#centre door knobs

[designerhandle]

 centre door knobs:A Touch of Style to Your Home

Ever notice how small details like a door knob can make an entire room pop? Yes, it's really the little things that sometimes make the most difference. centre door knobs are a detail that will add a warm touch, elegance, and charm to any door in your house.

Imagine walking into a room and being immediately drawn to the warm, reddish-brown gleam of a beautifully crafted copper knob. Not only does it catch the light, but it also adds a unique touch to your space that other finishes just can't replicate.

Have you considered updating your home with centre door knobs? Or perhaps you are just considering your options and wondering if they might be the perfect fit for your style. Let's dive into many reasons why centre door knobs should be on your radar!

 Why Choose centre door knobs?

You are probably wondering, "Why is copper door knob so special?" Let's learn about it! Copper isn't just a material, but it's a statement. Whether you're redesigning a single room or refreshing your entire home, centre door knobs can be the perfect finishing touch. Here's why:

·       They have a unique aesthetic appeal

The warm, rich tones of copper make it an eye-catching choice right off the bat. Copper is a metal that seems to embody a timelessness and sophistication. Do you know that the color of copper actually matures and evolves with time? A rustic, aged look, naturally acquired patina is why many people love it 

Just think about stepping into a house with nice warm copper tones on your doors; would it not make you feel something? Would not it add that perfect finishing touch to your interior decor?

·       They are extremely durable

Copper is a tough metal. It's hard and not prone to rusting; therefore, it's an excellent option for heavy usage doors. They also do very well under the most severe weather conditions. That makes them the first choice of both in-house and outside doors.

Do you know what kind of experience you've had when it comes to a door handle? Worn out quickly, right? Don't be afraid; centre door knobs are there for you. Stylish and strong, it is!

·       Beautiful Patina Forms on them over time

Here is the best part: copper forms a patina over time. Rather than losing its shine, it is beautiful how people just love the look of its patina developing. Its organic aging is what will give your door knobs character. No two centre door knobs will be the same, so your door hardware will have a unique finish.

Would you like the character on your centre door knobs london to develop over time, or would you prefer the original shine?

 4. They are low maintenance

 Unlike other materials that require constant upkeep, copper is surprisingly easy to maintain. If you love the shiny look, simply give your knobs a quick polish every now and then. But if you prefer the rustic charm of a natural patina, you can let your knobs evolve on their own with minimal care.

Do you like spending time to polish or letting things look natural over time? 

 How to Style centre door knobs in Your Home

Are you wondering if centre door knobs will work for your home's style? The good news is that copper is very versatile and works well with a range of design styles. Let's discuss how to incorporate copper into your space, regardless of your interior style.

·   Classic and Traditional Interiors 

Copper complements traditional and classic house styles really well. Whether it's an antique furniture or heavy ornate wooden doors, copper gives an elegant old-age touch that blends beautifully with the room. Any space will be elevated just because of the contrast of the deep, dark wood tones against the glint of copper. 

Do you live in a traditional or vintage house? centre door knobs would fit perfectly with your room.

·   Modern and Minimalist Interiors

If you’re thinking that copper might be too old-fashioned for a modern, minimalist look, think again! Copper can actually bring warmth to minimalist interiors that often lean on stark,

cool colors. Picture it—black or white doors with a sleek, simple copper knob. The contrast is stunning, and it adds a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the space.

 Could you imagine how a simple copper knob will add just the right amount of warmth to your minimalist doors?

·   Industrial and Rustic Spaces

centre door knobs london shine in industrial and rustic-inspired spaces. If you have exposed brick, concrete walls, or raw steel elements in your home, copper will provide a beautiful contrast. The industrial feel of your space will be softened by the warmth and elegance of copper, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere.

Are you a fan of the industrial look? Copper might be your go-to material to inject a pinch of warmth in your home!

  Are centre door knobs Right for Your Home?

If you have decided that centre door knobs might just be the thing you have been looking for, let's look at some final questions to help make the final decision: 

- Would you love adding a warm and special look to your home?

- Would you like a door knob to last for decades that you'll love and a gorgeous patina develops over years?

- Do you just enjoy the idea of balancing elegance with practicality?

If you answered yes to any of these, centre door knobs could be just what your home needs.

Case Study 1

Classic Home Renovation A homeowner in the historic neighborhood wanted to maintain the vintage charm of her property while modernizing her interior. She decided

on replacing the old, worn-out door hardware with the centre door knobs. The

copper knobs had a warm, rich tone that complemented the wooden doors and gave

an old-world elegance to the space. Over time, the patina naturally developed,

giving each knob a different look that matched the classic style of the house. The homeowner was elated with the

results and stated that the copper knobs gave the entire aesthetic of the house

a new elevation.

 Case Study 2

 Modern Apartment with Industrial Vibe Inside an industrial design, a contemporary apartment, interior designers used centre door knobs on the living room and kitchen doors. This

juxtaposition of metallic and smooth finish with a rustic warmness of the

copper is so striking and unique that these knobs really seem to be functional

arts as well, bringing out a certain character in such an otherwise minimalist

space. The client loved the understated

sophistication and the minimal upkeep that copper entails, which allowed them

to focus on other design elements in the apartment.

Case Study 3

Boutique Hotel Design A boutique hotel in a busy city wanted to add a unique and luxurious touch to its guest rooms. The design team chose centre door knobs for all

the room doors. The knobs were sophisticated in shine and with time, evolved

into patina, so there was this warmth and charm that people loved about. Copper

knobs became one of the defining features of the hotel; guests loved them for

their interior design. In the

positive reviews from management, the attention to detail and aesthetics were

among the issues reported. These case studies highlight how centre door knobs

can complement a range of styles, from traditional to modern and commercial

spaces, adding both beauty and functionality.

Quick stats

Here are some statistics about centre door knobs and their demand in home decoration:

1. 40% homeowners like copper or brass finish: According to home décor surveys, 40% of homeowners opt for a copper or brass finish of door hardware as it doesn't go out of trend and lasts long.

2. 25% Increase in Demand for Copper Home Accessories: There has been a 25% increase in demand for copper-based accessories, such as door knobs, in the past five years due to a trend towards warm-toned metal finishes.

3. 85% of homeowners and guests notice door hardware: According to a study, 85% of homeowners and guests notice door hardware when entering a room, so it is essential to get this right as a design element. 

4. Durable to 30 percent longer life: centre door knobs tend to be 30 percent stronger than plastic-painted or painted metal options, hence long-lasting even for the interior and exterior purposes. 

5. Copper door knob average cost: The price of a copper door knob can vary from 15 percent to 40 percent higher compared to standard brass or stainless steel door knob. The price depends mainly on craftsmanship and design.

6. 60% of people prefer the "aged" look: Over 60% of customers who opt for copper finishes like the patina which develops over time because it gives a certain character and depth to the look of their door knobs.

All these statistics reveal that people are becoming increasingly fond of centre door knobs, considering both their aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. 

 Conclusion: Embrace the Beauty of centre door knobs

centre door knobs are more than mere door hardware; they constitute a statement piece that adds character, warmth, and timelessness to any space. Whatever your reason may be-from elegance, durability, or the way they look at old age, copper knobs would really complement one's home in upgrading the style of their home.

Are you ready to give your doors that little something extra, some elegance? centre door knobs are just the way to do that! 

You're not only picking the right hardware; you're really making an investment in a design element that's going to spruce up your home for many years.

  Frequently Asked Questions About centre door knobs

1. How do I clean and maintain centre door knobs?  centre door knobs are easy to maintain. Clean them with a soft cloth, and polish them periodically if you prefer to keep their shiny appearance. If you like the patina, simply let the copper age naturally.

 2. Will centre door knobs tarnish over time?

Yes, copper naturally develops a patina due to exposure to air and moisture. Some homeowners love this natural change, while others prefer to keep their copper polished and shiny.

3. Are centre door knobs durable? 

   Absolutely! Copper is a durable, long-lasting material that can withstand daily use and maintain its integrity for many years.

4. Can centre door knobs be used outdoors?

Actually, centre door knobs can indeed be used outdoors, though naturally, they will turn dark much faster because of natural exposure to the weather. If you want it pretty shiny, maintenance can still keep them looking good, then.

5. Are centre door knobs Expensive?

centre door knobs are also typically more expensive than other materials, but its durability, aesthetic appeal, and long-lasting quality will make it a wonderful investment for your home.

Have you decided yet whether centre door knobs london are right for your home? Their warmth, durability, and style might be just what you need to finish up the look of your doors.

[writingunderneathawillow]

first base

summary: Bucky and you have to go undercover as a married couple for a mission. In order to soothe your nerves, he shows you that kissing him is not a big deal. Or is it? content warnings: fluff, mutual pining, handsome bucky hehehe, kinda suggestive but really tame, pretty angsty (mentioned character death, but the person’s made up), female reader word count: 2k a/n: today i looked up how the whole first base, second base, etc is defined and that gave me the idea for this :) also it’s been around since the 1940s (ish) this was supposed to be super cute and fluffy but i just love angst so much and i couldn’t help myself

The dress that wrapped itself around every curve of your body was surprisingly comfortable. Its satin flowed smoothly and pooled like a waterfall around your legs, allowing for plenty of movement which eased your nerves a little. Still, you felt the blood pounding in your ears as you applied the dark crimson to your lips and blended out the sharp corner of your eyeliner. The person that stared back at you in the mirror had little resemblance to you. Gabriela Alderton, your alias for the next few days, was dressed up in expensive silks, owned a purse that was sold for more than what you had saved over the last few years and wore jewellery that your yearly salary could not finance. That included an engagement ring, which sparkled on your left ring finger. The band was made out of heavy gold, engraved with details so fine that only someone in your close proximity would be able to see it. The diamond that adorned the centre of the ring was so massive that it almost looked cheap again. Almost. S.H.I.E.L.D. or, much rather Tony, didn’t play when it came to undercover missions. One wrong detail, one off-hand comment could end every involved agent’s life. And you knew that too well. Which is why you had taken the time to craft a fully in depth, flushed out and comprehensive profile of your made-up personality, detailing little things such as Gabriela’s electives in middle school (badminton and pottery). A knock on your door detached your scrambling mind from listing any more childhood details under your breath and you walked over to the entrance to your bedroom, turned the knob and opened. Your throat constricted when you saw who stood there, waiting for you. There was no moment in time where Bucky had ever been unattractive – and you had lived with him for a few years now, seeing him bloodied, beaten up, hauled through dirt and grime and passed out on the couch after exhausting missions. But the way his anthracite suit jacket smoothed itself across his shoulders, not yet buttoned up and therefore allowing a glimpse of the pressed silk shirt – it just wasn’t fair how handsome he was. “Hello,” he said quietly. His own eyes darted over you, and you saw how he swallowed, the bump of his Adam’s apple quivering as he took in your dolled-up face, drinking in every inch of your powdered skin. His gaze dropped and wandered further down, assessing the hold of the fabric on your body and if you had had it in you to rip away your eyes from his face, you would have seen how his fingers twitched in a suppressed attempt to reach out for you. “Hi,” you replied, your cheeks warming under his steady evaluation and you opened the door further, beckoning him in. A sound, that was half sigh, half grunt tumbled from his throat as he entered your bedroom. The material of his pants stretched over his thoroughly trained thighs when he walked and despite the material surely being sturdy and expensive beyond your comprehension, you saw the faint outline of his leg muscles shifting. “So,” Bucky began, fumbling with something in the inside pocket of his jacket. It took him a few tries to grasp it and when he opened his palm, you saw a shining gold wedding band that matched the engagement ring on your left hand both in aesthetics and opulence. “You already got the other one, right?” The question was unnecessary as Bucky stared at the jewellery decorating your finger. An expression that you didn’t quite have the words for was plastered across his face, a mix of anticipation and… longing? You raised your hand, palm facing your face, and wiggled your finger. “Yeah, Stark gave it to me at breakfast. Told me to get used to it.” “Hmm.” His one-worded response left his feelings towards that open to interpretation but there was a timid smile on his lips, as if he might not mind the idea of you getting used to that ring and the connection that intertwined him and you along with it.

“Well, we’re… ‘married’, so you need both,” he mumbled, now shifting the ring in his hand so that he could hold it between pointer finger and thumb.

Instinctively, you stretched out your hand, resting it against his free one and let him ease the ring onto your other finger.

It fit perfectly. There was no danger of it slipping off or cutting off your blood supply, as if it had been melded to your measurements from beginning to end.

It was just as heavy as its counterpart, despite the lack of diamond. It seemed simple, a thicker band than what your mind usually connected to the words ‘wedding ring’ but the feelings it triggered in your heart threatened to affect the standards you had set for your own expectations for marriage.

“It’s beautiful,” you replied as you took notice of the heavy silence that filled the room.

The apples of Bucky’s cheeks took a slight pink hue, and he cleared his throat before replying.

“You think so?”

He looked at you, a glimmer of something you didn’t know how to place in his stare.

“Yeah, Stark did a fine job picking it out,” you answered, softly contracting the muscles in your hands which causes both rings to reflect back to you.

“I chose it.”

Your attention snapped away from the jewellery and landed right on him.

A sheepish smile ornamented his face, along with a deeper shade of pink on his face.

You had to take a few short breaths to compose yourself, to not let yourself melt.

“Oh.”

He hummed a soft response, not words but not a distinguishable sound either and just kept looking at you.

“Well,” you continued, “You seem to know my taste a lot better than I do. It really is beautiful.”

A proud smile snuck onto his face, lighting up the grey storm in his eyes to adjust to a soft blue.

Despite the calm that he brought into your room and mind, you felt your blood pressure pick up again as the clock ticked closer to 6 p.m., signalling that it was almost time to go down and wait for the driver who would pick you up and drive to the gala.

Bucky noticed your anxious shifting, the way you paced up and down the room in heels would wear you out and give you blisters before even arriving at your destination.

“You ok?” He asked and reached out, his metal fingers wrapping around your wrist. His hold was gentle, and you would’ve been able to free yourself from his grip at any time if you had wanted to. But you didn’t.

“Just nerves,” you replied, letting him still your movements.

“You’ll do great, doll. You don’t oughta worry.”

The term of endearment made the butterflies in your stomach practice summersaults and you almost closed your eyes to calm yourself.

Instead, you twirled the wedding ring, letting it circle around your skin a few times.

“I just…,” you began, trying to find the words to express what you felt without giving away too much but your mind struggled to make up a sentence that afforded that.

Bucky observed your stuttering and something seemed to click in his brain as his eyes softened.

“Is it because of… because of the last time you went undercover?”

The question hung heavily in the room, and you couldn’t bring yourself to meet his face as you nodded.

The last time you went undercover, it had gone beyond sideways.

Your work partner, your long-time friend and one of the best agents you had ever known, hadn’t made it out because of two mistakes.

“I read the file, you know? Two weeks ago, Sam gave it to me. I feel like you should know that, so that you are aware that I’m… prepared.”

Bucky’s words didn’t have the effect he had intended.

Instead of soothing your worries, it upset you. “It wasn’t his fault. He was prepared. I was the one who messed up,” you snapped at him. Regret flooded your veins immediately but the tears that threatened to spill held your tongue in place, hindering you from apologising for your tone. “That’s not what I meant and I’m sure that it wasn’t your fault,” he murmured. You pulled the wedding band from your finger and held it in your hand, right under Bucky’s nose. “I made two mistakes. Two. They cost him his life that night.” You fumbled with the ring, took a deep breath that did nothing to help you relax and asked: “Do you have to return this after the mission?” Bucky nodded and before he could elaborate, you said: “Tell Stark to yell at me, not you.” Then you smacked the piece of jewellery against the table – once, twice. The third hit it took was from being thrown against the wall. The super soldier didn’t stop you – sure, he looked at you like you had lost your mind, but he didn’t try to intervene. Once you had properly let your anger on the ring, you picked it up and held it up again for Bucky to inspect. It was still beautiful, not bent, but slightly scuffed up. “It needs to look like it’s been sitting on my finger for longer than a few hours. We’re not newlyweds after all,” you explained, your voice trembling slightly. Bucky hummed a response, his eyes still fixated on you as realisation dawned on him. “Is that how they figured it out? That you guys were undercover?” He asked, his eyebrows knitted together while unease lingered on his face. No, not unease. Worry. Not for himself, but for you. “That was part of it,” you admitted then and placed the band back in its rightful place. He stayed quiet, leaving it up to you whether to open up further or keep it bottled up. You, surprising both yourself and him, continued in a quiet voice. “We had been friends for… for years. His name was Christian. And we carried out so many missions together, recon, gathering intel, anything. We had gone undercover before, but as business partners, not a couple. When Fury gave us that… that goddamn mission, Christian laughed, saying it’d be easy. And it was, everything went smoothly until the man we were spying on pointed out my ring. We tried to brush it off, saying that I had just gotten it cleaned and took great care off it. But he didn’t buy it. So, Christian did the only thing he could think of, and he kissed me. I froze.” You recounted the painful memory with a tremble, both in your vocals and your hands. Bucky listened, his palms resting inches away from your arm, almost as if he wanted to reach out to you, to ease your pain. “They shot him before I could look him in the eye, and he was… he was gone before he hit the ground.” Sympathy filled Bucky’s eyes. It wasn’t pity. It wasn’t an attempt to convince you that it hadn’t been your fault. It was compassion. “I’m sorry that you had to go through that,” he whispered and sighed softly. You looked up at him, blinking away the tears. His face was just inches away from yours and you could feel his breath brushing up against your cheek. “I don’t want to freeze again. I don’t wanna mess this up again. I just… I was so close with Christian, but we were just friends, and it threw me off. I didn’t know how to react and I…,” you trailed off, your eyes flickering down to his lips. “You’re not gonna. We just gotta… get some practice,” Bucky murmured, and his hand came up to your cheek. “Hit first base or what?” Your question was supposed to come off as a joke, but it was a breathless plea, your fingers found themselves at the base of his neck, softly brushing up against his hair. “I can’t believe people still use that metaphor,” he replied and then he pressed his lips onto yours.

thank you for reading :) gentle reminder that likes are more than appreciated but comments and reblogs make the dream work part 2 out now

[lokisgoodgirl]

The Urge [Loki x Fem. Reader]

A link to my (new) Masterlist is HERE Summary: [Oneshot] Loki's lack of magical contraception yields unexpected results. Warnings: 18+ Minors DNI. Breeding kink. Smut. Language. Dirty talk. (w/ 1.8k)

"I can smell you." You stopped rinsing dishes, wiping your palms on your leggings before turning off the tap. He’s home early, you thought with mild interest. “What?! Two seconds...” you called. The sound of Loki dropping his keys into the dish by the door rattled. Metal on porcelain. You turned towards the noise, jumping as your husband’s broad shoulders suddenly filled the open kitchen doorway. “I said... I can smell you.” he repeated darkly, leaning against the frame.

Loki’s pupils were dilated, only a sliver of electric blue visible at the furthest rims. You ran your hands up the sharp angle of his jawline, trying to coax a smile. “Well I haven’t showered since last night but I didn’t think it was that -oh!” Loki stooped, hoisting your ass-cheeks with his huge palms. Your legs instinctively cinched around his hips, clinging on. It was a long drop to the floor. “I mean what’s between your thighs, wife.” he hummed menacingly. “You’re ripe.” Heat flushed your cheeks, a thrill thundering to the lowest centre of your sex. It was happening. “Are you sure you’re ready for the weight of my full load?” he snarled against the shell of your ear, the meaning in his words abundantly clear. You shivered. Loki had lifted the enchantment impeding his ability to impregnate you, and it had...side effects. “It will be four times what I usually spend inside that tight little slit of yours. I hope you can take it.” he murmured under his breath as he paced in long strides to the bedroom. He lowered you to the bed. You scrambled back on the mattress, running your eyes hungrily up his triangular torso. “And I hope you can keep it.” he spat, roughly yanking the knot in his tie. Loki had warned you that the tidal wave of god-level hormones would make him a little strange. A little less...sentimental. But even he wasn’t aware just how animalistic he would become in his mission to give you what you desired. What you both desired. He stripped the black suit jacket from his shoulders, unbuttoning the dark shirt slowly as he tilted his head. His gaze stalked over your body, breathless and flushed. He was hard already, his thick cock snaking down his thigh against the tight cotton. “How am I to make you fat with my offspring if you do not remove your clothes?” There was a venom in his voice that made you clench. “Oh, right- sorry.” you mumbled, tugging off your stained t-shirt. You lifted your hips, fumbling the waistband down. “Too long.” he scoffed impatiently, before leaning and grabbing the lowered nylon crotch. In one swift movement, the leggings ripped at the seams, half of the pair landing on the bed-knob. Your husband's stare smouldered with barbarism, his deep love hibernating as primal urges came to the fore. Loki ripped the belt from his hips, the coil of leather falling discarded with a loud crack to the floor.

You shuffled backwards on the martial bed as he unzipped his trousers, the perfect cock that had made love to you thousands of times looking different somehow. Harder? Bigger? you thought frantically, feeling your breath catch in your throat as his naked body descended. Loki’s hair fell wild around his collarbone, eyes narrowing as he tilted his chin to his chest. That smouldering gaze never left your own. “Don’t be afraid, darling." Loki nudged your knees apart gruffly. “You are worthy of breeding with a god, you should be grateful.” He wrapped his long fingers around your delicate wrists. “And I intend to thoroughly breed you tonight, pup. You can be sure of that.” You could feel the swollen tip of his manhood sliding against your entrance, the sticky mess of ovulation grasping against pre-cum gathered at the head. “Oh-my-g-god…” you gasped, unable to form proper words. You had never been more turned on in your life.

“That’s it. Praise me, little one.” Loki purred, before a long inhale made his eyes flutter closed in lust-drunk anticipation. “Such a well-bred cunt you have...” he hummed appreciatively, before licking a trail from your collarbone to your mouth. “Perfect for a god’s seed...” he rasped, releasing one wrist to palm the nearest breast upward. “... perfect for soaking in what I have to give.” he continued lazily. Loki nuzzled against your ear as his grip returned to the free wrist strewn above your head. “My prize breeding bitch.” You arched your back, feeling your pussy gape against the throbbing cock nestled tauntingly between your folds. Ready to burst. He released a ragged moan against your ear, pulsing between your open thighs. “I can’t keep myself out much longer, I can’t resist you like this – you have one final chance to stop before I fill you.” he panted quietly, a semblance of familiarity cracking through feral domination. You shook your head, murmurs of don’t stop passing your lips as a cruel smirk stretched his own. He snarled, mouth falling open as his wide tip squeezed past the tight opening. Loki swallowed, the veins in his neck straining. “Prepare for everyone in nine realms to know you have been fucked into this pathetic state.” he growled ceremonially. He bottomed out with a staggered groan as his grip on your wrists tightened. “And fucked by whom.” You squirmed beneath him, rocking your hips into the curves of his enormous muscular thighs. Waves of bliss soared as he grunted with every slow thrust, devastatingly measured. “Tell me I’m your slut, Loki-” you mewled, whining as he pressed the backs of your thighs mercilessly towards your ears. Loki's eyes fell to the sight of his glistening cock sinking into your swollen pussy, juices already leaking around the mess of twin flesh. He grit his teeth, curls swinging around his jaw as he watched himself disappear repeatedly into your ripe heat. “Remember who it is you have sheathed in your cunt, little one.” he grunted, balls slapping. “I only fuck my slut, I don’t breed her.” You whimpered, lost in a haze of unadulterated eroticism. It was filth. His voice. His hands. His cock. His words. “You’re so fucking t-tight.” he gasped, releasing a rasping moan that shook the Asgardian trinkets on the side-table. “I’m going to pound you so full of my...uhhh- sacred c-cum that you’ll be dripping from that pretty m-mouth.”

Your husband's voice vibrated around the apartment, the timbre so low you were sure it would sink through the floorboards. He was unhinged, the grip around your calves making halos of lightened skin appear beneath the dent of his fingertips. “Don’t-don’t stop...Loki” you gasped, frozen in place by his weight. The god snarled, his upper lip disappearing as his eyes flashed. “I said I would breed you, and I intend to.” he spat, suddenly pulling your wrists and flipping you to all fours. His slippery cock popped from your hole with a squelch as your palms hit the mattress. In a flash, long fingers grasped the nooks of your hips, sinking himself possessively back inside. The two of your groaned in unison as your ass hit the flat of his stomach.

“The way that ripe pussy is desperate to milk me, I won’t last…” he fawned, before placing a tight slap against your ass. “But then, pleasure is not the order of business. Not your pleasure, anyway..” The god muttered darkly under his breath, rhythmically pulling you tight against the base of his shaft before pushing you forwards. The fingers against your flesh would leave bruises. Animalistic grunts clouded the air like smoke as he railed into you like the beat of a drum. You could feel the veins in his cock swell. They pulsed, his body gearing to give you what you craved. Loki’s thrusts were becoming sloppy, erratic breaths scorching the air as he lost himself in the mission. Lost himself in the urge. Whines of his name leaked from your throat, your cheek lowering to the mattress- ass in the air like a bitch in heat. Loki’s hips juddered, the slap of his tight balls against your clit making you want to scream. And then you screamed. Loki chuckled, a choked laugh between stuttering, messy pumps. “That’s it. That’s.it - my breeding mare, taking the mount of your s-stallion as he fucks you full- f-f-fuck-” You and he moaned in unison, rising orgasm shuddering your bodies as Loki’s stomach folded against your back. You could feel the condensation of primal need on your neck from his breath, his cock tugging inside your needy pussy with shallow thrusts as he came undone. He needed this. He needed it just as much as you did. “Fill me p-prince- yes, give it...fucking give it to me-” you thundered. Your hips thrashed as you shoved you ass back to keep his cock steady against your wet centre. “All of it?” Loki choked, planting another smack on your ass with a broken moan. “Every fucking d-drop…” you managed through a strangled cry. The god roared behind you. You could feel thick cream spurt against clenching walls, hot seed sloshing and rising inside the deepest part of you. Loki's firm chest curled against your spine, hair sticking to the sweat gathered on your back. His hips juddered as he emptied himself inside your messy, fertile heat. Every drop. You could sense the clench of his perfect ass as he pumped several more times, milking himself in the slop of his own seed. Dwindling ragged grunts peppered the air, the tender slide of his palms over the curve of your ass telling you that his work was done.

“Stay still.” he murmured, carefully drawing himself from between your legs. Wet slurps filled the air, the light touch of his fingers grazing against your dripping slit. Inspecting. “Turn over-” he said gently, as if to a patient; “-slowly.” he added, before guiding you on your back. There was a broad smile on his face. “Legs up.” he quipped, still kneeling. You rolled your eyes playfully, manoeuvring your crossed ankles to rest on the curve of his neck. “I love you.” he said tentatively, placing a deep kiss on the calf to his side. A blissed-out smile fluttered on your lips. “I love you too.” you replied, reaching for his hand. Loki squeezed. “Based on that performance, we should probably make the most of the next few days.” you sighed, resting back against the pillow. Loki scoffed. “Have you so little faith in my ability to-” He trailed off, seeing the twitch of your eyebrow. “Oh.” he smouldered, pushing his hair back with a conspiratorial smile. “Yes. Indeed, darling. Very wise.” He placed another kiss on your ankle, the tip of his nose inhaling seductively down your calf as his words made you shiver with anticipation. “Better safe than sorry.” he whispered darkly against your skin.

Tags @gigglingtigger @meowmeow-motherfucker @muddyorbsblr @imalovernotahater @avengersalways @littledark11 @lokikissesmyforehead @simplyholl @fictive-sl0th @thedistractedagglomeration @loveroflokiforpoeticjustice @coldnique @jaidenhawke @silverfire475 @vbecker10 @imalovernotahater @thomase1 @morriggannlostinfandoms @marygoddessofmischief @sebstanwhore @xorpsbane @peacefulpianist @maple-seed @yelkmelk @wheredafandomat @mistress-ofmagic @infinitystoner @goblingirlsarah @ozymdias @peaches1958 @your-taste-on-my-lips @lokidokieokie @kikster606 @peachyjinx @tbhiddlestan83 @trickster-maiden @skymoonandstardust @justjoanne242 @sidepartskinnyjeans @ladyofthestayingpower @wolfmoonmusic @brittbax @smolvenger @lunarnights95 @superficialdomina @kaleenjackson @fictional-hooman @psychospore @littlespaceyelf

[youngwonhui]

✦ live on my knees, make you see | ch. 1

*•. member: choi seungcheol x afab reader

*•. summary: the first morning of your new job doesn’t go quite as planned. Ever since then, you realized that the rest of your life slowly turned off of its axis or maybe fits into the missing space you’ve been feeling throughout your life. In the centre of it all, there’s Seungcheol. The stranger you’ve met for the second time on that same morning.

*•. genre: angst, strangers to lovers; kinda, corporate and family drama, life and misunderstanding happened in general

*•. wc: 7,723

*•. warnings: unintentionally introducing corporate drama. no, i am not projecting. maybe.

*•. cross posted in AO3

*•. masterlist

chapter 1 | chapter 2

Huffing and puffing into your first day at the new job is not ideal. But the fact that you had missed the bus and the new office building are basically needle in a haystack, so now you’re climbing upstairs, ten minutes before you’re supposed to meet your new boss.

It’s enough, probably. It’s just not ideal.

When you look up, impossibly out of breath, the sight stumped you. Nowhere was a sign that points you to the agency. Only a single black door along the hallway. Which is not the ones you’ve remembered seeing on the google maps.

Darned all the only online interviews, making you unable to familiarize yourself with the new environment. Resulting on this small kerfuffle on the very first day.

Hands on your hips, jacket slung into it, you try to organize your thought. Making a mind to knock on that door and find out some direction. That is, if there are anything behind those doors.

You are proven wrong when said door flung open. Just as you’ve raised your balled fist to knock on it. Now it just froze in the air while the figure behind the door stood wide eyed.

Immediately taking a step back and lowering your hand, you cursed your day further. It’s barely 9AM and you’re facing hurdles one after another just to get to your work. The man who you assumed is the resident behind the door remain planted on his feet. One hand holding on the knob, and another a tied-up plastic with big sign of recyclable materials on it.

You just had to get in the way a man and their trash huh?

“Hey, uh sorry I didn’t mean to disturb. I’m looking for Diamond & Carats? The agency? The address said that it’ll be in this building?” You inquire to the stunned man; hair still ruffled from sleep and clad in a mismatch pajama set. Passing moments flow when he still stares at you with what you can assumed is a shocked gaze. You hoped you don’t surprise him too much. Yet you still need some sort of answer. So you waved your hand, and the man sputters out of his thought. Muttering sorry for basically spacing out on you.

“Agency? The advertising agency?” You nodded, finally a semblance of help. “Well, you’ve missed it then. Because they’re supposed to be one floor down from here. You should go downstairs and then took a right into the corner, only then you could see the sign where the entrance is.”

“Thank you.” You were already descending down the stairs, being punctual became your number one priority for now.

Following the direction from the kind stranger, you manage to find the somewhat hidden entrance to your new office. Thankfully not looking too disheveled as you steal a glance from the big reflective glass wall displayed along the entrance. A kind receptionist has welcomed you and now leading you to a waiting room.

Way to go on your new job.

Your thought traveled back to your college days. Never were the top student, but you were always down for an opportunity of a job. That’s why you took the graveyard shift as the library’s clerk. True to your nature, the college library was never your frequent spot. That’s why the first day on your library job, this situation is almost mirroring that day. Not knowing exactly where to go.

You’re just hoping this job isn’t much like the library job. Getting more and more lost inside the maze you couldn’t even see.

Although back then the maze was clear. As clear as the big shelves by the back of those library.

As you wait to be introduced to the team, you make a mental note to thank the kind stranger upstairs. Connecting the dots, you assume he lived there as the residential tenant. Or he’s just a janitor that work in his sleepwear, which is an option you couldn’t really comprehend.

After being welcomed by your team manager, a middle aged man with some sort of sleazy tone and too much confident on his shoulder, you’re eventually introduced to your team. A small tight knit one consists of three people around your age. Soyeon, Jisun, and Chan. You were kindly informed that your predecessor left because they preferred to retire early.

“Well that’s new, but not surprising.” You smiled at Soyeon, quite literally doesn’t know what to do with the information you just received.

Accepting this job are solely based on the salary you had offered. The startup tends to offer that but hearing that your predecessor has decided to step down because they prefer to be unemployed sounds a little odd in your mind. But you kept that thought away. In store as you try to focus on every little point from the tour around office guided by your new team.

Your sleazy boss has left long ago. Making his sleazy way back to his desk before handing your introduction tour over to your team. You have a sneaky feeling that man wasn’t very fluent around the office.

They kindly explained the flow of work after introducing you basically to the whole floor. From then it’s the administrative like logging into the company’s work database, to Chan’s many tricks on working with the copy machine. Sensing that Chan is throwing out a joke, you let out a belated laughter. Half regretting how awkward and a little rude you might come out as.

Sensing that your new team are kind in nature, they probably only wanting to be kind to you so they can quickly finish any of their postponed project. Seeing that your predecessor ‘retiring’ early completely falter the team’s progress. As seen at the timeline you had skimmed through after you’re logged into the desktop.

“Thank you for all the guidance, guys, honestly. I will make sure not used the mug that shaped as a woman’s bosoms, as well as touching the Greek yoghurt in the fridge.” You dabble yourself an attempt to joke back. Relieved when each of your team laughs. They’re too kind.

Maybe your first day isn’t so bad after all.

\\

One thing you made sure in your every job are finding a safe spot for your escape from the grueling office environment. A hidden space just to have a private conversation, or better for you, smoke.

You had made sure to asks your team discreetly after the daily meeting. After your long and failed attempts to find one. To your surprise, Chan provided you with an answer. So here you are, perched on the tall wooden fence of the building’s hidden backyard/alley. Clean enough to take a breather, and discreet enough to not have too many eyes looking as it’s secluded behind the car park. You thanked whoever the building owner are for deciding to have this sort of space rather than having it unmanaged.

Exhaling through your lips, you scanned through the copies of files you had brought. Lists of report from your predecessor regarding each progress of the projects handled by your now current team. Stumped doesn’t even begin to describe your state of thoughts. Although progressing somewhat nicely, there are few times that some projects are held back due to vague reasons. And that doesn’t seem weird, but if said vague reasons are repeated many times, that’s just suspicious to your eyes.

Folding the papers and stuffing it back to your jacket pocket, you decided to put a bookmark on that and just enjoy your cig for now. Freeing your mind through the toxic stick. You cursed for not bringing your favourite scarf with you today, as the wind blew a chilling breeze to your neck. Despite the blazing sunlight.

Your eyes eventually landed to the opened window on the topmost floor of the building. There’s a man basking in the sunlight with his back facing you. The worn-out neckline of the white T-shirt are showing you a patch of skin decorated in tattoos. The view is not very clear as you’re almost ten meters apart.

There's a tuft of messy brown hair illuminated under the sunlight. It further convinces you that it's the man that helped you at your first day. Without hesitation, you picked up a stray pebble. Sizeable enough to throw and make some noise. And some noise you make as the stone make contact against the polished concrete wall. A few feet beside the opened window. And some attention you gained. The turned back now facing you.

“Hey, you.” You started, trying your best not to be too loud.

“I'm gonna assume you're trying to get my attention and not aiming straight at my head.” The man replied with a slight smirk. His eyes squint at you, blinded by sunlight.

“Don’t worry, i have great aim.”

“I see, you’re just bad with direction then.”

“Touché. You still remember me.” You laugh lightly, throwing the cigarette butt into your portable ashtray. “I still just wanted to thank you for that day you know. It was my first day here. I’m also sorry for barging like that.”

“Seungcheol, Choi. Everybody calls me Cheol. Also, no worries. The office downstairs are not very visible with their signs. I sent back too many delivery packages back down because they’re also not familiar with the place.”

“I’m Y/n, glad to meet you.”

With a mock salute and a nod from the man perched on upstairs window, your smoking break ended like that. Before you immediately rushed inside when you saw a glimpse of your watch.

Upstairs, an amused smile painted in Seungcheol lips. Glad of the surprise he got for today, in a form of you.

As it turns out bumping into Seungcheol is as easy as it gets.

From walking into the building together in the morning, to occasional talk whenever you’re on your smoke break. Whether Seungcheol are perched on his window or just simply on the level ground as yours. You don’t question as why he is making a way back to his place at 8AM, looking as if he’s having a rough night just by the nest of messy hair he’s sporting. He doesn’t question the apparent stress etched into your feature. Getting more and more prominent in each day you took your smoke break.

Once he paid a visit to the office, knocking lightly at the glass door when you’re coincidentally passing by. In his one hand is a tube of a sample posters. Mistakenly left by his door by the courier. You thanked him before turning back in. Fighting the urge to cooed at the fluffy white dog in his other hand.

On one of the mornings, you bumped to Seungcheol looking quite haggard, he blurted out that he’s just spend few nights up in a jam session. You managed to stop him as he rambled and assured him that you didn’t think that he just came back from a heist. You calmly told Seungcheol that he doesn’t owe you any explanation for the way he’s look at that chilly morning.

“Yeah, sorry for rambling. Long story short i’m a music producer. Not that it expla-”

“Hey, Seungcheol. It’s cool. Breathe.” You paused in front of the stairs. Seungcheol mirroring you before taking a deep breath. He then looks to you through his long lashes, before bursting into small laughter. Feeling how ridiculous he might have been.

“Sorry, it’s too early for me to bug you huh?”

“Nah, it’s alright. Besides, i sort of done this to you too, remember?” You continue your steps to your office. Like before, Seungcheol follow your action. Making his way back home.

“That’s true.”

The climbing up the stairs then filled with comfortable silence. Before parting ways as you had to make a turn to your office, you call to Seungcheol one last time.

“I’m a project manager. If that explained anything.” You smiled as you shrug. The sight of Seungcheol smile bid your goodbye as you turn your back to him. Heading straight to the office while Seungcheol climbs one more floor back to his house.

One night, you were working overtime to finish the last touches to the project, and you were ordering some takeout for dinner. After thanking the courier, you were helping the old man to navigate a way out when Seungcheol just making his way upstairs. Presumably going back home.

“Are you working late?” Seungcheol offhandedly remarks, pointing to the big bag of chinese takeout you’re holding.

You had ordered too much pot stickers. In your defense it was a buy one gets one promo. You failed to think out that you were eating for one.

“It happened so. Much to catch up, so little time.”

“Well, godspeed.” Seungcheol offered you a pumped-up fist as a good luck. For some reason, an impulse thought passed by your head. As Seungcheol begin his trek upstairs back to his home.

“Would you—” Your voice stopped the man. Turning to face you, mid-stairs. “Do you like pot stickers? or maybe shrimp fried rice? I happened to order too many.” You raised the plastic bags. Seungcheol looks like he's having contemplating thought.

“Sure, i could go for pot stickers.” You quickly walk over to handed Seungcheol the food, but the taller man stopped your hand midair. A question hanging by the tip of his tongue.

“Do you want some beer with your dinner? Maybe take some break?”

\\

“You're torturing yourself. A can of beer with your dinner is such a treat. You'll sleep well afterwards too.”

On a whim, you had quickly agreed to be invited over to Seungcheol's apartment. Foregoing the dark and empty office as you gather the work papers and laptop and then vacated to Seungcheol's spacious living room. Clear coffee table now filled with a spread of chinese takeout with cans of beer belonging to each of you.

Laughing at the way you've been distancing yourself with beer, Seungcheol took one pot sticker in one bite. Humming at the way the crispy skin enveloping the warm filling. You share a look of acknowledgement. Earning a thumbs up as you took pride of the restaurant you had frequent in.

“I'm giving you the number of the restaurant. They deliver faster through there rather than when you ordered through app.” You had finished with your fried rice, sipping the cold beer to wash the grease. “Although maybe they do it faster because i'm their number one customer.”

“That's too bad.” Seungcheol slumped back to his couch, a brief pout on his lips before taking another quick bite. “Guess i have to go through you so i can get fast delivery. Or some extra food.”

“You make it sounds like i'm a dealer.” You retort, looking up from editing the graph data in your laptop.

“No, but you’re kinda gatekeeping.” He points his chopsticks at you accusingly, you only shook your head before returning your attention back to the laptop.

“Are you sure you’re okay with me being here like this?” You muttered, not sparing a glance.

“Well i live here alone, And with the dog of course. If i don’t like it i can just kick you out, you know.” Seungcheol replied, accompanied by a teasing smirk and a shrug.

“Ouch, that’s not very neighbourly of you.”

“How about you? no one that’s gonna worry about you back home?”

You can only scoff lightly, fingers flying on your keyboard to fix up a typo.

“I’m a grown adult. No one have to worries about me.” You said with a tight smile on your lips.

“Well as a neighbourly duty, i’ll be the one. It’s dangerous to be alone downstairs in your office. Feel free to knock upstairs if you’re feeling lonely when you work overtime.”

“I might work overtime often to be honest. With the way the company work.” You paused, pursing your lips in slight frustration. “It’s been almost two weeks and everything is weird, well mostly my boss. My team are fairly kind and welcoming. Which is kind of admirable with the things they have went through.”

“What do you mean?” To Seungcheol’s question, you slowly put aside your laptop and hold up stack of papers you fish out of the piles you brought with you. Scooting closer to him. When Seungcheol realizes you’re showing him a bunch of companies’ data his eyes grown wide. “Are you sure you’re allowed to show me these?”

“Seungcheol you’re a music producer, what? You’re not secretly an employee of a chemical waste or biofuel company, aren’t you?”

A dry chuckle escapes Seungcheol lips as he shook his head. Slight ecstatic that you had remembered his occupation he had mentioned on a fly a few days back when you’re both making a way into the building at early morning. He had to defend the gnarly look in his face that clearly shown he hasn’t sleep or took a shower for days.

“So what is this tea you’re showing me?” Seungcheol prompted, eyes skimming through the graphs and datas you shown him.

“So to put it simply, as it turns out my boss has been embezzling money through some of my team’s old projects. And that is without them knowing. Them being my team. Not to mention his deep connection with some of our clients which, well let’s just say it could be categorized as corporate collusion.” With a downturned smile, you look over to Seungcheol who looks like he’s just been splashed with a bucket of water.

“Y/n this is big?” You nod, taking back the papers of evidence from Seungcheol’s hand. He simply doesn’t want to dip his hand further into this. “Are you- what are you going to do with this?”

“At the meeting tomorrow, i’m planning to show this to the board of investors. As well as the CEO. Some small group of people who’s in charge. I have all the data classified as anonymous but i have all of my team’s confession as well as some of other team.” You sighed deeply, a small dreaded vine weaved through you but you had remembered how some of your team has been nothing but kind to you and you can’t just let your boss use them for just a tool to fill his wallet. “I am sorry Seungcheol i didn’t mean to drop all of this corporate bullshit on you.”

“Uh, no don’t worry. I’m sure it’s been hard for you and your team. Especially since you’re new at that company.” Seungcheol assures you calmly. Shifting in his seat as you resigned back, sighing in half anticipation and half anxiety. “I’m glad you can trust me enough to spill all of this though.”

“Is it weird that i’m not very scared for this?” You rattle the stack of paper in your hand. “I kind of just wanted this to end soon so that i could continue work peacefully.”

“I don’t think it is. You just don’t want any jerk doing bullshit in your work. That’s understandable.” Seungcheol shrugged, assuring you of your feeling. The buzz in your system somewhat helps to his statement. “Although maybe you can treat your team for a drinks? When this all over? They kind of deserved it more.” Seungcheol reaching over across to grab your can of beer before handing it to you. His is already in hand, then offering a cheer. “Godspeed for your meeting tomorrow?”

“Cheers.”

\\

Relief, that’s what you feel at first. The long and winding meeting goes somewhat smoothly and as you had expected, none of them had catch up on what your boss has done. You can’t really grasp what they feel at first but the seething tone and the gradually visible lines of frustration and anger as they turn pages and pages of your so-called report of ‘evidence’ assures you a little bit.

They sent you away at noon, thanking you of what you’ve presented before you make your way back to your team room. Passing by the spacious room of your boss, feet propped up on the desk. Incognizant while doing virtually no work.

You’re immediately swarmed with question as soon as your team saw you enter the room. You quickly urged them to stay calm and make no fuss.

“Are we in trouble?” Jisun whispered lowly, the apparent anxiousness and fear shown in her demeanour.

“We all know who deserve to be in trouble. And none if it is us.” Chan’s statement followed with agreeing nods along the room. Still keeping any noise down between yourself and the team.

“Chan is right. For now, we need to keep everything on the lowkey as we let the board and the people in charge took care of the problem yeah?” You reassure the room, looking over the pairs of eyer gazing back at you with worries.

“I’m sorry, but how are you being so calm about this?” Soyeon lean over her desk, closer to you in curiousness.

“Although it’s never been this big, sadly it’s not even my first rodeo. I work in too many places where people are just jerks and serial bulshitters.” You deadpanned before turning back to the work at hand. Then remembering Seungcheol words last night, you look up around the room to your team.

Your whole life, you were never the sentimental type. Workplace relationship is never the one thing you tries to maintain. Simply because you go through your job as quickly as you need it to be. Or more like, as much as your bills need.

The situation never lets you have the luxury to pursue anything as glimmering as a love life. The acquaintances you made along the way, you are truly thankful even though at times those relationship felt like a transaction.

“Hey, listen. Is everybody free tonight? After work? Let’s get some drinks and bites, it’s on me.”

While Soyeon and Jisun exchange a look, Chan immediately raises his hand in agreement. An excited smile etched in his face, the lip piercing glinting under the light. Within a beat, Jisun and Soyeon agrees to your invitation eventually.

The impromptu celebration was the perfect cover. Your unsuspecting boss might think that you and your team simply letting loose after a long successful project, but in reality, you are celebrating for other things as well. It is also a time to regroup and properly getting to know who you’re working with. Not only the brief conversation between hustling to meet deadline that hurdles you one after another.

So now, sitting comfortably at the outdoor table of the restaurant, you’re ordering the second round of cocktails to accompany the stream of gleeful conversations going on. It’s perfect, you think. If the walls powered by your social battery slowly crumbling, you could slip away easily into the crowds of people.

Unfortunately, your coworker is the friendly type of drunk.

After letting loose of any work burden by the end of the first round. You spend the next thirty minutes trying to deflect any attention turned towards you.

“Okay, am i the only one that is getting interviewed here? None of you obviously need to know how many times i’ve been in relationship.” You laughed as you finished, then taking a sip of your beer. It reminded you of someone.

“Well, we’re basically know everything about each other here. So yeah.” Chan chuckled, Jisun and Soyeon nodded accordingly.

It doesn’t help that they basically introduced themselves as a group regarding everything you possibly needed to know. Maybe sometimes wen’t overboard when Jisun casually mentioned that Chan spent a night in jail once for beating up a pervert in a subway station.

The three has been a close friend since before they even enter the company. Somehow the synergy resulted from their friendship reflected well in each other work, yet still maintaining to keep each other in check as they strive to win a challenge. You clearly admire them. Not just at their reliability, but also the way they can found solace as well as ignited spirit. They’re each other’s person.

“I know we’re kinda not in the mood to talk about work.” Jisun hesitantly begins, earning your attention as well as a curious eyes from her friends. “But what do you think will happen? About you know who.”

“I’m sure you all read the final document i sent last night?” Your coworkers nodded. “I can assure you i’ve mentioned none of any informant, so no repercussion will find its way to you. The next step, well i can only imagine the board will conduct meeting on how to safely remove ‘you know who’. They wouldn’t like to be tricked for their money. Especially in such company like ours. Although, there’s probability that the corruption runs deep. Meaning that a few in the upper management took their hand deep in the same jar as ‘you know who’.”

You had your suspicion. Yet you still took the evidence to the board.

As cliché as it sounds, you can’t stand injustice. If anything happened, you have your evidence after long winded lowkey digging into the financial team, as well as putting together those evidence which obviously isn’t your main specialty. Perhaps because none of your job history has required you to do so.

Or worst case scenario you get fired. And that’s that.

“Wait but doesn’t it mean that there’s a chance that you might be in trouble?” Jisun voiced out. You simply shrug to push the thought aside. Right on time when the waiter had come over to deliver your drinks. You easily urged the increasingly worried bunch to drink.

“Well we can’t never be too sure, can’t we? Even if we have steel evidence. Now let’s just drink!”

The three hesitantly exchanged glances before taking a hesitant sip.

Never in your mind that you’d sacrifice this much. Just to what? Protect a few innocent people who might or might not be in trouble? You shook your head to push the thoughts away.

It might hurt to lose a steady source of income, you thought instead. But you always know one or two kid who needs tutoring, or that one convenience store that always need a part timer. A few moments to cool down before going back to the job hunt.

Disgustingly vicious cycle, but you’re no stranger to that.

You had found out that focusing on your job like a mad man is better than another path down to the edge. At least you’re well enough. But does it make you happy enough?

\\

“How’s the big bad meeting?”

Unsurprisingly, Seungcheol had made a visit to your hidden—apparently not so hidden backyard. He emerges from the parking lot exit, carrying a bundle of white in his arms. A pair of shiny glasses perched at his wavy hair as he’s cladded in a red puffer vest.

“It is neither big nor bad. It went well in case you’re wondering. Or somewhat— i don’t know.” You can’t help to shrug off. Not wanting to acknowledge the apparent silent front the upper management has been doing. It is not helping that your so-called boss is having ‘business meeting’ out of office for a few days. Which you don’t know the detail.

“Why doesn’t it sound very reassuring?” There’s a genuine concern in his tone. Shifting closer to where you stood. You instinctively put out your cigarette, after realizing that the very white bundle is his dog with a pink bow.

“Simply said that i’ve done what i need to do, and still waiting for answer. So yeah, maybe reassurance is a rare sight for me.” You paused, entire focus stolen from the man in front of you and into the fluffy being he held.

“Oh yeah, this is Kkuma. I realized i haven’t introduced you to her. She’s pretty much my daughter.” You recognized the proud smile painted on his face. As well as the soft smile with a gaze you could only describe as loving.

“Well hello Kkuma, aren’t you a cutie.” You make a small wave, bowing down closer to came face to face with the dog.

To your surprise, the little dog makes a surge forward to eventually licked your face. With a slight shock you look up to Seungcheol a moment, then back to the excited dog. You spend no time to gift her friendly scratches and pats.

“I always wanted a pet.” You begin, already pulling away to not overexcite the little fluff. “Princess Kkuma here makes me rethinking an old dream.” Your confession sends you both into a fit of laughter.

“What’s stopping you? This little princess has been a blessing for me ever since she arrives.” It’s such a sight to see a man of Seungcheol stature to hold the little white fluffy creature with such loving and care.

“Well, my whole life it was just me any my mother. And she wasn’t very well for such a long time. So having a pet wasn’t very ideal. And then after she passed, i’m just too occupied with other things, i can’t even think about getting a little friend.” You reasoned; an upturned smile quickly returns back to an unchanged face when Kkuma bark softly to you.

“Y/n i’m so sorry, i- well. You could always knock on my door, if you’d like to meet this princess.” You could feel the slight tension Seungcheol hid behind his words. But you brush it off like always.

Glancing at the time, you eventually excused yourself to Seungcheol. Hands in your pocket as you walk away and back into the building. Climbing sets of stairs back to your desk to wait around. And giving each of your teammate a reassuring smile every time you spot them staring at their screen with familiar dread.

A few days later, the rush of footsteps quickly welcomes you as you enter the front door of the office. Startling both you and the poor receptionist. You were not early admittedly, but you weren’t too late. So you don’t expect such fuss. You look up from your thick bundle of your scarf and quickly recognized your three teammates has swarmed you with a gleeful expression mirroring in each other.

“Have you check your email?”

“It’s done!”

“Ding-dong the witch is dead!”

It’s a continuous series of excited whispering as the three practically corners you back into the wall. Wide eyed and eventually realizing what’s going on, you look around the room and quickly shot an apologetic look to anyone who’s disturbed by the sudden commotion. You hastily ushered the excited bunch to your work room. Then sat them down with shushing motion like you would do with children.

“Okay. Now, with precise and workplace appropriate tone and volume, explain to me what happened.” You begin, eyeing the three as they exchange glances. Unfurling the scarf from your neck and neatly folding them on top of your desk.

Wordlessly, the bunch elected Jisun to lift up the phone in her hand and show you the email they had excitedly asks. It was a blast email, directed to everyone in the company. A short paragraph detailing that your boss, has been removed from the company for theft and misappropriation of project for his own benefit. The removal is effective immediately.

After skimming the short email signed by the CEO. You silently look up with mouth slightly agape in surprised. Then beginning to open your own mailbox to check if it’s not a mere trickery.

Sure to it, there’s the same email but followed by a private message directed only to you. Simply stating that your boss has been taken on a business trip as a trick from the board and CEO to corner him and break the news to him. To minimalize the possibility of commotion in the office. Also to keep things private and and as lowkey as possible. The next step as well as evidence already handed to the legal team to investigate further.

You try to suppress a smile. Bad thing to overjoy over one's misfortune. But the relief you felt feeling like it’s a pure oxygen flowing through your vein. Simply invigorating, as clearly shown between the three in front of you.

As if an invisible chain just came off of them. Jisun, Soyeon, and Chan has a continuous smile etched to their face even until one by one said goodbye to you once the clock hits 5PM. As you begin to clean up and get ready to go home, you can’t help to smile to yourself as well. Quite in disbelief over the amount of happiness you can get over helping people. You team who you barely know for less than six months.

Suddenly your thought flew to the man resides upstairs.

Then, in a blink of an eye your feet have led you there. Knocking the door with a pack of beer Chan has hidden in his secret stash beside the copier. You had promised to repay him back.

“Hey, Y/n.”

Holding up the beer in your hand, Seungcheol show off his smile before stepping aside and letting you in. Unlike the first time that you’re welcome to a fairly kempt place, now there’s a few splayed-out papers in the coffee table surrounding the crumpled-up burger wrappers as well as half eaten fries. Complete with clothes strewn all over the place, you try to maintain a straight face but Seungcheol’s quick senses are faster.

“Wait, let me clean up a little.” Seungcheol rushes to throw away any trash, his quick steps eventually pulling the attention of his dog. Which ended up being too curious and following every step he takes. “Kkuma, please. I almost walk all over you.”

Feeling rather burdensome, you quickly put the beers down and then you try to gain Kkuma’s attention instead to distract her from hindering Seungcheol’s attempt. Still walking around the apartment, Seungcheol mouthing a thank you as he collects a T-shirt on top of the dining table. You had made your spot on the hallway, sitting cross legged on the floor as Kkuma whimpering softly to gain your full attention. Her paw tapping lightly at the end of your soft scarf.

Moments later, Seungcheol re-appear with a grin. Catching his breath in a new set of clothes and a beanie. Presumably hiding a wild tuft of hair. You shot him an impressed look. Eyes widened and a questioning smile over the attire change.

“I sweat too much from running around.” He simply reasoned, joining you on the floor. His eyes trained to his dog. Kkuma already curled up beside you, chewing a strawberry plushie. You had delegated your scarf as a makeshift cushion beside her when Kkuma persist on the colourful garment that’s previously wrapped around your neck.

“I’m sorry though, i don’t mean to barge in tonight. I shouldn’t hav-”

“Shush, you’re bringing me beer.” Seungcheol leaned back across from you. You could see signs of exhaustion in his face and it brought a feeling similar of sadness in you. “Besides, i’ve been in such a rut. I couldn’t find time to clean up at all. So, you being here is kinda helping.”

Offering a can to him, he quickly opens it before clinking it to your already opened ones.

“So, to what do i owe the pleasure?” Seungcheol questions.

“Well now i-” You hesitated for a moment. Feeling the lump of unease slowly coming up, barging in and bringing your good mood when Seungcheol is showing fatigue while having no time to even clean up his apartment. But the look in his eyes. The big and encouraging look that lies atop his somewhat charming eyebags. “Well i have good news about my boss.”

You try to not imagine how Seungcheol’s eyes glow brighter upon your words. Then, to your following silence Seungcheol quickly nods in understanding over your slight hesitation. You continue while explaining that there’s so little that you can really share around. So, he took your good news with him, that’s enough.

“I’m sorry.” Your pardon took his full attention. “I came here without thinking and just barging in like a kid in a candy store.” You smile apologetically.

“No Y/n, you shouldn’t. It’s a weird corporate thing, i truly understand. I think i should be the one to apologize though. You’re here hoping to share the good news with a friend and met with a shipwreck instead.” Seungcheol chuckled, then taking a swig of his beer. The can seemingly light in his grip with the speed he’s taken to down the content.

The silence followed drowns his word to realization. The heaviness of it. The bitter smile Seungcheol tries to hide eventually surfacing. Its appearance further prove the state Seungcheol is in. His initial jokes have lost its meaning when reality kicks in.

“You’re not a shipwreck Seungcheol.” You voiced out softly. “I might be in no help in an artistic or musical side, but hey since we’re ‘friend’ then you can talk to me.” Your emphasis on friend instantly bursting out a smile from Seungcheol. Yours followed suit.

“It’s the usual, really. I get too overwhelmed with work and then can’t really write anything worth a dime. Then, i neglect everything before indulging on unhealthy meal before forcing myself to stay awake until i get any semblance of some melody that’s maybe good enough.” Seungcheol smiles bitterly, crushing the empty can of beer into the wooden floor before fidgeting with his beanie.

You blinked at the sight in front of you. Minding the dog that’s now fallen fast asleep on your side, you make a shift forward to sit right in front of Seungcheol. Now his attention is up to you.

“Give me your hand, both of them.” You hold out your palm to Seungcheol. To your little surprise, he gives in to lay both of his hand on top of yours. Palms up as you shot him a quick thanks before bringing his hand together, yours enclosing around his interlaced fingers. “It’ll be better if you close your eyes.” Seuncheol follows suit. Sighing when he can feel your hands squeezing his before caressing it softly. “My mom used to do this to me out of nowhere. When she became sick at the hospital, she does this whenever i’m about to leave. I like to think that’s her way to make me feel calm.”

Seungcheol eyes flutter open at your recollection. He’s welcomed by the sight of your smiling face down to the joined hands. With all his might, Seungcheol swallowed down the words he’s about to say. He likes to think that his body remembers. Years and years have passed but his body remembers.

How nice it is to be held by you.

“Your mother sounds great.” Seungcheol find himself whispers. Quickly replied by your chuckle before you let go of his hand and giving it one last pat. Seungcheol tries to hold back the whine in his throat.

Thankfully you didn’t make change on your proximity.

“Well she’s like most mothers. All great until she thinks their child is causing trouble. Which is probably most of the time for her.” You paused, a whisper of smile grazing your face. As it’s been a long time since you talk about your mother. The sudden topic of reminiscence jogs a happy memory in your mind. “Although i do understand her. It’s never been easy to raise a child alone, right?”

“Not that i have a child, but i think so.” Seungcheol would like to know more about your story, but for now he’s willing to stay where he’s at. Straying off of any possible uncomfortable topic.

You squint your eyes playfully at Seungcheol. Taking note of how the lines in his face has visibly soften. You like to think he’s loosened up due to the alcohol in his bloodstream. But you might never know.

“How could you disregard Kkuma like that. She’s right there.”

Seungcheol covers his mouth to stop himself to burst out laughing. Doesn’t wanna disturb his dog snoozing nearby, his heart clenched at the sight of your scarf. You smile at the way the outer corner of his eyes wrinkle endearingly and the dimple deepened. But he might never know.

\\

It is safe to say that work has been smooth sailing as of late. Although there’s small commotion outside of your boss’ office, when the legal team is doing a sweep of any document in there. Now, the room remained locked with its lights off. Hiding all the remnants of strewn papers and anything that’s deemed unimportant.

It sparks a happiness when you observe how your team work happily day by day. Unlike the first time you saw them, how they reminded you of a litter of abandoned kitten.

Sure, you and your team need to adjust to your new team manager, but the transition has been a trouble-free one. And you thanked your team for the full cooperation. Helping you when bumped into any obstacle regarding all the old files or project.

The day ended when your team manager thanked you and your team for the recent successful pitch on an ad campaign. Grinning the moment your team manager left, Chan sets off a howling cheer with the rest in tow.

“So, anyone up for a celebration?” You voiced out the idea, which sadly met with uneasy exchange of glances.

“I have to take a raincheck on that. I got a date waiting for me at the italian restaurant nearby.” Chan quickly shoulders on his bag and make a quick exit. Probably trying to avoid his friends teasing.

“We’re so sorry Y/n we got a pre-ordered tickets for a movie. But you’re welcome to join in? I’m sure there’s still available ticket.” Jisun points to herself and Soyeon, eyes all expectants.

But you noticed the small underlying hesitancy in both. You could easily interpret it, you weren’t born yesterday.

“Ahh, no i wouldn’t want to impose on your date.” You said that with a wink. Hoping to alleviate any awkwardness as your words send the two into a fit of giggle.

Quickly saying goodbye, they left you to your own device. The opened window on your desktop is just showing mostly planning for new project meeting. You feel like you’re owed to have a night off. The sun is barely setting, you’re contemplating to pay Seungcheol another surprise visit.

And then you did.

As a repayment for taking Chan’s stock of refreshment, you had stocked the mini fridge used by your team. Beers, gatorade, or even the mango yoghurt Jisun always have for dessert. You took enough beer and then sets off upstairs. Bidding goodbye to any employee still hanging around to finish a deadline or just simply wasting time until the night falls.

With your shirt already unbuttoned at two top, and jacket slung on your arm, you try you best to look as relaxed as possible.

It’s weird that nowadays, these habits came to you like it’s deserved. Visiting Seungcheol always resulting in a time spent inside a bubble of coziness. Where you could let down all guards and freely let yourself laughs as he makes a cute mistake when he’s trying to brag about his cooking skill. Or when Kkuma refuses to listen to him and Seungcheol proudly calling it a talent.

A chuckle escaped your lips, standing in front of the familiar door as you wait for the resident to opens it and welcomes you in. You almost looking forward to seeing the messy tuft of hair, sometimes falls down into his long lashes but never quite obstructing his view as you noticed that Seungcheol has this habit to runs his fingers to his hair as an attempt to keep it in place.

Eventually you hear the doorknob clicking open. Looking up, the sight welcomes you are far from what you had expected. Not even in million years as a pair of bright brown eyes knock the air out of your lungs completely.

The figure behind the door was not Seungcheol. But it wasn’t a stranger. Yet not an acquaintance either. Just another person who had made appearance in your thought. Glued to an idea, imagination of all the ‘what could’ and ‘what if’.

You had never been shy to admit that your mother raises you as an unwed single mother. People had never been nosy enough to seek out why, or where your father has been. It seems like it’s clear in your demeanor that you’re not even gonna acknowledge him in your life.

People could assume, but you and your mother knew the truth. Of your father’s whereabout and how his life going. Possibly thousand miles away from the life he left behind, and into the one he actually lived with a new family.

One of them you saw today.

“Y/n?” The stranger muttered. The proximity allowing you to hear it loud and clear.

You feel like you can’t breathe, yet your bloodstream flow quicker that waterfalls. The can of beer already drops to the floor. As you took a stumbling step back, your confounding mind tries to plan a way to escape the present situation.

Pivoting on an unsure foot, you almost stumble before making your way to the stairs. Hands flew to make it to the handle, but there’s faster ones giving you balance. The familiar dark pool of brown eyes came to your sight.

“S- seungcheol.” The words barely made it out of your lips, but the important ones never.

No explanation of why you’re fleeing from his opened front door while clearly in distress. Well, it’s not that you have extensive explanation as of why your father’s son suddenly made an appearance into your life. So you could only remain silent as your shaking arms held tight by Seungcheol.

Steadying Kkuma in his other hand, Seungcheol gaze back to his opened front door. Frowning at the sight of the frozen figure, pale as his eyes fixed to the back of your neck as if he’s seen a ghost. Bright brown eyes not even looking at the questioning glare from Seungcheol. “Hansol?”

With this you shook your arms free of Seungcheol’s hold and then making your way down the stairs and out of the building. Disregarding the faint call from Seungcheol in your rush.

\\

|| next chapter

fun fact, the first excerpts written for this fic was in 2017

[elfven-blog]

Secrets of the Manor

Summary: You try to spend a night in an abandoned Manor during a storm. Ghost!Leon x F!Reader CW: MDNI, 18+ only, p in v, dubcon, manipulation, fingers, orgasm denial (reader doesn't finish at all), creampie. Word count: 2.4K

As the thunder rumbled around you and the rain soaked through the coat you had wrapped around you, your mind couldn’t help but play tricks on you. Making your way through a storm with inadequate equipment was hard enough but the feeling of eyes burning into your back had haunted you since you’d left the forest, and set on this cobblestone path. 

Your eyes widened as you came upon a large manor, biting your lip as you considered entering or not, remembering the words of your grandmother about avoiding anything that seemed to good to be true while on this journey, but as the rain seemed to get heavier and your skin felt like ice you couldn't ignore the idea of a warm…or at least dry place to stay.

The heavy door creaked as you opened it, and you struggled to heave it closed again. Once shut it left you in a dark hallway that smelled of mildew, you could feel the wood beneath your feet as you moved towards what looked like a sitting room. A crack of lightning caused the room to glow as you jumped out of your skin at the thunder that followed. You were able to light some candles in the room, the dust rising as you moved which resulted in you coughing while trying to give the room some light.

You carried one of them in your hands, moving with it to the big fireplace but once there you realised the wood in the centre had all rotted. There goes your hope for some warmth. As you look around the rest of the room, hoping for something you can use as fuel for a fire, the state of the room catches your attention. Torn apart curtains, chunks taken out of the upholstery on the sofa and random clutter scattered around in ways that made no sense. Perhaps the manor had been ransacked a long time ago, the bookshelf held no books but the floor certainly did. The candle holders were long since empty and the rug had been shredded until only small parts of it were left.

The wind whistled through the manor causing you to pull what little clothing you had to cover yourself tighter, you needed to find that warmth and find it soon. You left the room going along the corridor and it felt like the shadows were getting longer, even though you were now in some form of shelter it didnt mean that you were any less relaxed. The shadows seemed to take more shapes than just getting longer, from the corner of your eye you could swear you saw a man but when you whipped around to look there was only an empty corner.

Creak after creak echoed through the manor as you made your way up the crumbing stairs, you had tried to hold onto the bannister but it had leant and snapped so instead you stayed as close to the wall as possible. Your eyes kept watch on the steps to make sure you avoided the holes and anything else that could possibly lead to injuries, once you’d finally made it to the landing you decided to go for the closest door.

And you jumped again as the wind whistled past your ear, it almost sounded like someone speaking but you shook your head and opened the door. It took a moment, the door knob wouldn’t turn and when it did the door stuck so you had to ram it with your shoulder until you nearly fell into the room as it swung open. 

Inside the room was a large bed, curtains almost hanging off and the dust was disturbed as you walked, leaving a trail of the clouds that had you coughing as it invaded your nose and mouth. Once it had settled again your eyes wandered the ornate room, and finally the realisation of how this now destitute manor was once a grandiose home for someone as you saw the detail in the woodwork around the room and the random decorations that seemed to serve no purpose.

There was hesitation in your steps now as you saw the bed, it had been so long since you’d been able to sleep in a bed that guard you had up immediately dissolved. You gently sat on the bed as if worried it would collapse but your hands spread against the blanket, surprised that it was still intact and there seemed to be no dust as you touched it. Not that you would complain. 

As you discarded the soaked clothes you were wearing, the noise of something falling reverberated from somewhere in the manor. Part of you hoped it was just rats, and you didn’t want to pass up the opportunity of sleeping in a real bed so instead you moved the heavy wooden dresser in front of the door. Hoping it would hold enough that you’d be able to hide or escape if someone else did find the manor.

After that was sorted you continued taking the outer layer of your clothes off, leaving you in the underwear you had, as you peeled back the cover with an apprehensive look part of you was glad that it seemed to be clean and you climbed into the bed. It didn’t take long for the exhaustion to hit you as your eyes quickly slipped shut, taking you into a deep slumber.

You don’t know what time it is when you wake up, the feeling of hands travelling up your torso as you blink away slowly. It isn’t until something pinches your nipple that you bolt upright and fling the cover off you, only to be met with nothing. Your hands try to wipe off whatever it was causing the feeling but there is still nothing.

The room feels heavy as your head swings around trying to see if anyone is there, but the dresser is still in front of the door. It hasn’t moved an inch. Your heart starts to calm, before your body tenses up and your eyes move to stare at the bed…what if? No! Surely not! 

You leant over the edge of the bed, lifting the cover that had fallen over the side and looked under the bed. Only to find nothing, causing you to blink slowly before you lay back on the bed. Head sinking into the pillow with a furrowed brow while you were trying to figure out what was happening. It must have been a dream. A very realistic dream. With a nod as if deciding this must be the answer, your eyes slipped closed again.

The next time you awoke it was to the sound of something wet. It took you a little longer this time, a yawn leaving your mouth, you were laying on your stomach and when you tried to turn over something stopped you. A weight settled on your back causing you to struggle, a deep voice resonating through the room “Shh shh now pretty girl, just stay right there f’me” it was then you realised your legs had been forced apart, and the wet sound was coming from between them.

What felt like fingers were spreading your pussy, and the bed rocked slightly as that sound came again “Fuck, not seen such a cute cunt in so long” your head turned so you could see behind you, brow furrowed when you saw nothing but you definitely felt as something hard and cold rubbed against your hole before dragging down to your clit. “So wet and all I had to do was play with those pretty tits for a bit”.

There was a slight shimmer between your legs, moonlight streaming from the window glinting off whatever was between your legs. And you could see the outline of a man, his head leant forward as he watched the way your hole seemed to clench around nothing and his arm moved. The source of the bed rocking and the wet sound, he groaned as he felt your slick cover his cock, “So fucking warm too” and his cockhead bumped at your clit again which caused a moan to leave your mouth. Your hand managing to slap against your lips to stop “No no, none of that. Move your hand” 

You didn’t move your hand, not wanting whatever this man was to hear those noises from you but part of your mind wanted to give in, especially as the tip of his cock stretched your hole and your hips moved back to try and take more of him. This caused a deep chuckle to leave the apparition as his hands moved to your hips and held you down “Sorry sweetheart, but if you don’t do as your told you dont get rewarded” as if to make a point he moved his hips until you were left empty and you whined at the feeling.

Until he pushed into you again, stretching you out that little bit and never more as his hips moved in small thrusts. It felt so good and so wrong at the same time, the cold of his dick only pressing into your warm hole shallowly. But you refused to move your hand, like some last stance, even if he could feel the way your thighs squirmed on the bed or how your other hand clenched at the sheets. Or how your cunt was trying to suck him deeper in as it clenched around the head of his cock. “C’mon, don't you wanna be a good girl?”

And those words broke you. You did want to be a good girl. The hand covering your mouth slipped down to grip at the sheets as your hips bucked back and the ghoul seemed to dig its nails deeper into you as his own hips started rabbiting against you. With the way you were positioned his balls slapped at your clit and the sudden change in pace had your body rocking the bed. “See ain't so bad, is it? Just gotta lay there and take it” and you gave him what he wanted as moans slipped from your mouth in a whiny pitch.

You felt something cold and wet lean over your back, locks of shimmery blonde hair falling into your line of sight and your eyes wandered as far as they could. Trying to concentrate on how this man…this ghost looked like, but the feeling of his cock dragging along your pulsing walls made it extremely difficult. Apart from the blonde hair, he had a strong jaw and his arms were clearly made from years of work, you wondered how he’d died.

“Fuck, feels so good. Needed this, ain't had good pussy in so long” his words had your ears turning red, and you felt a hand creep under your body to touch your nipples. Your eyes widened at the familiar feeling, the same one as when you’d first woken up. Your nipples hardened from the cool touch, and he rolled the pebbled bud between his fingers in a way that had you arching into his hand as much as it could. In a weird way you could feel the sheets below his hand but his fingers still worked at your nipple.

His fast strokes turned into deep, slow ones as he rolled his hips against your ass and you pressed your hips up against him trying to signal that you wanted his original pace but he tutted in your ear. His tongue dipped against the outer shell “I’d say I’m sorry but this aint for you, just gonna use this little pussy” his cock twitched inside your cunt, and you whined at his words unable to speak when all these sensations were happening. He seemed to press himself closer to you, his thrusts almost felt non existent with how slow he went, tediously drawing his cock in and out.

“So fucking warm” it felt like an eternity of this, the tip of his head bumping at your cervix every now and then until one of his hands moved to your legs and pushed it up at the knee, the new angle had you almost drooling. Your mind was clouded, and somewhere far away you felt the cold lift from your back, a whimper leaving you but then it was like he’d had a new sense of energy as he started fucking into you at a brutal pace. 

The feet of the bed scraped against the floor, and the headboard hit the wall echoing throughout the manor. Your eyes rolled back at the feeling, saliva drooling messily down your chin as his hand yanked your head back with your hair, a slight pain searing through the scalp but the feeling of his twitching cock filling you up distracted you from that pain. “That’s it, just fucking take it” 

A few moments later and your thighs were shaking from the feeling, until he suddenly slowed. And you gasped at the sensation of something cold filling you up, what were normally hot sticky ropes was almost freezing as he grunted above you, emptying his balls into your hole. Holding you close so you couldn't move, until his cock stopped twitching and there was nothing left to give.

You lifted your hips, expecting his hand to dip below to circle your clit but nothing. Suddenly you were warm again, and there was no other weight on the bed, no hands holding you down. Hands pushing against the sheets so that you could move to sit on the bed properly, your head turning around as you realised he was gone. You ached from the use, and he had left. A frown took over your mouth and for a moment you thought you’d imagined the entire thing until you looked between your legs and saw a shimmering white cum leaking from your hole, your hand touched it and you gasped at how cold it was.

You quickly changed, and managed to move the dresser from the door, deciding you didn’t want to spend another second in that forsaken manor. You didn’t care that it was still dark, and raining. You just had to get out of there. Your mind tried to rationalise what had happened, you denied with every part of you that you had enjoyed what had happened. And if you had taken a moment to look back, you would have seen the figure of the blonde man in the window staring as you made your escape.

It wasn’t for months that you’d find out who it was that had used you in such a way. You were rolling your eyes as you listened to some of the people gossiping “Such a shame though, that manor. You know, the Lord and Lady left after their son Leon had died. Those poor Kennedy’s, the Lady went mad. Saying she could see her son wandering the halls.”

[philistiniphagottini]

For my Valentines event.

Comments/reblogs highly appreciated.

Miyabi Hoshimi + Chocolate

cw. fluff, gender neutral reader, chubby reader, minors DO NOT interact with me or my writing

Valentines Prompts

You took a deep and calm breath, steeling your nerves as you raised your hand and knocked on Miyabi’s office door. The noise grated against your ears and your breathing faltered for a few, tense seconds as you held your breath. All the preparation that lead you to this very moment was suddenly null and void as your anxiety took root in the pit of your stomach. Your head suddenly felt dizzy and you reconsidered what you were about to do, contemplating on if you still had enough time to bolt. The dizzying swirl fogging up your mind was only dispelled when you heard Miyabi’s muffled voice call to you from beyond your door.

"Enter."

You sucked down a sharp breath as it whistled through your teeth, your hand shaking and palms sweaty when you grabbed the door knob to twist it. You let yourself into the room, a meek noise falling from your lips as you apologised for the interruption. That was what you were meant to say, but it sounded like garbled noise swimming in one ear and out the other as you stood in the centre of the room.

"Sorry for the interruption Miss Miyabi" you said with a timid expression.

Her ears flickered toward the direction of your voice as she lifted her head, gaze falling away from the paperwork laid out in front of her as her scarlet gaze fell upon you. The scratching of her pen faded away as she eagerly turned her attention towards you, happy for a distraction from her dull and boring, mundane paperwork. She tilted her head out of curiosity when she noted both your hands clasped behind your back and no matter how she twisted her head she couldn’t get a peek around your plump figure to guess what you were trying to conceal. Your nervous gaze only flitted back to her when she spoke, your heart pulsing so loud you were sure Miyabi would also be able to hear it with her keen ears pricked forward. 

"There’s no need for formalities" Miyabi informed you, her desk chair creaking as she leaned forward. "Just call me Miyabi."

You nodded along to her words, heat creeping over your round cheeks and burning all the way to the tips of your ears. 

"Yes, o-of course mi-Miyabi."

You swallowed thickly, throat feeling parched and lips dry as your hands trembled behind your back. You noticed the Chief’s not so conspicuous tilted head, her fox ears slightly drooping and following the movements of her head as she pursed her lips in thought. She was pulling such an adorable face you thought you may actually break down into a hysterical fit of affection for her. Your blood continued to pump in your ears like the loud beat of a drum as you awkwardly cleared your throat, almost choking on a dry rasp of air as you timidly licked your lips. You shyly peeked up at Miyabi from beneath the flutter of your heavy lashes. You scraped together what little remaining courage you could and decided to make the plunge before you chickened out and tucked your proverbial tail between your legs

"I-I have a gift for you" you suddenly said, tone just a tad bit too exaggerated for your liking.

Miyabi immediately perked up. "Oh? What is it?"

You shuffled nervously from one foot to the other, grinding the heel of your shoe into the floor as you tried to keep yourself rooted. Taking the hint Miyabi stood from her chair, the long sleeves of her coat sweeping over her wooden desk and almost sending papers scattering from the swift movement as she approached you. You chewed on the flaking skin around the corners of your plump lips, the tips of your fingers itching with numbness as you tried to get the wild flutter of your heart to settle. You could smell the sweet floral scent of her perfume from where you were standing and you were so nervous you thought you were about to pass out. But you pushed through with a wavering voice, head bowed and hands suddenly shoved out in front of you as you offered your gift to Miyabi.

"Please please take these, I made them for you Miyabi" you rushed, tripping and stumbling over your words on the way. 

Miyabi stared at your outstretched hands in stunned silence, owlishly blinking at the cute little box you held in your trembling hands. A red, silk ribbon wrapped in a neat bow around the small box, a little card tucked beneath it that Miyabi’s name printed on it in your familiar handwriting. Your heart was in your throat as you waited with baited breath, staring at the tips of Miyabi’s boots as you hid your burning cheeks from her scrutinizing gaze. Your heart stammered when she took a step forward and you almost dropped the little box you held in your hands. You had stayed up most of last night making the perfect chocolates for Miyabi, heavy bags still lingering under your tired eyes. But it had been worth it as you poured all your love and affection for her into your craft and wrapped it up this morning before work. She was worth it. 

"Happy Valentine’s day" you added with a bashful stammer. 

Miyabi took the small box from your hands, butterflies erupting in your stomach when you felt her fingertips graze against the sensitive pulse of your wrist. You raised your head when her touch lingered and a gentle smile touched her lips as she stared at you with soft eyes. 

"Thank you. I will treasure this gift for the rest of my life."

You blinked at her with wide, doe eyes as the gears in your brain defrosted and started to work again. Your tongue briefly flickered over your lips again as you gave her a shy smile.

"Miyabi, these are chocolates…You’re supposed to eat them."

A look of realisation flashed across Miyabi’s face, lips parted slightly until you could see the small glimmer of her fangs peeking out from between the plush skin.

"Oh."

She paused for a brief moment, heat creeping over her cheeks as her ears flickered with bashfulness. She cleared her throat with a light cough, gaze finding yours once more and holding it steady.

"Then, would you like to share them with me, Valentine?"

[doodle-pops]

Happy Feet

Beleg x female!reader

A/N: I’ve been unnecessarily having baby fever and Beleg appears to be the perfect person to bear the brunt of my obsession.

Warnings: female reader, fluff, fluff and more fluffiness, Beleg being a dad to twins

Words: 2k

Synopsis: Returning home after a two-week shift at the borders of Doriath, Beleg discovers that he’s officially a father of two.

Soundless footsteps, swift and sure, as he made his way through the familiar woods, the dense canopy overhead dappling his path with patches of light. He had been gone for two long weeks, guarding the borders of the hidden realm, and now he was finally home. The last stretch of his journey felt endless, his heart pounding with anticipation. Eagerly rushing up the porch, he froze before his hand could meet the door knob to greet the beautiful sight of you.

There, frozen, he heard the whispers of your melodic voice waffling through the air like the gentle breeze of the warm spring keeping the winter coldness at bay. It felt like aeons since last he heard your voice, and here he was, after two weeks of being away, floating through the air on the whispers of your voice. Unable to wait another minute he twisted the door knob and burst through the front door.

Nowhere insight you were, yet he remained hopeful of the beautiful sight he would be greeted upon his return. Noting that the house appeared asleep, he smiled to himself, remembering how much you struggled to keep it alive when he wasn’t around. The house was warm, filled with the soft glow of candlelight. The scent of fresh pine and herbs lingered in the air, mingling with a sweeter, more delicate aroma that was new to him. He closed the door behind him with a soft click, removing his boots and his gears, he placed them at the front door and ushered to wash his hands before making his way through the house to your bedroom.

However, it was the sight of you sitting in the centre of the room, cradling your two newborns that made him freeze in his track. You were seated on a low stool with your back to him while humming a gentle melody that seemed to resonate with the very walls. The cradle beside you rocked gently, two tiny bundles nestled inside.

For a moment, Beleg was rooted in place, overwhelmed by the sight. The reality of fatherhood had been a distant thought, overshadowed by his duties at the border. But now, seeing his wife, your children—his children—he felt an intense wave of emotion crash over him. His heart swelled with love, gratitude, and a fierce protectiveness that brought tears to his eyes.

Soft coos and grunts came from the cradle in unison which made his heart swell. Unable to hold back any longer, he crossed the room in swift strides and wrapped his arms around you from behind, pulling you close. A soft gasp was emitted, before melting into his embrace, your head leaning back against his chest. Beleg immediately buried his face into your hair, inhaling your familiar scent, mixed with the newness of your children.

“Meleth-nîn,” he called out and felt you stirring in his arms to turn around and meet his gaze. There, he was met with the most beautiful smile he had ever received from you. Your eyes were filled with weariness, strands of hair falling into your waxed face and out of your bun, your clothes loose-fitted and hanging off your figure, and yet, you could not have looked any more beautiful than you did in that moment. “I…I’m home. I…”

He pressed a kiss to your temple, his tears finally spilling over. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner. I wanted to be with you…with them.”

Your smile softened as you cupped his face to wipe away his tears. “It’s alright. You’re here now, and that’s what matters, plus, they decided to arrive earlier than we anticipated.”

At your words, his shoulders relaxed and his lower lips quivered slightly as he broke into a teary-eyed smile. “We have two babies,” he cried while adding soft laughter of disbelief, and he rocked you from left to right, looking at you through his teary green eyes. “We made two babies! Not one, but two!”

Nodding along with him as you cupped his face, you leaned in to press a tender kiss to his nose while wiping his tears. “We did.”

“You’re amazing, you know that right?” he whispered as he craned his neck upwards to swiftly kiss you. “You’re so perfect and wonderful, and I’m proud to have you in my life,” he praised before switching to a voice full of concern. “How are you? It must have been difficult…I’m so sorry I wasn’t here.”

Shaking your head with a reassuring smile through the weariness, you replied, “It was difficult, but it’s over now. And I’m all right, truly. I’ve had help from the healers and our friends. They’ve been wonderful.”

Beleg nodded, relieved but still feeling a pang of guilt. He reached for your hand and held it tightly. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice thick with gratitude. “For bringing them into this world, for being so strong…for everything.”

“It was worth it.”

His gaze drifted to the cradle, where the tiny forms of his son and daughter lay. His breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight of them—so small, so perfect. Their faces were soft, round, and serene, with tiny fists curled up against their cheeks. His son’s hair was a miniature version of yours, while his daughter’s was a shade similar to his silvery strands, like the softest moonlight. He could see their chests rising and falling with each breath, their delicate eyelashes fluttering as they dreamed.

His heart swelled even more if that were possible, and he released you gently so he could kneel beside the cradle. His fingers trembled as he reached out to touch his son’s cheek, the skin impossibly soft under his calloused hand. The baby stirred slightly at the touch but didn’t wake, only nestling closer to his sister.

Beleg’s breath caught in his throat again, the emotions swirling within him too vast to contain. He swallowed hard, blinking rapidly as he took in every detail of his children’s faces. “I’ve seen many wonders in my time,” he murmured, “but nothing compares to this. To them.”

“May I hold them?” he asked, his voice almost reverent, his heart aching with love for the tiny beings who had suddenly become the centre of his world.

Wordlessly, you smiled and carefully lifted your daughter from the cradle and placing her in his arms.

Beleg’s breath hitched instantly as he cradled his daughter against his chest. She was so small, so fragile, and yet she fit perfectly in his arms, as if she had always belonged there. Her tiny face scrunched up briefly before she settled back into sleep, her little hand curling instinctively around his finger.

“Hello, my little one,” Beleg whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “I’m your father.”

The words felt strange and wondrous on his tongue, and he couldn’t stop the tear that slipped down his cheek. He gently rocked her, his heart overflowing with love. “I’ll always protect you,” he vowed quietly. “You and your brother. I’ll never let anything harm you.”

You watched him with a smile, your own eyes glistening with tears of pure joy. “She looks so much like you,” she said softly. “The same nose, the same serious little expression.”

Beleg chuckled through his tears, his heart light with joy. “I see you in her too. And our son…he has your eyes.”

His wife nodded, her gaze drifting to the cradle where their son still slept peacefully. “He does. He’s already so strong, just like his father.”

Beleg’s heart swelled with pride, and he shifted his daughter carefully in his arms so he could lean over and place a tender kiss on his son’s forehead. The baby stirred at the touch, his tiny lips forming a soft ‘o’ as he blinked open his eyes for the first time since Beleg had arrived. For a moment, father and son simply looked at each other, and Beleg felt an indescribable connection take root in his soul. His baby’s eyes, so bright and full of life, seemed to pierce through to the core of him, filling him with a love so fierce it was almost overwhelming.

“Hello, my little warrior,” Beleg whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. “I’m here now. I’ll always be here.”

The baby let out a tiny, contented sigh, and Beleg felt his heart melt completely. He looked up at you, his tears flowing freely now. “I never knew I could feel this much,” he said, voice breaking. “I never knew…”

“I know. It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? But it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world,” you whispered, feeling a wave of sleepiness washing over you sluggishly.

Beleg nodded, his heart so full it felt as though it might burst. He carefully handed his daughter back to his wife so he could pick up his son, cradling him just as gently. The baby nestled against his chest, warm and soft, and Beleg closed his eyes for a moment, simply revelling in the feeling of holding his child for the first time.

The room was quiet, filled only with the sound of their breathing and the faint crackle of the fire in the hearth. Beleg felt a profound sense of peace settle over him, a sense of completeness he had never known before. This was his family, his home, and he knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, he would face them with courage and strength, for them.

He looked down at his son, who was already drifting back to sleep, and then at you who was gently rocking your daughter in her arms. “You’re weary, my love,” he said quietly, his voice filled with all the depth of his emotions. “Get some rest. I’m here now, I’ll look after you all.”

Before you could formulate a response, a yawn ripped past your lips, proving his words to be true. Offering him a sweet, tiring smile, you shuffled over to place your little girl into her cot and kissed your husband his lips, the kiss lingering for an extra moment or two before you pulled away and retreated to bed. All that was left was Beleg and his two new bundle of joys.

As he watched you drag your feet to your bed and topple face-first onto the mattress, not bothering to adjust your position to one more comfortable, he exhaled. This was the next chapter in his life to complete, one that would be forever and determine his future.

And as he held his son close, feeling the steady rhythm of his tiny heartbeat against his chest, and looking at his sleeping daughter, Beleg knew that he would do anything to keep them safe. The weight of his responsibilities as a warrior and protector had always been heavy, but now, with his family in his arms, that weight was balanced by a profound sense of purpose and joy. He would fight, not just for the safety of Doriath, but for the happiness of you and your children.

As the fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a warm glow, Beleg let out a contented sigh. With you off to wonderland, his children safe in his arms, and the soft hum of their breathing filling the room, Beleg allowed himself to close his eyes, finally at peace. His home, his family, his heart—everything he had ever longed for was here in this quiet moment. A moment he wished he could freeze for eternity.

He looked down at his son, who was now fully asleep, his tiny face peaceful and content. Beleg leaned down and kissed his forehead, then did the same for his daughter, his heart swelling with love for them both. “Rest well, my little ones,” he murmured. “Your father is here.”

Masterlist

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[easterbonnet]

𝔐𝔶 𝔚𝔢𝔢𝔭𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔇𝔞𝔪𝔰𝔢𝔩

remus john lupin - period comfort (student x teacher)

radio . . .

𝔅 uried away in the misty Scottish countryside inside a castle that, to a muggle eye, would look like nothing more than ruins, resided a sweet girl in her shared dormitory. She was huddled up in bed between her frilly linen bedsheets, dressed in an old nightgown passed down from her mother. The little lady snuggled her teddy bear as she sniffled back dainty tears between wide eyed whimpers.

Effeminate moonlight beaded through the windows, casting a gloomy spotlight on the hand-dyed, velveteen drapes surrounding her canopy bed, providing a cocoon of intermission. However, try as she might, Y/n could not nod off no matter how much she willed it.

It was that time of month again and no amount of warming pans could provide enough heat to soothe the aches and pains she felt. It seemed to her that she had an unwilling tendency to find herself in situations she'd rather not. Tossing and turning from side to side, her loose plait ruffled against her pillow; she didn’t know what to do next but she needed to do something.

Tell her head of house? Go to the hospital wing? Wait it out?

The pain was getting worse; a sick feeling added to the cramps in her lower back and stomach. Initially, she felt relief at the coming of her period, a sort of divine connection with her body, her girlhood. Even so, the agony that accompanied was nothing but a thorn in her side, or a pea between her mattresses.

The trials and tribulations a princess must face...

Her seraphic semblance jousted with the storm brewing beneath the diaphanous lacework that dressed her weak figure. Much like a medieval sovereign, pale and blue on her deathbed, no amount of cornucopias riches could remedy her.

Y/n slowly but surely managed to sit up, bundling the quilt around her middle in hopes of alleviating the cramps. To no avail, she resorted to the only one she trusted: her professor.

The gentle girl would often seek refuge in his classroom throughout the day, whether it be someone picking on her or the workload was getting too much. It didn’t take long before the tweed-wearing man fell flat on his knees for his starry-eyed student, and her for him.

Things between them weren't chaste, but neither were they explicitly carnal. Tender kisses were exchanged in passing, softly suggestive words were whispered in private, and the occasional sleepover transpired, yet nothing that meant her professor saw anything more bare than her legs or arms.

Putting on her lambswool slippers and grabbing her wand, Y/n made her decision: she was off in search of her lover.

Slightly hunched over, she padded along the floor like a wounded animal, eyes bigger than saucers.

All she wanted was for Rem-Rem’s hands to melt her girly pain away.

With a fixed ‘deer in the headlights’ expression, she drifted out of the common room, clutching her teddy’s hand as it dragged behind her, involuntarily along for the ride.

“Remus,” She whispered to herself as she roamed the halls, it echoed like a snake’s hiss. Meandering down sconce-lit passages much like an intricate maze, she hoped she wouldn't find a minotaur at the centre of the castle's beating heart, though she was in search of a werewolf instead.

Once she’d reached where she knew to be Lupin’s private chambers, she knocked the door timidly, pouting at the discomfort she was still in and rubbing her tummy.

The was no answer.

Her feeble fist turned the cool door knob, opening the door ajar, “Lu-Lu?” Yet another nickname she had for him swirled past the door into his sleeping ears.

The man twitched in his slumber, letting out a groan as he lifted his head toward the door; there was only one person who dared to call him that.

An amber glow shone through the door crack, illuminating the girl like an empyrean angel sent down from the holy. Her messy hair, from fidgeting against her pillowcase, looked windswept, and her puffy, crying eyes evoked an emotion that was so deeply hidden inside him, he didn't know of its existence.

Remus sat up in an instant, startled by the ethereal vision of her cherubic facade. He rubbed his eyes and swung his legs off the side of the bed, getting another look.

His eyes softened immediately, opening his arms to her, “Baby what’re you doing? It’s the middle of the night.” His voice was groggy and ever so slightly slurred, yet remained gentle as if conversing with a child instead of a young lady.

Y/n rushed over holding her tummy and frowning, she sat down on his hard thigh. “Lu-Lu,” She cooed like a baby with a newly learned word.

Half of him was concerned at her defenceless appearance, but the other half was mildly amused at her insistent use of the silly nickname. He played along, caressing her supple, rosy cheek, swiping away a stray eyelash.

“Yeah princess, gonna keep calling me that? ‘S a bit girly isn’t it?” He gave a sleepy smirk and kissed the top of her head, still waiting for the reason she made an appearance tonight, not that he was anything but pleased to see her.

She shook her head, looking more cute than upset behind her sad face. “Like it,” She said referring to the nickname, her hand guiding Remus’ palm over her pained tummy.

“Someone hungry huh? Wanted a midnight snack is that it?” Lupin lay back onto the bed, gently hauling her on top of him. He felt her warm body against him, more tender and swollen than usual.

Once again, she shook her head, whining as she burried it into his chest.

“C'mon poppet, use those words.” He looked down at her through half-lidded eyes, stroking the back of her floaty nightgown, threatening to fall asleep again.

When nothing but more whinges and whines left her mouth, the teacher took the teddy bear into his hands, “Is Mopsy going to have to tell me what’s wrong instead?”

When his girlfriend nodded, he sighed softly, yet feeling nothing but endearment for her. “Okay, Mopsy what’s wrong with our little Y/n?”

He put the bear to his ear pretending to nod along, listening to what it had to say, “Ah, right-o, gotcha.”

After placing the bear back down onto the duvet, he spoke to the only other human in the room, “Mopsy said you’re feeling a bit sore.... down there."

Y/n forgot all about her cramps and bolted up right staring bewildered at him, and then the bear.

How did it know?!

Lupin chuckled ever so softly, “Shhh you’ve got a bit of blood on your dress that’s all.” He kissed the top of her head, not bothered by the prospect.

Her cheeks drained of colour just before going the same shade as a beetroot: she squirmed wanting to run and hide.

“Hey hey hey-“ He stopped her panic before it had started, holding her tightly in his arms and not letting her run away in embarrassment. “It’s okay we’ll get you cleaned up, we've handled worse, mm?"

In a sluggish but gentle movement, Lupin cradled her in his fatigued arms over to the bathroom that joined to his sleeping quarters.

"Are you in pain sweetheart, I know some girls get really poorly, 's that you?" He whispered, setting her down on the toilet and crouching in front of her.

Y/n nodded with weepy eyes, pawing at him for comfort.

His hardened heart ached for her little face, he knew how difficult it was to deal with these things on a regular basis, and he also knew how much pain she must be in to come and find him at such a late hour.

"I’ve got some pain relief potion here, nice and strong.” He reached into the cupboard under the sink and rummaged until he produced a small glass bottle of a pale green liquid. Removing the wax sealed cork, he brought the vial up to her lips, letting her swallow it bit by bit.

Wiping her mouth on the back of her hand and muttering a thank you, she shifted on the toilet lid feeling uncomfortable at the wet stain on her dress.

"Now, lets get you out of this."

But it wasn't that simple.

She was hesitant, he could tell. Lupin knew that exposing herself to him for the first time would be fearful, but in the middle of the night, in pain and bleeding? Even worse.

His rough fingers toyed with the hem of her nightdress, slowly easing it up, over her thighs, past her hips, her breasts, and eventually her head.

The girl fidgeted and squirmed, avoiding eye contact.

He hated seeing her like this, but he couldn't deny she was even more beautiful than he'd imagined. Yet he took it with a pinch of salt, trying not to stare too much and make her uncomfortable, as it was obvious her current predicament slightly altered her features. She looked swollen and sore, plump and womanly, with her tender midriff reddened from rubbing it and a spot or two on her face.

Remus frowned subtly, the whole situation was tugging on his heartstrings too much to bear. Quickly dashing into the bedroom, he retrieved Mopsy the plushie and handed it to her, placing it in front of her chest for dignity. "Better?"

She nodded, chewing on her lip, swiping it's soft fur against her cheek.

Very quickly she was wiped clean, put in a change of Remus' clothes (a grey jumper and pair of black boxers in which he'd slipped a pad into) and taken back to bed with a herbal tea.

His student didn't speak much, an unpleasant concoction of pain, embarrassment and exhaustion drenched her features as she waited for the potion to start working. Remus stood in the archway leading to the bathroom just watching her propped up in bed with countless pillows and blankets, like a scared mouse nibbling a piece of cheese, as she sipped the herbal tea he brewed her. Leaning his arm against the wall, he realised as much as she seemed like an angel, an ethereal entity as pure as snow, she wasn't. She was human, just like him, and she could get hurt too.

"How's my poorly girl doing?" The teacher carefully padded over barefoot, getting into the other side of the bed, cautious not to jolt her.

"M'kay.” She tried her best to hide herself in the cup of tea.

"You don't have to be embarrassed, my love, you're a very pretty girl and it's normal to- for this to happen." His head lowered as he chased her eye contact, placing his hand on her thigh.

"You don't think I'm... disgusting?" She eventually plucked up the courage to ask, afraid of the answer even though she knew Lupin would do anything for her already.

"Disgusting? You're bleeding darling not turning into a goblin," Lupin couldn't believe she'd ever think of herself in any such way, but then again who was he to chastise someone for a bit of self-doubt, he practically ran on it.

The room whirled with a quiet twinkling noise that seemed to hide between the walls at Hogwarts, reminiscent of a fire crackling, even when there wasn't one. Whooshing gusts of wind infiltrated the cracks in the walls and around the windows. Y/n rested her head serenely on his clothes shoulder, holding his hand under the covers. She turned her head after a little while, their breaths harmonising with each others heart beat.

The sparkle slowly glistened back in her eyes and she felt the spiky brush of Remus' stubble before kissing his cheek.

"Love you Rem Rem,” She twirled a strand of her hair.

He smiled to himself, staring down at the duvet before looking up into her eyes, kissing her lips.

Before her, he hadn't had a nickname since his school days, not an endearing one anyway. 'Loony Lupin' echoed through his mind.

"I love you too,” His voice glazed her heart.

The word were more than a reply, but a deep-rooted declaration.

Laying under the blankets, the couple cuddled tightly. Even when she dropped off into dreamland, Remus caressed her stomach, wishing her sweet dreams. Her sleepy, cuddly form hogged all the duvet, leaving the man half in the cold, but he didn't mind nor did he try to steal them back. He'd give up anything for her: his sleep, his time, even his quilt.

That was his girl, and he was going to give her the best life he could, no matter the hardships against them.

And, with a dopey but loving grin into his pillow, the professor drifted off to sleep.

. . . my weeping damsel

ps. listen with the music xoxo

[farawaywiththefairies]

in better newsss lots of good things going on ^_^ i just bought pink button shaped door knobs for my new wardrobe my room is gonna be soooo cute :D and i have stickers and keyrings on the way in the post, i talked to my mum this morning and she said we should plan more days out now that we're back home, so we're gonna get tickets for the animal crossing event at the sea life centre and go to the charity shops soon!! aaand i've started planning my next cross stitch project and it's mother's day this sunday and it's sunny and i'm seeing lots of flowers and butterflies yayyyy ૮꒰ ྀི´ ˘ ` ꒱ྀིა

[leaawrites]

Big Fan

Graham Coxon x fem!theatre actress reader

Summary: Graham finds a new hobby for Friday nights; watching her plays.

Warnings: arguments between the band, fluff,

Wordcount: 1.2k

Masterlist

The lights were low, the curtains closed. His leg was bouncing up and down in anticipation. He’d had seen her face on the advertisement poster outside the theatre while being out for a smoke and in need of a break from Damon in the studio. And without further thoughts put into it, he soon found himself handing over the money for a ticket to the show that night.

Now, he was anxiously waiting, eyes looking around the room. What if someone recognized him? If he was seen in the front row of a theatre play on a Friday night instead of out at a party with Alex or Damon, he could already see the headlines flash in front of his eyes with the guys laughter in the background.

It was a stupid idea. The stupidest he had while sober. And yet, when the lights went out and the curtains opened, he completely forget about all of it. Because in the middle of the stage, centred by the spotlight shining down on her, she was stood. Looking better than on the staged photograph outside.

Graham was entranced the moment she began talking, reciting dialogues and monologues like they were her own words and thoughts. He was so caught up in her movement and being, that when the lights turned back on and cheers and applause was heard, all he heard and saw was her and her voice. He stayed sat until every last person was already on their way out, cursing himself for being so god damn curious.

“Where are you off to so eagerly?” Damon asked a week later, not even completely stood up while Graham had already thrown his jacket on and was on his way out.

Nervously looking back, he saw the other guys staring at him now too. “Not eager, just in a rush. My mum’s asked if I could help her out tonight.”

“Sure, mate.” He didn’t sound convinced, neither did he look like it, still Damon let him run out of the room and didn’t mention it again.

Graham had told himself that he would just forget her, that whatever he felt that night was only because he felt the loneliness of being known too much. Though all his excuses were quickly thrown out the window when he saw a new show with her and bought the ticket for the coming Friday.

It was packed as usual and she was the same enchanting as before. And when she bowed that night, smiling into the big crowd, he felt his chest tighten. Because this wasn’t just loneliness anymore, it was desire. Desire to be seen by her in a crowd full of admirers.

“You have to stop this.” Damon was stood in front of the door the next week when they called it a day, blocking his way out.

“I’m not even doing anything,” Graham defended himself, trying to grasp around him for the door knob, but Damon quickly slapped his hand away.

“Where are you going on Friday nights? Because it’s certainly not your mums,” he continued cornering him.

“How would you know?”

“Called her, asked about your visit. Surprisingly you haven’t seen her in a few weeks already.” Damon looked determined to find out what he was hiding.

It wasn’t even that big of a deal, so why did his hands start sweating at the thought of them finding out about his visits to the theatre?

“I still bet he’s got a secret lover,” Alex butted in from behind them, slapping his shoulder and shaking his body.

“No way, he couldn’t keep that from us for so long,” Dave added.

“What’s going on with you?”

“Are you in a cult?”

“Or another band?”

“Do you secretly have other friends?”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Graham finally asked as he shook Alex’s hands from his shoulders, who’s grip had gotten significantly tighter on his skin.

“We’re just curious.”

Looking at Damon again, he knew that he wouldn’t get out of there if he didn’t tell them and the show was going to start in two hours already.

“I’m going to the theatre,” he finally said, his shoulders sinking as the tension of the secret fell from them.

“What?”

Not one of them had expected that.

“A few weeks ago I saw a advert for a show with a woman on it, alright? I thought she was fit and now, I go more often.”

“Every Friday,” Damon corrected him.

“Every Friday.”

“He’s head over heels,” Alex announced, shaking his head in sarcastic disappointment. “We’ve lost him, boys.”

“Shut up.”

“You could’ve just told us, you know?” Damon pushed Alex away.

“She doesn’t even know that I exist, how was I supposed to explain that?”

“Are ya at least planning on talking to her?” Damon asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

“What? No.” Graham looked at him like he was completely out of his mind.

Watching the light flicker on and off in front of his face just far enough away from the cigarette stub in between his lips to not light it, Graham leaned against the wall of the theatre. Waiting until the door next to him would open. Coming out of another weekly show he’d bought tickets for. Sitting in the front row to see her in the best light.

Too caught up in his head as to how he would explain his situation, he didn’t notice the door opening and the woman walking out until she let out a startled scream.

Looking to his left, Graham could make out her face from under the street light. Hand over her mouth as she calmed herself down, bright eyes looking right at him. Now he was the one under the spotlight. What was he supposed to do now?

Closing the lighter and putting the cigarette back into his pocket, Graham pushed himself off the wall. Walking closer to her and extending his hand.

“Graham Coxon,” he introduced himself, his voice slightly breaking. “I’m a huge fan of yours.”

Smiling softly at the compliment, she took his hand, shaking it.

“Thank you, I really appreciate it.” Taking a closer look at him, she continued. “Don’t I know you from somewhere?”

“I’m in a band,” he suggested an answer, fiddling with the cigarette in his pocket.

This was it, he thought, she’ll want to know Damon.

“Yeah, right.” Pointing a finger at him like he just won her eyes widened in recognition. “You’re the guitarist from ‘Blur’. I’ve seen you play before. You’re really good too.”

“Oh, well. Thanks.” Rubbing the back of his neck, he looked down at his shoes, trying to hide the blush creeping up his neck.

“Since I know you’re not some creepy stalker now, do you maybe wanna walk me home?”

Looking up at her again, the question caught him off guard.

“What?”

“I mean, only if you have the time. If not, that’s totally fine. I bet you’re really busy, recording and partying and all that. Keeping your duties as a Rock star,” she started rambling seeing the shock in his face.

“No, I’d love to walk you home,” he quickly assured her.

Nodding her head, she began leading the way. Both making sure they wasted no meter with silence.

[butternuggets-blog]

Go-at Peacefully Into The New Year

A Discovery of Witches, Fluff/Humor

New Year's Eve, 1966

Gallowglass stepped into the room with an emphatically nonchalant air. He shut the door behind him as Marcus, Jack and Martin looked up from their card game.

'If anybody asks, I was with you all night.'

'What did you do?' Martin frowned.

'Nothing. I was here with you all night.'

-weewoo-weewoo-weewoo-

A firetruck zipped by, lights flashing. Martin stared at the window after it, alarmed.

-weewoo-weewoo-weewoo-weewoo-

Three more fire engines raced by in quick succession.

'What did you do?!' Jack and Marcus chorused.

'The roof.' Martin threw his hand down and brushed past a protesting Gallowglass. 'Come on!'

****

The roof of the hotel gave a panoramic view of the park in the middle of the square. A towering inferno, some thirteen foot high, was blazing in the middle of it, firemen scrambling to unroll hoses and set up a corden to keep curious onlookers at a safe distance.

Martin gaped. He turned slowly to look at Gallowglass; his face was the same colour as his hair and he looked like he was trying to melt into the floor.

'..Eric-'

Gallowglass winced.

'-is that the goat?!'

'I didn't mean to!' Gallowglass protested, throwing his hands up defensively. 'I was just having a cigarette!'

Martin sighed. 'How?!'

Gallowglass looked sheepish. 'I..may have let the butt roll away from me.'

'You're supposed to stub out cigarettes,' Marcus commented helpfully. Jack was sketching the burning statue, capturing the essence of the moment in, ironically, charcoal.

'I did!' Gallowglass whined.

'Not successfully,' Martin glowered.

________________________________________________________________

'-and that's why we're here,' Gallowglass explained, glancing through his binoculars at the town stretched out before him. The square was still there, prettily decked-out in Christmas lights. The Gävle Goat stood tall and proud above the trees, icicles hanging from its horns.

'So we're going to burn down the goat,' Phoebe lowered her binoculars to stare at the side of Gallowglass' head. 'Commiting international arson, all to spite Baldwin who insists that this "tradition" be put to rest?'

'Exactly!' Martin army-crawled up beside them and pulled a map out of his lapel pocket. 'Right. Baldwin's hunkered down in the hotel with his usual command centre of walkie-talkies. Gallowglass?'

'I see them,' Gallowglass was scanning the square. 'Groups of three patrolling each corner of the park; four snipers on the rooftops and-'

He switched the binoculars to nightvision. '-one holding the fort on the manhole cover, east side.'

'Wow..' Phoebe's jaw dropped. 'You guys really take it that seriously?'

'Not always,' Martin was fishing a round, small stone out of his jacket pocket. 'But times changed and it just wasn't feasible to keep using flaming arrows and the like so we've both had to step up our game.'

'Time.' Gallowglass muttered, checking his watch.

Martin pulled a glove off and placed the stone in the palm of his hand. He squeezed it tight until the warmth from his skin leached into the stone, his other hand gripping his binoculars.

All three watched as the poor bastard holding fort at the manhole was suddenly yanked into it, Diana popping up from below.

'Contact!' Martin grinned.

Diana wove a knot and fog began to pour from the vent, rapidly obscuring the route around the park. As it hit each security team, they began swaying on their feet before delicately crumpling to the ground.

'Sleeping like babes' Gallowglass grinned.

Next, the wind picked up. The fog started to dissipate as Diana rose into the air. Without warning a barrage of gunfire hit her, engulfing her in a hail of bullets from four different directions at once.

Phoebe hissed in shock. Martin grabbed her hand.

'It's alright.. they're rubber bullets, remember?' he soothed. 'Baldwin wants her disarmed, not dead.'

'Besides-' Gallowglass was fiddling with a black controller covered in switches and knobs. '-Matthew would kill him if he actually hurt her.'

There was a gentle hum no human ears would be able to detect and a sleek, see-through drone rose from the opposite embankment. Gallowglass piloted it carefully through the snowy topography as Martin watched the monitor app on his phone, spouting directions.

'Through the grate..right...left...left again..okay, now straight up-'

The drone climbed stealthily up above the grate Diana had previously occupied. Taking advantage of the distraction the shielded witch was providing, Gallowglass kept the drone as low to the ground as possible until he had manoeuvred it behind one of the massive goat legs.

'Climb and fire! Climb and fire!'

The drone sped up the leg. Coming level with the goat's chest, it released a great gout of flame from the flamethrower attached to its undercarriage which caught quickly, eating through the statue's front in seconds.

Martin, Phoebe and Gallowglass cheered, whooping and laughing as the goat quickly became engulfed. Through her binoculars, Phoebe spotted a dejected-looking Baldwin holding his head in his hands as Diana alighted on the windowsill beside him. She couldn't hear what Diana said next, but Baldwin gave her a nasty glare and shoved the cackling witch off the ledge.

Bursts of colour suddenly filled the sky elsewhere in the city. Great whirls of blue, green, red and gold rocketed up, the pop of the fireworks mingling with the distant cheers and singing of the city's inhabitants.

Phoebe linked arms with Martin and Gallowglass. She smiled.

'Happy New Year!'

[anxious-dumpling]

Chapter One: First Day at Playcare! (6,600 words.)

♡ Fandoms: BTS, Stray Kids!

REQUESTS OPEN :) RULES IN END NOTES!

♡ Characters: Little!Reader CG Jungkook CG Taehyung Playcare Owner Hoseok EA Felix EA Hyunjin Little Jimin, IN, Seungmin Everyone else is Teachers!

♡ Genre: SFW Littlespace, Fluff, Non Idol AU!

After moving from the rural city of Geochang to the bustling city of Seoul, your parents Jungkook and Taehyung decide to start you in a new Playcare Centre. Life is about to be so much different!

Time to be brave!

Notes: Welcome! ʕ•◡•ʔっ♡!

This is a very fluffy, very relaxed series that hopefully you can immerse yourself in!

There will be some angst but mostly fluff!

In this universe, Littlespace is permanent. If you don't know much about Littlespace, please research the topic elsewhere, since this story doesn't reflect how Littlespace functions in real life! Thank you!

The car's tyres grind against the tarmac as Jungkook pulls into the Little Sunshine Playcare's car park, a single storey building coming into view. It's made of caramel colored wood and black metal, a big welcome sign at the front that has a smiling cartoon sun attached to it. Arts and crafts are stuck to insides of the windows, so many colorful handprints reaching out to you as if giving you high-fives.

You tuck your chin into the soft collar of your pink sweater, peering at them nervously through your lashes.

As Jungkook chooses a parking space and turns off the engine, Taehyung twists around in his seat.

A kind smile graces his face. "Are you ready for your first day, sweetness?"

"Umm-..."

You glance back outside.

There's a man holding the hand of a colourfully dressed woman walking up to the front safety gate. He pulls the little knob and guides her through to the door, stopping to poke some buttons on a square thingy on the wall before heading inside.

"I dunno, Papa," You mumble as they leave your sight.

What if they don't wanna play with you? What if your teachers are meanies, and not nice like your Daddy and Papa?

"You don't know?" He sing-songs, pouting and reaching out to pinch your knee playfully. "Are you a little bit scared?"

Hang on.

You didn't say that!

Jungkook turns just in time to see you gasp, giggling to himself.

"I'm not scared!" You protest. "I'm not scared of anything, Papa!"

"Aww. I know."

Jungkook is sceptical. "No? Not even Lord Tirek?"

You think back to last night, when the big, scary monster appeared on the screen and you just had to hide in your Papa's arms.

You admit, "Maybe I'm scared of some things."

Taehyung smacks your Daddy on the shoulder, eyes wide behind his black glasses. "Luckily there's no Lord Tirek here then, right?"

"Right, Jagi," He agrees guiltily.

"Come on. It's time to get out now, sweetness."

You hug your teddy bear to your chest as they both exit the car.

Taehyung appears at your window, pulling your door open and leaning over you. He takes the big, red car seat buckle laying on your belly in his hands and clicks the two halves apart. The straps fall over your shoulders as he slots his hands under your armpits.

"Let's not forget your present," He reminds you, lifting you out of the seat and onto the ground.

As Jungkook rounds the car, he catches you chewing on your teddy's ear.

"Ah-ah," He chides, his tattooed hand coming up to pull it from your lips. "That's yucky. Be nice to Mr Bear, okay?"

"Sorry, Mr Bear."

"And?"

"Sorry, Daddy."

"Thank you."

"Here it is." Taehyung pulls out the bakery carry-box, slamming the door closed and carefully passing it to you. "Gentle hands."

"Good job." Jungkook praises. "It's not too heavy?"

"S'fine, Daddy."

Walking through the car park together, Taehyung strokes his hand through your hair, fixing the few fly-aways that have slipped from your piggy tails he very lovingly styled you in this morning. Your Papa is great at doing hair. Oh, and at picking outfits.

He's wearing a beige knitted vest over a plain white shirt, baggy pants, big shoes, and a beret.

The hairdresser's he works at lets him wear whatever he wants!

Jungkook, though; He has to wear a suit every day.

"Wooooow. Is that right?" Your taller parent exclaims. "You must be very strong?"

"Yes, I am, Daddy." You agree, plodding along.

For some reason, as he opens the gate and lets you through, both of them break out in chuckles above you. You don't know what's so funny about saying that! When you carried that heavy bag of rice at the shops yesterday, Daddy only had to help a little.

The door makes a clicking sound as the code is punched in, Jungkook pushing it open gentlemanly.

As you step into the foyer, you're suddenly hit with the feeling of being lost in a new place. You got lost in the supermarket once and it was so scary. Even scarier than Lord Tirek. You were about to be lost forever and ever until your Daddy finally found you.

You don't want to be alone again. No, no, no! A sad moan leaving your throat, you drop the bakery box onto the floor and wrap your arms around Jungkook's waist, smooshing your face into his breast through the black fabric. You're never letting go!

"Oh!" Taehyung exclaims, picking the small box back up. "Whoopsies."

"Whoopsies," Jungkook croons.

"Good morning," The lady at the desk greets, before her eyes widen. "Would you like some help?"

"We've got it." Your Papa assures her. "We're here to sign in Jeon-Kim Haen, please."

"Of course. Just a moment."

"I'm scared," You muffle.

"It's okay, baby." Jungkook soothes, rubbing your back. "Remember what you said before?"

I'm not scared of anything!

"I lieeeed." You complain. "I'm sc- scared of Lord Tirek and the air frier and scorpions and getting lost!"

Taehyung plucks a tissue from the reception desk box, bending to mop the yellow frosting off the floor.

Jungkook tsks sadly. "Maybe. But you're still very brave, Haen-ie."

"I'm b'ave?"

"Of course you are. Can you say, 'I'm Daddy and Papa's strong, brave girl'?"

"I'm- I'm Daddy and Papa's strong, b'ave girl."

"Good morning!" A new voice comes lilting into the room. You squeeze Jungkook even tighter, turning your head ever so slightly to get a look at the newcomer. A man as tall as your Daddy is approaching the three of you, dressed in an orange hoodie and looking like he swallowed the sun and all the stars for breakfast, the light trying to escape through his face. "Did we have a little accident?"

"We did," Tae laughs, throwing the used tissue and squished cupcake into a nearby bin.

"Don't worry. No harm done!"

His black hair is tousled neatly over his forehead, a rainbow lanyard laying against his chest.

"She's nervous about her first day." Jungkook explains, stroking your cheek. "Had a bit of a scare coming in."

The man smiles, his eyes turning into crescent moons. "You must be Haen-ie. I'm Hoseok-seonsangnim. It's nice to meet you!"

"Hello, Hoseok-seonsangnim." You murmur politely. "Are the cupcakes okay?"

Taehyung chuckles. "They're for her classmates."

"Wow, that's very nice of you." Hoseok gasps, looking through the little plastic windows. "Ooooh, yummy. They look perfect."

You let him know, "You can have one, too."

The three of them burst into soft laughter.

"Awww. Thank you, Haen-ie. You're a very kind girl. How about we go share them with everyone? Would you like to do that?"

You pause, thinking about it for a moment. "Okay."

"Awesome! Good idea." He praises, even though the idea was his, taking the box. "You'll have so much fun today!"

"You hear that? Come say goodbye to Papa-bear, sweetness."

You let go of your Daddy to fall into Taehyung's embrace, trying not to feel too scared as he wraps you up safely in his arms, rocking you gently from side to side and growling like a big, happy bear. When he pulls back, he kisses your forehead and passes you off to Jungkook, who gives you a quicker, lighter hug and reminds you not to chew on Mr Bear because he likes his ears to be clean.

"I won't, Daddy." You promise, earning another kiss to the forehead.

"Good girl. Daddy and Papa will come and pick you up later, okay?"

"Okay."

One last kiss. "We love you."

"Love you," Tae smiles.

"Love you, Daddy, Papa."

Hoseok offers his hand to you. "Come on, Haen-ie. Let's go share these yummy cupcakes, huh?"

Taking his hand in yours, you bravely let him guide you away.

"What flavor are the cupcakes, Haen-ie?"

"They're chocolate," You tell him, remembering what Papa asked the baker-lady for this morning.

"Oooh. I loooove chocolate." Your teacher gushes, giving your hand a bit of a squeeze as you walk side by side down the bright corridor. Splodgy paintings and crayon drawings hang from little wooden pegs along the wall, all the cats and dogs and dragons and two headed shark-giraffe hybrids all grinning down at you with silly faces and glittery decorations. "Is chocolate your favorite, too?"

"Uh-huh." You sheepishly nod. "I like it- I like it even betterer than vanilla, but Papa likes strawberry."

"He likes strawberry, does he? What about Daddy?"

"Daddy likes chocolate, too. He goes to the gym a lot, but he says it's healthy so we can eat lots!"

He laughs at that. "Well, I don't know about 'healthy', but it sure is delicious. Oh, look! Here's our classroom!"

You come to a stop in front of a door with a sticker on it that says, 'A2.'

Glancing back down the corridor, you notice the foyer is suddenly very empty. No Daddy, no Papa. Hoseok distracted you. You face forward again, taking a deep breath and telling yourself, I'm Daddy and Papa's brave girl, as he knocks on the door.

It opens. A man with long, wavy hair smiles sweetly at the both of you, moving to let you inside.

"Good morning!" He greets, closing the door behind you. "This must be our new friend, Haen-ie."

The classroom is bustling, filled with squealing laughter as Baby Shark plays loudly from somewhere.

"We're doing some dancing right now. It helps shake out all those early-morning jitters." He explains. "My name is Hyunjin-ie. It's so exciting to meet you! I'm one of the EAs in this room, so I'll be helping you get settled in today! Does that sound good?"

"What's an EA, Hyunjin-ie?"

"It means, 'Educational Assistant'. That means my job is to be your best friend and help you with your work!"

When you giggle, Hoseok adds, "We've got some delicious chocolate cupcakes here for everyone, too."

"Ohh! Cupcakes? I knew today was going to be a great day."

"Excuse me, friends!" Hoseok calls out over the song, getting everyone's attention. "I know we're all having fun dancing, but we have a new classmate here joining us today and she's very kindly brought us some delicious cupcakes to eat together!"

Exclamations break out across the room. "Cupcakes!!"

As the kids come running over, Hoseok sets the box down on the nearest activity table. "Everyone, say thank you to Haen-ie!"

"Thank you, Haen-ie!"

"Thank you, Haen-ie!"

"I love you, Haen-ie!"

A shy smile makes its way onto your face, realizing that nobody here is mean like you thought they would be.

Your classmates jump up and down like pieces of popcorn as Hoseok hands a small cupcake to you first, then sharing the rest of them to the gathered crowd, reminding them all to be patient and thanking them for their nice manners.

Peeling back your cupcake's paper liner, you take a big, big bite.

Mmm. Chocolate with sweet, yellow frosting and a tiny, bear-shaped cookie sticking out of it.

"Thank you, Heun-ie!" A boy exclaims, his chin smeared with frosting. "Dis is soooo yummy!"

You smile, "My Papa buyed them."

"I love your Papa."

"I love my Papa, too."

"Nice manners, Jimin-ie." Hoseok praises him, handing the last of the cupcakes to EA Hyunjin and two other men who must be teachers. "Haen-ie, you've already met Hyunjin, but this here is EA Yeongbok-ie and Teacher Yoongi-seonsangnim."

The first man, Yeongbok; he has blonde hair, the color of vanilla cookies, and a wonky, toothy smile sweeter than every cookie in the world. He gives you an enthusiastic wave, his voice deeper than even your Papa's. "Hi! Nice to meet you!"

The second man, Yoongi, looks a bit like a sleepy, smiley cat. "Hello, Haen-ie."

"Hello," You wave back.

"We can meet the rest of your teachers later, but Yeongbok here is our second EA, and Yoongi is our very talented music teacher."

The man snorts. "I play recorders, Hoseok."

"All the same."

"Do you like music, Haen-ie?" Yeongbok asks as he pulls out a wooden seat for you, sitting in the one next to it.

"Okay, everyone! Sit down to eat, please!"

As everyone gets settled, you sit down next to Yeongbok and Hyunjin while Yoongi walks off with his cupcake.

"I like to sing with my Daddy and Papa," You tell the friendly EAs, your two new best friends.

"You guys just moved here from Geochang, didn't you?"

"Yeah," The mention of your old home sends a pang through your heart. It was a lot different than here. The streets were lined with wild grass and old, proud houses, always a breathtaking view of the mountains sitting on the horizon. "We got here two days ago."

"Well, we're very happy to have you here." Hyunjin smiles like a pretty prince. "What do you like about Seoul so far?"

Oh, um... You've never thought about that up until now.

"I like Han River," You guess, popping the biscuit in your mouth. "And we're going to Teseum Teddy Bear museum this weekend."

"Uwaaah," Yeongbok exclaims, "That sounds exciting?"

You nod, chewing, the wet crumbs falling from your lips and into your lap. "Bea'ws are my fav'ite animal."

"Oooh, careful," He warns, taking the handkerchief out of his pants' pocket and using it to clean you up.

"Oh! Sorryyyy."

"Don't worry." He brushes the crumbs off your sweater, and then your bear's fat, brown nose. "Look. It's as if nothing ever happened!"

"Daddy doesn't like it when I get my things dirty," You babble, giving the teddy a kiss as an apology, "Or chew on Mr Bear's ears."

"Aaah," Hyunjin hums understandingly, "So you're going to be one of the messy ones."

"You're going to love art class."

"I love art class!" A nearby boy butts in. "I made a painting for my Mommy yesterday!"

"Yes, and you used yourself as the canvas, didn't you?" He jokes, pinning him with an cool, sassy look.

The boy does nothing but giggle, his teeth covered in bits of chocolate cake, before running off to join his friends again.

"That's Jeongin-ie."

As you bite and swallow the last chunk of your cupcake, Yeongbok stands from the small seat, leaving his own cupcake on the table and offering his hand to you. "All done? Let's go put your bag away in the cubby before class starts, okay?"

"Okay, Yeongbok-ie." You agree, grabbing his pale hand and following him.

He takes you over to the wall besides the classroom door, where the cubby shelves are all stuffed with the other Little's backpacks, books, spare clothes, and water bottles. Coloured strips of paper are velcroed above each one, their names printed on them.

'Jimin', 'Jeongin', 'Maru', 'Nathan', and even your name! You point it out to Yeongbok, who chuckles in that delicate, tinkling way of his that makes it sound like he's a magical xylophone. He takes off your purple backpack and places it in the cubby below your tag.

Returning to the sitting area together, you spot Hyunjin and Yoongi helping tidy the aftermath.

"This one was yours," Yoongi nods toward an empty liner, wiping down the table with a cloth. "Go put it in the trash, please."

Hyunjin adds, "You too, Jeongin."

"Okayyyy." The boy sing-songs. "Fine."

Scooping up your trash and dumping it in the nearby bin, everybody works hard to clean up before settling down in their assigned seats at the activity tables strewn across the room. You're unsure where to go, awkwardly hugging Mr Bear, but sweet EA Yeongbok is there to help you again, taking your hand and guiding you to a table near the toy boxes. Jeongin and Jimin are sitting there, too.

"Ooh, Haen-ie. Look." The man points at the back of the chair. "What's that?"

You follow his finger.

Wow! It's another tag with your name on it!

"My name!" You exclaim proudly as you sit down. "This is my chair, Yeongbok-ie!"

"You're right. It is your chair," The man praises this genius discovery, as he drags another chair over and sits next to you.

Hyunjin and Yoongi are both sitting at other tables, joking with the kids around them.

"Hi! I'm Jimin!" The boy in front of you cheers.

"I'm Jeongin!"

"These are your table-mates, Haen-ie. Say hello?"

"Hello," You greet, using Mr Bear's fluffy arm to wave to them. "It's my first day today!"

"Why is it your first day?"

"We moved here." You explain, "And my old playcentre is too far away to visit, now."

"Awwww," Jimin pouts.

"That's so sad!"

"It is a little bit sad," Yeongbok validates, his tone comforting, "But she's going to make lots of new friends here, isn't she?"

Jeongin nods so fast you think his head might fall off. "I'll be your friend, Haen-ie!"

"Me, too! Do you like dinosaurs?"

Glancing at the T-Rex printed on his blue sweater, you shrug. "Um... A little."

"Oh." He deflates, perking right back up again afterwards. "It's okay! I'll still be your friend!"

"Yeah! He's friends with me, and I like sharks, but he doesn't like sharks, and we're still friends."

"Okay, guys," Yeongbok interrupts, placing a finger over his lips, "Sh, sh, sh. Let's listen to Hoseok-seonsangnim, okay?"

"Okay."

"Okay!"

"Okay!"

"It's time for our first class of the day, friends." You turn your attention to the front of the classroom, peering over Jimin's shoulder as Hoseok drags the wheelie whiteboard into view, uncapping an orange marker and smiling brightly at his class. "Now, Yoongi-seonsangnim and I were nice enough to let you guys have some cupcakes before class this morning, weren't we?"

"Yeah!" You all reply at once.

"Yeah! Fun, right? So do you think you'll all be able to put your learning caps on, now?"

As he mimes putting on a big hat, you all copy him.

Even Yoongi, Hyunjin, and Yeongbok, too!

"Perfect!" He lowers his hands. "Does anyone know what we're going to be learning today?"

The whole class starts giggling hysterically as he glances at the laminated chart on the wall, which very obviously reads, Monday, 1. Music, 2. Arts and Crafts, 3. Snack Break, 4. Math, 5. Nap Time, 6. Lunch Break, 7. Reading, in bubble letters.

Everyone shouts out, "Music!"

"It's Music!"

"Music, Hoseok!"

"It's what?" Your teacher squints, cupping his ear. "We're learning what?"

You join in the chaos, shouting, "Music!!"

"Aaaaah. Music! Why didn't you say that the first time?"

Silly Hoseok-seonsangnim. You guys did say that!

"Let's start with our word of the day first, and then we get out the instruments." Turning and writing, Word of the Day, at the top of the whiteboard, he faces forward and looks directly at you. "How about you choose today's word, Haen-ie?"

Oh! You?! 

"There's no wrong answers," Yeongbok encourages you when he notices your apprehension. "What about Bear?"

You give a quick nod. "You say, please?"

He happily reports back to your teacher, "The word of the day is Bear!"

"Oooh. Good choice. Let's all use the letters at our tables and have a go spelling Bear!" 

"Oh! I know, I know!" Jimin exclaims, wiggling impatiently as your EA reaches into the middle of the table and pulls out a velcro board and a cup of felt letters from the basket of supplies, splaying them out. "Let me do it! I know!"

He grabs the pile of letters, pulling out a flimsy G character and sticking it to the board.

"Good job, Jimin-ie." Yeongbok slides the letters in front of you. "Haen-ie's turn, now. We have to work as a team!"

Humming thoughtfully, you sound out the word Bear in your head. There's a Guh, and then an Ohhhhh. Must be O.

You stick the O character below the G.

When it's Jeongin's turn, he sticks down an M character, completing the simple Hangul symbol.

"Is everybody ready? Show us your boards!"

Chatter fills the room again as Yeongbok holds up the board for you.

Hoseok glances from table to table, nodding, "Correct! Yep, correct! Well done! Yeongbok's table, correct!"

Your EA gives you a high-five.

Yay!

"Hyunjin's table," He sucks in a breath at the last group, "I'm afraid that's not quite right."

Everyone at the table groans in defeat and starts throwing accusations around.

"I told you it was just one M!"

"Hyunjinnnnn!"

"You didn't listen!"

Yoongi's laughing behind his hand, shoulders shaking.

The kids keep heckling him as he grumpily throws down the letter in his hand.

Yeongbok laughs, "Maybe you need to move to the baby's room, Hyung? What do you guys think?"

"Baby's room!" The girl next to Hyunjin chants. "Baby's room!"

Hyunjin sticks his tongue out at her.

"Okay. Okay," Hoseok chuckles, taking back control of the room as Yoongi stands up. "Time for music, now."

When Namjoon checks his watch, he announces, "Snack break, everyone!"

Jumping up from your seat and pulling your bucket hat on, you can't wait to eat!

You file out into the play yard with everyone else, finding a spot at one of the picnic tables. Hoseok and Namjoon-seonsangnim wheel out two carts of food, approaching each table and handing out the small bowls. Namjoon; You met him during Arts and Crafts. He's tall and muscly like a sports teacher, but he actually teaches art and English, his face round like a toffee candy, both cheeks dimpled.

"Hello, everyone." He greets, placing a plastic bowl and spoon in front of you. "Did you have fun in art today?"

"Thank you," You remember your manners, licking your lips at the sight of the sliced fruit and yoghurt.

"You're welcome, Haen-ie."

As you stick your spoon in, Seungmin exclaims, "Yeah! I maked a rainbow! It was really pretty."

"'Made'." Hoseok calls out.

The boy corrects himself. "I made a rainbow."

"Yes, I saw. It was pretty."

Gulping down the dollop of yoghurt and crunchy apple pieces, you gaze out at the patch of sunlight nearby. Your class's art creations are drying in the sun, the pieces of paper swaying in the breeze, wrinkled from all the glue and pom poms on them.

"I made a dinosaur with Jimin," You garble as Namjoon walks away with the cart, your mouth full.

The boy nods. "It was a brontosaurus. Brontosauruses are the ones with the-!"

"The long necks," The girl across from him rolls her eyes. "We know."

Your dinosaur's neck was five pompoms long!

He gasps. "You like dinosaurs, too, Ahyun?!"

"No. You just talk about them all the time." She glances up from her bowl. "Haen, you have glue on your elbow."

You do? Shrugging a shoulder, you peer down at the side of your arm and scratch the dried flake off.

"And paint on your shoulder."

Oh, she's right. There's a pink splat on your sweater. You hope your Daddy won't be too upset.

"And on your hand."

... Oh.

"She got really messy," The girl beside her giggles. "She's like my baby brother, and he's only one!"

"I think she's messier," She jokes, making your cheeks go hot.

"Are you one, Haen-ie?"

"No. I'm nineteen," You mumble uncomfortably, hiding your paint-covered hand under the table. "And four on the inside."

"You should go sit somewhere else," Ahyun chirps. "I don't want you to get me dirty!"

"She won't," Jimin frowns.

"Yes, she will!"

Whatever. You don't want to sit with Ahyun, either. You pick up your bowl and stand from the wooden bench, storming over to the playground and ducking under one of the platforms. You hide away in a dark corner to finish eating your snack in peace.

Tears start burning at the edges of your eyes when you catch a second glimpse at your ruined sweater.

"Haen-ie? Sweetie?"

Sniffling, you watch Hyunjin as he searches the playground, coming to a sudden stop when he sees you. He looks like he's about to explain that you're not allowed to eat in the playground, but something in his expression changes and he crouches down.

"Haen-ie, sweetie, what are you doing all the way over here?" He asks. "What's the matter?"

Glancing behind him, you catch the other teachers watching the two of you, before they go back to what they were doing.

Hyunjin crawls in and sits beside you, long hair framing his face as he tilts his head at you.

"Haen-ie?"

You pout, "I don't wanna sit at the tables."

"No?"

You shake your head, poking sadly at your yoghurt.

"You don't want to sit with your friends? Jimin and Jeongin?" He tries, only to be met with silence. "Me and Yeongbok-ie?"

You admit, "I don't wanna sit with Ahyun."

He pauses. "Did Ahyun say something a little bit mean?"

You nod. "Her friend said I'm like her baby brother because I'm messy. And then Ahyun said I'm even messier than him because I got paint and glue on my clothes in art class, and then she said I can't sit with them, so I came over here to hide."

Sympathy washes over his face. He muses, "That wasn't very nice of her, was it?"

"No, it wasn't," You agree.

"Did it make you sad?"

"Uh-huh." It did make you sad. "I didn't get messy on purpose, Hyunjin-ie. It was an a'sident."

"Awww, Hyunjin-ie knows it was an accident, sweetie. And you know what?"

"What?"

"Art class is all about getting messy, little friend. Wouldn't it be boring if the paint only got on the paper?"

"My Daddy doesn't like it when I get dirty. He likes it when things are perfect and nice and clean."

Your Papa calls him a 'Perfectionist'.

"You're already perfect and nice," He argues. "And Yeongbok and I are going to make sure you're clean, too."

"You are?"

"Yeah. Yeongbok is new, too, you know. He's only been here a week. And he says I should be in the baby's room. Pssh. After art class ended, I had to teach him where to find the extra wet wipes, but you went outside to eat before we could clean you up!"

Ohhh. You remember now! After class ended, Yeongbok told you to wait, but you forgot and ran outside!

"I was too excited to eat!"

"Yes, you were." He chuckles, taking your hand. "Come on. Let's go get clean!"

"Okay!"

He helps you crawl back out from the playground, leaving your bowl at the table and stepping inside the empty classroom.

It's much quieter in here. The aircon hums above you, tables all clean and glossy. You see Yeongbok standing behind the partition of the exposed bathroom area, peeling open a package of wet wipes and digging through your purple backpack.

Both of you approaching him, Yeongbok gasps dramatically with a big, sunny smile. "Haen-ie!"

Hyunjin squeezes your hand.

"I'm sorry I didn't wait for you, Yeongbok-ie," You apologize sweetly. "I got distracted and forgot to wait for you!"

"Aw. That's okay." He says, pulling out a spare shirt with a big strawberry on it. "Let's get you into some clean clothes."

The two nice men work together to remove your paint-covered sweater and stuff it back into your backpack, wiping down your fingers and palms with the wet wipes afterwards. Yeongbok quickly dresses you in the green shirt and adjusts your bucket hat.

"There we go," He celebrates, zipping your backpack up. "That was nice and easy, wasn't it!"

"Thank you, Yeongbok-ie and Hyunjin-ie!"

"See? Nothing bad about getting messy." The older EA holds his hand out to you. "Come on. Let's go finish eating, little friend."

Uh oh.

"Do I have to?"

Yeongbok makes a confused face. "I thought you were excited to eat?"

"I am, but," You twist your shoe into the floor. "Ahyun was mean to me."

He frowns. "Oh, no."

"Hyunjin-ie will make sure Hoseok-seonsangnim tells Ahyun's parents she was being mean to one of our friends," Hyunjin promises. "And you can sit with me, if you like, or we can ask Jimin and Jeongin if they want to move tables with you?"

You wanna sit with all of them!

"Let's all sit together!"

"Okay, sweet friend." He praises as you take his hand. "Let's go. Your yoghurt is waiting for you!"

You giggle. "I'm coming, yoghurt!"

Hyunjin guides you back into the play yard, approaching the picnic table.

"Excuse me, guys," The man politely interrupts, pointing to a nearby empty table. "I'm going to take my friend Haen-ie over to the kind-friends table over there, and we want to know who else is going to join us."

"Ooooh," Ahyun's friend exclaims. "I do!"

Not wanting to be left out, Ahyun agrees and raises her hand. "Me too, Hyunjin!"

"Sorry, Jenna and Ahyun. This table is only for kind friends. You weren't being a very kind friend to Haen-ie today, were you?"

She gawks. "Wh-?!"

"Maybe when you're feeling a little bit kinder," He suggests, "You can come and join us later."

As she scoffs angrily, Jimin raises his hand. "Can I come, Haen-ie?"

"What about me?" Jeongin adds. "I wanna sit with you!"

"Me, too!" Seungmin agrees. "I'm a kind friend!"

You go pink under all the attention. "Okay!"

"Yay!"

"Let's go!"

"Kind-friends table!"

The four of you grab your bowls and go sit at the other, better table together. Hyunjin offers his lap to you since you might still be a little sad. Even though you're feeling better now, you still climb up onto his thigh, while the three boys sit around you.

"There you go," Hyunjin cooes, bouncing you up and down a little. "Ooooh. Apple? What else did you get?"

"I got banana," Seungmin answers, pointing at his friend's bowl. "Jimin got some, too!"

Jeongin pouts, "I got grapes."

"He hates grapes," The boy beside him explains helpfully.

You ask, "Do you like apple?"

When he nods, you hold your bowl over his, using your spoon to flick the apple into it.

"Thanks, Haen-ie!" He gasps, before giving you his grapes. "You can have mine!"

"Thanks, Jeongin-ie."

"Woooow," Hyunjin exclaims, "Nice sharing, you guys."

"My Papa says it makes our friends sad when we don't share," You tell him. "And I don't like it when people are sad, Hyunjin-ie."

The man suddenly clutches his heart through his baggy shirt, wincing like he's in pain. "Dawww."

You giggle at his outburst. "What, Hyunjin-ie?"

He makes a Grrrrrr sound as he mimes grabbing your cheeks. "You're adorable, that's what!"

You push his hands away. "Silly Hyunjin!"

Yeongbok comes into view as you all laugh together, setting his bowl on the table. "Hey! Don't have all the fun without me!"

"How are you guys going over here?"

As Hoseok approaches your table, you pout your lips around the pencil in your mouth.

Not good. Math is hard!

He takes notice just like all good teachers do. "Needing some help there, Haen-ie?"

You mumble, "Yes, p'ease."

Yeongbok gently pulls your hand away. "We don't chew on pencils, little friend. There you go."

As he goes back to helping Jeongin, Hoseok takes a seat next to you. "Tell Hoseok-seonsangnim what you need help with."

"Yeongbok-ie is busy with Jeongin and there's-! There's too many steps!"

"Ahhh, I see. Don't worry. Let's break them down together, shall we? Can you read the question to me?"

You look down at your paper, making sure to ignore the cartoon gardener at the bottom because he's annoying you. "Taeyun buys some-... some flower seeds. He plants five seeds in normal soil, and five seeds in special mulch. The seeds in the... in the special mulch grow double the flowers than the seeds in the regular soil grow. How many flowers will he have when they're done growing?"

See?! That's super hard.

Taehyun should ask somebody else about his flowers, because you have no idea.

"That was great reading," Hoseok praises you, before grabbing a blank piece of paper and some crayons from the supply box. "I've got an idea. You know what helps me when I can't figure out a question? Drawing it out!"

Your eyes widen. "There's questions you can't figure out?"

A laugh escapes him. "Yes, there are. Even teachers need help, sometimes."

"But you're super smart?"

"The only way to get smart is to be wrong a lot of times first." He explains, drawing some dots on the page. "Let's draw what we need to know. First, I'll draw the seeds... Five normal seeds on the left and five special seeds on the right."

When he's finished, he hands you a green crayon.

"Now let's draw the flowers coming out of the seeds."

"Okay. I'll try!"

"That's what I like to hear, friend. You should draw two flowers coming out of each special seed, remember?"

Nodding, you get to work drawing the stems.

After that, you add a yellow ball and colorful petals to each one.

"Let's add some ladybugs!" You suggest, reaching for the red crayon.

"Hang on. We don't need any ladybugs right now." He reminds you. "Maybe you can draw some in art class tomorrow, okay?"

Awwww. "Okay."

"Let's count the flowers instead. Ready?"

"Uh-huh. One, two, three," You concentrate hard and count every flower. "Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen!"

"Fifteen. Well done!" Hoseok exclaims with a big, excited grin, giving you a double high five. "You did it!"

"I did it!"

"Go ahead and write the answer down and we'll have a go at the next one."

"Okay! Thank you, Hoseok-seonsangnim."

"You're very welcome, sunshine."

By the time you've filled out the math booklet, you're in serious need of a nap. Being smart is lots of effort. How does he do it?

Luckily, it's nap time.

You grab Mr Bear and head into the toy area, where the EAs have moved the furniture out of the way and set up sleeping mats on the floor. Your Papa packed your softest, pinkest bedding today. You kneel on the cotton fabric, yawning and laying your head on your pillow as Hyunjin pulls the curtains over the windows. Hundreds of stars light up the walls when Yeongbok switches on the lamp.

"Who needs a little extra help getting to sleep today?" He asks quietly, switching on the speaker next.

The sound of somebody playing the piano graces your ears.

A couple of kids raise their hands, including you. No matter how tired you are, it's still scary falling asleep in a new place.

Hyunjin comes over to you.

"Close your eyes, sweetie," He whispers, settling beside your mat.

With him slowly stroking your hair, you're drifting off into dreamland before you even realize it.

At the end of the day, while you're all sitting on the rug, Hoseok asks, "Who here had a good day today?"

"Me!" You all shout.

"Let's share three things we're grateful for today," He says, gesturing to a student. "Let's start with you, Jihyun."

She tilts her head. "Ummm... Art class, Yeongbok helping me find my pencil when I lost it, and... Oh! Haen's cupcakes!"

"Oooh. They were yummy, weren't they? Jimin?"

He's got his answer right away. "Meeting my new friend Haen-ie!!"

Jeongin's got his, too! "Haen-ie sharing her fruit with me!!"

"Aw, those are great answers. I'm grateful for our new friend, too."

When it's your turn, you shyly stare back at the class. It's difficult to choose only three things! You're grateful for the EAs, who made your first day as easy as possible for you, Yoongi for making you laugh as he taught you how to hold the recorder, Namjoon for opening the glue pot for you when it was stuck, and Hoseok for being such a great teacher, even if he's bad at drawing flowers.

"I'm grateful for my friends and my teachers and the EAs... and nap time, and brontosauruses."

That might've been five things... But Hoseok doesn't mind. "Aww. I'm so glad, friend."

Hyunjin does that thing again where he looks like he's going to die.

Yeongbok chuckles, petting his shoulder in support.

Parents start gathering in the corridor outside the classroom as the rest of the kids share their three things. You keep an eye out for your Daddy and Papa, your legs squirming and your heart racing like it's trying to break out of you and go find them.

The last time you glance through the window, they're both there!

When they spot you, their faces light up like they always do when they spot you in school assemblies and sport events.

They wave to you.

"Daddy, Papa," You cheer under your breath, trying to keep your hand in your lap. "Daddy, Papa are here."

"Okay, my friends." Hoseok eventually concludes. "I'll see you all tomorrow!"

"See you tomorrow!!"

"Bye, Hoseok!!"

"It's home time!!"

As soon as he opens the door, you jump up and run over to the big group of parents, straight into your Papa's open arms.

"There you are!" Taehyung gasps happily, holding you tight. "There's our sweet girl!"

"Papa!!"

"Did you have a good day?" He asks you, kissing your hair and letting you hug Jungkook next. "You didn't miss us too much?"

"I missed you so much," You muffle into Jungkook's button shirt. "But I had a good day at the same time!"

"We missed you, too," Your Daddy chuckles.

As Hyunjin approaches the three of you, handing your backpack and artwork to Jungkook, you pull away slightly.

"Here are Haen's things," He smiles.

He thanks the man. "Wow. Is this a dinosaur, baby?"

"I made it with my new friend, Jimin! He said I could keep it because he has a lot of dinosaur drawings at his home already."

"It's so cute."

Taehyung adds, "I love it."

"She had a good day," The EA smiles. Yeongbok and Hoseok are talking to some other parents behind him, handing more backpacks and artworks out. As Jungkook gives your dinosaur craft to his husband and unzips your bag, making sure everything is in there, Hyunjin explains, "We did have a little hiccup this morning, though. You'll find her sweater in there. It just has some paint on it."

Guilt squeezes you as you watch Jungkook turn the fabric over in his hand. "Sorry, Daddy."

"It's okay, Haen-ie." He shakes his head, zipping it up. "Daddy just wanted you to have fun today, okay? We can wash it out."

"I also got crumbs on Mr Bear," You admit.

He laughs at your sudden burst of honesty, slinging your bag over his shoulder. "We can wash him, too."

"He'll love it," Tae agrees. "It'll be like a spa day."

Some people might think your Daddy is the stricter parent, but he actually breaks more of his own rules than you do, and it's him who's always spoiling you with new toys, treats, and clothes! He's a big softie!

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow then, Haen-ie!" Hyunjin says. "High-five!"

"Buh-bye, Hyunjin-ie!"

After you smack hands, Taehyung and Jungkook thank him again and they each take one of your hands, leading you out of the Playcentre. They listen intently as you babble about every detail of your day all the way to the car, where Tae lifts you in.

"Did everyone enjoy the cupcakes?" He asks, helping you thread your arms through the straps.

"Oh! Yeah! They were really yummy, Papa."

"No dessert tonight, then, I guess." He pouts, clicking the buckle together, before grinning cheekily at you. "Just kidding."

You stick your tongue out at him.

"Hey," Your Daddy chuckles, watching you in the rear-view mirror. "Save that little tongue for your ice cream tonight."

"We're having ice cream?!"

Tae closes your door and settles into the passenger seat as the car starts. "Didn't we tell you? Brave girls get ice cream, baby bear."

"Yay! Thank you!"

Cupcakes, new friends, a good nap, and ice cream?

You wish every day could be your first day at Playcare!

When you get a whole bowl's worth of chocolate ice cream all over your pyjamas that night, Jungkook just fondly smiles at you and sneaks you a second scoop while Tae isn't looking. He taught you that chocolate is healthy when you want it to be, after all!

Notes:

Please share your thoughts and leave some suggestions for future chapters! ʕ•◡•ʔっ♡!

Things I won't write. - Smut. - Self-harm. - Intense angst. - Anything unrelated to Haen or Littlespace. Everything else goes!

Current roles. - Taehyung: Parent Caregiver. - Jungkook: Parent Caregiver. - Jin: ??? - Namjoon: Art / English Teacher. - Hoseok: Homeroom Teacher / Playcare Owner. - Yoongi: Music Teacher. - Jimin: Little. - Bangchan: ??? - Lee Know: ??? - Han: ??? - Changbin: Sports Teacher. - Hyunjin: EA / Art Teacher. - Felix: EA. - Seungmin: Little. - Jeongin: Little.

I encourage you to be friendly and patient with me! ^◡^

[cq-studios]

I’m actually obsessed with the idea of Brain just ending up in Scala and having to learn about how to use the new tech (just like he had to figure out MoM’s computer), and I was bored so I wrote a little snippet of him sneaking into a kitchen (and away from Sigurd) and figuring out appliances lol

Brain entered what turned out to be the kitchen. It was cramped, at least compared to the one in the Clocktower. Hardly enough space for more than, maybe 4 people. It had a very distinct smell, not necessarily a bad one, but a strong one. This confused him considering it was alarmingly clean.

There was a counter running along the wall, strangely made of some sort of stone instead of the wood he’d expect. He couldn’t see a stove, which was strange, but even stranger was the contraption on the counter— four little metal prongs supposedly to hold something up and some knobs along the edge. At the end of the counters was an unusual cupboard also made out of metal for whatever reason. It was out of place even compared to the other cupboards in the room, which were made from a purple wood reminiscent of home.

Curiosity piqued, he walked over to investigate, the counter contraption first on his list.

He seemed to be right about the metal prongs being used to hold something. Each of them stuck out above a circular dip, which had a slightly raised cylinder in the middle, rife with tiny holes. That most likely had something to do with the knobs so he twisted one, as a test.

It took a moment but a familiar sharp smell brushed his nose. It was the same scent that came right before an explosive spell. Panic lighting up inside him, he twisted the knob back to its original position, using a swift aero spell to disperse the gas. Why would they even have that?!

Unless…

On a technical level, explosion spells were really just out of control fire spells, and it took a bit for there to be enough gas for him to smell it, so even if fire spells don’t have that smell, they must use that same gas, and if that’s the case then maybe…

He tried the knob again, only slightly twisting it this time, and shot a small fire spell at the dip underneath the prongs. The cylinder in the centre caught, controlled, consistent flames spitting out of each of the holes.

He was right, this was a stove then, just a very weird looking one.

With that mystery solved, he turned the stove off and moved on and over to the metal cupboard.

It was a similar purple to the wooden cupboards with a silver handle and as he got closer he noticed it was letting out a low hum. Interesting.

He opened the cupboard and was greeted by a variety of raw meat, some drinks, and a waft of cold air. This was a refrigerator then? He closed the door, stopping any more of the chill from escaping and gave the outside of the fridge a quick scan for the ice compartment. There wasn’t one.

Then where did the ice go in? Where did they cast blizzard?

Had they figured out a way to imbue the fridge with magic so they wouldn’t need to refill it? He couldn’t say he’d blame them if they had. It was a horrible feeling, losing all your food because it slipped your mind.

But if they had, how? He supposed he’d never really tried to imbue an object with elemental magic before. They were generally one off, quick firing spells. He just assumed it wouldn’t last long enough to work, not unless you changed the whole base of the spell. Which he thought might do it, if they could break down the magic enough to isolate the properties then combine-

“Oh, there you are,” an exasperated mutter came from the doorway, “Master Brain, you really should tell me if you’re ever going someplace”.

[molllsprple]

Strictly business

Part 3

Part 2

I’ve had a bit of a cold this week, so I am sorry for the delay. There may or may not be something spicy coming in chapter 4 🤭 just a heads up.

I hope you Enjoy!

You traced the woven gauze that encircled your thigh, as you gazed out the small window of your room, counting the cobwebs that decorated the walls. In the few months that you had worked for Mihawk, you had barely shared an interaction that lasted longer than thirty seconds, yet, in a matter of hours you had managed to turn your working relationship on its head, every ounce of professionalism going out the window. For this reason, you had decided to keep to the narrow confines of your room over the next few days, biding your time as the ship sailed to its next destination—Not that you knew how long that would be or where you were even going. Mihawk had simply set the sails and said nothing more.

He hadn’t come to check on you since dumping you in here, for which you were secretly thankful for, however you would occasionally catch sight of his shadow creeping in from under the door at night, lingering a while before it eventually retreated down the hallway.

With a deep exhale, you hugged your legs to your chest under the musty sheets, eyes slipping shut as the gentle rise and fall of each wave lulled you into a state of comfort. Now that your leg had healed a little, you were hoping to take up your next assignment in an attempt to escape this awkward atmosphere. It was what you were being paid for after all. Mihawk had been more than generous, and you didn’t want to burden him any longer.

Your stomach lurched at the sound of knuckles on wood, as you shot out of bed in an instant, hastily straightening out your clothes and smoothing your hair. Your hand hovered over the door knob before eventually grabbing and twisting, inching the door open to unveil Mihawk’s lean figure crowding the doorway. Your cheeks flushed as you daringly met his molten gold gaze.

“We’re here” Mihawk announced, apparently no time for pleasantries, as he immediately turned to slip out the door to the upper deck.

You lingered at the door before slowly retracing Mihawk’s steps towards the top deck, squinting as your eyes adjusted to the light of day. As you blinked your surroundings into focus, the air around you became frigid and thick with a gloomy smog. You blinked again, as you took in the murky landscape of dense forests and crumbling ruins that surrounded a castle at the centre of the island. Your eyebrows furrowed. “We’re—Sorry…where are we?”

Mihawk’s eyes remained fixed on the land infront of him, as he leaned against the side of the vessel, the feather on his hat swirling and dancing with every gust of wind.

“Kuraigana island” He replied flatly, eyes glazed over and lost somewhere in the distance. “My home”.

You noted the subtle tone of sadness in his words, as you followed his line of sight, noticing how some of the structure of the castle had began to crumble away.

“Why are we here?” You asked, carefully moving to occupy the space on his right.

Mihawk finally turned to look down in your direction “I’m going to train you”.

You tilted your head, eyebrows knitting in confusion as you scanned his side profile “Train me?”

——————————————————————————-

Mihawk lead you to a large stone ruin just outside the castle, a tall circle of stone that looked like it could have been a turret at some point in time. You clutched the foreign object between your hands, squeezing the woven cotton handle to achieve a better grip. The katana Mihawk had provided you was beautifully crafted, and even though you had little experience wielding a sword, you could appreciate good craftsmanship when you saw it. You could feel how the heavy steel carried great momentum with each fell swoop as you experimentally switched the blade between your unpracticed hands.

“I appreciate the offer, but please explain to me why I need sword practice when I’m perfectly capable wielding knives.”

Mihawk stood parallel to you, stance casual and expression nonchalant as he watched you play with the sword. “If you want to work for me, then I expect your capabilities to match my own.” He took two slow steps towards you, capturing the tip of your blade between his fingers before gently resting it to point at the smooth skin of his exposed chest. “Knives are practical short range, but a sword provides the ability to strike from a distance”. Mihawk’s eyes subtly skimmed over your face, before travelling downwards “…Making you less vulnerable.”

You watched his movements before flicking your eyes over his shoulder, settling on the large sword strapped to his back “Aren’t swords your thing?” You asked, eyes returning back to his face to find that his gaze hadn’t left you for a second “…I’d really hate to take your spotlight.” A mischievous grin tugged at the corners of your mouth.

Mihawk did not return your amusement.

You huffed out a laugh “So you’re gonna fight me with that big sword of yours” You said lowly, words coming out a little more suggestive than you intended. “I hardly think that’s playing fair.”

Mihawk’s fingers slipped from your blade, stepping back to resume his former position as he began to remove the large sword, along with his Leather coat and feather hat, leaving him in black trousers and white low buttoned shirt. “I won’t be using Yoru against you, not for now at least” He turned to face you again “Now I want you to come at me, as if I were your enemy”

You straightened up slightly as you lowered the blade. Sure, there had been times in the past where that arrogant face of his had pissed you off, but you never wanted to actually hurt him. “What!?”

Mihawk’s golden irises darkened as he flexed his fingers and readied his stance. ”Come. At. Me.”

If he wanted a fight, then you would give him one.

Raising the sword, you began to bolt forward, swinging the heavy steel from left to right, each time missing by a mile as Mihawk dodged each failing attempt with ease. It was like a dance of sorts, his every movement swift and graceful as he ducked and weaved between each lethal slice. You locked eyes as you took another swing, this time going for an uppercut.

Missed.

You spun around clockwise, the blade picking up speed as you tried to catch him out with an attack from the side.

Missed again.

The two of you were so entangled in the passion of the fight, that you barely had time to register the large rock that your foot was heading towards.

Mihawk fiercely grabbed your right arm before spinning your back to be flush with his chest.

“Clumsy” He scolded, his left hand assuming an unforgiving hold on your waist as he brought the blade up to your neck with the other.

You wondered whether it would bruise later.

“You need to watch your footwork” He rumbled, breath ghosting over the shell of your ear as his deep vocals hummed through your bones, making your hair stand on end. You were rendered utterly breathless, and you weren’t entirely sure whether it was from the physical exertion.

You struggled in vain, hoping Mihawk would fail to notice the way your pulse wasn’t slowing down.

Gently, he lowered the blade, the heat of his body seeping away as he separated from behind you, left hand slipping from its hold on your waist.

“Again” He commanded, readying his position once more.

You attempted to regain some composure as you turned to face him, however your movements were stunted by the sharp pain that darted through your thigh muscle, legs buckling under the strain. “Shit” You gritted, clutching the source of the pain.

In the blink of an eye, Mihawk was crouched beside you, arm hooked under yours as he helped to support your weight.

“I think that’s enough for today.” He admitted quietly, plucking the sword from your grip.

—————————————————————

You sighed deeply, as you slumped back against one of Mihawk’s lavish sofas that framed the fireplace in his living room. Your nostrils were overwhelmed by the rich smell of burning wood, as the comforting heat served to sooth your every ache.

Mihawk’s figure, softly illuminated by the warm glow of the fire, was currently hunched on the floor in front of you, assessing your wound, despite your persistent protests. The injury itself had healed over mostly, but it would still take some time before you would see it mend completely.

Your silhouettes both sat in perfect silence, interrupted only by the occasional crackle and snap of the fireplace, as the flames cast subtle shadows over Mihawk’s face, making him appear a little softer than what you were used to.

Unfortunately, the fire did nothing to resolve the tightness in Mihawk’s broad shoulders, which had been there since coming back from training. Tension oozed out with every harsh tug of gauze, all finesse long abandoned, as his hawkeyes remained fixated on the damage caused to your thigh. You had hoped that he had forgiven you by now, but going by his actions, it was evident that he was still holding some sort of grudge. You sighed again quietly, tipping your head back against the sofa and closing your eyes, trying to zone out the wave of guilt that was beginning to rise in your stomach.

“I shouldn’t have let you go” Mihawk eventually says, the velvety baritone of his voice disrupting the silence like a ripple in water.

Your eyes shoot open as you sit up to face him, frantically looking over his figure as if it would somehow reveal to you the meaning of his words “What?” You question, completely dumbfounded.

Mihawk remained with his head bowed, eyes obstructed by the dark curls that hung untamed by the absence of his hat. “That man” He spat the words like they were venom “—I knew how dangerous he was—and I still…let you go”

You watched in silence as he spoke.

“It’s my fault—this—it’s all my fault” Mihawk continued, refusing to meet your eye-line as he bitterly choked out each word.

You sat deadly still, taken aback by his admission. “Hey, Mihawk—don’t be silly” You stretched out your fingers in an attempt to ease his conscious, delicately placing them on top of his hand.

Mihawk flinched at the contact, before finally looking up to meet your gaze.

His eyes held the same dangerous fury that you had witnessed that day after the incident, however, it was clear now that his anger had never been directed at you.

You stared back as him wide-eyed, wracking your brain for something to say—anything. Except…you couldn’t find the words. Instead, your hand began to move on its own, slowly lifting up to cradle the roughness of his jawline, as you gently thumbed the smooth skin of his cheek.

Mihawk’s eyes softened slightly in return, as he reluctantly melted into the warmth of your palm. The fierceness of his gaze would have been intimidating, if it wasn’t for the fact that his eyes were noticeably blood shot and forming bags around the edges.

He looks so tired, You thought, your gaze drifting over his rugged features. It was almost painful, seeing the way he was punishing himself for a mistake that no one could have seen coming. You wanted to sooth his woes, and give him something warm enough to drown out his frustrations. Although, you feared that it would ruin your working relationship forever.

Harbouring affection for your boss had never been part of the contract.

Part 4

(If you would like to be added to my taglist, please let me know in the comments!)

@kaykay0315 @lebanese-afg-ya @sapphireonline

[chaosbarelycontained]

See Me Go Through Changes

North Country Boy Chapter 4

Pairing: Simon “Ghost” Riley x AFAB!OC

TW: Swearing

Words: 2k

Synopsis: Price gives Jules access to much more than her usual tech and Ghost gets the third degree.

“You need a medic?” Price asked gruffly once the Lieutenant had left the gym.

“No sir, I’m good,” Jules responded, resisting the urge to rub her aching jaw, instead placing her beret back onto her head.

Price nodded once and set off at a brisk pace. Jules followed the Captain down stark corridors, each taking them deeper and deeper into the bowels of Stirling Lines barracks. They encountered a myriad of soldiers on their journey, most of them wearing the caps and badges of the SAS or the SRR, and all of them saluted Price as they passed.

They must have taken a circuitous route that Jules hadn’t used before but they ended up in a wing that was familiar to her and where she’d spent a lot of her time during her SRR training. Stopping before a closed, unmarked door, Price paused with his hand on the door knob. He turned to Jules with a devilish look in his eye.

“Now before we go in, just remember, I don’t want you to get all over-excited on me, Sergeant, understood?”

“Understood,” Jules replied, but her tone was raised, as if her response were a question.

Price pushed open the door and then stepped aside to reveal a bank of monitors and some of the most advanced computing and remote surveillance equipment Jules had ever seen. She stepped into the room with a soft gasp and ran her fingers delicately across the top of the monitors. Her skin prickled with goosebumps in the air-conditioned coolness and she turned back to Price with a genuine smile of joy.

“Fuckin’ ‘ell! Are you flirtin’ with me, Sir?” she teased, earning her a deep, rumbling chuckle.

“If I wanted to flirt with you, Tiger, you’d know about it. I take it you like the set-up?”

“Like it? It’s mint!” Jules exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement.

“Good. I need you to make sure it's got everything you need. If anything’s missing then there needs to be a list on my desk by 0800 hrs tomorrow. Anything, Sergeant. If you need it, just ask.”

“Absolutely, Sir,” Jules said, but already sounded distracted as her attention was drawn back to the equipment before her.

“One more thing,” Price stated, pulling her focus back to him.

“Yes, Sir?”

“Lieutenant Riley,” Price began and Jules immediately stiffened. “I don’t know what’s gone on and I don’t need to, unless it compromises my team. Will it compromise my team, Sergeant?”

“N-no, Sir,” she replied, her face flushing with embarrassment at her very public loss of control.

“Good. See that it stays that way,” he ordered, but then his face softened. “Go on then, have at it,” he nodded towards the monitors and left Jules to it.

She slid into the comfortable wheeled chair, removed her beret, and lifted the headset onto her head. One swipe of the mouse and the screens before her lit up to show the familiar MOD log in screen. She tapped in her credentials but the homescreen she was expecting to see didn't appear. Instead of the SRR logo with the Corinthian helmet and sword there was a design she hadn’t seen before. The centre of the logo still featured a sword but instead of the helmet there was a skull and they were bordered by a pair of feathered wings and a laurel wreath. The only text visible was under the hilt of the sword and all it stated were the numerals 141.

Moving the cursor over the logo, Jules left-clicked on it and the screen dissolved to show a desktop layout that wouldn’t look out of place in any office in the country but a closer look at the icons showed programs that the majority of people wouldn’t even know existed. There were flight scanners, access portals to world-wide air traffic controls, drone programming systems, access to civilian emergency service and CCTV networks, both radio wave and microwave detector systems for communications interceptions, banking network portals, and pretty much anything else she would need. There, at her fingertips, were the tools she needed to monitor and even start incursions the world over. There was even the Spotify app, which made her huff out a chuckle.

Even with only the most cursory of glances over the system, Jules couldn’t see anything that was conspicuous by its absence. Her list for the Captain was, for the moment, unpopulated. Checking the time on the clock in the bottom left of the screen she noticed a small icon that she recognised but had never had the opportunity to use.

“You’re shittin’ me,” she breathed, before double-clicking on the tiny image.

The screen darkened for a moment before lighting up with a soft blue glow. An electronic chirp sounded from one of the desk drawers and Jules opened it to reveal a high end VR headset resting on a magnetic charging dock.

“Jesus fuckin’ Christ,” she squealed, picking up the tech and cradling it in her hands.

Swallowing down the knot of excitement in her throat she removed the headset she was wearing and slowly replaced it with the VR gear. Sighing in satisfaction at the new accessibility she had gained she weaved her hands through the air in a graceful pattern, relishing the lack of need for hand controllers. A few gestures later and she was walking through the streets of Kyiv and then, in a flash, had been transported to favelas of Rio. Throwing her head back and letting out an excited laugh she allowed herself to get lost in the advanced technology that she loved.

* * * * * *

“Geek,” Rob said affectionately, scrubbing his hand over the top of her head. “Computer Science though, Jules? Why the fuck did you pick that?”

“Cause I like it, knobhead,” she replied, shoving his hand away and batting at his shoulder.

The pub in Preston wasn’t that busy for a Saturday afternoon and the train ride up from Manchester that morning had been uneventful. It had mainly consisted of Jules trying to study for a seminar whilst Simon did his best to antagonise her once he’d finished with the copy of FHM he’d picked up at Piccadilly Station.

“She’s good at it too,” Simon added, catching her eye over the rim of his pint glass. “Got some mint grades on your last assignments, didn’t y’Jules?”

“Yeah, suppose so,” she nodded, flushing a little at his praise.

Rob’s eyes flickered between the pair of them and narrowed in suspicion.

“Is there summat going on wi’ you two?' ' he asked.

“Nah!” Jules exclaimed hurriedly, spluttering around her cider and blackcurrant whilst Simon just let out a short laugh and shook his head.

“Just seem a bit pally, that’s all,” Rob hummed, draining his pint.

“Y’said to look out for her while y’were away,” Simon shrugged.

“I can look out for my own bloody self, Jesus,” Jules muttered. “Fuckin’ cavemen.”

After a chippy tea and a farewell to her brother, Jules and Simon made their way back to the station. He seemed lost in thought, not speaking much as they walked onto the platform to wait. Jules leaned back against the red brick wall and wrapped her arms around herself to stave off the chill of the evening.

A shadow fell across her, blocking the light from the station floodlights as Simon leaned over her, caging her in with a devilish smile.

“Didn’t realise the thought of bein’ wi’ me was so bad,” he rumbled, one hand propped against the wall above her head whilst the other came to rest at her waist.

“Was I wrong though?” she protested with a tilt of her chin. “We’re not exactly seein’ each other are we?”

“Well I’m not seein’ anyone else, Jules,” he said, his face turning slightly more serious.

“What’re y’sayin’ Si?” she breathed.

“Just think we should start bein’ honest with ourselves, that’s all,” he replied, his chestnut eyes trailing over her face.

“What about Rob?”

“I reckon he’d be alright with it,” he said, raising his hand to cup her face.

“I reckon he would too, but I think he’d kick your arse first,” Jules laughed softly.

“I’d let him if it got me wi’ you,” he laughed with her as his thumb brushed gently over her cheek.

“Dick’ead,” she murmured, her tongue darting out across her bottom lip as he lifted her chin and tilted his head down to capture her lips with his.

* * * * * *

Ghost waited at the door to Price’s office, outwardly presenting the model of military perfection but his mind whirled in a mess of guilt and confusion. He regretted pushing Jules as far as he had, and there wasn’t much in his life he did regret. Strange how a lot of it involved her though…

“Si, stopppp!” she laughed, batting his arm away from her waist.

Price rounded the corner of the corridor, his face drawing into a scowl as he spotted Ghost. He didn’t need to say a word, simply making a gesture to enter that Ghost followed without question.

The scent of patchouli permeated his nose as they climbed the uneven stone steps of the old drapery building that housed Affleck’s Palace.

He stood at ease before the Captain’s desk as Price sat and deliberately took his time making himself comfo​​rtable. Opening his top drawer he pulled out a cigar, clipped the end with a silver clipper that Ghost himself had gifted him and then lit the tobacco. He stared at his Lieutenant with an ambiguous expression as he waited for Ghost to break the silence.

“It’s on the top floor innit?” he asked, groaning at her pseudo-innocent face.

‘I didn’t know! I swear down!” she gasped out a giggle, grabbing his wrist and hauling up the stairs behind her.

“She’ll do,” Ghost rumbled, scrunching his nose a little under his mask which made the drying blood crack away from his skin.

“And is that your professional opinion?” Price asked, a hint of sarcasm making its way into his words.

“Yeah,” Ghost nodded once.

“Si! I found ‘em!” Jules squealed, bouncing over to him with four small figurines and a beaming smile on her face.

“Want to talk about it?” the Captain probed but Ghost shook his head.

“Negative.”

“Just going to throw this out there Simon, but maybe you need to talk to her.”

Ghost shook his head again but found himself unable to meet Price’s stare. They remained in their non-verbal standoff as the seconds ticked by but Price eventually let out a huff and shook his head in defeat.

“Go on then, dismissed. Just…stop being an arse to her, yeah?”

“It’s like you don’t even know me,” Ghost retorted, trying to lighten the atmosphere a little before leaving the office.

Slipping unseen into an empty room along the corridor, Ghost locked the door and then leaned back against it before sliding to the floor. Pulling his balaclava off over his head he ran his hand through his short blond hair and probed at his throbbing nose. It wasn’t broken, although it wouldn’t have been the first time. Resting his arms on his raised knees he dropped his head and let out a deep sigh.

They had to pass through the cafe on their way back to the stairs that would take them out of the building. Jules walked beside him clutching the paper bag that held her treasured purchase. He didn’t want to leave just yet, desperate to spend more time with her.

“D’you fancy a hot chocolate?” he asked, nodding his head towards the cafe’s counter.

“Umm, yeah, we could do that,” she replied.

He ordered for them whilst she found them two seats, near the window so they could watch the world go by below.

“Here y’are,” he said, placing a mug of hot chocolate topped with all the trimmings before her.

“Cheers, Si,” Jules muttered, but he could tell she was distracted.

“What’s up, chuck?” he asked, nudging her knee under the table.

“Y’don’t…y’don’t think it’s a stupid present?” she asked timidly, nodding towards the paper bag on the table.

“Don’t be daft Jules, he’s gonna love ‘em, and if he doesn’t, I’ll ‘av ‘em,” Simon grinned, trying to reassure her. “If someone bought me Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures for my 19th I’d be made up!”

“Is that a hint?” Jules laughed, “‘cause I’m not buyin’ you Turtles for your birthday.”

Taglist: @aykxz98

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Mise en Place 8

Warnings: noncon, coercion, manipulation, violence and blood, alusions to past abuse. Proceed with caution.

Note: Ooh we getting into the nitty gritty.

Thanks all for reading and I hope you’re excited for this one. All feedback is more than welcome and loved and appreciated. Reblogs are most helpful.

Part of The Club AU

The quiet in the street makes you want to believe things are as they should be. You walk with vigilance and urgency. One eye over your shoulder, a hand in your pockets, around your keys, just in case…

Another block and the tension eases. You’re not there yet. You turn your head before you reach the alley. Nothing. No shadows, only the yellow glare of streetlights.

You dip down between the brick walls and free your keys from your pocket. You slow as you see the dark space between your door and the frame. No. No, no, no. The knob barely hangs from the wood as the void stares back at you.

You spin and hit a wall. You’re thrown back by the figure waiting for you. You hit the steps and bounce onto the ground, your keys flying from your grasp. You’ve never felt such sheer force, even with him.

Your back hits the pavement, the breath gusting from you harshly. You wheeze, the air elusive as you try to take a gulp. A foot lands in the centre of your stomach and has you curling around the boot. It pulls back and toes your side, then finally a crack across your face.

You taste blood. You finally suck in a breath as you curl onto your side and cover your leaking mouth. What is happening? Is it him? Is it Johnny? You should’ve known you can’t escape him.

The crunch of gravel makes you wince and the darkness shifts. You stare at the silhouette distorted on the brick. You groan as the figure steps over you. You roll on the ground, choking on blood and spit. The footsteps trail inside, the hinges whining loud behind you.

The man disappears inside, the creak of the stares marking his absence. He’s in your apartment, your home. You fish around shakily, groping for your phone. It’s gone.

You roll onto your stomach, planting your elbows in the scatter of gravel across the pavement. You see your phone, not far from your keys. You drag yourself as your head swells and swirls. You reach out to grasp the cell and the footfalls stomp out and land thunderously at the bottom of the concrete steps.

You look up but can’t get a good look at the culprit, not before his sole once more crashes into your skull. You’re sent onto your back again and hear his boot come down on your phone, shattering the screen. You wheeze and whimper as you hide beneath your hands.

“Please…” you garble wetly, “just… end it… now…” You sniffle, "Johnny, please..."

Your heart races, deafening you. You’ve waited long enough for this. For the inevitable. You would rather it just be over.

You lay, unmoving, waiting. Nothing happens. You let your hands slip from your face, arms falling limp beside you. You shudder at the emptiness of the alley. He’s gone but you know he’ll be back.

⚡

You don’t call the police. That’s what he wants. He’s one of them. 

You get yourself up after what seems an eternity. You’re not entirely sure you didn’t pass out. You drag yourself up the steps and get inside, pushing the loose door into the frame, ignoring as it opens a few inches behind you. 

You climb the staircase one foot at a time. You cling to the banister and fall onto the landing. Your apartment is open too. The lock is still intact but you doubt it will do any good. He got past it once.

You keel over inside the door. You stay against it as you drift off into a gray sleep. The sort where the waking world roils just through the thin shield of your eyelids. You wake up several times, moving only as the sun kisses the floorboards.

You call work. You just have one more day before time off but you know you can’t make it in. Even if you were beat down, you need to get your door fixed. Your landlord will likely tack that onto the rent.

A hot bath is hard fought. You finally get yourself over the lip of the tub and into the splashing stream of the faucet. The steam makes it hard to breathe through the dried blood in your nose. You soak until the water is lukewarm and tinted with dirt and blood.

You climb over the top and clatter onto the tile. You wrap yourself in a towel and crawl out to the front room. You roll onto the futon and bury yourself in denial and the duvet. You’ll call Lewis when… your phone, it’s in the alley, broken.

You don’t know. You’ll find a way. When you can think. When you can move.

⚡

You don’t leave your apartment for two days. You don’t even try to retrieve your phone from the alley. You don’t care about the front door. You spend hours staring at the lock on the apartment door, expecting it to flip back at any time.

When at last you can function, you get dressed. You have to go to work. You need a new lock and a new cell. You doubt you’ll be able to afford those any time soon, even if you hadn’t taken a day off.

Your stomach wobbles at the thought of going in. You’re embarrassed. You can’t hide the damage done. You don’t want to tell the truth, so you come up with a simple lie.

You prop the door shut on your way out. It won’t really keep anyone out but it’s better than nothing. You see what’s left of your cell on the ground, the green circuit board cracked and poking out from the shell.

You limb down the street, gripping your ribs until you come in sight of the club. It’s taken you twice as long as usual. You approach the front door and the bouncer with the scarred face merely lifts a brow at your appearance before letting you in. He’s seen worse, that’s obvious.

You keep your head down and drop your arm as you enter. You slowly make your way upstairs but stop halfway, dizzy and breathless. You lean on the railing and hear someone else coming up behind you.

“Nice to have you back, F–” the voice begins but fizzles out. Thor pauses beside you as you stare at your feet, shakily lifting one to the next step. “Oh gods, what has happened?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing? It can’t be–”

“I fell down some stairs,” you fib as you grunt and lift yourself onto the next step.

“Down some stairs? Oh my, that’s horrible. Here, let me help you,” he puts his hand on the small of your back and you flinch, letting out a yelp. “Ah, I’m sorry, did I hurt you?”

You shake your head and swallow, “really, I don’t need–” your legs quake as you squeeze the railing tighter.

“Just put your hand on my arm, fawn,” he insists and moves your free hand to the inside of his elbow, “hold on, and we’ll go slow.”

You flutter your lashes, fighting back your shame as you let him guide you up. You have no choice, you won’t make it up on your own. You lean on him without thinking as he patiently keeps pace with you. 

You wish he wouldn’t make such a big deal. You wish he didn’t pay any attention to you. You wish you could be invisible again.