#even in your hometown at a fast food place

[eternalsunrise]

when in france

nfl! joe burrow x fem! reader

wc: 3.1k

tags! established relationship, college sweethearts (because i said so), 💍 hint hint, no smut!

notes! abby try not to write sickening fluff challenge failed horribly. i keep going back and forth about whether i like or not but i hope you guys do! mwah 💋

when joe told you he’d be attending and modeling for fashion week, you were ecstatic. you’ve been encouraging him to step out of his comfort zone, and it seemed like he was finally listening during this offseason.

when he told you the event was in france, you were even more stunned. you were so excited for him. there was no one more deserving of these opportunities than your joe.

and when he asked you to accompany him, you were absolutely floored. sure you knew he loved you. you’ve felt it every day for years. but an experience like this, you were so grateful he’d even consider sharing this with you.

“are you sure? really babe it’s okay, i won’t be upset.” you had reassured him the day he found out about the opportunity.

joe just looked at you like you had three heads over his dinner, his fork clattering as he dropped it onto the plate. he reaches his arm across the table and clasps your hand with his, “hey. don’t be silly. you’re my girl. there’s no one, and i mean no one, i’d rather do this with.”

there’s something about joe’s soft, steady voice that always reassures you in the way he knows you need. he places a delicate kiss to the back of your knuckles. you don’t worry about it again.

your time in france is an absolute whirlwind. joe had warned you that his schedule was pretty packed, but you didn’t mind. after all, you’ve grown used to the hustle bustle of football season. nothing like the fast life. dinners, meetings, panels, runways, and parties. you’re supporting joe through it all, and he notices. hell, everyone notices.

the first dinner you all have together is after a runway show in cannes.

you’re chatting with a woman sitting next to you, laughing and sipping a glass of white wine. joe is on the other side of you, catching up with JJ and some of the other guys. of course the topic has reverted back to football, hard to avoid with those two at the table together. JJ and another friend are in a heated discussion about the rules surrounding taunting when the food arrives.

when the plates hit the table, joe watches your actions from the corner of his eye. you pick at your side choice, before putting the smallest bite into your mouth. reaction almost immediate, you turn to joe with a grimace that he knows all too well.

he clicks his tongue, shaking his head back and forth as he begins to eat his own meal, “i told you. i knew you wouldn’t like them cooked that way.”

you did this every time the two of you had dinner somewhere new. you like to order something you’d usually never try on the menu, in hopes of enjoying it. and joe, who knows you better than anyone, always warns you against it. then every single time, you flash him an adorable smile and say the same thing, “well, when in___”

this started when he brought you to ohio for the first time. the two of you were having lunch in cincy before heading to athens to meet his parents. you inquired about ‘cincinnati chili’, to which joe explained and confessed that even he didn’t enjoy chili served over spaghetti. but you had said “well, when in cincinnati!” with such excitement, that he didn’t have the heart to argue further.

the hometown specialty almost made you puke all over his childhood bedroom hours later. flash forward some years and the song and dance was still the same.

you shake your head, trying to lie. you’re stubborn. the last thing you want to do is admit he was right about this…again.

you attempt another bite, poking the food around your white, porcelain plate. “it’s not that bad joey…i kinda like it…”

you’re lying through your teeth. joe knows. he always does. the man has been reading you like a playbook since college.

so with a sigh he picks up both of your plates, making easy work of switching them. this is also a reoccurring affair. joe always orders something he knows you’ll enjoy, pretty much expecting you not to like your exotic choices. he never tells you this of course. but he’s not picky, so no harm no foul.

you frown down at your new dinner, as much as it looks delicious, you feel bad taking your boyfriend’s food. “no joey you don’t have to do that. i’ll eat it i swear!”

joe just gives you an affectionate eye roll, tapping your thigh a few times under the table, “eat baby.” he gently commands, picking up a fork and beginning to eat your rejected meal. his hand lingers, and you intertwine it with yours, leaning over and placing a sweet kiss on his cheek. you murmur a thank you against his skin, joe hums in response.

unbeknownst to you both, the people across from you were tuned in to the entire exhange. sharing amused glances with JJ, who just shrugs, “they’ve always been like this.”

the two of you resume eating, when the man across from joe speaks up in an amused tone, “so how long?”

joe looks up, confusion written on his face, “excuse me?” he swallows a bite and decides you’re right. this isn’t good at all, but he’s gonna eat every bite.

the man chuckles, sipping his drink. “sorry i didn’t mean to pry. it’s just, you two remind me of me and my wife early on in our marriage. i just assumed you must be newlyweds.”

the words catch your attention and your eyes turn into saucers. newlyweds? did the two of you really act married? the idea of being joe’s for life, officially; your stomach twists in lovesick knots. sure you’ve definitely thought about it. after all, you’ve been by his side for almost 5 years now. but you didn’t know where joe stood when it came to life long commitment. the idea that he might not want that with you, is sorta frightening. you don’t have time to overthink it though, a couple of ladies pulling you back into busy conversation.

justin gives joe a knowing smirk. he holds a hand up and wiggles his fingers, pretending he’s wearing a ring. an action he used to do back when joe would ditch them to hang out with you after lsu practices.

you’re so preoccupied you don’t notice joe’s hand playing with yours a little later into the meal. he takes one of your daily rings off of your index finger, slipping it onto the special one next to your pinky. he twirls it around a couple times, smiling fondly.

the rest of your days abroad pass in pictures of time. you and joe eating croissants early in the morning. sneaking kisses in your hotels elevator. joe asking if he had anything in his teeth before walking in a backless suit.

“were you planning on smiling on the runway babe?” you teased.

joe just shrugs, “maybe. it’s hard not to when i know you’re watching me.”

before you know it, it’s the vogue world after party, marking your last night before returning to the states. the night is lots of fun, full of mingling and laughter. although…there’s something up with your boyfriend. you’re not sure what, but he seems almost anxious. it’s usually out of joe’s character to be antsy, they call him joe cool for a reason. he’s been fidgety, bouncing his knee up and down every time the two of you were sitting. he’s quiet, but still sweet to you in a way that’s reassuring you that he’s okay. you blame his odd behavior on exhaustion, or maybe his social battery draining. maybe even the strobe lights are giving him a headache, which is bittersweet because they make his blues shine so well.

it’s well past midnight, and you’re sitting on joe’s lap wearing a black dress that compliments his outfit. you’re chatting with some people while

your boyfriend sits silently. you have no idea, but his mind is running a mile a second. one of his hands is wrapped around your waist, the other twirling stands of your hair that sit against the back of your dress. his heart thumps against his chest as he uses his leverage against you to raise himself up. he takes a deep breath, and leans his body forward to reach your ear. “you wanna get out of here?” deep voice rumbles from his chest and tickles your ear. it makes a shiver run up your spine.

you turn your head to look behind you, your noses are almost touching this way. the loose curl sitting against his forehead is begging you to brush it away. you resist the urge.

“sure babe, if you’re ready?”

joe looks at you with a look so full of adoration you think you might melt. he presses a quick kiss to your lips, “i’m ready. i already called the car.”

paris is stunning late at night, lights twinkling across the city. joe watches you stare out the cab window. he looks at you the way he has all night, full of love and an indescribable devotion. you’re so mesmerized by the landscape you don’t even notice you’ve passed your hotel until joe clears his throat.

your eyebrows furrow in confusion when joe turns your head to face him. “do you trust me?” the question is serious, but his voice is kind of rocky. like he’s nervous. but what for?

you nod your head with a laugh, “of course joey. why?”

joe smiles and deflects from the question. “alright. close your eyes for me then.”

now you’re really confused. you tilt your head at him, watching as the smile remains on his face. he’s really waiting on you to close your eyes. well, you choose to honor you words, closing your eyes tightly. you’re guessing a surprise is in store.

you feel the car slow to a stop. your hands drum on your lap, anticipation building in your gut.

joe places a hand on your thigh. “don’t get out yet, i’ll come around and get you.”

you nod your head, eyes still clenched to prove your honesty. you hear a car door shut and footsteps coming closer.

joe takes a deep breath, crisp night air filling his lungs. a shaky hand grips your car door, pulling it open.

you hear joe thank the driver, before he gently takes hold of your hands. he guides you to stand and step out of the car. you hear the cab drive away and your heart thumping in your ears.

the warmth of joe’s hands covers your eyes, making you laugh. whatever this surprise is, joe’s pretty adamant in not wanting you to spoil it.

you begin walking forward at joes command. “we almost there?”

you feel your body turn to the right, and suddenly the presence of his hands disappears.

“alright. open em’” he backs away from you, hands shoved into black pants.

you open your eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the lights blinking all over the place. you gasp at what’s in front of you, your eyes trailing upwards. “joe…you…”

he grants you a chuckle, eyes crinkling in the way you adored. “you didn’t think we’d leave before i let you see the eiffel tower did you?”

you just stare at the beautiful structure in front of you, trying to convince yourself it was real. there’s something so breathtaking about being in front of something you’ve only seen in photos.

joe is staring at you with the same fascination that you’re giving a wonder of the world. 5 years and you still make the confidence flee from him. you take his breath away simply by being well, you. he’s been a nervous wreck all day. but staring at you right now, in the middle of paris. he’s never been so sure of anything.

you’re rubbing your bare arms, but the cold isn’t even bothering you.

that doesn’t matter to joe. he slips his charcoal jacket off, draping it over your shoulders. you feel strong arms around you, a comfortable warmth covering you. joe rests his chin on your shoulder, turning and placing a few kisses on your cheek. his nose cold against your skin, but you still welcome the contact.

a content sigh escapes you, “it’s so stunning, isn’t it? there’s something so romantic about it.”

joe nods, but to be honest he’s barely even glanced at the tower. he calls your name, his voice cracking is like a bullet shooting through his ego.

you turn to face him, a grin on your face. “i know i keep saying it but thank you. thank you so much for bringing me here.”

joe’s response doesn’t miss a beat, “i’d take you anywhere. i want to take you everywhere, show you the world. that’s what you deserve.”

the sincerity of his words coupled with the setting make your heart soar. suddenly he unravels himself from you. you turn around to face him confused. you open your mouth to question him but he interrupts you by grabbing your hands, squeezing them with his own.

“i love you. i’ve loved you for 5 years and somehow i still love you more each day. you’re the best part of me. you make me a better man, and i wanna be that man for you, always.” joe’s voice is strained as if he’s getting emotional. it’s so rare to see from him. the fact that he’s getting choked up over you. his love for you nonetheless, you feel your own throat tighten. you feel your eyes well up with tears. joe brings your intertwined hands to rest against his chest, his heart pounding in a way he’s sure you feel. the night air sweeps his hair around, that single curl waving at you.

“the first time i thought you to ohio, i saw howmuch my family loved you…and i realized something.”

that was only 6 months into your relationship. a spring break in march that joe wanted to spend with his family. he asked you to tag along and although you were petrified, you agreed. you’ve never felt nervous around his family after that, quite the opposite actually.

suddenly joe steps back from you, a hand reaching into his pocket. the implication of what’s happening makes your mouth dry up. it’s like you’re frozen, just staring at him with wide eyes.

“i–i went out and got this as soon as we got back to baton rouge. i’ve held on to it all this time….and i brought it with me because i thought well, when in france. right?” joe tries his best to keep his voice steady, a nervous chuckle escaping him. and sure enough, a little black, velvet box appears in his hand.

a hand flies to your mouth, and you look around as if a camera crew is going to appear and tell you you’re being pranked. but alas, it’s just you, joe, and the eiffel tower.

“joe….” the tears are definitely flowing now, silently down your face. you couldn’t believe your eyes. this was really happening. right now. in paris at almost 2 in the morning.

you watch as joe gets down on one knee. he tries to tame his trembling hands as he opens the little box, but to no avail. the quarterback that is usually so collected, has crumbled down to mush that you hold in the palm of your hand.

joe perches the box in between his hands, early morning moonlight dances across the diamond ring.

he breathes your name like a prayer, “i meant what i said. i would want to do this. or anything, with anyone else. i want to be yours forever if you’ll have me. so angel, would you do me the honor of being my wife?”

joe flashes you that boyish smile that you fell in love with all those years ago. it’s then that you realize it isn’t just joe kneeling before you.

it’s the handsome transfer student from ohio that asks you where bronson hall is. it’s the boy that invites you to watch him play football, and forgets to mention he’s the new star quarterback. it’s the guy your friends ask about when you’re blushing at brunch. it’s the teary eyed heisman trophy winner who thanks you in his speech. it’s the cincinnati bengal who trusts you decorate the new apartment you share together. it’s the guy that plays catch with your younger family members at thanksgiving. it’s your boyfriend that invited you to france. it’s your joe.

this is the easiest question you’ve ever been asked.

“yes. oh my fucking god! a million times yes!” you exclaim, heels clicking the pavement as you jump up and down a couple of times. you’re confused when you look down and see joe still kneeling below you, his grin rivaling the city lights. then you realize, you don’t have the ring on yet. “oh fuck which hand is it?!” your brain is so frazzled, you just stick both hands out toward him.

joe gently grabs your left hand, ring perfectly slipping onto your ring finger. he admires it for a moment and places a kiss on your knuckles.

he’s standing up straight for less than a second before you’re pouncing on him, throwing your arms around him. you pull his neck down toward you, crashing your lips together in a bruising kiss.

joe returns your affection quickly. hands find home holding your face, thumbs dusting away tears. this kiss is different than any you’ve had in the past. it’s a seal. a promise. a sign of your devotion to one another deepening after tonight.

the two of you stay like that for a moment. so caught up in one another. the anticipation of a lifetime together makes you feel as light as a feather.

the two of you break away with sharp inhales, crisp air filling your lungs. you remove your hands from his neck, instead grabbing his in your own and giving a laugh at their state, “babe. you’re shaking.”

joe nods, tongue darting out to lick his lips. he gives your hands a squeeze. “yeah well. good thing i got you to keep me steady.”

the ride back to the hotel is full of giggles and light touches. the ring on your finger is like a magnet to your eyes. you can’t look away, even as joe is extra affectionate; kissing all over your cheek and the side of your neck. you’re so full of love it feels hard to breathe.

“hey joey?”

your boyfriend fiancée pulls his head back to look you in the eyes, “yeah, pretty?”

you put your now ring clad hand on joe’s chest. he looks down at it with a smirk, before meeting your eyes once again.

“what do you think about that backless suit for the wedding?”

[totheblood]

i still hear you. (prologue)

PAIRING: post tlou2!ellie williams x reader

SUMMARY: ellie stumbles upon your self-run town after her life is destroyed, except there's more to this town then what meets the eye. and it seems like there is more to you too.

WARNINGS: 18+ mentions of death, grief, related subjects; cursing, mentions of drinking/drugs, mentions of s*x

A/N: i've been working on this one for a while... i hope you enjoy! please send asks, reblog, and reply to this post <;3

WORD COUNT: 3k

"i still hear you laughing, but only for a minute"

Spring couldn’t come fast enough for Ellie. 

The cold still nipped at the exposed skin on her hands, ghosting the phantom limbs of the two fingers she was now missing. Everything was cold. The tip of her nose, her ears, and most importantly her heart. As she wandered aimlessly, unsure of where to go, she knew there was one place she couldn’t go: home. 

Jackson was no longer a place for her. Joel was gone, Tommy thought she was weak, and Dina…Well, Dina wanted nothing to do with her. Dina had a lot she could blame Ellie for before Ellie left, but she never did. She stayed. And now, on top of all of that, Ellie had left one of the few people in her life who cared enough about her to stay. Spring could come tomorrow but it would forever be winter inside her. 

She didn’t know where she was going, but she knew she was going west. She couldn’t handle the harsh winters of the East Coast, and Wyoming stopped feeling like home before she left for Seattle. She thought about staying on the farm and living out whatever short life she was going to have there, but staying in that home painted with memories of “what ifs” would drive her crazy. 

So she packed enough supplies to last her a few months if she hunted her food and headed to the West Coast. The first few days were silent, she only encountered a few infected and found shelter in abandoned buildings. She lived off of expired food she found in vending machines in old universities and occasionally sang herself to sleep. 

On her tenth day, she found a car that lasted her about 2 days. Once it broke down, she just kept walking. Over abandoned highways and thick forests, she just kept walking. On day 17, she reached California and stumbled upon an eerily similar set of walls. It looked just like the gates at Jackson, except these were concrete and better built. They were much higher, and the gates almost looked… automatic. 

Ellie was hesitant. She didn’t know what she was looking for, but she definitely wasn’t looking for another hometown to destroy. She approached the large walls cautiously, with her hands up and slowly. As she walked closer she was screaming, “I come in peace,” over and over again. She was almost 50 feet near the gate when she heard a girl's voice shout, “Don’t come any closer.”

She stopped in her tracks as the automatic gates began to open. Ellie expected an army of people with guns blazing, just how it was when she first arrived at Jackson, but when the gates opened there just stood you, grounded in all your glory, and a gun aimed right at her face. She wanted to laugh, but that just seemed sexist. 

Instead, you pressed forward, unwavering, with your gun aimed right at her. She didn’t step backward, or even breathe, she just stood there until you were close enough to her to make out all the freckles on her face and the slit in her eyebrow. 

“Who are you?” you spat at her.

“Ellie,” she breathed out, her hands faltering a bit. 

With your hand firmly wrapped around the cold metal of the gun, you inched forward again, pulling back the slide, a metallic click echoing in the silence. The gun was loaded, and you were letting Ellie know that you weren’t afraid to shoot. Her hands stiffened again. 

“What are you doing here?” Your tone was tough and the look on your face was enough to send Ellie running for the hills, but it also made her want to crack a smile. Your nose scrunched up as you spoke, and your lips were somehow not chapped in this weather. But Ellie didn’t smile, she was sure if she did you would put one right between her eyes. That much she was sure of.

“I-” Ellie hadn’t thought this far. What was she doing here? “I’m just looking for a place to stay.” 

Your eyebrows creased as you gave her a once over, looking for any sign she was trouble. It was in your nature to search for danger, but she wasn’t raising any red flags. Except the fact that she made it here alone and unscathed, and was missing two fingers. 

“What happened to your hand?” you asked, tipping the gun slightly to her hand. A pained expression crossed her face, it was almost like she forgot that two of her fingers were quite literally bitten off, but that fight was somewhere shoved deep inside her mind. It wasn’t something she wanted to remember.

“Lost them in a fight,” she replied simply, there was no point in telling the full story. It’s not like you had the time. 

“You can’t stay here if you’re going to be trouble,” finally you put the gun down, resting your hands on your hips, giving her a firm look. Ellie would hand it to you, you were absolutely scary. In her mind, she knew she could take you, but she also wasn’t so sure of that.  

“I’m,” she sighed, lowering her hands slowly, “I’m done with that. I won’t be trouble,” and for the first time in Ellie’s life, she meant that. She was ready to start over. She knew the fighter in her would always be there, itching to come out but she had been fighting her whole life. It was time to give up. She had already lost everything. Or so she thought. 

Your face softened slightly before firming up again, your empathy peeking through like it always did. You looked her over again, sighing, as you signaled for someone at the gate to come. A man with short blonde hair trotted over, a leash in his hand. He looked kind as he offered a smile to Ellie.

“Old girl here is just gonna check to make sure you’re not infected,” he smiled, dropping the leash. Ellie’s heart rate picked up again as she watched the German Shepherd approach her slowly, sniffing around her as it circled her. You stood behind the blonde guy with your arms crossed across your chest. The dog found nothing and returned to the man, sitting down next to him, “Looks like you’re all clear!”

“Welcome to Mono City,” you deadpanned, rolling your eyes as you turned back towards the gate, walking in that direction. You were halfway there when you realized Ellie wasn’t moving. Turning on your heel again you stared at her, hand on your hip again. You had an attitude, Ellie thought, cute. “You coming or what?”

The small town sat on a large lake, glistening as the sun's rays bounced off the surface. Buildings were built close together, trees without leaves scattered on the walkway, and about a hundred people out on the street as she trailed behind you, earning dirty looks from half of them. Ellie scowled back. Ellie smiled when you introduced yourself to her, telling her your name and a few key details about yourself. She learned you served as some sort of mayor here, keeping everything in order, and that you were the person that people came to. She would be lying if she said that didn’t intimidate her. But all Ellie did was give you her name again and tell you that she was from Jackson, anything else she said would fall short. 

“How are you with your hands?” you asked, voice flat and simple. Ellie choked on her words, stuttering a response. 

“I’m, well,” she coughed, “I’m just okay with them now, since,” she shrugged gesturing to what she now called her ‘bad hand’, “you know.”

A wave of guilt crossed your face as you composed yourself, somehow already forgetting your previous interaction. You shook your head solemnly, cursing quietly under your breath as you stopped. 

“Shit,” you turned to her, eyes squeezed shut, “sorry, I’m so used to asking the same questions, I didn’t even think.”

“It’s fine don’t worry about it,” she gave a tight-lipped smile. Now, with the illumination of the buildings, she could see your whole face. You were pretty, that she was sure of, but it was a more down-to-earth pretty. A type of pretty that you had to take in. You had scars around your face, and a pretty big scar down the side of your neck. It almost looked like the one Ellie had on her arm. But still, scars and all, you were just nice to look at. 

“Well, just for that reason we probably won’t have you be on guard duty,” you stated, eyes flicking around her face, “do you have any other strengths?”

“Uhm,” Ellie had to think for a minute. She had never really been asked anything like this before. What were her strengths? Did she have any at all? She used to be good at guitar, but now she couldn’t play, and that probably wouldn’t be useful at all to anyone here. She was good at art still, something she couldn’t take for granted anymore. It was all she had. The scratched-out drawings of Dina, JJ, Jesse, and Joel were stuffed deep into her bag.

“I’m good at art,” she shrugged, “and writing, maybe.”

“Okay,” you smiled, showing off your teeth, making her warm a bit, “that we can work with. Maybe you can teach at the school.”

“You have a school here?” Ellie gawked. Jackson had a school but it was small and had maybe two or three teachers. 

“Yeah,” you turned to keep walking, making Ellie stumble behind you to keep up, “we have three. An elementary, middle, and high school.”

“Wow,” Ellie was in awe, “It’s not like a military school or anything?” 

“No,” you answered quickly, your voice tight, “It’s not like any of that shit. We don’t fuck with FEDRA here.”

Ellie would be lying if she said that wasn’t music to her ears.

“It’s just like a normal school except we teach a lot more practical things. Things we can use like, cooking, science, and English. Like reading or writing. Since you’re new you will probably start with the elementary school. We also have little extracurriculars and we’ve wanted to introduce art but haven’t been able to find anyone yet.”

“Oh, cool,” was all Ellie said as you both stumbled on what looked like a residential street. There were rows of houses, all that looked the same. There was a road, with cars parked on them and driveways with gates. Most of the houses looked about two stories tall, some had toys lying in the front yards and a few animals were roaming about, small cats and dogs. The porches had furniture on them, little couches and chairs, and as she walked she noticed some people outside with mugs in their hands as if they were drinking their morning coffee. The town looked like something she saw out of a movie, only something she could dream about. Her eyes were wide in awe as you rambled on about something but Ellie was honestly too entranced in everything. Here, in the middle of nowhere was a whole town of people living their lives, as if nothing had ever happened to them. 

“Ellie?” you stopped in your tracks, crossing your arms over your chest. There was your attitude again, “are you even listening?”

“Y-yeah, I am. It’s just-”

“A lot, I know,” you sighed, “but you gotta listen, there are a lot of rules here. Rules that make this place function and if you don’t follow them, you could easily be kicked out.”

“I’m sorry,” she apologized, genuinely meaning it, “I’m listening, promise.”

“It’s fine,” you gave her a fake smile, turning to push open a gate to a nice house, “This will be your place.”

“Uhm,” Ellie stopped, not entering the front yard, “what do you mean ‘my place’? This is far too big for me.”

“This is the only size our houses come in,” you replied matter-of-factly, “you can just say thank you.”

Ellie blinked as she looked up at the blue house, that looked like it was built yesterday. It had a wrap-around porch and two white columns right by the entrance. The door was a giant white door with a gold handle. This was nicer than any house she’s ever been in, and way too big for one girl.  

“Thank you,” Ellie replied, still awe-struck, “this is just so nice.”

“You’re welcome,” you smiled, fishing around in your bag for something. You pulled out a pair of keys, and handed them to her, “Here’s your house keys. You don’t get a car quite yet, that’s something you have to work your way up to, but there is a bike in the garage. Spring is around the corner so it will get warmer and you should have your car by next winter so don’t worry too much. My house is right across the block, but I’m usually in the City Center if you need me.”

She wrapped her right hand around the keys, tightening them in her palm. She watched as you searched through your bag again and pulled out a little device. 

“This is your walkie,” you took a deep breath, “Try to find me before using it. It’s usually only used for emergencies so just be mindful of that. I’ll be by tomorrow to take you to work, so you have time to get settled in today. Okay?”

“Okay,” Ellie smiled, her voice sounding a little bit breathless.

That night Ellie settled into her new home. Well, she tried to settle into her new home but kept shifting around in every seat and couch, like she couldn’t find something to get comfortable on. She examined every part of the house, picking the smallest room for herself and shoving her backpack in the closet. She took a bath for the first time in months, washing all the dirt and grime off of her. Left in the shower was a bar of soap that looked like it had been handmade and unused. It smelled so good she almost took a bite, but instead chose to use it how it was meant to be used.

As the sun began to set she stepped outside, watching the activity on the block and smiling to herself. Everything just seemed so normal, but with the state of this world this town was certainly abnormal. From her window she could see you in your front yard, feeding a pack of cats that slipped through your white picket fence. She smiled to herself as she watched one rub against your leg, and your gentle hand coming down to pet it. She continued to watch as kids passed your house, waving to you and running back to their homes. 

The next few days were uneventful. Ellie found herself getting used to teaching young kids, always laughing when they asked about her missing fingers. It was out of her comfort zone, but she was around JJ enough to know what kids liked. Her voice always got so high-pitched when she spoke to them, and they liked being chased around the room. On her fifth day of working, a kid ran in screaming, “Miss Ellie! Miss Ellie!” with a chicken scratch drawing of his family. He was so proud that all Ellie could say was “Good job, bud!” and ruffle his hair. He left with the biggest smile on his face.

But now, Ellie found herself at the city’s most popular bar, with the other teachers who wanted to congratulate her on her first week. Della, who invited Ellie out in the first place, made a toast to her, clinking her glass with Ellie’s and taking a long swig of her drink. Ellie took a sip of hers too and fuck, this shit was strong. 

She felt human again, laughing with people her age in a bar and old music playing. She was almost having a good time until a song came on that reminded her of Joel. It was like her whole demeanor changed and everyone could tell. She excused herself from the group finding a small corner to sit on and finish the rest of her drink, hoping maybe it would make her forget everything. But then, the bell at the front door rang making Ellie look up to see who had entered. 

There you were in all your glory, tight shirt on and hair completely loose. It almost looked as if you were wearing makeup. Ellie must’ve been staring too long because she blinked and you were standing in front of her. 

“See you got yourself a drink,” you laughed, voice making Ellie’s cheeks turn pink. She was… really drunk.

“Yeah, I could get you one too,” she slurred a bit, goofy smile spread across her face. She watched as something odd crossed your face and now she was worried she said something wrong, “I just mean, like.. you know… I mean like as a thank you.”

“Right,” you sighed.

“For my mansion, you know,” she shrugged and you giggled. You giggled and it went straight to her head. What was she doing?

“You haven’t been paid yet,” you smiled back at her, now moving to sit down, “and it’s okay, I don’t drink unless it’s a special occasion.”

“What? Meeting me is not special enough,” she teased, knocking her shoulder with yours. Her eyes scanned your face, your smile reaching your eyes as you giggled again. Her stomach sank again. She wasn’t so sure if this was just the alcohol anymore, she felt like she was 12 and crushing on Riley again. 

“No, it’s special,” you reassured, “Maybe, I’ll drink when you decide to stay.”

“Who said I’m not staying?” she questioned sitting up.

“Some people don’t,” you shrugged, smile fading. Ellie’s brain wanted to make it better, make you laugh again, or shit do anything to put the smile back on your face. 

“Well, I’m gonna,” she said gently, so only you could hear her, “I need to get my paycheck.”

You laughed and Ellie breathed a sigh of relief, laughing with you. 

“I’ll get that to you,” you smiled, “and we don’t use paychecks.”

“What’re you gonna pay me with?” she smirked, “I know some other ways you can pay me.” Then the same look from earlier crossed your face and she cursed quietly to herself, muttering an apology. 

“No, no,” you said, like you were about to let her down gently, “I just try not to get… involved with anyone since…” your voice trailed off.

“Since?” Ellie questioned, but as you opened your mouth to speak the group from earlier made their way over, noticing your arrival and screaming your name. She watched as you got up, hugged everyone and started chatting with them, leaving her with her drink and too many questions. 

There was one thing that scared her though. She knew you needed someone who could stay, and the only thing she was good at was leaving.

[northopalshore]

what does each planet represent in an union persona chart?

Here's a simplified list:

Planets meanings in the

Union persons chart

₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹. ࣭ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑

The Union asteroid (1585) shows you how you meet your future spouse. The union persona chart naturally adds extended detail & depth to the circumstances of meeting them. Still curious?

Checkout the union persona chart masterlist here! Mini guide series.

୨୧ Please do not repost without consent ʕ⁠´⁠•⁠ᴥ⁠•⁠`⁠ʔฅ🔉

₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑

ྀི Sun

How you first met/heard about them

ྀི Moon read here

How you felt when you met, what you were curious about, what was comfortable

ྀི Mercury read here

What you'll think about them, or talk about the most

ྀི Venus read here

How they'll fall for you, how you'll fall for them, where you love to shower them w affection, how you flirt

ྀི Mars

Movements, flights, how you'll/they'll approach you

ྀི Jupiter

Where they bring the most joy, or what you'll be doing the most around them

ྀི Saturn read here

Restrictions, what might be difficult for you to do at first

ྀི Uranus

What they bring into your life (excitement, joy, fear, the unexpected)

ྀི Neptune

Misunderstandings, illusions, your fantasies (whether good or bad) around them

ྀི Pluto

What causes the most arguments, issues you have to face, problems early on

ྀི Chiron read here

Your biggest insecurities, fears around them when you first meet

ྀི Union read here

How you actually meet face to face, official introduction, first date even

ྀི Groom (5129) & Briede (19029) read here

What you & your spouse will be doing right when you first meet

The rising sign in your union persona chart

is the setting your union will take place in, whether physically or online. What you'll be doing even. It's not really an indicator of how you'll meet but rather the vibe of the setting you're in at the time.

₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑

₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ₊ ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑

Aries- it's likely that you'll meet physically, or not online. You might be in your single era, or even doing something for yourself/in a fast paced setting.

Taurus - Could be very calm, or comfortable. You might be doing something familiar to you or with your siblings as well. Food, shops, spas could be related. You could be purchasing something as well or just feeling romantic.

Gemini - You were likely in the mood to learn or at a time where things were moving fast, quick thinking, communication could be involved

Cancer - Perhaps you were close to your mother at the time, or at home or just your hometown. Being with family, doing something normal.

Leo- you could be in a mood to have fun, or there may be entertainment & children involved with the scenario. Could be an open setting with a lot of people involved

Virgo - It's likely an average day to you. You could be working or minding your own business, or fixating on your routine.

Libra - could be related to justice, rights, women, love or even just to indulge in yourself. You could be in the mood to pamper yourself or deal with something related to law. Could also be doing business, or offering a service. You might be signing a contract at this time.

Scorpio - You'll likely meet at a point of renewal. Something could have happened or ended in the past, which has left you alone or just being alone in general. A closed, intimate setting. You could be focused on something, or curious about something. There might also be a goal you're trying to reach. Whatever it is, you're likely "in your zone."

Sagittarius - you could be in the mood to learn about something, or even teach something. Could be related to knowledge, whether spiritual, factual or occult. Enlightening people, gaining exposure/experience. You could also just be in the mood to travel. You could also be expanding something in your life at the time.

Capricorn - working. You'll be focused on your ambitions, your goals and your personal priorities. Your professional life is the main agenda here.

Aquarius - you could be feeling more rebellious or experimental, wanting to try something new. Could be related to the internet or your community, or just new experiences.

Pisces- you could be feeling less controlling, just going with whatever happens in your life. It could also be at a point of clarity, where you are at peace with yourself. Could be related to travel , healing & religion as well.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ ⊹ .₊๋‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭

Hope this helps!

@northopalshore

@northopalshore union persona chart 2024.

[blueskrugs]

I Know I Could Have Loved You | Brock Boeser

at long last, it's here! this is my fic for @wyattjohnston's winter fic exchange, written for @one-night-story! Once again, I am SO sorry this is a bit late, but I had a really brutal week.

I hope you enjoy!!

length: 2000 words

You met Brock Boeser in 2015 when you were both freshmen at the University of North Dakota.

He wasn't your best friend at first. 

In fact, he'd rolled his eyes and when you were forced to partner with him for a stupid project in your intro to stats course. You don't remember exactly when he did become your friend, but  before you knew it your weekends were spent watching hockey games, then going out for fast food french fries with Brock, or lounging in each other's dorm rooms while you did homework. (Or while you did homework, and Brock pretended to do his own.) 

You don't know when you fell in love with Brock Boeser, either, just that you did.

Brock dated a few people while at UND, like most of the hockey players did. They stuck around for a few weeks or months before disappearing. Brock never bothered to introduce you to any of them. You tried to not let it bother you. 

“You should move to Vancouver, "Brock said suddenly one summer day. He'd signed his ELC just a few months prior—instead of returning to UND with you in the fall, he’d be off to Vancouver for training camp with the Canucks. 

You were both tanning by the lake, and you lowered your sunglasses to look sideways at Brock. He wouldn't meet your eyes.

"Brock, some of us have to actually finish college before getting a job," you said. You still had 2 years before graduation. "And why the hell should I move to Vancouver?"

Brock shrugged, all forced nonchalance. "Well, I'll be there."

You scoffed. "Sure, from October to April." You didn't know anyone in Vancouver, excluding Brock, who only counted during hockey season anyway.

"But I'll miss you," Brock argued. "What am I supposed to do without you?"

"I think you'll manage just fine, Boes," you told him. "You survived this long without me before we met, didn't you? You can keep surviving now, too."

Brock pouts at you, but doesn't argue the point further, so you think that's the end of it. You put your sunglasses back in place on the bridge of your nose and settle back against your chair. You can’t deny that it leaves a nice fuzzy feeling in your chest that Brock thinks he’ll miss you so much that he’s begging you to join him in Vancouver.

Brock doesn’t bring it up again that summer, or for the next two years as you’re finishing up college, and you forget about the whole thing. The years pass; you graduate. 

Brock comes to your graduation party, kisses you on the cheek, and spends the afternoon charming your parents and your friends from high school and from UND. Brock always manages to stay within your orbit, never more than arm’s reach away from you. It’s nice, to have him back at your side like this. 

It's only when the party is over and Brock is helping clean up that he springs the question on you again.

"Have you thought about it at all?" he asks, apropos of absolutely fucking nothing.

You've had a few drinks, and it takes your brain a few seconds to catch up. "What?" you ask. "Thought about what?"

“Moving to Vancouver with me."

You already have a job lined up in your hometown. You haven't thought even once of moving to Vancouver instead.

"Brock, I can't just move to another country."

"What if I want you to?“

"Oh, sure, that will go over well on a visa application. ‘Because my bestfriend wants me to.’"

Brock sticks his tongue out at you.

"You should at least come and visit me," he pleads, "I really think you'll love it."

You roll your eyes at Brock. "I guess I can make time to visit,” you say, ignoring Brock's exaggerated cheer before he squishes you into a hug.

Brock manages to talk you into visiting him in June, because—in his words— "It's prettier in the summer."

He's not exactly wrong, you have to admit, after a week of traipsing around the city with Brock. You're watching a firework show with your head on Brock's shoulder when you realize you're starting to picture yourself in Vancouver, starting a real life here.

"D'you really think I could get a job here?” you murmur to Brock during a pause in the fireworks.

"What?” Brock asks. He turns to you. His blond hair glows in the light of the fireworks overhead. "Never mind,” you whisper back.

You begin searching for jobs in Vancouver that night, in the quiet darkness of Brock's spare bedroom.

Before you know it, you've lined up the perfect job—even better than the one you'd originally found back home, not that you'll ever tell Brock that—and Brock has helped you find an apartment in the city. 

"It's not far from me,” Brock had told you when he was helping you move in, "so you can come over and walk Milo and Coolie whenever."

"Oh, is that the real reason you wanted me to move out here?” you tease. "Free dog walking?"

Brock shrugs innocently but chuckles. "Well, I need someone to watch them when we're on road trips and stuff.”

You throw a wad of bubble wrap at him.

Later, while you and Brock are eating pizza on your living room floor, Brock flops into his back and sighs. You poke him in the head with your foot.

"You good, buddy?” you ask.

"What do you think of dating apps?” Brock says, which isn't really an answer.

You've always been too scared to try dating apps yourself. Instead of telling Brock that, you say, "You're a professional athlete.” And a very attractive one, but you don’t say that part. "What do you need dating apps for?”

Brock looks up at you from his sprawl on your floor. "Because I'm tired of being single?” he asks.

You flip him off. You don't say, I'm single, too, you could always date me. You got used to putting aside your feelings for Brock a long time ago.

"And you think dating apps are the solution? You didn't have any issues getting people to date you in North Dakota.”

Brock rolls his eyes. "I didn't play for the Canucks, then. It's all people I meet now seem to care about.”

You're still not sure how dating apps will solve that problem.

As if he hears your unspoken question, Brock continues. "At least this way, I can weed out puck bunnies or whatever a lot faster, instead of wasting my time.” He cranes his neck around so he can look at you directly. "So will you help me or not?” 

You think you'd rather get stabbed directly in the heart than to help Brock date someone else, but you never could say no to him.

"Fine, whatever,” you say. "Gimme your phone.” 

You're already regretting your decision less than ten minutes later as you watch Brock scroll through his camera roll to add pictures to his profile.

"You can't use your official headshot!” you tell him, trying to snatch his phone. "People are going to think they're getting catfished.”

"I don't have a lot of good pictures of myself!” Brock protests.

You've nixed three more photos—all pictures Brock has evidently stolen from the team's social media—("Why the hell do you save all these, anyway?”)—when Brock throws his hands up and passes you his phone.

"You do it then,” he tells you.

Brock's own camera roll is obviously useless, so you pull out your own phone. It only takes a few minutes of scrolling for you to pluck a handful of good photos out of your camera roll and Airdrop them to Brock. He's looking at you a little strangely when you hand his phone back.

"What?” you ask.

"I didn't know you took so many pictures of me,” he says. 

"I don't take that many,” you defend weakly. It's not like you have an entire album on your phone of pictures of him, or anything. 

Brock drops the subject, but you still feel uneasy as you continue helping him finish his profile. The two of you spend almost an hour bickering over which prompts to choose or the answers Brock writes for them before Brock deems his profile "good enough”.

"'Good enough?'” you argue. “This profile is a masterpiece,” you declare. "We'll get you cuffed in time for Christmas.”

Brock snorts at you. "All thanks to you,” he says, smacking a kiss to your cheek.

You try not to feel any particular way about it.

Brock spends the next few weeks bringing you his dating app matches to "approve.” He even shows you some of the funny ones—mostly girls tripping over themselves for the chance to sleep with The Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks. He gets a lot of matches. 

You try to muster the appropriate enthusiasm for Brock, as he seems to be throwing himself into this endeavor with all the energy he throws into hockey.

It's hard, though, when all you can do is compare yourself to them. You wonder what Brock sees in them that he’s never seen in you.

Brock never seems to notice if your encouragement is lackluster.

Matches turn into a revolving door of first dates for Brock. A few times, first dates turn into second dates, and even into a third date or two. 

You force yourself to stop obsessively keeping track of his dates, and to pretend like each date he goes on doesn't drive the knife even deeper into your heart.

Brock's in the middle of telling you about his latest date—you think he’s been seeing this person for nearly a month—when he stops abruptly in the middle of a sentence.

"Are you okay?” he asks.

"Yeah? Why wouldn't I be?” you say. It doesn’t sound very confident, even to your ears. 

"You've got that look on your face, the one where you're mad at me, but trying to pretend that you're not.”

You try to arrange your face into something more neutral.

"I'm not mad at you, Brock,” you say. You don't think he believes you. 

"So why do you always get all—” Brock gestures vaguely at your face. “—pissy whenever I talk about my dates?”

"I do not! And besides, I didn't know moving to Vancouver meant a front row seat to your dating life! Don't you have teammates to talk about this shit with?”

Brock scoffs. "They don't care about my dating life, and, apparently, neither do you.” 

"Brock, it's not that I don't care—” 

Brock cuts you off. "Then what is it?”

"I care too much!”

"What?” he says.

"Dammit, Brock, why don't you want to date me?” you snap.

Brock shakes his head. You probably shouldn't have said that.

"What do you mean?” he asks slowly.

"You heard me the first time, Boeser. Why are you searching all over Vancouver for someone to date when I've been here the whole time?” 

Brock takes a step closer to you. You take a step backwards; your kitchen is small, and you end up trapped against the counter.

"The whole time? "Brock repeats dumbly.

You could slap him. "Yes, Brock. Boy, it's a good thing you're pretty and good at hockey, because you can be really stupid sometimes.”

"Hang on,” Brock says. He's moved even closer. "How was I supposed to know?”

"Do you think I'd more to another country for anyone?” you ask.

"Oh,” Brock says. Then he says, "For how long?”

"Huh?”

“How long have you been in love with me?” Brock asks.

“I don't know, sometime freshman year, I guess.” There was never really a lightbulb moment for you; your feelings for Brock grew and morphed so slowly you almost didn't notice until it was too late.

Brock kisses you then, crushing you up against the cabinets with the force of it. His hands are warm on your hips, his lips gentle and firm against yours.

You pull away, a little breathless.

Brock grins at you. “If I had known this was an option, I would have kissed you a long time ago.”

"So, can we delete that dating app now?” you ask, forehead resting on Brock's shoulder.

"We can do whatever you want,” Brock says, leaning in to kiss you again.

You suppose deleting his dating profile can wait a little while.

[hoes4hoseok]

enhypen as the tortured poets department

pairings :: ot7 x gn!reader (if i accidentally slipped in a gender-related mistake please let me know!) genres :: angst & fluff warnings :: swearing, alcohol, mentions of food, sorta emotional cheating, reader being down bad ™️ word count :: 2.1k author’s note :: thanks to ogs @sunoosill and @fandomgirl489 for helping me hehe love you guys! also i kind of tried something new with this one, they're actual little fics this time so let's see how it's recieved 😭 that being said i lowkey hate this. i started doubting all my choices once i was like 60% done but this took an embarrassingly long time. also this is unedited because i'm sick of this draft. i hope y'all enjoy though!

ni-ki as my boy only breaks his favorite toys

“i felt more when we played pretend than with all the kens cause he took my out of my box, stole my tortured heart, left all these broken parts, told me i’m better off, but i’m not”

ni-ki swept 👏 you 👏 off 👏 your 👏 feet 👏 when you first met

because he doesn't seem like he'd necessarily approach a relationship the same way as everyone else just because everyone else is doing it

so when he asked you out he was pretty nonchalant about it (even if that wasn’t how he was feeling)

&& it all felt so romantic because you’d do things like get dessert in the middle of the night & then drive into the hills together 

especially because he didn’t treat you the same way as the other people he dated — a fact his friends confirmed.

he was passive about it all before you.

there wouldn’t be any doubt that he loved you because he most certainly did

not to be cliché but he made you see the world differently! & more importantly, he made you see romantic relationships differently

but you could tell that he had a sense of uncertainty around you

not because he was uncertain about his feelings for you

but an uncertainty that told him that he needed to spend each moment like it could be taken away from him in the blink of an eye

he knew he was feeling too much — he knew you were feeling too much

because ultimately, he was unsure about whether he was right for you.

so he left you, promising that you’d be better off without him.

you weren’t.

sunoo as down bad

“for a moment i knew cosmic love, now i’m down bad, crying at the gym”

sunoo would be such a good boyfriend on paper

he'd buy you flowers & give great hugs, of course, but he'd also be supportive & reassure you when you felt insecure and unsure about your place in the world

that being said, sunoo is not one to string people along

so the moment he realized that he wasn’t 100% in, he made a plan to end things & he did.

&&...losing sunoo fucked you up. it would fuck anyone up, to be fair.

finding out that he was leaving you when the relationship was everything to you would catch you off guard, to say the least.

he probably left feeling proud of himself for doing everything right too LMAO 😭 

&& yes, i don't think it's anything he did that made it so bad

it's just that break-ups suck & you really loved him! even if he “did everything right”

no matter how it transpired, you were still in shambles at the end 

you broke down in tears at the sight of anything that made you think of him

from the smell of gardenias in a grocery store

‘he bought me those 🤧! for our first anniversary 🤧!’

to the most upbeat song you’ve ever heard coming on shuffle while you work out

‘he loved that song’ (even if you couldn’t stand it)

&& you really hoped he was feeling a shred of what you were 

but it sure as hell didn’t seem that way.

jungwon as fresh out the slammer

“all those nights, you kept me going, swirled you into all of my poems”

you & jungwon had a lot of your own problems to deal with the first time you dated

likely because he had a lot on his plate at the time as an idol & you were just at different places in your lives

&& even though your brain was telling you not to, you fell in love fast

he’d taken you to a quiet spot in his hometown that he used to go to when he was overwhelmed as a kid

it was an old swingset at the park where, somehow, everything else had been renovated

the two of you sat there for hours with your hands entwined, talking about your futures 

&& the possibility of them ending in the same place.

it felt childish & implausible, but you wanted to believe it

&&, as the break up proved to you, it was, in fact, childish & implausible to believe that your lives could magically become compatible

you tried to move on, you really did. you dated other people for years. 

one boyfriend stuck around for four years. a coworker. your future with him felt written in stone.

he was good to you, but there was a part of your heart that yearned for more

the part that yearned for the type of connection you had on the swingset all those years ago

you didn't spend that time waiting for jungwon — you accepted that you were going to spend your life content with your boyfriend

but you sometimes thought about what it would be like if you met jungwon under different circumstances or another life where his career wasn’t so controlling and demanding of him

you would smile listening to his music (that you subconsciously hoped was about you) 

&& checked how he was doing online periodically

but then you were single. it was something your boyfriend said about not seeing a future here. not seeing a future with you. when you gave him four years of your life. 

you knew you should have felt more, that you should have been torn apart for months

but a week later, you picked up the phone & dialed the number that had been seared into your brain for six years

“y/n?”

his voice was almost a whisper.

“do you think you could take me to that park again tonight?”

“i’ll be there in 10 minutes.”

“thank you.”

“y/n?”

“yeah?”

“i missed you.”

heeseung as the alchemy

“where’s the trophy? he just comes running over to me”

when you started dating heeseung, you knew it would be really easy for him to put you low on his priority list being an idol

&& you wouldn’t have blamed him for that 

because your careers are important, especially at this point in your lives (also your exes probably did that with much less demanding jobs)

but he didn’t! he told you it would be tough but that he’d try his best to make sure you had time together even with his insane packed schedule

&& try he did omg 🤭 that man put in the WORK

he would show up towards the end of your workday just to whisk you off on a date 🫶

which you not-so-secretly loved for two reasons:

one: it reminded you that he loved you & valued your career as much as you valued his

two: he’s really hot. so it’s fun to see everyone’s reaction to him showing up heehee

&& after your workday he’d take you wherever you wanted

but you’re indecisive at times, so he’d just guess sometimes.

it was usually your favorite restaurant or a massage parlor, but once he literally took you to the airport for a getaway? who knows what he has planned lmfao

you loved getting surprised by your boyfriend, of course, but the nights when you were at his concert to support him? those meant the world to you.

you swore that you’d never forget the look on his face when he realized you were in the crowd the first time you surprised him

but honestly? his excitement never faltered. he still wears that childish grin every time he sees you showing up for him

&& the post concert kisses are incomparable to all the others 

because he kisses you like you’re the stars in a rom-com. every. damn. time — whether it’s backstage or in front of 20,000 people.

jay as chloe or sam or sophia or marcus

“if you want to break my cold, cold heart, just say ‘i loved you the way that you were’”

jay was hurting you

with every instagram post he uploaded with a woman you didn’t recognize,

at every red carpet appearance where he had someone else on his arm,

with every polite smile he greeted you with when you crossed paths.

you broke up with him. years ago, at that. you had no right to feel this way.

his mind seemed scattered in your time together & he was unsure about most everything

at first, it had seemed like you were the exception to that.

until you weren’t.

when you broke it off, you told him you loved him. & that maybe you always would.

he might have loved you.

but if that was the case, he never told you.

on occasion, you thought about how he felt seeing you date around aimlessly.

had he done the mature thing & moved on?

did his jaw clench seeing another man kiss you the same way it did before you dated?

did he care about what you were thinking as much as you did about him? 

there were times that you’d stare at his contact, finger hovering above the ‘call’ button

almost hoping your finger would slip so you’d have the chance, the smallest chance to hear him say

“i loved you the way that you were.”

(i really want to write a oneshot about this actually? maybe?)

jake as so high school

“get my car door, isn’t that sweet, then pull me to the backseat, no one’s ever had me, not like you”

jake was so obsessed with you before y’all started dating HEHE probably from the first time that he had a conversation with you!

he was so enthralled by the way you think & see the world

&& he blushed and stumbled on his words every time he talked to you for months & his friends would tease him RELENTLESSLY

he got so nervous before following you on social media that he had to employ his friends to help.

“guys, just press it for me. i can’t look!”

he probably thought about asking you out on many occasions but chickened out for one reason or another every time

but then he saw you at the local convenience store while he was out getting ramen at 2 a.m. — or rather, you saw him.

"jake?" he'd know that voice anywhere. oh god oh god oh god oh god

he needed a moment to compose himself, but he pulled himself together enough to look up at you & greet you properly <3

his stress slipped away fairly fast after that & you found yourselves shopping for your respective midnight snacks together

"have you tried this one? it's probably my favorite limited edition flavor" you had said, pointing to your favorite candy

which, naturally, he responded to by pulling a handful into his basket 😚

you didn't know whether he wanted to try it because you liked it or he was buying it for you, but either way, you found it endearing

after you both paid, jake took your groceries in his other hand, declaring that he'd carry them to your car for you

which, of course, wasn't possible. you had walked.

😧...😟...😶...🤔...☝️😲 "i could give you a ride! i don't want you walking home alone at this hour. or i could call you an uber if you're not comf—"

"i'd really like that"

&& then his heart would damn near explode at the sight of your smile. because how could it not.

he fumbled with the bags before opening the passenger door for you

&& on the drive there he'd stare at you with heart eyes while you talked at every red light

you'd have to tell him it turned green because he was just so distracted hehe

oh my god not this being my second fic about jake driving you home,, 🫣 IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE I DON'T PLAN THESE I JUST GO WITH WHAT FEELS RIGHT

i'm just hilarious, this does not show anything about what i want irl, absolutely nothing.

sunghoon as i look in people’s windows

"what if your eyes looked up & met mine one more time?"

you & sunghoon had a mutual break up, but it didn't feel that way a month after it happened

especially not when you were walking alone down the street his friend lived on & noticed the light shining through the large window

contrary to what you told yourself (i don’t even care if he’s in there) you approached the warm light warily

you didn’t really know whether you were hoping to see him in there, but you did — he was laughing with a few people, glass of wine in hand

&&…you weren’t expecting a flood of memories to overcome you in the way they did.

memories from when you were invited. memories from when you called them “our” friends & not “his” friends. memories from when you were the one making him laugh.

you didn’t notice your mouth fall agape or the tears welling in your eyes until sunghoon met your gaze with a tilt of his head, his smile falling as he registered your presence

for a moment, your mind rushed to decipher the look on his face — the way his eyebrows were slightly furrowed, the way his mouth fell agape too — the same expressions you used to be able to read so well.

finally tearing your gaze from sunghoon, you noticed his friends turning back to look out for whatever it was that made their friend so unsettled

they never saw you. you ran before they could.

perhaps if you had stayed a moment longer, you would have heard the front door open.

txt version ☆ midnights version ☆ masterlist

[lady-ashfade]

The Snap Of Thread.

—£ Yan!Aemond Targaryen x Maid!Reader. (Slight Yan!Alicent & others)

—£ Ask!“Hi. Can i ask for yandere aemond with lowborn/maid reader? They have a friendship and one day she tells him that she is pregnant, even trough they never even share a kiss he starts to believe in his mind that the baby is his.”

—£ Warning: Spiders, Yandere behavior, Violence, Killing, Stalking, Being held captive of some sort, Pregnancy, Reader having a baby out of wedlock, Pregnant!Reader, Dead Dove Do Not Eat.

—£Taglist: @watercolorskyy

You had been working in the castle since you were just a child. You and your mother had come to Kingslanding for work and you found it right away. Thankfully the work load was easier on you since you got placed under the Young Princess. You washed her clothes, made sure to prepare her bed and room to the way she likes, even running around the castle with a few extra tasks for others.

Helaena was a delight to work under since she was not cruel or demanding. She just wanted to be alone and lifted to her wonders and insects. Of course, you never really spoke with her since the maids above you had made sure to be near her at every moment. The only time you saw her was when you took trays full of food to her or cleaned them up but most time she was out when you worked.

Much like any other night you had gone to her room to clean, other maids helping around and you had gotten done pretty fast. The sweet princess not being messy at all. When things got done the others left but you stayed to finish up. That’s when you saw a spider with long legs cling to the wall. Your first instinct was to kill it but you remember the princess. This spider was from your hometown and not harmless at all, not even a bite.

So you catch it in your hands and when you did the panic set within you. Where would you put it? You couldn’t throw it out the window, couldn’t kill it, and it was over extreme to walk to the ends of the castle to release it, so you move around the room in panic looking for a place.

The princess came back and wondered what you were doing, seeing you in such a state confused her. When you told her she grew a smile and reached out her hand to take the creature and you gladly gave it over.

“Many people are scared of spiders, they fear what is small to the eye. But you did not kill like others,” she looked at you. “I like that.” You had told her you knew from your hometown of the spider and couldn’t kill it, she was overjoyed. That’s when you two started to hang out more and she called for you. You listened to her when she would talk about all the creatures she had, she liked you.

It was natural for you to met aemond when you hung around his sister so much and he usually was too shy to say anything. So you both only shared a few glances and only talk to heleana. And seeing you so nice and sweet to his dear sister, it mesmerize him to no end. He was taken aback by your kind natured and looked at her like a normal person or as normal as she could be for a princess. And you never look at him like someone weak among his kin but only as a boy.

Aemond started to follow you around when he would see you around the castle and watch you closely. He noticed the wrinkles in your fingertips when you washed clothes for long periods of time. He noticed how you worked like it was a passion and left nothing undone. How you helped the elders when they needed it. And how tired you worked yourself and had to take a breath but look around for anyone before doing so.

It was only a few times you both actually spoke. When he asked for something when helaena wanted cakes or anything, he always joined in even if he didn’t want anything. He wanted your gaze, your focus and pretty eyes on him.

Soon that sweet and shy boy was replaced with a ruthless man who was not shy. He was cold and sat back quietly knowing he could take anyone in the room or fed them to his dragon. He was a warrior now. The boy you had known died and was now a man..

A man who was obsessed with you.

He called for you now, making you clean his rooms or fetch him someone to eat. He’d just sit in his room as you replaced the “Scratchy” bedsheets and claimed only you knew the right ones. But he kept his eye on you the whole time as you would bend over or a stretch yourself over his bed.

At dinners you stood close to Helaena because you had moved up in ranks now you were a young woman and stayed close to her. So he got to see more of you.

Aemond was always hiding in the shadows while you worked. He was much more sinister with his watching now and did it every second of free time. And would get angry when you weren’t where you usually were.

When you looked at him he saw it as you taking him in and being deeply in love with him. You’re just shy, nervous the prince wouldn’t like you make. Oh, boy is he just so delusional about you. Once you laughed at his joke that he made to helaena and he was just stunned. In his mind you were giving him hints. Everything you do is to get his attention.

Through all these years you both spent much more time together so much that you watch him when he trains, he walks with you when you have a pile of clothes in your hands. You considered him a friend.

So when the words. “I’m pregnant, I have not bled in mouths.” He was frozen.

Aemond first reaction was to hunt down the man who had done it to you. Then something snapped within him as his mind was lost, all reality was rewritten. He had done it. That was his child.

He bowed down to the floor and hugged your waist and leaned his ear to the stomach, “Our child.” He whispered and your eyes went wide. His words and actions made no sense and you were slightly afraid to move from his hold.

From there he dressed you in the finest clothes and demanded you were to be kept in his room at all times, or Helaenas. The only time you could go out was with him by your side. And everyone had to agree, he had already killed five people who spoke wrong of you.

Alicent didn’t like the idea but her son made her with his actions saying he loved you so much. Of course she liked how sweet you were to her daughter so she was more than welcome.

Aemond would fall asleep holding your belly, he’d whisper to the child in your womb. He truly believed he was the father. Going as far as to say he took you months ago in a passionate night in the moonlight. And it freaked you out how he knew about all the skin details without seeing you without your clothes.

You become a bird in a golden cage. The life you always wished you had was now given to you but with no escape or freedom.

The child was born and aemond forced his way into the room when he threaten to cut off the maesters fingers. Aemond could never forget when he saw his son for the first time, bloody…

And with white hair.

His held his son and cradled it with a loving smile. Saying the name you had picked out, saying he was going to be such a brave warrior.

But the other prince only smiled at the news when he heard of the white haired son “born” to his brother.

[baronessvonglitter]

Cherry, Cherry 🍒 Chapter 1 🍒

“Austin”

pre-outbreak! AU!Joel Miller x f!Reader

Word count: 2K

Summary: new to the city, you befriend Sarah, and in a time of need you befriend her dad Joel

WARNINGS: this particular chapter is safe for everyone to read, but future chapters will contain smut; mild cursing, little bit of flirting; age gap (reader is 18, Joel is 35); reader is tomboyish but otherwise no race specified and will not be throughout the series; until otherwise specified, this story takes place in the summer of 2003 and is AU with no outbreak, no use of y/n.

Author's Note: this was the first fic I ever wrote, after months of lurking on AO3. It's one of my favorites to write and probably my most popular on AO3, so I'm bringing her to the party. In this particular chapter Joel fixes a sink, and I did minimal investigating into the world of plumbing, so obviously any mistakes are just gonna be there.

Series Masterlist

Austin is quiet. So much quieter than where you came from: Houston, the city on the bayou, where there's always something fun to do. Not that Austin is without its charm, it just kind of feels like living on the moon after the hustle and bustle of your hometown, the fourth largest city in the US. But the people are friendly, the vibes are mellow, and you soon begin to feel at home.

Soon you'll be starting college at the University of Texas, a school you've had your eye on since fifth grade. Your mom, overprotective but meaning well, allowed you to stay with your older cousin Sofia rather than living on campus. And you're excited about it because even with a roommate, this is your first time on your own, away from home, about to really live your life.

School starts in a couple months, so in the meantime you get a job at a new Starbucks in town, providing you with a little spending money. The first few days are a blur, making drinks, learning the register. But it keeps you busy, A few times a week a younger group of kids come in, ordering the cheapest things on the menu. One of them, a girl 13 or 14 years old, approaches the counter. She studies the overhead menu with an air of seriousness. "What's in a frappuccino?" she asks.

"Um, coffee, espresso, milk, ice, and syrup blended together, basically. Comes with whipped cream on top. I could give you one to try," you offer, as your manager is out that day.

"Sure," the girl answers eagerly.

You make the cold, frothy drink and hand it to her. "I'm still pretty new at this, so if you hate it, I'm sorry," you joke.

She smiles and walks back to her friends, sipping the frapp.

You work until evening and pick up some fast food on the way home, Getting out of the car with your food you lean back against the vehicle, stretching a little, trying to wake yourself up a bit. Then you hear the sound of a truck coming up the driveway next door and the engine shutting off. There are a couple of voices you hear as the people begin to exit the truck.

"Hey, she's the one who gave me the free coffee today," you hear, and though it likely isn't meant for you to hear, you glance over and see the young girl from earlier today, climbing out of the truck. From around the driver's side you see a man, mid-thirties, tall, well-built, a black t-shirt clinging to his torso. Dirtied jeans and work boots complete his attire. It takes a moment before you realize he's looking at you.

Immediately you glance back at the girl, obviously his daughter. "Hey," you smile and give a quick, awkward wave. She waves back politely and he gives a curt nod and quick wave. They make their way up the front porch and you hear his gruff voice: "You had coffee? Great, now you'll be bouncin' off the walls all evenin'," before the door closes behind them.

"Guess I met my neighbors," you mutter, making your way inside as well.

Over the next few days the girl, who you now know as Sarah Miller, comes to Starbucks, ordering the same frapp every time. "Don't tell your dad I'm giving you all this caffeine," you tell her, hiding a smirk.

Sometimes you give her a ride home from the cafe, though she claims to use the bus now and then. You come to see that Sarah is a lot more mature than you were at her age. You hang out from time to time, swim in your backyard pool, go to the mall, and every time you drop her off you catch a glimpse of her dad, always a figure in the background. You exchange a wave or polite smile and move on.

It's your day off, a Sunday. You intend to spend the day lounging, watching TV. Maybe Sarah will stop by. After making a quick breakfast for yourself you do the dishes. When you're finished, you realize the class ring you'd set on the counter is gone, likely washed down the sink. "Damn!" you exclaim, and text Sofia, who has just left for work.

Go next door and ask Mr. Miller if he can take a look and get it out. He's helped around the house before your cousin replies.

You sigh and put the phone down.

You're a little hesitant going to speak to him. His truck is in the driveway so you know he's home. You knock on the door, feeling self-conscious about your first interaction with him, and Mr. Miller opens the door.

"Good morning," you introduce yourself. "I'm Sarah's friend.. from next door."

"Nice to meet ya, I'm Joel Miller." He extends a calloused hand and you shake it. You've always assumed him to be a man who does hard work for a living, but in your first time seeing him up close you admire his tousled, dark brown hair, his deep brown eyes that seem serious. "What can I do for ya?" he asks in his gentle Texan drawl.

You smile. "Well, I was told you're pretty handy around the house, and I lost my ring in the sink just now." You chuckle at your mistake. "Would it be possible for you to come over and take a look?" You feel really shy about asking this of a man you barely know.

He takes a moment to think, clears his throat, raises his brow. "I suppose I could stop by." His tone is gruff but his manner seems warm enough. "I'll give it a shot. I'm no plumber, but I'll see what I can do." He shrugs.

You smile and sigh with relief. "Of course. I mean, even you just checking it out would be a big help.. whenever you can stop by I'll be here." You don't want to make demands on his time.

"All right.. I'm not doin' much right now, so I could swing 'round if you like. Just let me grab my toolbox."

Once inside, with minimal conversation Joel gets on the floor, under the sink, and gets to work. You wait nearby, trying not to hover, but also wanting to be available in case he needs anything. Plus he's good looking. You watch as he works. His shirt rides up, revealing his torso, and a hint of the waistband of his underwear. Your eyes wander lower until you force them away. To distract yourself you start putting things away in the cupboard.

"Sarah tells me you're new to Austin," he says as he works.

"Yeah, I'm actually from Houston. I'm starting UT in the fall, and staying with my cousin in the meantime. I take it you know Sofia?"

"I do. She's nice. I keep an eye on her place when she's away. Even when you're there."

You mean to say something in reply, maybe 'thank you' but you're thinking about him keeping a protective watch over your home while you're inside, unaware.

"So you're starting university? How old are ya?" he asks.

Something about his question makes you feel like a deer in headlights. "I'll be nineteen in September. On the twenty-sixth."

You can almost hear the smile in his voice. "No shit? That's my birthday. Except I'm far from nineteen. Small world, ain't it?"

"Yeah," you say, sneaking another glance at his torso.

"What're you studyin'?"

"English," you answer, excited to talk about it. "More specifically Literature. I want to write, and maybe one day work at a huge publishing house."

You hear Joel give a grunt. "What do you write?"

"Poetry sometimes, short stories, I have a few ideas for novels."

Another grunt. "You don't look like the type.. the writer type.. no offense."

"What type do I look like?" Your heart races as you realize he's categorized you already.

He peeks out from under the sink and his eyes fix on you in a way that makes you shiver. "I don't know yet. But you're young. Maybe you're the rebellious type." He goes back to work.

You sit on the floor, your back against the fridge opposite him. "How am I the rebellious type to you?"

He's quiet, and you see the gleam of his eyes from where he's under the sink. "Haven't quite figured it out yet.."

You can tell he's having fun with this, and there's a vibration in the air, a palpable chord struck, and you wonder if he feels it too.

"Anything I can do? Feeling kinda helpless over here," you chuckle.

"Just stay out of the way," his voice is more gruff than maybe he intends. Frowning, his eyes focus on an item lodged in the P-trap. He reaches in and pulls out your ring. It's covered in gunk and grime but you recognize it immediately.

"Oh shit! Thank you..." It's your class ring. 'Class of 2003' is engraved on the side, with a princess cut sapphire on top. You put it aside to clean it later.

Joel smirks. "No problem."

"I really owe you one."

"I dunno about that. Just don't go throwin' away your valuable stuff next time, okay?" He's teasing, almost playful.

You laugh "Okay.. hey I'm working at the cafe tomorrow. If you come by I could get you a free coffee." You put the offer out there, testing the waters though you aren't sure why.

"Free coffee? Careful, girl, between giving away free stuff to me and Sarah, you're gonna run Starbucks out of business," he grins. "But yeah, I might have to stop by."

You walk him out, even though Joel says it's not necessary, but you can tell he enjoys your company. "I guess I'll be seeing you around Joel.. Mr. Miller."

He stifles a chuckle. There's a touch of amusement in the way he speaks to you, but he hides it behind a warm, open expression. "Call me Joel. No need to be so formal around me."

"If my mom was here she'd say I was being disrespectful, calling you by your first name." You can't help a little blush.

"I won't complain about respect," he smiles again.

"She's pretty protective of me," you describe your living situation, your freedom that is being given in increments.

"Well your mom might've done you a favor there." Joel looks out past your front porch. "That's probably a wise decision, ya know? What about your dad? He ok with you living far from home?"

You shake your head. "He's not.. really in the picture. My parents divorced about five years ago. My dad went up north, Minnesota I think, and I haven't seen him since.." You feel a little vulnerable revealing this.

Joel's brow furrows and his expression darkens. You wonder if he's thinking about Sarah. You don't know much about her mother and haven't felt okay to ask. "I'm sorry to hear that. Are you all right?"

You shrug. "I guess so. I've managed this long without him.." You give a smile that doesn't reach your eyes. "I shouldn't be bothering you with all this.."

"No problem, I don't mind listenin'. Do me a favor," he says suddenly. "Be careful out there, okay?"

Something about this catches you off guard. "Of course I will."

He smiles. "Good. I'll see you at the cafe tomorrow," he phrases it like a hopeful question.

"Bright and early," you say, feeling a few butterflies in your stomach.

He laughs and nods. "Til then."

You watch him leave and though you cringe at how young, foolish, childish you must appear to him, you can't deny that you feel something, even for a brief moment. Maybe it's nothing. But something about him sticks with you, an odd feeling in your chest. But it's just a dumb, knee-jerk reaction. He has a family, he's twice your age. You're focused on school and your future. Joel Miller is the last person you should be thinking about...

...right?

next chapter ->

divider by @saradika-graphics 👑

[cheeeeseburger]

Still the one

Sidney Crosby x Reader

Masterlist

A/N: I'm on winter break, so that means I finally have time to write! Here's a little something.This story is set during the 2006 Olympics. English is not my first language, apologies for the mistakes, enjoy!

“I knew I’d find you here.”

It’s a chilly Saturday morning, and it is entirely too cold and early for you to be drinking a slurpy in your hometown mall small food court. Cherry flavour, as usual, since you like the taste and the tint it leaves on your lips and tongue.

The straw makes an odd sound as you slurp the last of your drink. Real smooth.

In front of you stands a vision of a man. Sidney Crosby, back in Rimouski during Olympic break. Your heart starts beating fast. Suddenly, the brain freeze from your slurpy is not cold at all. Your cheeks turn as red as your tongue. What a sight to see.

He’s dressed in a grey hoodie under a black coat. Black pants, Pirates’ hat on, sunglasses over it; this Sidney Crosby is trying to go unnoticed. Has he forgotten where he is?

“How come?” You try to keep your cool but fail miserably. He just casually sits in front of you. Gosh, he looks good.

“Well, midterms are coming up, and whenever you have to study all day, you go to the mall early, so you can grab lunch and not be bothered by your family.”

Oh, how he knows you. Or at least, used to.

You fail at hiding a smile. “I think you have a calling for divination, kid, not hockey.” You are a month older than him, and it means the world to you.

Then you look at him, really look at him. He has changed a lot in the few months since you last saw him. He seems older, more mature. Seems like his time in Pittsburgh has made him more than just even more fit. He still has those boyish features you adore, but they have faded over time. His eyes are so beautiful, and you wish you could get closer to him to admire them, just like you used to do before kissing him, a lifetime ago.

Your heart breaks just a little. If only.

He looks away, suddenly shy, or intimated, or hurt. “How are you?”

Is this how it’s going to be? Are you really going to make small talk to him? Why doesn’t he talk about the weather instead?

“I’m good, really good. Everything is fine, as usual.”

“How are your parents?” Gosh, is this Pride & Prejudice? Has his ability to communicate been reduced to match Mr Darcy’s?

“They’re great. My mom’s been asking about you. She is worried for you. So is my dad. They’re both basically glued to the TV whenever you play.” Sidney smiles, but it quickly fades.

“How about you? Are you watching me on TV?” His eyes are suddenly hopeful. Your heart aches, and you avoid his gaze. Deep down, he knows the answer is no. It doesn’t make it less painful.

After a few seconds, you lock eyes with Sidney. You put on a brave face. “Hey, want to go for a drive? I’m sick of studying. We can pick up some Tim Hortons on the way and eat it in a parking lot.” Like we used to, you want to add.

His smile is back on. “My treat.” You put your books in your bag, and he picks it up and wears it over his shoulder.

Sidney puts the sunglasses back on. You smirk, and he picks up on it. “What’s so funny?”

“This isn’t Pittsburgh, you know. Rimouski used to be your home. These people know you. Yeah, you’re a celebrity, but you’re also kind of family around here. Sunglasses or not, they could spot you from a mile away. But they also know that you’re here on break, and they respect that, at least most of them.” You’re walking side by side through the mall, and he looks at you sideways.

“You’re right. I’m just used to life in Pittsburgh, that’s all.” A cold wave floods your veins, and Sidney knows he said the wrong thing. You continue walking in silence.

The pair of you finally get to your car, and your beat-up Honda Civic suddenly seems so small. You get a hundred déja vus at the same time.

“The place hasn’t changed” he jokes, and everything is back to normal once again.

You still know his order by heart. The cashier smiles. This is a scene she used to play many times a week only a year ago. He adds a box of Timbits, then pays. You thank him and go back to the car and drive away. You don’t know why, but you’re nervous.

Your subconscious makes you drive to the parking lot where you first slept together, back when you didn’t want people to know.

As soon as you put the car to park, the air changes. There’s a silence, but it isn’t awkward. It’s filled with I wish things were like before and why did you change them then?

“How are you, really?” You finally ask.

“I’m good. Yeah, things are great." His smile falters. "Actually, no, they’re not, but they’re supposed to be, so I pretend they are.” He lets out a nervous chuckle. “I feel so much pressure and everyone expects so much from me, and I’m constantly worried about messing everything up, and it’s all a little too much, and I miss home, and I miss you.” He lets out a deep sigh and looks up the roof, his dark hair ruffled by the headrest, eyes closed. You’re not sure if he realizes what he just said. It was probably an accident. He is obviously very overwhelmed, and not thinking straight. Still, your heart skips many beats.

You can help but to cup his face with your hand, and softly caress his cheeks with your thumb. You’re not so bold as to put a hand through his hair, though you know that’s what Sidney needs.

“Sid, nobody expects you to be perfect except yourself. I feel like you’re on the edge of breaking down. You’re doing so well, and even if you weren’t, you have so much time to become great, and we’ll always be proud of you. Gosh, I always wear your jersey during game nights, even though I cried a million tears when I received it by mail, when you hadn’t called in a month, and I resented you so much. Whether you’re good or not, I’d betray the Habs a thousand times for you, and that’s saying something. Just give it a little time, and Pittsburgh’s going to be your home, and your jersey will be up in the rafters.” You take a deep breath. That last sentence hurts, but you just hope it cheered him up.

He turns his head to face you. He looks so vulnerable, and you’re reminded why you fell in love with him in the first place.

Without even thinking, Sidney crashes his lips on yours, your eyes shut, and your hands are in his hair while his are on your waist. Immediately, you deepen the kiss, and it’s like it’s last year all over again. His tongue starts tasting like cherries too, with a hint of sugar from the donuts. You wish you could stay like this forever but unfortunately for you, you come back to your senses.

“I have a boyfriend!” You blurt out.

Confused, Sidney pulls away. “What?”

“I’ve only been with him since January!” Like that somehow makes it better. The guilt is nearly overwhelming. You wouldn’t wish being cheated on to your worst enemy, if you ever had one.

“How come I didn’t know?” Sidney looks devastated. His words are innocent enough, but they start an avalanche of anger and resentment inside of you.

“Well how was I supposed to let you know, Sidney? Was I meant to write you a letter? Oh right, I don’t even have your new address! What about a phone call? Well you haven’t bothered with calling me, so why should I? You don’t get to blame me without taking a long hard look in the mirror, Sidney Crosby. Do you know how many nights I fell asleep crying, wondering why you wouldn't talk to me?” Now, it’s an ocean of frustrated tears running down your cheeks, your mascara staining them. You wipe them with the back of your hands.

“Gosh, do you even know how much I loved you? If you love me like I loved you, this situation would be entirely different. Instead, here I am, cheating on a boyfriend I don’t even love but that I keep around because he’s a distraction, but he’s not you and it kills me!” You gasp at your own cruel words. The tears start flowing again, and they don’t stop, because you’re so ashamed of yourself.

Your words are only partially true, and definitely not fair to him.

Sidney just looks at you, too stunned to speak, but he shakes himself and pull you close to him in one of those hugs that you miss so much. He rubs your back while you cry your heart out on his shoulder, probably staining his hoodie at the same time.

“I’m so sorry, my love. I’m so, so, so sorry.” He repeats the words like a prayer. Maybe if he says them enough, you’ll forgive him.

Against your better judgement, you let him soothe you. You wish your resentment wasn’t fading with every touch.

Eventually, you pull away, but only for a short while, because you furiously put your mouth on his. The windows quickly fogs up.

“Let’s go in the backseat.” Obediently, he nods.

Frantically, you straddle him, and both of your shirts are immediately off. He quickly unhooks your bra, and he splits the task of taking care of your tits between his mouth and hand. Your back arches because you have longed for his touch for months, and it feels like coming home.

He worships your body, still knowing it by heart. Mentally, he takes pictures of it, because who knows when he is going to get to see it again?

“What’s his name?” Sidney asks against your neck, breathless.

“What?” You’re confused, and his hand on your thigh isn’t helping.

“Your boyfriend. What’s his name?” The question makes sense now. So does the sudden tightness of his hands on your body. That boy is jealous.

“Nathan. You know him. He’s friend with some of our friends. I’m sure you’ve seen him before.” He grunts and you both pause to take off your pants.

“The blond guy who always looked at you? He should know that you’re mine.” His mouth is possessive on yours.

“Used to be. Used to be yours.” At the same time, you feel him inside of you. Your eyes roll to the back of your head, and your pleasure is heightened by the sounds he makes.

“Screw that. I messed up. You’ll always be mine. I love you too much to ever let you go.” His tender words send you over the edge. You come while chanting his name, then fall helplessly against his bare shoulder. It doesn’t take him long to finish too.

You both lay against each other for what feels like hours.

"Earlier, you said you loved me. Was the past tense intentional?" You know what he is subtly asking.

"Of course not. I still love you, Sid."

Sidney gives you a soft kiss then grabs the box of Timbits.

You put one in your mouth. “I can’t believe I now belong to the cheaters. This isn’t me. Only you could make me do something like this, Sid.” You softly sigh. He delicately runs his fingers through your hair.

“I’m sorry for that, baby. I hope you don’t regret this.”

You turn to look at him. “Sidney, I could never regret this. When it comes to you, I would do anything for crumbs of your affection. It’s embarrassing, really.” You laugh at little, shy.

“It’s really not. I look for you every time I see a colourful scarf, and I look for you in the stands after every goal, but I’m reminded you’re not there, and so I buy myself a cherry slurpy to get a taste of your lips.” His arms tighten around you, and you snuggle into him, eyes closed.

“Those words are going to hurt me for a lifetime. Every time you’re not there, in fact. It hurts, having to see your face everywhere. I’m constantly haunted by what we could have been.” It was scary, exposing your heart to him like that, knowing he could shatter it in an instant.

There was a flash of hurt in his eyes. “Remember when I asked you to try out long distance, and you flat out refused? You were convinced it was not going to work. You had no faith in me. Do you think I’m not haunted by that?” Now it was your turn to wince.

Of course, you still remember the cruel words you threw at him. It was like you did everything in your power to make him believe your relationship had a deadline. You didn’t give him a chance.

“It doesn’t matter now. What’s done is done. In a few minutes, we’ll put back our clothes, and I’ll drive you to your car. We’ll say bye and pretend none of this happened. I’ll go back to my boyfriend; you’ll go back to Pittsburgh. Eventually, all of this will be a distant memory. Eventually, we will be fine.” The words hurt.

He protests immediately. “What if we don’t forget? I don’t want you to go back to anyone else. I don’t want to go back to Pittsburgh knowing you’re with someone else.” He grabs your face. “We didn’t even try. You have to give us a chance.” Sid’s words shock you.

“Sidney, you can’t be serious.” He flinches, and you know you’ve hurt him.

“Do you truly have no faith in me?” He looks so vulnerable; it makes you want to cry.

“Of course I have faith in you, Sidney. I love you too much not to. But I also know that I might not survive another breakup.”

“Why are you already assuming this won’t work? I truly believe our love is stronger than a few hundred kilometers between us. I’ll call you everyday, I swear. Your school break is coming up, I could fly you to Pittsburgh, and I’ll visit you whenever we play the Habs. I’ll write you a letter everyday, if you want me to. You only have to trust me. That’s all I’m asking you. Along with, will you be my girlfriend again, even though it feels like you never stopped being mine?”

This was the sincerest declaration of love you had ever heard. If you had doubts about whether he loved you or not, they were now gone. You loved him, he loved you. What could go wrong?

“In my head, you never stopped being mine either. I could fool myself into thinking I could ever love somebody else, but it’s impossible. Of course I'll be your girlfriend, Sid.” As cheesy as it looked, there were some happy tears in your eyes. You heard him let out a sigh of relief before pulling you close to him.

You held onto Sidney like a lifeline.

“I want to take you on a date” You giggle like a lovesick fool at his request.

“Okay, mon coeur. But there’s something I have to do first.”

“What is it?”

“I have to breakup with my boyfriend. No, not you. The other one.”

[dovesndecay]

Hey! I saw your post on diet culture and fast food and wanted to know what you mean about "diet culture would rather us starve than admit fast food is an accessible food resource"? Could you elaborate? (sorry for the paraphrase, I'm on mobile.) Thanks!

So, I'm disabled in a number of ways. I struggle really hard with executive function, appetite, sensory issues, and pain/fatigue/brainfog that makes deciding on food, and then following the process of making that food very difficult on a good day.

I've always had food issues -- I've snuck whole mouthfuls of food I could not physically make myself eat into the bathroom to spit it out in the toilet because I'd been told I had to eat it. I've puked from the texture of food. And I've gone hungry because food that was prepared is food I could not eat, for a number of reasons.

I'm also really fucking poor. I cannot work a regular job anymore. Groceries have actively skyrocketed to the point where our household is spending less than HALF of what we should be for the number of people. The difference between buying a bunch of groceries that we may or may not eat before they expire or our tastes for them die and simply purchasing a meal from a fast food joint is literally just the cost of labor -- saving us from expending spoons on deciding, buying ingredients, preparing, cooking, and then eating that food, which I will again stress that we might not actually eat.

There's only so many times you can have Walmart brand chicken nuggets before you physically cannot choke it down again.

Diet culture has a huge focus on eating the "right" kind of foods as well as this weird "self-sufficiency" fetish for cooking that can be fine but has a bad habit of edging into ableism. If you physically cannot cook on a regular basis, for any reason, and you have a lot of fast food meals, you get judged a lot for it. It's labeled "unhealthy" and "lazy". I am often told that I just "haven't found the right recipes" or "cooking hacks". No, man, I'm just fucking disabled.

Personally, I'd label starving as more unhealthy than eating fast food, but people don't like hearing that you aren't willing to swallow whatever gruel society thinks people in poverty deserve to have.

For me, fast food is predictable, safe, filling, often less expensive, convenient, spoons-saving, and it means I will eat. I also just genuinely think a lot of fast food tastes good. Sure, it's not fresh veggies and fruits, but I'm not getting those anyway. When I buy groceries, it's the cheapest items possible which means a lot of frozen foods, packaged pastas, and cereals.

And this isn't even looking at food deserts where grocery stores are few and far between, but fast food chains are everywhere. Even my Louisiana hometown, boasting a population of 10,659 people as of 2020, has a Burger King, McDonald's, Hardee's, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Popeyes, and numerous pizza delivery places. Y'know what closed down though? The Piggly Wiggly, one of the more affordable grocery stores -- my grandmother actually worked there during my childhood -- and I don't think the Winn-Dixie is even open there anymore either. So all they've got is a Walmart.

Fast food is an accessible food resource, and diet culture would rather see us starve than acknowledge that.

[bonny-kookoo]

Jungkook

𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐆𝐨𝐝 🔞⚠️

In which Jungkook isn't sure what he hates most anymore: her, the past, himself, or you.

Tags/Warnings: Non-idol AU, massive warning for implied ED & body dismorphia, hurt and comfort, heavy angst in specific parts, past emotional abuse (implied), strangers to lovers, road to self acceptance?, smut but it's not the main focus

Length: Very long, 7k words

A/N: If you think you've read it before, you're probably right. This fic was posted before on a different account, but it has always been written by me. After much consideration and multiple requests, I've brought it back here to my main blog.

Furthermore, please read the tags carefully before reading. This fic covers heavy themes that could be upsetting to some. You have been warned.

Additional Content: None

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Jungkook liked sweet things, some time ago.

He'd enjoyed ice creams with mild flavors such as vanilla, or other sweet desserts that were similar to it. He snacked often and always got a little excited when experiencing a new flavor for the first time, adventurous and never judgmental when trying out things he's never eaten before.

Jungkook also loved junk foods, like ramyeon or fast foods. He couldn't help but give in from time to time, the convenience of it all being a quick meal convincing enough to walk through the food markets back in his hometown, just to get back home with a plastic bag full of treats.

But that was before he'd met her.

He's always been quite quick to fall in love, not only with people. With a soul as trusting and eager for affection as his own, he's always been someone to love others with a fiery temper and a full heart. But that also made him an easy victim, a target almost painted on his chest it seems; because he also was once someone who trusted easily, and never saw the bad in someone.

Now? He wishes he could go back in time and warn his naïve self of what's to come.

He's punching the black bag over and over again, arms already aching- but that's just a sign that he's pushing his limits again. He knows his body inside and out, takes great care of it- or at least that's what he likes to believe. Never again will someone be able to make him feel shame about himself, never again will he feel like he did years ago.

He knows his worth.

But on his way home, he smells it again; the scent of melting sugar and baked goods, faint but familiar by now ever since the bakery had opened up a few months prior. Whatever is sold there must be good, because he can see the people lining up at the front door every morning before it opens up- and even after the morning rush, the tables inside and outside seem always filled. He wonders what's it all about- maybe just a glance this time.

He won't buy anything, he's just looking.

Someone's humming to a newly released pop-song quietly playing from the radio, inside of the shop warm lit and inviting. It looks almost more like a home than a café- but it's empty now, a much different look than what's going on during the day. "Oh?" your voice finds his ears, and he needs to take two glances left and right to find where you are, broom in hand and standing behind the counter. There's a bit of flour on your apron, and what looks like sprinkles, the frilly blouse you're wearing underneath void of any stains however. Your face shape is absolutely not as sharp and angled as what he's usually surrounded by- be it men or women- and you're visibly not as tall as the average female from what he can see.

Cute, he thinks to himself. What?

No, you're absolutely not cute. You're probably not even aware of all the calories you're selling to costumers daily- and it must be pure irony that you've opened your shop in close proximity to a gym of all places. You probably never went to one in your life, absolutely careless about your weight or health-

A lightbulb starts to flicker aggressively above his head. You laugh sheepishly.

"My boss said he'd get that fixed tomorrow. It's been like that for a few days now." you tell him for no reason. He didn't ask. "it's a little creepy to me, you know, considering I'm working alone when closing. But I can't change it myself, you know." you explain further, putting the broom to the side. Again, he doesn't know why you're telling him this. He doesn't care.

"you're closed?" he asks after a moment of staring at you awkwardly, and you shrug, making him confused.

"depends. I have some iced coffee left?" you say, opening a small fridge behind the counter. Only now does he realize that the shelves are void of any goods.

"don't wanna cause you a hassle. It's fine." he waves off at that, and you nod, smiling. He just nods back dumbly, walking out the door.

"Oh- please be careful! Goodnight!" you call out, and he turns around, hands in his jogging pants' pockets. His brows are raised, irritated.

"I'm a guy." he tells you, and you nod.

"So?" you wonder, and he scoffs a little.

"whatever." he simply mumbles to himself, before closing the door behind him.

……………………………………….｡.:✽:.｡………………………………………

Yoongi breathes heavily as he sits down on the carpeted gym floor, close to where his friend and personal trainer stands. "How's the shoulder?" Jungkook asks, mild worry in his words as he sits down close to him as well, crossing his legs.

"Better- but I think I should call it a day." He says, pushing a hand against the front of his shoulder before moving it in a circular motion. "Don't wanna overdo it." Jungkook nods at that, before another voice chimes in.

"I hope you're not overworking yourself already, Yoongi." You say, walking up to both of the men, and Jungkook himself can't help how his face shows his judgement of you. You don't fit into the scene at all, with your overknee socks and frilly skirt. You're wearing a blouse with cat-shaped buttons, entire attire showing that you visibly don't seem to care about your shape, seams of your socks already rolling down on one side from the fact that they sit so snug against your thighs, right where he can spot faint stretch marks lingering. Aren't you even the slightest bit ashamed?

Yoongi pats your head once, laughing at your words simply, before he looks into the white plastic bag you've brought. You're squatting now, Mary-janes making a slight sound as the leather bends to accommodate the way your feet are bending a little, and he tears his gaze away as soon as he notices that he can see almost under your skirt. You really have no shame, it seems. "What's that?" His older friend asks, rummaging around in the bag, while you just smile with excitement, your cheeks all round and a little blushed.

Would they look like that if you were to loose a bit of weight too? He hates how bloated he looks after eating, has kept his body-fat percentage low to make sure his face stays sharp and masculine- always remembering how much she praised his appearance if he did that. It's what's desirable, after all- so he can understand where she came from, back then.

Would she love him again if she saw him now?

"They're filled with a peach filling- but I played around a little so it's not too sweet, since I know you don't like that too much. And, you know, nowadays people are pretty scared to eat something sugary it seems." You joke, making Yoongi shrug while Jungkook feels irritated.

"Some people care about their diets." He speaks without holding back, and Yoongi looks at him a bit scandalized- but he doesn't get to scold him, because you're already talking.

"One single cream puff isn't going to ruin your body if it's once in a while." Jungkook hates how confidently you say that. And how he knows you're right, too. But he doesn't back down either, feeling threatened now.

"You don't look like one to know much about nutrition." He mumbles more or less, and Yoongi looks even more angry now- but you don't seem fazed at all, still smiling.

"Do you eat after working out?" You wonder, and he feels self-conscious now at that question. Oddly put on the spot. He doesn't like it- doesn't like you. You're not pushy, not at all, just asking, but he feels like you're interrogating him in a way he's uncomfortable with.

"No." He mumbles more or less to himself. "I have a tendency to, you know.. binge." He doesn't know why he's admitting that. You just asked a simple yes or no question, why does he feel the need to justify himself?

You're digging around in the plastic bag at that, before offering a small plastic container. "Here-" You say, friendly smile way too sugary for his tastes, like honey staining his teeth. "It's just fruit, nothing added to it. I brought them with me because I like to snack them during work, but you should definitely eat those instead." You tell him, and he looks at you with a questioning gaze.

"What will you eat during work then?" He wonders, and you shrug, an impish glint in your eyes.

"I'll hardly starve from one day without snacks. It's important to eat within the first two hours after working out- and we both know I didn't touch any of these weights here." You say giggling, and his heart stings a bit. While yes, he thinks the same, it's still tough to hear you say this so easily. He doesn't want you to think like that about yourself. He doesn't want you to feel like you need to adjust. "Alright- are you still coming Yoongs?" You wonder, and Yoongi nods, getting up and helping you stand as well. Your hand looks small in Yoongis large palms. Jungkook notices your little struggle. He himself can get up without any help.

"Yeah. We're eating at Jin's, you wanna tag along?" Yoongi asks the younger man, who instantly shakes his head.

"I need to put everything back into place again. Thanks." He simply offers, turning away from you both.

"Alright- maybe another time." You say, and he can only imagine the pitiful look you probably have put on for him. "I really wanna try his new dessert- he said he put some extra aside for me!" You giggle, voice becoming more quiet as you walk away. "Do you think I can watch him cook this time?"

"You know what Jin's like, but maybe-" Yoongi's voice becomes undistinguishable the further he walks off, and Jungkook dares to look around, seeing you smile effortless up to the older man, a little jump in your step, while the usually rather stoic producer looks at ease and genuinely friendly towards you. You both look so comfortable, so warm, and Jungkook suddenly feels like a kid left behind to stay at home alone for the first time- his inner thoughts not his own it seems as he watches you both leave the gym.

I want to come with you, too.

……………………………………….｡.:✽:.｡………………………………………

Sex isn't really anything special anymore.

He tends to be the first leaving, just like now- having barely undressed anyways, but he knows how to work around being naked while satisfying someone else. They don't care about him anyways, simply out for pleasure and no strings attached, and he's fine with that too. It makes him feel something at least, even if it's barely anything. It tastes of nothing but stale bread, feeding his desires while his soul leaves starved yet again.

The door closes behind him, and he can hear the lock set in.

Walking home, he passes your bakery- or rather a side-project of Jin's he'd been told by Yoongi last time he'd trained with him. It's closed now, but he still walks towards it, looking at the dark interior inside, barely visibly and only lit from the streetlights outside. Some red dots are blinking, indicating the security system is active inside- though Jungkook doesn't know what one might want to steal from a bakery of all places. The chairs are all upside-down on the tables, neatly placed, floor clean of any crumbs. Tomorrow, the people will wait at the entrance again, standing in line to get their breakfasts and coffees, and you'll probably stand behind the counter again with all those stains on your apron like he's seen you before.

He really doesn't know how to feel about you.

It's clear to him that your body makes him feel uncomfortable- because you're lacking any sense of consciousness about the way you look, but at the same time that can't be true considering you otherwise looked very well put together. Yoongi likes you- so why doesn't he himself feel the same?

Maybe because he's jealous.

He likes to tell himself that you're standing home alone as well, in front of the mirror and judging all those unflattering parts like he does way too often. Maybe you're just good at masking your feelings- your work having stained your very touch to the point that everything you do is just so tooth-rottingly sweet. You probably can't help it. He understands that.

Jungkook liked sweet things too, some time ago.

He walks away from the shop and back home, where nothing but the buzzing lights wait. And a cold bed, because he left the window open.

Maybe in his dreams he could fly outside?

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"Oh, Jungkook, isn't it?" You ask, almost bumping into him in the furniture store.

"Yeah." He simply answers, a hand on your back pulling you a bit out of the way when he notices an elderly woman trying to push her shopping cart past you. Your back is warm. You're also way shorter than him. It's odd how he only notices now, it seems.

"Oh, thanks!" You say. "Uh- do you know where that spot is to get furniture you've ordered?" You ask, and he furrows his brows.

"I don't- what do you mean?" He asks, and you look up at him, clearly not uncomfortable standing close to him, because there's barely a step of space between you two. Or at least it feels like it to him. In reality, you're probably standing two steps away. At least. He puts his hands in the front pockets of his sweater- just to pull them out again. The pocket looks award when something's in it. He doesn't want to look odd.

"I ordered a small dresser a week ago, but they didn't have it here yet- so they ordered it and I could take it home later." You explain, and Jungkook nods at that, now realizing what you're talking about.

"That's up front- do you have a cart?" He wonders, and your eyes widen.

"Oh shit." You almost whisper, and a snort escapes him.

Oh god that's weird. He coughs to cover the sound up, but you're already laughing at him. He knew it. He can feel the tips of his ears turn red already-

"I'm so stupid I swear." You laugh- but it's at yourself, he realizes. "Ah, I'll get a cart then, and hunt down some employee so they can lead me there. It's no wonder they made those SCP-Horror stories about Ikeas stores." You giggle, and Jungkook can't suppress his smile this time. He can't force his lips down.

"You know about those?" He asks, he doesn't know why. He doesn't care.

"I'm on reddit and 4chan, I know more than I want to, to be honest." You say, faking a serious expression. "Someone made an experiment with his piss once-" You start, and Jungkook laughs at this, unable to be stoic about the way you so seriously say that. "I'm serious!" You laugh along, and he nods.

"No no, I believe you." He nods, using all his strength to make sure he doesn't grin, because his teeth look like a rabbits, she once told him. He doesn't want you to see it. Or maybe it's just become a habit. "Do you need help with that closet you bought?" He asks, and you giggle again. Did he say something weird?

"It's a dresser- but I guess it can classify as the same thing just smaller?" You think. "Wait when does a closet start and a dresser end- is it even size?" You begin thinking, and Jungkook apologizes instantly.

"You said dresser, I remembered that wrongly, sorry." He says, but you just playfully shake your head.

"No worries, maybe its even a closet and I just misunderstood." You tell him. "But yeah, if you could help me, that would be awesome! Gotta use those muscles for something, heh?" You joke, poking his stomach a little. He feels like you've just shot him. He doesn't know why he's so hyperaware of where you've placed your finger on his stomach, and it doesn't hurt, but in a way, it does. He doesn't know.

You're confusing him.

He trails after you like a lost dog and he's aware of it, but he can't help it. He's offered his help, it would be rude to just leave you be now, and he doesn't want to be rude to you. Even though he's been rude to you before already. Oh yeah- why do you seem so at ease with him?

You walk towards the place where he'd told you to get your furniture, and when the old man starts to place every piece in your cart, Jungkook helps without thinking. It's the same once you're at your car- he lifts it all into your trunk without thinking of the consequences it might have for him, adjusting the seats so everything can fit into the small vehicle properly. It's only when you go to bring back the cart that he realizes in horror what had happened.

The inside of his sweater feeling damp against his skin, body freezing as he can only imagine the darker stain on the back now where he knows he sweats the most. His neck feels just as cold as the wind passes him- even his hairline bothering him now. Why did he help you with that stupid furniture? He knows he sweats easily.

'Jungkook' she'd said, apologetic face when she'd spoken. 'you gotta do something about that. I don't wanna say its gross but.. well, it kinda is. No offense.'

Her voice doesn't let go of him even years after breaking up it seems. It echoes inside his head even as you're walking back towards him- and he falls into panic realizing he's gonna take public transport home. Maybe he should just walk. He didn't even get what he wanted to get anyways. "Thank you so much!" You say, grinning at him with genuine friendliness, and he just feels awkward standing like this in front of you. "Where did you park?" you wonder, and he shakes his head.

"Took the bus." He admits, and you nod.

"Oh- do you want to ride along? The least I can do is give you a lift home." You offer, but he's quick to shut it down.

"No no, it's fine, I'm all sweaty and gross now-" he rants, but much to his surprise, you simply shrug.

"Gross?" You ask, and he nods, ashamed.

"Yeah." He responds.

"Nah. Come on now, if you help be put it up too I'll put some chicken nuggets in the oven!" You giggle, getting in the car.

He doesn't know why he accepts your offer.

His smell is probably already noticeable to you in the small interior of the car. He doesn't rest his back against the seat- the fluffy covers way too clean to be touched by his sweaty back. He hates that he's like that. Maybe he should consult a doctor about this. This has to be an issue only he has. But then- your hand pushes against his front, forcing him to lean back into the seats.

You don't say anything, but you also don't need to. He just stares- because between all the horror of knowing now that you know about his insecurities and inner fights, there's a glint of relieve filling him. Because you're not annoyed. You don't seem bothered. You're still smiling a little, eyes on full alert while you keep your attention on the road in front.

While he right next to you can't help but think, how come he's never noticed how pretty your collarbones look? Not sharply protruding, or aggressively visible- but soft, delicate, and merely there to show that your bones underneath your skin are present. A simple necklace rests over them, pendant hidden in your cleavage, but the silver band alone seems enough to decorate that part of you perfectly. Your neck is a little red where you've scratched it a little earlier, itching the skin for no apparent reason- but it doesn't look out of place. It's like proof that you're alive, because looking at you now, he realizes what you remind him of.

Those old paintings of angels, with their soft bodies and rosy cheeks.

But that spot, and the slight redness on your nose is proof that you're alive. That there's blood running through your veins, that there's a heart beating and organs working inside of you. You're breathing next to him, and that alone makes him feel oddly out of place.

Because you're so at ease with just existing, it seems.

You know that he's staring, but you don't scold him either. You just smile, like always sugary sweet, when you have to stop at a red light- and he feels like he's drowning in honey.

But the strangest thing is that he's fine with that.

Because something sweet once in a while won't hurt your body, right?

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Your apartment is odd.

Its Sunday, and he's currently waiting for you to do something in the kitchen while he takes off his shoes, looking around the area of your small home. It all looks warm, chaotic but inviting- like a genuine home. You don't seem to follow any sort of decoration theme, more or less simply existing, just like always, and it's odd to him how it all still fits together. It looks like you.

Cozy.

"Alright, so-" You start, leading him into what he assumes is your bedroom, considering the bed in the corner. "-I just need help with like, holding some of the heavier boards. I'll screw, and you hold, alright?" You offer, and he nods. That's what he's here for. Why are you saying this stuff as if he's got an option here?

He doesn't even know why he's agreed to it- or even when exactly he did in the first place. All he knows is that you're actually good at following those disgustingly confusing instructions- never seeming to misunderstand where something goes, confident in the way you screw in those metal pieces, as if you've done this multiple times before. And all is fine until you have to stand awkwardly in front of him- and he becomes aware that you can probably look into the wide and short sleeves of his oversized grey shirt. You can probably see that he didn't shave, why didn't he think of that?

But you just smile at him for a second, as if to pacify his thoughts, before you turn back to your task.

He falls into his habit of judging you yet again when you sit on the carpeted floor, reading the instructions with screws in your hand while the other turns the page of the tiny booklet. The board has left a red indent in your thigh where you'd leaned into the wooden piece not too long ago, soft thighs seemingly without muscle while your arms look similar. Your wrists are small, fingers dainty like a doll- while your stomach rolls up in several little folds from the way you sit a bit hunched over, legs crossed now. The thin straps of your top lay carefully over your shoulders, and only now does he realize you're not even wearing a bra- faint outline of your nipples against the inner fabric of the top giving him the clue to come to this conclusion.

There's oddly enough no sexual thought in his mind though. Only the mere question about, how?

How can you just sit there so comfortably, not even realizing how admittedly unflattering you're showing yourself to him right now? You're not wearing makeup, your hair a little messy, and he hates the fact that you still look pretty to him. You look adorable, with the way you lick your lips before biting the upper one a bit deep in thought. Is it a habit? He wants to know, and he doesn't even know why.

"Jungkook?" You ask, waving your hand in front of his face a little. He didn't realize he's sat down on the back of his heels by now, probably staring into nothingness. The carpet has created angry red imprints on his knees. They look awfully boney compared to yours- he can't help but pull down the seams of his sweat shorts, his gaze falling onto the little heart shaped pendant hanging from your necklace. There's a paw print on it, and he wants to know why. Do you like pets? Why don't you have any? Then his eyes fall back onto your cleavage. Your breasts look just as soft as the rest of you. Are you warm? Could you warm him up if he touched you? "You can let go now, you now?" You say, and his heart stops beating for a second, eyes snapping up to meet yours.

"The board. You.. can let it go." You giggle a little, and he swallows hard, and lets go of it. There's a sweaty handprint left. Great- he's being gross again.

"Maybe I should skip dinner today." You say suddenly, and he feels ripped out of whatever thought he might've had just seconds ago.

"What?" He asks, whispers almost.

"You know, to combat all of this?" You say, sitting back and stretching out your legs or a second. "Maybe if I work out hard like you I don't look like the Michelin man when sitting down?" You laugh, but he doesn't see the joke. Where is this coming from? He doesn't like that you talk about yourself like that. "Do you think if I lost weight my face would look like those models in the TV commercials?"

"Stop it.." He says, barely above a whisper, in no way an actual threat. You just rant on.

"But then again, it's probably genetics. Imagine my body being all toned but my face still all round. I'd look hideous- all for nothing, really." You sigh. "But plastic surgery is an option. The easy way. I mean, I saved up to maybe move into a bigger apartment, but imagine how my life could change if I was pretty!" You tell him excitedly, and he hurts. "Like, actually, conventionally pretty!" You tell him. "I'd finally be loved too-"

"Stop.!" He barks out now, having reached his breaking point. He wants to apologize for yelling, but you're still smiling, sitting right in front of you. Only now does he feel your knees touching his- skin warm, warmer than his own it seems. Or maybe he's just imagining it. He can't stop staring at the differences. "Don't say that.."

"It's rough hearing someone else talk about themselves like you talk to yourself, isn't it?" You say suddenly, quietly, softly, and he feels his eyes sting. Now he really wants you to stop. "Truth is, Jungkook, that I don't care." He looks up at you. "I don't care what you look like. I don't care what I look like." You say, and he swallows thickly before attempting to get up. But you don't let him, holding his arms, even though you're no match for him.

He lets you win.

He doesn't know why.

But he lets you.

And he cries into the crook of your neck, all ugly and loud, sobbing now because who cares? He's already crying in front of you, so fuck it. It doesn't matter now, he just wants to exist just for a moment too, without thoughts and expectations and deadlines and time, and instead with your hands so gentle running over his back, your body heavy on his lap, but in no way uncomfortable. He feels as if your weight keeps him from floating away, from breaking apart and being swept away by the waves.

He calms down only after a moment- but refuses to look at you. Embarrassment is already creeping up his throat, making its home in his mind when he realizes the way he'd cried all over your naked shoulder. He's being gross again. "Who hurt you, Jungkook?" You carefully ask, and he shrugs.

"No one." He answers, voice raspy.

"Bullshit." You respond. "This doesn't happen for no reason." You say, and it's quiet for a good moment, giving him the opportunity to break apart from you- but he doesn't want to. You're warm- and he hasn't had something sweet in years.

He just wants a taste. Just once won't hurt, right?

"I was gross back then. I still am, sometimes." He admits. "Like right now."

"You're not." You reassure, but he shakes his head.

"She loved when I worked out. Said I looked like a Greek god when I was at my peak." Jungkook explains, for the first time spilling anything about it. "She wouldn't sleep with me if I slacked with my workout. But when I managed to stay on schedule, she'd love me. And I loved her."

"Jungkook.." You say, but he continues to rant.

"She really loved me then. You know. All the bad things she told me, all the times she yelled at me, I could understand it then. It was to help me, so she could love me at my best." He tries to justify, but you just squeeze his body.

He likes that feeling. He wants you to do it again.

"That's not love, Jungkook." You admit to him. "She didn't love you, Jungkookie. She loved your body, nothing else."

"I don't care." He simply responds.

"But I do." You say, and he feels his eyes sting again. "I care about you."

"You said you didn't." Jungkook fights back, leaning back a little and your hands wipe his tears from his cheek without any sense of disgust.

"I said I don't care what you look like." You remind him, and he can't help but stare. Have your eyes always been this pretty? They're like two rare gemstones polished to perfection, moving so lively and looking so warm and inviting. Even the faint redness and blemishes look more like stars now than anything else. "I care who you are. You're such a handsome being, but it's all messed up because of someone who didn't even notice what she had." You say.

"You're just saying that to boost my confidence." He responds.

"I'm saying this because you deserve to have that confidence." You instead say, and he cant help but stare for a second. "Don't kiss me now." You say, and he blushes, stammering a bit.

"I-wh.. why not?" He wonders. The moment is perfect, so why don't you want to? He's confused. It all sounded so much like you liked him- maybe even loved him.

"Because right now, you're not properly thinking." You say. "Go home. Sleep. Go about your day- don't think about it." You instruct. "For once, just exist. You've got free will Jungkook, no one cares if you work out or not, if you go get a coffee or not, or if you stay at home and laze around all day. Do what you want to, just for once, and not what you think is expected." You say.

"And if I still want to kiss you after?" He asks, and you smile.

"Then I'll be here, waiting."

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It's been weeks since you've seen Jungkook.

Yoongi says he's gone on a trip, camping, something he's not done since he was a kid. You're happy- he deserves to do what he likes, and to exist without any boundaries. "He's looked.. a lot warmer these days." Yoongi says, speaking to you who's sitting on his couch in his studio. "I have a feeling I know who's at fault."

"Hmhm, maybe." You say. "I still can't believe how much damage that bitch has done." You grumble to yourself, loosing a game on your phone, and letting it fall out of your hand onto the carpet on the floor.

"Yeah. I remember how heartbroken he was when they broke it off." He sighs, before clicking some stuff on his computer. "Did he talk to you at all these days?"

You shake your head. "Not a single message. It's fine though- he's probably busy enjoying his newfound freedom." You giggle, and Yoongi turns in his chair, looking at you.

"It's okay to be upset." He tells you, and you nod, well aware. You're not upset though- you're happy for him, genuinely so. Maybe he'll find someone who will finally cherish him for who he is, and not what he looks like. He deserves feeling happy. "Come here, angel." He suddenly says, and only now do you realize the tears falling from the corners of your eyes.

Seconds later dampening Yoongi's sweater, while he holds you close in the quietness of his studio.

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"What do you mean she doesn't work here anymore?" Jungkook wonders, standing in front of Jin who simply shrugs, defeated.

"I think Yoongi said she's now a lyricist under his label. Don't know where she went now though, sorry." He offers, before going back to wiping the counters.

Outside, Jungkook calls his friend with eager taps of his fingers- but he's not picking up. You said you'd be waiting, you told him you'd wait- so why did you leave now? You loved that bakery, you had a passion for your work, so why did you just break apart from that?

Because you've got free will.

You're way more aware of it than he is himself, having only newly discovered it, but it hurts to think that you just left like that. Sure, it's been almost half a year, but is that really too late now?

Your apartment.

He takes the bus line he's taken before, stands in front of the building, tries hard to remember which apartment number was yours, but he can't for the life of him focus anymore. He doesn't remember, he doesn't know- how could he forget a fucking number like that? Maybe you tested him, tested his love and he literally royally fucked up that test like a champ, because he took all your advice, all your efforts and all your comfort and ran off with it instead of staying. He should've stayed. He should've insisted.

He should've fought.

"Jungkook?"

His phone vibrates in his pocket before it falls out, clatters to the ground. The screen is probably broken. He doesn't care.

"I still want to kiss you." He says.

You break out in laughter.

Before pulling him down towards you.

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"That's not how you do it." Jungkook says, furrowing his brows.

"So?" You say. "Not a crime I'm committing here. Modern problems require modern so-lutions!" You struggle with the chopsticks, before the cork of the wine bottle finally plops out. "Hah! You see that? I'm a survival specialist, Bear Grylls has nothing on me!" You triumph, before pouring some in his glass, then your own.

"So you plan to survive a let's say, zombie apocalypse, with wine?" He raises an eyebrow, the warm fire between the two of you crackling away and painting your body in red hues.

"Hey, being drunk makes a lot of situations better." You offer, and he laughs- freely, corners of his eyes crinkling a little, bunny smile on full display. You like him most like that. Free.

Happy.

"Hm, I disagree." He says.

"Oh?" You challenge.

"Hmhm." He tells you, taking a sip of his wine after you. "For example, my first time with you shouldn't be wasted with alcohol." He cheekily says, and you blush- happy the fire covers that change in color for you. "I wanna remember it." He teases. He's become awfully bold- entire being evolving into something you can only describe as dangerous.

"Ah.." You just respond.

"Too much?" He asks, and you shake your head.

"No- just.." You say, unable to quite put it into words. "It's weird hearing someone say that, you know, to me." You say.

"Why?" He wants to know. Are you a virgin? He highly doubts that- considering you're pretty soul and pretty smile. There's no way he's the first to ever be interested in you like that.

"I don't know, it just.. happens, I guess. I'm good at giving advice left and right, but I'm bad at following that myself. I.." You admit, sighing as you look at the fire. "..tend to let myself be used, I guess."

"Why?" He asks again, but this time its whispered, like he himself can't believe what you're telling him.

"Because it lets me dream a little?" You giggle. "It's why I didn't kiss you, you know, right away. I know where it would've lead."

"And you don't want that with me?" He wonders, but you shake your head no.

"I do." You say. "I did back then too." You confess without shame. "But.. I liked you too much. It would've crushed me to wake up and realize it's been nothing but a short fever dream. I would've hated myself if you woke up and.. I don't know, realized that you don't like me like that after all, and that emotions were just hot and high."

Jungkook nods at that- because he can't say that it wouldn't have happened like that. You looked out for him that night as well, maybe without knowing it- and he's thankful you did. Because it gave him time, freedom, and the chance to really let everything sink in and flow through.

It made him realize that he still loves you, even if you hadn't been the one to wake him up like you did.

"Now I ruined the mood." You laugh, throwing your head back a bit in dramatic agony. "Ugh I'll never get anywhere like this."

Wordlessly, Jungkook puts his glass down on the plastic table, before he walks over to you and takes yours as well, helping you stand up. "Jungkook?" You wonder, and he just kisses you, soft and warm like he always does. It's silent, there's no need for words, especially not when he picks you up and opens the door of the campervan, bringing you inside where he immediately tries to shed your thick jacket and sweater.

"You're so pretty." He chants out, hands running over your warmed up skin like he has to convince himself that you're real. And he does, in a way- because it all feels absolutely surreal to him in every way.

He doesn't think about his own appearance at all. He doesn't care.

He doesn't mind when you pull his own sweater over his head, hood of it catching on his jaw and making you both laugh. Your hands on his skin feel like heaven, he's never realized how he'd burn the world down just to feel your skin against his own. You're holding onto him like he's worth millions, his lips chasing yours, teasing you every now and then by not letting you get as close as you'd like to.

Sex has never been so exciting and comfortable at the same time for him.

Every sound you make, every heavy breath or whine he drinks up like a starving man, hands gripping your flesh like you'll disappear if he doesn't hold onto you strong enough. There's trust in this- trust you'll tell him where to go if he looses his way, trust that you'll accept what he does for what it is, trust that you'll love him just as much as he loves you.

Your thighs are soft, laying over his shoulder as he holds onto them, his mouth busy on your core.

You're both cute and absolutely enchanting, writhing and squirming under his actions, whimpers accompanying his own obscene noises he doesn't care about making. You're divine, you deserve to be treated like it as well.

And you cum so prettily too, toes curled and hands reaching out for his own.

"I love you." He says, and you smile up at him, kissing his lips before you turn his chin towards the side.

"And I love you too, but maybe no kids yet?" You joke, making him laugh and nod as he walks over to fetch a condom out of his bag. He didn't specifically plan anything to happen on the trip with you- but he still prepared in hopes of it. "Jungkookie.." You say, when he's back above you, wrapping the contraceptive over his length.

"Hm?" He wonders, looking at you wide wide eyes, in all his naked glory and inked up skin.

"I love you." You say, and he grins, brightly even though he's barely illuminated by the little campfire outside.

"I love you too." He responds, adjusting your positions to push himself inside. "Everything about you." He adds on, before he moves, slowly, agonizingly slow, frustrating you. But he seems to enjoy that struggle, rather than feel like he needs to adjust anything. "We've got time." He chuckles, and you wrap your legs around his middle at that.

"Please..!" You beg, and he only cocks his head to the side at that, hair falling into his face a little. "Kook, please, come on-"

"Impatient now?" He wonders, and you huff.

"Obviously!" You call out, making him laugh again before he pushes your thighs towards you, adjusting his pace to a more brutal thrusting.

Your head spins.

"You look so fucking pretty like that." He praises, hands on your skin digging into your flesh, probably leaving imprints later on.

Good.

"Gotta mark you up all pretty too, right?" He grunts into your neck, kissing first, before he bites, sucks, claims almost. "Gotta make sure they know you're mine." He says breathlessly.

"Yours." You respond out of breath yourself, before you clench around him, orgasm hitting you hard at his ruthless pace. He himself can't help the obscene moan that escapes him as well, coming undone only a short time after you.

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"Make sure they know you're mine?" You joke, out of breath. "Where did that come from?"

"My heart." He says, making you slap his chest. "Ow!"

"You're so cheesy!"

"You love me for it."

Yes.

Yes you do.

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[samonroegf]

⠀ dealer!sam monroe x cheerleader!reader

⠀⠀　　　 texting / late drive

⠀　　⠀　　 　series masterlist

sam monroe

you looked really cute at the game tonight. i never gave cheer uniforms enough credit.

you didn't know what to do, staring incredulously at the message on your phone. so he was there to see you, but didn't stay to talk to you after. typical boys.

he sent a few more messages, that you looked at but thought better than to respond them. you wanted to ask about it, but you were sure you wouldn't like the answer.

sam monroe

cheer, you there?

sam monroe

come on, pretty girl. talk to me, you know you want to.

you giggled as you read the message, having to set the phone down to gain your composure. he gave you so many mixed emotions, but what's the harm in playing the game with him?

you.

I'm here, you perv.

sam monroe

perv? I'm just enjoying the view. meet me at the park, let's go for a ride. I'll see you there.

you looked at the time on your phone, eleven o'clock, late and you'd get in trouble if you got caught. but there's something so exhilarating about sam, that you couldn't possibly resist.

so you put on your running shoes, half-hazardly clambered out of your bedroom window and made the ten minute jog to the park.

sam’s black car was in the parking lot, and you climbed into the passenger seat. thank god for cheer, you weren't even that out of breath.

“i knew you'd come.” he's giving you a soulful look, hand thoughtlessly rubbing on your thigh before pulling out of the parking lot. you watched as he uses one hand to turn the sterring wheel around, there's something oddly erotic about it.

the hand that was touching you turned on the radio and fell onto the center console. some soft rock song played in the background. you watched sam as he drove. eyes fasted on the road as he pulled onto the highway.

he glances to you a moment, a small smile on his face, “highways are the best place to go on late night drives, there's usually nobody on them and you get to go fast,” he chuckled as he spoke.

“i love going on rides, there's something peaceful about them, like otherworldly when it's just you on the road.” he continued. you hummed in agreeance, not really sure what to say back to it. there was a sense of peacefulness that settled in you when you just let yourself enjoy the ride.

you decided to just take in your surroundings, his car wasn't too dirty. a few fast food takeout bags littered the backseat, it smelt warm like his cologne, a mix of smoky musk, cigarettes and weed. it's the kind of smell you can learn to love.

“what’s your favorite movie?” you hadn't intended to ask him anything, perfectly happy to just sit here in comfortable silence with him. but you needed to know something about him, it was eating at you.

sam had an energy that was offputting yet warm, he was funny and mysterious. saying everything and nothing altogether.

he grinned at you, “scream's pretty good, can't go wrong with a classic.” he pulls off the highway, and starts on a country road. you'd be scared if you were with any other man, but something about sam said he wouldn't do anything dirty if you didn't want him to.

he pulled up to a cliff that looks over the entire town, “c’mon,” he gestures with his head to exit the car. he leans against the hood of the car. you could see the sky perfectly from this height, your hometown bared out in front of you. it was the kind of you view you thought was only in movies.

“it’s so beautiful,” you sighed in wonder, looking from the landscape to sam. you were close enough to feel his body heat, and he was staring down at you.

“can i kiss you?” he leaning towards you, his hand coming to caress your face. holding the soft skin like it was porcelain.

“yeah,” you sigh, his lips coming in contact with yours. they were soft and firm against yours.

you spent a couple hours up there, just cuddling into each other and kissing and talking about everything under the sun. the time passed by so fast, and soon you could see the sun coming up.

[unplugfromthesource]

Strangers By Nature

🌀About: inspired by the song ‘Strangers By Nature’ by Adele, you and Danny were childhood high school sweethearts…until you weren’t, but when you land a tour with the infamous Greta Van Fleet as their opening act- you can’t turn down the opportunity.

🥁Daniel Wagner x reader

🎤Word Count: 7k

💫Warnings: mentions of sex, angst, crying, yelling, cursing, mentions of drinking, mentions of hospitals (i think that’s all :p)

🎸AN: I hope everyone enjoys this a lot I’m not a danny girl so writing for him was hard but I gave it my best!! As always - sorry if format or spelling is a bit wonky….enjoy 🩷

-ˋˏ ༻𖤓༺ ˎˊ-

Daniel Wagner. He proved to be the bane of your existence, or that was what you convinced yourself. Not just convinced, it was something you pounded into your head, something he had pounded into your head. Danny was your best friend, your other half, your ‘platonic soulmate,’ everything and anything you could ever want in someone. Well, he became your someone after you had grown up attached at the hip and entered high school together. Senior prom, the 12th of April back in 2017 - that was the day he asked you out but simply as his date because he couldn’t find anyone else, at least that's what he said. You had spent the entire night dancing, singing, laughing, something almost out of a movie. It was even more of a movie scene when he kissed you during the slow dance song. That moment, that single kiss, started a 2-year long, exclusive, loving relationship between you and the infamous Daniel Wagner.

All good things must come to an end, though, and it came to a hard, hard end one night after a gig at some small bar in your small Michigan town of Frankenmuth. The show had just ended, and the crowd was slowly dispersing, some moving back to the bar, some outside, but it had cleared up and now you, as the ‘perfect girlfriend’ Danny had claimed you to be, moved through the thick, sweat-filled air towards the small backstage area the bar had offered to its acts. Pushing through people till you finally reached the small band of Greta Van Fleet, it all ended up happening so fast. One moment, you were running up to him, ready to hold him, praise him on the show, tell him you loved him, and the next, he was yelling, shouting at you as if he couldn’t stand to even be in the same room as you.  

     -ˋˏ ༻☾༺ ˎˊ-

“I- I dont understand” Your words had jumbled up as his voice rang in your ears. 

“What do you not understand? What is not clear to you, y/n? I am done with you. You follow me around like a sick fucking puppy we have something going here, ok? Jake thinks we're going to go far, and I see it, but I can’t do that with some random from my hometown acting like I owe her a life” he shouted in the tiny changing room of the bar. 

“Some random?” 

He sighed as he ran a hand through his untamed curly hair, something you always loved “I am done with you. Please. Please just be done with me.” 

Tears pricked in my eyes as his words hit me like a ton of bricks. Im done with you. Those four words made it clear. Crystal. 

“Ok” I said, staring at him as I bit back tears, my mouth running dry, and all the voices around me got quiet. It was almost as if a knife had been stabbed into my heart repeatedly by him with a smile on his face. I dragged my eyes to the others in the room, no one bothering to look our way as I slowly turned, walking out of the thick aired bar and out onto the cold streets of Michigan. 

     -ˋˏ ༻☾༺ ˎˊ-

That night was always relevant to you. No matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t put Danny from your mind. You had spent months, years, trying to get away from that town, that place that just felt like a prison to you. Eventually, it worked, and well. College wasn't ever in your books, but being forced to pick up an instrument for a hobby supposedly was after your parents started picking up on the way the breakup made you. Food was no longer a priority, hygiene, cleanliness, everything you had cared about was thrown away with that relationship. So once you started learning guitar and putting your voice to better use, it was as if the hole in your heart was ever so slowly being stitched back together. Sure there were nights you caught yourself drunk texting him and congratulating him and the other guys on their success, but they were never seen by him, which was for the better. 

Before you knew it, you had landed yourself a small little band - Honey - made up of all the girls you would take to the grave with you. Of course, you had taken the lead in singing as well as some guitar while you matched the beat with your drummer Sara, bassist and keys Layla, and Mikey, also a guitarist. The singing in your shower and all the blistered fingers had paid off because now you were opening for none other than Greta Van Fleet on their opening night of the Starcatcher World Tour! Fun. 

Now as you sat in your small dressing room, your hands shook as you picked up your eyeshadow brushes, meticulously rimming your eyes with dark shadow as the other girls moved along next to you in their respective chairs, following suit. It would be a lie to say you were on the fence about tonight. You and Danny hadn’t seen each other yet, shit, you had barely moved about the arena since sound check in fear you would see him or any of the Kiszka brothers, and the pit of anxiety only grew as it came closer to time to go on stage. 

“Does this look ok?” I said softly as I turned to Sara, who had sat closest to me. 

“Bitch you look hot,” she said barely dragging her eyes from the mirror she was focused on as she applied her makeup “You always do.” 

I rolled my eyes as I turned back to focus on finishing up my look. Setting the small eyeshadow brush down, I picked up my lip liner as I leaned in close to the mirror, almost completely missing the door opening to our small dressing room. 

“On in 5 ladies,” our manager said quickly as she popped her head into our room, Mikey turning to give her a small thumbs up as she stood from her chair, followed by Layla and then Sara. They stood staring at me as I finished up, standing now and looking at them with a small smile. 

“Alright.”

 I said, walking towards the door, pushing it open wide as I walked out into the white hallways, leading us towards the stage where the sounds of voices could be heard, flowing in louder as we grew closer. I grabbed my guitar from my tech, watching as the other girls did the same as we gathered in a small group, telling each other that we loved each other and to have a good show as the lights dimmed slowly in the big arena and we made our way out onto the stage. 

Screams filled the air as we took our places, my eyes dragging along the barricade and through the pit, working their way around as I could hear the opening bass line of one of our songs coming through, and that switch flipped in me, letting me know I needed to focus, perform, and just have fun, forget that Danny was here, forget what happened, and be y/n the lead singer of Honey. So that's what I did. For 45 minutes straight, I just focused on me, on my band, on where I was. For those 45 minutes, I felt in my element, the adrenaline mixed with exhaustion pulsing through my body as we came to an end on our second to last song. My eyes shut as I tried to gain back control of my breathing as I stepped back up towards the microphone, my voice echoing back to me. 

“Thank you,” I said, smiling as cheers filled the air and the smiles were endless down in the pit. “You all are a lovely crowd, and we thank you for your time, but we know who you're all really here to see…” I said as the crowd began to grow even louder at the mere mention of Greta.

 I dragged my eyes back down closer towards the front of the pit, and through the corner of my eyes, I could see them. Sam and Danny had found themselves a spot to stand and watch by under one of the catwalks on the far left side of the stage. They had been watching… this entire time as sweat dripped down my body, and I gave everything I possibly could tonight, they had seen it all. He had seen it all. My smile faltered as I tried to push the thought from my mind as I froze, turning to look back at my bandmates. The confusion matched everyone's faces as I played a small riff on my guitar while shouting back, “We’re changing the last song”. I could see the refusal growing on their faces before yelling out, 

“Strangers by Nature, play it,” I said, moving towards the side of the stage as I handed off my guitar to my tech, walking back as I peeled off my jacket, setting it on an amp as I walked back up to the microphone. My sweaty palms wrapped around the warm metal as I leaned forward, my voice ever so slightly shaking.

“For our final song, we want to give you something new,” I said forcing a wide smile as whistles and cheers came back in response “It's called Strangers by Nature, and it's very important to me because,” I said, lifting the mic from the stand, buying layla time to switch back to her keyboard, starting up the beginning notes as I continued. 

“Sometimes men can be assholes right?!” earning me a response of agreement from the crowd. 

“And sometimes we get fucked over and left and forgotten..” I rambled on, “So I wrote this a while back in a bad time, and I just blamed myself for every little thing, but I want you all to have it to know you are not alone, and I promise,” I tried to continue as the mix of screams slowly built up again, “I promise you, nothing is ever entirely your fault when things go south in a relationship…so I hope you can find the relief in this song as I do..” I finished as a bitter smile filled my face, and the rest of the band began to join in slowly as I officially started the song off. 

I was prepared for the hurt I would feel singing it, but I wasn’t prepared for the response we got once I finished on the last note and the once-dead silent crowd roared with love as I opened my eyes, taking it all in, feeling it now radiating through my body. With many waves and blowing out a few kisses, we left the stage, sweat dripping down all of our bodies, hair sticking to our faces as we walked back to the dressing room in silence as they began to prepare the stage for Greta. We slid into the tight room in almost pure silence, the only thing heard was our labored breathing, as I looked at the girls. 

“Thank you,” I said softly from the small couch I found comfort on. 

“Why Strangers by Nature?” Layla's voice rang out tense as she paced slightly around the room. 

“Im sorry I- I wasn't planning on making us change the last song I-” 

“Ok, but you did y/n. We get it that this is your dream and you're the lead here but you can't just go and make these decisions whilst were mid-sho-” 

Before she could finish, a knock came on the door as she turned to open it, being met by the youngest Kiszka brother, Sam, who I had grown up closest with next to Danny. Layla froze as she moved to the side letting Sam into the small dressing room as I stood once he came into view. 

“Hey,” he said simply with a small smile spread across his face as I walked towards him my face barely matching his expression. “I was just wondering if you wanted to catch up before we go on..” he stood wearing his performance suit, silver as long dreads of fabric hung down from the arms and legs, tiny diamonds adorning the satin material. I stood staring for a moment, given that it had been around 7 years since I had seen him last. 

“Yeah.. yeah, wherever you wanna go for sure” my voice came out soft as the girls behind me just sat and stared at the interaction unraveling before them. His smile widened as he let out a small “alright” before walking out of the room as I followed close behind. We walked through the plastered white walls before coming upon a room a few doors down from ours labeled “Greta Van Fleet/Dressing”. As he moved to push the large door, it was like instinct as my hand shot out stopping his. 

“I thought we were going to catch up..?” I said looking at him with an uncomfortable shift in demeanor. 

“Everyone else went down to a bar somewhere in the arena.” his hand touched mine as he moved it away from the door, opening it and now waiting for me to step in. The room was much larger than ours, seeing as it was for the main act, having small love seats scattered around, a minibar, and even a small restroom. I made quick work of seating myself on one of the small couches, Sam doing the same as he sat in the chair opposing mine. As he sat, I looked at my hands in my lap, worn out and calloused before forcing myself to speak and break the terrible silence hanging in the room. 

“So how have you been..” 

“Good,” he said with a small sigh, “really good I mean, a lot happens in... how long has it been like fou-” 

“Seven years.” I cut in. 

“Right” 

“You couldn’t maybe have managed to send like I dont know how are you y/n? Or happy birthday, y/n!” I wasn't being rude, despite the look on Sam's face. After that night, it had been close to radio silence from all of Greta - shows you how much people care right?

“I’m sorry, y/n you know we’ve just been so busy with the tour and the new album it's just been so chaotic..” 

“Or you guys just all cut me off the second I wasn’t of value anymore to Daniel,” I said coldly, my eyes now meeting his. 

He moved his mouth a few times to speak, but nothing came out. So that was it. They all up and left me because of his choice to throw me to the side because he couldn’t be seen with some random. Fucking. Pathetic. 

“Your band…y’all are good”

“I know.” 

“Please don’t be like this… none of us have seen you in 7 years and suddenly you're on tour with us. It won’t be pleasant if you are going to hold this grudge towards us when we didn’t even do anything-” 

“But you did. I wouldn’t have been here if we hadn’t broken up. My parents forced me to learn guitar, Sam. They forced me to do something because it was either that or a hospital. So if all you invited me in here to do was tell me to move on, fuck off” I barked out standing as I moved towards the door. 

“No, no, it's not-” he now matched me, standing as if to stop me from leaving “Please just sit back down I don’t want to cause issues.” 

I stood for a minute more before I walked back to my seat, sitting as I leaned my arms onto my thighs and my face dropped to my hands. 

“Im sorry that that happened to you. I didn’t know things went down how they did when you guys broke up, nor did I know it was… that bad, but im sorry, and im sorry for not reaching out that was shitty of me… of all of us.”

I nodded softly, pulling my hands back as I sat up, forcing a smile. 

“It worked out well enough for me, though.”

The laughter that filled the air was like a hug, laughter that I hadn’t heard from him in forever.  

“True true… you guys are good, you're good I didn’t know you had a set of pipes like that” 

“You hang around a certain Kiszka long enough it kind of becomes a second nature” which earned another laugh from the tall man. 

A lot of laughter came from Sam, well, considering we spent 30 minutes straight simply sitting and ‘catching up’ on our lives, which just consisted of me complaining about my life after high school and Sam talking quickly about his new life in Nashville. But I know too well by now all good things come to an end. Sam was dragged out of the room by his manager, telling him he needed to get to the stage in time for the curtain drop. As he left, so did I, returning to my dressing room where the other girls all sat and waited anxiously for my arrival, asking me a hundred questions at a time as I walked back into the room. Almost identical to the conversation I had in the room a few doors down, we spent the better part of the next 2 hours just sitting and talking about the band that left the crowd screaming so loud we could hear it from where we sat. Not that I’ve been secretive about my past it just…didn’t seem important to mention. I had moved on. I think. 

     -ˋˏ ༻𖤓༺ ˎˊ-

Eventually, the screams died down, and the show was over. Our manager came in once more, letting us know we were moving to a hotel for the night. Soon, we all moved out to the busses, grabbing what we needed for the night before cramming the four of us into a small Uber to take us to the hotel not more than 15 minutes from the arena. Given it was past midnight, the lobby was dead as we walked in, following behind our manager, looking like four girls on a school trip waiting for their teacher to assign them rooms. Luckily, all of us were in the same hallway, sharing rooms: me/Mikey and Sara/Layla. The hallways were cold once we got off the elevator, giving out ‘goodnight’s and ‘I love you’s to the other two as we got into our rooms. 

We were being hosted by Greta, given the room we had walked into was insanely spacious, and not only that it was rich…really rich. If someone walked in right now, they would see Mikey and I running through our room like we were in heaven, raving about how comfortable the bed was or maybe the fact that the shower had an unnecessary amount of jets that we’d be using without a doubt. The best thing, though? The view. I slid open the big curtains, my jaw almost hitting the floor as I noticed it. 

“Holy shit,” I said quietly, hearing Mikey's laughter die down as she walked up next to me. 

“What-” she started before she too came to see it. 

Our room had a view of a pool, but the pool took up half the property. It stretched from end to end, with a few small hot tubs placed around it, outdoor bars, and tens upon hundreds of empty pool chairs. 

“Let's go” I said, turning quickly from the window as I turned and walked into the lush bathroom, peeling off the outfit I changed into after the show before throwing on a robe over my undergarments. Mikey didn’t have a chance to decline as I threw a robe towards her and soon, the four of us were in bath robes giggling as we ran down the hall towards the elevator, all of us racing to try and press the button before the other. 

The mood was killed quickly though as the elevator doors opened and standing before us was not just Sam but now all four men, bags in hand, looking at us with quizzical expressions. 

“We’re going swimming” Layla blurted, eyeing Sam. 

I just stood there. I just stood there as the once love of my life stood before me, his face cold as ever, his eyes unblinking. Just like that night, all the talking around me froze as my eyes locked on his as he stepped out of the small elevator, the girls now looking at me as they held it open waiting for me to step in. 

“Hello, earth to y/n this thing is fucking beeping get in” Sara’s voice woke me out of the almost trance-like state as I moved my eyes from his, walking into the small elevator as the door slid closed, my eyes on his clean white shoes as it did so. 

“Dude, are you good…” Sara said placing a hand on my shoulder as I turned to look at her, forcing a smile once more. 

“Yeah” shaking my head as I let out a small laugh “Yeah sorry let's go” I said leaning forward and pressing the button to go down.  

I wasn’t going to be the one to bring the mood down, but something about him in front of me…after seven years, it does something to you. My head ran at a hundred miles a minute as the descent down the many flights of the hotel floors came to a close, opening the doors to the lobby once more. As if nothing had happened, we all began up again in the same fit of laughter as we ran down to the pool, dropping our robes on random chairs as we got within arms reach, all of us jumping in without hesitation. Once my body broke through the water, it was like a fresh shower, washing off all the worry and anxiety in my body as I swam up, breaking the surface as I sighed loudly. 

The pool was heated - as I said, this place is rich. 

The only sound that echoed through the area was from the four of us as we splashed around, enjoying the warm liquid on our skins, a small reward for a ‘job well done’ on the opening night of Greta's tour. We stayed in the warm water till our skin got pruney before we decided to switch over to one of the various hot tubs, really getting the most out of our short night stay before we had to be back on the road early the next morning. I leaned my head back against the raised concrete surrounding the hot tub as I closed my eyes, enjoying the steaming water consuming my body, enjoying the peace of the moment. 

That ‘moment’ ended quickly. Too quickly. 

During the time I was stuck in a staring contest with Danny, Layla had taken it upon herself to cordially invite not just Sam but all of the Kiszkas and Danny down to the pool to join us. My eyes opened softly as I heard the familiar voice of Jake greeting everyone as he slipped down into the lowered tub with us, followed by Sam and Josh. No Danny. I couldn’t help the small smile on my face as I realized he hadn’t come too, well that was until he did come. He walked up a few seconds after the others, complaining about the fact that the hotel didn’t offer towels to ‘skinny dippers’. I could hear the laughs coming from the rest of my bandmates but the smile that was once present had faded. Similar to us, they hadn’t brought bathing suits to the hotel tonight and had come down in their boxers. 

Normally, I wouldn’t care, not in the slightest. I had grown up around all of the guys before me, and the girls were the girls, so being in just a bra and underwear wasn’t that big of a deal. However, I was in a bra and underwear, my wet hair pushed back down my back, and sitting directly across from the man I used to call baby. Maybe in this situation, someone else would've kept it cool and collected - but seven years? Seven years changes people, and not just mentally. 

I stared at the water ahead of me, the small bubbles popping as they rose to the top and silence filled the air once more. 

“Good show tonight?” I said coldly as everyone sat around looking at me as my voice broke through the air. 

A mix of yes’s came back in response from mostly all of the guys but Danny…he just sat there, staring down into the space in front of himself, identical to me. It was almost as if he knew how badly he fucked me over, like over these seven years, he's put it beside him but now, now that I sit here in front of him it's a different story. 

“Danny good show?” 

His eyes met mine as mine blazed into his. I wanted him to feel all the pain that I had over these past years. I wanted him to know that getting rid of the ‘random’ that was dragging him down was the worst decision he could've made. 

“Yeah,” he mumbled out. 

“Sorry, what? You know I can’t understand you when you mumble Daniel” a bitter smile forming across my face, my eyes remaining cold. 

“Yes. The show was great.” 

“Great.” 

And there was silence once more, except the air was filled with tension now as everyone else with us in the small pool looked between Danny and me as the quick conversation played out before it died down again quickly. No one moved, no one said anything, and everyone just sat in that pure, thick awkward silence. But me? I couldn’t take it anymore. I’d spent all of my life worrying about what he was doing with his life, where I went wrong with mine, I thought about it all so if this is how tour needed to be - it would be. I stood, sloshing through the warm water as my skin pricked up with goosebumps at the cool night's air. 

“Wait, wait where are you going?”   

I didnt bother turning around as I heard Layla ask the question as I walked up the stairs and onto the cold concrete. 

“Bed. We have to be up early.” My voice now rising as I walked further from the hot tub, not bothering to look back.

I grabbed my robe and slipped it on around my wet body, padding back through the quiet, cold lobby and up to the elevator. I wrapped the robe tighter around myself as I got off the elevator, my feet grateful to be walking on carpeting through the halls as I stuck my room key to the door, immediately going in to start the shower. I slipped off the robe and replaced it with a towel after I took off the damp undergarments sticking to my body, trying to run a brush through my hair before I entered the steaming glass room. Just as soon as I set my brush down a knock came at the door I rolled my eyes shouting out, 

“Im about to shower use your room key,” but the knocking came through once more as I walked towards the door, swinging it open, being met by not Mikey but by the exact reason I came up to my room. 

“Yes?” 

“Can we talk?” 

“I’m about to shower so no” 

“I can wait” 

“I’m showering rather than going to bed, Danny, so no you can go back down there,” I said callously as I moved to shut the door before it hit something, looking down to see Danny's foot in the door. I moved my eyes from his foot to his face as my eyes blazed into his. 

“Move.” 

“Can we please talk?” 

“Im giving you five fucking minutes” I barked as I turned to walk into the bathroom and turn off my shower, slipping back into a bathrobe before walking out, seeing him sitting on one of the beds. 

“I’d rather you not sit on my bed in your soaked boxers” 

“Sorry” he said gently, making quick work to stand, not knowing what to do with his arms as they hung down to the side, looking at me like he was waiting for me to speak. 

“You wanted to talk so talk” 

“I- it's just really good to see you….. You- you look good” 

“Im glad im up to your standards” 

“I never said that-” 

“Am I better than before? More acceptable to be seen with you now that ive matured?” 

“What are you even saying right now y/n.” 

“You dumped me. You looked me in the face and told me I was just some random chick from Frankenmuth. You dumped me and no one, not a single one of you four reached out to me. For seven years straight? And now when you guys need an opening act the ball just so happens to be in my court. Why. Why are you here right now?” 

“I just wanted to talk with you-” 

“And what? Tell me how fucking sorry you are? How much you've missed me? Fucking save it,” I snapped as I walked towards the door once more and held it open “You can go now.”

“No.” 

“Im sorry?”

“No we're not doing this petty bullshit were going to sit and have a conversation about this like adults” 

“Oh, now you want to have a conversation?” I questioned as I slammed the door shut, walking up to him like I was preying on him. 

“y/n-” 

“You fucking low-life piece of shit-” 

“Come on, I mean really?” he questioned, looking at me with pleading eyes. 

“Yes, really Daniel!” My voice now rising, my tone shifting from anger to just pure hatred. 

“I spent the better half of 4 years trying to get my fucking shit together because of YOU. All the fancy riffs or the notes I sing in our songs because of you. I spent so long in such a dark place that my parents forced me to do this shit. They would sit and watch me play or sing for hours because it was that or medications and hospitals. You broke me Danny, and now, you're sitting in my hotel room, wanting to do what try and fix things?” 

He stood silent as I paused for a moment, his eyes now staring down at his own two feet. 

“Exactly. You're too much of a pussy to admit why im even entertaining this, but when it comes to breaking some poor girl's heart, who loved you with everything she possibly could, it was a fucking cakewalk.” I chastised with a bitter laugh as I bit back tears through my words. 

“Sam told me Danny. He literally fucking told me that he wouldn’t talk to me and that none of you would talk to me because of the breakup.” I paused taking a breath to prevent the tears from falling, “Do you know how much I would text the guys? Just for something, any type of conversation and they would never respond because of you.” I cursed out as I walked towards him now standing directly in front of him.  

“You fucking ruined my life,” my hands now turning to fists as I pushed against his chest “You made me hate myself so much,” another hit to his chest, harder now, “and I wrote that fucking song about you,” I screamed as the tears began to stream down my cheeks and onto the floor, “because I missed you and I hated myself for the breakup,” between my fists connecting with his chest to the tears streaming from my eyes, the world started to spin as he grabbed my hands, my movements stopping as I looked up at him, “but in reality…you never actually gave a shit about me did you..?” 

His eyes met mine, the pain running through his hazel irises as he loosened his grip on my wrists, wrapping his arms around my waist as he pulled me into his embrace, the water from the pool hitting my cheek as I wrapped my arms around his body and rested my head on his chest. 

“I always loved you y/n.” 

“I fucking hate you.” I choked out as sobs racked through my body as he held me. All the pain, all the hate I had in me was finally flowing out, and I could feel the weight being lifted off my body. 

Everything was right though. The part of me that was still holding onto the past finally felt at peace, I felt at peace, I was emotional and felt so out of control but…my body knew that I could relax, for this once. 

“Im so sorry” left his lips like a mantra as he held me, placing his head on mine until the crying slowed, and I pulled back, looking up at his with red puffy eyes and cheeks. 

“Do you mean it?” I beckoned softly 

“Mean what?” 

“You love me?” 

“Yes” a small nod following his short, one-worded response. 

“Ok,” I said, my eyes searching his, his face, the way his damp curls fell around his face “ok.” 

“Ok?” 

I nodded softly in response, never taking my eyes from his face as they flickered down to his lips before back up to his eyes, the tension between us running thicker than ever. 

“Do you feel the same?” he whispered, the proximity between the two of us growing closer and closer. 

I picked my shoulders up, sighing as I dropped them, “should I?” 

Now he mocked my movements, nodding slightly as his forehead now rested on mine, our noses centimeters away from touching. 

“Ok..” 

With that, he closed the small distance between our bodies entirely as he planted a soft kiss against my lips. It was slow, gentle, an apology, an apology from the danny I used to love. But soon, his mouth grew hungry against mine as his tongue ran along my bottom lip, seeking entrance. Allowing him in, I moved back slightly, dragging him with me as I shifted my arms to hook around his neck before the back of my thighs hit the edge of my bed. 

Without hesitation, I sat back on the bed as he leaned down to kiss me as I broke away, scooting up further on the bed before lying down fully as he moved on top of me, holding himself up with his arms close to the sides of my head as he drew his center of attention down to my neck. He nipped and licked at my neck as I pushed my head back into the mattress, giving him more access as I felt his cold hand along the top of my thigh. 

His hand traveled along my leg, pushing under the fabric to run along my stomach up to my chest, stopping himself right below my sternum, sliding his hand back down my body once more as I pulled his hair to one side, moving it out of his face. His hand made it back down to my leg, and soon it was not focused on the inside of my thighs, tracing small circles along the inside of them. I used my free hand now to assist him, untying the knot holding the robe together at my waist as I moved the fabric to the side as he moved his kisses slowly down my neck to my chest. 

My head pushed back further as my eyes shut in pleasure as he lowered his mouth onto my chest, bringing a hand up to massage the other as he lowered his mouth onto my breast, while his hand slowly dragged closer and closer into my core, the pleasure building up. 

“O-oh shit” I moaned out as he lifted his mouth from my chest, wasting no time as he lowered it back down onto my left breast as his fingers finally lightly traced up my core, a loud moan erupting from my chest at the light touch. At the sound, he did it once more, now using two fingers and taking his time as he stopped directly on my clit. Carelessly, he pulled them away quickly, a whine leaving my lips at the loss of touch as he brought his hand up to my mouth, pushing down on my lower lip. As I parted my lips slightly, he pushed his fingers deeper and deeper back into my throat as I held back a gag, swirling my tongue around his two fingers before he slowly pulled them back out, bringing them back between my legs. 

The room was filled with the sounds of my moans as I bit down on my lip, trying to quiet myself as he shifted the focus off his lips back up to my neck, my chin, and once again reconnected with my lips as he slid his fingers and down and inside of me, my back arching up at the new feeling as I moaned loudly into the kiss. 

“D-Danny” I mumbled against his lips as his fingers slowly began to start to pump in and out of me. 

I could feel the smirk growing along his lips as he pressed his hips into me slightly, feeling the pressure in his boxers hard along me as I slid a hand from the back of his neck down to his body, tracing slowly down to where they rested along his hips as I slipped a finger into them, tugging them ever so slightly. He wasted no time as he moved his fingers out of me, earning another moan out of me as he shimmed off his underwear, coming back to me as I leaned up into the kiss, pushing back on his shoulders as he fell back on the bed. I shifted gently onto him, straddling him as I picked my hips up, now taking my time to press soft kisses down his jaw to his neck to his chest, leaving small hickeys littered everywhere down his body before leaning back up, placing my hands on his chest as I looked down at him. 

I reached down, grabbing his cock as I aligned him before slowly sinking onto him, both of us moaning out loudly at the familiar yet new sensations. Gradually, I picked up my pace as I started to move on him, his hands sliding up my body and to my chest, grabbing and squeezing at my breasts as my head fell back in pleasure. 

“Fuck I missed you” he moaned out quietly, bringing my head back forward as I watched his head push back like mine had, his eyes shut into tight lines, his mouth open every so slightly, curls sprawled along the mattress. 

Mocking his movements earlier, I took advantage of his state, grabbing one of his hands from my chest as I lifted two of his fingers into his mouth once more before pulling them out and lowering them to my clit, before he took control, setting his own pace now. 

My moaning grew borderline pornographic as I was sure almost everyone on this floor was being awoken by us at the late hour but it didn’t matter. I picked up my pace every so slightly, his cock reaching in deeper than I thought was possible as I leaned back placing my hands on his legs behind me to try and adjust to the new stretch. Deliberately he drew his other hand now away from my chest pressing into my stomach. 

“Want you to feel me here” 

My eyes rolled back at his words, and my mouth opened, pants and small whimpers leaving me because I really could feel him there. I dragged his hand back up to my chest, to which he automatically began to work once more, and between all the places we were connected, I could feel that pit in my stomach starting to grow larger and larger, in need of release. My hips started to falter as I grew closer, just wanting the focus to be his fingers but before I could even blink he had me flipped, my back down on the bed as he made quick work of pushing back into me, as my hand flew to the sheets, gripping at them so hard I could’ve snapped a nail or two. The new pace he had set was quicker than I thought was possible…harder too. 

“I-fuck close” I moaned out against his neck as he lowered himself onto me more before his voice filled my ears. 

“Me too..” he whispered, his hot breath shooting down onto my skin as the moans filled my ears. 

I could now feel him pushing into me for longer, not going as fast as he pushed into me once more, letting out a loud string of moans as his movement faltered and he quicked his pace on my clit, my moans almost matching his as I reached my climax. Tears streamed from my eyes in pleasure as I moaned out his name loudly. Eventually, he slowed completely to a stop, pulling out of me slowly before falling back onto the bed next to me, his chest rising and falling at a rapid pace. 

“You're fucking amazing” 

“Yea I hope I am given the last time I fucked you was when we were teenagers” I sighed turning to look at him, a soft smile growing on my face as he turned to look back at me. 

“I do love you y/n. I haven’t been able to... fully forgive myself or move on. I knew it was wrong and my heart feels so still every time I try to get with someone else I always just think of…. you.” 

I nodded softly, bringing a hand to the side of his face as I pushed the hair out of his eyes muttering softly “I love you too Danny… but you do need to leave; im sharing a room with Mikey” 

“Fuck.” 

-ˋˏ ༻𖤓༺ ˎˊ-

[bouncybongfairy]

No Words Needed

Keegan x Fem Reader Smut

Summary: Task force 141 was placed in California for a mission. You grew up here and couldn't resist the erge for some bud. It's Keegan's first time smoking; he goes non verbal and fucks the shit out of you.

Word Count: 1.0k+

TW: Intoxicated Sex, Non-Verbal Keegan, Rough Smut

Not Proof Read

<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

It was weird being in your hometown for the first time since joining the task force. Bringing up a lot of old memories; some good, some bad. For the most part you were maintaining the numbness that came along with being home. After sitting in your shared hotel room for an hour, you decided enough was enough and threw on your shoes. Trying your hardest not to wake Keegan; it didn’t work. 

“Where are you going?” he asked, sitting up on one of his elbows. 

“...Food,” you reply.

“Can I come?” he asks. 

“... Have you ever been to El Gavilan?” you ask.

“No,” he said. 

“Come on then,” you huff.

He got out of bed and pulled himself together as fast as he could. Following you to the elevator and out to the car. He didn’t protest when you got behind the wheel which you liked. Maybe it was because he wasn’t familiar with the area but you’d like to think it was for a more mindful reason. You followed through with your plans and did stop by El Gavilan. Eating in the car for a while before making your way to the dispensary, unbeknownst to Keegan.

“You missed the exit,” he pointed out.

“Don’t worry about it, I have to make another stop,” you said, he was practically 5 inches deep in his food, so he didn’t pry further. 

You left him in the car while going into the dispensary. It wasn’t a legal operating business but your dad swore by this one. It didn’t take long for you to see why. Cheap but good quality, not only the bud but the wax. Even had wraps which you loved because it meant this was the last stop. As you were paying, you could feel your mouth start to water. As you walked towards the car, you could see that Keegan’s brows were furrowed. 

“Why is there an armed security outside the door?” he asked. 

“It’s a dispensary,” you admitted and continued after the loud silence, “are you gonna snitch on me?” you asked. 

“No. Can I smoke too?” he asks, which makes you look over at him. 

“Yeah sure, I didn’t take you for the type,” you laugh pulling into the parking lot. 

Now back in the room, you were rolling. Explaining to Keegan exactly how you grind and gut the wrap. He was fascinated; You were using a toothpick to smear the wax on the inside of the wrap. Watching you lick and slide your fingers along the tobacco. The way you’d cringe when a small nug got caught on your lip or tongue. He wasn’t aware how much weed could permeate a room before it’s burned. You walked over to the microwave and set the blunt inside the microwave and he thought you were fucking with him. 

“No, I don’t know the exact science behind it but it makes it better,” you said, only letting it go for about 10 seconds. 

Sitting back on the bed and lighting it. Closing your eyes as the cherry crackled, enjoying the burning feeling in your lungs. You coughed and laughed, damn near rejoicing after exhaling. Keegan laughed at your reaction, watching as you did another ghost inhale. Drooling and coughing your brains out in the process. Once you composed yourself, you handed the blunt over. Walking him through the process of taking a hit, showing him how to hold it and inhale. He coughed a little but he smoked cigarettes so it wasn’t like he choked out. Immediately his brain became fuzzy, thankful for his mask covering the smirk on his face. His eyes were slowly becoming squinted and red. Normally his gaze was hard and aggressive but now his face was completely relaxed. His eyebrows weren’t furrowed, it was such a dramatic change that you couldn’t help but stare. His entire demeanor was different, going from arms crossed and leaning forward to slouched back; hands in his hoodie pocket and slow blinking. He felt like he was rolling, feeling like he was daydreaming while being wide awake. 

“You high?” he laughed and nodded his head. 

“Yeah?” you asked, taking a drag and blowing it at him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath in as you did. You couldn’t help but think how hot it was seeing him so vulnerable. 

“You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to, it’s okay,” you said, in which he nodded. You grabbed the remote and out on a music channel, swaying to the rhythm once you sat back down. Keegan let his head fall back and giggled to himself. 

“You know I don’t think I've ever seen you laugh like that,” you said, tucking a piece of hair back into his mask. He shrugged his shoulders and got up, laying down on the bed. On his back and using his hand to gesture you over. You walked over and laid down on top of him. His head was resting against a pillow, allowing him to look at you. Your chin was resting against your hands that were laid on his chest. 

“Is this okay?” you asked and he nodded. 

You could feel his member slowly harden underneath your body. You let your forehead fall onto your hands to hide your blush. Hearing him laugh and feeling his body bounce only added to your giggling. Looking back up and starting to trace his eyebrows with your finger. Running it along the bridge of his nose then moving down towards the rest of his face. You were tracing his lips from above his mask, his eyes were so expressive; he didn’t even need to talk. 

“Are you okay?” you asked, pulling your hand away not wanting to make him uncomfortable. 

He grunted and put your hand back on him, then wrapped his arms around your waist. You smiled and continued admiring his face. He continued to shift and squirm from underneath you. It was becoming increasingly harder to ignore. Your face was becoming flushed, especially after feeling his breathing quicken. You slid your body up against his, pressing kisses against his mask. He was leaning into the kisses which made you smile. He flipped you over and made heavy eye contact for a few moments. Breathing so hard you could feel it though his mask, you cautiously go to pull the mask off; he doesn’t pull away. Once your lips connected the vibe completely changed. 

The two of you were no longer gentle with each other. You ripped off his mask and in turn, he pulled your hoodie off. Immediately attacking your chest once it was exposed. Laying his full body weight on you and switching his mouth back and forth between your breasts. Nipping and sucking at your nipples like he couldn’t get enough. Ripping the rest of your clothes off and him following suit. His entire body was enguling you, like a lion was hovering over you. Moving his focus to your neck, sucking dark purple hickies onto your tender skin. Squirming everytime you felt his breath on your neck. 

He started grinding his member against your wet folds. Biting down as he enjoys the friction. As much as you liked the sting on your neck, you raked your nails down his back. He grabs his member and lines himself up with your entrance. Pushing himself in quickly which stung a little, he was trying his best but couldn’t help but jerk his hips. Engulfing himself in your heat fully for a moment before pulling back out. Everything was moving so fast, feeling your blood pump in your ears; your body racing with adrenaline. Continuously digging your nails into his back every time he bottomed out. Enjoying the feeling of your walls stretching around his length. 

He knew you were ready once your hips started bucking up to meet his thrusts. He chuckled a little because he was worried about hurting you. Now that you were rutting your hips up, so desperate for anything he could give you, he was practically feral. Gripping the sheets next to your head and pounding into you at an animalistic pace. Both of you were feeling dazed and whiplashed. As pleasurable as things were, it felt so foreign to be with each other in a non-platonic way. You pushed those thoughts to the side and focused on how euphoric you were feeling.

Feeling your walls cling to his length every time he pulls out. Without even thinking about it, you fall into your climax. Wrapping your legs around his hips tightly; limiting his movement. Feeling you tighten and contact around him sent him over the edge. Letting out loud groans and grunts, pressing himself as deeply as possible. You ran your fingers through his sweaty hair as the two of you rode out your highs together. Eventually collapsing and falling into a deep sleep, too exhausted for after care.

[d3vils-island]

Out for a Smoke (86’)

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Dave Mustaine x Fem!reader

1,750 words

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Description: While at a bar with your friends, you decide to go out for a smoke to reset and get some fresh air. Unexpectedly, you encounter a breathtaking man, ultimately changing the course of your night.

Warnings: PORN WITH PLOT! (I’ll mark with three “^” when the smut starts) P in V, sex during a phone call, blah blah blah

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“Hey guys, I’m gonna head out for a smoke. Be back in a minute!” You told your friends before they waved you off. You grabbed your coat and trudged past the crowd of people to the door.

The cold night breeze sent shivers across your body, you quickly put on your coat and took the pack of cigarettes out of the pocket.

You rummaged your hand in the pocket, but didn’t feel your lighter. So you tried the other one, but it was also empty. You cursed under your breath.

You looked to your left and saw a tall man with a cigarette in his hand, so you promptly walked over and asked for a light.

“Hey, you think you could spark this for me? I forgot my lighter at home…”

He finished the puff of his cigarette and turned his head as to not blow smoke in your face. He turned back to you and started to rummaged in his coat pocket. “Sure thing.”

You put the cigarette to your lips as he lit it, taking in the smoke then blowing it out.

“What brings you here?” You asked, voice shaking slightly since it was freezing outside.

You tried to start a conversation with the somewhat sexy guy standing next to you. His ginger hair perfectly framed his face and his cologne made you instinctively inch closer to him so you could smell him better.

“My friends and I decided to come here since we just finished a concert gig and wanted to get shitfaced.” You laughed at his answer.

“So you’re in a band? That’s sick.” There was a short pause.

“So what brings you here?” He asked.

“Well, I just finished going to this concert and I followed one of the band members here...” you said.

“Nah I’m fucking with you. I just come here every Saturday, and sometimes I drag my friends along; like I did tonight.” He chuckled at your little joke.

You both talked for a bit, passing time till you finish your cigarettes. You learned that he was in the band “Megadeth” and he was originally from California.

“You must hate being far from your hometown.” You said. “Yea, but I got used to it pretty quick. And plus, I’ve got some distant relatives here.” There was a small silence.

“Hey, this may be random and you don’t have to say yes, but—“ he paused for a second, finishing his cigarette and tossing it on the concrete, putting it out with his shoe.

“—wanna go on a ride with m-“

“Id love that.” You interrupted, eager to run away with him.

Hell, you didn’t even care if he was a serial killer. He was so handsome and charming that you didn’t mind if you got killed, as long as you got to be closer with him.

You two quickly hopped in his vehicle. He turned on the radio and you both drove off.

He asked if you were hungry, and to that you said starving. You hadn’t eaten all night, so he offered to drive to some fast food place.

“Order number 34” The ginger-haired man got up and brought the food over to your table.

“You know…” you paused while he took the food out of the bag and distributed it to you both.

“Hmm?” He looked up at you.

“I don’t even know your name, and you don’t even know mine.” He popped a fry into his mouth, chewing it then swallowing it.

“It’s Dave.”

You shared your name, then you both continued talking for what seemed like only 30 minutes, but Dave checked his watch and stated that and hour and a half had passed.

“Ya know, it’s getting really late..” you paused.

“I can take you home.” Dave said before you could finish your sentence. You softly smiled. If this was the moment he was gonna kidnap you, you didn’t really give a shit.

Dave threw your trash away and you both walked to his car. He started its engine and drove off while you directed him on where to go.

“Take a right here” you said as he turned into your neighborhood. You pointed him to your house and he pulled over to the curb, putting it in park. You both turned to one another for a moment.

“Let me at least walk you to the door.” He said, turning off the car and unbuckling his seatbelt as you undid yours. You both got out of the car and walked to the front door.

You two looked at each other silently, your eyes both filled with anticipation. Your gaze wondered across his face, admiring his features during what little time you had left with him. You saw his breath from the cold air and the slight gusts of wind made his hair flow beautifully. Your eyes travelled from his eyes to his lips, admiring how soft they looked- god, you wanted to kiss him so badly.

You two just stared in silence for what seemed like minutes, but in reality was only seconds…

^ ^ ^

You grabbed Dave by his collar and smashed your lips against his. You opened the door, pulling him inside with you. You gently pushed him against the door after you closed it and stood inches from him.

“I’m sorry— you can say no if you want, I doubt I’ll ever see you again so-“

He harshly grabbed your waist and swapped positions so that he had you pinned against the door. He slid his hands up your shirt and intertwined his tongue with yours. His warm hands contrasted with how cold you were and it sent shivers scattering across your body.

“Fuck…” he muttered between kisses. His lips trailed down your neck, sucking and licking on a certain spot that made you go crazy.

You grabbed his hair and made him look up at you. You cocked your head to the side, gesturing to the bedroom. A smile danced across his lips as he grabbed the back of your thighs and hoisted you up, carrying you to your bedroom.

He placed you on the bed and began taking his jacket and shoes off, along with his belt. While he took his clothes off, you began taking yours off. Once you two were in nothing but your undergarments, he crawled on top of you and started up the make out session again.

His hands explored your body as yours explored his. You felt his toned muscles under your cold hands, before you intertwined your fingers in his hair and started twirling locks of it between your finger tips. His warm hands slip to your back as he unclipped your bra, tossing it to the floor of the room.

He trailed butterfly kisses down your neck and chest, before finding one of your nipples and latching onto it, swirling his tongue around it and occasionally biting down lightly.

Your hands instinctively gripped his hair harder and you couldn’t help but curse out his name. He let out a small grunt, continuing with his suggestive actions. He brought his hand up and began kneading your other breast, pinching and twisting the nipple.

He suddenly stopped before sliding off your panties with a swift motion and taking off his own underwear. He brought your knees up to your chest, then took your ankles and put them over his shoulders. He took a strand of your hair and tucked it behind your ear, planting a soft kiss on your forehead before interlocking one of his hands with yours, pinning it above your head.

“If you ever wanna stop just s-“ “god dammit Dave, fuck me already!” You groaned out, frustrated at his waiting. He let out a low laugh and suddenly shoved the entirety of his length into you, causing you to jolt back and moan loudly.

His movement didn’t stop however, they just kept getting faster and faster. The sounds of the headboard creaking mixed with your grunts was sure to have your neighbors leave a noise complaint, but you didn’t care. You felt too good right now to care.

Bzzzz….. Bzzzz…..

You and Dave looked over to the bedside table where your jacket laid. The pocket was buzzing, you must had left your phone in it.

You looked back at Dave and he had a sly smirk on his face. He reached over, not once stopping his thrusts, and pulled the phone out of the coat pocket.

“Amy? Is she your friend?” He said, looking at the caller I.D. “You should probably answer it.”

“What! No, Dave don’t-“

Dave clicked a button and a high pitched voice was heard on the other side of the line, Dave brought the phone to your ear as he kept pounding relentlessly into you.

“Oh my god girl where are you?! You’ve been gone for hours!!” Your friend exclaimed.

You bit your lips harshly as you grabbed the phone from Dave, trying to contain your lewd noises.

“I’m fine, just- uh… a friend took me home.”

“Really? Are you sure you’re alright you sound a little-“ “I’m fine!” You reassured her, trying your best to not sound like you were getting fucked senseless.

“Ok…” she nervously said. “Just, call me in the morning, alright?” You let out a low ‘Mhmm’ and at that, you said your goodbyes and hung up.

You tossed the phone to the side as you felt your long awaited high nearing.

“You didn’t have the heart to tell her that you were currently being fucked by a guy you just met, did you?” Dave whispered in your ear. “Hmm?”

You shook your head side to side, gripping and scratching at Dave’s back as you felt your orgasm nearly crash over you.

He let out a low laugh. You begganing begging for him to go faster, so that you could finally feel ecstasy. He just smirked.

“Please… please go faster—” You moaned out.

“—I’m so close!” You scratched at his back harder, definitely leaving marks. Dave sped up at your request, both of you chasing your release.

Dave’s thumb jolted down to your puffy clit, rubbing circles on it that sent you over the edge, a euphoric feeling washing over you.

Your legs shook as Dave pulled out to finish, letting out heavy grunts and pants.

Both of you were an exhausted , sweating mess. Dave laid down next to you and pulled the covers over you both, holding you close to his chest and gently stroking your hair.

You both caught your breath and eventually fell into a deep sleep, waiting for what was to come in the morning.

[sportswriters]

traveling to his hometown - j. swayman

pairing: jeremy swayman x reader | f | established relationship | wc: 943 | warnings: none | 🖊: namu

welcome post!

you came up with the idea of traveling to anchorage for a few days to take care of your well being. jeremy found it great since it’s break season so he had a free week to enjoy before going back to training. he’s always been connected to nature since he was a kid going to hike with his dad, so it was nice for him as well. jeremy picked you up in the morning to go to his parents house so you could all go to the airport together. his sister would arrive a day later with her husband and the baby.

“hello, beautiful. did you sleep well last night?” he greets you with a kiss, then helps you with the baggage.

“just a few hours. i kept thinking if i was missing to pack something,” you confess. “i probably dreamed about it, i just don’t remember. you?”

“well, me too. can’t wait to rest and enjoy the view with you.”

“i’m so glad we’re going together. so glad you came from such a beautiful place, no wonder you’re the love of my life,” you hug his waist, leaving a quick peck on the side of his neck.

“you’re lucky we can’t be late. i could totally go back up to your place so we could smooch for a few hours.”

you just laugh and let go of him, leaving the teasing for when you’re properly alone.

the trip to his parents house and then to anchorage went by pretty fast. jeremy came from a family full of good people, so it was easy to talk to them comfortably. since it was a long flight, everyone took the opportunity to get some sleep — not even the excitement could control tiredness.

there wasn’t a proper plan to follow during the trip, so you hang out inside just enjoying the coziness of the house, taking every chance to cuddle by the fire or outside on the porch. sometimes you would take a walk around the neighborhood, eating delicious food and buying souvenirs. the other day you went hiking in his favorite place, then when you reached the top, your emotions overflowed when you took in how beautiful the world around you was. jeremy stayed by your side, waiting for you to calm down. he was aware of how hard work has been to you, but the difference was that you couldn’t let out this kind of energy like he did on the ice. he was aware that for now all he could do was being there until you got back.

and you did. within the safety of his arms, you felt lighter while you waited for your breath to normalize and your eyes were still puffy.

“thank you, baby.”

“always, my love.”

you and jeremy have been a couple for almost two years, but after these days being so domestic and behaving like a true dynamic duo in every situation, it made you both realize how great of an idea it would be to finally move in together. neither of you knew you’re thinking of the same thing, so a few hours before going to the airport, jeremy took you to the porch to talk, failing to notice that you said you also wanted to show him something. he was nervous, it’s cute, you would’ve paid more attention if you weren’t as much as a nervous wreck.

it’s not like you’re anxious or anything — neither of you —, it’s the expectation. the realization of how much you love one another. loving someone to the point you wish to spend your whole life with, to wake up beside each other, to wait for them to come home.

“you know you’re my home, right?” he asks.

“i figured i might be one of them, yes” you joke, knowing how important his family is to him. jeremy stares at you for a second with a silly smile hovering his features. he pecks your lips twice.

“okay, smartass. i meant to say you’re someone i’m sure i want to build a home with.”

his straightforwardness catches you out of guard.

“jer…”

“wait, listen. i’ve considered a lot of things, but i know you must have your own conditions…”

“baby, correct me if i’m wrong.” you hold his hands over your lap. “we’re each other’s home, that’s known. now you want us to build a home together? is that right? like living together?”

“yes, if you let me.”

“remember i said i wanted to show you something?” you let go of his hands to open an app on your phone, searching for a picture. jeremy is slightly confused by the subtle change of topic, but quietly waits for you.

you smile when you find it. it’s a picture of a cheesy welcome rug with a bear couple and lots of cute hearts. jeremy smiles right when he sees it, used to the silly stuff you send him everyday, especially the ones with couples that act like you two.

“that’s adorable, for sure… wait.” he tears his eyes off the phone to find you smiling at him with your eyebrows raised. “is this what i think it means?”

“i must add that this is one picture from a quite big pinterest folder. i named it our lil ol’ home, see?” you show him the title.

jeremy looks like he could cry at any second.

“my love…”

you stand from your seat to sit on his lap, hugging him with your whole body.

“we’re in this together. i love you so much, jer.”

“i love you, y/n. can’t wait to start buying couple’s stuff with you as soon as we arrive home.”

[newtthetranswriter]

Hair dye and Soulmates

Word count: 1431

Paring: Chifuyu Matsuno x Reader

Summary: Everyone has a soulmate connection, they come in all different styles, yours is you have a section of hair that matches your soulmate’s current color and changes if they dye it. 

Warnings: shit used once, other than that none that I can think of.

A/n: Hello peoples, This fic is dedicated to Chifuyu Matsuno for his birthday. Even if the theme isn’t about his birthday I thought it was cute so HAPPY BIRTHDAY Chifuyu. Also as I'm posting this for his birthday it will be part of my winter fic event even though it isn't wintery. Anyway I hope you enjoy and Remember to hydrate or diedrate.

    Having a soulmate was a relief for many, it gave people hope that one day they would meet the person that will love them unconditionally. Unfortunately the way to find your soulmate is a little less than perfect. It’s different for everyone, some have a timer counting down to the day they will meet, others can hear each other's thoughts, but for me, I’m stuck with a chunk of hair that matches my soulmate’s hair and vice versa. This would be fine if they didn’t have blonde hair. Hair color marks are fairly common but that just makes it difficult to find your soulmate unless one partner dyes their hair a crazy color to help notice each other in a crowd.

   Every morning I would wake up hoping my soulmate had gotten tired of the wait and finally dyed their hair to make it easier, but every morning I’m faced with the same blonde streak at the front of my hair. Around my last year of high school I got tired of waiting, so one Saturday I bought the stuff and dyed my hair bright blue. Sadly when I got to school on monday morning none of the blonde students at my school who had the color connection had a stripe of blue in their hair. Even though I didn’t find them that day, I decided that I would keep dying my hair crazy colors until I finally found them.

   A few years after high school, I got an opportunity to move to Tokyo for work. With no luck on the soulmate front in my hometown, especially after their hair changed from blonde to black, I figured why not, and accepted the offer. Within a month I was moving me and my dog into a small apartment in the heart of Japan. 

   While I was unpacking I remembered I needed to find a pet store nearby to get some food for  my sweet husky. After getting the essentials taken care of in the apartment, I sat down to look up pet stores hoping there would still be one open close by as it was fast approaching evening. To my surprise there was one just down the street called XJ Land, but they would be closing in about thirty minutes. Deciding this was the best option so I wouldn’t be wandering the city as the sun set, I quickly grabbed a coat and my keys before bidding my dog goodbye, and left to hopefully get dog food before this place closes.

   As I entered the shop I was greeted by the worker at the counter. “Welcome in, we will be closing shortly just so you are aware.” He said as he went back to looking at his phone. I smiled looking at him, noticing a large tattoo on his neck, thanking him I went to the wall of pet food.

  Reaching the wall I started looking for a food that would work for my dog. Completely lost in thought, I failed to notice another person in the store. “Hey Kazutora, you can head out, I'll finish everything up here.” A new voice called out from the end of the aisle I was on, making me jump. It seemed the person noticed me as they then spoke to me. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize we had a customer. Is there anything I can help you find?” The person asked as I overcame my shock.

   I took a second before answering, having turned back to the wall of food. “I’m looking for good food for my dog. I just moved here and can’t seem to find the kind I normally get. Do you maybe have any recommendations?” I asked, turning to look at the person next to me.  Before the person could respond we both froze. The young man had jet black hair except for a small chunk in the middle of his bangs that was currently bright purple. It was the exact opposite of my head full of purple hair with a black chunk in my bangs. “Holy shit” I was all I could say realizing what was going on.

   “I’m Chifuyu Matsuno, and I’m guessing you’re my soulmate.” The Green eyed man said, offering his hand for me to shake. I accepted it and quietly introduced myself. “I like the hair all though I do have to say the time it was pink, was not fun.” He said with a smile.

   “Sorry about that.” I said, still in shock from having met my soulmate in a pet store. “I was just trying to make it easier to find you. I thought my soulmate was just covering the piece with their hair and figured that pink would shine through your blonde hair and make it easier.” I explained my choice, receiving a chuckle from him.

   “It’s all good, the gang just liked to poke fun. Anyways about the food for your dog, I personally have a cat but many customers have said this is the best one for dogs.” The man named Chifuyu explained. I nodded before reaching to grab the bag from the shelf, only to be stopped by him grabbing iot for me. “I’ll carry it for you, don’t worry.” I was stunned, I came into this shop fifteen minutes before it closed and now my soulmate is carrying dog food to the counter for me. 

   As we got to the counter, he placed the food down and walked around it to ring me up. “So Y/l/n, what made you move here?” He asked as he pressed a few buttons on the till’s screen. 

   “I was offered a job at a local beauty school, teaching students how to dye hair.” I explained briefly. Before I continued talking he told me the total, though I was shocked to hear it was significantly cheaper than what the price listed on the shelf. “Ok, here’s the money but I thought it was more than that. Won’t you get in trouble for giving me a discount?” I asked hoping I wouldn’t be costing my soulmate his job, after just one meeting.

  He just smirked at me, about to speak before the man with the neck tattoo left the back room and interrupted the conversation. “He can’t get in trouble for giving discounts if it’s his store. Anyway, have a good night Chifuyu and don’t stay up too late or Keisuke will kick your ass if you’re late.” The man I think Chifuyu called Kazutora earlier said walking out. I just looked back at Chifuyu in shock.

   “You own this store.” I said in shock. “I can’t let you lose money just to give me a discount Matsuno.” I continued trying to get him to let me pay full price.

   “One call me Chifuyu. Two, If I want my soulmate to pay less than half price at my own store, my soulmate is not paying anything more than that.” He said finishing the transaction before I could give him any more cash to cover the full price of the bag. “Anyway, do you live too far from here? If you’re fine with waiting for me to close up I can walk you home.” Chifuyu offered, flipping the open sign to closed.

   I paused thinking for a second. “I live just down the road, I can get home on my own. Thank you though. Also if I’m supposed to call you Chifuyu, you can call me Y/n.” I said moving to grab the bag of food from the counter.

   I watched as he hesitated before nodding. “Okay, If you’re sure. At least let me give you my phone number and you can call me if you need anything ok?” He asked and I could hear the slight concern in his voice.

   Nodding I handed him my phone to enter his number, smiling when he handed it back. He saved his contact as ‘Soulmate 😻’. I sent him a quick text so he could save my number, before bidding him goodnight. With that I headed home to feed my dog and sleep.

   I knew moving to Tokyo would give me a better chance of finding my soulmate but I didn’t think it would be the first night. Anyway when I got home I sent Chifuyu a message letting him know I got home safe, and received a ‘great, have good night’ text in response. After feeding my dog, I decided it was time to sleep and I drifted off with the thoughts of how great my life will be now that I’ve finally found my person.