#but then i found it in two different stores for an affordable price? and uh

[kostektyw]

so i know a few month ago i promised myself i would not turn into an anime figure collector, but the fact i just bought my third anime figure ever Does Not break that promise, i swear (:°з」 ∠)

[bucksfucks]

           amorosa // steve rogers

         chapter two: seal the deal

    chapter one // chapter two // chapter three

                    chapter four // chapter five

              ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

                             main masterlist

summary || after setting up a date with steve you fight back the urge to bail on account of your nerves. an agreement is reached and despite all odds, steve makes you feel relaxed and calm before you’re welcoming him back to your apartment after the night is almost over.

pairing || sugar daddy!steve x reader

word count || 3,111 words

warnings || financial struggles, sugar daddy dynamics, undefined age gap, unprotected sex, fingering, oral, heavy daddy kink, praise kink, size kink, dirty talk — 18+ ONLY//MINORS DNI

     You didn't know what to expect. You had never done something like this before. 

     As you rummaged through your closet, groaning at the struggle of finding something decent for tonight. You didn't own anything that would match what Steve was wearing, you barely had time to go out as it is.

    Not to mention your financial situation didn't exactly let you splurge on the finer things in life, your phone screen had been cracked for over half a year. You'd been meaning to get it fixed, but you could never justify dropping more than a hundred dollars on something that still technically worked. 

    Your mind flashed back to when Steve dropped the hundred on the bar like it was nothing. Suddenly you felt self-conscious, knowing you weren't nearly good enough to be going out with a man like Steve Rogers, Vice President of Stark Industries. 

    Professional or not, people would be talking and giving you odd glances. 

    You settled on a comfortable, sleek pair of straight cut pants and a simple blouse. Steve had decided on a steakhouse, a steakhouse of all places for a single drink as he put it last night. Another groan as you slipped on the uncomfortable and only pair of heels you owned. 

    A simple black open-toed shoe matched your outfit enough before you grabbed your purse, slinging it over your shoulder. 

    The Uber would be here soon enough and while spending thirty dollars on a car ride to a place you'd have to try not to stick out like a sore thumb, the subway in heels just wasn't an option. 

    The entire ride there your leg couldn't stop bouncing, no matter how much you willed yourself to calm down, nothing seemed to help as you left the modest looking part of the city only to enter into an entirely different world. 

    Luxury brand stores lined the streets, expensive cars parked at their side as your stomach flipped at some of the sights. 

    You didn't fit in here, you were sure your driver was just as confused as you as they kept driving deeper into the city. 

    "Have a good night," he bid you as you thanked him, shutting the car door and letting the late summer breeze billow around you as you looked up at the restaurant in front of you. 

    Bluefin read in a fluorescent blue light as you shook your head, laughing at the ridiculous situation you were in. You pulled at the door, it was heavy and tall before a hostess prompted you. 

    "Do you have a reservation with us, miss?" She asked, eying you up and down as if she knew that you were a fraud, like you didn't belong; and she wasn't wrong. 

    "I uh, have one with Mr. Rogers." You stumbled over your words trying to sound as confident as possible. She nodded her head politely, asking you to follow her before she swiftly turned to lead you through the maze of tables. 

    You took in your surroundings, the dozens of chandeliers hanging from the ceiling to the gold plated booths and shimmering table legs. It was safe to say that this place was way out of your comfort zone. 

    "Mr. Rogers, your guest for the evening," she spoke sweetly, throwing you a small smile as Steve got up to greet you. He placed a kiss on each of your cheeks, the action causing your body to flush as his beard grazed your skin. 

    He smelled exactly like he did last night, though this time it wasn't as subtle. He smelled fresh and clean and you could get lost in those same dashing blue eyes again.

    "I'm glad to see you again." Steve smiles, helping you into the booth before sliding in beside you. It was a very intimate space, his shoulder pressed against your as you placed your purse beside you. 

    Two menus were already placed in front of you, two glasses of water alongside a pitcher in the middle as you fiddled with your thumbs in your lap. Could he tell how nervous you were? 

    "It's nice to see you too," you managed to finally spit out as Steve smiled sweetly, he turned his body slightly so he was facing you, "this place has great seafood, I really recommend the crab cakes." 

    Your eyes lit up at the word food, you had been so nervous that it had barely crossed your mind. A waiter soon approached the table, "can I get you guys anything to drink?" 

    You felt like it should be you serving Steve, instead you just shook your head, "I'm okay with just water." You answered truthfully before Steve smirked. 

    "We'll take a bottle of champagne for the table, preferably rosé from 2012." It sounded like he was speaking an entirely different language. To you, wine was wine, if it got you drunk, it was good. 

    The waiter nodded his head, turning around to leave you both alone. You took a sip of your water when you noticed just how dry your throat was. Steve opened his menu and you followed suit before your eyes ran down the various dishes. 

     Everything sounded good and you heard your stomach grumble at the thought of the crab cakes and maybe even the butternut squash ravioli. Then your eyes ran to the prices, your heart palpated at the thought of them. 

    "Dinner's on me tonight, get whatever you'd like." It's like Steve had heard your internal monologue and decided to put an end to it. You were thankful for that, a wave of relief washing over you as his soft features made you feel safe. 

    "Thank you, really. I don't think I've ever eaten anywhere nearly this fancy," you joked, hoping the humour would absolve you of your awkwardness. Steve chuckled, low and deep as the waiter came with the champagne. 

    It was popped then poured into the flutes and placed in ice before Steve picked his up. 

    "To new beginnings," he spoke. You picked up yours, "to new beginnings," you repeated his words, gently clinking the two glasses together before taking a sip. 

    You had never been a fan of champagne, but this one wasn't too dry nor was it too sweet. It was light and fruity and soon enough you knew it would be enough to quell the nerves. 

    When the food arrived at the table, the conversation seemed to flow much more naturally. Steve didn't say much, asking a question and letting you answer as he got to know you. You found yourself sneaking subtle glances in his direction, admiring his side profile or just how close he was to you. 

    As the bottle of champagne was nearly empty, you felt much lighter as giggles fell past your lips. You had leaned into Steve a little more as the night progressed, his large hand falling to your thigh. 

    "So," the faint echo of your giggle was still heard as Steve's expression turned to a much more serious one. "I think we should discuss our… business opportunity." And just like that, you had sobered up. 

    You nodded your head as Steve cleared his throat. 

    "I'd like for you to join me for things like these. Dinner, company events, fundraisers, yearly ski trips to the alps, you know, the boring stuff." You nearly guffawed at his words. The boring stuff? A trip to the alps? Boring? You could barely believe it. 

    Still, you nodded your head, a silent sign for him to continue. 

    "In return, I'll take care of all your bills and expenses. You'll have plenty of petty cash, we'll call it," he smirked. "All I ask is for your company." He concludes and you swallow, taking it all in. 

    "When you say company, do you mean… " You trailed off, not sure how to delicately ask him if he wanted to fuck you or not. 

    Steve leaned in, his face inches from yours as he squeezed your thigh, "that's exactly what I mean, Princess." 

    The pet-name caused your stomach to somersault as your breath got hitched in your throat. You're not sure if it was the alcohol coursing through your veins or if this was just the effect he had on people. 

    Probably a mix of both. 

    Whatever it was, it caused you to wring your hands in his collar as you crashed your lips onto his. He didn't hesitate, not even for a second as his hands went to cup your face. The kiss left you breathless, spinning, and feeling like you were floating. 

    "Is that a yes?" He asks cheekily and you can't find the words, all you can do is nod your head before Steve is forced to drop your face as the waiter brings him the check. 

    You readjust yourself in your seat, one leg on top of the other as you close your eyes to steady your breathing. 

    Steve grabbed his leather wallet, pulling out a flashy black credit card and handing it to the poor man doing his job without any regard. You bit your lip at the interaction, someone with his money and power, it made the throbbing between your legs only worse. 

    "Let me drive you home." Steve whispered meeting your eyes as you nodded, "oh it's okay, I can just take the train back." You said politely and while you didn't want to, you sure as hell couldn't afford another Uber trip. 

    It's not like you didn't want to take him up on his offer either, truthfully, you weren't sure how you were going to react all alone with Steve. 

    You don't fuck on the first date, but for Steve, hell you'd let him take you in the bathroom of this restaurant. God knows it's probably better maintained than your building. 

    "Please? I don't want you alone on the train at this hour, you'd have me worrying all night and I don't think you'd wanna upset me like that." There was a sultry undertone in his words as his lips twitched into a smirk. 

    You nodded your head, "yes, okay, thank you Steve." 

    When you stepped into the now cool late night summer air a shiver ran down your spine as the valet went to grab Steve's car. You stayed silent, kicking a pebble with your toe as you tried your best not to shiver. 

    You felt Steve drape his suit jacket over your shoulders, "chilly night, huh?" He joked, as you hugged it around yourself. This man was full of secrets, secrets you wanted to learn to lock away in your own mind. 

    "Here you are Mr. Rogers, have a great night." The valet said, acknowledging you both as he opened the passenger side door for you. You slipped into the warm car, an Audi, you recognized the four rings on the steering wheel as Steve got in. 

    The car was quiet, city nose becoming nonexistent as he put it in drive. 

    "Where am I going?" He asked, pulling out of the restaurant parking lot and into the bustling New York City streets. 

    "Queens," you said, admiring the lights outside of your window as Steve chuckled, "no way, I grew up in Brooklyn." Steve commented as you turned your head. 

    That surprised you. A guy like him? From Brooklyn? You guess you should've known by his subtle accent, but it made you smile as Steve continued his way to your apartment. 

    "Well, uh, thank you for dinner, Steve. Really, it was the best food of my life." You chuckled as he returned your smile. "It was my pleasure, you're good company." He joked, squeezing your thigh as a new wave of arousal running through you. 

    You both sat in somewhat awkward silence as you grabbed your keys from your bag, clutching them in your hand. 

    "Do you maybe wanna come up for a cup of coffee? Or tea? I don't really have much to offer." You chuckled, as he smiled, “that sounds lovely." 

    Steve followed you to the front of your building, the old, paint chipped door creaking open before you pressed the elevator button that only illuminated on good days. 

    Today was not that day. 

    You tapped your foot as you watched the numbers descent until the L appeared on the small screen, the bell dinging. You got into it silently, the only sound was your heels against the stained flooring and the electrical whirring of the elevator. 

    Steve kept a respectable distance, his shoulder brushing yours as the elevator car moved up to the eleventh floor. 

    You stuck your key into your lock, jamming it upwards as you fiddled to find the sweet spot before you managed to push the door open, "home sweet home." 

    The apartment was small, a little over five-hundred square feet, but it was more than enough for you. You decorated it with plants and art you'd find at your local markets. It felt cozy and like home, but you knew it was nothing compared to what Steve was used to. 

    You didn't bother turning on any of the main lights, a small light in the kitchen was all you needed as you were finally able to kick off your heels. You dropped to your true height, having to crane your neck upwards to meet Steve's eyes. 

    It was in this moment that you realized just how massive he was. Broad shoulders and long legs held him upright as his now darkened eyes looked you up and down. You had forgotten all about the coffee as you felt his gaze all over you. 

    "You look stunning," he whispered, stepping closer to you. "Words just don’t do justice." He added, snaking an arm around your waist. 

    "Let me show you just how beautiful you are to me." He breathed, mouth close to your ear as you gasped, nodding your head. 

    "Oh, Steve, please." You whimpered, your hands going to rest on his shoulders as he pulled you flush against his body. You could feel him hardening through his dress pants, pressed tightly against your hip. 

    "Call me Daddy tonight, Princess." Steve purred as your stomach flipped before his lips were back on yours. He tasted like the remnants of the champagne as his tongue explored your mouth. 

    "Daddy," you gasped, his lips working his way down your neck as he pushed you further into your apartment. You yelped when he tossed you onto the bed, the moonlight streaming through your curtains and onto the sheets. 

    "That's my good girl, you're bein' so good for Daddy." His praise sends goosebumps over your skin as his fingers begin working on your blouse. You can sense the urgency in his actions, both of your hands having one goal in mind; remove any and all clothing. 

    You barely have any time to stop and admire Steve's build. He's toned, lean and fit and you already love the faint chest hair as he works on your bra. It's discarded soon after, your panties being yanked off before Steve's standing naked in front of you. 

    "Fuck," it's a breath that falls from Steve's lips as he's right back on top of you. His nose traces down your chest, his mouth paying equal attention to both of your nipples before his mouth is floating above where you need him most. 

    Neatly decorated hair covers your mound as Steve places your legs over his large shoulders, spreading you open in front of him as he lets out a low groan. 

    "Princess, you're so wet. Is this all for me? Is this why you've been so squirmy during dinner?" He smirks, his question rhetorical as he uses his fingers to spread your lips open. 

    Your hips are bucking, fists around your sheets as you whine. Steve's tongue is wide and warm against you when it finally connects with you. A lewd moan slips past your lips when he swirls it tightly around your clit. 

    The attention to detail is mind blowing, his fingers slowly slipping inside of you as he works you open. There's nowhere in the world you'd rather be than right here with Steve's face buried between your thighs. 

    "You taste so sweet, Princess." He hums, moaning around you as your fingers tangle in his once neatly styled hair. You tug on the locks, a low groan in response that spreads warmth through your body. 

    "Daddy, pl-please, wanna cum." You're lost in the sensation of his fingers scissoring you open, his tongue flicking tight figure-eights over your clit. 

    "Cum for Daddy, Princess, cum all over my face." He growls, curling his fingers deep inside of you, breaking the coil as your back arches off the bed. 

    You feel like you've just ran a marathon, lungs aching for oxygen, and he hadn't even gotten his cock yet. 

    "Hands and knees, Princess. Show Daddy your ass," he growls, flipping you over as you prop yourself up on shaky knees. You're mewling, wanton and burning to feel how his cock will fill you up. 

    The bed shifts under Steve’s weight as his fingers dig lightly into the flesh of your waist, positioning your hips as his cock nudges your entrance. 

    “You think you’re ready for my cock, Princess?” He taunts as you wiggle your hips against him as he chuckles deeply from within his chest before slowly sinking into you. 

    You both moan at the sensation, your warm walls gripping around him as he stretches you out.��

    “Takin’ Daddy’s cock so well Princess—fuck, feels so good.” Steve grunts, his hips snapping against yours with a force that has you falling face first into the pillows. 

    His one hand goes to rest between your shoulder blades, keeping you planted firmly against the bed as he fucks you deep into your worn out mattress. 

    Your moans are muffled, you're thankful for the position considering your walls are paper thin and you'd rather not have your eighty-five year old neighbour Darleen hear about the mind-blowing sex you were currently engaged in. 

    "You gonna cum for Daddy again? Make a mess over his cock, hmm?" He whispers in your ear, voice hoarse and gravelly as your toes curl and you're cumming again for him. 

    Steve pulls out, fisting his cock in his hands before you're feeling his hot cum painting your back as you're reeling at the aftershocks of your orgasm. 

    You're pulled out of your post-orgasmic bliss when you feel Steve cleaning you up with what? You don't care, you'd do laundry tomorrow, throw it away, all you wanted was to feel Steve's arms around you. 

    He falls back into bed with you, his gentle eyes meeting yours as he chuckles, "if that doesn't seal the deal, I don't know what will."

tagging // @jennmurawski13 | @nakedrogers

any and all feedback is always appreciated! <3

[fangirlovestuff]

littera scripta manet - steve rogers x reader

a/n - hey lovely people!! first of all, this is based on a moodboard by the amazing @cloudystevie​, which inspired this whole fic, thank you!! the picture above is how i imagined steve in this one, but you can imagine him however you want:) also, there’s a list of meanings of the flowers i mention at the end because i’m a sucker for the language of flowers (the flowers are in bold in the fic). i love the dark academia aesthetic and i hope i did it justice:) enjoy!!<3

title means ‘the written letter remains’

summary: unlike you, steve doesn’t have a problem admitting to himself he has feelings for his best friend. that’s what makes it so painful when it seems like you don’t.

word count: 7k (oops?)

warnings / tags: friends to lovers, Pining™ , angst with a happy ending, as slow burn as a one shot can be, an obnoxious amount of clichés but i’m not sorry, no plot just vibes (i mean there’s like,,, some plot i guess), the songs/quotes i used in this aren’t mine!!!

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You watched as the morning mist slowly faded, the sun showing it away. You watched as the curtains fluttered against the touch of a delicate wind. You watched as the sparks of dawn came to life under the sky's watchful eye. You watched the tree beneath your window in the glory of its blossom.

You turned your body in the other direction, the one facing not the east window but the bed. And there, beside you, you watched as he stirred hazily, his body still clad in yesterday's clothes, huffing out a quiet breath before his eyelashes fluttered open to reveal the pair of familiar blue eyes.

You watched, and his eyes told you the most amazing story – his look was disoriented, then bewildered, and then, well, the most gorgeous smile stretched onto his features, and it told the rest – love, and hope, and home.

That story is the one I will tell you today.

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The first day of school was always a straining one. All the way from elementary school to high school, it was a constant in your life.

There was, however, one more constant. Your best friend.

Steve Rogers was truly the most wonderful of boys.

You two met when you were very young, your mothers getting along well, so you had no choice but to do so as well. And you did get along, splendidly. You became fast friends, not stopping even when his other friends were telling him about 'girl germs' or when your other friends were constantly asking if you wanted him to be your boyfriend, or if he was. What you and Steve had transcended it, in a way.

You grew together, and you watched as Steve Rogers became the most wonderful of men. He was your best friend, and you loved him with your whole heart. Platonically, of course.

You smiled at him fondly as the both of you stepped into your new college, in through the big iron gates. As far as you looked there was grass, trees, flowers. The big cobblestone building stood tall in the distance, and if you listened carefully, you could hear the chatter of students above the sound of the wind that was gently ruffling your uniform skirt.  

"Excited?" Steve asked, smiling back at you.

"Nervous," you let out a quiet laugh.

"You shouldn't be," he answered, "look at this place!" he gestured around, "you fit right in here with all the-" he cut himself off, closing his mouth before continuing, "you fit right in!"

"Yeah, maybe. This place is just… dreamy," you smiled. "But that doesn't stop me from being nervous."

"Well, you have no reason to be," he took your hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly.

You hoped he was right. You never liked being far away from home, but this school was truly the school of your dreams, and well, with Steve by your side… you could never be that far away from home.

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Adjusting was… an experience, certainly. This school was like nothing you've known before, the uniform seemed a bit excessive, the school halls were so incredibly long, and the grounds so vast you could barely see the outside. And yet, it felt like something about this place was magical. Like it accepted you right in, it wanted you to be there. The library was huge, and you've already spent countless hours digging away for course related materials and, well, less course related materials. The vast grounds meant you could walk out every day in a different direction, if you wanted to, and find a new hidden treasure.

You shared your thoughts with Steve when you discovered one of these treasures together. It was fairly early evening, you two had just gotten out of class and were walking off the long day you've had, and you suddenly came across some high rose bushes. Steve tried to see what was on the other side of them, but it was too tall even for him, so you circled around and found a small, rusty gate. You went through it to discover a small fountain, with a marble statue of a mermaid in the center.

You gasped in delight, unable to contain yourself from running to kneel on the grass next to it, looking into the water curiously. Dipping your hand in tentatively, you shivered at the touch of the chilly water, and immediately took out your hand, massaging it in your other one to warm it up.

Steve laughed as he finally caught up with you, not running but walking calmly. He dipped his hand in the water as well, before raising his brow mischievously. Before you could ask him what's going on, he took his hand out of the water and sprayed the cold droplets of water right on your face.

"Steven Grant Rogers!" you said, shocked, "You did not just do that," you glared at him.

"You know what, you're right," he began shuffling away, "I didn't," he stood up with a cheeky smile as you continued to glare at him, "It was a happy accident."

"Oh I'll show you happy accident!" you couldn't contain your laughter anymore as you dipped your hand in the water again, getting up to chase him around the little garden. He managed to evade you for a bit, and then you finally caught up to him, placing your cold hand right on the back of his neck. He turned around, making him lose his balance and fall down onto the grass, which in turn made you topple over him, stopping your fall with your hands just when you were about to fall onto his chest.

"Alright, I surrender!" he lifted his hands up.

"Good," you smirked.

There was a moment where you just stared into each other's eyes, each sparkling with a smile. It was broken when Steve asked, "Well, can I, uh, get up now?"

You noticed you ended up straddling his hips, which you then fumbled to undo, standing back up hastily. You dusted your skirt a little awkwardly, avoiding Steve's eyes as he got up too. You didn't even know why you were feeling so awkward. You've had plenty of play fights with Steve, there was no reason for this one to be different.

But Steve just extended his arm to you, like he did on the first day you were here. You took it, and just like that, you were fine again.

"Do you know, Stevie, I think there's something magical about this school," you told him as you were walking.

"Really? Why do you think that?"

"Well, the library's huge a-"

Steve burst into laughter, and once it died down a little, he said, "I'm sorry, it's just so… like you to say a big room full of books is magical. It's true, don't get me wrong," he said before you could get annoyed, "but I feel like no one but you would have vocalized that truth."

"Well then, lucky I'm here," you smiled.

"Yeah," he said softly, "very lucky."

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About a month later it turned out the school holds a ball twice a year, at the start of winter and at the end of spring, right before the school year ends. At first you were a little shocked, but you quickly warmed up to the idea, given that it was very much on brand with everything else in the school.

You did obviously make more friends than just Steve, so you and your friends went to get dresses together. Roaming between the big expansive stores was fun, but after a while you all realized it wasn't very affordable, and not really your style. You wandered into a small, secluded second hand shop, where you found the perfect dress – fancy but not overly glamorous, a color that suited you beautifully, and not too bad of a price. It made you feel like a princess, the long skirts shuffling gently behind you as you stepped out of the fitting room to show it to your friends, who were just in love with it as you were and told you to buy it right away.

That night you went home with a dress in your hand and a smile in your heart.

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As the school year progressed, you started picking up and drying different flowers you found on the grounds, keeping them between pages of your notebooks. A bit of a messy hobby at times, but it made you happy.

You were just writing a letter to your family, trying to figure out if and which flower you should attach to it, when you heard a knock on your dorm door.

"Just a second!" you called out before shutting the ink box, putting down the dip pen before getting up and opening your door. There, you found a flustered Steve, smiling at you with a few honeysuckle flowers in his hand.

"I, uh, brought these for you," he said timidly, "I know you collect flowers and I don't think you have some of these yet."

"I don't!" you smiled and took them from Steve's hand, "thank you!"

You ushered him in before putting the honeysuckles on your desk. "What's up?"

"Nothing much," he shrugged. He saw the letter and pen on your desk. "Oh, am I interrupting you? I'm sorry, I could come back later if y-"

"It's alright Stevie," you chuckled, "I was just writing home. Anything you'd want me to tell my family for you?"

"Ummm… hi?" he smiled bashfully and you both laughed.

"Well, that's just too long! I don't have any more place on the page for such eloquent greetings!" you teased.

"Alright, then no, I don't have anything to say to them. I wrote my family a few days ago already, so if you wanted to say anything to them, you'll just have to wait till next time."

"Anyways," you smiled, "did you need anything?"

"Not really," he shook his head, "I just, well, I don't really have a person to go with to, you know, the ball thing, so i-"

"So you want me to set you up?" you giggled. "Is it Ella? Or is it Kathrine?"

"No, let me finish," he half heartedly grumbled. "I was thinking, I wanted to ask you to come with me," he smiled timidly, averting his gaze. After you didn't say anything, he continued, "I mean, I didn't think you had anyone to go with either, and since we've been friends since forever, I thought-"

"No, yeah, that's a great idea!" you spoke up quickly, "Sorry, I just spaced for a moment, I think that'd be great, since no one really asked me and stuff," you shrugged and smiled.

"Great!" he smiled.

"Great," you nodded. You both chuckled, not really knowing what to say.

"I should leave you to get back to your letter," Steve said after a moment. "I'll, um, see you around."

You told him goodbye before shutting the door behind him and sitting back down at your desk. But you found you didn't have it in you to pick up your pen. No, your train of thought was lost, and was now racing a hundred miles per hour, because –

Because why would he ask you. Because he could've asked any other girl and they would've probably said yes, yet the thought of him going with another girl made your stomach drop in a peculiar way. The obvious answer was that it was just about his comfort zone, which you knew Steve was prone to staying in.

Yeah, that's it. It's just comfortable. Familiar.

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The night before the ball, you found yourself tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. At around 2 am, you officially gave up and traded in your pajamas for some more presentable clothes in case someone is also awake, and made your way to the library.

Over the few months you've been here, the library has become somewhat of an escape for you. Sure, it was where you did a large amount of your schoolwork, but it was also the place that allowed you to 'travel' to several magnificent worlds.

You made your way as quietly as you could, picking up one of your favorite classics. It was an old, worn in version of Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo", a book which you vaguely remembered reading in your childhood and, when you stumbled upon it here, fell in love with all over again.

The place was dark, and you wanted to keep it like that, giving you less of a chance to be disturbed by others. You sat down and lit a candle, getting immersed in your book. So immersed, you didn't notice the sound of footsteps coming up behind you.

"I figured I'd find you here," Steve smiled, sitting down on the wooden chair next to yours.

"How come?" you smiled back and closed the book, not before putting a bookmark in it.

"I went up to your room to see if you were still awake because I wanted to show you something. When you didn't answer my knock, I guessed you were either in extremely deep sleep or you were here. And would you look at that, I was right," he smirked.

You chuckled. "What did you want to show me?"

"Come on," he stood up and extended his hand to you, "I can show you right now."

You smiled and followed him as he led you outside, into the chilly night. You shivered slightly as the cold air hit your face. "Steve," you complained, "I wasn't really planning on going outside. I don't have my jacket."

"Oh, right," he said, stopping in his tracks, "sorry. But you could just take mine," he said, while already shrugging it off.

"No, Steve, then you'll get-"

"Come on!" he smiled, wrapping the jacket around your shoulders, "let's go!"

You giggled at his excitement, adjusting his jacket a little before following him further away. He took you somewhere you had shockingly never been before, a small, secluded field of hydrangeas, peaceful in the moonlight. You looked around in awe.

"I knew you'd like it," he smiled. "And look," he gestured upwards, "it's far enough from the building so we can really see the stars."

You looked up and your breath caught in your throat at the sight. He was right. The stars never seemed so many or so bright to you than in the moment.

"See right there? That's Ursa Major, and that-"

You looked to him, and his words faded away in your mind, becoming a low stream of sounds. Everything seemed to become softer, distant, while he flooded your mind.

In that instant, it looked like Steve had the moon in him. Soft, and bright, and beautiful. His pale skin glistened under the moonlight, but when his eyes turned to meet yours, you thought you may have been wrong.

Because in them, you found the stars.

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And there it was, the big night, the night of the ball. You were nearly ready to put on your dress when you heard a knock at your door. You opened it to find Steve there, smiling.

"I just came to check in on you," he said, handing you a few hibiscus flowers. You smiled, taking them from him, your fingers brushing against his.

"Well, I'm doing quite well," you said, and wordlessly invited him in. He followed you inside and shut the door behind him.

"You look great," he said.

"I'm not even wearing my dress yet," you giggled. Squinting, you tried to figure out what about him seemed off to you. Then, when you realized it, you stepped up to him and brought up your hand to fix his shirt collar, which was partly stuffed under his tie. You then rested your hand next to his collarbone, above his heart.

"You look great too," you said softly, smiling a small smile up at him.

"Thanks," he breathed.

"Alright, I better get ready," you chuckled, stepping away from him. "I'll see you there."

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Steve didn't think of himself as a very sophisticated guy. Sure, he was smart enough, but he was no match to you, for example. He wasn't that big on words or analogies.

And yet, when he saw you step down the stairs into the ballroom, his first thought was that you looked like the sun, ethereal and radiant in your beauty, almost blindingly so; your hair was styled in a simple manner, your face stretched in a soft smile as your wonderous eyes roamed around the room. Your dress created an angelic sort of look, and as you gently walked down each step, your hand delicately gliding on the banister, he nearly couldn't believe you were real, that you were making your way to him.

The moment your eyes met his, your smile became bigger, your steps quickened, much like his heartbeat. When you arrived, he extended his arm to you, like he has a habit of doing, and greeted you a soft hello over the sounds of the dainty music.

The night went great, it really did. You two danced together, ate some of the fancy food, laughed. It was… magical. There was one point, when you were swaying together to a slow song, when he thought –

Well, it didn't matter what he thought, didn't it? Because at the end of the night, you didn't wait on him. No, you sneaked out with some guy in the year above you.

Steve wanted to be angry. He couldn't, not at you anyways.

Ever since a year ago, when you found out you were going to the same college, he knew. The relief that washed over him when he heard the news, the gratitude of being able to be by your side – he didn’t understand how he didn't see it sooner.

He assumed, sooner or later, you'd see in him what he sees in you. The sun. Happiness; bright, celestial, divine.

But maybe you can't see what's simply not there.

Steve went to his dorm. He went to sleep, but his nightmares awakened him again and again. Nightmares of losing you. So, without any other choice, at around 5 am he decided to give up and get up, maybe take a shower.

At the moment, it felt like real life wasn't any better than his nightmares. He hoped at some point, that would change.

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"Damien!" you laughed breathlessly as he pulled you through the endless corridors.  

"What?" he chuckled, stopping and turning back towards you, pulling you a little closer to him by your joint hands. You panted a little in an attempt to catch your breath before you spoke.

"Where are we going?"

"Oh, wherever you want to! Just away from that stuffy ballroom," he grinned.

"It wasn't stuffy, I thought it was very pretty!" you defended it with a smile.

"Not as pretty as you," he softly said, bringing his hand to cup your cheek. He's been complimenting you like that since you two met an hour ago at the ball, and well, you were a simple girl; you really wanted him to kiss you right now.

He took a step closer and his hand traveled to your chin, holding it and gently tilting your face up. Just as his lips touched yours, your eyes fluttered shut, allowing yourself to succumb to his embrace, your lips moving against his. You broke apart for air, and you opened your eyes when you remembered.

"Damien," you said, "I just remembered, I was with my friend at the ball and I didn't tell him I was going… can we go back for a second?"

He examined your face for a second before smiling and saying, "Sure. Just for a bit though," he winked.

You made your way back in silence, the sound of your footsteps muffled by the carpets below you. Looking at him from the corner of your eye, you found him looking ahead with a smile. Bashfully, you smiled too, slightly biting your lower lip. Soon enough, you arrived.

Staying close to the ballroom doors, Damien asked you, "Can you see him?"

"I don't think so," you said with a frown, scanning the dancing crowd with your eyes. Steve was tall, usually you were able to easily pick out his frame from any crowd, but you couldn't see him anywhere nearby.

"Well," you said after a couple more moments passed, "he probably realized it and went already," you shrugged.

"In that case," Damien gestured at the exit, "After you, madam."

You giggled and bowed a small bow before exiting, Damien on your heels. You spent the night walking the grounds, talking to each other over the sound of the wind. When it was getting late, he escorted you to your room and gave you a good night's kiss, a perfect gentleman, just like you read about in books.

That night you slept peacefully, no dreams, good or bad, plaguing your consciousness. The next morning you woke up refreshed, ready to take on the day.

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You and Steve were still friends, but something changed. You didn't really see it, too occupied with school and Damien to notice, but there was a shift, a distance that wasn't there before. You still talked, you still hung out from time to time, it just… wasn't the same.

One day, when you were in the library together, one cold February night, Steve asked you a peculiar question.

"What do you think is the best way to tell someone you love them?"

"Why, any Valentine's day plans?" you joked.

"Nothing in particular," he shrugged.

"Well, I think the best way to tell someone you love them is with words. Just… say it, or write it, you know?"

"Yeah, I guess that's nice," he smiled, returning to his book.

"So, who's the lucky lady, huh?" you nudged him with your elbow, "is it Kathrine? Because I'm telling you, I really think if you'd ask h-"

"It's not Kathrine, because it's no one," he cut you off with a chuckle. "It was just a general question."

You never bugged him about it again, quite honestly you forgot about the whole ordeal.

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The months of the winter passed, and lo and behold, the spring settled over you. The winds were less harsh, the flowers were blooming again, the sun was shining brightly. With only a few scattered days of still wintery weather, you mostly studied outside on the grass, maybe under a tree. You were making the best of it, inviting your friends of Damien to study with you too. You felt like bursting into song.

One day, when you and Damien were sitting on the grass, studying together, he picked a rhododendron, sticking it behind your ear. The large flower didn't hold on for long, and fell down after a couple of seconds. You laughed, and he chuckled. Picking it up, you tried to put it on once more, but it just wouldn't stay. Then, you took it again and this time, stuck it behind his ear. Somehow, it managed to stay on.

You laughed, "You look very pretty."

"I do?" he asked, fluttering his lashes playfully, "why thank you darling."

After a while, he took it off and pressed in between the pages of his notebook. "Like you always do," he smiled, showing off the closed notebook before putting it back into his bag.

"Be careful," you giggled, "if it falls out the entire bag will be full of petals, and even when you��d think you got them all out, you'd find a couple more a few days later."

"Are you speaking from experience?" he asked cheekily.

"Why of course not! I was born a professional," you stuck your nose up indignantly, making him laugh.

"Of course you were, how could I forget," he offered you his hand and helped you up.

As you walked together back to the school building, you had a feeling you forgot something, or like something was missing. You looked back at the place you were sitting in seconds ago, but there was nothing there.

"Everything alright?" Damien asked.

"Yeah, everything's great," you answered, squeezing his hand that was clutched in yours.

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When the second ball was approaching, Damien had started to send you love letters. Every time you had gotten one, you felt your heart pick up its pace, a smile stretching on your face. Some of them were poems, some quotes, some just sentences, you didn't know which he wrote and which he read and thought of you. You took to the habit of saving them all in a small box in your room, going through them every couple of days.

I see you everywhere, in the stars, in the river, to me you're everything that exists, the reality of everything ~Virginia Woolf  

Every one of them was simply signed with three x's, signifying kisses. You smiled as you put the most recent one into your pocket, intent on putting it with the rest later.

Some days, you'd get small notes, and some days would be a rather large page. You loved both.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

~Elizabeth Barrett Browning 

You resonated with the words, you've always loved poems. Weirdly, you've never talked to Damien about your love of them, but you guessed he just… knew. That's what made him so special.  

If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever. ~Alfred Lord Tennyson

That one made you stop in your tracks for a moment. It made you think of Steve. He didn't really bring you flowers anymore. Well, maybe he just didn't find any new ones.

Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove: O, no! it is an ever-fixed mark, That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come; Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom.      If this be error and upon me proved,      I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

~Shakespeare

You smiled brightly as you read the note. You were getting new ones every other day. Amongst the chaos of exams, it was nice, knowing that's the way he had to keep in touch with you. You were just done reading it when your friend came up behind your back, reading over your shoulder.

"Oh, did Damien bring you this?" she smiled. "You guys are so cute together."

Today it is heaped at your feet, it has found its end in you The love of all man’s days both past and forever: Universal joy, universal sorrow, universal life. The memories of all loves merging with this one love of ours – And the songs of every poet past and forever.

~ Rabindranath Tagore

That last one you found in the library copy of "The Count of Monte Cristo". You gravitated towards it every time you were anxious, or couldn't sleep, or both. It was a comfort. Finding the note there nearly made you cry; the long day you've had mixed with the love you felt bringing tears to your eyes. You blinked them away with a smile, stuffing the note in your pocket before starting to read the book.

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Steve saw you open the book and get the note. He smiled to himself.

He didn't know if this would work, or if you'd think your boyfriend wrote them. He just wanted to make you smile.

He also wanted to make you know, make you understand what he was feeling. But you weren't exactly emotionally available right now, so Steve did the best he could; he waited.

In the meantime, he went to search for another poetry book. He was surprised you hadn't recognized his handwriting yet. He did write it a bit more neatly than he usually did, with more careful attention.

Maybe she recognized it but didn't want to say anything. Maybe that was a pitying smile, whispered a voice in his head. He shook it off.

He knew you weren't his, but he couldn't give up hope. He could wait some more.

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The spring / end of the year ball was approaching in giant steps. You were done with your exams, and already had a dress, which you adamantly refused to show Damien despite his repeated pleas. Now, you were spending an afternoon outside, enjoying the fresh air picnicking with some of your friends, who were playing a card game you couldn't care to learn the rules of. You were taking photos instead, borrowing one of your friends' camera and taking some pictures of them playing, of the scenery.

"Has Damien asked you to the ball yet?" one of them asked.

"Oh, not yet," you shrugged, "I'm sure he will though. I mean, you've seen the notes he sent me," you giggled, "I don't see another option."

Just then, you saw a figure coming towards you from afar. In the other direction, you saw Damien approaching, and before you had a chance to wonder about the other person, he was there, planting a kiss on your cheek. You put the camera down on the blanket and smiled at him.

"Speaking of the devil," your friend chuckled.

"Only good things, I hope," he sat down next to you.

"Of course," you laughed and leaned away from him to snap his picture, "what else could we have said?"

"Well, that's great, because I was wondering," he took a breath, "do you want to see me do a card trick?"

"Yes, sure," you said, slightly confused but still smiling.

He held up a card. "Could you tell me what card this is?"

"A leaf ace," you said.

"Great," he flipped it around in his hands a couple of times, before pulling off a complicated hand movement you couldn't keep track of, and was now holding a small, card sized mirror. "Now, could you tell me what card this is?"

"It's… a mirror," you said, puzzled.

"Look closer," he encouraged.

"Still a mirror, Dames," you chuckled.

"No, it’s a queen of hearts!" he laughed, "my heart, more specifically," he leaned in closer and smiled. "Would you go to the ball with me?"

"Yes! Of course I will!" you laughed, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him into a kiss. Just then, you heard the shutter of the camera clicking, and broke apart from him, laughing.

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The night of the ball finally arrived. You were in Damien's room, getting ready, when you finally had the mind to say, "Oh, Damien, I don't think I ever thanked you for the notes," you smiled at him from the other corner of the room. He was standing in front of the mirror, tying his tie, while you were sitting on the bed, already in your dress, which you finally let him see.

"Oh, from last week's lecture? No problem love," he smiled at you, your eyes meeting through the mirror.

"No," you giggled, "I meant the notes you've been leaving me."

He looked at you, puzzled. "You know, the notes with the– oh come on, don’t play dumb," you scoffed playfully.

"I'm not," he said, "I genuinely have no idea what you're talking about." He finished the knot and came to stand in front of you, offering you his hand and helping you up. You stood in front of him, squinting.

"Okay," you said after a few moments. Smiling, you noticed his collar was partly stuffed under his tie, raising your hand to fix it and –

"Oh," you frowned softly.

You knew who wrote the notes. You knew all along. I mean, how couldn't you recognize the handwriting of the person you know the best? Who knows you better than anyone else?

The person you've been neglecting the past few months. And yet, he was sending you love letters. You felt like crying, because you should've known it was him. More than that, you should've realized; you love him too.  

You love him so much it nearly hurts. The man with flowers in his hand and stars in his eyes, the one who took you to every bookstore you ever wanted to visit, who gave you his jacket when you were cold, who knew not only what your favorite book was, but also what copy of it you would take.

As good as Damien was to you, he was never the one for you. He was charming, lovable for sure.

But he wasn't your Steve.

Your Steve who was probably going to the ball alone, or maybe not even going.

"Is everything okay?" Damien asked, a concerned frown on his features.

"No, I- look, Damien," you took a deep breath. "I owe you an explanation, and I swear, I will give it to you, but I just… I can't do this anymore."

"What do you mean can't do this anymore? Do you not want to go to the ball or-"

"No," you closed your eyes forcefully before opening them, "us. I don't think we should be together anymore."

"Where is this coming from? Love, is everything o-"

"It's not okay, Damien!" tears welled up in your eyes, "It's not fair to you, I know. But I just… I have to go," you stepped away from his embrace.

"Go where? You're not making any sense, please, can you just-"

"I'm sorry, I am so, so sorry, but I have to go. I promise I'll explain everything, just… not right now," you said shakily, fumbling to collect your things before leaving the dorm, and a stunned Damien in your wake.

You weren't sure where you were going, you just knew you had to find him.

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You roamed the corridors in a bit of a daze until you finally realized your legs were carrying you to the library, and shook your head, deciding to go there anyway since there was a decent chance Steve was there.

He wasn't. You knocked on his dorm room door, but he didn't answer it, so he probably wasn't there either. You went to sneak a look at the ball, but you didn't find him there too.

You were just about to give up when you looked out of one of the windows. There, you saw the small glass gazebo that was a little further away from the building. The light was on, and there was someone there. You couldn't tell if it was Steve, but you figured it wouldn't hurt to try.

You went down the stairs and outside. The night was surprisingly crisp, and the dress you were wearing had short sleeves, but you continued anyway. As you got closer, you could see the silhouette clearer; it was indeed Steve.

You stopped a few yards next to it. Now that you found him, you didn't know what to say. I'm sorry didn't feel like enough, and –

Your train of thought was cut off by Steve turning around, his eyes locking with yours through the large glass windows. You swallowed heavily.

He went outside, crossing the distance and standing in front of you. Both of you were quiet for a moment before he spoke up.

"Not going to the ball?" he asked.

"I could ask you the same thing."

"I feel like it's obvious I'm not going. Where's your boyfriend?"

"I don't know."

Silence settled between you for a couple of minutes, each one of you absorbed in your own thoughts. Eventually, you were the one to speak up this time.

"I know you wrote them, Steve."

He chuckled. "Okay. What do you want me to say?"

"That you meant them," your voice broke with emotion, not knowing how true the words were until your lips uttered them out loud.

"I did. I do. I can't say I'm sorry for that."

"You shouldn't be," you said, "I'm that one that should be sorry. I am sorry," you looked up at him, your eyes sincere. "I'm sorry I didn't realize it was you sooner. And I don't mean the notes, Steve," you stepped closer to him.

"Then what do you mean?"

You licked your lips hesitantly, bringing your face closer to his. You didn't know which one of you finally broke the distance, but suddenly his lips were on yours, and it's all you could think about. You were kissing Steve Rogers, and it was enchanting. You wrapped your hands around his neck as he wrapped his around your waist, pulling you impossibly closer. You melted into his touch as your hands tangled in the soft hair on the nape of his neck. One of his hands came up to cup your cheek gently, and suddenly you were both smiling so hard you broke apart, gasping for air. Your foreheads stayed connected, leaning on each other as you slowly opened your eyes.

"This," you whispered, "I mean this. I love you, Steve."

"I love you too," Steve laughed, "so much. I was afraid you will never say that. That I'd never get to hear you say that to me. I love you," he said again, his eyes looking into yours.

Just at that moment, it bizarrely started to rain. "Really?" you looked up at the sky, "it's spring! Hell, it's almost summer!"

"Maybe it's summer rain," Steve suggested with a smile.

"But it ruined our moment," you playfully pouted.

"We always have another one," he smiled, pulling you in for another kiss, not minding the rain that was now wetting your dress, his suit. You felt the raindrops fall on the top of your heads, but the sensation was a thin echo compared to Steve's lips on yours.

A thunder roared, and you broke apart once again.

"Maybe we should get inside," you suggested.

"Maybe we should," he grinned, "last one there is a rotten egg!"

He started running before you could even register what he said. Just like he did when you were kids.

"Wait!" you laughed, running after him, gathering your skirt in your hands, "Not fair! I have a dress!"

He stopped and ran back to you before picking you up with ease, carrying you bridal style to the entrance and putting you down right on the threshold.

"You're a rotten egg, Stevie," you giggled.

He looked down to see that indeed, your legs were technically inside while his weren't.

"Don't worry," you cupped his cheek and tilted it upwards so he'd meet your gaze, "you're my rotten egg."

You both laughed before you went inside. He offered you his arm and you wove yours through it, leaning your head on his shoulder.

Taking your time, you strolled through the corridors in comfortable silence until you reached your room. You came inside and turned on the heating, Steve right on your heels, hugging you from behind.

"I can't believe it's raining," you looked out of the window with a smile.

"I can't believe you're mine," he whispered into your neck.

You tilted your head back to kiss him softly before you involuntarily shivered. Wordlessly, Steve guided you to the bed, tucking you into the blanket. He was about to leave, but you opened your blanket and gestured for him to come cuddle you. He chuckled and climbed in next to you, wrapping his arms around you again.

"Tell me a story," you said as you laid your head on his chest.

"Once upon a time," he started, "there was a very beautiful princess. And she chose a normal boy. No one knew why she did it. They asked her, 'why not a prince?' and sh-"

"And she said she didn't like princes, but she loved the boy more than anything else," you smiled.

"Wow, more than big libraries?" he chuckled.

"Yes, even more than big libraries," you giggled. Humming contently, you snuggled even closer to him, the rise and fall of his chest lulling you into a peaceful sleep.

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Which brings us to where we started this story, the next morning.

The story Steve's eyes told you that morning was better than any other story you've ever heard. It was a love story that you would tell your children, and your grandchildren.

And every time Steve heard you telling it, he sat and listened with a smile.

You once asked him why he always listens to that story, it's not like he didn't know it, he lived it.

"I did live it," he answered, "but I still live it, every single day. And it gets better with each day," he leaned down to kiss you.

Steve Rogers was the most wonderful of men, and over the years he grew to be the most wonderful of husbands, of fathers and of grandfathers.

You both grew, but there was one thing that stayed the same – his heart was yours, and your heart was his; forever.

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flower meanings:

Rose – love.

Honeysuckle - pure happiness, sweet love, devoted affection.

Hydrangea - gratitude, grace, beauty, abundance. some colors also symbolize bad luck.

Hibiscus - variously symbolizes health, delicacy, beauty, respect and hospitality.

Rhododendron – beware.  

p.s. - the meanings are based on my limited searches, also there are some flowers with more than one meaning:)

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i’d love it if you’d want to tell me your thoughts!! if you’ve stuck through this entire thing - thank you!!!<3

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[eideticmgg]

Take It Like A Man

Okay so this is a first draft of the Take It Like a Man scene and it is also my first ever fic so I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback! Also I used most of the lyrics from the bridge because I love this song okay thanks enjoy!!

“I don’t get it. Why are we here?”

“Spencer, you know I love the whole casual Friday vibe you have but you can’t wear a corduroy jacket in court. Especially not in spring!” You teased him, pulling at his old jacket.

“I- Hey! I happen to like this jacket!” Spencer mocked offense, a soft smile creeping onto his face all the same.

“Come on! Don’t just stand there, have a look around. Pick out something nice, okay?” You giggled, rushing around the store picking out shirts that Spencer couldn’t tell he wouldn’t be able to afford.

Looking around the store, Spencer was overwhelmed by how out of place he felt. To be fair, he normally felt that way around y/n but recently whenever she was near him he felt as if his heart was going to beat through his chest.

Spencer picked up a plain shirt that seemed relatively okay but winced looking at the price tag. He put the shirt back, trying to figure out why y/n had brought him to shop where he would have to sacrifice food for two months to afford one jacket.

“Spence! Over here!” Your voice called our over the music playing in the shop. Spencer felt his heart swell with affection at the nickname. He made his way over to you, seeing you stand at the dressing room with a pile of different clothes.

“Okay so, I’ve picked out a few outfits for court but I also picked some cute shirts that I thought you could wear just for the sake of looking nice!” You smiled at him, handing him the first outfit and gesturing for him to enter the cubicle.

Spencer stared at himself in the mirror, wishing he was anywhere else but here right now. He was never confident in his body, how could he be when he was so scrawny. Despite his slim stature, his clothes were almost always a bigger size as most thrift shops don’t carry formal wear in smaller sizes. He never cared much for his physical appearance because he knew he could make up for his shortcomings in the brain department. However there was something about how passionate y/n was about wanting to find him something nice to wear that made him smile. She didn’t want to fix him, she just wanted to make him feel more confident. Too bad he won’t be able to afford any of these clothes.

“Uh... Spence? You alright in there?”

Shit.

“Yeah, sorry I’ll be out in a second!” He threw on a casual shirt and exited the dressing room.

“Do you like it? I really like it, Spencer!” You smiled at him. You looked like a small child, proud that they had dressed their doll so perfectly. Spencer nodding in agreement.

“Try on the rest of the casual ones and then come out in the suit okay? I’m gonna look around for some shoes.”

Spencer nodded before heading back into the dressing room. He tried on another two shirts before giving up, sighing softly.

Looking at himself in the mirror he began to put on the suit. It felt weird to wear one that actually fit him properly.

“Hey, y/n? I-I’m ready to come out in the suit.” Spencer called out, starting to feel nervous. Why was he feeling nervous? It was just y/n. His friend, y/n. Who he saw at her lowest and then helped to become a great lawyer. Because that’s what friends do, and they were definitely friends. Nothing more. Right?

“Ah, come out!” You couldn’t help but feel excited, finally getting to see Spencer in the whole reason you organized the shopping trip. Spencer constantly over-worked himself, rarely taking care of himself and if there was one thing you were passionate about, it was self care. Plus, you like to spend time with your favorite genius, so it’s really a win-win.

Spencer slowly opened the door, walking over to you in front of the full length mirror.

“Woah...” You both breathed out.

Spencer was nearly unrecognizable in the suit. Gone was the scrawny kid who started college when he was 12, standing in front of them was a confident young man.

“I look like Warner.” Spencer grimaced, wondering if that was your plan the whole time. He stared at your reflection, trying to gauge your reaction

“But it’s just me.” You smiled softly.

“That’s the best part. Sure, the outside is new but now it just reflects what’s already inside of you. Couldn’t change that if I wanted to.” You grinned bumping his shoulder gently. “Which I do not.”

“Thank you...” Spencer gave a small smile to you, still trying to get used to his reflection. Throughout his whole life Spencer has been told he needed to change his personality if he ever to fit in. His father, his teachers, his peers all hated his ramblings and constant use of statistics. Their comments eventually led to Spencer doing his best to just not talk to them. That wasn’t very hard as none of them actually wanted him to speak to him. But now, right next to him was someone that didn’t want him to change. That for the first time liked him. All of him. Not just the fact that he was smart and seemed to know the answer to everything. “But I can’t afford this. Any of this...”

“That’s okay, I’ve got it. Spence, this isn’t just a gift. This is payment in kind. If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be here right now. It was you that saw behind all this blonde to my mind.” You curled a lock of your blonde hair around your finger, a smile gracing your face. “And I’ll never be able to thank you enough for helping me, Spencer. You really are the best thing that’s happened to me here.” You grinned at him, gently putting your hand on his shoulder to turn him so you were now face to face. Looking him up and down one last time you beamed at him.

“Okay we have to buy this, I mean look at you! Spencer, you look hot! Is he not hot?” You asked the sales assistant, laughing.

Did you just say hot? Never in his entire life has Spencer Reid been described as hot. He’s never had any kind of positive comment made about his physical appearance. And for the first time, Spencer is truly speechless, the only thing he can do is blush deeply before turning back into the dressing room.

He changed back into his own clothes, grateful for the comfort they provided. He brought out the pile of clothes and met you at the till. He felt an overwhelming sense of guilt hit him as the cashier revealed the total but you seemed completely unfazed by what he considered an egregious amount for so few items. You smiled at him reassuringly before handing him the bag.

“For the new, more fashionable Spencer Reid!” You smiled at him, chuckling slightly at the growing blush on his face. He was cute when he blushed. When did Spencer get so cute? More importantly, when did he get so hot? Woah, those are not appropriate thoughts to be having about Spencer, y/n.

“Come on!” You said, quickly changing the subject. “I’m gonna go get an iced coffee, you want something?”

“Oh, uh, no thanks. I think I’ve spent more money today than I have in my entire life.” Spencer stammered out, laughing slightly at his own joke.

“Well, you know you didn’t actually spend any money today...” You teased him, a smirk spreading onto your face.

“Please don’t remind me. You know I can pay you back some of it. It might take me a while but I prom-“

“Spencer!” You cut him off promptly.

“I was just joking. You are not paying me back because you deserve this. Honestly. It’s the least I could do for all the hours you’ve spent tutoring me.” You smiled, touching his arm softly.

Both of your eyes drifted to your hand on his arm before meeting. You both jumped back slightly, not entirely sure what the feeling you were both experiencing was. Both of you froze, unsure what to do or say after a surprisingly intimate moment.

“I was actually looking over my notes from State of Indiana v. Hurn and I found some interesting similarities between that and...” Spencer broke the silence, rambling on about the similarities between two cases. You smiled fondly at him, chiming in a few times with your own points. Still you couldn’t stop your mind from wondering. More specifically you couldn’t stop thinking about how handsome Spencer looked in his suit.

[pointy-hat-witch]

I needed to write some fluff and I got a bit rusty but I really like this story so pls give it a read if you want to!!

Title: Discount Fandom: Haikyuu Word count: 4484 words Summary:  Suga is a coffee shop owner/disaster gay and Daichi is a police officer. that’s it.

You can also read it on AO3! :)

When Suga unlocked the front door to his coffee shop, the first customers were already waiting eagerly and he thought this day wouldn’t be any different than always. The first ten or so customer were all in a hurry to get to work and just wanted some coffee to go, an easy fix Suga and Asahi could easily handle themselves. The next half an hour the customers had a little more time on their hands and wanted some sandwiches to their beverages. Again, nothing out of the ordinary.

When it was around nine, the first wave was out of the shop and just here and there some customers came trickling in. The second wave would start around ten, eleven when both lunch break started for office workers and students started with their classes. For that Suga scheduled a few more coworkers, because it was literally hell.

Not that he minded, but it was still stressful as fuck.

For now, though, he waited the counter alone while Asahi took care of some cleaning jobs in the back. Suga was still convinced Asahi only started to work for him to help him out and not because he actually wanted to. The gentle giant wasn’t made for customer service, especially where customers would tear you apart on a regular basis.

Suga shook his head with a sigh. Asahi would deny it whenever Suga started on that topic, mentioning that he could find someone else to help out, for example, to the point that Asahi accused him of wanting to fire him.

Lost in thought, Suga only absentmindedly greeted the new customer as the bell over the door chimed.

“Good morning.”

Now that was already such a rarity that Suga froze for a second, before his customer service smile was back on his lips. There were a few people who greeted him with a simple “hello” but actually sounding genuine? Nah, those were some real gems. And hell needed to freeze over before Suga would let one of them go. His eyes finally focused on the person in front of him who was polite enough to greet him.

“Good mor-” Suga choked on some air that left his lungs as he stared at the very handsome police officer. “I’m sorry,” he swallowed, trying to smooth over his embarrassment and fighting down his blush, “good morning!” He started again, a wide smile that hurt his burning cheeks. “What can I get for you?”

The officer smiled at him patiently as he stumbled on, taking off his hat in the process. “A coffee, black. Please. And”, he stuck his hat under his arm, his eyes scanning the assortment of sandwiches, bagels, and various other baked goods on display, while he run a hand through his short black hair.

“I would recommend the blueberry muffin,” Suga blurted out to his surprise. Giving recommendations was kind of his job, so he didn’t know why he felt embarrassed, again.

“And a blueberry muffin. Thank you,” his new favorite customer grinned at him. “How much will that be?”

Suga had turned around to turn on the coffee machine and to calm his somersaulting heart down.

“That will be 650 Yen, please.” He turned back around, not needing to type anything in at the register since he knew all the prices by heart.

While the customer searched through his pockets for his wallet, Suga got one of the blueberries and finished up the coffee. “To go?” he asked over his should and got an affirmative “Yes, please.”

He was handed a 1000 Yen bill as he put down the cup and the small bag. “Be careful, it’s still hot. And”, Suga opened the register with one hand to take out the change and pointing with his other hand to his right, “there are sugar and cream. If you want any.”

“Thank you. But I think I have enough sweetness to go with it.” He held up the small bag to indicate what he meant, and after putting on his hat again, grabbed his coffee cup. “Goodbye, Suga-san.”

After he left the store, Suga professionally smiled until he walked out of the door, needed to crouch down behind the counter. Burying his burning hot face into his hands to cool them down, as well.

Asahi’s small voice came from the backdoor, “Suga, did you-“

“Don’t say it!” Suga whined, muffled through his hands. Yes. Yes, he did. Suga thought the officer meant sweetness as for him as in a dorky way to flirt. So, what of it?!

“So what?! Huh?!” Suga glared over his shoulder at Asahi who smiled nervously, scratching his cheek.

“N-nothing. Just, uh, I was wondering why you did him a discount? Is there a special today I didn’t know of?”

Oh. “Oh”, Suga cleared his throat as he stood up again, “No, it’s not. I, uh, just felt like it. He said ‘good morning’ and ‘please’. Yeah.” Suga nodded to himself. He didn’t even convince himself.

“Ah, got it.” Asahi smiled, but Suga could see the spark in his eyes.

“Shut up!” Suga wasn’t convincing Asahi, either.

__

Most of the time Suga liked his name tag. Customer calling him by name felt personal and made a connection which he enjoyed very much. But sometimes, he dreaded giving his name so easily.

“Oh, Suga-kuuun!” Oikawa singsong through the whole store as he entered. His steps were feather light as he danced over to the counter, where Suga waited with a plastered smile on his face. It was still his store and other customers were around.

“Hello, what can I get for you?”

“Ehhhh, you wound me! You know my order by heart!” Oikawa dramatically slammed his hands down on the counter. “Aren’t I your favorite customer?” He tacked on a wink which took Suga every ounce of self-control not to gag at.

“Excuse me, but I can’t play favorites. I’m a professional.”

Behind him fixing a drink for another customer, Asahi snorted. Suga kicked him against his ankle.

“Augh-“, Asahi yelped, holding on to his cup.

“Ah, Asahi, please be careful when you’re handling hot drinks.” Suga turned around, shooting Asahi one of his ice-chilling smiles.

“S-sure! S-sorry!” He stammered, hurrying over to the other end of the counter.

“I’m sorry,” Suga turned back to a pouting Oikawa, smile customer pleasant as before, “you were saying what you want?”

“I was sayi-“

“Oi, Shittykawa, what’s taking you so long? We don’t have all day.” Iwaizumi leaned in through the door, glaring at Oikawa. For a second his face went neutral as he nodded at Suga, well-knowing what he is going through.

“You are both so mean!” Oikawa stomped on of his feet on the ground like a child. “Two coffees, one black, one with sugar and cream. And two milk breads.” Crossing his arms, Oikawa pressed out his order and when Iwaizumi cleared his throat very loudly behind him, he added, “Please.”

“Of course!” Suga nodded and fixed both coffees and the milk breads up in no time. That he added some extra sugar and cream for Oikawa, nobody had to know. He was no monster.

“Here you go!” Suga smiled and before Oikawa could say something else, he already turned toward the next customer.

“Meeeaaan!” Oikawa whined, both at Suga and at Iwaizumi, who pulled him out of the store to Suga’s relief.

Secretly, Suga had hoped for a certain someone to come by again this morning, but he didn’t and Suga tried really hard not to be disappointed. Asahi hadn’t said anything whenever Suga’s whipped around as the bell chimed, for his own good.

So, when the bell chimed at around 6 p.m. and Suga turned around to greet the new customer, his heart almost stopped mid-beat when he came through the door.

“Good evening!” Suga greeted him, hoping desperately that the tremble in his voice wasn’t audible.

“Good evening,” he nodded with a small smile. Suga noted that he looked a little worn out, probably a stressful day.

“What can I get you?”

“I shouldn’t get a coffee this late,” he mumbled more to himself as he put down his hat again, scanning the board at wall behind the counter.

“I can make it decaf”, Suga responded without thinking and blushed as the officer blinked at him. “Uh, I mean. The coffee, you can still drink coffee in the evening. Just, without caffeine.”

“That would be great, thank you.” They both smiled at each other.

Suga turned around to change the filter in the machine. “Anything else?” He asked as he turned on the machine. Late in the evening people changed to tea more often, so it wasn’t used that much.

“Let me see”, he took a couple steps to the side to look at the pastry display again. He hummed with one hand at his chin, which Suga found utterly adorable, slowly narrowing his eyes. “Any recommendations?” His eyes looked at him through his thick eyelashes, making Suga’s face all hot again.

“If you want something sweet again, I- uh, we tried out a new crumbled apple pie which is absolutely to die for”, Suga said proudly, pursing his lips, “and if you want something savory, I would take the tuna salad sandwich. I really like our homemade mayonnaise.”

“I’ll take both.”

“Huh?” Suga blinked. “I mean, sure. Yeah.” Suga put them both in a bag while the officer smiled, nodding to himself, obviously pleased with his decision.

“How much is that?” He asked as Suga took the coffee to go cup out from the machine.

“900 Yen, please.” Suga smiled, putting everything on the counter in front of him in hope, his fast-beating heart wasn’t obvious.

“Mhmm”, the officer hummed as he pulled the bill out of his wallet. “I was thinking that already yesterday, but your shop is pretty affordable, isn’t it? No wonder it’s always so packed with people.”

Suga chuckled, a little mortified. “Haha, yeah, we try.”

“Thank you again. And I hope you have a good evening, Suga-san.” He put his hat back on and grabbed his bag and coffee.

“Thank you. And you, t- wait!” Suga stumbled over his own words. “What’s your name?”

The officer blinked at him, a questioning look on the face.

“I, uh”, Suga scratched his cheek, a nervous tick a copied from Asahi, “I just feel awkward if you call me by name but I’m not.”

“Oh, yeah, makes sense”, he chuckled. “Daichi. Sawamura Daichi. But Daichi is totally fine. Everybody calls me that.”

“Ah, okay. Well, then”, Suga’s lips stretched into a wild smile, crinkling the skin around his eyes, “have a nice evening, Officer Daichi.”

 “Thank you.” Daichi said, his voice soft around the edges. “See you.”

The bell chimed again as the door closed, leaving Suga and a few other customers who sat at their tables behind.

“So”, Asahi’s head peeked out of the back door, “when do I get a raise to put up with you two?”

“THAT’S what you ask a raise for?!”

__

After about a week, Suga figured out (because asking would be too direct) that though Daichi has different shifts, he preferred to come in the morning but if it was too crowded, he will come in the evening when there are less people. Probably because he wanted to be polite but Suga liked to pretend Daichi did it to have some more time with him. You know, as a small daydreaming fantasy.

So, when Suga thought he finally figured it out, Daichi didn’t come. Neither in the morning nor in the evening. And it had such an impact on him he didn’t expect. His mood soured by the hour and talking to costumer’s became such a chore that Asahi himself suggested to switch, so he could work the front and Suga could make the new batches for the next day ready.

Once Suga was in the back, his smile dropped completely and he had to ball his fists, shaking violently. What the fuck?! What is going on?! Okay, so someone who he thought was cute and knew nothing more than his name and very-possible occupation doesn’t come in to get a hugely discounted recommendation? For the store that was actually pretty good. For Suga’s mental well-being? Not so much.

He took a deep breath, willing the sting in his eyes down. There is no need to cry about such a thing.

Still, his heart betrayed him that whenever he heard the bell chime and Asahi greeting the newcomer, he hoped to hear Daichi asking for him. No matter how much he tried to concentrate on making the dough extra fluffy.

Asahi helped him close the shop but he send him home when only some smaller things were to to be done. Nothing he didn’t do alone a hundred times. Asahi made sure he was absolutely certain that he didn’t need anymore help and to be honest, Suga just wanted to be alone.

It took him a little longer than expected because he kept getting distracted and only locked the doors at around 9.30 p.m., way later than usual. But it was what it was.

He huffed in the now chilly evening air. It was late summer, the sun was still warm in the days but as soon as it went down it cooled down significantly. Suga pulled his light jacket a little tighter around himself.

The streets were already deserted, with it being a Sunday especially. There were some cars to hear in the distance but overall it was pleasantly quiet.

But because of that, Suga almost immediately heard the second pair of footsteps behind him. Nothing unusual, so he walked a little more to the side, making enough room for the other person to overtake him since he didn’t walk that fast anyway.

But the footsteps didn’t accelerate, instead they kept pace. Huh, strange. Suga pulled up his collar and buried his face down to the nose in it. He hated it when his nose got cold.

When the footsteps turned in the same direction at the next intersection, Suga wasn’t especially worried but it was kind of nerve-wracking. He wasn’t paranoid or anything, but feeling like he was being followed wasn’t exactly pleasant.

So, at the next intersection, instead of turning left, he turned right again. It meant a detour to his apartment, but something inside of him told him it was the right choice. And just when he thought the person behind him would turn in another direction, their footsteps were back behind him.

Suga pursed his lips and as inconspicuous as possible peeked over his shoulder. It was dark and the few lampposts didn’t really help to make out more than a silhouette of, well, a person.

Suga then decided to walk a littler faster only to hear the footsteps keeping up the pace. That’s when Suga got the feeling, that he actually was being followed. He forced his breath out of his mouth in a huff to keep his heart from beating too fast. Everything’s alright.

On the next turn, he took another right, almost walking a full circle around his store and when the person took the same turn, he was certain he was being followed. Nobody would take this route to get somewhere. And even for an evening stroll, their behavior was too strange.

Suga’s thoughts started to speed up. He didn’t saw himself as especially weak, but confronting an unknown person in the dark with a potential weapon wasn’t something he needed to try out. He considered calling someone, maybe that would make his pursuer doubtful to keep up.

When Suga pulled out his phone, he got another idea. Opening up his phone's map app, he zoomed in to where he was, moving the map around just a little and found what he was looking for almost immediately. Well, they do come in handy.

He made a sharp turn to his left, still walking at a fast pace, his pursuer not slowing down as well.  But when he finally saw the small police box at the end of the street, he couldn’t stop himself from starting to sprint. The footsteps behind him sped up as well, making Suga’s heart beat unbelievable fast. Will he make it? Should he shout for them?

And then he reached the small house, without being caught up. Right in the entrance a police officer was standing, looking at him with a bewildered look, almost mean, Suga would say.

But he didn’t care. Out of breath, Suga leaned down on his knees, looking over his shoulder, but nobody was there.

“Haaa…” He sighed in relief.

“Can I, uh, help you, sir?” The police officer said awkwardly, trying to stand a little straighter.

“Ah, no. Sorry, I just thought…”, Suga trailed off, shaking his head. “No, thank you. Everything’s fine.” He smiled, catching his breath.

“Suga?” Out from the police box, a second officer walked around his colleague. Even without seeing him, Suga recognized Daichi’s voice. And he wasn’t sure if Daichi was the one or the least person he wanted to see right now.

“What’s going on?” Daichi narrowed his eyes as he saw Suga a little disheveled from the sprint.

“Daichi! What a surprise.” Suga held up his hands, waving up. “Nothing, nothing. I was just on my way home an-“ his voice trembled and to the surprise to all three of them, tears spilled out of his eyes.

Daichi was right in front of him in one big step, taking one of his hands and squeezed it. “Take a deep breath for me, will you?” His voice was calm as ever, betraying the furious look in his eyes.

Suga nodded and took a deep breath.

“Tanaka, take out the blanket from the back!”

“Yes, Si- Daich- right away!” Tanaka finally sprung into action after just staring dumbfounded.

“Come inside, Suga. Just to warm up a little.”

“O-okay.” Suga nodded, thankful for the still tightly grip of Daichi’s hand. It was reassuring that he was safe.

Daichi pulled up a chair with his other hand and guided Suga to sit down on it. Tanaka had a blanket in his hands, seemingly unsure what to with it, so Daichi took it from him and put it around Suga’s shoulders.

“Can you tell me what happened?” Daichi asked Suga again, crouching before him. Suga blinked a few times to get rid of the last few tears.

“Sorry, wow, that is so embarrassing.” He chuckled weakly, mostly to calm himself down.

“Nothing embarrassing about that.” Daichi shook his head.

“I, uh”, Suga cleared his throat and thankfully took one of the handkerchiefs Tanaka handed him. He blew his noise, before starting to talk again.

“I had just closed up my shop and was on my way home. And I, uh, thought I was being followed? You know,” he shook his head, not really believing what he was saying, “they kept pace, took the same strange turns I took and then ran after me when I ran, you know? And I thought maybe I should just call someone and talk on the phone? Like, I don’t know, I think I heard someone say that or I read that somewhere. But then I remembered that there should be a police box around here somewhere and I just took off. And I wasn’t sure if I’ll make it in time or if they are faster-“

Suga knew he was rambling but his hands just wouldn’t stop shaking and he didn’t know what to do about it. But then Daichi took one of his hands again and out of reflex, Suga squeezed it instantly.

“I believe you, alright?” Daichi said firmly, looking Suga right in the eyes.

“O-okay.”

Tanaka had already stepped outside, looking around even though they all knew he wouldn’t find anybody. But he had to make sure, if not only for protocol.

“Are you hurt in some way?” Daichi’s voice grew a little softer and when Tanaka came back in and shook his head, Daichi relaxed visibly.

“No. I’m just a little shaken up. Nothing to worry about.” Suga exhaled. His breath and heartbeat were back to normal and his hands weren’t shaking as much as before.

“I think I can go home now. Thanks for letting me stay for a few minutes.”

“Where do you live?” Daichi raised his eyebrows as he stood up and took his hat from the table.

“Uh, just a couple more streets from here.”

“I’ll walk you.” Daichi nodded toward Tanaka. “You stay alert, I’ll be back in about half an hour or so.”

“Yes, sir!” Tanaka made an half-assed salute, earning him a glare from Daichi. “I- I’ll keep my eyes extra wide open! Don’t worry!”

“Bu-“, Suga raised his hands again, “You really don’t need to! I don’t want you to stop doing your work!”

“Suga”, Daichi chuckled slightly, “this is my work. Getting civilians home safely and making sure that my perimeter is free from anyone who tries to harm someone.”

“I- I guess?” Suga surrendered. To be honest, he could use someone to stay close until he was home. But he didn’t need to admit to it, did he now?

Suga took the lead when they stepped out of the police box, walking back the way he came. It wasn’t that far from there to his home but he felt a lot better having someone walk him home. Though, he still was pretty embarrassed by what happened. And he even cried!

“Do you always work this late?” Daichi asked, looking around as he spoke.

“No, not usually. It just took me some time to finish up everything. Lost track of time.”

Daichi hummed. “Anyone come to mind that would follow you? Had something like that before?”

“Never”, Suga pulled up his shoulders to shield himself form the cold.

“If you’re ‘lucky’”, Daichi made some air quotation marks, “it was just some rando, just wanting to scare you. And it won’t happen again. But if,” Daichi now looked straight at Suga, “anything like that happens again, tell me. Or better, call me.”

Daichi fished out his phone, pushing some buttons and handed him his phone. “Give me your number and I’ll call you to give you mine.”

Suga blinked at Daichi who had stopped to hand him the phone. He looked up and down from the phone to Daichi’s face.

“Huh, didn’t expect you to be so forward with it.”

“Wha-“ Daichi’s mouth hang open, a blush slowly blooming on his cheeks. “Suga! That’s not … how … why would you?!”

“And calling me by my name so casually.” Suga shook his head as he took Daichi’s phone. He didn’t miss the blush growing deeper.

Oh. Oh.

“Oh.” Suga blinked.

“What?” Daichi grumbled. “I just want your number for emergen-“

“I think I’m falling for you.”

Suga threw his hand over his mouth as he stared up to Daichi who in return stared back. They both were a blushing mess.

“Fuck, I didn’t mean … I just … oh, god damn it.”  Suga crouched down, face buried in his hands. Could tonight get any more embarrassing?

Daichi cleared his throat. “How about I’ll walk you home first, okay?”

“Yeah.” Suga answered meekly before typing in his number and handing Daichi back his phone. He didn’t have it in him to look Daichi in the face.

The rest of the walk home was silent. Suga was now thankful for the cold evening air which helped his face to cool off, but his heart was still beating so unbearable fast. He just hoped Daichi would just say something to make it less awkward.

But then their walk home was already over as Suga stopped in front of an apartment complex.

“Well, this is me. Uh, thanks.” Suga bowed down to Daichi, keeping his eyes on the ground even as he came up again. “See you.”

“Wait!” Daichi reached for one of his hands as he turned around. They both froze when their hands touched and Daichi let got just as fast. “Uh, sorry. Just wait. Please.”

Suga pursed his lips but stayed put.

“I just … agh!” Daichi rubbed his face, leaning back. “You always take me by surprise. You need to slow down.” Daichi took his hands off his face, staring at Suga with an angry look, though his eyes were still soft. It confused the hell out of Suga.

“Wha- I’m... okay, listen. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to just blur that out. I didn’t mean to-“

“But did you mean it?” Daichi interrupted Suga. His eyes looked for Suga’s and stared at him intently.

“I-“, Suga swallowed. Well, he embarrassed himself already a few times today, a rejection wasn’t too bad to top it all off, right?

“Yeah. I thought it was only a crush on the handsome police officer but I really, really like you.” Suga said firmly, trying to not let his voice tremble. He was prepared.

“Thank god.”

Okay, not for that.

“What?”

“I”, Daichi put his hands on his hips, exhaling, “I was really worried I was just imagining things. Because come on, I can read prices. You giving me some kind of discount every day were really obvious, you know?”

Suga blinked. Well, Daichi wasn’t wrong. But what the fuck?!

“What the fuck, Daichi?!” Suga cried out, frustrated and happy. He didn’t know what to feel or think. But when did he ever? He is someone who acts on impulse. And that’s what he’s best at.

He rushed forward, grabbing Daichi by his collar and pulling him down to him. Their lips crashed together harder than he anticipated but he refused to back up. And apparently Daichi didn’t plan to, either. Instead he put his hands on Suga’s cheeks, angling his head to the side.

Their lips slotted together, warm and soft. Suga hummed contently, leaning against Daichi’s warm body. Daichi slowly caressed Suga’s cheeks with his thumbs, pushing some of his loose strands of hair behind his ear.

The kiss wasn’t long, not long enough by a long shot but Suga didn’t stop Daichi from pulling back.

“Didn’t I tell you to slow down?” Daichi chuckled lowly.

“Never said I would.” Suga smiled mischievously. “Wanna come up for a coffee?”

“Wow.” Daichi deadpanned, but his mouth twitched into a small smile. “That was really bad, you know that?”

“Mhm”, Suga hummed, “I think it was pretty good since you didn’t stop by for a coffee today. Have to make up for that.”

“You’re a riot, has anybody told you that before?”

“Everyone.”

“And they were all right.” Daichi chuckled. “I’m still on the clock, you know?”

“And you’re just making sure a civilian is safe.”

“Suga…”, Daichi leaned his forehead against Suga’s, “let me take you out for dinner first, will you?”

“Haaa”, Suga sighed, “okay. Because it’s you.”

“Aren’t I lucky?”

“You sure are.”

[the-gedonelune-times]

Chapter Five: A Day Out and Meeting With The Potions Master.

Summary: Gedonelune, the prestigious royal magic academy is waiting just for you! The door has opened a whole new world of possibilities for your future. For the next thirteen days you’ll be undergoing the provisional trial to see if you have what it takes to become an official student. Along the way you’ll be meeting new faces and going on exciting new adventures. But be warned, shadows are being cast on the land, if you dive to deep, you may find yourself being swallowed up by the chaos. Your journey begins now, will you be able to banish the darkness?

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

“Discuss what exactly?” My voice held a slight hesitation.

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. If anything you’ll be happy to hear the good news.”

“Oh?”

“Remember yesterday when I mentioned the shop that was selling those phones?”

“Oh yeah, the magical ones, right?”

“Correct. Lucky for you I’ll have to be running into town soon, possibly during the weekend.”

“Am I allowed?”

“I’d have to discuss it with the Headmaster, but I’m sure you’ll be able to go. I’ll let you know the details later through a magic note, alright?”

I nodded. “Alright. Thank you, Persephone.” As usual, she mumbled something under her breath, leaving before I even had a chance to say another word.

Hours passed by since I had entered my room. Lily and I had sent a few notes back and forth to one another while I practiced on some spells. Most of the spells were basic but I slowly progressed into casting some higher difficulty ones after some more practice. Even though a majority of them were pretty weak, I still felt proud of what I had been able to accomplish so far. I continued on with practicing until I could no longer muster up the strength to cast anymore. With a tired sigh, I changed out of my uniform and into some comfortable nightwear before slipping into bed. All I had to do was go through another day of classes and then it would be the weekend. 

When I awoke the next morning, I felt a bit more awake and well-rested than the previous days. I checked the time, making sure that I still had time to stop and grab something fro breakfast before classes. That’s when I noticed a magic note next to the alarm clock. I felt my heart begin to beat hard against my chest, thinking that it might have been from Lily, but wasn’t too disappointed when it wasn’t. It was Persephone explaining that the Headmaster agreed to let me go into town with her. I was ecstatic to be going into town, but also a little bit nervous. I thought back to the conversation Lily and I had back in the village. She told me that something had happened.

Though it had been a few days. That thought stuck with me all through class and pretty much the rest of the day. Should I ask Persephone about it? I pondered the thought as I sat my stuff down in my dorm, pulling out a grimoire as I began working on today’s assignment. Once I was finished, I decided to send a magical note. Since it was rather late, I found myself hesitating a little as I finished the note before sending it out.

‘I know it’s a little late, but I wanted to share some good news! I’ll be going into town tomorrow. I’ve only been there once, so I’m really excited to go back and take time to actually explore a little bit. I wish you could come, I’d love to meet up and see you again.’

A few minutes later a note appeared on my desk and I excitedly began to open it.

‘No way! There’s something that has to be picked up in town tomorrow, I’ll talk to Willem and see if I can go. I’d love to meet up with you. Sending notes like this is nice, but I really miss hearing your voice. If I can’t come then please enjoy the town and tell me how the experience was, okay?!’

My heart skipped a beat and I found myself re-reading the first sentence over and over again. Though it was small, there was a chance that I would see Lily again, and that alone made my heart swell with delight. I had just pushed my chair and got up when I saw another note land on my desk. Was this one also from Lily? 

‘Hey, just checking in. I’m not sure if you’re in bed yet or not but I want you to see this before you head into town. Meet me by the gate to the academy by eleven, I want to get this supply shopping done as soon as I can and that’s when most of the shops are opened.’

Ah, it was from Persephone. Keeping the time in mind, I headed over to the bed, slipping into an early night’s sleep. Unfortunately, my excitement forced me into a super early start to the day. It was only six in the morning but thankfully I was able to get some caffeine into my body, so I at least had that going. Now all I needed was a hot shower, a change of clothes and something to distract me until I had to go and meet Persephone. 

Luckily I was able to check all three of those things off after I started catching up on one of my favorite books that I brought with me from home. I got so caught up in the story that I hadn’t realized the time. I practically threw my book and rushed out of the room, nearly tripping on everything on my way out. By the time I got there, I was out of breath and ready to collapse right there on the spot. Persephone was already there and shot me a concerned look.

“Let me guess, you overslept?”

“Quite the opposite, I underslept. I got caught up in a good book and lost track of time. Sorry.” 

“Whatever…” Persephone huffed before holding her hand out.

Her emblem resonated with the gate and within seconds, the gate opened up only to shut itself the minute we exited academy grounds. It was only a short walk to the town and once there, Persephone came to a stop.

“Okay, I want this to be our meeting place.”

“Meeting place?”

“Yes. Schuyler only granted us a little bit of time, but since I’m not super rule-abiding so go ahead and do whatever you want for that time. That should be enough to grab your stuff, right? I want us to meet back here at twelve-thirty and please try not to get lost. I’d never hear the end of it from Schuyler.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

Persephone gave be a wave as she went on ahead, turning and disappearing down one of the streets. Meanwhile, I took a look at my surroundings, trying to figure out which shop it was that I needed to go. I got lost a couple of times, hitting a few dead-end alleyways, but now I was feeling more comfortable as I kept walking. I had to backtrack when I realized I had it a few shops back. I took a peek of the inside from the large window and noticed that there were others already in there. With a relieved sigh I opened the door and headed inside, immediately being greeted by the owner who had a smile on his face.

“Hello there, how can I help you today?”

“Oh, um, I’m here about the magic phones.”

“Ah, our hottest selling item. Yes, yes, let me show you our selection. Right, this way.”

The owner stepped away from the counter and led me to another section of the store. It was rather barren except for a single row which had a few different magic phones available. 

“I’m afraid this is all we have right now and we’re not due for any more for a while, at least a month or so. But if there’s one that interests you, let me know, I’ll even throw in a special deal for you.”

“Special deal?” Now my curiosity was piqued.

The man chuckled. “If you buy one, I’ll throw in another one at a discounted price.”

Lily’s face flashed in my mind the minute the man told me about the deal. I had enough lune saved up that I could afford it, and it would definitely make communication easier between the two of us. I looked back at the phones, eyeing them before picking them out. 

“A special gift?” The man asked as he made it back to the counter.

“Yeah.”

“Oh? For that someone special?”

I could feel my cheeks begin to burn in embarrassment. “W-Well…”

Suddenly the door to the shop swung open and someone called out my name.

“L-Lily?!”

She was out of breath as she made her way over to me. Her hair was a little messy, clearly, she had been running. “I….I knew it was you!” She smiled happily.

“D-Did you run here all the way from the village?!”

“Uh-huh! Willem gave me permission to come into town and I didn’t want to waste any time.”

“Ah, so is the lucky lass who’s getting this gift?”

“Gift?” Lily tilted her head.

Well crap…..

“I suppose the surprise is ruined now.” I muttered under my breath.

Perhaps it was just my mind playing tricks on me, but I swear I saw Lily’s cheeks turn a soft hue of pink. I chuckled nervously while rubbing the back of my head.

“I thought this would make communicating with each other a bit easier.” 

I handed the phone to Lily who hesitantly took it in her hands. She held it close to her chest like a precious treasure, her eyes glistened over and she blinked the wetness in her eyes before smiling.

“T-Thank you. I’ve never received a gift from someone other than the others back at home.”

Her hands never left the phone, not once, not even as we were walking around in the town after having bought them. I still had quite a bit of time left and was asked by Lily if she would like to accompany me to the hop she needed to pick something up from.

“Have you had something to eat yet?”

“Hm?”

“It’s nearly lunchtime and you seem a little more sluggish than usual. I’ve heard that humans can feel tired or look ill if they have not had proper nourishment or rest. You don’t look tired per se, but perhaps you’re not nourished properly?”

As if on cue, a rather loud noise came from my stomach, which prompted Lily to laugh as she reached one of her hands out to mine, gripping tightly as she pulled me along.

“I guess that answers the question then.”

“Yeah? Well here’s one for you, where are we going?”

“There’s this really cute coffee shop that sells really good breakfast and lunch stuff. Mischa told me about it.”

“Mischa?”

“Oh, my neighbor’s cat! She’s super cute and knows where all the good places in town are.” Lily smiled.

We kept walking and walking for what seemed like forever, the streets were beginning to grow crowded and navigating through the town was definitely becoming a bit more challenging. When Lily alerted me that the shop was down the end of the street after the corner, I felt a sigh of relief wash over me. But I felt it fade when I overheard whispers.

“...her back.”

“Did some beast do that?”

“Look at those marks.”

“Is she cursed?”

“W-What if the beast comes back to finish her off, but goes after us instead.”

“...she needs to leave.”

“There’s someone with her, maybe they’re cursed too!”

“Run them both out of town so we can be safe…!”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I looked over at Lily who didn’t seem fazed by the hurtful comments that were being made. I looked at Lily’s back, the wound was still fresh and if anything, it looked even worse. I can’t imagine the physical pain she must be going through...and to think that some people in the town would be so cruel to say such things. Lily might be able to ignore it, but I wasn’t. I stopped in my tracks, pulling my hand away from Lily before facing the people who had just been gossiping and saying such hurtful things. But just as I was about to say something, I felt a tug on my arms. It was Lily. She pulled me closer to herself and kept walking neither of us saying a single word until we were away from the more crowded area.

“Lily, why? Why did you stop me?”

“Because we need not to make those people even more fearful.” Lily explained. “I could hear it in their comments, they were scared. Yelling at them for being in such a state would not help matters in the slightest.”

“So...you heard everything….”

“Yes.” She nodded. “But their words don’t hurt me, I understand their feelings. Though...it is a little sad to see that I’ve caused such fear in them to say such things…”

“Then why didn’t you try to explain? Surely they would have understood.”

Lily chuckled. “Confronting them would probably cause even more problems for us in the long run.”

“Lily…”

“Y-Yes?”

I gripped her hand tightly in mine and looked at her. “No matter what happens, I’m still going to be by your side.”

I heard a soft gasp come from her now trembling lips. An audible gulp left her as she fought hard against built-up tears. She refused to look at me and instead walked ahead for the rest of the way to the coffee shop.

*************************

About half an hour passed by before we finally made it back near the town center. I had just a little bit of time to spare and decided to join Lily on her way to a potions shop she told me about when we had a quick lunch. 

“Is this the place?” I asked while looking up at two-story shop.

Lily nodded. “Mhm, that’s the one. I think he should be in here by now.” 

Lily hummed as she walked up to the window and peeked inside, she gave a small wave from behind the glass and smiled at me.

“He’s in here, I can’t wait for you to meet him!”

I found myself practically being pushed inside of the shop by an excited Lily who, once inside, immediately ran over to a man who was putting some things on a nearby shelf. They exchanged a few words before Lily looked in my direction, the man at her side followed suit and with a smile, he came my way.

“Hello and welcome.” His voice was soft and kind as he straightened his glasses. “You must be the one that Lily always talks about.”

“She talks about me?”

The man laughed. “For the past week you’ve always been mentioned in one of her letters to me. I was so thrilled to hear that she had made a new friend and the fact that I’m meeting them today is rather a treat if you ask me.”

I fought back a blush with the clearing of my throat. “So, how long have you two known each other?”

“A couple of months. She wandered in here once by accident and struck up a conversation with me almost immediately. We’ve been talking ever since.” He smiled. “I’d like to think we’re pretty good friends and any friend of Lily’s is a friend to me. Oh right, how absolutely rude of me, my name is Fe...er, Beckford.”

He held his hand out to me where we gave a firm handshake before he took a step back, looking over at Lily.

“I suppose now is a good time to get the thing you’ve been wanting.” Beckford smiled while browsing one of the shelves. He grabbed a small vile with an icy blue liquid and handed it to Lily. “Here you go.”

“Oh, thank you!” After putting her phone away in her small side satchel, Lily grabbed the vile and was about to reach into her satchel for lune but was stopped by Beckford.

“It’s free of charge.”

“Are...a-are you sure?”

He nodded gently before removing himself from the shelves and to the front. 

“When I heard about what happened, I immediately wanted to help.”

“Will this get rid of the scar?”

“No, I’m afraid not.” He spoke sadly. “This potion will only make the area feel numb for a rather long period of time. I can’t reduce the size of the wound nor can I heal it. I’ve tried all that I can and this is the end result. I’m afraid that wound is surrounded by a rather heavy amount of cursed magic and I’ve yet to find any way to combat.”

Lily held the vile up, admiring the liquid before hugging it close to her chest. “That’s alright. Maybe one day you’ll conjure up a potion to help get rid of it. If anyone could, it’d definitely be this town’s potion master.”

“Potion master?” I asked curiously.

“Yeah, Beckford here is a master at making potions. His store is super popular, especially later in the afternoon when it really gets busy and everyone is heading back home.”

I watched as Beckford messed with his messily pulled up hair in embarrassment. “She’s obviously blowing this out of proportion. I’m merely a man who wishes to help others the way I know how. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“You’re much too humble.” Lily sighed with a smile.

A little bit of time had passed and although I wished to stay here longer, I noticed the time and practically leapt from my seat. Persephone is going to kill me!

I said my goodbyes to them both and went on my way back to the town center where Persephone was waiting. She had almost an annoyed look on her face when she saw me. Thankfully I was spared from a lecture from her and was asked about my time in town instead.

I wished that my time in the town didn’t have to end, nor did I wish for the weekend to go by as fast as I had. I wondered if there would be a chance to see Lily again in the near future?

***********Meanwhile***********

“You know what you need to do.” 

A man’s cold voice pierced the night air and the man next to him merely stood in silence. They shifted ever so slightly, almost uncomfortable with the task that they were being made to do. There was a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves in the nearby tree and an eerie silence was soon descending in the area.

“Don’t fail me. You know what will happen.” The man turned on his heel and disappeared in the shadows while the other clutched his fist. 

“But why….why here? Why her….?”

---------------------------

Nadia: Hey, I heard you and the new student went into town today. How was it?”

Persephone: They seemed to enjoy it. Seems they met up with a close friend of theirs. Meanwhile I was stuck with work *sigh* lame….

Nadia: Hey, don’t look so bummed, we can go into town next time together, I promise we’ll have a blast!

Persephone: Tsk, I don’t know about that.

Nadia: We’ll have to see then. Anyways, it seems like the story is going to take a serious turn soon. The next chapter is ‘Emergency!’

Persephone: ….That doesn’t sound good.

Nadia: Hm? Wait, Persephone, are you worried? If you’re worried then this means things could be getting really bad! 

Persephone: Let’s hope it doesn’t.

Nadia: Agreed! For now, let’s be on guard!

[mister-lucky-bunny]

The Grand Neopian University Chapter 3: Haggling and History

Lucky and his friends take a trip to the book store and prepare for their first class: Neopian History.

"Sheesh... I always forget just how much books actually cost," Krugg the Moehog mused, looking over the cover of a textbook titled Evolution of Biology.

"Yeah, we got this fancy thing called 'paper' in these parts," Val, the Darigan Aisha, snarked, idly scanning through another textbook. After a quick look, she added it to her small, growing collection, seemingly unfazed by the cost that they would all total out to.

"Uh, yeah, I've heard of paper before, thank you very much," Krugg replied, rolling his eyes. "Just because Tyrannians use stone for everything doesn't mean we're uneducated."

"Ah, don't let her get to ya, man," Enele the Kyrii stated, standing next to Krugg as he scanned over his own book list and schedule. "She's probably bitter that these books aren't bound in gold," Enele chuckled, making Krugg laugh along as well. Naturally, Val rolled her eyes, again unfazed by the other twos' comments.

"Ha ha," She replied coldly, turning her attention to another shelf with a stern frown. "Have you guys got everything, yet? I don't wanna be here all day," She continued on, changing the subject.

"Nearly have," Krugg replied, looking at his own future purchases. "Problem is, we may still have to wait. The other two haven't shown up yet."

"Probably got held up in the line," Enele suggested as Val rolled her eyes to herself. "Hang on a sec... I see em now," He said, pointing to the Xweetok and the Acara as they made their way into the store and towards the others.

As Lucky looked around the store for a bit, admiring the various displays and books, May laughed a bit, nodding. "Sorry we're late! Took my advisor awhile to get a schedule that worked with me! She said that I applying for too many options at once, so we had to mark my days down to be 'less impossible', as she put it," The Xweetok girl rambled.

"Jeez, how many did you try to sign up for?" Enele asked with a perked eyebrow.

"Uhh... at least 10 of em..." May said, thinking aloud. "I had to settle for five classes for my first semester," She said, sighing in slight disappointment.

"Well, at the very least we all have at least one class together, right?" Krugg suggested with a big smile.

"Hey, yeah! Don't we all have that Neopian History class?" May asked, her tone once again eager.

"Yeah, I look forward to waking up early," Val added on with a sarcastic tone. "That class sounds easy anyways. Everyone already knows the main points, anyways."

"Well, maybe we're missing something," Krugg suggested. "After all, this is a prestigious school. No doubt we'll learn something we've never heard about before!"

"Yeah, maybe we'll learn if Dacardia is a real place or not..." Enele suggested with a thoughtful tone.

"What do you think, Lucky?" May asked, turning her attention towards her roommate now. The Acara was distracted, however, as he found more interest in the assortment of books that filled the shelves. Currently, he was skimming through a book titled The Faerie Index.

"Hm? Oh, sorry!" Lucky replied after a few seconds of not responding, laughing nervously as he set the book back. "Was just having a quick look around."

"Yeah, there's no shortage of supplies here!" Enele chuckled. "Nothing new for a someone like you though, hm?"

"Well, I have been in plenty of bookshops before, but none as big as this one," Lucky replied, scanning the shelves. "Besides, I've never even heard of some of these before."

"Me either! I've heard that the University is the only place to buy some of these!" May added on.

"As long as you can afford it, of course," Val said with a small smirk.

"Of course we can!" May replied with a wave of her hand, looking towards a shelf as she scanned through it. "Illusen granted me a small bonus so that I could afford my initial costs! Besides, how much can a copy of... 'Neopian History For Freshmen' cost?" She asked, reading the cover as she lifted it up. As she turned the book around to check the pricing on the back, her eyes widened as her ears fell back, clearly alarmed by the price. "Ah. That much, huh?"

"Good luck," The Aisha said, continuing her own shopping.

"Maybe it's a good thing you only have five classes then, eh?" The Kyrii said with a small laugh.

As Lucky picked up a copy of Neopian History For Freshmen (since it was part of his book list), he said, "Yeah, this is what I was worried about." After checking the price on the book and confirming just how expensive it was (6,500 NP wasn't exactly cheap, especially on his budget), the Acara held onto it and sighed. "Well, maybe I'll find a job on campus somewhere to work part time. Earn some food money, y'know?"

"That's not a bad idea," Krugg replied with a nod. "So long as you have time to work, as well as do schoolwork and attend classes."

"No one ever said the college life was easy or cheap," Enele said, shrugging his shoulders in a casual way.

"Either way, a job would definitely help with finances! Though, I may have to haggle for now... haha..." May said with a sheepish laugh. With that, the group continued further into the book store, gathering up anything they needed (or said they needed, in a couple of cases), as well as admiring the other various books. Soon, their conversation began to lead towards each others' classes.

"While I doubt I need it, I feel like Beginner Magicka is a good way to stay sharp on my skills," said Enele, taking a copy of The Mysteries of Magic. Lucky and May did the same, with the Xweetok nodding.

"For sure! Illusen would be right cross with me if she found out I wasn't practicing!" She laughed, now holding a sizeable stack of books, much like the others.

"I just wish that we didn't have to take Battling class with it," Lucky said with a small groan. "Doubt I'll last even a minute in the Battledome, let alone a whole semester!"

"Hey, look on the bright side," Val began, patting his shoulder in a semi-comforting manner. "Maybe if you run around screaming, they'll have a harder time hitting you," She laughed, the Acara's nerves not being settled in the slightest. This caused Enele to roll his eyes and May to shoot a scornful glare at the Darigan girl.

"Oh, quiet you," Krugg shushed harshly. "I'm sure plenty of other freshmen won't have any idea of what they're doing either. It'll be a learning experience, as it should be."

"Are you doing the Battling class, Krugg?" May asked, turning her attention to the Moehog. "Surely you'd do well in it!"

"Well, thank you, but I have no interest in fighting," He said with a shake of his head. "I'll stick to Yooyuball when try-outs open up." This brightened up the Xweetok once again.

"Oh I love Yooyuball! I'm definitely gonna join you at try-outs!" She beamed, turning to the others. "What about you guys?"

"Well, I'll certainly watch," Enele replied.

"Yeah, I'm not really a sports person, if ya couldn't tell..." Lucky added on with an unsure tone.

"I'm out, too," Val said. "Besides, I'll have enough fun showing you guys up in the Battledome," She continued with a wicked grin.

"Well, we'll see about that," May responded, sticking her tongue out. "Have some faith in your fellow friends!"

"Yeah, because I don't have any in myself," Lucky muttered, finding his last book. For the time being, he'd skip out on buying the book he required for Music Class. Mostly due to the fact that he didn't know if he would actually be allowed to sign up, but also because he was now starting to scrape by with what little money he already has.

He and May were done a little bit later than the others, but it didn't take long for all of them to start walking through the line to check out. Unlike the lines where students have to make their schedules, this one was taking a lot longer than it probably should have. While certainly annoying, the reason was due to the fact that a few other students were trying their luck at haggling down prices for their items. As Lucky grew closer to the cashier, however, he realized just how much of a process it actually was. For one thing, it wasn't exactly normal for a student to be screaming at a cashier, yet it seemed a bit weird to Lucky that they weren't even budging in regards to lowering any prices.

"Listen, sir, I came all the way from Kreludor! I've read more books than this store carries, I assure you! There's no reason these books should cost this much!" shouted the angry voice of a Grundo, a pile of books laid out before an unimpressed looking Shoryu, who looked to be a few years younger than the Grundo.

"Well, tough luck," He answered in a cold, bored tone. "I don't set the prices on these books, the professors do. So unless they all decide to change their minds at the exact same time, the price of all of this is still going to be 35,000 NP."

"Feh! Fine! Of all the... rip-off artist..." The Grundo began to mutter, pulling his Neophone out and scanning it across a small machine on the counter. With a small 'beep!', the Shoryu bagged everything up and passed it across to the disgruntled Neopian, who took his purchases without another word.

"Have a nice day," The Shoryu cashier added on in an insincere tone, turning to the line. "Next, please."

As the next student went up, the group looked between each other curiously, wondering about the exchange. Lucky, however, had a different thought in mind as he pulled his phone out and examined it. "...can my phone do that?" He pondered aloud, referring to the instant digital payment.

"Oh fer- of course it can, as long as it's connected to your bank account," Val answered with a sigh, also looking over the Acara's phone over his shoulder. "...well, I think so, anyways. Yours looks like it's about to go extinct."

"It's still in... useable shape," Lucky insisted, pocketing it with an embarrassed look on his face.

"I think our bigger problem is getting past that guy," Enele said, pointing to the Shoryu, who looked to be refusing another attempt at haggling, this time from a glasses wearing Lenny. "He seems to be a real stickler for the prices."

"Maybe we oughta just pay without making a fuss about it..." Krugg suggested, rubbing the back of his head.

"You can, but I'm gonna try and cut a deal!" May said with an enthusiastic tone, puffing her chest out.

"Yeah, hold us up even longer for the same result, sounds like a fun idea," Val snarked as she rolled her eyes.

"Next, please," Called the Shoryu, his gaze turned towards the group of friends.

Giving a smug smile to Val, the Xweetok whispered, "Watch and learn." The girl stepped forward and placed the books on the counter, standing on her toes so that she could lean over it in an appearance to seem casual. "Hiya! This'll be all for me today, good sir," She greeted to him. The cashier wordlessly scanned everything in a rapid manner.

"Terrific, you're total is 30,000 NP," He stated to the Xweetok.

"Wow, that's a lot!" May began, the Shoryu beginning to sigh gentle, knowing where this was already going. "How about this... since you don't seem to have a shortage on these here history books, and also because all freshmen need them, maybe we can shorten it to-"

"30,000 NP," He stated again, much more firmly this time.

"Ah, right! Makes sense," May yelped out, quickly losing her nerve. Looking into her money sack, she quickly pulled out a large stack of Neopoints, passing it to him with a sheepish look on her face. "Er... will this cover it?" The Shoryu quickly pushed the coins into a nearby sorting machine, which clattered and rattled around loudly for a few seconds. The noise didn't seem to bother him, though, as he soon nodded and bagged up her purchases.

"Here, have a nice day," He finished, with May nodding and quickly running back to the group. Her smile was obviously one of embarrassment, as the others looked at her in both confusion and disappointment.

"...wow, uh... that was an experience," The Kyrii said, unsure of what to even say to her.

"Okay, s-so I gotta work on my haggling skills, so what?" The Xweetok said, slumping forwards.

"Next please," Called the Shoryu, glancing over to the group again.

"You give it a shot, Mr. Confidence," Val said, pushing the quiet Acara forward a bit.

"Hey, what..?" Lucky began, resisting a little.

"You're from Neopia Central, I'm sure it'll come naturally," She added on.

"Wh- okay fine," He said, sighing and stepping forward. His nerves already felt like they were made out of dung jelly, but he couldn't back out at this point. Either way, he had to pay for his books, so it was now or never. As the bored stare of the Shoryu seemed to drill into him, the Acara placed the books down and cleared his throat. "Uh, hello," He began simply.

"Hey," The Shoryu said, scanning everything. "Find everything alright?"

"Yes, I did," Lucky said, fiddling with his necklace a bit. "Well I mean, except for the fact that it was awfully hard to find 'used' books that had all of their pages..." He said, trailing off. This comment caused the Shoryu to pause momentarily, glancing upwards to the Acara, his facial expression changing from 'bored' to 'slight confusion'.

"Oh? What do you mean?" He started.

"Well..." He began, scratching his head as he put on a concerned tone. "I'm on a budget, so I always buy the secondhand stuff," He said, pointing to a cover that had a bright red 'USED' sticker on it. "However, with a few of them, I had to take some time in making sure all the pages were in tact. Heck, I'm pretty sure one of them is still missing a couple! Not to mention the writing inside of them..." He prattled on.

The Shoryu's eyebrow lifted a bit more as he looked over the cover of one of the books. The books had definitely seen a bit of usage, as they weren't in the best shape. "Well... we usually do a good job of making sure the books aren't damaged when we buy them back," He said.

"That's good!" Lucky said with a small smile. "Guess other students must've been a bit too rough while they were looking them over then," He sighed. "Hopefully it won't impede my work too much."

The Shoryu began to flip through the pages of one of the books carefully, quickly shutting it as his eyes grew slightly wider, a bit nervous as well. Was the Acara correct? He couldn't see any missing pages, although there was some blatant graffiti on a few pages. That wouldn't be good for the book store's reputation if he told others about the damages. Leaning in a little, he whispered to Lucky, "Alright look. I know what you're trying to do... but at the same time, I can see where you're coming from. I'll get you a set of new books, and won't charge ya. Just keep it a secret alright?"

Lucky merely winked and gave a small grin. "So how much do I owe?" Lucky stated, discreetly writing his room number on a note and sliding it to the Shoryu, who secretly pocketed it.

"For these used books... 20,000 NP," He answered. Lucky nodded and began counting out coins from his sack. Thinking a bit, he looked back to the Shoryu.

"Are.. you the only cashier here?" He asked. The Shoryu sighed and nodded.

"Well, aside from my manager over there, yes," He answered, pointing out a tired, yet eager looking Scorchio. "I'm just trying to get through this shift. And the next. And the next," He said with a groan.

"Well, I am in need of a job..." Lucky began with a smile, which perked up the Shoryu. Not only that, but the Scorchio quickly hurried over, sliding an application sheet and pen towards Lucky.

"Say no more!" He said with a boisterous voice, watching as the Acara signed his name, as well as writing down any information they needed, and skimming through the fine print of course. "Come by the store as soon as you can, son, and we'll get you started on training right away!"

"Wow, uh, thanks a lot, sir!" Lucky said with a friendly tone, watching as the paper was taken up.

"No problem at all, uh..." The Scorchio replied, looking at the sheet. "...Lucky! Hope to see ya soon! Now excuse me while I ring up these folks over here!" He said, darting away.

"Is he always that fast?" The Acara asked the Shoryu.

"Oh yeah. He's just looking to get through the line as fast as possible, too. Still, that was cool of ya to sign on with us. It'll certainly help," He said with a gentle smile.

"No problem! I need the money anyways," Lucky said. "Anyways, don't I also get an employee discount?"

"Oh, right, of course," The Shoryu replied, typing something on the register. "Your new total is-" He paused suddenly squinting his eyes to the Acara. "...oh you're good." Lucky merely replied with a wink and a grin.

After paying a discounted fee of only 16,000 NP, Lucky collected his purchases and walked towards the group. "Well, I just barely scraped by, but at least I got a job! I'd say that went fairly well," He said.

The others were both shocked and quite impressed with how he managed to walk away with a good discount on everything. "Woah, you really are a natural, Lucky!" May exclaimed.

"Yeah, gotta hand it to ya, that was impressive," Val added on, crossing her arms with a small grin.

"Too bad it won't work with us... I don't think, anyways," Enele said, a hand to his chin.

"Wouldn't hurt," Lucky said, turning back to the cashiers. "They seem really understaffed..."

"Next, please!" The Shoryu called out, apparently having yelled that a couple of times previously. The Kyrii quickly stepped forward to check out as he was called forward.

_______________________________________

The next day soon arrived, with the sun just starting to seep through the blinds of the dorm's windows. Lucky was laying face down in his bed, his top half exposed from the blanket. After all, the Acara slept much more comfortably wearing only a pair of simple briefs. He snored gently as his arms wrapped loosely around the pillow he was sleeping on. His glasses and phone rested on the nearby nightstand, his phone staying plugged in so that it could charge.

The Acara's peaceful sleep was soon quickly disrupted, however, as his Xweetok roommate quickly opened the door to his room, stepping in. She was already fully dressed, her hair still a bit wet from her shower. Funnily enough, the flower she chose to put in her hair also seemed to be as bright and chipper as she was, being a bright orange marigold today. "Hey hey, Lucky, get up! Classes start today!" She sang cheerfully, quickly startling the boy awake.

"Guh?!" He grunted out, lifting his head off of his pillow, wiping some drool from his mouth. Blinking a bit, he quickly reached for his glasses, fixing them as he turned around and sat up in his bed. "Whuzzat..?" He groaned sleepily, stretching a bit. It took him a few moments to realize that he was still at the college. 'Guess I'm still here, huh..?' He thought to himself, still groggy from being woken up so suddenly. It also took a few seconds to realize that he was essentially half naked in front of his roommate, who didn't seem to take notice. Lucky's face flushed a bit as he yanked his covers up to hide himself. "H-hey, knock next time, May!" He exclaimed. It didn't appease his embarrassment when the Xweetok began to giggle innocently, turning to head out of the door.

"Aw, relax, I didn't see anything!" She reassured (quite unsuccessfully, if the frown on Lucky's face was any indication). "Besides, it's not like I haven't seen someone's chest before. Now c'mon and get ready! Class starts in a couple hours and I wanna see what the food court has for breakfast!" She continued eagerly, moving out of his room. Lucky groaned as he sat up, putting on his glasses and trying to move past the semi-embarrassing incident.

"Jeez... this place is definitely more interesting than Neopia Central, that's for sure..." He'd say to himself as she shuffled towards his room's bathroom to take a shower. After drying himself off, he moved to his closet to pull out and put on a pair of jeans. As he began to fit into a large, comfy t-shirt, May opened his door and stuck her head back in, alerting him yet again.

"Oh, by the way, your books came!" She said before quickly closing the door behind her.

"Thanks..." He groaned out, quickly shuffling his shirt on before she gave herself another opportunity to interrupt him.

The rest of the morning went by without too many events. Lucky managed to collect his new set of books from the package he received before he and his roommate went off to find themselves some breakfast. Soon, the two found themselves looking for the rest of their friends.

"Mmh! I didn't even know they made pumpkin hazelnut coffee!" May exclaimed, taking another big gulp out of a paper cup. In her other hand, she was holding a delicious looking strawberry crepe with whipped cream on top.

"I still can't believe a cup of coffee here is only 100 NP," Lucky stated, taking a sip from his own cup, which contained salted caramel flavored coffee. For breakfast, the Acara decided to go with a simple granola, yogurt, and fruit cup. Even back home, a simple meal would've costed around 500 NP.

May couldn't help herself and took a bite out of her crepe, starting to talk with her mouth full. "You worry 'bout money too much..!" She replied, gulping down her mouthful of food. "Don't feel guilty about buying something you want! Especially if it's food," She explained eagerly. Lucky nodded, finding quite a bit of agreement in her statement. Soon, she waved to a table, where Enele and Krugg were currently sitting. "Oh, heya guys!" She said, hurrying to join them, with Lucky tailing behind her.

Krugg waved back before going back to eating at a giant mushroom and cheese omelette, leaving Enele to also wave and greet the other two. Oddly enough, today the Kyrii was wearing a clean, yet fashionable white and blue stripped polo shirt. "Morning, you two. Hopefully you slept alright? I know everyone tends to be excited and anxious on their first day, making it hard to do so," The Kyrii said before taking a bite out of a breakfast sandwich. Lucky hoped he was imagining the fish head sticking out of it...

The two sat themselves at the table, with May stretching and nodding. "Mm-hm! The beds here are suuuper comfy! I could've slept for hours!"

"Yeah, you can say that again," Krugg said in between mouthfuls. "I almost slept in!"

"Same here," Lucky responded as he began to scoop some granola and yogurt with a spoon. "Guess I better set my alarm a little bit earlier next time."

"That would definitely help!" Enele offered with a smile. "After all, a rested, healthy body begins with a rested, healthy mind."

"By the way, Enele, where did you get that shirt at? It looks so good on you!" May asked suddenly to the Kyrii.

"Oh, this? I got it at the clothing store on campus. They have some pretty nice choices here," He answered, looking over his own attire.

The Xweetok gasped out as he answered. "They have a clothing store too?!" She asked, visibly excited by the prospect of it. "Oh, we've so gotta check that out, Lucky!" She squealed eagerly. The Acara laughed gently at this, wondering if they'd actually have anything that would look good on him.

"Well, couldn't hurt," He said with an unsure tone. "I've got plenty of clothes, though."

"Aw, but you could get some cooler and cuter stuff!" She replied.

"Damn, what's with the yelling?" Said the tired voice of Val, who had just walked up to the table. She was only holding a paper coffee cup, and from the smell of it, it contained some very very strong black coffee. She wore her usual robes, though her eyes looked a lot more tired than they did yesterday.

Enele couldn't help but snicker a bit as she sat with the group. "See, Lucky, this is what happens when you don't get enough sleep." The Acara started to help but quickly held it in, due to how peeved Val appeared. Krugg snorted a bit while May openly laughed at the joke.

The Aisha merely rolled her eyes and sipped her coffee. "Whatever," She grumbled. "Just not used to being up this early. More of a night person, y'know?"

"We do all have our own internal clocks," Krugg said as he soon finished up his breakfast. "Also, unrelated, but do you have a roommate, Val?"

"No. Why?" She answered a little too quickly, raising an eyebrow to the Moehog.

"Just wondering," He said with a shrug. "It's just that Enele and I are roommates, and Lucky and May are as well."

"Yeah, don't tell us you managed to luck out with a single?" May said as she leaned towards Val.

"Yeah, I did," She answered after taking another sip of her coffee. "Lord Darigan made sure I got a good room. Nice and big, spacious, and no roommates."

Despite this, only May seemed to be the one to believe her, as Enele, Krugg, and Lucky shared a look between each other, confirming that they all figured she was hiding something. Of course, the Acara looked to his phone, perking up as he looked back at everyone. "Class starts in about 15 minutes, we should make our way to the room," He announced. Everyone quickly finished off their food and drinks before throwing away any garbage and heading to the building.

Thankfully they didn't have too far to go, and they were fortunate enough to get into a good row of seats that accommodated all of them. Many other freshmen also filed into the room at an even pace, with conversation being abundant.

Right at 9:00, an older, smartly dressed, green Kougra man walked in. He wore a nice button up with a green tie and nice slacks, as well as a set of glasses. He stood in front of everyone, setting down his bag and a large three-ring binder. The moment he cleared his throat, every student turned their attention to him, slowly quieting up.

"Good morning everyone," He began gently, a large warm smile on his face. "My name is Dr. Katzbury. Welcome to Neopian History," He began, turning towards the giant dry erase board and writing out his name. "Before we get properly started, I wanna go ahead and go ahead and go around the room and see what everyone knows about general history," He started. This confused quite a few students, as they began to murmur to each other. What exactly did he mean?

It wasn't long before he randomly pointed to a checkered Gelert in the front row. "Anything come to mind, mister..?"

The Gelert quickly sat up, not expecting to be picked immediately. "Eh? Uh... well, there's the war between Meridell and Brightvale," He said hesitantly. Dr. Katzbury seemed pleased by this answer, giving a simple nod.

"Ah yes, of course. This oughta lead to another easy answer..." He said, pointing right at Val with a small grin. "Especially for you, Ms..?"

"Valyssa," She said, not bothering to straighten up. "And I believe you're referring to when Kass overthrew the Citadel?"

"That's right! Common knowledge to everyone, I should hope," The Kougra said, scanning the students. Val smirked to herself, rolling her eyes a bit. Of course everyone should know that. "Anything else? Doesn't have to be a war or a battle, you know."

"How about the Volcano on Mystery Island?" Enele offered with a hand raised.

"Would the finding of Altador count?" Called out a random Gnorbu girl.

"Don't forget about Maraqua's curse!" Hissed the voice of a Hissi.

"And King Coltzan's death!" Stated a Nimmo.

The teacher lifted his hands up to silence everyone, an impressed smile on his face. "I see, I see! You all know quite a bit about current events. Of course, it wouldn't be fun to re-teach you everything you already know... but what about the stuff that isn't' talked about?"

"What about the citizens of these cities that lived through these events? How was the rest of Neopia affected due to the Citadel? How did the death of King Coltzan III change how the Lost Dessert was run? You see, the fun in learning about history is in the small details. To truly appreciate what had happened, it's always in your best interest to learn everything that you can."

He began to scan through the students again, thinking aloud. "I know some of you guys know something obscure. Come on, impress me!" He challenged, pointing to an Eyrie, who from the looks of it, came from the Lost Desert. "How about you, Ms..?"

"Rasha," She greeted bluntly. "As for something obscure, not a lot of Neopians know about the Scarab infestation. Left us with a famine so horrible, we could barely recover," She stated, sounding quite bitter as she brought up the bugs. The teacher looked sympathetic, but kept a polite smile.

"Ah, what a terrible occurrence. I do remember reading about that, though. I would love to hear more about it sometime, if it's no trouble?" He asked simply. The Eyrie didn't answer, instead sitting with quite an intimidating look. Lucky was personally scared to look in her direction.

After a few seconds, he continued on, pointing to a rather... strange Cybunny girl, who was dressed in tattered clothing and looked almost like a zombie. "Perhaps you have some information to enlighten us with, Ms... uh...?"

"Ehehee, yes!" She giggled in a creepy manner. No doubt that this girl was from the Haunted Woods. "I'm Elvira! One time, the Esophagor got so hungry, that it wouldn't stop groaning and shrieking, no matter how much anyone fed it!" She cackled. "It took everyone a whole month before it was even satiated... ehehehe... they say they had to feed it other Neopians... but I never saw anyone go that far..." She said, finishing her sentence with another creepy giggle. There was something about her that was definitely weird, even if the Acara didn't want to stereotype. He wasn't the only one freaked out, though, as a few other students noticeably squirmed when she laughed. May couldn't help but cower a bit, Enele stared at her with a wide, unsure gaze, Krugg couldn't even look at the Cybunny, and even Val slumped in her seat a bit.

Dr. Katzbury was the only one not put-off by her strange appearance, who merely nodded with a wide, interested gaze. "Now that's something! Little stories that no one else would probably know! Let's see here..." The Kougra pointed to the Acara suddenly, an eyebrow raised. "How's about one more, Mr..?"

Lucky jumped a bit, not having a story prepared. Being quiet, he had to clear his throat and speak a little louder than usual, which made him uncomfortable. "Uh... L-lucky," He stammered. "Uh... nothing really happened back where I lived..."

"Come now, anything will be alright! No such thing as a bad answer, after all," He reassured. Lucky felt a few eyes fall on him, which only made him more uncomfortable. It took the Acara a few seconds to even think of anything that happened.

"...uh... one time I saw a bunch of merchants go on strike," He said simply. "I think they were unhappy about a store that was trying to buy them out."

"I see! I told you there's no bad answer," The Kougra said happily. "After all, how else were we supposed to know if someone didn't tell us? It could have lead to something big, after all!"

The teacher now spoke to everyone as a whole. "You see, there's no such thing as an insignificant event. Everything always matters to everyone. Of course, there is no way of knowing everything, at least not without witnesses. That is why we're all here," He continued. "A vast knowledge of how our nations exist and came to be is the first step in coexisting peacefully," He concluded.

It was quite an important lesson for sure, even if it was a little standard. For the most part, everyone followed along, and it relieved Lucky quite a bit when he felt the pressure of everyone go away, turning back to their educator. Of course, that was only the beginning of their first class.

The Kougra moved to his desk and opened up his binder, stating, "Open your copies of Neopian History For Freshmen, please, and let's get started."

[highfivecalum]

Dark In Your Heart {CEO!CH} 9

a/n: okay so i wanted to post this so bad and it’s been very requested so ... here’s part 9 but since i’m posting this today updates are gonna be a lillll bit slow after this but!!! happy reading :)))

Previous Chapters: One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight 

◈◈◈

“Did you bring a dress?” Calum’s voice had Maddie’s eyes tearing away from the scenery that passed her and to Calum. He was driving a company car, the nicest car Maddie had ever been in, one hand on the steering wheel and the other resting against his temple, holding his head up.

The first few buttons on his white shirt unbuttoned, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, exposing his tattoos, and Maddie had to look away before he caught her staring at him. Honestly, it was hard not to stare at him. He was a sight for sore eyes. Everyone knew that.

“What?” Maddie questioned.

“Did you bring a dress? I told you to bring a dress.”

“Shit,” Maddie cursed. She totally forgot about what he told her as she packed. She was too distracted by the thought of staying in a hotel, although not the same room, with Calum and spending all weekend with him. She wasn’t nervous, per say, she was just a little on edge at the thought of spending so much time with him one on one, not able to do anything about the dying attraction she had for him. “I, uh, I forgot. I’m sorry.”

“‘S fine. I have some errands to run, so I’ll drop you off and you can pick out a dress. A nice one. I’ll give you my card to use.”

“Oh, no, Calum, you don’t have to-”

“Yes I do. I asked you to come, so it’s the least I can do.” Maddie nodded her head at Calum’s words, not bothering to argue further, knowing that no matter how many times she refused his credit card; Calum would make her use it anyway. 

Of course, Calum dropped her off at the most expensive store he could and Maddie watched him and the expensive car drive away. He told her he would be back within the hour, so she had plenty of time to shop and find a nice, classy dress. 

Maddie looked down at the card in her hands, rolling her lips into her mouth and shaking her head before ripping the door to the store open, instantly feeling out of place in her blue jeans and yellow blouse and boots. Everybody else was in dresses and heels, it was no secret that she didn’t fit in.

“Can I help you with something?” The store clerk greeted Maddie with a smile, no doubt a fake one, and arched her perfect eyebrow. “You look a little lost, dear.”

Maddie wanted to roll her eyes at the condescending tone. “Can you just point me in the direction of the dresses?”

Buy yourself a pair of shoes, too.

Maddie bit her lip at the text from Calum and shoved her phone in her back pocket. God, she weirdly felt like he was her sugar daddy, or boyfriend, or something ridiculous. Definitely not her boss. 

Maddie found a perfect dress; white with a plunging v-neck dress, the v-neck and the waistline lined with small crystals that made her skin look amazing. Her already tan complexion looking even darker due to the color of the dress. She checked the price tag, letting out a low whistle at the price.

“Five hundred dollars. Really?” She mumbled under her breath and went on to check the prices on all the other dresses, either the same price or more, and she shook her head. The shoes were just the same. A simple pair of plain black strapping heels two hundred. 

“Did you find everything okay?” The same store clerk who was now behind the counter greeted her once again. 

“Perfect. Thanks.”

The store clerk eyed the items Maddie put on the counter and raised her eyebrows. Obviously the girl didn’t think that Maddie could afford it, which in reality, without Calum’s card, she wouldn’t have been able to. “Your total comes to seven hundred dollars, even.”

“Ridiculous.” Maddie scoffed, but nonetheless, pulled Calum’s card out and gave it to the girl. The clerk waited, figuring it would decline, and was surprised when it went through without a problem. 

Maddie didn’t bother thanking the girl as she took the bags from her and exited the store. Calum pulled up just in time, as if he was waiting for her down the street, and smiled at her once her dress and shoes were secure in the car. “Find something?”

“Yep.” Maddie gave him his card back and huffed. “Seven hundred dollars later.”

Calum stifled a laugh, shrugging carelessly since seven hundred dollars, to him, was nothing.

◈◈◈

“Two rooms for Hood?” Calum said, hiking his bag and Maddie’s up his shoulder. Maddie insisted on carrying her bag herself, but Calum, being the gentleman he is, ignored her protests and carried them both. Maddie followed him with her arms crossed over her chest with a huff of annoyance because he never let her do anything herself.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Hood. There seems to have been a problem?” The receptionist furrowed her eyebrows and looked up at him nervously as she chewed on her bottom lip. She knew he was important and she wasn’t sure what happened, but there was a mix up. “We have you booked for two rooms, but they’re adjoining, so there will be a door connecting them.”

Calum looked at Maddie, who was for the first time a lot shorter than him without her heels, and puffed his cheeks out. Calum knew she was fine with going on the trip with him, but he didn’t want to pressure her into anything that made her uncomfortable. “You okay with that?”

Maddie simply shrugged, not having much of a choice. “It’s fine.” And, really, it wasn’t that big of a deal. Sure, they had conjoined, attached, rooms, but it wasn’t like they had to share one. Or share a bed. As long as they kept the door shut and locked, they didn’t see a problem.

“Wonderful,” The receptionist grinned. “For you Mr. Hood,” She handed Calum his key card to the hotel room and he pocketed it with a quick thank you. “And you, Mrs. Hood.” Maddie’s eyes widened as the girl gave her her own key card.

“Oh, I’m- I’m not-”

“Thank you.” Calum cut her off and motioned for her to follow him, quickly walking to the elevator. Maddie tried to suppress her laughter at how uncomfortable Calum looked, but she couldn’t help it, letting out a quiet giggle. Calum turned to her, eyebrow cocked. “What’s so funny?”

“Guess I’m Mrs. Hood for the night.” Maddie shrugged with a cheesy smile that had Calum rolling his eyes, but laughing along with her as she giggled.

The only thing Calum could do was laugh and try not to let her words affect him.

◈◈◈

Calum knocked on Maddie’s hotel door, the one outside and not attached to his own room, and laced his ring clad fingers together as he waited. Calum was dressed in a suit and dress shoes, not much different than when he went to work, and he couldn’t wait to see the dress that Maddie had bought. 

When the door swung open, revealing Maddie, Calum’s jaw nearly dropped. His eyes shamelessly took her in; the white dress showing enough skin to be sexy and classy, but not slutty, and her hair and makeup so simple making her effortlessly beautiful.

“Wow.” Calum breathed out.

“What?” Maddie laughed nervously, pushing her hair that was in loose curls behind her shoulders, showing her neck and collarbone off, and the small dainty diamond necklace wrapped around her throat. Calum wanted to wrap his hands around it and mark it with his lips.

“You just- you look amazin’.”

“Thank you.” Maddie blushed and rubbed her red lips together. “You do, too.”

“Shall we?” Calum held his hand out for her to take and she did so gladly, but instead of lacing their fingers together like Calum planned, she linked her arm with his and fell in step with him. 

Conveniently, the banquet was held in the ballroom in the hotel they were staying at, so they didn’t have to travel far and they were there in minutes. Calum found their assigned seats, close to the front of the stage where he and other publishers and editors would be giving short speeches. 

“What would you like to drink, Maddie?” Calum questioned as he stood up.

“Whatever you’re drinking.” Maddie smiled up at him, genuinely, and he nodded before taking off to the bar, greeting people to and from his way to the bar. Calum was back in a few minutes, sitting down next to her and giving her the glass of champagne the bartender poured for them. 

“How many speeches are there?” Maddie asked after the seventh one.

Calum went first, keeping it short and simple, wanting to get it over with, not being a huge fan of public speaking. Maddie admired him as he spoke, so professional and intelligent. Maddie loved that he was passionate about what he did.

“This is the last one.” Calum whispered back and Maddie nodded her head. She didn’t want to continue talking while the woman spoke, not wanting to be disrespectful. Once she was done, everybody clapped, the music started, and conversation was flowing. 

A certain slow song played and Calum stood up, once again, holding his hand out for her to take. Maddie looked at it in confusion and Calum cleared his throat. “Dance with me?” Calum asked, sounding so serious as he looked at her fondly, with the most genuine and gorgeous smile on his face.

Maddie swore her heart stopped, but she collected herself and let him pull her up and direct her to the dance floor. Calum held her hips and Maddie hesitantly wrapped her arms around his neck. She hadn’t been this close to him since she tied his tie for him and she missed the way he smelled and how his hands felt on her. 

Maddie tried to look anywhere but Calum, while he looked at nothing but her. His eyes lingered on her lips for a little bit too long and when she absentmindedly licked them, Calum’s grip on her hips tightened. At the feeling, Maddie whipped her head around, swallowing at the way Calum was looking at her. It wasn’t innocent at all.

◈◈◈

“You ready to go back to our rooms?” Calum asked Maddie once she finished her drink. They were both buzzed, enough to be smiling and laughing and talking nonstop. The room started to clear out and Maddie let a yawn rip through her. It was nearing midnight and they had had a long day.

“Mhm.”

They rode in the elevator in silence, Maddie’s head resting on Calum’s upper arm, letting out a tired and content sigh. Calum smelled so good and he was so warm and comfortable, Maddie couldn’t help but let her head fall against him. Calum didn’t mind, not at all.

“Goodnight, Maddie.” Calum pressed a kiss to the top of her head as she opened her hotel door and waved shyly as she shut the door. Leaning against it, Maddie closed her eyes and sighed, wishing so much that she was in the same room as him, the same bed as him, with him.

After dreaming and wishing of what she knew wouldn’t happen, Maddie pushed herself off of the door and took her jewelry off, undid her shoes, and reached behind her to unzip her dress. With a lot of struggle, Maddie came to the conclusion that it was stuck and she groaned. She didn’t want to sleep in it and didn’t want to take it off without zipping it in fear of ripping the gorgeous and expensive dress.

She only had one option.

Her fist hovered over the door that separated her room from Calum’s and took a deep breath, knocking on it before she could back out. It took a few seconds, but Calum was soon opening the door in nothing but his dress pants and Maddie swore it took everything in her to not climb him like a Goddamn tree.

“Yes, Madeline?” God, she loved when he called her that and she hated when anyone used her full name. 

“Um,” Maddie laughed nervously and took a step forward, now in his room and outside of hers and Calum was too aware of it. “My- my zipper is stuck. Could you?” Maddie pointed to it and spun around, biting her lip, she waited for Calum. 

“Course.” Calum’s cold hands grazed her skin, due to the back of the dress stopping in the middle of her back, and Calum tugged on the zipper a few times before unzipping it easily. It nearly fell off of her body- it would have if Maddie wasn’t holding the front of it to her chest. Calum’s eyes caught sight of the black, lace thong she had on. “Jesus.”

“I-Is, uh, is something wrong?”

Calum let out a quiet and disappointed laugh. “Only thing wrong is that you’re in front of me, like this, and I can’t have you.”

He couldn’t help himself as his hands traced her shoulders and upper back, smirking at the goosebumps that rose on her skin. He stepped closer, his chest nearly pressed against her back, and moved her hair to one side of her shoulder. 

When Calum’s lips pressed against the dip between her neck and shoulder, Maddie let out a shaky breath and let her head fall to the side, giving him access to all of her neck. All she could feel was his lips working against her neck and his hands on her body.

“Calum.” 

Her breathy moan had him biting and nipping at her skin and his hands pushing the straps of her dress down, making it fall down her body easily. Maddie stood there in only her underwear, goosebumps on her skin, but not from the cold.

As Calum’s hand trailed down her stomach, to the top of her underwear, Maddie’s own hand reached up behind her to lace her fingers through his hair, jaw dropping once Calum dipped his hand into her panties, his fingers rubbing her clit at an agonizingly slow pace.

“Tell me to stop and I’ll stop.” Calum spoke in a gruff voice. He wanted her permission, he wanted to hear her tell him she wanted it just as much as he did. And he wanted her so badly to tell him not to stop because he wasn’t sure he would be able to. “If you don’t want this to go any further tell me now.”

“Don’t,” Maddie moaned as he teased her entrance. “Don’t stop.”

Once Calum had the okay, the green light, he spun her around and cupped her face, his fingers tangling in her hair as his lips worked feverishly against her own. His hands gripped her butt, lifting her up effortlessly, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He kicked the door shut, slamming her back against it and nearly growled in her mouth at the sound of her moan and the pressure of his pants restricting his hard on.

Calum kissed down her neck and her chest, nipping and sucking on her nipples before dropping to his knees, hiking one of her legs over his shoulder, trailing his mouth down her stomach, down to the top of her underwear, kissing her through them. Without warning, he was ripping them down her legs and throwing them carelessly behind him. 

Maddie moaned, almost pornographically, as Calum attached his lips to her clit. She laced her fingers through his hair, throwing her head back against the door, letting her mouth hang open as the moans left her lips. Calum looked up at her through his eyelashes and smirked against her. 

Calum could tell she was close with the way she tugged on his hair, how her moans got louder, and how her muscles tensed. And how her head fell forward with her hair covering her face as she moaned. “Oh my- fuck.” 

Calum worked her through her orgasm, watching her come undone, and left one last kiss to her clit before pulling away. “Almost forgot how good you taste.” Calum barely let Maddie recover as he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder effortlessly. 

“Calum!” Maddie squealed and smacked his butt as he carried her to the bed. 

Dropping her down on her back, their eyes never left each other’s as he undid his belt and took his pants and boxers off at once. Maddie’s mouth nearly watered at the sight of him bare and hard just for her. 

Crawling above her, he kissed up her stomach, her nipples, neck and collarbone, and finally, her lips. Maddie’s hand trailed down his chest, stopping at his length as she wrapped her hands around him and tugged. 

Maddie took control, leaning up, Calum moving along with her, and pushed him on his back. Just like he did her; her lips worked on his neck, chest, and stomach, before finally wrapping her lips around him. “Fuck,” Calum breathed through his moans as Maddie worked his length, sucking him expertly like she had before. “Jus’ like that.”

He was close, way too close, and as good as releasing in her mouth sounded, he wanted her around him. Gripping her hair, Calum lightly pulled her up and attached his lips to her. 

“Want you to ride me.” He mumbled against her lips and Maddie didn’t need him to say anymore. Lining herself up with him, Calum stopped her before she could sink down on him. “Wait, wait, wait. Hold on. Condom.”

“Nu huh. On the pill.” Maddie was breathless, her lips peppering kisses on his jaw and neck, and all she wanted was to feel him again. 

“You made me use a condom the first time.” Calum moaned, his hands squeezing her hips even harder, no doubt leaving bruises, as she sucked on his skin.

“You were a random stranger the first time. You’re far from a stranger now, Cal.”

Cal. She had never called him by his nickname. He loved it. 

“If you’re sure.” 

“Fuckin’ positive.” Maddie muttered against his lips as she finally sunk down on him. They both moaned against each other’s skin, loud enough for the room next to them to hear, but they couldn’t have cared less. 

“Fuck, Maddie.” Calum threw his head back watching as Maddie bounced up and down on him, her boobs moving with her, her fingers digging into his chest. He almost came just at the sight of her. “Take me so fuckin’ well, baby.”

Without a warning, Calum was flipping them over and pulling out, smirking at the whine that left Maddie’s mouth at the loss of contact. He admired her for a second; laying on her back, her chest heaving, neck marked up, and hair a mess. Maddie looked ethereal He swore he had never seen anything so beautiful. 

“Hands and knees, babygirl.” Calum’s gruff voice demanded and Maddie found herself smirking at his orders, wasting no time to position herself; on her hands and knees, hair moved to one side so her arched back was on full display for him.

He slid a hand down her back, stopping it at her ass and giving it a smack, before he lined himself up with her and pushed in. He gripped her hips, thrusting in and out at a fast pace and reveled in the way she sounded because of him. He knew just his length alone wouldn’t make her cum like he wanted her to, so, pulling her up, her back against his chest, Calum wrapped on arm around her throat and the other worked her clit until he felt her clenching around him.

They came, together and at once, and Calum slumped down lightly on Maddie’s chest, careful not to crush her. Sweaty and heaving, they both struggled to catch their breath. 

Maddie got up after Calum fell onto the bed, stumbling on her legs slightly, and looked around for her underwear. “Where you goin‘?” Calum rolled onto his side and propped his head up, admiring Maddie’s naked body and hickey covered skin. He was sure his looked the exact same. 

“I figured you’d want me to leave.” Maddie admitted and Calum frowned, absolutely hating that she thought he was going to kick her out. He would never. 

He shook his head and smiled at her. “Stay. Please. Sleep with me tonight.” Maddie’s mouth opened in surprise, never expecting Calum to want her to stay and sleep in his bed with him. Calum took her surprise as hesitance and he licked his lips nervously. It was a weird feeling, he had never been nervous around her before. Always the other way around. “I mean, only if you want to, of course.”

Finally, Maddie’s surprised expression turned into a smile, and she shook her head, telling him the honest, and maybe even a bit embarrassing, truth. “Wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else.”

◈◈◈

Taglist: @novacanecalum @roselukes @kinglyhood @cantbehandled-ever @hereforlukescruff @astroashtonio @monsteramongmikey @gosh-im-short @emma070900 @youmaycallmemrshemmings @cosmocalum @cakesunflower @asht0ns-world @singt0mecalum @lockthisheartinchains @cheyenne-in-wonderland @babyurart @blahehblah @inlovehoodx @softboycal @hopelessxcynic @ashtoniwir @calumsmermaid @curly-cal @callllumhood @rexorangecouny @kurtsflowergirl @cocktail-calum @lukewarmwoda @meganmisc @neonweeknds @kenopsia-falcon @blue-sunset-oreo-lover @foolishcal @ayee-style @itsmeempar @outofmylimitcal @mariellelovescupcakes-blog @post-traumatic-mess @damselindistressanu @tapolesarebabyturtles @noswagswag @scarapoison @sugarcoatedcalum @notsooperfect @trustmeimawhalebiologist @klb967 @littlebear1353 @cal-king @manicpanicbaby @colormekaykay @geeksareunique @nostalgia-luke @badguycal @all-i-want-is2b-loved-by-you @cuddlemecalx @mpadge33 @bitchinbabylon @wilsondanvers @it-was-a-lie

[hoopdiddies]

I'm Not Over You // Ben Hardy x Reader (Part 7)

A/N: This is probably the longest I've written in this series. Again guys, thank you for the support, your comments and likes mean so much! My tag list is always open so feel free to ask. And on a slightly heavy note: the next chapter could be really angsty. Just a heads up right there uwu

Summary: You had always loved Ben ever since you two met in university and became the best of friends. That feeling went out like a candle flame when the two of you parted ways until he re-entered your life...but this time with someone who has already occupied his heart.

Warnings: Angst, slight drinking, slight swearing, (yeah the fluff is still present)

W/C: 5k-ish

Tags: @haendel-me-with-care

@mrsdoradominguez-barnes

@mickmoon

@lakef

@mrsmazzello

@valeriecarolinaw

@queen-turtle-boiii

Edited// I forgot to link the previous parts

Parts: 6 5 4 3 2 1

(Got the pic from Pinterest hhh-)

Storing the luggage bag you've purchased for a fair price in the spare room, you come across a small box of sundries tucked in one corner with cobwebs clinging to the sides. Your eyes light up with curiosity spiking within you, you pick it up and dust the webs off, blowing the particles away from the top. You squat on the floor and open the flaps, discovering small yet familiar items that had been lost in time– one of them being a sepia-toned polaroid of you and Ben posing dramatically with hilarious doodles drawn on your faces. You forgot about this, feeling a little guilty that you had hidden it away in a drafty box without remembering doing anything of the sort. You flip the picture over and spot a date and an unfinished sentence written in faded ink on the bottom left part. This was taken on Homecoming night.

'I'm not going-' it says, clearly discontinued next to the date. Silly to think that the picture somehow represents a puzzle piece torn away from its board.

You were bound to graduate the week after and barely a day after, not see each other for several years due to your career paths and post-college choices.

You pull on the hem of your shirt, clearing the picture of dust and any more impurities, finally fitting it into your back pocket to finally treasure it the way it was always meant to be treasured.

The door clicks as you bring it close, your eyes gluing themselves at the hardwood floor seconds to having self-pity billow over you at how quickly your tears surface in the corner of your eyes from the memory of Ben spinning Rosy around - the exact way he did with you -and kissing her like she's a pouch full of life.

You clamp down on your bottom lip, trying your hardest not to stain your cheeks with your pooling tears. "Jeez, you just-" you pace back and forth in frustration, balling your fists as you gesticulate lazily, "you just don't get it, Y/N! Ugh, you're so- fuck, just get over it..." Knowing your harsh soliloquy would be getting you nowhere, you snarl strongly at yourself and roughly wipe your tears away with the back of your hand.

"He loves Rosy. F-freaking deal with it!" The reminder takes a hiss from your quivering lips for it to sink in; you have your own place in his life– a place behind the line you'd drawn in the years prior. The friend zone couldn't be any more hollow and cold than it already is.

And a polaroid pic is the only remnant left of how inseparable you and Ben were in the early days.

At the same time you're feeling your heart tear itself apart, Ben pulls out a picture - similar to what you've found - from the inner pocket of his old varsity jacket in the middle of rummaging through his wardrobe. He leaves his room in his pajamas and tosses himself on the couch next to a sleeping Frankie, softly apologizing to the little beagle for disturbing her cat-like nap. As he cuddles Frankie close, he scrutinizes the picture and it's also from Homecoming, but in it both of you are beaming widely with your arms slung around one another– the doodles ever-so-present on your faces. Behind it, the date and the continuation of the trailed-off sentence written at the back of your share of the memory.

'-anywhere at all.'- it ends in Ben's part of the duality. He grins fondly at the long lost picture, feeling twice as guilty for not keeping it safe and...close to his heart, just as he had promised you that night.

- - - - - - - -

In the convenience of Lucy needing some company to shop with for awards season just as she had returned from her get-away with Rami, she drags you along happily, having to pass through you insisting that you stay at home and study but purposefully ending up under her mercy anyway. You couldn't say no to her, she's basically your sparkly, glam counterpart and you're in need of her life-altering sparkles as of now. Especially since you're going to be tagging along with them, mainly as Joe's date cause you know, you're his 'girlfriend' and all.

You're at the mall, in a stylish boutique full of lines of voguish clothing and shoes that could span miles if not compressed together. For once in the hours you've spent scampering around the mall with Lucy to hoard dresses, skin products and make up, you admit that this is the most aesthetically pleasing space in the entire building.

You traipse along a section with black dresses fashioned into different forms, silently praying that what you have with you will amount to at least one of the varying prices.

Lucy's on the opposite side, ogling at the most colorful section in the boutique for a piece to wear. She peers over at you to make sure you've chosen your 'fighter'. A few swishes of the dresses lined up and you do, holding it up high to evaluate the appropriateness.

It's a sleeveless, halter neck satin that's just a few inches above the knee. Utterly backless but it ends right up the small of your back. The fabric is stretchy enough to move around and breathe in as it simultaneously hugs your shape. You love it but gulp as you prepare yourself for the price. Flipping the tag over, you suddenly wish you could let out the biggest, girlish squeal the human race has ever heard with how surprisingly affordable it is.

"Finally picked out yours?" Lucy pokes her head up playfully and you nod, quite speechless but giddy. She makes a grabby hand at your dress to examine it for herself.

Well she's the fashion guru so why not? You hand her the dress and as she trails her eyes from top to bottom, her mouth falls at the simple yet elegant details. "This is perfect! I highly doubt that it's not going to catch every exposed eye present at the event."

Your flush profusely at her comment. "Thanks but I'll be bringing a coat with me."

That triggered her, but of course you're only teasing. "You better effing not." She warns you and you chuckle, taking the dress from her and evenly brushing the skirt.

"I won't, you can sleep soundly tonight."

You assure her of the possibility. As you exit the boutique with a few bags you're not used to holding, Lucy takes out her phone and gasps, her face contorting with a little disbelief. "Uh oh, this might ruin your mood." She hands you the phone and you gape at her confusingly before taking a quick look.

Ben's posted some updates on his wedding preparations, shockingly tagging you, Joe, Gwil and Lucy in one photo. He's pretty busy alright; unable to text or call you for days but miraculously tagging you out of nowhere.

You come to disregard it until you notice one minute but important detail hidden in plain sight in all of his posts– there isn't a single one with him and Rosy together alone. None of such as well on his new ones.

The only post he's had with a close girl is the one with you, which is at the very bottom of his Instagram feed. You won't admit it but it warms your heart a little. Actually, a whole lot despite wondering why there's none of him and his fiancee. You hand Lucy her phone back and tilt your head to one side, suddenly finding the eagerness to go on shopping. "Let's go."

The following week comes as a radial blur contrasted to the slightly moderate one you just woke up from; your manager phoning you up to take the earliest shift you've had in years at the expense of your allotted time to rest, the heavy workload and rush hours in the upcoming hours followed by the slowest progress of filing your travel documents and visa needed for your departure on the 26th. You've got tons of missed calls from your parents and Joe, who's requested for you to pack up early since you'll be leaving for LA with Lucy on the day of the awards but earlier.

Also noting that you still need to double check the costs for flying to LA and back, ruling out the one exclusive for your flight on the 26th.

For mere days you feel as if you could lose your sanity as your life spirals into madness with everything you're required to do– whether or not you're obliged to do it.

But they are effective distractions for that problem you are still very much preoccupied with. That's a matter noteworthy of later discussion. Amidst all the chaos happening, part of you wishes for Ben to reply to your messages or even talk to you in the slightest. You never bothered to call this week since he's tied up but the least he could do is let you know how he's doing, if he's thinking of you once in a thousand passing seconds.

You give up for a day waiting on him and drown yourself in work.

- - - - - - -

Securing your phone between your tilted head and your shoulder as you indulge in your talk with Joe through the line, you crouch and zip your luggage bag close. Your eyes fixating themselves on two, separate luggage bags for two, separate travels.

"Was that all of it?" Joe's disembodied voice asks. You spring up and take your phone between your fingers. "Pretty much. I better have a kick out of something by the time we touchdown tomorrow– it's my first visit to the US." You inform him, leaping into your bed and landing comfortably.

He chortles softly and ensures you. "I know and you can be sure to expect a good par- ow! Bad kitty!" His smooth transition to a yelp amuses you for split second.

"Are you alright? "

"No. I'm finally feline food to my kid." He refers to his pet cat that has taken a small nibble on his finger, in which Joe returns with a light ruffle to its fur. You can't help but giggle heartily at him.

"Anyway, I'm picking you and Lucy up from LAX tomorrow." He gives you that heads up and you bring your hand up to your forehead. "Where will we be staying?"

"I've booked a hotel earlier so you've got nothing to worry about the moment you land." A faint crunch can be heard from your end and you mind to ask Joe about it. "Are you- are you eating?"

To answer your question, he bites down on his food sloppily and guarantees you of what you heard. You smack your lips together as your eyes narrow in bewilderment.

"Does that answer your question?"

"Sometimes you make it easier for me to hit you with a pillow."

"Is that how you treat your boyfriend?" He taunts at you and cackles, his distorted voice bouncing off of the walls of your room. You sigh, defeated by the fact that this charade is still going on. It's silly and immature yet you and Joe somehow managed to stick to the act.

"Speaking of boyfriend though– would he be furious if I told him that I couldn't be there on his wedding day?" Since you're rested and got nothing else to distract you, you pop the question to Joe.

"Ben?"

You hum softly.

"There are two scenarios that we need to consider," on his end, Joe taps his finger on his lips as he thinks of said scenarios, "Best case scenario- he would get discouraged and slightly unmotivated, and obviously sad, but he'd still support you cause that's your dream."

You sit up and twirl the ends of your hair around your finger, swallowing. "And worst case scenario?"

Joe falls silent before exhaling harshly. "You'd crush his soul, heart, everything ranging from physical to spiritual and it would take a toll– and I mean a substantial toll on your friendship."

"Joe, don't make it sound like a prospect! "

"That is, " he adds strongly, "if he finds out that you had meant for him to be oblivious to it." And he's right. But you had a reason. You still do. Even if you do end up telling him and he supports you, you need a great deal of space to move on.

As long as he's committed to Rosy and you're in the sidelines still in love with him, it's just something toxic. You couldn't love anybody they way you do Ben and you feel like you'll never love someone like him ever again. Albeit how clueless he is sometimes and clumsy, you both had survived every storm and wave. So sticking around to witness him give his hand and heart to someone else is torture for you.

"I'm gonna be direct and say-" just as you begin talking, your phone shrills to another caller, cutting you off from Joe.

One look at the screen and your heart begins racing. Speak of the devil. You reserve an explanation for cutting off and answer Ben, clearing your throat. "You're late."

Ben's gruff chuckle welcomes you back. "I know, I'm so sorry. Busiest week I've had and the lady at Starbucks signed my cup like a snail."

"What are you doing tonight that requires coffee?"

"Call me dramatic- or do so, given that I'm an actor- but I just want to stargaze right now." You hear a light rustle coming from his end, like he's seated out on his lawn.

Silently giving him the 'oh really' look, you spread one side of the curtain to let some moon light in. "Ben, you're leaving early tomorrow."

He hums, seemingly enjoying himself. "But that's not an excuse to not enjoy the night." This boy can not get any cornier. You cast your gaze upon the moon, sighing profoundly. "How did the wedding planning go? Good?"

"Hm, yeah. Church wedding, big reception. Whole lot of booze binging planned out. And a killer bachelor party the day after the awards. " He jokes through the line and you tell him off in a playful chide. "Benjamin Jones, you better-"

"I won't. I won't." You sense his gentle smile from your end, checking the time and reluctantly coming to the decision to hit the hay since you'll be leaving early as well. As much as you want to recreate those late night conversations you once had with him, you can't.

"Hey?" You coo somehow.

"Yeah?"

"I gotta sleep. I have to meet Lucy at the airport at 5."

He gives out a throaty grunt as if he's pulling himself up. "Tragic. I'll see you in LA then, love."

Your lips curl up into the gentlest smile with the moonlight blessing it from the window. "You too. Tell yourself and the rest- especially Brian and Roger- that I'm gonna be rooting for you guys to get up on that stage."

"I will. Thanks for the motivation, Y/N. All the words coming from you just mean so much to me. To all of us." And in his voice, you can hear his utmost sincerity and fondness just highlighting his tone.

"Anytime. Now let me sleep, you bloke. "

"Haha, alright. Love you tons, love."

Shifting your eyes to the sky once more, you reply, allowing the words you're about to say to mean more.

"I love you too, Ben. Good night."

- - - - - - -

24th

You had promised Lucy you'd arrive 10 minutes earlier than her and you really didn't hold on to that promise. As soon as you arrive at the airport nearly bathing in sweat and deaf from the multiple rings Lucy has given you, you both take off to the waiting area with your heavy luggage where you spend an hour and a half waiting for your flight to board. Joe has sent two texts telling you that he's still in the middle of having coffee and it's a questionable action since he's 8 hours behind you and is expected to be asleep by now.

You reply with a simple, "See you there" before heeding to the call of your flight number from the speakers.

All the rushing and you haven't had a bite of breakfast yet. An eleven hour flight doesn't sound so bad, as long as you make sure you don't reel everytime you get up to use the bathroom and acquire jet lag the moment you land from a direct flight without any pit stops. The flight is long as you are awake but by the time you fall asleep in between hours, it shortens the duration. The pilot announcing your arrival wakes you and Lucy from the latest nap you've had on the plane. After gathering your luggage and answering a couple of phone calls on you way down the plane, the arrival area is where you spy Joe behind the red tapes, a scarf around his neck and an eager look plastered on his pale skin, just waiting for you and Lucy to step in. His eyes crinkle as he sees you both treading towards him with a handful of luggage. He greets you both with a tight hug and ushers you to his car, assisting with the transport of your things.

He's booked you in the hotel he's staying in to, of course, avoid some minor inconveniences especially since the awards start at 7 pm and you drastically need Lucy to help you prepare. Upon reaching the hotel, he leads the both of you up the second floor and into the hall for your rooms.

Apparently you and Lucy will be sharing which is the great and Joe will be staying in the room right across yours.

After giving yourselves a brief tour of the room, you settle in and unpack your essentials.

"Y/N, bring out your fighter!" Lucy declares with a giggle, pulling the dress she's chosen from her suitcase. It's a purple, off-the-shoulder, crepe satin and black velvet gown that cascades gracefully against the stable air.

Your eyes widen in awe at how it looks against the light. "No need for a match, Luce. You win," you raise your hands up in surrender, "that's- that's catching more eyes. From Rami of course."

"Oh shut it. You'll look smooth in black." She clicks her tongue and smoothens it at the edge of the bed. You whip out yours and hold it up high, wavering a little at how you'll look like in it tonight. How fortunate you were to find 3-inch, black pumps closeted when you were 'panic packing' the night before. You take it out from your suitcase and set it aside before striding towards the blinds, pulling it up and beholding the breathtaking view of Hollywood before you.

Your first visit to the US and you're already headed to the Oscars. This isn't the real life. This is just fantasy.

- - - - - - - -

"We're having a dinner party afterwards, I don't see any reason for two sandwiches before the ceremony." Staring blankly at how Joe's handling waiting for you and Lucy to emerge from your room, Rami purses his lips quizzically– he's come by to pick up his girl as well. The two men look dashingly handsome in their black tuxes and slick hairstyles– their individual charm strong as they highly anticipate for your appearances.

Joe swallows the chunk in his mouth before speaking. "I'm stressed."

"About what?"

He bites down on his last sandwich, dusting his hands off crumbs as he reasons out. "It's the Oscars. Biggest ceremony of the year."

With a shake of his head, Rami opens his mouth to protest but pauses as the creak of the door behind them butts in their conversation. Lucy - exquisite in her cascading satin gown and look dotted in light to moderate make up - emerges with her purse in hand and eyes heady on Rami.

Joe wishes he could loosen some hinges in Rami's jaw since the latter has got his mouth agape at her girlfriend's evening look. To him, she is his ultimate award and he wouldn't have it in any other way.

"Hey, babe." Lucy smiles delicately and kisses Rami's cheek, to which he responds with a breathless, "Luce, you look..." His starstruck silence finishing his compliment for her. Joe hums, agreeing with crossed arms. "I wish I was as pretty as you, Boynton."

"You boys look handsome, too." Lucy giggles softly and Joe begins to wonder. "Where's Y/N?"

"She'll be out in three...two..." As Lucy deliberately pauses her countdown, you come out of the room, head down as you feel a bit hesitant to continue but you regain your confidence and look up timidly– your appearance putting Joe in the same position Rami was just in with Lucy. The dress really agrees to your form, contouring every curve of your body in a semi-sensual way, guaranteeing that you'll be snagging some looks tonight. Your (H/C) hair frames your face intricately with your light make-up emphasizing the color of your eyes and lips. The light brush of air against the skin of your exposed back makes you clutch your purse tighter, deeming it uncomfortable.

Lucy smiles proudly at her work and that is you. "Well, how does she look Joe?"

Joe lets out a hitched exhale, hazel eyes wide as a sinkhole and a slacked jaw struggling to budge. "Like my girlfriend."

"You wish." You can't help but retort playfully and he brings his finger up to his lips, hushing you. Rami compliments you as well and you thank him as the four of you make your way to the elevator– your arm on Joe's and Lucy's on Rami's.

You've taken a limo for the sake of convenience, since Joe and Rami wanted to propose a pre-toast - with the champagne present in the vehicle - to their successes and hard work in the past year. You have faith they'd bring home an Oscar; considering how spectacular their work was portraying the members of Queen. You're also thrilled that you're about to meet Brian and Roger.

The limo parks just across Dolby Theatre and the four of you climb out, making your way arms-in-arms into the place crowded with paparazzi and attendees. You see yourself as a small fish swimming in a sea full of majestic dolphins. This is the big leagues right here and you're not even one bit of a celebrity– at least you feel like you aren't one. After a couple of shoulder brushes with either familiar and unfamiliar faces and escaping the blinding flashes of the cameras, the four of you reunite with Gwilym who has Roger and Brian present by his side. You are introduced to the two Queen members by Joe and you couldn't be any more happier to meet them in person. A couple of moments of interacting with the rest of the crew and cast, Ben joins the 'party' looking sharp and admittedly drop-dead gorgeous in his white tuxedo blazer and slicked back hair with Rosy by his side.

Before he could even reply to the greetings of his friends, he lays his eyes on you and for a while– his pupils dilate and his expression flits faster than he can command it to. He can't believe what or who he is seeing before him amidst all the glam. Letting go of Rosy's hand for a minute, he steps close to you, indescribably captivated. "Y/N...h-hey."

You keep your composure, musing back. "Hey. You look left out, outfit-wise, and a like a million bucks."

It takes him nearly five seconds to reply with the way hes has his eyes transfixed on you. It's like he's seeing you for the first time. Your evening look setting him back to Homecoming night and something inside him just tweaks. You avoid his mindless gaze and break the silence, trying your hardest not to flush. "Ben, please talk. It's just really-"

"You look...beautiful." He breathes out like he had just gotten up from under water.

[badwolf-in-the-impala]

~When Love & Hate Collide -- Ch.2~

A/N: Sorry I’m getting this up so late ((it’s like 12am where I live)). I battled a hellacious all day, so it took me a while to finish the last little bit and get proofing done...so sorry if it sucks. Hope y’all enjoy though! If you would like a tag, just let me know!

Pairings: Iwan Rheon!Mick Mars x OC ((Faceclaim - Alison Mosshart))

Rating: Mature/18+

Chapter Warnings: Drug use, drinking, swearing, smoking.

Word Count: 5,147

||Previous Chapter||

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An hour or so later Roxxy was walking down the streets of West Hollywood, searching for the address that had been written on her arm by Tommy. Not having had much luck discussing just exactly how she planned to pay for her car...The man finally agreeing not to charge her for the Tow, but still adamant they needed at the very least, a minimum of $150 dollar down payment before they would be able give the engine a thorough look over. Not exactly sure how much damage the blown gasket had done just yet, but Roxxy hoped it wasn’t extensive. The last thing she could afford right now was to be replacing the engine in her car.

With a sigh, Roxxy sparked up a cigarette and continued walking. Trying to shove all the shit from last 24 hrs out of her mind as she exhaled a cloud of smoke slowly. She was in a new place after all -- she had been to West Hollywood one other time -- and not too mention that she had been invited to a party at Mötley Crüe’s apartment. The last thing she should have been doing was throwing herself an internal pity party. Maybe this was the fresh start she had been searching for? Would probably help if she wasn’t fucking lost though.

Taking another long pull from her cigarette, Roxxy paused to glance around, spotting a liquor store across the street and deciding that was as good as any place to start; finishing her smoke as she crossed the road. After all, it would be rude to show up to a party without bringing booze, right? Not that she was made of money right now, but she had managed to scrounge up a few extra dollars out of her Chevelle before leaving the garage.

“That gonna be it for you?” The clerk asked as Roxxy set a fifth of Old Crow on the counter, giving him a nod as he scanned it. The price ringing up as $6.99. Roxxy taking a moment to dig around in her pockets and count out the extra change before passing it over.

“Actually,” Roxxy spoke up as the man bagged the bottle of booze, pausing as she spoke and he looked up at her. “Do you know where this is?” She added as she pulled up her left sleeve to reveal the address written on her arm, just above the Ankh and Lotus Flower tattoo on her on wrist.

“Shit yeah! That’s Crüe’s place.” The man replied in an excited tone. “Only about three more blocks up the street from here. The complex it just right up from the Whiskey a Go Go, you can’t miss it. Trust me” He added with a chuckle. Roxxy giving him a smile as she grabbed the paper sack off the counter.

“Thanks.” She replied, giving the man a small salute of appreciation before pushing the door open and stepping out of the store; heading up the street. The people loud, and the music blaring even louder as she grew closer. The man definitely wasn’t joking when he said you couldn’t miss it. There was enough people packing the place that Roxxy was amazed to see the building even standing at all.

“Holy shit…” She muttered as she started her ascent up the steps to the door with the correct number on it -- narrowly avoiding getting puked on in the process. She vaguely remembered Tommy telling her something about having to climb through a window; noting why as she saw the door nailed shut. A small sigh leaving her lips as she shoved her way through the throng of people gathered on the walkway, to get to the window. Shoving her guitar and backpack through first before ducking through herself. A string of profanities tumbling from her lips as someone bumped into her, hard, causing her to tumble through the window in a very uncoordinated fashion.

“Ow…” Roxxy sputtered out a whine from her spot on the floor. The fall knocking the air from her lungs momentarily -- landing on her guitar case -- and causing a sharp pain to spasm through her back as she laid there for a minute, before pushing herself back onto her feet. A round of drunken cheers filling the room, causing her to turn bright red out of embarrassment.

“Shit…” Mick muttered from across the room as Vince sauntered up beside him, holding his hand out while Mick reached for his wallet, and begrudgingly handing over the hundred dollars he had just lost to the lead singer. Having truly thought that this chick wouldn’t show.

“Aw, c’mon old man, there’s worse things to lose a bet over.” Vince chuckled as he patted Mick’s shoulder, withdrawing his hand quickly as Mick turned; leveling him with a glare.

”If looks could kill.” Nikki teased with a chuckle as he passed by the two and disappeared into the kitchen.

“Whatever.” Mick griped as he turned around to find a seat on one of the empty couches. Telling himself that the only reason she showed up was because Tommy had invited her...Sure, she had seemed like a cool enough chick at the bar, but that didn’t mean anything. Mick had experienced it plenty of times before. Getting talked up by groupies just so they would have an ‘in’ to fuck one of the other band members. Therefore, he assumed that this Roxxy chick would be no different.

“You made it!” Tommy exclaimed excitedly as he rushed Roxxy, scooping her up off the ground into a hug and nearly crushing her; obviously drunk.

“Uh, yeah.” Roxxy winced with a chuckle, awkwardly patting him on the back before he finally set her down; helping her find a place to stick her guitar and bag, for the time being where they would be left alone.

“Welcome to the Casa del Crüe!” Tommy added with a dorky grin as he showed her into the open kitchen area. “You want a beer or something?”

“Nah, I’m set.” Roxxy chuckled as she pulled out the bottle of Old Crow, discarding the paper bag into the trash before cracking it open. Tommy giving her a somewhat horrified expression as she took a swig straight from the bottle; her own expression remaining neutral as the amber colored whiskey burned a path to her stomach. Knowing good and well she would fully regret this come morning.

“That is some hardcore shit!” Tommy finally laughed, earning a smirk from Roxxy who simply shrugged as they walked back around the corner into the living room; Roxxy hopping up onto the counter. Taking another sip of whiskey as she looked around the apartment.

“You guys do this every weekend?” Roxxy chuckled, talking over the music, glancing down at Tommy who had leaned up against the counter beside her, giving a, ‘Fuck yeah!’ in response as Roxxy shook her head. Snatching a pack of smokes off the counter and lighting one. “Shit, back home in Seattle, we got evicted twice for doing this shit.” Roxxy added as she took a drag.

“No way?!” Tommy laughed as Roxxy nodded and exhaled a cloud of smoke before taking another swig of her whiskey.

“Lets just say, we were everyone's least favorite neighbors.” She laughed in response, taking another drag as she allowed her gaze to drift around the room; green eyes settling on Mick. Who sat alone on one of the couches in the far corner. “He always so dark and broody?” Roxxy asked curiously through her exhale; smoke tailing out as she spoke. Tommy turned his attention to look up at her with an eyebrow quirked.

“Mick?” He questioned.

“Yeah...I mean, I saw a couple shows with a friend a few months back...I just always assumed it was a guise of sorts.” Roxxy gave an honest shrug as Tommy responded with a, “Nah.”  

“Mick’s always like that.” Tommy added with chuckle, taking the bottle of whiskey Roxxy offered him and taking a small pull from the it. Cringing at the taste, which earned him an amused grin from Roxxy.

“Yeah, well...if I had to put up with you lot 24/7, I’d probably be pretty moody too.” Roxxy said jokingly as she stuck her cigarette between her lips and hopped down off the counter. Tommy pretending to be offended as she snatched the bottle of whiskey back before sauntering off on her own for a little bit; eventually ending up over near Mick. Not really interested in keg stands or watching teenagers all but practically fuck each other, out in the open.

“Mind if I sit?” Roxxy asked as she gestured to the empty spot next to him. Mick glancing up at her from behind his sunglasses, giving a casual nod. Shifting over slightly as Roxxy sat down beside him.

“Shit’ll probably kill you.” He stated flatly with a nod at the bottle of Old Crow in her hand, though Roxxy could see the slight smirk that tugged at the edges of his mouth as he took a swig from the bottle of Vodka in his own hand.

“Not fast enough, unfortunately.” Roxxy quipped with a soft chuckle as she took one final drag from the cigarette she held, before dropping the butt into a discarded beer bottle on the coffee table. Glancing at Mick out of the corner of her eye as she sat back, fining him staring; glasses removed.

“Aren’t we are sardonic one.” He snickered, arching a brow at her as he turned in his seat to rest an arm over the back of the couch.

“I’m a radiant ball of fucking Sunshine, thank you very much.” Roxxy countered, sticking her tongue out at him before taking another sip of her whiskey. Savoring in the warmth of the buzz that was slowly starting to settle over her.

“I can see that.” Mick replied in a sarcastic tone. Things falling silent between them for a few minutes before he asked, “So...who taught you how to play guitar?”  

“I did.” Roxxy shrugged as she turned her attention to picking at the label on the whiskey bottle. “I found my Dad’s old guitar when I was about eleven...was a bit hard to get the hang of at first.” She added, holding up her left hand and wiggling her fingers.

“You taught yourself to play a right handed guitar, upside down?” Mick questioned. His expression bordering on impressed as he watched Roxxy nod; tilting her head as she look over at him. “How come you still play the same guitar? Why not save up for another?”

“Sentimental value, I guess.” Roxxy shrugged. “My Dad died when I was five...I don’t remember a lot about him. But I do remember how he used to play that very same guitar for me, every night before bed, and how he’d promise to teach me someday…” She trailed off, taking another sip of her whiskey as Mick cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean too--”

“Don’t worry about it.” Roxxy cut him off with a wave of her hand, flashing him a reassuring smile. “Just one of many chapters in the sad saga that is my life.” She chuckled.

“Well, that’s a pretty damn good reason to keep it; the guitar.” Mick nodded. “More important question?” He added, Roxxy tilting her head to the side out of curiosity. Trying to stave off the smirk that tugged at her lips as he continued. “Who’s your favorite band...And I swear to God, if you say KISS; I will disown your existence for eternity.”

Roxxy let out a laugh in response as she shook her head. “Don’t worry.” She said, leaning forward to set her bottle of whiskey down before shrugging her leather jacket off to reveal the four ‘ZoSo’ symbols -- from Zeps fourth album -- tattooed down the back of her left tricep. “It’s Zeppelin.”

“Thank. Fucking. God.” Mick sighed as he leaned back against the couch. “Finally, someone who has some Goddamn taste in music.” ~

The hours passed by in a blur. A blur filled with copious amounts of alcohol as Roxxy ended up being conned into some stupid drinking game that Tommy and Nikki came up with. Much to her protesting and complaints about them interrupting the very important conversation about guitars and amps, that she had been having with Mick...the situation only spiraling from there into a shitshow of unnecessarily wild, shenanigans. There literally being no line or boundaries that the Crüe boys weren’t willing to barrel through at warp speed, if it looked like a good time.

And it had been a good time...Up until somewhere around 3am, when Roxxy’s night went completely blank, right after that fifth shot of Tequila and that third rail of Cocaine...it being a hundred and ten percent over for her as she hit the nearest couch; face down.

Leaving her to wake up sometime early the following afternoon, as she collided face first with the floor. Letting out an agonized groan as she brought her hands up to clutch the top her head, that felt like it was about to explode into a million pieces with every ‘thud’ of the headache that raged inside her skull.

“Oh good. You’re not dead.” The voice belonged to Mick. Roxxy’s head shooting up off the floor with one eye cracked open as she glanced around, Mick staring at her with a small smirk from his seat at the table near the kitchen; blue gaze hidden once more by a pair of black aviators.

“You sure about that?” Roxxy whined as she placed her head back down on the floor; squeezing her eyes closed. “‘Cause this feels like it might be hell…”

“Ouch.” Mick gave a soft chuckle, followed by him getting up and rifling around through their mess of a kitchen, before the sound of his boots thudding across the floor was suddenly passing by her head. Roxxy cracking open an eye to find him sitting on the couch, coffee in hand as he extended it out for her to take. Which she gladly did after managing to roll over and sit up. Groaning as her head gave another sharp throb that made the whole room tilt and briefly go out of focus; forcing her to squeeze her eyes shut for a moment.

“I am too fucking old for this hangover bullshit.” Roxxy groaned into her knees as she clutched her cup of coffee tightly. Looking up to glare at Mick as he snorted. “What?”

“You don’t know old.” Mick sneered with a slight glare of his own from behind his aviators, as he stretched out his legs. Shifting around on the couch as he searched for a position to help ease the continuous dull aching of his bones. His blue eyes following her as she pushed herself up to stand, with the support of a hand on the coffee table. Roxxy smirking lightly as she stretched, her left shoulder and back giving an audible pop as she reached her arms above her head. The cropped tank she wore pulling up a little farther with the movement.

“Yeah? And just how young do you think I am?” Roxxy retorted as she bent to snatch a random pair of sunglasses off the coffee table. Shoving them on her face with a relieved sigh before grabbing her coffee and taking a long sip. Cringing as the acidic liquid hit her empty stomach and a brief wave a nausea rolled over her.

Mick remained quiet for a moment as he studied her closely from behind his glasses. Eyes roaming slowly over every inch of her figure. Traveling up her denim clad legs and over the curves of her hips, to the exposed skin of her midriff; muscles toned, but not excessively. His eyes continuing to track up, thankful for the dark shades he wore as they lingered a little longer than necessary as they reached her breasts. The top of her cleavage exposed by a rip at the neckline of the shirt, where the collar had been cut away. Roxxy’s head tilting to the side as she patiently awaited his answer; exposing one side of her neck as Mick’s eyes continued up. Taking in every feature of her face.

From the sexy, natural pout of her full lips, and how they curved up softly into a sly grin, as she watched him studying her; to the beauty mark above the left side of her lip, and the silver ring pierced through the right side of her nose -- he hadn’t bothered to notice before. Mick’s little tour over her body, finally coming to an end as his blue eyes met her own, emerald gaze, that peeked over the top of the sunglasses Roxxy had slid down her nose slightly while watching him.

“Can’t be older than 19...20, at the most.” Mick stated, finally breaking the silence between them. A frown tugging down the corners of his own lips as Roxxy let out a laugh, clearly amused by his answer; wincing as the action made her head hurt.

“You’re hilarious.” Roxxy quipped in return before taking a sip of her coffee before sitting down on the opposite side of the couch. Pushing the sunglasses on her face back into place as she grabbed a pack of smokes off the coffee table and shoved one between her lips. Lighting up and taking a long drag as she settled back against the worn out couch. Mick staring at her with a skeptical look, watching the smoke trail past her lips and through her nose as she exhaled and turned to him. “I was that young about…” Roxxy trailed off as she made the calculations in her head. “9-10 years ago?” Mick nearly choked on his own coffee.

“There’s no fucking way--”

“What’s there no fucking way of?” Tommy suddenly appeared, seemingly out of nowhere which startled Roxxy, causing her to choke on the most recent inhale of smoke from her cigarette. Leading to an unnecessary coughing fit on her behalf as she struggled to catch a breath.

“She’s trying to convince me she’s old.” Mick stated. Roxxy rolling her eyes as she continued to cough; digging around in her back pocket for her wallet which she yanked out and tossed, open, onto the coffee table. Tommy scrambling to grab it first, snatching it out of Mick’s hand before he could get a look; glaring at the drummer.

“Holy shit!” Tommy started laughing as he stared at her I.D. Roxxy cringing as she took another sip of her coffee; coughing fit finally under control.

“Care to share with the rest of the class?” Mick now stood on the opposite side of the table beside Tommy who showed him the picture, both completely ignoring her date of birth. A smirk creeping onto his lips as he studied it closely before looking up at her.

“Yeah, yeah. I used to be blonde. It’s fucking hilarious...I know.” Roxxy stated sarcastically with a wave before taking a final drag and stubbing out the last of her cigarette in an ashtray as she stood and attempted to reach over the table and snatch her wallet back. Tommy quick to hold it out of her reach, using her lack of height to his advantage. “Seriously?” Roxxy sighed as she shoved the sunglasses back into her hair as she glared up at Tommy.

“NIKKI!” Tommy yelled as he took off quickly for the bedrooms down the hall, wallet held above his head like a flag as he laughed hysterically. Roxxy quick to clear the coffee table and dart past Mick. Managing to tackle Tommy by the legs, just short of the bedroom door. Struggling to climb on top of him and hold him down so she could grab the wallet. Failing miserably as Tommy managed to get the upper hand; flipping them as he sat on her. Throwing the wallet at the first door that opened, nearly hitting a still half dead Vince in the face.

“What are we, fucking five years old?!” Roxxy growled angrily as she tried to squirm out from underneath Tommy -- ‘Boy might be a bean pole, but Jesus Christ was he strong.’ -- Vince suddenly laughing and tossing the wallet over to Nikki who had appeared to see what all the commotion was. The laughter escalating as Roxxy finally managed to free an arm, aiming her elbow blindly for whatever she could managed to reach; resulting in a crotch shot. Tommy crumpling to the floor as Roxxy shot up and snatched the wallet out of Nikki’s hands.

“Y’all are fucking dicks.” Roxxy sneered as she stomped back over to the couch and flopped down with a huff. But not before grabbing the half drank bottle of Tequila from the night before and taking a pull.

“Oooh, Shorty's got a temper.” Vince teased, thankful for the safe distance between them as she stared at him. Deadpan expression on her face as she took another swig from the bottle in her hand. Mick chuckling quietly as he returned to his own seat.

“Can we keep her?” Tommy’s voice sounded from the hall, where he still resided on the floor. The rest of the guys chuckling as Roxxy rolled her eyes in annoyance, pulling her sunglasses back over her eyes before she crossed her arms.

“Seriously though…” Nikki chuckled as he rubbed his forehead. “Why all the yelling?”

“She’s trying to tell me she’s fuckin’ old.” Mick said with a nod towards Roxxy. Both Nikki and Vince staring at her for a moment before giving a collective ‘Naaaaw’.

“No way you’re older than us.” Nikki gestured between himself and Vince. Roxxy smirking as she realized no one had actually bothered to do the math on her age...To distracted by the fact that her hair used to be a very poorly, bleached mess of blonde.

“Guess you should’ve looked a little closer at that I.D.”  Roxxy stated, a sly grin curving her lips upward as she stood and unburied her backpack from the corner it had been shoved into last night. Rifling through it for a set of clean clothes as the guys exchanged a round of glances.

“You can’t be that old.” Vince stated, with a look of disbelief.

“Old enough.” Roxxy gave a shrug as she turned on her heel, heading to the bathroom for a much needed shower and wardrobe change. Leaving the guys to argue amongst themselves about her age. Returning about ten minutes later to find them still arguing as she shoved her dirty clothes back into her bag and zipped it up; tossing it back into the corner. Dislodging a tape from the outer pocket as it hit the floor. Tommy picking it up to hand it back to her as she tied her dark hair up into a ponytail.

“Mixtape?” He questioned with a confused look as he stared at the songs listed on the front of the case; some he recognized, some he didn’t.

“Garbage, is what that is…” Roxxy cringed, not bothering to take it from him as she pulled on her leather jacket. Tommy still staring at her with a confused expression as she let out a sigh. “It was my band’s Demo tape.”

“Doesn’t sound like something you’d wanna lose?” Nikki offered, taking the case from Tommy as he examined it.

“Honestly, you could light it on fire at this point...I could care less.” Roxxy shrugged. “As far as I’m concerned? They’re all dead to me.” She added as she put the sunglasses back on her face and took another hit from the bottle of Tequila on the table. “Do you mind if I leave my shit here for now? I gotta go check on my car.”

“Nah, it’s cool.” Nikki assured her as she started for the window.

“Want a ride?” Mick offered. Roxxy pausing to glance up at him, one leg already through the window as she gave him smile.

“I think I’ll walk...sweat off the hangover. Thanks for the offer though.” She chuckled in reply, before slipping the rest of the way out the window and disappearing. Mick listening to her footsteps as they faded down the stairs outside. ~

“Are you really sure there’s nothing you can do...To help me out?” Roxxy tried her best to flirt with the lead mechanic of the garage, where she had left her car the evening before. Hoping somehow he would cave and at least diagnose how bad the blown gasket was. Shit, she was literally just short of offering to blow the man for a freebie; but he refused to budge. Roxxy cursing inwardly, wishing she had gotten to deal with the Tow Truck driver from last night.

“Sorry Ma’am...but without a down payment, I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do.” The man shook his head firmly. Roxxy letting out a sigh as she rubbed at her temples, her headache slowly making its return.

“You can’t even tow it back to where I’m staying?” She questioned, the man shaking his head again in reply as he handed her the keys back. Trying to give her his best apologetic look before returning to work. Leaving Roxxy to stand there beside her car, staring at it as she tried to figure out how the hell she was going to get it back to the Crüe’s apartment. Not wanting to leave it behind, lest it get towed to an impound lot for taking up space. “Fuck!” She yelled with a kick to the rear tire, the shock from the force of it sending a sharp bolt of pain up her shin. Roxxy hobbling over to unlock the door and shift the damn thing into neutral. Mumbling under her breath as she began rolling the car down the street.

By sheer stubbornness and will power, she managed to push the stupid piece of shit all the way up a hill and back to the apartment. All but collapsing against the side of the car after shifting it back into park and setting the E-Brake. Simultaneously thankful, and dreading, that she had picked shorts and a gray tank top to wear; having ditched her leather jacket on the front seat about two miles ago, to avoid giving herself heat stroke...But cringing at the mere thought of how sunburned she would likely be later because of this.

“Holy shit! Dude! Did you push that thing here by yourself?!” Tommy exclaimed as he ran down the stairs. Having spotting Roxxy leaning against the car as he came outside for a smoke. “Christ, why didn’t you call? It’s hot as fucking balls out here!” He added. Roxxy glancing up with an irritated -- but perplexed -- look on her face.

“Yeah, sure...Let me just, magically pull your phone number out of my ass.” Roxxy stated in a flat tone as she stole the cigarette he’d just lit. “Fuckin’ drummer.” She muttered, shoving him aside and starting up the steps into the apartment, all but falling through the window. Not even bothering to get up off the floor as the rest of the guys looked down at her curiously while she finished her cigarette; having landed in front of a fan.

“Uh, you good?” Nikki chuckled from his spot on the couch where he was tuning his bass. Roxxy giving a vague gesture with her hand in reply as she exhaled a cloud of smoke. Nikki arching an eyebrow in question as Tommy came in through the window and stepped over her.

“She pushed her car here...By herself.” Tommy shrugged.

“Jesus.”

“Pfft.” Roxxy huffed as she rolled over and got to her feet. “It was only like…” She paused to count with her fingers, trying to figure out how many miles she’d walked, before giving up and waving it off, reaching out to grab the nearest glass that looked like water; chugging it without a second thought.

“That wasn’t water.” Mick stated, not even glancing up from tuning his guitar as Roxxy stared into the now empty Vodka glass, a look of disappointment on her face as she replied with, “I’m aware.” Flopping down on the couch in between Mick and Nikki with a sigh; glass still in hand. The guys stopping to stare at her for a moment. Mick replacing the empty glass with the bottle of Vodka, earning a half grin from Roxxy as she pushed her sunglasses back into her hair.

“You look like you’re havin’ a really shit day.” Vince commented as he leaned up against the counter near the kitchen.

“I’m a thousand miles from home, with a broke down car, no place to stay, and zero dollars to my name... Yeah. I guess you could call it a shit day.” Roxxy retorted with a frown as she took a pull from the bottle in her hand. A sigh leaving her lips as her fingers reached up to rub across her forehead. Trying to ease the dull ache that resided there.

“So?” Nikki shrugged. “Stay here.” He added. Tommy jumping in before Roxxy even had a chance to process and potentially decline the offer.

“Yeah, man! You’d have a wicked awesome time hangin’ with us!” Tommy stated excitedly. “It’d be like a new start! Fuck those other losers!”

Roxxy gave a chuckle at Tommy’s enthusiasm. Shaking her head as she said, “While that’s a nice offer, I don’t know...I don’t wanna impose--”

“We’re four, perpetually drunk, degenerates...we impose enough on our own. You’ll be fine.” Mick assured with half a smirk as he grabbed the bottle of Vodka and took his own pull before offering back to Roxxy. “Not too mention; having another person with a brain around this joint, would be kinda nice.”

“Yeah-- Wait, what?” Tommy had started to bring his hand up for a high five but stopped, a mildly confused look on his face. Clearly not catching onto the insult from Mick. Roxxy nearly snorting her own drink of Vodka through her nose. Seeing Tommy confused, was like watching a puppy after ‘fake’ throwing a ball.

“I mean, if you guys are cool with it--”

“We’re cool with it.” The guys chorused.

The answer caused a smile to tug at the edges of Roxxy’s mouth. Touched by the fact that four complete strangers -- in a sense -- were offering her a place to stay, even though they knew very little about her...It was certainly more than her own so called friends or family had ever done for her in the past; that was for sure.  

“Alright.” Roxxy relented. She didn’t really any other options that point, and with no money, no job, and a broke down car; no way to return back to Washington. Home being the last place she wanted to be right now...After all, what’s the worst that could happen?

------------------------------------------

If you would like to be tagged in future chapters, feel free to let me know! ^-^

Taglist: @cmft-jr-winchester @danamaleksworld @aryssav @xxbookqueenxx @mckenzieeke @cosmic-strawberryfields @shadowturtleofdeath @jacksonroth

[slackingsatan]

Hi!! So I can see Nico spoiling the FUCK out of Levi. So an AU were Nico isn’t under Link, he’s a super super super successful&rich, and he just loves to spoil his little bean.

AAAAAAAAAAA AM SORRY I’VE BEEN GONE FOR A FEW DAYS. THERE’S BEEN LIKE TRAINING AND PRODUCTION STUFF WORK AND SHITS. FEELING SICK AS WELL… LOL ALRIGHT HERE WE GO..

———————————————-

So here some notes.

RichBoi!Nico AU

- In this timeline, Nico took another career path and became successor of some family business.

- His company is one of the benefactors of Grey-Sloan and other hospitals, especially hospitals that encourage medical advances and breakthroughs. Having a different career path doesn’t mean that his passion for medicine died.

- He visits Grey-Sloan and there he met Dr. Levi Schmitt, a surgical intern. Levi thought he was some patient’s relative and he escorted Nico to the waiting area.

- Levi is a clueless tiny bean about who he is. Taryn and Dahlia kinda recognized him. Casey knows about him because Nico’s company is a medical tech company. Casey would be the reason Levi would know about how big Nico’s empire and name is.

- Yeah teenie tiny Levi so clueless about the fact that every equipment of Grey-Sloan has Kim written all over it, and he doesn’t know AT ALL

———————————————-

How they first meet

“U-Uh sir there’s a waiting area for relatives and family members.” A young looking nerdy doctor said.

Wait, is he talking to me? Nico thought with confusion.

“I’m not really a-”

“I’ll escort you there.” The young looking doctor interrupted Nico’s explanation.

He doesn’t know me? It’s the first time that happened to Nico, that a doctor doesn’t know who he is. Every hospital he’s ever visited would recognize him. He’s like the Elon Musk of medical technology. He thought that no doctor in this world would not know of his name. He build an empire of medical tech and paved way to future medicine after all.

Nico followed the young clueless doctor, but with a bit of a distance between them in order to examine this rare specimen.

Light blue scrubs at Grey-Sloan? Must be an intern. He thought, still confused since even interns still know who Nico Kim is.

The young doctor opened a door towards the waiting area. He then gestured a ‘come-here’ hand gesture.

That’s cute. Nico thought and smirks while approaching the young looking doctor towards the waiting area. Come to think of it, he looks cute too.

“O-Okay. A doctor will come here and update you.” The young looking doctor broke the silence.

He still thinks I’m a patient relative. Nico giggled a little bit.

“I’ll be going now.”

The young doctor was about to go.

“What’s your name?” Nico asked, not going to miss a chance to know this cute little child doctor.

“Dr. Levi Schmitt.” Levi replied. “But everybody calls me glas- y’know what.. it’s just Dr. Schmitt.”

There’s a huge amount of trauma at the pit so Dr. Schmitt had to leave. If only there’s a bit of time to ask his number, Nico would have done that. He thought about it and Levi’s his type of guy he would date. Cute, nerdy, and sweet.

Next time I’ll ask him out.

“Thank god you’re here, Mr. Kim.” A doctor said and relieved that she found Nico at last. “My name Dr. Miranda Bailey, Chief of Surgery, and I’ll be touring you.” Dr. Bailey said enthusiastically.

“Hi, and please, lead the way.” Nico said politely.

—————————————

How they met, 2nd time

Levi drank with his friends at Joe’s after a long ortho session with Dr. Link.

“I’ve never done ortho before!” Levi exclaimed and sighed. He’s venting his stress out.

“Are we playing never have I ever?” Taryn said sarcastically. “Okay, never have I ever dropped my glasses at an open abdomen.”

Dahlia laughed so hard that she almost slipped her drink.

“ha Ha haarr.” Levi laughed sarcastically. Annoyed, he thought two can play that game. “Well how’s the secret crush at Dr. Grey.”

“Ooooh. Who wouldn’t though? But in a non-romantic way of course.” Dahlia said.

“Wow!” Taryn shocked at the foul move, and recovered quickly. “For the record, hear her talk about Christina Yang and tell me if you think she’s straight.”

They laughed and tell stories about how their day went. Casey was still on shift, so he’ll join next time.

Levi’s going to order another drink when a tall handsome man brushed a cold beer bottle towards his hands. It’s the patient relative that he escorted before.

“Rough day?” Tall handsome man said. “You need a drink.”

“T-thanks.” Levi replied and confused with the kind gesture. “B-but here I can pay-” He’s about to reach for his wallet when Mr. Handsome stopped him.

“No need. You owe me a drink next time.”

“Okay.” Levi replied and still confused. Wow he’s hunky, and ripped, and chiseled, like a model. Like a roman stature. Geez, what am I thinking?

Mesmerized, Levi asked for the tall handsome man patient relative’s name.

“It’s Nico.” Nico responded. “By the way, I’m not a relative of a patient.. just so we’re clear, I was checking medical equipment.”

“What? But you’re wearing a suit.. aand uh” Levi’s more confused and now embarrassed since he escorted him away and thought he was some patient’s relative. “I’m sorry.”

Nico was wearing a suit on that day. He doesn’t look like IT or tech support. Levi thought. Now, he’s wearing a smart casual outfit. Stylish techy tall handsome tall venti guy. Interesting.

Nico’s phone rang.

“It’s okay. Have to go. Remember you owe me a drink.”

“Saturday?”

“Saturday.”

Nico left to answer a call. Taryn and Dahlia went to Levi.

“So that’s a date?” Taryn smiled and giggled.

“N-no it-s nott a date” Levi got all flustered and in denial.

“Trust me it’s a date. He asked you out for drinks.”

“He looks familiar.” Dahlia added.

“He sure does, we only saw a glimpse of him so i dunno.” Taryn shrugged.

“He works as IT or something.” Levi explained. “He was checking medical equipments and I thought he was a patient’s relative so I escorted him towards the waiting room. And now I owe him a drink. Nothing more.”

Dahlia and Taryn laughed.

“How can you have mistaken him for a relative?” Taryn asked after laughing.

Dahlia laughed harder.

“Pheww haah wa-wait.” Dahlia took a breather. “Anyways, it looks like you’ve hit a jackpot!”

“I told you, it. Is. Not. A. Date.” Levi’s still not convinced, but deep inside he’s excited about it.

“Whatever floats your boat.” Taryn said.

“… Whatever makes you sleep at night.” Dahlia added.

And they drank again, because tomorrow it’s back to work.

———————————

Let’s skip to when they’re together and Nico spoils him hard on one of their dates

It’s been a while since they’ve seen each other. Levi was busy with fellowship and Nico’s managing his business. They treasure the times that they could meet, and then hope for those times to happen.

They have a day for themselves, at last. Nico planned an extravagant date. He doesn’t really mind to spend money for Levi.

The night before their date, Nico waited for Levi’s shift to end inside his sportscar. Levi’s shift ended. They talked about what happened to them over the past few days, even though they always talk through phone or chat.

“… and I was about to c-cut thee .. the..”

Tired, he slept midsentence when he was telling a story about his recent patient.

Cute. Nico thought and drove the sleeping bean to his house. He had planned the night as well. There was a scheduled full body massage and jacuzzi in case Levi wanted to splash the stress away as well.

Levi felt relaxed and happy because he’s spending time with Nico. Tonight is relaxation… and another kind of stress relief IYKWIM. Tomorrow is the real date.

Levi wanted to sneak and make breakfast for Nico, but Nico’s hired chef had already made breakfast. Breakfast is served on a long table full of Levi’s favorite foods. He was surprised with the enormous amount of food. But Levi wanted to cook for both of them, not that he was against letting other people cook their food. It was supposed to be their time. And he wanted to show Nico how much he loves him too.

“Ohh… Uh.. Hi.” Levi greeted the people inside the kitchen and the dining area.

“Good morning, sir!” The personal chef greeted the tiny bean and proceeds to introduce the dishes. Nico went down a minute later.

“Good morning, hun.” Nico said and kisses Levi. “Let’s eat.”

“Good morning.” Levi replied, smiled and then asked. “Isn’t this a bit too much?”

“Too much? Don’t you worry and just eat.”

I really wanted to cook breakfast. Levi thought, and then dismissed it since it’s their time and no negative thoughts.

Next, Nico and Levi went to shop clothes. Levi insisted not to since he has a lot of clothes already but Nico wants Levi to have new nice things.

“Try everything on him.” Nico said calmly, but like in an order.

“Yes, sir.” The staff replied. Levi looks amazing on everything, and he almost thought that Nico would buy the whole damn store (he bought half of the store.)

Next, for their lunch, there’s a reservation on one of those fancy restaurants that it cost a fortune for just a glass of water.

“Uhhh are you sure this is okay?” Levi said, because those prices can kill a middle class man.

Nico chuckled. He remembered this scenario when Levi hasn’t realized who he is.

— Flashback—

Nico invited Levi to dinner, and Levi is surprised that it’s in a fancy restaurant.

“Uhh Nico we can’t afford this.” Levi said while computing what he has to order.

“It’s my treat, anyways.” Nico said, and he touched Levi’s hand above the table for reassurance.

“Y’know that I’m just a surgical intern right? And idk you work like IT or Tech…. these prices are just… wow… we can just bail…” Levi whispered.

Actually, I’m the President of KMS Corporation (Kim Medical System Corp.)

“Trust me I got this.” Nico reassured.

–end of Flashback—

Levi seems a bit troubled, and Nico have noticed it. They stumbled across some sort of arcade shop. Levi wanted to try it and Nico was persuaded easily. Nico wanted to win him the big teddy bear on top of the shelf, it cost like 30000 tickets. One of the fastest way to gain tickets is a shooting game. Nico went and bought tons of tokens to try the shooting game with Levi. It turns out that Levi is good at these types of games. Levi won like 70% of their shared tickets. Nico saw Levi’s genuine smile and laugh for the first time today.

“You didn’t enjoy today didn’t you?” Nico said.

“W-What? Can’t you see I’m enjoying it? We can actually collect 30000 tickets! Or even more than that!” Levi replied, excited to get some prices.

“I mean like when we ate breakfast and when we shopped you clothes. Also, when we had lunch. If something’s bothering you, tell me.”

“It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it. It’s just that I’m not used to having fancy things, or like a fancy lifestyle… I actually wanted to make you breakfast this morning…. I want to show you how much I love you, too.” Levi explained, and then touched Nico’s fingertips with his own.

“You wanted to make me breakfast?”

“Y-Yeah.. I’m actually good at cooking, FYI!”

“How about dinner?”

“Oh absolutely! B-But maybe you have plans, I don’t want to interfere.”

Adorable! I want to squeeze him like a tiny teddy bear! Nico thought.

“No worries, let’s go with your plan. Let’s go grocery shopping.”

Nico cancelled like this ferris wheel dinner where for each loop at the ferris wheel, there will be new servings. He didn’t let Levi know, he wants him to not worry about such things. They went grocery shopping together, picking up ingredients. Levi’s going to cook German cuisines and then Nico will teach him about Korean cuisines as well. So the bought enough for both German and Korean food.

It might not be the most romantic and fancy dinner they’ve had, but it’s the moment that has value more than its financial worth.

[hwangskz]

k thanks bye | bookstore customer! felix

• u studied at a school where reading gore and violent comics termed u as something similar to that

• yk like how a murderer would like to know more about murders and killing techniques so they read a book which is vvv violent? ye everyone had that mentality

• and then u were there who always thought what if murderers were actually reading my little pony comics inside them to hide their duality hhhh

• well that was one of the many ways to hide the fact that u read stuff like that too

• NO NOT MY LITTLE PONY CONTENT JESUS CHRIST

• so u were in the middle of hiding ur face and going to the bookstore

• when u entered it u felt aLIVE

• "now i'll finally get to read these babies ヾ(*´∀｀*)ﾉ"

• so u hid ur face and went till the corner when u found the section that u had been looking for

• "GRAPHIC COMICS!!!"

• so u slowly slid down ur mask and reached for the book on the middle shelf

• bUT

• "????"

• ur hand brushed with someone else's so u looked at them

• "um excuse me,, i reached out for this first"

• even though he was kind u were nOT GOING TO LOSE (۶•ᄇ•́)۶

• "yeah but i came here fIRST so it's mINE NOW"

• u tried to tug on it but the guy kePT PULLING IT TOWARDS HIM

• "wow ok that was rude but i nEED TO READ IT TODAY PLS"

• "SO DO I!!!"

• u both paused for a moment before tugging on the book and yelling so loud that the manager had to LITERALLY snatcH the book away from u two to stop the fight smh

• u only put ur mask on and left the store after scoffing at him

• next day,,, while u were taking ur breakfast in the cafeteria, u suddenly hear two male voices (ONE VERY FAMILIAR) speaking to each other behind u

• "yeah and when i asked her POLITELY to give it to me, she sTARTED TUGGING ON IT LIKE WHAT NO I WANT TO READ IT DON'T U UNDERSTAND"

• u were 1982626% sure that it was the guy from the bookstore that u had a fight with yesterday

• and u avoided eVERY way to ignore him but ur plan was ruined by ur friend who tapped ur shoulder only to make u turn around

• and u almost forgot about him until ur friend left and u were about to turn back bUT UR EYES MET

• and he INSTANTLY KNEW WHO U WERE

• but before he could approach u or smthg u quickly bOLTED AWAY

• few days later, when u had fINALLY decided to visit the bookstore again (and since u two hadn't met at the school ever since)

• u walked in to see a new collection of books stacked right beside the ones that u are so fond of

• u picked one of them and started reading it cause why not

• fast forward to an hour and u had already decided tHIS is THE best book u have eVER read

• AND IT'S NOT EVEN A COMIC CAN U IMAGINE

• "this is it, chief."

• u really wanted to buy the book but when u saw the price,,,,,

• "yeah i guess i can live without this book,,,,"

• u ended up coming every day to finish this book because !!! this book !!! was eNORMOUS OK

• one day while u were reading ur books somebody lightly tapped ur shoulder and when u looked above

• there he was,, the guy who u had been running away from

• u really wanted to go away but hE HAD U CORNERED SHSHSG

• "hi,, look i know u have been probably running away from me because of that incident here,,, but i just came to apologise i guess,,, my inner fanboy just came out,,, you know?"

• u couldn't help but stare at the boy in disbelief

• THIS BOY

• WHOM U HAD BEEN RUNNING AWAY FROM FOR 3 DAYS

• SO THAT HE DOESN'T EXPOSE U

• IS ACTUALLY SUCH AN UWU AND NOT A BITCH LIKE U THOUGHT WTF

• "and if u had been running away because of the judging looks and comments from the people at school...guess we really aren't that different, right?"

• I WOULD BE LYING IF I SAID UR HEART WASN'T MELTING

• u lightly chuckled at his words and skdg

• I WOULD BE LYING AGAIN IF I SAID THAT NOW U AREN'T MELTING H I S HEART

• ",,,,do u mind if i sit here?"

• "o-oh,, yeah sure"

• u made space beside u so that he could sit with u

• there was an awkward silence surrounding u two before he broke the ice

• "i'm felix btw,,,"

• "i'm y/n.." - u say as u smile at him and take away that last tiny bit of his heart with u again

• that day u brought out ur inner fangirl/fanboy and u felt so ???? relieved???

• like the huGE knot from ur chest was gone and u could actually bREATHE

• needless to say, u and felix became best freinds

• u would go to the bookstore to read the book (that u couldn't afford) and after an hour or so, felix would come to the graphic comics section to read the newest edition or re-read the old ones with u

• he would usually go to ur house too and dAMN u are one huge of a fan hhhhh

• "wow ok my bank account can't relate"

• "same lmao"

• "y/n u bought this,, plus did u really just say lmao oUT LOUD HHHH"

• so one day (like everyday) u walked into the bookstore an hour earlier before felix to read the book

• but today it was gone ??? it just wASNT THERE

• and THAT SHIT TENSED U OK

• well until u had heard felix talking behind u

• "searching for this?"

• he held up the book and it was ?? wrapped up ??

• u kinda wanted to ask him about it before u could,, he just shoVED the book in ur face and was like

• "i bought it for u"

• KSSVJSHSHW EXCUSE ET MOI LE BICHÉ WTF

• U WANTED TO SCREAM BUT UR VOICE ??? WAS G O N E

• UGH THE POWER OF LEE FELIX

• "HOW WHAT" - u, whisper-shouting at him

• "i saw u reading these everyday but not buying it so,,, i did it for u"

• u legit surprised him when u hugged him

• i mean yeah sure hugs and cuddles were common with u two

• but today felix just felt so weird in his stomach like someone had let loose all the animals in his stomach

• so he pulled away

• and looked at u

• ",,,hey y/n?"

• "yeah?"

• "can u look for a chit in there" - felix, pointing at the book in ur hands

• u searched for a piece of paper until u dID find one and u held it up in front of him

• u could swear he was holding his breath

• "what's this...?"

• "open it."

• u opened it to find a small message written from him to u

• "hey uh...y/n...i know this must be very very... weird for u...since we met like 2 months ago or something...but from that moment on, when i saw u in school, i didn't feel alone anymore, you know? it felt like i could take all of those judgments when i'm with you..but that's what my brain told me.

but right now? my heart has confirmed the message to be true. this is vERY CLICHÉ OK BUT,,,, i really like you. like alot. i hope u won't be ignoring me again >:((

k thanks bye - felix."

• u looked up from the chit to see felix extremely red

• "felix?"

• "yeah?"

• u kissed his cheek and as u pulled away, his eyes were widened and his entire face was bRIGHT RED

• "i will never ignore u again."

[inyournightmares97]

Antipathy, part eight

In which Park Jinyoung, a possibly murderous cat hybrid, makes you question everything you thought you knew about yourself.

Warnings: Strong language, hybrid!Jinyoung and mainly just fluff. Also, Jinyoung with kids. That needs it's own fluff warning.

Word Count: 3.1k+

part one  part two  part three  part four  part five  part six  part seven  part nine

The morning wore on lazily. You slumped against the couch with a sigh while Minnie sat cross-legged on the floor watching episodes of some inane cartoon. The cartoon characters were getting up to all sorts of meaningless antics and you were personally still suffering from your hangover. Your head throbbed and you groaned as you leaned back against the sofa. Jinyoung, curled up next to you on the sofa, seemed concerned.

“Are you okay?” he asked you quietly.

You pouted. “I drank too much last night,” you whispered back miserably.

Jinyoung nodded in understanding. “I wanted to make you some hangover cures but I couldn’t find all the ingredients. And what are we going to do about lunch?” he gestured towards Minnie, who was singing along to the theme song of the next cartoon, clapping her hands whenever the character on screen told her to. “What do small children eat?”

You cursed under your breath. “Dammit, I forgot that my sister doesn’t let Minnie eat fast food anymore. We’re going to have to make something. You say there’s no ingredients at home?” Jinyoung nodded in response and you sighed. “Fine, then we’re going have to go out shopping. Minnie! Get up, we’re going to the grocery store!”

The girl turned and blinked at you. “But this episode’s not over-“

“I’ll buy you ice cream if you come without complaining,” you promised her simply. Minnie’s eyes brightened and she beamed and ran over to you, grabbing Jinyoung’s leg happily. He smiled down at her and let her wrap her arms around his legs.

“Jinyoung-oppa, let’s get ice cream! Do you like ice cream?”

He nodded and picked her up. “Of course, who doesn’t like ice cream?”

“What’s your favorite flavor? Mine’s strawberry. It used to be chocolate until last week, and before that I liked mint chocolate chip but now it’s strawberry because strawberry’s pink and I like the color pink!” she rambled on. You rolled your eyes as you grabbed your wallet and keys. Jinyoung went into your study and emerged a few seconds later with a snap-back on his head. You blinked at him in surprise and he let out a small cough.

“Sometimes people get freaked out by the ears in public,” he muttered in explanation.

You blinked. “Uh, okay. Whatever makes you comfortable.”

--

You noticed that Jinyoung was fidgeting nervously on the way to the grocery store. You glanced at his stiff posture in the seat and how he kept fiddling with the obviously uncomfortable snap-back on his head. You had to wonder if it was squishing his ears, and why he felt it was so necessary to wear it if it was uncomfortable. You glanced in the backseat to make sure Minnie was distracted, before blinking at him.

“Are you okay?” you asked. You watched him doubtfully. “Jinyoung, you don’t have to wear the hat.”

Jinyoung cleared his throat and turned to you, a hint of nervousness in his dark eyes. He held your gaze for a few moments before looking down at his lap and speaking quietly. “No, I’m fine. I’ve just never been to a grocery store before. I don’t go out to public places a lot actually. They don’t let hybrids leave the shelter premises, so I… I don’t have a lot of experience being in crowded places with a lot of humans.”

You blinked at him in surprise. “Not even with your previous owner?”

“He didn’t leave the house much himself, and he never let me leave either.”

You bit your lip and looked at him. You couldn’t help but feel curious about Jinyoung’s previous owner, this old man who had supposedly died. What kind of owner never even took their hybrid to places like grocery stores? Jinyoung’s behavior occasionally lead you to the conclusion that he hadn’t been treated very well in the past, even during his life before the shelters. But you didn’t want to pry. He kept shifting his snap-back and he was fidgeting so much that you knew this was not the time to discuss his past.

“Well, don’t worry. Supermarkets are pretty boring places,” your reassured him cheerfully. You noticed that your words relaxed Jinyoung a little so you kept going. “Just don’t eat anything before we’ve paid for it and we should be fine. Besides, maybe you’ll finally tell me what kind of food you like, huh? You’ve been pretty mysterious about it so far.”

Jinyoung bit back a smile. “I like everything you make.”

“Liar. I saw you struggling to eat the oranges I cut up the other day. I know cats generally don’t like citrus fruits and I was waiting for you to say something about it,” you admitted with a laugh. It had been rather funny to watch his expression as he struggled to eat one and then pretended he wasn’t hungry.

Jinyoung blinked. “That’s a little mean.”

“Just buy whatever food you want, Jinyoung. As long as it’s not too expensive or from the gourmet section; I don’t think my wallet can afford it if you took a liking to imported cheeses or something. And we should find something that Minnie will like too. That’s the challenge right now.”

“Okay,” Jinyoung smiled softly.

You parked outside the supermarket and Jinyoung hurried to help Minnie out of the backseat. She demanded that he let her climb up onto his back again so he agreed, hitching her up and following you into the store. You could tell that Jinyoung was tense as you grabbed a shopping cart and pushed it down the first aisle, but Minnie was humming happily and tapping a tune onto Jinyoung’s snapback with her fingers.

“Jinyoung-oppa, can I have a chocolate?” she demanded, pointing at one.

Jinyoung looked at you doubtfully. “I don’t know, can she have a chocolate?” he wondered.

“No. I already promised you ice cream, Minnie, eating chocolate too will be too much sugar in one go. You can choose your ice cream once we’re done shopping… but nothing else sweet.”

You turned back to face the aisle, trying to pick out some olive oil for the pasta you intended to make later but you could hear Jinyoung and Minnie behind you. The little girl was leaning down, whispering into Jinyoung’s ears not-so-conspicuously.

“She’s mean…”

“She is. She tried to make me eat oranges the other day,” Jinyoung’s voice whispered back playfully.

“Ewwww…!” Minnie squealed.

You stiffened, whirling around to scold them but they’d already started walking further down the aisle without you. You sighed and let them go, dropping things into the shopping cart that you needed. You needed to focus on feeding Minnie, and somebody had to be the harsh one. Jinyoung didn’t look like he was capable of denying Minnie anything. He was clearly smitten with her. You checked your shopping list and strolled the aisles grabbing other things you needed for a few minutes, before Minnie suddenly came running over to you at full speed.

“Look what we found!” she chirped happily, grabbing your jeans and tugging on them to get your attention. “Ears! Jinyoung-oppa got me ears!”

You were confused for a moment until she held up a small headband and showed you a pair of black Minnie Mouse ears; with the little red bow and all. Her face was flushed red with excitement as she rattled about how pretty they were. Jinyoung suddenly turned the corner, looking out of breath and his eyes wide.

“Minnie! Don’t run off like that, I didn’t know where you went!” he scolded, rushing over to pick her up.

Minnie pouted. “Sorry. I just wanted to show off the cat ears we found.” She turned to face you, her eyes large and hopeful. “Can we buy them? Can we buy them, can we buy them, please, pretty please?”

You exchanged a glance with Jinyoung and sighed. “Yes, okay, you can buy one pair.”

“Yes!” Minnie pumped her fist in the air. She squirmed until Jinyoung put her back down and then skipped down the aisle, clutching the Minnie Mouse headband to her chest and singing happily. You giggled at the sight of the adorable girl and then turned to Jinyoung, who had a slight frown on his face as he watched Minnie. You nudged him in the side.

“Something wrong?”

“I’m not sure whether I should break it to Minnie that those are mouse ears and not cat ears,” he admitted.

“Does it matter?”

Jinyoung turned to you sharply, with a slight huff. His arms were folded across his chest. “Are you kidding? Mouse ears are much rounder and uglier, they don’t have half the aesthetic or functional value of a cat’s ears. It’s a little bit insulting that she can’t tell the difference but she’s still a child so I suppose it’s forgivable. But those ears look nothing like mine.”

You chuckled. “How about we don’t break her heart? I’m not even sure if we could find a headband with cat ears right now and I’m not about to go around town searching.”

“Yeah, that’s understandable. She looks happy anyway.”

Minnie was dancing happily in the middle of the aisle, having placed the Minnie Mouse ears on her head with the price tag still hanging off them. She’d gathered a small audience of people who were commenting on how cute she was. An older lady passed by and gave you a slightly toothless smile. “You have such an adorable little daughter,” she said fondly, smiling at you and Jinyoung.

Your face flushed red and you cleared your throat. “Uh, thank you…”

“It’s so nice to see young couples like yourselves-”

“Yes, thank you,” you repeated a little forcefully, pushing your cart and walking away from the talkative woman. Jinyoung followed after you too, his own cheeks slightly pink. He might have been inexperienced but he was extremely sharp and he’d clearly picked up on the older woman’s assumptions. You pushed your cart until the spot where Minnie was dancing and grabbed her hand.

“Come on Minnie, let’s go get your ice cream and pay for that headband, okay?”

“Cat ears!” she corrected you indignantly.

You exchanged an exasperated look with Jinyoung, who was chuckling, and then nodded at the little girl. “Yes, okay, let’s go pay for your cat ears.”

“I’m going to look just like Jinyoung-oppa!”

--

You finally managed to finish shopping and lugged all the groceries back to your apartment with Jinyoung’s help. You had to admire how he managed to carry the heavier bags along with Minnie still clinging onto his back, but Jinyoung was clearly stronger than he looked. He finally sat Minnie back down in front of the television to resume her cartoons and came into the kitchen where you were unpacking groceries.

“Need help?” Jinyoung offered, taking off his snapback and setting it on the kitchen counter.

“No, I’m fine, you can go play with Minnie,” you reassured him lightly, turning to look at him. You gasped when you saw the state of Jinyoung’s black ears. They were squished against his head, flattened by the hat he’d been wearing and one of them was crooked. “Jinyoung! That looks so painful! You honestly didn’t have to wear the snapback if it was pressing your ears so badly!”

Jinyoung froze as you stepped closer to him and reached up to gently smoothen his ears with your fingers. He let out a soft purr as your fingers stroked the soft part of his ears and you gently unfolded them to sit straight on his head again. You sighed when you noticed that they were still crooked. “You don’t need to hide your ears in public. If people have a problem with the fact that you’re a hybrid then they’ll deal with it. I don’t want you wearing those hats anymore,” you scolded him. 

Jinyoung looked down at you, his gaze soft. “Okay,” he agreed quietly.

“I want you to be comfortable. You know that, right?”

He nodded, reaching out and pulling you into his arms tightly. Your heartbeat thudded as he nuzzled his head into your neck and let his nose brush your collarbone. Jinyoung’s grip around you was tight and comforting. It wasn’t your first time in his arms and you were starting to realize that you really enjoyed the feeling. It made you feel warm and pleasant, the way his strong arms wrapped around your waist and you could hear his soft heartbeat. You wrapped your arms around him as well, inhaling his soft scent before gently pushing him back.

“Okay, that’s enough,” you said with a laugh. “I have to cook.”

“Can I kiss you?” he asked quietly.

You stared at him, shocked. Had you just heard him right? Did he just ask if he could kiss you? You gaped at him for a long moment, your mouth falling open lightly. You could tell that Jinyoung’s intense gaze was on your lips and he looked up into your eyes nervously. No matter how much you tried, words wouldn’t come out. Your heartbeat just kept thudding. “I…”

“I know you told me that what I did last night wasn’t okay,” Jinyoung muttered quietly, his gaze flickering nervously between your eyes and lips. His arms still held you in his grasp. “I just did it on instinct because I couldn’t stand Jackson’s scent on you. But then I remembered watching this one scene on a drama when you were in college last week and… well, the guy asked before he kissed someone so I thought maybe I just needed to ask.”

You tried to clear your mind. “Uh, it’s… it’s definitely a good thing that you asked, Jinyoung, but…”

“So I can kiss you?” Jinyoung asked hopefully, leaning forward. He looked disappointed when your eyes widened in panic. “Or was it the other thing that the guy said? Are you worried that I didn’t say that? Because I can say that too.”

“Huh? What other thing?”

“I love you.”

Your mind went blank. There was just something about the way this gorgeous, handsome man held you in his arms and looked down at you so adoringly while whispering the words I love you, that made you wonder if you were dreaming. This couldn’t be real. But Jinyoung was looking down at you patiently. His dark ears were crooked, his dark eyes expectant and his beautiful lips slightly parted as they stopped inches away from yours.

“Jinyoung, I… that’s not… I mean…”

“Help me understand,” he pleaded quietly, his warm breath brushing your face. “What can I do that will make it okay for me to kiss you?”

Nothing, you thought to yourself silently, heart sinking. Nothing will make it okay, because you’re a hybrid and you don’t really love me. It’s your natural instinct to obey me and respect me because I’m your owner. Nothing in the world could ever make this relationship normal or healthy.

You felt like you were ripping a part of yourself away as you gently placed your hands on Jinyoung’s chest and pushed yourself away from him. His eyes looked disappointed, arms subconsciously reaching out for you again before he forced himself to drop them at his sides. You wanted to cry at the look of hurt on his face. You cleared your throat and stepped back.

“It’s difficult to explain, Jinyoung. Maybe we should, um, hold off on kissing for now, okay?”

Jinyoung bit his lip. “But I want to understand-“

“Let me make lunch? Minnie’s going to start crying from hunger in a while and I don’t want to have to deal with that,” you said, trying to force your voice to sound light and casual. Jinyoung didn’t look convinced. His eyes scanned yours for a long moment, clearly searching for something before he dropped his gaze to the floor and nodded thoughtfully.

“Okay. If you don’t want me to do it then I won’t. I want you to be comfortable too,” he said quietly. “I’ll go sit with Minnie.”

--

The rest of the evening was slightly awkward, but you could tell that Jinyoung was still trying hard to enjoy himself and keep Minnie entertained. He came up with some fun games to convince her to eat the pasta and they played around until the little girl finally fell asleep, exhausted. By the time your sister came to pick Minnie up, she was out like a light and didn’t even stir when Jinyoung carried her all the way down to your sister’s car.

“Today was exhausting,” you muttered, once Minnie and your sister were gone.

Jinyoung smiled and shrugged. “I had fun.”

“You’re surprisingly good with kids. I would never have expected it of you,” you said with a laugh, nudging Jinyoung. His cheeks flushed a little pink and he looked down at his lap shyly. Part of you wondered if the Jinyoung that you’d dealt with during the first two days of his stay here even existed anymore. You couldn’t see any traces of his past self. You tore your eyes away from him and looked around.

“But damn, my apartment is always such a mess when Minnie comes over,” you complained.

You were flustered when Jinyoung leaned over and pressed his lips to your forehead lightly. His hand squeezed yours and he gave you a gentle, heart-warming smile before he spoke. “You never even treated your hang-over properly, and you have class tomorrow. You should go to bed. I’ll clean up here. I made most of the mess myself while playing with Minnie anyway.”

You bit your lip. “Are you sure?”

He nodded. “Yup. Good night.”

You couldn’t help it; you wrapped your arms around Jinyoung shyly and gave him a quick hug. Your sudden rush of affection for him wasn’t coming out of nowhere. You realized how grateful you were that he helped you deal with Minnie all day, came out to the grocery store even though it made him nervous, and didn’t even question you when you told him not to kiss you.

“Thank you for being so amazing today,” you mumbled. You released Jinyoung and noticed that his eyes were wide, his entire face flushing a deep red as he gaped at you. He looked more flustered than you’d ever seen him and his mouth opened and closed like a fish before he finally choked out.

“That’s… that’s okay,” he muttered. You nodded and smiled at him, before turning to go into your bedroom. Just before you closed the door behind you though, you swore you could have heard Jinyoung whisper I love you. But when you whirled around to look at him, he was picking up stray DVD cases from off the floor with his back turned to you. Maybe you’d heard wrong.

Yeah, that was it. You’d heard wrong. He wouldn’t say something like that twice, would he? 

Did he even understand what it meant?

[nerdiests]

It’s a bit late, but here it is!! Day 6 of Kaminari Week!! And happy birthday to Kaminari. 

check it out on ao3!

prompt: Happy birthday, Denki! - birthday/happiness/memes

Kaminari Denki hadn’t had a real birthday party since he was twelve. He hadn’t made many friends by his thirteenth birthday, and decided to not have a party that year. Or the two years following. His friends hadn’t even known that his birthday was coming up, and they only found out after the fact. A couple weeks after, actually. Sero brought up that his birthday was coming up, and he wanted to invite the group. Then Ashido got curious about everyone else’s birthdays, and Denki let it slip that his had already passed. That had garnered multiple reactions. Mainly ones from his group of friends that they’d be prepared for next year. And it was next year, and not a single person had acknowledged his birthday. So here he was, walking back to the dorms after class to play some Super Mario, when he got intercepted by Kirishima.

“Hey, buddy, you said you’d been meaning to go pick up some new games, yeah?” Kirishima asked. Denki narrowed his eyes slightly. This was. Suspicious. It was also Friday though, and that meant it’d be more likely to get an off-campus pass on short notice.

“Yeah… There’s this game store I’ve been meaning to check out too, hoping they might have some new modules I could pick up, and maybe some new board games? And I need to check the video game place I swing by, see if they’ve got any discounted games I could grab,” Denki said, Kirishima hanging on to each word.

“Well, you’re in luck dude. I meant to leave campus today, got some stuff to pick up, and I grabbed a pass for off campus stuff, but they accidentally wrote down that two people had to go! And you were the first person I thought of,” Kirishima said. Denki paused momentarily, pondering. If this really was true… It was too good of an offer to pass up.

“Sure, I know that the game shop and the video game place are both in the same general area, what’re you picking up?” Denki asked, and Kirishima pointed up at his hair.

“Gotta get some more dye, my roots are starting to show again,” Kirishima said. Denki nodded solemnly. He didn’t understand the magical world of hair dye, seeing as his streak was au naturel, but he knew about Kirishima’s constant dyeing of his hair. It wasn’t exactly a mystery to the class at this point.

“Understandable. I think there’s a place to pick up dye at the mall the video game store’s at, and the game store is a few blocks away from said mall,” Denki said, before adjusting his backpack on his shoulders.

“Lemme just head back to the dorms and get changed, it’d be better to head out in casual clothes anyways,” Denki said. There was a quick flash of alarm on Kirishima’s face, but it was gone as soon as it had come.

“Gotcha, Kaminari! I’ll walk with you,” Kirishima said. Denki narrowed his eyes again. Kirishima was already in casual wear… Hm.

“Sure,” Denki said, only slightly skeptical. After all, talking to someone whilst walking is always a nice pastime.

Kirishima successfully navigated Denki up to his third floor room without letting him get much of a glance in the common room or the kitchen, which Denki wasn’t going to question. He wanted to go out and shop for what his brother had called his “nerd stuff” just as much as Kirishima wanted to get his hair dye. Denki did find it a bit odd that Kirishima had accidentally gotten a pass for two people as opposed to one… Hm. Denki wasn’t going to question it though, he got a free shopping trip out of the happy accident.

“Let’s head out,” Denki said, grabbing his wallet off his nightstand. Kirishima nodded, giving Denki’s shirt a glance. What? He liked old American cartoons, and he’d wear his old graphic tees with pride. Especially since he’d made this one himself. There wasn’t much Danny Phantom merchandise around, after all. It was an old show.

“Yeah. You wanna stop by the game shop, video game place, or the store?” Kirishima asked. Denki paused for a moment.

“I’ll be a while, so it’d probably be best to let you buy what you need to, then I can go do my window shopping,” Denki said. Kirishima nodded once again, before giving Denki a look.

“Not gonna buy anything?” he asked curiously. Denki shrugged.

“If I find something I’m really willing to blow some cash on, maybe,” Denki said, while Kirishima opened up his room’s door. The two started the walk down to the elevator.

“Hm. Any idea how long you’ll be window shopping for?” Kirishima asked. Denki shrugged again.

“Dunno. Probably an hour or so? And the train ride’s about fifteen minutes or so, and the walk from the station to the stores is a while,” Denki said. Kirishima nodded as they approached the elevator. There was a buzz in his pocket as the elevator arrived. Curious, Denki pulled his phone out of his pocket and noticed the notification from Snapchat, of all things. He could document his adventure today! That’d be fun. The elevator started to go down, and Denki went through the various notifications he had as Kirishima rapidly typed something. The common room was empty upon their arrival, but Denki’s eyes were too glued on his phone to notice the somewhat poorly hidden people scattered around the room. As they left the building and headed towards the gates, Kirishima let out a quiet sigh of relief. Thank goodness.

The train ride wasn’t too lengthy, thankfully. Half of the time, Denki was either playing Geometry Dash as he typically did, or scrolling through various social media that he had. Kirishima stood next to him, typing rapidly the entire time. Denki didn’t pay him any heed, though. Kirishima could do what he wanted, and Denki wasn’t gonna pry.

Luckily for both of them, there was a Walmart nearby the station. The two went into the store, and Kirishima bolted for the beauty section. Denki knew from experience that the hair dye was located there, although Denki hadn’t ever dyed his hair himself. Though instead of following after Kirishima, he decided to check out the clothing selection. Maybe he’d find something cool?

Five minutes into his browsing, he got a text from Kirishima. found my hair dye, where’d you go? Denki paused, taking his eyes off of the cool onesie he’d found, and texted back. clothes. That would be good. Denki went back to looking at the Pikachu onesie he’d found - ironic, heh - until someone tapped him on the shoulder.

“What’re you looking at, Kaminari?” Denki turned around, seeing Kirishima.

“Oh, uh. Nothing important,” Denki said, noticing the box Kirishima held. The hair dye he needed.

“Let’s go then, you’ve got your stuff,” Denki said, turning to head to the checkout. Kirishima lingered for a moment, before catching up. The two bought Kirishima’s hair dye, before going on their way.

“So, what’s your shop called?” Kirishima asked. Denki pulled his phone out to double check, since he’d never been and they did need the directions, after all.

“Classic Comics,” Denki said, pulling up the directions he’d previously had open. Kirishima nodded, typing something into his phone again. Hm. He was really on his phone a lot today. Denki wasn’t gonna question it, though, he’d spent a ton of time on his as well. The two began to walk, with Denki providing the directions needed.

The walk to Classic Comics wasn’t all that long, what with Denki spending most of his time focusing on going the correct direction. Though once they arrived, oh man. Denki knew he’d be coming back here often. It was a bit small, but it had floor space for comics, an extra room for sessions, and multiple shelves full of exactly what he was looking for.

“They’ve got the newest adventure path, holy shit,” Denki muttered to himself, walking towards the bookshelves. Kirishima stood awkwardly by the door, before walking over to the comics section. Denki wasn’t much of a comics person, he much preferred books because he could make the pictures in his mind, and if that wasn’t an experience. Denki didn’t know that Kirishima was a comics guy, though. Denki picked up the module, and checked the price. Oh hell he couldn’t afford this right now, he’d have to come back later. With a sigh, he set the book down. He didn’t notice Kirishima heading over to where he’d been and picking the book up himself.

The board games were phenomenal, and there were a few expansions sets for a board game he hadn’t played in years, but Denki couldn’t get any of them. Didn’t have enough money for any of it. It was upsetting. He did, though, get a new set of black and gold dice. Never know when you’ll need a new set of dice. Plus they reminded him of himself. With his dice in hand, and Kirishima with a few comics in hand, the two walked out of the store.

“Man, that’s a holy grail of what I’ve wanted for months, right there,” Denki said as the two walked away. Kirishima patted him on the shoulder reassuringly.

“You can always come back, right?” Kirishima said. Denki nodded to himself. Kirishima was right about that. He could come back in a month or so, and hopefully what he’d seen last time would be there. It might not, but. Denki didn’t want to think about that. He wanted to think about the video game store that was at the mall they’d passed on the way here.

“Time to head over to the video game store,” Denki said. He was about to continue, when his stomach rumbled slightly.

“...And maybe get a snack,” Denki said sheepishly, and Kirishima laughed.

“We could grab something at the food court. They’ve probably got those soft pretzels,” Kirishima said. Denki perked up. He loved those pretzels.

“Yeah, let’s go!”

The walk to the mall was filled with chatter between the two, about menial things. School, mostly. Kirishima nearly fell over when the two discussed their English test from earlier that week, when Denki revealed that over half of his answers were different than Kirishima’s were. Considering Denki’s fluency in the language, Kirishima was screwed. But they reached the mall right as the two were bemoaning the math quiz they’d had earlier that week. Denki knew this mall somewhat well, and he knew that the video game store was right below the food court. Which was on the other side of the mall.

“We’ve got a bit of a hike, Kirishima. Food court’s on the other side of the mall,” Denki said. Kirishima nodded solemnly as Denki’s stomach rumbled again. He needed that pretzel, pronto.

“Let’s get moving then! You need that pretzel, which means we’ve got to go!” Kirishima said enthusiastically, drawing a few stares from other people. Denki paid them no heed, however, because he had one thing and one thing only on his mind. Getting that pretzel.

In no time at all, Denki had his pretzel - thankfully there was a place to get them, otherwise all Kirishima’s hyping and Denki’s excitement would’ve been wasted - and the duo was heading back down the escalator they’d ascended in a rush to reach the food court. The video game store was right in front of them, and Denki’s eyes widened as he spotted the promotional posters. They were having a sale on older games! Score. He played the older games. His parents had bought him some of the older consoles for his birthday in the past, and Denki had multiple speedrunning sessions of the older indie games that he’d played. He was still trying to beat that age-old world record for speedrunning on one of his favorite games. He was getting close.

“They’re selling older games at a discount! Rad!” Kirishima said enthusiastically, and Denki looked over at his friend.

“Yep, I’m gonna see if they’ve got some of the games for the console’s I’ve got,” Denki said as he stepped off the escalator, Kirishima right behind him.

“I know I’ve got an old DS laying around, I might pick up some old games,” Kirishima said, and Denki nodded as he stepped inside. Most of these games he had, but. ...Wait a second.

“They’ve got Majora’s Mask for the N64 holy…” Denki stared, immediately pulling his wallet out. He glanced at the meager amount of cash he had, walked forward, and checked the price.

“Oh eish, I can’t afford this,” Denki muttered. Why did things have to cost money?

“Whoa, dude, you’ve got an N64? Those are ancient, Kaminari!” Denki whirled around. Kirishima was standing there, holding a copy of the Fullmetal Alchemist DS game. ...Denki didn’t know that Kirishima had seen Fullmetal Alchemist. No matter now.

“Yeah, I got it for my ninth birthday and I’ve been keeping it in an excellent state since. It’s one of the consoles my parents have bought me,” Denki explained, glancing at the rest of the shelf. He didn’t spot anything else he’d really want to grab.

“And I’ve got a majority of the older Zelda games, heck I’ve even got the first few through a lot of eBay prowling, but I haven’t been able to find any copies of Majora for its original console,” Denki continued, setting the game down. He gave the case a longing look, before turning away.

“I don’t have enough money to afford this one, though. I’m gonna head outside, I’ll wait for you there,” Denki said. Kirishima nodded, and Denki walked out. He didn’t notice Kirishima pick up the case and buy both that and his DS game. Denki only noticed Kirishima walk out of the store, a third bag in one hand, and his phone in the other. Kirishima grinned as he put his phone back in his pocket, walking up to Denki.

“Let’s head back, unless you’ve got somewhere else you wanna stop?” Kirishima asked. Denki shook his head.

“Nah, I’d be tempted to buy something I know I can’t afford,” Denki said. Kirishima nodded solemnly.

“Then shall we?” Kirishima asked, gesturing towards the way they’d came. Denki nodded decisively, before the two walked back towards the mall entrance.

Kirishima grew progressively more antsy as they grew closer to U.A. Denki wasn’t going to question his friend, but he spent more time on his phone than talking with him, so. That definitely meant something was at least off. Though Denki didn’t have any room to talk, since he’d spent the majority of the train ride back to the dorms reading a Mercedes Lackey book on his phone. So what if he was reading really old novels, he enjoyed the fantastical setting! But they eventually had to get off the train, and eventually they were there, standing in front of the dorms. Kirishima put his phone away again, and Denki shoved his thumbs through two of the belt loops on his shorts.

“What’re we waiting for, exactly?” Denki asked, jokingly. They’d been standing in front of the 1-A dorm for almost five minutes. Kirishima blinked, before opening up the door.

“Right,” Kirishima said, holding the door open as Denki walked in.

The first thing Denki noticed was the complete darkness. It was only… Almost 6. It shouldn’t be this dark, especially in summer. It was still odd that they were having classes at U.A. and training as opposed to… This was probably safer, though. The second thing Denki noticed was the darker shadows in the room. People? Or just the furniture? The third thing Denki noticed was slightly down the hallway towards the elevator, there was a light on under a door. The closet. Hm.

“SURPRISE!” Holy fuck. Denki jumped a solid foot in the air. The lights were on, but. There were decorations up? What.

“Happy birthday, Kaminari!” That was Ashido and Sero. A few more choruses of birthday wishes echoed around the room, notably an overly enthusiastic Iida and a grumble from Bakugou, of all people.

“Y’all… Threw me a party?” Denki asked. This was definitely a surprise. He hadn’t had birthday wishes from classmates in years, much less have them throw him a party.

“We missed out on the chance to get you gifts and wish you a happy birthday on time last year, bro! Wouldn’t be right to not this year, since we know ‘n all,” Kirishima said, before reaching into the video game store bag.

“I know you said you couldn’t afford this one with what you had on you at the time, but. Well. I could,” Kirishima said, pulling out… Majora’s Mask for the N64.

“Kirishima… Dude,” Denki breathed. He still hadn’t believed he’d found that gem of a game, since most games didn’t sell older games, but not only had he found it, he’d had the luck for one of his friends to get it for him? Damn, Denki was lucky.

“Well! Sero and I pooled money together and went out to get that one book Kirishima texted us the picture of!” Ashido said, reaching over to the couch she stood next to and pulling a bag off it. Denki stared for a moment.

“I’m the luckiest guy alive, right now. I’ve got great friends,” Denki said, glancing around the classroom. Everyone was so… Nice. How had Denki lucked out like this? His classmates were wonderful people.

“I’d say so,” Sero said, chuckling. Denki laughed, and he was about to open his mouth to speak.

“We have a set of party games you can choose from! There are a lot of us, and likely time for one such game before dinner and cake!” Iida said, effectively cutting Denki off. His laughs only continued. Even with birthday parties, Iida had to be efficient.

“Hit me with em, Iida.” This was gonna be a rad birthday party. Denki knew it.

[blindbaghell]

Now I know a lot of us like Cuphead, and are totally stoked about these mystery minis. But I gotta say, the ratios for these blind bags are pissing me off something horrible. Lemme math this out for you. So you can see why I’m on fire over here.

First off lets look at our main boys Cuphead and Mugman; Cuphead is a 1/12, and since each case comes with 12 blind boxes inside, you are sure to get one of him in each case. Ok not bad, that’s an acceptable ratio, especially when you get 12 figures per case. But then we have Mugman, who’s a 1/6, that means you’re bound to get 2 of them per case. 

So far from the series and fandom I get the feeling Cuphead is kinda our Mario [red pants club] and Mugsy is our Luigi. So while yes, we want both brothers, and in theory it sounds nice that 2 people can get a Mugsy outta every case, you get the feelin’ that they know Mugsy’s not the most sought after of the two brothers, so it kinda seems like ol’ Funko is out here increasing the chances of you picking the wrong box. Cause lets look at those molds.

Next to each other we can see they’re basically the same size. When laid overtop one another we see the slight differences in the position of their feet and their heads. That means they’re gunna sound and feel roughly the same when using the shake method. And if that’s all you’re working with, there’s 1 Cuphead versus 2 Mugmen per case, meaning there’s 2/3 chances that you’ll pull out a Mugman [or BOTH] when you’re just feeling the boxes out. 

That is some trickery that I just do not stand for. But they’re still within an acceptable ratio range for me that I won’t feel too bad. that’s 3/12 boxes, that means we still 9 more boxes to get someone different. 

Well not really, checking the ratios of the rest of them we see that there are 4 characters out of the 12 [in the base set] that have a 1/6 chance of being in the case. That means there are 4 characters that we absolutely know are going to be in every single case of 12, and they’re each gunna have 1 double in there.

That mean’s we’re gunna have 4 instances of doubles

2 Mugmen

2 Slot machines

2 Djimmi’s

2 Brineybeards

2 [of the same figure] x 4 [figures with doubles] = 8 boxes of doubles in a 12 box case.

8 DOUBLES OUT OF 12 BOXES

The next smallest ratio that we have is 1/12. Cuphead is a 1/12, and so is the Devil. So we know for sure that we’re getting 1 figure of the main brother [I say main cause the game is named after him] and 1 figure of the main villain per every case of 12 boxes. 

That’s 10 boxes out of 12 that we absolutely know who we’re getting in every case of mystery figures, and a majority of them are going to be DOUBLES.

THAT MEANS ONLY 2 BOXES OUT OF EVERY 12 WILL ACTUALLY HAVE SOMETHING THAT’S SLIGHTLY LESS COMMON.

So if we count up all the figures that are only gunna come 1 per case, we have 4 figures that aren’t going to be doubles; and only 2 of those 4 are gunna be different per case!

So every case you get your hands on you know there’s going to be 2 actually random figures out of 12 [you’ll know what the other 10 are].

Let’s math out how many cases you need to go through [and I’m talking a super rough, best case scenario kinda thing] to find all those other figures. We’re gunna go from lowest to highest number.

Above 1/12 we have 1/24, we’ve got 2 figures with this ratio [Honeybottom and Dice] 

12 figures per case, chance is out of 24. 

24  ÷ 12 = 2

That means [roughly] every 2 cases should have 1 Honeybottom and/or [most likely or] Dice among the 2 actually random boxes per case.

I’m fine with a 1/24 ratio, I don’t love it, but finding 2 boxes of these mystery minis isn’t that difficult these days. They’re in every Walmart, Target, Gamestop, Hot Topic, and most comic book shops.While it’s true this one is gunna be take a little more driving around, it’s a manageable chance to get a figure.

Next we have 1/36, again we have two 1/36 characters [Cagney and Cala]

36  ÷ 12 = 3

Meaning every 3 cases should have 1 Cagney Carnation or 1 Cala Maria. This is where I draw the line. Sure, 3 cases might not be too difficult to find in theory, but to find 3 different cases to get one figure, and you’re most likely going to need 3 different cases to go through and get lucky and find a Cagney and then 3 more cases to get lucky and find Cala, means you’re digging through 6 different cases, and there’s no guarantee you’re gunna find them in your area. Unless these things are going out to stores that have exclusives, you’re getting a random ass box, there’s no guarantee that those 6 different cases will have either Cala or Cagney cause there’s only 2 BOXES OUT OF 12 THAT ARE GUNNA HAVE A FIGURE THAT’S NOT GUARANTEED TO SHOW UP IN EVERY BOX [DO YOU SEE WHY I’M RAGIN’?].

The next one is a ratio that infuriates me to hell and back, and it honestly shouldn’t ever have been considered and actually put out there. And you know damn well they’re only utilizing this high number cause they wanna bank in on you fucking up, going all over the place, and buying as many boxes as possible to try and grab them to complete your collection. Especially cause they’re placing 2 figures with this ratio, making it doubly hard to finish your collection. 

1/72

72  ÷ 12 = 6 different cases 

You gotta dig through 6 different cases for even the slightest chance to get your hands on either Hilda Berg OR Baroness von Bon Bon. That means if you find 1 in 6 different cases then you gotta go digging through another 6, so youse gotta hunt yerself down 12 different goddamned cases for just a chance at 2 of these figures, and yanno it ain’t gunna be a good chance even outta the 12 cases. Cause you know damn well they’re never gunna pack those 2 in the same case, nuh-uh, they know what they’re doing over there at Funko. They’re gunna package those two as far away from each other to ensure that their fans HAVE to go out there, dig through as many cases as they can find, and (if you don’t use a scale) buy as many boxes as they can afford, go through tons of doubles, just to make sure they don’t miss out on 2 of the figures from the base set. NO ONE FROM THE BASE SET SHOULD BE THAT HARD TO FIND, NO ONE!

I will never accept this ratio as proper, or fair in any way shape or form, not even for an exclusive, it’s too high, and far too difficult for both die hard collectors and especially difficult for regular/amateur/or picky collectors [like myself] to get their favorite figure out of a set.

If you asked me what I felt the proper ratios would be, something not too easy yanno cause the company has to make money, but not too hard that it frustrates collectors

Cuphead            1/6 [2 cups per case] Mugman             1/6 [2 mugs per case] Dice                    1/12 [1 King per case] Devil                   1/12 [1 Devil per case] Slots                   1/12 Cagney               1/24 Hilda                   1/36 Bon Bon              1/24 Djimmi                 1/24 Cala                     1/24 Captain                1/24 Honeybottom       1/24

Ok lemme break down why this, to me seems better. So the main playable characters are a 1/6 chance, that means there’s 4 boxes outta 12 that will hold one of the brothers. There’s a chance of tricky doubles, cause they brothers have a similar sized mold. But this at least lets multiple people get a chance at buying one of the main characters [someone who’s not a boss].

So with 4 boxes out of 12 being the brothers, that leaves us with 8 more boxes to get a different figure. Then we have three 1/12 figures, meaning 5 out of 12 characters are definitely going to be in every box. 2 of those will have doubles so that makes

 2 Cups + 2 Mugs + 1 Dice + 1 Devil + 1 Slot Machine = 7 boxes out of 12 that have characters we definitely know would be in each case.

Yes that’s over half the boxes, but that’s not as horrible as as having 10/12 of the boxes be mostly doubles and only a 2/12 chance to get some new figures. 

Then we have 6 characters that you’ll have a fairly good chance to grab if you can find at least 2 cases around you [and I know some people who can barely find 1 case in a 10 mile radius]. This gets people moving around, get’s them traveling, if they have to go a little further they’ll be tempted to buy a couple more boxes to increase their chances yanno, sales will happen. 

With 5 known figures per case, taking up 7 boxes, and another 6 figures that could be gotten by finding 2 different cases you’ll probably [in actuality] need 3 ish cases to get all the 1/24 figures [in this theoretical ratio spread].

I made Hilda a 1/36, which isn’t terribly high, but it is my line in the sand for how high a ratio for a figure should be. It’s definitely going to make you work for your figure but you won’t be ridiculously frustrated by it, and people who manage to buy a couple won’t be able to sell it for completely ridiculous prices because 1 can be found [theoretically] per 3 cases. Hilda is definitely one of the cooler looking figures, especially in her final form [and I know the frog brothers are in their final form as well; but comparing a slot machine to some steampunk half moon of a death machine isn’t a fair contest for the slot machine ok?].

Unfortunately I don’t get to decide the ratios, I’d at least try to make this stuff fair on y’all. But these guys at Funko are just plain old being mean and doing their best to cash in on the Cuphead hype. Which, personally, I found super douchey of a company. I know you gotta make money, but those 1/72′s really make it feel like they’re trying to drain every last penny outta fans, that just feels disrespectful towards the people that like the game, or like Funko, and are happy to support both of these enterprises. You’re just out here taking advantage, and you know damn well that there are people that are like hard core re-sale assholes, and are gunna go out there, buy a bunch of cases, drive around to every store they got, buy them out, find those rare ones, and just make it harder for collectors to get out there and get this set.

And don’t even get me started on the exclusives, those are gunna create an even bigger issue if they’re high ratios. I’m real sorry, but I haven’t seen any news about the ratios for the exclusives.I’m gunna keep an eye out and update when I get the information.

[alivingfire]

Never have I ever written a Vampire au

i haven’t, and i’m honestly surprised at myself.

and y’all know me, i can’t just write the normal “no we have to stay apart because i’m dangerous” “but i love you, despite it all!” vampire story. so, let’s see… (more under the cut because it got long)

what about vampire louis, forever 25, who was turned back in the 1830s. it was the height of unrest, riots breaking out because of food prices, no unions yet to help those who spent their days in factories, and no child labor laws. louis works on the docks in london, fingers frozen as he hauls heavy boxes full of food he can’t afford, his trousers worn thin because he also can’t afford wool for more and has no one to sew them for him anyway.

he’s walking back to the workhouse where he lives when he’s pulled into an alley and bitten. he wakes up feeling warmer than he ever has before, despite the dawn chill, and his neck aching. he writes it off as a weird happenstance – he probably just passed out from not eating, or the cold.

but he goes back to the docks and finds that he can lift more than he could the day before, can hear more around him, can see the shipping labels on boxes from dozens of meters away. he tries to choke down a sandwich for lunch but it unsettles his stomach, and he can’t do it. but he doesn’t feel woozy from lack of food, and he’s still not cold.

at the end of the day, louis is grabbed by the arm and pulled into an alley once more. this time, louis recognizes his attacker: a guy named liam who works alongside him on the docks.

“what happened to you?” liam asks, eyes wary.

“i honestly don’t know, mate,” louis says.

liam, as it turns out, is a werewolf, and he haltingly explains how he recognized louis’ changed scent as soon as he was nearby. “you’re a vampire, louis,” liam says.

“you mean i’m dead?”

liam shrugs, still looking apologetic. “depends on who you ask. but more or less, yeah.”

and so louis is suddenly no longer alive, a quick end to a hard life. but, somehow, he’s also still here, which is pretty extraordinary.

liam and louis stick together after that – london’s a big place, and there are a lot of supernatural people there, but it’s easier when it’s just the two of them. they still live in the workhouse, still work on the docks. just because louis is suddenly immortal doesn’t mean he suddenly has money, too, or a place to live, or anything besides the clothes on his back.

it’s a dangerous world for a supernatural guy, as louis finds out – he’s not at risk for starving to death anymore, but his chances of being staked in the heart have increased exponentially. hunters work in the dark, claiming they’re on righteous missions to rid the world of evil. there are religious zealots who run them out of town when they find louis helping a stumbling liam back to the village after a full moon, both of them covered in blood. and there are traditionalist immortals who hate them too, because louis doesn’t kill the people he feeds from and liam has no desire to be in a pack, and so maybe they’re more equipped to deal with danger but that doesn’t mean they’re completely safe.

years pass, decades, and louis and liam move around to keep from attracting suspicion. they have a few cool stories, have met a couple of notable figures, do a couple of things that would be impossible for humans. but mostly they just keep living, because the thing that twilight doesn’t tell you is that you only get to be a rich, eccentric immortal if you die a rich, eccentric human. liam and louis definitely aren’t rich, and they didn’t die that way, either, and so they have to find odd jobs where people won’t ask questions on the full moon or when louis has an allergic reaction to garlic someone else is eating a block away.

there’s still danger, being what they are, but they’re mostly able to go under the radar. hunters have a harder time operating in a world with security cameras and cell phones. those traditionalists who hate liam and louis for not playing by their ancient rules mostly stay in their towers and dungeons, avoiding the world. and the religious zealots, descendants of the men who used to burn witches (and people they didn’t like) at the stake, have to be careful about what they say, and who they accuse. none of them want to face public ridicule for announcing vampires are real, and it’s more important to keep their good names than chase out the rare supernatural being.

liam and louis are back in london, which (finally) takes us to the other half of the story. louis has found a job in a twenty-four hour store of some kind, let’s say a supermarket. he does the graveyard shift because then he doesn’t have to spend time in the sun, and he can get away with looking pale and lifting more than is humanly possible because there’s literally no one there to witness it.

and one night he’s doing his thing, stocking shelves and wasting time, throwing baby carrots at liam over the shelves, laughing every time he hears the little thump of vegetable against liam’s skull. someone clears their throat next to him and says, “uh. excuse me?”

louis turns and. stops. the guy is pigeon-toed and grinning sheepishly, holding a bag of… are those kebab sticks?

“hi, sorry, i just. i need a new bag of, um,” he rattles the kebab sticks. “a few are broken.”

louis takes the bag and feels his eyebrows go way up. some of the sticks are broken, yes, but he’s pretty sure there wouldn’t be this many broken right in half just from shipping. also, he’s pretty sure the top of the bag has been glued together to look like it’s never been opened.

and, right there on the edge of one of the broken sticks… is that blood? that’s blood.

“uh-huh,” louis says skeptically. “i’ll… see what i can do.”

luckily, his manager doesn’t care about a pack of kebab sticks that cost less than two pounds, so louis grabs a new bag for the guy. “thanks, this is so helpful, thank you,” the guy keeps saying. louis walks with him up to the self-checkout and repeats that it wasn’t a big deal, really, until the guy, blushing, says, “i’m harry. would you- would you like to go out sometime?”

which is silly. this guy can’t be more than twenty-two, and he’s emotional about kebab sticks, and he’s also buying said kebab sticks at four in the morning, so he’s clearly a mess. and, alright, louis is technically only twenty-five, but he’s also technically one hundred eighty-eight, which is quite an age difference, and he has no particular emotional attachment to kebab sticks.

but louis says, “i get off in thirty minutes,” and harry beams.

louis spends those next thirty minutes pretending he doesn’t hear liam laughing at him from the aisle over, and trying to keep his grinning to a minimum. finally, the clock strikes five o’clock and louis tosses his apron aside, knowing liam is responsible enough to grab it for him. harry’s waiting by the front door, bouncing on his toes and still holding his new bag of kebab sticks. “hi,” he says breathlessly.

“hi,” louis says back.

they step out into the watery pre-dawn light, and then louis hears something like a twig breaking to his right. he ducks instinctively and barely gets missed when something – someone – goes hurtling by him, supernaturally fast.

harry shouts, and louis rolls back onto his feet to jump in front of him, to get between harry and whatever the hell chose the worst possible moment to attack him, but then –

but then harry’s ripping open his new bag of kebab sticks and plunging one into the attacker’s chest. the guy – who louis vaguely recognizes as another vampire with territory issues – lets out a howl and dissolves into ash. harry tosses the broken kebab stick off to the side and wheels to face louis.

louis, meanwhile, is racing to put together an explanation. i don’t know that guy, maybe he was a mugger? no, that doesn’t explain the whole … ash… thing. he races to come up with something when harry says, “i’m so sorry.”

“uh. why?”

“i didn’t mean for you to–” harry says, then breaks off, frustrated. “i usually don’t… show this to anyone. at least, not on a first date.”

“show what?” louis asks.

harry is back to looking sheepish, and he holds his hands out in a half-shrug. “i’m… uh… i’m a vampire hunter.” 

“you hunt vampires,” louis echoes. “with kebab sticks.”

“well, i mean, any wood will work in a pinch, but–” harry stops. “you’re not freaked out?”

“that depends on what you mean by freaked out,” louis says truthfully. he’s fought off his share of hunters before, and harry clearly doesn’t know what he is, but it’s still strange to stand next to a human, looking down at a pile of what used to be a dude and is now grey dust.

“can i explain over breakfast?” harry asks hopefully, and louis says yes.

harry tells him about his family, growing up learning that fairytales and horror stories weren’t always just fantasy, about reading ancient tomes and handwritten journals on how to kill vampires, witches, fae, and werewolves. “the world is so much bigger than you think,” harry says, all earnest eyes.

“apparently so,” louis says.

he knows it’s a terrible idea to still be here. he should make his excuses, grab liam, and pack the two of them up to a new town, a new country, maybe. they could stay away until harry’s retired from the hunting game and then come back. or, they could play it safe and wait until harry’s dead, that would do it. 

louis doesn’t like that one bit, even though he knows it’s probably what liam would do. 

but when harry says, “can i see you again?” louis only hesitates for a moment before saying yes.

it’s wonderful, if louis ignores liam’s hissed warnings rattling around in his subconscious. they go on dates and harry hangs out with louis while he shelves vegetables and cans of soup and louis even meets harry’s best friend, a kid named niall who carries a silver knife strapped to his thigh because “werewolves blend in a lot better than most other things,” he tells louis solemnly.

it’s all wonderful, until it’s not, because eventually something has to go wrong. harry and louis are leaving a restaurant, maybe, one late night, when someone grabs him round the neck and holds a stake to his chest.

“what are you doing?” harry is shouting, and louis wants to tell him to quit tugging on the guy’s arms or he’s going to be staked anyway, but he can’t quite get words to form in his mouth. he throws an elbow backwards and escapes the hold, and he starts to run, but–

he turns back to harry and freezes, because the guy has him, now, instead. it’s one of the traditionalists, the vampires that don’t like louis for daring to work alongside humans and go to movie theatres and diners and such. and those same traditionalists also hate people like harry, for a much more straightforward reason.

“let him go,” louis warns, but the old guy just grins.

harry’s eyes are wide, and he yells, “louis, run!-” before the guy puts his hand over his mouth.

“well,” the guy says, “isn’t this sweet.”

louis feels himself getting angrier, and he snaps. he bounds across the space between them, too fast for the human eye, and flips over harry and the bad guy so he’s behind them. he sweeps the guy’s legs and pushes harry forward, out of danger. it only takes a twist of louis’ hands and the guy falls, eyes unblinking for good, his neck at an unnatural angle. 

“what–” harry says after an unending, silent moment.

“i know, i should’ve–”

“you’re a–”

“yeah, i am, i am, i’m so sorry–”

“so that’s why you wouldn’t try my garlic chicken,” harry says, and louis laughs, stunned into it.

“yeah,” he says, smiling hopefully. “that’s why.”

“i’m going to have to hide you from my family for a while,” harry says.

“that’s fine.”

“and i might threaten to stake you when you make me mad.”

“totally acceptable.”

“but we can do this, right?” he asks, even more hopeful than louis had been.

“yeah,” louis says. “i think we can.”