#because a fall on my knee and ankle from december has been really hurting lately; so i was gonna get the workmans comp / help

[shiningstages]

Don't know if I said it out loud here or not, but idk how much writing I'll be able to get done in these next couple of weeks. I work 39.5 hours this week and next, with only my availability days off as my true "break time", but I usually spend those days with my dad (this Saturday I'm also going to a memorial thing.........yay). So I may just be drained of energy whenever I get home from work, soooo........See you guys when I can / my body and mind say I can!!!!!!

[jungwonenthusiast]

I’ll Take You to Heaven

pairing: dom! Jeno x fem! reader

genre: smut

warnings: protected sex, oral (female recieving), degradation, Jeno has a small pain kink

word count: 2.9 k

A/N: in this fic jeno kinda just dives into being a dom without a conversation with the reader if they are okay with the things he’s doing. i know for most this is a given but do not do this in real life!! please make sure your partner is consenting to being a sub and genuinely wants to do everything. sorry just felt like saying that :)

The place is a little bit dark and there’s only a few people.

“I’m nervous.” you say, following him close behind.

“Don’t be, it’ll just be us.” He gets into the square and looks at you. “I’m gonna teach you how to fight in case anyone other than me pushes you over at the skatepark.”

“Other than you?” you eye him.

“Yup.” He says while wrapping white tape around his hands.

“And why do you get special privileges?” you cross your arms.

He stops. “Because we’ve been friends since the beginning of time?”

You giggle. “That’s reasonable.”

He grabs your hands and pulls you to be standing in front of him. “Alright now hold your fists up, guard your face.”

You do as he says.

“Good,” he nods and holds his hands up, palms facing you. “give me a punch.”

“Like hard?” you ask nervously.

“As hard as you can.” he says.

You give him a solid punch. You’re not afraid of hurting him, you guys used to fist fight all the time.

“Come on, harder.” he says.

You try again.

“Harder.” he says firmly.

You hit him as hard as possible and his hand flies back.

“Atta-girl.” He smiles at you. That makes you tingle a bit. You can feel your cheeks get hot. “Now keep going.”

“Oh my god,” you exhale maybe half an hour later. “I’m tired.”

“But we’ve only gotten started.” He shakes your shoulder.

“I’m tireddd.” You whine.

“Come one darling I know you’ve got a few more hits in you.” he says. Darling? Jeno has always been charming, but never so upfront like this.

“I’m confident that I don’t.” You start to sit down.

He grabs your hands to pull you up and he nearly does but you let gravity drag you down.

“Come on get up.” He tugs at you again.

“Nope.” You shake you head.

“Come onnn.” He grabs your ribcage, ready to pick you up.

You squeal. “No no no.”

He stops. “Get up then.”

You don’t move.

“You’re asking for this.” he says before sweeping you off the ground. Jesus he’s strong.

“Hey!” you’re both in a giggling fit. “Let fucking go!”

“You’re the one with your legs wrapped around me.” He says and you freeze, embarrassed.

You unravel from him and he puts you down.

“You ready to go again?” he says.

“I told you I’m tired dude.” You groan and start to sit down again. He’s about to grab you when you roll away from him.

“You’re so lazy man.” he scoffs and plops down next to you.

“I know, I’m not ashamed.” you cross your arms over your chest and shut your eyes, the dim lights glow orange behind your eyelids.

You hear him moving next to you, then you feel something on your shoulder. Your eyes fly open to get a peek, and it’s him, laying down next to you with his forehead pressed against you.

“I missed you,” he pulls away to look at you, his face is alarmingly close to yours. “Why are you always so busy with school?”

“Because I actually want to be successful.” you joke and he rolls his eyes.

“Hey now,” he says. Wow he’s handsome. You always knew that he was cute, but in the last few years he got all tall, his voice dropped, and his figure got insane. Sometimes you catch yourself staring at him a little too long whenever he comes over to swim. “I don’t want to go home. Can I stay at your place?” He overlaps your ankle with his.

“Yeah,” you agree. “You wanna go now?”

“Sure,” he leaps to his feet and holds a hand out for you. “I didn’t really get to teach you much though.”

You adjust your shirt. “We used to fight all the time, I think I have enough practice from that.”

“You were pretty good.” he picks up his backpack. “I’ll never forgive you for shoving that clump of dirt in my mouth.”

“You deserved it alright.” You follow him to the car.

“I did not!” he argues.

“Telling your best friend’s crush that she likes him is a perfect reason to get a clump of dirt in the mouth.” You hop in and buckle your seatbelt.

“I’ll get you back one day.”

Jeno drives with one hand. The other is always out the window or on the gear shift. You secretly wish his free hand was on your thigh though, and you’ve been thinking that for a couple of years now.

He plops down onto your bed as you put your purse down.

“Why are your covers so soft.” you turn to find him cuddling your duvet.

You laugh and get on the bed next to him. “Let’s watch Shameless.” you grab the remote connected to your Apple TV.

“Fionaa,” he ogles.

“She could be your mom.” you remark, only a little jealous.

“I love me a good milf.” he says, making you laugh.

Your room is dark a little chilly. You’re under the covers now and getting nervous whenever you feel his leg against yours.

Get it together, why are you being weird? This is normal. But is it?

“I don’t get why she’s with him,” he sneers. “I’m so much hotter than Jimmy, don’t you think?” he turns to you.

“I’m not answering that.” you look away and he pokes your side. “Hey!’

“Come on, I’m hotter than him no?” he persists, grabbing at your side.

You slap his hand away. “I’ll kill you.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time.” he sits up and throws the blanket off of you. “I will tickle you.”

You get ready to run away but he grabs you before you get the chance. He throws you down, scratching lightly at your ribs and pinching your sides.

You try to be angry but you can’t help but laugh. “Stop stop stop!’ he doesn’t. “Truce!”

“I’m not stopping until you say I’m hotter than Jimmy!” he climbs onto of you, knees beside your hips. You’re laughing too hard to think about it though.

“Literally everyone is hotter than Jimmy!” You yelp. “Stop it now!”

“Not good enough!” He’s still going. You can feel your shirt starting to shimmy up.

“Fine, fine! You’re hotter than Jimmy!” You exhale when he stops.

“See how easy that was?” he smiles, still on top of you. His cheeky smile fades though, and soon you’re both sitting there in silence. Your shirt is hiked up high enough to see the bottom of your bra.

You’re trying to think of something to say when he leans down and kisses you. A long, soft kiss. His hands are warm on either side of your face.

You’re too shocked to move.

He pulls away quickly. “Shit, sorry. I-” he stops. “Sorry.

He’s about to get off when you grab him and crash your lips against his. He catches himself and melts into the kiss, his hand finding your bare waist.

You pull away from him, breathing embarrassing heavily.

“I’ve wanted this for so long.” he says softly.

You frown. “You’re so corny.”

He rolls his eyes. “You really have to ruin every moment huh?”

“This isn’t a moment,” you argue.

He cocks and eyebrow. “You sure? I’m on top of you and you’re half-naked.”

You tug your shirt back down. “I am not.” He pouts. “See, you just lost torso privileges.”

He groans. “So bossy.” then dips back down to kiss you.

You’ve made out with people before, but with him it just feels so different. Maybe it’s because you’ve wanted it for so long. He smells like Prada and his lips are like velvet.

He kisses hungrily. To be honest, most boys do, but it doesn’t feel like he’s starving, it feels like he’s savoring you.

He pulls away and goes for your neck, kissing you like you’re made of glass.

You slither your fingers underneath his hoodie. “Take it off.” you say and he complies, throwing the garment on your bedroom floor.

You flip him over onto his back, desperate to get a taste of his skin.

You trace every bone and every muscle on his stomach and place tender kisses everywhere you can reach.

He pulls you up, wanting another taste of your mouth. He grips your hips tight and pushes you down onto his hard on, earning a small gasp from you.

You can feel yourself getting worked up, that fire inside of you burning brighter than ever.

You grind down on him and he groans into your mouth.

“Fuck.” he whispers and wraps an arm around your waist and lays you on your back. He pushes your shirt up and plants kisses from your neck all the way to the band of your pants. He looks at you, asking for permission and you nod. He tugs your pants off and throws them to the side. Your knees fall together, trying to cover up.

“Hey.” he chuckles at you. “None of that.”

“I’m shy.” you whine.

He rolls his eyes. “Since when have you been shy?” He spreads your legs open and settles between your thighs.

He kisses the tender skin of your hips and inner thighs. Your heart is thumping in anticipation. His thumb skims over your clothed core and you shiver. He leans down again and you’re ready to feel something but all you get is a kiss on the edge of your underwear. You whine.

“What’s wrong?” he looks up at you.

You roll your eyes at him.

“You’re gonna have to tell me.” he comes up to kiss your neck. “Or I’m just gonna stay here,” he kisses your thigh “and kiss you until you’re begging for me.”

“When did you start to think it’s okay to tease me.” you huff at him.

He bites lightly at your soft skin and you flinch. “Come on,”

You want him so bad it nearly burns, but your ego is getting in the way.

“I know you need this,” he licks a stripe up your thigh, “you’ve been so stressed about school lately. I bet you haven’t gotten off in months.”

Your knees knock back together and he bumps them open. “Come on, when’s the last time you hooked up with someone?”

“Maybe-” you start.

“The last time where someone actually made you finish.” he cuts you off.

That makes you laugh. “December I think?”

His fingers are trailing up and down your clothed core. “That’s way too long ago, don’t you think?”

“Yeah,” you exhale, trying your best to control your breathing. “So do something about it.”

“Only if you ask nicely.” he says.

You swallow your pride with a big gulp. “Please?”

He smirks. “Say it again.”

“Please?” you squirm.

“Please what?” he tugs at your underwear.

“Please… please eat me out.” you say softly and you see him smile.

“Your wish is my command.” he throws your leg over his shoulder and pulls your underwear to the side, like a fucking professional.

He gives you one long, gentle lick and you feel your body relax.

He kisses your thigh again before diving in and running his tongue over your clit in delicious circles. You tug at his hair and you let out a loud whine. You feel him moan against you and you let go of your grip.

“No, no, keep doing that,” he says and you give him a questioning look. “I like it.” he shines you a smile.

He goes back to tasting you and he’s so damn good at it that your eyes roll back. You haven’t felt this good in so long.

He runs his tongue over your clit over and over in waves and soon your legs are starting to tremble.

“Fuck,” you whisper and he smiles. Your thighs start to close but he pushes them up, keeping you spread and pretty for him.

You start to roll your hips onto his tongue and he moans.

You’re so, so close to seeing those stars behind your eyelids when he pulls away.

“The fuck was that for?” you complain and he laughs.

“Why? Were you about to cum?” he snickers. “Do I make you feel that good?”

“Yes,” you admit, “please keep going.”

He raises an eyebrow.

“Please? Please I need it.” you beg and you watch his eyes change from teasing to deviant. He smiles and leans back down.

He’s sucking your clit when he slides one finger nice and slow into you. You gasp a little when he pushes up.

“So fucking wet.” he whispers and pushes in another.

He curls his fingers and you whine out loud.

“Fuck yes.” you say.

He turns to look at the mirror next to your bed. “Look at yourself.” he says.

“What?” you ask.

“You heard me,” he says, still pumping his fingers into you. “Look at yourself, I want you to see how good I make you feel.”

You almost cum just from hearing him say that. Since when was he likes this. This Jeno is so different from the Jeno you usually know, but this alter ego makes everything so much hotter.

You obey and look at yourself. Spread open and eager for him, taking his fingers as you should.

“Feel nice?” he comes up to give you a kiss, you can taste your juices on him, syrupy and cloying.

You nod and look into his eyes, he slaps your cheek lightly. “Keep your eyes on the mirror.” You listen and he starts to drive his fingers into you harder.

“Fuck!” you grab his wrist. “Don’t stop.”

He leans down again to get another taste of you when you start to shake.

You watch your face contort from all the pleasure when finally, you’re shot into the clouds and you’re touching the fucking moon.

Jeno kisses you again. You crave him so bad, you want him inside of you and not just because you know it’ll feel damn good, but because you want to be connected.

“Fuck me now.” you say softly.

“Really?” he asks, smiling. So bipolar. “Do you have a condom?”

You roll your eyes and reach over to your nightstand to dig through the drawer for a condom.

He tugs his sweats down and strokes his length before rolling the condom on.

He’s hard as a fucking rock and you point it out.

“I can’t help it. Nearly everything you do makes me hard, how do you expect me to react when you’re cumming on my face.” he says while gliding the tip over your pussy.

You hiss. “That feels good.”

“Yeah?” he kisses your neck. “How bad do you want me to fuck you?”

“Really really bad.” You look at him pathetically. “Please fuck me,” you say. “I want you to fill me up.”

He shakes his head and chuckles. “What a good slut. You were a brat for bit but look at you, already learning to be good for me.”

Your body is still zinging from the last orgasm and you nearly cry out when he pushes into you.

“Fuck,” he growls. He’s big, just the perfect amount of big to hit your g spot with every thrust.

“You feel so good.” you whine.

“I bet I do.” he says while fucking you agonizingly slow.

“Faster.” you plead.

“Only because you’ve been good.” he starts to pick up the pace and you grab at his back, digging your nails into the ridges of muscle.

He groans and bites softly at your neck.

How does this feel so fucking good? You think to yourself as the tip of his cock brushes against your spot.

He kisses your collarbone before pounding you, holding the headboard above you for leverage.

You curse loudly and hold onto him as tight as you can.

“Touch yourself.” he tells you and you do as you're told right away.

His cock fucking you deep and your fingers on your clit make your eyes roll back for the hundredth time of the night.

“Do you wanna cum?” he asks.

You nod, desperate for release. “Yes, please.”

“Good girl.” he smiles. “Go on then, cum on this cock.”

His words finally send you over the edge. You have to remind yourself to come back to Earth as you're floating in space.

“Fuck.” he groans into your neck. He takes his hand through his hair and kisses you. “You’re so pretty.”

You blush, then blush even more because you’re blushing just because he called you pretty after fucking you like a pornstar.

He slumps down next to you then pulls your body close to his so that you’re face to face.

“Was I okay?” he asks. “Are you okay? I’m sorry I was so rough.”

You giggle. “No it’s okay, I liked it. Is your back okay?”

He turns his head to try to get a look. “I don’t know,” he flips around to show you. “how does it look?”

Your eyes widen. “Holy shit.” You touch the streaks of red going from his shoulder blades to his lower back. “I’m so sorry.”

“Is it bad?” he laughs. “Take a picture, I wanna see.”

You reach at your nightstand for your phone and snap a picture.

“Don’t kill me.” you wince as you hand him your phone.

He takes it and laughs. “Holy fuck. Guess I was dicking you down good.” he smirks at you and you punch his arm. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding.”

“Sorry, I didn’t think I was doing it that hard.” you say, a little embarrassed.

“Nah, I think it’s hot. I can’t wait to show Jaemin.”

You punch him again. “Don’t you dare. He’s gonna think I’m a fucking psycho!”

[ppangjae]

made to fall in love | nine

SERIES MASTERLIST

prev | nine | next

SUMMARY. Seoul’s finest 30 under 30. The country’s youngest billionaire. 2019′s richest bachelor. But of all the women he could go after, he goes after… her?

GENRE. fluff and angst | ceo!jaehyun | nerd!reader | enemies to lovers!au | long lost friend!au

WORD COUNT. 2k+ words

warnings. tooth-rotting fluff, swearing, and tons of bickering!

author’s note. we just reached 1000 followers today! thank you so much for 1000! i hope you enjoy this update! happy reading!

NINE. lovestruck • i don’t know what to do whenever i look at you

Two months later…

“I’m sure you’re all aware that the year-end party is near, which is why I called you all here for a meeting.”

You feel a light kick to the ankle from underneath the table. You quirk an eyebrow, your eyes darting across the room to meet Johnny’s gaze. He wiggles his eyebrows at you and a scoff threatens to escape your lips. Standing at the front of the meeting room is Jaehyun, who’s holding a quick presentation about the company’s year-end celebration.

“For the new interns and employees, our year-end celebration is just a formal gathering where we celebrate this year’s achievements and to look forward to the new year ahead of us.” Jaehyun explains as he switches to the PowerPoint slide of the venue. “It’s planned to happen in three weeks, specifically on the twenty-eight of December. I’m sure you all have families to celebrate New Year’s with, and thus, we were strict on having the celebration before that.”

You’ve heard of the year-end celebrations. Long time employees say that the celebration screams money and luxury. The sponsors of the celebration are endless, from Dior to Chanel. It’s all because of the CEO himself, Jeong Jaehyun. But other long time employees say that Jaehyun only sticks around at the celebration until his speech. Right after his speech, Jaehyun is nowhere to be found. They always assume that he’s back in the comfort of his office, working his ass off.

It makes you feel bad for him.

But at the same time, you don’t feel bad. Not a single bit.

“The dress code is formal, as usual.” He explains. “But the theme colour is red and black, just to make things more pleasing to the eye.”

“Red?” You mutter underneath your breath.

Jaehyun turns to glance at you. “Did you say something, Y/N?”

You look up, meeting his gaze. You shake your head. “I didn’t say anything, sir.”

He tilts his head in confusion. “I must be hearing things.”

Johnny lets out a cough. “Clearly.”

“Anyways, that’s pretty much it for this meeting.” Jaehyun finishes off. “Thank you all for coming. It’s getting pretty late. Actually, on your way out, please make sure you note that you were asked to stay overtime because of me. I don’t want human resources coming for my ass.”

The employees erupt into giggles and whispers. You’re beginning to pack your things. Johnny is too busy sending a text on his phone. Jaehyun clears his throat. “You may leave now.”

As they’re all scurrying to leave the room, you hear your name being called when you’re slowly getting up from your seat. You glance at Jaehyun, who’s turning off his laptop. “Yes, sir?”

“I’ll bring the car to the front. You can just wait for me there.”

You raise an eyebrow. “But I’m taking the bus—”

“Y/N, I’ve been driving you home for two months now. Driving you home today isn’t any different from driving you home last night.” He cuts you off.

“Actually, there is one difference.” 

He looks at you. “And now what would that be?”

“It’s been two months since we last saw Jia and heard of her. I’m sure she’s already minding her own business. I think it’s safe to say that I’m ready to be on my own now. I don’t think I’m at risk.” You explain, throwing your bag over your shoulder. “Even the press and paparazzi are tired of chasing her down. I think I’ll be okay with taking the bus from now on.”

“How are you so sure that you’ll be safe?” He questions.

“I am a strong, independent woman. I can take care of myself—”

“Have you eaten dinner yet?”

You point at him. “Now that, I haven’t. Besides, I can grab dinner on my way home—”

“Or you can grab dinner with me.” He shrugs his shoulders. “I’ll drive you home too.”

“I don’t want to bother you—”

“You don’t want to join me for dinner? You don’t want another free ride home?” He frowns. “You must hate me or something, don’t you—”

“I don’t hate you—”

“Then grab dinner with me. It won’t hurt. Besides, if you hate me so much, we don’t even have to talk while having dinner together.” He reassures you. “In fact, we can sit at different tables. But I’ll still pay for your meal.”

“Since you’re so persistent on letting me grab dinner with you, then fine.” You let out a defeated sigh. “I’ll wait for you at the front of the building, sir.”

You surely hate him.

He pulls up at a five-star restaurant that claims to have the most expensive menu in the city. It was your suggestion. But as he gets out of the car, he’s slowly starting to regret trying to impress you. You hop out of the car with a smug grin spread across your lips. 

“You must be really hungry, huh?” He mutters underneath his breath.

“I’m starving.” You grin, making your way into the restaurant.

Just as Jaehyun is following you into the restaurant, there’s something that catches his eye. He glances at you to make sure you didn’t notice the sign put up in front of the restaurant. 

“For how many?”

Jaehyun clears his throat. “For two, please.”

As the waitress is bringing the two of you to your seats, you can’t help but break out into a wide smile. You love pushing Jaehyun’s buttons. He was so persistent in taking you out for dinner just to give you a ride home. Since he said so, you decided that going to a five-star restaurant is the best bet. You can’t seem to erase the look of disbelief on Jaehyun’s face the moment you both arrived.

As you’re both looking through the menu, Jaehyun can tell that you’re probably looking for the most expensive dish on the menu. He feels himself start to sweat. 

“What can I get for the lovely couple?”

You almost choke on air. “Sorry, we’re not—”

“I’ll have the lamb steak,” Jaehyun cuts you off. “Could I also get two glasses of red wine for the both of us?”

“One lamb steak and two glasses of red wine,” the waitress says as she jots down the order.

Jaehyun nods his head at you. “What are you getting?”

You snap out of it and close the menu. “I’ll have what he’s having as well.”

The waitress is staring at the both of you with an amused look while grabbing both of your menus. Jaehyun folds his arms, picking up his glass of water to take a quick sip. You clear your throat, looking out the window to distract yourself.

“Is there a reason why you hate me so much?”

You scoff. “I don’t hate you—”

“You sure do.”

“I don’t—”

“You do.” He looks at you seriously. “You’re a bad liar.”

“In my defense, you’re a bad liar too.” You shrug your shoulders. “Or should I say, a bad actor.”

“Look—”

“But it’s fine. We can play pretend for as long as you want.” You cut him off. “Since you’re pretending as if you don’t know me, then I’ll do the same. This shouldn’t be a one-way thing, don’t you think so?”

He avoids your gaze. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

You smile. It doesn’t reach your ears. “Clearly.”

A couple of minutes later, the waitress arrives with your food. Jaehyun can’t help but watch you eat. You weren’t lying when you said you were starving. You’re practically inhaling the food. He finds himself smiling. 

“Stop staring at me.”

“I’m not staring—”

You look at him. “You are. Stop staring. It’s making me uncomfortable. I want to eat in peace.”

He smirks. “And you said that you were going to grab dinner on your way home.”

“And so?” You raise an eyebrow. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be eating at a five-star restaurant with the CEO of Jung Architects. It’s not an opportunity you should pass up.”

“Do you feel like you achieved something out of this?” He asks.

You nod your head. “Yes.”

“And what would that be?”

“A free dinner.” You shrug your shoulders. “Oh! A free ride home, too.”

“Would you like me to remind you how you were completely against the idea of having dinner with me and allowing me to drive you home?” He tests you.

You grab your glass of wine to take a small sip. You bite your lip. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, sir. I suddenly don’t remember anything.”

“Well, I hope you’re ready for my revenge.”

You look at him questioningly. “Revenge?”

“Sir, what are you doing?”

At the end of your dinner, Jaehyun gets up from his seat to bend down on one knee. He’s pulling out a fake diamond ring from his pocket and extending it out to you. You’re looking at him bewilderedly, trying to pull him back onto his feet.

“Y/N, I know we’ve been together for six years. Those six years have been the happiest years of my life and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.” He has a shit-eating grin spread across his lips. “Will you marry me, Y/N?”

The couples and families sitting near you are getting all of it on their phones. You can’t help but feel embarrassed. Is this the revenge he was talking about? 

“Sir, we aren’t dating. What are you doing?”

He lets out a fake cough. “Just say yes.”

“What? Why would I do that? What are you doing?” You hiss.

“I forgot my wallet at the office and I saw a sign outside saying that newly-engaged couples get their dinner for free.” He says in one breath. 

“What? I didn’t catch a single word you just said.” 

“Just say yes.”

You look around to see the waitress walking to your table with the bill in her hands. Your eyes slightly widen and you cover your fake gasp with your hands. The waitress stops in her tracks when she sees Jaehyun proposing to you. 

“Yes!” You exclaim. “I’ll marry you!”

The waitress finally reaches your table when Jaehyun pulls you into a hug. You’re patting his back a bit too aggressively. You lean into his ear to whisper. “I’m going to kill you for this, sir.”

“Congratulations to the newly-engaged couple!” The waitress exclaims and everyone seated around you starts clapping. The waitress turns to Jaehyun when you both pull away from your hug. “Luckily for you, we have a promotion going on where newly-engaged couples have their dinner on us. I don’t think you’ll need the bill, sir. Your dinner is free.”

“Oh!” Jaehyun smiles. “That’s perfect! Thank you so much!”

“Congratulations.”

You’re too embarrassed to utter a word. As you and Jaehyun are leaving the restaurant, he stretches out his arms and lets out a sigh. You look at him with a death glare. He feels intimidated by your stare.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You owe me an explanation.”

He lets out a nervous laugh. “I don’t think I do. Hey, do you want to go grab some ice cream before I drive you home?”

You fold your arms. “I thought you left your wallet in your office—”

You stop mid-sentence when he pulls out his wallet from his pocket. He’s waving it in your face before bursting out into laughter. “My wallet? What kind of CEO would leave his wallet in his office? What do you take me for, Y/N?”

Is he really the CEO of Jung Architects?

BREAKING NEWS: Jeong Jaehyun of Jung Architects recently seen proposing to what sources say, a woman he’s dated for six years, at a five-star restaurant

“When’s their year-end party, again?”

Jia shoves a handful of chips into her mouth. “The twenty-eighth of December.”

“I think that’s enough time for everything to pull through perfectly as planned.” Wooyoung says before letting out a scoff. “And since when did he have the time to date?”

Jia shrugs her shoulders. “I wouldn’t have been surprised if the press suddenly revealed that he was married this entire time.”

“Are you disappointed that the woman’s not you?”

Jia sighs.

“Just a little.”

author’s note. i hope you liked this update! we’re almost reaching the second interlude! jkfhsdkjfhdsf

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[wild3flow3r]

Holidays 2023

December 21st, 2023

When Lorelai and Harry spoke about their Christmas trip to Hawaii this holiday season, most of their relatives started off jealous that they would be able to celebrate in warmer weather. But then each time they would see the jealousy fade as they realized the couple was going to put themselves through it by bringing a seven month old baby along for those long flight times. Including the layover in Los Angeles, the trip would take well over twenty hours, and they’d have to do it twice in a matter of two weeks.

Yes, when they got off the plane in Hawaii, the parents were well exhausted while their son, Wyatt, looked like he was prepared to keep them awake for as long as possible. But the joke didn’t feel like it was on them, because they were still in Hawaii, were going to spend the next two weeks together as a small happy family on the beaches while their families had to suffer through the miserable cold. Oh no, they won big time.

“This is it,” Harry mumbles with half lidded eyes. He’s carrying most of their luggage on his back and rolling three suitcases around them. He dips the hotel key card into the slot on the door and opens it after the beep. He gestures Lorelai to head in before him with a sleepy smile.

Lorelai carries one of their carry on bags on her shoulder and Wyatt against her chest. The baby’s taken to pulling her hair lately and currently he has a huge chunk of her hair grasped in his little fingers. She steps into the room first and flicks the lights on. The first room was a living room, equipped with a sofa, chairs, a coffee table, a television, and a fireplace. A balcony was attached to this room with a small sitting area so they could look over the beach in front of the hotel. They walk into the bedroom, which was filled with a king-sized bed, a baby crib as per requested, a closet, dresser, the typical hotel room things.

Harry pushes their suitcases to the side for now until they can find the energy to unpack later. He sticks his arms out towards Lorelai after she tries, and fails miserably, to hide another painful gasp. “Come on bugger, come to daddy. Mumma likes her hair on her head.”

Wyatt only lets go of the hair after a little coaxing, and then joyfully falls into his father’s arms. Lorelai collapses on their bed with a soft thud. She lets her eyes shut momentarily, feeling the bed dip under Harry’s weight right next to her. She opens her eyes to him bouncing Wyatt on his knee, the baby falling into a fit of giggles at the bumping motion.

“He needs to be fed, and then a bath,” Harry murmurs while brushing back that boys short curls. “You sleep, I’ll take care of him.”

Lorelai starts to sit up, ready to refuse, but Harry places a hand on her thigh.

“It’s okay. You entertained him for most of the plane ride, I can take over for now.”

“I’ll just take a quick nap,” she relents.

But a quick nap turned into nearly four hours. She honestly would have slept longer, would have never woken up, if the last time she’d eaten was on the plane, and even that she barely touched what the flight attendants had given her. She rubs her hand over her face, slightly miffed that Harry never bothered to wake her so he could take time for himself to rest, but as she padded into the living room any negative feelings she had melted away.

Harry sat on the sofa shirtless, his nose stuck in a book he had  tried reading on the plane, but thanks to Wyatt, never had a moment to open it. He peeked up over the pages when he heard the door open, and his mouth twitched up in the smallest smile at the sight of his wife. Wyatt laid on a small rug not far from Harry on his stomach, playing with a few of his toys that were set in front of him. Both of his parents know he’s going to be a menace as soon as he learns how to crawl, and although he hasn’t succeeded to do so yet, he tries to every day. He screams in delight at the sight of his mother and shakes a chubby fist at her before focusing back on his rattle.

Lorelai sits next to Harry, stretching her legs out on the couch so that her toes poke against his thigh. He grabs one of her ankles and squeezes, going back to reading his book.

“I’ve ordered room service. It should be here soon.”

“You’re a true gift from God, Harry Styles.”

He smirks, but says nothing more. His thumb and forefinger begin to knead into her ankle. Lorelai sighs in content, leaning further back into the couch. Even before all of the traveling, they really needed this vacation. They haven’t been on one since their honeymoon two years ago, and ever since the two of them have been working non-stop. First with their respective jobs, and then Lorelai got pregnant so they put all of their energy towards that, and then even more energy towards Wyatt once he was born. They had meant to wait until the summer to travel somewhere, when Wyatt was over a year old, but they had been wearing themselves too thin.

The only reason they were here now was because Harry demanded they do it. The couple had started snapping at one another more often than they used to before. But unlike before when it would end at snapping and the two would makeup, heated arguments would start instead. With all of the stress from their jobs and keeping Wyatt happy and healthy, they forgot to take a second for themselves, for each other. Harry sprung the idea of Hawaii out of nowhere, at least for Lorelai, because he’d already booked the plane tickets and hotel when he told her. At first Lorelai tried to refuse, she was even a little annoyed with him, that is until he gave his reasoning.

“We’re going to fall apart if we don’t go. And I don’t mean that in any funny sort of way like an exaggeration that our bodies are going to give up on us. I mean our relationship. I have no idea what projects you’re doing at work anymore, you don’t know that I’m thinking of opening another office for my firm somewhere else in London. We need to regroup somewhere not here, because I can’t lose you Lorelai. Not now, not ever, and you can throw a fit all the way to the beaches, because you and Wyatt are coming and that’s final.”

His bottom lip had wobbled, his eyes red from frustrated unshed tears. Lorelai hugged him then and started crying herself against his chest. They talked that night, talked about anything and everything. It’d been the most they talked to each other in months about something other than Wyatt.

Lorelai’s eyes were drooping again by the time the food arrived. Harry went to answer the door and Lorelai picked Wyatt up so he didn’t get in the way. He, of course, grasps onto her hair.

“I should cut it again,” Lorelai mutters while Wyatt plays around, acting like he’s going to tug and then doesn’t.

Harry tips the service and shuts the door. He looks over them with fondness. “You’d have to go bald then. He’ll like the challenge of shorter hair.”

Lorelai huffs, agreeing. When Wyatt lets go of her hair, distracted by his father’s tickling fingers, Lorelai ties it back and out of reach. She wraps her arms around Wyatt and pulls him closer to her chest. “Let me nurse him and put him down to sleep, and then I’ll be ready to eat.”

Harry nods and moves around to get the meals ready. Wyatt latches on Lorelai’s chest, and she massages the back of his head with soft fingers. He falls asleep within no time, and when Lorelai deems he’s had enough milk, she carefully moves him to the other room and into his crib. She shuts the door halfway as she leaves him. Harry had the food set up on a small table now. Lorelai sits next to him.

“We’ve got that couples spa thing that you wanted booked for tomorrow. The hotel reassured me again that their hotel daycare is the best around.” Harry murmurs before he starts eating.

“Are you still going to be taking those surfing lessons?”

“The day after next,” he confirms. “You can still join me if you’d like.”

Lorelai snorts and shakes her head. “It’ll be more fun on the beach with Wyatt watching you fall over.”

Harry pouts. “What do you mean. I’m a pro.”

“Not if you’re getting lessons babe.”

“They’re just to remind myself how to do it properly. I used to surf a lot on family vacations when I was younger.”

“Yeah, when you were fifteen and didn’t have any back problems.”

Harry shifts in his seat, as if just the mention of it caused a flare up of pain. “Oi, just shut it and eat your food.”

Lorelai grins, trying and failing terribly to hold back a laugh. They eat in a comfortable silence for the rest of the meal, taking their time scanning over each other and then the view from their balcony, and then back to each other. Harry’s left hand is holding onto Lorelai’s right one over the table, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. He nudges his foot against hers and she nudges his right back.

“It’s been a while,” Lorelai mumbles, not outright saying what it is, but knowing full well that Harry will understand what she is talking about.

“Have we at all since Wyatt was born?” His eyes look up, trying to calculate how much time has passed since they last had sex.

“We’ve done little things, but nothing much since I was pregnant. My whole body hurt for weeks after the birth, and we’ve been too tired to even think about it.”

“I’ll plan something special then,” Harry says, lifting her hand to kiss the back of her hand.

Lorelai rolls her eyes playfully. “It doesn’t have to be anything special.”

“For you, I want everything to be special.”

Lorelai grins and eventually nods. They finish eating and Harry stands to put the dishes outside of the door to be picked up. Lorelai moves back to the couch and picks up Harry’s book. It’s one she’s read before and bothered Harry for weeks to read himself so they could talk about it. She scans over the page, and nearly turns to the next one before it’s plucked out of her hand.

“Hey,” Lorelai pouts, looking up at Harry.

“You’re gonna lose my spot,” he fake moans. He sits next to her and wraps an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.

Lorelai places her hand against his bare chest and thrums her fingers against the skin. She nuzzles her head against the crook where his arm meets his shoulder. Harry leaned his cheek against the top of her head and holds the book open.

“You’re at a good part,” she whispers.

“Shhh, don’t spoil it.”

“I would never.”

Lorelai looks up so she’s watching him. His eyes flick down to hers momentarily before back to the book. He’s smiling. “You’re distracting me.”

“Well I want to see your reaction.”

Harry lets out an amused breath. She watches as he mouths the words silently to himself and his eyes flick over the page. She kisses his chest once and goes back to reading with him when she hears him turn the page. They stay like this for a while, Lorelai reading the pages faster than Harry and then turns to see how he reacts. When Harry finishes the chapter he realizes Lorelai’s soft breathing and that at some point she had fallen asleep.

He presses her nose against her hairline. “I love you,” he mumbled. He sets the book aside and then carried her off to bed.

December 25th, 2023

“Merry Christmas, baby.” Lorelai picks Wyatt up and out of his crib, talking in a hushed tone to make sure she doesn’t wake Harry up yet. Wyatt grabs onto Lorelai’s teapot charm necklace and stares at her with wide green eyes. “Let’s wake up daddy, and then we can see what presents Santa brought you, yeah?”

Lorelai maneuvers them so she’s kneeling on the bed beside Harry. He’s lying on his stomach, his head facing them, and his breathing slow. Wyatt had decided he wanted to stay up and see Santa Claus arrive himself,  at least that’s what the two of them joke to each other. Either way, Harry was on night duty, and Wyatt kept Harry awake until the early hours of the morning. Now the baby was well rested, and Harry probably felt like he’s only been asleep for only five minutes. Lorelai knows the feeling well.

She places the chubby baby on the back of Harry’s neck. Wyatt practically screams with glee and loses his hands in his father’s curls. “Da!” He squeals, something that made Lorelai only a teensy bit jealous. Wyatt only knew two words so far, Da and Waf, as in Waffle for their dog.

Harry groans momentarily and slowly blinks his eyes open. At first he can only see the red and green stripes of Wyatt’s pajama bottoms, but as the baby kicks his legs Harry can spot Lorelai’s amused grin in the background.

“Da. Da. Da. Da. Da.” Wyatt repeats over and over again, wriggling around so he’s practically jumping on Harry’s head.

“Hey mate,” Harry mumbled, holding onto his son’s legs so he doesn’t tip over. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” Lorelai replies, scratching a hand over Harry’s back. Harry hums in delight.

“Think it’s time to open presents, hm?”

Lorelai picks Wyatt back up, but immediately he wants back to his father. Harry holds him upright before twirling the both of them around the room. Wyatt laughs and hits his father’s bare chest.

Harry had ordered a small, pre decorated tree from the hotel services the day before. Now, it was filled with presents underneath that the parents had set up the night before. Wyatt marvels at the shiny wrapping paper. It’s a slow morning and they take their time letting Wyatt open his presents and inspect them. He’s pretty pleased with all of them, but he loved playing with the wrapping paper even more. Eventually, they started getting ready for the day.

By the time Lorelai emerged from the shower, Harry had himself and Wyatt ready. They were in the living area, Harry kneeling behind Wyatt and holding him so he could play with his new blocks. They were in the new shirts Lorelai had picked out for them a few weeks ago. It was a shirt Harry would never pick for himself, usually preferring simple shades to wear, but Lorelai demanded he wear some ‘tropical’ clothing for their trip.He was donning a yellow button up she bought with a black undershirt underneath.

“Remember what we’ve been practicing, hm?” Harry says to Wyatt, unaware to Lorelai’s presence.

“And what have you been practicing?”

Harry jumps and his eyes flick to Lorelai’s immediately. “Oh, nothing.”

Lorelai raises an eyebrow. “Nothing?”

“Nope.”

“You sure?”

“Yes I’m sure.” He stands and picks Wyatt up. “Come on now Skipper, let’s get to the beach.”

Lorelai eyes him suspiciously but follows Harry out of the room with their towel bag over her shoulder. On the elevator, she starts spreading the sun cream on Wyatt’s skin, much to his dismay. After another wriggle and more missed skin, Lorelai sighs.

“Look Wyatt. Daddy’s getting it too,” Lorelai hums.

“Wha-”

Lorelai presses the sun cream against Harry’s cheek. Wyatt burst out in giggles at his father’s shocked face. While distracted, Lorelai was able to finish rubbing all of it into the baby’s skin. Then she rubs in the white streak on Harry’s cheek. Harry playfully glares at her, but says nothing.

The beaches here are beautiful. The one they’ve been going to has been pretty exclusive to the hotel guests only. They set up in the spot they’ve claimed at their own over the last few days. They take out their towels and settle down onto them. Lorelai holds Wyatt while Harry sets up their beach umbrella. He strips out of his shirt and then he takes out the first pair of sunglasses he sees, Lorelai’s, and puts them on. And then he hands Wyatt a shovel and a small pail. He didn’t really know how to use it yet, but he enjoyed knocking over whatever towers Harry was successful in making.

“I’d say today’s been a hit so far,” Harry starts after a while of comfortable silence. He builds another castle for Wyatt to knock down.

“I would agree,” Lorelai hums and pushes some of the curls out of the baby’s face.

Harry leans over and presses a kiss against Lorelai’s knee. “I love you.”

Lorelai grins. “I love you too.”

“So me and Wyatt have been practicing something,” Harry finally admits.

Lorelai laughs. “And what is it?”

“Sort of like an extra Christmas present.”

“Well you two have already gotten me so much.” Lorelai nearly burst out crying from all of the presents that were labeled to her this morning from Wyatt. She got about a dozen different things telling her she was the number one mum in the world. Harry himself let a tear drop when he opened similar presents ‘from’ Wyatt.

“Well this is kind of different.”

Alright. I’m ready.”

Harry sits back now and brings Wyatt up into his lap. Harry leans down towards Wyatt’s ear and starts humming a ‘m’ sound. It takes about a minute, but finally Wyatt claps his hands together and screams, “Ma!”

This time Lorelai does cry. Wyatt falls into her arms easily, giggling against her chest. “Good job baby,” she whispers in fear that if she were to talk any louder than her voice would crack.

“Merry Christmas.” Harry rubs his hand against Lorelai’s leg. “To the best one I’ve had yet, and to many more just like it.

December 31st, 2023

Lorelai and Harry weren’t drunk, but they were certainly tipsy. Wyatt’s been asleep for a while now, and one of the best things about Wyatt at this age was that once he fell asleep he usually stayed asleep until morning. Harry had started the fire about an hour before. Lorelai had laid out some blankets and pillows in front of it. They dedicated this night to themselves, something they haven’t done in so long.

They were both naked under the blankets, breathing heavy as they both come down from their highs. Harry was to her side now, but still hovering over her. He’s got a hand wrapped around one side of her neck as his mouth nibbles at the other.

Lorelai scratches down his back. “At least you haven’t lost your touch.”

“Never lose it for you, Skipper,” he mumbles against her skin.

She grins, a dopey look on her face. “We should go on more vacations.”

Harry hums and nods. “I agree. Although maybe next time it should be just you and me that way we can do this all the time.”

“We should let my parents babysit more often. They always let us know that they can. We could take a weekend trip around Valentine’s Day.”

Harry lifts his head far up enough just so she can catch his grin. He presses his lips against hers in a soft kiss. “That sounds good to me.”

“We should also see a counselor, I think. Just in case.”

Harry squeezes her hip. “I’ll set up an appointment as soon as we get back.” A few years ago Lorelai knows Harry probably would have never agreed to that term, but after a few years of going to therapy himself and seeing how it’s helped him it’s easier for him to agree to it now.

Lorelai loses one of her hands in his curls and pushes him back towards her neck. He chuckles and obliges, nibbling on the skin again. But then he kisses lower to her shoulder, and then her chest until he disappears underneath the blankets. Lorelai shifts in anticipation, but Harry holds her body down with his hands as best he can.

“Harry,” Lorelai whines and reaches down to hold him. He intertwines her hands with his own.

“Happy New Year Skipper,” He mutters against her thigh.

After a bit more fun, and quite a bit more drinking, the couple fell asleep on the floor. This was probably a huge mistake for Harry’s back problems, but when Lorelai opened her eyes the next morning she knew she was in the absolute best place in the world. They are facing each other, and Harry’s arms are wrapped tight around her. His nose is pressed against her hairline and he’s snoring softly. It takes a moment for Lorelai to realize what had woken her up. Wyatt is moaning for his parents from the bedroom.

“What’re you doing?” Harry mumbles when Lorelai shifts in his grip.

“Wyatt,” Lorelai responds simply. She sits up too fast and then has to take a moment to gather her bearings. She and Harry haven’t drunk like that in a long time. A pre Wyatt time. It was hitting both of them hard.

Harry hums in response. He presses his palms against his eyeballs before slowly sitting up himself. “Are we going to try the bottle today?”

They’ve been trying to wean Wyatt off of breastfeeding recently because they knew if they waited until he was older it would be harder to do so. Lorelai nods.

“Alright. You get the bugger and I’ll warm up a bottle.”

Lorelai puts Harry’s t-shirt on before walking to the bedroom. “Welcome to the New Year darling,” Lorelai says while picking up her son. Wyatt still cries, but they lessen when he’s in his mother’s arms. “Should we go see what Daddy’s making for you?”

“Da?” The baby whimpers.

“Mhmm. Dada is making you an extra special treat.”

After Wyatt’s diaper has been changed, Lorelai takes him out into the living area. Harry’s already sitting on a chair with a bottle in hand. He’s wearing pajamas Lorelai had bought him for Christmas, a yellow t-shirt and a pair of pants that she thought would look funny on him. They do, but also he somehow makes them work that that makes her furious to some extent. He’s also wearing his pair of white sunglasses. His hair is sticking out all over the place.

Wyatt practically bursts out of Lorelai’s arms to Harry’s. Harry adjusts him in his lap before pressing to bottle to his lips. For a few minutes he refuses, but eventually Harry can coax him into drinking from it.

“Don’t know how you do it. I would have given up by now and just let him latch on.”

Harry smiles at her, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. An oncoming headache, she presumes. Harry has never been good with those. She goes to grab him some aspirin.

“Thank you Skipper,” he mutters before taking the pills. He shifts Wyatt over to one leg and then pats the other. Tentatively, Lorelai sits. Harry presses a kiss against the back of her shoulder.

Lorelai knows Harry can feel it too, the happiness, the peace, the calm, the love. The love the couple held for each other, that they held for their baby boy, and the love the baby boy shared right back with them. 

“Happy New Years.”

Harry kisses her shoulder again. “To many more happy years with the two of you. And maybe some more of us.”

“Don’t get cheeky. I told you, not for a while.”

“I can wait. I’ll wait forever for you.”

“Oh, don’t be such a sap,” Lorelai hits his shoulders playfully. Wyatt watches up at them with wide green eyes.

“There’s no other way I can be, Skipper, not around you. I love you too much.”

[alj4890]

New Year's Eve

A Choices Fan Fiction of The Royal Romance, Red Carpet Diaries, and Perfect Match

A/N Oh my this thing is so long and still not finished, LOL! I believe I should have it completed with part three. Maybe an epilogue post. I have to stop now or this will end up beyond my control. But here again is some of @krsnlove​ ‘s favorite pairs in the stickiest of fluff worthy of a toothache.

Masterlist

@lxaah11​ @alleksa16​ @penguininapinktuxedo​ @blackcoffee85​ @stopforamoment​ @hopefulmoonobject​   @krsnlove​   @annekebbphotography​  @gibbles82​  @cora-nova​ @bella-ca​  @hopelessromantic1352​ . @sunflowergirl05​ @desiree-0816​ @greywitchyshots​ @lilyofchoices​ @moodyvalentinestories​ @emceesynonymroll​ @dr-nancy-house​ @aworldoffandoms​ @ab1901​ @pixieferry​ @flyawayboo​ @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​ .

Song: What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

Part 1

Part 2: The Anticipation

December 30th...

The Garden restaurant at The Four Seasons...

"You've got your gown, right?" Maxwell asked.

Amanda nodded while pouring her tea. She reached for a warm blueberry muffin to butter and nearly dropped it when she saw Thomas Hunt being led to a table.

"What is it?" Maxwell looked over his shoulder.

"Nothing." She quickly replied. "So, have you heard anymore about who has been invited?"

He nodded. "We have a conglomeration of diplomats, nobles,--"

"The usual." Amanda muttered.

"And artists--"Maxwell tried to continue.

"Naturally with Joelle's artistic streak." She muttered again.

"And people from Hollywood." He said in a rush before she could interrupt him again.

That caught her attention. "Really?"

"Yes." Maxwell reached for the pot of coffee. "Joelle and Hakim are friends with actors like Jessica Clark, and um, who is that guy that directed Victoria Fontaine in Meridian?"

"Thomas Hunt." Amanda replied, immediately looking over at the man.

Thomas picked up his coffee cup and looked around the restaurant. His eyes widened a moment when he met her hazel.

"Oh dear Lord." Amanda whispered.

"What?" Maxwell turned around again. He looked down at his shirt then touched his face. "Is something on me?"

"No." Amanda set her half eaten muffin down. "Excuse me a moment." She slid out of the booth and tried to not look over at Thomas as she walked toward the restroom.

She would have succeeded in appearing calm and collected if she hadn't tripped over a lady's purse and tumbled down the five steps leading out of the restaurant.

Please let me die, she silently prayed when she heard the gasps and exclamations around her.

"Are you hurt?"

She closed her eyes at the pain in her ankle and nodded. "I'm fine." She looked into Thomas's concerned face and tried to stand up. "I'm--" she gasped when she put weight on her right ankle.

"You're not." He argued. He gently helped her to sit down on the step.

Maxwell rushed over. "I heard the commotion and thought it might be you." He nodded a greeting toward Thomas. "How bad is it?"

Amanda wondered if her face would ever regain its once pale complexion. "I think I merely sprained my ankle. Nothing to be concerned with."

"Oh good." Maxwell exhaled. "Then you won't miss out on the ball."

Thomas frowned as he carefully pressed at the swelling already forming. "I believe you should have this looked at."

"I assure you I am well acquainted with sprains and that is definitely one. Just a rather painful one." She held onto the railing and pulled herself up. She then calmly reassured the lady who's purse she tripped over and the manager that she was fine.

"I think I will go to my room." She told Maxwell to finish eating and turned to Thomas once her friend left. "Please go and enjoy your breakfast. I will be fine as soon as I get to my room."

"You need to elevate it and add ice." Thomas told her.

"I will." She promised. She reached out and took his hand. "Thank you for coming to my aid." She felt his fingers grip her hand and looked down in surprise.

"I will escort you back." He told her. "Since your friend is now elbows deep in pancakes, you need someone to help you." He motioned to the manager and had him cancel his order.

"No!" Amanda said in a firm tone. She recognized he would not budge on this and spoke to the manager. "Have Mr. Hunt's breakfast sent up to my room." She gave her room number and insisted on it being charged to her. "And add a pot of tea, coffee, and a basket of pastries."

Thomas let go of her hand and placed his arm around her waist. "Lean on me instead of that ankle."

She nodded, suddenly speechless, and allowed him to escort her back.

___________________

Near a gangplank in Liberty State Park...

Riley yawned behind her hand as she stood on tiptoe to look at the passing people.

"This is crazy." She muttered. "I'm willing to give up precious sleep to take some guy to the Statue of Liberty just so he won't feel so alone."

"Riley!" Liam called out, smiling when he saw her.

So handsome, she thought. "Hey Liam!" She took his arm and motioned toward the ferry. "Ready to see her up close?"

"I am." He replied. He knew deep down he should tell her who he was, but he had enjoyed the conversation they had late into the early morning hours. He just wanted another moment to be around her sunny optimism. He wanted her to treat him as just some average, normal guy.

"Our boat awaits." She tugged him along the gangplank. "Are you up for some Lady Liberty trivia?"

"I am." Liam smiled as she became more animated to try and make the history more interesting.

"Well, did you know that the Statue of Liberty resembles the Roman goddess, Libertas, who represents freedom from oppression and tyranny?" She asked, reaching out to smooth his coat's lapels.

"I did not." His voice was a touch deeper with the emotion he felt for such an innocent yet significant action.

Liam watched her closely, taking in all her mannerisms. She had a tendency to use her hands when discussing something she was passionate about. She kept her body turned toward his as they chose a bench to sit. Her knees were pressed against his as she gave him her complete attention.

He set his arm along the back of seat while sharing bits of history he knew of the Statue. Her eyes never once left his face. She laughed at his humor and he found himself fall even more under her enchantment.

He had not known such simple happiness existed. It was if his true self had woken from a deep slumber and realized there was a world out there, one with someone like her.

_______________

On this same ferry...

"Here you go." Rashad handed Hana a cup of hot chocolate he had purchased.

"Thank you." She softly replied. She took a sip of the watery drink and tried not to grimace at its dull flavor. "That was very sweet of you."

"I remembered you saying it is one of your favorite treats." He leaned against the railing of the upper deck and looked out at the water, enjoying this moment with her.

"How thoughtful." She mumbled, cradling the cup between her chilled hands. "And completely unnecessary."

Rashad turned back in surprise. "I..."

"Please do not take me for a complete fool." Hana pleaded. She tried to keep her voice from wavering. Why did he have to be so incredibly kind? Why did she have to like everything about him? "This is not the first time one of my father's business associates has decided to, for lack of a better term, court me in hopes of making my father happy, thus reaching a satisfying deal."

"Hana, I didn't--" Rashad tried to explain.

"I'm not a pawn to be sacrificed in such a manner." She snapped. "I have feelings and I do not want you to continue to manipulate me through them. Let's just part ways once we are back on land and meet up at the party. I will assure my parents you were a perfect gentleman and everything will go well."

"Hana, the business deal is already completed. There are no more negotiations or hold outs or whatever else you're imagining." Rashad took her cup out of her hands and set it on a bench. He then took her hands in his. "Yes, your father coerced me into bringing you."

Hana tried to pull away, not wanting to hear anymore. Who would ever want her if her parents continued to do this?

"But..."Rashad continued, looking down at her beautiful face.

She looked up at him. "But?"

He tugged her closer. "If I had met you before he suggested our attending together, I would have coerced him into letting me bring you as my date."

________________

Outside the shops along 5th Avenue...

"We've found your dress, shoes, mask, and way too many other things. Where to now or am I free from shopping?" Damien asked.

"Umm..." Nadia stalled.

"Um, what?" He asked, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Nadia, what are you about to talk me into?"

"A tea?" She replied timidly.

"As in buying you a glass of tea?" He asked.

"As in escorting me to an afternoon hosted by Duchess Joelle." Nadia looked up at him with a look of desperation. "It is for the artists she wishes to know better."

"Nadia." He dropped his head back. "Why am I just now hearing about this?"

"Because I love you and didn't want you to dread being around me as we shopped." She admitted.

Damien hefted her bags and waved down a taxi. "Get in." He ordered.

"Damien..." She bit her lip in worry.

"Well come on." His smirk formed. "We better get to my place so you can pick what I'm supposed to wear to an afternoon tea."

She jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tight.

_______________

The Four Seasons, Amanda' suite...

Amanda sat with her foot propped on a throw pillow and wrapped in ice. She watched Thomas go about giving orders to both the staff and those he had traveled with.

He hadn't stopped in trying to divert her attention during their shared breakfast with talk of films and such. He then had insisted he wrap her ankle with the ice pack, setting timers to make certain to remove it once ten minutes was up. She didn't know what to think of his actions.

"Yes” Thomas said with a hint of impatience as he paced while talking on the phone. “Tell Joelle something unexpected came up this morning that demanded my attention. I'm well aware I'm not in my room right now." He looked down at Amanda. "Yes, it is something important." He said goodbye and then picked up her room phone.

"Send up more ice." He covered the receiver. "Do you want anything?"

"Some iced tea would be nice." She said.

"Iced tea for two. Better bring an extra carafe." He hung up and sat back down beside her.

"This is all very kind," Amanda began, "but I don't want you to feel that you should cancel any plans you've made. I will be fine."

He leaned forward and checked her ankle. Bruising was already forming and it was now nearly the size of a naval orange. "You can't get around easily and you should not be attempting to right now." He removed the ice pack when his alarm went off. 

Amanda sighed softly. "I better call Maxwell and tell him he has to go to the tea alone." She searched for her phone and frowned slightly. "Where did I..."

Thomas held his phone toward her. "Call it and we will find it."

She dialed her number and eyes widened at the sound of Maxwell answering. "How did you get my phone?"

"You left it at the table." He replied. "I thought I could give it to you when I come by on the way to the tea. You're not going to believe who I saw once you left! Jessica Clark! I got her autograph and took a selfie with your phone."

"Max!" She interrupted him describing his meeting Matt Rodriguez. "I'm not going to be able to go to the tea."

"No! Drake and Olivia both said they weren't either and I can't get a hold of Liam." Maxwell pleaded with her. "Isn't there some way you can hobble in there. I'll make certain you get a comfy chair."

"Tell him, no." Thomas said once he saw her wavering.

"Who's that?" Maxwell asked when he heard the voice. "Is Thomas Hunt still with you?!"

"Yes." Amanda responded. "He has been sweet in helping me care for my ankle, which is still incredibly swollen. I can't put a shoe on easily much less walk around in heels right now." She looked up at the ceiling as she admitted the next part. "And it looks like I won't be dancing at the ball."

Maxwell groaned. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was that bad. Need me to skip the tea too and bring you something? A doctor to add to your handsome man collection you got going on in there?"

She laughed. "No thank you. Please make my excuses to her grace."

"Alright. I'll still come by and drop your phone off. Maybe a miracle will have occurred with your favorite director caring personally for you."

Color flared on her cheeks when she noticed that Thomas heard that. "Thanks Maxwell. I will see you soon." She handed Thomas back his phone. "Thank you."

He nodded on his way to answer the door. He had the tray set on the table and then tipped the porter. He poured them both a glass of tea before settling back on the couch. "Now that all that has been taken care of," he said. "Would you like me to try and find us something to watch or shall we pick up where we left off in our discussion?"

She looked up at him. "Thomas, you shouldn't feel obligated to entertain me. You've already done so much."

He turned more toward her. "Perhaps I should explain something about myself."

She lifted an eyebrow for him to continue.

"I do not do these," he motioned toward her ankle, "type of tender mercies."

Confusion marked her features. "But you--"

Thomas stopped her by taking her hand. "With you though, I can't think of anything else I would rather do right now than to try and take care of you."

_______________

At the top of the Statue of Liberty...

"It's..." Liam looked out toward the city in awe. "Breathtaking."

Riley smiled at his reaction. "It really is."

"Do you come here often?" He asked, still lost at looking at the snow covered city."

"Not really. This is more of a tourist thing." She explained.

"I think I would have a hard time staying away." He admitted.

"Liam?"

They both turned around.

"Rashad?" Liam shook his hand and tried to stop Hana from dropping into a formal curtsy.

"Your majesty, it is an honor to meet you." She said.

"Majesty?" Riley looked at Liam. "Why did she call you that?"

"Riley, I can explain." He quickly said. "I am the King of Cordonia and--"

"King of Cordonia?" Her eyes narrowed. "Being a king must mean you have a number of subjects, staff, people at your beck and call?"

"Yes but--"

"But you decided to lie to a poor waitress and tell her how lonely you were." She snapped. Tears of humiliation filled her eyes. "I can't believe I decided you would be worth me working exhausted tonight." She jerked her hand from his grasp. "Goodbye, your majesty!"

"Riley!" He chased her back down the stairs. "Stop! If you will give me a chance to explain."

She brushed at the tears as she hurried down the spiral staircase. "Don't speak to me!" She yelled back at him. "I don't ever want to speak to you again!"

He continued his pursuit, pleading with her to listen.

"My father died and my brother abdicated." He said once they were past a group of people heading up. "I never expected to be king."

She tried to ignore him as she hurried down.

"Yes I have friends that I am close to and yes there are a number of associates and such that come to the palace. Yet, knowing my chances to find someone I could care for seemed impossible." He picked up his pace, huffing and puffing at the speed she was going. "That feeling was what made me realize how lonely it is to be given such responsibility over an entire country. One misstep and I could harm the livelihood of my people."

Riley began to slow somewhat as more tears fell. She didn't want to be moved by his explanation.

"If I do find someone I love, how can I ask her to live a life of endless pressure? A life where I could possibly lose her as my father lost my mother. How could I live with myself after that?" He stopped and ssat down on a step. He covered his face with his hands and slowly let them drop. "You're right. I should have told you from the beginning who I was officially. Know this." He peeked down at her.

Riley stopped and looked up at him, tears still forming.

"I let you know the real me last night. The man who wears the crown." He stood up and started walking down toward her. "And that man could not resist the chance of spending another moment with you."

Riley took a deep breath and slowly released it. "Anything else you decided to leave out?"

He paused in shaking his head. "Well, perhaps one."

She folded her arms. "And that is?"

"Would you like to go with me to a masquerade ball tomorrow night?"

________________

Afternoon tea at The Garden, The Four Seasons...

"Well, she seems..." Damien tried to find the word.

"Nice." Nadia decided.

"I was going for something more to describe her artistic temperament, but yeah, she seems okay." He muttered.

"Should we mingle?" She asked gripping his arm.

"This is all your call." He whispered. "I haven't one clue how to act right now."

"I--" her words died when she saw the man with the extraordinary blue eyes walk in. He was greeted affectionately by the duchess hosting them and by a few other nobles.

"He's here!" Nadia gasped.

"Who?" Damien looked around the room. "Ryan Summers? Yeah, I saw him when we first walked in.."

Nadia whipped around. "How did I miss seeing him?"

"I don't know. Should we sit? I think we should. That duchess woman seems to be encouraging everyone to take a seat." Damien pushed Nadia toward a nearby table. He looked down at the fragile china and lace table cloth. "Why did I agree to this?"

Nadia stared at the man she had trouble not day dreaming about. He was walking their way while smiling and greeting those he passed. He looked up and made eye contact with her. His delighted dimpled smile appeared. He hurried over and eyed Damien in question.

"Don't worry. I'm just the friend." Damien told him, a slight smile forming. "Nadia here, is single and thinks your eyes are not blue but a mixture of blues. She also loves your dimples." He reached for the teapot and filled his cup. He sat back in his cushioned chair with a satisfied smirk.

Nadia wanted to die on the spot. "Why?" She asked the man she once thought was her best friend.

He leaned close to whisper. "Time waits for no one. Don't be afraid to let him know you're attracted to him. What have you got to lose?" He nudged her with his elbow. "Go for it.”

She squeezed his hand and turned to Maxwell. "Hi."

His dimples deepened with his smile. "Hi." He motioned to the empty chair beside her. "Mind if I sit here?"

"Not at all." She answered. Nadia cleared her throat. "Um, are you a noble?"

"Yes, sorry." Maxwell shook himself out of thinking how cute she was. "Lord Maxwell Beaumont, younger brother to Bertrand, the Duke of Ramsford." He leaned a little closer toward her. "Are you an artist or an actress?"

"Artist. I'm Nadia Park. This is my best friend, Damien Nazario."

"Don't mind me." Damien replied while looking down at his phone. "I'm here for protection."

Maxwell leaned away from her. "I see."

"He's teasing." She quickly said, kicking Damien under the table. "Tell him."

"I'm teasing." He grunted when she kicked him again. "I'm the one in need of protection from short people."

_______________

AMC Orpheum 7 Movie Theater...

"Do you feel guilty?" Drake asked once they picked a spot to sit.

"For what?" Olivia reached for her box of candy and reclined back in her chair.

"For missing the tea." He settled comfortably back in his own chair. He turned away from the movie screen showing ads and waited on her to respond.

"Not at all. Why I was invited is a mystery." She opened her box and offered him some. "The only art I appreciate are the ones that show historical battles."

Drake chuckled while settling the popcorn between them. "That's why I picked Tommy Phelps's latest movie."

"You know, Amanda says that his movies lack a storyline with any depth or emotion. She thinks his films are nothing but an excuse for a man to continue to play with fireworks." Olivia turned to see how he would react to that being said about a director of who's movies he rarely missed.

Drake rolled his eyes. "Who needs depth when you got a character taking out the enemies trying to destroy his or her life?"

"I'll drink to that." She lifted her soda and took a sip. "So what are you most looking forward to in this one?"

He slipped his hand in hers. "Other than your company, the fight choreography is supposed to have been created by a former Navy Seal. I want your input on it."

Olivia's smile brightened. "Excellent. There is nothing I like better than to critique someone's fighting style."

"Better than some tea?" He asked, pressing a kiss to her neck as the lights went out.

"Much better." She replied turning to kiss him.

__________________

Early evening, Amanda's suite...

"Hello?" Thomas said in a low voice.

"Alright, where are you?" Holly demanded. "You have been MIA all day and now you aren't even back for dinner! What is going on?"

He gently smoothed the hair out of Amanda's face as she moved in her sleep against hin. "I can't go into it right now. Go on and enjoy your evening out. I will most likely order room service."

"How?! How are you going to do that when you aren't even in your room?" She snapped. Ryan tried to get her to calm down. She glared at him but took a deep breath. "Sorry. I don’t mean to snap. That tea was not only dull but only provided sandwiches that were small enough to be barely visible to the naked eye.”

Thomas curved his arm around Amanda as her head dropped off his shoulder. "Go to dinner without me. I will call later." He ended the call and turned his body more to make the lady who fell asleep on him more comfortable.

Her phone ringing a few minutes later had them both jump. She blinked sleepily at it and him. "I'm sorry." She mumbled. "I didn't mean to doze off."

"Your response was appropriate. It was a boring movie we were watching." He told her, his lips curving at her sleep induced bemusement.

She checked the missed call and brushed her hair out of her face. "I really don't feel like explaining my ankle again." She mumbled.

Thomas stood up to stretch. "Then don't."

"I have to explain why I'm not going out to dinner. My friends rarely accept a simple, go without me." She explained.

He chuckled while calling for more ice. "Send one of those text messages. I hate the things but desperate times and all that."

Her lips trembled with suppressed laughter. "I don't think I have ever heard of someone who hates text messages."

"You can't properly read inflection in a text, no matter how many of those weird pictures one uses." He explained.

A laugh escaped her lips. "Weird pictures?"

He grabbed his phone and pulled up a message from Addison as an example. "Those." He pointed at the small yellow faces in different moods.

"Emojis." She said for him.

"Yes." His eyes narrowed while a frown formed as he tried to decipher Addison’s latest message. "Their very name evokes a desire within me to throw this piece of technology out the window."

Her laughter brought a slight smile to his face. She shook her head and composed a brief group text telling them she would not be going to dinner and for them to question Maxwell. "There, and just in honor of you, I did not use one single," her eyes shined with mirth, "weird picture."

"I and I am sure countless others appreciate that." He picked up a room service menu and brought it over to read with her.

She pushed her unruly hair out of her face and turned some toward him, "Thomas, you have been stuck in here with me all day. Part of which, I am ashamed to say, I fell asleep on you. Do go out and enjoy yourself with your friends this evening."

"I have not been stuck here." He corrected, while reading over the entrees. "My room is down the hall and I could have easily left to return to it if I wished." His dark eyes cut to her face. "I chose to remain here and am offering to buy you dinner." He leaned closer with the menu. "Now what would you like?"

She remained in quiet study of his profile for a moment, then reached over to squeeze his hand in gratitude. She knew he would dismiss her words once more if she tried to thank him. A surprised smile formed on her face when he held on to it. She rested her head back on his shoulder and pointed out a few options from the menu that they could share.

________________

Liam's penthouse, The Four Seasons...

"Where have you been?" Maxwell demanded of the three when he walked in. "I have been on noble duty all day! It ended up being a valuable lesson: Liam, I will never try and take the throne from you." He collapsed face first on the sofa. "I'm exhausted."

"What happened to Amanda?" Olivia asked.

"She tripped at breakfast and fell down some stairs, sprained her ankle, and somehow managed to have Thomas Hunt as her personal in room nurse." He explained. "Now where were you?"

"I didn't feel like talking about art." Olivia replied. "So I spent the day around the city doing what I wanted to do."

Maxwell turned suspicious eyes to Drake. "And you?"

Drake rolled his eyes. "Since when do I voluntarily go to afternoon teas?"

"Good point. Liam?" Maxwell turned to be able to see him.

"I went to the Statue of Liberty today." He admitted with a hint of sadness. "I lost track of time." He stood up and went toward the window. "How did it go?"

"Fine." Maxwell replied, yawning. "Everyone seemed to either enjoy it or too nervous to admit otherwise."

“Good.” Liam muttered. When he noticed his three friends looking at him with worry, he forced a smile. “Where shall we eat tonight?”

________________

Later that night at the Ty Bar of The Four Seasons...

"Let me see if I understand this." Daniel said while mixing the drinks for a table filled with famous people. "The guy that was in here last night is a king?"

"Yes." Riley said.

"And you spent the day with him as a tour guide of sorts?" He asked.

She nodded while yawning.

"He then, like Prince Charming, asks you to a ball tomorrow night?" Daniel poured a few more.

"Yes." Riley muttered.

"And you said NO?!" Daniel looked at her incredulously.

"That's right." She picked up the tray and walked away.

_______________

At a table in Ty Bar of the Four Seasons...

"It's weird." Holly continued. "I know Thomas avoids a lot of things, but to just be missing all day and night..." She thanked the waitress and took a sip of her drink.

"Maybe not so weird." Ryan nodded toward the man walking into the bar. "If the king is here, then most likely that woman Thomas was staring at is--"

Addison whipped around in her chair.

"You're going to get whiplash if you keep doing that." Seth teased.

"Addison." Matt muttered.

"What? I had to see what he had on. You know I love fashion." She explained.

"And Liam." Jessica added, dodging the balled up cocktail napkin thrown her way.

“He’s all alone.” Addison pointed out. “Should we invite him to sit with us?”

“We could.” Ryan said at the same time Matt said, no.

Addison jumped up and dragged Matt with her. “Come on. He’s from out of town and all alone. He looks like he could use a friend.”

Once they were near Liam, her nerve froze and she couldn’t think of what to say. 

Matt rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. “Excuse us, but we were wondering if you would like to join our table. We are part of Duchess Joelle’s guests for New Year’s.”

Liam looked up and noticed that Riley was working the section their table was and nodded. “I would love to.”

A muffled squeak escaped Addison’s lips. 

Matt made the introductions once they were all seated. 

Liam smiled at them. “I am a fan of many of your movies.”

“I have made a number of great ones.” Seth joked.

“Two. He’s made two movies.” Holly muttered.

Laughter and conversation flowed among the group with Liam mostly listening.

“Your majesty,” Addison began once her brain had regained control over her mouth.

“Just Liam, please..” He said with a warm encouraging smile.

“Oh!” her hand raised to her heart. ”Liam, are you looking forward to tomorrow night’s ball?”

“We’re all excited.” Jessica added. 

“I--” He paused when Riley came by to check on them.

“Is there anything else I can--” she stared in surprise at Liam. “get you?”

“I could use a refill.” Seth handed his glass to her. “Another margarita please.”

“Sure.” She dragged her eyes away from Liam’s face. “Anyone else?”

The group looked back and forth at her and Liam.

“We’re good.” Ryan replied to cut the tension. 

Once she walked away, Holly turned toward Liam. “You okay? Seems like there was something there between you two.”

“I asked her to the ball.” Liam admitted then shook his head in regret. “It is of no matter. I should be going. It was a pleasure meeting you all and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night.” He gave a short bow and left.

“What do you think happened?” Jessica asked.

“I don’t know but it wasn’t good.” Addison turned around toward where Riley was last seen. “I’ll be back.” 

She hurried over to the bar and smiled at the bartender. “Hello.”

Daniel smiled at her. “What can I get for you?”

“Um, our waitress, do you know where she went?” She asked.

“She wasn’t feeling well and went home.” He explained.

“Oh.” Addison noticed his slight frown. “Did she leave because of Liam?”

His head shot up. “Did he say something to upset her?”

Over at the table the group watched Addison work her magic of getting information out of people.

“She missed her calling.” Matt said when he noticed both her and the bartender smile. “She should have been an interrogator for the CIA.”

Addison ran back over. “Come on. We have work to do.”

“What happened to our vacation?” Seth whined.

“No rest for the wicked.” Ryan told him.

“We have to find a dress.” Addison explained. “We have just become fairy godmothers.”

[petri808]

Fandom: ノラガミ | Noragami (Anime & Manga) Rating: Mature Relationships: Iki Hiyori/Yato

@noragamisecretsanta2018  Merry Christmas! @justebisuthings   Yatori angst with a fluffier ending.  I have no idea what city Noragami takes place in lol, so I just set this is Tokyo and nearby Kanagawa.  I guess you could set the timing of the story after the latest chapter.  I had fun writing this one so I hope you like it too :)

Echoed in the Night

It was Christmas Eve in Japan, but unlike in the west it was a day for couples…. Sharing a meal at KFC, maybe a Christmas Cake or some Wagashi…  Strolling along the park hand in hand amidst the lighted displays of the Sagamiko Illumillion….  But, for a lonely young girl saddened by the disappearance of her first true love, it was like her heart was being ripped to shreds by all the festivities surrounding her.

Bless his heart that Yukine had tried to cheer her up by taking her to see the show and ride the rides. He too missed the days when the trio would venture forth like a family, all smiles and laughter through the streets of Tokyo and its surrounding cities.  If it wasn’t for Heaven’s stupid wars or this ‘Father’ guys desire for its destruction, the young Regalia believed those moments wouldn’t be like a fleeting memory and ‘he’d be damned if he was gonna let it die just because Yato was too stupid to realize how much pain he was causing them by keeping them in the dark about it all,’ end quote.  

And so here is where she found herself, feeling like a third wheel behind Yukine and Nora who’d decided to come along.  They were kind of cute, Hiyori realized as the two children sat in the forward sky lift tittering and giggling to one another…. Oh, how sweet, now Nora had her head on the Yukine’s shoulder, and a blush no doubt flushed along his cheeks. Just wonderful, Hiyori glances away and focuses on all the lights gliding by below them.  As much as she wanted to support their increasing rapport, all Hiyori wanted to do was cry, scream, and run as far away as she possibly could.

Once the ride was over, Yukine points out the swings and Hiyori just smile’s hiding her true feelings from the boy.  “You guys go on ahead and have fun, I’m kind of tired of going on rides.”

“Are you sure Hiyori?” The concerned young man was hesitant to leave her side.

“Yeah, go have fun, show Nora what it’s like to be a kid,” the crinkling around her eyes seems to reassure him.  “I’d like to just relax here for a spell and look at the lights.”

“Okay,” he grabs Nora’s hand and heads off towards the swings.

Hiyori’s body deflates against the bench and she pulls the coat tighter around her frame.  The evening air was definitely cold, but it was the chill through her soul that left her freezing.  She closes her eyes, unwilling to allow any tears to be shed lest it reflect the icicles growing in her heart.  Yato….  Things were so much easier when she’d been blind to her budding love of the stray god.  Why did Kazuma have to dash her hopes like that!  At least Tenjin alluded to the possibilities of a god loving, like he did for Tsuyu.  Let Yato himself tell her he didn’t care for her!  Yato….  Where the hell are you!

~~    

Since late that afternoon he’d felt a powerful sting in his chest, like a thousand daggers running their blades through his flesh.  At first, he thought maybe Yukine was upset and blighting him again, but a quick check around his body revealed no tell-tale marks.  It wouldn’t have surprised him if Yukine had been behind the stings for he knew his young Regalia was very upset by his actions of late. Though the longer he thought about it, and the deeper the pains began to center in one location, maybe this was something completely different.

What day is it, Yato wondered as he travelled along the tops of the buildings, noticing a flurry of activities and lights near Midtown. Holiday’s didn’t mean much to him aside from all the delicious seasonal treats that abounded during this time, so of course he hadn’t realized today was December 24th.  Hundreds of couples of all ages were gathered on the streets, some with families, many without.  Aww, look at them, he first thought, I wonder if anyone has any wishes…. And that’s when it finally hits him…. The couples…  The families….  Yukine…. Hiyori….  

Another sting, worse than any before it stabs him with such ferocity, he almost falls off the powerline he’d been running along.  Yato drops to the ground, clutching his shirt above his heart.  Oh, Heaven’s, was this because of Hiyori!  Was she the cause of all the pain he was experiencing?  It was hard for a man who didn’t quite understand human emotions such as love.  He knew what it was, he wasn’t blind to it, in fact he was pretty sure that’s exactly what he’d been developing for the young human girl, but since he’d never been in love before, the idea that it could actually cause pain was enigmatic. Hiyori wasn’t a spirit he was attached to, so she couldn’t blight him.  Then how is she reaching out to me like this?              

“Are you okay?” Kazuma drops down beside his master.  “You don’t look so well, should we return to the shrine?”

“I think….” Yato turns to his friend, “I think I need to find Hiyori…”

“Hiyori, Yato I don’t think…”

“I’m sorry Kazuma, you head back to the shrine, but I need to find her!”  Another deep sting pierces through him and Yato buckles at the knees, cringing through the pain.

“You are not in any condition to travel, let’s just go back to…”

Yato grabs Kazuma’s ankle, “If you’re really my friend,” his voice strained from the searing pain in his heart, “you’ll help me find Hiyori now!”    

“Just call her or Yukine,” Kazuma helps Yato to his feet, helping to steady him, “or can you feel where Yukine might be?”

The stray god closes his eyes, “He’s not too far… if we take the train to Sagamiko station.  He won’t always answer my calls right now, but he texts me if he leaves the area…”  

~~

After an unknown amount of time, Hiyori finally glances up from the ground at her surroundings. Considering how brightly lit most of the area was, the young girl had barely given any of the attractions much attention.  It wasn’t worth it to take in a sight, only for a young couple around her age to walk by and dim the view.  At least if she looked at the ground, she wouldn’t notice the hands being held, the embraces being shared, or worse….

She shivers again, if only the memories of her first kiss wasn’t such a hurtful one.  Fujisaki had stolen what he had no right to take, but like an idiot, she had been too shocked and nervous to pull away.  Maybe if he’d been just another classmate it wouldn’t be as painful.  Ugh!  ‘Father’ knew the knowledge of stealing my first kiss would enrage his son and that just isn’t right!  I hate him!  Hiyori’s fists clench at her sides, she needed to do something to take her mind of…. everything.

Once a quick text was sent to Yukine so he didn’t worry, Hiyori heads down the path towards the illuminated forest hoping that all the bright colors would shine a bit of light into her otherwise dreary mood.  The dazzling LED’s covered trees in a rainbow of hues, even the ground was swathed in light so mesmerizing she had to shield her eyes or be blinded.  Reds, Orange, Yellows, Purples, Greens, and Pinks…  But strangely no blues.  

Through twists and turns, up slight inclines or valleyed displays, Hiyori continued along the forest path, following the signs towards the exit.  Rounding another bend, she reaches the famous tunnel of light, but the spectacle was not what made her pause.  Blue.  Light Blue.  Just like Yato’s eyes.  Heaven help her now she knew why the color had been devoid along the way!  There was no way to avoid passing through it unless she wanted to walk all the way back to the entrance.

Hiyori merely sighs and trudges forward, keeping her eyes low to the ground.  Pulling up the edges of her collar, Hiyori hides her peripheral view.  She should have guessed that the color would reveal itself sooner or later.  And why not to throw a wrench in her mood that had actually been a little better for the last 20 minutes or so…  the rest of her life was throwing her curve balls one after the other.

As the tunnel curves slightly, something catches her attention, a scent she’d not expected nor picked up in weeks and it was growing stronger with every step she took forward. Hiyori shakes her head, it must be her imagination.  Maybe there was a flower or plant nearby, or someone who just so happened to smell similar to him.  He’d had no reason to be in the park, didn’t know she’d be there… Right?  But as the exit appears, a shadowed outline of a man leaning against a pillar comes into view.  Her breathing stills, feet still moving forward despite reservations telling her to run in the opposite direction.  Fear that her mind was playing tricks on her run rampant.  No, it could be, it shouldn’t be….  Her hands raise up to cover the gasp she didn’t know she was making.  It was.

“Hi Hiyori,” Yato smiles weakly.  

It was obvious from the look on the young girls face that his appearance was triggering a multitude of emotions.  From surprise to anger, her blood begins to boil red hot!  This bastard disappears for weeks with no contact and suddenly appears with just a Hi Hiyori?  

“Is that all you have to say to me!” she screams uncaring of any onlookers.  “You leave me all alone then show up unexpectedly with just hi Hiyori!?   What about I’m sorry Hiyori, or better yet please forgive me Hiyori!”

He’d expected a bit of anger, but this girl was furious!  Yato flinches back a step, though he knew the pain in her heart wasn’t from anger.  Her fury was hiding the real emotion that had brought him there tonight.

“Please Hiyori,” he reaches out tentatively, “I wasn’t trying to hurt you.”  She draws back causing a new ripple of stings to attack his body. Yato’s drops to his knees, keeling over in pain.  He was right, it was from Hiyori’s shattering heart.

But seeing the man she still cared so much about fall to the ground in anguish flips a switch in her brain. She was angry yes, sad and hurt most definitely, but she had no idea that those feelings were somehow being conveyed to him.  Was it because their fates had been entwined?  Tears flood her vision as Hiyori drops before him and throws her arms around his body.  “Oh Kamisama, am I doing that to you?  Yato I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you…”

“S-Stop apologizing Hiyori. It’s not your fault.  I don’t even understand why this is happening but it’s just… it’s not your fault.”  He cradles her face in his hands as the waves of painful stings slowly subside. “Everything that’s happening to you is all my fault.  If only I’d cut your ties immediately, none of this…”

“Don’t say it!” she shakes her head.  “Don’t you dare say it Yato!  If you had granted that first wish I never would have fallen in love with you, I never would have met Yukine, or Kofuku, or been a part of this amazing realm.  I don’t want to lose you!  Don’t you get it!”

“But you wouldn’t be sad right now, you’d be living a normal teenage life with your friends.”

“I don’t want a normal life!”  Hiyori slumps in his arms, sobbing heavily.  “I understand why you left us Yato…” her voice trailing and softened, “I know you are just trying to protect us and that you think it would be okay if you were reborn, but that’s not what we want…” She looks up and fixes his eyes upon hers, “we want you as you are now!”

“But Hiyori…”

“Could you just shut up for a moment Yato and let me process all of this.”

Yato opens his mouth to retort but quickly slams it shut.  She was right, he’d caused her enough grief, so the least he could do was let her vent and figure out how to deal with it all.  But as he glanced around and realized the spectacle they were making, he bundles her into his arms to find somewhere a little more private. Hiyori makes no move to resist, simply resting a hand on his shoulder and turning her face into his shawl.  

Once out of view of any onlookers, he makes a few leaps until he spots a secluded area along the waterfront just outside of the resort.  Hiyori takes out her phone, remembering that Yukine must be wondering where she might be.  “Don’t worry,” Yato puts her down and gently places a hand over it, “Kazuma went to find them.”  

A soft, “Oh,” is all she responds with and turns away to stare out over the water.  The far shores were ominous, but the lake itself was glistening from all the lights of the park.  It’s gently lapping waves shimmering, creating beautiful reflections like the stars above them.  Hiyori was still so confused about it all, her feelings, humans, spirits, gods, and all the rules that seemingly bound each world.  She was but one young girl just trying to navigate it all and she knew what her heart desperately wanted, but was that enough to somehow override everything that was working to keep them apart?  

He just stood back and let her settle into her skin.  This whole situation was something Yato had never in a thousand years has ever had to deal with, so he too was trying to process it all.  In fact, it was basically unheard of for a God to fall in love with a human, at least not romantically.  Sure, Gods cared for humans, Bishamon truly loved her Regalia’s, but they didn’t fall in love with them like he had for Hiyori.  There wasn’t any God he could even consult with over this predicament which left him to handle it all on his own.  Obviously, he wasn’t doing such a great job.

As he watched her eyes shutter through a light sigh, and the coat is pulled tighter against the chilly air, Yato moves in closer to wrap his arms around her waist.  She startles at first but the added warmth along with his scent calms her enough to settle against him.  This was the first time he’d held her like this and although awkward, it felt nice.  He closes his eyes too.  If only they were simply two humans bumbling their way through life and not star-crossed beings from separate worlds.  For a fleeting second, he almost wished he could just be human.  

Yato releases a vested sigh into her hair.  “I don’t know what to do Hiyori,” he finally relents and lets all the fears locked away in his mind pour out.  “I need to stop my father, I need to fight against Heaven’s stupidity, but all I really want to do is make you happy…  And I don’t know how to do it all without someone getting hurt.”  Another sigh escapes, “I’m so tired of people I care about getting hurt…”

Hiyori sucks in a breath and hesitates before placing her hands over his arms.  With an exhale, she squeezes, “I don’t know what to do either.” She tilts her head back slightly, resting it against his chest, “I wish I could say just let it all go, let Heaven deal with your father and we go back to the way things were before it all started…. But I know that’s not possible anymore. I wish I could say that pain is just a part of life and we just have to learn to deal with it…. But that wouldn’t be fair either when there is something that can be done.”  Hiyori let’s out a drawn-out exhale, “it’s selfish of me to force you to endure this just because I don’t want to let go…. But I can’t bring myself to severe our bond….  I don’t want to lose you…”

“I don’t want to lose you either Hiyori.”

Her eyes squeeze tight as a flood of emotions threaten to spill out.  She takes a shaky breath, “Yato…. What am I to you?  I-I mean, how do you feel towards me?  I need to just know the truth because everyone is telling me that Gods are incapable of…”

“Love,” he finishes her sentence, “I love you Hiyori.”  Yato buries his face into her hair.  “If there’s only one thing that I am sure of it’s that.  I don’t know what will happen….  Everything is so chaotic right now, but I don’t want to lose you either.”

“Then why is everyone saying God’s can’t love?”

“I don’t really care what everyone is saying,” he turns her around, “all I can know is what I’m feeling.” Yato tips her face up as a few drops of tears leak down her cheeks.  “Hiyori open your eyes,” she shakes her head.  He kisses the tears on either side of her face, “why won’t you open your eyes?”

“In case this is all just a dream, I don’t wanna wake up from it.”  Yato chuckles and pinches her cheek, “Hey!” her eyes fly open, “what was that for!”

“It’s not a dream.” Pulling her face up to meet his own, Yato presses his lips against hers in a soft kiss.  Hiyori freezes momentarily, the sudden warmth and knowledge that he was kissing her almost too much on her psyche.  But as his hands weave around her body, smoothing against the small of her back in comfort, her own encircles his neck, fingers lacing through his hair.  Small sighs and mewls of contentment, break the otherwise silence of the moment and remove any lingering doubts that what they were feeling were genuine.  

He wipes away any traces of moisture from around her eyes, placing chaste little kisses on her lips before pulling back to gaze upon the flushed young woman standing before him. Yato smiles sweetly, “you are so beautiful to me Hiyori.”

“Oh stop!” her cheeks growing ever more crimson and heated, “I’m sure you’ve met plenty of pretty girls over the years.”

“Yeah, but you’re the first one I fell in love with in a thousand years, that makes you pretty friggen special don’t ya think?”

“I…” Hiyori gives up, there was no way to respond to that!  

Yato just laughs, knowing he won that round.  He takes her hand, squeezing lightly, “come on let’s get you home.  I don’t need you catching a cold.”

“Where do we go from here?” she wonders aloud, “you’re just gonna disappear again aren’t you and leave Yukine and I in the dark again.”

He sighs, “I’m not doing it because I want to.  It’s to protect you both from father and from Heaven.  Kazuma is determined to fight no matter what I tell him, but you two…. It’s safer that you stay away.”

“Yukine is your blessed Regalia, surely…”

“Yukine means more to me than just some Regalia and that’s exactly why I don’t want him anywhere near my father if I can help it.  Father’s just too dangerous.”

“You’re talking about the God’s Secret thing?”

“Yea… how’d you know that?”

“I figured it out.”  Hiyori pulls Yato to a stop, “you need to realize we’re not stupid.  Why don’t you just try talking to us for once because not knowing anything only drives us to think the worst and end us up in predicaments like tonight.”

“But…” Yato exhales and hangs his head, “you’re probably right.”

Hiyori leans in, pulling his face down to rest his forehead to hers, “come on, let’s go get Yukine and go back to Kofuku’s.  We’ll sit down and figure this out as a family.”

Yato closes his eyes, Heaven’s was he really deserved of this girl?  “I’m so sorry I ruined your Christmas Eve.”

She smiles and pats his cheek, “You managed to make it up to me in the end.  Now let’s go home…”

KFC & Wagashi info https://favy-jp.com/topics/1421

Sagamiko Illumillion info https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1606/

[dmartin-blog]

Week 15 NFL odds, picks, how to watch, stream: Colts win thriller over Cowboys, Patriots over Steelers

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I’ll be honest guys, I almost didn’t get my picks done this week and that’s because I decided that watching 71 straight replays of the “Miami Miracle” would be a better use of my time than finishing my Week 15 picks.

If you put the word “miracle” next to a football play, there’s a 100 percent chance that I’ll be watching it on a loop, non-stop, for at least three straight days. I didn’t leave my house for a month after the “Minneapolis Miracle.”

With the play in Miami, you have to watch it at least 10 times just to fully appreciate the poor tackling effort that Rob Gronkowski made at the end of Kenyan Drake’s run. You know what, let’s watch it one more time, because you can never watch it too many times.

That will never get old. Patriots fans are going to be forced to watch replays of that and the helmet catch for the rest of eternity, which is enough to make you feel good inside.

You know what else makes you feel good inside? Watching football, and we’ll be getting plenty of it this week. As a matter of fact, Week 15 is the only week of the entire NFL season where we get treated to four days of football (Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday). I’m not good at math, but I think that means more than half our week is going to involve football, which means I need to hurry up and get to these picks, because we don’t have any time to waste.

Actually, before we get to the fun stuff, here’s your weekly reminder to check out the picks from all our other CBS Sports NFL writers, which you can do by clicking here. Also, if you’re looking for a new podcast to listen to — and who isn’t — you can click here and subscribe to the Pick Six Podcast. I team up with Will Brinson, Ryan Wilson and Sean Wagner-McGough every week for an NFL recap show that you can download each and every Monday morning during the season. It’s basically music for your ears, except no one actually sings.

Alright, I think I’ve delayed long enough, so let’s get to these picks.

Stream Thursday’s game and all of Sunday’s games on fuboTV, try it for free, and stream the CBS games on CBS All Access.

NFL Week 15 Picks

L.A. Chargers (10-3) at Kansas City (11-2)

8:20 p.m. ET, Thursday (Fox/NFL Network)

Guys, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that this is the final Thursday night game of the season. That’s bad news because I’m not sure what I’m going to do with my Thursdays from here on out. Actually, you know what, I do have 17 Hallmark Christmas movies currently on my DVR and they’re not going to watch themselves. Now I just need to figure out if I want to watch “The Gingerbread Romance” or “Christmas Incorporated” first.

Now, I also said I have some good news and the good news is that the NFL is ending “Thursday Night Football” with a bang by giving us the Chargers and the Chiefs. There are only two teams in the NFL that have scored at least 20 points in every game this season and those two teams are playing in this game, which means there’s a 99 percent chance that we’re going to get a crazy shootout.

The one thing that makes this game difficult to predict is that both teams are dealing with some big injuries. On the Chiefs’ end, Tyreek Hill (wrist, heel) and Spencer Ware (shoulder, hamstring) are both battling injuries. On the Chargers’ end, they probably won’t have their two running backs this week: Melvin Gordon is still dealing with a knee injury and Austin Ekeler can’t really move his head right now.

#Chargers RB Austin Ekeler said his injured neck is very stiff and he can’t move his head a whole lot today. He’s officially day-to-day but he appears to have plenty of recovery to do quickly if he’s going to be available Thursday vs. KC.

— Jeff Miller (@JeffMillerLAT) December 10, 2018

Now, I’m not a doctor, but if you can’t move your head three days before you’re supposed to play in a football game, that probably means you’re not going to play in that football game.

Although the Chargers are going to be hurting at running back, the one thing they will have is all of their wide receivers, which is all Philip Rivers needs to win. In the first meeting between these two teams, Rivers threw for 424 yards and he might double that going up against a Chiefs passing defense that ranks dead last in the NFL this year.

As much as I like Rivers, there are a lot of reasons to pick the Chiefs in this game: They have the best record in the AFC, they’ve won nine straight against the Chargers, and home teams are 11-2 on “Thursday Night Football” this year. However, I’m not going to pick the Chiefs.

Back in August, I picked the Chargers to win the AFC West and I’m going to stand by my pick, because if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.

Did I steal that quote from my niece’s tumblr page? Yes. Is it the most overused quote ever on the internet? Probably.

“You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”

— Miranda Lambert (@mirandalambert) February 15, 2012

Am I still picking the Chargers? Definitely.

The pick: Chargers 34-31 over Chiefs

The result: Chargers 29, Chiefs 28

What NFL picks can you make with confidence in Week 15? And which Super Bowl contender goes down hard? Visit SportsLine now to see which NFL teams are winning more than 50 percent of simulations, all from the model that has beaten 98 percent of experts over the past two years.

Dallas (8-5) at Indianapolis (7-6)

1 p.m. ET (Fox)

If the Cowboys make the playoffs this year, they should probably send a thank you note to Jon Gruden, and that’s because he’s basically single-handedly responsible for the the Cowboys success this year. Gruden hasn’t been able to turn the Raiders into a contender, but he turned the Cowboys into one when he decided to trade Amari Cooper from Oakland to Dallas. That deal took place on Oct. 22, and since then, the Cowboys have been unstoppable.

Cooper started his first game for the Cowboys in Week 9, and in the time period since then, he leads the NFL in both receiving yards (642) and receiving touchdowns (six). Oh, and the Cowboys are 5-1 in the six games that he’s played in. If Gruden hadn’t decided to implode his roster and sabotage his own team, none of this would have happened and the Cowboys wouldn’t have Cooper, so maybe they should send him a fruit basket and a gift card to Chili’s on top of that thank-you note. However, they definitely shouldn’t send him any cookie dough, because apparently, that stuff is bad for you.

I don’t want to say the CDC is overreacting, but I’ve been eating cookie dough every day for the past three weeks and I feel fine. As for this pick, I’m taking the Colts, and if I end up missing it, I’m blaming the cookie dough that the CDC said I wasn’t supposed to eat.

The pick: Colts 27-24 over Cowboys

Note: The Cowboys will clinch the NFC East with a win on Sunday, and although I’m not picking them, I am giving you a heads up so you can avoid all Cowboys fans for at least 24 hours after the clinching. As everyone knows, there’s nothing Cowboys fans like to talk about more than how amazing the Cowboys are. If you have a lot of friends who happen to be Cowboys fans, you might want to turn off your phone and quit all social media.

New England (9-4) at Pittsburgh (7-5-1)

4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)

The Patriots are coming into this game after losing on a miracle play in Week 14, and yet somehow, I’m fully convinced that the Steelers actually had the crazier loss on Sunday. For one, they lost to the Raiders, which is basically the NFL equivalent of hitting rock-bottom. The Raiders don’t even have a general manager. I mean, it doesn’t get any more demoralizing than losing to a team and then watching that team fire their general manager the next day.

I didn’t think it was possible for a first-place team to be in total disarray this late into the season, but the Steelers have proven me wrong. The most baffling part of the Raiders game is that Mike Tomlin kept his starting quarterback on the bench even though he was healthy enough to play. After Ben Roethlisberger left the game in the first half with a rib injury, he was ready to return in the third quarter, but Tomlin wouldn’t play him because he didn’t want to ruin the “rhythm and the flow of the game.” That would be like not pulling the chord on your parachute because you don’t want to ruin the rhythm and flow of your free fall. PULL THE CHORD OR YOUR SEASON IS OVER MIKE. Not pulling the chord would end in disaster and it’s starting to feel like that’s where the Steelers season is headed.

if Roethlisberger plays against the Patriots — and he likely will — he’s going to be dealing with a rib injury. If James Conner plays, he’ll be dealing with an ankle injury. The Steelers can’t beat the Patriots when they’re healthy, so I have no idea how they’re going to do it when they’re banged up.

I’ve been writing this picks column since 2013 and in that time, the Steelers have never beaten the Patriots. Including the playoffs, these two teams have met a total of five times over the past five years and the Patriots have won every game. Watching the Steelers choke against the Patriots has basically become an annual tradition and I don’t see that ending this year.

On the other hand, Roethlisberger did win a game on a miracle play once, so maybe the Patriots should be concerned.

The pick: Patriots 30-23 over Steelers

Seahawks special: Seattle (8-5) at San Francisco (3-10)

4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)

The fact that this section is back for another week can only mean one thing: My record picking Seahawks games this year is still perfect. This section will only exist as long as my record stays perfect, and right now, it’s sitting at 13-0. Last week, I said the Seahawks would win by double digits in a beatdown of the Vikings and that’s basically what happened on Monday night.

At this point, I’ve decided that if my streak continues, I’m going to start celebrating each new win. If I improve to 14-0 this week, I’m going to buy a Marshawn Lynch elf on the shelf, which sounds weird, but I don’t care. At $19.99, this thing is a steal.

I will say that I think the marketing team for the Marshawn elf blew it. I mean, how is this thing not called “Lynch on a bench?” You get all the fun of an Elf on the Shelf, except on a bench. Someone at NFL Shop needs to make that name change happen.

As for this week’s game, the Seahawks can clinch a playoff berth if they win, which means there’s a 100 percent chance I’m going to pick the Seahawks in this game, and I won’t be surprised if things gets ugly. For one, I’m pretty sure everyone in Seattle’s locker room is still slightly bitter about the fact that Richard Sherman called the Seahawks a “middle of the road team.”

If the Seahawks are a middle of the road team, then I’m not sure what that makes the 49ers. Not only did they lose to the Seahawks 43-16 back in Week 13, but they’ve also lost nine straight games to the Seahawks dating back to the beginning of the 2014 season.

This definitely has all the makings of a trap game, but with Sherman’s quote and the 49ers upsetting the Broncos on Sunday, I don’t think the Seahawks will be overlooking anyone.

The pick: Seahawks 31-20 over 49ers

NFL Week 15 picks: All the rest

Texans 27-20 over Jets

Browns 19-16 over Broncos

Falcons 20-13 over Cardinals

Bengals 30-27 over Raiders

Bills 23-16 over Lions

Bears 20-17 over Packers

Vikings 30-17 over Dolphins

Titans 23-20 over Giants

Jaguars 19-13 over Redskins

Ravens 24-16 over Buccaneers

Rams 34-23 over Eagles

Saints 31-24 over Panthers

Last Week

Best pick: Last week, I predicted the Falcons would score 20 points and lose to the Packers, and then the Falcons went out and scored 20 points and lost to the Packers. Of course, the reason I picked the Falcons to lose had nothing to do with the Falcons and everything to do with the Packers. When it comes to making picks, I only have one rule and that rule is that there’s a 100 percent chance I’m going to pick a team to win if they just fired their coach. However, I now feel bad for picking the Packers and taking advantage of Mike McCarthy getting fired, because apparently, he’s a classy guy.

Even though the Packers kicked him to the curb, McCarthy still took a out a full-page ad over the weekend to thank the team and fans for their support. That’s basically the complete opposite of the scorched earth tour that Hue Jackson went on after he got fired. You know, the one where he blamed everyone but himself for the Browns’ failures. Jackson also added insult to injury by taking a job just weeks later with one of the Browns’ biggest rivals.

To put this in layman’s terms, McCarthy’s firing would be the equivalent of a guy getting dumped and then sending his ex-girlfriend a thank you note for a wonderful relationship while Jackson’s firing would be the equivalent of a guy getting dumped and then setting his ex-girlfriend’s house on fire in the same week where he also started dating her slightly less attractive sister.

I think the lesson to be learned here is don’t date your ex-girlfriend’s sister.

Worst pick: Last week, I spent roughly three paragraphs talking about how the freezing cold weather in Chicago would have no effect on a team from California and let me just say that I’ve never been more wrong about anything in my entire life. Not only did I pick the Rams to beat the Bears, but I said they would score 26 points in the win. I’m not sure if you watched the game, but the Rams definitely didn’t beat the Bears and they didn’t come anywhere close to scoring 26 points.

I have no idea why I said the Rams could handle cold weather. As someone who lived in California for six years, I know for a fact that the only thing people in California hate more than non-organic food is cold weather. If it’s not beach weather, then there’s no reason to go outside, but it’s always beach weather, which is why everyone in California is always happy.

I mean, I can’t even type on a computer when the temperature drops below 35 degrees, so I’m not sure why I thought Jared Goff would be able to throw a football. Lesson learned, which means if the Rams play any playoff games this year in a cold-weather city or a city that doesn’t serve organic food, then I’ll definitely be picking against them.

Finally, if you guys have ever wondered which teams I’m actually good at picking, this is the part where I tell you, but I don’t need to tell you, because you already know. Through 14 weeks, I only have a perfect record picking one team: The Seahawks (13-0). Also, I’m 11-2 picking the Rams and 10-3 picking the 49ers, Chargers and Browns (9-3-1).

As for the rest of the NFL, I’m somewhere between 6-7 and 9-4 picking the 27 teams not listed above.

Picks record

Straight up in Week 14: 10-6SU overall: 132-74-2Against the spread in Week 14: 9-7ATS overall: 98-105-5Exact score predictions: 2

You can find John Breech on Facebook or Twitter and if he’s not doing one of those things, he’s probably re-enacting the Miami Miracle with his cats.

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Posted by smashdownsportsnews on 2018-12-16 13:51:15

Tagged: , Featured , Football , News

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