#but this time they have a group chat and drive around in an suv named bianca

[cybershock24601]

More modern au Rookanis, this time about Lucanis breaking the news that he's dating to his family.

So the Dellamortes are all gathered together in their big ass dining room to eat dinner and Caterina decides to tell Lucanis that she has set him up for a date with what she considers a suitable partner for him because he is 36 and if she is going to get any great grandkids before she's in the grave then clearly she is going to have to be the one putting the legwork in to set him up with someone. [Caterina has already given up on Illario because while he's had a lot of partners over the years, he's clearly not the type to settle down and raise a family.]

Unlike the many other times Lucanis has just nodded and gone along with it to please his grandmother, this time Lucanis declines and when Caterina pushes for a reason why he has to admit that he's seeing someone right now.

You could have heard a pin drop in that room with how silent it got if it weren't for the fact that Illario dropped his wineglass on the floor in shock. Caterina didn't even fuss at him for breaking the good glassware because she's also processing the fact that her grandson has apparently been dating someone and has said nothing about it to her. Unfortunately for Lucanis, her shock doesn't last long as she starts questioning him on how long this has been going on and Lucanis has to guiltily admit that its been about 6 months.

This is about the time Illario reboots and dramatically exclaims "You've been seeing dating someone for six months and you didn't tell me?!" like its the greatest slight he's ever received in his life.

There's a lot of reasons Lucanis didn't tell his family about dating Rook like he was terrified they'd disapprove and scare her off and specifically in the case of Illario, I feel like Illario has had a history of seducing people Lucanis has shown an interest in or when that didn't work sabotaging any sort of budding relationship because that's how Illario deals with his inferiority complex and resentment towards Lucanis because if they fall for him then it proves he's better then Lucanis and if he ruins the relationship then he has one area in life that he excels at over Lucanis and that's romance. Of course Lucanis and Illario have never actually addressed or acknowledged this but it is one of the many issues silently festering between them.

The other reason is Lucanis is very aware of the age gap between himself and Rook because he's in his mid thirties and Rook is somewhere in her early twenties. Lucanis is a lot more self conscious of the optics of their relationship especially when you add in the fact that he's loaded and Rook is driving around in Bianca. Sure Lucanis would love to absolutely drown Rook in gifts and take care of her for the rest of his life but Rook being so young and coming from much simpler means could definitely lead to Illario and Caternia making some unflattering and untrue assumptions about Rook, namely being a gold digger. [Nevermind the fact that Rook might have been a foster kid but she was raised by super wealthy art collector Vorgoth and as such is not nearly as dazzled by the Dellamorte family's wealth as they would assume looking at the way Rook dresses or her car. If anything Rook is biting back some very bitchy comments she could be making about the obscene ostentatiousness of the Dellamorte estate.]

Instead of saying any of that Lucanis settles on the neutral response that he wanted to see how the relationship would go before he introduced them to the family. The rest of the dinner is just Caterina and Illario interrogating Lucanis about his love life and Lucanis desperately trying to dodge the questions because he does not need Caterina or Illario butting into things with Rook because things are going really well right now and Lucanis is terrified that its all going to fall apart soon. Half of rookanis' relationship is them going 'are you sure you still like me' and then the other one saying the most romantic and poetic response that basically boils down to 'of course I do and I won't ever stop'

All this leads to Illario all but immediately getting on instagram and trying to find out who the hell Lucanis is dating. It's not like Lucanis has social media but Illario has meet Neve before and starts there because she's his first suspect for Lucanis' secret sweetheart and finds nothing. He then starts looking at any photo she's been tagged in and manages to locate Lucanis' whole friend group and Illario was aware that Lucanis had actually made some friends for the first time in the last year but he was not expecting them to be so weird. Every new profile Illario finds just makes him despair more for Lucanis' taste because he doesn't know which one Lucanis' is dating but he's judging hard already.

Eventually he finds what looks like Lucanis holding hands with someone in the background of a blurry photo Taash posted of some birds but the picture is so out of focus he can't see any identifying details. Illario ends up chucking his phone at the wall in frustration because he's been at this for hours and can find nothing because for some reason all of Lucanis' friends are ludites that post almost nothing at all or random pictures that give Illario nothing to work with to narrow down which of these freaks and weirdos Lucanis has settled on.

Caterina on the other hand has already hired a private investigator to find out who Lucanis is seeing and everything about them. Caterina has a file on her desk in three days about an inch thick full of information on this 'Rook' that Lucanis has apparently decided is the One.

[asahicore]

sex on the beach - hamada asahi (m)

this work contains smut - minors please do not interact

pairing. bf!asahi x fem!reader

synopsis. You and your boyfriend are horny multiple times during your stay with your friends at Jaehyuk's beach house. That's it. That's the plot.

genre. summer au, established relationship, smut literally just smut but also fluff, you get jealous!asahi, you get needy!asahi, you get dom!asahi, you get super duper in love totally whipped for his gf!asahi, you get everything you want because i'm in love with this man, ig both asahi n reader are switches, this gets like..fairly dirty so beware, i tried to make the friends funny so comedy as well but don't quote me on that, also enhypen hyung line makes an appearance in this cause why not

word count. 14.1k

a/n. if you somehow still don't know this about me, i am in love with asahi. re-reading and editing this was a real fun time so i hope you guys like it and i hope that those of you who are whipped for him as i am think i did bf!sahi justice. pls lmk ur thoughts !! bye bye love you stay safe don't settle for weak stupid red-flag men when a whole hamada asahi exists have high standards besties

One perk of having a rich friend? They always, always have a beach house.

You’d first met Jaehyuk and Sieun in your first year of college, when you and Asahi were in the final talking stages of your budding relationship and he’d wanted to introduce you to his two closest friends. Soon thereafter, he met your own friends, namely Mashiho and Sumin, and when they all gave the other the seal of approval and you and Asahi finally started dating (after six long months of being idiots and blindly pining for the other, but that’s another story for another time), the six of you became somewhat of a loving family.

Well, one of the first things Asahi had told you about Jaehyuk was how filthy rich he was. Being the eldest son and therefore heir to the top law firm of the country came with great responsibility but also great wealth, and even if he didn’t make it painfully obvious that he was more than well-off, one still knew the money was there in the never-tarnished shoes, the new watch every week, the slicked-back hair, and, of course, the many residences his family owned and he always mentioned casually, as if any other person also had seven homes all over the world. 

But you weren’t going to complain, were you? Not when he so easily bought dinner for all six of you, paid for multiple of your monthly subscriptions and invited you all to spend two weeks at his beach house this summer without batting an eye. No need to pay for groceries either, he’d said. And he’d drive you all there in his 8-seat SUV.

Your first summer of being friends, you’d made the mistake of planning an August vacation in June, so the second time around, you made sure to prepare everything in advance so that everyone would be free at the same time. You were always excited to travel with your family, but this was your first time going a trip solely with your friends, rather than inviting a friend on your family vacation or the other way around, and your feet were itching to touch the warm white sand and dip in the deep blue sea that were waiting for you right behind Jaehyuk’s house.

The four-hour drive there feels like it lasted thirty minutes, all of you hyped on iced coffee and sheer excitement as music blasted through the car speakers. Jaehyuk and Sumin sat at the front, Mashiho and Sieun behind them, and you and Asahi in the furthest back seats. When you weren’t all having one big conversation about probably not-so-important topics that you took very seriously as you usually did, you were chatting in small groups, you and Asahi playing with each other’s fingers at the back like middle schoolers that just started dating.

Although some of the tension died down at the two-and-a-half-hour mark of the drive, it all comes back in the last thirty minutes, all of you keen to get out of the car and into the house that looked magnificent in the pictures and videos Jaehyuk had shown you.

The front courtyard behind the massive white gilded gate is big enough to require its own little roundabout for easier entry and exit of the house - actually, now that you’re here and can see it with your own two eyes, villa sounds more appropriate. Jaehyuk has barely parked his car that you’re all scrambling out of your seatbelts and running behind the house to find the path that leads to the beach, not even bothering to take your stuff out of the trunk.

Once you reach the beach, four of you stand there, panting happily and gazing out at the sea. “It’s the sea,” Sumin muses in a wonderstruck voice and everyone laughs at the obviousness of the statement. After some minutes, you look around and notice that Jaehyuk and Asahi hadn’t followed you, so you tell the others you should head back. You trudge back to the house only to find that the two boys have already unpacked everything and Jaehyuk is putting the snacks you’d brought for the trip away while Asahi sits on the couch and scrolls through Instagram, needing a rest after sitting for four hours in the car.

“Right, guys,” Jaehyuk calls out from the living room after unlocking the door upon seeing the four of you approach. You immediately head towards your boyfriend and sit down on the couch next to him, his arm coming up to rest on your shoulder and bring you closer to him. “Let’s choose our rooms.”

Mashiho chuckles, and by the look on his face, you can tell he’s got a stupid idea. “Rock, paper, scissors, loser gets the room next to Asahi and Y/N’s,” he says, making everybody groan in annoyance.

“We’re not animals, you know. We won’t be screaming and banging on the walls,” Asahi defends without looking up.

Sieun sighs and shakes her wrists out, getting ready for the game. “Someone remind me why we invited a couple to our trip?” she says, completely ignoring Asahi.

“Because we’re your dear friends that you love so much and wouldn’t want to spend such a nice vacation without,” you reply, voice saccharine sweet and batting your lashes at your group of friends, but they all just roll their eyes and chuckle sarcastically.

“There’s no need for that, anyway,” Jaehyuk says. “We’ve got eight rooms, so nobody needs to sleep in a room near them.” Your head and Asahi’s snap towards the other directly, looking at each other with a surprised but excited expression. No one in the room needs words to know what you’re thinking - it means that you won’t have to keep too quiet - and your friends groan again.

“Asahi, don’t forget what you just said, yeah?” Sumin warns. “If I have to hear the two of you fornicating, I’ll jump from the upstairs balcony.”

“Dear God,” Jaehyuk sighs. “Follow me, I’ll show you guys the room.”

Downstairs lodges one en-suite, which Jaehyuk takes, and two bedrooms that are joined by the bathroom, which Sumin and Sieun take. Upstairs, there is one en-suite at each end of the hall, so naturally you and Asahi take one while Mashiho takes the other one. And if, on a whim, you decided to invite three more people, you could lodge them in the three separate bedrooms and they could use the upstairs bathroom, one of the biggest you’ve ever seen in your life. 

You gasp as soon as you open the door to what will be your bedroom for the next two weeks. “God, Sahi, this room is huge,” is your immediate reaction. At this late afternoon hour, the sunlight pours directly through the sliding glass doors, bathing the white room in a golden glow and warming the carpeted floor, soft under your bare feet. The glass doors lead to a balcony which overlooks the backyard and its pool, and more importantly, the beach and the sea - an impressive view that you don’t think you’ll get tired of. You set your bags next to the king-sized bed that is probably enough to fit four sleeping bodies, which means you and Asahi will be able to spread out and not suffer too much from heavy summer night sweating. There are two small couches and a coffee table in front of the balcony, the kind that rich people have to fill the empty space rather than actually use. One door leads into a walking closet and another into the bathroom, which has both a bathtub and an Italian-style shower, as well as a toilet, two sinks and a mirror that takes up almost the whole wall.

You’re looking around the bathroom, opening and closing random drawers above and underneath the sink, when you feel a pair of arms wrapping themselves around your middle. You look up in the mirror to find your boyfriend standing behind you, a soft, sleepy-looking smile on his face. You watch him watching you for a bit, until he buries his face in the crook of your neck and takes a deep inhale there, then presses a soft kiss to your skin. “We’re going to have a lot of fun here,” he murmurs.

“Here as in this room or here as in this vacation?” you tease and he looks up at your reflection in the mirror again, locking his gaze in yours.

“Both,” he says after a small pause, which makes your grin widen. 

“I think so too,” you say and turn around, hooking your arms around his neck and leaning in for a kiss, which his body responds instantly to. After a year and a half of dating, there is no more hesitation when your lips touch - both of you know exactly what to do and how to do it. Yet, the excitement never fades, and your whole body tingles every time you find each other like this, as if it was the first time, but a thousand times better. 

Maybe it’s the hours of being in each other’s close vicinity without being able to do anything that make your kisses open-mouthed and hungry, or maybe it’s just your need for each other that never really wanes. You smile into the kiss as Asahi picks you up by the hips and lifts you onto the bathroom counter, your legs opening to let him stand between them as they wrap themselves around him, bringing him even closer. His hands sneak themselves underneath your light t-shirt, caressing and grabbing at the soft flesh of your sides while your own find purchase in his hair, slightly tugging just the way you know he likes. 

He presses himself into you, making you feel just how much he wants you right now, and the contact makes you sigh into his mouth. His tongue slips in, turning the kiss wetter and needier than before. Sadly, a loud voice interrupts you before you can get even more carried away.

“Y/N!” Mashiho calls from behind the bedroom door. “You guys better not be fucking right now, ‘cause we’re going grocery shopping and you said you’d come!”

Ah, your dear friends. Ever so tactful.

You tear yourself from Asahi and pivot your head towards the door. “I’ll be down in a minute!” you shout back. You turn back to your boyfriend and peck his lips, watching him fondly as his eyes stay closed even after you pull away. “You’re not joining, are you?”

He looks down at himself and you follow his gaze, and sure enough, there’s a tent in his pants. “I think I’ll hang back for this one,” he says, a stupid grin on his face. 

“Okay,” you whisper, and peck him again. “Gotta go then.” You hop off the counter and head out of the room, turning around and blowing him a kiss when he calls out “Come back quick!”

As soon as you step inside the gigantic, fresh grocery store, Mashiho becomes a man on a mission. As the self-designated chef of the group, he has planned virtually all of the meals you would be having on your trip and therefore has a very detailed list of all the ingredients he needs. He turns to you and pushes a small sheet of paper into your hands, looking at you and Jaehyuk pointedly.

“It’ll be faster if we split up. I’ll take care of the produce and you guys can get the dry ingredients. Jaehyuk, you’re rich, so I trust you’ll get the nice stuff. Oh, and get some snacks and alcohol as well,” he commands, and before you can say anything, he’s off, pushing his cart importantly. You and Jaehyuk exchange a glance, both of you astonished by your friend’s sudden seriousness, but you shrug it off and head to the designated aisles. 

It takes you something short of thirty minutes to get everything on Mashiho’s list, and then the fun begins. When you reach the snack aisle, you act as if you won’t be able to come back to the store and have to get enough to sustain your six hungry bodies for two whole weeks. The shelves are ravaged and a sad thing to look at once you and Jaehyuk are done with your spree, and the alcohol aisle is shivering at the mere thought of what you will do to it.

Indeed, you aren’t kind to it. You take random bottles to inspect in your hands, looking at Jaehyuk who gives you either a nod or a shake of his head, sometimes gesturing at you to take another bottle of the same kind. He has to go get a second cart just for the beer packs. It looks like you’ll be staying for two months rather than two weeks, but you can always bring them back home if ever you don’t get to the bottom of those bottles.

You meet Mashiho next to the tills, and while he inspects your cart, shaking his head at the amount of alcohol, your eyes fall on a bright-colored firework stand a few feet from you. “Guys, look!” you call out to your friends. “We should get some of these.”

“Ooh, good idea,” Mashiho agrees. You watch as Jaehyuk’s eyes go wide and as he walks transfixed towards the stand like a kid to a candy shop. He takes a scandalous amount of packs into his arms, heaving them into one of the three carts.

“These’ll be nice for our last night,” he says with a huge smile on his face.

“With that amount, I think we’ll have enough for every night,” you comment, but he just tuts at you.

“Don’t spoil my fun.”

You and Mashiho don’t even dare to look at the total cost of your little shopping fun and wince when the cashier announces it, finding sudden interest in the ceiling of the supermarket. Yet, Jaehyuk seems completely unfazed and pays with his card as if this kind of purchase was an everyday occurrence. 

Fast forward a few hours later and you’re already two beers in, laughing at whatever stupid thing Asahi is currently doing. In true summer bonfire fashion, Jaehyuk has gotten out a grill to put over the fire so you could cook sausages, buns and vegetables and eat delicious hot-dogs - not to forget s’mores for dessert. You’re sitting in a circle around the fire Asahi and Sumin prepared, sharing random stories you had somehow not told each other before and hysterically laughing at all the gruesome details of your childhood and teenage incidents. You always love talking to your friends like this, getting to know what their life before you knew them was like; it makes you happy that, despite whatever differences you may have, you’ve now all come together like this. 

Asahi drops his head on your shoulder in delight as he bites into the s’more you made for him, the marshmallow cooked just the way he likes it - gooey and sticky on the outside but still a bit raw inside. Sieun looks at you two with a fond smile on her face but shakes her head nonetheless. “I miss the times when Asahi was scared to even look at you when we were around,” she jokes, the others nodding their heads in agreement.

“Don’t say that!” you reprimand lightheartedly. “He’ll get embarrassed and go back to his ways if you guys tease him.”

“Don’t talk about me like I’m not here!” he complains, pouting slightly.

“Sorry, baby,” you say, looking down at him with a huge smile on your face, and everybody groans in unison. 

Conversation resumes and you all continue chatting, laughing and drinking until the late hours of the night, when the sun has fully set and the fire in front of you is your main source of light. You and Asahi huddle together for warmth, sometimes accidentally falling into your own world and giggling when you feel his hands travel a bit too far up your thighs, but quickly returning to your friends when someone calls out one of your names. You only decide to put the fire out and head to bed when Sumin yawns, causing Jaehyuk to yawn as well, in turn making you yawn, until all six of you have yawned in quick succession, bursting into laughter at your strange acapella.

Asahi has drunk his fair share of beer and cranberry vodkas so the short walk home becomes a whole trek with you having to hold him up the whole way. It doesn’t help that he thinks this is the funniest thing ever and keeps on giggling as he rests all of his weight on you. Thankfully, you’d had your last beer some three hours ago and had practically sobered up while Asahi partied on.

You manage to get him to your shared bedroom, but to your despair, your boyfriend is at the level of drunk where he’s not passed out or vomiting everywhere but he has no filter left and says absolutely everything that goes through his mind. You curse yourself for having once wished to get inside your boyfriend's head and know every single thought of his.

As soon as you push him down on the bed, he looks at you with a shit-eating grin and giggles again. “Ooh,” is all he says, but you roll your eyes at him.

“Sit up and drink some water, then have a painkiller, baby. You’ll thank me tomorrow,” you say, planting a bottle of water and some pills on the nightstand. 

“Yes, ma’am,” he slurs, his giggles never stopping. “You looked really hot today, you know,” he says between sips. “Hey, where are you going?!” he calls out after you as you head to the bathroom.

“Just going to change, baby.”

“No need to put your PJs on,” he teases in a sing-song voice.

You ignore him and change into light sleeping clothes then do your skincare, too lazy to take a proper shower. You come out to find Asahi scrolling through his phone, surprisingly still awake but a dazed look in his eyes, like he’s not really watching whatever’s playing on his screen. His eyes come into focus when he sees you approach and he smiles at you sleepily.

“Hey,” you say softly, getting into bed next to him. “I thought you’d be asleep by now. Why don’t you get more comfortable, get those clothes off, hm?”

His gentle smile turns into a smirk at your words, and you can already tell what he’s going to say next. “Too tired. Do it for me?” he asks as he lets his arms hang on his sides, pretending to be innocent. You sigh but oblige anyway, helping him out of his t-shirt. “Are you going to do naughty things to me?” he provokes, that smirk still plastered on his lips. 

“No. No funny things tonight, mister. You’re way too drunk-”

“But-”

“No buts,” you say, ignoring his whines as you help him out of his t-shirt. “You’re drunk.”

“I’m not that drunk,” he insists, giggling again when you unbutton his shorts and pull them down his legs. “Look,” he says, pointing to his growing erection. “Would I be able to do that if I was too drunk?”

“Wh- how are you hard already, Sahi?” you ask, baffled by your boyfriend’s impressive bodily prowesses, and the words seem to get to his dick because you see it twitch under his boxers. “I haven’t even done anything yet…”

“Yet?” he echoes, a hopeful tone in his voice. He sees you’re about to deny him again, so he takes your hand and presses it lightly to his erection. “Please… I can do all the work, if you want,” he pleads, trailing soft kisses up your arm until he reaches your neck. “Hm? I already feel more sober.”

You sigh, more so in pleasure at feeling your boyfriend’s lips against your skin than in annoyance. “Fine,” you comply, pretending like you’re doing this for him, when really you’d been craving to get him alone all day and had been disappointed to see him so drunk, thinking he wouldn’t be able to do anything - so this comes as relief to you.

“Thank you,” he whispers against your lips, smiling, before diving into a kiss. You can tell he’s impatient because he doesn’t waste much time before pulling your t-shirt off, smirking when he sees you’re wearing your black lace panties - his favorites. “I have to taste you,” he groans as he helps you lay on your back against the soft mattress, then starts making his way down your body, stopping for a moment to suck on your nipples just to tease you a bit. No matter how restless he was, he always liked making you needy for him before he gave you what you wanted.

Your core is throbbing by the time he reaches it, and you’ve already hurried out of your underwear, making him chuckle. “I thought I was the needy one here…”

“Shut up,” you whine, and he indeed does shut up as he licks up a firm stripe between your folds, his tongue finding your clit immediately. You’re glad he doesn’t tease and instead sucks and licks like his life depends on it, the sensations making you feel light-headed. Within seconds, you’re a moaning mess under his tongue, and he needs to keep your thighs open lest you snap them shut around his head in overwhelming pleasure.

He only takes breaks to catch his breath and murmur dirty things against your thighs, biting at the skin there. “Tastes so good, baby. I’ve been waiting all day for this, and I’m gonna do this every single fucking day, too.”

Raising your body on your elbows was a bad idea because the sight between your legs takes your breath away. Your sweet boyfriend has his eyes shut tight and his eyebrows furrowed together in deep concentration as he drinks from you like a parched man would from a well. One hand has snuck its way onto your belly, simply resting it there, while the other has gone down to palm himself through his boxers. He seems more intoxicated by you, your scent and your taste, than by the alcohol in his system. His hums and moans vibrate against your core, and the thought that making you feel good makes him feel good is what sends your body reeling.

“Fuck, Sahi, I’m so- ah, so close,” you moan, tugging harshly at his hair and getting ready for your orgasm, until he suddenly pulls away from your core and positions himself over you, the absence of the warmth of his tongue making you whine. Just as you’re about to protest, he pushes his cock into your hole, making you gasp at the abrupt but not unwelcome intrusion. He bottoms out immediately, filling you up as he always does.

“Sorry, princess, needed you to cum around my dick instead. Wanted to feel- fuck- all of you,” he moans into your ear. At first, he holds his weight up on his elbows, each one resting next to your face, and kisses you hungrily. The intense pleasure makes it hard to kiss and you share so little oxygen as you breathe into each other’s mouth that it is dizzying. But then, when it gets too much, he rests half of his body on yours, holding himself up on one arm so he can keep on thrusting at a rapid pace. His moans are muffled into your hair, and you know he’s close when he starts using his thumb to play with your clit and bring you to climax at the same time as him.

Quickly enough, your orgasm bubbles at the surface again, and as soon as you let him know you’re close, Asahi is begging for you to cum. “Sahi…” is all you can moan as you cum, walls clenching around him and pulling his release out of him and right into your hole. He sighs deeply as he softens inside you and buries his face in your neck. You don’t need to see him to picture his peaceful, content expression, but you also know your boyfriend and he could fall asleep at any second now, so you have to push him off of you to clean the both of you up and have a quick trip to the bathroom.

You have a sip of water and turn the fan on high before you snuggle yourself in his embrace, his arms wrapping themselves around you in a tight hug. The room is already hot from the weather and your shenanigans have only made the temperature rise, so you know you wouldn’t be comfortable in this position for long but you let yourself fall asleep anyway, simply happy to be here in your boyfriend’s arms.

-

One thing about hungover Asahi is that he always sleeps in late, so you know better than to wait around in bed for him and get up soon after you awake. “Sleeping the alcohol off,” he calls it.

You’re the first one up, so you decide to cook your hangover soup that receives praise from Mashiho himself for your friends that may have abused alcohol last night. Soon enough, they come trudging out of their rooms one by one, looking tired and as if they might get sick any minute. When she sees you’ve made your soup, Sumin hugs you for so long you think she might have fallen back asleep on your shoulder. You and Sieun are the only ones that don’t look like they’re dying - you, because you didn’t drink much, and Sieun, because she’s got superhuman drinking abilities.

Your sleeping prince comes out last and heads for the couch immediately, finishing off his night for thirty minutes there before getting up again and having some soup. He’s already not the most talkative person on earth, but when tired and hungover like this, he truly becomes a man of few words; whatever he says probably wouldn’t make much sense anyway. He kisses the top of your head as a thank you and hunches over his bowl of soup, drinking it like it’s elixir, and burps for good measure once he’s done eating.

After that, even if it’s past noon, the day is slow to start. But that’s okay, because you’ve got plenty of time anyway. None of you have enough energy to do much more than sunbathe and play around in the sea all afternoon, so that’s exactly what you do. Sieun is the only one who manages to make your lazy bodies move, forcing Jaehyuk to show her where the beachvolley net and everything you need to play it are stored, then making you play with her. They put you and Asahi on different teams, because you are both so bad that having the two of you on the same team is a great disadvantage and wouldn’t be fair to the third person playing with you. You spend most of the time doing nothing at the back and pointing as you laugh at each other, anyway.

Swimming in the sea makes you hungry, so you all head back inside for ice cream and snacks and take seats around the back porch table, playing made-up games of cards. When it’s time for dinner, you pressure Mashiho into letting you help him out, otherwise you know he’ll be complaining about doing all the work in a few days. You only have non-alcoholic drinks that night, and head to bed after watching a horror movie, which Jaehyuk really hated. It’s only night two, but so far, Asahi keeps his promise of eating you out every night, and you make sure to reward him for it.

And just like that, the days pass. You either stay at home and eat Mashiho’s food or go into town for dinner. You go to the bowling alley, or mini-golfing, or at the sea sports center that lets you try out surfing and jet skiing. You eat your fill three times a day and sometimes drink more than necessary. You also get into the habit of napping after lunch, the warmth of the three p.m. sun and your full stomach lulling you to sleep.

One such afternoon, you get a quirky little idea into your head. The boys start playing some games on the Nintendo Switch but you decide to go upstairs anyway and rest before you take on the afternoon. But napping without Asahi’s warmth or at least his presence next to you isn’t the same, and so you’re left tossing and turning in bed.

Your mind drifts naturally to last night’s debacles - how Asahi had sighed your name as he came, how he’d looked at you with half-lidded eyes while you rode him. You barely even notice it when you start rubbing your palm against your core, but when a surge of pleasure hits you, you sneak your hand under your panties and use two fingers to circle your clit gently. But you don’t want to get yourself off, not when your boyfriend is close by and you can ask him to make you feel good, because you know there’s little chance he’d say no. However, it’s siesta time, and you feel too drowsy to have proper sex, which is how you come up with your little idea.

“You’re not sleeping?” Asahi asks as he strips to his boxers and slips in the bed next to you when he’s done playing. You shake your head no, smiling gently up at him, and he takes you in his arms.

“I had an idea, actually,” you say into his chest.

“Oh yeah? What is it?”

You pull away slightly so you can look at him while you talk. “Well, you know how sometimes, after we’ve had sex, you stay inside for a little bit? Just because it feels nice,” you start.

“Mhm,” he hums, eyebrows slightly furrowed.

“Well, I thought we could do that now. Like, to fall asleep, or something,” you mutter, voice wavering out of shyness towards the end and you look away from his burning gaze.

“So, you’re telling me you want me to be inside you, and I can’t move, because we’re supposed to sleep like that?” he enunciates. You nod. “That sounds like torture, babe,” he says half-seriously.

“What? No! It’ll be nice!” you pout. 

He sighs, smiling fondly at you. “We can try, but I don’t think it’ll end the way you want it to. There’s a reason we usually do it after having sex, you know.”

“I know, but I wanna try anyway,” you say, excited by your small victory. 

You pump him a few times to get him hard enough but stop him when he tries to help you, too. “I’m already wet,” you admit coyly, which makes him smirk.

“You naughty girl. Touching yourself when I’m not even that far away?” he tuts.

“I was thinking about you.”

“Good,” he smiles. “So, how are we doing this?”

Instead of answering him, you turn around and lean your back against his chest, one leg hiked up higher than the other for easier access, then tilt your head back to look at him. “Like this?” you ask, pressing your ass against his erection, and he nods. He lines up his tip with your entrance and presses a kiss to your neck. “Okay, ready?”

“Mhm.”

He slips in easily, the both of you sighing when he’s pushed in all the way. One of his arms serves as your pillow while the other holds you close by the waist. You’re silent for a few minutes, pretending to be oblivious to the small groans or sighs that leave the other’s mouth when one of you squirms, trying to find the most comfortable position.

“Will you really sleep like this?” Asahi asks after a while, voice low but with a slight tremble to it, and you can tell he’s trying to reign himself in. Of course, you should’ve seen this coming - maybe you had, but decided to ignore what was very obviously going to happen, fooling your boyfriend and yourself at the same time. He’s been still inside you for at least ten minutes now, and even if it feels nice to just have him like this and feel close to him, it’d be a lie to say you didn’t want him to move and just fuck you properly already.

So, now was the time to ask yourself: did you want to keep the charade up, and tease your boyfriend a bit longer, or did you want to end your suffering and his at the same time? An easy question, of course; the second option was no fun.

You manage the smallest, sleepiest voice you can, and answer him. “Yeah, this is nice.” You’re glad your back is facing him so that he can’t see you smirk when he audibly groans, his grip on your waist getting just a bit tighter.

“Fine,” he says, as if to convince himself, but the way he curses under his breath when you move your hips a bit more boldly than previously tells you that it is not actually fine. “Please, stay still,” he whispers close to your ear, the edge of a whine to his voice.

“Sorry, baby,” you coo, feeling his dick twitch inside you - when said the right way and at the right time, he really loved this nickname, and so did his dick, apparently.

Not two minutes later, just as you squirm against him again, his hand moves from your waist to your belly, pressing down and holding there. “Babe,” he whispers, then takes a pause to kiss up your neck to your ear, sucking lightly on your lobe before speaking again. “Please. You’re killing me, and I know you’re doing this on purpose, hm? Just to rile me up. So let me fuck you, and then we can sleep, yeah? Please?” 

That last word is pronounced with so much desperation that you almost feel bad for keeping this up. It sends a shiver up your spine and you try to hide your smile but knowing you got him like putty in your hands so quickly brings you a bit too much pride and joy. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, baby, I’m not doing anything,” you say in a voice that makes it clear you know exactly what he’s talking about, and he scoffs at that.

“Yeah? Want me to show you, then?”

Just like that, a switch flicks inside both of you. You had him a second ago; now, with six small words, he has you. As he pronounces those words, his hand travels down to find your clit and with two fingers starts to rub lazy circles on it. “Look at you. So fucking wet, and yet you pretend like you don’t want this.” He tilts his head so that his lips are right next to your ears. “‘Cause in the end, you’re just my little slut, aren’t you?”

He doesn’t even let you react to his taunt that he’s already bucked up his hips into yours, harsh. The single thrust has you whimpering - in just a few sentences, he’d managed to break your whole innocent facade down, and you who thought you had him wrapped around your finger were now fully at your boyfriend’s mercy. He thrusts again, strong and deep, the position allowing him to hit a spot buried inside you that gets you moaning like no other, and he knows it - there have been too many cuddling-turned-into-fucking situations for him not to have noticed that you loved this position. And he did too: he had access to your clit with one hand and to your upper body with the other, could feel your whole body against his, and could hit deep inside you. What more could he ask for?

And because he got you weak for him in mere moments, why not add to it?

He settles on a slow and sensual pace to make it easier for him to whisper nasty things into your ear, all while his nimble fingers continue to play with your clit. “I want you to answer me when I ask you a question, baby. I said, aren’t you my little slut? Mm?” he taunts, his free hand making its way to your chin and grasping it, tilting your head so you look up at him, but your eyes are shut tight in pleasure as you mumble out incoherent words. “Open your eyes and look at me while you say it,” he orders.

You struggle to open them, but when you do, he can feel his blood coursing through his veins. Your pupils are completely blown out in lust, and the slight crease in your eyebrows as you look up at him makes you look like you’re almost in pain - if you can call his torturously slow place painful. All he knows is that this is the exact expression you wear when you give yourself over to him fully, and he has all the control he wants over your body.

“Yes…”

“Yes what, baby?”

“Yes, I’m just your little slut,” you finally repeat, cheeks heating up, somehow still feeling embarrassed even in the position you’re in, but the humiliation only adds to your arousal.

“That’s a good girl,” Asahi beams, planting a soft kiss on your lips and letting go of your chin. You immediately bury your face in your pillow in the hopes of muffling your moans, but Asahi is quick to stop you. “None of that, now,” he tuts. “I want to hear you.”

You whine when his fingers leave your clit for a second to hike your leg up higher, but it’s immediately replaced by a loud moan as the new angle allows him to go somehow even deeper. His thumb traces your bottom lip, and you open your mouth wider as if by instinct, letting him simply rest the digit on your tongue; this was a regular occurrence when you and Asahi had sex ever since he’d found out how much you loved his hands and particularly his long, delicate fingers.

“Fa-faster, please,” you manage to say around his thumb, and he chuckles.

“Faster? Of course, baby,” he says, and his pace immediately picks up. “See how easy it is to just ask for things? You know I’ll give you anything you want, so I don’t know why you always act like a damn brat and make things harder for the both of us,” he huffs, his thrusts getting rougher and rougher as he speaks. You hope no one can hear the lewd sound of his balls slapping against your ass.

If your boyfriend wasn’t railing you into the sheets, you’d be thinking, “yes, of course, I can just ask, but what’s the fun in that, when I can get to the same result by teasing you and pissing you off instead?”, but maybe that’s just the brat in you talking. If you hadn’t taunted him like you had, the orgasm probably would’ve been less satisfying - still good, of course, since this was Asahi, but you liked working for your reward.

And indeed, your orgasm is more than satisfactory, especially when your boyfriend wraps his slender fingers around your throat and presses just the right amount, making you gasp for air as you come undone around his dick. He chases his own high desperately, bucking his hips sloppily and rapidly into yours until he finally releases inside you, painting your walls white.

He barely gives you any time to catch your breath and drift down to earth that he’s already slipped out of you only to replace his dick with two fingers, stuffing his cum into your hole before it can drip out. He watches with a smirk as your back arches at the overstimulation, praising you for being such a good angel after he makes you lick his fingers clean.

He uses tissues to clean you both up, then reminds you to go to the bathroom before you fall asleep. When you come back, he’s waiting for you arms wide open, and pulls you into a tight embrace as soon as you reach the bed. He kisses the top of your head, voice muffled when he says “you were so good for me today baby.” You can’t help but whine at the sudden praise, flustered out of your mind from him saying it when you’re not having sex, and hide your blush by burying your face in his chest. 

It’s not everyday that Asahi shows you his meaner, rougher side, but when he does, you always sleep like a baby, your body sore from such intense pleasure. Sometimes, all it takes is a good fuck to sleep well.

-

A few days later, in an attempt to break your drinking-on-the-beach habit, Jaehyuk proposes that you all go out to the bars in New Town. Lucky for you, on vacations, you always pack for any occasion that may arise. Restaurant chic, restaurant casual, chilly evening, sweltering afternoon, beach day, mall outing, clubbing: name it, you have it. 

The dress you brought for an evening out in the town is the perfect balance between summery and sexy: it shows some cleavage and some legs and fits you at the waist but spreads out over your hips and isn't tight over your arms. The fabric is pretty, white with small blue flowers, light and comfortable. But the reason you like it so much is that it was the dress you wore on the day you and Asahi finally confessed your feelings for each other, and you know he loves it as well.

He seats on the bed, legs spread comfortably, as he waits for you. He’d been looking around the room absent-mindedly but his eyes settle on you as soon as you step out of the bathroom, a wide grin blooming on his face as soon as he sees the dress you’re wearing.

“How do I look?” you ask with a smile, spinning in your dress.

Asahi gets up and comes to stand in front of you, hands on each side of your waist, just holding you gently there. He peers down at you with only love in his eyes - in fact, it seems like his affection for you is oozing from every one of his pores. “You look beautiful,” he speaks in a low voice, and you blush at the honesty in his tone. As your friends had mentioned a few days ago, Asahi had been extremely shy at the beginning of your relationship, looking away immediately when you made eye contact and getting nervous when simply holding hands, but now he could hold your gaze and compliment you like it was nothing. If anything, you’re the one getting flustered now.

“Pff, whatever,” you say to avert his attention from your bashfulness, but it just makes him laugh fondly at you. You’ll find another time to get back at him, you think.

“Wait here,” he suddenly says, “I’ve got something for you.”

“Ooh, a gift?” you perk up, but he just gives you an enigmatic style. You watch as he walks over to the bag he’d packed for the trip and unzips a hidden inside pocket, taking out a small box from it.

“Sahi…”

“Stand in front of a mirror,” he says softly, so you head back inside the bathroom, and he follows right after. He opens the box, revealing a silver necklace with a thin chain and the prettiest star pendant hanging from it.

“Is this-” you start, recognising the style of the jewelry immediately.

“Yep. I saw you browse through that brand’s Instagram too often to not get you anything. And look,” he says, holding up the underside of the pendant for you to see: a capital ‘A’ is inscribed in it. He holds up his wrist, showing you a bracelet you hadn’t seen before that looks like a slightly more masculine version of your necklace, and sure enough, it’s got the same star on one side and the first letter of your name on the other.

“It’s so pretty, baby, thank you so much, but,” you murmur, in slight disbelief at the sudden gift, “what’s all this for?”

He pouts his lips in thought as he hooks the piece of jewelry around your neck, letting the pendant rest between your collarbones, then sets his palms lightly on your shoulders, finding your eyes in the reflection of the mirror. “No reason, really. Just felt like getting you a gift, then thought I’d do this whole romantic thing on the beach here but…” he stops here briefly, bending down to press his lips to your neck, making you need to take a deep breath in. “We’re going out tonight, and so many guys are going to see you looking like this… and I know what you’ll say, that I’m the one you’re going home with, but still, it’ll reassure me to know you have my initial around your neck. Even if it's just the two of us that are aware,” he ends with a small smile as he looks up at you.

“Hm,” you hum, mirroring his smile, “I like the sound of that.” His smile gets wider at your words, and he turns you around to press a firm kiss to your lips. You know the two of you, so you pull away before you can get carried away. “Let’s go now so they don’t chastise us for taking forever,” you say, and he nods, eyes already slightly blown-out from the simple kiss and proximity you just shared. 

Because it’s Jaehyuk, or maybe because his family beach house is in a really expensive city, he takes you to a fancy bar that charges ten bucks for a cocktail that probably has two drops of alcohol in it. When he’s had enough of you and your friends’ complaints, he caves in and agrees to take you to a place with a more relaxed atmosphere, and although he “doesn’t see what was so wrong with the last place,” even he has to agree that this new bar, with its decoration that’s cheesy in a heartwarming way, music you can sing along to and beer pong tables strangers can compete against each other on, is a lot more fun. 

You find an empty table big enough for all six of you at the back of the bar. Pushed by your eagerness to drink and the friendly ambiance around you, a surge of generosity hits you and you decide to pay for everyone’s first drink here. Sumin walks with you to the counter, the both of you leaving the table under the happy cheers and whoops of your friends.

There’s a bit of a line at the bar, but at least you’re not queuing by yourself. You haven’t even been waiting a minute for the bartender to notice you that a random guy sitting has already struck conversation with you and Sumin. In five minutes of talking to him, you learn that his name is Jake, that he’s here on vacation with his friends (whose table he points to, the three men waving at you) and that “you two ladies” are welcome to join them for a beer pong match later on. Judging by the four empty beer pints he brought with him and is waiting to be freshened, he’s not completely sober, which you guess is why he’s so talkative. You don’t mind it, though - his smile is contagious and he comes off more as overbearingly friendly than as threatening.

The bartender takes your order of six pints of beer and Sumin’s - who decided she’d also be generous tonight - of six tequila shots. She tells Jake you’re with your friends, but that beer pong sounds fun and she’ll pitch it to them. You wave Sieun and Mashiho over to help you carry the drinks back since they are the ones seated closest to the bar. Jake greets them with a smile then waves as you walk away with your drinks. You don’t notice the way his eyes linger on your figure as you head back to your table, but someone else definitely does.

Asahi hadn’t really paid attention to the interaction at first - you were just going to get drinks. But of course, he always likes keeping an eye on you, just to make sure everything’s okay, and he just can’t help but steal glances at you when you’re in the same room as him but not by his side. Oh, there’s a guy talking to you and Sumin. Whatever, that’s what people do in pubs, right? Chat up random strangers.

You’re smiling at the stranger. Well, that’s fine, of course. You’re friendly, and you’re polite. Why wouldn’t you be smiling?

Now you’re laughing. That guy probably made a joke or something. Laughing is just the nice thing to do! Nothing to worry about.

Finally, you’re heading back towards the table. Finally, that pretty smile of yours is directed towards him and not a random guy - wait, what the fuck? What’s up with that look he’s giving you? The eyeing your figure up and down, the smirk that appears on his face, Asahi sees it all. He can’t really blame the guy - if he thinks you’re the most gorgeous being on this planet, then surely other people will find you pretty, or sexy, or whatever. He just wishes that guy didn’t have to show his interest so openly.

Jaehyuk elbows him slightly in the ribs, snapping Asahi out of his thoughts. “Maybe if you stare harder, that guy will burst into flames,” his friend teases but Asahi just chuckles dryly. He opens an arm when he sees you approach, beckoning you to his embrace after you put the drinks down on the table. He wraps a protective arm around your shoulder and presses a kiss to your forehead, then pulls away to look down at you with a smile. You’re a bit taken aback as your boyfriend is usually not the biggest fan of PDA, especially when it’s not just you and your friends, but you chalk his behavior up to the party atmosphere of the place and to the cocktail he had at the previous bar.

What you don’t know, however, is that he had kept his eyes trained on the guy at the bar when you couldn’t see it. A smirk appeared on Asahi’s face as he made eye contact with him just as he placed that kiss to your forehead, effectively letting him know you weren’t available. The guy - Jake, he found out when Sumin told them about a potential beer pong game - smirked sarcastically and turned away, grabbing his own drinks before heading back to his friends. That should do it.

Sieun raises her shot glass, gesturing for everybody to do the same, and tells Jaehyuk to give a small speech.

“Why me?” he asks defensively, a surprised look on his face.

“‘Cause you talk so well, always saying stuff just to say stuff. Go on then,” she prods, nodding her glass towards him.

He clears his throat and raises the shooter a bit higher, then looks at each one of you with intent. He’s so stupidly serious that you, Mashiho and Sumin can’t contain your snorts, but Asahi and Sieun are waiting expectantly. “I thank you, my friends, for joining me on this trip and bringing fun and happiness to the house. We’ve got four days left here, so let’s make the most of them, and let’s have fun tonight as well. Whoever those boys you guys talked to are, let’s destroy them at beer pong,” he declares, earning himself appreciative hums from the table. “Now, get your salt and lime ready, and let’s do this.” He waits for everyone to get their shot ready. “Alright. To us, and to friendship. Cheers!” he exclaims, ending his speech on a cute note. You scoff jokingly at how lame of a toast that was but bring your glass forth anyway, clinking it with your friends’ as you all echo his ‘cheers’. In almost perfect synchronization, the six of you lick the salt off of your hand, swallow down the tequila and bite into the lime to make the stinging taste go away. You turn to Asahi, giggling at his scrunched-up nose because of the alcohol even though you’re wearing the exact same expression.

Some thirty minutes later, Jake and who you guess are his friends stroll up to your table, asking if you’re ready for the game. With two shots (because Jaehyuk and Mashiho went to get some more) and one pint of beer in your systems, no one at the table is in a mood to refuse playing against strangers, especially if the game involves more alcohol. No one save for Asahi, whose grip on your waist gets slightly tighter, enough for you to notice but not enough to question, but with how eager everyone is to play, he doesn’t have much of a choice.

Jake’s friends’ names, you quickly learn, are Heeseung, Jay and Sunghoon, and they all study at the same university. The ten of you divide into two teams: Jake, Jay, Mashiho, Sumin and you versus Heeseung, Sunghoon, Asahi, Jaehyuk and Sieun. They didn’t let you and Asahi on the same team because your friends hate seeing you happy, apparently.

Except for Jay, who brushes every miss off with a laugh, Jake and his friends are really good at beer pong, and make almost every shot. Although you should be rooting for your team, you cheer whenever your friends succeed in getting the ping-pong ball in the cup on your end, even when you’re the one who has to gulp down the cheap beer. Mashiho, Jaehyuk and Sieun are the pride of your friend group in terms of beer pong ability (Jaehyuk and Sieun say they practiced to ‘impress the ladies’ while Mashiho just has a natural talent for that kind of stuff). To your dismay, however, whenever it’s your turn to drink, it’s Sieun’s turn to shoot, and by the second time she lands a shot, you know you’re not finishing this game sober. When it’s your third time having to drink, you complain she’s gonna get you wasted, and Jake suddenly grabs the drink from your hand, gulping it down quickly. He waves you off with a smile when you thank him, and you’re surprised by his hero-like behavior. 

Asahi, whose turn is after Sieun’s, is lucky that you’re not very skilled, the alcohol not helping, and so that he doesn’t have to drink. Asahi. Right, Asahi. He’s not usually this quiet during night-outs, liking to watch your drunk friends’ reactions to his stupid grimaces and skits, but he doesn’t seem to want to participate in the fun tonight. On your third go, you warn your teammates to not expect too much. You pick up the small ball and lift your arm, ready to aim aimlessly, until you feel a warm hand wrapping itself around yours and a presence, ghost-like behind you. Without a word, Jake moves your hand and helps you throw, delivering a perfect shot. But you wouldn’t have known the ball had landed in a cup had the cheers around you not been so loud, because you weren’t looking at the ball’s trajectory.

You were looking up at your boyfriend from across the table. His arms are crossed and his eyes are so focused on something - or rather, someone - that he’s squinting hard, almost angry. But he’s not looking at you. You follow his gaze until you reach Jake, who’s smirking back at him as if victorious, and everything falls into place.

Your boyfriend is jealous.

Now, this is a rare occasion. Even if you and Asahi are both the type to be completely oblivious when somebody is flirting with you, or even when you’re accidentally flirting with somebody, you always notice when someone is flirting with the other. However, when that happens, you just stride up to them and the other person and make it clear that you’re dating so that the other person doesn’t embarrass themselves further, and then you head home and laugh about it. There is too much trust in your relationship for there to be that much jealousy - just a normal amount, things like “let me know who you’re going with and when you’ll be back,” “and who’s that person?” or “but we haven’t hung out much this week, can you stay with me this one time?”. Most importantly, you never do anything to make the other jealous on purpose, and if one of you has a bout of jealousy, you talk about it.

But that look in his eyes, the way he’s staring Jake down and the way he doesn’t even seem happy when he lands the shot, making Jake drink - he’s so obvious. He’s probably not even trying to hide it. You’d be lying if you said it didn’t make you just a tiny bit proud. You like these sides of Asahi that he keeps hidden most of the time, and possessive slash jealous Asahi in particular is very hot. Your favorite part about it is that right now, he’s acting like he’s all tough to ward Jake off, but you know he’ll be putty in your hands as soon as you get home, and you can’t wait.

You really can’t wait.

You sneak over to the opposite team’s side and snake your hands around your boyfriend’s waist when you reach him. You look up at him but he avoids your gaze, making you smile fondly.

“Sahi.”

“Hm?”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, of course, why wouldn’t it be?” he answers, finally looking down at you briefly, as if exchanging a glance will convince you.

“If I told you I wanted to go home,” you start, voice dipping a bit lower, “really badly,” you say as you trail a finger up his bare arm, satisfied to see goosebumps appearing on his skin, “would you come home with me?”

That gets his attention for sure. “I’ll go get our stuff,” he says before disappearing. He’s back in thirty seconds and you’ve barely had time to tell your friends you were leaving that he’s practically dragging you out of the bar.

“See you around, Y/N,” Jake says, but your boyfriend doesn’t let you answer.

“No, she won’t.”

You try hard to bite back a smile but as soon as you’re outside, the streets still bustling with young people trying to find a nice place to drink and the sun not even fully set yet, you’re beaming hard.

It’s not that cold, but Asahi drapes his jean jacket over your shoulders anyway, and you let him do it. You walk in silence, hand in hand, and you can almost see smoke coming out of his nose. You let him calm down for the whole duration of the walk back to Jaehyuk’s house, neither of you speaking up until you’re in the kitchen, standing on each side of the island counter and he’s filled two glasses of water. 

“So, wanna tell me what that was all about?” you say, finally breaking the silence.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he lies, staring off into the distance with a slight frown.

“Babe, it’s written all over your face that you’re mad. Tell me why,” you prod, even though you know very well the reason behind his anger.

He sighs and looks at the marble countertop like there’s something interesting there. “That guy… Jake, or whatever his name was. He just… ugh, he just kept looking at you, and touching you, and I fucking hated it. He knew we were dating, I made it very, very clear. It was like he was doing it on purpose. And you didn’t- Why didn’t you- Did you not notice, or something?” he asks, his eyes finally looking into yours as if searching for an answer there. His voice had gone from frustrated to desperate, and that, paired with the crease in his brows as he looks at you, makes you think naughty thoughts. 

You walk over to his side of the counter, never breaking eye contact and wearing a small smile that tries to be reassuring. When you’re finally in front of him, you rest both of your palms on his chest and his hands come naturally on each side of your hips. You think you might melt at the way he’s looking at you, desperately waiting for comforting words or actions, like you’re the only one that can make him feel better about this. 

“As soon as I noticed, I came over to you and we left, baby,” you coo, trailing one of your hands from his chest to his cheek, cupping it, and he closes his eyes as he rests his head on your palm, your warmth coming as a much-needed relief to him. You swipe your thumb across his cheek in a loving caress. “You know I wouldn’t make you jealous on purpose.” You take a step closer to him and his arms wrap themselves around your waist, holding you tighter. “And you know you’re the only one I’d want to go home with, anyway.”

At that, he opens just one eye. “Really?”

You chuckle fondly at your boyfriend. “Of course, baby. Look,” you say and wait for him to open his other eye, then take the small pendant he’d gifted you a few hours ago and turn it around in your fingers so that the engraved ‘A’ is blinking up at him. “I literally have your initial around my neck.”

This should be enough to convince him, and maybe it is, but he decides to push it further anyway, coaxing more reassurance out of you. His eyes drop to the floor and his lips form a pout as he murmurs, “How do I know you’re telling the truth, though…”, then sneaks a glance at you, as if to gauge your reaction, and you understand immediately what he wants.

“Do you want me to show you, instead?” you ask, face so close to his that your whisper fans over his lips. You mirror his smile when he nods shyly, which you take as an invitation to press your lips to his, so you do. You want to keep the kiss light and soft, but Asahi seems to be in some kind of a hurry, judging by his fast-moving lips and hands grabbing everywhere they can. You lean back to look at him and push some hair away from his face. “I’m not going anywhere, baby,” you say as you smile and bring your nose to his, brushing the tips together, which brings a smile to his face. “I’m right here.”

When a strong huff escapes Asahi’s nose, you pull away and wait for him to explain what’s bothering him. “I know, I know that, I just… You weren’t looking at him at all, I know that, but he was, and God, I don’t know why but it just pissed me off. Him and his friends, and they were looking at Sumin and Sieun too, you know, but obviously it bothered me more when they looked at you. And it makes sense ‘cause you’re the prettiest girl ever, and who wouldn’t look at you, but also I want to be the only want to look at you, but also it doesn’t matter as long as you’re only looking at me, but-”

You cut him off with a peck. “I only have eyes for you, my love,” you whisper against his lips. “C’mon,” you say, taking him by the hand and leading him to the bedroom - you’re not going to risk having one of your friends come home and walk in on you giving head to your boyfriend in the kitchen.

When you get to the bed, you push gently down on his shoulders so that he sits at the edge of the mattress. Your eyes never leave each other, and the expectant look he wears paired with the fact that he’s handing over the control to you for once makes you want to do all kinds of things to him. However, you have a very set goal you must stay focused on for tonight.

You take a step between his legs and his hands come up naturally to your waist. There is only love and awe in your gaze as you brush your hands through his hair and all around his head until they come down to cup his face for a second, then continue their way to his shoulders. His eyes are closed as if he wants to focus on your touch only, and they stay that way even when he starts to feel you unbuttoning his shirt slowly and take the light piece of fabric off of him, leaving his upper body naked.

You sink down to your knees in front of him, tracing a fingernail down his chest and abs and watching as his muscles flex underneath your teasing touch. You take your time just tracing patterns on his skin and leaving kisses here and there, and by his growing erection and the way he’s grabbing at the sheets behind him you can tell that even with how much he wants you to stop playing around, he also wants to be patient and good for you.

Your hands come down to his knee and you rub up and down his thighs a few times, getting closer to his inner thighs and to his erection every time until you finally press a palm over it, smiling when he releases an audible sigh at the small relief you’re finally giving him.

“You have no idea how much I love you, Sahi,” you say in a low voice as you start unbuckling his belt, still taking your sweet time. “I’d do anything to make you happy, and I want to be the only one who can make you feel good, so don’t ever think I’m looking at anyone else.”

He lets out a low hum in response, and you press a kiss to his lower belly before fully undoing his belt and his trousers. You ask him to raise his hips so you can take them off along with his underwear, and you finally have him fully naked in front of you. His eyebrows are creased and his breathing is already heavy and irregular without you having done much. He can’t even stop a moan from leaving his lips when you take him in your hand and start to very slowly bring your palm up and down his shaft, using the precum that’s already started to gather at his tip as lube. Your other hand is on his thighs, caressing it gently and sometimes grabbing at the skin. “So hard for me, hm?” you murmur, just to rile him up a bit.

When you start to pick up your pace just a bit, you bend your head down to press kisses to his thighs and bite the soft, sensitive flesh of his inner thighs to leave red marks there. At this point, his head is thrown back in pleasure, and with the house fully empty, he is not afraid to be as loud as he wants. Strings of curses and your name are constantly escaping him as well as groans and whines when something feels particularly good. When you lick a long stripe up his shaft and circle your tongue around his tip, he’s practically a gone man, his loud moans filling the room as he tries and fails to not buck his hips up into your mouth. 

You come up for a breath of air, replacing your mouth with your hand so he doesn’t lose his momentum. “Are you gonna cum for me, baby? Make a mess all over my hand?” you taunt right before taking him back in your mouth, going down on his cock as far as you can. In mere seconds, you feel his thighs start to shake underneath your palms and his moans start to get higher in pitch, a sure sign of his climax being close. Usually, you’d swallow around his cock, but you’ve got another idea for tonight so you pull away and jerk him off as fast as you can while playing with his balls.

“C-coming…” he warns uselessly as ropes of his hot, white cum shoot all over his stomach and on your hand. You don’t let him calm down before taking his chin in your hand and tilting it down to make him look at you as you lick your fingers clean first, then his stomach, the taste of his cum and sweat filling your mouth. 

“Fuck, you’re hot,” he breathes out in disbelief when you’re done with your little show, making you chuckle. He lets his body collapse onto the bed and you follow him, resting on your side with your head on your palm so you can trace your fingernail over his bicep and look at him as his breathing slows down, eyes closed and smiling peacefully. Your pretty angel. Only you get to see him like this, and you’re eternally grateful for that honor.

“I should get jealous more often,” he jokes after a few minutes when you thought he’d fallen asleep.

“I’ll always remind you that you’re the only one I want,” you whisper, making him open his eyes to look at you. That’s when he realizes that you’re still fully clothed while he’s butt naked. 

He sits up, and before you can say anything, he’s taken your spot on the floor, kneeling at the edge of the mattress, and he pulls you towards him by the hips. His hands ride up your thighs, pushing the skirt of your dress over your hips to reveal your soaking panties to him. “God, you’re so wet,” he marvels at the sight of the wet patch on your underwear. You hadn’t even realized your core had been aching this whole time, so focused you were on making him feel good.

“You don’t need to, Sahi-”

“I want to,” he says, effectively cutting you off, then licks a stripe up your clothed core, the simple action enough to have you whimpering. Something - maybe your scent, or your taste, or the sounds you’re making, or all three - seems to take over him, and suddenly he’s a starved man. Not even bothering to take them off, he pushes your panties to the side and starts sucking at your clit so hard it’s almost painful, but the sting only adds to the pleasure. He’s always passionate when he eats you out, but this is another level of desire and eagerness to make you feel good that just makes your whole body weak and your throat raw with how much you’re moaning.

The knot in your stomach is already close to bursting not even a minute in, so you force Asahi to pull away and gesture for him to get on the bed, “please” and “I need you” leaving your lips like they’re the only things you can say. He’d usually chuckle at your impatience, but this time, he obeys you without a word, eyes half-lidded and blown out with lust, and cock already hard again.

He sits up on the bed, back against the headboard, and urges you to come and straddle his hips. Even now you’re still too restless to take your underwear off so you push it to the side once again as you line yourself up with his tip and sit down on him, bottoming out quickly. He gives you no time to adjust to his size before thrusting up into you, hard and desperate, and you’re so wet that he slips right in anyway. You’re a moaning mess on top of him, and he’s a moaning mess underneath you. Your hands can’t stay still, going from holding onto his shoulders, to clawing at his back, to tugging harshly at his hair. His arms are wrapped around your waist, sometimes holding you by the hips and bringing you down onto his cock just as he bucks his own into yours.

One of the reasons that you love sex with Asahi, other than the fact that you love him more than your heart can handle, is that it is always different and exciting. Tonight, you’re absolutely lost in each other, rendering your body to pleasure and your desire for each other. His scent takes up all of your senses, the pure bliss he is making you feel is intoxicating and you can’t think of anything else, only him. And judging from the expressions and the sounds he’s making, he feels the same way.

It all gets too much; he’s hitting the exact right spots and touching you just the way you like it, like you won’t break, like you’re solid under his touch and he can hold on tight, even leaving bruises. All you can do is collapse on top of him and hope he has enough strength for the both of you. His grip on you fastens even further, holding you as close as physically possible to him, but even that is barely enough. You just want to stop feeling where your body stops and his starts; you want the two of you to become one.

Just when you think it couldn’t get better, Asahi starts talking. The words flow out of his mouth like he’s not thinking about them, and he can’t halt them. “I‘m gonna… gonna cum inside you, gonna fill you up with my cum and put a baby inside that beautiful body of yours. Gonna give you a fucking baby and then everybody will know you’re mine and mine only.” Almost every word is punctuated with a harsh thrust, and you can only moan back in response.

And finally, everything that had formed into the tightest of knots inside of you undoes itself all at once, and your orgasm ripples through your body in waves, your body shaking on top of his as the feeling of your walls clenching around him like they never have before send him tumbling over the edge as well, pulling a second release out of him tonight.

The both of you stay there for a few blissful moments, simply waiting for your breath to resume their normal pace and for your senses to come back down from such an intense high. His hands roam your back and your fingers graze through his hair, anchoring touches as if trying to tether yourselves to each other. 

You manage to recuperate a bit of energy and ask Asahi if he wants to go take a shower to clean up together, which he sleepily but gladly agrees to. He even starts a bath, which you tip-toe into after you’ve soaped each other clean in the shower, not without some giggles, wandering hands and curious lips. You sit back between his legs, letting the combined warmth of his body and of the water relax you.

“I’m sorry about tonight,” he suddenly apologizes after he’d been silently tracing patterns on your forearm for a small while.

“What? Why?” you ask, voice laced with concern as you turn your head, the side of it resting on his chest so that you can hear his heartbeat. Slow and steady, as always. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I did, though. I got jealous for no reason and made you go home earlier on our night-out with our friends when none of it was even your fault.” He buries his face in your hair and presses a small kiss to the crown of your head.

You think for a few seconds before speaking next. “It’s normal to get jealous sometimes. If there was a girl chatting you up even though she knew you were in a relationship - which has happened before, by the way - I’d get jealous too. Especially cause you’re so oblivious,” you tease, and he cracks a small chuckle.

“I can’t argue with you on that one. But you’re not a lot better.”

“That’s true,” you smile. “And anyway, it’s not like either of us gets super possessive or anything. A little jealousy never hurt anyone. And I kinda like it, you know,” you add as an afterthought, smiling shyly as you take one of his hands in yours and play with his fingers. “It makes me feel like you’re mine as much as I’m yours.”

“Of course I am,” he says, bending down to kiss your ear and your cheek, making you giggle. “I’m all yours.”

“Sahi?” you call out after a few minutes of comfortable silence.

“Mm?”

“Do you actually want a baby?” you ask, remembering his earlier words, and you feel his body tense underneath you.

“Oh- God- um, about that, I, um- No! No, I don’t-”

“Oh…” you say, surprising yourself at how disappointed you are.

“I mean, yes! Yes, I do, of course I want to have babies, just not right now. But I want to have babies with you, at some point. If that’s okay, I mean. Like, if you don’t want babies, that’s fine-”

Your giggles interrupt his rambling, and he can’t help but chuckle himself. “Okay, babies, but not right now. We’re too young. But at some point.”

“At some point,” he repeats, and presses an umpteenth kiss to your head.

“What was that talk all about earlier, then?”

“Just… possessiveness, I guess. As a disclaimer, I don’t actually believe that you’ll belong to me just because I knock you up, or anything, this isn’t the Middle Ages,” he defends, making you giggle again. “And I don’t think you belong to me, at all. Not more than in the sense of I love you and you love me, so we’re each other’s, if that makes sense.”

“That makes sense,” you reassure.

“But… I don’t know… The thought of my baby in you…” he says, then takes a deep breath as if to steady himself. “Let’s just say it’s a very, very nice thought.”

You stay in the bath until the water grows cold, talking about this and that and feeling the other’s skin under your fingertips. You barely bother to dry off before getting into the bed, letting the other’s warmth and the mild heat of a summer night do the job. It takes you a while to fall asleep because you’ve both got a surge of energy from the bath, and you can’t stop giggling at nothing and planting small kisses all over each other’s faces, hands grabbing at whatever skin they can find and playing with the other’s hair. Around three a.m., just as you decide you need to calm down and go to sleep, your friends come home and cause a ruckus loud enough in the kitchen that it reaches your ears as they, you guess, make late-night ramen to appease their ebriety before going to bed.

Finally, at some point, you let the low hum of the fan, the whoosh of the waves coming to you through the open window and your boyfriend’s quiet snores lull you to sleep, and you fall into the arms of Morpheus with a smile on your face.

-

Because time doesn’t care about your fun, you wake up one day, and it’s already your last day of vacation.

You all spend the morning and half of the afternoon packing and cleaning up the house, or at least the parts you used, even if Jaehyuk hired cleaning staff to come after you left. Still, it’s the least you can do to not leave it disgusting. 

You’re done around five p.m., and you decide to relax a bit before dinner, so you and Asahi head to the beach - for some alone time, he specifies, so that no one follows you there. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what the two are up to - you’ve been spending the whole day brushing past the other and leaving subtle touches here and there or looking at the other with nothing less than sex in your eyes, purposefully trying to rile the other up in a silence game of who will give in first. 

You know you’ve won when Asahi presses into you as soon as you’ve set your little camp on the beach, which consists of a huge beach towel and a wide umbrella to hide you from both the burning sun rays and the burning stares of other beachgoers.

“What did I tell you the other day about being a brat, hm?” he taunts as he hovers over you, planting wet, ravenous kisses to your neck as his thumb plays with your bikini-covered clit. 

“As if you weren’t acting the same,” you say, retaliating by palming him over his swimming trunks. In moments like these, your impatience takes over your want to tease the other, and you often end up helping each other get ready with hungry touches and open-mouthed kisses before Asahi pushes himself into you, waiting for a small moment before setting a quick and steady pace. It’s lighthearted and you can’t stop smiling even when the pleasure sets itself in your whole body, making your blood run quicker and your heart beat harder.

Asahi, who’d been desperately trying to hide his boner for the last few hours, can’t stop himself for cumming first, but he gives you no time to tease him about it, because you’ve barely opened your mouth to say something that he’s already pulled out, replaced his cock with two of his long fingers, and attached his lips to your clit, making you yelp in surprise. His tongue and digits know their way around your core like no other, and in what feels like five minutes, he’s made you cum twice around them.

“What was that for?” you ask out of breath when he’s snaked his way back up your body, after licking his fingers clean of your slick, of course.

“For making fun of me for cumming first. I can’t help it that you feel so good, you know,” he smirks, tucking sticky strands of hair because of sweat behind your ear.

“But I didn’t even say anything!”

“Didn’t need to, you were thinking it hard enough.” You punch his shoulder playfully - you’re pretending to be annoyed when there’s really nothing to complain about when your boyfriend decides to give you two orgasms in a row as ‘punishment,’ and he knows that.

Your bodies feel a bit gross from sweat so you put on your swimsuits back on and race each other to the sea, jumping in immediately without a care for how cold the water feels against your sun-heated skin. Splashing each other and playing around soon turns into making out with your hips hooked around his waist, the sea making you weigh nothing in his arms. You savor his taste especially today because this is the last day where you’ll get to kiss him, wet and salty and like he holds summer on his tongue.

You return to the beach after a while to eat the snacks you brought with and rest some, Asahi cuddling your body and resting his head between your breasts as you read the single book you’d brought on this trip and had read maybe fifty pages in two weeks from.

Sieun’s voice calling out from a few meters away gently pierces your little bubble of warmth and comfort. “We’re getting ready for dinner and Jaehyuk is making us cocktails, if you guys wanna join.”

You quickly pack up your stuff and the three of you head back to the house. “What kind of cocktails is he making?” you ask.

She smiles before answering, recognising the irony of her next words. “Sex on the beach.”

-

That night, as the six of you watch the fireworks that Jaehyuk and Asahi set off and that you’d bought on your first day here, you take a second to look around at your friends and their smiling faces, without a care in the world, illuminated by the colorful lights. You feel your boyfriend’s hold on your waist tighten as he brings you closer to him and lets you rest your head on his shoulder. Wherever they are, I’ll be happy. Wherever he is, I’ll be home, you think. Even if you’ve got years of life and countless adventures waiting in front of you, right now, you’re just enjoying the moment, happy to be here, surrounded by the people you love. It doesn’t feel like it could get better than this, and yet.

Your boyfriend looks down at you and you raise your head from his shoulder to look at him. You smile at each other as the others ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’ at the bright displays of smoke and fire in the night sky. His eyes tell you that there are many more happy moments to come, indeed.

permanent taglist: @k-ingzo @bbujiikseu @sunghoonmybeloved @lalalalawon @sd211 @w3bqrl @raikea10 @wntrnghts (ask to be removed/added!)

© asahicore on tumblr, 2023. please do not repost, translate or plagiarize my works. feedback and reblogs are always appreciated!

[the-royal-blue-network]

“Remind me again why we have to go to this party?” Clark said, leaning against the door frame of Dani’s bathroom door.

Clark was never much of a social person. Even back when he and Dani were in college, Dani would drag him to house parties and try and get Clark to have fun, but Clark hated it; He’d spend much of his time complaining about how he could be back in his dorm, studying for the next exam.

“Clark, come on. If you’re sulking the whole time you’ll blow our cover.” Dani said as she capped her lipstick and dropped it into her clutch. 

It was Friday night and after getting a last-minute invitation to Vinny’s homecoming party from an anonymous source, Jackson called up his daughter, and order her to dress in her finest threads and get to that party. 

Dani would have preferred to go to the party alone, Clark didn’t do well when it came to social events, but her father insisted that she have back up and the only other detective that was available was Eric. There was no way she would want to do anything with that arrogant son-of-a-bitch. 

“Look, just try and blend in. Don’t get too caught up in small talk but still talk to people. Talk to big groups and avoid one on one chats at all cost.” Dani said.

Clark huffed and rolled his eyes  

“Alright, but you own me.” Clark said.

Dani laughed.

“Owe you for what? This is a part of our job.” She said with a laugh.

Clark opened his mouth to speak when Dani’s phone dinged with a message from her father, letting her know he was outside.

“Come on, dad’s here.” Dani said grabbing her clutch.

The pair made their way out to the black SUV.

“My, you look just like your mother.” Jackson said with a prideful smile.

Dani stopped in front of her father and took his face in her hands. 

“No time to get sentimental old man.” Dani said before air kissing his cheeks.

Jackson laughed before opening the back door and allowing Dani and Clark to climb into the back.

On the way to the party, Jackson handed Clark and Dani the file on the party. Photos of all the who’s whos and a description of what exactly they were looking for were all detailed in the file.

“Don’t be fucking heroes tonight. We just wanna know what the LaVine family’s up to. With the return of Mikey and now Pauly and Vinny are talking again, I know those snakes are cooking something up.” Jackson said shaking his head.

“So we’re just collecting info. Got it.” Dani said with a nod.

The car came to a stop at a red light where Jackson pulled on a driver’s hat. The light then turned green and he headed down the block, stopping just outside the nightclub where the party was being held.

 “Alright. Some of the guys and I will be driving around so just shoot us a text when you’re ready to be picked up. And remember-”

“I know, I know. Don’t do anything stupid. This isn’t my first rodeo dad.” Dani said rolling her eyes.

After a quick kiss on the forehead, Dani and Clark exited the car and made their way up to the doorman. After giving them the names they were assigned, the bouncer stepped aside allowing them into the club. 

The club was loud, the bass booming as lights flashed.

“Stay close.” Dani said, not bothering to look back at her partner.

Clark gave Dani’s shoulder a squeeze, letting her know that he was right behind her. In an effort to blend in, the pair made their way to the bar and grabbed water before leaning against the bar and surveilling the scene.

They looked around for about a minute before a tall man dressed in all black approached Dani.

“Hey gorgeous, can I get you a drink?” The man said.

Clark slowly slid away from Dani, but still remained close by if she needed him. If people thought Dani was there alone more men would approach her increasing her chances of getting into the VIP area and closer to the LaVine family.

“Um…” Dani laughed flirtatiously as she held up the cup in her hand.

The man laughed. 

“Ahh, you did just get that, didn’t you?” He said leaning in closer.

Dani looked up at the man, batting her eyes flirtatiously; never mind the fact that the asshole wasn’t even looking at her eyes. Dani had to fight the urge to not knee the son of a bitch in the balls as he stared at her chest. It was at times like these that Dani thanked the heavens that she was gay. 

“Yes, I did.” Dani said.

The man looked around for a moment before looking back at Dani.

“You here all alone?” The man asked.

“I came with my friend but I seemed to have lost him.” Dani said looking around.

Dani and Clark made eye contact for a moment before the man began speaking again.

“Well, why don’t we go up to my section? You can see the whole club from there.” The man said with a smile as he held out his hand.

Dani returned his smile as she placed her hand in his.

Turning around the man began to lead Dani up to the VIP area. Looking back Dani spotted Clark slowly zigzagging his way through the crowd. 

When they got to the VIP area Paula stopped the pair right at the entrance.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Paula said as she looked over at the man.

“Aw Paula come on. It’s crowded down there!” The man said pointing down to the crowded dance floor.

Paula turned her attention to Dani and Dani could feel her body heating up under Paula’s gaze. Fuck.

Paula sighed and stepped aside, allowing Dani and the man to enter the VIP area. As they made their way past her Dani could feel Paula’s gaze burning into her back and as much as she didn’t want it to it made Dani a little nervous, but not in the fear of getting caught kind of nervous. 

Sitting amongst the LaVine family the man introduced Dani to a few members of the family. After the introductions were made the man sat uncomfortably close to Dani, his hand resting on her knee as he talked to an older gentleman.

Shit, maybe Dani should have pushed for Clark to come with her. Sure one on one she could take this asshole easily but in the VIP area, she was outnumbered.

Dani’s discomfort must’ve shown on her face because, within minutes of sitting, Paula was up on her feet.

“Come dance with me!” Paula yelled over the music.

Not bothering to wait for a response she pulled Dani to her feet. The man protested and grabbed Dani’s other arm but one cold look from Paula and the man released his grip. Pulling her along Paula made her way out of the VIP and back out onto the dance floor.

“You okay?” Paula asked as she turned around and pulled Dani into her.

Dani nodded as Paula’s hands found her hips. Without any permission from Dani, her hips began to sway to the music. Paula grinned devilishly as Dani pulled her in closer, Paula following Dani’s lead. The base pounded, rattling the floor beneath them. Despite the loud music, all Dani could focus on were the green eyes staring into hers as Paula’s body moved with her. This was dangerous, she needed to get away from Paula, find Clark, and get the fuck out of there. But she couldn’t pry herself away.

The song changed about three or four times and the women only stopped dancing for the time that it took Paula to drag Dani from the dance floor to the bar and then back again. Dani wasn’t supposed to be drinking, but there she was, mixed drink in hand as Paula pressed against her, burning Dani alive. 

‘Where the fuck are you Clark?’ Dani thought to herself.

Paula looked into Dani’s eyes and Dani realized her panic must’ve been starting to seep through. 

“Everything alright?” Paula asked.

“Yeah. I just- do you know where the bathroom is?” Dani asked.

“Yeah, this way.” Paula said grabbing a hold of Dani’s hand and leading the way.

Dani’s mind raced a mile a minute. How was this so easy to do with men but impossible with women? Dani had played the straight role countless times, milking men for info was child’s play to her. But with Paula, Dani was putty in the other woman’s hands. She needed to find Clark now.

Scanning the crowd Clark was nowhere to be found.

Before Dani could process what was happening Paula pulled her into the bathroom and pinned her against the door. In an instant, Paula’s hands were on Dani’s waist and Dani’s hands were in Paula’s hair. Their lips crashed together and Dani could feel her brain start to short circuit as their mouths moved against one another.

[lils-writes-stuff]

Where it all started

Best years part one| part two

Spencer Reid x reader

Summary: while on a case, a little to close to home, reader and Spencer discover some feeling that they’ve developed for each other over time.

Warnings: normal criminal minds things, kinda slow build up ngl.

A/n: this takes place after the whole Doyle thing, so it’s the dream team all together.

   “No I mean all I’m saying is if you are too play online scrabble you have to know that the other person is probably cheating.”

   The laughter that rang from Emily’s mouth also made Y/N chuckle after the statement she made. The two sat in the bullpen, Emily in her swivel chair, Y/N perched on the end of her desk, ankles crossed and coffee mug in hand.

   The sound of phones ringing and people chatting created a white noise scenario in Y/N’s ears. The sound was interrupted though by the clicking of heels from Penelope Garcia, as she came walking into the room. File in hand, ready to deliver it to Hotch.

   “Ah- come on people, I had a weekend planned!” Emily said, slightly disappointed as she saw Garcia walk into Hotch’s office.  Derek chuckled, shaking his head slightly.

   “And what were those plans?” Derek asks the smug look on his face, telling those around that he was ready to crack a joke for any scenario that followed after her answer.

   “Me, wine, and a hot tube,” Emily replied with a sigh as she leaned into the back of her chair. Derek just laughed as he turned back to his mug of fresh coffee sitting on Spencer’s desk.

   “I hope we have a case, I didn’t have plans,” Spencer’s voice is monotone almost. He doesn’t even look up from his book while he speaks. At this, a slight giggle leaves Y/N’s lips.

   “Me neither Spence, me neither.” Y/N says as she pushes herself off of Emily’s desk, tapping Spencer's shoulder on the way back to her own desk and sitting in her chair.

   “This is 29-year-old Dillon Goodman, he was found in a ditch in the North Georgia region, stab wounds to the stomach and upper chest region,” Penelope spoke as the picture of the victim appeared on the screen. Pictures from the crime scene soon followed the driver’s license photo.

   “He’s laid out like a burial, shows remorse.” Y/N spoke as she looked more closely at the pictures in her hand. The victim looked familiar to her, yet she couldn’t place it.

   “North Georgia, Y/N isn’t that your stomping grounds?” Rossi spoke, looking at Y/N with furrowed brows.

   “That it is,” she spoke, eyes still trained at the victim who she could still not place as to how she knew.

   “Atlanta P.D. has this case because two days ago another body was found in Fulton county, same M.O., also laid out the same,” Hotch said as Penelope pulled another picture up of the first victim.

   “Any I.D. on this one?” Derek asked. Penelope shook her head as a response.

   “So this guy shows remorse for his dead victims but the overkill is extreme,” JJ spoke as she looked at the rest of the team.

   “The burial like the placement of the bodies looks like those that  Vikings did, they were known as Norse funerals, but they were placed in ships as their burial,” Spencer spoke, as he looked at the victim’s photos more.

   “We’ll have more time to discuss this on the plane if he keeps up his two-day cycle, we only have that to catch him before he kills another, wheels up in 30,” Hotch said as he stood up, signaling everyone to get their go bags and depart.

————

   The plane ride wasn’t long but it was enough to give the team time to discuss theories as to why someone with such overkill in the process of killing and so much remorse after.

   Y/N looked intently at the license photo of the second victim Dillon. It was on the tip of her  tongue as to how she knew him but she couldn’t figure it out.

   “Y/N, the look on your face is hurting me, what’re you thinking?” Rossi asked as he broke her out of her stare.

   Y/N looked up, a slight hum sound leaving her throat. “Sorry, it’s just-this victim, Dillon, he looks so familiar, and I can’t place it and it’s really bothering me.” She spoke, slight irritation evident in her voice.

   “I might be able to answer that for you,” Garcia’s voice was heard through the speaker of the laptop placed on the table, everyone’s attention now focused there. “Dillon Goodman, born December 19, 1982, in Cleveland, Tennessee moved to Georgia when he was ten, and went to our beloved Y/N’s high school and were actually in the same graduating class together.”

   “Oh my god, that’s right I remember him now!” Y/N said as the memory of the boy came to her mind.

   “Does anything you remember help us with this case, any enemies, stuff like that?” Hotch asked looking at Y/N.

   “No he was a good kid, didn’t make good grades, but he was nice. Didn’t have problems with anyone really, to my knowledge at least.”

   “Garcia, is there any I.D. on the first victim yet?” Spencer asked.

   “Yes, a 31-year-old Tyler Moore, also from the North Georgia region,” Garcia said as she continued to type on her computer. “Oh my- he also graduated from Y/N’s high school too.”

   “Same class?” Emily asked.

   “No, he graduated two years before Y/N and Dillon,” Garcia replied looking at the date in her screen

   Everyone’s eyebrows furrowed.

   “Well there’s the common denominator for all our victims, they all went to the same high school,” Emily said.

   “So someone must’ve had a grudge against these two, maybe they were apart of a group our unsub wanted to be part of,” Derek said. “That would explain the remorse, he wanted to be apart of their lives.”

   “Cliques would cause something like this, high school is when we develop who we are the most,” Spencer said looking at everyone. “If this unsub was rejected from this group, it probably formed some deep aggression in him that caused him to lash out.”

   “So these probably weren’t his first victims,” JJ said.

   “Probably,” Hotch agreed. “When we land, Rossi and Morgan go to the first crime scene, Y/N and Reid to the newest, the rest of us will set up point at the station.”

————

   “So, did you know our first victim too?” Spencer asked Y/N as they drove to the latest crime scene. Y/N looked over for a second, glancing him before turning her attention back to the road.

   While the rest of the team had been together for a while, she had only been there for a year. She joined a little while before Emily’s ‘death’, it hit her just as hard as the rest of the team. She was relatively new out of the Academy, but every unit wanted her. She had the scores, a good shot, and when she was given team experience she was a huge help. Strauss said to Hotch when she told him that Y/N was joining their team, it was the best decision she could make for them.

   “I think so, I remember the name, he was a football player, wasn’t as good as a kid as Dillon though,” she said eyes trained in the road as she drove. “He got in trouble for bullying a lot.”

   Spencer nodded, “Were you a part of any clubs or groups that had these guys in them?” He continued with his questions to her.

   Spencer looked over, the side profile of Y/N’s face captivating him for a second before he looked away back at the file.

   “I-I wasn’t really a club person, I played sports. And when I didn’t play sports, I was working,” Y/N spoke as she reminisced on her high school experience. Never the star, but her name was known. A good group of friends, slight teasing from guys for her looks, but nothing serious.

   “Turn left, and we’ll be there,” Spencer’s instructions pulled her from her memories.

   They pulled up to the sight of the crime scene. A ditch beside the lake that Y/N grew up swimming in. Local police were there waiting for the two as they exited the SUV.

   “Detective Callaghan?” Y/N asked the man in front of her.

   “Yes ma’am,” the detective responded.

   “Hi, SSA Y/N Y/L/N,” she said shaking his hand then pointed next to her. “This is Dr. Spencer Reid.” Spencer stuck his hand up in a wave.

   “Thanks for coming out, let me show you to the dumpsite.” The detective led the two of them over about 30 yards to where the body was discovered. “A couple of fishermen called it in early this morning.”

   Spencer squatted down to look closer to the victim that was still on the ground. “The overkill is extreme,” he spoke inspecting the stab wounds of the victim.

   The two talked to the detective some more and looked at the body trying to figure out some more ideas as to how this unsub thinks. The ME came and took the body away and Y/N and Spencer we’re back in the SUV on their way to the station.

   “You know, I pegged you more of a mean girl in high school,” Spencer said as Y/N began to drive.

   Y/N laughed as she looked at Spencer for a second who also had a smile on his face. “Why do you say that?”

   “Well, you have a very dominant personality, and taking into account with how you are very pretty,” he said, blushing slightly at his statement before clearing his throat to finish his thought. “I just would have pegged you to be a mean girl.”

   “I was definitely not a mean girl,” Y/N said, her head shaking at the statement. “I wasn’t always very assertive and pretty.” She stated matter-of-factly.

   “Really?”

   “Really! I was a follower. I played sports, but I was never a star. I was good, but I wasn’t the best.” She explained, “I wasn’t pretty either, well pretty for the standards of the boys around me.”

   I would have thought you were beautiful, was Spencer’s thought.

   “What were you like I’m high school?”

   “I was twelve, so my name was known, but as the butt of the joke,” he spoke remembering his high school experience.

   Y/N giggled, remembering how she was younger than all of her classmates since she skipped a grade.

————

   Morgan, JJ, Spencer, and Y/N sat around a large conference table, coffee cups and food containers filling in the spaces that didn’t have open files. It had been a day since they arrived meaning the time they had left in the cool off period was coming to an end.

   “Okay, so this unsub is killing those who we are assuming were apart of some group?” JJ asked as she took another sip from her coffee cup next to her.

   “Well, actually I can confirm they were apart of a group. A clique if you will, one that went of for years and years after one group graduated,” Penelope said over Derek’s phone. “A group that called themselves the ‘wolves’. Were these boys, and an occasional girl, would go and harass older couples and vandalize their homes.”

   “So these guys weren’t all that good of kids like Y/N said,” Derek spoke. Y/N leaned back, tracing her memory to think if she had ever heard them speak of this group before. 

   “This must have not been talked about a lot in front of me cause I do not remember this,” Y/N spoke as she looked at her tablet in front of her, an article of the group sent from Penelope on the screen. 

   She looked at the photo of the group of mostly boys, gazing over the stoic faces in the picture. One stuck out though, the boy in the photo couldn’t be older than 15, his eyes still and his face just seemed off to her. 

   “Penelope, what can you tell me about Alex Wright?” Y/N asked as she looked at the boy’s name in the bio below the photo. 

   “Alex Wright, 15 at the time the photo was taken, a Sophomore, he didn’t seem to do much, raised by his single mom, didn’t play sports, he was a loner,” She explained as she typed on her computer. 

   “He fits the profile you think it’s him Y/N?” JJ asked her as she looked at the boy in the photo also. 

   Y/N shook her head, “No, but I think he might be the key to finding out who is.” She explained her thoughts. 

   “Why do you say that?” Spencer asked her, a questioning look on his face as he looked at her. 

   “Look at his eyes in the photo,” she said pointing at him. 

   “He looks scared,” Derek said as he examined the boy in the photo.

   “Almost like he’s there against his will,” Spencer said agreeing with what he was saying. “Guys, what if he is our unsub? What if he is getting back at all those in the group who made him do those things.” 

   “That would explain the overkill,” JJ said adding in her input into theory. 

   “And also the remorse, he probably considered them as friends,” Spencer continued on his theory. Everyone continued on the thought and soon came to the conclusion that Alex Wright was more than likely the unsub. 

   “Garcia-” Y/N started but was cut off. 

   “Addresses already sent,” she said knowing the answer to the upcoming question. 

   “You’re the best Baby Girl,” Derek said before hanging up. 

   They gathered with the rest of the team and told them their theory. Hotch got everyone together and they all loaded up into the cars. Vests on ready to go as they came to a halt at the front of the house. 

   “Rossi, JJ, and Morgan you guys go round back, the rest of us will take the front,” Hotch instructed and they all followed and got into position. 

   Spencer, Y/N, Hotch, and Emily all went up front and readied to open the door. 

   “Alex Wright, FBI,” Hotch said with a loud voice. A loud crash was heard and within seconds the door was open and the four of them moved in. 

   Alex stood, knife to the throat of his next victim who was tied to a table. 

   “Get back, leave!” He screamed at the four. 

   “We can’t do that Alex,” Y/N spoke, gun pointed ready to shoot. 

   “Y/N, it’s good to see you,” Alex spoke a small smirk on his face. Y/N turned her head to the side, questioning what he just spoke. 

   “I’m sorry, do I know you,” she said a puzzling tone in her voice. 

    Alex scoffed and stood up straight, pointing the knife in his hand at Y/N. “Of course you don’t, no one remembers me, the loner, the outcast. So stereotypical, if it wasn’t for me that school wouldn’t have been what it was. The wolves would have killed all of you, but I convinced them not to, of course, no one believed me when I told them though. Because all those boys were so good and loved. Well, news flash, they were rotten. So they all must pay.” He finished his speech, ready to stab his next victim, but he stopped and looked up at Y/N. “You know they always spoke highly of you like you were their queen or something so maybe I should just kill you,” and at that he launched himself at Y/N ready to stab her. 

   Gunshot. 

   The smoke from Spencer’s gun went off as he shot Alex in the arm before he got any closer to them. The other three looked at him, before going over and cuffing the man. 

----------

   The team sat together around a table wine glasses in front of them and plates of food smelling oh-so-delightful. Celebrating the win from this case, Rossi stated that Y/N take them to a restaurant she spoke of loving when she grew up, his treat of course. The team laughed as they discussed stories from their own high school experiences, telling of memorable moments and embarrassing stories.

   “Y/N, do you know why Alex said they treated you like their queen?” Emily asked with a laugh at the statement that was made by the unsub.

   “Oh-uh, well I think I figured it out, I looked at the photo again and I remember there was a boy in high school, that had a huge crush on me, he- I’m assuming- was the ring leader of this whole clique,” she said with a giggle. Everyone laughed at this and continued with a conversation about high school. 

   Y/N glanced across the table at Spencer, who also glanced at her. The eye contact made gave Spencer a slight blush on his face and made Y/N giggle slightly. 

   Grow a pair Y/N, she thought to herself, invite him to dinner or something this light flirting thing can’t last forever. 

   Emily nudged Derek beside her, everyone else distracted with a story Rossi was telling. 

   “When will those two realize that they are in love with each other?” Emily asked the man beside her. 

   He chuckled, “When Pretty Boy realizes that, she might as well be throwing herself at him.” The two giggled at the statement. 

   Y/N looked at Spencer once more, a small smile laid on her lips as she watched him laugh at the story that was being told. The little butterflies in her stomach erupted as she watched him. She looked away before he could notice and listened to the ongoing story. 

   As Y/N looked away, Spencer looked at her. He watched her smile and her eyes light up. 

She’s beautiful

[americasass81]

Make Her Mine - Chapter Two

Tony Stark x Reader Warnings: Dark!Tony, mostly just mild swearing and stalker behavior here.

A/N:- Also re-editing this chapter from original female character to reader. 

Word count: 2000 approx.

Letting yourself into your room, you locked the door behind you before heading towards the bedroom.  Sitting on the bed, your accountant's brain began to work through your survival plan for the next seven days.  You knew a week wasn't a long time, but since credit cards could be tracked, you knew that cash was the only safe way to stay under the radar and you were now woefully low on that.  You also figured your sister might be the first port of call for tracking you down, so that left your best friend.

Calling Sabrina, you gave her a very brief account of your predicament and that if she was willing to help, she really only had until about four o'clock to get what was needed from your apartment.  Being better to you than your own sister, you told her where to find your getaway bag and also asked for some basic workout gear, figuring you didn't need anything fancy to outrun an Avenger.  Then you told her where to find you and the name you were using before hanging up to wait for her arrival.

One hour later, a text message told you she was outside your room, and upon opening the door you checked to make sure no one else was there before you pulled her inside and locked the door again.

Dropping your bags, she pulled you in for a warm hug before stepping back to give you the once over.  "Angel, what exactly is going on and why do you look like crap?" she asked, taking your hand and leading you to the nearest couch.

Sighing heavily as you sat down, you stared at your hands before speaking.  "Do you remember the reservation I had Monday night for La Scala?"

"Is that the Italian place you've been going on about for the last three months?"

"Yes.  Well it turns out that when they were switching over reservation books, they lost my booking and the best they could offer me was a seat at the bar until a table became available.  Obviously I was fine with that, until I drew the attention of Tony Stark and had to turn down his offer to join him."

"Wait, are you telling me you said no to THE Tony Stark?  The same Tony Stark who probably doesn't even know the meaning of that word."

"Exactly, and whether or not he knows the meaning of it, he definitely doesn't like hearing it.  Apparently he's had Happy Hogan trying to find me since then, which was made kinda redundant when my boss sent me to deliver reports to one of his meetings this morning."

"Well damn, Y/F/N, that must have been some shock.  What happened, if you don't mind me asking?"

"No, it's fine.  I mean you have a right to know, since I may or may not have put you in harm's way."

"You what now?"

"Look, I think it's safe to say that Tony Stark is not the hero he appears to be and I think I may have pissed him off a lot more than I should have."

"Y/F/N, what did you do?"

"I barely gave him any information when he questioned me before the meeting, and when he had me threatened and brought to his office afterwards, I said I'd report him to Human Resources."

"Wow, you never do things by half, do you?  But that doesn't explain why you're hiding out here or why you think I might be in danger?"

Refusing to look at your best friend, you took some deep breaths before continuing.  "Well because when a meeting with Steve Rogers interrupted us, he told me to go back to work and then wait for Happy to drive me to his place afterwards.  Obviously I didn't do that and I don't know if he's willing to let this go.  If not, I don't know who he's willing to hurt to get to me."

"Fuck Y/F/N, all this because his ego couldn't handle the word no."

"I know right.  I'm so sorry for putting you in the middle of all this, but I didn't know who else to trust.  I love my sister, but you and I both know she'd sell me out in a heartbeat."

Wrapping her arms around you once more, Sabrina held you tight as she thought through the situation.  "You know Y/F/N, this situation might not be as dire as you think.  Considering who my husband is, do we really believe that Tony Stark is willing to go up against New York's mob boss just to get to you?"

"I don't know, Sab, and that's the worst part.  I don't know what he's capable of.  I mean Happy threatened to have me arrested for stealing money from the company if I didn't go to his office.  You really think Sebastian can protect you?"

"Oh Angel, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt Seb won't let anything bad happen to me.  But what about you?  Should we see what he can do for you?"

"No Sabrina, you've done more than enough.  Hopefully I'm just overreacting and this will all blow over.  If not, then I have my getaway bag and more than enough cash to start over.  Your husband would be proud of me." you finish with a chuckle, hoping to ease the tension lines you could see appearing on her forehead.

The next hour was spent with a bottle of wine and some girly chit-chat until Sebastian texted Sabrina to let her know he was in the lobby.  Giving your best friend a smile and a hug, you said goodbye and decided to head for a relaxing bath, not knowing the shitstorm that was about to kick off at Stark Industries.

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

No pun intended, but upon arriving at your desk ten minutes before clocking off time, Happy was not a happy camper.  After finding your desk empty, he made enquiries from Melinda who informed him that you weren't feeling well and had gone home early.  Deciding that it was best not to upset Tony unless absolutely necessary, he brought up your employee file and got a hold of your address.  Getting in the car and driving to your place, he was pissed to discover that it was locked tight and no one had seen you all day.  Swallowing his anger, he headed off to Tony's to relay this development and see if he really was serious about pursuing you.

Upon walking in, Tony told him to take you to the living room and he'd be right out.  However, on entering said room and seeing only Happy, Tony was full of questions.  "Happy, would you care to tell me what is wrong with this picture?"

"I know Tony, I can't explain it.  From what I've been told, shortly after you sent her back to work, she complained about not feeling well and no one has seen her since."

"No one?  Are you fucking kidding me?  Nobody just disappears without a trace.  F.R.I.D.A.Y. I want a trace put on all credit cards in the name of Stark Industries employee 2474789, back timed to two months ago.  I want to know where she's been and where she might go."

"Tony, don't you think all this might be a bit excessive over someone who clearly wants nothing to do with you?"

"You know I was kinda resigned to not knowing who she was, but my god, when she walked into that meeting room and I discovered that I've technically been supporting her for three years.  I can't explain it, Happy but she's awoken something in me.  F.R.I.D.A.Y. what's the status of recent activity?"

"Nothing Boss.  The last credit card purchase was Tuesday at the cafe in the lobby of Stark Industries.  Mint flavored hot chocolate with whipped cream, around lunch time."

"Damn, how does one disappear and go over twenty-four hours without financial support?"

"Um Tony, I don't want to state the obvious, but do you think she might be using cash?"

"Cash?  Seriously Happy, people still do that?"

"It would explain how she's getting by, while staying off F.R.I.D.A.Y.'s radar."

"Ingenious.  My little girl's a clever one, it seems.  Thanks Happy, but I think I can handle her from here.  You can show yourself out?  F.R.I.D.A.Y. pull up any footage you can for Y/F/N's apartment for the last forty-eight hours." Tony ordered, as he headed towards his lab.

Sitting at his workstation, Tony combed through all available footage from your apartment, starting from half an hour before he knew you left work.  Noticing nothing out of the ordinary, he was prepared to try some other approach when he saw a young woman exit your building carrying what appeared to be two black duffel bags.  Watching her deposit them into a black SUV, he waited to see if her face became visible.

"BINGO!  F.R.I.D.A.Y. freeze frame 17a and run facial recognition on that individual."

"Facial recognition scan identifies the young lady as Sabrina Stan.  Wife of Sebastian Stan.  Current head of the New York mob."

"New York mob connections, huh?  Well that could explain her ability to fly under the radar.  Still, let's try this without starting a war.  F.R.I.D.A.Y. I think it's time I stopped fooling around, run Miss Y/L/N through facial recognition and let me know the second you find her."

"Will do boss."  Fifteen minutes later, he heard a beep and looked up from his desk to see footage of you walking through the lobby of the famous Waldorf Astoria towards the elevators.

"Well I'll be damned, either my girl has expensive taste or her mob connections go deeper than a passing acquaintance.  F.R.I.D.A.Y. do a complete, deep data scan.  Cross reference everything to do with Y/F/N Y/L/N, the Waldorf Astoria and the New York Mob.  I need to know if I have to mobilize the Avengers."

Two hours later, having torn himself away from his pet project to play Iron-Man, Tony barely gave himself enough time to rehouse his nanoparticles armor before harassing his A.I.  “F.R.I.D.A.Y. do you have the results of that search?"

"Indeed Boss.  It appears the connection is nothing more than an acquaintance.  Mrs. Stan and Miss Y/L/N were both part of the same book club and writing group a year and a half ago.  It seems a friendship developed out of it."

Though it bugged him, all the bother you were putting him to, this new information coupled with you appearing to be somewhat of an introvert, gave him renewed confidence in his plan.  Having so far found you utterly fascinating, he knew that once he had you, he would make sure you never said no to him again.

[emmy-writes-sometimes]

And They Were Roommates!

You’re Tom’s roommate and you both have crushes on each other. Harrison knows, and Harrison is trying to get you together. Will Tik Tok do it, or will you both keep dancing around the subject?

-

         “Are you still watching those?” Harrison asked you as you continued laying on the couch. He had learned to recognize the audio of the song by now – something about coffee. And he knew that it was usually some kind of challenge where girls would kiss their best guy friends. And he happened to know that you had a crush on Tom, because of course you did, and he also knew that Tom had a crush on you. And no matter how hard he tried to play matchmaker, neither of you believed him.

           “It’s addictive!” You defended yourself. He walked up behind you and peeked over the couch to watch another girl kiss her best guy friend. Surprise. This guy kissed her back.

           “Mmhm. You should do that with Tom.” He giggled like it was nothing but a joke, because everything was a joke to him. Especially when it came to your and Tom’s relationship.

           “For the last time, Haz, I’m not going to do anything stupid because you tell me to.” The last time you did something Harrison told you to, you ended up with a broken nose and no memories of that night. The front door opened and Tessa bounded in, heading straight for her water bowl as Tom dropped her leash. Tom walked inside after, walking right into the living room where they were all sitting.

           “Are you still on Tik Tok?” Tom asked with a little laugh.

           “Maybe,” you answered. You could feel your face going red. “It’s not like I have anything else to do.”

           “Well, I need the SUV so I can go pick up from Ikea,” Harrison suggested. “So can I…?” You shook your head, standing up. Your knees cracked from how long you’d been laying there, and your phone was on ten percent. Tom hid a smile when you stretched and your hoodie rode up on your abdomen. He loved when you wore cropped shirts. You looked cute. It made him want to grab onto your smooth skin. And he also loved when you wore those tiny little shorts.

           “I’ll drive,” you volunteered. “It’s my car anyway. Let me go put shoes and pants on.” You disappeared up the stairs, leaving your phone on the coffee table. Harrison waited until you were out of earshot to look at Tom.

           “She was watching the ones where people kiss their friends,” he spilled. Tom rolled his eyes.

           “You’re not going to let me do anything stupid, man, I can’t mess things up with her.” Tom walked over to the table, where he had started another puzzle before taking Tessa out. The last thing he wanted to do was mess things up with you because you were one of his two best friends. He liked you ever since you were kids, but you moved away and caught another accent and didn’t even think he would ever see you again. And then he did, and you moved in a couple months later to go to the university down the street. He liked you. A lot. He just didn’t want to mess things up because what if you didn’t? What if Harrison was playing another trick?

           “Look, it’s your choice. And I obviously don’t want you two to move in together so I can have her room as an office. But you should do it. Just… Make one of those and tell her that way. Then if it doesn’t work, which it will, you can just pass it off as a joke.”  Tom rolled his eyes again.

           “Just go get your furniture, please, and stop messing with us,” Tom begged his friend. You shut your bedroom door and took your keys from your pants pocket, walking down the stairs. Harrison smirked at the us, only holding up his thumb toward the door as the two of you walked outside to your car, leaving Tom by himself.

           “Hey, so, I wanted to make a Tik Tok. Will you do it with me so I don’t look stupid? And, by the way, at the end I’m totally not gonna kiss you and post it on the internet so that way it won’t be like I actually mean it unless you want me to mean it?” Tom said to his mirror, sighing at how pathetic he was. Even Tessa thought so, sitting across Tom’s feet and wagging her tail.

           “What do you think, Tessy?” Tom asked as he sat down on the floor, letting the dog crawl into his lap. “Should I say something?”

           The dog didn’t respond, obviously, because she was a dog, and left Tom hanging. He sighed, opening his phone and starting to download the app. This could really change everything, for better or for worse. He could be publicly humiliating her, in which case he didn’t even have to post the video. He could just act like it was a joke if it doesn’t work, but then he would feel bad. He would feel bad regardless.

           “All the girls leave me except you,” he said to his dog, who promptly got up and walked out of Tom’s room. “And I thought you were different.” He sighed and stood up, deciding to let the decision make itself. He headed back down the stairs, phone in hand, as he signed up for an account and tried to find the right audio. He should just do it, he thought. He could navigate weird. He was the king of weird.

-

           “I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Harrison sighed as he saw the pieces that the Ikea workers had loaded into the back of the car. He was supposed to have enough to build a desk, but it honestly looked like parts were missing. He would be awake all night.

           “Looks like it,” you responded. “Don’t even ask me where the tools are.” Harrison smirked.

           “Speaking of tools, once I find them, I’ll probably be working for most of the night. With music on. So if you two decide to…”

           “For the last time, Haz, I’m not going to. Not unless Tom does something first. And even so, I am classy. I’m not going to just smush him.”

           “Classy? I’ve seen what you wear out sometimes. If I can see your whole…” You elbowed him as you unbuckled your seatbelt, then shrugged innocently as he glared.

           “Fuck you, Haz. Carry this in yourself.” You shut the door behind you and walked into the house, where Tom was in the den. His phone was propped up and he was standing like he was using it as a camera. You knew Tom well enough to know that he was nervous for something because he was wearing a bigger shirt than usual to hide his sweating. You were about to say something, until Harrison walked in carrying a box. He looked at the two of you and then whistled his way up the stairs.

           “What’s going on with him?” You asked, even though you knew what was up.

           “He’s just being annoying,” Tom responded. “He’s been on my case today.” Tom took his phone and sat down on the couch, just as you had the same thought. You sat down on the other side, legs extended against Tom’s. You sat like that often, not even thinking how it might look. You just didn’t feel like buying another couch, so your legs would brush up against each other.

           “About?” You asked. Maybe if Harrison was on your case about Tom, maybe Harrison was on Tom’s case about you. Come on, Haz, come through, you thought.

           “That you were so obsessed with Tik Tok that I should make one too,” he lied. He wasn’t really thinking about making a Tik Tok. He was thinking about whether he should kiss you at the end.

           “Oh, let’s do it,” you replied, relieved. At least nothing would change in the next few minutes. You sat up at the same time he did. “Which one?”

           “Let’s do…” Tom scrolled on his app until he found a random one, and you nodded. You’d seen it the night before and it looked easy enough. “This one?”

           “That’s fine.” He set the camera up and you started dancing, so did Tom. You were in your own world, not even realizing what was happening. Here it goes, Tom thought. He turned to you, having stopped, and so did you.

           “What are you doing?” You asked. Tom smirked, suddenly feeling confident. He was doing the right thing, he was sure of it.

           “You don’t know?” He asked. You shook your head, laughing a little. He fixed his hands on your waist as your hoodie rode up and, in a second, his lips were on yours. Oh. So Harrison hadn’t been playing you. You leaned into him. His lips were soft. And they tasted like the gummy bears he’d had earlier for a snack. And you grinned like an idiot.

           “Harrison’s such a div,” you said out loud. Tom howled in laughter, taking your hand.

           “He told you?”

           “No, he said you liked me, but… Wait, this isn’t a joke, right?”

           “No!” Tom said, pulling you back in for another kiss. “I was doing those videos you were watching earlier.”

           “Then post it and get back over here!” You insisted. You felt like you were melting. Tom liked you too? Harrison hadn’t been an ass for once? When Tom turned back you were already walking toward him. His hands crept higher and higher as he kissed you again, this time his tongue finding its way through your sealed lips. You found your back on the couch, Tom on top of you, and even though you knew you needed to stop you couldn’t find the words to make him. Until Tom leaned in again, and so did you, and your foreheads hit the other. Tom was a giggly mess, but your head was throbbing.

           “I’m sorry,” he said with a smile.

           “It’s okay. Just come back.” Tom snaked his hands up to your hoodie, slowly pushing it off, and you once again remembered Harrison.

           “Harrison,” you said, your voice muffled by Tom’s lips.

           “Okay, then, let’s not be suspicious.” Tom kissed you once more. “Put your hoodie back on, and then I’ll go to my room. I’ll text the group chat and ask you to come and then…” You just laughed.

           “Whatever you say, Holly.” He smiled at the old nickname. When you were little you had too many Toms in your class, him being one of them, and you had just shortened his last name to Holly. In your phone, his name was still T Holly. And that made him grin like an absolute idiot.

           “Oi, if you are done making out, I’d really like to come get some water!” Harrison called down the stairs. Both of their faces turned red, and Tom, still on top of you, did his best to hide his face in your neck. “I heard the whole thing. And I’ll go annoy T later so I don’t have to listen if you want to fuck all night.”

           “Harrison!” You both said at the same time. He just winced and ran out the door to get another box.

           “Now!” Tom called, pulling you off the couch. “My room, go!” You rushed up the stairs to Tom’s room, him following you, and he slammed the door behind him and locked it to leave you two alone.

           “Where were we?” Tom asked with a smile, hands once again on your hips. You just reached down to your sweatshirt and pulled it up, revealing your sports bra. “Ah, that’s where we were.” You laughed again, putting your hands in Tom’s curly hair, just elated that you were finally with the guy you’d had a crush on for so many years.

A/N: I wrote this awhile ago and wanted to go ahead and get it up. I love this idea of roommate to lovers and thought it would be such a cute thing to write 💕

[boop-le-snoot]

For your celebration- take me and Tony to Latvia. What would we do on a date?

Okay, this is pure crack. Basically, a selfship - thanks, Letsby! For those who do not know what a Latvia is - it's a tiny (1.3 mil people) post-soviet country in Eastern Europe. Yes, I live here and yes, I am suffering. Tony Stark could buy Latvia without causing a dent in his budget. I absolutely cannot take this prompt seriously 😃🔫 So here's a video of what my country actually is like and why this would be a disaster! Now with Wikipedia links for y'all to see what I'm talking about.

• "Oh no, I don't think it's a good idea," You mumble, giving the largest, scariest side-eye to Natasha, who's piloting the quinjet with a poker face worth of a master bullshitter. It was her idea for the team to see your native country - you're pretty sure it's revenge for eating her bagels last month - but you can't do anything about it because Bucky is already excitedly yapping to Steve about how he spent a whole month here eating nothing but different varieties of cooked potatoes in the early 2000s and how much he liked it.

• It's not the WW2 veterans you're worried about, it's not the spy agent duo that probably had been in much worse places and definitely not Bruce - you know firsthand that the deep Asia can get much, much less comfortable than your little country. Your boyfriend however... Every time you try to picture him on a casual street somewhere in the capital city, your mind just glitches and hangs up an error sign. His shoes cost about twice the price of the two-room apartment you used to live in with your parents as a child.

• "C'mon, short stuff, how bad can it be?" Says Tony without lifting his eyes and it's obvious he's... Googling. It wouldn't be the first time Americans have assumed your motherland is either a city in Russia or a region in Poland. You're used to it - and you never hesitate to confuse them in turn, speaking in a language nobody's even heard about. Somwhere behind you, Bruce snorts.

• As you land on SHIELD-owned ground, a small private airport away from the city, you can't help but inhale a lungful of the cool, damp air. The air here is certainly much less polluted than in NYC. "Okay, Nat, what do you need from me?" You ask, phone at the ready.

• "Drive the car, here's the address, that's our hotel. We'll take the one in the garage," And sure, you still remember your city as if you had never left. Your team stares at the line of Wolkswagen mom vans that are neatly placed for your convenience. "Gotta blend in," Natasha's eyebrow makes an appearance as Tony begins to bitch at the ten-year-old cars that definitely do not have the usual luxuries of full size American SUVs. You feel a headache start somwhere behind your temples.

• Potholes. One after the other, you jump each time a tire catches on one, focusing your attention on driving and trying to ignore Clint's whining. It's not like you can avoid them - the road does its best impression of Swiss cheese quite successfully. "This is the industrial port, this is a hill that we like to call a mountain," You mumble with a straight face as you pass a particularly tall piece of dirt. "This is the Victory Park - Bucky may want to visit, lots of veteran names inscribed on the monument there if you ever knew any Russians during the war," You continue rambling, seeing Tony stare around in surprise.

• He looks exactly as out of place as you thought he would. "Reminds me of that time we had to stay in Chelyabinsk," He mutters and you swallow a chuckle at the obvious shiver of discomfort. Tony wasn't made for adventures in rural Russia. He screamed like a little girl when he saw a rat and Bruce nearly hulked out having decided to go to the local shops and practice his Russian - it was minus twenty nine degrees Celsius that day.

• You pass the river, going over the bridge and into the heart of the city, Old Town, where buildings stand older than America itself and the roads are cobblestone. The Americans look around with eyes as wide as saucers and that makes you laugh a little; you start full-on belly cackling as the hotel receptionist pops her gum and gives Tony the keycard to your room with absolutely zero indication she recognised any of the superheroes. Steve blushes.

• "We want to go exploring, gonna come with?" Bucky's text hits the group chat a little after both of you have showered and unpacked. Tony is occupied on his tablet and you're already cringing, inwardly preparing yourself for the inevitable avalanche of questions. He replies "Yes!" to Bucky before you can even unlock your phone.

• "What do you mean, seventeen kinds of potato dishes?" Steve's eyebrows are nearly hidden by his hair as he stares at the menu of a... You couldn't call it a restaurant by any means. A café, maybe. It's what you had stupidly offered when Bruce timidly questioned you about the local cuisine. "With peas? And what is that - lard?" Steve sounds disgusted, muttering about not eating such culinary perversions even during the Depression era. Naturally, Tony takes exactly the things Steve is so outraged about.

• Bucky, however, is in heaven. You and him chat with the server in fluent Russian with Natasha occasionally adding a quip. Bruce's, Tony's and Steve's staring makes you feel like a hippo in a zoo. Predictably, Tony hates his food and you switch your porkchops, thankful he's actually eating and not whining - looking at you, Barton.

• It doesn't get much better than that. Tony hates the spotlight, dislikes being bothered on the street but the absolute indifference that people around you all show towards the very public group of superheroes begins to unsettle him. You walk around the old town, Bucky on one side and Tony clutching your arm like a lifeline, while you tell your friends about the various ancient buildings.

• Bucky does recognise a few names at the Victory monument and you respectfully give him and Steve some time while you feed the ducks. "It's so depressing," Tony eyes you with a sort of respect. "I don't know how you lived here for twenty years."

• Natasha snorts. "It's peaceful," But she doesn't add more, seeing your face fall. Bruce quietly nods, content to just sit on the bench and observe the quacking birds, the pale blue skyline and the trees gently rustling in the wind.

• "You should see the countryside," You can't help but shiver. "So many ghost towns with population under five hundred people. It's creepy," These days, you're used to the bustling, busy USA, to large cities and lots of travel. Even the capital city of your country seems too quiet, almost unsettling, compared to New York city. Or even London or Budapest.

• Bucky and Steve finally gather themselves with the former discreetly holding Steve's hand. "Maybe we can go to the sea? It's warm today," You don't have the heart to refuse. It's summer and it's about 24 degrees Celsius, the weather pretty good for swimming - of course, you don't expect the Americans to swim, so it's just you, Nat and Buck who pack their swimsuits.

• The seaside is peaceful - not many people on the secluded beach you take your friends to, and predictably, the water is freezing cold but in a good, familiar way. You and Natasha have the time of your lives, swimming, splashing while the rest of the team sits and watches you on the shore, wrapped up in their hoodies, munching on some snack or another.

• You're pretty sure your lips are blue when you exit; with a shriek, Tony attempts to jump away as you wrap your cold, wet self around him, but it's obvious he's enjoying your happiness. "Don't get sick, dear, I don't want your germs," He chortles, but wraps you up in a large fluffy towel and hugs you for extra warmth. You retaliate with a sloppy kiss, dragging your wet hair all over his shirt.

• As you return to New York, you find Tony deep in thought throughout the day. He casts glances at you when he thinks you're not looking; Bruce is the same, and even Clint adopts some kind of an obvious thinking process. "What?!" You finally ask, fed up with the unusual behaviour.

• "Just glad you're with us," Tony kisses your hair. You prepare yourself for more and more questions.

Letsby, I'm cackling.

[collecting-stories]

Home - Kiara Carrera

Request: hi! can i request a platonic pogue imagine where kie is assaulted at a party and the pogues are all super protective and concerned?

A/N: The title comes from a poem by Rupi Kaur of the same name from her book The Sun and Her Flowers. I have excerpts from the same poem at the beginning and end of this. 

T/W: This talks entirely of sexual assault and violence. It’s not in graphic detail but please read with caution if that’s something that upsets you. 

Outer Banks Masterlist

~

It began as a typical Thursday from what I can recall

Sunlight kissed my eyelids good morning

-

Kiara had a million dreams about leaving the OBX but they always involved coming back. The beach was a part of her. Other people talked about the Outer Banks like it was prison, like if they could belong to anywhere they would never choose that island but Kiara knew differently. The Outer Banks wasn’t just the place she lived it was her home. It ran through her blood. All her best memories were here, on the Cut with the pogues, at home with her parents...even when things got tough at school she still belonged, in some way. Other people came and went, they visited and never stayed, but the OBX was her home. Her hometown, her security blanket. It was the first sand she ever stepped on, the first wave she ever caught.  

She could remember learning to drive stick shift in her dad’s old car down back roads and sitting outside in the salt air while her mom tried umpteen times to braid her hair the way she had seen in youtube videos. All her friends were here. All her family. It was the place she felt the most love. Every piece of her could be tied to the OBX.  

She loved the Outer Banks. The beach, the Cut, even the Eight. The boneyard, the Wreck, every landscape, every lighthouse, every pebble on the island held a piece of her heart and she loved it all dearly. But love doesn’t always last.  

“Can I ride with her?”  

It sounded like Pope’s voice but something was covering her ears, she tried lift her hand up, pull whatever it was off her ears, but her arm was strapped down. Someone pressed a hand to her arm and she flinched.  

“It’s okay honey,” a woman said, voice even. Her face came into view, hazy like Kiara couldn’t quite focus on the image, “we’re gonna take you to the hospital okay?”

“Can I ride with her?” Pope repeated, his voice cracking. If she could’ve seen him she would’ve seen the terrified look in his eyes. Bloodshot, cheeks stained with tears, as he pushed against the officer holding him back.  

John B was off to the side, holding Sarah. Shoupe had JJ pushed back, trying to calm the boy down. But he looked just as shaken as Pope, face red and fists clenching so hard his nails were digging into his palms.  

“You have to follow behind, I’m sorry. Only family are allowed to ride along in the ambulance.” The woman, who was walking beside the gurney, called out to Pope.  

“Are you fucking kidding me!” JJ shouted, “We are her family!”  

“Hey, calm down!” Shoupe pushed JJ back again.

“Fuck you!”  

When another cop moved forward Peterkin put her hand up. “He’s fine.” She promised.

Someone grabbed Pope’s arm and he practically jumped, turning away from the ambulance for the first time since it had pulled up. They loaded the stretcher up into the back, the female EMT climbing in after it, reaching out to hold Kiara’s hand. Behind Pope, Topper stood, looking apologetic. He’d come up the beach with some others when they heard the sirens. Most people had fled but an ambulance meant they weren’t here to break up a party.  

“I’ll give you ride.”

“What?” Pope asked, confused. JJ, John B, and Sarah had all turned when they saw Topper approach.  

“Let me drive you guys to the hospital.” He repeated, glancing over at his ex, “it’s the least I can do.”

“Yeah okay.” John B nodded, his whole body shaking as he followed his friends toward Topper’s SUV.

Kiara had been to a million parties in the OBX. Every summer since she was fourteen it felt like she lived half her life at parties on the beach. The pogues brought the keg and they all just hung out, chill, easy, sometimes a fight might break out but that wasn’t typical. She had never felt anything but safe on the beach. It was open and there were always people around and she loved the feeling of hanging with friends and watching the ocean at night.  

The OBX was her great love and the beach was her safe haven.  

And she’d been chatting with different groups like she always did, weaving her way around different people’s narratives and finding new friends. Dancing with JJ, Sarah, whoever. It was like every other night at the beach until she wandered a little further up the sand.  

Maybe it was the third drink, or the fourth...she didn’t know anything other than suddenly feeling bad. Like she was swimming in her own head. She felt like she was going to be sick and she told Sarah she’d be right back. She was going up to the Twinkie.  

God she loved that car. That stupid, rusty, bus that JJ had installed a new tape deck weeks ago when she complained that they needed cassettes in the old junker again. That bus that Pope and JJ found her slumped against.  

“Kie!”  

She remembered little else besides going up the hill to the where the bus was parked but she would never forget the way JJ screamed her name. It was something she’d never heard before. Not happiness, not relief, not anger...he was scared.  

He held her while Pope called 911 and then called Sarah. ‘Something terrible happened, come quick’. He held her until the ambulance came and when he stood in the waiting room, pacing back and forth like a madman, it was her blood that stained his white t-shirt. It was on his arms, under his nailbeds, mixed with his own. When a nurse tried to take a look at his bleeding hands his flinched away from her so hard he bumped into a chair and knocked over a magazine rack.  

“I need to talk to you about what you saw,” it was the first thing Peterkin said when she got to the hospital. She pulled John B down the hall, leaving Sarah curled up in a chair by herself, still crying.  

“Pope and JJ...I wasn’t there when they found Kiara.” John B explained, raking his hands through his hair. What did he see? Nothing...the same thing he saw at every party. People, kegs, more people. “Someone did this to her...we were fucking feet away and someone-” his fist hit the wall and hours later he had it wrapped when his knuckles started to bruise, “someone did this and we weren’t there.”

“I’m trying to figure out who that person is.” It didn’t matter who Peterkin interviewed, all the pogues stories melded into one, singular proclamation.  

“If I knew I’d rip their fucking throat out.”  

Peterkin called Kiara’s parents. They’d been to the hospital with her three times in sixteen years. Once when she was born, once when she pulled boiling water off the stove and her mother had to sit with DCS for hours convincing them she was a good parent, and once when she was fourteen and broke her wrist skateboarding. There was even a picture hanging on their fridge of her, sitting on the exam table, holding her arm up proudly. On the back her dad had written ‘Kiara, age 14, first break’.

The pictures of this went into a folder. Close ups of her thighs, her throat, her face, her hands, arms, wrists, stomach, every part of her documented for a plain manila folder. Her dad stood outside her room and cried for the first time since she was born.  

“You gonna be a big name surfer someday?” Her dad had teased her the first time she went out on a board with him. It was floral and she’d picked it out herself, eager to learn.  

“I’m gonna surf every beach in the world.” She was eight and her mom stood at the edge of the tide, watching them drift further out.

“Which one you think you’ll like the most?”  

“This one.” She had pictures of Hawai’i and Venice Beach and Australia tacked to her wall even then but she knew what she loved.  

Kiara had made it to the Twinkie when she felt her throat close up the way it always did before she puked. She grabbed the hood of the bus and leaned over, throwing up right there in front of John B’s car and thinking that she would have to tell them not to step in it when they left later that night.  

Pope stood barefoot in the hospital waiting room because he’d walked right through it. The police collected his shoes at the scene and he had ridden all the way there with nothing but a pair of gym socks Topper had in his trunk on his feet.  

Kiara had thrown up, wiped her mouth on the back on her hand, and stood, her mind on grabbing a water bottle from inside the Twinkie, when someone grabbed her. They knocked the wind out of her, shoving her forward into the car that was parked next to the bus. Her head hit the car and a hand pushed her face down against the hood. When she tried to scream, and she couldn’t even tell if she was screaming or even opening her mouth, they lifted her by her hair and threw her against the side of the Twinkie.  

It could’ve been anyone. When she woke up and Peterkin came in to talk to her the reality of it all felt like it was crashing down on her. Like a wave pulling her under the ocean and she was fighting to break the surface.  

“I didn’t see him...I didn’t...I can’t....he could’ve been anyone.”  

“We’re gonna keep looking baby,” Peterkin had promised but the truth was there was a whole island to search. Most of the kids had fled when they heard the sirens and there was no way of knowing if Kiara’s attacker hadn’t fled before that. The moment he heard Pope and JJ calling for their best friend.  

Topper told John B he’d keep an ear to the ground. Kelce and Rafe expressed the same sentiment. JJ, Pope, and John B kept a close watch on any pogues but it became more and more clear that the person who did this hadn’t just left the party. They had left the island.  

A touron. Here one day, gone the next. A stranger. A faceles, nameless, person had come into town for a vacation. On summer break with family, with friends, with someone. They had come onto her island and they had taken it from her. Kiara’s mom sat in the hosptial bed beside her for days, holding her daughter the way she used to when she was small and reminding her of every single person on that island that loved her, hoping against all hope that Kiara would feel even an inkling of that. And when she went home, when she climbed out onto her roof along in the middle of the night and she looked out at the ocean it all looked the same but she wondered if it even recognized her anymore.  

-

This home is what I came into this world with

Was the first home

Will be the last home

You cannot take it

There is no space for you

No welcome mat

~

Taglist: @maplelattes22 @poguesrforlife  @freckled-and-daydreaming  @chasefreakinstokes @millie-753 @fangirlwithme @alex12948 @katherine097 @tangledinsparkles @carbonated-beverage @mariofgreengables @damonsalvawhore27 @dopedoodes @dolanfivsosxox@belledutchess @poguelifeeee @faded-blue @parkerpetertingle @thebookwormlife @summer-clouds-and-long-days @jellyfishbeansontoast @minigranger @hoewkeye @love-someone-special @tiredfeels @strangerthanfanfiction713 @the-only-nana @tomzfrog @mozz-are-lla @vindictive-hearts @poguestyleskye @ssprayberrythings @jenahbell @beautyandthebleh @gothackedalready @teenwaywardasgardian @sarahcxmeron @haha-fuck-you-thot @stillbelieve398-5 @rewindlr @queenniccimicci @kissessforharryyy @thedarkqueenofavalon @alytavzla @bqmblebee @linniep @nerdypartytrashpsychic @xxchxrryxx @spencer-reid-is-a-cutie @mirjanak @danielladreaming @obx-saltlife @youngestxhearts @spnobsessedmemes @wowitswondergurl @celestialmaybank @mybnkjj @pineappleandcherries @mysterious-adventurer @justawilddreamerchild @rhyetaylor62 @calm-rejects @balletandyuzu @oh-annaa@aiifandomsunite @x-lulu @ceruleanjj @wicked-laugh @obxwriterfan @allie-mcginn @pcterparxer @literarycharleton @khiaraaa-in-spacee @crushe-s @teamnick @daydreamlilys@collectiveuniverses @activist-af @mdgrdians @buckys-sunflower @vindictive-hearts@copper-boom @talksoprettyjjx @5am-cigarette @smiithys @dontjinx-it @outerbanksbro @mysticsthinking @heavenlymama  @rudy-pankow-needs-an-oscar @babymatilda @raekenliar@lemur46 @haute-shawn 

[welcometophu]

Not Your Guardian Angel: Chapter 5

Marked Book 3: Not Your Guardian Angel

Chapter 5

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Cheyenne sits cross-legged on Pels’s bed, facing her. There are three towels spread out to keep the bed clean, and they already look blood-spattered by drops of spaghetti sauce from when Cheyenne gestured with her fork while eating.

They’d delivered a big bowl of pasta to Mom, then retreated to Pels’s room with their own second attempt at dinner, the door shut behind them. They’ll know when Peter comes home, and honestly, Pels hopes to be asleep before his SUV pulls back into the driveway.

For a little while, it’s been easy. Pels can eat quietly and forget about everything else, while Cheyenne fills the empty spaces with chatter about school, Adric, and gymnastics. It’s great, until dinner is done, and they put the bowls aside on Pels’s bureau, and Cheyenne pulls the spattered towels off the bed, bundling them up.

“Can I stay in your bed tonight, or do I need to sleep on the floor?” Cheyenne asks quietly.

Pels remembers the first time Cheyenne crawled into bed with her. Pels was seven, and Cheyenne was two. Cheyenne had just figured out how to climb out of her crib, over the rail, and had toddled down the hall to climb in with Pels during a thunderstorm. When that meant that Cheyenne got upgraded to a “big girl bed” by taking Pels’s bed, Mom had given Pels a big double bed to sprawl in. Pels is small enough that she hasn’t cared when Cheyenne has continued to climb in, whenever she’s scared, ever since.

Pels snorts softly. “When have I ever made you sleep on the floor?”

Cheyenne grins and throws her pillow on the bed, then stretches out, her legs longer than Pels’s, feet reaching further down the bed as they lie next to each other. “Okay. So. What next?” she whispers.

“You know what you need to do,” Dad says. He’s standing by the bureau, looking down at the bowls and idly poking at one of the forks.

“Dad, it’s creepy when you hang out at night,” Pels says plainly.

“And you’re ignoring my point.”

“I don’t mind if he’s here.” Cheyenne waves at the air. “I mean, he’s always here, right? Like. He’s been here since I was a baby. I’m pretty sure I can’t care. He’s not my dad, but he’s your dad, so he’s like my Peter. Only dead.”

And nicer. But Pels isn’t going to say that out loud. After all, Dad has his issues and can be manipulative at times, so while he’s definitely not Peter, he also isn’t perfect. Besides, Cheyenne doesn’t need to be reminded just how bad Peter can be. “Okay then.” There really isn’t much she can do about him anyway. If he wants to stay, he’s going to stay. “We need a plan.”

“Where can you go?”

It’s a reasonable question, and Pels has been thinking about it while they ate. If it were Cheyenne, maybe it’d be easy. She has friends everywhere. “I only really have friends at PHU,” she admits. “And most of them have gone home for Spring Break.”

Cheyenne rolls over on her elbow. “Did anyone stay? Or maybe do you know anyone else who lives in Pennsylvania? Or somewhere you could get to on the bus?”

Pels reaches for her phone, but the list of phone numbers in her contacts is small. She may have made friends, but she hasn’t exactly tried her hardest to connect with them.

She opens the group text with Shane and Jess. There have been more pictures since she last talked to them. The latest shows three large cats sleeping in a pile on top of Ángel.

“Oh my God, that’s so cute!” Cheyenne snatches the phone from Pels’s hands, squealing as she opens the photo stream for the chat and scrolls through the pictures. “Are they mountain lions? They’re adorable! Why are your friends hanging out with mountain lions?”

Pels grabs the phone back and uses pictures to explain. “The cats are Talented. The word for their Talent looks kind of like lynx, and they look like lynxes, so I’m going to go with that, because I’m not sure how it’s pronounced. That’s Ángel, and his boyfriend Tony, and those two are Tanner and Luca and that’s Hayley. Here’s a picture where they all look normal. And these are Jess and Shane.”

Cheyenne takes the phone back when Pels offers it, magnifying the pictures to get a closer look. “Jess is really pretty. She’s tall and like, totally solid. I love her hair and her freckles. Shane looks cute. Does he have a cane?”

“He broke his leg last January and it hasn’t really healed quite right.” Pels chews at her lip, not reaching out to take the phone back. “They are also pretty much literally the only people I think I can call.”

“Just call them,” Dad says. He plucks the phone from Cheyenne’s fingertips and drops it on Pels’s lap.

Cheyenne blinks. “I am guessing your Dad has opinions.”

“He usually does.” Pels picks up the phone as she lies back again, holding it above their heads. She presses the button to call Jess, and arranges the phone so the camera gets both her and Cheyenne lying side by side.

“Pels, hi!” Jess sounds surprised, and Pels can’t really blame her. She wouldn’t expect herself to call, either.

When the video comes on, it wobbles and shifts around until it’s set against something and is pointing at a bed in a dorm room where Ángel and Tony are sitting against the wall, and Shane’s on the floor. Jess flops on the floor next to Shane and waves. “Tanner borrowed Tony’s truck and he and Luca and Hayley went out to pick up pizza.”

“We will starve before they return,” Shane says dryly. “It’s already been an hour.”

“Why?” Cheyenne asks.

Pels is pretty sure she can guess the reason and it doesn’t have anything to do with the pizza. Her cheeks go hot when everyone else laughs. “It doesn’t matter,” she says quickly. “They’ll be back soon, I’m sure. I just—” She cuts off, not quite sure how to get started.

“It’s cool that you called,” Jess says easily. “Is that your little sister? Hey, Cheyenne, I’m Jess. Pels talks about you in our group chat.”

“Pels showed me pictures, but it’s really cool to meet you. Is it true that—ow.” Cheyenne rubs her side where Pels elbowed her. “Quit it.”

Ángel turns towards Tony, then leans closer to him as Tony murmurs something. Tony’s expression when he looks back at the camera is far more gentle than his rough looks would make Pels guess. For a moment, they both get very large in the screen as they climb over Jess and Shane to get off the bed, then they disappear from view. “Good to see you,” Ángel says from off-screen. “We’re going to go take a walk. Let Tony stretch his furry legs.”

There’s a low rumble, and a strangled laugh, and the door in the background bangs open as Jess and Shane both watch the action. Jess is laughing when she looks back at Pels. “Tony just bride-carried him out. Which is better than a fireman’s carry, but still, the look on Ángel’s face was priceless.”

Shane leans forward, picking up the phone and moving it closer, presumably on his lap so it’s looking up at him and Jess. “So, hey, Pels,” he says, his voice low and careful. “What’s up?”

“I’m supposed to get to know you.” She doesn’t know why it’s so hard to just say she needs help, but it is. It’s really hard to get the words out.

“And that’s why you’re calling with your little sister on the call?” Shane looks doubtful.

“Is everything okay?” Jess asks.

“No,” Cheyenne says firmly. “It’s not. Pels needs to go back to PHU right now.”

Jesus.

“Not right this second, Cheyenne. But yes, soon,” Pels admits. “Things are—it’s just not good here right now.”

There’s a loud car on the street, and for just a moment she thinks it might be Peter coming home. She drops the phone, scrambling to the window to look out, but a pickup truck rolls by, passing the driveway and continuing on.

“So, my dad and Pels got in a fight,” Cheyenne says, the phone in her hands now as she looks up at it. “He’s my dad, but not Pels’s dad—you should ask her about her dad sometime. Anyway, her and my dad don’t get along, and he doesn’t approve of her tattoo.” When Cheyenne says the words, Pels can almost hear the quotations around “tattoo” as if she’s trying to get them to talk about the soul marks. “Then things started rattling and when stuff like that happens—”

“I always get blamed.” Pels gets back on the bed and into view of the camera quickly. “It’s usually my fault. Kind of.”

“This time it wasn’t, but my dad doesn’t know that.”

“And in order to keep everything from getting out of hand, he’s pissed off enough that we think everything would go back to status quo if I weren’t here making it worse,” Pels says quickly. She knows they need to talk about it more, but she doesn’t want Mom to overhear them talking about Cheyenne’s Talent. It’s obvious that Mom isn’t ready for it, and there’s no point in taking the risk.

“I don’t have friends here,” Pels adds, when Jess and Shane are strangely silent. They glance at each other, and she wonders if they can have silent conversations. They’re best friends; maybe they’ve developed that almost telepathy some friends have. “We moved into this house right before I started at PHU. If I didn’t have GPS, I’d be constantly lost, especially since Mom has me driving Cheyenne around. The only person outside of this house whose name I actually know is Lonnie, the guy at the Coffee Shack.”

“I wonder if they’d be jealous if you told them he was flirting with you?” Dad muses.

“Shut up, Dad,” Pels snaps.

Cheyenne giggles.

Jess’s mouth is slightly open, staring at the phone. Shane looks as if he’s trying to see around the edges of the image. “Do you have someone else there?” Shane asks.

Pels puts a hand over Cheyenne’s mouth. “It is a long and complicated story. Just remember, if I say Dad, it’s—not an awful thing. If Cheyenne says Dad, she means Peter, and he’s the one who doesn’t like me.”

“Noted,” Jess says.

Cheyenne shoves Pels’s hand away. “Short version is Pels needs you guys to rescue her. So can she come home and stay with you?”

Jess makes the funny little fish face again, her mouth opening and closing while her cheeks go red under the freckles. Shane says something to her that’s too quiet for the microphone, and Jess shakes her head quickly. “I’m fine,” she insists. “I’m just going to grab a water bottle. I’ll be right back. You want one? Of course you want one. Shane. Not Pels. I can’t exactly give you a water bottle through the phone line.” She disappears from view quickly.

Shane’s expression goes soft and amused. “You’re ridiculous.”

A water bottle lands on the bed next to him. “Shut up,” Jess says from off-screen.

Cheyenne still has the phone in her hands, so she sits up, cradling it in her lap to look down. “The pictures of the cats were really cool,” she says. “Pels said they’re lynxes.”

“Lince,” Shane says, and Pels is relieved she didn’t try to pronounce it because it sounds more like linn-chay than lynx. “They’re a type of shapeshifter with only one form, and don’t call them Clan; Tony growls every time it comes up. It’s the only type of Talent I’ve ever seen where one person can call it out of someone else, which is why Tanner’s now a cat.”

Pels is sure there’s a story there, and she is equally sure that Cheyenne is going to get Shane to tell it. By the time she tries to decide whether it’s worth rerouting the conversation back to the rescue mission, Shane’s already deep into a discussion of how there was a twenty-two hour truck ride that ended with one of them becoming a cat.

There are pieces left out. There have to be, because it doesn’t fully make sense.

That doesn’t seem to matter to Cheyenne, who simply nods along with all of it. “So Tony and Ángel are soulmates and who else is?” she asks.

“Ángel and Hayley are the ones who did the original ritual,” Shane explains. “They thought they were going to be soulmates, but then everything went a little wrong. Ángel still brought Hayley home for winter break, though, and she met his best friend Tanner and they turned out to be soulmates, and now Luca’s their boyfriend. And Ángel ended up finding out Tony’s his soulmate, and really, it’s all far better matchups.”

Jess flops back on the bed, a bottle of water in hand that’s already half gone. Her cheeks are still faintly flushed, and her ponytail’s been pulled loose so her auburn hair is in dark waves around her face. “They make each other more stable,” she says. “Ángel and Hayley were like the same person sometimes. But Tony’s got a serious side that helps keep Ángel rooted in reality. And Tanner and Hayley balance well, too, and they make an anchor for Luca.”

“But the spell made them fall in love?” Cheyenne asks. “I mean, isn’t that kind of—”

“Popular misconception, but no.” Shane meets Pels’s gaze through the screen. “Magic can’t make you fall in love. All it can do is point out that someone might be a perfect match, but all the rest of it is up to you.”

Pels makes a noise rather than saying anything in reply. She rubs at her wrist, still uncertain, because this just seems messed up. “Aren’t soulmates supposed to be two people,” she mutters, not bothering to phrase it as a question.

“Ángel’s abuela has two marks,” Jess says. “She didn’t actually get together with both, but she loved both. Soulmates are different for different people. Like Rory’s mark is huge, trying to encapsulate Kit, and they balance each other perfectly. Then there’s Tanner and Hayley, and they’ve got Luca, and there’s no mark for him, but he’s part of their life, and Luca called Tanner’s cat.”

“So no, it’s not weird to have multiple soulmates,” Shane says, his tone very careful. “What happened with my mark is definitely different, but apparently magic likes to do things its own way.”

“Especially around Shane.” Jess knocks into him with her shoulder. “Since his innate ability is Chaos.”

“And if you had a Talent, your innate ability would be stable math,” Shane counters.

“It sounds like you two should totally be soulmates, if balance matters that much,” Cheyenne says with a soft laugh.

“Except for the fact that I am very much a lesbian, and apparently the equation includes Pels,” Jess replies.

Pels can feel the warmth rising in her face again. She’s pretty sure she’s supposed to respond somehow here. Either she should be encouraging, or discouraging, or something in between but there are no words that feel right on her tongue.

“You could just go with it,” Dad points out, and Pels turns to glare over her shoulder at him.

“So,” Cheyenne says, a little too loudly. “We need to figure out how we’re going to get Pels back to PHU.”

“And where I’m going to stay when I get there. Because I didn’t sign up to say I’d be there over break, so I’m locked out of the dorm until Saturday. It’s only Wednesday,” Pels points out. If money weren’t an issue, the travel would be easy. It’s sleeping space that’s hard.

Shane and Jess look at each other. “Sleeping space is slightly complicated because of all the cats,” Jess says slowly. “But we’ll work something out, we promise. You won’t be stuck sleeping on a park bench in the winter.”

“I’ve actually napped on those benches on the Quad,” Shane muses. “But it was a lot warmer. There was this one senior—my RA last year—who used to tell stories about camping out under the bushes. Apparently there’s a place where you can get under this ring of hemlocks—I’m not even sure where he’s talking about on campus. But it’s like a pine fort, and he’d go sleep outside there. On the other hand, he’s Clan, so I’m not sure he really cared about the weather or being outside in it.”

Jess elbows him. “We will find a place indoors, with heat and a bed, for Pels to stay,” she says firmly. “What about getting here?”

“I took the bus home, and can take it back, but my ticket isn’t until Saturday.” Pels goes to her bag and digs through it, pulling out the information before returning to the bed and in view of the camera. “It looks like there’s a fee to change it, and I can’t exactly ask Mom to change the booking.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Shane offers. “Just text me the information, and I’ll get it changed.”

“If she can go tomorrow morning while I’m at school, I can totally play dumb about it,” Cheyenne says. “Pels, you need the car to get to the bus station, don’t you?”

Pels nods. “Which means the car will be stuck at the station, and Mom and Peter will be pissed off about it. Do you think you can get Mom to the station to pick it up somehow without Peter getting involved? I don’t want there to be any backlash on you.”

Cheyenne pats her hand. “I can cry on demand, and you’ll be abandoning me. I will absolutely play dumb for you. Besides, I think Mom might be more on your side than you think.”

Pels thinks back over every time Mom’s forced her to wear the right clothes, act the right way, and hasn’t believed her when she’s talked about Talent. “Yeah, I don’t think so.”

“I think she’s right,” Dad says quietly. “Your mother was different when we were together. I’m sure that person is still in there.”

That’s a rabbit hole Pels wants to slide down, asking Dad about the past. But he never lets her dig into the details, and she has to be satisfied with the tiny random nuggets he drops like that one. So she shrugs, and grabs the phone from Cheyenne, using it to send the details of how to change it to the group text with Shane and Jess.

There’s a bang in the background of a door slamming open. “Hey there!” a voice calls cheerfully, and Pels thinks it might be Hayley. “We’re back with pizza. Where did Tony and Ángel go?”

“I think they’re on the phone.” A quieter voice, then murmuring in the background.

Jess wiggles her fingers in invitation, and three people enter the view. “Wave at Pels and her little sister, Cheyenne,” Jess orders. “This is Tanner, and Luca. You know Hayley.”

Barely. And she recognizes the other two from pictures. Luca’s taller than Tanner, and has one arm slung across his shoulder, leaning in like he has to touch him. Tanner’s hair sticks up every which way, but he’s also carrying four boxes of pizza, and a bag that Pels figures has wings in it.

“We should let you go,” Pels says quickly. “Just… text me when everything’s all set. We’ll figure out what to do on our side. Bye.”

“Is everything okay?”

Pels touches the button to disconnect the call while Hayley’s still speaking, then tosses her phone onto the charger so it’ll be ready to go in the morning. “I should pack.”

Cheyenne pulls her feet up as she sits up, arms around her legs, hunching over with her chin on her knees. “I’m going to miss you,” she says quietly. “Peter’s going to be okay, though. I mean. I think he’ll—”

“He’ll be glad that I’m gone.” Pels finishes the sentence for her. “I know, and I wouldn’t be leaving like this if I didn’t think that. Mom will think she’s failed, and it’s kind of a failure of the whole nuclear family unit thing, but he also can’t stand me, and he hates when I’m weird and different and act like I’ve got the devil in me. Which… I guess I do, but I also have a guardian angel, and well. He’s never going to understand.”

She grabs her dirty laundry from the last few days, shoving it into her laundry bag on one side of her bag. She looks at the few clothes she’d brought home, and the new dresses mom gave her with the leggings. Which were actually kind of comfortable, and a halfway decent compromise. Mom was trying.

Pels packs everything she can except for her toiletries, then lays out one of the soft dresses and a pair of leggings, along with her boots for tomorrow. She has to keep up the illusion, otherwise Mom will know something is up in the morning.

“I like them,” Cheyenne says. “I think you should go for it.” Because of course she’s still thinking about Shane and Jess.

“It’s not that easy.”

“It is that easy,” Dad counters. “All you have to do is reach out and try.”

Pels glares angrily at him. “No, Dad, it’s not that easy. I meant what I said. I don’t know how. I don’t make friends easily, and part of that is your fault. It’s really hard to make friends when I’m always moving, and always having things go haywire, and sometimes I look like I’m drunk because you’re trying to push me to do something. Literally. Although that time you made the annoying bird fly away wasn’t bad. I mean. There are times when you help. Yes. That’s good. But still. It’s not easy.”

Cheyenne’s eyebrows are high. “I take it your dad agrees with me?”

“Shocking to say, but yes, now I have two of you bugging me.” Pels flops down on the bed, curling up and pulling her pillow over her head. “Maybe it’s easy for you, but that’s not me. I don’t know how to make friends. It’s so—vulnerable. It could go wrong. I could suddenly have to leave when Peter decides he’s not paying for PHU anymore. Everything could change tomorrow.”

“I died,” Dad says flatly. “And that didn’t stop me from falling in love.”

“You didn’t know you were going to die when you fell in love with her,” Pels yells, her voice muffled by the pillow. “God. Both of you. Just. Let me do it on my own time. I don’t know what I want. I don’t know if I like boys. Or if I like girls. Or if I like those two people in particular. Or even one of them. I don’t even know them. I don’t know anything.”

“In order to find out, you’re going to have to try,” Cheyenne says. “If you want to cry on my shoulder, I’ll be here. I may be young, but I’m a good listener.” She pats Pels’s shoulder gently, then lies down next to her. “You always take care of me. I can take care of you, too, now. I’m old enough. I know how scary it is to like someone.”

As if her fledgling crush on Adric is anywhere near the same scope as Pels suddenly having soulmates and a permanent marking telling the world about them. Pels sucks in a breath, letting it shudder out as she exhales.

“I’ll always listen, too,” Dad says quietly. She feels his hand on her forehead, light and careful, somehow touching her through the pillow. Well. Ghost. Of course he can do that. “I’ll be with you as long as you need me.”

That implies that there might be a time when she won’t need him anymore, or when he thinks she doesn’t, and he leaves. And for all that she rails against him all the time, that’s a chilling thought.

“I’ll think about it,” she mutters into the blankets. Seriously. That’s all they can ask of her and they’re going to have to be satisfied. She’s not doing this at anyone’s pace but her own.

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[human-trash-fire]

Shot Through The Heart CH6:

Alright beautiful humans this is the last set up before the smutfest coming up. I hope y’all enjoy! Thank you to everyone for reading/sharing/commenting I can’t tell you how much I love you <3 Shoutout to @nalgenewhore​ @highqueenofelfhame​ @starseternalnighttriumphant​ for always letting me throw ideas at them!

Two months passed slowly for everyone, all struggling in their own ways...

For Fenrys it was filled with excitement. Each day brought him closer to *finally* being able to touch the girl who had been his every thought. Their conversations were so easy it was as if he’d found his best friend in a woman he’d yet to meet officially. They Skyped when they could, Snapchatted daily, and shared nearly every part of themselves. It was wonderful, and yet… 

For Rowan it was agony. He was, on the outside, the same as he’d always been. Indifferent, ruthless, focused; Inside he was burning. Every time he saw Aelin on their now regular group-Skype chats, when he saw a new picture of her effortless form on Instagram, when Fenrys went on and on about her… He felt like he couldn’t breath. He had no right to feel anything but happy for his friends, and yet… 

For Aelin it was pure confusion. She loved her growing relationship with Fenrys, he was someone rare. A bright light in the darkness of her heart, a smile on a bad day, a joke at an inopportune moment, a shoulder to lean on. He had, by some miracle, become someone she could trust completely. He filled a hole in her heart that yearned for an easy friendship. Fenrys was undoubtedly the most simple part of her life, or he should have been. They flirted constantly, that was their way, and she knew he had gone into this arrangement harboring feelings. It was that knowledge that twisted in her gut in the early hours of the morning when she found herself staring at a picture of green eyes, imagining what it would be like to know the man behind him. She adored Fen, and yet…

HOMECOMING:

Aelin:

The ball wasn’t for another few days. The Cadre, Fen had informed her, had to debrief first (checking in equipment, finalizing reports, etc.) before they’d sign out for leave. Knowing their list of post-deployment requirements didn’t stop the girls from demanding to know when it was the boy’s plane landed. And so she found herself wearing a simple outfit, high-waisted skinny jeans, white KEDS, and a white crop top, standing alongside Lys and Elide in the airport. They held a giant sign, complete with glitter and lights, that read “We finally met, the wait’s been crazy, get your asses over here & hug us maybe?” It was so stupid they were still laughing, and yet it felt like the only way to welcome them home. 

“Their plane just landed!” Aelin squealed while reading the arrivals board for the hundredth time. “How’s my hair?”

“Flawless,” Elide responded before adjusting her bra. “Do these look perky enough to you?”

“You could see them from space El,” Lys laughed and threw her a knowing look. 

“It’s not too much is it? I want him thirsty. I brought a jacket if you think it’s too much?”

“Babe, he is going to fall to his knees and worship at your feet the moment he sees you, regardless of how much breast is showing,” Lysandra assured her.

“No jacket,” Aelin added.

A new wave of people were shuffling through through the entryway to baggage claim. A number of them began pulling out their phones upon seeing the 3 famous women and their adorably large sign. This whole endeavour, like much of their lives, was popular knowledge in Orynth and the crowd gathered to watch. Aelin was bouncing on her toes, eyes scanning for a glimpse of, THERE-

The crowd before them parted and 6 gloriously tall men in uniform, duffle bags slung over their shoulders, looked up at the same time the gathered crowd began to clap. Smiles danced across their tired faces, that was all it took. Aelin took off running, her long golden hair streaming behind her as she made a b-line for Fenrys. With a screech, she jumped onto him, legs locked behind his back and arms thrown over his shoulders. He had dropped his bag just in time to catch her lithe form, and he spun her around laughing. Aelin pulled back from his shoulder and smiled brightly, “Hey you.”

“Ace,” Fen shook his head. “This is- Gods, this is amazing!” Aelin threw her head back and laughed. As she righted herself her eyes drifted just over his shoulder and found Rowan’s, his jaw was clenched. For a moment she thought she saw a flash of something flit across his face before he wiped it clean with an easy smile. She slid out of Fenrys’ grasp. And looked over in time to see Elide walk right up to Lorcan and smile in an almost lethal way.

“Salveterre,” she purred.

“Lochan,” he grinned back, his eyes sliding to her chest and back up to her lips in a way that made Aelin wish she could have a shower.

A small and slightly awkward silence followed the exchange as the remaining members of the group seemed to realize they were still in the center of a crowd of onlookers. Aelin tossed her hair over her shoulder and turned from Fenrys.

“Let me grab your bags, we have our cars out front. I know you’ll have to go back to base soon but would you care to have a beer first?” She asked reaching for Fenrys’ duffle, which he promptly tore from her hands and swung over his shoulder.

“Boys?” he asked behind him, and was met with a chorus of “Gods yes”

They made their way towards the doors, the crowd parted with cameras flashing and the girls smiled demurely. The Cadre, unaccustomed to such publicity waved and smiled, though the Moonbeam twins and Vaughn seemed to be the most at ease. Aelin, her left arm linked with Fenrys, chanced a look over her shoulder and found Rowan already staring at her. She smiled and jerked her head, Rowan made his way to her other side. Her stomach dropped.

“ Welcome home Buzzard,” her voice coming out slightly breathless, her eyes were still lost in his. Rowan smirked, a slow and sensual thing, and leaned down towards her. 

“ Thanks princess,” his voice was smooth like aged whiskey, and his breath was hot on the shell of her ear. Fire shot straight from her flushed cheeks to her core. She looked down at her feet before she turned back, only to realize he’d fallen back in line with the others behind her. Breathe. Fenrys was telling Lysandra a funny story involving a port-o-potty and a helicopter when she tuned back into the conversation. Aelin laughed, and led the boys to the cars, all the while she felt Rowan’s gaze searing through her back. 

They helped the Cadre load their bags into the back of the SUV’s and found seats. Elide was driving Lorcan, Connall, Vaughn and Lysandra to the bar, the others found themselves with her. Fenrys in her passenger seat, and Gavriel behind him, which meant that Rowan with his unending gaze was directly behind her. Aelin took a steadying breath as she moved the car into reverse, using the camera in the dash to avoid her rearview mirror. 

“Where too?” Fenrys asked when they’d finally pulled onto the main drive from the airport.

“Mistward okay with you? We haven’t eaten yet and I need fries,” Aelin laughed looking to Fenrys for approval.

“Gods yes, you know it’s our spot,” he winked.

She turned her eyes back to the road for a moment, then to her rearview mirror. Rowan was already staring. Shit.  Eyes locked on her, his thumb tracing slow lines along his bottom lip, he quirked an eyebrow in question, and Aelin looked back to the road, heart racing. 

Be. Fucking. Casual. Gods. she silently reprimanded herself, even though she thought she may be burning out of her own skin.

“Fen, find some music yeah?” she asked, reaching up to adjust her mirror as nonchalantly as possible. A chuckle rumbled just behind her head. Apparently not as casual as I thought. 

Fuck. 

I need a drink.

Fingers white-knuckling her steering wheel, Aelin drove on to Mistward…

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

THE BALL:

Rowan:

The military trains special forces in the art of withstanding torture. Rowan had been waterboarded, put in stress positions, kept awake for days at a time, and starved. He passed every test of will doled out by his trainers with top marks, never once did he break, remembering only to state his name, branch, and ID number like a mantra: 1SGT Rowan Whitethorn. Terrasen Army. ID #8675309.…. But this? This was something new.

They had all met at Fenry’s place to await the limo the women had sent to fetch them for the ball.In typically dramatic fashion, the girls informed them that they’d meet them there. Apparently they wished to “make an entrance.” When the limo rolled up the Cadre piled inside, a chorus of “fuck yes” coming as they saw bottles of expensive champagne waiting on ice inside the stretch SUV. Dressed to the nines in their uniforms (white pants with a green stripe down the leg, a black coat featuring their medals, white dress shirt and black bow-tie, a “Cadre Cord” of braided green rope adorning their right shoulders) the men turned up the 80’s rock and binged on champagne. 

Rowan had 2 glasses before they even pulled up to the event center, he knew he was going to need it. The building was tall, glass covering the entire side the vehicle pulled up too. Inside they could see hundreds of their fellow men and women in uniform bustling with their dates through the reception line and standing at the windows to watch the scene before them. Because it was a fucking scene. 50 paparazzi, cameras flashing, greeted the Cadre as they made their way outside to await the girls. Rowan felt positively overwhelmed by the number of questions being thrown their way and found himself praying to the Gods that the women would show soon, I just need to get the fuck inside and get a drink, he thought. With a flurry of movement the cameras spun from the Cadre as a black stretch SUV the same as the one in which they arrived pulled up to the curb. Rowan could feel hundreds of eyes on them inside the building, the knowledge made him uncomfortable. His entire job was based on stealth.

His heart already beating out of his chest, Rowan fixed his eyes on the door the driver opened and as if in slow motion the girls made their way out. Lysandra was first, her stunning curves were painted in a deep green velvet. The sweat-heart neckline fitting perfectly around her breasts, a luscious diamond and emerald necklace at her neck. The color made her eyes so bright, Rown found himself nodding appreciatively. 

“I’ve got this one, boys” Gavriel’s said as he adjusted his tie and made his way to link arms with Lysandra. She smiled, and thanked him as they stopped to pose with Connall and Vaughn for the photographers. 

The next out of the limo was Elide. Swathed in a positively sinful black lace gown with a slit high on her thigh, she tossed her long dark hair over her shoulder and held out her hand. Rowan choked on a laugh as Lorcan nearly fell over himself trying to reach her, and as she wrapped her arm in his she winked, that blush Rowan had seen only once in his life making a second appearance. Oh, he is so fucked. 

Rowan held his breath as a long tan leg emerged from the vehicle, Fenrys waiting at the ready. Rowan stood back, not allowing himself close, and doing his best to look nonchalant as Aelin stepped out. His stomach hit the floor nearly as fast as his jaw. She was a fucking vision, bathed in gold sequins. Her wavy golden hair falling loosely around her shoulder, dripping diamond earrings hanging from her ears. The camera flashes playing off the dress seemed to make her catch fire. Rowan didn’t think he could breathe. A red lipped smile stretched wide across her face as Fenrys hugged her. Rowan’s jaw clenched at the contact, that lucky fucking bastard.

The couple turned away from him to pose for the cameras, and that’s when Rowan died. Where’s the fucking rest of it? He thought. How the fuck am I going to do this. The gold clinging to her body like liquid metal stopped at her sides, coming to a point so low he could see the dimples above her perfectly shaped ass. Breathe. Rowan told himself as his eyes traveled the expanse of bronze skin. He wanted to taste her. He wanted suck bruises into the skin as he bent her over the table in the middle of the ba- Not. Your. Date. Think of anything else. Naked old ladies. Dead bodies. Water boarding. FUCK.

“Buzzard!” He was pulled from his thoughts by the voice that haunted his every waking moment. He lifted his gaze to find Aelin smirking, one eyebrow hitched in challenge. He’’d been caught staring at her ass. Fuck. “Get your ass over here.”

He slowly walked up to Aelin’s other-side, and did his best to calm his nerves as the cameras continued photographing the group. I forgot about the fucking cameras, he thought just as Aelin slid her arm slowly into the crook of his elbow. He felt his breath catch and his skin burn through the jacket he had on. 

“And who’s this?” a voice yelled behind the wall of flash.

“Oh just some old man Fen here found in the desert. The stairs going into the event looked a little steep I didn’t want him to break a hip, so I figured I’d offer him my hand. It’s my patriotic duty.” Aelin laughed, Fenrys snorted, and Rowan sapped his head to look at her. She was already staring back at him, teeth biting her bottom lip, she winked. Menace…

The party eventually made their way inside, the women signing autographs and posing for pictures alongside other guests. They ate a lovely dinner at their table and listened to numerous speeches. They stood to toast the country, each other, their fucking ancestors, the sun, the Gods and like 12 other things, before finally the night began. Music picked up, lights dropped lower, and the Cadre found their way to the dance floor. Rowan sat at their table on the edge, whiskey in hand, content to sit until they made their way to the after party. Try as he might, he couldn’t help staring at Aelin as she moved her body against Fenrys. Rowan had never been so jealous in his entire life, Fen’s hands low on her hips as her ass was grinding into him. Lysandra and Elide performing nearly the same risque ritual with Gavriel and Lorcan, Rowan shook his head watching the men’s wet dreams come true. As one the three girls facing each other slid down to the floor, laughing as they slowly dragged their way back up their dates; hands on the men’s legs. Fucking tease…

As if she’d heard his thoughts Aelin’s eyes caught his own. He knew what she saw. His tie was loose around his neck, nearly full drink in hand and legs crossed. He looked like an asshole, watching his freinds have the night of their life. She smiled, a small thing just for him and extended her hand finger curling in a “come hither” motion. He shook his head. This was Fen’s date, and the way she was dancing wouldn’t help the growing itch he felt below the belt. 1SGT Rowan Whitethorn. Terrasen Army. ID #8675309.  1SGT Rowan Whitethorn. Terrasen Army. ID #8675309. 1st- fuck it.. he finished his drink in one gulp, fire burning his throat.

He stood up and stalked directly to the woman made of wildfire and clothed in gold. With Fenrys still at her back, he met his brother’s eyes. You good with this bro? He asked in that way men do, Fen mouthed back a “Fuck yeah.” Rowan nodded. The hand she had extended to call him to her grabbed the front of his shirt and tugged. He looked down at her grinding, her head leaned back against Fenrys’ shoulder, as her arms snaked around his neck. Fenrys moved his hands slowly up her sides and around her stomach making room for him to place his hands on her swaying hips. 

The three of them were lost in their own world. Aelin writhing tightly between the two brothers, her eyes locked on his, tongue grazing her lip like a porn star. Keep it up princess, and I’ll take you on this fucking floor in front of the whole world. I don’t give a shit whose date you are. His lust addled brain was fighting for control. She was extraordinary. She was trouble..

...1SGT Rowan Whitethorn. Terrasen Army. ID #8675309…

Her nails digging into his neck and shoulders.

...1SGT Rowan Whitethorn. Terrasen Army. ID #8675309…

Biting her bottom lip.

...1SGT Rowan Whitethorn. Terrasen Army. ID #8675309…

Rubbing against his groin, in smooth practiced movements. 

Rowan was in heaven. 

Rowan was in hell. 

Rowan Whitethorn, was fucked.

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

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[jj-lynn21]

Holiday with the Skarsgard Gentlemen: Part 2 Gustaf and Princess

Notes:  This has a little bit of everything for my readers. It is about friends  on holiday that end up running into Alex, Gustaf, Bill and Valter at a  bar they stop at in Stockholm. I got the info about Sweden from google so I hope it is not to unreliable. I shouldn’t need to say but it is  AU. Pure fantasy folks. It is subdivided into what kind of night You  have with your favorite guy. Flirting, giddiness, sex,  dancing, ice skating, and fireworks. “It will be a great adventure.” I say in  character as one of your friends on this adventure with you.

tags: @dragsraksllib​, @super-pink-a-palouza​, @skarsjoy​, @loomiz​, @bskarsgardlove92​, @grandpa-sweaters​ @romangodfreyownsmyass​  @hausofobsession​

Part 1 Alex and Kitten

Gustaf pulls up a chair beside you when he joins your table of friends. His smile brightens as he waves to everyone. “Hi, I’m Gustaf.” He looks to you. “What’s your name, Princess?”

“You can call me Princess if you want to.” Your cheeks burn with shyness.  

“Alright that’s a deal.” He turns his attention to the others. “Sit down baby brother. Don’t be so creepy.” Most of your friends giggle even you. But one rolls her eyes and gets up to go to the bar. Valter takes her seat. “Maybe your friend will get the turtle at the bar out of his shell.”

“I think she can do that.” You smiled dreamily at him before looking away as his eyes caught yours.  

His hand stroked your cheek lightly. “You don’t need to be shy with me. Princess. How about you look this way and tell me about yourself, maybe a few hopes and dreams?”

You could not look him in his lovely eyes at first when you turned to speak. After a few minutes of him listening to you, you felt much more comfortable. He really listened. He asked follow-up questions to let you know how much he was curious about things you were saying. Then you got around to asking him some questions. You were mostly curious about his envirmental adventures. He passionately explained his thoughts on climate change. You were just fascinated by his intelligence.  

“I can go on sometimes.” His hand in yours. “How are you enjoying Sweden on your holiday?”

“We really have not explored much.” Your eyes batted. “We just arrived late this afternoon.”

“Well, will you trust me to remedy that, Princess?” He got up, extended his hand and bowed.  

You took his hand with a giggle. “I do.”

While one of your friends had disappeared with Alexander, another was chatting up Bill at the bar and the other was snickering at whatever Valter was whispering in her ear.  

“Hey Valter, you cool with getting home tonight if I take off in the SUV?” He glanced over to Bill, but he knew he could take care of himself.  

“I think we can figure out something.” He grinned as your friend giggled.  

“Be mindful.” Gustaf reminds him. “You do represent this family. What one does, we all did.”

Valter rolls his eyes and mocks him to your friend quietly. Gustaf ignores this escorting you out. He always hopes Valter will listen to his wisdom but of course he cannot force him. He makes sure your coat and hat are on you snugly before you step outside and opens the passenger door for you helping you up into the large vehicle.  

“I will show you how special it is here during the holiday season.” He pulls out to the street carefully. “Then we will park where there is a perfect view of the fireworks tonight. I think you will love them.”

“Sounds fun.” You watch out the window at the lights.  

Gustaf gropes for your hand to hold as he drives. “Those girls over there are celebrating St. Lucia. The one with the candled on her head is the Saint and the others are part of her procession. She was a young girl Christian girl who was martyred in 304. She would secretly bring food to the persecuted Christians in Rome, who lived in hiding in the catacombs under the city. She wears candles on her head to light her way and have her hands free to carry thing the people needed. The procession is usually just on December 13th, but some do it throughout the holiday season.”

“That’s interesting.” You watch them as they walk towards a small church in the distance. What about the ice sculptures up there?” You point. “Is that a tradition?”

“Of sorts.” He pulled into a parking area. “It is an ice-skating rink. We all learned to skate here. Or learned to fall on our asses gracefully.” He chuckled. “Do you skate?”

“I have a long time ago.” Maybe you have and maybe you haven’t but the thought of holding on to him while skating is great. ”Can we go?”

“I have my skates in the back, but we are going to have to find you a pair at the Market.” He got out of the SUV and came around to help you out.  

“I can’t just rent them?” You shivered from the cold.  

He wrapped his arms around you. “We don’t do that here, Princess. It is free to skate here. You need your own skates. Good news is I am sure we can find a place that has them in the marketplace. It is a little touristy around here so call me Bob.”

You laugh. “Okay Bob. Let’s go shopping.”

You easily find the ice skates in your size. When a group of fans start flashing cameras Gustaf’s way, you grab his arm and loudly announce, “Thank You Bob Henry. This is such a fun vacation.” You could almost hear the frowns rise on the fans faces. Gustaf answering, “Yes’em” in an American southern accent that crushed their hopes he was him once and for all.  

You both laughed walking over to the ice-skating rink. He put your skates on for you tying the laces up snugly before putting his on. You wait for him to stand first because you are unsure of your footing once you stand. You take the hand he offers wobbling a bit as your ankles try to get used to the one blade. You take a few steps on to the ice and fall into his body.  

“Don’t worry, Princess, I got you.” Gustaf lifted you upright. He turned your back toward him and grabbed your hips. “Just relax while I push you. It will help you get the feel of the ice.”

Light music was playing. His hands on your hips. Your hands over his. You let him glide you across the ice. Your smile widens as he skates faster. There are only a few others on the ice due to the late hour. It is really exhilarating. When you slow down, he turns to skate backwards keeping his hands on your waist. You lean forward almost losing your balance.

“Upright, Princess.” Gustaf instructed. He took your hands as you straightened. “That’s a good girl”  

You get your bearings. When he slowly lets you go turning to face away you slide right up to his back laying against him. His hands move around to touch you. It is comforting and free as you skate as one. He turns easily keeping you close. You look at each other. He stops you both in the middle of the rink. Hands warm your freezing cheeks. He kisses you as the fireworks go off somewhere above.  

“That was nice, Princess.” He escorted you off the ice. “Let’s grab some warm glögg and gingerbread.”

You sit on the bench for him to take your skates off. “I never tried glögg. I love gingerbread.”

He ties your skates together to carry. “You will love it.” He took his skates off and carried both pairs while holding your hand to the nearest café. “Ska vi ta en fika?”

You tilted your head questionably.  

Gustaf looked at you, he smiled. “I’m sorry, Princess. Just asking you properly to have a break with me.”

“Of course.” You take his hand from across the table. “I should learn some better Swedish, so you are more comfortable.”

“That is nice of you, but I am comfortable speaking whatever language my friends do.” He patted your hand before going to get drinks and treats.  

He came back. You breathed in the steam from the heated drink. It smelled so good. When you sipped it, it was even better. You tasted the cookie. It brought joy to your taste buds. You talked more about the beauty of Sweden as his fingers fumbled with yours. You were so enthralled with his stories you barely felt the fidget air.  

When you were done with that little social break you headed back to the car. The music playing as you passed the rink inspired him to twirl you. You land back in his arms. His one hand cups yours while other rests on your lower back dancing slowly. For the most part the crowd ignores you as they rush around the “silly couple” in the middle of the walkway.

When the song ends, he rushes you to the SUV. blasted the heat which warmed up in minutes. You snuggled close to him, hand drifting between his thighs. His eyebrow raised inquisitively as you looked up at him for approval. He caught your chin to lay a passionate kiss on your lips. It is all the approval you needed so you undid his belt, unbutton and unzipped his pants to get to the gift you had always wanted.  

“You want to drink your fill from my cup, Princess?” He rasped as your hand brushed over his engorged member still hiding beneath his tighty whities.  

“You are so poetic, Gustaf and yes.” You lick your lips.  

Gustaf uses one hand to free himself as the other palms the pack of your head easing you to go down gently.

Part 3: Bill and Sweetheart coming soon

Part 4: Valter and Babe coming soon

[the-royal-blue-network]

“Remind me again why we have to go to this party?” Clark said, leaning against the door frame of Dani’s bathroom door.

Clark was never much of a social person. Even back when he and Dani were in college, Dani would drag him to house parties and try and get Clark to have fun, but Clark hated it; He’d spend much of his time complaining about how he could be back in his dorm, studying for the next exam.

“Clark, come on. If you’re sulking the whole time you’ll blow our cover.” Dani said as she capped her lipstick and dropped it into her clutch. 

It was Friday night and after getting a last-minute invitation to Vinny’s homecoming party from an anonymous source, Jackson called up his daughter, and order her to dress in her finest threads and get to that party. 

Dani would have preferred to go to the party alone, Clark didn’t do well when it came to social events, but her father insisted that she have back up and the only other detective that was available was Eric. There was no way she would want to do anything with that arrogant son-of-a-bitch. 

“Look, just try and blend in. Don’t get too caught up in small talk but still talk to people. Talk to big groups and avoid one on one chats at all cost.” Dani said.

Clark huffed and rolled his eyes  

“Alright, but you own me.” Clark said.

Dani laughed.

“Owe you for what? This is a part of our job.” She said with a laugh.

Clark opened his mouth to speak when Dani’s phone dinged with a message from her father, letting her know he was outside.

“Come on, dad’s here.” Dani said grabbing her clutch.

The pair made their way out to the black SUV.

“My, you look just like your mother.” Jackson said with a prideful smile.

Dani stopped in front of her father and took his face in her hands. 

“No time to get sentimental old man.” Dani said before air kissing his cheeks.

Jackson laughed before opening the back door and allowing Dani and Clark to climb into the back.

On the way to the party, Jackson handed Clark and Dani the file on the party. Photos of all the who’s whos and a description of what exactly they were looking for were all detailed in the file.

“Don’t be fucking heroes tonight. We just wanna know what the LaVine family’s up to. With the return of Mikey and now Pauly and Vinny are talking again, I know those snakes are cooking something up.” Jackson said shaking his head.

“So we’re just collecting info. Got it.” Dani said with a nod.

The car came to a stop at a red light where Jackson pulled on a driver’s hat. The light then turned green and he headed down the block, stopping just outside the nightclub where the party was being held.

 “Alright. Some of the guys and I will be driving around so just shoot us a text when you’re ready to be picked up. And remember-”

“I know, I know. Don’t do anything stupid. This isn’t my first rodeo dad.” Dani said rolling her eyes.

After a quick kiss on the forehead, Dani and Clark exited the car and made their way up to the doorman. After giving them the names they were assigned, the bouncer stepped aside allowing them into the club. 

The club was loud, the bass booming as lights flashed.

“Stay close.” Dani said, not bothering to look back at her partner.

Clark gave Dani’s shoulder a squeeze, letting her know that he was right behind her. In an effort to blend in, the pair made their way to the bar and grabbed water before leaning against the bar and surveilling the scene.

They looked around for about a minute before a tall man dressed in all black approached Dani.

“Hey gorgeous, can I get you a drink?” The man said.

Clark slowly slid away from Dani, but still remained close by if she needed him. If people thought Dani was there alone more men would approach her increasing her chances of getting into the VIP area and closer to the LaVine family.

“Um…” Dani laughed flirtatiously as she held up the cup in her hand.

The man laughed. 

“Ahh, you did just get that, didn’t you?” He said leaning in closer.

Dani looked up at the man, batting her eyes flirtatiously; never mind the fact that the asshole wasn’t even looking at her eyes. Dani had to fight the urge to not knee the son of a bitch in the balls as he stared at her chest. It was at times like these that Dani thanked the heavens that she was gay. 

“Yes, I did.” Dani said.

The man looked around for a moment before looking back at Dani.

“You here all alone?” The man asked.

“I came with my friend but I seemed to have lost him.” Dani said looking around.

Dani and Clark made eye contact for a moment before the man began speaking again.

“Well, why don’t we go up to my section? You can see the whole club from there.” The man said with a smile as he held out his hand.

Dani returned his smile as she placed her hand in his.

Turning around the man began to lead Dani up to the VIP area. Looking back Dani spotted Clark slowly zigzagging his way through the crowd. 

When they got to the VIP area Paula stopped the pair right at the entrance.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Paula said as she looked over at the man.

“Aw Paula come on. It’s crowded down there!” The man said pointing down to the crowded dance floor.

Paula turned her attention to Dani and Dani could feel her body heating up under Paula’s gaze. Fuck.

Paula sighed and stepped aside, allowing Dani and the man to enter the VIP area. As they made their way past her Dani could feel Paula’s gaze burning into her back and as much as she didn’t want it to it made Dani a little nervous, but not in the fear of getting caught kind of nervous. 

Sitting amongst the LaVine family the man introduced Dani to a few members of the family. After the introductions were made the man sat uncomfortably close to Dani, his hand resting on her knee as he talked to an older gentleman.

Shit, maybe Dani should have pushed for Clark to come with her. Sure one on one she could take this asshole easily but in the VIP area, she was outnumbered.

Dani’s discomfort must’ve shown on her face because, within minutes of sitting, Paula was up on her feet.

“Come dance with me!” Paula yelled over the music.

Not bothering to wait for a response she pulled Dani to her feet. The man protested and grabbed Dani’s other arm but one cold look from Paula and the man released his grip. Pulling her along Paula made her way out of the VIP and back out onto the dance floor.

“You okay?” Paula asked as she turned around and pulled Dani into her.

Dani nodded as Paula’s hands found her hips. Without any permission from Dani, her hips began to sway to the music. Paula grinned devilishly as Dani pulled her in closer, Paula following Dani’s lead. The base pounded, rattling the floor beneath them. Despite the loud music, all Dani could focus on were the green eyes staring into hers as Paula’s body moved with her. This was dangerous, she needed to get away from Paula, find Clark, and get the fuck out of there. But she couldn’t pry herself away.

The song changed about three or four times and the women only stopped dancing for the time that it took Paula to drag Dani from the dance floor to the bar and then back again. Dani wasn’t supposed to be drinking, but there she was, mixed drink in hand as Paula pressed against her, burning Dani alive. 

‘Where the fuck are you Clark?’ Dani thought to herself.

Paula looked into Dani’s eyes and Dani realized her panic must’ve been starting to seep through. 

“Everything alright?” Paula asked.

“Yeah. I just- do you know where the bathroom is?” Dani asked.

“Yeah, this way.” Paula said grabbing a hold of Dani’s hand and leading the way.

Dani’s mind raced a mile a minute. How was this so easy to do with men but impossible with women? Dani had played the straight role countless times, milking men for info was child’s play to her. But with Paula, Dani was putty in the other woman’s hands. She needed to find Clark now.

Scanning the crowd Clark was nowhere to be found.

Before Dani could process what was happening Paula pulled her into the bathroom and pinned her against the door. In an instant, Paula’s hands were on Dani’s waist and Dani’s hands were in Paula’s hair. Their lips crashed together and Dani could feel her brain start to short circuit as their mouths moved against one another.

Wanna Read More LGBT Stories? Click HERE and Visit The Royal Blue Network Today!

[landroveraxfr669]

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[clockworkrosea]

911, what’s your emergency? (2)

→ summary: they were dangerous. she knew that, and yet, she continues to hunt them. and this? this is her retribution.

→ pairings: jeon jungkook/fem!reader, kim namjoon/oc

→ tw: blood, kidnapping, needles, mentions of the mafia, continue to check warnings on each chapter pls.

→ a/n: alright this one is significantly longer nice. quick explanation for my oc being in there: i wanted to explore the dynamics with a female leader. if y’all have more questions abt the oc feel free to send asks!! i like responding to people and i know my writing can be confusing lmao. finally, all my respect goes to 911 operators and emergency responders, your work is incredibly hard and the title is not meant to demean that in any way.

→ wc: 1.8k

→ disclaimer: this is not an accurate depiction of bts and anyone else mentioned in this fic. this is also not an accurate depiction of seoul’s police department, government, and any other institutions mentioned in this fic.

series masterlist

Sejin wasn’t totally sure how Y/N had gotten their location, but he trusted Namjoon and Hannah. They were smart, and if Y/N was going to witness something he was sure it wouldn’t be enough to do anything to them. Bang PD also approved it, so hopefully nothing would really go wrong. 

Instead of returning to his desk, he decided to go talk to his friends. Sejin signed out of the police precinct, supposedly heading home for the day.

Their house was a little far off from the main city, so Sejin first stopped at a small convenience store to grab some snacks and a bottle of water. The trip had never been an enjoyable one, as it wasn’t easy to find something so carefully hidden from the public.

Sejin arrived in two and a half hours.

“Sejin! You didn’t text any of us?" Jungkook exclaimed as he opened the door. The youngest was usually the most energetic, eyes bright and happy. Sejin smiled slightly, exhaustion clear in his eyes.

“I was busy, the investigation is picking up some speed.” Sejin says, stepping into the house. It’s loud, as usual, but it seemed that most of the noise was centralized. At least it wouldn’t be hard to ask them, before they supposedly went out. Jungkook nodded solemnly before he directed Sejin towards where they were probably sitting.

They were all gathered together, arguing over a movie they’d watched.

Looking at them, no one would have ever guessed they were deadly killers, the forces behind the most powerful mafia in Seoul. They seemed far too normal for that. He stood awkwardly against the doorframe, unsure what to do.

Namjoon and Hannah, both as observant as ever, noticed him quickly. They motioned him over, pointing to an open space on the couch. He walked over, dropping his bag next to his feet.

“I suppose our darling investigator is attending?” Hannah says, ignoring the commotion in the room. Namjoon stayed quiet, opting to simply smile at him instead. Sejin nods, suspicions confirmed. They’d masterminded Y/N’s discovery of their location, and they’d effectively stopped the whole operation against them.

“All of you are going? It’s not important, is it?” Sejin can’t help worrying about their safety. They’ve come so far from where he first seen them, so much so that it would be devastating for them to be caught now. Yet, they didn’t seem worried, almost as if they thought they were invincible.

In some ways, they really are.

“It’s a little important, I guess. Either way, it doesn’t really matter. She won’t be going back.” Namjoon speaks, and Sejin could have been terrified of the switch in Namjoon’s behaviour. He smiles quietly, settling down.

They have a little time before they all have to leave for the Incheon docks. Sejin relishes the little time he has with his friends. It isn’t often he sees them like this. Jungkook can laugh freely, Jimin finally smiles, and none of them are burdened with the weight of their past.

Then the clock hit 9pm, and they changed.

Namjoon and Hannah, ever the vigilant leaders, stood up and silenced the room. They slowly filed out of the room, still chatting animatedly. Sejin followed them out, waving goodbye as he walked back towards his own car.

They drove out to the Bukseong docks, one of their favourite spots for meetings. It was relatively open, but sheltered enough for them to feel comfortable.

Meanwhile, Y/N had headed home too. She’d been confident earlier, but anxiety was rapidly creeping in. She hadn’t known Sejin for long, so she knew nothing about him. Whether or not he was trustworthy was a large question mark.

Y/N set herself to work, getting her mind off her future task.

Before she realized it, the clock hit nine pm. The two hours had passed quickly, her distractions apparently working. Her anxiety decided to spike, forcing Y/N to sit right back down for a minute while she recovered. As soon as she’d managed to start breathing again, she grabbed her prepped bag and headed out the door.

It didn’t take her long to arrive at Bukseong, and it’d only taken her a couple minutes to find a suitable area for her to keep watch. She’d found her way onto a shack-like building situated right behind a building. Y/N had made sure she couldn’t be seen, but she could still hear the conversation and see most of the site.

The soft colours of the setting sun were a calming backdrop for what she would witness.

Y/N tensed as she heard the tell-tale sounds of cars approaching. Judging by the amount she could hear, she assumed this wasn’t Bangtan. From what she’d gathered, this was the other mafia, but she didn’t recognize them.

She decided not to look out yet. Her investigation was on BTS, not whoever this was, so it wouldn’t be good if her position was discovered so quickly. As far as she knew, cops weren’t taken too kindly, even if they were working for the mafia.

Around 10 minutes later, she could hear the soft rumble of two cars pulling up. Y/N finally decided to look out slightly, careful to keep her balance so she wouldn’t fall off the roof.

Two black SUVs were lined up. First to step out are both from the first car. A man in his mid-20s with silver hair, and a woman, also in her mid-20s and black hair, are the two. These are the leaders, Y/N notes. Even from where she’s hidden, she can feel the air of confidence and sheer power they exude.

Three other members exited from the same car. The first one had brown hair and the other two both had black. Automatically, Y/N tensed when she spotted the leaders whispering to the other two. The brown-haired one had glanced around quickly, surveying the area. As his eyes seemed to pass over her, she took a deep breath to calm herself.

From the other car, the remaining four members exit. In the quartet, two have black hair, while two have blonde hair. Y/N grimaced, realizing that despite the year she’d spent on this case, she couldn’t really identify or name any of them. To be fair, neither could anyone else, but that still got on her nerves.

How could it not? She’d been so invested for so long.

Y/N snapped out of her thoughts as the groups began approaching each other. She had a better view of the Bangtan members now, so she decided to take the time to examine each one.

From where she’s sat, she could hear bits and pieces of the discussion. It isn’t exactly clear what everyone’s names are, but she picked up the name Namjoon and Hannah. The female was obviously Hannah, but it’d be a wild guess as to who Namjoon was.

The leaders, Hannah and the silver-haired man, were standing in the middle. Hannah was the shortest out of all of them, although that wasn’t saying much considering they all were tall. She had long, flowing, black hair, and she was dressed pristinely. She’d only managed to spot semi-formal clothing before Hannah had turned away from her, and she could only tell she was wearing a beige trench coat with black jeans.

The other one, the man she'd dubbed simply dubbed “silver hair,” was similarly dressed. Beige trench coat, and as far ar Y/N could tell, all black clothing. His hair seemed to glow in the moonlight, the silver color heavily accentuated by the full moon. There wasn’t much Y/N would be able to distinguish about him if she ever saw him on the streets. Anyone could have silver hair, and she hadn’t seen anything before they’d turned away.

The three from the first car had ended up standing off to the same side. They were obviously relaxed, although the brown-haired one kept glancing around, giving Y/N a slight view of his face. He had high cheekbones, and his eyes were surprisingly soft. She unconsciously split his face into two halves: the top half, which radiated a kind soul, and the bottom half, signs of a hardened criminal.

From where she was sitting, the last three members were slightly obscured by the building. With the dark clothes and black hair, Y/N wasn’t sure she’d be able to distinguish anything anyways. With that, she refocused on the conversation, not noticing that there was only 7 members standing there, rather than the 8 that had arrived.

It was chaotic in the drive to the docks. Yoongi had lost track of how many times he’d threatened the trio that he would crash their very expensive car. Namjoon and Hannah would kill him, but it was probably worth it. They were fighting over who’d get to sneak off, although it had already been determined it was going to be Jungkook. Sometimes Yoongi would look in the mirror and he’d be surprised he still looked his age.

It wasn’t much better in the other car. The duo had been barely managing to keep everyone calm inside their car. Hannah had long since tuned out whatever they were now fighting over, instead opting to take a nap. Imagine her surprise when she’s woken up by Hoseok, who was complaining a little loudly about how his hair was messed up. Silently, she turned around, roughly brushing his hair back to its original position.

Everyone had spotted the sparkling sea, and they'd subsequently sobered up dramatically. Both cars had quickly fallen silent, despite the sound from before.

Hannah and Namjoon had stepped out first. She'd proceeded to nudge Hoseok, whispering about finding the investigator. Once they’d noticed the slight movement of someone behind a building, Hoseok motioned for Jungkook to move.

Neither Hannah nor Namjoon were paying much attention to the conversation. It wasn’t that important, as the main goal of this meeting was to get the investigator, not do any important deal. Namjoon kept an eye out for Jungkook in the shadows, carefully watching for his movement.

Y/N reaches for her phone as the world darkens around her.

Jungkook later admitted that she was cute. At the present moment however, he’s annoyed that he’s been selected for this honor. As strong as he was, it wasn’t easy to drag dead weight. He managed, though it was with no small amount of cursing.

Yoongi’s car was chosen, since they had one more space, and they technically had the stronger members. So Jungkook dropped her in the middle seat, and Taehyung bound her hands and feet together tightly. Jimin put a cloth to the wound at her head, stopping the blood from flowing onto the seats.

Before they arrived at their house, Jungkook had to anesthetize her, since they weren’t really supposed to cause permanent damage. They placed her in the White Room, waiting for her to wake up.

→ a/n: the white room is basically a holding cell that they call the white room ironically, cause it’s literally never white. also if u wish to be tagged simply ask, but i’m not sure this series is good enough reEe. feel free to ask any questions, this chapter had a lot of pov switches.

[fluffy-marshmallow-heart]

A Twist of Fate ch.35 -Epilogue

The Elementalists au

Beckett x MC (Oriana)

Words: 2171

Series Master List

Complete Master List

I'm sorry to say that this is the end of this series! I have been writing this for about a year now, and it's difficult to let it go, but all things must come to end. Thank you all for reading, commenting, reblogging, and just falling in love with Beckett and Oriana. They are my OTP, and this has been my favorite series I've ever written. I do have another in the works though, and you can also catch 20 Seconds of Courage still going. Love you all, and thanks so so much for the support on this journey!!!

  This AU is set after everyone graduates Penderghast, and Beckett and Oriana were never friends. Fate, however, may have a different plan for them.

  One Year Later

“Beck, come on, I don’t want to be late!” Oriana shouted up the stairs to her husband.

“Just grabbing a couple more things! Be right down!”

She rolled her eyes before pressing a kiss to the head of their baby girl. “Your Daddy insists on bringing every little thing when we go out. He’s so silly, isn’t he?”

Their baby cooed and Oriana’s heart melted every single time. “Okay little one, we might as well get you in the car.” She was about to open the door when Beckett came bustling down.

“Ready! I think I got everything.”

  Oriana rose an eyebrow as she saw him carrying the already overstuffed diaper bag, a swing, five stuffed animals, a play mat, and three more blankets. “You sure you managed everything? You’re not missing the bottles?”

Beckett’s eyes widened. “Oh my god, I forgot the bottles!!” He dashed into the kitchen.

“Yes, very silly indeed.” Oriana murmured, turning and walking out the door to Beckett’s SUV. Almost as soon as they found out they were expecting, he researched and raced out to buy two brand new vehicles, rated excellent in safety and style. Naturally, she thought that was overkill, but he couldn’t be convinced otherwise. They had extended their lease and in the new year were going to move into their new house, that they were having built on the land Beckett had shown her, with the trickling stream surrounded by flowers. They both loved their current neighborhood but needed a bigger space for their growing family, and often visited that place whenever they needed a break from life.  Their daughter, Eliana, was born in June on a beautiful sunny day. Beckett had insisted on a name like Oriana’s, meaning the sun.

“Eliana means daughter of the sun. It really can’t be any more perfect. You’ve always been my sun, Ori.”

Oriana had made fun of him at the time, but she adored the way he thought. Their daughter was beautiful with auburn hair and golden eyes, the spitting image of Oriana.

It was going to be their first Christmas as a family, and they were headed over to Dave and Melissa’s house for a Christmas Eve brunch. As soon as Oriana finished buckling Eliana into the car seat, Beckett came rushing out, opening the passenger door for her, out of breath. She couldn’t help but notice that not only did he bring the bag of bottles, he also had two more bags filled with books.

“Beck, we���re only going to be there a few hours…”

“We must read something to her every hour, Oriana, she loves books and I intend to keep it that way.” He huffed before turning around and putting everything into the trunk. “Honestly, how many times do I need to say this.” He muttered under his breath.

“I heard that.” She called out.

“Good.” He replied, closing the hatch and getting into the driver’s seat. “Can’t have you forgetting how important it is.” He teased, except he was completely serious.

Oriana laughed, leaning over the center console and kissing him. “You’re such a dork.”

He just shrugged. “You love me.”

“I do, don’t I?” She giggled.

The drive to Dave’s was uneventful, and before long they pulled into the driveway. “Looks like everyone’s already here.” Beckett observed the cars already in the driveway.

“Shocker. I’m sure the others only brought 5 bags, and not 10, thus cutting their time in half.” Oriana joked.

“Ha ha, very funny. Come on, let’s go.”

Oriana grabbed Eliana while Beckett grabbed everything he’d brought. Ringing the doorbell, they could hear the cheerful laughter of their friends, as well as the other kids running around. Dave and Melissa’s son had just started walking, and he was always getting into things. A minute later, the door flung open.

“Aaaahhhhhhh they’re here!!!!” Shreya shrieked, jumping up and down in excitement. “Eeeeee let me see my little munchkin!!!!”

Oriana laughed as she handed over Eliana into the arms of her best friend. “It’s good to see you too, Shreya.”

“Come on, everyone’s in the living room!”

The four of them walked into the living room where Dave, Melissa, Zephyr, Tom, Jessie, and the three other kids were.

Tom gave a cheeky grin. “Hey guys! You finally made it! Beckett, you sure you brought everything you need? I don’t see your kitchen sink in there, and I really think you’ll need it, because Dave here doesn’t have one. And he certainly doesn’t have two.”

“You laugh, but a portable sink actually wouldn’t be a bad idea.” Beckett mused, carefully setting everything down in a corner. “It would actually be pretty convenient to wash her bottles on the go, and also spray her down when she explodes. I think I’ll look into that idea.”

Tom blinked. “Uh…you know I was kidding, right?”

“A lot of great thoughts start as jokes.” Beckett replied. “But anyways, I’m happy to see everyone.”

“Eliana’s first Christmas. I’m so excited. We’re coming over tomorrow right?” Zeph cooed, taking one of Eliana’s fingers and shaking it as she gave a toothless smile.

“Sorry, Zeph, but after we have our own little Christmas, we’re going over to the Harrington’s.” Oriana chirped. “Maybe New Year’s you can come.”

Beckett leaned in, wrapping his arms around Oriana’s waist and kissing her cheek. “If we still have space left after my parents spoil our little princess.”

Beckett couldn’t even begin to explain how happy he was. When Zeph and Shreya returned from their trip abroad, Oriana made sure to introduce them to the group. They fit right in, of course, they were both so outgoing and easy to get along with. Beckett couldn’t remember why he was never friends with them in college. Seeing Oriana so happy, they welcomed Beckett with open arms. Shreya even cried. Since then, everyone hosted dinner once a month, a potluck where everyone would bring a dish. It was a new tradition, one that Beckett couldn’t imagine not having anymore. His life was so different now. He never felt lonely, and he had a support group he couldn’t live without.

Even his parents had come around about Oriana. When Beckett first announced that they were married, they completely cut off communication. But then one day, when he came home from work, Oriana was sitting at the kitchen table with his mom, dad, and sister. Apparently, his wife had written each of them a personalized handwritten letter, professing her love for him, and that he saved her life on more than one occasion. She told them all about what Beckett had been doing since graduation, and invited all of them over for a sit-down chat, but never told Beckett. He would have been mad, furious even, if he wasn’t so completely awed at the fact she did that, laid all her feelings bare and let his family decide what to do. By the end of the night, everything had gone so well, they announced their pregnancy. Mrs. Harrington immediately latched onto Oriana, thrilled she was getting a grandchild. His father hugged him for a long time, telling Beckett how proud he was of him for forging his own life. And Katrina immediately began talking about a baby shower.

After they left, Beckett cried that night in happiness, amazed with the beautiful woman he was proud to call his wife. She was able to mend the rift between him and the rest of his family simply by being honest and straight-forward with them. She asked for nothing except a chance to show them the life they made, no more and no less, and he would be forever grateful. He hadn’t even realized how important it was to have their support until he received it.

As he looked around the room now, his heart was practically bursting. How did I even get here? How did I go from having nothing…to having everything?

He looked at his wife, who had taken back their child and was swaying Eliana with the beat of the soft music playing in the background. He looked at Dave and Melissa, who were now trying to comfort their son, whom had run into a table and was now crying. He was unsteady on his feet, but adored Tom and Jessie’s two kids, and always tried to keep up with them. Eliana was always watching the other kids, and it was obvious she wanted to join in. Beckett couldn’t wait for the day that she could. She was nine months old now and trying to crawl. It was only a matter of time. Shreya was showing Jessie fashion items on her phone, and Zeph was helping Tom bring out the wine. The other two kids hadn’t stopped running.

Oriana caught his eye from across the room and winked, smiling brightly. She really was his sunshine, and he was so proud to be with her. He sidled up to he, bumping her hip lightly. “Hey beautiful.”

“Hey handsome. You doing alright?”

“Of course.” He answered. “Just thinking about how we got here, to such a good place.”

“I still have my dark moments.” She murmured quietly.

“You do. But they’re part of who you are, and so I love them too. Besides, the main cause is no longer able to try and worm his way back into your life.”

Oriana beamed at him, and he couldn’t help but grin back. They’d come such a long way. He found his thoughts wandering once more, back to the previous winter, Before Eliana was born. She’d received a call from a lawyer who was representing a young woman pressing charges against Chase for rape. It was the same type of situation Oriana had been in. She’d been drugged and used by multiple men, all under instruction of Chase.

Oriana barely spoke for days, crying, and blaming herself for not doing something about him sooner, and now he’d hurt someone else the way he had hurt her. There was no light in her then, and she was barely keeping it together. Eventually Beckett was able to get her to open up, and she agreed to be a witness for the prosecution. She wasn’t the only victim the lawyer had managed to find. There were several more girls who found the strength to put Chase away for a long, long time because they banded together and told their respective stories. Each one a bit different, each one hurt by the same men. Chase wasn’t the only one who went to jail. And because of that, no one had to look over their shoulders anymore. Chase and his friends were locked up and wouldn’t be released in their lifetime. Each received the maximum sentence of twenty years per rape, and they were found guilty on all five of the girls who testified. The judge denied the appeals due to the heinous nature of the crimes. As it turned out, one of the men had secretly taped each incident. It was shocking to see and hear, and Oriana was a complete mess, even refusing to be in the courtroom when the videos were played…but it was undeniable proof, and without it, it’s possible they would not have been convicted. Oriana still kept in touch with the other four girls, and Beckett was so relieved that she had found even more support. She had support in all aspects of her life, more than just Beckett, even though she claimed he was enough. He believed her when she said that, but it didn’t change the fact that having others who have shared your experiences, no matter how horrible, is a comforting feeling. If there was ever a time Beckett couldn’t help her, he knew without a doubt she had so many people who cared for her that at least one of them would be able to help her through the moment.

They were happy. Their friends were happy. Wrapping his arm around Oriana’s shoulder, he saw her eyes turn to gold, and a soft glow emanate from her body. The first time he’d ever seen it was their first date. He hadn’t known it was possible for a person to glow, but then, Oriana wasn’t like anyone he’d ever met before. He was thrilled to call her his own.

Oriana set Eliana down on a chair so she could wrap her arms around Beckett’s neck, kissing his lips sweetly. “I love you, Beckett Harrington. Even with the 10 bags you insist we need for every outing.”

He kissed her again. “And I love you, Oriana Harrington. The love of my life. My heart has always belonged to you, you know.”

“I know.” She said slyly. “Actually…I think I always knew.”

“I’m so proud of you, Ori, truly. You are a remarkable human being.”

“And you, sir, are a sap.”

Beckett let out a hearty laugh. “But I’m your sap.”

Oriana placed a hand on his heart, smiling. “Yes. Yes, you are my sap.”

    @annekebbphotography

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[queenmylovely]

Friendly Competition

Summary: Joe mazzello x fem!reader. A day at the Farmstead turns into a night at the corn maze.

Word Count: 4.8k

Warnings: cussing, some slight innuendo 

A/N: This is my entry for @forever-rogue​ Patricia’s Halloween Challenge! It was so fun to write! Thank you again to @musicgirlyy​​ for beta-reading!! Also, if this is enjoyed, I could be persuaded to write more... I hope you all enjoy, and any feedback including likes, replies, reblogs, messages, and asks are greatly appreciated! Especially replies, messages, and asks are super helpful for my writing ‘cause I get to hear what you think!

Masterlist

(pretend it’s apple cider)

19. “Let’s split up.” “Let’s not.”

46. “OH MY GOSH SHUT UP THEY’RE GOING TO KILL US!”

66. “How did you manage to get us lost in a corn maze?”

🎃🎃🎃

Crisp fall days were the way you always really felt yourself getting into the holiday season. It was hard to get into the Halloween spirit when it was 75 degrees and still humid. So, when the temperature first dropped down to the high 50s in New York and there was a slight breeze in the air, you hit up your friends to head out of the city for a Saturday. There was a perfect fall place that you knew of called the Farmstead that had a pumpkin patch, sunflower fields, hot apple cider, hay rides, and corn mazes (of both the scary and non scary variety).

Everyone replied in the group chat that they’d be able to make it: Rami, Lucy, Ben, Gwilym, and Joe. You rolled your eyes when you saw the dumb pun that Joe sent to the group.

Joe: Hell yeah I’m down, the group that spooks together stays together #SquadGhouls!

Y/N: Save it for the Instagram post Mazzello

It wasn’t that you disliked Joe, he was just… annoying a lot of the time. Plus, the two of you brought out each other’s competitive sides, which led to a lot of heated moments. Rami and Gwil thought you two hated each other and were always surprised when the two of you made sure to include each other in the group plans, going as far as to make sure that it worked for the other’s work schedule. Lucy and Ben thought you should just fuck and get it over with.

Day of, Joe came around to pick everyone up since he was the one with the SUV that could hold all six of you. He was picking you up last since your place was the furthest along the way there. When he pulled up to the curb, you were surprised to see that the passenger seat was still open. You assumed that Gwil or Ben would’ve been sitting there.

As you got in and said hi to everyone, Joe explained the reasoning, “I figured you should sit in the front since you’re the one that knows where we’re going. Plus you have the least weird taste in music out of any of the others.”

All four of the others protested, but you talked over them, “I’ll take that sad excuse of a compliment. And hush up all of you, you know it’s true. Ben and Gwil, you guys always try to play that weird euro-techno stuff, and Rami and Lucy, no one else likes the death metal.”

Joe laughed, Lucy and Ben flipped you off, Gwil made a shocked face, but Rami just drawled, “What can I say? She converted me.”

That set all of you off, and Joe started driving in the direction of the destination as everyone caught their breath.

It was about an hour and a half drive and you all amused yourselves with catching up, recountings of old stories, and a song guessing game. Ben was in the lead when you were in charge of the music, but that was because neither you nor Joe were playing. When the two of you kept heckling the others however, Ben grabbed the phone from you and had you and Joe face off. Rami and Gwil had wide eyes full of concern that something drastic would happen like you grabbing the steering wheel to throw Joe off or Joe screaming at you about the answer instead of looking at the road. Lucy saw where Ben’s thought process was going and egged the two of you on.

Luckily for everyone’s safety, you and Joe were able to keep civilized; he focused his eyes on the road and you didn’t distract him as the two of you fought for the answers. It was a game of back and forth, though. Joe would get an answer first, and on the next song you would. Then you would remember the title of a song but not the band and Joe would have the opposite predicament. After about half an hour of the score volleying, you arrived at the destination, but neither of you would let anyone get out of the car until the tie was decided.

Ben conferred with Lucy for a second, leaning over the back of his shared bench seat with Gwilym before describing the rules, “It’s sudden death, you can listen to the first thirty seconds of the song and then tell us the song, artist, and album. The one who gets the most elements wins.”

They played the song, and you knew it with just the first two seconds. Joe looked confident too as they stopped the song. You bit your lip in anticipation and noticed Joe look at your lips and wet his own in what you assumed was the same nervousness.

“Okay, driver first. What’s your guess Joe?” Ben asked, and everyone leaned forward to hear him.

He cleared his throat and then said with conviction, “Queen, ‘Sheer Heart Attack,’ from the album of the same name.”

Ben’s face did not change at all, and neither did Rami or Gwil’s (though their lack of change was more from a lack of knowledge than remaining impartial). You saw Lucy’s eyes widen ever so slightly and were unable to keep the smirk off of your face.

“Okay, Y/N, what about you?” Ben asked.

“Queen, ‘Sheer Heart Attack,’ and News of the World,” you replied with 100% confidence.

“Fuck,” Joe said under his breath as Rami and Gwil gasped at the difference in answers.

“Y/N is correct. ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ was originally written for the same album, but it was not published until News of the World,” Ben said in a stoic voice and the others erupted into a chorus of “ohhhs.”

Joe stuck his hand out to shake yours and said, “Good game, Y/N.”

“You too. Although I am a little surprised at you. A bit of an amateur move, Joey,” you replied in a teasing voice. Joe’s grip tightened around your hand and his eyes darkened, but you didn’t know whether it was out of anger or something else.

You shivered under his intense gaze and he noticed, “Cold already? We haven’t even gotten out of the car.” He didn’t let you make up an excuse before he let go of your hand and turned off the car, quickly opening the door and getting out.

Shaking whatever that feeling was from your head, you grabbed your gloves and scarf and joined the others in climbing out of the car. The six of you made your way over to the entrance and paid the fee that would allow you to go anywhere and do anything. They stamped the back of your hands with a cute little jack-o-lantern stamp and you continued onto the property.

The afternoon was spent picking out pumpkins and then carving them at the station they had already set up. Rami and Lucy worked together on a giant one that they carved into a spooky graveyard scene, you did a traditional jack-o-lantern face, Gwil made his into a cat, Joe did a creepier type of jack-o-lantern with sharp teeth, and Ben didn’t let anyone see his until he was done.

Ben turned it around with a, “tah-dah!” and revealed an incredibly intricate forest scene with delicately carved trees, an owl, and a glowing moon. All of you gasped softly in response.

“Ben, I never knew you were so good at pumpkin carving!” Lucy exclaimed as you all took a closer look.

“What can I say? I’m a bit of an artíste,” he said with a smirk, causing everyone to laugh. Travelling in a group, you all took your pumpkins back to the car, stashing them in the trunk before heading back into the Farmstead.

For the next hour or so, you all took turns taking pictures with different pumpkins, in the sunflower field, and with an array of scarecrows. When the sun was just starting to sink in the sky, you decided to go on a hayride before it was too dark. It was a big old tractor pulling a trailer that was lined with hay bales along the sides and the back. You and Joe climbed in first, each planning to sit at the end of either side. However, as you were sitting down across from each other, Lucy grabbed you and Ben grabbed Joe, both roughly pushing you to sit down at the head of the trailer, squished in next to each other.

Then Lucy sat diagonally to you on the side, as did Ben with Joe, Rami and Gwil sitting on the other side of them. Effectively, you and Joe were trapped sitting next to each other. Joe shot Ben a puzzled look which he ignored, and you rolled your eyes at Lucy who just winked at you. Two more couples got on, filling up the four empty seats.

The person who would be driving the tractor climbed up, holding five medium sized flannel blankets. It had cooled down considerably since the afternoon, and it would be especially cold sitting still. They tossed a blanket to each pair then climbed down and went to get in the tractor and start the ride.

“Here, you can have the blanket,” Joe told you, handing you the folded up blanket he caught.

You took it from him, but replied, “Oh please, it’s freezing, literally freezing, and this blanket is plenty big for the two of us. Just scoot closer.”

Joe moved like two inches closer to you, but the gap between you was still about 6 inches across. You rolled your eyes at his hesitancy.

“Like this,” you said, moving until your thigh was firmly pressed against his. “I won’t bite.”

You watched his adam’s apple bob as he swallowed, though you couldn’t tell whether it was because of your closeness or your words. You ignored the implication that either way it was because of you.

Draping the blanket over your legs, you smoothed it out, brushing your hands across both of your laps. It was mostly an innocent touch, but you were also testing out your theory. Although he tried to hide it, his breath hitched when you got a little further up his lap, but you kept your hand from going anywhere that would make what you were doing obvious. You smiled to yourself triumphantly, but put a pleasant smile on your face as the hay ride started.

The hay ride was fun, and you all took more pictures. It did get pretty cold, and you had to huddle closer to Joe, for purely warmth reasons. You all chatted, but also took time to just enjoy each other’s company in silence.

When the hay ride ended, you all decided to grab a snack before choosing the next activity. There was a little shack of a café that sold caramel apples, apple cider, soups, and hot sandwiches. Everyone got something to fill their stomachs and warm up a little. Once everyone was done, there was talk about what to do next. Lucy and Rami wanted to go to the scary maze, since it was finally dark enough to be good, but Gwil and Ben seemed a little scared of doing so. You weren’t so scared, but you did want to go through the regular maze because you wanted to solve it, and you convinced Gwil and Ben to come with you. Joe seemed like he was leaning towards the scary maze, but you could tell that Lucy wanted some time with just Rami (or maybe she just wanted you and Joe to go together, who knows?).

“Joe, why don’t you come with us? Bet I’d be better at solving the maze than you are,” you said, making it interesting for him.

“Oh, you’re so on,” he said, moving to join where the three of you were standing.

“Okay, perfect. Meet back at the shack by 11:00?” Rami asked and everyone agreed. He and Lucy headed off towards the scary maze hand-in-hand, already giggling in excitement.

“Aw, aren’t they just the cutest?” you said aloud, and then turned to see the three boys watching them walk away with the same adoration in their eyes as they nodded.

“Alright, come on, boys,” you said, linking arms with Joe and Ben who were closest to you. Gwil linked arms with Ben on his other side and the four of you headed off to the entrance of the maze.

“Look at us, we’re like The Wizard of Oz,” Joe said cheerfully and you all laughed.

“Wait, then who’s who?” Ben asked curiously.

“Well, I think it fits that I’m Dorothy, especially since I’m the one that’ll be leading this quest,” you started.

“I resent that,” Joe interrupted.

You shot him a look and continued, “Gwil is definitely the Cowardly Lion because he was the first to say no to the scary maze.”

Gwil shrugged and said, “I’ll own up to that. I don’t like being scared.”

“Then Ben is the Scarecrow,” you started, and Ben made a sound of disapproval. “Just because your blonde hair matches the straw, Benny,” you added, ruffling his hair.

“Y/N, not the hair,” he complained, dropping your arm to fix it.

Taking advantage of you not being attached to Ben anymore, Joe tightened his arm around yours and tugged you to the side.

“What’s next, you gonna call Gwil ‘Gwilly’? And what, I’m the Tin Man ‘cause I’m heartless?” Joe practically growled in your ear.

Frowning in confusion at his first question, you wondered what about you calling Ben ‘Benny’ would have made him mad. Nevertheless, you couldn’t stop the shiver that took over your body at his closeness, but tried to return to a neutral face, “It’s the only one left, and it’s not a perfect metaphor. You’re the one who brought it up, anyway. Plus, if you’d ever read the book, you’d know he has quite the love story.”

Joe’s arm relaxed around yours slightly at your words, and the frown on his face changed from annoyed to confused. To your surprise, though, he didn’t release your arm and you stayed linked as you continued walking. Not that you necessarily wanted to get away.

The four of you reached the entrance, and Ben and Gwil took maps, but you and Joe refused to look at them. You dropped Joe’s arm once you were all inside the entrance and turned back to face everyone.

“Let’s split up,” you said plainly.

“Let’s not,” Gwil and Ben said in unison.

“I’m not prepared to face anything in this maze with any less than three other people,” Gwil said, unrelenting.

“But Gwil it’s not even the scary maze. There’s nothing in there that will jump out at you,” Joe tried to reason with him.

“That’s exactly what they want you to think,” Ben said, shifting his gaze from side to side as if he were a conspiracy theorist trying not to let on that he knew a secret.

“Yeah,” Gwil agreed.

“Oh come on, how are Joe and I supposed to compete if we’re in the same group?” you asked them and Joe made a sound of agreement.

“Ummm…” Ben hesitated, but Gwil had been looking at one of the maps and spoke up.

“Ah ha! It says here that the fastest anyone’s ever gotten out was in 36 minutes. Why don’t you two just work together to beat that time?”

You and Joe looked at each other and sized up what the other was thinking. Coming to the same conclusion, you said simultaneously, “Okay.”

“I’ll go tell the people at the entrance that we want to be timed, and then we’ll get a move on it,” Joe told you and you nodded before he jogged off to tell them. He was back in a second, and you started right away.

“Okay, if we stick to one side the entire time, it’s a surefire way to get out,” Joe told you.

“That’s exactly what I was thinking. Left side? Let’s go,” you confirmed, and the two of you took off purposefully, leaving Gwil and Ben hurrying to keep up.

It was a pretty simple way to solve a maze, but it worked way better than just wandering around and hoping for the best. Every so often, your group would come across what looked like a real path, but you weren’t sure. One time, you were about to head down one of them when you stopped the others.

“Wait, this isn’t a real path. All of the others have been about four feet across, and I’d say this one is only about three and a half. Also, you can see where some of the stalks have been trampled down instead of cut,” you pointed out, matter-of-factly.

“You’re right. Good catch,” Joe said seriously and the two of you moved to the next real path.

“They’re like fucking bloodhounds,” Ben said in disbelief.

“Yeah,” Gwil laughed with him. The laugh died in their throats though when you and Joe rounded a corner and they couldn’t see you anymore. They basically ran to catch up to you, and you and Joe both laughed at their harriedness.

“Real talk, guys, if you ever do lose us, just go southwest and you’ll find the exit. Even if you have to make some new paths, you’ll get there,” Joe informed them.

“And how exactly are we supposed to know which way is southwest?” Gwil asked incredulously.

“The sky, duh,” Joe replied.

“Are you sure you weren’t a soldier in a past life or something?” Ben said in confusion.

“No, I just played one on TV,” Joe joked and you laughed, lightly touching his arm. He laughed along with you, looking at you cheerfully.

“That’s fine, don’t tell us. We’ll just die out here when you ditch us because you have to win,” Gwil said grumpily, though you knew it was more to make you feel bad than him actually being worried.

“Aw Gwil-” you stopped yourself from saying Gwilly, remembering what Joe had said earlier. You shot a glance his way to see him looking relieved that you hadn’t and then continued, “We would never desert you guys.”

Gwil looked satisfied with your reply, and so you hit your hands together and said, “Let’s get to it, then!”

The rest of the maze was going well, and by your own timing, it had only been 25 minutes and you could tell you were close to the end. That is until the two of you let Ben and Gwil take the lead for a minute since they said they had figured out how the system worked.

You and Joe were walking behind them and chatting when you noticed a similar pile of corn cobs as you had seen before. You pointed to them and asked, “Haven’t we seen those before?”

Joe looked at them closer and replied in exasperation, “Yes, we absolutely have.”

“Ben, Gwil, How did you manage to get us lost in a corn maze?” you asked them, bringing your hand to the bridge of your nose.

“Um…” Ben was at a loss for words again.

“Isn’t that the whole point of a corn maze?” Gwil asked sheepishly.

“Not when you’re trying to beat the best time!” Joe insisted.

“You guys said you knew what you were doing,” you reminded them.

“Oh come on, we can’t be trusted to do this kind of stuff. It’s on you guys for believing us in the first place. You should be mad at yourselves,” Ben said, pointing an accusatory finger at you both.

“Believe me, we are,” you said, giving up on being mad at them. Ben was right, they were always getting lost, and they were too cute to stay mad at anyways.

“If we hurry, we can still do this. We didn’t pass this place the first time too long ago,” Joe encouraged you and you agreed.

Staying in front this time, you and Joe set off a faster pace to make up for having to retrace your path. Gwil and Ben trailed a little, not far enough to lose sight of you, but far enough that they could complain under their breath for their perceived mistreatment.

“I can’t believe they’re blaming us for that,” Ben complained to Gwil.

“I know, it’s not like we tried to get lost,” Gwil grumbled.

They were silent for a couple seconds and then there was a rustle of corn stalks somewhere behind them.

“Shhhh,” Gwil told Ben.

“What are you shushing, I haven’t said anything,” Ben pointed out.

“Can you hear that? Something’s moving behind us,” Gwil whispered and Ben listened with him. Sure enough, they were more sounds of movement, and they were creeping closer and closer to the boys faster and faster.

Looking at each other with fear in their eyes, they screamed, starting to run to catch up to you and Joe.

Startled by their screams, you and Joe turned back to see what was happening. Joe saw what was coming first and pulled you to the side with him to keep you from getting hit. You were just in time to see a blur of long limbs and shorter, more powerful ones running past you and hear Gwil yell, “OH MY GOSH THEY’RE GOING TO KILL US!”

The two of you tried to yell “wait” after them, but they just kept going. Luckily for them, you and Joe had only been about 200 feet from the exit, and they were able to run straight out of the maze.

You and Joe looked at each other in confusion and then looked behind where you were standing to see two kids jogging towards you. They didn’t slow down, instead just calling out an explanation, “We’re trying to beat the record, excuse us.”

Realizing that your friends had been scared out of their wits by two twelve year old kids made you and Joe crack up. The two of you laughed, leaning on each other to stay upright as you lost your breath and wiped tears of laughter from your eyes.

“Oh my- oh my gosh, I can’t believe they were so scared-” you got out between heaves of breath before you dissolved into another fit of giggles.

“I know, I didn’t think- didn’t think either of them could run that fast. You know, Ben’s not really a cardio guy, and Gwil hates to run,” Joe said, which just sent you two into another full on laugh-attack.

After a little while, the laughs died down and the two of you were left standing incredibly close, breathing heavily in the same proximity so that you were sharing the same breath. The smiles died from your faces as you continually stared into each other’s eyes, searching for a sign that you should do exactly what you were both thinking about.

You didn’t even know what you were going to say next, but you started with, “Joey-” and that was his sign. He closed the distance between you and crashed his lips against yours, taking what was left of your breath in a searing kiss.

Moaning into it, your mouth opened slightly and Joe took the chance to run his tongue just along the inside of your bottom lip. You followed his tongue with yours and wrapped your arms around his neck, keeping him unbelievably close.

His arms went to your waist, and even through the layers of your coat, sweater, and undershirt, you could feel the warm pressure of his hands on you that made your skin burn for more.

Before the kiss could go anywhere else, you heard laughter coming from around the corner and broke apart, smiling at each other for a second before you started walking towards the entrance. You didn’t say anything, but Joe linked your arm through his again and you leaned into him.

As you exited the maze, you found Ben and Gwil standing together, looking pretty embarrassed.

“Hey guys, you doing okay?” Joe asked in mock concern.

“Yeah, or do we have a couple of twelve year olds to give a stern talking to?” you said in the same tone.

“Very funny,” Gwil said sarcastically.

“Yeah, by the way, those twelve year olds just beat the record and you two are two minutes too late,” Ben taunted, trying to get the mocking off of him and Gwil.

“I’m okay with that,” you said calmly.

“Yeah me too,” Joe agreed.

“Who even are you?” Gwil questioned, looking at you two suspiciously as if you were about to go off and blame the two of them for losing the contest. Ben on the other hand saw the way your arms were linked and noticed the flush of Joe’s cheeks that hadn’t been there earlier, even from the cold, and came to his own conclusion.

Before Ben could say anything, you spoke up, “Shouldn’t we head to the shack? It’s almost 11:00.”

“I s’pose,” Ben conceded, and the four of you linked up again, though this time Gwil was next to you and Ben was on the other side of Joe. Someone started skipping and soon you all joined in, so you arrived, out of breath and cheery to find Lucy and Rami sipping on some hot apple cider outside the shack.

They laughed at the sight of you and Lucy asked, “So, how did it go?”

“Pretty well, until Gwil and Ben literally ran screaming out of it because two kids had been walking behind them,” you explained as everyone dropped their arms, Joe hesitating for a second before dropping his from yours too. Lucy caught it, but didn’t say anything, instead she just stood there with a thoughtful look on her face.

“Guys, I know you don’t have that much experience with kids, but trust me, they’re not that scary,” Rami said, and everyone but Ben and Gwil laughed.

“Whatever, I’m going to go get some cider,” Gwil said and turned on his heel to head inside.

“Yeah, uh, me too,” Ben said, following him in there.

Joe leaned in and said to you, “I’ll be right back.”

Lucy, again, noticed it and gave you a knowing look, “So, Y/N, anything else happen in the corn maze? Anything Ben will be excited to tell me about?”

“Well, Joe and I were trying to beat the time for solving it, but when Ben and Gwil distracted us, we decided to let those kids win instead,” you replied, being purposefully obtuse.

“Haven’t you said before that nothing could distract you from winning? Seems like something as trivial as the boys being scared or some kids wouldn’t stop you,” Lucy pointed out, trying to get you to admit that something had transpired between you and Joe.

You didn’t want to give her the satisfaction and were about to give a counter argument when Joe, Ben, and Gwil all emerged from the shack.

Joe was carrying two cups of cider and handed one to you, “Careful, it’s hot.”

Taking it from him with a smile, you leaned in and whispered, “Thank you, Joey.”

He wavered for a second, nearly dropping his cup before he regained his composure. That was certainly one experiment you had discovered the solution for: call him Joey more.

“You’re welcome,” he managed, voice cracking on the second word.

You giggled softly and then turned to see the whole group watching the two of you. As soon as they were caught, they all turned to each other and started their own conversations, extremely obviously trying to cover up.

Making eye contact with Joe, you rolled your eyes and he did the same, before taking the lead in walking back to the car. Everyone piled in, careful of their cider, and Joe had the car on with the heat blasting as soon as he could.

You put on some soft music à la Fleetwood Mac and James Taylor. With the heat and the music to lull them, soon everyone but you and Joe had conked out. Looking back, you chuckled at how Gwil and Ben were more cuddled up than Rami and Lucy were.

When he saw in the rearview mirror that everyone was asleep, Joe sucked in a breath and said, “So…”

“So…?” you asked.

“So I had a really good time tonight. Working with you to win a game, for a change,” he went on.

“Yeah, I did too. Maybe we should try more of it in the future,” you suggested, moving your hand to touch his where it was resting on the middle console.

He intertwined his fingers with yours and squeezed your hand in his, “Yes, we definitely should.”

Neither of you knew it, but Lucy had woken briefly when Joe started talking and saw the two of you holding hands. She smiled happily to herself before snuggling closer to Rami and closing her eyes again to fall back asleep.

🎃🎃🎃

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Reminder that my requests are open! If you would like something in a sort of one shot format/length or blurb, etc. send it in! Who knows, it might end up a miniseries too! I’ll write for any of the Borhap or Queen boys (Freddie platonically), Lucy, Patrick Murray, Gardner Langway and adult!Tim Murphy or possibly any of the other characters these people have played if I know enough about them!