#cause i GOTTA start planning more lol

[chez-cinnamon]

Girl dad Kinger? How about girl dad Caine?

I gotta draw them interacting more, I live for their slow burn found father/daughter dynamic,,,,,,,,,

[moregraceful]

Everything reminds me of her (Ozzy Wiesblatt)....

1. Feral cat who lives in our garage pissed as hell I'm ignoring him looking cute and demure and won't give him forbidden Delectable cat treats. Hater like I didn't spend several years buying him gross dried fish treats. 2. I took two photos at the wedding 🥲 This was one of them, after the wedding, after everyone had left, and there were some flowers left over from the arch floral thingy. The other was my place card at the wedding, which has since disappeared. I also don't know where the flowers are, I threw them somewhere in my car and refuse to unpack my car without A&D (my key to their house doesn't work because their door is broken.) 3. Long pointless walk to the mall today, because this city is hostile to pedestrians, but still there are the delights. (Saw a snail, and Ozzy graffiti.)

[bunni-v1]

How would the relationship plays out with his darling if he meets them at his pre corruption?

🍓Okay so, this is part of my OC's storyline so trust me when I say I've thought about this EXTENSIVELY. Please excuse me if I use she/her pronouns or straight drop her name, she is the ray of sunshine in my life and I get excited just thinking about talking about her lol.

Tw: None?; Calls him Blueberry Yogurt Cookie btw

Info: Shadow Milk Cookie x Reader; Fluff & Angst (kinda)

-For the sake of these headcanons, I'm calling his gay-ass Blueberry Yogurt Cookie, because we don't know his actual name and he's blue so.

-There are two main things you have to do for Blueberry Yogurt to consider a relationship with you. 1) Be immortal, or at least have an extended lifeline, 2) You're not one of his students/Don't worship him like a god.

-Number one isn't really in your control, but if you're able to live through his corruption and reawakening, I'll assume you've got a little more life in you than the normal cookie.

-Number two is where it's actually hard. Blueberry Yogurt carries himself with such grace it would make classically trained ballerinas jealous. He's radiant and beautiful and all kinds of fantastical, not to mention his boundless knowledge and gentle demeanor.

-He is the perfect cookie, at least to the public eye. You've gotta be able to look past that and see him for who he is. What he values in a cookie doesn't change between now and when he's corrupted.

-I will say, he's much more open and willing to show you his genuine love and affection as Blueberry Yogurt. There's no grand change or fight you have to make for him to open up, he just does so because he loves you.

-He's never been known by a cookie that wasn't another hero. It's refreshing and he loves the feeling of being loved and loving you.

-You bring such different ideas on topics he would never consider given his place in this world. Your thoughts and curiosities become his thoughts and curiosities, and he loves sharing knowledge with you whenever he can.

-He treats you well, but when the corruption starts to settle in things change. Blueberry Yogurt is painfully aware of what's going in, he feels his mentality changing and shifting. The pessimism runs through his dough, his temper is shorter, and worse he finds himself... reveling in the pain of others.

-NOT you. Never you. Oh, he would tear apart all of cookie society for you, and he really starts meaning that the worse it gets.

-Of course, he thinks about this, and he makes a plan to keep you safe from himself. Without causing too much worry or making it seem like he doesn't want you around, he finds an excuse for you to leave Beast Yeast -- just for the time it takes him to figure this all out!

-You obviously notice all these worrying changes in his personality, but you can't do much more than worry for him at the time. When he sends you away, you do so with the promise you'll see him as soon as you get back. And you do!

-Inside the tree, of course.

-You are comforted by Elder Faerie, but there's only so much reassurance he can give. You don't even fully understand what happened, how this could happen? You have a very long time to work through these emotions, though.

-You wait and wait and wait and wait. For so very long, and so loyally. You travel around Beast Yeast and help stragglers, visit the other Heroes' territories, and make friends with their loyal followers. But you always come back to that tree.

-Shadow Milk watches you the whole time. When he isn't obsessing over his souljam and vengeance, he is obsessing over you. How surprised will you be to see him like this? Oh, he hates himself for sending you away, you would've accepted him as he is. He knows it. You love him so.

-You look at that stupid tree with such longing, you miss him so much. He vows that as soon as he's out, he's going to treat you to the grandest performance you've ever seen. He just can't wait to shower you in love and affection again.

-Then, Gingerbrave and his friends show. You find yourself drawn to Pure Vanilla Cookie more than anyone else. He reminds you of Blueberry Yogurt, and it's easy to talk to him as you walk alongside him to the faerie kingdom.

-Shadow Milk Cookie doesn't like that!~

-When he breaks out of that stupid tree he makes a big show of claiming you to everyone there. He scoops your cute tiny little frame up in his hands with the biggest grin, his giddiness and having you again after all these years overwhelming.

-I won't lie, he's terrifying and you're rightfully a bit spooked at his behavior, but more so you're happy to see him again. And he's so so so so so happy to see you too, he missed his little dolly!

-So once he's able to get some proper alone time with you, you are smothered in affection. If you knew him pre-corruption, he feels no need to hide anything from you. You get Shadow Milk Cookie Premium off the bat, with no trial runs or nothing! Ain't that nice dolly?

-He doesn't want to reminisce with you, though. His past isn't something he likes thinking about, but he'll humor you because he loves you so.

-If you don't approve of things he does, he brushes it off. Commenting that you know him, he wouldn't do anything he doesn't deem necessary.

-He loves you. You still love him, don't you doll?

[catiuskaa]

need you to [Lee] Know.

SUMMARY: minho loves you: to him, it’s as clear as water. Its only after he finds out that you’re starting to doubt it—he needs you to know just how much.

REQUESTED! here by an anonnie. I hope you like it, pookie, ‘cause I had fun doing this! <3

CW: slight hurt/comfort if you squint, but it’s just fluffy fluffy lino being really down bad and not knowing how to grasp it tbh which just gives me my serotonin dosis for the rest of the month lol

WC: 1.2k

A/N: also omfg kats posting two requests on the same day? that’s right baby, look at me go! 🤩🤩🤩

[🔅★🌼★🔅]

Minho was not the type to show his affection.

He comes off more like a shy kitten that slowly gets used to you, your sweet smell and how soft your touch feels, and then slowly opens up.

“But, uh… can I be real with you for a sec?”

It’s a feminine voice with a strong accent. He can hear it comming from your room, and the slight glitchiness of it makes it obvious that it’s a phone call set on speaker.

“Sure.” He can almost see you shrug, but he just closes the main door as soft as he can, pleading for the cats to stay silent for a little bit longer.

Minho can’t exactly place together why he’s overhearing your phone call. He knows who you’re calling, he can recognize Chan’s sister by her tone. But still, he keeps quiet, gently placing his bag down and silently taking his shoes off.

“I just— and don’t get me wrong, but, your boyfriend kinda seems… bored of you.”

What? Minho has to hold back a scoff, remaining as still as a statue next to the front door. He’s waiting for you to deny it.

“You think so?”

And then, he frowns, because you didn’t. Instead, your tone sounded hesitant. Dubious.

As if you weren’t sure if Minho loved you.

“You say he keeps cancelling your plans together. He has stopped making time for you. Like, girl, you can’t remember when was the last time he told you he loved you.”

Hannah pauses, and that only makes it worse, because it lets every word sink in.

“I uh, well. I ain’t gonna say that he should throw flowers at you every single second, but, uh, you know.”

He can only hear you groan loudly, almost picturing that cute motion you usually did when he meaningly teased you, taking your hair and covering your face with it.

“Can’t say anything for sure with him,” Hannah adds. “But, just by what you’re saying…”

Minho’s heart clenches tightly in his chest. He doesn’t want to keep hearing this... this nonsense. God, he loves you. And you… can’t see it? Frowning, he starts walking to your room, but his movements end in a halt, his hand just above the doorknob, threatening to grasp it and fully open the door.

“Girl, it’s gotta be late down there. Sorry this whole call was about me.” Your chuckle comes off slightly dry. “I’ll talk to you later, ‘kay? Go get some good sleep.” Your tone just screams how bad you’re feeling, and it just makes his chest swell with guilt that slowly creeps up his body.

Maybe he had been taking you for granted?

He opens the door as soon as you press the red button, sighing loudly after ending the call. When you see him, you jump in your place, startled by his presence, and you stand up awkwardly.

“Minho!” You say in a squirm. He can’t help but cringe slightly.

“No.” His tone sounds childish, like a petty toddler who didn’t want to eat the carrots in their lunch.

You frown slowly, the slightly wary grimace melting on your face, allowing a soft confusion to step in.

“No what?” You mutter.

He walks to you slowly, and grabs your hand, taking it to his chest, pressing it flat against his clothed skin, over his heart. You can feel his heartbeat, a not-too-slow rhythm: thump, thump, thump.

“Call me by a pet name. Any pet name.” He says, his tone equally firm and soft. “Call me by a pet name and say you love me.”

He’s serious, but god, so fucking nervous. His brain is slowly melting away because he’s so bad with words and he isn’t sure any action could be enough. He’s already blushing.

“I, huh… I love you, jagi.” You mumble, still confused.

And even if you don’t say it as fondly as always, or if your smile isn’t beaming like how it usually did, you can feel his heartbeat quickening.

“You can feel it, right?” His eyes are soft and worried.

Oh, God. You just know you’ve gotta be pouting. It’s hard to react with words, and the only thing you can fathom doing is linking your arms behind his nape and sinking your face on the crook of his neck.

“Min, I’m so sorry.”

“N-no, kitten.” He mumbles, hugging you tightly too. “I am the one who’s sorry.”

He breathes in, drowning in your soft fragrance. Home. It’s you, it’s warm, and he loves it.

He loves you.

So, he says it. He has to say it. He can’t not say it.

“I love you.”

And it feels so good to let it out that he chuckles. He has to say it again. “I love you.” And again. “God, I love you.” Just once more. “I love you so much.” He’s giggling like a fool, but he’s a fool in love, and that makes him blush even more. “I can’t not love you. Not loving you would turn everyday into Mondays. Like, I can get it tattoed if you want me to. I just. I love you so much that ‘I love you’ can’t even—.”

You move from his shoulder, now facing him, and you cradle his face, pulling him in a kiss that’s so sweet that threatens to give both of you type 1 diabetes.

“Y-you’re crying.” Minho mumbles, softly brushing the stray tears away with his thumb.

“It’s your fault, silly.” You sniff, giggling too. “How can you say stuff like that?”

Your heart is beating like crazy, the butterflies in your stomach are multiplying by seconds and in your cheeks glistens a bright and deep shade of pink.

You want to say it too. But in his own way.

So, you take his hand and settle it on your chest. Right above your heart.

It’s a rapid thump thump thump that Minho feels right away. He can’t help but smile widely.

“I super-mega-love you.” He teases, picking you up in between his arms.

You’re laughing, squirming in his hold.

“Lee Minho! Put me down!”

But he just grips your body tighter to his, and walking as if you weighted nothing, heading towards your bed, plopping you down there.

“Good girl.” He snickers, and you blush even further. Minho takes your chin tenderly and pecks your lips. For a moment, certain kind of idea flashes through his head, but he just kissed you again, following his previous thought.

He opens your closet with a toothy grin, and halfly eyes the window before picking up a random shirt, a grey hoodie that used to be his, a dark skirt and your thigh-high socks, going as far as to the suspenders for you.

He then turns to face you, his eyes glowing. He can’t wait to see you all dolled up. Minho feels like a teenager, and he loves it.

“You have twenty minutes.”

You blink at him, and you can’t help but smile, confused.

“I’m taking your cute ass to a date.”

It may not be an instant fix to the struggles to your relationship, but as you two walk down the beach, looking for colourful rocks that match each other’s eye colour, you know that he’s worth fighting for.

Regarding Minho, he happily hums to himself, eyes glued to your figure as you cackle and run in the beach, as you look behind you and giggle at the prints your boots leave in the humid sand.

He smiles, running towards you, tackling you and holding you in his arms.

He’s not letting go anytime soon.

~Kats, who always struggles to choose a picture for the fics because istg lino looks good in every single moment!!

[kxsagi]

HEAR ME OUT

itoshi brothers playing a coop game with their girlfriend and they’re trying to kill the boss together but they always end up dying in the first second or accidentally getting you killed instead and you start slightly raging because it hasn’t even been 10 seconds before you’re dead again cause of him or the boss resets cause you gotta run away😭

or they start raging cause they keep dying and they’ve seen the loading screen more than the actual game 💀

keep up the good work, i love your writings!! 😌

“𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠”

a/n: thank you!!!

lol i love this request (i fear i brought out soft sae)

(art credits go to bm169_v2)

𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐫𝐢𝐧

you barely even get to pick your character before the first wave hits. you're trying to get your strategy together when – boom. rin’s already dead. 

"rin!" you exclaim, unable to hide the frustration in your voice. 

he sighs, not sounding remotely sorry. "i didn’t time my dodge right. get over it." 

"you didn’t even dodge," you say, rolling your eyes. "you just stood there." 

"i was assessing the situation," rin responds, his tone deadpan. "now you know where the attack is coming from." 

you blink at the screen, speechless for a second. "rin, we’re not testing the boss, we’re supposed to be fighting it." 

"well, it’s kind of hard to fight if you don’t know what’s coming next," rin says, not really apologizing but sounding a little more serious now. 

you respawn, trying to focus. barely five seconds go by before rin dies again. 

"seriously?!" 

"yeah, i walked into it. i’m not perfect," rin replies, his voice flat. "don’t get mad at me, just focus on winning." 

you can’t help but snort despite your frustration. "you’re the one dying constantly. how am i supposed to focus?" 

"by not yelling," rin says, as if it’s the simplest thing in the world. "it’s a game. we’ll get it next time." 

you look at him through the screen, trying to hold back your grin. "next time? i’m starting to think you’re trying to make this last longer just to annoy me." 

"i’d never do such a thing," rin says, his voice so dry you almost can’t tell if he’s messing with you. 

"uh huh, sure," you mutter, diving back into the fight. 

you manage to get a few good hits in when rin dies again. 

"rin!!!" 

"you’re too loud," he says, still unfazed. "focus. seriously. the boss resets every time we screw up." 

"and it’s always your screw-up!" you say, half laughing, half annoyed. "i’m starting to think i’m your personal babysitter in this fight." 

"yeah, sure," rin says, unfazed. "if it helps you focus, go for it." 

you take a deep breath. "i’m going to lose my mind." 

rin’s calm as ever. "don’t worry. this time, I’ll nail it." (he doesn’t 💔)

𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐬𝐚𝐞

you and sae are supposed to be teaming up against this boss, but things aren’t exactly going as planned. 

you haven’t even equipped your weapon before sae’s already dead. 

"seriously?!" you groan, ready to respawn. 

"eh," sae says casually, tapping the controller without a care. "it happens. not a big deal." 

"you didn’t even try to dodge!" you exclaim, half-laughing. 

"why would I?" he responds, his voice as chill as ever. "it’s just a game." 

you shake your head, barely able to hold back a smile. "you’re impossible." 

"what?" he says, completely unbothered. "you’re stressing too much. just chill." 

you respawn, barely taking a step before sae dies again. 

"sae, come on." 

"what? i wasn’t even close to the attack," he shrugs. "guess it’s just bad luck." 

"you have to be kidding me." you laugh, despite how done you are. "how is it bad luck when you’re not even trying to avoid the attacks?" 

"because it’s funnier this way," he says with that same grin you can practically hear through the mic. "keeps things interesting." 

"you’re the worst," you mutter, trying to fight the boss on your own. "you’re going to get us killed." 

"nah, it’s more like you’re getting us killed," sae teases, his tone light. "I’m giving you a chance to shine. you know, so you can feel good about saving me." 

you roll your eyes, feeling the familiar frustration creeping in. "if this is ‘giving me a chance,’ i’m seriously reconsidering this partnership." 

"don’t worry, we’ll get it next time," sae says, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. "you’re just too competitive." 

"i’m not competitive, i just want to win," you snap. 

"same thing," sae replies, totally unbothered. "but seriously, we’ve seen the loading screen more than the actual game. I’m starting to feel like we should be playing that instead." 

you laugh in spite of yourself. "you’ve got a point. we’ve died more times than i can count." 

"told you," he says with a grin. "it’s not about winning. it’s about enjoying the ride. and by ‘ride,’ i mean the loading screen." 

you shake your head, trying not to smile. "you’re so annoying." 

"hey, you know you love it," he says smoothly. "we’ll win eventually. and when we do, I’ll take credit." 

"you’ll take credit?" you laugh. "you’ve done nothing but die." 

"exactly," sae replies casually. "I’m the backbone of this team. obviously." 

you chuckle. "you’re the reason I’m losing my mind, is what you mean." 

"same thing," he says with a small grin. "but don’t worry. i’m the secret weapon. you’ll see." 

"if we die again, i’m soloing this boss," you joke. 

"deal," he says, totally unbothered. "but if you want backup, just say the word." 

"you’re a lot of help," you say, shaking your head as the boss resets yet again. 

"hey, just keeping things interesting," sae replies. "you’re welcome."

© 𝐤𝐱𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐢

[mauvecherie-writes]

the morning after: l.hamilton

pairing: lewis hamilton x black!f!reader.

summary: scenes after a wild night.

warning: 18+ mdni, nsfw, no structural plot, sexual scenes, dirty talk.

note: i started this on his birthday, finished this yesterday lol so this is set around his birthday. flashbacks in italics.

w.c: 1.19k

tags: @queenshikongo3 @dhlfastestlap @hersinsarescarlet @emjayewrites @saintslewis @serpenttines-library @hopefulromantic1 @cocobutterqwueen @bluesole16 @chaneajoyyy @melodicheauxxlovesfood @felicity-x0 @lewisroscoelove @lh44adore @hellomadamebutterfly

You were sore.

You were so, so sore.

A groan left you as you tried to stretch your limbs. The little light coming into the room caused your eyes to squint as you took in the surroundings.

This wasn’t your hotel room.

The first flash of last night was projected within your mind.

Fuck. Fuuuucccckkkk.

The smell of his cologne wrapped around you - reminding you of whose room you were currently in and who it was you spent the night with. You sat up straight and clasped the sheet close to your naked chest. You were finally able to get a hold of your bearings.

Clothes.

Shoes.

Bottles and glasses.

Furniture.

All disheveled from your feverish tryst.

-

You drunkenly giggled against his lips as you stumbled further into the room. The sounds of the empty champagne bottle rolling on the floor from being kicked by your shuffling feet.

“Sshh.” You placed your finger against his lips as his hands explored the length of your back. “You gotta be quiet.”

“No one is gonna hear you baby, you can be as loud as you want.” He mumbled as he trailed kisses down the curve of your neck as he hooked his fingers beneath the straps of your top.

-

You chewed on your bottom lip as the memories of the previous night beseech you. You could feel the phantom of Lewis’s touch on your body the more you woke up.

One thing was for certain, you needed to leave his room.

The chilly wind drifting into the room from the parted window nipped at your skin as you jumped out of the bed. As you rushed around the room to pick up your belongings, you felt the residing slickness in between your thighs.

-

He stroked your clit faster, pressing onto your bud firmer with each stroke. Your body fell into his, Lewis’s arm secured around your body, pressing your back into his chest with his hand on your chest, rolling your nipple in between his fingers. He enjoyed the way your body shook from the pleasure that he was drawing from it.

Then you tried to grab his hand to stop him. He chuckled against your ear. “Don’t try and fight it baby.” He bit on your earlobe. “Just let it happen.”

-

The first orgasm had rocked your body and he had played you so beautifully. You had tried to give back - it had been his birthday after all - but he wouldn’t allow it. You were his for the night to enjoy.

You zipped up your jeans and haphazardly threw your top back on but your zip was broken. You remember Lewis pushing your top past your hips.

Shit.

And your room was on the other side of the resort too. A good five minute walk - even less if you ran. But you couldn’t walk through the resort like this.

You grabbed his shirt from the floor and put it on and shoved your top into your bag.

The humming of the shower finally stopped.

You halted your actions as you heard Lewis’s movements within the bathroom and soon enough, the door opened. With steam emerging from behind him, he walked out.

You loved the way the towel was wrapped and sitting low on his waist. Skin glistening from the dampness - somehow making his tattoos pop out even more. The marks from your mouth and nails still wore on his skin and the sight made you lick your lips.

“Leaving so soon?” He smirked at you. You were by the door with your braids in a ponytail, bag and shoes in hand with his t-shirt from the previous night on.

“Umm.” You sounded as you tried to recollect your thoughts. “Last night, you told me that you had something planned with your boys. I don’t want to get in the way of that.”

“They’re plans for me. They can wait until I’m ready.” He walked towards you and you couldn’t help but let your hands fall beside you.

“Oh.” You mumbled, your cheeks warming slightly causing him to chuckle. Lewis’s hands came to your waist and pulled you closer. His touch triggered another memory.

-

Lewis was above you with his hands on your waist as he thrusted into you. Your eyes rolled to the back of your head as your back arched off the bed.

“Fuck you’re so deep.” You gasped as you felt every inch of his thickness slide deep inside and touch parts of yourself that you could never reach. He moved so that your leg was on his shoulder and he was hovering above you. The position shift caused you to lose your breath and immediately tremble as he touched your sweetest spot.

“There it is. That’s the spot huh?” His dark chuckle rang in your ear.

-

Lewis saying your name snapped you back to reality. The way that he was staring down at you made you slightly embarrassed about where your thoughts had been. And from the look in his eyes, it was like he knew it too.

“What are your plans later?” He asked you as his finger traced your jawline. You licked your lips, taking a deep breath as if bracing yourself to gaze into his deep brown eyes.

“Nothing. Me and the girls were just going to chill in the lounge bar by the pool.” You whispered softly as he continued to caress you.

“Good. I’ll meet up with you there then go for dinner.”

“Dinner?”

“Yeah.” His lip curled to the side. “What kind of man would I be if I didn’t take you to dinner?”

“The kind of man who fucks me on every surface of his hotel room until his cum is dripping down my thighs.” The vulgarity of your words caused his breath to hitch in his throat. Lewis briefly closed his eyes as if he was remembering the way that he had bent you over the couch in the living room area.

Because you remembered that.

“Let me be a good man to you and take you to dinner.”

“Fine.” You giggled at the strangled tone in his voice. You reached forward to place a kiss on his cheek but Lewis turned his head so his lips brushed over yours. He brushed his nose against yours and you took that as the go ahead. So you gently pressed your lips against his but the soft kiss turned heated.

You softly whimpered into his mouth when his one hand went to the back of your neck and pulled you closer. The sound of your moan spurred him on, leading him to press you into the door. You felt every inch of his rigged body down to his hardening dick against your abdomen.

Your moment was only interrupted by the loud ringing of an alarm. You pulled away from the kiss with a heavy pant of your chest.

“I have to go.” You whispered. “ I need a shower.”

“You could have taken one here.”

“I can’t be around you. I can’t think straight.” Lewis chuckled before he moved away from you.

“Go, I’ll see you at dinner. We’ll continue with this later.”

[corroded-hellfire]

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRESrvDc/

Omg please make this an AYW one shot like imagine Luke and Ryan going big brother mode on someone messing with Eliza

This is the relationship I aspire for my future children to have. My first thought was, "Eddie needs to be told this is a joke so he doesn't freak out even more than the boys." lol

Words: 1.8k

[As You Wish masterlist]

"This gonna be so funny!"

Eddie comes to a halt outside Eliza's room. The mischievous tone to her voice reminded Eddie of a scheming goblin he'd seen in some fantasy movie somewhere. Normally, he'd associate that comparison more with Luke than tiny three-year-old Eliza, but she was certainly well on her way to earning her own title. 

A thought occurs to your husband: what if Luke and Eliza are working together? Whoever the target is doesn't stand a chance. The surge of panic has him pushing the slightly ajar door open to make sure there isn't some diabolical plan to burn the kitchen down in protest of having vegetables with dinner tonight. It's a complete shock to the system though, when Eddie sees you sitting on the soft pink carpet, cross-legged as your daughter sits across from you. Both of your beautiful faces turn to look at him and Eddie is simultaneously amused and leery of the maniacal smile on Eliza's small pink mouth. 

"Um..." Eddie hums, eyes going back and forth between you and Eliza. "What's going on here?"

"Oh, nothing," you say far too casually to be believable. 

"We gonna get the boys!"

Eliza's admission has you looking back at her, internally reminding yourself that it's good she tells the truth—even if she's a snitch at the moment.

Eddie chuckles and rests his shoulder against the doorjamb. He crosses his arms over his chest and raises his eyebrows at the two of you.

"Is that so?"

"Mhmm!" Eliza replies. "Cause they ate my noodles. After Mama writed my name on them!"

It doesn't surprise Eddie in the least. The two growing teenage boys would eat anything and everything in sight. He never thought his food would be safer in the fridge at work than in the one at home. 

"What exactly are we planning, ladies?" Eddie cocks an eyebrow, making you feel like a child right alongside your kid. "Not anything I'll have to clean up after, I hope."

"Oh, don't worry." You wave a dismissive hand at your husband. "It's just a joke to see how they react."

"To what?"

"Shhh!" Eliza pushes herself up and rushes forward to cover your mouth with her little hands. It's impossible not to laugh against her palms as she looks at you with imploring eyes. 

Gently, you remove her hands from your face and tug her so she's sitting in your lap.

"Nothing bad," you assure Eddie. "I promise."

Eddie didn't need you to tell him that; he trusts you with not only his own life but the lives of all the kids as well. You would never do anything that would hurt them. 

"Can I watch?" he asks.

Eliza nods. "But you gotta hide!"

"Where?"

"They're watching tv, right?" you ask, maneuvering Eliza to the side so you're able to stand up. 

"Yeah. Some movie with Jack Black starting a band of children."

Eliza grabs your hand in hers as the two of you head towards the door. 

"We'll walk through there and into the kitchen," you explain. "You can stay in the hallway and peek out. And remember..." You reach up and lovingly tap Eddie's right cheek. "What we're going to say isn't true. It's part of the prank."

Eddie's brow furrows and he tilts his chin up.

"That doesn't sound reassuring."

"Is a joke, Daddy!" Eliza explains, making you giggle. 

"Alright, alright," Eddie laments, leaning down to playfully pinch her nose. She swiftly bats his hand away and ducks between the two of you out into the hall. 

You follow out behind her, motioning for your husband to follow behind—but at a distance. He nods in understanding and keeps a few paces behind his favorite girls. 

As you approach the living room, Eliza starts to giggle. You widen your eyes at her and hold your finger up to your lips, reminding her she has to act serious if she wants her brothers to buy your act. She nods and follows your lead to take a deep breath. 

You motion for her to head out into the room the boys are relaxing in. She strolls out, alarmingly casual for a three-year-old playing a prank. Before you follow out after her, you look over your shoulder and share a look of amusement with Eddie.

"Your daughter," you whisper, not giving your husband time to respond before following behind her. Quietly, you clear your throat in preparation for your first line: "Are you serious?" You internally wince as your voice comes out a tad dramatic, but you have to keep it mildly louder than usual to catch the boys' attention. 

Eliza's small stride allows you to be at her side a moment later. You check on your sons out of the corner of your eye and see them lounging on the two couches in the living room, faces blank and devoid of a care in the world as they watch the movie. 

"A boy pushed you down on the playground today?" you ask, turning your attention to Eliza at your side. 

"Mhmm," she hums, only the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. 

In your peripheral vision you see Ryan turn his head in your direction. His posture straightens a little, his attention securely locked in on your prank. 

"How old was he?" you ask Eliza.

"Eight."

"An eight-year-old pushed Eliza down on the playground?" Ryan shouts, practically launching himself out of his seat. 

"What?" Luke adds, voice booming as his brother's words pull him in. He jumps off the couch and both teenage boys cut off your and Eliza's path to the kitchen, forcing the two of you to come to a halt.

On one hand, this is the hardest it's been so far to keep yourself from breaking character. On the other hand, seeing the true concern and ire in the eyes of Eliza's big brothers is moving. The protectiveness they have for their little sister and the readiness to defend her at the drop of a hat is so touching that you fight tears from filling your eyes. 

"What happened?" Ryan demands.

"Were you with Grandpa? Did he see it?" Luke questions.

You expect Eliza to crack right there, let out a loud laugh, and tell her brothers that they should see the looks on their faces. Instead, she proves to be a master at improv as she replies. 

"It was behind the slide. He didn't see."

"Did you tell him?" Luke takes a step closer, practically towering over the three-year-old. 

"No."

"Why not?" Ryan is almost shouting at this point. 

"Who was it?" Luke asks, not allowing Eliza a moment to answer the older Munson brother's question. "Do you know him?"

"How would she know an eight-year-old?" Ryan asks, turning to look at the thirteen-year-old.

"I don't know. How did she know he was eight then?" Luke squabbles. 

As if knowing this is the moment that neither of you could keep the ruse up any longer, both you and Eliza break into a devious bout of giggles. 

The confused look on the boys' faces is enough to make you and Eliza laugh even harder.

"I don't think this is funny," Ryan says.

"But it's not true!" Eliza yells, jumping up and down in excitement.

"What?" The look on Luke's face is reminiscent of when he found out his favorite cereal brand had been discontinued. 

"We pranked you!" Eliza shoves her finger into their faces, an evil grin on her own. 

You can see the gears turning in both boys' heads as they take in her words and try to comprehend what is happening. 

"No one pushed me!"

Luke tilts his head to the side before running his hands over his face. "I'm so confused."

"This is Eliza's little payback for you two eating her macaroni and cheese," you explain, planting your hands on your hips. 

"You were in on this?!" Luke's shock causes his changing voice to crack. 

"Girls gotta stick together." You hold your hand out towards your daughter, and she jumps up and slaps a high five against it.

Ryan groans and drops his head back, glaring up at the ceiling.

"You guys suck," he complains. "I was really worried!"

"I have been betrayed." Luke mimes getting stabbed in the heart and crumbles down on the carpet. Eliza laughs and starts to crawl on top of him. Waiting for the right moment, Luke snatches his little sister to his chest and starts tickling her.

She squeals and starts squirming around in his grip.

"Nooooo! Ryan, help!"

The fifteen-year-old scoffs and folds his arms across his chest.

"No way, squirt. Not after that."

"Mama!" Eliza calls through her peals of laughter. "Help me!"

Before you can even take a step toward the two of them on the ground, Ryan comes forward and wraps his arms around you. It's an approximation of a hug, but it's really to keep you where you are; standing a couple of feet away with your arms locked against your sides.

"Ryan!" You laugh.

"What?" he asks, unable to keep from chuckling himself. "I'm just hugging you!"

"Lies!" Eliza yells.

"You're one to talk!" Ryan calls back. 

"Daddy!" It's Eliza's last attempt at help.

"He's not here to help you," Luke taunts, adding an evil laugh for emphasis. 

"Yes huh!" Eliza squeaks.

As calmly and casually as can be, Eddie strolls out from the hallway and eyes the four members of his family, slipping his hands into his pockets as he watches it all.

"What's up, sweet pea?" he asks. 

She shrieks as Luke tickles a particularly vulnerable spot. 

"Help!"

"Pick a side, Dad," Ryan says.

"Choose wisely!" Luke adds. 

"I'm his baby!" Eliza argues.

"But you guys said girls stick together and he's not a girl!" Luke reasons. "He should be on the guys' side!"

"Hmm." Eddie lazily tilts his head to the side, his fading brown curls falling against his shoulder. "You both make excellent points."

"What about me?" you ask, struggling in Ryan's hold. "I'm your wife!"

"But you've known us longer!" Ryan retorts. 

"I think I'll stay impartial." Eddie shrugs, keeping a bored expression on his face. "Maybe I'll go make some macaroni and cheese."

"The root of all evil," Luke laments with a sigh, ceasing his attack on Eliza. The little girl is quick to slip from his grasp, immediately running up to Ryan and attempting to shove him away from you.

"Get off Mama!"

"I'm just hugging her," Ryan says, planting his feet to resist her impressive strength. 

"Daddy, help!"

Eddie shrugs. "Sure." He takes a step forward and scoops Eliza up, tossing her over his shoulder as if she were a rag doll. 

"No!" 

Her legs flail but Eddie keeps a strong grip around her middle. Small hands pound against his back, but Eddie ignores all attempts at escape as he keeps walking into the kitchen. Tired from fighting off Luke a moment ago, Eliza lets her body go limp over her father's shoulders. She heaves a sigh filled with the exasperation of someone three times her age.

"Boys."

[levandright]

And oh, how I'd love to go Paris again

pairing : jake x f!reader ୨ৎ content / warning(s) : non-idol au, love at first sight, fluff, strangers to friends to lovers(not stated but heavily implied), tension, they're in love your honor, fate reference/mention, can be read as either hs or uni au its up to you ୨ৎ word count : 5.9k

synopsis. you're overwhelmed with your school finals close by, while you are taking a short break from your studying, you couldn't help but reminisce about your precious memories in the city of love when a song that reminds you of your time in paris play. ୨ৎ lev notes : the class trip may not be 100% accurate but its for the plot okay... i had to make it inspired by the 1975 cause i love them too much not to do so + it fits with how i literally have them as my top artist this year :3 (i started writing this days earlier before spotify wrapped lol) also i literally had paris on loop for like 7 hours in total while writing this... anyways hope y'all like this cause it took a lot of brain power to write it, trust i will post what the heart wants as soon as i finish a surprise fic im working on rn ꒰⠀for @sugarikiz event 'ʏᴏᴜʀ ℰ𝓎ℯ𝓈 ᴏɴʟʏ ☁︎.𖥔 ' ꒱

you're at your school's library, cramming for your upcoming finals. with a little over a week to prepare for months' worth of lessons across multiple subjects, the pressure is taking quite a toll on you. two cups of coffee sit beside your laptop, one already empty. even though you've been studying for less than 40 minutes, you already feel the urge to down all the caffeine left in front of you just to keep from dozing off again.

sigh, 'just gotta finish this whole powerpoint. then, i can finally relax for a bit' you silently hype yourself out. with the reward of a break for an hour of studying, you quickly go through the entire lesson in a flash.

grabbing the not empty cup of coffee, you take a much needed sip to keep yourself awake for more hours of studying.

a while later, you're stretching in your seat after having finished with that specific powerpoint. 'finally i can take a break' you think to yourself

as you sit, and stare at your laptop's screen. contimplating on what to do to pass time, you decide to play music to relax yourself.

clicking the shuffle button on your playlist. you put your headphones on and rest your head on your arms, as the familiar tune of paris by the 1975 play.

the music pulls you into a memory, that unforgettable class trip to paris.

꒰ and oh, how i'd love to go paris again ꒱

you’re on the bus, the city outside the window slowly coming to life. everyone in your class is chatting excitedly, pointing out landmarks and planning what to do when you finally get off. the eiffel tower is getting closer, its towering frame making your heart race with excitement.

“can you believe we’re actually here?” keeho says, leaning over to nudge your shoulder. his energy is infectious, and you can’t help but smile.

hyunjin, sitting across the aisle, snaps a quick photo through the window. “this already feels unreal,” he says, grinning. “i’m going to fill my camera roll today.”

the bus comes to a stop, and your teacher announces a short break to explore the area. the three of you quickly stick together as everyone spills out onto the cobblestone street. paris feels alive—the air smells like fresh bread and coffee, and the chatter of locals blends with the hum of passing cars.

“we need food. let’s find a café!” keeho declares, already marching toward a row of cozy-looking places with outdoor seating.

you follow, laughing as hyunjin drags you by the wrist to keep up. he’s scanning every building, taking quick snapshots of anything that catches his eye. “wait, stand here,” he says suddenly, pulling out his phone to snap a candid photo of you and keeho in front of a flower shop.

“are you going to take pictures the whole trip?” you tease.

“obviously,” hyunjin replies, unbothered. “someone has to document how good we look in paris.”

eventually, the three of you settle at a small café. the waiter brings over menus, and you all take a moment to soak it all in. keeho orders a slice of cake, hyunjin gets a croissant and coffee, and you decide on a simple baguette sandwich.

“okay, this is officially the best food i’ve ever had,” keeho says after his first bite.

“it’s just cake,” hyunjin says, rolling his eyes but stealing a forkful anyway.

you laugh as they bicker, feeling a warmth settle in your chest. sitting there with your best friends, surrounded by the magic of paris, everything feels perfect.

after finishing your meals, you and your friends head back to the bus to regroup with your class. the energy is buzzing as everyone talks about their plans for the rest of the day. your teacher announces that the next stop is a famous museum nearby.

the museum is grand, with high ceilings and beautiful architecture that makes you feel small in the best way. inside, it’s quieter, with your classmates dispersing into smaller groups.

hyunjin immediately pulls out his camera again. “this lighting is perfect,” he mutters, snapping a photo of a sculpture in the corner.

keeho rolls his eyes with a smirk. “he’s gonna be like this the whole time.”

“he’s consistent, at least,” you joke, earning a laugh from keeho as the two of you start wandering through the exhibits together.

the artwork is stunning—paintings that feel alive, sculptures that seem to breathe. you and keeho take your time strolling through the halls, sharing your thoughts on each piece.

“i don’t get this one,” keeho says, staring at an abstract painting.

“it’s open to interpretation,” you reply.

“so… the artist spilled paint everywhere?”

you nudge his arm. “be serious!”

keeho grins but then glances around. “hey, i’m gonna find the bathroom real quick. don’t get lost.”

“sure, sure,” you say, waving him off.

as he walks away, you wander aimlessly, letting your feet carry you through the museum’s winding halls. you stop to admire a large painting of a serene countryside when, out of nowhere, you bump into someone.

“oh, i’m so sorry!” you blurt out, taking a step back.

the stranger turns to you, and your words catch in your throat. he’s tall, with warm eyes and a gentle smile. his presence feels calm, yet somehow magnetic.

“no worries,” he says, his voice warm and calm, with a hint of an australian accent you catch right away. “are you okay?”

you nod quickly, feeling your cheeks heat up. “y-yeah, i wasn’t looking where i was going.”

he chuckles lightly, brushing it off. “happens to the best of us.”

he pauses for a moment, as if waiting to see if you’ll say anything else. you manage a small smile. “thanks for being so nice about it. i’m—uh…” before you can finish, keeho’s voice rings out from somewhere nearby.

“hey, y/n! where’d you go?”

the spell is broken, and you glance over your shoulder to see keeho waving at you. turning back to the stranger, you offer an apologetic smile. “that’s my friend. i should go.”

“of course,” he says, still smiling. “take care.”

you hurry off toward keeho, your heart still racing. as you rejoin your friends, you glance back briefly to see the stranger walking away. something about the moment lingers, a small spark you can’t quite explain.

after regrouping with keeho and hyunjin, the three of you continue exploring the museum. hyunjin has finally tucked his camera away, much to keeho’s relief.

“didn’t think i’d ever see the day you’d stop taking pictures,” keeho teases.

“i’m just saving space for later,” hyunjin retorts, grinning. “besides, i want to actually enjoy this.”

the three of you move through the museum, pausing at different exhibits. keeho offers more of his hilarious “critiques,” while hyunjin points out details you might’ve missed. for a while, it feels like time doesn’t exist, just the three of you soaking in the beauty of parisian art.

after some time, you excuse yourself to find the restroom. as you leave, keeho calls after you, “don’t get lost again!”

“i won’t!” you call back with a laugh, shaking your head.

once you step out of the restroom, you turn a corner and nearly bump into someone again.

“oh—sorry!” you start, looking up. and there he is.

the boy from earlier.

“you again,” he says with a warm smile, his eyes lighting up with recognition.

“yeah, me again,” you reply, feeling your face heat up.

“i guess we’re just destined to keep running into each other,” he jokes, his tone light and teasing.

you laugh softly. “seems like it. i never got your name earlier.”

“jake,” he says, extending his hand. “and you?”

“y/n,” you say, shaking his hand. his grip is gentle but firm, and you feel your heart skip a beat.

“nice to officially meet you, y/n,” jake says, his smile widening.

the two of you start chatting, the conversation flowing easily. he tells you he’s here with his own group, visiting from another school all the way from australia, and you share a little about your own trip. his voice is calm and steady, and his subtle humor keeps making you giggle.

at one point, he gestures toward a nearby painting. “what do you think of this one? please don’t say the artist spilled paint everywhere.”

you burst into laughter, shaking your head. “no, no, that’s keeho’s specialty. i actually think it’s kind of beautiful, in a chaotic way.”

“good answer,” jake says, grinning.

before you know it, the sound of footsteps and familiar voices echo down the hall. “y/n! where are you?” keeho calls, his voice unmistakable.

you glance in the direction of the sound, then back at jake, your smile faltering slightly. “that’s my friends. i should go.”

jake nods, his expression soft. “of course. it was nice talking to you, y/n.”

“you too, jake,” you say, stepping away reluctantly. as you walk toward your friends, you can’t help but glance back once. jake is still standing there, giving you a small wave.

you rejoin keeho and hyunjin, who immediately start teasing you for taking so long. but as the three of you continue exploring the museum, you can’t stop thinking about jake. and though you don’t say it out loud, you quietly hope that fate will bring you together again.

it’s been a day since the museum, but your thoughts keep circling back to jake. his kind smile, the way he made you laugh, and that unmistakable australian accent—it’s all stuck in your head.

after dinner with your classmates at the hotel, the buzz of chatter feels overwhelming. you decide to step outside for some fresh air, hoping a quiet walk will help clear your mind.

the streets of paris are calmer at this hour, bathed in a soft, golden glow from the streetlights. a small park just down the road catches your eye, and you wander toward it, settling onto a bench beneath a tree.

you sit there for a while, letting your thoughts drift. the cool breeze carries the faint scent of flowers, and the distant hum of city life feels oddly soothing.

suddenly, you feel someone sit down beside you. you glance over, and your heart skips a beat.

it’s him.

jake.

the boy you couldn’t stop thinking about.

he notices your surprise and gives you that same warm smile. “hey,” he says casually. “fancy seeing you here.”

you blink, struggling to process the coincidence. “jake? what are you doing here?”

“could ask you the same thing,” he says with a light chuckle, leaning back against the bench. “i was out for a walk, saw this park, and thought i’d sit for a bit. didn’t expect to run into you again.”

you laugh softly, shaking your head. “paris must be smaller than we think.”

“or fate has a funny way of working,” he says, his tone teasing but his eyes sincere.

the conversation flows naturally from there. he asks about your class trip, and you tell him about your visit to the museum and all the places your group plans to see next. he shares stories about his own class, laughing about his friends’ antics and the moments that make the trip memorable.

“you’re telling me someone actually fell asleep in front of the mona lisa?” you ask, barely holding back laughter.

“yup. full-on snoring,” jake replies, grinning. “the security guard didn’t know whether to wake him or leave him there.”

the two of you laugh together, the sound blending into the quiet of the park.

after a while, jake stands up. “wait here,” he says, his tone playful but mysterious.

“where are you going?” you ask, watching him walk toward a nearby food stand.

“you’ll see,” he calls back over his shoulder.

a few minutes later, he returns, holding two neatly wrapped chocolate crepes. he hands one to you with a grin. “figured this would make the moment even better.”

you take it, smiling at his thoughtfulness. “thanks, jake. this is perfect.”

as you both sit there, enjoying the crepes and chatting under the parisian sky, you can’t help but feel like this moment is something straight out of a dream.

the days in paris pass like a blur, filled with sightseeing, laughter, and the magic of simply being in the city. but the most unexpected highlight of your trip that osn’t on the schedule—is jake.

you can’t quite explain it, but somehow, you keep running into him. these little moments have become the thing you secretly look forward to the most.

────୨ৎ────

you’re standing at the counter of a small café, debating between ordering a croissant or a pain au chocolat. the decision feels monumental, and you’re entirely lost in thought when a voice interrupts you.

“go for the pain au chocolat,” jake says, appearing beside you with an easy smile.

you blink, startled at first, before breaking into a grin. “jake? what are you doing here?”

“getting breakfast,” he says, holding up a cup of coffee and a bag. “didn’t think i’d see you again so soon.”

“neither did i,” you reply, chuckling. “are you always this lucky, or is paris just this small?”

“maybe both,” he teases. “need help deciding?”

“i was leaning toward the croissant, but now i feel like i have to trust your judgment.”

“always trust the chocolate,” he says, nodding sagely.

you laugh and order the pain au chocolat. as you wait, the two of you chat, his humor making the simple café feel like the best spot in paris.

────୨ৎ────

a couple of days later, you’re wandering through a mall with keeho and hyunjin, trying to find souvenirs to take back home. keeho is busy debating between two scarves for his mom, and hyunjin is glued to his phone, looking up recommendations.

you drift toward a small kiosk filled with handmade trinkets, running your fingers over delicate keychains.

“don’t tell me you’re buying one of those cheesy eiffel tower keychains,” a familiar voice says behind you.

you spin around, your heart skipping a beat. “jake!”

he’s holding a bag of his own, filled with souvenirs. “fancy meeting you here.”

“again,” you add with a laugh.

keeho spots jake and gives you a knowing look, while hyunjin just raises an eyebrow before wandering off. you try to ignore them and focus on jake instead.

“what’s in the bag?” you ask, nodding toward his purchases.

“just some stuff for my family,” he says. “and maybe a keychain or two.”

you laugh. “i thought you were against cheesy keychains.”

“only when other people buy them,” he says, his grin mischievous.

────୨ৎ────

the park has become your little escape, a quiet place to think and reflect. you’re sitting on the same bench as before, lost in thought, when you hear footsteps approach.

“do you have a permanent spot here, or are you waiting for me?” jake’s voice breaks through your daydream.

you turn, smiling as he sits down beside you. “maybe both.”

“lucky me, then,” he says, leaning back and looking up at the sky. “so, what’s on your mind today?”

you hesitate for a moment, then decide to be honest. “just… thinking about how much i’ve enjoyed this trip. and how strange it’ll feel to leave.”

jake nods, his expression softening. “yeah, i get that. it’s been a lot, hasn’t it?”

“yeah,” you say quietly, and for a moment, the two of you sit in comfortable silence.

that evening. your teacher gathers the entire class in the lobby of the hotel to deliver the news.

“you’ve got two days left to enjoy paris before we head back home,” she says. “make sure you start packing your things and grab any last-minute souvenirs.”

the room fills with murmurs of excitement and relief. most of your classmates are thrilled to return to canada, and part of you is, too. but as you head back to your room, a bittersweet feeling settles in your chest.

two more days. that’s all the time you have left before you have to say goodbye to jake.

you don’t know why the thought stings so much, but it does. and now, more than ever, you hope for one more chance to see him.

────୨ৎ────

the second-to-last day in paris feels like a blur of excitement and nostalgia. you, keeho, and hyunjin make it a mission to visit as many places as possible, squeezing every last drop out of your remaining time in the city.

as the three of you step into the vintage store, you're greeted by the faint smell of aged leather and a mix of retro music playing softly in the background. the shop is packed with everything from old records to racks of vintage clothes and shelves lined with random knick-knacks.

“okay,” keeho announces, clapping his hands together. “this is the place to find hidden gems.”

hyunjin raises an eyebrow. “hidden gems or overpriced junk?”

“you just don’t have the vision,” keeho shoots back, already digging through a rack of jackets.

you wander toward a glass display case near the counter, something catching your eye—a vintage digicam. it’s small, sleek, and looks like it’s been well cared for. you kneel to get a closer look, curiosity piqued.

“hey, what’d you find?” keeho asks, appearing beside you with a leopard-print scarf draped around his neck.

you point to the camera. “a digicam. looks pretty cool, doesn’t it?”

keeho leans in, inspecting it. “very cool. are you gonna get it?”

you hesitate. “i don’t know… do you think it still works?”

“only one way to find out,” hyunjin says, suddenly appearing on your other side. he gestures to the shop owner, a kind-looking older man, who unlocks the case and hands you the camera.

you examine it closely, turning it over in your hands. the lens looks clean, and the buttons feel intact.

“how much?” you ask the shop owner.

“twenty euros,” he replies with a smile.

keeho gasps dramatically. “a steal! you have to get it.”

“yeah, before someone else does,” hyunjin agrees, casually flipping through a rack of shirts.

you laugh at their enthusiasm and decide to go for it. “alright, fine. i’m buying it.”

as you hand over the cash, keeho strikes another pose with the scarf. “what do you think? parisian chic, or should i stick to my usual?”

“stick to your usual,” hyunjin says without looking up.

keeho sighs, draping the scarf back onto the rack. “you two have no appreciation for drama.”

you test out the digicam, snapping a quick photo of keeho mid-pout. the image pops up on the tiny screen, surprisingly crisp for something so old.

“perfect,” you say, showing him the photo.

keeho grins. “okay, maybe you do have an eye for the dramatic.”

hyunjin wanders over with an oversized sweater, holding it up against himself. “thoughts?”

keeho wrinkles his nose. “are you auditioning for a grandpa role?”

“i like it,” you say, defending hyunjin’s choice.

“thank you,” hyunjin replies, smugly tossing the sweater over his arm.

the three of you spend a bit longer in the shop, goofing around and trying on random hats, sunglasses, and jackets. you snap more photos with your new camera—keeho wearing an old captain’s hat, hyunjin attempting to look cool in aviator sunglasses, and a candid shot of the two of them laughing together.

by the time you leave, the bag with your new camera swings lightly at your side, and your heart feels full. the memory of this moment—just you and your friends being unapologetically yourselves—already feels like a keepsake all its own.

at a small crêperie, hyunjin’s crêpe is covered in whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.

“how are you even holding that without it falling apart?” you ask, staring at the overloaded treat in wonder.

hyunjin shrugs. “skill,” he says simply before taking an enormous bite.

keeho watches in horror. “that’s going to end up all over your shirt, and i am not letting you borrow mine.”

“you sound like my mom,” hyunjin says through a mouthful of crêpe.

by the seine river, you take turns with the digicam, capturing moments that feel like they belong in a movie. keeho makes exaggerated poses on the bridge, while hyunjin tries (and fails) to look mysterious.

when it’s your turn to hold the camera, you take a candid shot of the two of them mid-laugh. it’s perfect—pure and genuine, a reminder of how much these moments mean to you.

“alright, photographer extraordinaire,” keeho says, pointing dramatically at the eiffel tower in the distance. “get my good side.”

“you don’t have one,” hyunjin jokes, earning a glare from keeho.

as the day winds down, you find yourself lingering outside the hotel while keeho and hyunjin head inside.

“we’ll be in the lobby if you need us,” keeho calls over his shoulder, giving you a knowing look.

once they’re gone, you make your way to the park. the same bench, the same tree, and this time, jake is already there, waiting.

he stands when he sees you, his smile soft but bright. “hey.”

“hey,” you reply, walking up to him. “beat me here this time, huh?”

“had a feeling you’d come,” he says, shrugging.

you sit down beside him, the quiet of the park wrapping around you like a blanket.

“you’ve been busy,” jake comments. “i saw you earlier near the seine with your friends. looked like fun.”

“it was,” you say, smiling at the memory. “trying to cram everything into one day, you know? time feels so short now.”

jake’s expression shifts, just slightly, and you know he understands what you mean.

“speaking of time…” you begin, hesitating. “we’re leaving tomorrow. my class is flying back home.”

jake nods slowly, his gaze dropping to his hands. “i figured it was coming. my group leaves the day after.”

there’s a pause, the kind that feels heavy but not uncomfortable.

“do you think we’ll meet again?” you ask softly, not daring to look at him.

“i hope we do,” he replies, his voice quiet but firm.

the weight of his words lingers between you, saying everything that neither of you can.

you pull out your digicam, breaking the tension with a small smile. “can i take some pictures? you know, to remember this?”

jake’s face brightens slightly. “of course.”

you snap a few shots—some posed, some candid. jake laughing at something you said, jake looking off into the distance, and finally, one of the two of you together, taken with his help.

as the night deepens, you know it’s time to go. you stand, reluctantly. “i should get back before my friends come looking for me.”

jake nods but doesn’t move. instead, he reaches out, gently taking your wrist.

“wait.”

you turn, surprised, as he pulls something from his jacket pocket—a pair of silver rings, simple and elegant.

“for you,” he says softly, slipping the smaller one onto your right hand’s ring finger. the fit is perfect.

your heart races, words failing you as he looks at you, his gaze full of unspoken meaning. then, he leans forward, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead.

“goodbye, y/n,” he murmurs, stepping back.

it takes you a moment to find your voice. “goodbye, jake.”

as you walk back to the hotel, your mind replays the moment over and over, the cool metal of the ring on your finger grounding you in the surrealness of it all. that night, lying in bed, you can’t help but wonder if the universe will bring you and jake together again someday.

꒰ paris again, and again, and again, and again, and again ꒱

a tap on your shoulder pulls you out of your thoughts, and you lift your head groggily. you blink, trying to focus on the person standing in front of you. it’s keeho, grinning mischievously, while hyunjin stands behind him, sipping his americano with a slightly amused expression.

“y/n, what are you doing?” keeho asks, leaning in and waving his hand in front of your face.

you yawn, rubbing your eyes. “i’m taking a break. i can’t even keep my eyes open for more than a minute.”

hyunjin raises an eyebrow. “yeah, we can tell. you’re practically sleeping at your desk.” he leans against the back of your chair, his voice cool but teasing. “how about you stop pretending to study and actually join us for once?”

keeho’s grin widens as he jumps into the conversation. “we’re heading to a café to study, and you’re coming with us. you need a change of scenery.”

you groan, feeling your body resist the idea of leaving the comforting quiet of the library, but deep down, you know you’ve been at it for too long. a change of pace might be exactly what you need.

“come on, y/n,” keeho insists, his voice full of that playful energy you can’t ignore. “we’ll make it more fun. you can’t study like this. plus, you’ll probably get more done with us around.”

you hesitate for a moment, your mind torn between the need for a proper break and the looming pressure of your exams. still, you can’t deny how much you need a little distraction. “fine,” you sigh, finally giving in. “but if we end up just talking the entire time, i’m leaving.”

hyunjin chuckles, giving you a knowing look. “i think you’ll be okay. we’ll actually study this time. promise.”

keeho grabs your arm, pulling you up from your seat with a playful tug. “good, because you need us to keep you sane. now, let’s get out of here.”

as the three of you leave the library, you let out one last sigh, knowing that even though you might not get as much studying done as you hope, you could definitely use the company.

the café is warm and inviting, the soft hum of background chatter mixing with the aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods. it’s a stark contrast to the quiet, studious atmosphere of the library, and you find yourself breathing a little easier as you step inside.

you find a small corner table and set your laptop down, letting out a contented sigh as you settle in. keeho and hyunjin head to the counter to order, leaving you to fidget with your feet, trying to shake off the weight of the past few hours spent studying.

your eyes flicker to the window, watching people pass by as you idly tap your fingers against your coffee cup. eventually, you stop, catching sight of the ring on your right hand.

you pause, fingers tracing the smooth metal, your mind drifting back to paris. “it’s been three years since that time in paris,” you think to yourself, a wave of nostalgia washing over you. the memory feels distant now, like a dream you’re not quite sure was real.

you wonder if jake still remembers you, if he thinks about you at all. you’d been so wrapped up in the magic of those moments, so caught up in the fleeting connection between the two of you, that you’d completely forgotten to exchange socials, to keep in touch.

a soft laugh escapes you, tinged with frustration. you can still picture your past self—so carefree, so caught up in the magic of the moment, never once thinking about the things you should have done. and now, years later, it stings.

the photos you took back then are all you have left—memories frozen in time, but still, you find yourself wishing you had more. a way to bridge the gap between then and now, something more than a ring on your finger that’s become a quiet reminder of what you left behind.

a soft laugh from keeho breaks you from your thoughts, and you glance up to see him and hyunjin walking toward the table, their arms full of coffee cups and pastries. keeho places your cup down in front of you, his expression softening when he notices the faraway look in your eyes.

“you okay?” he asks, settling into his chair across from you.

you smile faintly. “yeah, just… thinking about paris.”

hyunjin raises an eyebrow but doesn’t push. he simply places a croissant in front of you and nods. “we’ll make it through these finals. paris will still be there when you’re done.”

you nod, but the bittersweet smile remains on your face, the question still lingering in the back of your mind. will you ever see jake again?

you manage to get some work done, but there’s plenty of laughter and light-hearted banter between you guys. hyunjin and keeho constantly bicker over the most ridiculous things—whether iced coffee is better than hot coffee, or if studying with background music is productive.

“you’re seriously telling me you don’t like the classics?” keeho says, shaking his head dramatically. “what kind of music do you even listen to, hyunjin?”

“i listen to music that doesn’t make my brain want to shut down,” hyunjin replies with a smirk, taking a sip from his americano. “but hey, if you need classical music to study, you do you.”

you laugh at their back-and-forth, shaking your head at their silly rivalry. the sound of their bickering is strangely comforting, distracting you from the pressure building up inside your mind. you feel a little lighter, even if it’s just for a moment.

after a while, you excuse yourself and head to the bathroom inside the café, needing a quick break from the endless cycle of notes and coffee. the place is busy, but the hum of quiet conversations and the scent of freshly brewed coffee make it feel comforting.

you take your time, refreshing yourself and letting your thoughts wander for a few moments. when you finally finish and head back out, you’re not paying attention to where you’re going, still lost in your thoughts.

and then—bam.

you collide with someone, the force making you stumble slightly. your reflexes kick in, and you immediately start bowing in apology, your words rushing out in a flurry of embarrassment.

“i’m so sorry! i didn’t mean—”

but before you can finish, you hear a familiar voice, soft and warm, with that unmistakable australian accent.

“y/n?”

you freeze, and the world seems to stop for a moment. you slowly lift your head, and there, standing in front of you, is none other than jake. in the flesh.

for a split second, all your words get caught in your throat. your heart races, and your brain scrambles to process the unexpected reunion. this can’t be real. is this a dream?

jake’s brows furrow slightly as he looks at you with concern, his voice softening. “are you okay?” he asks, stepping a little closer to you, clearly worried about your sudden silence.

you blink, feeling your heart thumping louder in your chest as you try to find your words, but they’re nowhere to be found. you stand there, staring at him, completely at a loss for what to say.

he leans in slightly, just enough to make sure you’re okay, his face showing that familiar concern. “y/n?” he gently says your name, and your body snaps back to reality.

“i—uh… sorry, i just—didn’t expect to see you.” you feel the heat rush to your cheeks, embarrassment flushing your face. "i thought… i thought i was imagining things."

jake chuckles softly, his expression softening with a smile that makes your heart flutter. “i didn’t expect to run into you here either.” his tone is light, playful, but there’s something in his eyes—something that makes the air feel a little thicker.

you both stand there for a moment, awkward silence hanging between you. the familiarity of this moment feels surreal, but there’s no denying the warmth that spreads through you at the sight of him.

“so, uh,” you start, finally finding your voice, “what are you doing here? i didn’t expect to run into you… again.”

jake’s lips curl into that familiar, soft smile. he shrugs nonchalantly, but there’s a glint in his eyes, something unspoken. “guess it’s just fate.” he says, his tone playful but there’s a layer of sincerity underneath it, one you can’t quite ignore.

you chuckle lightly, but the tension between you both is palpable now, thickening the air around you. there’s an undeniable pull between you, something that neither of you have fully acknowledged, but it’s there, lingering in the space between your words. you feel the heat of his gaze, and the sudden awareness of how close you both are makes your heart beat just a little faster.

“so… how’ve you been?” you ask, needing to break the moment but also curious, wanting to know everything about him since that last time you saw him.

jake rubs the back of his neck with a small, shy smile, a gesture you remember well. “i’ve been good… just been busy, you know. but i’ve been thinking about our time in paris a lot.” his voice is casual, but his eyes hold something deeper, a hint of vulnerability that you weren’t expecting.

you nod, understanding exactly what he means. you’ve been thinking about paris too. every memory feels like a treasure, something you’ve carefully tucked away, not wanting to forget any part of it. you wish you had more time to ask him about the things he’s been up to, to know if he’s felt the same pull that you have, the connection that neither of you can explain.

you glance down at your hand absentmindedly, and that’s when you see it—the ring he gave you in the park, so simple yet so meaningful. the silver band glints in the soft café lighting, and your heart does a little flip.

jake notices too, his gaze dropping to your hand. his smile softens, almost imperceptibly, but you notice it. there’s a quiet understanding between you two that you don’t need to speak aloud.

“i see you’re still wearing it,” he murmurs, his voice low, almost tender.

you look up at him, meeting his eyes, and for a moment, everything else fades away. you feel like you’re back in paris, standing in that park, with everything still ahead of you, full of hope and possibility.

“i didn’t want to take it off,” you say quietly, your voice barely above a whisper.

jake doesn’t say anything at first, his eyes locked on yours. then, without warning, he reaches out slowly, his fingers brushing lightly over your hand, and he gently presses a kiss to your right hand, right where the ring rests. the simple gesture feels like it speaks volumes, and you can’t help but feel a surge of warmth spread through you.

“i’m glad,” he says softly, his voice just above a murmur. “i’m glad you kept it.”

for a moment, neither of you speaks. the world feels like it’s holding its breath. the space between you feels charged, but neither of you is in a rush to break the silence. it’s as if this moment, this small, quiet exchange, is enough.

you blink, still a little stunned by the gesture, your heart racing, but a smile tugs at the corners of your lips. you can’t help but feel the warmth in your chest, the way his simple action makes you feel seen, valued, even though you never really said all the things you wanted to say.

when you finally speak, your voice is soft but steady. “i didn’t think i’d see you again.”

jake takes a deep breath, his eyes never leaving yours. “i didn’t either, but i’m glad i did.”

enha perm taglist. @dazzlingjaeyun @honeychocos @manaah02 @kozumesphone

©levandright

[dixons-sunshine]

Unholy | Vamp!Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Summary: While on a run for some supplies, you and Daryl stumbled across some of his old “friends”. Something happened that struck up an old hunger in the archer. However, with the strict “no feeding on humans” rule that Deanna enforced on Daryl, that hunger wouldn't get satiated. Well, not without your help, at least.

Genre: Smut.

Era: Early Alexandria.

Warnings: Swearing, blood, death, dry humping, ejaculation (male).

Word count: 5.5k.

A/n: Um, so this got way longer than I had originally planned lol. Whoops. Anyways, this was written for two of the loveliest people I have the pleasure of knowing. @darylssunshine and @lazyneonrabbitt. I hope I did your ideas justice. (Although I feel like I failed because the plot is all over the place.) Also, before anyone comes at me for the way I wrote Daryl as a vampire, I know the lore isn't factual. I just wanted to create a version of him that resonated with me, y'know? Anyways, apart from that, I hope y'all enjoy!

“Christ, woman. Ya gotta be more careful. One wrong slip and yer tumblin' down, and somethin' tells me the landin' ain't gon' be soft.”

You chuckled as Daryl tightly wrapped his arm around your waist, effortlessly lifting you onto the platform that you had been attempting to hoist yourself onto only a mere five seconds prior. The platform wasn't that high and the climb wasn't that difficult, but your partner was being extremely overprotective that day. Well, you guess you couldn't blame him. You had just been given the go-ahead to go on runs again by the community doctor, so his overprotectiveness came from a place of good intentions.

“Careful, Dixon. It's starting to sound like you actually care about little old me,” you replied, a playful edge to your voice. You extended a hand and helped hoist Daryl onto the platform. You knew your help wasn't needed, but your partner would never make that known to you.

Daryl straightened his vest and rolled his eyes at your playful comment. “Nah, I dun' care.” He walked off and allowed himself a small smile at the sound of your hurried footsteps to keep up with his speed. “M'only keepin' ya 'round 'cause ya make a mean deer stew. If it weren't fer tha', I would'a gotten rid'a ya a while ago.”

You scoffed and hit the archer on his chest, before bringing your hand to rest over your heart in mock-offense. “How dare you?” you started in a dramatic, over the top fashion. “I'll have you know that I have a million different qualities for people to want to keep me around. I can't think of specific examples right now, but I'm sure I have other qualities.”

Daryl chuckled and wrapped his arm around your shoulders, placing a tender kiss to the side of your head. “Yeah, ya do. I was jus' playin'.” He pulled back and took your hand in his, allowing you to intertwine your fingers together. “And I can think'a specific examples. For one, yer incredibly smart. Yer loyal, a good friend, and ya—”

Daryl suddenly cut himself off, making you frown. The archer pulled his hand away from yours as he took a few steps forward, his eyes darting all over the place. His head was slightly cocked to one side, a clear sign that he was trying to hear something, something that you couldn't. His body was visibly tensed up, and his entire defensive demeanour had you on edge.

“Daryl, what's wro—”

You never got to finish your question, because in a matter of milliseconds, Daryl was rushing towards you and wrapping his arms around you, before throwing the both of you over the edge of the platform you were on. Your mind could hardly comprehend what was happening, so no screams or anything escaped you. Before you knew it, the two of you landed on the ground, with Daryl laying flat on his back and you on top of him. The archer had clearly situated himself in a way so that he would take most of the damage the fall caused. Before you could even begin to comprehend what had happened and ask him why the hell he did what he did, an array of gunshots echoed through the air, the bullets ricocheting off of the metal on the platform you and Daryl had stood on a few seconds ago. As quickly as the bullets started flying all over the place, just as quickly, they stopped. In their place, all that could be heard were the bloodcurdling screams of the perpetrators.

Your heart was attempting to pound out of your chest. The screams were dying out one by one, and you could only assume that the walkers had gotten to the people who had shot those guns. The feeling of Daryl's hands gently yet firmly lifting you off of him snapped you out of your thoughts. “Daryl, wha—”

“No time.” In one, swift movement, Daryl was on his feet and he had tugged you up as well. He grabbed your hand and started pulling you behind him, clearly in a rush to escape the building. “We gotta go. They can't see ya. They're gon' kill ya. I can't let that happen.”

“The walkers?” When Daryl didn't respond, you harshly yanked your hand out of his grip. The pain spread through your body at the movement, but you couldn't think of that. The archer spun around to face you, his eyes showing how panicked he was, something extremely rare to see. The panic in his eyes stirred up a sense of dread in you. “Dar—”

A few whistles echoed through the room, effectively startling you. Daryl cursed under his breath and hurried to stand in front of you, shielding you from whatever danger lurked in the shadows. Your heart sped up considerably, the fear in you spiking through the roof. Daryl clearly sensed it, and apparently, so did the danger in the shadows.

“Aah, yes,” a deep voice ominously snarled from the shadows. “She smells fucking good.”

“So good,” another voice chipped in. “She'll make a nice addition to our feast tonight.”

“We're adding her to the rain?”

“Hell yeah. Everyone should have a taste. We're not selfish, Stevie.”

“Holy shit,” another voice chipped in, this one much higher and more feminine. “Boys, look at that. Are you seeing what I'm seeing?”

“We sure are, Janine,” the first voice agreed. “It's Daryl motherfucking Dixon, back from the grave.”

With that, the voices made their visual presence known. From the shadows, three bodies appeared. Two guys and one woman, all sporting smeared blood on their mouths, emerged from the shadows. Daryl visibly tensed and shifted in front of you, forming a protective barrier between you and the unknown people.

“Hey, guys,” Daryl drawled out hesitantly, his body still acting as a protective barrier in front of you. “Where's the others?”

“Holy shit, it really is him,” one of the guys laughed, clapping his hands together twice for added emphasis. “Daryl Dixon. What's up, man? Last I heard, Tommy told us you were dead. Told us that asshole brother of yours got mixed up with some hunters and killed you. Glad that isn't true. The gang's still going strong, believe it or not. The others are out searching for food. They will be thrilled to see you. We missed you around here.”

“Speak for yourself, Stevie,” the woman—Janine, you guessed—scoffed, folding her arms over her chest. “This asshole left us to die all those years ago. We should kill him and that bitch he's trying to protect.”

“What, that human?” the guy barked out with a laugh. “Please, Daryl here is too smart to be hanging around with humans. He's keeping her alive to feed on her. You know how tough it is to get decent food nowadays. The flesh eaters are beating us to it.”

“Please, don't make me laugh. Dixon?” the other guy piped in. “Guy's too much of a pussy to keep a human around for that. You know how hard it was to convince him to feed on humans. Son of a bitch was planning on going vegan and drinking animal blood. It wouldn't surprise me if the little human is his friend or something.”

As the two guys started arguing, with Janine rolling her eyes and trying to break up the argument, Daryl started whispering to you. “Ya see tha' openin' there, righ' between those two pieces'a metal?” When you nodded, he continued. “I'mma need ya to stay real quiet, head tha' way and hide, alrigh'? Thing's are gon' get messy. I need ya outta the line'a fire. I know ya have a bunch'a questions, and I'll answer 'em all later. I jus' need ya to do wha' I ask, okay?”

“Okay,” you mumbled quietly. “I love you.”

“Love ya too. Now go.”

Following his orders, you slipped away from behind him, praying harder than you ever had before that you didn't capture the attention of the others. You weren't stupid. You knew exactly what these “people” were—vampires. And based on that little interaction, and Daryl's panic, you were certain that they weren't exactly the friendly type of vampire, either.

You were nearing the opening that Daryl had talked about, succeeding in not making a sound, until you felt a whoosh beside you. You stood face to face with one of the men, the guy giving you a creepy smile. “Where do you think you're going, baby? The fun is just beginning.”

Before you could make a run for it, the guy had pushed you and you were flying through the air, your back soon making harsh contact with the wall. All the wind got knocked from your lungs, and your vision got a bit spotty. Bringing a hand up to the back of your head, you could feel the stickiness of the red liquid before you saw it. You were bleeding.

The scent of your blood filled the air, and hunger instantly dawned on every vampire's face—every face except Daryl's. In seconds, they were all lunging for you, only stopping short because Daryl used his body as a protective barrier again. “Don't,” he warned them.

Janine laughed wickedly. “Looks like Derek was right after all. You're still the same fucking wimp you were all those years ago. Still protecting your precious little humans.” Janine licked her lips, her fangs elongating. “I'm gonna have so much fun watching the life drain from her eyes.”

The last shred of the archer's patience snapped, and before anyone could properly see what he was doing, he lunged for the woman, snapping her neck effortlessly. The woman's life drained from her eyes—temporarily, as Daryl had told you that the only way to properly kill a vampire was by getting it in the heart—and that was enough to send the other two into a fit of rage.

“You motherfucker!”

Daryl grabbed the guy that was charging at him and threw him to the other side of the room. He briefly turned to look at you, quickly helping you to your feet. “Go! Get to tha' openin'!”

You definitely didn't need to be told twice. Walkers were predictable. They were loud, clumsy. You could handle walkers. Vampires were an entirely different ballpark. Daryl could easily overpower you without even using his full strength. You definitely did not want to find out what a vampire using its full strength could do to you. Ignoring the pain in your body, you bolted for that opening, wanting to get out of the line of fire. You didn't want to leave Daryl alone with these psychopaths, but you knew you didn't really have much of a choice. You'd be more of a liability than much help. Being safe would ensure that Daryl had a clear mind. He could defend himself. He'd be okay.

When Daryl saw you crawl into the opening, all hell broke loose. The guy—who Daryl knew from his life before the outbreak to be Derek—met a cruel, agonizing end. He had made the mistake to try and get to you. Daryl rushed over to him, grabbed him and pushed him forward, right into one of the metal rods sticking out of the wall. The rod impaled him in the chest, right through the most vital organ that kept him alive. Derek yelled as the rod drove right through him, but as soon as his heart was touched, he fell deathly silent—emphasis on the deathly. Two down, one to go. Daryl turned around and faced Stevie, the biggest and strongest vampire of the three. The archer knew that he had his work cut out for him.

Stevie approached Daryl threateningly. “What the hell are you doing, man?” he asked in a low, dangerous tone of voice. “That one human can't be worth more than years of friendship with us. All can be forgiven. Hand her over, add her blood to the rain, and everything will be fine.”

Daryl practically growled, his eyes alight with a fiery glare. “Ya add her blood to tha' fuckin' rain yer talkin' 'bout, I'll fuckin' kill ya.”

Stevie shook his head in disappointment. “Matt was right,” he began. “I never should've turned you. I should've left you to die on the side of that road.”

“Yeah, ya prolly shoulda.” The two men lunged for the other, the two colliding against each other harshly. However, by some stroke of luck, Daryl quickly got the upper hand. He unsheathed his knife and plunged it deeply into the other man's chest, eliciting a scream from him. Daryl firmly gripped the shirt of the man, bringing his face dangerously close to his. “Nah, scratch tha'. Ya definitely shoulda let me die tha' day. Guess s'a bit too late for tha' now, huh?”

With that, Daryl withdraw his knife and threw the almost lifeless corpse away from him. However, what the archer didn't know was that he threw the body right into a lever, the same lever that activated the rain the other vampires had been talking about—a blood rain.

Human blood sprayed out of the sprinkler system and rained down on Daryl, drenching him in seconds. The scent was extremely overwhelming to him, and when Daryl lifted his head to see where the blood was coming from, a few drops fell onto his lips. Against his better judgement, he licked his lips, the taste of human blood filling his taste buds for the first time in years. The taste overwhelmed his senses completely, and it took every ounce of self-restraint he had not to just open his mouth and greedily absorb every droplet of blood that fell from the sprinkler.

“Daryl?”

The sound of your voice instantly caught his attention, and he forced himself to snap back to reality. Janine would only be out cold for a few minutes more at best, and he had no idea when the others would return. He had to get you out of there. “C'mon, we gotta go,” he spoke up hoarsely. He quickly walked over to the woman and plunged his knife into her heart, ending her life completely, before making a beeline for the door you had come through earlier.

You quickly followed behind him, confused by his haste, but you refrained from saying anything. Your head was still throbbing painfully and your body was aching all over. Plus now you were drenched in blood, so that added to your discomfort. You silently climbed into the truck you had brought out with you for the run and started it, watching Daryl climb onto his newly-assembled bike and speed off. You shifted the truck into drive and followed behind him, leaving the factory behind you.

The drive back to Alexandria was long, and all you had to accompany you were your own thoughts. You had a million questions you wanted to ask your partner, and you needed answers. One problem you encountered when you finally got home, though? Daryl wouldn't be near anybody, not even you. When you got showered and wanted to settle down, Daryl was nowhere to be found.

The only thing that was left in his absence was an open window and a short note explaining that he'd be fine and not to worry about him.

Three days. It had been three days since that incident at the old factory. Three days since Daryl had disappeared. Three days since you were promised an explanation.

As quickly as you were given permission to go on runs again, just as quickly you were placed on bed rest again. That vampire had thrown you with quite the force. According to the doctor, Denise, you had bruised your ribs, and rather badly, too. She told you that you were lucky they weren't broken. Your back was also really badly bruised. It made sleeping rather hard, and without your partner there, your own personal space heater, sleep completely eluded you.

The house was relatively quiet that day. With you being placed on bed rest and banned from helping out around the community, you laid on the bed while staring at the ceiling, the only thing occupying your mind being the memory of you hugging Daryl for the first time; it also happened to be the first time you had commented on the warmth his body emitted, despite his “undead” nature. However, the archer had simply chuckled, vowing to explain it to you another time.

The sound of the window to your bedroom opening had your senses peaking to high alert. You grabbed the knife that rested under your pillow and hurriedly sprung up from the bed, clutching the weapon tightly. However, you calmed down once you saw who it was; your partner, gripping his crossbow while holding a dead squirrel between his teeth.

“Daryl, oh my god,” you breathed a sigh of relief and helped him through the window. However, once he was inside, Daryl firmly pushed you to the side and tried to put as much distance between the two of you as he physically could without having to leave the room. That made you confused. “Daryl, what—”

“Dun' come any closer. Please,” he mumbled out weakly, removing the dead squirrel from his mouth and tightly clutching it in his hands. “I dun' wanna hurt ya. Jus' needed to see if ya were alrigh'.”

“Hurt me?” You took a small step forward, stopping short when Daryl tensed up. “What do you mean hurt me? That's impossible. You can never hurt me.” You took a tentative step towards the archer, determined to show him that you didn't fear him, despite the warning that he could hurt you. You didn't believe that. He could never hurt you. Of that you were certain. “I don't know what's going on in that amazing mind of yours, but I want to understand. Please. Talk to me.”

Daryl let out a shuddered breath when your hand made contact with his cheek, unknowingly dropping the dead animal on the ground. Your scent was heavily intoxicating, like some drug he could easily get addicted to, and it made it extremely hard for him to keep his hunger at bay. Still, he tried. He tried his hardest. He would never willingly hurt the most precious thing in his life. He'd much rather have his own heart get ripped out than hurt you.

His instincts somewhat got the better of him. Daryl slightly turned his head and kissed your wrist, his teeth barely scraping against your skin. You inhaled sharply at the contact, your mind instantly flooded with thoughts that Gabriel would declare unholy, but you forced yourself to think straight. There would be time for things like that another time. For now, you had to get through to your partner. You had to figure out what was going through his mind. And you had to figure out why his gorgeous ocean coloured eyes had adapted that crimson colour when he was actively feeding not even five minutes prior.

“Talk to me,” you begged, pleaded, in a soft tone. “What's going on?” A few beats of silence passed. Daryl withdrew from your touch and took a few steps back, and you were convinced that he was going to shut you down, but you were pleasantly surprised when he let out a deep sigh and nodded.

“Ya remember those vamps tha' we encountered three days ago?” When you nodded, he continued. “I guess ya can say tha' they were my “friends”. When I got bitten by Stevie way back when, they took me in, showed me the ropes. They told me tha' if I wanted to survive, I'd have to live according to their customs. I'd have to feed off'a humans. For a while, tha's all tha' I knew. I mean, they've been alive for decades. I was a nobody, jus' some kid they took in. It didn't mean tha' I liked it, though. I wished more than anythin' for a way out.”

Daryl stopped for a moment and sat down on the bed before continuing. “But then they said tha' to prove myself, I'd have to kill my brother, drink his blood. Tha's when I jus' couldn't do it anymore. I got some vamp to pretend to have gotten into a scuffle with me and to tell everyone tha' he had killed me. I got my act straight and searched for alternatives, and tha's how I started becomin' “vegan”. I haven't had human blood again since then. Well, not since...” Daryl cleared his throat, his breath hitching when he inhaled too deeply and caught a whiff of your intoxicating scent again. “Not since tha' whole ordeal with those bastards. The blood tha' rained down on us was human blood. I made the mistake of tastin' it. Now nothin' s'satisfyin' my hunger. Not deer, not squirrel, nothin'. M'so goddamn hungry and I dun' know wha' to do.”

Silence. It got so silent that one could hear a pin drop. It got so silent that you could hear someone fiddling around with the pots and pans in the kitchen, that someone being Gabriel. The priest, although not very liked by your group, had been allowed to stay in your home. You were sure that if he had heard Daryl's confession, he'd run to Deanna first chance he got. But that wasn't your main focus at that moment.

Nothing would satisfy his hunger. No, that definitely wasn't something you believed. No animal would satisfy his hunger. However, you were sure that you could think of an alternative to his problems; you could be his solution. Seeing your man in such a state broke your heart, and if you could help him out of his terrible predicament, how could you say no?

With your decision made, you moved over to Daryl. You slowly straddled his lap and looped your arms around his neck. Daryl inhaled deeply and moved to grip your hips and lift you off of him, not trusting his own instincts, but you didn't allow him to do so. “Don't,” you whispered, gently brushing his hair away from his eyes.

Daryl's now blood red eyes stared at you, a small whimper escaping him. God, you smelled so good. It was getting to be too much to handle. If he didn't put some distance between the two of you, he'd most certainly do something he'd end up regretting. “I dun' wanna hurt ya. Ya smell so good and m'not sure I can control myself much longer. I have to go. I—”

“Don't,” you repeated your earlier statement. “No matter what you do, nothing satisfies your hunger, right?” When Daryl nodded, you continued. “No animal blood satisfies your hunger. My blood will.”

“Nah. I ain't doin' tha',” Daryl denied your offer, his breathing starting to fasten at the idea. He had to admit, the thought of tasting your blood sounded extremely appealing to him, but he couldn't. He didn't know if he'd be able to stop.

“It's either with me, your partner who won't snitch on you for this, or some innocent person. If you don't feed now, some innocent person is going to die. We don't want that.”

“Nah, I can't.” Daryl's words rung through the air as his breathing became more erratic. Although he was steadfast in his denial to your gracious request, his fingers tightened their hold on your hips. “I haven't drunk from a person in years. Wha' if I can't stop?”

“That won't happen,” you told him reassuringly, your fingers gently working through his hair. “I trust you. You'll know when to stop.”

Daryl inhaled deeply, closing his eyes as his self-restraint started to dwindle even more. “But, Gabriel's here. He's gon' hear everythin',” he mumbled, lowering his head to rest on your shoulder. “Ya've heard me when I feed on animals. Increase tha' by ten when it comes to human blood. He's gon' tell Deanna and m'gonna be kicked out, maybe even killed.”

“Well,” you began with a seductive smirk. You pulled back, moved your hands down to grip the edge of your shirt and tugged it over your head, leaving your upper body completely bare to your partner's now lustful gaze. “I guess you need some motivation to stay quiet, huh?”

Daryl let out a shuddered breath, his eyes trailing over your body. Any ounce of his self-restraint flew out of the window. All he thought about was you, and how absolutely amazing you'd taste, and he didn't want to admit that the thought sent blood rushing straight down to his dick. “Wha' do ya have in mind?”

Your smirk widened slightly at the feeling of him growing hard beneath you. Your hands moved to the back of his head, your eyes alight with mischief as your idea came out to play. “I'm gonna give you what you told me was your favourite thing and pair it with feeding you,” you began, leaning forward to place a soft kiss on his lips before pulling back. “This.” Without even giving him time to process your words, you gently yet firmly brought his face down to your boobs, stuffing his face between them. “Drink.”

To say Daryl was surprised would be an understatement. He definitely hadn't expected that. Even just offering to help satisfy his hunger by drinking your blood was unexpected, and then that happened? However, he knew that you weren't about to take no for an answer, so very slowly and gingerly, he pressed a few kisses to your now bare chest, mentally preparing both you and him for what was about to transpire.

The small action had a white-hot fire shooting down through your body, all the way to your core. Without even fully registering what you were doing, you moaned softly and slowly ground yourself down against his erection, eliciting a broken groan from the archer. His self-restraint fully dissipated. His fangs elongated and he finally sunk them down into the flesh of your boobs, right above your nipple.

You yelped at the unexpected pain that came from his fangs penetrating your skin, but you refrained from pulling back against the pain. The pain would soon go away, you reassured yourself. The thought barely had time to sit in your mind until it was proven correct. The pain very quickly dulled into something more manageable and, dare you even say it, something way more pleasurable. The feeling had you rolling your hips against his, a desperate attempt to relieve the ache that formed at your core.

Daryl groaned at both the feeling of the pressure you bestowed on his clothed cock and the taste of the delicious crimson that filled his taste buds. You tasted better than anything he'd ever had before in his entire existence, human or animal. It was almost unbearable. His senses were acutely aware of you. Only you. He couldn't focus on anything else.

Subconsciously, Daryl started moving his hips up against yours, begging for any sort of friction to relieve the ache in his pants. You moaned at the feeling, grinding yourself down against him harder. Daryl wasn't going to last long, and you knew it. You knew his tells for when he was close. And for some reason, the thought of him falling apart simply by the taste of you and the little bit of friction pressed against him was so incredibly hot to you.

Daryl was close, in more ways than one. He was close to coming. He was close to retracting his fangs from your flesh as to not take too much of your blood. He was close to metaphorically dying. He was on cloud nine at that moment, and he never wanted to come down. Your blood was an addictive drug, one that he never wanted to get clean from. There was no rehab for him when the drug he was consuming at that moment was so damn good. He couldn't get enough of you. And after this whole ordeal, he doubted if he'd ever be able to go back to his former animal-drinking ways.

One last suck, one last mouthful of your delicious crimson liquid and one last grind of your hips had him tumbling over the edge. His body shook at the powerful feeling of his orgasm, white, hot spurts of his release coating the insides of his jeans. Daryl whimpered against your flesh, the intensity of it all making his mind incredibly foggy.

“That's it. Good job, Baby. You did so good,” you whispered soothingly, your mind also hazy from both the blood loss and the loss of your approaching release. However, you wouldn't tell Daryl about that last part. He could take care of you another time. Besides, even if he was willing to help you out at that moment, you doubted that you would be able to. You felt very light-headed, and all you wanted to do was collapse into your partner's arms.

Daryl withdrew his fangs from the skin of your breast. He looked up at you with his now-blue eyes, only small specks of red still coating the beautiful irises. “Ya alrigh'?” he asked you quietly, warily eyeing the way you eyes started to droop. “I didn't take too much, did I?”

You slowly shook your head. “No. I'll be okay. Just a bit light-headed.” You forced your eyes to focus on Daryl, desperately wanting to reassure him that you didn't regret a thing and that you were indeed just fine. “I promise I'm okay, Dar. You didn't take that much. I just need to rest and I'll be fine.”

Daryl hesitantly nodded before lowering his head to the wound his fangs had made onto your flesh. He gingerly licked at the blood that poured from the open skin before going back to the source, gently licking at it. “This'll help it heal faster,” Daryl explained, although he didn't have to. You were well aware of the healing attributes his spit carried. He had “magic spit”, as you had jokingly called it once before.

When he was done, he gently lifted you off his lap, placing you down next to him. He grabbed your shirt from the ground and helped you to put it on. “C'mon, in bed with ya. Ya need to take it easy.” When you complied with his request, he took it upon himself to clean up the mess he made in his jeans. He shuddered as he slowly undressed himself, his release sticking to him in a way he didn't like. He grabbed his rag and cleaned himself up, before grabbing a fresh pair of sweatpants from the dresser and putting them on. When everything was done, and with the immediate risk of hurting you gone, he clambered into bed with you. He wrapped his arms around you, cuddling you from behind. He was certain that you had fallen asleep, but he was pleasantly surprised when he heard your voice.

“Should you be this hot?” you asked him, turning around to place your head on his chest.

“Wha' do ya mean?” Daryl asked you in confusion, his arms adjusting to hold you close to his chest.

“Well, vampires are considered to be dead, right? Dead things are usually cold. You're not. I wanna know why.”

Daryl chuckled and shook his head. “I dun' really know why. There are a bunch'a different types'a vamps. M'guessin' the reason I have human heat s'cause I didn't fully complete the “transformation” process. Yer supposed to drink the blood'a the vamp tha' bit ya to fully transform into one. I never did tha'. Stevie didn't want me to and said it didn't matter whether or not I did. Guess tha's wha's keepin' my human traits in check.”

“What happens to those that don't fully transform?”

“Not much. We dun' become immortal. Tha's why m'agin' jus' like everyone else. Tha's a huge plus for me. I definitely dun' wanna live forever. We need human food to survive jus' as much as we need blood. Can't survive purely off'a blood and can't survive purely off'a food. Need to have both.” He stopped, placed a tender kiss on your forehead, and continued. “We can walk in the sun without dyin', so tha's good. And, uh, we can make babies who are completely human, but I dun' know how true tha' is. Never tried it 'fore.”

You giggled and pressed a kiss to his clothed chest. “Well, I'm always up to try it. To test out that theory. Just tell me when.”

Daryl's breath hitched in his throat. You couldn't be serious about that, could you? “This yer way'a tellin' me ya want a baby?”

You shrugged and closed your eyes, letting out a contented sigh. “I'm not getting any younger. I kinda want to start a family. But it's okay if you don't want to. I'd never force you to...” you trailed off, your breathing evening out.

Daryl looked down at you in surprise at your revelation. You wanted to start a family? With him? The thought both scared and excited him. “Ya really want tha'? With me?” he asked you. However, he got no reply. You were fast asleep. He chuckled and pressed a tender kiss to the top of your head. “We'll talk 'bout it when ya ain't delirious from blood loss.”

[sweeneydino]

Hi!! Love all the stuff you have on this blog!! I was wondering about your wrong parent AU, how would this change how the boys grow up, like with more of a motherly presence than their rat dad (though maybe she is just as a “sensei” as splinter…who knows XD) or is this like a time travel situation? AAA sorry im excited about this awesome AU!!!

Anywho, sorry for my ramblings I don’t write asks very often and there is no pressure to answer! Thanks so much for all the cool things you do! Lol I love seeing your stuff on my dash :D

It'd be a lot different! I guess I can list a few I thought of,,,

So, Rat!Mom.

She’s still a bit paranoid (how can you not be with the Shredder actively trying to find out what happened to you, where you are, and if you're actually dead), but shes more focused on trying to give her kids as normal of a life as she can and definitely not hiding all her stress underneath endless piles of work.

Mikey plays alot of games and is more adept at cooking, Raph's painting more often and always trying to help his mom with cleaning(yes, hes a mama's boy), Donnie is creating and creating and always wanting to go bigger, and Leo and Karai(yes, Karai :]) play fight alot(so many wars...) when they aren’t watching Space Heroes 24/7 or trying to explore outside the home.

Then, maybe during one of her dumpster dives, she finds some convenient "Chris Bradford" training tapes that they start to gain an interest in ninjutsu. She's not too pleased with it, but since they enjoy it, she tries to be more open to it(she conflicted)

They do go out and about earlier than Canon(with a curfew), meet April earlier too(her and her dad are a little different), and Karai and April become BFFS. (Unless...)

The kids still call her sensei or variations of mom, which ones? Probably all depending on what they did.

Now, fighting bad guys? She did not raise them for that /hj

In reality, when she sees her kids scratched up from fights topside, they are usually pretty quick to inform her what happened(except for two). They get carefully patched up, and scolded before being told to rest for a while(grounded). Which is definitely not so she can keep an eye on them.

And she is certainly not stressed whatsoever👍

Also…

“She was as beautiful as she was kind, and as kind as she was intelligent”

- Splinter

…probably meaning emotional intelligence, or somethin but i think itd be fun if she was just…. Fred.

As in Traps galore, I mean imagine it-

You're Chris Bradford, greatest actor (and martial artist ig) of all time, and your chasing what you presume to be your bosses stubborn former lover,(who you kind of hate ngl) and then you think you have her cornered, just for the ground to cave in beneath you cause whoops, she boobytrapped the whole place.

She can still be emotionally intelligent too, but the traps are staying.

Other than the traps, I do think Rat! Shen will have some other types of self-defense training during the time she was in hiding. Girl is not risking shit.

When it comes to VS. Shredder bits, she'd definitely use everything she can to her advantage, especially her rat abilities. Climbing, gnawing, scratching, hissing; just get the fuck away from her and her kids.

There’s no planned ships atm (other than Shen x Yoshi, but that's the point- hes ded anyway)

Lastly, Im thinking of probably at least three separate versions or “alternate timelines” for the WP au, or two divergents of the wp au canon lol. One where the original turts find Shen and her turts pre-adventure, one post-adventure and/or during the shredder kidnap arc(i will not elaborate) and the least timefuckery timeline where Rat mom and her babies gotta march on without future “assistance” 🤷 im sure they’ll be fine(they willllll)

Thank you all for being interested in this ^ ^ "

I actually don't have much planned for this since it was just another random idea(you can probably tell hdgdhdg), but I'm always happy to see everyone's ideas! It helps a lot with my scattered-brain--

And one FINAL, final thing

Im not sorry.

[harrysxcarolina]

casually fallin’

pt. 2 / pt. 1

b. eilish

wc: 8.4k

warnings: wlw, smut, angst, fluff, underage drinking, cussing, also half way proof read.. lol oops there’s probably more if so let me know

come out and play

august 27th, 2021

sophomore year

You were running late. Clasping your stuff in your hands as you slam the door shut trying to juggle all the shit in your hands. Groaning in annoyance as your phone vibrates causing it to fall out of your grip into the grass. Choosing to ignore it you quickly pick it up and rush the remaining distance to your car.

Throwing your stuff onto your passenger seat you check your phone.

Chels

I’m here, waiting in this long ass line. Didn’t think this place would be so packed. Who would have guessed everyone would be in a rush to move back in lol

Chuckling to yourself you send her a quick reply that you’re on your way and that you call dibs on the bigger side of the room. She responds back with the laughing emoji. Tossing your phone on the seat next to your other stuff you quickly start your car and make sure you can see out of all your windows.

Ignoring the fact you may have slightly over packed again this year you put your car in drive and make your way towards campus.

***

“Okay I think that’s the last one.” You mumble as you carry the last box into your shared room. Placing the box down on top of your desk flinging your body over your bed with a groan your legs feel like jello. You hear Chelsea’s laugh behind you. “Don’t laugh at me.” You state as you turn your body to look at her. “Well if you didn’t bring every single thing you own you wouldn’t be struggle bussin’ like it’s leg day.” Chelsea chirps back as she walks over and pulls you out of your slumped position.

“Maybe if they didn’t put us on the third fucking floor I wouldn’t be struggling.” You grumble as you try to fight her pull but fail miserably. Chelsea’s laugh echoes off the walls, “Keep tellin’ yourself that kid. We see how well it’s working for you now.” She finishes as she succeeds in pulling you to your feet. “C’mon. We gotta get you all unpacked. We got plans tonight.” She says with a smirk and a shimmy of her shoulders.

Trying to get you to laugh, it works, a small smile works its way across your face as a soft chuckle leaves your lips. “Do we have to stay long?” You ask as you grab your first bag of stuff and begin to sort it on your bed. “Act like you won’t disappear as soon as you see Billie,” Chelsea snorts as she grabs hangers out of the shared closet and starts to help sort your clothes.

Your cheeks heat up at the mention of Billie. You couldn’t deny the feelings that have slowly blossomed over the eight months spent with Billie. You’ve spent every free second you had together. From helping each other study for your first exams. To surprising each other at your jobs. Every weekend since that night last December have been dedicated to each other. The cute dates you’ve both taken each other on.

You both still weren’t out publicly both still new to this world of dating. If you’re being honest you have grown to become confused about your and Billie’s relationship. You did everything together. You’ve spent many nights tangled up in each other's sheets exploring each other's bodies. You’ve shared your deepest secrets and desires, yet the one question that has been bouncing around in your head the last couple weeks has still yet to be solved.

Were you ever going to be official?

Were you ever going to be her girl?

You’ve talked about it before. Once.

“Hey you,” you hear her soft voice before you see her take a seat next to you. Laying her books down on the table and slinging her bag on the back of the chair. Pulling her chair closer to yours she quickly reaches for your free hand under the table and gives it a squeeze smiling at you.

You feel your heart flutter as you return her smile.

“Hey,” you whisper back glancing down at your hidden intertwined hands.

“You okay?” She asks concern laced through her voice as she searches for your eyes. Her piercing blue ones look right through you as you take a deep breath. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just been- just been thinking.” You reply.

“Oh yeah? About what, pretty?” She asks, her smirk growing as she adjusts the backwards cap covering her dark locks.

Biting your lip you debate on whether to bring it up. Especially now in the middle of the library. Not that anyone was partially paying attention to the two of you, but still it’s an important, well private, conversation.

Billie senses your hesitation causing her smirk to drop slightly. Her eyes searching for yours once again. “Pretty?” She asks softly, giving you her full attention.

“Just about us-“ you whisper glancing down at your opened book your fingers loosen around hers as you feel your heartbeat pick up. She’s quick to tighten her grip on your hand pulling your attention back to her.

“What about us?” She asks hesitantly. Her thumb rubbing the back of your hand in a calming way. “Just that,” you take another deep breath. “Just that I really like you Billie and I can’t help but wonder if there is going to be more than this?” You state. Looking around you, lowering your voice, “I love spending time with you and I get it if you’re not ready for more, but I don’t want to just have you privately. I want more with you..” the words whispers off your lips squeezing her hand before letting go.

She sits there stunned. “We should- um- we should probably get back to our notes.” You rush as you turn back in your chair and go back to studying. Out of the corner of your eye you see Billie slowly, hesitantly, copying your actions. Grabbing a pen out of her bag and opening up her book, you notice her leg bouncing anxiously under the table. The tip of the pen between her rosy pink lips. You notice the way her jaw ticks as the tip of her tongue plays with the pen. The way her throat swallows out as she lets out a quiet cough.

You spend the next hour starting at the same paragraph. Your thoughts run wild as you try and steal glances at Billie. You feel your chest tighten as you chew on your cheek. Definitely wasn’t the time or place.

That was back in May. Shaking your head trying desperately to rid the thoughts you quickly grab the set of folded clothes and place them in a drawer.

“Do you think it’s a little weird that she still hasn’t asked me to be her girlfriend yet?” You quietly ask Chelsea as you keep your back towards her distracting yourself with clearing the box out on your desk. Slowly putting all your desktop supplies in the mapped out spots nervously waiting for a response from your best friend.

“I mean you guys did start seeing each other in January, but that's not taking into consideration the time you two also spent together from the moment you first met leading up to New Years Eve. You guys were weirdly drawn to each other very early on. Why do you ask?” She responds as she plops down on your bed looking at you with her hands folded in her lap.

You weren’t getting out of this one.

“I just have been thinking that I’m- I’m ready for something more than casual dates and hookups.” You admit as you pause your movements and glance over your shoulder at Chelsea. Her eyes soften as they meet yours.

“Have you told her that?” She asks hesitantly.

Nodding your head yes, “Right before finals.” You state leaning up against the desk chair playing with the rings on your fingers. ”And what did she have to say?” She questions as she stands up off the bed and walks over to you, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. With a shrug of your shoulder your lips find themselves between your teeth. “It wasn’t exactly the time and place for the conversation.” You admit.

Chelsea nods her head in understanding.

“You haven’t spoken of it again since then?” She asks as she reaches for the now empty box and places it under your bed. Your silence is the only answer she needs as she turns on her heel and makes her way towards the closet. “Well then let's make tonight so great you forget about all the thoughts swirling around in your head. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to when it’s supposed to. You can’t rush these things.” She states as she scans through your side of clothes until something catches her eyes. Smirking and nodding her head she pulls out one of your brand new dresses.

Holding it up for your approval you nod your head slightly with a small smirk working its way across your face.

***

Walking into the cramped house you can’t help but question why you always say yes to these things. You’d much rather have a night in with either a good book and a nice cup of coffee or binge watching your favorite movies with your friends. Grabbing Chelsea's arm tighter as you lead the both of you through the swarm of bodies invading every inch of this house. Working your way towards the kitchen in hopes that it would be less populated.

“Finaaaallllyyyyyyy!!” Chelsea yells as you push your way through the last cluster of people. The breathable air flowing in through the open windows takes over your senses as you welcome the clean air over the smoke, alcohol, and sweat filled inhabiting the previous rooms.

“You want a drink?” You ask over your shoulder as you walk up to the wild arrangement of options on the counter. “Are you really asking me that?” Chelsea jokes as she bounces her way over to you and helps you pick out your poisons for the night.

You and Chelsea laugh as she accidentally over pours and spills all over the counter. Quickly trying to grab paper towels before the liquid spreads too far you hear one of your favorite sounds. A familiar laugh. Her laugh.

Your eyebrows furrow as you look around trying to find where the sound is coming from. Glancing over your shoulder you hear it once more but louder. Noticing through one of the open windows a group of people migrating in and around the open hot tub that sits in the backyard of the frat house. Taking a step closer and leaning up against the kitchen counter you peek out the window.

Your heart stops at what you see.

It’s Billie.

Submerged in the hot tub.

Sitting across her ex, Josh’s lap.

Wearing from what you can see his oversized white t-shirt. Her dark hair tied up in a loose bun. A few fallen pieces framing her face perfectly.

Her head is thrown back in laughter as his arms are wrapped around her waist holding her lower torso against him as his smile grows seeing her reaction to his previous words.

Your stomach drops and swirls as the pit of your stomach grows in knots.

Your grip on the counter tightens and you start to feel the tips of your fingers get tingly.

“Whatcha looking at?” Chelsea asks as she skips her way over and bumps into you. Her laugh falls short as her eyes catch sight of what stole your attention. ‘“Oh.” Is all she was capable of saying. Her eyes glancing up at you as her eyes soften.

“Maybe it’s not-“ She starts.

Shaking your head fighting back the tears that are swelling up you turn your back and lean against the counter. Lacing your arms tightly around yourself your bottom lip finds its home between your teeth. The mingling outside continues as you and Chelsea stand there in silence. Smacking her lips together Chelsea lets out a huff as she makes her way back over to your drinks.

“Like I said, tonight is going to be a great night. With or without Billie.” Chelsea demands as she holds your cup out for you to join her. Reaching for the cup and tipping it back while taking a drink the side door creaks open as outside voices invade your space. Looking up not missing the group of wet half naked people waddling their way in you catch eyes with Billie. You don’t miss the rosiness of her cheeks. The way the water droplets gracefully slide their way down her porcelain skin.

Looking away you quickly wipe your eyes and begin talking to Chelsea about needing to go to the store to get a few more decorations for your guys room. Trying to distract yourself from the girl slowly making her way towards you. Billie grabbing one of the folded towels off the counter and quietly saying goodbye to the group. Her pulse is racing as she can’t help but notice the way you are clenching yourself. The way your bottom lip is swollen and red is no doubt caused by your teeth. The way your chest slightly heaves as if you were trying to catch your breath.

“Hey you,” she cautiously whispers as she finishes wiping the water droplets off her exposed skin.

Throwing her a quick glance, a small weak smile that barely reaches your cheeks. “Hey.” You respond.

“I think I saw Amanda back there dancing her little ass off. I think I’m gonna go join her. Let me know if you need me.” She states as she slowly starts backing herself away. Your eyes widening silently begging her not to go just yet. Slightly shaking your head in protest as her eyes state ‘you’ll be okay’ as she turns on her heel and zigs zags her way back down the hallway slowly disappearing in the crowd. Taking a deep breath you bring the red solo cup back up to your lips and welcome the tangy liquid.

“I thought you weren’t coming tonight?” You ask as the shakiness in your tone is evident. Gulping down your courage you steal a glance at the blue eyed girl beside you, who was silently itching to trace your warm skin with her chilly fingertips. Wanting to kiss and trace all the hurt away. She is silent for just a split second before taking the last step towards you. Her body heat slowly comes back with aid of the warm summer air.

“I didn’t think I would be able to, and then work let me go early knowing it was move-in weekend. As I was leaving I got a message from Chelsea stating you guys would be here and that I should come if I had the time-“ She rushed out trying to explain.

“How did you end up in the hot tub with your ex if you came here to see me?” You ask the heat rising to your cheeks as your temper gets the best of you. The confusion racing through you as you think of every single moment spent within the last eight months with her. All the butterflies. All the kisses. The touches. The dates you guys spent hours planning for each other just to make the other smile. All the moments she made your world stop by her compliments. Just to bask in how shy and nervous she makes you feel. Just to have your heart feel like it shattered all in the matter of a mere few seconds.

Your thoughts were running wild as you stood there in complete silence. Were you just a joke to her? Was it all a game? The thought that this wasn’t as serious as you thought it was causes an unsettling feeling in the pit of your stomach.

“Honestly, I’m not sure how we all ended up out there in the hot tub. We were all just hanging out and I was waiting for you. Someone had asked if we wanted to get in,” She said as her shoulders caved in and her head hung low. Her lip between her teeth. Reaching her hand up to grasp your hip. Taking a step back, you place the cup down on the counter. Her hand froze in place as she looked up at you. A flash of hurt glazes over her orbs as she takes a baby step towards you.

“I don’t- I don’t get it,” You whisper, glancing down at your hands as your body rocks slightly back and forth on the heels of your feet. “What are we doing Billie?” You state finally meet her stare. Eyes flickering between all your features as she shakes her head in confusion. Licking her lips as she feels her heart beating faster against her chest.

“You don’t get what?” She asks as her thoughts swirl around her pretty head. Tucking a piece of fallen hair behind her ear she takes a deep breath glancing around the room. Silently thanking that no one else was gathered in the kitchen. The loud music is slowly fading into the background as you both feel the soft breeze from the open window. The chatter of all the different conversations invade for just a brief second.

”What do you want with me?” You question as you grab the red solo cup once again and finish it off. Turning quickly to grab a bottle off the island you pour yourself another drink. You hear Billie scoff as she follows you.

“You aren’t serious are you?” She asks as she positions herself between you and the counter stopping you from adding anymore alcohol to your cup. Glancing up at you, your eyes meet. “Why do you always avoid the question?” You snort back.

“I’m not avoiding the question!” She exclaims as her posture straightens up. “I just don’t understand why you’re asking me that question like that.” Chuckling to yourself, “Billie it’s been eight months of whatever you want to call this. So let this be the last time I ask you. What do you want with me?” You state firmly. Your chest heaving slightly as you try to control the tightness that is building in your chest. Your fingers grip the cup tighter as the tension in the air gets thicker.

Billie gets quiet. Her bottom lip found a home between her teeth. She takes a deep breath as she takes her hair out of the messy bun. Her dark locks cascading down her shoulders framing her face perfectly. Which didn’t help with the burning want for her that was growing deep in your core despite the hurt and confusion flowing through your veins.

“I-” she starts but stops herself. Giving her a couple seconds in hopes she chooses to let you in her head. You notice she starts to fidget with the rings that lay perfectly along her fingers.

Raising your eyebrows as a scoff leaves your lips.

“I guess that answers my question.” You state as you bring the red solo cup back up to your lips downing the entirety of the drink. Billie gripping your wrist quickly as she watches you in shock.The both of you knowing you weren’t one to drink often.

“Would you stop trying to get wasted while we talk?” She exclaims as she removes the cup from your grasp, placing it on the island. The look on her face is pure stunned as she watches the colors change in your eyes. She sees the pang of hurt flash across your face. “What conversation Billie? You can’t give me an answer anytime I try to talk to you about it.” You exclaim as you begin to pace the kitchen floor. Your hands racking themselves deep into your hair trying to rub away the thoughts that were swirling around like crazy.

“Do you know how frustrating that is? How confusing is it? To have all these feelings for you, to feel things I’ve never fucking felt before, for a girl who tells me privately she wants me only to find her on her exes lap laughing and having a great time. Especially after you canceled on attending with me.” You express as you fight the tightness that builds tighter and tighter in your chest. The realization that you’ve fallen in love with Billie, not sure if she feels the same as you, hits you like a ton of bricks. The tears swell up in your eyes, stopping your movements in the middle of the kitchen. Your back to her as your arms cross over your chest trying to hold yourself together as you can’t fight back the hot tears anymore.

The silence is deafening as the cool breeze blows through your hair gently tickling your warm cheek. Quickly wiping your face before anymore tears can escape you freeze as you feel a pair of familiar arms wrap themselves around your waist.

She quietly shushes you as she pulls you tighter against her front. You welcome her scent and the familiar pull of her arms around you for a moment. Closing your eyes, taking a deep breath, as your mind finally quiets down.

“I’m sorry,” She whispers into your back.

You feel your heartbeat begin to slow as you even out your breaths.

“I can’t keep doing this Billie,” you breathe out as you gently place your hands on top of hers. Giving them a gentle squeeze before removing them from your body. You feel her body tense up as you take a step away from her. Her eyes widen in panic as she watches you turn to face her. Dropping her arms to her side she feels her hands get clammy. Her heart beating so hard she swore she could feel it beating throughout her body.

“I can’t keep feeling like this. I feel crazy,” you whisper. Glancing down at the floor as the tip of your shoe scuffs the hardwood floor. “Billie, I've fallen in love with you, and I can’t help but think that this is all one sided.” You state coming clean. You hear a gasp escape from Billie causing you to look up through your lashes. You fight back the knots growing in your stomach as you notice her stare is fully on you.

“You really think that low of me?” She whispers as she quickly reaches up and wipes the tears that broke through hopeful that you didn’t notice. You did. Her hands balled into fits at her side as the baggy t-shirt slowly slid down her shoulder. The neck stretched out no doubt caused by it being over worn. Reaching up you slide it back up to its rightful position. Your warm skin gently brushes hers causing a shiver to consume her.

“I don’t know what to think Bils-” you respond quietly. “I can’t just be your little experiment. I can’t pretend that this isn’t more for me. I know what I want, so maybe I just think it’s best if we-”

“No, don't say that.” She rushes as she quickly looks up at you taking a step forward so the tips of your shoes just barely touch each other. Her hands find themselves on your hips. Holding you in place. “Please- please don’t.” She begs. Her lower lip captured between her teeth looking up at you with the softest pair of blue orbs.

“I’m sorry Bils, I just think we are on different pages, and it’s not fair to either one of us to continue further.” You reply before you slowly remove her hands from your body taking a step back before grabbing your cup off the counter. Grasping the rim tightly as you turn on your heel hoping that the weight of the cup in your hand would be enough to distract you as you walk away from Billie. Your free hand clasps your chest tightly trying desperately to hold yourself together as you zig zag your way through the crowd. Refusing to look back at the dark hair girl you poured your heart and soul into.

You made the right choice. You had to walk away. You had to. Just breathe. You’ll be okay. You made the right choice.

The chant running over and over in your mind. Trying to talk yourself into believing it.

***

The loud music echoes off the walls. Searching through the crowd of people in hopes to spot Chelsea but fail miserably. Groaning under your breath you knew coming was a bad idea. The cup in your hand slightly spills over the rim and down your hand as someone brushes past you. They shoot a quiet sorry as they shuffle their way deeper into the crowd. Taking a deep breath you wipe your hand on your dress and search for a quiet place to escape to as you decide to just try and text Chelsea’s.

Sighing happily as you find an open room down the hall. Closing the door behind you as you glance around. Chuckling to yourself as you notice they must have turned this room into a storage room as you see boxes upon boxes stacked up along with other household items they probably had no idea where to put.

A small smile works its way across your lips as you slide yourself down the open wall. Pulling your phone out and quickly shooting a text to Chelsea to see if she is ready to leave and letting her know where you are hiding out at.

Taking a deep breath you scroll on your phone in hopes to distract you of the recent events between you and Billie. A few moments pass before you see a response from Chelsea letting you know she’s getting a snack to sit tight.

Before you have time to respond you hear a soft knock on the door and are soon greeted with her presence. Glancing up at her as you set your cup and phone down on the floor you feel your chin quiver and the tears swell back up. Not fighting against them this time as you let them flow freely.

Chelsea is quick to sit beside you putting her snack down beside her pulling you into her side as she holds your head tightly against her person. “Shh, shh it's okay darling. Let it all out.” She whispers as she holds you. Letting you take your time to collect yourself. You don’t know how long the both of you sat on the floor before your body had nothing left to give you. Your cheeks stained from the saltiness of your tears. Your lashes clumped together by your ruined mascara. Your chest heaves slightly as you try to match your breathing to Chelseas. Letting you take all the time you need she grabs the spoonful of peanut she had waiting in the jar up to her lips.

“Do you wanna tell me what happened?” She softly asks as her fingers run themselves through your locks. Gently massaging your scalp with her fingers. Shaking your head no against her shoulders as you play with a loose string on the hem of your dress. She offers you the next spoonful of peanut butter. You feel her take a deep breath before she presses her lips to the crown of your head as you take the spoon from her grasp. “You know she’s going crazy out there looking for you right?” Chelsea states as she moves all the fallen pieces of hair that lay in your vision. Tucking them behind your ear as she still holds you to her side. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion as you work the peanut butter down your taste buds.

“Tracked my ass down on the dance floor and demanded that I help her find you. So whatever happened between the two of you she clearly wants to fix it. She wouldn’t take no for an answer.” She states with a chuckle. “A stubborn one that one is. Here I thought you were the stubborn one.” She jokes. “Look I know that this is all new territory for the both of you, and I can’t imagine that it would be easy to navigate it, but what I do know is that that girl is head over heels for you-”

“Chels-” you start.

“Uh-huh let me finish. Now I haven’t spent as much time with her as you, but one thing is clear. She is head over heels for you. People get scared, love. People do stupid things at stupid times that we can’t explain, but that doesn’t mean they can’t love you or that they don’t love you. You’ve always been so ready for love. So open to it, but others need time to- need time to process and work through it. There’s no time frame on love, especially if it's the real deal. It’s always worth the wait for the right person.” She finishes as she uses her free hand to gently tip your chin up causing you to make eye contact.

“I think that she is your real deal.” Chelsea states as you both sit there in silence.

“It doesn’t matter anymore. I fucked it all up Chels. I-I-I really messed up, and I don’t know if it’s fixable.” You whisper as your chest tightens once more. The tears build up and threaten to escape. Her warm hands instantly cup your cheeks. Looking up into her eyes you can’t help but capture your lip between your teeth. Shaking your head before closing your eyes as the thought of you leaving her behind hits you once again. You hear her broken voice on repeat.

“Please- please don’t.”

“Hey, look at me. It’s fixable. I promise. If you really love her and you really want it to work you will find a way to fix it.” She nods as she wipes the last of your tears and aids you in standing up. “She’s outside waiting.” She states as she bends back down to pick up the open peanut butter container. Your eyes widen in shock.

”What?”

A smirk works its way across her face, “I told you she wouldn’t take no for an answer.” She shrugs as she takes the spoon back and takes a step back to look at you. “Okay, I’m going to go back out there and probably get fucked up. You’re going to stay in here until you both gush out all your feelings and may just maybe fuck it out.” She states with a smirk as she looks around the room. Her smirk slightly falls, “and they say romance is dead.” She looks up at you with a shrug of her shoulder.

“You really think we are going to fuck in here Chelsea? Girl for one we are at a damn frat party, and for two, I literally just broke off whatever was going on between us not even an hour ago. I doubt either one of us will be in the mood to do anything but cry.” You whisper as you tuck your hair behind your ear and adjust your dress, quickly running your hands across your ass hoping to wipe away any dirt or dust.

A deep laugh erupts off Chelsea, “You really gotta get out to more parties love. There’s a lot more fucking then you think. Plus, who knows maybe just maybe this will all work out and you’ll be crying out in pleasure instead of pain.” Her smirk takes over her face as she slowly backs away from you, inching closer and closer to the door.

“Way to be cliche,” you say as a soft chuckle falls off your lips.

“You ready?” Chelsea asks as she grips the door handle, looking at you for confirmation before she lets the girl who stole your heart walk through the door. Taking a deep breath before nodding your head you do one final look over, making sure to fix your hair of any fly aways before Chelsea slowly opens the door and steps out. You hear their muffled voices as you fight the urge to look at the door and wait for her to walk in. Afraid to confront all the unspoken thoughts and feelings brewing between the both of you.

Within seconds you hear the door creak open wider as her figure slowly steps in. You are quick to move your gaze up and take in her presence. Her body slightly slouched as her head hung low. Not sure where to place her gaze as she takes a few more steps towards you. Her hands reaching up and swiping the baby hairs out of her eyes. Her tongue makes quick work in wetting her lips before she moves her gaze to you.

“Hey you,” she whispers in a hushed broken tone you’ve never heard before. Her hands dig deep into her pockets as she stops her movements just inches from you. Her once flushed face is now pale as she nervously nibbles on her lip. Her foot kicks the floor beneath her as she moves her gaze down to the floor as well.

“Hi you,” you reply softly, causing her eyes to quickly meet yours. A small flash of emotion you can’t identify flashes through her orbs as she fights a one sided smile. Her gaze moves throughout your features before landing back on your stare.

“You walked away from me.” She states as she hesitantly takes a step closer.

Your breath catches deep in your chest. You can’t help the pang of hurt that erupts in its wake as you fidget with your fingers. Biting your lip as it quivers your gaze moving down to the floor. You feel her presence before you hear her soft voice. Her fingers gently grab yours as she squeezes your hand before she interlaces them. “Please don’t ever walk away from me again.” Taking the last step before she is standing directly in front of you. Inches apart.

You feel her body heat radiating off her in waves as her scent invades your senses.

It hasn’t even been an hour and you’ve desperately missed her. Even with all the hurt and confusion racing through you she was the only one you wanted. The only one you needed. Her forehead finds yours as she breathes you in.

“I’m in love with you too, pretty girl.” She confesses as she moves her free hand to hold your hip gently pulling you flush against her. Not letting you go this time. “I should have told you sooner. I should have just been honest. I’m so sorry. I was so scared that I would mess everything up. That I would do something wrong and you would leave.That I wouldn’t be a good enough girlfriend for you.” She rushes out as her hand flexes against your hip. You feel her chest brush against yours as she looks up at you meeting your eyes.

Your breath catches as you reach up and trace her cheek smiling when you see them warm up under your touch.

“The only thing that you could do to mess it up would be to keep all those thoughts locked up in that pretty head of yours. I can’t read your mind.” You state with a soft chuckle.

“You’re the only thing ever on my mind. From the second I wake up to the movement I close my eyes at night. You are everything to me. God- I never- I never met to hurt you. Everything just got so jumbled in my head and I fucked it all up.” She proclaims as her lip quivers.

You’re quick to grip her cheeks between your hands. Forcing her to look at you.

“Someone once told me that if they are the real deal they are worth waiting for. You’re worth waiting for. I’m sorry for how impatient I’ve been. I should have been more understanding and seen that you needed me to be patient.” You whisper as Billie drops your intertwined hands and reaches up to cup your cheek, her thumb gently rubbing your smooth skin.

“No, don't do that. None of this is your fault. You tried to talk to me. I made you feel- made you feel like, shit I made you feel like I wasn’t in this.That I can’t stand the thought of losing you. I made you think that my whole world wouldn’t fucking stop having to watch you walk from me. My heart fucking shattered. It’s literally all on me, my love. I’m so sorry.” She declares before crashing her lips onto yours. You freeze as your whole body feels like it's on fire.Your hands drop to your sides. Her hands are still gripping your cheeks as you move your lips against hers.

A low moan leaves her lips as you kiss her back, her grip working its way to your hair pulling you down to her. Your hands land on her torso slowly sliding themselves behind her back tugging her forward so her stomach and chest is pulled tightly against yours. Tilting your heads deepening the kiss as her tongue swipes across your lower lip asking for permission.

Slowly opening your lips to her warm tongue you can’t help the smile that crosses your face. Her grip on your hair tightens as she works her tongue against yours. Her soft mumbles of ‘i’m sorry’s’ brush against your lips anytime you pull apart to breath. Moaning softly as she slowly works her lips down your jaw.

“Say it again?” you ask her softly as your eyes close in bliss. You feel her smirk against your neck. A low hum vibrates against your skin as she gently nibbles your skin. Her free hand works its way up your back searching for your zipper as her lips trail down your jaw to your sweet spot right behind your ear. Your grip on her back tightens as you lean your head back giving her more room. “Say what again pretty girl?” She teases as her grip in your hair tightens holding you tight as she slowly lowers your zip down your spine. Her lips not faulting as she feels your heartbeat quicken against her lips.

Groaning loudly, as you grip her hips tightly. “Please say it again?” You beg as her teeth graze your earlobe.

“I love you,” she groans in your ear as her hips rut against yours. “I love you so much, mamas,” She whines as she pulls your lips to hers. Your lips battle against each other as she slides your dress down your body as your hands grip the hem of her shirt and quickly remove it off her body.

“Are we really about to fuck in a storage room?” You question as you pull apart from her to catch your breath. A smirk works its way across her lips before her bottom lip gets tucked between her teeth. Her hands slowly slide down your body making their way to her own hips as she unbuckles her belt and button. Stepping out of her pants as she keeps her eyes on yours. A soft shrug leaves her shoulders a coy smirk on her face. Your eyes work their way down her half naked body.

“I want to make myself very clear on some things,” she starts as she takes a step closer to you. Her eyes linger on yours as she waits for you to acknowledge her. Nodding your head as she licks her lips once again.

“You most definitely aren’t some little experiment.” She states as she motions for you to lay down. Raising your eyebrows in protest before her hands grip your hips as her lips find your neck. Her teeth grazing your skin as you can’t hold back the moan that leaves your lips.

“Let me show you how much I love you. Please,” she whimpers against your skin as her fingertips tease the skin above the waistline of your panties. Nodding your head as you slowly lower yourself to the floor. She’s quick to follow as her body hovers over yours. Arms on either side of your head. Reaching up and pulling her lips back to yours. Your back arching off the cold floor as her hips sliver between yours.

Your fingers tangle themselves in her in dark locks as your heads tilt deepening the kiss. Her teeth capture your bottom lip and gently pull, causing you to lose your breath. Chest evening as your hands grasp her back pulling her down fully against you. Her moans seep into your skin as you welcome the weight of her body and her warm skin touching yours.

Her hands gripping your torso as her lips work their way down your neck to your cleavage. Making sure to leave no skin untouched as she leaves open mouth kisses everywhere. Arching into her touch as you gently rock yourself against her. Her breathing hitches as you rub up against her core just right.

“Fucking shit-” she moans as she ruts herself harder against you causing the both of you to lose it in moans. Her lips enclose around your nipple as her free hand grips your hip, getting lost in the feeling of you beneath her. Tongue flicking and teasing your sensitive bud as her lips suck you deeper in her mouth. Your hands roam her naked back as you feel the wetness pool between your thighs.

“Please,” you moan quietly as she moves over to your other breast giving it the same attention.

“Please what, pretty? Use your words for me.” She mumbles as she looks up through her lashes with a heart stopping smirk plaster across her face. “Touch me.Touch me please baby,” you whine as you grip her free hand and move it between your hips. Her fingers brush against your dripping core. Your hips buck up unintentional as she slowly rubs circles on your throbbing clit.

Her head falls onto your shoulder as she lets out a low growl as she quickly removes your underwear and slides her hand right back in between your folders. Working her fingers through your wetness as her lips make their appearance leaving her mark all across your chest. Teeth grazing every few kisses loving the way she can feel your heart stop every time she bites down making you hiss beneath her.

Her fingers teasing your sensitive bud as she slowly rotates up and down, around and around until she has you gasping for air pulling her down harder against you begging her,

“Please, please don’t stop!”

“You're close already mamas?” She snorts her hot breath hitting your skin, her fingers never faltering as she matches the pace of her hips with her fingers as she slides two in without warning. Moaning at the fact she easily slides in as her palm presses hard against your clit. Rubbing just right as her hips thrusting against her hand causing her fingers to go deeper searching for that spongy spot to cause your mind to go fuzzy and your nerves to feel like they are on fire.

The act of her fingers fucking your deeply with the force of her hips grinding against you has you spirling and melting like puddy in her hand. Your moans grow louder as you wrap your legs around her hips causing her to lose her grip beside your head fallen on top of your. Your hands make quick work to unclasp her bra and slide it down her arms. Leaning up freeing her breast you waste no time in leaning up and capturing one of her buds between your teeth biting and gently pulling. Her hips sputter against yours as her head falls against her shoulder moaning loudly from your actions.

“Shit baby, your tongue feels so fucking good.” She moans as she leans up her hips continue to thrust against you and her hand curling her fingers just right against your sweet spot. Thighs clenching together as your hips grind up against her.Taking everything and everything she has to offer you. Pulling her in deeper wishing this moment would never end. Her free hand reaches up and wipes the hair out of her eyes so she can take the sight of you in. Her tits bouncing perfectly in front of your eyes. Your lip between your teeth as your chest heaves up and down. Hair sprawled out across the floor as your body rocks perfectly against hers. Your wetness dripping down her hand and thighs. Your core getting tighter and tighter the longer she stares down at you.

“Hey you,” she whimpers above you. Your eyes working their way up from her bouncing breast to her icy blue orbs. Smirking up at her as your back arches up off the floor slightly asking for her touch. Without hesitation her hand grips your tit. Squeezing and pulling as she flexes her hand between your clenched thighs. Rubbing both your sweet spot and clit just right causing you to see stars as you unfold all over her fingers. Moaning her name over and over again as your hips grind against her faster in hopes of prolonging your high for as long as possible.

“I love you,” you moan, reaching up for her wanting her lips on yours. Falling into you her lips crash into yours as she moans against you. “Fuck, I’m never going to get tired of hearing your say that baby.” She admits as she clasps your cheek in her palm, bringing your lips back to hers. Her hand slowly removing itself from between your thighs. Her smirk grows as she watches your cum drip down between her fingers.

Her tongue doesn’t miss a beat before she's lapping your juices from off and between her fingers. Her lips sucking every last drop as her orbs darken with a jerk of her hips against yours. Moaning, gripping her hips tightly as you lean up begging for her lips. Granting your wish she captures your lips and slides her tongue in not asking for permission. Swallowing her moans as you slowly slide your hand between her thighs as she gently rocks her hips against your palm. Her breath catches as your middle finger teases her clit.

Foreheads together as her hot breath fans across your face. Her lips bunched between her teeth as her tits sway against yours. Nipples rubbing against each other causing electric shocks to fire across your skin.

Her breath ragged as you spread her wetness all around her clit looking up at her through your lashes. Biting your lip as you grip her hip with your free hand helping aid her in her motions against your fingers.

Your middle finger flirts with her as your lips find her neck. Kissing along her hot skin, leaving your mark, as your tongue soothes the love bites. Billies groans echo off the bare walls as your fingers slowly slide into her heated core. Her back arching as you thrust and twist your fingers against her walls. Her breathing gets heavy as you guide her hips to rock faster against your fingers as you whisper in her ear how badly our want her to cum. Begging her to show you how much she loves you.

Billie loses control as she clenches around your fingers. Her hips rotating against your palm as you rub her clit just right. Her lips search for yours as she crumbles on top of you. Her hips slowing down but still moving gloriously against you. “I’m cumming- shit baby right there.” She moans against your lips as her body shakes against yours. Breathing each other in as you gently rub up and down her spine. Gently placing soft kisses as you slowly thrust your fingers riding out her high. Soft whispers of ‘i love yous’ bounce against each other's lips as you try and catch your breaths.

You feel her smirk against your lips as you slowly remove your hand from between her thighs. Reaching your hand up to your lips your tongue traces between your fingers as your eyes meet hers. Moaning at her taste on your tongue her smirk matches yours as she leans down and searches for your lips. Capturing them she traces your bottom lip groaning as she tastes herself on your lips.

“I think I’m ready to go back to the room now.” She whispers against your lips. Your cheeks heat up as your eyes meet hers. Nodding your head as you aid her in sitting up you search for your dress. Reaching around to grab it but you’re stopped mid turn, confusion laces your features as you’re met with her soft orbs.

“Ask me again please?” She asks softly as her fingers trace your cheek. Her eyes flickering between your eyes and lips as she holds her breath waiting for her answer. Searching her eyes for any sign of hesitation you take a deep breath.

“Billie,” you whisper with a giggle. Her face lights up as she fights the smile working its way across her cheeks. Nodding you on waiting for you to continue.

“What do you want with me?” you ask your gaze dropping as you can’t hide the shyness that takes over. You pulse quicken as you fidget with your fingers. Not for long before Billie grips your chin tilting your head up to meet her gaze.

“I really want you to be my girlfriend, so will you please” she whispers before she brings her lips down to yours. Laying a soft peck on your swollen lips before quickly pulling away, “pretty please be my girlfriend?” She asks as you swear you could hear her heart beating against her chest. Gripping her checks and pulling her lips back to yours. Devouring her moans as you deepen the kiss.

“I really want to be your girlfriend.” You declare as you pull away with a quick peck.

“So you’re my girlfriend then?” She asks with a smirk. Needing verbal confirmation.

“Yes.” you grin. Her face lights up in pure joy as she pulls you in for one last kiss before telling you to get dressed. Wanting to head home and devour you in every way possible. Not sure what the future holds, but as the both of you start to redress yourselves you can’t help but think you both were ready to face whatever would be thrown your way as long as you had each other.

pt 1

[literaryavenger]

New Year's Eve

Summary: A game of two truths and a lie reveals to the team a fact about the you that Bucky can’t seem to stop thinking about.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Avenger!Female Reader

Warnings: Minimal use of Y/N. Language 'cause why not. A lot of fluff. My poor attempts at being funny. Mutual pining, idiots in love. Self-deprecating thoughts.

Word Count: 3.2K

A/N: Happy New Year's Eve! Thanks for all the messages when I was sick, I'm finally feeling better and I'm negative for Covid! I really wanted to post something for New Year's Eve and this came from a fever dream I had when I was sick, lol. I hope it's any good and someone enjoys it! A particular thank you to @ordelixx for helping me with this story!💘I've only started posting here about a month and a half but I'm really enjoying it and feeling more and more comfortable in my writing. I hope I'm also getting better at it. Anyway, I have big plans for the New Year that I hope you'll enjoy! This year hasn't been great for me, but I'm planning on working harder than ever to make sure the next one is a year I can be proud of. I hope you guys have a nice last day of 2023 and an amazing start of 2024! Love you all.💘

Masterlist

“Ok, your turn, Kill Bill. Two truths and a lie, go.” Tony says, referring to the fact that you fight with swords, making you roll your eyes before you join in on the laughter.

“Ok, uhm...” you try not to look at anyone so you don’t give away the answer “I have a teddy bear that I sleep with, I have bungee jumped from the top of the tower and I’ve never had a New Year’s kiss.”

You look back up to the room and wait for their guesses.

It’s a Friday night and the people that remained in the Tower for the holidays decided to have a little game night.

Every year the same people stay around, having nowhere in particular to go, and spend Christmas together. 

Clint and Scott usually spend this time with their families, this year Thor decided to go to New Asgard with Bruce and Loki to visit Val and Korg, and Peter decided to spend it with aunt May and Happy.

You usually alternate between going to visit your family and staying in the tower each year, and this one was your turn to go to your first home.

You came back the day after Christmas, never being one to miss Tony’s New Year’s Eve party that’s gonna happen in two days now.

“Well, we know she has a teddy bear.” Wanda says.

“Do we know that?” Tony turns to you, narrowing his eyes. “Do you have one?”

“Yes, she does, we’ve seen it” Natasha answers for you while you glance at Bucky, praying he doesn’t put together that they’re talking about the teddy bear he gifted you for Valentine’s Day this year along with flowers. 

Natasha and Wanda were more happy than you when you told them, sustaining that he did it because he liked you until you pointed out that he gave flowers to them too, because he’s sweet and a gentleman and that’s just who he is.

They wouldn’t let up on the fact that neither of them got a teddy bear though, and you would have agreed with them but Bucky never really did anything else about it so you decided to let it go and not read too much into it.

You're brought back to the present by Tony.

“Ok, so she has one. Then it’s gotta be the New Year’s kiss, everyone has had one at least once in their life,” he was looking at your reaction very closely while talking, but you did your best to keep an easy smile and not give anything away.

“Even Captain Virgin over there had one last year.” he adds vaguely waving towards Steve’s general direction. 

You crack at the nickname and at the undignified sound Steve made while blushing and glancing at Nat that shared that kiss with him.

“Tony, there’s no way that she bungee jumped from the roof without us knowing, that’s gotta be the lie.” Sam interjects, also watching you closely for any signs of a reaction that you manage not to give.

“Alright, just take your guesses, people.” You say to the group.

“New Year’s Kiss.” Tony all but yelled, Natasha and Wanda agreeing with him.

“Bungee jump.” Sam says and Steve and Bucky agree, then they all seem to hold their breath as they wait for your answer.

It’s not a surprise that even these stupid little games cause a lot of competition amongst the team.

“Neither.”-you finally said and let out a laugh when they all groan in annoyance while taking their shots for guessing wrong.

“WAIT- you bungee jumped off the ROOF? When?!” Steve seems more concerned than anything.

“Well, you know a few months ago when we happened to all be on different missions at the same time?” They nod, not knowing where you're going with this “Clint and I came back first from ours, we were bored and there was no one around to stop us from doing anything stupid so…” you trail off, shrugging while laughing. 

Steve looks shocked, Sam is laughing his ass off while Tony immediately goes to look for the security footage.

They all cheered while watching you throw yourself off the roof, Clint's yells and laughter could be heard, and then Steve shakes his head while joining you in the laughter when you see Clint take his turn and scream like a little girl while you fall to the ground laughing on the video. 

Once you all composed yourselves, Tony pokes Wanda’s arm “I thought you said she had a teddy bear.” he's looking at her like she brought him on a treasure hunt and then betrayed him and left him for dead on a deserted island.

“She does! She got it from-” you interrupt her before she can finish the sentence, blushing a little and avoiding Bucky’s eyes.

“I do have a teddy bear, I just don’t sleep with it.” you say, shrugging.

“Oh, come on, that’s cheating!” Natasha whines.

“It’s really not, just because I do have one it doesn’t mean I didn’t tell a lie about it” you laugh at her pout.

“Wait a minute, so you’ve never had a New Year’s kiss?” Tony looks at you like you suddenly grew two heads.

“It’s not a big deal. Funny thing is, I have had boyfriends during New Year’s Eve, I just never happen to spend the day with them.” you say absentmindedly while thinking back at all the parties you’ve been to over the years to celebrate the new year.

“Really?” it's so quiet you almost missed it, your eyes snapping up to meet Bucky’s that were already looking at you.

“Is that so hard to believe?” The room seems to go quiet as everybody looks at you two, but you're too focused on each other to notice.

“I didn’t- I mean…” his cheeks started to turn a little pink as he seemed to have trouble finishing his sentence “It’s just you’re very pretty, who wouldn’t want to kiss you?”

You didn’t know what to say to that, you start blushing too while opening and closing your mouth a couple of times, looking like a damn fish.

You settle for a quiet ‘thank you’ with a smile that he shyly returns, neither of you noticing the glances passed by everyone else.

The whole team is convinced that there’s something between you and Bucky, but both of you always deny it and don’t seem to read too much into each other’s actions, always dismissing the glances and lingering touches as friendly affection even though you’re not really that close.

But really what else could it be?

The team lets the moment end and the game goes on, everyone keeps drinking and having fun until it gets really late and you all decide to call it a night.

Bucky goes to his bedroom and gets ready for sleep but he can’t seem to focus on anything else but you.

He really doesn’t understand how can anybody see your pretty self when you’ve just woken up, no makeup and your eyes full of sleep and not want to kiss you, let alone when you are all dolled up in a pretty golden dresses like you do every New Year’s. 

Every year it gets harder for him not to just grab you and kiss you, hell every day is pretty much torture to see you around the Compound and not get to be with you the way he wants to.

But he has to keep his hands to himself because there’s no way you could actually like him like that. 

He’s even tried to drop hints here and there like giving you the teddy bear for Valentine’s Day but, except for the cute shade of pink that your face turned, you still didn’t seem all that interested.

Still, that didn’t stop him from thinking what it would be like if you did like him and fantasize about being your first New Year’s kiss and maybe even your last first kiss.

At the same time you were in your own room getting ready for bed while your own thoughts kept going back to the moment you shared with Bucky in the living room. 

You didn’t know if you were more embarrassed because you actually told the team you’ve never had a kiss on New Year’s Eve or happy because Bucky called you pretty.

If it was anyone else you wouldn’t even think twice about it, but coming from him it just felt like you were being complimented for the first time ever. 

Everytime you thought about it you felt all warm and fuzzy inside, and at this point the moment was pretty much on loop in your mind.

The more you think about it the more you feel your face heat up, sleep not coming easily as you slip into Bucky filled dreams.

The next day everybody’s hanging out in the living room, most of them nursing a hangover from last night. You get ready for a last minute shopping trip to try and find a new dress for New Year’s Eve.

When you get to the living room you see Steve grinning at a disgruntled Tony, Wanda, Sam and Natasha who are obviously very hangover and nowhere near as amused as the blonde supersoldier. 

Bucky’s attention is on you as soon as you're in his field of vision and no one fails to notice it, except you of course, your own attention on Wanda and Natasha sprawled on the couch.

“Well, I was gonna ask you if you wanted to come shopping with me,” you start watching from one to the other, as amused as Steve at everyone’s inability to contain themselves when drinking. “but I don’t think that’s happening.” 

“Bite me, YLN.” Is all Nat says.

Wanda, on the other hand, is a little gentler. “I can come with you, if you want.” she says sweetly.

“That’s okay, Wands.” you smile at her “just rest and drink lots of water.”

You turn around, saying bye to everyone and making your way out. As soon as the doors of the elevator close, everyone turns to Bucky that's not even pretending not to be staring anymore.

Not that anyone could ignore the longing look on Bucky’s face as he watches you walk away.

“Buck,” Steve starts talking, glancing at everyone before setting his gaze back on his best friend. “we need to talk.”

“Okay…” he slowly drags out, unsure if he even wants Steve to keep going.

“Well, we’ve been noticing some things lately…” He’s unsure of how to say this. “Between you and Y/N.”

Bucky’s cheeks start to turn a slight shade of pink, but he’s still not sure where Steve’s going with this so he says nothing.

“So we thought” he gestures around at everybody. “that maybe we should-”

“We know you like her, and we want to help you get with her.” Tony interrupts Steve, quickly getting to the point.

At Steve’s glare, Tony merely raises his hands in surrender saying, “Listen, Capsicle, I’m way too hungover to take the panoramic route. Let’s just get this over with.”

“Yeah, Stark’s right.” Sam says, turning Bucky whose face is fully red now. “You have a weak ass game, man. Let us help you.”

They all look at the brunette supersoldier while waiting for his answer. He chews on his lip while looking at the expectant faces of his friends, before letting out a deep sigh.

“How would you even help me?” He says quietly, neither accepting nor denying their help just yet.

“Well, we know Y/N,” Wanda says.

“Yeah, we can tell you what turns her on.” Natasha smirked, before Wanda flicks her ear making her let out an ‘ow’ with a slight pout.

“What she means is,” she glares at Natasha “we can tell you what she likes, you know. Maybe help you get closer to her.”

Bucky shakes his head lightly “This is not a good idea. And it doesn’t even matter if she doesn’t like me.”

Wanda and Natasha seem to have a silent conversation, ending with Natasha raising her eyebrow at Wanda and Wanda just sighing with a soft ‘fine’.

“She does like you.” Wanda turns back to Bucky.

“She’s just convinced that you don’t like her like that.” Natasha says with a roll of her eyes.

Bucky still wasn’t completely convinced, but he agreed nonetheless. Maybe it was the glimmer of hope the girls gave him, but if there was even the slightest chance you could actually like him, he owed it to himself to try. 

So he let the team make a plan to get you guys together, hoping to god he wouldn’t come to regret it.

You come home a few hours later, super excited to have found the perfect dress for the party the next night.

Bucky thought you were just so cute, all smiles and giggles.

Wanda and Nat talked you into having the last girls night of the year, although it didn’t really take much convincing.

And so the plan begins.

You’re relaxing on your bed, Wanda lying next to you, your head on her lap, and Nat sprawled on the love seat near the window close to your bed.

You’re wearing bathrobes, sheet masks on your faces as you watch a cheesy romcom that you’re so embarrassingly into you don’t even notice the girls exchange a look and nod at each other.

Wanda clears her throat and then begins talking, as casually as she can. “So, how come you never told us you never had a New Year’s kiss?”

They had to approach the subject somehow, right?

“I don’t know,” you say absentmindedly and then shrug, your attention still on the Tv. “didn’t think it was important.” 

“Sure it isn’t.” Nat said, and her tone took your attention away from the movie for the first time since it started.

“What’s that supposed to mean, Tasha?” she simply shrugs, an innocent look in the face.

“It doesn’t mean anything” she says, her attention seemingly on the movie “I mean, if it doesn’t bother you, it doesn’t bother me.”

“Why would it bother me?” you frown, you don't understand what's so weird about this.

“Well, some people might find it a little…” Wanda trails off.

“Sad?” Natasha ends for her.

“It’s not like I’ve never kissed anyone.” you're starting to get a little defensive.

“We know that, sweetie.” Wanda coos, stroking your hair while you look up at her.

“We really didn’t mean anything by it.” Natasha ends, giving you an apologetic look.

“Yeah, whatever.” is all you say, and you turn your eyes back to the tv, your attention nowhere near it.

Natasha and Wanda can basically hear the gears turn in your head and give each other one last glance. 

Part one of the plan is complete.

The next day goes through like usual, the team spending basically the whole morning together.

It’s a tradition, having the last breakfast of the year together, watching the last movie, having the last lunch and so on. Doing all the lasts together.

It’s silly, but it’s a tradition you've all come to be very fond of. 

The afternoon comes and you and the girls spend it getting ready for the party, last night’s conversation almost forgotten.

Almost.

As you got to the party the music was deafening before you even stepped out of the elevator and, once you did, you were immediately immersed in a sea of perfume and cologne and, like every other Stark party extravaganza, you didn’t know about 98% of the people there. 

You quickly find the team, as outgoing as most of them are, you usually spend most of the night together because it���s the last night of the year, last party and, again, it's your tradition.

You talk, you joke, you laugh but the more you drink the more you keep thinking about your conversation with the girls last night.

Was it really that sad that you’ve never started a new year with a kiss?

Midnight came sooner than you would’ve liked and your teammates decide to ask you a sobering question.

“So, who are you kissing?” Tony asks very casually.

You turn around confused, the team’s eyes all on you. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh, nobody told you?” Sam says, looking around him “We’re all kissing someone tonight.”

“I- You- What?” you glance towards Bucky so quickly he almost thought he imagined it.

“Well, Romanoff is kissing Rogers, I’m obviously kissing Pepper and Wanda is kissing Wilson.” Tony said, before specifying while pointing at the last two “As friends, obviously.”

“So, you’re all kissing someone?” You look at everyone except the one person you actually want to look at.

Something inside of you just believes that he would nod too and a beautiful woman that you could never compare to would appear at his side.

“Well,” Steve starts. “not all of us…”

He trails off and, following his gaze, you land on the very pair of blue eyes you were trying to avoid.

Suddenly everyone else scatters and it was just you and Bucky. You don't know what to say, but you feel like you can't look away from him now.

What the hell is happening to you?

You’re talking before you can even stop yourself “You know, we could also kiss. As friends.” you add, realizing what you just said, your eyes wide with your own surprise.

He’s about to say something, but you don’t give him a chance to get a sound out before you’re backtracking so fast you might actually fall out the window.

“You don’t have to. Obviously. It’s not like I’d make you.” you chuckled awkwardly, but you can’t stop yourself from rambling “Unless you wanted to. But why would you want to? It’s not like you’re missing anything. I’m not anything special.”

You can hear the countdown starting, but it sounds distant to your ears as your heart pounds faster. “I mean, I’m sure you’re a good kisser. Why wouldn’t you be? Not that you’re like a lady’s man.”

Bucky glances around him, the team giving him encouraging looks as they near zero and you just keep going “But like you were, you know. Not that it’s a bad thi-”

You're thankfully interrupted abruptly by Bucky’s lips on yours just as everyone yells ‘Happy New Year’ and gold and black confetti starts falling down on you.

You can't even begin to comprehend what's happening but your body does, kissing him back almost immediately.

It feels like forever and also too soon when he pulls away, you can't even hearing the chaos around you anymore.

All that exists is you and Bucky and his eyes and his arms around your waist and yours around his neck and his lips that you wanted to kiss again and kiss forever and never stop.

“You have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to do that” he says after a few seconds. Or maybe days. Weeks? Hours? It doesn’t matter.

All that matters is the bright smile he gives you when you say “Me too.”

He kisses you again, but this time the spell is broken by the team’s whistles and cheers. 

When you pull away you’re both blushing a little, you glance around you and see all the smug faces of the idiots you love to death, Bucky’s attention never leaving you.

“And by the way,” Bucky says, gaining your attention once more. “you have more qualities than you think,” he then pointed at your chest “You have this.”

You looked down to where he was pointing before saying “I do have great tits, yes.”

When you looked back at him he was blushing even harder and looked like he was having a hard time maintaining eye contact, while you were more relaxed now that the kiss took away all the awkwardness, but trying hard not to laugh. 

“... I meant heart” he said after a few moments of silence.

“Either or.” you answered, shrugging and when you heard the snickers of the team around you, you couldn’t help but join them, followed by a still blushing Bucky.

Yep, this year is definitely gonna be an interesting one.

[empressdede]

TikToks - Jimmy Uso

Based on this tiktok. A very short oneshot so I hope you enjoy

Paring :Jimmy x Y/N

Word count: 544 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

“Wait babe, I wanna do it like the girl did in the video.” You instructed, grabbing his hand and pulling him off the bed to walk to the living room with you.

Jon decided to cut off his game because you were complaining that he wasn’t spending enough time with you on his day off before he was off again.

Jonathan obliged on giving you his attention but was quickly regretting it because now all you wanted to do was make tiktok videos.

“Didn’t you say you’re not flexible? How you gon be able to copy the lady if you can’t move yo legs like that” He stated in confusion but you were determined.

“I know but I started doing yoga a month ago remember? I wanna see if I can do it.”

“If you bust yo ass, imma laugh at you I swear.” Jon warned causing you to smack your teeth.

“Boy just lay down and wait for me to do it.” You had searched for the perfect place to set up the camera in the living room before walking back to where Jon was.

The video counting down before it started, but you thought it had started soo you started to stretch your legs out and continued. You lost balance and fell forward but your hands caught your fall and you continued to go further into the split until you felt your core touch his lips.

Two different reactions came from the two of you. His more vocal than yours when he started to laugh in disbelief. “That’s crazy, get off right now.” He demanded through his laughs.

He kept repeating himself which caused you to laugh and walk from him when he felt himself start to chub up and immediately moved to cup his front and fold his legs into his stomach. “Yooooo, I ain’t gon lie to y’all-“

You giggled at his reaction as you watched him turn away from the camera to get up. “Babe I swear, I didn’t even know I could do that.”

“That’s craaazzzyyy” He responded, his mind lowkey forgetting they had did this for a tiktok. You don’t wear panties around the house and not only did you put his pussy in his face but he got a whiff of your scent. He was on demon time now.

“No, babe you gotta go back, I gotta do that one more time.”

He shook his head as he finally stood up and faced you. “Imma be honest, I can’t go back. If you do that one more time, clothes is coming off and I’m just being honest.”

“That’s fine baby I just wanna- oh wow”

And that’s when you seen it. And remembered this was absolutely still being recorded.

You jumped off the couch to stand in front of him but Your laughs made you weak to your knees. Jon covered himself and the both of you just laughed at his predicament of getting a boner from just that one thing.

When the cameras finally stopped recording, you still laughing looked at Jon with an amused look on your face. “You good now babe?”

“Nah, come do that shit again with no clothes on. Imma get you right baby.”

So much for those tiktok videos huh?

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You know whats so crazy is this was not the tiktok I originally planned to write for Jimmy but this one felt like it was more him.

How we feeling? Lol Romans is up next, Ive had a lot of fun writing these.

Tagging the lovelies: @whatdoeseverybodywant @wrestlingprincess80 @blacst4r @alyyaanna @tbmotw @nbanenefrmdao @christinabae

[thebearer]

Picture this: Carmy taking extra weeks off when Willow is born compared to when Teddy was born (I get the feeling he off for like, ten days and he was CRAWLING UP THE WALLS with the need to be back in the kitchen controlling things) to avoid that shitty dad feeling. Especially because the two of you have to look after Teddy AND new baby Willow. And he's realized you and the kids are more important than the restaurant 100% ❤️

with teddy he took a week and a half off (was supposed to be two but he ended up going back in early bc he’s a control freak). and really, it wasn’t much of a break. the first few days, yes, then he’s calling or people were calling him.

“i just gotta take this for a second.” and it would be a two hour ordeal of him trying to call, order, then call sydney or sugar or richie.

then he starts going in, just for a second. getting things from the office that he left. he was never gone long, he knew better and they’d practically kick him out of the kitchen, but he could not stay away. needed to see with his own eyes that everything was good, worried constantly that it wasn’t and it was falling down around him.

truthfully, by the time he went back, you were glad he was gone bc he was stressing you out. I don’t think he did a full dinner service until two weeks and even then, he only stayed for a little bit. just to greet who he needed to if there was a kitchen tour, or talk to critics, do a few things and he was home honestly before it was closed. very much so a control freak who wore himself so thin, thus causing the absolute break that he had in the devastation fics.

so when willow comes around, he’s much more relaxed. maybe not all the way, but he trusts that richie and sydney and everyone can run it without him. he has more trust, less need for control, and genuinely is kinda excited in a way to be away from the restaurant.

i think he’d take two weeks fully no contact (unless it was an emergency) but then after that he’d come in once a week just to do office things, just when they needed him, would bring teddy to get her out of the house and let you and willow sleep. kinda handle two things situation. it’s more of a gradual thing. he lets sydney honestly call whatever the schedule is based around her.

i mentioned in a baby making blurb (which i think I’m going to turn into a full smut fic lol) that he wanted to plan this time. didn’t want to be careless, wanted to plan the pregnancy so it wasn’t rushed like teddy’s was. and he did just that.

he made sure to plan his schedule so he wouldn’t get overworked or burnt out like last time. he really thought of ways that he could be home, be with you and the girls, but not abandon everyone at work. hired some extra chefs he trusted that he knew from noma or somewhere, just people he trusted, and found a way to makeup for the slack so there would be no more pressure.

does his office things at home (ordering, scheduling, pay roll) during willow and teddy’s nap time. usually had baby willow with him in his office bc she’s chill. he likes to see her, she’s quiet and sleeps better with company, and it lets you be able to sleep without worrying about getting up bc he’s got it. especially if he’s going to be working dinner shift that night and he knows you’ll have to be up.

if he and sydney are meeting up for menu concept brainstorming or tastings or something, he’ll bring teddy, sometimes you and willow along too. it gets you out of the house, if you want to, you get to socialize, taste food, and he can get stuff done. they both like your opinions, so it’s kinda a win.

just things he didn’t do before. before with teddy, carmen was dead set on keeping them separate. in his mind, those worlds couldn’t collide. he couldn’t bring work home bc he thought you’d be upset, and he couldn’t bring you there into the chaos with a baby, so he just overwhelmed himself and exhausted himself trying to make it work.

with willow (carm’s also been to therapy lol), he learned a balance. that they can overlap, to try and ask others instead of guessing and making assumptions, really just how to balance better.

[skulcrusherlulu]

let’s chat about #1145!

We see Ulti, Page One, and Yamato in the page art. I haven’t really been keeping up with their little stories these past few chapters, but Ulti has always been one of my favorite antagonists, so it’s nice to see her again! Like I said though… I haven’t been following the Ogre Child Yamato series. Someone let me know what it’s about!!!

Looks like we start off with Zoro and Sanji teaming up to take down some foes! A dinosaur too? I feel like Oda rarely ever shows us real animals that we might be familiar with, it's always those hybrid creatures he's known for. I think the last time we saw dinosaurs in the show was Little Garden, right? Ironic, since we’re in Elbaf now.

I also love seeing Sanji and Zoro set aside their differences to team up. Matter of fact, I can’t even remember the last time they did this. Was it really only Long Ring Long Land? Man, when the end references the beginning, you know the final moments are coming. I feel like the bow around One Piece is getting tied tighter and tighter, and seeing these little callbacks makes it all the more real.

Y’all get what I mean??

Goldberg’s shield is a homie! Makes me think about how Big Mom is doing. Even though she fell into a pit of boiling lava, I hesitate to say she’s dead. Isn’t seeing this homie basically confirmation that she’s still alive? Do her homies stay alive even after she’s dead?

Personally, I don’t think that’s the last we’ll see of Big Mom, and I hope not, because I love her! She might be one of my favorite antagonists to date. I love her little singing and dancing numbers, I love her homies, and ugh, I just love Big Mom so much.

Call me Charlotte Lulu!

I gotta think… have the Holy Knights ever been mentioned in One Piece before?? Because I remember the Seven Warlords being mentioned within like the first 20–30 episodes. Jimbei, by name, was mentioned super early too. Elbaf, Big Mom, and all these big, impactful things were brought up early in the story, which I think really shows how much planning Oda put into this from the beginning.

But were the Holy Knights ever mentioned? I honestly can’t remember.

Also, we either just learned, or maybe we already knew and I wasn’t paying attention, that Loki was out roaming the seas causing chaos in his formative years. And honestly? I do believe he could have been king. Isn’t this guy supposed to be a super giant? Does he have conq Haki? Have we ever even seen a giant with Haki?

I really want Loki to have Conqueror’s Haki… man, that would be a sight to see.

I know this is something small, but I really liked seeing this joke page with Luffy and Loki. It makes me think he could end up being an ally in the future. Will the “Loki will become a Straw Hat” theories actually come true??? I can’t even imagine how that would work, like, how would his big ass even fit on the Sunny?

At first, I was thinking maybe the owl in the Elbaf library could shrink him or something?? But I think they said it only works on inorganic objects, so that’s a bust.

Still, you don’t usually see joke pages like that with true villains, so maybe the big guy’s actually a friendly ally? I think the atmosphere right now feels kinda tentative…

Woahhhh, Loki had a Shanks?? I think most people have already been spoiled on who the guy is, but man, he's been kept in the shadows for so long.

My personal theory? The dude is alive. He has to be. He might even end up being one of the final baddies we fight… okay, I might be reaching, lol.

What do y’all think? Is he alive? Or is he dead and gone for good? Has it ever actually been confirmed that he’s dead? I feel like if he was, Oda would’ve revealed him by now. Either or, remember what I said about Big Mom? They aren’t dead until it’s CONFIRMED.

I totally forgot about the kids marching toward their utter doom and destruction! Man, just when I think Oda can’t come up with another great Devil Fruit, he hits us with this Pied Piper-esque ability. I think it’s so cool!

Thankfully, the fire gets put out by the hero Jimbei a few pages later, which is a relief because I was lowkey getting anxiety over it, lol.

I just wish Usopp’s Pop Greens had worked. That could’ve been such a cool moment for him, in his own arc, too! Oda… 😒

Remember what I said about who Usopp’s biggest enemy is? Yeah. Right.

Not Jimbei trying to play it cool, lol. It’s working though!

But woah, this Gunko appearance is lethal. These top World Government dogs are not shying away from showing their faces lately. I mean, we had all five Elders touch down in Elbaf! It really makes me think back to what I said earlier… the end is near, isn’t it? 😔

But am I the only one who thinks Gunko looks like that one girl from the Revolutionary Army? Sabo’s girlfriend? I can’t remember her name right now, but doesn’t she also have the little cap and goggles too? Is there any relation? I could just be reaching, lol.

Still… damn, they’re really out here hunting these children down.

God, we only got a few panels of Loki and Luffy… 😔 And I think the manga’s going on break for another week or so, which means no official updates unless it comes from leaks.

But man….it is HEATING UP in Elbaf!

I wanna hear theories!

Who’s the shadowy figure in Loki’s memories?

Will he join the crew??

Is this Gunko girl the same girl from the Revolutionary Army??

Will Usopp ever get his time to shine???

We shall see… in the next chapter of One Piece!

[kaceyunderfell]

Salt in the Wound - A Rain World Au

First (you are here!) | Previous | Next

Artificer cant remember how many scavengers she had killed, must have been at least ten thousand by now. Yet, every corner she turns she seems to see more and more of them, like she isn't doing anything in the long-run to exterminate them.

She had given herself this task, to kill all the scavengers, so that no other slugcats would be hurt by them the way she had been.

She sighs, knowing that this cycle will just be the same as all the rest. She continues on, not thinking about how this is probably a lost cause at this point.

After what feels like hours of dodging spears and throwing spears back at those who threw them Artificer looks up at the sky. "The rain is coming.." she says, annoyed. At least the scavengers also seem to have gotten the message that the rain is approaching. She watched as the few remaining scavengers that had survived her attack ran off to their shelters.

Artificer took a rock and placed it in her mouth, after a few seconds she spat it out and threw it at the scavenger that didn't enter the shelter yet. The rock exploded, killing the scavenger instantly. She growls in disgust as she walks up to one of the bodies and mauls it.

Four food pips filled, just the amount she needed. She heads towards the next shelter, thinking that she was just gonna do the exact same thing the next cycle.

She enters the pipe leading to the shelter, not expecting to see anything of note. She is used to this repeating pattern. But.. once inside the shelter she spots something.. small..

"A.. pup..?" Artificer says, almost in disbelief.

The pup looks at Artificer for a good five seconds before deciding that she is dangerous. It runs to the far side of the shelter, as far as it can get from Artificer, who is blocking the exit.

Artificer tries to calm the pup down "It's okay.. I'm not going to hurt you.." her efforts to calm the pup down are useless. The pup seems terrified of her.

She tries to think back to when she was a mother. What calmed her pups down? Aha! That's it! she thought I gotta earn this little guy's trust!

She exits the shelter through the pipe. What would make them trust me? she thought, then she thought that bringing one of the scavenger bodies as something to eat would be less afraid of her.

Artificer walked over to one of the bodies, the one she hadn't eaten. She grabs it and heads back to the shelter. The less-deadly rain had started and she knew it wouldn't be long till the more-deadly rain set in, so she ran as fast as she could towards the shelter as to not be killed.

Once in the shelter again she looks at the slugpup, who still looks terrified of her. She places the body of the scavenger on the ground, then draws the Karma 4 symbol (indicating food) on the floor, trying to tell the pup that it is food.

After doing that she moves over to the corner left of the exit pipe and sits down. She watches what the pup does, trying to look less intimidating in the corner.

The shelter door locks itself. The pup is just staring at the corpse in front of it, not moving at all. The poor thing seems terrified. Artificer doesn't understand why it isn't eating.

Artificer looks worried. Is this pup okay? she thought to herself. Why isn't it eating?

Eventually Artificer falls asleep, not being able to keep the tiredness at bay any longer.

Im actually proud of this so imma tag some of my friends/moots because i want them to read this lol @thunder-opossum @harperfrost @kiaraunderfell123 @aeott @doomsterr @thornsawawa @saint-the-faint @staring-at-a-blank-pagee @lugiteen @sunflowers-son @olly-the-available-url @ruffy-ruffles @vo1dsea

(And yes, I do plan on continuing this au (Also, the pup's name is Minty))