#earlier after bringing her a fresh bowl of water i was giving her some attention and she laid down next to my foot and sunbathed with me

[rosymiel]

i think i just got adopted by a cat

[cherrycocaineee]

19. Sam Winchester - Hospital Visit

It was extra busy today at the hospital, there were three patients in need of major surgeries along with a line of people either waiting at the clinic or waiting for their minor surgeries to take place. I had been running around all morning wherever I was needed, and since I was the lead surgeon that was pretty much everywhere. Every time I got the chance, I glanced up at the ticking clock that was mute amongst all the loud chatting and alarms going off. I needed to hang on til three, and then another head surgeon would be here to help. I wiped the forming beads of sweat off of my forehead as I headed to the bathroom, wanting to escape from all the chaos that was hitting. Of course I loved being a doctor but I wasn’t made for such large groupings like this. It sent anxiety through my body causing me to sweat. So I just needed a small break to calm my nerves.

   Pressing my back against the cool wall felt almost painful against my hot, sweaty skin. I was just praying silently that I was wearing my doctor’s coat over a turtleneck sweater, stopping most of the chilling pain. Finally catching my breath after fifteen minutes, I pushed myself off of the wall, the cold no longer bothering me, and headed back into the jungle that awaited outside. Not much time passed before my Nurse, Lacy, ran up to me.

  “Doctor,” she said, her voice frantic and filled with worry, “come quick, there’s two new patients in need of medical treatment.”

   Nodding curtly, I followed after her quickly to wherever the patients were. There weren’t many rooms open, so when we did eventually find them, they were in the last two rooms. I went inside the first room, the room that was closer to us, and peered inside at the man lying on the hospital bed. My eyes widened at the sight of John Winchester, an old family friend from way back then. He was covered in slash marks, fresh blood that still needed to be cleaned off of his unconscious body. He was also covered in sweat, glass, and dirt.

   Lacy looked up at me.

 “Bring me a rag,” I muttered, “and some warm, soapy water.” 

  Nodding, she turned on her heel and walked out of the room. I took another glance at John Winchester then headed out of the room, silently praying that the other person in the second room wasn’t one of his sons.

  But I wasn’t lucky. Lying in the next hospital bed was his older son, Dean. I frowned, my forehead creasing slightly. Like his father, Dean was covered in blood, sweat, glass, and dirt. He would need to be cleaned up as well.

  “Doctor.”

  Looking up, I spotted my nurse standing at the door with the bucket of water and a rag hanging over it.

  “Thank you. Please, get another one for this patient.”

 “Of course.”

I took the bowl from Lacy and headed back into the room where John was waiting. Sitting beside his bed was Sam, also covered in blood but not as much as his dad and brother. His eyes met mine, widening as he saw my face.

  “Noel?” He questioned, his voice soft and surprised.

  “Hey Sam,” I replied, placing the bowl down.

  His eyes shifted to the ground. The last time I saw the Winchester’s was when I was twelve years old. I was a year younger than Sam. Out of the two Winchester boys, Sam and I had become close. I knew all about their hunting and everything they did.

  “You gonna tell me what happened?” I asked, grabbing the cloth and beginning to clean John up.

  The blood wiped away easily, revealing his tanned up, scarred skin.

  “I’m not so sure that’s a great idea,” he admitted.

 “Maybe not, but I still think you should tell me.”

  He was quiet for a moment, contemplating inside his head whether telling me would put me in danger. It probably would but I could handle myself. Finally, he told me what happened. They had gotten into a fight with a demon, one who called herself Meg, and these shadow things came out of nowhere attacking them. They were practically defenseless, their only saving grace was light. That’s how they were able to escape, along with throwing Meg out a tall window. By the time he finished telling me what happened, I had finished cleaning his dad up.

   Placing the cloth inside the now bloody water, I faced Sam.

  “Is she dead?” I inquired.

  “We think so,” he huffed, his hair shifting with the breeze escaping his lips, “but we’ve never dealt with a demon before so we’re unsure.”

  Nodding quietly, I started stitching up the large gashes displayed on John’s body. Lacy was right, he did need quick medical attention but not so much that he needed to be placed in the operating room. Not while there were people who needed surgeries on their brains waiting, or even their stomach. This was an easy fix.

  I could feel Sam’s eyes watching me while I sutured up his dad. Clipping the final set of stitches, I got rid of all the leftovers, then washed my hands.

  “I’m going to Dean’s room,” I muttered, “he needs more care than your father, so I’ll need more time to deal with him. Wait here.”

   Sam didn’t argue, he just nodded his head.

Taking care of Dean’s injuries were much harder than I had realized. He was losing lots of blood, and no matter how much of it I tried to wipe away, there would always be another rush of it pouring from the wound. So I had to deal with the large, several gashes that covered his body. Fixing him up took me almost three hours. When I was finished with him, it didn’t seem to matter, he was in a coma from the amount of blood he lost. I wasn’t sure he was going to make it and that was going to be hard to tell Sam and John.

   Lacy informed me that John Winchester was now awake, so now I was heading to his room to give them the bad news. Some doctors would call it semi-bad news but that didn’t really make any sense to me considering. I walked into John’s room, seeing him speaking to Sam, neither of them looking happy about whatever was being discussed. Sam was first to spot me.

  “Dad,” he said.

  John turned to face me, and at first I wasn’t sure he’d recognize me but when his eyes widened, I knew he did.

  “Noel,” he said, “it’s been a long time.”

  “It sure has,” I replied, smiling, “it seems you guys got yourself into a pickle.”

 “Seems that way.”

 I walked completely inside the room, my hands folded together.

  “How’s Dean doing?” Sam inquired.

  My heart felt like it was hammering against my chest but I tried to remain professional.

  “I’ve stitched him up, and cleaned up his body. However, he’s lost a lot of blood and is now in a coma,” I informed, sadness lurking in my voice, “right now, it isn’t looking so good. If he doesn’t pull through soon, then I would start preparing for the worst.”

  “Noel,” Sam said standing up, “he has to come back.”

  “There isn’t anymore that I can do, Sam. Had he’d been brought in earlier, maybe, but he’s lost way too much blood. We’re replacing it, he’s getting round the clock treatment and blood is being added to his body through an IV, but that’s all we’re able to do.”

   He looked away from me, his eyes noticeably filling with tears, then grabbed his jacket and walked out of the room. A soft breeze brushing against me as he passed me. John didn’t say anything to Sam as he left. I sighed and walked over to John, removing a small flashlight from my pocket.

  “Let me have a look at your pupils,” I muttered, “how are you feeling?”

 The bright light danced across his now dilated pupils.

  “Much better,” he replied.

It was quiet for a moment before John spoke again, asking about Dean.

  “He was in really bad shape, huh?” He asked.

  “Yes,” I muttered, removing the light from his eyes, “I wish there could be more done but right now, all we can do is wait and see.”

  John’s eyes looked away from me, staring down at his covered legs. I could tell he was feeling bad about what he did to Sam and Dean, specifically Dean since he was in a coma now. I stuffed the flashlight into my doctor coat, taking another look at the oldest Winchester. All three of these boys were tough as nails but everything seemed to be shattering right before their very own eyes.

  “I know this is hard, Mr. Winchester,” I replied, “but I promise you, I’ll do what I can to help Dean get better. For now, it’s best if you pray for his healing.”

  He didn’t say anything, didn’t even nod. Something seemed to be brewing around in his head, so I left after giving his shoulder a small squeeze. After leaving John’s room, I went to go look for Sam, taking a final look at Dean in his room. A small pang in my chest rippled through me before I headed off to find the youngest Winchester.

I found him sitting outside on the hospital steps. The breeze was starting to pick up, ruffling Sam’s hair along with my own. I walked over to him, my white shoes slapping quietly against the concrete. Sitting down next to Sam, I watched him look over at me. I folded my arms around my stomach and looked away, watching the hundreds of people walking around. Either lost in their own world or talking with someone who was with them. I didn’t want to say anything that would anger him or cause him to get up and leave.

  “It’s all my fault,” Sam whispered.

 My head snapped towards him, shocked completely at his sudden admission to guilt.

  “How so?” I inquired.

 “If I hadn’t gotten mad at Dean, if I hadn’t ran into Meg, then we would have never been tricked into this situation.”

  I clicked my tongue, shaking my head. My long, jet black hair waved in the wind.

 “Sam, you couldn’t possibly know that Meg was a demon. Like you said before, you guys have never dealt with one before so how are you supposed to know the difference between one of them and a girl. I mean look around you.”

  Our eyes scanned the area around us, watching the people who caught our eyes do what was normal: eating ice cream, talking, laughing, walking, etc.

  “Anyone here could be a demon but how could we know?”

  A soft sigh escaped from his lips.

  “All I’m saying is, there’s no need for you to worry too much. Dean is a fighter, I’m sure he’ll pull through. However, if he isn’t, then you can’t walk around blaming yourself. It’s not what your dad would want and it’s definitely not what Dean would want.”

   I touched his shoulder and smiled sweetly at him. Sam smiled back before nodding.

 “You’re right,” he said.

 “Of course I am. I’ve never been wrong.”

 A laugh left his mouth, colliding with the wind that was picking up more and more. I couldn’t help but giggle along with him. Soon Sam and I were discussing how life had been after we departed so long ago. I learned that Sam had previously gotten out of the whole family business, hunting things to attend college at Stanford to become a lawyer. He had only joined back up with his family because his girlfriend, Jessica, was killed by the same demon that killed his mom. Yellow eyes. It had its ups and down, constantly worrying about one another and the consistent fighting back and forth. Dean was ultimately too childish and took any opportunity to pull a silly prank on Sam. But, according to him, it wasn’t all too bad since he missed his brother a lot. And now that he and his dad were together again, he remembered that he loved him too while disagreeing with him like he had when he was younger.

   Once he was finished catching me up on how his life had been going, I told him about mine. How my mother passed away a year after they had left, inspiring me to go to medical school. I had also been engaged for a little while before finding out that my fiancé was cheating on me behind my back. The rest of my life wasn’t much to gossip about, considering most of it was just me going to school and being cheating on.

   “Despite everything though,” I replied, “I enjoy what I do and hope that I’m making a big difference every single day.”

  I ran my fingers through my hair, feeling my pager buzz beside my hip. Pulling it from beside me, I saw that Lacy was paging me, letting me know that another lead surgeon had arrived and that I could go for lunch. Standing up, I held out my hand to Sam.

“Wanna get some coffee with me?” I inquired, “It’ll help clear your thoughts. Maybe you can figure out a way to help Dean behind bringing him to the doctor.”

 I hoped that he caught on to what I had to say. By the smile that appeared on his face, I knew that he did. Taking a hold of my hand, I pulled him to his feet and headed across the street to the small coffee shop where I normally went when I was able to have a small break. On the way over, the two of us talked with one another and laughed at stories about each other's life. It was nice to reconnect with a friend from so long ago. Sam and I had always been close to one another when we were young. And on the way to the coffee shop, I hoped that this wouldn’t be the last time I saw Sam. And hopefully under much better circumstances than the one that brought us together today.

[uponrightful]

Second Chance Ch.2

Read Chapter One Here

Warnings: Mentions of Death, a Little Angst, Mild Cursing?, my Bad Editing Skills.

Authors Note: Thank you to everyone who enjoyed the first part. I have quite a lot planned for this, with a lot of the details fleshed out. If you want to be tagged in Ch.3 let me know. 

_______________________________________________________________________

It was so easy to take a life.

He’d seen it happen so many times that it was second nature but when he found a second to sit down and pause, the revelation was always brand new to him. The only thing that saved him from death was luck… and the occasional intervention of Grogu who’s gift still confounded the Mandalorian. Never had he imagined just how powerful the child could have been. But for

Mando’s life was no different than many other man’s… easily taken just as it was given.

Mandalorian teaching deified war, and how power was given to the warriors of Mandalore, and the war. But what he could remember was that they never mentioned how man was supposed to take this god-like power, and not be ripped apart by it. Power wasn’t meant for only one army, let alone a singular man. No matter how much strength a man possessed, the authority of a man drunk on power almost always killed him.  

Death followed Mando like the cape the hung from his pauldrons; gliding across the ground and floating behind his back like a shadow that never went away. But he could always feel death around him, even in the shadows reminding him of the command that it held not just for others… but for him as well. Mando seemed to think that death has found a place with him, lingering long enough to wreak havoc before Mando could stop the destruction. That idea only subsided once he took Grogu as his foundling.

After the child came into his life, the reasoning for his choices became simple. There wasn’t a binding contract that had been passed along by men who desired control by use of bounty hunters. The reason was founded on the protection of the child, who Mando knew didn’t deserve to be plunged into a world that dark, and filled with men obsessed with power… no matter the means.

Mando groaned in his chair, feeling the stiffness of bruises forming on his ribs and the stiffness in his neck from his fight with the man on Hoth. Every breath stretched his ribs creating a dull thud of pain. Even his helmet felt heavy as he tried to roll his head and manipulate the muscles that kept threatening to contract and send him into a spasm. Even his fingers couldn’t drive away the ache either, but with the girl in the hull, taking a shower wasn’t an option either. Frustrated, he leaned his head back trying to relax and re-think the events on Hoth.

The fight with Vir had been one of many that Mando had won, but it wasn’t the first time that he had felt like death was standing there watching to see if he could prevail over his opponent. That shadowy figure grinning as the air in Mando’s lungs had became short and hearing that evil sound of laughter thumping in his ears… mocking him. Demanding for him to give up, and let go of the foolish idea that he was going to get out alive.

The new bruises, and old scars that covered Mando’s entire body told the story of his wars… something another Mandalorian would look at with reverence. With a respect for Mando and his battles won against those who chose not to do good. “This is The Way,” they would say bowing their head to him. Not a single doubt in their oath for a creed that distanced people from one another. But for Mando it was hardly a success to carry his wounds proudly… the one thing he had -his foundling- was gone. But now that his creed was broken, the pieces of it were hard to pick up without inspecting them for flaws.

Tatooine was a full day away at least, and until then the two of them would be stuck on the ship. Even hyperspace had its drawbacks. Yes, you could get across the galaxy in a fraction of the time, but when it was this silent and there was so much unknown between them he wished that space could bend just a little further. No doubt the men they left of Hoth’s snowy surface were chasing after them, or trying to figure out where they could be headed. Mando knew his only saving grace was that no one knew where he was going.

The only one who could’ve been a help, was dead now.

His chest tightened at the memory, thinking of any way that he could have saved the old woman. If he hadn’t been so preoccupied with the girl, maybe he would have heard the heavy footsteps approaching them. Mando had left himself lose control over the situation, it cost the old woman her life… and the girl her own life, in a whole other way.

He couldn’t hear her below, but that didn’t keep her presence from being obvious to him. The small puddles of water on the floor were still there from where her boots had stood. The warmth from her sitting in the chair had lingered long enough for him to feel it when he took her place. Even the sound of the Slave’s mechanics sounded better now that she had tweaked… something, he  couldn’t remember what she had said.

Only the sound of her voice.

In the silence her was able to really hear it again clearly, for all it was. Her tone was deep, and sultry but she carried it with such an innocent expression that it graced over his ears like those thin, silky scarves he had seen on women on Naboo. He had been on Naboo maybe twice, but those pieces of fabric always caught his attention. They reminded him of liquid metal in the way they caught sunlight and glittered, hiding the faces of the women who wore them. It was always surprising that they never floated away from their owner, so easily being fluttered around by the smallest breezes that were uniquely known to always pass through in the city.

Her voice sounded just like he imagined those silken scarves feel.

As much as he tried to keep himself in the cockpit the thought that she might be hungry kept pushing him to return back down. The little food he had left wasn’t the greatest, but maybe in the bag he had grabbed from the cantina there was something a little better to offer.

He found the bag thrown in a corner of the hull, its contents spilling out on the floor from where it had tumbled over during their hasty take-off. A few med kits laid on top of a jar of what looked like some type of home-made soup. Something the girl might like having.

He didn’t have any real way of heating it up, but how why would he? Fresh food wasn’t a luxury he took liberty of, so he hoped that it wasn’t bad room temperature.  

He looked in her room, and found her pulling off a few of her shirts and tossing them unceremoniously on top of the boots she had taken off. His breath caught in his throat and he tried to cough to catch her attention and gain his voice back.

“I brought you something to eat.” he said holding out the soup that he had transferred into a cup.

She tilted her head, looking at the metal cup and nodded after seeing how insistent he was on her taking it from him. His fingers wrapped around the entire cup, and as she reached to take it, her fingers gently brushed his. For a small second his wished that he didn’t wear the heavy leather so he could have felt that moment without any barriers.

“Thank you.” She gave him the smallest smile retreating back onto the bed and crossed her legs to cradle the cup between them. “You know, my grandmother loved to do this.” She looked down at the soup, dipping a finger into the broth and bringing it back to her lips. Her eyes closed at the taste, and her smile widened a little.

Satisfied that he had at least given her something to eat he decided it was time for him to leave her in peace to do so.

“Um, you can stay if you want.” She voiced, stopping him from walking out of the room.

He took a second to look around, and found a crate to sit on across from her. She tipped the cup up and take a drink before settling her eyes back on him again.

“Do you want some?” she offered the cup back out to him, her eyes softening in his direction. “I’m being quite selfish considering you gave me a room to stay in.” she said taking another glance around the dimly lit room.

“No, thank you.” He replied raising his hand up, declining her offer. He tried very hard to think of something to say, but many of his question focused on what had happened, and from the swollen look of her eyes he decided against asking any of them.

“This is made from tauntaun broth… and a little bit of meat here and there. If you’re lucky to get a good bowl.” She murmured taking another sip.

Her small comment wasn’t necessarily a happy memory as far as Mando could tell. Hoth wasn’t forgiving, and food although they had it wasn’t the greatest quality or in get supply for every meal. That’s why seeing her grandmother had been so surprising, he had never heard of anyone living to such an old age on the harsh planet. Even more surprising was how well fed the girl looked after living on the ice rock.

She had discarded everything but a baggy long sleeved shirt, so thin that in the direction of the light he could see right through it. The deep curve at her waist flared back out into her hips that disappeared behind her arms that she held in her lap. From what he could tell her legs were shapely, and muscled underneath of the thick duraweave pants she wore.  

“I ate earlier.” He bluffed, trying make her feel better for eating alone. “What was her name?” he asked quietly, hoping that it wouldn’t upset her.

“Eidara.” She replied with a small hiccup interrupting her speech. “She wasn’t from Hoth, but I never knew much about her past.” Her voice lowered, almost regretfully.

“She didn’t tell me her name, I-”

“I understand, she seemed to really like you.” She interrupted, another tiny smile pulling at the corner of her lips. He wished he could see her really smile.

She took another drink, and again reached it out to him. Her expression mirroring that of Eidara when he declined something to drink from her. This time her took in a heavy breath and rested his vambraces on his thighs.

“I do not remove my helmet.” He explained, watching as her brows knitted together in confusion. She seemed to search his helmet, and upper body looking at his armor and trying to find some reason why he couldn’t take it off.

“Are you… human?” she asked very hesitantly.

“Yes. My creed does not allow any Mandalorian to show their face once they take the oath.” He explained watching a wave of relief crash over her entire body. Her shoulders slumped back down, and the small wrinkle on her forehead melted away.

“For a second I got nervous.” She commented before tilting the cup all the way back and emptying it.

He wasn’t sure what to think of that. All it took for her to trust him was for him to say he was human? The smallest tinge of amusement bubbled in his stomach as he pictured her face again when he explained that it had nothing to do with his body. She didn’t ask any more about his creed, or even seem to mind that she couldn’t see his face.

“Where are we going?” she asked, taking a second to lean over and sit the empty soup cup on the floor.

“I’m not sure. I was supposed to have a meeting in Mos Eisley, but I don’t want another encounter with those men back on Hoth…” he trailed, again trying to find a way to get the bounties back to Tatooine without any inconveniency.

“Did they follow us? I thought that I put out a false comms transmission before we jumped.” She questioned fidgeting in her seat.

“I didn’t know you did that.” He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck feeling a little better about their situation. Her anxiousness faded just at it appeared, as she glanced up towards the cockpit.

“I did. I’m not sure if anyone on Hoth will receive it… not many people have ships like yours. It’s a little old. But if they do get it, they would be headed in the opposite direction we’re going.” She took to chewing on her lip again.

“Well then, we’re headed to Tatooine. And it’ll take the rest of the night.” He added, thinking about the days on Hoth, trying to give her a good idea of how long they would be on the ship. Hyperspace was tricky, all planets had different lengths on days and even though Mando was good at remembering it wasn’t easy to gauge hyperspace time.

“You need rest.” They said in unison.

A light awkwardness took over the room, and Mando was the first to move. He slowly stood up from the crate and reached to take the empty cup from the floor, making his way to the door resting his hand over the control switch for the room. His silent question got to her, and she nodded, pulling the blankets down from the head of the bed and slipping her legs underneath them. She looked at him with expectant eyes, waiting for the light to turn off.

His finger switched off the light. “If you need something, let me know.” He repeated himself from earlier, taking one last glance at her in the now darkened room.

“Sleep well.” She murmured back.

He took a couple steps and pushed the door a little further closed so the lights in the hull didn’t shine into her room, making sure that a small gap was left so in case she wanted to leave she didn’t have to search for the handle. He heard her shifting around in the bed, letting out a heavy sigh before all sound quieted behind the heavy steel door.

Mando pressed his forehead to the steel making a small clinking sound. It was all he could do to assure himself that the false transmission had mislead the men, and they would be safe in flying. Without more credits, he wouldn’t be able to keep the ship in the air. It seemed to be their only chance to play offense in this game.

He was suddenly reminded of the card game Sabacc with its stakes so high it could make an expert pilot’s nose bleed. Mando hated the game and always tried to avoid playing. It wasn’t because he couldn’t win in reality he couldn’t remember the last time he lost a game. What he didn’t like was the pressure in playing, and right now he was feeling that stress. Only this time credits weren’t at stake, it was the her life.

He blew out a rough breath for what felt like the hundredth time today, pressing his palms to the door and quietly whispered;

“Goodnight little one, I promise you’ll be safe with me.”

***

He spent the morning cleaning his blasters, and taking a better look at the weapons that had been left behind by Boba Fett. Most of the blasters were older than his own, but now that he only had his two blasters and the beskar spear he couldn’t find it in himself to ignore the firepower that sat hanging on the walls of the weapons closet. Everything was covered in a heavy layer of dust and needed cleaned before anything could be used. So he took his time pulling every gun off its rack, and thoroughly cleaning them inside and out.

He was halfway finished when he heard the water in the ‘fresher running. It sounded like the sink, but he wasn’t sure. The steady stream of water was interrupted, splashing every so often on the metal bowl. She didn’t leave the water on long and came out of the door with a freshly washed face and the roots of her hair were damp. The can of compressed air he had been using to blow the sand out from the small cracks dropped out of his hand and clattered onto the bench, drawing her attention to him.

She wiped off her face with the shirt one more time, trying to catch a few remaining water droplets that clung to her hairline before tucking her hands behind her back;

“Good morning.” She smiled, taking a glance at the blaster sitting on the worktable in front of him.

He gave a curt nod, and tried to focus back on the blaster in question. It was in rough shape with all of the dirt collecting in the necessary contact points making it impossible to Mando to reload it, or use it for that matter. She seemed just as interested in it, and took a few steps forward to pick up the canister that had clattered to the floor. She reached out and sat in back down on the table.

“You have a lot of blaster power here.” She took a look all around her at the walls, every inch of them covered in some type of blaster or explosive device.

“It’s necessary.” He replied, taking a small brush and scrubbing at a tight corner on the pistol that sand has packed itself into.

“The only ships I’ve ever seen like this belong to…” she sucked in a breath, “bounty hunters.”

He turned slowly to look at her, seeing a pink blush creeping up her neck and settling on her cheekbones. Damn it, that looked gorgeous. He pushed the thought from his mind, and took his own glance around the closet. None of what she was looking at was his really, it all belonged to Fett. That didn’t mean at one point he didn’t have this much on the Razor Crest, all of that had been his, truly.

“What does that tell you about me?” he asked, tilting his visor back down to her.

“If you are a bounty hunter -which I think you are- I believe that all of this looks a little excessive.” A teasing smile played on her lips. “But if you aren’t, I honestly don’t have a clue as to why anyone would need all this.” She gestured to the room, lifting her arms out to her sides and letting them drop with a small smack against her thighs.

“What makes you think I’m a bounty hunter?” his voice dropped lower. He turned the rest of his body to face her, teasing her in his own way. He could see that she was a little nervous by the way she rocked side to side and he began biting her lip again. Mando bit his own lip, mimicking her so he could feel what it felt like.

“The carbonite locker, and the men that are in it.” she answered, nodding in the direction of the machine. “I saw them when I first came on the ship. I knew immediately that you were a bounty hunter.” She added, looking up at Mando underneath of long eyelashes.

“Are you scared of me?” he almost whispered, not meaning to let his tone get so far away from him. He flexed his jaw, waiting for her to say ‘yes, I’m scared of you’, waiting for her to nod her head, and leave him to stand amongst the tools of his trade.

“No. Why would I be?” she sounded truly confused at his question. “What makes your job any of my business? After all, I should still be thanking you.”

“What for?” he pressed, still not backing away from her.

“You got me away from… him. Now he can’t find me.” It was a simple answer.

It hit him. She didn’t know that he had killed Vir. He mentally scolded himself for not realizing it until now. In her mind, she was away from him… but he was still alive. Of course in all of the upheaval, there wasn’t any time to communicate what had happened, but in the back of his mind he assumed that she knew he had done it. Mando assumed that she would think simply because he was a bounty hunter that he had caused all of it to happen.

Only now, he knew better.

“I don’t think he’ll find you.” He stated, making sure to correct her.

“Him or those followers.” He shook his head, she still wasn’t getting it. He cleared his throat, and tried to rephrase;

“Vir Fearbe is dead. I shot him yesterday when he broke into Eidara’s cantina.” He carefully chose to leave out the part where the old woman had asked him to.

Her eyes widened, and her lips parted in her shock. Tears started welling up in her eyes and a small choking sound came up in her throat. Her eyes searched Mando’s helmet for a few seconds and the shirt she had been holding dropped to the ground with a wet smack. She hadn’t uttered a word for what felt like minutes, when she finally spoke again;

“He’s gone?” the disbelief in her voice was evident.

Mando nodded, and watched as her head dropped and her shoulder started shaking. She took another step forward, increasingly close to him. He was just about to take a step back when her arms wrapped around his lower back, and her head rested against the bottom of his curiass. He could feel the heat of her hands radiating through his tunic, and the uneven pace of her breathing lightly racking against his stomach.

He couldn’t move feeling the weight of her body pressed against his, like she didn’t want to stand without his support. Her crying grew louder, and her hands fisted into his shirt and her nails scratched into his back, sending waves of tremors up and down his spine. It took a few seconds for him to come back to his senses and place a hand gently on her head.

She wailed out louder, feeling the weight of his small reciprocation. Mando gripped her head a little tighter, holding her head close but not letting the edge of his chest plate dig into her forehead.

“Shhh, I’m sorry.” He whispered, trying his best to calm her down. “Everything’s okay.” He cooed, feeling like he was getting nowhere.

“Y-you.” She gapsed, her voice muffled against his stomach unable to get the words out.

He rubbed his free hand up and down her back soothingly, continuing his soft appeals for her to calm down. She didn’t seem ready to listen to anything he had to say. Seeing no other option, he slowly began lowering himself, and the girl down to the floor. He wrapped his arm around her waist keeping her tight to his chest even after he got sat down. She curled herself into a ball, her tears sliding off the beskar and soaking into his shirt. He bent his knees and squeezed them close to her, hoping that the pressure would help subside her awful sobs.

He didn’t mean to hurt her, he really thought that by telling her she was gone she might feel better.

“Please, I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He purred, stroking the top of her head. “I- I’m sorry.”

She nuzzled closer to him, further tightening her grip around his waist. “Th- than-” She struggled to speak without hiccups interrupting her. He tried his best to hear her over the tears.

“Yo-u s-saved m-me.” She sputtered out, letting out a broken moan.

His hand running through her hair paused, momentarily as he finally heard her speak something other than broken attempts at saying something. She thanked him. He could still feel her nails in his back, desperately wanting more contact with him. Mando slowly rocked himself side to side, feeling her begin to slowly calm down.

You’re safe little one. Mando thought to himself, still rocking her back and forth.

After a few more long minutes, she lifted her head from the safety in his chest and looked up into the visor that was already looking back at her.

“You saved my life.” She repeated, almost like she was not understanding herself.

There were many things he wanted to say to her in the hopes that it would keep her from crying like that again. He wished that he wasn’t so terrible with words, and that he could say something that would resolve this issue. They sat on the floor, his eyes scanning the room through the limited visibility that was allowed through his helmet. Damn it, Sometimes this helmet does nothing but get in the way. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of searching for a way to ease the emotional turmoil that was going through the fragile girl that that was still sobbing slightly despite his best efforts, his eyes alighted on the container that held the remainder of the soup that seemed to comfort her the night before.

He repositioned his hands lifting her up close to his chest and standing up. Mando counted the doors, as he walked down the hall, careful not to bump her feet into the wall. He nudged her door open with his foot, and laid her down gently, seeing the tears still pooling in the corner of her red eyes.

“I’ll be back.”

He returned back with another cup of soup in hand, this time handing it to her making sure her shaking hands had a good grip before he let go. He kneeled down next to the bed letting the bite of the metal press hard into his knees. He watched her trace the rim of the cup, staring down at the soup inside. She dipped a finger down into it like she had done last night, but this time she let her finger stir through the broth.

“You shouldn’t play with your food.” He murmured absentmindedly, watching as she brought the finger up to her lips.

“I’m sorry… for all of this.” Her lip wobbled again, and small tears dropped off her nose smattering onto the sleeves of her shirt.

He stayed quiet, watching as she brought the cup up and took a sip. Her eyes closed, and the corners of her lips turned up. It helped. Her apology didn’t fall on deaf ears but he definitely didn’t accept it. There was no reason for her to not feel this way… and he wasn’t the man to misunderstand her desire for a moment of sadness.

Mando stayed right by her side, patiently waiting until the cup was empty.  Tears had dried to her cheeks, but he was content to see that she wasn’t crying any more, and that she had finished another full cup of soup. She gave him a heavy lidded gaze, and slowly leaned her head against the pillow. If it wasn’t for the distant sound of the alarms in the cockpit he would’ve stayed longer. They were ready to land on Tatooine, and his contact on Mos Eisley would be waiting for him. She mumbled a small ‘thank you’ to which he nodded and exited her room.

He took control of the ship, and guided it down to the busy landing pads covered in pit droids and other pilots landing, or getting ready to take off. The stale air of Eisley filtered through the cockpit, and a small sense of unpreparedness filled Mando’s gut. There would be someone picking up the bounties while he received his credits… but the girl was still on the ship. There wasn’t a chance that he was going to bring her into town with him, but the idea of leaving her alone was just as unpalatable. The Slave Two shuddered as it’s landing gear made contact with the ground, and Mando kicked off the engines letting the whines of the mechanics sound all around him.  

If he shut the doors to all the rooms in the hull, the possible temptation of the retrieval crew wouldn’t be as high and if he kept conversations short, he would be back in less than thirty minutes. More than enough time to refill his water supply and top off any fuel that he spent getting from Hoth. He took a second to do just that, locking all the doors with the buttons on his vambrace and double checking that the door to the girls room was unable to open, unless from the inside. He hoped that she slept through the entire visit.

He set the ground security and gave the last of his credits to one of the pit droids who began screaming orders to another group of them that were busy on the ship next to the Slave. Even though the little robots seemed quite serious about their work, he couldn’t help but wish that a person was tending to the ship. He just couldn’t believe that a droid could do a humans job.

When he stepped foot into the dusty cantina, shadows of men seemed to slink further back into the dark edges of the room. Loud conversations became hushed whispers, and the energetic tone he had walked into became deathly still. It felt like the entire population inside the dirty bar was holding its breath, waiting for him to announce the name of his next target. Even inside the heat was stifling, and Mando could feel his hair dampening with sweat by the second.

After scanning the room, trying to find someone that looked familiar he found himself recognizing a woman, who sat in a corner booth with a hood draped lowly over her face. She took a quick glance at him before shying away again. He couldn’t place where he had seen her before, but decided that the Hutt’s methods of anonymity could’ve been more… interesting than he had imagined.

He took a seat across from her, and sat patiently for her to acknowledge him.

“You are the Mandalorian.” She finally said, her voice sounding somewhat familiar. She removed the hood from her head, and he was finally able remember.

“Aren’t you…” he trailed off, not wanting to say it out loud. She was one of the Hutt’s pleasure slaves that had been chained to his chair when he first arrived. However she looked a lot different now, with a decent amount of clothes on and her face clean without any paint.

“Yes.” she frowned, reaching slowly into her cloak and discreetly presented a sack of credits to him. He took it from her, and stuffed it into one of the bigger pouches on his belt. “However he has grown tired of me, and I am being sent back.” She answered, pulling at a metallic collar that had been shielded by the cloak. A small red light blinked, lighting up the skin on her neck. “I was asked to also give you these…”

She placed four new pucks on the table, along with matching tracking fobs that had already been activated before their meeting. “You have five weeks to complete the contracts.” She stated like reading from a script;

“Also, consider the incident on Hoth to be your one warning, and that any further displays of unnecessary interaction will terminate your position.” Her robotic tone ended with a long gasp of breath.

Mando took a glance over his shoulder, checking to see the incoming patrons who found themselves a seat at the bar. “Is that all?” he pushed, leaning up to reach for the hardware on the table.

She woman shook her head silently, and reached up to scratch her neck underneath of the heavy collar. “No, one last thing. You have been reimbursed for your fuel and water supplies that you paid for upon your arrival. The service droids will be waiting to refund your credits.”

Mando tucked away the pucks and the fobs, before nodding a quick goodbye and making a quick path back to the landing yard. Upon his arrival, the filling tubes were being unhooked from the Slave’s access panels on the belly of the ship, and the droid he had given his credits to  quickly approached with a beaten up metal box in his hand of sorts. The credits inside jingled around at the jerky movements of the jittery robot until Mando reached in the tin box to retrieve them.

The pit droid shook the box gently, and assured himself that the credits had been taken. Letting out a few beeps and buzzing sounds it energetically hinted at Mando to follow him. Hesitantly he walked behind the bucket of rust as it led him to the side of the ship, to show that the panels had been secured at that the tanks had been filled accordingly. Mando let out a defeated sigh, and handed two credits back to the droid.

“Keep it, maybe you can use it to keep from rusting into sand.” He said looking down at the constantly moving metallic being. The droid made a few whistling sounds before speeding off towards his companions who were at the moment repairing some nasty blaster holes that were riddled over the side of a ship across the tarmac.

Punching in the commands on his wrist, the hatch opened and he jumped up on the slope ready to get back into space as quickly as possible. He checked the carbonite locker making sure it was empty, before checking around the corner to see if any of the doors had been disturbed. He scanned down the long hallway, seeing nothing out of order.

Nothing had been opened, including her door.

A he let out a sigh, and silently got them back into space. He took a moment, and adjusted the same lever that she had, hearing a small release in the engines lowering the dull thrum that had been present when he first took off. He shook his head, wondering just what the lever did. He’d have to ask her later… But for now, finding coordinates for a new quarry was the best thing to do.

Mando took the pucks out from his belt, and one by one displayed the content, trying to find last known sightings closest to his position. Although it wasn’t technically close one of the quarry’s had been seen on Coruscant, and was believe to be using the extensive undercity regions to hide amongst other criminals. The twi’lek was contracted for unknown reasons, described by the hologram, but it wasn’t unusual for buyers to leave their reasons private.

This didn’t matter though, Mando had heard of the man while working under the Guild. He was a known smuggler, loved to gamble despite being having no credits and terrible luck. If Mando had to take a guess, the bounty was raised because of debts owed to a group of people, interested in getting their money back. He hated to admit it, but the quarry was being somewhat smart. Coruscant was heavily populated making it easy for him to blend in just about anywhere.

For Mando, getting there wasn’t going to be hard. Even finding the quarry without drawing attention wouldn’t be much of an issue, but getting the quarry back to his ship would be most difficult. He wasn’t unprepared for the possibility that the twi’lek had hired guards, or help to keep him from being apprehended but it was like walking into a dark room without his helmet. He had no real way of knowing what he was up against without some more information as to what was happening in the dark streets of the underground.

Hyperspace for another few days. He thought setting the coordinates, and turning off the lights in the cockpit.

He could feel the dampness of the padding in his helmet, along with sweaty strands of hair clinging to his forehead and temples. Even his skin felt wet with the exertion of the last three days, and it clung to him like the thick dust that he had been cleaning from the blasters in the closet. A visit to the ‘fresher sounded like a great idea, and the promise of a clean undershirt and pants sounded better.  

He only kept a couple spares of his clothes, and in his own cabin inside a small metal box under his cot. When the Crest was destroyed, it erased everything but his spear, and the small metal ball that Grogu had taken an interest in. Any clothes he had, were incinerated and upon getting the Slave, he had taken the opportunity to replace the old, and threadbare flight suit that he had been left with.  

The water sprayed out of the nozzle that poked out from the ceiling, blasting out cold water. He carefully removed his armor, sitting in in a small pile on the floor and placing his helmet down on top of a small vent that blew fresh air up from the circulation unit that sat in the belly of the craft. He made sure to crack the door just enough so that the steam could be pulled from the room to allow the vent to dry the thick lining and padding in his helmet while he showered.  

When the hot water met his skin he shuddered at the sensation. He ran a hand through his hair, letting the salty texture of his sweat rinse off down the drain. He couldn’t remember the last time he had taken a shower, and took a second to decide that he would stay in the water for as long as he could. The purple and blue bruises on his side seemed to finally relax a little so he lean over and stretch his sore ribs. The heat felt deliciously good on his muscles too, working away at the constant pinches of tightness in his shoulders and neck.

A large -mostly untouched- bar of Trillium soap sat on the singular ledge in the shower stall which Mando grabbed and began lathering in his hands. It was one of the only smells that Mando had come to think of as familiar, simply for the fact that it was one of the only scents he had the opportunity to experience. He couldn’t describe it, other than that it smelled cleaner than he did. The thick lather could wash off anything, and it was one of the only things he actually looked for when resupplying. If it worked for Wookies, then it could work for him.

With the soap covering his entire body, and a decent foam in his hair he felt good enough to rinse and get out.

As much as he wanted to stay for longer, he reminded him that it wasn’t just himself on the ship, and the tank on the Slave was the only water supply on board. They needed it for everything from drinking to anything else that might be necessary. That included washing his old flight suit in the sink basin.

He toweled off, redressed and picked up his helmet to check if the inside was dry enough before jamming in back down on his head. He would let the dirty shirt and pants sit in the sink for a little while longer, so the soap he had just washed with could try and life out some of the dirt that had attached itself to the heavily interwoven fabric.

He turned his boots upside down, letting a small accumulation of sand collect on the floor before shoving his newly socked feet back into them. Ignoring the three utility belts that hung on the wall outside of the door, he took a moment to inhale. It might smell sweet. He thought, trying to place the scent in accordance with something else from his memory, nevertheless he still wasn’t sure.

***

The girl slept through the entire night, and halfway into the next day before waking up. She quietly joined Mando in the cockpit, saying a quiet ‘hello’.

She refrained from wearing any shoes again, but Mando couldn’t blame her; If he thought that taking his own boots off would feel more comfortable he might’ve tried it. That being said, he knew in the back of his mind it would be… and the thought of that kept him from entertaining the idea. He felt the same way about his helmet. He didn’t look forward to taking it off, even when he was alone. Because there was always going to be a time where he had to put it back on.

Despite the protection and enhanced features that allowed him to work more efficiently, there was so much that he missed when his head was covered. Smells… like his soap were experiences that happened few and far between. Colors were also not the same. Yes, he could see them but taking his helmet off almost exclusively happened on the ship, so the world he saw without the helmet was mostly greyscale and metal. Sounds were also distorted slightly through the microphones that surrounded the helm. There were distinctions between voices, but for the most part there was always a somewhat mechanical ambiance that weaved itself into speech.

That was what made her voice so intriguing to him. He wasn’t sure how… maybe it was her tone, or the low inflection that caused his helmet to almost completely forgo the automated toning formats, and allow her voice to come through almost naturally. That’s what had stopped him when they first spoke on Hoth; He had been momentarily preoccupied with the idea that his helmet was malfunctioning. But the more she talked, he realized that it wasn’t a technical issue, it was just that her voice didn’t seem to effect the auditory mechanics.

“What time is it?” she asked, pulling her feet up in the chair. She hugged her thighs to her chest, resting her head on her knees.  

“I don’t know,” he admitted, trying to think what time it would be on Hoth… or possibly on Coruscant. “Hyperspace is difficult in that way. All planets don’t have equal planetary rotations, so time is just relative when you’re not traveling sub-light.”

She nodded. “Did we already stop on…”

“Tatooine? Yes, you fell asleep right before we landed.” She hummed in response to him, a small sense of disappointment catching his attention. “Why do you ask?”

“Never mind, it wasn’t anything important.”

He readjusted in his chair, taking the opportunity to admire how she looked in the bright hyperspace lights. It lit up her eyes making them look like they were glittering. Even her hair seemed to shine against the tints of blue that warped around them. She looks beautiful like this. Her hair was quite messy, and the deep wrinkles in her shirt gave a undone appearance, but Mando couldn’t help but think that she couldn’t look any better.

“What was it?” he asked, letting his head fall back against the chair.

“I guess I wanted to see what it looked like. All the sand, I mean. I’ve never been anywhere but Hoth, and the idea of a planet looking any different seemed… interesting.”

It hadn’t crossed his mind that she would want to see Tatooine. He’d been there so often that all the sand was no different than anything else in the galaxy. Snow was the only thing she knew. Now that he thought about it, she had seemed interested in where they were headed but he hadn’t been smart enough to guess why. He closed his eyes, feeling her soft gaze  burning into the side of his helm.

“I thought you wanted to sleep…” he replied, trying to keep his frustrated tone soft.

The frustration was at himself being so focused on getting them on and off the planet quickly, that he overlooked her excitement about being somewhere foreign to her. “We’re on our way to Coruscant. I have a bounty to find, but we’ll be meeting someone. While I find the quarry, you’ll be staying with them.”

“A friend?” her head lifted from her legs.

“No. An associate of sorts, but someone that can be trusted.” Mando wasn’t sure if it would work.

He had caught Boba Fett saying that he would be on the planet when they first made their flight to Tatooine. He expected that Fett didn’t catch the slip of information, seeing as Mando wasn’t in the cockpit when he communicated it… but without making contact, it would be difficult to know if he was still there. Mando was making a big gamble on it, and he hoped that Fett wouldn’t be too opposed to the idea he was going to propose.

“So we’ll be staying with your associate.” She tried correcting herself.

“Just you. I have to go somewhere that isn’t suitable for you to be.”

She didn’t respond after that. Instead she curled herself further into a ball and watched out ahead of her. They sat like that for hours seemingly comfortable by just being in the same space, not seeing conversation as a necessity to make time pass. Mando began hearing the smallest growls, and immediately checked to see if it was her stomach that made the low rumbles.

“Are you hungry?” his modulator crackling to life after the extended silence. She gave no response. He let out an amused huff, seeing that she had fallen back to sleep in what looked like the most uncomfortable position he had ever seen. Her head was resting on the heard edge of the armrest, her entire body bunched up in the seat, with her feet pressed tight up against the other armrest to keep from falling out of the chair altogether.

Unbelievable. He thought, wondering how she had managed to fold herself up to fit in such a small space. It hadn’t been that long ago that he had glanced over and saw her still awake, and playing with the hem of her shirt and as always, holding her bottom lip between her teeth. Well, the least he could do was let her keep sleeping. They wouldn’t be anywhere near Coruscant for at least a couple estimated days.

In the meantime, he could try to get a hold of Boba Fett and see if he was going to be of any help. The communicator in the ship most likely still had some connection to Fett’s other ship, or maybe -if he was lucky- Fett’s similar vambrace communicator. He examined one of the screens on the dash, and found only two available options… he picked the first one. A blue holocall screen jutted up from the control dash, small digital waves rippling across the monitor as he waited for an answer.

Come on Fett… answer.

The blue lights disappeared, ending the transmission. He tried the other option bouncing his knee in anticipation for an answer. A small flicker of motion distorted the display before he heard a familiar gruff tone.

“Mandalorian.” Fett barked. “How the hell did you do that?” he interrogated, as Mando saw his helmet come into view.

“The ship. It had your communicator link still the in the system.” He explained, watching as Boba shook his head.

“I expect you aren’t calling to play ‘catch-up’…” he chuckled, “What do you want?” his tone flattened.

“You said you were going to be on Coruscant?”

“Maybe. If I was, why would it matter to you?”

Mando leaned forward, dropping his visor toward the floor. “I need you to do something.”

He heard Fett sigh, full irritation setting in. “Damn it Mandalorian, spit it out. I have somewhere to be.”

“I have a bounty, on Coruscant. But I also have… a girl.” He glanced over at her, still fast asleep.

Fett burst into laughter. “I leave you alone for a month… leave it to you to get yourself some company. I have to say I’m surprised.”

“It’s not like that.” He defended. “Can you keep her safe while I catch this quarry?” he asked, his own irritation tinting his tone.

Fett didn’t speak for a long time, only a grainy sound of women laughing in the background. Mando rolled his eyes, leave it to Fett to talk about company, he couldn’t go anywhere without at least one woman trailing not too far behind.

“I suppose you’ll be landing in Galactic City… and spend most of your time down under am I correct?” he surmised Mando’s outlined plan without trouble.

“Yes. Can you take care of her, or not?” he asked looking back up at Fett’s mirrored image of his own face.

“I’ll meet you when you land. From there, I take her where she’ll be safe.” He paused. “Then I’ll be joining you.” He added, a feminine squeal sounding somewhere in the background behind him.

“No wa-”

“It’s the only way you get my help.” He interjected. “I’ve been craving a little game of chase… think of it as a trade.” his low rumbling chuckle echoed in the cockpit.

“You can promise she’ll be taken care of.” Mando growled.

“She’ll be returned better than when she left. You have my word.” He assured, a quick nod jolting his helmet.

The call went black, and the blue tint disappeared from view.

As much as he wanted to trust Fett, a small bit of him didn’t like the idea of him tagging along, or sending the girl somewhere without him having full knowledge of where exactly she was being taken. Mando relaxed back against his seat, and turned his head to watch her sleep.

She looked peaceful, despite that awful way she was laying. He felt slightly jealous how easy it was for her to fall asleep, but after everything that she’s been dealing with, it wasn’t surprising how much time she spent asleep. What surprised him was her trust in him. She slept without any fear of him despite his constant stalking around the ship, and silently hiding himself away in the cockpit. He wasn’t the ideal companion in any situation, but spending days on end in hyperspace with him couldn’t be preferable. He could barely stand himself after a week on the ship, let alone someone else who had just watched her only family die, and an entire crew of men chase after her.

Maybe she could stay on Coruscant? In the right district, she would be perfectly safe.

That was, unless those men knew where they were already. His lack of knowledge about what exactly they wanted her for was maddening. They had to know he was the one who killed Vir, but that didn’t explain the desire for her, instead of himself. Not only that, but he had no idea what they were capable of, or who Vir and his followers were connected to. Every planet they visited could be a possible trap, and with four weeks to fulfill his contracts he hardly had time to tip-toe around a planet that was harboring one of his quarry.

At least now he would have someone on the inside once they landed. Despite Fett’s penchant for having multiple women at his disposal, Mando didn’t really have any reason not to trust him. Fett had helped them rescue his foundling and didn’t kill him on Tython, and ultimately gave him a ship… that was enough for him to trust the man.

All that was left to do was wait.

The girl stirred in her chair, but didn’t wake up. She wrapped her arms around herself, and tucked her feet in closer, most likely she was cold. He didn’t want to wake her up, or  leave to go take any of the blankets off her bed either. He reached up to his neck, and unbound his cape from around his pauldrons. Mando reached over and draped the heavy cloak over her, watching her pull the edge up towards her chin. The material draped over the entire chair, swallowing her underneath it.

Mando didn’t mean to fall asleep.

For the first time in years he dreamt. They carried vivid recollections of her, his imagination picturing what she would’ve looked like on the sand flats. She had the biggest smile on her face, and her eyes shut letting the sunlight shine on her. She picked up handfuls of sand, and let in fall through her fingers with a little laugh, enjoying the sensation of the fine grit falling back down to the ground. He could see that she had neglected her shoes like she had stepped out of them after realizing that she could feel it under her feet.

The bright white shirt he pictured her in contrasted against the rust-colored sky, and deep red sands that stretched behind her. It felt like a memory, even though he knew better. He could hear her calling out to him begging for him to join her, only he didn’t. He could only watch from a distance as she spun around, holding her arms out like she was embracing the heat around her. Mando tried desperately to get closer, just to walk towards her and ask if she was enjoying the sun. But his feet felt like they had been buried beneath the same sand she danced on.

In another scene she sat by a small stream, letting the hem of her thin white dress fall into the water. She was focused on him, with a sweet look on her face. A small giggle echoing dreamily towards him. Vibrantly green grass came up around her shoulders, and tickled at her neck causing her light laughter. Again she beckoned for him, dipping her hands down in the water and splashing it up towards him.

She looked ethereal in all of the dreams that he had. Every time, taking the image of an angelic spirit that seemed happy to see him, always begging for him to join her. He desperately wanted to reach for her, to get near enough to hear her laugh with his own ears. Just one chance at breaking his feet free from the ground that held him tightly in place. She never seemed to notice his fight to break free from his invisible binds, instead patiently waiting for him to come closer.

She’s my second chance…

She’s my second chance…

He repeated it to himself unaware that in the silence of the cockpit his strained whispers could be heard whispering out in his unconscious struggles. Gripping the armrests with white knuckles and flexing his legs, he fought against his subconscious to get just one step closer to the girl that slept peacefully in the seat right next to him.

Taglist: @spacedaddydinn​ @absurdthirst​ @crazybirb​ @hornystarwarsbisexual​ @roxypeanut​ 

[sunseteyes]

MOONLIGHT - S. CHOI

theme/s: bestfriend, confession, makeout, only mild nsfw

this is my second present for my friend because sae is her baby haha. anyway, feel free to listen to the song whilst reading!

You knew you couldn’t be selfish to call him yours.

He’s different; his job, his life, heck even his identity. As much as he kept secrets from you, you knew there was more to him than just that bubbly, slightly cringey, cute guy you met in the net.

You were bored by time when you matched with him in some random dating app, not really knowing you’d enjoy his crazy jokes and eventually, his company. It took you awhile before he actually went by your place and vice versa. However, he preferred the latter since he said he has a lot of work and he’d bring at least his laptop when he comes by your place or he’d have to go home early to finish his work. He’s a very busy man, you realized. That’s also why you two never progressed into something other than that line between friendship and being an official couple.

It was not what you two intended anyway at first. There were some casual flirting—wait, scratch that. There were a lot of flirting especially in texts or calls. However, he tends to shy up and just friend-zone you whenever you see each other in real life. You figured it was just his personality and he was never really interested to get serious so you pushed aside those budding feelings, going to several blind dates setup by your other friends or hookups that only lasted for just one night or at most, a week.

No one was like Luciel—or if that’s really his name.

You figured out it was not his real name when you got to talk to one of his friends—Yoosung, who went by his place one time to pickup some Honey Buddha Chips when he saw you, surprising the hell out of the boy. You could remember how freaked out he was that “Seven”—another name of his—was not telling anyone he has someone who he hangs out every now and then. You two exchanged numbers at that time and became friends. You tried to flirt with him, but you just couldn’t do it.

He’s just not Luciel.

Until one day, you realized you’d been trying to find him in every person you meet, setting up the standards to match the kind of person he is. Ah, shit. You totally fell deep into this one, you cursed to yourself.

“Hey, hey, are you still watching?” a voice pulls you from your train of thoughts, the owner of the said voice being the center of said thoughts. You sigh as you turn to Luciel, gazing at his golden eyes, laced with dark bags underneath, his glasses sitting comfortably under his sharp nose. He seems tired but he still made time for you to hangout today. Why does he have to be so kind? Why is he making it hard for you not to fall deeper into that unfair thing called love—or whatever it is?

“What? What’s wrong?” he asks, his smile falling as he looks at you worriedly. “Do you not like the movie?”

You avert away, avoiding his eyes, afraid he’d see through the hundred bricked walls you’ve built up against him, just like the security gate that he has before you could get in his home.

“It’s not that-“ your voice comes out rushed. “-maybe I’m just tired.” you were—it’s not a lie. You’re tired of hiding these feelings and not acting upon it. How could you? You’re too afraid to break whatever friendship you had with him—the only relationship that mattered to you right now.

“Oh.” he lets out. “Do you want to-uhm-stop watching? Do you want to sleep? You can sleep for awhile, I think. If only you want to though! I’m not forcing you or anything.” he blabbered, clearly embarrassed.

Don’t do that, Luciel, you say to your mind. Don’t make me hope.

“No, it’s alright. Let’s watch.” you say, dropping your hands to fish some Honey Buddha Chips that were settled onto a big bowl in between the two of you. However, before you could even do so, a familiar warmth envelops your hand and your head whips to Luciel, surprised.

He has a blush on his cheeks, almost resembling the color of his hair. “Y/n-I could tell something’s bothering you. What is it? You should not feel this way, it’s your birthday.”

Ah, that’s right. The reason he probably invited you was because he felt bad he couldn’t even go to your birthday gathering, where you gathered several of your friends to a club last night. Your head still spins from all the stuff that went on; all the drinking, kissing, dancing. Have you hooked up with someone else? You can’t even remember. Maybe you did. All you knew was that you hated Luciel’s work—for taking him from you, even if he wasn’t yours anyway.

“It’s nothing.” you brush his question away, but not his hand. His hand felt too warm and amazing against yours. You’re too selfish to push it away.

The look on his eyes made you want to say what’s been bothering you. But it’s not that simple. You can’t really tell him you’ve been in love with him after almost two years of friendship; that you can’t get him off your head even if you’re fucking another person or in another blind date, finding his warmth and touches in other people. Did you though? Nope. Not a single one.

His thumb brushes softly against your hand, butterflies spreading from your stomach, traveling to your heart. He’s not one to initiate skinship and it made you wonder why he’s doing this now. You wanted to question him, you really do. But how could you? You’re afraid he’d stop it altogether.

“It’s not nothing.” he objects, his voice soft. “Today’s your special day. Uh-Do you want to do something else? Do you want to play games? Do you-“

“You can’t-“ you cut him off from his rambling, pulling your gaze away from his eyes to divert your attention back at the television screen. “You can’t give me what I want.”

You tried focusing, despite the distraction that his hand provided. However, your efforts were futile. You can’t even get the gist of the movie by now. Is this an action movie? Or comedy? You’ve got not a single idea.

You felt him remove the bowl in between the two of you without letting go of your hand and move closer, until he was inches away, his whole body facing yours. “Come on, tell it to me! I’m sure I can probably hack my way into it.” he laughs, trying to lift up the mood, probably.

“You can’t, Luciel.” you used his name—fake name, your tone indicating that the conversation was over and you didn’t want to talk about it. You could tell he wanted to push it but he kept his mouth shut. It ached you to act like this to him. But what could you do? One look from him will make you get on your knees if he wanted. One touch and you’d be crumbling down your walls to let him in. Maybe-

Maybe you should stop hiding?

I mean, there’s nothing left to recover, right? If this keeps on going, it would just be the same as being heartbroken from the unrequited feelings. Were you willing to risk Luciel and your friendship?

You were not the one who decided that, however, for a hand grasps gently on your chin, making you face him once again. You noticed how he had leaned closer to you, taking your breath away at the current proximity between the two of you.

“Hey...” you snap, a bit harsher than you intended. “What are you doing?”

He was blushing, but he did not back down. This is not just part of those flirting you’ve done before—it’s different from all of those you’ve done before.

“I...” he trails off, almost like he wanted to say something. But then he lets out a sigh, bumping his forehead into yours while closing his eyes.

You could smell him—it was not the scent from the Honey Buddha Chips he’d probably eaten all day, but rather it was a the sweetness and freshness of his perfume, most likely sprayed earlier on before you came. Bergamot with hints of lemon? You don’t really know much about luxurious perfumes but you could tell that he’d spent a generous money on this one.

You couldn’t hold back. It was your fault for cutting that thin thread of separation between friends and something more. You were the one who held on his jacket, pulling him closer to you and inhaling on his scent.

His eyes shot open, now looking at you with a surprised look. You could feel your heart pound when you met his golden irises, observing his reaction.

You dreaded as the seconds pass by, silence hanging between the two of you despite the distant noise from the built-in speakers that was installed in his living room. Yet, the only thing you could focus on were his eyes, his scent, his warmth, his soft breaths—in short, him.

Until he finally closes his eyes and relents all the restraints that bounded him from doing something more, leaning forward to brush his lips slightly onto yours, testing the waters.

Your heart jumps but you didn’t move away. Instead, you decided to let it all go and met his lips again, this time giving in to your inner desires for once and for all. You knew you should’ve stopped, should’ve pushed him away. But what can you do when you’ve just ached for him that much?

The kisses were light as a feather, and his lips were inexperienced. Yet, it didn’t fail to make your heart flutter like a high-school girl kissing her crush. The hands that gripped on his jacket pulled him closer, deepening the kiss as a result.

You pull away to kiss the side of his lips, a hand raising to cup his jaw, relishing on the way he responds. You did sense uncertainty in his aura however, and it made you stop your actions.

“Is this... okay?” you ask, voice hushed in a whisper, like you’re afraid anybody else will hear despite knowing no on else was there aside from you and him.

He peaks a look at you and nods, a simple action yet it weighed much more than anything else you’ve done your whole life. You caress his cheek, as gentle as a dove flopping its wings as it glides into the air. You adored the way he leans into your touch, resembling a scene of yourself petting a cat.

“There will be no going back.” you spilled the words out of your mouth, as if telling it to yourself at the same time. This time, he looks you straight in the eye behind his Gucci glasses, his messy vermillion locks adoring his head, accentuating more of his sharp but adorable face.

“I know. I just-“ he pauses, his brows furrowing. “I can’t hide it anymore. Whenever I see you sad, it hurts me how I can’t comfort you the way I want to.”

You held the sides of his face and gave him all of your attention, letting him speak further. His expressions told you a lot of his emotions, mirroring the inside with the outside with how exposed he was.

“I want to hug you whenever you’re stressed, I want to kiss all of your tears away. You don’t know how much I want to take your mind away from all the things that brings a frown to your face.” he rattles on, pouring out all of his emotions to you. You’ve never seen him look so broken and desperate, and you just want to hug the daylights out of him.

But you did more than that, pressing your lips to his once again, lasting for a couple of seconds before you lean back and gaze at him lovingly. “You can, you know. You just have to let me in.”

He didn’t respond verbally after that. Instead, he kissed you again, filled with emotions of the moon that chose to show itself in the darkness of the night.

Moments passed by in a blur; his touches making you feel light-headed and his kisses being the only thing that’s keeping you from pushing on. It was finally happening—he’s finally the one in front of you, taking you to bed, not just some random stranger you’ve picked up from the bar or someone who you’ve just had your first date with.

“Luciel, I-“

“I’m not Luciel.”

Your head snapped to look him in the eyes. “What?”

“Don’t call me Luciel.” he says, glancing up at you from his position below you as you straddled his lap, his hands wrapped around you protectively.

“I want you to call me by my real name, Saeyoung.” his golden irises held the sincerity and trust that he felt towards you and you can’t help but gaze adoringly at him, raising your hands to cup his cheeks before grasping upon the temples of his glasses and gently remove it out of his face. You had to stretch a bit to place it on the bedside table but once you came back in front of him, he pulls you once again into a heated make-up session, spreading more butterflies flutter in your stomach.

Both your tops were discarded in a matter of seconds, heat rushing through your blood the more exposed you two were becoming.

He pecks your cheeks and his lips travel down your neck, and then down to the valley of your breasts.

Tracing down on his arms, you grabbed into his hands kissed his fingertips, taking his breath away in the process. You could see the way he looks at you and you then wondered why you even were worried before.

However, a sound of ringing echoed throughout the walls of the house and you recognized it as your own phone. You fish your hand on one of your jeans’ pockets, feeling Saeyoung resume his soft kisses on your neck, pulling you close.

“Who’s that?” he questions, his voice muffled by your skin as he peaks at the screen.

“I don’t know, honestly.” you respond and you were about to ignore the call and turn off the phone when he speaks again.

“Answer it.”

“What? Why?”

He looks at you intensely. “Answer it, babe.”

It might have been the way his tone accentuated with the pet name that slipped out of his mouth or the way he continued giving you open-mouthed kisses on your neck and chest, but you obliged. You felt giddy, and nervous by the time you held the gadget on one ear, making sure you won’t make a single noise that would hint that you were being intimate at the moment.

“Hello?”

A voice greets on the other line and you immediately recognize it. From what you could recall, it was someone you met at the bar last night.

“Hey, I thought you’re free tonight?”

You avert your eyes to Saeyoung, who was busying himself with marking your skin or running his lips and tongue on it. Yet, you were quite certain he could hear the conversation very well with the way he ducks his head and refuses to meet your gaze.

“Oh-uhm, sorry, who are you again?” your voice came out breathily more than you intended.

“You forgot? You slept with me last night.”

Both you and Saeyoung froze, thickness suddenly looming in the air around you. It took awhile but he reaches out to grab your phone from your ear and put it away before tackling you to bed, pulling you underneath him as he hovered on top of you.

“Sae-”

“Do you really want to do this with me?” he whispers and that’s when you noticed the hurt in his golden orbs, gleaming beneath the beauty of its color. You thought he was going to be angry at you, but his reaction pained you more.

You nod at him while softly saying, “I’ve never wanted anyone else other than you.”

Your affirmation was all he needed to hold you tight all night and never let you go from now on.

feel free to send requests~ as for birthday dedications, i’ll post the guidelines probably tomorrow or the day after so please do check it out!

[antisocial-af]

Day 21: Sophie/Gideon

Title: A Family Meal

25 Days of Pairings: Day 21 Sophie/Gideon

Rating: G

Wordcount: 2352

No Major Archive Warnings

SFW, Fluff, Winter, Book Timeline, Child Barbara and Eugenia, Pregnant Sophie, Overprotective/Caring Gideon. 

Summary:

Gideon attempts to arrange something for his pregnant wife.

Click Here to Read on Ao3

Story:

Gideon paced back and forth, his hair bouncing slightly with each nervous step. 

“Gideon,” Sophie sighed, “I’m okay. It’s just a litt...” The pregnant Shadowhunter quickly lurched and grabbed for the nearby wastebasket, thinking of how unpleasant the day’s earlier lunch had become as her body rejected it.  

Gideon stood at attention, holding her long dark hair back and out of her way, his free hand rubbing a gentle circle along Sophie's back. 

“Are you certain you are okay? I can reach out to the silent brother or Charlotte.”  Gideon quickly rambled on, not so much as a breath between thoughts. “No, no, no. It would just cause Will to call out to Jem! He is always looking for a way to pull him from the silent city; he will see it as a favor.” 

Sophie loudly cleared her throat, stopping the rambling Lightwood, as she carefully sat up, pulling a handkerchief that was tucked within her dress, delicately dabbing the corner of her mouth before continuing. 

“As I was saying, Gideon,” she chided, still putting extra emphasis on his name, “I’m fine, my dear, this is not our first pregnancy, and we have no clue if it is to be our last.” 

Sophie extended a hand, silently asking for Gideon’s assistance in standing. Her husband immediately responded, placing a hand on her back to steady her while allowing his other hand to be used by Sophie to push herself up. Confidently Sophie stood one hand resting on her stomach protectively, her abdomen starting to show the first tale sign of her pregnancy. 

“Soph, I insist we just need to make sure you’re oka...”

Gideon heard the sound of frustration escape his wife's lips and slightly reeled back. The look in Sophie’s eyes held him silent as he had seen before and expected the storm to be arriving shortly. It happened before with Sophie’s two previous pregnancies.   

“That is enough, Gideon! Please go. I can not have you fussing over me like this, this is our 3rd pregnancy, and we have two beautiful angels to show for it .” Sofie took a breath before she continued, “I can not have you here at this moment as I do not wish to yell at you, please go keep Barbara and Eugenia Company, and I will return to you once I’m better.” 

“Bu…”

“No buts Gideon go,” she pointed toward the door. “I promise you I'm okay, but I need you to do this for now … please,” she added, her fatigue clearly showing. 

Gideon nodded in response, gently placing a kiss on Sophie's head before laying her down. “If you insist, but I will be near with the girls in case you need something. Just call out, and I will be back by your side, Sophie.” 

Sophie smiled up at him; a part of her was sad to see him go, but Gideon had been with her since they woke up, continually asking if she needed something; it was sweet and endearing to see her husband this way; Sophie just needed some rest right now. 

Gideon closed the door softly behind himself and started to hesitantly wander down the hall, the worry in his mind dissipating as he reached his daughters’ playroom. 

“Oh, what are my little angels up to?” he playfully called out to the girl as he opened the room and greeted the little ones playing with their dolls. 

To the betterment of his mood, he was greeted with Daddy and papa alike from his youngest as they made their way to him in excitement, Barbara taking care to bring her younger sister with her.  Just as they were to collide with his legs, Gideon made an easy effort to scoop them both up in one of his arms, Delivering affectionate pecks on the cheeks to each girl. 

Gideon smiled wide, holding onto his daughter as he whispered to them, “Mommy is asleep, so we are going to help her make dinner. Do you want to help daddy make dinner?”

“Yes,” Barbara declared in the best whisper a four-year-old was capable of, raising her tiny fist in the air from excitement; her sister imitating her with a sound Gideon would assume to be an agreement in some way. 

“Well then, what are we waiting for? Let’s go “ He held onto the girls bouncing them in his arms along the way to the kitchen, a quiet stream of laughter breaking through the house. 

Determined, Gideon made it to the kitchen, knowing well he was not the best cook. But he was sure he knew enough that one dinner should not pose to be an impossible challenge. Gideon and his daughter would conquer this so that Sophie could rest without worry.

When they reached the kitchen, Gideon gently lowered Barbara to the ground and kept his youngest in his arms. 

“Hello, my Eugenia,” he cooed to his youngest, lifting her in the air, her chubby cheek breaking into a smile that warmed his heart. Carefully he seated her in a custom-crafted high chair made by their close family friend, Henry Branwell. After clasping a function lock in the feature made to make sure no harm would come to Eugenia, he placed a small bowl of cut-up fruit for finger foods and a few of her favorite toys to keep her happy. 

“Now, you be good. Daddy’s going to be right here,“ Gideon smiled as he stepped away and noticed Barbara gravitating a step behind him and away from the stovetop; Sophie had made sure to teach their oldest how to behave in the kitchen. 

Gideon made reasonably quick and clean work of preparing the dinner for the evening. A small side salad and chicken they planned on roasting whole accompanied with baby potatoes; ingredients all that had been purchased early in the day from a local London Market. He took care of the bird and prepared the various salad toppings for Barbara to mix for their salad before putting it away to stay fresh. 

Soon it was time for the bird to come out from their wood-burning oven; satisfied with the result, Gideon declared the dinner a success. A confident smile of victory found its way onto Gideon’s face until he turned and saw Barbara pouting.

“What is wrong, my darling? You did great helping daddy,” Gideon praised as he bent down on one knee to see his oldest eye to eye.

“B-but I want to help more,” she stuck her bottom lip out unknowingly taking advantage of Gideon’s quickly melting heart. 

“Oh, darling, I'm sure we can find something. Just give me one moment, I promise,” Gideon guaranteed as he kissed her nose. On his search, he stopped to check in on Eugenia, who had since finished her snacks and currently clutching a toy sleepily, her light blue eyes drooping from exhaustion. Gideon lifted her from her confines and placed her in a nearby crib to sleep, and near enough, he could keep watch over her. The cries that came after his step made his error known. Gideon quickly scooped Eugenia back out and swayed on his feet, speaking gently into her ear as he kept searching for something Barbara could assist in making.

Gideon's life was quickly becoming complicated, cooing to a crying infant in one arm, trying to find something to do with Barbara, and desperately searching for a card he swore he tucked in a drawer in the kitchen. Eugenia's mood began to turn for the better, and so seemed Gideon's luck as he pulled a piece of paper trapped underneath a cooking textbook on the carved wooden counter. 

“Found it!” he cheered louder than intended, holding the card up and quickly reading over it to confirm the needed ingredients were available in their home. 

“Barbara, we are going to learn how to make some sweets together. How does that sound?” he announced to his oldest while still attempting to soothe the now quiet and once again sleepy Eugenia. 

“Like the sweet you and mommy get from the shadow market?” Barbara excitedly asked, going over to her dad to reach for the card he had. 

“Absolutely my ball of joy,” Gideon carefully started to gather all the ingredients on the card and a big bowl for them to use. “I’ll hand you the ingredients, and you put them on the table for us, okay?” 

“I can do that!” his oldest proclaimed proudly and started to take the items from him.

“Okay, now you read me the instructions, and I’ll put them in,” Gideon guided as he followed with the bowl and Eugenia still in his arms, now asleep. Barbara’s efforts at reading the recipe were intense and showed how much his oldest was growing. Gideon started to mix the items in carefully, not o mess up but also not wake the little one in his arms. As he continued following Barbara’s directions, it slowly dawned on him that a third would be joining his children. Gideon didn’t want to think about how he would handle all three at once, but he was determined to find a way.

“Now we roll it!” Barbara read back with a cheer, causing her little sister to shift in their dad’s arms. 

Gabriel rolled out the cookie dough, suggesting that they should attempt to cut the dough into tree shapes. In the end, they looked interestingly shaped. Gideon carefully and gently placed Eugenia back in the crib, slowly stepping away as he did so as not to wake her. Once far away and sure his youngest was asleep, Gideon placed the cookies into the oven leaving an eager Barbara and nervous Gideon to wait. 

Gideon passed the time by cleaning up the kitchen with Barbara while Eugenia slept. He managed to peek in on Sophie under the guise of bringing her some water. Gideon noticed right away she was still asleep and left the water at the bedside table quietly and made his exit. He went back into the kitchen and checked over his daughters before the cookies in the oven. Gideon carefully removed the cookies from their wood-burning oven, placing them on the countertop to cool. Whether these creations would be considered trees would be another debate, but the look in Barbara’s eye told Gideon she was happy with them. 

“Now let go check on Mommy, my little flower,” he called out to his eldest once more, only to turn and find Sophie leaning against the entrance to the kitchen.

“Mommy!” cried Barbara running to cling to her leg.

“Darling,” Gideon called out in endearment, walking over and wrapping an arm around her waist so he could offer her steadying support. “I do hope you’re feeling better.” 

“Of course I’m feeling better, dear” Sophie rolled her eyes. “I told you I was okay, but you are so quick to panic sometimes, I do not know if I should be endeared or worried,”  she teased her husband, drawing a heated blush from Gideon.

“Your health comes first, Sophie.”

“Yes, it does, and I promise you, I will tell you if anything is ever wrong,” She leaned into her husband, her advances met in kind as they placed a gentle kiss on one another. This was poorly received from their little peanut gallery as Barbra exclaimed eww and began to insist on showing mommy her hard work instead. 

“Oh, hard work, you say, Barbara?” Sophie smiled, her scar looking softer in the light cast from the kitchen window. “And what did you do?”

“I helped daddy cook food for you, so you don't have to, Mommy!”

“Oh, is that so sweet, baby?” Sophie picked her daughter up, hugging her to her chest as she turned and gave Gideon a look of worry, knowing his competency for cooking. 

Gideon shook his head before responding, “I’m proud to say that I have managed to not only cook dinner this time without burning anything, but our angel here helped make some sweets; I obtained the recipe from Charlotte.”

Sophie gave the food a skeptical gaze. She handed a cookie to Barbara and Gideon before picking up a cookie with hesitation for herself. She bit into the slightly soft-baked good and gave her approval quickly. Sophie found herself just as fast going for another. 

“Not too bad this time, Mr. Lightwood,” Sophie smiled and turned her oldest. “It’s probably because you helped him, isn’t it, my sweet girl?”

“Of course, only the best for my wife, and Barbara was the best helper I could ask for. She kept me on task.” 

Sophie rolled her eyes again as she snuck under Gideon’s arm, leaning into his side before speaking, “Let’s get everyone together to eat, then bed and a story for our daughters.”

Barbara whined when she heard about their plans but gave little protest afterward. The food was soon finished, the cookies were mostly gone, and the girls had been put back to bed as the night carried peacefully on with Gideon and Sophie in the kitchen.

Gideon worked on cleaning up what was still left from them, eating dinner as his wife approached him from behind.

“Thank you for dinner. It was very thoughtful,” Sophie said as Gideon turned to face her, the two wrapping their arms around one another. 

“I know I can worry and go a little overboard. I just worry,” Gideon confessed, lovingly caressing her scarred cheek. “You have given me everything; it only serves that I seek to return the same for you, my love.”  

“Gideon, you have shown me more kindness and love than I have ever expected. We have each other, our family, and our friends; you have always made sure I was appreciated and more. Never forget that” she confided to Gideon. 

Gideon’s cheeks once more tinted at his wife’s earnest statement. Gideon felt his words failing to measure to what was currently burning through him, so he went with the only five words that could come close to gracing that feeling. 

“I love you, Sophie Lightwood.”

“And I love you, Gideon Arthur Lightwood,” Sophie returned as she leaned forward and kissed him.

[writingsofmyimagination]

28 Days

This is part of the KSmutClub Monster Smash Project - Prompt Werewolf

Jimin X Reader Werewolf AU (Tiny bit of Jungkook x Reader)

Summary: A late night run leaves you coming down with something. A Cheating Boyfriend. Whole new world opens up to you which has been under your nose the whole time. Everything within you heightens.

Words:10387

Warnings: Swearing, drinking, SMUT OFC! (Slight BDSM themes, Switch Jimin)

Hope you enjoy :) I had soo much fun writing this! Have some potential ideas for a part two so let me know what ya’ll think :P.

Day 1

Eyes wide, heart racing. Sweat began forming a thin layer on your skin; you were freezing.

The contradicting temperatures of your body refused to settle. Swallowing was uncomfortable with how dry your throat was; you peered over at the silhouette of your sleeping boyfriend held there in exhaustion as you slowly left the warmth and comfort of the bed

Thank god I didn’t wake him

The gem had answered your panic stricken phone call earlier that evening after a dog big enough to be a wolf had chased you while on your evening run. The noise of the awful snarl still ringing around your mind like a pinball machine. Even In its frenzy it had thankfully only managed to leave a semi deep scratch etched into your calf. It seemingly realised its actions and charged away. It bled all the way to the emergency room; it definitely didn’t warrant emergency attention but Jungkook forced you saying it’s a wild animal and ‘you got to make sure you get shots, don’t want you dying of rabies on me’ you remember him joking. You reminded him rabies was more of less non-existent in the country but he was probably right. They put skin closures across it as it wasn’t serious enough for stitches and put a standard sterile white dressing over to protect it. It may not have been serious but it was fucking long, nearly most of your calf. The first dose of your antibiotics was working its way through your system already; they’d decided to give some intravenously.

Avoiding the minefield of clothes trip hazards you made it into the living room, the pale moonlight was converting to a pale dawn. The glass coffee table in the middle of the room danced with shimmering grace in the glow. The light dimmed in the kitchen area, too far away from the window. You hit a switch which illuminated the under cupboard lights bringing life to the marble sides; the carpet turned into tiles, feet not appreciating the temperature or softness change. Reaching up into the cupboard for a glass, you jumped when the front door opened. You was just in one of Kook’s oversized shirts and in this position your underwear was definitely on show. No longer on tip toes you turned as his older brother waltzed in launching his holdall silently onto the sofa which absorbed the noise.

Short leather jacket adorned with zips, simple white V neck shirt tucked into black skinnies and leather biker boots. Yep his standard attire. He looked too good even though you hated to admit it. His eyes were worn and withered, exhaustion seeping off him. Your presence in the kitchen knitted his brows together but you spoke first.

“Jeez Yoongi you like hell, what happened to you?” you spoke softly.

“Could say the same to you” he countered nodding down at your leg.

“Guess I win!” You admitted “I got attacked by a dog, but like it was massive! I was running and it caught up with me out of nowhere and…”

His head popped up from behind the fridge door from where he was busy searching for sustenance.

“Wait… by a dog? How? Where?” Concern blossomed in his naturally dark eyes.

“As I WAS saying, I was running and it just caught up with me and his claw just caught my leg. It kind of backed off when I fell and ran off. Did I say it was huge! Like beaming yellow eyes too!” you placed your glass on the side behind you and leaned against the work top arms folded.

“Yeah but WHERE?” he asked curt.

Jeez he can be so cranky when he’s tired

“Erm… In Crest Park Woods” you responded ignoring his bluntness like you would assignments; also hesitant as you knew your location would likely trigger…

“I’ve told you both not to go there at night! Shit” he barked albeit quietly, huge frown announcing displeasure. He suddenly seemed agitated, almost panicky with his movements.

“Well I tell you to put the dishwasher on and you ignore me the same” you bit back defensive against his unwarranted agitation.

“Besides I’m fine, I didn’t need stitches, the doctors gave me antibiotics, stop being dramatic”

“Why did you let her go” his harsh words directed behind you. Jungkook had appeared in the living room doorway, heavy eyed and rubbing them to some form of life. His hair poofy and messy, shirtless, trackies hanging onto his hips admiring the view above.

“Hey, I can’t tell her what to do man, I was training for most of the evening, got her call when I was getting changed” even his words were sleepy.

“You know I tell you it’s not safe at night” he reiterated

“No parks or woods are safe at night in this day and age Yoongi” Kook piped up.

“Y/N please come back to bed, take the weight off your leg” he pleaded drowsy.

It was too early for this.

“Fine” you droned eyes rolling your disapproval quietly grateful to be out of this situation which you could sense was starting to sour.

“Oh you can’t tell her what to do?” You heard Yoongi jab at Jungkook as you left. As you’d expect from brothers they bickered, but they generally had a pretty solid relationship, I mean Yoongi was letting Jungkook live with him rent free while he was at Uni. He did annoyingly well for himself. Since you and Kook had been together he’d even let you more or less live there too; he was scarcely home and you’d prefer to have some privacy with your boyfriend here instead of your cramped hall room. You showed your gratitude by making sure everywhere was clean and tidy and making sure there was always enough of dinner left over for him in the freezer whenever he decided to come home.

//

“What are you…doing?” you mumbled still paralysed by sleepiness. You were half aware of Jungkook not-so slyly sliding his hands under your shirt groaning happily cupping your breasts, pushing up closer behind you, you didn’t really need to know what he was doing or wanted, you could feel it.

“Seducing you idiot” he toyed, fingertips gliding down your side, your thigh. Switching direction and coming up on your inner thigh teasing the way he knows your weak for.

“Yoongi baby” you reminded, annoyingly your room backed onto his and you struggled to be quiet sometimes. You’d faced many awkward glances with Yoongi too many mornings and you didn’t want to start again.

“He’s out” he breathed onto your skin at the back of your neck.

“He’s never out in the morning” you blurted out contesting him

“Exactly” before his lips latched onto the side of your neck dragging a gasp from your throat. You couldn’t fault his logic, your body way ahead of your thinking pushed back into him.

//

“Jesus baby how hard did you cum?” You got asked rhetorically in your state of euphoric exhaustion.

“You mean how many times?” you added chuckling within the breaths you were struggling to take. Collapsed side by side, hot messes perspiration soaked.

Sex with Jungkook was never terrible, far from it! But today everything felt amplified, everything had a surge of electric exaggerating every touch, the strength of the contractions of your muscles were on another level.

You’d never felt anything like it; your brain flooded with oxytocin, you drowned happily.

“My plan to keep you off your feet for a bit longer was a success then” he mentioned before downing the rest of his glass of water from the bedside table

“Seriously Kook I have a scratch on my leg, It’s not like it’s…” You felt the blood drain from your face, your skin went deathly cold, your body heated up from the head down simultaneously. Lurching from the bed; adrenaline making sure your muscles could carry you to the bathroom.

//

The last 5 minutes you’d touch wood not brought anything else up. Kook was still on hand, holding your hair off your face gently stroking your back. The typhoon in your stomach had mostly dissipated but you still hugged the bowl like your life depended on it.

“How you doing beautiful” he asked from behind

“Yeah I think I’m good” He took your response as a cue to release your hair and went and grabbed you some fresh bottled water from the fridge.

“Where did that come from?”

“Beats me” you sipped in delicate mouthfuls from the glass anxious to not disrupt whatever was settling your stomach.

“You don’t think?”

“What?” you answered

“We’re always careful right?” his words were hesitant as his brain scanned through every last time between you.

Shit! We’re 23 this will not be it!

Some superficial nausea returned as you too tried to remember every last time.

“Yea…h?”

The response wasn’t as confident as he wanted. You’d recently switched up contraception to the implant as your pill taking had become sketchy at best.

//

He returned from the drug store with a test and had also acquired an abundance of sweet things for you.

“Whoa where are you off to” his tone disapproving of the fact you were up and dressed lacing up your black boots.

“I told you I feel absolutely fine now” you pressed finishing the last bit of toast in your hand. You saw his frown come to fruition and you stopped any response with a kiss. Your hands caressing both his cheeks.

“I promise I’m fine. I can’t miss this lecture. You’re the absolute best. Now are you going to let me do this and then leave?” In his absence you’d pretty much convinced yourself that the pair of you had been careful and it must have been the antibiotic’s or something.

He sulked on the bar stool around the breakfast island where you’d implicitly told him to stay while you waited. His eyes were wide, worried as he stood up when you walked back into the room.

“See told you” handing him the negative test like the massive I told you so sandwich it was.

“Am I free to go now?” you teased as he tugged on your jean belt loop catching you in between his thighs.

“You’re free to go” he per-missed only after you’d kissed him and told him he was the best. Again.

Day 7

“Ugh!” you shivered, Sambuca burning horribly down your throat, your shot glass turned and slammed onto the side. Face creasing up in that Sambuca after taste disgust.

“Hey Y/N we going start cards against humanity you in?” Your friend Laura called from the centre of the living room playing a link in a chain of a circle of people from your class and a few others.

“Obviously” you called back. She’d dragged you to a house party in an attempt to help you get drunk and to forget about Jungkook for a night.

Jeon fucking Jungkook!

He’d decided to destroy your nothing but amazing year relationship by getting so blind drunk he ended his night with someone from his swim team on his dick a few days ago. He confessed straight away. You ended up in a rage filled teary mess and he just dissolved into a balling mess pleading; every apology saturated with remorse. You made damn sure you didn’t care how loud you were in Yoongi’s place. You left leaving Jungkook there completely ended with.

You were a wreck. With that wreck aside you were still a physical wreck, still suffering with sudden bouts of sickness, excruciating pain all topped off with ridiculous hornyess. You could even swear your smell and taste were better.  The Dr’s had done some tests including another pregnancy test; everything was annoyingly clear; no clinical answers in sight.

“Hey you need a drink in your hand to play” Hobi announced shoving yet another vodka and coke in your hand as you sunk to the floor cross legged next to him.

Apparently Hobi and some of the other dance majors can really fucking drink. Put your class to absolute shame!

The music was at a reasonable volume but to your ears it was pounding, your vision was fuzzy and your mind a pleasant haze. You took yourself off to the kitchen for the actual sensible purpose of grabbing yourself some water and then popping to the loo.

On your return your floor seat was by taken.

He smells so fucking good.

Jesus what’s wrong with me

“Hey, can I have my spot back” You were practically stood over him, his back towards you as you just faced the messy black hair.

Your heart beat shot up irrationally; nothing prepared for your how beautiful he was, like seriously if anyone needs a Prince Eric casting you’d found him. The dark hair did not dim the brightness of his smile nor the mischievous look in his eyes as he took ALL of you in; your scent, your simple but apparently effective attire of a tight fitting with sleeveless white top tucked into a pair of high waisted jeans. He dropped his knees fully crossing them.

“You can sit here if you like” smirking; his tongue grazing the side of his mouth and tapping his lap. A few chuckles at his quip from the circle.

“Don’t you think you should at least try that with a girl whose in your league or at least get me a drink before you ask for anything like that” you bit back bemused, sure your eyes were glimmering with insincerity. He was not out of your league, this guy was the reason leagues were created in the first place.

“Oooooohh” Hobi and few others cooed in unison. The guy’s eyebrow shot up above a smile before he chuckled and conceded

“Touche”

“Of course you can sit back here” his tone suddenly lighter, genuine.

“Seeing as you missed the introduction, Y/N Jimin, Jimin Y/N. He’s just transferred to Dance” Laura said her tone laced with a childish disgust.

“Don’t have to say it like I’m disgusting” Jimin said falling into the sofa opposite you.

“Oh I do” Laura joked.

Until the game finished you just couldn’t concentrate; Jimin’s gaze was like a black hole, absorbing your attention with no mercy. Easily dragging laughs out of you as he eventually joined in the game. You noticed the sparkle his eyes always shone when he looked at you; you could even swear there were sometimes strange yellow flecks  that danced amongst the coffee brown.

“I am done” you announced standing up, taking a second to stable your alcohol infused state.

“Yeah I think we all are” Laura agreed.

“Jimin can walk you to your room he’s going that way” Hobi pushed. Jimin and you once again got sucked into each other’s gaze. The pounding of your pulse felt deep in your stomach.

What the fuck is going on, this effect is not normal, even with how hot he is

“I think I can manage a short walk across campus”

“I am going that way, May as well, pretty company is always good”

“LAME!” Laura toyed.

“Fine, I suppose your right” underhandedly returning the compliment.

//

“So what’s your major” He idly asked

“Virology”

“OOFF, heavy” he observed.

“You are not wrong” you agreed chucking, grateful for the cool breeze to sooth your sudden increase in body temperature.

“I assume you know Hobi and Laura from Dance?”

“Yeah just like she said I just transferred, the uh dance teacher and I did not see eye to eye at my old uni”

“Dance hey”

“Something amusing?”

“From your look I wouldn’t have guessed in a million years”

“And what look is that exactly” He inquired genuinely curious.

“Well I mean leather jacket, ripped jeans, slightly baggy t-shirt, I mean I pegged you more maybe for like music or even maybe biomed”

“I mean it’s too early to introduce pegging” he toyed, mischievous.

“Ooookkkaay, like I may be drunk and we may have just played cards against humanity but we are not close enough to discuss that shit!” Hitting him in a playful manner on his arm.

How it escalated you don’t even know, you’d ended up shoved against a wall in the stairway of your dorm building; his hands grabbing everywhere they possibly could in a rough manner. It wasn’t something you were used to it but fuck could you get used to it. His mouth catching your heavy breaths, lips hungry on yours. It was like a fire had been ignited that you never knew you had. And it was with a stranger, but it felt so right. Your hands were not innocent either, oh no! You were pulling him to you in sheer desperation.

“Please tell me we’re near your room” he panted already scrabbling at the buttons of your jeans.

“Well I mean if you wouldn’t have pounced on me you’d have discovered we are really close” wasting no time in having your hands trailing his abs

“Couldn’t help myself, you just smell so good…”

Ditto!

He was shoved on your bed immediately. Leg straddling his waist; both your shirts already scattered on the bedroom floor. His hand gripped tightly in a fistful of your hair controlling the force of your kiss.

Until he stopped.

“What?”

“We shouldn’t”

What a time for a change of heart you sighed to yourself

“Serious?” mouth already pouting sitting back on your legs and his erection straining against his jeans.

“I mean god I want to” his lips were plumped up from all the attention.

“But you’re waaayyy more drunk than me and It wouldn’t be right, and I want to make you sure you remember how good I’m going to fuck you, even If I have to starve myself of this” applying pressure down your trousers feeling you over your underwear, your moan ricocheting into the room

“Fine! But don’t tease” you ordered slapping his hand away, climbing off him lying next to him in a huff.

“It’ll be worth it, I promise”

“You better make sure it is! You probably shouldn’t stay here though because there’s no way I won’t make you beg for me to fuck you if you’re here too long.” You teased.

“Ooo fighting talk huh? You’re probably right. I’ll see myself out. You can make yourself cum thinking about me though, I won’t have any objections to that”

“Well you’ll never know will you!” lip between your teeth as he flashed his smile which was so saccharine saturated you were at risk of a coma as he left.

Again in your drunk state you happily walking into a huge mistake

*knock knock*

“Y/N?”

Giving Jungkook no more time to talk about anything; you dragged him into a heated, completely lust filled kiss which he accepted no questions asked. He was pushed onto the sofa; him forced underneath you.

“Yoongi… could be home… any minute” he managed in between the assault on his lips.

“Shut up” you demanded tugging at his shirt, a desperate plea grinding on his crotch. He returned in kind ridding you of your pyjama top. Putting you underneath him on the sofa, leather cool against your skin. Yanking your trackies on the floor before chucking off his. You tugged on his long hair; wanting to avoid the pain he followed the direction of your pull gaining leverage over him enabling you to be on top again. His cock pressed against your folds

“Wait don’t you… want warmi…” hands resting at your side fingertips gently indenting your skin, hair half covering his eyes.

“Nope” you interrupted sinking down onto him cutting off any more words, replacing them with breathy moans.

“Fuck” he breathed rolling his head back. He always absolutely loved when you used him just to get off.

Your hips rocking rough, desperately seeking the relief you needed. Hand gripping to his chest enjoying the muscles beneath your fingertips rippling. You started clenching around him still dragging yourself closer.

“Jesus if you keep doing that I’m not going to last much longer” he whined. Knowing your body and the lack of clit stimulation was hindering your orgasm he tried to help. You swatted his hand away. He was delusional if he thought he deserved that. Pinning his hands above his head he got the message. The visual stimulation of you circling hurriedly on your clit had his eyes rolling up, fists clenching. As always he managed to hold off until your muscles starting convulsing around him before falling hard into his own release.

Apparently once wasn’t enough for you, easily going another couple of times before completely crashing in his bed. Another mistake.

Day 8

You woke up alone.

Thank god

There was however a note

-Let’s talk when I’m back - JK

How about no, he could go away for the week coming back to nothing!

You scrunched it up, feeling a slight pang of guilt for giving him hope.

Mouth dry, you headed to the kitchen

“Well, I wasn’t expecting to see you here again” Yoongi admitted slouching around the breakfast bar with a bowl of cereal.

Thank god I put on a shirt

You rolled your eyes.

“Please don’t, apparently alcohol causes me to make massive mistakes” you blurted out.

“Sorry he’s your brother” you added

“Its fine, we’ve all been there and he’s not exactly in my good books. I’ve give him hell don’t worry. He’s been a mess all week”

“Good!”

Excruciating pain spiked through your stomach rippling out to your chest. You doubled over in pain. Yoongi rushed over to support you, firm hand gripping at your waist and arm

“Im fine, I’m fine” ushering him away as the moment passed. More dreading what was next, the nausea and sickness.

“Here drink this” Yoongi handed you a homemade looking drink in a glass bottle. The army green liquid was lumpy and the thought of it anywhere near your mouth increased your nausea ten fold

“I feel sick already, definitely not” sipping the water that Yoongi had also sweetly provided.

“I’m serious it will take the nausea away in a heartbeat, just a mouthful, trust me it’s an old recipe of my grams” One eyebrow considerably higher, you gingerly took the bottle and unscrewed the cap. Opting not to even dare sniff it pinching your nose and swallowing; face scrunching shaking your head. For good measure you chugged the rest of your water and still held your nose for the taste to completely pass.

Boy wasn’t lying

“I am not even going to ask what’s in that but Jesus it worked”

“Probably best you don’t, and you’re welcome” he beamed.

“Well I guess I better get out here I got some serious revision to be getting on with”

Day 15

It was 1am, you were staring blankly at your work books, black lines of font all blurring into a mess in front of you. Your eyes rolled as you found your coffee cup empty. You were in a student café which had the genius idea of opening weirdly unsociable hours for all those late night crammers. You frequented this place a lot. The super comfy sofa area often had groups trying to cram together, people dozing from too much reading. You always took your refuge at a table, always sat facing one of the windows, you found the orange hue from the streetlight calming and not having to make eye contact with anyone else in the café suited you right down to the ground.

You’d found a small piece of paper in your jacket that Jimin had slyly slipped in the pocket a few days ago, you’d completely procrastinated texting the number. Not trusting yourself with how you’d act if your meeting again was anything like the last. Not that you didn’t want it.

Thinking about him apparently had the memory of his scent which now flooded your sense. Out of nowhere a coffee cup appeared beside you briefly masking the smell. You removed your headphones and turned to the source of the coffee giver.

The smell was not from memory.

“Latte with an extra shot” he announced

“I asked the server what you had before” he mentioned in response to the perplexed look primed his way.

“Umm, hi, thanks” he helped himself to a seat opposite, mere moments into your interaction the hunger was already festering.

“Not gonna lie I’ve been waiting for your text like an impatient child” he confessed stroking the side of his cup, looking down avoiding the eye contact.

“Sorry, I’ve just been swamped and I may have been staring at your number desperate to text but I didn’t know what to say”

“How about, hey, fancy meeting up to finish what we started” he joked, you closed your books attention drawn completely to him

“Oh you’re putting that straight out there then” feeling the flush of blood rushing to your cheeks, his shoulders shrugged, devilish smile returning

“If you don’t ask you don’t get. I would have happily responded to that”

“Well I mean normally I’d say buy a girl a drink first but I guess you’ve just ticked that box”

“Exactly”

Your walk to the halls was longer than normal. Under the cover of the poorly lit areas of the campus the pair of you hungrily shoved each other against trees grasping everywhere lips barely parting. You suspected your back was at best grazed.

“I don’t…even know why you do…this to me, I hardly know you” you panted slamming your door shut with Jimins body hard against it.

“Fuck knows but I feel it too” In a brief moment you was apart his eyes scanned you before literally tearing your shirt off buttons popping everywhere.

How strong is he? That’s like a movie thing

Your bra was unclipped with one hand before it joined your shirt.

He’s got moves, give him that

He picked you up from under your behind, legs wrapping round his waist. Your turn to be shoved against the door. Your back was definitely grazed, the pleasant sting confirmed this.

Your neck, collar bone was plastered with blossoming red marks. He even sunk his teeth in at the curve of your neck.

“Enough foreplay” you breathed. He chuckled through a growl which went straight to your core.

“Impatient” he stated a smirk growing wide bunching his cheeks up.

“Can’t wait to test that”

“My dorm mate is away tonight” the pair of you cocking your eyebrows. He set you down, backing you up until you knocked into the table, tugging his white v-n off, fingertips digging into his sides pressing him flush against you. He came willingly. Taking one of his hands you guided him under you the waistband of your unbuttoned jeans. Gasping finally having the contact against your folds.

“Want me much?” in response to how wet you were. You just dragged him into a kiss.

“Can’t have you waiting that desperately for me can I”

“Please don’t make me” you whined as he rushed to have you step out of jeans and underwear.

“You’re beautiful you know that” he exhaled drinking you all in. You were pushed hard half on the table, perching as he dropped to his knees.

Unbeknown to you he could smell your arousal the instant it started pooling. It completely intoxicated him like nothing before.

A deep growl escaped his throat nipping at the inside of your thigh. As weird as it was to hear such an animalistic growl you’d be lying if it wasn’t sexy as fuck.

He teased, lips going everywhere it wasn’t throbbing. He sensed your frustration from a mile off.

“Say please!” he ordered, smirk felt against your thigh.

“Fuck…Jimin PLEASE!” you begged. Hand flying straight to tangle in his hair. He sucked at your bud answering your plea with warm harsh flicks of his tongue.

“Want more?” Warm breathe fanning at your core.

“Mmmhmm” was you all you managed with your head rolled back. He granted your wish thrusting two fingers inside and going back with his tongue flat licking wide stripes.

“Don’t stop” you whined, feeling your leg muscles tighten. He granted your again as he sped up quickly pushing you over the edge pulling even tighter on his hair. Satisfied accomplished smirk was graced him.

“Don’t think I’m finished with you” he forewarned. Pulling you off the desk spinning you round, bending you over kicking you ankles apart. The light clinking of his belt causing a surge of excited anticipation which was delayed a few seconds by him putting on the condom. Slicking himself with your arousal before sinking into you.

“You feel just as good as you taste” he moaned before his hips began bucking into you. You turned to respond but you was met with him in a harsh movement turning your head to the front wrapping his fists in your hair tugging you harder on him. You settled digging your finger into the outside of his thigh.

“Jesus Jimin” you wailed. Jungkook was rarely rough with you and only know you realised how much you’d missed it.

“Too hard?” he asked slowing down pulling nearly all the way out teasing at your entrance awaiting further instruction.

“Fuck no” you cried, he slammed back into you; your free hand balling up into a fist. His free hand made its way round your waist. You went and met his hand, allowing you to take the lead his hand resting on yours gliding him in between your legs.

Boy gotta know how you like it!

“Ready to cum yet” he grunted, noticing how jerky his hips were going; he definitely was. The sleek words at your ear selectively just heard ‘cum’.  You did what you thought he’d just told you.

“Jesus how tight do you wanna go” he spluttered as he came. He left you panting slumped on the table while he went to the bin. Managing to stand he pulled you into a kiss hands at your cheeks, soft against your flushed hot face.

“Give me ten minutes and we’re going again” he said almost in a whisper.

“You have five and I’ll damn make sure you’ll be begging me to let you cum this time”

Day 16

You stirred, rolling onto Jimin’s chest, which for a moment threw you. It was nice, his natural scent a comfort when combined with the soft contact of his skin. It also provided more than comfort, currently a chimera of comfort and also a ridiculous turn on for no reason whatsoever.

Christ, It likes I’m on heat or something

Safe to say you was now awake. His arm weakly fell round your waist, still in a sleepy daze. Taking your time, creeping your fingertips stepping lightly down his chest, his stomach finally ghosting up his thighs. His thighs were actual masterpieces of tone and muscle you’d be graced with.

The grip on your hips increased slightly when your hand wrapped around his cock

“Mmm morning to you too” he mumbled shifting to be more flat on his back. Biting your lip through glazed over eyes you started moving your hand. As he grew in your hand and his eyes finally opened dragged awake by your movements and you grinding light circles against him.

“That’s so good” still in a sleepy mumble. When you stopped he let out a whiny exhale and you shrunk down in between his legs.

“Will this be better?” you teased licking a stripe at his tip.

“I think you should show me it is”

//

“I think we should play a game” you suggested lifting your mouth from him after not letting him cum three times.

“You’re torturing me already” he panted. Your arm mopped up any saliva that had accumulated round your mouth as you sat up. You abandoned him in favour of bringing some toys for you to play with.

“Do you want me to stop?”

“No” he agreed, chirping your shoulders up you lined him up at your entrance and slowly sunk down. In a natural move his hands went to your hips. You allowed this. When his hips bucked up into you. You did not allow this.

“You are not doing that” you ordered tightening your thighs at his waist

“What?” he breathed, face like it’s the most ridiculous cruel thing he’s ever heard; rolling your hips savouring how he felt inside you

“You are not to move. At ALL!”

“You are going to lay there and not move while I make myself cum 3 times on you”

“You can do that?”

“Yep, you do not buck your hips and you do not cum understand. Then I promise you can have me how you want” One thing about being with Jungkook. His stamina was ridiculous and he damn sure trained you well. You rocked your hips.

“What a reward!” he breathed your movement catching him off guard.

“Hope you like be…..”

You clenched around him in response. Grabbing the first of your selected toys; your bullet. He was way more vocal than JK and it was amazing. It was beautifully soft considering also melodic, his laboured breathes in between really hit as his head rolled back. His fists twirled in the sheets beside you pouring every ounce of will against his want fuck you.

“You’re doing so well” you panted, heat flowing across all of your skin enduring the aftershocks of your second orgasm. Your leg muscles growing tired from the constant tensing, your nails had left small red half crescents in a pretty field on his chest.

“I’ll treat you just a bit” Offering him the remote of your wand vibrator.

“I don’t think I can concentrate to operate that and not to move” he whined.

“You damn well better try you” You whined curtly kissing him in a desperate hurry. Considerately he put it on the lowest setting first, this time you would definitely need to move. So you did rocking your hips back of forth careful not to move up and down; judging from Jimin’s moans he wouldn’t be able to last with that kind of motion.

“Je…sus this is so hard” he panted, knocking the speed up to full, the area of the wand reaching more than just your clit; vibrations radiating out to the spring in your core on which were near breaking point.

“Ahh almost…there” hands firmly griping his shoulders, his face leaking frustrated concentration.

“Please cum baby” the plea came in a sweet desperate moan. His words moaned like a sexy mantra sent you over the edge; crying out even louder when he pushed up into you once in a hard thrust.

//

“You know you’re the first person I’ve ever even partially submitted to” Jimin was sprawled out your bed catching his breath with you equally sprawled next to him

“Yeah? How come”

“I like to be in control, but with you I don’t know, it just feels different, like I want to do anything with you as long as it gets me against you”

“Well I’ll take that as compliment” you preened.

“How in control do you like to be?”

“Oh you’re going to find out” he warned

“Now who’s got fighting talk?”

Seemingly fully recovered like nothing has happened, he clambered onto of you. Your hands pinned above your head.

“Now you said I could do what I wanted with you” any hint of the soft adorable voice had gone, fire ravaging behind his eyes.

“I did” eyes scanning his body smirk growing across your face.

“Well you’re not leaving this room until I’m done with you, if anything gets too much tell me, if you like something in a different way tell me. Okay?” his head nuzzled in your neck taking in your scent, noticing the shift in your heart rate. You nodded also swearing you could even hear his racing pulse.

“You’re so beautiful, it just blows my mind” he breathes angling straight for your neck.

//

You napped until noon, but was it even a nap if you’d been completely fucked half into a coma?

Your body was wrecked. You felt bruised in the best way possible, red flowers had bloomed all over your body. Each one a sweet token of how good his mouth felt on you. But right now you wasn’t bothered about how exhausted your body felt, pain suddenly ravaged your senses to beyond caring.

“I’m fine” you wailed, tears trickling down your cheeks. The pain had now moved from your stomach to what felt like everywhere.

“Jesus Y/N you are not fine!” He argued, hand gently stroking your back as you were curled into as much of a fetal position as you could.

“Just give it a minute” you pleaded.

“It will go away”

You hated he hated to see you like that so feeble and helpless. The pain passed as you’d accurately predicted.

“Can I take you somewhere?” He asked, you wasn’t going to say no to the gooey chocolate of his eyes, hair draping lush over his forehead.

Opting for some loose ripped boyfriend jeans and a grey hoody pulled up shrouding as much of you as you humanly possible. The pair of you walked off campus; hand in hand. His hand took ownership of yours the second you’d locked your door, and how beat you were you were not going to refuse any sort of comfort.

You’d stopped caring about the potential of Jungkook seeing you as it had already happened. You’d had the messages begging first. They quickly turned into downright anger at you moving on so quickly. He even had the audacity to accuse you of already seeing Jimin behind his back. You made sure you told him where to stick any contact with you in the future.

You walked down a familiar street. Emerald green leaves adorning the trees in a row either side of the newly re-laid road.

Where are we going?

Just as you were about to pass Yoongi’s place, Jimin directed you down his path.

Now I’m lost

“Uhh Jimin wha…” His door was already knocked. Yoongi of course answered. Nothing but bafflement burnt onto your face as his face came into view. Yoongi’s face grew equally confused.

“Yoongi you gotta tell her for god’s sake, she needs to know” Jimin was stern, taking no no’s for an answer as he ushered you inside passed Yoongi who had no words as Jimin near enough barged passed.

“Tell me what? What’s going on?” Your voice raised amongst the confusion

These guys know each other?

 you stood arms crossed, eyebrows together leaning on the breakfast bar. The boys looked at each far too sheepishly, wordlessly communicating.

“You might wanna sit down”

“Yoongi seriously just tell me what’s going on” Jimin looked at you before looking down, a deep sorrow had started to diffuse of his aura, it turned your stomach.

What on earth

//

Legs carrying you and your exponential rage out of the house. Your eyes felt puffy even though the tears had yet to leave your eyes. Apparently rage causing them to evaporate.

“Leave me alone” Now the tears started as you shunned Jimin who was trying to hurry behind you.

A werewolf, a fucking werewolf!

Your thoughts had fused, overloaded with unbelievable information. Yoongi and Jimin confessed to apparently being werewolves, apparently Yoongi was the alpha of the so called little pack of people who are apparently also students.

“Are you all on crack?” you had exerted. Your refusal to believe what they were saying left them no other choice than to shift in front of you. You froze, two majestic huge wolves in front of you, Yoongi larger than Jimin. They were both black furred for the most part; Jimin’s wolf had a white diamond under his neck, breaking up the darkness. Before your brain could process the ridiculous sight you’d witnessed they’d changed back…naked! Thankfully they were behind the island.  They told you the dog that scratched you was a werewolf and all the pain and issues were due to you turning and your body preparing for the first full moon.

“Y/N slow down!” Jimin pleaded. You ignored him.

And on top of all that, Yoongi admitted that as soon as he realised he sent Jimin in your path to keep an eye on you and make sure you was okay. The betrayal from both these boys was painful you couldn’t decide if you wanted to slap them both or not.

“No, what makes you even think you can come with me? Everything was a lie” you spat.

“No it wasn’t” He defended

“You heard Yoongi when he’d smelt we’d slept together, he scolded the shit out of shit me! Surely that proves that wasn’t what I was told” You’d stopped stomping away, his eyes were glistening under the moisture collecting in them

He was right, but none the less you were still furious at him and at Yoongi. You had about two weeks to get your head round this shit before you had to shift. On full moons werewolves have to turn, no choice whatsoever. After your first transition you can then elect to turn into a wolf at will at any other time of the month…apparently.

“Well why did you do it then, if Yoongi had told you specifically not to then?” He tried to bridge the gap between you, offering you hand. All he got in response with a glare.

“I just couldn’t help it, you’re just incredible!.

We couldn’t help it! You corrected in your head

“I think we’re essences” You met his comment with a blank look, arms folded waiting for an explanation.

“It’s like an animaly thing” he explained

“It’s pheromones, but werewolf specific ones. It’s not super common really, when two werewolves have pheromones that … bounce off each other I guess, It amplifies attraction exponentially. Hence why we literally can’t help it, our primal senses are essentially pulling us together” Your shoulders dropped, arms unfolded and went to your hips. His face contorted in apology.

“So what you’re saying is this” you waved to the pair of you back and forth

“Is made up and chemical?” shrouding your disappointed from your tone. He eyes widening, filling with panic

“What? No no, I mean well kinda. For the whole matching pheromone thing to actually work and kind of activate there has to be an attraction already. So it just kind of amplifies It I guess? Yoongi tried to explain it to me once and I was way to out of it to take it all in”

You couldn’t bare the pained expression which was slowly spreading on his face, this guy was a good one despite how much right now you wish he wasn’t

You’d calmed enough to accept Jimin as you allowed yourself into the pull of the embrace. Now the tears fell, down your cheeks and onto his shoulder. You nudged your head into his neck and let the rage filter out until there were just sobs of fear and overwhelm. One hand stroking the back of your neck, the holding firm at your lower back. His scent tranquil, steadying your panicking system, slowing down your manic mind.

“Am I going to be okay?” you sobbed, bleary eyed looking for his for comfort again and again.

His smile was relieved if it was anything and leaned back away from you slightly, sweeping the strands of hair from your face.

“Of course, you’re with us now. We won’t let anything bad happen to you. We look out for our own”

“What if I hurt somebody? Will I remember? I don’t want to hurt anyone”

“You won’t, not with us. On full moons we remember very little it’s more like a red mist clouds your mind” You panicked

Not helping!

“But…Yoongi is a good alpha and makes sure that we are all secure and can’t get out and hurt anyone. When we turn, when we chose to we remember and have full control of ourselves it’s just the one night”

“Why didn’t he tell me?”

“To be honest he should have but I think he was just in denial and upset about it seeing as you were friends” You both started walking together in the direction of your halls, even in the state you was and as angry as you were you still wanted him with you.

“Wait is JK a…?” the words flooded out

“No no, he has no idea either and that’s how Yoongi wants it”

“So who turned me then? It must have been one of you guys right?” he stopped, hesitant, collecting his words before continuing his delicate steps.

“No… It was another wolf from another pack” The pair of you finally reached the park, the other side was the campus and your bed! You took his hand earning a small relieved smile.

“Why say it like that?”

“They’re kind of dicks, and they certainly don’t have any care in the world about chaining themselves up or hurting people”

“Oh… I won’t turn out like that though will I?” this time you were the one that stopped walking.

“No” he chuckled.

“I’m sure they were assholes before they were turned, it’s just that it’s a bit risky our pack taking you in as our own”

“Oh?”

“It’s just a weird pack thing, essentially we’ve nicked one of their babies and that generally is frowned upon even in the wolf world”

“But they just attacked and left me?” You could feel a lump form in your throat, now feeling like a huge burden.

“I know, I know this is where the whole they are a group of dicks comes into it. Please don’t worry about it, that’s for Yoongi to deal with not you. They probably don’t even know what happened that night. Come on let’s get you home” His hand escaped yours and pulled you close to him, arm draped over your shoulder.

“Can you stay?” you asked with a weak saccharine smile.

“If you promise to not cry again tonight” he offered.

“I think I can manage that”

 Day 28 – Day of the full moon.

Your concentration was non-existent in your first lecture, your insides felt like they were crawling; a constant itch that couldn’t be scratched. You were irritable as fuck. You didn’t make it to your second lecture. You were opting for your room with closed curtains, imagining the quiet solitude on your way from campus. The quiet of your thoughts were quickly consumed by the smell which certainly never meant any quiet.

“Are you stalking me now Mr Park?” You turned knowing from the strength of the scent exactly where he was. Sweat covered, dark hair clinging to his forehead. The glistening muscles hidden poorly by the loose low vest top, you could even make out his v lines sat above his shorts through his damp shirt. His hands trailed through his hair pushing it back off of his forehead.

“No” he denied out of breath

“I knew what time your lecture finished and so timed my run around it” he explained.

“So you timed your run so you could see me come out of my lecture? Sounds like stalking to me”

He responded with a strong punch to your arm.

“Would you rather have someone else stalk you?” he queried hooking one arm over your shoulder, one of your hands held onto that hand and as you both walked together in perfect sync.

“And I came because I want to know how you are? Full moon day is never a good day, especially when it’s your first”

“I’m going insane, feels like I’ve got all this energy, my skins crawling. The smallest thing agitates the fuck out of me” He squeezed your hand noticeably harder.

“Why do you think the rest of us do nothing, I can’t believe you didn’t listen to me and went to class in the first place. Want my advice?” You stared back at him knowing full well he was going to give it to you anyway.

“Running, It takes the edge off trust me” resolute in his words.

“I hate running, I’m not fit enough” you complained.

“Well have you tried since you were bitten? You’ll have incredible stamina now and you’ll probably enjoy it”

“I think I’ll pass today, I’m feeling way too irritated for that. What time do we have to meet the others?”

“Half six so we’ve got a few hours, don’t panic. In fact I think there’s a few things we could do that might help relax you” You didn’t need to ask what they were. He’d pushed you up against a tree, lips dancing heated with yours, his hands already tugging your blouse out of waistband in pursuit of skin. With him nuzzled at you neck kissing and nipping at your favourite points earning him gasps from your lips. Your eyes nervously scanning the park around you. The path you’d just been pushed off was under two rows of high trees in bright green bloom. No one was around. Every touch of his lips or his skin on yours was more electric than normal, every sensation amplified; the pool of warmth between your legs desperately having your core already gagging for attention.

“Jimin…please…take me home” you whined, you needed him so fucking bad. He groaned at your neck coming up to meet your gaze, the animalistic yellow flakes burning hot around the coffee brown circles.

“Your body is telling me you want me now” a surprised squeal and moan flew past your lips as his hand had flew up underneath your denim skirt and circled at your already engorged bud as well as gliding his hands through your arousal. You grabbed his wrist to stop him, pulse surging with a chimera of fear and pleasure.

“No one’s here” he reassured

“And I’ll hear if anyone’s coming. Remember, super hearing!” he doubly reassured. You too had the enhanced hearing and apparently you were not used to using it to your advantage. Your grip on his wrist faltered opting instead to hurriedly to grip at his shirt, refusing him to be anywhere but against you. The rays of the afternoon sun were bleeding in through the gaps in through the trees, illuminating just how exposed you really were. It was exciting.

“I had no idea you were so filthy” the words were breathed so close to your lips, his finger teasing at your entrance thumb gently swiping at your clit.

“Shut up!” you snapped

“Just fuck me already” you ordered, your hands aiming for his member underneath his shorts. He stopped you. Instead dropping to the floor ghosting his hands up either side of your leg, your eyes hungry, fixed on the devil smirk that wasn’t in his lip bite. Your hands interlinked behind your neck growing more warm.

Hitching up your skirt only to pull your red lace thong down getting ruffled in the bark at your feet.

“You’re seriously not going to go down on me in a park”

“Am I not?” Eyes glistening with satisfaction, the smell of your arousal clouding every bit of judgement he had. His eyes were quickly filling with unbridled lust. You didn’t even get a chance to reply, leg hitched over his shoulder. Your head rolled back into the tree

“Ow! Uhh!”  Jimins mouth attached to you licking your folds stopped and gazed up at you as you rubbed your head where it stung.

“You okay?” his chin already glistening.

“Yeah, please…carry on” he chuckled and planted his face back in between your thighs. One hand secured to your hips the other etching dangerously closer your entrance. One of your hands was failing to grip across the rough bark, the other tangled in his hair.

//

“You better cum for me again baby” Jimin urged gently placing your leg back to the ground. He grabbed your chin forcing you into a kiss, not caring you could taste your own cum on his lips.

“What here?” the panic seeping back into the bottom of your stomach scraping more at the fear of being so open and exposed.. He paused eyes looking left utilising his enhanced hearing, checking for any approaching people..

“What? You’ve already just done it once. We better be quick” shoving you around and your chest into the tree. He yanked your hips back; kicked your legs apart already taking himself out of his shorts.

“Don’t think that will be a… uughh” Jimin easily pressed into you

“Problem”

“Good…fuck I’ll never get bored of how good you feel” he praised commencing the bucking of his hips. His hands slid and trickled up your arms to cup around your balled up fists; hips thrusting stronger reaching that velvet patch inside you. You un-clenched your fist allowing your fingers to cross with his.

“You better cum quick beautiful someone’s coming” he stuttered in your ear. Oddly, the heightened risk of your exposure had you clenching around him

“Pleeaasee… keep doing that” he pleaded with desperation against your neck. The conscious intermittent tensing of your core had the muscles holding more pleasure each time.

Desperate relieved climaxes ravaged the pair of you; he left no time for you to enjoy the come down leaving you. Apparently there was no time to recover your underwear from the floor as he sorted himself out. You swept your hair hurriedly over your right shoulder; Jimin lost control and managed to clamp his mouth down hard at where your shoulder and neck met. It being ‘that’ time of the month his teeth were sharper; you’d been left with a nearly full mouth bite on your skin, tiny dots of blood had started emerging through bits of the red mark

“It’s not enough is it” he asked in breathy recovery.

“No” annoyed at the satisfaction that you was yet to feel. Hungry smirk on his face, his normal coffee coloured eyes melted into a boiling swirl of chocolate.

“Welcome to full moon day” he grabbed your hand and started walking with you; leaves and twigs crinkling under you. A person entered the woodland tree cove glancing your way mildly puzzled why you weren’t walking on the path.

“I’ll be fucking you again before my cum’s even finished leaking out of you” As sexy as his words were it was going to be an uncomfortable rushed walk to your dorm.

//

Apparently he didn’t want to wait the distance to your dorm so he directed you to his. His living space passed you in a flash before you shoved him onto his bed; he stripped himself as you went to his bottom draw.

“Will this be enough?” enquiring holding the short handled flogger and pinwheel in your hand.

“Better see if it is” he challenged. You rushed off your clothes in an impatient flurry

“Please ….” His impatiently fuelled whine escaped as you straddled him. Your needs mirrored his but you was slightly in more control this time round.

“I’m not ready yet “you lied, and he knew it.

His chest blooming red in strips where the leather had struck.

“Harder” you granted his request putting more weight into the pin wheel on his chest, pricks of blood bubbling up from the tiny holes.

You couldn’t explain it, everything you felt was intensified today, yet you feel you needed to max out your tolerance which was apparently infinite today. You assumed it was the same for him. The throbbing in between your legs became unbearable, a screaming siren refusing to be silenced.

“How about now, I’m begging you”

“Is that really begging though? I can’t even tell how much I need to hear you whine for me. I need to feel you so bad. Maybe I should just get myself off to watch you squirm” you rocked your hips so his member could feel just how bad.

“Noooo, I can’t, come on that’s not fair, you’re feeling what I’m feeling right now. Please let me fuck you, I want you shouting my name, I want your muscles to ache, I need you quivering around me while I fill you up”

“Mmmm much better” kissing him harshly while you let him flip you on your back.

“I’ve never wanted to beg for anyone before, you’re just on another level”

“I’ve never let anyone have control before, you’re just too intoxicat…” The pleasure of him pushing into your shocked your system, you’d never felt anything like it, you were almost worried how much your climax was going to ruin you. If it was going to be like this every full moon the fact your life had been turned on its head it was worth it and you’d even look forward to it.

“Jesus, I’m going to be waiting for the full moon so much, this is incredible” his head dropped. The dark hair hanging shading his face as he needed a moment.

I swear he’s reading my mind

“I’ve got to go slow otherwise I might explode” he breathed in between a sloppy kiss at your mouth

“Agreed” his hips rocked in even bucks leaving him fully inside you for a perfect second before painfully slowly leaving you; tip hovering at your entrance. The slow build up was blissfully exhausting. Muscles already struggling to hold the tension. His chest flush to you; a thin layer moisture starting to permeate from the contact; him being overwhelmed rendering his arms incapable of supporting. All of his energy focused onto not losing control. His palm spreading across the bottom of your cheek and neck. The only support he could manage was on his forearm pushing into the mattress. Head nuzzled in your neck; he couldn’t get enough of your scent. Every time you fucked, his head already gets drawn there; like a bee to the most delicious pollen.

Fingertips digging into his lower waist; a wasted attempt at diffusing the painful tension building in your core.

Out of nowhere his hips stuttered, teeth latching onto your already sore neck. You didn’t think you were ready but the deepness of his moan; so deep and melodic sent you spiralling over the edge. Your climax ravaged your system for what felt like ages; to the point you couldn’t take it. Like you had a choice at this point; your spasming muscles swept your body into a tsunami of feeling; washing all strength from you.

What weight wasn’t on you was now dropped onto you. Heavy pants permeated into the room.

With him still inside you and the pressure against your clit was feeding your aftershocks; you knew he’d picked up on this when he’d starting moving in gentle circles. The sensitivity was too much!

“Alright! No more please” you pleaded, he obliged rolling over next to you exhaling a chuckle

“Well that was… intense” you finally managed.

“I can’t even right now, I’ve never experienced something so damn euphoric” You knew it was mostly down to you being essences or whatever but you still took it as compliment for the sake of your ego.

“Shit!” you exclaimed when you clocked the time on your phone. Shooting out of bed rummaging everywhere retrieving your clothes. Jimin equally panic stricken, the last thing he wanted for your first change was to not be in a secure environment. You wouldn’t cope with not knowing if you’d hurt anything or anybody.

Your legs ached and burned by the time you’d power walked to Yoongi’s second house, yes second!

The basement was a hive of activity. You’d been shocked to learn Hoseok and Laura were also of the wolfy nature. It did kind of baffle you how a dance and Virology major became such good friends.  All of the guys had welcomed you and bonded to you as one of their own. Yoongi’s shoulders relaxed when his eyes finally reached you.

“You guys reek of sex” You was unsure if this was a casual scold or an amused statement, his stoic face gave nothing away. The others chuckled

At least they have a filter to not say anything, avoiding you the awkwardness of the blood rushing to your cheeks. The clank of the metal gates rattled through your sensitive ears as they were shut. Each caged now occupied by a person slowly undressing.

“It saves the clothes” Jimin explained without prompting; he was shoving the bag with your clean stuff into a metal grey cabinet at the far end of the cage. Any oxytocin racing your system was purged and replaced regretfully with adrenaline. Your heart rate raced with fear slowly filling your eyes.

“You’ll be fine Y/N” Hoseok called.

“It will be morning before you know it” Yoongi added placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. You leapt into his arms and squeezed him tight; when you felt a squeeze back he pulled back.

“Go on” he prompted.

“You’ll be with Jimin, you’’ll be fine, he’s probably the sweetest natured out of all of us” You offered a weak smile, any confidence drained. Jimin took your hand and lead you into your confinement. He shut the door reaching through the bars and turned the key and left it in the lock.

“Shouldn’t we take it out?”

“Wolves don’t tend to have thumbs, we’ll be secure I promise” He tried to keep his response as sincere as possible but a definite smirk leaked through; corrupting his lips.

“Hey I’m new to this!” you complained. He motioned his fingers beckoning you to him, you really wanted to pout and refuse but your body beat you to it carrying you to him. His hand sloped at your cheeks

“I know, I’m sorry. Do you want me to chain you up?”

“I got it” you confirmed slipping out of your jeans and jumper. Your eyes were scatty, no one but Jimin could see you exposed but being in such an open space still made you slightly uncomfortable. The nippy draught instantly dragged goose-bumps onto your skin; covering you.

“Wish you were chained up under better circumstances” He clinked the heavy shackles shut round his ankles, he sat knees up leaning against the wall in nothing but his boxers staring up at the ceiling.

“Wish you realised when to be more appropriate” You teased back, not fully against the idea he suggested.

“You’d hate that”

“I suppose that’s true” you confessed sliding down to the floor in your underwear

“You’ll lose them” he pointed directly at you, you followed his finger direction as best you could; assuming he meant your underwear.

“I’d rather lose one set a month than sit in cage completely naked”

He held his hand up in defeat agreeing with you.

“What happens now?”

“We just wait, you’ll probably turn first seeing as you…”

Every nerve you had burst into flames, ricocheting through all your muscles as the shift took hold of you.

[emdythewriter]

A new light | chapter twelve (Elriel)

Elain was giddy as she walked out of the office that day. Ready for the weekend and to get away from Vivianne’s nagging. She knew exactly the reason for Elain’s smile that day and Vivianne wasn’t going to let up until she spilled all her secrets.

“It’s about fucking time!” Elain’s friend had shouted, causing eyes to turn in their directions and bringing a bright red color to her cheeks. “He was good right? Please tell me he was good otherwise I will be very disappointed,” Vivianne continued not even caring all that much that she had embarrassed her friend.

“He was very good,” Elain said quietly, ducking her head, eyes trained on her lap as her face heated even more. Any hotter and she was likely to explode the whole building along with herself.

“Thank god you both finally pulled your heads out of your asses,” Vivianne said with no remorse.

“Hey!” Elain shouted, eyes blinking up to her smiling and giddy friend.

“Sorry, but it’s true,” Vivianne said and Elain knew that it was true. Her and Az had spent too long going in circles and never catching each other. It felt good to finally be able to catch her breath. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you,” Elain said and pulled her friend into a tight hug. She hugged her until they were on the verge of being yelled at for not doing their jobs. Elain could see her boss giving them the stink eye through the glass of her office.

Elain smiled at the memory as she waited for Azriel on the corner. It was busy, the streets crowded as people rushed out of the office and to the closest restaurant for take out. A few people moved out of her way and as soon as they did she met a pair of the most beautiful hazel eyes she had ever seen.

Azriel smiled as he crossed the street and made his way to Elain. Grabbing her waist he pulled her into his chest and kissed, a kiss that they both had been deprived of for years. “I’ve been waiting to do that all day,” he whispered against her lips once he pulled back.

“I missed you too,” Elain said, smoothing a crease in his shirt just for the excuse to casually run her hands over his chest.

“Ready to go home?” Azriel asked, grabbing her hand. Elain nodded, wrapping her another hand around his arm as they began their trek back to their apartment complex.

___

After going to Elain’s apartment so she could grab what she needed for the weekend, and maybe having sex a couple times on her couch, they made their way to Az’s place. As she settled herself into his room and bathroom he began to pull out things for dinner.

Elain liked to eat right after work so he made sure there was also a bag of chips out for her to snack on while he cooked. Azriel figured tonight would just be a simple night. He grabbed out the ingredients he needed to make an asian dish Feyre had taught him to make after she made it on a night he came over for dinner.

“What are you making,” Elain asked as she came out of the bathroom wearing a pair of sweats and a Third Eye Blind shirt that belonged to him. Az smiled, seeing her in his clothes just made him want to hoist her onto the counter and pull off said clothes. Elain went straight for the bag of chips, placing herself on a barstool at the island while she watched him.

“Egg roll in a bowl,” Az said as he reluctantly pulled his eyes from hers and back to the ground beef he was cooking. The recipe was simply a bag of lettuce from the grocery store, ground beef, and some seasonings.

“Perfect,” Elain said in between munching on chips.

“You want to pick a movie while I cook?” Az asked, looking over his shoulder to see her. She was taking the clasp out of her hair so she could pull it into a messy bun. Az watched her until almost every strand was off her neck, it wouldn’t stay up too much longer if he had any say about it.

“Sure,” she said, taking her bag of chips with her as she went to the living room. Elain turned on the TV and started scrolling through Netflix. “How do you feel about docuseries?” She asked, looking over at him from the couch.

“They’re fine I guess,” Az said as he poured the beef into the lettuce mixture and started adding the seasoning before mixing it all together. “Why? Did you find one you want to watch?”

“Nesta mentioned that she and Cassian started watching this show called Tiger King last night,” Elain said. She was sitting on her knees, arms crossed over the back of the couch as she leaned her head on them.

“Isn’t that show supposed to be crazy or something?” Az had heard Cassian mention it earlier when they all had sat down in Rhys’s office for lunch today.

“Yeah and my curiosity is getting the better of me,” Elain said as her brown eyes pleaded with him.

“Then that’s fine with me,” he watched as she smiled brightly, turning to face the TV once more. He loved that he could make her smile like that, it made him smile more than he had in a very long time and it was only ever around her that he did. Even when they were seeing other people Elain Archeron always managed to bring out his true smile.

Az scooped out their servings after turning off the stove. Grabbing two bottles of water from the fridge and tucking them under his arm he made his way to the living room.

“Thank you,” Elain said as she took the bowl he handed to her along with the water. Az sat down next to her and she scooted closer so she could be tucked into his side. Once they were settled Elain started the first episode of the show.

Azriel didn’t expect them to actually pay attention to the documentary but next thing he knew they were three episodes in and about to start the fourth at ten o’ clock at night. “Is it just me or is this a show where you can’t not know what happens next?” Elain asked from his lap where she had laid her head after finishing her dinner.

“Oh it is a hundred percent one of those shows,” Azriel said and Elain chuckled.

“Onto the next?” She asked though he suspected she already knew his answer. They both found themselves sucked into the mayhem that is Tiger King from the very first second of the show.

“Babe we’re not starting until we finish it,” Az answered her.

“Then you better make some popcorn,” Elain responded. He hopped up from the couch, moving her head out of the way first.

“As you wish,” he said, quoting one of her favorite movies. It was the only quote he knew if he was being honest because it was his least favorite movie. Elain chuckled as he headed for the kitchen, taking their dirty bowls from dinner with him.

He grabbed a bag of kettle corn to put into the microwave before going on a search for a fresh bowl.

“What do you think about me moving in?” Elain asked out of nowhere. Azriel knocked his head on the top of the cupboard as he tried to shoot up in surprise. “Are you okay?” His girlfriend asked as he rubbed his head.

“I’m good,” he said, only wincing slightly at the pain. “But are you serious?” Az asked, looking at her wary face.

“I mean we both know that I’ll be here more than my own place after this weekend so why not go ahead and do it,” she shrugged as if this topic wasn’t a big deal. 

Azriel set his bowl on the counter before coming back to the couch and sitting next to her. He grasped Elain’s hands and looked into her brown eyes, his favorite feature of hers. “You want to move in with me?”

“Yes,” she said without pause but her face fell as she asked her next question. “Do you not want me to?”

“Of course I want you to,” Azriel assured her. “I don’t want to spend any more time apart from you. We��ve done enough of that for a lifetime.”

“Then it looks like you have a new roommate,” Elain said with a smile, jumping into his lap. Azriel laughed, more happy than he ever thought he could be after finally winning her heart. She pressed him to the couch kissing him. He smiled into the kiss cupping the back of her head and exploring her mouth.

“I love you,” she whispered onto his lips.

“I love you,” Azriel answered and kissed her again. Their show was long forgotten as they became a tangle of limbs and happiness on that couch in the apartment that would soon be theirs rather than just his.

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[buckysdolls]

Chapter 6

Fel’s POV

Bucky and I had both slept in our own rooms that night. My tipsy ass hinted at going back to his room, but he simply declined insisting that he would need to be alone. I must have looked pathetic practically throwing myself at Bucky and being shot down. It hurt a little as I believed it was what Bucky wanted but I respected his boundaries, I kissed his cheek and placed the wet rag on his chest for him to hold as I left the kitchen heading to bed. Though a little deflated I’d slept so peacefully that night, wrapped up in my duvet.

The next morning rolled around quickly as I was preparing breakfast I heard heavy footsteps enter the kitchen. I glanced over my shoulder seeing Bucky leaning against the kitchen counter, looking in my direction. He was shirtless, exposing that V shape where the waistband of his joggers sat. His hair matted slightly as he ran his fingers through it.

“What a view to wake up to” He smirked raising his eyebrows. I was wearing a cropped shirt and shorts pyjama set, so yeah it did show a bit of skin, but nothing he hadn’t seen before after the dresses I’d worn recently. It was 7am and didn’t think anybody would be awake after the heavy night of partying over at Stark tower to think about changing. Remembering mine and Bucky’s awkward end to the evening and my utter embarrassment eating me alive right now I rolled my eyes, not in annoyance but more to avoid having to look at him any longer.

“Did you just roll your eyes at me?” Standing behind me he began prodding and tickling at my sides making me burst into laughter, I was squirming into his tickles and prods pleading with him to stop. He lifted me off the floor bringing my body closer to his as I squirmed trying to escape his hold. Seconds later, the door to the kitchen swung up open catching Bucky and I off guard, he quickly set me down and coughed ending his laughter. Steve was stood in the doorway panting and gleaming with sweat. He flashed a tiny smile clearly indicating he had witnessed mine and Bucky’s interaction.

“Steve you’re awake! I assumed you’d all be passed out.” I quickly turned back to pick up my bowl of cereal and munch on it.

“I can’t get drunk; I’ve tried countless time and my limit is limitless” I smiled sympathetically towards Steve knowing he’d had it rough. I took a seat at the kitchen table stuffing my face full of cereal as Bucky and Steve continued to chat.

“Did you go for a run without me man?”

“After your fight last night I thought you might have wanted to pass.”

Bucky scoffed and grinned at Steve’s comment. “I wouldn’t call it a fight. It was a straight knockout” I noticed Bucky glance at me looking if I would react, I spooned another mouthful of cereal pretending I hadn’t heard his comment.

“Besides, I’d never give up the opportunity to outrun you?” Bucky smirked, Steve raised his eyebrows and scoffed. Man, these boys and their egos!

“Always full of jokes this one” Steve patted Bucky on the back as he walked to the fridge grabbing a cold bottle of water.

“What’s on your agenda today Fel?” Steve asked as he began to pour fresh coffee into a cup and sitting next to me. My cheeks were about to burst as I stuffed so much milk and cereal into my gob that I couldn’t reply to Steve right away.

“Hungry?” Steve wiggled his eyebrows at me, I nodded as I tried to hurry my mouthful.

“I think Nat mentioned she was training some recruits she asked me to go down with her and take part. Probably to demonstrate all the moves on”

“Sounds like you’re in for a rough morning” Steve began to speak before being interrupted by Stark entering the room.

“Suit up guys, its urgent! Conference room in 5” Tony declared immediately. I watched as Steve and Bucky locked eyes and nodded their heads to each other, Steve rushed out the room and I turned to look at Bucky, shovelling another spoon of cereal into my mouth. His demeanour had suddenly changed from being cocky to looking annoyed yet ready to fight. His metal arm reverberated to life as he manoeuvred his fingers and rotated his wrist. Bucky avoided my gaze but walked over to me and planted a kiss on the top my head, then another kiss in my neck. The hint of his mint breath from chewing gum, the breath hitting my neck sending tingles down my spine and his soft padded lips withdrawing from neck made me moan quietly. The feeling of his fingers settling on my shoulders and brushing them along my skin produced goosebumps as always. I admired Bucky from behind, his muscles tensing as he yanked the doorhandle down, he proclaimed that I was his when he got back. He let the door close on its own leaving my heart beating out my chest and feeling like I was burning up.

Felicity went about her morning as usual, she got dressed ready for her training with Nat. She wore skin-tight leggings and a crop top, tying her hair up in a high pony. Whilst prepping she reminisced about the night before, her make-out session with Bucky was hot, she was just glad nobody had witnessed it. Her thoughts scrambled to Bucky’s words before he left the kitchen earlier… ‘your mine when I get back.’ The way he said it was so tough, almost a growl. A growl that told her he was irritated by being called on a mission. F.R.I.D.A.Y announced that Nat was ready and waiting for Felicity in the gym with the recruits. Grabbing her water and towel, Felicity made her way to the gym, pumped to get active and continuing to expand her skills. Both Nat and Tony had discussed and complimented on how natural Felicity looked at performing intricate moves even though she was a beginner. So much so they believed she was in the wrong profession. Upon entering the gym, a crowd of recruits circled Nat who waved Felicity over. She jogged over to Nat, standing in front of the new recruits with her hands on her hips, a smile beaming at everyone, raring to go.

“You look fresh considering.” Felicity chirped quietly into Nat’s ear referring to Natasha being drunk at Tony’s party the night before.

“Feeling fresh as a daisy Fel.” Nat replied before instructing everyone to pair up. Once Nat had finished demonstrating the moves and combat Felicity joined a group who were a three. The men rock, paper and scissored fighting it out to be Fel’s partner. Fel turned to look at Nat, hand on her hips and a face that looked unimpressed with these three men battling out over a game of rock paper scissors. Nat simply shrugged her shoulder with an eye roll as she watched on.

“Bad luck boys. Ambrose” He held out his hand to introduce himself to Felicity. She looked down at his hand, she grabbed it and dragged him over her shoulder, planting him on the floor and pressing her arm over his neck.

“No time for introductions, when you’re fighting Mr Ambrose” Felicity insisted as she cocked her head, impressed with herself. She slowly released him only to fall on her back as Ambrose swiped her ankles. Ambrose climbed on top straddling Felicity holding her arms by her wrists above her, he watched as a gleam of sweat fell from her chin, dropping onto her chest and running down. Fel scoffed whilst smiling, impressed by Ambrose’s counter. Ambrose was pulled off Felicity by Nat grabbing the back of his shirt. She ordered him to re-join his original group. Felicity brought herself to her feet, meeting Nat.

“Did I do something wrong?” Felicity worried she’d messed up as Nat shook her head.

“Nope, you were perfect, Ambrose on the other hand was looking too comfy for my liking... giving you the googly eyes. Plus, I promised Barnes I’d watch out for you” Nat spoke firmly, arms folded over her chest as she continued to monitor her recruits. Felicity wiped her forehead, it made perfect sense that Nat pulled Ambrose off her as he was paying her unwanted attention.

“Bucky would have flipped if he’d seen Ambrose straddling you”

“We were only training Nat.”

“Eyeing you up is not training. You were distracting him. Not your fault but I can’t have them getting distracting” Felicity understood where Nat was coming from and agreed to observe instead of taking part.

“Bucky asked you to look after me?” Felicity asked as her and Nat walked around examining the recruits. Nat would occasionally write notes on her clipboard as she hummed.

“Yep.” Nat simply replied popping the ‘p.’ Felicity scrunched her nose and huffed. Why was Bucky asking for her to be looked after, she was capable of looking after herself, plus asking Nat only made their relationship obvious.

“What’s the huff for?”

“Just wondering why Bucky would ask you that? I mean it’s not like we’re a thing or anything” Felicity replied nervously, pausing between words. Nat stopped in her tracks and looked across at Felicity from her clipboard, raising her brows.

“Sweet Fel. You don’t need to pretend with me. I know there’s some sort of thing between you and Bucky. Who do you think provides the extra blankets when you guys accidentally fall asleep on the living room sofa?”

“Huh, I always wondered who put them over us”

“Also, security cameras are thing. I re-watched the security footage from last night this morning, checking for any anomalies etc…”

“Looked hot and heavy” Nat joked, making Fel blush. Before Nat could reply she had handed the clipboard to Fel and proceed to wrap around and floor one of the recruits teaching them how to execute the move properly. Handing back her clipboard Nat continued to write notes. Felicity felt slightly embarrassed about Nat seeing her and Bucky’s intimate moment in the kitchen.

“Bucky’s a tough guy to get close too. He must like you” Nat mentioned in passing.

“What do you mean?”

“Barnes isn’t the type to try and make an effort. But ever since you showed up he’s been… tolerable’ Nat emphasised the word ‘tolerable’ as if it was a good thing. Felicity smiled to herself lightly, she didn’t know Bucky any differently to the Bucky she’d lived with for the past 6 months. Sure, he’d have his grumpy days like everyone else.

“In the beginning he’d hardly come out his room, only for missions. Would barely speak to anyone except Steve and Sam. Occasionally Tony when they’d argue.” Nat pointed out to Fel.

“Nat?”

“Mmm?”

“Train me.”

“Huh? What do you think I’ve been doing?”

“No, train me to be like you, properly. I want to be an agent. An assassin” Nat shot Felicity a look of concern and confusion as Fel held Natasha’s shoulder exuberating desperation.

“Ever since the other night when I joined you guys on a mission I’ve been craving that adrenaline.” A pool of dread lingered in her stomach as she said that, dread because she couldn’t believe it herself that she was saying this, but it felt right. She’d never wanted this; her dream was to be a therapist and to help people. Now she wanted to help and protect people in a completely different way.

“It isn’t that simple Fel. It takes a lot of time and dedication. Your job here will be gone.” Felicity nodded understanding Nat’s words.

“Think about it please Nat. Talk to Tony for me. I want to be part of this team; I want to be more than just The Avengers therapist. I’m serious about this.” Natasha ran Fel’s words repeatedly in her mind, she knew Felicity had the heart, determination, and the athletic ability to be a great assassin. It would just be training her constantly and consistently till she was on par with the rest of The Avengers. Natasha promised she’d run it by Tony later today knowing he’d be running numbers in the lab with Banner late into the night.

[mortyvongola2-0]

Redemption

Chapter 1

Pairing: Armitage Hux x Reader

Genre: Multichapter fic, 18+

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings: Mentions of suicide, partial nudity, assumed attempted sexual assault (no actual sexual assault though, just a misunderstanding)

Read it on AO3

Next Chapter

His eyes fluttered open and the first thing he saw was a swirling unfamiliar ceiling. He then realized that he was in a great amount of pain. His entire body felt like it was on fire, aching and pulsing with inflammation. A deep groan left his throat and he squeezed his eyes shut. The general, former general, heard shuffling beside him and felt a shadow fall over him. Who was it? Some Resistance member, no doubt come to finish off the job Pryde couldn’t. He didn’t care, everything he had was gone, everything he once was, was no more. As long as Pryde and Kylo Ren didn’t get the satisfaction of having killed him, it didn’t matter. The ginger kept his eyes closed, not scrunched or clenched, he would embrace death willingly. But instead of death, he continued to feel the same throbbing pains, with the added pleasure of a cooling ointment being rubbed onto the spot he knew to be where the blaster fire had met his flesh.

 Hux peeked an eye open slowly, hesitantly. Above him was an unfamiliar form, someone he had never seen before. A young woman, wearing scraps of dull colored clothing, sat on her knees beside him, her smaller scared hands rubbing ointment into his skin gently. Immediately, the throbbing that accompanied inflammation began to die down and he let his other eye open. He stared at her, unsure whether she was an enemy or a random civilian. She had no insignia, and after looking around as much as he could without too much movement, he realized that the two of them were surrounded by rock. Were they in a cave? Most likely. He turned his attention back to her when he heard her close the lid of whatever ointment she had used on him. “Thank you,” he said, his voice hoarse and throat dry. He tried to clear it.

 The girl jumped in surprise, the ointment dropping out of her hands. It clanged loudly against the stone flooring and he flinched a bit at the echo. She turned to face him, eyes wide and hands trembling. Armitage raised an eyebrow at her obvious fear. “Is everything alright?” His voice sounded worse that time, and he coughed rather violently. The force of his cough brought new waves of pain through his chest as it irritated his wound. He wondered how fresh it was, how long he’d been there.

 She stood quickly and ran off. A sigh escaped him, if she was an enemy, she was poor one at best. One should never show fear to an enemy, after all, let alone run from one. At least, he thought, she was rather pretty. Without so much dirt and ragged coverings, he thought she might even be considered beautiful. After a bit of time had passed, he heard footsteps once more, quick ones, and he could tell by the sound against the stone that they were bare feet. It was the girl. She knelt beside him once more and set a large claw bowl down to her right. Hux wished to see what she was doing a bit better, so he tried to sit up and she helped him. She placed a bundle of cloth behind his back to make sitting up not only easier but more comfortable against the rocks of the cave wall. Once he was comfortably sitting up she leaned over the bowl she had brought and dipped her hands into it.

 Using her hands in place of a cup, she brought the liquid out of the bowl, he figured it to be water, and up to his lips. When he didn’t immediately start drinking from her hands, she ushered them forward a bit more, a bit of the cool water splashing against his bare abdomen. “Okay, okay,” he muttered and began to sip from her outstretched hands. He had not realized how thirsty he had been until she decided he could just drink from the edge of the clay bowl. Once he had downed all of the fluid, he handed the bowl back to her. The girl nodded and stood up once more, still a bit skittish. He could tell she was still trembling. “What’s your name?” He asked. She looked down at him curiously and tilted her head to the side. “Your name,” he repeated. “What is it? I should like to thank my savior properly.”

 She continued to stare at him, blinking in confusion. Was he crazy? Did he hit his head too hard when he crashed? Was he not speaking basic? She remained unspeaking and turned around and walked away quickly. Her reaction was unexpected, but he couldn’t bring himself to care too much about it. He would die soon anyway, whether he was killed by an enemy, her, or himself, he was unsure. But he would die. There was nothing left for him in the world of the living anymore. His First Order, gone. His Finalizer, gone. His men, gone. Plans, gone, ambitions, turned to dust, leader, murdered by a buffoon, even his precious Millicent was gone.

 “Mrwow,” as if having heard his thoughts, his precious orange tabby came sauntering over to him from further in the cave. Armitage blinked at her in shock. It seemed she had also survived the crash, thankfully. Millicent began to purr as she curled up by her master’s side, making sure to sidle up as close to his hand as possible to ask for his affections. The girl also returned, this time holding a smaller clay bowl. Again, she knelt at his side, but she made sure to give the feline next to him a few scratches before turning her attention back to the ginger male. She set the bowl to the side and began to more her hands about, making odd shapes and symbols with them, and moving them in differing motions before staring at him expectantly. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”

 She furrowed her brow and repeated her actions. He shook his head at her and repeated the same statement. A huff left her lips and she looked down to the bowl beside her. Picking it up once more, she made a sipping motion, and rubbed her abdomen. That he understood and he nodded. She gave him a shy smile before handing the bowl over to him. It was some type of stew, a light-colored broth with hunks of veggies and unfamiliar meats. Hux downed the bowl in a single swallow, some of it spilling past his cheeks and down his chin. He had never been too picky of an eater.

 The girl seemed surprised by his actions and she pressed a hand to her chapped lips. Again, her brow furrowed, and he wondered what she was thinking. Why hadn’t she spoken to him? Could she not understand him? Then where was he, to be on a planet with a human who didn’t understand basic? Armitage watched her carefully, and she watched him intently. Her features were soft and feminine but marred by dirt and scars. The wrapping she wore covered her neck entirely, her breasts and abdomen, but not her arms and shoulders. She wore some type of wrapping for loose pants that obviously did not fit her. Her feet were bare and scarred, much dirtier than the rest of her. It seemed that as he continued to stare at her she grew more and more uncomfortable. He was about to ask for her name again when his stomach grumbled, loudly. The girl let out some odd huffs, hoarse and almost without tone, her shoulders shook, and she covered her mouth with her hand once more, but it seemed as if she was smiling. Was she laughing? What an odd sound she made.

 She got to her feet again and picked up the clay bowl the soup had been in earlier. He assumed she was leaving to get him some more of the stew, and he was correct. The girl came back and handed him the bowl once more, watching in fascination as he swallowed the broth and chewed the chunks in a bit more than one go. The third time she brought him the stew, he didn’t finish it, only getting about halfway through before feeling almost too full. “Again, thank you,” he said. She pressed her lips together at that and shook her head. He didn’t understand.

 She looked around them, were they being watched? Once she had finished looking, she glanced back at him. Again, she made various hand motions and shapes, these being different from the last ones. Was that why she wouldn’t speak? Because they were being monitored? He glanced around, now also looking for enemies. A strangled noise came from the girl and she grabbed him by the cheeks and forced him to look at her once again. “Are you in trouble? Are we being watched?”

 The girl kept her hands on his cheeks, making him look her in the eyes. He didn’t understand. What was going? Millicent let out a yawn and stretched at his side before curling up once more. Now visibly frustrated, the girl huffed and let go of his face. “I don’t understand, what’s going on here?”

 It seemed the girl had figured out what she wanted to do. She brought two of her fingers up and pointed at his eyes, then to her own. He understood that. She was telling him, ‘Watch me’. Once he nodded at her in response, she let out a noiseless huff and reached up for the wrappings around her neck. Slowly, she began to untie them, the wrappings around her torso slowly loosening along with the ties. Before she could finish unwrapping them, they both heard footsteps. Hux could tell that these steps were booted, and he narrowed his eyes at the direction they were coming from.

 Without missing a beat, the girl stood and ran towards the sound. He heard the booted footsteps stop, then heard the shuffling of clothing and hands. Armitage narrowed his eyes in that direction. Soon, the girl emerged, a larger figure in tow. The other figure looked to be a human male, with dark skin and long dreaded hair. He wore a cream-colored cloak with a hood, a dark green tunic, and brown colored pants. The girl made all sorts of motions at him animatedly. She was making many expressions and mouthing things that he could not get the hang of. All the while her hands were going, again making shapes and motions he’d never seen before. The other male placed his hands on the girl’s shoulders gently, which stopped her motions, before noticing the undone wrappings on her torso. He narrowed his eyes before looking toward Hux with aggravation. The ginger responded in kind. Steely blue eyes glaring back at honey colored brown.

 In a language Armitage had not heard, the man spoke to the girl and placed his cloak over her shoulders. She snuggled herself into it easily. The dark-skinned man said something else to her, at which she nodded, before running off in the direction he had come from. He turned to face the ginger, his left hand rubbing his right wrist. “Taking advantage of your savior, hm? Scum like you are the worst.”

 Hux narrowed his eyes. So, he could speak basic. His accent, though thick and unfamiliar, was not so bad as to be misunderstood. “I believe you are misunderstanding the situation.”

 “I understand plenty,” he responded roughly. He took a few steps toward the ginger before kneeling in front of his Hux’s pale and bare feet. “If she had not found you, you would be nothing but rot. You should be grateful I have not notified the Resistance officials.”

 So, he knew who he was. He chose to ignore that comment. “Does the girl not know basic?”

 “She does not,” he responded dryly. “And she has a name.”

 “Well, I would love to hear it,” Armitage said dryly, forcing back his urge to roll his eyes. The other tilted his head to the side as he looked at the ginger. Carefully, he uttered your name, and Hux made sure to remember it well. “Can you tell her thank you for me, then? Seeing as I don’t know what language you both speak.”

 The man smirked, “You can tell her yourself you know, as long as your hands work.”

 “My hands?”

 “When she comes back, do this,” he said and made a gesture with one of his hands with a single fluid motion. Hux repeated it. “It means thank you.”

 “And what is your name?”

 “I’ll let her tell you,” he muttered before standing back to his full height. “I’ll be back to check on the two of you later. Be good, general.” He uttered the word with so much sarcasm that the ginger could feel his blood begin to boil. The only person who had annoyed him that much with only a few words had been Kylo Ren. Green clad man walked further into the cave, disappearing in the opposite direction you had gone in.

 It took quite some time for you to return, and when you did, you and your wrappings, including the cloak that the other man had placed on your shoulders, were wet with what he assumed with rain. A large smile was plastered on your face, and you held what looked like pieces of scrap metal in your arms. When you noticed Armitage’s stare, you paused in your trek to go further into the cave. After setting down the pieces of scrap metal, you slowly approached him and pressed a wet hand to his forehead. Your small hand was so cold against his skin, he almost shivered. He said your name softly, and you nodded back to him in acknowledgment.

 You took your hand away from his forehead and brought the blankets that were around his waist further up his body. He stopped you before you could wrap it around his upper body and hesitant made and gesture and motion the green-clad man had showed him. It took you by surprise, but you gave him a bright smile and repeated the motion to him. Then, you took the cloak off of your shoulders and let it hit the stone floor with a wet smack. Again, you began to undo the wrappings around your neck and torso, and Armitage motioned for you to stop. He couldn’t lean too far forward, his wound wouldn’t let him, but he still reached out and grabbed your left arm, but it was too late. Your wrappings fell, your upper body completely exposed to him. He immediately narrowed his eyes.

 ‘Watch me’, you motioned to him again, then pointed at the expanse of your neck. You tilted your head back to give him a better view. There was a long and jagged scar there that stopped right at the edge of where your collar bones met. It looked like an older scar, like it had had years to heal. Your hand grabbed his wrist and brought his hand up to the scar. He was confused. This was what you wanted to show him? Why you bared your breasts and abdomen to him? You had scars everywhere, so why was this one so special? Hux ran his fingers along the scar as he thought about what you were trying to tell him. And then it hit him all at once.

 The hand gesturing, the odd breathy noises you had made, the scar.

 You were mute.

~

A/N: RC's hand signs are based off of ASL if you want to imagine them. Most of the stuff in this story will be based off of American Deaf Culture, as I live in America, even though RC is not deaf. (I love Deaf Culture, I've studied it a bit at university but if anyone sees any glaring inconsistencies, because obviously there will be some differences and i will try to mention them at the beginning chapter notes, please let me know thanks)

[seoultraveller]

[A/N: I am kind of writing this for myself (ngl) but I thought it would be interesting to see how something like this plays out. A multi-part AU where the characters are attending university in South Korea. The main female character is black/African-American but that will later become more of a factor as the story goes on. Seonghwa and the MC exchange letters through a book in one of the libraries on campus and without know each other, grow a connection through that. Hongjoong is the classmate and group partner of the MC but has no idea that they are exchanging letters to each other until further on in the story. This part is just a quick introduction to the characters and their overall placements in the story.]

Her Secret Scribe, His Winter Dream (1)

Pairing: Seonghwa x Black Female MC & Hongjoong x Black Female MC

Genre: College!AU

Word Count: 2,885

October 29, 2020 ~4:50am

Waking up at around 4:50am, Seonghwa notices that his textbook, notes, highlighters, and pen are all still neatly placed on his desk. He placed it there with the intent to get some early morning studying in before his shower and a little bit after his shower, just before he left for his first class of the day. He wills himself up from his warm, soft, and comfortable bed to walk to the bathroom to freshen up. On his way to the bathroom, he passes by his roommates partially opened door and takes a peek to see if he made it in last night. Or more like, early this morning. Poking the top of his head through the door opening Seonghwa sees his roommate. There lies Hongjoong, fully clothed, face-first, bag still hanging off of his shoulder, lying on top of his bed, and in the starfish position. All Seonghwa can do is shake his head at his friend, knowing how bad his sleeping habits are and how much is is hardly at the apartment nowadays.

After checking on Hongjoong, Seonghwa goes to the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face. Then he strips himself of his pajamas and gets into the shower. Showers have always been a bit of a meditative practice to Seonghwa. His average time is forty minutes but there are occasions where he has spent up to 50 minutes or an hour in the shower. He prides himself on his cleanliness, both in how he physically presents himself and the spaces that he exists in (apartment, bed, desk, etc...).

Once his shower is done, he wraps his towel around his hips and then makes his way to the kitchen. There he takes out four eggs, a container of rice, and some steak that he grilled left over from the night before. Next, Seonghwa fills up a pot with water, sets it on one of the eyes of the stove and puts the fire on 8 (one of the highest settings). After dropping the four eggs in the water he rinses his hands off and proceeds to his bedroom to get changed.

Never one to make to much of a fuss of what he wears, Seonghwa puts on an undershirt, then throws on a grey long-sleeved thermal and a pair of black jeans. Long black socks to warm his feet, and he takes out a sweater and a jacket to keep himself warm on his way to class.

It’s around 6:00am by the time he is finished getting dressed and now, he tends to the food that is set out in the kitchen. Reheating the steak and rice, turning off the fire underneath the pot and taking out two of the hard boiled eggs for himself. He puts it all in a bowl that he takes back to his room, and eats at his desk, while going over his notes.

Seonghwa broke up his study time into two 45-minute sessions, which allows him time to prepare a bowl for Hongjoong for breakfast (if he eats it) and make it down to his bus before it pulls up at 8:30am.

Having followed his schedule to a ‘T’ this morning, he was proud of himself for making it to the library before the morning rush and acquiring a desk, with a view, on the third floor before they were all occupied. Instead of pushing himself to study a bit more, since today’s schedule was not Seonghwa’s usual schedule, he decided to write a letter on the off-chance that he can bring comfort to someone during mid-term season. Instead of writing on bathroom doors, or in the dark corner of a desk, Seonghwa decided to write a letter. Writing a letter and stashing it in a random book. It’s getting a bit chillier in South Korea, so although it was a long shot, perhaps he can create a pen-pal through this and maybe even get close and intimate during this period as well. However, that is a very, very, very long shot.

So with romantic thoughts of meeting someone who shares a like mind or sees life from a different perspective, he writes.

“Dear Student that is Enduring Mid-Terms and an Incoming Winter,

We are nearing the beginning of a new month which could mean a fresh new beginning for some. It could also mean nearing the end of something larger, like the semester. I know that it’s mid-term season but I am unsure if it has ended for you. I could only pray that you stay warm as the winter will be harsh as it usually is, but I am sure you knew that.

I honestly thought I would have more to say... but obviously not. I figured a formal letter would be better to connect with someone during this time, then short, informal, and weird messages written aimlessly. Now, I’m getting embarrassed... Sorry.

No one will probably read this so...

With Care,

The Secret Scribe”

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

October 29, 2020 ~10:52am

Waiting in a hallway right outside the classroom, she, scrolls through her student email account on her phone and sees an email from her linguistics class. Linguistic Acquisition through Different Ages - LIA 3006. Although she knew, that to pass this class she must complete a project, she totally forgot that it had to be completed with at least one or two other people. A group project... “how despicable” she thought. The email that the professor sent, laid out the regulations of the project and even placed the class in neat groups of two or three. She was lucky enough to get paired with “Mr. Fashionably-Late because Staying Up to Work on My Art is More Important”. As the time got closer and closer to 11:00am, Hongjoong is still nowhere to be seen. She’s just praying that he comes through at least ten minutes into class and not twenty minutes before it’s over. However, she could only pray for such a thing.

At 11:11am on the dot, Hongjoong comes through the door quietly. Chest heaving up and down because he was sprinting through the campus and hallways to make it to class... not too late. She notices him out of the corner of her eye and does a slow eye roll as he tip-toes his way in her direction.

“Was that a look of displeasure on your face? Or are you just containing your excitement to see me?”, he whispers into her ear while trying to quietly slither down into his seat, quickly, while the professor has her back turned.

“You are one minute late past our deal, Hongjoong.” She scolds.

“So you will not share your notes with me from today?”, he asks while giving her a pout.

“There is nothing to share. She is still reviewing the content we learned two days ago before starting a new lesson.” She retorts.

“Why did you roll your eyes then?” He questions again, as if his academics are the last thing he cares about.

“Hongjoong- “, she starts. “If there is something that you two would like to share with the class, please come up to the front.” The professor cuts in.

The look of two deer in the headlights is what can be seen from the professor’s viewpoint. With mouths agape and eyes wide, the two whispering chatterboxes were rendered speechless.

The professor continues on, “Please stop whispering behind my back. Also, I need to speak with the two of you after class.” The two of them shake their heads rapidly affirming their professor’s request.

Their class is currently on the topic of children acquiring their mother tongue and how the brain develops as the children learn how to speak or bring attention to their wants and needs as they grow. A topic such as this excites her all the more because it ties into her study abroad research topic. Learning how to speak amidst all of the culture that one’s language is tied to really fascinates her. Seeing as how her major of study in her home country is Linguistics and she took Korean because of the small intimate nature of the class, she has wanted to do and learn so much more.

As the lecture winds downs to a close for this session, Hongjoong becomes more and more anxious about what the professor wants to talk about before letting them go. Then, he hears the professor harp on,

“As for the email I sent earlier today-“, Hongjoong’s ears perk up. “You will see that for the group project you will have two different options to choose from. It can be turned in as a 10-page research paper, or completed as a presentation. Your groups have been chosen for you, by me. Please consult me if you have any questions on the project or the partners that you will be working with.” After the professor gives her parting words to the class, her eyes fall onto the two little songbirds that had her interrupt her lecture earlier.

With a knowing look, they make their way to the front of the class with a downcast gaze. As if they were to be physically reprimanded. “You know that you two are partners for this group project.” The professor starts. “Hongjoong you must be a reliable partner. I set you two up together because I’ve noticed a great partnership between you two throughout the semester. Your partner is also fairing better than you are this term. You can learn a great deal from her, in fact, you can learn quite a bit from each other. I want you to succeed Hongjoong, and I know you can.” The professor softens her gaze and turns to his partner. “She’ll do everything she can to help, won’t you?” She shakes her head ‘yes’ then looks down again. Then the professor continues to finish, “well, that was all I needed to say. Any questions?” The two students shake their head ‘no’ and bid their professor farewell before leaving the class.

“Buddies until the Christmas break?” Hongjoong says as he winks at her.

“Group partners, more like.” She says back to him.

“Wanna talk about the project over lunch?” He asks.

“Ah- that sounds like a really great idea since we’re both free at this time, but...” she trails off, but then picks up again. “Where are your eating? On campus, or off? Just asking because I figured I should check out a few language and culture books to get some foundation on our project. I’ll meet you wherever you are.

His eyebrows raise at her go-getter attitude. “Sure. Meet me at the small Vietnamese spot two blocks down.”

“Got it.” She winks at him as they break apart.

She has her mind filled with countless ways to approach the project, while his is filled with hunger and images of a big flavorful dish filled with meat and vibrantly colored vegetables.

Before aimlessly searching around the library for what she needed, she looked up the language, literature, and culture and linguistic sections of the library. Literature happens to be in the basement, while language, culture, and linguistics just happen to be on the third floor. So, she sets off for the third floor.

Although quiet, the third floor is warm and the ambiance is calm. Compared to the rest of the library, this is the floor that most people like to be on, and she could tell, because there was not a place to sit. However, her journey to this floor was not for studying but a quick search. So she set off. The part of the library she set off to was a little empty, and not as cramped as the other parts but she liked it that way. The first book she pulled from the shelf had to do with children’s speech patterns and babies recognizing sound. Noticing that there was a folded piece of paper sticking out from the top, she flipped to that spot in the book thinking there might be valuable information on that page right from the start. Nothing out of the ordinary was written on the page. No sticky notes, no annotations or drawings, just words. Next, she took to opening up the folded sheet of paper and to her surprise, it read as a simple greetings letter.

A random letter in a random book. What was the point? Was this fate, or was it meant for someone else? She thought it was cute; with the well wishes to stay warm during harsh Korean winters, and the impending embarrassment of the writer, as well as the writer giving themselves a name. She fell for it. She fell hard. Almost immediately she began having romantic notions of trading love letters to someone in a new environment. However, romantic thoughts quickly left her as she thought it could also be a woman, instead of a man. There is nothing indicating the gender of the writer and she honestly feels a little bad for passing such a judgement so quickly. Her train of thought comes to a halt as she feels the buzzing of her phone indicating a text messsage coming through.

🎧 HJ: should i order ahead for you too?

HER: sure, you’re there already?

🎧 HJ: yeah

what do you want?

HER: something mild. not too spicy.

🎧 HJ: got it

when are you coming down?

HER: actually on my way now. see you in a bit.

🎧 HJ: 😉 😉

She rolls her eyes at his latest text. She puts the letter back in the book, skim a few other book titles, take them off the shelves and makes her way over to the check-out counter.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

Now, sitting and eating in the small restaurant they begin talking about why Hongjoong is late all the time, their interests outside of the classroom, and plans for the Christmas break after the project is done.

Hongjoong reaches for one of the books and questions to himself whether she’s started taking notes already because he sees a folded sheet of paper sticking out at the top. While she is busy eating and busying herself with her phone, she doesn’t notice Hongjoong going through the book. Him being as perceptive as he is, notices that it’s a small note signed by a “secret scribe”. Did she know this was here? He asks himself. In fact, taking a closer look at the writing, the tone feels oddly familiar and so does the handwriting. Or maybe he is just thinking too hard about this. Either way, he tucks the note back in its proper place and continues with skimming through the index and other parts of the book.

Hongjoong brings her attention to him by breaking the silence. “Since you have four books, how about I take two to read and you take two?”

“Sounds good.” She responds. After making her choice of books to take, they set up a time to meet, outside of class, to get started on the project.

She makes her way back to the library, while Hongjoong walks through another part of the campus to work on his music. After making it safely to the library, she struggles to find a spot. Settling for the floor in the basement, she sets off to write a letter to the “secret scribe”.

“Dear Secret Scribe (?),

I came upon your letter by chance for a project but for some reason I feel as if I am imposing. As if I was not supposed to read it and respond, but here I am writing to you anyway...

My writing may look odd and the sentence structure may be weird, but it’s because I am a foreign student.

The weather is not too bad so far, however, I am doing my best to stay warm. The change of seasons in South Korea is very beautiful to experience. Not only can you see it and smell it, but you can also sense it. Does that make sense? Anyway, my mid-terms are over, I only had two. Now, I am working towards finals. The final project that I am working on is for my Linguistics class. Actually, I am a Linguistics major. What are you majoring in? Also, are you a man or woman? I am a woman if you were curious.

I truly hope that you are managing to stay warm and stress free as the semester is coming towards an end.

You’ll Be In My Thoughts,

Your... Winter Student... A Winter Dream

P.S. I kind of need to take this book with me for research, but I’ll keep it here for you until we can agree on a place to drop off our letters... Only if you would like to continue this correspondence... Your Choice.”

With that, she leaves her letter in the book and goes up to the third floor and places it back on the shelf that she took it from. Her heart is racing, but she doesn’t know why. He probably will not respond too quickly, she thinks to herself. “You did your part, now let it go”, she tells herself as she makes her way back to her apartment for study and research.

[iwantthedean]

A New Fall

Graphic courtesy of @atc74.

Part Four: Jonagold. Honey-tart.

Summary: With Ms. Kitty’s encouragement, Y/N attempts to make peace with Jensen.   Pairing: None … yet. (But I think we all know where this is going.) Word Count: 2303 Warnings: Set post-Season 15, which I know makes a lot of people sad to think about. Square Filled: This entire series will fill my proposal square for BTZ Bingo.

A/N: Thank you for the continued support! I am loving writing this series :) 

Masterlist

The next time you brought baked goods to The Farmer’s Stand, Ms. Kitty greeted you with a big smile. She took the box from you and set it back, until it could be added into the inventory.

“Good thing you brought in more -- we’ve got a visitor in town who has been coming in regularly. It’s a wonder he hasn’t turned into an apple.” She chuckled at her own joke.

You gave a polite smile. “A visitor? Well, I’ll take whatever I can earn at this point.”

Ms. Kitty’s son, Stephen, came out from the office. “Y/N, good afternoon. I thought I heard your voice. Brought some more goods for us?”

“I did,” you sighed. “Thanks.”

He took the box from behind the counter and brought it into the office. The sooner it got into inventory, the sooner it would sell, so you didn’t mention much else about it. Instead, you stayed to visit a little longer with Ms. Kitty. Before you could leave, she asked how things were at the farm.

With a sigh, you shook your head. “I’m going to have to call Dad next week, I think -- I mean, I know. It’s time. The bank denied me, and I don’t know what else to do. I don’t know why I’m putting it off at this point, since there’s nothing else I can do, and they’ve already got someone visiting who wants to buy the place.”

For the first time in this visit, Ms. Kitty’s smile changed to a concerned frown. “A handsome young man? Jensen?”

The thing about living in a small town was that if there was a visitor, and he was showing interest in baked goods from a specific farm that was also up for sale, and there was also a visitor interested in buying the farm … chances were, it was the same visitor. In this case, that was absolutely true.

“That’s the one,” you nodded. “I know he feels bad, but it’s hard to like him. When he came to see the farm the first time, he didn’t tell me why he was there. Now he’s made an offer. He even brought me flowers at the school to apologize. But I can’t get past any of the rest of it enough to care.”

The older woman thought for a moment, then went to the office where her son was working. She came back with one of the foil pans of apple-cinnamon rolls you had brought in.

“I don’t think he’s had these yet,” Ms. Kitty said, handing the pan over to you. “Take him these -- as a peace offering. You may figure out something, yet.”

A peace offering hadn’t crossed your mind before, but once she mentioned it -- this woman who had known you and your family all your life -- it suddenly seemed like the thing to do. She knew where he was staying, so you took the cinnamon rolls, thanked her for everything, and went to make an apology.

* * * * *

The last thing Jensen expected was a visitor. Except for Ms. Kitty, maybe, he hadn’t really made any friends in this town, and he didn’t expect her to be knocking on his hotel room door. He checked around to make sure the room wasn’t disastrously messy, then went to answer the door.

“Hi. These are for you.” Y/N stood in the hallway, looking more nervous than he had ever seen anyone before. “Um, I was dropping stuff off to the The Farmer’s Stand and Kitty said you’ve been buying a lot of it. She said you hadn’t tried these yet, and I mentioned -- anyway. That’s all more than you need to know, I suppose. I’m bringing these as a peace offering.”

“Peace offering?”

Y/N nodded. Now that he was holding the cinnamon rolls, she couldn’t seem to figure out what to do with her hands. “I was a jerk. I mean, well, you were a jerk because you lied, but then you brought the flowers and you were honest. I could have been more appreciative of that. My problems are not your problems. So, I’m sorry.”

Jensen wasn’t sure what to say. Y/N waited for about thirty seconds before giving him one last look and turning on her heel. Quickly, he set the rolls down in his room and jogged after her. He slipped around her and into her path, causing her to take a startled step backwards.

“Sorry about that,” Jensen chuckled, “didn’t mean to spook you. I wasn’t expecting anyone, let alone you, so it took a second to process that you were actually here and saying stuff -- I figured you’d hate me forever. Maybe you still will.”

Y/N was the one who had to process this time. “Um, no, I don’t -- I don’t hate you. Like I said, my problems are not your problems. I know you made an offer on the place, but it’s only fair for me to tell you, I’m not done fighting to keep my home.”

“I wouldn’t want you to stop fighting. I could tell right away how much the place means to you. Just consider me a last resort.”

A look crossed her face that Jensen couldn’t quite identify. She shook her head and put her hands in her back pockets.

“I can’t believe I’m even saying this, but do you want to come by for dinner? I have a crockpot of chili on that I definitely won’t finish on my own, and maybe we can keep talking about this, or other stuff. I did enjoy your company last week.” She was quick to add, “Unless that’s too weird, or I’m coming off as interested, because I’m not. And I don’t want it to be weird.”

He almost couldn’t believe this was the same woman he had spent an afternoon in the orchard with just days before. Of course, their interactions since then hadn’t exactly been easy.

“No, dinner would be great.”

She nodded. “Great. See you around six?”

Jensen nodded, too. “Six is perfect. I’ll see you then.”

She gave a tight smile and sidestepped him, hurrying out of the elevator without even looking back. Jensen made way back to his hotel room, hoping that she would be more at ease by the time he arrived that evening.

* * * * *

You whined into the phone, hoping Taylor would give you some idea of how to get out of the dinner invitation you had extended before you could even think about what a horrible idea it was to have Jensen Ackles over for dinner.

“I mean, what in the hell was I thinking? That I’ll have him over for dinner and he’ll eat the chili I made and suddenly not want to buy the place and I’ll be able to buy it? It’s not going to fix anything. In fact, it will probably make it worse.”

Taylor took her time in replying. “You did say that you two got along really well before you found out why he’s really here. Maybe it won’t be so bad -- you know, if you can take a deep breath and act like yourself.”

“Taylor, whose side are you on?”

“Yours, obviously,” Taylor laughed, “but it seems like you’re overthinking all of this. You were interested before you knew that he was potentially buying your place, right?”

“Right. My place. My beloved, cherished, beautiful family home.”

“All right, all right. Freak out if you want to, but I’m not going to give you a reason not to have him over.”

You groaned. “Some friend you are. I’ll call you when he leaves.”

“Have fun,” Taylor replied in a singsong voice before disconnecting the call. You set the phone on the counter and sighed.

Everything was ready. The house was spotless, the chili and a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls had filled the place with the wonderful smell of spices and apples. It was only a few minutes before six, which meant you still have several minutes to --

Before you could finish the thought, the doorbell rang. He was early. Crap.

You smoothed out your clothes and your hair and went to answer the door. With your hand on the knob, you took a deep breath and decided Taylor was right. You just needed to calm down and act like yourself.

* * * * *

“It smells amazing in here.”

Jensen had practiced his opening line over and over, and that wasn’t it -- although that one was probably better than the lame ‘hello’ he had settled on during the drive over.

Y/N smiled and motioned for him to come into the house. “Thanks. Chili’s ready and I made another batch of cinnamon rolls to go with it.”

He stopped in his tracks for a moment, then continued on to the kitchen behind her. “The apple ones?”

She nodded, raising her brow. “Um, yes? Is that okay?”

“Yeah, it’s okay! I had one after you left earlier. I heard you’re a really good teacher, Y/N, but I think you might have missed a baking calling, too.”

She laughed as she pulled two glasses down from the cupboard. “My grandmother taught me a lot, and I’ve done these recipes about a hundred times, is all. What are you thirsty for? I’ve got water, lemonade, beer …”

“Apple ale?”

She laughed and shook her head. “Nope.”

“Hard cider?”

Her laugh grew in intensity, pulling a smile to Jensen’s lips. “Yes, I do a lot with apples around here but not in the way of hard beverages. No pumpkin beer, either, before you ask.”

“I’ll start with water, thanks.”

She pulled a filtered pitcher from the fridge and filled both glasses. After she put the pitcher back, she came back with two longnecks.

“Figured we’ll be into those sooner rather than later. Chili and water just … let’s be real.”

Jensen chuckled and helped her carry the drinks to the table. He noted the bouquet he had brought her settled in a goldenrod-colored vase in the middle of the table. He wanted to mention it, but maybe bringing attention to one of their negative interactions wasn’t the best idea.

Y/N told Jensen to have a seat. She went into the kitchen and came back with a tray of fixings, and two full bowls of chili. One more trip to the kitchen and back completed the array on the table with the cinnamon rolls.

She didn’t take long after starting her own bowl of chili to pop open her beer, so Jensen followed suit.

“So, I think you’ve really charmed Ms. Kitty,” she commented, biting into a roll.

Jensen chuckled. “She’s sweet. Probably the only person in this town who likes me at the moment.”

“I don’t know. Mr. Kemp says you’re all right.”

“I’m not sure he really believes that though, it might be more for your benefit. If he didn’t have to do business with me, he probably wouldn’t like me, either.”

She smiled big enough to show her dimples. “He’s a good man. You wanna know something?”

Jensen shrugged. “Sure.”

Y/N set her spoon in the bowl and sat back in her chair. “I think you’re probably a good man, too, but I haven’t given you a fair chance. This place means everything to me, but it’s just -- it’s just a place, right? It’s the memories that are important. Maybe it’s time for me to bow out, and more gracefully than I have up to now. Once I talk to my dad on Monday, make sure I really have run through all my options, then I’ll sign the offer and the place is yours. Will you just do me one favor?”

Jensen took swig from the bottle in front of him. “I’m sure whatever you can ask for, I owe you at least that.”

“Will you let me stay until after the New Year? So I can have one more Christmas here?”

He smiled. “Of course. That’s perfectly fine. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two about the farm in the meantime.”

She raised her brow. “You want to stick around?”

“I mean, I like it here,” he said, raising one shoulder. “And if I’m gonna buy this place, I’ll be around more. I should work on getting people to like me more.”

He was happy to see that her joke had succeeded in making her laugh, and chased away the glaze of potential tears that had formed when she asked him to extend the closing date into the new year.

They packaged up the leftovers and loaded the dishwasher together. While Y/N wiped down the counters, Jensen finished off his beer -- and another cinnamon roll. She took the plate he had practically licked clean, along with his fork, and loaded that into the dishwasher before starting the machine. She picked up her own beer and leaned across the counter from him.

“Can I show you something before you go?”

“Yeah, of course.”

They bundled up in jackets and scarves, and jensen pulled a beanie over his head. Y/N led him back out to the farm truck, and drove them over to the orchard.

Every row of trees was lit up with white twinkle lights. He looked over at Y/N, who was grinning from ear to ear, and looking between him and the trees, waiting for his response. Jensen realized it had been a long time since he had indulged himself on the more simple pleasures in life.

“This is really great,” he finally ceded.  

“Isn’t it?” she sighed. “The foreman set them up the other day. After Thanksgiving, they’ll do every other row with multi-colored lights. It’s silly, but we’ve just always done it that way.”

Jensen mingled his fingers with hers. Her hands were just as cold as his, but all he felt was warmth.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Whole Shebang: @illisea @ashleymalfoy @busybee612 @mrswhozeewhatsis @sherlock44 @ravenesque @feelmyroarrrr @atc74  @theplaidshirtmadness  @blacktithe7 @moonlessnight14 @kitchenwitchsuperwhovian @smoothdogsgirl  @melbrandes  @xtina2191 @spnbaby-67 @emoryhemsworth @goldenolaf25 @gabriels-trix @applesugar88 @rainflowermoon @deansgirl215 @thisismysecrethappyplace @calaofnoldor @jerkbitchidjitassbutt @sleepylunarwolf @chances-and-miracles

Jack Attack: @tiffanycaruso @girl-with-a-fandom-fettish @mrsambroserollinsacklesmgk

Two for the Money:  @jayankles @akshi8278 @jensensjaredsandmishaslover @supernatural-jackles @adoptdontshoppets

A New Fall: @marilynnlew @backseat-of-deans-67chevy @traceyaudette @ellen-reincarnated1967 @maddiepants @littlewhiterose @tftumblin @monkeymcpoopoo @pinknerdpanda @thatgirl1456 @deangirl7695 @foxyjwls007 @woodworthti666 @writtingrose

[writer-k-pop]

Animal Shelter

이상한 머리 색깔의 가진 친구들과 함께 있는 남자. The guy with friends that had weird hair colors.

Description: The story of how you and Hoseok met while you were volunteering at an animal shelter and he was just visiting the shelter. Warnings: None Genre: Fluff Word Count: 1.7k

BTS Masterlist | Masterlists

“It’s okay, Buddy.” I coo at the dog in my arms. “Someday you’ll go home with someone.”

Buddy snuggles into my arms as I carry him back to his cage. He’s just been in a Playroom with a family but was so nervous, he just hid underneath the bench the whole time.

Working at the Animal Shelter has it’s benefits but it also has it’s downfalls. One of the biggest being heartbreak. Heartbreak to see animals being taken out to be played with and then not going home with someone. I’ve taken a special liking to Buddy. He’s a 5 year old white Maltese that’s been here since I started volunteering once a week.

Kissing the top of his head, I open his cage as a group of guys passes by on the other side of the cages.

“Oh, look at this guy.” The one with blue hair exclaims and leans down to be eye level with a curious Buddy.

Buddy’s tail starts wagging and I close the door.

“His name is Buddy and he’s 5.” The purple haired one reads his information sheet, “Hoseok hyung, come look at this guy.”

The other guy, presumably ‘Hoseok,’ walks over and examines Buddy.

“He’s cute.” Hoseok says, tapping a finger on the plexiglass.

“(Y/n),” My manager, Lia, grabs my attention, “Can you help me with the cats?”

“Sure.” I nod and follow her towards the cat section. “Did Jennie go home early?”

Lia nods, “She wasn’t feeling good.”

“Oh, that’s not good.” I comment.

——————————————————————————————————----

“Good morning, Buddy.” I greet him on my breakfast run. “Is today going to be a good day?” I ask him and place his food bowl into his cage.

Another week and he’s still here. I sigh sadly as I close his cage and move on the next.

The morning comes and goes. People walk through, coo at the animals, and then walk right out the door, empty handed.

After lunch, I wipe hands dry and head back to the dog section to finish up my duties for the day. I open the door and almost run right into someone’s back.

“Oh!” I exclaim, “I’m sorry.” I apologize and put on my employee face, “Can I help you with anything?” I offer.

“No thanks.” The guy in front of me smiles, “Just looking.”

I nod and walk away. I’ve seen him before, but where?

“Oh, you’re still here?” The same guy coos in front of Buddy’s cage.

“He’s the guy from last week with the weird haired friends.” I remember as I watch him play with Buddy. “Hoseok was his name, I think.”

Shaking my head, I walk over to him.

“Do you want to play with him?” I ask, causing him to jump. “Sorry.”

He gives me a few nervous glances before nodding, “If it’s not too much trouble.”

“Not at all.” I shake my head, “If you could go into the Playroom A and I’ll bring Buddy out for you.”

“Thank you.” He says and walks towards the playroom.

I quickly go around the cages and open Buddy’s. His tail wags at the speed of light and he happily allows me to pick him up. Scooping him up, Buddy snuggles into my arms. As we approach the playroom, Buddy starts to cower away from the door and towards my chest.

I stroke his head, “It’s okay, Buddy.”

I open the door and sit on the floor with Buddy in my lap. The guy is sitting on the bench, a toy in his hands.

“He gets nervous in these rooms.” I explain, setting Buddy on the floor but he doesn’t move.

“That’s okay. I would be nervous too.” He says, lowering himself to the floor as well. “Hi, Buddy.” The guy says and reaches out to pet Buddy’s head. Buddy leans into his hand.

“You were here last week, weren’t you?” I ask, nervous that he isn’t the same person and that I’ve just made myself look like an idiot.

“Yeah, I was.” He says, looking up at me, still petting Buddy. “How did you know?”

“I just remember you were with two others. One had blue hair and the other had purple hair.” I am only slightly relieved my assumptions were right, but now I feel like I sound creepy. “Their hair stuck out to me. And you were the only one with normal colored hair.”

Buddy begins to creep closer to the guy but only when he’s not looking.

“Oh, yeah, Jimin and Taehyung.” He remembers, “I’m Hoseok, by the way.”

I nod, “I’m (y/n).”

Hoseok gives his attention back to Buddy who immediately freezes under his gaze.

I chuckle, “I think he’s still a little nervous.”

“He seemed so playful earlier.” Hoseok comments.

“It’s probably because I was near.” I inform him.

“Well, now that’s a little cocky, don’t you think?” Hoseok questions.

I laugh at how cocky it must’ve sounded. “Sorry, I meant that when I’m around he’s usually calmer. Other volunteers and workers can barely get him out of his cage.”

“But you can.” Hoseok concludes.

“With ease.” I add. By this point, Buddy is essentially in Hoseok’s lap which is very odd. “But it seems that Buddy is taking a liking to you. He usually just hides under the bench until I come and scoop him up.”

“Well, don’t I feel special.” He murmurs and ruffles Buddy’s fur.

Buddy wags his tail a little and sniffs Hoseok’s pants for a little.

“You must be a dog whisperer.” I smile but then remember I have duties to finish up. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

Hoseok nods but is too focused on Buddy to do much more. I raise to my feet and slip out of the playroom. After taking a round to check the other dogs’ water levels, I pass by the playroom to check on Hoseok and Buddy.

My feet slow to a stop as I take in the scene. Buddy is running circles around Hoseok as he dangles a toy in front of Buddy. Buddy is wagging his tail and having fun which is a totally new scene for me. But something else catches my eye.

Hoseok’s smile. It’s a beautiful, full smile. Lights up his whole face. It’s enchanting.

Hoseok notices me standing outside and waves happily. I wave back and crack open the door.

“How’s it going?” I inquire.

“Good, but I think I need to get going.” Hoseok says sadly and picks up Buddy.

“I understand.” I give him a small smile, assuming that he has no interest in adopting at all, just like most people who walk through our doors. Taking Buddy from his arms, Hoseok gives Buddy one more pat on the head and walks away.

“Next time, Buddy.” I reassure him, “Next time.”

———————————————————————————————————

“Hey, Jennie.” I greet the other Saturday volunteer in the break room. “How are you?”

“I’m good.” She answers, putting her belongings in her locker, “How are you?”

“I’m good as well. Have you had any adoptions?” I ask because any adoption is worth a celebration.

“Yeah actually, remember the old tabby named Rocky?” I nod, remembering the exact cat, “She was sent home with a family a couple days ago, I believe.”

“Oh, that’s great to hear!” I happily clap my hands. “Now if one of the dogs would find a home.”

“I think I heard Lia saying that one of them got adopted just yesterday.” Jennie states.

My ears perk up, “Do you know which one?” I question.

Jennie shakes her head.

“I gotta go.” I tell her and quickly make my way over to the dog section.

I search through the entire section, checking for a missing regular. I reach Buddy’s cage expecting to see him happily wagging his tail but I’m met with an empty cage.

“Buddy was adopted.” Lia informs me as she walks out of playroom.

“Do you know by who?” I ask, desperate for information.

“I don’t know who but I know he was with two other guys. They had some weird hair colors.” Lia remembers, standing the broom in the corner.

“Blue and purple?” I try to jog her memory.

“Yeah, actually.” Lia nods in remembrance, “Weird hair colors but really sweet guys. I think Buddy went to a good home, so no need to worry, (y/n).”

I nod happily, knowing that Buddy did indeed go to a good home with Hoseok. But as happy as I am for Buddy, a part of my heart breaks just a little because I never got to say goodbye to Buddy. And I’ll probably never see him again. But that’s what happens here. It’s life.

———————————————————————————————————

I hang my purse from my shoulder and push open the door to the outside world. The project I’m working on for work is finally finished and I can relax a little. I take a deep breath of the fresh air and begin my 20 minute walk home.

I soak up the sunshine and take in the green all around me. I pass by the same dog park I see every day and pause.

It’s been two weeks since Buddy’s been adopted and every day I hope that he’s having a wonderful life. I begin to walk away when a white puppy comes running towards me.

“Oh, hello.” I greet the puppy as it jumps up on my leg.

“Hey, Buddy.” A familiar male voice calls out to the dog. “Get down.” The owner reaches us and scoops the dog into his arms. “So sorry about tha- hey, (y/n), right?” He recognizes me and I fully take in his features.

“H-hoseok?” I recognize his face. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Hoseok smiles and I’m pretty sure I go blind from his happiness.

“How, how’s it been with Buddy?” I ask, keeping my hands grasped together.

“Oh, it’s been great. He’s adjusting well to life with us guys.” Hoseok informs me.

“That’s great to hear.” I smile. Knowing that Buddy is adjusting well is enough to keep my heart content and sure that he’s in the right home. “I’ve got to get going.” I excuse myself.

“Ah, before you go,” Hoseok keeps me from walking away, “Do you think, do you think we could get coffee sometime?” He asks, “For Buddy to see you. I think he does miss you too.” He adds quickly, shyly diverting his eyes.

I smile at his nervousness, “I would love that.”

[motleycrueroadie]

Along for the Ride (pt.5)

Author’s Note: Thank you to anyone that is reading this! I apologize if the pace of this is slow, now that I have my character established I’ll be moving through the scenes. This is Mick’s audition and the next one will include meeting Vince and so on!

Previous Chapters: One I Two I Three I Four

Over the course of my life, I think it’s safe to say that I have become fairly acquainted to fresh starts.

Leaving Deanna 

Moving from one end of the West Coast to the other

Changing my name to Nikki Sixx ( leaving Frank Carlton Serafina Feranna Jr. behind)

And now, leaving London for another fresh start.

 In the time that I’ve been alive, I have learned the quick and harsh lesson that you are the only person you can count on, so whether I want to have 0 or 40 fresh starts, that’s up to me. I’m not saying these are always going to work out in my favour, or that I am always going to make the right decision - quite frankly I make stupid ass decisions mostly - but I am the only person that I can truly count on. 

Do I regret leaving London? No. Do I regret the way I left them? Absolutely fucking not. However, am I feeling a little pessimistic about this band, considering that it consists of a drummer I met at a diner and some guitar player he’s dragging along? You can bet your fucking ass I am. 

Sometimes a fresh start begins with a blind shot in the dark and that is what I was doing right now. Last Friday, I met Tommy in a diner and today, the following Sunday, I’m waiting to see whether this is beginning on a good or bad note. I mean, fuck, I haven’t even heard Tommy play, he could be dog shit for all I know, but I trusted him. The kid must know his way around a set of drums, the way he was spinning those stupid fucking sticks around his fingers. 

The funny thing about quitting a band is that you have a lot more free time on your hands. Since I didn’t really have much else to do during this week, I figured I could bug Janis, and she didn’t seem to mind. Our routine remained intact. When I got off work, I waited for her to be done with her run before coming over for dinner. One of the only things that changed was how much time I spent at her place. She started letting me come over while she was in the shower, after I complained that I had nothing to do while I waited. Of course, everything Janis allowed me to do came with a price she told me. Janis explained to me the other night that because she was no “Mother Teresa” as she put it, that I would need to start earning my keep if I was going to be eating her food. We both knew she was joking, but I couldn’t let her joking go without consequence. The shades of red she blushed when I offered to do some of her chores while she showered and got dinner ready were well worth the work I put in. Janis gave me a quite modest list: water the houseplants and vacuum any dirt off the carpet that I got on the floor while I watered them. The chore itself never took me more than 20 minutes, which left enough time for me to be nosy. Somehow, Janis managed to fill every square inch of the apartment with something, all without making the place seem cluttered. She had knick-knacks and photos lining the wall and she also had this large bookcase in her living room that held all sorts of things. The radio and a cassette collection occupied the first shelf, board games on the second and on the bottom were a couple thick photo books alongside her high school yearbooks. I knew Janis was a runner from past conversations, but I had no idea she was a state champion. In fact, Janis seemed to have been the whole package in her high school days. She was a state champion runner, graduated with honors according to her diploma and had great grades but yet I didn’t see a college degree on her wall. I hadn’t brought this up yet, but I want to ask her about these books soon - she doesn’t know I’ve been through them though so I figured it could wait. 

The clock on the stove reads 3:45 when I hear a lot of noise outside my apartment. Rolling my eyes I headed towards the door, only to open it to see Tommy and his buddy Greg carrying equipment up the stairs. 

“Didn’t I tell you guys to come here at 4?” Despite the fact that it’s often polite to be early, I had told these guys to show up no earlier than 4 for our first practice because I didn’t want to disturb Janis while she slept. 

“Dude, it’s going to take me a bit to set this shit up, if we want to get started at 4 I should’ve been here earlier” Tommy grunted back intermittently, while trying to help Greg carry an amp up the stairs.Either I hadn’t made myself clear on the phone or Tommy doesn’t listen. Tommy was doing more of the heavy lifting than Greg by the looks of it, which wasn’t a good sign to me. 

“You the minivan?” I asked him, my way of offering help. He nodded to me while steering towards the door. As I went down the stairs, I glanced back up at Janis’s apartment to see if the noise had woken her up. I know it’s only 15 minutes of sleep but 15 minutes is a pretty big deal. To my surprise, she was leaning against the railing on the balcony. 

“Think you could come down here and help us out Joplin?” I call out to her, squinting up against the sun to see her in her pajamas and fuzzed out hair. 

“You boys look like you’re doing just fine!” She said, motioning with her hand for me to continue what I was doing. I hadn’t noticed Tommy walking down the stairs until he was beside me. 

“Isn’t that the waitress from the diner?” He asked me as we continued down the stairs to the minivan. 

“You tell me.” I smirked at him, knowing full well he remembered who she was. When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I turned around to find her still there.

“Can we postpone dinner until after practice?” I yell up to her. 

“Only if you play Barracuda as your last song.” She replied. I furrowed my brow, confused at the request.

“Why?” Tommy was the one to reply for me. 

“I like it.” She said, and I laughed at how matter of fact she stated this. “Plus it tells me when you’re done. Food will be hot half an hour after the opening chords.” Flashing a thumbs up back at her I turned around to continue what we were doing. 

“Do we get food too?” This came from Greg. 

“No.” I quickly replied, even though I knew Janis would feed them. I just didn’t want them there. 

We started practicing around half past 4, and finished at half past 8. In the four hours that we had spent in my apartment, I had shown Tommy and Greg a couple of songs and tried to get to know them. All I had learned was that Tommy and Greg were both in a band called “Suite 19” before this and that Greg couldn’t play the way I wanted him to. At 8:25, I had told them to start playing Barracuda because I was getting hungry and my patience was wearing thin. Heading up the stairs towards Janis’s apartment, I felt relieved to know I would be in her presence for the next little bit. Before rounding the corner I could hear Janis, not the girl that lived above me, but Janis Joplin singing Me and My Bobby McGee. Pushing open the door, I reached up to catch the bell before it could ring so as to not alert Janis that I was in the apartment. She was standing at the stove, swaying back and forth while lightly singing along to the song - just faint enough that you almost couldn’t hear her if you weren’t paying attention. Leaning against the door, I tried to keep as quiet as possible just to watch her. Suddenly, she stopped swaying and I thought my cover had been blown. 

“It’s been 30 minutes, I wonder what he’s up to?” She was thinking out loud. 

“He’s waiting to see if you notice that he’s in the apartment.” She whipped around, visibly surprised. 

“Sixx!” she practically yelled, clutching a hand to her chest. I could only laugh, and the stunned look she held on her face quickly faded into a laugh. That was one of the things that I enjoyed most about Janis’s company, she was never one to dwell when she was in a bad mood. She ebbed and flowed with the mood of the conversation. “I’m surprised you could be that silent, considering all the ruckus you’ve been making for the past four hours.” Crossing her arms, she leaned against the counter top while being careful not to disturb the pan on the stove. 

“By ruckus, do you mean a bass player and a drummer that know what they’re doing while the guitar player doesn’t?” 

“I suppose so.” She turned back to the stove, turning it off and bringing the pan over to the opposite counter to pour what looked to be meat into two bowls with fixings. She caught me watching her do this and must have noticed the confused look on my face, “We’re having taco salad Nikki. You’ll like it.” Reaching into the fridge, she grabbed a bottle of dressing and drizzled it across the two bowls before handing one to me. 

“So tell me, if this guitar player -” she motioned with her hand to indicate she didn’t know his name as she reached into a drawer for utensils.

“Greg”

“If Greg isn’t what you’re looking for, then why haven’t you called that guy from the newspaper ad?”

She was referring to an ad that I had shown her from the newspaper. Someone who described themselves as a “loud, rude and aggressive guitar player” had caught my eye. They listed a phone number, but after Tommy had mentioned Greg, I hadn’t thought to give them a call. 

“Well you see, Greg is a friend of Tommy’s from his old band” I figured I would cut the story off there and she would pick up on the rest. She snickered to herself. 

“You’re telling me that the man with jet black hair and a name like ‘Nikki Sixx’ is afraid to hurt Greg and Tommy’s feelings?” She motioned a tear running down her cheek while pouting and I scoffed at her. “Does Tommy know that Greg doesn’t fit your vibe?” She questioned, returning to her food. 

“He won’t say it cause Greg is there but yeah.” I said honestly, between bites. She nodded while continuing to chew on her food. 

“I didn’t hear a whole lot of singing going on down there tonight.” She looked over  at me expectantly, though I’m not quite sure what response it is she was looking for. “So it has been a little over a week, you’ve got a drummer you like and a guitar player you’re not so sure of and zero singer….” 

“Get to your point here Janis Jade Smith.” She laughed at how I had used her full name.

“Point is, when will I be attending this show of yours?” she was smirking but trying to hide it. Flipping her off, she laughed and we continued eating with one another in a comfortable silence.

Another week had passed since Tommy and Greg had arrived at my apartment, and things were  no better. I have little patience to begin with, but I had used it all on trying to teach Greg the way I wanted him to play. Sick of listening to me complain about the man, Janis told me that if I wasn’t going to pull the trigger and call the guy from the newspaper ad then she would. Before I had the time to process what was going on, Janis had left the apartment during the middle of dinner and returned 15 minutes later only to say “Sunday. He will be here at 4:00 pm sharp. If you like him, you tell Greg to hit the road.” So today, I was standing out on the balcony with Tommy letting him know the deal with this guy coming to audition. The faint sound of a bell caught my attention, knowing it was just before 4:00 I guessed that Janis woke up early. 

“That you up there Janis?” I called out, Tommy leaned over the railing to look up at the next floor. 

“Just came out to make sure that he shows up.” Answered my question.

“Listen man, how are we going to tell Greg to leave if we like this guy?” Tommy asked me as he moved his weight between each of his legs. If there was one thing I learned about Tommy in the short time since I had met him, it was that he had enough energy for the both of us. I could only guess that he’ll be a good partner in crime once the drinks are flowing. I shrugged my shoulders while smirking at him. 

“Act like you’re serving him a shot.” I heard a snicker above me as Tommy initially looked confused but then realized what I was getting at. 

“Give it to him straight..” Tommy mumbled under his breath as we watched a red car pull up in front of the apartment building. 

“Right on time!” Janis called out from above us. “Bring whoever is still around at 6:00 up for some dinner!” Sticking out a thumb over the railing, I heard Janis go back into her apartment as Tommy went down the stairs to help out the ad man with his equipment. I liked the looks of him, he almost resembled a slightly older version of me. 

By the time 6:00 rolled around, everyone was ready for a bit of a break. The guitarist that we kept was the man I came to know as Mick Mars, and we gave Greg the news as straight as it could be. If his ability to take news is anything like his drinking skills, I would say that he prefers mixed drinks. 

“Mick, my upstairs neighbour has offered to feed us dinner. You down for a break?” I asked him, knowing that Tommy already heard the offer.

“Why is your neighbour offering to feed us? I sure hope you aren’t taking charity because I don’t”

I know this apartment looks like a dump, but I’m not a charity case. 

“Janis and I have dinner together all the time. I’m not taking charity, I’m taking a free meal from a friend who is offering.” He appeared skeptical of my explanation. Glancing between the two of them, Tommy looked impatient. 

“I’m just hungry so do you think we can go?” Tommy asked. Motioning for the door, I began to walk out and up the stairs to Janis’s apartment. The three of us were rounding the corner to the landing where Crazy Train could be heard from her slightly ajar door. Glancing over my shoulder, I could see Mick and Tommy looking almost intrigued at this. Opening the door to the apartment, the usual bell alerted Janis to our arrival and she turned around with a pan in her hand. 

“Lasagna, salad and garlic bread tonight!” She exclaimed excitedly as she placed the baking sheet on the stove top. 

“It smells good Janis!” Tommy said as he bounded towards the kitchen, as he entered Janis handed him a plate and pointed towards the oven so he could grab himself garlic bread. 

“You must be the man from the ad that I talked to on the phone the other day.” She addressed Mick, who looked to be almost confused by the whole situation. Janis walked towards him from the kitchen with her hand extended, coming in to shake Mick’s hand. He returned the gesture and shook Janis’s hand. 

“Mick Mars.” 

“Loud, rude and aggressive guitar player. It’s nice to meet you. Janis Smith.” She began walking back into the kitchen, motioning for us to follow. We were each handed a plate and utensils while being told that we could grab a slice of garlic bread. Tommy had already planted himself on the couch in the living room, making himself at home.

“Anyone want something to drink?” She asked as Mick and I made our way to the couch in the living room. I noticed that there wasn’t going to be room on the couch for Janis, so I remained standing. Coming out from her bedroom, Janis dragged out a beanbag chair and placed it in front of the coffee table. I went to sit down on the chair when I was interrupted, “Sit on the couch Sixx, that’s mine.”

“Beer?” Tommy called out.

“One for everyone?” 

A collective yes was mumbled and Janis returned with 3 beers in one hand and her plate in the other. 

“Y’all sounded much better today. It was nice to finally hear those songs played correctly after listening to that sad sap try and keep up pace for the last week.” Now that Greg was gone, I think that Janis had given up putting on a good attitude about him. 

“We will sound even better once we have a singer.” Tommy replied, which started me on my train of thought. 

“Someone along the lines of David Lee Roth and Bowie!”

“So we want a skinny blonder fucker with moves?” Mick asked and I nodded, he was on the same train of thought. Sparing a quick glance over at Janis, she was eating quietly while watching the conversation. 

“I think I know who could be our guy!” Tommy exclaimed. 

Next Chapter

[duchessfics]

Sarah Paulson’s Characters with a Girlfriend who has Finals

I know for a lot of people school is over, but I have been working on this for a month so I’m posting it anyways and I hope you enjoy. It’s been a rough couple of weeks, but I now have a break from school and my requests are open. So feel free to send me ideas. I am open to fluff or smut. Anyways, I hope you enjoy.

Billie: After filming and interacting with spirits all day, I feel like I can barely pull into my garage, my whole body drained. I turn off the car, grab my bag, and take off my heels, holding them as I step into my house. A sigh escapes my lips as I step in, so glad to be home. And I look forward to surprising y/n. I notice a lamp is on in the living room, but figure she left it on without realizing it. I step into my kitchen and get a glass of water, drinking it down quick before pouring another glass. However, as I take a drink, I hear a loud sigh coming from the living room. I step over cautiously and only see y/n. I let out a sigh of relief and notice her schoolbooks and papers are spread all over the coffee table. Meanwhile her head is down on her arms and turned to the side. Her eyes are closed, and the tiniest trail of drool is on her shirt sleeve. I chuckle, finding the whole thing adorable, but decide that I should wake her up, so she doesn’t mess up her neck or homework. Also, so I can feel her sleeping next to me. So, I sit on the couch, next to where she sits on the floor, and scratch her back with my nails, saying her name.

Her eyes open and she slowly focuses on me, realizing that I’m here. “Hey baby girl.” I murmur, smiling at her sleepy face. “What are you doing here?” She drowsily asks. Then she sits up and says, “Not that I’m not glad you’re here. It’s just, I thought you were supposed to come later.” I reply, “I thought it would be a nice surprise.” She smiles and says, “Yeah. It is nice.” I chuckle and say, “I think we should probably head to bed.” She rubs her face and says, “Maybe I should do a little more work.” Her voice trails off as I mark the page before shutting her textbook. “Just a little rest, baby girl.” I murmur in her ear, knowing that makes her weak. She bites her lip, looking to me and says, “Ok.”

Y/n: I let Billie help me up and we walk to our bedroom. I brush my teeth, watching as she goes through her full skin-care regiment. After she finishes, I come up hugging her. She giggles and I say, “I’m glad you’re here, Billie.” She tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear and pulls me into a deep kiss. I melt into her arms and let her guide my lips until we break off, breathless. She licks her lips and says, “Mmm, minty fresh.” Making me giggle. Then she puts on one of her baby doll night gowns as I put on a pajama short and t-shirt set.

We both get under the covers and I’m so glad I get to cuddle into her. She smells sweet like cookies and chuckles as I get closer to take in her scent. After smellng her, I back up and ask, “How was filming?” She plays with a piece of my hair and says, “We finished filming all of the episodes for this season. Now they just have to be put together.” I peck her lips and say, “I can’t wait to see where Billie Dean Howard travels to this season.” She blushes and giggles before murmuring, “You silly girl.” Then she surprises me and flips me so I’m on my back and she is over me. “How about you? How have these weeks been?” she asks, straddling me. Her nightgown takes my attention as I follow the curves of her body. “Y/n?” she asks. I clear my throat and reply, “It’s been busy.” I go quiet again and she chuckles before asking, “Anything else to add?” My face turns red at how I’m acting, and I say, “Um, just school and work. That’s about it.” She bends down to kiss me, her body brushing against mine, and I let out a whimper and a moan. Her hands come up to the sides of my face and her tongue has full dominance of mine. She backs up only a little and murmurs with a thick voice, “I’ve missed this, baby girl.” My mind is still reeling as I stutter out, “M-me too.” She chuckles and goes in for another kiss.

Then she backs up completely and says, “As much as I would like to spend the night making love, I’m afraid I am exhausted. And you seem to be as well.” I want to deny it, but my heavy eyelids betray me. “Don’t worry, darling. We have plenty of time.” She says with a mischievous tone. I nod and she climbs off of me, laying beside me. “Good night, Billie.” I say, finally getting my voice back. She turns towards me and murmurs, “Good night, my sweet girl.” We both fall asleep pretty quick and I sleep better than I have in a while.

I wake up to sunlight peering in and see Billie is still asleep, her hair spread out. I look at my phone and see I still have a couple hours before I need to get ready. So, I cuddle into her side, making her sigh and hold me close. “Morning, baby.” She says, her voice thick with sleepiness. “Morning.” I reply. She stretches and goes to get up, but I hold her and say, “Wait.” She looks to me and I ask, “Could we lay here for a little bit longer, please?” She smiles, tucking my hair behind my ear and says, “Of course, sweetheart.” Then she lets me cuddle into her and we both drift off into sleep again.

Y/n: I let out a groan and crumble up another piece of paper before tossing it toward the trash can, adding to the pile of other crumbled up papers. For the past four or five hours I have been stuck on writing this paper and making my thoughts coherent. But I still have nothing to show for it and the paper is due tomorrow. I step outside, lighting a cigarette and say to myself, “Come on, y/n.” Running my hand through my hair and letting out a puff of smoke “Let’s get at least something on the paper.” I stay outside for a little while longer, pacing back and forth while smoking and wishing Lana was here to help me. Eventually I head inside to get back to work. But another hour passes, and I still have nothing.

The sound of the door being unlocked interrupts my thoughts. I look up and hear the familiar voice say, “Hey, sweetheart.” She opens the door and steps in while saying, “I can’t wait to see what you made for dinner. I’m starving.” I panic, realizing that I completely forgot about saying I would make dinner tonight since she was out working all day. That’s the final straw and my eyes well with tears. She stops what she is doing, looks at me and asks, “Honey, what’s wrong?” I try to answer, but my throat is closed up, so I just let out a small sob. Tears spill out of my eyes and more sobs begin to rack my body.

Immediately, Lana comes over and embraces me, her fingers wiping my tears. “Talk to me, y/n.” she soothes, rocking me gently. Her warmth and soothing sounds help me to speak “It’s just,” I begin, trying to speak between my sobs, “I’ve been working on this paper all day. And-and I still don’t have anything.” I let out another sob, “And I forgot about dinner.” She cuts me off with a kiss and murmurs, “Don’t worry about dinner, honey. I can make something up. That’s no problem.” I hide my face in her arms, still overwhelmed by this project.

She holds me close and murmurs, “Don’t cry, baby. I hate to see you cry.” Her hands gently massage my scalp, and I focus on taking deep breaths, but the frustration that has been building up all day is coming out now.

Lana: I hold y/n close, surprised to see her so distressed. I’ve never seen her cry like this, but I hold her close, rocking her as she does with me. As she curls in my arms, I look to see a pile of crumbled paper balls and my heart hurts. I keep repeating soothing words and her sobs turn into little hiccups, her tears gone. Once she is calmer, I murmur, “I’ll make some dinner for us.” Then I help her up and hold her hand as we walk to the kitchen. 

I guide her to sit at the table before I get a box of cereal out and pour some into two bowls. After pouring some milk in, I bring the two bowls over to the table, giving her a kiss on the forehead. She looks down, her eyes puffy, and murmurs, “Thank you.” I turn on the radio and reply, “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”Soft instrumental music plays as we eat, and I notice that y/n looks rougher than usual. I know she’s been overwhelmed these past couple days. I just haven’t taken the time to notice how much it’s affecting her. She still hasn’t made eye contact with me and her voice wavers as she softly says, “I’m sorry for all that.” I take her hand and say, “Don’t be sorry, baby. You have helped me many times when I have nightmares or remember my time at Briarcliff.” She looks up and makes eye contact with me and I smile. “Tomorrow I’ll help you with your paper. I promise.” She gives me a small smile back and I squeeze her hand in reassurance. Already, her face seems less overwhelmed. “You’re so beautiful, y/n. How did I get so lucky to end up with you?” She blushes and murmurs, “I could ask the same about you, dear.”  

After we finish eating, I take her hand and pull her into a slow dance, forgetting the dishes and letting her lean her head on my shoulder. “Feel better?” I ask. She nods and murmurs, “Yes. Thank you.” After the song ends, she looks at me and asks about my day. I’m nervous to talk about my day because it was so good. But it’s like she reads my mind and says, “Please tell me. It will help distract me from my day.” So, I tell her about my meetings and future plans for TV.  And as I do so, she smiles and seems happy to hear about my day. We both clean up after dinner and I take the time to kiss her shoulders, neck, arms, anything I can get my lips on. Before long she’s blushing and giggling like usual and we get ready for bed. Before I can even fully get into bed, Y/n is cuddling into my arms and peeks up at me. “Sorry for getting so emotional. I’ve just got a lot on my mind.” She says. I bend down and kiss her. She goes to part, thinking it’s just a peck like I was giving earlier, but I keep her close, only parting when I’ve lost my breath. “You are fine, darling.” I murmur, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. Her eyes get closer to closing and I keep her close, whispering, “I love you.” As she falls asleep.

Cordelia: I wake up and am surprised to find the bed empty since y/n is usually asleep by me. After I get ready, I head downstairs to see some of the girls, including Zoe, getting breakfast. “Have any of you seen y/n?” I ask. “I think she’s in the living room.” Zoe says. I thank her and head over to see what she is doing this early.

She sits with her back to me, typing on her laptop. “Good morning, sunshine.” I murmur. She looks around at me and smiles. “Good morning, Ms. Goode.” She formally replies, but winks at me. I step over to her while she continues typing. “What are you doing?” I ask, mindlessly stroking her hair. “I have this test today and paper due tomorrow. So, I figured I would get some work in before class.” She shuts her laptop and says, “Sorry. I’m just super busy at the moment.” I smile and say, “You’re fine, sweetheart. I’ll leave you to it but let me know if you need anything.” Then I lean down to give her a kiss. She smiles into my lips and says soft enough so only I can hear, “Thanks, babe.” I smile and say, “Your welcome.” Before heading to the kitchen to make breakfast.

As we all eat at the table, Madison says, “I just don’t understand why y/n keeps going to school just to get a piece of paper when she graduates.” Then she mutters, “I would just skip on that shit.” I make a small sound clearing my throat and tell her without speaking out loud, Tread carefully, my dear. She takes a sip of coffee and says a little less bold, “I’m just glad I’m a witch at this school and don’t have to deal with that workload.” I let her finish that sentiment before getting everyone’s attention and telling them the plan for today. The girls clean up their breakfast dishes and I head to my office to get some work done.

As I unlock my office door, I hear a set of keys jangle and look up to see y/n heading out. “See you later.” She says with a smile. I smile back and say, “Good luck with your test.” I watch her head out to class and get started with work myself.

Y/n: By the time I make it home, dinner is being made. I make my way to Cordelia’s office to let her know I’m here, giving her a kiss before getting started on my homework. It feels like I’m just getting my paper started when Queenie yells, “Dinner!” I make my way around and take a seat next to Cordelia. As soon as everyone begins eating, I scarf down my food to get back to work. I squeeze Cordelia’s hand and give her a smile. She nods in understanding and I get up, taking all of my things up to our bedroom. Once I get there, I put in headphones and get to work.

After looking at my screen for too long, my eyes begin to burn and water, so I step away to get some tea. It’s only when I get to the kitchen that I look at the clock and realize it’s almost four in the morning. I turn on the electric kettle and head to Cordelia’s office since she never went to bed. Sure enough she’s in her office looking between a laptop and papers on her desk.

“Babe.” I murmur. “Hm?” she asks while she keeps working. “It’s nearly four in the morning.” She stops typing and looks to the corner of her screen. “Oh God.” She says and shuts her laptop. I hear the water bubbling in the background and say, “I’m making some tea. Want some?” She takes off her glasses and replies, “I would love some. I need to put up some of this, but I’ll be out in a minute.” I nod and head back to the kitchen, getting two mugs out and pouring the steaming water over chamomile tea bags.

I feel Cordelia wrap her arms around me from behind. Her face nuzzles into my neck and she softly says, “Thank you, baby.” I smile and turn around to face her. “You’re welcome.” leaning in to meet her lips. Before things get too heated, I back up and say, “Would you mind if I read my paper to you? I know it’s late- “

She cuts me off with a kiss and murmurs against my lips, “You can read it to me.” We end up kissing again, but this time she breaks it off and murmurs, “This weekend we need some time to ourselves.” Her fingers brushing up and down my arm. I bite my lip and nod before I go to get my laptop. When I come back down, she’s reclined on the love seat and our cups of tea sit on the coffee table. I ease onto the couch in-between her legs, leaning back into her chest.

I read my paper to her and make a few edits before shutting my laptop and drinking my tea. We both talk to each other about our plans for tomorrow and somehow end up being woken up by Zoe saying, “Ms. Goode?” I open my eyes to see it’s light out. Cordelia lets out a sigh and Zoe says, “We got everyone started with their first lesson.” We both sit up, groaning from the position and Cordelia thanks her before we head up to our bedroom. Cordelia gets ready and comes out looking flawless. I eye her down and ask, “How do you look so good?” She smiles and replies, “There are perks to being the supreme.” Then she gives me a kiss before heading downstairs.

Y/n: I help Bette and Dot clean up our dinner dishes when Bette looks at me, biting her lip. She doesn’t say anything, but after a couple glances I ask, “Is something wrong, Bette?” She blushes and begins, “Well…I was just wondering if you were almost done with school?” “Bette!” Dot scolds and Bette looks down. “I was just getting lonely, that’s all.” She mutters. I tilt her chin up with my finger and say, “I know I’ve been very busy, sweetheart. But tomorrow is my last test. Then I’m done.” She smiles and I lean in, capturing her lips. She melts under my touch and pulls me into a deeper kiss.

We break off, breathless and I notice Dot looking at me out of the corner of her eye. “Don’t think I forgot about you.” I murmur and she blushes, looking down. I walk over, giving her a kiss. Even though Dot didn’t say anything, she pulls me close like Bette did. We back up breathless. Both of their cheeks look flushed and I want nothing more than to take them to our bedroom and make up for lost time. But I sigh, looking down and go back to drying dishes before putting them away.

After we finish, I tell them, “I’m going to study a little bit.” They nod and say ok, Bette giving me one last longing look. I read over my notes and book, trying to make sure I know everything. The TV is on in the background, but it doesn’t bother me. I zero in on my schoolwork for a while until I hear Bette say, “I understand that schooling is hard, but I wish there wasn’t so much of it.” She goes quiet for a moment before quietly saying, “I miss y/n.” making my heart ache. While I expect a scolding from Dot, she says, “I miss her too, Bette. But she needs this time to focus and tomorrow it will be over.” They both go silent again and I promise myself to end studying early tonight.

After going over the material numerous times my eyes have looked over everything so much that it all feels like a blur. I stand up and stretch before heading into the living room. They both look up from folding laundry and I ask, “How are my girls?” Bette giggles and Dot smiles, replying, “We’re doing well.” “Even better now that you’re here.” Bette murmurs with a wink. I laugh, sitting down by her and pull the basket over by me. “You don’t have to do that.” Dot says. I smile and say, “It’s my pleasure, babe.” She looks down to hide her smile, her cheeks getting pink. As I fold laundry, we talk about weekend plans and what we’ll do when I finish.

I place the folded clothes in the basket and say, “If it doesn’t bother you, I thought you could come to school with me and we can go out to eat somewhere after my test.” They smile and Bette says, “We would be delighted too.” I let out a yawn and say, “Well I should probably get some sleep.” Bette chirps, “We should too!” earning a warning glance from Dot. I cup Bette’s cheek and she leans into my touch. “My sweet girl.” I murmur making her giggle and bite her lip. Then I look to Dot and wink. We get up and all start getting ready for bed.

Once the girls have on their nightgown, they head to our bed and get settled in. I finish up and head in, lying next to Dot. I face her and nuzzle her nose with mine before leaning into kiss her. Meanwhile, I take Bette’s hand and rub soothing circles over the top of her hand with my thumb. “Goodnight my darlings,” I murmur. “Goodnight.” They both reply. I curl into Dot and hold Bette’s hand.

The next morning, we all get up and get ready to go to the school. As I drive there, I give them my notes to ask me questions. I get most of them right but grow nervous as we get closer to the university. I pull into a parking spot in the shade and say, “I’ll leave the keys with you in case it gets too warm.” Bette takes my hand and says, “Don’t be nervous, y/n. We are sure you’ll do great.” They both smile making me smile too. I take my purse and say, “Thanks.” Before getting out and heading to my class.

By the time I get there, my whole body is covered in sweat due to the Florida humidity. We all sit, and the professor passes out the test. As I progress, my confidence grows, and I feel better and better about my test grade. After two hours pass, the professor collects the tests and wishes us a good summer. I make a beeline for the car, excited to spend time with Bette and Dot. As I walk across the parking lot, I see two sets of brown eyes light up light up when they see me. They smile, their pink dress and bows making their blush even more apparent.

I step into the car, grinning and cheer, “I’m done!” They both giggle and kiss my cheeks. “Oh no,” I say, “That won’t do.” Both of their brows furrow and Bette asks, “What do you mean?” I smirk and say, “I want more than just a kiss on the cheek.” I lean over the middle and Dot meets my lips, her mouth letting my tongue in as she moans. Then I kiss Bette as she lets out little whimpers. Meanwhile, Dot kisses my neck, making sure to leave a mark.

We break the kiss, breathless and I climb over, straddling their lap. As I move the seat back, Dot asks with a thick voice, “What are you doing?” I smile and kneel on the floor. “Getting my treat for finishing school.” Dot’s face and neck get flushed. “What about going out somewhere?” Bette asks, although her voice trembles with arousal. I slowly push their skirt up and ask, “Who said I can’t have dessert first?”

Y/n: “I still don’t get why you stay in school.” Sally whines while you take notes from your reading. “It will be over soon. I promise.” I soothe, not looking up to see her pouting. We both sit at the bar, but instead of talking over drinks like usual, Sally drinks for us both and I work on homework. “Why don’t you talk with Liz?” I suggest. Immediately Liz says, “I’m busy.” I look up to see her reading a fashion magazine. Then I roll my eyes as Sally smirks at my failed idea.

Then she stands up from her barstool and wraps her arms around me, squeezing me close. Her leopard coat tickling my face and arms. “Sal.” I begin. “Come on,” she whispers in my ear, licking the inner shell. “Just one little break.” I turn to face her and say, “That’s what you said last time. Now I have to catch up on schoolwork.” She lets out a groan and I sigh before saying, “Look, I have to get some work done tonight. But tomorrow night I’m all yours.” Her eyes darken and her lips form into a mischievous grin. “Deal?” I ask. She smiles, her eyes twinkling, “Deal.” I get back to studying and even though she makes small complaints about me working, she doesn’t try to take me from my work.

Sally: Later that night, two men stagger into the Cortez and make it up to the bar. It’s clear they’ve had too much, but Liz makes them a drink anyways. For a while they keep to themselves, muttering and chuckling. But after a couple more drinks, the men start hollering and yelling to each other and us. Liz cuts them off from drinking, but that doesn’t really do much. I look at y/n who is trying to focus. Her brows are furrowed, and she rests her ears on her hands, trying to block out the noise. After a while, I realize she has been on the same page.

Y/n lets out a sigh and says to me, “I think I’m going to head up to the room.” I nod and hold her books, glaring at the men as we leave. “Good luck with your schoolwork.” Liz says from the bar. She looks back partially and gives a half smile, replying, “Thanks.” Once we get up to our room, she goes back to working at the desk and I light a cigarette. I watch her pour over her school books and can’t help but find it adorable. “Even though I hate that you’re studying, you look fucking adorable.” I say after blowing out smoke. She looks back, smiling and blushing as she says, “Thanks.” I give her a wink and she lets out a small giggle, but turns back to her schoolwork. I groan in frustration and whine, “You’re killing me.” She holds up her pointer finger, shushing me, but keeps her eyes on her book. I turn on the TV and smoke multiple cigarettes as I wait for her to be done.

Enough time passes that it is way early in the morning. Y/n keeps working when there is a slam of a door nearby and yelling in the neighbor’s room. Her head whips up at the loud noise, and I feel on high alert as well. The TV starts to blare, and y/n lets out a groan of frustration and exhaustion. I scoot off the bed and say, “I’ll deal with it.” She looks at me and says, “Just don’t kill them, darling. I hate noisy neighbors.” I smirk and assure I won’t before heading out the door.

I saunter over to their door and bang on it with my fist. I hear someone staggering to the door and one of the men from the bar opens the door openly checking me out. “Are you room service or another kind of service?” he slurs. The other man comes out as they both laugh. I smirk and blow out all of their lights and TV. They go quiet and I growl, “Listen up, asshats. My girlfriend is trying to study, and I will be damned if you keep her from focusing. So, I suggest you shut the hell up or leave before something worse happens.” Their smug looks are gone, and they look past me to the flickering hall lights. “Am I clear, shitheads?” I ask. They nod and head out of the room, practically running.

I laugh at them as they leave the room and dash down the hallway. “And don’t come back!” I yell before re-entering my room. Y/n looks up at me and murmurs, “Thanks, baby,” biting her lip. My eyes well up and tears spill over. “Can’t you be done yet?” I pout. She looks at me and closes her book, her dark circles shadowed. “I’ll be done.” She murmurs and walks over to the bed. I pull back the covers for her and she climbs in, snuggling into the covers. Then I climb in, resting against the headboard and she curls into my chest. I hold her close as tears slip down my cheeks. Y/n looks up and wipes my tears with her thumbs. Then she scoots up so we are eye to eye and kisses me. I smile into her lips, moaning at the long-awaited touch. We backup, breathless and y/n cups my face with her hands. “Tomorrow it’s just you and me, Sal. No schoolbooks. Ok?” she whispers. I bite my lip, already excited and nod, whispering, “Ok.” She smiles and curls into me, falling asleep within minutes. I stroke her back with my fingers, following her steady breathing.

Audrey: I try to distract myself with the TV but can’t stop pacing back and forth in the house, running my hands through my hair and glancing at the clock. I try to call y/n, but it just goes to voicemail. “Darling, it’s me, Audrey. I’m quite concerned about you. Please call back. I love you.” I try to keep myself from panicking, but I feel like I’m getting more anxious as each minute passes. Finally, at around twelve in the morning the door unlocks and y/n steps in. I run up to her, surprising her and making her giggle. “Where were you?” I ask, my anger coming through. She shuts the door, her face serious now. “Didn’t you see my note?” I shake my head and say, “I’ve been trying to call and text, but you wouldn’t respond.” I back up a little so she can take off her backpack. She replies, “I was at a study group, so I had my phone turned off. We lost track of time.” I scoff even though her face looks genuinely surprised and she did have her backpack.

She takes my hand and murmurs, “I was just with my study group, darling.” I want to stay upset, but her innocent eyes and kisses to the top of my hand makes me melt. I bite my lip and say, “Well did you at least eat something?” She shakes her head and says, “I was just going to make something when I got home. Although now I’m starving.” I take my hand out of hers and playfully scold, “Y/n!” She giggles and says, “It’s fine. I’ll just make up the frozen pizza.” Now it’s my turn to look down. “Do you mean…the pepperoni pizza in the freezer?” Her face looks concerned and she says, “Yes.” I look down and swallow before admitting, “I may have eaten that for dinner tonight.”

She doesn’t say anything, but I have never seen her look so devastated. I cup her cheeks with my hands. “I’ll get something for you, my darling.” Giving her a reassuring smile. She nods but doesn’t look convinced. I make some calls to delivery places, but all of them are closed. So, I begin to look throughout our cabinets and fridge, trying to find something easy to make. “Would you like spaghetti, darling?” I ask her as she sits at the counter, watching me. She nods and I glance over the instructions on the box of noodles before I begin my venture of cooking.

Y/n: I get up and kick off my shoes before heading to the living room and laying out on the couch, watching the TV and scrolling through my phone. I should probably be doing more schoolwork, but right now all I can focus on is my growling stomach. I hear Audrey talking to herself. “Doing alright, babe?” I ask. She’s silent for a moment before saying, “I’m fantastic! Everything is going brilliantly!” I laugh at her exasperated response and head back to the kitchen just in case an emergency happens.

She stands next to the stove, keeping an eye on the boiling pot and stirring it once and a while. Her short hair shows how much she’s run her fingers through it in anxiousness, but it somehow still looks good. She looks up and waves me away with her hand. “You can rest my darling.” I nod and say, “I know. But I want to spend time with you.” I come around the counter to see her in a matching set of dusty pink sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Then I go up and hug her from behind, nuzzling into her neck. “Hm, this is my resting.” I murmur into her neck. I feel the vibrations of her giggling at the feeling of my breath and her voice as she murmurs, “I would suggest not distracting me.” I kiss her neck and whisper, “I’ll be quiet.” Making her giggle again and I am sure she is biting her lip. She leans into me, moaning and the water begins to boil over. “Shit.” She gasps and takes the pot off of the burner. I cover my face to hide my giggle as she recovers the noodles and stop her when she tries to clean up the mess because of the number of hot objects around.

Then I take over and finish making the spaghetti while Audrey hugs me from behind. Her lips kiss and suck on my neck to the point that I am sure there will be marks. After the noodles and sauce is ready, I sit at our island and Audrey sits next to me. “I’m sorry for lashing out earlier.” She says, looking at me with her warm, brown eyes. “And I’m sorry for eating your pizza.” I smile and rub her back as I murmur, “It’s ok. I’m sorry you didn’t see the note.” Then I practically eat my dinner in ten bites. After wolfing that down, I clean my dishes as Audrey cleans the living room. We both head to the bathroom to get ready for bed. As we brush our teeth, but of our eyes look droopy.

We both slip in bed and I look up to Audrey, silently asking permission to cuddle into her. “Come here, you.” She murmurs with a smile. I smile back and cuddle into her as she wraps her arms around me, softly stroking my hair. Her silky pajama set feels nice against my skin and I inhale her sweet, floral scent. Her chest vibrates as she says, “Goodnight, love.” I kiss her collarbone and respond, “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

Y/n: I spend most of the day in classes and get home in time to watch Oz. We both sit at the dining room table and I help him with his homework. After he finishes, I make him dinner, along with something for Ally to warm up later. As I cook, Oz sits at the bar and tells me about his day.

I set a plate of grilled chicken and vegetables in front of him. He gives me a look of disgust and says, “Can’t I have pizza rolls?” I eye him down and say, “You know your mother doesn’t like you eating those.” He looks up at me, bottom lip jutting out. “Please?” he innocently asks. I look to the clock, seeing if Ally will be home soon. “Fine, you little stinker.” I tease and pre-heat the oven before pulling out the bag of frozen pizza rolls.

After we eat, I let him help me clean, then we move to the living room and he turns on the TV. I pick up all of my schoolwork and move it to the coffee table in the living room. Then I make a cup of coffee to keep awake.

By the time I come back, a movie is playing. I make one more stretch before sitting on the couch and going back to schoolwork. Halfway through the movie, Oz lays out on the couch, his feet resting on my lap. I rest one of my hands on his feet as he goes back to watching the movie.

I hear the back door unlock and open. Then I hear her heels tapping on the hardwood floor. Ally walks in the living room and I whisper, “Hi.” Looking up from my laptop. The TV is on, but the movie stopped a while ago. Oz fell asleep at some point and is still asleep now. She looks at him sleeping then looks back to me, smiling. “Hi, honey.” She murmurs before kissing me. Then she kneels and strokes Oz’s back, saying his name to wake him up. He does so with a groan and Ally helps him stand, murmuring, “Let’s get you to bed.” She guides him up the stairs and it isn’t too long before she comes back down saying he’s sound asleep.

“There’s dinner in the fridge if you’re hungry.” I tell her. She goes into the kitchen and warms up the plate of food before coming back into the living room with a glass of wine. I shut my laptop and rub my eyes. “How was your day?” I ask her. In between bites she replies, “It was fine. Busy, but productive.” After taking a sip of her wine, she asks, “How was your day, honey?” I sigh and respond, “Fine. I’m just ready to be done with finals.” Ally softly chuckles and sets her plate on the table before holding out her arms. I scoot closer and rest on her chest.

“You ready for bed?” she murmurs into my hair. I groan and reply, “I wish. But I can’t. I still have things to do.” She holds me close and kisses the top of my head. I nuzzle into her neck. My eyelids start to feel heavy, so I ease up out of her warmth. Ally cups my cheek and gives me a kiss before murmuring, “Good night, sweetheart.” I tell her good night and she washes her dishes before heading upstairs to go to bed.

Ally: I wake up and feel around in the darkness for y/n, but only feel cool sheets. Then I look to my alarm clock and see it’s a little past 4:30 in the morning. “She must have fallen asleep.” I think to myself and get up to wake her up so she can come to bed. I wrap my fluffy robe around me and slip on my slippers before heading downstairs.

I peek into the living room and see y/n not asleep, but awake and looking at her laptop. Her eyes look bloodshot and her dark circles shadowed.

“y/n?” I call, but she doesn’t look up. I step closer and say her name louder. She looks surprised at seeing me and drowsily asks, “Yes?” I come up to her and sit on the couch, rubbing her back. “How about you get some rest?” She looks up at me and rasps, “Yeah. I should get some sleep.” My thumbs stroke her cheeks and I kiss her nose. I back up a little and help her stand, setting her laptop on the coffee table. She leans on me as we head up to our room, her arm wrapped around my waist.

Once we get in the room, I guide her to sit on the edge of our bed. Then I help her undress and go to pull out one of her pajama sets. “Ally?” she murmurs, making me stop and look back. “Yes, baby?” I ask. She looks down before asking, “May I wear one of your nightshirts?” I smile and say, “Of course.” Pulling out one of my nightshirts. I walk back over to her and pull it over her head. “Thanks.” She murmurs as her arms poke through the arm holes. I kiss her cheek and murmur in her ear, “You’re welcome.” Before heading to my side of the bed.

We both snuggle under the covers and I curl into her chest, glad for the warmth. “Feel better, sweetheart?” I murmur, feeling her steady breathing. She doesn’t respond so I look up saying, “Baby?” but keep silent, seeing she’s asleep. I let out a soft chuckle and give her another kiss on the cheek. Then I curl further into her chest, ready to get back to sleep.

Y/n: “Hey Mina,” I begin, letting out a sigh as I leave a message on her phone. “I wanted to let you know I’m going to be at school late. So, don’t feel like you have to wait up for me. I’m sorry babe. I love you.” I hang up and run my hand through my hair, easing back into my chair to get some work done.

I notice Mina texts me, “Do you know when you’ll be home?” I look at the time and type back, “Headed home now. Should be home by 11:30.” Then I make the trek to my car and drive home.

I step into our house, shrugging off my heavy backpack. “Y/n?” I hear Wilhelmina call. I walk towards the kitchen, our cat following me. “Hey baby. How was your- “but I stop talking as I see her placing the final touches on a candle-lit dinner.

She looks up, her lips curving in a smirk as I stare in shock. “Cat got your tongue, darling?” she asks. “You-you did this for me?” I stutter out. She rolls her eyes and says, “Actually I thought the cat deserved some pampering.” I walk over to her and pull her into a hug. “Thank you.” I whisper. Then, we both sit to eat the dinner she made.

I begin to eat quicker with each bite when Wilhelmina takes my wrist and murmurs, “Slow down, y/n. We don’t want you getting sick.” I look down, blushing and reply, “Sorry. It’s just so good.” She smirks and lets my wrist go, brushing my arm. “I’m glad you like it.” She murmurs and I make sure to savor each bite. I even get seconds before finishing. I go to take our plates, but she bats my hand away, making me look at her confused.

“I’ve got it.” She says and stands up. I stand up and respond, “I can help.” But she blocks me and says in a warning tone, “This isn’t open for debate.” I hesitantly go to our living room, lounging on the couch. After a while, the sink turns off and I hear Wilhelmina’s cane as she enters the room. “Thank you, Mina.” I murmur. She gives me a small smile and says, “You’re welcome. I thought we could take a bath too. If you’re not too tired.” My eyes widen in surprise and I ask, “When did you get all romantic?” She narrows her eyes a little and raises her eyebrow before saying, “Does someone need to be reminded of what happens to girls with attitudes?” I shiver in fear and arousal at the thought. “No…Ms. Venable.” I reply. Her eyes darken at that name and I ease up. We walk to our bathroom and she turns on the bathwater. I come up behind and kiss the bend of her neck, making her inhale sharply. “May I take your hair down?” She turns to face me, her lips pressed together. “Please?” I plead. She sighs and says, “Fine.” And we move so she can sit at her vanity.

I take out her ponytail first, making sure not to pull on her hair. Then I pull out her pins one by one until her smooth, red hair nearly reaches the seat. I smile when we make eye contact, taking her brush I begin at the ends, slowly working my way up to her scalp. She closes her eyes, and I could do this all night. But after a couple moments, I look back to see the bathtub nearly full.

“Darling?” I murmur and she opens her eyes. “Hm?” she murmurs. “The tub is full if you’re ready.” She smiles and nods. I walk over and turn off the water, adding some Epsom salts. As I stir the steamy water, she comes up behind me, brushing her hands over my shoulders and down my spine. “You get in,” she murmurs in my ear, “and let me take care of you.” I nod before taking off my clothes and sinking into the steaming hot water. I sigh and lean back against the wall of the tub.

I look back to see Wilhelmina still fully clothed and let out a sound of protest. “You need to learn patience, little one.” She murmurs and perches herself on the stool. My face warms and she motions for me to turn around, so I do so, leaning back. “Such a good girl.” She murmurs and I whimper at those words. She takes out my braids, combing her fingers through my hair. As she does so, she murmurs, “My good girl.”

I practically purr as she massages my scalp and then washes warm water over my shoulders. “Do you like that, darling?” she murmurs in my ear. “Yes.” I breathe and she lets out a low chuckle. She moves down to massaging my shoulders and I let out a sigh and turn my neck to face her, capturing her lips. She moans into my lips and her tongue dominates mine. Eventually we pull away, breathless and she smiles and stands, beginning to undress. I watch as she takes off each piece of clothing until she’s bare. Then I move so she can step in and sit. As soon as she’s sitting, I get on my knees and come closer to her.

Our lips meet again, and her arms come up behind me to hold me close. I gasp as she kisses down my jaw to my neck. “Oh, Mina.” I moan and say, “I don’t want this night to end.” She lets out a soft chuckle and replies, “The night is still young, little one. And I have many more ideas for us.”

[adana-knows]

My Daily Routine (Imbolc 2020)

I change up my daily routine frequently - I like to shake things up each time a new Sabbat rolls by, sometimes more often if things aren’t working.  I should also note that I have a lot of free time at the moment, and the luxury of making my own hours.  I have no children or time restraints, other than making sure my boyfriend doesn’t sleep through his work alarm.  

My Morning Routine

Wake up.  I stretch, grab my glasses, climb out the bed, and head to the bathroom.  

Kitty Care.  It’s time to feed the cats and re-fill their water fountain.  I also take this time to do a quick scoop of their litter boxes.  

Unload the Dishwasher.  After I wash my hands, I then take a moment to unload the dishwasher, and to load any dishes or glasses left out since the last time I ran it.  

Hydration.  My goal is to drink more water, but let’s face it: I like sugar.  I like tea, and I like soda.  If I have either ready-made or on hand, I’ll usually choose that over water in the morning, but I do make an effort to drink at least a couple glasses of water every day.  This is also when I take my meds and vitamins (B12 and D3).  

Bullet Journal.  My bullet journal helps me keep track of all kinds of things - cleaning, birthdays, appointments, holidays, sabbats, moon phases.  I try to make time for sitting down and figuring out what needs to be done each morning.  My goal is to list at least three of the most important tasks that need to be done, and actually do them before the end of the day.  It’s also at this time that my cat, Xena, likes to flop down on top of my paper and demand attention, so I’ll pet and groom her at this time.  

Read.  I spend an hour or so reading and/or researching.  Usually this means reading a book that can help build a skill, improve my life, or informs me on a subject, such as paganism, spirituality, minimalism, or witchcraft.  If I’m researching a specific topic that I have no books for, then I’ll spend this time Googling, but it’s easy to slip down the deep dark internet hole and not get anything really done on this front.  

Movement.  It’s winter where I live, and if it’s under 40 F outside, I’m not walking to the gym (which is about a 15-20 minute walk from my home).  This means moving at home, usually with some yoga.  I like to do Sun Salutations, but if I’m in the mood for something a little extra, I might pop in an Ashley Turner yoga video or follow a video by Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube.  

Meditation.  My best meditation sessions are always after expending a lot of energy and working up a sweat.  I’ll devote about 20 minutes to meditation.  I generally don’t do guided meditations unless I’m performing ritual; this is usually just me with my eyes closed.  

Self Care.  I’ll shower, get dressed, brush my teeth, run a brush through my hair, and spend some time on me.  Sometimes this is as simple as shaving my legs, exfoliating, painting my nails, or taking a file to my heels.  Other times I’ll try out a new hairstyle, put on a full face of makeup, or give myself a mani-pedi.  My goal is to go out of my way and do at least one thing every day to pamper myself that’s not part of my daily routine.  

Prayer.  This is the cornerstone of my morning ritual, and the reason I do it!  What I do depends on the moon phase, but I honor Hestia everyday by lighting a candle and offering a prayer (usually with my prayer beads), giving an offering of water to the ancestors, and burning incense for the Lare.  If I’m currently working on a skill, I’ll end my session with a related exercise, and maybe journal about my experience.  

Creativity.  After a long hot shower, I then do something creative.  Sometimes this is doing extra research or reading.  Other times I create a new bullet journal spread, color in a coloring book, work on a page in my Book of Shadows, brainstorm ideas for something, or write.  While I’m doing this, I like to watch TV or YouTube on a related topic.  For example, if I’m working on my bullet journal, I’ll watch YouTube videos of bullet journal layouts and spreads.  If I’m working in my Book of Shadows, I’ll watch videos on the topic of paganism.  If I’m working on writing, then I’ll put some themed ambient noise on so that I can fully concentrate on what I’m doing.  If I’m coloring, doodling, sketching, etc, I might just put on Hulu and catch up with a recent TV show.  I’ll do creative work for about an hour.  

Brunch.  If I have to cook my meal on the stove, I’ll light my Hestia candle, give a prayer, and then cook; when done, I’ll say thanks and extinguish the candle.  When I’m ready to eat, I’ll say another prayer to Hestia (because I do a LOT of meal prepping, I can go days without actually needing to cook), give Her an offering of my first and last bite (because She was born first and last) or an offering of cornmeal or grain.  

Free Time.  From this time to my afternoon routine, I’ll do whatever I feel like.  I might play a game, get lost on Pinterest, watch YouTube videos, watch movies, chat on the phone, or work on some project or another.  

Afternoon Routine

Honoring Hestia.  All acts of cleaning in my home is dedicated to Hestia.  I’ll light a candle, say a quick prayer, and leave the candle to burn on my altar while I clean.  Sometimes I’ll burn incense as well, depending on my mood and as inspiration strikes.  

Open up the apartment.  For me, this means cracking open my sliding glass door and let in some fresh air.  It’s pretty cold out, so it’s only cracked about an inch or two while I clean.  

Dishes.  I’ll collect any dishes I’ve dirtied throughout the day, and sweep my boyfriend’s computer area for dishes, glasses and silverware as well.  If I skipped unloading the dishwasher in the morning (sometimes I get lazy or distracted), I’ll do it now.  No matter how full or not, I’ll run the dishwasher now.  

5 Minute Tidy.  This is when I spend 5 minutes in every room of my apartment and tidy up.  It’s great when I get overwhelmed with how much to do and helps identify the most important mini tasks that need to be done per room; just set a timer and work as quickly as I can until it goes off.  

Weekly Cleaning.  There are some things that need to be done each and every week, like changing the litter box, scrubbing the toilet, dusting, emptying the refrigerator of leftovers, etc.  I keep a detailed list in my bullet journal and track when I do these things.  I generally group these tasks by day: Mondays are the bedroom, Tuesdays the bathroom, Wednesdays the kitchen, Thursdays the living room, and Fridays are the hallway and getting done whatever didn’t completed earlier in the week.  

Deep Cleaning.   There’s also things that need to be done seasonally, like sweeping the ceiling for cobwebs, cleaning underneath and behind the fridge, and tackling the mess that is my cabinets and drawers (they get messy over time).  These tend to be tasks that need to be done all over the apartment or are a rather big task, so I’ll do one a day.  

Garbage.  If there’s garbage that needs to be taken out, I do it.  I’ll grab the mail coming back in, and go through that.  

Miscellaneous Tasks.  If there’s anything I wanted - or need - to get done that doesn’t fit into the above, but was important enough to make it on my daily list in my bullet journal, it gets done now.  

Close the Apartment.  Close the sliding glass doors to prevent the cats from getting bold enough to try and pop the screen and run outside.  Not that they stay out there long when it’s cold.  It’s just a pain in the butt having to go out there and retrieve them, especially if they manage to get out of courtyard.  

Fragrance.  If I didn’t burn incense, then I’ll spray some febreeze around.  We have 3 cats and let me tell you - the apartment smells like it in the winter.  Opening up the house helps, but it doesn’t get rid of the scent completely.  I’ll febreeze my couch and bed with the febreeze for cloth and sheets, and spray scented stuff (usually Glade) around the apartment.  

Thank Hestia.  I go back to my altar, give a prayer of thanks, and extinguish my Hestia candle.  If incense is still going, I’ll let it burn itself out and then clean up the ashes.  

The BF Comes Home.  Right about now, my boyfriend comes home from work.  I’ll take a moment to say hi.  

More Free Time! 

Evening Routine

Kitty Care.  Refill cat bowls for the night.  If a bowl is looking kind of gross or needs to be cleaned, this is when I’ll do it (before refilling it).  

Dishes.  I’ll bring any dishes or glasses left in the living room or around the apartment to the kitchen sink.  

Quick Tidy.  I tend to make a pretty big mess when I’m in the middle of a project, or when I’m just having a lazy evening, so I’ll take a few minutes to put away books, shelve binders, organize papers, throw pens and pencils into my pencil case, and fluff the pillows on the couch.  

Evening Prayer.  I don’t do this every evening, usually because I tend to stay up until I start to doze off, and at that point, all I can think of is the bed.  But if I can, I’ll go to my altar, say a gratitude prayer to any deities that I’m working with, and clean up any offerings left on the altar.  Offering clean up might be postponed to the next morning.  

Self Care.  I’ll brush my teeth, wash my face, change into pajamas.  

Read.  If I’m still a little too awake for bed, I might read for 20 minutes to an hour, depending.  

Sleep.  

[a-robin-among-thorns]

In The Shadows Of The Rising Sun Chp 10

Chapters 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7 , Chapter 8, Chapter 9

I know this has been forever and for that I am very sorry. And for everyone still interested in this fic please know that it means the world to me that you enjoy and support my writing :)

Chapter 10: Silver Linings

Word Count: 2,388

Reina stumbled into the living room where young Chise sat dressed and ready for school with her nose buried in a book. She was confused for all of twenty seconds before remembering that she didn’t particularly care about the brat one way or the other. Sleep still thick in her eyes, she rubbed her cheek and trudged to the bathroom with all the grace of a decrepit zombie. Quick work was made of the grime on her face and aftertaste in her mouth before emerging clean and pristine. A bun so tight her forehead was stretched like a taut wire sat atop her head as she slipped into her business casual skirt and blouse. 

She fumbled with her keys when Chise called out, “Have a good day.” In autonomous response she answered “You too.” and exited out the door.

Chise sat in silence, lungs burning on bated breath, for one minute. Two. Five. Ten.

“Coast is clear.” 

Elias emerged with his jaws stretched wide in a tactless yawn. He had not been happy at the prospect of waking even earlier and would have taken the opportunity to lie asleep in the shadow a bit longer. But with his time with Chise limited, and the threat of being woken by the screaming of her caretaker, it was a more than necessary sacrifice. 

After a short breakfast they were on their way to school, Chise in the sun Elias in the shadows. 

It was most certainly not her imagination, walking to school was pleasant. The sights, the smells all fresh and new and yet so familiar. Warm sunshine hugging her skin as cool air filled her lungs. For once as she walked into school her back stood straight. She was certain that students stared at her even more scornfully thanks to yesterday's incident but she was hard-pressed to care. Even the class periods, that normally took eons to endure, came and went with little interruption. 

During lunch, she once again slipped out of the classroom to the secluded grove under the tree branches. The second her bottom met the grass Elias emerged with his hands presented to her. His mouth parted eagerly as he shoved his cupped claws up to her, “Here.” 

Blinking, she placed her tray sidelong and peaked down. Sitting in his bowled hands were coins and bills of various sizes and prints. Chise blanched in shock her heart growing erratic at the not unlikely possibility that he had stolen them. She met his face again, that had somehow grown even more pleased than before. “Where...where did you get these?”

“People had dropped them and some were on the ground.” 

Her body slumped in released tension, thankful he had not slipped shadows into pockets and bags. But…

“Why are you giving me these?” 

“You need them.”  He said simply. His shoulders began to sink in light of her reaction being distinctly not as he had hoped. She thought for a second. They did need money if he was going to eat enough and Reina had certainly noticed their indulgence over the weekend. They had needed it, and so he got it. The simple throughline of thinking brought to mind the image of a child accidentally shoplifting at the supermarket. 

Much of his logic ran through that childlike throughline now that she was consciously thinking of it. His decision to celebrate his birthday, how to help her during the storm, striking the boy that knocked her down...oh that was right. 

She smiled in indulgent patience. “Elias I appreciate that you got this for me and you are right that we do need it.” His shoulders rose in the face of the praise. “But, you’ll need to be careful about getting this money. Even if they weren’t around it does still belong to somebody.” He cocked his head. 

“But...they dropped it and didn’t return for it.” He said in a slightly wondering tone. 

“I know, and that sometimes is ok,” She poked around through the bills pulling out a five thousand yen note and pointing to the number. “But this is a lot of money, they will notice if it's missing and they might not get to eat if they can’t find it.” 

His shoulders sank again. “I see. I’m sorry.” 

She smiled again. “It's ok, you didn’t know and you were trying to help. Just promise me you’ll only pick up the ones on the ground and only take the coins.” 

He nodded. “Ok.”

“And one other thing. I know you were angry yesterday when that boy hit me but you should not hurt them. They might suspect something.”

“I was...angry?” His nose pointed down, an unseen obstacle placed before him. “How would I know that?”

Chise blinked, the obstacle now stood in her path. How did she put the feeling of anger into words? And why did she need to? Did it matter or should she just answer his question and leave it at that? She chose the latter mentally sorting through words like she would the keys to her apartment. 

“Well, um, your heart beats very fast and it becomes hard to think clearly.” She stumbled for breath her eyes meeting Elias’ intense curiosity. “Your body will sometimes feel hot and you’ll want to make whatever is making you feel this way stop however you can.” She hoped this would provide sufficient explanation. If not, it gave Elias plenty to consider as he remained silent for several seconds. 

“So then,” He began slowly, “I should not act when I feel...angry?”

“Well, you should try not to until you feel calm again. Otherwise, something you might regret later might happen.”

This one seemed to confuse him but he nodded in agreement.

Chise took the money from his hands and separated out the coins placing them in the small side pocket of her bag hopeful that the close contact would discourage jingling. She took the three bills and frowned. “Do you remember where you found these?” 

He shook his head no. She thumbed a thousand yen note before handing the ten thousand and five thousand back to him. “Just put these somewhere out of the way in the hall. I doubt we can get them back to their owners and the principal would think I stole them but I don’t feel right taking them.” He nodded and they continued on with lunch without interruption.

As final period rolled around Chise was primed and ready. Before the math teacher had even reached his desk Chise presented her papers, her hands vibrating with barely contained excitement. He accepted without a word and vaguely gestured for Chise to sit. A cautious optimism bubbled in her chest at the rare possibility of a good grade. Well, half a good grade. She wouldn’t know until the end of the week, but she found herself oddly hopeful. Before she knew it the class was finished and they found themselves on the trek home. 

Once again Chise felt as though she was traveling the path for the first time as her senses delighted in the world around her. Her breath whistled deeply throughout her lungs, bringing with it the sensation of something heavenly. A sweet busy scent begging to be enjoyed. On the adjacent street corner sat a young street vendor happily attending his umbrella-topped grill. 

The temptation of fresh sweets and the newfound burning in her pocket was just too much. 

“Thank you, come again!” The vendor said with a somewhat artificial but still pleasant smile. Chise nodded through her awkward blushing and hugged her taiyakis and soda to her chest before securing them in her pack.  

So many nice little things greeted her in the form of previously unnoticed beauties of the city on her walk home, she found herself wishing it wouldn’t end. The thought of the cramped apartment brought tension in her stomach that was strong enough to force her mouth and gaze downward. Her feet came to a halt as she ground her teeth in frustration. She huffed a sigh, forcing herself to take in the surroundings one last time in an attempt to improve her mood. As chance would have it, she had come to a stop right at the spot near the unmanaged ditch. 

The same ditch leading to where her life had changed in the span of a minute.

The grass had corrected itself and the rain erased all traces of the chase given days earlier. Sun-soaked air circulated her nose and with no input whatsoever from her brain she found herself once again descending into the forest heart. She trekked long, uncertain if she had since passed where they had met, finally coming to a halt once the city’s murmur could no longer be heard. 

She glanced down to Elias. It was a funny thing, a shadow peering around looking perplexed. Chise nodded in encouragement. His skull emerged up from the blackness like a dolphin jumping from the water as his body resettled into its solid shape. Away from the school and apartment, he was able to assume his full stature. 

“Why are we here?” He asked. 

“W-well,” Chise stuttered, struggling to summon the boldness that led her to that spot, “Reina doesn’t really care if I’m home before dark, so we can spend some time together out here.” 

Despite his shadowy appearance, his entire demeanor brightened with her words. Before she could protest his arms swooped her in as he settled against a tree nestling her onto his lap. Startled though she was she couldn’t help the contented sigh the spilled out in conjecture with his. 

They ate their taiyaki, crumbs spilling overhead Chise to the forest floor, and sipped their soda as Chise attended her homework. Elias attentively watched her proceed through Japanese to English translation, asking questions as they went along. Once she came to the dreaded algebra, she breezed through the problems thanks to her helpful tutor. Her coursework went more smoothly than she could ever recall even with a constant shower of crumbs overhead. She silently thanked her cheeks for the service of containing food they blessed her with. With their bellies full as they contend basked in the evening sun their yawns slowly dissolved into a full-fledged nap. 

When the dusk sun drew into her lashes Chise’s eyes slowly fluttered open. She stretched gingerly to avoid waking Elias when something rustled at their side. She shifted to see. 

In a circle stood a group of tiny creatures. Their bodies were translucent like raindrop cakes bearing two black dot eyes and pointed noses. Their heads wore acorn caps and small leaves draped their shoulders like cloaks. They were picking at the crumbs of their snacks from earlier, in a few of them she could see the crumbs in their translucent bellies. 

Curiously, Chise plucked a crumb from the foliage. The little spirits pipped in surprise as their clear bodies disappeared letting the leaves and caps flutter to the ground in tiny heaps. “It’s ok.” She urged in Japanese presenting the crumb between her fingers. The closest spirit rose under its cap, it’s head lifting the acorn but leaving its leaves flat. It’s black eyes looked her over before its body returned raising its leaves. Stumpy clear hands stretched out and took the crumb. It shoved the whole crumb into a mouth that opened up in its clear body and squealed happily. The rest of the little spirits arose from their fallen leaves hopping close and hugging her fingers. 

She laughed lightly as Elias’ skull sunk into the corner of her vision.

“They’re cute.”

“Yes, but you should still be cautious with neighbors.” His words rumbled against her back as his arms wove more tightly around her. “Small cute things can be just as dangerous as the large scary ones.”

“Even so, with you here, I’m safe right?” Chise replied. Elias hummed approvingly, eyes forming semicircles. “Are these little..." She searched her mind, "donyurei dangerous?”

“Donyurei?” 

“Acorn spirits,” She shrugged, “I don’t know if that’s what they’re called, but I think it fits.” 

“These spirits have taken a liking to you. They are too weak to be harmful but that doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t be helpful.” 

Chise’s smile faltered. “How would I know when they’re safe or not?”

Elias hummed. “There are rules of thumb that mages can know, but even those have exceptions or can be unique to their region of origin. It is likely that much I know of Lapland is useless here.” 

He reached for one of the spirits, extending his forefinger. The spirit sniffed then hopped on. Elias brought it close and whispered to it. He lowered it back down and spoke in a language Chise didn’t recognize. The spirit glowed a soft blue and swept its arms forward. The earth before it glowed and shifted until a small sprout wriggled up from the soil. The sprout twirled and budded opening up to a tiny white flower like on the oaks in springtime. The spirit plucked it and presented it to Chise with a smile crinkling it’s dot eyes. 

“Thank you.” Chise accepted smiling in turn.

“The only way to truly understand neighbors and their magic is to study and practice. The way of mages is to know the ways of the magic around them. To sense it and utilize it. Accepting the world as it is and learning how to interact with everything around you.” 

One the spirits had nestled itself in her palm nuzzling her thumb. 

“I never really had the chance to appreciate it before.” This new perspective of the world around her as a haven instead of an enemy had brought forth something that had lain dormant inside her. “Knowing now that not all of it was dangerous.” A quiet but steady hunger to see and experience more of the world. “I... I want to learn about it. The magic around me.” She would heed Elias’ warnings about performing the art of magic. But she could no longer just sit idle.

If Elias had sensed this shift within her was impossible to say. But whether because of an unconscious detection of her conviction or something beyond her knowledge he took in the significance of her declaration. 

The forest felt alive as Elias repositioned his arms possessively around her waist. “Then we should begin soon.”