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rina-writes · 3 years ago

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Cubic Zirconia

Summary: You run a non-profit that promotes women in STEM. As part of your role, you still maintain an old YouTube channel where you teach math and science concepts. Every now and then you get to interview small celebrities. You get the opportunity to interview Jack Harlow, your biggest celebrity yet. You didn’t think much of it until Jack’s agent calls with a proposal: date Jack for 6 weeks and get the funding your company desperately needed.

Warnings: Fem!reader, fake dating trope, fluffy, mentions of drinking, mentions of sex, light descriptions of sex, a bit of angst at the end, very long (20k+ words)

A/N: I’m not usually into the fake dating troupe, but The Love Hypothesis was quite enjoyable (apparently it was Reylo fan fiction which although I don’t follow that ship, it’s a cool fun fact). So, it inspired me to write my own version as someone who is in STEM and I thought it would be fun to do it for Jack. But…I was kinda on a roll and went very long. Also, went for the more avant-garde title. Kinda proud of it tbh lol

Your eyebrows went up even higher than they did before as the piece of paper was pushed in front of you. It was a check for $50,000. You were sitting in a board room surrounded by ten people from Jack Harlow’s team. Only one of them, Jack’s agent, was doing the talking, but you assumed the rest surrounded you to make you feel intimidated. You wanted to tell them it was unnecessary.

You were wearing the same sweater you had worn on and off for the last week, alternating days so colleagues wouldn’t notice. Your leggings had tiny holes by the thighs, but it wasn’t noticeable unless someone was staring directly at your crotch. Your sneakers were discounted at Famous Footwear, the cheapest in your size and you still scoffed at the $40 price tag. The most decent thing about you was from the shoulders up. You knew how to apply the minimal makeup needed to make you look presentable, but also push you out the door in the 15 minutes you gave yourself to get ready. Your hair was the same trusty style you had it since high school, so you didn’t even worry about it on a daily. In a room full of designer bags, professional haircuts, and, most likely, many cosmetic procedures, you were so intimidated, you couldn’t even feel embarrassed. They didn’t have to try so hard. That many zeroes on a check spoke volumes.

“I think I may have gotten lost some where in there.” You confessed, shaking your head.

You stared at the check on the table, not wanting to pick it up. You knew that touching the check didn’t mean you accepted it, but you didn’t want to risk it.

“What is it you want me to do?” You asked Jack’s agent.

“I want you to pretend to be Jack’s girlfriend for the next six weeks.” Jack’s agent walked back over to the giant monitor with his slides. You groaned inwardly. You hated watching your own presentations, let alone someone else’s. “As you can see here, since your and Jack’s interview, he’s really jumped up in demographics that were quite low before. For example, men over 45.”

You grimaced. You really hoped those people were your investors and not creeps he watched your videos for other reasons.

“But most importantly, this demographic of women between 25 and 40.” Jack’s agent tapped the screen. “It was a market we thought we already tapped into, but surprisingly, it was the wholesome side of Jack that really got to them.”

That made sense to you. Your non-profit targeted women in STEM with a particular focus on BIPOC women in undergraduate programs. As a result, most of your questions to Jack were about his views on education and enhancing young minds. You were surprised by his responses. For someone who didn’t go to college, he didn’t frown upon it. In fact, he focused more on not giving up because the going got tough. Given that most of your viewers were women in STEM, they were probably happy to hear support from someone so…charismatic and easy on the eyes. Many of them may not of heard of Jack prior to your video and, like good scientists, started to do their research.

“And you think that dating me would help?” You asked, frowning.

“Well, yes. People are already pairing you two together.” The agent said, clasping his hands in front of his waist.

“Do you always do what the shippers want?” You laughed softly, finding that to be a preposterous reason.

“The what?” The agent asked.

You rolled your eyes. “You know, shippers? People who “ship” people together. Come on that’s like 2013 Tumblr, how old are you?”

The agent cleared his throat. “The whole industry is about strategic partnerships, especially faux relationships. Chances are if a pairing seems a little too perfect or a bit too strange, it’s a fake.”

“Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson?” You asked.

“Uh huh.”

“Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson?” You offered.

“Yup.”

Kate Beckinsale and Pete---” You paused and let out a groan. “Am I…am I the female Pete Davidson?”

“You could be!” The agent said, throwing finger guns your way with a bright grin. You couldn’t tell if he meant that as an insult or not.

“Isn’t it kind of seedy though? I mean how does Jack feel about this?” You asked, looking around. “He’s not even here.”

“He’s preparing for his show tonight.” His agent explained, “And trust me, he’s fine with it. We need to know if you are.”

“I-I” You looked down at the check again. The $50,000 up front would be amazing for your organization. To have the promised $150,000 more at the end of six weeks would be phenomenal. The doors you could open and the dreams you could grant were innumerable. Well, they weren’t exactly innumerable, but it was damn good. But, weren’t you selling your soul? Or rather, your identity and reputation. Was that all worth $200,000?

“Don’t forget…” The agent added, seeming to sense your hesitancy. “That’s just our offer to your agency. For the next six weeks, you’ll have a condo in Atlanta, full-time driver, and I’m sure Jack will cover all of your joint meals.”

“Atlanta?” You frowned, forgetting this part of the arrangement. “I live in Silicon Valley. That’s way too far.”

“I mean can’t you help women in Atlanta?” The agent offered. “It could be good for Jack as well. There are plenty of marginalized groups--”

“These kind of programs take time to develop. We need months of research to find out which areas would prosper the most from our resources. Then we need to determine the kinds of resources that they would benefit from the most and if we can fully provide them. We would also need clear results to show our investors which would take way longer than six weeks.” You stood up. “This business is not the kind of thing that you do for a day or a week. If you want to help someone build a career, it takes years. For me to just date a guy, move to a city, start a half-assed program, and then bounce because of, what, a broken heart? That would be like career suicide to me and my company.”

“You’re right.” The agent said before quickly adding, “Sorry. How about this? We’ll continue to fund your program after the six week break up for the next few years. We can decide then if it would be public or not. But this way, you’ll at least know you have a chapter in Atlanta that is fully funded.”

“Chapters are expensive.” Your ears had perked up at the word. “A chapter has management and full-time volunteers. Can you afford it?”

There was some laughter in the room. The agent raised his hand to stop them. You hadn’t really liked him at first, but you appreciated this gesture. Despite the group of people there to make you feel insignificant, throughout your conversation with him, the agent made you feel important. He respected you. He looked in your eyes when he spoke. You weren’t particularly taken by him, but he was warming up to you.

“Yes.” He said in a manner that confirmed it wasn’t a stupid question.

“Well then, I look forward to working with you, Samuel.” You stood up and walked over to shake his hand.

“Please, call me Sammy.” He said, smiling at you.

You grinned back, “No.” You said confidently before turning on your heels and walking out the door, grabbing your check along the way. As you walked to your bicycle, you realized the gravity of what you had just done and questioned your sanity. However, as you biked to the nearest bank, what you were feeling seemed inconsequential to the amount of help you would be providing.

Jack spun around in his chair, his phone on speaker as he heard Sammy on the phone. He was almost sure he had misheard him. It was already late in Atlanta by the time Sammy called. Jack’s producer had stepped out for some fresh air and his boys went to grab a bite to eat. Jack was in the studio alone, listening to beat after beat, looking for inspiration. It was a welcomed distraction to hear Sammy’s voice.

“I can’t believe she agreed to it.” Jack asked, flexing his slender, pale fingers. “She definitely seems a bit high and mighty.”

“Oh she is.” Sammy huffed. “You tell her a few things about her non-profit and suddenly she’s calling you by your government name.”

“Ugh, she kept calling me Jackman!” Jack laughed. “Every time we were off camera. It felt like a swear. My skin crawled every single time.”

“What did you say?” Sammy asked, curious what could make her so icy towards him.

“I asked why she wasn’t wearing a lab coat for her intro.” Jack shook his head. “Apparently, she’s a computational biology so it means she mostly spends her time looking at computers. I may have implied she wasn’t a real scientist. I almost found my head inside of that life sized volcano replica.”

Sammy’s warm laugh made Jack smile. It was a painful memory to relieve. He remembered seeing your face twist slightly, fighting back anger. You clenched your fists, took a few deep breaths and walked away. You returned like mother a who stopped herself from slapping her child. You put on a similarly maternal, placating voice as you told him you were ready to begin.

Jack didn’t think you were a bad person. He could tell you were sweet and genuinely cared for others. You were a lot better person than him, that’s for sure. However, you were high strung with strong opinions. It didn’t surprise him that you gravitated towards math and science where everything was grounded in facts. He was more of a poet. You both were so different, you two being together wouldn’t make sense.

“Why do you think she’s the best candidate again?” Jack asked Sammy.

“Because, she’s smart and cute.” Sammy explained. “It helps your image.”

“Are you calling me dumb?” Jack teased.

“Of course not! People see you as a bit of an intellectual…for a rapper anyway.” Jack could hear Sammy’s smirk that the jab. “If you were to be with an actual…”

“Geek?” Jack offered.

“Academic…” Sammy countered. “...it would really match up. Plus, as I said, a lot more older ladies started listening to your music. Older ladies who have STEM money.”

“How did Y/n even get to run a company? I mean she’s around my age, right?” Jack speculated out loud.

“Why don’t you ask her?” Sammy offered. “On your date next week.”

“Wait what?” Jack yelled, his spinning coming to a halt.

“Ah, gotta go, but I’ll text you the details.” Sammy said, hanging up quickly.

Jack groaned loudly. He knew that the couple reveal would be soon, but he didn’t expect it to be that soon. Jack sighed. What could he do anyway? The decision had been made. He sighed and went back to listening to beats. The first few notes tingled his ears in that familiar way. He found it. He wrote down the number of the beat and started rapping; the bars flowing out of his lips easily. Suddenly, everything else faded as he sunk deeper into his passion.

“Aren’t you going to dress up a bit?”

Your cheeks flushed pink at Jack’s comment. You could tell in his eyes that he realized he messed up. You weren’t sure if it was because of your expression or if he realized on his own that his comment was in poor taste.

“I am dressed up…” You squeaked, playing with the hem of your sweater dress.

So, your fashion taste was stuck in that timeframe where business casual had somehow been considered sexy. But, this was your best dress--that wasn’t an actual gown. The gray cowl neck sweater dress hugged your curves fairly well and was long enough to cover your leggings that tucked into your short black booties. You always got compliments on it at conferences with your friends telling you that they wished they had dressed up as well. You forgot that you were in a field with a dress code of jeans and free company t-shirts. They shouldn’t have been your marker for fashion.

“Ah, damn.” Jack closed his eyes and tilted his head back. “Top five things not to say to your girlfriend on the first date.”

You cracked a smile which seemed to encourage Jack further. “Perhaps I should just make a comment about your weight and imply how much I hate makeup, just to make sure I knock the other items off the list.”

“I knew it!” You yelled teasingly. “I knew there had to be handbook because all guys couldn’t just figure out the exact lines to be scum.”

Jack chuckled. “Yeah, you get it when you hit puberty. It’s the book we get instead of those period books.”

You laughed softly. You stared at Jack and realized that even though he wasn’t wearing anything spectacular himself, he did look more put together. He was wearing a sleeveless black mock neck, a fitted black blazer and well-tailored black pants. The accents of his silver Kentucky necklace, diamond stud earrings and his many rings on his well-manicured fingers brought his look together. He was wearing his glasses today. They were rimless with a slight brownish tinge to it that seemed to go well with his curly brown hair. It was a bit shorter than usual and his beard was trimmed and neatened. You avoided the most stunning part of him, his bright blue eyes. They trapped you in a way that you wondered was legal. From the glances you did steal, they looked beautiful as well.

“I didn’t really have anything in SF that I could wear…” You confessed. “I assumed you would wear sweats.”

“On a date with you?” Jack shook his head before smiling. “I would never.”

Oh right, his straight, white teeth. How could you forget his perfect teeth? You looked away from his smile.

“What should I do? Is it going to be a disaster?” You asked, gesturing at her outfit.

“Let me call my stylist…” Jack said, pointedly avoiding the question.

Forty-five minutes later, you emerged from the hotel bathroom in your new outfit. His stylist clapped happily. You awkwardly took your clothes, hoping she didn’t see your tattered legging, and put them on the bed. She did a few finishing touches by adding another ring and gave you a thumbs up. You didn’t blame her for running out the door before Jack’s commentary. It was a Saturday and she had mentioned she had to meet with her boyfriend soon.

You waited patiently, the sound of the door of your hotel room closing as she left. It was like a reminder that you two were alone, again. You couldn’t tell if Jack was joking or not, but he seemed to be rendered speechless. He kept opening and closing his mouth until final he said,

“Uhm, wow.” Jack was looking you up and down like he was looking at a stranger. “You look hot.”

You turned in the full-length mirror and looked at yourself. You were wearing a maroon velvet two piece set with an off-the-shoulder crop top and midi skirt. On your feet were strappy gold heels that matched the chandelier earrings and other assorted jewelry pieces. You had a matching Kate Spade bag that barely fit all the items your tote bag could, but you could make do for the evening. You felt sexy, especially with the red lipstick that tied it all together.

“Do you think people will recognize me?” You asked Jack, turning to him.

“Why wouldn’t they?” Jack asked.

“You said I looked hot.” You frowned slightly. “I’m not sure if that fits my usual image.”

“I said hot…not different. You always look gorgeous.” Jack confirmed. He stared at your eyes through your reflection. You realized this was only a little more bearable than direct eye contact. “Come on, let’s go have a good time.”

You blushed and nodded, happy to get away from him. Standing in the mirror together, you could feel his warm, strong body behind you and it made your heart beat faster. Distance was quite welcomed.

You got into Jack’s car and were driven to the restaurant. You didn’t expect him to have a driver, but then again, you realized it made sense. You sat in the back of the car in silence, only the sounds of smooth jazz playing in the background. Jack’s bodyguard was sitting in the passenger seat, looking at his phone. When you arrived at the restaurant, the bodyguard got out first to open Jack’s door and let him out. You were about to scoot over when Jack wagged a finger at you. He closed the door and did a quick jog over to your side to open the door for you himself.

“A queen never slides.” Jack smiled at you, extending his hand towards you.

“Is that…” You grinned as you took his hand. “Is that Jack Harlow quoting the Princess Diaries?”

He laughed. “Why is that shocking? I am very into cinema.”

You shook your head as you walked toward the restaurant together. “I don’t know if I would consider that a cinematic masterpiece.”

“2000s movies have a special place in my heart.” Jack confessed. “I can’t critique them honestly.”

“Wait, so you’re really into movies then?” You asked him.

Jack opened the door for you and at this point you realized you had been holding hands this whole time. While you appreciated the gesture of opening the door, your hand suddenly felt cold without his. Jack seemed to read your mind because he resumed holding your hand the moment you stepped in. You had to remind yourself that this was for the couple of paparazzi who had just spotted you both. Not because he actually wanted to hold your hand.

“I am.” Jack’s voice sounded breathy almost like he was confessing. “Sometimes I think I love movies more than music.”

You didn’t have a chance to respond. The head waiter recognized Jack immediately and led you to your table. The waiter motioned to pull your chair out, but Jack stopped him, doing it for you instead. You sat down and placed your napkin, your cloth napkin, across your lap and picked up the menu. You stared at the prices in disbelief. The restaurant, Bacchanalia, had a prix fixe menu of $110 a person. They also had a caviar service, which you had never heard of, that cost $120. As if immediately understanding your reaction, Jack leaned over and whispered,

“I promise, you’ll be full.”

“For these prices, I would pretend even if I wasn’t.” You whispered back.

Jack smiled softly. You thought the seating arrangement was weird at first. At a four sided table, you were used to sitting across from the person you were eating with, but Jack sat in the seat adjacent to you. Now, you realized, it made it much easier to chat. It also gave the strategically placed paparazzi the perfect angle to snap photos of you two.

“It wasn’t my first choice,” Jack confessed. “Because only a pretentious asshole would bring a girl to the fanciest place in town for a first date. But, the food here is pretty good. Try to at least enjoy it, even if the company is terrible.”

“You said it not me.” You turn to grin at him. He was smiling back, but you suddenly realized how close he was to you. He was hunched over, inches from your face, causing you to inhale deeply. That was a terrible idea because you inhaled all of his scent. Jack smelled very good. It was a light clean scent with something else distinct that you knew would be the smell you associated with him forever.

Jack leaned in to close the space between you both and you pulled the menu up to separate you. He chuckled softly and you wondered if he ever felt embarrassment. You would have if you had been rejected in such a manner.

“Guess I read the mood wrong there.” Jack commented, picking up his menu as well.

“What mood?” You huffed, moving a hand between you two. “This isn’t real remember?”

“Say it louder, please.” Jack gestured behind him with his thumb. “For the people in the back.”

You frowned. “Seriously, there’s not point in fooling around. It’ll just make things messy.”

“There’s fun in mess, you know.” Jack smiled at you, a glint in his eye.

“There’s also comfort in control.” You countered, rather weakly. It didn’t exactly make you sound life the of the party.

You both ordered your food and Jack got a bottle of wine for the table. He chose a Prosecco which was at the top of the list of sparkling wines. The waiter came and offered the wine to Jack to sniff. Jack offered it to you, only to get a look like a deer in headlights. What exactly were you supposed to do with that? Jack leaned in,

“I heard you’re supposed to check if any cork got in and check if it’s fresh. Just, swirl, sniff and sip.” You could barely focus with the feeling of his warmth breath tickling your cheek. You followed his instructions, smiling and nodding at the waitress. She smiled, adding more to your glass and filling Jack’s halfway. She placed the bottle on the table before walking away.

“How did you know that?” You asked.

“Drama.” Jack responded. Upon seeing your quirked brow he added. “DJ Drama.”

“Oh, that makes sense.” You nodded. You knew he was his mentor, but that was about it.

“And Reddit.” Jack added, taking a sip of his wine. He shrugged as if to say, “the internet, am I right?”

You chuckled at his honesty. You glanced around the restaurant casually as you took another sip of wine. You noticed that the area around you was pretty empty despite the late hour. That’s how you knew this place was fancy.

“Have you seen your condo yet?” Jack asked. “It’s pretty snazzy. It’s the company condo. I stared there when I first got signed for a couple weeks. It’s not too far from here.”

“I’ve only been to the hotel, where you met me today.” You mentally face palmed, pointing out the obvious. Jack was polite enough not to mention it.

“When do you check out?” Jack asked.

“In two days.” You explained. “They said I shouldn’t go to the condo until next week. Well, as long as the public doesn’t see me.”

“That makes sense.” Jack nodded. “To show our relationship growing gradually before having you show up more frequently.”

“Yup, that’s the plan.” You pressed your lips into a line. “Is this fake thing something you do often?”

Jack laughed. “Are you kidding?” Jack shook his head. “Hell, no. My agent put this all together because apparently being private isn’t ‘in’ anymore. But, I’m not really into relationships.”

“Well, you’re a 20-something year old man.” You shrugged. “I’m sure you can get any girl you want.”

Jack eyed you with a smirk tugging at his lips. “Not any girl…at least not for free.”

“Ah, an Only Fans subscriber, I see.” You gave him a little fist pump. “At least you are helping woman owned businesses.”

“Yeah, my most expensive one yet is a $200,000 appearance fee.” Jack smirked as you choked into your wine.

It was at that moment that you realized the money your organization was receiving didn’t just come from thin air. Someone had to earn it and that someone was Jack. As much as you found the idea preposterous, he was, to some degree, your employer. The least you could do was be cordial toward him.

“It will really help a lot of people.” You explained. “Plus, Samuel said that he would help to create an Atlanta chapter of the organization. Although we support women in STEM, our resources extend to everyone in the community. Last year, communities with our chapters saw a 45% increase in retention rates of high school graduates even though only 30% of them were officially in our program. We think this is because--”

Jack stared at you in awe. You looked so animated when you talked about your work. He remembered this from your video together, but it was such a short period of time and he had clearly rubbed you the wrong way. Now, he could see that you weren’t only smart, but also incredibly caring. You called students by name as you commended their efforts. You rattled off numbers and statistics like they were seared into your brain. Even when you briefly explained a mathematical concept, despite not studying for years, it seemed to click in Jack’s head effortlessly. He was disappointed when you stopped speaking, a flush of red dusting your cheeks.

“Sorry, I went on a long rant there…” You cleared your throat. “...in summary, your money is going to a good cause.”

Jack smiled. At this point, you both were on your second course. He was surprised the evening was coming to a close so quickly. He used his napkin to dab his lips before asking,

“And what does my money get to do for you?” Jack asked.

“What do you mean?” You frowned. “I just explained in length--”

“What it could do for your organizations. For Tabitha, Irma, Niharika, and Mei Yu.” Your eyebrows raised at how easily Jack recalled the names. “But, what does it do for Y/n? Are you going to put a down payment on a home? Buy a car? Buy a fancy dress?”

You paused. The thought hadn’t occurred to you. You gave it genuine thought before responding.

“No. I doubt that I could afford a home in the Bay Area and I don’t even know if I would want to if I could. To be rooted there…I’m not sure if that’s what I would want long term. Biking has been a great way for me to stay in shape, so I’ll probably stick with that. And…well, if you let me keep this outfit, I won’t have to buy a dress.”

“It’s yours.” Jack said, sipping his wine. “And anything else you receive from me during the next six weeks. No interest. No take-backs. Consider anything I give you a gift.”

“Why would you?” You asked. You couldn’t help, but feel like this is a trap. “Do that for me, I mean?”

“Because, I know what I get out of this. And my label. And your organization. But, I want to make sure that you get to enjoy this too.” Jack gestured to the window with his chin. “The paps are monsters. I don’t think I even know the half of it yet. But now that we are a thing, it’s only going to get worse. I signed up for this for life, but you…you’re doing me a solid.”

“Oh…” There was something in you the felt disappointed. It sounded so business-like. It wasn’t like in the movies where he wants to take care of you because he feels that’s his responsibility. Not that he should. Including today and the first day you met, you two had spent a total of 13 hours together. You couldn’t mean something to someone in a short period of time. And, you most likely never would mean something more to Jack. If you ever crossed paths, you’d probably say hi, but that was about it.

Jack studied your features. He couldn’t tell what he said that made you fall silent. You did run an organization that empowered women. Maybe insinuating that he would do things for you was like throwing crap in your face. At the same time, Jack could tell that wasn’t it. You were lost in thought and felt far away despite being so close to each other.

“Dessert’s coming.” Jack sang softly, alerting you. He smiled softly seeing your eyes light up. You straightened as the waitress placed the dish in front of you. You licked your lips as you dug in.

“I’m glad they chose you.” Jack said, after taking the first spoonful of chocolate out of his mouth. “I was worried they would choose someone that was fake.”

“Fake?” You asked, eating a double time in comparison to Jack.

Jack laughed, and slid the rest of his dessert on to your plate. You quirked an eyebrow and he shook his head. He continued, “There’s a lot of smoke and mirrors in this business. As I’m sure you know from your celebrity interviews, not everyone acts the same on and off camera.”

“You do.” You said, now digging into his slice of cake. “You’re the same annoying, arrogant asshole on and off camera.”

Jack’s eyes, which had been trained ahead, snapped to look at you. When he saw the coy smile on your lips, he couldn’t help but return it. The spoon half in your mouth and the other half pressing down on your lower lip was seductive in the most innocent of ways.

“What was that?” Jacked asked,

“I got you there for a second, didn’t I?” You teased. You scooped some of your dessert on your spoon and extended it for him.

“I don’t really like sweets.” Jack confessed.

“Come on…” You cooed, “...for the cameras.”

Jack’s intense eye contact as he bent over to put the spoon in his mouth and pulling back to get every streak of chocolate off of it before he chewed slowly made your heart stop.

‘That was oddly attractive.’ You thought. He was licking his pink lips, getting the remnants of chocolate off of it. He twisted his head to the side as if realizing it was good, but he still wasn’t a huge fan of desserts. All the while your hand remained frozen in the air because you were staring mouth a gape at him. In all honesty, you were teasing him. You didn’t think he would do it, but now you worried that play dating maybe more complicated than you think.

“Did, uh, Samuel give us any rules for this arrangement?” You asked.

Jack frowned, the question coming out of the blue. “Uhm, not outside of the usual stuff. Don’t do anything permanent: no tattoos, pregnancies, STDs, murder. Don’t date anyone else until the six weeks are up. Don’t start dating someone as soon as the six weeks are up. Don’t break up before talking to our respective teams.”

“The usual stuff?” You echoed, smiling at his list of “permanent” items.

Jack nodded. “Trust me, this is way too short of a list based on what I’ve seen people do out here.” Jack paused for a moment as if still trying to understand where your question came from. “Was there anything else you would like to add?”

“We should probably have a schedule or something. We can do a few dates here and there to show that we do like each other. We should also get our story straight: how did we meet, how long we’ve been together, favorite things, common hobbies…” You paused seeing the surprised look on Jack’s face.

“Have YOU done this before?” Jack asked.

A blush dusted your cheeks. You weren’t the type to blush, but there was something about Jack and the way he said things that made your cheeks flush. “I know my fair share of fake dating to-dos from Hollywood and the romance section of Barnes and Nobles.”

“You mean those sex novels with Fabio on the cover?” Jack teased.

You coughed. “No, these days they tend to be animated covers.” You blushed. “And they don’t always have sex in them.”

“Don’t always?” Jack pressed. “Is this what everyone’s favorite little computational biologist is doing in between meetings?

“Anyway, back to the point.” You cleared your throat as you moved the conversation along. “Where did we first meet?”

“The taping for your video.” Jack said as you took notes on your phone. “But, I started following you when you first made that set of videos on number series. With your mathematical remix of the School House Rock songs.”

“Did you really?” You asked, shocked. “We’re talking like my first few videos here.”

Jack gave a bashful smile. “Yeah, uh, when you first started I was in senior year of high school…they helped.”

Your eyebrows went up. “Oh…” He did that thing again, where he rendered you speechless. That was before your company was more than just a vague idea. That was when you were making videos out of your dorm room for your younger family members and neighbors who you could no longer tutor miles away. You didn’t think they were helping a young man in Louisville, KY.

“Your turn,” Jack swiftly moved to the next topic. “How did I ask you out?”

“You slid into my DMs.” You smirked. “And then quickly moved to SnapChat, and then text and then in-person.”

“Huh, that actually sounds like me.” Jack pulled at the hair of his reddish brown beard. “And what made you say yes?”

“You looked sincere when you told me you would give me the world.” You said, not looking up from your phone. You felt shy all of a sudden and didn’t want to meet his gaze. You glanced up to see him also looking away drinking his water like it was the last glass on Earth.

For Jack, he wasn’t expecting such a sweet answer. Most of the girls he talked to liked him because of his physical traits: his hands, his height, his eyes, his voice. Or they liked him for his music and what it represented: his fame, his money, his power. Despite being a rapper, it was rare for a girl to fall for him solely for his way of words. He worried you would toss the question back at him. Why did he pursue you in the first place? He knew he found you cute in a bookish, hot-for-teacher kind of way. He loved the way your body filled out this outfit and he had to admit that he was imagining how it would look in other things -- or without anything. He realized that the times he found you the most alluring was when you talked about your work. You both had the same work ethic and passion. That was it, you were passionate. However, Jack knew that could be taken the wrong way, by you and the press, so he didn’t say anything. Luckily, you didn’t ask either.

Later that night, after you had been driven back to the hotel, Jack continued to go over in his mind the events of the evening as he took his nightly shower. When Jack got out of the shower, he snorted when he saw that he had a link to a slide deck in his messages. He chuckled, opening it to see the details of your relationship. He was sure that if you weren’t in STEM you could be a lawyer or a marketer. It was well-laid out and the perfect quick guide. He smiled reading your interests when one caught his eye. On a whim, he decided to FaceTime you.

It took awhile, as it usually does when you FaceTime a girl out of the blue, but you did answer.

“Uhm, hi” You said, fidgeting with yourself while looking at your own image in the bottom right corner. You finally looked at him and gasped. “A-Are you naked?”

Jack blinked and looked down, almost bringing the phone down with him if it wasn’t for your scared yelp. He chuckled.

“Sorry, I was standing in my towel and forgot. I just can’t get over this…your least favorite soda is ginger ale?”

“You called me naked for that?” You laughed at the ridiculousness.

“Yes because it’s absolutely wild to me.” Jack shook his head.

Your mouth was dry. His curly hair was sopping wet which made it look very dark pressed against his forehead. His skin looked soft and his eyes, with those long lashes, looked even softer. His shoulders were definitely a great feature. They were broad and well-defined. From the phone’s perspective, the furniture behind him looked so small just showing how tall he was. No one was going to believe this was your boyfriend, no matter how many slides you wrote up.

“It’s like medicine to me.” You explained. “I only had it when I was sick as a kid.”

“I’m bringing you some Ale8.” Jack wagged his finger at you. “It’s a Kentucky version of ginger ale and it will change your mind. No, it will blow your mind.”

“I doubt that.” You shook your head and you smiled. “Any other questions?”

“Oh shoo-ing me off already?” Jack gave a fake pout. “Is this anyway to treat your boyfriend?”

“Fake boyfriend.” You corrected. You couldn’t admit that you wanted to end the conversation because the longer you stared at him the more you wanted to see. Laying in bed in a old t-shirt and underwear, talking to a shirtless Jack was bound to tease you.

“If you keep saying that, you’re going to mess up.” Jack shook his head. “We should think of nicknames for each other or something.”

“Check slide 17…” You yawned. “...feel free to add your input. They are Google Slides to which only you and I have access.”

“And Google.” Jack grinned.

You gave him a sleepy grin back. “Yeah, and Google. Good night, Jackman.”

Jack rolled his eyes, clearly hating the usage of his name. You would stop if annoying him wasn’t so amusing. “Good night, baby girl.”

Your cheeks flushed. “I don’t remember that being a sanctioned nickname.”

“I’ll add it then.” Jack smirked at the camera, “Especially since it makes you all flustered.”

He blew a kiss at you before hanging up. The call ended as abruptly as it had started. You put the phone on the nightstand and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling. You couldn’t remember the last time you went on a date. The feelings in the beginning felt the same. You had the nervous jitters as you got ready, the first and the second time. You and Jack spent quite a bit of time trying to get into the groove of things including awkward glances and laughs.

But, the rest of the date was so different. No guy had ever taken you to such a fancy restaurant. Most of the guys you dated were PhD students who didn’t have a lot of money. A fancy date was sitting in front of the fireplace on his laptop while sharing a cup of ramen noodles. Or, if you were the one splurging, Panera Bread. This restaurant had cloth napkins and wait staff that never let your glass get half empty. There was a set menu where each option for all four courses looked just as good as the next with suggested wine pairings on a separate menu.

Of course, this restaurant had Jack. You had done some research on the middle-class Kentucky boy, but he had this southern charm that made you swear he was a Rockefeller. The way he looked out for you from wine to dessert was…sweet. For a second, you forgot that you were being paid to be his date. An escort, without the sex. You closed your eyes and groaned at the thought. You had debated telling people in your life about this, but that realization assured you to keep it to yourself. Everyone had secrets and this would be yours.

The next day, you woke up to 17 missed calls. Some from your mother, seven from Micah, and the remainder from Brenda. You texted your mother that you had made it back to the hotel safely. She was the only one who knew about your “business-date” in Atlanta. You had to tell someone. It was the only way to make sure that your organs weren’t already being harvested by the time your loved ones realized you were missing. You didn’t tell her who it was, not that she would know, but did mention that he was in a different industry to you. Then you turned your attention to the remaining calls. Brenda was your work associate and a good friend. She helped you run your non-profit. She was twenty years older than you, but young at heart. She had naturally curly red hair and bright green eyes, often referring to herself as Jolene when she was drunk. She did cross fit three times a week and yoga the remaining four days giving her tall frame lean muscle all over. She was the person that grounded you. You didn’t keep secrets from her because it made your job easy on your soul and on your mind. You bit your lip as you called her first.

“I KNEW SOMETHING WAS UP!” Brenda yelled. You could hear her huffing. You had slept in to 12 pm, but it was still early in California. She was most likely on a run and had stopped to yell at her.

“What? What?” You asked. “I told you I was in Atlanta.”

“NOT TO GO ON A DATE WITH JACK HARLOW!” She yelled again. “WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME?”

You smiled a bit, ready to practice your lines that you rehearsed over and over in your head. “For Jack’s sake, really. He wanted me to keep it quiet until we were ready to go public with our relationship. Today was the debut.”

“But…” You could tell Brenda was stepping to the side, probably leaning on a tree. “...how? When? What? Jack Harlow, really?”

Your teeth dug into your lower lip and sighed. “I know it’s uncanny, but he’s just so…charming. He has a surprising way with words. He kinda got to me.” You sighed. “We’re just dating it’s not like marriage. He could dump me at any point.”

“I was wondering how we suddenly got funding for the E. L. Rodriguez project.” Brenda said, you could hear her shaking her head. “$25,000 out of the blue? I should have known you had some kind of sugar daddy.”

You blushed. You had spaced out the $50,000 across different projects in hopes that Brenda wouldn’t notice. The E.L.Rodriguez project, named after one of your good friends who was an avid member of organization who dedicated her life to researching breast cancer before losing the battle to it a couple years ago, was expensive. The idea was to allow seniors in high school up to juniors in college have the opportunity to work in cancer research labs. Equipment was expensive and resources were scarce. They had to train the students use said equipment and prove that they wouldn’t be a liability. Liabilities were also expensive.

“Technically, I’m a little older than him.” You said sheepishly. “He would have graduated college a year ago. I already have my masters.” You went straight after college, so you were only a couple years older, not that you thought Jack minded.

“If you’re giving the sugar and he’s paying, he’s the sugar daddy.” Brenda laughed. “Well, honestly, I am just glad to see you having fun for a change. You put so much into this…you deserve for someone to treat you like a princess. I mean that restaurant looked…”

“Wait…” You paused. “How did you know I was dating Jack?”

“Girl, you were on TMZ.” Brenda shook her head. “I had to find out on Instagram.”

That explained Micah’s text messages as well. Dammit. That was fast.

“I gotta call Micah.” Your voice coming out shaky.

“Oooh, they are gonna kill you.” Brenda cooed. “Good luck, doll.”

Brenda ended the call for you. You took a deep breath. You sat up and grabbed your iPad from off your night stand and put it in the standing position with the help of its case. You scrolled to your notes on Jack. These were just for you and based on all the information you had gathered on him. You could tell you would need it for this next call.

The phone only rang once before you heard, “You lying bitch…”

Oh Micah. They were your closest friend. You met during college and had been inseparable ever since. Micah was always the center of attention. Curly hair often dyed in colors like pink and blue, large doe brown eyes, and a lanky frame that wore both suits and dresses well. Micah worked closely with the LGBTQ+ side of your organization. You hoped they would lead it in the near future, but understood that they were currently drowning in their PhD program. Not that it meant they weren’t spending time on TMZ.

“I never lied.”

“You told me you were in Atlanta for a business meeting.” Micah argued.

“Well,” You smiled to yourself. Technically, you were at a business meeting. “Jack said he wanted to take me somewhere nice afterward so, who was I to…”

“Somewhere nice? Somewhere nice?” Micah repeated. “That’s what I said when that Spanish dude took me to Applebee’s. That’s what I said when that girl from Michigan took me to Nick’s Lobster House which was a bit more expensive then Red Lobster. This is not somewhere nice. This is somewhere freaking spectacular.”

You bit back a smile. “He may have been trying to impress.”

“Is that boy in your bed sheets right now?” Micah asked, “Because I am sure he didn’t do all this just for a kiss goodnight.”

You laughed. “Bold of you to assume he even got that.”

“You are cold.” Micah let out a shocked laugh.

“There may have been a FaceTime call after. One of us fresh out the shower…” You weren’t lying, you just omitted a few details.

“Little Miss Y/n…” Micah took a deep breath. “Before we talk about how OUT of character this is for you, can you please explain how you started dating in the first place? Because I know you aren’t dating the straight white boy who got on Lil Nas X’s music video and begged for proof that he’s not gay.”

You frowned, already feeling defensive of Jack. You scrolled through the notes on your iPad looking for the right answer.

“First of all, I believe Jack went with Lil Nas X’s complete vision for that music video. I mean have you met, Jack? He would not have been opposed to getting naked and doing that dance.” You had seen enough of his “sus” videos to determine that.

“NO, Y/n, I have not met Jack. So, I wouldn’t know what he’s like.” Micah chuckled softly. “I’ll be honest, I’m a little hurt you didn’t tell me. I mean finding out on the internet that STEM Geek Girl, which I had no idea was your YouTube name by the way, was dating Jack Harlow kinda shook me. Like why would you keep that a secret?”

“I wasn’t sure if it was true. I mean Jack is Jack.” You said, scrolling to the top of your notes. “I wanted to be sure that I wasn’t making a big mistake. I’m still not sure.”

“Oh sweetie, I’m still mad and we are going to have a serious conversation about this when you get home…but congratulations. I’m happy to see you happy. I mean in the photos you looked so happy to be with him and he was looking at you like…anyway” Micah sighed. “See you tomorrow afternoon.”

“Bye…” You said, a bit dazed.

You felt guilty. Brenda and Micah just wanted you to be happy. They were so excited about your fake relationship. This sucked. How would they take it when this all ended in six months? You picked up your phone and texted Jack.

You: Is my room service on you too?

In a few minute you got a response back:

Jack: Good morning to you too, princess

Jack: Like the name? New pet name just dropped.

Jack: Of course, sweetness, anything for you.

Jack: Oooh these are good. I’m on a roll…

You rolled your eyes. You could take a bit of teasing. After all, you were about to eat your heart out on Jack’s dime.

Jack sent you a quick text for your arrival. He smiled, checking out the room service menu sent via the hotel. These were all sent to his accountant with him CC’d. However, his curiosity was peaked. The total amount was $50. He chuckled thinking about his first room service bill and the number of zeroes nearly gave his accountant a heart attack. He found himself excited to spoil you more.

Unlike you, the news of his dating life didn’t effect Jack’s loved ones. None of his friends or family texted him about it. He didn’t even spend enough time on Twitter to see if it was trending. People were so used to him being connected with any woman who was in his remote area that they didn’t waste their time worrying about it. Plus, the people closest to Jack knew he was a flirt. Still, the people closest to him also knew that Jack wasn’t usually this lazy when it came to his dating life. What would be the point of having everyone sign NDAs if he was just going to squander it by going public with everything he did? That was the reason Jack assumed that Urban asking about you.

“I didn’t know you were hanging out with Y/n.” Urban said, his long, blonde locks creating a curtain between him and Jack who was sitting on his left.

“Uh, yeah. She’s in town scoping the place for a new chapter for her business. Figured I’d give her the tour.” Jack explained, vaguely. They were sitting on the couch of their shared apartment, stomachs full from stuffing their faces with pizza, and absentmindedly watching whatever YouTube video while their food digested.

“To Bacchanalia?” Urban scoffed, “That’s not exactly the usual tour.”

Jack smiled a bit. “I guess there’s some mutual interest between us. Wanted to give her something a little special.”

“Really?” Urban asked, turning to face his friend, a hand resting on his protruding, stuffed stomach. “She’s interested in you? Romantically?”

Jack resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Why is that so hard to believe?”

“You’re rapper that scrapped his way through high school. She has a master’s degree. A master’s of science degree.” Urban shook his head. “You spend most of your time in the studio writing songs and she spends most of her time showing people how to use liquid nitrogen. What on Earth do you two talk about?”

There was a pause as Urban seemed to be reasoning his question in his mind. A smile spread across his lips as he wagged his finger at Jack. “I get it. You two don’t talk, do you? It’s a physical thing.”

Jack could feel himself getting offended. He wasn’t sure why. Any other time, Urban would have been right. Ever since he hit puberty, all of his relationships had a sexual element to them. However, he knew that it was more than the fact that he was being accused of something he didn’t do. It was because he was implying that you were like that too. You were a busy person who barely had enough time to buy new clothes let alone sleep around with random celebrities.

“It’s not.” Jack finally responded through gritted teeth. “It’s hard being long distance and now that she might be coming to Atlanta, I want to ease into it.”

“We’ll see how long that lasts.” Urban said, folding his arms. “I’m sure we’ll all hear when you too got at it anyway.”

Jack gulped. He forgot about that. No one he knew would believe it that he didn’t have sex with his girlfriend. Should he just tell Urban it was fake? No, Sammy was very clear about keeping it in the boardroom. But, it wasn’t like he could just sleep with you for the sake of keeping this secret. Or, could he?

You took a deep breath. You decided to tell Brenda the truth. It made more sense than any lie you could think of. Especially since the condo was clearly not an AirBnB and even if it was, you couldn’t explain away the private driver. Still, having your business partner and friend sitting on the couch, sprawled out in disbelief was not how you expected this day to go. The condo was large and lavish with a gorgeous view of the city. It was a one bedroom with a King sized bed, a spacious kitchen, and a open floor plan that would have made an HGTV enthusiast fall to their knees. On your bed were at least seven pairs of leggings from Lulu Lemon, a few party dresses, a couple of casual sweaters and five pairs of shoes: three for parties and two for lounging. There was a note from Jack welcoming you to your place and explaining that his stylist picked these outfit for you based on your conversation. The amount of leggings was an unfortunate reminder that she did indeed see the holes in your old ones.

“So, you’re not in the mafia then?” Brenda asked, looking at you.

You shook your head. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“Darn, I liked that theory way more than you winning the lottery.” Brenda grinned. “I can’t believe fake dating is real. Well, not real real, just like a thing.”

“Apparently it’s all over Hollywood.” You shrugged. “I suppose it makes sense.”

“I mean, Jack seems sweet. And he’s good looking.” Brenda grinned. “It’s basically a fling, right? A no strings attached arrangement.”

“Uhm, I think this is a bit more than just a summer fling.” You put your hands up. “Look at this place? There’s no way that me dating him for a short period of time makes all of this worth it for him.”

“Marketing is a hell of a drug.” Brenda shrugged. “Anyway, this could be good for you. It’s been awhile since you started a chapter from the ground up in a new city. Plus, Opal and Jieun can now take on more responsibility in the SF office while you’re here.”

“I’m only going to be gone for a month.” The worry was evident in your voice. “Stop acting like I am relinquishing everything.”

“Whoa, whoa.” Brenda stood up and put a hand on each of your shoulders. “Y/n, I am not saying that at all. I am just reminding you that this is a good opportunity for everyone in the company to grow.’

“I know…” You sighed softly. “I just didn’t think it would be so weird. I haven’t even told Micah. I don’t know why. I think it’s because there is some fun in being the girl who has it all. Even if it’s a lie.”

“Pshhh, why does having it all have to include a man?” Brenda asked you. “And if there is a man, I like the one that updates your wardrobe and gives you a nice condo. Like can I get one off Amazon?”

You laughed. Brenda always knew what to say. She gave you a hug before flipping a fistful of red, curly hair over her shoulder. She walked to the door, sashaying in her black pencil skirt suit to put on her shoes.

“I’ll give you time to unpack. I’m going to check out some of the real estate options for the chapter.” Brenda explained, reminding you why you told her about this and brought her along in the first place. Starting a chapter was definitely a ten person job, but with Brenda, you could make it just with you two.

You managed to squeak out an affirmative response when she left. It felt weird to be in this condo alone. You walked into the bedroom to unpack your suitcase and put away the clothes Jack got you. You paused, and decided to try the leggings on. It had been so long since you had new leggings and such high quality ones at that. You decided to snap a picture and send it to Jack along with a thank you message. You didn’t think anything of it until you got his text back.

Jack: You’re lucky I was only showing my phone to Urb at the time.

Jack: A booty shot too

Jack: Damn mama

You blushed at the red hot tongue sticky out emoji he sent with his last message. You told yourself that it was because Urban was reading over his shoulder. That had to be why he sent you that message. It didn’t matter though, because your stomach was already doing back flips.

You: I only intended for that to be for your eyes

You added the wink tongue emoji and smiled bashfully. You removed the tags from the other leggings and tossed them into a pile to be washed. You would be getting a lot of wear out of those. You eyed the party dresses curiously. These weren’t your style, but they were your size. You were too lazy to try it on, but you secretly hoped there would be an occasion.

Jack: Btw, having an after party on Friday tonight. Wanna come?

You smiled at your phone. Speak of the devil.

You: I’ll have to check my schedule, but I’m sure I can make it.

You went back to sorting your clothes. A few moments later, you heard a notification. You saw it was an email that Jack tagged you in a change on the slides. You opened them up quickly on your phone to see your “Second Date” slot on your schedule slide had been updated with the address of his after party and a smiley face. You grinned at your phone. ‘Not bad, Harlow.’ You thought before prepping for the rest of your week. It was going to be a doozy.

Jack adjusted uncomfortably in his gray sweats. He had been showing Urban a video in the car when your text came through. He didn’t even read the message with his eyes so fixated on your ass in the picture. He made a mental note to buy you twenty more pairs. He blushed, resisting the urge to zoom in with his friend there. Heck, even looking at it made him feel uncomfortable. He knew you didn’t send it as a thirst trap, but you must have known how good you looked in. The way they hugged your hips and cupped your behind was incredible. He didn’t understand why leggings cost so much money, but now he understood.

“I assume that taking it slow thing will be over by Friday night.” Urban said, smirking at Jack knowingly.

Jack smiled a bit, but inside he was panicking. He still hadn’t talked to you about the sex thing. He figured that worst case, he could just say you had a headache and decided to go home. It was only six weeks, it wouldn’t be hard to keep avoiding the topic for so long. As Jack stared down at the tent in his pants, he knew there was one part of his body that wouldn’t lie and he didn’t want you to see it.

On Friday, Jack knew he was excited to see you. You both had been texting back and forth throughout the week. It wasn’t lost on Jack that you didn’t have to talk to each other. He texted you because he wanted to know how you were doing. He liked it even more when you reached out first. For example, when you finally opened the fridge and saw the pack of Ale8s waiting for you. He even FaceTime’d you for your first taste test which extended into talking during your meal and then his and then before both you knew it the sun had set. Or when you texted him frustrated about the conditions of a science lab at a local public middle school. It was funny how enraged he was about the quality of beakers and lab stools now that he started talking to you. Your passion was infectious and inspired him to share more with you as well.

Jack made an effort to get ready for the after party. He took a full shower after his concert and spritzed himself with his favorite cologne. While his hair air dried, he picked one of his favorite outfits - an all white ensemble including a blazer, turtleneck and slacks. He threw some product in his hair to make sure his curls were springy and made his way to the car to take him to the venue.

He probably asked his manager 20 times where you were only to consistently be given shrugged shoulders. Jack was worried you may have gotten lost or stopped by security. He kept checking his phone to see if you texted him, but he hadn’t seen a message from you since that morning. He briefly wondered if you decided not to come, but given that this was one of your three required appearances, you would have reached out to Sammy if you couldn’t make it.

Jack scrolled through his phone, when someone walked in front of him. He looked up expecting you, but instead saw someone else. It was a young woman he had flirted with in the past. She reminded him of a young Sofia Vergara, minus the accent. Her body filled out a spaghetti strap satin white dress effortlessly as she slowly walked toward Jack, twiddling her fingers. She sat next to him, her hand resting on his knee.

“Hi Jack…” She whispered in his ear. Jack felt a chill run up his spine. “I hear you’re a taken man.”

As he looked into her hazel eyes, Jack found himself in a spell. He was remembering the last time he spent time with her--the curve of her body, the smoothness of her skin, the comfort of her movement. He closed his eyes as he looked back at his phone, tapping the black screen to check for new messages. Nothing.

“Araceli,” Jack smiled at her softly. “You know I don’t talk about my personal life.”

“You’re an actions man. Aren’t you, Jack?” Another voice said, sitting next to him. Jack looked to his left to see another woman who was dead ringer for Megan Goode, but a little taller and long box braids that went down her back. Araceli looked at the other girl and smiled. Jack shook his head thinking, ‘Already best friends, huh?’ Jack sometimes hated when lyrics came to life.

“Keisha.” Jack let out a small huff that turned into a laugh. “Don’t tell me you’re also here to verify some rumors.”

“I don’t need to verify anything, Jack.” Keisha said, tossing her braids to reveal her bare shoulder and the top of her sparkly little black dress. “Because as much as you’ve talked to me or Araceli, you have never taken us to Bacchanalia.”

Araceli pointed at Keisha, nodding. “Exactly.”

Jack rolled his eyes. It wasn’t even his idea to take you to Bacchanalia in the first place. It was Samuel who said that it would be the best spot for the paparazzi. If Jack had his way, he would have taken you to a sushi place he frequented with Drama. He remembered you going on and on after the interview about your favorite sushi place being closed. Jack couldn’t wait to show that, while limited, there were good sushi options in Atlanta. There was one spot in particular that had Bacchanalia prices, but with next level privacy. But, what’s the point of that when you’re fake dating someone?

The two women were talking across him, their knees bumping into Jack’s as their hands casually rested on his thigh or chest. Jack kept his own hands forward, avoiding scooping behind each of their waists like he normally would. The last thing he wanted to do was to be snapped in that position. He was already planning his escape when he looked forward and saw you standing there.

His mouth fell agape. Jack knew this situation did not look great. Why did you have the worst timing in the world? He looked you up and down, wearing one of the dresses his stylist had picked out for you. One of the dresses he bought for you. It looked better than he could have imagined. It was a navy blue cami slip dress with thin spaghetti straps and satin that hugged your every curve. You wore silver open-toed block heel sandals that strapped around your ankles and gave you an additional two to three inches of height. He watched you, stumbling a bit as you seemed unsure of what to do. Your phone was shaking in your hands and your purse awkwardly hung off your shoulder.

Jack wanted to run to you and explain himself, but he knew that wouldn’t look any better. Thinking quickly, he raised his hand and waved you over,

“Y/n…baby, come here.” Jack said, surprised at how natural it felt for him to call you to him.

To Jack’s surprise and yours, you walked to him.

You were very tipsy. It took you awhile to realize that Jack was in the VIP section upstairs. You had arrived early, sat at the bar and ordered drinks to sip on. Three drinks in you started to wonder if you got the wrong venue. Just as you were about to double check, you heard someone next to you shout, “Jack just went upstairs!”

You started scanning the club and realized there was a whole elevated portion. At the foot of the steps was a bouncer next to a sign that said VIP. You pulled out your phone to use as a mirror and double checked that your makeup was in place. Then you hopped off the bar stool and shimmed over to the VIP section. The bouncer stared down at you and you started to babble.

“H-Hi, I’m Y/n. I’m with J-Jack’s pa-party--” The bouncer didn’t even let you continue to stammer.

“I know who you are.” His voice was deep and seemed to boom through your chest as he spoke. He opened the red and gold divider blocking the stairs and added a polite, “Have fun” before locking it back. You looked back at the sound of the click, feeling like you were at the point of no return. Then you walked up the steps carefully, hoping not to fall. You made it to the top and the first thing you see from the corner of your eye is Jack surrounded by two beautiful women. You could have passed away right there. Your cheeks burning with embarrassment, you made a beeline to the bar in the opposite direction.

You ordered another cocktail. You were surprised when the bartender slapped it down and went to the next person. Open bar, nice. You grabbed the cocktail and slurped it like it was water, your eyes fixated on Jack who you could barely see through the crowd of people between you.

“This one’s on me.” You heard someone say. You turned to your right to see Urban standing there with another one of your cocktails in his hand, in his other hand he had a beer.

“Thanks, Urban.” You took the drink as he smiled.

“You remember me?” He asked.

“Yeah, you came with Jack for filming.” You grinned. “I never forget a face and if there’s a name attached it’s even easier.”

“Thanks I really…” Urban’s voice trailed off. You weren’t sure why until you realized what you were doing. You noticed your first cocktail wasn’t done so, you drained it and moved on to the next one without even bothering to put it down. There was genuine concern in Urban’s voice when he asked, “You okay?”

“Fantastic.” You said, turning your gulps into sip in hopes of not looking like you had a problem. “Just a little nervous. Looks like I have pretty steep competition.”

Urban frowned, straining his neck to look over the crowd to watch Jack. He looked down at you and shook his head.

“You’re his girlfriend now, aren’t you? There’s no competition.” Urban grinned. “He’s been asking for you all night. He may be wanting you to save him.”

“Oh yeah, I’m sure he needs a lot of saving.” You started to gulp again and Urban took the glass back.

“Something tells me you need saving too.” Urban put the glass he took from you down and then grabbed the other one from your hand.

With the alcohol catching up to you, you couldn’t even protest. You were already struggling to stand without swaying.

“Just go over there!” Urban urged you, giving you a little push.

As you stumbled, you could feel Urban reach up to grab you, but you steadied yourself before he could. You took a deep breath and stood up straight. You decided you would send Jack a quick text while you walked over to the couch area. That was he could ready himself. As you walked there, you realized it was a lot shorter of a distance than you expected. You couldn’t even open your phone by the time you looked up and saw those deep blue eyes staring back at you. He looked good, very good. You knew this was supposed to be your boyfriend, but seeing him next to those gorgeous women, you wondered how anyone would believe it.

When he called you over, your body moved before your mind could catch up. The other women looked at you, waving, but not making an effort to get up. You felt a little disrespected as you stood in front of him awkwardly. Jack didn’t miss a beat. He took your hand and pulled you into his lap.

“You made it.” Jack smiled, “I was worried sick.”

You pressed your lips in a line. “It looks like you found ways to ease your mind.”

Your legs were across Jack’s lap so, your back was facing one girl and you were directly facing the other. “Y/n.” You introduced yourself, reaching out for a hand shake.

“Araceli.” The woman in front of you said, giving you a little handshake.

You tossed your hand over your head, your depth perception a little off as you extended it to the woman behind you. The woman laughed, surprised, as she introduced herself. “Keisha.”

“Y/n.” You said again.

“Where’s my hello?” Jack asked, smirking down at you.

You gave him a forced smiled and put up your hand for him to shake it. He shook his head, a naughty smirk still pulling on his lips.

“Sorry, my hands are full.” He gave your mid section a slight squeeze to emphasize his point. “How about this instead…”

Jack leaned down and captured your lips in a kiss. It was a soft, sweet peck that slowly morphed into a deeper kiss. The metamorphosis of the kiss was thanks to you pressing your hand to the back of Jack’s neck. He didn’t seem like he minded, unlike his two party guests, who vacated the area after a few seconds. Not that you noticed anything besides the softness of Jack’s lips pressing against yours.

You broke the kiss and Jack stared down at you, lips red and puffy and eyes hazed. You blushed realizing you got a bit into character. You were about to apologize.

“Sorry about that.” Jack said, “It was the best way to get them to leave. Apparently, they needed proof of our relationship.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have went in on the kiss like that.” You laughed.

“I didn’t mind.” Jack said quickly and confidently. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been kissed like that. I think even I believed it. My friends certainly did.”

You followed Jack’s gaze straight ahead to see Urban and a few other guys from Private Garden raising their glasses at you both. Your cheeks burned and you looked away, not realizing you had such a large audience. You couldn’t tell Jack that it was a real kiss. You worried he would get the wrong idea. You were just touch starved, you told yourself. Running a business was a lot of work and didn’t give you much opportunities to have your intimate needs met. It definitely wasn’t because you liked him or anything. Definitely not.

“How much did you drink?” Jack asked you, his voice coming out serious and almost paternal.

You frowned. “Uhm two?”

Jack quirked an eyebrow. “Really, two?”

You didn’t like being caught in a lie and called out. Especially not by Jack. “Yeah, two.”

Jack removed his hand from your back and thus removing the support you were using to sit up. With little control over your body you plopped down flat on to the couch. You reached up to your chest to cover it, afraid of an accidental spillage as you struggled to get up.

“Either you’re a lightweight or maybe we need to double your original estimate.” Jack smirked, knowingly.

“Can you just help me up?” You asked sheepishly. When he hesitated, obviously for his own amusement, you added, “If a tit slips out, it’s your fault.”

Jack rolled his eyes, a little tuff of air being blown from his nose as he chuckled. He didn’t say anything, but you could tell he was thinking about your tits as he pointedly looked away from them. Jack slowly lifted you to a seated position and you felt like you had just pulled into the exit area of a roller coaster. He rubbed large circles into your back as you sat still across his back. He continued speaking to you by whispering in your ear.

“You’re sloshed, Y/n. Let’s go home.” Jack’s voice was dripping with concern.

“No…” You protested. “...I’m fine. I’ve only been here for like five minutes. They are going to think it’s weird. And won’t your friends have to leave too?”

“Who’s they?” Jack asked. “We made an appearance and it’s perfectly normal for celebs to leave early. Let’s just bounce.”

“They being everyone. The powers that be. The people who are doubting our relationship.” You explained. “Don’t they need to see more?”

“Like your tits spilling out of your dress?” Jack teased as he pretended to let you drop again.

“Jack!” You yelled, surprised at how loud your voice came out. You covered your mouth and giggled. This is what made Jack’s eyebrows raise.

“Y/n, how many drinks have you had?” Jack’s tone was serious again.

You bit your lip and put up a hand to show the number 5. It was like that settled it in Jack’s mind. Jack waved Urban over as he helped you to stand. You tried protesting, but saw from the way Jack’s jaw was set that there was nothing you could say to convince him now. He was taking you home. You hated to admit it, but you were kind of excited to be going to a celebrity after party. Yet 80% of your experience was sitting alone at the bar downstairs. This wasn’t the kind of experience that was going to make Micah hold their breath over bottomless mimosas.

The only consolation was Jack’s strong grip around you. His whole arm wrapped around your shoulders, crushing you to his side as he coordinated with his friends. He felt warm and smelled like what your dream home: clean and slightly floral. As you subconsciously snuggled into Jack, you felt his body stiffen. You clued into the conversation to understand what was going on.

“I figure Y/n is going to stay at our place tonight, right?” Urban asked as he texted their driver. “I mean, she’s pretty faded I’m sure you want to make sure she’s okay.”

“Right…” Jack said awkwardly. He looked down at you, searching your eyes for any objection. You were a deer in headlights. “...at least until she sobers up. Then she can decide if she wants to go back to her place.”

“Her place?” Urban frowned, looking at you both. “Did you move down here?”

“No.” You responded, just as Jack responded with “Yes.”

“Yes.” You quickly changed your response as Jack did the same by saying, “No.”

Urban narrowed his eyes. You could feel the same panic that was rising in you was also rising in Jack. As if finally on the same wavelength you and Jack both shouted, “AirBnB.”

Mostly from relief of syncing up you both laughed a little too hard. Urban frowned, nodding a bit as he excused himself to call the driver. You and Jack still had awkward smiles on your faces until he walked away. Jack removed his arm from around you and put his hands on your shoulders.

“I need a favor.” Jack started, before nibbling on his lower lip.

“What kind of favor?” You asked, a lump in your throat.

“When we get back, we need to pretend like we’re having sex.” Jack’s voice was so low and deadpan, you thought you misunderstood.

“What?” You harshly whispered.

“I know, I know. It’s just, with the way I am, it’s hard for my friends to believe that I have a girlfriend and we aren’t sleeping together.” Jack twisted his mouth to the side.

“Why can’t you just tell them we haven’t had sex yet? It’s not THAT strange.” You folded his arms.

“Not if you have a track history like me.” Jack tilted his head to the side before adding. “And not if you have a girlfriend that looks like you.”

Your cheeks warmed again as you frowned. “W-What?”

Jack seemed like he didn’t want to say it again, looking away from you. He took your hand in his and pulled you along. You followed him out of the club, your ability to walk a bit less impeded than before, but you were grateful for the guidance. Jack pulled you into the waiting car and held your hand on your way to his apartment. He was silent, as were the other guys in the car. You watched him, his Adam's apple bobbing as he kept swallowing on nothing. He stared at the window, taking deep breaths frequently. It wasn’t till you realized the grip on his hand that he was nervous. It never occurred to you to ask Jack how he felt about all of this. You assumed everyone in his circle was in on the deal, but it was clear that he didn’t tell anyone. You wondered how hard it would be in the next few weeks when the deal was done. Would he come clean or play the broken hearted act for a few months?

At some point, you had fallen asleep. It was probably the smooth motions of the car and the sound of Jack’s breathing as it calmed. When you woke up, your head was in Jack’s lap as you spread out on the couch. A blanket covered you and he was chatting with some friends. You felt awkward to sit up, but your mouth was dry and the a tall glass of water on the table looked tempting.

You sat up slowly and Jack lurched for the cup. He picked up and handed it to you. You thanked him as you put it to your lips and drank it slowly. It took a lot of willpower to not guzzle it. You were extremely thirsty.

“Do you want something to eat?” Jack asked, gesturing at the pizza boxes also on the table.

You shook your head, wondering how long were you out. You glanced around Jack’s apartment which seemed like a bachelors’ pad. The only decoration were Jack’s plaques and awards assigned to his other housemates. The furniture included the couch, a love seat, a tv stand, a coffee table, the tv and a stereo. There was no coaster in sight and there wasn’t enough ceramic plates for everyone, so most people used a paper plate.

“How are you feeling?” Jack asked.

You blinked and yawned. “Much more sober.” You voice came out a bit raspy.

“Here,” Jack grabbed a bread stick from a box and ripped off a piece and fed it to you. You opened your mouth and he popped it in there as he explained. “It’ll help your hangover tomorrow. Eat some more.”

You took the bread stick from him and took another bite. It wasn’t too salty or too oily so, it went down easily. You finished it quickly and he gave you another, holding your glass for you. Once you finished that he gave you back your glass of water for you to finish up. You sat there awkwardly, the blanket draped across your legs, your brain slowly registering everything. As Jack smoothed his hand over the back of your head, going back to his conversation, you suddenly realized that little display was done in front of his friends. It felt so natural. His friends didn’t even bat an eye. You blushed, realizing you were technically being pet in front of them, and got up.

“What do you need?” Jack asked looking up at you.

“Bathroom?” You asked.

Jack nodded. “Use the one in my room, first door on the right.”

You nodded, staring down the long hallway. As you walked to Jack’s room, you remembered his request to you at the club. He wanted you to pretend to have sex with him. In your mind, you pictured yourself as two porn star actors, with porn star bodies of course, using strategic angles to mask your nudity and the connecting of parts. You stifled a laugh as you entered the room. That was a little over the top, even for Jack.

Jack’s room was neat with lots of white. It made you a bit worried to touch anything in fear of leaving a mark. You found the bathroom and peed for what felt like an eternity. As you washed your hands, you gaped at your appearance. Your makeup had smudged around the eyes from sleeping and around the lips from….the kiss. You leaned against the sink, touching your lips subconsciously as you thought about the kiss. It was a great kiss and thinking about it made your heart beat faster.

You jumped when you heard the door open and footsteps enter Jack’s room. Jack leaned on the doorway of his bathroom smiling.

“Showtime?” You asked him.

“Almost…we can’t rush it. I’m a slow and intimate lover.” Jack grinned, pretending to massage the air.

You rolled your eyes and pushed past him. He followed you into his bedroom and you plopped down on the foot of his bed.

“How should we do this?” You asked him.

“I figured we could bounce on the bed, add a bit of moans, maybe make the headboard slam…” Jack shrugged. “Then about an hour or two from now, you slip on one of my shirts and walk into the kitchen to get water or something.”

You quirked an eyebrow at him. “You expect me to believe that you thought of that all just now?”

Jack laughed, sitting down next to you. “I’ve had a week to consider it. Since Urban implied that we had a sexual relationship.”

You shrugged and Jack frowned at your nonchalant response. You kicked off your shoes, kicking your feet as you stared out the windows to your right. Sensing that Jack was waiting for you to respond you quickly said,

“That makes sense.”

“Why?” Jack asked, alarming you.

You looked at him, your brows knitting together to create a line. “Well, it’s not like you’re known for being Mr. Commitment. And what else would the two of us be doing?”

“Perhaps we are having stimulating conversations?” Jack offered.

You laughed loudly. You were about to slap your knee when you saw the serious look in Jack’s eyes. Your cheeks burned as you turned your laugh into a cough. You just figured out he wasn’t joking.

“Jack,” Your voice came out gentle. “Can you really blame anyone for thinking we have nothing in common?”

“No, of course not.” Jack folded his arms. “But, you should know better. I mean, you wrote slides that have our similar interests and public talking points.”

“None of which we got to use today, by the way.” You added.

Jack turned his head, giving you a strange look. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” You pressed your palms into your thighs, staring down at them. “...that we are two weeks into the agreement and it doesn’t seem like we have to do much of anything. Besides, this little fake sex charade. I’m happy to have the easy money, but I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed.”

“Disappointed?” Jack asked. You could feel his eyes trained on your side profile.

“Yeah,” You laughed, still not looking at him. “It’s stupid, I know, but I guess I was excited to act the part of Jack Harlow’s girlfriend. I only told my business partner, Brenda, the truth since she came with me to Atlanta, but everyone else: my family, friends…they all think it’s true. I mean my best friend, Micah, they couldn’t believe it. Me? Y/n? Dating a rapper? I was kinda excited to play the part. Not be me for a bit.”

Jack groaned, shaking his head as he bent forward. His fingers raked his curls forward and you watched the ringlets straighten and spring under his grasp. He let out a few sighs before sitting up again, meeting your eyes.

“That’s what I’m talking about. Why do you and everyone else think that this can’t be real?” Jack asked. “Why do you have to put on a character to be my girlfriend? The whole reason you were chosen was because it’s supposed to be unexpectedly believable…”

Your eyebrows went up in surprise. “I guess it just seems like a mismatch of levels. I mean a 9 and 3, that’s a pretty big gap.” You chuckle softly.

Jack’s eyes widened. “A three? You think I’m a three?”

You sputtered out a life. “Oh god no…I was talking about myself. You’re the nine.”

“You’re the three?!” Jack practically shouted. “Are you out of your mind? You’re a solid 10, no doubt.”

“A 10…” You laughed. “You think I’m a 10?”

“An 11 when you smile.” He grinned at you and you felt yourself blush.

“You too…” You muttered. “I only gave you a nine in hopes of knocking you down a peg.”

“Ah right because I’m a…what was it? An annoying, arrogant asshole?” Jack repeated your words to you, grinning wider. “Isn’t that what you said on our first date?”

You bit your lip, not bothering to hold back a smile. “You have a good memory.”

“You’re very memorable.” Jack said, his hand dancing behind your ear and down your cheek.

The touch was feather light but each place his fingers touched were on fire. You swallowed, not expecting his gaze to be held by yours. You couldn’t look away. You could feel your stomach doing loop-di-loops and wondered how much of it was the alcohol in your system waiting to come up. You knew it was nothing, but butterflies.

You grabbed a pillow to hit him with it, earning a laugh as he caught it before it hit his face. “Shall we start?”

“Showtime!” Jack laughed.

He tossed the pillow to the top of the bed. You scooted back and jokingly tapped the space next to you. For some reason, you weren’t thinking about how short your dress was as it rode up your leg with each wiggle upward. You were too giddy about your little prank. Jack got off the bed and surprised you by belly flopping on the spot next to you. It made a large boom sound. You laughed and Jack laughed as well. You followed suit and began rolling on the bed, causing it to creak and rustle. Jack laid on his back rocking the bed back and for to give a test tap on the wall.

“Alright, we gotta sink these up.” Jack whispered, you could feel his warm breath on your ear. “I’ll hit it against the wall and you gotta give me your best moans. Got it?”

“Shouldn’t we do some foreplay first?” You whispered back.

Jack’s eyes widened as though for a second he thought you meant for real. He composed himself quickly. “What should we do?”

You blushed. “Turn away, I can’t do it if you’re watching me.”

Now, Jack was very confused, but he did as he was told. You rested your head on the bed and closed your eyes. You were nervous, but you decided that you would commit to your performance. You let out a loud moan. It wasn’t super theatrical, but it was not the usual sound you would make. You could feel Jack’s head snapping towards you from the movement on the bed, but you refused to open your eyes.

“Ah, right there…” You moaned out loudly. “...that’s the spot, Jack. Just like that.”

You heard a slap sound and realized it was Jack covering his mouth to stop from laughing. The slap sound was loud and, emboldened you decided to work it into the performance.

“Oh yeah…slap it again, Jack.” You let your voice sound soft and desperate.

You could feel Jack’s hesitance. Then you heard it, a loud slap. Most likely, he was slapping his own thigh because you didn’t feel anything on you.

“Yeah, that’s it. You know what I like…zaddy.” You were adding more breathy moans in between your words to make it more believable.

“I’m c-close,” You moaned out.

You could hear Jack shuffling next to you, keeping himself together. He gave a loud, husky whisper, “Not yet…”

You opened your eyes, surprised to see two dark blue ones staring down at you. There was a pause before both of your suck your own lips back in trying to hide your laughter. You covered your mouth, tears welding in your eyes. Jack let out a few loud breaths to keep his composure. You mouthed to him, “Your turn.” And he nodded.

“That’s a tough performance to beat.” He whispered into your ear.

He laid back on the bed and closed his eyes. This time you got to watch him. At this point, you noticed that he had changed from what he wore at the club. He was wearing a white hoodie and baggy gray sweat pants. In the dark of his room with only the light from the window peaking through, you couldn’t really make out his features. You filled them in because you knew them: the curve of his lips, the broadness of his shoulders, the narrowness of his hips and the size of his…whoa, how long had that been there?

Your eyes darted back up to his face, resisting the urge to take another peek. Jack let out a little whimper that was so high pitched and embarrassing that it had to be a real sound he would make. Unlike him, you could silence your laughter without making a loud slap and did so. He let out loud, throaty groans as he stroked the sheets beside him.

“Oh yeah…” Jack groaned out.

“You like when I do that?” You edged him on.

You saw his lips twitch into a smile, but he pressed them together. Once he got himself under control, he let himself speak again.

“Yeah, put that mouth to good use.” He grunted out. “Make me feel good like I know you can.”

You had never wanted to laugh and touch yourself at the same time. It was ridiculous. He was just laying there, hiding back his laughter making lewd noises and commands. And yet, it felt good. If you closed your eyes, you could imagine what it would be like to be actually with him.

“S-Sh!t…I’m gonna…” Jack groaned out. It sounded so real, you checked his crotch half expecting to see it damp. It was not--unlike yours--but it was a bit bigger than you remembered it. You weren’t going to point it out, of course. That would admitting that you looked in the first place.

“Put it in me…” You yelled, making Jack jump. He reminded you of small animal startled by a big noise. You felt bad, but it was way too funny for you to feel guilty for long.

You almost broke down and laughed if he didn’t leap forward and cover your mouth. He had that big grin he made whenever he wanted to stop laughing, but couldn’t stop himself. You held his hand to your mouth, tears pouring from your eyes. Jack shook his head, chuckling softly, resting his forehead on the bed. You could hear his soft laughs in your ear and it was soothing. You let go of his hand and he slowly lifted it from your mouth.

“Remember,” He whispered, not lifting his head yet.” We gotta sync up.”

“I know…” You whispered back.

Jack slammed the bed on to the wall and you let out a moan. He did it again and you gave a little grunt. At the third slam, he joined in and you both harmonized. This started another fit of laughter to which both face planted into the bed to control. He tapped your back three times to signal you were starting again. You flipped back on to your back, closing your eyes waiting for the sound of the headboard slamming against the wall. You moaned again, chanting his name. With the sounds of his grunts and groans and the feel of the bed swaying more and more, your body seemed to think that you were actually doing the deed. You felt warmth pooling in the pit of your stomach and some of the hot liquid making it to your nether regions. Your moans, while still put on, were a bit more real in their timidness.

“More, more…” You moaned out, happy that you didn’t have to hide your yearning. Your eyes squeezed shut, imagining Jack actually above, actually inside of you. The warmth radiating from his body made it feel too real. You fought back tears as you realized how much you kinda wanted this to be real. Even if it was just for tonight, to enjoy this wonderful benefit of being Jack’s girlfriend that everyone assumed you already indulged in. For now, you had to settle for the quick rhythm of the bed, propelled unfortunately by Jack’s feet and not his hip thrusts.

“Give it to me, baby.” Jack grunted, his voice sounding raspy and hoarse.

The part of you that liked torturing yourself made you wonder if he was thinking the same thing as you. If he was also wondering if you could break one of the many rules on those slides.

“F-ck, Y/n.” Jack groaned out.

“Ah…Jack…”

Jack kept up the rhythm as he slowed it down naturally. When you opened your eyes, it was like coming back to life. Jack had just opened his eyes as well and you were both laying on the bed like two children making snow angels side by side. You were both actually sweating, but not as much as if you had actually done the deed. You were also both panting, but again not as much. You sat up, quickly glancing at his groin and felt a wave of disappointment at seeing that, while still prominent, there was no wet spot on his crotch. You wished you could say the same for your own underwear.

“So, how long should I wait before Operation: Get Water From Kitchen?” You asked in a whisper.

“You can change now, if you like.” Jack offered. “If we do that, we can still get you home in a couple hours.”

Right. That was the deal. You wouldn’t be spending the night. Even for a fake relationship, it would be a lot to share a bed. You could easily think up an excuse to tell his friends if they saw you leaving. Early meeting tomorrow. Brunch with Brenda. Need real shampoo. Anything would do. There was no point in being upset or sad about it. You were getting paid $150,000 in a couple of weeks to not have sex with someone. How many people got this lucky?

You bit back your lip to hide your frustration. You stood up, trying not to look at Jack as you felt emotions welding up inside of you. You finally realized that you felt rejected. After all that talk about being a eleven and you couldn’t even spend the night. Shouldn’t he be crawling at the chance to spend the night with you?

“Where can I get a shirt?” You asked.

“Top drawer.” Jack pointed to the dressing table.

You opened it and grabbed a bright yellow shirt. You unfolded it and it was about the length of the midi dress you had on. You walked into the bathroom and closed the door. You stared at yourself in the mirror, tears welding in your eyes. You felt silly for getting aroused. You felt rejected for being the only one. You felt angry that you didn’t have the guts to just go for it. You did your best to remove your make up with the face wash Jack had on the side of the sink. Then you slipped off your dress and replaced it with the shirt. It felt comfortable. So, comfortable, wearing a bra felt like it defeated the purpose so you slipped that off too. You folded your dress and put it on the counter, laying your bra on top. You walked out to see Jack still laying face up on the bed. He propped himself up on his elbows and looked at you. You jokingly rested on hand on the doorframe and posed.

Jack grinned at you with those perfect straight, white teeth that glistened in the light from the window. “Perfect…” He whispered.

You felt that one right between your legs. You gave him a soft smile as you marched out of the room and into the hallway. It didn’t take acting to pretend to be embarrassed as you walked out. Some of his housemates and a few other friends were still in the living room. You pretended to hide your face as you walked out and into the kitchen. A few of them gave you slow claps making you let out a soft laugh. You could feel the heat rushing to your cheeks as you poured two glasses of water. None of them said anything else as you sped past them back to Jack’s bedroom. You had left the door slightly ajar so you were able to kick it open. You placed the water on the table he had next to the door and turned around to close.

“I think they bought it…” You said, turning around.

And there was Jack standing shirtless with his gray sweatpants hanging low at his waist. His curly hair was tousled from him playing with it earlier and looked golden brown in the reflection of the street lights. He looked broad and strong. His stomach was flat, but soft. Your throat got dry as you followed the happy trail of hair to his crotch and saw just how hung he was.

“I was worried if Urban was going to walk in so, I figured I would take off some stuff too…” Jack said, sheepishly.

“Uhm, yeah…makes sense.” You looked away from and sat on the further edge of the bed.

“Y/n…” You could hear the smile in Jack’s voice. “...thank you for this. I promise after it’s done, I’ll explain to them.”

“No, it’s fine.” Your response came out high and squeaky and way too fast. It seemed to startle Jack. He didn’t move for a moment. You were sitting there, trying to calm yourself down. Your heart was pounding and your face felt so hot you thought it would fall off.

“Y/n…I know what’s happening” Jack said in a low voice.

“What do you mean?” You asked, whipping your head around. “Nothing’s happening.”

“You’re uncomfortable…” Jack said, sitting on the far edge of the bed looking at you. “Because I’m on brick. It’s a natural thing…I promise it’ll go down. You don’t have to be afraid of me.”

“Afraid of you?” You frowned. “Why would I be afraid?”

“I mean, what kind of guy gets turned on from fake sex?” Jack shook his head with a laugh.

“Anyone who watches soft core porn?” You offered.

Jack gave a half laugh, most of it coming out as air passing through his nose. “This is like ten times worse…it’s like…”

“Like what?” You asked. Your mind was already filling in the blank. It’s like I don’t actually want to sleep with you.

Jack looked away from you and for a moment you saw someone who wasn’t always confident. Just for a second before he met your eyes once more. “Like I am incapable of being around you without getting like this.”

“I mean isn’t this the first time?” You offered. The silence was a shocker.

Jack cleared his throat. “No.” He laughed a bit, glancing down.

It was your turn to fall silent. You weren’t sure if you should tell him the truth. That you were also having inappropriate thoughts about your fake boyfriend. Or, would it be better to keep it quiet and let nature run its course until you had to leave. You thought about how you felt in the bathroom: sad, rejected, and horny. If you went home, you would feel all those things, but also cowardly. You were a go-getter. You never backed down for your company, why should you settle for yourself?

You swallowed. You scooted closer to Jack and saw him tense up a bit. He was looking down at you, mostly at your lips as you inched forward. You stopped when you were sat right next to him.

“Would you like to…?” You bit your lip, staring at him intently.

“Would I like to what?” Jack asked, cupping your face in his hand. As you visibly relaxed into his touch, you could see the smile stretching across his lips.

“You know…” You blushed as his thumb rubbed circles into your cheek.

“I want to hear you say it.” Jack said, inching closer to your face. “I really want to make sure we are on the same page here, because it will be so so so terrible if we’re not.”

“F-ck…for real.” The words left your lips only for a second before Jack’s lips crashed on to yours. You let out a satisfied sigh, as he scrambled into his lap, your moist core resting on top of his excited groin. That earned you the deepest and throatiest groan from Jack you heard all night.

“You’re perfection…” He moaned against your lips, his hands caressing your body through his shirt and he kissed you hungrily.

You kissed back, wrapping your arms and legs around him, not wanting to let go. Your hips slowly grinded into him and Jack tossed his head back, thus breaking the kiss. Swears fell out of his mouth including ones you were pretty sure he had made up.

“Wouldn’t they wonder…if they hear us again?” Your voice was breathy.

Jack smirked as he tossed you on the bed and climbed on top of you. He gave you another peck on the lips earning him a bright smile from you.

“They’ll think it’s round two.” Jack mused.

He gave you another kiss on the neck and into the crevice of your neck said, “And maybe, three…”

He gave you another kiss on the collarbone and added, “And maybe four…”

You let out a moan and Jack pulled back to smile at you. “Your real ones sound even better…”

You weren’t able to think of much of a response because before you knew it, you saw a mess of curly hair in between legs and tickling your core.

For the next couple of weeks after your actual night of passion, other aspects of your relationship with Jack were feeling less fake. You had one last public date which was at Six Flags. The rest of your meetings with Jack were oddly secret.

There were the times he would sneak in after a business meeting with a potential school or legislator with a your hot beverage of choice. There were times where it was you popping into the studio to bring him lunch. You both texted all the time about dumb stuff from weird dreams to conspiracy theories.

You started to rely on the slides less and less when asked about your relationship by Micah or your parents. You would stare at your phone hoping that it would light up with a notification from Jack saying he was outside your apartment after a long night…only for you two to make it longer. You could tell that you really liked Jack and was dreading that next week was your break up week. Brenda, who was the only other person who frequently saw you in-person was starting to ask too many “what-ifs.” Her favorite was “what if you don’t break up?” Her second favorite? “What if you let it be real?”

Every time you thought about it, there was a lump in your throat. After years of working with pro-bono lawyers, there was one set of advice that never changed. Always read the contract. And you did. Your contract with Jack’s agency stated that you would receive the remaining payment of $150,000 on the day of your and Jack’s break up. You and Jack needed to break up in order for you to get the check. There was property being bought and employees being hired in Atlanta. You needed that money and the later investment that came with it. If you cut the project short, word would get around. People would put two and two together and realize that you ended a project because of a break-up. Not the greatest look for a woman empowering other women in STEM. So, you shoved down the idea in the depths of your soul. Even though every single text from Jack felt like a dagger and hot tears rolled down your eyes after every sweet “good night” he said before ending your nightly call. This wasn’t the first time you had chosen your business over yourself and it wouldn’t be the last. This pain was familiar, but it didn’t make it easy.

It was a random tweet that made Jack realize how badly he had it for you. It was a picture snapped of you two at Six Flags. You were both standing in front of a concession stand and you were deciding between a milkshake and Dippin’ Dots. Jack was waiting for the opportunity to tell you that he was going to get you both. He would buy the whole dang Dipping Dots vending machine and bring it home if that’s what you wanted. And yet, it wasn’t that thought that told him that he was down bad. It was the picture captured showing the way he looked at you and the tweet adding the caption, “Crying and throwing up because no one looks at me the way Jack looks at Y/n.”

‘Dammit.’ Jack thought letting out a deep breath. He put his phone down and called Sammy. He didn’t know what he was going to say so, when Sammy picked up quickly, he babbled a bit.

“Ay, Sammy!” Jack said.

“Jack!” Sammy yelled. “Yo, man,I gotta tell you, the numbers are looking good. We have sold out of your merch in the last two weeks. Last week, you trended under #BFJack. I mean, this has been great…worth every penny. Great work.”

“Well, it hasn’t been much work, if I’m being honest.” Jack chuckled softly.

“Yeah, I’ve heard you’ve been enjoying the benefits of having Y/n as a girlfriend.” Jack could imagine Sammy shaking his head. “Glad you’re really getting into character.”

“Listen, what if this isn’t a character, Sammy?” Jack finally blurted out. “What if I wanted this to be more?”

There was a silence on the phone. Jack could hear the sound of a printer whirring in the background and a cooler lightly bubbling with water. He was a bit concerned Sammy had passed out because he couldn’t hear him breathe.

“Jack, that would put Y/n in a serious bind.” Sammy’s voice was in his lawyer tone, the one he claims he no longer had after he left corporate law after two years for marketing. “If she’s actually your girlfriend, we have no standing to support her chapter. She’s not an investment in your future anymore, she’s just a sugar baby.”

Jack frowned deeply. “Don’t talk about her like she’s some thing. She’s still my girlfriend.”

“For the next week.” Sammy reminded him, a bit coldly. “After that she gets a big fat $150,000 check and, if the deals I negotiate go well, a total of $300,000 spaced out over the next three years.”

“She’s not materialistic.” Jack argued. His head was starting to hurt from frowning so deeply. “She doesn’t care about money like that. I’m sure if--”

“Don’t put her in that position, Jack.” Sammy said, warningly. “Look, Jack. I’m glad that you are finally feeling the little flutters in your belly for someone because, honestly, I don’t think you have for the three years I’ve known you. But, I’m sorry that it’s for her. That girl is tough as nails, but she has a breaking point. If I can’t get her this money, her career is going to go in the toilet after she fails to make this Atlanta chapter and she will probably bankrupt herself trying. Don’t forget that she is getting paid because YOUR reputation got the boost. That was your payment, don’t deny her hers.”

Jack hung up the phone. He would apologize to Sammy later, but he was angry. He knew Sammy was right, but he hated it. He knew you would pick him. Without much thought, Jack made his way to your apartment. He was filled with a range of emotions by the time he made it your door. He stormed in, pushing past you. You closed the door as you murmured, “Hello to you too.”

“I just talked to Sammy!” Jack yelled, spinning around to face you, still near the door. “You know what he said? He said that we can’t be together after this week. Like not even if we break up and get back together. He said you are in it for the money. But he doesn’t know about us? What does he know?”

Jack was breathing heavy when he finally stopped to look at you. You were standing there, avoiding his eyes. Jack glanced around the apartment. All of your stuff was in a suitcase with a few items on the couch, about three days worth. Most of the clothes he gave you, unworn, were on the other side of the couch neatly folded. The synapses in his brain started firing and he looked at you incredulously.

“You’re really ready to end it?” He asked, the crack in his voice surging through you.

“Jack…” You stepped closer to him. There was no reaction from Jack. His eyes were dead, his body limp and lifeless. He had already given up. “....baby,” The nickname rolled off your tongue so easily over the last few weeks, but for some reason it was choked in your throat.

“I realize that I was the one didn’t know anything.” Jack’s voice was not the usual smooth drawl. It was dark. You recognized it immediately as pain. It was like some kicked him in the stomach, and that someone was you. His lip curved into a half smile as he scoffed. “I-I uh thought this was going somewhere. I thought you actually liked me.”

“I did!” You walked closer to him. “I do!”

Jack stepped away from you and your eyes widened. You continued, “It’s just that without the money…”

“You would ruin your precious career, I get it.” Jack was looking through you, his blue eyes were so clear and glossy.

You face tightened. “Yes, my career, Jackman.”

“There you go with the government name…” Jack muttered rolling his eyes.

“You don’t get it do you?” You stepped closer to him. “What do you lose by us staying together? Nothing. What do I lose? My reputation and $150,000 plus whatever Sammy is able to squeeze out later. That’s five people I have to tell they don’t have a job. That’s three investors I have to inform that they money will be returned to them. That’s 100 students who will be told that the surprise their computer science teacher has been hinting at for weeks fell through. What do you lose if we break up after the designated date? Nothing. What do I lose? My reputation and $150,000---oh wait, the exact same thing.”

You pretended to slap your forehead like you just figured it out. “Don’t you get, Jack Harlow? You lose nothing from continuing this. But when you move on to the next Keisha or Araceli, I would have nothing. I’m not going to pretend that I don’t want more, but I have to think outside of…” You hesitated for just a moment. “...five weeks of infatuation.”

Jack nodded slowly. “You’re right, I get it.” Jack sucked in his lower lip still nodding slowly. “Nah, you’re right. It’s actually good that we end it now. After all, if you think I’m just going to move on from you in such a flash, what’s the point in even trying?”

Tears welded in your eyes. You shook your head, “Come on, Jack. Everyone knows that kind of guy you are.”

“No, everyone thinks they know who I am.” Jack glared down at you, “but only a few people get to see all sides of me. The truly vulnerable sides of me. I thought you were one of them.”

Jack moved past you and walked towards the door. He reached out for the doorknob, but then stopped and turned around.

“I know it may seem to you and Sammy that I have nothing to lose, but I have my freaking pride, Y/n. I would have put all of it on the line if it meant that I could have you. I would have gladly stood up to whatever label or powers that be who said anything about me continuing to support your business. I would have put my career on the line. It’s great you and him were so worried about protecting you. But, damn, could you at least try to think about us?”

Jack paused as if giving you a chance to speak. You couldn’t say anything to that. Jack opened the door and slammed it shut. The sound triggered the tears to fall from from your eyes. Loud sobs left your lips as you shook with sadness. You needed someone to tell you that you did the right thing. Because you regretted everything at the moment.

You appreciated the fact that Micah hugged you and heard you out before scolding you for lying to them. The moment you saw their rainbow curls trudging into the apartment, tears were streaming down your cheeks. Micah tossed their suitcase to the side as they embraced you. They took the first red-eye flight out of SF to be by your side. Micah consoled you while Brenda busied herself with the copy of your contract.

“Look,” Micah said, “I see where both of you are coming from. I mean 200 thou is a lot of money for the org, Y/n. I mean, my little LGBTQ+ sector would thrive in Atlanta. We have so many queer and BIPOC cons here, it would be like networking city. At the same time, if a man was buying me gifts, bringing me coffee, singing me lullabies to sleep over FaceTime, and willing to--and I quote--put my career on the line for us…”

Micah re-enacted the TikTok meme of them slamming their credit card on the table. You laughed a bit, but a few tears streaked out thinking about how wonderful Jack had been to you. If Jack was the playboy that every said he was, either he had a lot of time on his hands and invested way too much into his side pieces, or, he was down bad for you.

“What can I do?” You asked. “I mean the contract is pretty clear. And even if Brenda finds a loophole, I doubt Jack wants anything to do with me.”

“Feelings don’t expire because of one argument, Y/n.” Micah reminded you. “But, you may need to kiss his ass. Maybe literally if he’s into that.”

That got a deep, belly-shaking laugh from you. Brenda sat back, grasping your attention. You and Micah looked at her expectantly.

“So, there isn’t much you can do about the funds through these channels if you and Jack don’t break up next week.” Brenda gave you an apologetic look. “However, if Jack were to make the donations on his own, it could work.”

“You mean, ask Jack for $150,000?” You asked. A pit developed in your stomach as you gulped.

Brenda nodded. “As well as become a long time donor.”

“I can’t ask Jack for money!” You argued, throwing your hands in the air. “That’s like asking him to pay me to be his girlfriend. He already thinks I’m money hungry…”

Micah shook their head. “I think you misunderstood, Jack. I don’t think he was mad about you needing the money. I think he was mad that you didn’t think you could solve the problem together.”

“What do you mean?” You turned towards Micah, a clench in your chest. Could there be hope?

“Think about it. Jack was not angry at you until he saw that you had given up. He was mad at Sammy because had as well. He expected that of his agent, but I’m sure Jack thought you would have more faith in him than that.”

A pang of regret hit your chest. You knew Micah was right. If you told Jack, like a partner, what was going on, he would have happily brainstormed ideas. Instead of being glad that your feelings were mutual, you pushed Jack away. You made the decision to end your relationship without once asking him how he felt. If you were in his shoes, you wouldn’t have just stormed away, dejected. You would have keyed his car.

“How do I fix this?” You asked looking between Brenda and Micah.

The two of them shared a look before looking back at you. “We can’t answer that, sweetheart.” Brenda said. “You know Jack better than we do…”

Jack stared at his friends, their mouths wide open as he told them the full story. After spending a day being snippy, he figured he should at least tell them why. He had the hood on his hoodie up as he saw in the love seat, legs wide and arms folded. He kept his head down, unable to look his friends in the eyes.

“Any questions?” Jack asked.

“So, all the sex and gifts were fake?” Someone asked, from the voice he guessed it was Quiso.

Jack shook his head, tightening his jaw. “Nope, that was real.” He tipped his head from side to side. “Except for that one time we pretended to have sex, but then we actually had sex like fifteen minutes later.”

“And she is breaking up with you because her company needs the money?” Someone else clarified which sounded like Urban.

Jack nodded. “Yup. That’s what matters to her.”

‘Definitely not me.’ Jack thought, bitterly.

“Do you still want to be with her?” That question made Jack jump to his feet. He almost fought the person who asked. If he could tell who it was, the voice was timid, it wasn’t clear who it came from. His eyes were blown and his chest was heaving. All of his friends stared at him wide eyed.

“I’m going to take a walk.” Jack announced.

No one stopped him. Not like he was surprised. After that little display, he doubted anyone would talk to him for awhile.

Jack stepped out of his apartment complex. The Atlanta night air was cool. It was quite dark for 7pm and already pretty empty. It was a Thursday night, two days before you signed your name to a contract and told Sammy to end your relationship. He walked down half a block, sighing loudly. He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked up to see someone standing in front of him. It was you. He blinked a few times as if expecting you to vanish before his eyes.

“Can we talk?” You asked him.

Jack gave a slow nod, “Let’s walk and talk.”

You nodded starting to match his stride as he walked past you. You could feel Jack slowing down to keep to your speed. You smiled to yourself, wondering how much he consciously and subconsciously put your needs before his.

“I want to apologize.” You could feel yourself starting to cry, but stopped yourself. You had to get this out. “I’m so sorry I made the decision without even consulting you. To be honest, a part of me was so happy when you came in, talking about how you wanted to continue being my boyfriend. My real boyfriend. And then, reality set in. My company, my insecurities, my prejudgments…all of it clouded the absolute joy I felt knowing that you like me back. So, I shoved the feeling down and did what I was supposed to do. That’s what business women, scientist and engineers do. We get stuff done regardless of how it makes us feel.”

You let out a shaky breath. “But the moment you left, Jack, I felt broken. I was torn apart because I love this company and our mission so much, but I was going to give it all up because--” You hesitated. “--I was falling in love.”

Jack’s footsteps stopped, both of you standing in the middle of the sidewalk. He turned to face you, his hoodie blocking you from his view otherwise. His eyes were brimmed with tears, but he didn’t let them fall out.

“I was crushed yesterday when you said what you said.” Jack confessed. “I felt so defeated. I kept wondering what I did to make you feel like I wasn’t actually into you. Or, even worse, that I was not willing to support and invest in your dreams. I have $150,000, Y/n. And I could get you $300,000 over the course of three years. In fact, with the right corporate sponsors and support from my fans, I could even double it.”

A couple tears rolled down your cheeks. Brenda and Micah were right. Apparently they did know Jack as well as you did. They both remembered that Jack wasn’t just “Jack Harlow” but a human being who liked you and wanted to make you happy. Somehow, you had forgotten that. Jack pressed a hand to his chest.

“And another thing. Even if we did break up, I am a man of my word. If I promised your organization $300,000 over the course of three years, then you would get those checks even if I sent my lawyer to deliver them. I only invest in what I believe in, and I believe in you, Y/n. I believe in us and I was willing to invest in that by going against my agent. You don’t think that’s putting my career on the line?”

As more tears tickled out, Jack’s hard stare began to soften. He gently wiped away your tears, not seeming to care that each one wiped away was replaced by two or three more.

“I know it’s only been a little over a month, but I’m falling for you too, Y/n.” Jack whispered. “Can’t we at least try to see where this goes?”

You nodded enthusiastically. “I would, with your investment or none. I really want this Jack, I do.”

Jack smiled and leaned in to give you a kiss. You wrapped your arms around his neck as his hands supported your back. You let your right foot slowly extend upward in a bent position, laughing against his lips.

“What?” Jack whispered.

“My foot popped.” You giggled softly.

“Is that Y/n Y/L/n quoting the Princess Diaries?” Jack mimicked you from your first date.

You chuckled, whispering his previous words back to him. “Why is that shocking? I am very into film.”

“I said cinema.” Jack teased.

“That’s not your line.” You teased back.

“I don’t know if I would consider that a cinematic masterpiece.” Jack recited, emphasizing cinematic dramatically.

“2000s movies have a special place in my heart.” You grinned.

“Just like you…” Jack added.

You smiled and pecked Jack on the lips “Just like you…”

A/N: If you made it down here, you’re a rockstar! Just wanna say the Pete Davidson jokes were just low hanging fruit, not hate to our real life Y/n. ♥ Hope you enjoyed it. Sorry for any typos or missing warnings. Lmk if I messed up lol

#jack harlow #jack harlow imagine #jack harlow x reader #r-writes-fic

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belliesandburps · 3 years ago

Text

Santa Kalim

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Fishmas to the lot of ya!

So, I just got back from a lengthy but decent get together with the family at the soon-to-be-in-laws of my sisters upcoming wedding (still officiating it too). And in honor of the occasion, I wanted to share a fluffy lil feel-good scenario I thought up involving everyone’s favorite Baby Otter, Kalim.

Now, as you know, Kalim is freakin’ LOADED. As in his parents have enough money to buy and sell NRC ten times over. But despite that, Kalim also has a heart of absolute gold and, for all his money, wants nothing more than to make his friends happy. AND, Kalim being so adorably dopey and childlike, it stems to reason that, given the holiday season, Kalim’s very, very eager to dress the part.

So, on Christmas Day, Kalim dresses up as Santa Claus. He puts on an oversized Santa Jacket, a beard that doesn’t quite fit and stuffs a pillow into his jacket to give him the ole jolly Santa belly needed to...well, TRY and look the part, bless his soul.

And, as Santa Kalim, he and his trusty elf, the Prefect, go to visit aaaaaaaaall the naughty but still ultimately nice bois of NRC and uses his vast wealth to give them all presents from his oversized Santa Sack that he knows they’ll love.

Ace - He gives Ace a brand new video game console that he’s been struggling to get a hold of because of all the dark magic bots snatching them up, which leaves Ace in absolute awe, going all sparkly eyed at finally being able to play...literally no games worth getting yet, in all their high definition, particle effect laden glory.

Deuce - He gives Deuce boxing gloves with his own boxing bag which the Prefect subtly adds a picture of Ace’s face on. Given some of the anger Deuce occasionally feels, Kalim figures this will both help him vent AND help him train his combat skills, which Deuce is deeply grateful for, AND eager to show off to Ace when his best bud inevitably stops by and becomes indignant at becoming Deuce’s “sparring buddy.”

Cater - He got Cater a mega-selfie stick, so the cheeky upper classman can take selfies from even further back, getting pictures of even more classmates. Cater celebrates by taking a series of selfies with the most adorable Santa Claus anyone’s ever seen.

Trey - Trey gets a brand new cook book for more exotic recipes that might cater to even more pallets. While confident that his own recipes will suffice, Trey’s more than eager to broaden his list of usual recipes.

Riddle - The most expensive strawberry tart that Kalim could order in advance is what he got for Riddle. And while always stiff and bound by rules, one look at that tart made Riddle resemble the *heavy breathing* cat meme. Nuff said. :P

Ruggie - A Hyena’s belly is never full. But that was going to change when Santa Kalim got him an entire week’s worth of donuts. Ruggie’s eyes grew wide as saucers as he looked on at the pastries, drooling profusely and excitedly before he quite literally DOVE into the massive pile of donuts, eager to cram every last one of them down his gullet in one glorious sitting. Needless to say, the Prefect offered to stick around a little longer for this one...y’know, in case Ruggie choked...or needed tummy rubs afterwards...

Jack - For the “Fresh Baby,” Kalim got Jack a pendant from his kingdom, one designated exclusively for the fiercest of warriors,, which Kalim feels is fitting for someone like Jack, who always stands up for people and never backs down from any challenge. Jack, of course, just huffed dismissively. It’s not like he CARES if Kalim appreciates his bravery...even if his intensely wagging tail begs to differ. ;)

Leona - Now, Leona is royalty like Kalim, so he’s not hurting for cash or access to whatever his heart desires. However, Leona doesn’t QUITE have the money or, more importantly, the ACCESS that Kalim has. And as such, Kalim would get him a volume in abandoned potions and elixir recipes most modern dark arts no longer teach due to their obscurity. What’s more, these are variations believed to be far too advanced for most mages. But because Leona is renown for being the best at this particular subject within NRC, Kalim has the utmost confidence that the young lion could knock it outta the park with these. So not only does Leona get to GENUINELY put his skills to the test in a way that would challenge him more than any class ever could, but he ALSO gets his ego stroked. So while Leona may simply shrug at Kalim’s gift, it’s very, very easy for the Prefect to see how pleased he is with it.

Jade - This one might be tricky for Kalim, since Jade’s such a tricky character to get a read on. But I headcanon that Jade’s a big movie buff, but he seldom has time to watch films thanks to having to always run things at the Monstro Lounge. So, Kalim got Jade what amounts to an iPod frontloaded with a number of classics he’s known to enjoy as well as quite a few new releases he missed out on but hasn’t had time to stream. This way, in between things at work, Jade can also unwind with some movies.

Floyd - A massive teddy bear for him to squeeze with ooooone itty bitty twist. It’s rigged with a bipedal skeleton that gives it resistance when you squeeze it AND crunches when you move it too hard. So in essence, Floyd gets to squeeze the life out of a teddy bear, feeling that wonderful creaking and crunching without, y’know, breaking someone in half. Not that he minds. (This one’s actually more of a gift for the other students than Floyd, but don’t expect him not to go “EEEEEEEEEEE!!!! 8D “ at the sight of his new bestie. :P

Azul - His golden watch. Literally, Kalim’s pocket watch. I headcanon that Kalim dawns a very expensive, shiny watch which Azul has commented on numerous occasions how fond of it he is, and has orchestrated many a scheme to nab it through his dealings. Sooooo Kalim just chipperly shrugs and gives it to him. On one hand, Azul loves his new watch, on the other hand...he was kiiiiinda hoping he could pull off some convoluted scheme to nab it.

Epel - Mage Kombat 11. Epel hates being treated like a girl all the time and wants something to feel more manly about. So Kalim gives him a bloody, violent video game where he can disembowel other mages at his leisure. Nothing less manly than that, according to the internet. (:’

Rook - A new hunters cap with a magical feather attached to it that Rook can use to seek out his targets to cut down on some of the “cat & mouse” stuff. All while looking sleek as he does so.

Vil - A giant oil painting of himself in his finest wares, situated right in his bedroom so as soon as he wakes up, the first thing Vil sees is an enormous, majestic painting of himself in all his glory. He spends approximately forty six minutes every morning just staring at its radiance.

Ortho - A remote control toy robot, one with very extensive features that allows it to perform all kinds of tricks and tasks, while looking like a Sentai assemble-bot in the process. Ortho thinks his giant toy is just the cutest.

Idia - The entire set of Idia’s favorite classic anime series in its original release format. He couldn’t find any clear versions to torrent no matter how many hours he spent searching the web, and the restored version had too many alterations and cuts that Idia feels lessens the source material. Idia was very timid and scared when he opened the door only to be startled by Kalim’s boisterous “HO HO HO!!!” But once he poked his fiery head out from the corner and saw what Kalim brought him, his pale, whimpering face lit up like the sun. The Prefect’s heart skipped a beat or twelve at how adorable it was.

Sebek - A little badge that had Malleus’ face painted on it that said “World’s Best Servant.” The stern, stiff young lad tried to keep a straight face, but his lower lip started trembling when presented with the badge.

Silver - A pillow. Just a freakin’ spare pillow so Silver could have it in his backpack whenever he nods off. He put it to use pretty much immediately.

Lilia - Kalim knows that Lilia likes seeing the sights solo, so he got him tickets to travel to all sorts of exotic realms that he otherwise wouldn’t be able to visit without jumping some serious hoops first. Lilia joked that he hoped his “old bones” would last long enough to pay these spots a visit.

Malleus - He got Malleus tickets to go on long, boring tours of ancient, spooky castles of history. Sebek internally groaned, realizing he was going to be bored out of his skull accompanying his “young master” on such a tour. Malleus tried to maintain his composure and succeeded, discussing what a pleasing turn of events this ended up being and how grateful he was to Kalim for his gesture. Internally, he was as giddy as a schoolgirl and so very, VERY excited to share his knowledge of ancient castles with other mages that would be attending the tour.

Jamil - As you can imagine, Jamil expected something stupid like a stuffed animal or something completely not him. But instead, Kalim surprises Jamil with a scrapbook. In it, Jamil finds a series of snippets from his many accomplishments in his young life, demonstrating his prowess as a mage, his often overlooked talents and everything that makes Jamil such a one of a kind sorta guy. Kalim simply smiles and assures him that even if Jamil doesn’t consider them friends, he always knew what a great and deserving guy Jamil was and assures him that he’ll soar, and that no matter what, Kalim will always be cheering him on. Jamil’s a bit taken back, but when he’s alone, he finds himself sifting through a lot of his childhood pics with Kalim and even some later ones in their teenage years. Though he won’t admit it, the surprisingly soft smile on his face would hint that maaaaaaybe Jamil didn’t hate every second he spent with his “totally-not-friend.”

Aaaaaand of course, once they’re alone, Kalim gives the Prefect a gift of their own, a hearty dinner as thanks for helping him with his escapades and for being such a good friend. As you can guess, the Prefect decides to let the lions share of that dinner go to “Santa” since, after all, what’s a Santa without a big, jolly Santa tummy, right? ;)

And while the Prefect feels bad that Kalim didn’t get anything, Kalim simply giggles that being able to put a smile on so many faces was the greatest gift he could ever get. That is, until the Prefect hangs a mistletoe over their heads when Kalim isn’t looking and smooches sweet Baby Otter on the cheek. Sufficed to say, the sputtering and blushing the young nobleman succumbs to is quite a sight to see. So too is the size of his bulging tummy once the two finish their hearty dinner. Fortunately, the Prefect is all too happy to rub Kalim’s Santa belly all night long after that. Though, whether that’s a gift for Baby Otter or themselves is anyone’s guess. :P

#writing scenario #kalim #santa claus #christmas giving #fluffy #twisted wonderland #feel good #friendship #gift giving #all that jazz #kalim would be the cutest santa #i defy anyone to tell me otherwise :P

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definesanity · 2 years ago

Text

Another Clever Word Sets Off An Unsuspecting Herd.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lucia Noceda wasn't a nice person.

Hell, she can say with confidence she's a horrible person, and it shows: from multiple expulsions to manslaughter, she's really not the greatest.

And yet, there exists two people she cares about, to everyone's surprise; her dear Mami, and, most importantly, her younger sister, Luz.

When Luz was born, Lucia was seven, and still remembers seeing her sister's eyes for the first time; those eyes, pure and innocent, not knowing of the world's horrors...

From there, Lucia tried to make things... not easier, but more comfortable; hell, she even managed to get a place as a baseball star and star runner back when she did those on Sports Day. She doesn't have a place on it anymore, but hey, she got to keep her trusty bat.

So, why's she walking through the forest, alone, with only her bat to keep her company?

Well... out of boredom and, for one reason or another, loneliness.

Lucia wasn't a 'tsundere' or whatever they're called; if she doesn't like you, it's obvious. (To some people, however... ugh.)

She thought, 'Hey, Luz'll be back before you know it. Until then, bash some heads in.'

Five head-bashings to those who needed and deserved them later, Luz is still vibing in summer camp.

Of course, that's what she assumed.

Because somewhere deeper in the forest, she heard a voice mention the name:

"Alright, got the stuff. Wonder if Luz might know what half this stuff is..."

Well, she wasn't a runner for nothing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Edalyn Clawthorne wasn't the greatest witch. Well, according to Emperor Bulbous, anyways.

She's lived on the run for years, using Wild Magic at all the chances she can, and somehow now managed to have a human of all people be a house guest.

Eh, maybe she's growing soft, but she's starting to like that kid. After everything that happened with her little... problem, things are looking good.

Still, a wrench was always thrown into her plans.

Just as she was about to open the portal, a sharp whistle caught her attention. Whipping around, thinking it to be some teenage kid who ran away because their parents 'don't understand them'--

--She faced Luz. Or, an older version of them, and if they had a weapon.

"Hey." she greeted. Her voice sounded like Luz's as well, just more rough and deeper.

"...Hey." the Owl Lady greeted back. "I take it you're probably related to Luz, right?"

"Oh, do you know her? Well, that saves a broken leg." the kid adjusted the beanie ('It is a beanie, right?' Eda thought) on their head, before pointing at her. "Alright, lady, here's the deal; you take me to Luz, you get to still have functional legs."

"Hmm... an interesting offer. Might I know just who you are before I take you to see the kid?"

"Why should I?"

"You know, the more you say that, the more you sound sketchy."

"Alright then, let's try it again: Where. The. FUCK. IS MY LITTLE SISTER."

Oh... that makes sense.

"Oh, she's staying with me--"

"Staying? Oh I get it, you fuckin' kidnapped her!"

"Kidnapped? Now hold on a second there, Beanie--"

Beanie did not hold on a sec, instead opting to charge at Eda, her bat raised--

--So Eda opened the portal, walked backwards (with her bag of goodies, of course), and Luz's sister came with her...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, a tired but happy Luz sneezed.

"Oh, am I really getting a cold now?"

#ryuusei's works #the owl house #beta luz #luz noceda #eda clawthorne

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catboynecromancy · 3 years ago

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To celebrate @cheeeryos birthday month, I wrote a very small prompt of her choosing. So, here we go, 1930s Bonnie & Clyde, but make it Pynch.

“This isn’t gonna work, Lynch,” Adam says, his accent thick with nerves. He peers around at the nearly empty street before them, his eyes shadowed by the grey fedora fit perfectly over messy, dusty hair.

As most custom hands often tend to be, it was expensive. Masterfully handcrafted with only the very best wool, the feather of black cockatoo tucked into the rim. Eye-catching. Desirable. The sort of hat any self-respecting, pompous, high-society man would wear to one of his fancy balls; the sort of hat that makes people jealous they couldn’t afford it themselves.

The way Adam looked at it through that window on Third Avenue, gaze tapered and lips pursed in thought, with a gaunt, boyish hand pressed gently to the glass, was too much for Ronan to bear.

Yeah, it had been expensive.

But not enough that Ronan couldn’t haggle it down with the help of his trusty sawed-off shotgun in hand.

Ronan snorts derisively, staring off in the opposite direction to look for any sign of cops. He taps his fingers absently on the side of the Roadster, to his own rhythm. “Quit your bellyaching, Parrish,” he says. “We get in, we get the bills, we make tracks. The coppers won’t even see it coming before it’s too late.”

“But how can you be sure?” Adam asks, voice a bit calmer than before.

He tilts his head towards Adam then, a wide and toothy and proud smirk spread across his mouth. Their eyes lock for only a second, making Ronan’s heart pound for an entirely new reason. Adrenaline thrills through him at not just the fact of how dangerous what they’re about to do is, but also how dangerous this new, all-encompassing feeling taking over him is.

“Because,” Ronan answers casually, “You’re the one who came up with the plan. If anyone is gonna get us through this, it’s you.”

Adam ducks his head, using the fedora to cover much of his face but the upward quirk of his lips is clear as day. “You got the supplies, right?”

“Nope, thought you were doing that.”

“I –”

The shock on Adam’s features, how his eyes widen and his mouth hangs open, is too funny to resist. Ronan laughs loud and sharp, a short-lived sound of amusement before it comes to a sudden stop. He slaps his palm against the metal door a few more times and goes, “I’m messing with you. I got everything we need in the trunk. Wanna see?”

“Not funny,” Adam mumbles, but he’s pushing open his own door and following Ronan anyway. The trunk opens to a plethora of things, many of which Ronan had already had, some he had to steal, or buy from shady, underground dealers. Shotguns, a bag, rope and, most importantly, a bottle of rare, Tennessee moonshine that holds Adam’s attention. “You didn’t.”

Ronan shrugs his shoulders. “We had to have something to celebrate with,” he says, reaching up to adjust the cloth cap covering his shorn hair. “You ready? Grab the sack and let’s get this done.”

Adam snags a gun, the one Ronan had wanted for himself, and rests it against his shoulder. He looks at Ronan with a grin. “This time tomorrow, we’ll be eating and drinking like American royalty, right Lynch?”

“Damn right,” Ronan says while grabbing his own. “Easy in, easy out. We’re a team, we got this.”

#my prompts #pynch #idk what to tag this so?

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beautiful-disasters-sunshine · 4 years ago

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Why I Left pt.2

Its been 5 years since my kidnapping, honestly I had thought that they were going to treat me just like grandfather had. But I was wrong, though while kidnapping me they did use chloraphorm and sleeping drugs to knock me out and keep me out till we reached Paris. They are actually all extremely nice. During the first month I had struggled, lashed out, and refused to listen to them. But they took it kindly. Fu would prepare me tea and poor himself a cup from the same pot as well as allow me to add my own sugar and cream and such. Sabien would sit by me and as the month progressed she would do my hair in intricate braids while Tom would bake snacks for me while I watched and taught me videogames. It was these things that caused me to eventually trust them enough to sit and listen.

Fu explained to me about his twin Ra’s and the order and creation of The League of Assasigns. He continued on and told me everything, they has kidnapped me because the kwami Tikki had said my energy was the perfect match to her miraculous. At that time they had no clue Ra’s had a daughter let alone grandchildren. I had to explain it all on the notepad they had given me to respond with. They were surprised by Damian and I’s existence and horrified with my treatment, not just by the league ether. After that they began to teach me so many things. How to fight, to use my miraculous, to cook and bake, to sew when I showed interest, to dance, and most importantly to speak in so many languages and not just the slim Arabic and English that I had figured out how to say. By the age of 11 I was able to join public school under the new identity they gave to me for the duration of my time with them, I was now to be known as Marinette Dupain-Cheng. I got 2 years of being a mostly normal kid, before Hawkmoth finally appeared not long after I turned 13. From that point on I was the “daughter” of 2 bakers who was actually the runaway but later discovered to have been kidnapped Wayne. As well as Ladybug heroin of Paris, who fought alongside her trusty partner Chat Nior. Well our partnership has had its ups and downs, him being a constant flirt with no comprehension of boundaries or what the word no means. But we got buy for a while.

When I turned 14 Lila had shown up and tore away all the friends I had made and helped me to discover just how spineless and stupid my partner truly was. Yes I know Chats identity have since day one and to be honest I’m surprised grandpa Fu even picked him being in a rush or not. It was just days after he told me to take the high road when I took his miraculous from him. Which brings us to now. I sigh as I sit in my seat in the back of the classroom and open my laptop getting ready to check the latest in Wayne news when the front of the class breaks out in excitement.

“I can’t believe that the Wayne's are coming to Paris!!! Girl you will finally be able to see your childhood friend after so long,” Alya said as she nudged Lila. I sit up in surprise as I had not known that, but then again she hadn't checked on the latest Wayne news in about a week due to being busy with schooling, hero work and commissions.

“Well they did find evidence that Aara was brought to Paris after her tragic kidnapping, I just hope that they find her soon, I miss the long conversations we used to have.” Lila said wiping away a stray fake tear. I rolled my eyes before packing my stuff back into my bag and walking to the door. Mrs. Bustier entered as I was about to exit.

“Where do you think you are going Marinette,” She said drawing the attention of the class to us.

“I’m not feeling the greatest Ms. Bustier I was gonna try and get through the day but I don't think I can,” I replied hoping to be able to leave quickly and to talk to Grandpa Fu, Aunty Bean and Uncle Tom. “I’m sorry Marinette but I cant let any of you leave right now,” she responded.

“Why not,” I asked I really needed to get out of their. “Because it is suspected that the missing Wayne may ether be in this school or that someone here has seen her since her kidnapping. So the Wayne's, some of their friends, a few Justice League members and local law enforcement will be coming to look over the classes and talk to you all. But first their will be an assembly on the court so that they can explain some things about her and to show us an old picture and an aged up photo. I'm sorry that you don't feel well but I need you to go sit down and we will see about letting you go as soon as possible.

Now I really felt nauseous, its not that I don't want to go home, or to see them all again. Because I would love nothing more then that, don't get me wrong I love grandpa, aunty and uncle. But I miss my father even though we never got to bond, I miss my adopted brothers and sisters, I miss Alfred the cat, I miss titus and batcow, I miss Granpy Alfie I miss mom who joined them not long after I went missing, but most importantly I miss my twin brother Damian. But if they find me now they will spirit me away and keep me under lock and key. Plus what would happen to Fu, Tom and Bean if they find me. I sit back quietly and pull out my phone. texting the groupchat I have with them.

Beautiful Light: Did you guys know that my family would be in town

Pops: Yes we did

Bean: They are going to find out about you ether way, if not at school then here because Talia found out about us being related and tracked us down.

I sigh as Tom texted

Tommy: Mari, we need the help of the League you cant keep going as you are.

I guess he is right, I hope that when they eventually find me I can explain things and get them to understand. Deciding I was done with texting them for now I decided to pull out my design book and sketch up a few ideas I have had floating around in my head for a while. This went on for about an hour before we were all called down to the assembly.

@mochegato @myazael @anjuschiffer @ramos123 @southamericangothamite @megaafangirl @maskedpainter @greatautorbonkweasle @sam-i-am-0222 @dnsakina @damaged-princess @dorkus-minimus @certainmufibagelzone @the-flapdoodle-noodle @artxyra @ranger-gothamite @pawsitivelymiraculous @karukofox21 @anne-97 @kitsune-the1 @finn-cipher @laurcad123 @kissa-chan @crystalangelluna @aestheticnpoetic @idunnosam @avengerthewarrior @vickydotcomm @fusser90 @weird-pale-blonde-person @woe-is-me0 @toodaloo-kangaroo @frieddonutsweets

#maribat #sibdaminette #ml x dc #bio dad bruce wayne #twinau

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mysingularitybts · 4 years ago

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Bonding Time || M.YG || One-Shot

Pairing: Min Yoongi x child!OC

Genre: fluff

Warnings: none

Bonding Time

Min Yoongi sat in his studio with his headphones on. He was working on the beats for a new song, he had been sitting at his desk staring at the screen since 4 am and it was now noon. His eyes burned, yet he ignored the feeling as he kept working.

Work helped him clear his mind so when he found himself not being able to sleep he went to his trusty studio to be productive and get the day started.

He was concentrated on the music playing through the headphones, he was stuck in his little world when suddenly his headphones were ripped out of his head bringing him back to reality. Startled and ready to scold whoever had done it he turned in his chair with a frown and his eyebrows furrowed, but the moment his eyes landed on the person his expression turned to one of surprise.

There she was, Lee Mi-Sun. She stood as beautiful as ever, yet a scowl marred her features. If looks could kill he would be 6 ft. in the ground.

"Why haven't you been receiving my calls?" she asked furiously.

Yoongi had been so immersed in his work he hadn't checked his phone in a few hours. He was sure if he checked there would be numerous missed calls and texts not only from Mi-Sun but from his bandmates too.

He was still shocked at the presence of his ex-girlfriend in his studio; it had been a while since she had been to the place, but it wasn't rare. No, it wasn't, you see while they had broken up two years ago they kept an amicable relationship, they always kept in touch even if it broke Yoongi's heart. The heartbreak caused by the woman in front of him resulted in Yoongi spending too much time in the studio trying to get over her, but he doesn't think he has yet.

Their relationship was good, it had lots of love and passion, but as time went on the passion started dimming, and eventually so did the love. They cared for each other, yet they didn't have it in themselves to keep the relationship going. Yoongi was hurt since the beautiful relationship they had built shattered into nothing. He was scared he wouldn't be able to have another relationship since his and Mi-Sun's didn't work out and they had everything they could have ever wanted.

She was the perfect friend, perfect companion, perfect girlfriend, and most importantly a perfect mother. Yes, mother. Mi-Sun was the mother of his child, a three-year-old named Mi-Hi. He was so proud to have picked the name, it meant beautiful joy. It suited the baby perfectly because she was his beautiful joy. Mi-Hi brought so much happiness to his life it was undescribable.

At first, when he found out he was going to be a father he was surprised. He never thought about it, but it had happened. Time went on and he got more and more excited. It was one of the best times in his life, but after Mi-Hi turned one his relationship with Mi-Sun went downhill. The separation took a toll on him not only because of the heartbreak, but because he wasn't able to see his daughter as often.

Soon enough work got hectic again, he and Mi-Sun took a break from each other to pick up the pieces of their failed relationship which in turn led him to get even more invested than before in his work causing him to see little Mi-Hi less and less.

Two years have gone by and he was sad to say he hasn't seen much of Mi-Hi, the first few months after the breakup she stayed with him, but only for a few days. He made sure to visit now and then but they are short visits. He does try to call often but it doesn't always work out. Last he remembered it had been around two months since he'd seen her.

His thoughts were interrupted when Mi-Sun snapped her fingers in his face.

"Yoongi, are you in there?" she questioned annoyed at the lack of response. She stood in front of Yoongi, arms crossed and leg tapping on the floor. Tap. Tap. Tap.

"Yeah, sorry," Yoongi responded, shaking his head, "My phone was on vibrate."

"Whatever, listen I'm worried," she revealed with knit brows.

"Why what's wrong? Are you okay? Is Mi-Hi okay?" Yoongi worried about the mother and daughter.

"Yes, we are all okay, but I'm worried about your relationship with Mi-Hi, Yoons," hearing that nickname come from her mouth did things to him. It made his heart ache for something that wasn't there.

"You haven't seen her in almost three months. I think it would be good if you stayed with her for a few days," Mi-Sun spoke softly explaining her worries to Yoongi.

"I hadn't realized it's been that long," Yoongi spoke realizing his mistake.

"Yes, it has. I'm afraid she doesn't know who you are anymore," Mi-Sun confessed with sadness in her voice.

Even though Yoongi and her had broken up she still cared a lot about him and his relationship with their daughter. She knew it wasn't his intention to let time pass, she knew more than anyone how much he could get lost in his job. So, she was there to pull him back to reality.

"I know you call, but she just knows the voice, not the person, she can point up and say 'that's daddy', yet she doesn't know you."

"I understand. I just get so invested sometimes time goes by in a blur," he explained his head hanging low.

"I know, I remember, which is why I'm here," she said with a smile, "I want you to have a good relationship with her, so, I need you to be there more for her."

"I agree," Yoongi nodded looking up at her.

This is what he loved about Mi-Sun; she always tried to understand the situation and what a person might go through.

"So, when do I pick her up?" he asked ready to see his daughter again.

"Um, how do I say this?" Mi-Sun started saying, "She's downstairs with my mom," she revealed with a nervous giggle.

"Oh..." he said in surprise standing up from his chair.

"Yeah, let's go," she waved him over.

"Mi-Sun?" Yoongi called out to her.

She just hummed in response walking beside him to the elevator.

"I'm sorry for not being there more," he spoke softly. He didn't just mean with Mi-hi he also meant with Mi-Sun. He'd do the same in their relationship and she'd always go look for him to drag him back to the apartment so he'd eat and sleep. Also, Yoongi didn't mean to leave her alone to raise their daughter, it wasn't fair.

"It's okay," she answered, "There is still time to fix things...with Mi-Hi."

He hoped she was lying and and said there was still time to fix things between them too because even if two years had passed he still felt strongly for Mi-Sun.

As they got into the elevator Mi-Sun began giving out instructions.

"Okay so bedtime is around 9 pm, she does need a nap at around 2, no sugar after 6, I'm glad to say I managed to potty train her already, but keep an eye out when she goes. Lately, she has been hating strawberries for some reason, make sure her tiger plushy is there when she goes to sleep, got all that?" Mi-Sun fired out quickly. Yoongi swore she could be a good rapper with how quickly she said those things.

He stared at her with wide eyes and mouth slightly agape at all the incoming information. He nodded his head as he tried to engrave the information in his brain to the best of his ability.

Once in the lobby, he saw his little girl in her grandma's lap playing with her hands. He couldn't help but notice how much she has grown in the time he hadn't seen her. The guilt was starting to eat him up.

Looking up Mi-Hi saw her mother and gave her a bright smile waving frantically at her. Mi-Sun went over to her and picked her up, bouncing her along the way. She whispered something in the girl's ear and Mi-Hi's eyes found his. Yoongi gave her a small smile and waved. Mi-hi leaned her face in her mother's neck trying to hide a bit but waved back shyly.

"Baby you will be staying with daddy for a few days, okay?" Mi-Sun asked Mi-Hi softly.

"Okay," little Mi-Hi nodded, staring at her mom.

Mi-Sun's mother came over to Yoongi and hugged him. She had always liked him and was sad to hear about her daughter and his breakup. She gave him two bags filled with Mi-hi's stuff.

"Be good baby," Mi-Sun cooed, tickling the girl's belly.

Mi-Hi giggled as she nodded and hugged her mom and grandma goodbye.

Mi-Sun placed her on the floor and grabbed her hand walking her over to Yoongi.

"Remember to always stay with appa, don't stray away," the mom warned as the little girl nodded furiously.

"I will momma," Mi-Hi answered with a high-pitched voice.

"Goodbye baby, I'll miss you!" Mi-Sun said as she handed her to Yoongi.

"Byee," the little girl responded cutely.

"Bye Mi-Sun," Yoongi spoke.

"Take care of our baby Yoongi," Mi-Sun warned him although she knew it was completely unnecessary. Min Yoongi would rather give his life before letting anything happen to his beautiful joy.

"I will," he responded with a smile.

Once they were gone he looked towards his little girl and held out his hand.

"Let's go to appa's studio Mi-Hi," Yoongi told her awkwardly, not knowing what to do now.

Mi-Hi hesitantly put her much smaller hand in his as they walked towards the elevator.

Yoongi wasn't planning on staying long in the studio with Mi-Hi; he just had to make sure to save his progress on the new song and they'd be off to the dorms.

They stepped into his studio and he looked around trying to figure out where to sit his daughter. Mi-Hi stood by his side, eyeing the colorful screens and buttons in wonder. It was the first time she visited her appa's studio, whatever that was. She hadn't said anything on the way up feeling uncomfortable in the presence of this, not new, but a slightly unfamiliar person. She knew Yoongi was her dad and that he loved her, but she didn't know how to act in front of him. What if he was like her daycare teacher who scolded her a lot, but what if he was like her mommy who gave warm hugs and told really good stories.

Yoongi led her to the sofa in the corner and helped her up.

"Um- stay here for a bit Mi-Hi, okay?" Yoongi told her. He wasn't sure what to do or say, noticing the discomfort of the child.

Yoongi was scared. It felt as if he had forgotten how to be a father. He couldn't remember the last time he had stayed with Mi-Hi without Mi-Sun. What if the little girl didn't love him anymore. It would shatter him even more. Yoongi loved his daughter with all his heart, how could he let so much time pass him by?

As quickly as he could he saved up the song and turned off his computers. Turning around in his chair he saw Mi-Hi looking at everything around her curiously. He took that time to really look at her. She had dark hair, small slanted eyes, chubby cheeks, and small pouty lips, all in all, she looked like him, except for the button up nose she got from her mom. She then met his eyes and gave him the first smile she had given him in a while, it was just like his. He returned the smile and stood up.

"Come on Mimi let's go home," he said, calling her by the nickname that was exclusively his.

"Aright appa," the little girl complied, getting down from the sofa.

On the drive home, he kept looking at her through the rearview mirror checking to see that she was okay and comfortable. She only stared outside the window watching buildings and cars go by. Usually, he'd go over the speed limit anxious to go home, but today he had special cargo to take care of.

Arriving at the apartment complex he unloaded the bags and went over to the elevator. He peered over to Mi-Hi as she did funny faces to her reflection in the elevator doors. He quietly chuckled at her antics.

"Mi-Hi do you remember appas friends?" Yoongi asked curiously. If he hadn't seen her in two months it had been much longer since she had seen the boys.

"A little," she shyly muttered looking down.

The girl thought her appa would be upset but he only reassured her.

"That's okay, I'll introduce you if you want," he offered sweetly.

Still shy around her dad she only nodded her head, her pigtails bouncing as she did so.

They got off the elevator and walked towards the door of the apartment. Walking in, he dropped the heavy bags and took off his shoes. He went over to help Mi-Hi but she shook her head as she tried to take them off on her own, her eyebrows furrowing in concentration. She managed to take one of the shoes off, but then gave a sigh of defeat looking up towards Yoongi.

"You need help Mimi?" he asked, making sure that was what she wanted.

Again she only indeed shyly.

Yoongi crouched down and delicately took the other shoe off placing the pair neatly in the shoe rack.

"Thanks, Papa," she politely said.

"You're welcome, baby."

Yoongi walked into the apartment but stopped in his tracks when he didn't hear the little pitter-patter of Mi-Hi's feet behind him. He turned back and saw how weary she was of the new environment.

"Want me to hold your hand?" Yoongi questioned, uncertain of the child's needs.

Mi-Hi shook her head and raised her arms so he would pick her up. He bent down and picked her up easily, she was a light baby. In return, she instantly wrapped her arms around his neck.

He heard a commotion in the kitchen so he made his way there knowing most of them would be gathered there.

Yoongi was right, the maknae line were in the kitchen creating chaos in Jin's sacred place.

"Yoongi hyung I'm so glad you're back what do-" Jungkook started saying but stopped seeing the little girl in his arms, "Is that Mi-Hi?"

"Who else would it be?" Yoongi asked with a glare.

In a matter of a second Taehyung appeared next to Yoongi cooing at the girl in his arms.

"Hi, Mi-Hi remember me? Tae-Tae?" he said excitedly.

She just hid in her father's neck shy at all the attention. Yoongi felt as her face heat up in a blush caused by the attention. Another thing she inherited from her father, the ability to get embarrassed very easily.

Mi-Hi nodded and said quietly, "Tiger." He was the one to give Mi-Hi the tiger she likes to sleep with.

"That's right!" Taehyung nodded over the moon that Mi-Hi remembered him.

"What about me Mi-Hi remember me?" Jimin asked softly from his place on the counter.

"Mhm," Shyly she nodded.

"What about Kookie?" Jungkook asked with his big doe eyes.

"No," she shook her head with a frown.

At her words, the rest of the boys began laughing.

Jungkook pouted as his hyungs got all the attention. He would make it his mission to get the little girl to remember him.

As the minutes went by Mi-Hi sunk more and more into Yoongi's arms making him realize she'd had enough of all the attention.

"Alright guys back off," Yoongi told them seriously.

"Sorry hyung," the younger boys apologized.

"It's not me you should apologize to."

"Sorry Mi-Hi," they then turned to apologize to her.

"I-Its okay," she responded with a small smile.

"Can you call the other downstairs?" Yoongi asked one of them.

"Sure I'll go," Jungkook offered, running over to the stairs.

Yoongi wanted to explain what was going to happen in the next few days and it would be easier if they were all here.

Soon enough all the members were sitting in the living room and cooing at Mi-Hi who sat on the ground playing with one of her toys.

"What's up Hyung?" Namjoon asked.

"Mi-Hi will be staying with us for a few days," Yoongi explained.

"That's great Yoongi Hyung," Hoseok responded from his seat cooing at Mi-Hi.

"Yeah, I wanted to give you a heads up and to give you the warning her mother gave me," Yoongi gave them the same specifics Mi-Sun gave him, just in case. The last thing they needed was one of them (most probably Jimin) caving to her requests and giving her a sugar rush before bed.

They stayed in the living room for the afternoon, all the boys fawning over his daughter and playing with her. To them, Mi-Hi was part of the team just as Yoongi was and just like Mi-Sun was once upon a time. Soon enough she became very comfortable with them sharing her toys and playing along to their antics. She more specifically got along very well with Jimin.

Yoongi thought it was because Taehyung could be very loud and Jungkook was trying too hard to be her friend whereas Jimin was soft and waited for her to come to him.

He saw how Mi-Hi sat between Jimin's legs as they played a game against Jungkook and Taehyung. She seemed very comfortable with him more than with Yoongi.

That sight got into his head, not letting him think properly. 'How could his little Mimi get along better with Jimin than with him, her father?'

'What could he do to change that?'

"Yoongi come here," Jin called from the kitchen.

"Yes, Hyung?" Yoongi asked his friend.

"I'm glad Mi-Hi is here it's been a while since we've seen her," Jin mentioned as he chopped up some vegetables for dinner.

"Yeah," he said, "I feel guilty," he confessed to Jin knowing he might be able to help him with his dilemma.

"Why?"

"Because I hadn't noticed how much time had gone by. It took Mi-Sun to go to my studio for me to notice," Yoongi explained, sitting in the bar stool.

"It's alright, Yoongi. Don't worry it's better late than never," the oldest comforted him.

Yoongi sat on the stool deep in his thoughts. Yoongi's silence was not strange, yet Jin saw how something was troubling his mind.

"What else is on your mind?" Jin asked, giving him time to gather his thoughts.

"Nothing, it's stupid," Yoongi shrugged.

"Yoongi..." the oldest pushed.

"She seems so much more comfortable with the others than me," Yoongi finally caved.

"Hmm," Jin thought, "What if tomorrow you go out with her, just the two of you and have some quality time together?" he suggested.

"Do you think that will work?" he asked hesitantly.

"Of course, you need to gain her trust back, and what better way than some bonding time. She'll get to know you again and you, her," Jin explained his reasoning.

"I'll try, thanks Hyung," Yoongi told Jin sincerely.

"Anytime," he said, "Now help me chop these onions."

Later that night once Mi-Hi was ready for bed Yoongi guided her to his bed. He could see how tired she was. She spent most of the afternoon playing with the boys which led her to miss her nap, then she had a yummy dinner made by uncle Jinnie. Soon after Yoongi gave her a bath and helped her put on her PJs. She was practically walking with her eyes closed, yet she kept insisting she was fine.

"I'm not tired appa," she said as a yawn escaped her lips

"Are you sure about that Mimi," her father asked with a knowing look.

"...yes," she whispered unsurely.

"Come on, time for bed. I can't have your mom scolding me for not getting you into bed at the appropriate time," Yoongi told her nudging her towards his bed.

"I won't tell her," Mi-Hi quickly said, turning to give her dad puppy dog eyes.

"Now Mimi, you know lying is bad," he lightly chided.

"But I don't wanna go to sleep," Mi-Hi pouted.

"Why not baby?"

"I'm scared," she confessed, still adjusting to her new surroundings, "Will you stay with me?"

"I will let me go get your tiger," Yoongi promised, going to the bag in the corner and pulling out the stuffed tiger.

"Will you tell me a story too?" Mi-Hi adorably asked with a pout.

"If you want me to, sure..." Yoongi hesitated since he didn't know any stories.

His worries went away as she did a little dance out of happiness. Guess he would have to make one up.

He tucked Mi-Hi in his bed making sure she was warm and comfortable and then he sat beside her leaning against the headboard as he began his storytelling. He felt as she leaned against him paying attention to his voice.

"A long long time ago there was an emperor..." he began telling his story with a low and soothing voice.

He got so invested in the made-up story he didn't feel as his daughter's head leaned against his side. It wasn't until soft snores made their way out of her mouth that he turned his head to see her sleeping soundly.

"Well that was easier than I thought," he said to himself.

He got out of bed and carefully placed her head on the pillow. Yoongi leaned down and left a kiss on her forehead. His baby had grown so much the past few months he wished he would have been there.

With a mission in mind, he began planning what they would do the next day. Hoping she would have a day of fun and bonding.

The next morning Yoongi was in a deep sleep when he felt a weight in his chest. He ignored it as sleep greeted him back when suddenly there was a little voice talking.

"Appa...aappaaa....Wake up daddy," the little girl said placing her hands on her appa's cheeks.

Yoongi opened his eyes and was met by a little Mimi sitting on his chest with terrible bed hair.

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back down to the bed. She squealed in surprise not having expected that.

"Five more minutes Mimi," he mumbled, cuddling her.

"Nooo, I'm hungwy," she whined trying to get out of her dad's grasp.

With a sigh, he opened his eyes to find another pair just like his staring back.

"Okay..." Yoongi defeatedly sighed.

Yoongi got up, took Mi-Hi to the bathroom, helped her brush her teeth, and went back to the room to find an outfit for her. He decided on a cute black dress with a white t-shirt underneath.

He helps her up and as he is about to put the shirt on she protests.

"Nooo, I can do it," she protested taking the shirt from her father's hands.

"Are you sure?" Yoongi asks uncertain.

"Yessss"

Yoongi watches her struggle to put the shirt on but lets her figure it out on her own. He read in a book that it was good to let them do things on their own to help them learn. It took her a lot more time to put it on than if Yoongi would have helped her, but he waited patiently for her to finish. When it came to the dress he tried once again, but she shook her head again staring at the dress trying to figure it out. She managed to put it on this time with a little assistance from Yoongi seeing as she had poked her head through the wrong hole. Finally done, Yoongi took her downstairs for some breakfast, luckily Jin was there preparing some eggs and toast for everyone.

"Morning Mi-Hi" he greeted the toddler with a smile

"Hii uncle Jinnie," Mi-Hi chirped from her father's arms.

"Here you go baby I hope you like it," Jin said placing a kids plate in front of her.

"What? Hyung I've been here waiting for so long," Jungkook whined seeing Mi-Hi get served first.

"Shh Jungkook! She is a baby and she is still growing. She needs her food," Jin scolded the maknae.

Little Mi-hi began eating, making a mess around her face, Yoongi just waited till she finished to wipe her mouth with a wet cloth.

"There you go Mimi," he told her, cleaning the crumbs off her face.

"Thank you, daddy," she sweetly said.

"Jin can you watch her while I change?" Yoongi asked standing up from the table.

"Sure!"

Walking up the stairs he heard his daughter compliment Jin on his cooking. His hyung is probably over the moon that the little girl loved his cooking.

Their day began at the mall. Yoongi took her to every store she pointed to and bought everything she asked for, surprisingly it wasn't much. He got to see that in reality, Mi-Hi was a quiet child much like he was when younger. It warmed his heart to know that he and his daughter shared so many similarities.

After walking through the mall Yoongi drove her to a nice family park. As they searched for a spot she looked at everything fascinated. She got to pet some dogs that were around which she loved causing her to squeal in excitement. Getting closer to the playground equipment she looked up at Yoongi and asked if she could go play with a pout.

"You can go Mi-Hi, but stay where I can see you," Yoongi reminded her.

"Okay papa thank you!" she said already halfway to the slides.

She played for about an hour as Yoongi sat on a bench watching her. Now and then she would look back to him making sure he was still there and every time she would wave and smile at him.

It was a nice day, Yoongi acknowledged, he finally felt closer to Mi-Hi. He felt that he knew his daughter and that she knew him.

She didn't stare apprehensively at him anymore; quite the opposite he saw a gleam in her eyes come back. The same gleam that was there when she was a baby and looked at him. He felt happy. It had been a while since he had felt this type of happiness. Happiness that transcended any other. The happiness felt when reunited with the person you loved the most.

Since it was already lunchtime Yoongi took Mi-Hi to a nice family restaurant. They had a nice meal with Yoongi asking her all types of questions and in return, she would ask questions the best she could. He would help her with words she couldn't quite pronounce yet or she simply didn't know. After paying the check Mi-Hi pulled on his coat sleeve making Yoongi crouch down to see what she needed.

"What is it Mimi?" he asked, confused.

"I need to pee," she whispered in his ear.

Yoongi opened his eyes wide, his gears turning thinking about what to do.

"Appa?" she called waiting for his response.

"Uh sure let's go," he said standing up and holding her hand.

Walking to the bathrooms Yoongi thought about what to do. He possibly couldn't let her go into the ladies' room alone. He only had one option, he had to take her into the men's room. Going into the bathroom he let out a small sigh noticing it was only one stall so nobody else would walk in.

"Appa I can't go in there", she says scared, "It's the boys' room."

"It's okay Mimi, I'll be with you okay?" Yoongi assured her.

"Okay," she agreed hesitantly.

The bathroom wasn't dirty which Yoongi was relieved about, but he still made sure to clean the toilet before helping Mimi. Once she was set he turned to leave the stall, but she protested.

"Don't go!"

"Okay, okay, I'm here," Yoongi reassured, staying where he was.

Mi-Hi didn't mind him being there; he was her dad after all. Her mom always told her that as long it was her, dad, or grandma it would be okay. She trusted her mom.

Yoongi waited patiently for her to finish and when she did he picked her up to help her wash her hands. He puts soap on both their hands and demonstrates how to do it. He put his hands over hers rubbing them together. The difference in the size of their hands made Mi-Hi giggle and laugh. Once the soap was washed away she took Yoongi by surprise, kissing his cheek and thanking him.

Yoongi smiled happily knowing he had finally restored his bond with his daughter. With Mi-Hi still in his arms, he hugs her tightly, her small arms going as much as they could around him, hugging him back. Mi-Hi was right all along her dad's hugs were just as warm as her mom's.

Yoongi would never allow their bond to waver again. He would not only promise himself but Mi-Hi too that he would never let her go again.

On their way back to the dorm Mi-Hi fell asleep since it was time for her nap. While she slept he couldn't help, but arrange in his head a new melody into a song for his beautiful joy, Mi-Hi.

A/N: This was so cute to write!! I didn't expect it to be this long, but, oh well...What did you think of little Mimi and Yoongi? Cute, aren't they?

If you guys liked it please make sure to like and reblog. It is much appreciated!

See you guys later ;) 💜 x

-Nikki Marie

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dakarimainink · 4 years ago

Text

Chapter 3

WARNING: Language, mention of sexual abuse, hint of murdering

“The police wants to interrogate her.” … “She’s just a child, they can’t interrogate her now. She just went through the most traumatic experience anyone can imagine.” … “What are you colouring sweetheart?” … “She hasn’t spoken a word since they found her.” … “Does she have any family?” … “Not a suitable one. Her uncle was charged with molesting her two years ago.” … “Fucking hell!” … “Foster care then.” … “What a lovely colour you chose for your drawing.” … “Poor girl, she must be fucked up in her head.” … “Shh… she can hear you.” … “Doesn’t matter, she will forget this by next week. She’s too screwed to remember anything of this by the time she grows up.”

I unlock the door to my apartment and walk in. I throw my jacket and bag on a chair in the corner and make my way into the kitchen to get something to drink. As I enter the kitchen, a small package is waiting for me on the countertop. I freeze in my tracks and stare at the small brown box with a white card on top. I keep my eyes locked at it as my heart thumps against my chest. What the fuck?

I rush into my bedroom, throw myself down on my knees and pull out my trusty Glock 19x I have fastened under my bed. I check the magazine and rack the slide. My years of training with Carter, local policeman and best friend, is going to pay off.

I stand up and check my bedroom first, the closet, the window and behind the door. Nothing. I continue around the apartment, one room at a time, tip toeing around with the gun held high, my finger resting on the side of the chill material of the gun. As I search around, I feel my heart is beating insanely fast and all I want to do is to run, but I know that won’t do.

I can’t find any sign of an intrusion and make my way to the kitchen again with the Glock in hand. I pick up the small white card and read it.

If curiosity killed the cat,

it was satisfaction that brought it back.

I furrow my brows as I stare at the card. Nothing is signed. I place the card down and open the box. My eyebrows shoot up when I see what’s inside.

My phone rings. I jump and tumble back. I grab hold of the ledge of the countertop to keep my balance. “Fuckin’ hell.” I curse out as I try to stuff my heart down in my chest again. I pull my phone out of my back pocket and answer the phone. “Alessa.”

“’Ey Alessa, it’s Carter. You okay?” The familiar voice makes me smile.

“Yes, I am good, just startled me.” I try to laugh it off as I stroll into the living room.

“Sorry about that. I just wanted to see if you would like to grab some dinner tonight and watch a movie.” He asks.

I look out the window of my living room and down on the streets below. As I open my mouth I hear his police radio go off. A female mumble through the radio.

“10-4, go ahead dispatch.” Carter replies. More mumbling from the radio. “10-9 please.” More mumbling. I can’t catch a single word. “Roger, 10-49, over. Hey Alessa, I gotta go, rain check on that dinner, alright?”

“Sure.”

“Alright, talk to you later.”

“Bye.” I hang up and sigh out in relief. “Thank god. I really need some time to myself. I have an article to write out as well.” I say to myself as I realise I am still holding my Glock. I shake my head and place the gun on my coffee table and walk back into the kitchen.

I walk over to the counter and reach into the box. I pull out an old, taupe and worn notebook. It has a simplified eagle with spread wings on the cover and with scribbles of what I believe to be German. I flick open the book and let my eyes float across the German writing. I have no idea what it all means, but I feel a bubble of determination build within me; I need to find out. But before I do this, I need to find out who sent me this, and more importantly, how the hell it ended up in my kitchen.

I open my laptop and begin to work on my article while listening to the interview I had with Integra. I didn’t feel the anticipated intimidation I expected from her. She was calm, and yes it was somewhat uncomfortable, but it was a rather pleasant experience. I wouldn’t mind having another interview with her, but considering it took me three years to get this one and the way she threw me out today, I don’t expect to be invited in quite some time. It didn’t matter though, I finally got what I wanted and my full article, that I have been working on for about five years, is coming to a completion. Some more research should tie everything neatly together.

The unknown book I got today is prickling the back of my mind. I have a feeling it is tied to everything that happened 31 years ago. I should have a readthrough before I decide to hand in my work to the editor. My initial plan was to have this published at the 30th anniversary, but I was too desperate to have an interview included, I chose not to publish it.

As I tap away on my computer, I keep glancing over at the notebook beside me. The curiosity within me slowly eating me up. I chew on my bottom lip as I stare at the book. It has to have been from the occurrence from 31 years ago, what else could it be? But how did it end up here? In my kitchen? Who sent it to me? Could it have been Integra who sent it? As an apology for suddenly pushing me out? No, that doesn’t sound like a thing she would do. Perhaps it was Carter, he knows I live for this stuff. But how would he get his hands on this?

I furrow my brow and dart my eyes back and forth between my laptop and the notebook. Fuck it. I grab the book and begin to translate whatever is on the cover as well as the content of the book. Trusty Google Translate is handy to have in this dire time.

As I flick through the pages, slowly translating each sentence, I come across pictures that seems older than 30 years, almost 90 years old if I am to estimate.

One of the pictures is of short and plump man in a Nazi uniform. Behind him stands taller men in the same uniform. They are all wearing the SS officer caps. I shudder at the picture, feeling my whole body squirm inwardly. I flick the picture over and see a small note scribbled down in black ink.

Die Schutzstaffel, SS-Standartenführer, SS-Obersturmbannführer, SS-Hauptsturmführer und SS-Sturmbannführer, 1942

I flip the picture back again and gloss over the faces staring back at me. I shake my head and place the picture back in the book and flip the page. I feel unease as I continue to look through the notebook. I have never felt like this before. Usually I feel excitement whenever I have an opportunity to learn something new, but this book, these notes and pictures makes me feel… what does it make me feel? Disgusted? Ill? Gross? So many words, but not enough to truly explain my feelings towards this newfound knowledge.

I close the book and get up from the chair in the living room. I make my way to the kitchen to finally get the glass of water I initially wanted earlier. I lean on the counter as I take a sip from the glass. Maybe I should call Carter. Just to thank him for the book. I nod to myself and return to the living room and pick up my phone. I dial Carter’s number and wait to rings before he picks up.

“Sup, Alessa.” He answers.

“Hey, I just wanted to thank you for the book you sent me.”

He doesn’t answer and I hear the recognisable sound of a gun cock.

“Am I calling at a bad time?” I ask walking over to the window. The sun is already gone behind the horizon. I must have lost track of time while reading the notebook.

“Uhm…” He draws it out slowly and silently. “No, not really. Just a small routine control of an abandoned shack. Call of some disturbances. It’s probably the old racoon again.” He chuckles. I shift my weight, uneasy spreads within me.

“How did you get it to my kitchen? I don’t believe you have a key to my apartment.”

“Get what to the kitchen?”

“The book.”

“What book?” He sounds confused as his mind is occupied.

“The book you se…”

“Hold on…” He interrupts me and I feel my ear sharpen in on the sounds in the phone. “What the…” I can hear a door creak open. I furrow my brows as I listen intently. “Holy fuck!” Five gunshots. Screaming. Carter! In a reflex I jolt my phone away from my ear. “Fucking god! Help!” Carter scream from the other end.

“Carter?” I ask as I hear his screaming. “Carter!” I yell out. I hear ripping and gurgling before the line cuts. I stare blankly at the phone. CARTER! I hastily redial his number and chew on my bottom lip as I wait for it to be picked up.

Eleven rings. It’s picked up. “Carter! What happened?” I frantically ask as I shuffle back and forth in the living room. “Carter?” I call out his name, a hint of uncertainty lingers behind. All I can hear is breathing. “Ca-carter?”

“Curiosity killed the cat.”

My eyes shoot open in horror. Who the fuck is that? It was a silvery male voice. Not Carter’s. Even though it sounded like a threat, I couldn’t help the slight tingle in my ear as his words reached my ear.

Before I can utter a word, the call is hung up. When I try to call back, no one picks up. “Fuck… Carter…” I breathe out as I cover my mouth. “What the fuck do I do?” I pace back and forth in my apartment. Fuck fuck fuck… Carter… What the fuck do I do? I flick through my phones and open up my Buddy app. I touch Carter’s icon on my phone. His last location is still available. Don’t worry Carter. I am on my way.

#writing #ao3 #fanfic #fanfiction #original character #original female character #original male character #integra hellsing #hellsing #hellsing ultimate #the major #vampire

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127-mile · 6 years ago

Text

Back to me.

Jung Jaehyun | +1.1K words | mafia!au | angst - fluff.

" Y/n, are you ready ? " The raspy voice asks behind the bedroom door. " Yes, one minute ! "

You can hear your boyfriend sighs while bumping his head against the wooden door. The corner of your mouth curves into a smile, watching yourself one last time in the miror.

" You better be absolutely stunning for taking so much time in there ! "

Without a word you open the door, pushing yourself out of the way when Taeil stumbles. Fortunately he finds his balance and turns to look at you. He gives you a half-smile, eyes lit up.

" You are beautiful, my love. " He says, his face flushing. " Is it too much ? Or not enough ? You know I really want them to appreciate me. "

A few days ago, Taeil told you how excited his parents were. He was too, ready to introduce his beautiful, smart and caring girlfriend to the people who love him the most. You smiled, and since then, you haven’t been able to think about anything else. You have to be perfect in front of them, you have to prove them you are good enough for their only son, and that you will make him happy for as long as he wants you.

" Don't worry, my princess. They'll love you, as much as I love you. "

He kisses your temple, and you lean into the touch, smiling softly. It doesn't help with the knot in your stomach, but at least, you feel slightly better. Less than an hour later, you find yourself in front of the mansion's door. Taeil is coming from a wealthy family, but you weren't expecting something so big for only two persons. He knocks, and you wait, trying to steady your breathing.

" Taeil, how nice it is to see you ! " The woman says with a bright smile. " Come on in ! "

The lady is wearing a black outfit with a white apron, and leaves your side as soon as you both stand in the foyer.

" I am really sorry Y/n, don't be mad at me. "

You turn quick enough to see Taeil exits the house, closing the door behind him. You frown, what is going on ?

" It's been a while. "

The voice startles you more than you thought. Yet, the voice is like honey to your ears. Your body is suddenly shaking, and you don't know which emotion is the strongest. Fear ? Anger ? Anxiety ? Soon enough, you feel two strong hands on your shoulder, forcing you to turn around to meet Jaehyun's eyes.

" How ? Why ? They... "

Your lower lip trembles, you are trying so hard not to cry but you can feel a single hot tear rolling down your cheek. But Jaehyun's thumb rubs it.

" I had to do it, Y/n. I know you probably don't understand, but it was for my boys's safety, and most importantly, your safety. Follow me. "

He takes your hand, and you are too weak to even push him away as he leads you to the living room. He sits on the leathery couch, patting the spot next to him. You obey, your body is acting on it's own anyway. You are unable to think, it's like your brain was reduced to mush. The last time you saw Jaehyun, he told you he would come back soon enough, he just needed to take care of something. And the last thing you remember about that day was Johnny crouching in front of you trying to explain how they got attacked and how Jaehyun did not make it. When you started dating Jaehyun in high school, he never hid anything from you, telling you everything about the world he was living in at the time he thought you could understand and be trusty. And you did understand. You agreed about the terms. Love can make you do strange things.

" You left me Jaehyun, you promised you'd never do it ! " You finally shout.

A muscle in his jaw twitches, his mouth is set in a hard line, he is trying so hard right now.

" I know, but you are here, right now. With me. " His voice barely above a whisper only you can hear. " I asked Taeil to take care of you. I knew he was the perfect person to do just that. I called him last week, telling him it was time for you to come back home. "

You sigh while raising your head, truly watching him since you entered the house. Nothing changed, apart from the dark bags under his eyes and the pallor of his skin.

" Jaehyun, I spent a year with Taeil. He gave me what I needed without even asking. He helped me with the grief. Now I know he lied about his feelings, but I didn't and it hurts a lot i’m not going to lie. What were you expecting by bringing me here today ? " You question him, suddenly drained of emotions. " I know it was a selfish decision to ask him to bring you back as soon as it was safe for us, but I need you here with me. You have no idea how painful it was to be so close and yet so far away from you. How many times I had to restrain myself from calling you and telling you everything. I did it for you. For us. Because I couldn't bear the idea of you being hurt. It has always been my worst fear. I'm not asking you to forgive me right now, or to start loving me again. But this time, I promise I won't leave your side ever again. I will try to be the best version of me, the one you used to love so much during all these years. You have all of the time you need. "

You nod before moving toward him. You don't know how you stand on your feelings, but you do know you need to feel him against you. You need to understand that everything is real. He is here, with you. It's not one of your dreams where you found him back before losing him again. He seems to sense the tense in your body and he opens his arms for you. You don't hesitate, and you lean against him. Your face in the crook of his neck, inhaling the scent you missed so much. You remember spending hours in your closet, trying to find the last piece of clothing with his perfume. His hands are wandering on your back, caressing it.

" I missed you so much. " He finally mutters.

You stay silent for a while, just enjoying his proximity and his heartbeat against your chest. It's steady, because love is calm, love is comfortable. You open your mouth to speak, voice a bit shaky.

" You know I will always love you, I just need some time. "

He kisses your head, Jaehyun is ready to wait for the rest of his life if it means he can have you again at some point.

#cznnet #nct imagines #nct scenarios #jaehyun imagines #jaehyun scenarios #nct #nct 127 #jaehyun #jung jaehyun #nct fluff #nct angst #nct smut #jaehyun fluff #jaehyun angst #jaehyun smut #kpop imagines #nct mafia au

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glenncoco4 · 5 years ago

Text

Zing

A/N: So it’s been awhile. This is a part of my Our Younger Selves story and I’m considering making it it’s own story. Tell me what you think!

XXXX

She watches as the little brunette beauty runs down the aisle towards her with a shaggy haired might she say quite handsome man in tow. “Mommy! Mommy! Did you see me?!”

Pride shines in her eyes as she bends down wrapping up the tiny brunette that is her whole world in her arms. “Yeah, I saw you, baby. You did an awesome job! I’m so proud of you.” She places a kiss to her daughter’s cheek and turns her attention towards the blonde man. “Hi, I’m Kensi Blye.”

He takes her offered hand. “Hi, it’s very nice to meet you, Ms. Blye. I’m Marty Deeks.”

She sends him a smile. “It’s so nice to meet you, too. Chloe can’t stop talking about you and how fun Mr. Marty’s class is. And it’s Kensi.”

Returning her smile with one of his own, he nods. “Well, she’s a pretty special girl. But you already know that.”

They both look over at the sound of giggling erupting from the little girl being chased by a brown haired boy. Smiles lighting up both their faces at the scene before them then turning back to continue their conversation, something unexpected happens.

As mismatched chocolate orbs meet those of cerulean blues the term Zing is the only word that makes sense.

Shaking her herself out of her daze, she tries to ignore the feeling in the pit of her stomach. “Chlo, time to go.”

The little girl pouts as she walks over to her mother. “Mommy, I don’t want to go.”

“Okay, I guess that ice cream will have to eat itself then.”

At those words the mini version of herself runs over, taking her hand. “You’re welcome to join us Mr. Deeks.”

“Yeah, Mr. Marty, come with us!”

He shares a look with Chloe and then looks back towards her mother. “Yeah, okay. Just let me lock up and I’ll meet you guys in the parking lot.”

The brunette and blonde laugh as the exuberant six year old jumps for joy. “Yay!”

XXXX

As the three walk out to their cars, Kensi feels a tug on her arm. Looking down she sees the pleading look in her daughter’s deep brown eyes. “Okay. Okay.”

“Marty.” She hopes he can’t hear the hesitancy in her voice.

Stopping in his tracks, he turns towards the duo, giving them his full attention. “Yeah?”

“Chloe was wondering…..” She feels the tug on her arm once again. “We were wondering if you’d like to come to our house for lunch tomorrow.”

The smile that lights up his face is all she needs to know. “Can I bring anything?”

“Just yourself. We got the rest covered, right, Chlo?” Kensi looks down at her beaming daughter.

“Right!”

He tries to stay calm, but the feeling in the pit of his stomach is making it very hard to do. “Alright. Great! I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

XXXX

He takes a deep breath, smoothing out his clothes to make sure he’s as presentable as necessary. Bringing his fist up, he knocks on the door twice before he hears what he can only assume is Chloe’s bare feet hitting the floor as she runs to the door.

“Hi, Mr. Marty!”

“Hey there, Chloe.” He gives her a smile.

“Puppy!” His attention turns away from the little girl towards his trusty sidekick.

He smiles as she runs forward, running her hands through his hair. Looking back up at the sound of another pair of foot steps his brain turns to jelly when he sees the tall vision dressed in red walk towards him. “This is Mon….Monty.”

“Hi, Marty.”

Words. What are words? “Hhh…hiiiii. Hi, Kens.” He gathers himself, hoping he’s not making a complete fool of himself. “You look beautiful.”

Shocked at his words and the butterflies that erupt within her stomach, she gives him a shy smile. “Thank you.”

They make no move to break their locked gaze. Eyes dancing with something neither of them have felt before. They’re finally broken out of their trance when a barking Monty drags an exuberant little girl through the front door.

“Come in.”

As they walk through the door he becomes a little more nervous than before. “I hope it’s okay that I brought him. I thought Chloe would enjoy it and Monty needs to get rid of some of the what little energy he has.”

She walks into the open kitchen towards the stove, stirring something. “Of course it okay. She’s been begging me to get her a dog for months so maybe this will help stop the nagging.”

“Well, I’m happy to help.” He sits on the bar stool at the island and watches her as she moves around the kitchen like it’s nothing. “So what is it that you do?”

Stoping what she’s doing, she looks out the window, taking a peak at her girl and the dog she’s seemingly fallen in love with playing in the backyard. Once she’s satisfied that they’re okay, she turns her attention back to the man whose effecting her like she doesn’t even know what. “I’m a personal trainer. I have my own studio on Pico.”

“Wow, that’s really great.”

She gives him a questioning look.

“No, I really mean that. To be able to take care of your daughter, be there for her all the time, working full time and doing it alone no less. You’re like a real life Wonder Woman.”

The faint smile that spreads to her face tells him that she doesn’t think so. “Thanks, I do my best. My parents try to help out as much as they can. Sometimes it feels like I’m not doing enough. But I’d do anything for her.”

“I-“

“Mommy, me and Monty are hungry.”

They both shake their heads, trying to rid the buzzing feeling from their heads.

“Okay, sweetie. Go wash your hands and then we’ll eat.”

XXXX

He brings his napkin to his lips to wipe away the last remnants of his dinner. “Well, that has got to be the best meal I have ever had. Thank you, Kensi.”

“Thank you, mommy.”

She sends him a grateful smile. “I’m glad you both liked it.”

He shakes his head. She’s a super mom, this he knows. She probably doesn’t get the praise she deserves most days but he can change that. “Love.”

“What?”

Marty sends her a smile and then turns to her mini version. “We both loved it. Right, squirt?”

Chloe nods in agreement. “Right!”

Nothing else can be said before the seven year old’s attention span shoots to another subject. “Mr. Marty, do you wanna watch Moana?”

“Sure, I’d love too.”

XXXX

A few hours later the credits begin to roll and Kensi looks over to find her daughter beginning to nod off. “Alright, kiddo, say goodnight to Mr. Marty and go get into your jammies.”

The little girl slowly begins to get up and gives a half wave to her teacher as she makes her way out of the living room. “Goodnight, Mr. Marty.”

“Goodnight, Chloe.”

The adults share yet another smile as they see her get a sudden burst of energy and runs down the hall towards her bedroom singing.

He doesn’t want the night to end, but seeing as though they’ve all had a long day he knows he’d better before he does something stupid. Like spill his feelings for this beautiful woman that he just met standing before him. “Well, I’d better get going.”

“Let me walk you out.”

They stop at the door, neither wanting to say goodbye. “I had a really great time today, Kensi. Thank you for inviting me.”

“You’re welcome. We loved having you. Maybe we could-“ She’s interrupted when he blurts out the words.

“Would you wanna go out with me some time?”

A blush rises to her cheeks. “Yeah. Yeah, I would like that very much.”

Their eyes lock not for the first time today. He takes a slight step forward closing the distance between them. 90/10. He repeats to himself. After a few seconds he’s scared he went too far but then her lips are on his and WOW.

The kiss doesn’t last as long as either would like but it’s a start. A start to the beginning. “How about tomorrow night?”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Would you go out with me tomorrow night?”

“Yeah, tomorrow is great.”

“Great.” He leans forward, placing another brief kiss to her lips. “See you tomorrow, Kens.”

“Bye.”

She smiles as she shuts the door and slides down to the floor her legs now in a gelatin like state. That kiss. Wow. The sound of her daughter calling for her pulls her out of her trance. And what a trance it was.

XXXX

One year later……

They’re at their usual spot. Enjoying the waves and the sun, but more importantly, they’re enjoying each other.

He’s sitting in the sand with his girl cocooned inside his legs and his other girl nearby building a sandcastle. Life can’t get much better than this.

“Hey, baby, could you stand up for a second? I think you may be sitting on my phone.”

Leaning back against his chest, she turns her head a smirk playing at her features. “What like that’s ever stopped you before?”

He places a kiss to her shoulder, because they’re in a public place and can’t do anything more without being arrested and because the little girl that’s five feet away from them. “Baby, please?”

Sighing, she gets up, but startles when she realizes his phone is next to her bag. “Babe, your phone’s right-“ Her mouth drops open at the sight before her.

He’s down on one knee, holding the most beautiful ring in between his fingers and reaches for her hand. “Kens, from the moment you walked into that auditorium with this little spit fire over here I was enamored. So much so that you knocked me flat on my ass-“ He stops when the other piece of his whole world gasps.

“Bad word!” A shocked Chloe covers her mouth.

“Sorry, Chlo.” He leans forward placing a kiss on his hopefully soon to be daughter’s head.

Kensi look on as the man she loves cares for her little girl. Like a father would his daughter.

“As I was saying, I can’t promise I won’t let a few bad words slip every once and awhile.” He sends a wink to the little girl making her giggle. “But I can promise that I will love you,” He looks at Kensi and then at Chloe, sending her a smile. Turning his attention back to his hopefully soon to be wife. “That I’ll love both of you with everything I am for the rest of my life. Baby, you make me want to be a better man. The best man. Because that’s what you deserve. You’re the most amazing woman and mother to ever be and I hope that I can grow with you. I hope that maybe I can make things easier for you. Your smile, your laugh….everything. You’re everything to me. I never knew love could feel this way. That I could love someone so deeply that it hurt when I’m not with them. That’s you. You’re my solstice. You’re the one I want by my side. Whenever I have a bad day all I have to do is look at you and know that as long as I have you and your love nothing else matters. One of my favorite things to do is run my finger through your hair. So……will you let me run my fingers through your hair until it’s gray or you’re bald even. Either way…..will you make me the happiest man in existence and be my wife? Will you marry me?”

The tears that are streaming down her face are nothing compared to the summersaults going on inside her. She’s found a man. An amazing man that treats her the way she deserves to be treated. A man that respects her, that encourages her, pushes her to be better and loves her with all he is. Most of all he’s become the father she’s always dreamed for her little girl. “Yes!” She bends down, bringing her lips to his. “Yes. I love you so much. Yes!”

He stands up wrapping his arms around her waist and twirling her around, bringing their lips together once again. Once they pull back, she places her forehead to his. Their eyes locked onto one another’s, no words need be said. A few minutes pass before he sits his future wife back on solid ground and another nervous look crosses his face.

The mother daughter duo watch as he reaches for something in his pocket. He pulls out the silver chain with a pendant and both of their eyes light up when they see the sea turtle. Calling Chloe over he returns to his earlier position and gets down on one knee.

“Chloe, squirt, besides your mom you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Watching you grow and discover new things over the past year has been one the highlights of my life. I promise to love you for the rest of my days. To kiss your booboos. To beat up anyone that hurts you and to protect you from all the scary things in life. I promise to make you laugh when mommy’s trying to be serious. To play dress up with you everyday for as long as you want me to. I love teaching you how to surf and how to play soccer. Chloe, just like your mom, you deserve to be loved and taken care of so if you let me I’d love to teach you all the things a daddy is suppose to teach his little girl. Chloe, will you let me be your daddy?”

The excited grin that spreads to her face tells him his answer but what he wasn’t expecting were the tears. As he clips the clasp around her neck, she falls into his embrace. Her tears soaking his shirt. “I love you, daddy.”

“I love you, too.”

If Kensi wasn’t a mess before, she most definitely is now. This man…..god this man of hers. He’s everything. More than everything.

The shaggy blonde stands up, holding Chloe in his arms as he wraps his free arm around his other girl. The tall brunette wraps her arms around both of them, he places a kiss to her head. “I love you, Marty.”

“I most definitely love you, too, Kens.”

They watch on as the sun begins to set over the Pacific. A sunset built for a family.

#Densi #Our Younger Selves #Kensi Blye #Marty Deeks #Densi Fanfic #NCIS: LA Fanfic

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belladoesmakeup · 5 years ago

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Happy November everyone!!!!!

How you all doing? I love November for me it’s the perfect month the nights get darker, the weather gets colder, the layers get thicker and London gets lit up with all it’s Christmas and festive lights. For me I practically consider the pre-Christmas month since everything gets so much festive and cheerful in London. But before we start enjoying November I wanted to look back to October and what products I used and new products discoveries.

Throughout October I mainly used two face primers the first being my trusty drugstore option which is the Concealer & Fix Matify Primer by Revolution costing £8.00, this primer never fails me and always makes my makeup last without getting oily. My highend option I’ve also been using is Porefessional Primer by Benefit £22 , this primer focuses more on blurring pores and helps find imperfections. In a normal routine I’ll either use both primers mixed together or pick one depending on the day but both have not failed me so far.

In terms of my actual facebase I have been using 2 products almost consistently throughout the month those being my Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation £34.00 and my Revolution Concealer & Define Concealer £4.00. I got the foundation as a birthday gift from the girls at work which is so sweet and it’s honestly become my favourite highend foundation it gives me flawless coverage, keeps me matte for ages and leaves my skin feeling so smooth. My Revolution concealer is something I have always had in my makeup bag since I think they first released the concealer if I’m honest. I love the coverage, I love how affordable it is and most importantly I love how it blends with all my foundations regardless of the product. For setting powder it’s no surprise my Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Powder £24.00 is in this picture I have been obsessed with it for months and it honestly keeps my face matte for so long it’s unreal. I also have a drugstore option which is the Revolution Matte Powder £5.00, this powder is definitely a more affordable dupe on my Fenty powder but these powders have a much bigger range of colours so it can give you a little tint of colour. I also wanna give my Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Setting powder a little shoutout this month I tried the lavender shade and so far I’m loving it, sets my face perfectly without caking me out.

For highlight and contour I have been using a mixture a brands. For bronzing and contour I have been using my trusty Benefit Hoola Lite bronzer £24.00 to help define my cheek bones and give me a bit of colour. This is probably the only bronzer I can use that actually suits my pale complexion and it’s a miracle I finally found a product that works for me. For highlight I’ve gone back to my favourite are Revolution highlight costing £3.00, this highlighter is a mixture of gold and pink tones and also helps add some more dimension to my face. To keep the theme of glow, I have been using my Fenty Gloss bombs religiously to give my makeup a bit of dimension and shine while the weather has been so dull. It’s been so fun using my new Gloss Bombs from the Glossy Posse Mini Gloss Bomb Collection £34.00.

Lastly let’s chat eyes. My first fav actually goes back to the Revolution Concealer, this concealer makes the perfect base for eyeshadow. It really helps the pigment of the eyeshadows show and last much longer, I find it makes product last as long as a eye primer would normally. Next we have to chat about Blood Sugar £48.00. This palette is so iconic and was honestly worth the hype, the colours are beautiful and perfect for this time of year especially. I’ve only recently got this palette so I’m still testing a few bits out but overall so far I’m obsessed and in love. (And side note the Jeffree Star x Shane Dawson collection comes out today and I can’t wait to get my hands on those palettes). Last product of the this favourites is Mascara. Last month or the end of September (who can remember) I picked up a mascara from Primark for £2.50/£3.00 and since then I keep going back to it. It’s brilliant it gives your eyes the perfect amount of volume without giving you thick spider lashes. It’s also quick and easy to get off without hurting your eyes which is always a plus.

And there we have it folks my October favourites! I hope you enjoyed reading this post and if you made it to the end without getting bored then more power to you.

Lots of love

Bella x x

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jewishdragon · 7 years ago

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Jake the Borrower Chapter 3

Visions and Meetings

[DS9 Borrower AU inspired by onetobeamup. Chapter 1: Space is no Place for a Human. Chapter 2: The Invisible Resistance]

[Recap from the end of chapter 2: Jake was seen by Tora Ziyal. And then runs into his dad]

This is the chapter where I realized I’m in too deep and this AU should be called Ben the Borrower but it’s too late

----

"I can't believe you would do something so foolish, Jake. You know better than that. This is the first lesson a Borrower learns. Or have you forgotten?" Ben said, raising his voice as much as he dared.

Jake was avoiding his father's eyes.

"No sir, I haven't."

"Look at me when you're talking, and tell me what the rule is," instructed Ben.

It took a lot to look back at his dad's face, so full of disappointment.

"You must not be seen," supplied Jake. "I didn't mean to break the rule."

"That's the problem, Jake - I think you did. And in doing so you not only endangered yourself but all of us, in this house, on this planet! By being seen, you risk all humans to exposure. More importantly, it risks my losing you, and I... I can't bearto think I could have so easily." Ben's voice was starting to waver. He had been so scared. "Since you got away, we just have to be extra careful, and she will just think it was only a dream."

"I guess you won't let me borrow for a while now," said Jake.

"If I could afford to issue that punishment, I would. But we are stocking up tonight and morning is only a few hours away. Jadzia and I are making another kitchen borrow. I need you and Nog to do a supply run from the other guest room. There are pieces of broken toys and computers, you know the like, that I want Miles to have. He's going to meet you there; No one is in those rooms. Tomorrow we can see what's going on with the garden and maybe gather some herbs."

At the mention of his name, Nog was at Jake’s side. Ben gave them both a few extra tools used to borrowing electronics and led them all the way to the other room. He left them with Miles, but not before giving Jake one last warning.

"You aren't to go near the girl again. Is that understood?" growled Ben

"Yeah, dad."

"Good! Now good borrowing!”

"Good borrowing to you too, Mr. Sisko," said Nog, waving goodbye.

Miles started to lead them in the opposite direction. Then Nog turned to Jake, looking up at his friend who looked guilty even though accused of nothing. "You're going to try and see her again, aren't you?" Nog asked, whispering, since Miles might have been instructed to monitor them more closely than usual.

"I don't think you want me to answer that," said Jake.

"Why not?" asked Nog

"Plausible deniability."

"That's the opposite of reassuring," said Nog.

"Hey, come help me with this!" called Miles from across the room and under the bed.

That area was like a junkyard. There were years worth of random discarded items accumulated there, with treasures hidden in it. It seemed to be a place where anything broken was just shoved. But if the room was to be cleaned, they had to get to what they could now. It had been scoured many times by the Borrowers but knowing this might be the last time, they were finding things they'd missed before.

The engineer was trying to pull something shiny from a tangle of other shiny things. A Bajoran earpiece! Though it looked a bit bulky.

"Jewelry? Mr. O'Brian, is this really the time to be looking for something nice for your wife?" Jake said, not hesitating to assist Miles in liberating the object.

"You sound like your father, Jake. This piece is a communicator! The delicate instrumentation that is needed to make it look like jewelry is some of the highest quality," said Miles. "For being a few years old..." With a trusty wrench, Miles was able to open up and take apart the electronics, stuffing wires and crystals into his bag.

Jake moved on, heading to another pile of tangled junk. He couldn't remember if he'd ever searched this one before. Everything in the pile was technically useful, but most wasn't needed right now. Pieces of metal, plastic, paper, odd items that could be raw materials. This place had served as a sort of vault for everything, but they couldn't move most of it. There was just so much.

Jackpot! Jake found an old remote to something, maybe a toy? Who knew, but it had small batteries. He was sure that Kasidy could use more, or someone would find a use. He pulled them out of the device, careful not to turn it on, and pocketed the metallo-crystals. They were kind of pretty.

Nog hadn't made any sort of noise, grumble of boredom or otherwise, in a little while, which made Jake suspicious. Abandoning his pile Jake went searching for his friend and discovered him quickly, by a ancient data pad. Nog had hooked it up to his own, smaller pad, and was clearly browsing through some items. He jumped when he noticed Jake.

"Dude, it's just me!"

"Yes, of course! I knew that!" said Nog.

"Whatcha looking at?" said the voice of Miles, who had followed Jake. He looked at both boys suspiciously.

"Nothing! I mean! Well I found this old data pad and since the tech is too bulky I thought maybe the information it contained might be valuable!" said Nog

"And?" asked Miles. Nog's ears went red.

"There was a large file of, um, pictures of Bajoran women, and not much else."

Miles pinched his brows. God damn teenagers. He dragged Nog away from the pad and assigned him a new pile to work on, with Jake's help. Hopefully Jake would keep them on track.

The sun had just begun to rise when the door to the room opened and several Cardassians stormed in. The humans snatched up what they could and ran back to the safety of the wall space. They scrambled to a view port behind a wall fixture. from there they could watch what was going on.

The Cardassians spread out, there were four of them. They didn't look happy.

"All of this needs to go!" said a Cardassian with greenish skin, clearly the boss of the other three. He waved at the piles of junk and the bed.

Everything was cleared out, and a long forgotten floor was revealed. Then an object was brought in on a very ornate pedestal. It looked like a plain black box. The Cardassian with greenish skin pressed his fingers to the edge of the box in a sequence and it opened. A second object, covered in a cloth, was brought in and placed into the box.

"Place a guard by the door. Two, actually. No one is to enter the room without my authorization!" the Cardassian in charge ordered.

With that, the room was empty of both people and things, except for the box. Miles took both boys by their elbows and dragged them away. It was nearly morning, they needed sleep. After escorting Nog, then Jake, back to their homes, Miles returned to the garden shed where he lived with Keiko and their daughter.

Benjamin made sure Jake had fallen asleep before allowing himself to do the same.

---

<i>Sisko.

SISKO sisko Sisko</i>

"Mr Sisko?"

Everything was fuzzy. The voices, the figures they came from. He couldn’t remember what he was doing or where he was. The voices were familiar, and they had faces attached, which he could almost make out. Friends? Family?

“He can’t hear us, he is too far,” said a voice. Female, maybe?

“I’m right here! I can hear you!” said Ben, grasping at the figures in the haze.

The faces turned away.

“Ben!”

Hands on his shoulders, clear voice of Jadzia, and he was back in the kitchen, on the table. He had been cutting berries off of a stem in strategic places to make sure the few missing weren’t noticeable. But the knife wasn’t in his hand anymore. It was at his feet.

“Jadzia, did you see that?” Ben already knew the answer.

“No, and I think we should go to Julian. You just stood there for a good minute, staring at the berries,” said Jadzia, picking up the knife and not returning it to Ben.

“But the borrowing, we-” He wobbled where he stood.

“You are in no shape to borrow, or even make it to Julian’s. I’m taking you home to bed. You need rest Ben.”

He didn’t make another objection, but by the time he got back to his room, he was feeling much better. And Miles was waiting for him.

“What is it? Is something wrong?” Ben looked at Nog and Jake, who were on the couch.

“I’m not sure, but I need to tell you something.” Miles also looked to the two boys. “After these two get to bed.”

“Nog, go back to your place,” Ben ordered, and Nog ran out, Ben locked eyes with Jake.

“I’m still angry at your recklessness, but I’m also grateful you’re alive.” He sat next to his son. “We’ll talk more in the afternoon,” he finished, and he held out his arms. Jake considered for a second before embracing his dad and heading off to bed.

“Now Miles, what is it you wanted to tell me? Did Jake do something?”

“Oh no, sir. He behaved himself.” Miles told Ben about the mysterious object.

“Sounds like none of our business,” said Ben.

“But Sir, you need to see this for yourself.” said Miles, not really knowing why.

“You said it’s guarded? I don’t think that will be possible” said Ben

“Can’t argue with that, Sir. Good morning, sleep well”

“You too Miles.”

—

He must have gone to bed soon after, he was sure of it. So why was he awake?

Benjamin blinked. He was looking at Miles, or at least, he thought he was. But this man was too young. He also wore the grey and red-brown uniform of the Invisible Resistance.

Looking around, Sisko saw other humans, most of them running up the narrow corridor that stretched away in three directions and also up, all in resistance gear. He was not in the estate, but aboard a Cardassian prison transport. He didn't know how he knew that, as the insides of ship walls all looked the same, but he knew. He also knew that several Bajoran resistance leaders had been captured and were aboard the transport. He knew this place.

"Benjamin, we've re-routed the plasma flow and shut off of the shunts. She'll blow any minute. It's now or never to make our exit."

No, it couldn't be, that voice. Benjamin turned around to come face to face with.

"Jennifer?"

His mind had frozen. She looked at him odd. No, it was odd that she was looking at him at all. With dark eyes pulling him in like a black hole does light, and a face that would charm a Vulcan.

"Yes Ben? Are you alright? You're looking at me funny," she said.

"I- I just,"

"Come on you two. We gotta get a move on, we have to climb over to the other side before-"

BOOM

That was the sound, and shock wave, of the building pressure of plasma blasting the walls of the brig.

"It's too late to climb across. We’ve got to run for it!" shouted O'Brien, as he and the other humans scrambled to get through a small hole that led into the corridor, heading for a compartment in the was on the other side. Alarms were blaring, the lights were flashing, and security could be heard running down the hall. They did not have much time. They must not be seen.

Shots from phasers passed overhead, but Ben was not concerned with who was firing. Then another explosion, closer, much closer. Debris started to hit the ground, and now Sisko saw: the rebels had overpowered their guards and gotten their weapons, (as per the rebel's rescue plans) and the Cardassian security was peeking around the corner on one end of the hall, rebels at the other. The humans had not been seen.

They were almost all in the opposite wall! That provided a direct route to the shuttle bay where they could use the transporters. Once back on the rebel's ship, they would finally be safe.

"Benjamin!"

NO! He knew what was happening. It had happened before, and now he remembered what this was. Even though he knew what he would see, he turned around. Jennifer on the ground, struck by a piece of flying metal. She could not run. She was struggling to get up to walk. She had fallen behind, and now the Cardassians were running down the hall.

"JENNIFER!"

He instinctively stopped to run to her. More than one person took hold of his arms to drag him away, into the wall. He was screaming, a hand went over his mouth and he bit it. He tasted blood, but the hand stayed. Through tears He still caught a glimpse of the stomping Cardassian feet, going so fast and so dense, there was no hope that Jennifer would survive.

It was no consolation that she hadn't been seen. If she had, maybe they would have stopped, giving him enough time to- no. If he had, he would have been captured, and probably by Cardassians who would experiments on and torture him. Sometimes he wished the Bajorans knew about them, but then the Invisible Resistance wouldn't be so invisible. It was as if the fact that neither the Cardassians nor the Bajorans knew about humans was crucial to freeing Bajor. Ridiculous, of course.

Weird... It was suddenly very bright all around him? And where was everyone?

"Sisko?" a near monotone voice asked.

He was no longer in the ship's walls. No, this was much worse.

Looking down a wide ridged nose at him with large shining brown eyes, was a Bajoran, dressed in purple religious regalia, and he was standing in their hands.

He fell to his knees, unsteady on the flesh of the hands.

NO!

He was lifted up to its face, he could feel its warm breath as it said again. “Sisko”

He had been caught? Found? How? He looked around. More Bajorans! Surrounding him, all staring at him. Not with surprise, or anger, or curiosity. In fact no emotion at all.

“He is still too far gone,” said one.

“Who, who are you? What is happening? Where am I?”

The expressions and voices remained neutral.

“He can hear us.” Ben couldn’t tell which one said that.

“He is leaving us. We must give him directions,”

This time, he found himself in the hands of the one who spoke, not the hands he was in before. And then again, new hands, new speaker.

“You are wrong. Be concerned,” it said.

New hands, new speaker.

“The shadows are not your home!”

“What do you mean? What is my home?” He knew he should feel fear, but his question still came out.

New hands, new speaker

“Sisko of Bajor. You are wrong. Be concerned”

New hands, new speaker. The crowd closed in.

“You are wrong. Be concerned”

New hands, new speaker. The hands now closed around him.

“Be concerned”

He woke up. The darkness of the room took him by surprise, It has been so very bright a second ago, or at least, his dreams had been. But they felt so real, and he remembered everything.

Cold sweat dropped off him now that he was sitting up, but his heart would not calm down. The image, no, the sensation of being held in the Bajoran hands were still with him, conflicting with the current sensory input.

"Everything alright?" A body stirred next to him. Kasidy rolled over to look up at her husband, whose eyes were wide and shifting. Something was not alright.

"Just... just a bad dream," said Ben.

His wife moved closer to him, bringing with her warmth. She propped herself up on an elbow. "Must've been some dream, do you want to talk about it?"

"I- I can't remember it now,"

"You're a terrible liar, Ben. I asked a yes or no question. You could have just said-"

"It was my wife. Jennifer, I mean."

"Oh- oh Ben. I won't be mad if you've dreamt about her. You know that."

"I dreamt about her death."

"I can't even imagine..." Kasidy sat up, about to say more, then thought better of it. There wasn't much she could do to comfort him besides being there. As Sisko's current wife, she was a constant reminder of what he'd lost, regardless of how much he had gained. Trying to hold him like a lover wouldn't do any good, Ben needed a friend.

Jake fit the bill better than she did, but she wasn't sure Ben could manage getting dressed to wake his son. So she sat up all the way, sitting next to him in the cool room, and took his hand. The first tears hit the sheets with a soft *thup*.

---

Past noon was when Jake woke up again, but it was Kasidy tapping him on the shoulder, not his father

"Five more minutes."

"Sorry Jake, but you should get up now. You're harvesting today, in case you had forgotten. The Bajorans still have not given signs that they will use the garden but we can't be sure they won't so get your gloves and boots!"

Jake groaned.

"Also, your dad had a rough night, and-"

"I know, it's my fault. I... I feel terrible," said Jake.

"I don't think it's anyone's fault," said Kasidy concernedly, getting Jake's clothes out of his dresser and dropping them in his lap. "But it certainly ain't yours. Still, behaving a little might help his mood."

Jake was about to ask what was going on, since it most certainly was his fault! Then a smell wafted into his room, something sweet and something fried.

"Stress cooking?"

"Yeah. Hope you're hungry because I gotta jet. It’s late as it is." Kasidy left his room and Jake was able to get dressed.

Dinner for breakfast. The Standard Sisko stress response was to cook away the bad feelings, and while Ben could make the most amazing lunches and dinners, he couldn't make a breakfast item to save his life. The table was covered in steaming entrees.

"Dad, this stuff will go bad. I can't eat it all!"

"Huh? Oh, I guess not. We could take this to the O'Brians, but we can't carry it all on our own." He was trying to sound energetic but Jake could tell his father had not slept much.

"I'll see if Nog or Jadzia can help. Or Alex. No, wait, he's still at Bashir's..." said Jake.

"That's where we are headed. It'll be like a picnic."

Fake excitement didn’t make sense as a response to Jake’s recklessness. He had expected another reprimand. What had happened last night that Jake didn’t know about? There were no clues as to what it could’ve been, and Jake felt to guilty to ask. Instead he walked over to the comm pad on the wall to see if Nog was still home.

—

The Siskos and Ferengis arrived in the garden with plates of food.

There was something to be said for the natural security of the overgrown bramble that grew alongside the garden shed where the O’Brians made their home. Ok, so they didn't live in the bramble, they lived under the shed, not far from gas and power lines. The bramble hid the main entrance but also provided a small area to gather.

"Wasting food, and when we might not get to borrow again for who knows how long?" said Quark as Nog, Jake, Rom, and Ben put the food down on a table made from a broken touch pad screen and corks.

"We have plenty of food, Quark. But if you think it's a waste, I won't waste it on your stomach," said Ben, serving everyone but Quark.

"Wait, I didn't mean it that way! I just meant- oh, never mind." He served himself food, looking at Ben as he did for a hint of aggression. But everyone's attention had turned to the latest arrivals.

A tall, strong young man with dark skin that sharply contrasted his long curly strawberry blonde hair done up in a tight bun, was hobbling on crutches. He had arrived with a skinnier, but just as tall brown skinned man. Alexander Dax and Julian Bashir.

“How’s the foot doing, Alex!?” Nog shouted.

“Better every day!” Alex smiled, and his eyes fell on the banquet.

“That wouldn’t be a lie if you followed my instructions,” said Julian, sitting down and taking a plate of food. He didn’t eat as he continued to talk. “He would have been fit to go home two days ago, but he’s impatient and overdid it on the physical therapy. This is marvelous Ben, what’s the occasion?” Julian finally had taken a bite of the food.

“Just felt like cooking,” said Ben.

Julian understood, and he didn't press the issue.

“Will Worf be joining us?” asked Alex, taking a seat across from Jake and Nog.

“He’s busy, but Jadzia should be here soon,”

As soon as he knew his father wasn’t going to be able to tell him off for aggravating his injury, Alex became focused on his friends.

“So, tell me about the borrowing!”

Nog rolled his eyes. “Alex you’re normally with us. You know how it goes.”

Alex looked disappointed. “Aw, nothing exciting then?”

“Nothing,” said Jake, sighing and looking at his food.

Nog couldn’t contain it anymore. “Just kidding. Last night was crazy! First off...” He ran over to his borrowing pack and pulled out a piece of chocolate confectionary. Alex’s eyes grew wide. “We got sweets” and Nog placed the head sized piece on the table. The three were about to dig into it when Julian intervened.

“Finish your real food first, boys. Especially you, Alex. Your body needs proper nutrition to heal.”

“Yes Doctor,” the three said in unison.

“Hey Doc! Relieve the boys of some of their prize. We adults also have sweet-tooths!” Quark shouted.

“You boys don’t mind?” Julian asked.

“Help yourself,” said Jake. He was eager to get back to recounting the night’s adventure, so he helped load up a plate with chocolate for Julian to take back to the adult side end of the table.

The O’Brians arrived as Julian left them, which finally took the adults attention off of the teenagers, and onto the toddler in Keiko’s arms.

“Second?” asked Alex.

It took a moment for Jake to remember what they were talking about. Nog beat him to it.

“Second, you know that guest room on the second floor? The one right there?” Nog pointed up at the window that was right across from the bramble that hid them from view.

“Well, it's being used, and last night, Jake-“ Jake kicked Nog. He hoped Alex didn’t notice. Nog paused mid sentence but pretended to choke on some food and took a drink of water before continuing.

“Jake and I, we were going to borrow from that room, but there’s a girl in there.”

“Oh! Is this why the meeting was held? Julian didn’t tell me anything! He never does!” said Alex

“Yeah, she arrived in a car with the crest of the House of Dukat on it! He’s some high ranked Cardassian.”

Alex started to look bored as Nog recounted the meeting in detail. He no longer resented Dr. Bashir for not telling him.

“Anyways!” said Jake, “We had one more incident last night. In the supply room.”

“It was finally cleared out!” said Nog, getting the hint.

“You’re kidding!” said Alex.

“Not at all! It was cleared out and it now holds... well, we don’t know what but it’s guarded! With Cardassians! With big guns!” said Nog, rather ineloquently. They spent the rest of the meal theorizing as to what could be in the mysterious box.

Even engaged in conversation with Miles and Julian, Ben couldn’t help but hear the kids mention the box and the object. And after, that is was hard to think of anything else.

Perhaps the arrival of 5 Dax members could take his mind off it. With effort, he pushed it to the back of his mind, and was momentarily satisfied.

“Ah! Julian! Just the man I wanted Ben to see,” said Jadzia, announcing her arrival and immediately setting upon the food. The other four Daxes made longer greetings.

“Jadzia, I am feeling much better this morning, there is no need too-”

“Ben went catatonic during an outing,” said Jadzia after swallowing a rather large mouthful of food.

“Did he now?” said Julian, with an air of confusion and interest.

Everyone went silent, everyone was staring. Jake most of all.

His dad hadn’t said a word about this to him. Was this the reason his dad had been stress cooking? A second ago Jake would have loved any reason for him to no longer be his dad’s source of stress, but now he wasn’t so sure. Catatonic? Was his dad ill?

“Perhaps, Doctor, this is something to be discussed later. In private,” said Ben, calmly but forcefully, and taking a sip of coffee.

“Yes, of course,” replied Julian.

The rest of the meal was eaten in an atmosphere of tension, but they honored Ben’s request for privacy. Jake’s hands became clammy with worry. But eventually, everyone was full and relatively happy, and soon, jobs were being assigned.

Ben, Jadzia, and Miles would go check any rooms they still had access too. Daytime it may be, but populated the estate is not, even with guests. Any room not being cleaned out was not in use. Julian soon ran after them.

Jake and Nog would collect herbs and other plant material that were hard to reach for the expecting Keiko. Supplies that were found deep in bushes, on top of a tall stem of a flowering plant, or up a wall of ivy, for example. Alex was to rest. He could watch his friends, but he was not allowed to use his leg. This meant sitting on a spool and napping, because watching other people gather random shit from a garden isn’t the most exciting pastime.

“Why didn’t you want me to mention the girl to Alex?” Nog cried up to Jake who was a few inches above him, after making sure Alex was asleep.

They were gathering baby leaves that were just sprouting from the top of a overgrown bush. The leaves actually belonged to a vine that had snaked its way through the bush to reach sunlight, only to have its leaves plucked by two humans. Keiko had instructed them to leave some leaves so that the plant would survive.

“It wasn’t Alex I didn’t want hearing about last night. It was everyone else,” said Jake. “You can tell him now if you like.”

Nog glanced down at Alex, who was keeping cool under the shade of a large leaf, while his friends roasted in the sun. He was also still sleeping, his leg elevated slightly on a cushion. “I won’t disturb him. he needs to rest to recover,” said Nog, adjusting his bandana. Today’s was yellow.

Jake looked up at the sky, wiping the sweat from his brow. And as he glanced down, his eyes passed by the house and fell upon a window. In the window was a figure - the girl. She was looking out over the garden, and for a moment Jake flinched, before realizing that he couldn’t be seen from this distance. A small part of him wished he could. That part of him was forming a devious plan. And that part of him dropped his knife.

“What the hell, Jake? That nearly hit me!” cried Nog.

“Sorry about that! Do you think you could get it back for me? You’re closer to the ground!” asked Jake, giving Nog a pleading smile. Nog huffed, grumbling a “fine” and proceeded downward.

Once Nog was out of site, Jake scrambled over the bush towards the house. The edge of the thick bush was about half a foot from the vines the snakes up the gutter drain. Half a foot was about Jake’s height, and he could normally jump that distance, but a bush wasn’t the best jumping-off material.

Determination won over common sense and he leaped, hugging the first piece of vine that he could. The impact jarred him but he didn’t have time to waste and started climbing. The window was only, on the second floor… Nog was sure to discover his absence at any moment. Would he now personally try to stop him? Or go fetch his father…

—-

Ben was pacing the floor as Jadzia and Miles watched. He had been at this for five minutes. Julian had pronounced him in full health, and couldn’t find anything wrong. That didn’t mean nothing was. Jadzia and Miles still worried.

“I’ve changed my mind,” said Ben, looking up at Miles and then to Jadzia. “I must go investigate this object. And as soon as possible. Now in fact.”

“Now!?” said Jadzia and Miles in unison.

“Ben, the room is guarded! It’s broad daylight!” objected Jadzia.

“Sir, if I may speak candidly...” Miles didn’t wait for permission. “This is a bad fucking idea. Last night, you said it was none of our concern.”

That made Ben falter momentarily. He should berate Miles for that. He should also listen to hi friends. They were right. But he was more right. He needed, more than anything in the world, to see the object.

“I was wrong. Based on new information, I believe it is of great concern,” said Ben.

“What new information could you possibly have gotten since you fell last night?” asked Miles.

Ben walked over to the wall; there was a small hole in it where he could look out into the hallway. He watched a Bajoran butler walk by before replying. What could he say? His new information was his gut. At least, he thought it was. His drama said it was important, but with Jadzia already fearing for his sanity, he wasn’t about to mention his dream. He didn’t want to think about the dream, how real the hands felt around him, so large and imposing, hands that could crush him instantly. How had his dreams conjured such realistic hands? He had never been caught.

“I can’t reveal my sources,” lied Ben. “But if I wait, it might be too late. I don’t know how long the object will be there. I’m going.”

“We’re going,” said Jadzia, picking up her gear.

“You don’t need to take this risk, Jadzia,” said Ben.

“I’m not letting you go alone. And even if you did, the risk is never just to yourself, It’s always to all of us, so I’m going,” said Jadzia, placing a hand on Ben’s shoulder. It was tense. “And so is Miles.”

They both stared at Miles, who hadn’t made a move. Then he picked up a climbing hook, put on his gear harness, and pulled his goggles over his eyes. “Of course I’m coming.”

Ben’s shoulders relaxed. Slightly. “First, we need to see how the room is guarded.”

---

It took a little longer than Nog expected to retrieve the knife. It had landed on its hilt and bounced a ways away. By the time he was climbing back up, Jake was nowhere to be found. Jake hadn’t climbed back down, so he must be above. Nog continued to climb, and his head popped out of the dense leaves, and he looked around.

There were several tall stems shooting out of the bush with flowers and young leaves, but Jake was not perched at any of them. Where could he have gone? He had to get a better vantage point. He chose a flower and started climbing.

Eventually he was high up enough to scan the area. He found Jake, and he nearly lost his grip. He didn’t, instead he drew out a concave mirror.

---

Jake had to swing to get up on the slanted ledge that extended below the window, and once up there he sat down. While he was catching his breath, he looked out over the garden. It was stunning from this high up. Overgrown? Yes. Full of amazing and colorful plants? Also yes. Did a light suddenly shine in his eye? Yes.

The blindness was only for a moment as the light flashed in his face and he looked for the source, which didn’t take long. As he suspected, Nog had returned and found he was, and was furiously signaling to him.

Jake took it as a signal to get moving.

Nog made a split second decision. He couldn’t catch up to Jake. He had to get help.

---

Three pairs of eyes peered through a very small crack in the ceiling, down at the closed door. There was one guard standing right in front of it. They had a rifle, n. Not that a phaser was a threat to a human, being such a small target. But they were alert.

“Ok., Now the room itself,” Ben whispered, as they traveled through the ceiling. As they neared the area over the room, muffled voices reached their ears. This ceiling had no faults; they had to go to the ground. There was a broken wall socket that they could peek out of. Once lower down, the voices became audible.

“And the Bajorans will trade for this? It’s a lump of rock!” someone spat. The voice was Cardassian.

“It isn’t a lump of rock. A common mistake. It’s more energy than matter, and it is sacred to them. They would give almost anything to have it back,” said another voice, also Cardassian.

“They are demanding reparations. This isn’t the time to be demanding things from them,” insisted the first voice.

Ben and company reached the wall socket and looked out. Their vantage point was from the wall on the left of the table. Two Cardassian men were arguing in front of the table. They were dressed in fine clothing of the latest fashion, faces painted and wearing a few pieces of jewelry, all tasteful. A third Cardassian, a guard, was in front of the door, positioned exactly as the other guard.

“Reparations! What a load of crap. The damage they did to all our infrastructure is worth more than what they could hope to take from us now. We are at a ceasefire at best. A long one, yes, but still a ceasefire. They are desperate; they will want this... this Orb, or whatever. I was assured this.”

“By whom?”

“My dear, I cannot compromise with them, but it was a Vedek,” the Cardassian chuckled, “Their religion is almost as important to them as their autonomy, and for some, for many, it is more important.”

“If you are right, then you may have my support. Now, the luncheon is about to start.”

The guard knocked on the door, which was opened by the one outside. All three Cardassians exited. Before the guard shut the door, he placed a hand on a terminal, which had not been there last night. It flashed a confirmation that the room was secure.

“Miles?” asked Sisko.

“I dunno about politics, sir, not since the revolution ended. Been focused on my family you know,” said Miles.

“No, Chief,” said Ben, using Miles’ resistance codename which had become a friendly nickname. “This room has security. Are the special features of your goggles still operational?”

“Yes sir,” said Miles, blushing, but also proud that his cobbled together tech held up so well. He flipped through different modes. After a minute, he smiled. “Sensors on the windows, the door. Motion detectors at 2 decimeters above the ground, making a 2 square decimeter grid. We will have to crawl, but we won’t be detected. OH!” he cried out as his vision went white. “That might be a problem. A life signs detector. It might register us as rodentia and not trigger an alarm, but we can’t tell until it happens.”

“Those detectors never saw us during the resistance. Lead the way, Chief,” said Ben.

Pushing against the wall socket made enough of a gap for the three humans to squeeze through and onto the floor. Miles got them to the table and made sure to have each of them stand up inside a square, and to be careful not to move too much in any horizontal.

None of them could possibly throw a hook that high. But Miles, ever resourceful, had a hook launcher.

“It makes a bit of noise. Are you sure?” he asked, taking it out.

Ben took it. “Point and click?”

“Yes sir,” said Miles.

Ben angled it slightly. A small POP, and it shot up, arcing a bit before hitting the table and snagging the tablecloth. He freed the end of the rope from the launcher and motioned for Jadzia. She carefully entered his square.

“Hold the rope steady,” he instructed. “Don’t let it swing out. When I’m above the sensor grid, cut it.” He began to climb. Once it was cut, the going wasn’t as smooth. He was swinging, but the hook held. He made it onto the table. A black hexagonal cylinder of a box stood before him like a mighty obelisk. He must see what was inside. He ran to the front. It was closed, but not locked. It had a clasp.

“Chief?” said Jadzia, looking worried. “We can’t tell if the box has security, can we?”

“Shit.” said Miles, “We can’t, and even if we could, how would we tell him?”

They could only stand and look up at the table, with no clue as to the goings on top.

---

Jake had reached the window. It was open, but had a mesh screen to keep out bugs. He stayed by the corner as he glanced in. The girl, Ziyal, wasn’t in the bed; instead she was at the small table, reading a book. She was in a nice, but simple dress in the Cardassian style. And she wasn’t alone. Beside her, a grumpy looking Bajoran woman, with short red-brown hair and in a plain uniform. Her legs and arms were crossed. Jake watched as the girl tried to make small talk, but soon gave up.

After a few minutes, the woman got up. Someone was at the door - another Bajoran woman, this one dressed in a maid’s attire. She brought in a tray of food and drink, enough for one person, and set it down on the table.

“I take it I am not to join the lunch?” asked Ziyal, setting her book in her lap. It was hard to tell, but she sounded a bit disappointed.

“No ma’am,” said the uniformed woman, who remained standing, her arms still crossed. “But your father has requested that I be in attendance.”

“I promise not to cause any trouble,” said Ziyal, pouring herself some tea, accepting her lonely lunch.

“You do that just by existing, ma’am,” said the Bajoran, who stiffened at her own harsh words, but she glanced around.

Jake became aware that he was no longer in the corner, but leaning against the mesh, and jumped back to concealment. The Bajoran hadn’t seen him and continued. “And if you do, it will be my neck on the line.” She leaned in close to Ziyal. “You would do best to remember that.”

“It’s nice, not having the room bugged,” said Ziyal. “I wonder if they forgot, or didn’t bother.”

Without another word, the Bajoran left, her tail held stiff to keep it from swishing with frustration. As she exited, Jake moved in front of the window again, not as far as he had let himself before, still in the corner. Ziyal was reading her book again.

---

Ben only reached for the clasp when it unclasped itself and the box swung open.

The incomprehensible was inside, until it shifted, and shifted again, until it took a form that human eyes could handle. It did look a bit like a rock, with its jagged hourglass shape, but it was suspended in the box, and slowly revolving as edges constantly shifted, giving off an intense light.

---

Nog had figured out where Ben was, and had thrown caution to the wind. He was behind the wall socket, and he lifted it up, jumping out and running to Jadzia and Miles as he shouted “Mr. Sisko!”

Jadzia and Miles spun around in terror, “Nog, no!” shouted Jadzia. It was too late. Even so short, Nog had passed through a sensor as he leapt, and the alarm was beeping.

---

The alarm was beeping, the door was opening, but Ben didn’t notice, because for him, time had stopped.

From behind the box walked humans. All of them resistance members that had died. Jennifer led the pack, and took his hands. Instantly, she was gone and he found himself underground, a cavern lit with fairy lights. A resistance compound. No danger, this was an abandoned human colony, now a base. He was eating rations alone in a mess hall. But he was not alone for long.

“Mind if I join you?” Jennifer asked. Ben couldn’t answer. But she sat down. “I’ve seen you here, at this table before. You usually eat with friends, where are they?”

“Jennifer,” Ben finally said.

“That’s my name. How do you know it?” She began eating her rations.

“I- this- this isn’t possible,” said Ben. This was the day he first met Jennifer. She had given him company, which he sorely needed, as his comrades were off on missions. She had taken his mind off worrying about his friends for a few moments. But those few moments turned into daily, then for every meal, even when his friends (most of them, at least) returned.

“You got closer, but there is danger,” she said. Her food was gone. His was too.

“What are you talking about?”

“You must get closer,” she said.

Then she was gone. In her place was Jake; they were sitting on the roof of the mansion. Jake was looking up at the sky.

“Do you ever wonder what’s out there?” Jake asked.

It was a cool night, not unusual, but he remembered this moment. It was from a few years ago.

“You know what is out there,” Ben recited the words, which he had said before. “The Cardassians are out there.”

“But what about beyond them? Surely there is more,” said Jake. “There is more, closer than we even know.”

Ben took a chance that this was not Jake. “How do we do that?” he asked.

Jake looked at him, and then back up. Just like on that night, a ship streaked across the sky.

“What is out there?” asked Ben. “What will I find?”

“You. We. Us,” said Jake.

Ben stood up. He wanted to shake the thing that was not Jake, but he couldn’t, because he was also so clearly Jake.

“How do I find you?”

Jake looked out over the roof. Something was moving across it.

Ben was back standing before the object. The light was less intense now, the room around him was a dulled and fuzzy. That something from the roof was there too.

A large black snake was slithering from behind the box, and it reared up, hissing, mouth wide open, the inside of the mouth was as indiscernible as the object had first been. Ben was helpless to move as it lunged at him, engulfing him in darkness. He was suspended in a black void for a second before once again finding himself in the hands of a Bajoran dressed in religious regalia. It was holding him over the table. The box was open, empty. In his own hands was the object, small enough for him to hold. It hurt, the edges were sharp. His hand had cuts, but they weren’t bleeding.

“Danger, we cannot allow this,” said the Bajoran. It walked away from the table, and Ben looked down. He saw, frozen in time, Jadzia and Miles, gesturing at something across the room. It was Nog, who was running towards them.

The Bajoran walked over to Nog and placed Ben next to him. The walk had no gate, there was no feeling of movement at all, even as it lowered him down.

And time started again. He only had a moment to act, the door was opening.

“RUN!” he bellowed, praying he would not be heard above the alarm.

Nog stumbled, as far as he knew, Ben had teleported to him, and was now pulling him into the wall. Jadzia and Miles were running towards them.

The guards burst into the room, but their eyes didn’t look down. They were puzzled momentary by the lack of an intruder. Then they noticed, the box was open. The Orb was gone.

The humans were out of the room as they heard the guards shout with anger and despair. Ben slipped the object into his bag. The small cuts on his hands were now dripping with blood. They stung, but he couldn’t do anything about that right now. They couldn’t stay here, the guards would be back to search the room. So they swiftly moved to a wall space a few rooms down. Here there was silence, and it was cool.

Miles rounded on Nog, about to give him a piece of his mind, but Ben beat him to it. Or so he thought. “Nog?” asked Ben, not angry. Nog could not have known about the sensors. The fact that Nog was here could only mean one thing.

“Where is Jake?”

---

Without putting her book down, her teacup at her lips, Ziyal glanced over to the window.

Right at Jake.

“Oh, it’s you again,” she said, smiling. “You’re back.”

------------------------

Thanks for reading! Please reblog. I’ve also uploaded it to AO3 so you can leave comments and kudos!

[Special thanks to @j0hnny0hm for proofreading this monster and knowing nothing about DS9]

#star trek #star trek ds9 #deep space nine #star trek fanfiction #the borrowers

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