would be like? Like dancing around like idiots on a Saturday afternoon just because they felt like it? Or pigging out on chips and soda all day long because neither of them wanted to cook and then taking turns to rub each other’s stomachs after the inevitable tummy ache sets in? Or how much he could get for selling some of his cars so he could really marry her in a space station? Those thoughts hurt no one but himself but he couldn’t stop chasing after the pain he’d fallen in love with and it really was starting to get dangerous.

Vanderwood had begun to notice his fascination with her and he really didn’t want to get MC involved in any more hazardous things than she was already exposed to because of their group, putting her life in peril was the last thing he ever wanted; but he should have known better, when it came to him everything was always in peril.

… So… it was a good thing she liked Jumin right? She’d be safer with him and didn’t he tell her that he ‘totally supports this relationship’ and that she should absolutely go and see Jumin and make sure he’s ok and… what do you mean you’re staying the night? WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU’RE STAYING THERE FOR THREE NIGHTS MC?… and then that was it, wasn’t it? It didn’t matter that every time she would come running into the chats to talk about Jumin that it felt like someone taking a branding iron against his lungs, that whenever she’d call him and gush about the older man and how much she loved him and wanted to be his wife, that he wanted nothing more than to scream into the phone for her to wake up and see that there was another person who loved her more. Who needed her more.

But-

Saeyoung never even stood a chance.

He wasn’t even a competitor in the race.

Still- he waved his white flag.

He yielded.

 She seemed to have it all. The amazing, rich husband, an amazing philanthropic organisation that kept her busy and an amazing circle of close knit friends. There was nothing more that MC could want or ever ask for. 

Except for her husband to stay faithful to her.

She didn’t even know she had to ask that of him.

She sat on the couch as Jumin merely stated that during his last business trip to Taiwan, his main investor for his latest project stipulated that she would happily fund the entire endeavour if he indulged her in one night with him, no holds barred. He spoke of it so calmly and rationally that MC first thought he was playing some sick joke on her- as far as her husband had come along with his humour and understanding of his emotions, there were still times where he made some ridiculous attempts at humour which failed spectacularly. She had hoped this was such a time- she was mistaken.

Jumin continued to explain to her that now that the deal had gone through he had all the funds required to complete his project that he could finally rest easy and lessen his work load for a bit, “Isn’t that lovely honey?”

Isn’t.. that… lovely….

…honey…

MC could hear a high-pitched tone playing in the back of her head, his words barely reaching her. She didn’t understand. Was he really admitting that he had cheated on her and that it was not a big deal? Could he be that thick? Could anybody be that thick?! Didn’t he know that by doing this he had just destroyed all her trust in him? Did he think that by telling her in a way like it meant nothing, that it actually meant nothing? It meant everything.

Though instead of voicing anything she was thinking, she swallowed it down. Buried it below her guts and let it squirm and gnaw inside her. In a place so deep within her it hurt to go there. In a place so deep, she might actually be able to forget it.

Somehow along the way, although happy and frantically in love they remained after three years of marriage- she had lost her voice. The voice which tamed the Corporate Giant, Jumin Han, was quelled. MC couldn’t blame anyone but herself, after all Jumin had practically begged her to be selfish; to worry only about her needs from then on… but somehow she took that message and turned it 360 degrees and upside down on its head. She became completely selfless, essentially prostrating herself to whatever Jumin and the company needed- and Jumin as well-meaning as he was, thought that MC’s actions was her way of being selfish, that she wanted it to be this way now. So yes- whatever it took when it came to Jumin and C&R- Jumin needed to be in China for three months to successfully take over a company? Fine. Jumin needed to wine and dine a bunch of sleazy international businessmen and they wanted to see Mrs Han come along to endure their antics? Absolutely. Jumin needed to fuck a random for money like a common male prostitute?… was there no line that could not be crossed anymore?

Ok.

This was… (not) Ok.

She only had herself to blame.

Jumin observed his wife sit stiffly on the couch, her countenance becoming more and more stone-like the further the silence between them wore on. She hadn’t said a word to him, she didn’t scream or even cry, she seemed either to be perfectly at peace or in a state of shock.  He reasoned to himself that he explained the situation properly, leaving nothing unsaid- that it was just business plain and simple and that he came home to her, his wife, the woman he loved. It made sense for her to be fine with what transpired between him and the other woman, there was no feeling in what he did with her, it was perfunctory, mechanical- nothing like what he shared with MC. She must have known that.

Pulling off his tie and jacket and throwing them over the arm of the couch, Jumin bent over and kissed MC’s temple. Leaning over further he trailed his kisses down her cheek, her jaw and over her pulse point. Nevertheless, she remained as a perfect statue, frozen in time. Swiping his thumb over the rise of her cheekbone, along the bridge of her nose and over the swells of her lips until his fingers could grasp her chin between his fingers- he turned her head carefully to face his, meeting her lips with his own. It wasn’t until about 10 seconds into kissing MC did he realise that she wasn’t reciprocating, just sitting there with her eyes shut tight, her hands trembling in her lap.  Running his right palm down the side of her face to rest against the side of her neck, he let his thumb draw practised circles against the sensitive skin there. Maybe if he reiterated how much he loved her and how much he more he loved what they did together she would feel better? Gliding his hand underneath the collar of her shirt to feel the smooth skin it covered; his fingertips grazing lovingly over her chest- actions that would normally cause his wife to blush and goose bumps to litter across her skin- but no matter how he tried, she still remained unmoved. A small amount of panic filtered through Jumin- she couldn’t be too upset at this, could she? If she was, why didn’t she say something? Anything? Moving himself so he was kneeling upright between her legs, he entwined their fingers together and maintained what he assumed was eye contact.

She was looking right through him.

“MC my love,” he professed as he placed her hands to rest on his shoulders as his own lightly flitted over her body. “Yours is the only body that I crave. Ours is the only bed I want to be in. That woman meant nothing to me, there is nothing to fear. I am not my father.” He leant in and began to resume his original work against the column of her neck, his fingers dragging against the sensitive skin on the back of her arms. “Please MC, don’t dwell on this anymore. It means nothing to me, while you, are my whole world- let me show you, let me show you just how much I want and love you,” he declared.

MC could feel the bile in her stomach start to swirl around dangerously. Within ten minutes of telling her he’d cheated on her he wanted to have sex with her? Was he serious? Was he that insensitive now to her feelings to honestly believe that this was ok? Pulling her closer to him, one arm around her waist and the other holding on her neck to keep it still as he continued to prove his absolute ardour for her. She wanted to cry. She wanted to be sick. She wanted to run.

Jumin pulled back at the lack of response he was receiving from her and sat back on his haunches as he looked up at her with worry etching over his features. MC felt her apathy begin to weaken at the expression on his face, she loved him so much, she would have done anything to make him happy… and… and if this is what made him happy?

Timidly nodding her head, she offered the side of her neck that he had been feasting on back towards him. A devious grin sprawled across his face at what he thought was her submission to him, to whatever pleasure he would bring her. She just wanted to see her husband keep smiling, no matter what it may cost her in the end.

Picking her up with a slight grunt he laid her down carefully along their bed- undressing her like she was the most precious present he had ever received. Peeling back the layers slowly, kissing any skin he slowly exposed, Jumin pressed himself against his wife- and she tried her best not to push him off. She loved him, he was making her feel good- for the love of god woman get over it! He’s with you right now, not her, he only wants you. Relaxing into the moment she bid herself to clear her head, to stop thinking and to just feel.

To feel every swipe of his tongue against her- disgusting, exulted

To feel his hands, work her over- demanding, giving

To feel his every thrust inside of her- excruciating, delicious

She felt everything. It was too much. It was too much.

When she screamed out in the end she didn’t know if she was screaming in agony or desire… weren’t they the same thing to her now?

Lying in bed beside him as he sleepily drew lazy patterns on the skin of her hip, she felt something deep within her twinge. Silently and swiftly she sat up and wrapped her silk night gown around her. Walking barefoot down the hall to the guest bathroom she hurried into the toilet and locked the door behind her, her entire body quivering. Slowly making her way down to sit on the floor she braced both her arms around the seat and proceeded to empty the contents of her stomach. Retching as silently as she could so she didn’t worry Jumin she could feel tears streaming down her face- when had she started crying? Was she crying all this time?

Huddled between the toilet and the wall, MC curled upon herself, one arm hugging around her knees the other she used to cover her mouth as her haggard sobs and cries began to grow stronger and louder. Not able to sit up against the weight that seemed to push her down; MC collapsed, slapping against the floor in a futile attempt to release her emotions. The tiles felt like ice through her robe and on her skin but she didn’t care, maybe if she stayed there long enough she’d get so cold and become numb- she wouldn’t mind being numb.

Hearing Jumin’s voice call out to her MC quickly covered her mouth with both hands, afraid she’d be discovered in such a pathetic position. Slowly sitting up and running a tear soaked palm through her hair she waited to see if Jumin would keep searching for her.

“MC? Where are you?” he shouted out, his voice wavering with what she supposed was concern? “MC?”

She heard the tell-tale beeps of their phone and not even two rings went by before Jumin was speaking again. “Yes Guardsman Choi, did my wife leave the premises?… she didn’t? Have you seen any suspicious people lurking about?… you haven’t? Ok maybe she’s just stepped out for a brief walk through the building, can you send a few of your team to search the halls-”

“I’m here Jumin!” she yelled out from her hiding spot, “I’m just in the bathroom!”

A beep sounded indicating Jumin hanging up on his security guard, followed by a quick succession of steps to her direction. “MC? Are you in there?”

Breathing through her mouth to swallow as much air as she could to sound calm she paused a second before answering him, “Yes honey I’m in here!”

“Why are you using the guest bathroom? The ensuite-”

“I thought you may want a shower so I came here.”

“But you’ve been gone for over half an hour- are you unwell? Did you need me to call the doctor? Oh, Lord MC- did I hurt you before?”

Yes, Jumin, you hurt me before.

Before Jumin could finish punching in his doctor’s numbers MC picked herself off the ground and opened the door. Jumin looked up from the phone and a flash of concern shimmered across his face at the sight of her. Pale sweat stained skin, eyes bloodshot and glassy and the slight tremor in her breathing- “MC… have you been crying?” he asked his voice low and his mouth turned into a frown. MC shook her head fiercely and waved her palms about in a criss-cross fashion to show she was fine but the raised eyebrow and his discerning eyes confirmed he was not convinced- so she stretched the truth.

“No Jumin I haven’t been crying but I’m afraid I am not well. I threw up before and the bile went up through my nose and it was so painful my eyes started to water really badly.”

“Ah” he replied nodding, accepting her response as truth. “Then perhaps we really should call Dr Park over to give you a check-up-” shaking her head firmly and placing her hands over his chest she whispered that she was fine and that all she needed was sleep after she washed up, “Do you need help darling?” he asked as he tucked a hair behind her ear.

“No thank you Jumin; please go to sleep I’ll be in shortly- you’ve had a long day… you really should go rest” she coaxed him as her hands gently pushed him out the door. Jumin still not 100% swayed lurked around for a moment longer until she broke out her brightest smile and a laugh and joked that all he wanted was to see her naked again. Not denying her statement he merely leant in and kissed her on the forehead and instructed her to call out if she needed anything, he was a light sleeper after all. Nodding and smiling demurely as she closed the door on her husband she waited until she clicked the lock before her smile began to fade and crack.

Turning on the water in the shower to as hot as she could bear, MC stepped in still dressed and sat down under the scalding water.  Their sins would not wash off.

 “… I don’t even know w-what I’m doing a-anymore,” she stammered as she looked away from the phone screen, from Saeyoung’s attentive eyes. MC looked like a wreck, Jumin had gone off to another business trip and she was left behind yet again. Her normally luminous hair was dull and frizzy, her skin usually rosy and clear was now pale and blotchy. Her cheeks had sunken in a little and the dark purple shade of her eye bags were obvious signs of her exhaustion.

“Don’t say that, you guys are just going through something difficult right now,” Saeyoung ventured trying to ease her pain in whatever way he could. If he could have taken it for her he would have, if he could have prevented it at all, he would have. Alas, another thing Saeyoung could hate himself later for.

“I truly wish that were the case here-” MC began to argue but was quickly intercepted by her friend, “-Are you sure it’s not?”

“I…am” MC stammered as rivers of tears fell from her eyes even as she pressed the heels of her palms into them roughly to stop to flow.

“… Don’t do anything rash MC,” he blurted out without thinking as he watched MC’s face distort from sorrow to stoicism to nothing. His best friend had almost completely turned away from his sight with her hair curtaining her face from his view but he still caught that expression- it was an expression that he hid so well under his 707 mask, the look of a person already dead inside.

“…”

“MC!” he bellowed into the mic so fiercely that the speakers on her computer had crackled under the pressure.

“…”

Saeyoung could feel the acid in his stomach begin to boil at MC’s lack of response or even care at what he was saying. The more he looked at her the more she resembled a marionette, lost without someone to pull at her strings and unable to stand up on her own. How had they all let her get this way? How could they all have failed her so terribly after all she’d done for them? “If you don’t promise me that you won’t do anything stupid I swear to God I’m coming over right now and watching over you like a mother hen!”

Eventually MC lifted her head and looked back into the camera, her large eyes morose and fatalistic,

“I…  promise Saeyoung” she uttered her eyes flicking down ever so minutely that Saeyoung almost missed it. His insides were shaking in fear, FIGHT MC! FIGHT!

“What do you promise?”

“For God’s sake Saeyoung I’m not some stupid kid that you need to make repeat your instructions!” she bristled at his insistence and waved him off in irritation.

“I never thought you were- I just want to make sure you know what you’re really promising here?” he pressed on earnestly, his clasped hands resting against his lips in a silent prayer for her to listen to him, to keep listening to him. Saeyoung’s focus travelled all over the screen trying to take in every movement and sound from her, any sign that she was finally going to lose it, but her mask was firmly in place.

“Yes, of course I do Saeyoung. Thanks for listening, I appreciate it, I’ll call you soon” she stated as more of a dismissal than a farewell. Saeyoung opened his mouth about to say something but was cut off with only a dark screen to speak to. MC’s dashing between moods and rising insecurities had caused her to call him incessantly over the last week, babbling about nonsensical things and bouts of awkward silence between them, never once telling him why she was doing it. Picking up his phone he called the one person he had hoped would break whatever funk MC was in.

“Saeyoung- how can I help you?” the smooth baritone of his friend’s voice flooded through the earpiece.

“Jumin, I don’t mean to worry you while you’re on your trip but MC needs help-” he tried to explain before being cut off by a very alarmed Jumin.

“What about MC? Is she ok? Has she been hurt or-”

“No, no- she seems physically fine,” Saeyoung pledged to the panicked male on the other line, “-but emotionally Jumin she’s a wreck and I don’t know what’s wrong with her but you need to talk to her!” A moment later Jumin exhaled the breath he had been unconsciously holding in at his friend’s impassioned pleas.  

“Emotionally? Emotionally how?” he asked trying to get the bigger picture. Saeyoung went into great lengths to describe the baffling situations he had been placed in, the tears, the bouts of anger and listlessness which only resulted in Jumin’s muffled chuckles- the last response he expected from the man who called MC his wife. 

Saeyoung’s hackles instantly flared up as he bore witness to this man’s complete insensitivity to his wife’s breakdown, “Are you being serious right now Jumin? I just tell you your wife might have some serious psychological problems and you fucking laugh? That’s cold even from you- but that’s fine, if you don’t want to help I’ll take care of it myself-” he sneered, his mouth baring teeth that the older man couldn’t see. More pronounced laughter rang through the phone and Saeyoung had to start praying to have the strength to not hurl the device out the window. The red head had to bite on his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood to control his temper, it wasn’t about him and his issues, it was about MC.

“Saeyoung, this is completely normal,” Jumin stated collecting himself enough to talk without his laughter interrupting him, “She’s pregnant after all.”

Pregnant. MC was pregnant. Mood swings. Prone to tears. Some of those added up to how she was acting… maybe that was it… Pregnant?

The last piece of his heart that held onto the hope of ever having her, in any life, fell away to somewhere he didn’t care to follow. She was lost to him forever.

  She had been sick every day since his return home- they’d lie in bed and he’d brush his hand against hers or would bring her deeper into his arms and she would push him away and rush to the nearest sink or toilet. She would be fine throughout the entire day but as soon as they’d retire to bed and he’d try to be affectionate or intimate or simply just be with her, the rush of nausea would hit her and she’d escape to wallow in whatever pathetic hell she’d landed in.

Jumin was growing more and more concerned and no longer believed her when she said she probably had the flu or some bad food poisoning- he’d already fired two different chefs and even watched the third chef work and his practises were impeccable. There would have been no way MC could have gotten food poisoning from this man. Ignoring his wife’s protests Jumin called his doctor to visit them as soon as possible, sending for them to be picked up by his personal car.

MC was too tired to move from the bathroom by the time the doctor had arrived and too irrational to be willing to move so both the doctor and Jumin stayed with his beleaguered wife on the toilet floor as the doctor proceeded with the examination. As a final precaution the physician pulled out a couple of pregnancy tests to rule out every possible explanation of Mrs Han’s illness.

MC looked at the stick horrified. Two blue lines. Two blue lines. That was impossible. That there was a baby born from that night three weeks ago. That their baby was born from an act like that… MC rushed forward to retch into the sink again only to dry heave. She wanted this more than anything, all her life she had wanted to be a mother and now she was about to be one and all she felt was an emptiness in her chest. Their child was meant to be born out of love, not of guilt and self-loathing.

Cleaning herself up she picked up the discarded test and handed it to the doctor who congratulated the couple on the happy news and proceeded to inform them of all the things to expect and to come and contact her in the morning to schedule in her ob-gyn appointments. Jumin continued to stare at the ground, frozen with astonishment until MC tried to pass him upon her exit. Grabbing her wrist, he pulled her down carefully until she awkwardly half sat on his lap, half on the ground with both his arms clinging on to her like she was a life preserver. He kissed her all over her face and neck with such zeal that MC had no choice but to accept. He was exuberant. He was sublime. He was going to be a father.

Jumin Han, the proudest man MC had ever met (with the exception of his father), was holding on to her, sobbing like a child- thanking her for the greatest gift anyone could ever give him, a family of his own.

For the first time in… god knows when, MC could feel the stirrings of hope flicker within her heart, Jumin’s reaction finally eliciting a part of her that lay dormant for years. Lifting her tired arms to wrap around his shaking body, running calming fingers through his hair - she fussed over him like she would a child.

“We are going to be a family right Jumin? Me, you and this little baby?” she asked only to be replied with a vehement nod of affirmation from his ebony covered head. “We are going to be each other’s number one priority, right Jumin?” she questioned, making sure he caught the implication of her undertones, Don’t cheat on me again Jumin, there is more at stake than my heart this time around. Looking up to place feather light kisses along her face, neck and then lifting her up so he could kiss the crest of her stomach he grinned gratefully to his wife,

“You and this baby will always come first, I promise you MC- and to you Mini MC” he vowed as he dreamily spoke to her still flat-stomach.

“It could be a Mini Jumin,” she offered as he lightly stroked her stomach with such a look of adoration that MC could feel the shell of her heart start to heat up on its own volition.  

“Maybe both!” he added excitedly making MC giggle for the first time in months. Bending over to give Jumin a kiss, MC vowed to herself that nothing would get in the way of them taking care of their family together, that their sons and daughters would grow up in a house knowing they were loved and wanted, never to feel like a meal ticket or a step to use to get power.

Holding onto Jumin tighter, she allowed him to carry her to their bed and hold her throughout the night. She didn’t feel sick at his touch or at the feel of his body against hers, finally they were going to be ok. For the first time in a long-time MC allowed herself to feel happiness; for the first time since had she lost who she was as a person, since she had lost her voice, she could hear it again- singing back to her in the second heartbeat that grew inside of her.

  MC took a step back and squinted her eyes at the sight before her, swatches and swatches of varying hues of blues stuck on the wall- they all looked the same! Jumin had left her 12 of his favourite colours and left the final decision to her. Six months had passed by in the blink of an eye and their nursery was almost complete except they couldn’t choose a colour for the walls- MC was beginning to think of just piling all the swatches together to make a mismatched wallpaper as she was just so sick of choosing. Eventually settling on picking three of the best blues in her selection she made her way, albeit it slowly, to their bedroom where Jumin was getting ready for another important business meeting, after just coming home from a two-week trip. If she wasn’t so busy tying up the last ends of the upcoming party and finalizing their baby’s room she’d be tearing into him for not spending more time with her- because the last few months were… really good. The first couple of weeks after the discovery that they were expecting were still awkward and stilted- Jumin treating her like she was cracked glass one breath away from shattering and her still reeling from the pain of his unfaithfulness, MC still leaning heavily on Saeyoung’s calls to get through the day.

However, at their first proper ultrasound appointment when they saw the undecipherable blob that would become their child and heard that tiny heartbeat- they held hands and cried together again just like that moment on their bathroom floor. They had come back to a place reminiscent of when they were first married, both happy and in love and in a state of bliss, entirely of their making.

Jumin would try to limit the time he was away from her and she would make every effort to be the woman he fell in love with, one with opinions, fire and soul. It was an uphill struggle at times as the man had gotten used to the timid creature that she had forced upon herself and sometimes she slipped back into her subservient role but- they were both trying.

For the most part.

Walking through the door she stopped short and watched as her husband finished pulling up his tie and setting it against his neck just so, the man was a living embodiment of a dream in a suit and she liked to store memories of him in candid moments such as these. Quietly trekking in unnoticed she came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his so he was cocooned within her grasp, a small chuckle escaping his lips.

“You’re getting so big Mini MC that your mother can no longer clasp her hands around me! Your father is getting so lonely,” he teased earning a soft slap against his chest from his laughing wife. “But I guess it won’t be for too long now, right Mini MC? When you come out and join us your mother will hold you and I will hold onto the both of you and then we’ll always be together,” he extolled as he spun around to enfold his wife in his arms before giving her a quick peck on the crown of her head. “Alas though my dears, Daddy needs to go to work.”

MC whined and pouted much to Jumin’s amusement- the more pregnant she got the more animated she became, something he didn’t even know he had missed. It was definitely more of an incentive to keep her in such a state in the future, even if it meant having to renovate more floors of the building to accommodate a growing family.

“Do you have to go today? I could put off that meeting with those snooty women and-” Jumin cut her off by kissing her softly on her lips.

“I’m sorry MC but this is really a crucial meeting, after last week in Taiwan we need to finalize everything this week ready for next month’s take over,” he elaborated as he went to pick up his briefcase on the chair beside their doorway.

Taiwan? Didn’t he tell her the meeting last week was in Japan?  Surely he meant Japan. Burying the intense feeling of dread that was beginning to carve its way up her body, she forced a smile on her face and searched for something to do with her hands now that she had crushed the colour samples in her fist. Putting the destroyed cardboard in her pocket she moved over to his suitcase that was still lying open ready for the maid to unpack. Bending over she unbuckled the garment strap on the top and picked up a stack of neatly folded clothes that needed to be laundered only to be barked at by Jumin.

“Don’t do that! In your condition, you shouldn’t be doing anything strenuous!” he yelled dropping his briefcase trying to take the clothes from her hands. She pulled away faster than her body looked capable of and flashed her husband a disbelieving look.

“I put that crib together last week without your help and suddenly lifting up some dirty shirts is too much for me Jumin?” she scoffed, really he had some weird ideas about what she was able to do. The top of Jumin’s cheeks flushed with colour as he realised how stupid he must have sounded but still tried his best to take the pile of clothes from MC, getting ever more flustered when she kept evading him.

“MC I demand that you give me those clothes right now,” he said his mouth turned down into a deep frown with is arms outstretched ready to take the clothes. MC mirrored his expression and held the clothes closer to her chest defensively, she couldn’t understand him sometimes, honestly freaking out over the smallest… little…

MC brought the clothes closer to her nose- the smell of salt from Jumin’s sweat, the cologne she had purchased for him for his birthday and… the smell of another woman’s perfume. Her nose still in the depths of the expensive fabric her eyes slowly levelled to meet his in an accusatory glare and his left hers in an admission of guilt. Pulling out the most offensive smelling shirt and letting the other garments fall about her, she pulled the shirt open to see tears running throughout the seams and lipstick marks marring the collar and trailing down his abdomen.

“W-why?” she started, her hands shaking as she still held on to the mutilated clothing with a menacing grip. “Why would you?-”

Jumin sighed as he ran a hand through his hair and fixed his tie, his face strained and exasperated at the same time- as if he had to take the time to explain to his simple wife why he decided to do this all over again.  “MC, as you must have deduced I lied to you about going to Japan, in truth I was meeting that woman in Taiwan as she proposed to fund C&R and make it into an internationally branded firm. We may be big in Asia but to branch out and lead in our industry throughout the world is something we cannot choose to overlook.”

That queasy, uneasy feeling was forming in the pit of her stomach again and suddenly the room felt like it was spinning.

Close your eyes MC, why did you have to look?

Close your eyes.

Licking her lips to centre herself as she finally released his shirt and stumbled over to his side barely able to lift her shuffling feet. When they were shoulder to shoulder, so close she was able to feel the heat radiating off of him but still far enough to not touch, she stopped and let out a raspy choke of a breath, cutting through her husband sharper than any curse could have.

“Wh-why didn’t you just get rid of the shirt?” she asked softly, looking forward into their hallway and never once at him.

“Pardon me?” he asked, insuring he heard what she said correctly. Turning his upper body to face her, he noticed how small she was compared to him, her protruding stomach another harsh reminder of what he did and why he did it.

“The shirt,” she repeated extending her hand behind her for his gaze to follow towards his disregarded clothes. “-Why didn’t you get rid of it? Did… did you want me to find out? Did- did you want to hurt me Jumin?” she asked her face crumpling even further into distress that Jumin had to look away.

“Of course not MC. I had never intended for you to know, this was just another business deal and this woman would not accept terms deemed normal or appropriate in our society- however for the company and our staff, for you-”

“For me?” she hissed, provoking him. “FOR ME? How was any of this for me?” she challenged, urging him to try to explain his reasoning behind this.  Jumin whirled around and stood before her, with fingers pointing in her face, fury carved within every facet of his features.

“YES I DID THIS FOR YOU! FOR OUR CHILD! So that you can continue living in the affluence to which you have become accustomed to! So that our child would have every advantage laid at their feet! If he wanted to move to Spain, we could move our family there and be with him as we’d have an office there. If he wanted to live in Australia we could do the same there or anywhere else he chose. He would literally have the world in the palm of his hand” he exaggerated by opening his hand in front of her, trembling from the effort it took to rein himself in. “I did this for our family MC whether you believe me or not.”

“… When did I ever ask you to do any of this for me? What made you think this is what I wanted? Didn’t you marry me because you knew I didn’t care about any of this? That we could have lived in a one bedroom apartment living off two minute noodles and I’d be perfectly happy so long as I was with you?!” she wept, her hands clasping around his. Jumin shook her off violently as he scornfully looked over her.

“The moment we found out you were pregnant, you told me that you and this child had to be my number one priority- made me promise and that I did. You and this baby are the only reason for me doing any of this,” he spat out whilst trying to tame his hair and thus possibly tame his anger. “I heard you loud and clear, whatever I needed to insure the future of this family, I would do without hesitation, with your blessing.”

MC couldn’t believe what she was hearing, that’s what he heard when she asked him to put their family as his top priority? That’s what he saw when he looked at her? That’s what he thought she believed was important? This was all her fault?

Wasn’t it always?

MC nodded as she began to walk away unfurling the damaged colour samples from her pocket, watched on as the colours swam together in the blur of her tears. She felt Jumin come up behind her and she paused, waiting, just waiting for the next thing to bring her to her knees. He curled one hand around the side of her face and pulled her in for long, chaste kiss on the lips and another softer graze on her cheek, his forehead resting against her temple.

“I understand this is not something you wanted to happen, ideally, I would never have entered in such a foul arrangement but whenever I think of you and our baby all I want is the best for you.”

“We already had the best Jumin…” she whispered, her breath catching in her throat as she leaned into his touch. “We had you…”

Jumin shook his head against hers but continued to press firm kisses against her, his hand trailing down her arm to take the now beyond crumpled samples. “You will have more than me MC, you will have the world and our little one will know a life better than any of us could ever imagine. That is my promise to you,” he picked up his briefcase and fiddled with his cufflinks one more time before heading towards the door. “Oh MC- how about we forget about repainting- let’s leave the walls white, a fresh start for the boy right?” he offered as he sent a shaky half-grin her way. MC splashed on another smile and nodded as brightly as she could, giving him two thumbs up.

Turning to leave MC took a step forward and called her husband’s name causing him to halt mid step, turning his neck to face her his eyebrows shot up to show her she held his attention, if only for the next minute.

“…. The shirt Jumin- you never answered me”

“Is this necessary-”

“Please.”

Jumin looked down at the floor with the most defeated look she had ever seen on his face before he spoke, “…It’s our contract MC. Every time she sees me she wants to see me wearing that shirt to show that in private even men like me can be owned.” “Every time… she sees you…”

“Yes.”

“A contract…?” she parroted hollowly.

“Yes. Now that you understand MC I really need to head off to this meeting- I’ll be back home tonight, I’ll see you then?” he confirmed not even bothering to listen to her response as he closed the door behind himself, leaving the woman paralysed in her own home, “Bye MC!”

MC looked around at the walls that was once her home and blinked.

“Goodbye Jumin.”

  A loud ring pieced his eardrums as he was propelled from sleep to wakefulness.

Saeyoung sat up in his bed as he tried to acclimatise himself and get his bearings right- ok so he was at home- he was asleep- who the hell was ringing him at… oh… 2pm in the afternoon. Patting mindlessly at the messed-up bedsheets until he found his phone Saeyoung put on his glasses and willed his sleepy eyeballs to focus. The flashing screen said- MC?- clicking on the speaker icon Saeyoung dropped his phone and began to stretch and yawn. He loved this woman without a question of a doubt but if he had to go through another session of “WHICH BLUE IS BETTER SAEYOUNG?!?” he would probably kill himself by drinking whichever blue paint he chose for the baby’s room… and even then Jumin would probably veto it and go for another shade.

“Morning MC!” he yawned stretching his arms as far above his head as he could. He could hear the phone being jostled around and the distinct sound of rushed footsteps and fabric ruffling about. “Hello? MC? Did your baby belly pocket dial me again? We really must work on your baby’s manners you know- I was asleep-”

“Saeyoung, can you make it so Jumin can’t track me?” she panted into the phone causing the boy to pause and make sure he still wasn’t dreaming.

“Uh-” he stuttered unintelligibly as he scratched his stubbled chin trying to figure out what was going on.

“Can you, or can you not, block any access Jumin has to tracking the GPS in my phone?” MC asked again more insistent this time, her laboured breath making her request sound even harsher than it was supposed to.

“Of course I can MC but my point is why would you-”

“Good. Please do that ASAP and let me know once you do so I can go.”

“Goooo…. go where? I don’t understand”

“Saeyoung, Jumin is cheating on me and he thinks it’s the right thing to do.”

Any rational thought that may have existed in Saeyoung’s mind at that time flew out of him at the words that MC spoke. Jumin? Jumin Han? The man who was an ice block to anyone else but his wife- was cheating on her? Her?! MC?!

His eyes began to shift focus like he was about to get a migraine, his heart beating erratically like he had just run a race, the inside of his mouth dry and his lungs hard of air- no. This was a joke. He would never.

“Saeyoung please!” she screamed at him, pleading her case over the phone, “I need to get out of here- I can’t stay. I can’t do this again.” His ears picked up on the “again” and he had to squeeze his eyes shuts and ball his fists together to stop him from cursing loudly.

“MC- is this not the first time he’s done something like this?” he questioned trying to sound as calm as possible, trying to convince himself that taking all the guns in the house to the C&R building to assassinate its Director was not a good idea, even if he got shot down in the process he could take Jumin down with him. Her silence was the only answer he needed. “Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” he screamed kicking out at the air around him, throwing his pillows and comforter, punching his mattress- anything that he could get his hands on. “God damn it MC why didn’t you tell me? I thought you guys were just having problems like he was working too much or something- why didn’t you tell me he did this to you?!” he demanded lashing out at her, the easiest target for his frustration. He would undoubtedly blame himself later for being so blind to all the signs of her troubled marriage.

“I don’t know. I didn’t want anyone to know- I didn’t… I didn’t want it to look bad on Jumin or the company. I thought,” she paused a dry croak passing through her throat as she tried to control her burgeoning emotions, “I thought that maybe if I just let him be happy we could both be happy. That if the business was to profit he’d be able to relax more and we’d get the time to find us and somehow… somehow I forgot that there was an us… it was only him. It was all for Jumin. It didn’t matter about me anymore, I didn’t matter… but now Saeyoung there’s someone more important than Jumin or me or any god damn company. My son Saeyoung- I need to save my son from this life.” Saeyoung swallowed a hard, dry lump that had formed at the base of this throat at MC’s impassioned pleas and waited for her to continue.

“You know that I came from a broken home with my parents arguing over every little thing and I had to see my mother crying at the kitchen table at night after she tucked me in while she waited for my drunk father to come home. He’d hang around after work and try to score with the younger women in his office or pick up randoms at a bar- it didn’t matter who it was, all it mattered was that it wasn’t my mother. Jumin’s father is a good man but has a penchant for bad women, he’s a womaniser and a cheater and will likely support his son in whatever course of action he takes, even if it’s to leave me behind and take my own child from me.

“Jumin… Jumin thinks that by striking up deals that will elevate the company that that will secure our future and that of our child’s… he’s so focused on the end that he’s not worried about the means that he’s taking. I can’t stay here anymore and risk my child believing that this is ok, that being treated like this will be tolerated. I need to get away Saeyoung, please, I need your help.”

She had only need to ask.

“Take only your necessities MC, things that would fit in a large handbag so no one would question where you’re going, give me an hour and then head over here and we’ll figure it out from there.”

Saeyoung vaulted off his bed to his workstation and began to start deactivating any possible links to MC’s phone that Jumin had or could procure, all the while looking for countries he could book her a flight and accommodation to that would be very difficult for Jumin to get to and find her. If running away from this life and everything and everyone (even him) in it was the last thing he could help her with, then he would do it with a smile of his face and tears in his eyes.

 MC walked out of the front door to be greeted by two senior guards in Jumin’s employment, giving her a curt nod they let her pass without too much issue. However, when she tried to get into her own, old car one of Jumin’s newest Drivers had started to take issue with her plans.

“Madam please, we can take you anywhere you want, you needn’t drive and in such an old car as well. Please it is Mr. Han’s wishes that we drive you to insure your safety,” he recited perfectly while maintaining a much deeper bow than was required for her station. Sneering down at him and shaking her head to act the part of the rich spoilt wife MC rolled her eyes at him and tapped her foot impatiently.

“Who are you boy?”

“Um- Jun Hoo… madam” he replied gracing her with another deep bow.

“Hmmm, Jun Hoo- I am MC Han, Mr Han’s wife. If I want to take this car out for a drive on my own, I will do so. If you or anyone else tries to stop me I will make a formal complaint against you to my husband and you will get fired so my dear- you’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t. Although, if you let me go I’ll tell my husband that you begged for me to stay and even tried to run for help to detain me but I got away- you’ll be seen in the best light as possible. Just Let. Me. Go.” She stressed through her gritted teeth. MC could see the cogs spinning in the boy’s mind, “Let me leave and in five minutes run out screaming that you need help finding me and then come out and find me. I just need some time on my own ok?” she pleaded her eyes big and wide to look as sad and innocent as she could. It worked as Jun Hoo nodded slowly and hesitantly turned his back and slowly made his way out of the garage.

Jumping into the car she started it up with a low rumble and quickly made her escape to Saeyoung’s house. Her phone started ringing through the Bluetooth speaker and after insuring it wasn’t any of Jumin’s numbers she picked up.

“Hello?” she asked furtively hoping against hope it wasn’t someone already on her tail. She knew once that boy had told the guards she was missing that they’d let Jumin know and that he’d begin his search and then there would be no stopping him. The growing sadness, fear and desperation were doing a number on her already hormonally charged emotions as she felt the first few tears fall. Swiping at them madly MC tried to force herself to keep as calm as possible.

“MC!? What are you doing? MC please slow down, Jumin hasn’t even been told you’ve left and is still at the C&R building, it’s been barely five minutes since your departure-” Saeyoung said barely spacing his words in his adrenaline filled state. He was watching her through the satellites since the moment she had answered his phone and he could see her zig zagging dangerously through the traffic.

“Once he gets home Saeyoung he’ll know I’ve left him,” she sobbed going ever faster to reach her destination as quickly as possible.

“Oh? How is that? You said you’d tell anyone that you just wanted to be alone for a little while”

“I did do that… but I also wrote J-Jumin a note to say goodbye and tell him that I’ll con-contact him once my I’ve gotten myself t-together and that he would always, al-always have a place in his son’s life- just… not in mine,” she wept as she explained, she still continuing to dart through the traffic.

“-MC you need to pull over, you’re not in the right frame of mind right now-”

“-You think I don’t know that? But if I pull over now it means stopping and I can’t stop… not now… not ever, Saeyoung. If I stop- it means he’s one step closer to coming for me”

“I won’t let that happen MC- but we need to make sure you’re safe!”

“I’m not stopping. I’m not letting this happen again. It doesn’t stop Saeyoung. He doesn’t stop!”

“MC CALM DOWN PLEASE! I NEED YOU TO-”

“… I just want it to stop.” 

A sharp intake of breath before the sickening sound of metal bending and glass shattering was the last thing Saeyoung heard before the phone line died.

He was sure he was watching the wrong channel on his screen. It had to be. It was like a movie scene where everything was going in slow motion- MC had the right of way but a truck had read the lights wrong and decided to turn straight into her… cutting into the car like butter, crushing it under its weight like it was nothing but tissue paper. He had heard the crash for a second before the phone was destroyed but all that replayed in his ears was MC’s last breath, one of fear, over and over again.

The metal and glass had exploded all over the road, the debris falling and littering the ground like morbid snowflakes…

Saeyoung snapped himself out of it, he could feel himself breaking down and wanting nothing more than to crawl back to bed and pretend this was all some terrible nightmare but MC was out there, alone- hurt and dying- to get to him- to get to freedom… he couldn’t let her die… not alone. Tearing his keys off the hook he ran to his fastest car and prayed to God, even if he decided to take his life right after, let him get there in time. Let him say goodbye to one person he loved at least once- don’t let her pass thinking she was alone.

  Jaehee burst through the door during Jumin’s meeting and didn’t bother to knock or warn them of her impending entrance much to his embarrassment. Her lips were trying to mouth words to him, to anyone around the room, her arms flailing around helplessly as she tried her best to get her message out to her boss. Jumin stood at the end of the table with the tips of his fingers bracing his weight against the wood as he leaned forward with an ominous intent, “Jaehee, what is so important that you had to so rudely interrupt this meeting?”

Jaehee didn’t flinch at his words but started crying and hyperventilating, clutching her board tighter to her chest she finally managed to eek out “It’s MC.” Without a second of hesitation Jumin ran out of the room with Jaehee in tow leaving a very confused board of directors behind.

“What is it Jaehee? Tell me? Is she ok? Where is she?” he demanded as he took her by the arms and shaking her viciously until she answered him.

“She, s-she snuck out and wanted t-to go driving by her-herself,” she hiccoughed through her tears, wiping them needlessly on the sleeve of her jacket. “But but Ju-min… there’s been an accident… she’s… she’s in surgery now at the-”

“Tell the driver to take me to our house” he ordered softly, squaring his cufflinks perfectly against his shirt. Jaehee stood up in alarm, didn’t he just hear what she said?

“Mister Han- your wife is in hospital-”

“I’m not hard of hearing Assistant Kang, I instructed you to do as I asked so that I may go and pick up some things for her so that she may be comfortable when she is out of surgery,” he replied with such calm Jaehee was taken aback. “She will not be comfortable in those hospital gowns… and she still has so much that she needs to do for the party… so she’ll need her p-planner and… the things in her… in her…” his voice had become fainter and his words less sure, “Jaehee…” he whimpered forcing his assistant to look into his eyes, “Please instruct the driver to take you back to my house, please gather whatever you think is appropriate, I will take another car to the hospital,” he decided as he loosened his tie and walked towards the building’s garage.

“As you say Mr Han,” she spluttered as she bowed and ran off without a moment’s hesitation. Jumin entered the car and sat down but quickly slid down the seat to the floor, twisting himself so that his elbows leant against the fine leather of the seat he perched his mouth against his clamped fists and began to pray, in earnest, out loud for the driver and the world to hear-

“Please Lord do not do this- take anything else, do anything else- but not to them. Let them live and I will do whatever it is you ask of me. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please…”

 Saeyoung had gotten off the phone to Jaehee telling her that MC was in a car accident and that she would be at St Vincent’s hospital and was in surgery. Except MC was at St. Michael’s and she was lying in bed with her face blank, staring at the ceiling above her. When he had arrived the ambulance and firemen had already dragged her out of the wreckage and were about to take her to the hospital and apart from many cuts and bruises she looked fine. It was a miracle. With luck Jumin would be so incensed at the mix up and take forever to get into contact with Jaehee and Saeyoung that he would miss them completely before they checked her out and MC would still be able to make her flight in a couple of days.

Saeyoung pocketed his phone and sat back down beside her with a kind smile on his face, he could understand her stillness, she was probably in a state of shock with all that happened to her today. Taking her hand, he traced the pad of his thumb against her skin to try to gently bring her back to herself. MC flinched and tore her hand away from his loose grasp and then placed it back down away from him.

“The nurses said you were going to be ok” he scrambled, trying to find something to say to fill the silence that was swallowing them whole. “Said that we should be able to have you out by tonight if the doctors clear you”

“I won’t be out by tonight Saeyoung… I need emergency surgery”

“Really? What kind? When?”

“They’ve scheduled me in for the next two hours”

“Are… you… what did they say?”

“The doctors say I’m alive” she said flatly, clearly disappointed with the fact, “-but they tell me they me Taemin is dead”

“Tae-min?” Saeyoung asked perplexed, the driver was winded but not harmed, no one else was hurt in that accident meaning… understanding dawned upon him…

“Taemin… is…”

“My son… My son is dead… I killed my son,” she said robotically again, and again. “I killed my son… Because of me, he’s dead- I took his life and swapped it for mine. I killed him to save my life… I deserve to die,” she admitted to no one in particular, her fingers gripping around the metal bars of her bed guard as she continued her chant. Saeyoung cradled his head in his hands as he tried to figure out what he could say in this situation. Was there anything he could say?  “Why did I live? Why didn’t I just die in that apartment all those years ago with that fucking bomb? It seems I should have died many times over but I just keep getting saved. I don’t deserve it. I should be dead, you should kill me Saeyoung, just let it be done. So, I don’t have to face Jumin to tell him I killed our son because I was too weak to just stay at home and be a good wife- you should just throw me out that window-”

Saeyoung had gotten up and roughly pressed his palm against MC’s mouth to quieten her grief filled rant. He couldn’t stand to hear it anymore. It was enough. This woman had suffered enough.

“MC, are you listening to me?” he asked and he waited until she nodded slowly staring up at him wide eyed. “You will never say that to me or anyone again. You deserve to live. If you’re living it’s because you still have purpose on this world. You didn’t kill Taemin, no one killed him. It was a horrible accident and he was an innocent victim. Just like you. If you stayed there with Jumin you would have died. You were already dying there. Don’t ever feel the need to justify saving yourself when you were in a bad place. You deserve to live.”

Moving his hands from her face he could see the tears streaming down her face as she lay back and howled her pain that echoed along the corridors.

“I… I was m-meant to give birth to him! Not have him torn away and discarded from m-my body like trash!” she heaved tearing at her hair. “HE was meant to live Saeyoung!… He was meant to live…” MC sobbed as he took her into his arms and held her as close to him as possible, staying that way for the next hour before she was finally void of tears. “I can’t ever look at him in the eye again Saeyoung, I took away his wife and his child in one go… I have no right to ever look at him again” she panicked, her hands trying their best to push him away. Saeyoung tightened his grip on her and hushed her with the soft rocking of their bodies,

“Do you trust me MC?”

“… I… of… yes…” “Do you trust that I want the best for you and want to keep you safe?”

“… Yes.”

“Do you never want to see Jumin again?” he paused, pulling back to look at her in the eye. She faltered before looking back at him and nodded,

“It’s not that I never want to see him again, I hope… I hope he never has to lay his eyes on me again… not after all of this” she confided as she tried to hide her face from him. Taking her head with both his hands he placed a soft but firm kiss on the centre of her forehead,

“Then I will take care of this,” he promised as he stepped away from the bed and taking his phone back out, “You rest up before they take you to surgery, I’ll be here when you wake up.”

Moving outside her hearing range he flicked through his numbers searching for the one person he never thought he’d have to talk to again.

“Vanderwood, it’s me Seven… listen… I need a really big favour.”

  Jumin entered the hospital after being stuck in traffic for over an hour, still on his knees praying to God that this was just some divine test of faith and that he would see his wife safe and sound, ordering someone to bring her more food for their growing boy, for their Taemin. After heading straight into the ER, he was met by a tall sandy haired doctor who asked for him to join him in one of the private consultation rooms.

“Please sit Mr Han,” he asked as he gestured to one of the chairs beside him. Jumin curtly shook his head and raised his hand in refusal. “You must know my hurry Doctor-?”

“Doctor Woods” he answered as he pointed to his hospital badge, not that the other man cared.

“Yes, Doctor Woods,” he continued, “My wife- I must see her, how was her surgery? Is she out now? Where is she?” he fired at him as he took off his jacket and slung it over his left forearm. When he looked back up to the doctor Jumin had to give pause- why wasn’t he answering any of his questions? Were they not clear enough? “My wife, Doctor?” he prodded impatiently.

Doctor Woods looked desolately to the floor and shook his head before standing up to be by Jumin’s side. “I’m afraid Mr Han that while we tried everything we could-” he began

“No.”

“-there was nothing we could do to-”

“NO!” he repeated raising his voice loud enough for the other patients to hear him through the closed doors.

“She was too far gone before she got into the hospital, the damage to her body was extensive and-”

“The baby!” Jumin cried grabbing the doctor by his coat so he was face to face with him, “Our baby- did he… did they both…?” he faded off before he could finish the question. He already knew the answer, why bother asking it? Why bother making it more real by acknowledging it.

“I’m so sorry for your loss Mr Han.”

“Can… Can I see them- her? Can you please take me to her now?” he begged softly as his grip loosened on the man before him. The doctor put his hands on top of his in a show of sympathy but shook his head yet again.

“Mr Han the damage I mentioned before… we had to identify who she was through dental records; her face was so badly wounded that she wasn’t recognisable… her body… many bones were broken-”

“Enough, please- I… enough,” he whispered as he finally sat down, his legs giving way under the crippling grief that found purchase on his shoulders.  

“I’ll leave you be but I’ll just be outside should you have any further questions- her personal effects will also be at the front desk when you are ready to pick them up,” he explained as he exited the room, shutting the door behind himself.

Jumin sat alone in the office for hours not able to make himself move from that very spot. Everything he’d worked for, everything he’d loved- taken from him in an instant. For the first time in a long time, he found himself crying. Alone. MC would no longer be there to pick up his pieces and try to find out how they fit, she would no longer be there to hold him when the world became too much for him to understand, she would no longer be there to welcome him home, she would no longer be there with their son to welcome him home.

Why did this happen? How could this have happened to them? He wouldn’t rest until he found out why she was out by herself in the first place- what madness had taken her to do something so stupid? He knew deep down he had to go home and begin all the necessary arrangements and in time investigate the reasons for her death… but, right at that time- he didn’t know if he could even crawl out of the building, if he could even bear to stand up ever again; there was no home for him anywhere, anymore.

Lying down on the ground of the dirty hospital floor, Jumin kept crying.

  Convincing Vanderwood to come to the hospital was even more difficult than he had bargained for but he knew the older man had a soft spot for him and would eventually agree. Handing him MC’s bloodied bag, clothes and phone he gave him the whole story he needed to tell Jumin and that he would cover the rest. The hospital files he needed to forge, the death certificate, the bribes that he would need to pay to insure staff wouldn’t say anything to the C&R heir, everything, he had promised MC he would.

What was more difficult was trying to get MC to want to live. She had to stay in hospital for a couple of days to insure she was recovering correctly from the surgery and for… other issues. The staff had overheard her tirade against her own life and were worried she’d try to harm herself after the forced caesarean was completed. She didn’t.  

Checking her out of the hospital and taking her back home to continue her recovery was more than a challenge. She never ate, she never bathed, if she could have stopped breathing she would have- Saeyoung had to threaten her by putting a drip into her if she didn’t eat by herself and had to tell her he’d wash her himself if she didn’t have a shower by the end of the day.

The day of her “funeral” was a state affair, something they’d have expected for the President of South Korea, not for some corporate man’s wife. People Saeyoung knew had never met MC were there to pay their respects to Jumin and her estranged family. He had never seen Jumin so sombre and morose, barely paying attention to social protocol and etiquette. He was clearly beyond the limits of devastation and the part of Saeyoung that was Jumin’s close friend mourned with him and hurt for him more than no other; no man deserves to lose their child- but the part that was in love with MC, the part that had orchestrated this whole thing- was glad for his pain. His suffering and enduring a life without her would be payment enough for his wrongdoings.  

Whether it was Jumin or himself -or both- that had distanced themselves from the RFA he would never know, as his priority now was to take care of MC and get her back to whatever she could call ‘better’, he’d even settle for OK- but every day was an uphill battle for the redhead. He’d talk to her about anything he could only to get silence or the occasional “hmm” from her, he’d cook every meal for her to only eat portions smaller than a mouse would eat and he’d hold her at night when the nightmares she ran from finally caught up to her.

Finally, one day- she was ready. One day, approximately 5 months after the accident and surgery- MC had gotten up by herself and had a shower and even prepared breakfast for the both of them. Saeyoung’s defences were at high alert, it was often when depressed people got “better” that they decided to do something to themselves- he watched every move she made like a hawk, they hadn’t come this far just to end this way.

They ate in companionable silence as she made soft sounds as she chewed and as he marvelled at how loudly his wall clock ticked away. Suddenly MC put down her cutlery on either side of her plate straightening the utensils fastidiously, almost nervously.

“Saeyoung,” she whispered, her voice unstable and croaky from not being used for anything but crying, “I want to go.” The red head opposite her simply raised one eyebrow in question, this woman hadn’t want to leave the bed for months and now she wanted to go somewhere?

“Sure thing MC- where to?” he asked shovelling another forkful of his scrambled eggs and bacon- god it was good to eat someone else’s cooking for a change. “The mall? The cinemas? The park?-” he began firing suggestion after suggestion until she frowned and shook her head dejectedly.

“I don’t want to stay here anymore, I want to leave Korea,” she explained looking reservedly at her plate. “Anytime I think of where I could go all I can think of is how I’d see reminders of Jumin and our baby and the life we should have lived… and I can’t do that. I can’t keep hiding my face hoping that someone who knows Jumin will recognise me and tell him the truth. I need to leave. I need to leave soon.” Saeyoung nodded as he listened to her reasons and had to admit he agreed with her, this was already part of his plan from the beginning after all, get MC to a new country with a new identity and a new start at life- she deserved that much.  

“Anywhere you want to go in particular MC?” he inquired as he pulled out his phone, ready to make the necessary arrangements. He watched as MC shrugged in a noncommitting manner and made a face like she was trying to think.

“Somewhere… somewhere where life is simpler and… somewhere I can be me again, the me I was before I so stupidly lost myself.” Saeyoung reached out and took one of her hands in his and squeezed firmly before grinning widely at MC. Before she knew it MC’s eyes had turned upwards at the corners ever so slightly from the first smile she worn in months.

“Done.”

 MC had no idea she wasn’t going alone. She hadn’t known until she was at the gate about to board and she was embracing Saeyoung like her life depended on it, bawling while trying to thank him for everything he’d done for her and trying her best to find the words to say goodbye- only then did she realise that he wasn’t letting go or saying goodbye. When she asked about his behaviour he merely scratched the back of his head and said he didn’t have to say goodbye seeing as he was sitting next to her on the plane and living with her in the same house when they got to their destination. Revelations which earnt him a few good slaps against his person for leading her on and letting her cry like an idiot in public and now she had to sit next to him for 8 hours and GOD he was such an asshole and she couldn’t stand him and… thank you.

After giving him another bone crushing hug, she turned around taking his hand in hers and boarded the flight.

“By the way Saeyoung did I fail to mention that I get horribly air sick and have to sit alone due to my tendency to throw up on other passengers?” MC asked as she buckled her seatbelt, looking straight forward without a hint of deception on her face.

“Ahaha, that’s funny MC… this flight is booked solid there are no other seats available… you’re… ahaha… joking right… ha?” her friend tried to laugh nervously as he perched himself as close to the aisle and as far away from her as possible.

MC blinked slowly and slowly let a foreboding smile sneak across her face as she picked up the sick bag and opened it, ready for use. Saeyoung, for all his bluster, would have gladly suffered being covered in vomit for the duration of the flight if it meant he could see more glimpses of his dearest friend come back to life (he was about to get his wish).

 Living away from the comforts they had both become accustomed to was only the second most difficult thing to adjust to, the first was trying to manoeuvre around getting his heart destroyed by this grand master plan of his. Did he think it through when he decided to book two tickets? No. Did he think it through when he booked it under Mr and Mrs Kim? Why would he?! Did he think it through when he purchased the small cottage and put MC as the primary owner and him, her husband as the secondary? OF COURSE NOT. He was God 707, fly by the seat of his pants, devil may care…. Yeah he really royally fucked up.

It was completely different when he had to take care of MC- he was almost paternal to her, not a romantic thought went through his head for all those months he lived with her- but now that she was on the real road to recovery, now that she was smiling again, laughing and by the Lord in Heaven flirting with him again and making lewd innuendos… he was only a man, a weak, susceptible man. He would hear her in the shower humming and he’d imagine being in there with her running his fingers through her wet locks of hair. He’d watch her cooking and he’d envision himself pushing her against the counter and kissing her so deeply that she’d feel no need to eat anymore. He’d catch her napping in their hammock on the porch and he would never run out of ways he could creatively wake her up.

He patted himself on the back for making it past 2 years without cracking; he could never forgive himself if he made a move on the grieving woman, to take advantage of her at her most vulnerable. He mentally congratulated himself whenever someone would address her as Mrs Kim (Choi) and she’d respond and hold his hand and he wouldn’t break in a cold sweat wishing more than anything that it was true… but he couldn’t do it anymore. He had found his limit. He wanted MC to be his and his alone but he knew it wasn’t meant to be.

MC was much better now after all, she was happy here and started a great life where she taught the children of the village how to speak English and sometimes some Korean if pressed hard enough- she was so well loved by the children, their parents and by all the locals. Surely she would be more than fine here- he’d simply tell the villagers that they were getting divorced and he was going to leave but she wanted to stay. The villagers would huddle around her and support her through the hard times, maybe she’d even find someone she could love here and build a family…

Saeyoung pictured her again with that brilliant smile of hers, with her hands clasped around a rounded belly, swollen with some other lucky bastard’s child- her ring finger gleaming with yet another’s band… anyone but him apparently. He was Saeyoung Choi. He didn’t deserve her and she, she deserved more than him. Growing more and more frustrated with himself he growled as he tore the bedcovers off and lugged himself into the shower, the shower MC was just in. God he needed to get laid, he was getting turned on by just by the thought of the girl in the shower. Turning on the cold water as high as it would go, Saeyoung stepped in ignoring the harsh bite of the water as it rippled down his body.

 Keep a clear mind man, MC deserves to chance to be happy and you’re only holding her back. Stay focused. This is all for her. There’s no way that she wants you like you want her, everything is in your head. She will always be in your head.

 The clothes that he had thrown on were sticking to him in odd patches as he wasn’t yet completely dry when he put them on in haste to get dressed and return to his room. He was wiping his glasses on the edge of his slightly damp shirt when he quite literally bumped into a grinning MC holding up a spoon of something to his face for him to taste. Stepping back and around her, he quickly made to move past her but unfortunately MC was used to this game. Running in front of him to stop him in his tracks she lifted up her spoon back to his mouth. Giving up, Saeyoung opened his mouth and swallowed whatever was on the spoon and attempted to appear annoyed. Letting the flavours dance over his palette he had to admit whatever it was, it was amazing and a grateful smile quickly replaced his scowl. At the change of his expression MC was practically bouncing on her heels with happiness as she rushed back into the kitchen to finish up breakfast.

Saeyoung rushed into his room and took out his luggage and threw it open on the bed before jumping on his computer to begin looking up flights to go anywhere. He was so completely enraptured in his own little world he didn’t notice MC standing right beside him until she placed the plate of pancakes beside him, her eyes glued to the screen before her. She had come in earlier after screaming for a solid two minutes for him to come out because his food was getting cold before finally giving up and trekking in… only to see his suitcase ready to be packed and him hurriedly looking up flights. What had gone wrong? Weren’t they happy here? What had gone wrong?!

MC could feel the rush of unbidden tears flow into her eyes and a heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach that she hadn’t felt in over a year at the thought of Saeyoung leaving her. The hacker looked up to see her forlorn expression and the tears that were teetering on the rims of her eyes before she quickly dashed out of the room excusing herself for some reason or another. Pulling at his hair in frustration at himself for not talking to her about it first he gave himself a quick slap to face knocking his glasses skew before running out after her.

Sitting huddled on the corner of their couch was MC, trying and failing to hide her crying. Saeyoung’s heart tugged painfully at his chest, ordering him to do something that would make her stop. Crossing the room cautiously to sit beside her, he placed one hand on her shoulder only for her to shrug it off forcefully. He tried twice more to the same result before getting fed up and half pulling, half lifting her onto his lap where he tucked her head on his shoulder and held her close. It was not an unfamiliar position for them, he often used it when he consoled her during her most difficult times, well practised and used, it was a comfort for both of them.

Only when her draws for breath became more consistent and her sobs diminished into nothing but mewls did Saeyoung push her back to look at her again. Nose red, eyes watery with her lashes sticking together at odd angles and her lips still slightly quivering- she was just so beautiful to him, he couldn’t think straight couldn’t act right around her. It was the perfect reminder for him that he couldn’t be with her, that she was better without him.

“Why are you crying MC?” he asked gently as if he were comforting a child, sliding his large hands over her hair, he tried his hardest not to notice how she followed his touch- like she wanted it.

Wiping at her eyes roughly she glowered at the man under her before hitting him hard with open palms. “Why are you leaving me?!” she demanded, still hitting him but with less power each time she landed a strike. “Where are you going?” she asked pathetically as he grabbed her by the wrists and outstretched her arms by her side so she couldn’t hit him anymore. Seeing that all the fight had left her he released her hands and watched as she placed them back onto his chest, her fingers twisting themselves into his shirt, her hands a welcome pressure against him. Bending his neck forward so he could place two quick pecks on her hands, he sat back to righted his glasses to look at her properly.

“I… to be honest MC I think you’re doing really well and that I’m just getting in the way of you truly moving on- I don’t want to stand in the way of your happiness-” he tried to explain only to feel the pressure of her hands against his chest strengthen, his shirt getting tighter from the stress of her grasp. “I just want you to be happy.”

MC sat forward until her forehead met his and closed her eyes, her fingers still wrapped up between them, her chest rising up and down in waves as she breathed in the soap on his skin and the mint from his toothpaste on his breath.

“I am happy Saeyoung,” she breathed, rubbing her forehead against his and loosening her fingers so open palms splayed across his chest, “I am happiest when you’re with me.”

His heart couldn’t take this, there wasn’t much of it left and if he gave it away to her and it turned out to be a mistake… he didn’t know what would be left of him. Opening her eyes so she was peering straight into his honeyed ones, she leant further in to barely touch her lips against his, like a prayer only they could speak.

Saeyoung’s eyes flashed open at the contact, his heart speeding around in its cavity, his lungs fit to burst from the air trapped inside.

It was all real. This wasn’t a dream. Or some sick fantasy he played on repeat in his head, she was in his arms, on his lap and she wanted to be there. With him.

“Please… please don’t leave Saeyoung. I promise from here on out that I’ll stop being inappropriate, that I’ll stop flirting with you and everything that you don’t want- I just needed to kiss you once…I’m sorry” she beseeched him, her hands clasping each other in an attempt to shield herself from him. “I promise whatever feelings I’ve shown towards you, I’ll get rid of them- I just- I can’t imagine anything without you” she admitted, her eyes down cast and the tips of her ears flourishing into a bright pink. “You’ve finally brought me back to who I was before all this, before Jumin, before the RFA, I know who I am around you and who I want to be and I can’t lose it again… and I can’t lose you.”

Saeyoung felt as if finally, someone up there was listening to him, as if finally one thing was going to go right in his life.

“Then promise me something MC,” he said as he pulled her face back up to his, waiting for her to affirm she was listening to him. “Promise me that you won’t hold anything back.”

From what he saw MC’s eyes lit up but he couldn’t confirm it as he was too busy closing his own before he tasted her lips.

MC answered him by meeting every move of his lips with her own, their mouths slowly fighting for dominance in a war they didn’t know they were fighting. The moment Saeyoung felt MC’s tongue lick the tips of his lips, begging for entrance he felt his consciousness slip from his body. Tightly fisting his hand in her hair until she let out a surprised moan, he slid his tongue along hers, finally tasting the sweetness of her mouth. She tasted like pancakes and berries and the slightest citrus from her juice. She was his favourite flavour now and he wouldn’t stop until he had sampled everything she offered. Running his mouth down the graceful column of her neck he nipped and suck his way down until he found a particularly beautiful patch of skin in the juncture between her neck and shoulder and bit down hard, causing MC to buck against him unexpectedly- eliciting yet another moan from her and a whimper from him.  

MC carefully took off his glasses and placed them down on the table behind them, never letting her eyes break away from his. Using both her hands she peeled away her shirt and threw it somewhere beside her and quickly did the same to his. He was in awe of how smooth and tempting every exposed inch of her was, from the velvety texture of her skin to the swell of her breasts; everything about this woman was meant to be touched. MC trailed over his skin like she was writing a map, memorising each freckle and scar across his body with her fingers, her soft hands gliding over him was both soothing and exhilarating.  Pulling her into another kiss as his deft hands made easy work of her bra; he revelled in the way her naked skin felt against his, the feel of her breasts pressed against his chest just so- so close he could feel her heartbeat beside his. Tracing his fingers down her back and across her stomach she flinched back suddenly as he happened upon the scar. For the first time MC exhibited embarrassment and shame and tried to cover herself up from his sight- something that hurt Saeyoung more than she could have known.

“Don’t hide from me MC, I’ve been here from the start and I’ll be here to the end- I want to be part of everything with you, every smile, every tear and every scar- I want all of you MC,” he confessed, his hands skimming over the marred flesh tenderly.

“I love you MC… I have always loved you” Saeyoung finally declared, his heart reclaiming a piece it didn’t know it still had. “I will always love you” he uttered as he placed an opened mouth kiss against the alcove above her heart.  MC ran her fingers through his hair and gently scraped her nails against his scalp sending tingles down his spine and straight to his groin, but Saeyoung stayed resilient and waited to hear if she would say the words back… if she could say the words back.

“I know you have. I know you do. I’m so sorry it took me so long to really see it, to understand what was happening inside me and what I wanted. All I know seeing you trying to leave me was all the wake up I needed- I don’t want to do this without you. I don’t want to be without you,” she whispered between peppering his face and neck with soft kisses and caresses of her hands. Saeyoung’s breathing had all but stopped, he was waiting, he was always waiting- 

“I love you too, Saeyoung.”

-No more.

More than five years of waiting, holding everything back, lying to himself.

No more.

Kissing between the valley of her breasts Saeyoung moved his head to the side to capture one orb in his mouth, swirling his tongue over her sensitive nipple causing her to throw her head back and unconsciously put a hand over her mouth to mask her gasp. Lightly grazing his teeth over the pebbled skin to garner her attention he tutted and waggled his index finger back and forth, “Tsk tsk my lovely MC- you promised not to hold anything back- I want to see and hear everything you can give me” he commanded, his voice lowering half an octave, exciting MC so much she swallowed reflexively and licked her lips at the sound. “I want everything.”

Pressing her thighs against him tighter with the crooks of his elbows, he skilfully spun them around so her back was against the cool material of the couch as he hovered above her, both of them grinning madly at each other as they both ripped at the clasps and buttons that fastened the last bits of their clothing to them. Marvelling openly at the sight of his woman bare underneath him was more than Saeyoung could take before he started exploring her with his hands and his mouth- every curve, every dip, every peak and every hidden place that made MC sing beneath him. Her pants and sighs were verses, her moans and her quaking flesh the refrain and the arching of her back and her breathlessness the coda of her song, just for him.

There, stark as the day they were born, one upon another- did Saeyoung thank God. Realigning his body above hers, softly nuzzling her nose with his until her eyes refocused and looked back up at him with such adoration in her eyes that the wind was knocked right out of him. Gathering himself, he pressed his lips against hers again and finally, as he slid inside her- did he know for certain, that wherever this woman was, he was home.  

Fixing his glasses as he sat cross legged on the beach he couldn’t help but smile at the picturesque view that played out before him. Pristine white sand and an ocean so clear you could see right to the bottom to the floor bed. A gorgeous sunset was painting the sky with the colours of romance and the weather was perfect for lovers to bask in. Lifting his camera he happened to spot a lovely couple laughing and playing down the shoreline- the woman was heavily pregnant from what he could see from the distance and trying her best to collect shells from the wet sand underfoot, her top heavy weight challenging her every time she tried to do so, earning the guffaws from what he assumed was her husband. He chuckled to himself as he took a few snaps of the happy couple as they frolicked, embraced and kissed on the beach, the father even stopping to bend down to explain the difference between shell shapes to the bump on the woman’s front.

Taking off his sunglasses to inspect the quality of the photos he had taken a frown quickly appeared on his handsome face. Zooming in closer and closer onto the faces of the couple on the beach, his mouth went dry and his mind turned to blank. Rummaging through his satchel he picked up his phone and pressed the first number on his speed dial, all the while keeping his eyes locked on the oblivious couple still enjoying their time together.

“V- It’s the middle of the night-”

“Jumin-“

“V… what’s wrong?”

“I… she… she’s alive…”

A profound silence stretched out between the two friends as Jumin’s mind fired with a thousand questions- one leading to another with no resolution in sight- until he finally came to his senses, “Are you… are you sure… I… Where? How?”

V shrugged and shook his head as if his friend could see his actions and understand that he was just as shocked and confused as he was, “Yes Jumin I would know her face anywhere- but Jumin… Jumin she’s not alone” he warned, trying to prepare his friend for more heartbreak. “She’s… she’s moved on”

Jumin gritted his teeth and practically snarled on the other line, “Who?”

V closed his eyes and sighed deeply knowing that answering this question was signing the man’s death warrant.

“It’s Saeyoung, Jumin. She’s with Saeyoung now.”

V could hear the ragged, uneven breathing and the muffled roars of fury on the other end of the phone and could only imagine what crazed look his friend had upon his face, what destruction lay on the other side of the world.

“Where V- Where are they?” he demanded, his rage palpable through the phone. V hesitated, wishing to God he had thought through his actions better before foolishly picking up his phone.

“Maybe you should just let them be Jumin- they look happy and-” he tried to dissuade him, to save his former friends as best he could…

“…Never.”

[juiceinpanties]

Just Business

Olivia Gable is the CEO of a major corporation, and she doesn’t have time for romance. Her tastes are…unusual…and discretion is paramount. When her best friend (and sometimes lover) Tara Knowles suggests she use an escort service, Olivia is hesitant at first.

She changes her mind.

Story rating: NC17 Chapter rating: NC17/E/whatever rating that means PORN Pairing: Dom!Juice/sub!Olivia escort!au Go to Part: 1 | 2

Part 3/?

Olivia did her best not to squirm, but it was a struggle. Her knees ached from crawling across the hard wooden floor. She had no idea how long she’d been waiting, but it felt like forever, and every second that passed just made her want him more. She wanted to know what his body looked like under that sexy suit. What his hands felt like when he touched her. What noises he made when he came.

She bit her lip and concentrated on keeping her posture straight. He would be upset if he walked in to find her slumped.

Finally he appeared in the doorway. He had lost his jacket and loosened his tie, and he was in the process of rolling up his shirt sleeves. He grabbed one of the room’s chairs and dragged it in front of the bed before he sat.

“Scoot to the edge of the bed. Panties off, feet on the floor, knees spread.”

She nodded and hurried to do as ordered. As soon as she was in position he smiled. “Very pretty. Are you wet for me, little cat?”

“Yes, Sir,” she said. “Practically dripping.”

“Only practically?” He shook his head. “We’ll have to do something about that. Did you bring the toys I asked for?”

“Of course, Sir. They’re in the top drawer, behind you.”

He strolled to the dresser like he had all the time in the world, like she wasn’t trembling and aching for one little touch. He opened the drawer and pondered the selection: a small vibrator, several silk scarves, a bottle of lube, and a thick purple dildo. He grabbed that and waved it at her.

“One of yours?”

“I bought it special, Sir. I’ve never…” She lowered her head, blushing. “I’ve never used something that big before.”

“Hmm.” He stepped closer and stroked a finger down her cheek. Lifted her chin so that she was looking up at him with wide green eyes. “But you like the idea, don’t you? The idea of being stuffed full of this big thing?”

Her eyes darted from the dildo in his hand to his face, and at last she nodded. “I’m not sure I could take all of it.”

“Maybe we should save this for next time then. Would you prefer that?”

She swallowed and dug her nails into her thighs. “No, Sir. I think—I think I’d like to try it.” She flicked her gaze up at him and smiled. “For you.”

“Good girl,” he said, stroking her cheek again. “Stay here.” He left the room for a few moments and returned with one of the dining room chairs; it was armless, and not as plush as the ones already in the room. He set it just in front of her and laid a towel on the seat. On top of that he placed the purple dildo.

It looked even bigger when he wasn’t holding it, and her eyes widened as her heartbeat kicked up a few notches. He opened the bottle of lube and slicked up the plastic. She loved watching him stroke the realistic-looking toy up and down, especially the way he rubbed his palm over the head. He seemed to sense that, and gave it a few more rubs than it really needed before flashing her a teasing smile.

“Come here,” he said and crooked a finger at her.

She walked toward him and stopped, waiting for his next instruction. For a long time neither of them moved; all the air seemed to have left the room, and she thought maybe he was going to forget the whole game and just throw her down right there for a good, hard fuck.

Part of her hoped he would.

But he shook himself, like waking from a dream, and the moment passed. Instead he slid a hand around her waist and pulled her close. His head dipped, and a moment later she felt his lips against her collarbone, just above the pearls.

“Had to taste you, sweet thing,” he murmured. “See if you’re as good as you look.”

“Am I?” she said.

He kissed her again, and this time his tongue brushed her skin. “Better,” he said.

“Sir—”

“Shhh.” His hand skated down to cup her ass, then slid between her thighs. She couldn’t hold back a gasp when he slid a fingertip along her slit. “More than practically dripping now,” he said with a smirk.

She shivered. “Sir, I need—” She broke off with a soft moan as he circled her throbbing clit, his touch gentle and excruciating.

“What do you need, kitten?”

His voice was low and husky, rougher than she’d heard it before, and coupled with what his fingers were doing, it made her ache. She leaned into his touch, her forehead dropping to rest against his shoulder, and she gripped his arm tight enough to leave half-moon impressions from her crimson nails.

“I know what you need,” he said. He kissed her temple. “You need something inside this sweet pussy. Something fat and hard. Don’t you?”

“Uh huh,” she said with a drugged nod. “I do! Please, Sir!”

“You want to fuck that big cock, little kitten?”

“Your big cock, Sir!”

He laughed and pulled his hand away. She let out a pained moan that earned her a little smack on the ass. “Behave, or you don’t get any at all. Now tell me which cock you want.”

She whimpered, but managed to nod toward the chair. “That one, Sir.”

“Mmhmm.” He led her to the chair and positioned her over it, one leg on either side of the seat. “That’s what I thought. Dirty girl like you just can’t get enough.”

She dipped her head in acknowledgment, and when she glanced up again he was unbuttoning his shirt. He pulled his tie over his head and stripped off the shirt. Next he stepped out of his shoes and unbuckled his belt.

Her legs trembled from the awkward position, but she just watched as he carefully and methodically stripped down to his black boxer briefs. He gathered his clothes and placed them neatly on the valet stand nearby, looping the tie and belt over the shirt’s shoulders. He folded the trousers perfectly at the crease and hung them straight. His shoes went underneath, his socks folded on top.

He strode back to the bed, the tight underwear emphasizing his thick thighs and molding itself to his erection. He smirked at the expression on her face; she was surprised she wasn’t drooling.

“Take off your bra. I want to see those gorgeous tits bounce as you fuck that huge cock.”

She unfastened it, wobbling a little but not losing her balance, and let the lace fall to the floor. Now she wore only the garter and stockings, her tall shoes, and of course the pearls.

“Good girl,” he said with a pleased grin. “Pinch your nipples for me. Like that, good. Harder, baby. Twist.”

A flush gathered on her cheeks and chest and the coals burning in her lower belly stoked higher and hotter. He nodded encouragement, watching avidly as she twisted and tugged on her swollen nipples. “So pretty,” he said. “They look sweet like fat little cherries. Maybe if you’re a very good girl I’ll suck on them for you.” At her expression he laughed. “Later.”

Settling onto the end of the bed, he gestured for her to continue. “Go slow, kitten. Nice and slow. No need to rush.”

She didn’t take her eyes off of him as she gripped the toy with one hand and slowly lowered herself onto it. The thick head eased its way in, and she swallowed a gasp. She could feel herself stretching around it, almost to the point of pain, but fuck it was so good and she wanted more.

He raised a hand. “Up,” he said.

She whimpered in protest, earning herself a displeased frown, and lifted her hips so that the head slid out with a pop.

“Nice and tight around that big thing.” He grinned and tugged his shorts down to free his cock.

Her eyes widened; suddenly she could barely remember how badly she’d wanted the toy inside her, because he was gorgeous: thick—though thankfully not as thick as the dildo—and rock hard, with a drop of pre-come decorating the tip like a little jewel. She licked her lips. “Sir—”

“Not yet, kitty cat. You fuck that toy first; then we’ll see about letting you have a taste of me.” He flicked his fingers. “Again. Take more of it this time.”

She couldn’t hold back her gasp: the head slid in more easily than before, and with it an inch or two of shaft. She rocked a little, moaning softly, and he waved again.

“Up.”

“Sir!” she whined.

“Do you want to stop?”

“No, Sir! Please, Sir!”

“Then up.”

She did as he said, raising her hips until it slid out, just like before. She felt empty, bereft, and she watched him slowly stroke his cock with big, pleading eyes.

“More,” he finally rasped. “As much of it as you can. Go slow, baby; don’t hurt yourself.”

Biting hard on her lip, Olivia slowly, slowly eased down onto the thick dildo. It did hurt, a little, but in the best way. She thought she could feel every vein and ripple in the realistically textured silicone, and with a long moan she lowered herself all the way down.

“What a good girl,” he said. “How does that feel?”

“Fuck—Sir, it’s—oh God!” She couldn’t speak, could barely think, could only feel.

Another of those knowing smirks. He leaned forward a little, squeezing his cock as he did, and nodded. “Fuck it, kitten. You know you want to. Don’t you?”

She gave a hungry, drunken nod and rocked her hips. It was so big; she needed time to adjust to it; but after a few moments she gripped the front edge of the seat and lifted a little to drop back down. “Fuck!” she cried.

“Just like that. My sweet, horny little kitty. Fuck that fat toy. Feels so fucking good, baby girl,” he crooned.

Soon she had a rhythm going, fast and sloppy. The dildo wasn’t too long, just thick, and she could feel every fat inch of it, filling and stretching and rubbing against her throbbing clit. “Sir!” she moaned. “Sir, it’s so good!”

“Slow down, dirty girl. Not time to come yet.”

She whimpered, but did as he said, moving slow and easy on the toy. It still bumped her clit, an agonizing tease. Her thighs were trembling and her tummy felt tight; she was so incredibly close, but she didn’t want to disobey.

He pushed himself off the bed, kicking his shorts away, and sauntered closer. His cock bobbed inches from her nose, and she looked up at him with a plea in her bright eyes.

“Is this what you want?” he said. He touched his finger to the tip, to collect some pre-come, and offered it to her. She licked it away with an eager little whine.

“Uh huh. One cock isn’t enough for my greedy kitty. You need two, don’t you?”

“Yes, Sir,” she whispered. “Please?”

Tangling one hand in her hair, he used his thumb to wipe away the tears that leaked down her cheeks. She hadn’t realized she’d been crying, but she wasn’t surprised: she was nearly overwhelmed by sensation, by need, by him, and she only wanted more.

“Say it again,” he said.

“Please, Sir? May I suck your cock for you, Sir?”

He groaned, surprising them both, but covered the momentary loss of control with another smirk. “Of course you can, baby.” He tipped her head back a little and her tongue darted out to flick the tip of his cock.

“No teasing,” he said. “You take this cock like you took that other one. Understand me?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“And no hands allowed, unless you need to signal me to stop. Then just pinch my thigh.”

“Yes, Sir. All green. Please?”

“Open your pretty mouth for me.”

She did, eagerly, and he rested his cock against her bottom lip for a moment. They watched each other, green eyes against warm brown, and with a smile he eased himself in.

She took him with a hungry moan, and he pushed deeper. Her hips moved against the dildo as she sucked him; he guided her head with the hand buried in her coppery hair. Soon he was fucking her mouth in the same rhythm she was fucking the toy, and as he pushed even deeper she felt tears on her cheeks again.

“Green?” he breathed.

She managed a nod, moaning around him, and he didn’t let up.

“Don’t you dare come, dirty little girl,” he said. “That toy doesn’t get to make you come. Only I do. Understand?”

Another nod, desperate and wanton, and she squeezed the edge of the chair so that the wood dug into her palms. She had never needed an orgasm so badly in her life, but the instinct to obey was stronger: she was good, she was good, she wouldn’t come.

She was His.

Suddenly he pulled out of her mouth, jerking her head back by the hair, and grasped his cock in his free hand. Two or three rough strokes and he was coming, spurting all over her neck and chest, hot come dripping down her tits and onto her thighs. She moaned, nearly losing it, but somehow she managed to hold back her orgasm.

“Fuck!” he panted. “Fuck, that—Christ, baby. Holy shit.” The muscles in his thighs and stomach jumped and danced, and she couldn’t resist licking a drop off sweat off the arm that held her.

She looked up at him, her swollen lips curved in a knowing smile. “Did I please you, Sir?”

He bent and kissed her for the first time, hot and hard and possessive, but softening before he pulled away. Gentle. Sweet. Her hands came up to squeeze his shoulders. Stroke his chest. He nipped at her lip and stood up, smiling the big, eye-crinkling grin that had so captivated her in his photos.

“Don’t move, sweetheart,” he said before he disappeared into the bathroom. She heard water running, and a few moments later he was back. He helped her stand on shaking legs and carefully cleaned his come off her chest with a warm cloth.

“Let’s lie down for a few minutes,” he said, his tone sweet and easy. “You can catch your breath and get ready for round two. How does that sound?”

He used a clean corner of the towel to wipe her face, and she nodded. “Perfect, Sir. I want more.”

“Of course you do.” He kissed her again. “Dirty girl.”

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4