#enemies to lovers has always been my jam

[hebuiltfive]

Compassion was a weakness. It always had been, always would be. Hannah knew that. Scott did not.

International Rescue were not a crime-busting team. Usually they'd rather leave that nasty business to the GDF, but today was different. Today, International Rescue had no choice. Today, while out on a mission, Scott had to make the choice; fight her to stop her, or let her go knowing that countless lives would be hurt, maybe lost, because of it.

Compassion had him choosing the first option. She knew he wouldn't let her walk out of there with those explosives in hand, knew he wouldn't let her hand them over to her Boss who was planning something cataclysmic with them.

Hannah had, in fact, gambled on Scott not letting her leave, had gambled on him being the one to confront her. She'd gambled on it, wished under her breath for it to have been Scott, because Scott was the easiest for her to manipulate.

Not that she wanted to manipulate him. If she admitted it to herself, Hannah was almost apologetic when she looked up and met those blue eyes. Many a night recently had she allowed herself to get lost in those oceans, allowed herself to drown in all that was Scott Tracy. It was against her better judgement and she knew she should have put a stop to it after that first night but ...

That didn't matter.

Hannah didn't want to fight Scott, just as much as he probably didn't want to fight her, but she had a deadline to keep. Clarence would be waiting in the Cruiser and, should the GDF arrive before she could clear the building... Well, she wouldn't be meeting her brother on time, and that wouldn't sit well with the Boss. Scott had left her no choice when he refused to move from the entrance way.

She allowed him to think he'd won the fight, allowed him to knock her to the ground after a small tussle, only so he'd feel that guilt all the more. As Hannah glanced up at him, her expression unreadable, she saw it. The pain in his face, the torn feelings over what she'd forced him to do.

Compassion was a weakness, and so Hannah didn't allow herself to feel it.

"I'm sorry." Scott had whispered as he stepped back from her, blinking as though he couldn't quite believe he'd fought her. Her.

It was a foolish mistake, one he'd no doubt later come to regret.

Hannah swiped her legs out to catch his. His guard had lowered and Scott came crashing down to the floor beside her.

He was too winded to retaliate which gave Hannah enough time. She pushed herself back onto her feet, grabbed the canisters of explosive materials that they had both silently agreed to put safely to one side as they tangled, and then made for the entryway.

Scott groaned from behind her. Hannah allowed herself one look back.

Compassion was a weakness. The line ran through her mind and whatever she had been about to say — a reason, some advice, her own version of an apology — was quickly replaced.

"I'm not."

A reply to his guilt-laden regret from only a moment ago. Hannah willed her voice not to tremble, willed herself not to show one ounce of emotion on that face of hers as she sealed him inside the storage unit.

It was easier this way; for her to pretend she didn't feel anything, for her to pretend she didn't care, for her to pretend that she didn't want to rush back and help him instead of her boss.

It was easier this way.

For her.

For him.

Compassion was a weakness and she didn't want Scott to be weak anymore. Not around her. Not when it mattered.

Writing Prompt #2587

"I'm sorry."

"I'm not."

[hyuckiefluff]

tease | lee haechan

pairing: lee haechan x f!reader genre: enemies-ish to lovers, college au word count: 5.8k+ summary: Playing spin the bottle definitely wasn't what you had envisioned for your first college party. And the last person you expected to see was Lee Haechan. But life has a funny way of throwing surprises at you, and this time it came in the form of the bottle landing on some drunk dude who dared you to kiss Haechan. warnings: oral (m receiving), fngering, cursing, drinking, hc calls reader princess a/n: rushed this one a bit to post it on time for haechan’s bday :D i hope you enjoy! and happy birthday my haechan ilysm baby! - i recommend listening to sweat by zayn while reading

m.list

"New girl… what was your name... oh right.. Y/N” the guy's words stumbled out of his mouth, clearly too many drinks deep into the night. He was trying so hard to formulate a single coherent thought, but his speech was all over the place. And there you sat, legs crossed, waiting for whatever command he was about to throw at you.

"You should, ehm... uh… oh I know… you should kiss the person in front of you," he slurred, barely able to keep his eyes open.

You tensed up when the words left his mouth. You expected having to kiss someone in this game but you weren’t all that excited or open to the idea. Sure, you could've just taken a shot and avoided the whole ordeal, but you had already declined way too many requests and had knocked back enough shots for the night. Plus, your friend had disappeared into the crowd a while ago, leaving you to fend for yourself. You didn't want to push your drinking limit any further.

But honestly, the mere thought of kissing anyone at that moment felt too awkward. You didn't know a single person in this circle, and the boys surrounding you seemed ready to pounce at the opportunity. The uncomfortable feeling in the pit of your stomach grew stronger. And just when you thought things couldn't get any worse, someone sauntered into the circle, nudging the guy who had been in front of you aside, without a single word of protest. It was as if the universe itself conspired to make the situation even more complicated because there he was, in all his glory, Lee Haechan.

Let me give you a short backstory. Haechan was one of your brother's closest friends, and you practically grew up with him. Well, maybe "in his shadow" is a more accurate description. His larger-than-life personality always overshadowed your shy self whenever you were in the same room. And there was also the teasing. Haechan took great pleasure in getting under your skin. While most of your brother's friends ignored you, Haechan found it amusing to embarrass you at every opportunity. He'd mock your fashion choices and poke fun at your taste in music. Basically, anything he could find that was worthy of a good tease, he'd go for it. Sure, you'll admit that you were a bit of an awkward kid back then, spending most of your time holed up in your room, jamming out to some obscure indie band, and wearing some questionable outfits (you can totally blame your mom for that until you turned 13). 

Anyway, let's just say Lee Haechan wasn't exactly the friendliest face in your memory bank.

It’s been two whole years since you last laid eyes on him, and you honestly thought you'd never have to see him again. Your big brother mentioned that Haechan went off to "some college" out of town, so you assumed your paths would never cross. But your brother also conveniently forgot to mention the crucial detail that Haechan had actually managed to get into your top-choice university. Yes, the very same one you had been raving about since the idea of higher education even entered your mind. Thank you for the heads up, big bro.

Now you were sitting here, about to lose your mind because the first time you’re meeting Haechan after all this time, you're being dared to kiss him...in front of all these people too. There was no way you could do this. Your hesitance was impossible to hide, and everyone seemed to notice. But Haechan, being Haechan, couldn't resist making a comment about it. Of course.

“She won’t do it.” He said, taking a casual sip from his drink. 

Though he pretty much spoke your thoughts out loud, you still paused and looked at him raising an eyebrow. You would've shrugged it off, but there was no way you were going to let Haechan continue teasing you like that in college. You were too grown and fed up to allow him to treat you that way.

“And why won’t she?” You asked, crossing your arms.

He chuckled “Because she doesn’t have it in her.” He said the words slowly to taunt you. 

Maybe it was the fact that he was talking as if you weren’t in the room, or that he seemed so sure that you were too much of a coward to kiss him but before you could stop yourself you started crawling up to him. The circle of people around you suddenly more interested in your every move. Now you were kneeling in between Haechan’s sprawled legs, so close to his face that you could smell the mix of alcohol with his cologne. He put down his drink, the look of bore left his eyes and he perked up a little at your sudden closeness. Without giving yourself time to cower away you closed the distance between your lips. You didn’t miss the slight flinch of surprise he gave when your lips touched, he really wasn’t expecting you to go through with it.

Haechan would sooner be caught dead than admit it but he really enjoyed getting a rise out of you. It gave him this weird rush whenever he saw you getting all flustered or even a little pissed off. Sure, you were usually the shy and soft-spoken type, but deep down, there was a side to you that had some fight in it. It wasn't something you showed to just anyone, but he had managed to bring it out of you on more than one occasion.

He never in a million years expected seeing you at this party. It had been a while since he even thought about you. So, when he spotted you in the crowd, he was completely caught off guard. He watched you intently all night, trying to figure out if it was actually you. It hadn't been that long since he last saw you, but there was something distinctly different about you. You were engaged in lively conversations, your laughter floating through the air. It was a stark contrast to the image he had of you in his head.

He only remembers how reserved you were, back then you weren't able to have a full conversation with him or even hold eye contact. So, when he ended up sitting in front of you, teasing you like he always did, he never expected you to do anything more than maybe give him some attitude and walk away. But man, did you flip the script on him.

Before Haechan could even process what was happening, there you were, on your knees in front of him. His attention instinctively went to your tongue darting across your lips, that simple action getting him way too excited. Before he had a chance to react, your lips were already on his. The kiss started off slow, like a cautious test drive. Haechan could tell you weren't exactly planning to go this far, he could sense that hint of hesitance in your every move.

This wasn't the kind of kiss he usually went for. He liked them rough, the kind that leaves you breathless. But, there was something about you taking charge that had him intrigued. Even though it was a simple kiss with no crazy fireworks, it managed to get both your hearts racing.

Your hands went to his chin to keep him in place while your lips fumbled in a slow rhythm that had Haechan going kinda crazy inside. He had to fight hard to keep his cool, resisting the urge to grab you and kiss you back as hard as he wanted to. His hands stayed glued to the floor. He was scared that if he touched you, he wouldn't be able to stop himself, and also because his palms were suddenly a sweaty mess and he doubted you’d like that.

You tilted his head back a bit causing his mouth to slack open. With this new access, your tongue shyly ventured into his mouth, as if following an instinctive cue. Haechan also took a chance and nibbled on your lower lip, causing a soft whimper to escape your lips. The sound made his whole body tense up. Your hands roamed from his chin to the back of his head, testing the waters by gently tugging on his hair. That's when an involuntary grunt slipped out of Haechan's mouth, snapping you both back to reality.

As you pulled away, his eyes slowly fluttered open. Yours immediately darted to his slightly swollen lips, tinged with the color of your lipstick. Acting on some unknown impulse, you brushed your thumb against his lips wiping off the lipstick. He glanced at your finger and then met your gaze again, his eyes filled with an intensity that made your breath hitch. You said nothing and wiped the remnants of lipstick from your finger onto his clean white undershirt, all while maintaining unwavering eye contact. 

You stood up, trying not to make it too obvious that your legs were weaker than before. Seeing the slightly shocked and amused faces of everyone around you would’ve scared younger you into running away but you didn’t feel intimidated at all. 

"I'm gonna grab a new drink," you announced, giving Haechan one final glance before making your way out.

Of course, you didn't actually head to the drinks table like you said you would. Instead, you dashed straight for the bathroom, your heart racing like a herd of wild horses. Closing the door behind you and allowing yourself a moment to process everything that just happened and pretty much freak out.

"Have you lost your damn mind, Y/N?" you scolded your reflection in the mirror, the harsh reality staring right back at you. Disheveled hair, smudged lipstick, and that dazed look in your eyes, mirroring the same one that Haechan had after the kiss. Letting out a heavy sigh, you rested your hands on the edge of the sink, reluctantly admitting to yourself that the kiss wasn't half bad. Who would've thought? Haechan, your tormentor, sure knew how to kiss. His lips felt downright amazing against yours, and the taste…  a mix of alcohol with a subtle sweetness that lingered on your lips, intoxicating your thoughts as you unconsciously replayed the moment over and over in your mind.

But before you could fully immerse yourself, the bathroom door swung open with a force, causing you to yelp in surprise. In your mortification, you had completely forgotten to lock the damn door. Oh, how you wished you had because to your horror, the intruder turned out to be none other than Haechan himself. His surprise at finding you in the bathroom was evident, though you couldn't help but wonder if he had followed you all the way here.

"You could've found a better hiding spot, you know," he jeered, leaning casually against the wall, his eyes meeting yours through the mirror's reflection.

"I wasn't hiding, Haechan. Can't a girl have some privacy in the bathroom?" you fired back.

"Sorry, it's just that you looked a little frustrated when you left, princess," he taunted, his words dripping with a mixture of amusement and something else you couldn't quite put your finger on.

"Quit calling me that" you shot back, irritation lacing your voice.

Haechan merely shrugged, his teasing smile still intact. "You're right. A princess doesn't run away like that after a kiss," he continued to taunt, enjoying the effect his words had on you.

"I didn't run away," you retorted, trying to maintain your composure. "But I don't need to explain myself to you anyway, so get out, Donghyuck," you said, turning around to face him with a glare.

His teasing demeanor faltered for a moment, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing his face at the use of his actual name. "Wow, it's been a while since anyone called me that. I like the way you say it," he admitted, attempting to lighten the mood. However, seeing your unamused expression, he raised his hands in surrender. "Come on, the kiss wasn't even that bad. You don't have to be embarrassed. Though it was so short, I couldn't really judge it properly."

"Pity, because you're never gonna get another chance," you replied, determination seeping into your voice as you turned your back to him.

Haechan studied you silently, his gaze fixed on your figure. There was a brief pause, a moment where the air between you seemed to thicken with anticipation. Slowly, he closed the distance between you, his proximity making you grip the edges of the sink tighter. He position his hands next to yours, his larger frame enveloping yours. Through the reflection in the mirror, his eyes locked onto yours. 

With a hushed voice, he leaned in close to your ear, his warm breath grazing your skin as he whispered, "We'll see about that."

The weight of his words hung in the air as he held your gaze for a moment longer. Then, with one final look, he pulled away, leaving you alone with your racing thoughts.

~~

A few days went by until you saw Haechan again at another party. It was insane how quickly you were getting invited to these things. Your social life went from zero to a hundred really quick. Things were finally looking up, and you were having a blast, making more friends along the way.

But of course, there he was—Haechan, lurking in the shadows like some lingering ghost. It felt like he was always in your peripheral vision, pretending he wasn't staring at you. Seriously, why couldn't he just go away? You made up your mind that finding someone else to hang out with would be the perfect way to shake off his annoying presence. Preferably someone who didn't get a kick out of teasing you mercilessly.

Just when you were mulling over your thoughts, a smooth voice broke through the noise from behind you. "Hey there, what's a beautiful girl like you doing all alone?"

You turned to face him and recognized him was one of the players from the spin the bottle game

 "Actually, I'm looking for my friend. She vanished into thin air, it seems," you replied, trying not to sound too awkward. Small talk was never your strong suit, especially with extremely attractive guys.

He nodded, laughing softly,  "Well, I can help you find her, but only if you dance with me."

You considered it for a moment, thinking it might be exactly the distraction you needed. "Sure, why not? Lead the way," you said, setting your drink aside and taking his hand as he guided you to the center of the room where people were dancing.

"I'm Jeno, by the way," he introduced himself, leaning in closer to your ear so you could hear him over the music.

You shouted back, "Nice to meet you, Jeno. I'm Y/N." He responded with an adorable eye smile, and you couldn't help but smile back.

In those few fleeting minutes with Jeno, you were already smitten. He was far more polite and considerate than the typical guys you had encountered in college so far. At first, there was definitely an air of slight intimidation surrounding him, probably because of his tall muscular frame and silver blonde hair, but as you danced together, he showed his soft and kind nature. His hands rested firmly on your hips, providing just the right amount of contact without encroaching on your personal space. As you felt more comfortable in his arms, you entwined your hands behind his neck, and only then he pulled you closer. The swift movement caused a gentle collision against his solid chest, confirming what you had suspected earlier—Jeno was no stranger to the gym. His white shirt was clinging to him in all the right places and you had to force yourself to look away before he caught you staring.

As the music played and your bodies moved against each other, Jeno leaned close to your ear once again. "You know... during the spin the bottle game, I was annoyed," he confessed.

Confused, you raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

"Because I was supposed to get that kiss from you, before that guy came and took my chance," he explained, his expression adorably pouting to emphasize his disappointment. 

Smiling at his confession, you couldn't help but tease him playfully. "Well, what if I told you I would've rather kissed you?"

His eyes lit up with delight, and you realized that he reminded you of a puppy. Jeno took your words as an invitation and slowly closed the gap between your faces, his lips barely grazing yours. But before the moment could fully unfold, the music abruptly stopped, and a crashing sound cut through the crowd. Turning your gaze over Jeno's shoulder, you saw chaos near the table where the sound system had been set up. 

The whole display had been knocked over, and the DJ  was engaged in a heated argument with another person. The other guy had his back to you, but you recognized that posture and when he turned his head to the side you confirmed who it was. Lee Haechan, his face contorted in anger as he flipped off the other guy who just kept yelling at him. His scorn only intensified when his eyes locked with yours, taking in the sight of you entangled with Jeno.

"What's going on over there?" you muttered to yourself, unable to tear your eyes away from the scene.

"Just some drunk jerk making a mess," Jeno replied, glancing back at you. 

You wished you could have resumed where you left off with him, but the interruption had shattered the moment. Not to mention, Haechan's piercing gaze lingered in your mind making you feel somewhat uneasy.

"Uh... I'm kind of thirsty. I should get a drink," you said, trying to find an excuse to escape the overwhelming atmosphere.

"I'll get it for you," Jeno offered, flashing a quick smile before heading off to fetch the drink. As he disappeared into the crowd, you ran your fingers through your hair, feeling the heat rising within you. The intensity of the almost-kiss and Haechan's intense stare made it hard to catch your breath. You needed a moment alone, away from the suffocating crowd.

You made your way to the bathroom upstairs, your go-to escape room. However, as you reached the door, you discovered it was locked, and the lewd sounds coming from inside let you know it wouldn’t be available for a while. Frustrated, you let out a sigh and glanced around, hoping to find another bathroom. Knocking on each door along the hallway, you realized that most of them were locked too, leaving little doubt as to what was happening inside.

Just as you were about to give up, the door at the end of the hallway swung open when you tried it, and you immediately slipped into the room discreetly. Closing the door behind you, you breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for this temporary escape. You stepped into the bathroom and splashed water on your face and neck, trying to cool yourself down. Staring at your reflection in the mirror, you couldn't help but feel frustrated with yourself for allowing Haechan to disrupt your thoughts once again. You hadn't even exchanged a single word with him tonight, yet he managed to occupy your mind so intensely. The realization hit you like a ton of bricks, and with a shake of your head, you resolved to leave the bathroom and rejoin Jeno, who was probably wondering where you had run off to.

But to your surprise and horror, someone stood on the balcony. You hadn't even realized the room had a balcony when you entered. The figure seemed unaware of your presence. So you attempted to make a silent exit, and almost succeeded until you accidentally tripped over a trash can. Wow, you really needed to pay better attention to your surroundings.

"Y/N?" a familiar voice called out, the one that had been haunting your thoughts just moments ago. Frozen in place, you debated whether to make a run for it. Surely he wouldn't stop you, right? He wouldn't chase after you... would he?

"Haechan..." you sighed, your tone conveying your frustration at seeing him. 

"Are you stalking me or something?," he asked, his teasing tone cutting through the tense air. You rolled your eyes at the absurd suggestion.

"Shouldn't I be the one asking that? It seems like you're always popping up wherever I go… first the game, then the bathroom, and now here," you retorted, counting off the instances on your fingers. "What are you even doing here?" You gestured around the room, emphasizing your point.

"I could ask you the same thing. Weren't you just getting cozy with that Kendoll downstairs?" he asked, hands nonchalantly tucked into his pockets as he gradually closed the distance between you. Now, up close, you could see him clearly. He wore a black graphic t-shirt with the words 'they come, they go,' and his jeans were ripped on the thighs. His hair was also somewhat styled. It was clear that he had put some effort into his appearance, unlike his usual messy style.

"You didn't answer my question," you persisted, fighting off the nerves that his proximity was starting to stir.

"Well, this happens to be my birthday party," he revealed, a hint of satisfaction in his voice at seeing the slight shock in your face.

"Oh… uhm… happy birthday," you awkwardly mumbled. His closeness now forced you to tilt your head upward, despite the height advantage your heels provided.

"Anyway, why did you make a scene at your own birthday party?" you asked, trying to kill the awkward silence and stepping away slightly to regain some personal space.

You made your way to the balcony, craving the fresh air as a relief from the intensity of the room.

"I guess you could say I wasn't vibing with the atmosphere, the music, the people... especially the people," he replied, his words hinting at something that you couldn't quite grasp.

"Hm, well, I was actually having a good time for once," you replied, leaning against the balcony rail. He mirrored your posture, but instead of gazing out at the street ahead, he fixed his gaze on you.

"Yeah, I could see that. So, who's your new boy-jock-friend?" he asked, his words dripping with sarcasm and… jealousy? You turned your head to the side, squinting incredulously at the ridiculous nickname he had given Jeno.

"His name is Jeno, and he's actually a really nice guy," you clarified.

"Is that so?," he hummed, his expression pensive. His lack of a proper response prompted you to look at him again, only to find him struggling to suppress a stupid grin.

"What, Haechan?" you demanded, growing tired of his antics.

"Nothing, just...I was wondering if you even like guys like that,"  he asked, shrugging.

"Why does it matter to you?" you shot back, your voice tinged with annoyance.

"It doesn't," he replied nonchalantly, but there was a subtle shift in his demeanor as he closed the distance between you. The intensity in his gaze mirrored the way he had looked at you after your first kiss. "But I know you don't like him." He whispered that into your ear, now standing directly behind you. 

Caught off guard by his statement, you instinctively turned around to face him. Bad idea.

"You're wrong," you managed to reply, though the pitch change in your voice betrayed your nervousness. His amusement grew as he leaned against the balcony rail, his hands positioned on either side of you.

"Then answer this..." he began, his hand gently brushing a stray strand of hair behind your ear before cupping your chin, tilting it ever so slightly, "Why are you here with me instead of with him?"

You were at a loss for words. He was right. You should have been downstairs with Jeno, dancing some more, perhaps even kissing him. Yet, there you stood with this fool, your gaze inexplicably drawn to his lips and the way they moved, and how he unconsciously wet them every few seconds.

"Nothing to say?" he teased, his nose grazing against yours, and you couldn't help but close your eyes, knowing deep down that you were about to do something completely crazy. "I think we-"

"Shut up," you blurted out, unable to hold back any longer, and you closed the gap between your lips in a frenzy. The kiss was anything but slow this time; it was a messy collision of longing and pent-up tension that had been brewing for days. All the warning signs you put for yourself to stay away from Lee Haechan felt irrelevant now.

Your hands found their way into Haechan's hair, pulling on the strands as you tried to make him groan just like before. But this time, he surprised you by firmly gripping your thighs and seating you on the balcony rail. The cool metal against your bare skin made you shiver, but the sensation was quickly overridden by the warmth of Haechan's touch. The kiss grew more intense, a mess of lips and tongues, bites, sucks, and a chorus of eager sounds that escaped from both of you. The world around you faded away as you focused solely on how good his hands and lips felt.

"Please," you moaned against his lips, and he wasted no time. In a flash, he lifted you, carrying you effortlessly to the bed. The kiss never faltered as he positioned himself above you, his hands hungrily exploring your body. Your skirt was hiked up, and he suddenly grabbed your ass making you gasp. Clothes were becoming a nuisance, and Haechan noticed your impatience as you fumbled with his shirt. He couldn't help but chuckle at your eagerness, but he helped anyways, discarding the shirt and revealing a canvas of smooth skin that begged to be touched.

You traced the contours of his torso with your fingers, savoring the sight of every mole and line etched across his skin. Your ogling was momentarily interrupted when Haechan tried to remove your tangled shirt, provoking a dramatic sigh from you when he finally pulled it off your head. He laughed at this and your lips met once more in a short, sweet kiss before his attention shifted to removing your skirt. 

Lying before him in nothing but your underwear, you watched as he straightened up, his gaze locked on your exposed form. You felt self-conscious but the way he was looking at you with darkened, adoring eyes, let you know that there was nothing to be shy about.

You flung your bra aside after unhooking it, meeting Haechan's hungry gaze as he took in your now exposed chest. You grabbed his hand inviting him to touch you. His hand glided from your belly to your breasts, exploring your curves slowly. He leaned and latched his mouth on your right breast, playing, nibbling, and sucking. He wanted to hear every moan and whimper coming from your lips. Each sound you made spurred him on, his body instinctively grinding against yours, his growing hardness pressing against you with every movement. You knew he was growing desperate with every sloppy thrust and lick of his tongue.

You hooked your finger through the chain around Haechan's neck and pulled him up so he was face to face with you "I want to try something," you whispered, planting a quick kiss on his lips. Gently pushing him by the shoulder, he willingly allowed himself to fall onto his back, his eyes fixed on you, filled with anticipation.

"What are you doing?" he asked, a playful tone lacing his breathless voice as you slowly crawled down his body, stopping in front of his crotch.

"What do you think?" you teased, unzipping his pants and sliding them down. His black boxers clung tightly to his arousal, already dampened with pre-cum. Biting your lip, you could already imagine his thickness just by the sight of it over his underwear. Looking up at Haechan, you noticed he had his hands behind his head to get a better view of your actions.

Without hesitation, you pulled down his boxers, causing his erection to spring up in an almost comical manner. There was no time to waste, you could tell that he might explode if you delayed any further. Grasping him firmly at the base, you used the slickness of his pre-cum as lub, pumping him a few times. Haechan bit his lips to contain his desperate moans, he didn’t want it to be so obvious that your simple touch on his dick almost made him cum.

But you had other plans. You wanted to hear him. You wanted to make him moan, whimper, and maybe  even cry out in pleasure. Propping yourself up, you leaned in and without warning, kitten-licked his sensitive tip. Haechan's head flew back, as a string of curses left his mouth. Delighted by his fucked up state, you repeated the motion several more times before finally taking him fully into your mouth. Slowly, you went deeper, until he hit the back of your throat. Inevitably, a groan escaped him, his self-restraint crumbling as you began to suck him off properly. He moaned, thrusting his hips into your mouth, his grip on your hair becoming desperate to ensure you wouldn't stop. Seeing him in such a vulnerable and desperate state was a sight you never thought you'd witness - Lee Haechan squirming beneath you, completely undone by your actions.

"Oh, f-...uck... that feels so good," Haechan groaned, his voice strained as you hollowed your cheeks and sucked harder. He was thrusting against your face without even realizing it. You didn't blame him; he was so consumed by pleasure that he couldn't control himself. You reached down and gently played with his balls, wanting to see his reaction. The way his eyes rolled back, and his hips momentarily faltered, told you that another touch like that would send him over the edge. With a quick glance at you bobbing your head up and down his cock, Haechan decided he had reached his limit. He grabbed you by the cheeks, pulling your mouth away from his dick. The lewd sight of your saliva connecting you both in a string made him wish he could capture the moment in a picture to enjoy later.

"I need to fuck you right now," Haechan explained when you looked at him with confusion. With those words, he got off the bed and rummaged through one of the night tables, searching for a condom. As he pulled out the small wrapper, you couldn't help but ask, "How did you know that was there?"

"Because this is my room," he said casually, the revelation catching you off guard. Though, it made sense that this was his dorm, given that it was his birthday party. 

He swiftly opened the condom wrapper and rolled it onto his cock. Without wasting any time, he climbed back onto the bed and slowly removed your panties, tutting at the sight of how wet you were. "Look at you," he said with a smile, allowing his fingers to explore your slick folds. The way your mouth opened and your eyes screwed shut in response showed just how bad you were needing to be touched there. As one of his fingers slowly entered you, he leaned in and kissed you, his tongue drowning out the moans that escaped your lips. Sensing your growing desperation, he added an extra finger, expertly pleasuring you. "H... Haechan," you moaned into his lips, and he hummed in response, continuing to finger you with more urgency. 

"Please... more," you managed to gasp out.

"As you wish, princess," he whispered, removing his fingers from you and licking your essence off them. He positioned himself on top of you, aligning his cock with your entrance. Teasingly, he pressed it against you without fully entering. "Haechan..." you said, your tone suddenly serious, using his dangling chain to pull him closer. "If you don't stop teasing me, I swear I'm going downstairs to find Jeno."

He let out a bitter laugh, but the mention of Jeno noticeably changed his demeanor. Before you could say anything else, he plunged inside you. The immediate clenching of your walls around him caused both of you to moan loudly. Haechan gripped your hips and adjusted your position with surprising care. After a few more seconds, you grabbed his hips and pushed him slightly, indicating that you wanted him to go deeper. Without wasting any more time, he obliged, burying his cock further inside you. "Fuck," he groaned, the sensation of him stretching you feeling too incredible for words.

He began to move, his thrusts gradually gaining speed until he was practically ramming into you. The sight of his pretty face, screwed up with swollen lips from all the kissing and biting, dilated pupils, and droplets of sweat on his forehead, drove you wild. 

Effortlessly, he grabbed your leg and propped it on his shoulder, allowing him to penetrate deeper, hitting a new spot that had your mouth foaming. He continued thrusting hard and fast, relishing in the way your breasts bounced with each powerful stroke. 

Your whimpering only made him want to see you come undone even more. He leaned in and kissed you softly, the tenderness contrasting with his hard thrusts. You melted into the kiss, moans mixing between you both. He even slowed down his thrusts, lost in the kiss for a moment. But then he unexpectedly started ramming into you again, thrusting harder and pushing you closer to the edge.

"Cum all over my cock, princess," he commanded, his voice hoarse with pleasure. With a few more hard thrusts and the feeling of his mouth devouring yours, you felt yourself reaching an orgasm more intense than anything you've ever before.

"Fu-...oh my god," you moaned loudly, your legs trembling uncontrollably.

Haechan followed suit shortly after, his thrusts growing messier as you clenched tightly around him. He came with a loud, uninhibited moan that reverberated through the room, a sound that would undoubtedly linger in your mind for a long time.

The air grew still, and the only audible sounds were the heavy, ragged breaths escaping both of you. Lying on your backs, you found yourselves staring up at the ceiling, your legs still intertwined, too exhausted to make a move or utter a word.

But then, Haechan shattered the silence.

"Best fucking birthday ever."

a/n: btw i reached 127 followers right after posting this so thank you so much lol *cue the flute*

[thedarlingdearestdead]

Locked up with Anakin:

Summary: Enemies to lovers (almost). You're locked up with Anakin Skywalker and ~tension~ happens.

Warnings: None just fluff and banter.

Word count: 1,330

"It's no use." He says uninterestedly, watching you pull at the door. "I already tried that."

You bristled at his unhelpfulness. Anakin Skywalker was seated in the far corner of the dark cell, under the light of the only small window, a tiny rectangle high up on the wall. The light outside was dying, the suns setting, illuminating the cell only slightly in an orange glow.

"How long have we been in here?" You asked, having only awoken moments ago. Cold, tired, and terribly confused. 

"I don't know for sure. I only gained consciousness a couple of hours ago. Hopefully this is the first sunset and we were only out for a few hours but there's no way to know for sure."

You groaned and wiped your face with your hands. A four day offensive on Ryloff, you just arrive back into orbit before your ship was pulled in via a tractor beam. Some kind of gas must have knocked the two of you out because now you were most certainly on a planet somewhere. 

"I sent out a distress signal before we were cut off. I'm sure they've already sent someone to come get us." He says lazily, arms crossed on his chest as he watched you try to think. 

You roll your eyes and take stock of what you had on you. No saber, obviously, no... anything. Frustration bubbled up inside of you, finding outlet in Anakin's bored features. 

Here you were, stuck in a cell with no way out, and he was acting like it was no big deal. You took a deep breath to calm yourself before turning to him.

"Can't you at least try and help me think of a way out?" you asked, trying to keep the anger out of your voice.

Anakin shrugged. "I've been trying, but it's not like I have my lightsaber or any of my other tools."

You knew he had a point, but you couldn't just sit there and wait for rescue. You looked around the cell, taking note of the stone walls and the metal door. There was a small vent near the ceiling, but it was too small for either of you to fit through.

You paced back and forth in the cramped space, "Ok fine. forget escaping - for now. Do you have any idea where we are? Who took us?" 

Anakin let out a sigh, his face twisted in a scowl. "I have no idea. This place is unfamiliar to me, and whoever took us must have jammed our senses somehow. I can't even use the Force to sense anything outside of this cell."

You nodded, glad he had some understanding the gravity of your situation. "So, what now?"

Anakin's eyes flickered to the metal door, his mind working. "We wait for our captors to show themselves. When they do, we take them by surprise and make our escape."

You raised your eyebrows in surprise. "And how do you propose we do that?"

Anakin smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I have my ways."

"Force, I hate you." You sit down in the opposite corner of his room and he looks at you with complete amusement. 

"What have I done?"

"Nothing. That's the problem." You say to his increasing agitation. “I’m sure you used to this by now but I don’t want to be locked up here!”

"Hey - what’s that supposed to mean?! Look, I can't magic us out of here! And I don't see you being very productive either!”

“Oh come on, this is not your first time locked up like this! You must be able to do something!” You say exasperated. 

He was getting wound up now. “I got nothing! I’m stuck here, same as you. We just have to sit here and wait.”

You huff, annoyed. 

Silence falls between you as you both settle in for the long wait ahead. The orange glow of the suns outside fades to darkness, leaving the cell in complete blackness. You're left to your thoughts and fears, wondering what fate awaits you at the hands of your captors. Wondering if Anakins eyes will ever leave your face. He has been staring at you for what feels like hours. Glaring, or gloating, something horrible. He always drove you crazy, it was supposed to be the quickest of missions otherwise you were sure to have put up more of a fight when the council paired you two up for it. 

So you sat here, frozen, feeling helpless as he stared, waiting for him to look away so he could think of some way to free you from your predicament. You didn't want his attention. So you simply sat quietly, trying to ignore him as best you could. 

 If Anakin kept looking at you like that, you might end up killing him, or worse, you might just go crazy under his gaze, lose your nerve and start kissing him.

No. Stop thinking about that. Just focus on the mission. You let your head lean back against the wall and let out a weary sigh, shivering slightly in the cold. 

As the moments dragged on in the dark cell, the tension between you and Anakin only seemed to grow. His intense gaze remained fixed on you, and you could practically feel the waves of irritation radiating from him. It was infuriating how he managed to push your buttons even in the direst of situations.

"Listen, I know we don't always see eye to eye, but if we're going to get out of here, we need to work together. Can you promise me that we'll put our differences aside for now? We need to be ready to face whoever has us, and I don’t want you using me as a human shield if it comes to it.”

You look up from your brooding and softened slightly, noticing for the first time some signs of agitation and fidgeting from you cell-mate, you nodded. “Fine. I'll do what it takes to get out of here safely. We can argue later."

He grins at that, posture relaxing slightly. “Ok then.” 

The two of you sat in silence once again, but this time it was a more peaceful one. You could hear each other's breathing, the rustling of clothes as you shifted your weight, and the occasional creaking of the cell door. It was in this stillness that Anakin spoke up once more.

"You know, I've been thinking," he began.

"Dangerous." You quip, and he rolls his eyes. 

"Fine, don't worry about it."

"No- No, come on please. I'm sorry!" You laugh at him a bit to ease the tension in the room.

"It's just- It's pretty cold in here."

"Yes"

"And it's going to get worse."

Oh. "Oh. Right well... You're right." Before you could think too much of it you stand up and go to sit beside him. Still leaving about a foot of space between you, much to his amusement. 

"I don't bite. Well... I won't" He seems to find this all too funny, patting the space right next to himself rather condescendingly. You had half a mind to go back to where you were before but you shuffle over, huffing again, choosing practicality instead of pettiness. At least you could be the bigger person.

Your shoulders were touching now and as the sky grew ever darker you legs found their way to each other as well. It was unconsciously done, minuscule movements over the hours drawing you together. 

You couldn't help but notice the way Anakin's body seemed to fit so perfectly against yours, as if it was meant to be there.

You could feel the heat emanating from Anakin's body, and it was a welcome relief from the cold stone walls. As fatigue won you over your head sunk with heaviness, ever closer to his shoulder. Until eventually the two of you were asleep, tangled together in the corner of the cell. 

And that's exactly how Obi Wan found you in the small hours of the morning…

[oldiesstationlover11607]

HIII BESTIEEE!!!

If you’re open to the idea of writing a Joseph!Reader x Josh enemies to lovers where reader has always loved hanging around the boys playing music and wants so hard to fit in with them but Josh is always pushing her away and doesn’t want her to join the band (because he knows he can’t have her cause she is Tyler’s sister 👀👀)

Tyty I can’t wait to see what you do with this !!!

Pushing me away - Josh Dun x Joseph!Reader

Warnings: Angst lol but it ends in fluff

Word Count: 3057 - long for you bestie

A/N: Hope you enjoy this! I low key love writing sibling fics for tøp! Can't wait for your next request :)

It all began when Tyler, Josh, and I hit the road for their summer tour. I had only known Josh for a few months, but Tyler managed to convince our mom to let me tag along, claiming it would be a “learning experience”—something about getting a firsthand look at the music industry. I wasn’t going to argue. Since their first garage practice, I’d been sneaking into every jam session, wanting to be part of the music, part of their world. But on tour, it quickly became clear that one thing stood in the way of that dream. One irritating, maddening, nearly six-foot-tall roadblock: Josh.

Tyler was obsessed with him. Josh this, Josh that—his best friend, his bandmate, practically his shadow. And at first, I was excited too. I'd always admired Josh’s talent from a distance, the way he made drumming look effortless, how he could light up a room with a laugh or a silly face. But up close, I quickly realized that something wasn’t right.

Every time I tried to hang out with them, Josh would find some subtle way to push me away. It started with little things, like asking me to grab something from the van while they set up. But then it escalated. “Oh, Y/N, you should check out the local sights!” or “Why don't you explore the city today? We’ll catch up later.” Every single time, like clockwork, I found myself alone, wandering streets I'd never been to, while Tyler and Josh bonded without me.

Today was no different.

“Y/N, can you grab some coffee? I heard there’s this amazing spot just down the street,” Josh asked, barely looking up as he spun a drumstick in his hand, cool and effortless. Tyler was sitting on the floor, adjusting some tracks on his laptop, completely oblivious. I had been curled up on a chair, humming along to Tyler’s chords, holding his ukulele while they ran through ideas for the night’s setlist.

I blinked, the weight of disappointment settling deep in my chest. “Uh… sure, I guess.”

The words tasted bitter. I had been so excited for this particular stop on the tour. I’d even highlighted it on my phone calendar, dreaming of watching them work together, getting a glimpse of what it felt like to be part of the music. But instead, I’d been reduced to the role of glorified coffee runner.

I set Tyler’s uke down, grabbed my wallet, and headed for the door, my footsteps heavy as I left the practice space. The sun was just barely beginning to heat up the sleepy city streets. It was early, too early for the ache of rejection that pulsed through me. But I didn’t want to make a scene. Not here. Not with Tyler watching.

The coffee shop was cute, at least. Small, with mismatched furniture scattered across the floor. The walls were painted in warm, inviting shades of cream and teal, with a bright pink neon sign in the shape of a coffee mug glowing behind the counter. I couldn’t help but smile at it. Neon signs were kind of my thing. Tyler and I had even turned it into a game—spotting them along the way to each city. I loved how they glowed against the dark, offering a bit of light when everything else felt dim.

I ordered the coffee and leaned against the aquamarine wall, waiting for the drinks to be ready when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I checked the screen: Mom.

“Hey, Ma,” I greeted, forcing a bit of cheer into my voice.

“Honey! How’s the tour? Are you having fun?” Her voice was filled with so much warmth, I almost felt guilty. I knew she was thrilled that Tyler and I were getting to spend this time together, and I didn’t want to crush that hope.

“It’s… good,” I lied, chewing on the inside of my cheek.

“Are you with the boys? Can I say hi to Tyler?”

My heart sank. “I’m, uh… grabbing coffee for them. They’re back at the venue,” I explained, trying to sound casual.

She hesitated. “Why aren’t you with them?”

I swallowed hard. “Josh—well, Josh’s been kind of… weird. Keeps finding ways to get me to leave them alone, I guess.” It sounded ridiculous now that I said it out loud.

Mom sighed softly, her voice gentle but firm. “Tyler mentioned something about that. He’s noticed, honey.”

Of course, he had. Tyler was always perceptive, probably more than I ever gave him credit for. “I just don’t get why Josh doesn’t like me. I’ve tried everything to fit in, but it’s like he’s always looking for ways to push me out,” I admitted, my frustration finally spilling over. “I just want to be part of what they’re doing. It’s like—like I don’t belong.”

Mom was quiet for a moment before she spoke. “Sweetheart, I’m sure it’s not about you. Sometimes… Boys are complicated. Maybe he’s just overwhelmed with the tour.”

I wanted to believe her, but I knew there was more to it. The way Josh would look at me when he thought I wasn’t paying attention. How his jaw would clench whenever I tried to be close to them. There was something else. Something he wasn’t saying. 

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I clutched the phone tighter. I didn’t know how to tell my mom what it really felt like—how every glance Josh gave me felt like a dagger, cutting through any hope I had of fitting in. But I couldn’t admit that. Not yet. 

“I guess,” I murmured, though I knew deep down there was more to it. Something Tyler hadn’t seen, something I couldn’t quite figure out. 

Mom’s soft sigh echoed through the line. “Give it time, Y/N. Things will get better. And don’t be afraid to talk to your brother about how you’re feeling.”

“I’ll try, Ma.” It was all I could promise. The barista called my name, and I pulled the phone away. “Gotta go, the coffee’s ready.”

“Okay, honey. Be safe. Love you,” she said, her voice warm and encouraging.

“Love you too,” I replied before ending the call.

I grabbed the drinks and started back toward the venue, my mind swirling with questions. Josh had always been distant, but now it felt like there was something heavier weighing on him whenever I was around. Maybe it was the tour stress like my mom said, but maybe… it was something else.

By the time I reached the venue, my hands were trembling slightly. I hated feeling like this—like I was always walking on eggshells, like I didn’t know where I stood. The sound of Tyler and Josh talking drifted out of the practice space as I pushed open the door.

“Thanks, Y/N,” Tyler grinned, walking over to grab his coffee. He gave me a quick side hug, as if he could sense the unease hanging around me.

“Yeah, no problem,” I mumbled, trying to focus on the warmth of Tyler’s brief hug instead of the way Josh was staring down at his drumsticks, avoiding eye contact altogether. It wasn’t unusual. He always found a way to look through me instead of at me.

I handed Josh his coffee without a word, forcing myself to keep my expression neutral. He muttered a quick “thanks” under his breath, still refusing to meet my gaze. The silence that followed stretched uncomfortably between us, broken only by the faint buzz of Tyler’s laptop in the background.

This was becoming unbearable. Every moment around Josh was like this—tense, awkward, like we were circling something neither of us wanted to confront. And I was tired. Tired of being the one pushed away. Tired of pretending it didn’t hurt every time Josh found another excuse to distance himself. 

Tyler was busy adjusting his laptop, his face focused on the screen as the next track queued up. I glanced over at Josh, who was tapping his drumsticks on his knee, a subtle frown creasing his forehead.

Suddenly, Josh stood up, muttering something about needing air before heading toward the door. My heart clenched. If I didn’t say something now, I wasn’t sure when I’d get another chance.

Tyler barely looked up from his screen. “Josh’ll be back. He just does this sometimes,” he said, more to himself than me.

But I wasn’t waiting for Josh to come back. I was done waiting.

I stood up, ignoring the fluttering nerves in my stomach, and followed Josh out the door. The bright afternoon sun hit me as soon as I stepped outside, the warm air doing little to calm the rush of adrenaline flooding through me.

Josh was sitting on the curb, head tilted back, eyes closed, breathing deeply as if he was trying to calm himself. For a moment, I hesitated, but then the memory of him constantly pushing me away flashed in my mind, and I knew I couldn’t keep holding back.

“Josh,” I called out, my voice firm but shaky.

He opened his eyes and glanced over his shoulder at me, his expression unreadable. He didn’t say anything as I approached, just watched me with that same guarded look he always wore.

I stopped a few feet away, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, trying to keep myself from trembling. “We need to talk.”

Josh’s gaze flickered with something I couldn’t quite place—guilt, maybe, or frustration. He let out a long breath before responding. “About what?”

“About this,” I said, gesturing between us, feeling the weight of the tension in the space between us. “About you always finding ways to get rid of me.”

Josh dropped his head, staring at the ground like the cracks in the pavement were suddenly the most interesting thing in the world. “I’m not—”

“Don’t,” I interrupted, my voice sharper than I intended. “Don’t act like you haven’t been doing it on purpose. I’ve tried to be patient, tried to be understanding, but I can’t do this anymore, Josh. I can’t keep pretending it doesn’t hurt.”

He flinched slightly at my words, his shoulders tensing as if they carried the weight of the world. For a moment, I thought he might ignore me, brush me off like he always did. But then he looked up, meeting my gaze with an intensity that made my breath catch.

“I’m not doing it to hurt you, Y/N,” he said quietly, his voice rough around the edges. “I’m doing it because I have to.”

My heart skipped a beat. “Why? Why do you have to push me away?”

Josh stood up then, running a hand through his hair, looking frustrated. “Because you don’t belong in this, okay? You’re not supposed to be here. You’re Tyler’s sister—”

“And what, that means I can’t be a part of this band?” I cut him off, my frustration bubbling over. “That I can’t be around you guys? I’ve been with you since the beginning, Josh! I love music as much as you do, and I’ve worked hard to fit in with you two, but you keep acting like I don’t matter.”

“That’s not what I mean,” Josh said, his voice softer now, almost pleading. “It’s not about you not belonging to the band. It’s about…” He trailed off, biting his lip, clearly torn between what he wanted to say and what he was willing to admit.

“What is it about?” I demanded, taking a step closer. “Because I don’t get it, Josh. If you don’t hate me, then why do you keep pushing me away?”

Josh hesitated, glancing around as if hoping someone else would swoop in and take over this conversation for him. When no one did, he let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

“It’s because I can’t… I can’t get close to you,” he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “Tyler’s my best friend. I’ve known him for years, and I owe everything to him. If he thought for a second that I—” He cut himself off, shaking his head. “I can’t risk screwing that up.”

“Screwing what up?” I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and something else—something I wasn’t ready to name just yet. “What are you so afraid of?”

Josh’s eyes met mine, and for a moment, everything was laid bare between us. His carefully constructed walls, the distance he kept, all of it crumbled in the intensity of his gaze.

“I’m afraid of what happens if I let myself feel anything for you,” he admitted, his voice breaking. “Because once I do, there’s no going back.”

His confession hung in the air, heavy and raw. I stood there, my breath catching in my throat, trying to process what he had just said. All this time, all the distance, wasn’t because he didn’t like me—it was because he did.

I blinked, trying to steady my breath as the weight of Josh's confession settled over me like a thick fog. All the moments I thought he was avoiding me, brushing me off—it wasn’t indifference. It was fear. Fear of something real, something he couldn’t control.

“You…” I started, my voice trembling. “You’ve been pushing me away because you’re scared of liking me?”

Josh's jaw clenched, and he let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his messy hair. “Not just liking you, Y/N. I already like you. I crossed that line a long time ago.” His voice was rough, like he was admitting something he never thought he’d say out loud. “It’s more than that. Once I let myself feel—if I let myself care—I don’t know if I can stop.” 

My heart raced, pounding in my ears as his words sank in. I took a shaky step forward, feeling the pull between us stronger than ever, the tension no longer something I wanted to fight.

“Josh,” I whispered, the space between us feeling impossibly small. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”

He shook his head, his eyes locking onto mine with a look that was equal parts longing and regret. “Because you’re Tyler’s sister. He’s my best friend, Y/N. If something happens between us and it goes wrong… I could lose everything. The band, him—you.”

I felt my throat tighten. I knew what he was saying made sense in his head, but it didn’t change the fact that it hurt. “But you’re already losing me,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Every time you push me away, every time you find a reason to avoid me—it’s tearing me apart.”

Josh looked down, his hands balled into fists at his sides. “I know,” he muttered, his voice thick with emotion. “I thought it’d be easier if I kept my distance, but… it’s not. It’s killing me, too.”

The vulnerability in his voice caught me off guard. Josh, the guy who always seemed so in control, so confident, was unraveling right in front of me. And suddenly, I wasn’t angry anymore. I wasn’t hurt. I just wanted him to stop hiding.

I stepped closer, so close I could feel the warmth radiating from him, the tension crackling between us like electricity. “Then stop,” I said softly. “Stop pushing me away.”

Josh’s eyes flicked to mine, and for a second, I saw a flash of something raw and desperate in his gaze. “You don’t understand, Y/N. If I let myself have this—have you—I don’t know if I’ll be able to let go.”

I swallowed hard, my heart racing. “Maybe you don’t have to let go.”

He stared at me, his breath shallow, like he was fighting every instinct to move closer. The air between us was charged, thick with everything we’d been holding back for so long. I could feel the pull, the gravity of what this moment meant. But Josh was still hesitating, still caught in the war between what he wanted and what he thought he had to do.

“Josh,” I whispered, reaching out and placing a hand on his arm. The contact sent a jolt through me, and I saw him tense under my touch. “You don’t have to be scared. We can figure this out—together.”

His eyes searched mine, his breathing ragged, and for a split second, I thought he might pull away again. But then, slowly, he reached up and cupped the side of my face, his thumb brushing gently against my cheek. The touch was so tender, so full of everything he hadn’t been able to say, and my heart felt like it might burst.

“I’m scared,” he admitted, his voice barely audible. “But I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” I promised, leaning into his touch, my own fear melting away in the warmth of his hand. “I’m right here.”

For a moment, neither of us moved, the weight of everything hanging in the air between us. Then, almost like he couldn’t fight it anymore, Josh leaned in, closing the gap between us. His lips brushed mine, tentative at first, like he was testing the waters, but the second we connected, it was like everything else disappeared. The kiss deepened, and all the tension, all the longing we’d been holding back came crashing to the surface. I felt his hands move to my waist, pulling me closer, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, not wanting to let go. It was everything I hadn’t let myself hope for—raw, intense, and real.

When we finally pulled away, both of us were breathless, our foreheads resting against each other’s. Josh’s eyes fluttered open, and the look in them nearly took my breath away. There was no more fear, no more hesitation. Just him—just us.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he murmured, his voice hoarse but steady. “But I’m not running anymore. I can’t.”

I smiled softly, my heart swelling with something warm and unfamiliar—something I hadn’t let myself feel before. “Good,” I whispered, my thumb tracing the line of his jaw. “Because I’m not letting you.”

He let out a breathy laugh, the tension between us finally easing, replaced by something lighter, something hopeful. We stayed like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other, the world around us fading into the background.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn’t feel like I was being pushed away.

//

Requests open!!

[goosewriting]

I am a SUCKER for enemies to lovers

So hear me out, reader is part of the mantis crew as a healer and for some reason cal and them just don’t get along. at. all. And maybe like, they put their differences aside for the sake of getting the holocron first (not without some tension and snipping at each other) but after that’s over, neither of them have anything to take their mind off the other so they end up sniping at each other and getting into arguments a lot more often and eventually reader storms off after cal had said something particularly scathing and she maybe gets into trouble in some way? Like she’s not the best at fighting but then her blaster jams up and she thinks she’s done for but cal had followed her and saves her? Anyway, it all ends in a super heated kiss? Idk just a thought lol

(If you did write this, could reader be short? Like I’m 5’2” and I don’t see many fics where my height is represented? If that makes sense? And since I headcanon cal as six foot..)

Anyway sorry for the longish request! Just thought I’d drop in something lol

Have a good day/night!!

Can't Stand to be With(out) You

summary: after getting on everyone’s nerves with their bickering, Cal and reader are put in time-out to finally make up. 

relationship: Cal Kestis x gn!reader

warnings: second hand embarrassment, making out 

word count: 3k

A/N: to be frank, this was one of the hardest Cal fics to write. the request and idea in itself is great and i’ve been trying to come up with something since the moment you sent it in, but it’s been SO hard to find a way to convincingly portray cal like someone reader doesn't get along with because i literally love him sm i can’t imagine him ever being anything other than a sweetheart with the people he cares about 😭 so yeah i hope i did your request justice!<3 i love short!reader so please do send in some more for cal when i open reqs :’) 

[all masterlists] 🪶 [star wars masterlist] 🪶 [ao3]

(english is not my first language. constructive criticism and grammar corrections are very appreciated!)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ever since the holocron was retrieved and destroyed, some deeper troubles seem to be coming to the surface amongst the Mantis crew. Or rather, between you and Cal specifically. Cere decided that the team should lie low for some time until comm chatter about them calms down again, so you currently find yourself on a moon somewhere in the Outer Rim.

Cal and you accompanied Greez to the local market to get provisions, and even in small things like these, you notice how much friction has bubbled up between you and the redhead. 

If you’re being honest with yourself, you’re so tired of Cal’s way of going about things. The way he always goes in sabres and blasters-a-blazin’ instead of strategising a little more. That one time he literally jumped off the Mantis mid-flight on Kashyyyk? Absolutely insane. 

Cal seems to think that stims or bacta will cure anything. He comes up so beat up sometimes that you’ve questioned his self-preservation instincts more than once. You give him a piece of your mind as well when he comes back to the Mantis like this, that he has to better take care of himself out there, as one day he might be so injured, he might not make it back in time for you to patch him up again. 

He suggested that the solution might be to take you with him, and for a low stake reconnaissance mission he did drag you along, but you both quickly realised that that was not your strong suit. You know he probably didn’t mean to, but still, he made you feel like you were slowing him down. And you were pretty helpless against local fauna and enemies, still not completely skilled at shooting your blaster, since you had never had to use one before.

And if that didn’t make you feel pretty useless that day, then you had to swallow your pride and ask him to get some supplies from the top shelf, as you’re too short to reach. This was, unfortunately, not a rare occurrence. And while he never openly made fun of your height, this was just a reminder of yet another aspect where he was “superior” to you. 

Bringing your focus back to the task at hand, you point to a basket of fruits, saying that you should get some. Meanwhile, Cal is looking at some pre-packaged food instead of fresh produce; he vouches for practicality, while you insist you should focus on nutrition. Greez rolls his eyes as you butt heads for what seems like the hundredth time today. 

Merely seeing Cal’s face brings up anger in you now. Your mind trails off again as he goes on about ration bars, thinking about how insufferable he is. The way he thinks the whole weight of the galaxy resides on his shoulders; what’s up with that? He is so harsh with himself when something doesn't go as planned. And then the whole team has to deal with his sulking. 

Having had enough of your antics, Greez sends you both back to camp to cool off while he takes care of the food. 

“And by the time we’re back, you better be best friends!” he calls as you leave the market.

Cere is currently elsewhere with Merrin getting intel. As you’re both walking side by side in spiteful silence, Cal takes out his comlink, hitting up Cere and asking if he can join her. The gall of this guy! You shoot him an incredulous look. Cere says no, however, and in a hushed voice makes it clear that she, too, is fed up with your bickering, so you should make up already. Then she hangs up. 

The whole walk back, Cal is restless and frustrated. He claims to be stuck on the moon, and he feels like they’re losing time, that he could be doing something. 

You stop dead in your tracks, and he looks back at you questioningly. 

“You're always going on about doing more and more. Why can’t you take a break and be happy about what you’ve already accomplished?” you blurt out, unable to hold back any more. “You’ve saved all those kids on the holocron list. In the past months, you’ve almost died so many times I’ve lost count. I understand the cause, but you’ve neglected yourself for too long. Heal and rest properly so you can still go out there to do… whatever it is you do.”

You regret your poor choice of words the moment they come out of your mouth. You didn’t mean to downplay Cal’s actions and the danger he gets himself into to save people or get intel. But at the end of the day, you don't actually know exactly what he does and how. You only see the end result in the state he comes back in.

“‘Whatever I do’?” he repeats incredulously with a scoff. “What do you think I do? I’m sorry I can’t stay inside the ship all the time playing nurse.”

Whatever intention you had of backtracking and rephrasing is thrown out the window. His words sting.

“Playing…?”

You haven't told him about the nightmares plaguing you, where you see him over and over, bleeding out, falling to his death, unable to rescue him. He dies in your arms every time.

But you’re not about to tell him that. So you storm off. Where to, doesn’t matter, you just need to get away from him. 

You can hear Cal calling out to you as he tries to keep up with your hasty pace, navigating through the maze of narrow passages that make up the village. At some point, you manage to lose him after squeezing through a rather small opening in the wall, and you stop to catch your breath. Your mind is reeling, and there are so many things you want to tell him but know will get you nowhere. The team wants, needs you to make up to function properly again, and you know it. You’re aware it’s not just him but you as well who has become extremely irritable, causing the team morale to sink considerably.

Leaning back against the brick wall, you groan in frustration. Why does it always have to be you to give in, and swallow your pride and words for the sake of a moment of peace on the Mantis? It’s not fair.

As you’re mulling over this, you don’t hear the steps quickly getting closer. By the time you realise what’s happening, a bandit is standing in front of you, holding a knife in his hand. You don’t really have anything to give him, so you quickly push yourself off the wall and make a run for it. Turning around mid-run, you try to shoot at the bandit, but of course your blaster gets jammed, so you throw it at him instead. The guy easily dodges the weapon, quickly closing the distance between you two. 

When he inevitably reaches you, he harshly grabs onto your arm, bringing you to a forceful stop and slamming you against the wall. There’s a blur of lights as Cal appears out of seemingly thin air, fighting off the bandit, who quickly escapes with a yelp of fear. 

You shake your head at Cal’s actions, so much for “lying low”; here he is, yet again, sabre out. 

“Put that thing away before someone else sees,” you reprimand him, looking around the passage, but luckily there’s no one. 

Cal retracts his weapon, clipping it back to his belt, hidden under his coat. He looks around one last time to make sure the coast is clear, then turns to you with a frown, surely to scold you, but whatever he was going to say dissipates, as does his anger, his face instead morphing into worry.

”You’re bleeding,” he points out, his hand coming up to your temple. But you swat him away, hissing as you touch the wound caused by getting slammed face-first into a brick wall. You look at the blood on your fingertips accusingly, like it’s to blame for this whole situation. 

You walk back to camp in silence, not without retrieving your blaster that you threw a couple streets further back. Cal follows a couple of steps behind you, and you don’t look back at him once. 

When you arrive, you’re glad to see the rest of the team hasn’t come back yet. You get your things and go to the refresher to use the mirror to patch yourself up. Cal wants to help, but you swat his hand away for the second time that day. So he leaves you alone to clean your wound and apply some bacta, then you place a little gauze over it. 

When you come back out, you find him sitting on his bunk, and he calls you to him, so you sit next to him, both of you surrounded by uncomfortable silence until he speaks.

”About what I said earlier–“

“Don’t,” you cut him off, shaking your head. “You’re so concerned about the entire galaxy out there that you forget the people right here with you.”

“What do you mean?” He looks at you, offended. 

The sound you produce is something between a scoff and a groan of frustration, starting to turn away. 

“I don’t forget about any of you!” he remarks, gently holding your shoulders to make you face him. “I couldn’t do this without you, and if anything, we’re doing this also for ourselves. Because we can, and others out there don’t have the chance to fight back.”

“Ugh!” You free yourself of his hold and stand up, pacing up and down in front of him. “You’re like, this all powerful being of legends, moving stuff with your mind, effortlessly picking your enemies off, while I'm back here, worrying about you to the point I can't sleep. All the time, but especially ever since we destroyed the holocron, you go around picking fights, going after imps without thinking of the consequences that could have for the rest of us!”

He looks at you, and you can feel your whole body shaking.

“Is that what you’re worried about?” he asks. “Nothing will happen to any of you, I’ll protect you.”

“But what if you can't!” Now you’re close to tears, sitting back down on his cot, looking up at him almost pleadingly. “What if you don’t come back?! Do you know how terrified I’ve been every time you left and I didn’t know what state you’d come back in, if at all?”

“Wha–”

This time, it’s your hands that come up to his shoulders, and you shake him back and forth lightly to emphasise your words.

“You say you’ll protect us, but who’s protecting you, Cal? I can’t go out there with you, we’ve already established that. But what if you need me? What if I can’t get to you in time? I could never forgive myself.”

“You’ve got it all wrong,” he says, taking your hands in his and giving them a reassuring squeeze. “The reason I can go out there in the first place is because I know you’re safe, and that you’ll be here when I come back.”

“That’s not sustainable at all,” you say with a huff.

“It’s worked this far, though, hasn’t it?”

There is a moment of silence as you hold each other’s gaze, and while you’ve seen his eyes a million times, for the first time you realise just how deep of a blue they hold. Were they always this beautiful? 

“So all this time, you’ve been worried about me?” he asks almost shyly.

“Obviously,” you answer. 

“I thought you disliked me. Some days even hated me.” 

“What? No. I mean–” 

He raises his brow questioningly, and as you’re trying to formulate an answer that encompasses that some days you can’t stand him but he, in fact, means so much to you, you look down at your hands still in his, and he holds onto them even tighter, as if scared that you might let go. 

“I mean, I, uhm,” you stumble over your words, looking back at up him, aware of the heat spreading on your face. “We’ve been part of this crew for a while now. I guess I’ve become rather… fond of you. As a colleague, you know.”

“Colleagues, huh,” he says, and a grin spreads on his face, an adorable blush adorning his freckled cheeks. “That’s too bad, because I think I just realised I, uh, like you. A lot, actually.”

You can’t help but laugh at the timing of such a confession.

“To think that all this time we were giving each other such a hard time,” you say, shaking your head.

“Maybe it’s better that way, though.”

“How so?” you ask.

“Had I known back then, it would have been infinitely harder to leave for missions. I know it certainly will be from now on.”

“I could still join you,” you joke, and you both laugh, knowing that that’s a bad idea for a multitude of reasons.

“Absolutely not. I’m not putting you in danger,” he says, his hands momentarily letting go of yours to gingerly run up and down your arms as he looks lost in thought, cherishing this moment. Then his eyes snap back to yours as if he suddenly remembered something.

“You said earlier you're so worried that you can’t sleep?”

“Ah, well, yeah,” you say with a slight shrug, trying to brush it off. “I’ve been having some nightmares, but nothing serious.”

Cal gives you a deadpan expression. 

“Yeah well, you know,” you try to come up with an explanation that holds the least amount of detail as possible. All the while, his soft caresses seem to light your whole body on fire. “You’ve come back pretty bruised at times. I was, am, scared that one day I won’t be able to patch you back up.”

“Believe it or not, I do know my limits. I wouldn't ever put myself in actual danger if I knew I was in over my head.”

“And I believe you. What I'm worried about is your ability to assess the situation.” 

“Ouch,” he chuckles. “Maybe I can just see more from where I stand.” 

You narrow your eyes at him.

“Do you mean through the Force, or are you actually calling me short right now?”

He grins.

“Oh, you better watch out for your kneecaps, young man, they might go missing one night!”

“Yeah? I’d like to see you try…  shortie.”

“Oh, that’s it!” 

You play wrestle him, and he scoots further back onto the cot, so you follow, throwing half-hearted swipes at him, until you realise that you ended up climbing on top of him.

“Ah, sorry–” you apologise, trying to lift yourself off of him, but he holds you down, bringing you closer by your hips so you’re straddling him, and he sits up with you on his lap.

“It’s not just blind arrogance, by the way,” he says, bringing his hand up to run his knuckles over your jaw. “I trust the Force and my Master’s teachings more than I trust myself. They haven't failed me yet. I'm here. I’ll be here tomorrow, and the day after. So please, the last thing I want is for you to lose sleep over me.”

“I’ll try.”

Cal properly cups your face with both his hands now, and you place yours over his, leaning into his touch. Your faces start inching closer, like a magnetic force is pulling you together.

“It might help if you’re there when I fall asleep, though,” you whisper, lips ghosting over his. “Just a hypothesis.”

“I’m sure that can be arranged.” 

When he finally kisses you, it’s like all the pieces of a puzzle fall into place. Everything makes sense now; the tension between you two, which had been there from the very beginning, was and had always been attraction. Disguised as snarky comments, arguments, glares and grumbles; in the end, you’d always find yourselves together, seeking out each other’s company.

As this realisation hits you, you feel a weight being lifted from your shoulders. But there’s a different weight on you now, one that you welcome, as Cal pushes you onto your back on his cot, climbing on top of you. He kisses you with desperation, as if making up for lost time, and you pull him closer, but it’s not enough. Everything you feel, taste, and breathe is Cal, and you don’t want this moment to end. He breaks the kiss momentarily for some much-needed oxygen, and attacks your throat instead. You bring one hand to your mouth in an attempt to stop the sounds threatening to escape, but it doesn’t work, and they only spur him on. Bringing his lips back to yours, his tongue finds your own. He snakes an arm around your back, further arching into him.

Suddenly, Cal flinches in surprise and pulls back, leaning on his elbows on either side of you.

“W-what?” you ask, out of breath.

“Cere is outside,” he merely says, a violent blush going from the tip of his ears all the way down to his neck.

“How do you…?”

“She was, uh, checking in, to see if we were here,” he says, unable to look at you.

“Well, can you tell her to… wait a bit longer?” you ask, running your fingers through his copper hair. His eyes find yours again and he tilts his head to the side, a smug smile starting to spread on his lips.

“Hm… You’re cute when you’re needy,” he says.

“Shut up,” you say with no snark whatsoever, chuckling. 

“Maybe we can take this somewhere else,” Cal proposes, leaving a trail of small kisses on your jaw. “There’s a pretty good spot up by the hills, it has a nice view.”

“Should we pack some dinner too?”

He takes a moment to look down at you underneath him, then smiles with hungry eyes, towering over you.

“Good idea, I’m starving.”

— — — — —

Meanwhile, outside: Cere pinching the bridge of her nose with a groan, Greez giving her a confused look, while Merrin looks strangely proud.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

🐥 taglist: [link to join in my pinned post!] @dybynyght, @galaxtic-writings, @kalea-bane, @soka-writes-things, @padawancat97, @riddikulus-obsessions, @optimisticprime3, @starilicious , @lovelyygirl8, @cathyket, @wildefire, @ghostkestis, @reckoning-star, @wyvernthekriger, @camiemorgan8, @ivelostmyabilitytoeven

[z3llous]

The Enemy of My Enemy is My Lover 5

Tags: @cloudcountry @ashengrottosangel @ghost-mint

part 1 / part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 (here)

Twst masterlist

After days of careful planning, much to Floyd’s dismay, and tracking couple’s movements the time for their first move came. Operation Get Shit had begun! It’s was Floyd’s turn to pick the name…

Jade sat quietly behind a bush with a pair of binoculars and watched the two laugh and drink wine in the restaurant across from him as Floyd groaned in boredom beside him. Floyd may not have been pleased to be on the spy team, but at least he was in charge of the distraction if it became necessary to buy time.

---

_ fiddled the two paper clips jammed into the lock carefully as Azul stood anxiously behind them. Azul was surprised _ knew how to pick a lock, but he refused to admit to even himself that he found it rather attractive.

The lock had begun to turn and just like that the door was open. _ calmly stood up, stretched, and slid the deformed paperclips back into their pocket.

“Well done, I hadn’t doubted you for a moment.” Azul said adjusting his tie.

“Sure, I definitely believe that.” _ joked and opened the door.

Once inside they _ began to search for and grab their things, and hand them to Azul so he could take them to the car nearby.

Floorboards creeked underfoot as they moved in the darkness

Sprinkles hadn’t been spotted yet, but it wasn’t surprising since they were known to hide when _ wasn’t around.

Once everything of theirs downstairs had been gathered, Azul decided to speak cat in hopes of drawing Sprinkles out of hiding.

“Your person is here for you!” Azul meowed loudly and waited for a response.

“Up here! I stuck!” A muffled yowl came from upstairs.

He carefully walked up the stairs toward the origin of the sound with _ right behind him. Their breathe tickled the back of his neck, causing a shiver to run down his spine.

“Here!” another muffled mew came from the back bedroom.

The room was a mess, clothes strewn across the floor, empty pizza boxes and bottles, the faint stench of sex lingering in the air, and a cloth covering a box for a nightstand.

A soft meow came from the makeshift night stand.

_ lifted the blanket to reveal a metal cage with a shaking Sprinkles inside.

“Parent!” Sprinkles cried upon seeing a safe familiar face once again.

They picked the lock with haste, deeply thankful for learning such a skill.

_ picked up their beloved cat and held them close feeling the soft fur between their fingers.

“Thank! Thank!” Sprinkles meowed as they happily nuzzled into their owner’s neck.

A soft smile spread across Azul’s face as he watched the happy reunion.

“Sprinkles has always had separation anxiety, since they were abandoned by their previous owner. They never liked Cassian, but Cassian always insisted that they would eventualy grow to like him.” _ whispered petting Sprinkles, before turning around to face Azul with a teary eyed smile, moonlight peaking from window highlighted their face. “Thank you. I know you agreed to help for selfish reasons, but that doesn’t matter right now. Thank you, I might’ve never gotten them back without your help.”

They look angelic

A warmth covered his face and filled his chest. Azul looked away and adjusted his glasses. “It was nothing, you’re welcome.” He said with a slight waver as he willed his confidence to return to him.

I refuse to have regrets this time

Azul forced his gaze back to their glowing face and smiled a genuine, albeit flustered, smile.

_’s heart skipped a beat from the rare and beautiful sight.

A beep came from Azul’s pocket, he pulled out his phone.”We need to leave soon, They’re paying for the bill as we speak.” He frowned. A shame the sweet moment came to an end.

“Buy us a few more minutes, to make sure we got everything.” Azul texted back to Jade in the group chat.

That private texting app, had come in quite handy. There wasn’t single messaging app more secure from prying eyes in existence. Once something was deleted from a chat, it was gone for good. He’s was glad he made that deal with Idia last year.

Ball Master: so booooooooooring and grooooooooss watching them make googly eyes at eachother ◔_◔ Mountain Lover: They’re paying the bill. Azul The Manager: Buy us a few more minutes, To make sure we got everything. Ball Master: FINALLY CHAOS TIME!!! Mountain Lover: Indeed.

Azul put his phone away and followed _ to the car.

Mission Get Shit was a success.

Hmmm wonder what Azul could regret?

[tapedsleeves]

get rec'd - just so so so late

hi. it's me again, hargaret. It's been a while.

Follow me out of this abyss - by @kllovk

nathan mackinnon / jonathan drouin, E, 30,427

An interesting take on A/B/O dynamics that had me captivated until the end.

fragile like a bomb by @zepuckinghockey

Adam Larsson / Vince Dunn, E, 3878

Adam is just looking for a good time in the heat room. Surely Vince is good at sex. Right? this is suuuch a fun premise. I love it when sex doesn't go perfectly i love it when dynamics are a little malleable, i loved this fic thru & thru.

running from ghosts by remyjane

nicklas backstrom / alex ovechkin, M, 19301

Nicke is secretly a prince. this fic doesn't feature heavy on romance but it is REALLY big on hurt / comfort and I LOVED it.

dare not speak its name by @droumack

nathan mackinnon / jonathan drouin, E, 42,622

Nate and Jo weren’t actually always friends. I gotta say - this short and sweet title didn't give me much to go on, but it did entice me. I waited for this fic to be completed with baited breath. I was soooo excited to read it. And when i did, i was blown away. This was SUCH a unique take on Dom/Sub dynamic fics and i was REALLY into Jo's POV even while he was being the most oblivious person on earth. Just. all around a perfect 5 out of 7 stars.

care and feeding by @spangledleatherponcho

tim stuzle / brady tkachuk, E, 10260

Brady learns something about Timmy. Aka the bunnicula fic. sometimes you learn your bunny best friend is a vampire and maybe you're into it.

i don't want to live love this way by @lurlur

vince dunn / adam larsson, e, 7057

a breakup in slow motion. this is SUCH a heartbreaking fic, because they break up and do NOT get back together which isn't normally my jam, but this is just. so well written and heartbreaking. Adam and Vince both have such unique and well reasoned POV's and I really, really love it.

to climb two mountains by @gaybroons

tyler myers / quinn hughes / nikita zadorov, E, 2191

read the title. you know what this is about. it's really really hot & well written DP.

i'm ready to journey again by thunderingskies

quinn hughes / elias petterson, E, 12192

Quinn and Petey were hooking up and it takes a long time for Quinn to realize that his feelings go way beyond that. This fic is just. oh man i love a good fwb to lovers fic and this one is *chef's kiss*

from this day forward series by @wymgreenteam

Nico Hischier / Jack Hughes ( / Jonas Siegenthaler), E, 91664

This series is based on a Swiss Royal Nico, arranged marriage to Jack & secretly in love with them both Jonas (in the sequel). Listen. This fic has everything. Enemies to lovers. Best friends to lovers. Polycules. Angst. I love it so so so much and reread it regularly. It's one of my favorite comfort fics.

take my hand, take my whole life too by @thatsnotbuddies

Jack Eichel / Noah Hanifin, T, 1817

jack and noah get vegas married. this fic is SO soft and SO lovely.

soft as it began by @droumack

nathan mackinnon / jonathan drouin, E, 41499

Nate & Jo get drafted together as mates - but Nate insists at first that it's platonic. I really liked this one as well, this author really has a way with angst that i really really dig.

[whatupcherry]

Levihan Fics that will change your brain chemistry

134340 by JamJamho (I believe their tumblr has been deleted)

THE. METAPHORS. OMG. This fic had me starting to space for 15 mins out of pure awe. Its space,levihan, slow burn(?), idiots in love what else would you want from a fic? Jam has some other amazing works and make sure to read some of their other works!

Reverberation by alteirkay (her lovely tumblr @sayonarasanit )

oh my god this fic. once again had me stunning at like 3 am. Childhood best friends, coming of age and WITH ANGST AND MORE ANGST. Watching levi and hanges characters grow was smth else. I was crying by the end but i don't know if they were tears of joy or sadness. Is definitely in my top 5 maybe even top 3. Once again pls go read some of her other works they are all amazing.

Somewhere Only We Know by someonestolemyshoe (their amazing tumblr @someonestolemyshoes)

Gosh this fic was mind blowing rlly. also Noticing a pattern? I'm a sucker for coming of age. Probably on of the most creative fics I've read. A summer falling love teenager fic for sure. Spent a whole day reading it. Levis development this fic was smth else rlly. Def in my top 3.

Worth A Thousand Words again by someonestolemyshoes

Short (depends on ur definition of short it is like 7k) and Sweat. Again a coming of age! Levi takes photos of Hange their whole lifes dasicaly and it is just adorable. Soft with a tad bit of angst.

Rager Teenager by smallblip (her stunning tumblr @smallblip)

I always try to call this fic binary stars More Space and more Levihan! Meet Cute to a developing relationships has one of my fav lines in fanfiction. Was one of my first fics on ao3. I'm gonna call it a coming of age cause its a college AU.

Catch Me If You Can by fanmoose12 (her beautiful tumblr @fanmoose12)

A Friends to Lovers ish to Enemies to Lovers Fic, The banter with the characters (and not just levihan) are the my favorite thing about this fic. Had me SCREAMING. A good crime/detective fics.

Happy by Little Lasagne (Her brilliant tumblr @littlelasagne)

This fic is so adorable. Levi becomes less emotionally constipated and is a fire fighter who gets in the hospital for the smallest thing. Has my heart had me giggling the whole time.

Please support these amazing works and authors!!!

Enjoy!!!

[cyberdragoninfinity]

Okay I know I was just here with III but I just got absolutely sledgehammered by the Arc-V ending (WTF) (Shun deserved better) so uh. Thoughts on Shun Kurosaki?

AHHAHAHAHA GOD. IM SO SORRY. IT'S. ROUGH. STAY STRONG MY FRIEND i would love to talk about shunshay kurosakiobsidian tho!

Why I like them/why I don’t: BIRD AUTISM IS SO COOOOOL I love that he's just so absurdly serious in a frequently deeply goofy yugioh, like GIVEN HIS SITUATION IT MAKES A LOT OF SENSE but it's still so funny. guy who takes it up to an 11 when most situations really need maybe only a 5. his dub voice rules also he's got the zane thing where he's either muttering angrily or SCREAMING and i always love that sort of vocal performance hehehe. also lbr raidraptors are just so fucking cool. just a guy and his 3892893435 bigger and bigger birds that are guns. i also need to be real shay is one of those yugioh characters where i decided they were a butch lesbian in my brain and my enjoyment of them just shot right through the roof. transfem shay youre so real to me. thumbs up

What I like about their appearance: AGAIN ARC V CHARACTER COLOR PALETTES JUST RULE SO HARD the different shades of teal in his hair, the pop of red in his bandana, that deep indigo of his trench coat...it's such a good palette he has a very striking design.

Do I prefer their dub names or original names? i incline towards shay more but shun has grown on me more over tim... im starting to do the ryozane thing where i just jam both names together sometimes lol.... i think i like obsidian as a surname more than kurosaki though

OTP: im an aro lesbian shayshun truther and i dont really have any ships for him im like frothing TOO too much at the mouth about...i do like the idea of crow/shay especially as a butch birder4butch birder thing though

NOTP: shay/dennis is like..... man i Like a good enemies to lovers but this one doesnt feel great to me. the optics on 'guy who lost everything in a horrific war crime' x 'guy who gave the ok for that war crime to happen' are kind of. not great. not my favorite. idk. also thats a dyke and a gay man to me but ANYWAY

OT3: this is absolutely not the romantic sense of 'ot3' but i do love the xyz trio so much. characters who deserve the goddamn world

Favourite card they use: i do love satellite cannon falcon. world's most absolutely unnecessary gigantic robot bird thats also a gun that has to literally leave the atmosphere to attack. insane. i love yugioh.

Favourite moment they were in: yeah on that note it's the shay/dennis friendship cup duel. he fucking blew that twink up with his giant space falcon and also the entire stadium too and he probably would have beat dennis to death with his bare hands if he didnt get stopped. and it KICKED ASS.

Least favourite moment: LITERALLY THOUGH LIKE. WHY DID THEY DO THAT TO SHUN IN THE LAST LIKE 4 EPISODES OF THE SERIES...... why did they make him just effectively lie down and take that absolute dogshit hand they dealt him for no fucking reason. his best friend and his sister are effectively dead. but la la la yuya beat him so it's fine :^) WHY COULDNT HE HAVE DUELED YUTO...HE WAS THERE.. IN YUYA'S BRAIN...WOULDVE BEEN NICE. 8| GOD.

Something I associate with them: this onion headline

[pink-heart-jam]

30 Days of BL Challenge

Day 29: a BL manga with my favorite cliché

Enemies rivals to lovers has always been my jam (hello, Drarry fam 👋) and I’m constantly looking for a good BL with that trope, bonus points if it’s in a college/university setting. Semantic Error and Part-Time Partner deserve a shoutout here, they are so fun and entertaining! Pretty characters, great banter, hot smut - there’s never a boring chapter. I love the fuck buddies dynamics going on in PTP, the characters have top notch chemistry and the clear communication + lack of toxicity combo feels very refreshing. Highly recommend both manhwa!

[ofxendless]

*literally screams from the rooftops* PLEASE RP WITH ME XOXOX

Tags: FC's • Opposites • Plots

Hi! You can call me C, I go by she/her, and below is some info about me!

*warning: it’s long.

fair to ask yourself: is she really worth it?

To that, I say: nah probably not*

• I’m 25 and I will only interact with those over 21.

• My tumblr will seemingly always and forever screw me over and not show me messages properly, so please feel free to head straight to my discord at cee98x

• I’ve been roleplaying since what feels like forever. I started super young one summer before school started up, and I’ve been on-and-off ever since. I began in roleplay groups roleplaying Harry Potter, then got really into The Vampire Diaries-verse, and have also enjoyed Percy Jackson, supernatural town, royal rpgs, and a bunch I’ve popped into over the years.

• I do come from a land down under *cue the flute*. So AEST timezone, but my schedule is alll over a lot of the time.

• I’m looking to rp over discord. Fair warning, I am still getting the hang of rping on there and I have no idea how to do real fancy stuff but I’m a quick learner so we’ll be fine. I still feel like it was yesterday when I dragged my feet big time transferring from roleplaying on facebook to tumblr. Ah, time flies.

• I’m a very easy going person! Your length, I’ll match. Your ideas? I’ll pretty much lap up everything. Hate fandom rp? Cool not an issue at all! Hate oc rps and prefer fandom? Wicked! If I don’t know the lore well, I’ll wing it! Struggling to get a reply out? No stress! I’m well passed putting so much pressure onto things that they feel like a chore. I’d love to chat about our ships and discuss fc’s and get excited and really have some fun!

• I play mostly female muses! I know, I’m so terribly cliche, but I am pretty meh with male muses. Although, it’s been a long time since I’ve given it a go and I’m always happy to compromise! Very much wanting sapphic plots too!!

• I’m open to smut and most ideas! Don’t like super dark kinks or anything too out there but, again, always willing to try new things within reason! Plot and smut should be balanced. I also have no triggers.

• Some fandoms I’d be interested to rp if that was your jam would include The Vampire Diaries, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, True Blood, Teen Wolf, The Umbrella Academy, Bridgerton, The Sandman, Doctor Who, and I’m sureee there’s more I am forgetting. This also includes creating OC’s set in any of these universes.

• Some themes I’d loveee to explore include supernatural/fantasy/paranormal, enemies to lovers, best friends to lovers, boss/employee or professor/student, soul mate/ride or die/meant to be, fwb, ewb, age gap (legal!), horror, crime, mystery, and soo much more honestly

• Face claims I’d die to use include Renee Rapp, Emily Bader, Maia Reficco, Madison Iseman, Anya Taylor Joy, Camila Mendes, Elisha Applebaum, Hannah Dodd, Sadie Soverall, Adelaide Kane, Anya Chalotra, Simone Ashley, Josephine Langford, Danielle Rose Russell, Abigail Cowen, Conor Leslie and Zaria Simone

• Fave opposites include all of the above and more, Bill Skarsgard, Matthew Daddario, Noah Centineo, Robbie Amell, Henry Cavill, Rege-Jean Page, Aria Shaghasemi, Ross Butler, Jacob Elordi, Glen Powell

I WOULD RISK IT ALL FOR THESE PLOTS:

1) Based on a fave book series of mine, but honestly does not need to have any relation to it and can be adapted to any ideas. Basically, girl runs away from home in her mid teens, meets guy around her age who takes her in with him and his guardian who have some secrets, turns out they’re *some type of supernatural creature idk can be whatever we like*. Turns out she has some illness that he can’t cure alone and he has to agree to hand her over to his enemies so that they can cure her, but it also will wipe her memories and she will forget her life before. Fast forward a few years, he’s never stopped protecting her but he’s never gotten close because he can’t bear it. She just happens to go with her friends to the club he now owns. Drama ensues.

2) ““oh, can we take it nice && slow?” two strangers who meet every weekend at a club. nothing but first names are shared. they use each other to relieve the stress of their weeks. hot && heavy dancing. making out on the dance floor. on occasion hookups in the corner of the club. but the moment they leave the club, it’s as if they don’t exist. their chemistry is electric, but there unspoken complications in their lives that they just understand. it isn’t until a new monday comes around && she walks into the office to meet her new boss. oh, shit. her weekend hook up is her new boss. she assumes he’s married with the ring on his finger, she has no idea he’s widowed && he has no idea that she has a child at home”

3) “OR hey what about a historical plot where Muse A and Muse B are both next in line to the throne of their neighbouring countries that once used to be one nation. There’s been a push for many years to unite the kingdoms once more, and many want Muse A and Muse B to marry in order for it to happen. But, Muse A and Muse B absolutely hate each other, and can’t stand the idea of being around one another. Until, they’re forced into the engagement by their parents, and are made to spend countless hours with one another. Lots of bickering, and tension ensue, as they get closer asdfjkl”

4) “plot where ‘i had a bad break up with my ex of 4 years who cheated on me, and treated me like dirt and wow i just found out i’m pregnant and he’s the father so here comes the emotional breakdown and late night pounding on his front door. But oops you’re not him, you’re his brother and you’re being really kind to me and calming me down, and those kisses on the top of my head are so new to me.’ also referred to as the plot where Muse A is pregnant, her manipulative ex boyfriend is the father, however Muse B aka his brother had always had a thing for Muse A. The night Muse A comes banging on his brothers door while Muse B is staying there for a while, he consoles her and decides to help her through the break up and pregnancy. However feelings get involved, drama, fights, and his older/younger brother isn’t so happy about it. Yes pls”

5) “maybe a plot where muse a and muse b broke up like five years ago and then muse a got a call from muse b’s parents telling him that she got into an accident and had temporary amnesia and only remember the time when they were together so they’re asking him for a favor to go back home?”

6) two muses who hate each other and are constantly competing at everything and everyone thinks they can’t stand each other but oh wait you’re really hot let’s have angry sex oh no wait now i have feelings

7) This, this, this, this, this, and these!

If you made it this far, I salute you friend! If it sounds like we might get on, give this a good ol’ like and I’ll annoy you! Cheers!

[alienoresimagines]

https://www.tumblr.com/alienoresimagines/758714669260242945/what-are-some-tropeshc-youd-like-to-see-more-in?source=share

Honestly? Something very cliche and romantic. Post war domesticality, Mutual pinning, enemies to lovers, highschool/college AU and fluff and smut. And preferably bottom!Gale. I love those cliche kdrama tropes too like rich businessman and poor employee. Basically something I don't have to bang my head to understand the universe

Akdif that is so real anon, sometimes you just want a nice read that doesn't have worldbuilding so you can dive in immediately 😩

It's so fun to play with all these tropes with Clegan (although I don't think I've ever seen Enemies to Lovers with them? Strangers to Annoyed to Friends maybe but it's a fun thing to think about! Though it's a bit hard for me because I can't see them not in love or pining from the start lmao, so the closest I can get is Academic Rivals in Flight school, but the tension of them being enemies with both of their competency kink gping haywire when they see the other? Chef's kiss)

Post-war domesticality!!! That's the good stuff 🥹 Them finally getting the end they fought for and survived for, that one light that kept them walking through it all 🥹 They deserve it so bad, I understand why you'd want to see more of it 😭 All the fluff and the sweetness 🥰

Mutual pining is my absolute jam, even if it's painful sometimes but it makes them finally being together so much sweeter 🥹

It's really fun to put them in worlds other than canon, to explore how they'd be both as individuals and together without the trauma of war 🥹 We're lucky to have really good HS/College AUs in the fandom but there's never enough, there's too many possibilities to explore 😊

Who can say no to fluff and smut ? They're so in love with each other, it flows in every word 🥹 Luckily for us, their ao3 tag has plenty of wonderfully written smut 🥰 Ahh, I feel you with Bottom!Gale, I personnaly prefer it too (personal hc, ofc) so it's mostly what I try to write/imply but there are some awesome fics with Bottom Gale on ao3 too 🤗

I don't watch K-dramas but I hear the slow burn is really slow so it's perfect for the Buckies 😂

But you're absolutely right, we need more "romantic clichés" for the Buckies, because they could fit it so well, and it's so much fun to escape canon every once in a while 🥰 The possibilities are endless and are all so good, you're a genius Anon ❤️

And so a friendly reminder to everyone that just because it's a "romantic cliché" doesn't mean you shouldn't write it! Write what you want to read and what you have fun with, even if it's been written or explored before because your story will always be different than what's already out there, and there will always be someone to read it 💕 and honestly, who can resist a good romantic cliché ?

What are some tropes/hc you'd like to see more of in Clegan fics?

[thenwhatthefukcisthis]

Arthur didn’t miss the militarisation; he chose to omit that information : a word salad

I don’t think there’s a single mistake in movie history that has riled up this many people as arthur darling missing militarisation of Fischer. It’s (beautifully, always) taken as the moment eames shows arthur “it’s okay bb I love you” in all the fics ever (keep doing that please it’s my jam) and over the past 13 years people have been toying different ideas trying to figure out the reason for the best point man in the industry to miss such important detail of the job.

nobody asked, but here’s my two cents on it.

But first, lemme briefly mention the theories I have seen so far in the fandom regarding this

1. Arthur missed it. Just as it’s portrayed in the movie. He’s just human and humans are bound to make mistakes. There’s no mystery/backstory/explanation; he just missed it. cause even tho he strives to be, he isn’t 100% perfect.

(it’s very possible, but where’s the fun in this explanation cmon)

2. Arthur missed it cause he was too burned out by the long two years of babysitting cobb and he was too busy in inception job itself playing mentor to Ariadne while doing his point man duties

(I agree. totally. He needed to be wrapped in a blanket and fed cookies 30 seconds in to the damn movie)

3. Arthur didn’t miss it. He hid the fact intentionally to con the team. He was double crossing cobb/Eames and was actually helping cobol/CIA so he made the job difficult by keeping it a secret

(I’m not overly fond of this explanation, and it’s doesn’t ring true with the canon, but I see the appeal. The whole eames/arthur enemies to lovers extravaganza *chefs kiss*)

4. Arthur didn’t miss anything. Fischer wasn’t militarised. The projections were cobbs, including that giant ass train.

(Im not smart enough to completely understand this explanation but it’s a big brain idea *applause*)

so.. now onto the silly little idea I had.

(this could very well be an already discussed idea, I’m waaaaay late to the party, but I just haven’t come across it so far. Please bear with me if you’ve mentioned/seen someone mention it anywhere)

What if..what if it was arthur himself who militarised Fischer. What if it’s a job he did while running around the world with cobb and he did it from everyone?

in actual, real world, country hopping, funding lawyers, paying for law suits and funding for two kids actually need a truckload of money. While the Miles couple must’ve helped with some of those expenses, there must’ve been a huge amount of balance for cobb to cover, and despite being a runaway dad, cobb must’ve tried his best to make things at home were going smooth at home, taking as much jobs he could get, even the riskier and shadier ones.

however, with his mind falling apart and mal being not so lovely, there must’ve been a moment the efforts just weren’t enough. Cobb wouldn’t have mentioned it or more likely, wouldn’t have even noticed it, cause if the movie is any indication, the tabs must’ve been kept by a certain very meticulous point man.

arthur ,more than anyone else, knew how much cobb wanted to see his children and how hard he was trying to get his name cleared and get back to them. so, letting cobb know that he wasn’t dong enough as a father and a protector was definitely out in arthurs book.

so what if, while pretending for both his and cobbs sake that everything was just fine, arthur started taking up extra work to fill out those gaps? certainly not heavy inception-level work, but the ones which would only require a point man or just an architect. jobs without too much trouble, almost legal and which could be done in between jobs.

and arthur wouldn’t have minded missing a few nights sleep here and there, if it meant the lawyers keeping the feds off cobbs back were paid and happy. he knew his best friend was already beating himself up for mal, both the real life person and the projection and leaving such young kids alone, so even when cobb grumbled about research being completed late, arthur never let cobb know it’s cause he’s also handling another jobs research and add to the staggering weight of guilt his friend carried.

so what if, militarisation of Fisher was one such run-in-the-mill job that was done in super secrecy? Arthur was consulted when fishcer senior fell ill, arthur flew in (stateside), met Robert barely once, did the job and flew back.

when inception came along, arthur was obviously in a nice little pickle and he knew he had to talk cobb out of it (in the movie, we could see arthur being wary of inception from the get go, and while the extreme chance of utter failure could’ve been the reason, this could also be the reason why he didn’t wanna go through with it *cue stabby salad scene*) there was no way arthur could tell this to cobb without hurting him as then he would’ve had to explain all the rest to him as well.

being the point does mean he has to know it all, but it never says the others also have to know as much he does. so arthur keeps it hidden, but takes all the precautions; he makes sure everything is planned well and that everyone is trained in gun combat ( even the first class flight attendant specially the first class flight attendant ), knowing that worse that could happen would be dying in a dream, which for arthur, only meant waking up at that point. arthur was sure they could go thru with it cause as he says in the movie “it’s nothing they haven’t dealt with before”.

I love the level of calmness arthur was exuding when cobb tears him a new one and while it could be simply because arthurs life long experience of dealing with cranky cobb, there was also this hint of resigned “I’ve been expecting this” nature to his demeanour that was too calm, even for arthur. He tries to calm cobb down in the most placating manner cause Arthur must’ve decided that he deserves whatever that’s coming along his way and has been ready to take the blame since day one and tries his damndest to make sure everyone makes it out alive cause he was prepared and was sure. arthur didn’t mind playing the betrayer so that cobb could walk away guilt free out of inception.

however, what arthur never, ever expected was the person he has considered as his closest friend, to betray him and everyone else in the worst possible manner.

[risingshards]

I've been hovering around a subscriber number and it's been going up and down a bit and cuz it went down a chunk today I'm a lil anxious, I worry about everything constantly so this probably isn't a big deal, but instead of dwelling on it I'm gonna try and self promote and maybe overcome this subscriber hurdle! So Self Promo Saturday in addition to Storyteller Saturday? Is that a thing already?

Anyways, if you've followed me for a while you've probably seen me talk about my main series, Rising Shards!

Rising Shards is my passion project, a super long web novel that updates Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It's always tough for me to explain it, but in short it's part fantasy series, part slice of life, part comedy, part adventure, part romance. It's got a huge cast of characters that a vast majority of are queer!

What's life like in a world where monster folks called Cani are as normal as rainy days? What's it like to juggle learning how to use your powers on fantasy adventures with taking tests and giving speeches in class? How about balancing having crushes and getting over breakups with growing tails or having full on werewolf moments? That's what Zeta Faleur, a trans girl getting over a bad breakup, has to do when her fangs come in and she has to go to a Cani school.

Other main characters have to deal with similar issues as well. Zeta's best friend Oka, a kindhearted girl with a troubled upbringing struggles to fit in at school, gets her first crush around the same time she gets her first role in a school play. Kalei, a snarky gamer jock, begins to find her own identity and all the angst and joy that comes with it. Lillia, a by the books honor student, goes through as many crushes as she gets good grades, but what happens when someone finally likes her back? Longtime friends Aira and Laenie face off with the prospect of drifting apart, while similarly close besties Iris and Maia deal with getting closer. Marmalade, a trans girl who is a late transfer to Rising Shards, strains with self doubt and acceptance. Roux goes on a gender focused journey and finds confidence in themselves. Zeta's older sister Stella starts crushing on Zeta's teacher, Dr. Evy Diast, but are there sparks between them? (given that these two also have an 18+ side series which can be read here, the answer is probably yes).

And that's just a chunk of the characters, yes there are somehow more, including wizards, pop stars, goofy principals, princesses, wannabe hall monitors, filming experts, coffee lovers, gambling obsessed gremlins, mean girls, exes, and enemies! I love stories with a huge cast of characters and actually spent time in college getting my writing degree writing essays about series that juggle tons and tons of characters. For the others, you'll have to read the series to meet them! :)

If the length of the series is intimidating (understandable!), I like to think of it like a TV show or a long manga or light novel series. It may be a ton of chapters and words and such, but they're split up into episodes and seasons, so each chunk of episodes is a complete little arc like a TV episode, and each season completes a big story. With such a huge cast and the way I pace the story, I try to use the space I have to the fullest to spend lots and lots of time with the characters.

If you wanna check the series out, it'd mean the world to me. And big bonus if you subscribe as well. :) If Tapas isn't your jam, Rising Shards is also available on Scribble Hub!

Art for Rising Shards is done by the wonderful Flopicas!

[nifolution]

Love Me Again

Pairing: Jake Jensen / Plus-size Reader

Summary: Jake was back, but the Loser’s sixth member is still M.I.A.

Warnings: fluff, angst, feels, bad attempt at humor, guns, killings, mention of memory loss, post breakup, enemies to lovers

A/N: This is a revised copy of my oc fic. It is still written in 3rd person. No stealing, no reposts, no translations, no feeding to AIs. Comments, reblogs and likes are always welcome and appreciated.

You Loved Me Once    Main Masterlist     

Clay’s unit awaited him in a motel parking lot in Adelaide. He secured their post mission rooms and returned keys in hand. "Okay, I got good news and bad news... We can all look forward to hot showers, clean sheets, and a complimentary breakfast. However, there were only three rooms available, so we will have to share.”

The responding groans of protest were expected. “Would you prefer to sleep on the ground for another night? No? So shut your pieholes.” Clay pocketed one of the keycards and set the remaining on the vehicle in front of him. “Aisha will be sharing with me. One room has a king, the other two double beds. Work it out amongst yourselves.”

Wordlessly, Jensen, Cougar and Pooch launched into a game of rock paper scissors. It had been weeks of travel, tents and living on top of one another. The victor cheered, scooping up the keycard to the private room.

“No! Come on, best two out of three.” When his friend shook his head, Jensen changed tactics, “I’ll give you that bitching crossbow I got last op if you switch with me… my watch… a hundred bucks. I’ll even throw in a foot massager, top of the line.”

“No way man. I need a night to myself. The Pooch has earned this.”

Jensen hung his head, accepting defeat. Bunking with his bestie wasn’t so bad, at least there were separate beds. Sharing one with Cougar wasn’t fun, the man was a cover hog. Jake was still grateful Clay reinstated him eight months ago. His teammates were ambivalent about him at first, but eventually everything returned to normal. Well, almost everything.

---------------

The Loser’s current operation led them to South Australia. They’d been hired by a distraught (and wealthy) father as part of a rescue team. He hadn’t seen nor heard from his daughter, Isla, in two years. She had been kidnapped by an illegal arms dealer who forced her into marriage. All prior attempts to get her back had failed. No amount of negotiation, payment, threats or pleading could sway the nefarious man to return her.

A rendezvous with the rest of the group at their makeshift campsite, plus a thirty minute drive east put the Humvees at the perimeter of the target’s estate. “Alright, you all know the drill,” Clay barked into the comms. “We get our asses in there, extricate the woman, send her back to her daddy, and take down anyone that stands in our way.”

Meanwhile their tech genius had already hacked into the system to disable the security and jam communications. Once the cameras powered down, Pooch floored it, ramming through the gate, the other two vehicles followed close behind.

“Eww... This guy’s got raptors picking at a bunch of bones and sinew on his property, always a good sign. You’d think he'd want to be more inconspicuous.”

Pooch’s face scrunched up at the image, “Pretty sure that's just a dead animal.”

Jake shook his head, pursing his lips in mock disapproval. “There's a lot of places to bury a body in a vineyard, all I’m saying. Keep the place tidy.”

“Thanks for the tip,” Aisha deadpanned.

“What do you call that… carrion, right?”

Clay grumbled from the front, “I'm close to calling it Jensen.”

“Yes, sir. I hear ya loud and clear. Shutting up…” he paused for dramatic effect, “now!”

---------------

“This whole goddamn thing’s going tits-up!” Clay had thought his team was prepared, ready to engage the moment they entered the property, but the intel their employer provided was crap. The location was more heavily armed than believed. His unit was at a disadvantage despite the extra help. Outmanned and outgunned, a few men were down and one lost within the first ten minutes.

“Well look at the bright side, we're outside enjoying some fresh...” Jensen’s quip went unfinished as he dove for cover. Incoming drones zoomed through the air spraying bullets. They must have been linked to an independent off sight system because the primary and secondary security had been obliterated. 

Jake focused the scope of his rifle, aiming at the nearest flying pest. “Here birdie birdie…” ‘Wait. That - that’s.’ Still in disbelief, he shouted, “Guys! Guys, that's one of Y/N’s drones!”

Pooch was skeptical, “How can you be sure?”

“Cause they’re like my step kids. Franny, Freddy, Felix, Frank and Foxy. It’s been painted, but that's Frank,” he insisted before taking off, sprinting toward the assailing device.

Clay eyes widened at the other man’s actions, “Jensen, you realize it's shooting at us! Stand down!” Seeing his order ignored, he screamed at the rest of his group, “Cover his dumb ass.”

Disregarding his boss, Cougar pulled out his cellphone and spoke in hushed tones to the person on the other end.

Aisha grit her teeth at her teammate while continuing to fire at their opponents. “That idiot lost his mind, now our sniper decides to make a phone call mid battle. Are you ordering a pizza?”

“Don't forget the breadsticks,” Pooch chimed in. Laughing at the increasing absurdity of the situation.

Jake removed his helmet and dropped his weapon. Frantically jumping and waving his arms, repeatedly calling out ‘Angel.’ A drone moved in and shot at his feet, before slightly pulling back, continuing to hover above him.

“Understood. Our apologies. Copy that.” Cougar hung up and waited.

The remaining drones collected above Jensen’s head. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end. However the moment he dreaded never came. The devices turned and began taking out the guards with quick precision. When only Clay’s men remained, they flew off. 

Sticking to the plan, the team continued to the manor. Wary of a possible ambush awaiting beyond the front door, in lieu of breaking it down, Clay instructed Jensen and Cougar to go through the nearest second floor windows, clear the immediate area and let them in.

Cougar nodded, but walked right through the unlocked door instead. To everyone’s shock but his, it was clear. Raising his chin toward the staircase, he proceeded up them.

“Okay, so we're just following him then?”

Clay shrugged, “Good enough for me.” He had the Losers head upstairs, leaving the rest of the group to keep watch at the entrance.

Cougar seemingly knew exactly where to go. Navigating the twists and turns of the large house with ease. Any lingering guards they came across were swiftly handled. Within the master bedroom’s closet, hidden behind sliding shelving they found a 16-point locking, bullet resistant, biometric fingerprint panic room door. 

Before Jensen could get his gear out to crack it, Cougar tapped the scanner, confirming it was off. He pulled the heavy door open, immediately shooting the two guards inside as if he was expecting them.

Jensen scratched his head. Not knowing what to make of it. “What is going on?... Are you a T-1000… What's my dog's name?”

Cougar just looked at him and chuckled.

“You laugh, but I'm legitimately concerned.”

Clay took point, announcing his entrance into the room, “Honey, I'm home.”

The occupants sat on a couch, Isla held a crying baby in her arms, wincing from her husband's hand on her thigh, squeezing painfully tight. The baby’s presence gave everyone pause. No one was aware there would be a child involved. There has been one surprise after another today.

“You lost, asshole. Now let them go and come quietly.” Clay slung his rifle over his shoulder and moved toward them, attempting to calmly apprehend the man.

The target pulled out a gun, shoving it into Isla’s side. “Stay where you are.”

“Don't be like that. This doesn't have to get more ugly than it already is.”

Seething, the man turned the gun on Clay, who discharged his sidearm, firing two shots into the arms dealer’s chest before he could blink. The group hurriedly moved Isla and her baby out of the building into one of their vehicles. Assuring the frightened woman that she was safe and going back to her father.  Pooch voiced his concern over their lack of carseat.

“Then drive extra carefully.” Clay smiled at the rescuees, “Let's get you both home.”

Riding in the second Humvee, Jake stared down a silent Cougar. He offered no explanation as to why Y/N's drones were on the property or who he had called, but it was pretty easy to connect the dots.

---------------

Hours later, Isla and her daughter were safely on their way home. At Cougar’s request, and after a stop at the motel for much needed showers, the team waited at a bar in the city. Leaving one chair empty, correctly guessing who they should be expecting.

Jake was a bundle of nerves. The hand gripping his empty glass started to cramp as he watched the door. He wondered if they had Boys II Men on the jukebox to help set the mood. ‘Would that be too presumptuous? She probably moved on by now. Has a new special someone in her life. Somebody else loving her, touching her, making her laugh.’ He wouldn’t blame her. His amnesia may have been temporary, but the damage he caused wasn't.

“You stare at that door any harder and it will burst into flames.” Aisha refilled her teammates' glass, encouraging him to relax and breathe.

“She'll be here soon, won't she? She's still coming, right?”

Y/N took a deep breath before entering the tavern. Her former teammates were easy to spot. Cougar gave her his number when she quit, asking her to keep in touch. It took a few months before she found the strength to do so. Even after learning of her exs' recovery, she couldn't bring herself to return yet. She wanted her Jakey back, but was scared of his rejection. Plus she was on assignment, the timing was off. The weight of this reunion wasn’t lost on her. “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, you losers walk into mine.”

“Well that's unfair, you walked in after us.” Grinning ear to ear, Clay pulled her into a tight hug. “Missed ya, Y/N.”

“I had a few things to handle before getting here. So you beat me, but I've been dying to say it." She squeezed Clay tight before facing the rest. "I missed you all too. Sorry about earlier, I didn’t recognize you guys in all that fancy schmancy gear.”

Jake felt unsteady the moment she walked in, his blood roared in his ears. It was really her, his Angel, more gorgeous than ever. He watched her warm greeting with Clay, swallowing a lump in his throat. She was wearing the jacket he bought her. He hoped that was a good sign.

The group stood to welcome and embrace their former member. Jake waited through the exchange of pleasantries for his turn. Longing to throw his arms around his Angel and hold her close. It had been nearly a year since he’d done so. Ten months, three days and seventeen hours since he kissed her goodbye to go on that ill fated mission.

However, he noticed Y/N’s smile falter when their eyes met. Abandoning his desired hug, he forced a smile, awkwardly waved and sat back down.

“Hey Jake.” She crossed her arms, suddenly feeling self-conscious in front of her old love.

As everyone took their seats, Jensen glanced at the entrance then back at his Angel. “So are we um… waiting for anybody else?”

“Like who?”

“No-nobody. Nobody. Just wanted to make sure there was room for everybody. Everybody together again. It’s good to be together.” Jake took a long sip of his beer. His brain screamed with the knowledge that there was no boyfriend in the picture.

Y/N filled them in on her whereabouts since her departure. She’d gotten a job as private security for some rich asshole’s wife. Mostly involved keeping her in and others out. The winery was lovely, but the running of guns and heavier artillery, and the dabbling in human trafficking ruined the ambience. Of course, she knew he was dirty when she accepted the position, so Y/N did all she could to throw wrenches into his operations without being detected. Quietly dispersed his ill gotten gains into several hidden bank accounts, the biggest for Isla. She was helping the wife and baby prepare for a safe and covert escape. Simultaneously gathering evidence against the husband and his associates.

“It was all set to go down in a few days, and you guys just broke in and killed him. All that planning and hard work for nothing.” Y/N shoved Clay’s shoulder.

“Yeah, well it was the quickest way. Can’t argue that.”

“Well, I wasn’t going to let months of work go to complete waste. So I allowed you guys to be the heroes while I tied up some loose ends. That’s why I was late. Had to reroute the latest shipments, funnel the rest of the money to charities, victims and of course, a nice sum for myself. Scrubbed the camera footage and removed any evidence of us or Isla being there. Then I alerted the authorities to handle the rest. They’ll find all they need to take down the whole thing.” She took a deep breath, trilling her lips to exhale. “But I’m still mad at you about it.”

Aisha offered compensation, “I don’t think anyone here will object if you want in on the pallet of wine we rescued."

“Bold of you to assume I didn't take my own,” Y/N laughed.

After a few rounds, the Losers felt they were sufficiently caught up on each others lives. Pooch and Cougar announced they were going to play stripes and solids, inviting Aisha and Clay as their opponents. It was obvious that was an excuse to leave the ex-lovers alone.

Jake wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity. Putting on his most charming smile, he slid over next to Y/N. “G’day mate, fancy meeting you down unda. Maybe I can show you my down unda lata. I promise I'm koala-fied.” He tittered at his themed pickup line, but she didn't react. He desperately wanted to make her laugh. If she laughed, he knew things would be okay.

Trying to shake off the nervousness, he cleared his throat and continued his attempted seduction. “I like your jacket, where’d you get it?” He couldn’t backpedal fast enough seeing the alarmed look on her face. “Joke, really bad joke. Oh my god, I'm sorry. That was… Fuck,” he grimaced.

Y/N remained stiff and unsure. Wanting to give in to his flirting, but waiting for the other shoe to drop. The defeated look on Jake’s face broke her heart, so she attempted to bridge the divide with a safe topic, “How are Stephanie and Hannah?”

“They're good, they're good, um,” he scratched the back of neck, unsure how to proceed. His sister, having seen him at plenty of his worsts, forgave him instantly. His niece took a little bribery, but they were back to their usual shenanigans. “So, uh thanks for clearing the way for us back there, you know, after you shot at me.”

Her mouth dropped open, “Excuse me, I shot near you.”

“Tomato-tomahto.”

Cougar gestured with his eyes over to Jensen and Y/N, knowing he was striking out. Pooch got the hint. He called the man over and handed him his room key. Demanding he take it before he changed his mind. Jake practically ran back to the table to ask Y/N to his room to talk in private. He was amazed she agreed.

Aisha’s lips pursed watching the pair leave. “If he doesn't blow this, we'll have to put up with them being nauseatingly cute with each other again.”

“You don't want them to make up?” Clay rested his hands on her waist.

“I do,” she huffed. “Look, I don't know if I believe in that true love, princess bride, bullshit. But they are the closest I've ever seen to it... They belong together.”

“Agreed.”

---------------

The entire car ride to the motel passed in uncomfortable silence. Both anxious and unsure about the outcome of this night. Each stealing glances at the other. Jake noticed how hard her hand clenched around the steering wheel. Y/N caught sight of each time his hand reached for the radio before pulling away without turning it on.

Jake felt butterflies in his stomach as they pulled in the lot. Painful butterflies… Vampire butterflies. He drummed on his legs before hopping out of the vehicle. Y/N was quick to follow. They walked to the room without a word shared. Jake kept looking over his shoulder to make sure she was still with him. He swiped the keycard several times without success. The red light and negative beep mocking him. The twisting in his belly intensified. ‘Yep definitely vampire butterflies.’

Finally, the door flashed green and unlocked. He sauntered in, pretending to be calmer than he really was. Turning on the old Jensen charm, he bowed and waved his hand over the large bed. “Have a seat, m'lady. It’s not exactly the Ritz, but I hope it will be to your liking.”

“It's a nice room. We've stayed in much worse.” She spotted the bobblehead chihuahua on the nightstand, smiling coyly as she sat down. “So this is Pooch’s room?”

“Nah, it's mine. At least now it is.” He plopped down beside Y/N. “Sooo, how’ve ya been?”

“Good, until earlier today when I lost my job and residence cause some assholes charged in guns blazing.” Y/N sighed dramatically, “At least I can take solace in knowing Isla and her daughter are home safe. What about you?”

“I - I’m okay… most days. Um, so what's next for you? Seeing as how your life's been upended by a bunch of inconsiderate assholes.”

Y/N hummed, thinking of a response. “Well, I’ll have a lot of time on my hands, plus a bunch of money. So I'll probably make a few brothers and sisters for the F-team. Maybe one with a flamethrower.”

He turned to her with a lopsided grin. “That would be badass, like its maker.”

Y/N’s heart fluttered. He looked at her with such adoration, like she held all life's answers.  That, that was her Jakey.

“Looks like the possibilities are endless now that you're homeless and unemployed.” Jake’s eyes squeezed shut, cringing. Not meaning to sound so callous.

She snorted, “I'm sure I'll be fine. I always land on my feet.”

Jake breathed a sigh of relief that she found humor in the situation. “Definitely, definitely… But if you're interested, I know of a job opening. Fast paced, high stakes, danger… romance,” he whispered the last word, blushing. “It’s with a great bunch called the Losers. I could put in a good word for you. In fact, I'm sure the two of us could strong-arm the boss to agree to any demands we want.”

“I'd have to move back to the states.”

“If you need a place to stay, your key still works… I um, kept the house. After you quit, I kinda skipped town. Woke up in Ohio about a month later. At first I completely panicked cause I didn't know where you were or where I was. Then it hit me that I REALLY didn't know where you were… and it was all my fault,” his voice cracked, on the verge of crying.

Her head lowered, unable to hold back her own tears. ‘If I had only waited longer.’ “You must be so disappointed in me for not sticking it out when you weren't yourself. I tried, I swear I did, but it was too much. I should have been stronger and held on until you were you again. I’m so sorry, Jakey.”

“No, Angel no.” he wiped Y/N’s cheeks with his thumb. “There's nothing to forgive. You didn’t abandon me, I drove you away. I don't blame you at all. Hell, I deserved it. I was a total asshole.” Jake took a deep breath, “I was so angry… I was in pain, confused. I felt trapped with no room to breathe. Was sick of everybody telling me things I was supposed to already know. Telling me over and over to relax and let myself recover when I couldn't calm down to save my life. I kept fighting with my sister, was short with my niece, rude and snapped at everyone… And you got the worst of it… When I saw you, there was something there in the back of my mind, just out of reach. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew your presence made my headache worse. So I aimed my frustration at you and chased you off. I can't say how sorry I am.”

Y/N gently touched Jake’s head, running her fingers through his hair and rubbing small circles with her fingers. The urge to comfort him stronger than any apprehension she felt before.

Jake leaned into her touch, “It's all better now. I'm better… I wish this was a cartoon so you could've wacked me in the head again to reset my brain and stop all the bullshit I put everyone through.”

She pulled her hand away too soon. “I'm glad you're better… You really hurt me, Jake, but you have to know I already forgave you.”

His eyebrows shot up, “You have? That fast? Are you certain, I mean…"

“It took some time. Months to push through that pain, but I'd be the bigger jerk if I didn't take into consideration that it wasn't completely your fault. You literally had a doctor's note to prove it.” Y/N smiled at him, brushing away a few more escaped tears.

“So you don't hate me?”

“I could never hate you, Jakey. Do you hate me?”

“Impossible.”

“It's going to continue to sting for a while though.”

He nods in understanding. Jake got on his knees before her, taking her hands in his, his face more serious than she's ever seen him. “I need you to believe me when I say I have NEVER thought those horrible things about you. You didn't deserve any of the awful things I said and I swear I didn't mean them. You’re my perfect Angel and I love everything about you. Every curve, every line, each and every inch of beautiful skin because it’s yours. You are the most incredible person I ever met and I can't stand knowing that I made you feel otherwise for even a minute. Please say you believe me.”

“I do.”

Jake leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have her back.

Y/N returned the brief kiss. This was a good start, but she was exhausted. “It’s been a long day. I don’t know about you, but I’m wiped out. Can we pretend, just for tonight, that we’re good? That everything is back to normal? We can work on us in the morning, and everyday after, but right now I just need you and unconsciousness.”

‘She wants to sleep here, in my bed, with me.’ Jake jumped up, enthusiastically agreeing. His pants down around his ankles in an instant.

Her face became heated at Jake’s sudden nudity. Y/N bit her lips, shyly telling him she was going to change in the bathroom.

Jake realized he was jumping the gun. He pulled up his batman boxers, removed his shoes and remaining clothing. He turned the toy dog around, just in case. “Sorry mini Pooch, no looky loos.”

Y/N walked out in panties and t-shirt, tugging it down in an attempt to hide more of herself as she skittered to the bed and got under the covers. Jake frowned, he needed to mend his Angel's heart, squash the insecurities he created. He scrambled up the bed, took his glasses off and sat them on the nightstand. Hesitating at the edge of the bed.

“You can come closer.”

He didn't need to be told twice, scooting over and joining her under the covers. He sat next to her, tentatively wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Intent on never leaving her side again. “Hey, tomorrow, do you want to check out this awesome mini golf course I found? Just the two of us.” The smile that adorned his face when she agreed fell. His voice lowered to a whisper, “I'm terrified of screwing this up.”

“So am I,” Y/N admitted, lacing her fingers with his.

Jake kissed the top of her head. “I don't think I ever told you.”

“Hmm?”

“The moment I knew this was it for me… Remember our first comic con together, we had that bet going on over how many people we could get to follow us doing the bunny hop around the convention center. I said five, you bet nine, and we ended up having thirty-five people in line behind us.” He chuckled at the memory. “We had Link, predator, three Spidermans, a wookiee in a bikini and just so many others. I was behind you, my hands on your hips having the time of my life. And there was a moment midjump, midlaugh, when you looked back at me, making sure I was having fun too, and I knew with absolute certainty that I was going to love you for the rest of my life. That you were the one for me and there'd never be anyone else. That hasn't changed.”

Y/N’s eyes watered, an unreadable expression on her face. Somewhere between disbelief and amusement. “I knew then too. Slowly throughout the day, then all at once in one defining moment. You were like a squirrel darting around, but you never lost me. You held my hand the whole time, squeezing it when you felt me get nervous. And when we parted for even a minute, you always found me. But the moment that sealed it was when we stopped for refreshments. I couldn't drink my water properly because of my costume and seeing my struggle, without a word, you slid behind the counter, grabbed a straw and placed it in my drink, holding it to my lips. It was something so small but so considerate. I've never had anyone be so sweet to me. I never had anyone look out for me like you did. I knew you were the one for me.”

Not trusting his voice, Jake kissed the hand he held.

“I love you, Jakey.”

His heart skipped a beat. “I love you, my Angel.” The reunited couple shared another kiss before lying down. Y/N snuggled into his chest and closed her eyes. Jake wrapped his arms around her. “Would it be wrong if I copped a feel right now?” 

She laughed, “I missed you so much.”

Jake blinked back tears. He thought he'd never hear that sound again. “I missed you more.”

A few peaceful minutes passed, her warm breath ghosting over his chest. He noticed she was trying to stay awake. Each time she began to drift, her eyes popped open to search for him. He rubbed her back to soothe her asleep. “I'm still here. I'm not going anywhere, Angel, I promise.” Jake made sure she was sleeping soundly, before he allowed himself to follow her into slumber. 

---------------

Heading to his original room to get his belongings, Pooch was halted by a hand on his shoulder. Cougar, refusing to let Jensen and Y/N be disturbed, turned his friend around and led him to their shared room.

Pooch glanced back with a frown, “I'll guess I’ll get it in the morning.”

Cougar nodded, smiled and patted his shoulder. Tomorrow was looking like a very good day. The Loser’s would be a full team once more and his best friend would have the love of his life back. He didn’t save his best man’s speech for nothing.

The End

A/N: Thank you to everyone that has read this version or the original. I appreciate you all. I’d love to know your thoughts.

Sequel: Love Me Forever

[drunkewok]

Tiger Inside

Chapter Eighteen

Stray Kids Mafia (ongoing)

Masterlist

Likes, reblogs and feedback always greatly appreciated

WC: 3.6k

Pairing: Lee Know x reader

Genre: Series, Enemies to lovers, non-idol AU, Mafia AU

Synopsis: After years spent away from the family, two strangers start frequenting your place of work, only to bring daunting news. Flung back into the world of the mafia, you try to adapt to your new normal and work alongside a team of eight skilled members to uncover a mystery and take down an unknown enemy.

Warnings: 18+, Minors DNI, drinking, swearing, violence, weapons

Disclaimer: Any portrayal of Stray Kids or any other idols in this story is purely fiction and does not at all reflect their own personalities or how I view them as a person, it is purely for the sake of the story.

Please do not copy or repost my work

When Seungmin last dressed my wound, I couldn't help but notice the equipment strewn across his desk. He was elbow deep in tests besides the few times he cut away to help me, brows furrowed at the puzzle of chemicals that sat before him. I couldn't even think of where to begin if I was in his position, instead staring beakers down in hopes of some epiphany ringing loud in my ears. 

My fingers tapped my knee as he turned to grab new gauze, my eyes wandered across the table in the far room. Vials and jars galore, notes scribbled upon journal pages, and a light sitting in the corner of the desk reflecting off the different glass containers and illuminating their mysterious contents. 

The familiar signs of sleepless nights were now manifesting under his eyes, the same ones that were prominent on both Chan and Felix's prior. I watched his face as his hands made slow work on my shoulder, his movements delayed from exhaustion invading his body. His eyes felt hollow, drooping as his lips sat slightly parted, almost as though the act of breathing even took too much of his energy. 

“How long have you been at it?” Seungmin paused as his eyes steadied the floor, the gears in his mind slowly turning and jamming at my question. He shook it off before tearing the strip of gauze at the end, turning his back to me and placing it on the table beside him.

“I don’t know, since we got back?” 

“Have you slept at all?”

“Here and there, lay down and shut my eyes for a moment when I feel the need.” He sat back into his chair, pulling himself towards the desk, tucking his legs underneath as he quickly began to type away at his computer.

“That surely can’t be doing you any good.” I stood from the bed and crossed over to him, scanning my eyes across the vials strewn about. “I can’t imagine going without sleep has been helping at all with your research.”

A particular pair of vials caught my attention, one filled with a clear liquid, so transparent it seemed to defy physics and looked as though the vial sat empty. The next looked to be a thicker liquid, the light reflected into it and amplified its translucent amber color and leaving a colored cast of light onto the surface below it. 

"I'm getting work done, am I not?" He stayed focused on his screen as he clicked to different pages, split screens among two monitors displaying multiple articles. I couldn’t help but read from over his shoulder, a particular page documenting a chemical long outlawed among the countries. I bent down slightly, trying to get a closer look at the information plastering the screen.

“VX?” Seungmin slightly jumped and turned to my voice now carrying much closer to his ear before turning back to the screen, bringing up the chemical make up on the screen and pulling his chair to his microscope and peering into it.

“Potent nerve agent.” He mumbled as he flipped to the next slide, a moment of silence before he quickly popped up, fully alert. “Don’t touch anything.” Raising my singular free hand with wide eyes, responding with haste.

“Wasn’t planning on it” I watched as he hunched himself back down, squeezing an eye shut and peering through the eyepiece once more.

“Listen, not to be all ‘you need to get out of here so I can focus’, but uh, you need to get out of here so I can focus.”

“Okay, okay. I get it.” Stepping back from the desk, I made my way towards the door, pausing before I reached for the handle. “Let me know if I can bring you anything, okay? Coffee, food, anything.” He mumbled a slight I’m good thank you and I took it as my final sign to get out of there.

Pulling the door shut behind me, I hesitated in the hall, leaning my back against the wall and my head fell back and let my eyes relax. 

We were very quickly nearing the 48 hour mark since our surprise gunfight, and tension was still running high in the house. Most of us were quiet, minimal words spoken between us. There was nothing I was craving more than the laughter, the bickering, the casual comfort that the group provided when we all had the luxury of relaxing together.

Adding to the painful tension, it was as if the switch had been flipped again, and Minho was avoiding my gaze at any given moment. Every sliver of progress that had been made between the two of us had felt like it had crumbled beneath us, slipping into oblivion as if it had never occurred. It felt as though he was everywhere in the house, all at once. Wherever I went, it seemed like he was always passing me, eyes pointed forward as he slipped by like I was a ghost.

By the third time I couldn't help but stop and watch as he left, slipping into Chan's office in silence, my feet gluing me in place. It stung a little, feeling so polar opposite to the concerned and caring Minho that I had just experienced. It was a bite of the tongue every time he passed, convincing myself he was just stressed, sent on a mission from Chan each time he made his way through the halls.

By the fourth I had enough, stopping in place before he reached me, watching as he passed by me once more in silence. Pivoting on my heels I swung around, lending a bit too much volume to my voice as I called out.

“Yah!” He stopped, hesitating mid step before turning in my direction, head tilted and brow arched. “I still exist, you know.” My frustration bled through my words, melting into a puddle beneath my feet and radiating back up and engulfing me. His silent stare broke as his eyes drifted down to the sling, brows softening as his face dropped.

“I know.” His voice barely sat loud enough for me to comprehend, eyes avoiding meeting mine again as he gazed down the hall towards Chan’s office.

“The least you could do is say hello, or even a smile, nod of the head, anything. Just stop acting like I’m not even here.” He hung his head before bringing a hand up to aggressively massage his eyes, dropping the hand at his side and slowly turning back to me with a forced smile and nod of the head.

“Hello.” Without further word he continued back down the hall, slipping back into Chan’s office, letting the heavy door shut behind him. I scoffed with a roll of the eyes, he’s lucky that I’m stuck with this fabric restraint or my hands would have gladly found their place around his throat while giving him a good shake.

My fingers tightly twisted in the air in front of me as grumbled incoherent irritations made it past my lips. Attempting to take a breath to compose myself, I let out one more mumbled fucking ass before heading back down the hall towards the stairs.

Flicking on the light to the kitchen, I looked around the counters, only just now realizing the disarray the kitchen had fallen into. I pulled different pieces of trash from around the room, dropping them into the bin and tidying up the surfaces before targeting the pile of dishes accumulating in the sink.

I attempted to apply extra pressure to the bowl, pressing it into the surface of the sink while scrubbing to try and keep it in place with a single hand. Not every dish seemed to like this treatment, the occasional one slipping from my grasp letting it slide around, hitting multiple dishes in its wake and leaving a crashing noise echoing down the hall. The frustration bubbling inside me from my Minho encounter, paired with the irritation of my restraint manifested in a string of mumbled curses and threats towards the inanimate objects in front of me.

“Hey, hey! What are you doing?” Hyunjin seemed to have appeared out of thin air, snatching the sponge out of my hand and gently pushing me out of the way. “You’re supposed to be resting, why are you cleaning?”I threw my head back with a sigh, my closed eyes opening to focus on the ceiling before lowering my head back down to Hyunjin.

“I’m fine, I may only have one hand but I can still perform simple tasks. You guys don’t have to baby me.” I tried to reach for the sponge and grab it back out of his hand, which he responded to by holding it up in the air and out of my reach.

“I’m perfectly aware that you can, that’s not the issue.” He stared me down sternly with his other hand settled on his hip, “We would treat any of the members the same if they were injured, and I’m here to remind you that you’re one of us now, so you’re getting the same treatment.”

With a groan I leaned against the counter behind me, accepting I wasn’t going to be getting anywhere in this debate. Hyunjin set the sponge down on the sink before turning back to me.

“Listen, the other members are gonna be down here pretty soon, Chan said it’s time for the meeting. Just go sit down, and don’t you dare let me catch you with a sponge in hand again.” I huffed as I pulled the fridge open, grabbing a bottle of water and making my way to the couch, plopping into the cushions and pulling a blanket over my legs.

I pressed the bottle to my stomach with my restrained hand, attempting to hold it firm while my free hand twisted off the top. I have barely had this thing attached to me and I was already sick of it, and I was real close to making the call to leave it off myself, I could deal with an angry Seungmin later. I just needed free use of both of my arms again. 

Raising the bottle to my lips, I let the cold liquid pour down my throat and chill my chest, the physical cold finally calming down the mental fire within me. 

Sure enough, just as Hyunjin predicted, each member started to slowly slip into the room, taking place on the couches and settling themselves in. Hyunjin took a seat on the couch that was beside mine, crossing one leg over the other and staring me down with folded arms.

“What? You think I’m gonna get up in the middle of this and start cleaning or something?” I snapped at him, a slight smile and chuckle coming from him as he shook his head, tilting his head back to look at Felix as he entered with us.

“She gets fussy when frustrated.” Felix placed his laptop on the coffee table before sitting on the floor in front of me, starting to open it and set up what he needed to present. I nudged him in the back with my foot, causing him to let out a soft giggle as he turned around to look at me. “What? I’m just speaking facts.”

“Maybe just don’t speak then.” I mocked, giving a blatantly fake smile before he reached back and patted my leg.

“It’s okay, I know healing isn’t fun.” I glared at his condescending tone, opening my mouth to retort but getting cut off by Chan and Minho being the last to enter, joining the rest of us.

An eerie silence laid over the room, the sunset outside leaving a warm glow pouring in through the windows. Minho had taken it upon himself to sit at the far end of the couch, planted next to Jisung and putting as much distance as possible between us.

Chan fiddled with a small projector on the coffee table as the other members surrounded him, I watched as Felix  flipped between multiple documents on his screen, the words flying by too fast for me to comprehend.

I pulled my feet up onto the cushion underneath me, my knees pulled up to my chest, sandwiching my arm against myself as it laid snug in its sling. Seungmin sat beside me, flipping through a notebook searching for keywords frantically scribbled upon the pages. My eyes glanced at his book with each turn of the page, the notes flip flopping between clean and organized, to words scrambled with no rhyme or reason.

The projector finally roared to life, the motor letting out a warm buzz of air as it shined onto the whiteboard in front of us. Each member’s attention is brought to the blank screen as it clicked to mirror Felix’s laptop as he plugged in the cord linking the two, scrolling through the copied system from the warehouse. An elaborately organized system of files littered the screen, my eyes squinting as I attempted to process the quickly flowing information as Felix tried to find a certain page to start the meeting on.

Chan rose to take seat on the armrest of the couch to my side, fingers interlocking in his lap as he waited for Felix to find his target. As the screen finally stopped in place, Chan’s tilted head slowly turned to the rest of us, eyes scanning between each one of us in silence before letting out a slow deep breath as a sigh. He gazed down at the floor, searching for the best way to communicate with the group as we sat in awkward silence.

“So things are looking worse than we expected.” He avoided our gazes as he turned his attention back to the screen, each of our eyes following his line of sight as Felix opened one of the folders. My brows creased as I studied the words on the screen, unsure of what exactly I was looking at. “But before we continue on, from discussions I’ve had with each of you, it seems like we had a visit from SuperM.” Chan slowly turned to the group around him, his eyes falling on mine before slowly following down to the sling across my body, then quickly down to the hands in his lap with a clear of the throat as he swallowed the lump lodged in his airway. “It wasn’t very expected for them to be involved in all of this, but it seems as though they might be the surveillance team for the warehouse.” He turned to look back at Seungmin. “Wanna let us know what you found?”

“Oh, right.” Seungmin’s back tightened as he sat straight, flipping back to the first page of notes in his book. “So, they’re clearly running multiple tests down there, these chemicals are far stronger than anything I could have expected. I’m still trying to run tests on them myself, but they’ve been experimenting with different combinations, compounds, and how they interact with each other. I was able to take with me a lot of their log books which is going to set them back in their research quite a bit.” The series of nods in acknowledgement from the group followed with tight lips, none of us truly knowing how to respond to the information being fed to us. Seungmin relaxed into the back of the couch, his journal dropping into his lap as his fingers ran through his unkempt hair. "I have a hunch I may have discovered what they are, and if I’m right, we might have a big problem on our hands.”

“Okay, so what might it be then?” Changbin was slouched back into the cushion on the couch, relaxed with his arms folded across his chest.

“There’s the potential that this is VX that we’re dealing with, a nerve agent that was banned by the United Nations as a weapon of mass destruction in the 90’s. From reports, all countries had actually disposed of their stockpiles of this stuff, but every now and then it has popped up in different attacks.” Seungmin ran his fingers through his hair again with a sigh before continuing. “It attacks your entire nervous and muscular systems, stopping communication between the two and completely paralyzing you until even your lungs stop working and you eventually asphyxiate. It’s highly dangerous, just simply getting this stuff on your skin can cause the effects, but it also has the potential to be dispersed as an aerosol.” The room fell quiet once Seungmin finished, Felix finally breaking the thick air by speaking up.

“Now in terms of my findings…” His words sounded anxious as he spoke, his finger tapping on the table in front of him before continuing. He looked up to the projection as he opened a document housing a log book of different contacts, names of varying origins and a wide array of locations. “Things are a lot more extensive than them simply importing these chemicals.” He slowly turned to the group behind him, his eyes trying to hide the nerves pounding through his system. “They’re also setting up plans for export to other countries. I’ve tried looking into the names in this document, they’re key players all across the world.” Mouths hung slack as everyone’s eyes crossed back and forth between Felix, Chan, the screen, and each other in tense silence.

Felix turned back to his computer, clicking through multiple files until he reached a deeply hidden log book of communications. Notes on their progress with testing, short paragraphs following one after another, dated and time stamped after each one. Each update concluded with the same sentence;

The Tiger has been contacted.

I tuned out the voices around me as my brows creased in confusion, my eyes scanning the room slowly with no visual input as my brain buzzed with thoughts. A knot quickly formed in my chest, the boiling of stomach bile leaving a poor taste in my mouth the moment the lightbulb flipped on in my mind. My sight turned frantic as I sat in doubt;

No, it couldn’t be…

He couldn’t…

My unrestrained hand gripped at the fabric covering my knee as I tried to calm my breathing, the words coming from the mouths around me sounding like a distant muffle as the members deliberated amongst themselves about who the mysterious Tiger may be.

But I knew.

With frantic eyes I looked towards Chan, who had clearly taken notice of my silent panic and had his focus pinned on me, also tuning out the other members as we shared sharp silent eye contact. My head was spinning as I struggled to swallow the rock that was lodged in my throat, a wave of nausea quickly overtaking me as I tried to fight it off. The room fell silent as I pulled myself from my seat, avoiding the eyes around me as I quietly excused myself to the bathroom and tried to escape the walls closing in around me.

It felt as though my feet couldn’t take me towards the door fast enough, the desire to lock myself within the confines of the bathroom taking over, needing to put a wall between myself and the new information that my brain was processing at a rapid rate. I shut the door behind me with a click of the lock, the light illuminating the small room around me as my single arm supported my weight against the edge of the counter.

He had been by our side my entire upbringing, knowing every function of the family. He had assisted us with so much, could he truly be capable of turning on our father? Would he stoop so low as to take him from us?

I leaned back into the wall as my head fell back, staring up to the ceiling as I blinked back the moisture now building up along my lash line.

He was an honorary member, an unofficial brother of my father, welcomed into our home on so many occasions. He knew the layout better than the housekeepers, he knew exactly how he could make his way towards my father’s office without any suspicions pointed in his direction, his presence within our halls of safety was no surprise, and honestly it became an assumption.

The softest of knocks emitted from the door, knocking my from my haze, my body and mouth too frozen to formulate a response, my feet firmly planted and mouth sewn shut.

“Y/n…” Chan’s voice was gentle, quiet and almost a whisper as he spoke through the wood. “If you’re alright, I’m going to need you to open the door.” My head rolled in the direction of the door, my tongue struggling to function as it quickly dried, I knew I needed to tell him, it wasn’t a secret I could keep hidden.

Pulling my body from the wall, my hand hesitated over the knob as I gave one final attempt to compose myself, slowly pulling it open and revealing a concerned Chan standing in the doorway. His eyes studied my face, my pale skin reflecting light as the blood that drained from my face had stolen with it all color.

“Is there something you should let me know?” My fingers fidgeted within the fist they were tightened into, lips pursed as I avoided speaking the words that sat on the tip of my tongue.

“The Tiger.” Chan’s brow raised as he eyed me, waiting to speak until I had continued. My face scrunched with tight lips as I quickly pointed my head to the floor, rising again to meet Chan’s eyes with one last deep breath. “Tiger JK.” Chan’s head tilted in question, brow raised. I held his gaze as I forced the panic to the back of my mind before gaining the strength one final time, speaking flatly.

“My Godfather.”

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