#been working on this for a little bit ive never tried to customize a toy like this!

[swervemeister-art]

I had fun painting up this old toy car I had into S&M's Desoto!

[gaiathemexicanbeauty]

Imagine: Mike is back at his mall security guard job, and reader works at the support desk, but more specifically; is in charge of the lost and found.

1st time was because he found an forgotten phone (or something), and was told to take it to the lost and found, where he first met reader.

Then he starts being extra vigilent when walking around, looking for any item that looks misplaced or lost, no matter how unimportant, just as an excuse to go to the lost and found to talk to reader

(Ive never done this before, so sorry if i did anything wrong!)

lost and found | mike schmidt x reader

word count: 1.2k

warnings: none! just a nice little fluffy piece about a sad sad man lol <3

to the asker, i hope you know that i saw this in my inbox and literally squealed, i was waiting for someone to drop a mike request

i hope that this is to your liking, i was going back and forth trying to decide how to start this off and coming up with tiny little ideas to add

also this probably goes without saying, but i have never worked at a mall nor interacted with mall staff if i can help it so if anything sounds off, feel free to correct me

to anyone who also writes on tumblr, pls tell me how you avoid using y/n, i tried to work around it as much as possible but some times just called for it

you hold your polite (albeit strained) smile to the blubbering woman walking away, unsure what to do with yourself as whoever she stands with rubs her back in comfortable circles. another lost wedding ring, gone to the test of time as long as the mall shall live: it's not that you didn't feel bad but after wedding ring #120, you kind of start to get used to the routine of things. lost and found wasn't your first choice when you first started working here but as long as you were getting a paycheck, you weren't going to complain. your side of the mall was rarely visited anyway, giving you the opportunity to do plenty of people watching when you weren't rummaging through piles of lost sweaters and purses.

you let out a quiet sigh once the customers are gone, sitting back in your seat and picking up the book you had once been reading; not like there was anything better to do. fully immersed in your book, you don't even notice the footsteps coming up to the counter. "um, hey." you jolt a bit at the sound of a voice, your gaze snapping from your book to whoever is standing only a few feet away. you have to hold back your reaction when you meet his eyes, tired but trying their best to look interested; it takes you a second to realize this is security and not another customer. "shoot, sorry." you mumble with an awkward smile as you sit up, resting your book in your lap to give the man in front of you your full attention. "how can i help you?" with a thin-lipped smile, he holds up a purse; from the looks of the logo on it, it's obvious this is designer.

you whistle as you take the purse from him, examining it with raised eyebrows. "well, you don't see this everyday. someone should come back for it, thanks." you say, flashing a grin at the security guard as he gives you a much more genuine smile. "no problem. if i had known lost and found got to see stuff like this, i would have put in to work over here instead." he says with a chuckle, folding his hands in front of him as he leans on the counter. "oh, we don't get interesting stuff that often, i promise you." you say with a roll of your eyes, putting the purse behind the counter; anyone in their right mind would come back for this thing. "enlighten me." before you can say something, the security guard outstretches a hand to you with a smile. "i'm mike, by the way. i work security." he says as you shake his hand, raising your eyebrows at him playfully. "(y/n). to give you some insight into how very little happens here, try and guess how many gachapon toys i have behind this counter."

and just like that, you've made a friend; not that you'd admit that mike wasn't sore on the eyes this soon. you just found it easy to talk to him considering you had never seen him around up until this point. after your first meeting, mike would regularly stop by whether he had something lost to leave with you or not: if you were lucky, he would even join you for lunch or walk you out at the end of a shift. little by little, you couldn't help but anticipate his arrival, the same relaxed smile always on his face much unlike the first time he'd approached you.

it's been almost a month by this point, you've had so many lost items deposited to you that after a while, throwing things away or reselling them (specific orders from your boss who was rather shocked at how many items you had in the back room) was required after a certain amount of time: not like anyone came back for them anyway. today was no different than the rest, the sounds of buzzing conversation in the distance from the more crowded areas of the mall. you pop the gum in your mouth as you paint your thumbnail a light-yellow color, scrunching your nose a bit at the smell of the nail polish. you blow softly on it, your eyes glancing up to scan your surroundings. what you see nearly makes you laugh. mike is walking over, seemingly at his normal pace before something catches his attention; whatever it is, you most definitely can't see it. when he stoops down to inspect it, he makes a face that you can only decipher as him being slightly annoyed. he catches you looking at him, an embarrassed smile on his face as he makes the rest of the walk of shame over to you when he realizes he's been caught.

"well, what is it this time? a broken watch? some cap with an unexplainable stain on it?" "what kind of person do you take me for? i'm just a faithful employee trying to do my job." mike says as he extends his arms with a playful smile, making you role your eyes as you abandon your nail polish to look up at the man in front of you. you close your eyes as you hold out your hand to him expectantly, waiting for him to drop something into your palm; after how often he came around, you made it something of a guessing game as to what mike was going to bring out. surprisingly, it's small, definitely plastic from the muted sound it makes when it lands in your hand. "it's a toy." "warm enough. you can open your eyes." you start to say something, opening your eyes and inspecting the item in your hand before you pause.

a small, plastic cat sits on a swing, it's paws holding on to the small chains attached to a brightly colored tab; it's obvious you could hang this off a shelf. your cheeks redden a bit as a sheepish smile grows on your face, pushing a piece of hair behind your ear as your other hand holds it up to inspect it further. you'd never actually stopped at the capsule toy machines yourself, starting your collection only a few weeks after starting your job when they popped up so frequently at the counter. "you like it?" you blink at mike as he smiles fondly at you, one hand propping his chin up; you swear you can see a hint of smugness in his gaze. "it's..yeah. it's cute." you say, unable to help the way you giggle a bit as you hang the toy on the edge of the counter. "good. better hope no one come's looking for it." he chuckles softly, his eyes dropping from yours for a moment as you stare in delight at the newest addition to your collection. "i wouldn't give it to them anyway. not knowing you got it for me." mike's lips part a bit in shock, a scoff of disbelief leaving him despite the smile on his face as you smile up at him knowingly. he tries to defend himself, stuttering to say something before you're called by one of your coworkers. "duty calls." you giggle as you rise from your seat, pretending not to notice the way mike is still trying to recover from being caught as you make your way over to your coworker, a smile tugging at your lips.

SECOND ONE SHOT IN A WEEK HOLY MOLY THIS IS NEW to the asker, i hope you enjoyed this, i tried to add my own little spin to things just to give it that little extra romantic flair lol BUTTT i hope that all of you are having a good rest of your day/night/afternoon and stay safe! :D

[nukapind]

5 with Bakugou? I was initially going to request Todoroki but I can only imagine how amazingly horrendous Mitsuki trying to help Katsuki score would end up lmao

Mother Knows Best (Bakugo x Reader)

I like the way you think. I have a family that schemes so honestly, this wasn’t too far from my own mother she’s tried to set me up with some guys. Feel free to send in more requests— you can find the prompt list here— and as always, this was crossposted to my AO3.

5. “I was having lunch with my mom and she caught me staring at you and she’s asking for your number and trying to be my wingman” + Bakugo

___

“Do you want a water refill?”

“… Sure.”

Maybe Katsuki should’ve been paying attention to whatever his mom was droning on about, but at the moment he couldn’t bother to even pretend to listen to her. Instead, he was focused on the server of the mediocre cafe, filling his glass— to which he grunted his thanks— and cleaning up after the damn messes the other customers couldn’t be bothered to clean.

“Katsuki! Are you even paying attention to me?” Mitsuki’s irritated voice dug into Katsuki’s ears, snapping him out of his trance. Of course he hadn’t been paying attention, and both of them knew it. He shifted, pushing the rice in his bowl around boredly. He would have been just fine without going to lunch with his mom, but at her insistence, she’d managed to drag him out to some cafe he didn’t really care for.

But the staff had definitely caught his eye.

“Honestly Katsuki, you need to start behaving more like a young man rather than some brat! I thought that damn school would help you grow up.” He scowled at her words, but she didn’t seem to be put off by it at all. Did he really spend his day off from school to come and listen to his mother’s nagging. Rolling his eyes, they seemed to settle right back on the server wiping down tables. Chin rested in the palm of his hand as he toyed with the chopsticks in his other hand. He watched as you seemed so intent on cleaning the table, brows furrowing as you stacked the plates up before carrying them off to the kitchen— leaving Katsuki with nothing else to watch. Huffing, he turned back to his mother, ready to listen to whatever nonsense she was spouting.

Only to find her smirking right at him.

“Got a little crush?” She cooed, causing anger and just a bit of shame to bubble in his gut. “Of course not, don’t be an idiot!” The smug look on her face didn’t ease up, and unfortunately he knew he’d gotten his stubbornness (and really most of his personality) from her. “Young love is so cute, reminds me of when I got your father to go out with me.” He’d heard that story way too many times, she’d pestered his dad until he finally went out with her— it was a story that he wasn’t sure she should be proud of.

“I’m not in love, so shut the hell up!” The intended hiss came out as more of an embarrassed groan. He was one of the strongest students in his grade, he fearless when it came to fighting— so why was his mom’s stupid teasing so mortifying at the moment? She took a sip of her soda before giving a thoughtful hum, deep in contemplation before  she snapped her fingers. “That’s it! Dating’ll help you grow up!” A grin formed on her face and he furrowed his brows.

“The fuck are you even talking about?”

Mitsuki’s grin stretched even wider as she stood from her seat, purse in hand. “You like the server, I’ll get their number for you.” She spoke as if this was common sense, like it was completely normal for a mother to do this. His hand snapped out, gripping her purse tightly. “I fucking swear to God, you better not.” He tried his hardest to keep his voice low, he couldn’t risk anyone else hearing the embarrassing exchange, it would ruin his entire image.

“I’ll leave right now.” His threat fell on deaf ears. “Right fucking now.” A glint was ever present in his mother’s eye, cunning and a little too ready to meddle in her son’s love life— ready to ignore his protests. A staring match ensued, two identical pairs of red eyes waiting for the other to back down. “Is… is everything alright here?” Both their heads whipped over, only to see your confused face watching them. If Katsuki knew his mother, she wasn’t giving up on this discussion anytime soon. For a brief second, he did consider making a break for it— the only thing stopping him was the thought that it’d be dining and dashing and he’d never be able to come back here again if he did. 

“We’re fine—” “My son wants to know if he can have your number, he thinks you’re cute.” He was immediately cut off, the unfamiliar feeling of mortification already managing to creep into his body. Heat built up in his cheeks as you dropped the empty tray you’d been carrying.

“I’m gonna order some food for your father, I’ll give you kids some privacy.” “What the fuck—” His mom must have lived for embarrassing him, now he was stuck here with the server he’d been ogling  observing the entire time he’d been here. Scowling, he turned to face you. “Don’t listen to her, the hag’s crazy.” 

“Ah… So you don’t want my number?” He watched as you picked the tray back up, settling yourself in his mother’s abandoned. His brows furrowed and he crossed his arms. “I’ll take it if you’re giving it.” He didn’t miss the confused look on your face as you reached into your apron, pulling out a pen and notepad nevertheless.

“I thought I shouldn’t listen to her?”

His eyes narrowed, giving a quick glance to his mom— who’d (much to his chagrin) been giving him a thumbs-up— before turning back back to you. Gritting his teeth, he had to put his pride aside. “I lied, she was telling the truth.” That earned him a sweet smile from you, and his chest squeezed at the sight. “Well… Maybe you should thank her.” A slip of paper was set in front of his plate as you reached over.

“I should probably get back to work now.” You stood back up with a sheepish smile, and he could only nod dumbly— eyes flickering from you to the note until you slipped back to the kitchen to resume your job. A hand with a familiar nail polish ruffled his hair, to which he quickly smacked away.

“See brat? It worked out.”

“I can’t fucking believe you.”

“Finally, you’re someone else’s problem. I’m telling you Katsuki, a mother knows best.” 

Her cackling didn’t bother him all too much as he typed the number into his phone, saving your contact before sending a quick text with his name. “Just shut the hell up.” He snapped, his phone buzzing from its place on the table.

~ Y/n: kinda weird that ur mom is ur wingman but ive had worse ways of being asked out

Y/n: tell her thanks for me ~

Oh he’d rather die than do that, but maybe further down the road you’d be able to thank her for her meddling yourself.

Masterlist

[amilynh]

Okay, let’s try this again. I’d love a DVD commentary on Leia and Hera’s conversation in “War Orphans.”

Excerpts included from “War Orphans.” [I hope you’re happy...this is longer than the fic itself...  LOLOLOL!]

Before she even touched him, the princesspulled him away, holding more tightly if anything. “I’ve got him,”she snapped.

“I’m so sorry–”

“Don’t.”

I knew from the time I got the promptthat I desperately wanted to see Hera and Leia interact, and I used Jacen asthe catalyst, having Hera need to do a job and Leia casually volunteer to watchJacen (to everyone’s surprise and Hera’s embarrassment).  I did a bunch of assembling ofinformation…that Hera is about 10 years older than Leia, that Leia (likeLuke) is only about 3 days younger than Ezra, and that neither of them has everlived in a time where the galaxy was not at war (even though there is a lull inopen hostilities on the Core Worlds after the rise of the Empire).  We knew by the time I wrote this that Leiaand Hera were both on Yavin IV, that Hera flew at the Battle of Scarif, thatshe was likely to have been on Yavin again when Han and Luke returned from theDeath Star was a Super Compartmentalizing Leia, and that Hera flew against thesecond Death Star.

I thought quite a bit about how wellthese two women would know each other, and I decided that they would know eachother by name, reputation, and from planning meetings, but that, sadly, sincethey move in different circles–by social standing and, in particular, by rolein the Rebellion–they wouldn’t be friends.

I believe Leia was prickly from themoment she was captured on the Tantive IV until, well, after Han’s rescue fromTatooine.  I think that was most noticeablein the period between her imprisonment on the Death Star and the evacuationfrom Hoth; I think Leia was just…existing then, and I think that the Leia weseen in ESB very much did not expect to survive the war.  In many ways, I think she considered herselfa dead girl walking; she’d cheated death already (on the Death Star, by notbeing on Alderaan, in countless raids and on countless missions, in dodgyspacecraft….) and everyone she’d ever loved died in front of her eyes aftershe’d been relentlessly tortured.  I thinkher prickliness is entirely a self-protection mechanism…and a side-effect ofher depression, survivor’s guilt, rage, grief, and single-minded vendetta againstthe Empire.

I liked having everyone surprised at hervolunteering to take care of Jacen because ALL of the above would lead anyoneto believe that the workaholic princess who is the Face of the Rebellionwould…be too busy, not like kids, have no capacity to deal with a child’semotions, etc.  However, I believe Leiais 100% a pragmatist, and if Hera was more needed in the air than Leia was inCommand?  She’d volunteer in aninstant.  I do think, although she doesn’tthink this way about herself, that Leia believed in the need to keep in mindwhat they were fighting for:  children,customs, loved ones.  Leia only eschewedthose because hers are all already gone; she doesn’t HAVE anything left to livefor when she thinks about after the war (not yet…)…but Hera does, and Leiacan safeguard that. 

Even so, she’s prickly with anyone whosees her “weaknesses,” and with anyone who questions her.  Having her refuse to hand over Jacen, havingher refuse to accept comfort or sympathy from Hera…she can’t.  She just absolutely cannot let anyone touchthe depths of her grief, not even kindly. She packed it all away before comforting Luke, before saying “We have notime for our sorrows,” looooong before this, and she’s not about to look intothat box herself; I believe she feels, at this point before ESB, that if sheever looked–really looked–at the gaping, yawning maw of grief that is thedestruction of Alderaan…she would never, in her mind, recover or climb backout of that chasm.  Grief that great isbottomless and it’s daunting to look at. So, here, she has this child with her who fears losing his parents theway she has already lost hers, this child who never saw and will never seeAlderaan, this child who reasonably could die or lose his mother (as he’salready lost his father even before his birth), this child who is already makingmilitary plans because that is what his entire life is immersed in…and theutter trust in a child who will ASK Leia if his mommy is going to die(something Jacen can’t ask *Hera*…), and to whom she couldn’t bring herselfto give a harsh answer to (because, let’s face it, we’ve seen Leia with Wicket:she’s a sucker for kids), but to whom she can’t quite fully outright LIE…andyet…she might be wrong.  And so thiskid melds into her, sobbing, and falls asleep on her **like she’s a realperson**…not a princess or a leader or a figurehead or a mascot…and all ofthose things she has tucked away…she can’t deny their realty as they press ather in the form of a warm little kid, treating her like the kind of real personSHE can no longer see herself as.  And,of course, a kid who is openly grieving and crying over the very losses andfears that Leia tries to pretend she doesn’t notice in herself…that’s a toughsituation NOT to cry in.  And I reallywanted Leia to dissolve into that emotional place she denies herself for thefirst three years of time in which we know her.

Then Hera comes in and sees her, sees theversion of her that NO ONE WILL SEE, DAMMIT…the version of her she tuckedaway and boxed up deep inside herself when Vader was rifling through hermind…and it is almost as much of an intrusion as the torture…or so it seemsin that first moment.  And NO WAY is shegoing to hand off the child who is her one tether, her one lifeline in thatmoment, and the catalyst for her own emotional outlet: the ONE person who hasever treated her Just As Leia in the past 2+ years (without the weight of allthe knowledge of the Death Star and Alderaan and Who She Is and What She StandsFor…because Han treats her Just As Leia, too, but he does so as someone who onlyknows Post-Alderaan Leia)…because Jacen knows Bail is dead, that it wasbecause of the Empire, but, to him, it’s just a simple fact without the WEIGHTthat is attached for the adults.  So Leiasnaps at the poor kid’s mother.

“It was no trouble. You hadimportant work to do.” Leia swallowed audibly. Breathed. Breathed again.She gestured to the scattered toys. “He’s going to be a great general,like his mother and grandfather. He planned an entire assault on that tooka ofhis.” Her voice grew less damp with each word.

“Princess, I can take him if…” Heraleft the offer hanging.

Leia tightened her grip on Jacen. “It’sLeia,” she said, voice even. Her small, gloved hand stroked Jacen’s back.“I got him to call me Leia. You should too.”

Then Leia starts to try and pull herselftogether:  act like a Princess, act likea Diplomat, comment on someone’s skills, give an assessment, give orders. Shestill can’t let go of this child, but she can put her façade back together, onecool, calm compliment at a time.  And,simultaneously, I want so much for Leia to have some *women* around her, so sheopens herself up, just a tiny bit, by encouraging a first-name relationshipbetween her and Hera.  I think Leianeeded women around her so badly, and Hera, along with Shara Bey, are two ofthe few named women we knew were part of the Rebellion at this stage.

Leia peered around Jacen’s head thenleaned back. “Your son led his troops to victory over his tooka. Then heheld up three X-wings told me, ‘These ones died fighting the Empire. Like mydaddy.’”

“Why would you tell him that?” Leiademanded.

But…that leads straight back to the cruxof the matter…who this child is, what he knows, who this child’s parents are,and the reality of being a child who knows their parents might die at any timebecause, well, just like Leia and Hera, Jacen has already lost a parent to theEmpire, too.  And Leia, who is AllPragmatism, oh, she Just Cannot with the idea that this child might know fartoo much, even though it IS pragmatic and realistic.  She has this momentary break with her abilityto can because can’t they have just one thing that is not touched by theEmpire?  Can’t there be SOMETHING that theEmpire hasn’t tainted?

“After he said his father died, hesaid, 'Like your daddy.’ Why would you tell him that?”

And to make things worse, Jacen knowsabout Bail…he knows SO MUCH MORE than he should, and Leia, used to being the subjectof gossip, can only assume that someone is talking about her EVEN WITH THISCHILD.  So, as much as she admiresGeneral Syndulla’s piloting and leadership skills, part of the reason she won’trelinquish this child is that she now has serious reservations about the otherwoman’s judgement in terms of parenting skills. AND she feels that, not only has Hera seen her cry, seen her “weak,” butif Hera will gossip to her small child, what else might Hera tell about thiswhole day…Leia babysitting, Leia crying in a distant tunnel…  And, of course, when Hera, who sees that thisis a manifestation of the Force, starts to say so, it sounds like the worstkind of assumption-making and victim-blaming, and Leia goes right back on thedefensive…and lets one of her most closely-held secrets slip in the process.

“I didn’t tell him anything,”Hera said. “It’s possible someone else did, but I think it was you.”

Leia turned, her eyes flashing and dangerous.“I told him nothing of the kind.”

“I don’t think you,” Hera paused,bit her lip. “I don’t think you told him on purpose.”

“You think I just accidentally let slipto a toddler that the Empire blew up my entire planet before my eyes?”

They’d made her watch, Hera realized. Becauseof course they did.

One of the questions that I like to askpeople for their head canons about is, “Who do you think knows that they madeLeia watch the destruction of Alderaan…and when do you think they learnedabout it?”  In my head, it’s Han, Luke,and (probably) Carlist Rieekan, and (probably) Mon Mothma.  I don’t actually think that Hera is on thatlist in canon (even my personal canon), but the idea of having her find outhere was tantalizing, and gave me the chance to talk more about how much thesetwo women, these two mothers (one current in the story and one, at the time ofthe story, a future mother), these two leaders…how MUCH they have in common, and,simultaneously, how differently those similarities have presented.  This is particularly and additionallypoignant given that it’s possible that Jacen might have been among the Jedistudents slaughtered by a four- or five-years-younger Ben Solo, which wouldeven more horribly link their stories. But this line “because of course they did,” is one of my favorites.  I like giving Hera the information notbecause Leia made a decision, but because she’s ripped open, and although she’sreconstructing her shields and walls…she hasn’t got them really working, andshe forgets to filter herself.  I likehaving Hera’s stomach drop because she knows…she KNOWS how the Empire works;she’s been tortured by them too, as was Kanan, as have been others Hera knowsand loves…and yet, she was a) too preoccupied to think about this at the time(see: having a baby) and b) this is pretty low even for the Empire.  But Hera, like most of the Rebellion, doesn’treally believe ANYTHING is too low for the Empire, and although she hadn’tactively thought about what must have happened, I know that she wouldimmediately recognize that OF COURSE.

Leia scoffed. “Luke doesn’t even knowthat. I never told him. And he says he can’t see into people like that.”

“Kanan could.”

Leia scoffed. “If Darth Vader couldn’tget something out of my head, I doubt–”

“You had to protect yourself fromVader.” Hera had no idea how Leia–a kid Ezra’s age–had managed that, butapparently she had, and without the Force. Hera shook away the thought. The wellof feeling there was too deep. Focus, Hera. “Not many people feel aneed to protect themselves from a 3-year-old.”

I wanted Leia to be on such a tear that shedidn’t even realize until after she blurted it out that she was giving more informationto Hera than she’d probably given even to High Command…and certainly morethan she speaks of.  I want so much forLeia to have more people who KNOW how badly she’s been hurt, and who will talkwith her or listen to her or give her a place to crash, judgement-free, if sheneeds.  I want her to have comfortingwomen around her…and for them to do that well…they need to know things thatLeia Organa Very Much Does Not Talk About.  As I questioned how Jacen could get past Leia’s(impressive) shields, I realized AS Hera was about to say it that, well, ofCOURSE Leia wouldn’t be powering up Super Shields around a 3-year-old…and Ireally liked getting to let Hera say that, letting Hera remind Leia that thereis nothing WRONG with her, that different circumstances call for differentresponses.  

I also liked lampshading Leiahaving the Force by having Hera (who, again, is FAR too concerned and FAR toopreoccupied to examine it closely…and FAR too impressed by this amazing youngwoman) think about how it seemed odd and even unlikely that Leia could have enduredthat kind of extended torture without giving something up AND without the Forceto use as part of her self-defense. Little does Hera know that Leia WAS using the Force…just unconsciously(another of my headcanons) and passively; if it were otherwise, Vader would havesensed it.  There is nothing I love morethan Force-using Leia, so I had to have at least a hint at it, even though itdoesn’t fit in this story to have it be explored more fully…of course, this also allowed me to highlight how LITTLE they know about the Force.  EACH of them has known next to NO ONE who is Force Sensitive and all of what they know about what is possible is from that limited, limited source.

Leia chuckled mirthlessly. “If you heardHigh Command, you might see otherwise. When Shara Bey’s son was born, you’dhave thought an acid lizard had got loose on base.”

This line was merely because I wanted tomake a joke about High Command being FREAKED OUT about having babies/childrenaround…even though it’s the reality of a rebellion this size; they MUST allowchildren in order for their parents to be able to be there…but it doesn’tmean that these folks who still remember and want to restore the Republic are*comfortable* with that.  Of course, tothat end, I spent 2-3 hours searching for a critter that is canonical and thatI could use as an example of what they’d imagine might have got loose in thebase.

I really enjoyed having Leia’s hard-edgedvoice that could cut transparisteel, the description of Jacen asking if, sinceLeia’s mama died in the war, if that meant his mama would die; that is kidlogic, and I still like it.  I likedhaving them end up crying together.  Iliked having Leia point out what Hera feels she should have known…but whatJacen has been hiding from her…and I like that both women understand thatthere is no alternative, no way to honourably pretend they don’t know thesethings because, well, they are simply real, and no grief or fear from any ofthem or this toddler can change the fact that they are both utterly committedto this being the only option: to fight.

Leia’s jaw hardened. “Don’t you daredie.” Her eyes bored into Hera’s. That glare was sharp in a way thatreminded Hera of Kanan.

Hera nodded.

“Just…don’t you dare. I promised him Iwouldn’t let you die.”

“I always fly to come home.” It hadto be enough. It was all she had.

“Fly safe, General Syndulla. Don’tmake me a liar.”

And then I loved getting to drop anotherhint–that fiercely sharp otherworldly stare of Leia’s that reminds Hera ofKanan–about Leia’s Force sensitivity. ANYTHING I can do to play with that makes me happy.  And I love Leia exacting a promise from Herathat Hera can no more keep than Leia can keep her promise to Jacen.  Of course…there is a little more to thosepromises than there would be without the Force behind them…but it is just alittle when the Greater Good of the Force is flowing toward the destruction ofthe Empire.  I know, of course, that Herasurvives the second Death Star assault, so I like planting this conversation,knowing that it will turn out well, but knowing that it is fraught for both ofthem.  

I love this scene and this story somuch.  Thank you for asking about it!

[shesdreamingofamonster]

His Queen (VII)

Word Count: 1,830

Genre:  Action, Romance, Mafia AU

Ship:  Reader x Yixing/Lay

Summary:  After Yixing overhears of your involvement, the exact plan against the enemy needs to be arranged. With the danger returning soon, there aren’t many options left.

I II III IV V VI VIII Epilogue

“What are you doing up?!” You sprinted over to him, taking hold of his waist, trying to stabilize him and take all of his weight onto yourself. He turned his head to look at you, a somewhat annoyed expression on his face. “I woke up and no one was there, all I heard was voices, so I thought I would come see what was going on.” You didn’t say anything, just fussed about with his waist, making sure he didn’t open the stitches keeping his wound closed. “I am fine Y/N, I just want to know what it is that you are up to, especially with all of the guys?” He gave you a leveled stare.

You looked up and gave him a loving expression, his face softened as it always did with you. “Nothing you need to concern yourself with, you just need to get better, let’s get you back to bed.” You started leading him back up the stairs but he wouldn’t budge. “I am not going back to bed. I have been laying down long enough.” You rolled your eyes and tried again, pulling softly on his arm. “Y/N, can you please stop treating me like a child! If anything, I should be the one taking care of you, taking care of everyone. Every second that I spend in that bed, the more likely it is for something else to happen.”

You looked around the room, seeing the looks of astonishment. He has never gotten angry like that at you. Of course, it was only because he felt like he wasn’t doing what he was supposed to. It wasn’t in resentment. You loosened your grip on him and backed away, lowering your head. “I am sorry. I only want to make you better.” He grimaced at the way you reacted. Moving forward to wrap you in his arms. “I shouldn’t have raised my voice.” You let him hold you, knowing that is the only thing that would make him believe you weren’t upset with him.

Then he looked up at the boys. “Will someone please tell me what is going on?” You raised your head, still in Yixing’s hold, and nodded. Junmyeon’s eyes looked for your approval. He knew that you would be the one getting the most grievances from their leader. “We may have devised a plan.” You looked back up at your boyfriend. He didn’t seem too alarmed yet. “And what exactly is this plan?” The maknae line seemed to be upset, the younger boys’ nervous glances in your direction were not helping with the angry boyfriend you would soon need to deal with. “Now, keep in mind that Y/N has just as much say in this house as all of us.” Yixing looked down at you and back at Junmyeon. “Continue.” Jun’s demeanor unfazed, “We need to either go to their base, or bring them to ours. They already know where we are, and we would need to find their exact location. Since we know this area the best, bringing them here makes the most sense. And what they want the most, as you know, is revenge. Their best shot at revenge is hurting Y/N. Well, she suggested we make an offer to them. Tell them that she is theirs, that you are still out of commission and we do not want any more trouble. That they can have their revenge, if they come here and get her themselves.”

The sudden tension in Yixing’s body was very evident. When your name was mentioned, he tightened his hold on you, protectively. Even the thought of you being a pawn left a sour taste in his mouth. “Absolutely not! That is completely out of the question. We are not offering her up on a silver platter for them to enjoy.” He brought your head to his chest and made sure there was absolutely no space between you. As if his body would keep you away from harm. You pushed away though, trying to make it easier for him to hear your defense. “Why not?! They are going to come for me anyways. And who says going to them won’t lead to a trap. This is our best shot. You are hardly in a position to go against them on unknown territory. Please Xing, just think about it.”

He opened his mouth to respond but stopped himself. He looked at all of the men he called brothers. They believed that this was the best option as well. Their faces all showed it. He trusted their opinions. Letting his emotions get in the way, that is something that a leader shouldn’t do. He knew you could handle them going away to danger. But you putting yourself in danger, voluntarily, he had no idea what your limits were. He taught you how to defend yourself from attackers, not how to put yourself in front of a bullet. His hands came up to cup your face, “Are you absolutely sure that this is what you want to do? You don’t have to be involved at all.” You put on a face which you believed showed your strength and determination, “I am positive.”

***

After fighting with Yixing for a good twenty minutes about getting him to lay down and him adamantly denying your pleas, you gave up. He was now sitting on the couch with you at his side, fingers intertwined as you listened to the ideas that everyone wanted to pitch about how things should go. Jongin suggested just having you stand outside of the house when they come, which was turned down as soon as it was said. “You just want her served to them on a platter?” Baekhyun couldn’t help but say what was on his mind at the moment. They broke into an argument as you looked over are your boyfriend who just looked tired and worried. Laying your head on his shoulder, you gave his hand a squeeze.

Junmyeon looked as if he was completely over the situation. “It is times like this where we need to be together, we need to be one. If we are going to get anywhere at all with this plan, and keeping everyone safe, we need to come together.” He made sure that he looked everyone in the eye when he spoke. He knew that the boys were just stressed, and that is where the aggression was coming from. You wondered if leaving the room would make things better. But as you moved to get up Yixing gave you a questioning look. “I might be making this worse,” you said the first part to him. The others immediately gave their responses to reassure you that they wanted you there to make the decisions with them.

“Would they be able to tell if I had a weapon on me?” After contemplating a few ideas, you wanted to see if the boys would like them. “Most likely,” Minseok stated with a concentrated look. “Do we happen to have any switch blades on hand, something she could hide up her sleeve?” Chanyeol and Baekhyun looked at each other, being the most familiar with the knives and other blades they had in their possession. Suddenly Baekhyun’s face lit up, “I told you it would come in handy!” Chanyeol looked entertained as Baekhyun got up to retrieve the allusive item. “We found one on someone, he decided that we should keep it. I am honestly surprised that a situation arose where it could be used.” Yixing let out a small laugh beside you, “Of course you two would stumble upon a switch blade.” Chanyeol grinned just as Baekhyun made his way back to the group. “That was fast!” You knew that the weapons room was located in the west wing, there is no way he went there. “I may have kept this with my personal possessions. I like to mess around with it from time to time, practice certain maneuvers.” He opened it to show you, the silver gleamed like he recently cleaned it. It was smaller than you thought it would be. In fact, it was about the size of a pen, even looked like one. You assumed it was custom made, for whoever the boys dealt with to retrieve it. But even a small blade could be lethal, if it is used correctly. “We could strap it to your arm, just above the wrist. You would need to be close, but not suspicious.” You nodded, affirming all of the information he was relaying to you. He showed you how to eject the blade, all you had to do was push down the button like on a pen. “I could get close, maybe flirt a little. Pretend that I was just his booty call, that the feelings weren’t reciprocated. I am sure they would take the bait of a beautiful woman.” Yixing seemed a bit bothered by your words, even though you were obviously more than a toy to each other. “All they know is that Yixing is infatuated with me, no offense babe. I could be a seductress.”

Sehun and Jongin burst out laughing. A little offended you shot them a glare. “If I didn’t know you, I would buy it.” Kyungsoo sat up. “An important man who fell for a beautiful woman, that happens all the time. Not to be cliché. Y/N’s plan could work.” You looked around to see if anyone else agreed. No one seemed to be outright upset by it, well other than Yixing you didn’t want you involved in the first place. “What if they don’t believe it?” Jongdae thought out loud. “Well that is all we have to rely on. They don’t know me, they have only heard about me. I can be anyone I want to them. I just need a chance. I know I can do it.”

“Anyone have issues with this? Of course we will need to prepare, give Y/N some blade combat training. When the time comes, we need to follow her lead. We know what is coming this time. This is our home, we know the landscape and the building, we have the weapons. Are we in agreement?” Junmyeon looked to Yixing for approval first, and then called for those in agreement to say ‘aye.’ Ten voices rang out in unison, including your own.

“I will send word to them somehow. Tell them about our arrangement, that Yixing is out of commission and that we do not want any more trouble. They are coming with the intent of taking Y/N from him, and we are not sure exactly in what way. I suggest we get some rest, preparations will begin shortly.”

This was happening. They were coming, and you were the main piece of the plan. They may not have been notified yet, but that didn’t make a difference. You are the prey. But instead of running away you are going to face it head on.

It is time to turn into the predator.

Next Part

Masterlist

[happy-meo]

Masquerade IV: The Dark Side (Jin x Reader x Tae) Part 1

While love may bring out the best in us, it could also bring out the worst.

And so the last saga begins...

** If you haven't read them already, please read the following BEFORE starting this story: Silver Spoon, Masquerade I, Masquerade II, Masquerade III, Masquerade 3.1 & 3.2 drabbles **

Summary: You were never lucky in love. Through disastrous dates, consistent unrequited crushes, and broken relationships, you've constantly been searching for someone to give you genuine love and romance. And through it all, one person had remained your constant shoulder to lean on. Although you had never seen his face, he had given you a sense of confidence and a place of comfort in Club Masquerade. The more times you've failed in love though, the more you realized that may be no one would ever choose you. However, one fateful encounter, thanks to your dog, made you want to hope one more time. Did fate bring you to the one who would finally end your streak of being broken-hearted? Or had the right guy been with you all along?

Jin x Reader x Tae (ft. previous Masquerade characters, Silver Spoon characters, & Got7 Jackson) Fluff, Smut, Angst, Romance Host Au, Cook!Jin, Vet!Tae, Bartender!Tae

Parts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 (Finale)

A/N: And the new series is back! Thank you everyone for waiting so patiently! Sorry for the time lapse without updates. As I said, I experienced a little bit of a writer’s block, and I really wanted to this final installment justice. I had planned this series all together in the beginning, and I hadn’t expected so many people to love and anticipate the Masquerade series, so THANK YOU SO MUCH for allowing me to write all four parts and related Silver Spoon <33 ENJOY!

          Most people were brought up with the belief that being humble was respectful and how they should always act when receiving compliments. So much so that most people feel bashful when accepting praises; so much so that they begin to doubt compliments and any positive outlook on themselves, to the point where they begin to downplay their own strengths and focus on their weaknesses.

           But that wasn't the case with Jin.

           It was a meeting of Heaven and Hell when you first met. He was a ball of positivity and warmth, while you were cold and desolate. In your fit of desperation, you had run into Club Masquerade for relief, for any inkling of being loved, for comfort.

           And in his own odd way, Jin gave that to you.

           "Wow, you're a hot mess." He had chuckled as he grabbed your hand to lead you away from judgmental eyes.

           Your make-up was trailing down your cheeks, your hair was unkempt, and your eyes blood-shot from crying. It was another cliché story of being cheated on and dumped. Another episode of not feeling good enough.

           "I want a different person." You thought he was making fun of you.

           But he smiled as he led you into a room and stated, "Why? Because I called you hott?"

           "You said I'm a hot mess." You repeated.

           "Why do people automatically think that's a bad thing?" He laughed as he threw his jacket around your shoulders. "I think you're quite beautiful right now."

           You blushed and averted your eyes. "Stop lying."

           "Not anyone can rock smudged make up and crying their eyes out, while still managing to look good." He handed you tissues and a mirror. "Unless you're me of course."

           You looked at him incredulously. "You wear make-up?"

           "No. My face was sculpted by the gods." He stated seriously with a shrug. "I meant I make every emotion look fantastic."

           You couldn't help but laugh at his ridiculousness.

           "Ah, there's a smile." he grinned as he knelt in front of you. "Everyone should technically have a mask coming in here, but we'll keep this a secret between us."

           And your gray world gained a little more color when Jin came into your life.

           You had worked in the Seoul branch of the Min Company for years, seemingly as a shadow. You had been one of the only ones who saw Mr. Jung for who he really was in the beginning, while others gossiped about his crabby personality. You knew there was more to him than that. But your crush was quickly hurtled towards the amicable and openly flirtatious Mr. Park. Although he claimed to have a girlfriend, you couldn't stop your feelings. Even if you felt ridiculous, you wanted to be close to him, wanted to get to know him.

           Then he brought his girlfriend to the company party and to say you were crushed would be an understatement. You left the party early and ran to Club Masquerade once again.

           But you continued to persist, hoping that he would notice you if you made yourself ever so present in his life. And that's when you decided to frequent the cafe where he always got his coffee from, something you had noticed from close observation.

           "Mr. Park?"

           Jimin turned, surprised.

           "Oh my gosh. Hi!" You spotted his girlfriend at the counter. "Mr. Park's girlfriend! I can't remember your name."

           "I never gave it." She mused. "How can I help you?"

           Jimin burst out in laughter at her snark reply, but he played it off as a cough. You knew better, but you tried to save your face.

           "He always came in with this brand of coffee so I wanted to try it for myself." You explained unnecessarily. "I didn't think he'd be coming here to see his girlfriend every morning! How sweet!"

           "Yes, very." She curtly agreed. "What will you be having today?"

           "Oh right. Whatever Mr. Park gets here." You blushed.

           "Coming right up." She smiled warmly.

           Your eyes followed Mr. Park who floated to where she was and they began bickering about something. Your lips turned downwards at the sight, wishing it was you he was close to instead. Then you straightened up when his gaze landed on you.  

           "See you at the office." He pointed at you and you couldn't help but beam, excited that he didn't forget about you.

           His girlfriend then handed you your order and whispered, "You should give up. You're not his type."

           You looked at her alarmed. How had she been able to tell from the few minutes you had been standing there?

           "Well if you hurry you could probably walk with him to the office." She batted her eyes innocently. "Tell him his girlfriend sent you."

           You blushed and sprinted out of the cafe, immensely embarrassed. Were the two of them just toying around with you?

           So in an effort to get over your crush on unavailable Mr. Park and not make a further fool of yourself, you attempted to date around again, which hardly ever ended well. You fell too hard, too quickly, and always landed flat on your face because of it.

           Receptionist pressed her earpiece as you once again rushed into the Club, distraught.

           "Jin, your next client is already waiting for you in the room. Looks like another one of her dates went badly so come with the full break up kit."

           "On it." Jin hurried out from the back worriedly.

           And you constantly wondered when Jin would get irritated and tired of you coming in like this.

           But he never did.

           In fact, you weren't sure how it happened, but Jin became one of your closest friends.

           "Yo." Jackson came out of the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist.

           Jin raised an eyebrow as he was putting on his nightly face cream. "Jackson, what did I say about running around naked in the apartment?"

           "I'm not naked!" He pointed to the towel. "My goods are covered."

           Jin shook his head. "What'd you need?"

           "I was just wondering about that customer you have that's always bawling her eyes out." Jackson plopped down on Jin's bed. "Why do you keep her?"

           "What do you mean?" Jin questioned.

           "I mean, you were a Consoler type until J-Hope graduated. That's the type of Host she wanted. But now you're our best Gentleman persona. Shouldn't you let a full time Consoler handle her?" Jackson asked.

           "Mmm..." Jin hummed. "She was my first ever customer, and we've developed a bond of trust. She's been rejected by so many people --"

           "Clearly." Jackson snorted.

           Jin glared at him and Jackson looked away guiltily.

           "I just don't want to be one of those people." Jin stated. "She's really cool when you get to know her."

           "Bro, you've got balls." Jackson chuckled. "First, you're the only mask that uses his real name, and now you're the only mask that's taking on two roles. Respect."

           Jin smiled. "Well, I didn't want to develop some 'fake' persona. I always want to be myself in everything I do."

           Jackson nodded, "Props man, props."

           Jin spun around, "How does it feel being the top Aggressor now that Nochu graduated?"

           Jackson stretched. "It's a workout since his customers transferred over to me, but it's been good. The ladies love The Wang."

           Jin burst into laughter. "I still can't believe you chose that name."

           "What?" Jackson bellowed. "It's catchy. And joke all you want, but it makes perfect sense in the situation. Besides, you love puns so out of all people, I expect you to appreciate my genius."

           "I do. I do." Jin waved his hand. "Now get your naked butt out of my room."

           "Again, I'm not naked." he pointed. "There's a towel over The Wang's wang."

           Jin cracked up, and Jackson, quite satisfied at making his roommate laugh, waltzed out of his room.

           "Oh. Can you bring home left over bread and pastries from your store?!" Jackson bellowed.

           "We never have leftovers though." Jin smirked proudly.

           "You know what I mean. Steal some!"

           "I can't steal from my own store. Pay me!" Jin answered.

           "Fine! Just bring some! I've been craving them."

           Jin grinned. "I told you you'd get hooked."

           "I'd totally date you if you swung that way." Jackson replied.

           Jin rolled his eyes. "Sure, sure."

           "Hey, remember I made you into the city man you are now?! You need to appreciate me more!"

           Kim Seokjin, the eldest son of a farm family, had arrived in Seoul after much contemplation and much inspiration from his beloved sister, Farm Girl. He had watched all his younger family members steadily achieve goal after goal of their own accord. He had been envious of their ambition, their intellect, and their passion, but had simply felt content in helping out on the farm for the longest time. It had been a set path for him after all -- to take over the family business. He didn't think of anything else.

           But he soon began feeling left behind, stagnant, and aimless. Until Yoongi gave him a cookbook. A gnawing feeling of wanting more had always been present inside him, but as he held the book and as he began trying new recipes, learning more about the world of cooking, he realized what it was he wanted to do.  

           And so, he began confiding in Yoongi about his ideas and thoughts, to which the younger was supportive, encouraging, and helpful in providing valuable insight into what he needed to do to bring his aspirations to fruition. Later on, he gave Yoongi a letter with his well thought out proposal to open his own shop in the big city. He, too, wanted to chase his passions and try to achieve his dreams of making his small shop well-known, attending a prestigious culinary school, and maybe even becoming head chef of a restaurant.

           But he had refused any monetary help from his future brother-in-law. He wanted to find success with his own hands and his own efforts. Instead, he asked Yoongi to reach out to any and all of his business partners, and send his proposal to them to get someone to sponsor, invest, and support his idea. Lo and behold, through the sea of rejections, one person signed the proposal and gave him a chance to open up a small bakery. And so, he immediately left for Seoul to find himself and his dreams.  

           Luckily, when Jin had reached out to Namjoon for possible places to stay in Seoul, Namjoon mentioned one of his closest friends was looking for a roommate. And not seeing any reason to refuse splitting the rent and having an immediate friend in a new place, Jin accepted.

           "Wow, you're handsome. And tall!" Jackson gushed as Jin first stepped foot into the apartment. "But dude, your clothes...I know holes and stitches are in style, but we need to get you a make-over."

           "What? Why would I need a make-over? My face is already handsome." Jin argued.

           Jackson cracked up for a good five minutes. "I like you, Kim Seokjin. Namjoon said you were interesting and charming. He was definitely right."

           He shook Jin's hand. "I'm Jackson Wang. And as your welcome present, let me please help you change your wardrobe so you could do your handsome face justice. Okay?"

           Jin's lips curled up, "Well, I can't refuse if you're offering so adamantly."

           Jackson laughed, "Just between me and you, it's Namjoon's card."

           The two cackled all the way to the shopping district. And it truly was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

           "Jin. Jin. Chef. CHEF!"

           Jin was brought out from his reminiscing by his assistant, who was looking at him scoldingly with her arms crossed. "Can you please save your inner monologues for another time? It's almost opening time, and we have to finish two more batches of fresh bread!"

           "Oh right, right." Jin chuckled. "Thanks, Crumbs."

           She frowned at his usual nickname for her.

           "What?" he grinned. "Did you like Ppang-Ppang better?"

           She rolled her eyes and sighed. "There's an insanely long line outside already."

           "What would I do without you?" Jin tilted her chef hat playfully as she huffed.

           She chucked flour at him. "This is YOUR shop. Can you take it seriously?"

           Jin laughed, "Everything will work out, Crumbs. I say it every day, and I've never been wrong."

           She exhaled and went back to rolling dough. "Whatever you say, Boss."

           Jin patted his hands on his apron and got to work as well.

           Crumbs or Ppang-Ppang, to which Jin thought he was cleverly punny for making those nicknames for her, had been with him since the beginning. When he was just setting up the bakery, he was looking for assistants who could help him bake various pastries and bread. Since he was an unknown brand name, not many applicants came in. Those that did try however couldn't handle the speed, efficiency, and delicacy he expected in the kitchen. Then Crumbs waltzed in and was the perfect assistant. She was quick in the kitchen; she had her own flair, the passion to experiment with new flavors and ingredients, and on top of that, she was clean, organized, and determined to make each batch as delicious as the last. She was a blessing for which he was grateful for everyday. He knew that without her, his shop would be difficult to manage alone.

           "You want to work the cash register today?" he teased.

           She scrunched her face, and he chuckled.

           "You just want me to say your face attracts more customers so you should take the register." she retorted.

           "And yet, you still said it." He sung as he skipped outside to open up.

           "Make sure you don't have flour on you!" she called out.

           "Flour won't stop my beauty!" he bellowed.

           "Oh boy." She simply sighed as she waited for the last batch to finish in the oven, listening to the excited bustling of the shop. "We need to hire another cashier if this keeps up."

           "Oh, isn't he so handsome?" The customers gushed as they eyed Jin at the register while they chose their delicacies.

           "I wonder if these people come here for the pastries or for the eye candy."

           Jin beamed at the familiar voice. "Hoseok!"

           "I come here diligently every morning, just for you my dear friend." Hoseok smiled as he placed his choices on the counter. "I got a bit more today 'cause Jimin keeps eating it when I turn around or leave our room for a second."

           "Still the same, that Red Mask." Jin snorted.

           "Oh? You're here too?" Jungkook appeared and hugged Hoseok from behind.

           "Don't you have patrols to run in the morning?" Jin scowled at Jungkook's presence as he rung up the two's orders.

           "My girlfriend asked me to buy her some so I'm stopping by the office to give it to her. She said it reminds her of home for some reason." Jungkook shrugged. "This is addicting, Jin."

           "In that case, grab some extra for her." Jin smiled warmly. Jungkook looked at him skeptically at his softened tone. He coughed, "I mean anyone who could put up with your arrogant self needs some extra bread in her life."

           Hoseok snorted. "On the contrary Jin, Jungkook becomes putty when it comes to women in the 'real' world."

           "I'll have to see this for myself." Jin chuckled. "I can't imagine it."

           "Next time you two go to the gym, put him right next to a female and you'll see him panic." Hoseok pointed.

           "I've gotten better!" Jungkook argued.

           "Oh right. Where's your mystery assistant? She's the one that makes the special bread of the day you said, right?" Hoseok questioned.

           "Yeah. She's shy so she's always in the back thinking of new specials." Jin chuckled. "She never wants to be up here."

           "Well, send her mine and Silver's compliments. Yesterday's special was amazing." Hoseok gave a thumbs up.

           "I'll let her know." Jin grinned proudly.

           "Well, good luck. I'll catch you at the gym later." Jungkook waved.

           Hoseok and Jungkook chummily exited the bake shop, their handsomeness capturing many of the customer's attention.

           "They're taken ladies and gents." Jin commented with a chuckle. "Sorry."

           There was a collective disappointed "Awww" within the store.

           Jin yawned as he was about to close up for the day, but his eyes bulged out as he spotted you running into the store, disheveled, and wet from the pouring rain.

           "I'M SORRY! I KNOW YOU'RE CLOSING!" You heaved. "I ran here after work because I woke up late and didn't have time to wait on the line this morning, or else I would've been late and--"

           Jin simply smiled and flipped the sign to "Closed". "I'll get you your usual."

           You blinked, surprised. "You know my usual?"

           Jin blushed as he hurried to grab what he knows you usually get. "Um, I know all my regulars' usual orders."

           "I'm sorry. I'm soaking and you're going to have more work to clean up..." You mumbled shyly, standing awkwardly at the entrance.

           "No, come in. You'll help the floor get wet so you're saving us an extra step." Jin grinned and beckoned you over to the register.

           You would be lying if you didn't find him attractive, but other than the usual small talk, you hadn't gotten to know the cute baker. Maybe it was a good thing you had woken up late today. He was kind, friendly, and funny. And just for a bit, his attention was solely on you. But you wished you weren't soaked like a wet dog during this opportune moment.

           Timidly, you shuffled to the counter to pay for your order.

           "Just heat it up before you eat it. And if you want --" he pointed to the umbrella by the door. "--take my umbrella. I wouldn't want you getting sick."

           "Oh no." You gushed. "I couldn't. What about you?"

           "I'll be fine. I don't live too far. I'm sure you have a long commute." he stated.

           "How'd you know?" You blinked.

           "Oh. Um..." Jin averted his eyes, mentally kicking himself. "I mean some people who live close by could wake up late and still have time to wait in line, so I just assumed you lived far since you couldn't stop by before work."

           Your lips curled up. "You're good."

           "I threw in an extra pie in there." Jin winked as he handed her the bag. "For your commute."

           You grinned. "Thank you."

           "Take the umbrella. Soggy pastries won't taste good." he urged.

           You chuckled. "I mean if you put it that way. How can I say no?"

           Jin smiled.

           "I'll return it in the morning. I promise." You bowed as you scurried giddily out of the store.

           Jin sighed and slumped over his counter.

           "You're such a creep." Crumbs stepped out of the kitchen.

           "Why were you listening?"

           "Not like I have anything else to listen to in the kitchen. Rising dough isn't exactly noisy." she snorted. "Then I heard your ridiculous statement of knowing everyone's usuals."

           Jin huffed.

           "So I'm guessing that's the chick you're banging even though she has no idea what you look like?" Crumbs started cleaning up.

           Jin coughed at the sudden attack, "How do you remember everything I say?!"

           "Maybe you should be careful who you're around when you get drunk after work." Crumbs chuckled. "Luckily it was only us 'cause all your friends are coupled up, except for you."

           "You're not either." he pouted.

           "By choice." She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "I'm perfectly content being single."

           Jin scoffed.

           "But someone looks like he's developed a crush on his client." She playfully gasped. "How tragic."

           "Shut up." Jin shook his head. "It's not a crush. I just have a soft spot for her. She's been through a lot."

           "Whatever you say, Boss." Crumbs smirked.

           "It's NOT." Jin argued.

           "Why're you such a baby?" she retorted. "And what're you going to do without an umbrella, Mr. Smooth?"

           Jin pulled out his cell phone. "I'm going to call Jackson."

           "Ugh." Crumbs groaned. "Please wait until I get out of here."

           "Don't take it personally." Jin laughed. "He professed his love for me after seeing me naked one time. I'm sure your cooking skills amazed him into proposing."

           "Every single time?" She shook her head. "And you gave him my number! I don't appreciate that!"

           "I swear I didn't! He took it from my phone!" Jin responded.

           She huffed.

           "You want a ride home? Jackson said he'll drive us." Jin grinned.

           Crumbs contemplated.

           "You know you're going to give in. You don't pass up a free ride home ever." Jin pointed out.

           She sighed, "You're right. Fine. But I'm sitting in the back."

           Jin giggled, "I promise, he's harmless."

           You sat in the subway, grinning widely at your stroke of luck. Although it wasn't much, you confirmed that the attractive baker knew you existed and even trusted you enough to lend you his umbrella. Holding the bag to your chest, you inhaled to try to hold in the butterflies fluttering around your stomach. But instead, it rumbled, signaling that it was hungry after your long day. You received odd looks from the other passengers. Looking down, you reached into the bag to quell your hunger so as not to disturb anyone with your noisy stomach anymore.

           You smiled at the pastry you held, remembering your encounter with Kim Taehyung, the fantastic vet, and the man who had given up this exact pastry because you clumsily dropped yours. You had taken initiative to see him again, only to find that he was one of the head surgeons of the animal hospital now, so it was rare for him to just take check-up appointments. But you had caught glimpse of him in passing, and he was even more shockingly gorgeous than you remembered. His hair was slightly longer than when you first had bumped into him, and since he had just gotten out of the surgery room, it had been swept up to reveal his forehead.

           But sadly, you hadn't been able to see him since. You would often wonder how he was doing and if you would be able to run into him coincidentally again.

           "Um are you just going to smile at that, or are you going to eat it?" One of the passengers spoke up.

           You turned red as people chuckled at the person's comment, and at your odd behavior. Squishing your body as small as possible, you started eating your pastry, extremely embarrassed.

           "Hey!" Jin kissed you as you entered Club Masquerade.

           You smiled as your hands slotted into his. "Hey."

           "As requested, the room is set up as a casual living room." Jin bowed as he gestured for her to enter the room.

           "You never disappoint me, Jin." You grinned.

           "Only the best for you, of course." he chuckled. "So I see you had a good day since you aren't whining as soon as you come in."

           You pushed him playfully. "I don't always come in here whining."

           Jin gave you a knowing look, and you conceded. "Fine. I often do."

           "I'll take it." He settled beside you. "Since you're in a good mood, what would you like to do?"

           You hugged him and lay your head on his broad chest. "Just...maybe stay like this."

           Jin's lips curled up as he rubbed your back. It always amazed you how he had come to know and understand you so well.

           "Jin?"

           "Hm?"

           "Do you think some people are meant to be alone?"

           He hummed, "I think some people choose to be alone, because it's not something they prioritize or want in life. I don't think anyone is meant to be alone. People are social creatures after all."

           "I hope you're right." You nuzzled closer to him. "Why aren't you taken yet? I feel like girls would fall at your feet."

           Jin chuckled. "I guess the right one hasn't come along for me either. Plus I haven't really been looking."

           "Oh? Why not?" You glanced up curiously.

           "Mmm I don't know. I guess I've always had the mentality of 'if it happens, it happens'?" he shrugged.

           You sighed. "Lucky. I have the mentality that if I don't do something, it's never going to happen."

           Jin nodded, "I guess there are some things that won't happen unless you make it happen and grab hold of it."

           "But sadly, sometimes people take advantage of your obvious interest." You frowned.

           "Hey, you're a courageous woman. Take pride in that." Jin complimented.

           "I don't know about that..." you mumbled.

           Jin clicked his tongue. "What did I say about taking compliments?"

           You smiled, "Thank you."

           Jin nodded in approval. "Better. Not many people can take the leap like you do. So even if you failed a few times, at least you tried and took the risk. You'd be surprised how many people are stuck in 'what ifs'."

           You lifted your head up to stare at him. "I never thought of it like that."

           "Aren't I great?" he teased.

           You smacked his chest. "You, sir, need to wait for compliments instead of giving them to yourself."

           "It's my charm." Jin grinned.

           "That's true." You straddled him and wrapped your arms around his neck. "Are you stuck in a 'what if' now?"

           "Mmm..." Jin leaned forward. "I'm wondering 'what if I wanted to kiss you right now? Would you kiss me back?'"

           "That's not even a what if." You chuckled as you captured his lips with yours. "It's a certainty."

           Jin grinned as he unbuttoned your shirt slowly. "And what if I wanted to make you feel even better than you do right now?"

           "I would welcome that openly." You whispered as you helped him undress you.

           Jin peppered kisses throughout your entire body, not sparing any part of your skin from his large, plump lips. Jin was the one person who had always been there for you, even when you had bared your soul, when you were at your most vulnerable. His touch was always careful and tender, and for the moment, you deluded yourself into believing he loved you. You knew he cared for you deeply, that you two had developed a bond, but another part of you wondered how much of it was his job and how much of it was real.

           But you let yourself fall into the delusion, because it was so much better than the reality that awaited you outside of Club Masquerade.

           So you reveled in the way his hands roamed your body, the way with each thrust, both of you would moan with pleasure, perfectly in sync, perfectly connected. You pulled him deeper into you, wanting him to fill you up, and he obliged, pushing in as much as your walls allowed him to and with a little more force; his lips never leaving yours unless it was to gasp, groan, or moan. When you came, your entire body was filled with immense jitters-- butterflies-- your heart soared, and your mind was blank from all thoughts except for how fantastic you were feeling. It was absolute bliss.

           And it was always bittersweet parting from him, from your little haven away from the cruel world. But it also made you wonder how long you would be content with this transient type of relationship. As constant as Jin was, you knew he wasn't yours.

           "Bundle up. It's chilly now." Jin tightened your scarf around your neck.

           "Thanks." You smiled as you pushed out your lips. Jin chuckled and knowingly gave you a chaste kiss to bid you goodbye.

           "Get home safely." he waved.

           You stole another kiss from him before scurrying out the door.

           You shivered as you felt the brisk night air. Dogs were heard barking in the distance and your mind was whisked back once again to thoughts of Taehyung. Even though you only spoke to him briefly, something in your heart stirred in that moment in time. You snorted. There you go again, falling for someone you hardly knew. Would he even remember you? Would he even want to see you again? You exhaled as you pulled your jacket closed.

           A gust of wind knocked your hair into your face and you flailed around trying to regain your vision. Once you were free from your entangled hair, you realized you were standing in front of a building by Club Masquerade you had always passed but never took a good look at. You moved closer curiously at the bright neon sign, and the seemingly packed venue, wondering what it was exactly.

           Suddenly, you stopped in your tracks and whipped your head towards the window as you spotted a familiar figure pass by. Rubbing your eyes, you prayed you weren't hallucinating. You gasped as Jungkook came into view as well, both of them carrying trays of drinks and laughing at something. Pressing your face closer to the window, it became more evident that the person who had caught your eye was, in fact, Kim Taehyung.

           You had found him.

.

.

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PART 2