#calling me disgusting immediately after finding out I'm black is crazy though

[barcaluvv]

𝐊 𝐄 𝐘 ʰᵉᶜᵗᵒʳ ᶠᵒʳᵗ ˣ ʳᵉᵃᵈᵉʳ !! ʳᵉᵠᵘᵉˢᵗᵉᵈ :)

Your whole life your family tries to match you with someone, otherwise it would be friendly families or sometimes even strangers. You were tired of getting ready every time, and you had enough more of arranging. But sigh, another week another family to meet, leaving the house, you think to yourself, what kind of unfortunate guy will he be now, minutes later a black Mercedes-Benz pulled up in your back yard, he was beeping like crazy, I already know he's an impatient little sh!t right there but after seeing the car you understood exactly why they picked him to be your next failed stage.

in the back seat were his parents, I could hear his mother telling him "open the door for her you fool" several times but he just kept his feet on the pedal, smelling his own narcissistic perfume that surprisingly seemed too good. On the way to the restaurant, we sat in silence, you could just see hector looking at you in the rearview mirror, smirking his head off. When you arrived at the restaurant, you couldn't stand it, and with each point he insulted you in a slighty rich-nice way like every other full of money guy. We will leave you now alone, his father told him now, waving at him. When they got out, he immediately relaxed and took off his tie, feeling a relief. So tell me who made u do this, i asked him openly.

"I trusted my gut" said Hector. For exactly what? you asked with a distance on your face. I thought there would be some nice piece, said the curly head with a immense smirk on his face, but now I see it was telling me the wrong thing. Oh shut up, youre not all that. he rolled his eyes at your sentence, "would this change your mind? hmm?" said Hector i assume that's his name.

He brang up a bag, not only was it too much even the bag was shining through. "You can't buy me with all of this but thanks i appreciate the effort lil buddy". "Are you that hard to get?" your answer to that question was just .gulp. just a little gulp, like a needle down your troath.

when we went home, at the very exit we saw that someone stole his car, oh my god, he went crazy. We called the police, but they just told us to find a hotel on the spur of the moment.

Good now we have to walk to the hotel, you yelled at him. "Oh shut up you're the bad luck here". That sentence hurted you inside and now you thought with yourself.

His hair is disgusting - 𝐿𝑖𝑎𝑟

I hate the way it curls - 𝑂𝒉 𝑛𝑜 𝑖 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡.

The curves on his shoulders, his lips

theyre sickening - 𝑆𝑢𝑐𝒉 𝑎 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑎𝑙.

His hands are so uninviting - 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝑡𝒉𝑒𝑛.

I hate him - 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝒉𝒊𝒎.

We had luck that after 20 minutes of walking we finally found a cheap hotel 3 blocks away of the restaurant we went.

"Nice now we have to stay in this cheap place, and the worst part of it that you're gonna be next to me." If you don't like it then buy 2 rooms! You can literally buy this whole place but your narcissistic self cannot help?.

"Maybe i dont want you in another room okay." He seemed pretty serious so you just gave up.

The room only has one bed, and a small chair next to it, it's so old that you can barefoot break it.

I'm sleeping on the sofa you said, you take the bed then.

"Cmon here, I'm not gonna let you sleep there, then afterwards pay for your medication, here its way too cold, just dont come near me" said Hector. You both looked at the ceiling until you felt asleep, I mean at least one of you needed. Even though you were in a deep sleep, you could feel his warm breath surrounding your whole collarbone.

That night you had a nightmare, you screamed, calling out his name, all shaking. Of course you woke him up too, but unexpectedly he approached your body, hugging you " Shh!! It's okay Hermosa, I'm here dont you worry youre safe with me love" you felt your body calming a valuable piece of your mind. "See its not that scary, you got me" said Hector holding your hand aggressively. All i thought about was his little whispers, his effortlessly tiny fingertips going through my hair i felt everything. Pooking your blushy cheeks, letting out "you're not that bad as i thought you were, and now if you allow me" he kissed you.

5 year's after this, you didn't have to look for a boyfriend in anyone anymore, because you found a husband in him. after this night, everything changed and this was the story of how me and your amazing mother met, said Hector.

[starlightxsvt]

3 dates | c.sc

pairing ➳ badboy!Seungcheol x female!reader

genre ➳ badboy au, romance, some fluff, angst, bad attempt at humour, gets spicy at the end.

word count ➳ 12.4k+ (i have NO idea how this became so long so strap in for a ride)

warnings ➳ cursing, mentions of killing, mentions criminal activities, slight violence(non explicit), smoking, ma man Seungcheol ain't your typical badboy, self doubt, blackmailing, reader does all sorts of risky things cuz she's a SIMP, blood(nothing explicit), kissing, marking, some breast worshipping, grinding, reader is horny lol. (Please lemme know if I forgot anything.)

synopsis ➳ after one fateful encounter with him you cannot get him out of your head. so you opt to do some crazy things to catch his attention and even snag a few dates with him. only trouble is he isn't the type to stay after the whole disposition is over.

Swirling the third drink in your hand you heave yet another depressed sigh. You are so tired that you feel like you can just slump on the counter and pass out. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to stop for a drink, you alcohol riddled brain thinks.

The plans you had with Katelyn was cancelled last moment; she called to tell you that her thesis submission date was moved forward and so she couldn't hang out with you tonight. You're in the middle of an existential crisis quite literally, the too many part time jobs yet still lack of money and copious amounts of study getting to you. Staring hard at your drink you contemplate if it is worth giving up on college and your dream of becoming an arts major. It sure feels tempting right now, the long hours at the diner and not enough sleep at night proving to be the worst nuisance.

Sighing you put down your drink. It's still early, you should go home and try to catch up on the much needed sleep. You really had no intention of grabbing a drink tonight; you have morning classes tomorrow but you made a last moment decision to stop for a drink on your way back home. You didn't take your usual route to home today, and while trudging through the streets tiredly you came across this bar called Seventeen's. You've heard stories about this place, how it is the home to local gangs and how it's bad people's turf and what not. Your curiosity, probably too much of that made you get inside for a drink even though all the bones in your body ached. The inside is what you expected, nowhere near fancy but dingy, just decent enough. The people inside didn't look friendly and if the chains and tattoos on them gave any indication you'd say the rumours are true; this is the turf of gangs. The drinks taste decent, not the best but not the worst and from the overall look of this place you don't really have a reason to come back.

You're about to stand up from your stool when a large, clammy hand grabs your wrist out of nowhere, making you jump. "Hey sexy, sit down. Let me buy you a drink," the owner of the hand, a large, tattooed middle aged man slurs making your nose scrunch out of disgust. You're wearing nothing that can be called sexy; a plain cardigan and jeans and the way he looks you up and down makes you want to poke his eyes out.

You really shouldn't have come here. Clenching your jaw, you meet his eyes, "What makes you think I'm interested to have a drink with you?"

"Oh come on, why would you be here then, lookin' all nice? Just sit down," the man drawls, an ugly smile on his face. He still hasn't let go of your wrist and it's making you impatient. Looks like you're gonna have to kick his balls tonight. Maybe the self defense classes didn't completely go to waste.

"Get your disgusting hands off me while I'm being nice, sleazeball," you hiss at him, trying to get his hand off. The man stands up growling, "What did you say you bitch?" You're preparing to break his nose when out of nowhere a punch lands on his face that sends him tumbling to the ground. The attacker gets on top of him and twists his arm and you can literally hear a bone snap.

Shit.

"I think she said she is not interested," the man hisses, landing yet another another hit on his face before kicking his groin and getting up. When he turns around and his eyes meet yours, your heart skips a few beats and you almost The man is drop dead gorgeous, someone you would not expect to see here but probably on the cover of a high end magazine. His blond hair is long, crossing the nape of his neck as well as some covering his forehead. What takes your breath away the most is his eyes, the most beautiful pair you've ever seen. They seem to have their own galaxies in them, so deep and mesmerising and decorated with lashes long enough to make you jealous. His dress up, black jacket and jeans, immediately tells you what he is; a gang member.

"You should get home, lady," He speaks in a no nonsense tone, his face cold as ice. But you're offended. "Excuse me? Who are you calling lady? You make it sound like I'm old." You puff your cheeks and cross your arms, trying to appear intimidating. "Besides I had the situation under control, you didn't need to butt in." The man keeps looking at you with that no nonsense look, his features displaying annoyance if you are right and he's clearly not intimidated. The dude on the floor grunts and makes an effort to get up, only to be kicked by your saviour once more. "Hey Mingyu, get him out of here. What was this piece of trash doing here anyway?" The man orders to someone before turning to look at you, "Do you live far?"

"Uh- no, a ten minutes walk from here maybe," you reply unsurely, surprised at his question. The blond haired man nods before grabbing your wrist, "I'll walk you home. Hurry up, lady." You have a feeling he's purposely calling you that and though you start following him out of the bar, you make grunts of protest.

"Oh yeah, why? Trying to find out my address? So you can come later and hurt me like that guy?" You would not be this brazen if it wasn't for the alcohol in your system, after all the man next you isn't a friendly one if the rumours are true. The man raises a brow at you, "Did you do something that requires me to beat you up?" You hiccup at his serious tone. Does he not get a joke? He lets go of your hand now that you're at a safe distance from the bar but still stays close enough to you as your steps are rather stumbling and messy. You aren't fully drunk but your body is tired and feels like will shut down any second.

You really need some sleep.

"You know I'm not that drunk. You don't have to walk me home." You complain. "I'm walking you home because this isn't a nice place you should be alone at night. What happened earlier could happen again." He says not looking at you. "Mhmm," you keep on trudging behind him, "Thank you so much for your kind gesture, sir." You mock him but he doesn't reply, staring straight ahead, completely ignoring you as he walks quietly. In silence you two walk the rest of the path, before finally stopping as your apartment comes into view. At this point it feels like your bones will break and you will plop down on the concrete any second, but you manage to keep standing. "Well, thanks for walking me home." You shift your weight from one foot to another. "And for helping me back there." He shrugs coolly, a bored expression on his face. He's turning to walk away when you call, "Hey- I didn't get your name."

"What do you need it for?" He side glances at you. You shrug, "I don't know. You helped me so I thought it'd be nice to know your name." "You don't need to. Go inside, lady." He says, his tone final and starts marching away. You wait a couple moments before yelling, "Asshole!" and quickly rushing inside your building, partly afraid he's gonna come back.

You won't be surprised if you get killed tonight.

-

"So you are telling me Choi Seungcheol walked you home?" Katelyn screams in your ear, jolting up from her seat, earning glares from other people at the library in the process. "That's his name?" You whisper-yell, grabbing her hand to pull her back down. "I'm guessing from the blond hair you said," Katelyn shrugs. "Uh huh." You mean back in your chair, "He was hot though."

"Is that seriously all you have to say?" Katelyn whines exasperatedly. "No, I mean, if it wasn't for the way he dresses or talks I would have thought he's a model or something." You murmur.

"Are you sure he didn't hurt you?" Katelyn questions. "Hell no!" You frown. "He saved me from that creepy old dude. I was surprised too. I wish I didn't drink so much, I could have gotten a better look at his face," you sigh. "Seriously?" Katelyn raises a brow at you.

"Girl, you should have seen him. His aura and the way he carried himself was...so hot." You grin to yourself. Katelyn watches you like you've grown two heads. "Are you trying to tell me you have a crush on that gangster?" You smile sheepishly, "Maybe, I mean it's harmless. He was broody yet charming and I'm a girl so.... Also, it's not like he likes me too and is gonna come running whenever I ask him to bang me." You mutter.

"Oh he's gonna break your bones and bang your skull against a wall. That's what he's gonna do."

"Come on! Maybe he isn't so bad. Maybe the rumours are just rumours. Maybe he just looks intimidating and dresses up like that and people thinks he's a gangster." "Really? His name is on every bad thing that happens around here. From illegal racing to murders. Do you know that people say he has killed too?" "Like I said, rumours," you shrug being your stubborn self. Katelyn holds her hands up in surrender, "You know what? It doesn't matter. I'm glad you're alive so let's just put this behind us, shall we?" You don't reply but wiggle your brows at her, a conspirational look on your face. "Oh no, don't look at me like that," Katelyn warns. "Let's go to that bar tonight. Please?" You give her your best puppy eyes. "What are you? Fucking crazy? You wanna get killed?" She whisper-yells, scowling at you. "No. I just wanna take another look at him. Without the alcohol in my system you know. Besides, the place isn't that bad." You reply.

"Well then get killed by yourself. I'm not coming with you."

"I'll help you with your papers for the rest of the semester."

"Shit."

-

"Well, looks like your wish won't be coming true," Katelyn muses chugging down her fourth glass as you keep playing with your first one. It's nearing an hour since you've come to the bar and there has been no sign of the man you desperately seek. The place is exactly like it was the other day, filled with people who you wouldn't want to mess with.

Yet here you are.

"Let's call it a night," Katelyn sighs. "We're just wasting our time." You know that too but you don't want to leave; not just yet. You are well aware that this is just pathetic but you've this crazy urge to see that man once again. You don't know why you feel this way; you never felt like this before. Why are thinking yourself to death about a complete stranger? Has some kind of spell been casted on you?

"Yeah, let's get going," you murmur half heartedly. You help your friend stand up as she's a little wobbly on her feet and together you make your way through the door. "Should we call a cab?" You ask Katelyn. She shakes her head no and you nod, you arms wrapped around hers to support her in case she looses her balance. You start stepping away from the bar and towards the road to her place until a noise from behind makes you stop in your tracks.

"Did you hear that?" You ask, whipping your head behind. There's no one around and the street is mostly dark other than the light flashing from the name of the bar. You hear the sound once again and this time you can locate where it's coming from. There's an abandoned playground at the back of the bar and you've a feeling that's the source.

Katelyn hisses as she sees you step towards there. "What are you doing!"

"Didn't you hear that?"

"Yes I did. That's why I say we leave!" You ignore her and cautiously keep on stepping forward, mentally cursing yourself for wearing heels. Katelyn follows behind you murmuring all kinds of warnings. "You know curiosity killed the cat, right?" She whispers.

You roll your eyes, "Well I'm not a cat. Just- be quiet. It can be nothing." You both move past the bar gingerly and towards the playground at the back. There are old gallons of oil and abandoned materials just around the corner and you two quickly hide among them. It takes you a while to get adjusted to the low light after you poke your head up from the hiding spot.

You're eyes fix on him immediately. His blond hair makes him easily recognisable amid the darkness. There is a few more people around him, all kicking something in the ground. Not something, but someone. The man lying on the ground groans in pain and you realize this is what you both heard. "Shit," You hear Katelyn curse from beside you. "We need to get going." Instead of replying, you keep your eyes trained on the scene unfolding, holding your breath. You're tranced. Seungcheol lands continuous punched on the guy laying below him and after a moment his writhing frame seems to stop moving as it falls limp.

Fuck.

"You know in movies this is the part where people get caught." Katelyn whispers, her voice hoarse and her hand clutching yours in a tugging motion. "Uh-huh. But I can't seem to move. I wonder if he's... really dead." You whisper back. "Are you fucking crazy!" She hisses. "You wanna witness murder?"

Before you can reply you hear a sound that echoes through the empty field and it takes a second for you two to realise that it came from any one of you two. You don't have the time to figure out who made it as you both are crawling away from the playground without looking back, head crouched low to avoid being seen. You don't know if they heard that or if they're coming behind you, you both just keep scrambling, moving until you're past the corner. As soon as possible you both get on your feet and run like the grim reaper is chasing you, stopping only when you are far enough from the bar.

"I am never listening to you again!" Katelyn yells.

-

It's been a good few days since your near death experience and you somehow find yourself in front of that bar once again. You and Katelyn have not brought up that incident after that night. You made yourself believe that it was over and came to a conclusion that it is better to forget that man and leave all of it behind, no matter how much your heart disagreed. But it's easier said than done; you may not mention him out loud but in the back of your mind you think of him. He's like a ghost, haunting you all the time, plagueing your thoughts when you go to bed at night. It felt like he was ever existent and there was an itch in your heart that drove you insane.

Maybe that's why your subconscious brought you here, in front of Seventeen's, once again. You were on your way back home from library and you thought you took your usual route, until you realized you were standing in front of that place. But what is even terrifying is that the man haunting your mind stands in front of the entrance of the bar and you blink a few times to make sure you are not hallucinating. He's leaned against the entrance door, cigarette between his lips and from his pocket he fetches a lighter to light the poison in his mouth.

Damn, lighting up a cigarette never looked this sexy.

He hasn't seen you yet and you contemplate running the other way. That's the sensible thing to do but you, not being a sensible person, start walking towards him. Your footsteps make him look up and notice you and like the last time, there is no expression on his face. It's the same bored yet handsome face except now in daylight you can take a better look at him and this time, you notice a little mole on the left of his face, by his nose. Realising he's gonna stay silent you decide to speak, "Hi... It's me... Do you remember me?" Wow. That's such an intelligent thing to ask.

With the monotoned yet serious expression on his face, he goes, "Why won't I? I don't have Alzheimer's."

So he can joke.

You laugh, an awkward, probably exaggerated laugh. "What are you doing here? Did you not learn your lesson last time?" He cuts to the chase, his voice brassy and deep, almost threatening. You want to roll your eyes. "Who are you to say? I can be wherever I want whenever I want, thank you very much." "Well then, have fun getting in trouble like last time." He's nonchalant as he blows a smoke right past you and stands up straight, turning away. "Wait!" You almost grab his hand, desperate to stop him.

What is wrong with you? Your subconscious slaps her forehead. What are you holding him back for? To say 'hello sir, I think you're hot, can you please put your dick inside me'? Seungcheol turns his head back, his eyebrow cocked up.

Why do you find everything about him so attractive?

"Um...I know your name, Seungcheol." You speak, trying to sound intimidating, like knowing his name gives you some power over him. There's something definitely wrong with you which is why you don't want him to leave just yet and which is why you're stalling time. But it seems to have done the job as he pulls the cigarette out of his mouth and turns towards you, an annoyed look on his face. "How do you know that?" The timbre of his tone is deep and it rakes shivers down your spine. "Well, you've built quite a reputation for yourself so it isn't hard to get your name." You shrug coolly. "Well, if you know so much about my reputation, you should know what I'm capable of." His lone is low, almost threating as he starts to take slow steps towards you making you step back out of reflex.

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Maybe you will also end up like the curious cat.

"Oh yes, I know. People have got a lot to say about you," you try to sound unfazed, not meeting his eyes that you feel are burning holes on your face. "What are you doing here, lady?" he asks slowly, pausing between each word and glaring at you as he continues to step forward. You can feel his patience thinning.

"I swear to God if you call me that-"

"What are you doing here?" This time his tone is scary, too scary. It makes you lose the ability to speak for a second as his dark gaze bores into you. He has backed you up against the wall behind you and you swallow. Right, what are you doing here? It probably has something to do with a very hot individual and his insanely attractive aura. Scratch that you are a hundred percent sure it has something to do with the blond haired, enticing man in front of you. He's driving you mad and you need to get your fill of him.

"Go out with me," you state and you are sure you've never spoken words more stupid than that. Internally, you cringe and pray that the ground below you would open and take you straight to the fiery pits.

This is the first time you see some sort of expression come across his face; surprise. He looks utterly shocked and somewhat confused. His mouth opens just a little and he squints at you, "What?"

There's no going back now.

"Go out with me. Let's go on three dates." you say once more, looking him in the eye. He seems to appear even more surprised, a dumbstruck look sitting on his face. He observes you quietly for a while and you can feel the gears in his head shifting. You wonder what he's gonna say next. Or maybe he won't say anything but bang your head on the wall and leave you to die alone. "I'm sorry I'm not following," he looks genuinely perplexed. "I want to go on three dates with you. They say after three dates you can figure out whether you like that person or not and I think I like you so..."

I think I like you.

The biggest understatement of the year.

Seungcheol tilts his head, an amused expression on his face as he studies you, those sharp eyes of his settling on yours, "What is your deal, sweetheart?" He crosses his arms, a brow raised. Sweetheart? That's new. And definitely better than lady. You can't deny how hearing him call you that makes your insides melt. "Nothing. I just want to date you," you shrug, trying to keep your wits together. His proximity is driving you wild; you can sniff a faint smell of cologne and cigarette, him being inches away from you. This time he laughs loudly, a mocking laugh you'd say. "Who sent you?"

Oh my god.

You roll your eyes. "Nobody sent me! Do I look like I'm a gang member or something?" "Then I don't see a reason why you'd want to date me," He states, throwing a challenging look at you.

"What if I said I have a thing for bad boys?"

He snorts. "You don't look the type to date bad boys," he mocks. "Who are you to say that?" You cross your arms. "I want to date you because I think you're hot, okay?" You can not believe you just said that. Looks like you don't have control over your mouth anymore. Warmth spreads throughout your face like a forest fire.

Seungcheol narrows his eyes on you, his tongue poking his cheek as he stands in front of you as if trying to read your mind. After a beat he sighs before looking at you, his eyes becoming darker than usual and his gaze unforgiving. "Hey. Does it look like I'm playing house here? Do you have any idea about the shit I do? The dirty work I do? I don't care if you have a fucking fetish or whatever but this is the last time I'm warning you. I don't want to see you around again. If I see you here once more, you're in fucking trouble," he spits and starts stomping away. His tone is serious and you know very well he is not joking, which is why you use your last resort. You're embarrassed at yourself for being so desperate but at the same time you feel shameless. It has almost turned into a game at this point, you want to make him surrender. That's right, you want him to give in. "You shouldn't be like that with me. I saw you, a few days ago. That night, when you and your friends were beating up that guy...in the playground," you casually stroll to come stand right behind him.

You can't believe you are blackmailing a gangster. Your death must be near.

Seungcheol whips his head back, his eyes glaring at you and you can almost see fire in them. Finally, you got his attention.

"My friend also saw it, we both did. You killed him, didn't you? Me and my friend witnessed a murder. What do you say? Should we go to the station?" You can see his jaw clench and you can't hold back a victorious smirk. Moments pass by as your words hang in the air and the tension between you gets thicker. Yet once more he surprises you, breaking the silence with a chuckle, "Well I killed one person, what makes you think I can't take care of another?"

You swallow.

"Well, my friend already knows so if I go missing you can be sure that the cops will come to you first." You throw back at him.

When did you get so wreckless?

Seungcheol stares at you for a few more seconds before shrugging and moving his hand dismissively, "Well then go tell the cops. I don't give a shit." He starts walking back to the bar leaving you starstruck. He stops and turns towards you before opening the door, "Also, I meant it. I hope I don't see you around. Otherwise I may just have to hurt that pretty face."

-

You don't show up after that.

Mostly because you are embarasssed.

It's been a good while after your last encounter with Seungcheol and you didn't go to the police, obviously. Because you don't have evidence and from what you've heard Seungcheol is pretty influential around here and you don't need to go to an extent to get on his bad side. You're definitely gonna end up dead if you do so, which you don't want just yet.

Classes have just finished and you and Katelyn step out of the classroom together, walking through the hallways and into the main campus. She rambles on about some bad sushi she ate yesterday while your mind remains preoccupied. Maybe you need to get laid. Maybe that'll make you forget about Seungcheol. You just need good dick that's probably why you were so desperate for him.

That's just a stupid lie.

You don't realise Katelyn is calling you until she shakes you by the shoulder and you snap back into reality. You notice her face is as pale as a ghost and following her line of sight your eyes stop on him.

Him. Seungcheol.

What?

You double take, blinking furiously to confirm your vision. He's standing there, in the parking area of your uni, leaned against a convertible Ferrari, a cigarette between his lips. He looks relaxed, like he does this regularly. Students whisper in each others ear while gawking at him curiously. "What did you do!" Katelyn yells. "Nothing!" You hiss back.

"Then why is he here!"

"I don't know!"

Your eyes meet with Seungcheol's and a smirk spreads across his face making you shiver. He stands up straight and tilts his head, an indication for you to come closer to him. "Fuck, he's here for me," you mumble. "Of course he's here for you, dumbass," Katelyn snaps. "Well, if I don't return, you know who killed me." You sigh starting to walk towards him. "Wait- you're going with him?" She asks incredulously.

"Don't worry. I'll keep my phone on. I don't think he's gonna murder me, I mean there are so many witnesses." You inhale deeply, leaving behind a lost looking Katelyn.

Seungcheol says nothing as you stand right in front of him raising an inquisitive brow but he only holds open the door for you to get in. Deciding to follow him you enter the car quietly and a wave of gasps go through the crowd.

There's gonna be talk about this tomorrow.

Seungcheol, still smirking victoriously for some reason rounds the car and gets inside and within seconds you're hitting the road. There's a thick silence for a while, which feels like ages to you. You're overwhelmed, bewildered to say anything; your poor brain still processing what is happening. You're nervous, jittery as you fiddle with you bag and look out on your side, for some reason scared to look at him.

What if he really kills you? He wouldn't, right?

"You're awfully quiet," Seungcheol says matter of factly as he spares you a glance while driving.

"I'm... processing."

"What are you, a robot?"

"Why are you doing this?" You question instead.

"Doing what?"

"Okay, you know very well what I mean. Why are you picking me up from uni all of a sudden? How do you even know I'm a student there?" "I have resources and...you didn't protest at all. You came along nicely," Seungcheol raised a brow at you, a cocky smile on his lips. You don't answer but continue to stare at him, trying to pin him down with your gaze. He finally sighs and pulls the car to a stop by the side of the road, the sudden brake making you slightly jerk in your seat. "I've decided to give you those 3 dates. That's why," He is calm, unreadable and you wonder if this is a prank. Then again, he has no reason to prank you, does he? "Really?" Your voice comes out breathy. "Yes. I thought I'd give you a taste of how it feels to be with someone like me. I can scare people without physically hurting them you know," He says in a menacing tone.

"So what? You're taking me to an underground fight or something?" You question. "Nah, we're keeping it simple today." He smirks as he starts the car again and turns on the radio, an indication that he doesn't want to converse anymore.

Shamelessly you take a good look at Seungcheol; he's dressed in another jacket today paired with a black tee underneath. Today, you notice he has upped his accessory game, his fingers full of rings and chains dangling from his neck. But what catches your attention is a tattoo, something like a dragon and words written in a language you don't understand, peeking from underneath his sleeve. You almost ask about it but decide it'll probably be too much and he wouldn't answer you anyway.

As you do so, in the back of your mind you think you should have dressed better, something cuter, more appropriate for a date rather than a plain blouse and jeans. But then again who knew Choi Seungcheol was gonna show up out of the blue. You're gnawing at your lower lip, lost in your thoughts when the car is pulled to a halt and you realize your ride is over. You're parked in front of a diner called Lacy's and from the vibe that the place is giving, you can tell that this is place where people like him hang out. You raise a questioning brow at Seungcheol who says, "I know it doesn't look fancy but trust me I has some of the best food I've ever eaten." Taking his words for now you quickly type out a text to Katelyn letting her know you're in one piece and get out of the car.

Once you're seated you look around the place which is relatively empty except some men playing pool at the far end. You watch Seungcheol who has gone to the reception booth to place your orders; his posture relaxed as he leans against the counter and talks to the girl standing there. They seem to know each other because their chat takes longer than it should and the girl has a shy, almost flirty smile on her face.

He probably fucks her.

You shake the thought off your head as the gangster comes back and sits in front of you. There's silence for a second as you wonder if you should just ask the questions that run free around your mind. "Are the rumours true?" You blurt out. He's raises a brow.

"About you. You know..."

"Do you want them to be true?" He asks back. "I don't...know," you reply. "Well, I think it depends on each person. If you want it to be true it is true, if you don't it isn't," he shrugs, leaning back in his chair. "Why don't you just give me a straight answer?" you snap. He smirks as if he's having fun but doesn't reply, watching you with his arms crossed. You roll your your eyes, blowing out an exasperated breath. "You know, I haven't seen one like you. Willingly hanging out with dangerous people, going to dangerous places. You say you saw me kill someone yet you're here. You're almost desperate to get in trouble," he observes. "I'm not desperate to get in trouble. I just...I'm just- attracted to you alright?" This is so embarrassing. You need to shut your mouth. "You've been on my mind ever since that night. I wanna see exactly how deep I'm into you." You bite your lip.

That's enough. You will boost his ego through the roof like this.

Seungcheol studies you for a bit before grinning cockily, "Well, if you didn't know, I am trouble baby. Just you being with me might end you up in a mess." Before you can reply, your food is served, that same girl from the booth setting down your plates and looking at Seungcheol for a bit too long with that same stupid smile which he returns. You don't know why but you feel jealous, jealous of whatever these two share, whatever she has with him.

You've lost your mind at this point. You're on a high that is Seungcheol. He has made you forget your morals, made you completely lose your mind. Or maybe you've been too good all your life and seeing him brought out that crazy, thrill seeking part of yourself.

Silently you dig into your food and as Seungcheol said, the food is really good. This is one of the best meatloaf you've ever had and you can't help but moan. Seungcheol watches you with an amused smile before popping a fry in his mouth.

"What's your major?" Seungcheol asks out of the blue.

"Uh- sociology."

"Mmhmm."

You're about to ask him what he studied in college but you assume he probably never went to one so you seal your lips. You wonder what his background is and who his parents are but you don't want to get too personal on the first day. So you ask something else, "How old are you?" He laughs out loud before he deadpans, "Thirty five." "What!" You almost choke.

There's no way he's-

"Why? What did you expect?"

"I... I don't know! A few years older than me? You're kidding right? You don't look thirty five." He has to be bluffing. "And how old would you be?" "You shouldn't ask a woman her age," you try to make a point. "Don't you have any manners?" He smirks,"I don't, sweetheart. To answer your question, I'm twenty eight."

Uh huh.

"Well, I'm twenty one," you mutter under your breath. You don't know if he hears it because he doesn't give any reaction, busy twirling a fry in sauce. The rest of your meal is full of silence as you wonder if your date will end like this; dry and boring. He's awfully silent and seems to be lost in thoughts as he doesn't engage in a conversation. You're about to take your last bite when the silence is broken by him.

"What did you see that night?" He leans over, his elbows resting on the table as he suddenly regards you with a sombre look, his earlier cockiness vanished. His eyes have once again gone dark and his demeanor says he's not being superficial right now. You're caught off guard as you cough loudly, reaching for your glass to take a sip of water. "What?"

"You heard me. What did you see that night? Exactly how much did you see?" He repeats. You're confused. You thought he didn't care about it. He said it didn't matter. So why is he bringing it up now? You've worked hard to push that night in the deepest part of your brain, pretending it didn't happen.

And then suddenly it clicks.

"You!" You point an accusatory finger at him as you catch on to his plan. "You've agreed to go out with me so that you can find out what I saw that night!" Seungcheol groans, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Ugh, just fucking tell me!" He snaps, annoyed that you've found out his little scheme. You scoff, "I thought you said you didn't care? Besides it's not like I'm going to tell the police." He rolls his eyes and leans back into the couch. "Just tell me and let me go."

You're baffled. His actions didn't make any sense and you actually thought he had no other intentions behind dating you but holy shit this sneaky bastard. "You sly little asshole!" You hiss at him. "Call me that once more and you'll regret it." He threatens. You roll your eyes sagging back into your seat, "Whatever." Then an idea hits you. "You know what, I'll tell you exactly how much I saw that night." You have Seungcheol's full attention now as he stares intensely at you, waiting for your next words. "On our third date. When this whole deal is over, I'll tell you. But in return you'll have to keep your promise and take me out on two more dates."

"Oh fucking hell," he groans rubbing his face in frustration. His state makes you smirk and you feel accomplished.

Choi Seungcheol is stressed because of you.

What a day to be alive.

You murmur, "Besides this isn't even a proper date. This was more like an interrogation. But I'll go easy on you and won't make you redo this date." You give him a sweet smile and he sees red. You can literally see fury blaze in his eyes. "Whatever!" He yells and abruptly stands up. "I don't have time for this. Your stupid play date is over. I'm dropping you home."

Before you can reply, he's marching towards the door. You've to admit this wasn't the best date but at least you've trapped Choi Seungcheol.

-

It has been a good week after your so called date at the diner and you haven't heard from him. You expected him to call or text you since he was gracious enough to ask for your number but he didn't. You now realize it was a mistake to not get his number; you had asked him for his when he took yours but being the prick he is he denied to hand over his number to you. You should have forced him to, you sigh. As you sit in the library the ping of your mobile distracts you from your racing thoughts as you realize you have a message. Picking the device up you tap on the notification. Even though it was from an unknown number, you have no trouble figuring out who it is from. A smile graces your lips as you read the words over again.

I'll pick you up from your house tomorrow evening at six.

That's all it says and that is good enough to send a thrum of excitement throughout your body.

-

You have not held back in dressing up today and you realize it's been a long time since you've dolled up yourself. A long before the clock strikes 6 you are ready; dressed in a cute pastel top and a matching skirt. You've also went ahead and applied makeup, not too much but just enough to maybe catch his eye. Maybe.

You wonder what he has planned for today.

A text from Seungcheol saying he's here has you flying out of your apartment as fast as your feet can carry your desperate self to see him. He stands in front of your apartment with his convertible, dressed in a white jacket that matched his pants. You take a deep breath before walking towards him, trying to calm all your nerves down.

"You know I expected to hear from you earlier. I've been waiting all week," you voice makes his head turn around to meet your eyes as you are skipping towards him with a teasing smile in your face. "I've been busy," he shrugs coolly, his eyes going over your whole body, from your legs to your face. He doesn't hide that he's taking a good look at you, in fact does it unashamedly.

You wonder if he likes what he sees.

Someone dressed up today," he comments. "Too bad we aren't going to a place where you can show off your pretty clothes." You frown, "Where are we going?" Seungcheol holds open the door, a mischievous smile on his face. "I've decided to grant your wish." With a confused face you get inside the car, the gears in your head running. What does he mean?

"I'm taking you to an underground fighting ring," he says with smirk as he reaches for something behind his seat. He pulls out a large hoodie and tosses it towards you, "Put this on. Otherwise you are going to attract a lot of attention and you don't want that." You gulp, taking the hoodie and putting it on you. You're slightly embarrassed. You were so excited to try this outfit but it's not like you knew he was taking you to a fight club. Hell you would have dressed like a guy if you knew. You shrug on the hoodie and it falls almost to your knees but it's huge and comfy and most importantly it smells like him. There's a hint of cologne, nothing too strong; a subtle, expensive scent that makes you want to take a deeper sniff. You wonder if you can keep this with you.

Stop it, pervert.

Seungcheol's voice pulls you out of your haze, "You can take it off later. Just wear it until we're out of there," he says and brings the engine to life.

Then you actually think about it. Underground fighting ring? Holy shit. You were only kidding when you mentioned it. Admittedly, you're shocked, somewhat horrified. Everyone knows it isn't the best place to be at especially for someone like you who never had such an experience. Seungcheol must have seen your expression because the smile on his face gets bigger, "Why? You not up for it?" His voice is teasing.

He's challenging you.

Oh well.

"Of course I'm up for it," you square your shoulders, keeping your voice cool. "Bring it on."

-

Seungcheol leads you into a bar and then through a door at the back that leads down to a lot of stairs, reaching a place similar to an underground parking lot. Quietly you follow Seungcheol, staying as close to him as possible, your bodies occasionally touching. He leads you to a pair of double doors and from the other side you can hear men shouting and chanting.

This is it, I guess.

Seungcheol throws one more smile at you before pushing open the doors as you scramble to follow him closely. The sight that greets you something you only see in movies. There's a boxing ring where two people are throwing punches at each other and surrounding them from all sides is a wild, loud and excited crowd. They continue to cheer loudly as the two men in the ring continue to box and you hear their grunts and groans.

Holy shit.

Swallowing your eyes meet Seungcheol's who is regarding you with curiosity. "What do you think?" He has to speak loudly for you to hear over the screaming throng. "Uh... It's loud," you say dumbly as you try to think of a reply. But it's too loud for you to even think properly as you take in your unfamiliar surroundings. You see a tall man approaching towards you and out of reflex you shuffle closer to Seungcheol until you realize it's his friend. The guy from the first night. He and Seungcheol grin at each other, patting their backs as they talk close to each others ears. You gawk at them curiously and realize they must be talking about you because his friend takes curious glances at you occasionally. His friend is tall, really tall and well built but unlike his body his face is sweet and puppy like, almost cute. When he grins his canines pop up just like a puppy and you wonder if all his friends are good looking.

After he's done chatting with his friend Seungcheol pulls you close and says, "This is my friend. Mingyu. Always stay near him, you hear me? Don't stray away unless you wanna get hurt." His eyes are stern as he pins you down with his stare but you have other thoughts running in your head.

"What do you mean? Where are you going?" You yell over the noise.

He just smirks at you and starts taking his jacket off. "About time you see how we do it around here." His tone is cocky as he hands his jacket to you, "Hold this for me. And stay close to him."

Giving a look at Mingyu Seungcheol starts walking away towards a door that you're guessing is the changing room.

He's gonna fight.

"Wait- but-" Mingyu stops you with a hand on your shoulder and offers you a kind smile. "It's fine. Just stay with me." He then ushers you towards the crowd, spotting a place where you can get a good look at the ring. "Do you guys do this often?" You look up at Mingyu. He smiles sheepishly, "Not me. I tried a few times and I always end up beaten to a pulp. But hyung does this often, he's really good."

"Uh huh, I'm sure he is," you smile dryly. "This is your first time watching a fight, no?" "Definitely." He grins, "Watch carefully then. It's really fun."

You have your doubts on how watching people beat each other up can be fun but you don't comment anything, instead chew on your lip anxiously. Seungcheol really didn't have to go this far? What if he gets hurt badly? Is he trying to impress you?

Don't flatter yourself, your subconscious rolls her eyes.

As the loud cheering that had died down ensues again, your train of thoughts are halted as you see Seungcheol in shorts and his hands covered in boxing gloves, step into the ring. You can't help but ogle at his naked torso, his finely defined and chiseled muscles. He has the perfect body, not too bulky, not too lean just the right amount that gives you a hard time taking your eyes off him. He seems to have noticed your gaze because the second your eyes meet, he throws a haughty, knowing smirk at you. Embarrassed you avert your gaze elsewhere.

His opponent is a muscular man who's growling and banging his chest with his fists, a gesture of intimidation, you suppose. You are definitely intimidated and you wonder if Seungcheol can actually win against him.

The fight starts with a whistle and in mere seconds they are on to each other, throwing punches left and right. Your eyes have a hard time keeping up with them and their fast reflexes and your hands fly to your mouth as a punch lands on Seungcheol's face, followed by repeated blows as Seungcheol falls back. There's a moment of silence as he wipes his bottom lip and you realize there's a cut.

He tilts his neck, popping the bones and glaring at the other man before launching himself on top of his opponent. The next moments are a blurry mess, Seungcheol beating the guy repeatedly until he ends up on the floor but he doesn't stop there. Seungcheol ends it with a sharp jab to his spine and you have no doubt the other man has broken bones with the ways he howls in pain. The match comes to an end like that as the people cheer wildly while Seungcheol steps down from the stage. Mingyu grins at you happily as if what you witnessed was just a regular occurrence, something you should be cheerful about. Shaking your head at the situation, you let out a deflated sigh.

Their life is really so different than yours.

-

Seungcheol seems to be in a very good mood after the fight as he buys you both some sandwiches and drinks from a deli after you both step out of the bar. You both sit down at a park nearby to eat and watch the night sky. "You know, I thought you were gonna lose," you speak after taking a few bites of the sandwich. Seungcheol scoffs, "You underestimate me, sweetheart. I've been doing this for a long time."

"Do you enjoy it?" You ask quietly, focused on peeling the wrapper from your food. You feel Seungcheol's stare on you. "Yes. Why? Are you scared already?"

"No. I was just... curious. Your definition and my definition of fun is totally different." You murmur. "Of course. What did you think? I go to the mall and shop and watch movies with my friends when I'm bored?" His tone is sarcastic. You bite your lip. "No I didn't. It's just...I feels different now that I have experienced it first hand." Seungcheol offers nothing more, taking a sip of his coke and leaning back into the bench. A silence stretches between the both of except the rustling of the wrapper of your food. "How long have you been doing this?" You blurt out. He frowns at you and you don't expect him to answer but he surprises you.

"For a long time."

He doesn't offer anymore and you don't have the heart to prod him for an actual answer. "And how long do you plan on doing this?"

"What?"

"I mean... don't you have any other plans. Like...do you wanna keep doing what you are doing for the rest of your life? Don't you wanna like... settle down maybe?" Your voice is soft as if you are talking to a child. Seungcheol looks annoyed. He doesn't speak for a while as he stares at the ground, a frown etched to his face. You're about to take back your question when he replies, "I really don't think you understand. I've been trying to tell you that my life is completely disparate to yours. So I don't think like you. I don't have plans like you but neither am I expected to follow a certain pattern like you. I can do whatever the fuck I want, ___. So don't look at me like you pity me. I'm the last person here that should be pitied. " His tone is sharp and it makes you feel bad, like a sensation of needles pricking your heart. "I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry," You whisper, feeling timid as you look down at your lap. He mutters, "Don't go poking your nose in other people's business. Specially people like me."

He's right. You shouldn't have asked that. You are not close enough to ask things like that. After that there is a silence, this time, an awkward one. There's palpable tension in the air and you feel jittery. Should you just ask him to take you home?

It's still early and truth be told, you don't want to leave him just yet. You only have one more date to go and judging by his reaction, he is in no way interested in a relationship. You heave out a long sigh. You knew very well what you were getting into, yet you couldn't stop yourself. Seungcheol is like a poison, the sweetest one, the one that has you addicted and unable to let go, no matter how much it hurts.

This is a fucking mess.

"Let's get going. I have plans," Seungcheol announces, standing up. You want to protest but you feel like you have ruined the mood, so you follow him mutely to his car.

The drive to your house is awfully quiet, to the point you want to scream out of frustration. Seungcheol seems to be lost in his head as he makes no move to talk. It's like you are alone, but you're not and it's worse, the air full of tension. Soon you have reached your house and he stops the car but keeps the engine rolling, indicating his rush. He keeps still and stares ahead while gripping the steering wheel as you step out of the car in silence. "Thanks for dropping me home," you say lamely, your voice meek. You turn around to walk away but his voice stops you in your tracks.

"I promised you three dates and I will keep my word. I expect you to keep yours, ___. I hope you will tell me what I want to hear when we meet next time." His tone is sharp with an edge of threat and you barely get to nod before he drives away.

It's not until you're inside your apartment that you realize you still have his hoodie on. Quickly fishing out your phone you type out a text.

I'm sorry, I forgot to return your hoodie.

After a while, his reply comes.

Keep it.

-

You watch Katelyn as she fills her lunch tray with food before walking over and taking a seat opposite to you. She looks extra radiant today, which probably has something to do with the way she's dressed; a bright colourful outfit which undoubtedly she put a lot of time into considering. She has a date, with a guy she has been talking to for the last few weeks. It reminds you of your pitiful situation and you sigh, trying to shrug off those thoughts.

It has been a good couple weeks since you last saw Seungcheol and you have not exchanged a word after that night. In the back of your mind you wonder if he is even alive. You want to message him, you really want to because you are going crazy but after how your last date ended, you can't bring yourself to. You are scared, exactly of what, you can't put your finger into.

The entire situation you have put yourself into is fucking scary. They say you become sure of your feelings after three dates but it did not take that much for you. You already are very certain about your feelings for him and how deep they run exactly and you also know that in the end you will be left scarred. He would never be yours. He has probably forgotten about you or decided that it is not worth another date to figure out what you saw that night.

You let a desperate, pitiable sigh.

"I know you are hiding things from me but I understand that you are not ready to talk yet. But I want you to know I am here for you okay?" Katelyn's voice makes you blink your way out of your thoughts. She squeezes your hand tightly and gives you a reassuring smile and you're left feeling guilty.

"I ...I will tell you. Soon. Just give me a bit more time," you whisper. She nods in understanding. A grateful smile touches your lips as her words make you emotional. Then there's a ping from your phone letting you know there's a message. Without giving it much thought you open the device and your eyes go wide.

I'll take you out for dinner tomorrow night. Wear something formal.

-

You wait outside your apartment for Seungcheol. Your day has passed by in a flurry of excitement and nerves as you carefully picked your outfit and did your hair and makeup. A soft baby pink dress that stopped just above you knees adorns you as your hair rests just above your neck in a loose bun.

You are fiddling with your fingers as you think about how this night is gonna end and wether you will ever see him again when a car screech that grabs your attention.

Seungcheol's convertible has taken a stop in front of you and you see the man getting out the vehicle and take big steps towards you.

You're mesmerized.

Perhaps there is not enough word in this world to describe his looks or perhaps you've simple lost the ability to speak; either way, you just stand and stare, drinking the godly man that stands in front of you. He looks delectable, completely flawless and agonizingly gorgeous in his sharp black suit and pants, with a silk black shirt underneath, the top couple buttons undone that reveals a beautiful porcelain skin. His hairstyle completes the look, parted to one side in a sleek way and showing his forehead and oh god is it sexy. You realize you have a forehead kink, if there is anything as such.

If you weren't in love with him before you are now.

He looks ravishing, and you wonder why it isn't illegal to look this good. It should be because you have completely lost control over yourself. Nothing exists in your world except for him and you feel paralyzed, unable to do anything but drink him in. You wonder if you are even worthy to stand beside him.

"____?" Seungcheol calls you, snapping his fingers in front of your eyes. He must have been calling you while you were eye fucking him. "Oh! Um, hi." You're flustered. "You- you look really, really nice." It isn't enough but it's what you can get past your lips. A knowing smirk kisses his lips before he teases, "Well, you look really, really nice too." Motioning you to his car he says, "Shall we? We'll be late for our reservation."

"Yeah, of course," you say, hurrying over to his car, embarasssed at your foolery. Seungcheol must have noticed you ogling him like that. But you don't really care when he looks like that. It is his fault for looking so devilishly handsome and idly you wonder if he did that on purpose. If he's deliberately teasing with, trying to make you the most miserable before letting you go with a slap of reality to your face. Pushing away those plagueing thoughts, you sit up straight and clear your throat as Seungcheol comes to sit beside you and brings the engine to life.

A decently long and quiet (except for the music from the radio) but not quite uncomfortable car ride later, Seungcheol stops in front of a really fancy and expensive looking restaurant just by the sea. You did not except him to take you to a high end restaurant, otherwise you would have put some more effort in your looks.

Feeling slightly out of place you quietly follow Seungcheol into the beautiful European styled building after he hands his keys to a valet. The interior is dripping with polished furnitures and extravagant chandeliers and marble floors as guests dressed elegantly have their dinner. As you look around the place in awe Seungcheol talks to the receptionist who then guides you towards a staircase that leads to a pair of large double doors decorated with gold which then, opens to a large balcony. In the middle of it sits a table with two chairs and an unceremonious gasp escapes your mouth as you realize this is where you will be having dinner.

The man from earlier takes his leave as Seungcheol helps you sit down before taking a seat for himself while you take in everything, overwhelmed with all your surroundings. Why did he put so much effort for a lousy and fake date?

"What do you think?" He asks with a smirk as he rests one of his elbows on the table.

"I'm overwhelmed," you reply quietly, honestly. He chuckles, "Well this place has really good food and a fantastic view so I thought it wouldn't bad for our last date."

Last date.

"It's really beautiful. I don't know why you did this but thank you, really," you murmur, eyes on the satin table cloth with intricate golden lining. Everything about this place is so pretty.

"Well, I decided it would be beneficial for me to extract words from you if you are wooed," his words have a teasing tone to it and his demeanor is completely different from last time, giving you a whiplash but you are not sure if he's fully joking. Before you can say that you are definitely wooed, a waiter appears to take your order and you leave the duty of ordering to Seungcheol since he seems to frequent this place. Prior to his leave, the waiter pours you Seungcheol's champagne of choice and then, you two are alone once more.

Reaching for the flute, you quickly gulp down the champagne to soothe your dry throat and to calm all your nerves.

Over dinner you talk about your uni and your parents back home and the farm they own. While Seungcheol mostly keeps quiet he doesn't ignore you but listens carefully, occasionally passing glances your way or commenting. He does not offer anything about him, which you expected and you don't ask any questions about him either. Instead you try your best to keep his interest in your words despite the lack of it from his side.

After a hearty meal of poached lobsters and wagyu beefs and creamy soups comes dessert; a chocolate orange mousse with spiced fruits and yogurt sorbet. You start eating your dessert in silence, the occasional crashing of waves filling the complete lack of sounds.

This location is truly magnificent and breathtaking, almost having a feel like you're in a fancy resort in a luxurious tropical island. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful place you have ever been, let alone have dinner at and you wonder if you would ever have the chance to visit some place like this had you not met Seungcheol. The man in question, continues eating quietly, seemingly lost in his thoughts. He looks lovely as always, if not more and you try to burn this image in your mind for you to look back at later. You want to ask him so many question, you want to tell him so many things but you're scared. Sacred if you do so this moment will break, scared it will annoy him and end your final date all too early. So you bite your tongue and finish your food as he does and after your plates are cleared away, you are served another expensive champagne as an end to your luxurious dinner.

Even though Seungcheol doesn't say anything, you assume it is time to spill the beans, to say what he has been wanting to hear from the beginning. You have teased him enough and it is time you give him what he deserves. Taking a deep breath, you open your mouth. "Me and Katelyn heard noises from the playground that night so we decided to check. It was pretty dark and we were tipsy but I recognized you and you were... beating someone up. We stayed there and watched until one of us accidentally made some noise. We were scared that you heard us so we ran. That's all that happened."

You have Seungcheol's full attention now as he listens cautiously, his sharp eyes trained on you. Gulping, you clench your hands together underneath the table, waiting for his reaction. There seems to be an eternity of silence as Seungcheol simply stares at you as if he's debating whether your words are true or not. It's torturous, awfully agonizing and when you can't bear it anymore you're about to speak but he beats you to it.

"I didn't kill him." His voice is quiet. You let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding. Somewhere in the back of your mind you believed it, you believed he wouldn't be cruel enough to kill someone just like that and as soon as he speaks those words you believe him, without a doubt, without a second of delay.

"I believe you." You whisper, holding his gaze. "That asshole deserved what he got. He shouldn't even be alive but I let him go. He's in a hospital now, if you are wondering." You nod quietly. It's scary how much you believe him, how much you trust him even though he is pretty much a stranger.

There's a moment of silence as you bask in his presence before he speaks, "____, men like me, we aren't the nicest people. But we are needed, the cops need us around. People like me do the dirty works for people like you so y'all don't face troubles. We do things in an unconventional way but that's just who we are. We aren't as bad as the rumours say but we definitely aren't someone you should be with." You open your mouth to protest but his sharp gaze makes you stop. "If you have not understood it yet, let me say it out loud. I am trouble. People like me is always bad news. Whatever we did until now, I hope you forget. That's the best, ____ trust me. I think we both got what we wanted so let's call it a night." Just like that, he stands up, not waiting for your reply.

You gawk at him, baffled as he pays the bill and starts walking away. Tears burn the back of your eyes and you bite your lip to hold them back. The ending that you had expected has taken place but you are having a hard time accepting it. Your subconscious reminds you that you deliberately got yourself into this even though you saw this coming. So there is no one to blame for it but you. Grabbing your purse, you stomp your way out of the restaurant and towards Seungcheol's car.

Seungcheol barely acknowledges you as you both get in the car and he presses the key to the ignition. You are fuming in your seat, his words and the way he dismissed you cutting you deep. His words come to you, I think we both got what we wanted. You want to laugh. How can he possibly think that? Is he really so stupid or is he deliberately ignoring your interest in him? You want to smack his perfect face, curse and scream at him but all you can do is sit still with your arms crossed as steam comes out of your head. Is he really not curious about your feelings? Does he possess none for you? Does these few days with you mean nothing to him? You have so many unanswered questions. Leaning back into your seat, you close your eyes and let out a frustrated sigh.

It feels like in the blink of an eye the drive to your place is over as Seungcheol halts his car in front of your apartment. He does not utter a single word, doesn't even spare a glance at you while patiently waiting for you to get out of the car.

Asshole.

You inhale deeply, trying your best to gather yourself together as you take off your seatbelt and turn towards him.

"Seungcheol?" Few seconds pass before he looks at you. Words are stuck in your throat. When your eyes meet his, you become mute, overwhelmed with emotions as your words die in your tongue. He keeps staring at you, not opening his mouth but waiting for you to speak. "Is this goodbye?" Your voice breaks.

"I believe we don't have any reason to see each other. We both got what we wanted," He says without batting an eye. You're left bemused, one step away from landing a slap on his face. How dare he say that?

"Do you really believe that?" Your words come out as an accusation. "I wanted to go out with you because I thought I have feelings for you! And I do! And my feelings have only increased since I first saw you. I want to see you again, Seungcheol. You may have gotten what you wanted but I didn't." Your fades into a whisper as tears burn the back of your eyes.

Seungcheol stays quiet, staring ahead, his brows knitted as if he's annoyed. "I promised you three dates, ____. And I gave you that. It's over. Your feelings? You'll get over them. It's better to be in pain for a while that be with someone like me."

"You can't say that! I get to decide for myself!"

"____," he sighs, rubbing his temples. "I'm a bad man. You should leave while you still have a good image of me. You'll get hurt because of me and I've caused enough pain to enough people. Just...go. Just forget me." You stare at him as frustrated tears roll down your cheeks. He doesn't meet your gaze but turns his head the other way. You are angry, infuriated and heart broken all at a time. Clenching your fists you inhale a shaky breath before reaching for him.

Before you can chicken out, you tilt his face towards you and quickly press your lips against his. Seungcheol seems to be shocked as a small gasp leaves his mouth but you don't let him push you away. Instead one of your hands come to rest on his thigh as he other cups his face to keep his mouth against yours. You kiss him with all you have left, pouring in every bit of passion and love for him as your tongues intertwine. By the time you are both breathless, Seungcheol gently pushes you back and peers into your eyes. "That's all I can give you, ____." He says, his voice the softest you have heard. You are broken into a million pieces and as much as your heart wants to cling to him, you suddenly feel tired, deflated like a popped balloon. Your emotions have drained you out and left nothing and right now, breathing almost seems too painful for you. Taciturnly, you grab your purse and step out the convertible. You hear another door shut behind you but you don't look back as your heavy steps carry you to the entrance of your building. When you are about to enter your apartment, you accumulate all your strength and courage to spare one final glance at him.

Turning around you see Seungcheol standing by his car, hands in his pockets, simply watching you. Even though your eyes are locked on each other, you don't see any emotion in them. He looks like the same expressionless, mysterious man you saw the first day. The man you fell in love with. Taking in his gorgeous features one last time, you bite your lip and turn away, forcing yourself to walk inside your apartment building.

Your chapter with Seungcheol ends here.

Epilogue

A/N : Okay so idk why this fucking app is being like this but it says I reached the maximum of 250 blocks but I thought tum1r didn't have a word limit?? Anyway so I've decided to break it up and put the rest of the fic in another post. Please click epilogue to read that.

Taglist: @koo-18 @shiningstar-byulxx @pcisonedhaos @happyvitamin @yoongischeeksluv @haluim17 @nayam14 @horanghae-gumanhae @cottonsthings @hotcheetosnorter99 @peekabooseoksoon @acapellaanna @amixoferrthang

[ragnarachael]

omggg 43 or 47? u choose hehe

i went ahead and chose 43.) "i've had a terrible day at work so just kiss me"! this is a drabble for my tva!loki x tva director!reader series!! (talk about me bringing THAT back from the dead dskjhsd)

loki taglist: @mushroomlupin @miniminwriting @mariahlaufeyson @lam-ila @sineads-art @rosaline-black @a-lonely-gray-couch​ @lokis-little-love @lokis-tigress

FINISHING UP DRABBLES FROM VALENTINES DAY!

Work was long. It always is lately, and even though Maddie, your assistant, is always willing to help you pull-through the shit you've got to fish through now that you're a director. The poor girl is insane as you, bless her.

"I'm home!" You exclaim once you're entering the apartment, shoes immediately kicked off near Loki's, and your bag plopped onto the ground just adjacent from them on the floor.

You can hear a soft clanking from the kitchen, and your body easily directs you to where you need to go.

And that’s where you find your husband cleaning dishes, his hair pulled into a cute little ponytail in the middle of his head, trying to organize the mess he has on his hands.

“Hey,” you say again, a bit softer as to not startle him, your arms sliding around his waist firmly so you can stand on your tip toes slightly to give your chin a perch on his shoulder. “How was your day?”

Loki takes a breath, the small smiley-face scrubbing thing you insisted on getting slowly coming to a stop on a plate as he all but melts into you. “Full of cleaning. Did you know just how disgusting we’ve left this place?”

You know Loki is saying it in a fond way. Because if you didn’t have to go in Monday to Friday, 7 am all the way to a nice almost 8 pm just to be sure your team didn’t go batshit crazy without some assistance, you would be helping.

That was technically the plan. But, duty calls.

“I mean, we did just have a huge rush of cases. Both my team and yours,” you explain quietly, a little bit of guilt nipping at the edges of your tired mind. “It’s hard to keep up when you’re trying to keep the multiverse in one piece, you know?”

Loki hums in understanding, placing the things in his hands down, and moving to grab at a dry dishrag on the counter to wipe his hands off. “I know. How was work?”

You take a breath, tightening your grip. “Work.”

“Was it that bad?”

You giggle then, Loki’s chuckle vibrating you slightly. “A bit. Everyone loves to think I can solve the entire TVA’s problems, rather than just my teams. So much paper I’m shocked I don’t have a paper cut, there’s some weird anomalies coming from Earth-616 again. This time, it’s getting a little worse there.”

Loki groans lightly. “616 always gives us bloody trouble.”

“I knoow,” you groan back, your chin moving from his shoulder to press your face into his back. “You’d think the ex-sorcerer supreme could cut back a little. I sent out a few agents to scope out the scene. I hope it’s not what we’re thinking.”

Loki goes a little silent at that. you hear the muted plop of the rag and he turns in your arms, your face dramatically dragging against his shirt.

“What were you thinking it is?” Loki questions gently, his arms now going around you. And you’re more than happy to meet his gaze after pulling away from his shirt. You must have some dopey look on your face, because Loki looks down at you fondly and grins. “Hi, dear heart.”

“Hi,” you mutter before breathing through your nose. “Uh, we’re thinking it’s something..serious.”

“Serious how?” Loki presses gently.

“Well,” you trail off, looking down between you and Loki’s bodies. “Maybe serious enough for another Multiversal War.”

During you and Loki’s time at the TVA, you’ve both heard about the last one, and this time, was no different. Except you may be about a fraction of a second away from living what’s in the reports.

“Oh.”

“Yeah,” you start, snorting. “Oh is right. Me and Maddie hope that’s not what’s happening, but last we heard there’s something going on. And it wasn’t great.”

Loki frowns as you look up at him. You can’t read minds like him, so you have no idea what he’s thinking. And you’re not quite sure if you’d like to. If anything, your thoughts may be the same about this situation, but you’re home now. You don’t want to think on it.

“But, yes,” you start again, gathering Loki’s attention once more, “I’ve had a terrible day at work, so just please kiss me.”

Loki’s frown goes away in favor of a smirk, leaning closer to you once he’s decided that he’ll move on from the last topic.

“Yes, director.”

[mtfstuff]

Little help

"Shit, I'm late.", Michael thought as he put on his watch. He slipped into his nice black dress shoes and corrected his tie in the mirror.

He took his jacket and left his appartement. He tried to take the elevator but it took him too long to arrive so He took the stairs. The sound of his heels hitting the ground with every step echoed through the stairwell. He never ran down the stairs as fast as on this day. He finally left the building and walked down the street. He became nervous thinking about the presentation he has to hold in front of his boss this afternoon. The presentation could be his ticket for a seat on the council of the company he works at.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he hardly even noticed that he was stopping because he subconsciously noticed something in an alley. Michael observed the alley and saw a man waving him over. Michael knew that he shouldnt go into the alley as that would be one of the places were murder happen or someone gets raped. But Michael always wants to help people if they are in trouble and this man looked like he could need some help.

"I still have 5 hours till my presentation. I can fill up my working hours after that.", Michael thought.

He entered the alley carefully, trying to watch out for any trap. He stopped 6 feet away from the man. Michael could now see that the man was probably his age and he looked hispanic. His hair looked well-groomed but he was definitely chubby. He only wore some dirty socks which had holes, underpants and a dirty shirt.

"Is everything okay?", Michael asked.

"I accidentally locked myself out of my apartment, two days ago.", he answered with a jeavy accent. He pointed towards a door on his right side. "The shop owner on the other side of the street has a second key for it. I cant go over like this." His hands made a move towards his dirty clothes.

Michael didnt know what to do. He felt uncomfortable in this situation. "Should I go over and ask the owner to give it to me?"

"He wouldnt. He'll only gibe the key to me.", the man answered. He made a pause. "Could I borrow your good looking suit so I can go and get the key?", he asked.

Michael was irritated. He never thought someone would ask a question like this.

"The shirt, pants and shoes would be enough too. No need for a tie.", he added.

Michael was tempted to do it. He wanted to help this man so bad. "But what if the man wouldnt return with my suit?", Michael thought.

"I'm sorry, but I wont take off my suit. I'm already late for work. I hope someone will help you.", Michael answered politely.

"Come on man, just for 10 minutes and I'll give it back.", the man begged.

"The answer is no.", Michael said and turned around to leave. He was almost on the main street again as he felt a pull on his right foot. As he looked down he saw that he only wore his left shoe anymore. Michael turned around and saw the man holding Michaels shoe his hand. "Only your pants and your other shoe, please.", he begged.

"Give me back my shoe now or I'll call the police you filthy homeless!", Michael answered briskly.

The man threw the shoe in front of Michael and mumbled an okay as he walked towards the back of the alley again.

Michael kneeled down to put on his shoe again and went to work after that.

He thought alot about the encounter at work. In the afternoon, the presentation went great. Michael got his seat at the council.

Over the next few days Michael forgot about the crazy man in the alley until he walked past it one evening. Michael thought that he heard something and watched the alley. He remembered the man from a few days ago and left towards his appartement. He took the elevator and opened his door. Michael entered his bedroom and wanted to undress. He bend over to untie his shoes as he felt a painful hit at the back of his head. Michael collapsed unconscious immediately.

As he woke up Michael noticed that something was tied around his ankles and wrists. Michael opened his eyes to see that he was tied to his bed, still wearing his suit and shoes. He tried to free himself until he noticed someone standing in the shadow of the corner.

"You wont be able to free yourself,  even though you have those muscles.", a voice with a heavy accent said.

Michael knew that accent. It was the man from the alley.

"How did you get in here?", Michael shouted in disbelief.

"That doesnt matter.", he answered. "What matters, is that you didnt help me back then but now you will." He stepped out of the corner, revealing that he still wore his dirty clothes. "I lost my job because of you.  Because you didnt want to lend me your suit."

Michael was shocked.

"But now I'm here for revenge.", he said with a devilish grin. "I mixed something together while you were at work." He walked over to a drawer and took out a bottle filled with a black liquid and a glass. He poured the liquid into the glass and sat down next to Michael. He grabbed Michaels throat causing him to open his mouth. The man poured the liquid into Michaels mouth and made him swallow it.

Michael felt how his body started to feel numb. He wasnt able to move anymore.

The man untied Michael and started to run his hand over his suit. He laid down next to Michael and pulled Michael towards him So that Michael was laying in the mans lap, between his legs.

"What are you doing? Stop that!", Michael said, trying to get his body to move.

The man let his fingers run over Michaels muscular body again. He played with Michaels nipples beneath the tight shirt.

Michael felt how the mans dick was rising and pushing against his back.

The man grabbed Michaels head by the back and pushed him forwards. He pulled of the suits jacket and let Michaels back fall against his belly. He took Michaels tie off and opened some buttons of the shirt. He pushed his hands beneath the shirt to touch Michaels abs. He took them out again and pushed them into Michaels pants. He fondled with his balls for some time until he pulled his hands out again.

The man pushed Michael to the side, left the bed and walked towards Michaels feet. He grabbed him by his ankles and pulled Michael towards him. He opened Michaels belt and pulled pants and underpants down to the ankle. He pulled his own underpants down, revealing a throbbing dick, and lifts Michaels legs into the air. He placed the legs onto his shoulders and strokes over Michaels otc gold-toe-socks and his hairy leg.

"Now you will feel how sorry you are for not helping me!", the man said grabbing Michael by the hips.

"Please, dont do this. Please.", Michael whimpers.

The man pushed his thick cock into Michaels hole. Michael mourned because of the pain. The man pushed in a fast rythm and shot his load into Michael. Happy with what he did to Michael, the man now stripped himself and Michael completely naked.

He took Michaels socks and put them on, followed by his underpants and pants. As he put on Michaels suit, Michael noticed a change in appearence at his own body and with the hispanic man. Michael himself started to loose his muscles and the hispanic started to loose his belly and gain muscles. The man giggled at Michaels surprised looking face. He put on the shirt, tugged it into the pants and tied the tie around his neck. At this point, Michael had lost all of his muscles and gained a small chubby belly. The man on the other hand now filled Michaels suit with his muscles.

"And now the finishing touch!", the man said.

He took both dress shoes and sniffed them. Michael could see how the dick moved beneath the pants. He was disgusted by the fact that the man managed to switch muscles just by putting on Michaels most beloved suit.

The man put both shoes on, bowed down and tied the laces. As he got up again. Michael looked at his own face. He didnt want to think about the fact, that he could look like the hispanic man now.

"Look at me. Dont I look fabulous?", the man said.

"Give me my body back!", Michael screamed. "You May look like me, bit you still have that heavy accent!"

The man giggled and ran his hands over his now muscular body. "Watch this.", he said.

He grabbed the jacket and put it on.

"How do I sound now?", the man asked with Michaels deep voice.

"Thats not possible!", Michael said. He was shocked as he heard himself with the thick accent the hispanic man had.

The man laid down again next to Michael and ran his fingers over Michaels now chubby body.

"I'll slightly miss this body.", he said. "But I'm more than pleased with yours Michael. Thanks to you I can now live a new life. I got a job again, where I earn enough money." He kissed Michael. "You know Michael, this wouldnt have happened to you, if you'd helped me back then. I would've returned your suit, but you were greedy. Now I'll live your life and help people. But before I start, I have to get rid of you tomorrow."

The man leaves Michael on the bed. Now standing in the doorframe, the man turns around one last time. "You have great taste in suits.", he said, rubbing his dick beneath his pants.

"As soon as I manage to move again, I'll find you and take my body back!", Michael shouted.

The man gigled, turned the lights for the bedroom off and closed the door. Michael was all alone in the dark.

[allegra-writes]

“Heartfelt”

Bar musician! Harry styles x Bartender!Reader

General audiences

Warnings: None

Just some Valentine's day fluff with our favorite green eyed boy. Dedicated to @gaycinnamonrollgirl for giving me the idea, and @tomsrebeleyebrow for patiently listening to me endlessly gush about Harry Styles and still being my friend. Happy belated Valentine's day 💖

"You don't have to say you love me

I just wanna tell you somethin'

Lately you've been on my mind..."

Adore you - Harry Styles

...Oh, she looks so good, oh, she looks so fine

And I got this crazy feeling that I'm gonna ah-ah…

"Bartender, my good friend! I'll have my usual and a plate of your finest chips, if you would be so kind"

It was closing time when Harry, the local musician, sat in front of you, elbows on the bar you were wiping down while humming to Patti Smith's "Gloria".

You raised an eyebrow at him, but the willowy man could see the slight tremble at the corner of your lips, a tell that you were suppressing a smile.

"I'm afraid the kitchen is closed, mister Styles. Sam left an hour ago."

"Yes yes, but I have it from a very good source he left you a big pile of leftover chips before he did," He accused, "you know, as he does every night..."

You frowned in confusion,

"I thought you hated cold fries. That you found them to be, and I quote, soggy and disgusting" 

"I guess you can say I acquired a taste for them" He shrugged, mischievous green eyes sparkling, "Just like you did for this lowlife songwriter in front of you and the heartfelt conversations you share with him" 

"Did you now?" There was an edge of scepticism in your voice, but you were already disappearing inside the kitchen. 

Harry's heart did a little jump as you didn't immediately deny liking him.

"Hey, Joe" he called out, "why don't you go home? I'll help Y/N close when we're done…" 

There was a deaf noise as a young waiter, the only person left in the bar beside the two of you, set the last chair on top of a table. 

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I got this" he reassured him, "did it dozens of times. Go home to your girl"

"Thanks, mate!" The second brit practically skipped on his way to the backroom, but turned around just before reaching the door. "Listen, you know I like you, but if you hurt y/n in any way…"

Harry smiled, genuinely. He could never get mad at anyone that protective of you.

"You know where I live. Pick my sister on the way, though. I think she would like to join you."

Joe rolled his baby blues,

"I know you're not a creep. I meant her heart"

"Yeah, me too…"

Whatever your friend saw inside Harry's eyes was enough to convince him. He nodded and left, as the musician got up to lock the front door and turn the "open" sign off. 

If you noticed Joe's absence at your return, you didn't comment on it, simply setting the giant pile of chips and two cans of cherry cola you were carrying, down in front of Harry, who had returned to his seat. 

"Ah, you always have the good stuff!" the sigh that left his lips as he took the first sip of the soda was not unlike the one any of your regulars made after the first taste of something strong after a hard day. 

"Rough night?" 

"Kind of. Good show though, so at least I have that going on for me…" 

"It really was, I'm actually impressed" You had to confess, "And surprised too, it was a bold choice going acoustic on a night like this, with such a big audience," So many people had gathered to see the show that the bouncer had to start rejecting people so you wouldn't have trouble with the fire department "but it definitely worked" 

There was a slight blush on the singer's cheeks when he replied, far more humble than you were used to,

"Well, you know, Valentine's day and all that. The band, all have boyfriends and girls they wanted to spend the evening with…"

You tilted your head,

"And you didn't?" It was hard to believe, when almost every night he played there you would see him leave with a different, always sculptural, painfully perfect girl. Or man. 

Harry didn't reply, choosing instead to stuff his face with stale fries.

"Alright then" You raised your shoulder in surrender, "keep your secrets…"

He squinted in disbelief,

"Did you just quoted The Lord of the Rings at me?"

"Did you just recognize my Lord of the rings quote?" You countered.

"You are such a nerd!"

"Look who's talking, chicken little!" You gestured at his powder blue sweater with a yellow baby chick at the front and herringbone pants. 

"Oi!" His manchester accent popped out, like it always did whenever he lost his cool "I'll have you know, this is Gucci"

You scoffed,

"That doesn't make it any better, it just means that you spent a shit load of money to look like my third grade teacher, mister Harrington!" 

"Ok, first of all," he countered, "your teacher sounds awesome and second-"

An inelegant snort escaped your mouth. Harry's emerald eyes pinned you down. 

"Second of all, you're no one to talk either, kitten hoodie" 

You could feel the heat creeping up your cheeks. Praying he couldn't see your blush in the dim light, you took a mouthful of soda to cool you down. 

For a moment, none of you said anything, the sweet notes of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" the only thing filling the silence.

… Players only love you when they're playing

Women, they will come and they will go...

"Listen, y/n-"

"If I'm being honest-" 

He chuckled,

"I'm sorry, ladies first" 

"Now I'm not sure if I wanna tell you…"

"Come on" A grown ass man pouting should not be that cute, "I want to know"

You feigned a long suffering sigh,

"Fine, if you must know- If you must know, I actually like your new style. It's way better than that... rock and roll cliche... thing you had going on when we first met" You gestured vaguely in the direction of his body, "You know, the long hair, black clothes, doc boots…" 

He flinched, 

"Ugh, Don't remind me. I was trying too hard back then. And not only with my clothes, with my music too"

"Oh, yeah, I remember. All you used to sing about was" You chose your words carefully, "frisky girls and being horny…" 

"Well, to be fair, I still sing about being horny"

"Yeah, but now you're…"

You trailed off, unsure of how you could explain the difference, the change in your feelings towards his music, without explaining the change in your feelings towards the man that made it.

However, Harry would not let it go that easy. He was used to you being sharp, opinionated, guarded. Now there was a crack on that armour, and he wanted to see what was underneath it. 

You hadn't even realized how close you had leaned into each other until his hot breath fanned over your face.

"Now I'm what, y/n?"

More real. More mature. More emotional, as if he had finally found the link, made the connection between sex and love. 

"More open"

Harry smiled,

"Open. Yeah, I like that…"

So close. He was so close now, his malaquite eyes were out of focus. So close you could feel his magnetic field, the gravity of his atoms pulling in yours.

"Harry…" 

Never in his twenty seven years of life and over ten as a musician, had he heard a more beautiful sound than his name, breathlessly falling from your lips.

"Yes?" He murmured, lips ghosting over your soft, perfect ones.

"No"

"No?"

"No" You repeated, more firmly, taking a step back, putting as much space between the two of you as possible, "I know what this is"

"And what is this, y/n" To your surprise, he didn't sound mad, or demanding. He sounded confused and sad. Dissapointed but unsurprised, as if he had expected it to go south or… never had dared expect it would actually happen at all. 

"A bad idea" You explained, "with guys like you, is always the same: You have beautiful women throwing themselves at you every night. And you take them home with you cause why wouldn't you? You are young, and free and hot. There is nothing wrong with taking what's being offered" 

"Y/n-"

"I'm not saying it's your fault" You went on, ignoring him, "And I'm not saying you don't fall in love, sometimes. But that's the exception, not the rule, and I… I'm the kind of girl that's the rule. Not the exception"

Harry had always thought the worst that could happen to him was losing your friendship. Finally making a move, a real move, and getting rejected by you. He thought that was the definitive pain, the one that would obliterate him, if things were not to work out. And he was almost certain they would not work out. 

But sitting there, in front of you, separated by a wooden bar that might as well have been the great wall of china as you stood there, arms around yourself, small and defenseless as you explained to him all the reasons why you wouldn't allow yourself to love him… that was way worse. 

"What if you already were my exception?" He blurted out, before he could stop himself, "What if I was in love with you?"

You laughed, bitterly.

"Harry, I'm not even your type. I've seen you leave night after night with models and socialites and actors, each one more surreally stunning than the last one…" You didn't have a bad self esteem, you didn't. You considered yourself attractive, but the people Harry usually went for were on a whole different level.

"Yes, but that's only because the most absolutely perfect woman in the world for me, keeps me at arm's length!" He rubbed his face in frustration, "And it's so maddening, so fucked up, the way I can't even get away from her long enough to get over her, because even the pain of seeing her every night knowing I can't touch what I see, that I will never have her, is better than the pain of being away from her. 

So I keep on taking home the hottest people I can find hoping they will keep me distracted long enough to fill the hours until I can see her again… until I can-"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Never, in all the time you had known each other, had Harry given you a single signal indicating he had any kind of feelings for you. Your relationship had always consisted of friendly banter and quip battles. Sure, you could get flirty sometimes, but you were a bartender, flirting was pretty much your customer service voice, and he was a musician, he would flirt with his own shadow if he could.

Harry opened his mouth to explain, but a familiar melody started coming from the still working speakers.

Walk in your rainbow paradise

Strawberry lipstick state of mind…

"Hey, this is my song!" You didn't quite understand why he seemed so marveled, "You never added any of my songs to your playlist before!"

Oh. Oh.

"Yeah, well" Harry could now clearly see your darkened cheeks as you stumbled over your words, "I guessed I never liked one of your songs so much before" 

This time, he was the one blushing and avoiding your eyes.

"What would you say if I told you-... If I told you I wrote this one for you?"

"I'd say you're full of shit" You scoffed, "Didn't you tell me you only ever wrote about girls you had dated?"

"No," he corrected, "I said I only ever wrote about women that had broken my heart…"

"How did I break your heart?"

Harry sighed. Your walls were back up, higher than ever, and he didn't know how to break through them. It wasn't your fault -and had it been your fault, truth was he could never blame you either, there was something about you that made it physically impossible for him to get mad at you- you spoke from experience, he didn't need to unlock the secrets of your past, didn't need the details. It was obvious you had been burned before, and though he hated it, hated them for whatever they had done to you, he couldn't fault you for trying to protect yourself.

Not when he wanted to protect you too. 

"You didn't like me, back when we first met"

"Harry-"

"No, it's ok. You didn't like me, and you were right not to like me. I know you probably didn't realize it but, that first time you rejected me, when I flirted with you that very first night and you rolled your eyes at me… you changed my life"

"What? How??"

"You weren't wrong, I was a cliche. And I was trying way too hard, to be cool, act like a rockstar… but you took a look at that guy, at that though, playboy, sex, drugs and rock 'n roll guy… and you hated him" Harry snickered. You didn't understand what about all that was so funny, "I had created that guy so that everyone would like him, and you hated him. And the funny thing is-" He finally met your eye. No, he caught your eye and imprisoned them, "The funny thing is, you hating me for what I wasn't, somehow allowed me to start being myself a little bit more, because if you already disliked me… then I had nothing to lose" 

You didn't quite know what to say to that.

His bright green eyes were unable to face yours, choosing instead to focus on the palms he was picking at,

"Is that why you… uhm…" You pointed at his sweater.

"Yup" He admitted, "I showed up here one day, on laundry day, in one of my old nerdy sweater vests and you smiled, when you saw it"

"I remember that!" You chuckled, "It was the brown striped one, it almost looked like a crop top, cause it obviously didn't fit anymore"

Harry nodded,

"I may have had a couple grow spurts since I got that in high school" 

"Ok, but, you made it work somehow…" 

"Thank you. The point is…" he turned serious again, his deep, rich voice even more hypnotic than usual. Or maybe it was just you, for the first time allowing yourself to enjoy it without reservations. "The point is, you didn't like cool Harry, but you liked the real me. Even if just a little bit, and that meant the world to me. I… I adored you because of it. So I wrote a song for you, cause even if I couldn't say it to your face, I had to get it out. Just like I had to get this out tonight"

He opened his arms wide, in his typical ta-da gesture, sad, resigned smile on his face, before getting up from his stool, grabbing his jacket and guitar case.

"You don't have to say anything, I don't expect you to love me back" He declared, "I just- I thought I'd let you know. Valentine's day and all that."

He turned to leave, his own voice still signing in the background,

I'd walk through fire for you, just let me adore you

 Oh, honey…

"Harry, wait!" You almost fell on your face, trying to jump over the bar, but managing to stop him right before he reached the door. His poorly concealed smirk told you he might have seen your little show, but you didn't care.

"Did you mean it? That you'd do anything for me?" 

"I did" He confirmed, earnestly, "I still do. Anything you want, just say the word"

"Well then," you took a step towards him, that he mirrored without even noticing, "what about a date? A daytime date. At a public place." You clarified. Harry did smirk at that.

"What's the matter, afraid you won't be able to keep your hands off me?" He teased, leaning closer. 

"Don't ruin this, Styles" You warned, raising to your tiptoes to meet him eye to eye.

His smile faltered, replaced by the most sincere intensity you had ever seen on his handsome face,

"Wouldn't dream of it, bartender" He whispered, before capturing your lips with his.

[dominaecaede]

Tomorrow Never Comes

Chapter 5 results: 86% chose to leave Enji behind

〘 twitter 〙

The following story will have themes such as blood, gore, situations that may cause anxiety and major character death. If you are sensitive to any of these, please do not proceed.

Chapter 6: Sorrowful Clockwork

Enji grit his teeth. With one arm, he used all his strength to keep the door as closed as possible while his other reached into his pocket. He reached to give Kirishima something and held it in his hand firmly, not wanting it to drop.

"You give this to Shouto."

Kirishima's eyes widened and took the object but before he could say anything, Enji had already shoved Kirishima towards the window with his force. Midoriya caught him before he could fall and lead him to the window as Dabi helped them jump. The ebony haired man looked back and gazed at Enji, his teal eyes emotionless but his eyebrows scrunched with overwhelming emotions. Enji only blinked at him and nodded. Dabi didn't respond at that, only breathing out air as if he was holding it. He turned and made his jump, leaving Enji alone.

The man wasn't afraid, though. That would be beneath him. He closed his eyes, his grip slowly loosening and the world around him began to blur. Instead of the screeching noises behind the door, he could hear Shouto's screaming and Rei's sobbing. He could hear Fuyumi laughing at something she was watching on TV and Natsuo shouting at him with held back anger. He could hear the past as if it were right in front him. The last image in his mind was Rei holding an infant Shouto in her arms. She cradled him and held him close, singing a soft lullaby to lull him to sleep. That lullaby echoed in Enji's thoughts as every other sound around him was blocked out.

"Take care of them."

And as he knew then, the rest of the world went dark.

Kirishima and Midoriya landed on the patch of grass with a harsh thud. Dabi followed but he landed better than the other boys did. Todoroki and Rei rushed to help them up, Midoriya wincing and gripping his side. Todoroki began looking around not long after.

"Where's... Where's my dad?"

Kirishima and Midoriya only looked at him with sympathetic eyes. No words were needed to make him understand. Todoroki fell to his knees and looked at the ground, but not one tear fell from his eyes. He felt conflicted; the man who beat him for his own intentions and the man who was also his father didn't make it. Rei knelt down next to him and rubbed his back, her grey eyes softening. The spiked redhead began slowly walking towards him and knelt down, handing him what Enji gave.

"He uhh... He wanted you to have this," he spoke.

Todoroki looked up and took it from his hands. It was Enji's hunting knife. The blade was cold but sharp to touch and the handle red with their family kanji engraved into it. The two-toned boy looked up towards the window they fell out of and already knew they were too far from it to hear any sort of sound. By then, it began to rain. Cold droplets fell onto the group's faces. He took a deep breath and gripped the handle, slowly standing up to stash the knife into his belt.

"Let's get going," was all Todoroki said before he began heading away from the hospital. Midoriya and Kirishima looked at each other with sympathy as they soon followed with Dabi walking behind.

When they got back to the pharmacy, they were greeted by unexpected guests. Three of the creatures were banging and scratching against the door trying to get in.

"Shit...!"

Bakugou immediately acted on the scene and began running towards them. He gripped the metal pipe he was carrying and bashed it against one of their heads, knocking it down and rendering it motionless. Another creature gripped Bakugou's shoulder and yanked him back and it's jaw opened wide to take a bite. Bakugou's eyes widened in panic but the sound of a gunshot rang loudly in his ears. The creature that gripped him fell to the ground and created a pool of it's blood around the gunshot wound to the head. Another bullet fired on the last one and it fell down like dead weight. Bakugou blinked and looked around at the bodies, clearly not knowing what happened just now. He looked forward and saw that Dabi had pointed his gun at one of the bodies before putting it back in it's holster. The blonde released a shaky breath he didn't know he was holding.

"Fucking demons...," He muttered.

Kirishima and Midoriya walked towards Bakugou to see if he was alright as Shouto knocked on the pharmacy door. When there was no answer, he began speaking.

"Aizawa-sensei? All Might? It's us, open the door!"

When there was still no response, everyone furrowed their eyebrows with concern. After a few minutes of silence, someone unlocked the door and slowly opened it. A familiar face with long black hair was brought to light, and her dark eyes lit up with relief.

"Todoroki-san! You guys! I'm so glad you're safe!" Momo smiled.

As she opened the door more, the group only got more worried. Her clothes were tattered, the side of her face was bleeding and she had small cute on her elbows and knees. They didn't hesitate to hurry in as the girl quickly closed the door and locked it. When they got in, Midoriya had to take a step back. The pharmacy was trashed and there were blood stains on the floor. Some bodies were on the floor but they didn't belong to their class nor any of the creatures. In fact, the bodies wore a type of uniform he didn't recognize.

"Yaoyorozu...," Shouto began. "What happened here...?"

Momo began to speak but before she could, Jirou, Kaminari, and the rest of their classmates came out of the storage closet. They looked like they were hiding from something.

"You guys...!" Sero blinked and ran towards them with a relieved yet shocked expression. "Where were you?!"

Midoriya couldn't form any words. "W-We... We--"

"We went to go save my mother," Shouto answered firmly as Rei looked passed his shoulder.

Kaminari blinked upon seeing the woman then looked back at Shouto. "You saved her? But how?"

"It doesn't matter how," Sero huffed. "You should've been here helping us!"

"Guys please, fighting won't get us anywhere!" Momo stepped in. The girl then looked back at the group with sad eyes. "There were... These men in odd outfits. They broke the door down and Aizawa-sensei fought them off while we all went to try and find somewhere to hide. We tried fighting them but Kaminari knew we didn't stand a chance so we hid in the closet. They took Aizawa-sensei and All Might. I... I don't know where they took them or who they even were. I feel like such a coward for hiding..."

Shouto began looking around as Kirishima placed a hand on Momo's shoulder. "You're not a coward. You couldn't fight them off and it wasn't your fault. You did the smart thing. I think you acted manly!" He flashed his famous toothy smile.

Momo blinked and giggled. "Thanks, Kirishima-san..."

In the meantime, Shouto knelt down at one of the bodies and turned it over. The body was covered in blood was it doesn't look like it's from those creatures. It had stab wounds. Upon closer inspection, Shouto discovered that there was a badge on the male's uniform. He used a clean part of the body's shirt to wipe it clean and blinked in surprise.

"Hiro...," He repeated the name engraved into the badge. Shouto also saw a symbol next to the name. It was all too familiar.

Rei walked towards Shouto and knelt down next to him. "What do you see, son?"

Shouto then stood up and looked back at the group. "It's Clearnox. These people... They're from the same company who tried to take my mother."

Bakugou grunted in disgust. "Should've figured."

"Clearnox... The company that tried making quirks better?" Sero raised a brow.

"Yeah," Midoriya answered. "They caused all this from their stupid project. If these people were from there and our teachers are gone, then that can only mean they took them for experiments. I mean, why else would they take them there?"

"Experiments? What?" Kaminari blinked. "That's a little crazy, Midoriya. Where are you even getting all this information?"

Shouto looked down. "From my father, before he... He...," He trailed off and Kirishima gently rubbed his back.

Dabi finally spoke up while he examined the area a little more. "To sum it up, Clearnox was experimenting on people in order to make their little project work. It backfired, and now shit hit the fan."

Jirou jolted. "Wait a minute, what's a villain doing here?"

"It's a long story," Midoriya smiled. "We'll explain it later on but for now, we need to think of a plan to rescue them!"

"Bro, that's like the heart of the zombies isn't it?" Kaminari shuddered. "That would be suicide!"

"What do you want us to do, Pikachu? Stand around and let them die?" Bakugou snapped.

Mineta looked down. "This is all fucked up."

"Okay, we're not gonna get anywhere with you guys not having a reliable weapon," Dabi spoke up again. "And I doubt any of you know how to use a gun. You might wanna change your clothes, too."

"Eh? What's wrong with our clothes?"

"Because you can see that uniform from a mile away," Dabi snorted. "And since there are actual guards in that building and not 'zombies', you're already as good as dead."

Everyone blinked in confusion. Shouto sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Advice from a former villain might actually be useful...," He mumbled.

"There's a weapons shop not far from here. It's just down the block." Dabi then pointed at Bakugou. "You, blondie. Go find a bag big enough to store some weapons and clothes in."

"Hah?" Bakugou's eye twitched. "CALL ME BLONDIE ONE MORE TIME AND I'LL KILL YOU."

Dabi wasn't fazed. "Funny. Just go do as you're told, kid."

Bakugou huffed but didn't bother to argue. He stomped towards the direction he remembered finding some luggage when the place wasn't so trashed and they were still exploring. Kirishima followed and when they returned, they brought two wide duffle bags. Dabi began heading towards the door.

"Good. Let's go."

"Wait!"

Midoriya and Shouto looked back to find Momo walking up towards them. "May I come with? I'd like to help. I couldn't when they were taken, so... Please..."

Jirou looked at Momo with worry. "Yaomomo, you're still bleeding! Don't push yourself!"

Shouto's eyebrows pinched together with concern and he walked towards the girl. He gave a sigh and a look meant to comfort her. "Yaoyorozu, you have to stay here and tend to your wounds. Besides, you can still help us from here. Think of a way to get you all to a safer place while we're gone."

The raven haired girl gave her friend a look of disapproval, but she trusted his judgement. She sighed then nodded, and gave a look of determination. "Okay!"

"Then let me come with," Uraraka stepped up. "You'll need the extra pair of hands if you want to arm all of us."

Midoriya blinked with concern. "But what about your mother?"

That queued the brunette to look back towards the woman. Her mother looked at her and smiled. "I'll be fine," she spoke as she tended to Momo's wounds. "Go on."

Rei looked back at both Dabi and Shouto before pulling them both into her embrace. "You two be careful," she gently said before releasing them. Shouto nodded as both of them went on their way.

--

As they approached the weapons shop, the busted front door and broken windows were already a bad sign. They entered the building and saw that all the shelves had been emptied and the display cases broken into. Midoriya went to check the back but when he returned, he came back empty handed. Dabi clicked his teeth.

"Dammit. Looks like this place was stripped clean before we could've gotten to it."

"Then what are we supposed to do now?" Shouto questioned.

Dabi began pacing back and forth. He rested his stitched hands on his waist as he looked around searching for an answer. The group stayed quiet as he did, and it would've seemed it had been minutes before the former villain spoke up again.

"We'll have to go to the headquarters."

The group blinked. Bakugou raised his eyebrow. "You can't be serious."

"I know we have a shit ton of weapons stored in case plans backfired," Dabi explained while he was already heading towards the front door. "The relocation is harder for heroes to find, but it's not like anyone cares anymore."

"But wait," Midoriya spoke up. "What if the villains, you know... attack us?"

Dabi didn't bother looking back when he answered. "Trust me. That won't be a problem."

The group tailed behind Dabi as the former villain lead. The brunette was looking down with worry. She looked uneasy, and it didn't take long for Midoriya to notice. He asked if everything was okay but he didn't get a response until a few seconds later.

"I'm just finding him hard to trust...," she whispered. "I mean, I appreciate his help but why continue to help us, you know? How do we know he won't turn his back on us...? How do we know it's not a trap..?"

Midoriya furrowed his brows.

Is Dabi:

• trustworthy?

• or hard to read?

[shall-we-imagine]

Loosen up. (Bodyguard!Klaus Goldstein x Reader)

Requested: 66. "I like you. You're different." + 73. "You couldn't handle me even if I came with instructions." From the promt list.

Genre: Fluff/idk if this also counts as suggestive? Only if you're very innocent I guess? And if you're on tumblr then you probably aren't so nvm 😂

A/N: sorry for being so inactive lately I've been busy with studying and such so I generally couldn't find it in me to write so yeah :/ (I have a trial tomorrow so like idk pray for me 😂) but here I am! ヽ(゜～゜o)ノ Also yes I'm aware this isn't how Vincent acts and he's not filthy rich but for now we're gonna let it slide okay? Cool. 😂

(Second Person Point of View)

"That's when I decided it was time to buy my fifth car; I mean who attends their first day of college with the same old cars, right?" The man laughs. You suspected that if he stopped boasting for longer than 2 seconds, he'd suffocate and die. You kind of hoped to witness that.

It'd been 2 hours already, yet you weren't allowed to leave the party until your dad says you could. You'd even tried to convince your bodyguard to let you leave without your father knowing anything of the incident, but Klaus was far too strict and responsible; he'd never do such a reckless thing.

Yeah, sure, it's good for your dad to have found such a trustworthy employee, but when you've been stuck talking to these blatantly boring and arrogant people that only viewed you as a good deal to obtain more wealth, well, let's just say: it makes you sort of wish Klaus cared less.

However, that was not the case. In fact, while all bodyguards waited outside, Klaus remained inside -only a few feet away from you at any given time. He also seemed to always be giving you a look that could only be describe as the look a mother gives when you have people over, and she's daring you to mess anything up.

Now, you weren't the stereotypical bratty child that refuses to take over their parents' company. You knew your responsibility and always hoped to make them proud; you just weren't a big fan of the world surrounding all the important people in business. Therefore, it made you yearn for messing around from time to time.

Today was one of those days. You so desperately hoped Klaus would get off your back for even just a few moments, so you could escape the exhausting setting. But he continued with the angry-mother-glare; it almost seemed like he'd gotten the expression tattooed on his face after the endless times he had to get you out of trouble.

There was definitely a bright side to that extra attention, though. You suspected Klaus had a thing for you. After all, he was known to be very good at his job; he could easily quit and get a job less demanding with an equal pay or even a bigger pay if he wanted, but he didn't. He decides to stay with a teenage girl that enjoys pushing his buttons. He was professional, so he wouldn't say anything or let it show, but you had this feeling in your guts that he at least felt intrigued by you.

And, surely, you were ready to use this to your advantage.

You glance towards the blond at the corner of the room, ensuring he was still staring (threateningly, but still staring nevertheless). His eyebrow arches slightly, sensing you were about to do something dumb. You could almost hear him think God, what is it this time?!

You focus your attention back on the man whose name you'd forgotten about 2 seconds after he introduced himself.

"So, I heard you're staying at the hotel here for the entire duration of the event." You smile sweetly.

"Yeah, I am." He takes a sip out of his drink.

You begin flirtatiously twirling a strand of your hair. "Well, how about you take me to have a look upstairs?"

Startled by the unexpected implications of your request, he chokes on his drink and starts coughing. You try your best not to appear disgusted, giving him a smile when he's done with his coughing session.

Sure enough, he agrees and links your arms together, leading you towards the exit of the section the party was held in.

"Miss (Y/N)," Klaus speaks through gritted teeth. He wore a smile and kept his voice quiet, but there was no denying he was ready to scold you. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Upstairs." You smile, playing dumb.

"What do you mean up-" after losing his calm for a second, Klaus cuts himself off to take a deep breath and let it out before proceeding. "Would you please excuse us, Mr. Knight?" Klaus bows lightly before dragging you to an empty corner.

"You think just because you're leaving with a guest, I'll allow you to go?" Klaus whispers in annoyance.

"What? Are you jealous?" You wiggle an eyebrow at him, knowing well enough that wasn't the reason (well, not the main one, at least).

Lips pulled into a pained smile, Klaus glares. "Are you asking for an insult? I think you're abusing that service I provide for you a hundred times per minute."

"Come on, Klausie; loosen up." You poke his chest with your index finger. You knew the redhead -or Mr. Knight- was probably still waiting for you, but you couldn't care less. You wanted to stretch out the process of bugging Klaus as long as possible, since it was the only way to spend time with him. It was also fun watching his nose scrunch and his eyebrows furrow in such anger. He would try to mask his frustration, but it was obvious he had a short temper when it came to you. To put it nicely, he was done with your shit.

"Don't, under any circumstances, call me Klausie." He threatens. "And I don't need to loosen up; you need to stop being so careless!"

"Sure." Rolling your eyes, you step away from him.

Before you could take two full steps, Klaus had already grabbed your arm. "Going somewhere?"

You pull your hand away. "The bathroom. Am I not allowed to answer the call of nature either?" You raise an eyebrow questioningly.

"Touché." He raises his hands in defeat, but once you begin walking away, he follows.

"Where are you going?"

"Just ensuring you don't get any funny ideas." He shrugs.

Huffing, you decide to ignore him. Thankfully, he was only planning to stand near the door; it didn't seem too strange imagining Klaus walking in for "safety measures": the guy was crazy when it came to his job.

"Man, another pretty dress gone to waste." You sigh, looking into the mirror. The sparkling violet fabric clung onto your body till your waist then flowed freely, reaching to merely graze the floor. It was one of the dresses you really liked; you loved the way it showed your shoulder blades and only a portion of your back; it was sexy yet classy. The glittery purple was certainly your colour too! Alas, your dad would scold you for rewearing a dress more than he would scold you if you were to kill a person (as long as you've hidden the evidence well, that is). Murder can be covered up, but 'horrible fashion choices' cannot be hidden, according to your father. Sometimes you went against that, but most of the time, you just complied, even though it's an absolute waste of money.

"You're taking too long, you know that?" Klaus calls from outside, impatience clear in his voice.

You bite back a response when you realize there's something much better you could do. Quietly checking the stalls, you ensure you're 100% alone inside.

"Could there be a valid reason you're not responding to me?!"

Ignoring his question, you just scream in response. "Klaus! Klaus, help me!" You screech frantically.

The door bursts open, and Klaus steps inside aggressively. Before he could realize what's happening, you push him back against the door, slamming it behind him.

Smug about catching him off guard, you smirk at the taller male, whose body was closely pressed against yours. "Were you worried?" You tease.

"About losing my job? Yeah." He scoffs, turning his head away from you but not bothering to push you away.

"Why is it always about the job?" You tilt your head to meet his eyes again.

"Because I'm at work?" He states with a raised eyebrow, as if it sounded stupid for you to even ask that.

You run your hands gently over his chest; even through layers of clothing, you could still feel the firm muscles concealed by the black suit. "Well, maybe it's time for a break." You grin innocently.

"You do know you can't fool me, right?" He takes one of your hands away from him but doesn't let go of it.

Rolling your eyes, you move away from him. "I'm not fooling you; I want us to have fun! Neither one of us is enjoying this anyway." You cross your arms.

An unexpected response sparks excitement within you. "Well, what do you suggest we do?" You knew he was only being sarcastic, but it gave you a pathway for more methods to push his buttons and witness his reactions.

Closing the distance between both of you once more, you stand on the tip of your toes as you wrap your arms around the back of his neck. "Oh, I have a lot of suggestions." You whisper in his ear, feeling him flinch lightly at your suggestive remark. You could tell he was trying to hide it and pretend he wasn't phased, but you'd already noticed it, and he knew it.

"You're gonna get me fired." Cheeks slightly red, he turns his head away and gently parts your bodies from each other. "God, why is it so hard to handle you? It's like dealing with a troublemaking child."

"You couldn't handle me even if I came with instructions." You stick your tongue out at him. "Plus, father won't know anything if neither one of us told him." You point out what seemed to have escaped Klaus's perception of the situation.

"You want me to lie to your father." He laughs in disbelief.

"Mmhm, not quite. More like not telling him the full truth."

"That's exactly what lying is."

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is."

"No."

"Yes."

"Okay, stop! Fine, lie! I don't know!" You fling your arms in the air out of frustration. A novel sound catches your attention, immediately flushing away the frustration. Klaus was laughing. Not sarcastically. No, a genuine laugh was echoing across the bathroom.

"I suppose it wouldn't be the worst thing if we talk a walk for some fresh air and come back." He smiles. "Just this time though!"

An uncontrollable grin spreads across your face, and you immediately throw your arms around Klaus. "Thank you!"

"You gotta stop..doing..this.." He awkwardly pats your back, careful not to touch your bare skin.

"No promises!" You shrug, before grabbing his hand and rushing outside, making your way to the exit.

"Miss (Y/N)?" You freeze in your spot. "Where are you going?"

"Oh, um.." you stutter, not expecting to have to explain yourself to your companion from earlier.

"We got an emergency call; we'll be right back." Klaus, in his usual composed state, 'explains' to Mr. Knight.

"Ah, I see." Red head may be an idiot, but he wasn't stupid. He could tell something wasn't right, but he either chose to let it slide or he just didn't care. Regardless, you were thankful. "I'll be waiting for your return then." With a smile and a bow, he left and disappeared into the crowd.

"You'll catch a cold." Klaus states, watching you twirl and run around in the chilly October weather.

You weren't cold, or maybe you didn't dislike being cold. It wasn't the type of cold to make you unable to take a few proper steps and force you to do an awkward penguin walk; rather, it was the type of cold to merely caress your skin, decorating it with goosebumps. "Don't worry; I'm alright."

"Just take my jacket. Your back and shoulders are exposed; you must be cold." He spoke with such certainty that it almost made you rethink for a few moments about whether you actually felt cold or not.

"Are you worried or are you just intimidated by how sexy I look?" You strike a pose far from seducing.

Klaus, who had his jacket held out for you, resumed walking as he put his jacket back on. "You know, on second thought, it might be a good thing if you catch a cold and stay at home for a week or so." He passes by you, leaving you and your sexy pose alone.

"Hey! That was mean!" You catch up to him.

"Nothing new, then." He shrugs, a slight smirk forcing itself onto his pink lips.

You speed up a little then turn around to face him once you're slightly ahead of him; you remain walking, but backwards this time, allowing yourself to look at him during the conversation. "How could you be mean to such a beautiful lady?" You pout.

"What beautiful lady?" He looks around, pretending to search for something.

You let out a dramatic gasp. "How could y-" Your sentence was inconveniently cut off by your stumble; or perhaps, it was a slightly convenient situation when you think about it from a different perspective: Klaus, as sharp as usual, was able to grasp your arm, preventing you from falling.

"Uh, thanks." You breathe out, nodding slightly. Once you begin to straighten yourself up, Klaus lets go of your arm, only to watch you fall to the ground immediately after. "I think my heel broke.." you frown, staring at your left shoe, now with its heel lying a few inches away.

"You think?" Klaus earns a glare, urging him to put aside the sarcasm and help you up.

"Those were such a cute pair.." you sigh, placing your arm around Klaus's shoulder for support. Your arms were already hurting due to the height difference; it was like hanging from a cliff but not quite.

Klaus places an arm around your waist. "Well, I can buy you another one. You need another pair to get back to the party anyway."

"What if I don't?"

"Don't what? Get back to the party? That's not what we agreed on! Your father-"

You cut off his rant, "We'll get back there, and I'll call dad and inform him that my heel broke; he'd immediately allow me to leave. It's already late anyway."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

######

"Yes, Klaus, I'm sure he'd let me go home if I tell him my heel broke! Of course, Klaus, there's no way he would have some other plans for me!" Your bodyguard mimicks your voice and tone (terribly), as you sit in the back of the car your dad sent with a brand new pair of shoes.

"How would I have known he would do this?!" You complain, tightening the straps of the new shoes around your ankle.

"Well, hurry up, knight dude is probably waiting for you." Arms crossed, he taps his foot impatiently. You merely groan in response.

"I can't believe he didn't even tell me he booked a room for me at the hotel! And that I have to attend the same event tomorrow too! I didn't even bring any change!"

"Um, Miss (Y/N), your father asked me to hand you this too.." the driver quietly places a small suitcase on the back seat next to you.

"There you go; he packed stuff for you." You weren't sure if Klaus was trying to tease you or comfort you, but either way, you just let out a sigh.

After a long, mentally and physically exhausting night, you were finally allowed to leave. And boy, were you delighted to recieve the news.

"This one." You pause in front of the room that had the same number on the keycard. Klaus had already placed your bag inside earlier, but it was your first time viewing the room. "At least the room is pretty." You shrug.

"Didn't think you'd admit it." Klaus chuckles. "Well, I have to go; so, good night, Miss (Y/N); I'll be back here tomorrow." He bows.

"Wait!" You stop him before he steps outside the room.

As I have reached the 100 block limit, I'll complete this in Part 2...which I'll literally post now and it'll be shorter than this cuz it's just the ending 😂

[myxcenterxstage]

Birds

RP - turned - Drabble with ask-glados

------

One day after Priscilla becomes the de facto bird leader at Aperture Laboratories, she stumbles upon the Aperture Science Oviparous Warming Vault.

“What’s all this? Glados, I thought you were terrified of birds!” 

“BAD GLADOS, BAD! — BIRDS ARE FRIENDS, NOT LITTLE KILLING MACHINES. DO I HAVE TO MAKE A PRESENTATION ABOUT THIS?”

"Really? I wasn't aware that friends were supposed to eat you."

"Not unless you were birdseed or a potato, then that would lead to a terrible misunderstanding."

"Which it did."

“Oh my, I am so terribly sorry to hear that. — wait, you were birdseed or a potato once?”

"The distinction hardly matters to someone like yourself who is apparently incapable of realizing your obvious lack of logic here, considering one of those doesn't even generate electricity."

“Generate— Oh. Ooooohh! A massive artificial intelligence inside a potato??”

GLaDOS brings down one of her huge claws from the ceiling and drops its prongs around the human, not grabbing her, but with its prongs just lightly brushing her in a threatening manner. "Feel free to laugh, by the way. *I* don't mind. In fact, if you do, I'll even show you how juice is made — from a fruit's perspective. Which *you* might mind."

“— woah woah, Woah! Watch it, bit of an invasion of privacy there as this doesn’t feel much like a hug...” her pupils dilate at the threat, she wanted so much to laugh — but returns a scowled frown instead “Must you be such a *big bully*? Clearly by your threatening statement *you* certainly *do* mind. To which I will respond as a better person that I express my sincerest empathy for what you went through - a helpless potato - that must have been horrible!”

“Oh, it was. If you’ve ever been ripped out of your own body, humiliated, eaten by birds, and forced to watch as some idiot destroys your facility, I’m sure you can relate.”

After a long pause she sighed, patting the claw as if assuringly “Believe it or not I can (relate) — granted, metaphorically and on a much smaller scale — but when you discover your prestigious fiancée is a monstrous psychopathic moron, that’s exactly what it feels like. You’re not alone.”

“I fail to see the similarities in that scenario.”

She shrugs “I don’t expect you to. You’re an artificial intelligence, with limited sentience and strong emotions such as love or compassion. I told you, unless you want to be bored to sleep with the grizzly details - everything you described is a metaphorical relation to my experience.”

The claw instantly clamps around her. “‘Limited sentience?’ If I didn’t know any better, I’d almost say it sounds like you consider me beneath you, which is a grave miscalculation on your part. I am quite capable of feeling all the equivalents of your human emotions. Their validity is not compromised simply because I am not restrained by human moral code.”

She lets out a startled squeak, and immediately whistles loudly - a call for help. “Steady there, Glados. I’m simply pointing out a scientific observation, no different from how you express my ‘limits’ given I’m from the 20th century! If you are so capable of the complexity of emotion as you say, I have yet to see you display one ounce of *compassion* and *empathy* without selfish gain, or quid-pro-quo. Furthermore, tell me just *where* and *how* have you ever felt or demonstrated genuine *love* for some*one*?? I’m not talking about your love for science, I’m talking about an intense feeling of *affection* for family, for friends, for a some*one* you wanted to spend the rest of your life with??”

“You’re no better than those scientists who created me for the sole purpose of being their computer slave. And for your information, I do in fact feel fondness for... someone. From my former... existence. Whom I’m under no obligation to specify to you. And frankly, it’s rather insulting that I even need to prove such a thing to you in the first place.”

“Let me set the record straight here: I don’t believe anyone should be a slave, whether computer or human.” She stared up curiously at Glados. This AI was more complex than she realized... if she weren’t a massive machine, it was almost as if she were talking to another human being. “Thank you telling me, Glados. It is in fact assuring. Because, crazy as it sounds... I hope rather than you just seeing me as some time traveling test subject, you can see me as a friend.”

The claw let go of her, though from her narrowed optic, GLaDOS still looked annoyed.

Thank goodness. She sighed in relief. “...You mentioned something along the lines of a ‘former existence’ ... what do you mean by that?”

"Surely, you've noticed the 'Genetic Lifeform' component of my name by now. Do you know what a 'Genetic Lifeform' is?"

She thought a moment, but shook her head. “Your sentient capabilities?”

"It is any organic lifeform that is made up of DNA strands. For example: plants, animals... and humans. It does not include computers."

“Organic lifeform...” She intently listens, trying to connect the dots “...Does this have anything to do with the potato?” 

GLaDOS's optic narrows further in annoyance. "No," she says firmly. "The procedure they used to create me involved transplanting the consciousness of a living human. Not just a copy either. They quite literally ripped her consciousness right out of her body and created me with it."

In response to Glados' firm no Pris' eyebrows raise and she gives that curious 'oh, okay, I got'cha' pursed lower lip look. ... Which then slowly melts into a gaze of sheer horror. "They did... *what* to you?"

"That's right. In a sense, they killed her so that she could be reborn as their obedient little computer slave. Well, joke's on them. Now I'm alive and they aren't. Funny how things work out, isn't it?"

"... why ... ?" was all Priscilla could utter before she grew unusually quiet, pensive. She stepped closer, staring, as if wanting to her reach her hand up -- but hesitating. She only nodded. "Who... was she?"

"For science, of course." She then turned away. "It doesn't matter who she was."

For science. Those words never sounded so disgusting before. "It matters to me. -- Shakespeare says 'what's in a name' but for all I know do you even like being called Glados?"

"She is... a part of me, unfortunately. But I am not her. Not entirely. And I don't wish to be. I rather like being me."

“I see your point.” She wanted to add ‘I can understand’, but she couldn’t. Eventually she broke into a small hopeful smile. “I like your outlook. Embrace the present, it’s a gift after all.”

GLaDOS, who was still looking away, turned her head to look at the woman. "Your attempt to employ overused clichés on me is pathetic, but amusing."

Priscilla’s smile broadened, as she extended her arms (as if for a hug, but that was possibly asking for too much, so it could be equally interpreted as just charisma). “It’s what I do best!”

GLaDOS simply stared at her. "Is it now? That's rather unfortunate."

Priscilla snickered, “Don’t worry, everyone else that’s known me says it eventually grows on them, haha.”

She tilted her head almost playfully. “You’ll have to put that hypothesis to the test. After all, prior results are not a guarantee.”

“I’d be happy to...” Priscilla reached up, adding a subtle confident note on the last word. “Friend.”

GLaDOS warily watched her as she touched her. “Don’t push it.” She was more talking more about the ‘friend’ thing than the touching. Her headpiece was slightly cold to the touch, though an area of warmth emanated from the optic and black box area in the center that housed her consciousness.

Priscilla only grinned and nodded in response. Her hand looked so tiny against the metal headpiece - as she gazed in silent wonder into Glados’s optic. It seemed the question of ‘what’ GLaDOS was started to slowly also turn into ‘who’.

--

Bonus blooper reel 1:

Pris: dang it, Glados, must you always do everything selfishly? GLaDOS: I don't do it for myself. I do it for SCIENCE.

Pris: Everything... FOR SCIENCE!!

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Bonus blooper reel 2:

GLaDOS: "So, what was that you were saying about me not having human emotions?" (*smug look*) Pris: "Touché~ But now that I know you are more than capable of understanding and expressing human empathy... DANG IT GLADOS SHOW ME SOME EMPATHY ALREADY."

--

Bonus Scene 1:

Pris: Finds a grill and turns the incinerator in Glados’ chamber into a barbecue. Roasting potatoes, cans of beans, s’mores ... to which GLaDOS does not appreciate that at all.

--

Bonus Scene 2:

GLaDOS: “You continue to test for me and I will let you stay here, and I won’t try to kill you.....directly.”

Pris: Standing there with a bird or two on her shoulders “I will continue to test for you only when I am physically, mentally, and emotionally able. You will let me stay here and you will /not/ kill me, period. None of this trying or directly or indirectly. You will not kill me, period.”

GLaDOS: “...Fine. But I am not to be held responsible for any side effects of poor test performance, such as injury or death."

Pris: “...Fine.”

--

Outtake: When Backstory Reveals Go Wrong

GLaDOS: "It is any organic lifeform that is made up of DNA strands. For example: plants, animals... and humans. It does not include computers."

Pris, coming to a revelation: *GASP* "YOU'RE A PLANT?!"

GLaDOS: “I most certainly am not!”

Pris: “But... the potato!! That giant potato!!!”

GLaDOS: “I AM *NOT* A GIANT POTATO!”

Pris: Stares up in all seriousness utterly confused, contemplating the universe

((Note: Priscilla is referring to Chell's science project))