#don’t say a word or you’re uninvited to my birthday party

[emmyrosee]

Ushijima does nothing halfway. Especially when it comes to his daughter.

It’s very adorable to see, there’s nothing quite like her asking him for anything and everything, and him doing it.

For her third birthday, she wanted a pony. When he couldn’t find one, he and Romero dressed up in a pony costume.

When she asks for candy, he gets her two of whatever she likes- one when she eats all her dinner, and one because ‘mommy doesn’t need to know.’

When she comes barreling into your bedroom while you two snuggle, wailing and desperately trying to dry her eyes while you both scramble from the bed to calm her down. He’s quick to reach for the baseball bat next to his bed to ward off any “monsters.”

“What’s wrong, baby?” You soothe, opening your arms for her to leap into. She does, and you hoist her up and onto your hip, her face burying into your neck.

“Jock’s gone!” She sobs, and immediately, you and Wakatoshi tense up.

Jacques, the handmade giraffe Uncle Satori had sent all the way from Paris for Reina’s second birthday had immediately made its presence known in everyday life. Everywhere Reina went, Jacques was close behind or enclosed in her tiny hand: play dates, dinners out or at the table, sitting on the toilet at bath time…

In her arms every time she was going to sleep.

“Oh sweetheart,” you croon. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

“I…I…” she lets out a sniffle and wipes her nose with the back of her hand. “I forgot to…”

“We’ll find him,” Wakatoshi assures, and Reina’s eyes light up at her favorite hero.

You gnaw at your lip before looking at the time, “baby, don’t you think we should maybe just try tomorrow?”

“She needs it tonight,” he says simply, planting a kiss to your head before stalking out of the room. “He’s got to be in the house somewhere. Probably just playing hide and seek.”

What a damned game he was playing.

Surely enough, everywhere Jacques would be, or was suspected to be was exactly where he wasn’t; he wasn’t in the bathroom, or in the chair next to hers at the dinner table. He wasn’t in the playroom, nor under her bed, everywhere that Jacques could be, he certainly was not.

“Doya think he ran ‘way, daddy?” Reina wails, fingers clasping onto your pajama pants. A soothing hand cards through her locks, and despite Wakatoshi having the patience of a Saint, you could see it in his eyes it was slowly slipping away.

“It would make more sense than him just not being here,” he mumbles, and you offer him a sympathetic look for his efforts. “Okay, Reina,” he sighs, crouching down to be eye level with her; exhaustion paints his face and his hair sticks up wildly with his anxious carding, “when was the last time you had Jacques?”

She sniffles and wipes her nose on your sweat pants, “I told him to stay and watch the washin’ machine, ‘n come get mommy when it was done, and he never did!”

Wakatoshi blanches and his jaw slacks. You cover your mouth to hide the laughter that desperately wants to bubble out. Reina’s bottom lip wobbles as she unknowingly just took three years off of her fathers life.

“…the last time you had him was in the laundry room?”

“Uh-huh.”

“So… he’s in the laundry room?”

She nods again. Big brown eyes flick up to you, and he sinks his teeth into his lip to stop himself from laughing in a similar vain as you. “Okay,” he says, standing up and scrubbing his face with his large hands. “In hindsight, that should’ve been my first question.”

“Huh?” Reina asks, eyes flying up to you when you finally let a few cackles out, watching as your mammoth of a husband shuffles down the hallway to the laundry room. The light flicks on, then off, and when he emerges, there’s Jacques, dangling from his beefy hand.

“Found him,” he says blankly. Reina gasps and quickly runs over to her father, eagerly clutching the giraffe to her chest.

“You didn’t run ‘way!” She squeals, rocking the plush back and forth before planting a kiss to its head, chirping a sweet little “thank you, daddy!” before shuffling back off to bed, like the last three hours of struggle didn’t just happen.

Wakatoshi looks at you with exhausted eyes, but the minute they lock with yours, he’s unable to fight the wide smile that starts to spread over his face, causing the both of you to break out in loud laughter and snickers. You quickly make your way back into his arms, your head thunking against his chest while it rumbles with his laughter.

“I cannot believe that little snot just outplayed us so hard.”

“You’d think this is our first day,” you snort. Your head turns up to look at him, and you give him a kiss on the base of his jaw as a reward. “You’re so good to her.”

“I almost have to be,” he sighs sleepily. His olive eyes glaze over your face, “there is no way you’d be able to handle her antics on your own.”

“Hey. Just because she likes you more than me does not mean I can’t handle her on my own.”

He offers you a small snort and reaches up to gently stroke the corners of your smiling eyes, “I do suppose so; her ability to give me grey hairs certainly does come from you.”

“Exactly,” you chuckle. Lovingly, despite his slander, you nose at his jawline for him to lean down for a kiss which he happily complies in, his hands gentle on your cheek in the middle of the hallway. You giggle against his lips and nuzzle your nose against his, “I want another one…”

“A kiss?”

“No, a baby.”

Immediately he pulls back, face dropped in a deadpanned expression to contrast your excited one. “Clearly we need to get you to sleep, you’re talking nonsense.”

“Toshi!”

“Come on,” he grunts, hoisting you up and over his shoulder, ignoring your laughter and the banging of your fists against his back. “Bed time. Before the both of you give me an aneurysm.”

[vodika-vibes]

Eternity

Summary: After being 'blessed' with Eternity on your 12th birthday, you're convinced that you're never going to find happiness. 500 years later, Kix disagrees.

Word Count: 3816

Pairing: Kix x Vampire!Reader

Warnings: None? I don't think. Maybe some angst

A/N: So...this was supposed to be a Sleeping Beauty story...and I guess I took some aspects of Sleeping Beauty? Maybe.

Divider by saradika

“Why are you here? You were not invited to this party!” Your father shouts to the violet clad woman standing under the flower arch that your uncle specifically made for your 12th birthday party.

The woman looks surprised, and then something cruel crosses her features, and you take a half step towards your father, “It’s alright, there’s food enough for everyone still.”

“No, it is not alright.” Your father says sternly, “It’s rude to show up uninvited.”

“It is more rude to kick someone out without first offering food and drink,” You counter as you lift your chin, “She came here to celebrate, father, the least we can do is allow her to do so.”

Your father’s face twists in rage, and he throws his hands up, and stalks away, “Do what you want.”

You exhale slowly, and then you quickly build a plate of some tasty treats and a glass of meade, and you head over to the strange woman, and you offer her both food and drink, “I apologize for my father. If things don’t go exactly according to plan he gets irritated.”

“You have my gratitude, little princess,” The woman replies as she takes the food and drink, “For both the food and drink, and for inviting me to stay.”

“Oh, no. It’s the very least I can do.” You reply with a bright smile up at the woman, “Your dress is beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shade of purple so vibrant.” You add brightly.

The woman laughs, it’s a harsh noise that makes your hair stand on end, and you can’t help but feel like you’re walking on a very thin wire, with destruction looming on both sides. Though you’re nothing if not polite, so you keep a smile on your face, and you hide just how unsettled you are.

“You are far too kind, little Princess,” The woman says, once she’s calmed her laughter, her smile is sharp and you can’t help but notice that her lips look painted with blood, “Tell me, child, is your father always so angry?”

“I rarely see him without a scowl on his face,” You admit, “I he never speaks so much as yells. It’s why mother left.”

“And yet she didn’t take you with her?”

You keep the smile on your face through sheer force of will, even as the woman prods a still open wound on your heart, “Mother…mother did what she thought was best, I’m sure.”

“Hm…have you not seen her since she left, little one?”

Your face falls without your permission, “I’m sure she will. It’s…it’s still early. I’m sure my mother didn’t forget my birthday.” You say quietly.

The woman lightly touches your head, and you’re unable to stop your tremor. “Are you afraid, little one?”

“...you’re dangerous.” You whisper, “I don’t know how, or even why I think that. But you are.”

The woman smiles even wider, “You see much for one so young, little princess.” She coos, as her long nails trail against your cheek, “Your mother sent me here in her stead. She is sorry that she cannot come to you, little one, but she sends her love.”

“I miss her,” You whisper, “Father is so much angrier with her gone…”

“Do not fret so, little princess. All will be well. You’ll see.” Somehow, somehow that sounds like a threat, and you shudder as she taps you on the cheek with one long fingernail, “Now, go and enjoy your party.”

The woman vanishes into the crowd of adults, and somehow, even though you never looked away from her, you’re unable to see her again. You’re drawn from your anxious thoughts when your grandmother draws you into a conversation with one of her friends.

And though you don’t forget about the strange violet woman, you are able to put her out of your immediate anxieties for the next several hours. You get through the dinner, and the cake, and the presents (dresses and heels and jewelry designed for a woman, not a child), and it’s just before your father dismisses everyone from the party when the woman appears again.

She stands taller than everyone else at the party, somehow, though you’re sure that she was only a little bit taller than you when you first met her. Her hand flows like ink down her back, and, as you watch her, the violet designs on her gown shift and change, taking on different forms.

“Your Majesty,” She says, her voice smooth and cool, like cold water over stones, “You have not allowed me to give my gifts to the little princess.” She coos. She pins you in place with fathomless black eyes, and you want to scream, to run, to hide…but your muscles seize and you can’t move.

“I suppose, since you did bring a gift.” Your father grumbles, as he places his hand on your shoulder.

“Oh no, your majesty. I said gifts, not gift.” The woman replies, her smile sharp as a blade, “First, to the Little Princess,” She walks over to you, and presses a light finger against your forehead, “I grant you the gift of eternity.” 

Pain lances through you, starting at the top of your head and working down to your feet. Your legs give out on you, and you fall to your knees, and you hear screaming…screaming you realize is coming from you.

Everything becomes too loud, the scents become too strong, and you’re so cold…like you’ve never been warm a day in your life, and you’ll never be warm again.

“What did you do to my daughter!?” Your father demands, his hand is on your back and you just sob because everything hurts so, so much. It feels like millions of white hot knives are piercing your skin where your father is touching you.

“I granted her eternity,” The woman says cruelly. “She’ll age for another 10 years…and then she’ll stop, and she’ll be 22 forever.” There’s a pause, and then a quiet laugh, “Tell me, Your Majesty, have you never heard of Vampires?”

“That’s impossible,” Your Grandmother says sharply from where she’s smoothing your hair out of your face, “Everyone knows that a Vampire stops aging the moment they’re turned. You said-”

“Yes, yes. I just found the idea of being eternally 12 completely repulsive.” The violet woman replies blithely, “Now, where was I?” You manage to look up at the woman, even as you lean heavily against your grandmother.

“We’ll find a cure, sweetheart.” Your father promises, his voice ringing loudly in your ears.

There’s a snap, “Oh, yes. The second part! How foolish of me.”

“If you think I’m going to allow you anywhere near my daughter-”

“Oh. No, no. This second gift isn’t for her,” The Dark Woman says with a laugh, “It’s for everyone else.” There’s a moment of silence, “You’re not going to help the Little Princess, your majesty. No one is. For you will no longer be living.”

There’s a swell of magic that makes your skin prickles, and then the screams start. All across the garden party, men and women scream as vines burst from the ground, twinning around them. You get thrown back by a pair of massive vines as they twine around your father and grandmother, and you watch, horrified, as slowly the people start turning into plants.

It happens in a matter of seconds.

And the next thing you know, you’re alone in the garden with the Dark Woman, “There,” She says, “Perfect.”

And then she casts her gaze to you, you’re so weak you’re barely able to move, and pain still races through your body, but even so you try to push yourself up to a sitting position. “Hm…the transformation is going to take a few days…and I don’t want to have to deal with you…” 

She grabs your shoulder harshly, and then there’s a weird sensation of falling before you’re thrown onto a stone floor. “I bring a gift, your lordship,” The Dark Woman crows.

“A child?” A deep male voice questions, “I have no desire for any childre-” He stops mid-sentence, “What have you done?” His voice is silky smooth, and somehow hurts less than the woman’s voice.

“I turned her…well, in a manner of speaking.”

There’s a snarl of fury, and the dark woman takes half a step back, and you feel a surge of dark glee, “You turned a child?”

“She will age over the next ten years,” the Dark Woman promises, “She’ll stop aging at 22 years old, but she is one of you.”

There’s the sound of heels on stone, and gentle hands pull you into a lap, “Husband, you have granted this witch far too much freedom,” A woman says quietly, before gentle fingers card through your hair, “It’s going to be alright, dear one. We’ll take care of you. You’re family now.”

You turn your head into the smooth silk of the woman’s gown, and you hear much heavier footsteps, “You are quite right, my dear.” The man says, his voice low, “It looks like I have to set this right.”

Strong arms slide under you, and you find yourself secure in the arms of the woman who was comforting you, “Then, I leave you to your business, husband. I must tend to our new child.”

You drift off to sleep when you hear a door click open, and then shut behind you. The last thing you hear before sleep totally claims you, is the soft voice of the woman carrying you, “Fret not, little one. That woman will never harm another person.”

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

It’s been 500 years since the day you were turned, and you’re comfortable with the life you lead. You’re happy enough, you suppose, if not a little bit lonely.

You remained with your mother and father for several decades, while you got the hang of the whole vampire thing, but you’ve been wandering on your own for over 400 years since then.

You tend to move every 20 years out of necessity, though you’ve never hidden what you are from the people around you. It just gets tiring, watching the people around you age, and die, while you remain the same.

Plus, no one ever mentions the boredom of eternity.

Over the last 400 years you’ve been a lawyer, a singer, a writer, a musician, a blacksmith, a detective, a teacher…and everything in between. You’ve learned instruments, art, and crafts and- well, eternity is a very long time, after all.

This time, you’ve decided to be a doctor. You went to school and you took the classes and you got the degree, and now…here you are, working the night shift at a hospital in Mandalore.

Mandalore which used to be the Kingdom of Sirid…your father’s kingdom.

Not that anyone remembers Sirid…mother told you once that it was a continuation of the Dark Woman’s curse. She also mentioned that maybe it was a good thing. After all, no one is going to hunt down the princess of a kingdom that they don’t remember existed.

For what little it’s worth, you actually like Mandalore, and you hold no malice towards the Royal Family. But then, you have had 500 years to deal with this.

Your gaze drifts towards the palace, lit up even though it’s nearly midnight, and you sigh as you tilt your head back, your eyes closing. The breeze feels nice against your skin, even though you don’t get hot anymore. 

You hear the door click open, and light footfalls on the tiled roof. They hesitate a moment, and then continue towards you with slightly more purpose. “Enjoying the view, Baar’ur?”

You hum thoughtfully, and turn your head to regard the man standing next to you, “It is a nice view.” You admit, “But no, I’m enjoying the breeze.”

“It is a nice night,” Kix agrees as he leans against the railing next to you, his gaze locked on your face, “Hard night?” He asks.

“No harder than usual. Some people are funny about having someone like me working on them.” You add with a wry smile.

“Then they’re dumb,” Kix replies, “You’ve probably forgotten more than anyone in this hospital knows.”

You laugh quietly, “Well, I am very old.”

“Not that old.”

“I’m over 500 years old, Kix.” You remind him.

He grins at you, “Yeah, like I said.”

You laugh and turn so you’re leaning against the railing as well, “I suppose, in the grand scheme of things, I’m not that old.”

“Exactly. How old is your…ah…sire?”

“Oh, well over 2000. But I’m more his-his foundling,” You explain, “I wasn’t turned like normal vampires. I was ‘blessed’ with Eternity.”

“Doesn’t sound like much of a blessing,” Kix replies dryly.

“Mm. It’s not. But I make due.” You tilt your head back and look up at the stars, “Oh, was there something you needed Kix?” You ask.

“Wanted to make sure you’re alright.” He admits after a moment of silence, “That family wasn’t very nice to you.”

“They’re allowed. People still tell horror stories about my people…and with good reason. We’re not exactly safe, Kix.” You point out.

“You’ve never hurt a person in your life,” Kix replies, “I’m sure of it.”

“How can you know?” You ask, amusement clear in your voice.

“I’m pretty good at reading people.” He says easily, “And I don’t see you ever willingly hurting another person, even if you can.”

You laugh softly, “500 years, and you're the first person to ever be able to read me like that.”

He doesn’t say anything, but his grin takes on a smug air.

“Don’t be smug, Kix. It’s not a good look.” You sniff as you bump him with your shoulder.

“Everything I do is a good look,” He corrects as he bumps you back, allowing his shoulder to linger against you, “Because I’m gorgeous.”

“And so very modest.” You add dryly.

“Modesty is overrated,” Kix says loftily, though his grin fades slightly, “I’m really the first person in 500 years to be able to read you?”

You shrug, “Yeah. I was pretty good at shielding my true thoughts before I was turned, and then it became easier after.”

“You’ve had friends before though.”

“Sure. And then they grow up, get old, die…and I have to start over again. New place, new friends…still no one actually knew me.” You watch him for a moment, something achingly sad in your eyes, “Not like you, at least.”

“Sounds lonely.” Kix says after a moment, something like longing in his voice.

You exhale slowly, and turn your gaze back towards the sky, “You get used to it. You can get used to anything.” You close your eyes for a moment, and then straighten, “Alright, time for me to get back to work, I’m afraid. I’ll talk to you later, Kix.”

“Yeah. See you then.” Kix replies, sounding slightly distracted.

You finish your shift with little trouble, the majority of people who come to the hospital know that there’s a vampire on the staff and they don’t have a problem with it.

And once you hand over your patients to the dayshift doctor, you head to the locker room and pull on the protective clothing that shields you from the sun, and you leave for the day.

You make a stop at the markets, to pick up your weekly order of blood, sent by your mother, and then you head home.

The blood goes in the fridge, to keep it fresh, and then you feed your tooka, and finally you hop in the shower, to wash the hospital off of your skin, and finally you slide into bed. Thick black-out curtains keep the sun from even creeping into your room, and so you’re able to sleep peacefully without having to worry about any burns.

It’s later, much later, that day when you finally wake up and start your day.

It’s your night off, which means you’ll spend the evening doing all sorts of random things. You have the recording from the mid-day Yoga classes that you prefer, and then you can work on your tapestry for an hour or two…

You’re about to start your recording, when there’s a knock on the door. You glance at the chrono (a gift from a wizard, which shows exactly where the sun is located at that specific point in time) and you walk over to the door and open it a crack, making sure to keep yourself behind the door.

You blink in surprise at the man standing at your door, “Kix?”

“Hey,” He grins at you, “Can I come in?” You open the door a little more and let him into your home, “I brought some food, I know you don’t get anything from it, but you can still taste it, right?”

You shut the door once he’s inside, “I can, so long as it’s spicy. Or sweet.” You motion for him to move further into your home, “Sorry for the mess, I wasn’t expecting company.”

“Yeah, well…I wanted to surprise you.” Kix replies as he steps over your Tooka, “Is that a tapestry?”

“Yeah, I’ve been working on it for over 150 years now. And I’m not done yet.” You explain as you push the tapestry back to where it belongs. “It’s going to be epic when I do finish it though.”

Kix follows you into the kitchen, and sets the bags of food on the table, and watches as you hurry around grabbing plates and utensils, and he smiles when you pull a bottle of water out of the fridge for him, “You keep stuff in the house for other people?”

“Yeah, of course. Not a lot though.” You admit as you set everything on the table, and then slide into one of the chairs, “I am surprised to see you, though. I would think that you’d want to spend your free time with your brothers.”

“I spent plenty of time with them,” Kix says easily, “I wanted to spend time with you.” His gaze drifts around the room, lingering on the hundreds of pictures of you and different people, “So…any of those pictures of you with a boyfriend?” He asks.

You laugh and shake your head, “No. No boyfriends.”

“Girlfriend, then.” Kix teases gently.

“No, no girlfriend either.”

“Wait, so, you’re telling me that at 500 years old, you’ve never had a romantic partner?” Kix asks, surprised.

“Nope, never.” You serve the food, allowing Kix to take the majority, “I mean, it’s not like I’ve not considered it. It just…it doesn’t seem very fair, you know?”

“Not really.” He replies.

“Right,” You shake your head, “I’m going to stay 22…forever. I’m never going to grow old. So if I enter relationships, I’m destined to have to watch them die. And they have to watch me stay the same, forever.”

“You’re right. That doesn’t sound very fair,” Kix murmurs quietly, “Have you considered turning your partner?”

“...I don’t think you realize just how long forever is, Kix.” You point out.

“Sure I do. Forever is forever. I get that. But wouldn’t forever be better with a partner. Someone you know, you trust?” 

“Until he grows to resent me for taking his life from him? Or he decides that he’s not that interested in me?” You shake your head.

Kix taps a rhythm on the table, and then he stands and turns your chair so it’s not facing the table and he moves his chair so that when he sits, his knees are pressed tightly against yours, and then he takes your cold hands in his, “Do you know why I go out of my way to talk to you every time I see you?” He asks as he rubs his thumb over your knuckles.

You flash the smallest smile, “I have a pretty good idea,” You admit.

“Hm. Not good enough. I do this because I am completely in love with you. With everything about you.” Kix says, “I love how kind you are, even to people who hate you for what you are. I love how patient you are with people who are afraid and lashing out.”

“Kix-”

He releases one of your hands and lightly brushes his thumb against your cheek, and then over your lips, “You’re so beautiful,” Kix murmurs, “And it’s not just physical beauty, though you have that in spades too. That’s not what caught my eye first.”

“What do you-?”

“My first day at the hospital, you greeted me with a smile. You explained who you are, and what you are, and you gave me the grand tour. You were so kind to me, to everyone that crossed your path.” Kix explains, “And we ran across a man who hurled nothing but abuse at you, and you handled him so gently and so caringly, that he broke down sobbing. You said, ‘we have to see people on what might very well be the worst day of their lives, we can afford a little kindness’.”

“...I said that?” You ask.

“You did,” Kix answers, “And I fell in love with you at that moment.”

You stare at him, your eyes wide.

“And every day after that, I fall in love a little bit more. With every story you tell, with every word you speak, with every action you take.”

“Kix…”

“I want eternity with you.” Kix says seriously, “I’ve thought about it, I’ve spoken to my brothers about it. And eternity won’t be terrible if I’m walking it with you.” He pauses for a moment, and a wry smile crosses his face, “I also really, really want to kiss you.”

You laugh softly, and his other hand comes up to cradle your face. “How about we make a deal?”

“What kind of deal?” Kix asks.

“Two years.” You say as your hands come up to cradle his face, and he almost purrs at the feel of your hands against his skin, “Give me two years as my boyfriend, and if, at the end of two years, you still feel the same, then I will agree to turn you.”

He thinks about it for a minute, and then his gaze snaps to your face, “Deal. Two years. But, cyare, I’m not going to change my mind.”

“So you say,” You reply with a small smile.

His smile becomes soft, and he leans in and very gently presses his lips against yours. And then he kisses you again and again, each kiss becoming more heated than the last.

Until he pulls you onto his lap and tangles his hands in your hair, and crashes his lips against yours like he needs your lips against his to breathe. And the food remains on the table, forgotten by the both of you.

**********

Two years and six months later, you finally fulfill your promise to turn him, two days after the start of your honeymoon.

[johaerys-writes]

Are you up for a WIP Saturday or Sunday? Only if you don't mind, of course! Have a pleasant weekend and Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year anon! And sorry for taking so long to respond to this!! It's pretty early in the morning here and I can't sleep, so here's a snippet from the next chapter of you're a walking disaster and yet- (which is finished and should be up later today or tomorrow I think):

“Hello?” a very sleepy Rhea mumbles when Patroclus finally summons the courage to punch the numbers in the telephone. Said courage promptly leaves him when he is forced to speak in return, and realises just how absurd what he is doing is. 

“Hi,” he croaks after too long a moment, then promptly clears his throat, “hello. It’s me. Patroclus,” he adds, in case Rhea doesn’t remember what he sounds like. “I, um… sorry for waking you.”

“Pat?” Rhea asks with a yawn. “What happened—is everything okay?”

“Who is it?” an equally sleepy Dei asks, from somewhere inside the flat. 

“It’s Pat,” Rhea calls back. 

“Who?”

“I didn’t mean to disturb you,” Patroclus says hurriedly, regretting ever picking up the damn phone and calling them. “I just wanted to ask—”

“Give me that,” Dei says, pushing Rhea out of the way and taking hold of the receiver after some faint shuffling in the background. “Pat? Is that you?”

“Y—yeah,” he stutters. “Listen, I’m really sorry for calling at this hour, but I just wanted to ask—”

“You would dare,” Dei hisses. “You would dare call here, after everything you’ve done!”

Patroclus stares at the wall before him, stunned. “Excuse me?” 

“Had I known what would happen, I would never have invited you to my birthday party. In fact, you should consider yourself uninvited to any other party I might have. You are officially on the black list!”

“I don’t understand—”

“I was rooting for you, you know!” she snaps, and she sounds remarkably incensed with him for someone Patroclus has only known for a few days, and that he has spoken to very briefly.  “Rhea wasn’t. She has been telling him to move on for months, but I always rooted for you. And this is how you repay me!”

While Patroclus is still trying to make sense of the barrage of words flying from Dei’s mouth, Rhea tries to take the phone away from her. “Alright, Dei, that’s enough. You’re drunk and you must go back to bed.”

“No!” There’s a brief shuffling again, as the girls struggle for ownership of the phone. Patroclus listens helplessly as Dei evidently emerges victorious, snatching the receiver back. “Pat? Are you still there?”

“Yes,” Patroclus replies morosely. 

“You should be ashamed of yourself. Do you hear me?”

“Okay,” he agrees, even more morosely. He leans back against the wall and closes his eyes, wondering what on earth he’s doing with his life.

[allthewriteplaces]

A Magnolia In May: Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Summary: An enchanting moment between Thomas and Jessie elicits new emotions between them. Chapter Warning(s): This chapter is a little spicier than my other chapters, but don't worry, it's not explicit. It's also my first time writing something remotely spicy, so if it's cringey, I apologize. Word Count: 3367

Chapter Eighteen

Every last cookie had been eaten and now the four of us were sitting around the living room on various pieces of furniture wondering if eating them so close to dinner time was the best idea. In the end, we decided some soup and a few slices of bread would be just fine. It was shortly afterwards, as the children were reading their new books, that Lizzie announced she was going to see a film with Ada, and Linda and she needed about an hour or two to be able to get ready.

It was planned in advance, and while both ladies assured Lizzie that they could reschedule on account of her past lover returning home from the hospital, she said that as much as she loved and adored her children, she had also been looking forward to seeing this particular film because she was familiar with one of the actors who was starring in said film.

Being a member of the Shelby family did have its drawbacks, that must be said when it involves dealing with unsavoury individuals, that, my dear reader, could be a chapter in this story all on its own, but it also has its perks, such as being acquainted with well-established and even famous people.

According to Lizzie, he was quite charming, both on camera and off camera, and he wasn’t seeing anyone romantically, at least no one that she knew of.

“Sounds like you’re quite fond of him,” Thomas said, taking another drink of the milk in order to hide the almost Cheshire Cat-like grin on his face. Normally, he’d have a bottle of whiskey nearby, but apparently he’d learned the hard way not to mix cookies and whiskey, so he decided to have milk instead.

“As a matter of fact, I am,” Lizzie replied without missing a beat, which both surprised and amused him. He was probably expecting her to get all flustered and try to deny it. But Miss Lizzie Stark was a smarter woman than anyone gave her credit for, and she was one of the few people who could keep up with Thomas and his … Well, I suppose at this particular moment, one would call them antics.

“Does he fancy you as well?”

“I shall invite him to dinner after the film and we shall see,” she grinned, standing up from the sofa. She had her head turned, possibly to hide the hint of blush that was creeping up uninvited onto her cheeks.

“I’m surprised you don’t just skip ahead to dessert,” he chuckled.

The cheeky remark caused her to turn right around again. I was certain that she would have scolded him for talking in such an improper way in front of the children had they been listening in on their conversation, but fortunately, it went right over their heads. They were far too interested in their books than a boring conversation between three bickering grown-ups.

Or maybe they were listening, but chose not to acknowledge it.

“You’ll keep an eye on him, won’t you, Jessie? Keep him out of trouble?”

“You have my word,” I answered, fixing him with a playfully scolding look.

“Don’t worry, Lizzie, I promise I’ll behave myself,” he confirmed whilst draping one of his long arms over my shoulder. The tone in his voice suggested he was not making any promises.

“I commend you, Miss Bennett, for having so much patience for him,” she added, rolling her eyes a little. She walked over to Charlie and Ruby, kissed their heads and then went out into the hall to grab her coat. Both of them set their books on their chairs and followed her, since they felt they should give her a proper goodbye.

I could hear them telling her that they would miss her. I also heard Ruby say that they couldn’t wait to see her for their dad’s birthday party — which Charlie shushed her.

Thomas looked over at me for an explanation, but all I did in response was shrug my shoulders and make a ‘zipping up my lip and throwing away the key’ motion, indicating that I was sworn to secrecy.

The door soon closed and they came running back out into the living room, where the four of us all stayed, listening to the quiet tapping sounds of the rain outside. We also talked about the upcoming music recital and of course they were very excited to show us everything they’d learned and how hard they’d been practising.

“I remember when I first learned how to play the piano,” I said, “When I was a little girl, I sat on the wobbly wooden stool in my aunt and uncle’s living room and would start banging on the keys.”

“Like this?” asked Ruby, using her hands and making dramatic motions with them, pretending she was playing the piano.

“Exactly like that,” I answered with a laugh. “It’s a wonder my poor aunt didn’t leave the room, but she’d been teaching music to children when she was a young girl.”

“She had the patience of a saint, then,” said Thomas, smiling.

“Trust me, she did,” I answered.

Charlie looked my way. “You’ll be coming to our recital, won’t you?”

“Save me a seat and I will,” I replied. “When is it again?”

“Two weeks from Sunday,” he answered.

“Two weeks! Goodness me! Won’t be long now, will it?”

He turned to Thomas next. “And you’ll be coming, too, won’t you, Dad?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said.

He was silent for a while and when he spoke up again, something in his voice changed. It was more serious, more quiet, lacking the light-heartedness that he’d always used when speaking to his children.

“I’ve come too close to death far too many times and I’ve realised I have been taking them for granted. Life is too short for me not to spend as much time with the people I love as I can. Arthur will see over the company for the time being and meanwhile, I will be home with my children.”

“You don’t have to go to work tomorrow, Daddy?” asked Ruby, her eyes lighting up like stars. She got up from the table and sat down in his lap, wrapping her little arms around his shoulders. He smiled and brought one of his hands up to stroke her hair.

“Not for a while, little duck,” he answered.

“Does that mean you’ll be telling us a bedtime story, too?” Charlie said hopefully. Most boys his age had grown too old for bedtime stories, but not Charlie, he loved it when one of us would tell him a story, and it didn’t matter who told it or what it was about, he loved every second of it.

“Of course I will, my boy,” he promised, placing his other hand on Charlie’s shoulder. “I’ll tell you as many stories as you want.”

“A hundred!” Ruby exclaimed.

“No, a thousand!” Charlie put in.

“A thousand!?” Thomas gasped, “No, that’s far too many. How about instead of a thousand stories, we have two. Once we finish our dinner and get ready for bed, that is.”

“Remember to take it easy on your voice, Tommy,” I advised.

“I’m fine, darling, don’t worry about me,” he assured her.

I sighed, brushing aside the fact that he just called me ‘darling’

“Okay, well, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” I said. I could hear him laughing as I made my way to the kitchen to start making the soup and I shook my head and sighed again.

It was strange not having Lizzie around. We’d spent a lot of time together over the past couple of weeks and she’d become one of my closest and dearest friends.

Which was strange since she was Thomas’ past lover and I was — Well, I wasn’t sure what I was, to be honest, but she knew the extent of our relationship slash partnership or whatever you want to call it went well past mere friendship.

Friends may have slept in the same bed if the other person was having a nightmare. Sometimes my younger cousins would come into my room and I would let them stay with me when they had bad dreams and were too frightened to stay in their own rooms, but I highly doubt that even close friends would pin each other against a wall of a house and then end up kissing passionately.

In the pouring rain, no less.

It sounded like something straight out of a regency romance novel.

No matter how hard I tried, neither my mind nor my body would ever forget that kiss. Whenever I thought about it, whenever I would think back to when his lips met mine or when our hands touched, my heart would start beating a little faster.

Perhaps the fact that I’d almost lost him made me want to look at him as if it were the last time I would ever see him. I found myself paying more attention to those subtle gestures, the smiles and the glances he threw my way and the way his eyes sparkled as he interacted with his children.

Almost losing him also made me realise that it was a lot better to take a chance, to take a leap and allow myself to fall in love. I made up my mind that tonight, as soon as dinner was over and the children were asleep after their two bedtime stories, I was going to tell him how I felt. Even if he didn’t return my sentiment, at least then I would know for sure.

I volunteered to clean up the kitchen after dinner since I was feeling a tad anxious and didn’t think I could sit still for a moment longer. I figured that if I could do something with my hands, it would stop them from trembling so badly.

Suddenly, Thomas’ arms wrapped around my waist and he buried his nose into the crook of my neck. It took me by surprise and I nearly dropped the plate I was washing into the sink, but it didn’t take me long to recover and once I dried the plate and put it away into the cabinet, soon I was leaning into him.

“What are you doing?” I asked, giggling nervously.

“What do you mean?” he asked coyly.

“You know what I mean, Thomas,” I said.

“Do I?” He left a trail of kisses along my collarbone and I could feel him smiling against my neck as I laughed.

“Yes,” I replied. “You know exactly what you’re doing.”

“If you want me to stop —”

“No!” I said, a little too quickly. “I mean, I don’t want you to stop.”

He lifted his head to look into my eyes. He tucked my hair behind my ear and moved it away from my neck. The feeling of his fingertips sent pleasant shivers down my spine and my eyes fluttered shut.

I turned all the way around. Our chests were pressed together, his breath fanned my lips, making them tingle. The electricity buzzed between us and the only way to kindle that spark was for one of us to give in, but just as I was about to lean forward, he brought a finger to my lips.

“Not here,” he said.

He took my hand and like two mischievous children who were definitely up to no good, we made our way up the stairs as quietly as we could, trying our best to hold in our laughter so we didn’t wake the kids. It was a lot harder when I stepped back and my back bumped into the door.

Reaching behind me, my hand found the knob. I turned it and we both stumbled through the door.

His hands found my waist and as he lifted me off the ground and carried me on his hips, my arms went up to wrap around his broad shoulders. I kept my hands there, even when he tossed me unceremoniously onto the bed. He leaned over me.

“Now what?” I asked, trying to keep my voice from trembling.

“I think we both know the answer to that, Miss Bennett,” he said before bringing his lips to mine, sealing our souls together in a searing, passionate kiss.

Briefly, we pulled apart. My hands unbuttoned his shirt and I didn’t waste any time tossing it to the ground beside the bed. At the same time, his hands reached for my blouse and I watched with saucer-like eyes as he slowly undid all the buttons. He watched my expression and I could tell he was doing it on purpose. He wanted to make the moment last.

Soon enough, every piece of our armour had been shed and we were sitting across from each other, completely vulnerable and open and once we joined each other again, he smiled. “You’re so beautiful.”

“You’re even more beautiful,” I said, crawling into his lap and placing my hands on his shoulders. His hands moved up and down my waist and sides and I exhaled.

This was the first time I’d ever experienced the true high of being young, impulsive and in love.

Oddly enough, it was better than anything I expected.

My aunt had told me about this particular part of the courting process, not sparing a single detail, once I was old enough to start searching for potential husbands, and two of the things that scared me, was the pain that would come. It was short, she’d said, and would quickly go away, but it would still feel odd at first.

The second thing was the image of us being so wrapped up in our passion, that we would be too blissfully unaware of the almost unholy sounds that would escape us, which for your sake, dear reader, I will not delve too far into because one, it is improper to discuss such things with a stranger, and two, I doubt you wish to know the details anyway.

However, there was no pain and no awkwardness.

It was actually quite peaceful.

Our hands and our lips moved in sync, exploring every inch of each other, sending more sparks and shivers throughout our bodies. It was a feeling I didn’t know I’d needed, and I yearned for him to continue.

The kiss we shared in the rain was incredible, but this kiss?

It was indescribable!

What followed our passionate endeavour, was a long, solemn silence in which we laid side by side, with the blankets wrapped around us and my head resting on his chest. I could hear his heart beating against my ear and it had slowed down to a nice steady rhythm, much like my own, whereas before it was pounding as though it might jump right out of his chest.

I must have fallen asleep at some point because when I opened my eyes again, it had gotten darker outside and the moon was shining brighter through the window.

We weren’t face to face or nose to nose anymore, but Thomas’ arm was still wrapped around my waist. His head rested in the crook of my neck, and when he exhaled or softly hummed in his sleep, I felt his warm breath on my skin and shivered.

I also had to bite down on my lower lip lightly in order to keep myself from laughing and waking him up. At the same time, I could feel him smiling, which meant he mustn’t have fallen asleep all the way and also that he knew exactly what he was doing. I turned over until I was nose to nose again and smiled.

Smiling back, he reached up and tucked a strand of my hair away from my neck and kissed the spot below my ear. Once, twice, three times, and with each kiss, the air left my lungs and my heart beat so wildly I could feel it in my throat, just like before, when we’d been in the heat of our amorous affair, we’d neglected to close the curtains, but seeing the moonlight shining on his face and in his eyes, I didn’t regret my neglectfulness one bit.

My one hand found its way onto his cheek and he placed his own hand on top of mine, while the fingers on my other hand traced the scars and tattoos on his bare skin.

“So beautiful,” I whispered.

“No, you’re so beautiful,” he replied, his voice just as soft. His fingers trailed up and down my back. The only thing that we could hear was the rain against the roof and the gentle rumbling of thunder in the distance, which I must admit was the perfect ambience for our evening. “What I mean is, you’re even more beautiful than I am.”

“More beautiful?”

“Yes,” he said, without a second of hesitation. He kissed the tip of my nose and I scrunched it up and his warm, adoring smile turned into a cheeky grin. “I love that cute face you make when I kiss your nose.”

“You mean this one?” I scrunch it up again.

He laughed. “Yes, that one. I love everything about you. Your tender heart, your smile, your laugh, and I missed looking into those eyes every night as we sat across the table from one another.”

“I missed you, too,” I said, “While you were away, I just kept praying that you would come back home safely, and then when you did come back and you were hurt, I was so afraid that I was going to lose you and —”

“Hey,” he took my face between his hands, his thumb stroking my cheek. “I’m not planning on going anywhere. Not until I have the chance to marry you, and even then, I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Every word he said was filled with love and it looked as though there were tears coming into his eyes, meaning he truly meant every word he was saying to me. And the fact that he’d told me he loved me as we laid beside each other on the bed, it was almost like a dream, or that we were in a secret corner of the universe. Just the two of us.

“If I had a ring in my hands right now,” he continued, “I would open the box right now and propose to you with those exact words — better yet, I would sit down at my desk, write a nice, romantic poem and read it to you, or maybe I’d recite a line from your favourite book. I just want to give you the best.”

Thomas ran a hand through his hair and sighed.

“Unfortunately for us, I don’t have a ring to give you. Not yet anyway.”

“I don’t need a ring, Thomas,” I said, taking his hand in mine. “All I need is you, right here beside me.”

“And here is where I’ll always be.” He brought my hand up to his lips and kissed it softly. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you, too,” I said.

“I missed you more.”

“No,” I argued, “I missed you more.”

“Yeah, well, I missed you most.”

“Fine,” I said, turning onto my back. “You win. Does everything have to be a competition with you?”

Grinning, he propped himself up on one arm and leaned over me. “When it comes to who missed who or who loves who more, yes, it does.”

“And what if,” I paused and sat up. “What if I was letting you win?”

Thomas considered this for a moment, and then got up on his knees, taking my hips. “Well, that wouldn’t be fair now, would it? It would seem I have to, as they say, up my game. Improve my tactics, find what makes you tick and use it to my advantage.”

I gripped his shoulders once again as a loud crack of thunder sounded from outside and the lightning flashed, making everything look as though it were the middle of the day.

If this was what it truly felt like to love and be loved in return, I didn’t want it to end.

To Be Continued. Taglist: @zablife @sherbitdibdab @runnning-outof-time @cillmequick

[goldenempyrean]

sick natasha on reader’s birthday using the prompts “I promise I’m fine, lets just enjoy your party.” and “It doesn’t matter what day it is. If you don’t feel good, I need you to tell me.”

Uninvited Guest

Sorry theres been abit of a gap between posting. I still have afew more drabbles to get done :) this hasnt been edited so sorry about that :p

░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░

“Get your ass to bed Romanoff.” Tony scoffed, looking over at Natasha who sat slumped over the bar, her head in her hands. Over the booming music and loud chatter of people she hadnt even heard him approach.

“Fuck off,” She hissed, not having the energy to think of a petty remark.

“Seriously you look like shit. Wouldn’t it be better for all of us if you went to bed?” Tony insisted, pouring himself another whisky.

“How does that benefit me, plus this is my girlfriends party, theres no way I’m gonna miss it for some sniffles.” Natasha said, grabbing a tissue to discreetly blow her nose.

“For one, it means that I’m not going to catch whatever cooties you have going on over there.” He gestured with his hand, before softening his tone, “Plus, you really don’t look well Natasha, I don’t think Y/N is gonna be very happy if they find out about this… Oh.” His sentence trailer off, staring at something just over Natasha’s shoulder.

None of them had noticed you approach them and so you had caught the last bit of their conversation, “You don’t think I’m gonna be happy about what?” You asked, raising an eyebrow at Tony who threw up his hands defensively before quickly scooting away.

“Whats up, my love?” You came from behind Natasha and took the seat infront of her, “You’ve been awfully quiet all night.”

“Everything’s fine, Tony was just winding you up Hh everything Hhh is fi- Hh’iiitshhiew! Hh’ishtoo!” Natasha ducked her head into her elbow and turned away from you as she muffled the sneezes which she had tried so desperately to holdback.

“You’re sick…” You said as the realisation hit you. Reaching out to hold her hand, sighing as another thought clinked in you mind. Just how long had she hidden this from you?

Natasha shuffled uncomfortably in her seat. She hated that she had pulled you away from your party, especially for her stupid cold, “I promise I’m fine, lets just enjoy your party.” She sniffled damply as she finished her sentence.

“That can wait Natasha, have long have you felt ill?” You asked, not willing to back down from this.

Nat realised that you weren’t going to give this up so offered a quiet answer, “Just a day or so. I didn’t want to tell you, todays your birthday, this is your party. Today is meant to be about you.”

There was a small moment of silence as you thought of the right words to say, “It doesn’t matter what day it is. If you don’t feel good, I need you to tell me.”

You stood up and went behind her, pulling her against your chest, earning yourself a noise of contempt from her as she whispered s quiet, “Ok.”

In that moment Stark came wandering back, giving you a knowing look down at Nat who had her eyes closed as she rested her head against you, safely tucked in your arms.

[bqstqnbruin]

23

Hello, hello, here I am with a fic for @antoineroussel's winter fic exchange. I had an amazing time writing this for @rosesvioletshardy. I hope you like it 💛💛💛

This was inspired by the song 23 by Kyle Hume

Word count: 5.5k

Warnings: swearing, implications of sex (nothing really serious or explicitly mentioned), I'm mean in this at times but that's on brand at this point

________________________________

Save the date: Jeremy and Steven, January 22nd, 2022

Andrea and Eric’s daughter Amelia’s first birthday party, February 13th, 2022

Save the date: Taytum and Alex, March 19th, 2022

Save the date: Michelle and Nathan, March 26th, 2022

Steve and Liz’s engagement party, April 10th, 2022

Rachel’s baby shower, May 21, 2022

Save the date: Emily and Kevin, August 6th, 2022

Save the date: Natalie and Domenic, October 8th, 2022

And those were just the ones that were already sent to you. Not to mention the how many that you knew were coming, that were already in the works of being planned, and the ones that you just didn’t want to go to or already knew you couldn’t attend.

It seemed like every other day, a new ‘Save the date’ card or wedding invitation was showing up in your mailbox, someone else that you knew growing up, in college, now at work, getting married or announcing an engagement, having a child, doing something that warranted a celebration for any major life event that everyone was having.

Everyone but you.

You were just living your life, doing whatever it was that you wanted, not a care in the world. Part of you didn’t care that you seemed to be the only one of your friends who didn’t have a significant other, who wasn’t completing some major life milestone every other month, who really just was going with the flow of things in hopes that everything would eventually work out. The other part of you was anxiously waiting for everything to work out, that something good would happen to you with someone great.

Maybe you’ll find that by the time you’re 23. That seemed like a good age to get going. It was the age your parents met, the age your brother had his first kid, the age where everything good happened to everyone in your family. It had to be the same for you.

________________

“Who are you bringing to Jer’s wedding?” Cellini asked you.

You shrugged, not looking up from your computer. “Fuck if I know.”

“Didn’t you say that you were bringing someone?”

“Yeah.”

“And you don’t know who that is yet?”

“No.”

“I’m only going to invite you to my wedding if you’re in a relationship.”

You finally look up, the annoyed look on your coworkers face in contrast to the confused one on your own. “Why?”

“Because!” she screams, a few of your other coworkers looking up, shooting dirty looks in your direction, “Do you know how annoying it is to not be able to make the little seating card and have an actual name for the seating chart?”

You stare at her, trying to process what it was that she could possibly be trying to say to you. “No, and neither do you.”

“I helped plan Milani’s wedding,” she tells you, referring to her sister, “and she uninvited anyone who said they were bringing a date and then couldn’t say who their date was.”

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at her, knowing that Jeremy would never do that to you. “Jer isn’t that dramatic.”

“He might not be, but Steven is.”

“And who are you bringing?” you ask her, hoping that she didn’t have an answer.

“Seamus, duh,” she says, you silently kicking yourself for forgetting the boyfriend she talked about constantly. You two sit there for a few moments before Cellini starts up again. “What if I set you up with someone?”

“Oh, god, no,” you groan, sitting back in your chair, your head thrown back slightly as you covered your face with your hands. “Last time you did that, I had food poisoning for a week and couldn’t find my favorite bra until I got it in the mail in an unmarked package three months later.”

Cellini scoffs, sitting back in her own chair. “I can’t believe you don’t trust me with finding you a wedding date.”

“What reason have you given me so far that would make me trust you?”

“I’ll find you three dates and you can pick from there, how about that?”

“You don’t even know three single guys.”

Cellini had apparently taken that as a challenge, finding you not only three single guys, but going beyond that and finding you five, single, and incredibly attractive men who had no business still being single unless there was something seriously wrong with them.

There was Maxwell, the guy who was on his college cross country team and it still showed, especially since running seemed to be the only thing he talked about. His red flag was that he had an obsession with bugs, which wasn’t something you really cared about, follow your passion and everything, but it became a little much when the two of you first met and he left you to chase a bug that he saw on the sidewalk for his collection.

There was Clayton, who was cute, but he really didn’t seem to be there meeting you for any reason other than Cellini told him he had to be. He was probably only doing it because you were sure that Cell had mentioned he had a crush on her at one point, and based on the way he couldn’t stop talking about her, he didn’t seem to be passed that crush just yet.

There was Jackson, the one who told you when you were leaving that first meeting that he liked you and wanted to spend more time with you, but didn’t want anything with you. Not even to go to the wedding with you. He thought Cellini was just doing this as a blind date because he had told her he was bored and alone.

There was Luke, the high school teacher at a Catholic school in the area. He was fine. He ended up just being another nondescript guy that would probably show up in a dream or something without you being able to place where in your life that face came from.

After the fourth guy, you weren’t sure Cellini was actually on to anything.

“What’s his name again?” you asked her, on the phone with her, waiting for her last option for Jeremy’s wedding to arrive at the coffee shop he picked. “Titus? Timmy?”

“Who the fuck is Titus? His name is Tyson. He’s friends with Milani’s husband. Honestly, I should have just introduced you two to each other first.”

You scoff, knowing Cellini was probably giving you a look despite you being unable to see it. “And why would that be?”

“You two are perfect for each other.”

“Y/N?” You hear, pulling your attention away from Cellini’s description of him.

“He’s tall, adorable, just dorky enough that he seems innocent, but not enough so you know he can be a little devious when he needs to be. He’s fit, like’ running your hands on his abs and never wanting to stop’ fit. He’s got that smirk that you love and will make you melt, curls that I know you want to run your hands through and pull while he moans your name,” she told you, you only tuning into the last part, hanging up without a word.

“Tyson? Hi,” you greet him as he takes the seat across from you. Cellini was right about everything she said. She should have introduced you two first.

“So, you need a wedding date?” he asks you.

You didn’t know what it was about him, but you couldn’t help but start to blush, sheepishly nodding in reply. “Mine and Cellini’s friend is getting married and I said I would bring a date, which I don’t have.”

“Yeah, your friend Jeremy!” he says, shifting towards you, his arms resting on the table supporting him. “Cellini showed me their wedding site, he and Steven look like they make a great couple.”

“They are,” you tell him, starting to mirror the smile that was growing on his face. “They met when they were freshmen in college.” You tell him the story that you knew about them, sure that you were leaving out details about them, but he didn’t seem to notice or care. He seemed to be hanging on to every word of yours, his chin resting in the palm of his hand.

The two of you sat in the coffee shop for hours talking about everything you could think of. From the outside, it looked like you two were friends who had known each other forever.

“Oh, shit,” Tyson says, checking his watch. “I have to get going, I have to pack for a road trip.”

You had no idea why, you were sad that he was leaving, wishing you could spend more time with him and trying to think of anything you could say that could lead to you being with him longer. “Do you need help?” you offer.

He hesitates for a second, immediate regret washing over you. “I should be fine this time,” he tells you, you praying that the hurt that you felt wasn’t showing on your face. “But, how am I doing on the wedding date front?” he asks, a smirk growing on his face.

You give him a small smile, trying your best to flirt with him. “Well, I don’t know if I should say yes to you when I barely know you.”

“Good, because I get back Sunday,” he says, standing up from the table, “and if you’re interested, I want to see you again before the wedding.”

You tell him yes, letting out the breath you didn’t know you were holding, watching him leave the coffee shop unable to let your eyes wander anywhere besides him until he was out of sight. You sit back in your seat, trying to figure out what the hell just happened. You never were like this after meeting a guy unless you were drunk and waking up the next morning regretting at least one decision from the night before and leaving as soon as you could.

But Cellini had known the guy who could take your breath away all this time, waiting until now to introduce the two of you.

________________

Sunday rolled around, Tyson inviting you over to his place to make you dinner and watch a movie with him, Cellini not hesitating to tease you about your ‘Netflix and chill’ night that was about to happen as your first date. Actually, your second date, since Tyson told you he considered your first date that day you met.

You were sitting on his couch, Tyson banishing you from the kitchen while he cleaned up and telling you to find a movie that you could watch. You found 13 Going on 30, not caring if Tyson had seen it or not, settling into the cushions while the opening credits started playing.

“What did you pick?” The title cards comes up on the screen before you can answer, Tyson saying, “Huh, I’ve never seen this one before.”

“How have you never seen one of the best movies ever?” you ask him, Tyson extending his arm across the back of the couch for you to lean up against him, resting your head on his shoulder. The two of you stay like that the entire movie, Tyson adding his commentary every now and then, his fingers dancing up and down your arm, tracing patterns as he pulled you closer to him with every chance he got.

By the last scene, Jenna and Matt are sitting on the couch outside their new home, sharing Razzles, you and Tyson in a similar pose. You look over at Tyson, feeling his eyes on you for the last few moments.

“You aren’t watching,” you whisper, seeing his eyes flickering down to your lips.

“I know,” he says, his face inching closer to yours. “This might sound dumb, but can I kiss you?”

You could feel his breath on you, waiting for you to tell him what you want. “Yes,” you let out, his lips connecting with yours without a second thought. His hands wrapped around you, pulling you up onto his lap, you running your hands through his hair. Your mind went blank, wanting him, needing him to do everything he asked. He seemed to be the same; every time you asked him if you could do something, he eagerly told you yes as you went for it. Your bodies moved together as if they were made for each other, finding the parts of you in him that you didn’t know were missing.

Part of you thought he was the love you were supposed to find when you were 23.

________________

“Ok, so I heard from Tyson that things went well,” Cellini says to you that next Monday at work, her eyebrows wiggling to match the mocking tone that was dripping from her voice.

You were suddenly mortified, praying that she didn’t know everything about that night. “What did you hear?”

“Tyson wants to go to the wedding with you,” she squeals, just about jumping out of her seat in excitement. “See, I told you that you were perfect for each other.”

Cell keeps gushing about you and Tyson as a date, going on and on about how he would look so good with the tie color that matched your dress, dancing with you, everything. “When’s your next date?”

“The wedding?” you say, a hint of confusion in your voice. The other night wasn’t really a date. You hadn’t even technically agreed to take him to the wedding. Cellini still apparently had another man for you to see if he was your potential date. “What about guy number five?”

“Tyson was guy number five.”

“Well, you said you had another one after Tyson.”

“Why do you need to meet James?”

“Actually,” you start, “If he calls himself James, there’s probably something wrong with him.” You let out a sigh, guess you had to settle. Settling for someone who could be perfect for you if you were in a place where you were ready to be with someone. Settling for Tyson.

Cellini keeps going on about you and Tyson again, not seeing to notice or just not caring about the fact that you weren’t paying attention to a word that she was saying. You wanted Tyson to text you, not go through your friend to say that you would go to the wedding together. The wedding was in about two weeks, plenty of time for him to get his tux and match his tie to your dress. He didn’t have to be anything more than your wedding date. There was no need for him to be more than that. You weren’t 23 yet, you didn’t have to worry yet.

“Oh, my god,” Cellini stops her rant, her eyes wide as she looks just over your shoulder.

You turn to see what it was that had her like that, or rather, who. Tyson was at the front desk of your office, talking to the receptionist but clearly looking for someone while he listened to whatever it was they were telling him. He finally lays his eyes on you, a wide smile covering his face that you couldn’t help but melt at the sight of. Something about that stupid grin of his was haunting your memories in the best way possible, from the smile he gave you after he pulled away from kissing you, the one he flashed as he was leaving that next morning, every time he did was replaying like a film reel in your head as he was walking towards you. “Hey, Cellini,” he greets your friend before she scurries off, mouthing something along the lines of ‘have fun’ before disappearing. He turns to you, not seeing what she said. “I was wondering if I could take you out to lunch.”

There was something about the slight tone of nerves that were coming through his voice that sent shivers down your spine. You had only known this boy for a week and there was something about him that you couldn’t stop thinking about him. You knew he was only your date for your wedding, but you couldn’t stop yourself from taking him up on his invitation to lunch.

He brings you to a cafe not far from where you worked, his hand in yours the entire walk there as if you two had been together for years. Tyson sits across from you, his hand running through his hair nervously as he looks at you. “I have to admit,” he lets out with a sigh, “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the other night.”

You give a smile, Tyson matching yours. “I haven’t either,” you tell him, Tyson reaching across the table. You put your hand in his, feeling him give you a gentle squeeze. What was this, where you two dating? Were you supposed to ask him what he thought, if he thought you were? Or was he only in it for the friends with benefits and the wedding? You would be fine with the latter. You weren’t sure you could handle dating at this point.

“Are you busy tomorrow night?” he asks you.

You want to see him. You need to see him.

“Like for another date?” you ask him.

“Yeah. You know, dinner, a walk around the city, back to your place or my place and hopefully repeat the other night if you’re willing?” he suggests, a rosy tint showing up on his cheeks at his suggestion.

He take in a deep breath, trying to figure out what you wanted. You wanted him. But you couldn’t have him. “I like the first part of that,” you start, your voice trailing off as the smile on his face fell.

Tyson felt himself starting to panic. “Did I do something wrong the other night? You can tell me, I don’t want you to be uncomfortable in any way,” he lets out.

“No, no,” you reassure him, squeezing his hand that was still holding yours. “You did nothing wrong, I just.” You stop yourself, trying to figure out what to tell him. “I think you want more than I do from this.”

His shoulders deflate at your words. “What do you want from this?”

This wasn’t a conversation you pictured having as the waiter brought over the food you had already forgotten you ordered, sitting there in public as the stream from the panini you got started to reach your face. But there you were, in the cafe, talking about where you wanted this relationship to go with the boy sitting in front of you. This perfect, gorgeous, sweet boy who was everything you could ever wish for in a man. “I don’t know if I’m ready to be dating someone.”

________________

You hadn’t seen him in a week and a half. Not that you didn’t want to, but you were working late nights trying to get everything done (thank you overtime pay), and the nights that you weren’t working late were the ones that he was either traveling or just playing a game and didn’t have time to come see you. You missed him.

“Why aren’t you dating him, again?” Cellini asks you while you’re sitting at your desk, staring at your phone instead of actually doing any work. You were trying to manifest him texting, calling, sending a snapchat, anything that would give you a reason to talk to him like you had been waiting for all day.

“I don’t date.”

Cellini scoffs, earning a confused look from you. “You’ve been spending the last year and a half that I have known you talking about how you hated that you felt like you were ‘behind’ everyone you knew when it came to meeting the person you were supposed to spend your life with. Now you’ve met him, and all you’re doing is using him to sleep with and then as a wedding date. Then what?”

“I am not. I’m not ready to date,” you try to argue back.

“No, you think you aren’t ready to date. Tyson is your person. Tyson is the one you’ve been waiting for in your life to be yours, I know it.

You roll your eyes at your friend. “How do you know he’s my person?”

Cellini shrugs, looking down at her hands and starts picking at her cuticles, not making eye contact with you. “I don’t for sure, it’s just a feeling. But you won’t know unless you date him. Like, actually date him.”

“I told you, I don’t care about dating. I have time when I’m older to date, I don’t have to start thinking about that stuff yet,” you say to her, leaving out your arbitrary age that you wanted to date knowing that it was ridiculous.

Cellini rolls her eyes at you, standing up from her chair. “There’s no timeline set in stone about when you meet someone. There’s no schedule about when you’re supposed to fall in love, get married, when you’re supposed to accomplish those ‘milestones’ that you always talk about. When your person comes, they come. Your person is here in your life, and you’re trying to keep him out of it for God only knows what reason.”

Before you can respond, Cellini walks away, leaving her words hanging around you. ‘Your person is here in your life.’ There’s no way she could actually know that Tyson was the one for you. He was just your wedding date, and nothing more.

________________

The night before Jeremy’s wedding, you and Tyson were at your place, as you had been the last few nights that both of you were free. You couldn’t help but feel like the two of you were actually dating, something you were trying to stay away from, something that you kept telling yourself that you weren’t ready for.

You were cuddled up next to him on your bed, the sheets pulled up over your chest, Tyson’s hand in yours as you both tried to catch your breath. Tyson was unlike any guy you had been with before, so why were you trying so hard to push Cellini’s words out of your head.

Tyson kisses the top of your hair, mumbling something against you that you could make out. You look up to him, a lazy smile on his face. “What was that?”

“I like this,” he says, using his free hand to tilt your chin up to him, his eyes flicking between yours and your lips. He pulls you close to him for a sweet, slow kiss, his hand cupping your face before working its way to the back of your neck to pull you closer to him. He pulls away first, you wanting to go back for more when he presses his forehead against yours. “I like you.”

You smile at him, unsure what to say before settling back onto his shoulder, feeling him kiss the top of your head again. The wedding was tomorrow. You probably weren’t going to see Tyson again after tomorrow night, probably not like this at least. You were trying to tell yourself that you didn’t want anything more with Tyson than you had now, and that you shouldn’t even being doing what you’ve been doing with him, no matter how good it was. No, no matter how great it was. “I like you, too,” you let out, barely above a whisper.

Tyson was everything, but he couldn’t be anything.

“I need to ask you something,” he tells you, shifting so you’re forced to sit up and look at him. “We’ve been dating for a little bit now,” he starts.

“Wait,” you cut him off. “This isn’t dating.”

You could feel your heart shatter at the look on his face, the absolute disappointment and confusion that fell on him. “Then what is this?” he asked, quietly.

“We’ve been on dates, but we aren’t dating. This was just for the wedding,” you say to him, hating yourself for those words.

“So when do we get to the part where we are dating?” he asks, the tone in his voice starting to change.

You sit up a little straighter, feeling an argument coming on between you and him. “We don’t.”

“Why? I like you, I want to be with you, and I have a feeling you like me and want to be with me,” he says.

You bite your lip, knowing that he was right. “I do, but,”

“But, what?” he cuts you off. “Is this that stuff Cellini had warned me about?”

“What did she warn you about?”

“You don’t want to date anyone. You have it in your head that you have to wait for a certain time in your life where you can start living and being with someone else. Why?”

You flinch at his words, something about the bite in his tone that you didn’t expect making you recoil from him. You never really thought about why other than, ‘because.’ “There’s no point in doing anything serious right now,” was the best answer you could give him.

“But, why?” he asks again, more force in his voice.

You couldn't answer him, your mouth opening in closing like a fish while he stared you down waiting. He didn’t wait too long for an answer, getting up out of your bed and gathering his clothes. He turns to you while you sat there, silently, shaking his head with his clothing balled up against him.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Tyson opens his mouth as if he wanted to say something else, shaking his head and closing the door behind him instead of letting out what he wanted to. He stood on the other side of your door, putting on his clothing as silently as possible while he tried to listen to see if you were going to try to chase after him.

You sat there, too stunned to move. You had just sabotaged what was probably the best relationship you would have in a long time, with the best guy you had met, the most perfect person for you was sitting in your bed next to you, and there you were, letting him walk away.

Tyson let out another sigh, trying to fight back his tears while you were there letting yours fall. You got up, not loud enough for Tyson to hear you, and crept over to your door. You had no idea if he was still there, your hand hovering over the doorknob. If you had opened the door while Tyson was still there, his back leaning against the wall next to it, he would stay.

He would stay, and do everything he could to convince you that you were both in the right place in your life to be with each other. Deep down, he knew that everything about you two was what you needed from the other; you were his comfort, his voice of reason even though you were just as insane as he was, his person to talk to when he wasn’t right for whatever reason. He was your strength, the warmth that you needed when you couldn’t find it otherwise, your joy and the smile on your face.

All you had to do was open the door. Your hand was right there ready to open it, Tyson there on the other side without you knowing. You just had to open it and you would find what could be your forever relationship on the other side.

And you didn’t open the door.

________________

“You look like shit,” Cellini says when she opens the door to her place. The two of you were getting ready together that morning and heading over to the wedding that way. You already knew that Cellini’s observation was true; you spent the night after you heard your door close crying. You were kicking yourself for letting Tyson get away from you, but what else were you going to do. You didn’t want to be with someone. But Tyson made you think otherwise. You always heard that you would find your person when you stopped looking, and there he was, when you weren’t looking.

“I know that, help me not look like shit,” you mumble, pushing past her with your dress in hand.

The two of you get ready in silence, Cellini already filled in about Tyson storming out last night. She was mad at you for it, but not showing you at that moment. You were mad enough at yourself, anyway. You spent the night thinking about Tyson, wishing he was there with your, the image of him burned in your mind every time you closed your eyes. You hated yourself for letting him walk away. 23 was too far away for you when Tyson was so close.

“Is he still coming today?” Cellini breaks the silence between you.

You shrug looking at yourself in the mirror. You just finished your makeup, the thought of Tyson ditching you starting to make you tear up, and there was not enough time to redo your makeup if you were going to cry. “Do you think he’s the kind of guy to bail?” Cellini gets up, gently resting her hand on your shoulder.

“For you, I don’t think he would.” You nod, knowing that if you said anything, it would just be followed with a sob. You were pretty much ready to go, slipping into your dress and heels before Cellini tried to find the keys to her car. She had helped you pick out a red dress, outside of your normal black, but fuck, you looked good.

You just wanted Tyson to see you in it.

There was nothing that could occupy your mind other than Tyson during the wedding. Jeremy was saying he would spend the rest of his life with the love of his life, he and Steven looking the happiest you had ever seen them. They were saying their vows, you trying to force a smile when Cellini nudged you in the side. You couldn’t see Jeremy and Steven. You wanted to be standing there with Tyson, something absurd for only having known him for a few weeks, but Cellini was right, he was your person.

Love at first sight was never on your mind. Falling in love quickly was never on your mind. Finding your person was something you never thought would happen, and neither was letting him go.

Getting to the reception was a blur, the first part of it was a blur, and you were sure the rest of the night would be the same. There was nothing, no one, that could keep your attention or really bring a smile to your face. Tyson had bailed as your date, the seat next to you empty as Jeremy and Steven and the rest of their wedding party made their entrance.

“Is this seat taken?” you hear someone say, pulling you out of your trance, Tyson with a small smile on his face as he leaned against what was his seat anyway. You smile, nodding as he takes the seat. He’s close to you, your breath hitching as you feel his knee against you. “Sorry, I’m late, practice went long,” he tells you, leaning back.

You felt weird with him next to you, the tension between you after your last conversation still lingering as neither of you said a word. Cellini didn’t seem to notice, or, she didn’t care, simply greeting Tyson and then getting up to dance with her date. She was lucky enough to have a boyfriend, Seamus looking at her the way Tyson looked at you while they danced together.

“Do you want to dance?” Tyson finally asks you, standing up and holding his hand out to you before you answer. You nod, following him to the dance floor, just as a slow song starts to play. He holds you close, his hands on the small of your back, your arms draped on his shoulders. “I waited for you to follow me last night,” he tells you.

“What?” you ask in shock. You thought he left. If you had known he was waiting, you would have went to him. But why didn’t you? “I had no idea.”

“Would you have followed me?”

You didn’t even need to think about it, the immediate ‘yes’ coming into your mind. “Of course.”

“Then why are you waiting until you’re 23, of all ages, to let yourself fall for someone?”

“I’m not.”

It was Tyson’s turn to look at you with shock, his mouth hanging open slightly while he tries to find the words. “What are you saying?”

“Waiting is stupid when I have the perfect guy right in front of me,” you tell him, your fingers playing with the hair at the base of his neck.

He doesn’t say anything, his hand leaving your back and finding your cheek to pull you in for a kiss. Everything melted away for a moment, everyone around you was gone while you were there with Tyson, the perfect, sweet, goofy, beautiful boy that you didn’t have to wait for to come into your life.

He was standing right in front of you.

[page150]

Ruined 📱César x Reader (Enemies to Friends)

Request: None :(

Pronouns: None Stated

Word Count: 1888

Warnings: angst, mention on killing

It was night time in Los Angeles. The sky with it’s beautiful great white clouds had already turned from bright blue to black. Before, when you had waited on your porch, you noticed a few stars that poked out in the sky. You had felt a light chill in the air and as you stressed inside, you knew it had increased.

In your living room you paced back and forth. Your phone clutched in your hand as you stared down at it. Waiting for anything really. With each random notification you felt your nerves sky rocket. None of them were the ones you needed to ease your nervousness. You tripped lightly on the small hills in the carpet that had been made from your pacing, and looked at it as a sign you should sit down.

Right as you sat down you heard a knock on the door. It was different from your guardians and not like your boyfriend’s. His was sharp and in a pattern that the two of you had created. This one was soft, only one gentle tap.

The door was opened and you felt your heart drop a little. It was only César, but you could barely see him. He was sheltered in a thick black coat, a black beanie that was scrunched in his hand. Memories of your last encounters with him flashed in your mind. All the missed calls, the lies, the arguments. The last thing you wanted to do was have him disturb whatever peace that remained in your empty home.

“Can I come in?”

“Of course.”

In your head you smacked yourself at your response.

He walked in. You noticed that he still had his shoes on. He used to always take them off when he visited, because he knew that that’s how your guardian liked it. You rolled your eyes as he sat down on the couch and shuffled something in pocket. His eyes were low to the ground, head close to his neck. You could faintly hear the quick tap of his sneakers against the wooden floors.

“Is there a reason you're here? No offense, but usually you would call and it doesn’t look like you’re staying for long.” You ask, picking up your phone again.

“Yeah, I can’t stay for long” He pauses. In a way you were glad, you didn’t really want to see him anyways, but then his eyes glance at you, then turned away. “I just needed to ask you something.”

“What?”

He didn’t meet your eyes. You moved to sit down next to him, placing your phone on one of the cushions. You noticed how close you had gotten to him so you moved away a bit. You hated how you missed sitting next to him. Basking in the warmth he produced.

He perked up and put on a fake smile. “Olivia wants you to come to her quinceañera.”

You reply with a small smile at the sound of her name. “Does she really? I’m not that close with her, but I would love to go. Will Monse and Jasmine be there too?”

“Yup. She would really like for you to come. They all miss you.” He whispers.

Your smile falls. Now you’re looking at the ground as well. The chocolate colored wood isn’t as interesting as he makes it out to be.

“I know you didn’t just come here to tell me that. Spit it out. I'm busy.”

Cesar sighs and looks at you. You had never seen him so uncomfortable. It was like you sitting next to him was torture. He didn’t even act like this when he accidentally walked in on you in the bathroom one time. His eyes looked sad. Not glossy enough for tears to fall, but almost. He took a deep breath, mustering up courage to tell you the truth.

“Where’s Latrelle?”

You get up immediately at his words. By the sound of his name the room seemed louder now. Your hands grab your phone again and you sigh in relief as you feel it’s weight, but there were no missed calls from your boyfriend, not even a text message.

“What did he do now? Does he owe you money? I’ll pay for it, how much?” You rambled.

Cesar gets up as well. “It’s not about tha-”

“No I’m serious.” Walking towards your room you grab your wallet and pull out a bunch of crumbled bills. It was the money Latrelle had given to you for your birthday. The smell of the expensive perfume he partnered it with still lingered on the bills.

“This is $150, I can get more if he made a big mistake.” You joked. Cesar didn’t laugh, “so he made a really big mistake.”

“You know what I have to do, y/n.”

“No,” You gulp. “Just take the money. He’ll be back later and I’ll talk to him. I can talk to him, I’m very persuasive.”

“He rolled up on me and Monse, y/n. We could’ve gotten hurt. It’s not my decision, it's Oscar’s.”

“I’m sorry for that and I’m glad that both of you are okay, but you don’t have to kill him! He’s a kid, Cesar. We’re kids!”

“I’m a kid that almost got shot and now it’s his turn! Don’t you care about Monse? Don’t you care about me? I don’t know why you’re still dating him! Just be a good friend and give me the information.”

Something in you was switched on with what he said. Suddenly everything that had made you want to keep the door closed was back again. You dropped your phone and walked towards him. You push an accusing finger into his chest. All your anger that was fueled toward Latrelle moved towards Cesar in a wave that almost swept tears to fall from your eyes.

“I was a good friend and don’t you forget it. I was your friend! You pushed me away! I care about you, Ruby, Monse, Jamal, Jasmine, all of you! But, then you got all secretive and kept hiding things from me. You pushed me to the side and kept me away from your friends. It was supposed to be you and me and I don’t even care if you’re dating Monse now, but I was hurt. You hurt me and Latrelle was there when you weren’t. He was there after you ruined everything! Now you come into my house in the middle of the night asking me to rat him out? After you’ve ignored me for months? Fuck you!”

César opened his mouth to say something, but your phone vibrated on the floor. You both looked at it, Latrelle was calling, on your phone screen you could see the cute photo of you on his back pop up. It was taken at the fair, two weeks after César got Ruby to uninvite you to a party.

César looked away, “You can pick it up. Warn him if you want. You know I could never hurt you.”

Tears rolled down your cheek now. Any words that you wanted to say were clogged in your throat. The phone buzzed and buzzed until it stopped. You fell to your knees and clutched it, bringing it close to your chest. Sobs wrecked through you. They stomped at your heart and you knew what was going to happen. Cesar could only look down at you. He felt something pull him to you but he fought against it. He walked out the door closing it softly behind him.

“Cesar please,” You cried. You got to your feet and chased after him. The night was cold and you shivered at it’s emptiness. All around you the world seemed to have shut down. You and him were the only living things that dared to move.

You ran towards César and he opened his arms to bring you into a hug.

“If I don’t do this our friendship will be ruined. Your life will be ruined, y/n please let me go so I can come back to you.” He cried.

His arms wrap around you. His lovely warmth fought against the chill of night. You realize that the darkness that came from your face being pressed against his chest was more comforting then the darkness you knew would come from the absence of Latrelle. You ignore the feeling of the outline of a gun pressed against your abdomen. He held you up, as you suddenly felt heavy. You both fall to your knees. He pressed a kiss on your forehead, his hands moved to rub circles on your back.

“It’s not your fault, baby. I’m sorry for ghosting you. Life just got so hard. I didn’t want you to have to deal with it. I want you to stay safe.” He cries harder. You just hold him tighter, not wanting to let go. Not wanting it to end. For once you didn’t feel so angry when you thought about him, you could just enjoy his comfort, but memories don’t just disappear like that.

“I will. I can stay safe. I just want you to stay safe too. I know you'll kill him regardless of what I say. I’ll be honest, Latrelle’s made a lot of mistakes.” You take a deep breath. “In a weird way I’m glad you're doing it, he’s made so many enemies, but I don’t want him bleeding out near the gutter like garbage. Don’t hurt him, be quick.”

The both of you sat there in silence for a while. Collapsed in each other's arms like tired returning lovers. César cleared his throat.

“I have to ask,” He muttered. “Why are you so calm about this?

You pause for a moment. Why were you so calm? Internally you didn’t feel calm. You felt like a kid desperate for love. You felt disloyal for ratting out someone who at least attempted to make time for you. Choosing to rebuild friendship with César or to keep someone alive who doesn’t want to change was so incredibly difficult. To calm your mind you told yourself it was going to happen either way. If César doesn’t kill him, Oscar will, or some other person would get him. It was a matter of time, but César had treated you wrong. Feeling a headache storm in your mind you responded.

“I’m not stupid I know how this works. Latrelle could have shot you or Monse. I hate how he always tries to be someone he isn’t. I hate it.”

He looks down at you. Not necessarily a smile, but his face showed that a weight was lifted. One of many. A face that ignored a weight that was now pulling you down. He lifted your chin up moving to kiss you. You turn your head and pull away.

“I don’t think I can. I haven’t forgotten.” You mumble.

He wraps an arm around your shoulders. “That’s okay and I’m truly sorry y/n.”

You nod and look up at the few stars. Maybe there were more, but it was a cloudy night.

“You should go home.” He suggests.

“Okay.” You move his arm and get back up. You suddenly felt sick to your stomach, he noticed it.

“Y/n…”

“Goodnight César.” You replied.

You wrapped your arms around your body and walk away. Leaving Cesar where he was in the dark.

Author's Note: ok so there might be a part 2 to this so stayed tuned! follow my twitter for updates @/thepage150 anyways i got my first 60 notes on a post so you can hold the applause thank you thank you! & REQUESTS ARE OPEN so please leave a request! [no smut/no real people (ex. Harry Styles, Dream)] If you enjoyed this please like and follow for more. I have a huge surprise when we reach 100 <3!! Have a wonderful day ~c'k

[thewintermer]

hello! how about a reaction of txt being jealous of another guy flirting with you?

I know you wanted a reaction, but I ended up writing these imagines instead. This was me distracting myself from writing two papers due today :/

TXT REACTION: SOMEONE FLIRTS WITH YOU

Yeonjun

You were hanging out with Yeonjun and the rest of the members when one of your long time admirers came over with a guitar in hand.

“Oh God.”, heaved Yeonjun, “What does he want now?”.

“I’m here to play Y/N a song I wrote about her” announced guitar boy as he fearlessly stood in front of you and the rest of the boys. 

“Please don’t”, Yeonjun scrunched his face as the boy continued his introduction.

The others snickered at his reaction, mainly at how ridiculous the entire situation was.

“The song is called “Every Night in My Dreams”, declared lover boy.

“Oh HELL no”, yelled Yeonjun.

He stood up from his seat and began to shoo the boy out of the room.

“We don’t accept song confessions, okay? I’m her boyfriend. She’s taken! Do you hear that? I’m her boyfriend! Now leave!”

Soobin

There was glitter all over the floor- on the carpet, the couch - everywhere.

So far, things have been quite ‘lit’ - no pun intended. There were strings and strings of fairy lights and candles all over the place and the ambience provided for a warm, comfy birthday feeling that you adored.

▪︎▪︎▪︎

You had helped yourself to your fourth serving of ice cream for the day and was now on the couch, sitting on top of all the glitter to enjoy the bowl of sugary sweetness.

You were only a spoonful away from an empty bowl when the seat plopped down beside you and someone who you were very much trying to avoid running into during the whole party now sat to your left. 

“Been looking for you all night”, declared the boy next to you.

“Cool”, you reply, “I’ve been looking at ice cream the whole night”.

“I can see that”, he chuckled, “Well, now that I found you. I gotta say, you look incredibly hot”.

He doesn’t waste anytime does he? You rolled your eyes.

You were about to reply when a tall shadow fell over the two of you.

“Why thankyou”, cooed a deep voice from above you, “I think my girlfriend looks incredibly hot, as well”.

Soobin walked from his spot behind the couch to sit to your right. 

“I missed you”, he pouted, ignoring the other boy and intertwined his fingers with yours. 

He leaned forward to peck you on the lips and on your response, Soobin moved his hand to support the back of your head as he indulged himself to deepen the kiss.

Soon enough, the party blurred out of your mind to only occupy your boyfriend, with who you were making out now.

When he finally did pull back, he was so darn pleased with himself to discover that there were no traces of the other boy that had sat there earlier.

“You came all the way over here to make him go away didn’t you?”, you deadpan.

“I did no such thing!”, Soobin protested dramatically, “Though, in all seriousness, I hope he knows where he stands”

Beomgyu

The glass of water was under his mercy as he clenched onto it with utmost resentment. His jaw was set and his eyes darted across the dimly lit room, looking at everything but you.

Invisible smoke settled into the air and you bit your lips, unsure of what to say to him. You could feel the weight of your heart in your chest as you began to explain, “Gyu, listen we -”

“Why is he still texting you?”, he questioned, growing tired of the whole situation, “If the guy won’t stop flirting, then block him”.

“He’s my friend and -”, you began to explain again.

Beomgyu snapped his head towards you. His cold eyes shot daggers at you, “Are you my girlfriend or not? Why would you even reply to him?”

“I didn’t want to seem rude”, you mumble under your breath, but he heard it loud and clear, “Look, him and I have common friends and -”

“Save it”, he retorted. He pushed himself off the chair and grabbed the coat that was draped on it.

“I’ll call you later”, he declared before making his way out the front door.

Later that night, he called you to apologize and you finally mustered up the courage to block your friend that had been stepping over your boundaries.

Taehyun

You were seated at the library around a long table with others from your Math study group. You had been meeting up with them between classes so as to prep for an upcoming quiz that counted for twenty percent of your grade. 

You were horrible at math and hence required all the tutoring you could possibly get and within the group, your only source of constant help was Daniel- someone you met during one of your lectures.

The two of you were going through some notes together when the notification on your phone went off.

Taehyun: Next lecture in 10 min ~ Let's go?

You: I'm at the library

Taehyun: Coming by rn!

Your classmate scooted closer to take a look at the problem you had solved the night before.

"Wow. I've never met anyone butcher math the way you do", he remarked, voice dripping in sarcasm.

"Oh shush", you rolled your eyes as you shifted your book away from him.

"Don’t shush me”, he teased. There was a playful glint in his eyes. “What? Just cause you're cute you think you can tell me what to do?", he continued, reaching for your book again.

"Well, yeah", you scoffed back “I can do whatever I want”.

Daniel was now stretching over to grab the notebook from your hands and in a hurried attempt to prevent him from doing so, you jumped off your seat and tossed it in your bag and zipped it up.

"Aw, don't leave me. Stay. Just skip--"

"If you're done flirting, let's go."

You eyes dart upwards until they made contact with the owner of the voice.

Taehyun stood at one end of the table, his hands in his pockets and backpack slung over one shoulder. He had a unfathomable expression on his face as he waited for you to gather the rest of your belongings and leave with him.

Once you were all packed up and on your way out of the library, he couldn't help but toss a question your way.

"Are you really doing Math or just wasting your time?", he shook his head disapprovingly.

"We were doing Math until you arrived", you grumbled under your breath.

There was a soft silence between the two of you as you climbed down the stairs towards the entrance of the main building.

"I'm not convinced, but alright", he replied.

Huening Kai

The two of you were on a date at the movies when the incident took place.

You had decided to order a huge tub of popcorn at the food counter as you waited for Huening to return from the ticket booth.

Call it the boyfriend sixth sense, but coming back to find you talking to a prick who was standing way too close to you did not rest well with Huening.

When he approached you, he wasted no time in putting his arm on your waist and pulling you closer to him. 

"Y/N, Babe", he interrupted, a tight smile pulling at his face.

"Don't talk to strangers", he berated, aiming the last word at the uninvited guest before him.

You were taken aback by his sudden boldness. As for the the stranger in question- he shuffled in his spot for a couple of seconds before finally rolling his eyes and walking away from the scene.

This was new. You had never seen your boyfriend act the way he did before. Ever. He usually shrugs things off or engulfs himself into a hoodie ball of awkwardness. It was surprisingly uncharacteristic of him to be vexed with someone.

"Babe?"

A delicate kiss on your cheek brought you back to reality. You look up at your boyfriend who was now holding a tub of popcorn, waiting for your response.

"You okay? Show starts in 5 minutes", he smiles down at you.

Please like or reblog if you enjoyed it ♡

[romanceimp]

Bitter Taste: Iwaizumi x f/reader Pt. 1

pt. 2 here

THIS IS SO LATE and I’m a fuck up hahahaha (kinda ironic this was 2 weeks late for Mental Health Awareness month) 

I am crediting my girl @kuso-deku for giving me Iwaizumi brain rot to begin with. I am also crediting @gixxie and @idonotagreebitch for helping me talk through my ideas... and crediting @doinmybesthere for the wonderful idea of a mental health awareness collaboration the link is here. PLS READ THE REST OF THE WORKS. Everyone deserves the love.

TW: manipulative male/female relationships, gaslighting?, subtle shit head crap that most men do (don’t worry Iwa is a peach as always tho, it’s Ushijima that’s the problem)

_ 

Iwaizumi stands and stretches in the cinema. The movie had been good, but long, he figured it was a little after midnight. “What’d ya think?” Kuroo asks as they exit the theatre. “I hated the ending…” Oikawa gripes, “I hate endings where everyone just dies.” “You are such a princess Tooru, I swear, it’s a metaphorical ending… did you not catch all the symbolism in the opening credits?” Iwaizumi sighs and turns his phone back on, trying his best to ignore their bickering. Slowly, notification after notification pops up… all from you. He blinks, surprised. You had declined his offer to join him for the film, stating you had previous plans attending a close friend’s birthday.

Iwa opens the messages from you. He sees first the selfies. You look beautiful, extravagant even. Your dress is beautiful, it compliments your figure perfectly with the corseted bodice. It’s white and so is your lace mask. Broad, feathered angel wings rest on your back. Angelic would have been a word he’d used to describe you before, but now, it was confirmed. He wants to keep staring at the photos but Kuroo and Oikawa are starting to become too curious about the contents of his phone. He scrolls and relaxes his face to look more casual. But it’s hard when your intoxicated messages are so darn cute.    

hope the movie is good!

okay so I guess there’s an open bar? Is it my birthday too?

if you wanna come by after the movie I’msure you coul

this partyyyy suckssssssss assssssssss

wish id gon wiht u xx

You are clearly drunk and he laughs to himself before Kuroo peers over his right shoulder. “Well she’s thinking about you at least,” he smirks. Oikawa peers over Iwaizumi’s left shoulder, “ooo play the voice message.” Oikawa taps the message before Iwaizumi can give him an answer.

“Hiiiii Iwaaaaaa, hope you like the moovie and you’re having a good time, cuz I’m having a preetyy good time, they gots free margaritaaass. Okay byeeeee”

The guys laugh and Oikawa presses the next one.

“Hey Iwaaa, I made up a song about you, ready?

Iwaizumi

Doesn’t know what he does- to me…

Sshfhsijknfhahaha I cant remember the rest som’n bout… som’n I dunno. Byeee”

“Okay, Ushi says that I need to say sorry for sending so many…” you pause and then whisper, “drunk messages, but I’as only tellin’ ya I ssink ‘r awesome ‘n you should totally come to this party and hang out with me… you’re awesome, okay byeee”

Oikawa and Kuroo pause and look at Iwaizumi. “Ushi?” Oikawa asks, “like Ushiwaka?” Oikawa’s eyes are narrowed and he gags dramatically in disgust. Iwaizumi nods and walks to exit the theatre. “Wait… that’s her friend who’s having the birthday party?” Iwa grimaces as Kuroo chuckles. “No wonder you’ve had a stick up your ass all night.” Iwa glares at him, “they’re just friends… apparently… I don’t know, she said they’ve known each other for a really long time…” Kuroo claps Iwaizumi on the back. “I think you should definitely go to the party.” Iwaizumi starts to object but the ring of his phone draws attention, and he answers it. “Heyyy you're outta th’moviee, heheeheheha,” you slur. Iwaizumi laughs softly and smiles, “yeah, I’m out of the movie now, are you… good?” There is so much background noise, it almost drowns out your sweet sleepy voice. “I’m soooo good… … I just-” he can hear your voice drop to a drunken whisper. “I’z just hoping to see you today,” you mumble finally.  

Iwaizumi can feel his heartbeat quicken, his head reeling. “Oh really?” He plays cool but then instantly regrets it when you give him a serious answer. “Yeah, I was really hoping you’d come to the party, even for just a little,” you murmur. Iwaizumi can’t help but chuckle. You were pretty cute like this, not normally so transparent. You were actually quite hard to read, so sweet but guarded and teasing too. You were a friend of Oikawa’s first and he had met you through him. He’d liked the way you sat cross legged on the couch smiling, chin in your hands while you asked questions and listened to his answers. Your eyes sparkle when you hear something you like, and your face lights up when you talk about things you find interesting.

“Ya don’t have to, I can just see ya another time,” you add. He’s been silent too long which causes him to speak without thinking. “No, I’d love to see you, I’ll head to you now.” Kuroo and Oikawa are silently cheering him on and Iwa turns away in embarrassment. “Really? Okay! I’ll drop my pin… as the kids are sayin’ these days hahaha.” “See you soon, drink some water okay?” “Mhm, I will, see ya soon!”

You were at a club owned by Ushijima’s family. A place called ‘Eagle’s Nest’. He’d only known you for a few weeks but he couldn’t help his infatuation. It was immediate, the night he had gone to Oikawas for game night. You spoke to him so easily not knowing him at all and laughed at his little side jabs to his long time friend. The way you looked at him… Iwa knew then that he wanted to see you smile, hear your laugh, and that he would be happy to assume the responsibility of making that happen.

He was surprised when you had declined his offer for the movie, feeling that you both had some definite chemistry, but Iwaizumi was even more surprised when you had said that you had prior plans with his old time rival Ushijima Wakatoshi. Iwaizumi hadn’t seen him since high school but they knew a few people in common, Oikawa being one of those people. Oikawa could sure hold a grudge but Iwaizumi took all of his comments with a grain of salt. Ushijima often came off entitled and cold, which would leave Iwaizumi with a bad taste in his mouth. Maybe Oikawa had the right idea holding a grudge… But grudge or not he wanted to see you, hear your voice and admire you all dolled up.

When Iwaizumi arrives at the club he is met with a large security guard. “Invitation?” he grumbles. Iwa remains calm but a small trickle of fear runs down his back. Iwaizumi gives the guard a casual smile before he starts to answer but he is interrupted. “Iwaaaaa,” you cry from the top of the stairs. The mask you’d had on is now resting on top of your head, the delicate features of your face now exposed. The floofy skirt of your dress bounces with your excitement as you run down the stairs. You crash into him, throwing your arms around his neck. You bury your face in his collar and still momentarily. Drunk and bubbly, you melt when Iwa wraps his arms around your waist in return, avoiding your costume’s wings. “Mmmm,” you hum, breath hot against his skin, “you smell good.” You pull back and stare into his wide eyes. “You look incredible,” he offers, a slight pink tint to his cheeks. You grin in return and simply take hold of his hand. “He’s with me,” you beam at the guard. Iwaizumi is doubtful this trick will work here. But he is surprised when the guard steps aside saying, “as you wish Miss L/N.” You giggle and pull Iwa towards the doors. “I’ll bring you some cake later, okay Jurou?” Jurou laughs, “just have fun darlin’.” “You’re the best,” you call behind you as you push open the doors. Iwaizumi can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy knowing that you are on a first name basis with one of the body guards at the Wakatoshi’s club. How close were you with Ushijima?    

Blue and purple lights illuminate the vast space while black tiles make up the main floor. The dance floor is sunken, in the middle of the club with a small set of stairs leading down to it. It’s made entirely of glass, beneath is a saltwater garden of different plants and coral.  

“You’ll need one of these,” you explain, swiping a simple black mask from the welcome table. You hand it over to him and pull yours down over your eyes. Iwaizumi adjusts it to where he can see. “You look so handsome,” you admire. He grins, “what about you? You’ve got wings!” You laugh and adjust your mask back on top of your forehead. “I’m a swan, and Ushi said I couldn’t be a swan without wings!” You spin for him, trying your best to flap the feathered wings. Small pieces of confetti glitter rain from the skirt of your dress. Iwaizumi takes in your face illuminated by the lights of the club. Blue and pink dancing over your cheeks as you smile up at him. “What?” you giggle nervously. Just a few weeks but he is mesmerised by your everything. He shakes his head and tries to move on. He wanted to tell you how he felt but this wasn’t the right time. It should be when you’re sober, when you can take in his words properly.

You coax him down towards the bar.  “You’re sure it’s okay to sneak in uninvited guests?” Iwa questions. “Well, I asked Ushi ‘nd he said it was okay, so yeah!” You grin but notice Iwaizumi’s reserve. “It’s really okay, I promise, let’s just get a drink,” you suggest and take his hand. “Only if you drink more water,” he smirks. You roll your eyes at Iwa, “I drank some water before you got here actually.” You look back at him as you both head down to the bar. “I’ll prolly regret that yurr seeing me like this tamorow, ya know,” you call over the blaring music. “It’s cute, you’re cute,” he assures as he leans against the bar, “I didn’t know you thought about me this much until I saw all the snapchats and voice messages and texts.” You cover your face in humiliation, “I knowww, I’m sorry but you were on my mind a lot, alot alot, and  couldn’t stop think about ya, and the booze told me to keep on messaging…” You trail off,  finding the last shred of your filter to keep you from talking.  The bartender hands you your water and you take a long drink.

“Iwaizumi,” a voice projects over the baseline. Ushijima stands tall advancing towards where you both stand. His expression is neutral though, his eyes keep darting to you and then back to Iwaizumi. Ushijima is dressed as a knight, his silver mask hangs languidly around his neck. “Ushiwaka,” Iwa acknowledges, “this is a hell of a birthday party.” You giggle and point at Ushiwaka, “he’s 28 today; getting sooo old.” In that moment, Iwaizumi watches him do something he had never seen him do before. Smile… and then laugh. Ushijima wraps an arm around your waist and pulls you closer.  “You’re just a baby,  you’re only-” You wave your hand in front of Ushiwaka’s face, shushing him. “No, no, Iwa doesn’t knowww, don’t tell him,” you plead. “She’s only 23,” Ushiwaka says. You hold your face in your hands once more and groan. Ushijima pulls your hands from your face, “just barely twenty three too.” You glare at him and look back at Iwaizumi embarrassed.  “Did she not tell you her age?” Ushijima asks Iwaizumi. Iwa shrugs, “She didn’t, but I never asked,” Iwa shrugs casually, addressing you now, “didn’t seem important since you carry yourself so well.”

You turn to Iwa, mouth open like you’re about to respond but Ushijima swipes the glass from your hands before you can finish. “Drinking water?” You look up at him. “But it’s my birthday… and this is a party…  you need something stronger…” Ushijima beacons the bartender with a single flick of his hand. The barman pours three double shots of a clear liquid from a foreign looking bottle. Ushijima takes a glass and hands it to you, before handing another to Iwaizumi. Ushijima gives him a wink as he loops his arm around your waist, pulling you closer to him. He raises his glass, the violet lights illuminating the liquid. Iwaizumi follows his lead. “To my Juliet, the belle of the ball,” Ushijima bellows. You smile slightly and shake your head. “No no, to you Ushi, it’s your birthday, not mine, we are celebrating you!” Your eyes find Iwa’s, but you leave your glass raised. Ushijima grabs hold of your hand that’s still wrapped around the glass. “Cheers,” He tips the glass towards your lips and you swallow the clear liquor as he feeds it to you. You down it all in one go and Ushiwaka smiles wide once again. “She’s good, huh?” With that, Ushiwaka clinks his glass to Iwaizumi’s, “to you brother,” he assures. Iwa is surprised with the sudden sentiment. “And to you,” he replies before downing the shot. The liquor is surprisingly smooth, expensive, and strong. Iwa can feel his head starting to get light from the small portion that was in the glass and Iwa wasn’t a light weight. “Strong huh?” Ushijima smirks. Iwaizumi nods then turns to the bartender to signal for a water.

Ushijima turns to where you stand swaying slightly with the music. “Look at her, she gets drunk so easily,” Ushijima smiles. “How are you feeling, princess?” he shouts over at you. Iwa turns away and downs his water in disgust. ‘Princess?’ Ushijima shouldn’t be calling you that if you’re both just friends. You blink and give him a smile and a thumbs up. There was a natural innocence about you, a childlike wonder and curiosity, the embodiment of sanguine. Ushijima’s air was sometimes sinister, like he was taking advantage of your natural trusting nature. Iwa watches as Ushijima’s large hands rest on either of your shoulders and he pushes you back and forth like a pendulum between his palms. You giggle and try to push him away, “Ushi stooopp.” He laughs with you and continues pushing you around, “you’re so cute and small though, see?” He places a hand on top of your head and you still. “I said to stop,” you mumble. “And I did,” he retorts before letting you go.

Iwa watches the sudden weight of gravity find you as you stumble in your heels. He catches your arm just in time. Your arms find their way around his neck once more, your face in the crook of his neck. You pull away and Iwa examines your foggy eyes. “You okay?” You nod, pushing off of Iwa’s chest. You fix your hair, “it’s fine, he just messin’” you turn to Ushijima, “and someone doesn’t know when to quit.” You’re pulled away into Ushiwaka’s arms. He sways you back and forth, your back held against his chest while he says soft apologies. He whispers something to you and you nod. Iwaizumi wanted to pull you away from him. Not because he was jealous, but because the way that Ushiwaka was behaving with you was odd.

“Y/n is a little bit tired, why don’t you join us in VIP?” Iwa smiles and gives his thanks, trying his best to hide his scowl. Iwa follows after you and Ushiwaka, upstairs and under velvet ropes hoping that he will find a good moment to pull you away. But instead you are pulled onto the couch beside Ushiwaka. He lights a cigar and offers one to Iwa, but Iwaizumi declines with a simple, “no thanks, don’t smoke.” It’s strange the way that Ushiwaka keeps whispering in your ear, giving you sips of his drinks, and blowing smoke in your face. “Ushi, stop please, the smell is making me sick,” you whine. But he just pulls you closer to him, chuckling all the while and does it again. You’re laughing and poking his face, but it’s not out of joy... Watching Ushijima interact with you the whole night has been like watching a cat toy with a mouse.

Iwa grimaces when Ushiwaka tickles you. “Stop-stop-don’t-stop,” you giggle and howl. “She said to stop!” Iwa raises his voice. Ushijima’s eyes shoot towards Iwaizumi while you squirm off the couch. Your eyes are heavy as you walk towards a dark hallway and disappear into the shadows. Iwa’s eyes flick to the entrance to the hall. Ushiwaka sits in a contented silence, sipping a drink, “she’s so dramatic,” he sighs. He continues smoking, arm rested over the back of the purple velvet sofa. Ushijima takes a sip of his drink, swirling the ice in his glass. Iwa doesn’t move to break the silence no matter how expectant Ushijima’s expression was. He stamps out his cigar in the tray before addressing him.

“She’s awfully talkative, and incredibly fond of you…” Ushijima starts, an odd smirk painting his expression. Iwaizumi raises an eyebrow in intrigue and Ushijima’s face hardens. “She won’t shut up about you since she met you… it’s annoying...” Iwaizumi, remains quiet, the silence settling over the men like a thick fog. The only sounds are muffled club music and the ice tinkling against Ushijima’s glass. “I’m going to be honest as a friend… bad idea.” Iwaizumi can feel the rage bubbling inside his gut, “I don’t think that what’s going on between us is any of your-” He’s cut off by Ushijima.

“I’m really looking out for you Iwaizumi, girls can break hearts and Y/n is kind of known for that… she’s just a sweet soul, makes friends easily, but love? That’s harder for her… doesn’t have the best taste in men I’m afraid, I want to protect her and you from a situation where I can already see the conclusion… I get that you like her, everyone does.”  Iwazumi leans forward, “does that include you?” Ushijima is stone faced, then gives a cold laugh. “You’re funnier than I remember, Iwaizumi.”

Iwaizumi rises and heads towards the hall you disappeared down. If he sat in front of him any longer he was going to say something he regretted… and you still haven’t come back. He slips into the dark hallway as you’re exiting the bathroom. Your mask has been removed and even in the dim lighting you look pale. “Hey, what’s happened?” You look up at him embarrassed, your dress almost as wilted as you are. “Got sick…” you mutter. You’re shaking slightly, arms wrapped around yourself. “Oh Y/n, are you alright?” he sighs. His arm starts to reach for you but he thinks better of it, pulling it back to rest by his side. His eyes widen as he feels the warmth of your hand in his. He didn’t figure that you would want to be touched right now. But your fingers interlace with his,  your skin soft. “Are you good to drive?” you whisper. His hand instinctively tightens around yours protectively. “I only had whatever Ushijima gave us, it was strong but I’ve had water- yeah I’m good.” “Would you mind taking me home?” you ask, as you start to walk back towards the VIP room. “Sure, course,” Iwaizumi replies gently. He feels how your thumb brushes over the back of his hand in silent gratitude. The gesture has his heart beating hard against his ribs. Iwa walks forward, his eyes on you and nothing else. Your brow is furrowed and your expression painted serious which was unusual from how he knew you to act.

“Iwa’s taking me home now,” you announce and walk towards the stairs. Ushiwaka’s face hardens, “I can take her home, you shouldn’t trouble yourself,” he addresses Iwaizumi. You smile and turn around facing Ushiwaka. “But Ushi, ‘s ur birthday, you can’t leave this party jus’ ‘a take me home,” You turn to Iwa now. “Let’s go,” you say and Iwa nods, still holding your hand.  “Where’s my hug, princess?” Ushijima calls after you. You stop in your tracks and close your eyes, taking in a deep breath. You drop Iwa’s hand slowly, hesitantly. You walk back slowly and stand before his open arms. He lifts you and you groan. You’re still hugging him tightly but not quite with the same intimacy as before.

As Ushijima places you down you turn to look back at Iwa when Ushijima catches your face with his large hand. He coaxes your face back towards him then leans down. Ushiwaka locks eyes with Iwaizumi as he whispers something in your ear. Then he presses his lips to your cheek, still not moving his eyes away from Iwaizumi’s. Iwa tries his best to remain neutral but he can feel his lip creeping upwards in contempt. Ushiwaka is too prideful for his own good it seems.

You take Iwa’s hand again, leading him towards the exit. An exasperated look rests on your face. “What did he say to you?” Iwa asks. You sigh and shake your head. “‘S nothin’,  ya shouldn’t worry your pretty lil head ‘bout it.” Iwa can’t help but allow a smile. He raises an eyebrow at you, “think my head is pretty?” he asks. He’s met with your hazy gaze, “I do,” you say simply. Iwa wasn’t prepared for such a straightforward answer to his question.

Once out of the club, the valet pull Iwaizumi’s car around. He’s careful not to let you walk too far on your own. Sick, in those ridiculous shoes and still quite drunk, he opens the car door for you before hopping into the driver's seat. “Will you put your address in?” Iwa hands you his phone and you type it in as asked. “Thanks for doing this,” you sigh. “Yeah of course,” he says as he puts the car into gear. A few streets of city light pass by in silence. Your hands are resting in your lap but your body is still trembling. “I can- umm- pull over if you need me to…” You wave the thought away with your hand, “it was the smell of the cigar more than anything…” Iwa’s gut begins to boil again. Your voice is soft, almost defeated. He speaks before thinking better of it. “Does he always treat you like that?” You look at Iwa and make eye contact briefly before his attention is back on the road. “He was being a little extra weird today, maybe because y’all used to play volleyball together or… I dunno really, he just gets like that sometimes…” You trail off, allowing your thoughts to fade into the rearview. The silence is deafening and you feel the need to break it. “He’s really nice too though, don’t get me wrong, he cooks for me and calls to check in, he even gets me little gifts, so I know he cares.” Iwa shakes his head, “if he cared he would have stopped when you asked him to.” You take a breath, “I know but he was just having a night I guess…” Iwa pulls into your driveway as the GPS notifies him that he has ‘arrived at the destination’. He puts the car in park, “you don’t have to make excuses for him… it’s okay to be angry, if that’s how you feel.” You start to open the door, your fingers on the handle. “I’m not angry though, I’m just kinda hurt.” You open the door and start to get out, “okay, maybe a little angry too.” You laugh to yourself but not out of joy. It’s an ironic laugh and Iwa can hear the pain ringing inside of it. “Let me walk you inside.”  

[emmyrosee]

... give me the soft bakugo 👀

If this flops or gets me ostracized from the fandom you’re uninvited to my birthday party-

-

Bakugo could never stay awake during movies.

It was a problem for him, genuinely. The amount of times he’s fallen asleep, and grumbles in annoyance when you tell him the movie’s over is truly staggering. It’s not that he wants to miss the action, he’s just so exhausted from being… well. Bakugo, that when the end of the day comes, and you’ve got a hand buried in his hair and a blanket tossed over you both, he never stands a chance.

And it’s a ritual at this point, merely part of your daily routine. He comes home. He showers. He curls up against you, and before the movie’s rising action can start, he’s out cold.

And nine times out of ten, you’re more than willing to stay, scratching his scalp and watching Bakugo’s handsome face twitch and lax with each detail of dreams…

But today? The one out of ten? You’re fucking hungry.

You so wish you’d eaten before you decided to be his snuggle buddy for the next few hours, knowing he’d already had a bad enough day and you leaving to have a snack would only disturb him further, but if it wasn’t you slowly leaving the warmth of bed, it would be your growling stomach.

Okay. Slowly now. You pinch the arm that’s tossed over your waist and slowly lift it up, slipping from under the appendage and out to freedom.

Once out of his warm embrace, you quickly scurry to the kitchen for a sandwich- heavy enough to get through the night, but light enough where you can quickly eat it- and a quick look through of your phone so you can update your friends and family to be officially his for the night.

And it seems to all go well! He’s still knocked out, as you assumed he would be after such a long day, and you’re just about ready to bite when-

“…the hell in the fuck are you doing?”

The voice makes your eyes wander from the brightness of your phone screen, to the culprit himself, standing in the hallway with sweats low on his hips and a blanket wrapped around just the top half of his torso. He knuckles his tired eyes, his lips in a sleepy scowl, and god he looks so snuggly you want to bring him straight back to his warm bed and let him sleep off the day.

But your rumbling stomach would never allow that.

Stopping your staring, your teeth hover over the sandwich before coming down to a biteless close, and you look at him with a clear of your throat, “I’m… eating?”

“You left the bed.”

“Yeah, because you don’t like crumbs-“

“You left me in the bed.”

You blink at him in complete confusion, trying your hardest not to laugh in his face as he growls deep in his throat, “you left me alone in the bed, to make yourself a sandwich!”

“Well I sure as hell wasn’t going to wake you up,” you snort, watching as he struggles back a yawn to continue his ‘threatening’ look. “You were tired babe, I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Well… well I didn’t like not knowing where you were,” he grumbles. “And when I pat the damned bed and it was empty, that was an even worse way to wake up.”

All an elaborate way of saying ‘I didn’t like that you left me and our cuddle time.’ You could’ve sworn he’d only be mad if you’d woken him up in the process of leaving, but that’s very clearly not the case. When a loving grin spreads over your face, you know he knows he’s been figured out, and he crosses his blanket-covered arms and avoids your gaze. “Awww, Katsuki-“

“Don’t even.”

“Did you want me to-“

“Fuck off.”

“Stay and snuggle?” His words of empty threats do nothing to deter you from finishing your sweet coo, which he scoffs at while you slowly pull out the chair next to you for him to sit in. “Baby, you know I’d never leave if I knew it would make you upset!”

“It didn’t make me up-fucking-set,” he growls, but he does let his long legs carry him to the chair next to you, plopping down sleepily while maroon eyes struggle to stay awake. “It’s the principle of the matter- you leave, you fuckin’ tell me where you’re going. End of discussion.”

You snort and shake your head at his words, finally taking a bite of your sandwich and thus, ending the conversation. Despite his efforts, he doesn’t look half as mad as he thinks he does, lips pouty and cheeks a titch flushed from your affectionate words and the last remnants of sleep being pulled from his soul.

“For what it’s worth,” you hum, slowly tugging his chair closer to yours, which he instantly rests his head on your shoulder when he’s close enough. “I always want to cuddle with you, too, stinky.”

“Quit it with your stupid pet names,” he grumbles. “I am a man, and I find it disgusting the way you are able to make my heart race.”

“Of course you do,” you agree with him to relax his protests, turning your head to kiss the fluffs of hair that adorn the crown of his head. “Let me finish eating, then we can go nap for real.”

He grunts, a pouting language for ‘fine,’ before he lets you eat in slight peace, just without the use of your right arm which is now being held hostage by his own two limbs.

“C’ I have a bite?” He mumbles, opening his mouth expectantly, as if already knowing you’d say yes. You chuckle and bring the sandwich to his lips, which he bites softly and chews slowly. “‘fank you.”

“You’re welcome, my love.”

“Gross.”

[btsmutimagines]

Our Future

Look, I suck at titles, y’all and I’m a day late ffs but happy birthday Kookie 

Arranged Marriage AU

Word Count: 7.5K (I really need to stop)

Grey skies arched above you as you walked home, kicking a small pebble along with you until it got caught between a crack in the sidewalk.

You audibly sigh, enjoying yourself as you kicked it further and further each time. It was almost like you were that pebble, your life seeming to be pushed by something until it stops.

You were stuck, just like your little pebble.

You finally reached your house, unlocking the front door and noticing the familiar shoes. They were shined up and as uninvited as usual but their owner paid no mind to what you thought, clearly.

The back of your father’s head greeted you as you stepped into the living room and he put down the newspaper he was reading.

You brace yourself, knowing he came to talk to you about something. He never really looked for a conversation, just a breathing punching bag.

“Hello, father.”

“I expected you to be home sooner.”

“I hadn’t expected any guests.”

“Maybe if you answered my phone calls once in a while.”

“You don’t pick up when I call back.”

“I’ve been busy, Y/N.” When are you not? You silently retorted in your mind.

“What did you need to say, father?”

“I’d like you to come to dinner with me tomorrow night.”

“I rather not.”

“Tell me why? Is there something unpleasant about a father and daughter enjoying a nice dinner together?”

“When have we ever done anything ‘nice’, father?” He cocked an eyebrow, he knew damn well that your relationship was far from any loving familial ties.

If you had it your way, he won’t ever know where to find you.

“The Blanche, seven o’clock. I’ll have Hyunjin pick you up.” He adjusted his tie, standing up to walk away and you clenched your fists.

You wanted to yell, at least tell him off for coming over uninvited to force you into some weird dinner. But you merely stood as he brushed past you, you standing in your spot until you heard your front door shut.

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ─── 

This morning, you found a box with a card attached in front of your door.

You could tell from the intricate design on the card, it was from your father. Inside was a gorgeous red dress, the off-shoulder design along with the leg slit satisfying your tastes.

You held up the dress, looking in the full-length mirror and imagining yourself in it.

“As if he would know what I liked.” You scoffed to yourself, pulling the dress back on your bed. He probably just sent off one of his servants to find something for you.

Even so, what would be so important that he would send you something to wear? You were his well-kept secret, him wanting you to keep yourself hidden from his life for appearances.

He couldn’t afford to be distracted, he said. In exchange for you disappearing from his life, he sends a weekly allowance that you’ve been saving in a separate account.

Maybe one day when you’re finished, you can pack up your things and truly disappear. Nothing was tying you down to this city anyways.

Bzzt.

You heard your phone vibrate, a text notification appearing on the screen.

Incoming in 5, 4, 3, 2…

“One!” You heard your friend, Yeseul entering your apartment and you put to the dress back into its box hastily.

“Where are you?”

“Bedroom.” She wandered in, quickly embracing you in a hug and you stood still. You’ve been friends since freshman year, Yeseul being the only one who put up with you.

You didn’t mind hanging out with her but you didn’t put your eggs into her basket yet.

Memories of your ‘friends’ asking you to hang out, racking up a huge bill and then making excuses to leave you to pay each time. Your dad even got on your case, interrogating why you spent so much each week. He cut you off, only giving you enough for lunch and your so-called friends were suddenly too busy for you.

How naïve.

“You’re doing that thing again.”

“What thing?”

“Zoning out, burning imaginary holes into the last thing you looked at. You know, the usual.”

“I was just thinking, Seul.”

“Well stop that, we got other things to do.”

“We? What are you roping me into now?”

“Why do you say that like I only get you into trouble?”

“Because you do.” You deadpanned, you haven’t forgotten the time she thought it was a good idea to stay for after-hours when there’s a curfew in place. You had to dip into the savings to pay off the ticket you got.

“It’s harmless fun, Y/N.”

“That citation definitely harmed my savings.” You muttered.

“Anyways, listen. You and me, dancing and drinking at Hoseok’s party tonight. Sounds like a dream, right?”

“A nightmare, actually.”

“Come on, Hoseok was gracious enough to invite me with a plus one, meaning you.”

“I have to pass.”

“Why?”

“I have plans. Dinner plans, actually.”

“Who’s the mystery man? He must be worth your time since you’re passing up an offer from me.” She knows damn well you would pass up any party with or without plans.

“That’s not important. I just don’t think I can miss this dinner. Sorry.”

“So secretive. I expect no less though.”

“I’ll tell you about it later.”

“It’s fine, Y/N. I’ll take enough shots for both of us.”

“Remember to drink water in between and eat something too.”

“Okay.” She pursed her lips, leaving your apartment right after and you sat on your bed. You shook off the tension, checking the time and preparing yourself for this dinner.

Whatever it’s about, you had a feeling you wouldn’t like it.

You were adjusting your necklace when you hear a knock at your door. Opening the door revealed Hyunjin, one of your father’s drivers. He was newer than the others but devoted to your father like the others.

“Miss Y/N?”

“Y/N is fine. Take me to where I need to go, please.”

“As you wish, Y/N.” You took his arm, locking your door behind you and followed him to the car. The unease settled in when he started driving, part of you that you just went to that party with Yeseul.

Maybe she wouldn’t make that pointed comment and you would send your father a message.

Alas, here you are, walking into the Blanche like the little good girl he expected you to be. Wearing the dress he picked for you, even putting in the useless effort of making yourself presentable to only be met with him scowling at his phone.

“Hello to you too.”

“Ah, so you did come. Glad to see you have the decency to clean yourself up.”

“I rather you tell me why am I here instead of having this conversation with you.”

“First, sit.”

“I don’t plan on staying.”

“Then, change your plan. I have very important people that you have to meet arriving soon and it would be rude to stand there as you are.” You grit your teeth, sitting across from your father and crossing your arms.

A waiter braved his way to your table, filling up your water glass while you shot daggers at your father. Bastard didn’t even have the decency to even hint at who these ‘very important people’ are and why it should somehow matter to you?

You thought the deal was you wouldn’t even say your father’s name in passing and he could live his life freely. No burden of you.

“Ah, Younghee.” Your father got up, making you turn your head to look at a woman who was walking towards your table.

God, was he going to tell you that he was marrying this woman? Why would you even care if he gets remarried?

“I’m terribly late again, aren’t I?”

“Hardly. Is he here as well?” He? Was there a man accompanying her? Her son?

“Of course, he’s an important part of this conversation.”

“That is right. Oh, I almost forgot, this is Y/N, Younghee.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“How polite. Ah, you’re more beautiful than I thought.”

“Thank you very much.” Currently wishing the ground would swallow you whole, right about now. At least before this other guest shows up.

“Oh, Jungkook, darling, over here.” She waved someone over you, this time you stared forward. You froze as this man took a seat next to you. Fuck, you should have ditched when you still had the chance.

“Pardon my mother and I’s tardiness, sir.”

“It’s quite alright, Jungkook. All that matters is that we are all here now. Before we start, we should actually order something. Breadsticks will not get me through the night, I’m afraid.” This fucker is just going to keep dancing around the real topic for as long as he can-

“Um, I’m Jungkook. Y/N, I presume.” You looked at the man, quietly taken aback by how attractive he was. His hair was slightly parted, each hair perfectly in place. His shaped jaw highlighted his face, his pink lips were a perfect hue and he was just… perfect. But he was going to be your stepbrother, right? You shouldn’t even look at him in any other way.

“You would be right, Jungkook.”

“See, they’re already getting along.” You wanted to roll your eyes, all you did was introduce yourselves.

The waiter took your order, you quietly tapping your foot while your father acted jovial with his two guests. You only answered when addressed, quiet otherwise and hoping your food would arrive soon.

“So, Jungkook, your mother says you’re a game developer.”

“Yes, sir. Currently developing a sequel to one of my first projects.”

“My Jungkookie’s project has sold almost one billion copies globally. I’m lucky to have such a successful son.”

“Mother.”

“That’s impressive, right, Y/N?”

“Yeah, sure.” You were more interested in swirling the rich wine that sat in the glass you held in your right hand than whatever this conversation was about.

“Y/N’s in university, right? I’ve heard from your father that you have multiple companies scouting you.”

“That’s really cool.”

“Yup.” You said, taking a large swig and placing your glass on the table.

“Alright, enough of the small talk. Why are we really here?”

“Forgive her, Younghee, I’m afraid alcohol tends to loosen her lips. But I don’t mind cutting the chase.”

“It’s quite alright, I’m sure she wants to relax. After all, to be married so young in this day and age is a rarity.”

Married?

“Wait, excuse me. Who’s getting married?”

“You and Jungkook are getting married. Engaged for now.”

“Are you joking? This is a joke, right?”

“Had you not tell her? This is a lot to load on the child.”

“She could have seen it coming.”

“You’re too mean.” You got up, walking away from the table as you glared at your father. Of course, he would pull some shit like this with you now and then he has to remind you that he was in control.

“Y/N!” You didn’t look back, not caring about who was following you.

“Y/N, please.”

“Just leave me alone.”

“I can’t. Not when you’re like this.” You stopped, turning around to face Jungkook. He loosened his tie, his coat over his shoulder as he caught his breath.

“You know you walk fast in heels.”

“Why did you follow me anyways? Did your mom send you?”

“I came on my own. Your dad made some excuse about you being drinker than he thought, and my mom just accepted it. I figured it was more than that.”

“Even if it was, it’s none of your business.”

“Hard to say when we’re engaged now, Y/N.”

“I don’t want to get married to you, Jungkook.” He looked down, running his hand through his hair.

“Are you really okay with this, having everything in your life dictated by someone else? Don’t you want to know what it’s like to choose?”

“All I ask is that you give me a chance.”

“Jungkook.” How strong is his mother’s hold on him?

“I know that this is probably the worst thing that could happen to you, being forced to be stuck with someone like me but I want to show you who I am. Show you that I’m someone that you can fall in love with. If we don’t work, I’ll break the engagement myself.” You looked at him, his hand clasped together as he pleaded with you.

He looked so sincere, something in his eyes made you feel like he meant it.

“I’m holding you to that.” You replied, looking away from him and he pulled you into a sudden huh. Your body stiffened, not expecting the sudden skinship. He felt warm, the scent of his cologne making it hard to think of a better adjective.

“Thank you.”

“You’d be welcome if you let me go.” You blurted, not wanting to linger around him any longer.

“Sorry. Got a little too excited.” He cleared his throat, you avoid his eyes while you fiddled with your dress.

“Can I take you home?”

“If you’re okay with a few blocks.”

“Why not call a taxi?”

“Easier to walk.” You asserted, beginning to walk in the direction of your apartment and Jungkook could only follow you.

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

 You made it home, Jungkook awkwardly bidding you goodbye while you muttered a good night before slipping inside. Thankfully, you had classes to distract you but all you could think about how your dad decided to basically sell you off for his best interests. Someone like Jungkook probably had a monopoly on the gaming industry and your father wanted to venture into technology.

Regardless of how good looking he was, how successful he is, you couldn’t shake the feeling that it was mainly your father’s and his mother’s influence that is driving him. How long can he put up this earnest act?

Give me a chance.

“Ugh.” You groaned, his words repeating in your head and you felt someone poking at your head.

“Quit it.”

“It’s only Monday.”

“That’s part of the problem, Seul.” You looked up to see her sitting next to you, she didn’t seem upset anymore.

“Then what is it? Mystery date was a dud?”

“Something like that.” More like mystery fiancé.

“What happened?” You came up with a lie, telling her that your father arranged your marriage overnight would result in questions you didn’t want to answer.

“I agreed to a second date and I’m not sure if I’m still up for it since we didn’t start on the right foot.”

“What do you like about him?”

“He’s loyal to a fault, he puts in the effort, ambitious…”

“Sounds like things you put on a resume.”

“It wasn’t the best first date.”

“But you said yes to a second one.”

“But he said some sweet things when he did. It sounded like something out of a drama.”

“Aw, he melted your heart a bit, didn’t he?”

“Shut up.” You snapped, embarrassed that you admitted that part of what he said actually affected you.

“I think you should give it a shot since you saw something in him. Plus, you could always dump him if he’s not what he seems.”

“I guess, you’re right this time.”

“What do you mean ‘this time’? Aren’t I always right?”

“You wish.” She nudged you, you were laughing in response.

After your talk with Yeseul, you felt better about the bombshell. But you figured you would have some time before you would see Jungkook. Not him standing outside of your apartment building with his hands in his pockets.

He looked formal, wearing a waistcoat with a dress shirt. You could see gloves covering his hands and you cursed yourself for immediately thinking of how hot he looked.

“Y/N.”

“At my pace, my ass.” You muttered as you tried to pretend that you couldn’t know him, but he started to jog towards you. The two of you ran in the opposite direction of your apartment until he caught you, your back pressed against his chest as he wrapped his arms around you.

“Caught you. Part of me is starting to think you like the chase.”

“I like space, which you’re invading.”

“Right, no hugs. But can we talk face to face?” He let go and you obliged to his request, currently giving him a hard stare.

“I really came because I don’t have your number, can’t give our relationship an honest try without each other’s number.” You gulped, even the word ‘relationship’ made you feel weird. He was right, you thought to yourself, you had to give this an honest try, so you could properly reject him and break it cleanly.

After all, how could you fall for someone like him?

“Y/N?”

“Huh?”

“Having daydreams about me?”

“Ha, you wish, Jeon.” You started to walk back in the direction of your house, not wanting to stay out for long.

“Not even my first name, I thought we were closer than that.”

“You have to work for it.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes.” How do you say things like that so casually, ugh? You pulled out your phone, handing it over to him to enter his number before he turned it over.

“Kookie?”

“It’s cuter hearing you actually saying it out loud.”

“I’m literally never saying that again.”

“Aw, come on Y/N, I can make up a cute nickname for you too.”

“Please don’t.”

“You seem like a sugar plum.”

“What kind of nickname is that? Sugarplum? I don’t even know what that is.”

“Have you never tried them?”

“I think your terrible nickname counts as a deterrent.”

“Why wouldn’t you want to be compared to a candy?”

“It’s not exactly something I want to hear, to be honest.”

“I promise to come up with something better.”

“A promise I wish you can’t keep.”

“I’m not giving up.”

“This is a weird hill you want to die on but by all means, go ahead.”

“At least it’s earned me a smile today.”

“You talk like the main lead in a romance drama. Just awfully cheesy.”

“I hope you’re not lactose intolerant.”

“Seriously, stop it.” You reach your apartment, the two of you talking while walking up flights of stairs until you were at your door.

“Time flies, doesn’t it?”

“Indeed.”

“I wish it would stop, kind of liked talking to you.”

“Mhm.”

“Ouch, you didn’t feel the same. I thought we had a good chat.”

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. Can’t play all my cards, can I?” You unlocked your door, letting yourself in but leaving it open enough that you could still see him.

“If this is a game, hope you don’t mind losing. I play to win, Y/N.”

“We’ll see about that. Good night.”

“Night, Y/N.” You shut your door, walking into your bedroom and plopping on the bed.

I play to win, Y/N. Not on my watch, Jungkook.

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

“If you stare at your phone that hard, you might actually shoot laser beams at it.”

It’s been two weeks since you and Jungkook had met, the man semi occupied your thoughts. He kept his distance, probably leaving the ball in your court in terms of whether you wanted to talk to him or not.

And you hate to admit it but you did want to talk to him at least.

“Har har.”

“Is Mystery Date on your mind again? Did you have your second date?”

“I guess you could say so, it went so much smoother like I could say anything, he would know what to say back. It was nice.” God, you sounded like a high schooler in their first relationship. And you can’t even see you and Jungkook beyond acquaintances.

“So, he wasn’t a waste of time but what’s wrong now?”

“I don’t know what to text him.”

“Wait, you weren’t already texting?”

“I met him off Tinder and he wanted to delete the app so we exchanged numbers.” You lied coolly, Yeseul humming in response.

“What are you hoping this message sends to him? Not literal, like do you want him to be more enticed by you or like you’re playing a hot and cold thing with him.”

“Just that I’m open to texting.”

“Oh. You’re not ready for sexting anyways.”

“What?”

“Just send him a simple ‘hey’.”

“Isn’t that too simple?”

“But you’re just opening a conversation, you don’t need much.”

“Are you sure?”

“Y/N, do it before I do it myself.”

“Okay, okay.” You murmured, typing it out and hitting send. He must have seen it, the familiar three dots appearing on your screen before his message came.

I didn’t think you would actually text me, I was preparing to camp out your apartment door.

I would totally call apartment security if you did.

So mean, honey bun.

Honeybun? I think you should retire from this nickname thing, it was funny the first time and now it’s just sad.

No good, huh? I have gotten plenty more to try out.

I swear I’m going to block you if you do.

Fine, I won’t try them out here. But believe me when I say that I’m going to have the perfect nickname for you and you’re going to love me for it

Sure, Jeon.

You do realize my name is actually Jeon Jungkook, not Jeon?

I am aware

Man, you play hard to get on the hardest mode, but I’m not giving up. I’m going to capture your heart.

“Oh my gosh, he’s going to ‘capture your heart’. He found your weakness, sappy lines.”

“They are not my weakness.”

“Please, all I have to say is ‘Don’t let go-”

“It’s too soon, Yeseul. Okay, too soon.”

“Are you sniffling?”

“Shut it.”

Great, you got my friend in on your corny lines

Aw, you talked about me to your friends? Can’t keep us a secret, babe? ;)

I rather keep it a secret but I need advice.

Advice?

Yeah, how to deal with such a shameless man.

Hey, I have some shame. It take a lot of confidence to talk to a girl like you, I feel like you can see through me

So, you know to not waste my time.

Time with me is always worth it, trust me.

Mhm

Somehow that hurt more than when you do that in person.

Hey, Y/N, I’m really happy you texted me but I gotta go? Talk to me later or something.

Don’t play too hard

That’s literally my job, Y/N but seriously bye J

“He sounds cute.”

“He’s something else, really.”

“I know you like to keep people at an arm's length but it really looks like he wants to be centimetres apart if you catch my drift.”

“We’ve been out twice, I’m not going to sleep with him.”

“Is he hot?”

“Objectively.”

“What kind of answer is that?”

“I’m not sure where you’re going with this.”

“I’m going to tell you to bag him.”

“You’re nuts.”

“No, it’s been two weeks since you met, he seems pretty decent and he’s objectively hot, whatever that means.”

“I still need to get to know him.”

“Just take him for a test drive.“

“Yeseul!”

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

You were scrolling through your twitter feed, reading some thread exposing another influencer when you heard a knock on your door.

“Coming.” You said, walking over and opening it to Jungkook.

He lost the business attire, wearing a simple black shirt and jeans. Fine, so it wasn’t the suits that made him look so hot.

“Wow.”

“Is there a reason you showed up on this fine Saturday?”

“Because I want to take you out. Plus I got to see you in shorts.”

“My eyes are up here, Jeon.”

“Wait, let me admire them a bit longer.” You were about to swing the door shut when he stopped the door.

“I was just joking, Y/N. But would you like to go out with me?”

“You don’t mean like a date, do you?”

“Whatever you want it to be.”

“Then we can hang out, Jungkook.”

“You said my name.”

“Did I? Must have been a slip of the tongue, Jeon.”

“Shoot, I should have enjoyed it while it lasted.”

“You can wait in the living room. Touch anything and I’ll have your head.”

“You’re joking, right?” You smiled in response.

“Oh.”

“So where are we going?”

“Somewhere fun, casual.”

“How descriptive.”

“It’s no fun if I tell you everything. You’ll know when we get there.”

“Of course I would because we would already be there.”

“Just get changed, Y/N.”

“Bossy.” You teased, going into your bedroom to change.

Should I dress up for him? But the most we are is friends and since when did friends have to impress each other? Gosh, why are you even thinking about this? Just toss something together!

You put on a crop top and some shorts, joining Jungkook in the living room after brushing your hair.

“Let’s go.” You clapped your hands together, getting Jungkook’s attention and walking towards the front door.

You thought you heard Jungkook mutter under his breath, making you quietly smirk before turning to look at him.

“Is something the matter?”

“Of course not. After you.” The two of you opted for the elevator, you listening to Jungkook hum melodically. He led you to his car, opening the door for you and you sat with a quiet ‘thank you’.

“Are you really not going to tell me?”

“I’ll give you a hint. It’s a building in this city.”

“I see you can be mean too.”

“Taste of your own medicine. A bit bitter, isn’t it?”

“You’re enjoying it, aren’t you?”

“A bit.”

“Hmph.”

“Sounds more cute than angry.”

“You’re a strange man.”

“Only to you, Y/N. Mother says I’m the most perfect person in the world, you’re a close second though.” You rolled your eyes, you’re surprised he went so long without mentioning his mother and chose now to bring her up.

“Of course she does. You’re her baby boy.”

“Oh shit, forgot about your father.”

“Let’s keep him forgotten.”

“Alright.”

“I’m surprised you know how to drive.”

“What a weird comment. Why wouldn’t I know?”

“You seemed like the type to have drivers, mommy won’t want her baby to get into an accident.”

“I’m not that much of a momma’s boy. I have a motorcycle license, I’ll have you know.”

“You? On a motorcycle?”

“I was 18 and feeling rebellious. It explains the earrings too.”

“They suit you actually.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, I have to see you on a bike.”

“Depends, will you take a ride with me?”

“You just want an excuse to get me to hug you, don’t you?”

“Damn, nothing gets past you. But I miss the night rides and it’s nicer with company.”

“I might take you up on that.”

“I guess I better dust off the old bike, then.”

“It’s not a date, remember that.”

“I know, I know.” He pulled into a parking lot, smoothly reversing into a spot before the two of you getting out.

“This way.” You followed him, the sign a dead giveaway and you smiled.

“I could have guessed that you would pick an arcade.”

“It’s fun and casual.”

“Hey, Ms. Han.”

“Oh, Jungkook honey, you came! Who is this lovely woman? Your girlfriend?”

“No, she’s just a friend, Ms. Han.”

“It’s nice to meet you, I’m Y/N.” You bowed to her and she waved her hands.

“No need to be so formal, a friend of Jungkookie is a friend of mine. This rascal has been coming to this arcade for years, even skipping classes to beat the high scores on most of these machines.”

“Is that so? What a bad boy.”

“Hey, don’t gang up on me. I still did well, didn’t I, Ms. Han?”

“With the skin of your teeth. You’re lucky you were a talented kid, now a big name game developer.”

“I’m still the same Jungkook.”

“You are the reason I still have banana milk in my fridge.”

“My favourite. Thank you, Ms. Han.”

“Ah, you.” Jungkook cheekily smiles before laughing, soon enough the three of you were. You took a seat at a machine, Jungkook sitting next to you and playing.

“Wanna make a bet?”

“Depends, what do I win?”

“Your most embarrassing baby photo.”

“Blackmail material, huh? Won’t put it past you.”

“Humour me with what you think you’ll win.”

“You let me take you out on a real date.”

“Aiming high, aren’t you?”

“Of course, the greater the risk, the greater the reward. You in?”

“Better be ready to hand that picture over tomorrow.”

“Don’t count on it, babe.” There’s the damned nickname, hearing it in person has the same effect as it does typed out. You didn’t let it seem obvious, focusing on the machine and the two of you playing a single round.

“I win. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sweet blackmail material.”

“Sure, after our date.”

“That isn’t part of the deal.”

“Check the scores again, Y/N.” You looked at the two screens, Jungkook putting his arm around your shoulder with a smile on his face.

10660 to 1066…5. He beat you by 5 points.

“How.”

“I’ve been playing since high school, I think I’m losing my touch. I have the high score on this game, I think.”

“I want a rematch.”

“If that’s what you want.” You tried different combos, putting all your focus on your character and finishing with a better score than the first time.

“Beat you by 10, this time.”

“Are you cheating?”

“I think it’s a classic case of sore loseritis.”

“I am not a sore loser, just can’t wrap my head around you beating me.”

“Well, I am a game developer. If I were horrible at games, that would be ironic.”

“This isn’t fair.”

“Wait here, I’ll get you some banana milk.” You frowned at him, watching him go into the back and Ms. Han hit you with a rag.

“He looks really happy with you.”

“I think he just likes winning games.”

“This is a different kind of happy, the smile on his face looks different than when he sees me coming into the arcade with a carton of banana milk or hearing about how the neighbourhood kids talked about his game.”

“It’s like he’s in love. Just like that girl he used to talk about in high school.”

“Jungkook had a crush?”

“But he has you now. Keep your eye on him for me, will you Y/N?”

“I-”

“Ms. Han, you’re running low on banana milk.”

“Ya, you punk, you should supply your own.”

“I promise I’ll buy some next time. Y/N, here.” He handed you a bottle, the straw already inserted and you took a sip. It was really sweet, you never thought he would like something like this.

“Can we book a karaoke room?”

“For how long?”

“An hour.”

“Jungkook.”

“I want to hang out with you a bit longer.” That innocent comment led to the two of you singing the opening to Naruto three times and you two belting Unravel on the top of your lungs.

You took a seat, tired and Jungkook sang on his own. He had such a pretty voice, each note sounding perfect in your ears. Is there anything he can’t do?

“One more song?”

“You’re totally going to lose your voice.”

“I’m dedicating this song to you, Y/N.”

“Oh my god.” You covered your face, laughing as he dramatically pointed at you and he entered the code.

The gentle piano played through the speakers and he kept his eyes on the screen as he sang. It was a simple love ballad, it felt like he was truly saying these words to you.

“Are you crying?”

“Shut up, that was beautiful you ass.”

“I’m not sure whether to be offended or flattered.”

“It’s a compliment, you jerk.”

“Okay… let’s take you home.”

You followed him out to his car, going back to your apartment.

“Are we really going on a date?”

“Why? Can’t wait?”

“I rather not.”

“But we had so much fun today.”

“But it wasn’t a date.”

“I know. But it was a test run for our real date.”

“You planned this out, didn’t you?”

“No comment.”

“I can admire the sneakiness.”

“I planned the whole thing, except for the little chat between you and Ms. Han.”

“Did you eavesdrop?”

“No, I thought she would say something embarrassing that I rather not relive.”

“Really, not even the girl you had a crush on?”

“She didn’t tell you her name, did she?”

“No, but now I’m curious. A girl that got your attention, wonder what she was like? Could she be the reason you got all rebellious?”

“Hey, save these questions for our date.”

“You’re serious about that?”

“Of course. Let me walk you up.” He locked his doors behind the two of you, taking you up to your floor while talking with you more.

“Just what I wanted to see.” You looked at your father standing out of your apartment, Jungkook stopping behind you. He smirked at the two of you, your blood boiling as he adjusted his cuff links.

“Why are you here?”

“Is there something unusual about a father caring about his only daughter?”

“You? Care about me? When did that start? When I became an asset to you to use?”

“Watch your words, girl. Do you realize who you’re speaking to?”

“A deadbeat father who chose money over me.”

“You-” You shut your eyes, knowing what should come next but it didn’t. Opening your eyes, you saw Jungkook holding your father’s arm and he let go.

“Remember this, Y/N, your life was never yours. Never.” He spat, walking off and Jungkook turned to you.

“He’s done that before, hasn’t he?”

“I push his buttons a lot, don’t I?”

“You don’t have to tell me but I won’t let him get away with it anymore. Okay?” You let him hug this time, holding onto a piece of his shirt for a moment. He didn’t make you say it, thankfully but he knew what your father truly was at least.  

His hand patted your hair, the soft gesture melting your heart a bit. Your mother used to do the same thing when you were scared at night before you’d fall asleep she would say these words:

“I’ll protect you.”

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

 Yeseul came over, tossing dresses in your direction and currently spazzing while you dodged.

“Oh my god, how come you have like nothing to wear?”

“We’re standing in like a hill of my clothes right now.”

“And yet you still have nothing to wear.”

“Maybe I should get a raincheck.”

“Oh hell no, I can finally meet this mystery man tonight and you can’t take that away from me.”

“Yeseul, calm down.”

“I am calm.” So not calm. You sighed, just fishing through the clothes that Yeseul chucked and finding a simple little black dress.

“That is it. Simple, chic and elegant. My tossing abilities have never failed me.” You rolled your eyes, knowing better than to argue with Yeseul about her not noticing it when she initially tossed it at you but there was no point being a dead horse.

After putting on the dress and Yeseul becoming an impromptu hair and makeup artist, you waited for Jungkook.

You heard him knock and Yeseul sprinted to the door before you could make three steps.

“Oh my god, he’s hotter than I imagined.”

“You must be Yeseul.”

“So you have talked about me.”

“Yeah, just the usual, you being annoying and slightly overbearing. Everyday things.”

“Sometimes I wonder how Jungkook managed to get through 2 months of you without even thinking he needs a break.”

“I think about it every day, try me.”

“Oh yeah, you can start right now.”

“Oh no, missy, and pass up on this date when you’ve dressed up so beautifully? I’d would have to be locked up in an asylum.”

“I told you you looked hot.” Yeseul boasted.

“Hush.”

“Now, I’m stealing Y/N for the night. Not sure if I’ll get her back by morning.”

“By all means, take her.”

“Gee, Yeseul, some friend you are.”

“Have fun, lovebirds.”  She rushed you both out, giving you a thumbs up and wink. You cocked an eyebrow, Jungkook leading you away and you were met with a midnight blue motorcycle.

“You weren’t joking.”

“I’d never joke about my Harley. Come on.” You took the helmet from him, placing it on your head and sitting behind him.

“Trust me and hold on.” You listen to the bike roaring to life before purring as he began to ride. He weaved through traffic carefully, probably because of you and parked at a restaurant.

“Can I..um…hold your hand?”

“Yeah.” You breathed, Jungkook quietly lacing his fingers between yours and leading you into the restaurant.

“Reservation for Mr. Jeon.”

“Right this way, sir.” The host led you to your table, an intimate booth with virtually no one in sight.

“A waiter will be with your shortly to take your orders.” He said, walking away and leaving you with Jungkook.

“Are you nervous?”

“I wasn’t expecting you to look this beautiful, it’s kind of distracting.”

“Should I be offended or flattered?”

“You’re beautiful.”

“You’re pretty handsome, I guess.”

“Compliments with you are like pulling teeth.”

“At least you know how much I mean it when I say one due to their rarity.”

“Point taken. But I’m going to keep telling you how beautiful you are until it sticks.”

“You might give me a big head.”

“Even so, you would be beautiful.”

“Charmer.”

“I aim to please, babe. Since you like it when I call you that.”

“When did I-”

“Didn’t think I would notice how you gulp anytime I said it and you look to your left?”

“Okay, that’s weird for you to notice.”

“It’s because I’m always looking at you. It’s hard to keep my eyes off you.”

“Sap.”

“But you drink it up like syrup.”

“Doesn’t make it any less sappy.”

“Fair enough.” The waiter came by, the two of you placing your orders and once again were left to each other.

“What was your childhood like?”

“Always with the hard questions, Y/N. Dad was busy expanding his empire and legacy, Mom took care of me and my older brother. My older brother started working for our dad, spending more time with the company then getting married and putting any other free time into his wife.”

“It was me and mom for a while, but my dad would come back to remind me that I was his son and he’s the one calling the shots.”

“I remember the day I ran off after turning 18, spending countless nights mindlessly riding through cities, spending nights in bars and crashing at random people’s houses to get by. My mother came for me with two men to drag me back home, my father was gone. Fucked off to god knows where.”

“Mom was lonely and so was I, so we lived together. I put my time into game development, being one of the lucky ones to hit big with my first project and here am I.”

“I guess a power-hungry father is a trope we share.”

“You’re right.”

“But you’re conveniently forgetting this mystery crush from high school.”

“She was so carefree, always doing what she wanted but never in the way of others. Like a bird. She flew away, out of my life for years.”

“Do you know what happened to her?”

“I.. don’t, could only guess she’s happy now.”

“I’m surprised your crush wasn’t a video game character.”

“Lara Croft is still my number one.”

“I see, that’s why you like shorts so much.”

“It was an awakening.” You tittered, he’s such a goofball.

“Your turn.”

“It was just me, my father and mom. My mom died in my first year of middle school, dad starts nosediving into work and I had to raise myself. Dad came home one day and told me that we shouldn’t be associated with each other anymore. Sent me away after high school and occasionally pops in to make me feel like I’m nothing without him.”

“You’re more than what he could ever be. He’s just a grumpy piece of shit.”

“It’s nice to hear someone else finally say it.”

“Glad we’re on the same page.” He reached for your hand, his thumb stroking the back of your palm.

“Yeah.” He caught your eyes, the two of you having a quiet conversation through eye contact. You didn’t know what to say next until Jungkook started to wiggle his eyebrows at you.

“God.” You started to laugh, breaking eye contact.

“I win.”

“When was this a competition?”

“Since I said it was.”

“Is everything a game to you?”

“Not when it comes to like… serious stuff.”

“How profound, Jungkook.”

“I should be a philosopher.” You shook your head, him chuckling to himself. The waiter came around with your food, appreciating the arrangement before taking a bite.

It was silent yet comfortable. The quite clatter for utensils against dishes left you to think about this moment in time.

You would have never thought that you would be able to sit across Jungkook, being about to joke around with each other and just feel happy in each other’s company.

Didn’t think that you’d find yourself talking every day, hanging out whenever you were free, sometimes even missing him- Wait, when did things become so different?

“Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be? It’s just you got a little something on your cheek.” You took a napkin, gently wiping his cheek before he could. He watched you, those brown eyes drinking the sight of you and you felt like you were drowning.

His hand came to cover yourself when you were about to pull away. Your face grew hot, his large hand clasped over yours against his cheek while he gazed into your eyes. You were slowly becoming his leading lady and you hadn’t even realized it until now.

“I like you.”

“What?”

“I like you, Y/N. Not because of our parents, but because I got to see parts of you that I didn’t know existed. You’re witty, competitive, smart, beautiful, everything I could ever want and need.”

“Jungkook.”

“Tell me I’m not crazy for feeling like this, that I’m not the only one.”

“You’re not crazy.”

“But how do you feel about me?”

“Promise me you won’t grow a big head.”

“I won’t grow a big head all of a sudden.”

“I think you’re different from who I thought you were.”

“Good different?”

“Good different. Maybe more than that.”

“I’ll take it.”

 ───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

 You took off your helmet, fixing your hair and Jungkook getting off after shutting his bike off.

“You totally rode slower this time.”

“It’s the only time you’ll hold me.”

“That’s because…you’re the affectionate one.”

“And I’ve been deprived, you know.”

“You have my permission now.” He took a step closer to you, his hand gently smoothing over a strand of your hair before tucking it behind your ear. His hand swiftly moved to hold your cheek before he looked into your eyes.

“I want to kiss you so badly.”

“Please do.” You breathed mindlessly before he leaned in.

He was gentle, your kiss barely touching before you pulled on his tie to reel him closer. Your mind was racing faster than your heart, the softness of his lips blocking out any other thought beside Jungkook.

He tasted like the champagne you two shared, the sweet taste more intoxicating than the actual alcohol. You melted, him wrapping an arm around your waist and temporarily breaking your kiss.

You dived back in, not wanting to let go the feeling his lips gave you. It hadn’t occurred to you that you were waiting for this for so long, holding back for what?

You pulled away, needing to breath and he held you close. His heart was pounding as hard as you was while you quietly listened against his chest.

“Give me your hand.”

“Now, close your eyes.”

“You’re getting bossy, you know.”

“Sometimes I like to wear pants, you know.”

“Don’t get used to it. I like control.”

“Then I’m all yours. Open them.” You looked your hand, seeing a ring on your ring finger.

It was a silver band with red heart crystals embedded around it.

“It’s just a promise ring. A promise that I’ll be by your side… as your boyfriend.”

“Jungkook.”

“Will you be my girl?”

“Of course, I will, Kookie.”

[ushidoux]

Birthday Boy - Kuroo x Reader

Summary: Office man Kuroo wants the usual for his birthday. (~1.4k words)

Warnings: nsfw, fem!reader, public sex, office relationships

A/N: Kuroo annoys me but I can see the appeal. Happy birthday Kuroo!

---

You typed the last sentence of your business proposal for Friday, taking an extra bit of satisfaction in typing the last period before hitting the save button, then took a deep breath before leaning back in your chair. With one additional thing checked off your list for today, you made a quick check at the clock next to you to check how much longer you had until you could leave this place and move on with your life.

20 minutes left. You could do this.

“Didn’t you forget something today?”

Almost a bit startled, you looked up to see the company’s vice president, Tetsuro Kuroo, grinning down at you slyly, chin perched over the edge of the cubicle. You hated that he was tall enough to do that despite the fact that the cubicle walls were higher than typical - it felt like he had special access to you somehow.

You smiled politely, even though you and he both knew you couldn’t exactly stand him - in fact, you had made it pretty clear a couple months ago that you thought he was somewhat of a prick in the corner of an office party, and miraculously had kept your job (sleepless nights were finally behind you and you would never get so drunk at a company event again).

“Whatever do you mean, Mr. Tetsuro?” You said with mock extreme professionalism, as you printed out your proposal and rose to get to the noisy printer located outside of your small office space.

He leaned against the wall, smiling at you as you passed him.

“It’s my birthday, of course,” he said, now following you leisurely into the copy room, and you could feel the hairs on your neck stand on end as he stepped just outside of sexual harassment distance. “Where’s my present?”

You pulled your stack of papers out of the printer, shrugging off the irritation building inside you and went to focus on stapling copies of your day’s work together.

“Happy birthday,” you offered passively.

He stood beside you, grabbing another stapler to help you with your task uninvited.

“Why thank you, Ms. ___. I was waiting to hear good wishes from you. It was all I waited for all day, in fact,” he said, with a furtive glance at you that you pretended not to see.

“Don’t worry, I don’t need help,” you insisted. Before you could reach over, he nudged you playfully with his hip, blocking you out of his way. 

“You never need anything, Mrs. Independent,” Kuroo teased with a laugh, “but don’t worry, I got you.”

Before you could protest and snatch the sheets of his hand, he raised the sheets of paper higher than you could reach, forcing you to have to jump once or twice, stopping only once you were in a flustered mess, embarrassed by the fact that you were actually jumping in a pair of heels and a skirt in public.

“You are so fucking annoying! Do you know that?” You huffed finally in frustration, now standing completely still despite seething with annoyance. “Just go home, don’t you have someone new on your “hit and quit” list anyway?!”

Before the words left your mouth, you regretted them ever coming out and you whispered a short “Shit” under your breath as Kuroo’s eyes grew wide and devilish. You’d triggered him in just the right and wrong way. You glanced quickly at the door to ensure no one was outside to see what had just happened and what was about to happen, then considered making a quick run for it because yes, you had just given this sexy asshole ammunition and yes, he was absolutely going to lose it.

As expected, Kuroo blocked your way out of the room with quick side steps to the left and to the right, making your heart start to pound in your chest, and finally after a quick look outside as well to clear the surroundings, he held you close in his arms.

“Oh, it looks like someone’s been a bit jealous…,” he crooned, rocking you back and forth softly first before as he released you and backed into the open door, quickly and smoothly locking the door behind him. “So jealous, you won’t even wish me a happy birthday, my little bunny?”

Fuck.

“Kuroo, don’t,” you whispered under your breath, but he was already walking towards you, eagerly loosening his tie, and by all that was good, you were going to let him do whatever he wanted even if it was against your better judgement.

He started by backing you into the wall by the copy-printer, planting a soft kiss on your lips, then pecking down your jawline to your bosom, his hands steadying themselves on your hips hugged by the classic but quite form-fitting pencil skirt you had decided on wearing that morning.

“Don’t what?” He breathed into the crook of your neck, as slender fingers started to unbutton your blouse, giving him access to the soft pillows of your breasts and pert nipples.

“W-we’re in public… not... not here.”  You were already starting to forget your protests as his lips closed around a mound sending heat rushing to your center.

“It seems like you need reassurance,” he reasoned. “Let’s think of it as a sort of quality assurance project, what do you think?”

With that, more fingers made their way down the hem of your skirt, pulling then dragging them down so that he could press a digit right through to your pussy now damp and soaking your undies. 

“I don’t know why you keep wearing these tight ass skirts in the office, how the fuck are we supposed to get a quick fix during work breaks?”

“Shut up, Kuroo,” you retorted, pushing him off of you as you struggled to shimmy the skirt off quickly yourself.

“I mean, you’re really bad at playing this pretend game. Like my dad owns this company, why do you think it would be a problem if everyone else found out we were fucking?” Kuroo added, as he unbuckled his pants and rolled down his dress pants for you. You took a look at his large member as it popped out from the waistband of his pants, but when you saw his smirk at your hungry expression, you rolled your eyes before bending over the printer for him. 

“You talk so fucking much, Kuroo.”

“Wow! Cursing at me? On my birthday?” He protested with mock offense, but instead retaliated with getting a hard grip on your hair with one hand to pull you back towards him.

“Kuroo!”

“You’re lucky I’m not asking for a full hour of head, bunny!” He quipped, before breaching your entrance in one fluid movement. “Oh my goodness, it really is my lucky day, you really are just dripping for me.”

At this point, you should have been wondering what exactly had gotten you involved with this obnoxious man, but when he started a quick pace, thrusting you forward back and forth while you steadied yourself on the poor abused office printer, your tsundere act started to crumble. 

As he expected.

The room filled with the sloppy noises of cock entering cunt, over and over and over again, soft whines, suppressed grunts and moans, and the whir of buttons inadvertently being pressed. Despite Kuroo’s abrasive behavior towards you in the office, he could manage to be tender when he railed you, offering a soft hand to cover your mouth as you struggled to keep quiet and loosening his grip on your hair in favor of running his hand through it tenderly. 

As your walls continued to clench and tighten around him, milking him of all he was worth, his moans started to get more uneven, and he breathed deeply before laughing softly, leaning in you.

“You’re awfully quiet, babe,” he teased, his voice more tender this time.

So are you, you wanted to say, but then your coil snapped, and sensing this, his hand clamped tighter over your mouth as he pounded you even harder and you wanted to scream.

Kuroo, Kuroo, Kuroo…

Your orgasm was freefall, and soon he fell with you holding you all the while, his hand still clamped over your mouth and his other hand now pressing against you to hold your convulsing body still, you always came so violently when you were with him, so much a firecracker you were.

When the high finally faded, you both redressed in satisfied silence, staring at each other with renewed longing, only to be startled by hard raps on the door. 

Your eyes widened as you stared at each other then at the door.

Had you finally been too loud?

“There’s cake for whoever’s in there for VP’s birthday,” you could hear one of your coworkers finally say with exasperation. “I don’t know why you always use that room for so long, you can work in your cubicle, ___.”

Kuroo stifled a laugh as haughty footsteps headed away from the door, before kissing you on the forehead.

“Do you wanna get some of VP’s birthday cake or have you already had enough of VP?”

[lovingllix]

Not the birthday party 😔

Okay fine can I request Hyunnie just a lot of kisses and sweet whispers about how he loves you and him telling you how cute you are and how much he loves and vise versa pleaseee? I don’t wanna be uninvited 😭😭

sorry it took so long! hope u like it 💕

[7:18am]

hyunjin wakes before you, as he always does. he’s always loved that he wakes up first; it means he gets to admire you without you noticing.

this morning in particular, you’re sleeping very peacefully. your hair is splayed across the pillow, but somehow still looks perfectly placed. your face is slightly puffy, with a light pink tinge spreading over your nose and cheeks. your eyelashes rest ever so delicately against your skin. your lips are parted slightly and hyunjin thinks they look oh so kissable.

he lightly runs a finger across your cheek, causing goosebumps to form from the coldness of his skin against yours. he moves a stray piece of hair away from your eyes and you stir, opening your eyes slowly. it takes a moment to adjust to the light, but when you do, the first thing you see is hyunjin’s smiling face looking back at you.

“good morning, baby,” he whispers, not wanting to disrupt the morning silence.

“morning jin. what are you so smiley about this early?” you close your eyes once more, sliding closer to hyunjin for your beloved morning cuddles.

he shakes his head as if to say ‘nothing,’ pulling you against his chest.

“you,” he finally murmurs leaning down to press a kiss to the crown of your head. the action brings a smile to your face and a blush to your cheeks.

“what about me?” your lips brush against his skin as you speak. hyunjin is silent for a moment. you look up at him to see him staring intently into the distance, his lips pursed in thought.

“everything. your lips. you know i love your lips, right? they always taste like your vanilla lip balm. your eyes, too. i love the way they sparkle in the sun and when you’re happy. i love the way all of your emotions show in your eyes before the rest of your face. i love your hair, how soft it is. i love how you always smell like peony flowers and summer rain. i love that you care so deeply for the ones you love. i love that you’d do anything to help anyone who asked. i love our goofy dances in the kitchen, or when you get a little too excited and slip on the hardwood floor. i love how invested you get in your favorite movies. i don’t know, i just love you. every little part of you.”

some of his words go nearly inaudible, simply because he’s trying so hard to be quiet. you feel your face grow warmer with every sentence he speaks. tears well up in your eyes but you blink them away before they can fall.

“hwang hyunjin, you are too sweet. i love you so much more than you even know.” this time, you bring a hand up to caress his cheek before moving it up to his soft hair that has grown so much longer than he’s ever had it. you have to admit, it’s one of your favorite looks on him.

“you have the biggest heart of anyone i’ve ever met. and i mean that with my entire soul. you’re compassionate and empathetic and understanding; it’s one of my favorite things about you. aside from your lips. and this little mole below your eye. and of course, your eyes. your hands. your voice. your dedication. all of you.”

hyunjin’s eyes never leave yours while you speak. they do flicker down to your lips, though, and he takes his free hand to tilt your head towards him, finally kissing you for the first time this morning.

you weren’t lying when you said you loved his lips. and neither was hyunjin.

[johnkrrasinski]

i dreamt of you all sumer long;

full masterlist

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x female!reader

Word count: 2,607

Warning: angst with a happy ending :)

Summary: based on the song ‘betty’ by taylor swift except bucky ain’t no cheater.

a/n: i dedicate this one to all my fellow swifties. betty was an instant favourite as soon as i first heard it when folklore came out. it has been begging for me to write a fanfic inspired by it and now it’s finally out and i’m really happy about it. hope you like it. please leave a comment & like :) 

He stood on the doorstep of your house, with a bouquet of pink roses in his hands and a hood over his head. A little tipsy and full of sorry. “You can always turn around," the voice in his head whispered just a few minutes ago when he stopped at a streetlight illuminating his path to the street he had passed a million times before.

But now that he was standing in your front porch light of this cozy little house he had grown to know as if it was his second home before the avalanche this summer was, the feeling was finally sinking in.

“Have you seen Bucky?”

“No, I thought he was with you.”

“Well, he was but then Steve asked me to dance and he just… disappeared.”

“Maybe he went to the bathroom?”

“Yeah, I’ll just try to call him again. Thanks, Nat.”

You searched for him in the halls and within the classrooms but there was no sign of him. You knew that Bucky hated the crowds and he always tried to avoid them. But Bucky knew how much this dance meant to you and how long you had been looking forward to this night. You put on your best dress and makeup for him tonight and you wanted to sway to your favourite song with him. He promised that he would try to make this night an incredible one for you. He seemed to have forgotten that promise because he wasn’t even answering your calls or texts to let you know where he was hiding.

You went to the boys’ locker room and what you saw was a bullet right in the centre of your heart. Bucky had his lips on a classmate of yours’ with his back pressed against the locker.

“Bucky…?”

He drew this moment out in his head after weeks of yearning for the way your lips tasted when you used to kiss in his car and downtown bars. And the pattern of your braids that adorned the view of you under the sunset, and the star-shaped traces of his fingers around your scars.

The only thing he wanted to do was make it up to you.

Bucky was a deer caught in headlights when he heard your meek voice calling out his name. He was too stunned by the act she had just caught him off guard with. He was on his way to somewhere less congested to calm himself down because the crowds always evoked the anxiety in him and Steve had asked her to dance when her favourite song was playing from the far side of the gym when he heard the sound of cries from the locker room. He couldn’t help but approach the sound, he really should’ve kept walking instead of interfering. He saw her sitting on the bench in her dress with a tissue in her hand and sobbed.

“Hey, you okay?”

“James… What are you doing here?” She looked up with her swollen eyes.

“I was on my way to the library but I heard someone was crying so I had to check it out.” He scratched the back of his head. “Maybe I should’ve given you some space instead…”

“No, it’s okay. Thank you, James.” She smiled. “Wanna sit?”

“…Yeah, sure.” He doubtfully accepted the offer. “What happened?”

“Kevin broke up with me over the phone while I was on my way to the dance and he came with Cecilia.”

“Jeez, what a dickhead.”

“Yeah, I knew he and Cecil had been fooling around behind my back for months but he always told me that I was being crazy and that I have to trust him more, and I always believed him until tonight he showed me what a jackass he actually is.”

“Hey, he doesn’t deserve you. You should be with someone who loves you and treats you better.” Bucky was never one to give good advice or comfort to his friends but his mama raised him to be a gentleman and to treat a girl like a queen. She always reminded him that if he ever broke a girl’s heart, she would beat his ass.

She smiled, “thanks, James. You’re really sweet.”

He nodded, “well, I should go. Y/N might be looking for me.”

“…Right, you are with Y/N.” For a moment there, she forgot that he and you were the school’s favourite couple.  

“Yeah, so, you’ll be okay?”

“Yeah, don’t worry about me.”

He got up and started walking toward the exit when he heard her call his name. “James…”

He turned around to see her on her feet already when she threw herself into him and startled him by pressing her lips onto his and pushed him onto the locker as it rattled with the pressure of his body against it. He was too dumbfounded to get her off of him when he heard your voice, “Bucky…?”

He could hear the music emanating from within the house as another of his classmate passed by, bumping his shoulder to get through the entrance. Another one of your stupid friends, he used to say, and you used to chide at him for that. But now he felt like he was the biggest idiot. "You got this, don't be a fucking coward." He braced himself.

So he showed up uninvited and his eyes scanned every corner of the room, seeking for that one face that haunted his dreams all summer long. Will you have me? will you love me? Will you kiss me? The lingering questions loomed over his head like a heavy cloud. What if you told him to go fuck myself instead? If you kissed me, will it patch you broken wings? He was only seventeen, he didn’t know anything but he knew that he missed you.

You greeted each one of your friends who came to your birthday party. You were grateful for another year and your friends whom you consider your second family. You were the type of person who was friends with everyone even though you only considered Natasha as and Wanda as your best friends, your most trusted confidants, they were the ones who stitched you back together after you caught Bucky cheating… Or at least that’s what you thought.  

So you invented the whole school to your party and almost everyone came. The jocks, the popular girls, the nerds, even some of your seniors were there too. Your house was packed with high school kids dancing, drinking and laughing… But there was something missing.

He should’ve been there with you. He should’ve been the one standing right beside you when your schoolmates were singing happy birthday to you. He should’ve been there to kiss you and hold you after the party was over and everyone had gone home. But he wasn’t. Because you thought you knew someone and you thought someone loved you but sometimes you’re just enough for them and they would go looking for excitement in somewhere else.

“Y/N! Wait a minute, would you listen to me?!”

“I’ve heard enough. Most importantly… I’ve seen enough.”

“No, you don’t understand, she kissed me! She was crying and, and, I was trying to comfort her and we talked and the next thing I knew she kissed me!” He frantically explained through his ragged breaths.

“But did you stop her?”

He was silent. What the hell was he supposed to say? He couldn’t stop her because he didn’t have it in him to reject a vulnerable woman? That’s how his mama raised him right? To treat every girl with respect and to take care of a girl especially when she’s emotional. Why is being seventeen so confusing?

“I was… I was trying to but-”

“I’ve heard enough of your bullshit, James.” Oh no, you called his first name. Oh man, he had truly fucked up.

“I- I would never cheat on you, y/n! You really think I could do such a thing to you?”

“Not anymore.” You glared at him with all conviction in your heart and your classmates gathered around to watch the quarrel as your heart was bisecting.

“Well, I guess then this is it.” He didn’t mean it. He wished he had fought a little harder for you. To make you stay and hearken. But he gave up too easily. He has always been a lover than a fighter after all, but how he wished he had turned himself into the other one at that moment.  

You chatted with Natasha and Wanda in your living room and you giggled at another witty joke Natasha had just said. Natasha and Wanda always had a way of making you giggle even when your mood was contrasting the expressions on your face. The conversation faded into the background as your mind drifted to Bucky’s face. And that’s when you saw him…

Bucky’s breath hitched when he saw you for the first time after all these weeks. He swore he had prepared every word he was going to say to you and how he was going to act when- if You agreed to talk to him. But it was always easier said than done.

He couldn’t decipher the look on your face when your eyes met. Was it longing? Was it contempt? Was it disbelief? You were always difficult to read. God, he wished he was a mind reader sometimes.

Kids started murmuring things from one another because the entire school loved you and Bucky and everyone started talking when you two ended things and that he was caught ‘cheating.’ And now everyone’s jaws dropped when they thought you and Bucky were truly over and that he was the last person that would be invited to your party.

Bucky stopped in his tracks and if the earth could open up and swallow him so he wouldn’t have to deal with his annoying schoolmates and your fury, that wouldn’t be the worst scenario right now. But he was here and he might’ve had been a fool and a recreant once but he was going to fix it now. He can’t keep running away when things get the slightest bit inconvenient.

So he dragged his feet towards you with the bouquet of flowers still in his hands and once he was close enough to you, he sheepishly spoke, “hi.”

“You’ve got some balls to show up here.” You gritted through your teeth.

He gulped, “I wanted to talk… And to wish you, happy birthday.” He handed you the flowers and also a piece of his heart, hoping that you would take him back.

You accepted it. They were lovely but could a bouquet of flowers really mend the wounds he had inflicted? “What do you want, Bucky?”

“Just a few minutes to explain… everything. After this, if you never wanna see me or talk to me ever again, I’ll leave you alone.”

Was it really what you wanted? Curse your heart for always knowing better. But your stubborn head always had its hands on the wheel, so, forever can spare a minute… right? “Okay, let’s talk in the garden.”

Your garden, the place where you and Bucky used to make out when your parents weren’t home and laid under the broad daylight. Was it wise to lead him here? You shushed the whispers of your heart. Memories came swirling through like a hurricane, banging on your door, begging for you to open up and let him back in.

“Go ahead.”

“Okay, I’m just gonna make this quick but um…” He cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head. Something he always did when he was nervous or didn’t know what to say. He looked down and spoke, “y/n, I am so sorry for what I did to you at the dance. I know I should’ve- God I should’ve stopped her and should’ve stayed with you. I should’ve kept my promise to try harder for you but I didn’t. And I know I’m a fucking idiot but… I’ve missed you. So badly. And I wish I could turn back the time and fixed it but all I can do now is apologize.” Your tears were threatening to fall at the sincerity of his words. You never wanted this. You wished Bucky had known better but to love is to lose your mind and you were at fault for this mess too.

“I understand if you don’t wanna see me around or deal with me again, I came here knowing you’d never take me back because you told me once that cheating was your dealbreaker and what I did was just as shitty but, if this is the last time you’ll ever talk to me, I had to get it out of my chest. That’s all.” He sighed, the gloom in his heart wasn’t withering away but at least the weight in his heard was lighter now that he had come clean.  “I’m gonna go now, you should go back to your friends, they are waiting.” He inched his face closer to you to kiss you on the cheek and you were too mesmerized by the blue in his eyes to shun away.

“Goodbye, y/n. And once again, happy birthday.” He turned around to leave, going for the exit door of your garden so he didn’t have to walk past through the crowds and deal with prying questions about their… whatever they are now or what truly happened at the dance. He had made peace with you and that’s all that mattered to him.

He was a few steps away from her when he heard her voice calling his name, “Bucky, wait…”

He stopped and turned to your direction only to catch you narrowing the gap and jumped on him. He was quick to catch her as they used to after a few days of not seeing each other and they both had missed each other terribly. She pressed her lips on top of his and circled her arms around his neck to hold onto him. Because who was she kidding? She had missed him so badly too. She dreamt of him calling her to apologize or to show up at her party but never once did she admit it. And now, her heart was back in her arms and she didn’t want to let him go ever again.

Their kiss with filled of longing as their lips moved like a perfect symphony. One of his hands moved to her face to hold her even closer because everything he desired was coming true and he was desperate to make it stay a reality. Your hands grabbed his hair as your tongues tangled, dancing in sync. You pulled away when the need for air was overwhelming, “I forgive you.” You smiled as your foreheads were pressed together.

He too smiled at that, “does this mean you will take me back?”

You nodded, “it does.” Bucky grinned wider, the bliss in his face was palpable. Oh, how good it felt to see him smile again. Bucky could say the same.

He kissed you once more with his hand cupping your cheek and when he pulled away, he gazed into your beautiful eyes and confessed, “I love you. So much. I never stopped loving you.”

“I love you too.” You meant it with every bit of your heart.

He put you on the ground and you were still intertwined with each other, too in love and too elated to pay attention to the curious peeks and snooping ears. “Let’s go back inside, yeah? It’s cold here. And you should be there with me.”

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be anyway.”

[shannygoatgruff]

Shannygoat’s Birthday Party - My First Writing Challenge

It’s my birthday this week (April 18th), and I what better birthday gift than some new material from my favorite authors?

I would like to do a birthday writing or mood-board challenge. I don’t know if this is going to work, because I’m so extra, but what the hell - I’ll never know unless I try. 

The prompts I’ve listed are a bunch of songs on my writing playlist. You know I live in the 90s, so most of the songs are from then. I know most of you have probably never heard of them.

The Subjects:

Vikings (any character but I love Ivar, Hvitserk, Ubbe, Ragnar, Lagertha & Rollo) 

Jesus Foster - Good Trouble (or Noah Centineo)

Mariana Foster - Good Trouble (or Cierra Rameriez)

Wes Gibbins - How to Get Away With Murder (or Alfred Enoch)

Supernatural (any character but I’m a Dean & Castiel girl)

Game of Thrones (any character)

See (any character but I love Baba Voss)

Lucifer

True Blood (any character)

The Following

911 or 911 Lone Star

Law & Order SVU

Prodigal Son

The Magicians (any character but I’m team Margo and Elliott)

The Rules:

Listen to a song from the prompts below and/or look up the words and how the song makes you feel

Non-fluff love stories, Angst, Thriller, Cliffhanger, Action, Crime Drama, Horror, Mystery, Smut...something outside the box

Stories don’t have to be in canon - feel free to do AU - LGBTQ fics are welcomed!

Anything goes - including Dead Duck, just be tactful

Tag the appropriate warnings please!

It must be a new piece

Choose 1 or 2 prompts, no more

Tag me in your work and use the tag #shannygoat'sbirthdayparty

Send me an ask with the prompt(s) you want and add the character you’re writing / making a mood-board for

You don’t have to follow me

Please use the read more button

Deadline: June 30th

The Prompts:

Pretty Nose (Soundgarden)

Blow Up The Outside World (Soundgarden)

Fell On Black Days (Soundgarden)

The Day I Tried to Live (Soundgarden)

Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden)

Say Hello 2 Heaven (Temple of the Dog)

Wooden Jesus (Temple of the Dog)

Hunger Strike (Temple of the Dog)

Crown of Thorns (Mother Love Bone)

Alive (Pearl Jam)

State of Love & Trust (Pearl Jam)

Breath (Pearl Jam)

Porch (Pearl Jam)

Rearview Mirror (Pearl Jam)

Oceans (Pearl Jam)

Bad Guy (Billie Eilish) - ( @waiting4inspiration - Ivar)

Wish You Were Gay (Billie Eilish) - ( @maggiescarborough - Ivar) - Wish You Were Gay

Bury A Friend (Billie Eilish)

Nothing Else Matters (Metallica) - ( @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie - Moodboard)

The Unforgiven (Metallica)

One (Metallica)

Bed Peace (Jhene Aiko ft. Childish Gambino)

Hello (Jhene Aiko ft. Chris Brown)

Crank (Catherine Wheel)

Coffin (Jessie Reyez ft. Eminem)

Gatekeeper (Jessie Reyez)

Imported (Jessie Reyez ft. 6lack) - ( @ritual-unions-gotme - Ubbe)

Before Love Came to Kill Us (Jessie Reyez)

Take Me to Church (Hozier) - ( @waiting4inspiration - Hvitserk)

Here (Alessia Cara)

Make Me (Britney Spears)

Bad At Love (Halsey) - ( @alexhandersen-marcoilsoe-fandom ) Lagertha Moodboard

Sledgehammer (Rihanna)

Love on the Brain (Rihanna)

The Widow (The Mars Volta)

Fall to Pieces (Velvet Revolver) - ( @flowers-in-your-hayr )- Ragnar & Lagertha  

You Got No Rights (Velvet Revolver)

Despacito (Daddy Yankee)

I See Red (Vella)

Wanted Dead or Alive (Bon Jovi)

Animal (Def Lepard)

Love & Affection (Def Lepard)

She Talks to Angels (Black Crows)

Remedy (Black Crows)

Bring Me To Life (Evanescence)

Call Me When Your Sober (Evanescence) - ( @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie - Ivar/Hvitserk) Sick of the Lie

My Immortal (Evanescence) - ( @naaladareia ) - Lagertha moodboard

Orange Crush (R.E.M)

Everybody Hurts (R.E.M)

Uninvited (Alanis Morisset)

Feelin’ Love (Paula Cole)

Angel (Sarah McLaughlin)

Possession (Sara McLachlan) 

I Love You (Sara McLachlan)

Jerome (Lizzo)

I’m Crying Cause I Love You (Lizzo) - ( @underatedcharactersunite - Evan Buckley)

The Space Between (Dave Matthews Band)

All the Things She Said (t.A.T.u.) - ( @zuxiezendler - Vikings)

Would (Alice In Chains) - ( @shannygoatgruff - Lucifer)

Rooster (Alice In Chains)

Tagging people who might be interested:

@waiting4inspiration​ @inforapound-blog​ @geekandbooknerd​ @oddsnendsfanfics​ @fandomfic-galore​ @lisinfleur​ @honestsycrets​ @a-mess-of-fandoms​ @tephi101​ @lol-haha-joke​ @naaladareia​ @flowers-in-your-hayr​ @gearhead66​ @maggiescarborough​ @xbellaxcarolinax​ @pomegranates-and-blood​ @nukyster-blog​ @niishiki​ @lady-valkyrie-blog​ @rosepetals-flyingbirds​ @kingbuckyx​ @zuxiezendler​ @lordoffiction​ @ivarthebloodyking​  @hecohansen31​ @rhxegals​ @miss-madrid​  @simsadventures​ @hvproductions​ @underatedcharactersunite​ @we-are-only-halfway-home93​ @peaceisadirtyword​ @didiintheblog​ @conaionaru​ @peachyboneless​ @pieces-by-me​ @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie​ @youbloodymadgenius​​ @honestsycrets​

Feel free to reblog and tag other people 😊

Be easy!

[holy-hyuck]

Stray Kids Reaction: You’re Nervous to Meet the Other Members

Bang Chan

Flattening the napkin on your lap, you gave one of the members sitting opposite you a nervous smile. You couldn’t remember who it was, but he had a kind smile, and that reassured you a bit. Then, you noticed two other boys looking at you and your heartbeat quickened. The restaurant, though exquisite and prestigious, suddenly seemed too small, and there was too little air for you to breathe.

You excused yourself, garnering everyone’s attention, and made a beeline for the bathroom. You sped up, your shoes making a dragging sound against the carpeted floor. Just as you were about to enter the bathroom, someone grabbed your shoulders and spun you around. You recognised Chan’s cologne right away.

“Chan, I’m freaking the hell out. I don’t know why I even agreed in the first place. This is a mistake, I can’t do this.”

You started hyperventilating. Unsure whether you were having a panic attack or were just really stressed out, Chan grabbed your hands in his and started rubbing circles on your skin with his thumb. You closed your eyes, rocking your hands from side to side.

“Breathe in, then out. On the count of three, okay? If you’re not ready, I can just tell them that and I’ll take you home. I’m sure they’ll understand. I can introduce you to them one by one. If not, I’ll stay with you until you’re okay. I’m not gonna leave you.”

And as he promised, he stayed with you until your laboured breathing came back to the norm and you were no longer shaking. Then, as he promised once more that everything will be fine, you walked back to the table, hand in hand.

Lee Know / Minho

You were startled when your front door opened, the wind making it slam against the radiator on the wall. You jumped up, spilling your tea on the blanket you had spread across your lap, and went to pause the movie you had been watching.

You watched your boyfriend sit next to you on the couch. His brows were furrowed, forehead creased, his lips pulled into a straight line and the look in his eyes was nothing short of anger. For a second, you were scared that you had done something wrong, though nothing came to mind. Then, he asked about why you were avoiding him these past few days, and you cursed yourself for making it so obvious.

“Listen Minho, I promise I’m not avoiding you. It’s just…when you asked me to meet your members, I panicked a little, okay? I guess I just needed some time to think about it, to calm myself down, I didn’t realise I was isolating myself from you. I’m sorry.”

Minho sighed, visibly relaxed but also frustrated. He thought he’d done something wrong, but it was just you putting too much thought into it. He’d thrown in a suggestion, not thinking it would make you overthink it this much.

“Babes, I was so worried these past three days. I didn’t mean to make you nervous; I promise, it’s just a suggestion. If you’re not ready, there’s no rushing. I can wait until you’re ready. Now move over and tell me what we’re watching.”

He grabbed the remote and turned up the volume. You looked at him for a split second, thinking of how much you loved this guy, then turned to the screen as Minho resumed the movie that both of you saw a hundred times already.

Changbin

Your giggles filled the empty room as Changbin's cold hands travelled down the exposed skin of your waist, his lips placing gentle kisses on your neck. Every once in a while, he would suck on the sensitive skin, making your fingers grip his shirt even tighter.

As his lips made his way down your neck, and his hands gripped your thighs - surely leaving an imprint - you thought you had heard something outside of the room and pushed him away. Though confused at first, he quickly grasped why you did it and sighed, asking why you can't just let the boys know you're dating.

"Changbin... We've talked about it. I'm scared. Why can't we just stay this way? I don't like living in fear of getting caught, but I'd rather that than you losing what you love because of me."

Changbin only smiled, rubbing your shoulders.

"I don't care, baby. I want to show others the person I'm absolutely in love with. They deserve to know, and you deserve to be at peace. Now, where were we?"

His breath tickled your neck and you laughed as Changbin continued where he left off as your mind wandered off. Sure, you were now scared of something else, but you had Changbin, and that was all you needed.

Hyunjin

You playfully slapped Hyunjin's arm, stumbling over your own feet as you made your way towards his house. Two more hours and you'd have to say goodbye for another few weeks. Hyunjin would drive you home, and your romance would continue over phone calls and late-evening FaceTime. Still, you wouldn't have it any other way.

You entered his house and took off your shoes, making your way upstairs with Hyunjin following closely behind. Halfway through, you heard hushed laughter and chatter, and it was too late to go back or stop in your tracks to wonder who it belonged to. Standing in the doorway of the living room, you were met with seven pairs of eyes looking into your soul, and you shrunk under their gaze.

Hyunjin came up behind you and placed his hand on the small of your back, making you jump. He whispered in your ear, assuring you he had no idea they would be home. All you did was nod in response, and wave back to Minho (or Felix? who knows) before telling your boyfriend you'll get some water for yourself, and running back down the stairs. Hyunjin found you pouring yourself a glass.

"I don't know. I don't know, Hyunjin. It's just a bit overwhelming, you know? Like, all seven of them just staring at me and all. I'll be fine, I will, I just need a moment to freak out, then I'll be all good. Don't worry."

Hyunjin grabbed your hand and kissed the top of it. Then, inch by inch, he came closer, and kissed the top of your head, your cheek, and finally, placed a chaste kiss on your lips.

"I never doubted you would be. I'll leave you alone, yeah? And when you're ready, just come back upstairs. The boys are really, really excited to finally meet you."

With one last kiss to your forehead, he left you on your own. And you smiled. Yeah, you'll be okay.

Han / Jisung

You felt Jisung's arms wrap around your torso, his head placed on your shoulders as his doe eyes watched your foamy hands do the dishes. He shook his head in disbelief; he told you not to do anything because you were the guest but of course, you wouldn't listen.

He told you about the new movie screening near his house and you smiled. You've wanted to see it for the longest time.

"I told the other boys already," you heard him say and dropped the half-washed cup into the pit of unwashed dishes. Have you misheard him? Slowly, you picked the cup back up and rinsed it. Then, you dried your hands. Noticing the silence, Jisung took your hand in his and spun you around so that you were facing him.

"But why? I'm happy avoiding them for the rest of my life. Besides, there's just so many of them. When you were meeting my friends, you met them one at a time."

You grimaced and Jisung booped your nose.

"I think it's time, (y/n), but you're right. How about we meet one or two at a time? And you can bring one of your friends for comfort. Maybe Chan and Felix would be a good start. Minho's gonna be last."

You laughed, wrapping his arms around him and hugging him.

Felix

Wiping the sweat from your palms on your jeans, you straightened the jacket you had on, then flattened the little hairs near your forehead. A gust of wind blew everything out of order and you silently cursed. You were on your way to meet the rest of Stray Kids. It was Chan's birthday party, and he was more than happy to meet you, so he told Felix to bring you with him to the dorm.

As you rounded the street corner, the building in sight, you halted to a stop, the hand that held Felix's pulling him back. He turned to look at you, only to see sheer fear painting your features as you shook your head vigorously.

"I-I can't Felix. Everyone's gonna be there, celebrating Chan's birthday and I'm gonna be the outcast. They don't even know me, I-I can't show up, so uninvited-"

He pulled you into a hug, catching your sobs into the thick material of his coat. He rubbed your back, holding you tight in his embrace.

"Everyone is waiting for you. They already love you, and they'll love you more once they'll get to know you. You're wanted there, I promise. Besides, some of the members are more nervous to meet you than you are to meet them. Everything's gonna be okay, okay?"

He extended his hand towards you, and although reluctantly, you took it, slipping your fingers into his as you both breathed a sigh of relief.

Seungmin

You were sitting next to Seungmin on the couch in his dorm during your day off. Well, technically a day off, because as you were typing up an essay on your laptop, he was reading over a textbook that sat on his lap.

You both let out a huge sigh when you heard the front door open, Felix walking in and waving to you. He was the only member besides Chan you ever talked to, as Seungmin was very selective when letting you stay over at the dorm, knowing you could only sit in peace when these two members were around. It only took a split second for Seungmin to suggest meeting the others, and all you did was scoff.

"Yeah, how about no?"

Seungmin didn't even spare you a glance, and instead, he rolled his eyes, not taking his eyes away from the textbook.

"It's just a suggestion. Eventually, you'll have to meet them, you know?"

You sat on his words, knowing he was right, and not liking it one bit. You also knew he would never force you into an uncomfortable situation, but you couldn't help feeling guilty for separating him from his bandmates whenever you were around. Sighing, you resumed typing on your laptop, even if all you could focus on were your boyfriend's words.

I.N / Jeongin

You stared at the ring circulating the neck of the bottle in anticipation until it finally settled around it. You jumped up and shouted in disbelief, hugging Jeongin who had just won you the biggest teddy bear you've ever seen. He had taken you out on a carnival date for your four-month anniversary to take your mind off the conversation you had a week ago about you meeting the rest of his members. The idea itself made your stomach twist in a knot, and the thoughts of it gave you anxiety for the rest of the week, even keeping you up at night.

But the bliss you felt didn't last too long. As you were munching on some waffles your boyfriend bought, the giant teddy bear supporting your legs, you heard a deep voice calling out Jeongin's name. You looked up to see four boys around your age, each sporting a different hair colour, waving in your direction. You weren't stupid, you've seen these figures before.

Jeongin looked in your direction, worry evident in the way his forehead creased. Panic rose inside of you and your eyes welled up in tears.

"I'm not ready yet, Jeongin. I'm gonna cry in front of them."

You laughed gingerly, the first tear falling. Jeongin was quick to wipe it away with his thumb, ignoring the way his heart thumped inside his chest at the thought of you being scared and upset.

"Hey, I'm here with you, okay? I'm sorry, I honestly didn't think they would come. They said they were going to the cinema - I swear if I knew I would've never brought you here. We can always leave if you want to - I'm sure they'll understand. But if you're okay with it, we can go and meet them, maybe?"

After searching your face for an answer, Jeongin got up, and your hand was quick to reach for his wrist to stop him. In the time it took you to take a few deep breaths and let the panicked thoughts run through your mind, he intertwined your hand in his, and it was enough to make up your mind. Taking the teddy bear into your other hand, you followed Jeongin to where his friends were standing with smiles on their faces. It eased your heart, even if just a tiny bit.