#don’t be fooled by the kindness I show in these next few chapters | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

halfmoth-halfman · 2 years ago

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vii. wise men say, only fools rush in

Pairing: Mob Boss!Price x F!Reader Word Count: 7.5k Warnings: alcohol, heavy flirting, violence, blood, minor character death Disclaimer: I do not own modern warfare or any of the modern warfare characters. A/N: this chapter is dedicated to the wonderful @chaoskrakenuwu, who was kind enough to let me name a character after her, and also to tumblr user @deadbranch, who mentioned that tags in taglists might not work if you have your visibility settings set to make their url unsearchable on tumblr!! i tested it out a few times and sometimes it works, sometimes not but if your tag isn't working below maybe double-check your visibility settings and turn them off (if you're comfortable with that) and I'll try updating your tag!! small edit: tumblr cut off part of the middle, so i re-added it in case you saw it when it first posted and it didn't make sense LOL prev | next

In the following weeks, you learn one very important thing: John Price is a relentless flirt.

(After that first conversation, he had disappeared into his office for the remainder of the day not reappearing until you had returned to the club to get ready backstage. You took your time, heart racing as your attention was split between preparing for the show and trying not to imagine Price joining you backstage and making good on his offer to wish you luck.

He never did, but once you took your place on stage, you immediately spotted him sitting at the bar between Ghost and Nik, eyes trained solely on you. He stayed in that spot for the entire show, his gaze never once leaving you, even when others came up to speak to him. He bought you a congratulatory drink afterward, handed to you with a sly smile and gentle squeeze of your hip.)

He hadn’t stayed long after that, whisked away by something important Ghost whispered into his ear, but you find him in that same spot every night after that, watching your performance with a singular intensity that sets your skin on fire.

Farah takes over the two weeks leading up to her and Alex’s departure, giving you a welcomed break and letting you enjoy the club and her flawless performances.

Price maintains his spot at the bar, making eyes at you anytime you pass by as you spend your time between dancing with Kyle and watching Valeria hustle unsuspecting patrons at the pool table. When you occasionally stop at the bar, you make it a point to stand next to him as you wait for your drinks.

Regardless of what he’s doing—whether he’s drinking with his eyes glued to you or talking to someone else, his attention focused entirely away from you—a warm hand always winds its way around your waist, slowly feeling up the fabric of whatever outfit Valeria’s put you in for the night before it settles on your hip. You lean into the touch, lightly skimming your nails across the back of Price’s hand as you wait for your drinks.

Alex serves you with a knowing look—one you make a show of ignoring—and you squeeze Price’s hand. He presses your hip in response, the slow glide of his hand as he pulls back his arm, leaving a blazing trail across your skin that lingers as you take your drinks and return to Kyle or Valeria.

“You know,” Valeria says one night, sharp gaze following you as you return from the bar with a drink for her and lemon water for yourself, “you still owe me a game.”

“Can’t say it’ll be much of a game,” you laugh, sitting beside her. “I’m shit at poker.”

“I wasn’t talking about poker,” Valeria grins, eyes sliding to her right where the pool tables sit.

“Alright, but fair warning, I’m about as good at pool as I am poker.” Valeria pays you no mind, taking her drink and sauntering toward the tables, crimson dress flowing with every step.

The table she approaches is occupied, surrounded by a small group that isn’t so much playing as they are holding cue sticks and talking. Valeria joins them, easing into their conversation with a coy smile and light touch to the nearest man’s arm. You don’t hear the conversation, but Valeria tilts her head and says something, and one of the group hands her his pool cue before leading the rest of his friends to the dancefloor.

“That was nice of them,” you laugh, joining her at the table. She hums a small laugh, handing you your own cue stick.

Valeria starts the game, and it ends almost as quickly as it begins, a look of absolute disbelief plastered on her face.

“I told you I was bad at this,” you tease her.

“I never thought I’d meet a worse player than Alejandro.” Valeria shakes her head, unable to compose herself for the first time since you’ve met her. You’d take some pride in being able to surprise her if it weren’t followed by the pitying gaze of disappointment she turns to you with.

It’s a quick, momentary glance before that tell-tale smirk crawls across her face. She lays her cue on the table, sights set on something behind you. “We’ll fix this, don’t worry.”

Valeria pats you on the arm, disappearing into the crowd of people before you can stop her. You let it go, setting your cue next to hers and taking the time to sip from your water and turn your attention to the stage where Farah gives another flawless performance.

“Enjoying yourself, Птичка?” You turn, finding Nik leaning against the other side of the pool table, dressed in solid black with his sunglasses pushed up into his hair.

“Very much so, actually.”

Nik laughs, tipping his drink to you with an easy smile as Valeria reappears beside him. You don’t get the chance to react as a hand slides across your waist, your body tensing at the sudden touch.

“Glad to hear it.” You relax as the baritone of Price’s voice reaches your ears, and you turn to land a playful slap against his chest.

“Let’s try this again—,” Valeria says, picking up both pool cues and holding one out to you and the other to Price, “—two against two.”

You’re reluctant to take the cue stick from her, but you do, sending Price a sympathetic smile, “Apologies in advance.”

“C’mon now, you can’t be that bad,” he chuckles. Valeria lets out a bark of a laugh as Price takes the other stick from her. She turns away swiftly, trying to bite down on the smirk stretching across her face as Nik re-racks the balls.

Valeria is gracious enough to convince Nik to let you go first, and you do your best on the break. Your best is…not great, laughable even.

And laugh Valeria does. Nik lets out a low whistle, turning away the moment you look at him, his shoulders shaking with unmistakable laughter. You turn to Price, your last saving grace, only to find him staring back with a pitying look that you think you hate more than the laughter.

“Yeah, yeah, get your laughs in,” you pout, setting your cue stick against the table and crossing your arms over your chest.

“Aw, don’t be like that,” Valeria coos, lips pursed tauntingly.

“You weren’t…awful,” Nik adds, though it’s choked out through stifled laughs.

“It’s the way you’re holding it,” Price laughs, making his way toward you. “Here, I’ll show you.”

You expect him to take over your turn, but he holds his cue stick out to you instead. You pout for an extra second before giving an exaggerated sigh and taking the stick from him. He catches your wrist before you can pull away and lightly pulls you toward him, guiding you to stand in front of him.

If you couldn’t play before, you don’t know how anyone expects you to concentrate when the solid warmth of Price’s body presses up against your back, his chin resting on your shoulder so you can feel the soft fanning of his breath against your neck. Gently, he adjusts your elbows, guiding you to hold the cue stick properly. When he’s satisfied, his hands glide down from your elbows, one settling on your hip and the other against your back. He takes his time, feeling the velvet material of the sapphire blue dress Valeria put you in. He hums appreciatively, the vibrations skating down your spine.

“Lean forward,” he murmurs into your ear, the club’s music drowned out by his voice. A small press to your back, and you bend forward, trying not to lose your grip on the cue stick as he purrs, “A little more.”

When he’s satisfied, his hand leaves your back to settle on your shoulder. He turns you slightly to the left, adjusting your angle before he steps back with a soft, “Now try.”

Keeping yourself composed is a struggle, but you do as he says. The cue ball sails, a successful break scattering the rest across the table. The group around you cheers as you stand up straight and instantly reach for your water. You sip the icy water, trying to cool the fire crawling beneath your skin as Valeria takes her turn, but Price stands at your side, leaning down so close you can feel his lips brush against the shell of your ear.

“Good girl.”

You swallow hard, nearly choking on your water as he pulls away with a wide smirk, and you realize that he’s here to play an entirely different game.

After five rounds, your team loses 3-2, but Price leads you to the bar for a consolation drink with an arm around your waist, and you feel like the biggest winner in the club.

Kyle’s birthday comes mid-summer.

He doesn’t tell you about it, but you get a suspicious text from Soap one night inviting you to a “secret meeting” at the club and telling you to bring cash.

It’s the middle of the night, far too late for you to be safely leaving your motel room, but you get ready anyway.

Curiosity killed the cat, not the canary, after all.

When you get to the club, you text Soap, and he tells you to come through the front, lock the door behind you, and head straight backstage. You follow his instructions, finding backstage empty and vacant save for the soft echo of voices from the dressing room. You follow the voices, knocking twice before opening the door.

As soon as the door opens, the room goes silent. You’ve apparently interrupted a very serious meeting between Soap, Ghost, Roach, and König as their attention snaps to you. The room fills with a tense silence as you stand in the doorway, a stack of cash in hand as they stare you down.

You speak first, eyes bouncing between the four nervously, “You’re not about to kill me, are you?”

That seems to break the tension as Ghost scoffs and the others relax.

“’Course not, Owl,” Soap rolls his eyes, reaching over to take the money from your hand and add it to a small pile sitting on Farah’s vanity. “Assumin’ the worst there, aren’t ya?”

“You send me a cryptic text telling me to meet you in the backrooms with a stack of cash and expect me not to be suspicious? This is how people get killed in horror movies,” you argue, shutting the door behind you.

“You still came, didn’t you?” Ghost counters.

“He has a point,” König shrugs, and Roach nods.

“Why am I here?” you ask flatly, crossing your arms over your chest.

“Right, so you know how Gaz’s birthday is comin’ up?” Soap speaks as he counts through the small pile of money.

You blink, asking, “It is?”

He hadn’t said anything to you. Would it be rude to ask him about it?

“Every year, we always try to get him something, y’know, from all of us,” Roach explains.

“But every year, Valeria and Alejandro always get him something extra just from them,” Soap huffs. “So, we started doin’ the same.”

“It’s become a bit of a competition now,” Ghost sighs, obviously not as enthused about this as Roach and Soap.

“Of course,” you hum. A little more relaxed now that you know why you’re here, you lean back against the door and ask, “So, what’re you getting him?”

“Oh,” König starts, “we were thinking of—”

Roach smacks his arm as Soap lets out a sharp whistle, shaking his head furiously when König turns to him.

“Really?” you scoff. “I gave you my money—”

“And we greatly appreciate your donation,” Soap says, turning to you with a sly grin and your cash in his hand. “As will Gaz, I’m sure.”

“What am I supposed to get him, then?”

“You’re a smart girl,” Soap teases, “’m sure you can figure that out on your own.”

“You’re not even gonna give me a hint?” You look to the others, but Ghost and Roach stay silent, König giving you an apologetic shrug. “Fine. Just know I’m not showing up next time you need something from me in the middle of the night.”

“Yeah, y’will,” Soap laughs.

He’s right, but he doesn’t need to know that right now.

“Whatever, keep your little secrets. I’m going home.”

“Night, Kiwi!” Soap calls as you leave the dressing room. You let the door swing closed behind you, but the thud of it shutting never happens. You turn back, finding König closing the door softly before he catches up to you.

“I’ll walk you out,” he says softly, glancing back to the dressing room. There’s something slightly off as König trails behind you, constantly looking over his shoulder—not like he’s nervous, but as if he’s about to do something he shouldn’t.

He holds the front door open for you, giving one last look over his shoulder.

You have to ask.

“Are you oka—”

König leans down, almost uncomfortably close, and mumbles, “He likes practical things.”

“What?”

“Mostly clothes, preferably socks. Oh, and food. Especially pastries.” König takes a small step forward, getting close enough that you can see tiny flecks of amber brown in his eyes.

“He has a big sweet tooth,” he whispers conspiratorially, and it clicks in your head.

“Oh,” you say as König steps back, leaning against the door. “Thank you.”

“Viel Glück.” König gives you a short nod, the edges of his mask rising with the apples of his cheeks as he smiles at you.

The drive back to your motel room is spent formulating a plan to figure out the specific day Kyle’s birthday falls on and what to get him. You spend more of the night trying to think than sleeping, doing your best to devise a way to ask him about it without sounding too obvious. It should be easy—getting information out of someone is nothing you haven’t done before—but Kyle’s sharper than he lets on. You’ll have to be a bit more careful this time.

You’re still thinking about it when you get to the club the next morning, so focused on your plan that you nearly run into Ghost as he steps out of Price’s office.

“Watch it,” he grumbles, wrapping a hand around your arm to steady you.

“Sorry,” you mumble.

“Bit distracted this morning, are we?” You look up as Kyle walks out of the office behind Ghost, amused smile on his face.

“Didn’t get a lot of sleep,” you shrug, sending a quick, pointed look to Ghost, who stares back at you with his usual monotone expression.

“Been there,” Kyle chuckles, pulling his car keys from the pocket of his black jacket and handing them to Ghost.

“Going somewhere?” you ask.

“Doing something for the Boss,” Kyle winks.

“It’s a small business errand, nothing to worry about.” Ghost’s answer leaves no room for more questions, so you nod in acceptance.

“I’ll see you two later, then.” You watch them walk to the front and out of the club, waiting for the doors to click shut before you turn and slip inside the office. Price sits behind his desk, writing something in a small, black journal, and you grin at the sight.

Maybe you don’t have to talk to Kyle at all.

“Can I ask you a question?” you ask as you walk up to the desk. Price’s hand stills against the journal as he looks up at you in slight surprise. You’re sure you’re probably not supposed to be in here without being invited in, but you see how his eyes dip down over your form and decide that he probably doesn’t mind.

“Just the one?” he smiles, setting his pen down to give you his full, undivided attention.

“Just the one, I promise,” you laugh, sitting in one of the chairs in front of the desk. “When’s Kyle’s birthday?”

The smile stays, but his brows draw together curiously, eyes narrowing slightly.

“Right, and which team are you asking this for?”

Ah, so he knows.

“Neither. I just wanted to get him something nice…and maybe get back at Soap for conning me out of my money.”

Price laughs at that, shaking his head as he leans back in his chair. It creaks softly, and you’re momentarily lost in the thought of how comfortable it looks.

It definitely looks like it could hold two people—

Stop.

Focus.

Kyle’s birthday.

“It’s next Thursday,” he says, breaking you out of your momentary distraction. “The club will be closed that night while we celebrate.”

That gives you eight days. You can work with that. All you have to do now is figure out what to get him.

And you’re sitting across from the one person who would know best.

“Do you have any hints for what I could get him?” you ask, giving your sweetest smile that he definitely sees straight through.

“That’s more than one question,” he chuckles.

“I mean, they both go together. Think of it as two halves to the same question.” You bat your lashes, keeping that tauntingly sweet smile aimed at him.

“So, you get an extra question,” he says, leaning forward and clasping his hands together atop the desk. He tilts his head, staring into your eyes, and purrs, “What do I get in return?”

“The satisfaction of helping out your favorite employee?” you tease, setting your elbows on the desk to lean toward him.

“You’re my favorite, are you?” he laughs softly, inching just a bit closer.

“You just said so yourself,” you grin. He hums, amused and impressed, a fondness in his eyes that sends a slight pang through your chest.

“He likes desserts,” Price tells you.

“Anything specific?” you press, slowly leaning forward until only a few inches are left between you.

“Careful now,” he warns, all silk and want and looking two seconds from jumping over the desk. “That’s a third question.”

You sit there for just a second, letting him watch your eyes fall to his lips as you lean a little closer before—

“You’re right,” you sigh dramatically, pulling back entirely, smug grin across your face. “I’m sure I can figure it out myself.”

“You’re a cruel woman,” he laughs, settling back in his chair with his arms crossed over his chest. You throw him a wink that earns you a playful roll of his eyes. Your phone chimes from your pocket, and when you check it, you find a message from Farah asking you to meet her backstage.

“Time for me to head out,” you sigh, standing from your chair. You turn to look at Price, giving him an earnest smile, “Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.”

“Anytime, Dove.”

You head toward the door as Price picks up his pen, ready to return to what he’d been working on before you came in.

“If you can bake,” Price calls out just as you grab the door handle, “try an apple sponge. It’s one of his favorites.”

You turn back to thank him, but he’s already focused on his work. You stash the information away in your mind, heading into the club to meet Farah with a wide grin.

(It takes a lot of trial and error in your motel room’s dingy little kitchen—little more than a hot plate and a mini fridge—but you’re eventually successful with a small apple sponge pudding the night before Kyle’s birthday.

When you present it to him, waiting until the party’s died down and everyone else is focused on something else, his eyes go glassy at the first taste. For a moment, you’re worried you’ve messed up the recipe, but he sets the plate down and wraps you in a tight hug.

“Used to make this with my mum,” he laughs into your shoulder, watery and sad and so, so appreciative. “Haven’t had one in years.”

He pulls away after a soft squeeze, his signature bright smile a little tighter than usual.

“Thank you, really.”

He goes back to the dessert, offering a couple of bites to his date, the woman who had worn the purple and teal dresses and whose name you’ve learned is Tabby.

You glance up from the happy couple, eyes roving over the rest of the party until you catch eyes with Price. He grins, winking at you, before returning to his conversation with Nik and Alex.

You don’t know how you’ll thank him, but you have a few ideas.)

“Are you busy tomorrow night?”

You nearly jump out of your skin as Price startles you, not only with his question but also with his sudden appearance at your side.

The club is closed for the week—you’re not told why—but you still come in to clean in the mornings. You’d been enjoying your small break at the bar, scrolling through your phone absentmindedly.

You thought you were alone, but apparently not.

“Not that I know of,” you say, trying to calm the jittering of your nerves. “Why?”

“Would you like to have dinner?”

Your mind blanks.

Your heart skips a beat, stunned at the idea that he might actually be asking you out and even more stunned by the instant yes that sits on the tip of your tongue.

“I—”

“We’re having a small get-together for whoever wants to come.”

There’s a painful squeeze in your chest that you’re forced to ignore, and you do your best to cover the sting with a smile.

“Sure! Sounds fun.”

“Perfect.” He smiles back wide, leaning forward to press a kiss to the top of your head before turning and walking away. “I’ll have Gaz send you the address,” he calls over his shoulder before disappearing into his office.

You stand there, staring at his office doors, doing everything you can to quell the sudden heat flooding your body.

You add extra ice to your water and bury yourself in your work as a poor distraction.

Kyle texts you the address that night, along with a message telling you not to come into work the next day, and a single sentence after that reads: Wear something blue :).

You sleep in the next morning—the first time in years—taking your time to go through your clothes and get ready. Your wardrobe is limited—all of the outfits Valeria’s had made for you sitting in the dressing room at the club.

Those would probably be too formal anyways.

You decide on your usual jeans and boots, but dig out a lighter shirt—more grey than blue, but passable—to wear under your black sweater. It’ll have to work as you spend the rest of your time fixing your hair, relaxing, and singing along to the music on your phone.

You leave an hour early, still unfamiliar with the city streets outside your commute to and from the club. The directions are simple enough to follow, your phone’s GPS taking you through the city easily, but after almost twenty minutes, you take a turn and realize you’re being led out of the city.

The drive is almost peaceful, the bustle of the city melting away into broad open landscape then into large trees filled with lush greenery. You’re directed to an off-road leading deeper into the thicket, your car protesting as it leaves the pavement and starts down the dirt road.

It takes half an hour of driving through solid forest before the trees around you begin to thin, and the dirt road slowly turns to gravel, then to smooth stone. The road curves and winds through the trees before you take a sharp turn, and you catch sight of the house.

No, house isn’t the right word. Manor would be more accurate.

The car comes to a halt as you hit the brakes, hands tightening around your steering wheel until your nails dig into the heels of your palms.

A sprawling estate surrounded by lush greenery that grows up the front of the house, you’re reminded of your family’s old summer home. That house hadn’t been nearly as big as this, but Price’s manor carries the same quaint feeling you remember having every time your father took you on vacation at the summer home.

The knot that grows in your throat is sudden, the rush of nostalgia slamming into you without warning.

The last time you had been to that old house was for your wedding.

You still remember the smell of lilacs and sweet peas that drifted up from the beautifully decorated courtyard into the bridal suite, the gorgeous bespoke gown that had once been your mother’s—gifted to you by your father as your something borrowed—and the beaming smile you carried for the entire day.

The last good day you remember having in your old life.

That’s over now, you remind yourself. You’re safe here.

You take a deep breath, loosening your grip on the steering wheel and easing off the brake. You drive slowly, taking in the beautifully laid out gardens around the front of the manor, trying to push down the painful fondness that stabs at your heart.

You park behind the various cars at the end of the driveway, locking your car behind you just once before making your way to the front doors.

Just like the club, they’re unlocked.

As soon as you walk in, you’re hit with a delicious smell and the sounds of quiet laughter. You follow the noise, taking in the interior of the house. It’s homey, understated, downright cozy, and somehow fitting for what you’d imagine as Price’s home.

“Look who it is!” Alex cheers as you walk into a sitting room. He sits on one of the couches, an arm draped across the back and around Farah. Across from them is Kyle, spread out on the other couch, busy typing away on his phone, his feet almost in Nik’s lap. You’ve never seen them so dressed down before, all in some type of hoodie, sweater, sweats combination—or pajama pants in Nik’s case.

Farah and Nik give you the same eager greeting, but Kyle continues on his phone, ignoring your presence entirely.

“Don’t mind him,” Farah scoffs. “He’s too busy with his new girlfriend.”

“It’s no problem,” you laugh, looking around the room. Farah watches you, smirk plastered on her face.

“The old man’s in the kitchen,” she says, nodding toward the other side of the room. Alex and Nik bite back their laughs, and you choose to ignore them.

“Thanks, Farah.” She nods, and you head in the direction she gives you. You head in the direction she gives you, passing through the dining room before you’re able to find the kitchen.

It’s not exactly like the one from your old summer home, but it’s damn close—spacious yet comfortable, all earth-toned and welcoming—and it’s a fight to swallow down the knot in your throat.

“You’re here!”

You’re pulled out of your thoughts as Price catches sight of you, setting down the knife in his hand and making his way over to you. You’ve never seen him in a sweater before, but you know how you’d kill to see him in one again. Like the others, he’s dressed down from his usual club attire: a deep maroon sweater with rolled sleeves, jeans, and a black apron with small spots of flour across it.

“Yeah, didn’t want to miss out on seeing my boss in an apron,” you joke as he pulls you into a hug, followed by a kiss on the head. You let yourself melt into him, missing his warmth the minute he pulls away.

“You can have a drink and wait with the others if you want. Grab whatever you want from the fridge,” he says, heading back to his station.

“Actually,” you take a deep breath, setting your hands on the island counter, “I was wondering if there was anything I could help with?”

He seems surprised at the offer, brows raised as he looks up at you. But the surprise is quickly replaced with a fond smile.

“You any good at chopping vegetables?” he asks.

“The best,” you tease, inching your way over to him, giving him time to tell you no.

“You can take over here, then.”

He takes a step back, and you take his place, picking the knife up from the cutting board. You’re about to start when you feel his hands settle on your hips and his lips brushing against the skin of your neck. You tilt your head automatically, pressing back into him as he murmurs a quiet, “Thank you.” He pulls away immediately after, leaving you to your work.

Time flies by, the two of you work almost seamlessly together in the kitchen. You laugh and joke and enjoy as Price takes every opportunity to put his hands on you. Small, teasing touches, but they send your heart racing each and every time, and soon you find yourself returning the favor.

By the time the food’s ready, you’ve shed your sweater, the kitchen heat, and the man next to you far too much for you. You take it in stride, having more fun than you’ve had in a long time and allowing yourself to enjoy this moment.

Dinner passes by equally as fun, feeling like those rare dinners you got to have with your father—just you and him, just family.

The others bid their goodbye, Alex and Farah heading home after dishes are done, Nik heading upstairs to one of the many spare rooms, and Kyle leaving to meet Tabby at her place. You help clean, waiting until everything is spotless to take your leave. Price walks you to the door, hand on the small of your back the entire walk.

“You know,” he says as you reach the front door, “you could stay here for the night.”

“What? You mean you don’t want to come back to mine?” you tease, lightly nudging him with your elbow. When he doesn’t laugh, you still worry creeping up your spine.

Please, don’t ask me to “repay” you for dinner.

“There’s plenty of room here,” he says quietly, pulling his hand from your back so he can turn to face you. “I just—I’d sleep better knowing you were somewhere…safer.”

Oh. Oh.

You don’t know how you can possibly feel more endeared than you do in this moment, the worry so genuine on his face.

“It’s not that bad. I’ve been fine so far,” you offer, voice soft as you set a hand on his arm. “You don’t need to worry about me.”

He huffs a quiet laugh, wrapping his hand around yours, “There’s always room for you here if you ever change your mind.”

“Thank you.”

And even if you don’t take up the offer now, you mean it with all your heart.

Summer nears its end when you find a sleek red box sitting atop your vanity that was definitely not there before you went on stage.

A small white card with your name written on the front rests on top of the box, a handwritten note with an address and a date for Saturday afternoon. You don’t recognize the address or the handwriting, so you set the card aside cautiously, sliding your fingers under the box lid.

You lift the lid, curiosity winning out over your caution.

Laying inside, pristinely folded, is a dress. A very beautiful, pale dress covered in pale blue columbine flowers. You run your fingers along the fabric, admiring the softness of the organza against your skin.

What is this for?

You wrack your brain trying to think of any upcoming birthdays or events, but nothing comes to mind. You’re sure you’d know; things like that are usually a big deal for the club.

You’re left wondering as someone knocks on the dressing room door. You quickly put the lid back on the box, tucking the card into the pocket of your jacket draped over the back of your chair.

When you leave for the night, you take the box back to the motel room, setting it on top of the duffle bag that holds your clothes, where it sits untouched for the rest of the week.

When Saturday comes, you wake up an hour before your alarm and head straight for the box. You set it on the bed and spend the morning getting ready with a long, room-temperature shower.

A small voice nags in the back of your mind as you stand in your underwear, staring down at the box on your bed. You’re excited and nervous, eager to try on the dress but unsure of what to expect from all of this.

The last time someone surprised you with a dress…

You shake the thoughts from your head, pulling the lid from the box, lifting the dress out, and finding a pair of nude flats lying at the bottom.

It’s long and light, made of a soft, airy material that falls to the ground with short, sheer puffy sleeves and a slit up to the knee. You have no trouble putting it on, the smooth silk gliding against your skin in a fit so perfect that you immediately think this must be Valeria’s doing.

You twirl, watching the material fan out with a wide smile. You leave the shoes in the box while you fix your hair, putting in the effort to get your hair just right and make yourself look as good as the dress makes you feel.

When you’re done, and looking far more stunning than you anticipated, you slip on the shoes and grab your keys.

You head out to your car in the early afternoon, pulling up the address on your phone. Your destination is just outside the city, opposite from where you are. It doesn’t take long, even in the afternoon traffic, and it ends with you pulling up to a large house with a driveway full of familiar cars.

You park behind Kyle’s car, giving yourself one last look in your slightly crooked rearview mirror.

When you step out of your car, you’re instantly met with music and laughter echoing from the backyard. You follow the path up to the front door, knocking twice as you admire the front garden.

The house is far enough out of the city to not be near anyone else but close enough to not have to drive an hour to get to the club like Price’s. Large, spacious, and a yard covered in different types of flowers.

A sharp whistle startles you as you take in how well taken care of the daisies look.

“Canary!” You step back from the door, looking across the driveway where Kyle stands, waving his hands at you, Roach next to him, holding open a gate that you assume leads to the backyard.

It’s weird to see them out of their standard black, but the bright summer colors fit them just as well. You make your way over, Kyle meeting you halfway to pull you into a hug.

“Glad you made it!”

“Me too!” you laugh, following him to the gate so you can hug Roach. “What’s the occasion?”

“Occasion?” Roach asks, holding the gate open with his foot so he can sign to you.

“It’s just a party,” Kyle says with a curious tilt of his head. “Valeria didn’t tell you?”

“Why would she tell me?”

“Because it’s her house?” Roach blinks.

“No one told me anything. I found a card with a time and place sitting on my vanity. And this—” you gesture to the dress, “—with it.”

“That’s one way to invite you, I guess,” Kyle shrugs, throwing an arm around your shoulders with an easy smile. “Either way, we’re glad you’re here.”

He and Roach lead you into the backyard, equally beautiful as the front, with tall trees providing shade and a large pool in the center. The entire club is here. Alejandro and Alex stand near the grill, laughing and passing jokes while the rest of the club is gathered at the few tables set up in the shade near the back doors to the house.

Valeria spots you instantly, making her way over with a wide grin. Kyle slides his arm from your shoulders as she gets close, and she pulls you into a quick hug.

“You made it!” she cheers, taking a step back and giving you an appreciative once over. “And you look fantastic! I’m proud of you.”

“It wasn’t all me,” you say, a little shy under the praise. “Thank you for the dress, by the way.”

“Hm?” Valeria raises a brow. “Well, it is lovely, and the blue’s a nice touch, but it’s not one of mine.”

“What?”

If it wasn’t her, then…who?

You look around the yard, glancing over the rest of your friends and coworkers. They all seem busy talking, laughing, enjoying themselves.

All except for one, John Price, who’s sitting between Ghost and König, wearing a pale blue shirt to match the color of the flowers on your dress and staring at you with an intensity that sets your skin alight.

“Oh,” Valeria laughs, following your gaze.

“Explains the blue,” Kyle snickers, nudging your arm with his elbow.

You pull your eyes away from Price to smack Kyle in the chest. You’re met with laughter from the three of them, covering your face with your hands in a poor attempt to cool the heat in your cheeks.

“I hate all of you,” you grumble, their laughter growing as you head for the tables. You do your best to smile and not appear as flustered as you are, returning hellos and hugs as everyone notices you. When you reach the back table, Ghost nods in greeting while König stands to hug you. However, when he pulls away from you, he pulls out the chair he’d been sitting in and gestures for you to sit.

“You don’t have to—”

“I have to help Alex soon, anyway,” König shrugs.

“Okay, then,” you smile, taking the seat, turning to add a quick thank you before he leaves for the grill.

“You look lovely,” Price says the moment you turn back to the table. “Blue suits you.”

Ghost doesn’t speak, simply picking up his glass and sitting next to Soap at the table across from yours.

“Like this color, do you?” you ask, setting your elbows on the table to lace your fingers together and set your chin atop them, smiling at him with a raised brow.

“You could say I’m partial to it,” he shrugs casually, eyes trailing down the expanse of your leg exposed through the slit of your dress. “Especially on certain people.”

You can’t help but giggle, shaking your head as you lean back in your chair.

You take a moment to feel the warmth from the sun, cooled by the gentle summer breeze carrying a soft bite of autumn’s inevitable chill.

You don’t remember the last time you could simply enjoy a day outside.

“Thank you, by the way,” you speak up, turning to Price with a soft smile. “You didn’t have to get me a dress, but I appreciate it.”

“Not a fan of gifts?” he asks, an unusual hesitance in his voice.

“I like them. I’m just…not used to them, I guess.”

Or ones that don’t come with ulterior motives, anyway.

He stares at you for a brief second before his hand slides across the table to settle over yours with a light squeeze. “Think you better get used to it then, love. There’s plenty more where that came from.”

You huff a quiet laugh, shaking your head at the smug grin on Price’s face.

“I’m not going to be able to talk you out of that, am I?”

“Not at all,” he laughs, and you laugh along, turning your hand over to lace your fingers through his.

You give a soft squeeze of his hand, soaking up the warmth from his hand, “Price, I—”

“Sparrow, get over here! We’re starting karaoke!” You turn as Soap yells from his table.

“In a minute!” you call back.

“Fine, but I’m pickin’ your song!”

Price chuckles next to you, releasing your hand. Disappointment swells in your chest before his hand reaches your bare knee. “Go have fun. We can talk later,” he smiles.

You nod, and he lets his hand linger a second longer before pulling away as you stand up. You adjust your dress before glancing over to Price. As soon as the idea comes to your head, you act. Setting a hand on his shoulder, you lean down to press a kiss to his cheek before whispering into his ear your promise of later.

You step away quickly, making your way over to the rest of your friends, looking back only once to catch Price’s eyes. He sends you a wink, standing from his chair to join Alex, Alejandro, and König.

You don’t know what later entails, but you’re certainly looking forward to it.

Everything changes at the beginning of autumn when you return to your motel room exhausted from an incredibly long week.

You don’t take notice of the new car that sits in the usually empty parking lot.

Or how your door doesn’t click when you turn the key.

Or that your duffel bag sits open on top of your bed, instead of under it like you’d left it that morning.

If your father had been here, he would’ve killed you being so careless, for letting your guard down so much.

But the man who’s broken into your room takes up the job for him, waiting until you reach the bathroom door to shove his way out and tackle you to the floor. You don’t get the chance to scream as your head slams into the floor, and your vision goes blurry.

You feel his weight over you as he tries to grab at your arms, words coming out of his mouth that your fuzzy brain can’t process right now. He gets frustrated, hands wrapping around your neck before they squeeze, and your neck burns.

You squirm and push, fighting back with everything you have until you can land a kick to his stomach that sends him stumbling to the side.

You roll onto your stomach, coughing and heaving and stumbling to push yourself up to your feet. You make it to your dresser before a meaty hand wraps around your ankle and yanks.

You're sent back to the ground, scrabbling to grab hold of anything you can on the dresser. Your hand catches something, and you wrap your fist around it on the way down, waiting until the man tries to climb over you again before you swing.

You make contact with him, the object in your hand causing an audible crack against his head. He falls over, and instinct takes over. You swing again, then one more time before you toss the object aside—it's the table lamp that never worked, now that you're given time to look at it—and scoot back until your back is pressed against the foot of your bed.

It takes a minute before your vision can fully focus, and you process the man lying on your floor, blood pooling out from the cracked open dent in his head.

Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Oh fuck.

You don't know what else to do, going straight for your phone. Your eyes glassy, you struggle to find the contact you need and gulp down as much air as you can while it rings.

"Hello?"

I'm sorry to bother you. Please, don't be mad.

"H-Hey. I—I um—"

You can't get words around, lungs constricting too fast to get air in.

"Canary? Are you okay?"

"I don't—I don't know what—what happened. I—"

"Breathe, love. Where are you?"

"He at—he attacked me. I didn't mean to—I didn't—"

You hear conversation in the background, multiple voices.

"Are you at home?"

"I—"

"Yes or no, love."

"Y—yes."

"Stay there, okay?"

"Okay."

You don't mean to hang up, but your hands are too shaky, and you hit the end call button trying to put Price on speaker.

You don't know how long you sit there, hyperventilating as you stare at the man bleeding out on your floor. Minutes? Hours? You have no way to tell; time passes too quickly yet drags second by second.

You don't hear your door open or the soft call of your name, but you do feel the hand on your shoulder.

"No!" You try to pull away, but the person moves in front of you, and you go into full panic mode.

"Stop, it's me. It's me. It's okay. It's me, love."

Two warm hands settle on either side of your face, turning you to look forward, where you find Price on his knees in front of you, concern etched deep into his features.

"I—he tried to—"

His hands fall from your face, instead wrapping around you to pull you into him. You go easily, tucking yourself against him, against the familiar comfort as the knot swells in your throat and the dam finally breaks.

"Shh, it's okay," Price coos into your hair. "I've got you. You're safe."

Despite the circumstances, you believe him.

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#captain john price x reader #captain price x reader #john price x reader #price x reader #captain john price #captain price #john price #modern warfare #modern warfare 2 #mw fics #moth writes

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preciouslandmermaid · 10 months ago

Text

of songbirds, swords, and spice

pairing: Opla!Zoro x Opla!Sanji x Fem! Reader (no use of Y/N or L/N)

tags: slow burn, friends-to-lovers, trauma, eventual smut, angst, humor, canon-typical violence, found family, polyamory, falling in love, POV multiple, reader-insert, action/adventure, past abuse, eventual romance, touch starved, PTSD, mentions of slavery/forced labor, battle couple, devil fruit user reader, hurt/comfort, mulit-chapter fic (other tags to be added)

🏴‍☠️ read on AO3 🏴‍☠️ Masterpost

summary: You've performed at Le Cupidon Doré, your "grandmother" Estella's business, for the past four years. Every full moon, you step onto stage and enchant the patrons and collect their hard earned berry. Tonight is no different. It isn't.

Until you realize another devil-fruit eater is in the crowd. Fate, as you've learned, has a bad habit of mucking things up just when you were starting to get comfortable.

You closed your eyes as Kinari brushed makeup across your face in delicate, teasing strokes that threatened to illicit an ill-timed sneeze. Backstage was a mess of feathers, and perfumes, and cluttered vanity tables, shining bulbs of light to illuminate every stroke, every line, every dust of color. The other performers moved like fish swimming through the iridescent streams of fabric. The chaotic, yet organized energy was familiar. Almost comforting. Everyone gets like this before a show, your lips twisted wryly, it’s as if we don’t do this night after night! There were a few amateurs backstage, but Estella wouldn’t let them perform because the full moon show was reserved for the best of the best.

“Still….” Kinari drawled the word out and her pink box-braids fell across her smiling face. “I think you’re brave.”

Brave. Right. You stopped using words like ‘bravery’ and ‘chivalry’ years ago. You and Estella’s long-running arrangement wasn’t brave, but it was clever and you’d rather be smart than brave. Madam Estella said brave people were fools half the time and the rest were martyrs. Instead of saying this to the young artist, you replied--

“You’re too kind, Kinari.” You reached for the earplugs on your vanity and pass them to her. “Don’t forget to wear these tonight.”

“I won’t,” she replied, sing-song and light. She selected two outfits from the rack and held them aloft for you.

“Whoo-hoo! Look at this place!” Luffy threw his arms into the air, “it’s got a buffet!”

There’s nothing Zoro could say to stop his captain from barreling toward the buffet and heaping food onto his plate. He glanced around the finely decorated establishment. Nightingale Island wasn’t much to look at, but the locals talked highly of ‘Le Cupidon Doré’. When Luffy heard ‘all you can eat’, well – there wasn’t much argument to be had about where the crew was going next since they were officially resupplied.

“Tacky,” Nami said, pointing her fork at the smiling cherubs decorating the pillars, “and probably not real gold.”

Zoro rested his elbow on the back of booth and ordered a drink. The booze was cheap here and that’s decent enough for him.

“It’s no Baratie, but it has its charms…” Sanji said.

His blue eyes scanned the guests and staff. The waiters and waitresses were dressed in gold and white and wore elaborate headpieces that ranged from spokes covering half their heads to intricate swooping designs that appeared like twisted halos. Their cheeks shone with glitter. They bobbed and weaved, a practiced ease and gracefulness to their movements that reminded Zoro of sword fighting.

The tables created a half-moon around the circular stage. But two rows of chairs clustered next to the stage were without tables and labeled ‘VIP’. They were completely packed and he doubted even Luffy could fit between the bodies.

“Your drink, sir.” The waiter dropped his head low and Zoro noticed something inside the waiter’s ear. Why are they wearing earplugs? He frowned, brought his glass to his lips, and abruptly stood.

Luffy dropped his stacked plate onto the table and its’ weight upset their drinks. “Where are you going?”

“Gotta check something.”

He circuited the dining room, dodging Usopp carrying his full-plate, and confirmed his suspicions. All the waiters are wearing earplugs. Weird. Why would a place that caters to nightly performances have staff wearing earplugs? The establishment wasn’t large so it’s easy to find their table again.

Luffy tore into a drumstick and looked up at Zoro. “Find anything cool?” He asked, chewing.

“Something’s weird,” he said, “all the waiters are wearing earplugs.”

Luffy shrugged, unconcerned. “Maybe this place gets really crazy!” His dark eyes brightened.

But Zoro wasn’t mollified by Luffy’s response. Their luck fluctuated from bad, to shitty, to worse with a few good days peppered in. They were on a winning streak with the grand line map in their possession and a functioning ship, but how long would that last?

“Maybe all the singers suck and we wasted berry by paying the door fee,” said Nami and Zoro tilted his chin in consideration.

“Aw, come on!” Usopp wiped grease from his mouth. “Look at this place. It’s packed. There’s no way the show is bad. It’ll be fun.”

The lights flashed, signaling the start of the show, and Zoro leaned into the cushions. He hoped Nami was right. He hoped this was a terrible show and that was why the waiters wore earplugs. Maybe he could rip pieces of the tablecloth and stuff his ears too.

An elderly woman rolled her wheelchair onto the stage.

“Tonight is the full moon,” she said, her voice as clear and bright as icicles, “and as our regulars know, we have a special performer on nights such as these.” The crowd muttered in agreement and clapped. Luffy joined them, hollering alongside the eager guests, although Zoro couldn’t understand why he bothered. This show wasn’t going to be anymore special because it was performed on the full moon.

Sanji sat up straighter. “Should we try to get closer? I’d hate to miss anything.”

“We’re not getting closer.” Zoro scowled.

He replied, “I wasn’t talking to you.” Sanji looked longingly at Nami. “Did you want to get closer?”

Nami gave him a thin smile. “I’m good.”

“Listen closely and open your hearts,” the elderly woman said, “and enjoy!”

Her wheelchair edged backward into the darkness and a shower of white petals fell onto the stage. A chrous of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ rose above the din of clinking plates and silverware. A woman stepped onto the stage and Zoro refilled his sake. He didn’t get why this was such a big deal. It’s stupid, he thought, scowling, all this excitement for one woman? He glanced at the stage. The performer was wearing a long, flowing dark blue robe and skirt. The details on the flowing sleeves, robe, and skirt depicted a semi-translucent white stag alongside large pale lilies, petals, and clouds of mist.

“She’s beautiful,” Sanji mutters.

The sleeves billowed and moved like the rolling ocean waves as the performer gripped the microphone. Zoro looked away, uninterested.

You closed your eyes, preparing yourself, before the first lines of the song spilled like honey from your lips. No music accompanied your voice. There was no need for it. You opened your eyes to the dazed and captivated crowd. The VIP section was practically falling out of their seats and onto their knees before you.

You sang a beautiful and entrancing melody, a song of soft and gorgeous serenity. The lyrics weren’t as important as the rhythm and intention. A fast-paced, intense song often inspired anger or excitement. A slower, dreamier song like this one lulled the crowd into complicity and adoration. You spent nine years perfecting your craft and the last four running this business alongside Estella. You knew what worked and what didn’t.

“Sanji!” someone yelled from a table, “you’re gonna drool on my plate.”

Another devil-fruit eater. You squinted toward the table, though it was hard to see due to the spotlight blanketing everywhere, except for the VIP section, in shadow. For whatever reason your voice didn’t affect other devil-fruit eaters like yourself. Luckily, it didn’t matter for tonight. The boy in the straw hat was safe. Only the VIP section was targeted by Estella’s staff to have their pockets checked and liberate them of extra berry.

“Hey, wait a minute--” straw hat leapt to his feet. “What’re you guys doing?” The waiter holding a man’s wallet froze. Shit. He’s noticed. You stepped from the stage and your flowing robes dragged behind you like silk water. The spotlight followed you as you approached the dining table.

Your gaze slid over their astonished faces. A tangerine haired woman dropped her fork onto her plate. A well-dressed blonde man had one hand pressed to his chest – as if you struck him in the heart.

“Wow…” a lean man with a chestnut bandanna rested his chin in his hands. “You’re incredible.”

“Usopp?” Straw hat waved his hand in front of the man’s face. “Blink, Usopp! Blink!”

A moss-haired swordsman held the rim of his sake cup against his lips, but wasn’t drinking, like he’s frozen in time.

The front doors burst, “show’s over!” A pirate wearing an outfit of scarlet and dark crimson stood in the doorway with his pistols drawn. “The bloody bandits are here for their due.”

masterpost // > > next chapter

#one piece fanfiction #reader insert #zoro x reader #zoro roronoa x reader #zoro x you #sanji x reader #sanji x you #vinsmoke sanji x reader #vinsmoke sanji x you #zoro x sanji #zoro x sanji x reader #zoro x sanji x you #sanji x zoro #sanji x zoro x reader #opla fanfic #one piece live action fanfic

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goldenseresinretriever · 4 months ago

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You Catch More Bees With Honey: Chapter 5

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Reader

Part of the San Diego Dogfighters universe

Summary: Bradley Bradshaw, blindsided by a team he trusted like family has been traded to the San Diego Dogfighters. Across the country from the place he calls home, Bradley feels lost and betrayed. Not to mention the familiar faces and ghosts from his past that he now has to face every day at work. Bradley’s caught between wanting to show his former team the mistake they made in double-crossing him and wondering if it’s time to hang up his skates after one final season. You’re living your dream as the PR representative for the Dogfighters. When Coach Maverick made a bid to bring his godson to the team, you hadn’t batted an eye. Bradley was a good teammate, and a good player. Unfortunately, the Bradley that shows up in San Diego is nothing like your research suggested. He’s moody, irritable, aggressive, and angry, throwing a wrench in all your careful planning. What’s caused such a drastic change in him? And can you figure out how to help him before he makes a mistake you can’t fix?

Series CW: 18+ ONLY, swearing, dead parents, drunkenness, alcohol consumption, violence, sports violence, blood probably, angst, fluff, eventual smut, age gap (28 and 38), enemies to lovers, suggestive language, hockey inaccuracies etc. There will be individual chapter warnings. No use of Y/N.

Word Count: 4.9k

A/N: This is a repost of my completed series, You Catch More Bees With Honey. It was originally posted in November-March 2023, and was lost when my blog was deleted.

Previous Chapter // Series Masterlist // Next Chapter

Bradley Bradshaw is standing in front of you. This has to be some kind of colossal joke. Mickey would never do that, though, would he? Bradley looks like he’s fighting every impulse to shove his hands in his pockets as he shuffles from one foot to another.

“Can I help you?” You ask warily, still unsure if you’re getting pranked.

“I…” he starts before he falls silent again. He clears his throat awkwardly, finally surrendering to the urge and shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans, tightening his broad shoulders. “I was eating at that restaurant and I saw you waiting and uh…” he hesitates again. “You’ve been waiting a while, I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” A flush is slowly creeping up his neck, dusting the skin a rosy red. Warmth steals up yours as you realize he’s been watching you.

It’s Friday. You were supposed to be meeting the guy from the dating app today. The key word being WERE. You’ve been standing outside of the restaurant in a dress not at all appropriate for the chill in the air tonight for almost thirty minutes. You didn’t see Bradley walk by you which means he’s been here the whole time. You don’t feel like explaining your embarrassing plight to Bradley but with every passing minute, it gets harder and harder to lie without looking like a bigger fool. “I’m on a date…” you swallow, hard. “At least I’m supposed to be on a date.” You can’t help the way you fidget with your hands. At work, you’re on an even playing field. You have a job to do, a title that you wear like a shield. You’re at your most polished, ready to be seen by the world and taken seriously. Now you’re standing here on a curb in some unfamiliar part of town, all but shivering in front of a man who’s done nothing in the past but cause you pain and make you feel small. And he’s being nice to you. You don’t know what nice looks like from Bradley Bradshaw and you’re not sure you’re prepared to see him like this. It feels like you’re throwing your sword down in front of him, making him privy to a part of you that no one sees.

“He didn’t show?” You can hear the twinge of disgust in Bradley’s voice but the concern is louder.

“He’s just not here yet.” You attempt to cover for your date, but have no idea why. You don’t even know the man besides the few messages you’d exchanged over the past week.

“Honey, he hasn’t been here for thirty minutes. I don’t think he’s coming.” You expect to see pity in his eyes, maybe a smirk at your plight but you see something else, something unreadable. If you didn’t know better, you’d think he looks almost protective, but the lingering pain in your jaw and the ache in your heart tell you no.

“Yeah, maybe not.” You manage awkwardly, shifting on your feet.

“You could join me, if you want?” You blink, surprised. You’d expected a lot of things when Bradley Bradshaw walked out of the restaurant behind you but an invitation to join him was probably the last thing you’d have guessed. You actually would be less surprised if he produced tomatoes from his pockets and pelted you with them. What surprises you even more is that you nod and start for the doorway and you feel the gentle brush of his fingertips against your back, guiding you forward, respectfully avoiding the expanse of exposed skin at the top of your back in favor of the fabric lower down. You suppress a groan of relief at the warmth in the restaurant. “Over there,” Bradley gestures to an unoccupied table with several half-eaten plates on it. You pause as you reach the table, your eyes catching on the bouquet of daisies laid on the table.

“Oh my god am I interrupting something, like a date or something?” You sputter as you back up, bumping into Bradley’s broad chest. You turn to look at him and gasp softly as you realize exactly how close he is. Your back is pressed against his torso and you can feel him breathing through your clothes. Your lips are inches from his where you’re turned slightly backward to see him and his deep brown eyes are wide and boring into yours. You’re both staring for longer than socially appropriate, caught by surprise at the closeness. He backs up, hands ghosting over your waist to ensure you don’t stumble at his sudden movement and you can see the rosy hue creeping up his neck.

“They're for my mom.” He blurts and you look at him, confused. His file states that Bradley’s mother is deceased. “Daisies were her favorite.” Your heart aches at the confirmation that Carole Bradshaw has indeed passed away.

You’re not sure what to say so you awkwardly reply. “Irises were my mom’s favorite.” You watch the way his shoulders relax and slide into the booth across from where he was clearly sitting before this. He follows suit and you’re sitting face to face, squirming under the weight of each other’s gaze. You can’t take the silence so you keep talking. “My dad used to get us bouquets of irises and sunflowers, because those were our favorite, with baby’s breath to tie it all together. He used to say he was like them, the baby’s breath, there to make sure his girls shined.” You’ve never told anyone about this, so you’re not sure why you’re suddenly telling Bradley. You hadn’t really spoken about your mom in years. The last person you told about her was your grief counselor all those years.

“Are you close? You and your dad?” Bradley asks, his voice quiet, like he’s afraid to disturb you, to break the reverie holding you in this state.

You nod. “As much as you can be but I was always closer to my mom.”

“I didn’t know, you know,” Bradley murmurs and he averts his eyes, clearly uncomfortable. “About your mom.” His throat bobs and when he looks back up at you his eyes are simultaneously firm with determination and soft with guilt, “I never would have said that if I knew.” You shake your head, lowering your gaze.

“No one knows, really. Mickey only knows because he was there. I don’t talk about it. I don’t talk about HER.” You fall silent because you can’t explain why, because you don’t know why. Because you don’t blame yourself for her death, do you? Do you?

“If you don’t talk about her it’s like she’s still there.” His voice is almost a whisper like it’s a thought that was just meant for him but slipped past his lips regardless and your heart clenches at the truth in them and you nod. He nods back, lost in thought as he keeps going. “My family house in Virginia, I still legally own it. I haven’t been back there since I left for college, because then maybe she’s still in the kitchen, laughing and singing to herself, waiting for me to come home.”

“I haven’t been home in eight years.” You whisper. “Not since the funeral.”

“How did she…?” You flinch in anticipation of a word that never comes like he knows what it’s like, to feel it tear apart every seam you’ve painstakingly mended in a Frankenstein attempt to return to your old self.

“She had a heart attack, they couldn’t do anything to save her. It was instant.”

“I’m sorry.” He whispers back.

You barely shake your head. “It’s not your fault.”

“Maybe not, but other things are.” He hesitates before continuing. “I hurt you before, emotionally… and physically and I didn’t mean to.” You can tell it’s not easy for him to admit, that he’s not good at saying sorry. Your jaw takes that moment to throb with an aftershock of pain. Truth be told, it’s almost completely healed. Your hand reaches for it instinctively at the twinge but Bradley beats you there. He’s so large that his arm crosses the table with ease as his finger brushes over the spot where your jaw’s bruised under your makeup. You jerk back like his touch has shocked you and in a way, it has, not with electricity but with surprise.

“Fuck! Did I hurt you?!” You watch the panic on his face as he withdraws his hand instantly. You shake your head quickly. Bradley Bradshaw is an enigma. How is this the man who’s been nothing but casually cruel to you up until today? You secretly wonder if he has an evil twin.

“No, no, you just surprised me. Sorry.” You watch him grimace before his hands return to his lap and you can tell from the way his shoulders flex that he’s fidgeting with them in his lap.

“Sorry, my mom always said I need to remember I’m a big guy, and that women can get the wrong idea. I’m not going to hurt you, I promise.” He grimaces again. “Not anymore, I mean, I guess I already have.” You blink, surprised. You’ve always assumed that Bradley’s the type of guy who uses his size to his advantage. He certainly does on the ice. You’ve watched him throw around smaller players like their chump change. But this Bradley, sitting in front of you, is completely different. You think back to the time he was squished into the chair in your office, and then to the way he instantly backpedaled when you flinched after he slammed his hands on your desk and you wonder exactly how aware of his size he really is.

You’re saved from responding by the waitress finally approaching the table. She gives you a bright polite smile and asks if you’d like something to eat. Luckily, you’d already studied the menu online enough times that you could probably rattle it off from memory. You order a double bacon cheeseburger with onion rings and fries and the waitress retreats before you face a dumbfounded Bradley. “What? Never seen a woman eat before, Bradshaw?” You arch a judgmental eyebrow as he shakes his head quickly, schooling his expression quickly.

“No, I just. You don’t look like the type of girl who would.” He grimaces instantly like he realizes how it sounded. “Sorry I didn’t mean it like that, I just-“

You interrupt, saving him from further humiliation with a shrug. “I’m not trying to get laid, so no need to pretend I’d rather have a salad. No offense.” You give him a pointed look. “Plus, I didn't really think we were trying to impress.” Your eyes move to the various plates of food on the table in front of his singular person before going back to his. He just nods curtly before pushing a plate of lukewarm cheese fries in your direction. You could easily wait for your own mountain of food but you take a fry to fight off the awkward silence that threatens to consume the two of you.

“So, why hockey?” Bradley breaks the silence around a fry of his own. You chew thoughtfully before you answer him.

“Hockey was always a part of this fairytale that my mom used to tell me.” Bradley’s brow furrows in confusion. “When she was in college she had this whirlwind romance with a hockey player.” You clarify. “She never said who, but hockey became this little special thing between us. We’d giggle when we saw pond hockey teams play on the drive home from school. Sometimes we’d watch games in passing while flipping channels. And then when I was in college I had to share the practice rink with the hockey team. That’s how I met Mickey, and I ended up getting close to the team. Now I work with them for a living.” You shrug nonchalantly as you select another fry.

“So wait, your mom dated a hockey player and what? He went pro and disappeared?” Bradley frowns, his mustached lip curled in disgust.

You chuckle softly, smirking at him around the fry as you lean in conspiratorially. “Nope, SHE did.”

Bradley looks dumbfounded, sitting back, an impressed look on his face. “Good for her.”

You grin as you reach for another fry. “She got scouted for the U.S. Olympic figure skating team. Not even a year later she won her first medal, good for her indeed.” He whistles lowly, clearly impressed. You can’t help the way your chest puffs with pride over your mom’s accomplishments. There’s never been a moment when you aren’t proud to be her daughter. The lull that falls between the two of you is more comfortable now so you decide to take the jump.

“Okay your turn, what’s going on with you and Maverick? And before you deny it, Mickey said there’s been noticeable tension between the two of you and you mentioned something when you were drunk. However, since your drunk self makes some questionable, and apparently forgettable, decisions, I want to hear it from you sober.” You pause for a moment before adding. “I’m not on any side here, Bradley. Not Mavericks, not yours. But I could be. My job is to be on your side, if you’ll let me do it.” You’re tired and you don’t feel like doing this right now, especially when you’ve just started to feel like you’re getting somewhere with Bradley, but right now he’s unguarded. It’s the best chance that you’re going to get and you don’t want to curse yourself tomorrow when he’s back to his old self.

Bradley’s shoulders tense and you watch his hand clench into a fist where it lays on the table next to the plate of fries. You curse yourself for jumping the gun and pushing so soon, ready to watch his walls snap back up and shut you out again. He surprises you when he unclenches his fist, reaching out to toy with a French fry. When he speaks it’s, slowly. “You know Maverick’s the reason I’m in San Diego.” It’s not a question but you nod anyway. “Well, it wasn’t this beautiful reunion that the media seems to think it was.” You know about that too. While they don’t know that Maverick is Bradley’s godfather, there’s been plenty of buzz regarding the reunion of the Mitchell and Bradshaw names. “He didn’t even call to tell me that he’d requested the trade let alone ask for my permission, but that’s just Pete Mitchell. He blows in when it’s convenient and leaves just as easily.” He shakes his head, exhaustion, and disgust on his face.

“He wasn’t really around when I was growing up. Everyone likes to think he raised me in my dad’s place but the most he did was send my mom checks to pay for hockey. And I didn’t even know about that until he told me.” He sighs, tired, but you can tell you’ve breached some dam in his mind because he continues without hesitations. “The first time I even met him was at my mom’s funeral. He suddenly felt like he wanted to be a part of my life but I didn’t need him. He went behind my back anyway and paid for my college education. The second I got my first check from the NHL I started paying it back. That's the extent of our relationship. He threw money at me like I was a problem he could solve with it and I threw it back. Then the next thing I know I’m waking up to headlines and messages from friends telling me I’ve been traded to San Diego.”

“Wait, they didn’t even TELL you?!” This is news to you. “Like, god, I know they’d been trying to get rid of you but after playing with them for that long you think they’d at least give you the courtesy of telling them in person!” You’re rambling, fueled by rage. You’d already gotten a bad impression of the Flyers when they were so eager to give up Bradley during negotiations but this was a new low.

“Wait, what do you mean they were trying to get rid of me?” Bradley looks wary but genuinely surprised by this new information. You scowl, not at him, but out of mutual anger at the Flyers.

“When we called to negotiate the trade, your old manager said he’s been trying to trade you for the better part of two seasons.” Your heart clenches as you watch Bradley’s face fall slightly. “He… he was being a complete asshole about it, honestly. He kept saying you can’t teach an old dog new tricks and how they’d much rather fill the roster with rookie talent they could mold over the years.” Bradley’s unknowingly crushed the fry he was toying with earlier. You can tell he’s holding it in, the rage and hurt. Your heart aches. “He didn’t have any right to talk about you that way.” You’re not sure why you say it, why you feel the need to stand up for him against a man who’s not even here. “You played with him for over a fucking decade and played well might I add. You’re consistent, dependable, the perfect player to counteract the flux of developing rookie talent and ground a team but of course, all assholes like him can see is money.” You throw your hands up in frustration and it’s only then that you realize that Bradley’s watching you, a strange look on his face.

“You really think that?” His voice is hesitant.

You shrug. “Of course, if I didn’t I wouldn’t have agreed with the decision to request your trade. You’re exactly what a team like us needs. Sure, I felt for Maverick’s supposed emotional stake in the trade, hell I did the same thing to get Mickey here, but I still looked at you objectively and evaluated you as a necessary player to this team.”

You both fall into silence and the waitress chooses that moment to arrive with your burger. You turn your attention to gobbling down the cheesy goodness as Bradley mulls over your words. You’re polishing off the last of the burger with an onion ring dunked in ranch when he finally speaks again.

“Thank you.”

“Fwo wat?” You ask around the onion ring. He frowns slightly at your garbled words and your cheeks heat in embarrassment as you swallow your food and wash it down with water. Bradley’s not like your other colleagues, he’s the oldest on the team and ten years your senior. You owe him a little more respect than talking with your mouth full. “Sorry, for what?”

“For saying that, for telling me what my old manager said.” He pauses and you take the opportunity to snag another onion ring. “This whole time, I’ve been blaming Maverick. He used to play for the Flyers so I thought he called in some kind of non-negotiable favor, but now I know he’s not the only one to blame.”

You swallow, choosing your words carefully. “I know you’re not exactly happy here and it’s not really my place to tell you how you should feel, but for the record? If it were me? I’d much rather be unhappy somewhere I’m wanted than happy somewhere I’m not.” You pop a fry into your mouth, chewing thoughtfully as Bradley turns your words over in his mind.

He’s quiet until the waitress comes back with the check and he lets her know the food will be all in one check. Before you can protest, and honestly you weren’t really going to, he fixes you with a firm look. “I owe you one, plus I invited you.” You could point out that he didn’t really invite you so much as save you from further embarrassment and potentially a loitering charge, but instead, you just give him a shrug and pop a manicured finger into your mouth to lick the ranch off. He follows you out of the restaurant and with the setting of the sun the temperature has dropped even more and you silently curse your choice of attire. Your traitorous body seems to have forsaken your New England upbringing and fully adjusted to the near-constant heat of southern California. You try not to visibly shiver but then a warm presence falls across your shoulders. You turn to see Braldey has shed his flannel to place it across your shoulders.

“Thanks” you murmur and he gives you a curt nod.

“Where are you parked?” He asks and you groan internally.

“I’m not, I ubered here.” You admit, embarrassed. “I figured if things went poorly at least I could have a couple of drinks and if they went well then…” you trail off, not exactly feeling like explaining to Bradley that you’d been hoping to get laid tonight. You needed it, the stress relief alone would do wonders for you. He gives you another curt nod, thankfully not asking you to elaborate.

“This way then.” He guides you towards the parking garage down the street, his fingers a gentle pressure against your back through his shirt that you’ve wrapped around your shoulders like a cape.

“You didn’t valet?” You ask as you ignore the way your stiletto heels are biting your toes as you follow after Bradley through the parking garage.

He looks back at you like you’ve suggested something ridiculous. “No one drives the Bronco.” He states and you roll your eyes as he unlocks the car. You climb into the passenger seat. The car is surprisingly clean, no trash lining the floors and the cup holders are spotless, not even a forgotten gum wrapper. You buckle yourself in and Bradley fiddles with his phone in the little mount. “Where am I dropping you off?” He asks, pulling up Google Maps.

“Mickey’s place,” you answer. He’d told you to come right over if you didn’t end up going home with this guy so he could get all the details while they're fresh. You didn’t have much to share but you’re sure he’d want to know regardless. You realize Bradley’s still waiting and rattle off the address as it occurs to you that Bradley’s probably never been over to Mickey’s house.

“Can I ask why Mickey’s house?” He asks once you’re on your way and you shrug.

“Maybe I don’t want you to know where I live.” You try to stop the grin tempting your lips. He snorts. “How am I supposed to know that you’re not a serial killer?” You challenge.

“You’ve literally done extensive background checks on me, and you got into my car without any fuss.” He points out.

“Okay but you’re a loner, you don’t have any friends-“

“I have friends.” He interrupts, sounding offended that you would suggest otherwise.

“Bradley Bradshaw, you most certainly do not.” You fire back and you see the edge of his mouth twitch.

“Well, how do I know you’re not homeless and living on Mickey’s couch?” You think he might be smiling but it’s too dark to tell.

“I’m not HOMELESS!” You squawk. “I just have FRIENDS, unlike you.” He rolls his eyes as he gets on the highway. “Mickey said he wanted to hear all about the date after.” You shrug, settling back into the leather seat.

“But you didn’t go on the date,” Bradley points out. You shrug again.

“And so I have to chew him out for that since it was his idea in the first place.” You explain and he nods in agreement. “He thinks I need to have a life outside of work which is ridiculous.” Bradley nods at that too. The conversation fizzles out into a silence that doesn’t feel uncomfortable and Bradley fiddles with the radio and the 80s station comes on.

You hum idly along with whatever song is ending before another familiar one takes its place. You hear Whitney Houston’s familiar voice croons through the speakers. You’re not sure when you started singing along, “I wanna dance with somebody, I wanna feel the heat with somebody,” but your voice mixes with Whitney’s in the quiet of the Bronco.

When the song ends, Bradley speaks up. “You have a good voice.” You feel your cheeks heat at the reminder that you have an audience.

“Sorry,” you apologize immediately, sure that Bradley didn’t sign up for an impromptu concert when he turned on the radio to fill the silence, but he shakes his head.

“You don’t have to apologize, I don’t mind. Like I said, you have a nice voice.” You think about pointing out that he said you had a good voice, not a nice voice, and that a good and a nice voice are two completely different things but instead you join Belinda Carlisle in remarking that “Heaven is a Place on Earth.”

***

When you pull into Mickey’s driveway, Bradley shifts the car into park while you shrug off his shirt. When you hand it to him he hands you the bouquet of daisies and you blink at him, surprised.

“She’d want you to have them.” Bradley clarifies and you clutch them tightly.

“Thank you, Bradley, for all of it. Thank your mom for me.” You add and you see something flicker in his eyes for a moment as you climb out of the car. Bradley stays in the driveway until you’re at the door, ringing the doorbell. Only pulling out when Mickey swings the front door open, grinning wide.

“Welcome home, Casanova!” He greets you, dragging you in and slamming the door behind you. You’ve barely made it into the living room when Bob turns around from where he’s perched on the couch, looking out the window behind it.

“Mickey I was right, you owe me fifty bucks! That absolutely WAS Bradley’s Bronco!” You roll your eyes as Mickey comes in from the kitchen where he was fetching a vase for the daisies. You let him take them and arrange them in the vase as he looks at you, a question in his eyes.

“Okay yes, that was Bradley’s Bronco.” You admit and Bob lets out a crow of joy as Mickey scowls at him, fishing in his back pocket for his phone, Venmoing Bob fifty dollars.

“Babe, what were you doing with HIM of all people?” Mickey demands as he throws himself onto the couch next to Bob. You give an exhausted sigh before throwing yourself in between the two boys, groaning.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Don’t tell me that dating app guy was Bradley all along and it was a catfish?” Mickey screeches, sitting up so he can look you in the eye as you roll them shaking your head.

“No no, not that insane. The dating app guy stood me up and I was standing outside the restaurant for half an hour waiting for him like an IDIOT, and you wouldn’t believe who happened to be eating at the exact same restaurant.” Mickey groans, sinking back into the couch next to you, dropping his head onto your shoulder.

“Mami, you really got the double dose of bad luck today didn’t you.” You drop your head on top of his.

“And then he came out and asked me to join him.” Mickey’s head whips out front under yours and you yelp in surprise. “You DIDN’T!”

You shrug. “Mickey Garcia, have you ever known me to say no to free food?”

“You’re right but tell me you at least ate him out of house and home.” He groans and you laugh nodding, a grin spreading over his face.

“Double bacon cheeseburger, extra bacon, with fries AND onion rings.”

“That’s my girl!” He says, throwing an arm across your shoulders and you snuggle into his embrace.

“Plus it wasn’t actually that bad, I got to talk to him, get a better idea of what's going on inside his head.”

“I wasn’t aware there was ANYTHING going on in there.”

You snort as you bump his head with yours. “Says the guy who punched him.”

He tightens his grip on your shoulders. “He deserved that and you know it.” You don’t answer and he knows that’s the closest he’ll get to you agreeing.

“He’s not that bad, honestly.” You say finally. “He’s angry, and he’s hurting, but under all that I think he’s just tired, and honestly he’s an okay guy.” Mickey snorts disbelievingly. “He apologized for yesterday and before that too. Which reminds me, you need to apologize to him tomorrow.”

“For WHAT?” He squawks and you fix him with a hard look. “Fine, fine, if you insist, Mami, just for you. But while his apologizing to you is nice and all, I won’t believe it until I see it. He needs to be nicer to you. Civil at least. You’re just trying to do your job.” You nod and he sighs. “What do you say we all watch a movie and then you can crash here for the night? You have stuff upstairs in the guest room anyway and we can give you a ride to work tomorrow.” You nod, extricating yourself from his arms to trudge upstairs to change into your extra pajamas.

You’re not sure that tonight will change anything between you and Bradley but at the least, you hope that he’ll consider what you said to him because whether he chooses to believe it or not, the Dogfighters need him. You just hope you can get through to him before he does something you can’t fix for him.

#san diego dogfighters au #San Diego dogfighters #San Diego dogfighters hockey au #you catch more bees with honey // goldenseresinretriever #ycmbwh // goldenseresinretriever #bradley rooster bradshaw x you #bradley bradshaw x you #bradley rooster bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley bradshaw #rooster x you #rooster x reader #top gun maverick hockey au #top gun maverick #top gun #TGM #no use of y/n

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wonijin · 1 year ago

Text

HOTSHOT (R U NEXT/READER)

survival shows are hard as it is. why must you make it more complicated for yourself and entangle intense feelings with vulnerable emotions. but it wasn't your fault, they fell prey to you one by one, all by themselves. maybe you weren't the fool in this mess after all.

TAGS: 3.3k words. series. chapter one. mostly fluff and angst with a little spiciness. reader is very gay and get girls left and right. "everybody falls for y/n" type of fic. reader is also a walking red flag.

WARNINGS: the setting is a survival show so its bound to have kinda depressing themes.

“when will we have female idols as special coaches. i’ll be so motivated if somebody like newjeans minji coaches me,” you voiced as you plop down at the staircase.

the trainees assume their places at the foot of the staircase forming three rows. it was only a matter of time until you get called one by one to come through the orange curtain and pick; vocal or dance.

you sit between jiwoo and jeemin. the latter intertwining your arms, as she lights the room up with her smile. both of them looking at you as you confess your wishful thoughts.

“why would you want someone pretty when you already have me,” jiwoo asks, sending her sharp gaze to you. she raise an eyebrow and you look away, swallowing your saliva.

these kinds of comments from her were nothing new. you should’ve been used to it by now but you find yourself loss for words each time. she’s always been the type to blurt out these kind of comments without thinking of the implication. maybe she does and she just fakes innocence to not deal with the consequences.

before you could rack your malfunctioning brain for a verbal reply, jeemin saved you the trouble and changed the topic. “what will you guys pick? i’m leaning towards dance.”

“you’ll do great in dance. for me, i’m gonna be safe and pick vocal,” jiwoo answered. “what about you?” she added, looping her arms around yours. the sudden proximity would’ve been fine any other time but her remark earlier kept you on your toes.

“me? i don’t really have much of a choice, you know,” you say, pointing to your grey badge with a huge silver “L”. low levels don’t get to choose, they only get the higher level trainees’ leftovers. cruel but you were confident in your abilities to stay afloat whichever category landed at your feet.

“you’re so dramatic. there’s only two options, im sure you’ll get to choose,” jiwoo reassures you after giggling at your antics.

“choose dance so we can be on the same team,” jeemin clutch your arms tighter and starts to shake it lightly as if it would persuade you.

“or i could end up competing against you. no, thank you,” you pull your away from her grasp only to reconnect your hands together.

jeemin pouts in return and your stomach clench looking at her. somewhere deep inside you had the urge to kiss it away. which you find weird because why would you want to kiss your friend. yes, she’s cute. but why would you want to do that. friends don’t do that.

before you get swallowed by your thoughts you hear jeemin’s name get called. it was time for her to choose. she gave your hand one last squeeze before bidding both you and jiwoo good lucks and good byes.

“choose vocals,” jiwoo whispers next to you after a few seconds.

jiwoo is always the type to be assertive but never aggressive. she’ll always be commanding but leave just enough room for you to pull away if you want to. but you don’t think you ever will. you like that side of her. and its son jiwoo, only fools dare to refuse her.

“i don’t know, maybe,” you whisper back playfully, keeping your head faced forward while you still feel jiwoo’s gaze on the side of your head.

jiwoo scooches closer and nudges her head onto your shoulder. to the untrained eye, it must’ve looked like jiwoo’s just clinging onto you. well, its technically right but something in you screams that its not just simple ‘clinginess’. “come on. wouldn’t you like to be teams with me? it’ll be fun.”

you would’ve answered. although, you didn’t know what but you would’ve blurted out. but before you could open your mouth, jiwoo’s name echoed throughout the lobby. saved by the bell, again.

“well, i’ll see you on the same team,” she flashes a smile before walking away.

waiting patiently for your turn, you chat idly with the other trainees to pass the time.

you pull the orange curtain back to reveal the girls in lines. jeemin’s eyes caught yours and give her a smile. the girl in front of her, jihyun, noticed the interaction and waved. you mimicked before walking toward the board containing different stickers. two for dance and vocal each. one of the two vocal badges was for a leader position.

you look behind you to see who’re the other leaders. almost immediately, your scanning gaze locked onto jiwoo’s, as if she was waiting for you to turn around just so she can meet your eyes.

the eye contact lasted for a split second before you turned around and grab the vocal position. the normal one, without the leader position.

jiwoo stands in front with yunah and jeongeun next to her. on her farthest left is yewon, another leader.

you stand in a line together with the other trainees who chose the same category as you, waiting for your name to get called by either of the two. beside you is wonhee and seoyeon. suddenly, anxiousness plagues your insides as you realize you’d be either in the same team as them or end up competing against them.

“so, jiwoo its your turn to pick next. who will it be?”

your eyes avoided jiwoo. you were afraid that desperation would be seen as plain as day on your face and holding eye contact with her would solidify that.

so you turn your attention to the person in front of you. which happened to be minju. her face morphs into confusion at your sudden focus in her. you only smile and minju furrows her eyes in turn. the action only made your smile wider, ‘how cute’.

“y/n.”

jiwoo’s voice broke both you and minju out of your trance. and it took you a second to understand that jiwoo wants you on her team. you look back at jiwoo to meet her unreadable face, her gaze going from minju to you.

“you looked worried there for a second,” yunah teases you as soon as you joined her and jeongeun, putting her arm around your shoulder comfortably.

“as if we’d pass up the chance to be with you,” she adds as she pinches your cheeks with her free hand.

“although, it looked to me you wanted to be with minju more” jeongeun added, joining in and putting her arms around you as well. while her other arm punches your stomach lightly.

“shut up,” you say, laughing at their teasing.

it has been a few days since practice started and your group has been going through some hiccups. well, its mostly yunah.

“yunah, you can tell me whats wrong. im here for you,” jiwoo’s words were nothing but soft and comforting. you were about to reach your friend when jiwoo’s eyes flicker to yours. ‘i’ll handle this.’

jeongeun and wonhee had already moved out to their own corner to continue practicing. you refused to leave yunah alone but jiwoo’s hard stare says all you need to know.

let the leader do her thing.

so, you distance yourself from the pair and roam your eyes around the practice room to look for something to do. you could use the time to practice, yes. but you’re sure that you would bury yourself six feet under the ground if you hear the song one more time.

the empty water dispenser gleamed at your search, the perfect opportunity to do something different. you walked towards it, detached the empty gallon and put it over your shoulder.

you left the practice room, heading to the cafeteria where they store the refills.

that is when hyewon saw your silhoutte from outside their practice room and called out your name. “y/n! what are you doing?”

“im getting refills,” you enter their practice room with ease, “bang!” blaring through the speakers yet nobody was really practicing. they were all doing their own thing, scattered across the vast room.

“great timing!” hyewon exclaims as she walks towards their own water dispenser. just like the one in your practice room, it was empty of any water.

“here! fill ours too,” she smiles at you brightly, her eyes twinkling in mischief. suddenly, her soft hands grips yours, the thin veil of sweat clinging on to you. she opens your palms and put the neck of the gallon there.

“what? no! you fill it up! its yours!” you exclaims as you take her hands and forcefully shove the gallon back in her grasps.

“come on. do me a little favor, won’t y-”

a cough intervenes hyewon’s pleading and forceful words. you turn around to see youngseo, who’s already boring her fiery eyes through your soul. then, her eyes travels to you and hyewon’s intertwined hands.

just like opposite magnets, both of you retreated your hands quickly causing the gallon to fall into the floor with a thud. you and hyewon both wince at the sound but youngseo however did not flinch.

instead, her gaze remained hot towards you. “i’ll be coming with you,” she says softly with her underlying firmness. her voice was always like that, sweet and subtly strong.

how you missed it. when was the last time she addressed you directly again?

“you don’t have to, i’ll be fine alone,” you convince her. it has been a long time since you both spoke to each other. truthfully, you weren’t ready to face her yet. its been too long and you have forgotten what being around her is like.

“no. i want to,” her firmness surfaced through her small voice. you decide that its really not up for debate. when youngseo has made up her mind, it’ll be hard to break her resolve. what youngseo wants, youngseo gets.

maybe remembering the feelibg of her company isn’t bad at all.

you watch as she picks up the gallon from the floor and head towards the door, you follow her until you were both walking in the hallway, side by side.

youngseo didn’t talk. as much as you wanted for her to say something, you knew she wouldn’t open her mouth unless it was to reply to something you said. or so you thought.

“how’s practice coming along?” her question puts an end to your thoughts. if you weren’t surprised by her accompanying you before, you were now that she was actually speaking to you.

“we’re…” you paused, thinking of the right words. choosing the right words carefully, you didn’t want to come across as overconfident. “we’re moving along, i guess”

you see her nod lightly in you peripheral vision. your eyes find the floor. there was so much you both needed to talk about. yet you were talking about practice.

“im happy you chose the vocal team. the world needs to hear your voice more,” youngseo’s voice flew like water against the air, natural and unwavering.

you snapped your head towards her and she turn hers just in time to catch the surprise look in yours, like she knew you were going to look at her.

it was the first time you’ve actually held eye contact after a long time. you drink in the familiarity you’ve lost and among it are a thousand words you can’t decipher. something flicker in her face before she breaks the stare.

“yeah, i just feel like i’ve been branding myself too much to dance lately,” you say, knowing it would end the conversation. a test to see if youngseo will surprise you again and start a new one.

but she didn’t. and the whole walk continued in awkward silence. so many unsaid words hanging in the air, the burden getting heavier each step closer to her practice room.

‘look, how about we just forget everything and start over?’

'we both know it won't work'

the past looms over both of you like dark shadows and you both know it. yet, youngseo did make any move to open the skeleton in your shared closet.

'let's talk, youngseo. you can’t keep ignoring me forever’

‘im sorry, i just need more time’

she’s ignoring it so why shouldn’t you. if someone’s going to peel the scab, it wouldn’t be you. you already did your part. a long time ago.

'i need space.'

‘you already got your space, youngseo. what about me? it's been months. if you've found peace then let me find mine!'

before you knew it, the door to her practice room is in sight. a part of you felt relieved to finally be free from her presence, while another part was longing to be with her a little longer.

youngseo stands beside it, holding the doorknob with one hand. she smiles at you sweetly. then waves at you lightly, “i’ll see you soon! good luck on your practice!”

the thoughts come pouring in as the door shuts in front of you. she was gone like she had never been there. you would’ve wondered if the last few moments were real if it weren’t for her voice replaying vividly on your mind. just like a melody you can’t get enough of.

just like that, you find yourself getting stuck in her web. again.

the following days went by quickly. but youngseo never once left your mind. you know you shouldn’t think much of her actions, youngseo’s too unpredictable.

after everything, why now?

“are you even paying attention?” jeemin’s whines mixed with the song blasting through the speakers.

it was late into the night and you decided to stay back with the tall girl to help polish her moves. you thought her moves were perfect the first time she showed it to you. and by the nth time, your mind can’t help but drift.

jeemin couldn’t believe it when you agreed after all the stage is coming up soon, there’s no time to loiter around. but she didn't have to know that you can never refuse her.

“are you okay? we can go home if you’re tired.” jeemin’s offer sounded sweet, she’s as nice as ever. but you witness the fire burning in her eyes, begging for her passion to translate into her performance. you knew it will never be extinguished completely, she was born to be a performer. so you let it burn you a little more.

“im fine, don’t worry about me and carry on,” you gesture for her to continue. and she restarts the song all over again. this time, you poured her all of your attention.

it was a wonder how your mind sailed before when jeemin is tight in front of you. her performance was impeccable as ever, the hard work and talent prominent in every sway and stroke.

“you’re off to space again,” jeemin narrows her eyes down at you playfully. her raspy voice was a blessing and her smile was godsend. an angel looks down at you.

“i wasn’t this time! i swear! i was just mesmerized.” your hands flew up in defense as you stand up to join her in front of the mirror.

“stop lying!” she smacks your arm lightly, her laugh gracing the whole room. you were glad nobody else was in the room, it made the privilege of making her laugh sweeter.

“fine then. if you were actually paying attention, at least give me some feedback.” your heart leaped at the sight of her crossing her arms.

“you were perfect!” jeemin let out a big sigh. as much as jeemin likes being praised, she needs actual feedback. something she can work with for these next few days leading to the stage.

“give me something more specific,” jeemin rolls her eyes lightly. but even then her cheeks stay up and her smile never faltered.

“well,” you think for a bit. “i liked how you start of the song. it really set the mood for the song.”

in front of you, jeemin’s pink turn a bright shade of pink.

“i think you also killed the omona part. you’re naturally cute so plus points for that. and then this move,” you didn’t know the name of the move so you demonstrate it to her.

jeemin bursts out laughing at your attempt. your awkward movements reflecting wholly through the mirror and you follow after jeemin, throwing your head back. “stop laughing, im not that bad.”

but jeemin continued giggling and so did you. the joyful sounds filling the entire space and drowning the faint sounds of the speakers.

you calm down after a few seconds but one look from each other sent you both into another spiral again. soon, both of you were lying on the floor, clutching your stomachs.

“ah- my stomach hurts from laughing so much.” jeemin blurts out between breaths and gasps.

“who said we’re done yet? you just made fun of my dancing.” you hands flew to her sides before she can fully comprehend what you said. another round of laughter echoes throughout the room as you tickle jeemin mercilessly.

somehow, she managed to get free from your grasp and now a tall baby is chasing you around the practice room.

jeemin catches your arm and pulled you to her, lightly but it was enough for your bodies to collide. she uses the momentum to turn your back to the wall, effectively locking you.

“got you,” she smiles brightly at you, a thousand watts on her lips.

the laughter comes to a gradual halt as silence blankets the both of you. her grin turns into a soft smile and her eyes felt endearing against yours. you couldn’t look at her in anything but adoration.

you anticipated it would happen. in fact, you hoped for it. but it still caught you by surprise when her lips press against yours. soft and gentle just like everything about her.

you wanted to press harder, for it to last longer. but you were already living in a dream and a second longer would be asking for too much.

jeemin pulls away in haste. you would’ve dived in for one more if you hadn't seen the panic flashing across her features. she blinks once, twice until the haze in her eyes clears.

she remained stiff for a moment. she looks up at you and the look of regret she gives you haunt you even after weeks.

“im sorry, i shouldn’t have,” she whispers, pupils still blown wide.

reassurance was a the tip of your tongue but you held back. but what were you going to say? that its fine and to just forget it ever happened?

immediately your mind reverts back to youngseo for a split second. it didn’t turn out well when you said that to her so what good would it do to say it to jeemin?

jeemin looks at your face, trying to make sense of your incomprehensible expression just to take a peak at your thoughts.

but each moment felt eternity to jeemin. and trepidation sets in her veins deeper and deeper until it roots and sprouts into anxiety. all while you weren’t aware of the consequences your silence had brought to her.

“jeemin-”

before you can finish, she was already out of door. from the practice room, you hear the echo of her dashing footsteps. as it died down, you were left wondering if you just let history repeat itself.

another friendship broken in the name of fleeting romance. but will this time be worth it?

#r u next?#r u next? imagines #r u next? x reader #jeemin x reader #yunah x reader #youngseo x reader #jiwoo x reader #bang jeemin #noh yunah #lee youngseo #son jiwoo #yunah imagines #youngseo imagines #jeemin imagines #jiwoo imagines

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doahaesunshine · 30 days ago

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Chapter 9

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I’ve always struggled with doubt I doubt myself I doubt my friends love for me I even doubt that I’m worthy of love But there are always those who hold you And show you that you are worthy

You rubbed your eyes again.

No, yeah, there was definitely a giant snow leopard staring back at you.

Its sharp eyes were imposing and almost a little judgmental.

“Are you going to just sit there and gape? Please, I am so terribly bored and am in need of some fresh air.”

The leopard leapt off the bed without a single sound and turned back to look at you.

“Come on now. No time like the present.”

Despite the pleasant tone of its voice, you couldn’t help but feel insulted. This was all very new and strange, and you were being bossed around by a snow leopard.

You looked down at your pajamas. “I need to change.”

The leopard paced by your door, waiting for you to dress yourself, deciding on a simple outfit of long trousers and a flowy shirt. Grabbing your cloak, you made your way to the door, pausing momentarily as you came face-to-face with the snow leopard. It was gigantic, its head reaching your shoulders. It seemed too large from anything you could remember…

“Why are you staring? Never seen a cat before?”

“You’re very- uh- tall.”

“Aren’t you observant!”

It spoke to you like you were a toddler, sarcasm thick in its tone. You rolled your eyes, not ready for sass so early in the morning. Once you opened the door, the leopard stretched and sauntered out of the room, chin held high.

You stumbled as you struggled to secure your boots but caught up with the beast quickly. The two of you traveled down the hall, following the leopard more than leading it. Ruby’s fuzzy head was the first thing you saw as you got closer to the stairs. His little dark eyes lighting up when seeing you, but Jihoon paused as he got to the top step, taking in the sight before him.

“Either I’m dreaming or I’m about to be, goodnight.”

“It’s morning-”

“Goodnight!” He waved a hand as he brushed past you and disappeared into his bedroom.

Ruby lingered for a moment, inching closer on all fours. You could see his nose twitch as he sniffed your new companion. The leopard peered back to the tiny creature, tilting its head slightly to the side. The red panda tensed up and jumped back before quickly scrambling into Jihoon’s room.

A shiver trickled down your spine as you were met with the icy morning air, your breath huffing out in a fleeting, misty cloud that left your lips. The majestic beast was unfazed by the frigid weather and led you outside towards the stream. It stole a few sips of water then continued on walking beside it.

“So um-” You hesitated as the leopard looked back at you. “What’s your name?”

“That’s for you to decide.”

“Oh- Sorry, I’m kind of new to this.”

You studied the snow leopard for a moment as you contemplated. The leopard held itself in a queenly manner, always looking ahead and swishing its tail with each step, not to mention the beautiful gray fur that was decorated with black spots.

A hum resonated from you as you thought until the sound formed a name.

“Eris.”

The leopard practically grinned at the name.

“The sound of the name pleases me. I will respond to Eris from now on.” It purred in delight “Hm- Eris…”

Walking along the gentle stream was relaxing, however, Eris was elegant and fluid with each step. You on the other hand felt like a lumbering fool. The stream you were following fed into the lake and Eris didn’t hesitate to lead you towards its shore. Its water was mostly clear and a brackish scent filled your nose. There was no fish to be seen, but a few birds floated idly in its water.

“The lake has haunted your thoughts these past few weeks. Why have you not explored?”

Communicating through telepathy was going to take some getting used to. The sudden voice invading your mind, though pleasant sounding, never failed to make you jump.

“Dino said I shouldn’t-”

“You don’t have to actually talk out loud.” There was humor laced in Eris’s words.

You rolled your eyes and stared daggers at the leopard. “Okay then. Dino said I shouldn’t go snooping around… That if I look too close I might hurt myself.”

“Ah! That’s right! Your head nearly burst like a melon.”

A long drawn out sigh escaped you. “Yup- Wait, you knew about that? Whatever- That’s why I’ve been really careful for the past month.”

“I’ve had the displeasure of spectating your life since you arrived here. I was existing as a shadow before today.” Eris sounded slightly peeved. “Thank the stars your magic and Mana manifested. One more day as an observer and I would have fallen into lunacy.”

A few questions like: ‘ what is Mana?’ and ‘ you’ve been watching me this whole time?’ popped into your mind, but you decided to ignore them for the sake of the leopard’s temper.

Eris sighed as she studied her surroundings, head turning every way as if she were in search of something.

“Well… Nothing has caused you to scream out in pain yet. So I’d say we’re safe to venture a bit further.”

You scoffed. “Woo! Congratulations to me! I’m not dying!”

Now Eris rolled her eyes and you swear she sneered at you. “So happy for you! Here- how about we stroll a little further and test the waters? Since you’re not dying…”

Turning around, you stared back at the dorm, the more you walked the more it shrunk in the distance. The idea was tempting and it was becoming easier to ignore the warning bells in the back of your mind.

With one last sigh, you decided a few more minutes of walking couldn’t hurt.

“Only a little further.”

“It’s a promise.”

Eris continued to prance ahead of you at a swift pace, causing you to trip and lag behind. Every so often you would look behind you, only to see the place you could call home becoming a mere speck on the horizon. Taking note, you were no longer along the edge of the lake, and you weren’t too worried about your brain exploding , but this was more than the little further you were speaking of. The path you were following disappeared into the evergreen forest and Eris appeared adamant on breaching the tree lines.

“Um-” You muttered out loud.

Eris paused for a moment. “Oh come on. Let’s explore more! I want to be beneath the trees and skip in the meadows.”

You could hear the sarcasm, it was blatantly obvious, but you still grumbled in disapproval.

“Please?” She drew out the question like a child trying to persuade her parents.

“Alright.” You muttered.

Eris was the image of ‘The cat who got the cream’ . She didn’t have the ability to smile, but there was still satisfaction written all over her face.

The path into the forest wasn’t well traveled but it was still visible even with the overgrown grass and loose stones. This time you took care to watch where you placed your steps, doubting Soonyoung would be out here to save you again with a pillow of ivy. Eris didn’t seem keen on altruism either.

This forest was more green and verdant than the woods around Dino’s cottage, it was closer to what surrounded the dorm. Pretty, peaceful and home to many of the same woodland creatures you saw before. Gazing upward, you were met with the lush canopy, thick enough to give the sun’s light difficulty in reaching the ground. Eris was able to navigate the path easily which came as no surprise. She was feline after all.

“Ah- Well isn’t that nice…”

Snapping out of your thoughts, you turned your attention back to the path. Eris rushed ahead, shocking and forcing you to stagger forward to match her pace.

“Hey-” You were about to complain but as you reached Eris’s location, you froze in place.

The sight before you was beautiful. A breach in the forest’s endless flora opened into a quaint glade. A stone path led into a pond. Hugging the small body of water were two staircases, covered in vibrant moss and littered with petals. An out-stretched, lush tree sat atop a small hill where the stairs led, catching your eyes in the morning light. Eris wasted no time in sauntering up the steps, stopping at the landing to gaze down to you.

Tracing your hand along the stairs railing, you ascended up to meet Eris on the landing. Her expression softened, clearly pleased by the tranquility of the area. Overgrown shrubs surrounded an old stone bench that sat tucked under the tall tree. You wandered over to the tree, studying the features of it.

It wasn't evergreen, that much you could gather. Its bark twisted around itself like a braid and its leaves resembled that of a willow tree. The only difference was the leaves were soft pink and held green blossoms.

As you gazed up into the branches, you saw paper talismans and windchimes similar to the ones that decorated the dorm. Soonyoung must have made his way here at some point.

Eris, with ease and grace, climbed the tree and found a sturdy branch to lounge on. You took in the atmosphere around you, the weight that you didn’t know was heavy on your shoulders faded for the moment as relief washed over you. Here, in this little area of serenity, there was nothing to worry about, no nosebleeds, no headaches, just pure solitude.

“Oh-” A gentle exclamation from an unknown voice.

Jumping in surprise, you snapped your head, being met with a figure who just reached the top of the steps.

Breathtaking was the best way to describe the man before you.

The shirt he wore was flowy and long sleeved, the black fabric almost glittering in the sunlight despite being sheer, trousers just as loose and flowy. His hair was down and barely reached his shoulders, fine strains nearly blending in with the color of the fabric. Around his neck rested a dainty silver locket, gleaming as it caught the light. Looking at him sent a chill down your spine, he didn’t look cold but his outfit was not suited for the weather, and you wondered how he wasn’t frozen to the core.

With delicate features and a soft smile, the stranger addressed you. “I was hoping to find a peaceful place to read but I see I am beaten.”

You raised your eyebrows at his words, his voice took you by surprise, it wasn’t deep by any means but there was a faint resonance to it.

“Ah- I was just sightseeing! I was just about to leave.”

“What?!” Eris’s voice invaded your thoughts as she jumped down from the tree landing directly in front of the stranger. “We were here first! Tell this man to shove off!”

“ That’s entirely too mean, Eris… ” You grumbled out loud.

The stranger’s bright brown eyes widened as he was met with the imposing snow leopard. A weak wave of uneasiness washed over you from him, but it was fleeting and quickly morphed into simple fascination. He tightened his grip on the book he held under his arm’ a thick leather bound tome similar to the one Archivist Jeon gifted you.

“Eris, play nice.” You sighed, annoyance laced in your words. “Sorry, I’m still new to this.”

Another glint sparkled in the strangers eyes. “Oh! You’re the new one! Finally I can put a face to all the gossip.”

Gossip? Uh oh.

“I’m Jeonghan. It’s nice to finally make your acquaintance.” He said with a small but elegant bow.

“Uh- Sage. Nice to meet you.” You stuttered as you returned the bow. “Now when you say gossip-”

“Hm?” Jeonghan perked up. “Oh- Nothing bad, I promise. Just people wondering which realm you were from.”

“Well, I’m human and from the Mortal Realm as some people say.” You did your best to suppress the scowl growing on your face. “And which realm are you from?”

Jeonghan sat down on the bench under the tree. “I’m just another boring being from this bland realm.”

Bland? This world was everything but bland and boring .

With a small smile, Jeonghan leaned into the bench and opened the thick book he had in his arms. It looked much older and more intricately designed than the tome Archivist Jeon gave you. Curiosity took over and you took a peek at the title: Ars Motus.

More of that old language you couldn’t read.

“Art of Emotion.” Eris spoke in your mind.

Your ear twitched as you heard Eris speak. Maybe the tome Jeonghan was reading had a connection to your magic, that or it was a romance novel.

“Jeonghan?”

He looked up at you through his eyelashes, another soft grin painting his face as he gave you his full attention.

“Can I ask what you're reading?”

He smirked. “You may ask.”

Great, he was a smart ass. Suppressing a roll of your eyes, you sat down beside him, leaving space between the two of you

“ What are you reading?”

“A book I found in the archives.” Another shit-eating grin.

You sighed. Despite his mature and tasteful appearance, he was playful, a jokester. Fine. If he wanted to be tricky you would play along.

“What is the book about?” Surely his answer wouldn’t be too dodgy.

Jeonghan scanned the page open in his lap. “Psyche and what it can tell us about an individual.”

“Psyche? Like psychology?”

He chuckled, his nose scrunching as he smiled. “You ask a lot of questions and no, it isn’t psychology . Psyche is the spirit of a person.”

“Oh-” Now you felt naïve. “So kind of like the mind?”

“Kind of. Not only the mind but also here.” With a slender, pale hand, he placed his hand on his own chest, spreading his fingers across where his heart rested.

Your eyes followed his movement but you quickly averted your gaze. It felt rude to stare at Jeonghan, even if it didn’t seem to bother him.

“I’ve always had an interest in others and their emotions…” He flipped to the next page. “I’m not very good at reading people and it always ends up with me being tricked.”

A sudden breeze blew past you, freezing you to the bone and a shiver wrecked through your body. Above you, the wind chimes rang out in beautiful notes. Tugging the cloak close, you curled up slightly and tried to take another peek into the tome Jeonghan held. He noticed your interest and placed the book on his thigh for you to see better. As you scanned the pages, you soon realized it was in the same language that was engraved in the archives.

“Can you already read the Lingua Magica?” Jeonghan sounded impressed as he asked.

You groaned. “No. I’ve been seeing it everywhere and I don’t understand any of it!”

“I can teach you, if you wish to learn…” His voice came out shy.

Eyes lighting up with excitement, you looked over to Eris who had taken to lounging near the shrubs.

“I’m not going to teach you.” She said matter-of-factly.

Your face flattened into an unimpressed sneer. At this point you weren’t surprised. As it turned out, familiar’s had their own personalities and they can be assholes. Noted.

Returning your attention to Jeonghan, you met his gaze and sighed. “That sounds nice. I’m tired of not being able to read some of the passages in my tome.”

Jeonghan grinned from ear to ear and flipped back to the first page of the tome in his lap. He gently handed the book to you and shifted a little bit closer as he pointed to the first page.

“ Ars Motus. The direct translation into Lingua Simplex- the common tongue- is Art of Emotion. I’m sure you can guess which word means art .”

You pointed to the first word Ars and Jeonghan nodded his head in approval.

“See? It’s not that different! You’re going to learn very quickly.” Another big smile spread across his face as he praised you.

For the next hour, Jeonghan took his time translating the first page for you. It wasn’t too entertaining, just a simple introduction that didn’t offer any real information into what you were looking for but was still interesting. You were so absorbed in learning that the bite of the cold no longer bothered you. Even Eris was relaxing as enjoying a good nap while Jeonghan taught you.

“I think I’ve stolen enough of your time, Sage.” Jeonghan said as he retrieved the book from your lap.

“Huh- I’m not doing anything today. I can keep learning-”

“It’s cold. Did you not notice that you’ve been shivering all this time?” Jeonghan interrupted with a snicker as he fixed your cloak to stay over your shoulder.

“Oh- No. I haven’t…”

Jeonghan looked over at the entrance of the glade, you felt a twinge of annoyance but it faded immediately. He turned back to you and smiled.

“Meet me here again? I’ll be sure to bring the book.”

You nodded and returned the smile. “Sure.”

“Perfect.”

Jeonghan bowed to you as a goodbye and walked down the steps, traveling briskly to exit the glade. You noted that he did not take the same route as you as he walked down a different path, his image faded into the dimness of the forest until he could no longer be seen.

“Well, look at you, staring off all dreamily…”

“What-”

Eris stood from where she was lying down and stretched her back. “Nothing. I’m just glad I don’t have to teach you a simple language.”

You scoffed. “Yeah, that would be all you care about.”

“Sage?” You heard your name being called out from beyond the glade entrance.

“Sage?!” A louder voice, Dino’s voice.

Both you looked toward the glade entrance, Dino and Soonyoung slowly came into view.

You leaned up to the railing. “Over here!”

“Sage?” Dino said as he turned his attention to you, his pace quickening as he approached you. “There you are! We were looking all over for you.”

Before you could say anything, Dino enveloped you in a warm hug. It was nice, comfortable even, and you melted into it.

You laughed as he squeezed you. “What’s this for? I was only gone what? An hour?”

He pulled back, beginning to examine you. “Are you hurt? Any headache? Nosebleeds?”

“What? No. I’m fine, don't worry.”

“Also it’s been two hours-” Dino paused as he looked behind you.

You turned around and saw what had grabbed his attention, Eris. Soonyoung also took a moment to stop and stare at the leopard.

“Is this-”

“My familiar? Yes! I named her Eris.” You responded to his unspoken question.

Soonyoung pouted. “Jihoon said it was a big cat but wow!”

“We can admire Sage’s familiar later.” Dino said as he turned back to you. “What were you doing out here?”

“Just exploring. Eris persuaded me to go on a walk with her.”

Dino’s face grew worried. “What if you had an episode and no one was around? You could have gotten hurt-”

Even though he was genuinely concerned you couldn’t help but smile. “It’s okay, Dino. I’m fine, really!”

Dino sighed and lightly grabbed your wrist. “Let’s get back to the dorm, it’s freezing out here.”

With a nod, you let yourself be dragged back to the dorm. Eris joined you followed by Soonyoung who couldn’t stop staring at the snow leopard.

Arriving back at the dorm you were met with your roommates congregated in the living room. As you walked into the room, Shadow and Ruby rushed over to you, nuzzling and doting on you.

“See? I told you they were fine…” Jihoon said as he lifted his head off of the couch. “Can I go back to bed now?”

Jihoon stood and proceeded toward the archway, when he turned the corner he was met with Eris.

“Woah- Okay. Yeah, not a dream.” He continued to walk to his room.

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freesia-writes · 1 year ago

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*dj khaled voice* another one

Okay but 5 with Echo would be so cute because he is rarely depicted as flirty. I personally don’t believe you can grow up with Fives (and be part of the 501st) without developing some kind of … playfulness lol

- Dang 💛🤟

ALRIGHT it's been long enough on these! Thanks so much for the patience, and thanks so much for the multiple asks! ;) I chose this one, because if I write Crosshair again (especially with that line) I'm gonna be lost in another multi-chapter obsession with that damn magnet. ;) So you can read Sharp Edges or my recent four-part fic over on @spicy-clones if you want some Crosshair action. ;) They're both NSFW though. <3 And I can't deal with Eriadu Tech just yet. It still hurts, somehow?! Soooooo I hope this is satisfying! :D

TCW Echo x GN!Reader. At 79s. As usual. ;) 1.7k words - SFW

“Are you ever gonna join me to dance?” you asked, waggling your eyebrows at the ARC trooper that you’d been toying with for weeks.

“Not on your life,” he answered, and the goateed clone next to him rolled his eyes with dramatic exaggeration.

“I’ll dance with you, pretty little thing,” said Fives, poking his head over Echo’s shoulder.

“Been there, done that,” you poked, and he laughed, shaking his head. You had indeed been there, but it was harmless dancing with him and Jesse, along with a handful of your friends. Echo always sat it out though, preferring to exchange verbal jabs and suggestive comments.

It was an odd dynamic you’d fallen into -- what started out as playful flirtation seemed to stall there, with neither of you appearing to want to take it further. Both of you felt fully convinced that it was just a game, a lighthearted way to have fun and try to ruffle the other’s feathers. There had been a few incidents where you pushed the boundaries, trying to feel him out, but he played along, and the constant mood of humor overshadowed the entire thing to the point where you’d feel like a fool to admit you had feelings for him.

But you did.

Damnit.

He was so wildly intelligent, and beneath his sharp sarcasm and witty retorts you’d caught glimpses of not only incredible depth of thought and complexity of interests, but a kindness and integrity that drew you in. Plus, his elite soldier status was pretty darn sexy in and of itself, and you found yourself wondering what else he might be good at.

But apparently you would never find out, as the two of you were stalled in this flirty game of chicken. So you finally decided to let it go, settling for quips and playful touches while the two of you enjoyed your separate lives, crossing frequently as you enjoyed nights at 79s.

“Come on, Echo,” you crooned, gracing his cheek with the backs of your fingers for a moment and relishing the flash of surprise across his face. “Let’s see those fancy ARC moves. Or are you gonna let Fives keep showing you up?”

He turned on his stool to face you, leaning on the bar counter with an elbow. “You can keep playing with Fives because I don’t think you could handle this,” he retorted, and you laughed in delight. Fives smacked the back of his head lightly, muttering some fond insults, and took your hand, dragging you out to the dance floor. The two of you bopped along to the music, and when it changed to something a little more sultry, you allowed him to come up behind you, placing his hands on your waist and moving against you with a little more intention. Your eyes were on Echo, though, who had pointedly engaged in a conversation with Dogma, and they both looked as though they’d rather be doing literally anything else.

“Are you ever going to cut the playful crap and be real with him?” Fives asked against your ear, pulling you closer against his front as he moved. You were slightly distracted, because the way he gyrated his hips and pulled you along was surprisingly sensual, but when his words sank in fully, your mouth dropped in surprise.

“What do you mean?” you asked, turning your head so he could hear you.

“Come on,” he said sarcastically. “It’s obvious you two have the hots for each other.”

“I thought so at first, but it’s just playful fun,” you answered.

“Hm. I don’t think he sees it that way.”

The night continued with uneventful relaxation -- conversations with a variety of troopers, drinks in a booth with your friends, and the occasional wink flashed at Echo, who would make kissy faces in your direction before turning back to his group. It sent a tingle through your chest though, wondering if perhaps there was a real potential there. You’d be lying if you said you hadn’t thought about what it would be like to sit in his lap and mess up that neat military haircut…

But it was not to be.

You didn’t see him for almost two weeks, and part of you wondered if you’d scared him off, or if he had gotten tired of your little game. You tried to push it from your mind, but it simmered. One night, you’d almost succeeded in forgetting about it all, when a few battalions were on shore leave and 79s was particularly packed. You’d been having a great time, laughing with your friends and receiving drinks and compliments from more troopers than you’d ever had.

One in particular was lingering close to you, engaging in conversation with the whole group but making a point to touch your arm, your shoulder, your waist as much as possible without being a gropey pervert. You didn’t really mind, either -- he was asking all kinds of questions about your life and your interests, carrying the conversation effortlessly and peppering it with wit and flattery. He wasn’t quite your type, appearance-wise at least… he did have the standard military crew cut but had accessorized it with a horseshoe mustache that lay heavy across his lip and down the sides of his mouth, all the way to his chin. You’d never been much of a facial hair sort of person, but right now his effervescent personality was making up for it.

As the night went on, the crowd grew more raucous, and it became almost impossible to hear anyone well and even less possible to move around freely. You made a joke, but it was drowned out by a sudden cacophony of howls from a squad in the corner, clad in white and gray armor. The Wolf pack, no doubt. It was answered by an obnoxious symphony of cat calls (and a couple fart noises) from another booth, where you caught sight of the boys in blue, feeling your heart skip a beat as you saw Echo wedged in the middle of a very boisterous Jesse and a more subdued Tup.

Of course fate would have it that he would catch you staring at him just then.

You turned quickly back to Boil, who was tracing light circles on your forearm, tilting his head to fix you with an admiring smile. You couldn’t help but smile in response, and when he asked you to dance, you figured what the hell. He took your arm in his in a disproportionately gentlemanly move and pressed through the crowd to the edge of the dance floor. WHY did you have to be so close to Echo, who was determinedly avoiding your gaze now?

You felt wildly self-conscious about your dancing all of a sudden, trying to lose yourself in the music and the feeling of Boil’s strong arms around you, but your eyes were magnetized to the 501st booth and it took all your effort to keep flicking them away. You eventually just ended up closing them, mind swirling with too many thoughts to track, until a loud voice broke through the noise.

“Oy! Cody wants you upstairs!”

Your eyes flew open to see Echo standing in front of you, being jostled in all directions by the dancing crowd around him. Boil gave a lighthearted shrug, coming around your side, and leaned in to whisper in your ear where you could find him, but all your focus was on Echo, whose face contorted briefly as the trooper’s lips brushed your cheek. With a quick salute, Boil disappeared, leaving you standing there in front of Echo, staring with a hopelessly dumbfounded look on your face.

He moved closer, stepping into your personal space, and the determined look in his eyes paired with the sheer force of his presence and attention had waves of tingles coursing through you. When he placed a hand firmly on your waist, bringing you even nearer, and began to rock to the music, you were about ready to faint. He was barely dancing, if it could even be called that, but you had no complaints, laying your arms across his broad, armored shoulders and clasping them behind his neck. His other hand found your hip, and you looked at him with a wide-eyed, questioning gaze. The smolder in his face was unlike anything you’d ever seen before, and when he lifted a hand to your cheek, you stopped moving completely, absolutely lost in his possessive energy.

“Echo, listen…” you began, but he was slowly leaning in, eyes watching you like a hawk to detect any trace of rejection as his lips drew closer to yours.

There was no trace.

With fireworks exploding behind your eyelids, you closed your eyes and met him halfway, pressing your mouth to his in the most fulfilling, satisfying, electrifying kiss you could have imagined. His hand slid around your waist to your back, pulling you flush against him, and he tilted his head to deepen the kiss. Your knees buckled, quite literally, tearing you from him as you dropped a few inches before he caught you with a strong arm and a smile on his face. You stumbled back, regaining your footing with an embarrassed laugh as you looked at him with delighted surprise.

“What was that?!” you yelled over the music, but he took your hand and headed for the front door, jostling through the crowd. You stepped out into the chill night air, ears echoing in the relative silence compared to the cacophony inside, and he led you around the corner, releasing your hand to lean against the wall with a satisfied grin.

“I was tired of your games,” he said, buoyed by the exhilaration of the undeniable affection radiating from your face.

“I’ve wanted to do that for a long time,” you admitted, stepping closer to lean against him again and idly trace your fingers along the handprint on his armor.

“Well now that we’re past all the nonsense…” he murmured, eyes twinkling as he tipped your chin with a gentle finger, “What else have you wanted to do for a long time?”

Your response was cut off by his kiss.

#star wars fanfiction #echo x you #echo x reader #echo fanfiction #arc trooper echo #x reader #reader insert #clone thirsting

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sasukesun · 2 years ago

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Hey, how are u?

Also, I wanted to ask what do you think about Naruto and Sasura’s relationship nature. I mean, do you think he ever truly loved her? His speech in shippuden about his feelings for her seemed really genuine, but except that I don’t really see love in his behavior, more like a childish crush? I don’t buy what was said in The Last about him trying to hit on her only to win with Sasuke, it doesn’t really makes sense to me. Anyway, what is your opinion? Thanks for answering xo

hello anon, i’m fine.

naruto’s behaviour towards sakura and overall attraction to women is inconsistent. we can easily tell that he truly never had romantic feelings for her, but a crush is, in my opinion, debatable… and really a crush in the sense of “she’s cute, i like her” kind of thing, which is basically what we see when sakura is introduced

now what is interesting is that the last wasn’t wrong to show that maybe it was about sasuke, it just definitely wasn’t so naruto could compete with sasuke

“i feel like i finally understand why i like her” right after sakura said she wants to be acknowledged by sasuke because she likes him? really? we know that naruto wants to be acknowledged by everyone, that’s the core of his character, but in this context, this just seems kinda ambiguous… he doesn’t wanna win over sasuke, he just wants his acknowledgement. when you take naruto’s interactions with sasuke and sakura into consideration after this quote, as well his behaviour, you see that basically naruto mimics heterosexuality by pretending to like sakura, while actually focusing his attention on sasuke, he mistakes his feelings/attraction for sasuke for a rivalry at first and a friendship later. i’ll give you some examples.

he doesn’t have much tact to compliment sakura. i know this is what she wanted to hear, but i just find it so funny honestly.

there are also a few more moments involving sakura’s appearance and naruto, in which a) naruto says haku is prettier than her b) naruto says after two years that they haven’t seen each other that she looked the same even though it seems by her body language that she wanted to be complimented and c) when other people called sakura ugly and naruto didn’t even comment about it or tried to defend her. now let’s look at this

is there some need to defend sasuke’s honour or something? no one is even insulting sasuke here, just comparing him and sai. the japanese word naruto uses here can be used to compliment someone’s looks btw and he not only says it, but he emphasises it at the end. there’s pretty much a huge gap between “the cute girl” he’s supposed to like a lot and sasuke, who is above it.

how about when naruto is just doing absolutely nothing but thinking of sasuke

until he gets interrupted by sakura… so he says he was planning to go on a date with her. are you for real?

this one is even funnier… sakura is taking care of naruto after he hurt his arm with rasenshuriken. someone in love would surely be happy to be closer to your loved one while they are healing you, and it’s what it seems that naruto is gonna say

until you turn to the next page

he’s just really happy they are in this together… for sasuke. you really can’t make this shit up.

i’ve also pointed out that in the chapter in which sakura decides to fake confess to naruto and go after sasuke to kill him, sakura says “that fool’s got such a crush on me” about naruto, and yet the only appearance naruto makes in the same chapter is him lying down and pining over sasuke. yikes.

the only “narusaku” moment during war on naruto’s part is when minato asks naruto if sakura is his girlfriend to which he reacts like

it’s not only that this is comic relief and it just seems like he wants to look good in front of his father, because he already knows about his mom’s speech and wishes when his parents died, it’s also that he hesitates to answer it.

but when he’s saying goodbye and really referencing the whole speech topic by topic and talking about important things…

he deflects the subject. very convenient and smart of kishimoto when he’s not allowed to explicitly say what he wants to, such as homosexuality.

and of course, there’s the infamous fake confession

in which naruto basically looks annoyed... not the reaction of someone who is in love, i would say.

and the cherry on top

the promise he made to sakura hasn’t changed anything, he would act the same with or without it.

narusaku dead and buried.

those inconsistencies happen over and over and they always involve sasuke somehow… like i said, projecting his real feelings for sasuke onto sakura. now if you think he thought she was cute and all, i can give you the benefit of the doubt, but being in love with her? no way. naruto has never loved her like that, and i honestly can’t even tell that he loved as a friend either when he pretty much treats her the same way he treats his other konoha comrades: takes responsibility for everything and doesn’t let anyone get involved…

…unless it’s sasuke, obviously, then he will bear his burdens and see so much pain that he just can’t leave it alone.

#narusasu #sns #sasunaru #naruto #uzumaki naruto #naruto analysis #naruto textpost #bella.txt #anti narusaku #ask #anonymous #naruto asks

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thatpunkmaximoff · 4 months ago

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Story: 5 out of 5 Smut: 4 out of 5

So originally, I was gonna rate this four stars, but after a few chapters I was fully invested. A “why choose”, fake dating, friends to lovers? Yeah, I knew this was gonna be a rollercoaster. And boy, I was NOT disappointed.

There’s the ex-rugby player who says the infamous “don’t fall in love with me” line, the sweet “boy next door” who’s secretly been in love with her for YEARS, and then the ex-teacher who’s ten years older than her. It shouldn’t work and for a few chapters everyone’s worst fears come to pass, but this foursome pulls themselves together to talk everything out.

Faking with Benefits is filled with humor, spice, and DRAMA! Seriously, don’t let the cover fool you. The spice is.. well, you’ll see.

* Wow. I totally don’t blame Layla’s date for bailing. lol. Too strong, girl. Too strong for a first date.

* Hottie Zach to the rescue 😍

* Zach and his pet names are kinda swoon-worthy, ngl.

* Lol she’s drunk and hitting on her old teacher. Nice.

* Oohhh. I was wondering why “sweet” Josh seemed kind of dick-ish to Layla when she drunkenly stated she’d pay them for relationship advice. He loves her.

* Aww. Luke doesn’t wanna fake date his ex-student. I like that he has boundaries, but I’m excited for those to vanish. He should totally take Layla on as his date to the wedding his ex keeps inviting him to 😂

* Goddamn. She’s so bad at dating 😬

* Oh la la. Layla’s got a sharing kink 😏

* Those kisses… 🥵 wtf haha. 6/10.

* Luke is starting to hurt MY feelings lol.

* Oh wow. Josh really went in while Zack and Layla were kissing. He found her weakness and totally doesn’t know 😂

* Oohhh. She bold now. She wants both of them to fuck her for practice 👀 Luke is gonna fly off the fuckin handle if he walks out and sees them.

* Goddamn. Josh CAN EAT 🤭

* And Zack… that dude really took her to pound town. Along with Josh. Those two would ruin me.

* Oh no. Finding out Zack had an ex who died when they were eighteen is so sad 😭

* C’mon, Luke. Just make a move, for fuck’s sake!

* Ugh. Luke and Layla’s outing was going so good! And then Donny, an ex-something, had to go and ruin it. Fuck that dude.

* I want Josh and Layla together so bad! And with Zack and Luke, but Josh! Oh my goodness.

* Luke finally snapped! Thank god haha.

* Goddamn. Luke is very… dominant. I did not expect this 😏

* “Okay, babe. I don’t know how strong the human head is, and I don’t think it matters. There’s no weight capacity. Just sit on his face, and if he dies, he dies.” // “Damn straight. Bury him alive. Lucky guy.”

* Ayyyy. She’s at the ex-wife’s wedding with the ex-husband. Be petty!!

* She has to move to America if everything with this collaboration works out? 😬 None of the boys are happy. They all caught feelings but no one wants to fess up.

* Fuckkkk. She leaves in a week. Just reluctantly says they’ll end their experiment before she has to leave and Zack is not happy. The one who didn’t want her to fall in love with him doesn’t want her to leave. Damn.

* Goddammit, Zack.

* Well this wedding reception is an absolute shit show. Josh desperately wants to tell Layla he loves her, Zack is intending to break things off, and Luke’s es-wife is telling him that Layla is a whore. wtf.

* Wow. Luke and Zack fucked up. Poor Josh. How’s that gonna go for him?

* The fucking drama. I can’t. My heart hurts.

* Well I’m happy they came to their senses, but fuck. Zack and Luke were kind of harsh. Zack especially. I don’t want her to give in and forgive, but I know she will.

* Oh wow. She lost the collaboration with the designer in New York because of the podcast. This sucks.

* So after crying and groveling, all is well!

* And now she’s taking them has her dates to the high school reunion. Oh fuck 😂

* Damn. Drama at the high school reunion. I totally saw that coming.

* Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. They GOT MARRIED!

#booktok book review #book review #faking with benefits #lily gold #romance #reverse harem #why choose #reverse harem romance #why choose romance #layla thompson #zack harding #josh tran #luke martins

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fanficshiddles · 1 year ago

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Villain Or Victim, Chapter 14

Loki noted Echo’s eyes turning darker, her entire body began trembling and her hands balled up into fists.

There was a part of Echo that just wanted to melt under his possessiveness. But a deeper part of her, the longing part of her that just craved to be loved came to surface and she realised something... She realised that Loki had been the one lying to her all this time, using her. She really was just his perfect machine, and he would never love her like she did him.

The Avengers were the ones being truthful.

She snapped. And Loki realised it as soon as she grabbed his forearm and forced him to let go of her. She stood up, breathing heavily and Loki knew all this rage was directed at him this time. He knew the best thing was to get out of there, fast.

‘I will always come back for you.’ He snarled at her before vanishing in the blink of an eye.

Clint had seen what happened, as he was in a nearby helicopter still keeping an eye over everything. He saw Echo run off into the mountains on her own after Loki disappeared.

‘Anyone read me?’ He asked over comms.

‘What’s going on?’ Natasha asked.

‘Loki’s gone, without her. She’s ran into the mountains towards the town. Do you still have the serum?’

‘We do. But she won’t let us near her to give her it.’ Natasha said.

‘I don’t need to get near her.’ Clint said confidently.

Echo ran as fast as she could through the mountains, she didn’t know where she was going, all she knew was she had to keep running. She couldn’t stop crying as she ran, she thought she could trust Loki. She really thought she was going to spend her life with him. She felt such a fool for trusting him. She never should have trusted anyone, but she never would trust anyone ever again.

She eventually stopped running when she ended up at the edge of a town. It was a small town and many people had evacuated from the big city to there, to get away from the war.

‘Echo!’

Echo turned around, snarling as she was faced with Natasha, Tony and Steve.

‘Please, Echo. Let us help you.’ Natasha said calmly as the three of them held their hands up, to show they didn’t have any weapons.

But she was so blinded by her hurt and rage, she just screamed and was about to run at them when she suddenly felt a stabbing pain in her neck. She stumbled slightly and reached up to pull out a needle on the end of an arrow that was now empty.

She felt a weird rush of adrenaline through her entire body, it felt like fire and was extremely painful. But thankfully it only lasted a few seconds, then suddenly she felt a calmness wave over her that she had never felt before. Rage was still there, that would only be natural for anyone in her position to have. But she felt under control. Under control of her own body for the first time in a long, long time.

Echo collapsed to her knees in tears, as suddenly the realisation of everything she had done over the years hit her like a ton of bricks. All the innocent people she’d killed, the war she had started.

‘Echo.’ Natasha went towards her.

‘Nat, be careful.’ Steve said.

‘It’s ok.’ Natasha continued towards her and crouched down a few feet from her.

Echo looked up at her, her hands were shaking. But she looked horrified. ‘What have I done?’ She sobbed.

‘It’s ok, Echo. It’s all going to be ok.’ Natasha rushed forward and fell to her knees next to her, holding her. Echo turned into her and cried her eyes out, she wasn’t sure why she was accepting Natasha’s kindness and comfort. But she needed it.

‘I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.’ Echo cried.

‘It’s not your fault, Echo. You’re just as much the victim as everyone else in this. Loki is the villain, not you. You never have been.’ Natasha said as she kept her arms around her.

‘Come on, let’s get back to base before anyone sees us.’ Steve said as he approached them.

Natasha nodded. She helped Echo up to her feet and they headed to the quinjet.

It didn’t take them long to get back, Echo was really scared as she was led by the team into base and taken to a quiet interrogation room. Though she was given a blanket and something to eat and drink. She didn’t eat much, she felt too sick to eat.

Fury had to question her, she answered as honestly as she could. Told them about Loki’s plan to rule the world, that he was just having fun watching everyone blow each other up right now. But his end game was to rule them all.

‘Do you know where he’s gone?’ Fury asked.

Echo shook her head. ‘No… I’m sorry.’ She whispered. ‘But please, you need to destroy me.’ She said with a wobbly lip.

The team looked shocked and looked at one another before back at her.

‘What? Why would we do that?’ Clint asked.

‘I’m too dangerous, if he comes back for me… He said he would. I don’t trust myself if he’s involved. I don’t know what it is, I can’t resist him. Please, just kill me. It would be safer for everyone involved.’

Even Fury was shocked with what she was saying. He pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘Echo… I appreciate that you want to do the right thing now, and I understand you’ve been through a lot. But we aren’t going to do that to you. You’re safe now, the serum has worked and will continue to work.’

Natasha nodded in agreement. ‘You’re strong physically. But you’re even stronger mentally. You won’t let him win, I know you won’t.’

Echo shook her head and wiped her eyes. ‘You don’t understand… He has some kind of power over me. I don’t know if I will be able to resist again. Please…’ She whispered.

‘You need some rest. Come on, I’ll show you to where you can sleep.’ Maria said as she motioned for her to go with her.

Echo went with her willingly.

The team all waited until she was out of the room before they spoke again.

‘What do we do?’ Wanda asked.

‘We are not killing her, she doesn’t deserve that.’ Tony said firmly.

‘Of course we’re not. She’s scared, and rightfully so.’ Thor said.

‘We need to find Loki, we need to stop him. And stop this war.’ Said Fury.

‘Nobody knows where he’s gone, he could be anywhere.’ Bruce said as he paced back and fore.

‘That’s why we need to lure him here.’ Vision said, everyone turned to look at him. ‘We all know he will try and get Echo back. She knows it too, that’s why she’s so scared.’

‘We can’t use her as bait.’ Clint argued.

‘He’s going to come for her regardless. If we are prepared, have a trap setup. Then we can get him.’ Fury said.

Clint ran a hand down his face and looked at Natasha. She sighed. ‘They’re right. He’s coming either way, if we are prepared then we can use this to our advantage. Hopefully after some rest, Echo will be thinking more clearly and will help us, instead of wanting to end it all.’

#tom hiddleston #loki #loki x ofc #villain or victim

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jesternene · 1 year ago

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Unexpected Circumstances

To read Chapter 2, please go here

CHAPTER 3

Beverly isn’t sure how long she had been standing outside the Captain’s door. The last 24 hours she took to absorb the news of Dr. Selar’s findings were not only shocking but absolutely terrifying. She needed answers and the only way she was going to get them was to find these aliens and tell her what was going on. But she knew she needed to inform the Captain of the recent development. With a lump in her throat, she chimed for his door.

“Come” Picard answered. The whoosh of the doors gave Beverly a slight jump as her nerves were unsteady. Picard smiled as he saw her, placing the book he had down on the table and stood up to greet her. “Beverly, It is so good to see you. How are you feeling?”

“I’m not even sure how to answer that” Beverly gave an anxious chuckle. Picard’s smile faded as he noticed how uneasy she was.

“Is everything alright?” he asked with concern in his voice.

“Jean-Luc, you should probably sit down. What I am about to tell you isn’t going to be easy to hear” Beverly said. Picard swallowed hard, unsure how to take in those words. He slowly sat down and remained quiet, anxiously waiting for what she had to say. “Or perhaps, I should just show you” Beverly sighed, as she slowly lifted the thin material that covered her now growing belly.

It took Picard a second to realize what he was looking at, but as he observed closer, he noticed the tiny swell protruding from her stomach. “I see” he said as his eyes widened. “Are congratulations in order?” he asked carefully, unsure how she is taking the news and didn’t want to be insulting.

“That’s the problem” Beverly answered. Her tone was soft but firm. She went and sat next to him on his couch, keeping her hands tightly close together as she looked down, ashamed of what she was about to say next. “Do you remember a few months ago, when the alien posed as you? To study the human species?” She asked as she slowly looked into his eyes.

“Of course” he answered.

“I-” Beverly paused, closing her eyes as she felt the tears begin to sneak up on her. Picard took her hand to make her at ease, which only caused her to cry even more and let some tears shed from her eyes.

“Beverly… what happened?” he asked with such concern. She felt she betrayed him in a way. Even though she was fooled, he was a victim as well. Taken against his will and had no idea what was going on when he was gone. Beverly composed herself long enough to continue.

“That imposter and I… we had an intimate… evening” She barely explained, unsure how to articulate the events in words without saying it bluntly. However, Picard took the hint and understood what she meant.

“You what?” Picard asked in a rather aggressive tone, as he removed his hand from hers and stood up quickly. Beverly felt shame immediately from her actions.

“I’m sorry. I-” Beverly wasn’t sure what to say at this point. Picard didn’t notice the apology as he tried to process exactly what happened. What he said next though Beverly was not expecting.

“He took advantage of you” Picard, not looking at Beverly, started to become more angry as he said those words. Beverly stood up, unsure if she heard him right.

“What?” Beverly asked, confused.

“He took advantage of you” Picard looked at her and explained furiously. “He comes onto my ship, he plays games with my crew. And now you're saying he violated you in the worst kind of way. Deceiving you in…” He couldn’t finish his thoughts. Picard’s anger wasn’t towards Beverly, but towards the Aliens that caused all of this. He ran his hand over his smooth scalp, trying to calm down.

“He may have done that, Jean-Luc, but I made the choice to be with him that night” Beverly explained, taking herself off the high pedestal that Picard put her on. He was surprised by her answer.

“Under false pretenses! You can’t seriously be blaming yourself for any of this?” Picard asked in shock.

“You don’t understand! I thought I was making love to you!” Beverly shouted unexpectedly. This caused Picard to take a step back, stunned by the revelation that came out of her mouth. Beverly sighed. “He may have tricked me into believing that he was you. But I shouldn’t have given in to my–” Beverly paused for a moment, swallowing the large lump in her throat. “My feelings” She finished.

Picard was shocked, unable to comprehend exactly what she was saying. He thought he was the only one keeping a secret. Loving her since the day he met her and now it seems he wasn’t alone. A wave of guilt washed over Picard as the situation began to sink in. Yes, these aliens took advantage of her, but there would have been no taking advantage of if he was just honest with his feelings to begin with. Unsure how to take his silence, Beverly continued.

“There’s more…” Beverly said. Picard knew immediately that wasn’t a good thing. He took a deep breath and slowly nodded for her to continue. “I have taken every test I know and it shows that the baby… is human and… is yours” she finished. Picard noticed the confusion in her tone and for a moment, he thought he heard wrong.

“I’m sorry” Picard chuckled a bit. “What do you mean by mine?”

“Jean-Luc, I don’t know what is going on here. But what I do know is that the only way I can get my questions answered is if we find those aliens” Beverly ignored his question and continued with her assessment of the situation.

“Beverly, we don’t know exactly where they were from. We don’t even know what they are called!” Picard exclaimed.

“I know it is a long shot but Jean-Luc–” She stopped for a moment and took a step closer to him, to show him her pleading eyes on how important this is. “I don’t think we have any other choice but to at least try. I have no idea what is going on in my body. Is this baby human? Is it healthy? Am I in any danger? I can’t even explain all the questions I have but I do know they have the answers. Please…” Beverly begged.

Picard knew she was right. There is too much at stake here, especially Beverly’s safety to let this go. Picard sighed and took her hand.

“I will do the best I can to find them for you” Picard reassured her with his words and a slight squeeze of the hand. Beverly smiled graciously, giving him a slight squeeze in return.

“Thank you” she said quietly. Beverly then kissed his cheek lovely before heading straight for the door. Picard turned quickly to stop her but before he had a chance, she was already gone.

____________________________________________

The next two weeks were exhausting. Without giving too much away, Picard used all his resources he could to try and find these mysterious aliens. He assigned Data to the task, knowing he would be thorough in the investigation. Beverly kept her mind busy, easily concealing her stomach with her lab coat. She even assisted Data in learning how to dance for Keiko and Miles’ wedding. Beverly didn’t talk to Picard very much, only to be briefed on his findings. She still felt guilty and wasn’t sure exactly how Picard felt towards her. However, Picard also felt guilty but didn’t want to push Beverly into talking to him. He knew she would come when she was ready. Just then, his door chimed in his ready room. As Picard asked them to enter, Data walks in.

“Good news, sir. I have found the Aliens that you had requested me to find” Data said. Picard practically leaped out of his chair when he heard the news.

“That is fantastic! Where are they?” Picard pushed excitedly.

“They are called the Verpellians. I had noticed a few Starfleet records on them after our encounter. They are off the Polarian System. If you wish to make contact, it will take 2 days to get there at maximum warp” Data explained.

“Make it so, Mr. Data” Picard requested. Data nodded and walked out the door. Picard quickly tapped his combadge. “Picard to Dr. Crusher”

“Yes, Captain?” Beverly can be heard over his device.

“Please come to my ready room, I have something to tell you”

____________________________________________

As the Enterprise arrived in the Polarian System, they noticed a couple of small planets that could sustain life but nothing else.

“Very desolate place. No wonder no one knows about them” Riker remarked. He wasn’t fully understanding of why they needed to find these aliens, but he always trusted the Captain’s judgment.

“Counselor, do you sense anything?” Picard asked as he stared helplessly at the view screen.

“It’s quite odd, Captain. I sense chattering in my head but I can not comprehend the language” Deanna explained. Holding her head slightly as if in pain, Riker walked to her to see if she was alright, but Deanna just waved at him. “I’m fine. Just overwhelming is all”

“Can you communicate with them? Let them know I wish to speak with them?” Picard asked. This caused everyone to look at each other in confusion. They trusted the Captain but sometimes they knew he could do things from his emotions instead of a logical sense. However, they truly did not know the severity of the issue as Picard, Beverly and Dr. Selar kept that underwraps. Riker then walked towards Picard and sighed.

“I’m sorry, sir but I must ask. Why are you trying to contact them? Haven’t they done enough damage?” Riker asked in a more rigid tone. Picard finally breaks his contact and looks to Riker.

“You have no idea, Number one. There is a reason I must speak with them but it is a private matter and I will explain when I can. You just need to trust me” Picard pleaded. Riker only nodded, knowing there is far more at stake here than he realizes. Just then, Deanna stood up quickly.

“Captain!” Deanna shouted but before they could see what was going on, two Verpellians appeared on the bridge, just as they did months ago when they brought Captain Picard back. Worf instinctively pulled out his phaser but Picard placed his hand up.

“No wait. We mean no harm, we just need to talk” Picard told the Verpellians.

“Talking is meaningless” one Verpellian said. “You must leave our system at once, Captain” the other continued, remembering who Picard was.

“We will as soon as you answer some questions of ours. There has been an unforeseen development that you caused and we need understanding. You can at least grant us that after all you put me and my ship through” Picard explained. The two Verpellians looked at each other for a moment before nodding. Picard was pleased by this and looked to Riker. “Please summon Dr. Crusher to my ready room, we will meet with her there”

“But Captain…” Worf interjected but Picard again stopped him.

“I will be fine, Mr. Worf. Please do as I ask” Picard commanded and then escorted the Verpellians to his Ready Room as they waited for Dr. Crusher.

After a few moments, Beverly arrives. Picard is standing closest to the door, observing the Verpellians as they wordlessly communicate in awe over his Lionfish. Picard then stepped back, letting Beverly take the helm of this conversation.

“Are one of you the alien who impersonated Captain Picard?” Beverly asked, shaking in her anger as she stared at them. One of them turned and walked closer to her.

“That would be me” he said.

“Then this is your fault!” she shouted, exposing her belly to them. Her anger caused tears to form in her eyes but she refused to let them see her vulnerable. The Verpellians tilted their heads slightly in confusion and did not understand what she meant.

“I’m sorry but what is our fault?” they asked.

“You got me pregnant while impersonating Captain Picard!” she exclaimed.

“What is pregnant?” one of them asked curiously. Beverly’s eyes widened. For a moment, she forgot that not all species procreate the same way and they wouldn’t understand exactly what they did. Noticing her silence, Picard stepped in.

“This is how our species bears children. The females carry them for a time before giving birth” Picard explained, almost diplomatically. He didn’t want this to escalate to a point they may not help them.

“Very unusual. And how did we accomplish that?” the one who impersonated Picard asked Beverly. This caused Beverly to cry. The betrayal was so nonchalant, almost innocent to the alien, but a severe betrayal nonetheless. Picard continued.

“It has come to my understanding that you and Dr. Crusher engaged in a rather… personal matter. In which is how we procreate” Picard explained. However, he looked down from them, feeling sympathy for Beverly at this moment.

“Very unusual, indeed” the Verpellian said. “Then the words we should express to you are… Congratulations?” he asked. This took Picard aback a bit.

“Now, It is I who does not understand” Picard chuckled, with a hint of confusion in his tone, as he looked up to them again.

“This offspring is not ours, Captain, but yours. We are a species that can make an exact copy of any living life-form. The form in which I was– yours, was truly you in all sense of the word” The Verpellian explained. Picard and Beverly looked at each other, unsure of how to take the information.

“So, my tests are correct. This child is Jean-Luc’s…” Beverly said. She inched closer to them as her frustration and anger grew. “You took advantage of me. You not only violated me but Jean-Luc, exposing his most inner thoughts and feelings and for what? An experiment?!”. The two stood silently, afraid, unsure of what her actions might be.

“We did not mean any harm by it. We only followed the desires of the Captain. We would not have harmed you otherwise” the Verpellian explained.

“You can not place the blame on me!” Picard shouted, now irritated with the aliens' explanation. “You caused more harm than you realize! Now we must suffer the consequences of your actions. Our lives have changed because of you, and you stand there, innocently trying to apologize while no words can express what you have done!” Picard finished. The audacity of them playing the ‘faultless’ card only made him more angry.

“But it is what you wanted, correct?” the alien asked innocently.

“Excuse me?” Picard asked, almost offended by the question.

“It has always been your desire to love and have a family with this particular female. Wouldn’t you be happy with this news? Have we inaccurately interpreted your feelings?” the curious alien asked.

Picard gasped a bit at the alien’s revelation. This wasn’t something he wanted exposed, above all with Beverly standing in the room. These were his feelings and his right to have those feelings kept close to him. Beverly was right, not only was she violated but he was to but in a much different way.

“I think it’s time for you to leave” Beverly broke the silence with her whisper of words. The aliens looked at each other in confusion before beaming away. Picard and Beverly stood there for a few moments in silence. The discovery of his own feelings being brought to the surface was a surprise. She thought she was alone in her feelings, only to find out he shared them as well.

“I think I should go” Beverly said. Without looking at her, Picard only nodded, turning his back to her in humiliation. Beverly took a step back and quickly exited the ready room and rushed to the turbolift. The bridge crew was surprised by her action, and Deanna felt a wave of emotion as Beverly rushed past her. The moment the turbolift doors closed, Beverly requested deck 8 to return to her quarters. After a few seconds, Beverly halted the lift to pause. The emotions flooding her mind rose to the surface and she broke down. Backing to the wall and sliding slowly to the ground, she cried.

____________________________________________

#beverly crusher #gates mcfadden #star trek #tng #the next generation #star trek tng #picrusher #star trek the next generation #fan fic

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lovelywooz · 2 years ago

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Boo Seungkwan - Night Walk

This is kind of a short open letter to him if I’m honest? I see so much of myself in Seungkwan. He’s a wonderful soul. One of my favorite people to have been born on this Earth. I’ve had something in my drafts about him for a while, but I wanted to wait to post it. Here it is now<3

Word Count: 743

Warnings: None, could be a little bit angsty? It’s short which I know takes some people out of the zone.

As you’ve gotten to know him, you and Seungkwan both see so much of yourselves in the other. You started going on nighttime walks about a month ago to let go of your deeply set stress together.

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

Everything about Seungkwan is so tranquil. The way he holds your hand gently, but with a loving firmness. The way your pairs of feet make a tiny splash with each watery step on the park sidewalk. The way raindrops pitter-patter so effortlessly perfect you could be fooled into thinking its a studio recording.

You’ve each got one earbud in. The wired kind since Boo says that it’s ‘more intimate’ that way. Your left ear and his right ear both tune into the audiobook you’ve chosen for the night: Alice in Wonderland. It’s actually quite a long book and each chapter is about 45 minutes of blissfully calm narration. Both of you enjoy a little light ASMR here and there. You figured it’s good to start with the classics, since Boo said he’d never read most of them before and frankly it’s been a long time since you had either.

This little habit of yours, walking at night hand-in-hand while listening to an audiobook, has become an essential part of your relationship with Seungkwan. Though it’s only been a few months since you started dating, you’re not sure you ever truly lived without him.

He can see you’re stressed. You can see he’s stressed. And so the earbuds and umbrella come out and you’re out the door. This routine works to serve both of you. Sincerely you hope that you can bring him even half as much comfort as he gives you just being in his presence. His aura is like that of a blanket thats been warmed next to a roaring hearth. Even in the nighttime rain, you can still feel his burning heart through your connected palms. He’s the guy you wished- no, prayed was out there waiting for you.

Suddenly, he comes to a stop next to a large tree. He always looks around in peaceful silence, but he’s never outright stopped during one of your walks before. He speaks in a calm tone, still audible enough to be heard over both the rain and the narrator’s voice in your ear. “I used to walk here by myself a lot when I had thoughts to sort out”, he releases your hand and reaches his fingers out to trace them over the bark, “It makes me so happy that you like coming here too”.

“Any place with you next to me makes me happy” you chirp. A smile blooms across his features as he turns his head to look at you.

“I’m sorry that,” he hesitates, “that I don’t tell you enough. That I can never seem to show you or put into words how I’m feeling”. Knowing that you’re going to deny his words right away, he puts a finger to your lips. “Don’t go saying that it’s not true, because I know it is”. Despite what it seems like, Seungkwan doesn’t sound sad at all. His tone indicates more of a reflective mood than anything else, like he’s somehow collected all his thoughts and is ready to lay them out one-by-one. This is a rarity for him.

He continues, “Part of why I feel so drawn to you is that we are so similar. In some ways I love that we can instantly figure each other out, we know what the other needs without saying anything. It also makes me feel so bad for you at times, because I know how complicated you feel when you’re hurt. It’s hard when we choke up each time we’re asked how we’re doing. Because we honestly don’t know”.

His index finger reaches up from your lips to brush a strand of hair from your face. “When I look in your eyes, I see all the fondness I once begged for, the assurance that I need, a reflection of what I have always wished and hoped would come to me. It amazes me all the time that there is someone who just- gets it. That understands me. As if we’re bound by some cosmic force that I can’t see. Or cut from the same cloth”. He laces your fingers together once again. “I just have to say it, while I’m feeling brave, and I have you here in front of my eyes, I have to tell you what I’ve been feeling”.

The audiobook chapter ends, just in time for you to hear him clearly between the patter of the rain on your umbrella.

“I love you”.

#boo seungkwan #seungkwan #seungkwan fluff #seungkwan angst #seungkwan imagine #seungkwan drabble #seventeen #seventeen imagines #seventeen fluff #booseoksoon #seventeen drabbles

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selenacosmic · 1 year ago

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Romance in the office.

Chapter 18- The harsh break up.

Was… was I hearing this right? This can’t possibly be true, all my expectations were thrown away as the cruel reality hit me. I didn’t know what was worse, the fact that I knew something like this would eventually happen, or how his voice sounded unbothered and gentle despite how brutally his words hit me. I was left speechless as shingen continued, that same smile on his face as if to reassure me.

“This might be sudden, but don’t you worry, I have prepared everything for you to move. The place I chose for you is very good and located on a good part of the city.” Shingen got up from his chair, placing his hands on the desk while holding my gaze. When compared to yesterday, I didn’t sense the same warmth I had seen in them, almost like it was completely erased. It felt… strange, it didn’t feel like he was glaring at me or held any resentment, his eyes showed nothing. It’s like what happened yesterday and what we have been through these past few weeks were nothing. What hurted more was that he still looked kind with that smile on his face.

“You will have the same position you had in this company, though the payment will be higher. I believe I did promise you that when we made our agreement.” I watched as he started walking over his desk to move towards me, I held my breath as I didn’t know what my next action would be, I refused to look up at him, keeping my gaze down. Am I angry? Would I scream at him for doing this? But I had no right to, as far as I knew, I was the only one who felt anything in this fake relationship. Would I cry? Highly unlikely, I would refuse to let myself be that vulnerable and weak when he is clearly pushing me away from him.

“Selena.” I flinched when he called my name in a more serious tone, though I could still feel the gentleness in it. “I know I put you through a lot with this contract, even after it had ended you would still be targeted. Moving away after I announce our break up will be the best way for you to go back to a normal life.” With that, I suddenly felt his hand cupping my cheek, his warm touch made me finally look up. There was a flick of emotion in his eyes, so quick that I barely managed to see it. “Goodbye, Mrs. Secretary.”

His hand left my cheek, the cold air hitting my skin made me snap out of my shock. I couldn’t just let it end like this! I shook my head lightly as a frown appeared on my face. “You cannot be serious, how is now a good time? Didn’t you have to fool this spy that was in the company? What happened to that?” More and more questions fell from my lips, I couldn’t accept what was happening right now. Shingen had turned his back to me, putting a big distance between us. I had to stop myself from reaching out for him as he began to walk back towards his desk.

“The spy was dealt with, meaning our contract has been completed. You served your role as my fake lover, and for that I am grateful.” I watched as he sat back on his chair, as if the small intimate moment we just shared never happened, almost… like he was hiding something.

“Dealt with? Why didn’t you tell me? You couldn’t possibly have dealt with this spy overnight.” He didn’t look at me as I said that, his silence actually made me a bit tense. What if he did manage to deal with this spy overnight? Was there more to this story that I previously thought?

“I understand your frustration, but your part in this has ended. Today is the last day I expect you to attend work here, you will start anew next week once you have moved.” He went back to paying attention to the documents on his desk, it felt like there was no room left for argument. I felt that, if I tried arguing more, he would likely just ignore me.

My frustration was getting bigger, and yet all I could do… was accept my fate. I bit my lower lip as I felt a mix of emotions building up inside of me. I had no other choice but to gather my things and exit his office.

————

I felt pathetic as I walked through the halls of the building, my mind was elsewhere. I couldn’t help but reminisce about my first day of work here, how in awe I was of everything. I felt admiration and excitement any new employee feels, a rush of energy to do everything at once to prove myself. Now I could barely bring myself to walk properly, I stopped for a bit to wait for the elevator, leaning my back against the wall to take a deep breath. My hold on my things tightened as I started to feel weaker, but I would not cry. Perhaps I felt weaker for even that.

As I thought about what I had been through in this company, the moments I shared with shingen flooded my head, both before and after I had become his fake lover. At first, all I thought was that my boss was flirty and, quite frankly, a bit shameless. I feared that my first experience at working on a company of this level would be bad because of that, but all my fears were gone once I saw what a great man my boss truly was.

The charisma he had, the leadership he presented when managing this company, Shingen was and continues being a boss admired by his workers, he was far more than just a flirty man. During the weeks I pretended to be his lover, I got to see many different sides of him… sides that I have come to love.

I can’t truly say that what I feel for him was exactly love, but perhaps the beginning of the feeling. Him pushing me away after everything that happened between us should have made this feeling disappear, but it didn’t. If anything, I felt it was stronger than before. I suppose it was because I felt that there was something more to this, something I needed to find out.

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard the sound of the elevator arriving at the floor I was, slowly opening its doors to me. I felt a bit of embarrassment when I saw many other workers inside, their piercing eyes locking on me. I slowly entered the elevator and clicked on the button to the first floor, my every movement being watched.

It wasn’t hard to guess what they were thinking, it was made public that Shingen and I were dating, so it’s only natural that everyone in this company was aware of it. To see me carrying my things while having the most pathetic expression on my face is very self explanatory. I could hear low whispers behind me, the sound of the elevator going to each floor, slowly going down to the one I wanted to go was starting to agonize me. If shingen thought he could spare me of this kind of thing, he was seriously wrong.

Once the door opened on the first floor, I hurriedly got out of the elevator, hoping I could just get out of this building. I didn’t want to deal with people gossiping about me, their words were mocking me in many ways. Ah… I could feel a headache coming.

Once I was out of the company, I could feel my body growing weaker. To spare myself the embarrassment of falling, I carefully took a seat on the floor (not the cleanest seat, I know). I just needed a moment to breath, regain my composure so that I could move on. I gently placed the box with my belongings by my side and hugged my knees, for my luck the entrance outside the building was big, so I didn’t need to worry about people walking in front of me, only when there was someone walking in or out of the company. I did receive some stares, but nothing that I had the energy to worry about.

“I really must have lost every sense of the ridiculous…” I mumbled to myself, being practically fired just like that really did shake me up. Well, technically I did receive a new job, but not the point at the moment.

“I have to agree, you look like a stray cat.” Now that made me mad, I quickly looked up to see who was it that had insulted me. I found Yoshimoto to be staring down at me with his arms crossed. Great, now I have him judging me…

“Yoshimoto… listen, I don’t want to sound rude, but I really am not in the mood for this.” I looked back down, feeling tired.

“While I understand why you are feeling like that, don’t you think this is too much for your dignity?” I didn’t look up at him to answer, I just couldn’t find the energy to. I heard him saying something like ‘I am not sitting there’ while walking closer. I suddenly felt him gently put his hand on my shoulder. “Get up, you will only get dirt on your clothes and on yourself if you keep sitting there.”

He was right, I only sat here to regain my energy, but if I continued here it would feel like I was drowning in my own pitiful situation. I was never the whining kind either, I just felt… disappointed in a way. I looked up at him again and felt both of his hands on my shoulders, helping me up. “I can carry your things, you clearly look like you need help. In exchange… I need you to go somewhere with me.”

“You are helping me in exchange of something… that doesn’t sound suspicious at all. Where is it that I need to go with you?” I patted my clothes to take off the dirt from the floor.

Yoshimoto took the box with my things from the ground, holding it gracefully. I don’t know how, but everything this man does looks graceful and elegant. “A bar, and before you ask, this isn’t a date. You will understand when we get there.”

A bar? I am not a fan of alcohol at all… I can’t tolerate more than one cup, going there would be a bad idea after what just happened. “You do know that bars after a bad situation never goes well, right? Besides, it’s not nighttime for us to be going to a bar.”

“Trust me, going there might prove to be more helpful than you think.” Well, this is Yoshimoto, he probably knows what he is doing, i should trust him on this.

He offered to drive us there, though it wasn’t that far from the company. Yoshimoto left my belongings in the back of the car as he drove us there. “I didn’t know you could drive. I mean, it’s just that I never saw you driving or your car.”

“I don’t live near the company, so it is a necessary skill to have. Besides, I don’t like troubling others to take me here.” Even the interior of his car was beautiful, it’s like he personally chose every bit of decoration inside of it. It was beautiful but simple.

“Why don’t you take the bus?” The moment I made the suggestion, Yoshimoto’s beautiful features frowned.

“And being in the middle of that mess, with people pressing against you? And with the possibility of falling over in case the bus stops abruptly? No, thank you.” He clearly seemed to hate buses. Then again, I can’t imagine Yoshimoto in a bus.

“Bad first experience?” I saw him lightly nodding, but not adding anything to that. Guess I have my answer. I couldn’t help but giggle to myself.

“I see you find other’s suffering amusing.” Despite those words, his voice sounded a bit amused. At that, I laughed more, having to put my hand over my mouth to hold my laugher back.

————

Once we had arrived at the bar, I was surprised to find so many people there, it was the middle of the day outside yet this place was packed. I walked behind Yoshimoto towards the counter, where we found…

“Yoshimoto, you are late. If you had made me wait even a bit later, I would have you fired.” A familiar and aggressive deep voice, it was Kenshin Uesugi. I think I haven’t seen him since that lunch we had. “Hm? Is that the woman Shingen kept as a secretary?”

“Kenshin, must I remind you that I don’t work for you? And yes, I decided to bring Selena along.” Yoshimoto only smiled as he offered me a seat before taking one between me and kenshin.

“I specifically told you to drag shingen here, not this woman.” He didn’t seem that happy to see me, great…

“He was busy. Besides, having her company can prove to be very enjoyable.”

“Thank you, Yoshimoto… so this is why you needed me to come.” He smiles at me, I could tell that this wasn’t random. Did he bring me here for something specifically?

Well, whatever it was, i would find out by joining them in a conversation. Who knows, I might finally be able to learn more about Kenshin… if he stops glaring at me.

To be continued…

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikemen sengoku shingen #ikesen shingen

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adonis-koo · 2 years ago

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Vindictive OC is EVERYTHING (Please bring her back in the next chapters) !! Its even better bc it is out of character for her but as she said she is no fool and she has every right to be angry and disappointed.

The whole drunk monologue from Jungkook had me soft not gonna lie.. the way you write his yearning and longing for her is so good !

I love wicked so much, thank you for sharing your amazing stories and writing with us ♥️ Also, please please please give us the scene with the servants moving oc’s stuff out as a bonus 🥺

YESS YES YES I’m happy to hear people enjoyed seeing a different side to MC, because while in some ways this isn’t like her, in other ways it most definitely is if we look back to how mean she was in the earliest chapters, and don’t you worry anon, she is coming back full throttle soon 😏 and I am SO excited to write it because, wow, I didn’t realize how much I loved writing slightly unhinged women until I wrote her.

Originally the whole monologue was going to be scrapped because it was in the original draft of 15 which I ended up rewriting, but then o remembered a few banger lines that had everyone going crazy and just couldn’t bring myself to not put it in 16, and from then on I realized that I also love pathetic men 🥰 Jungkook is constantly bottling his emotions up until they explode so I wanted to use him being drunk as a way he could express all these emotions in full and it really is seeing a side of him he rarely ever shows.

Thank you so much for reading and sending such kind words! A lot of people have requested the moving out scene so I’ll definitely see what I can do to make a small drabble out of it!

#missy answers #fic: wicked #anon

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chrisbannor · 7 months ago

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531

Chapter Twenty Nine: Party Time

Author: Chris Bannor

Yi couldn’t take his eyes off the burning city for long. Every few minutes, his gaze returned to the flickering of flames that echoed in the night sky. Even this far above the mud and mess of the Piles, the air above the Skylines was showing the red haze of smoke. Ash fell on the ground faster than the bots could sweep up.

DaQi stepped up behind him and Yi could see his worried expression through the window.

“Ready?” Yi asked before DaQi could check on him. He didn’t want to talk about what was in his head. There was nothing new to say. His home and the life he’d built over the last 7 years were gone. Everything from here out was to finish it off. Then they would start over someplace new. Together.

“Let’s get moving,” DaQi said.

Yi turned to look at him and the need to steal Two away from all of this was almost too much. He reached over and pulled DaQi in. He pressed his lips to the other man’s, knowing his partner would feel his fear and desperation. DaQi held him just as tightly, but when he pulled away Yi pressed a kiss to his forehead before letting him go.

The tunnels leading into the lower city were still closed so they left their bikes behind. There were access tunnels and service roads that weren’t used by humans and they exploited those. DaQi hacked the maintenance drones so that they were able to ride them through the underpasses to get to the Builds quicker.

When they reached the area, they left the tunnels and went out onto the streets. They weren’t the only ones dressed in black with masks on tonight and they blended into the people in the chaos. They were three buildings away from their target when they went through a broken glass door and headed to the roof. The building between them and the Mariner office they were infiltrating was shorter by four stories. Yi shot a line past it to the building and watched as the hook embedded itself in a concrete pillar on the roof.

“What is it with you and ziplines?” Wu DaQi asked as they got ready to swing over.

Yi smiled. “People don’t look up.”

“They’re going to be looking everywhere tonight,” DaQi reminded him.

Yi didn’t bother to answer. Instead, he pulled an extra pair of gloves on - just in case - and attached the handlebar. “Let’s find out.”

He took off across the distance, gaining speeds he’d rather not think about. Beneath him, the fires were dulled by the press of the buildings around them. They were too boxed in to see far, except for the eerie red glow. He crossed the building wall and dropped off the zipline, rolling to his feet before he could smack into the wall where it was mounted. He pulled a gun out and checked the perimeter while he waited for Wu DaQi.

The building had been one of five with the stolen tech DaQi had marked, and only one of three that had heightened security. It was also home to a series of tunnels that Chan Yi had used once on a mission before he’d emerged. He didn’t know where they all led, but he was betting Obuo’s life that at least one would take them back to Mariner’s corporate office where they’d so obviously taken her in.

There were people in the building, and plenty of security watching exits and stairs. He hacked into their security and used their detection systems to get a head count and see where they were most likely holding Obuo. They’d already had a good idea, but it just confirmed what DaQi had suggested. Yi liked to come in high so they’d hide her down low.

“You didn’t use to like heights,” DaQi said as he set the anchor for their next move.

“You shot me out a window.” Chan Yi reminded him. “Not a lot to be afraid of once you survive that kind of drop.”

DaQi frowned at him, but Yi just smiled as he looked down around the perimeter of the building to the street surrounding them. “I can’t decide if they really think they’ve fooled us, or if they just don’t believe we’ll come for her,” he admitted. There weren’t enough guards here for Mariner to take them.

“Or it’s a trap.” DaQi held up his hand to stop him before he could speak. “I know. Let’s go find out.” Then he moved to the wall and dropped off the side of the building, beginning his rappel down. Yi watched him for a moment before he prepped for his own descent.

DaQi had cut a hole in the glass of an empty office on the third floor and they left their rappelling gear there. Yi looked out the hole and back at DaQi. “Rock, paper, scissors for first?”

DaQi rolled his eyes but he was smiling when he jumped out the window. Yi only waited until he saw DaQi roll to the side before he jumped. He hit the ground hard, but his body was made to take greater impacts and he rolled to the right and back to his feet. DaQi was already dodging around the parked trucks behind the warehouse.

Yi pulled two guns this time, getting ready for whatever was about to come. He was keeping the mini in his arm for backup. He was more concerned about its accuracy after all the issues he’d had with his arm lately.

He came up behind DaQi as they entered the warehouse docking bay. There was no one in there, but the building’s security showed them waiting just past the interior doors. He nodded to DaQi to let him know he was ready, and they were in motion.

DaQi stepped through the door and aimed at the security on the right while Yi took the left. There were four men, but only one managed to fire his weapon. The bullet went wide but Yi shot him between the eyes before he could try again.

They moved through the room and to the stairwell on the right of the building. Chan Yi took the lead down the steps while DaQi watched the upper flights to see when they started coming. The second level flight of stairs was clear, but as they got to the next level the door opened. The first man went down as soon as he stepped out and Yi shot the second in the leg. He took out a third before the other hit the ground. DaQi killed the second before looking back up the stairs.

“No one is coming down. I don’t like being herded, Yi.”

“Yeah, I get that feeling too,” he admitted. Definitely a trap, but they were deep enough in now that they’d see it through.

As they reached the next landing, double doors opened and men poured out. Yi didn’t count but kept shooting. Both he and DaQi were focused on the men below them but no one came from above. They would be easier targets, so why hadn’t Mariner taken advantage?

Dropping. He sent the warning to DaQi just as he jumped over the railing to fall down the center of the stairs. He landed on the ground floor. He climbed up the stairs, working in a coordinated attack with DaQi from above. He shot two before they realized he was behind them, but after that it was attack and counter. Twelve men bled on the last two levels as DaQi joined him at the bottom.

“All good?” DaQi asked, looking him over.

He nodded. “All good. Let’s find Obuo.”

Yi opened the door on the bottom floor and stepped into a tunnel. It ran back towards the Mariner complex but was empty. There was a dead end on the other with a single door on the left side. Yi checked the video feeds but there were no cameras down there.

“They’ve sealed that wall off since I was last here,” he told DaQi.

“Really don’t like this.”

“You keep saying that.” Yi smiled at him.

DaQi quirked his head to the side. “I keep not liking it.”

They approached the door and Chan Yi waited as DaQi scanned the room. “The other soldiers,” DaQi said as he switched out his gun for the higher caliber version. Chan Yi did the same. He could see nine signatures on the other side of the wall. Seven were like them - Sandus’s imperfect AI- but two were human.

With a nod, DaQi pushed the door open and swept right. Yi came in, eyeing the left.

The room was built for experimentation and interrogation. There were three rows of shelves on the right side of the room. On the left were two medical slabs and two sets of shelves beyond that.

Two of the Mariner soldiers waited for each of them at the front of the room. Yi took a shot and downed the first with a bullet to the brain. The other soldier fired on him but missed as Chan Yi ran to close the distance between them. He grabbed the soldier’s left arm and fired into it. The soldier’s gun fell to the floor but he spun, coming up with a gun on his left forearm. Chan Yi dodged and pushed the soldier back, putting a medical slab table between them. The soldier pushed the table at Yi, trying to pin him against the wall. Yi saw another soldier coming out from behind a set of shelves on the other side of the room and dodged under the table, feeling a piece of shrapnel slice his cheek.

The shelves fell on the other side of the room where the soldier had fired at Yi. He looked up and saw DaQi rolling over them to shoot the soldier, then down another who had been struggling to his feet.

Yi’s opponent moved in while he was distracted, and Yi dropped low to cross to the other side. When he was across from the soldier again, he jumped out and leaped over the table. Yi pressed the barrel of his gun into the soldier’s chest and fired. He felt the soldier shut down as they fell to the ground together.

Yi rolled out from behind the table and could see DaQi moving around the back side of the shelves to the right. Yi came around to the middle aisle to draw the other soldiers out. As he reached the rack of stored equipment, DaQi took a shot. One soldier went down but Yi saw the other still waiting for him to come around the next row.

Chan Yi stepped out of the main aisle and went between two rows of shelves. When he was across from the other soldier, he fired through them. He continued to the other end of the rack and came out at the back corner of the room.

Where Bastian Jackson stood, with Obuo in front of him with his gun to her head.

“They said you weren’t this stupid, but I told them you’d come for her,” Jackson said.

“You know me,” Yi said. “I can’t miss a party after you went through all the trouble to invite me.”

“For all the studies Sandus had done on you two, he never worked with you. He didn’t have to deal with those bleeding hearts you developed. Which I don’t get, by the way. How do you go from those hunks of metal to… this?” he asked, waving his free hand to indicate DaQi. “Though I’m started to get the fuss they made about you. I had to beg Sandus for just a few of those perfect soldiers he’s making, but they barely held you up. Maybe they just need some experience. How long were you in the killing business before you ‘woke up’?

“Long enough to do it well,” DaQi reminded him.

“You know this doesn’t end well for you, Jackson,” Chan Yi said. “Without the soldiers, you have no hope.”

Chan Yi could see Jackson watching the walls, rechecking his surroundings. He was trapped and he knew it.

“He’s hoping for backup,” DaQi said. “He’s stalling, on the off chance we left someone alive upstairs to call for help.”

Yi noticed that DaQi was very slowly moving to the right, trying to get a better angle on Jackson. As much as Chan Yi wanted to be the one to put a bullet into the man, DaQi had more space to work.

“Let her go. Come on, Bastian. I’ll give you some goodwill on this one,” Yi said. “For seven years you kept DaQi alive. Give me Obuo and set your weapons down, and I’ll let you walk out of here.”

“You think I believe you?”

“Twice, Bastian,” Yi reminded him. “Twice I left you on the floor when I could have pulled the trigger. I have no desire for more blood. But I won’t let them kill Obuo for helping us.”

“You aren’t that sentimental,” Jackson said. “If I give her up, you’ll kill me.”

“If you don’t give her up alive, I will definitely kill you,” Yi answered.

Jackson licked his lips and Yi could see the sweat beading on his forehead. The man regripped his gun and in that split second, DaQi fired.

Obuo screamed but covered her head as Jackson fell behind her. Yi grabbed her and pulled her away as DaQi moved forward to confirm the kill.

He nodded at Chan Yi, before sweeping back up to the front of the room.

Chan Yi looked Obuo over, “Are you alright?”

“No, I’m freaking out,” she admitted. “I wasn’t worried when they brought me in because I have protection, but Jackson didn’t know that. He had no idea who I was. All he knew was I had helped you.”

“How could you be so sure you were safe? Before him?” Yi asked.

“I’m Albert’s sister. Illegitimate sister,” she said. “Enough of the brass knew to keep me safe. Not enough people knew to keep assholes like Jackson away from me though.”

“Well, that’s one mystery solved,” he said as he led her back to the front. As they moved around the shelves, he watched as DaQi put a bullet in the brain of the soldier he’d shot in the chest.

“Overkill?” Obuo asked.

DaQi looked at Chan Yi when he answered. “They put a bullet in my chest when you went out the window. It shut me down, but it didn’t kill me. And the less of these soldiers that Mariner has left, the better.”

Chan Yi nodded. “Let’s get out of here.”

“You have a plan for that?” Obuo asked.

“The same way you came in,” DaQi said with a smile.

Author's Note:They got to Obuo! But now they have to get her out safe! Will they make it out with her? Or leave her behind to her brother's protection? And just how many of these soliders does Sandus have lying around to do his bidding?

#531 #mm scifi #lgbt scifi #cyberpunk #chris bannor #lgbt fiction

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